Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I have been on hormones for 2 months now and am under a doctor's care who is aware of my trans status - hell, she was the one who got me started on hormones, heh.

I am wondering how do you handle answering "M" or "F" for the purposes of medical issues that are dependent on your biological sex - one being obviously prostate screening where you would have to disclose your true biological sex- to unknowing medical pracitioners?

One thing I am wondering about is breast cancer screening - would you tell the doctor the "truth"? do they even ask if you are female or trans for that purpose prior to the screening?

Another example would be emergency visits where the amount of blood liters transferred are dependent on whether you are male or female.

Or would hormones change your body sufficiently that your body is essentially the same as a biological female except for the obvious (genitalia, prostate) that you can take various medical screenings and/or medication intended for males or females respectively without having to divulge your trans status?

I was in the hospital not too long ago.  I told every assistant/nurse/doctor who saw me from the beginning I was trans.  I didn't feel any reason to complicate my "stay" any further than it already was.

I tend to tell medical providers I'm trans. I'm paying out of pocket for my vision care, though, so I'm just male to my optometrists and ophthalmologist. But lol I'm obviously not passing with them, judging by the way they hesitate before pronouns. Whatever. They address me by my chosen name and don't ask too many questions.

Quote from: stldrmgrl on December 21, 2011, 10:28:22 PM
I was in the hospital not too long ago.  I told every assistant/nurse/doctor who saw me from the beginning I was trans.  I didn't feel any reason to complicate my "stay" any further than it already was.

that is what i am wondering - once they know you are trans, do they approach your medical care as if you were biologically male? (I dont mean as in attitudes or pronoun references, but as in allowing for biological differences in males and females influencing type of medical care you receive)

Quote from: MsDazzler on December 21, 2011, 10:53:48 PM
that is what i am wondering - once they know you are trans, do they approach your medical care as if you were biologically male? (I dont mean as in attitudes or pronoun references, but as in allowing for biological differences in males and females influencing type of medical care you receive)

I don't know, I just let them do their thing after I told them  :laugh:

But I mean, I only had an EKG, X-Ray, CT Scan and blood analysis done.  I'm not sure about anything more pertinent to one's sex/gender.

Regardless, I am biologically male so, that would not be an incorrect approach.

I was in the hospital last month for an exploded ovarian cyst (and some related issues). I told them I was male and they went along with that for about 5 seconds. :laugh:

I think when it comes to medical issues, especially those that specifically involve sex differences, one needs to be more pragmatic and flexible. Biological males and biological females have different medical needs. Many of them don't change just because you've transitioned to another gender.

Nevertheless, quite a few nurses I've come across here told me that they actually have seen many transsexual people (by the way, that does sort of imply there are many invisible transsexuals around doesn't it?), and know the sensitivities of being put in the correct ward or using pronouns.

Quote from: apple pie on December 22, 2011, 12:12:43 AM
I think when it comes to medical issues, especially those that specifically involve sex differences, one needs to be more pragmatic and flexible. Biological males and biological females have different medical needs. Many of them don't change just because you've transitioned to another gender.

Nevertheless, quite a few nurses I've come across here told me that they actually have seen many transsexual people (by the way, that does sort of imply there are many invisible transsexuals around doesn't it?), and know the sensitivities of being put in the correct ward or using pronouns.

Ya I should mention that I live in a city with a lot of trans people, and I caught absolutely no surprise or disrespect from the medical staff. Them not giving lip service to my preferred gender was them being all business and efficiently dealing with a decidedly female problem. I think once my legal name change goes through it might be a little bit different, but probably still not much when dealing with my reproductive organs.

Yeah....

Do we still need to screen for breast cancer?

Quote from: MsDazzler on December 21, 2011, 10:53:48 PM
that is what i am wondering - once they know you are trans, do they approach your medical care as if you were biologically male? (I dont mean as in attitudes or pronoun references, but as in allowing for biological differences in males and females influencing type of medical care you receive)

I'm a health careworker and I can assure you that we will give the care one needs, no matter what gender one is.
There are some problems who can appear more often with Tgirls, for example, thrombosis or lungembolism by mtf due to E, but the same can happen with cisgirls who are using birthcontrol pills.
The treatment will be the same.

