How long does the NHS take once you've gone to the first appointment?

[ScottyMac]

They told me they could first see me mid January. I was just wondering how long it usually takes to get hormones/surgeries after that first visit. If it is different for everyone then could you just tell me your experience. I am under 18 but too old for hormone blockers, would that slow it down? Thanks.

[Seras]

It depends where you are at and which GIC you will have to go to. It is not too late for blockers, you are still producing testosterone. If I were you I would get on them ASAP. If you end up having to go to London, when I went they were real dicks and strung me along for over a year. Refusing to treat me because I had not legally changed my name. Allegedly they have loosened up a bit but I do not know personally. If you have to go there and can afford to I would seriously consider going private. Unless you are already all full time and going by a different name and all that junk. Then they will prob have NP with you!

Well done for coming out so young, I wish I had. I was 23 before I got up the courage. You will probably have to have at least 6 months of treatment before getting HRT, that is being seen by a psych once and then again 6 months later. I am not sure however exactly on the rules with regards to being <18.
Feel free to PM me or ask more questions in this topic if you prefer.

[ScottyMac]

Thanks for the reply. It is the London one I will be going to. I am already full time and go by a different name, but I haven't changed it legally yet. But I was thinking about doing it soon anyway. If it takes 6 months I will definetly consider going private. I could afford the hormones but I'm not sure if I could afford the surgeries though.

[Seras]

Awesome. Then the GIC should be fine for you. Just make sure everything is moving along properly, keep up with your GP, make sure he/she is getting it all set up right. At first my GP said he would do something but never did, it took an extra 6 months. My GP at the time was incompetent though.

For what it is worth, even if I could not afford it, I would prob save up for the surgeries to be done private.

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Anyway to go into specifics, for me it was like this.

1) GP -> refers to generaly psych.
1 month
2) Psych makes sure you are not a mental.
3)GP refers to GIC (he didn't do it for 6 months)
Should take about 6 months (for me a year).
4) Have an appointment at GIC, tell them you want hormones. -> Generally will tell you you need to be full time and name changing and living as chosen gender blah blah (maybe less strict now).
6 months (if very lucky you don't have to wait)
5) Go back for next appointment, if you are satisfying their conditions they will prescribe.

This is for an adult since I was 23 when I finally got to the GIC. I do not know the rules for minors, I imagine they may be a little more hesitant. Hopefully you are almost 18?
Either way it took at least a year when I was at the GIC to get prescribed.


PS legally changing your name is super super easy and pretty cheap. Make sure you get it done before going to the GIC. It will be a good idea since they put a lot of stock in it.