Christine's Transition Adventures

[Christine]

Hi Folks,                         27 June 2018

Time for an early update:

Yesterday late afternoon I received a phone call from my endocrinologist. This past Friday I had a Bone Density Scan at Baylor, Scott and White in Grapevine Texas. She called me with the results of that test.

I have been diagnosed with Osteopenia; what this means is my bones are not as strong as they should be, but are not so weak that they are prone to breakage, otherwise known as Osteoporosis.

Since what she told me is relative to osteopenia and nothing to do with trans issues, and the meds are over the counter and the info is readily available on the net, I will disclose what I am supposed to do.

My  normal consumption of fat  free milk is about 2 gallons per week. I take a multi vitamin that has Vitamin D3 listed as 1000 IU 250% DV. She suggested adding another 1000 IU so I bought an OTC bottle of D3 50 mcg (2000 IU), which I will add to my daily Vitamin regime. I also take a 1000 mg Vitamin C tablet with rose hips. I presume the rose  hips are to help feminize my hips.

I have an appointment on the 30th of next month for a hormone check and a follow-up on my Osteopenia. At this juncture my bones wouldn't make good soup.

Guess it's time to hit the gym and start pumping Aluminum (easier than Iron and is more impressive looking). I know I'll never be an attractive woman, so I have decided to become a "Tough Babe."

This concludes my transition update. I have transitioned surgically as far as I desire. I want nothing further than the Orchie I had this past April.

If and when I beat my body into something I like, I'll be back.

Best Always, Love

Christine

[Christine]

Hi Folks,                   Friday 13 July 2018

It has been exactly 3 months since my Orchiectomy Friday 13 April 2018. By the way, this is the last Friday the 13th for this year (Thanks Dena for that info).

The information I have for you-all is, in my opinion, more important than my promise to not post here:

As I mentioned l have been diagnosed with Osteopenia. This can be caused by several things, for example: low Testosterone, low Estrogen, lack of weight bearing exercise, little to no exercise and LONG TERM USE of Prilosec/Omeprazole.

My "T" after the orchie was 10 and my estradiol was 58, which my endocrinologist is happy with. This is not the cause of my osteopenia, it is too short of a time period to have had any detrimental affects and I am on Estradiol, which takes over for the missing "T."

I recently saw my Gastroenterologist's PA and asked to get off the Prilosec/Omeprazole and on to something else. Unfortunately, I have a condition that needs proton pump inhibitors so this was not possible. She recommended additional Vitamin D3 and the addition of a calcium citrate supplement, which is a natural form of calcium as opposed to most other forms which are made from calcium carbonate, "ground up rock" (an easy explanation), which can be found in much of the fat free milk sold in stores. If you are lucky enough to live within a 350 mile radius of Tuttle, Oklahoma, you can probably find a Braum's Dairy store; their fat free milk uses the calcium from milk, as they use two gallons of whole milk to make one gallon of Fat Free milk. I am fortunate, I have Braum's Dairy stores close by and buy their milk exclusively. Actually, I need to go there this morning as I am down to about a small glass full.

Please do yourself and everyone that loves you a favor and have a Bone Density Scan, especially if you have been on Proton Pump Inhibitors long term.

I do watch this site as a visitor so I can keep abreast of you all. To keep you abreast of my breasts, they are a growing, and becoming quite noticeable  , and I love it. One of the fun things is watching men look at me (I wear a lot of pink, which is one of my favorite colors) and seeing them stare at my chest. That's positive affirmation.

All is well here, been doing some heavy tree work and enjoying it. The weather has been fairly warm, high 90s and low 100s .

