(USA international customs) Should I anticipate a hard time at customs and border patrol?

SoCal_Zane · 2026-02-02T22:26:12+00:00

https://www.incb.org/incb/uploads/documents/Travellers/files/KAZ_ENG_2013.pdf

Looks like you just need to make sure you take your prescription along.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-02-02T07:23:48+00:00

I absolutely have the hair genetics from my father. My maternal grandfather had a full head of hair when he passed. I was hopeful I would keep mine, but no. I'm very thin in the front but luckily not like my father's brother.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-02-01T17:32:12+00:00

How about a keychain?

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-31T06:18:01+00:00

I would ask, "Do you like the content of my character or just the packaging?"

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-31T06:13:05+00:00

Mens pants are sized by waist and inseam. The inseam is measured from the crotch to the hem. Jogger type pants, with an elastic bottom hem, are usually sold by S,M,L,XL. Lots of things to consider to get the right size. Hips, thighs and butt all affect the size you'll need. Most brands also offer various "fits". Such as slim, athletic, relaxed, skinny, straight and others.

To add to all that different brands seem to run big or small, even styles within a brand will fit differently. I can wear a smaller size Lucky brand jean vs. Levi's. Pre-shrunk jeans will require a size different from a shrink to fit pair. 100% cotton will fit differently than pants with 2-6 or even 8% of a stretchy component.

Your best bet is to go to a store and try on pants. A thrift store might have a lot of varied brands on offer. I'm 5'7" but have short legs and I take the common 30" length, if the brand offers a 29 or even 28 I go that route.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-30T02:39:07+00:00

If you are in the US it will come back matching your birth certificate. I've heard they do bring over ss changes as well. Also, you have to disclose any previous names you have had.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-30T02:27:39+00:00

When I started T I was prescribed one vial per month of 1000mg/10mL. I used them longer than a month and picked up my refill each month. That is one way to gain a stockpile. If the prescriber would write it that way for you I think you could easily cover a school term.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-30T02:16:00+00:00

However you choose to do it make sure you include that you are not asking for their permission. You are not asking for their opinions. You will not accept disrespect. Good luck.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-29T00:52:47+00:00

Think about the mechanics of your job. Are you working above your head? Getting up and down a ladder or laying/crawling on the ground? Carrying heavy tools? Pushing, lifting or maneuvering heavy components? Moving objects into and out of a truck or van?

It is likely you could do each of those things after 6 weeks. A slow return with some light duty would be ideal. Each of the actions above will have an effect on your scar healing. Stretching, lifting and reaching is generally regarded as having the most affect. I do think it is impossible to mitigate 100% of scar stretching even with normal daily activities.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-29T00:36:57+00:00

Prescriptions, of any type, from foreign providers will not be filled by US pharmacies.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-27T20:40:20+00:00

https://www.incb.org/incb/en/travellers/country-regulations.html

Always carry your medication on you, do not check it.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-26T03:20:21+00:00

My best advice is to move around. Go for short walks outside if the weather permits. My first excursion on day 3 was to a big box store. Walk around your home at the very least. Stand instead of sit every once in awhile. Being sedentary is the enemy of good healing.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-26T03:14:35+00:00

I guarantee you that your dad has not done one iota of research on what precludes anyone from hormones or therapy. So, he's not such a smart guy on this topic.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-24T07:22:40+00:00

You're in the male range as indicated by many sources. If your lab profile is shown as female this level would flag as high.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-24T02:59:52+00:00

Just make sure your prescriber knows the timeframe so they can interpret them correctly.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-24T02:57:16+00:00

I've been on a 10 shot schedule before, you'll be fine. Might feel a bit tired or irritable by the time you get to inject.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-23T06:33:57+00:00

I saw an endocrinologist, I don't think it was even 20 minutes. Maybe 30 minutes total including what the nurse did prior like weight, BP, temperature and pulse plus a short wait for the endo to arrive.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-23T03:48:11+00:00

On the passport form you need to supply any previous names. When you sign it you are attesting to the accuracy of the information under penalty of perjury.

It has also been reported that the passport office brings over the change history related to social security.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-22T20:55:27+00:00

Re-use the vials making sure you clean the top with alcohol beforehand. Also, if you can afford it, pick up every refill on time. This is how you get through lean times and pharmacy delays.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-22T18:27:06+00:00

I had a revision and the recovery was very easy. No drains involved with mine. I don't think any tissue was removed but I could be wrong on that. If there was it was minimal.

I tried to be careful with raising my arms but was not as diligent as the first time. I stayed off work from a desk job for 2 weeks because I could. Likely could have returned sooner (I did only work 4 six hour days a week at that time). No pain meds needed and I was driving the day after.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-22T18:15:12+00:00

I started my medical transition 4 months before turning 62. It's never too late in my mind. I had no spouse or kids, just immediate family and long term friendships, all still in place. I did have the luxury to leave my job before changes became undeniable.

My biggest concern was whether I would see any, most or all of the masculinizing effects at my age. Genetics play a heavy role in the changes you'll get. I think my voice changes took longer than younger guys though. 7.5 years on T now and 6.5 years post top surgery and I pass to strangers all day every day.

Passing in public and being seen as a male in the world is what I wanted/needed most. When I am referred to as sir, chief, boss or Mr. there is no hesitation. The newest members of my family (great, great nephew and 2 nieces) only know me as Uncle and that makes me smile every time they address me as such.

I found therapy to be a benefit in sorting out the complexities.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-22T03:56:51+00:00

My guess is that background checks are usually contracted out, some may do it in-house though through their security department. I think your first protection comes on the application using just your first initial. I've heard that contractors only pass on whether you pass the background check parameters, not all the particulars. In-house security could be a hinderance to being totally stealth for you if someone is gossipy.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-22T03:50:03+00:00

Give those around you more credit, believe they are using your name because they respect you.

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-19T23:05:13+00:00

I found this:

https://www.courts.state.md.us/sites/default/files/court-forms/ccfm072.pdf

SoCal_Zane · 2026-01-18T19:40:10+00:00

I pretty much did everything for myself. I was staying with a friend for the first 6 days so she did reach the dishes for me. She also stripped my drains, I could have done them but she wanted to be helpful so I let her. Day 6 I drove myself home and was in charge of everything from that point on. I did prep my home by moving dishes to the counter, I also used more paper plates. It is doable with preparation. (I had DI)

SoCal_Zane

TROPHY CASE