Questions & Issues for NHS/United Kingdom Members [Archive] - Crossdressers.com - #1 Community & Forum for Crossdressers, Family and Friends

Rianna Humble

05-01-2010, 08:56 AM

Great link Elizabeth. Here's another that might be helpful:

A guide to hormone therapy for trans people (http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_081580)

I have just started to take my first steps towards getting help under the NHS. It helps that my diabetes nurse, Hazel, is a friend, so I wore nail varnish when "he" went to see her for a regular clinic appointment.

Hazel complimented him on my nail varnish and he asked about the best doctor to approach for a gender consultation.

I have made an appointment with the recommended doctor in 10 days time. Hopefully, that will be my first full step towards being able to transition. I will be happy to share how it goes.

At the moment, I am planning to go as "him" but perhaps with a blouse instead of a shirt, since the doctor won't definitely know why I am going to see her. Does that sound like the right thing to do?

Maryanne_sa

05-02-2010, 07:45 AM

Hi Rianna,

For my first appointment to see the doctor, I went totally dressed as I am very comfortable with how I look, and therefore confident in public.

I guess whether you go dressed or not, depends how you feel in yourself, but make the decision on how you feel about it, not what you think the Doctor might feel or think. It is his or her job to help you and set you on the right path, to a psychiatrist, and then a gender clinic. Just decide how you will feel more comfortable at the appointment. I saw a male doctor.

Good luck and I hope it all goes well, whatever you decide.

Take care,

Maryanne

Carole Cross

05-02-2010, 10:59 AM

Rianna, you don't have to see your GP dressed, the first time I spoke to my doctor about it I was dressed as male. I was then advised to see a counsellor and I was not dressed for the first few visits with her, I was only dressed for the last 2 visits, then when I saw my GP again, I went dressed. You don't need to go dressed, just dress in what makes you feel comfortable until you are ready to go dressed. I don't even think it is necessary to go dressed for your first GIC appointment, although most people do.

Sheila

05-02-2010, 11:19 AM

Rianna, when we first approached our GP re Debs he was dressed as him, when we were referred to the psychiatrist for further help, Debs saw her twice and neither times was dressed as Debs, we did take some pictures of Debs on her phone that we showed her, on our second visit we did take some printed pictures of her dressed, both indoors and out and about.After the second session, she was referred to Charing Cross GIC, and we are now awaiting our first appointment

Debs had previously been to see a clinical psychologist some years previously for different issues, her gender identity was touched on in those sessions, but no further action was deemed required at that time ..........

Hope this helps :)

Elizabeth great idea for the thread :)

Sandra

05-02-2010, 11:28 AM

Rianna

Nigella first went fully dressed as in trousers and top, with forms as well, as she was already presenting female full time.

The main thing is for you to go in whatever clothing you feel the most comfy in.

Elizabeth 66

05-02-2010, 12:18 PM

Do you have to see a psychiatrist before you can go to a GIC, because my GP has referred me and i haven't seen a psychiatrist yet.

Sheila

05-02-2010, 12:25 PM

Elizabeth it was done that way with Debs because she had already attended there for other issues previously and had seen her then, so a follow up for the gender issues was seen as a logical way to go, as she was seen by the clinics psychiatrist who saw her a few years ago ........... I don't think it is normal to be seen by a psychiatrist in that order

Kieron Andrew

05-02-2010, 12:25 PM

Do you have to see a psychiatrist before you can go to a GIC, because my GP has referred me and i haven't seen a psychiatrist yet.

Yes the GP should refer you to a local psych first who then will in turn refer you to the GIC that your PCT has a contract with...most probably charing cross, charing cross i know will NOT take direct referrals from the GP

Elizabeth 66

05-02-2010, 01:14 PM

The GIC that he has referred me to is actually in Manchester... i would have thought that he would have told me if they refused the referral, maybe different pct have different procedures..

Sheila

05-02-2010, 01:18 PM

Elizabeth, how long since you had your referral ?

Elizabeth 66

05-02-2010, 01:20 PM

only about two weeks ago when they said...

Sheila

05-02-2010, 01:24 PM

Debs got told the physc would refer her when we saw her at the end OCT ......... by the time we got round to checking up with Charring, they told us the referral did not get to them till Feb, and they just got out to sending us the first set of paperwork on 22nd April ............. which will now have to be resent out to us as we have just got round to telling them about our move and we had to write to them with the address change, they would not take it over the phone :sad:

Kieron Andrew

05-02-2010, 01:25 PM

The GIC that he has referred me to is actually in Manchester... i would have thought that he would have told me if they refused the referral, maybe different pct have different procedures..

i know of a few FtMs in Manchester there actually isn't a GIC in Manchester the one that is advertised is run and owned by the owner of the infamous transformation shops and they are a rip off scheme...what your dr has probably done is referred you to a psych in manchester who will in turn refer you to charing cross

Nigella

05-02-2010, 01:32 PM

It will all depend upon your PCTs referral process. I had to see a general psychiatrist to confirm that I fitted the Transgender spectrum. I think it is a way of weeding out the game players.

The psychiatrist wrote to my GP to confirm that I was in the TG spectrum and confirmed that he would support a referral to a GIC.

My GP contacted the PCT to ask for a referral, who then wrote back agreeding to fund the process and asked for me to choose which GIC I wanted to go to, a choice of 3 for me.

I choose to go to Leeds and waited for the referral to be made and then for the appointment.

In all from seeing my GP in Sep/Oct 2009 to getting a date in May 2010 to have my first appointment at Leeds was almost 8 months.

Kieron Andrew

05-02-2010, 01:33 PM

Elizabeth 66

05-02-2010, 01:46 PM

i will have to wait and see what happens then.. i will have to be patient, no pun intended...

Maryanne_sa

05-02-2010, 03:58 PM

Elizabeth 66

05-02-2010, 04:32 PM

I will check with him, but he said it was in Manchester, so i think it could be saint marys also..

Andrea Ramsay

05-06-2010, 07:27 AM

With me I will be referred by my doctor to the sandy-ford clinic as they have a psychologist in house. Some clinics may not have an in-house service it just depends on the level of need in each area. I know that for srs it will be done in London unless I can save the money and go private for that part.

I will be studying in Glasgow for a minimum of 4 years and the clinic is there. Will also be living in private student halls not owned by the college. But the college is very anti-discrimination and is the first that I have seen that states gender reassignment on their equality and diversity statement.

NiCo

05-08-2010, 04:04 AM

here is a list of gender clinics in the UK, unfortunately most primary care trusts seem to have a contract with charing cross which means travelling for most of us

Glasgow GIC, Sandyford, Glasgow
Leeds Gender Identity Services, Leeds
Charing Cross Hospital Hammersmith, London
Nottingham GIC, Nottingham
Porterbrook GIC, Sheffield
The Laurels Community Mental Health Team, Newton Abbot (soon to be moving to Exeter)

Also; Cherry Knowle Hospital, Sunderland for those in the North East of England. Beware, the waiting list is stupidly long and so too is Porterbrook clinic [I got told to wait three years LOL no].

8 months is brilliant Nigella, i hear horror stories about girls within northern PCTs that say they have waited over 2 years and more...i waited 6 months myself to go to charing cross

8 months is good for the North-Midlands area of England; however, I waited only one month at the Sandyford in Glasgow which was refreshing since I’d been waiting several years for Sunderland and Porterbrook to see me…ended up going private it’s that daft! Then again, the resources for trans treatment is scarce and in high demand.

Carole Cross

05-08-2010, 06:14 AM

As far as I know the referral can only be by a psychiatrist. My Gp tried to get a refferal for me,as the pscychiatrist said he did not need to see me, and was told that the pschiatrist has to me to give a refferal. You cannot get a referral without a local psychiatric evaluation.

It would seem that some GPs and psychiatrists are still unaware of the correct procedures for GIC refferal. My refferal was delayed by two months because of this.

Elizabeth 66

05-08-2010, 06:17 AM

I have spoken to my doctor and confirmed i have been referred to Dr Webster a psychiatrist at St Mary's in Manchester.

Rianna Humble

05-11-2010, 04:34 AM

I have made an appointment with the recommended doctor in 10 days time. Hopefully, that will be my first full step towards being able to transition. I will be happy to share how it goes.

In the end, I wore men's trousers & jacket over my clothes with my new heels, so a sort of compromise on the dress aspect.

I wasn't quite sure how to begin, so I gave her a very abridged overview but stressed that this is a situation that has now become intolerable for me.

I mentioned that, thanks to colleagues, I am now able to dress at work on three days of the week, but that every time I have to switch back, I get this gut-wrenching feeling. I also told her that I feel that I am living a sham whenever I have to put on male clothing.

Dr Hill listened very sympathetically to what I told her then admitted that she hasn't much experience with Gender Dysphoria but said she was willing to undertake the journey with me. She also said that she realised it "took a lot of guts to talk to someone you don't know about this".

She asked what I wanted to get out of my visit to her today. I told her that I probably needed to start with counselling but my aim was referral to a Gender Identity Clinic such as Charing Cross and ultimately to become the woman that I know I really am.

Dr Hill is going to contact someone in Brighton (which happens to be where I work) who has more specialist knowledge of the sort of counselling I might need than the local mental health hospital a few miles from my home. The
colleague is also specialised in PsychoSexual problems, so I took the opportunity to stress that this is not a sexual thing in my case.

She will call me when she hears back from the colleague in Brighton and we will meet up again in about 3 weeks to discuss the next steps. I am more sure than ever that I am doing the right thing and that Dr Hill is the right person to help me.

Thank you all for your advice, I'm sure I will need more in the coming weeks and months.

Rianna Humble

06-02-2010, 05:23 PM

I've just received an appointment at the outpatients of my local NHS Mental Health trust and don't know what to expect. I'm excited and apprehensive at the same time.

Can anyone enlighten me?

Kieron Andrew

06-02-2010, 05:29 PM

I've just received an appointment at the outpatients of my local NHS Mental Health trust and don't know what to expect. I'm excited and apprehensive at the same time.

Can anyone enlighten me?

you'll just get asked very basic family history, also things like when did you realise you were different?, what clues made you realise you were different....it will be fine, just questions to see if you need more counselling or whether they feel they can refer you directly to a GIC, i had one appt with the local NHS psych and was referred straight away by him to charing cross, best of luck..when is your appointment?

Rianna Humble

06-03-2010, 12:15 AM

Thanks for the information, Kieron. My appointment is 1 week from today - 10th June at 10:30 a.m.

kay_jessica

06-03-2010, 01:07 PM

My Doctor, who obviously did not know the proceedure, referred me directly to Charing Cross, who after months, wrote back to him to tell him that I had to see a Pychiatrist first.

I was then referred to Queen Mary's hospital and saw a psychiatrist and a psychologist (at the same time). After which they were happy to refer me to Charing Cross.

So yes, you will need to see a Psychiatrist first, otherwise, months are wasted.

Take Care,

Maryanne

My GP tried to do the same. Fortunately, I was able to correct him without having to wait months for an abrupt letter from CX. On the subject of "Do you go dressed or not?". Well I didn't on my initial GP visits, but did on my psychiatrists visits (I had 2, because he was late for the first and was unable to spend as much time as he needed). Going dressed was quite rewarding, for me anyway. I am very comfortable being Kay so actually going dressed was not a problem. What was rewarding was that the psychiatrist openly admitted that he was not expecting me dressed and did not even realise that I was his patient waiting in his reception as he rather embarrassingly assumed that the male patient sat opposite me was me. Hmm. But no, you don't have to go dressed to either. But if you are comfortable presenting in public, why not? He/She and the clerical staff will already knows you are trans so its no big deal. Just go and have fun.

Hugs

Kay

Katiegirl

06-09-2010, 04:53 PM

I have not posted for sometime but on reading some of the posts I think the the following information might be useful:-

I transitioned at work on the 29th Feb 2008 and my first visit to the Gender Clinic at Charring Cross Hospital was in May 2008 to see psychiatrist Dr Lorimer for an hour. My second was in September 2008 to see Dr Davies which resulted in me being prescribed Hormone therapy treatment.
I then went to see Lorimer and Davies about every 4 months in turn until November 2009 and which point Davies recommented me for surgery and subsequently received an appointment to see Mr Bellringer on the 1st March 2010 (2 years after transitioning).
The appointment went well and a surgery date was fixed for 15th April 2010. Unfortunately for unknown reasons the surgery was cancelled on that day and I had to return home. I now have an appointment to see Mr Bellringer on the 28th June for another surgery date most likely in August.
At the beginning of March 2010 I applied and was granted my Gender Recognition Certificate and I am now legally a woman.
Note
GR Surgery will only be considered by the NHS until after 2 years from your proven transition date

Hope the information is useful enen though it has been considerably condensed.

Katie

Nigella

07-22-2010, 12:18 PM

This may not be the right thread for this, but as it is only relevant to the UK, I think it is the best place.

A new UK law will come into effect in October 2010 which makes a lot of major changes for TRANSEXUALS, please note this does not affect TRANSVESTITES.

This (http://www.acas.org.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=2833&p=0) link from ACAS, gives a breakdown of the major changes.

The biggest change that I have seen is that there is no longer a requirement for a person who is living in the gender that is opposite to their birth gender, to be under medical supervision to be classed as Transgender by definintion.

Anyway have a look, hope it helps some of you :love:

Kieron Andrew

07-22-2010, 12:36 PM

please note this does not affect TRANSVESTITES.

Actually in a way it does, i sat in on the talk Stephen Whittle gave about the new law at Sparkle, and it protects TS, TV and partners from harrassment, because the new law says that for TRANSGENDER people (covering ALL) if someone verbally says they INTEND to transition in the FUTURE (whether they actually do or not)...they are instantly covered by the law both at home or at work...they don't even have to follow through with that transition straightway...it is the INTENT to transition that covers ALL Transgender people in this law as long as they say it to someone that they INTEND to transition....also partners and family members of trans people are also covered by the harrassment laws for home, work, goods and services by 'association' of being a partner/friend of a trans person

*note i have bolded words because this is to show the wording of the law as it is now*

Stephen did state that Press For Change is working on changing the law even more so that words Gender Ressignment and Transsexual are scrapped completely to cover all Trans People transitioning or not regardless, but im sure this is some time away, but for now it is a huge step for all trans people in the UK :)

Nigella

07-24-2010, 01:50 PM

Unfortunately Kieron, the UK law does not specifically cover transvestites. Some aspects of the new laws can cover transvestites, but only in the same way it would cover a number of other groups.

Our politicians consider transvestism to be a lifestyle choice, which means they will not legislate specifically for them.

The link I put up was from the ACAS site which advises employers. As a last point, until the new law is challenged in the courts it is nothing more than a piece of legislation. The courts make rulings on individual cases which can and sometimes do change the specific wording/meaning of the original legislation, this is called case law.

