Hi all. Without getting too specific I am currently in pain because my doctor refuses to listen to me, constantly invalidates me and claims I’m “making up” the pain in my head and don’t need treatment, then did something that made my issue much worse because they are stubborn that they are correct despite getting everything wrong. I have had support easily for my AVM when I was a child and got surgery, but am struggling as an adult after it has grown back. I do not want to believe it is because I am transgender, but I am starting to think this could be a possibility, especially living in a conservative area. It shows it clearly on my chart, there is no hiding it. I know this is too much to ask for but I’m on my last leg reaching out to anyone out there that may be aware of resources I could look at when it comes to inclusive care. I have bills to pay and can’t even hold a job with the pain. My avm is located in my wrist.
First of all, welcome to our community and hopefully we can be of some assistance and support for you. I was a brain AVMer and from Canada so quite different circumstances. I am a firm believer in second opinion, and although I would like to believe all physicians who have recited the Hippocratic Oath or now The US Doctors Oath follow the intentions fully. My recommendation would be if at all possible to seek further referral, or if needed start with a new primary care provider and seek referral to specialists in that avenue. We see sometimes that AVMs are not well understood in the medical field, and I have learned here that those extremity AVMs can be incredibly challenging. I wish I had more to offer, and hope some of our folks here join in oin their experiences and suggestions. Take Care, John.
Hi @MBA
I understand that Texas is a more difficult place in recent years than it has been, so your concern sounds very valid.
I’ve just done a bit of a Google to see what LGBT-supporting practitioners there are out there and there certainly seem to be websites with references to doctors of all sorts that advertise that they are LGBTQI+ sensitive, for example, I found the following page in San Antonio but there are others across Texas, depending on where you’re based:
Now, this particular link is to do with primary care but that’s probably a good place to start.
Let me know if this helps.
We are here to help as best we can. We are an international community, not limited in our religion or colour or culture toward you or anyone else.
Richard