My Doctor said YES!!!

[Billijo49504]

Yesterday I saw my doctor, and I showed him my hormone letter. When he asked if I was serious about this. I said a lot of good people on this forum talked me into going thru the counsiling and going to a doctor, instead of DIY HRT. So yes I was very serious.He asked where he could get some information, as he wasn't knowledgable about MTF HRT. So I printed out several articles and took them to him this morning. So unless he backs down, I should be getting my hormones. If he does change his mind, I still have an appointment to my VA doctor, next month. So now it time to wait. I hate waiting....:hugs:..Billijo

[StaceyJane]

To honest I would be worried if I had to provide my doctor information about medicine he is going to prescribe for me. It's the doctor's job to be the expert, not yours.

[Billijo49504]

I'm not worried, I've been with this doctor for around 30 years. He does his research too. He offered a refferal to another doctor, I told him I'd rather go with him. I trust him with my life...BJ

[Lorileah]

actually the doctor should NOT know everything. If he graduated today by the end of the year he would be 3 years behind in reading current research. It is his job to know here to get he information and top refer as needed. I would expect a referral will be in the offing

[Stephenie S]

What she said.

[giuseppina]

Hello, Billijo

It's your doctor's professional obligation to know what his limits are and not practise beyond them. Doing so is professional misconduct and leaves him open to prosecution by the state/provincial regulatory agency. Reading a few articles isn't enough education. That's what residencies are for.

It is not by intention to tell you what your needs are, but you will be better served by accepting a referral to an expert, probably an endocrinologist. They have a better idea of the issues that arise from HRT. I'm not for a second suggesting you will have problems, just that an expert knows what to look for and can prevent little things from escalating.

[Teri Jean]

When I decided to get my HRT my doctor did not want to start it as there is information and experiance he had not had. He did say he would be open to learning more and possibly taking over later but thought my endrocrinologist would better serve my needs.

[Hope]

actually the doctor should NOT know everything. If he graduated today by the end of the year he would be 3 years behind in reading current research. It is his job to know here to get he information and top refer as needed. I would expect a referral will be in the offing

This. This. 1000 times THIS!

[Billijo49504]

Thanks for dumping on me, I really appreciate it, about as much as a boil. I was happy that I was actually doing the right thing. And all you want to do is tell me what I'm doing wrong, thanks a bunch. I don't see the negativeism when I read someone is getting their drugs from over seas. But if you look back, my councilor wasn't right, now my Dr, that I've trusted for almost 30 yrs, isn't right. Several months befor I started counsiling, I was trying to decide if it was going to be DIY or do me in, to make the pain go away. It seems like people on this forun would be more sensitive to others going into where they are at. How quickly you forget. Maybe it's time to find a new home on the net. Don't forget to wipe your feet before you kick me again. :-( BJ

[Ze]

Reading this thread, Billijo, I don't think people are dumping on you. (Believe me, I've seen dumping on this site.) Rather, sounds like they're trying to look out for you. I myself am struggling to get my letter and find a decent endo, but won't settle for somebody that I feel is inexperienced. Why? Because I'll be on this stuff the rest of my life and my body and mind will be subjected to repeated examination. There are many things that can go wrong if somebody doesn't know the practice well. Remember, this is the rest of your life; make sure it's done proper justice. Nobody is stopping you from using the therapist and GP that you are, but members here obviously want to make sure you're aware of any potential risks. Consider it, take it with a grain of salt, and do what you believe will give you the best outcome with fewest mishaps.

[Faith_G]

HRT ain't rocket science. If your doctor monitors your blood levels closely and is aware of what to look out for, there's no reason you can't be his first HRT patient and do just fine.

Send him a copy of this and he'll do fine.

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

[Elizabeth]

Hi Billijo,

If your VA doctor is anything like my Medicare doctor, the law prohibits them from treating transsexualism with government money, which means any treatment paid for from benefits of Medicare. Even when I sought out counseling for depression, I was not allowed to discuss my GID. I would stick with the private sector for treatment of GID.

Love always,
Elizabeth

[Kathryn Martin]

Billijo

I am very excited for you. My counselor has told me that when I feel ready she will write me the letter too. And while I am still not ready (I feel like I am traveling on the autobahn in my car at 200 km/h and my self is still stretched out for 300 miles behind me and needs to catch up) I imagine what you must feel like now that the time has come. I for one can't wait to hear more and especially learn more about the changes it brings inside your self.

Almost all guidelines for primary care physicians and endocrinologists suggest if not require a close co-operation between them to make the hormone therapy successful and safe. You primary care physician is undoubtedly aware of the various health issues you have and is therefore the most important care provider. She/He would also be the one monitoring your blood levels and is more than likely familiar with the issues surrounding estrogen and persons your age. What is important though, in addition to your primary care physician, you want to have a specialist that specializes in transgender endocrine therapy as a resource for your GP and for you. Both you and your GP will consider and decide what is best for you.

Good luck with the wait (I am totally with you, hating to wait) and cross my fingers that it isn't too long

Kathryn