Rianna Humble

07-24-2010, 04:25 PM

HM Government has published guidance that helps to interpret the intent of the act, in there we can read:

Section 7: Gender reassignment
Effect
41. This section defines the protected characteristic of gender reassignment for the purposes of the Act as where a person has proposed, started or completed a process to change his or her sex. A transsexual person has the protected characteristic of gender reassignment.

42. The section also explains that a reference to people who have or share the common characteristic of gender reassignment is a reference to all transsexual people. A woman making the transition to being a man and a man making the transition to being a woman both share the characteristic of gender reassignment, as does a person who has only just started out on the process of changing his or her sex and a person who has completed the process.

The examples imply that a person has to have started to live their life in the opposite gender to come under the protection of this Act, but no longer needs to have sought medical help.

From this guidance, I think it is clear that a Cross-dresser or Transvestite does not have (in the words of the Act) "the protected characteristic of gender reassignment" since they have not begun living their life in a new gender.

Sarah Ellis

09-16-2010, 03:36 PM

I've not posted here in a while. But some of you may know my story in full. But basically to summarize, that after years of depression and courses of counseling by a psychologist, I eventually told my GP of my gender issues. She then referred me to another psychologist whom I told exactly what I had told my GP. I was then referred to the Cherry Knowles Hospital where I still await a reply from them for a date to see someone. Although they did confirm earlier this year that I am on their list.

They did say it could take around 4-6 months though. But the likelihood is that it may well be longer. I will be trying to chase it up though by the end of next month if I still hear nothing.

Rianna Humble

09-16-2010, 03:48 PM

Hi Sarah, I'm glad to see you at least got on their waiting list. I know how frustrating the NHS waits can be - it looks like Charing Cross will have to make a second approach to my local PCT for funding - that's if the government doesn't break up the PCT before they can make a decision. If they do, the cost of my treatment will form a very significant proportion of the funding available to my GP and I won't want to hold my breath waiting for them to decide that I am a priority case.

I hope you hear soon about your appointment, and good luck chasing it. :hugs:

RachelDee

11-09-2010, 07:07 PM

Hi all,

I hope this is the right thread to post this (I thought a new thread would be pointless with this one here) but ive been trying to find as much information on the process of gender issues with the NHS as i can over the past few days. Just so i know what to expect in terms of counselling & referals (and waiting times). I have seen many videos on YouTube of people who have transitioned who live in the US etc, but i was trying specifically to find one in the UK. The following video (from June 2010) mentions the NHS process.

Starts at around 2:25
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL676iFlsvs

There are a number of videos by the same person describing their journey too (if you wish to look) but this one deals with the NHS issues specifically.

On a personal note; I must admit that after i heard this i felt a bit angry, and uncertain. Seeing the avatars here im not sure this will be an issue for a lot of people, however the idea of living full time as a women before any assistance is given is one that i cannot really get my head around. :eek: The fact they would knowingly let you self medicate hormones, and still not refer you seems horrendous.

Melody Moore

11-10-2010, 12:28 AM

Hi Rachel.... what a load of BS that is?.... I would immigrate - screw being forced to tolerate that type of Bigotry in Britain.

Holland or Australia sounds like your best bet.

Rianna Humble

11-10-2010, 02:46 AM

The YouTube video person's experience is not necessarily typical. The NHS standards of care say that she should have been seen by a psychiatrist before being referred to a Gender Identity Clinic. This step seems to have been omitted. In at least one of the GIC's you are discouraged from beginning your RLE before you have been fully assessed by the clinic staff.

My own problem with the way the NHS does this is around the funding process. In particular the fact that each Primary Care Trust is free to set its own process for determining who should be allowed to be treated at a GIC. It seems that my local PCT has got its own system but hadn't informed the doctors what that system is. My doctor followed the national guidelines and referred me to the GIC after psychiatric evaluation, but the PCT seems to be ignoring the request for funding because it didn't follow their unusual practice :sad:

Nigella

11-10-2010, 01:47 PM

Funding etc within the UK is very much down to local PCTs, (Primary Care Trusts), that is those who hold the purse strings. Originally my PCT had no funding available for TGs, then in the new financial year, funding became available. The first step taken was referral to a general psychiatrist. He determined that I was a suitable for referral to the GIC.

I was not referred by my GP until the PCT had agreed to fund my progress through them. Once funding was agreed I was referred to Leeds GIC and had 3 assessment meetings after which I was seen by the Consultant Psychiatrist and my Clinical Nurse Specialist. These meeting were to determine my suitability for entering the care pathway. Fortunately for me, I was classed as a Primary Transexual with Gender Dysphoria.

It is only at this point did the GIC provide the necessary medical support to begin transition. The first stage is for the TS to begin living the life of a female full time, this includes an official name change, working or volunteering in the choosen gender and provide evidence of this action being taken. This can take a period of time and as much help as possible is given to overcome any difficulties that the TS has. A TS will not be referred to an endocrinologist by the GIC until such satisfactory evidence is produced.

I cannot comment on the disparity others are having on their journey through the NHS, but I have been fortunate that my journey has been a smooth one and because I have lived as Nigella for five + years, my journey started in the NHS system in May and I am just waiting for an appointment to see the Endo. That is quick compared to others.

RachelDee

11-10-2010, 08:30 PM

The first stage is for the TS to begin living the life of a female full time, this includes an official name change, working or volunteering in the choosen gender and provide evidence of this action being taken. This can take a period of time and as much help as possible is given to overcome any difficulties that the TS has. A TS will not be referred to an endocrinologist by the GIC until such satisfactory evidence is produced.

When you say help is given to overcome any difficulties, do you mean that they will assist with things like hair removal/voice training and such?

Rianna Humble

11-11-2010, 12:27 AM

When you say help is given to overcome any difficulties, do you mean that they will assist with things like hair removal/voice training and such?

Although I haven't yet been able to attend, I know that voice coaching is available, but I don't think hair removal is

RachelDee

11-11-2010, 07:17 PM

Really? That's sad to hear. I wish you luck with it though, and would be interested to hear your updates if you wish to share them in future :)

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Gender-dysphoria/Pages/Introduction.aspx

I find it confusing how the NHS website's guideline of care is seemingly totally different to what the actual care is for this condition.

Nigella

11-16-2010, 01:28 PM

When you say help is given to overcome any difficulties, do you mean that they will assist with things like hair removal/voice training and such?

Voice training is available within my GIC, however, I don't think any GIC offer any assistance with "cosmetic" changes, that is hair removal, trachea shave etc. By difficulties, I mean that if you find it difficult to go 24/7, initially, they will work with you to get to that point.

Steph Butterfield

12-06-2010, 08:53 AM

For anyone in the North East of England reading this who wants referral to the local gender indentity service, the service will take referrals direct from a GP. When I requested referral to gender identity clinic in 2005 I wasn't presenting as female as I was still living as a male. I was still attending the psychology dept locally when I did my deed, and at this point i presented as female.

The Sunderland Gender Clinic is very patient centred

Stephanie

Carole Cross

12-13-2010, 04:47 PM

If you are lucky, your PCT funding may include one or more of hair removal, trachea shave and breast augmentation. Many do not offer funding for these it is really down to the infamous 'postcode lottery', I will only get funding for my grs. Your GP should be able to tell you what is covered in your funding.

I decided to go full time before my first visit to Charing Cross and they seem to have no issue with this, I haven't heard before of any GIC discouraging patients from doing this, it is down to the patient to decide.

Nigella

12-14-2010, 04:35 PM

Carole, PCTs are funded via the NHS and whilst they are able to be autonimous about where they spend their funding, the NHS do set some rules. The procedures you have described are considered to be cosmetic and as such the NHS have said they are not to be funded as part of transition. Having said that, the PCT can decided to fund such procedures.

This is very much based on an individual basis, primarily the lead medical professional in each case will have to decide if such procedures are essential to the well being of the TS.

You are right about being full time prior to going to a GIC. The main aspect of the transition is that it is at the pace of the individual who is going through the process, as such people are accepted on to a program at any stage of their transition.

Sarah Ellis

02-09-2011, 07:35 PM

This one needs an update in my case.

You know the rest of my story this week. But basically, I have to now start the first stage, getting to know others, letting others (that I already know) be aware of who I am and my intentions and to get myself comfortable in that role. I have already been referred to the voice coach clinic and a another therapist. As with most of us in the UK, only when this is done and I have made progress will I then be referred to the endo. It's bloody hard work though.

I did mention to the psychiatrist at the clinic the other day of things like t- blockers (anti androgens) and she discouraged me from trying anything like that.

On the subject of surgery (NOT SRS), my PCT may or may not provide this as it's all down to funding again. Hell, they wouldn't even fix my eyelid last year and that was before I'd took this step.

Kittie

03-03-2011, 08:35 AM

A few months ago a took the first step to try and get on the transition bus. I went to my GP and explained that I believe I am TS and want to be put on hormones, which resulted in me being referred to a consultant at an outpatient clinic. Here I tried to explain my feelings in more depth and I was diagnosed with gender dysphoria. I was then told she will apply for funding for me to have an assessment at Charing Cross. I recieved a letter this morning and I now have another appointment at the same outpatient clinic, can anyone give me any ideas what this will be for? I didn't think I would need to go back. Because I'm so insecure I'm worried that there is going to be bad news or something...
:doh:

Carole Cross

05-08-2011, 11:44 AM

Nigella

05-08-2011, 02:57 PM

Same with me Deborah, my PCT offered Sheffield, Nottingham or Leeds. I think that down south CX is more than likely the preferred choice for PCTs.

Rianna Humble

05-08-2011, 03:01 PM

Unfortunately it seems that most PCTs are still referring patients to Charing Cross and not using clinics that are nearer to them. I think the only way to change this is for patients to ask the PCT themselves although there is no guarantee that the PCT will agree to this.

Problem is, there are only a small number of NHS Gender Clinics and if the PCT refers you to a private facility, they will use a greater proportion of the budget that they have reserved for this condition :sad:

Charing Cross was never ever mentioned to me, I was referred routinely to Nottingham - perhaps the PCTs in the East Midlands are more aware?

East Midlands will be in the Nottingham Gender Clinic's catchment area/ Just as well since Charing Cross seems to be the only one in the South

Rianna Humble

05-12-2011, 05:18 PM

All of a sudden, 48 weeks has come down to just over 3 and the time for my first appointment at Charing Cross GIC is nearly upon me. At the moment, I'm swinging between elation at the thought that the waiting is nearly over and dread of what is going to happen.

Although I am now 10 month into my RLE, I still haven't made any real progress with my voice.

I really don't know what to expect from this first appointment, can anyone put my mind at rest or at least give me some pointers for what to expect?

What sort of preparation shoud I do for this first appointment?

Carole Cross

05-13-2011, 03:37 AM

You don't need any preparation for the appointment, just arrive there on time and have any paperwork you may need such as deed poll, NHS number and letter from your employer as to when you went full time at work as a female employee. Don't worry about your voice or any mannerisms, they are not there to judge you on those just be honest to any questions they ask. You will be fine.

Natasha_C

05-21-2011, 06:47 PM

Hi… Please may I ask for help. I have my appointment with my GP on Monday and just wondered will he ask any questions I need to be prepared for ? It’s quite a large practice of doctors so he doesn’t know me very well and I just want to make sure I get the appointment with a psychiatrist for the C Cross referral without any problems.

Rianna Humble

05-22-2011, 03:28 AM

Hi Natasha, I know how you feel about the first appointment to discuss this with your GP - when I went along I was dirt scared and excited at the same time and had absolutely no idea how to explain it. In the end it all just sort of came out.

The main thing that my GP wanted to know was what sort of help I would like her to give me. You already know the answer to that one - you want a referral to a psy who can write a report for your referral to Charing Cross. They do need to "assess" whether you might have any psychiatric complications, but there is nothing to worry about with that.

The other thing you can ask your GP to do is to check on how your local PCT handles funding requests for GID - my local one does tghings in a non standard way and that delayed my appointment at Charing Cross :sad:

Best of luck with your GP, please let us know how you get on.

Carole Cross

05-22-2011, 06:16 AM

Hi natasha, when I saw my GP I told him 'I think I was born the wrong gender' and took it from there. I was very nervous but I knew I had to do it rather than continue to live a lie. Once you initially get the message across it should be easier to talk about it as you can express your inner feelings. It can be frustrating at times getting treatment on the NHS as there are long waiting times and sometimes you have to chase things up yourself but you will get there in the end.

Natasha_C

05-23-2011, 05:38 PM

RachelDee

06-15-2011, 08:06 PM

My GP asked me where I wanted her to refer me to (originally it would be at Nottingham) but I told her Charing Cross because the doctor I see currently is in London so its probably going to be easier if its in the same place. Though it will likley be some time before I get any kind of appointment.

Would any of your happen to know if an orchiectomy would be funded by NHS gender clinics at all?

Nigella

06-16-2011, 12:36 PM

I don't believe that this would be funded. Any procedure that is considered to be "cosmetic" is not normally funded as part of the funding available for GI. If there is a requirement, I would believe that they would recommend a full SRS procedure.

RachelDee

06-16-2011, 03:37 PM

I believe so, although if you're intending full GRS then surely by having an orchidectomy the surgeons would have less material to work with when the time came?

Well they don't remove anything but the testicles right. Through an opening just above your, umm you know. Just below the belly button.

I dont imagine it would make any difference to GRS that hormones/anti-androgens wouldnt do already?

Any procedure that is considered to be "cosmetic" is not normally funded as part of the funding available for GI.

Not sure I would call it cosmetic though? It does not really change how anything looks (and I dont go round showing people lol....). But I would say has a significant health benifit by reducing the amount of Estrogen you need to take, and removing the need for anti-androgens? I think thats pretty win-win. Especially if the NHS is paying for the medication (over time that would all add up right).

It's a lot cheaper than SRS too. I can have SRS at any time as its not something that will be apparent to other people, or really chance much - but for the immediate future I think an orchidectomy would be helpful to transition. Perhaps I have this wrong?

Nigella

06-16-2011, 03:57 PM

Cosmetic may have been the wrong choice of words, but that is what the NHS consider any surgery, apart from SRS, to be.

The NHS will not, IMHO, pay for two operations. The orchidectomy would be more costly than the medication even though you will be on estrogen for the rest of your life. Anti-androgens are only needed till the point that either the hanging bits go, or your body naturally reduces the T.

Having said that, I have found that PCTs work differently so one size does not fit all. A simple answer is to ask when you start on the care pathway.

Carole Cross

06-18-2011, 11:38 AM

Thank you for all your help. I was just honest and am now on my way to a local psychiatrist. My doctor surprisingly asked me lots of questions and whilst he tried I dont think really understood this condition but it doesnt matter as I'm on my way. Not sure how long I have to wait now but am so pleased to be on the road & thank you again for all your help.

This is one of the main problems when going to see your GP, most of them probalby have no experience in dealing with patients with GD and do not know the correct procedures. There are NHS guidelines but many will not have seen them prior to seeing thre patient. I was lucky in that my GP seemed to know some of the procedure and I also did some research myself beforehand. The government has produced a couple of surveys for the trans community, to help them improve the process of treatment for GD across the NHS. The first one is now closed but the second can be found here: http://www.equalities.gov.uk/pdf/2nd%20transgender%20e-bulletin.pdf

Carvery Carly

06-20-2011, 06:32 AM

Just came back from doctors and told them about my GD. Luckily, the doctor I saw already has patients who are GD, so that was a bit easier for me explaining things as I'm sure she knew how to deal with it better.
She asked the usual questions - "how long I've felt like this" etc. She also asked me "What do you want me (doctor) to do to help".
She explained it's a long process as they want to make sure it's what I want to do. Got to talk to different people as it will affect others (SO and kids) as well.
After I explained myself and my feelings, she said she was going to get in touch with a therapist. I asked if that would be Nottingham or CX. She said no, it would be someone local first then I'd have to go back to her and then get referred onto CX.
She asked me if I was ok to have letter for therapists appointment come to my home address, I said no and gave her my works address. I'm more than likely be a work than at home. So it would be easier to pick up letter.
I asked her about time scale to see therapist, she said 6 to 8 weeks.
I hate waiting.

Sorry to waffle but I just wanted to share my news, as I'm excited and nervous of how things at last (after nearly 40 yrs of feeling like this) are progressing, albeit at a snails pace.

Much love,
Carly.

PS when I eventually see therapist, what's the usual procedure. Do I have to explain myself and my feelings to them, except more in depth than what I did to the doctors?
Please could someone let me know what to expected as I'm a nervous/shy person at the best of times.

Rianna Humble

06-20-2011, 02:59 PM

That's a great start, Carly! I'm so glad that your doctor is being supportive :hugs:

You do have to see a local therapist first so that they can help screen you for other possible problems that could get in the way of helping you to deal with your Gender Dysphoria, but don't get too nervous about it, (s)he will be there to help you. When I had my appointment last year, the Mental Health doctor asked me if I preferred to tell her about myself or answer direct questions. I opted for a bit of each starting with me telling her how this had affected me over the years. She had some standard questions to ask to screen out other mental health complications, but I felt very relaxed with her and able to say what was on my mind.

I had told her that I felt violentlysick every time I had to put on men's clothing, but I didn't understand why it was not so bad when I dressed as a man in the office. She suggested that it might be because the others knew I was only pretending to be a man. That made a lot of sense to me.

BTW, if at the end of the appointment, the therapist says she will make her recommendation "right away" you need to know that this does not mean the same thing inNHS terms as it does in English :heehee: so be prepared to be patient.

Carvery Carly

07-12-2011, 03:00 AM

Happy news.
Got my appointment letter through yesterday (11th July) to go and see the therapist on the 11th August at 11am at the local hospital's Mental Health Unit.
When I see the words Mental Health, it makes me sound like I'm a nutter, which is miles from it.
Or is it just me reading between the lines?

All I have to do is confirm that the date is convenient then it's ok.

Another bloody month to wait. Why does Time go so slow when you don't want it to?

I'm nervous and excited at the same time. Is that a rational feeling to have?

How should I prepare myself for the appointment, i.e mentally and physically?
Should I write down some questions/feelings?

Much love,
Carly.

Rianna Humble

07-12-2011, 04:20 AM

Hi Carly, that's great news about your appointment! :balloons:

Don't worry about it being with the Mental Health trust, this is normal procedure to screen against other problems that could either mimic the effects of GID or complicate the treatment.

Yes it is perfectly normal to be nervous and excited at the same time - I was before my appointment at the local Mental Health trust and before my first appointment at the Gender Clinic.

The best way you can prepare is just to relax and take it easy, but one thing to be very clear about at the start of the appointment is to let them know your purpose is to get a recommendation to a Gender Clinic.

The doctor I saw asked me if I wanted to tell her about myself or answer questions. In the end I did both. There will be some standard screening questions, just answer them simply and I am sure it will all go well.

Carvery Carly

07-14-2011, 06:59 PM

Happy news.
All I have to do is confirm that the date is convenient then it's ok.

Phoned to confirm that date for appointment is ok.
Only 3 weeks and 6 days to go.:) & :sad:

Much love,
Carly.

Nigella

08-14-2011, 01:04 PM

For those UK girls who are unsure of the way forward, here is my experience of the route I followed to get to the LEEDS GENDER IDENTITY CLINIC and their requirements:

Please note that a specific time frame has not been included as they will differ for each person

Visit my GP to discuss my transgenderism

GP refers me to a psychiatrist at the local Mental Health Unit, this is to ascertain there are no other issues affecting the way I was feeling.

Return to GP to discuss the results of the visit to psychiatrist.

GP applies to Primary Care Trust for funding. Funding may come from other sources due to changes to NHS funding going on within the NHS at present.

PCT approve funding and offer choice of 3 GICs LEEDS, Sheffield and Nottingham.

Appointment at LEEDS GIC for assessment.

Requirement by GIC - Initial meeting with Gender Specialist and Clinical Nurse Specialist to discuss GIC requirements and my expectations. Up to 5 further meetings with Clinical Nurse Specialist, with a minimum of 3 meetings. Final meeting with Gender Specialist and Clinical Nurse Specialist to discuss diagnosis.
PLEASE NOTE it is only at this point that an official diagnosis of GID is made. Up to this point LEEDS GIC are only assessing you.

After diagnosis the care pathway you will follow will depend upon your own circumstances.

My own experience, provided evidence of living in "role" and further meetings with Clinical Nurse Specialist while waiting for appointment with Endocrinologist. This was a quick route because I had been living as Nigella for 5 years before seeking any "medical" assistance.

Other UK based members, please add your understanding of the process for the GIC you have used. It is hopefull to build a picture of the basic requirements for each PCT/GIC within the UK. If there are sufficient replies, it may be possible to create a sticky with all the information to help those who come after us.

Shelly Preston

08-16-2011, 04:03 AM

NHS Scotland

There are basically 4 main consultants in Scotland, who handle anyone with Gender Dysphoria.

The clinics are based in :-
( NHS Highlands), (NHS Grampian), (NHS Lothian) and (NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (Sandyford Clinic))

Only the Sandyford Clinic will take self referrals, whilst the others work through the General Practitioners.

This is not ideal for some who only need advice. but have no wish to alert their G.P.’s, however that is the current system. Should anyone be taken into any programme under the control of the above,

Then they will advise the person’s G.P. as the G.P. is the person responsible for the patients welfare. Hormones are issued by the G.P. under approval from the consultant, so at some point the person needs their G.P.’s assistance.

There are currently new Gender Reassignment protocols being compiled by the NHS / Scottish Government, and self referral to all clinics is part of the review.

Anyone in Scotland can refer to the Sandyford clinic, and distance is no longer a barrier.
I believe Sandyford are now allowed to take self referrals from some areas in Northern England, which is a recent policy change

If any one needs the name of a particular consultant for an area, please send me a pm.

Natasha_C

08-24-2011, 07:18 AM

It is my NHS psychiatrist appointment tomorrow so I am pleased to be making steady progress. The letter says the appointment is 1 hour which is quite long. I wondered does anyone know what type of questions they are going to ask ? I am just going to be honest, but if anyone can help a little what I can expect I would be so grateful.

Rianna Humble

08-24-2011, 12:38 PM

When I went to my appointment, I was dressed and the psy didn't bat an eyelid. She asked me whether I preferred to tell her about myself or answer formal questions, so I replied "we could do a little of each - I'll tell you about myslef then you can ask me anything I haven't covered".

She was a very good listener, at the end she asked me to clarify a couple of points and then introduced the screening questions:

* Have I ever suffered from mental health problems?
* Has anyone else in my immediate family?

and things like that.

At the end she explained that she would send a report to my GP "straight away" (which in English translates to about 4 weeks later) recommending that I be referred to the Gender Identity Clinic and that this would then be forwarded with my GP's referral.

I hope your appointment goes as smoothly

Rianna Humble

10-12-2011, 10:48 AM

Sorry to post 2 on the trot. My 2nd appointment at the GIC ended with the doctor saying he will be writing to my GP to recommend I start Oestrogen and explaining that he wants me to start on a low dose for 6 to 8 weeks then double it if there are no adverse signs.

My question is what possible side effects should I be mentioning to the people I work with most closely? Not so much physical but mental and/or emotional? I realise I shouldn't notice too much for the first couple of weeks, but I want to be as pro-active as possible since I am the first person they have had in my office from day 1.

Sharon

10-13-2011, 01:02 AM

You could warn people that you will be unusually happy and likely to be smiling a lot more often. :)

Some people barely notice emotional changes (other than that happiness thing) while others get walloped by sudden mood swings that seem to come out of nowhere. Personally, I don't see a need for you to warn anybody about possible emotional changes -- just wait and see how you react and then decide if you need to give an explanation.

Carole Cross

10-20-2011, 12:38 AM

I have been on estradiol valerate for 8 weeks now and my breast growth started after 4 weeks and I have noticed a slight reduction in body hair growth and a softening of the skin. I have to be on a low dose for 12 weeks because of complications with my blood test results but should be on a higher dose after that. I have noticed that I can become tearful at times but no real mood swings yet. I was told to not expect many changes in the first few months so I am happy with the progress so far :)

johanna.kitten

02-08-2012, 08:43 AM

I will see the nhs for the first time tomorrow. What to expect? Any advice? By coincidence I jusy had my first delivery of hormones today, took delivery here at the office.... great!

/Johanna

Rianna Humble

02-08-2012, 02:50 PM

If you are talking about the Charing Cross GIC - which of course is not in Charing Cross - then you will meet one of the specialists who will likely become your primary clinician eventually. He will get you talking about yourself and your interests in order to do a preliminary assessment. To be fully included in the program, you will then need to go back at a later date for a second opinion.

My main advice is just be yourself - they are not interested in some kind of fictitious "standard narrative", they are interested in you and in your needs.

johanna.kitten

02-08-2012, 03:03 PM

Yeah, This first one is not at Charing Cross (in Hammersmith), it will be in NW1. If I had my way I'd just rock up at Harley St. and get the initial things done quickly. I do intend to bring lots of documentation with me to support my intentions.

Today I took delivery, at work, of my first batch of hormones. This is soo cool - finally getting somewhere.

/Johanna

Rianna Humble

02-09-2012, 06:51 AM

johanna.kitten

02-09-2012, 02:55 PM

OK, that sounds like your pre-referral screening for other potential mental health complications. Some portray this as gatekeeping, but I see it more as due diligence.
The psychiatrist will be looking to understand where you are coming from and whether you need any additional support from mental health practitioners. Again, the only advice I can offer is be yourself.

Incidentally, did you know that the Charing Cross GIC in Fulham is part of the same NHS Trust as Broadmoor? :eek:

Hey sorry for the late reply. I just came out from NHS, and too right it was this first screening. I got my referral to Charing X. :) no worries at all, the Dr that saw me was in no way specialist in this area but had actually referred 6 others before me.

Broadmoor, no way! Scary, that looks more like a HM Prison Service to me, and I should know having worked for the Queen
at Worwood Scrubs.

Well, most importantly I have now passed the first screening. One small setback today was that I had my review at work
and they were complaining about my dress code at work. I don't get it, is it the gurly wear or is it just not good enough?
CTO at work has been seen in t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops hot summer days. Hmmm...

/Johanna

Rianna Humble

02-09-2012, 04:37 PM

johanna.kitten

02-09-2012, 09:46 PM

Glad it went well.

At work, you will need to adhere to the male dress code until you start your RLE, then you switch to the female code. At least that is how it was for me. On a side note, this was the point at which management discovered they didn't have a female dress code for me to obey so a group of blokes hurredly wrote one which was a load of rubbish.

Kinda sux, as I do have it in my contract that I can wear whatever I like, it only needs to be smart. So I have been
known to rock up at work en femme, and it has not been a problem, there is basically only one person that had opinions.

Funny that they did not have a female dress code in place, so are you the only one in your place of work?

So, I went to the NHS in male mode pretty much, under dressed, heels, men's fur coat that could pass for femme, woman's
linen trousers, a femme scarf. Not looking very female at all, no bling. I think I'll adopt this style when dealing with the
NHS in the future. I don't know when my next meeting will be, but I really need to prepare for it so I won't be wasting
time.

/Johanna

Rianna Humble

02-10-2012, 01:10 AM

Funny that they did not have a female dress code in place, so are you the only one in your place of work?

No, at my office it must be at least 60% women/girls, bu up until my transition they had never thought to codify what they were allowed to wear.

The blokes who cobbled something together must have all been well into their 50s or more because one requirement was for no hemline at or above the knee. Now most of the girls in my office are between 18 and 35 and none of them had any "suitable" skirts or dresses, so as a compromise they had to be given permission to wear opaque tights. That didn't stop one over-zealous manageress turning one of my friends away because her hemline was above the knee :eek:.

johanna.kitten

02-10-2012, 01:42 AM

That didn't stop one over-zealous manageress turning one of my friends away because her hemline was above the knee :eek:.

Yeah, quite scary. Failing having a good excuse they can always invent one...

Today I'll have to clear with HR what it is that I can't wear. I'd say about +80%
of my closet is Johanna's stuff, so - perhaps I have to go shopping for this
other person. :(

/Johanna

johanna.kitten

02-12-2012, 07:57 AM

Got a little bit of a question for you lot. Researching my alternatives and setting out a roadmap... Do the NHS support hair removal? The thing here is that I have access to free health care in quite a few countries and I'd like to pick the goodies from all of them. I have found one of these countries do the hair removal thingy, but then again - one have to actually go there! :(

/Johanna

Nigella

02-12-2012, 09:06 AM

... The thing here is that I have access to free health care in quite a few countries and I'd like to pick the goodies from all of them. I have found one of these countries do the hair removal thingy, but then again - one have to actually go there! :(

/Johanna

This rather disappoints me, the NHS is the only free service to most people here and it is sometimes very hard to get onto the NHS trans service due to funding. Why am I dissappointed, well, by your own admission you have access to other free services and yet you choose to take an NHS place.

johanna.kitten

02-12-2012, 08:42 PM

This rather disappoints me, the NHS is the only free service to most people here and it is sometimes very hard to get onto the NHS trans service due to funding. Why am I dissappointed, well, by your own admission you have access to other free services and yet you choose to take an NHS place.

