Let down by NHS in UK

[Nigella]

Hi there,

I am totally devastated and emotional today. I was given the news that the NHS here in the UK will not fund my gender reassignment surgery. They had funded laser hair removal for face and genitals ready for GRS surgery. I have been living full time for nearly two years and have had a successful real life test. I have had my two recommendations for surgery from two psychologists to the NHS powers that be. My consultant psychologist is fuming and I am too to put a finer word on it, I could use other words. I feel so depressed and even thought of what's the point in living again. Thoughts I have not had for some time since living full time and working as a female.

The excuse they have used was taken out of my second opinion report that spoke of me feeling better since living full time and that my gender dysphoria was a little better since. They said because of this better state of mind I didn't need surgery. What the hell is full time living if not to see if you can make it as a woman.  Would they have rather me fail so they could use that excuse as well.

Don't know really know what else to do except save for my surgery if I'm still here.

Stardust   

[Pippa]

B*stards.

I would not do anything rash.   I am sure that your therapist will be willing to push for an explanation.   The NHS is such a bureaucratic nightmare it is likely that the final decision was made by a 16 year old trainee.   Complain to the Trust, complain to your MP and get Press for Change on the case.

This is about saving money outriding patient care.   It appears that you have met every requirement.   They just do not want to pay for the cost of your treatment.

[rejennyrated]

Many PCT's turn down funding initially.

You should appeal, and get your medical team to support you. If necessary appeal to the secretary of state. But DO NOT take no for a final answer, because take it from me it very rarely is.

If necessary go public and become thier worst media nightmare. That will focus the minds.

NO is not an acceptable answer and indeed if your psychiatrist writes to them along the lines that without surgery he believed that you will be a danger to yourself then the case is made that this is life saving surgery and they can't refuse.

[Keroppi]

Consider contacting org like Press for Change as already mentioned, Gender Trust, GIRES and get them on the case. They would have experience supporting people in your position and should be able to both better advise you on what to do and apply some outside pressure.

[Jay]

My PCT has now messed me around, I found out yesturday. I have had my top surgery performed last year and been on hormones nearly 2 years. I was meant to be having my bottom surgery in May. This has now been pulled because other PCT's have complained that here in Norfolk they have one of the best PCT's in the country so the other PCT's say that why should we have a better deal. Screw everyone over who is meant to be having surgery this year!!!
I am now meant to be going to charing cross to see 2 psycologists to get the referrals (although I already have them  )The first appointment would take 7 months to get and the second would take a further 4 months. Then only then if they decide I am not a ***** fruit loop!! Will I get my surgery. However if they are not sure then they will send me to another doctor which will take another 4-5 months. 

My Doctor said he wants to push me forward and try and get out of this loophole. He personally thinks its stupid.

And as you can image like yourself its very upseting. I wanted to cry when I found out I really did.

Jay

[Catherine]

Hi there,

I am totally devastated and emotional today. I was given the news that the NHS here in the UK will not fund my gender reassignment surgery. They had funded laser hair removal for face and genitals ready for GRS surgery. I have been living full time for nearly two years and have had a successful real life test. I have had my two recommendations for surgery from two psychologists to the NHS powers that be. My consultant psychologist is fuming and I am too to put a finer word on it, I could use other words. I feel so depressed and even thought of what's the point in living again. Thoughts I have not had for some time since living full time and working as a female.

The excuse they have used was taken out of my second opinion report that spoke of me feeling better since living full time and that my gender dysphoria was a little better since. They said because of this better state of mind I didn't need surgery. What the hell is full time living if not to see if you can make it as a woman.  Would they have rather me fail so they could use that excuse as well.

Don't know really know what else to do except save for my surgery if I'm still here.

Stardust   

I was told by my therapist that if I wanted breasts on the NHS then I had to threaten that my we being was being threatened and that suicide was a distinct possibility. She said that usually gets them off their collective asses.

You should write to your MP all the support groups you can think of and probably Harriet Harman. Also your local Health Care Trust manager. But over all make a lot of noise.

I would also get a lawyer if you cant get legal aid then go to the Citizens Advice Bureau. You will get this solved it will just take you a bit longer.

The NHS is in place to care for us and it needs to fulfil its role in this matter. You do after all pay your National Insurance and Taxes.

