STP Devices

STP stands for "stand-to-pee." Having an STP device can be really useful for ftm's. You could potentially use a urinal in the mens restroom. There are different kinds of devices. Some devices you can make at home. Others must be bought. There are two groups of the kind you can buy: packers and non-packers.

If you want to make an STP devise for yourself, you can use a coffe can lid or a plastic disk. Cut the lip off of the lid so that it is flat. The plastic needs to be flexible enough to be rolled up into a funnel or "u-shape." Figure out what rolled up shape works best for you and there you go.

You could also use a medicine spoon to make an Stp. You put the wide end of the spoon up against you and angle the other end downward. You need to practice at home so you don't have leakage. If there are rough edges or a lip on the spoon, you can sand them down. Fine-grit sandpaper should do the trick nicely.

Non-packers do not remain in your underwear all the time. You normally keep them in your back pocket and take them out as you need them. There are different brands and types available:

   - Urinall is a lightweight, hard funnel. It is about the size of a large medicine spoon. It comes with a length of latex tubing that can be removed and replaced. http://www.urinall.com/home/

   - TravelMate is a modification of the medicine spoon. http://www.whenyagottago.com/



   - There are plenty of others, but I don't have time to explain all of them. Here are the links:

http://www.kristascups.com/
http://www.kristascups.com/
http://www.whizproducts.co.uk/en/
http://pee-zees.tripod.com/
http://www.shewee.com/
http://www.freshette.com/
http://www.campmor.com/
http://www.magellans.com/
http://whizzy4you.com/


Now, let's discuss the most popular type of STP's: packers. Most transguys find it's easier to get the STP packer because then you don't have to buy a regular packer and and STP seperately. STP packers can fool men in the restroom and locker room. You don't have to use a stall if you have one of these. They are generally more expensive, but I think they are worth it. You pee through a tube that runs through the shaft. You usually wear a harness with it.

Here are some links:

http://www.toolshedtoys.com/results.php?keywords=stp+packer

http://djknowsdicks.com/



http://www.peecockproducts.com/
http://www.likerealusa.com/
http://www.hg-prosthetics.com/

Mango products is another option, but I strongly suggest against it. People have been complaining about not receiving their paid orders and don't hear back from customer service.

So there are some different options for you to check out. Let me know if you know any other sites or if one of these sites is no good. And I have been getting quite a few page views, thanks guys! Give me any feedback and I hope I have been helping you! Have a great day :D

Support Groups and Chat

I wanted to give you some sites/places where you can connect with other trans people. I am a mamber of some of these (or will be in the future). I'll give you my screen name you you can add me. I like these kinds of sites; they make me feel like I'm not alone. You're not alone, there are others like you, and they are willing to help you. Check them out.

On vampirefreaks.com there is a "cult" of trans people and trans supporters. I post on there a lot. I think it's fun and a great way to discuss things.
My name is: emovamp177 (I made it a long time ago so I know it's a stupid name)
The cult: http://vampirefreaks.com/cult/Support_Trans_Rights

http://transmentors.org/online-support-groups.html

http://www.lauras-playground.com/trans_support_groups.htm

It's called a dating site but I consider it to just be a way to connect with other trans people. It's called transpassions.com.
My name is: AidenApocalypse
Site: http://transpassions.com/

I'll add more sites whenever I find some. The two links that don't have anything written with them I haven't checked out yet, but they seem legit. I'll look at them later and let you know. Or you can let me know in an email.

Some VIdeos

I have found a couple videos that I would like you to watch. They are FTM videos. I found them inspirational/beautiful and I hope you will too.

http://youtu.be/2xpf2aYbyWk


http://youtu.be/UHIhf7u6E00


And this video has good tips:

http://youtu.be/6HgkX--VZaQ

Changing Your Name

There are certain organizations that you need to notify about a name change. Everyone who has to change their name (for whatever reason) has to notify the same groups.
A few you NEED to remember:
- Social Security
- Drivers License
- Passport
- Post Office
- IRS
- Voter Registration
- Banks
- Credit Cards
- Doctors
- Insurance Companies
- State Tax Board
- Clubs
- Memberships
- Employer
- Retirement plans
Changing your name on your social security card is not legally changing your name. You need a court oreder name change.