I do have this access as I am a taxpayer in nine countries, I just thought it would be easier to use services in the same country I happen to be living in at the moment.

Johanna
/
/
/

johanna.kitten

02-13-2012, 08:31 AM

In my experience the NHS doe not fund hair removal, which country does? If its in the EU perhaps I can take advantage :brolleyes:

It is and I know from experience as I lived there three times.

/Johanna

Nigella

02-13-2012, 11:49 AM

Apololgies I forgot to mention, that to the best of my knowledge, the NHS consider hair removal to be cosmetic and funding for cosmetics is very very limited and would only be done if it became a serious issue.

johanna.kitten

02-13-2012, 01:55 PM

JulieFromYork

02-15-2012, 08:30 AM

Too bad eh? Good one I can pick goodies from so many countries then.

I am tempted (as someone who has spent a long time moving sloooooowllly thru the NHS system (Leeds GIC) ) to say that your attitude to publicly funded health services 'Sux Big Time'

But since this is my first post here I will content myself with wishing you well.

johanna.kitten

02-15-2012, 08:55 AM

I am tempted (as someone who has spen a long time movin sloooooowllly thru the NHS system (Leeds GIC) ) to say that your attitude to publicly funded health services 'Sux Big Time'

But since this is my first post here I will content myself with wishing you .well.

Yeah but it does suck! Meanwhile I get treatment Hong Kong way.

/
"

johanna.kitten

02-17-2012, 03:49 AM

Sorry for keep serial-posting. I'll have my second session with the NHS in a few hours. Not a little bit nervous. :( This time I'm a little bit more prepared having read up on things, asked people that have been and done. I'll be properly dressed this time as well, not overdoing it. Of course it will all be secretly recorded for future reference.

/Johanna at wannabegirl dot co dot uk

Nigella

02-17-2012, 01:37 PM

... Of course it will all be secretly recorded for future reference.

Do you realise that you may be doing something illegal. Just as your privacy is important, don't you think that the privacy of those who will be trying to help you is just as important? :angry:

Why not simply ask, before you go, if it is ok to record the session ??

johanna.kitten

02-17-2012, 02:24 PM

Do you realise that you may be doing something illegal. Just as your privacy is important, don't you think that the privacy of those who will be trying to help you is just as important? :angry:

Why not simply ask, before you go, if it is ok to record the session ??

It is ok that big brother has me on thousands of cams just going to work in the morning but if I use the same to protect my own interests it is not! I am recording all things around me and all I do, and I should have started doing so many years ago, it would have saved me lots of greif.

/Johanna - not always following the so called law

Nigella

02-17-2012, 03:44 PM

You are aware that you are on the "big brother radar", those you are going to record have no idea that you are filming them.

johanna.kitten

02-21-2012, 03:44 AM

I guess this is taking the thread off topic but like Nigella I think what you are doing is totally wrong.

Not trying to frame anyone here. I record all my activities, a/v 24h of my whereabouts, I'm always gpsed, wified, triangulated. All my devices record a/v, location etc. all the time. I got keystroke loggers on all computers. Everything I do is well documented, encrypted and stored off site. I should have done this back in 2005 and my life would have been quite different from now. Once bitten!

When it comes to the NHS, I've during my ~8 years in the UK contributed to NI and taxes more than most ever will, so it is pay-back time.

/Johanna

johanna.kitten

04-10-2012, 09:57 PM

Morning all!

Sorry for posting to this thread again. Life is sweet, I'm so pleased - yesterday I got my letter from the PRS to finally get my screening at Charing Cross in London. Can't recall when it is but I'm quite exited.

/Johanna

Bunny Girl Zoe

04-19-2012, 11:41 AM

Sunderland gender clinic is a joke as been on waiting list for nearly 11 months and still waiting. It's only people's live there playing with. I hope when do get in living as female for year will help speed things along.

susiepaul

05-20-2012, 09:35 PM

Rianna Humble

05-21-2012, 12:31 AM

Here is a useful link which the department of health issued for guidance for our GP's, it is a good place to start.

Guidance for GPs, other clinicians and health professionals on the care of gender variant people (http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_084919)

Hi Elizabeth i dont know what i am doing wrong but i cannot view the file in any way for me there is no link to the actual file (i think i must be a bit thick) it sounds like something i could do with reading.

Hi Paulie,

No you're not thick and you're not doing anything wrong. The government removed the file ostensibly to review it and has not put it back.

Fortunately, the report was co-authored by the Gender Identity Research and Education Society (http://www.gires.org.uk/about.php) who have included the original version with a number of other NHS booklets on this page (http://www.gires.org.uk/dohpublications.php) of their website

johanna.kitten

06-18-2012, 04:37 AM

After now completing my two years RLE...

Deborah, just out of curiosity. How is the RLE decumented and proven? I've now lived as Johanna since some 8 months and I'm on HRT since +6. I do my
best to document it all by all methods I can find. Problem is that I move counties at times...

I hope it all goes your way, two years is a long time if you ask me.

Hugs
/Johanna

Carole Cross

06-22-2012, 09:19 AM

I have reached the stage of where I should be able to get a surgery refferal after my next appointment in July. I started living full time 12th April 2010 but officially it didnt start until May 3rd, the date from whem my employer changed my records to female. I haven't seen a question like that on Roses so may ask them myself in due course.

Sunderland gender clinic is a joke as been on waiting list for nearly 11 months and still waiting. It's only people's live there playing with. I hope when do get in living as female for year will help speed things along.

If you don't have an appointment date it may be worth giving them a ring to check that you are still on their system. I would urge all who are going through the NHS route to be proactive and chase things up yourself if you need to, don't rely on the NHS to do everthing for you.

Serana

08-06-2012, 10:45 AM

Deborah, just out of curiosity. How is the RLE decumented and proven?

It's pretty much as Deborah said, for me as uni student I took in things like acceptance letters, ways to prove that your RLE is in a profession and such to show that you're full-time.
Things like HRT are documented by clinics themselves from what I'm aware of, as it has to be prescribed only from my GIC, and I think most GICs want to be controlling the hormones to say you've started through them.

It's mainly just a matter of paperwork, and pulling as much as you can from places.
Documents that can help can be deedpoll, bank letter/utilities bills in the new name, employer papers for proof of name change, or school/college/uni letters in cases of students who aren't working.

I realise this is a rather late reply, but I'm sure something like this may come in handy for anyone flicking through the forum with similar questions ^^;

Seri-chan~

johanna.kitten

08-06-2012, 02:06 PM

Ah, good thing I signed up with this gym today using my female name then - it all adds up I guess. Also Boots and Nectar cards are already sorted. Saturday I dealt with Centurion and the people at Lloyds TSB Offshore with less luck. There must be a way to deal with all of them in one go?!

/Johanna

Serana

08-08-2012, 07:37 AM

Well, I've got a question so I'll put it up here after all.
My plan is to get surgery after I've been on 12 months prescribed hormones with my GIC (which will be next July), and I noted in their leaflet, riiiight at the top (http://www.leedspft.nhs.uk/_documentbank/1811_GENDER_patient.pdf?phpMyAdmin=M3W4e1cy%2CYXWy zbOphZOEVmy5x3 the leaflet in question) it says they won't do surgery until after 18 months of continued use through them.

However, I'm planning to go and have my operation elsewhere, and under the SOC it states 12 months, not 18. Does anybody have any experience or issues with GICs that are saying you must be 18 months before getting referrals from them? From what I'm aware I moved down the pathway pretty quickly and without many issues, but I'm a bit in wonder as to whether or not they'll make me wait those extra 6 months or not.

As a uni student, I'll be on my holidays before starting my third year at the planned time I'd like for surgery, so right before my dissertation, which I know that I need to concentrate on and not be running around with surgeries and stuff, so the preference is to do it before the start, next July or August. I was wondering if anyone had any experience about this and perhaps might be able to lend some advice about this issue, and if the NHS/GIC should respect the SOC if in such case I want surgery abroad and not by their own system?

Thanks,
Seri-chan~

Rianna Humble

08-08-2012, 11:06 AM

Serana

08-14-2012, 11:16 AM

The WPATH Standards are guidelines and are not binding upon the NHS which has its own set of best practice guidelines.

It is stated in many places that should you choose to go private with part of your treatment the NHS will not oppose it, but neither will they fund it.

Apparently, this isn't true anymore. I was at my GIC today, and I mentioned my intentions for surgery abroad, and how I want to do it just as my HRT hits one year monitoring and prescribed. Apparently, Leeds GIC now follows WPATH standards and they aren't sure if they can get the letters of opinion until 2 years RLE and 18 months HRT! That's like, The January of my third year, when I'm doing my dissertation.

I've spoken with them and said if we can look at it on a case by case basis, but it left me perhaps with more questions.

I suppose I wonder now, is there any reasons why, if I'm getting SRS in another country, that I should have to follow the GICs guidelines for surgery, or if they should adopt the guidelines that specific surgeon is using? I mean, personally, I feel the latter would make sense, as their 'case path' stops before then, meaning that they're guidelines are no longer a legitimate basis on which to make decisions?

Anybody have any ideas? I really do NOT want to be getting SRS while I'm in the middle of doing my dissertation, I'm not sure which is more important in some ways.

Perhaps is there someone who has experienced this same issue before? It's really frustrating to think they would go and follow WPATH when it seems more an obstacle to the transcommunity than an aid. Just my personal thoughts anyway.

Nigella

08-14-2012, 02:14 PM

As Rianna has said WPATH is a set of minimum standards that all those dealing with the TG community are expected to follow. I attend the Leeds GIC, have been on their care pathway for a couple of years now.

Each individual case is based on its own merits. There is no one size fits all, the only thing I can say is you need to discuss this with your clinical specialist at Leeds, let them know your intentions. I do know that surgery is 99/100 with a UK based surgeon.

One point to remember is that the funding for your "treatment" does not come from Leeds GIC, it comes from your own Primary Care Trust, if you have taken the NHS route. The PCT are the ones who decide what will/will not be paid for. Usually this is anything that is considered to be working towards the mental and physical well being of the patient.

I don't know where you get your information from regarding guidelines for surgery, but the surgeon does not come into it until you have been referred to one. The GIC care pathway does not end until after surgery, I was told that there is further appointments available after surgery if the need arises. As for having surgery in the middle of your dissertation, you do have a choice of when to take it, once you have your referral, discuss the timing with the surgeon.

I think wires may have been crossed somewhere.

Serana

08-17-2012, 04:46 PM

Let me add to this.

I'm planning on not asking the NHS for the operation here, as I have plans to go Thailand. The surgeon there on the website says 12 months HRT and 12 months RLE. I mentioned this to the specialist I'm saying and was told that they followed WPATH and that it could be complicated. I've een continuously mentioning my plans to go elsewhere for surgery since the day I walked in there, so I don't think it's a lack of them knowing.

However, for some reason, they seem to feel the need to keep telling me that a lot of people end up going by the NHS, even if they plan otherwise. Now I don't know if it's ignorance or trying to keep me forewarned, but I have also been bounced over from one specialist, to another, and now to another. Annoying. I'm wondering if this is why there is a problem perhaps. I just feel like I'm not persuading them to see it from my side just yet.

As opposed to what you've said, and as to my guidelines, I've been mainly reading from Harry Benjamin 'guidelines'. What my issue here is they're saying I have to follow their route when I'm going to a surgeon with different procedure. As in, different times requested for HRT and RLE. I don't need a referral in the since of getting the surgeon involved, I'm trying to bridge the gap between NHS and my surgeon of choice.

I also find it funny how you say I have a choice for timing, when there's a yes and no behind that. One of Dr. Suporn's papers that he wrote on teh matter says two years on hormones is about he best time, so I'm trying to work it a closely as possible to two years. If I end up having to wait until getting a pair of referrals during my time doing my dissertation, then I'll have to wait even longer, and it'll end up being about 2 years and 8/9 months on HRT. Besides it being inconvenient, it also means I'll not be very happy, and the disappointment in the way the NHS will have been may even effect my academic standing. But this is besides the point.

What I'm asking for is advice that may perhaps persuade them, not to be told things that I already know. I don't mean to be rude, but if I didn't know -that- stuff, then I wouldn't even feel I deserved to see anyone about it. I try to keep clued up the things that involve me and my life, after all. Common sense~.

Seri-chan~

P.S. yes wires were crossed, mainly because I failed to add info I'd said in a different thread and totally forgot to add it.
P.P.S I see Harry Benjamin's SOC is WPATH, because WPATH is the old SOC, just made worse. Not sure I'm happy that they're fiddling about and making it longer. Seems odd to me they'd do that. Actually, that's bloody frustrating. :/
P.P.P.S I've just read the WPATH gudelines, and it seems it's still 12 months as far as WPATH are converned. SO why is my GIC saying 18 months? And claiming to be following WPATH. Thoughts ideas anyone?

Nigella

08-18-2012, 12:46 PM

Why the Hoo Haa then? It is irrelevant on what you are told by Leeds GIC if you intend to have surgery privately, the surgeon, in your own words, the surgeon there on the website says 12 months HRT and 12 months RLE.

Serana

08-19-2012, 03:47 PM

Well the "Hoo Haa" stems from the fact that I'm seeing a publicly funded GIC that are meant to be doing my referrals and have different protocols.

I think perhaps what's not being thought about is how communication with a 'middle man' can get pretty difficult, and I'm acting exactly as that by talking between surgeon and GIC.

Beside that bit, I'm asking if anybody has come up against the GIC with this same issue and ever been able to tailor their needs to fir to the doctor's timelines and not theirs? THAT is what I'm asking.

I feel Deborah may have a point, that the private route may be the only immediate option, but then it would quite possibly end up taking even longer at this stage, so that is something I'd not be prepared to do (nor my bank account would be prepared to do it! XD) so I have no choice but to try and find a way to see if the GIC in Leeds will work around what I'm asking. I'm merely stating that simple fact, but I can't go by the surgeon's needs because I need letters of referral. And letters of referral come from said GIC.

GIC = Letters
Surgeon needs said letters.
GIC = 18 months HRT and 24 RLE
Surgeon = 12 months HRT and 12 RLE
Sera = Can't afford private doctor/GIC, needs to persuade NHS GIC

^ That is my problem.

Seri-chan~

johanna.kitten

08-28-2012, 04:13 AM

I'm not one to start a thread about my surgery date, I'm not fussed with all the congratulatory words so thought I'd hide it away on here cos wanted to share a bit! Yes I've got my date for surgery! :)

4th Feb next year at CXH --- scared but happy!!!!!

Sooo envious - I recently moved houses and now struggle with getting my HRT from the NHS with new GP and all...

