Aussie Members?

[nicki]

Hi Nattie, yet another Aussie and I'm in Sydney.

I have just recently come out to my GP and although she freely admitted to not having much experience in the area she was fantastic and offered to help me with everything. She found me a very nice experienced Clinical Psychologist with whom I have already had one visit. I was incredibly nervous before both appointments but once the discussions were started I found it became much easier and was an incredible relief. My journey continues to gather momentum.... yay!

In NSW (not sure if it's the same in VIC) you get 10 medicare subsidised appointments after filling out a Mental Health Care Plan which took over an hour for me but will save me nearly a $1000, well worth it. I believe certain health funds will also cover some costs. HCF will after you have used your 10 medicare subsidised visits.

I am about to try EMLA cream and will let you know if it helps with my next laser treatment.

Nicki

[EmmaD]

Re the Mental health care Plan, I didn't fill anything out - my GP just prepared the letter and the psychologist bills me like normal but I claim it back at Medicare.  I end up paying $20 instead of $110. Maybe the Psychologist did the form.  I will ask on Wednesday when I see her next. 

Re pain relief (sorry to harp on about the misery part), I always found the cream helped but it really didn't get deep enough. I was given something for laser and I seem to recall it was better than for electro.

[Rachel85]

Hi everyone!

My name is Rachel in case we haven't met, or you haven't read my posts (they're few and far between but I'm told they're RIVETING ).
My trick with electro pain is having two paracetamol and two ibuprofen (neurofen) about and hour before going in and having two after (I mostly have three hour sessions with multi probe galvanic) and that pretty much sorts out the pain for me. I used emla when I was having laser for my top lip but with the above I seem to get along pretty well and just go into my "zone" or just talk with my electrologist.
FYI the "Better Access" scheme with the bulk billed psychologist visits is fantastic and well worth getting from your GP. There is also a less known similar referral for allied health which can include visits to speech therapists if you so chose, thats called an "advanced care plan" or something, also from your GP, very well worth while.

[Charley Bea(EmeraldP)]

From Perth here.

I went to a GP who has dealt with trans people before and she wrote out a referral for a endo on the spot and within about a month or two I had my first appointment and I have been on HRT for going on 15 months. I do feel sometimes I got lucky through the whole thing. Laser I have I think my 7th session coming up and I got every 6-8 weeks(6 mostly) not cheap and yes the top lip hurts...and that is with numbing cream one comparison is like having someone snap a lackey band against my face, I am getting use to it though and hopefully I do not have much hair left to rip...zap out/off.

[Kara Jayde]

Thanks for the replies everybody ^^ I'm going into my GP tomorrow to get her to refer me to the psych (Dr. Eramus) via the bulk billed medicare plan (it's taken this long because I was waiting for a replacement HCC). Hopefully I'll have that meeting fairly soon so I can begin HRT, as I am very anxious to begin. Also probably going to go in for my first laser session tomorrow.

I was wondering, now that I have all the aussie members in one thread do any of you go to trans support groups or meet ups? I'd very much like to meet some people locally who are going through the transition or have gone through it, just because I think that would help me not feel so alone in the whole process. I opened up to an old friend yesterday, and although he was very supportive, he clearly didn't get it and kept saying as much 'I don't understand what it must be like (to have GID) but I'm here for you', which was nice, but somehow still made me feel very alone.

[nicki]

Hey Nattie,

I've been referred to the Gender Centre in NSW for support groups although I haven't contacted them yet. There is this group in VIC that you might have a look at. http://gendercentre.com

Hope that helps

Nicki

[luna nyan]

My trick with electro pain is having two paracetamol and two ibuprofen (neurofen) about and hour before going in and having two after (I mostly have three hour sessions with multi probe galvanic) and that pretty much sorts out the pain for me.

400mg ibuprofen and 1000mg paracetamol is acceptable 1hr pre procedure is fine.  The second dose (if necessary) should be taken at least 4 hours after, otherwise it's not so great for the liver.  For anyone wishing to try this, be aware that the acidity could upset the stomach.  The dose 1 hour before should be sufficient.

This thread is turning into the Aussie chatter thread! =)

[Charley Bea(EmeraldP)]

I talk to my clinical psych every 4-5 weeks. I do not know of any trans support groups in W.A and the few trans people I know of around here, they are stealth so are probably hesitant to set up a group. Also only know of two around my age group but one I have only been told about to help me out and the other is one if the aforementioned stealths.

So no support groups for me.

[immortal gypsy]

400mg ibuprofen and 1000mg paracetamol is acceptable 1hr pre procedure is fine.  The second dose (if necessary) should be taken at least 4 hours after, otherwise it's not so great for the liver.  For anyone wishing to try this, be aware that the acidity could upset the stomach.  The dose 1 hour before should be sufficient.

This thread is turning into the Aussie chatter thread! =)

Yes playing around with painkillers can be dangerous you are better off getting good quality ones rater then doubbling up on lower quality ones. Saying that AUSTRALIA ONLY (my body is held together by spit, grit and duct tape some days), if you want to take the painkiller route and your not alergic to codine I would suggest Mersyndol. You find them at the back of the chemist if you ask for them by name you have no trouble getting them and there inexpensive. There is a night and day strength, the night having a calmitive in them as well. Remember when a pharmacist tells you not to take something on an empty stomach its not a suggestion. I learn't that the fun way

This has become a little Aussie chatter thread, Today the forum tommorow the world

[luna nyan]

codeine only adds about 5% efficacy to the paracetamol at the cost of drowsiness.

If it works for you, great!  Personally, I'm not too great a fan of paracetamol codeine combinations.

[immortal gypsy]

I didn't know that about that how efficicant it was or not, but some of my friends had said codine has made them sleepy.

But when you have had days when you collapse after taking a normal step or want to cry after getting on your knees, pain from permant hair removal no matter what method used is the least of your problems

[judithlynn]

Hi Nattie;
So Sorry about the late post. I cannot help you with the Pysch, because mine is based in London (or at least for my first letter) as I got mine from Charing Cross GIC. I had to show it when I first went to Prahran and by the way despite  some concerns about Dr Strecker, he is my GP and I have found him to be perfect for me. Other than not referring to my Female name on my first visit, he has been wonderful, always treating me well and always commenting on how nice I look and how in his opinion I pass very well.  (I always present as female on my visits)  Also despite some other people's concerns about large dosages, in fact  Dr Strecker  only allowed me to increase mine over a period of 9 months with blood work ups every time.  My only concerns with him is that he will not recommend me for Pellet implants because of the health risks (my age) and for the same reasons doesn't want me to start on Progesterone (I was on it the first time I transitioned aged 32).

He has also given me a referral letter for Breast Augmentation, but up to now I haven't gone ahead with it as another girlfriend has recommended I wait for another 6-9 months to see how the Oestrogen works, although I am thinking about at least looking at the costs and potential sizing to get a view about potential breast sizes. I am currently a small B Cup, but hope to be a C Cup or small D. My mother was a DD size.  For Hair removal I have an outstanding Beauty Therapist that does Laser Hair removal and Electrolysis in Melbourne. I also have a really nice Corsetiere that does my bra fitting and even a Deportment coach. Also I found an excellent place for inexpensive wigs. For Dress sizes (I am a size 20)  again I have a fabulous shop I can recommend that are very TS friendly. do PM me if you want some ideas. Also I think you asked about a group. There are in fact two I know (one for young people) and I that meets once a month at Alphabet Soup restaurant in Clifton Hill. Again I can put you in touch if you PM me. In terms of both Laser and Electrolysis, I use Panadeine Forte. But this is prescription only and very strong. I have another health pain problem and have these when the pain gets too much, but there really deaden the pain and really help me get through extended Laser and Electrolysis sessions. But you need to watch the after effect especially on driving as they can relax you too much also Panadeine Forte must not be mixed with Alcohol.

Hugs
Judith

[Kara Jayde]

Thanks for that Judith! I may PM you if I need any of those details I went in and got my first referral letter for the Psyche from the GP, so now just have to make the appointment! ^_^

I also went into a local laser clinic and asked which types of laser they used, she gave me a strange look and listed about a dozen different lasers and asked what I wanted specifically. I told her I wanted to get laser on my face and asked prices, and she asked why I'd want that (she didn't ask straight out but kept trying to get me to say that I was trans) I finally said 'I'm transitioning' and she smiled broadly and stood up, suddenly changing her whole demeanor. She thanked me for telling her and told me it would have been rude to imply but that she has a lot of trans patients and that I had come to the right place (essentially). She sat me down and we went through the different procedures and she told me I'd be a perfect candidate for laser, but I should only start once I'm on hormones, since they will help thin my hair out and change the hair makeup anyway. She said once I went on hormones, I'd be looking at about 8 - 10 sessions at around $250 a pop. She also said if I came in early on the laser days (by half an hour) she could apply a cream to my face which would make it hurt much less (I'm assuming this is the EMLA cream discussed in here?).

