Doctor was not surprised.

[Ms. Erin]

Well I just came back from a doctor visit for a rather large bug bite and while I was waiting in the examination room for the doctor to show up I was looking at a wall poster for woman to check there breasts.

After the doctor came in the room and finish checking my bug bite, he asked how things are and how I am doing. So of course (?) I told him I came out and am TG. Surprisingly he did not look surprised. So I asked him if I go trough feminization and develop female breasts, would I also need to check my breast. He responded with "yes I would think so".

Next thing he asked me is when do you start? I responded that I will wait until the first of the new year. Then he told me there was just a movie released or a TV show about this.

This made me wander how many TG's are transforming, especial in the military community, as his reaction appears to me as if it is happening on a regular basis.

BTW, my doctor is on a military base, thank goodness for those retire benefits.

Any one here has any idea or thoughts?

Erin.

[Carol Esme]

The first GP I came out to was recommended to me by my Gender Centre counsellor and was very supportive and signed the necessary referrals to a psych and prescriptions for pills and patches. No surprise there. But after much thought I came out to my female GP in my small village as well. I thought there might be issues because I know some of her staff socially and it is a small village. Also I thought she might be miffed that I'd chosen a big city GP to give me hormones. She was fantastic, said she didn't know much about TG but would give me all the help she could. She would put my file in a locked section so the staff couldn't see it, gave me a secret squirrel email address my Sydney doctor could use to contact her and at my request agreed to check my blood hormone levels whenever I wanted. What more could I ask.

[Ms. Erin]

Wow that's great Carol. I am researching a lot, I mean daily, on anything related to TG and feminization. I know that in the USA you will get a complete HRT and GRS at no cost if you are a federal prisoner, and if you have military insurance, unfortunately no help. I think it's the same with most private sector insurance, except for a few places.

I know in the Netherlands (although I life in the USA I am still a Dutch citizen) the HRT and GRS is part of the medical insurance.

I like it that you get all the help from your local GP. And can do a hormone level check when wanted.

[Jina James]

No TG for me, just CD.

I am, however, curious about your military remarks. I, too, am retired military. Is there some reason to think military are overrepresented among us all?

[Virginia]

Jina,

Would you please expand on your comment?

Thanks,

Virginia

[Ralitsa]

That's interesting Erin. I've been considering federal prison as my retirement plan, since I don't know if Social Security will still be around and it's really no worse than a nursing home. Now that I know HRT is fully covered, the question is settled!

[Ms. Erin]

Jina, I have been in and around the military lifestyle since 1984, and well frankly, I m used to it, and have no comparison with civilian medical life. Up until my recent visit to the my doctor, LGBT is something that I have not openly seen or heard of, although it must be getting easier for LGBT to be openly in the military. As far as I knew it used to be don't ask don't tell. And no, I don't think military is over represented among us. Now in the Dutch military, where I served in the early/mid 80's, LGBT is a normal respected group, just like in civilian life.

I also checked out the Tricare insurance, which is funded by the federal government, and they have some "very disturbing" rules (at least in my opinion) when it comes to gender related medical thoughts. I will not go into that here as it will be political views which is not part of the forum. (with all due respect, I originally mentioned some of it in my first post but I edited it out)

Knowing the fed. Gov. view on this matter made me surprised of my doctor's response, hence my posting here.

Erin.

[Ms. Erin]

Dear Ralitsa, Two of my neighbor's daughters are sheriff deputies in Henrico country, VA. I have talked to them and they also told me that they will pay for the entire transition, when in prison, since the state is responsible for there medical well being, and I think that the state of VA governs that. So you don't have to rob the post office.

And yes board & room, free medical, meals, no mortgage payments... Hmm...

[Jina James]

Virginia,

I apologize for not being clear. I hope I can get there without violating the rules.

As someone whose military experiences go back over 40 years, the comments on military medicine caught my attention.

"This made me wander how many TG's are transforming, especial in the military community, as his reaction appears to me as if it is happening on a regular basis."

I wondered if there was some reason to think that we military types are statistically overrepresented in the Crossdressers-Haven community and what it might mean if it's true. Ms. Erin's response indicates that she thinks not. I have no reason to think one way or the other but admit that I'm curious.

[Carol Esme]

Well I'm not in the military myself, not since school cadets and a failed attempt to get into the air force (dodgy right eye) but I believe there is a ton of evidence that TG people in denial choose macho employment such as military and law-enforcement. On various sites I've come across lots of ex-military people too who are no longer in denial.

[Virginia]

Hi Jina,

Thanks for the response. I have a friend who works at the local VA and they, she and her assistant, were responsible for developing an "internal" LGBT community acceptance program. It has gained national acceptance and is evidently being "installed" in VA's across the country. It was not so much for SRS/HRT but a two fold program to "educate" the staff and to make those requesting medical treatment, those of the LGBT persuasion, to feel comfortable discussing their situation(s) with "the VA."

My personal situation is a bit unique and I won't bore you with the details, but as one of the original members of this forum - some ladies here pointed me to the path I am now on. Had it not been for them, well I would be in deep, deep trouble. Once Upon a Time in a Galaxy Far, Far Away, I served my country as a Naval Aviator and even had the privilege of training with a SEAL team. Talk about repressing, suppressing, ignoring an integral part of my existence, I was a poster child for that!

Virginia

[Rikki]

Virginia,

Wow, that would make an amazing story to hear! Make notes, write a book. Some day, someone will appreciate hearing your thoughts and memories. You are my hero(ine).

All the best,
Rikki

[Wendae]

As a retired Marine and Nam vet w/ 2 tours I wonder....

[Requal Jo]

Ex defence myself. I do believe that Defence is becoming more acceptable to TG issues within.

[Amanda M]

Even if not on hormones, men need to do boob checks too. Male breast cancer is not that uncommon!