It's like walking through chest deep wet concrete...

[Peta_T]

So had my appointment with the new gender clinic this afternoon. All went well and they will ring me in the next week to schedule an appointment with their Psychologist. After that it's a appointment with their Doc and maybe then I'll be starting HRT.

This process is so frustrating I just......

Was hoping, at Christmas, to be on HRT by my birthday this year. Well that little plan is so out the window.
Trying to find support, Psych + Medical, in this city is a joke. Don't get me wrong, there is support. It's just booked solid 12 months in advance.

At some point, the medical profession needs to get up to speed with the demand needed I think. Ok, I know I'm venting here. Apologies to all.

It's just I'm so sick of this continual delay / redo process that I'm being put through.

What can I do here, other than smile and make another appointment

[Evie82]

I'm in the same boat as you - waiting to see a psychologist for the first time. All I can advise is to keep on at them. If you ask about it enough you may get seen quicker as it might be seen as more urgent. That's what I'm trying anyway. Best of luck and stay strong :-)

[ClaudineD]

Take affirmative steps....but take progress slowly and informative as the ultimate process is ecstatic.....but not for feint of heart and mind....enjoy the exploration process !!!

[Kate T]

Are you seeing the Gender Clinic at Teneriffe?? Yes, I would agree they seem to be massively underesourced in QLD.

It is important to get it right otherwise you could end up with poor / even slower outcomes. Waiting for someone who is experienced is frustrating and seems like it takes forever but it is only a short time in the overall scheme of things. Hang in there.

[Peta_T]

The Gender Clinic at Teneriffe is closed book for the next 12 months.
I'm currently talking to a new group that has started in the last 3 months, they are based out of the RBW Hospital.

[Kate T]

Have you tried contacting the gender centre in a Sydney to see if they have alternative contacts / specialist lists. I'm sorry I'm not sure who the Endocrinologist and cutters are up your way. Do you have a local support group??

[AlyssaJ]

I wish I had anything helpful to say but I don't. These kinds of stories sadden and frustrate me. It's sad that people who are caught up in the mess that is being a transgender person, have to deal with such lack luster care. It frustrates me that there is such a gap between the demand for services and medicine's capability to provide those services.

Your story is also a reminder to me to quick complaining about my own situation. I was frustrated when there was a 7 week lead time to get in to see my therapist for the first time. I was equally frustrated with the 9 week lead time for an appointment with the OB/GYN that is managing my HRT. Both seem so miniscule now compared to the delays you're experiencing.

My only idea is that maybe you look to other ways of affirming your gender in the meantime. Can you start laser/electro hair removal? Getting as much of that done before you start HRT is always a good thing.

[Peta_T]

Hi all,
Thanks for the words of support, it helps a LOT.

Already had laser on face, chest and back. In the process of finishing the face via electrolysis.
Also am seeing a Psychologist about my depression. She has me working on separating "Who" I am from "What" I am. Really that small distinction is the only thing letting me cope with the medical baloney at present. Who I am is not going to change, what I am, will.....eventually.......

Also the realisation that the only time I have dressed male this year is to go to work... At home, out socialising, even sleeping.... the majority of my life at present is as ME... not the lie I have lived for the past 40 years.

As Sandy keeps telling me, it will happen, soon.... just have to be patient. (still frustrated with the speed of it though)

[Teresa]

Peta,
One question, do you have a similar system to our NHS , or is it all private in Australia ?

The reason why I ask is the clinics are overwhelmed in the UK, and NHS funds are running short so waiting times are getting longer. I had my gender counselling cut short through funding cuts . I need to decide my next step but at mid sixties I won't be high priority , saying that a TS was telling me that some people are in their eighties in her clinic and still expecting to transition .

[Peta_T]

Hi Teresa,

I guess the comparable system here would be Medicare, it covers most things at least. (Note: it will cover all the consultations through the new clinic). Sandy on the other hand includes a gap payment, so a little out of pocket there.

The issue I've found is not so much lack of funding, although it is short as it were. It's actually find people who have a clue about the issue that a not fully booked. I'd be happy to pay for it, if I could get my foot in the door.

[Kate T]

Most of your stuff will be covered under medicare Peta. If you have Private health insurance you should get some of your other out of pockets covered too BUT you will need a Psych diagnosis for most of the private funds.

Most GPs and Endocrinologists are reluctant to prescribe HRT for transition without at least a psychologists assessment. Once you get started on HRT though I would suggest try and enjoy the ride. The destination is fantastic don't get me wrong but don't forget to enjoy the journey and it will make the destination seem so much better.

Best wishes

Kate

[grace7777]

Sorry to hear about the problems you are facing. I know what it is like wanting to start HRT and then not being able to because of the medical system. Just try to be patient, which I personally know is not easy.

Take Care,
Grace