Update on my HRT

[Christina (imported)]

Update Sept 23, 2003

I had visited my HRT doctor today for yet another follow up. After checking my vital signs, which were ok (my BP was a bit higher by 10 points), we had a in depth discussion on my progress and current hormone use. Although I had been telling my doctor my progress seemed very slow, he assured me the blood test revealed very good numbers and in the upper female ranges. One thing I had been hoping for was to be given some sort of progesterone to help with development (my doctor seems totally against the use of progesterones). Again, he told me no, but to my surprise (and delight) he added a second estrogen to my HRT. I am now getting an injectable estrogen (estradiol valderate 10mg/ml) along with 200mg spironolactone and 8mg estradiol tablets.

I need to return every 2 weeks for an injection, but I informed my doctor that I would be willing to do the injections myself. In theory I know how to do this but never have. The doctor's assistant (a quite handsome gay male) said he would train me before I could do this on my own.

I would like to discuss with others that do their own injections their technics and the proper use of syringes.http://www.eunuch.org/vbulletin/images/smilies/idea.gif

BTW, the injection site wasn't too painful, and in less than 12 hours I was already feeling the effects of the increase in medication.http://www.eunuch.org/vbulletin/images/ ... iggrin.gif

[luvpain (imported)]

I do hope things continue to keep going well for you.

Your new avatar definitely shows that you are coming along with your change.

[Riverwind (imported)]

Christina,

That is fantastic, and I like your new picture.

River

[SplitDik (imported)]

Christina,

Regarding advice on injection, here are some observations I have made:

1) repeated injections in the same sight will eventually cause "nodules" to form in the area. in other words you will develop some hard lump that takes a long time to dissolve. I suggest varying the injection sites.

2) be careful not to hit the sciatic nerve when injecting in your butt. read on the internet regarding the best location, angle and depth for butt injections.

3) be careful not to inject into your veins or arteries. hormonal injections are intended to be absorbed through muscular tissue. hormones are ususally suspended in some sort of oil which would cause serious issues if it entered directly into your blood stream.

Other than that, hormones are amazing things and good luck on your further transformation!

[Christina (imported)]

Christina,

Regarding advice on injection, here are some observations I have made:

1) repeated injections in the same sight will eventually cause "nodules" to form in the area. in other words you will develop some hard lump that takes a long time to dissolve. I suggest varying the injection sites.

2) be careful not to hit the sciatic nerve when injecting in your butt. read on the internet regarding the best location, angle and depth for butt injections.

3) be careful not to inject into your veins or arteries. hormonal injections are intended to be absorbed through muscular tissue. hormones are ususally suspended in some sort of oil which would cause serious issues if it entered directly into your blood stream.

Other than that, hormones are amazing things and good luck on your further transformation!

Thank you Splitdick,

You seem to know how an injection is done propely. Have you done this before? I know I can probably do this on my own after a few sessions with my doctor. One thing I won't be able to do is give myself an injection in the area my doctor did. It is too far for me to reach there. It is most likely I will only be able to do it in the upper side area by myself.

I also understand that after the needle is in place, but before the medication is injected, the plunger should be withdrawn to make sure the needle did not penatrate, or end up in a vein.

The medication I am getting is suspended in sesame oil. I could also request it be in castor oil.

[sag111 (imported)]

Christiana when i am given inj the nurse gives the shot high on the buttock at a downward angle into the muscle.And she takes about 30 sconds to do this also as Splitdick has said this should be done on a diffrent side each time and it is best to mark this down each time so you dont make a mistake.By the way i got my shot today and no pain.

[Sac_mec (imported)]

Christina, thank you so much for your update, hurricanes apart your own health

issues are widely considered. I'm really pleased to see that you are making real progress in getting the additional injections and drugs.

As for the actual injecting, if you find it difficult to inject in the best area and you have a very capable and friendly gay junior Dr on hand who is going to

"train you" - if I were in your shoes, I'd simply ask the nice young man to do

the injecting each time. A) No worries for you. B) Maybe two people might

have their day brightened up a little!

Good to hear of your news and your new avatar is very nice also. Take good care.

[luvpain (imported)]

I think you will not have any problems doing self injections. I haven't had to perform that style of injection yet but have done a few things for numbing or inflicting pain.

[madscientist1 (imported)]

Update Sept 23, 2003

I had visited my HRT doctor today for yet another follow up. After checking my vital signs, which were ok (my BP was a bit higher by 10 points), we had a in depth discussion on my progress and current hormone use. Although I had been telling my doctor my progress seemed very slow, he assured me the blood test revealed very good numbers and in the upper female ranges. One thing I had been hoping for was to be given some sort of progesterone to help with development (my doctor seems totally against the use of progesterones). Again, he told me no, but to my surprise (and delight) he added a second estrogen to my HRT. I am now getting an injectable estrogen (estradiol valderate 10mg/ml) along with 200mg spironolactone and 8mg estradiol tablets.

I need to return every 2 weeks for an injection, but I informed my doctor that I would be willing to do the injections myself. In theory I know how to do this but never have. The doctor's assistant (a quite handsome gay male) said he would train me before I could do this on my own.

I would like to discuss with others that do their own injections their technics and the proper use of syringes.http://www.eunuch.org/vbulletin/images/smilies/idea.gif

BTW, the injection site wasn't too painful, and in less than 12 hours I was already feeling the effects of the increase in medication.http://www.eunuch.org/vbulletin/images/ ... iggrin.gif

Try this: Sit on a stool or the toilet facing backwards. Make the injection slightly above the seat, half way between the anus & hip. (I wish I had a picture. Maybe you can have someone show you.) This will gaurantee that you do not inject too low or hit the sciatic nerve & it is easy to reach. This works for me. Remember to guard against infection!

[Christina (imported)]

I had another visit to my doctor today to review the results of blood work taken 2 weeks ago. He was very pleased at the numbers from the tests. My estrogen level was 764, testosterone was 18. Also, a liver profile was checked which shown to be perfectly normal.

None of my medications were changed. They will continue at 200mg spironolactone and 8mg estradiol oral daily, along with the bi-weekly injection of 1cc 10mg/ml delestrogen.

I had my first lesson on self injecting today. I was a bit surprised at the site for the injection. It will be done in a sitting position on the upper top center portion of my leg about 6 inches down from where the leg meets the abdomin. I did everything except for the actual injection itself today. 2 more lessons and I will be able to do it on my own. Not that it is really expensive for the doctor to do it, but taking the time off from work and the added driving and parking fees are a hassle every other week and adds to the expense.