Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hi ladies. My Endo retired without referring me to another one and here is my problem.

I found a new one, but since HRT for trans people is not considered urgent (?) they cant get me in for three months. I am on full strength MtF HRT and I need to know what to expect being off of HRT for so long. What will I feel and how will I act? Also, is there anything at all I can do to minimize the adverse affects at all?

If it affects my mental stability like I am anticipating please accept my apologies if I get irritable and don't seem like myself. Please don't take anything personal if I get *itchy. I am really worried right now and any help or suggestions in dealing with this will be very appreciated.

PS-I called 68 different providers and was turned down by all of them, so simply finding another one with openings is not possible at this point.

Wow, that isn't good. He didn't write you a script to cover you for a few months? Surely if you explain to the staff at the new endo you're already on an HRT regimin they will treat you with a bit more urgency. I came off HRT cold turkey after I decided to end my first attempt at transition - it was not pretty. My emotions went ballistic, I started lactating (true) and was generally a mess for several weeks. It won't wind back the feminisation process but you could end up feeling mega crap. Perhaps your doctor can tide you over?

Quote from: Ms Grace on April 25, 2014, 05:00:34 PM
He didn't write you a script to cover you for a few months?

Surely if you explain to the staff at the new endo you're already on an HRT regimin they will treat you with a bit more urgency.

Perhaps your doctor can tide you over?

Would not cover me and said he didn't want to do HRT to begin with, just liked my insurance.

Pleaded with the new staff, no deal. Evidently my condition is not "life threatening" enough to book me earlier. My Therapist and Psychologist even stressed the importance of continuing. No luck!

I have exhausted all avenue's at this point. Oklahoma sucks for trans people! I did get ahold of a Trans support group, but that is my last hope for another referral.

Your therapist and psychologist probably know someone with an MD, right?  Even if it's not an endo.  Have you tried Ob/Gyns?

This is ridiculous and I'm sorry it's happening to you.

Best of luck hon. I really hope you can get it sorted.

Quote from: Jill F on April 25, 2014, 05:11:22 PM
Your therapist and psychologist probably know someone with an MD, right?  Even if it's not an endo.  Have you tried Ob/Gyns?

This is ridiculous and I'm sorry it's happening to you.

They have tried quit a few MDs here, but the lack of trans knowledge is almost zero. All they have said so far is find an Endo, even the most liberal ones. Same with the OB/Gyns. They are all willing to see me immediately before SRS and provide care after, but shy away from HRT. Calls are still being made, but the listings are getting very short in the book. Sometimes I hate this Red State!

Thanks for the support Jill and Grace. I sure don't look forward to the next three months. Please don't get offended if I go nuts some of the time.

Hi Emily. He didn't write a continuation script for me to be able to stay on until the next appointment. Some ethics, Huh?

Sometimes even the mention of a potential malpractice lawsuit can grease the wheels.  Just sayin'

A letter from an attorney might just get you what you need. 

Hmm, write simple prescription or retain attorney...  How to make angry transchick go away?

Quote from: Jill F on April 25, 2014, 05:27:51 PM
  Hmm, write simple prescription or retain attorney...  How to make angry transchick go away?

Didn't think of that! I will be on the phone first thing tomorrow! Outstanding. Guess I was concentrating too much on the physical withdrawal aspect to think of it. I am kind of freaking out a little! ;) When I found out all this it felt like a flashbang went off next to me and I was stunned.

Big Hug Honey.

I hope it gets sorted

I agree with what Jill said threaten the old endo with a lawyer.. Are they professionally registered/regulated over your side of the pond... Over here you can make official complaints to like health care council or whatever if a professional hasn't fulfilled their duty of care.. which I don't think this one has..

Sorry Emily I meant the doctors ethics for not properly making sure my care would be continued without delay. My brain is out to lunch right now, sorry.

I am just worried about what effects mental and physical I could face. I am still trying hard as is my Therapy team to find a solution, but need to know what to expect if the worse case happens, three months without. :(

Your old endo sounds incredibly unprofessional and is a poor excuse for a doctor.  The medical practice that I worked for would never leave a patient stranded like that without their medication.  Have you tried contacting a general practitioner and explaining what's going on?  Maybe they may prescribe it for you given your history.  At least until you can see a specialist.  And worst comes to worst, do you have the means to take a trip out of Oklahoma to see an out of state Endo?  I know it's hard, but it would be worth it in my eyes.   

I'm going to do some research and see if I can find something to help.  I am sorry sorry you are going through this. 

