Navigating San Francisco Va Along With Other Veteran's Programs

[Guest Evie]

I'm currently living in a private veteran's program funded by the VA. I also have a 50% service connected disability resulting from combat during OIF/OEF. So far the SFVA has been great, but now I'm starting to talk to my therapist's about transition. I originally began transition at 19 and continued HRT until 25 (while active duty). Then after 3 years off hormones (in an attempt to save a previously supportive marriage), I started again. For the past four moths I have been back on HRT and my crazy diet and exercise program. I've lost a lot of weight (30+ pounds) and feminized quite a bit, also adding to the previous progress I had made. Right now I'm self medicating. I'm growing my hair out and dressing andro/fem, which also draws attention since I am still living in a male housing unit. At this point I would have trouble passing as male. I am seeking HRT through the VA for the monitoring, and a letter for orchi. I am also seeking some alternative and suitable housing option. Has anyone dealt with similar circumstances? This is a scary time for me, but I have to complete this transformation. I am waiting for the windfall from all this to hit, hoping it doesn't...

~Evie

Edited August 26, 2010 by Carolyn Marie
Hormone dosage amounts deleted per the Forum rules

[Carolyn Marie]

Hello, Evie, and welcome to the Playground!

As you can see, I edited your post to conform to the Forum rules (Terms and Conditions). Discussing dosages is a big no-no.

I'm sure some of our veterans will be along to offer specific advice on dealing with the VA. From what I've read of others experiences, it can be a minefield and varies state to state. California seems to have more tolerance and acceptance of trans vets than other places, so in that you're lucky.

The other thing I'll mention here is that self medicating is a serious mistake, one that can cause irreversible physical problems, including blood clots and strokes. You need to be monitored without delay, and perhaps even stop HRT until you get proper medical supervision. Laura herself, the site owner, nearly died from self-medicating, so please take it seriously.

Along with reviewing the T & C's (you'll find a link at the top of each page), please post an introduction in the Intro Forum and tell us a little more about yourself, when you have a chance. We've got a tray full of welcome snacks and a cold drink for you when you do.

Good luck, and stay safe.

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Donna Jean]

.

Hello, Evie.....

I'm Donna Jean....

I've recently approached the VA myself and got enrolled for the health care benefits...

I'm an older MTF and an Air Force vet...combat in 'Nam, but no service related disabilities..

So far the VA has been helpful, but here in central Ohio, they've really had no Trans people before, so I'm kinda a test case.

Please let me know how it's going with them...ok?

Huggs

Donna Jean

[Guest Evie]

Thanks for the advice! I plan to ask my VA therapist on Tuesday about a referral to endocrinology. I'm keeping my fingers crossed...

~Evie

[Guest Gina9223]

Honey, don't worry about it ok? Just be honest and talk about all of these issues with you VA peeps. So far I haven't heard anyone having any major issues with California VA.

But, do realize that they do follow standards of care. You will have a few hoops to jump through.

The latest intel that I recived was from Seattle. But I do know someone in San Fran who's dealing with the VA and she hasn't had any issues.

So, once you 'come out' to them, they should set up a therapy session and may also set up a endo consult then as well. They may talk about orchi's or even about SRS. The orchi is a maybe, the SRS not so much.

[Guest Evie]

Hi! Here's an update on my experience with the SFVA... I met with my therapist today, and explained my past experience and my current transition. She was very supportive and enthusiastic about the issue. She explained that there are several people in the Psych Department who are experienced with transgender patients, and that the VA is very supportive in general. I made an appointment with my primary provider to discuss a referral to endocrinology so I'll be prepared when and if I get a letter for HRT.

Right now it looks like things are going to go pretty smoothly, maybe better than I expected. It seems the basic policy of the VA is to provide gender therapy, hormones and letters of certification for surgery. Unfortunately, the VA will not perform any surgery for gender confirmation. There was some debate over the surgery issue within the VA last year because of research showing that certain brain structures in transsexual patients are identical to those of members of their 'preferred' sex. However, the debate seems to have ceased without any change in policy. Showing biological basis for transsexualism isn't everything in our struggle for fair and equal medical treatment, but it does add legitimacy to our cause.

So far I've found the VA to be respectful and helpful. It's great that they are covering therapy and hormone management at a time when most private insurance companies haven't yet come on line. I'm tempted to get on my soapbox about unfair treatment of transgender/transsexual patients by private, for-profit health care systems, but I'll spare us both the migraine.

Much love,

Evie

[Guest Gina9223]

Thank You Evie for the update! Sounds like your going to be taken care of and its safe for others to go there as well.

(HUGS)

[Guest Evie]

Hi! I'm posting another update for those who are thinking of/already navigating the VA Healthcare System. Since August, I have accomplished a lot through the VA. I have been seeing my therapist every week regarding my transition, and I have received a prescription for HRT from my primary doctor. It was a little tricky to obtain the prescription since the San Francisco VA will not write an initial script. I actually had to visit a transgender clinic here in the City several times at my own expense before I could get a prescription to take to my doctor. Once I finally got through that step though, everything went smoothly. I was even able to pick up my meds from the pharmacy at the main medical center without a co-pay!

Also, as I mentioned before I was having problems finding acceptance within the veterans transitional housing program where I was staying. After several difficult conversations they decided to transfer me to another one of their houses which was designated co-ed. They have provided me with a single room, and have been very supportive in every aspect of my transition ever since.

On Tuesday I took a major step and filed for a name change through the S.F. Superior Court. My hearing isn't until Dec., but the agency where I am staying offered to go ahead and change the name on my intake documents. Now I am just looking forward to Dec., so I can change my name and gender marker on my VA records. That will end the embarrassment of being called by my old name when I'm waiting for appointments.

I am so happy that things are going smoothly with the medical and housing aspects of transition. Everyday I feel more comfortable with the woman in the mirror.

~Lauren (Almost legally!!!)