Annual Check up?

[Diane Elizabeth]

I had my annual check up with my endo at the VA on Tuesday. She didn't even pull ouot a stethescope to hear my heart. We just sat there talking about my meds. I asked about getting an orchi and her reply was not thru the VA. I told her the testicles hurt and she said it is handled thru another clinic. I had bloodwork done. She called me today at work and said my results were low. She didn't give me the numbers or anything (I wouldn't have heard her anyway). The good news is that she doubled my patch meds. I go back in Dec to get another check up.

While I was leaving the VA there was a blood drive going on. I stopped to give some blood and found out that since I was in Germany during the 80's and 90's I can't give blood. The nurse said because of Mad Cow disease that I was exposed to there is no testing for it.

[AnnaCalliope]

While I was leaving the VA there was a blood drive going on. I stopped to give some blood and found out that since I was in Germany during the 80's and 90's I can't give blood. The nurse said because of Mad Cow disease that I was exposed to there is no testing for it.

Those guidelines are so outdated, it drives me nuts. I can't ever give blood because I had sex with another man. Regardless of the fact that I've been tested numerous times for HIV, AIDS, Syphilis etc. and always come up clean. But if a heterosexual male who's slept with over 50 women, but never a male, wants to donate blood, they're all for it! As long as you haven't been with (or worked as) a prostitute in the last 3 years, no problem! Had anal intercourse with one male and only one male, and tested clean for all transmissible diseases? Sorry, nope, too bad, can't donate. Its a big fat load of yak squeeze.

[Aprilrain]

I kinda like my blood where it is thank you!

[sandra-leigh]

I lived in England for 6 months around 1991, so I cannot give blood either, because of the "mad cow disease" concerns.

(Truth to tell, I never consider giving blood because I am far too squeamish, but that's my choice, not an arbitrary restriction.)

[CharleneT]

. . . Its a big fat load of yak squeeze.

:lol2: !!! great description !!!


I agree, the guidelines are rather odd, they really do not protect against disease, but rather against averages (which are mostly baseless).

[StephanieC]

I used to give blood all the time. Actually, they've added a lot more restrictions in the last few years...mostly the restrictions on Europe. Plus, they've increased the number of questions. Fortunately, my local clinics allow entry online so that helps to speed things up.

The most important thing, though, is that more of the cookies are packaged and less are home-baked.

[Teri Jean]

Starla, I went in for my first visit and was treated fairly well. I am waiting on my first prescription as I have been paying for mine through my insurance.

[Debb]

I too was stationed in Deutschland and Portugal in the 80's, and ate beef from Britain .. which is what disqualifies me from giving blood. The mere chance that I could pass on the human form of Mad Cow ... rather than help someone in immediate need of blood, since my blood type is quite rare. It's a bummer.

Donna, it's so good to see you pursuing your transition. You deserve to be happy, and don't let the ******** get you down.

[Diane Elizabeth]

thanks Deb. It takes all my energy to not let my work place get me down let alone worry about the VA.

hope to see ya on saturday.


Hugs, Donna

[JenniferZ2009]

Starla I just got an orchi through the VA. You need to be talking to a urologist not the endo. You should argue it from the medical standpoint that you just had your estrogen increased and being on so much hormones is a safety risk. Do not ague for it from a SRS/Gender change standpoint th eVA wont do it. It needs to be medically necessary. Look at some of my lastest posts about my orchi. I had testicular paint from a kidney issues and they wouldnt even talk about an orchi.

[Diane Elizabeth]

Thank you Jennifer, I have read your postings about orchi. I have an appt with my PCP at the end of the month. I will have to go thru her for a referral. I have enough aches and pains that are nonrelated to gender issues that I am not sure I should address the orchi issue yet. But I haven't given up yet on it.

Donna