Came out to my doctor.. today

[Tony2Toni]

Came out to my doctor this morning .. "said I'd like him to refer me to see a gender therapist "
He was ok with it but he said this "these things take a very long time to " he had another patient once before and it took so long this other chap gave up in the end ..

But he said he would write to the Psychiatric dept at our local hospital.. "not that I think your crazy" (he added thankfully )..it needs to go through them first ..

So I wonder If I've done the right thing or opened a door to the nut house ..(just kidding.)
but the Psychiatric Dept sounds a bit scary ..

What do you think??

[Jason C]

That's awesome, well done! Don't be scared, though, it's just so that you can talk about how you feel and they can help you decide on the next step, I guess.

[Veronica M]

Congratulations Toni,
I have yet to tell my GP and sought out a therapist first, but it is on my agenda for sure. I see him every three months so I will be discussing this with him for sure. He moved his practice from New Orleans LA. so I am hoping this won't be his first rodeo so to speak. We'll see...

[ErinM]

Congratulations on taking such a big step.

Don't worry about the formality of the psychiatric department. Where I am there is no actual gender clinic per se, but one of the two docs who signs off on everything "official" in the province works out of the Outpatient Physchiatry department.

In a twist of irony, while it is a publicly funded hospital and part of the health care system, it is still run by the Catholic priests and nuns. Needless to say they aren't too happy about these services being offered there, but can't do anything about it.

[jaybutterfly]

I came out to mine recently too and shes trying to help me, I hate my body so much sometimes Im glad my male sex function stopped from the stress it caused me, makes things simpler. I hope you hear back from them soon. Mine believe it was down to depression and sent me to CBT, which doesnt really deal with trans issues

[Tony2Toni]

Thanks guys..
I know it was the right thing to do If I want to move forward .. but I've known this doctor for about 10 years .. and now I feel I've lost his respect  and he'll never look at me the same ..

oh well.. think positive .. It was a brave thing to do .. and I should be proud of myself ....

[Veronica M]

Thanks guys..
I know it was the right thing to do If I want to move forward .. but I've known this doctor for about 10 years .. and now I feel I've lost his respect  and he'll never look at me the same ..

oh well.. think positive .. It was a brave thing to do .. and I should be proud of myself ....

Guys??? (Smiles) Never the less, Congratulations, that was a brave thing to do for sure... If it is the case that he does not respect your decision then perhaps it's time to ask for medical records and find a new doctor. It is very important to have mutual respect in a doctor / patient relationship...

[Tony2Toni]

Thanks everyone for your support.
A few days later and I feel a lot better about it now.. maybe It's not mainstream and the norm'....
But I like the way I am.. I love the new me ..   
the doctor can either approve or dissaprove ..(his choice)
I don't 'have to' see a gender therapist .. just thought I'd like to discuss the hormones thingy and any other benefits there might be .. and actually It might be fun with the Psychiatrist .. 'Bring it on ....'  I'm perfectly sane ..hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah....

An afterthought ..I just wonder If I'd come out to the doctor that I was 'Gay'..(which I not) would he still feel I should see a Psychiatrist before a gender therapist ?

[Rachel]

Toni , Hugs

Congratulations on the first step.

I switched Doctors to a LGBT primary care. My PA ( who is gay) is welcoming, warm and very cute I did not want to have to take my cloths off (not cool) but if I have too I want it with an ally. We talk during the visit and he really supports me and I really enjoy going to my Primary. One of the receptionists is Trans* and the other is lesbian. I can tell you it is a very comforting feeling to be in a place immersed in a waiting room of mostly Trans*.

[Veronica M]

I don't 'have to' see a gender therapist .. just thought I'd like to discuss the hormones thingy and any other benefits there might be .. and actually It might be fun with the Psychiatrist .. 'Bring it on ....'  I'm perfectly sane ..hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah....

An afterthought ..I just wonder If I'd come out to the doctor that I was 'Gay'..(which I not) would he still feel I should see a Psychiatrist before a gender therapist ?

LOL... Yeah Toni, I am a tough egg to crack also. When I started college my major was psychology which eventually I got board with and switched to engineering and computer science. Psychiatrist are not that bad. Be honest with them and you might get a little insight or something you didn't know about yourself. Their not the enemy so to speak. One think I have noticed about Psychiatrist though is they tend to specialize in their own disorders, which I find quite interesting indeed.

Also, I would recommend seeing a gender therapist. Here again it will give you a lot of insight of yourself.

PS: Sanity is a myth... LOL Be yourself.