POssible Klinefelters (XXY)

[flutter]

So,

I went on a research mission the other day because I wanted to know if there was a medical term for the extreme curvature of my pinky fingers.

There is, clinodactyly, and it's considered an indicator of genetic abnormalities. The article further went to say that 25% of people with Klinefelters have clinodactyly.

This got me thinking, because I remembered Klinefelter's from freshman bio class in high school, and I remember thinking.... hey, that could be me!

So, I did some further research.

I have the XXY body type, rounded shoulders and hips, small hands, long appendages, all my fat congregates at my belly, no hair on my middle knuckles, small, hard testes and a barely average penis.

On top of that, my E levels were naturally above male norm, and my T levels were below male average.... and my endo accused me of already being on hormones before he even saw any bloodwork.

I know a karotype will tell me definitively if I have it, how best would you suggest I go about asking the doctor for the test? I know it's expensive, and I guess I'm just concerned that I'll flub it somehow when asking him for the test.

Should I take him a checklist of possible symptoms and just ask for the test, or ask him to talk to me about klinefelters and see where it goes from there?

[Mister]

Judging by the clear, rational language of this post, I'd find it extremely hard to believe that you have Klinefelter's.

[flutter]

Klinefelter's doesn't always present with mental retardation.

[Renate]

Judging by the clear, rational language of this post, I'd find it extremely hard to believe that you have Klinefelter's.

Jeez!
Yes, some genetic disorders sometimes have some mental impairment, including Klinefelter Syndrome.
Being able to lucidly form a declarative statement does not rule out being XXY.

[Mister]

What I'm commenting on is this.

Op has condition A (pinkies) and is curious about it and does research, comes up with condition B, which explains condition A and also has a minority link to condition C, which is Kleinfelder's. 

The combination of not only the written part of the post and the methoidical thinking that went into discovering conditions B & C but also the minority involved.  I'd be surprised.

[HelenW]

I know a karotype will tell me definitively if I have it, how best would you suggest I go about asking the doctor for the test? I know it's expensive, and I guess I'm just concerned that I'll flub it somehow when asking him for the test.

Should I take him a checklist of possible symptoms and just ask for the test, or ask him to talk to me about klinefelters and see where it goes from there?

I doubt you'll "flub" anything by asking but before you spend the money, you may want to consider what good knowing the results of your karyotype will do.  It costs nothing extra to ask your endo, however, so I suggest you try that first.  If it will affect your HRT, however, he'll make the suggestion for the appropriate tests, otherwise, why bother?  Will it affect your desire to transition?  Will it make it that much easier to come out to people?  I suggest that you weigh the consequences first.

hugs & smiles
Emelye

[flutter]

Well, actually the reason I would seek the diagnosis is twofold

1) If I have an intersex condition, I have more leeway getting the insurance company to eventually pay for SRS.

2) It simply makes it easier on my family and friends to accept if there is a genetic reason. They'll still accept me, either way, but I feel it will be a less reserved acceptance.

[Northern Jane]

Should I take him a checklist of possible symptoms and just ask for the test...

That's similar to what I did earlier this year, made a list of the "medical anomalies" earlier this year and sent it to my endocrinologist with a request for a Kerotype. She sent me a lab requisition. Fortunately it is covered by the government health insurance if it is ordered by a doctor.

(I saw my endo a month after the test but she didn't have the results back yet. She said it can take up to six months if they find anything out of the ordinary so I am still waiting. Next visit is in January.)

P.S. There can be 'implications' to being diagnosed IS - some insurance companies would view that as "a pre-existing condition" and not cover anything relating to it.)

[flutter]

That's a possibility I hadn't thought of.

But Klinefelter's isn't a disease, or something you develop over time.

It's present from the moment of conception, and it's not something to be cured, it's just something I am.... like someone being blue eyed, or pre-disposed to cancer, or blond hair.... it's a part of the persons genetics.

Sometimes I wish I lived in a civilized nation that understood being healthy was a right, not a commodity.

[flutter]

So, I just came home from the Endo.

She was skeptical because my T levels are in the 5-600 range, despite the other markers.

She decided to write the script anyways, and tell me she wasn't sure the insurance company would cover it because of my T levels.

So, now I'm torn.

I know what I want to do, is take the test and damn the consequences.

But..... if I do this and my insurance doesn't cover it, any idea how much this is gonna cost?