Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Not sure if this is in the right area to post a question like this, but I thought I'd ask if there are any Aussies here, specifically in Victoria (but I'm sure the procedure is similar between states). I was hoping to find a good affordable psych that could put me on the path to HRT, and I was wondering if anyone local would have some suggestions. I've tried to google it, but I'm not making much process and I was thinking I might just have to see a local GP and explain the situation to them, though that makes me incredibly uncomfortable. I'd prefer to go straight into an environment where it was expected/accepted.

Hi Nattie,

There are lots of Aussies here :laugh:

I'm in Adelaide and there are several Victoria girls and a whole mob in Sydney (an unruly bunch even if I say so myself :laugh:).

There are a list of providers here www.anzpath.org you can get a referal from a GP or contact them directly. Most Aussies psychiatrists practice informed consent.

Although it can take a while to get the first consult, due to waiting lists, the procedure is very easy here compared to many places. Our protection under the Law is very good and to be honest I have not suffered any discrimination in any aspect of my life during or post transition.

Do contact me at anytime and I'm sure the other girls will say Hello soon.

Welcome Honey

Cindy

Thanks for the help Cindy ^_^ I'll have a look now. I was hoping I could contact them directly as I'd feel more comfortable with that, so that's good news.

I was reading in some areas you had to live as your actual gender for a certain period of time before they allow you to go on HRT. Is that true? That's scares me, as I'd want to wait till I can semi-pass before transitioning to full time, and I'd be hoping the HRT helps with that. 

Oh! There's a Psychiatrist down the street from me, what are the chances, haha ^^

Who you calling unruly?

HRT seemed quite easy. The hardest part was being brave enough to speak up about it.
My GP was so helpful and looked after me. Mid you I was so nervous.

Took 5 weeks start to finish.

Good luck

Quote from: Nattie on April 02, 2014, 02:38:31 AM
Thanks for the help Cindy ^_^ I'll have a look now. I was hoping I could contact them directly as I'd feel more comfortable with that, so that's good news.

I was reading in some areas you had to live as your actual gender for a certain period of time before they allow you to go on HRT. Is that true? That's scares me, as I'd want to wait till I can semi-pass before transitioning to full time, and I'd be hoping the HRT helps with that.

No, there is no rule about living FT before HRT in Australia. No psychiatrist I know of uses that rule. Yes you do have to do about a year RLE before getting approval for surgery however. I personally think that is a good idea. It certainly helped me assimilate into society and to understand the problems I may face as a female in Australia.

Quote from: Jenny07 on April 02, 2014, 02:45:00 AM
Who you calling unruly?

HRT seemed quite easy. The hardest part was being brave enough to speak up about it.
My GP was so helpful and looked after me. Mid you I was so nervous.

Took 5 weeks start to finish.

Good luck

Oh no, the unruly mob found me :laugh:

Adelaide girls are very civilised though (Heee Heeee)

Another of the Adelaide girls wandering by to say Hi!

I'm doing some research in to what services are available in Melbourne as I'll be moving back there in the not too distant future..

Quote from: Jenny07 on April 02, 2014, 02:45:00 AM
Who you calling unruly?

HRT seemed quite easy. The hardest part was being brave enough to speak up about it.
My GP was so helpful and looked after me. Mid you I was so nervous.

Took 5 weeks start to finish.

Good luck

Hi Jenny,
o0o so do you think I should just try with my GP? I know that they can organize your HRT by sending a letter (from what I read) which means you may not need the therapist? Though I probably should see a therapist just so I can make the 'diagnosis' official.

Quote from: Cindy on April 02, 2014, 02:47:59 AM
No, there is no rule about living FT before HRT in Australia. No psychiatrist I know of uses that rule. Yes you do have to do about a year RLE before getting approval for surgery however. I personally think that is a good idea. It certainly helped me assimilate into society and to understand the problems I may face as a female in Australia.

Oh okay, that's reassuring. I'm not thinking about SRS yet, that's a ways off, so that means I can take my transition at my own pace :)

Generally a therapist wants to see you about three times, if you have no comorbidities that you need help with, you are then generally referred to an endocrinologist. If your GP is happy to take over they can, with back up of the endo as needed.

I say generally because it does vary between individuals, states and GPs comfort zones. Most GPs have no problems prescribing T for FtM but the problems of being on E are potentially more profound.

In my case I am on E implants, my GP had to feel capable of inserting them before he (and I) were willing for him to look after me.

Quote from: Cindy on April 02, 2014, 01:34:48 AM
Hi Nattie,

There are lots of Aussies here :laugh:

I'm in Adelaide and there are several Victoria girls and a whole mob in Sydney (an unruly bunch even if I say so myself :laugh:).

Welcome Honey

Cindy

LOL, We have a few wild hares here in the U.S. as well  :D

Quote from: Cindy on April 02, 2014, 03:11:21 AM
Generally a therapist wants to see you about three times, if you have no comorbidities that you need help with, you are then generally referred to an endocrinologist. If your GP is happy to take over they can, with back up of the endo as needed.

I say generally because it does vary between individuals, states and GPs comfort zones. Most GPs have no problems prescribing T for FtM but the problems of being on E are potentially more profound.

In my case I am on E implants, my GP had to feel capable of inserting them before he (and I) were willing for him to look after me.

I suppose it just depends on which GP I end up with, maybe I'll try a few. I made an appointment tomorrow to discuss something else, but I may bring it up and see what happens. It'll be a little nerve wrecking but I need to start this ball rolling ^^ even if it's just to get a jump on the anti-androgens...

It does take nerves and I was scared witless waiting.

One thing I did find was how much better I felt finally talking to someone who could help me instead of it eating me up.
She has seen what a difference it has made, and with out her help to point me in the right direction I would be lost.

Listen to Aunty Cindy as I am not worthy. :D

Another unruly Sydneysider here! I believe that if you go through a GP and get a referral to the psyche then that may allow you some rebate under Medicare - at least that's what happened for me.

Quote from: Ms Grace on April 02, 2014, 04:36:48 AM
Another unruly Sydneysider here! I believe that if you go through a GP and get a referral to the psyche then that may allow you some rebate under Medicare - at least that's what happened for me.

Oh, thanks. Anything that can help me avoid breaking the bank is appreciated ^^

I'm wondering/curious

Do various laws, statutes and such vary much from state to state there? The reason I ask is because here in the U.S. they can vary by state quite a bit

I sometimes get somewhat jealous because some states allow stuff that wouldn't even be considered in the state where I live

Hi Sis,

I'll skype you in a minute. Most of Australia is under the same laws except for SA, we have an ancient law called the sex reassignment act 1988 which restricts providers from helping us. We are also not allowed treatment for GI in the public hospital system. There is a woman you know who is working to get the act repealed ::)

And she will :laugh:

Wow, Cindy, I didn't know that at all. Some of the laws in Australia are so antiquated. I hope that it gets repealed asap!

One of the themes of the ANZPATH conference being held in Adelaide in October is to get the act repealed and to improve health and education facilities for trans*people. I'm one of the organisers. I'm the conference secretary. ;D

Hi Nattie,

I am in Melbourne and have been on HRT for almost 6 months.  My thoughts somewhat thrown together follow!

Find a GP that is experienced with LGBTI patients.  It is a bit faster and a referral can get printed while you are still saying "Hi".  The 2 that specialise are Prahran Central and Northside.  I go to Northside.  When I rang for an appointment, I explicitly said I wanted a GP to write a referral to a psych and what for.  I understand that there may be a wait at Northside for new patients.  If so, either wait or go to Prahran.  Try your own GP too.  Mine pretty much declined due to lack of experience.  A referral does mean Medicare contributes. The psychiatrists seem to require one.
Psychs - I only have experience with Fintan Harte.  Only a 5-week wait and spent 7 sessions with him but the 7th was us writing and reading his report.  I am in my 50s too with marriage, family and career so he was probably being cautious.  In the end, he came up with a diagnosis but I feel like it was "extremely well informed" consent.  I am seeing him for a follow-up this Friday - he wants to stay in touch and continue to help if he can.  If you go to the Joy FM website, you may find some podcasts of Fintan talking about his approach.   The other specialist psych is Jaco Erasmus in Moonee Ponds.  Haven't met him. 

Fintan also referred me to La Trobe Uni for voice work so the specialists are useful.  I also see a psychologist just for counselling.  She too specialises in this stuff.

My GP prescribes and does all my HRT stuff.  I love him.  Spends most of our time together talking about how I am going and how my family is (they don't go there). It helps he (he says "we") hit the E ad T levels we wanted straight away.  I see him again next week so we will see where things are at.

I am sure there are other providers in Melbourne.   As Cindy said, ANZPATH is a very good place to start.  Those I have dealt with are all really nice to deal with and I feel very well looked after.

Let us know if you have any other questions.

Quote from: EmmaD on April 02, 2014, 05:29:21 AM
Hi Nattie,

I am in Melbourne and have been on HRT for almost 6 months.  My thoughts somewhat thrown together follow!

