Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Just thought I would ask this.  I just went to the pharmacy to pick up a script for progesterone pills and was waiting for the pharmacist to give me my side effect briefing she was mentioning to be on the lookout for bleeding.  I can tell from the perturbed look on her face she was like huh....she has probably repeated that thousands of times.  It kind of tickled me I was like where am I going to bleed from?

Quote from: mako9802 on September 01, 2017, 04:01:27 PM
Just thought I would ask this.  I just went to the pharmacy to pick up a script for progesterone pills and was waiting for the pharmacist to give me my side effect briefing she was mentioning to be on the lookout for bleeding.  I can tell from the perturbed look on her face she was like huh....she has probably repeated that thousands of times.  It kind of tickled me I was like where am I going to bleed from?

Depending on your presentation, she assumed you had an endometrium or she just did not think about it too much or even possibly that you were picking up medication for someone else. Sometimes that happens to me and I just let it go.

A couple of months ago I had a pharmacist try to embarrass me. It wasn't the usual pharmacist who's always very nice, it was someone who I guess was covering her shift. This guy started out friendly but when he looked up my medications on the computer that changed. He gave me a long look up and down and had this look on his face. He had my bag of medication in his hand and he said "estradiol for injection. Why would such a young girl(and he emphasized girl) need such large doses of estrogen"?  My brother was with me and he said quietly "look asswipe, you don't need to know why she's taking it, that's why she has a Dr. All you need to worry about is putting the pills in the bottle. Now give her the bag and stop trying to embarrass her or I'll embarrass you a lot worse". I wanted to just go but my brother found a manager and told him the pharmacist had said what medication I was taking real loud and that he had tried to embarrass me. I don't know what happened but I haven't seen that pharmacist again. There is a different one now who covers for the regular woman.

QuoteHe gave me a long look up and down and had this look on his face. He had my bag of medication in his hand and he said "estradiol for injection. Why would such a young girl(and he emphasized girl) need such large doses of estrogen"?

I guess he's never heard of patient confidentiality. He certainly violated yours.

Interesting, at the place where I go, the doctor emails in the prescription, and they text you when it's ready. The person who gives it to you doesn't see what it is as the bottles are in little bags, and the side effects sheet is stapled shut. The person ringing you up only knows your name and what you owe.

This was at Walmart pharmacy....when t his happened I forgot to mention.

I haven't thought about what pharmacists think since the first time I bought condoms in San Diego. Now I take 15 medications a day and I just don't care anymore  My motto. "Better Life Through Chemestry"   

Quote from: DawnOday on September 02, 2017, 06:23:12 PM
I haven't thought about what pharmacists think since the first time I bought condoms in San Diego.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR8arJMOu7A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR8arJMOu7A)   :D

Quote from: AnneK on September 02, 2017, 09:29:48 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR8arJMOu7A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR8arJMOu7A)   :D

Exactly.

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Quote from: AnamethatstartswithE on September 02, 2017, 04:07:03 PM
Interesting, at the place where I go, the doctor emails in the prescription, and they text you when it's ready. The person who gives it to you doesn't see what it is as the bottles are in little bags, and the side effects sheet is stapled shut. The person ringing you up only knows your name and what you owe.

Honey, I am an old broad. Ever been to a compounding pharmacy. Back in the day they were all compounding pharmacy's. That was even way before I was born. We had Savon, Thrifty, Walgreens. And many neighborhood pharmacy. Ours was Vincent's Drug. I had many a double dip cones from there.



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Nothing was said and I was treated wonderfully but the last time I went for blood work when Theranos was still in Walgreens, the doctor ordered a PSA (prostate) test. I wasn't thrilled being outed like this and I had other issues with this supposedly trans friendly doctor and never went back. Finding anybody that knows how to deal with and respect somebody 40 years post SRS is a nightmare.

My pharmacist still hasn't figured it out, but the first time it was rather funny. I've been going to the same pharmacy for about 6 years, and they know me pretty well. When I started testosterone, the pharmacist lady, who's really nice but a bit older, came over to where the pharmacist assistant had left my prescription for the consult (they always do a pharmacist consult for new prescriptions), looked at it, and got really puzzled.

"You know this is what they usually give men, right?"

I just nodded.

Still puzzled looking, she gave me the prescription and wished me a good day, as always. To this day she seems confused whenever I pick up my testosterone. I don't think she has a clue what I'm using it for.

