Okay, I've been putting this off for a week, and the GP has been sending me reminders and phoning and texting to get me to book a visit to evaluate the results. The last three tests I've been to showed a steadily declining T result, with the last one showing almost non-existent levels. Great! But he still doesn't know what's going on and is understandably worried. Being male outwardly is there a chance I can ask for e levels without spilling the beans? I need a rough outline of how to request the test for estrogen/estrone/estradiol levels without completely blowing my cover. I've been monitoring all the other levels myself and am reasonably happy (apart from triglycerides and cholesterol and blood sugar, but I'm working on getting them down) but guys DON'T GET TESTED FOR E.
When the next test IS ordered I plan on getting it done five days after IM EV injection, to give me a rough idea of how it's working without showing the initial spike.
Any suggestions and help and experiences are most welcome, I'm counting on y'all ;)
Explain to your GP you are trans and on a anti androgen and plan to go on E IM.
This will do four things:
Increase your agency
explain to your GP why your T is low
Get you better HRT monitoring
start rebuilding a damaged patient doctor relationship.
Hi Rafaela,
Are you not telling your doctor what is going on with your life because you are embarrassed? Is there some other reason? I'm not sure I understand the situation. Are you seeing an endocrinologist? You had to tell him or her you are transgender, right?
I was hesitant to tell my GP that I was transgender, and seeing a therapist, and I was being prescribed hormones by an endocrinologist, but I had to tell her at some point or she could not be my "health care provider". And it turns out she hardly batted an eye. Actually, I was very happy to walk out of her office with a copy of my medical records that said "Transgendered" under "diagnosis"! It was official!
With kindness,
Terri
Edit: "start rebuilding a damaged patient doctor relationship". Yes, Rachel Lynn is exactly right. There is no point going to a doctor you lie to.
You should really tell the doctor the truth. He is a health professional and bound by confidentiality. I think it's really important you explain your situation fully so he can do his job. You could be causing unnecessary stress both for the doctor and yourself.
This will also allow him to help you in more effective ways.
Quote from: Rachel Lynn on July 13, 2016, 07:43:17 PM
Explain to your GP you are trans and on a anti androgen and plan to go on E IM.
This will do four things:
Increase your agency
explain to your GP why your T is low
Get you better HRT monitoring
start rebuilding a damaged patient doctor relationship.
So blow the doors wide open?! We don't have a close doctor/patient relationship, but I do know that he has operated under an informed consent model with at least one other patient, although that was for a body builder who he assisted with testing T levels. Very dangerous stuff, taking anabolic steroids, but he did what he could. This is the only reason I'm even considering blabbing it, I'm a very shy, introverted person and haTe discussing even basic personal issues, let alone dropping a bomb like "oh by the way, I've been living a lie for forty years and I'm struggling with my identity..." This forum is helping me deal with my issues quietly and healthily without turning my life into a sh17 storm.
"Increase your agency"
What the huh? I'm not sure what this means.
Last time T came back even lower than usual I explained I was on finasteride for hair loss and he went wide-eyed and shocked on me like I was cheating on him. WHO PRESCRIBED IT? WHERE IS IT FROM??!! You can't trust things you buy from the internet!!! I was like a deer in headlights. So I promised to quit taking it and do another blood test. Which I did. But I kept taking the spiro and the Estradot. So that's what the latest test will show, which took a couple of months to book, and I haven't rebooked the result consultation... which is pending...
"Get you better HRT monitoring"
This is the goal, what I have currently is adequate for my peace of mind, but certainly is not the best while I'm playing God with my body. My choice, but I like to be reasonably careful.
I'm looking to 'hint' that I'm in need of an E test, without turning into a mess.
You've given me food for thought, so thank you Rachael ;)
Quote from: Maybebaby56 on July 13, 2016, 07:48:01 PM
Hi Rafaela,
Are you not telling your doctor what is going on with your life because you are embarrassed? Is there some other reason? I'm not sure I understand the situation. Are you seeing an endocrinologist? You had to tell him or her you are transgender, right?
I was hesitant to tell my GP that I was transgender, and seeing a therapist, and I was being prescribed hormones by an endocrinologist, but I had to tell her at some point or she could not be my "health care provider". And it turns out she hardly batted an eye. Actually, I was very happy to walk out of her office with a copy of my medical records that said "Transgendered" under "diagnosis"! It was official!
