FTM in Edmonton Alberta needs help

[somenerdo]

Does anyone know of any informed consent doctors in Edmonton, or even Alberta? I'm willing to travel if I have too, but with one of the two gender doctors retiring I am on an almost 2 year wait for hrt and I honestly don't think I can make it. I have not been able to leave my house for 2 years as is before coming out aside from doctor visits and getting groceries... I honestly am considering illegal T out of desperation. I Just can't do this for another 2 years.

[Nina]

I'm in Ontario...which doesn't help you, and I'm not familiar with what a gender doctor or an informed consent doctor is. Surely you can get an endocrinologist recommendation via qualified therapist/psychiatrist/psychologist?

[somenerdo]

There are no informed consent clinics in Alberta and only 1 gender psych in Edmonton taking patients as the other is retiring, I'm on his wait list and that's the 9+ month minimum, then another 3+ for an endo after that.

I can't do this for a year.

[Nina]

Sorry to hear...but there are things you could be doing in that first year that'll show your therapist how serious you are: start electrolysis, voice training, living life.

HRT shouldn't be seen as the be all, end all. My therapist asked me this question my second session: Nina, what would you do if you failed a boood test and couldn't go on hormones?
I responded that it wouldn't matter, I'd still transition. My first six months I wasn't on hormones. I spent all that time changing my name, electrolysis, living full time, attending trans support groups, therapy.

[arice]

I'm also an FTM in Edmonton and I sometimes feel the same way. Are you connected with any local groups? I heard at TTIQ (meets at the Pride Centre) that Dr Marshall in Red Deer has a wait time of just a few months. I am probably going to get my GP to write me a referral to get in there.
Please feel free to IM me. I am happy to listen if you need to talk. If you aren't involved with the Pride Centre, I strongly suggest contacting them (although they are currently moving).

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[somenerdo]

I am in the TTQI meets and have gone the last few months and it helps but at the same time it's hard to see people making those steps while feeling like I'm floundering. I'm gonna call my  regular psych about Dr Marshall even if I have to travel, though I've heard he does on occasion do skype.

As far as electrolysis, that's not gonna help since I'm wanting the hair not wanting to get rid of it. I have most of my dysphoria around being "seen" as "female" due to a lot of abuse growing up in the 90s and being called a dyke every other week. As masc as I can try to be I still cannot pass and that past abuse messes with me so much. I know people double take cause they son't know and that kills me so much.

I'm doing my best but even therapy isn't covered in Alberta and since I can't work how I am without being emotionally exhausted every day and having that effect my mental health worse than therapy could help I'm stuck unable to afford therapy and honestly floundering as is since Alberta saw fit to raise minimum wage but not AISH and that inflation doesn't care.

I've been told by other local trans people they had to DYI before doctors would monitor consider monitoring them, but once again that's money I don't have because I can't work when I'm seen this way without panic attacks and major dissociation.

[arice]

I am in the TTQI meets and have gone the last few months and it helps but at the same time it's hard to see people making those steps while feeling like I'm floundering. I'm gonna call my  regular psych about Dr Marshall even if I have to travel, though I've heard he does on occasion do skype.

As far as electrolysis, that's not gonna help since I'm wanting the hair not wanting to get rid of it. I have most of my dysphoria around being "seen" as "female" due to a lot of abuse growing up in the 90s and being called a dyke every other week. As masc as I can try to be I still cannot pass and that past abuse messes with me so much. I know people double take cause they son't know and that kills me so much.

I'm doing my best but even therapy isn't covered in Alberta and since I can't work how I am without being emotionally exhausted every day and having that effect my mental health worse than therapy could help I'm stuck unable to afford therapy and honestly floundering as is since Alberta saw fit to raise minimum wage but not AISH and that inflation doesn't care.

I've been told by other local trans people they had to DYI before doctors would monitor consider monitoring them, but once again that's money I don't have because I can't work when I'm seen this way without panic attacks and major dissociation.

I know it can be hard seeing other people take steps that you are desperate to take. I am pretty sure I know who you are and if it's any consolation, you pass better than I do. As for do-it-yourself steps you can take while you wait, voice training to achieve a lower range would be where I would start. There are lots of online tips.
Do you have a trans-friendly doctor? If so, they can also write you a referral. To my understanding, there are doctors who will work with you on hormones. My therapist suggested a Dr. Jason Hamm (southside) who is trans friendly and apparently open to work with hormones. I haven't interacted with him at all because my GP is great. 
As for AISH, I would suggest talking to your AISH worker about what services will be covered. My mom is on AISH and her therapy is covered as part of her medical benefits.  I would recommend talking to your AISH worker anyway since they can be a great advocate for getting maximal benefits.
Anyway, I hope you have a month of good news ahead of you. I am available to chat if you need it. I look forward to seeing you at the next TTIQ. I was helping move at the Pride Centre yesterday and the new space looks great.


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[somenerdo]

Thanks for the info! I'm just frustrated because I just want to be able to work, I know T won't fix all my anxiety or issues but I know it will help.

Please bug me next TTIQ so I can thank you personally.

[DawnOday]

You might want to contact this support group for information in your area. This group is located in Calgary. I know this is maybe what a 5 hour drive. http://www.calgaryoutlink.ca/

Here is a resource list for Edmonton. http://albertatrans.wikia.com/wiki/Edmonton_Resources

https://www.insightpsychological.ca/sexuality/transformation-gender-transitions-program/

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?topic=106365.0