Finally getting to see gender specialist!
I spoke with the second VA- assigned shrink, and she put in for me to see the renowned gender specialist, Dr. Griffon. The VA approved, so now I'm waiting for my appointment.
Meanwhile, she also sat down with my surgeon and the other shrink and informed them. At last, my surgeon is willing to complete the top surgery! Next week, we sit down and set the appointment for that!
My mother has asked to go with me to talk with the specialist, so I said YES - it will help her adjust to my transitioning, and help me keep close ties to her.
Now, all the VA doctors are calling me "Mr.", and "sir" - it feels sooo good to finally hear that.
I'm still getting moved in to my new house; still getting things out of my mobile home and workshop and storage. The house is a lot closer to the specialist's office; less than an hour's drive. I'm going to rent for a couple of months, then buy it - my landlord's thrilled with the idea. I found a bank there that will do a small mortgage; and as soon as one of my job prospects accepts me, I'll have it. Even if the bank can't finance it, I can still buy via rent-to-own.
I know I still have a ways to go with my transitioning, but at least now I can move forward with it in the right way. I've been reassured that the VA isn't like the military about gender issues, and have begun to accept that I can do this process openly here. The relief is tremendous! That the VA will pay for my treatment as I transition - openly - is a giant load off my mind. No more hiding - behind fat, behind clutter, behind lies - no more feeling like I can never afford to be myself.
There's future appointments with the endocrinologist, future genetic testing - am I XXY, XYX, or not - and SRS, as well as visits with the specialist. A long process, but now it's actually going to happen!
I'm finally free to openly become the man I am!
Meanwhile, she also sat down with my surgeon and the other shrink and informed them. At last, my surgeon is willing to complete the top surgery! Next week, we sit down and set the appointment for that!
My mother has asked to go with me to talk with the specialist, so I said YES - it will help her adjust to my transitioning, and help me keep close ties to her.
Now, all the VA doctors are calling me "Mr.", and "sir" - it feels sooo good to finally hear that.
I'm still getting moved in to my new house; still getting things out of my mobile home and workshop and storage. The house is a lot closer to the specialist's office; less than an hour's drive. I'm going to rent for a couple of months, then buy it - my landlord's thrilled with the idea. I found a bank there that will do a small mortgage; and as soon as one of my job prospects accepts me, I'll have it. Even if the bank can't finance it, I can still buy via rent-to-own.
I know I still have a ways to go with my transitioning, but at least now I can move forward with it in the right way. I've been reassured that the VA isn't like the military about gender issues, and have begun to accept that I can do this process openly here. The relief is tremendous! That the VA will pay for my treatment as I transition - openly - is a giant load off my mind. No more hiding - behind fat, behind clutter, behind lies - no more feeling like I can never afford to be myself.
There's future appointments with the endocrinologist, future genetic testing - am I XXY, XYX, or not - and SRS, as well as visits with the specialist. A long process, but now it's actually going to happen!
I'm finally free to openly become the man I am!
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