begins with a single step.
This is when I get my yearly routine physical. My doctor has known about my GID for the last 7 years. I have broached the subject of starting hormones and transitioning several times. Her stock answer was "you would not like it." and I let it go at that. I fully understand that it isn't covered under my health insurance but still...I thought I needed her in my corner for this.
This year I was adamant on it. I had emailed her last month on another subject (a medication for dry eye...turns out it will cost 300$ a month...funny it isn't covered under the insurance unless I see their inept optometrists who last time sent me away with a RX that was so far off I had to get another doctor to redo the whole thing...but I digress.) and told her we need to talk about my transitioning. Wednesday was the day. No new health issues (in case you wanted to know...I am healthy...) and then I brought it up. I asked what I needed to do to continue. Her honest answer was she did not know. Evidently I was her first TS patient. She asked me if I was sure. Of course I said yes. I have felt I was in the wrong vessel since I was 4 years old. I explained my feelings and how I was ready now after years of putting it off to go ahead. Her next question threw me, She knows my sexual history. She knows everything (I think a doctor needs to know everything to get you right care). I have talked to her about STD testing and why. So she knows I have dated men. But what she said was unexpected.
"What if you change your mind and want to start seeing girls again?"
I sort of thought that MDs kinda knew what GID was and what a TS is. I thought they knew that sexual preference and gender were not the same. It took me a second but my answer was "I guess I would be a lesbian then." Then I rethought a moment and said "No I would still be bisexual like now." Nothing would change in that manner except MY genitalia.
She accepted that and started to look in her data base about what to do next. She entered Gender Identity issue (it was what the computer said not her choice of words) adolescent or adult. Evidently that led to the psychology counseling because she asked where I would like to go (which Kaiser clinic). We chose one that was closest and she asked if they could call me. I said yes but leave a message because I don't answer numbers I don't recognize. She then left to get my paperwork for the day and while she was out of the room my cell rang. I didn't answer (2 reasons, I was in a doctors office and the number thing). When I checked the message it was the counseling department. They had called to set up my first session...all within 10 minutes. I didn't expect that fast a result. So now I have to set the appointment in the near future when I can get there.
So the journey is started. I hope I get someone with background in gender issues.(HMO). Will keep everyone informed. Sort of scary and exciting at once. I don't intend to rush this.
Then I am in deep trouble, I don't have enough hair for even a half transplant 
Originally Posted by Lorileah
