Letter question

[Ayden]

I hate to spam the board like this, and I know I should put this in the top surgery section but I'm hoping for more responses than what usually comes from there. (Mods, if you have to move this, no problem)

I have my top surgery scheduled with Dr. G, and I have been saving up for years. I sent my medical clearance to my doctor and she hasn't gotten back to me. It's been two weeks. How long did it take to get your surgery clearance?

I'm so worried about getting a "no go" from my doctor. I'm losing sleep over it, I've lost weight, I'm dropping into a depressed state that I haven't been in for years. I hate feeling this helpless. Are there any therapists I can get a consult with who will give my clearance? I have no history of mental illness (aside from GID). According to Dr.G I only need to have clearance for being over 18 and for this being the next step in my transition. I'm very level headed and I can deal with just about anything. I can't deal with this. I have my date. I can finally start enjoying my life. I think about getting that rejection and I have tears. I don't know what to do. Is there any place I can go to get a letter?

Like I said, I'm not a newbie. I've been in transition for years. I just want to know if I have a fall back. If I don't, I want to get into therapy. i am adult enough to admit that I need some support if I have to keep living this double life. I pass in everyday life, no problem. But I have to constantly refuse male   oriented job activities (like going to baths/hot springs) because I don't want to be exposed. It's normal here to do those things for guys, and I have gotten by with saying that I have a medical condition.

But aside from that, I can't bind anymore. I get sick, I vomit, I can't eat, I get heat exhaustion... I don't know what to do. I'm not as strong as a lot of the guys here. I talk a good game, but I'm not that tough.

You know, I don't know why I'm typing this. I keep hoping my doctor will get back to me.

[Alexthecat]

I got my letter for $280 online and had it in a month. I think he charges $320 now. http://gendertherapist.com/

Prices are just for top surgery letter. All you have to do is tell him about your life and GID etc.

[Alexthecat]

Oh I went to Medalie in Ohio. Medalie was the one that gave me his info. You could always call the surgeon and ask if they accept letters from Graham. I wouldn't see why not, they are very well written.

[Ayden]

Oh I went to Medalie in Ohio. Medalie was the one that gave me his info. You could always call the surgeon and ask if they accept letters from Graham. I wouldn't see why not, they are very well written.

Alex, thank you. I will contact Graham ASAP. If its good enough for one US surgeon it should be good enough for all of them, yeah?

I'm not closed off to any other suggestions though. If anyone knows other suggestions, please let me know

[Bimmer Guy]

Just to clarify, when you say "medical clearance" and "doctor" are you referring to your somatic clearance?  You need to go into your doc's for a physical exam.

If you are talking about the psychological clearance all your past psych (or even your PCP, Garramone doesn't care), has to do is to check off the box saying you are over 18 and that this is "the next step in the transition process".  It is just check off boxes.

I would call whoever you sent that letter to and see what is up.  See if you can get your PCP to sign it and be done with it.  Or, whoever gives you your hormones.  Set up an appt, walk in with the paper and the boxes checked off and ask them to sign it.  Fax it to Garramone's office.

To be clear, whatever therapist you had in the past or any physician can sign the letter for Garramone.  It will take them two seconds.

[Kreuzfidel]

Just to clarify, when you say "medical clearance" and "doctor" are you referring to your somatic clearance?  You need to go into your doc's for a physical exam.

If you are talking about the psychological clearance all your past psych (or even your PCP, Garramone doesn't care), has to do is to check off the box saying you are over 18 and that this is "the next step in the transition process".  It is just check off boxes.

I would call whoever you sent that letter to and see what is up.  See if you can get your PCP to sign it and be done with it.  Or, whoever gives you your hormones.  Set up an appt, walk in with the paper and the boxes checked off and ask them to sign it.  Fax it to Garramone's office.

To be clear, whatever therapist you had in the past or any physician can sign the letter for Garramone.  It will take them two seconds.

I'm with Brett.  I don't understand what you mean by "medical clearance".  Most guys who talk about letters are talking about letters from a mental health professional whilst "medical clearance" tends to mean a pre-op physical examination/blood work to demonstrate to the surgeon that you're healthy enough physically to proceed with surgery.

[Ayden]

This is exactly why I shouldn't mix posting and drinking. Lol. I had a bad day and after two months of virtually no alcohol me and whiskey got a little too cozy.

The form I mean is the one that the doctor just needs to sign. I called the office this afternoon. I sent the information to her but she has yet to just sign it and send it back. I am getting the bloodwork and physical from a doctor that Dr. Gs staff told me about down in Florida. It's just the paper says I'm 18 and it's the next step. It's been two weeks, and I was already frustrated. It's been crazy hot, I was feeling sick, had family drama and after not getting anything back for another day I just sort of cracked. I'm really ok, I just had a mini panic attack. I just wanted to know that I had more options than just waiting for my doc back home. She's a nice lady but a little spacey. I hope that calling the office today will remind her than I'm waiting.

Thanks guys, and sorry about that.

[Alexthecat]

Oh you don't want my link then. Mine was for a letter to say your not insane.

[aleon515]

There are two things here:
1. A letter from any professional (social worker, licensed mental health worker, primary care professional, etc.) which is as Brett says a check off basically. It says you are over 18 and this is the next step in your transition. My counselor wrote a letter but it doesn't appear to be necessary.

2. A clearance that you are physically fit to have surgery. This is from your PCP.

You also have labs and depending on your age (if over 35) a mammogram.

It's all not too hard.

--Jay