Doctors (again)

[adrienmundi]

Doctors freak me out; I've never liked going to see them. This might go back to the hazy, hazy memory I have as a kid, literally running and screaming in a doctor's office before finally being caught and given a shot (I was likely two or three at the time).

It's more complicated for me now, with the hormones and the like. I haven't seen a doctor since begining taking them (I did all the research myself, and am self-medicating). I worry about having to explain all this to an unprepared doctor, and worry about the potential judgement and disapproval of a medical professional. I also worry about the potential consequences of that disapproval and judgement, should they beome actual. However, I can also see potential benefits from a good working relationship with a nonjudgemental doctor. The doses, or mix, of drugs may be not quite right for my body/metabolism, or may not be the best method for obtaining the results for which I'm looking.

So, anyone have any advice to offer, other than, "Just do it"?

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_amaranthe_/]

I have a feeling that you should probably prepare yourself for a lecture from whichever doctor you choose to see. If you are reluctant to go to a maintstream physician, would you consider seeing a holistic or naturopath? They could probably give you councel at the VERY least.

[ultran.livejournal.com]

Perhaps hwipfi could give recommendations. Don't go holstic.

I imagine you'd be more comfortable with a female doctor correct?

[adrienmundi]

What's hwipfi? I'm totally clueless on that.

As to doctor, really, I don't care what bits they've got, so long as they aren't judgemental assholes.

[ultran.livejournal.com]

Needed capitalization?

[adrienmundi]

It boggles my mind that it took me this long to recognize my own acronym; guess I wasn't expecting anyone else to ever use it.

[fairyhead.livejournal.com]

Research, reasearch, research!

Do use HWIPFI as a resource and, maybe the person who recommended HWIPFI? You should also use the mad research skillz of that weird chick you live with ...

[scottopic.livejournal.com]

I forgot to mention - I saw HWIPFI at Target the other day, we said hi, asked how each other was, and I said "Thank You."

I still wonder if he thinks on a business-level that I still owe him money, which I might.

[fairyhead.livejournal.com]

I doubt that is the first thing on his mind.

You could always call and double check that your account is current, though, I'd think they'd still be sending you notices, if you did actual owe money ...

[thewonderfuller.livejournal.com]

see if you can find and contact a local transgender group. certainly members of such a group would have identified physicians that are transition-friendly...

[adrienmundi]

I'm somewhat reluctant to go this route, because "transition" isn't really something I'm after, and I want to steer as clear of the Benjamin Accords as I can (mostly because they're utter and total anachronistic, sexist shit).

[thewonderfuller.livejournal.com]

you may not be in "transition," but that is the closest thing to what you are pursuing that a doctor is likely to have experience with. sure your case might be different. everyone who is misgendered is different (as is everyone who is gendered in a way he/she is happy with, but that's not the point). not wanting a gender is a form of misgenderment, i would think. you have to start somewhere, and someone who is comfortable with treating TG people would probably cut you more slack, even if you present something new.

[subjective.livejournal.com]

i tend to agree, if only because at least a doctor regularly treating transfolks & handling medical transition would already be familiar with hormones & doses & the bodies that go along with them. in terms of medical care, it would mean more information for you. the trick would be to get info without getting caught up in the red tape of regulated medical transition.

of course i have complete faith that you can find that balance... good luck, a.

ps. i would be interested in hearing about the path you took to self-medicating & how you worked it all out, if you wouldn't mind sharing. maybe next time we're both online.