Informing doctors

[Edge]

My doctor doesn't seem to have a clue on what to do for a trans patient. This makes sense and it's unlikely I'll find a doctor in this city who is. Six weeks ago she told me she would look into it. Six weeks later, she told me she had asked someone in Halifax (another province with a different health care system) and would let me know when she heard something. I know of a website with a lot of information for doctors on trans care and on hormones. However, it's several pages long (we're talking over fifty. I printed it out to read when I didn't have internet at home) and it's from BC where there is a different health care system. But hey, since she's already asking someone from another province and healthcare system...
It seems like there is the obvious solution of giving her the information I have. That is one of the reasons I printed it out. It should be reasonable to expect her to take the time to read it, but it is very long and, since there is a shortage of family doctors here, she is pretty busy. Ok writing this out answered my own question. Of course it is reasonable to expect her to become informed. Here, doc, have some homework.

[IBIS99]

I'm going to tell my GP Jan 7th that I'm trans. I'm worried about what to do if she can't be helpful. I guess, find another doctor. I'm super nervous. But I'm also excited to finally be doing it and starting the process.

[Seana]

Edge,
If you are in the maritimes  then it makes absolute sense they would refer you to someone in Halifax, specifically ( and most likely ) Dr. Gee. Dr Gee is the leading transgender professional in the maritimes. PEI, and Newfoundland dont have any, and while there are a couple  endocrinologists out of Saint John NB  but the reports I get from their patients is that they are extreme gatekeepers. . If they are trying to refer you to Dr Gee  GO WITH IT> YOU WONT REGRET IT.
And it's still covered by your regular provincial healthcare, as are other out of province procedures such as Gastric Bypass.

Now if you are in Quebec or more west, it makes no sense they would refer you there, as there are several qualified in Quebec city and in Montreal, and Ottawa.

Not all doctors do know how it's done. Mine didn't, and he's a coroner as well. He was smart enough thought o ask, where to be referred to.

Seana

[Edge]

Ah That makes sense. Transitioning isn't covered by provincial healthcare here though. How do I get to Dr. Gee though? He's in another province, I don't drive, and I have a toddler.
What kind of gatekeeping? The kind where I have to get a letter from a psychologist because I can do that or the kind where I have to "prove" my masculinity by being a straight he-man?

[Seana]

I tried to find the thread on the St John endo that a few people had issues with to answer your question, but I wasnt able to. Most of the info I have for the maritimes is second hand from the transgendercanada board. IIRC the issue was thye didnt seem to know what they were doing, and ended up prescribing too little spiro and Estridiol to have any effect. The folks that went there were mainly MTF. When trying to find the thread the description I got of the SJ endo was "Draconian at best"   so I guess you can take it from that.

In case it's helpful, here's what they have listed for trans professionals in the maritimes, I cant vouch if it's current::

NEWFOUNDLAND


Laser/Electrolysis Hair Removal

hillcrest clinic - (St. john`s)

NOVA SCOTIA

Gender Therapists

Nancy Bartlett - (Halifax)- (http://www.drnina.org/untitled1.html)
Glenna Emmett-Reashor - (Halifax - public practice)

Endocrinologists

Dr. Shirl Gee (Halifax)

Trans friendly Diabetic Clinic

Heather Smith- diabetes clinic - (Halifax)

Laser Techs

Kaitlin Rose and Jenny Veinotte - Enlighten Laser (Halifax)
Carrie Yeo, Owner of Light Touch Laser - (Kentville)

Electrolysis

Chandrae Bailey - Bedford Electrolysis (Bedford)


Spiritual support

Rev. David Ogilvie - Port Williams Baptist Church, NS


PEI




NEW BRUNSWICK


Gender Therapists

Dr. Christian Calvy - (Moncton - public practice)
Barb Gibson - Saint John (Rothesay)

Endocrinologists

Dr. Micheal Pelky - Hartland (Woodstock)
Dr. Tania Gallant - (Moncton)

Laser Hair Removal

laserlooks - http://laserlooks.net/ - (Moncton)


Support Group

Moncton Transgender Peer Support Group - (serves all trans persons) - Moncton (e-mail be_tgmoncton@live.com)


I lived in Moncton for much of my teenage years so I made a note of the information in case I decided to return ( which I very nearly did five years ago).
You dont mention if you are a single parent,  but the toddler comment makes me think you are. I only see my endocrinologist every 2-4 months usually to go over blood work. I understand Acadia bus lines isnt running anymore, but depending on where you are you may be able to catch a via ( the Ocean) train into halifax. The other possibility is if you get to know the folks in transgendercanada one may be able to give you a lift when they go for their own appointment possibly?


Seana

[Seana]

ah, found the info on the SJ doc.
The doctor is:
Dr. Dornan (or Doornob) and resigns at the st john regional hospital.

The issue seems to be that he wont assist or prescribe without someone showing up /and living  as their chosen gender. And asking for multiple psychiatrist referrals, then as I said doing a poor job of it at any rate. None of the people I saw talking about him went to more than one or two appointments before  getting referred to Dr Gee by a third party.

There also , as the list shows seems to be some operating out of Moncton, but I havent heard anything about if they are helpful or not and dont know anyone who has gone there.

Seana

[Edge]

Thanks! That's a lot of information. Yeah I'm a single parent.

[Seana]

I'm not a single parent , but I do have four of em and my youngest is full autistic. . Hopefully you have a sitter or relative that can get you out loong enough.

Seana