Community Conversation => Transitioning => Topic started by: Freya on March 06, 2012, 11:05:44 PM Return to Full Version
Title: First visit with GP
Post by: Freya on March 06, 2012, 11:05:44 PM
Post by: Freya on March 06, 2012, 11:05:44 PM
I had an appointment with my new General Practitioner today. I went in with the intent to let him know I plan to transition and I want his help with getting my health physically ready. At first Instead of meeting him, I met a 3rd year Medical student instead, who proceeded to interview me about my health concerns. I am pretty certain he was very close to half my age and as nice as he was, I had NO intention about sharing my deepest concerns over my lifetime to someone that seemed like a kid to me.
I had my blood pressure taken and it was WAY higher than usual. High enough they were concerned about me being treated for it immediately. I think it was up do to being nervous about my situation and possibly the large amount of Chai and Black tea I had been drinking over the past couple days. I reassured them I had medicine at home from my cardiologist to manage unexpected spikes and that I would go home and take it immediately. I didn't of course, I went to the gym and spent 2 easy hours on the elliptical first, then went home and took my meds. BP is back under control.
After talking to both of them, I asked the Dr. if I could talk to him privately and got the opportunity to tell him my entire motivation for all I am doing is based on my desire to transition. I was surprised when he seemed to get excited, and said so you just want to be happy. EXACTLY!! So he seems very willing to work with me all the way through the process, he may not have experience with TG patients, but I'm just counting on his help with referrals and getting healthy, as well as his understanding. He has referred patients to the best known local TG HRT Endocrinologist, who happens to be in my current plan. So when I am ready for HRT or need to see an Endo for any other reason, I should be able to see him. All good so far.
After speaking with both the intern and Dr. I was provided with a couple referrals and a plan to start improving my health. The primary concern is with my heart/weight. They got all serious on me about what I needed to be doing and when I told them what I had already started the were impressed and told me to keep it up. But they did say they would be watching me closely, and I hope they do.
They gave me a some lab work to get blood tests. After explaining that I wanted to transition, I asked the Dr. if he could add E and T levels to the test and he did it no problem. I'm all excited to know where I am at with those.
He gave me a referral to a Spine specialist so I can try and loosen up from a back injury about 12 years ago (some fork lift drove into my back). It REALLY limits my range of motion and I am concerned to could affect my ability to provide a more feminine deportment. Hopefully I can get them to help me with loosening up my hip flexors too, which would help me with crossing my legs.
He gave me a referral to a surgical specialist to look at a potential abdominal hernia that became more noticeable after losing some weight. I believe one of the solutions is to insert a surgical mesh to reinforce the abdominal wall. I am hoping (fantasizing) that the surgery can be used to narrow my waistline,even if just a little. Either way I am betting it will be best the surgery itself after I have lost weight.
Lastly he gave me prescription for Retin-A. He said it was more of a formality before he could send me to a dermatologist. I'm glad to ave it anyway, just to use it to clear up my skin in the meantime. Once I get the dermatologist appointment, I'll find out about getting some resurfacing done on my back and neck. I'll also let the dermatologist know about my desire to transition so I can get some advice on who I can go to locally for beard removal, since most of the places that do it here seem to be dermatology offices.
These are a lot of initial steps to removing my lifetime of masculinity and not caring about my body. I have a chance for success,and I am excited ;D
Freya
I had my blood pressure taken and it was WAY higher than usual. High enough they were concerned about me being treated for it immediately. I think it was up do to being nervous about my situation and possibly the large amount of Chai and Black tea I had been drinking over the past couple days. I reassured them I had medicine at home from my cardiologist to manage unexpected spikes and that I would go home and take it immediately. I didn't of course, I went to the gym and spent 2 easy hours on the elliptical first, then went home and took my meds. BP is back under control.
After talking to both of them, I asked the Dr. if I could talk to him privately and got the opportunity to tell him my entire motivation for all I am doing is based on my desire to transition. I was surprised when he seemed to get excited, and said so you just want to be happy. EXACTLY!! So he seems very willing to work with me all the way through the process, he may not have experience with TG patients, but I'm just counting on his help with referrals and getting healthy, as well as his understanding. He has referred patients to the best known local TG HRT Endocrinologist, who happens to be in my current plan. So when I am ready for HRT or need to see an Endo for any other reason, I should be able to see him. All good so far.
After speaking with both the intern and Dr. I was provided with a couple referrals and a plan to start improving my health. The primary concern is with my heart/weight. They got all serious on me about what I needed to be doing and when I told them what I had already started the were impressed and told me to keep it up. But they did say they would be watching me closely, and I hope they do.
They gave me a some lab work to get blood tests. After explaining that I wanted to transition, I asked the Dr. if he could add E and T levels to the test and he did it no problem. I'm all excited to know where I am at with those.
He gave me a referral to a Spine specialist so I can try and loosen up from a back injury about 12 years ago (some fork lift drove into my back). It REALLY limits my range of motion and I am concerned to could affect my ability to provide a more feminine deportment. Hopefully I can get them to help me with loosening up my hip flexors too, which would help me with crossing my legs.
He gave me a referral to a surgical specialist to look at a potential abdominal hernia that became more noticeable after losing some weight. I believe one of the solutions is to insert a surgical mesh to reinforce the abdominal wall. I am hoping (fantasizing) that the surgery can be used to narrow my waistline,even if just a little. Either way I am betting it will be best the surgery itself after I have lost weight.
Lastly he gave me prescription for Retin-A. He said it was more of a formality before he could send me to a dermatologist. I'm glad to ave it anyway, just to use it to clear up my skin in the meantime. Once I get the dermatologist appointment, I'll find out about getting some resurfacing done on my back and neck. I'll also let the dermatologist know about my desire to transition so I can get some advice on who I can go to locally for beard removal, since most of the places that do it here seem to be dermatology offices.
These are a lot of initial steps to removing my lifetime of masculinity and not caring about my body. I have a chance for success,and I am excited ;D
Freya
Title: Re: First visit with GP
Post by: Cindy on March 07, 2012, 02:08:50 AM
Post by: Cindy on March 07, 2012, 02:08:50 AM
Hi Frya,
I think that is a pretty typical reaction of the family doctor. We get all nervous but a good medic is a good medic and their personal opinions should not interfere with their professional opinions.
Getting the weight off seems to be a very good starting point.
Once you meet the therapsit you will alos be quite suprised how accepting they are, or should be, the good ones have met more TG people that you have :laugh:
Cindy
I think that is a pretty typical reaction of the family doctor. We get all nervous but a good medic is a good medic and their personal opinions should not interfere with their professional opinions.
Getting the weight off seems to be a very good starting point.
Once you meet the therapsit you will alos be quite suprised how accepting they are, or should be, the good ones have met more TG people that you have :laugh:
Cindy
Title: Re: First visit with GP
Post by: Jeneva on March 07, 2012, 06:51:57 AM
Post by: Jeneva on March 07, 2012, 06:51:57 AM
Quote from: Freya on March 06, 2012, 11:05:44 PMI'm not sure if you were considering laser or not since it doesn't work as well on non-dark hair, but you cannot use Retin-A in an area where you will get laser.
Lastly he gave me prescription for Retin-A.
Congratulations, on the courage to come out to your doctor. It took me three visits where i planned on telling her before I felt "safe" enough to tell mine (meeting every two weeks because of med dosing changes), but she was amazingly supportive. It is always such a relief to find that we've overestimated the situation.
Good luck with the rest of your path, you can do it if you want to.
Title: Re: First visit with GP
Post by: Gretchen on March 07, 2012, 07:33:17 AM
Post by: Gretchen on March 07, 2012, 07:33:17 AM
It makes me so happy when one of our sisters or brothers finally decides to be true to themselves and move forward, congratulations Jeneva.
Title: Re: First visit with GP
Post by: Catherine Sarah on March 07, 2012, 07:37:02 AM
Post by: Catherine Sarah on March 07, 2012, 07:37:02 AM
Absolutely GREAT news Freya.
I'm just so pleased everything thus far has had a very positive influence on you. You are going to transition just fine. You indeed are handling the situation very well.
Once you start HRT, will be the time of the infamous 'roller coaster' of emotions and feelings. Embrace it, because it's you. Lots of things will begin to change for you then. And the amazing thing is they are so uniquely individual. What happens to some, doesn't happen to others. That is one of the many reasons, this is an absolutely amazing journey of discovery and wealth.
