Do Doctors Care if you are a Cross Dresser?

The subject often comes up about what your doctor or other medical professional will say if they see your painted toe nails, etc. The answer is always - they don't care. I want to confirm that based upon events Friday and today. I, by my own stupidity, tore off the skin on the bottom of my left big toe. Since I'm on Plavex I could not get the bleeding stop and had to go to urgent care. With painted toe nails. The examining doctor said not to worry about it and the nurse that had to bandage my foot loved them and wanted to know what brand and color, so she could get it. Today I had to see my regular doctor and the same result from him and the nurse that rewrapped my foot. Also wanting to know the color and brand. So painted nails and panties are nothing to worry about. No excuses needed.

Alice, thanks for the reinforcement once again. Similar thing happened to me years ago. I was bitten by a dog badly enough to need stitches, went to ER and they noted I had not had my tetanus vaccine and told me I would need it. I asked if they gave it in the arm and they replied, nope..rear end. I told the nurse "Ok but I have lace on so you won't be shocked" she left to get the vaccine and came back with 4 others....I didn't know you needed that many to give a tetanus shot.

lol Lorileah, my doc normally just smiles without saying a word and leaves the room then sends in his x-ray tech/phlebotomist, who happens to be an old highschool friend of mine, to draw some blood or get pics taken of whatever I have broken this time.

They're professionals who probably have training in this kind of thing.

Seeing how my doctor is the one monitoring my transition and prescribed me my hormones, I would say she does not care if I cross dress either way. Thankfully I am not into crossdressing so no need for her to see me in a suit and tie.

It's probably wrong to generalize about doctors and other medical professionals just like any other subset of people. They may not say anything, but there has to be some out there who do not like it or may be uncomfortable with it. I have never experienced any problems with my doctor. If I had, I would be looking for his replacement. You would have a hard time convincing me that some medical professionals don't get together afterward and say, "Wow, did you see that?"

Babette

[SIZE=4]Medical staff are just like any other people, they are entitled to have their opinions. However, their medical ethics prevent them from passing judgement on people in general. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]Babette is right, they do get together and talk, just like other humans. After working in medical centers for over 30 years I think I have heard just about every story around. A mere crossdressed person is not an oddity. The guy walking into the emergency room with a knife stuck in his chest is.[/SIZE]

The same as any other group of people, some will, some won't

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Originally Posted by Lena Teegal

The same as any other group of people, some will, some won't

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Hate to be a killjoy here, but i agree with Lena. Professionalism will only go so far with some folks, doctor or not, and while you most likely won't get any verbal comments of the judgemental variety, you'll know regardless. Was seeing a surgeon to schedule my umbilical hernia surgery last march. The doctor and me were chatting away about fishing as he asked me to take my pants down to past my knees and hold my shirt up. He had rolled his chair to a cabinet for the rubber gloves and as he rolled back over he stopped in mid sentence, took a long gaze and hesitated in putting the gloves on.

I prolly wasn't his first totally shaven male, but the itty bitty bikini tan lines must have been new for him. The chatter and easy going conversation went away as well for the remainder of the exam.

I wasn't bothered in the least, mind you, at least not untill i read the pre-sugery instructions and realized the salon done pedicure and the little flowers on the toes had to go bye-bye. Ughh!

Cassie

I have heard that the story becomes different when someone goes on HRT or GRS. The extent to which I was given to understand it occurs could only be explained by prejudice, but I was also told that doctors do not have experience in dealing with HRT and GRS and so are reluctant to accept transgendered people as patients because they are not comfortable that they will be able to handle the medical complications.

Hell no. They don't get paid to care about you. They only know they are getting a portion of that 350$ bill you gonna receive.

I told my doctor, who knew myself and my ex, that a large reason for the breakup with my ex was due to my cross dressing and I also asked if he could refer me for further gender counseling. He was very cool about all of it.

I had one doctor that said, we did not know that you were gay, perhaps we should check you for aids? I said did not know I was either? What in sam hill makes you think I'm gay? To keep this clean I will stop there! I did let him know that if he sent me a bill I would see him in court! Needless to say I never went back and never got a bill!

If it affects the diagnosis then it becomes an issue; my family doc knows and will explain why she is asking.
Sometimes with specialists its more of an issue but the Family doc preps me.

