Dear All
Finally decided to meet and greet and introduce myself
I'm Mash I live in Cape Town living Real life experience for the past 23 years, since I've left school .I always looked at having surgery but it has always been a pie in the sky idea especially with our health care and never knowing whats what here and also being so isolated from the rest of the world kinda made it difficult to know what's out there and if it applied to us down here in SA. Thank goodness for internet !!
I have been on hormones for many years and only of recent received them via the state Hospital as they have a Trans program. lots of red tape possibly gatekeeping too,28 year waiting list ...about 10 years ago I actually went for "treatment" at Groote Schuur hospital after I've been assessed by Carron Park and got referred there. Well,me being nervous and scared I conjured up enough courage to go. A young trainee doctor saw me It was like a slap in the face as he tried to convince me that what I'm feeling is not real even smirked a bit. I just got up and told him that he needed to read up on some text books he clearly neglected to read and I left midway through the consult. I went underground for 10 years again until recently when I reached out again. I think that young doctor was a blessing in disguise (I read Anelle's post about surgery in Sa) I don't intend to go the state route but at least I get my hormones and checkups and tests at a minimal cost now .I'm planning surgery in Thailand I'm still a fair way off to having enough money for it but I believe I'll do the research so as soon as I have the cash I'm over there (only thing on my wish list) I have my Consent letters etc for the past 8 years all ready so Im pretty ready to go. I have never applied for an ID as I never saw myself as the male gender
I created a new name for myself as soon as I left school and moved to Cape Town to start a more authentic life .My then decision clearly had far reaching consequences for me
living a ghost life ...not existing on paper in formal life. I could never apply for a job never drive a car let alone buy one (legally) never get a bank account and the "perks" of having one. I've managed all these years under the radar because I integrated well into "Normal " society But its no way to live especially when I know I'm meant to live a much better life trust me. I've applied several times in the past x 8 years to have my documents amended but every time an excuse that they lost my application. Gender Dynamix has assisted me to apply again this time (a month ago) with only one amendment at a time ,mine is "Gender" first ...I await their response +-5-9 mnths.
I'll do name changes after that which will take another year approximately. Fingers crossed!! If I may ask what you or any other girls think of DRs. Sangaun ,Surin !Burin Preecha and Dr Chett with regard to cost and appearance?
Many thanks
Mash
