Two small steps for a woman…

A couple of things today, a letter arrived asking me to make an appointment with the local psychiatrist as my referral had been accepted, so I did, and it’s a week on Monday. Not long to wait, not long to think about it, and not much time in which to panic! No, I’m sure it will be fairly casual, tell me about your childhood and all that. Actually I’ve no idea, I imagine I will be expected to do most of the talking, something I’m not great at when under pressure and sober.

Sober is something I’ve been for many weeks now, really since Pip and I last went out, though I did have a ickle drink when she was here a couple of weeks ago. So I’m pleased that I’m no longer craving alcohol at all, it did used to be quite a habit. It is a very important aspect of transitioning, clean living and a healthy liver.

So after I made my appointment I got in touch with the only place around here that does IPL (intense pulsed light) and laser treatment for hair removal, and I’m having a patch test for IPL next Thursday, which should be interesting. As many of the hairs on my face are quite light it will at best only be a partial solution, but hopefully will save a bit of time and pain due to less electrolysis being needed. That I should be able to get in the town where I live, the IPL place is 20 – 30 minutes drive, not too bad I guess. They said they had treated several men effectively in the past. I suppose there are "real" men out there who wish to have their beards removed, but when they asked what medications I was on (I had given them a hint) I left them in no doubt as to my reasons. The lady on the phone went on to say that they had had others "going through the change", and she didn’t mean the menopause, who had gone on to do other parts of their body, which I may well consider if I’m not totally bankrupt by the time I’ve finished all this.

So a couple of small steps closer today, always nice to feel that you’re moving in the right direction. I’d like to take some giant leaps but it doesn’t work that way. Patience is a virtue. Good job.