Jump to content
  • Welcome to the TransPulse Forums!

    We offer a safe, inclusive community for transgender and gender non-conforming folks, as well as their loved ones, to find support and information.  Join today!

Coming Out To My Md


Guest Opal

Recommended Posts

I have decided not to wait any longer. Several months back, I was put on Hydrochlorothiazide and Gemfibrozil by my MD for high blood pressure, and for the about of fat in my blood. Since that time, I have dropped to a much healthier weight, plus my BP has really improved.

What is motivating me now, is I got the go-ahead from my Therapist for HRT! Yea!!!

SOOOO, if I am good to go on dropping these two prescriptions, then I do not see any reason to delay finding an MD who will prescribe the two or three HRT prescriptions.

The only way I will know if my MD would be willing to do it is to explain to her why I would wish HRT. Perhaps she will be dead-set against it and no longer wish to have me as her patient (worst case). Or, perhaps she has prescribed HRT before and was wondering what was taking me so long to get on board (best case).

Anyway, I plan on telling her, even if it is not time to discontinue the high BP meds just yet.

Hugs!

Opal

Link to comment

Hi Opal,

Thats great on getting into better shape. It really does help when you have a goal. I was borderline diabetic... mostly probably from drinking sweet tea and soda and lots of sugar stuff....I also have probably done some damage to the pancrius back during my drug haydays.... and that is what is keeping it high as well.

Glad you got the ok to start HRT. You will be on your way soon.

Cris

Link to comment
Guest KimberlyF

The spiro is a combo HRT drug and BP drug so thats a twofer anyway.

As for your best/worst case I'd put them more realistically that she's unsure of HRT and would rather you go to a different doc for HRT treatment because she is uncomfortable for that. She may have another TS patient (best case) but the odds are not. But she might still try to take this on. She could prescribe some of the same drugs to women for acne and they have the same concerns with potassium and need the blood work monitored.

Good luck with everything. I know this doctor game all too well lately.

Kim

Link to comment

Hi Opal,

I am far from the poster child for healthy weight but my blood pressure was never high enough for any medications just reduce salt, lose weight, etc.

Since starting on spiro my blood pressure is perfect - I am eating better but I have not lost enough weight yet to account for more than a couple of points down and it is almost 9.

I hope things go well for you.

Love ya,

Sally

Link to comment
Guest sarah f

Opal I decided to go to a different doctor than the one I was going to. I didn't want to explain myself to my doctor and didn't really like him anyway. If you decide to stick with yours because you like them, than I would ask her if she has any experience with HRT. You don't want to be the test subject for her to start with even if she is willing to prescribe them to you. I just don't want to see you get hurt.

Good Luck and I hope your Doc is accepting of you and has experience with HRT.

Link to comment
Guest Donna Jean

Opal.....

Honey, people seem to associate high BP with being heavy and overweight...

I'm 5' 7" and 149 lbs anbd I have high BP....

I took a med for it that was i diruetic and then I'm on Spiro...

I was wizzing my brains out...

My doc took me off of one...*whew*

So, best of luck, Sweetheart...remember, whatever doc one has...we must tell them every med we're on so that they don't cross-medicate us...

LOVE

Donna Jean

Link to comment

Oh, thank all of you for your kind replies! My MD did put me on Zyrtec a few years back for mild depression with the understanding that I would return to Counseling. I ultimately did, but it was delayed with work and my father's health issues.

My father was on Spiro. Not to Transistion, God no, that would be the absolute last thing he would ever want to do. He hated it so much that he stopped taking them, and didn't tell his physician he had stopped. Well, his legs and ankles got badly swollen, and ultimately we got him to take them for awhile, but he hated every single Spiro pill he took, and after changing Doctors, they now have him off of Spiro, and on a thiazide diuretic instead that he does not mind as much.

I understand that there is a physician in the area that has been prescribing HRT for over a year, but I do not know who that is, but I can probably find out, if needed.

The substitute doctor for my primary doctor sounds a lot like Sarah's doctor. He is 'always' available, I believe because very few patients like him. So that is a consideration.

Anyway, Dee Jay, I hope there is still a little of that warm Pepsi left over, "Just in Case".

Big Huggs,

Opal

Link to comment
Guest Donna Jean

Anyway, Dee Jay, I hope there is still a little of that warm Pepsi left over, "Just in Case".

Big Huggs,

Opal

I still have some, Opal...I didn't let anyone put a cigarette out in it or anything!

LOL

Donna Jean

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

Hi Opal

Seems like most everything has been well said and i don't have HRT or BP issues-but I really wanted to congratulate you on your improved health and wish you good luck on your Dr visit.

Huggs

JJ

Link to comment

Hi Opal

Seems like most everything has been well said and i don't have HRT or BP issues-but I really wanted to congratulate you on your improved health and wish you good luck on your Dr visit.

Huggs

JJ

Hi JJ!

Thank you so much for your support! It really means a lot to me! It is just such a shame that the services and treatments are not universally available to anyone who needs them.

I feel so fortunate that there were resources I never could have imagined available and willing to help and not be judgmental.