Hugs
/Johanna - watching all the episodes of "My Transsexual Summer"

Nigella

08-28-2012, 11:27 AM

Congrats Debs :) bet you have a chuff chart now :p

johanna.kitten

09-07-2012, 05:20 AM

Now it was my hopes that the NHS would take me more seriously now when I changed my name to my female name - but I still run into people there doing their best to deny me service. Well at least I got my name sorted and they are copied in.

Hugs
/Giovanna - (now legally) Principessa Giovanna Del Nord

Sandra

09-07-2012, 01:29 PM

Maybe with such a grand name they don't think that you are serious.

johanna.kitten

09-07-2012, 10:09 PM

Maybe with such a grand name they don't think that you are serious.

Well, I am in the UK not all people here know Italian. I opted out from using Donatella as surname as I knew the one of the countries I have to change my name in won't let me have it. I still have to change my name in 4 countries and they all have different rules (pref. I need to change my name in 9 countries but I just can't be bothered).

Hugs
/Giovanna - wannabegirl dot co dot uk

johanna.kitten

10-08-2012, 04:47 AM

Hiya! 1) So at what stange in my transition can I go and sort out what I am (gender recognition panel)? Currently I'm (M2F TS) on HRT since +10 months and full-time since +4 months, changed my name to my female name about a month ago, and now only got to change my driver's license and passport.

2) Perhaps not so much to do with the NHS but I'm looking for advice on my FFS, I've seen some roadmaps but none of them seem to be very good. Would the book "Facial Feminization Surgery" by Douglas Outserhout be of any help? I just lik to do things in the correct order to save time, like set it all up in some project management software.

Hugs
/Giovanna

Samantha171

10-21-2012, 05:12 PM

Hiya, I'd like to get started towards HRT but I'm not really sure what to do.
Am i right in thinking that first I need to see my GP, who will then send me to a psychiatrist, who will then refer me to a GIC where I can start HRT?
What do I say to the GP, do I just go in and tell them I'm trans and let them handle the rest or what?

Rianna Humble

10-21-2012, 11:46 PM

Hi Samantha,

In it's baldest sense that is exactly what you need to do. It can be a bit of a hurdle knowing how to start, but I found once I got going I couldn't stop.

May I make a suggestion? In order to give yourself time to discuss this fully with your GP, it might be an idea to book a double appointment - that's what I did and I was glad of the extra time. You might also want to take some information with you about NHS options for transition - you can find some stuff on NHS Choices (http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Gender-dysphoria/Pages/Introduction.aspx)

Your GP will refer you to your local Mental Health team so that hey can screen you for other undiagnosed conditions which might need to be taken into account or which might mimic Gender Dysphoria. This is not a "gatekeeper" situation, but a positive step to ensure that you get the most appropriate care.

You will need at least two visits to the Gender Identity Clinic before they start prescribing Hormones - the 2nd visit is with a different doctor to ensure that the diagnosis is correct and the proposed treatment regime is the best one for you.

Nigella

10-22-2012, 02:16 PM

Hi Samantha,

You will need at least two visits to the Gender Identity Clinic before they start prescribing Hormones - the 2nd visit is with a different doctor to ensure that the diagnosis is correct and the proposed treatment regime is the best one for you.

I agree with Rianna on most of her thread, however, this part will very much depend upon the Gender Identity Clinic you use. Leeds required up to 6 sessions before referral to an Endo for hormone therapy.

Pexetta

10-22-2012, 04:42 PM

Your GP will refer you to your local Mental Health team so that hey can screen you for other undiagnosed conditions which might need to be taken into account or which might mimic Gender Dysphoria. This is not a "gatekeeper" situation, but a positive step to ensure that you get the most appropriate care.

Interesting... I might try this on my (understanding) GP - she passed on to me a letter from the psychiatrist in charge of said mental health team, saying they won't even talk to me unless I've already made my mind up to go full-time. I thought of putting it up in a frame actually.

Nigella

10-23-2012, 12:54 PM

Unfortunately that maybe as a result of financial pressures being placed on the PCT, they who hold the purse strings :(

Samantha171

10-24-2012, 01:59 PM

Thanks Rianna.
This might sound like a silly question, but what exactly do I discuss with the GP? Should I just go in, tell them I'm trans and that I'd like referral to the GIC and see where it goes from there? Basically, what should I expect the first appointment to be like?

Rianna Humble

10-24-2012, 03:23 PM

I tell my customers that the only "silly question" is whether their question is too silly to ask, because if it concerns them then it is not too silly to ask.

I told the GP a little about the feelings of discomfort with my gender and that I needed help to transition. I also told her in so many words "I would rather end my life as an ugly woman than spend 1 more day as a man"

I let her refer me to the local Mental Health trust for screening, then took her some info on the Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic

Serana

11-13-2012, 02:47 PM

Well today I just found out that my PCT are apparently not prepared to pay for the costs of laser hair removal. After finding out this decision was made months ago and I wasn't informed, I am a little frustrated and worried.

Is there a way to appeal this, and is there any point appealing this decision? Being a student, saving up for my own op -AND- paying for LHR is pretty much impossible. I'm a bit worried, though I have my clinic appointment, was just looking for some advice that might help me.

Thanks all.

Nigella

11-13-2012, 03:14 PM

PCTs consider hair removal to be a cosmetic procedure and they will not pay for cosmetics. Having said that, depending on your GIC, they could put a case forward, if they consider it is essential to your "treatment". Try discussing it at your next appointment.

Rianna Humble

11-13-2012, 04:31 PM

The other problem you might face even if you do appeal is that PCTs are being wound up and replaced by local commissioning groups who will have much smaller budgets because they cover a smaller area than the PCT, so your appeal could get lost in the changeover. On the other hand, you might get lucky with the new body, who knows?

Serana

11-13-2012, 05:49 PM

Thanks. I didn't know about these local commissioning groups before. I'm wondering if that might indeed pose a problem.

Would perhaps be then the best route to just appeal, but expect a worst case scenario and look into paying for it from my own pocket perhaps? It's not that I can't, it's more that it would possibly hinder other things like paying for the SRS Op and such. It might slow it down at worst, but having to shave every day still after this long is still one of those rather sobering reminders of what I'm having to go through and what lies ahead. Not having to would make life easier. And the stress is enough to drive me insane, lol.

Again, thanks for the advice. If perhaps you could provide some more, that would be helpful :)

Rianna Humble

11-13-2012, 07:16 PM

I'm unclear why you want to pay to go private for the surgery - that much is provided on the NHS by top rated surgeons

Serana

11-14-2012, 05:02 AM

Because the NHS are terrible as it is. They cant seem to get even this much "right" when its very important to someone that it's ona proper process. I also don't like the idea of being bound by someone else's agenda, especially when they cant make promises.

I've also heard enough stories about the NHS and enough experiences of lack of ability myself to feel that something -this- important, namely the operation isn't safe in their hands.

I want to choosemny own times too, as being in uni tightens time that I have for something so important.

I don't trust the healthcare they offer, and I feel them denying paying for LHR just serves to make me feel even more estranged from them as a helpful service, and more a service based on their own ideals and their own decisions, not what is best for the people who use their service, their patients who jump through a million hoops just to slap those same patients after.

Babeba

11-14-2012, 09:44 AM

Why aren't you willing to skip a semester at uni? Why the tight timeline? Is it to do with a scholarship?

Serana

11-15-2012, 06:19 AM

Why aren't you willing to skip a semester at uni? Why the tight timeline? Is it to do with a scholarship?

It's to do with the fact that I'll be more than likely entering my final year of university at the time, and so I'll be writing up a rather hefty dissertation that culd make or break the degree that I get, and affect my eligibility to go to Portugal the following year to do a Master's Degree in Lisbon. So really it's more a matter of trying to get everything timed right.

Funnily enough, my specialist said they wouldn't do the First Opinion until next July, when I'm a full year into the hormones. But in fact she was wrong. My first opinion appointment has already been booked for February and hopefully will be able to push to get my second opinion done by June/July.

I suppose I'm not sure which comes first to me sometimes; my academia or my physical gender. I am trying to in some way create a little 'perfect world' where everything works out for me :D. And you never know, it's certainly possible.

So the tight timeline would be because of my dissertation, and one does not simple skip a dissertation and expect to come out with a 2:1 or better. You'd be lucky for a Third. There's no scholarships though, which is such a shame, lol as I very nearly qualified for one. XD Would have made financing my life that little bit easier.

Babeba

11-15-2012, 10:46 AM

Without a dissertation in the UK you get a degree that isn't an Honours, so is automatically a wonky form of Third, if I recall correctly.

I also recall, though, that a friend of mine who did her master's at the same time as me (at Leics.) had to put off her dissertation due to stress/life/someone trying to burn down her family farm. She completed it for the next round of grading, and got a Distinction. There were others whose first language was not English who took extra time as well. Have you talked to your department about it at all? Telling them that there is a chance you may be scheduled for surgery by the NHS around that time, to see what they would say about it?

Also, TRUST me: the world will not end if you take a year or half a year break between degrees, especially if you do something with your time between like volunteer, Intern, get relevant work experience, or spend time as a research assistant to a prof.

I don't know what program you are looking at in Lisbon, and it may be perfect - but I can guarantee it won't be the only one of its type in the world. There will be others as well, so don't give up hope on applying if life doesn't end up fitting in a tidy little box.

If I were in your boots, I would think about letting the chips with the NHS fall where they may. Surgery is expensive, you're not the only person on their lists, and paying privately doesn't necessarily guarantee that you will have absolutely perfect timing, either.

Serana

11-15-2012, 01:15 PM

Right, well, I did type a reply, but then my session timed out. SO here's the new, not-so-awesome one:

I agree with what you're saying on some things, Babeba, but I don't agree with you saying to see where the chips fall with the NHS, because I believe that's a rather... lax way to be about this. In the last 2+ years I have been researching into these things, I feel I have been able to make a very well informed decision to look abroad. There are things I'm willing to negotiate on, but there are some things, like where I should get my operation, that I am not prepared to.

I personally believe that if it's in my power to pay for the operation, then I should do so, and let someone else have that spot that can't afford to. Yes it's a lot of money, but if I can do that, I feel I'm helping two people that way instead. Call it a feeling of public service. Though I have never really been a big fan of the NHS for a long time, for a lot of reasons. Things from when I was younger, and things in the family etc. The NHS has shown on many times it only cares about being able to look after its funding, than its patients.

As to Portugal, I have a rather close friend there I want to spend more time with, and having recently visited him in June, and visiting again in December, I feel that it's a country I prefer over the UK. I even have plans to move there properly after my Master's degree. Another reason I won't go with the NHS? I won't take so much of their funding from them if I wish to leave that country. It just seems morally wrong. I've been constantly battled by the NHS on issues they should be helping me with. Their recent idea to not support Laser Hair Removal for me has frustrated me, as people can see if there's something on my face. But they can't see what's inside my clothes. It's a rather frustrating feeling for me when I have to battle with the people that are meant to be helping me. 600~800£ IMO, having contributed to NI and such, would be ok to take from them. But the cost of a full surgery and a bed for X nights just seems morally selfish.

As to academia, it's important to me to get a good degree, and I have worked hard to stay a good student, and a smart one, not having so far had any issues with the university, or any extenuating circumstances, means if I really have to take time out for my operation, I -will- have that possibility. Besides, my dissertation is on computer networks probably, so it's something I could do even if bed ridden. So that is little concern for me.
I do however feel that ending up with a wonky third would make things in the Job Market difficult. I want that Honours to increase chances in the job market and in it also helps really well for getting into Master Degree courses. I suppose in some ways most are right that I don't think about myself as much as I should and can be a little obsessive over my operation and my degree, but they are rather important to me.

I do agree with the idea of maybe taking a break between degrees though, as that might give me a chance to prepare my life for moving to a new country etc. But I would not wait that long for my surgery unless I fewlt my dissertation really had to.

I know medical reasons can be a rather power phrase for a lot of things, so I can also understand getting some time out in the first couple weeks or so in my final year would easily be possible.

Anyway, the most important part is the NHS bit. I'm -not- prepared to go with the NHS for surgery, private surgery gives enough convenience of things like timing, and not having to wait on someone else's time. It's a convenience I am -more- than prepared to pay for. It has also been a really good way to truly appreciate the value of money in the real world these days, with the economical climate being so rickety. I don't trust the NHS as far as I could throw them, and I think it's life experience that helped me to come to feel that.

However, Babeba, I do appreciate your advice, and am thankful for it. I suppose you could say you've given me some food for thought in some areas, and that's useful for me. So thank you very much, and I'm glad you gave me thoughts i can consider for when dealing with timing in certain things.

Babeba

11-18-2012, 06:47 AM

It's refreshing to see someone who doesn't feel entitled to milk the system and get out of the country. :-) I definitely see where you are coming from. On the other hand, if it were surgery for a cleft palate or some other expensive - to- fix condition you were born with, would you be as concerned about taking money from the system?

Also - please don't underestimate the stress and research involved with writing a dissertation! You'll want your full wits about you at the time. You may even want to (gasp) take out a heavy book or two from the library to read and add in as sources, such as the work Marshall McLuhan did on how the medium is the message and how that affects the use of computer networks. Computer science profs seem to love that one! :hugs:

At any rate, having a tired, healing body and being at your academic peak may be a bit difficult together.

Rianna Humble

11-20-2012, 03:57 AM

Best to get the end of year festivities out of the way. Good luck!

I won't be jealous, I won't I won't!

:p

johanna.kitten

11-20-2012, 05:27 AM

Setting off to CXH in the next hour for my pre-op assessment - it would normally be six weeks before the op but a little thing called Christmas gets in the way.

Nervous but excited!!

Fantastic news, keep us posted please.

Hugs
/Giovanna - (31st of Dec 2012)

waasup008

11-21-2012, 09:27 PM

So am I right in saying you speak to your GP? (Do GP's generally know anything about this or do I need to take some literature from the NHS website with me)?
GP's are bound by what you tell them being in confidence?

I've heard there is a ruling or something along the lines of you must present in the transition gender before they will prescribe hormones... is this the case? what if you don't feel you can present in public until you are on hormones.... Confused.com!

Also taking hormones, does this mean they expect you to make a full transition or do people take them just to be more feminine?

Apologies for my naivety!

Rianna Humble

11-22-2012, 02:52 AM

Yes, to get the ball rolling, you need to talk to a GP. It can't hurt to have some stuff printed off from NHS web sites, but it is not mandatory. Patient confidentiality applies in all of your dealings with your GP so yes a visit to discuss Gender Dysphoria is equally protected.

Your GP will then refer you to a local Mental Health practitioner (still in confidence) who will screen you for mental health issues that may need to be taken into consideration whilst treating your Gender Dysphoria.

After that, your GP will be able to refer you to the nearest Gender Identity Clinic (in your case Charing Cross) but be prepared to wait quite a while for your first appointment.

