[Heaven's Night]

Typically it takes at least few months, especially in the beginning its slow at first and then pace picks up. But there's a big YMMV situation with this. Some get changes almost right away and others take longer to get started. For me everyting has been super fast to show up, but for example my girlfriend is now bit less than years on decent HRT and her changes have been slow and gradual but definitely visible by now... She's more like the text book example of this and I'm super fast.

[CM213]

Today is the day. Endocrinologist appointment at 8 am. I hope I'm able to get there on time since I have to drop kids off at school and then run all the way into downtown Phoenix for the VA facility that does endocrinology. Feeling excited. 

Either way it's Friday so hopefully that in itself means it will be a good day.

[Heaven's Night]

Wish you luck, please do tell how it goes. I'm ready to help with ideas on how to deal with it all if you need it.

[Stevenator_]

Two Thumps Up !!

[CM213]

So I completely did not know I scheduled my endocrinology appointment on national coming out day.... Go figure. If the universe isn't trying to tell me something. Lol. 

This year has been a shit show. Excuse my language. First we have a house fire, then my wife's dad has been in and out of the hospital and nursing homes, then my wife's step dad finds out he has cancer, then my wife's brother finds out he has cancer, and just last night my wife's brother died. Like how much more worse can this year get for my wife, and now she gets to also deal with feeling like she is losing her husband on top of it all. Like the timing of all this (yes obviously out of my control) but seriously just the worst year of our lives and it's the first year of our marriage. I would be extremely astonished if our marriage survives this year... Just saying, and of course I hope it does, but I'm a realist, and this year would make many people consider taking an exit strategy.

Just on Wednesday night right as we were trying to go to bed she just starts talking about everything thats bothering her. Many things she was saying I could directly see how my gender dysphoria is affecting our relationship. When I try to lead into it and explain how gender dysphoria can cause or have a negative affect on relationships, once again shes not having it, thinking im turning it around and making it about myself when all I am.tryonf to do is tell her why the dysphoria is affecting our intimacy etc. eventually she starts to see what im trying to say. But after a conversation that needed to be had, we are still in the same place. Only progress is that we were able to talk and not get into an argument in the end, but we're still both left with nothing resolved. I guess at the least the elephant in the room is finally being addressed. 

Now onto my appointment. My intention was for it to be just a talk and gain as much knowledge as I can about hrt, and the va's process for gender affirming care.  I learned a lot, and the VA covers a lot ( minus surgeries). I pretty much asked all the questions I could possibly think of. The endocrinologist and nurse practitioner said I came very well prepared with my questions to say the least. Thank you everyone here for arming me with the knowledge to be as prepared for this appointment as I could be. In the end when it came down to where the metal meets the road, I am one of those individuals who would rather have something and not need it, than to need it and not have it. So I left with a prescription of injection E, and spiro. 

Now I know what alot of you may be thinking. Firstly this is how the typically start off, a form of e and spiro. Then at the next visit and labs thats when I can opt for something other than spiro, a different form of E ( like patches or orals), and progesterone. But they definitely made me feel like it will be very much personal and individualized care Vs a cookie cutter one size fits all program they give everyone. They want to start out as basic as possible, see how I feel and react and see what the next lab work comes back as before they start to adjust, add and or switch medications. 

Now all that's left is when do I start? I told my wife many times I would not start HRT behind her back and I don't plan to. I know she won't be thrilled that I had an endocrinologist appointment behind her back yet alone got prescriptions too, but I feel I need to be upfront with her about it before I start. I can only hide it for so long before it becomes obvious and a pair of small breast buds will be staring her in the face. I know it's all my choice and don't own anyone anything and it's my journey and my pace as to what I feel I need to do and when I do it., but I definitely can't start without at the very minimum saying I was diagnosed with gender dysphoria and the VA mental health specialist gave me the green light to start hormones if I wanted and made the appointment to meet with the endocrinologist. And yes I know It would be a lie when I say my Initial consultation with endocrinology is. ...

I guess with how this year has gone so far, I mind as well set it all on fire and see what remains...

[CM213]

The endocrinologist also set up initial consultations with voice therapy and hair removal. So at least I can get the ball rolling on those as well since voice therapy and hair removal are pretty lengthy in terms of how long it takes to see/get results.

[CM213]

What I was prescribed exactly was Estrogen Valerate and Spiro.
The E is 10 mg every other week, and the spiro is half dose twice a day for a week and then 1 full dose twice a day from there on out until reevaluated on the next follow up appointment.

[CM213]

I am going to continue my NBE protocol for the time being until I decide to start my prescriptions only after having talked with my wife about it. 

My wife is a LPN, she's a nurse and a very good one at that. She's always being commended by her supervisors because patients say good things or family members say good things about her care for them/their loved ones. I know she cares and has compassion and understanding for her patients. I know she would understand the necessity for prescription medications, she just doesn't or can't understand why her husband needs them. I see she is so conflicted about it. She does really care about me and love me, which I see how much she struggles with some of the things she has said, and or her beliefs and opinions on some trans issues. 

She just can't get her head around her husband is also one of these individuals as well.

[Heaven's Night]

The endocrinologist also set up initial consultations with voice therapy and hair removal. So at least I can get the ball rolling on those as well since voice therapy and hair removal are pretty lengthy in terms of how long it takes to see/get results.

I can't say I'm the best at it, but if you want advice on voice training, I can probably help you with it with some ideas on how to practice. I know I don't have the prettiest cutest angel voice out there, but I understand voice formation quite well and had good instructors on it, Melissa helped me to start and my voice therapist was amazing.

Just ask, I'm on Discord every day.

[CM213]

Thanks Lara,  I'm sure I'll ask at some point. Right now I'm just a bit overwhelmed with everything. Just trying to let things sink In a bit lol.