With kindness,
Terri
Edit: "start rebuilding a damaged patient doctor relationship". Yes, Rachel Lynn is exactly right. There is no point going to a doctor you lie to.
Damned straight I'm embarrassed! I'M on a seesaw wondering if throwing it all out there is better than bottling it up, so pulling the pin on this grenade can wait until I'm good and ready and know how I'm feeling about it all. I'm having second thoughts about once every two weeks, so slowly slowly, softly softly is how I'm dealing right now. I feel more positive, more relaxed, less stressed and more comfortable in my own skin since commencing my 'trial' 6 months ago, but I'm not ready to wear a dress to work and put my hair in rollers... as long as I'm making some kind of progress I'm happy- I dread the thought of running out of E and being off the tracks.
I am not seeing an endo. this gets all very invasive and official when that happens, so I'm cruising along with CARE right now, but would be happier knowing more about my levels than a standard panel can tell me. My bloods are acceptable as far as I can see, but obviously NOT acceptable for a genetic male. Whether I'm transgender, genderqueer, a camel or whatever is something I'm gradually working out for myself. I'm literally petrified of spilling my process to a random healthcare professional.
I'm not saying the way I'm going is smart or acceptable to most, but it's how I'm dealing with it right now, sorry if this is against any special tg handbook, but I'm most of what I have right now. :-\
Quote from: Ellement_of_Freedom on July 14, 2016, 04:48:16 AM
You should really tell the doctor the truth. He is a health professional and bound by confidentiality. I think it's really important you explain your situation fully so he can do his job. You could be causing unnecessary stress both for the doctor and yourself.
This will also allow him to help you in more effective ways.
Thanks Elle, I am taking the suggestions on board, and you are making me consider other avenues. But I'm a chicken :laugh:
Quote from: Rafaela on July 14, 2016, 05:15:18 AM
Damned straight I'm embarrassed! I'M on a seesaw wondering if throwing it all out there is better than bottling it up, so pulling the pin on this grenade can wait until I'm good and ready and know how I'm feeling about it all. I'm having second thoughts about once every two weeks, so slowly slowly, softly softly is how I'm dealing right now. I feel more positive, more relaxed, less stressed and more comfortable in my own skin since commencing my 'trial' 6 months ago, but I'm not ready to wear a dress to work and put my hair in rollers... as long as I'm making some kind of progress I'm happy- I dread the thought of running out of E and being off the tracks.
I am not seeing an endo. this gets all very invasive and official when that happens, so I'm cruising along with CARE right now, but would be happier knowing more about my levels than a standard panel can tell me. My bloods are acceptable as far as I can see, but obviously NOT acceptable for a genetic male. Whether I'm transgender, genderqueer, a camel or whatever is something I'm gradually working out for myself. I'm literally petrified of spilling my process to a random healthcare professional.
I'm not saying the way I'm going is smart or acceptable to most, but it's how I'm dealing with it right now, sorry if this is against any special tg handbook, but I'm most of what I have right now. :-\
Lol, I can't seem to find my TG handbook, but since you have been on this site for a while, you know lots of people share your anxiety and concern.
I think you know how you feel about it, since you already made the decision to start taking hormones. What you need now, more than anything, is more self-acceptance. I understand it's hard to tell yourself, "I am transgender". You are probably acutely aware of the social stigma being transgender can bring. It does take courage, but there are really only two options: either you suppress your feelings and live with the constant dysphoria, anxiety, and self-loathing, or you accept who you are and give yourself permission to live.
There is no one way to be transgender. You don't have to wear a dress or put your hair in rollers. Low-dose HRT can keep the dysphoria at bay while you sort out your feelings. Can you arrange to see a gender therapist? That should have been your first step.
With kindness,
Terri
Another thing to consider..
Without the knowledge of what you are doing, your GP may recommend treatments that are contrary to what you are trying to achieve. And when you refuse those treatments, he/she has the option to stop treating you at all.
Telling your GP is really the only option for you to achieve your aims. I've dealt with several GP's now, in 2 states and I'm yet to have any issues. It's something I mention the first time I see them.
And your blood work needs to test for more than just E and T.. Prolactin.. Liver function.. Cholesterol.
It's nothing to be embarrassed about, it's a medical condition - you know, like diabetes or similar.
