so after being stuffed around by doctor after doctor not wishing to help me out for a good six months, i finally managed to get an endo referral and my appointment is in a weeks time. yay!!!
while im relieved that im finally feeling like im making progress with this, im also noticing that im carrying a lot of resentment from previous doctors attitudes. like im fearful that this endo will be like other doctors and not want to help and essentially just shut me down.
i know for a fact that this endo helps trans people (he is recommended and listed on multiple trans help sites for my part of Australia that i live in--QLD) so there is no real fear that ill be his first case and he may not want to take me on cos its a subject thats out of his depth.
my real fear is that im so wrapped up in the rejection from the past doctors that i wont be able to talk to him properly about the issues or ask the questions i wanna ask..
does anyone have any advice or inspiration?? like im not asking for 'what should i say?' as i figure everyone is unique in their story and it should be my words that i express. i dunno what im really asking, i guess im just fearful ill get all shy and wont get anywhere
how did you overcome your nerves (if any) for your maiden voyage on S.S. HRT?
Be yourself, and be honest. Be prepared to answer the exact same questions that you have already been asked plenty of times. It gets frustrating, I know, but the various doctors are just doing their jobs...the ones with knowledge and experience in trans issues are just making sure you are suitable for get. The endo will be doing the same too.
Mine started all gruff gatekeeper, asked some hard questions. After the exam he was better. He was happy I wanted to start slow, said a lot of people want it to happen overnight, so be prepared for the "Spanish Inquisition". It might not happen, but it might. Be aware that, as much as he wants to help you, he wants it to be the RIGHT help. Keep your cool.
Thanks girls :-)
I'll just take a deep breath and not let my fears get the most of me xx
Laurenza, you will be fine. Being honest and clear about your needs is the best thing, and to have your story clear and coherent.
Being trans requires us to be patient, maintain a sense of humour, and be resilient to the occasion setbacks we encounter:
I needed to convert my UK passport to my new gender. I consulted carefully, asked the Passport Office for advice, and flew to London last week to do the change in-situ. And you know what, the official advice I received was wrong on several points, and my application was rejected - I had to return empty handed. I could have cried, and almost did, but I used the opportunity to see my nephews and go shopping with my sister for new season's clothes. It was not so bad.
So smile at your endocrinologist, and make them your friend.
Good luck!
Julia
Thanks Julia ;D
Your words of wisdom have taken a weight off my shoulders :)
Perseverance and determination have gotten me here and they will get me through :)
Thanks xx
Go in educated. Not only will it ease your mind by knowing what to expect, but you can make sure you're getting treated properly. Since you're not the first trans person this doctor is seeing, you probably don't need to worry about it, but there's no such thing as too much knowledge.
Quote from: Laurenza on September 08, 2014, 07:38:01 PM
Thanks Julia ;D
Your words of wisdom have taken a weight off my shoulders :)
Perseverance and determination have gotten me here and they will get me through :)
Thanks xx
Good luck, girl...!!!