Primary care physician

[ReneeT]

I have a long-standing relationship with my pcp but have not told her about my gender issues. I see an endocrinologist fo my hrt, but am not entirely satisfied with that. So, i am going to discuss my transition with my pcp and ask if sh will manage my hrt. In preparation for that i would like to gather some references to give her, as i do not believe she has tg experience. Can you recommend any good literature sources that your physicianshave found helpul? I of course am searching the web

Thanks

[Frances]

These documents could be helpful for HRT management and educating your pcp.

http://transhealth.vch.ca/resources/library/tcpdocs/guidelines-endocrine.pdf

http://www.wpath.org/Documents2/socv6.pdf

[Wendy_Marie]

Frances,
Thanks for posting these links...they will be useful in the near future for me as well.

[Michelle.M]

Here are some I shared with my doctor -

http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=20905475

http://www.gendertrust.org.uk/faq/hormones-mtf/

http://php.ucsf.edu/PatientEd/MedicalCareofTransexualpts.pdf

http://facstaff.l3.drake.edu/abwisniewski/papers/11.pdf

http://jcem.endojournals.org/content/88/8/3467.full

http://transhealth.vch.ca/resources/library/tcpdocs/consumer/hormones-MTF.pdf

http://www.hemingways.org/GIDinfo/

http://www.latrobe.edu.au/communication-clinic/attachments/pdf/voice_clinic/hormone.pdf

[ReneeT]

Thank you, ladies. This is a big help. How did your conversations with your pcp go?

[Michelle.M]

Well, he's a GP to whom I was referred and not my regular primary care. I was referred to him because he works with my therapist and will prescribe hormones. What he lacks in specific endocrinology knowledge he makes up for with an eagerness to explore options. And his son is an endo so I think I'm in good hands.

[NinefoldBloom]

Thank you for all this helpful and wonderful information. :) It will be useful for when I eventually go back to my primary doctor I can discuss this with him (right now I'm just working with my psychologist).

[Fractured]

I've not found a PCP who is willing to play endocrinologist willingly. The best I found was one who was willing to continue prescribing the hormones an endo had me on while I tried to locate a new endo. Likewise, I would be cautious of a PCP prescribing HRT without being a member of a team that is helping you through this.

My own views aside, I wish you luck.

[Kathryn Martin]

Renee, he wrote the prescription after reading the document Frances referenced first

[Starling]

This is slightly off topic, but also not really worth starting a new thread. If you tell the doctor about your dysphoria, do they put it in your chart for others (like insurance companies) to see? Obviously, if you're receiving HRT it would belong in there, but what if you just wanted to be candid and forthcoming with your GP about the extra stress you're subject to?

:) Lallie

[Michelle.M]

My GP is simply treating a hormone imbalance, so that's what my records say. The reason for the imbalance is not always necessary.

[Starling]

Thanks, Michelle.

:) Lallie

[ReneeT]

Thanks for everyones input. I am "coming out" to my doc next Thursday. I am a bit nervous!

[AllieSF]

Good luck Renee. I am sure it will be handled well between the "Docs". Have a glass of wine before the visit to calm you down. Can't wait to hear the results.

[Felix]

Good luck Hun Im sure you will be fine Ill be checking in to see how ya getting on :) xx Felix

[boardpuppy]

Hi Renee, I came out to another Nurse Practioner in my GP's office, she was busy and I had to see someone know. Everything in my records was in general nondiscript terms, no specifics were mentioned. She wanted to know what she could do to help and it all came out in a flood. All of this to say, they are professional and if you have a previous relate with the Dr./staff/office then they will protect you as much as they can until it is so painfully ovious they can't so anything else.
Alice

[ReneeT]

Well, i had my appt with my regular pcp today and disclosed my TS status to her. She was incrdibly understanding and helpful. I was as nervous as could be going in, but that all avaporated once we started talking. She freely admitted that she has no experience in managing transition but readily agreed to educate herself and direct my care. I provided a full packet of literature ( thanks to the help of all of you here!) as well as my "letter", previous lab work, scripts, etc. We talked a bit about insurance issues, and she said she could be creative, although accurate in her coding. All in all, a terrific experience!

[DanaM64]

That is awesome news Renee, best of luck! When I seeked help the 1st time, I did research as to how & what the process was here in Sweden and when I built up the courage to make the call the nurse who answered the phone had me give all my info and a description of what I wanted to receive counseling on. Well at the end of the conversation she told me I needed to go thru my pcp to get a reference to make the appt! I was ready to explode... my ex came to the rescue though, she called her and in their native tongue & got me my appointmet! But I will be contacting my pcp soon to get the hrt rolling...
In short (as if!) I hope your pcp can help as she says!
/Dana