And there's no excuse for self-medding in Australia.. None at all. If I was starting out now, I could obtain legitimate, legal prescriptions and appropriate monitoring in a couple of weeks. No endo needed.
@ Terri, I know I'm not exactly special on these pages, but in the greater scheme of things where the 'normal' people live what I'm experiencing is somewhere between heresy and insanity. I'm going to have to confront it head on at some point, but currently I'm blithely skipping along in my old life without too much stress. The fact I'm doing SOMETHING about it makes me much less depressed than I would be otherwise. I should mention my other half is an enrolled nurse and does the IM injecting. Another on the way tonight, my second. Thank you for your words of support, it does give me a warm fuzzy ^-^
@Kelly, if my GP put me on other contradictory meds I would still have two options - tell him the whole story about trialling etc, and simply getting the script and not filling it. I know that's not right, but remember I'm petrified of opening that side publicly and on record.
My blood tests are quite comprehensive, full panel including potassium, lft, trig, cholesterol, diabetes, androgens, Etc etc. I'm not an endocrinologist, but I know my target levels and am concerned enough about my wellbeing not to do anything without understanding the consequences fully.
You say you could obtain prescriptions and monitoring in two weeks, but I have a feeling this would be more of a grenade approach than I'm willing to take- stumbling along is working for me right now, I just need to figure out what I'm going to say at the appointment. Once I make it. Thanks for your opinion, appreciate the counterpoints and different views for me to chew on :)
The several weeks approach requires nothing but honesty. I've not has a single issue with medical professionals in either South Australia or Victoria and I know others in Tasmania, Queensland and NSW.
You seem to have issues with self-acceptance, I'd suggest finding a therapist and dealing with that - because if you keep taking hormones, there will come a point where you have no choice to disclose, however, if you don't have self-acceptance at that point, well, frankly you are somewhat screwed.
And also remember, failing to disclose to your GP also removes the liability from the doctor should you have any serious issues.
It's a really frightening thing to say out loud to someone. But once it's done, it's done. You'll feel a weight lifted from your shoulders Rafaela! <3
He may just refer you to someone with more experience, which is even better for you again.
We are privileged to have access to highly trained health professionals in Australia - you should really make use of them. You owe it to yourself. :)
Quote from: kelly_aus on July 14, 2016, 07:01:32 PM
The several weeks approach requires nothing but honesty. I've not has a single issue with medical professionals in either South Australia or Victoria and I know others in Tasmania, Queensland and NSW.
You seem to have issues with self-acceptance, I'd suggest finding a therapist and dealing with that - because if you keep taking hormones, there will come a point where you have no choice to disclose, however, if you don't have self-acceptance at that point, well, frankly you are somewhat screwed.
And also remember, failing to disclose to your GP also removes the liability from the doctor should you have any serious issues.
Yes. It is painfully obvious that I have issues with self acceptance. A therapist? That's what you guys are for ;D I'm getting there. I'm not self-destructing anymore, so as ze chermans say "immerhin".
Doctors liability for what I'm doing to myself? I'm the only one I blame for anything I do.
Quote from: Ellement_of_Freedom on July 14, 2016, 07:28:55 PM
It's a really frightening thing to say out loud to someone. But once it's done, it's done. You'll feel a weight lifted from your shoulders Rafaela! <3
He may just refer you to someone with more experience, which is even better for you again.
We are privileged to have access to highly trained health professionals in Australia - you should really make use of them. You owe it to yourself. :)
Thanks Elle, I know what you're saying but I'm built more like an island than an open book right now ;)
I still don't know what to say. Grenade? Hint? Nothing? Fall apart in tears on the floor? Not booking the consult yet :P
Quote from: Ellement_of_Freedom on July 14, 2016, 07:28:55 PM
It's a really frightening thing to say out loud to someone. But once it's done, it's done. You'll feel a weight lifted from your shoulders Rafaela! <3
i agree. Doing that with just the therapist relieved the dysphoria nearly as much as starting HRT a few months later.
Sapere Aude
OK, now I'm going to stop sugar coating stuff..
Get a therapist, I'm not a therapist. Nor is anyone else around here, stop being a fool and get some professional help as you clearly need it.
Australia is one of the most accepting countries in the world to be trans.. Hell, Carlotta is considered by many to be a national treasure.
The fear that is eating you exists only in your head. Pull your head out of your ass. And before you dismiss me, I'll point out I came out 6 years and 1 day ago and none of the horrible possibilities of doing so actually happened.
