physical questions.

[kariann330]

So I have to get a physical for work. Everything is going straight back to my employer who I'm not out to yet. My problem is that I already have some nipple and breast development from hrt. I'm wondering if there is a way to hide this from the doctors doing the physical, or a way to explain it without either outing myself or barring myself from employment.

thanks for any advice.

Kari.

[stephaniec]

So I have to get a physical for work. Everything is going straight back to my employer who I'm not out to yet. My problem is that I already have some nipple and breast development from hrt. I'm wondering if there is a way to hide this from the doctors doing the physical, or a way to explain it without either outing myself or barring myself from employment.

thanks for any advice.

Kari.

I'm not well informed on this issue nor do I know your legal rights as far as medical confidentiality but I would think all they need to know is if you are able to perform the duties required.

[vlmitchell]

If you've already got nipple enlargement, you've also probably got softer skin/lighter body hair. It's *possible* that they won't know what's up but, they're doctors so if they're actually paying attention, it's very unlikely that they'll miss it.

My recommendation: ask the doctors what privacy you can have under their examination and what data will be sent back to your employer before submitting to the exam.

What kind of work do you do that you have to go through a physical?

[sad panda]

It should be fine, gynecomastia isn't uncommon esp in older guys, they'd just think you have low T. You can't really hide it aside from temp going off HRT, or reducing water in your skin by cutting carbs and sodium for a few days before.

[DrBobbi]

The physical will most likely not mention it. Unless you disclose your HRT. Then he's obligated to chart it.

[suzifrommd]

I'm not a lawyer, but I believe under the HIPAA law in the United States, it is against the law for your doctor to release medical information to your employer unless you authorize it.

I would be honest with your doctor. Otherwise a misdiagnosis could be a problem.

[Jess42]

I'm not a lawyer, but I believe under the HIPAA law in the United States, it is against the law for your doctor to release medical information to your employer unless you authorize it.

I would be honest with your doctor. Otherwise a misdiagnosis could be a problem.

If it is a specific physical such as a D.O.T. physical, the employer has to keep a copy of the physical itself on file in their offices. Actually unless the doctor asks, don't mention it. Like sad panda said, gynecomastia is fairly common. I have it and have to do a physical every 2 years for work and have only been asked once. Also the deal with the body hair, just tell them that during the summer it's too hot and you sweat too much(hyperhydrosis) and you get bacterial infections if you have the body hair because it keeps sweat trapped between the hair and skin instead of the clothing soaking it up. This is what I tell the one that I have to see. Company physicals are a pain and I usually come out feeling like a stripper but with no tips or at least a dinner out of the deal. But they usually buy all my excuses and those things aren't noted on the physical that I have to give to the company. It should be whether you are healthy enough to do the job or not and nothing else.

[kariann330]

The physical is for a factory not DOT, and I already gave them authorization to report back to my employer. It's a condition for employment, same as passing a drug test and a federal background check. The drug test in not worried about because I don't use drugs. The background check in not worried about because I pass an FBI background check every time I buy a new gun. Really the only thing I'm worried about is this dang post hire physical

[Jess42]

The physical is for a factory not DOT, and I already gave them authorization to report back to my employer. It's a condition for employment, same as passing a drug test and a federal background check. The drug test in not worried about because I don't use drugs. The background check in not worried about because I pass an FBI background check every time I buy a new gun. Really the only thing I'm worried about is this dang post hire physical

Yeah, it's ridiculous with the gestapo type corporations and in my case the federal government. I don't mind going to the doctor but it is sort of humiliating when I know for a fact that I am healthy, look healthy and so on and have to get touched in a private part when I know whether or not I have a hernia. Same with the hemorrhoids, I actually have to bend over and spread 'em. Quite a few years of taking these physicals and this is the only doctor that has even checked for that? I'm starting to wonder about him. I mean I could understand if they did all kinds of other stuff like MRI, EKG, ECG, CAT scan and all the other stuff that could actually tell someone whether or not I have something really wrong. as for background checks, they say it's through the FBI but I figure someone is just googling your name and if nothing comes up you're good.

Kariann, really don't worry too much about it. I have small boobs and can explain that as gynecomastia, as for the lack of body hair, the heat kills me and I have to dress in ridiculous clothing for safety's sake in an area that sees 95+ degrees and 100% humidity, now some places on top of that want us to wear coveralls. I get soaking wet with sweat and then have to drive which is  sitting without moving for hours in that nasty sweat. Without the hair, the clothing soaks up the sweat and no bacterial infections occur due to the hair trapping the sweat between it and the skin. The Doctor buys it. Or I think he does anyway. If he ever asks, I'll just ask him why he assumes and if he is interested. I wouldn't mind snagging me a doctor anyway plus he's not bad looking either. I may shake it up next time and wear my pink bikini panties with the white lace and see how he reacts. SO... Don't forget to wear boxers if you are incognito. But anyway I asked the same thing about physicals almost a year ago and someone told me not to worry and it turned out just fine. Your body and what you do with it is your business and your's alone and doctors I'm sure have seen a lot of things that I don't even want to think about. Don't worry, it will be fine.

[Jodi.LP]

I wouldn't say anything and if they question  your breast blame it on hormone "imbalance" or gynecomastia