Something has been bothering me for the last couple days, and I thought maybe I might ask you all for some feedback. A while ago I went to my doctor and asked her for hormone prescriptions. She said not without a letter. Ok, fine, I can live with that. (therapy has actually proved to be way more productive than I thought it would be anyway) About a month later I managed to get her to write me a prescription for spironolactone. Well, I have a letter now. I went back to her and we started the blood drawing blah blah blah you know the procedure.
All this while, I've been educating myself on hormones and the various options and this and that and what does what. The other day I stumbled across an article which stated that food increases the bioavailability of spironolactone by almost 100%, and helps minimise side effects.
Basically, take it with food.
At first, I was like woo hoo and sure enough it worked. This is a tremendous relief too, I took my dose earlier and after about an hour I realised I didn't have a headache. Wonderful! The thing that is bothering me, is why didn't she tell me to take it with food? On the one hand, I have done everything I said I would and met her conditions, and she is providing lab testing and prescriptions. On the other hand, she seems almost hostile. She's made little comments, given me little looks...It's hard to explain, and I'm afraid it might be all in my head. I know that Doctors have issues with fooling around with otherwise "healthy" individuals. I also know that hormone therapy is relatively clear cut compared to most of the other things she studied in medical school. So why didn't she tell me. It's really bothering me. What else might come up over the next two years? Her attitude toward dvt is almost dismissive, like if I get one, well, I deserved it didn't I?
So I don't know. She IS providing the lab testing but literally no advice or guidance as I take these powerful medications. I had to tell her, from my own research, where I wanted to try and get my testosterone level at. That bothered me a little, but at the time I thought maybe it was a trick question to see if I'd done my homework.
So what are your relationships with your physicians like? Should I just be greatful for what I have? It's fair to say that she does not encounter transexual people often, so I don't expect to be her area of expertise. Spironolactone and it's side effects aren't exactly rare though. The thing is, if I call her out on this, she'll most likely feel threatened and I'll probably lose her. My health plan only pays for her in this area, the next doc on their list is 3 hours away. I am inclined to kep her, since it's easier than finding someone else, disclosing, waiting for them to look at you like youre crazy, and say yes or no to prescribing and monitoring. I am also inclined to wonder what else might come up that she won't tell me, simply because I didn't know to ask.
Thanks for listening :-*
Hi Hanna, My doctor i have been going to for years did not feel comfortable prescribing hrt or tests after i told him and suggested an Endo, which i already had an appointment to see. My first appointment was yesterday with my Endo and he has been treating gender identity issues for 20 years, he asked me questions seeing how much i knew, and did try to trick me a couple times, i had been self medicating for 9 months prior and had done lots of research online and could see i knew what i was talking about, he also knew which tests to have done and which ones were not needed. Most doctors don't come in contact with trangendered people very often if at all. I agree with you she should know about how you should take Spiro unless she doesn't prescribe it much, you also need to take some responsibility too by finding out as much as you can about the meds you are taking, and i see you are doing that. If she is not willing to educate herself you will have to help her by knowing more than she does. If she is willing to work with you i would keep her but at this point i see another doc is not an option for you.
Paula.
Wait, you're supposed to take spiro with food?
That's it! I'm finding a new endo, my current one has officially run out of chances.
Thank you so much for your post Hannah! I never would have found that out otherwise and I have an appointment with mine fairly soon and you may have saved me the wasted trip. :)
*hugs*
Oh and I've never had a good relationship with any of my doctors. They've always been rude and dismissive and I've always been too timid to speak up for myself. But I think I just might do it next time! :)
Thanks again honey!
-Birdie
doesn't sound like she's doing her job.
Quote from: paulault55 on February 18, 2009, 08:25:22 AM
and suggested an Endo
Paula, thank you, this hadn't occurred to me. I'll ask her for a referral next time I see her. I don't think she expected me to come back with a letter, and getting a referral lets her have an easy way out while still pretending to be progressive.