Medical treatment and the VA

[Donna Joanne]

I know this has most likely been asked before, but I want to ask again. Have any other girls have or are currently being treated at the VA for GD/TS? I have my initial appointment on Wednesday June 11. If you have any advice or tips for me, please PM me.

Also, how was the care you were/are provided? Thanks.

[Allison Chaynes]

I'd like to hear about this, too. That is, if any of us ever made it to the appointment without dying of old age or mistreatment by the VA first.

[ggtracy]

My MTF spouse gets medical care from the VA. They set her up with an endocrinologist who prescribes the hormone treatments and she says she is always treated with respect there. hopefully your experience will be as equally positive!

[Rianna Humble]

There are quite a few threads in this forum about people's experiences with the VA.

[vetobob9]

This is just my experience. I cannot speak to the experiences of other veterans.

First I scheduled an appointment with a VA psychologist to make sure I was doing this for the right reasons. Regrettably she didn't know what to do because she had never handled transexuals before. So expect that you might have to do some educating. This means you need to make sure to educate yourself before going in that way you will be equipped with the facts. She asked a number of questions, what do you dream about, were you ever bullied, family life, etc.

While it is currently listed in the DSM as gender dysphoria, the VA still uses G.I.D. The psychologist in my case spent hours trying to find GD in the system but only found it when she looked for gender identity disorder instead. The VA had not updated its system to reflect the new DSM yet. This was in January. Have them look for both just in case.

Next she recommended me for an appointment with an endocrinologist at the main VA hospital in Long Beach. When I went to the endo, he already knew why I was there and just wanted to make sure I knew about the reality of what the effects would be. Then he prescribed a patch and an anti testerone pill and set a follow up appointment for this month. This happened in March. Now before you go in to see the endocrinologist they will need you to do a blood test at the lab at least one week prior.

At this point I see small bumps but not much but it has not yet been long and I am still on very very low dosages for the purpose of playing it safe. I recommend starting off small and then working yourself up from there to let your body have time to adjust. Dumping too much too early into your body might have negative side effects. Let the medical professionals decide how much and when and how long. This is what your tax money pays them to do. Make them earn their money. Plus it would be safer for you.

This Friday they will go over my progress and decide where to go from there.

[BOBBI G.]

I have nothing but good things to say about the VA medical and support staff. They have all been concerned only with my well being. I can not say as much for the administration, but you may not have the troubles I have in that area.

Be open and honest, with your head banger, and let your Prime Dr. know everything you are doing medically, in the real world. They can't help what they don't know about. I have been accepted by everyone as the woman I am and am respected as such.

At this time, my next Endo appointment will not be for six months, and that is because she doesn't see any need for it sooner. I will get a letter in the mail to call and schedule, as they cannot do a six month advance appointment.

As I stated, I am very appreciative of all the personnel who work with and for me at my VA's. I have to travel to Miami from WPB for my Endo, and while I don't relish the drive, she always makes it worth the trip.

Bobbi

[Donna Joanne]

My VA experience was WONDERFUL! Was a little nervous, but did my LABS and EKG then went and got ID made and waited for my appointment. My PC nurse was great, spent about 20 minutes interviewing and entering my info. Said my PC NP would be calling me in a few minutes and she would most likely ask me the exact same questions all over again and even more.

Then in just a few minutes my NP called me back and went over my history with a fined toothed comb. After being sure I wasn't suicidal/psychotic, she said "Guess we need to get over the the Mental Health department. So I have a request for a consult and will go from there. Both the LPN and NP were great, friendly, and totally professional. The NP said "You'll have to forgive me if I'm not knowledgeable about HRT, 99% of my patients are male and any females go to the Women's Clinic. That's where you'll be sent after your Psych consult for HRT. We have a lady over there that is very knowledgeable about hormone therapy."

They did have some concerns over my BP, added a beta blocker for that, all other tests were great. Life is good! Now we just wait a little longer.

[mbmeen12]

OUTSTANDING question Donna, there are other threads on VA processes but things have changed because of recent reports/events. I am reading the replies and they are relevant. I am currently still serving and a few steps behind you in your journey.

[JenniferZ2009]

I had a great experience with the VA. I got my orchi there (Seattle) and I was always treated with respect. This was about 2 years ago.

[Donna Joanne]

Great news. I have an appointment with the Mental Health department at the VA Med Center/Alexandria next Wednesday. Was impressed when the psychologist answered his own phone. Everyone has been so nice to me there so far. Life is good and I'm just too blessed to get stressed!

[Sabrina133]

I know the VA has gotten some very bad press lately but i have to say that delay in appointments or sub par service was not the case for me. I started transtition almost 20 months ago with superb care, thorough exams and evals with caring professionals all through the VA.

I remember my first appointment for screening -- was very nervous. Need not have been. The nurse was compassionate and didn't even raise an eyebrow when i came in en femme -- just asked me questions, filled out the paperwork and carried on.

Glad your experience was the same Donna - good luck on becoming who you are..

Hugs
Bree

[Mary Lee]

I am vary happy with my TG issues and treatment. I am 66 and they are making sure my body is healthy enough for the patch. I was on the pill a couple years ago and had a bad reaction so I stopped. The pills were from a private doctor.