Friend having trouble after her op (UK)

[El]

Hey all. I've got a friend whos having a lot of trouble since her GRS last september. I was wondering if anyone had any advice at all. I believe she had her surgery at Charing Cross.

This is what she told me:

i don't even seee a psych local anymore , all i have is my gp n g.i.d clinic . i have been desperate to see an endro n have a propper post op appointment as things still are not right down below but yet they ain't helping . all they have done is given me an appointment to see my psych at cx but not till sept . a year since my op . my hormones are a mess n as a result of that so am i !. just sick of it .

seems like they don't give a rats soons as your out of theater ! . I am quite sure I am on the wrong dose of estrogen's my mood is all over the place , things down below are still not right . struggling to dilate and still getting bad discharge and really not happy with the whole treatment i am getting , regardless of having like the worst facial hair issue going . just getting tired

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi El,

Not knowing the NHS system at all, I would think that at least "Duty of Care" should still be valid. A follow up at the Hospital where the procedure was carried out.

Surely it's not a system of "back to square one" once you've been through. What has her GP said about her condition? Does the Hospital have an out patients department? Why would a Health System diagnose a mental (Psych) referral to an obvious medical (endocrinology/vaginal discharge) condition?

I see the Psych throwing his hands in the air "Not my problem!" and we're back to square one. Weird system. Whatever happens it needs to escalated to a more senior level before major complications set in, if they already haven't.

Good luck
Huggs
Catherine

[El]

Thanks for your reply Catherine. I am really worried about her, the NHS seems to have cast her adrift.

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi El,

It's good she has such supportive friends as you around.

If it was me, I'd first try the hospital where the procedure was carried out, and if no results, stat at the top of the NHS system and work your way down. Sitting in peoples offices generally annoys them until they do something.

I still can't make sense why a Psych was referred to her case.

Huggs
Catherine

[El]

I believe it is the psyche who referred to the Gender Identity Clinic. In the NHS system a GP cant write that referral

[Vicky]

I do not know the UK health system either, but I am part of a highly managed health care program here in the U.S., and although I had to pay for my own surgery, now that it is over, I have been brought into the women's basic health care system, and am being treated very well there.  Post Op women share many of the same issues as natal women as far as vaginal care, and even hormone issues.  If your friend is relying on the GID/GD crowd, it may be that they too see her current status as that of a natal woman, and if she were to go that route may find what she needs.  Vaginal infections are just that.  Post menopause hormone issues which we imitate hormonally happen to cis women as well.

As for therapy from a mental health professional, unrealistic expectations of surgery are a fact of life even for the best prepared SRS patient, and those would best be treated with a gender therapist.  I have had some major issues even in my recovery where dreams and reality did not travel on the same highway. 

Recommend that your friend try the gynecologists practice -- after all a woman who finds she is pregnant does not get an appointment 12 months away from the date of her date.

[Megan Rose]

I second Vicky's remarks. 

I'm seeing a gynecologist and getting excellent care from her.  It was pleasing that she asked questions regarding urine stream, dilation, hormones, etc - was very ready to care for a post-SRS patient.

[babz]

HI El I am In the UK Post OP just over a year, Ask her GP to get a referral to Dr Leighton-Seal He Is the chief Endo at Charing cross, My Appointment was just over 9 months before I could see him post op. I went back on Premarin when I had my Surgery, which I had been on for 16 years.  Dr Seal put me on a different hormone. I am seeing Dr Seal at St Georges In Tooting which is easier to get to from Sussex, If she has any major problems regarding Referrals get her to Either Talk to special commissions Department In her Area Or If Gp Refuses Complain to General Medical council as this would classed as a doctors fitness to Practice If you send me a PM with your Email I will give you my phone number to talk. Best Regards Babz











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[Devlyn]

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