Okay, these are not close, but they are the closet informed consent clinics.  That may help you out for now, I don't know.  I posted the two in Kansas, but there are more if you are willing to travel.  I'm just thinking out of the box since it's sort of a dire situation.  I found them from the following source http://transresource.tumblr.com/post/36603564709  Sorry for this Jess. 

JEANETTE LANIER, ARNP, WICHITA, KANSAS
1001 N. MINNEAPOLIS, WICHITA KS 67214
(316) 293-1840

DR. SHARON LEE, KANSAS CITY
Southwest Boulevard Clinic – 340 Southwest Blvd. Kansas City, KS 66103
(913) 722-3100

Not knowing what your on or how it's prescribed, if possible try not to go cold turkey. It is not very pretty, emotionally I was a wreck for a few weeks. So here is a hug for now cause you may need it later :icon_hug: :icon_hug: :icon_hug: :icon_hug:

On the other hand this is a small setback (I'm assuming you have the date in three months you want one earlier). So yes it will be an emotional strain but we are all here for you. If you can't find someone to give you a new script sooner I suggest trying to find something to take your mind off the wait. I like Jill's idea LAWYER >:-)

Thanks LTL I will check them out. It is only about a 6 hour drive and sounds good to me. ROADTRIP! ;D

Thanks IG. I do have a firm date of July 9th now, so a little less than three months and I am trying to stretch out my small supply so there is at least some in me. I will run out soon though. Wish he would have told me this when I had a months worth!

Oh boy Jess.  I'm sorry to see you go through this.  Seriously, I hope it works out. 

Quote from: learningtolive on April 25, 2014, 06:06:55 PM
Oh boy Jess.  I'm sorry to see you go through this.  Seriously, I hope it works out. 

Me too. Nice work, LTL - your'e a star! :)

Jessica,

I am so sad to hear this is happening to you.  The six hour road trip looks like a good idea at this point.

I hope everything works out and you get the medications you need.

Pulling for you, sister!


Erin

Quote from: Jill F on April 25, 2014, 05:27:51 PM
A letter from an attorney might just get you what you need. 

She could probably get a year's supply of hormones online for how much that will cost out of pocket.  Just sayin...

Jessica,

So sorry to hear about what's happened to you.  It's really unfortunate your old endo didn't refer you onwards and at least provide you with a script for sufficient meds till you got in with a new one - I can't speculate as to why he might have done so.  There are the obvious alternatives for the short term, but I'm not going to break TOS of this forum.

Quote from: Jill F on April 25, 2014, 05:27:51 PM
Sometimes even the mention of a potential malpractice lawsuit can grease the wheels.  Just sayin'

Unfortunately, if you're talking about suing the new endo, you're out of luck.  They can quite just as easily refuse to treat, stating that your condition is out of their area of expertise, especially if there is a dearth of endos with trans experience, as Jessica is implying.  Waving the stick at the old one might not get you anywhere either as often, retired doctors may drop their registration to practice and indemnity insurance.

Although for us, missing HRT seems like life and death, for a practising MD, unless you're going to immediately die, they're not going to consider it as such.  Hang in there, it's another road bump. :(

Yes I agree. He is closing his practice and everything. Oh well, I have gotten some good info from you girls, thanks. :)

Aww... Jessica I am so sorry to hear this... That really blows chunks to say the least... I kind of have to agree with Jill on this one... Perhaps call the Transgender Law center and see what they have to say.

Hugs
Veronica

Hi Jess, I sent you some help via email. It should keep you from having to go through withdrawal. I too sympathsize and will do anything I can to help. It's very very sad trans issues aren't considered urgent where you live. Hopefully soon something will work out to prevent your doing without your meds.

Though I've found a great Endo who stands up for his TG patients, I keep a six months supply of my hrt meds I'd luckily ordered before I found my Endo and was still DIY on hand for just such an emergency. You never know sometimes what can happen. Your Endo could get in an accident on his/her way to work. I do the same with my pain meds which, has prevented my going through that withdrawal twice now.

Threatning malpractice lawsuit may get someone's attention, and, LTL's suggestion might be worth a look at as a last resort if all else fails. Hopefully it won't come to that though. Good luck Jess whichever avenue you choose.

Ally :icon_flower:

Just wanted to write an additional FYI, most informed clinics take time to get in.  Please consider making an appointment asap if you are running out of medication quickly.  You will likely be able to skip the initial steps that others take since you are on medication (I don't know, it's up to the practice's policies with new patients)  but you never know.  If you can, get blood work done a head of time.  Just call your GP and get a BW Script and then head over to a local lab.  Then ask your GP for the copy of your results and bring them with you.  I wish there was an easier way, but this sounds like the quickest legal way you can go about it. 

Honestly, I'm saying this because I care, but given the level of depression you felt beforehand, I'd really avoid the withdrawls.  The emotional component of those withdrawls should be your biggest concern (which I can verify is a very tough thing to go through with other medications).  If you have to ween yourself off it for some time, consider speaking with your gp to get emotional treatment in the meantime.  I know I would go crazy if someone took my hormones, lol.  In any case, I hope it goes well. 

P.S.  Thanks Grace, though I'm no star.  Maybe a supernova or a black hole, lol. 

Hey Jess,

I saw that you were on, so I was wondering if there is any update.  Hoping all is well, and let us know if we can help in any way.

Nothing yet. Therapy day is tomorrow so I will find out if they know anything new. There are angels watching over me though! ;)

This page has links to a number of Informed Consent clinics in the Dallas area, in case the metroplex is a shorter drive than Wichita.

http://parkthatcar.net/transgender-resources/informed-consent-clinics/

Best of luck, sis.

Quote from: Jessica Merriman on April 25, 2014, 06:03:50 PM
Thanks LTL I will check them out. It is only about a 6 hour drive and sounds good to me. ROADTRIP! ;D

Thanks IG. I do have a firm date of July 9th now, so a little less than three months and I am trying to stretch out my small supply so there is at least some in me. I will run out soon though. Wish he would have told me this when I had a months worth!

I am so sorry you are going through this Jessica, but the road trip sounds like fun... ;D The joys of living in a backwards state... Arggg... Hope you get it squared away Sis.  :icon_hug:

     The angel has smiled upon you.

Thanks for the support everyone. I have a fear of withdrawal of any drug after my past experience. While I was a Firefighter I had a career ending spinal fracture and was in bed for a couple of years. The doctors had me on a very large dose of Morphine and detoxing from it was a nightmare. I never want to go through anything like that ever again. That is why I was so worried about HRT withdrawal symptoms. Being fairly new to it I had no idea what it would be like to be off so suddenly. I appreciate everyone's kindness and concern. Your advice has been very helpful and has given me new areas to explore for a provider. Thanks! :) :icon_hug: :-*

Quote from: Jessica Merriman on April 28, 2014, 08:22:04 AM
Nothing yet. Therapy day is tomorrow so I will find out if they know anything new. There are angels watching over me though! ;)

Best of luck for good news from your therapist Jess. My gosh, I myself take morphene daily for chronic pain issues and I've experienced withdrawal symptoms once when every pharmacy in my area was out of my doseage. I ended up being hospitalized so I sympathize with you concerning the morphene withdrawal. Just thinking about going through that makes me cringe. :icon_yikes:

ii

Quote from: Jessica Merriman on April 28, 2014, 09:42:41 AM
Thanks for the support everyone. I have a fear of withdrawal of any drug after my past experience. While I was a Firefighter I had a career ending spinal fracture and was in bed for a couple of years. The doctors had me on a very large dose of Morphine and detoxing from it was a nightmare. I never want to go through anything like that ever again. That is why I was so worried about HRT withdrawal symptoms. Being fairly new to it I had no idea what it would be like to be off so suddenly. I appreciate everyone's kindness and concern. Your advice has been very helpful and has given me new areas to explore for a provider. Thanks! :) :icon_hug: :-*

Well, if it makes you feel better, I doubt anything is nearly as bad as morphine withdrawl.  They say opiate withdrawls are the worst, and as someone that used to have a problem with them I can attest to that.  I doubt estrogen will be anything close to it, though I hope you find a way to avoid it coming off of it. 

Quote from: learningtolive on April 28, 2014, 10:47:56 AM
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Well, if it makes you feel better, I doubt anything is nearly as bad as morphine withdrawl.  They say opiate withdrawls are the worst, and as someone that used to have a problem with them I can attest to that.  I doubt estrogen will be anything close to it, though I hope you find a way to avoid it coming off of it.

Oh if I know Jess LTL I'm sure she will. You have been a great support to her on this thread. I just wanted to compliment you on your confidence in helping out our friend.

Ally

LTL calmed me down a lot! Now if only I can give her a dose of my confidence. ;) We will get there, won't we LTL? :)

Quote from: Jessica Merriman on April 28, 2014, 11:12:40 AM
LTL calmed me down a lot! Now if only I can give her a dose of my confidence. ;) We will get there, won't we LTL? :)

I agree Jess with a little confidence LTL will look fabulous, and many of her worries will melt away.