Best Always, Love

Christine

[Christine]

Hi Folks,                15 July 2018

Bone problems are nothing to ignore as you are obviously aware. My osteopenia is kind of strange; it's in my right hip and spine, the left hip is fine. Go figure. I've been on Prilosec/Omeprazole for over 20 years. I wish I could get off of it but I have a hiatal hernia. During my first endoscopy, they found my esophagus to be so irritated it looked like the red butts of the zoo monkeys that have the distinction of owning them. I have the pictures here somewhere but doubt that they would pass muster if I posted them. That irritation caused a lot of scar tissue to build up in that area, which necessitates dilation periodically. This whole thing caused a problem called dysphasia (trouble swallowing), which then leads to choking. I have to be extra careful when eating, small bites, water handy and never swallow after having exhaled. I need that air to cough the stuck food out. Nice subject... ugh.

Gotta run, late for a Skype visit.

Best Always, Love

Christine

[Christine]

Hi Folks,                  26 July 2018

Things are moving along; Have met a very nice young lady I think is nice. I'm a lot older than she is so I'm hoping the age difference isn't an obstacle. The fact that I fell asleep and fell out of my chair the last time we had dinner probably didn't help my case and the fact that she had to tie a rope around the chair and me just so we could finish eating didn't win me any points either.

Here's the part I left out in my original comments elsewhere: When it was time to go home, she had to load me into a wheelbarrow and push me out to the cab. I just hope I can recover my dignity enough that she will have dinner with me tomorrow. I will load up on No-Doze and several energy drinks so I don't have a repeat performance. I have to get this old age thing under control. My mind thinks I'm 25 and the mirror tells me I'm 125.

Have another dinner date this evening. Now if I can only remember where this other lady lives.

Gotta go now; I shall return, maybe

Best Always, Love

Christine

Please Note:

This is a fabricated story I wrote just for laughs. There's only one Lady, Woman in my life and She is Dena, The Love of My Life.

[Christine]

Hi Folks,                    27 July 2018

I got back from my dinner date; had a wonderful time, didn't fall out of the chair, found her home after a few trips around the block. Took those few before I recognized her standing out front. I just thought it was a hitchhiker thumbing a ride.

My eyesight ain't what it used to be; I'm almost to the point where I need a "driving eye dog." I do have a new prescription for glasses so I'll take it to the VA in the morning and drop it off at the eyeball store; have to go there to have my hearing appliances repaired. The right aid eats power cells like they were gummy bears, causing the batteries to leak and ooze battery gunk in my ear. Sure doing a number on my right ear. It's causing the hair in my ear to grow  10 times faster than normal.

This is a really nice lady; I've had dinner with her twice now. Please keep all this under your hats, neither one of them know about each other and they don't know about this board, thank goodness.

All went well, I behaved myself as best that I could; don't think I committed too many faux pas. All in all it was a successful evening, well almost. I accidently ran over her foot as I was leaving. She didn't yell too much so I guess it wasn't hurt too bad. I did call her when I got home; she was in the emergency room having a cast put on her right leg.

Gotta go now, will update latter today.

Best Always, Love

Christine

[Christine]

Hi Folks,                27 July 2018

Being a fairly compassionate soul, I drove on down to the emergency room to see my lady friend. They had just finished her whole body cast. As bad as this appeared to be, I couldn't figure out why she didn't scream louder. I'd have at least stopped and hauled her down to the local "Doc-In-The-Box" that's open 24x7.

Needless to say, my stock seems to have dropped big time; when I came up close to shake her hand and ask her if I could sign her brand new cast, she threw the bed pan at me... and it weren't empty. I kinda think she may have been upset over something. She kind of acted as though she had been subjected to severe trauma of some sort.

I tried my darndest to calm her down, which  didn't work so I got her onto a gurney and wheeled her out to the parking lot. Problem was, by the time I found my car I forgot she was in the parking lot and drove home without her.

I have a feeling I won't be seeing much of her anymore; she didn't even thank me for getting her to the parking lot. Just can't please some folks these days.

About the camera and photos, I bought a camera about 2 years ago and I still haven't figured out how to make it work. I went out to YouTube and the guy demonstrating how to use it only spoke Chinese and the subtitles were in Korean. Didn't do me a Yens worth of good. When I finally figure out where to turn it on I'll let you know.