For a number of years I was taking E and an AA. Depending on where you live (USA) it is possible in many states to get blood tests on-line. So I had a really good idea what my levels were, as well as how well the rest of the blood workups
Eventually the day came I got tired of the silliness. I had lost a ton of the shame and guilt about being trans. Plus my wife was on my case about seeing a doctor because it was ages since I last to one. (Having worked as a medical device engineer I have a pretty low opinion of doctors in general)
So during my New-Patient appoint I came clean. No big deal. I did have a bit of anxiety at first over him asking if it was OK to actually put "Transgender" on my chart. At the instant I hemmed and hawed he called away. My angels intervening I think. My initial NFW thoughts soon turned to Hey Idiot. You're here because you want to put an end to a the shame, guilt, and feeling like a freak.
Not that it will help, a TG person essentially cannot be refused medical care. But that is on paper. The doctor will either turn red and be flustered when you drop the T-Bomb or simply think, "OK, one of those".
And TBH - There has to be a reason your T was getting check to start with since that is usually not too typical either. Insurance never batted an eye over the blood work. E is often checked in association with prostate issues. HRT with Horizon is another story. Aetna was no prob
Quote from: kelly_aus on July 15, 2016, 06:35:32 AM
OK, now I'm going to stop sugar coating stuff..
Get a therapist, I'm not a therapist. Nor is anyone else around here, stop being a fool and get some professional help as you clearly need it.
Australia is one of the most accepting countries in the world to be trans.. Hell, Carlotta is considered by many to be a national treasure.
The fear that is eating you exists only in your head. Pull your head out of your ass. And before you dismiss me, I'll point out I came out 6 years and 1 day ago and none of the horrible possibilities of doing so actually happened.
Yes Kelly, but what do you REALLY think ? ;D
I've been on antidepressants most of my adult life, and all they do is put a filter on your emotions. No lows, but no highs either. MAOIs, SSRIs, the lot. It's like living in a milky bubble. I know I should be seeing a therapist, but it's just not how I'm built.
Btw happy 6 year anniversary :)
Hi Rafaela,
I have been following this thread and a number of people have told you pretty much what I told you. You know there is something different about yourself, and you are ashamed of it. And you know exactly what that "it" is. All I can tell you is that is something most all transgender people go through. No one wants to be transgender. It is hard, it is scary, it is painful, and it is expensive should you choose to transition. It is also not the end of your life. You are boxing yourself in with fear.
You have a loving partner who accepts you for who you are, and it is not to your credit if you cannot show her that who she loves is someone worth loving. In contrast, my wife, whom I separated from several years ago, want nothing to do with my transition. She is vaguely disgusted by it. She thinks it is a "lifestyle choice". I have to put up with it because she is the mother of my children, and I try to make things work, for their sake. You have been given such a gift of support, and yet you worry what a doctor may think of you.
If you cannot let go of your fear for yourself, then do it for her.
With kindness,
Terri
Edit: I just saw your post saying you are on antidepressants. How can you be prescribed antidepressants without seeing a psychiatrist? Can you talk to your psych about this?
Quote from: JoanneB on July 15, 2016, 05:25:30 PM
For a number of years I was taking E and an AA. Depending on where you live (USA) it is possible in many states to get blood tests on-line. So I had a really good idea what my levels were, as well as how well the rest of the blood workups
Eventually the day came I got tired of the silliness. I had lost a ton of the shame and guilt about being trans. Plus my wife was on my case about seeing a doctor because it was ages since I last to one. (Having worked as a medical device engineer I have a pretty low opinion of doctors in general)
So during my New-Patient appoint I came clean. No big deal. I did have a bit of anxiety at first over him asking if it was OK to actually put "Transgender" on my chart. At the instant I hemmed and hawed he called away. My angels intervening I think. My initial NFW thoughts soon turned to Hey Idiot. You're here because you want to put an end to a the shame, guilt, and feeling like a freak.
Not that it will help, a TG person essentially cannot be refused medical care. But that is on paper. The doctor will either turn red and be flustered when you drop the T-Bomb or simply think, "OK, one of those".