In the Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic FAQ (http://www.wlmht.nhs.uk/gi/gender-identity-clinic/frequently-asked-questions/), you can see

Do I have to dress/act a certain way?

No. Everyone is different. Dress and act as you feel most comfortable. This is a safe space and anything that people generally wear in public is fine.

I may have misunderstood your last question, but normally HRT will be prescribed by the GIC only if they feel it will help you to manage your Gender Dysphoria. In many cases this will be through transition.

waasup008

11-22-2012, 06:37 PM

Yes, to get the ball rolling, you need to talk to a GP. It can't hurt to have some stuff printed off from NHS web sites, but it is not mandatory. Patient confidentiality applies in all of your dealings with your GP so yes a visit to discuss Gender Dysphoria is equally protected.

Your GP will then refer you to a local Mental Health practitioner (still in confidence) who will screen you for mental health issues that may need to be taken into consideration whilst treating your Gender Dysphoria.

After that, your GP will be able to refer you to the nearest Gender Identity Clinic (in your case Charing Cross) but be prepared to wait quite a while for your first appointment.

In the Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic FAQ (http://www.wlmht.nhs.uk/gi/gender-identity-clinic/frequently-asked-questions/), you can see

I may have misunderstood your last question, but normally HRT will be prescribed by the GIC only if they feel it will help you to manage your Gender Dysphoria. In many cases this will be through transition.

Thanks, that really clarifies things, and that is a really good site :) ty

Samantha171

12-15-2012, 11:18 AM

Yay! :) I went to see the GP the other week and now he has sent a letter for my referral to the local mental health team!
Thank you Rianna for your help, I'm really feeling optimistic about all of this now I've finally started! :)

My GP did say he didn't know how long it would take for me to get my first appointment with the mental health team though. Does anyone have any ideas on how long this should take?

Rianna Humble

12-15-2012, 04:08 PM

Hi Samantha, I'm glad that I was able to be helpful. Congratulations on getting that first step under your belt. :hugs:

I can only speak for my own experience, I think my mental health appointment was about 5 weeks after the initial referral, but your mileage may vary.

The wheels of the NHS grind exceedingly slow sometimes, but they do get there in the end.

I hope you will keep us informed of how you get on.

SweetNikki

01-08-2013, 04:46 AM

Hi Everyone

Well today's the day I have my first doctors appointment this afternoon. Managed to be seeing a gender specialist who has dealt with Transsexual & Transgender people so i feel real good today. Will be fully dressed as i have bin full time now for 8 weeks & i couldnt go back anyway i would feel ill not what i want to go to the doctor's for.

I will put up how it goes later but my journey will begin today & it feels good ..

Rianna Humble

01-08-2013, 04:21 PM

I'm sure it went well. Hang in there!

SweetNikki

01-09-2013, 03:09 PM

Thanks Rianna

Yes everything went great after telling all & answering questions i have been referred to Mental Health clinic in Swansea . I was warned though that the NHS wheels turn slow due to cut backs but will be in hope of not to long.

I did have one Laugh though my wife came with me ( She is so fantastic & supportive i feel very luck after what i have been reading lately) When my name came up on the screen & we both walked into the doctors room together the Dr looked at both of us & said " Which one is the patient then" Wow did it make me feel relaxed & feel great lol..

Katelyn B

01-11-2013, 09:45 AM

I asked my Dr for a referral on the 19th November last year and had the appointment on the 4th December. AFAIK it depends on the mental health trust and how busy they are, but the Psych told me that their are targets for seeing people which is why it was rather quick. Subsequently, I know CX have received her referral for me and that they have now in turn applied for funding to my PCT, so just waiting for that to go through before the 6+ month wait for the first appointment arrives. If I hadn't started going private last year the timings would have driven me mad by now.

johanna.kitten

01-16-2013, 01:19 PM

Finally got my GP to refer me to a psychiatrist that now referred me to Nottingham Gender Clinic. No date set yet. Too bad I missed out on attending CHX last summer. :( I'd prefer CHX as I am only temporarily based in Leicester and heading back to London asap.

Hugs
/Giovanna

Serana

02-20-2013, 04:28 PM

Oh, forgot to ask about this;

Are there any places that do private second opinions in the UK? I don't think I'll be able to get it from teh NHS in time for when I want to have the OP, so I'm thinking of paying for it.

Anybody know of any and what prices are associated with that? :D

Rianna Humble

02-20-2013, 06:51 PM

There are a number of private Gender Identity Practices in the UK, but I don't know how many would want to give a second opinion to an NHS doctor's first opinion.

I don't recall the names, but you can find them via Google or possibly via the Gender Trust web site. Any further information would in any case be off topic for this thread.

Samantha171

03-05-2013, 11:16 AM

Yay! :)
Had my first appointment with a doctor from the mental health team today, i think it went really well, although I was kinda nervous about having to talk about myself for 40 minutes!
Now I've got that done, I'm gonna start the name change process started soon. Could anyone give me any advice about this, what the best way to go about it is and how to update my information like driver's license etc afterwards?
Thanks in advance! :)

Katelyn B

03-05-2013, 11:23 AM

I think the "best" way to change your name is to use the UK deed poll service, you fill out the form on-line, they post it to you and you have it witnessed and that's it really. Legally, you don't need to do it via deed poll but I've found everyone knows what that is and accept the certificate when they might quibble over a signed statutory declaration. You *do* have to pay for it, but it isn't that expensive, about £30 IIRC.

As for telling people, that's just a really long tedious slog of fishing out information, like account numbers, composing yet another similar but different letter, and posting it off with a copy of the deed poll. Some places differ, like the DVLA who require you to fill in an official form and send an official copy of the deed poll, whilst the Inland Revenue let you do it all on-line and don't want to see the certificate at all.

Rianna Humble

03-05-2013, 11:35 AM

There are quite a few deed poll services. Don't forget to use one that enables you to change your title as well. If the title is not mentioned on the deed poll, then you end up as Mr Samantha Whatever.

I think the exact requirements seeem to differ depending on who you talk to. When I did mine, I was able to change my TAX details over the phone with HMRC, but my NI still had to be done in writing with an original deed poll.

I recommend getting at least 5 originals sent to you. Although you will have to enact each one, that gives you 5 originals for those groups who will not accept photocopies.

Katelyn B

03-05-2013, 11:47 AM

I used https://secure.deedpoll.org.uk/DeedPollAdult.html

Rianna, aren't National Insurance and HRMC the same thing? If not I *may* need to writer a letter to the NI people....

johanna.kitten

03-05-2013, 11:58 AM

Did used at http://www.thelegaldeedpollservice.org.uk/ online, got 5 originals for some £+15 and I laminated one which render it useless but most people do not know this, at least it will last. Just fill out the online form, sign it, have someone else to sign it and send it all off with a cheque or postal order. Took a few days. :) Remember to change your title as well...

Then I suggest you change with the NHS first thing you get it, followed by passport, dvla, banks, work, tenancy agreement if you're renting. Keep in mind that you can as your banks to emboss your new cards with pretty much any combination of your new name and title. I got away with "Principessa Giovanna" even if "Principessa" is a royal title. Sweet.

Best of luck
Hugs
/Giovanna

johanna.kitten

03-10-2013, 07:55 PM

So, I'm lined up for my first meeting in Nottingham on April 30.

Fed up with the self meddin' part of life - any hints on how long time, how many meetings one could expect before you get that HRT prescription in your hand hailing a taxicab with the other? I understand this is pretty individual but how long time did it take you lot?

Hugs
/Giovanna

Rianna Humble

03-10-2013, 08:59 PM

Not 100% sure about Nottingham, but the way it works at Charing Cross is you have 2 visits with different clinicians to confirm the diagnosis, then the 2nd Clinician writes to your GP after about 7 weeks. I always recommend people to tell the GIC at the 1st visit that they will take cancellations for the 2nd appointment. That saved me about 7 weeks between appt 1 and appt 2

johanna.kitten

03-11-2013, 08:42 PM

I will soon be reducing the dosage because I don't have the same testosterone producing capability since 4th Feb! :D :D :D :D
I remember this date well as it is two days before my bd.

Rianna: Too bad I missed my appointment with CHX GIC last summer, was out of the country I believe.

I called up Nottingham straight away when I knew about my appointment and asked for cancellations, but I was informed that they rarely get any. I'd also need a couple of hours to get there as well. If all goes well I'll be back in London soon so I can continue at CHX, but I won't inform anyone if I move before seeing the people over in Nottingham as I suspect that would delay things even more. I'll let them know afterwards.

I document things quite well so I hope they would consider to backdate my start of rle. And now I got loads of documentation, recorded radio/tv interviews. News articles on me and formal public speeches. Actually my psychiatrist made a boo boo and wrote I'd been in rle for 5 years, I got no idea where that came from.

It took me my GP about 6 months to refer me to a psychiatrist, when that finally happened I had to wait for 6 weeks for my 40 minutes. Then my psychiatrist referred me to Notts... 5 months later. It can really drive one up the walls waiting. Two of my friends just been seen over in Nottingham and had less waiting around than I am experiencing.

Hugs
/Giovanna

Amy A

03-29-2013, 03:15 AM

Hello all, me again!

I have a psychiatrists appointment on the 18th. The letter that came to confirm the appointment doesn't give much away, so I'm not sure what to expect.

So for those that have been through this, what generally happens at these sessions? Also, is it best to go dressed or does that not matter?

I know that I need to be honest, but it still feels like I need to pass some sort of test!

Thanks,

Rachel :)

emma5410

03-29-2013, 06:53 AM

If you are in the UK and this is an appointment with a CMHT psychiatrist then I would not worry. There will be questions about your life and experiences relating to Gender issues. They are basically doing an initial assessment before referring you to a gender clinic. The other main area is your mental state. Are you suicidal, do you, or have you self harmed. Have you any issues with drugs or alcohol. Do you have any other mental issues. They are trying to judge if you are stable enough for a referral or if there are any areas that they can assist you with before doing it.
I went as a male and it was not an issue. My only problem was that it took them several weeks to do the referral. The actual referral was then delayed several months due to confusion over who should send it.

StephanieC

03-29-2013, 07:30 AM

I've never seen a psychiatrist. My first counseling appointment was with a therapist (master's degree) and I went as Steph. I was, indeed nervous, but the therapist (especially one experienced in gender issues) was calming. As it turns out, she didn't have much experience locally with TS/TG but had previous experience. Anyway, she was great.

After my first therapist left the practice, I moved to a female pschologist who had many years of TS/TG experience and I alway went as Step. She was also kind enough to give me pointers and referrals for other services, all to make me feel comfortable.

In both cases, I sought out female counselors. I was not comfortable going to a guy.

Don't be afraid to be yourself. They are there to help you so being natural will really help.

Just a side comment for others who might be considering counseling but have not taken the first step: I found that my health insurance covers mental health. And for a long will, I didn't know what that meant and didn't know if that applied to me. But the counseling was covered and the insurance company was equipped to refer to counselors with gender issue experience..by location! So this can be fairly easy and is really nothing to be embarassed about. (Those of us in the Midwest tend not to patronize mental health specialists much...even if we need it, due to stigma.) But counseling will really help with your perspective.

Good luck!

-stephani

Kaitlyn Michele

03-29-2013, 07:33 AM

where do you live?

In the US, just be honest.. you can always pick another doctor or therapist

does this psychiatrist have experience with transsexuals?

Amy A

03-29-2013, 08:36 AM

I'm such a dunce, I really should've said: Yes I'm in the UK and going through the NHS 'pathway'. I've been to my doctor who first wanted me to go to CBT therapy. I went to one session where the therapist basically said I needed to see a specialist, because CBT wouldn't help. I've also been seeing a general counsellor but although it's nice to talk about things openly he has no experience of Trans problems and ultimately it doesn't get me any closer to transitioning. Plus now I'm out to my friends I can talk with them.

So I went back to my doctor and said I want refering to the Leeds GIC, and in order to do this I have to go to the psychiatrist first.

Deborah and Emma; thanks you've put my mind at ease a bit. The thing I'm worried about is that I'm currently on medication for depression linked to low self esteem, and I am concerned that they might want me to fix that first, but I am depressed and feel down about my body image because of the GD.

I'm sure it will be fine, it's just always nice to know what to expect. :)

emma5410

03-29-2013, 10:51 AM

I would not worry about the depression either. As it is linked to your gender dysphoria that is a good reason for the referral. They do not expect you to be free of problems. I got the impression that they were more concerned about extreme issues. Such as severe alcohol or drug abuse.

Rianna Humble

03-29-2013, 11:15 AM

There are two reasons for the visit with the local mental health specialist, one is to see whether you are a good candidate for referral, but the second is to see whether there are any other mental health conditions that should be taken into consideration when treating your Gender Dysphoria.

As Deborah & Emma said, your depression could well be linked to the Dysphoria in the first place - the psychiatrist should be able to recognise that.

As to the question of whether to go dressed or not, it is entirely down to what makes you feel most comfortable on the day. I went dressed and that was not a problem for the psychiatrist that I saw. I was only with her for 70 minutes of the half-hour consultation, but at the end she said that she was going to write to my GP "straight away" to recommend referral to the GIC. What I hadn't understood at that time, but do now, is that "straight away" is NHS speak for "in about 7 or 8 weeks time" :eek:.

The good news is that you are taking an important next step on your way to becoming whole. When the day comes, just go there and be your natural self and I am sure all will be fine.

Amy A

03-29-2013, 12:59 PM

Thank you! Although after some of the waiting times I've heard of, 7-8 weeks would be (whilst still ideally too long) OK with me. At least it's free; there's not much way I could do it otherwise without bankrupting myself (and lets face it I probably would've had to). That said I'll still get annoyed when my referral goes missing, ends up in the wrong place or gets filed away on a train seat. :D

Katypuss

04-10-2013, 06:59 PM

Heya,
I recently started on my journey for HRT but I just want to talk things over with a counsellor first. I started with my GP one month ago and he was very sympathetic and a great listener despite not having encountered this before. Put me very much at ease and he said he would look into the best options for me. I got a letter a week or two back saying that I would have a Telephone Triage interview to 'indentify my needs and agreee the next step'. It was supposed to be today but I didn't get a call so will need to chase up which is annoying. Is the Telephone triage common, or is it just another stage stuck in between GP and psychiatrist? I don't think I've seen anyone say anything about it.
Thanks in advance :)

Rianna Humble

04-11-2013, 12:21 AM

I must admit, I haven't heard of that before

Nigella

04-11-2013, 10:51 AM

Different to be sure, but with the recent changes to how the NHS is administered, with the scrapping of PCTs, who knows what systems have been brought in by fund holders now.