Many organizations may have issues with you changing your name. It's your right to change your name so try to:

1. Show documentation of your new name
2. Discuss the state laws that support your name change in a non-confrontational manner
3. Speak with someone who is in charge, like a supervisor
4. A local official or state representative may be a successful last resort

Well there you have it. If you have questions about anything, make sure to ask them. You will save a lot of trouble if you ask the people at offices questions before you do anything. Use your head.

Therapist Surgery Letter

   I found this while searching on the internet. It has taken me a really long to find an example of what has to be in the letter for surgery. I thought it might save you guys some time if I shared it with you.


[Name, address, and phone number]

Dear [ Dr. Preforming Surgery]:

   [Patient name] is a [Patients appropriate age] year old female to male transgender individual who has established a longstanding and strong identity as male. He has been living as male consistently and on hormones since [date patient start HRT or social transition]. He has had [if any previous surgeries put here with dates if no other procedures remove this line]. He is now seeking [name of surgery] to aid in his complete medical transition.
   [Patient name] reports a prior history of anxiety which appears to have been in response to the stressors during his early stages of transitioning. He was entered into therapy in [date patient began therapy]. At this time, he presents with no apparent residual psychiatric symptoms and is quite stable. He intends to continue his therapy regime which he believes has been helpful.
   [Patient name] seems to have significant progress in his transitioning and seems very happy in his decision to be male. He has a strong support system that includes a loving partner and family. He has steady employment that provides his benefits and is attending school for his professional aspirations. His judgment appears sound and good. He has good knowledge of, and had the ability to follow to Standards of Care for surgery.
   I met with [Patient name] for an evaluation on [date of evaluation] . I have no hesitation in recommending him for the procedure he has requested. He meets and exceeds the criteria as set forth by the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association. If you need any more information or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [therapist phone number].

Sincerely,

[Therapist name], [qualifications]

Therapists

So there are tons of great therapists out there. I have found huge lists all over the web. I'll give you links to some of those lists at the end of this post. I want to talk about some therapists that look really good, have good reviews, or just seem interesting that you might want to check out. I'll try to get at least one for every region of the U.S. Hope it helps.


Online:

John D Moore LCPC, CADC
E-mail: john@johndmoore.net
Website: http://www.johndmoore.net/
You must be a resident of Illinois


http://www.gendertherapist.com/


Caroline Gibbs
Transgender Institute
7140 Wornall Road, Suite 203
Kansas City, MO. 64114
Phone : (816) 305-0943Email : gibbsassist@yahoo.com
She does appointments using Skype. She will provide you with a Skype camera free of charge.


B.E. Budd
699 B Piedmont Ave, NE
Atlanta, Ga. 30324
Phone : (404) 873-5517
or
1216 Mars Hill Road, #C
Watkinsville, Ga. 30677bebudd@bebuddphd.com
http://www.bebuddphd.com/ 


South East:

Daniel McKeever, Ph.D.
Hill Crest Associates
6869 5th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL. 35212
Phone : (205) 838-2031

Margaret Morgan-Cohen, LCSW
210 Pulaski St.
Little Rock, AR. 72201
Phone : (501) 255-0561
Website : http://www.margaretmorgancohen.com

Jennifer McBlaine MA, RMHCI
Diplomate, American Board of Clinical Sexology
Professional Counseling Centers of Sarasota/Manatee
1808 Orchid Street
Sarasota, FL 34239
Phone : (941) 951-0548jennifer@sextherapysarasota.com
http://www.sextherapysarasota.com 

Joel Bagby
7193 Douglas Blvd, Suite 205
Douglasville, GA. 30135
Phone : (404) 920-0551

Northeast:

Gary E. Alger, M.Div., LADC, CEAP
Counseling Psychotherapy EAP
670 Prospect Avenue
Hartford, CT. 06105
Phone : (860) 233-4022
Cell : (860) 309-7655garyalger@sbcglobal.net

Amy L. Herb, L.C.S.W.
4735 Ogletown-Stanton Road
Medical Arts Pavilion 2, Suite 1201
Newark, DE. 19718
Phone : (302) 623-4335aherb@christianacare.org

Maine Gender Resource and Support Service
c/o Jean Churchill
P.O. Box 1894
Bangor, ME. 04402-1894

Midwest: (My area)

Michele O'Mara, LCSW
2680 E. Main Street, Suite 121
Plainfield, IN. 46167
Phone : (317) 517-0065
TG Counseling : http://www.transgenderindiana.com
michele@micheleomara.com
Main Website : http://www.transgenderindiana.com
Net Counseling : http://omaram.hypermart.net/thelesbiantherapist/online-counseling/
orhttp://www.onlinegendercounseling.com
Her online scheduler : http://www.appointmentquest.com/provider/2000319224
Social Networking Website : http://www.genderconnection.com

Milwaukee Transgender Program
Gretchen Finke, MSSW
Roger Northway, MS
Pathways Counseling Center
2645 N. Mayfair Road, Suite 230, First Financial Building
Milwaukee, WI. 53226-1304
Phone : (414) 774-4111
This is what I'm looking into for myself.

Willow Counseling Services, LLC
Veronica L. Senkyr, MA, LMFT
1821 University Ave. W., S329
St. Paul, MN. 55104
Phone : (651) 647-1022vsenkyr@willowcounselingservices.com
http://www.willowcounselingservices.com

Southwest:

Lewis Nemes, Ph.D.
8005 Pennsylvania Circle, NE
Albuquerque, NM. 87110
Phone : (505) 248-0698

Gender Center Of The Southwest
Transitions Medical and Counseling Associates
3626 Nort Hall Street, Suite 623
Dallas, TX. 75205
Phone : (214) 528-8901

West:

Roberta Vande Voort, MS MFT
AAMFT Approved Supervisor
9402 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV. 8914
Phone : (702) 878-0554roberta@kayentabhc.com
http://www.kayentabhc.com/index.html

Joshua M. Simmons, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist (PSY 23334)
3821 23rd Street
San Francisco, CA. 94114
Phone : (415) 820-1554drsimmons@sftherapy.info
http://www.sftherapy.info

There are tons and tons more. I just wanted to list some of them for you. Find one in your state/near you.

Here's the link to the list that I used for this post: http://www.lauras-playground.com/gender_therapists.htm

Some states don't have any listed. You should always check other lists and google search. Make sure you find the right therapist for you.

The 3 Magic Steps

There are three general steps to transitioning: thearapy, hormone treatment, and surgery. I will outline the steps and how to go about them. I haven't gone through them yet, but I have a job and am saving every dollar for it.

1. Therapy:
   - You may be thinking to yourself "I don't need therapy, I already know everything I need to." WRONG! You can learn a lot through therapy, if you have a good therapist.
   - Now is the time to make sure this is what you really want. Some of the changes from Testosterone are permanent, so be 100% sure this is what you want before you move on to step 2.
   - This part won't be fun: calling to set up your appointment. You have to be brave and make the call. When they ask what you need to be seen for, you must tell them "Gender Dysphoria" or "Gender Issues."
   - Depending on the person, this step could take months or longer. It's life changing and shouldn't be taken lightly.
   - You may lose family. You may lose some gay friends if you are active in the gay community. You could lose your job. You could get harassed at school. The list never ends, but if you want to transition, just do it. Be strong.
   - You will face challenges. Be brave and face them head-on!
   - I will be posting more about therapy and therapists soon.


2. Testosterone Hormone Therapy:
   - I have posted a bit about testosterone on this blog. Please make sure to look at those posts.
   - Get the letter of recommendation for hormone therapy from your therapist. That letter will halp you get your prescription for testosterone.
   - Testosterone is a steroid; it's not to be played around with.
   - T is a safe drug when it is used under supervision and is controlled. So use the correct dosage and see your doctor as regularly as you are told to.
   - The changes take years, taking more will not make changes happen faster. You could end up really ill or dead.


3. Surgery:
   - Quite a few surgeons require you to have had hormone therapy before they will operate on you, but just as many don't require it.
   - If you were planning chest surgery first, you don't need to be on testosterone (in most cases) before surgery.
   - You need to have a letter from your therapist recommending you for surgery before a surgeon will operate on you.
   - You can read about the types of surgeries in my "Types Of Surgeries" post.


If I missed anything, send me an email. TheAidenApocalypse@gmail.com

Risks Of Taking Testosterone

Testosterone can be an FTM's best friend, but there are risks and some possible side effects that you need to be aware of. Knowing these risks can help you make an educated decision on whether you want to take it or not.

1. Testosterone can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
2. It can increase hemoglobin and red blood cells.
3. Testosterone can cause or worsen headaches and migraines.
4. It might increase the risk of some types of cancer (however, it has not been proven).
5. T can negatively affect mental health.
6. There can be social consequences due to transphobic people.

Due to all of these health risks, it is very important to get regular check ups with your doctor. Your doctor can help make sure none of these issues get too unbearable.