UK health service computer program has so many popups that medics are quite often too busy working the computer and chasing the cursor all over the screen to realise some questions don't apply so if an inappropriate question comes up I just say transsexuals don't have/don't need that/I do need this looking at etc.

I disclose if it's necessary. But I don't like it. And I don't find everyone respectful.

I'm going for dental surgery in January. I'm not disclosing to the surgeon or his staff because it's entirely irrelevant.

Quote from: apple pie on December 22, 2011, 12:12:43 AM
I think when it comes to medical issues, especially those that specifically involve sex differences, one needs to be more pragmatic and flexible. Biological males and biological females have different medical needs. Many of them don't change just because you've transitioned to another gender.

Do transsexual females still have prostates?

But about nurses. I think anyone who has studied human anatomy(namely skeletal structure) can spot a transsexual if they work in the medical field.

Quote from: Mahsa the disco shark on December 23, 2011, 07:29:03 PM
Do transsexual females still have prostates?

But about nurses. I think anyone who has studied human anatomy(namely skeletal structure) can spot a transsexual if they work in the medical field.

Yes, trans females still have a prostate.. It will shrink due to the effects of HRT, but it doesn't just go away..

Quote from: Mahsa the disco shark on December 23, 2011, 07:29:03 PM
But about nurses. I think anyone who has studied human anatomy(namely skeletal structure) can spot a transsexual if they work in the medical field.

I would have thought that too, but they wouldn't ask the questions that they do if they knew I was trans.

Quote from: Mahsa the disco shark on December 23, 2011, 07:29:03 PM

But about nurses. I think anyone who has studied human anatomy(namely skeletal structure) can spot a transsexual if they work in the medical field.

Not true - many times ER workers have rushed to the scene to treat transgender victims and to their shock find out their biological sex. There was one incident in DC where this transgender woman died because the ER workers  were shocked to find out her biological sex then either stood around mocking her genitala or refused to touch her while she was unconscioucs. :(

 I had a nurse bring up the suggestion of a pap smear not too long ago. I giggled a little, and then disclosed my trans status. He was just fine about it... we had a good conversation, and he learned a bit. When I can help it, I will disclose my trans status in a situation where someone needs to know. Men and women are different, and trans individuals are different still, so in many medical scenarios, letting the staff know about that aspect of you would be important.

For cases where male/female/trans differences don't apply, however, I would not be very likely do disclose.

Quote from: MsDazzler on December 23, 2011, 08:40:37 PM
Not true - many times ER workers have rushed to the scene to treat transgender victims and to their shock find out their biological sex. There was one incident in DC where this transgender woman died because the ER workers  were shocked to find out her biological sex then either stood around mocking her genitala or refused to touch her while she was unconscioucs. :(

Thats hella scandalous.

Then just damn my anatomy studies. I will burn my text book tonight...along with my ex boyfriends jock strap tonight. He won't be using that on the SPIKES ANYMORE!

(sorry, was attempting to unleaven the situation)

Quote from: MsDazzler on December 23, 2011, 02:53:23 PM
Yeah....

Do we still need to screen for breast cancer?

Kia Ora Ms Daz,

::) I have a mammogram every two years, my doctor organised it, in NZ, it's free for women fifty and over...So yes we/trans-women do need to have mammograms...

::) * BTW the screeners are [from what I gather] not aware of my trans-status and I have no need to divulge my past to them...
Metta Zenda :)

Quote from: Mahsa the disco shark on December 23, 2011, 10:49:08 PM
Thats hella scandalous.

Then just damn my anatomy studies. I will burn my text book tonight...along with my ex boyfriends jock strap tonight. He won't be using that on the SPIKES ANYMORE!

(sorry, was attempting to unleaven the situation)

Yeah... I am a little nervous about what happens to me if I should end up in an emergency or something and I am unconscious. I pray that whoever find me would be sympathetic to transgender people.

emergency room staff are quite used to stripping men and finding lingerie.   I don't know if finding jockey shorts on a woman would be remarkable or not as by the time they got down to pants they would have had a look at the patient's chest.

