Upcoming Dr.'s app.

[Christy82]

I have an upcoming Dr.s appointment at a local free clinic.  I made the app. to discuss starting hrt, and was wondering if anyone could tell me how the first appointment usually goes? Thank you in advance.

[sam1234]

If you have a Dr. and staff who are open minded, its not as bad as you might think. You get the information on what to expect within a time frame, both the good results and the possible dangers of the hormones, and probably a blood draw.

I know its nerve wracking, and exciting. You are finally starting after a long period of thinking, worrying and planning. If you go in confident and open, it shouldn't be that traumatic. Just a hint, if you have questions, you might want to write them down so you can make sure you remember to ask them.

Good luck and congratulations!

sam1234

[Christy82]

I went on the clinics website and they had all the paperwork that you could download and print out so you could have it when you show up.  There was a bunch of paperwork describing the hormones, what they do, and all of the side effects. At the end there is a place to sign saying that you understand and consent to the treatment.  I'm not as nervous now because I have been reading a lot of post.  I guess now I should tell my family.

[sam1234]

At least now you have some backing as to the validity of your problem. Dr.s don't just hand out hormones like candy.

I hope your parents take it well and stand behind you.

sam1234

[ImagineKate]

So it seems like this is informed consent. This is how they do my care as well.

First visit they may or may not write a prescription. Likely they will want a baseline so they will take your blood pressure and draw blood for lab tests. Some write prescriptions right away, some write them on the follow up.

Either way you are well on your way!

[Rachel]

My PA-C is very supportive and knows what to say to support me.

I was asked a lot of questions. There was a student in the room and I was asked if it was OK.

The questions were general about my marriage, past sexual experience, my therapist provided a recommendation for HRT and we went over how therapy was going.

Just relax, be honest and give details as requested.

[ImagineKate]

I wasn't asked that much. I was asked to describe my transition and once they realized that I hashed out a lot of stuff with my therapist already (who they know and work with) I was given the all clear, papers to sign and I chose a pharmacy and the e scripts were submitted.

[Christy82]

I just got back from my Dr.'s appointment a while ago.  I am scheduled for blood work in a few weeks and another appointment to start HRT in late April.  I went a lot better than I thought it would.  The down side is that the clinic is taking a few weeks off for the Masters.

Oh, I agreed to be in a study that the Dr. is doing.

[Christy82]

So, I just got back from the dr.'s office and picking up my prescription.  They put me on spiro for a couple of months, and then I go back for more blood work.  They said that the test for my liver were a little high and they wanted to see if it went down before starting e.  I guess I'm that much closer.