#australiantransman

[loganstransition]

Dr Erasmus Appointment No. 2

Today was my second appointment with Dr Erasmus at his private practice in the city. This time he asked me about myself outside my gender, like how I did at school, how I got on with my family and what things I am proud of. It was a much shorter sessions but I was happy that he was trying to get a whole picture of me rather than just my gender. I am more than my gender, and so is everyone else, cis, trans or otherwise. At the end of the appointment he said he'd send me some info on the pros and cons of medical transition. This included the psychological and social aspects, not just physical, which are very important. He also sent some questionnaires. He told me while I was there that the questionnaires are a bit dated and binary (not an issue for me as my gender is pretty binary) and assured me that if there were any questions I was uncomfortable answering that I didn't have to and we would discuss them next session. This was good to hear as it relieved any pressure I could've felt to answer everything. Next session (1 month away) we will also talk more about hormones and where to go from here to start HRT. Over all I'm happy with my experience and I'm optimistic about the future.

[loganstransition]

Update 24/5/16: Dr Erasmus Appointment No.1

Ok so I’m just gonna answer the questions I said I’d answer re: my appointment to keep this nice and simple.

How was I greeted when I entered the facility? The receptionist greeted me by name (Logan) and introduced himself. He was nice, asked me to sit while I waited for Dr Erasmus and that he wouldn’t be long.

How did Dr Erasmus greet me? He greeted me by name also and shook my hand then lead me into his office were the appointment was held.

What kind of questions did he ask? (family, past, school, friends, work etc) He asked about my past and my experience of gender, how I identified, who I was out to. He also asked about my body image and so much more that I have forgotten. It was largely focussed on my experience with my gender.

What questions did you ask and what response did you get? (T, surgery) It came up in discussion that I want T and surgery. He said that after the four appointments he can write me a prescription for T if I’m ready for it, he can help me get HRT. He said we’d talk more later about pros and cons of T and surgery just to make sure I’m all up to scratch and can give fully informed consent. He pointed out that I should get private health insurance with v high medical cover for surgery. Also, he said no one does any kind of bottom surgery in Australia so I should try accept that I may never get it, it’s expensive plus travel and accommodation fees so hella lots of money for that. That was a bit hard to hear but reasonable.

Where to from here? He gave me a basic outline of what to expect; next appointment will be focussed on getting to know me outside my gender, third one I forgot what he said??? sorry. Fourth and final one will be wrapping it up and he writes his report.

Anything else? I felt really comfortable while I was there, even tho he was asking tonnes of questions I didn’t feel pressured or like I was being interrogated. I left feeling good, if quite emotionally drained, and happy knowing where I’m headed.

My next appointment is in 2 weeks, I’ll have another update then.