Hi all,
This is mainly for anyone in the UK who is transitioning or has already transitioned. Anyone who could offer help would be really appreciated.
I had my first doctors appointment this morning to get referred to the Gender Identity Clinic (GIC), and turns out the waiting list just to get diagnosed with gender Dysphoria (which is not a mental illness) is 3 years long. Is there anyway to speed up this process bearing in mind I'm on a low income. I honestly don't think i can wait that long, i feel like my worlds been flipped upside down considering this morning i was so excited to see the doctor.
Any help would be appreciated
Lydia xx
You aren't along in this . I don't live in the UK and not sure if you are making a full transition , but if you are waiting for HRT you can start taking supplements ( plant base ) They do work well and your family doctor can monitor you . DO YOUR HOME WORK ON THIS . Just don't buy anything . You can buy these at any local health food store or drugstore . Going with any government or medical is a long waiting period . Only other way is making a trip over seas for the bottom surgery , but this is costly and now you still need to have a doctor to sign off on this . Since you are low income there isn't any other option . Sorry hun , but there is no way to speed this up . I live in Canada Alberta and the waiting list here is even longer . Some girls have to wait up to 7 years . I really feel for them because its not fair . Others many have other solutions for you .
Hang in there !
Alexis
Lydia, there was another member on, last night I think, from the UK, Sophie Linton, that was discussing her frustration with the same thing relating to the long wait in the UK. I'm just wondering why the long wait, and what are the local transgender support organizations saying about it. Even if it the wrong explanation, the NHS should have some reason or explanation. Being in the US, we have our own set of totally outrageously stupid rules. So you aren't alone dealing with stupid. Hope you the best, Michelle
I didn’t think Canada and the UK were that different in this regard. I mean, I’ve had to wait for months to actually see someone in person but there’s been plenty of work done over the phone to move the process along. Blows my mind they don’t have something like this as well.
I am sorry this is the position you are in.
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Rei , I transitioned in 2006 , our program back then was much far better then what our government offers now .
For me it was a year and half , would have been sooner but one of my appointments was cancelled and had to rebook . I'm friends with the lady who process everyone's paper work and the waiting list over 700 and growing . Our government keeps making cut backs and takes our resources away . It sucks here in Alberta for getting the care we need . I'm not sure what it's like Manitoba but I can imagine it's the same there .
Alexis
When i came out to my friends, it was because internally I'd resigned my will to live. This gave me incentive to come out and tell my closest friends, at the end of the day how could anyone make me feel any worse. My friends were so accepting it filled me with such energy to continue and actually make the change, things were moving forward. 3 years is far too long just to get diagnosed with something i already know i suffer with.
It annoys me because i know a ciswoman can walk straight into the doctors and ask for HRT just because she feels bloated or not feminine enough. I'm just as much a woman as she is, i just have different sex organs which is the main cause of my dysphoria. Looking down makes me physically ill. I would love to take matters into my own hands and take supplements Alexis,but my main concern isn't the HRT, it's the bottom surgery. Things are really tough mentally for me right now, however I'm looking into every avenue to get this shortened otherwise i really fear for my own sanity.
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Well Lydia , you will have a very hard time if it's only bottom surgery you are seeking . You won't be able to go for surgery without being on HRT first and when you do see a therapist there is still a long waiting list before you go for surgery . The World Health Org are the ones who set the stand for our care and nations follow this somewhat . Taking some type of estergon will help relax the mind and calm you done on this . If you don't what supplements then eat foods high in est such as soya sauce . When we relax our minds it helps with the dysphoria . Won't fully take it away but it helps managing life a lot better .
I really wish there was more I could help you and give you a big hug .
Alexis
Sorry Alexis, I should have been more clear. I didn't mean its the only thing i want. I clearly understand that i need to be on HRT for set amount of time before i can be considered for surgery, and i want the HRT to feminise my body and my emotions. My concern is the three year wait is pushing everything back, it could be 5+ years minimum before i can even deal with the thing that is killing me inside, even though i know what needs to be done its really not fair.
