My first exam with my new OB/GYN

[Guest Valerie]

Hello Everyone;

A little over a week and a half ago, I finally found an OB/GYN in my area that accepts my TRICARE Insurance.

So, I called his office and found out that it is the local Struab Clinic. I talked to the recipionist and gave her my information. I guess she misunderstood when I told her that I already had my SRS. Anyway she says she will pass the information along to the Doctor.

A few days later I get a phone call from this doctor and we talk for a few minutes. He asked me when was I to have my surgery and that this was new to him, someone looking for an OB/GYN before surgery. I informed him that I had aleady had my surgery last July. He good and that he has never had a Trans patient before and that I would be his first, if I was okay with this then he said to inform the front office that he said it was cool.

So, I go to the clinic and schedule my appointment. Tuesday of last week my appointment was shceduled for 3pm. I was asked to show up a few minutes ealry and to bring hte paperwork that I had filled out in with me. I get there 15 minutes early and I am given more paperwork to fillout. The normal new patient forms. I fill them out, give them back to the lady at the front desk and she asks me to sit in the waiting area and the nurse would be with me in a few minutes. During this time I notice all the other ladies in the front office where all smiling at me, so I smile right back at them.

After waiting about 10 minutes the nurse comes out and calls my name. She takes back the the examination room and asks the basic questions, then she enters averything into the computor. She leaves to go talk to the doctor. She comes back and says to remove my clothes and put on the paper gown.

I lay on the exam table and few mintues later in comes the doctor. We talk about what surgeries that I have had performed and I explain that in July 2011 I had my BA and on July 3rd, 2013 I had my SRS. I gave him the short version of the process. As we are talking another nurse comes in to assist him. We talk about my needing a prescription for Premarim Cream, due to me being on my last tube that I had brought back with me from Thailand. He sends my script over to the local pharmacy while we talked.

He then does his examinations:

Dr. Nice breast growth and form. Your surgeon did an outstanding job on your breast.

Me: Thank you, I will inform the doctor when I see him in January for my check-up.

Dr. (Now looking at my Vagina) WOW!!, this is amazing. They did an outstanding job. I can see no scarring or scar tissue. Everything is exactly like it should be. How long did it take for this surgery?

Me: Thank you. The surgery was completed in 2 hours. The clinic that did my surgery has been performing this surgery since 1978.

Dr. Does Dilation not only makes the vagina wider, but also deeper?

Me: Yes, it does.

Dr. Hmm, it seems like it is a little short.

Me: Laughing, you did not reach the end of the vagina wall. You did not go past the muscles. I informed him that I always check the depth after each dilation. I told him what my depth was this morning.

Dr. Wow, that is very interesting. I will have to check it out more thuroughly at your next examination.

So, I go back to see him next October. He also said that I do not need a mamagram at this time.

/Love

Valerie

[Guest Gerilynn]

Thank you for that post. It is great and you shared some very good information!

[Guest LizMarie]

Thanks for the feedback, Valerie!

[VickySGV]

I actually think you are in good hands. I had a chance to speak to a group of medical students last month on health care ethics for Trans* people, and a big important part of our care seems to be getting the doctors interested in learning simply who we are and what does happen to us. We do have to teach our medical providers about us, but that can actually be very positive and make for a relationship of mutual trust and caregiving.

[Guest Billie De]

Nice.. I have an OB now also..We had a meet and great appointment a few weeks ago and did all the paperwork.. Some awkward questions for a pre-op to answer.

I am also my OB's first Trans, But she is great and really wants to learn more about Trans issues so she can offer quality trans care for Pre and Post op's. And she is also has a fantastic sense of humor..,, When she comes in she reaches in her drawer and starts putting on Insemination Gloves. (Latex Gloves that go above the elbow) Then Grabs her spreader.. Then looks at me and says.. "Well, Lets see what you've got", Clapping the Spreaders open and closed.... I just looked at her and said.. I'll give you 20 to 30 minutes to stop that.

Just so everyone knows.. She is also my wife's OB so she knew I would appreciate the Humor and not be offended.

[Guest Valerie]

Hello, Ladies;

Jeralyn; Thank you for your reply. It is nice to hear kinds words like yours.

Liz; Thank you and your welcome.

Vicky; I totally agree with you. I like this Doctor, he has been practicing for 22 years and seems to enjoy a chance at learning new things.

Billie; Seems like you also have a keeper for your OB/GYN. She seems to open to new ideas and things.

Yes, I had informed my Doctor that I would be more than willing to help him learn more about helping our community. I have even told him that if he needs any information, all he has to do is ask me. I can answer his questions or even better provide him with links to various websites were he can research at his leisure.

/Love

Valerie