Would love to hear your opinion / advice on this.

[Jay Cee]

I was part way through my physio session when my physiotherapist noticed my painted toenails (I was wearing sandals). Must have floored her, because she asked loud enough for the entire office to hear "Why do you have your toenails painted pink?" Then she left before I had a chance to answer. When she came back later, I responded "Because I ran out of red." She laughed, somewhat awkwardly, and then the matter was not mentioned again.

I honestly have to say that I wasn't embarassed at all (huge step for me). I am a bit annoyed that she was a bit lacking in discretion, and was talking briefly about it with other staff members (I have pretty good hearing). I just hope she would be a little more subtle the next time something similar happens - another person may be a more sensitive

What's your take on this? Let it slide? Deal with a new physiotherapist? Talk to her about it?

[KarenCDFL]

It sounds like it was an honest surprise from her. Nothing malicious.

I would just let it go. You could have also said "It takes a real man to have pink painted toes!" :)

[Dawn cd]

Yeah, the therapist has a big mouth...discretion not her strong point...but I think Karen's right: let it go.

However if she brings it up again, get a new therapist.

[BeckyAnderson]

Sounds a bit like your therapist need to see a therapist.

[Gaby2]

Hi Jay Cee, I was at a meeting tonight and I made a point of remarking to a young woman beside me, that she hadn't any polish on her toenails.
We know each other quite well and we had a good laugh.
However she did seem to find it odd to be talking to a man twice her age about "nail polish".
Girls talk about these topics non-stop and don't bat an eyelid - I'm glad I got in a little bit on the action:heehee:
You caught your physiotherapist off-guard.
It would be interesting to hear what she thinks after having a while to think about it...
Just curious...
:rose: Gaby

[Karren H]

So I'm taking a wild guess your not there for gender related issues? Else she shouldn't have be surprised? If you are then I'd kick her to the curb and find someone new. And better.

[jaqueline1]

It depends on how much it bothers you. Doctors have to adhere to a strict doctor - patient confidentiality agreement which she violated so if she openly talks about it what else might she say after the next session.... you could bring up that some people might be offended and that you would like her to not talk about it.but as her being a woman she could relate to you more.. but like i said it all depends on how much it bothers you.

[Kittykitty]

My opinion is you should tell a therapist everything. If she doesn't "know" about you, she needs to.
I see nothing wrong with her outburst, as it was a natural reaction.

[Vanessa Storrs]

My opinion is you should tell a therapist everything. If she doesn't "know" about you, she needs to.
I see nothing wrong with her outburst, as it was a natural reaction.

The therapist is a physiotherapist not a psychotherapist. The only thing you would need to tell a physiotherapist is if your five inch heels are aggravating a strained ankle. In any case though there should be confidential relationship between therapist and patient, your therapist was wrong.

[Fab Karen]

Sounds like she has "gender is black & white & you're breaking the rules" isssues.

[Longing2be-Trisha]

Jay Cee she was very unprofessional in her reaction. First I would talk to her about her behavior and go from there, which would be finding a new doctor and reporting this one. All my doctors have embraced my coming out as transgender and have seen my painted nails, I love PINK.

Hugs

[joanna4]

I really like that you weren't embarrassed at all, major props. As for the way she behaved, I agree with you in that she could have been a lot more considerate.

[Leslie Langford]

I'd be interested to know if she has any body piercings, tattoos, purple spiked hair and/or shows lots of boobage from a low cut top etc. when bending over you to perform her physiotherapist duties.

Why not call her on those "out-there" displays of personal lifestyle choices (if they exist) and see how she responds to that?

[Stacey Summer]

I've suffered from Migraines for 20 years now. A few years back I went to see a specialist and forgot that my toes were painted pink. DOn't you jut LOVE that colour? Anyway, he had me take off my shoes and socks so he could examine the way my feet and toes move, not sure why. He definitely saw my toes, I got a bit flustered and told him it was a practical joke from my SO. He just gave me a knowing smile and didn't say anything.

From your description it sounds like an honestly surprised reaction but you might want to have a word with her regarding it. Just point out that while you weren't embarassed, it was completely unprofessional for her to have spoken to her workmates about it.

[girlygirly]

I've suffered from Migraines for 20 years now. A few years back I went to see a specialist and forgot that my toes were painted pink. DOn't you jut LOVE that colour? Anyway, he had me take off my shoes and socks so he could examine the way my feet and toes move, not sure why. He definitely saw my toes, I got a bit flustered and told him it was a practical joke from my SO. He just gave me a knowing smile and didn't say anything.
That's probably the standard response for painted nails on embarrassed guys, and it frequently involves being drunk and passed out. I used to date an ER nurse, she didn't know about me, but I still got to hear some interesting and bizarre stories. You would have been just as convincing if you told him your dog chewed up your original toenails and the fakes you installed didn't look right in any other color but pink. I cite a "lurking toenail fungus that runs in my family", it's different and leaves them wondering.

I never say a word, and wear white cotton panties if I have a scheduled appointment. Most people don't ask questions if they don't want to know the answer, and the physiotherapist needs a lesson about professionalism if she's making making loud comments about the personal appearance of anyone so the rest of her office can hear.

[Paula_56]

Great chance to educate, "The other day you mentioned, my pedicure, I am transgendered, ( tell your story)

[Violetgray]

My question is this: Does he behavior surprise you?

[Staci G]

Ok, she is a physical therapist not a shrink. Please read the post. Anyway she needs to worry about what hurts and concentrate in that. Would it have been better if they were red? No she thought it is better to discuss your toes with others and maybe get a big hoot out of it than do her job and move on. I would seek another therapist at another office and let the owner of the first one know why I was changing. Hope you feel better soon .

[drag n fly]

Hi Jay Cee...I too, am seeing a physiotherapist, for about a month and a half now for a lower back sciatic affectation in my left leg...I paint my toe nails pink too. One of the young lady therapists remarked, rather loudly to me "do you paint your nails?" I answered in the affirmative and she asked why..I said I like them that way, and that without polish they are ugly...I shared with her later that I am ambiguosly gendered and have changed colors several times..She gets a big kick out of it all, and is genuinely friendly and honest..I wore my pink panties there on Monday an I'm sure one of the girls noticed...they put electrodes on my lower back, and to do so must reach down in my pants to attach them... It's been a bit of a coming out experience...Today...a little darker pink, I think...hehee smooches Jackie

[suchacutie]

It seems to me that her actions were a bit immature, to say the least. My concern would have been her discussing this, or any other issue with other people in the office. I think I would have asked her, "do you always discuss personal issues of your patients with the rest of the staff?" and see how she responds. Her actions were certainly less than professional.

tina

[SANDRA MICHELLE]

I used to do my toe nails in pink all the time, my favorite color. I wear 3" sandals a lot and my deep red color really jumps out so at least for the summer it will be red for this girl.