A visit to the GP

[Guest Of Whitby]

So, tomorrow I'm going to see my local General Practitioner's. It's not the first time, but it is the first time with these issues in mind (as it's all been a bit repressed in the past, feeling a little braver since I signed up here, not sure how that makes sense, but it does).

The thing is, I'm not a very good talker; I don't explain myself very well at all, it's a mix of embarrassed stuttering and self doubt.

What I'm really asking is, do you folks have any pointers on how to present myself in this situation? I'm all nerves and no brain right now!

Much love, beautiful people x

[tracy_j]

Hopefully your GP should be used to understanding people who cannot readily communicate their issues but I must admit, similar to others, they can jump to conclusions.

I have not been in your position of communicating trans issues with my GP but if I did I think being open and honest would be best. I would well imagine the GP has heard many embarrassing things from others so will likely not be 'wrong footed'.

Try to present yourself as yourself not someone else - just relax! I know it is easy to say but as the conversation with your GP should be confidential it can be one of the easier conversations you will have.

Tracy

[Guest Christina200]

Yeah,

your GP's just a person who spent a few years at uni/teaching hospital and then got a stupendously well paid job - jealous? moi?

Remember they are there to serve you - not the other way around.

Say you're transgender and want to get referred to your local Gender Identity Clinic. Leeds or Newcastle for you.

At least then you can get on the interminably long waiting list straight away. If you decide later it's not for you no - no harm done.

There's pretty much nothing else they can do to help you. Could offer you some physiatric councelling potentially but you'll get that at the GIC anyway when you eventually get your 1st appointment.

Don't worry babe - they don't bite, but if they do bite back.

You could soon be entering a brave new world darling - it's dead exciting!

Christina

[JenniferB]

If you want to explore your gender identity than the sooner you get started the better. Transition is never easy and some people, out of fear, wait until much later in life to transition, if at all. Of course it's your life and you must do what you feel is best. I don't think it will hurt to let your GP know your feelings. At the very least you know where you stand with your GP, and then can make future decisions with that knowledge.

Good luck and I hope you find the courage to confront your fears. That's how you grow.

With Love,

Jennifer

[Guest Of Whitby]

I just hope my mental health is up to scratch, had a few problems in the past, though I'm not sure how seriously they were taken.

It's hard to feel you can connect when you haven't seen much heart in the process in the past... We'll see I suppose.

[Charlize]

I remember telling my GP about my issues. It was difficult but it was also very satisfying to talk to someone who i knew would keep my secret for me.

Let us know how it goes. Your not alone!

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest Of Whitby]

Well, I'm back and all is well! It took a lot of stages of explaining myself and mincing words, but I managed to get my point across, and from there everything was smooth sailing.

He suggested a local support group to me, but of course sadly the closest specialised clinic is in Leeds, as Christina said, though I've come to realise over the last hour, it shouldn't matter what I have to do, only that I have to do it.

If I wasn't so restrained I would have given the GP a hug, that probably isn't much to you lot, but I've never hugged anyone outside of my family before, haha!

Anyway, all smiles now, hope you're all doing wonderfully today

[Guest Christina200]

Glad things worked out ok for you babe. Told you so! lol - always trust your auntie Christina. Leeds ain't too far away for you. I seem to remember the city centre's quite nice - I wouldn't like to comment on the rest in public though!

So what was the actual outcome then cos I couldn't quite work it out from your post. Did you get the GP to refer you to the GIC?

Christina

[Guest Of Whitby]

Not quite yet, he suggested I go and get in touch with some more local support groups first, it is a fair bit of travelling considering I already drive 8 hours a day before social calls and such!

I'm optimistic though, despite my troubles talking about myself, I think I'll manage now that I've started

I'll be going back on the 22nd to see what effect this has on me, thanks for the support, just hearing the stories here keeps me going

[Guest Christina200]

Well I'm proud of you for taking that big step to go and see the GP. I know it must have been difficult for you but know you've seen that the meeting went ok that will have given you some extra confidence that you can now build on.

Hopefully you will go to a local support group which I'm sure will give you another confidence boost and also you will make some new friends which is great.

I'd like to go to one but there's nothing in my area.

I'm going to a transgender nightclub on Friday to try and meet some people - and have a laugh natch!

All the best babe and keep your head up high. You're taking the 1st steps to showing the rest of the world the real you.

Christina