Best Always, Love

Christine

[Christine]

OK, do you want the Whole truth and nothing but the truth? Here's the whole truth of what I have written over the past few posts:


Hi Folks,                             26 July 2018

Things are moving along; Have met a very nice and beautiful young lady I like a lot. I'm a lot older than she is so I'm hoping the age difference isn't an obstacle.

Gotta go now; I shall return.

Best Always. Love,
Christine
------------------------------------------

Hi Ella,                          27 July 2018

I got back from my dinner date; had a wonderful time, didn't fall out of the chair,


This is a really nice lady; I've had dinner with her twice now.

All went well, I behaved myself as best that I could; don't think I committed too many faux pas. All in all it was a successful evening


Gotta go now, will update latter today.

Best Always, Love

Christine
------------------------------------------

Hi Ella,                              27 July 2018


Best Always, Love

Christine
------------------------------------------
                                   27 July 2018

The above are the truthful elements of my last three posts. The text that follows is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth:


I had dinner with Ella Raines Thursday evening; she was in town so we got together for dinner and a wonderful conversation.  The first time we had dinner was almost two months ago.

She's an absolutely beautiful and wonderful lady. I like her a lot and enjoy her company. Hopefully I'll get to meet her wife one of these days. I'll let her tell you the rest of the story.

The first lady exists; I like her a lot, more so than I have wanted to like anyone for a long time. She is absolutely beautiful and a fantastic lady. We see each other occasionally but not as often as I'd like; logistics are a problem. Time will tell where things will go. I have to keep in mind that I have been single for 35 years and I will have completed 78 orbits around the sun on "Space Ship Earth" in a few days. That's when I qualify for my astronauts patch.

Why am I telling you this here? Most of you know I goof around and kid quite a bit' probably enough to get my bum kicked.

I have told my lady friend how I feel; by making it public I hope she will know I am serious and not in kidding mode. One of the problems that come with kidding around too much is no one takes you seriously. Where  will things go? Only time will tell. Had I done nothing, nothing is the only thing that could have happened. I have always believed that if you want something, ask for it; you have a 50/50 chance of getting a yes. If you don't ask, your chances are near zero. I like the odds for asking.

The last part brings to mind a question asked of Babe Ruth and his answer. Someone asked Babe how he managed to hit so many home runs. His answer was, and I have to paraphrase here: "Most people don't know that I hold the record for being struck out. You can't hit the ball unless you swing the bat."

Good night, I have an appointment at the Fort Worth VA outpatient Clinic at 1100 hrs. today.

Best Always, Love

Christine

When I wrote this Dena was the lady I was referring to in the 26 July entry, She Is The Love of My Life and Always Will Be!

[Christine]

Hi Folks,                     29 July 2018

While typing what was to be this post, it was blown away by my wonderful fat fingers hitting the wrong key; which one? I haven't a clue. This has happened so many times you would think this brain dead author would write her posts on another medium rather than IE, which is no longer supported by Microsoft.

Time for a new PC.

Did see my beautiful lady friend today; she is fine. I think I have previously mentioned that I have been single 35 years; I miss spoke, it should have read "been on my own 35 years." I was separated two years before the divorce so technically, I have been single 33 years.

During all those years I have worked hard to construct and maintain a wall around myself to protect me from becoming romantically involved with another woman. I have dated several nice ladies but never allowed them to cross over to my side. The wall I built was impenetrable, no one ever breached it...... Until Now.

Thank You Dena Dear, I Love You With All My Heart and Soul. 20 December 2019

Best Always, Love

Christine

[Christine]

Hi Folks,                            30 July 2018

Trans Update

Yesterday was VA Clinic day; some good and some eh. Arrived at the audiology department about 2 minutes late, not a big deal. Reported in for my appointment; the receptionist looked me up in the computer and said: "You don't have an appointment, your last appointment was 30 May 18." I know I made the appointment, it was in my computer. She offered me the opportunity to wait as a "Walk-In" which I took. About an hour and a half later, I got in to see a technician. He said all the corrosion in the right aid was caused by perspiration. He asked me if I sweat heavily around the right ear. I told him no more so than the left ear. Rather than argue with him, he was bigger than me, I asked him to make me an appointment with my hearing doctor. I now have an appointment at 1130 hrs. 07 September 18 to see the doctor and order the new appliances. As of now, I'm stuck using my original hearing aids, which are at least 7 or 8 years old. They work better than no aids but not much.

