My Endo Appointment Is Tomorrow

[Guest sleeping chrysalid]

There isn't much to write about. I'm just glad that my first endo appointment is tomorrow. The only question I have is how much can get done in the first appointment if it's only forty minutes long? It's only the first appointment so there will always be more time but I'm wondering if they won't just explain the process that I already understand for now. I might learn more and my dad definitely hasn't looked these things up as much as I have so it is necessary to bring him to the same page if nothing else. I'm looking forward to it and I can't wait to stop my clock and get on anti-androgens.

[Guest Robin Winter]

There isn't much to write about. I'm just glad that my first endo appointment is tomorrow. The only question I have is how much can get done in the first appointment if it's only forty minutes long? It's only the first appointment so there will always be more time but I'm wondering if they won't just explain the process that I already understand for now. I might learn more and my dad definitely hasn't looked these things up as much as I have so it is necessary to bring him to the same page if nothing else. I'm looking forward to it and I can't wait to stop my clock and get on anti-androgens.

40 minutes is short?? Perhaps things work differently where you are, but for me going to see an endo was strictly to get my prescription, though there were some things she wanted to go over with me. My impression was that the first one is generally the longest, and mine wasn't even close to 40 minutes.

[Guest Aly Kat]

yeah.... mine are most definitely never longer than 10-15 minutes haha... ONCE was like an hour, but it's just because we were having a really good conversation about a tv show we both watch

start thinking of questions before you go and write them down if you have to. I usually type a note onmy phone

Oh... and CONGRATS!!

[Guest sleeping chrysalid]

40 minutes is short?? Perhaps things work differently where you are, but for me going to see an endo was strictly to get my prescription, though there were some things she wanted to go over with me. My impression was that the first one is generally the longest, and mine wasn't even close to 40 minutes.

I guess I made a big assumption. It's just that when I think of appointments I usually imagine them being thorough and I'm a bit surprised.

I seem to expect red tape in everything.

[Guest Robin Winter]

I guess I made a big assumption. It's just that when I think of appointments I usually imagine them being thorough and I'm a bit surprised.

I seem to expect red tape in everything.

I think the endocrinologists leave the red tape up to the therapists. They probably assume that by the time they get your referral, all the tape has been cut

Chances are, your appointment will essentially be going over your blood tests briefly, he or she will tell you what to expect if you don't already know, what to watch out for, and you'll get your prescription and likely an appointment in approximately 3 months so he or she can check your levels and make sure you're doing ok.

In any case, good luck

[Guest sleeping chrysalid]

The appointment was thursday so I apologize for the delay but here's what happened. When I got to see the doctor he asked relevant questions about my health such as whether or not I smoke, allergies to medication etc. He also took my blood pressure and gave me two lab forms for blood work. He ran through the side effects that I was already aware of and I signed a form stating that I am aware of the dangers.

The doctor was very nice. He's had countless patients and he is a veteran of his field. He asked and I told him my preferred name is Melissa. My dad looked very uncomfortable though and it bothered me so I talked to him at the end of the appointment. I found out that in addition to the anxiety I suspected he was having, he was also worried by the thought that there is a possibility I could die. As soon as he heard blood clot he was very scared because he is a paramedic and he knows that blood clots in certain places leave no time to get help. Blood clots can be carried through the blood stream and a clot in my leg could end up in my lung. A leg clot would be noticable though and I would have time to get help if it were only in my leg. Some other places would be worse.

I know he's also uncomfortable about me being trans but it's nice to know that he is concerned about me. He said the right thing even though I know it isn't just my safety that concerns him. He looked uncomfortable before he heard anything about danger. He clearly had more to bother him.

The sooner I get my blood work done, the faster I can get anti-androgens. We have to fax the results to his office because we didn't do the work there. He gave me two forms because I'm going to need to get more blood work done three months after I start blockers and there will be another appointment at that time as well.

We also got nailed for parking. It's doesn't have much to do with the appointment but I just thought it was something interesting to point out. The parking across the street from the hospital was $3.00 for every 20 minutes. We paid $9.00 for an hour. Remember how I said the appointment was 40 minutes? Not only did we have to take time to navigate the confusing hospital but we were early so we had to spend time in the waiting room. The appointment also went a couple minutes long (not that much though) and we got back to the car in an hour twenty to find a $30.00 parking ticket. We paid $39.00 for an hour and twenty minutes of parking.

The appointment went well though and I'm going to get blood work done as soon as possible.

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Thank you for the update - you need to find better parking though - RIPOFF!

There is danger in all hormone regimens - its part of taking strong drugs, HRT is 'strong drugs.'

Good progress!

lizzy

[Carolyn Marie]

Hey, Melissa, nice to hear back from you. I'm so glad everything went well with the doctor. Congrats! Just a little while longer and you should have your prescription. Your doctor sounds like a very good one.

Yes, of course there are risks to HRT, but as long as you're getting the blood work done regularly and seeing the endo, there is no reason to worry. Even at my age, my doctor isn't too concerned, although she did start me out slowly, which is what your doctor may do also.

Keep us posted!

HUGS

Carolyn Marie