My doctor may not be this hot, but he’s pretty damn good looking. I saw him on Monday for a check-up. He changed up some of my medicines, and he’s sending me to a sleep study and a headache clinic. These were all things I needed.
We also had a good talk about my health. And this may be hard to believe, but I came out to my doctor for the first time, something I should have done on the first visit. However, in my past, I had a really bad experience with this, so I had been hesitant to do so. I knew though that it’s been a while since I’d been tested for STIs and I knew it was time. I needed to have this talk with my doctor. I did, and it went great. I go back next Thursday for the lab work and tests we decided on.
Overall, I’ve never been happier with a doctor’s office visit.
I grew up in Texas and as I discovered my sexuality I never told my doctor. At the same time I knew it would be in my best health interest to share my lifestyle with my doctor, but I never felt comfortable. I moved to Northern California and with that felt free to share my sexuality and sex life. It made me feel normal! I think that even my older self would have some apprehension sharing my gay sex life with my doctor in Texas if I still lived there. At the very least I would search to make sure I found a doctor that would not judge me and I could be open and myself to ensure I got the proper health advice and care for myself.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that your doctor is someone whom you feel comfortable with and so that you can include your sexuality (the tests). I am particularly happy that he is dealing with your headaches, something that has concerned me ever since I started reading your blog years ago. Roderick
ReplyDeletePREVENTIVE health is what it is all about. We need you to be around for a long time. Yes, being open and honest with your health care provider is essential for maximum benefit. Yes, not all healthcare providers are "enlightened." I worked with a urologist for six years and he had a trans person in his medical class-1980's...He could care less if his patients were gay. I worked at another facility and one of the primary care physicians tracked me down and wanted me to be in a study for HIV negative gay men. I never talked about my sexuality at work. I could care less if they knew I was gay. I guessed I pinged. Glad you found someone trusting. Positive thoughts on your results.
ReplyDeleteI'm always flabbergasted to hear that many gay guys have issues to say to their doctors about their sexual orientation.
ReplyDeleteDoctors aren't obliged to keep that as a professional secret in USA?
For sure with all what is going on in your country, some may refuse to treat you for some
foolish religion believes.
I never had this «shame» or «scary thoughts» to be true to my doctor because this is such important to give him ALL informations that could be dangerous for my good health.
In 1999 I had a boyfriend that was HIV positive and after he told me, I informed my doctor and he had me tested even during many years after I broke up with this guy.
Your good health should be your doctor a priority, no matter what.
When I was in college, I came out to my nurse practitioner (primary care provider). She came out as bi to me, which was absolutely surprising. We are like old friends now. I can tell her anything. It wouldn't have been a good idea to come out to the family doctor that I grew up seeing, because he is very conservative and religious. Now, when I am sick, or need to see a doctor, I drive an hour and a half to see my nurse practitioner. It is worth the drive.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the great Doctor visit.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear you have a sleep study scheduled.
If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it
may be the cause of your headaches. Good luck.
Alexander