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This has been a rough winter health-wise speaking. I've been through the 'stomach flu' three times now, although it may not have been stomach flu, it may have been a side-effect of having a bad kidney infection due to my kidney stones. I'm really sick of my rocks! The good news is that I finally have an appointment to see a Urologist at UVA on Friday morning. The funny story behind this, is that the Free Clinic tried to make me an appointment earlier an had failed. While I was at the doctor on Monday I needed to give a urine sample so I went to the lab with the nurse that does the appointment scheduling. She looks at me and says "I haven't wanted to call and tell you this, but I couldn't make you an appointment with a Urologist because they won't cover the condition." "what?!?!?" - me "They say it is an elective procedure." - nurse "Man, that sucks. What am I going to do now? I guess I'll just have to go home and start sharpening my scalpel blade and take care of this myself." - me "Did you really think that the free clinic would cover this for you?" - nurse "I didn't know, all I know is that I've been in pain because of this for 2 years and I need it fixed. Its affecting every aspect of my life." - me "I know and I'm so sorry, they just won't do it" - nurse I then go on to explain how I've tried everything, how my parents have helped with medical costs, how I got my gall bladder out and the pain continued, etc. Which is when she looks at me and says "What are you talking about?" "Kidney Stones." - me "That's why you need to see a urologist? That's not what was in the notes?" - nurse "Yeah, I need to see a urologist about kidney stones because there isn't one closer to hear that will work with the free clinic." - me "Well, that's different. I thought you needed to see a urologist about surgery for your transition!?" - nurse "No, I never thought that would be covered. I just want to get rid of kidney stones." - me "Well, they will certainly see you for that!" - nurse I had an appointment made within a half-hour! What silliness. So, today I went to the pharmacy to pick up my latest T prescription. The previous 2 times they sold me syringes pre-loaded with 1 ml of T, and that is what I was expecting today. The syringes were $10/per and the last time I got them a 10ml bottle was $60. Today, they originally tried to sell me 2- 1ml vials for a total of $30! Fortunately, they said that they could fill the prescription with a 10ml vial at $90 instead." WTF!?! Is there a T shortage? I know its more expensive at Walmart and actually every other place I've checked. Wish I knew how to get it cheaper since I really need money at the moment! Oh well, I'm hoping that I have enough to afford gas for the drive to C-ville and back on Friday! Hopefully Mom will give me a little extra, as the illnesses have reduced my earning substantially. I am also well behind on my homework, and I'm exhausted, didn't sleep well last night due to having taken a nap after having been exhausted after classes yesterday. I also need to do more writing in preparation for a couple of projects that I have. I don't know when I think I'm going to get it all done! More to come.

Transformation begins today

Happy Trans Birthday to me!
After much drama I finally went to the pharmacy to pick up my Testosterone. I say there was drama because when I arrived the woman getting out of the car next to me was my Aunt Betty. Now, although I'm willing to be 'out', I didn't necessarily want to explain my transition while picking up my Testosterone at the local pharmacy. So, I did the cowardly thing, and hid until she was safely inside. Then went for a short drive. When I returned, she was gone and I was able to purchase my T without incident. Nice low price. My only issue is that the syringes only have one needle on them, so I can't change needles before injecting myself. Oh well.
So I get home and I'm very excited to do my first injection. However..... I discovered that there wasn't a drop of alcohol in the house! Makes it a little difficult to sterilize things. However, I did have an alcohol containing wipe and betadine. so I wiped the top of the vial with the wipe and then used the wipe with betadine to clean my thigh. The injection went smooth as silk. Didn't hurt at all. Missed all the blood vessels. No bleeding. No big deal!
So, shopping list now includes as sharps container, alcohol and cotton balls or alcohol prep pads and needles, if I can find them. (I'm going to swing by the feed store and see if they have any 23ga needles, I'd even take a 22ga)
So, tonight I'm going out to dinner with the VT LGBT Caucus, I'm hoping to get my hair cut before I go. Should be a fun evening, and I can stop by Walmart on the way home to get the needed supplies for future injections. I know I don't need them for another 2 weeks, but I might as well get them while I'm thinking about it. Otherwise the day will come and I'll still not have them!
Welcome to the world Aaron Christopher!

UNSNAGGED

Couldn't find an online pharmacy that would ship to VA, so I called the local pharmacy. Found their price to be cheaper than online. So, tomorrow I get to call the Dr back and have them fax the prescriptions for T and for syringes down to the local guys.
The only drawback is that I know that being a small town, everyone will know I'm transitioning soon. Oh well, its all good. I'm just happy that I can get started.
Three Cheers!!!!!!

And I Hit a Snag

Apparently the pharmacy that I had been recommended by other Transmen will not ship to VA for some strange reason. Trying to find out information from another online pharmacy, but they haven't called back yet. UGH!!!!

No fun.