I did see a post in a nursing mag a few years ago before PC got big and a nurse was sayingt hey had to undress a crash victim and guy had a full set of fem stuff including miniskirt and sweater under his male trousers and shirt.  they hung the tights over the bedhead for when he woke.

a masseuse I saw over a frozen shoulder said she constant had clients wanting very low back/high thigh massage who were wearing knickers.

Quote from: lilacwoman on December 24, 2011, 01:45:32 PM
emergency room staff are quite used to stripping men and finding lingerie.   

Gotta find a way to get fondled in that gay hospital in SF.

Let two gay boys give me CPR...heehee.

Quote from: Mahsa the disco shark on December 24, 2011, 03:09:27 PM
Gotta find a way to get fondled in that gay hospital in SF.

Let two gay boys give me CPR...heehee.

Don't think you really want CPR, not from gay boys or others.
Imagine, someone is pushing your chest about two inches for a hundred times a minute while the other one is putting a tube trough your throat and bag you.
Does it still sound likeable?
Not to mention if you will survive, or survive with brain damage.

Quote from: annette on December 24, 2011, 06:17:14 PM
Don't think you really want CPR, not from gay boys or others.
Imagine, someone is pushing your chest about two inches for a hundred times a minute while the other one is putting a tube trough your throat and bag you.
Does it still sound likeable?
Not to mention if you will survive, or survive with brain damage.

not to mention that for a long time after, it feels like someone hit you in the chest with a heavy maul!

If it's relevant, I disclose. If not, I don't.

Problem is, that sometimes it isn't clear or it's relevant.
For example, pain in the lower limb, it is possible that the source of the problem can be in hormone use.
Blood clotting is sometimes a reaction on using E.

The healthcareworkes are not allowed to tell anything about anyone, everything the patient tells is known as a secret.
That's the law.
There is no reason why you shouldn't tell.
On every ER, they will ask about wich medicines you are using, alergic reaction etc.
So, it's disclosure or lying and put yourself in danger

I usually don't. My GP knows. I get mamograms and don't say anything.  My GP does check a box on my blood screening requests that indicates my blood and chemical levels should be compared to the male standard, but it doesn't show up on the final reports. I had my first colon check a year ago and didn't say anything.

I've never had my prostate checked since surgery. I suppose I should.... nah. I'll put that off as long as I can!

If I'm in a situation where it's important for the doc to know, I'll tell. It's just not the first thing out of my mouth.  I'm not embarrassed by it. If they don't like it, I'll go see someone else.

Cindi

Quote from: annette on December 25, 2011, 01:46:16 AM
Problem is, that sometimes it isn't clear or it's relevant.
For example, pain in the lower limb, it is possible that the source of the problem can be in hormone use.
Blood clotting is sometimes a reaction on using E.

They always ask what meds I'm on. I always tell the truth. What does that have to do with disclosure of trans status?

Quote from: Sarah7 on December 25, 2011, 08:40:16 AM
They always ask what meds I'm on. I always tell the truth. What does that have to do with disclosure of trans status?

Im not sure I get your point

Quote from: MsDazzler on December 26, 2011, 12:57:06 PM
Im not sure I get your point

Anette was talking about the need for doctors to know you are on estrogen. I was pointing out that you can disclose your meds without disclosing your trans status. Women are on hormone therapy for all kinds of reasons. It doesn't imply transsexualism.

Quote from: Sarah7 on December 26, 2011, 02:24:43 PM
Anette was talking about the need for doctors to know you are on estrogen. I was pointing out that you can disclose your meds without disclosing your trans status. Women are on hormone therapy for all kinds of reasons. It doesn't imply transsexualism.

There are lots and lots of ciswomen on hrt. Two of my immediate blood family are. Disclosing meds shouldn't out you.

There are not as many natal men who take T at my age, but lol w/e. I am personally a fan of telling them what they might need to know, keeping info they don't need to yourself, and standing your ground if they raise any eyebrows either way.

Quote from: annette on December 24, 2011, 06:17:14 PM
Don't think you really want CPR, not from gay boys or others.
Imagine, someone is pushing your chest about two inches for a hundred times a minute while the other one is putting a tube trough your throat and bag you.
Does it still sound likeable?
Not to mention if you will survive, or survive with brain damage.

