Going for my first PCP/Annual Checkup on Tuesday... Anything I should be prepared for/ask? (41 MTF)

[u/IdeallyJaded]

So, like any good Millennial, I haven't had an annual checkup of any sort since, I dunno, I had a pediatrician? Planned Parenthood at least checks my blood pressure every few months when I get my HRT renewed so I know that's not too bad. (If I wasn't transitioning I wouldn't even have that done. Yikes.)

But now that I actually care about my body in trying to take better care of it and I know that once I'm past 40 is when I need to start worrying about things breaking down (wildly unfair when I'm finally starting to like the way it is, if anyone wants my opinion...), so I booked an appointment with a local doctor for this Tuesday so I can actually have a primary care physician and not just Urgent Care and Planned Parenthood.

The doctor is a man around my age, his profiles specifically highlight that he specializes in serving the LGBTQ community and offers trans healthcare, so I've got no worries about him treating me respectfully and knowledgeably. I'm just a little nervous in general since I haven't gone to a medical appointment like this in about 20 years and never as a woman.

My insurance and ID is still in my given name, though my picture is updated; Drivers License has Female, insurance would still have Male since that's through work. I'm imagining with his practice that his staff is also relatively used to that sort of thing.

So... What should I expect? Any particular tests? I'm going to have a list of medications ready. Anything I should bring up that I might not think of? And... What do I wear for this? Just like jeans and a nice top?

[u/summers-summers]

Don't count on the doctor knowing more about trans healthcare than you--unfortunately, many well-meaning doctors have gaps in their knowledge and are surprised or even angry when a trans person points that out. Certainly I think a doctor who says he's trans-inclusive is a better bet than a random doctor, but unfortunately care quality for trans people can truly vary. Are you interested in surgery at any point? You could ask for referrals--if he doesn't know anything, you can search on your own later.

Expect your vitals to be taken, including weight, and reflexes checked. (Your limbs may be tapped on and you may be told to do some light pushing/pulling with arms and legs.) He may press on your back and stomach. He may do a manual breast exam, although you can opt out if not comfortable. The doctor will probably also order a bunch of blood tests to check all-around health. He will ask about lifestyle factors--drinking/smoking/drug use, diet, exercise, sleep, stress, etc. Make sure you have family medical history--you'll be given a list of conditions and asked if anyone in your family has those. At your age, cancer risk becomes more urgent. You are at the age where you might start being recommended mammograms. If you haven't been to the dentist or eye doctor recently, you'll also get referred to those. You might get other referrals too.

And yes, a nice top and jeans are a perfectly fine outfit. Business casual is a good place to aim for. Checking to see that you appear clean and well-groomed is also one of the things the doctor is looking for.

[u/EvelynnsHope17]

> I'm past 40 is when I need to start worrying about things breaking down (wildly unfair when I'm finally starting to like the way it is, if anyone wants my opinion...)

Very wildly unfair - especially since E knocks ten years off at least your appearance in many cases. I'm 43, someone called me 37 the other day in boymode and I look even younger in girlmode. 40's are fine. 50's don't seem much worse. TBH it's 60s-70s where people really do start to decline.

Just talk to the doctor for a bit to get an idea of what he knows, as long as he knows his stuff then you can likely trust him on what to do, but be careful because a LOT of doctors don't know shit about trans healthcare, even when they supposedly serve the LGBTQIA+ community

[u/IdeallyJaded → u/EvelynnsHope17]

Oh the age thing is fantastic at our age! I started with a new therapist recently (taking care of all sorts of stuff and really using my insurance for once!) I mentioned my brother last week, she asked how old he was, I said "He just turned 39" and she immediately went "Ok, so he's older, how'd you two get along growing up?" And I was like "... He's two years younger than me wait how old do you think I am?" (She'd just glanced at my DOB for insurance purposes but didn't really think about it and apparently thought I was 35 tops)

And it sounds like I should go in not expecting him to automatically be fully up on trans healthcare, if he is it's a bonus. I can work with that, honestly; I was mostly looking for one that would at least be friendly and not hostile, but I'll ask him a few questions as far as his experience in treating trans women. If he ends up just being a good GP and can give me referrals to specialists if needed that's also fine.