Advice For A Mtf In England?

[Guest kirsty]

Okay, I am at the stage now where I need to progress further in my transition. I tried this once before But stopped because of pressure from family. But I need to start progressing further in my transition and this is where I do not have much of a clue what to do.

In the UK we obviously have the NHS (National Health Service) but what I do not know is whether or not they support transsexuals/transgenders. Before I went down the road of seeing my local Doctor who was very supportive and listened to me, but did not really offer me any further advice. Do I have to go down the road of going private with this? or is it something that the NHS will support me with?

I don't really know what step to take next. The one person who I have spoken to regarding this went to see a doctor who told them about HRT and they just ordered these online and does it all herself. But I know this is something that is not advisable and would only consider this as a last resort.

I guess I am kinda hoping that someone on here can guide me in the right direction of where I should be going next.

Thanks in advance

[Guest julia_d]

Back to your doctor. Find out which PCT you fall under for a start then google them with transgender .. and you will find the procedure and where the referrals are sent. Make your doctor work for you. Demand a referral to the local gender professional (that's not a psychiatrist btw)

google is the first stop for all NHS things uk side.. they are obliged to publish information on their website or in their standards of care documentation.

I found my pct have a (denied to my face and in writing) system for funding.. actually it's a legal requirement, so don't let them fob you off.

This might help.. General info.. because I can't look anything up for your specific PCT region because I have no idea where it is http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index...04065601AAg1hi9

and the search which brings up lots of links to the pct pages XD

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q...mp;aq=f&oq=

[Guest ~Brenda~]

Dear Kirsty,

I am not familiar with how health care is provided in the UK, but I will tell you this... be wary of doctors who are quick to give you hormones without blood work and referring you to an endocrinologist!! I recently made an appointment with a therapist and one the first things he asked me (pre consultation mind you!!) was... "Do you want hormones? I can prescribe hormones" well needless to say that scared the heck out of me. I turned tail and ran, ran, ran!!

Never accept anything less than a truely qualified gender therapist that will help you to sort out your gender identity, and (this is very important!) refer you to the right specialists if you need HRT, and SRS!!!

Watching out for you!!

LOL

bernii

[Guest Christine-Louise]

Hi Kirsty,

As has been said your own GP will refer you to the NHS system, but you may have to push your GP, some tend to hang back, but don't take any messing you are entitled to treatment on the NHS, I went private with a Gender Psychiatrist but it was expensive, take a look at the (Press for Change) website they have lots of information, and also a link to the (Gender Recognition Panel website),

Press for Change: http://www.pfc.org.uk/

Gender Recognition Panel website: http://www.grp.gov.uk/

You can also write in person to your local PCT asking for funding, I did for an operation but because of My health I was refused, still a problem for Me.

Your GP as with all GP's has a list of Gender resources that are available in your area, or they can acquire one, the sad part is that you may have to travel for it, as there are not that many Gender Clinics under the NHS, mainly they are in major cities, like London, Sheffield.

Persevere and don't take no for an answer.

[Guest Elizabeth K]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

Never self adminster hormones or any other drugs!

It is extremely dangerous! You can damage your liver and your cardio-vascular system. Please read Laura's autobiography.

A physician needs to monitor you not only for side effects, but also to keep you balanced.

Good luck on your journey

Lizzy

[Guest leo]

i went to my GP and they will be referrin me to a gender clinic, there is a new gender clinic in lecister now which is where im going if the docs ever get back to me

[Guest kirsty]

I have made an appointment to see my local Doc. I phoned up today in a pretty bad way and asked to see a Doctor urgently and luckily I got an appointment for tomorrow so that is good I suppose. Doesn't stop me from feeling rock bottom though. I guess it's just one of those days, but those days are too regular at the moment. I sat back today and thought about what I was about to put my family through, what I was about to put myself through and couldn't help thinking that my family would be better off if I just curled up and died. I am going to cause so much heart break again and I just don't know if I can do that. None of my friends bother with me, I spend most of my day either in front of this computer screen or lying on my bed crying. I just want a simple way out of this but It's not going to happen.

[Guest Christine-Louise]

Keep your chin up Kirsty,

You have to think of just what is right for you, you would loose some friends and family, but on the other hand you will find that that there are some who will stand by you and help you along the way, mostly the ones that you think would definitely not accept it, it is very hard to go through, but you have to be positive, if this is what you want and need to live a happy life.

You say one o those days, yes we all get those.

The saddest part of all is those that you loose, but it happens to us all mostly, there is no simple answer no easy way out, please just do what is right for you, think of how happy you can be given time, that was the advice I had, and now I couldn't be happier even with My health problems, always stick rigidly to the medical advice you get, and do loads of research learn all that you can, it will help you through.

Please don't get too downhearted, I know that is easy for Me to say, but I have been there, I spend lots of time in front of My computer too, I have four websites two off line at this time but they stop Me dwelling on My problems too much, and give Me an interest and occupy My mind, maybe you could find something too.

Again do just what is right for you, and only you, try to be very positive about everything that you do regardless of what it is, having a positive outlook helps no end.

[Guest Donna Jean]

I have made an appointment to see my local Doc. I phoned up today in a pretty bad way and asked to see a Doctor urgently and luckily I got an appointment for tomorrow so that is good I suppose. Doesn't stop me from feeling rock bottom though. I guess it's just one of those days, but those days are too regular at the moment. I sat back today and thought about what I was about to put my family through, what I was about to put myself through and couldn't help thinking that my family would be better off if I just curled up and died. I am going to cause so much heart break again and I just don't know if I can do that. None of my friends bother with me, I spend most of my day either in front of this computer screen or lying on my bed crying. I just want a simple way out of this but It's not going to happen.

Kirsty, Sweetheart...

I truly hope all goes well for your appointment...I do understand you feeling rock bottom....and I understand your concerns about your family....

But, Hon....the difference between living with this misery your whole life and doing something about it are very great!

Please take it from someone who knows!

Don't curl up and die....there is a great big world out there and you have much to do.....always remember that having this place you have freinds to talk to. We all will help support and love you...that's what we all do..

I'm sorry, Kristy...I hope the Dr. helps you today and you feel better...

Come back and let us know........OK?

With Love

Donna Jean

[Guest kirsty]

Thanks Donna Jean; Actually I had a much better day today. I even managed to gather up the courage to dress funny story about that here: http://www.lauras-playground.com/forums/in...ost&p=61704

I did see the doctor today and he is making a referral for me which is good. Hopefully I have more positive days like this to come. Thank you for your support