Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

47,612Members
1,358,869Posts
1,400,000Visitors

Right to surgery vs hormone therapy

1tm115Casual Contributor21 Apr 2022, 8:49 pm AEST

Right to surgery vs hormone therapy

Dear Friends,

Background:
I am writing this letter while in admission from the hospital, desperately seeking a helping hand to move forward as I see myself stuck.

I have been diagnosed with PTSD and hypersexuality along with depression, generalized anxiety disorder and OCD. While referring to another specialist for further treatment, my psych has worded "problems are still emerging". Hmm..

Awareness of my mental health issues is just under 9 months, although I have been living with these issues for roughly 34 years. Although I am in my late 40's, I still find it hard to discuss such issues - blame it being born overseas with a different cultural upbringing.

The new specialist has indicated to my current psych of the possibility of hormone therapy (chemical castration) for my hypersexuality issues.

Question:
Being father to two wonderful boys (4yo and 2yo) I just want to get this sexual stuff done with (not a jab every few months) and live in peace with my family with whatever remaining years. Here is my dilemma. Do I have the right to opt for a surgery (orchiectomy) or blindly go with the hormone therapy? Who gets to decide - Psychiatrist or Urologist?

Deeply grateful to any pointers.

Kind Regards,
anonymous

12 replies

11 - 12 of 12

1 2

In response to: Right to surgery vs hormone therapy

1tm115Casual Contributor25 Apr 2022, 10:32 pm AEST

Re: Right to surgery vs hormone therapy

Hi @tyme

Thank you so so much for checking on me. Spoke to someone 2 days ago that sent me in the dumps again. Finally, forced myself to regroup and wrote a half-pager for the doc. Blocked all channels other than to wife and kids, coudnt afford another dip.

Hoping to meet the Psych. tomorrow (as it was Anzac today). Thanks once again to everyone. Blessings !!

In response to: Right to surgery vs hormone therapy

Unknown userMember28 Apr 2022, 12:20 pm AEST

Re: Right to surgery vs hormone therapy

Hi @1tm115, I think those questions you wrote were perfectly fair and reasonable 😊

You mentioned English not being your first language and having some concern over how communication might go.

I can empathise a bit as I have lived overseas in a non-English speaking country, and I know the anxiety that can come from communication if you don't think you'll understand each other well. This at least for me took considerable strength and courage to do it anyway, so I recognise your effort here!

Just as an option (if you're not already aware) - the national Translating and Interpreting Service (https://www.tisnational.gov.au/) offers free interpreting by phone or in-person. Their interpreters are fluent in multiple languages and are professionally accredited. They can assist with interactions with services like doctors, counsellors, or any other appointment.

If you think you'd express yourself best in a native language, an interpreter can do a fluent translation into English for you, and also fluently translate what the other person is saying back into your native language. It's up to you though if you think this would be appropriate or helpful to you 🙂

11 - 12 of 12

1 2