Also, another risk of taking testosterone could be death. Make sure you use the proper dosage as it is prescribed to you. DO NOT order testosterone from the internet or anything. You don't know for sure what is being sent to you. Only use T if you have a perscription.

Using T is your decision. Many transmen choose to use it, but many also choose not to. Personally, I plan on using it because I really hate my voice.

If you start taking it and decide you don't like the way it makes you feel, stop taking it. Most of the changes are reversable. See my "Changes From Testosterone" post to see which things will go back to how they were before.

As always, feel free to shoot me an email if you have any questions. :D

Surgeons

I will be listing some of the top surgeons for FTM surgeries. I'll say what they will perform (top, bottm, etc.) and contact info. I might add some pictures too. I'll tell what I have heard about each surgeon (if I have heard anything). I hope this list will help you.

Dr. Beverly A. Fischer, M.D.
Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery
12205-12207 Tullamore Rd.
Timonium, MD 21093
0r
2 Colgate Dr.
Suite 101
Forest Hills, MD 21050
Ftm top surgery
I have seen a lot of her work in photo galleries. It seems to vary greatly. I have seen amazing/perfect surgeries, but I have also seen surgeries that I thought looked very poorly done. The best and worst surgery photos I have seen have come from her.
http://www.beverlyfischer.com/



Dr. Yvon Menard, M.D.
Dr. Pierre Brassard, M.D.,
1003 East Boulevard St. Joseph, Montreal,
Quebec, Canada H2J 1L2
Phalloplasty, Metoidioplasty, Clitoral Freeing Procedures, Mastectomy
http://www.grsmontreal.com/anglais.html





Daniel A. Medalie, MD
Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery
Metrohealth Medical Center
Case Western Reserve University
http://www.clevelandplasticsurgery.com/transgender-surgery



 
Dr. Raphael
1600 Coit St 105
Plano, Tx 75075
Ftm top surgery




John G. Gregory, MD, FACS
Deaconess Institute of Sexual Medicine
6125 Clayton Ave., #141
St. Louis, MO 63139



Eugene A. Schrang, M.D., S.C., Theda Clark Regional Medical Center
125 E. Forest Avenue
Neenah, WI 54956
Ftm top surgery
I was considering going there because it's pretty close to home and he seems pretty skilled.




Dr. Kenneth L. Stein
414 N. Orleans, Suite 209
Chicago, IL 60610


Dr. Alan N. Wilson
Detroit Medical Center,
573 Fisher Theater Building,
Detroit, MI 48202





Dr. Marci Bowers
406 First National Bank Building
Trinidad, CO 81082.
Ftm bottom and Mtf surgeries
http://www.marcibowers.com/grs/gender.html


Dr. Gary Alter
435 N. Bedford Dr. Suite 300
Beverly Hills, CA, 90210
http://www.altermd.com/

           


Dr. RE Moulton-Barrett, MD
2070 Clinton Av, Alameda, CA 94611
http://moulton-barrett.com/



These are obviously not all of the surgeons available. I just wanted to give you some to start looking at and comparing.

Changes From Testosterone

I want to give you a brief overview of the changes that may/will result from the use of testosterone and the changes that will stay if you choose to stop using it.


Changes that occur while you're on Testosterone:

• Facial hair growth
• Voice deepening
• More body hair growth
• Enlargement of the clitoris
• More muscle mass
• No more periods
• Possible hair loss and male pattern baldness
• Body fat moves from hips to abdomen
• Skin may become more oily
• Increase in red blood cells
• Cholesterol changes
• Scent of body odor and urine may change (that's kind of a weird one)
• Skin may become rougher
• Increase in your sex drive

You could have any combination of the above results. You may not notice them right away, but you should see at least a few changes.
Some things only occur for some transmen, but don't happen super often. These include:

• More angular face
• More energy
• Larger feet/hands
• Become hungrier
• Slight decrease in density of breast tissue
• Emotional changes

If you choose to stop taking T, some of the changes are permanent and some are not.


Voice: should stay at the deepness it has reached due to T use
Facial/body hair: The hair that is already there will continue, but new areas of hair will not grow.
Clitoris growth: should stay at the same length and thickness
Muscle/fat changes: will revert back to more feminine states
Hair loss: If you have lost hair while on T, it will most likely not grow back upon quitting.
Menstrual cycle: If the ovaries are still in working condition, periods will return
Skin oils/acne: may decrease
Body scent: may change
Sex drive: may decrease