another newbie

[toni]

Hi, I'm Toni. I'm not sure if I belong here - I don't "sound" exactly like anyone I've read about here - but I think that I may have similar issues. I'm going to try to find a doctor that can help me - I guess the starting point is a karyotype, right? Any suggestions? I get an endo and a karyotype to start? Thanks to all for the informative postings - I'm a fairly bright person but the information here is so overwhelming!

[Andre]

Take one topic at a time, or if you identify with someone here, see thier posts. That might lead you to the path you would like to go.

Welcome on board, Toni.

[RGMCjim]

Hi,

Welcome! You're getting a karyotype? That might be helpful depending on a lot of things. If you think you may be intersexed (have some physical characteristics that are both male and female or not quite either) and are having medical problems a karyotype isn't all you need. If you're trying to find out exactly what your intersex condition is it may be a place to start but it might not give you an answer. For example, when I had a workup for intersex they did a sex chromosome test which showed I was XX, but they didn't run a test for CAH so it didn't tell me why I'd been born with ambiguous genitals. They did a CT scan and ultra-sound which told them what I've got inside but they had to do quite a bit of searching to decide what my health care needs are. I had a complete hormone evaluation and learned that the hormone therapy I've been on for over 30 years is just fine. But until a new Doctor reviewed my past medical history to see chemistries, and chronic health problems related to my adrenals no one thought to test me for CAH...

It's not always easy to find a Doctor to meet your needs. What are you hoping to learn? Lots of us here have learned how to advocate for our medical needs the hard way and can probably help you along but we'd need more info!

Jim C.

[Kailana]

Hiya Toni, and welcome again. It i great to see that while you are unsure whether you are intersexed or not, that yo are seeing medical asssistance in finding that out. I would be cautious though. Even with a Karyotype. There are a great many variations in genetics that a Karyotype may not find. Jims advice about CAH, is just one of many possibilities.

From my own experience, i have found that many Doctors tend to ignore medical evidence, and pretty much have there own ideas/opinions. In my case making getting confirmation much more difficult. On the other hand, i have also had very enlightened and very concerned doctors who were much more honest and a great deal more understanding. They provided a much needed reassurance, at least for me, an explanation that made sense i guess to me. I hope you are lucky when it comes to finding a supportive understanding DR., Endo, counsellors. Another thing i would like to mention is that a counsellor, psychiatrists, social worker, or even a good caring friend, can provide a great deal of comfort to you.

While a great deal of the people in this forum are some of the most wonderfull people you would ever likely meet. Having someone local, to talk too, provides a great deal of comfort/acceptance. Try not to keep things in, suppressed emotions/memories can do a great deal of harm. Finding acceptance in the world, in our community, society in general seems to be a great deal easier with knowledge of what we are.

take care and good luck on your medical journey of discovery.
best wishes