I Am Paula
07-11-2014, 07:10 AM
Although I had decided to transition earlier than that, by the time I had jumped thru' the gatekeepers hoops, including my therapist going on vacation, my real life began one year ago tomorrow. On July 12, I walked out of WalMart pharmacy with estrogen, and my T blocker, and I knew that a new, better phase of my life had begun. GD had made my last couple of years miserable, and, at 55 years old, this was my big chance to live a normal life.
I have posted about most of the milestones as they happened, but on this eve of my rebirth day I'm going to recap, because so much has happened. By the time I was certain I was going to transition, I also decided that at my age, I wasn't going to doddle. Being fortunate enough to afford the changes I wanted to make, and having a very loose schedule from being self employed, I fast tracked my own transition. I my goal was to put transition behind me, and live what was left of my real life as a real woman.
July 12, 2013 to July 12, 2014
-My wonderful Endo, in whose hands I have put my life, prescribed HRT.
-eight months of laser. My tech said I was an almost perfect candidate, and she did wonders. I'm about 80% clear, with a few blonde stragglers that I shall deal with later
-Changed my name from Paul Martin, to Paula Maria. Maria was my late mothers name, so I used it in tribute to her.
-All new I.D. with my new real name, and F for sex. Still waiting for passport, but it's in the works. I love Canada, they made it so easy!
-Had all my teeth veneered, and have a brand new smile.
-Had some injectable facial fillers (Juvederm) done to smooth out some inherited lines around my mouth. Best cosmetic procedure ever!
-Grew some very cute boobies. They are a B cup, and I'm very proud of them, but on my 6 foot frame, they are still out of purportion. I have booked a BA for Sept. 9 with a surgeon I trust, and has lots (100 BA's) of transwoman experience.
-Changed my mind on the Orchi, which was already arranged. After going back and forth on the vagina issue for months, certain I didn't need one, I decided 'Go for completion' and have a tentative booking with Dr. Brassard for SRS for next June.
-I came out to everybody. As it went, it got easier and easier, and I soon discovered that the vast majority were on my side, and wished me the best.
My family, who welcomed me with open arms, hundreds of business contacts, who all thought my transition made no difference with our business dealings, and my friends, who all but one, have accepted me without reservation. Although nerve wracking at times, coming out was a great experience. Even the Catholic School Board, my biggest client, welcomed Paula, and gave me their blessings. My one problem was my father in law. We have never been friends, and my transition was too much for him. He banished me from family functions. This Christmas I will drive my wife to his house, and go back home for a Christmas alone. Losing him was a blessing in disguise, as he has been a thorn in my side since day one. Good riddance!
-I have discovered that the world, or at least my small corner of it, is a much better place than I imagined before transition. I will never say I pass, or I don't. I don't know. The world treats me as my proper gender/ sex, and no one has issue with it, and I shall leave it at that.
One year. It seems like yesterday. I went into this hoping it would chase away some demons that have haunted me most of my life. I was only hoping for relief. My whole world changed, for the better. Living my true identity has made this the best year of my whole life. From what I can see, this is only the beginning.
Bless all my friends here. The WTF moments were few, but you've all been a great help. This forum should be required reading for all potential transitioners.
I have posted about most of the milestones as they happened, but on this eve of my rebirth day I'm going to recap, because so much has happened. By the time I was certain I was going to transition, I also decided that at my age, I wasn't going to doddle. Being fortunate enough to afford the changes I wanted to make, and having a very loose schedule from being self employed, I fast tracked my own transition. I my goal was to put transition behind me, and live what was left of my real life as a real woman.
July 12, 2013 to July 12, 2014
-My wonderful Endo, in whose hands I have put my life, prescribed HRT.
-eight months of laser. My tech said I was an almost perfect candidate, and she did wonders. I'm about 80% clear, with a few blonde stragglers that I shall deal with later
-Changed my name from Paul Martin, to Paula Maria. Maria was my late mothers name, so I used it in tribute to her.
-All new I.D. with my new real name, and F for sex. Still waiting for passport, but it's in the works. I love Canada, they made it so easy!
-Had all my teeth veneered, and have a brand new smile.
-Had some injectable facial fillers (Juvederm) done to smooth out some inherited lines around my mouth. Best cosmetic procedure ever!
-Grew some very cute boobies. They are a B cup, and I'm very proud of them, but on my 6 foot frame, they are still out of purportion. I have booked a BA for Sept. 9 with a surgeon I trust, and has lots (100 BA's) of transwoman experience.
-Changed my mind on the Orchi, which was already arranged. After going back and forth on the vagina issue for months, certain I didn't need one, I decided 'Go for completion' and have a tentative booking with Dr. Brassard for SRS for next June.
-I came out to everybody. As it went, it got easier and easier, and I soon discovered that the vast majority were on my side, and wished me the best.
My family, who welcomed me with open arms, hundreds of business contacts, who all thought my transition made no difference with our business dealings, and my friends, who all but one, have accepted me without reservation. Although nerve wracking at times, coming out was a great experience. Even the Catholic School Board, my biggest client, welcomed Paula, and gave me their blessings. My one problem was my father in law. We have never been friends, and my transition was too much for him. He banished me from family functions. This Christmas I will drive my wife to his house, and go back home for a Christmas alone. Losing him was a blessing in disguise, as he has been a thorn in my side since day one. Good riddance!
-I have discovered that the world, or at least my small corner of it, is a much better place than I imagined before transition. I will never say I pass, or I don't. I don't know. The world treats me as my proper gender/ sex, and no one has issue with it, and I shall leave it at that.
One year. It seems like yesterday. I went into this hoping it would chase away some demons that have haunted me most of my life. I was only hoping for relief. My whole world changed, for the better. Living my true identity has made this the best year of my whole life. From what I can see, this is only the beginning.
Bless all my friends here. The WTF moments were few, but you've all been a great help. This forum should be required reading for all potential transitioners.