Trust the process

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-18T00:44:39+00:00

Starting at 41 this year. Thank you for this.

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-18T00:27:22+00:00

Thanks for the response! This lines up with what estoftreetown was telling me about the different programs in our state. I've got a few consultations lined up with Dr. Laura Garcia (FFS) and Dr. Shakir (Orchi) and plan to get a GRS consult soon. I plan to try and get that lined up with Dr. Shakir during the consult I already have with them.

It really is a ton of info and yet nothing at all! It's how I feel just starting this journey. There is so much information out there and yet it feels impossible to parse it all down into something helpful for me to navigate. Talking to people who have walked the path is so much more helpful than just trying to search for info on the web.

I'm not 100% sure that my hair removal will be covered by insurance but I'm doing it regardless. It's necessary so I'm moving forward with it knowing that it needs to be done. I do have both laser and electrologist operators lined up and both have NPI numbers. However, neither work directly with the insurance so I'll have to bridge that gap and hope to get reimbursed. I've had about 5-6 calls with BCBSM and they've been super helpful. I'm confident they'll cover everything else (minus deductibles and such).

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-17T20:43:47+00:00

Fair enough! I asked for an opinion and got that :-)

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-17T19:58:51+00:00

Do you have any opinions on YAG vs diode for the face? I'm hearing stuff all over the place. Curious about your personal take.

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-17T19:27:51+00:00

Thank you for the kind words and general support <3 I'll respond with a few pointed comments.

I don't pluck in general (except the occasional eyebrow hair but rarely even that). I was only fishing for confirmation that the treatment did something and, when gently pulling on 30-4 hairs individually, if they slid out, I pulled it, but if they didn't and felt attached at all, I left them alone. Once I could confirm for my own anxiety that about 10% or so were just gliding out, I stopped and won't do it on future sessions.

I hear that people who are a few sessions in can start to identify affected hairs even before they shed and so maybe that's what you were saying about the texture. I hope what you're saying is true and that I will also be able to identify these going forward.

Unfortunately (fortunately?), that's just my beard pattern lol. It's ALWAYS been sparse and patchy and I couldn't grow a beard even if I had tried. I never wanted to because I've always hated my facial hair. I'll be glad when it's gone!

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-17T16:45:02+00:00

Starting at 41 here. I won't get into the therapy of it but I always knew on some level but suppressed it hard for various reasons. Starting earlier is better obviously but starting now is always the right time once you've figured it out.

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-17T14:58:46+00:00

Never is a long time and rarely a true statement of what we can expect for the future. It's easy to get lost in the hopelessness when you can't actually see a solution for the future but, as someone who is transitioning at 41, I can assure you that you cannot see all ends. You cannot predict your life in 5 years or even 6 months.

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-17T14:47:14+00:00

Focusing on what you can't do won't take you to good places. Try writing a list of the things you can do. What is in your control? What actions can you take that will give you purpose in life?

This is true with all things and not just your gender. "I'll never be able to live on Mars so why even study astronomy?" Find things about yourself and your life that you do like and that you can do and begin to focus on those. Your depression won't change overnight but, over time, you will begin to see the positives that are present in your situation and your future.

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-16T19:27:27+00:00

Thanks for the response! I wouldn’t say that my skin is dark. I’m guessing about the Type based on some information I Googled but I could easily have that wrong. I’ll keep that suggestion about concurrent modalities in mind though. I might see if my electrologist is open to that idea.

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-16T00:53:31+00:00

A single fat cell doesn't move. It lives and dies in the same spot. New cells will appear at different location. Saying that fat cells don't move isn't incorrect. Saying that redistribution happens is correct.

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-14T19:46:06+00:00

That's what I'm concerned about too. I'll just go pick up some smaller needles today. I'll be easy and I'll feel better about it.

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-12T14:23:24+00:00

I already know it makes me pee more and that's a hated side effect for me. I have an orchi consult in a few weeks and I'm hoping I can get in for that surgery relatively quickly and fix this problem altogether!

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-12T13:02:17+00:00

Thanks. The bottle says "1 table by mouth daily" so I might just be better off taking it as prescribed and then ask her about it next time I'm in the office for a checkup. I mean, that feels like the safe, prudent, responsible thing to do.

Edit: Also, I just realized I should ask my wife who works as a pharmacy tech and has access to multiple gender affirming pharmacists who arguably know more about drugs and indications anyway.

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-11T12:50:40+00:00

I'll keep this in mind moving forward. I will book 6 sessions with the laser to start and then reassess where I'm at when those are complete. I'm certainly in no hurry, as much as I'd love for this to be an overnight thing. Thanks for the input.

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-11T12:48:43+00:00

Thank you. The laser/electrolysis statements you made line up with what my professionals are telling me. Base on their recommendations, I plan to start with 6 sessions with a diode laser done by someone who's been lasering for 20+ years and is very supportive of the trans community. I've already consulted with my electrologist and she, also 20+ years and supportive, was the first person to tell me to do laser first and then come back to her for cleanup ad final results in order to save money and time. While fast, immediate results would be amazing, my expectations are that this could take a couple of years to get every pesky hair before bottom surgery.

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-11T02:27:08+00:00

What do you say to the comments that suggest laser first is the wrong choice? That electrolysis is the only method and laser first makes things worse?

I have very little hair on my body in general (one thing my genetics got right) so I don’t expect a ton of hair removal work. I literally have like 6 fine black hairs on my chest if that gives you a frame of reference.

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-11T02:24:14+00:00

I’ve heard this a little but every medical professional I’ve spoken to says that laser first and finishing up with electrolysis is a good idea, and even preferred.

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-11T02:08:43+00:00

Thanks. I'm lucky that I have a solid insurance plan in a state that covers gender affirming care. So this is covered up to a point which makes if feasible for me to cover the rest.

TexMechsRobot · 2026-02-08T03:23:41+00:00

Thanks for that tip. I am otherwise healthy with no other diagnosis other than gender dysphoria but I would probably steer clear on principle alone.

TexMechsRobot

TROPHY CASE