Big Hugs!

Opal

Link to comment

Well, just as an update:

I went and saw my physician this afternoon. She was quite impressed with my progress in weight reduction, however, my BP was still a bit high so I may have to stay on the two prescriptions I mentioned earlier. I am scheduled for a lab in the morning, so will know more next week.

She was a bit taken aback at my 'coming out', plus prior to that I think she noticed my shoulder bag. After explaining things to her, she told me that as far as she was concerned, nothing had changed between us, and she wanted to be supportive.

However, she did not feel comfortable or qualified in prescribing any HRT-type medications to me, and I would need to find another doctor for that. So, guess I will do the lab and see where I stand there, but have started a search for someone who can help me with this part. So all in all, I would say it went pretty well.

Huggs,

Opal

Link to comment
Guest Donna Jean

Well, Opal....so sorry the 'ole BP is still a bit high...I'm sure that you'll get that down...

And I had the same experience...I came out to my doctor that I had for 6 years and asked him to be my HRT doctor, too...

Said that he wasn't comfortable with that.....so I looked elsewhere...

Heqq, better to have a doc that is good with it then hit or miss....right?

You did good, Hon!

Huggs

Donna Jean

Link to comment
Guest KimberlyF

As for your best/worst case I'd put them more realistically that she's unsure of HRT and would rather you go to a different doc for HRT treatment because she is uncomfortable for that.

Kim

However, she did not feel comfortable or qualified in prescribing any HRT-type medications to me, and I would need to find another doctor for that. So, guess I will do the lab and see where I stand there, but have started a search for someone who can help me with this part. So all in all, I would say it went pretty well.

Huggs,

Opal

Oh, oh oh! What do I win??? :D

Overall this is good news I think if you like your doc.

Kim

Link to comment

Oh, oh oh! What do I win??? :D

Overall this is good news I think if you like your doc.

Kim

Hi Kim! Well, lets see..... How about free posting on Laura's to your heart's content???

Yes, I do like my primary physician very much. Have been going to her for about ten years now. Guess she does not have many patients coming in a telling her that they are Trans. Imagine she will research it more as she has time.

Huggs,

Opal

Link to comment

Opal I decided to go to a different doctor than the one I was going to. I didn't want to explain myself to my doctor and didn't really like him anyway. If you decide to stick with yours because you like them, than I would ask her if she has any experience with HRT. You don't want to be the test subject for her to start with even if she is willing to prescribe them to you. I just don't want to see you get hurt.

Good Luck and I hope your Doc is accepting of you and has experience with HRT.

Sarah, you have given me something important to really consider in regards to seeking HRT in this area!

If you do not mind, I would like to PM with you sometime about this...

Big Huggs,

Opal

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Who's Online   8 Members, 0 Anonymous, 280 Guests (See full list)

    • MaeBe
    • Stefi
    • Justine76
    • Abigail Genevieve
    • April Marie
    • Petra Jane
    • Ivy
    • Ashley0616
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.8k
    • Total Posts
      770.1k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      12,092
    • Most Online
      8,356

    Selena729
    Newest Member
    Selena729
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. Angelo christoper
      Angelo christoper
      (38 years old)
    2. Joslynn
      Joslynn
      (61 years old)
    3. Kaltia_Atlas
      Kaltia_Atlas
    4. Rika_Lil
      Rika_Lil
      (40 years old)
    5. Summerluv
      Summerluv
      (19 years old)
  • Posts