This (http://alpha.gayyouth.org.uk/info/trans/medical/NHS) is the general route the NHS followed prior to the above changes and I believe is still the correct route

Katypuss

04-11-2013, 01:24 PM

Thankee for the responses. I didn't think it was normal, but I chased it up today and got told that they were going to arrange a face to face thing, which is better than a silly phone call methinks, so I'll go ahead with that and hopefully it'll get the same results. After rooting around It looks like it was the psychological services, under the name 'As One'. Sorry, if I jumped with a silly question too early!

Rianna Humble

04-11-2013, 02:19 PM

The only "silly question" is the one that you are too afraid to ask. It is only silly because you don't ask it.

Samantha171

04-14-2013, 08:22 AM

http://www.thelegaldeedpollservice.org.uk/

Thanks Giovanna. I've read through all of the site and gotten everything started and been practicing my new signature! :)

Just one quick question to everyone about updating gender..
How do I do this? It says on the website that I need a Gender Recognition Certificate, how and when can I get this done?
Also, If I get my name changed legally before getting my gender legally updated, will I then need to go through this whole process again updating everywhere with my new gender once I get that done?

Rianna Humble

04-14-2013, 02:19 PM

I used a different deed poll service and changed my title at the same time as my name (because otherwise I would have been Mr Rianna Humble :eek:)

DVLA accepted that and automatically changed my coding to reflect my new gender. If that website says you need a GRC before changing your title then you need to use someone who knows about this part of preparing a deed poll.

Nigella

04-14-2013, 02:40 PM

You CAN change your title in the same way you can change your name, a statutory declaration is enough, although the majority of us use a deed poll service. You CANNOT change your gender marker on your birth certificate without a GRC. Other "official" documents will depend upon the department that is handling them, most documents that you use for identification and which carry a recognisable gender marker will require a GRC.

At this point in time, none of the documents I have are marked as F, I am not prepared to throw away 25 years of marriage for a GRC, so I am waiting for the UK to catch up with most of the civilised world and recognise same sex marriage, the time is coming :)

Here's (https://www.gov.uk/apply-gender-recognition-certificate/changing-your-gender) how to get a GRC

johanna.kitten

04-14-2013, 03:46 PM

Rianna,

How do I detect the coding on my license? The DVLA just sent it to me about a week ago. :)

Hugs
/Giovanna - www.wannabegirl.co.uk

Rianna Humble

04-14-2013, 09:34 PM

The driver number is made up of 3 parts:

Last Name
Date of birth mildly encoded
Initials plus unique code

In part 2, digits 3 & 4 give your month of birth. If you are female, they add 50 to your birth month. So on my old license part 2 read 501256 and on the new 551256

johanna.kitten

04-15-2013, 12:50 AM

Rianna,

Cheers - ahh, the DVLA have done the right thing (for once). Another great thing is: they added "A" onto it whilst at it, so now I am allowed to drive a motorbike as well, sweet - that saved me the bother to spend money on getting that myself. :)

(Still got heaps of licenses from other countries to deal with, I assume my California and Australia licenses will be hard work.)

Hugs
/Giovanna - www.wannabegirl.co.uk (15 days until Nottingham)

Samantha171

04-15-2013, 06:48 AM

DVLA accepted that and automatically changed my coding to reflect my new gender. If that website says you need a GRC before changing your title then you need to use someone who knows about this part of preparing a deed poll.

Thanks. :) The site does say I don't need a GRC to change my title, i was just a little confused about whether the gender marker on my documents would also be updated with the name change.

When I send off my legal copies of the deed poll, do I need to request that they also change my gender marker for each document that I am getting updated? I don't know which documents will allow changing the gender marker to female without the Gender Recognition Certificate.

Rianna Humble

04-15-2013, 06:54 AM

I left the government departments to decide how they wanted to classify Ms Rianna Humble. I know that I cannot be born without a GRC and presumably I can't die without it either :heehee:

My GP has my gender down as female, but the blood tests for the GIC were marked to be compared to male standards (understandably).

Samantha171

04-15-2013, 09:09 AM

okay thank you Rianna :)

johanna.kitten

04-15-2013, 03:45 PM

So, I have now two NHS Medical Cards, in two different names and two different numbers, is this how things are supposed to be?

A little bit OT but after reading http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/advice-and-guidance/your-rights/transgender/trans-people-your-right-to-change-your-name/

I assume I won't be needing to do anything regarding my NI number, but it says: "The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) will alter your name on their records and will issue a new plastic National Insurance Number Card with that name on it."

Is this out of date? I have been lead to believe that you don't get them little plastic cards no more. It would be great to have one as I used my old one for shoehorn a while back - it kinda cracked. I should have used my amex I know... ;)

Hugs
/Giovanna - www.wannabegirl.co.uk

Rianna Humble

04-15-2013, 03:50 PM

You will need to send an original deed poll to HMRC NI section. Unlike the tax part of HMRC they will not do it by phone.

johanna.kitten

04-17-2013, 08:29 AM

Rianna,

As I suspected, they don't do them plastic NI cards no more. Got the paper version, would have been nice to have the card now when I want to rebuild a new life.

Hugs
/Giovanna - 18692 minutes to Nottingham

Amy A

04-20-2013, 03:26 AM

Hi all,

Does anyone have any idea about current waiting times to be seen by Leeds GIC?

Thanks,

Rachel :)

johanna.kitten

04-20-2013, 04:16 AM

Rachel,

Not sure about Leeds, but my in my experience, Nottingham - 6 weeks for GP -> shrink and then 5 months exactly for shrink -> Nottingham GIC. :( Only 10 days to wait now. So, it is not happening over nite it seems.

Then again it took me 7 months of nagging at my GP to send me off the the shrink.

Hugs
/Giovanna - www.wannabegirl.co.uk - @GiovannaDelNord

Sandra

04-20-2013, 04:24 AM

Leeds is pretty quick that is where Nigella went, but no appointment will be made until funding has been acquired.

johanna.kitten

04-30-2013, 07:05 AM

Yep, so here I am at Nottingham GC - to be seen in 55 minutes. So nervous it is not even funny.

Hugs
/Giovanna - www.wannabegirl.co.uk

Amy A

05-29-2013, 02:44 PM

OK, so over a month ago my doctor said he would refer me to Leeds GIC. I got a letter today which is a copy of a letter sent to my doctor from Leeds, and it says that they've recieved a referral from the psychiatrist I saw but that in order for it to be considered a full referral, they would need a supporting referral from my goc. So either my doctor didn't refer me (which I doubt as he gave me assurances he would) or he did but didn't fulfil the requirements of a full referral, which are listed on the letter: A full physical, a raft of blood tests, full medical history, and most sinister sounding of all, an examination of 'the sexual characteristics', which I'm assuming means genitals. A few of you on here have said that that isn't neccessary, and I'd rather not do it if I don't have to, but if it sped things up I would be prepared for it.

I'm guessing my next step is to make another appointment with my GP. I don't really know what this all means, could this be considered a good sign that they at least know of my existence?

Sandra

05-30-2013, 12:32 PM

Nigella didn't have to do any of this, and like Deborah bloods were first taken prior to her first appointment with the endo.

I would make an appointment to see your GP and ask what is going on.

EDIT

and she went to Leeds.

Amy A

05-30-2013, 02:34 PM

I have made an appointment with my gp on Monday. I don't really mind about blood tests but I'm not keen on examinations. Having said that, I don't want to delay things any further, I hate living in this weird limbo.

My gp seemed to have done his research last time I saw him so this is probably all news to him as well.

Amy A

06-05-2013, 10:12 AM

I've now seen my gp, I let him do the physical exam and have to go in for the blood tests tomorrow morning. I trust my doctor and to be honest it was over with pretty quickly. I figured that not kicking up a fuss would avoid any further delays. Leeds will have all the info they asked for, so they can get in with adding me to the waiting list!

Amy A

06-13-2013, 03:38 PM

I got a letter today:

"Dear dr ________

Thank you for your recent correspondence in relation to ____________ and your application for funding for referral to the gender identity service in Leeds for him.

Please refer the patient directly to the service who will assess the patient and determine the appropriate course of action in line with the national guidelines and policies as this is part of the current pathway.

If you require any further information please contact the individual funding request (IFR) team.

Yours sincerely,

__________
IFR Manager"

This is good news, right?

Rianna Humble

06-13-2013, 04:08 PM

Definitely good news! This is your copy of the letter to your doctor. (s)he can now refer you onto Leeds GIC with confirmation that their treatment will be funded.

Congratulations Amy, you are on your way. :Party2:

Amy A

06-13-2013, 04:15 PM

Thanks Rianna!! Wahey!!! I'm so relieved! :D

Sandra

06-14-2013, 08:17 AM

Good news :D................

Amy A

06-24-2013, 01:25 PM

I just recieved a letter from Leeds saying that they are only contracted to see 160 new patietnts this year, and all assessments have been allocated, so I will be seen the the 2014-2015 financial year. This means I am going to be waiting for at least 10 months before even having an initial assessment. I'm completely gutted!

The only thing I suppose I can do now is put aside my disappointment and consider my options. There's private, at least for hormones, but I don't think I can afford that, and I'm not even sure where to start with it. My doctor originally offered me a choice of Leeds or Charing Cross, but I have no idea if it actually works like that and if Charing Cross' waiting times are any better.

The final option is to wait it out at Leeds but start living full time towards the end of this year when hopefully my hair is long enough. Will Leeds take that into account though, if I've been full time with name changed for six months by the time I see them?

Nigella

06-24-2013, 01:55 PM

I doubt that you could now be referred to Charing Cross as you have been offered a place with Leeds, having said that, why not visit your GP and see if he/she can help with that. You can start your transition now, preparing yourself to live in your true gender. Start hair removal, start living (dressing, using female facilities, working as a female, name change, etc etc etc). Gather the evidence of name change, living as your new self, I assume you will be known as Amy.

Get bills, bank accounts, phone accounts and other things changed, work payslips, if working, or DHSS payment details etc all changed to your new name. Leeds or any GIC will want written proof of your RLE.

It would seem that funding caps are being placed on GICs who then have to limit the number of transgendered people they can see in any given financial year.

johanna.kitten

06-24-2013, 03:43 PM

Strange, I only had to wait for 6 months to get to Nottingham (second assement 3rd of July). Apparently I'm lucky as in the East Midlands you can get both upper and lower surgery. It is the only part of the country you can get the upper from what I hear (from the NHS). Also, in the West Midlands one can get voice therapy I understand. I have also been informed that some surgeons from CHX in LDN do private stuff in Brighton and you can be referred there by the NHS strange as it seems. Is it true we only got two surgeons at CHX?

Hugs
/Giovanna - www.wannabegirl.co.uk

Amy A

06-24-2013, 04:55 PM

Thanks Nigella, I've formed a plan of sorts and will do as you suggest and keep any documents that prove my RLE. I'm quite lucky in that my employers already know of my plans and are completely supportive so I'll be able to provide evidence of living as a woman in employment as well.

I'm going to Oktoberfest in September and as soon as I get back that'll be it; I'll get my name changed to Amy and start living 24/7 as female. I can't hang on any longer, the only thing that's stopped me so far is that my hair isn't long enough yet and I don't feel comfortable/confident in a wig. I started facial hair removal last month, but I don't have much to speak of anyway.

Thanks :)

Sandra

06-25-2013, 03:14 AM

Strange, I only had to wait for 6 months to get to Nottingham (second assement 3rd of July).

No it's not strange different GIC have different waiting times, Charring Cross is a heck of a lot longer.

Apparently I'm lucky as in the East Midlands you can get both upper and lower surgery. It is the only part of the country you can get the upper from what I hear (from the NHS).

You are wrong. Nigella was told at Leeds that she could have upper surgery if she wanted it, as it is part of the core treatment and it is on the NHS

Also, in the West Midlands one can get voice therapy I understand.

Again Leeds do this and it is funded by the NHS

I have also been informed that some surgeons from CHX in LDN do private stuff in Brighton and you can be referred there by the NHS strange as it seems. Is it true we only got two surgeons at CHX?

Ok the surgeons at charring cross are private and do the work there as well as at there private practice, none of the surgeons in the UK are NHS they are all private surgeons but do some work for the NHS.

Maybe you should check with who is giving you all this incorrect information before posting it here.

johanna.kitten

06-26-2013, 04:06 AM

Sandra, the person that gave me the information was a NHS employee that was invited to speak at the trans group I am a member of at the local lgbt centre to inform us regarding the NHS pathway to transition. It never struck my mind to question her information. Can't remember her name but I could prolly find out, as she also spoke at another local ts/cd group I sometimes frequent.

Anyway, I think it should not matter where you happen to live, you should be treated the same all over the country. If that is so, all good.

Hugs
/Gio

Serana

08-15-2013, 06:16 AM

Amy, as said, and from personal experience, I went full time about 2/3 months before actually being seen by the Leeds GIC, and they took it into account because I provided the original name change documentation, my attendance at university (maybe in you case a job slip with the new name would work, or something to that affect (changing your name and such with HMRC is actually easier than before because you can do it from their website, and it changes the name for all government documentation, which is helpful.)) Once you provide the evidences of WHEN you changed your name and when all the other documents were changed to the new name, they'll set a date from there and work from there.

Also, the Leeds GIC seems to be one of the most popular GICs, and so they get a lot of people. I'm at least glad to know they're informing their new referrals with information on how long it might take them, as I certainly didn't get that information before and was waiting about 14 months before the initial assessment. My best advice would be to be full time by that point, and to try and push through the initial asessment phase as quickly as possible. They can shorten assessments to 4 or so before they'll give hormones. Not much, but it's at least a little compensation.

Johanna, from what I'm aware of, there are only two surgeons who actually do the SRS surgeries in the UK, Bellringer and Thomas (slight chance I'm outdated on info here though), and I do believe one of those surgeons does advertise his services privately also. It's quicker to go private just because of the NHS beds are the things with waiting times, not the surgeons themselves (silly really, why can't you bring your own bed? :P)

Also, I have some questions, this may be more relevant to post-ops who might have some info.

So, I just got back from my surgery in Thailand, and I'm trying to deal with the NHS (oh how I didn't miss them) to get important things like KY Jelly for dilation, Betadine Solution (now Videne Solution) for douching, and to get more hormones. Namely, I want to move from patches to pills again, as I don't like the idea of, if I become sexually active, I wouldn't want the patches to be seen as I find them a bit of a turn-off for myself, and I'm not sure if the other half would also.

My GP is apparently "not confident" to prescribe me any hormones at all, not even the recommended amounts, until I can speak with the GIC or a local endocronologist, and he was not prepared to prescribe enough KY Jelly until he has spoken with the GIC also. Besides the fact that I'd be worried about a GP who isn't confident in prescribing something, I also wonder what's the deal with the KY. I find myself wondering, if perhaps I would now be considered a female who suffers from vaginismus, or something like so, as it's commonly known as a "tightening of the vaginal walls/entrance" and so I should be able to get it under that sort of medical condition?

