Seeing specialists for non TS issues...

[Kateri]

Well heres a story and I hope everyone learns from my mistake.  I was diagnosed with BPH(prostate disorder) at the age of 22 and recently switched from my non TS friendly PCP to a new one referred to by my gender therapist.  As some of you are aware BPH is extremely rare for the young crowd.  My new doctor referred me to a hospital Urology center to get an expert opinion.  Long story short I was very nervous about going to a specialist and having to explain things so I hid my Cross hormone medication from the questions and paperwork.  I didn't think it would effect anything and I was very very wrong.  I ended up going for a very painful and uncomfortable procedure that had to do with 4 different catheters being inserted without pain suppression and because I hadn't stated I was on the HRT they had used a normal set of instruments and catheters for a normal 26 year old male my size.  The procedure was extremely painful because of the catheters being too big and I ended up with inaccurate results and complicated healing issues afterwards.  Not all was lost though because I called my PCP after the procedure and he went and spoke to the specialist and has made adjustments and are going to reevaluate me in a few weeks once I'm back to good health. 

So the lesson to be learned here for anyone that does eventually have to deal with these situations.  Tell any doctor working on you that your on the medication even if its embarassing.  I suppose I could have told him when I was alone with him but I am still young and new to transition.  I've definitely learned my lesson and I hope none of you have to go through this either. 

[Sarah Louise]

Sorry about your problems and I hope things turn out better on your next set of tests.  But I agree that sounds like the best reason around to get your hormones from a doctor, then it is on your records and everyone knows exactly where things stand.

Sarah L.

[Kateri]

Yeah but mine are in my records I am not a DIY.  I just assumed that the specialist had prior knowledge or something but I guess the doctor was relying on the paperwork I filled out instead of my medical records.  I do know that my records are kinda sketchy on why and what I'm taking due to insurance workarounds that my Endo and PCP told me to do.