My turn now

[Nicki S]

I just got home from my therapist appointment today and I must say that the result of many sessions has gone quite well for me. She stated that I am ready to bring out the woman that I was meant to be. She has given me the name and number for her preferred endocrinologist and told me to make my appointment to start HRT. She said that by the time my appt came around that she would have my referral letter completed.

I like many have had the thoughts of self-medicating and have taken a small dose of estridol but decided to take the safe route as per the advice of many on this forum. Thanks ladies.

[Melody Moore]

Congrats Nicki!!

I know how you feel regarding self-medicating - I thought about it once, but good old common sense prevailed once I learnt to understand the risks & found out that there was a very good gender service in my city. Its very reassuring to know that I have a fully supportive doctor there keeping a close watchful eye on things with regular blood tests & medical check-ups. I feel so much more at ease now about everything. :)

[JulieK1980]

Congratulations!! I wish you the best of luck!

[AllieSF]

Yes, congratulations for doing what is right for you and taking those steps to move you forward. Good luck in the future.

[Teri Jean]

Way to go girl. Nikki I'm glad for you, you are going to love the HRT and effects. I'm glad you are so excited for I was and still am myself. BIG HUGE HUGS

[Nicki S]

I am thinking that getting the letter was the easy part. I tried to make an appointment with her recommended Dr and his next available appt is at the end of Janurary 2011. So now I need to try to find some other Dr. This doesnt really upset me too much as this would have been a 135 mile drive, one way. I am just not to sure how to locate a Endocrinologist that is experienced in HRT. Any Ideas? I did email my therapist to see if she has any ideas.
I know I could just be patient and just wait, but I am ready to move along.

[Hope]

Well January is not honestly that far away. You may find that all of the endos in your area have similar wait times. Or longer. The last time I saw my therapist she told me that all of the endos in the area are closed to new patience... So... yeah.

But if you are set about finding another doctor, and I wouldn't blame you if you were, I would suggest contacting your local GLBT group - they may well have a list of doctors who work with the trans community. I know mine does.

And there is always google...

[Melody Moore]

Have you tried any of these doctors?

Dr. Stanley Chad Harvey, MD (11.4 miles)
Internist
Endocrinologist
900 E Ocean Blvd, Suite F150
Stuart, FL 34994

Dr. David S Mordes, MD (17.3 miles)
Endocrinologist
2150 Se Salerno Rd, Ste 200
Stuart, FL 34997

Dr. David Robert Biezunski, MD (22.7 miles)
Endocrinologist
1600 36th St, Suite C
Vero Beach, FL 32960

Dr. William Lonzo Lasswell, MD (22.7 miles)
Endocrinologist
2835 20th Street, Building C
Vero Beach, FL 32960

Dr. Paul Abram Graham, MD (22.7 miles)
Endocrinologist
2835 20th Street, Building C
Vero Beach, FL 32960

Dr. Denise R Tonner, MD (22.7 miles)
Endocrinologist
2835 20th Street, Building C
Vero Beach, FL 32960

Dr. Ivor Jackson, MD (30.5 miles)
Endocrinologist
4600 Military Trail, Suite 218
Jupiter, FL 33458

Dr. Aleksandra Kraeher, MD (30.5 miles)
Endocrinologist
4600 Military Trail, Suite 218
Jupiter, FL 33458

Hope is right... Google is your best friend... Good Luck & I hope it all goes well :)

[Faith_G]

I had to wait almost 3 months for an appointment with an endo who was close to me. So your situation is not unusual. Not that it makes the waiting easier...

[Stephanie Anne]

I love seeing when people more forward in a positive light. Locating a good doctor can be tough. It took me two tries to find one until my therapist found me my current doctor. I recommend asking her if she has any information. Some times they may even have colleges that have contacts like mine did.

I would also advise calling up and speaking to the receptionists and nurses to get a feel. The last thing you want is for the gatekeepers to be hostile or unhelpful. Don't just go to a doctor or specialist because you heard they were good and don't hesitate to find a new one if they don't listen to your needs and adequately diagnose you.

I remember before staring hrt and seeing a therapist then a doctor, I was contemplating self medicating. I am so glad I didn't as I would have over dosed myself. Thankfully I found the right doctor who understood how to treat trans patients and knew how to interpret lab work. It turns out I am highly susceptible to estrogen and have low testosterone thus requiring very low doses. I don't think I would have found this out as quickly had I not used all my resources to find the right doctor and been so open from the start. sorry I get all rambly sometimes

[Inna]

Hey Nicky, congrats on heading to the next stage of your transition babe. The letter you are about to get from your therapist, is it called a "pink letter" by any chance? :-)

[Nicki S]

Melody, thanks for the list of Dr's. Although it is unclear if they are experienced in HRT and the MtF transition. So I also like the advice of Stephanie and calling the Dr office and speaking to the receptionists and inquiring about their specialty.
Alexia, I am not sure if it is called a pink letter. At the least I hope it in printed on Pink paper.:)

[Melody Moore]

Hi Nicki.... all the doctors I listed are Endocrinologist & I am also sure you will find most have some knowledge in this field. I don't think that you would be the only transsexual in your area. And maybe there is some personal favouritism involved in why your therapist was recommending a Endocrinologist so far away when so many others who are closer - a personal friend of this therapist perhaps? I think this is something else you should bear in mind here. A simple phone call as Stephanie suggested is one way to find out exactly how experienced in dealing with transsexuals.

I hope you find one who can help you as soon as possible... Good luck!

[Nicki S]

After numerous emails with my MD, she has agreed to supervise my HRT. No she is not an endo, but she does have some experience in hormones.
She had stated that I had thrown her for a loop with my first email of coming out and requesting a referral for an endo. She than said that she was happy that I am able to make such a decision in life to complete myself and be happy.
So I have my appt for 12-7

[Melody Moore]

Congrats Nikki, I hope it all goes well

[Billijo49504]

Congrads, glad you have things going well for you. I asked my PCP and he hasn't responded to my asking. Next is the VA. ...BJ

[pamela_a]

Nikki sorry for the late congratulations. I know that most people are followed by and endocrinologist but the doctor that's following me for my HRT is an OB-GYN and she follows all of the trans patients so don't limit your search to just the one specialty.

[Traci Elizabeth]

Nicki, I think you will do fine with your GP. I don't think we all have to be seen by an Endocrinologist when other doctors may have more than adequate expertise in HRT as well. My doctor is NOT an Endocrinologist but does specialize in transgender care for both sexes. He is very thorough, requires all the appropriate blood work and monitoring, and will not be persuaded to alter your regime simply because you want to move faster.

I don't know if it is any cheaper than going to an Endocrinologist but for many of us who live in non-transgendered friendly parts of the country, our medical choices are very limited. And as it is for me, I have to drive 105 miles each way just to see a doctor who has transgender experience or accepts transgender patients.

So, I commend you for finding a doctor who will supervise your therapy and having the tenacity to seek out other sources to meet your needs.

[Nicki S]

Thank-you ladies for the very kind words. It is because of the forum and wonderful people here that I am as far along as I am with the confidence to move along. I feel very good about my future and my decision to become a woman. I am unsure if I will be financially allowed to progress as much as I hope for, but I certainly will try. It does appear that a great deal of woman that do make the transition are professionals that make a nice salary. I have a good job, but it is not in the 6 digits. Please dont get me wrong, I am not poking at anyone or complaining. Most of all, I am glad that I have the support of everybody here. Thank-you.

[Kathryn Martin]

That is such wonderful news. I just had the same threshold moment and I am so happy for you Nicki. We will toast you on the day that you get to take your first pills and slide UP the rabbit hole and emerge in to your reality.:hugs:

[Nicki S]

Today is my day for my first Dr appointment. I will be walking out the door in a few minutes. I am a bit nervous, but I am sure that once I am in the office that I will be at ease. Hopefully I will leave with my necessary prescriptions.
I have been taking a small dose of estrofem for a few months and I am very happy with the breast growth already. Now I need to block some of this "T".

[Jorja]

Sorry I had missed this thread from the start. Congratulations on your decision to proceed. Take a deep breath and realx, now walk out that door full of confidence. As for a comment in your earlier postings, many of us that have made the transition did not have much money at the beginning. We worked hard to get the money needed to support our needs. I even mucked stalls at one point for the extra money. You do what you have to do to get to where you need to go. You can do it!

[StaceyJane]

Yea!!!
I'm so happy that you have reached this important milestone.

[Traci Elizabeth]

I am sure you will be posting the results later today. Can't wait to red them! Good luck!

[Angel.Marie76]

Congrats Nikki, nice work! :-)

[Nicki S]

Thanks for the encouragement! The appointment went quite well. Just as I thought, I felt comfortable when I was in the office. I am dressed in all female clothes, but still look like a man (Hopefully not for long). I had on some light makeup, jewelery, and nails looking pretty. My DR was very professional and had a few questions. We discussed the medications for quite a while. I believe that this is the longest I have ever had a Dr sit in the room. Usually they are in and out in a flash.
The one drawback is that my blood pressure is up. She said that it could be a result of being on the estrogen for 3 months. I hope that is what it is. I believe that I have read that the Spiro will help reduce the BP? I forgot to ask the Doc.
So then it was off to the lab to get blood work. The girl there almost drained all the blood from me. Well at least that is what it appeared she was doing. She took 6 vials from me and then I also had a urine test. I wont have true baseline numbers, since I have already been on estrogen, but my Dr has something to work with now.
Next was off to Walmart to get my prescriptions filled. This took longer than the I had expected. After 2 return trips to the store, I left with my little bag filled with my new life. What a great feeling knowing that the journey has officially started.