It's a pretty big pharmacy, but the younger ones figured it out quickly. They were a little awkward at first, since I look like anything but a transguy, but when I didn't do anything weird, they stopped being weird. In fact, after an irate for no good reason customer left the window and I stepped up, the blond assistant who was helping sighed, then smiled at me. "I wish all our customers were as nice as you."

Quote from: DawnOday on September 02, 2017, 10:45:20 PM
Exactly.

Did you get an ice cream cone with sprinkles on it?   :D

Quote from: DawnOday on September 02, 2017, 11:06:18 PM
Honey, I am an old broad. Ever been to a compounding pharmacy. Back in the day they were all compounding pharmacy's. That was even way before I was born. We had Savon, Thrifty, Walgreens. And many neighborhood pharmacy. Ours was Vincent's Drug. I had many a double dip cones from there.



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You got icecream cones at your pharmacy? Did they give them out when you got a prescription or something? I bet that was nice. Nobody gives anything for free now.

Quote from: Julia1996 on September 03, 2017, 07:17:54 AM
You got icecream cones at your pharmacy? Did they give them out when you got a prescription or something? I bet that was nice. Nobody gives anything for free now.

Years ago, drug stores often had a lunch counter.  In fact, years ago, when I first started working, I used to have my lunch in one.  You can see a bit of one in the background of that clip I provided.  That scene is from the movie "Summer of '42".  I saw that movie when I was 17 and had a crush on Jennifer O'Neill.   ;)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_of_%2742

Incidentally, in that movie, there was another scene just before the one I linked to where Hermie makes his first attempt at buying condoms.  He winds up buying an ice cream cone, with sprinkles, instead.   :D

Incidentally, when I was a kid, a new drug store opened up the street and they did give away ice cream cones for the opening.  After that, they still had a freezer, from which you could buy ice cream bars and popsicles etc.  Now you can buy groceries in one drug store chain.  I often get free samples when I go grocery shopping, most recently yesterday.

Quote from: Julia1996 on September 03, 2017, 07:17:54 AM
You got icecream cones at your pharmacy? Did they give them out when you got a prescription or something? I bet that was nice. Nobody gives anything for free now.

This was before there was a hamburger joint was on every corner. A quick meal out was at a diner so if you just wanted something to eat in an informal environment, the drug store was the place to go. They had fried hamburgers and a soda fountain where you could get floats or ice-cream dishes. They were a hold over from the days when refrigeration wasn't commonly available and a big treat was going to town and getting something with ice-cream. By the 1970's they were fading out of existence but the memories remain.

Quote from: Julia1996 on September 03, 2017, 07:17:54 AM
You got icecream cones at your pharmacy? Did they give them out when you got a prescription or something? I bet that was nice. Nobody gives anything for free now.

No they did not give them away. They were only a dime for two scoops. At the time most all drug stores sold ice cream cones, Rite Aid used to be Thrifty Drug and they continued to sell at a nickle a scoop until well into the 80's.

I love my drugstore, we've been through that together for the past two years. All the staff had different states of surprise/shock at the start, which then equaled that of the other customers.

And now, except for that one guy (I go when he's not working), I feel I have all the drugstore staff behind me if ever one or more of the customers have a reaction to my look or my medication, that I really don't mind anymore discussing out loud when needed.

Two weeks ago, I had a new prescription, all different (from patches to gel...), and a replacement pharmacist who is under the obligation of explaining me my new prescription haha what a laugh. He was so unsure of what to say and I actually knew more about it then him, which he admitted, all that while he obviously felt also not at ease, I don't know... with my look, my legs, my breasts... probably the first time he sees a trans... ended up I had only half the dose and had to call back.

I felt very strong, and him not in control, it was like a reverse situation since all the staff knows me, I'm very calm, I feel at home, I know my HRT, and he's the one who is supposed to be in control and he realizes he's not.

I don't know how to explain, but usually in any given situation in society, I have to be braced and ready at any time to defend my position to be legit as a trans, and that time, it was reverse... he looked like a lost guy, sorry not to be up to date...

there is also the young blond girl who is the one who, examining my dosage, figured out I was trans and stopped saying the "mister" when calling my name when my order is ready. I thanked her for it and she offered to change my first name... took a while to get through the system and all the staff, but now it's clear I am Miss D... and not mister B...

Most every visit brings me more little stories like this I could tell... the customers around as I wait for the order...

I feel stronger and more legit at my drugstore as a trans than elsewhere, probably simply because I know the science behind the counter is supportive. In a human way.