Find a GP that is experienced with LGBTI patients.  It is a bit faster and a referral can get printed while you are still saying "Hi".  The 2 that specialise are Prahran Central and Northside.  I go to Northside.  When I rang for an appointment, I explicitly said I wanted a GP to write a referral to a psych and what for.  I understand that there may be a wait at Northside for new patients.  If so, either wait or go to Prahran.  Try your own GP too.  Mine pretty much declined due to lack of experience.  A referral does mean Medicare contributes. The psychiatrists seem to require one.
Psychs - I only have experience with Fintan Harte.  Only a 5-week wait and spent 7 sessions with him but the 7th was us writing and reading his report.  I am in my 50s too with marriage, family and career so he was probably being cautious.  In the end, he came up with a diagnosis but I feel like it was "extremely well informed" consent.  I am seeing him for a follow-up this Friday - he wants to stay in touch and continue to help if he can.  If you go to the Joy FM website, you may find some podcasts of Fintan talking about his approach.   The other specialist psych is Jaco Erasmus in Moonee Ponds.  Haven't met him. 

Fintan also referred me to La Trobe Uni for voice work so the specialists are useful.  I also see a psychologist just for counselling.  She too specialises in this stuff.

My GP prescribes and does all my HRT stuff.  I love him.  Spends most of our time together talking about how I am going and how my family is (they don't go there). It helps he (he says "we") hit the E ad T levels we wanted straight away.  I see him again next week so we will see where things are at.

I am sure there are other providers in Melbourne.   As Cindy said, ANZPATH is a very good place to start.  Those I have dealt with are all really nice to deal with and I feel very well looked after.

Let us know if you have any other questions.

oo0o thanks sooo much Emma, I will speak to my GP tomorrow but if they're hesitant than both Northside and Prahran are very close to me and I'll start ringing around to see which could fit me in. I'll let you know if I have any other questions after I get this organized ^_^ I'm hoping it won't take too long.

My experiences with Prahran aren't great. Especially for me where my body doesn't respond to spiro. Dr Strekker didn't give me a clear direction of next steps either. Plus, they were willing to prescribe dangerous amounts of Progynova (E). I'd highly recommend a proper endo who knows what they're doing. It will work out cheaper and safer in the long run.

Jaco Erasmus in Moonee Ponds is my psych. I highly recommend him, while I've not yet met Dr Harte ( although will later this year for my SRS letter ). He had a short waiting list when I started a long time ago. I was referred by a GP at Prahran... but any GP can give you a referral. My local GP now handles my prescriptions and referrals, so please don't discount other GPs out there for trans stuff. There are some lovely ones like mine.

Also ask your GP about being put onto a treatment plan with medicare. Basically that means that your visits to Dr Erasmus or Dr Harte will be partially covered by medicate. They cover up to 6 visits a year I think. But beware, you can only be on one treatment plan in a year I think.

Hi all, thought I'd update my visit to the GP today and see what you think ^^ I'm really happy. I went in and got a bitchy receptionist, so I was getting really nervous, but then the GP came out and called my name, and she was this lovely woman in her 30's (and I was thanking my lucky stars the GP wasn't a male). She was very friendly as we discussed my health and then I thought 'here goes, lets watch to see if she changes her behaviour with me when I tell her'. This is the first person I've opened up to outside of online socialization. 

I basically told her 'this might be uncomfortable for you, so let me know if it is' and then followed that up with how I suffer and have suffered my entire life with gender dysphoria. She didn't bat an eyelash (they're probably trained to hear weird things and not respond haha) and said, okay, well I'm not at all uncomfortable with working with you on it, but I have to tell you I have no experience with trans patients'. She wasn't aware of the procedure so I told her I would probably need to talk to a gender therapist to confirm my gender dysphoria, and then I could start on HRT and anti-androgens. She was concerned that it would be difficult to find somebody who specializes in GID as well as bulk-bills. She did an initial search on her database and was annoyed that they didn't have a transgender section (she called them and asked them why, and if they had anybody who could help with a person who 'wishes to change to the opposite gender'. I was thinking okay, binary thinking but fair enough. Afterward, she did a quick search and found the number for the Monash Gender Dysphoria Clinic and told me to give them a call on Tuesday, or to find somebody else and then let her know that I will be using them so that she can write a referral. All in all I felt pretty good about it, though I'm not really much closer to figuring out the next step, hehe.

Quote from: SammyRose on April 02, 2014, 03:18:47 PM
My experiences with Prahran aren't great. Especially for me where my body doesn't respond to spiro. Dr Strekker didn't give me a clear direction of next steps either. Plus, they were willing to prescribe dangerous amounts of Progynova (E). I'd highly recommend a proper endo who knows what they're doing. It will work out cheaper and safer in the long run.

