Hello from Texas

[JessicaMW]

Sorry I haven't posted earlier. I have now begun my 3rd start at HRT. The first ended after my wife's strong opposition. The second ended following the tRump administrations assault on transgender veterans and the VA's ending of gender affirming care. I now have begun my 3rd attempt following my realization that I must move forward with my transition regardless of the opposition. It is being covered at no out of pocket cost by my private insurance. My wife knows I have restarted and has basically now entered a don't ask don't tell approach. I have a consultation appointment for gender affirming bottom surgery scheduled next month even though WPATH 7 will still require more time on HRT. I also need the 2 letters of support that I still need to obtain after my VA psychologist and associate have now been prohibited by the GOP from providing this care/assistance.

[Anne_lifetrip]

Hello Jessica,

You have a strong will and many obstacles on the way, but it seems you are moving forward despite all.
Day by day, step by step and enjoy the moment...with a clear finish line and a strong will, things will happen.

Keep it up!

[Lori Dee]

Hello Jessica,

I'm Lori Dee. Welcome to Susan's Place!

Thank you for that wonderful introduction.

We strive to make this a safe place to find information and share your thoughts and comments. No matter who you are, you are always welcome at Susan's Place.

As a fellow veteran, I, too, have struggled with termination of services from the VA. Just keep moving forward any way we can, right? Just FYI, I am going to move this thread over into Introductions so you won't need to introduce yourself twice.

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Once again, welcome to Susan's Place!

~ Lori Dee
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@JessicaMW
@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl

[Maid Marion]

Welcome Jessica,

The attacks by the GOP may help in the long run.  If folks see us in public we become less scary.
Just ordinary people trying to get on with our lives.

Just do what you can.

It is truly amazing that I can play good golf as a stroke survivor.  There are so many things I had to work at to make it possible to be able to walk the course and play good golf.  It took me 27 years!  I did crazy things like chopping up a hardwood tree stump with an ax.  It took months but gave me an exceptionally consistent golf swing.  Golf is all about consistency.  If you have a consistent swing there is a lot that can be done to help you in fitting clubs and teaching you how to swing better.

Marion

[Sarah B]

Hi Jessica

My name is Sarah and I would also like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!

I see that other members of Susan's have also welcomed you as well.

Thanks for sharing such a personal update.  It is good to hear you are moving forward in spite of the setbacks you have faced.  The private insurance coverage with no out of pocket cost is a real win.  Booking a consult for bottom surgery next month sounds like a solid next step even if WPATH 7 still requires more HRT time.

For the two support letters you could look at private therapists, local community clinics or telehealth providers that regularly write letters for surgical teams.  If the VA can no longer assist your best option may be a clinician outside that system who knows the letter standards many surgeons prefer.  Lori has a strong background in VA issues so you can rely on her for detailed guidance on that side.

There are members here on Susan's who have been or are still married to their partners and they can share what worked for them when navigating their issues.  I hope things can work out with your wife in a way that keeps respect and care at the centre even if the topic is hard right now.

If the current, "don't ask don't tell approach" gives you space you might set gentle check in points to keep trust steady without forcing uncomfortable talks.  In addition seeing a therapist in regards to your your current issues, can help you in the long run.  You are doing the hard work of caring for yourself and that deserves support.

Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the other forums and threads.  I would appreciate it very much as, I'm always interested in learning something new about new members.

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most have experienced these issues as well.

Please keep in mind when posting that this is an ALL AGES PUBLIC Forum and the internet never forgets.  Do not post anything that you do not want to be made public.

Take care and all the best for the future.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Devlyn  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah  @Northern Star Girl  @Lori Dee
@JessicaMW

[CynthiaR]

Jessica, Welcome to the forum.
              Cindy