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Suzanne F
12-15-2014, 01:38 AM
I drove into San Francisco on Friday afternoon for my first appointment at UCSF to see my new doctor. I was referred by my insurance company to Dr Madeline Deustch for HRT treatment. I wrote about the difficulty finding someone to treat me in a previous post. I was so excited and very nervous. Dr Deustch is a primary care provider for women who has many trans women patients.

It was a big step and I could hardly contain my joy as I got off the elevator. I was treated as a woman from the first hello by the receptionist. She complimented me on my outfit and said they were excited to treat me. I was then taken back to the examining room and after vitals were recorded the doctor came in. She spent almost 30 minutes with me going over my history and asking questions. After about 10 minutes she looked at me and said, " You are in the right place." " We are going to take very good care of you!" I offered to have letters sent to her from my therapist and psychiatrist but she declined. She said that was not necessary.

We set a schedule to begin HRT on April 21 st the day after I run the Boston Marathon. I will have bloodwork done in March and see her April 3rd. I should already have my prescriptions in my possession before the race. Maybe I will take them right after I cross the line!

After the appointment I felt both joy and sadness. I know this is right for me but it felt lonely at that moment. I can't really explain but I felt a sense of loss. Ok that's enough about me for the night.
Suzanne

Persephone
12-15-2014, 03:44 AM
:cheer:

I wish you all the best!

Hugs,
Persephone.

Jorja
12-15-2014, 07:12 AM
That is good to hear Suzanne. Now fasten your seatbelt and keep your hands inside the car at all times. You are off and running. ;)

Eringirl
12-15-2014, 12:46 PM
That is so great Suzanne. Very happy for you! I totally get the happy and sad at the same time. I am sure it will be more happy than sad soon.

And...best of luck running the BM...go get 'em girl!

Erin

Starling
12-15-2014, 02:48 PM
Dr. Deutsch is great! I saw her at the GLBT Clinic in Hollywood. She splits her time between SF and LA, and brings tremendous energy and commitment to helping people become themselves. Congratulations, Suzanne!

:) Lallie

kimdl93
12-15-2014, 05:06 PM
Congratulations on getting to this point and the commencement of HRT in April. I envy and admire your progress...except in running a marathon. My knees ached in protest at the thought of 26 miles!

TessaOKC
12-15-2014, 05:29 PM
I can so understand the sense of loss. You are in fact loosing your man self. I am so happy for you and can only imagine how exciting it is!!! I wish you all the luck in the world and I'm sure you will find what you are looking for!!!!

Jennifer-GWN
12-15-2014, 06:00 PM
Suzanne;

Congrats. The time leading up to and dealing with your first dr appointments can be very stressful as I know myself. Once you settle in and things get moving along all will be good.

I wish you the best on this and in general a happy holidays.

Cheers... Jennifer

Annaliese
12-15-2014, 06:11 PM
Happy for you girl, it is the right thing, and it normal to feel the sadness and loneliness you are saying good buy to the old body, what exciting is what to come the new body. Hugs girl

PretzelGirl
12-15-2014, 09:38 PM
Suzanne, while congratulations are in order, I do see something bigger. That you can delay your start until after achieving a life goal states a lot about the balance you have going on within yourself. I think that bodes well for how you will cope with the entire process. Take a deep breath and enjoy every minute. Do it at your pace and no one else's and life will be great!

Suzanne F
12-16-2014, 12:54 AM
Thanks everyone for the well wishes!
Suzanne

MarieTS
12-16-2014, 02:05 AM
Suzanne: Instead of sadness let's look to the next stage... qualifying for, and running Boston as a woman! Now, that's exciting! After you start your mones you will see a loss of both speed and stamina. Yet, I accepted it with happiness. Better to run slower as a content woman than quicker as a conflicted MINO (Male In Name Only). :o
Congratulations on taking the first steps of your important race in life, and good luck with everything!

Suzanne F
12-16-2014, 03:01 AM
That was so sweet!
Suzanne