Today I had a doctor's appointment to get medical clearance for my top surgery. When I made the appointment, all I said was that I needed clearance for surgery. I didn't specify what kind.
When the nurse got my info, she asked my reason for coming in today. I told her that I was having an elective surgery. She asked what kind and I told her I was having excess tissue removed from my chest. I didn't feel comfortable outing myself to the nurse. She told me that one of her cousins had surgery for gynecomastia, so she understood.
The doctor came in and we talked for a little bit. I had never met him before, so this was both for medical clearance and a brief history/physical. Basically, all he did was look over my scripts, ask some brief questions about heart/lung problems, and listen to my chest. After that, he said that before he could clear me, he needed to see the results of my lab work. I didn't have them yet, so I'm faxing it to him later.
What was unusual was that he didn't question my need for surgery and I didn't tell him I was trans. He made some comments about politics and his first experience as a physician. Apparently, his first assignment was a "flirtatious ->-bleeped-<-." I have no idea why he felt the need to tell me this. Well, we had been discussing my future nursing practice, so I suppose it's somewhat related. But it was just odd to me. I don't plan on seeing him again unless I have a complication from surgery.
Sorry for the long post. I just can't believe I was stealth with my physician. Besides my endo, none of my current health care providers are aware of my situation. How long can I expect this to go on? Is it possible to continue being stealth even with a new doctor? Can I refuse a digital rectal exam and have blood drawn for PSA? If I can get away with it, I'd love to be seen as AMAB. Thoughts?
EDIT: Forgot the PSA is blood work, not urine sample.