Did you see that? It was a joke and it totally like flew over your head..... Man, you totally missed it. There it goes...off into the horizon.

I say nothing unless the reason I am in the hospital has a direct link to my status.  I don't list testosterone as a medication or any gender related surgeries on medical history forms.  If something comes up, I tell my provider directly.  Any notation of trans anything on a healthcare form in the US has a high probability of coming back and biting you in the ass later.

Quote from: Sarah7 on December 26, 2011, 02:24:43 PM
Anette was talking about the need for doctors to know you are on estrogen. I was pointing out that you can disclose your meds without disclosing your trans status. Women are on hormone therapy for all kinds of reasons. It doesn't imply transsexualism.

Estrogen is mostly not the only medicine transgirls are taken, the combination estrogen/androcur/and so on is quite clear, we're not fools you know, beside that we ask about operations in the past, we just want to know to give the best care one needed.
What is been said on the er, stays on the er, there is no need to keep secrets, and there is no need to be ashamed to have a trans history.
I see no reason to hide a part of your medical status when you're visiting a doctor, we don't care if you're yellow, purple or trans, it's not our job to make a judgement on whatever, it's our job to give the best care as possible.

Quote from: Mahsa the disco shark on December 27, 2011, 03:51:04 AM
Did you see that? It was a joke and it totally like flew over your head..... Man, you totally missed it. There it goes...off into the horizon.

You once said you're a DQ performer, I tought DQ was drag queen, but you're right I missed it, it's drama queen

It also so MUCH depends on your ID status. If your ID says MALE, it be a hard sell to say you female, that's just for a start during a hospital check in.
If they'd say/accept 'female' and the medical aid status says male – the medical aid would refuse to PAY any of the bills!!!

So next, EACH AND EVERY THING THAT'S USED will now say Mister... on the that label they stick on for their cost accounting!
I felt like such an ->-bleeped-<-... for quite a while.

My last ER admission had seen me in full femme regalia (12 months RLE) - and so I was first admitted female to ER. I could hardly speak due to brain haematoma.
Then they went to their old hospital records, once admitted to the hospital proper, from the ER unit and saw I'm of male status... Hello!!!

Then going into 'Critical High Care' was no issue, since it's unisex - everyone being so zonked out with what ever their particular issues are, who'd actually care?

Once I had stabilized they send me to the Oncology Ward - THAT was STRICTLY separated.
NO WAY WOULD THEY LET ME INTO THE FEMALE WARD, only if a single-bed room was available, which was not. There are very few of those.
Off I went to the boys... nails varnished, some make-up, long hair, etc. The girl looked ->-bleeped-<-e otherwise.
Not so very funny it was, yet all my begging did nothing, tears would do neither.

Now my ID still needs MONTHS to be finally changed post-op to female...

NO idea if I had to go back what they would do now???!
In the end we just get more toughened. Like want me to sleep with the boys?!
Alrighty, bring'em right on, he he :-)

Once you through that hospital mill THEY WILL KNOW WHAT'S UP, and when going for blood tests only it's gonna be a new one too for me now.
They asked last time WHY oh why... I was asking for Estradiol tests? Well, 'cause I take EstroFem... eh, why do you take.... da, da, da,

In any case, in my experience it be just too bad if it involves an accident or being otherwise unconscious and pre- or non-op to boot.
So long they don't delay help - you go with the flow.
I've also seen some poor soul lay in the street with boobs and the rest looking more male then female... they (the medics) also did take their time to figure what to do.
Put their hand down the crutch and then what?! It can be tricky, no doubt.

Take care,
Axélle

A few moth's ago we had a transgendered person, dressed in man mode, not shaven for  a few days with the papers of mister.
The person said that the preferred pronoum was ma'am.
So we did, no problem, why not, is it taking extra money or something, no not at all.
So, why not making the days of admitting of this person a few good ones.
It's just a matter of respect, and I have learned when you give respect, you get respect.

Quote from: MsDazzler on December 21, 2011, 10:23:07 PM
I have been on hormones for 2 months now and am under a doctor's care who is aware of my trans status - hell, she was the one who got me started on hormones, heh.