I had several docs ask about my legs and why I shaved them , tiurns out all they wanted to know was did I shave them because the hair was falling out anyways which would be a side affect of the drugs and another symptom. So I spilled the beans for nothing I could have just said I prefer it that way and my hair is healthy and fine.

Same can be said for nail beds that have been torn up by wearing acrylics or tinted from polish.

In some cases its better to tell them, than have them assume something completely off base. I dont go telling them all but am glad at least one knows and can answer my questions.

Everyone who has found out always cautioned against OTC hormones and supplements, saying they needed to know and could prescribe around it. But that is more like a stop smoking and lose weight comment.

Same as Lorileah....went for a sinus infection, but only got to see a PA, which was a beautiful young blonde. She said I must give you a shot, along with meds. I gave her my arm and she said... no..it must go in your butt. Well, I pull down my pants, along with my Shadowline panties. She never said a word until a few days ago I was in there for other reasons and saw her talking to a nurse that is a family friend. They were laughing and I turned away to pay my copay. A few moments later the nurse tapped me on the back to say hello. I left the office wondering if the PA told the nurse about me, because my nurse friend always in the past required me to hug her hello, until after the PA talked to her and they were laughing. I don't care if she did tell my friend, but so much for keeping silent about what a patient wears.

The other day as part of my physical I had an EKG and as the nurse was pulling off all the electrode tabs, she did comment that it was a good thing that I didn't have any hair to get pulled out. But that was the extent that they seemed to care.

Why would doctors care if you crossdress since it is not illegal? Doctors especially in ER's deal with folks using illegal drugs and and that are victims of violent crimes. Why would they care what you are wearing?

Unless they specialize in the mental health side of health care...no. If it is not directly affecting your health, your physician is mentally filtering irrelevant information out. Pay close attention to your physician's eyes next time you have an appointment. You can see the cognitive screening going on. They are very disciplined in their questioning. A critical part of their ability to help you depends on how well they "hear" the health related "cues" and filter out the insignificant details.

Personal lifestyles are only important if they have potential to impact your health.

Now, take these two to Aspen and call me in the morning...:)

:love:

Most doctors I know are so unbelievably busy that it seems unlikely they would wish to gratuitously take on the task of accertaining why a man would paint his nails or shave is legs.
At most, they may pass the buck and write a referral.

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Originally Posted by Amy Lynn3

I turned away to pay my copay. A few moments later the nurse tapped me on the back to say hello. I left the office wondering if the PA told the nurse about me, because my nurse friend always in the past required me to hug her hello

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And you don't think that the fact that you saw her and turned away could have anything to do with the change in the way she greeted you? If I had been that nurse, I would have been hurt by you turning away.

My doctor called me a creep and walked out of the room,I was wearing bootcut jeans,oxfords,and a pocket tee,it didn't look femme at all.

I just turned 18 a few months ago, so all my life I had my pediatrician. He has watched me grow up my whole life, treated me for almost everything except a broken bone or two. I went in for my last physical for sports and I was wearing a thong with a little lace and a bow. As previously mentioned by MsMjSerene, he rolled over to his cabinet area and grabbed latex gloves. He came over and as always my pants went to my knees and shirt held up. He saw my pants drop when I undid my zipper (my pockets were weighted down with my phone, wallet, ipod, etc.) and I accidently let go. There I was, standing in a thong, as he turns around. He looked down, then up, then down again and continued on as if nothing was different. Conversation continued on like normal. At the end of the appointment he said, "I'm glad to have been your doctor, I'm proud of what you've accomplished with your life, I'm glad that you are comfortable with you CDing, I noticed last time you were here, and I wish you the best of luck in the future, Stick to your goals and I know you'll be successful with everything you want to accomplish"

I feel doctors are just like anyone else. There are some that will not care and treat you right, some that care but maintain professionalism, and some that give themselves away. But your health is important enough for you to either out yourself at some point or find one you are more comfortable with.

I actually didn't tell my GP until a few months ago. All I had before was joint injuries (tennis elbow, arthritis, etc), so it wasn't likely dressing came in the equation unless you thing I should do my bra up in front instead of in back. But I did have a marginal area come up so I just told him so nothing was held back. Now I had decided long ago that this was a great doctor and I wouldn't have a problem and it did go quite well. He asked some questions which was a very good set to assess where I was at and it wasn't a big deal at all. So I can understand someone holding back if it isn't relevant, but don't hold back if it can come into play in a diagnosis.