QuoteI love my drugstore

Do they have ice cream cones?   :D

I use our local neighborhood pharmacy which is in the same spot since the mid 50's. They also still do compounding. It is only about 300 ft away from my house.

It is one of the places which used to have a soda fountain and would sell ice cream scoops.

They know most of their customers by name (including me and my family). I am sure by now they have figured out what I use the meds for and I did get some encouraging looks from some of the female younger staff. They seem to know: a few weeks ago I went to buy compression socks for a long flight and without even asking, they only showed me the female selection [emoji106]

Still: no one has said a word...

Quote from: AnneK on September 03, 2017, 02:29:01 PM
Do they have ice cream cones?   :D

nooo, they never did, they used to sell cigarettes though. Food, burgers and ice cream, in a drugstore seems to me like a weird mix, I don't know if there are part of Canada where they did, but not in Québec. The smell of the burgers while you're sick and waiting for your prescription... weird :laugh:

The drug store where I used to have lunch was near Toronto.  I don't recall burgers though.  I had corn beef on rye sandwiches.  Soup was also available, if I recall.

Quote from: AnneK on September 03, 2017, 04:47:04 PM
The drug store where I used to have lunch was near Toronto.  I don't recall burgers though.  I had corn beef on rye sandwiches.  Soup was also available, if I recall.

ahhh I see... Quebecers don't eat corned beef, that must be why  :P

but seriously, there might have been something similar somewhere in Québec, but I doubt it. I remember when the legislation changed or something and the Jean Coutu drustores started selling food and all, before that, every drugstore was very stern.

Quoteahhh I see... Quebecers don't eat corned beef, that must be why  :P

I had a few pastrami sandwiches at Ben's Deli in Montreal.  Very similar, different spices.

Quote from: AnneK on September 03, 2017, 09:08:57 PM
I had a few pastrami sandwiches at Ben's Deli in Montreal.  Very similar, different spices.

Would you like a Tagamet or Zantac tablet to go with that sandwich?

Okay folks we have strayed off topic once again. Though I do like food it isn't what this topic is about.

As far as strange looks I can't say that I have experienced this as all my medications come mail order.

laurie

Quote from: Cailan Jerika on September 03, 2017, 12:34:32 AM
My pharmacist still hasn't figured it out, but the first time it was rather funny. I've been going to the same pharmacy for about 6 years, and they know me pretty well. When I started testosterone, the pharmacist lady, who's really nice but a bit older, came over to where the pharmacist assistant had left my prescription for the consult (they always do a pharmacist consult for new prescriptions), looked at it, and got really puzzled.

"You know this is what they usually give men, right?"

I just nodded.

Still puzzled looking, she gave me the prescription and wished me a good day, as always. To this day she seems confused whenever I pick up my testosterone. I don't think she has a clue what I'm using it for.

It's a pretty big pharmacy, but the younger ones figured it out quickly. They were a little awkward at first, since I look like anything but a transguy, but when I didn't do anything weird, they stopped being weird. In fact, after an irate for no good reason customer left the window and I stepped up, the blond assistant who was helping sighed, then smiled at me. "I wish all our customers were as nice as you."

Well actually some natal females don't produce enough testosterone as well, so they take it.. especially if you're in ovarian faiulure or ovarian insufficiency, or any number of other causes (adrenal fatigue, etc..)  If you feel the need to explain, you can always take an approach like that if you're so inclined.

I order mine online (with a prescription before anyone gets worried) so it gets delivered to my door with no looks and no human interaction by the Royal Mail.

I feel like this trumps going into a pharmacy every time!

I have been going to the same pharmacy for 3ish years. The main pharmacist is really good.

The first time I went in for Spiro they only had 1/2 the quantity and he gave me the talk about side effects ect.  After the 3rd script he upped there holding stock so they now carry enough to fill my scripts without having to order it in.

But it was when I first got my E-Gel that made my day, I went in very sheepishly and handed my scrip over expecting him to want to go threw it all like he always does he is a stickler for that. So I was expecting a very awkward conversation but he amazed me. He called me over to pick it up and just said "Your prescribing Dr has explained the risks and all the side effects?" I told him yes he then handed me the bag told me he would update the stock levels so they would have the full amount next time and said "Good luck with everything"

I was really touched because it was the best way he could of said he knew and was ok while also not outing me in the shop (I was still in male mode)

Needless to say It made my day.

