Scheduled for Pap Smear-HPV Screening Tomorrow

[UCBerkeleyPostop]

So I stopped by the University Health Center to schedule my first medical appointment to adjust my HRT mainly. I had already found the names of the two practitioners who are the TS specialists so I asked the receptionist to make an appointment for one of them. She asked why them, I said that they were recommended to me. She said OK then, she would recommend that I start out with the typical woman's screening which includes a PAP smear and an HPV screening. I just smiled and said "Oh yes, I haven't had one recently, that would be good!" She scheduled me for tomorrow and I walk out with a big smile on my face.

[UCBerkeleyPostop]

Wait, why is getting a pap smear cause for smiling? It sounds awks times 5...yikes!

I guess I have to explain this.

I am not actually getting a Pap smear, I am scheduled to receive one.  I was advised to get the typical "women's checkup" which is recommended for all women on their first visit to the clinic. Now it is one thing to be called Miss and Ma'am every day confirming one's identity but it is quite another to be confirmed in this manner by a member of the medical profession.

And yet another reason to celebrate: I received my final financial aid package yesterday. Not only are all my fees paid (including health insurance) at the world's most prestigious public university but I am receiving about $5000 a year for incidental expenses, half of which was just deposited into my checking account, all of which confirms that achieving sobriety and "completing transition" were the best things I have ever done.

[Devlyn]

Thanks for the edit, I didn't know where you were going with this either.

[Nicolette]

UCBerkeleyPostop, gathering from past posts, you are also in a "deep stealth" relationship. I thought that would be enough reassurance. If not, I completely understand where you're coming from..

[AbraCadabra]

Interesting, yes.
What about if you have no pap to smear? 

Just thinking,
Axélle

[UCBerkeleyPostop]

UCBerkeleyPostop, gathering from past posts, you are also in a "deep stealth" relationship. I thought that would be enough reassurance. If not, I completely understand where you're coming from..

After what I went through in my first three years of transition, working an outside sales job in female mode when I was only 50-75% "passable," no amount of reassurance is too much. I don't know why but this struck me as such a particularly high level of confirmation but it did.

What about if you have no pap to smear?

I don't. My pap died young. I don't have a cervix either.

The appointment went great, mostly consultation actually, she said she would do the Pap smear when I do my complete physical. 

[MariaMx]

I haven't been asked to have a PAP smear but I love it when medical professionals examining me ask me if I know if I'm currently pregnant, so I can certainly understand your excitement

[UCBerkeleyPostop]

I haven't been asked to have a PAP smear but I love it when medical professionals examining me ask me if I know if I'm currently pregnant, so I can certainly understand your excitement

Yes, it is very confirming. I remember the first time a woman asked in a restroom if I had a sanitary napkin. Also very confirming...anything that relates directly to reproduction or reproductive organs.  It can get hairy though...such as when women start asking about your periods. You really learn how to think on your feet. Of course, you can always create a cover story.

[Elena G]

5k? You're just one hell of a lucky b. I just can't imagine how WONDERFUL it must be to experience such things after all you've gone through. It's like living several lives in one. You worked out hard, but I'm sure you are that happy because you are conscious that what you got in life is actually really hard to achieve, so just like you said, no amount of reassurance is enough. Enjoy your blessings, for most people in your position would certainly do that!

[Ms. OBrien CVT]

Even being told that you are due for a pap smear, is a win. 

[MariaMx]

Yes, it is very confirming. I remember the first time a woman asked in a restroom if I had a sanitary napkin. Also very confirming...anything that relates directly to reproduction or reproductive organs.

Yes, those kind of questions are always great as you know it is a sure pass and not just someone being polite. I also like when people ask me if my husband and I have kids. Last time that happened was with our driver in Thailand. Since we didn't have any kids he suggested that maybe my husband should go see a doctor. At the moment he was driving us from Pattaya to Chonburi for my checkup with Dr. Suporn. I jokingly said to my husband that maybe he could see him Suporn while we were there

First time we visited my parents in law in the US they asked if we had any plans to have kids but we told them I couldn't have kids. I don't think they suspected anything though because they are sort of the christian conservative type and they didn't react in any way.

It can get hairy though...such as when women start asking about your periods. You really learn how to think on your feet. Of course, you can always create a cover story.

I haven't had that happen yet beyond my ill-informed friend that asked me if I would have periods and be able to get pregnant when I first came out to her.