[DATE]
Dear Dr. {dr's name}:
I am scheduled to see you on {date} to address issues associated with
{condition/illness/symptom}.
In past physician interactions, I've found that background information
about me -- which is not necessarily relevant to the condition(s) I'm
seeing the physician for -- has sometimes resulted in our getting sidetracked.
To make the best use of our time together on {date}, I am therefore
sending you this information in advance, so that we can concentrate
on my medically pressing concerns during my visit with you.
I am transgendered - assigned female at birth and currently living
as male. Some key information that other providers have been interested
in knowing include:
~ I began the medical and legal transition from female to male in 1995.
~ I currently inject 140mg of depo-testosterone every 12 days.
~ I had chest reconstructive surgery to form a male appearing chest
in 1995 (double mastectomy with repositioning nipple grafts).
~ I have had no lower (genital) reconstructive surgery (and have no
intention of pursuing this type of surgery).
~ I still have ovaries, cervix and uterus and have no intention of electively
removing these parts.
~ My name and gender designators have been legally changed - my health
insurance records my gender as male.
~ I prefer male pronouns.
I have had minimal health complications as a result of medically transitioning.
Issues that MAY be relevant to our visit include:
~ increased blood lipids (treated with Zetia 10mg/once daily)
~ slightly elevated blood pressure (treated with Toprol 25mg/once daily)
~ polycythemia [(not polycythemia vera) treated with regular phlebotomy]
I would be happy to address any questions you have about my transition
or being transgender either before or after our visit (indeed, my colleague
and I are available to do an inservice training on general transgender
issues for your staff if you wish). You may also wish to consult the
website www.forge-forward.org for further information about female-to-male
transgendered persons.
I look forward to meeting you and discussing [condition/reason for visit]
with you on {date}.
Sincerely,
michael munson
