Jump to content
  • Welcome to the TransPulse Forums!

    We offer a safe, inclusive community for transgender and gender non-conforming folks, as well as their loved ones, to find support and information.  Join today!

VA transition timeline


Recommended Posts

I had my first official mental health eval on May 19, and I’m set for an Endocrinology appointment, via phone (thanks pandemic), on June 8th.

 

What comes next after that? When do I get referred for voice training and the rest? 
 

I realize I could probably wait and ask the doctor... but that’s 4 days away and I just want to hear accounts from others who’ve gone through the process with the V.A.

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

Either Dr. needs to put in for the consult. then you will get a call from Physical therapy. (Speech) to get an appointment.

 

I had my Gyn, put in mine. She also put my consult for the endo, Which I had to go to Denver VA for. They may do a consult to the regional Transition team ( A team of experts that review your file and make suggestions on your course of treatment.)

 

The VA is the one place I feel the most comfortable and open at. They are totally accepting. You can even use the rest room of the sex you identify as, even if you are not presenting. I walk into the woman clinic and get asked, "How can we help you Ma'am."

I think that a lone male walking into the woman clinic, is most likely transgender.

 

Any problems with anybody while at the VA contact the LGBT coordinator, it is there job to make sure we the transgender veterans are treated with respect.

 

Kymmie

Link to comment
2 hours ago, KymmieL said:

Either Dr. needs to put in for the consult. then you will get a call from Physical therapy. (Speech) to get an appointment.

 

I had my Gyn, put in mine. She also put my consult for the endo, Which I had to go to Denver VA for. They may do a consult to the regional Transition team ( A team of experts that review your file and make suggestions on your course of treatment.)

 

The VA is the one place I feel the most comfortable and open at. They are totally accepting. You can even use the rest room of the sex you identify as, even if you are not presenting. I walk into the woman clinic and get asked, "How can we help you Ma'am."

I think that a lone male walking into the woman clinic, is most likely transgender.

 

Any problems with anybody while at the VA contact the LGBT coordinator, it is there job to make sure we the transgender veterans are treated with respect.

 

Kymmie

 

Oh crap...that's what that consult was? I got a letter stating they couldn't get me scheduled for physical therapy in a timely manner and I'd been referred for community care. But the referral expired 14 days from the date of the letter and I opened it on day 16 (I don't get out much, even to the mailbox). 

 

I assumed because it said physical therapy that it was for my spine/nerve issue for which I just postponed my MRI. 

 

Guess I'll contact the doctor tomorrow for a re-referral.

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

You may just contact PT. they may still be able to act on it.

 

Kymmie

Link to comment

It occurred to me that my endo appointment being via phone makes new bloodwork impossible. How recent does bloodwork have to be?

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...
  • Forum Moderator

Wichita, sorry it took me this long to respond.

I think it depends on the DR. but they can have you go in for blood work. The VA is still open. I got my blocker shot at the woman clinic, after picking it up via pharmacy curb side pick up. Just take a mask. They ask you some questions and give you a wrist band.

 

Kymmie

Link to comment

Yep, he wanted bloodwork. I went the following day to a much smaller and closer VA community clinic. The day after that, he called to say my levels were good to go. I had my prescriptions by Monday. I haven't begun them yet, due to a urology concern, for which new meds are on the way. I expect them by next week, along with finastride. Then the "E rollercoaster" begins.

Link to comment
  • 3 months later...

I'm still trying to get the dots connected with community care and the VA.... Waiting for the psych paperwork to get to my civilian endocrinologist..... Uggghh!?!?!?!

 

Link to comment

My experience with the VA has always been positive.

I don't really know what is available though.  They do voice things?

Guess I thought HRT was it.

Of course with the 'Rona things might be on hold.

Link to comment
7 hours ago, Shawnster said:

I'm still trying to get the dots connected with community care and the VA.... Waiting for the psych paperwork to get to my civilian endocrinologist..... Uggghh!?!?!?!

 

I was... “was” going to a civilian urologist through the Choice program. Most of the meds he prescribed were “outside of the VA formulary” and thus, required paperwork from the doctor stating that I needed that specific drug before the VA would lift a finger to provide it. 
 

This paperwork has be delivered via time travel to the year 1995 as the VA pharmacy had one barely functional, always-busy fax machine. No e-mails allowed. If I were waiting for cardiac meds...I’d have died each and every time they prescribed something or tried to refill something. I easily went weeks with no meds multiple times while the VA awaited the same damned letter to arrive via 1995 fax machine.
 

After dealing with that for over a year, and after realizing the civilian doctor probably saw me as his kids’ college fund since the VA was footing the bill, I just went back to VA urology so that whatever they prescribed wouldn’t need an act of Congress to get provided to me. 
 

Of course VA urology had its own glaring issues, but at least whatever they prescribed me came reasonably quickly.

Link to comment

Hi, all.

I'm joining those whose VA experience has been positive. My first Rx of Estradiol arrived today, so I'm on Cloud 9. I'm in the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System [Reno], and the Fallon, Nv. local clinic. My experience so far with VA transitioning services reflects others who appreciate the service they've recieved. I guess each regional VA system has a unit or "team" specializing in transition. I'm going MtF, so they gave me to an OB/GYN for the hormone treatment. I think I'll be getting a woman primary care doc soon, and a therapist with gender dysphoria and trans experience. [Reno VA has no "Gender Therapist" per se, but this system is small compared to most other VA regions.

 

Everyone's attitude is encouraging. Very professional, very accepting, very friendly, very thoughtful of us. With CV, I'm doing it all online [telecare, supposedly private. "Russia, if you're listening...."].

 

One caveat: All your treatment from VA goes onto a single gigantic "chart" in the belly of the confuser, and all the docs and nurses have access. So my meds list now includes "Estradiol," and I suppose the transition team's notes. But I decided, "screw it. Good place to start exiting the closet."

 

Take good care of yourselves, my friends.

~~Hugs all 'round, Lee~~

Link to comment
2 hours ago, Lee H said:

Everyone's attitude is encouraging. Very professional, very accepting, very friendly, very thoughtful of us. With CV, I'm doing it all online [telecare, supposedly private. "Russia, if you're listening...."].

 

One caveat: All your treatment from VA goes onto a single gigantic "chart" in the belly of the confuser, and all the docs and nurses have access. So my meds list now includes "Estradiol," and I suppose the transition team's notes. But I decided, "screw it. Good place to start exiting the closet."

As I've said my experience with the VA has been positive.  As for the 'single gigantic "chart'", when I went in for surgery (unrelated to any trans issues) they knew about my gender issues and respected me - addressed me as "Jandi" etc.

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

Like I have stated before, the VA has been the most accepting place I have ever been. So far. With just about everything. Earlier this year when I saw my interim PCP. While the nurse referred to my by my given name. The Dr. as soon as she came in the room it was all Kymmie. (I think that the nurse just didn't read my chart. for my preferred name.) 

 

If anyone has any problems with any employee of the VA about any problem. just about all VA hospitals have a LGBTQ coordinator. Just get a hold of them and problem solved. The VA is serious about our care. I have only had one negative comment and that was from another vet. but he just said, must be don't ask don't tell. as he walked by. really no biggie. 

 

I highly suggest any Vet who is transgender to go to the VA. they will truly help.

 

Kymmie

Link to comment
  • 4 months later...

I finally have an appointment with a VA endo..... March 17 blood work is in, letter if intent is in.... ready to start HRT!!!

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

Happy St. Patrick's day!

 

Also happy second birthday. May your treatment be everything you hope it will be and more besides.

 

Hugs!

Link to comment

Thanks for the information.  I have my first appointment coming up and now I have an idea of what will happen.

 

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Who's Online   3 Members, 0 Anonymous, 88 Guests (See full list)

    • Ivy
    • Petra Jane
    • Evelyn J
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.5k
    • Total Posts
      767.2k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      11,944
    • Most Online
      8,356

    Melissa_J
    Newest Member
    Melissa_J
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. Amyjay
      Amyjay
      (58 years old)
    2. bettyjean
      bettyjean
    3. Breanna
      Breanna
      (52 years old)
    4. Emily Ayla
      Emily Ayla
    5. JET182
      JET182
  • Posts