[Keroppi]

I was told by my therapist that if I wanted breasts on the NHS then I had to threaten that my we being was being threatened and that suicide was a distinct possibility. She said that usually gets them off their collective asses.

So I would have to go on record saying I'm suicidal to get my treatment? So, screw everyone who's in or would want to get jobs where such statement would automatically get them excluded. 

[Catherine]

So I would have to go on record saying I'm suicidal to get my treatment? So, screw everyone who's in or would want to get jobs where such statement would automatically get them excluded. 

Just telling you what was said.. I disagree as well I want to tell the truth but it is an option

[Nigella]

Thank you all and I appreciate all that has been said and suggested. I have been in touch with a number of people already and support for my case. So I just hope my appeal is granted.

It has been a terrible few days, I woke up with a hurting head that would not go away all day I had a nose bleed on waking and felt dizzy and light headed. I have had a panic attack the day after the information was given to me and I felt like not going into work. I did go, only because it would be letting my team down and I didn't want that. One person asked how my day had gone, I said it didn't. They don't know I'm in transition so they don't know the in and outs of my trips to the consultant. I try to keep my personal life out of my work life and it can be hard at times when all you want to do is cry.

Any way, thanks again,

Stardust

[Catherine]

Thank you all and I appreciate all that has been said and suggested. I have been in touch with a number of people already and support for my case. So I just hope my appeal is granted.

It has been a terrible few days, I woke up with a hurting head that would not go away all day I had a nose bleed on waking and felt dizzy and light headed. I have had a panic attack the day after the information was given to me and I felt like not going into work. I did go, only because it would be letting my team down and I didn't want that. One person asked how my day had gone, I said it didn't. They don't know I'm in transition so they don't know the in and outs of my trips to the consultant. I try to keep my personal life out of my work life and it can be hard at times when all you want to do is cry.

Any way, thanks again,

Stardust

I hope you are ok and holding up. I know things are difficult but they will be sorted out in the end I am sure

[j83]

I've been messed around by the NHS for the past 6 years. Whether it be down to lack of funding or not having a surgeon in your local area.. its all crap. The best thing you can do is not back down, i went to my local MP, they were more than willing to help me. Still though, i gave up in the end on my fight for bottom surgery - i had wanted to go to Monstrey in Belgium, but settled for Ralph here in the UK.. my PCT didnt want to transfer funding.. blah blah.. im sure you've heard it all before..

[Al James]

having just read an article that says chx are now only accepting referrals from within meaning anyone who has done their time somewhere else has to do it all over again is there any point in any of us going anywhere else. i am supposed to be seeing dr ferguson at the end of this month but if its all going to be declared null and void when it comes to surgery would i be better off going to chx direct or saving like mad to try and go private

[Nigella]

having just read an article that says chx are now only accepting referrals from within meaning anyone who has done their time somewhere else has to do it all over again is there any point in any of us going anywhere else. i am supposed to be seeing dr ferguson at the end of this month but if its all going to be declared null and void when it comes to surgery would i be better off going to chx direct or saving like mad to try and go private

Yeah, it seems that if you have to have the same surgeons then the years we have spent so far is worthless. There must be some kind of in house business strategy so CHX can earn more money (or at least the consultants). I've decided if my appeal goes wrong then I'm off to private surgery, at least I can get a better choice of surgeon. The UK is not the best in the world.

Stardust

[Al James]

think i'll just go bang my head against a wall. Don't know what to do now apart from move to the U.S! which isn't an option. Why is it so hard just to be ourselves?

[Keroppi]

Yeah, it seems that if you have to have the same surgeons then the years we have spent so far is worthless. There must be some kind of in house business strategy so CHX can earn more money (or at least the consultants). I've decided if my appeal goes wrong then I'm off to private surgery, at least I can get a better choice of surgeon. The UK is not the best in the world.

Stardust

It is about money. More meetings with staff there mean more money they charge the NHS.

[Nigella]

It is about money. More meetings with staff there mean more money they charge the NHS.

Yes it really disgusts me and now we are seen as a quick buck maker for these so called consultants. it seems. There should be some kind of enquiry as this is black mail and day light robbery. I beginning to rant. So I will stop right now. I could go on but what is the use. The only way they will not win and have a reduction in salary is that we all take our selves abroad in protest. I just wonder what would happen if we could choose where to go? it seems we have no rights.

Stardust

[Nigella]

See my post funding success.

Stardust