And TBH - There has to be a reason your T was getting check to start with since that is usually not too typical either. Insurance never batted an eye over the blood work. E is often checked in association with prostate issues. HRT with Horizon is another story. Aetna was no prob
I'm leaning more towards talking about it with the GP. Frankly I think it's going to be an informed consent model, with a question mark over my gender. As we all know things are rarely easy to pigeonhole when you're on the TG spectrum. I'm happier with no T. I'm happier on E than I have been in ages. Am I a full card carrying, shoe shopping, women's weekly reading woman? Nope. I'm somewhere in between, but closer to female than male. This I've known since I was a weird kid, from only inviting girls to my fifth birthday, through until wearing a pad over my lower regions as a teenager, and self harming 'That area' for years on and off. I've always found guy parts gross. I've always jokingly called myself a lesbian.
I'll make a list of everything I've been on and show up to discuss it with my GP, BUT I still don't know how to describe myself, as I'm still working it out!!!!
Imagine if there was a pill to make you 'normal', would you take it? I'm not sure I would, despite everything.
I'm in a different section of the boat you are. "Somewhere" on the spectrum. I like to counsel "It easy to figure out if you are trans, if you are asking, you are. The hard part is sorting out where you are on the spectrum, and that can change daily it seems".
After seven years of taking on the beast for real, having lived for several of them part-time as a woman, achieving my life long dream of being seen as and accepted as a woman (least not having rocks or laughter thrown my way) and amazingly being able to, so far, keep my marriage and career together, I present primarily as male. Almost seven years back on HRT, first low again then full, has given me a B cup and a body I am now comfortable living in. Most days I feel I obtained my goal of sorting out how to get these two seemingly disparate aspects of myself to live in peace and am no longer that lifeless, soulless "Thing" I was for decades.
Over the past few months the reality of juggling priorities and needs of both myself and my life partners, purely technically speaking, Today, in a broad sense I am Non-Binary. I found if I think in those terms I keep myself from making the leaps of logic that go:
A) I know I am not Cis, therefore I must be trans
B) I know I am trans, therefore only if I "Transition" I can find peace and be happy
Well.... I did transition. I CHANGED in many positive ways to be the person I always wanted to be. Is it perfect? No, Better then before, YES! Do I "Need" to transition? Luckily not today or most days, just want to. Is the "Want" enough to make me put at risk great portions of the 80% of me that always feels authentic in the quest to obtain 100% authenticity by living full time as female? Again, most days it isn't that bad.
My therapist said to me "Don't get hung up on labels...." But thinking in terms of Non-Binary does allow me not fixate on the "Now What?" It is a large umbrella term that is a subset of the even larger TG term.
Today, it is working. Makes my wife a bit nervous but as she will tell you, it's a lot better then finding me swinging my neck on the end of a rope in the garage.
@ Terri: I was prescribed anti depressants many years ago by a GP, I've been on and off various types for twenty years.
Joanne, either the boat we're on is smaller than you think, or its huge and we have adjoining cabins ;)
Like with all boats, we're going to be at the mercy of the sea until we find a safe harbour ^-^
I''ll let y'all know if/when the appointment happens and what goes on. Big step.
Eegh. They tracked me down and phoned my work phone yesterday, telling me my GP has requested an appointment for a 'non urgent' result. I told them I was busy and would book in when I get a chance. ::)
Rafaela, you can either make decisions about your life, or your life will make decisions for you. I know it's scary, sweetie, but the fear will pass, slowly perhaps, but it will subside. You will be surprised what you can do once you give yourself permission to live your own life.
With kindness,
Terri
Okay... I'm booked in for results. I've drawn up a spreadsheet with what I've taken, when, and for how long. It remains to be seen if it... is seen. Come Friday night we'll all know ::)
So not looking forward to this. :(
Although I have seen a psychologist and have been taking HRT under the supervision of a Dr for a while now, I just told my primary care provider about it all two days ago. (This is the first time I saw her since beginning this journey)
The anticipation is a whole lot worse than the actual thing. Once I started speaking the words flowed easily.
Just do it and you will feel a whole lot better afterwards. The Dr is bound by confidentiality so nothing bad can happen.
I'm in Sydney and I've done a lot of odd things with doctors. Still doing them too, but I'm getting better.
The first doctor I saw was at a clinic known to do trans work so I went a along and told them I was about to start HRT and could I get a blood test. She wasn't very happy with me and said she'd not prescribe it. I replied that's ok, I'm not asking, I just want the blood test. And that was it. I got another one 6 weeks later to check the before/after difference. The worst they can do is not treat you and you have to find another one.