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Originally Posted by Stephanie Anne

Seeing how my doctor is the one monitoring my transition and prescribed me my hormones, I would say she does not care if I cross dress either way. Thankfully I am not into crossdressing so no need for her to see me in a suit and tie.

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LOL!!! Lemme see....how's that saying go?? hmmm, yup, here it is...DAMMIT GURL!!

When going to the doctor, I always put on fresh toenail polish and do a fresh shave. I just assume that medical professionals see enough naked people to know there is more diversity than the average person knows. They need to be aware of diversity to do their job.

As much as they probably see it, it would be surprising if they do care. When I had carpal tunnel surgery about a year ago, I had my toe nails painted. The bedside nurse said she was going to take off the sock things they gave me to wear to the OR, and put my socks back on. I protested this because my feet are smelly, prone to athletes foot outbreaks, fungal rashes, and probably have psoriases (I really do need a biohazard sign tattooed on them). I really hate that she probably took my protesting because of the nail polish, but no one seemed to care or think anything of it.

It depends on the particular Doctor but not generally. You are paying them, right?:)

Well, doctors have seen everything. If they make negative comments, I'd consider another physician. I have told all of my doctors that I cross dress, and let them know about whatever supplements and med's that I take. As I've mentioned in a previous post, my current doctor is wonderful -- she gave me my first breast exam last month (no, I'm not on HRT but do take herbals).

I'm diabetic, and the last time I went in for a checkup, the Nurse Practitioner wanted to check my feet for neuropathy. She never said a word about the OPI "I'm not Really a Waitress" polish on my toenails. (It was a bit of a disappointment, if truth be told.)

Again, I'm willing to put my priviliges of posting on this forum on the line to try to bring a bit of reality to those who like to live in a fantasy world. If you prefer to believe that everyone loves you, don't scroll down, and go to the next post, please.































Doctors, nurses, and every other person who works in health care are no different from the rest of the world. They simply have a different job. Many, in fact, most, will behave appropriately to us (to our face) when they encounter any evidence that we are outside of the 'norm' when it comes to sexual/gender presentation. But don't for a minute think that you don't get talked about by them when they're out of your hearing range, any differently than by any other folks that laugh at others who are different. Just like the vast majority of the rest of the world, most believe that we are gay/ts/or just plain nuts; I recently overheard derogatory discussion about a transitioning person who came in with a complaint of rectal bleeding; they assumed that he deserved it because he was probably sticking things into himself in places that he shouldn't. Turned out he had ulcerative colitis; but the automatic assumption had been made, based on what they thought of anyone who dares cross the gender lines. Yes, some professionals do behave professionally, but many are just as prejudiced as the rest of the general population. Just because you don't see and hear it, doesn't mean it isn't happening behind your back. Please be careful out there. The world is not as friendly as you think.

I think most doctors could care less about your crossdressing if it isn’t affecting your health and their workload.

Docs (including my former scoutmaster family GP) have seen my underwear and shaved body several times without saying a word. The last time I was in, it was a bad case of hives and I wouldn’t have cared who saw what since I was so miserable. Fortunately, the GP and dermatologist were more concerned with the anaphylaxis than they were my decidedly uninteresting skivvies.

I feel I am very lucky, Since the break up of my marriage, the Doctors and councilors I have seen all know about my CDing. My family doctor and I have had many discussions about the crossdressing. He has seen me in feminine panties, shaved legs, chest and arm pits. He has never once put me down, just been excepting about it. I underwent a year of of counciling for depression. The doctor and 3 councilors I seen all told me I could come "dressed" anyway I wanted. I see a chiropractor once a week. He has seen me a few times in my feminine panties and cares less. I also see a massage therapist once a month, She also does my pedicures, she has asked me to dress femme anytime I see her and I have a few times. :)

Hi . i hope they dont care because i bin all my male pants and i always have my nails painted . when i am at work it puts a smile on my face . love deanna . :love:

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Originally Posted by Christen3042

I'm diabetic, and the last time I went in for a checkup, the Nurse Practitioner wanted to check my feet for neuropathy. She never said a word about the OPI "I'm not Really a Waitress" polish on my toenails. (It was a bit of a disappointment, if truth be told.)