I told her I was also considering electrolysis, and she practically laughed. She made it sound like the most out of date and painful procedure known to man, and basically implied that with the technological advances in laser tech, it's redundant and barbaric. Considering how many people here are discussed electro, this really surprised me.

Hey Nattie,

I've been referred to the Gender Centre in NSW for support groups although I haven't contacted them yet. There is this group in VIC that you might have a look at. http://gendercentre.com

Hope that helps

Nicki

Thanks Nicki, with that link and Judith's suggestions I've found a few in Melbourne. Now to summon up some courage and investigate (I'm painfully shy at the best of times).

[Ms Grace]

I told her I was also considering electrolysis, and she practically laughed. She made it sound like the most out of date and painful procedure known to man, and basically implied that with the technological advances in laser tech, it's redundant and barbaric. Considering how many people here are discussed electro, this really surprised me.

As I understand it, the effectiveness of laser is down to skin and hair colour. Tried laser a couple of times but my beard whiskers range from reddish, to mouse brown, to blondish, to white... sadly not effective. Believe me I'd have used it if it had worked.

[immortal gypsy]

[Starts doing snoopy happy dance]

Congratulations Nattie your almost there now make the call (all in your own time no actual rush)

The 1st phone call is probably the hardest one you will make but one of the most rewarding because it is the one that starts you off

[luna nyan]

But you need to watch the after effect especially on driving as they can relax you too much also Panadeine Forte must not be mixed with Alcohol.

^This.  I do not advise driving while taking panadeine forte.  There's sufficient codeine to impair judgement.

Nattie, great to hear you're starting to get your ducks lined up.  Your laser story is interesting, I've always presented as male to my electro and they have never questioned me about whether I was trans or not.  Mind you, what beard I did have was rather pathetic, so it did make sense.

Two more days to the long weekend!  Hope you all have something fun lined up!

[KayXo]

He has also given me a referral letter for Breast Augmentation, but up to now I haven't gone ahead with it as another girlfriend has recommended I wait for another 6-9 months to see how the Oestrogen works

Only 6-9 months? I think one should wait at least a few years before deciding as full breast growth takes quite a few years to be fully complete, just look at natal females. Nature works slowly but surely.

At the same time, I can understand your impatience so in the end, you must do what you must do, listen to your heart and follow it. Just do realize that implants come with risks, that they probably may need to be replaced after 10-20 yrs (?). Progesterone may also be quite useful for breast growth as I and others have found out.

So before deciding on implants, you might want to try progesterone too... Whatever you decide, I hope you get what you want in the end.

[KayXo]

I told her I was also considering electrolysis, and she practically laughed. She made it sound like the most out of date and painful procedure known to man, and basically implied that with the technological advances in laser tech, it's redundant and barbaric. Considering how many people here are discussed electro, this really surprised me.

Also surprised! Electrolysis is the still the only proven method to permanently REMOVE hair, not only REDUCE hair. Sometimes, hairs may come back up years after the last laser treatment (up to three years, I've heard).

[Bols]

Hi Nattie!
Good luck with your therapist search! Hopefully you can find one that you feel good about.
I'm recently out (last month...feels like eternity) to a few loved ones, from Adelaide, and also not unruly!
I also want to say hi to everyone! Thanks for all the information!
Bols

[nicki]

You are welcome Nattie.

Good luck with your first steps. As Immortal Gypsy say's the first one is the hardest but they do get easier. For me the results have been so rewarding. I suddenly had an immense weight lifted from my shoulders, everything became a little surreal but in a calm and focused way. I haven't stopped smiling since. In fact colleagues are staring at me because I'm not the usual dour person I was .... long way to go though but I'm off, woohoo 

Nicki xxxx