The amount of KY I go through it pretty stupid though. More than you'd normally expect to go through anyway.

So, would it be worth maybe going to a different GP? As a student and after having dropped the amount I did on the surgery, I can't really even afford to eat properly again right now, let alone buy 75G packs of KY Jelly at 4£ a pop. I also -really- urgently need hormones as I've nearly ran out.

Thoughts, peeps? Thanks.

Sandra

08-15-2013, 12:52 PM

Johanna, from what I'm aware of, there are only two surgeons who actually do the SRS surgeries in the UK, Bellringer and Thomas (slight chance I'm outdated on info here though

There is a 3rd Mr Oliver Fenton Leeds GIC refer to him, that is who did Nigella's surgery.

Eryn

08-15-2013, 07:04 PM

As a student and after having dropped the amount I did on the surgery, I can't really even afford to eat properly again right now, let alone buy 75G packs of KY Jelly at 4£ a pop.

If you can find a supplier for carboxymethylcellulose powder it can be mixed with distilled water and you have the same thing as KY minus the preservatives.

Samantha171

08-30-2013, 09:40 AM

Hi, I have a quick question hopefully someone can clear up for me.
When I get my NHS records changed to reflect my new name and gender, do I also get a new NHS number?
I'm super confused at the moment because my GP says it stays the same and my psychiatrist says they need my new NHS number to update their records for me. :/

Nigella

08-30-2013, 09:46 AM

Hi Samantha

Your NHS number will stay the same, the only change that will take place is the updating of your name and gender :)

Samantha171

08-30-2013, 09:55 AM

Ok. Thanks. :)
I was just confused because I had phoned up my GP and asked for my NHS number, and then gave that to the psychiatry, and only after realized that it was the same as my old number... Not sure what's going on but I hope I've done everything right. :)
I guess they'll tell me when I next go in if they needed a different NHS number.
Thanks Nigella!

Windy

08-31-2013, 08:11 AM

Sighhhhhh, has anyone had any particular experiences with private care?

I'm in a VERY frustrating position right now. I sent off the C1 consent forms about a month ago to Charring Cross, but today I found out that they've been returned to me and marked as "not called for"...because I put a first class stamp on the letter and didn't pay a 9p (!!!) postage charge. I've spent 3 months trying to get a psychologist's opinion, and then another 6 months waiting for the clinic to even send me my consent forms. I know that the clinic also runs a 14 day service where if they don't hear back from you then they assume you're not going with them and wasting their time but...blagghhh, I really don't want to have to go back through ANOTHER 9 month wait, just because I forgot to pay a 9p charge.

emma5410

08-31-2013, 08:44 AM

My NHS number changed when I changed my name. I did not change anything else doctor, address etc.
The new rules that are supposed to have been adopted means that your GP can now refer you direct. Whether Charing Cross will abide by them is another question.
I have used Gendercare and they were excellent. The staff actually work at Charing Cross. Obviously they are expensive, as is all private care. I am waiting to hear from Charing Cross. I sent back my forms in early July but have heard nothing yet. I put two first class stamps on but now I am worrying that they may not have received them and I will be back at the start again. By the way it took the psychiatrist/doctor nearly six months to send the referral. I was constantly assured it had been done but it only happened when I sat down in front of my doctor and watched him do it.

Nigella

08-31-2013, 08:57 AM

From the NHS website (http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/thenhs/records/Pages/thenhsnumber.aspx)

If you have an old medical card, it will have an old-style NHS Number made up of both letters and numbers. This has now been replaced, for all patients, by a new NHS Number made up entirely of numbers This could be one reason why some people seem to get a new NHS number, simply because they have never been issued a new 10 digit number to replace their old number

and their PDF FAQs

1.6 I have changed my name: does this affect my NHS number? No, moving or changing your name does not affect or change your NHS Number, which stays with you throughout your life. You will need to arrange for your new name to be updated on your medical records. To do this, contact your GP Practice and let them know about your name change. They may ask to see some identification or proof of the name change. Your GP Practice will make sure your medical records are updated.

and what to do if you have 2 NHS numbers

1.13 I seem to have more than one NHS Number, which one is correct? Your NHS Number is made up of a 10-digit numbers. If one of your NHS Numbers has both letters and numbers it is an old NHS Number which you can no longer use. If you have more than one 10-digit number you should contact your primary care trust (PCT) to find out which is one is the right number. To find out the phone number for your nearest PCT visit the NHS Choices website at the following address and enter your postcode.
http://www.nhs.uk/ServiceDirectories/Pages/ServiceSearchAdditional.aspx?Sear chType=PCT&ServiceType=Trust When you phone your local PCT, ask for the department which deals with enquiries about NHS Number. A member of staff will take your name, date of birth and address and then send you a medical card with your NHS Number on it, usually within two days. We also recommend that you tell the organisations that have two different numbers so that they can find out which is the right NHS Number and change their records.
Healthcare providers use other numbers and ways of identifying you and these may also be in your documents. In an emergency, if a provider can’t identify who you are they won’t have your NHS Number and will use another way of identifying you instead. As soon as healthcare staff can identify you they will find your NHS Number and add it to your records.

emma5410

08-31-2013, 09:02 AM

In my case both of my numbers are 10 digit.

Windy

08-31-2013, 09:07 AM

emma5410

08-31-2013, 09:22 AM

I am still hopeful that my forms are working their way through Charing Cross but who knows. The positive is that I have been full time since January so I feel I am making progress.
I can recommend GenderCare but if you abandon the NHS it means that you will have to pay for hormones/surgery.
I hope it works out for you. Have you contacted Charing Cross to find out the situation? If you do have to reapply then it would be worth taking a copy of the new protocols with you to show your GP. If he is anything like mine he is clueless about TS issues. I can probably find you a link if you need it.

emma5410

09-28-2013, 04:37 PM

I do not know if this is of interest to anyone but I rang CHX on Friday and was told they are currently processing the forms they received in March.

Amy A

09-30-2013, 03:26 PM

I'm gearing up to changing my name at the end of the month, but I'm not sure what the deal is with what gender I should say I am. Say, with an insurance company, I'd be putting my title as Miss, but I'm not legally recognised as female (eg no certificate because I'm starting full time next month), so do I say I'm male or female? And would a bank or insurance company allow me to change gender without a certificate?

Is there any definitive source of information about this on the interweb anywhere?

Thanks!

Nigella

09-30-2013, 03:37 PM

Most will not require your gender, they will accept the name and title change, providing you give them the original document you used to change your name/title i.e. deed poll. The only issue I have had is with my marital status as, at least on line applications for insurance, will not accept Mrs and Ms as being married. Most companies accept that if you are a Mrs, Miss or Ms then you are female, good old computer planning.

I always list myself as female even though "officially male", that is until I get a GRC. Never had an issue with it and my name/title has been changed for 6.5 years. If in doubt ask :)

Amy A

09-30-2013, 03:54 PM

Thanks Nigella. Some of my concern is about my motorbike insurance; I'm not sure if they would let me change my gender on an existing policy or not.

EDIT: Just found this on the FAQs of a deed poll site:

'However if you do change your title to ‘Miss’, ‘Ms’ or ‘Mrs’, you will need to make it clear when completing any application forms (for example for credit, loans, insurance, etc) that your sex at birth was male.

This is particularly important with insurance because the insurer might give you a cheaper rate if they believe you were born female. Then, if you ever came to make a claim, you might find that your insurance is invalid if they discover your sex at birth was male. Furthermore, it is a criminal offence to obtain a financial advantage if you deceive someone.'

Carla Stevens

03-02-2014, 02:12 PM

I have a question that I hope someone may be able to answer for me.
I know the NHS pathway can be painfully slow.
3 months ago I first spoke to my GP about my Gender issues, 2 months ago I got to see a Psychiatrist & 1.5 months ago the Psychiatrists report got sent to my GP.
I've since found out from my GP that they haven't yet referred me to Leeds GIC yet. It seems as though all the GP's in the practice are having to get together to discuss my case before writing a report. I therefore assume that none of them have ever had to deal with GD before. :sad:

In the meantime I'm having an emotional meltdown & I'm really struggling to function on a daily basis. I'm in a very dark place at the moment.
My question is: does the NHS provide any interim Gender support such as being able to speak to a Gender Psychologist before actually getting to Leeds?
If I can go to my GP prepared with the correct information as to what options are available, I think this may speed up the process. It can take around 2 weeks just to get to speak to a GP at my surgery & I need to go prepared to prevent any un-necessary delays.

Janice Ashton

03-02-2014, 05:16 PM

Hi Carla,

One thing I have found having gone through what you are experiencing at present is patience; This may not be the answer you are looking for but it is fact, nothing will move quickly regarding your journey with the NHS. The NHS are really very good but it takes time, the reason why you have to wait in the circustance you are presently in is because the NHS has to find 'Funding from your local health authority for you to commence at the Leed GIC clinic. I had to wait for similar as in my case my Doctor confirmed by GD and then had to apply for funding because I attend the Devon NHS health authority where my clinic is in Exeter and I live in Gloucestershire. In my case it took nine months from my intial request to my GP to my first GIC appointment and I have now been registered with the clinic for over a year and been on HRT for 4 months.
It will happen for you if you definately tick all the boxes but it will take time and this is the frustrating part of the journey. I know this is not what you want to hear but I am sure it is how it will be.
Good luck Carla and I hope all goes well and you will get there.....

Amy A

03-02-2014, 05:36 PM

Hi Carla. Short answer is you are basically on your own until that first appointment with Leeds. I was referred in June last year, and have been told that in April they will send out a letter telling me which month my first appointment will be in. The only options you have in front of you to speed things up are 1. go full time ahead of your first appointment. They won't prescribe hormones until you've been full time for six months, but if you can prove you've got a chunk of time under your belt (say 3-6 months) they will consider reducing the assessment period to three months. I know this would be difficult for you but it's worth considering. 2. Go private for hormones, which is waht I did. Costly but facing another 6-7 months minimum without treatment was too much for me. 3. Find a gender therapist so you can at least talk things through. Also would help your case when you get to Leeds if you had supporting letters.

Like Louise says it's a long game, and that feeling of putting your life on hold until you can get started is pretty hard to cope with. If it's any help I will happily meet you any time you want in Manchester for a chat. :)

Carla Stevens

03-02-2014, 06:04 PM

I know the referral process is slow, but what is frustrating me is the fact you are left to fend for yourself until you actually get to your first GIC appointment.
I really am emotionally screwed up at the moment & I'm struggling to make sense of what's going on in my head.
I'm finding my GP surgery frustrating with the difficulty of getting an appointment for any medical conditions & they just seem to be giving me the run-around. It took me 2 weeks to get an appointment to speak to a GP about the problem I have with my sudden onset of male pattern baldness that's hit me hard. It's like a switch has been flicked & my hair is falling out in handfuls & I've lost a considerable amount in the past 3 months. The GP was very dismissive of this & basically told me that I'd just have to live with it, despite the fact that I'd told them about my Gender issues & it was causing me great distress.:cry: I already know that any medication to try to halt male pattern baldness can take up to 3 months to have an effect & in the meantime my hair is rapidly disappearing, never to return. I need to try to get another appointment & will need to see if I can speak to a different GP this time.

Ideally I'd go private to get to speak to a Gender specialist sooner, but I'm still out of work & cash strapped.

Amy, I will take you up on your offer to meet up in Manchester for a chat sometime. I'll give you a shout soon. Thanks. :)

johanna.kitten

03-02-2014, 07:33 PM

Carla,

You might find that your local lgbt centre/org. can advice you on how to handle some of the nhs hurdles, at least I have had some support that way as there is always someone that is ahead of you and/or have had similar worries. Perhaps you have already gone down that route. I don't even know how many times I changes GPs the last 18 months not to mention it took me a whole 888 days from when I informed the nhs until I actually held my hrt in my hand down the local Boots not even four weeks ago. So it can be quite frustrating at times to say the least.

Hugs and best of luck!
/Giovanna

Carla Stevens

03-03-2014, 08:43 AM

Thanks Giovanna, I might just try to contact a LGBT centre in the Manchester area. I am a member of Manchester Concord, but to be honest, most of the social meetings I've been to seem to be geared more towards the TV / CD side of the Trans scene, which really doesn't offer me much support.
I may have to start pushing my GP to get some progress as I seem to be stuck in a downward spiral of depression at the moment.
I've gone through many emotions from simply accepting the fact that I'm Trans & deciding to embrace this, to the state I'm in at the moment of considering the whole thing to be a curse & wishing I didn't have GD.
Recently I've found myself lying in bed at night just wishing I'd go to sleep & never wake up again.

johanna.kitten

03-03-2014, 09:28 AM

Carla, depression is common in TS people. It is not great at all, but I do keep hearing that lots of people get better with proceeding with treatment (be it more of
HRT and the lot rather than treatment of depression). Just hang in there and do not give up. I'm currently/temporarily in Leicester and the "Butterflies" here are
more political than focused on the social bit so hence quite a lot of good advice on dealing with the nhs and more.

You might want to not disclose too much of the signs on depression to your GIC as it might trigger delaying investigations into that, just try to wait
with that until you're on hrt (if that is what you're aiming for at the mo).

Hugs
/Gio

emma5410

03-03-2014, 03:07 PM

Recently I've found myself lying in bed at night just wishing I'd go to sleep & never wake up again.
I know that feeling but it is heart breaking to hear someone else say it. Amy is spot on in her recommendations. Some therapists will offer a reduced rate for the unemployed. My therapist does it on a limited basis. I am not sure if she has any slots but I can give you a link or I can ask her when I see her on Thursday. She is in Chorlton. Not sure how far away you are.
I am waiting for my first appointment with Charing Cross. I sent my forms back in July 2013 and they are currently not doing any after 1st April until they clear the backlog. The difference is that I am full time and on hormones. I cannot imagine what state I would be in if I was not.
If there is anything I can do to help please let me know.

Carla Stevens

03-03-2014, 06:20 PM

Thank your everyone for your support. It does help to know that I'm not alone. :)
I have taken a few steps to try to easy my mental burden. On Saturday night in the pub with a few beers inside me, I came out to my mate. He's shared this info with his wife & they are both supportive.
Tonight I've just come back from another friends house after telling him & his wife. They are both supportive too.
Tonight's 'coming out' was so hard & I really struggled to fight back the emotional tears & to say what I wanted.
Obviously I've had to answer many questions & apparently I've handled myself very well in explaining about the situation. (so my mate tonight told me.)
I've still got a long way to go with informing other friends & I've still to tell my father, brother & sister-in-law.
And of course I still have the task of introducing Carla to everyone.