Asked Doctor ... and now I feel stupid.

[Saraloop]

 I finally had the guts to mention to the doctor that I want hormone blockers ( I'm a neutrois-androgyne by the way)

I tried to explain some complexity of my gender (or non-gender) issues, but I had trouble. She said that I can't get prescription for those unless I have a medical condition requiring it, and that since I'm physically healthy, there's no way I can get any.. 
She couldn't comprehend why I'd want to try them out when it could bring me side-effects like fatigue and such, but some medication doesn't have much side-effects.. and it's not like I can't stop if something doesn't go right..
I mentioned GID but doesn't seem it's an issue dealt with medically in Canada? and so I wasn't able to get anywhere.

The worst part is that she seemed to find the notion of what I was demanding as proposterous, and was smirking/looking at me funny.
And she wanted me to get counseling - She thinks I'm mentally unstable?? 🙁 it bothers me; I hope she doesn't add something weird to my medical records..
Not sure what to think about it... kinda saddening..

Anyone know what I should do from here on out? I'm probably going about this wrong.

[Deanna_Renee]

 🙂 Saraloop, I think many of us here can sympathize. I am just beginning to figure things out myself. If I told you, just a few weeks ago, that I had wanted to become a woman and you told me I was crazy/insane/mentally unstable I would probably have to agree. Since I found this site (less than a week ago) and learned so much about what I have been going through my whole life, I know that I may still be crazy, but not because of my GID issues.

The doctor sounds like she may need a little bit of sensitivity training, but may be right in needing some therapy. I'm going to talk to one for the first time tomorrow (getting very nervous - and excited) to see where I am going to go from here.

My understanding is that you would need to start with a therapist and she/he would prescribe the hormone treatments for you. GID is less a medical issue (initially) than it is a psychological one. It doesn't mean we are mentally unstable/deranged/defective or anything like that. Our problems stem from a place other than the body parts and pieces that medical doctors work with. I found a therapist who is TS and fully understands our plight (I hope anyways). I would suggest, and I'm sure those who have been around and out longer than I will concur, that you find a therapist with experience/understanding of GID issues.

I feel your pain Saraloop. I wish you happiness.   

Deanna (trying it out, see how it fits)

[Arch]

I know very little about the Canadian system, but ditto what StuckInHere said.

You might search Susan's for posts with the keyword "Canada" or start a new androgyne thread about how the Canadian system works, but I think there is good info here at Susan's and out on the www as well.

And if you have the option, you might want to start shopping around for a new doctor, unless you are willing to try to educate the one you have.

Maybe your doctor did the best she could, but she should have responded more professionally, Sara. Your telling her took enormous courage. I hope you gave yourself a pat on the head--but if not, I'm sending you HUGS.

[Saraloop]

Thanks Stuck and Arch.

After reading your posts, it didn't take much to go back to my rational self. Weird, but as long as I can recover after obstacles..
I've already began planning my next visit (not the same dr. though)

Must move forward, serves nothing to look back...

I'll take any advice I can get though 

[Lachlann]

The Canadian system isn't really different from the states when it comes to GID. A specialist is required.

The only way you're going to get hormone blockers or hormones in Canada is if you actually have some sort of imbalance or if you go to therapy for GID. Technically you could also find someone outside of the healthcare plan(if you've got one in your province, I know it isn't nation wide.) but you've got to pay up front for everything. It's not because you're mentally unstable, it's because they want to make sure it's the right choice. It's basically to make sure they don't do anything to you that you would regret later.

[Audrey]

definitely get in with therapist that is sensitive to these issues.  Then you can return to your doc after counseling and put her in her place.

[Ms.Behavin]

Sounds too me you might need a new doctor.  There are some MD's that can't get their hands around the whole TG/TS thing.