Update

[Sue Too]

Some time back I posted a message giving some background on my situation and how I intended to progress with my transition. I asked for affirmation of my plan and suggestions from some of you who have walked the road ahead of me. I was underwhelmed with the response I had MANY reads and two good responses. I guess I expected more from the experienced ladies on the forum.

For whatever it is worth to those of you who might care I will be starting my therapy on February 18

Night night

Susan in Phoenix

[dreamer_2.0]

Good for you, Susan. Therapy is a great step that I'm happy to have taken and I hope the best for you.

Don't think I saw your previous post, but then I'm probably not much further along this road than you are so don't have much personal experience to share. That said, if you're looking for advice on self-pity and whining, I've got lots of experience there. :p

[Persephone]

Congratulations!

Hugs,
Persephone.

[traci_k]

Hi Susan, Can't say that I saw your previous post, but I do have to congratulate you on the steps you are taking. You're a few years ahead of me in age and your transition is giving me hope. It also looks like you're a bit ahead of me in transition too. I can't offer much help from experience but I saw a great therapist who helped me sort me out and geve me a letter recommending beginning HRT. What I'm having troule with is family (married with child). But if you would ever like to talk hon, feel free to PM me. Can't answer on weekends though.

Best Wishes and a BIG HUG,

[Aprilrain]

What were you expecting? A parade?

I remember that post, you outlined quite clearly what you intended to do, it sounded reasonable.

The best advice I can give you is to start building a network of real life people who care about you. Support groups (where you can make friends), friends, your therapist, family, family and family. Did I mention family?

These are the people who will care about you. If my (or anyone else's) words on a screen are all you have to rely on for support you will be very sorry you transitioned. You can not live your life on line, it must be lived in the real world with real people.

3 years from now you will be glancing at someone's post about their first therapy session and you will have nothing to say either. Or you'll post the obligatory "congratulations" or "your on your way!" Believe me I've written dozens of post that had like a 1000 views and 3 replies its just the nature of the Internet, very impersonal.

[Aimee20]

I have to echo previous posts regarding replies, but i want to congratulate you on taking a very difficult first step in transition. Speaking from my own personal experience, therapy has been invaluable in my growth as a person as well as navigating GD. remember when you are working with your therapist that they are not there as a gate keeper meant to fulfill some obligatory process to make moving forward more difficult. This wonderful person truly cares about you and your personal happiness. Be open and honest from the get go, which is never easy to do with a person we really do not know or trust, just remember there is no judgment coming from them... Also do any "homework" they give, its never easy (some times I really would rather go back and do calculus homework) but it is always worth the time and very fulfilling.