Topic: Transfered to the VA from Private

[KrystalDragon]

Well after much reading and a conversation with my va Dr and the VA nurse I've moved from a private care system called Plume to the VA for my care.

Right off the bat both my Dr and the nurse were awesome in both attitudes and body language over the news,
She did a referral to an endo Dr , we spoke about a week later, and bam im in the program.
they will continue my current dosages.

A very key phrase came up in the conversations with the Dr's and staff " it's no longer a mental health issue, but medical"

Dont get me wrong, Plume is great, but they only see a tiny tiny piece of the puzzle,
between the endo(hormone dr) and my primary care are in the same organization and collaborate and thats a good thing.

The down side so far is, now both dr's know my health status, and I get an earful from both now about , weight, diet, exercise lol.

they offered speech therapy right off the bat.
Im not sure what else they offer at this time, but I'll be exploring a lot more now that im out of hiding.

If you had thoughts about using the VA, chat with your Dr. ask them. You might find the same welcome I did and I hope you do

[Northern Star Girl]

@KrystalDragon
Dear Krystal:
Wow, I am very pleased that you were so warmly treated by your new doctors at the VA...
...we don't always hear good reports about the VA care.
I will be eagerly looking for your updates as you feel comfortable sharing them.

  "...now both dr's know my health status, and I get an earful from both now about , weight, diet, exercise lol."
Yep... you can plan on getting that same story from most doctors that you will initially see.

HUGS and best wishes,
Danielle

[KrystalDragon]

An update so far on my adventures with the VA in Mass.
Product shortages are what I hear as to why the VA pharma hasn't provided any estradiol, or the correct needles for injections.
I got my dutaster*** right away. 
I spoke with my DR about it, she wrote and snail mailed me a script that Amazon filled right away.
however that took about 2 1/2 weeks. VA Dr did not want to do an E-script.

Now its the end of September and the VA hasn't filled my initial prescription for E.
I spoke with my DR again on my last appointment about it and that I'm still using Plume services as well, because they can get me supplies and the blood work is more convenient for me, the VA is a 60 mile round trip in the wrong direction from work.
The VA doc is ok with this for a work around, she's going to get back to me about whats going on in the pharmacy

Then as we're talking about things, she asks if Id like a referral for electrolysis ,
I'm like O hell yeah that's covered? She smiles and says Yes I can create the referral.
I've already had a call and am now just await to know when my appointment is.

As part of our conversations as we'll we spoke about long term goals and any plans on surgeries, I mention the only thing I was considering was an Ori** as that would eliminate the need to take Duta indefinitely.
 With a huge smile she mentions that may be covered next year.

So in short thats where I sit right now,
In what I call hybrid transcare
My VA primary is aware
MY VA endocrinologist(spelling) is aware
My Plume DR is aware of the other two.

I'm one year in and I am the happiest I think Ive been in my whole life, I so content with the changes I see every day as I look in the mirror.


 


So all in all a few bumps, but nothing horrible.
 

[Krestella]

Hello,
   I am new here and I saw your post. I'm interested since I am a veteran as well. I have some questions if you don't mind. I read that you are being treated by the VA, and that had me wondering... Were you able to successfully claim gender dysmorphia or are you being treated because of your overall disability? Thanks in advance. I am trying to file a claim for the 5th time and I was wondering if I could claim that as well and if so how did you make the case?  so many questions.... 

[Jessica_Rose]

Hello,
   I am new here and I saw your post. I'm interested since I am a veteran as well. I have some questions if you don't mind. I read that you are being treated by the VA, and that had me wondering... Were you able to successfully claim gender dysmorphia or are you being treated because of your overall disability? Thanks in advance. I am trying to file a claim for the 5th time and I was wondering if I could claim that as well and if so how did you make the case?  so many questions....

Hello @Krestella , welcome to Susan's Place and the Forums!

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I noticed this is your very first post at Susan's Place! We hope you will find this a safe and friendly place to share information and read about the experiences of others. Susan's Place can be an amazing resource for advice, support, and sympathetic friends. Please feel free to comment on posts, ask questions, or share parts of your life. Some of our members even create their own blogs to document their journeys.

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[Northern Star Girl]

@Krestella
Dear Krestella:
I am so very glad to see that you found the Military Veterans Confab where you will find conversations from other veterans regarding the things that may concern us.

It is nice for me to see that another military veteran has become a member of Susan's Place and the Forums.
      THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE !!! 

I will be eagerly looking for your future posting around the Forums.

Warm Regards,
Danielle   Northern Star Girl
USAF Veteran    USAF 2004 - 2008 ... Much of the time at Lackland AFB in Texas
                             primarily assigned to the Air Education and Training Command (AETC)

Hello,
   I am new here and I saw your post. I'm interested since I am a veteran as well. I have some questions if you don't mind. I read that you are being treated by the VA, and that had me wondering... Were you able to successfully claim gender dysmorphia or are you being treated because of your overall disability? Thanks in advance. I am trying to file a claim for the 5th time and I was wondering if I could claim that as well and if so how did you make the case?  so many questions....

[Northern Star Girl]

One more thing....  @Krestella   @KrystalDragon
                          and ALL other members on the Forums that are Veterans

If you have not already done so, please find your way to the following
thread here on the Military Veterans Confab sub-forum.
                          Roll call!
      https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,96755.0.html

There, you can see who the other members are that are Military Veterans...
... please feel free to post your Roll Call comments there as well.

Warm Regards.... and Thank YOU for your service.
Danielle  Northern Star Girl
     USAF 2004 - 2008 ... Much of the time at Lackland AFB in Texas
                             primarily assigned to the Air Education and Training Command (AETC)

[KrystalDragon]

Hello,
   I am new here and I saw your post. I'm interested since I am a veteran as well. I have some questions if you don't mind. I read that you are being treated by the VA, and that had me wondering... Were you able to successfully claim gender dysmorphia or are you being treated because of your overall disability? Thanks in advance. I am trying to file a claim for the 5th time and I was wondering if I could claim that as well and if so how did you make the case?  so many questions....

So sorry for the delay in replying,
The VA has been great, I didnt have to apply for anything, Im in the VA healthcare system.
I told my Dr I was going to transition, I was immediately welcomed by my doctor and told what the VA can offer and how my Dr can help. offered blood tests, hormones and more, I was asked if Id like to see an edo(hormon dr) and I said yes, care with the edo has been great, they cover hair restoration, electrolysis(not laser) and more.

Its a medical issue now and no longer a mental health issue, so a lot of the old school BS you had to go thru is old history.

good luck, welcome to the party. Talk to your VA dr about what is offered.


KD