I never went back after that as when she did prescribe HRT it was Premarin, and I'm not seeing anyone who does that, or anyone else in a clinic that allows it.
Eventually I started seeing a specialist endo and my current GP has no idea I'm trans. He's got no need to know so he doesn't. These days I'm mainly interested in keeping the number of people who know down to a minimum as I don't want any chance of it leaking out. I'm totally over the difficulty of actually telling them and I wouldn't mind telling them if only they didn't write it down, but they do.
I know it all sounds a bit crazy, and perhaps it is. However I'd suggest don't worry about what the doctor thinks. There's nothing they can do to you except refuse to see you anymore, and apart from that who cares what they think. If they don't like it just make sure you can find another one, because you do actually need one. There's too many things that can go wrong, and not just the obvious. I've found its quite stressful not having anyone you can rely on.
Quote from: AnonyMs on July 27, 2016, 05:46:39 AM
Eventually I started seeing a specialist endo and my current GP has no idea I'm trans. He's got no need to know so he doesn't.
My primary care provider is an Nurse Practitioner working for the Army. So now it's on my "permanent record". LOL
I figured it was easier to tell what I was doing with HRT and provide her with my other blood tests than it would be to equivocate if her blood tests looked unusual in some way.
Plus, with my hair and HRT effects such as they are I probably look weird without some explanation. It felt really good getting past that secret also.
Thanks girls, I'm hoping to blitz it "grenade style" but I like to be prepared for anything. You should see what I take camping. In the event of a zombie apocalypse I'd rock.
So based on informed consent meaning you know the risks, here's my list (please add to it!!)
Spiro: hyperkalemia, low blood pressure, dehydration, hyponatremia, sexual dysfunction, loss of libido, sterility, testicular atrophy, gynecomastia
Finasteride: depression, sexual dysfunction
Oestrogen (including valerate, 17 beta, micronised etc): dvt, gynecomastia, increased risk of t2 diabetes, cholesterol and triglyceride increase, suppression of t, low energy, mood swings, deteriorating eyesight
Progesterone: oily skin, weight gain, increased chance of prolactinoma, spontaneous nipple discharge
Why would you DO THIS unless the other option is WORSE!?! I know much of this is related to incorrect dosage, improper monitoring, and the use of non bio-identical forms, but the dangers are real, so knowing your 5h17 when the questions come is better than ignoring low probability outcomes.
One day to go....
Quote from: Rafaela on July 27, 2016, 06:15:09 PM
Oestrogen (including valerate, 17 beta, micronised etc): dvt, gynecomastia, increased risk of t2 diabetes, cholesterol and triglyceride increase, suppression of t, low energy, mood swings, deteriorating eyesight
Bioidentical estradiol has none of these adverse effects if you don't use the oral route.
QuoteProgesterone: oily skin, weight gain, increased chance of prolactinoma, spontaneous nipple discharge
Where did you get that ? AFAIK progesterone is not known to have any of these adverse effects when used at physiological dosages...
According to my DR, those risks are minimal as long as you are in otherwise good health. I have experienced zero adverse effects from using estradiol, spiritual, and progesterone. My blood pressure has actually gotten a little bit better, maybe from removing the chronic stress.
I know the risks are low when using bio-identical forms and avoiding first pass liver methods of ingestion. What I'm putting together is a list of all the worst case side effects so it's obvious to my GP that I'm not living in some fantasy world taking serious drugs like they're candy. They're not. Anyone who decides to selfmed had better know that what they're doing can be dangerous, even life-threatening. I'm trying to get under REAL supervision and monitoring, which is very difficult to do without your own lab.
Side note: spiro is well known to improve blood pressure in those with hypertension.... hell some people are even prescribed spiro for that very reason ;)
In 6 hours I'm going in. No going back from having it on the permanent patient record :-\
Well it's done.
I waited for my GP to talk through all the results for lfts and triglycerides and blood glucose etc etc and I'm actually in better shape than I was three months ago. Except for T. So I explained to him why t was so low by dumping a spreadsheet of everything I've taken in the last 6 months on the desk and apologising for misleading him. To say he was taken aback is an understatement. But he was cool, and slightly curious and then warmed up and asked me a few questions and then gave me a referral to an endocrinologist!