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{Pet Peeve}I have got diabetes, but I refuse to "be diabetic" - when I had flu, no-one wanted me to be flu-ic.{/Pet Peeve}

Last year, when I wanted to get help from the medical practice that I attend, I wore one of my prettier nail polishes for my diabetes clinic appointment. The nurse - who is also a former constituent and a friend - complimented me on the nail varnish then waited for me to decide if I wanted to say more (which I did). She then recommended the doctor who she thought would be most appropriate to help with my gender dysphoria whilst also watching out for complications due to my diabetes.

That doctor is a really lovely person who wants to undertake the journey of my transition with me. At our last appointment, I apologised for taking up so much of her time (although we were talking a lot of the time about her impending childbirth) and she said that she had enjoyed it and that maybe next time we should have a chat over coffee.

My doctor, a female, and I attend the same Catholic Church told me on my last visit that if I see her at mass to introduce myself as she was sure that she wouldn't recognize me in male mode. I replied that in that case I should attend church as Annie to save her the embarrassment of not knowing who I was. The ladies in the office oftentimes spend a few minutes talking about shopping and clothes when I am finished with my appointment and paying my deductable. The more you are around people, either in a professional or casual situation and you are just yourself, I think they tend to become more accepting and look beyond what you are weari ng. Yes, perhaps they talk about me when I am gone but I really think that it is a more positive nature rather than negative.

One doctor that I almost signed up for as a regular patient had a very strong negative opinion about homosexuality (it's a mental health problem, according to him). I steered clear of him after hearing about that, thinking that he wouldn't have a favourable opinion of CD'ers either.

I would think that any health care professional would keep their mouth shut when treating a CD'er, and treat that person as well as any other "normal" patient.

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Originally Posted by Kate Lynn

My doctor called me a creep and walked out of the room,I was wearing bootcut jeans,oxfords,and a pocket tee,it didn't look femme at all.

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Report him to the state medical board. Whatever his opinion, he had no right to treat you that way, it is a violation of professional ethics. Obviously you should dump him as a doc, but he (I presume it is a he) needs to be reported to the states medical monitoring body. It may not do any good but it needs to be done.
I am a medical professional, a Nurse Practicioner, and agree with most of what has been posted. Most medical folks will at least treat you professionally in person, many will be friendly, but they will talk about you because you are different. We also talk about the little old lady who drinks heavily, the young guy who comes in covered with tattoos, and anyone else who is different, we are human. The one thing we don't do, we can't do under federal law, is identify you to anyone who is not involved in your care. I have cared for famous people and can't say a word about who they are. I have even cared for a somewhat famous person who was in transition, again I can't say who, or even what they are famous for.
If a person is crossdressed, I would only be interested professionally if it impacted my care of them. As some have posted, shaving of body hair may be due to other reasons, nail polish may conceal some health issues, etc. It would be important to me to know if someone is on HRT or had some kind of surgery (SRS, BA, FFS, etc). On a personal level if I felt it appropriate I might talk about CD and TG issues with them, even revealing myself as TG if I felt it helpful to their care, but it wouldn't affect my care of them. Most of the people I work with wouldn't have a problem either, again they might find it different and talk about it, but would not identify the patient or breach confidentiality. What I am saying is that if you need to talk about CD or TG issues with a medical professional, don't be afraid to, and if they ask, don't try to hide it. Don't accept anything less than totally professional care, they don't have to be friendly but they should not judge you or make you feel bad. Unless it's an emergency, you can always find another medical provider, and you should if you don't like the way they treat you.......Stephanie

Ouch! That sounds like it hurt. lol
I have a better question for you - Do YOU care if a Doctor cares?
I do my job. You do your job. The doctor is gonna do his. Why would you care what he thought about your toe nails?

Years ago, I injured my back (due to psyatic nerve). I went to one doctor who just told me rest and take a couple of days off. A couple of years later, at another job, it went out again (same problem). At that time, chiropractors were'nt too respected as health professionals. After talking with several people, I decided to try one that was being recommended by those I talked with. He x-rayed and found the problem (retarded vertebrae in lower part of back). After going for several sessions for adjustments and treatments, on one occasion, I had forgotten that i had an appointment until the wife called to remind me. I was CDing that particular day. Oh no, my bra left and imprint all across my back! I went in, took off my shirt, laid on the table, and he did all of the adjustments, manipulations, and treatment and never said a word. So, on this one experince, I would say "no", and if they do, they handle it in a very professional manner.

