And so it begins

[Guest Brenda Hailey]

I saw my Doctor for a visit/consultation today.

Went in with the best recorded health I have ever had, and a mission.

I had alot on my mind and of course I was nervous as heck and wearing one of my %75 girls and %25 percent boys clothes outfits,I checked in and and waited as usual.

The attending nurse called me back did all my customary prelim work ,weight blood pressure and the like,I was seated in the room when the doctor came in.....

The first thing out of her mouth was "wow nice sweater I love the color, a man brave enough to wear pink,I like it",,,,,,,,,,and that started our conversation....lol

I was pretty much at ease after that, we discussed my health a bit more and then she asked why it is I came in....of course I told her I am trans and asked if she had any problem or misgivings about treating me as such and her answer was a resounding no, she has no problem with it at all.

Some back story this doctor and my mom are good friends and have worked together for many years so I thought it may be a touchy subject but she said all the right things and assured me it wasnt a problem. Now my mom and her both know what I am going through and are supporting me.....

I have been EXTREMELY lucky throughout this whole coming out process because I have yet to have a bad reaction from anyone I have come out to yet,,,,,but even my doctor warned that may not always be the case and be prepared to lose some people anyway. I agreed and was still relieved that it did go so well with her and that It wont be a problem being her patient.

Ever since I decided to clean up my act and get healthy over a year or so ago. I have been eating pretty good I have lost over 60 pounds and pretty much been the best I can remember being since my 20's, pre addictions.

Based on my lab work from a few months ago and my new direction in life my doctor has changed my blood pressure medicine to one that is a common HRT medicine we will monitor this new pill and see how it works out before my first endo appointment. YAY!!! She says it isnt normally prescribed for normal males in my condition because it can promote a form of breast growth,,,,, that, isnt an issue anymore.

However my doctor said she would not be comfortable doing the all the endo work herself as its not her specialized field but will certainly work with and find an endo for me if the therapist endo falls through. The therapist will have my letter of recommendation for me on the next visit so either way I am set not to fail. (still keeping fingers crossed anyway)

So ya the years of sobriety quitting smoking and willingness to get my body in shape previous to this new life change seems like it may actually pay off in the end.

That coupled with a new cardio workout plan,"mountain bike" I should be feeling really super good soon.

Another huge fear based hurdle has just been jumped over,again without any regret so far.

I am pretty excited.

Brenda Hailey

[Carolyn Marie]

That's all great news, Brenda. It's wonderful to have a supportive family doctor. I have one whose attitude is very much like your doctor. I wish you continued good luck.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest LizMarie]

That's wonderful! Having supportive health care in your corner is important. Many trans folk struggle with that.

[Guest Ada]

That is such encouraging news. I have always been afraid to come out to my doctor. I have a feeling that day is coming - or a new doctor. I am not sure which.

[VickySGV]

Sounding good for you. My Endo gave my PCP a standing order on some test conditions for me, and then told him to approve refills on my E. That was 3.5 years ago, but the endo has me in once a year just for a chat. (I am part of an HMO so both doctors have the same chart to work from). My HRT related diuretic came from my PCP, and not my endo when another one was crashing my potassium levels. The PCP had not even seen I was on E, and mentioned the breast growth possibility, and then re read the chart and came back with "I guess that won't bother you too much!!"

[Guest Brenda Hailey]

That's all great news, Brenda. It's wonderful to have a supportive family doctor. I have one whose attitude is very much like your doctor. I wish you continued good luck.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

Thanks Carolyn, my doctor did in fact explain to me how many doctors out there simply wont accept patients over personal biases...she says she is disheartened by the rate at which it actually happens. Needless to say I am lucky.

That's wonderful! Having supportive health care in your corner is important. Many trans folk struggle with that.

Yes I have read on these forums where it has been an issue for people on top of all the other stuff we have to go through searching for an unbiased caring doctor shouldnt be one of them.

Sounding good for you. My Endo gave my PCP a standing order on some test conditions for me, and then told him to approve refills on my E. That was 3.5 years ago, but the endo has me in once a year just for a chat. (I am part of an HMO so both doctors have the same chart to work from). My HRT related diuretic came from my PCP, and not my endo when another one was crashing my potassium levels. The PCP had not even seen I was on E, and mentioned the breast growth possibility, and then re read the chart and came back with "I guess that won't bother you too much!!"

Another bit of luck I have always had borderline/excessive potassium levels naturally and had to stay off Bananas, Avocados, Almonds, and other high potassium foods which I love ,,,,,,today she reversed her order. Favorite foods here we come. "I guess that wont bother you to much either"

Thank you all for the kind words, Brenda is happy right now,she can even stomach wearing guy jeans the rest of the day without crying.

[Guest jnemo]

How very fortunate, I'll glad things worked out for you! Congratulations

[Charlize]

That is great Brenda! My doctor is an old family friend. She was a bit taken back when i told her because of her concern for my wife. She was afraid we would break up. I assured her it wasn't a problem. Two days later she arrived at the farm and caught us working together on our herd of goats. Both of us in skirts. She looked at my wife and said well i guess you know and accept. My wife responded that she did but preferred me as male. Two years later it is just me again and the doc's office is a pleasure unless i'm really sick.

One question. Are you going to see a therapist? Your doctor may refer you to a Endo but it might still be a good idea. Mine helped me immensely and now that i'm scheduled for some surgery her letter was critical.

Hugs,

Charlie

[Guest Brenda Hailey]

That is great Brenda! My doctor is an old family friend. She was a bit taken back when i told her because of her concern for my wife. She was afraid we would break up. I assured her it wasn't a problem. Two days later she arrived at the farm and caught us working together on our herd of goats. Both of us in skirts. She looked at my wife and said well i guess you know and accept. My wife responded that she did but preferred me as male. Two years later it is just me again and the doc's office is a pleasure unless i'm really sick.

One question. Are you going to see a therapist? Your doctor may refer you to a Endo but it might still be a good idea. Mine helped me immensely and now that i'm scheduled for some surgery her letter was critical.

Hugs,

Charlie

Thanks Charlie,and yes I have been seeing a therapist for a while now, I discuss that in this post, my doctor AND my therapist both are working to find me an endo.

My therapist said I could have done this sooner but "I" wasnt ready yet. Now I am. My letter is waiting for me ready to go.

Im certainly not going to put myself through all that previous worry just to throw caution to the wind.

I appreciate your concern and I have been listening and taking advice from all of you who have been there,really I have.

You have a really good doctor if she makes house calls WOW ! Just like Little House on the Prairie...

Brenda Hailey

[Guest April Kristie]

Dearest Brenda, I have read your posts since I became a member last fall, you have come a long way baby!!! I am so very happy for you and the positive progress you have made. There is a confidence in your words deeds and actions, and that you can take to the bank! Keep it up! Brava!

[Guest Stacie Cheyenne]

Brenda: You are In deed Very Beautiful & Very Awesome - Thank's Stacie: