Anyone have issues telling their physician about being TS / TG?

[Jay Cee]

I'm going to schedule a physical in the not too distant future (I hope :) ), and I'm debating whether or not I should tell my physician that I am TG, and maybe TS. I'm in therapy already, and am visiting a gender clinic re: the possibility about starting hormones in the near future.

I think my doctor will be cool with it, but I have no idea. Anyone out there have problems with this? How did you go about telling your doctor? What was his / her reaction?

[kellycan27]

I'm going to schedule a physical in the not too distant future (I hope :) ), and I'm debating whether or not I should tell my physician that I am TG, and maybe TS. I'm in therapy already, and am visiting a gender clinic re: the possibility about starting hormones in the near future.

I think my doctor will be cool with it, but I have no idea. Anyone out there have problems with this? How did you go about telling your doctor? What was his / her reaction?

Don't worry Doctors see all kinds of things, and i am sure that they don't even give it a second thought. Why worry about your Doctor's reaction.. he's just your doctor? The information might even prove to be helpful to him..... as far as you're being his patient.

[Barbra P]

I told my Physician, a woman, with a PM and she PM’d me back asking if I wanted her to schedule a meeting with one of the Counselors in her module. I answered yes and she referred me to one of the Counselors. After a two-hour session the Counselor said she was going to refer me to a Therapist in the Psychology Department. I have not seen my Dr. since I PM’d her, but I’m due sometime this month. I just recently had my third session with the Therapist and I was somewhat surprised that she asked if I was interested in taking female hormones. I don’t think she was asking if I wanted to start now, but rather to see if this is something we should talk about during a future session.

I don’t know that you have a lot to lose. If you start on hormones you may have to have a Doctor involved and you might as well find out now if your current Physician is going to go along with the program or suggest that you find another Doctor. I rather doubt that the your Doctor is going to be a problem unles he/she has some religious convictions, in which case you are better off knowing sooner than later.

[Melody Moore]

Why wouldn't you tell your treating doctor about your condition?

Personally I feel that it is vital that they know. And if they judged you, treated you harshly
or unfairly because of it? go elsewhere! I seen a different GP to my regular doctor when I
first came out because I was fearful about what my regular GP might think. He has been a
great doctor who has gone that extra mile for me. The other quack I went to see when I
came out turned out to be a huge waste of time - my only regret now was not telling
my regular doctor sooner because he really loves me more now than he did before ;)

[sandra-leigh]

(Note to other readers: Jaycee and I live in the same city)

Jaycee, You might first want to ask the Clinic if they know anything about that particular doctor.

My GP didn't really believe me when I first told him I was CD & TG, and pretty much challenged me to wear a dress for the next appointment. I don't dance to his tune, so I wore an obvious skirt instead, and that convinced him. I went dressed to most appointments after that. Every appointment, he spent too long praising me for having the "courage" to explore and experience the gender differences. Until, that is, the day that I told him I was interested in finding out more about the effects of hormones as I was seriously considering them. He wasn't very pleased about that at all, not unless I wanted to go all the way to TS and pretty much start the treatment with an orchi. He told me to do more research and we would talk about it another time. So I visited Clinic (the local experts), talked about things with them, got assessed to find out whether I was a candidate or not; eventually I decided to go ahead, and the Clinic prescribed anti-andro for me. I was going to mention those on my next visit to my GP, but he was acting weird that time so I scuttled out.I accidentally missed my next appointment, and then postponed making another one because the receptionist had previously been telling people that there would be a charge for missed appointments. After a couple of months, I went on estrogen as well. Eventually I made an appointment with my GP (when I ran out of my anti-depressants.) At that appointment, as the GP preferred, I took out all of my medications to show that I had indeed been taking them. I had included the anti-androgen and the estrogen amongst the collection, figuring that there it not something to lie about. Well, my GP got quite upset and more or less fired me, telling me to choose between the Clinic and treatment by him; he called the standard HRT treatments "pseudo-science", claimed to be an HRT expert, but refused to provide information about where I could find more information about the approach he believed to be correct. I had to give up the Clinic and take it on complete trust that his version of HRT was healthy and suitable for me, or I had to lose him as GP and find someone else. Clinic had always been completely open with me about the treatment program, with specific reference to WPATH and the standards of care that Clinic had followed; my GP was being completely obstinate and refusing to provide information about his proposed methods. I have this little character trait about refusing to go along with "Because I said so!" authority, so that was the end of my professional relationship with him. Whether he is ultimately right about the "best" HRT or not became irrelevant: he was actively trying to deny me my right to make informed choices about my health.

I did talk to Clinic about the situation, and they did indicate that it is relatively uncommon for doctors to "fire" patients for undertaking HRT, but that it does happen sometimes. More often, I gather, it is the case here in 'Peg that many GPs feel uncomfortable about HRT in the sense of feeling that they do not understand the health effects well enough to supervise HRT themselves. But those GPs are apparently often fine with leaving the HRT part to Clinic, or in at most in recommending that you go to an official endo (unfortunately 8+ months wait for an appointment.) Some of the GPs might try to talk you out of hormones, on the basis that the health risks can be fairly serious, so if you can do without them then it is better not to take them. But if you have an official GID diagnosis or otherwise were able to convey to them that this is not just a "phase" to you, then apparently most will go along with it.

Telling your GP that you CD or are TG probably won't be a big deal. Hormones start to cause problems, lack of experience if nothing else.

A question I suggest you ask yourself: has your present GP ever adopted a "You don't know what you are talking about!" approach to you, or does your present GP instead say, "Let me check on that" or "that's a common misunderstanding and I understand how you might have arrived at that conclusion, but the research studies have examined that and found a better explanation" ? My (ex-) GP was unfortunately someone who tended to get upset if I challenged his knowledge, or if I said things had happened to me that he didn't believe to be possible or probable. If your GP expects you to "just trust me" rather than being open to working with you, then introducing hormones is likely to be problematic.

[PretzelGirl]

I was hesitant at first, but I was only seeing my doctor for things like tendonitis, so it didn't matter. When I started having another issue (BPH), then I told him. I have a great doctor, so it was no surprise that his eyes lit up and he started asking me questions that didn't surprise me as they could pertain to how he treats me. Then he ordered a full hormone screening which I was happy to see myself. The bad part is I had to email him because he marked all the hormone tests on the blood work and forgot the PSA, which is what I was there for. He was very apologetic for that, but that is okay. I did distract him just a bit.

So I would say that if you are comfortable with your doctor, I would let him/her know. You don't have to be in his/her face with it, but they can treat you better if everything is on the table.

[Badtranny]

My doc was totally unfazed. It was funny though if not a lil bit embarrassing.

My primary doc happens to be an endocrinologist so I figured he must have other patients like me and I was almost right. He had ONE other patient. It was a small office so he yells out the door
"Hey Cheryl, bring me the Johnson file"
She yells back, "um, Scott Johnson?"
So he yells, "yeah, the one that's taking the hormones to be a woman, this guy in here wants to do the same thing"

I was mortified.

Anyway, he gives me a couple of prescriptions and tells me that this isn't his area of expertise so he refers me to Dr Smilo in the city. That was about one year ago and I haven't been back since.

[Rianna Humble]

Hi Jay Cee, as others have said, whichever doctor is treating you for anything needs to know as much as possible about your medical background in case his/her proposed treatment might conflict with what you are already taking/doing. Most family doctors will be more interested in treating the whole person than worrying about outsiders' perception of their patient.

I didn't have any problems when I came out to my medical practice, but I did enlist the help of my diabetes nurse in choosing which doctor would be best to ask for help. As to how I went about it, I outed myself to my nurse by deliberately leaving nail varnish on for one of my regular visits knowing that she would pick up on it and ask me if I wanted to discuss it. She told me that any of the doctors in the practice would be fine with helping me, but recommended one who also has more specialised knowledge of the diabetes precisely so she would be able to monitor any potential side effects of one treatment on the other.

I didn't know the doctor she recommended, but made an appointment. I went in drab apart from my shoes and nail varnish. I was nervous as can be, and didn't really know how to begin, but once I had begun, it all came tumbling out. Her reaction was superb, first asking what I would like her to do to help then asking if I would allow her to undertake the journey with me, and finally explaining her next steps to me. Since that first appointment, we have become more like friends.

Now that I have come out so publicly (and have changed my name) everyone in the practice knows and they have all been great about it. My phlebotomist saw me on my way for an emergency appointment with a doctor shortly after I had a photo-shoot earlier this year and stopped to ask if I had brought the pictures.

[Amber99]

I was kinda afraid to tell my GP but I actually needed a referral to get my appointment with the endo. He was totally fine and gave me the referral with no trouble.



...I was mortified.

Oh wow, I would just have died right there.

[Chickhe]

I wouldn't unless you are going to need their help i that area. Personally, I would seek out one who has experience with others similar to yourself. I recently went to my GP doctor for a urinary infection and he said to me 'guys don't usually get that...' he asked all kinds of weird lifestyle questions which none applied to me. At the end he strongly hinted that he was very relieved that he was dealing with a straight person... I don't know, he could probably handle an occasional CDer like me if I told him, maybe a TS, but the impression I got was that a gay person would probably not be his first pick. Not claiming discrimination, but doctors are people and have their personal biases...

[Aprilrain]

The doctor that I had been going to was a male and though I'm sure would have been unfazed as others have said I decided against coming out to him and instead found a woman who was known to work with trans patients. Since I was self medicating at the time I was anxious to find a Doc that would prescribe hormones for me. I had a letter from my therapist, Just couldn't get an appt. with the Endo. When I saw the new doc I was already full time everywhere but around my kids and parents so I just went dressed, Nicely of course! None of the staff batted an eye even though I still had a male name at the time and the doc was very nice though reluctant to prescribe hormones. She did but it was a third of what I had been taking. Fast forward to my name change. I went in to my original doctors office to have them update my records. The last time they had seen me was in male mode probably like a year before LOL. The woman at the front desk was nice enough and they preformed all of the necessary updates with out question or hassle and simply told me to bring my new insurance card with me to my next appt. I want to remain a patient at the old office because they have a lab on site and my new female doc does not, It can be such a pain waiting in line at the labs! Now that I have an Endo Im sure 99% of any lab work I need will be done by him but still I'm a sucker for convenience. Also some time around April I needed to go to a dermatologist, I went as me and just told the lady I made the appt. with that I would Look like a female and preferred the name April. She seemed almost enthusiastic for me and said she would make a note of it. When I went for the appt. the PA was nice enough but a little inexperienced. She was good with the name but kept refering to me as a he. REALLY ANNOYING! The prescription she gave me seemed to clear up the problem I was having but between being called a he and spending $400 on unnecessary work I will not go back to that doc.

[Philipa Jane]

I thought I would have some difficulty with this when I was seeing my GP for depression.
Reality kicked in and I realised he could not treat me effectively without knowing all the details. So I took along a headed page from the forum and said I was a member.
At first after he read the logo he flushed with embarrassment but treated me with professional respect and just asked simple questions related to my mental health and my mood.
I was concerned about the information being in my medical notes but he kept these in his own handwriting rather than have them typed up.
If I have to change doctors I will have to find a center that does not allocate you the next free GP but one that you always see the same person. And I think it will be a woman.

PJ

[Melody Moore]

I wouldn't unless you are going to need their help i that area..
Do you realise that we actually have medical professionals who are members on this forum & one of these
professionals recently made a post here (http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?158784-A-message-to-all-who-may-be-considering-surgery.&p=2577416&viewfull=1#post2577416) about how silly & irresponsible it was not to inform your doctor or
surgeon about these things? The reason being is because the care plans are often completely different for
genetic males & females. Medications & dosage levels also differ between natal males & females. So you are
in fact increasing the risk of further complications even death with non-disclosure of such vital information.

[Persephone]

Thanks to everyone who has posted so far! You may have just given me the courage to finally tell my GP.

My GP's office is not in the main facility of the group that we belong to and I'm pretty well "out" to every doctor and nurse in the main facility. I always go to the main facility en femme, but for years now I've been afraid of letting her know that I'm transgendered. I don't know why. It shouldn't be because she is our family's GP since my spouse and son have known for years. Whatever it is, it has kept me from telling her.

Meanwhile, I've tiptoed around about it. I've even brought her research that shows that estrogen would help with my osteopenia (mild bone deterioration for which she has me on medication). She read my material and her reply was, "We no longer even recommend estrogen for women with osteopenia, I'm not going to recommend it for you."

And just recently I got her to switch one of my blood pressure medications to spironolactone (alas in doses too small to be effective for t-blocking).

But, when I saw her last week I was complaining about a problem with one of my toes and since I always wear polish she saw my lilac toenails with little flowers and didn't say a thing.

So maybe it is time, and, even though I am not the OP, I thank those who have already posted for making it really clear that I should tell her.

Hugs,
Persephone.

[Hope]

"Hey Cheryl, bring me the Johnson file"
She yells back, "um, Scott Johnson?"
So he yells, "yeah, the one that's taking the hormones to be a woman, this guy in here wants to do the same thing"

Me: Do you have any idea how many HIPPA violations you just committed? Which doesn't really bother me THAT much - but could you at least use the right fu(#1ng pronouns next time?

I can't imagine how good, AND how cheap the care would have to be for me to be willing to go back to that doctor either. Sheeesh.

I'm all for telling your doctor about your relevant medical history (and this definitely qualifies as relevant - particularly if you are taking hormones) but goodness - don't we have a right to expect, if not confidentiality, decorum?

[morgan51]

My Doc. knows and has been professional all the time I agree with Hope. I would have to insist on decorum. I would see a therapist and follow the standards of care I'm 60 and feel blood work and tests are necessary for the best chance at this. I did start out self medicating and don't recomend it at all.

[ReneeT]

As a physician myself, i have had many patients share with me very personal information. Doctors, for the most part, and primary care docs in particuar, are genuinely caring, understanding people. In many cases, they have seen and heard more unusul things than this. I strongly encourage sharing this with your doc, particularly if you are on hrt

[Stephanie-L]

As a healthcare provider, I also can't imagine why you wouldn't tell your GP. Unless you are in a situation where you can't switch (which would be very rare), tell them, if they have a problem find someone else, either in the same group or not. As I said in a previous thread, and Melody brought up here, there are differences that need to be taken into account, especially if you are taking any medication of any type that may be related to your TG/TS ness. As Renee said, most primary care physicians, indeed most healthcare personell, are caring and understanding. Besides, at least here in the US, they can't tell anyone unless there is a medical or legal need to do so. In short it is something they need to know and probably they can help you if they do know. If they have a problem then you don't need them and can find someone better. Do be aware that occasionally you do run across a doc like the one Sandra-Leigh had, but that looks more like an ego problem than anything directly to do with TG/TS issues in my opinion. Good luck...................Stephanie

[juno]

Your doctor should be the easiest person in the world to come out to. To break the ice, go into your physical freshly shaved and with nail polish (at least on your toes).

I recently brought in a picture of my female self, and just showed it to my doctor saying "Here's a picture of me as a female." She suggested I should share it with the ladies at the front desk, so I did.

[Wendi_cd]

My doc was totally unfazed. It was funny though if not a lil bit embarrassing.

My primary doc happens to be an endocrinologist so I figured he must have other patients like me and I was almost right. He had ONE other patient. It was a small office so he yells out the door
"Hey Cheryl, bring me the Johnson file"
She yells back, "um, Scott Johnson?"
So he yells, "yeah, the one that's taking the hormones to be a woman, this guy in here wants to do the same thing"

I was mortified.

Anyway, he gives me a couple of prescriptions and tells me that this isn't his area of expertise so he refers me to Dr Smilo in the city. That was about one year ago and I haven't been back since.

Ouch! But i guess when there are only 3 people in the place..

BTW, your avatar photo right now is awesome. Whatever you are taking seems to be working!