Next it was downstairs to kill time before my appointment at the Women's Clinic. Stopped at the snack bar, bought a large Coke and sat down. I got to thinking of the eye exam I had a couple of weeks prior and decided to have a talk with the lady checking folks in. I told her the eye exam I had there at the VA was suspect and that I went to my civilian eye doctor and had another exam, which was more comprehensive than the 5 minute quickie exam by the "In-and-Out-Burger" guy , who was moonlighting as an eye doctor at the VA. I asked if I could have them fill my prescription from my real eye doctor rather than the burger guy. NO Such Luck, they only fill prescriptions they produce. I said Thanks but No Thanks, I'll just buy my glasses at WallyWorld.

Went back to the snack bar and sipped some of my Coke until it was time to head to the Women's Clinic. As luck would have it, I got a really nice young lady that helped me get myself "Officially" transferred to the Women's  clinic. I now have an appointment 24 August with my new VA doctor. That made my day.

Next post: Today's Update.

Best Always, Love

Christine

[Christine]

Hi Folks,                      01 August 2018

My favorite person in the world, deserves all of the credit for helping me see that my sometimes stupid and caustic remarks are not helpful to anyone. She is a blessing in my life; she makes my life have purpose and worth living to it's fullest.

I'm far behind in my updates / posting. Shopped for a new PC, bought my first Dell. Now all I have to is install it and download all the files from my old HP unit. The HP has been a problem child since the day it was brought home from the maternity ward. As soon as it arrived it began  exhibiting anti social behavior Hopefully this task will be completed by this afternoon and the Dell will make Michael proud.

Visited my Endocrinologist Monday afternoon. We discussed my progress with HRT. She had the nurse draw blood for a hormone check. She said there was no need to test for testosterone as the supply line has been severed and there is no chance they have returned from the medical waste dump. I should get a report today or tomorrow. If my Estradiol hasn't gone up she plans to increase the dosage. What ever she does, I hope it ups the size of the headlights.

Stopped by the local WallyWorld emporium and selected new frames for my next set of peepers. When I'm searching for new frames I never look at the price tag until I have selected the style I want. Only then will I look. The pair I selected are very pretty, are a translucent reddish pink, almost a Candy Apple red. They looked stunning on this old biddy and her pink outfit. Looked at the price tag and almost passed out from sticker shock. They cost a whopping $9.00. I thought I was seeing things or there was a mix up with the price tag. Nope, they were about the pretties and cheapest frames I have ever purchased. They should be ready the 8th of August.

Unfortunately, when I picked out the frames I didn't have my prescription so I had to wait until Tuesday the 31st to pick up  a copy of my prescription and take it to the nice lady at WallyWorld's eye-ball store.

I know I'm forgetting something; just don't remember what I forgot. I know that doesn't make a lot of sense until you consider the source.

Best Always, Love

Christine

[Christine]

Hi Folks,               02 August 2018

UPDATE: News

Yesterday, I received my hormone lab report; my Estradiol is low and the dreaded Testosterone is UP(?). Holy cow, a second Orchie? That only occurs when they either leave behind part of a testicle or the orchi was a unilateral orchie (one testicle) and the second is being removed.

My endocrinologist sent a note that she will be issuing another prescription that will increase my estradiol level. Hopefully, that will cause an increase in headlight wattage, something like "High Beams" pointing skywards.

Since she has told me how to increase my dosage, I can do it quite easily and as soon as the script arrives, run it down to the VA and have them fill it.

The Dell PC is up and running. Problem is... I'm not. Everything in Win 10 appears totally different from 8.1, which wasn't and isn't worth a hoot. Trouble is, I'm an Old Dog and don't take kindly to learning new tricks. I Like my kibbles and bits placed in the same spot every time. Hunting is for young pups.

Aside from the above, all is well; I'm finally getting around to cleaning my desk and doing a general cleaning of the office. While working on the area where the new PC was to go, I found over $100.00 worth of gift cards. I should be able to have three meals one day... if I don't misplace them again.

The weather seems to have moderated a bit. The last three days have been nice, mid 90s. low humidity, and nice breezes, It must have been my charming attitude and personality that caused the change.

Again, I think there is something I have forgotten, just can't remember what. Maybe I'll do better if and when I get a bit more sleep.

Time to crash.

Best Always, Love

Christine

[Christine]

Hi Folks,                      02 August 2018

The hormone imbalance was explained to me by an expert, my special friend. She said that since I had the blood drawn right at the end of the patches application time (84 hours) the dosage I was receiving was tapering down. The boost in dosage should resolve the issue. Fridays and Tuesdays are my patch change day. With all the patches I am aware of they are 3 day, four day. I chose to do 84 hours per patch, Tuesday morning, Friday evening.

Something I just thought of is that we had been having hot weather, I was perspiring a lot and that didn't help the patch remain firmly attached to my skin.

I'm not completely sold on Win 10. I didn't realize it was a huge change from 8. I should have listened to my lady friend's advice and gone with the Apple. Since the Dell was relatively inexpensive compared to the Mac, and I thought it would be an easy transition, I bought the Dell. Won't happen again. I will probably switch to Mac not too far down the road. When I do, I know someone I am going to heavily rely on to help me with that conversion.

Best Always, Love

Christine

[Christine]

Hello Folks,                  12 August 2018

Just a quick note to let you know that my new avatar is actually me as I normally present when I'm out and about. Rarely do I wear anything masculine unless it's a day like yesterday was; lots of rain. I wore an old pair of men's sneakers when outside just due to rain and the possibility of mud.

Got my new peepers from the Walmart Vision Center yesterday afternoon. The lady I bought them from gave me a nice pink hard case for them.

Received some new Pink Navy ball caps yesterday.

My increased dosage of Estradiol seems to be working; my parking lights are showing and they have a nice golden glow. The 17th of this month will mark the 5th month on HRT. It is going great.

Best Always, Love

Christine

[Christine]

Hi Folks,                        22 August 2018

Don't zackly know why my boobs started to shrink; yes they have shrunk too much to suit me. Not sure what is causing it. I have been on an antibiotic, Sulfamethoxazole, Trimethoprim oral. This med was prescribed due to a puncture wound to my left foot at the last joint of my great toe. Since I've been on the drug, I have lost about 10 lbs.; I'm at the weight I was the day I joined the US Navy over 55 years ago.

Unfortunately, it's not a wise decision to stop an antibiotic prior to the end of the treatment course. I looked up the drug and didn't find anything that it would cause this temporary setback.

This week I plan to begin the process of changing my gender and legal name. Since I was born in Ohio, a very good state to be from.... far away from, it appears that some clown in the "Ohio Department of Health" refuses to allow a gender change on a birth certificate. I believe the law allows it but the misguided individual that runs the department won't allow it. "Currently, the Ohio Department of Health refuses to issue birth certificates with updated gender markers. From "NAME & GENDER CHANGE GUIDE FOR OHIO RESIDENTS (ADULTS) 

I'll let you know how it goes. I'm going to start here in Texas and get everything done here first, saving the Ohio stuff for last.

Best Always, Love

Christine

[Christine]

Hi Folks,                     02 September 2018

Last night a very good friend let me know that I have been building up way too much fat in the belly area. We examined my diet and therein lies the problem ... or I should say problems. I am eating and drinking way too much JUNK. I remember one of my doctors asking me why I eat that stuff; I told him: "Because it tastes good and is easy." This is not healthy and if I continue doing so will be detrimental to my plan to live at least another 25 years.

