First therapy session tomorrow (kind of), lots of anxiety...

[Cody Jensen]

So I made an appointment with my family doctor for tomorrow to get some other problems checked out as well as my thoughts on wanting to be a boy. I am not sure what to tell my doctor (or if I even can say anything at all). I don't know what questions I should ask my doctor, I've learned everything I want to know on this forum. I'm excited/anxious at the same time. Finally on my way to becoming a boy. Like I said this is a family doctor, because I couldn't find any transgender therapists in my area. This is also my first time ever coming out to someone as well (I mean obviously you guys all know about me) but I mean my first time actually coming out to someone personally. I guess what I'm trying ot say is how do I deal with my anxiety and what questions should I ask?

[Cody Jensen]

This isn't in the US =P however I will keep that in mind, thanks

[xAndrewx]

Well although when I went to my therapist and even my doctor I already knew 100% I was trans and ready for hormones (I even knew more than the doctor who prescribed me T the effects) I was still a little nervous. Might be a good idea to make a little list to keep in your pocket for reference if you do come up with any questions because if you're anything like me you'll forget it all as soon as they let you start talking. I don't know how you feel about wanting T so below are possible questions that I was going to ask when I started T. Good luck tomorrow. For the anxiety just remember that you have nothing to stress about. You're coming out to a medical professional. He has to be professional no matter what his personal beliefs are which makes him a perfect first person to come out to.

Some possible questions:

-How often will you want me to do bloodwork?
-What dose do you think is best?
- Is testosterone right for me?
-What is my next step?

[Cody Jensen]

Well although when I went to my therapist and even my doctor I already knew 100% I was trans and ready for hormones (I even knew more than the doctor who prescribed me T the effects) I was still a little nervous. Might be a good idea to make a little list to keep in your pocket for reference if you do come up with any questions because if you're anything like me you'll forget it all as soon as they let you start talking. I don't know how you feel about wanting T so below are possible questions that I was going to ask when I started T. Good luck tomorrow. For the anxiety just remember that you have nothing to stress about. You're coming out to a medical professional. He has to be professional no matter what his personal beliefs are which makes him a perfect first person to come out to.

Some possible questions:

-How often will you want me to do bloodwork?
-What dose do you think is best?
- Is testosterone right for me?
-What is my next step?

Thanks!!!

[tekla]

Assuming you are in the US, a family doctor will have no power to administer hormones or medication without approval from a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.

My sisters horse didn't put out that much ->-bleeped-<-.  Any doctor with a valid licences doctor in the US has universal power to write prescriptions for every drug except those on Schedule I.

[xAndrewx]

Hillary, while you are entirely correct the standards many psychiatrists/psychologists follow are the Harry Benjamin standards of care though not all of them follow those to the letter and some choose not to follow them at all. Also, there is the option of informed consent (even my psychologist who wrote my letter had not heard of it so don't feel bad) which allows a doctor to prescribe testosterone (estrogen too I think but am not 100% sure) with papers signed where the patient states they understand the effects and risks and are getting the hormones without a letter but with informed consent.

The problem with that is that it can be hard enough to find a doctor who is willing to work with you who has a letter and finding a doctor who will do informed consent can be even harder. Just wanted to let you know