Help Please

[gismo729]

Hello,

I need help.

I've been trying to find a doctor to help do tests to determine if I have a uterus internally. I also need to find resources to help in the aid to correct a problem that a doctor made when I was born.

I was born intersexed (hermaphrodite). Although there is no written documentation of what was done to me, I have heard from my mother that an operation was performed to increase the legnth of my ureathra or make it bigger. During the time of my growing up, I was brought up to be as a male, although I always knew deep down that something wasn't quite right. If my interests turned towards men or even an inkling of them, I was threatened by my step dad.

I have a scar that located just above the anal region and travels upward to the scrotum sack. The suture marks can be clearly seen. I've had someone take pictures of this so I can see for myself.

During the time I was growing up, I was constantly run down and ill. My health was in very poor shape. It wasn't until I was put on hormones that my health started to get better. However, with the taking of female HRT, my body has changed over the past year.

I have noticed in the past two months that when I go through the "period" time, there an increase pressure from the inside pressing down on th scar. There are times that it feels like it might slip right open and this has me scared.

As stated before I need help in finding the right doctor who will listen and perform the necessary and right tests to prove what I feel is inside of me....a uterus. So far, the doctors I have seen have not answered any questions and only insist on prescribing pills for what is ailing me. I'm afraid that I'll have to go to the E.R. if the scar breaks open and if they discover I have a uterus, they'll perform a historectomy and never get the truth.

I'm reaching the end of my rope and loosing hope fast. It seems that no doctors want to help figure out what I feel inside is in me. I also don't have the necessary funds to go overseas to get the help I need.

Is there doctors out there that can help me and is there a way I can get help to fix what was done to me at birth?

Sincerely,
Charlene

[beach]

hi charli- welcome,,, sometimes the fix can only come from within.........beach

[Betsy]

Hi Charlene,

Unfortunately we have not had great success in AZ finding compassionation doctors to help answer our questions we have about ourselves.

However, there are many compassionate ones out there who are willing to answer our questions about ourselves.

You may even want to try to visit a gynecologist.

In the meantime, I know that there are many others in similar situations here who might be able to help guide you.

Oh, and welcome!

Betsy

[mark]

Hi. My name Mark. I am a social worker though I am not IS. I am astounded that you cannot find a Dr. who will give you straight answers, and that you and others have to live in fear of what the medical community may do to you if you were to seek help ( for your own good , of course.).
A couple of thoughts I had: is it possible to connect with any of the Doctors that this site endorses by email and explain your situation? If this could happen, perhaps that physician could connect via email to the other physician ( perhaps even one endorsed by the first physician) and explain things.
I'm sure we have all recognized that Drs. tend to listen and respect each other more than we laymen at times.
If possible , I'd also suggest having a lawyer who would ensure that nothing be done except what you consent to without your permission. (Pro Bono? or Legal Aid? just a thought.)
I know these may be tall orders in terms of money.
Talking via email to one of the compassionate physicians endorsed here could get the ball rolling...( another thought: you could print out what that Dr. said and show it to the Dr. you see along with the phone number of the Dr. who responded to you by email; could help , clear this with the Dr. kind enough to respond to you by email, though)
At the very least, getting any Dr. to sign a statement you write about what you do and do not consent to would protect your rights. If needed you could even add it right on any consent for treatment they give YOU to sign! ( if you were to go the emergency room, for example).
I hope any of this is helpful to you. Perhaps others here with a wealth of personal experience can be more helpful. :) I wish the best for you. Mark.

[Katt]

Dear Charlene,
Welcome to the club. You are not alone. Don't worry about the scar. Mine hasn't opened yet... If you have a uterus, you'll probably never find out. If you desire to be a woman, there is no shame in that. There are many hermaphrodites that also qualify as "transgender", as surgeries done at birth are not done at the consent of the victim, and the victim makes his or her choices later in life.
-Katt

[beach]

hay katt ;verry well put,,,BTW my scar hasnt ..burst open YET!!!! so i wouldnt worry..................{the # 1 line in grade-b horror flicks} .......beach

[Janet]

Charlene,
Mark's advice is solid, as many physicians keep in contact with past colleagues and classmates.

Also, physicians that specialize in treating Trans patients might be more open (read: accepting, understanding) to helping you find answers. I'd also check out the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (glma.org) as their providers are more likely to be familiar with your particular concerns.

Theoretically, I don't know why an ultrasound wouldn't work in this instance, and it's a fairly easy test to do.

But Beach is correct as well... the fix does come from inside. We are slippery to define, regardless of how we look on the inside OR outside. Part of our self acceptance occurs when we stop wondering about 'what should be there' or 'what was there', and instead listen to our hearts and minds that clearly tell us, "This is who I am."

Good luck in finding your peace,
Janet

[Katt]

Originally posted by beach
hay katt ;verry well put,,,BTW my scar hasnt ..burst open YET!!!! so i wouldnt worry..................{the # 1 line in grade-b horror flicks} .......beach

A scar that has not opened in 37 years would take a surgeon to open it...provided a surgeon could be found with the willingness to correct the mistake done when I was born. BTW, the "scar" is the most sensitive part I have down there. Even my best friend has the same situation. How we found each other...is still a mystery.
-Katt

[gismo729]

Hello Everyone,

I would like to thank everyone for their kind advice and words. It' s nice to know that there are people out there that can understand and relate to what I'm saying and can offer some help in trying to comfort and console me. This is the first site / time that I've found a group of people that can relate to me and it surprises me.

I'm going to be undergoing some tests from my doctor to try to help figure out what is going on with me.

I will not be leaving this group. I think I've found a "home" to where I can relate to others and talk about things with others that can relate or at least understand what it is I am going through in my life.

Thank you again.

Sincerely,
Charlene

[Janet]

We're glad you found us.

Big hurdles are jumped on these pages, and there always seems to be someone to offer real help, kind words and encouragement.

Welcome to our very real world!
Janet
"When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate on the preservation of the future." Dian Fossey

[mark]

Good Luck, Charlene! :) Mark.