Afganistan #2

[Guest Jessicaann]

Well im going to Afghanistan again. After last deployment i came out to some people. I had alot of time to accept myself and idk what to do this deployment. Iam an enlisted infantry marine so ya. I want to start my transistion after this deployment cause ill have a year and 3 months left so im trying not to deploy for a 3rd time. So does anyone know a way i can get consulting? And do you need a gender therapist or can any therapists perscribe me hormones

[Guest Elizabeth K]

I wish you Godspeed and a safe return. I know this is terribly hard and my heart goes out to you. But my insticts tell me you will be okay, and will return, that after your service you will be able to fulfill your dreams and be your true self.

I don't think you are alone because we have others here who are committed to military service, yet have to not only fight their own demons of gender dysphoria, but also work around the requirements of serving, anxiously awaiting until they are released.

But to answer that question? Therapists do not prescribe, they provide letters to physicians suggesting the patient NEEDS to be on HRT and then certifying they are truly transsexual.

Dee Jay is in the VA system - as you will be when you are discharged. Therapists and prescribing physicians will be available then

I do hope you can wait and that you can somehow keep in touch with us. We will do our very 'damndnest' to help you out!

Lizzy

[Guest Donna Jean]

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Two-three tours in the sandbox?

DANG!

I only did one in 'Nam....back then they could only send you once unless you volunteered for more....

I would advise against using any military services (therapists, meds, etc...)

That can quickly turn on you...but, you can proceed on your own after your return.....

A therapist need not be a Gender Therapist to write your letter for hormones.....and a doctor needs not be an Endo to prescribe for you......

I get all of my health care from the VA......they supply all of my HRT!

Be safe, keep your head down....

HUGGGGGS!

Dee Jay

[Guest Jessicaann]

Dang i didnt know the va would supply hormones! Thank you youve been an amazing help!

[MackenzieB]

They might, they might not. If you're classification with the VA is zero, meaning you're not eligible for healthcare with the VA, then they won't. If you can use the Veteran's Health Administration for any heathcare, then they probably will. I'm a Vet, work at the VA and have to go someplace else for my healthcare due to the period of time that my 8 years of service occured. I'm fine with that. I get fantastic care at a different clinic here in Seattle.

[Guest Donna Jean]

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The main problem here is that the VA system is not standardized.....

One VA may provide a certain service that the next will not....

The larger city VA's seem to be more liberal.....New York, New Orleans, Seattle..etc..

Smaller town VA's may fight you on what you need..

Dee Jay

[Guest Jessicaann]

Ya i gotcha. Im already gonna be getting some va treatment for life cause im deaf in my right ear. Im a mortarman so ya it happens. But ya my last year is gonna be a bunchh of medical questions and such

[Guest Gina9223]

Hi Jessica Ann, if your heading back to the sandbox as much as it sucks to say it, you should wait until you come back to start this process.

You don't say how long you've been in, you have to have 3 years active duty to become fully vested in all the post-military programs so you should try to stay at least 3 years.

Once you come back, wait a month or so, OR if they do the standard post-deployment mental health assesment then request a referal to a civilian therapist at that time. They may have you talk to a active duty mental health professional, anything you talk about with them is kept confidential between you and them. The only time they'll go talk to anyone is if your either self destructive or speak of harming others or property.

So far most of the one's I've talk to who have gone to medial and talked to a mental health/behavior health practitioner haven't seen anything like blow back. They seem to be trying to ensure the military member is able to continue work with little impact. A few have been refered to civilian practictioners and a couple have gotten letters for HRT (they had to pay for it themselves, went to Walmart where its cheap) and 'carry' letters.

But thats only a few.

If you elect to do the above, it is best to wait until you have come back from a long term deployment to start this and if you can swing it when you have less than a yaer left on your contract. That last bit is because it does take about 6 months to out-process someone properly and most commands are too over tasked and short handed now days to deal with discharging someone early. Oh and keep an eye on the discharge paperwork to make sure they don't get you an adverse discharge code.