I need a favor

[Billijo49504]

I went to my councilor today, and he asked me to do some research for him. He wants me to find out what the hormone letter has to have in it to be effective. As he has never written one. But he said that in a few more visits, we will be writing one for me. So you folks that have had one, could you please let me know what is needed. Thanks in advace..:hugs:....Billijo

[Melody Moore]

Hi Billi-Jo

While I can't say that I understand how your system works I can give you some suggestions for you to make to your counsellor, but before that I have a very important question to ask you... Is your counsellor a proper psychologist?

If they are a qualified psychologist, then they sound like they have very little experience & also I believe that leaving this up to you to find out is extremely unprofessional. So my first suggestion obviously has to be, find a better psychologist who has the experience to deal with such gender issues as transsexualism. I am fairly sure that nearly every single girl that is on HRT on this forum will tell you the exact same thing as I have done based around what you have written.

Anyway, I am not trying to be mean, I want to help you, but I really don't feel right about telling you what such a letter should say... someone properly qualified should be much more knowledgeable & should be able to do this without seeking advice from you. So you will have to excuse my reservations about giving you any further advice about this.

I wish you well in your journey and hope that you find the proper help soon.

Hugs Mel Xx

[Jay Cee]

I'm with Melody on that. Makes no sense for your counsellor to be asking that of you.

[Hope]

I'm with the other girls on this. A professional should know how to write professional correspondence to another professional. Or at the very least should be more than capable of finding out on their own what the standards of care are. As a non-professional, you don't even have easy access to the same sorts of resources that they do.

I have heard of therapists asking a client to help draft a hormone letter with them (which I also think is sort of sketchy, but whatever) but asking a client to do one's homework for them is not exactly professional behavior.

[Stephenie S]

I hope this helps:
_____________________________________

Your Therapist
100 Main Street
Anytown, CA 00000

Dear Dr. Endocrinologist,

I am pleased to be able to refer XXXXXXX XXXX for intiatial assessment and possible prescription of hormones for his intended gender transformation from male to female.

Mr XXXX initially presented to me as a 55 year old married male, who has lived exclusively male all his life, despite a life long belief that he is female. At this time he presents as remarkably comfortable with the transforation, which is in early stages. He works as a XXXX at XXXXX. His wife is reported to be suppoirtive of his transformation.

He is not currently taking any psychotropic medications or hormones, and has no history of taking hormones. I have observed no co-morbid conditions that would interfere with a transition. He agrees that working closely with you to begin such a course is in his best interests.

I believe you will find Mr. XXXXXX to be a pleasant man who is strongly motivated and interested in continuing his transition.

I have intructed him to call your office for an appointment. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any further assistance.

Sincerely,


XXXX X XXXX, Ph.D.

Show this to your therapist. It should get the ball rolling.

Stephie

[Sharon]

Personally, I would not have faith in a therapist who asks me to do his work for him. My god, this is information that intelligence and imagination alone should be enough to result in an acceptable letter.

[Billijo49504]

Thank You very much Stephenie. I really appreciate your help. At the local pride celebration and at their neighborhood bash, I've had a chance to talk to 5 different councilors. I asked each one if they have written any hormone letters. Only one had written one letter. And he said he had to redo it, for the Dr to accept it. My councilor works for one of the largest mental health orginizations in west Michigan. And he was recomended by several sources. And I've told him that I have access to this forum with a lot of very knowledgable people. He said he has worked with several cross dressers, but never felt comfortable enough to write letters for them.
There is one councilor that does deal with TS issues more than any of the others, but she is very expensive and does not take insurance. And before I paid her several thousand dollars, I'd start ordering from over seas. I'm retired and on a fixed income, I just can't afford her and to help one of my daughters. There's just too much month for the money. They accept my insurance with no copay. And he is just a nice guy, who I feel very comfortable, being open and honest with.....:hugs:....BJ

[Ashlie Marie]

Not sure if this helps any hun, But when I got my letter last year. I had chosen to get my inital checkup and meet my Endo first. After that she worked with my theropist to get the letter created, and my Endo's office had me fill out the dredded "sign here to make us know you know you can be killing yourslef with each dose" paperwork. for me The gender specialist up here in NH is awesome but apprently I was his first MTF in my early 30's that wasnt already on meds. LOL It's fun to help be a learning tool.

hugs,
Ash

[Billijo49504]

Thanks for the idea Ashlie, But I've called several of the find a Dr lines, no one knows of a Dr that handles TS issues. Peter said he was going to check with some of his connections, to see if he can find me a Dr. I got an idea, when I get the letter, I could just drop it on my homophobic primary care Dr. One time when I was asking him why my breasts were growing, he got flustered. Especially when I told him that since I was dead in 03, maybe I was reincarnated as a girl. But actually he might be my best possibility. Or I might check with my councilor at the VA, to see if there is anything I can get done through them. Atleast I probably could get my meds from them. As I now get all my other meds from the VA for free.
Actually I wouldn't have a problem signing that form. I've cheated death 3 times already. In 03 I had septic shock, from an infected leg, in 05 I had thyroid cancer and this year I had a plugged carotid artery.
My insurance allows me to make 35 visits a yr. So I promised Peter that I would continue to see him after I get the letter. Thanks for the support. It is exciting to be in the learning process....:hugs:...Billijo

[Hope]

There was a thread here not too long ago about the VA and hormones. It seems that if the VA won't start you on hormones, but if you are already on them, they will continue care.

[Billijo49504]

Yes Hope, I kinda remember that post. But when I tried to search for it, I get 488 possible hits. I can't find it...BJ