Big Appointment Next Week and Nervous as Hell

[VanTG]

So as many of you have already experienced and many of you may not have, I have an appointment next week to see a endocrinologist. I am already freaking out. Ready to be shut down and such, despite my Psychologist clearing me to start taking the meds. I think one of the biggest factors that is bothering me is that the Doctor is a guy. Although I am still male, I prefer women, is that such a big deal. My GP, my Psychologist and my Dentist are all female. :sad:

Need some support here ladies.

[Nicole Erin]

Is your money green? Or whatever color it is in BC? That is the doc's main concern.
You are worrying unnecessarily.

As an aside - you will notice that as you are more out and full time, men are not some big enemy like too many TS believe. Maybe the testosterony ones who hoot and holler at football but most men do not care if someone is MTF, especially a doctor.

[Jessicah]

Did you have an option to request a female Endo? At least in the US most Dr's will attempt to oblige that sort of request if and when possible if at all feasible. I understand your reluctance to see a male, for my part, I just feel that I have more in common with females and find them easier to talk to for the most part. Though I also agree with Nicole in that he is just doing his job, and his job is to safely get you started on hormones so that he can be paid.

Best of luck to you Van. Please let us know how it goes.

[whowhatwhen]

Chances are he wouldn't even consider HRT unless he was okay with people transitioning.
I'm seeing a male endo and he's incredibly nice.

[Ann Louise]

I have a male GP and a male endo, Van, and I was nervous, too, to meet them both. I would suggest that you keep in mind that women have had to have male doctors for a long, long time, and it's just a routine thing we have to deal with. Try to muster up the confidence to face these important people in our lives with dignity and self-respect. You need No One's approval to be proud of who you are, nor do we need anyone's approval to stand tall and be our genuine selves. You must develop a very thick skin to survive and thrive, and as you accumulate these tough experiences and move on you can be sweet, loving, and tough as nails. Good luck dear, and be strong.

)*( Ann. )*(

[Shapeshiffter]

My Endo is male and I wouldn't trade him for anyone else.

[Angela Campbell]

I always preferred women Doctors, but the most experienced Doctor in my area is a man so that is where I go. Nothing to be nervous about. The nurse will do most of the stuff there and you will see him for just a few minutes at best anyway.

[Jorja]

Relax already! It is just another doctors appointment. Remember, these are only people and do not have any say in how you want to live your life. They can help or not it is their choice. There are a few reasons to be "shut down" as you call it. Many Endos do not have any experience working with trans patients. It maybe a personal thing or it may not. If they do not want to work with you, ask for a referral to someone in the area that will work with you and has experience working with trans patients. There are other health issues that can prevent you from taking HRT. If these are present, well then, they are looking after your well being, aren't they?

[arbon]

It will be alright. Its a big and exciting step for you so nervousness is normal.

I would not worry to much about the sex of your doctor. My doctor is a man, I am the only trans patient he has ever had but he has been a very good doctor for me.

[Marleena]

Time to relax. My endo, therapist and GP are all men. They are there to help you not judge you.

[Megan G]

My endo as well is male and no issues. Like you I was extremely nervous about it but thankfully someone here talked me away from that cliff...lol

Just relax, be yourself and everything will be good. I see mine on Monday for my follow up and kinda looking forward to it.

Trish..

[Katie_Did GG]

I am not TS, but I am a woman so we do have that in common. I'm hoping you won't mind too much if I chime in as well.

As a whole most women I know are like you (and me) and just prefer a woman doctor. You are no different than the rest of us ladies in that respect. Big breathe and try not to stress to much over it. It's gonna' be fine. :hugs:

If you find you just cannot relax enough to enjoy a good relationship with a male doctor then do make a request to find yourself a female doctor to work with, but don't put off starting your treatment over it.

Do you have anyone who could actually come with you to your appointment for moral support? I know it's helpful for me when I am feeling the stress of a new doctor of any kind to have someone come with me for a bit of hand holding.

Congratulations on a new step in your journey. I wish you the best hun.

Katie

[VanTG]

Thanks for the support all. And to answer a couple questions, in BC, Canada the services are covered by the government. Although some of my American counterparts may think this is great, the sad reality is we are really underfunded with out medical system. We are lacking family doctors here big time, and to see a specialist can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. The Trans community in BC is also interesting. The province used to have a very good program, well funded and full time staff. In the last 10 years the government has eliminated the staff and turned the program into a education place run by a contract worker. The other simply amazing thing is, we in BC have a Dr who is fully qualified to do SRS but our government would rather send us across the country to Montreal to have SRS done. Makes no sense whatsoever. One great thing is our Pride Parade, its one of the biggest in the world and they actually just painted the sidewalks rainbow in the GLBT area of the city.

Thanks my little rant. Again appreciate the support and good luck to all of you on your paths. I will let you know how my appointment went.

[Aprilrain]

your endo might check your breathing and reflexes but he's not going to put you in the stirrups!
If you want SRS or FFS all but 2 of the well known doctors are male and yeah if you're going with Canada's system then its Brassard.

[VanTG]

We'll Here is my update.

The appointment was as smooth as possible. Super friendly and caring. I probably could not have envisioned it going that well. I didn't feel embarrassed or ashamed. There really isn't anything else I can say. I laid out my plan as I envisioned it and it was all good, I want to build a good relationship with the medical team, get my self healthy and then begin the process.

Thanks to all for your kind words.

[Janelle_C]

I'm so glad it went very well for you. This is such a wonderful time in your life, and there will be lots more nervous firsts down the road but you will get though all of them just don't forget to enjoy the ride. I wish you all the best.

[Katie_Did GG]

I'd like to second Janelle's words to you to enjoy the ride [journey]. :D We all tend to be in a hurry to do things. I remember wishing away the time when I was a child thinking it had to be so much better being a grownup. :lol: In a way it's a second chance. A do over. Only you get to do it right this time as the female you are meant to be hun. Excuse me, as the woman you are. I wish you all the best Van. :gh: