Tell the doctor?

[Carvery Carly]

I'm thinking of making a doctors appointment later in the week and was wondering if I should tell them about my gender dsyphoria. Or should I speak to another medical professional about my condition. I feel that I need to speak to someone about it. I've phoned and spoken to someone at GenderTrust and I know I've got you lot but sometimes it's better to talk to someone face to face.

I can appreciate that whatever decision I come to after speaking to someone about it will be a hard choice to make.

Any thoughts/advice would be much appreciated.

[GypsyKaren]

Hi Carly

If you feel the need or desire to talk to someone, then by all means you should do so.

Karen Starlene :star:

[deja true]

CC, If you know your doctor personnally and find him a friendly and compassionate person, go ahead and tell him. If, however you normally go to a clinic and see a different doctor every time, or don't have a good feeling about your family doctor, I'd be reticent.

Experienced doctor's, like experienced policemen, have "seen it all" and are supposed to be professionally non-judgemental and discreet. But as many of us know, that's not always the case. (Try getting a pious Roman Catholic doctor to prescribe birth control pills. Won't happen and the girl's liable to be in for a lecture.)

In the latter case, I think I'd search out a GLBT or just T helpline or center, find a sympathetic ear and ask for a referral. Not just for a trans-specialist, but even for a regular G.P. if that's all you need.

Take care of yourself but also take care of your "self".

respect and love

deja

[Kieron Andrew]

=I've phoned and spoken to someone at GenderTrust and I know I've got you lot but sometimes it's better to talk to someone face to face.


The GenderTrust is a great organisation, if you dont feel ready to talk to your doctor call them back and they can put you on to someone.....

[Genifer Teal]

Not everyone needs to know our secrets. Doctors are an exception. I would not think it necessary to tell every doctor you visit. I doubt there is a connection between an ear infection and horomones. In some instances DRs need to look at the whole picture to zero in on a particular health problem. If there is any question in your mind that he (or she) should know, then tell your DR. You will be glad you did. If he (or she) treats you differently (personally - not medically) after that, find a new DR.

As a for instance, I asked my urologist to be prescribed AVODART. His initial response was that I was young and wouldn't want the side effects. After getting a prescription from an endocrinologist(SP?), I went back to my urologist. I told him the whole deal and explained that if he prescribed it insted - for my (lucky me) "slightly" enlarged prostate - my insurance would cover it. He closed the door to his office immdeiately (for our privacy). He basically said I should have mentioned it sooner and based on his previous findings, it was appropriate - if I wanted it - although not absolutely necessary yet. So I got the prescription - covered on my insurance.


Gen

[kerrianna]

I guess it depends on how you feel about your doctor, and what kind of person they are. Do you trust them? Or do you tend to have an adverserial relationship with them? (some people do)

I told my doc because I needed a referral to a gender therapist so it would be paid for. I also told him because I wanted him to know.

I don't see my GP very much (he knows I avoid him :p) but I have a good honest relationship with him. He's about the same age as me and seems pretty down to earth and open minded, so I knew he would be ok with it.

I think the more honest you are about EVERYTHING to your doctor the better it is for you. They are bound by confidentiality oaths. They are professionals. If you want to go ahead with medical stuff then absolutely you will need a doc in your corner. Whether it is your current doc or not only you can decide.

My doctor was great about it when I told him. He calmly discussed a few things that might come up, admitted he hadn't had a TG patient (that he knew of) before and said it would be a learning process for him too. He also reminded me of a few important things : that it is best with major life changing stuff to do things one step at a time and not get carried away and that in the end my happiness had to be considered (I was explaining all the reasons I couldn't do anything about this, thinking he'd nod and agree).

I'm really glad I told him. He told me he would provide whatever I needed from him along the way. It is a huge relief to not only know that, but to have someone I can go back to and get support from who isn't necessarily part of the TG community. :happy:

[Kimberley]

I told my doctors (both GP and Pdoc) right up front. That way there were no surprises and they had the option of saying they werent comfortable with me. Neither of them did.

More recently they have both asked me about going on HRT.

So, let the docs know and you will find things a lot easier. Just be aware that you may have to educate them because they get next to nothing about transgender in med school. Fortunately for me I didnt have to do either. My pdoc specializes in gender and my GP has treated transsexuals before. I lucked out but most girls dont have that luxury.

If they know up front then they can deal with the anxiety of Gender Dysphoria a whole lot more effectively. Other than that, physiology is physiology and health care is health care.

Good Luck.

Hugs
Kimberley.

[tonette]

As a for instance, I asked my urologist to be prescribed AVODART. His initial response was that I was young and wouldn't want the side effects. After getting a prescription from an endocrinologist(SP?), I went back to my urologist. I told him the whole deal and explained that if he prescribed it insted - for my (lucky me) "slightly" enlarged prostate - my insurance would cover it. He closed the door to his office immdeiately (for our privacy). He basically said I should have mentioned it sooner and based on his previous findings, it was appropriate - if I wanted it - although not absolutely necessary yet. So I got the prescription - covered on my insurance.


Gen

Not everyone is lucky enough to get their insurance to pay for that. My doctor prescribed Avodart for me becuase I did have an enlrged prostate and the insurance company said they wouldn't pay for it. They reccommended Flomax instead. I'm allergic to that stuff and we're still fighting with the insurance compan (Healthnet). Meanwhile I'm paying full price for the Avodart!
Tonette

[Felix]

Hi Hun hope ya don't mind me joining in but this feels so close to me right now. It's took me 16 months from when I met this new doctor to telling her about me. I knew from the first appointment she would be the one who I would talk to and when I did she was fantastic and there was no pressure she said think about it and if you want me to refer you to a gender therapist I will ans she has. I'm just waiting for the first appointment. Good luck Hun its a huge step to take but if you feel its what you need to do and you are the only one who knows that then go for it xx Felix :hugs:

[Mean Green Irene]

Well said by most posts - Tell your doctor. Your Doctor may know nothing or your Doctor may be your best friend in the future. I have seen both.

When I first asked for hormones the first doctor gave me antidepressants. A different doctor was very open and prescribed hormones. If that doctor has no understanding then find another. No matter what you do keep them informed.

With Love, Irene

[Christina Louise]

...I think I'd search out a GLBT or just T helpline or center, find a sympathetic ear and ask for a referral. Not just for a trans-specialist, but even for a regular G.P. if that's all you need...

Sounds like good advice for here in the UK. Another possibility for just talking to someone face-to-face would be the Samaritans. Obviously it won't be detailed medical chat but they should be able to tell you of other people that you could contact.

[StephanieC]

I would agree with others who say it depends on your relationship with your doctor. However, I wonder if you've talked to anyone else. Doctors are great with physical concerns but you may find it helpful to talk to a counselor. And, if so, I'd recommend someone who is listed as being gender-friendly.

If you're considering talking any medication, then I think discussion with a doctor is absolutely necessary. (This is more from the standpoint of safety.) I agree that doctors are professionals and have seen many things so I don't think they would react inappropriately. But doctors with experience have a different perspective than those that do not. (If you had a heart condition, you could probably go to any doctor but would you? Or would you go to a heart specialist.)

I'm actually in a similar situation. I have an annual physical coming up next week. I changed doctors at the suggestion of my wife. (Getting older increases the potential for surgery and my old GP is affiliated with a clinic where the surgeons are not highly rated.) So do I tell my doc? I don't even know were I'm going in this journey so I don't even know what I'd say. And considering my wife works with this doctor, do I want to place him in an awkward situation?

I think eventually, you want the people that care for you to know about everything that might impact their ability to help you. But the timing depends on where you are on your journey.

:2c:

[Carvery Carly]

Hello Girls,
Thank you for your comments. I can appreciate what you have said but no disrespect to our overseas sisters but for the sisters in the UK, is it a similar way of doing things here?
I've got an appointment to see my doctor on Wednesday am.
Do I just tell straight out that I've got "Gender Dysophoria" (how do you pronounce it?) or is there around about the bush way of telling doctor that I don't like my gender? I usually get tongue tied so would like to know the best way to approach the subject.

Thanks for your advice.

[Kieron Andrew]

Hello Girls,
Thank you for your comments. I can appreciate what you have said but no disrespect to our overseas sisters but for the sisters in the UK, is it a similar way of doing things here?
I've got an appointment to see my doctor on Wednesday am.
Do I just tell straight out that I've got "Gender Dysophoria" (how do you pronounce it?) or is there around about the bush way of telling doctor that I don't like my gender? I usually get tongue tied so would like to know the best way to approach the subject.

Thanks for your advice.

yes its a slightly different process over here, just tell him you have gender issues that you would like to be referred to a local psych for....he may not know the process...BUT that is what hes to do....some GPs are clueless on GD issues, but get him to refer you to a local psych for gender issues, he may get you to discuss it a little with him

[Nicki B]

I'm thinking of making a doctors appointment later in the week and was wondering if I should tell them about my gender dsyphoria. Or should I speak to another medical professional about my condition.

If you wish to receive treatment under the NHS, you'll have to go via your GP, who would refer you on to a Gender Counsellor/Psychiatrist, if available..

If you can afford to do it privately, you could go directly to a counsellor, but personally, I don't know of one nearer to you than London (ask the GT).. :hmmm:

There is an NHS Gender Identity Clinic (GIC) at Leicester - but you would need your GP to refer you, as a first step? :strugglin

[Kimberley]

I did not say Gender Dysphoria (pronounced Disforia). That is a psych diagnosis.

I told my doctors I am transgendered. I let them go to the point of transsexual through their questioning. There really isnt any "soft" way to do it so you just come out and say so. They will ask the questions from there.

I let my pdoc say gender dysphoria. She accepts it as an anxiety not sexual disorder. There is a difference. If your pdoc thinks of it as a sexual disorder, find a new pdoc.

Hugs
Kimberley