Finally, I have my first appointment

[Hephaestus]

As soon as I got to the point with my psychologist where we decided I needed to see a Dr. for hormones, I fell into a situation where I've been working hard just to support myself and my (now) ex for a while... But now finally I've come into some good fortune and will be having money for the initial appointment (on the 19th of Jan), the lab work, and follow up appts.. I'm so excited :D

As an added bonus, I should even be able to get this affordable 1 bedroom rental home by January's end... not even in a seedy part of town or anything.

Haven't met the Dr yet, he was recommended to me by my psychologist. I emailed him to get estimates for the costs of these things; he responded personally, and seemed friendly, so I think that's a good sign.

*happy dances*

Do ya'll think I should see if I can get a letter or something from my previous psychologist, to save time and visits with the new doctor? (He's 2 hours away, and my car is getting old)

[Shikyo]

Congratulation! Might be just a small step but even small steps will bring you the goal.

Can't really say much about the way it goes over there as I don't know much about the process you have to go through. However, there won't be any harm of having something from the old one. Hopefully the whole process will be rather painless for you, nyaa.

[luvSophia]

Congratulations! Another step along the way. From what you said it sounds like you are going to see a medical doctor to get prescriptions for hormones (eventually)? If that is the case then yes, you should should get a letter and contact information from your psychologist. An MD should require a recommendation from a mental health professional prior to starting you on HRT. It may not save you any time or visits, they need to do a certain amount of work to make sure from the physical side that you are a good candidate.

[CharleneT]

Many if not all MD's will require that letter, even if they know the Psychologist personally. It is an insurance/liability thing. Basically they are covering their {####} with that letter.

CONGRATS !!!

:hugs:

[carolinoakland]

Well, it couldn't hurt to have it, so why not? I've spent years dragging musicians about the country... rule of thumb... I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. And well, haven't you waited long enough to not to do this any other way than perfect? I know I was terrified that after all the mileage I've put on this body, that I would be told... "nope.Too late, you're too old, your body can't stand it." The sigh of relief when she actually gave me my script you could have heard there in Georgia! And I love being on HRT. It has been a great benefit to me emotionally. I'm so excited for you! Carol

[Hephaestus]

...From the looks of it, it would seem my psychologist has a tumor and is bed-ridden indefinitely. Well, that would explain the lack of email response...

Well, this MD and my psychologist were close, plus I think he handles HRT for many others... perhaps I won't have to go through everything start to finish again.

[Melissa A.]

Good luck to you. Hope your car makes it. Sounds promising!

Hugs,

Melissa:)

[Katesback]

You go girl. There are a lot of articles written from reliable sources that you can get REAL good info from. I would be a bit critical about what you read from other people on a message board. Just an example might be me. I myself NEVER went to a therapist for anything durring my entire transition. Is that typical? Nope and needless to say I would not be the person to follow on the transition path for most.

[Hephaestus]

Got back from my *dis*appointment today

Haha jk, no more horrible puns I promise.

Well, the therapist I was seeing before as I mentioned has now passed away, and the doctor I saw today he'd referred me to wouldn't even do my blood-work without seeing a new therapist for at least another 3 months, probably 6 months. It's just a little disappointing, especially having to fight Atlanta traffic and drive two hours... Dr. Anderson (RIP :( ) said after the first appointment that he had no doubts, and after the second it was like... "I see no reason to see you again until you're seeing Dr. Smiddy." (since I was poor and struggling to afford the appointments) ...sigh... i don't want to see a Columbus therapist (hell, when I was 12-16 I probably saw all of them in town anyway) ...I heard there were some Atlanta gender therapists that do over the phone therapy >_> I may do that.

I understand even the hormones themselves aren't instant and take years, but I was hoping to make the first step today at least.

[Byanca]

Hope it works out.

[sherri52]

Congrats on your first appt. It wouldn't hurt to have a letter. You never know it might save a couple of visits therefore saving you money.

[utah beauty]

Wow! That's horrible! So sorry to hear. It sounds completely frustrating and depressing. Anyway, keep on tryin! You'll get there. I'm kinda in the same boat with ya... just starting to meet with a new therapist... still have 3-6 months ahead of me before hrt i think... but i'm trying to be positive. :) take care!