I am wondering how do you handle answering "M" or "F" for the purposes of medical issues that are dependent on your biological sex - one being obviously prostate screening where you would have to disclose your true biological sex- to unknowing medical pracitioners?

One thing I am wondering about is breast cancer screening - would you tell the doctor the "truth"? do they even ask if you are female or trans for that purpose prior to the screening?

Another example would be emergency visits where the amount of blood liters transferred are dependent on whether you are male or female.

Or would hormones change your body sufficiently that your body is essentially the same as a biological female except for the obvious (genitalia, prostate) that you can take various medical screenings and/or medication intended for males or females respectively without having to divulge your trans status?

I go for breast screening when I get a letter asking me to go. I have boobs therefor I need to go for breast screening. Because the start of my transition was more than 10 years ago they assume I am a genetic female from all medical records from the last decade. I'm not going to say otherwise.

Also prostate issues shouldn't affect male to female transsexuals for obvious reasons.

Quote from: Naturally Blonde on December 27, 2011, 08:35:28 AM
Also prostate issues shouldn't affect male to female transsexuals for obvious reasons.

Umm, what?

Admittedly those of us on hormones have a much lower risk of prostate issues, but we still have one and it does still need to be checked on from time to time..

Quote from: kelly_aus on December 27, 2011, 06:29:29 PM
Umm, what?

Admittedly those of us on hormones have a much lower risk of prostate issues, but we still have one and it does still need to be checked on from time to time..

I actually meant we are on anti androgens which is the same kind of medication they use to treat prostate problems.

Quote from: Naturally Blonde on December 27, 2011, 06:56:57 PM
I actually meant we are on anti androgens which is the same kind of medication they use to treat prostate problems.

Yeah.. but that doesn't mean there can't or wont be issues, hence why it stills needs checking on..

Quote from: kelly_aus on December 27, 2011, 06:59:57 PM
Yeah.. but that doesn't mean there can't or wont be issues, hence why it stills needs checking on..

It's a new one on me! especially after well over a decade on anti androgens and HRT. I've been requested to go to the Breast scanning unit on a regular basis every year but I don't think I will ever get called up for a prostate check!

Please don't hide your head in the sand and think you are guaranteed to have no prostate problems because you are on HRT. There are no guarantees, especially with your body. Even men who have been taking antiandrogens to combat prostate problems have not always been successful.

Even if it is a ghastly and miserable reminder of your old "male" body (assuming you got SRS), it is still important to go get prostate exams.

The prostate gland is homologus to the female's Skene's gland, so if it helps, just think you are going to get your Skene's gland checked, heh.

Quote from: annette on December 27, 2011, 04:39:50 AM
Estrogen is mostly not the only medicine transgirls are taken, the combination estrogen/androcur/and so on is quite clear, we're not fools you know, beside that we ask about operations in the past, we just want to know to give the best care one needed.
What is been said on the er, stays on the er, there is no need to keep secrets, and there is no need to be ashamed to have a trans history.
I see no reason to hide a part of your medical status when you're visiting a doctor, we don't care if you're yellow, purple or trans, it's not our job to make a judgement on whatever, it's our job to give the best care as possible.

My opinion on the medical community in general is rather low due to past experience, but suffice to say - no people don't have a clue what spironolactone/estrogen/prometrium means on a regular basis, and no they don't always ask for my surgical history. And no I haven't always been treated with respect after I disclosed.

I answer the questions I'm asked honestly. That's it.

Doctors and nurses are humans. Which means they suck as much and as often as any other kind of human.

Quote from: MsDazzler on December 27, 2011, 10:17:40 PM
Please don't hide your head in the sand and think you are guaranteed to have no prostate problems because you are on HRT. There are no guarantees, especially with your body. Even men who have been taking antiandrogens to combat prostate problems have not always been successful.

Even if it is a ghastly and miserable reminder of your old "male" body (assuming you got SRS), it is still important to go get prostate exams.

The prostate gland is homologus to the female's Skene's gland, so if it helps, just think you are going to get your Skene's gland checked, heh.

Well, now... since when did girls go for Skene's gland check-ups? There's plenty other internal stuff with a natal female to bother about. Plenty.

Next, I actually had issues with my prostate, which was slow in coming, from my mid 40s. There are two issues here - Prostate cancer, and BPH which I had.

