scary next step

[tanyalynn51]

As I have posted a couple of times, I have just started going to a counselor who specializes in tg issues. The last time I went, she recommended something I would have thought would be a lot further down the road. She wants me to see a tg friendly endocrinologist that takes my insurance (the visit would be free, so no excuses there). I think this is partly for me to be able to decide how far I am willing to take this, or, am I being paranoid? Anyway, the appointment is in 3 weeks, and I have 3 more counseling appointments between now and then. I guess I would have more time- my counselor said it took at least a month or more to get an appointment with this Doctor. Im going to move up my next appointment with my primary doctor, so that I can talk to her too.

[Freddy12]

I think this is a natural step. Yes, I can see how it would be scary, but It sounds to me like you are getting good advice.

[Rianna Humble]

Don't be scared, they are all there to look out for your interests. The counsellor must think you are ready to be evaluated by an endo otherwise she wouldn't have suggested it. :hugs:

If in doubt, shop!

[tanyalynn51]

Don't be scared, they are all there to look out for your interests. The counsellor must think you are ready to be evaluated by an endo otherwise she wouldn't have suggested it. :hugs:

If in doubt, shop!

You know, about the last part, I just got a coupon for the most wonderful thrift shop here in town, and tomorrow is pay day :D

[Ze]

As you found out before me, Tanya, I'm doing the same thing right now: going to endo because therapist suggested it. :) It's meant to help us learn more about HRT (in the medical sense) and thus potentially help us make a decision. No pressure.

[tanyalynn51]

I dont know if you have it where you are, Ze, but I also have the advantage of a website here called tgnew mexico. Both my therapist and my endocrinologist were on their website. They were also on my insurance plan (the free one). I can only my hope keeps going.

[StaceyJane]

Your therapist must think it's time for the next step.Go see the doctor if you feel uncomfortable doing this, it's okay, you will have something new to talk to your therapist about.

[tanyalynn51]

Your therapist must think it's time for the next step.Go see the doctor if you feel uncomfortable doing this, it's okay, you will have something new to talk to your therapist about.

I was getting a physical in about a month anyway- I called my regular doctor's office and just asked to have my appointment moved up, without saying why. I did get a new appointment, before the one with the endo. I mainly just want to let her know what is going on, and as I said, it is the first physical Ive had in a couple of years. It may tell the endo some things, too.

[Faith_G]

Before you go, you should read this. This goes for you too, Ze.

http://www.endo-society.org/guidelines/final/upload/Endocrine-Treatment-of-Transsexual-Persons.pdf

The doctor should say substantially the same things.

[Ze]

Much obliged, Faith. I'll read this very soon.

[tanyalynn51]

Thank you Faith. I am having trouble bringing it up on my computer, but will read it when I can get it.

[Stephenie S]

Ze wrote:

As you found out before me, Tanya, I'm doing the same thing right now: going to endo because therapist suggested it. It's meant to help us learn more about HRT (in the medical sense) and thus potentially help us make a decision. No pressure.

This is, of course, absolutely correct. You, and some others misunderstand. You aren't going to that appointment with that endo to get hormones. You are going there to learn about hormones from a specialist. Typically, you will do the same thing at the first appointment that you would with any doctor. Talk, ask questions (write them down before you go), perhaps a perfunctory exam, and usually, a blood test. Most endos want a specific written recomendation from your therapist prior to writing you a prescription.

I think this is intended as a learning oportunity.

Stephie

Go. Ask questions. It will be very informative

[tanyalynn51]

Ze wrote:

As you found out before me, Tanya, I'm doing the same thing right now: going to endo because therapist suggested it. It's meant to help us learn more about HRT (in the medical sense) and thus potentially help us make a decision. No pressure.

This is, of course, absolutely correct. You, and some others misunderstand. You aren't going to that appointment with that endo to get hormones. You are going there to learn about hormones from a specialist. Typically, you will do the same thing at the first appointment that you would with any doctor. Talk, ask questions (write them down before you go), perhaps a perfunctory exam, and usually, a blood test. Most endos want a specific written recomendation from your therapist prior to writing you a prescription.

I think this is intended as a learning oportunity.

Stephie

Go. Ask questions. It will be very informative

one thing my therapist said was that she thought hormones (I assume in small doses) may help soften off some of the edges for now. I have a couple of sessions with my counselor first who is advising this, who knows the doctor. She also knows my MD, so I am hoping to find some help from all 3. Two weeks ago, I managed to find the strength to walk into a counselor's office. When I did some research on her on the web and found nothing back bad, i decided to at first to trust her and see where it went. I go by my head and my gut, and they both tell me this is right.