What kind of friend would tell me I'm looking like I'm pregnant? I'll tell you: "The best friend I have." A true friend will always be truthful and never tell you things just to make you feel good. I appreciate her honesty, I'll be healthier because of it. Thank you my Dear, I appreciate your honesty and candor.

Best Always, all my Love, Always

Chris

PS:
Chris is my new nickname suggested by my best friend.

The boobs are back in growth mode I'm happy to say.

[Christine]

Hi Folks,                19 September 2018

It's been awhile since I last updated this thread so here goes with not too much info because there hasn't been much to write about.

My weight was a prominent issue for me; I have been hovering right around 150 pounds for weeks on end. Fifty-five years ago I joined the Navy; I weighed 152 lbs. and was 4' 23", I'm now 4' 21" and am much the same weight. I still have too much belly fat for my liking, it seems to be stuck there. I have eliminated almost all junk food, rarely eat anything that isn't healthy. I am continuously working which requires a lot of physical exertion yet my weight stays the same within a pound or two.

I realize I no longer have T so I guess I'll have to step up the exercise. I've never experienced this before as I was always able to shed fat and put on muscle. My best friend has told me that this is the way it works without T. I have no plans for adding one spec of T to my body nor do I want to. Since the start of HRT and the riddance of the testes, I have been happier than at any other time in my life. Still have a ways to go ridding myself of learned aggression, which is fortunately directed at myself. It takes time to cleanup after 77 years of living with T flowing through one's veins. Call it a work in progress and there is progress being made, thanks to my best friend, the one fantastic Lady that occupies a special place in my heart and soul.

It's late and I need to go outside and fix the wiring mess in my ISP's Network Interface where the FIOS fiber optic data is converted to cat-5 WAN/LAN, It's a rat's nest of spliced wire. Just looking at it causes errors. It was so bad that the ability to Skype became impossible, and Skype is of extreme importance in this abode.

Almost forgot; I did something quite stupid last night. It was around midnight thirty when I took the first dog out for her last P break before going to bed. We went out the door and just as it closed I checked to see if I had my keys in my pocket. You guessed it, I didn't and was locked out of the house. Fortunately, I have a neighbor that keeps a spare key for me. Of course all the lights were out and they were in bed asleep. Unfortunately, I had to call them and ask them to give me the spare key. I'm sure they appreciated my phone call. When will I ever learn... probably never.

Best always, Love

Christine

[Christine]

Hi Folks,                             12 October 2018

I have been busy with many things, visiting doctors, having my body probed and pierced, having wax jobs, speaking of which, I had one that sent me to the doctor. I haven't had time to dig out the stories I want to post but I will when I return.

The doctor visits, for the most part, have been of the annual physical variety. As most of you know I am one of the youngest well seasoned transgender females in our community. When you become a member of the minority group known as "Seasoned Citizens" you will find there are certain dues you have to contend with, such as aches, pains, failing sight, need for prunes, etc. Twenty five years ago I saw a doctor once every ten or so years when I damaged something; now I see a doctor ten times a year. These visits are so frequent they have become social events.

I am fortunate in that I have a vast, out of necessity, network of very fine doctors. As an example, I recently found it necessary to pay a visit to my dermatologist. I had the lower half of my body waxed as I have been doing for several years. Most of you have probably heard of the Brazilian, you know the very private area in the V area between the thighs; a most tender area for certain.

I've had that area waxed numerous times without incident. Well, there's always a first time for everything and this Brazilian was mine. This puppy went south while in progress. I can withstand a lot of pain, and I withstood this, but let me tell you this was one painful procedure. It felt like someone was peeling off several layers of skin. As I found out after arriving home, this is exactly what happened. Now most of us MTF folks know what a scrotum is and how sensitive it and its contents can be. To be precise, mine is empty, like MT, nothing inside, post orchie; I think you have the picture. Oh that reminds me, I have photos of my orchie; anyone want to see them? The answer is you can't, they're private and shall remain so until I'm offered enough money for them that will allow me to buy a new Lambo.

