First Psychiatrist appoinmtment

[LizK]

Had my first Psychiatrist appointment today. In Adelaide Australia there are only two Psychiatrists able to provide the letter needed for HRT and Surgery. This can include therapy depending on your situation. I already have been in therapy with a Psychologist for the last 9 months. So seeing the Psych is more or less a formality to ensure there are no other underlying issues. I had already seen a Psychiatrist who gave me a Diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria as well as the Psychologist.

So the appointment was as I expected the usual stuff...yet another intrusive set of questions, more history, and that is about it. After this we went on to talk about what happened next and he indicated to me that it would normally take at least 6 months if I was with Dr Lyons. When I asked him why it would take so long he went on to say he only just met me..so I said him that I have been through this with 2 GP's I standard counselor, a Psychologist and now 2 Psychiatrists. What more did they need from me...his response was to talk about their need to be sure of my diagnosis otherwise they could get sued. So I asked him how many more people had to agree  before I could get treatment.

So he has a look at the report from the other Psych (which had the corrections I had made in red pen all over it) and takes a copy. He then conceded that he would look at this report , speak to my Psychologist and then see me in May. I told him I am over all of this and what is it I need to do to ensure I get my letter..so he says he wants me to find and attend a support group of which I replied ...already doing it, already attending. He kept banging on about having support, which I kept telling him I already have in place. He really was at a loss to give me any idea and in the end conceded once he had a look at the reports again and spoken to my Psychologist by the next appointment that may be enough, having the stuff I have will make a difference. He stopped short of saying he would give it to me next appointment  He understood my frustration... So I think there is a good chance that I will get my letter on the 9th May.   I am not sure what he could find to even talk to me about at the next session.

All in all it went well but still slow which I guess, makes perfect sense for him to take his time to get the correct Diagnosis. He became a little heated when I questioned him about what exactly we would be likely to do during that six months...He started to get irritated with my questioning until I mentioned I had the report from the other Psych with me, which was bang on as far as the Diagnosis went. He didn't really have much to say after reading it other than to avoid saying to me, I am not giving you a letter on the first appointment. He went on to say about having time to digest the information...fair enough. I had said to him right at the beginning of the interview "if you just give me a letter now I will be on my way and get out of your hair" he just grinned at me and started asking questions

He was a nice enough guy but I went in Androgynous mode and I just get the feeling had I gone as Elizabeth,  things may have been a bit different Just a feeling I had nothing more than that it might just have been enough to make him more confident in what he was thinking...weird but that's humans. At least he didn't ask me sexually inappropriate questions like the last Psych.

I am happy with outcome...still not Fast enough for me....but is it ever for anyone. One more real step closer.

Elizabeth

[itsApril]

Sounds like he hadn't reviewed any of the documents and reports in your file and was trying to cover up for that.

[LizK]

Sounds like he hadn't reviewed any of the documents and reports in your file and was trying to cover up for that.

I assumed he had seen the report as well because it was his name on it, as a copy, However the address it had on it was for was Dr Lyons Rooms who also received a copy. That is why at the end of the interview when we began to discuss how long this would all take and I listed off the people who I have A) already been through my "story" in depth B) I already have a diagnosis from each of them (not all of them qualified) which is when I discovered he had not seen the other Psychiatrists report and gave him my copy. My copy had the factual corrections on it ...such as the original report had my father dead at 77 in 1990 which I can assure you he was not impressed about when I told him a couple of months ago...the first report was full of this stuff...My copy was full of notes correcting the facts so at least he will have the correct facts to work with.

Once he had this and I reiterated the support network I currently have in place and am still working on and he then indicated that with this other report and being able to speak to my Psychologist whom he knows then ....he said "Having the report, seeing Jolly, that makes a difference"

I see my psychologist tomorrow again to discuss the outcome of yesterdays appointment so I am sure after speaking to her about it she will do everything she can to influence him positively to write the letter because I know she thinks I have been ready to go onto HRT for the last 3 months Its great he is going to talk to her and will only help my case.

So I am quite positive about the outcome but it has taken me overnight to sort it all out in my head which I have now. So onwards and upwards...I will keep creating this support network...something I have been trying to do for months and I am making progress. Roll on the 9th May...I see my HRT Dr in a few weeks to get the results of sall the bloods etc and I am sure she will set the next appointment up for just after I see this guy again. So we are getting there..slowly but surely

Elizabeth K

[Jacqueline]

Elizabeth,

So sorry this is dragging on. However, your attitude seems spot on. I believe a positive attitude and approach will make the time pass better and life will be easier and better.

You are an example of patience. I hope it all goes quickly.

With warmth,

Joanna

[Steph7]

Hi Elizabeth
I have my first psychiatrist appointment in May, but I had no idea what to expect. After reading your thread, now I do - thanks
I agree with Joanna - you have a great perspective of what happened - I am sure this attitude will serve you well.

Take care
Steph

[LizK]

Hi Dazed and confused

Glad it was of some help. If you are not in Adelaide Australia though it may not represent what you will experience and if it is...I wish you a whole bunch of luck getting to who need to in a timely manner. The two guys who service entire South Australia do a pretty good job with limited resources. I mean I can't get to see this guy again for another 10 weeks or something. I am sure he does not need that long to too review his own notes and 2 independent reprt, its about lack of funding and available times.

I saw my therapist today and she basically said to me there is nothing more she can do for me and if I want to come and see her it would be more of a social chit chat so we have arranged to do this in mid June. This is the therapist that is talking to the Psych who will write the letter. Her words were your case is classic in its progression and symptoms and there is nothing clinically significant in the presentation. Her view is I am as ready as I will ever be to begin this next phase...so again some more positive news

[Steph7]

Hi Elizabeth

Thanks for the extra information. I am not in Adelaide, but I am in Brisbane, so I think the process is likely to be the same. I have a few more issues to work through than you do though. Wait times for a psychiatrist who specialises in gender issues is about six months - so I have time to sort myself out.

Best of luck with the transition and I will continue to follow your progress.

I am sure the time will pass quickly.

Take care
Steph

[Cindy]

Hi Elizabeth

Thanks for the extra information. I am not in Adelaide, but I am in Brisbane, so I think the process is likely to be the same. I have a few more issues to work through than you do though. Wait times for a psychiatrist who specialises in gender issues is about six months - so I have time to sort myself out.

Best of luck with the transition and I will continue to follow your progress.

I am sure the time will pass quickly.

Take care
Steph

Hi Hon,

Qld services are a lot better than Adelaide try:

Dr  Gale Bearman

Dr Gale Bearman
Brisbane Gender Clinic
30 Helen St
Newstead
Qld 4006
ph 07 30171777
fax 07 38525200
brisgenderclinic@qahc.og.au
Gladstone Rd Medical Centre
38 Gladstone Rd
Highgate Hill
QLD 4101
ph 07 38449599
fax 38462957
g,bearman@grmc.com.au

ph  (07) 3837 5645   ( wed afternoon )



Dr Fiona Bisshop

SEXUAL HEALTH, TRANSGENDER, HIV and LGBT HEALTH

Genral Practitioner

Central Brunswick Medical Centre

16/421 Brunswick Street Fortitude Valley QLD 4051

ph  (07) 3852 2733



​Dr Morris Bersin   Mb Ch B (Rhod.)  F.F. Psych ( S.A. )  FRANZCP

Consultant Psychiatrist
Special interest  : Gender diversity / Dysphoria
Assessment / assistance. / management / therapy



Dr Graham Neilsen
MBBS (Qld), Dip Ven (Liv), MM (Sexual Health) (Syd), FAFPHM, FAChSHM

Sexual Health Physician
Stonewall Medical Centre
52 Newmarket Road
Windsor QLD 4030

Tel:   07-3857 1222
Fax:  07-3857 2333
http://www.stonewall.com.au
facebook.com/stonewallmedical







Belinda Birttles

Clinical Psychologist

Brisbane Southside Psychology
Level 1
142 Apollo Road
Bulimba Q 4171

P: (07) 3105 2880
M: 0459270146
E: bbpsychology@gmail.com
www.brisbanesouthsidepsychology.com



Fiona Jamieson BPsych(Hons), MPsych(Clin), MAPS, MACPA

Clinical Psychologist

InnerTwist Clinical Psychology
Level 3, 54 Jephson Street
PO Box 524|Toowong DC| QLD |4066
T: 07 3371 5558 |F: 07 3112 4242 |M: 0488 016 618
E: fiona@innertwist.com.au | www.innertwist.com.au



Dr Stuart Aitken MBBS, Dip Ven, FAChSHM

Sexual Health Physician

The Evandale Practice
Suite 2, Level 1
142 Bundall Rd

Postal address:
PO Box 9031
Gold Coast Mail Centre 9726

Tel:   07-5510 3122
Fax:  07-5510 3144
www.evandalepractice.com

Gale's practice also has peer support workers who can help.

[Steph7]

Thanks Cindy.
One of those on the list referred me to someone not on the list- actually 3 different professionals suggested I speak with this one psychiatrist. So I will wait. I have issues with accepting the carnage the path I know I need to take will leave behind for those I love. That said as time goes on I am starting to see that not taking the steps I need to take is also having a negative impact on those I love.

I think this is part of the journey for me, and if I didn't fight it, I wouldn't get to a position where I could move forward knowing I did everything I could to afford the pain others will feel from transitioning.

Sorry Elizabeth for hijacking your thread. I read all your threads and find your journey inspiring. Best of luck for May 9th

Take care

[LizK]

Thanks Cindy.
One of those on the list referred me to someone not on the list- actually 3 different professionals suggested I speak with this one psychiatrist. So I will wait. I have issues with accepting the carnage the path I know I need to take will leave behind for those I love. That said as time goes on I am starting to see that not taking the steps I need to take is also having a negative impact on those I love.

I think this is part of the journey for me, and if I didn't fight it, I wouldn't get to a position where I could move forward knowing I did everything I could to afford the pain others will feel from transitioning.

Sorry Elizabeth for hijacking your thread. I read all your threads and find your journey inspiring. Best of luck for May 9th

Take care

Thankyou and yes roll on may 9th