For example, last night I finished here early. I was an absolute blithering mess. I haven't experienced tears of joy like that, for a long time. I heard that Rachl's father had accepted her without a qualm, and was looking forward to supporting her. Totally devastated me in tears of joy. Embrace and enjoy it. Hear from you soon.
Be safe, well and happy.
Lotsa huggs
Catherine
I'm just so pleased everything thus far has had a very positive influence on you. You are going to transition just fine. You indeed are handling the situation very well.
Once you start HRT, will be the time of the infamous 'roller coaster' of emotions and feelings. Embrace it, because it's you. Lots of things will begin to change for you then. And the amazing thing is they are so uniquely individual. What happens to some, doesn't happen to others. That is one of the many reasons, this is an absolutely amazing journey of discovery and wealth.
For example, last night I finished here early. I was an absolute blithering mess. I haven't experienced tears of joy like that, for a long time. I heard that Rachl's father had accepted her without a qualm, and was looking forward to supporting her. Totally devastated me in tears of joy. Embrace and enjoy it. Hear from you soon.
Be safe, well and happy.
Lotsa huggs
Catherine
Title: Re: First visit with GP
Post by: Freya on March 08, 2012, 12:27:41 AM
Post by: Freya on March 08, 2012, 12:27:41 AM
First, thanks to all of you for your continued support. I am so impressed with how much has been offered to me is such a short time.
I have seen my therapist twice now and she is fantastic. The first time I saw her I told her my situation and how I felt. She responded by stating, "well then why don't you become a woman then. You have everything in place and are in a good situation." I thought I was going in to try and learn to just cope with the feelings I had, but she made it seem pretty simple that the only reason I wasn't happy was that I needed to make the choice to do what I need for me. So now I am excited to finally be on my way after all these years.
Jeneva,
I am fairly certain I will do laser just not right away. I have to do the Retin-A before I can get a referral to the dermatologist. Once I get to the dermatologist, I'll talk about how and where I should go for laser, hopefully it will be a service that dermatologist provides. I'll work with my GP so see if he can help me set it up that way. I'm trying to remember what the electrologist told me about Retin-A before treatment. I'll just plan on not using it for a couple days before my next appointment.
Gretchen,
I read your "Just normal" post and as short as it was, it is fundamentally inspirational. That is definitely the place I aspire to be, even if I need to take my time (a few years) to get there :)
Catherine.
I am so looking forward to the joy and pain of HRT and I am tempted to start right away, but... I'll show some restraint as i prepare my life for it.
Again, thanks all to everyone,
Freya
QuoteOnce you meet the therapsit you will alos be quite suprised how accepting they are, or should be, the good ones have met more TG people that you have
I have seen my therapist twice now and she is fantastic. The first time I saw her I told her my situation and how I felt. She responded by stating, "well then why don't you become a woman then. You have everything in place and are in a good situation." I thought I was going in to try and learn to just cope with the feelings I had, but she made it seem pretty simple that the only reason I wasn't happy was that I needed to make the choice to do what I need for me. So now I am excited to finally be on my way after all these years.
QuoteI'm not sure if you were considering laser or not since it doesn't work as well on non-dark hair, but you cannot use Retin-A in an area where you will get laser.
Jeneva,
I am fairly certain I will do laser just not right away. I have to do the Retin-A before I can get a referral to the dermatologist. Once I get to the dermatologist, I'll talk about how and where I should go for laser, hopefully it will be a service that dermatologist provides. I'll work with my GP so see if he can help me set it up that way. I'm trying to remember what the electrologist told me about Retin-A before treatment. I'll just plan on not using it for a couple days before my next appointment.
QuoteIt makes me so happy when one of our sisters or brothers finally decides to be true to themselves and move forward, congratulations Jeneva.
Gretchen,
I read your "Just normal" post and as short as it was, it is fundamentally inspirational. That is definitely the place I aspire to be, even if I need to take my time (a few years) to get there :)
QuoteOnce you start HRT, will be the time of the infamous 'roller coaster' of emotions and feelings. Embrace it, because it's you. Lots of things will begin to change for you then. And the amazing thing is they are so uniquely individual. What happens to some, doesn't happen to others. That is one of the many reasons, this is an absolutely amazing journey of discovery and wealth.
Catherine.
I am so looking forward to the joy and pain of HRT and I am tempted to start right away, but... I'll show some restraint as i prepare my life for it.
Again, thanks all to everyone,
Freya