I had a great year in 2008. Back in January I received my second recommendation for surgery (at my second appointment at the Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic). In February I met the surgeon, Mr Bellringer, to see if I was suitable for surgery - due to health reasons I may have been in a position where I couldn't undergo surgery. Although It was noted that i had a lot of scarring in the genital/scrotal area it was agreed that there would be sufficient donor material. Then in March when I was seeking information about my admission date to hospital I was told by the Primary Care Trust that they would not fund my surgery. Fortunately for me, Bob had an insurance policy mature and he agreed to fund my op. So a date was set for July. In May I had a moment of madness and attempted to take my life. Fortunately for me friends on Trannyweb, UKAngels and TVChix all acted and my life was saved. However at the time I considered them to be interfering b******s but they all meant well and I'm still here to tell the story. This attempt on my life was not transgender related but caused by a family matter. July soon came around and I had a successful operation. Thirteen weeks after the op I married my darling Bob. To me the icing was now on the cake. I'd finally got married as a woman and was given away by my dear dad. My only regret on my wedding day was that my mother was not there to see me (she passed away back in 1968).

I will admit that my journey from male to female has not been as easy as I sometimes make out. During my life I've hardly socialised on the T-scene. Since I started my Real Life Experience in December 2005 I've lived as a woman with little help from the T-community. During this 3 years I've been told I'm not a genuine transsexual (well I've never professed to be transsexual anyway), that I must be odd because I've not suffered depression because of my transgenderism, I've not had any form of counselling. As I've known all of my life that I'm a female, do I really need a counsellor to tell me I am? I think not.

So now I'm going to move on. I'm slowly, over the next few months, making a phased withdrawal from the T-scene. I've started this withdrawal by leaving a couple of forums and will leave any others I'm on by he summer. My last T social event will be at Sparkle in July although if my other half wants to attend any events after that I'll do so but as the significant other.

I won't say that I'm going into stealth because I still intend staying in touch with some of my good T-friends and helping those that I already help.

Alina

Hi Alina,
It is great that you have really moved on in your life as the real you!!

I only ask that you keep in touch, as you are somewhat of an inspiration to those of us still on our journey.

As for the doubters, is it really necessary to suffer to be counted as a Transgendered person? We should celebrate those who have made their transition so smoothly.

Hugz from an appreciative sister,

MichelleLynn

hi Alina
all the best for 09
i to have hardly socialised on the T-scene
i prefer to be out in normal places well if you can call them normal places but you know what i mean


look after your self and keep safe
abby xxx

Hi all
Well the time has come to act. Yes I'm now about to move on. I've decided that I'm definitely going to move away from the various forums I'm a member of. Over the last couple of years I've made some great friends on these various sites. These are friendships that will last I'm sure.
I'm not leaving on a high by the way. I have to have another appointment at the Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic in mid February (I was signed off by them back in early October) because my surgeon is not happy because i told him I feel gender neutral following my surgery. I did use the wrong words to describe my problem I should have said that my brain and body are again out of sync because my genital region is now "gender neutral". I also have an examination and dilation under anaesthetic in early March. If corrective surgery cannot be accomplished at this time I'll have to undergo a further op.

Thanks for the support I've been given here.

Lots of love Alina xxx

P.S. The end of the month will see me go.

Good for you.
We must move forward in life or stop growing as a person.
What you said about others saying your not TS because you've not sufferd enough. Where do they come up with that crap?
You are a good person & I'm glad your still with us.

Alina,

I want to wish you all the very best for the future and may all your dreams come true. [well, so many have so far!]

You've always been a quiet inspiration in the back of my mind and I'm truly thankfull for people like you out there. You'll never really know the debt you're owed.

God bless.

Rae xx

Good Luck, Alina.

All the best to you Alina, I have to agree that you are certainly leaving on a high and isn't that the best way to do it?

As far as socialising on the T-scene goes, I wasn't aware that it was mandatory, I never do either, I prefer to go where I please instead. The same goes for those who said you weren't this or that, sod them, you know who who are and are very happy with yourself so who cares what anyone else thinks?

I hope life continues to be good to you both. Take care and best wishes.

Nikki