LATimes.com – Yolanda Reid Chassiakos
The patient never wavered in her quest for a new gender. If only her doctor could be as certain.
The chief complaint written on the young woman’s chart was typically vague ? “personal concern.” It’s a catch-all phrase used at check-in with patients who are uncomfortable talking about private issues with reception or nursing staff.
Many patients with such problems ? often involving sexual health, proctology, gynecology or urology ? feel isolated, reluctant to talk with friends and family for advice or reassurance. Influenced by their own discomfort, they also can fear that their doctors will see their symptoms as unusual or shameful as well.
So I was determined to approach the patient with empathy and sensitivity, acknowledging her hesitation and encouraging open communication. A nonjudgmental, supportive environment would be most likely to lead to effective diagnosis and treatment.
I entered the waiting room and greeted her with a warm smile. The young woman looked like a typical college student of the mid-’90s, dressed in a casual jacket and jeans. Welcoming her into the office, I began with a general question, “How can I help?”
Her direct manner and her answer surprised me ? she did not feel like a woman, but a man in a woman’s body. She was hoping that I could coordinate her physical transition from female to male with hormone treatments and eventual sex reassignment surgery.
It was I who hesitated, who stammered out a response. Of course, of course, I would be happy to help, but I honestly had little experience or information about her needs. I would have to research the necessary resources before I could be of further assistance.