First Physical Exam

[BraydLee]

I have a physical exam in about nine hours and it just hit me— it most than likely involves rather uncomfortable exams.

When I first made the initial appointment it was to check hormone and thyroid levels, but the person scheduling the appointments mentioned that I was due for a physical and scheduled me for it despite just wanting to check levels. I did not realize it was a physical until they left me a voicemail to fast after midnight.

I have never had a true physical in the sense of having to undress. Being over the age of twenty and being on testosterone for about three years I am most certain that it does involve those exams.

In the past while hospitalized in psychiatric hospitals I have had every single ounce of dignity I had stricken from me and have had to change into gowns and even have someone in the room with me while I took a shower, but I mastered the art of being watched while showering without being exposed. Plus during that time I was over medicated, probably still in shock, and over all just numb so I paid no attention to this since it wasn't the issue at hand.

But the thought of going through those exams... I just can't do it.
My doctor is very lgbt friendly and he is actually rather flamboyant and straight with you which actually makes me feel pretty comfortable during normal appointments. But I still can't do it.
Plus writing me down for a physical when I asked only to been seen for blood work and only telling me that they are going to do a full physical exam the day before really cheeses me off.

What helps you, if anything, make it through the exams, especially for the first time?

When I walk in there and they ask me to change into a gown, I have that conversation worked out in my head by telling them that I was not aware that it was a physical since I only wanted levels to be checked and for a refill but I have a feeling they will push for having it done.

[kast]

You're over 20 and on T for 3 years, so I'd say it's completely certain that your physical exam should include a pap smear. It's very important for your health, especially for trans guys on T.

My advice is go to this appointment but reschedule the pap smear (and any other parts of the physical exam that you're not mentally prepared for). Ask to see the equipment used during a pap and ask for an explanation of the process, making sure your doctor knows that you're feeling very anxious about it. I had an appointment a week before my first pap where my doctor explained everything for me, and it made the experience less scary.

Don't feel pressured to do everything on that day, and they really shouldn't push you. It's totally normal and okay to back out, as even cis women cancel paps often due to periods or just nerves like anyone else. Try to call ahead and say you're not prepared for the whole physical, but that you will attend the appointment anyway for the blood tests and whatever else you want done.

[kast]

I should also say, if/when you do go ahead with it... Keep breathing steadily and deeply, distract yourself and focus on a point elsewhere in the room. Once you lay on the table, tell your doctor to give you a few minutes so you can relax your body first. Try not to tense up. I think my first pap took about 30 seconds.

[JayDawg]

Good advice from kast. Tell your doc about your past traumatic healthcare experiences, too. And if anything he plans to do is new to you, let him know. You really need these physical exams, but your doc should be able to walk you through them gently. He just really needs to know how to treat you and that he needs to take it slow with you. Communicate!

My doc is usually talking through the whole exam, either giving me the play by play of what he's doing or asking me questions about my dogs or something. I'm super laid-back about medical and dental work; I know it needs to be done and just let it happen.

[mac1]

Just relax and get the complete exam. You have to get it sometime so quit stressing over it and just get it done.

[adrian]

If you do it, maybe bring headphones and some music or audio book that you like. If that seems unhelpful or over the top, focus on breathing -- focus on how it feels when the air goes into your lungs and how it feels when you let it out again. How does it feel in your nostrils, how in the rest of you body? Can you imagine breathing in and out through the soles of your feet? That kind of stuff can help focusing your attention elsewhere. Practice this before the actual exam.

[Andrew8375]

I see from the date that you'll have been now, so I hope it went ok.

I really, really hate the thought of these exams too. Actually, I think I would have found it helpful not to have known until the day before - less time to worry about it. You're right though, that's not a great way for them to do it.

I just try to lie there with my eyes closed and let them get on with it. It seems to help for most people, but I'd prefer that they didn't tell me what they're doing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mac1]

If I could have full SRS, I would probably approach my first full physical exam with both apprendsion and excitement. How nice it would be to be able to live as a woman with the full support of my wife.