When you visit the hospital for a physical or visit a medical clinic, how do physicians treat you and respond to you when you get the strength to inform them that you are transsexual?
2007-07-27 15:27:02 · 11 answers · asked by green 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
If I have to visit a physician, or a surgeon, who doesn't already know my medical history, I'll only tell him if it's relevant.
For example; if I have a throat infection, my being transsexual isn't relevant to that illness, or it's treatment; if I need (say) a pelvic x-ray, it IS relevant, because without that knowledge the physician might make an inaccurate diagnosis.
It's not usually an issue (although there was ONE physician that insisted on referring to me as 'an otherwise fit young man' until I complained to his consultant...I never saw him again); many doctors have limited knowledge and experience of treating transpeople, which can involve me explaining certain issues to them, but they generally behave like professionals, as of course they should.
2007-07-28 01:14:33 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
First, if I go to a hospital, clinic or doctor, I try to choose which one I go to based on experiential information from others that I know I will be treated with some civility.
Usually, if I start by telling them I am transsexual, they are open to treating me normally. I mean, if you think about it, how many people voluntarily say they are transsexual? When I was asking myself if that was who I was, I actually stopped mid sentence to laugh because who else but someone who is transsexual would ask a question like that. LOL
It isn't so much the strength to inform them as it is a need to control the situation and get the transsexual part out of the way in order to get the care needed. I actually got a hospital to archive my old file and start a new one based on who I am now...and they are permanently separated with no link to my former existence.
I have only had one unfortunate experience with an a doctor learning to be an internist. For a blood problem he wanted to give me a physical to educate himself, so I demanded his superior attend and refused his "learning experience" as inappropriate.
2007-07-27 23:48:02 · answer #2 · answered by gone fishing 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well personally I've always been treated with respect and dignity. However I was able to find a very understanding M.D. with the help of my therapist that has other T/S patents. Before my first appointment I corresponded with mail to the Doctor . I was there for a physical, blood work etc so I could start Hormone Replacement Therapy. Ive also had to inform my Dentist and any other health professionals I deal with. Some have obvious questions but I have never been treated with anything but respect. Take your time, call Clinics, ask if they have any experience dealing with T/S patents. You may have to educate the Doctor in some cases, but as Health Care Providers they should be willing to lean and understand your unique situation. Find a Doctor you can talk to openly and honestly.
2007-07-27 23:23:07 · answer #3 · answered by Paula Jenel 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dear Goose,
I know one MD practicing about half way between Detroit and Chicago, who upon hearing the news will spend the next 15 seconds explaining what God thinks of fags, and why God put AIDS on this planet, before threatening to call the police, and kicking you out. Avoid this one at ALL costs.
MOST MDs, psychologists, therapists, have less knowledge of how to treat a trans-person than has the trans-person that they are calling “patent”.
Most will refuse to even treat a trans-patent trying to start hormones, or therapy.
IF the patent has been on HRT for any length of time the vast majority of MDs will renew existing scripts, but refuse to examine her. I know one trans woman that is over 4 years now with out a physical exam. She moved after her GRS and has yet to find a doctor that will put a stethoscope on her.
Assuming you have found a psychiatrists… Spent 3 months proving you aren’t just a horny geek looking to get his **** off by getting them removed. Spent 12 months on HRT and ANOTHER 12 months RLT [27 months minimum.] AND haven’t lost you job and your health inshurance… AND still have the cash on hand to pay... Most surgeons that will perform GRS have waiting lists of 6 months or longer.
Such is the state of the transgender community’s access to adequate medical care.
Hugs,
PennyAnn
2007-07-30 17:24:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I get called by my preferred name and pronouns. The staff knows and treats me with respect. My doctor was actually recommended by my transition therapist. She's very curious about and does a little advocacy/education work too.
2007-07-27 23:28:10 · answer #5 · answered by carora13 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you are in the south, good luck! Most of them treat you like crap and don't pay any attention to anything you tell them after that. I recommend that you go to drag shows and ask the performers who they see.
2007-07-27 22:36:58 · answer #6 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She had never met a trans person before. We talked about it a bit, but it isn't a focal point unless I have health questions regarding it.
2007-07-29 12:21:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You equate "transsexual" with SRS. Not all transexual go through that. I'm sure Diane will have much more relevant info.
2007-07-27 22:31:26 · answer #8 · answered by Johanna 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
if you have chosen a good, well reputed surgeon all he/she shall do is explain the procedure and the cost of it...hopefully in that respective order.
2007-07-27 22:42:24 · answer #9 · answered by AliBaba 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My Doctor is a Transsexual.
I love L.A.!!
2007-07-31 02:32:42 · answer #10 · answered by Divadarya: trans n' proud 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