2nd Letter Appointment

[MarcieMarie12]

So this Friday, I have a second letter appointment for GCS with the psychiatrist at Kaiser. The good thing is that she already has been in discussion with my regular GT. I was wondering what I should expect during this session. Also a bit nervous....

[Charlize]

If your second letter appointment is like mine it was a simple matter of being honest during one appointment and a letter was written.  I worried but it was simply another step.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[MarcieMarie12]

So did they just ask questions or did they just say let me know why you want to go through with the surgery?

[MarcieMarie12]

Well I had the second letter appointment, basically she had some questions (reviewing what I had told my regular GT) about my history or dysphoria. She did ask a few questions as to what I knew about GCS (quite a bit--from the internet, talking to other girls), if I had a time frame, if I had worked it out with my company, if I had somebody to help take care of me, and some other questions.

Overall I think it went well, not sure how I would react if she said no. However, I am pretty sure she will write me that second letter.

[Charlize]

I have no doubt she will Marcie.  One more step.  By the end of the road we are pretty certain and i think that's a good thing and helps save us from future regrets as well as helping accept ourselves as the people we are.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Cyndee]

it's a long road for sure, they want to make sure you are ready and know the risks.

I have no doubt you'll do fine Marcie.

Hugs

Cyndi -

[Guest]

Is it normal for only one appointment needed? Also, wheni was searching for phsychiatrists for my HRT letter, there are so few that have experience and/or are interested in helping. 

[MarcieMarie12]

It may be different if they were unfamiliar with my case--but as a Kaiser doctor she had my regular GT's notes---she also had access to my endo's notes as well.

[Guest]

I mean I contacted many, and none had experience or weren't interested in dealing with it. 

[MarcieMarie12]

You might be able to find an informed consent clinic. I know several girls that went that route, the did not seem to have the issues I had to work through before starting HRT though.

[Guest]

Forgot about them. There are some in Frisco when I get there, unless I can get the 'shrink' that wrote my HRT letter to work from one appointment again.

 

Thanks

[Charlize]

I had a referral from my GT to a another GT she worked with and i presume they exchanged notes.  My surgeon Dr. McGinn required the two reviews before proceeding.  It was a nuisance at the time but i certainly understood the reason behind the extra trouble.  Each time i had the opportunity to think over my path and then discuss it i was better able to feel confident and if that had not been the case then i would want to be honest about that as well before life changing surgery.

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Guest]

22 minutes ago, Charlize said:

I had a referral from my GT to a another GT she worked with and i presume they exchanged notes.  My surgeon Dr. McGinn required the two reviews before proceeding.  It was a nuisance at the time but i certainly understood the reason behind the extra trouble.  Each time i had the opportunity to think over my path and then discuss it i was better able to feel confident and if that had not been the case then i would want to be honest about that as well before life changing surgery.

Hugs,

 

Charlize

Yes, but I've also read people having misgivings just before and after, and that all cleared up for them. Cold feet, like marriage?

[TexasLibraryLady]

22 hours ago, Fiona said:

Is it normal for only one appointment needed? Also, wheni was searching for phsychiatrists for my HRT letter, there are so few that have experience and/or are interested in helping. 

From my understanding, the second letter does usually come from a one time only meeting. My therapist has already arranged for me to see a colleague in March to get my 2nd letter. If needed my surgeon will have me see someone when I get to Thailand. I think the second letter is just a check and balance to catch any big red flags.

[Briana]

That 2nd letter is a good check and balance.  It sure can be a nuisance or seem like one, but like others have said, it's really a good think to make sure that there were no red flags missed.  Or even subtle clues that one's regular therapist might have not picked up on. 

If it's a good, integrated health system it usually is just one visit because documentation/notes are readily available and there's usually pretty good communication between practitioners. It can be a little more difficult when you're in a loosely put together health system or using independent practitioners.  Sometimes then it can take a few visits depending on the level of communication between them and the availability of documentation (...which you'll most likely have to get from one and take to the other pre-appointment).

 

22 hours ago, Fiona said:

I mean I contacted many, and none had experience or weren't interested in dealing with it. 

There's a lot of reasons for this.  Probably one of the biggest is that there's extra training that's involved.  There's already a lot of annual continuing education requirements for practitioners as well as other healthcare givers, so adding on isn't always a welcome thing. 

Personal feelings also come into it.  Yes...we're supposed to be understanding, compassionate, nonjudgmental, empathetic and any other adjective belonging to that group.  However, not everyone is, nor do they keep their personal feelings and beliefs out of their daily practice. 

And then there's reimbursement.  Gold coins...

[Guest]

Are you a therapist? You say 'We're suposed to be understanding.....'