Outed at the VA

[Allison Chaynes]

Today I had to go to the VA, otherwise known as the seventh level of hell to anyone who's ever been. I've read enough threads about doctors that I usually keep one pair of boxers just for doctor visits, but today I thought, nah, screw it, I'm only going in for a chest X ray.

When I got there, I found out they wanted to do an ultrasound on my ab area also. So, halfway into it, I rolled on to my side so the tech could look at the liver and gall bladder area. The tech did her thing, and after she finished, she asked me how comfortable the JMS nylon panties were. I told her I've worn them for several years 24/7, so, quite comfortable. She smiled and said, "I agree, I wear the same brand." She was then nice enough to walk me to the lab, halfway across the hospital to get blood work done. Before she left me at the lab, she advised me to try the JMS jeans out also.

I have to say it ended up being probably the best experience I've had at the VA. Usually they're rude and don't care about patients. I submitted a comment card praising her professionalism before I left.

[ArleneRaquel]

Thank you for sharing. I hope that each experience at the VA, gets better & better !

[Beverley Sims]

Allison,
Some people "do" care and take interest in patients.
When they ask personal questions it shows some affinity with you.

You must have a number that others recognize you by.

[Leah Lynn]

I do most of my medical at the VA, including endo and therapy. I've been treated professionally and courteously every trip. Never discussed panties, but one young lady wanted to know what polish I used on my toes.

Hugs,

Leah

[Marissa]

Its nice to read a good story about a med visit.. had eye surgery last week.. anyway.. the assitant talked about i had to change into this and all..but i tought about my 'hairless' chest..she got into her bf or someone..about being big time hairy...so i was like, i hate hair.. and hated hair on my back..she stated "well if ur close with ur ex, ask her to do it" I was like..wow..ok.. ex was with me for this op..

Anyway..love the story and hope others have the same venture..

[Stephanie47]

If the Va is the seventh level of hell, why do you go to the VA? Just curious. My seventh of hell was slogging through the boonies of Vietnam.

[Julie Gaum]

Nice to hear of some great experiences. In some areas of the country there are, on average, better doctors than in other places. For example I would rate the Puget VA in Seattle a 4+ while the Palm Beach is, in my book, a 2. The Washington University Hospital is in the top 10 in the country --- they train at the Seattle VA which provides more and better docs. On the other hand Florida is a magnet for doctors driven by the money so the four hospitals in the stste have difficulty even hiring docs much less good ones --- always exceptions to that situation.
Julie

[Allison Chaynes]

I have service connected issues, and can't afford the medication. They are responsible for fixing me since the Army broke me

If the Va is the seventh level of hell, why do you go to the VA? Just curious. My seventh of hell was slogging through the boonies of Vietnam.

This was the Memphis VA Hospital. The satellite clinic I went to a few weeks ago was great.

[TxCassie]

Allison,

It was a very nice feeling to see that you were treated so well during your recent visit to the VA. I've worked with a number of Veterans who have expressed similar feelings towards the VA. My dad, a WWII Veteran never took advantage of his VA benefits, not even the VA Home Loan, he borrowed the funds from a Savings and Loan and built our house himself with his brother-in-law, sister, and mom. He made his wishes explicit when he told us he wished to have his final resting place in the Catholic cemetery NOT, Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

But if you think about it Allison, you served our country, dutifully, and with honor. I feel and think that any man or woman who served and defended our nation can wear any underwear or any clothing he or she wishes, anywhere. Amen.

But honey, remember, white only after Memorial Day and before Labor Day, some things just are!

Cassie

[Brenda456]

Sounds like a good experience. Sweet.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Allison, I'm glad that every thing worked out for you.

[lpjamey]

A similar situation happened to me a couple of years ago when I went to the doctor. I get a testosterone injection every 2 weeks and over the weekend I was out in the sun in my pool with a thong on and got a good sun burn. I went to get my injection and pulled my shorts down and the nurse smiled and said " you were out in the sun to long" I could have died, but !!!

[BOBBI G.]

I have been accepted by All doctors, specialists, staff, and the other clients I meet in my travels around the VAMC here in WPB. I "own" every space I enter, and have been Bobbi to the world for over a year. While the system sort of inhales, the people I come in contact with cannot be nicer.

Bobbi

[Linda E. Woodworth]

Allison,

Thank You for submitting the comment card praising the technician. Most people wouldn't think of doing that and it should go on her record as taking care of her patients.

Sincerely,
Linda W.
USNR (ret)

[missynicole]

i go to the VA in houston and the service is fantastic. everyone is courteous and kind. sorry to hear you facility is not the same.

[kimdl93]

I have only had one experience with the VA, long ago for some dental work while I was still in active reserve. However I have three brothers who regularly receive all their medical care, one including successful treatment for prostate cancer, and they all are very happy with the quality of care they are receiving....really. I'm sorry your experience has been less so.

[mikiSJ]

Alison, I guess where you get your VA medical care is dependent upon where live and the level of consideration of the management. My VA medical center is in Palo Alto, CA with a very efficient clinic in San Jose.

I met with the VA internist who spent over an hour with me and nearly half of that was discussing my gender issues. I was given a GID treatment code, and a prescription for Finesteride. I felt totally comfortable in the VA setting.

[Sarah V]

The 7th Level of Hell.......Thanks..Now I have soo much to look forward too.

Ms. Miki: For what it is worth Palo Alto CA is extremely good. They have the flagship mTBI Center of Excellence there, and one of the top neuro-surgical services in the VA system

I would be interested to hear how you broached your TG issues with your internist. I would love to and am planning on getting some hormonal studies done next year after my retirement, as I want to delves more into they why I ended up being a Trans person, but I had planned on paying for them myself out of pocket. If the VA would do them that would be nice,.....not that I am thinking about any hormones at this time. But let me ask, as part of your conversation with him, did your internist voluntarily offer them up to you or were you seeing him with the intent of asking for them as the means to start a transition?