Another doctor (the one who delivered our children) once made the comment to us when we had taken one of our children in for a check-up once told us that when he was in med school, one of his rotations required him to ride with the abulance in the city of his school. He just made the comment how that it was not unsual to pick up a victim or patient, thinking they were transporting a woman to the hospital, only to find out after further investigation that it was a man dressed as a woman. He didn't say anything negative about it, but he did say it in atone that was somewhat demeaning, or so I thought.

I went to get my annual check up at VA in nov. Iwas a new provider. She didn't say a word about my underwear. I had worn a joe boxer string side bikini pantie. When I had my motorcycle accedent in 08 I had one comment from a nurse about my painted toes. but it was " Oh, painted toes"

Kymmie

In answer to TX Kimberly. No I don't care what they think. I have been back twice to have the wound checked and redressed and today had a male nurse. Nothing was said, no funny looks, just did his job. In and out in 5 mins.

My GP was the first person I outed myself, actually she noticed my shaved body and waxed brows and read me right and asked me if I was gay but she was very professional and only did it because she considered something was not right with my stress and depression...we had a nice talk basically with issues pertaining my emotional and physical being..she also referred me to a therapist

This is a tough one because we can't paint everyone with the same brush. For every person we meet in a professional setting there is a different set of beliefs, tolerances, experiences etc. Sort of just like us.

A couple of years ago I had to take a nuclear stress test at a local hospital. The process involves a number of people including doctors, technicians, and anesthesiolegest (sp). While I was busting my butt on the treadmill while hooked up to a ton of wires the so called professionals conversation revolved around a recent patient that was male but had boobs and was obviously a transgendered person. So although there was not reference to any identity the fact is that the person (and all of us by definition) was the subject of a rather unprofessional discussion. This was not a fly by night operation but a world class teaching hospital. I'm not sure they were deriding the patient but there was no question that these professionals were enjoying the conversation.

As I said, we are all different and all the same. Just think of how many times is our lives we relished the opportunity to share some juicy gossip.

The funny thing about that is at least one of them was probably a crossdresser. Seems to me that the higher the intellect the more likely a male is to crossdress. I was a scientist and I love my crossdressing. I was a volunteer paramedic and had one incident where an older male was underdressed. He had been in an auto accident and was slightly hurt, but he had a heart attack(mild) worrying as to whether he would be 'found out'. I removed all his underthingies and put them in a biohazard bag. He recovered and I could never say anything that might compromise his identity. Even at my low level we were not allowed to discus patients private info.

Two years ago I was diagnoses with bladder cancer, had the cysts removed 3,all went fine.Doctor(urilogist) told me it was early stage, did not invade any soft tissue. I go back for check follow up every 3 months now (everything negative so far). My urologist and his staff have seen Jackie dressed with no negative comments,infact last app. i did not dress and staff made comment you did not dress for us today. lol

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Originally Posted by TxKimberly

Ouch! That sounds like it hurt. lol
I have a better question for you - Do YOU care if a Doctor cares?
I do my job. You do your job. The doctor is gonna do his. Why would you care what he thought about your toe nails?

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I have to say, yes I do care. The reasoning is that I don't want a doctor in the room with me who is in hurry to get out. He may be putting up with it because he has to, but if he hates it, his mind may not be on the task at hand. And I want my doctor 100% with me and not 99% or lower. There are enough out there that I don't want to force one to "put up with me" because of professional ethics. I would rather just say "Next!". Now I realize that many may not be that way, but my health is too important to gamble with.

I wonder how many doctors crossdress?

Wonder if the doctor is a crossdresser, that would be something to consider.

Well here's my take.

When I get a physical from my GP, and he's starting to examine the genital area, he always seems to ask at the same time how my social life is going. I take that to mean, am I sexually active? I don't crossdress or underdress when I go for my doctor visit. I have no intention of telling him the truth ---- that "Karen" is my own social life. I just say I'm not seeing anyone.

Now here's another point to ponder. Doctors hate when women wear high heels because of what they do to the feet and posture. I wonder if my doctor can tell from looking at my feet that I often wear 6-inch heels around the house. And what if somebody had an injury related to walking in high heels, such as pulling a hamstring, falling down the stairs, etc. How does one explain that?

Karen
:)

There is no need to explain anything. Even if there were, people get hamstring injuries without wearing heels so you just say that you had been doing a bit more taxing exercise than usual. Falling down the stairs need not be caused by high heels, in fact inthe majority of cases it is cause by losing your footing.