    • MaeBe
      My boss is in a panic. His business is a couple straws away from breaking a camel in half. He's just handling the stress very poorly.   My dad, though. He's handling things pretty well, as long as I continue to don't get massively offended by being called: son, boy, etc. His eldest is leaving the State and looks so different than he's been used to over the years. I haven't told him I'm on HRT, but to be fair the changes haven't been massive. I've always had boobs, more so after COVID weight gain and made more obvious with its loss, but now I'm not hiding them--and obviously wearing a bra. The estrogen has done some work, but nothing major (sadly). I think the biggest HRT changes have been my skin and a mild amount of fat redistribution.   Today I'm wearing my cheater, I almost have cleavage! :D I need to get another t-shirt bra to keep a good rotation. I only have two, one push-up, and the rest are unlined (great for Summer, but not great for my Summer wardrobe ).
    • Justine76
      Thank you so much April! 
    • Abigail Genevieve
      Glad to hear it. Abby
    • JenniferB
      I eat a ketogenic diet and have had no problems. I don't know about your case but I suspect it is the estrogen. Research the types of ways to take estrogen. Pay close attention to the bloodwork results. If they are not satisfactory, bring it up with your doctor. I take injectables, which are fully covered by insurance. It may not be the route for you, but something to consider. I emphasize to do your research and good luck. You can solve this. Be persistent.    Jennifer
    • April Marie
      I'm in a magenta blouse under a baby blue buttoned cardigan - still a little cool here in the northeast today - with dark blue jeans. Oh, and my favorite flame colored copper feather earrings.
    • April Marie
      What a wonderful photo! You look gorgeous!!!
    • Justine76
      White crop top and capri jeans ;) Finaly tricked the face id on my phone, "that's not you" lol.
    • JenniferB
      This is my opinion, so take it for that. Fatigue is based more on what you eat. Eat a more healthy diet, and stay away from ultra-processed foods and that should help. Think of eating the way we did a couple hundred years ago before the industrial revolution. It's just a thought.   Jennifer
    • April Marie
      Welcome back, Jennifer! As a relative newbie to the forum and to transition, I look forward to getting to know you and share in your experiences.
    • JenniferB
      I like the fact that you found support and have close members of your life. That is very important. No matter where you are on your journey, you have to have the support. Or you drift, and you question yourself.    Looking forward to your progress,   Jennifer
    • JenniferB
      The source of estrogen can matter. I started HRT at age 50. My avatar was the result. I started on pills, and moved to estradiol valerate injectables. However, there was a shortage, and I had to use a compounding pharmacy. The estradiol would evaporate in the vial, and couldn't get 5 doses out of it. I eventually move to the patch.    Over time I realized the patch wasn't working properly. And, the last time I visited my doctor he told me my estrogen levels were low. He asked me if I wanted to change to estradiol valerate. I jumped for joy. So I started my script for estradiol valerate. My prescription was ready, but I didn't receive my script for needles for a couple of weeks. So I bought my own (legal). I started with intramuscular injections. This requires a longer needle, and the estrogen is released into the muscles. It has a powerful effect right away but isn't stable. So by the time I took my next injection 2 weeks later, the estradiol in my bloodstream was almost gone. When I finally received my script for my needles, the needle was shorter. So the injection was subcutaneous. What is different with this type of injection as that the estrogen released is more even over 2 weeks (before the next injection). Interesting the syringe/needles my doctor prescribed are so much higher in quality. I am going to follow his path. My breasts are now perky again. And I will let my doctor guide me.    I wish you success on your journey. Let us know how things are proceeding. I am happy for you.   Jennifer 
    • JenniferB
      Patches are the HRT method of least risk. Be aware of your estrogen levels with bloodwork. My doctor took me off patches because my estrogen levels were low. And put me on estradiol valerate injections. I have to say that made a big difference. Be aware of the changes. I don't know your age, or circumstances, but I would research available options of administering hormones.    There are other methods of taking estrogen, and you should research all of them. When my doctor changed my prescription to estradiol valerate amazing things happened. He was slow to prescribe the needles so I ordered them online. I have used injectables before. Getting the nerve to poke myself with the needle was a great hurdle to overcome.   As far as a rollercoaster feeling, I never felt that as much as the excitement of finally starting HRT. That overrode everything. I couldn't focus on how my emotions changed, for excitement trumped all emotions. Let the emotions of starting HRT settle, then make the decisions you feel will best benefit you.    Good luck with your journey,   Jennifer
    • Mmindy
      Welcome back Jennifer    It’s nice to meet you and I look forward to your postings.    Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋
    • KatieSC
      Regarding the candidates...this is the best either side could do since Obama was President? Biden is supportive, but when I see really solid gains, like ensuring that all transition services are covered by all insurance companies, I will believe the support.   I do not think anybody is trying to destroy the country, but with the current polarization, there is no compromise. There is this "you are either with us or against us" mantra being touted. We can moan all we want about Trump and his ilk, but face it: They are very well coordinated on a national level. They currently have a number of states with a super-majority.   What set all of this in motion? I suspect that there is a lot of things that got under the skin of a lot of conservative folks. Some of it our own fault, and some of it not. Make no mistake, we are in trouble. If they successfully ban child and adolescent transition nationally, I suspect we will be next. Now they may not pass a law, but if they eliminate the requirement that insurance companies cover the costs of medications, procedures, and surgeries, there will be fewer folks transitioning. The services may still be available, but it will be a cash only business. There are already a fair number of healthcare providers who will not accept the insurance reimbursement rates. There are a number of folks that will lack the resources. That is how you limit our existence. We will still exist, but it will get much harder.
    • JenniferB
      I talked to my doctor about this. And I was frank. He told me I was in a grey area, and I agree. I scored a 3, but alcohol has not controlled my life. I won't drink when I have obligations. But, when I can relax, I drink sometimes. I can control it. I intentionally don't buy alcohol before I go to work at the hospital. When I get off work I can't buy it. And this is by design.    Do I have an alcohol problem? Yes. Can I control it? Yes. Does AA help? Yes. But I consider myself a borderline alcoholic. And yes I'd love to stop and AA works for this. I found I don't need the 12 steps, attending is enough to stop the craving.
  • Upcoming Events

Contact TransPulse

TransPulse can be contacted in the following ways:

Email: Click Here.

To report an error on this page.

Legal

Your use of this site is subject to the following rules and policies, whether you have read them or not.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Community Rules

Hosting

Upstream hosting for TransPulse provided by QnEZ.

Sponsorship

Special consideration for TransPulse is kindly provided by The Breast Form Store.
×
×
  • Create New...