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Question about giving info at Hospital
Hi Everyone
Not Sure if this is the correct spot
Just thought I would ask this question Should I disclose that I am a woman with a transsexual background when Visiting an ED Department of a hospital, or even seeing a GP
The Reason I ask this is that I have been rather unwell for at least 3 weeks now and Have been to the ED department of 2 different hospitals, the First time which was on Sunday morning For Chest pains and Shortness of Breath and I did disclose, but was treated no differently than any other woman, The second time was this morning, Now I work at the Ashford Private Hospital in Adelaide and I have basically been of work since I got sick, tried to go in a few times but never lasted a full day, well this morning when I went to work and saw my boss to give her my medical certificates, she ended up having to call a code blue(medical emergency), as I ended up not being able to breath and having some severe chest pains, This time I didn’t disclose, and one of the questions I was asked by a nurse was, if there was a chance I could be pregnant, and was treated basically no different than when I did disclose
Now my Heart is fine so that is not the problem, but apparently, I have a viral infection that is causing inflammation of my lungs and ribs, this plus all the coughing is what is causing my chest pain and shortness of breath
Hope everyone has a great Easter, Unfortunately, I won’t be doing much, even though I have my niece and nephew over.
Hugs
Sharon -
10 Replies
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Hi Sharon,
It’s a tough one, isn’t it? I think I would be inclined to disclose. Especially if you are on medication, since that can be important for deciding treatments, I think (I’m no Doctor, well I am a doctor, just not THAT kind!). You obviously run the risk of getting less than professional treatment if any of the doctors or nurses are transphobic. But in life or death situations, I would like my doctors to know my situation. I’ve disclosed to lots of health professionals, and nobody has ever blinked.
A couple of years ago, I was bitten by a snake (long story!) and ended up in intensive care for a couple of days. The doctors were worried about my blood potassium levels: they were unusually high. But then I told them that I was on spironolactone, and they calmed down. High blood potassium is a side effect of this drug. So it was important that the doctors knew my situation in that particular case.
Best,
Simone.
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I agree with Simone. If there is a chance that your HRT may interfere with your treatment or interpretation of results, I feel that we must disclose our status. For example if prolonged bed rest or surgery is proposed then there is an increased risk of DVT’s due to oestrogen therapy.
So it is incumbent upon us all to know not only the benefits of our treatment but also the risks. If you do not know ask!
I recently had to attend an ED, but my condition & treatment were not affected by my HRT, therefore I did not “reveal all”.
If in doubt at the time – tell – as the consequences may be dire.
Lisa
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I don’t think you are under any obligation to reveal your past unless it is relevant to your health problem. Obviously if you were going for a gyno exam or a prostate test it would probably be a good idea to say something lol. Otherwise I can’t see how it would be required.
Get well soon babe
Gwen -
Thanks every one,
Never had to consider this before as growing up and transitioning in Alice Springs, I was already known to a lot of people and it was in my medical records, but now that I am, just over a month shy of 2 yrs post op, with my documents changed to Female, and moved to another state, I have to start considering these things, not that I really want to or should have to disclose my past, unless it is absolutely important
Hugs
Sharon -
Hi Sharon, I am so sorry that you have been ill and hope that you are recovering and that your new life in Adelaide is working out well for you. In the case of medical treatment females and males often react differently to some medications and dosages can vary too. After all we are genetically male and it makes sense that the doctor has the full facts for diagnosis and treatment purposes.
It must be hard to have to tell people “Hey I used to be a guy!” and usually that is no-one’s business but your own, but when your health and possibly your life are at risk, the more information the better.
Just my opinion, I don’t miss Alice Springs, but miss your cheery emails, Sharon, I wish you joy and peace.
Love Mel
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HI and thanks Mel,
Hope you are enjoying yourselfYes it is hard to say that I had this issue, especially as I want a new start.
I sort of miss Alice, mainly my friends there, and the familiarity, but with out new experiences one cannot grow.
Hugs
Sharon -
I had to attend the hospital about 3 months ago after scalding myself with boiling water,and was asked if I was on any medication,told them I was taking HRT,and the nurse asked if it was for menopause,so had to explain,she got quite a surprise,lol.( she was really great about it though)but having discussed this issue a long time ago with my GP,her advice was to always let them know,as other girls have mentioned,certain medications will react differently due to the fact that we’re TG,so honesty is usually the best policy,simply from the point of view of our health and well being.
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I wouldn’t disclose it unless I thought it necessary to do so….I went over the handle bars of a racing bike had ribbs xrayed I never said anything also been to medical centres doctors I never said anything…..I filled out a million forms,even to get all my piercings I never said anything……skin cancer check I put as I normally woukd female on the form same as dentist I put female…..
Only time they knew was I broke my spine and they were discrete about it and all my charts had female and wrist band had female too only behind closed curtains was anything said to me but the staff were told only due to me being on spinel precautions in the neurological unit pretty serious Im lucky to be walking….
But I wouldnt go telling people that information if it’s not serious chest pain or something life threading but dentists no skin check no I always put female im registered with 2 medical centres that got my records as female but hey im more female then male to start with only one thing is causing the male to be associated with me sometimes
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Hi,
Regardless what you are your body is as you were born & as such say male then disclose that or female the same , why because our organs are different even with surgerys or not as the case may be,
Why say disclose is i was with the St Johns ambo service & if you have a issue or are on meds what ever they are , WE NEED TO KNOW, so we can address your issues if your on meds or what your body concistes of , because males & females react differently to meds & so on.
No point addressing say your Womb if you dont have one or youv had breast implants & we have to put a needle in , you get the idear,
We can get your records through your G P’s & all info thats there if not & we need that info to save your life & theres info lacking & you dont tell us or cant .
Then how do you expect us to help you, iv been on case’s we needed that info before we could do any thing,This is why its so importaint to disclose , ALL info.
Wether one agree’s or not just think about it, when its your turn & you need us . then what,
…noeleena…
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It’s fair enough but in hospitals yes I would tell them but a dentist no way or medical centre no it depends on what your there for……
Again I got piercings lots of them all forms where filled out female and I didn’t writeanything else, last time I went to a dentist I didn’t say anything..After falling off a balcony when the ambulance showed up I chose not too say any thing as my neighbors where all standing around helping and they dont know so I choose to nit say anything cause after smashing my spine I didn’t wanna explain I was born intersexed and once male now female that doesn’t go down too well with people after tears of them only knowing your a girl…….anyway I was more concerned about them putting a drip in I don’t like medical needles I hsve a hospital phobia big time….