The cancer is checked via blood test, one can not 'feel' it via the rectum (pre- non-op) as it grows from the inside out. Once you feel it, it's most often too late.

BPH (Benign Prostate Hypoplasia) is different, it makes the prostate more puffy AND you will find out long before any doc had his finger up your rear - you will have issues with peeing. BHP will start to restrict the urethra more and more, plus put a dent into the bladder, due to it's growth, so it will not fully empty as it did in a non-BHP male.

In fact my doc was not much into sticking his finger up there at all. He prescribed SPIRO, and by now, 1 1/2 years later, AND post-op, I'd be much surprised if he would have changed his mind on the subject - plus I have one VERY powerful stream going and no more issues with urine retention in the bladder either. This girl got fixed for sure :-)

In closing, with size 38A boobs I could not even think how they'd manage a mammogram, there's pretty little to squeeze in deed. If you're bigger, yes it's a good idea of course.

And as always... YMMV

Axélle

Quote from: MsDazzler on December 27, 2011, 10:17:40 PM
Please don't hide your head in the sand and think you are guaranteed to have no prostate problems because you are on HRT. There are no guarantees, especially with your body. Even men who have been taking antiandrogens to combat prostate problems have not always been successful.

Even if it is a ghastly and miserable reminder of your old "male" body (assuming you got SRS), it is still important to go get prostate exams.

The prostate gland is homologus to the female's Skene's gland, so if it helps, just think you are going to get your Skene's gland checked, heh.

I assume prostate checks must be done quite regularly in America but in our country (the U.K) checks are less likely which is really bad. Thanks Axélle-Michélle for the extensive information which I will seriously take on board.

Quote from: Sarah7 on December 27, 2011, 10:47:38 PM

Doctors and nurses are humans. Which means they suck as much and as often as any other kind of human.

This.

I had a kidney stone once and was in immense pain. My hubby took me  to the clinic where they had access to my medical history. They left me in the waiting room agonizing on the floor for two hours while they treated other people with the sniffles.  This was in the bay area folks... probably the most accepting place in the US.... just the wrong clinic.  I now insist with my GP that all references to GRS never go to anyone else. I'd love to have her not even make entries in her records. My last doc was very good about NOT entering anything related into my records.

Face it.  Once the insurance companies get into your history, who knows what they will deny or cover. We still have a long way to go to get equal rights around the world. I thank the gay community for the support and inclusion they have given us in their fights for equal rights legislation. Were it not for them and a very few other brave transgender souls, we'd only be worth a sack of garbage to a lot of people in this country. 

Sorry to be so negative. I know that other people don't have too many issues. But I've had my share.

Cindi

Quote from: Cindi Jones on December 30, 2011, 07:42:49 AM
I had a kidney stone once and was in immense pain. My hubby took me  to the clinic where they had access to my medical history. They left me in the waiting room agonizing on the floor for two hours while they treated other people with the sniffles.  This was in the bay area folks... probably the most accepting place in the US.... just the wrong clinic.

Where was this?

Quote from: Cindi Jones on December 30, 2011, 07:42:49 AM
  This was in the bay area folks... probably the most accepting place in the US.... just the wrong clinic. 
Cindi

sorry to hear that... but the bay area does NOT translate into San Francisco! There are pretty -plenty closed minded cities all around the bay. Only Berkeley comes remotely close to being openminded as SF is.

Quote from: MsDazzler on December 30, 2011, 12:03:57 PM
sorry to hear that... but the bay area does NOT translate into San Francisco! There are pretty -plenty closed minded cities all around the bay. Only Berkeley comes remotely close to being openminded as SF is.

No, but San Francisco is crap outside of the assigned DPH clinics.

I see I have to reconsider my earlier replies.
Sorry girls, I live in another continent, things are different here.
I projected your situations to the place I live, my apologizes.
I'm truly sorry that some of you did have bad experiences for being transsexual.
IMO, if a doctor or a nurse act like that, they should been removed from the profession.
Sorry Cindy, kidneystones are hurting like hell, I know from experience, it's a bloody shame they keep you waiting.

Have a happy newyear all.
Let's hope things are gonna be better.