Progression Check

[Naturally Blonde]

I'm confused. Are you saying that you experienced long waits when you got treatment outside the NHS? All the complaints I've heard from the U.K. about long waits have been with regard to the NHS. Did private therapists also drag their feet also?

What I'm saying is that I was pushed down the NHS route by my GP for a number of years, which was a complete waste of time. The NHS didn't facilatate any kind of treatment programe or timescale. You are lucky if you get two NHS psychiatrist appointments in one year, so after 5 years I had only had 10 appointments.

I went private in 2003 to start on HRT as the NHS wouldn't facilitate HRT. I then went back to the NHS for two years at the request of my PCT (Primary Care Trust) before going private again. Since leaving the awful NHS sinario my treatment has speeded up but a lot of time was wasted going through the NHS at the start of 2001.

You are absolutely right. I shoiuldn't feel sorry for myself and it's my own fault for not having the finacial funds in place before I started my transition. I haven't been able to earn a good wage to pay for my treatment and private consultants and psychologists are very expensive over here.

[Kaori]

see I am wondering how I got as far as I have in my transition. I have had never sought therepy nor have I ever gotten any letters to continue forward with my transition. But I have gotten breast implants, started on HRT 6 months ago and have FFS appointments set here in a few months...none of the doctors had asked for any kind of documentation. WTF?

I find this very interesting.  But not in a bad way, at all.  I believe this scenario can happen and will.

Also, please understand that I am not crying foul or that your experience makes mine or others unfair... but it is (in my opinion) the lack of education and communication between Doctors offices versus how they interpret the standards of care (if at all), that helps create an even further variance in peoples experience while transitioning.

I haven't put a lot of thought into how to word that (the above paragraph), but hopefully it makes sense within our own community.  While I can appreciate the value of such 'standards of care' -- I just wish we had something a little more organized and intricate than the current standard, especially as to how it's applied to each individual patient and their circumstances.

I'm going to have some coffee and wake up further before I post any more on this... I hate sticking my foot in my mouth.

@cutejanessa: I do think you are fortunate to have had such 'luck' with your transition.  I just hope you are getting the care you need along with that luck, and that it all works out good for you in the end.
Post Merge: December 16, 2009, 02:40:40 PM
Coffee in hand, I feel I should rephrase that paragraph:

"it is (in my opinion) the lack of education and communication between Doctors offices versus how they interpret the standards of care (if at all), that helps create an even further variance in peoples experience while transitioning."

Other than standing up for my experience and beliefs, I am in no way qualified to argue the Standards of Care nor it's application.  But from my experience so far, I believe it is in dire need of an update.

Applying such standards to every individual depends necessarily upon the interpretation of the Doctors of each patient.  What they have to interpret is not tailored to any individual.  So the Doctors become our tailors.  This is perhaps touching upon the term known as "Gate-keepers"?

It is just frustrating to see the differences between so many people transitioning.  If we are going to have standards that are considered world wide, shouldn't they apply world wide in our favor?  It just seems to me that at this time, those standards are not in our favor but are filters for professionals to apply unto our transition, which allow us the opportunity to trickle down into what we hope is a cup of successful transition.

Not that I think we deserve 'instant coffee'... but whew.  The current standards need an enema in my opinion.  Though, by such a bold statement, it would seem that I'm also ungrateful for all of the hard work, research and time invested by so many people to bring into existence and effect – the current standards we have which are in our best interest.  I do not mean to be ungrateful.  I just want to be happy and do everything that I can for myself, and for those I care about.   

[cutejanessa]

well to be completely honest I knew about the standards which are put into place. Thing is, I have never needed real guidence through all of this. I am sure of myself that I am a legitimet transsexual, I didn't need to pay someone thousands of dollars to tell me whether I am or not. I had a great support system that helped with the checks and balances. When there was a time when I actually needed to talk to someone I sought out someone who was a councler who had transitioned themselves.

As for all Implants and HRT and FFS, look money talks and I work in a field that pays well. I sought out a board certified plastic surgeon who had a long history in his career. I had many appointments and answered all the awkward queations. Signed my waiver and got my implants.

My endocrinologists is the best in the city and went over every option for me and my wife. (considering that we are still wanting to be sexually active until I get srs) I get tested every 6 months or every time my doseage changes. I am not left in the dark about the dangers of HRT and it isn't like any of these docs are just out to take my money. I had met with one that all they wantend was to get me in and out...I dropped him like a bad habbit.

As for my FFS I am seeing one that is taking his time with me. I have another appointment in Janurary that I plan on setting up so I can make sure he is on the same page as me.


I have worked hard to get where I am at and had to travel a bit for one of my surgeries but the thing is. I did my homework and made sure I got what I wanted instead of just settleing for whatever I can get. I am not advising this path for anyone but really I advise that anyone on this journey do your homework and just understand that this stuff is permanent!

[Naturally Blonde]

well to be completely honest I knew about the standards which are put into place. Thing is, I have never needed real guidence through all of this. I am sure of myself that I am a legitimet transsexual, I didn't need to pay someone thousands of dollars to tell me whether I am or not. I had a great support system that helped with the checks and balances. When there was a time when I actually needed to talk to someone I sought out someone who was a councler who had transitioned themselves.

As for all Implants and HRT and FFS, look money talks and I work in a field that pays well. I sought out a board certified plastic surgeon who had a long history in his career. I had many appointments and answered all the awkward queations. Signed my waiver and got my implants.

My endocrinologists is the best in the city and went over every option for me and my wife. (considering that we are still wanting to be sexually active until I get srs) I get tested every 6 months or every time my doseage changes. I am not left in the dark about the dangers of HRT and it isn't like any of these docs are just out to take my money. I had met with one that all they wantend was to get me in and out...I dropped him like a bad habbit.

As for my FFS I am seeing one that is taking his time with me. I have another appointment in Janurary that I plan on setting up so I can make sure he is on the same page as me.


I have worked hard to get where I am at and had to travel a bit for one of my surgeries but the thing is. I did my homework and made sure I got what I wanted instead of just settleing for whatever I can get. I am not advising this path for anyone but really I advise that anyone on this journey do your homework and just understand that this stuff is permanent!

cute janessa, Some of the stuff in your post I don't understand at all. Especially the third paragraph!

But I do agree with you not needing guidence, gatekeeping and the kind of therapy which prolongs the actual physical transition and referrals.