Referal for hormones

[AnneK]

Today, I asked my doctor for a referral for feminizing hormones.  She agreed to arrange it.  It will probably be with the Rainbow Health Centre in Toronto.  Can't wait to get started!

[Lacy]

AnneK,
Congratulations! That is such a big and exciting step. Sounds like you were able to get in very quickly. Please keep us updated on how things go.

Lacy

Hugs,
Lacy

[Harley Quinn]

Congratulations Anne!

[AnneK]

Sounds like you were able to get in very quickly.

In where?  She just said she'd arrange the referral, nothing said about when it would be.  Or were you referring to my visit to my doctor?  Yes, that was very quick.  She has walk in clinics on Monday & Wednesday evenings.  For some reason, I was the only one there tonight, so I was seen almost as soon as I walked in.  Normally those walk in clinics are very busy and I often have to wait a while. 

Still, I'm looking forward to the changes, particularly larger breasts (currently a 38A).  I also expect I'll be sterile, after a while on hormones.  No loss.  I also believe my testicles should shrink.  Again, no loss.  I am excited something is finally happening.

The Rainbow Heath Centre is located in Toronto's "Gay Village" and caters to the LGBQT community.  It's also not far (several blocks) from the new trans clinic being set up at Woman's College Hospital.

Incidentally, in my discussion with my doctor, I got the impression I'm not her first trans patient, as she said she'd sent a few others to Rainbow Health.

[AnneK]

One other thing,  as someone over 65 in Ontario, my prescriptions are covered.  I pay the first $100 per year and no more that $6.11 per prescription after that.  GCS is also covered under our health care system.

[Lacy]

In where?  She just said she'd arrange the referral, nothing said about when it would be.  Or were you referring to my visit to my doctor?  Yes, that was very quick.  She has walk in clinics on Monday & Wednesday evenings.  For some reason, I was the only one there tonight, so I was seen almost as soon as I walked in.  Normally those walk in clinics are very busy and I often have to wait a while. 

Still, I'm looking forward to the changes, particularly larger breasts (currently a 38A).  I also expect I'll be sterile, after a while on hormones.  No loss.  I also believe my testicles should shrink.  Again, no loss.  I am excited something is finally happening.

The Rainbow Heath Centre is located in Toronto's "Gay Village" and caters to the LGBQT community.  It's also not far (several blocks) from the new trans clinic being set up at Woman's College Hospital.

Incidentally, in my discussion with my doctor, I got the impression I'm not her first trans patient, as she said she'd sent a few others to Rainbow Health.

I was talking about your doctor. It took me 3 months to get in to mine. Then another few months to get my hormones.

It sounds like they are providing some pretty good resources there. I have a friend that lives in Toronto. She has been completely transitioned for a while, and she said there was a good support system even when she started.

In regards to becoming sterile and testicular shrinkage, you can definitely expect that. But as you said, no big loss!

I hope everything goes smoothly for you.


Hugs,
Lacy

[AnneK]

I was talking about your doctor. It took me 3 months to get in to mine.

As I said, it was a walk in clinic, no appointment necessary.  My main reason for going was to get a flu shot.  While there I discussed a couple of other issues and then handed her some stuff I printed out from the Rainbow web site.  So, now I just have to wait for the referral.  The sooner, the better.

And yes, our health care here is good, despite what Trump claims.  That flu shot was also covered.  I also made an appointment with my urologist last week.  I called on Monday and had an appointment for Thursday.  When I see what happens with health care in the U.S., I'm glad I don't live there.  Then we get to Trump's attacks on our community and others.

[Devlyn]

Congratulations on the good news, Anne!

Hugs, Devlyn

[AnneK]

Congratulations on the good news, Anne!

Hugs, Devlyn

Last night, I was so excited, I couldn't sleep!

[AnneK]

A couple of points from my doctor visit yesterday.  First off, it was very simple.  I just handed my doctor the documentation I had printed out.  No questions asked.  She just said she'd refer me.  Also, she said the referral was to an endocrinologist, so no therapist etc..  Things have really changed since the protocol was changed in 2016.  Many years ago, when I was first looking into this sort of thing, it was necessary to go to a shrink, with a low prospect of success.  Now, it's essentially informed consent, assuming no medical issues.  Surgery, however, still requires evaluations, though no longer by a psychiatrist.

[AnneK]

In regards to becoming sterile and testicular shrinkage, you can definitely expect that.

Any idea what the time frame is?

[KathyLauren]

Any idea what the time frame is?

I noticed shrinkage by about three months.  Now, I am approaching two years, and things are about half their former size.

I have no way of knowing about sterility.  I assume I am by this time, which, for me, is a good thing.

[AnneK]

I noticed shrinkage by about three months.

Well, that's certainly something to look forward to.  If only breasts grew as fast!   

[AnneK]

I have my appointment with the endocrinologist, on April 17!

[Devlyn]

Awesome!

[AnneK]

Awesome!

That was quick.  You posted 40 seconds after I did!

[Devlyn]

That was quick.  You posted 40 seconds after I did!

Congratulations should never have to wait. 

[AnneK]

Congratulations should never have to wait. 

I just wish I didn't have to wait so long.  I guess there aren't a lot of endocrinologists doing this sort of work.  Other referrals I've had didn't take anywhere near as long.  I wonder how long it is to see an endocrinologist for usual medical reasons.

[AnneK]

I have my appointment with the endocrinologist, on April 17!

My endocrinologist will be Dr. Raymond Fung, at Michael Garron hospital, in Toronto.  Has anyone here had any experience with him?  I'm curious about what to expect.

[Linde]

I just wish I didn't have to wait so long.  I guess there aren't a lot of endocrinologists doing this sort of work.  Other referrals I've had didn't take anywhere near as long.  I wonder how long it is to see an endocrinologist for usual medical reasons.

My general Family doc called an endo who he knew, and I was in in the next week.  He got me going, and made a referral to a transgender specialist endo for "fine tuning", and that took about 2 month to get in!