So, here I am three months post op MtF and I found the following article:
http://www.symposion.com/ijt/ijtc0502.htm.
I think it is a must read for pre-ops. I knew there would be a period or remorse or "Post part um depression, :) and I am dealing with it. I am most certainly NOT talking to the family about it.
The thing that triggered my investigation is the reading of "Eve's Rib" (1993). Some of the conclusions in his book are so startling, that I reasoned that by 2007 things would have developed much more and there would be even more support for what many of us have done. That was not the case and I wondered why there did not seem to be any "new" work being published.
In a nutshell, in the group of post op T girls mentioned above, all except one had returned to their old gender roles.
I had a rather extreme history in developing as a T woman; a lot of things going on that a little one with a loving Father and Mother might not have endured. My psych record is the thickness of two phone books.
Yet, oddly, I led a very normal adult life, raised three children, worked like a dog for over 45 years, was married for 39 years to a woman I can not get over, was extremely active in the Fundi church and did numerous overseas missions. I was also a well liked Electrical Contractor. In Oregon, that is no small feat.
That was all gone in an instant, like dust upon the wind, just a memory. This is no pitty party. I am reasonably happy. I know that some of you here have had similar or worse experiences.
My only question is: does anyone know of any recent research on the matter?
Many Blessings
Gwenellen
Comments
have to wonder
... at the rationale behind things like this. Everything I have ever read discussing the merits and outcomes of SRS cite an overwhelmingly positive outcome. There are of course those that, ah, backslide or for whatever reason give up. But those are the minority. I've read biographies and various studies based in the UK, here in Australia and some from the US. Ignoring the politics of funding in some places for centres that deal in this area, the vast majority of those that begin and those that ultimately achieve surgery and live in their chosen role are happier and more rounded people.
It is never something to be taken lightly and there are many problems and possible pitfalls... but even allowing for those few that obviously have deeper problems (don't we all.. and not just us lot neither..), nor is it for everyone that begins the journey. But it is a goal of many and much happiness to those that achieve their dream. May it be what they hope for.
Kristina
I'm exaustively analytical
One of my weaknesses is that I tend to analyze things, some times to the extent that it causes me considerable pain. I just do not seem to be able to just go with the moment and I really wish I could. I need a man to distract me. LOL
Many years ago, I was on some sort of Bulletin Board and established a good relationship with a man who was some sort of county level Government Official. He was struggling with being transgendered. It was in an early stage for him, his wife knew but was somewhat put out about it. Then he was given an appointment to his church and said that he had to try to get this stuff out of his life. I lost contact with him after that
Your comments brought rememberance of him to me. May God bless him.
Gwenellen