    • Ivy
      Pity that we can't just respect each other and get along.
    • Willow
      Good Friday Morning    I will be spending a good portion of my day at church today.  I don’t know how any of my family would have been with me.  They all passed before I figured myself out.  I often think my mother and sister may have figured it out before I did but maybe it was just my depression that they saw.  I don’t know and never will.  My grandfather Young unconditionally loved me but he passed when I was 9.   Same with my wife’s parents, both gone before.  We’ve never had the greatest relationship with my wife’s brother but we do see them occasionally.  They words and actions aren’t always in sink when it comes to me.   Sour kraut or boil cabbage were never big even with my parents so that was something we were never expected to eat.  Nor was anything with mustard.  My mother hated mustard and it turns my stomach. My wife tried to sneak it into things early in our marriage but I could always tell.  She stopped after a while.   well I wave to go get ready to go to church.  I have a committee meeting at 10 and then we have a Good Friday Service at noon.   Willow
    • Mmindy
      Good morning everyone,   @KymmieLI hope you're misreading your bosses communications. As you say keep plugging a long. Don't give them signs that you're slow quitting, just to collect unemployment.   I have a few things to do business wise, and will be driving to the St. Louis, MO area for two family gatherings.   Have a great day,   Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋
    • KymmieL
      Good morning everyone, TGIFF   It seems like I am the one keeping or shop from being the best. According to the boss. I don't know if my days are numbered or not. But anymore I am waiting for the axe to fall. Time will tell.   I keep plugging a long.   Kymmie
    • KymmieL
      In the warmer weather, Mine is hitting the road on the bike. Just me, the bike, and the road. Other is it music or working on one of my many projects.   Kymmie
    • LC
      That is wonderful. Congratulations!
    • Heather Shay
      What is relaxation to you? Nature? Movie? Reading? Cuddling with a pet? Music?
    • Heather Shay
    • Heather Shay
      Having just a normal emotional day.
    • Heather Shay
      AMUSEMENT The feeling when you encounter something silly, ironic, witty, or absurd, which makes you laugh. You have the urge to be playful and share the joke with others. Similar words: Mirth Amusement is the emotional reaction to humor. This can be something that is intended to be humorous, like when someone tells a good joke or when a friend dresses up in a ridiculous costume. But it can also be something that you find funny that was not intended to be humorous, like when you read a sign with a spelling error that turns it into an ironic pun. For millennia, philosophers and scholars have been attempting to explain what exactly it is that makes something funny. This has led to several different theories. Nowadays, the most widely accepted one is the Incongruity Theory, which states that something is amusing if it violates our standards of how things are supposed to be. For example, Charlie Chaplin-style slapstick is funny because it violates our norms of competence and proper conduct, while Monty Python-style absurdity is funny because it violates reason and logic. However, not every standard or norm violation is necessarily funny. Violations can also evoke confusion, indignation, or shock. An important condition for amusement is that there is a certain psychological distance to the violation. One of the ways to achieve this is captured by the statement ‘comedy is tragedy plus time’. A dreadful mistake today may become a funny story a year from now. But it can also be distant in other ways, for instance, because it happened to someone you do not know, or because it happens in fiction instead of in real life. Amusement also needs a safe and relaxed environment: people who are relaxed and among friends are much more likely to feel amused by something. A violation and sufficient psychological distance are the basic ingredients for amusement, but what any one person find funny will depend on their taste and sense of humor. There are dozens of ‘humor genres’, such as observational comedy, deadpan, toilet humor, and black comedy. Amusement is contagious: in groups, people are more prone to be amused and express their amusement more overtly. People are more likely to share amusement when they are with friends or like-minded people. For these reasons, amusement is often considered a social emotion. It encourages people to engage in social interactions and it promotes social bonding. Many people consider amusement to be good for the body and the soul. By the end of the 20th century, humor and laughter were considered important for mental and physical health, even by psychoneuroimmunology researchers who suggested that emotions influenced immunity. This precipitated the ‘humor and health movement’ among health care providers who believed that humor and laughter help speed recovery, including in patients suffering from cancer1). However, the evidence for health benefits of humor and laughter is less conclusive than commonly believed2. Amusement is a frequent target of regulation: we down-regulate it by shifting our attention to avoid inappropriate laughter, or up-regulate it by focusing on a humorous aspect of a negative situation. Interestingly, amusement that is purposefully up-regulated has been found to have the same beneficial physical and psychological effects as the naturally experienced emotion. Amusement has a few clear expressions that emerge depending on the intensity of the emotion. When people are mildly amused, they tend to smile or chuckle. When amusement intensifies, people laugh out loud and tilt or bob their head. The most extreme bouts of amusement may be accompanied by uncontrollable laughter, tears, and rolling on the floor. Most cultures welcome and endorse amusement. Many people even consider a ‘good sense of humor’ as one of the most desirable characteristics in a partner. At the same time, most cultures have (implicit) rules about what is the right time and place for amusement. For example, displays of amusement may be deemed inappropriate in situations that demand seriousness or solemness, such as at work or during religious rituals.
    • Heather Shay
    • Heather Shay
    • Heather Shay
    • April Marie
      Good morning, everyone!!! Two cups of coffee in the books and I am just feeling so wonderful this morning. Not sure why, but I'm happy and smiling.   Enjoy this beautiful day!!!
    • Heather Shay
      A U.S. dollar bill can be folded approximately 4,000 times in the same place before it will tear. -You cannot snore and dream at the same time. -The average person walks the equivalent of three times around the world in a lifetime. -A hippo’s wide open mouth is big enough to fit a 4-foot-tall child in. -Chewing gum while you cut an onion will help keep you from crying.
  • Upcoming Events

Contact TransPulse

TransPulse can be contacted in the following ways:

Email: Click Here.

To report an error on this page.

Legal

Your use of this site is subject to the following rules and policies, whether you have read them or not.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Community Rules

Hosting

Upstream hosting for TransPulse provided by QnEZ.

Sponsorship

Special consideration for TransPulse is kindly provided by The Breast Form Store.
×
×
  • Create New...