Apart from going bright red in the face while I explained my mental state and dying from embarrassment it went pretty well. Would go into more detail, but I'm outta time (like the delorian :P)
Glad to hear this, your long term health, both mentally and physically can only benefit. All the best.
Quote from: Rafaela on July 29, 2016, 05:09:32 AM
Well it's done.
I waited for my GP to talk through all the results for lfts and triglycerides and blood glucose etc etc and I'm actually in better shape than I was three months ago. Except for T. So I explained to him why t was so low by dumping a spreadsheet of everything I've taken in the last 6 months on the desk and apologising for misleading him. To say he was taken aback is an understatement. But he was cool, and slightly curious and then warmed up and asked me a few questions and then gave me a referral to an endocrinologist!
Apart from going bright red in the face while I explained my mental state and dying from embarrassment it went pretty well. Would go into more detail, but I'm outta time (like the delorian :P)
Yay! I'm so happy for you! Now you can officially take the next step in your journey. <3
The first time talking about it is always the worst. Then after you find out the earth isn't going to open up and swallow you whole it gets easier.
Also, if you can do this with a prescription rather than on your own the mess will be a lot less expensive.
Good for you! :-)
Quote from: Deborah on July 29, 2016, 07:05:16 AM
The first time talking about it is always the worst. Then after you find out the earth isn't going to open up and swallow you whole it gets easier.
Also, if you can do this with a prescription rather than on your own the mess will be a lot less expensive.
Good for you! :-)
+1
And the lightning bolt didn't come out from the clear blue sky to incinerate you either. And... Oh yes, the meteorite. I barely dodged that one once thanks to my excellent peripheral vision :D
BTW - After having done the DIY route and eventually "coming clean" I experienced first hand the difference in a known quality source and.... perhaps questionable off-shore source.
Just wanted to say thanks for the support, I'm definitely on the second leg of the journey now. No lightning bolt, no meteorite, but would have been okay with the ground beneath my chair cracking open and swallowing me up on the day. Next will be the endo consult, which may be worse, or better. Worse as she might refuse to prescribe, better as it needs to be done sooner or later and having gone official once it hopefully won't be as big a deal in the next chair.
Anyone got any 'first time at at the endo' stories to share? :-\
The endo was easy compared to the first time uttering the words.
I'm not sure where you are or what rules your endo will follow. Some endos in the US require a letter from a psychologist and others only require your consent. So it might be worth checking in advance.
My first visit was pretty short. The NP asked me a couple of questions, verified my psych letter, checked my vitals, and took some blood. She sent my prescription immediately that day. It was all very pleasant and low stress. The place I went serves the LGBT community in Atlanta so I was nothing new to them. I want to add that they actually seem to care too. My NP asked me privately last time how everything was going with my wife.
They'll want to see you again in around three months and then every six months after that to draw blood and make sure everything is ok. Mine listens to me and adjusts the meds according to what I am feeling and within the limits of her professional judgement.
:-\
So I rang to make the booking today, and the receptionist asked me what for. I said to see the endocrinologist. She then said they don't deal with men and male hormones in that office... so I answered that my referral was not for that. So she starts getting all uppity.
"What... are you transgender?"
"Something like that"
---- loooong pause-----
"she won't be able to prescribe you anything without a letter."
"I don't need a prescription, I need an endocrinologist."
It was horrible... is she a nurse? a temp? A receptionist? Who am I giving my details and personal info to? I have a referral!!!! Is this not enough?!
So it's booked in for mid october. I really felt like she was doing me a favour. Really disappointed.
From what I understand from my group members in rural western Maryland, your experience was pretty mild from what they had trying to find a T friendly endo. Except for one, all the other others were a flat out NO
I was practically petrified when I asked my GP for E. So far, almost everyone in the medical community I have encountered has been extremely professional or go out of their way to quietly make me feel more comfortable. My Dr's nurse said something like, "I Know my patients. I see you B," smiled and gave me a little knowing wink. It doesn't make it completely comfortable telling someone new, or explaining WHY I take E, Sprio and Fin, but overall most people are completely professional in my experience. Most people are kind (and I live in the heart of the mid-west).
I know I take things to heart that sometimes I shouldn't. I also know I miss people being catty to me when I should notice and call them out. With luck your medical team will be supportive, if not find someone else! I also cant tell you how much of a help my therapist has been in this journey so far! ;)