I had an appointment with my new General Practitioner today. I went in with the intent to let him know I plan to transition and I want his help with getting my health physically ready. At first Instead of meeting him, I met a 3rd year Medical student instead, who proceeded to interview me about my health concerns. I am pretty certain he was very close to half my age and as nice as he was, I had NO intention about sharing my deepest concerns over my lifetime to someone that seemed like a kid to me.
I had my blood pressure taken and it was WAY higher than usual. High enough they were concerned about me being treated for it immediately. I think it was up do to being nervous about my situation and possibly the large amount of Chai and Black tea I had been drinking over the past couple days. I reassured them I had medicine at home from my cardiologist to manage unexpected spikes and that I would go home and take it immediately. I didn't of course, I went to the gym and spent 2 easy hours on the elliptical first, then went home and took my meds. BP is back under control.
After talking to both of them, I asked the Dr. if I could talk to him privately and got the opportunity to tell him my entire motivation for all I am doing is based on my desire to transition. I was surprised when he seemed to get excited, and said so you just want to be happy. EXACTLY!! So he seems very willing to work with me all the way through the process, he may not have experience with TG patients, but I'm just counting on his help with referrals and getting healthy, as well as his understanding. He has referred patients to the best known local TG HRT Endocrinologist, who happens to be in my current plan. So when I am ready for HRT or need to see an Endo for any other reason, I should be able to see him. All good so far.
After speaking with both the intern and Dr. I was provided with a couple referrals and a plan to start improving my health. The primary concern is with my heart/weight. They got all serious on me about what I needed to be doing and when I told them what I had already started the were impressed and told me to keep it up. But they did say they would be watching me closely, and I hope they do.
They gave me a some lab work to get blood tests. After explaining that I wanted to transition, I asked the Dr. if he could add E and T levels to the test and he did it no problem. I'm all excited to know where I am at with those.
He gave me a referral to a Spine specialist so I can try and loosen up from a back injury about 12 years ago (some fork lift drove into my back). It REALLY limits my range of motion and I am concerned to could affect my ability to provide a more feminine deportment. Hopefully I can get them to help me with loosening up my hip flexors too, which would help me with crossing my legs.
He gave me a referral to a surgical specialist to look at a potential abdominal hernia that became more noticeable after losing some weight. I believe one of the solutions is to insert a surgical mesh to reinforce the abdominal wall. I am hoping (fantasizing) that the surgery can be used to narrow my waistline,even if just a little. Either way I am betting it will be best the surgery itself after I have lost weight.
Lastly he gave me prescription for Retin-A. He said it was more of a formality before he could send me to a dermatologist. I'm glad to ave it anyway, just to use it to clear up my skin in the meantime. Once I get the dermatologist appointment, I'll find out about getting some resurfacing done on my back and neck. I'll also let the dermatologist know about my desire to transition so I can get some advice on who I can go to locally for beard removal, since most of the places that do it here seem to be dermatology offices.
These are a lot of initial steps to removing my lifetime of masculinity and not caring about my body. I have a chance for success,and I am excited
Freya
