tzone

Claude · Joined: 07 Feb 2008 Posts: 27 Location: Ohio

So, how do I start?

He's a great guy and all, even saved my life before.

I'm just not sure how to start that conversation. We've been trying to figure out what the cause of my depression is, and now that I know (agonizing trip that was, even so far), how do I tell him?

"Um... I think I may be transgender." doesn't fit, b/c I don't think I am, I know I am.

*sigh*

Help??

**Reenie** · Reporter Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Posts: 3577 Location: Glasgow

Go back and tell him straight.

"There's something I haven't told you because I find it difficult to tell anyone. I'm trangendered. I'm quite sure of it..."

He's a medical professional, he should understand.

GenderQuest · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 451

+1

Claude · Joined: 07 Feb 2008 Posts: 27 Location: Ohio

Thanks. ^_^ That actually makes sense. I can do that!

*hugs all around*

_________________
I am Claude. Always was. Always will be.

**Flameboy** · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 11:43 pm Post subject:

Hi Claude!

Yep, I'd agree with the above. He's your psych, he's there to help you and listen to you - just tell him without any fuss.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on mate!

Dave

Claude · Joined: 07 Feb 2008 Posts: 27 Location: Ohio

Will do. ^_^

I'm glad there are people here that can help with the next step, whatever that may be.

Ollie · Joined: 29 Jan 2008 Posts: 22 Location: North East

Claude, just come out with it with words you feel comfortable with. I did this with my psychiatrist 10 years ago and after suffering terrible depression and many attempts on my life her reply was "thank god for that, at least we can get you on the right track now". Just pluck up the courage and go for it and let us know how you get on.

Claude · Joined: 07 Feb 2008 Posts: 27 Location: Ohio

Well, I told him and he didn't care. I suppose I should be content he didn't freak out, but he wanted me to go to an endocrinologist and take estrogen. And he gave me psycho meds b/c I was "delusional."

Just like all my other doctors.

I'm ok now- I mean I'll get over it- I'm going to a OB/GYN and then I'm going to go to somebody who knows what I'm talking about.

I did have a breakdown and I haven't had one of those since right after the event that caused my PTSD, but I'm healthier physically now, so I made it. I just had to go to bed early.

*sigh*

So how do I deal with this since I have no money to do anything? What can I do? I'm freaking out here.

_________________
I am Claude. Always was. Always will be.

**ice maiden** · Advisor Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Posts: 2691

I have no idea how it works in the US you could message Andee (US Admin here) and she maybe able to advise or offer some good local support

I would first say that transition does not need a psychiatrists permission - a person is expected to transition without any physical changes during the Real Life Test - most need a medical opinion to tell their family they are not 'insane', but even with medical opinion those around you may experience difficulties in coming to terms with it.

So a part time transition - attending club local support groups friends homes - in fact somewhere, anywhere you can be yourself for periods of time can help calm you down.

Cost in the UK and other parts of the world treatment is free or subsidised, i have no idea if there is any financial help in the US - not my area of expertise im afraid

but surgery is available in the US - see our practitioner Guide Pages - under WORLD
at www.transgenderzone.com

you will not get any change out of 10,000 dollars but you cannot even buy a half decent car for that these days, most get loans or max out their credit cards Smile

for men most settle for the effects of testosterone - which in all fairness are VERY impressinve on their own Shocked

just keep posting

_________________
Man [...] must count no one but himself; that he is alone, abandoned on earth in the midst of his infinite responsibilities, without help, with no other aim than the one he sets himself, with no other destiny than the one he forges for himself on this earth." (Jean Paul Sartre, 1943)

nicholas · Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Posts: 117

Claude wrote:

Well, I told him and he didn't care. I suppose I should be content he didn't freak out, but he wanted me to go to an endocrinologist and take estrogen. And he gave me psycho meds b/c I was "delusional."

Just like all my other doctors.

I'm ok now- I mean I'll get over it- I'm going to a OB/GYN and then I'm going to go to somebody who knows what I'm talking about.

I did have a breakdown and I haven't had one of those since right after the event that caused my PTSD, but I'm healthier physically now, so I made it. I just had to go to bed early.

*sigh*

So how do I deal with this since I have no money to do anything? What can I do? I'm freaking out here.

you're not delusional, and if the doctor you currently see is telling you you are delusional for being trans, i strongly suggest you change doctors.

the system in the US for trans stuff as far as i know, is usually at least 3 months therapy (i'm unsure whether or not this has to be with a 'gender specialist') in order to get a T prescription, though there are a number of low-income clinics that operate under informed consent (i.e without the therapy), these are usually in bigger/more liberal cities. it is often also possible to get therapy on a sliding scale. the best thing you can do to try and figure out how to do this (cos that knowledge i have is just accumulated from having a couple of american trans friends) is find a better resource for US stuff - the best i know of is the FTM livejournal community, which can be found at http://community.livejournal.com/ftm. you need to make a livejournal account to post, and then you'll need to email the community maintainers to join the actual community, but it's not too difficult. you'll probably find localised resources quite easily there. failing that, you could try searching http://www.t-vox.org for trans resources (therapists or whatever else) in your area. hope that's helpful.

Skyler · Tzoner Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Posts: 934 Location: Canada

nicholas wrote:

(i'm unsure whether or not this has to be with a 'gender specialist')

It doesn't have to be but if it's not definately make sure that you will get what you need out of it (like make sure whoever you see will after however long of therapy write you a letter for T or surgery or whatever you are after)

Rosenkavalier · Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 9 Location: MN, USA

If your current care provider thinks you're delusional, you should make all efforts to seek a practitioner who is either a specialist in gender issues or is at least open to the idea. You can't get help from someone who refuses to acknowledge that your problem exists.

_________________
Ben

**ice maiden** · Advisor Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Posts: 2691

i agree a degree does not a practitioner make

like any field of medical and psychological care

you would not expert your family practitioner to do open heart surgery

so why do we assume they can all help and treat transsexual or transgender folk

they cant

_________________
Man [...] must count no one but himself; that he is alone, abandoned on earth in the midst of his infinite responsibilities, without help, with no other aim than the one he sets himself, with no other destiny than the one he forges for himself on this earth." (Jean Paul Sartre, 1943)