Gender Identity Clinic referrals via a GP

[foreversarah]

Hi all. I went to my GP on the 20th July and he agreed to get me a referral to the GIC in Norwich, UK (where I live), and I was told to expect to wait 5-6 weeks for a call from the clinic, and if not to let him know. As you can imagine, I counted down the days. I'm used to waiting as I've had many health problems throughout my life  and had to have waited weeks for doctor appointments.

After the 6th week I sent a message to my GP saying I haven't had a call. He's on holiday, but again that's not a problem. I am also on holiday at the moment so who knows I could come home to find a message on my answerphone!

How long doe it usually take to get a referral on average? I imagine it varies depending on area.

[FTMDiaries]

It does indeed vary depending on the area, and also on the clinic. I had to call the clinic myself to check the status of my referral because it was delayed by a ridiculous 8 months.

You should also be aware that most clinics will receive your referral, and then write to your local CCG (the NHS body that pays for GD treatment) to get funding approval before sending you an appointment letter. This can cause a delay because some CCGs only meet once a month to discuss which cases they'll fund.

So... ring the clinic on 01603 421710 (that is, if you've been referred to Town Close) and ask them whether they've received your referral and if so, what stage it's at in their system. If they're waiting for funding, you can ring your CCG to ask them to get their skates on. You can find their details here: http://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Clinical-Commissioning-Group/LocationSearch/1

You are entitled to attend any GIC in the UK; if the waiting times at Norwich are ridiculous, you can go elsewhere.

[foreversarah]

Thank you, very useful. Called them before I went to my GP, as advised by my psychologist. They wanted to know what area I was wanting to talk to. I wasn't sure, and I was too scared to say gender identity clinic so said not sure said thanks and hung up!

Eight months is a ridiculous amount of time to wait! I started having seizures last year, and they told me it would take a couple of months to see a doctor which was ridiculous. Fortunately I could go privately which was a massive help!

Also, hope the first week on T is going well! The first week on any medication is always an 'interesting' experience!

[FTMDiaries]

If you're uncomfortable with asking for the GIC specifically, just ask for the 'Town Close Clinic'. I think the phone number goes through to the main hospital switchboard, which isn't helpful considering this clinic's clientele and how uncomfortable many of us are about our voices.

Yes, eight months was ridiculous, which is why I cancelled my referral to CHX and went to a different GIC instead. How your doctors could expect you to wait months before seeing a doctor when you're having seizures is beyond me... how did they expect you to get on with your day-to-day life? 

My first week on T is indeed going well thanks - and yes, there have been a few interesting experiences, including the fact that I now sound like a 16-year-old instead of a 12-year-old!

[foreversarah]

Thanks again!

Yes, I don't get that either. Although at the time my seizures were weeks apart, generally four weeks. I later had seizures that were six/seven days apart. Had I first gone to the doctor then I'm sure getting to see a doctor would be much quicker.

Wow! That's quick! 6 days! Puberty for me was slow which helped me I guess. No doubt it varies from person to person. I'm now 22 and I can only just grow a half-decent beard which I'm not too bothered about as MtF! It's mainly the shaving that bothers me. Mainly because I have to do it and because I cut my face accidentally on a regularl basis (I'm dyspraxia).

[FTMDiaries]

Yes, I don't get that either. Although at the time my seizures were weeks apart, generally four weeks. I later had seizures that were six/seven days apart. Had I first gone to the doctor then I'm sure getting to see a doctor would be much quicker.

This is one thing that has worried me about HRT: the injections I'm on need to be used with caution in patients with epilepsy and migraine because these conditions can be aggravated by the injections. Guess what I've had for many years now? Photoepilepsy and migraines. Wonderful. 

Unpredictable seizures are awful to deal with because you can never be sure when you're going to have a bad day. Glad you're getting them sorted though.

Wow! That's quick! 6 days! Puberty for me was slow which helped me I guess. No doubt it varies from person to person. I'm now 22 and I can only just grow a half-decent beard which I'm not too bothered about as MtF! It's mainly the shaving that bothers me. Mainly because I have to do it and because I cut my face accidentally on a regularl basis (I'm dyspraxia).

Well, 16 is an awkward age to be at. I thought I'd left it all behind me, but it's come back with a vengeance. (I also have mild dyspraxia, as part of my Asperger's).

[foreversarah]

That's so frustrating!

I have injections on a regular basis due to a kidney problem so I'm fairly used to them. But I was rushed to hospital after my last seizure (7 months seizure free now! Yay!) and as the doctor put the needle in my arm (I've forgotten what they're called, they're used to put liquids into your arm) she used the usual distraction technique of asking mundane questions of what I've been doing. So I casually replied: 'doing my dissertation on medical negligence.' Turns out that wasn't the best answer, the doctor's face went stone dead and it made the injection worse than it needed to be! Still funny though!

Yeah the seizures were not fun. Even though I'm now seizure free, I still can't go swimming without being supervised. My last seizure was in front of my head of law at uni. Not a sensible move! I also had one I front of my class, all 70 of them! Made things exciting!

At least this now 16 again phase is going the right way for you now!