Making an appointment

[Orchid]

I hope that this is the correct sub-board to place this.

So, I'm starting HRT. As excited as I am, I'm extremely bothered by making an appointment. My therapist recommended the doctor to see, and I know that this doctor has helped start the HRT process with others like me, but I've never sought out a doctor for transitioning.

One thing is making the appointment, telling the receptionist why I'm going to a women's clinic, etc. the clinic has a board for transgender patients, so they have experience in it , but I'm still scared.

I suppose I'm wondering of the normal routine in a doctors office for HRT, and if that differs from usual visits to a doctor. I'm worried about divulging things to the nurse (as rediculous as that much sound)- I know it's necessary, but I'm just..

Obviously I will not let my little fears get in the way, I'm just being petty about it.

[Mariah]

Orchid, It's completely normal to be worried about those things. In may ways, it's not any different than any other appointment. If the subject comes up with the nurse you can always tell her that you would prefer explaining it to the doctor, but when I went for HRT and when I went in to tell my doctor in the first place the subject never came up. Doctor will check and make sure that your well informed in regards to the HRT and deal with any questions related to everything. Still what it all boils down to is you really have nothing to be afraid of. Go in with your head held high and accomplish what you came there to do. I was anxious coming to both appointments, but after they got going any fears I had were out the window. Good luck and Keep us posted. Hugs
Mariah

PS. Yes, this forum was just fine considering it has to do with your appointment for HRT.

[RavenL]

I'll just chime in, I haven't had my first endo appointment yet. But the one I did find was listed as trans friendly. When I called I was super nervous especially when the receptionist asked what it was for. I was honest and let her know and she was very understanding and asked what my preferred name was. Just remember if the doctor is trans friendly they are going to have staff that's friendly also. But its completely normal to be nervous.

[Rachel]

The place I go to has 8 practitioners and they treat thousands of trans.

I was so nervous and scared for my first HRT appointment. I noticed, while I was in the waiting room there were a dozen trans of all different ages and sizes. Yet I was nervous. I had my appointment and my PA-C was very knowledgeable about trans and listened to me. Then I had scrip's and a next appointment.  The staff were very nice and professional. When I left I felt so empowered in my own health. Now I look forward to my appointments and sometimes I know people in the waiting  area and we talk.

[Orchid]

I ended up making an appointment. It was a bit strange, I'm sure my heart was racing, but the receptionist really was nice when I explained why I was interested in an appointment.

I for some reason couldn't say trans, I mentioned hormones, which made her guess. I think part of it is because I'm still not used to dropping the t word in casual conversation- I've really only told my family and some good friends-, but I'll get used to it so I don't turn it into a guessing game accidentally...

Thanks for the advice, everyone! It really helped!  (-:

[Rachel]

Congratulations

[ChiGirl]

I went to an LGBT clinic and I was nervous.  It's normal to feel that and if the place you're going is trans friendly, then you know you're in a safe place.

Congratulations and Hugs!

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[Emjay]

First off:  Congratulations for making the call! 

Your post made me smile, not for the way you were feeling, it's just that I felt a lot like you described.  I had my letter in hand from my therapist.  She had recommended a doctor that she works with.  No problem right?

But still........  What do I say?  How do I say it?  Does anyone else actually do this?  Will they even know what I'm talking about?  All of this stuff ran through my mind for a few days before I finally called.

When I did, I was on my way home from work and pulled over in a grocery store parking lot to call.  I had finally waited long enough that I couldn't stand it anymore, so I sat there with my phone in my lap for what felt like another eternity talking to the stupid thing like it was going to answer me back.

Finally though, I hit send on the phone and called.  I swear my voice had gone all squeaky by the time I said what I was calling for.  The receptionist was like "Oh yes!  Of course we do that, can you come in Wednesday?"  Just like that, matter of fact....

Turns out they already had my letter.  It had been emailed over by my therapist by the time I got to my appointment so I didn't even need to bring it with me. 

Lots of nerves for no reason.