Starting the exploration

[WheelyCurious]

Well I started taking the first tiny step this afternoon....

I called the Transgender Center at Mass. General Hospital (Since I already get the rest of my care there) and have an appointment on March 3rd for a virtual visit... The person I spoke with didn't seem at all freaked by what I was asking about, so it may turn out to be less of a horror show than some of the threads have led me to expect.

She almost seemed to want to go straight to surgery - I had to say that I was wanting to try chemical first as a test drive several times...

Will see what they have to say about options, and post again.

Wish me luck

WheelyCurious

[Cseriess (imported)]

That's great she is onboard, and great you have such a quick time to an appointment. I contacted Plume, and the Dr I spoke with there was very understanding and very supportive. Put me on spironolactone straight away for me to try.

[WheelyCurious]

That's great she is onboard, and great you have such a quick time to an appointment. I contacted Plume, and the Dr I spoke with there was very understanding and very supportive. Put me on spironolactone straight away for me to try.

While I'm delighted that the lady I spoke with wasn't freaked and seemed encouraging, I'm not getting over optimistic as I'm not sure what her role at the center is. My guess is that she was some sort of support / admin type just because I'd be surprised if the top folks answered the phone... I know that if I was running such a place I'd want the phone answering people to at least sound positive once they had filtered out the trolls. So while I'm glad they didn't say no, I'm more interested in how the doc I'll be seeing on the 3rd acts...

I'm glad to hear you are having a positive experience w/ Plume, I looked at them but felt like I was to close to their age cutoff for them to be a viable option. If this center will work with me, they will be better anyway as it will all be covered under my Mass. Health....

WheelyCurious

[Losethem (imported)]

I'm glad to hear you are having a positive experience w/ Plume, I looked at them but felt like I was to close to their age cutoff for them to be a viable option. If this center will work with me, they will be better anyway as it will all be covered under my Mass. Health....

WheelyCurious

And what makes you think they have an age cutoff? I can't find it on their site anywhere.

[WheelyCurious]

And what makes you think they have an age cutoff? I can't find it on their site anywhere.

It isn't an age cutoff as in "We won't treat you over age X" but more an issue that they aren't allowed to provide services to those on Medicare because of Medicare billing regulations... Current US law essentially forces you to go on Medicare at 65, so it is an effective cutoff for age.

It is also possible for people w/ disabilities to get on Medicare at a younger age, I didn't look since it wasn't relevant to me, but I suspect that they would also be unable to get services through Plume.

I am NOT looking forward to turning 65, as it appears from all that I've been able to learn, that my health care expenses will INCREASE considerably, and my choices for care will be greatly reduced....

WheelyCurious