So my next concern is I have a company physical on Friday. I am sure they will notice the blood pressure is elevated also. I did mention this to my Dr, and she said that she can write a letter, if need be, saying that I am under her care for the BP. I am just hoping it will be low enough so work never knows.
While at my physical, I will be getting an EKG. This has brought up a few thoughts in my brain. Do I (A): Go bra-less (B): regular bra (C): sports bra?
I do hate being braless, so (A) is almost out. I am leaning towards (B) and wearing my favorite bra and just being a man in a Dr office in a bra. I have a couple days to decide at least. I am sure that next years physical, option (A) will not even be an option. How is that for optimistic thinking!!

One questions for you ladies. When you have your company physical, do you disclose the meds that you are taking for your HRT? I would much rather keep this info between my personal Dr and NOT a company Dr. I am not out at work yet and was hoping to wait until is became too obvious to hide. I am close to that anyways.

Happy new member of the HRT club.

[Kathryn Martin]

This is very cool to hear, all the best to you

[Laura_Stephens]

Nikki, very happy for you!

Wish I could give you advice on the company physical, but I've never had to deal with that. Matter of fact, I've never had a job in my life where the company I worked for required a physical.

[pamela_a]

Congratulations Nikki. To you question about your blood pressure, Spironolactone's primary action is as a diuretic and it's used primarily for the treatment of hypertinsion. The anti-androgen affect is a "side affect". As for your company physical and what to wear, I'm assuming it will be at a normal medical clinic. How do you normally present and what do you usually wear? I personally wouldn't wear anything different . I'm not sure about withholding information regarding medications you are on, you would need to weigh the consequences of you told vs. what would happen if they found out.

[Nicki S]

Pam, you bring up a good point about telling or not. If I knew that my medical records were not going to be forwarded to the office, I certainly would tell. But as you mention, I suppose I really don't have a choice.
I am surprised that my employer gets to see the results of an exam. In my opinion, they should only receive a pass/fail report.

[pamela_a]

Do you know what information they are given? My understanding is unless there is written authorization from you they can only receive minimal information regarding your exam. If I may ask what is the purpose for the exam? CDL or some form of license which must be renewed?

[Karen564]

I would ask the Medical Assistant or Doctor handing you the forms about exactly what your employer will see in your examination / medical record, so be very careful what release of information form you sign...The problem comes in when the employer is paying for the exam..so by rights, it becomes their property....so I wouldn't tell them squat ! no meds, nothing...if they wanna do a physical, they don't need to know what drugs your on unless they were treating you for a medical condition, which their not....

Same thing goes for workman's comp cases, so if your ever injured, never go to your regular doctor, because once the workman's comp case is added to your medical record, they have the right to see the whole record, based on the release of info you sign...so always go to a different doctor that doesn't have your medical record & do not sign a release authorizing them to get your medical history file from your own PCP...You have every right to protect your own medical file. so don't ever be fooled by them thinking you must sign the release....all that falls under HIPAA

As far as the ECG/EKG, you can wear a bra to the office, but it would be best that you remove it for that test just to make it easier for the CMA...but if you must wear one, it must be one without an underwire....And also make sure they cover you for modesty...as a woman, you should never be exposed or treated like a man would...

Karen F. CMA


PS. Congrats !

[prene]

Congratulations!!

[Nicki S]

Karen, Thanks for the advice. I agree that they don't need to know about my HRT meds also. But I hate for them to find out afterwords.
I am going to wear my femme clothes today and will have on my bra under. If it needs to be removed for the EKG, so be it. I do hope that the CMA offers to protect my modesty.

Pam, I work offshore on a vessel that carries petroleum products. One of the inherent dangers is Benzine. So every year I have to be tested. They really seem to go way over the top and check everything. The old days of being a drunken, lazy, overweight sailor are forever gone. They now want physically fit people without any criminal activity on their record.

[Nicki S]

Update on my day yesterday. I went to my physical wearing a woman's top, jeans, sneakers, light makeup, underdressed and jewelery.
I had the pleasure of having a young nurse, out of college for 3 years. She started with taking my vitals and as expected, my BP was elevated. She took it 3 different time, using a machine and 2 different cuffs. She said she will take it later after I rest.
Now she was going to do the EKG. She asked me to remove my shirt and lay down. While she was attaching the sensors to my body, she realized that my bra was in the way. She had me sit up as she grabbed a robe. She stood behind me and unfastened my bra. She then held up the robe so I could slip it on each arm. I appreciated her professionalism and for protecting my privacy. (if she could have only seen my smile as this was happening)So my chest was mostly covered and I was enjoying the experience that I was encountering. After the test, she told me to pout my bra on but also keep the robe on in case the Dr need to examine me further.
The Dr asked me about my BP and I explained to him that I was at my personal Dr ans she was aware of my hypertension. He asked about meds and I told him I was not on any.
So after this extensive physical, I was walking out two hours later. Wow! what a waste of time.
I am eager for my Dr to get the hormones in balance so I can get to my usual normal blood pressure.

[pamela_a]

That was a great report Nickie. I'm happy to see you were treated as my other woman would have been. And I wouldn't consider it a waste of time. You were treated respectfully as a woman and that's never a waste.

[Karen564]

Happy to hear all went well ! :hugs: