Finding a doctor.

[Marlana]

So as my name say's, I'm a little unsure about some things. I'm in a position where my insurance has changed and I have a huge list of dr.'s to choose from. My current dr. is going to retire next year and I haven't let him in on my other side. So I guess my question is, would I get a gp and come clean from the start or go with a specialist like an internist. I guess either way, I have to come clean about what I feel,right?

[GeorgiaHall]

Not that I know what is what, but I think if I was in your circumstance, I would try to search out a GP that has some credibility in this area or research a trans friendly doctor. Maybe Angie's list or some other place that rates docs and there has to be a LGBT friendly list of docs out there somewhere. If you find one, I would tell them in the near future, maybe not the first visit, but maybe. How's that for a wishy-washy answer?

[Stephenie S]

The best way to find a new doctor is by asking around. Word of mouth is the best advertising.

I think that if you plan on taking hormone therapy or any other substance to change your body, then you HAVE to tell your doctor. If you just crossdress occasionally, there is NO reason to involve your doctor in your hobby. Don't worry about shaved legs and painted toenails. Doctors have seen it all. You're not the first and certainly not the last crossdressers your doctor has seen.

I can't think of a single reason to tell your doctor about your crossdressing unless it involves drugs (supplements included). In that case, you HAVE to tell him/her.

I just came through this process myself. It was not without worry. In general, you have tell your doctor all about yourself so that they can care for you in the best way possible. But a hobby like crossdressing? That has no impact on your health. Don't share unless you really need to.

S

[Marlana]

Thank you both for your input. I have been taking some herbal supplements but just haven't mentioned them yet. trying to figure out what to say when they say, "and why are you taking that?" or "What is that for?". Like I said, I'm kinda alone on this and my doctor is also my wife's doctor. I understand confidential, but still unsure about who to tell.

[Stephenie S]

Thank you both for your input. I have been taking some herbal supplements but just haven't mentioned them yet. trying to figure out what to say when they say, "and why are you taking that?" or "What is that for?". Like I said, I'm kinda alone on this and my doctor is also my wife's doctor. I understand confidential, but still unsure about who to tell.

If you are taking suppliments of ANY kind, your doctor has to know. In order to prescribe safely, you have to know what else a patient is taking. Just because you bought it without a prescription does not make it harmless.

You buy aspirin with out a prescription. But your doctor HAS to know you are taking asprin before he/she prescribes many different drugs.

Just TELL your doc that you want no one else to know (including your wife). He may chew you out. but he can't prevent you self medicating. But he does have to know.

S

[Sarah V]

I can only add, that you may find it easier to talk with your healthcare provider, if you find a female one. Many female medical doctors are more understanding of us as I have researched it. Also, the younger the better. New medical school graduates today are much more open minded than their forfathers were.

As far as GP/Fam Prac v. Internest choice goes, one usually see's an internist only if they are older (> 50+ yrs old, ) and/or if they are dealing with chronic medical issues, such as hypertension, cardiac problems, diabetes, ect., or combination thereof. However, since Internests spend more time with their pateints (usuallly 30 min appointments ) and they seem to be closer too and know their patients better, then I would lean to finding an internist. Hope that helps.

[Elle1946]

I told my doctor and he didn't really get excited, upset or anything. I some ways by telling them, it lets the DR's know more about you and may be able to help with problems in dealing with CDing or emotional problems caused by CDing.

[*Vanessa*]

not one bit of bad advise in this thread Marlana.

I am going to be seeing a new Doctor in a couple of weeks about something potentially very serious. It is my intent to be very real about me being bi-gender, she needs to know. I am sure the well groomed body will be an indicator if nothing else.

good luck