Can't say the same for the relief staff she did the Mr "last name" you script is ready.. that annoyed my because now I am full time the regular staff call me Tamara. But I suppose she can only go off the paperwork because she doesn't know me from a bar of soap.


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My first time picking up my prescription involved a bit of confusion.  The pharmacist had to do a cursory consult since it was a new prescription.  He looked at the spiro, started rattling off everything about being a diuretic and lowering blood pressure.  When he got to my estradiol, he had a very confused look on his face, looked at the computer, and then it clicked.  "So I presume your doctor went over what these do?"  "She sure did." He looked relieved and cheerfully said "Well then you're all set, have a nice day." 

I was on my way home from work, totally in boy mode so I definitely did not look like somebody who needed those.  I think he handled it pretty well.

Also, I remember going to Thrifty for ice cream in the 80's.

Mine get shipped to me. The pellets get implanted at the doctor office. But the one time I had to go I had no problems. Because it was a compounding pharmacy and they did most of the trans patient around there. Even when I call and I have to give them my male name, they are super nice and very professional. Also I am on auto ship. They come every month without having to call. Now if I could get them to not send them out so early. I am starting to get a surplus of S And P


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Quote from: DawnOday on September 02, 2017, 11:06:18 PM
Honey, I am an old broad. Ever been to a compounding pharmacy. Back in the day they were all compounding pharmacy's.

Eye of newt, and toe of frog,
Wool of bat, and tongue of dog,
Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting,
Lizard's leg, and howlet's wing,--
For a charm of powerful trouble,
Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.   :D

Quote from: Doreen on September 04, 2017, 12:37:53 AM
Well actually some natal females don't produce enough testosterone as well, so they take it.. especially if you're in ovarian faiulure or ovarian insufficiency, or any number of other causes (adrenal fatigue, etc..)  If you feel the need to explain, you can always take an approach like that if you're so inclined.

Yeah, but they don't get full transition doses. and I cancelled my menopause HRT prescription (estrogen and progestin) at the same time. Bit of a clue there. But since I'm not changing my femme presentation at all, it's probably keeping her confused.

Yeah, they don't ask questions but they went all quiet whereas before they were more talkative. They know perfectly well what the gel's for so I assume someone's got a chip. I don't much care so long as they hand the meds over I've paid for.

There seems to be a new guest pharmacist there three weeks out of every four so I never know who I'm gonna have to deal with. The out-of-town people are way more polite, though. No judgement, apparently. Personally I hate living in a small village for that reason.

I got queried on two occasions when my estrogen and progesterone doses exceeded those typically prescribed to women. They were VERY curious (and shocked that I would need THAT much!) and asked if I was menopausal, pregnant or what not. I told them it was between me and my doctor and if they prescribed that dose, then there was a good reason for it. I also made sure they knew that I was quite familiar with these hormones and I even cited a few studies to alleviate their worries. They seemed reassured, satisfied with my answers and did not insist.

Oh yea, when I was prescribed testosterone post-op, that also caused some problems because it's indicated for men only and my prescription was just odd so they made a big fuss about the whole thing insisting that I should either use a small amount from the sachet daily then throw the rest out (as advised by the pharmaceutical company) or have them send the prescription to a compounding pharmacy so they could prepare something equivalent but that was quite costly. In the end, my doctor changed my prescription, sent it to another pharmacy and it was fine. What a mess this was!!

Ok I'll defend my fellow pharmacists to an extent.  It is part of our job to question unusual doses and often without knowing a diagnosis.  Though a truly out of the ordinary dose would be cause to verify with the prescriber. Using spironolactone and estradiol for transgender hormone therapy is an off label use and therefore dosing is not covered in usual literature that a pharmacy would use. Pharmacist can also be liable if an excessive dose is dispensed and some type of harm follows. 
I believe all states also require the pharmacist to counsel on at least all new prescriptions (WI requires it on refills also).
So they may ask some questions to ensure you're getting proper treatment.  I would think though that they would be able to figure it out when they are prescribed together for some one that is still listed as male. 

This is all supposed to be done confidentially but that can be hard in a busy retail setting. And of course there is always a right way and a wrong way that these questions can be asked.

So they are most likely just doing their jobs and not being nosy.  I don't mean to say that that doesn't happen ever.  It is all supposed to be done professionally and confidentially.  Anything other than that is not acceptable, from anyone. 



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I have never had a problem
The pharmacists just do their jobs here and they are beyond helpful when I need help