I don't know why what happened, happened, but it did. A couple of layers of skin came off the my scrotum along with the hair. This left a very sore spot in a very sensitive area. Off to the Dermatologist's office for an important visit. Long story short several layers of skin were missing. The only explanation seems to be the thinning of the skin due to HRT. Maybe the wax was too hot, maybe it was too cold. All I know it hurt like heck. A powerful steroid and anti-biotic has about cleared up the damage. I think that's my last Brazilian. Electro-shock therapy seems to be in my future.

During my Annual Physical exam, I had to have some lab work. The only thing that concerned my Doctor was my high LDL cholesterol, which was at 113, about 14 points too high. This was offset by the good  news; my Testosterone is at <3 (less than 3) and my estradiol is at 129.1. Now I know why I have been feeling so frisky lately.

I'm tired and am going to crash, I have to mow my lawn today as I have a very important mission coming up very soon, which I am very anxious to go on. Catch you all up later when I return...... make that: "If I return."

Best Always, Love

Christine

[Christine]

Hi Folks,                     19 October 2018

The Brazilian was not as I had expected; a bit more abusive than previous episodes. Hopefully, I can find where the lady that used to do it for me went.

Back from my mission; all is going very well. I have lots to do and not much time to do it in. I gave myself a year to accomplish my life's quest; I now have 9 1/2 months remaining. My goal now is to have it completed before next summer. It's a major life change and one I want more than anything else in life.

I just returned to Texas today. My home is now where my heart is, which is no longer in Texas where I have been for the last 40 years.  I'll write about it once I have the photos where they can be posted.

This much I can tell you, this past week I have been happier than I have ever been in the 78 years I have lived aboard "Space Ship Earth." Today has also been one of the saddest days of my life; I had to return to the dwelling I exist in. Not all is lost, it's a necessary intrusion that will enable me to get to where I belong and to be with the most special person ever in my life.

Best Always, Love

Christine

[Christine]

Hi Folks,                 18 November 2018

I didn't realize it has almost been the 30 magical days since I last posted on my tired old thread. Nothing new to report here in Texas. The weather reminds me of why I left Ohio. With climate change rearing its head four time each year I'm going to head to where the four changes are: 1. Spring, 2. Summer, 3. Spring, 4. Summer. I don't like being cold.

I don't know how all you folks up north handle the extreme cold and lack of sunshine. I have heard from very reliable sources that "Light Boxes" are a must and a fixture in most houses. I wish I could find a spot where the sun was shining 24 hours per day and was never below 85 degrees; somehow I think that's going to be a bit difficult to find.
 
Best Always, Love

Christine

[Christine]

Hi Folks,                    27 November 2018

Friday 23 November 2018 was the day after Thanksgiving; I was Skyping with Dena, the Love of my Life, when I felt the need to scratch my left leg. When I got to the ankle area I noticed that my leg was excessively warm, almost hot and the area was swollen and red with signs of Petechiae, clusters of red pinpoint spots. I mentioned to Dena what I noticed and she asked me to put my leg up within camera range. She took a look at it an told me to get to a real hospital Emergency Department immediately and not a "Doc-in-a-Box."

I went to the emergency department at Baylor, Scott and White in Grapevine. They ran a blood test and an ultrasound of my left leg. They confirmed Dena's assessment that I have a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), a blood clot in laymen's terms. This isn't something I wanted to hear.

When I began HRT I was prescribed Estradiol Transdermal Patches. At my second blood test my Estradiol was at 10 so my dosage was bumped up. I was cautioned that Estradiol can cause DVT. My thinking is that this condition has been present for a couple years and went unnoticed as it only presented as what appeared to be a rash.

I was prescribed Xarelto; this is a fairly new clot buster and seems to be working well. I have an appointment with my primary today and one with my Endo on Wednesday. I'm talking about this because there are known instances of DVT being triggered by Estradiol / Estrogen. This condition can be extremely dangerous to your health.

When I know more I'll post any additional information I have learned.

Best Always, Love

Christine