well well well... christmas has finally come

[jonjon]

So, i decided to go private with my transition mid september, got my first appointment with Dr Kevan Wylie 7th October. Exactly one month ago.

Just received a letter today from Porterbrook Clinic (also forwarded to my GP) informing me that i had finally hit the top of their list and that they will see me after my mental health assessment.

Sweet  Now i dont have to continue paying prob by the beginning of next year... which is when Dr Kevan Wylie told me to expect the start of my HRT

total waiting time on the NHS list to be seen? 22 months. I guess that aint bad considering

[Jay]

NHS is a sham. We all know that dude! But finally they actually contact you! Jesus!

[jonjon]

yep. almost 2 years since i was put on their list.

'cept now i'm debating whether or not i really want their help. If i can manage to pay my way through the whole process i know things will get done quicker and at my pace. But on the other hand, transitioning doesn't come cheap and thats where the NHS have me in their little web.

[Jay]

Exactly my problem. I wish things could go faster but I cant afford to pay. Have you decided what to do then mate?

As if you stay private will you get surgerys faster and on the NHS?


Its tempting..

[jonjon]

well, i've weighed up my options and i think i'm guna wait until i've got my hormones, by which time they prob will have arranged an appointment with me anyways.

I'll take it from there. If Dr Kevan Wylie can stick to his word via NHS as well as private and i'm seeing my hysterectomy or mastectomy or whatever it is by this time next year, then i think thats the decision made.

[Elwood]

I thought it was required to be OUT to transition?

My therapist insisted that my whole family knew about it. I had to "prove" I wasn't scared of them knowing. :/ That did a lot of good... [/sarcasm]

[RebeccaFog]

Hi Jon,

   Are you allowed to mix up the treatments?  Do some thru the NHS and some through private means? Then you have both opportunity and control over how quickly it goes.

   For instance, HRT may be inexpensive enough for you to get going on your own without waiting, but then you still have the surgery covered by NHS.


Just a thought

[jonjon]

I dont think i can do that, Rebis.

I had my appointment with my speech and language therapist today (privately) and she was kinda praising the NHS and telling me it's the best route. She says the only reason it's slower cos most of the time it's difficult to get the funding from the PCT. But at least that way everything will be free. She says it wont go no slower with the NHS than it will privately as i'm seeing the same people, paying them or not and they wont have a different opinion of how fast i need to move either way.

It's just if i hit a rock some place down the road. But i do think if that happens i can transfer from the NHS to private.

[RebeccaFog]

That makes sense.

I can't wait to see your facial hair.  I know you've been dying for it.  I bet you're going to be killer handsome.

[jonjon]

  I bet you're going to be killer handsome.

:O Killer handsome anyways!!! XD

[Mister]

I thought it was required to be OUT to transition?

My therapist insisted that my whole family knew about it. I had to "prove" I wasn't scared of them knowing. :/ That did a lot of good... [/sarcasm]

Nope.  I chose not to come out 'til after I had started testosterone to avoid it sounding like I was asking for the approval of others.  My therapist supported this decision and I began testosterone with only being out to my partner and a friend or two.

[RebeccaFog]

YOU are the boss. The therapist is your employee.

[Dennis]

I thought it was required to be OUT to transition?

My therapist insisted that my whole family knew about it. I had to "prove" I wasn't scared of them knowing. :/ That did a lot of good... [/sarcasm]

Nope.  I chose not to come out 'til after I had started testosterone to avoid it sounding like I was asking for the approval of others.  My therapist supported this decision and I began testosterone with only being out to my partner and a friend or two.

Same here. I waited until six months after starting T, and after I had chest surgery before I presented as male. I was too old to pass as anything but androgynous before T had effected me enough.

Dennis

[Elwood]

What the hell? That sucks for me.