FTM's and Transitioning

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by Logicaly

I had at one point considered the gel. I would be curious, if you don't mind sharing of course, what made you decide to go with the gel as opposed to another method?

I would also be curious to hear your experiences with it, since most people that document it, that I can find, are on shots rather then gel.

I started with T cream, it was cheaper then the gel. I had health problems and it was a good way to see how my body would react to the T. It made me stronger. The draw backs were 1) it's more expensive 2) you do it every day 3) the effects are slower

The advantages were 1) the effects were slower. It gave me time physically and mentally to see how I would react and if T was the right thing for me. By the time we got the dosage up to as high as we could go on the cream I knew i wanted to do the shots.

I recommend if someone is hesitant to start here, or if there are reasons that you don't want to have a lower voice and be hairier over night. Ultimately since i still have female innards is the cream wasn't enough to stop my cycle and more then anything i wanted that gone.

HOpe that helps

[Logicaly]

That does help a lot. My partner is very much against me getting the cream because we did some research and what we did find out is that its possible for her to absorb it into her body as well. Unfortunately there is no convincing her that I can make it safe for her.

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by Logicaly

That does help a lot. My partner is very much against me getting the cream because we did some research and what we did find out is that its possible for her to absorb it into her body as well. Unfortunately there is no convincing her that I can make it safe for her.

I'm not saying it couldn't happen but I'm guessin that it's more of a wive's tale then anything else or that there are other factors like the partner already having a high level of T.

For me the effects were really slow and like I said some changes just weren't going to happen while on the cream ... gel works a lot like the cream in the fact they are both topical, so I would think someone would have to put it on and constantly rub against their partner just after applying for them to get major effects.

I applied it on the inner part of my upper arm below the pits and my inner thighs ... if I thought i was going to be giving a lot of people hugs and I was wearing a sleeveless shirt then I put on my inner thighs. I generally put it on at the beginning of the day and in general if I was going to be in a position to rub it off on another it wouldn't be til night when it's already been absorbed in my body. I also tend to have underwear on when i have sex so i would also then make sure to have boxer briefs on.

But again since the changes were so slow and I was applying it directly on myself on a daily basis it's hard to see how it would effect a partner unless like I said their were other factors already contributing to a high level of testosteron in that person.

[atomiczombie]

I am on the gel because my doctor and psychiatrist felt that with my history of mood and panic disorders, I should avoid getting the shots. They don't want to have me hit the highs and lows of the cycle with the shots, basically. As far as topical transference to others, I just wash my hands throughly after I apply it to my upper arms. I then wait 30 min or so for it to completely dry and absorb into my skin, then I shower. Voila! No chance to transfer it to others.

[Jet]

Okay....

Finally, I took my first shot of 100 cc yesterday in the thigh. My doctor explained a lot to me as far as what I can expect.

I won't do another shot until one week after next which will be 200. He prescribed my T and syringes etc for a 6 week supply administered every 2 weeks.

I'll be doing my own injections....although my straight friend, Mel said she would do them since she used to be a nurse. God lover her.
I have no idea what i'm going to tell my family.

The only other glitch that might arise is insurance. My doc carries my plan and he's submitting a claim that I hope the company will take. if they deny it, I'll be really pissed off.

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by Jet

I have no idea what i'm going to tell my family.

You tell them the truth. Expect the worst and hope for the best. That way you won't be disappointed, but you may be pleasantly surprised.

You're an adult, and it's time for you to live for *you*......to find your own happiness in this world.

I pray their minds and hearts will be open and that you will experience the best possible scenario.

[little man]

Originally Posted by Jet

The only other glitch that might arise is insurance. My doc carries my plan and he's submitting a claim that I hope the company will take. if they deny it, I'll be really pissed off.

if your insurance doesn't cover the costs for you, there should be a clinic in atlanta that deals with trans patients. i've been without insurance for a number of years and have been out of pocket on my expenses. i found clinics in richmond, DC, and st louis that all deal with transfolk. while it is more expensive for the T, you still have access to medical professionals who are (hopefully) more interested in helping than turning a buck. a more price effective alternative to "name brand" T is to find a local pharmacy that does in-house compounding. that cuts the cost by almost 2/3.

good luck!

[Jet]

Originally Posted by little man

if your insurance doesn't cover the costs for you, there should be a clinic in atlanta that deals with trans patients. i've been without insurance for a number of years and have been out of pocket on my expenses. i found clinics in richmond, DC, and st louis that all deal with transfolk. while it is more expensive for the T, you still have access to medical professionals who are (hopefully) more interested in helping than turning a buck. a more price effective alternative to "name brand" T is to find a local pharmacy that does in-house compounding. that cuts the cost by almost 2/3.

good luck!

thanks wil
the doc says there shouldn't be a problem, but.....you never know.
he gave me prescriptions for the next six weeks, we'll see.

yanno, I felt so good yesterday..and then worrying kinds of shit started coming up...family...a job....etc...but between you and me and God...i'll tell ya...it feels...right.