I'm taking SCUBA lessons and as a part of the process to make sure I will be able to dive safely I am being asked to list any prescription medicines I am taking. Also, in the Log book that all divers keep, you are asked to list prescription medicines. I'm just a bit leery about writing down my HRT meds for all the world to see when ever I am asked to show my log book. I will be seeing my Endo in a few weeks and I will ask him too but I thought I'd put it out here to see if anyone has any advice. I can't imagine the typical HRT meds would be much of a factor when diving or if I'm ever treated for dive related injuries. I am not full time so it is not something I wish to share with my instructor.

Dee

Well, many GG's take HRT too, remember. If you seem too young to be menopausal, they will likely assume you have 'feminine problems' of some kind and treat it as a delicate issue.

Posted on: July 30, 2008, 12:19:08 PM

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Oh just read that you're not fulltime. Still, they might just think you're a male with some kind of hormone or other medical problem. I don't think the general public immediately sees a sign flashing 'transsexual' if the person is taking hormones.

You never know what may happen on a dive. HRT medications can impact blood pressure, mineral levels, and blood clotting so, IMHO, I think you should list them.

They do need to know that you've got synthetic hormones in your system. Treatments for men and women are different, and transfolk are special when it comes to how treatment works for them in an emergency.

I know post transition I will probably have some sort of identification that lets people know that I'm trans in case of a medical emergency.

They might make a Medic-Alert bracelet for just this deal, perhaps you should contact them.

Quote from: tekla on July 30, 2008, 05:50:42 PMThey might make a Medic-Alert bracelet for just this deal, perhaps you should contact them.

They do, actually. I've already asked. And by "they" I mean the pharmacy I went to. They'll put anything on it that could be "considered" medical, including mood disorders.

And its tied to some kind of data base isn't it?  So they could get all the information they need when they need it, or so was my understanding. 

I believe that is the case. But I won't swear on it.

My friend's got a bracelet. She's allergic to certain kinds of medication (IB Profen, I think) and because she has a blood disorder she can't take other sorts of medications. The bracelet lists her allergies and her blood disorder. That's usually all a doctor needs.

Thank you everyone. I saw my GP (He knows I'm TG and which meds I take) today and he gave me the okay for diving. I'll see my Endo in a couple weeks and get his opinion too. I do understand the comment about doctors needing to know about synthetic hormones and my being trans.

I may have miss spoke. The list of meds is just for the log book. I don't believe it goes in any kind of a data base. Still, you need to show the log book to your instructor for any additional certification classes and dive masters will need to see it if you go on any specialty dives or charter boats.

Dee