Hmmmm Gynecologist's

[stephanie_craxford]

Just a quick question,

Who has a OB-Gyn?

  Gill and I were talking about this over dinner tonight.  (Yes we live exciting lives).  Waiting lists for OBGyn's here in Ontario is up to 18 months, and some I think would assume is very important, post-operatively.  I hadn't really given it that must thought until now.  What have been your experiences?  It will definitely be one of the questions to my Dr in June, and I'll be asking for a referral asap.

Steph

[Northern Jane]

I had a OB-gyn before transition! Go figger 

I find that my (lady) GP is up on everything and considering my "needs" are much more simple than a GG I am quite comfortable with her..... though I did laugh the day she was rummaging through my file and said "When was you last PAP smear - maybe we should do one?" I asked her just WHAT she thought she was testing for? LOL!

[Sheila]

Hi Steph.
   I have a Gynecologist and have been to her 3 times. I was wondering if I should go back to her as I really don't have anything for her to look at that I know of. I thought maybe my annual physical from my physicians assistant would do the job, it is cheaper. I believe she can still prescribe hormones. I was going to ask my gyn. the next time I see her, which will be next month. I get a mammogram once a year.
Sheila

[brina]

Hiee Steph,

  I think it would be a prudent move on any TS who is facing SRS to line up a gyno before the operation. If for no other reason then to make sure that someone is familiar with you prior to surgory in the unlikely event of complications afterwards. I think the only issues we really face are the occasional yeast infections which I assume ones GP could take care of.

Byee,
  Brina

[Stormy Weather]

I don't have a gynaecologist; nor do see the need to have one as I have a very good relationship with my(woman) doctor. Post-surgical complications were handled by her and my surgeon.

If there's something over and above that can't be handled by a GP, I'd be interested to hear it.

[ssindysmith]

Just curious, has anybody gone to a gyn and they not know about your past?

[cindianna_jones]

Personally, I see no need to see an OB-GYN Steph.  I did have a doctor who insisted I have pap smears for a while, but I eventually talked him out of it.  I do think that help from an endocronologist is much more practical.  That's where the problems might pop up.

Cindi

[Sheila]

Steph,
  If you have a doctor that is not afraid of looking into your vagina and making sure that it is healing right and nothing else is growing in there. Then use your doctor. You don't need a Gynecologist for yourself. You have no other plumbing to look at. I went twice, once cause my doctor was afraid to touch me then I changed doctors and another as they had to do some clipping on my urethra.
Sheila

[SusanK]

I had a OB-gyn before transition! Go figger 

Hmmm... And so do I, but she's a GP and family physician too, and has overseen and currently oversees many transistions from start to after GRS and life beyond. She's one of two locally recommended physicians for transwomen and recognizes the differences between women and transwomen's health care. She's funny too. One, she has so few "male" patients, almost all referrals from her to specialists recognize you're more than likely a transperson, so nothing has to be explained. Two, for any routine visit, her first question is always, "So, how's your life going?" And you talk for 15+ minutes about life. She's one of the few physician who actually spends an hour with you for an hour visit. And three, she's the most open and honest person about your transistion. She wants you to succeed and makes sure you understand the possibilities and reality of yours.

--Susan--

[Steph]

Yep like you Susan my GP is a family physician as well, and so far she's been pretty cool with me so I think I'll stick with her.  She is down to earth and not afraid to refer should she see the need.

I have to make an appointment with her to get my scripts re-filled so I'll find out then if she is afraid to look into my vagina Sheila

Steph

[cindianna_jones]

I have to make an appointment with her to get my scripts re-filled so I'll find out then if she is afraid to look into my vagina Sheila

Steph

I betchya you'd never thought you'd ever be saying those two words... "my vagina"  did jya?

Cindi

[Steph]

I have to make an appointment with her to get my scripts re-filled so I'll find out then if she is afraid to look into my vagina Sheila

Steph

I betchya you'd never thought you'd ever be saying those two words... "my vagina"  did jya?

Cindi

LOL you would bet right hon.  I'm spending a whole bunch of time looking at it as well .

Steph

[Robyn]

Thanks for the reminder to have my GP set up a pelvic exam this spring, Steph.  (I've seen this GP 3 times, and she has never had me disrobe.  I think she is a tad shy of TS folks.)

The latest recommendation my doctors gave for older women is a pelvic exam and PAP smear every three years.  PAP smears don't work for us - wrong type of tissue.  All of mine have been at the Naval Hospital, but they kicked out most of the retirees; so I'll have to see a civilian GYN from now on.  I'm sure the GP will have her nurse note "TS" on the consult.

Robyn

[Suzy]

I guess I'm missing something here.  Most of what a GYN will want to check out just isn't there in a MtF.  That's not all bad news  .

One time my insurance got messed up and the hospital billed me for a pap smear.  Our administrator at work gets a copy of those and she called me in and said WTF?  We had a good laugh about it, but I wondered if somebody had found me out and was trying to play a joke on me.

Hope your recovery is going great Steph.  Must be an awesome feeling to be able to look down and see a body that matches your spirit.  You are an inspiration, Hon!

Peace,
Kristi