Jaco Erasmus in Moonee Ponds is my psych. I highly recommend him, while I've not yet met Dr Harte ( although will later this year for my SRS letter ). He had a short waiting list when I started a long time ago. I was referred by a GP at Prahran... but any GP can give you a referral. My local GP now handles my prescriptions and referrals, so please don't discount other GPs out there for trans stuff. There are some lovely ones like mine.

Also ask your GP about being put onto a treatment plan with medicare. Basically that means that your visits to Dr Erasmus or Dr Harte will be partially covered by medicate. They cover up to 6 visits a year I think. But beware, you can only be on one treatment plan in a year I think.

Thanks for the advice, I may look up Jaco Erasmus, however I was hoping to find one a little closer (I'm a public transport user haha) but then again it'd be closer than Moorabbin.

Do many of you have experience with the Monash Gender Clinic?

Hehe I use public transport too. Dr Erasmus is located conveniently close to the Essendon train station.

With the Monash Gender Clinic, many of the professionals who work privately or independently are also available through the clinic. Although the consensus I've heard from other people is that there can be a longer waiting list than going direct.

To give you an idea of cost with Dr Erasmus, each visit costs near $200. I forget the exact amount. But you will get about half of that back on Medicare assuming you setup a treatment plan with your GP. So for the usual 4 visits or so over many months required for HRT ( this will depend on you ), it will set you back by about $400.

Referrals after that to an endo ( if required ) are also covered by Medicare. For memory, each visit was about $160, with about half covered by Medicare.

Transition is not a cheap thing :)

EDIT: Please feel free to PM me too... I have contact details for a voice therapist ( who trains the therapists at Monash Gender Clinic ), and an image consultant. Although Dr Erasmus can make such referrals too. Both aren't expensive :).

Quote from: SammyRose on April 03, 2014, 02:41:19 AM
Hehe I use public transport too. Dr Erasmus is located conveniently close to the Essendon train station.

With the Monash Gender Clinic, many of the professionals who work privately or independently are also available through the clinic. Although the consensus I've heard from other people is that there can be a longer waiting list than going direct.

To give you an idea of cost with Dr Erasmus, each visit costs near $200. I forget the exact amount. But you will get about half of that back on Medicare assuming you setup a treatment plan with your GP. So for the usual 4 visits or so over many months required for HRT ( this will depend on you ), it will set you back by about $400.

Referrals after that to an endo ( if required ) are also covered by Medicare. For memory, each visit was about $160, with about half covered by Medicare.

Transition is not a cheap thing :)

EDIT: Please feel free to PM me too... I have contact details for a voice therapist ( who trains the therapists at Monash Gender Clinic ), and an image consultant. Although Dr Erasmus can make such referrals too. Both aren't expensive :).

Thanks so much Sammy <3 so should I call Dr Erasmus or go back to my doc and tell her that I would like to use Dr. Eramus so I can set up the treatment plan?

Also, thanks for outlining the cost, it doesn't seem too bad. Are the AA and HRT pills very expensive as well, as that would be an additional cost on top of therapy, laser, etc? 

To be honest the most expensive and painful is laser and electrolysis.

You could give the GP the link to the anzpath site it lists the providers

To echo Cindy, all the specialist service providers are listed at ANZPATH.  I met Dr Strecker a couple of times and I got the impression he wasn't too interested.  That said, he has done a lot of trans doctoring.

A mental health treatment plan is very useful.  Things just cost too much otherwise. Your GP should be all over these things, it is just who they direct it to that is the point at this stage.  They all know what is required as it applies to a large range of mental health services.

If I look back over the past 2 years, electrolysis is by far the most expensive thing.  Electro most weeks for about 20 months and still going every 3 weeks.  As electro costs diminish, other things start up more (wigs, girly glasses, clothes.....)

Regarding Monash, I recall hearing Dr Harte talking once about how it has a huge waiting list due to limited funding.  He provides his services to it but the hours funded are really low.  If you can manage it, go private, utilise Medicare as fully as you can and you will mostly access the same people.

I know Monash was having problems, and I think they got a big funding cut from the Vics.

To be honest I would get a referral to Harte or Erasmus. They are really nice guys.

I would also seriously consider Dr Ives for surgery.

Quote from: Cindy on April 03, 2014, 03:24:30 AM
To be honest the most expensive and painful is laser and electrolysis.

You could give the GP the link to the anzpath site it lists the providers

The more time I spend here, the more I realize how difficult the hair removal factor is. I have fairly light skin and dark brown facial hair, it is thick, but it's consistently variant shades of dark brown (except for a little red when it gets much longer, but never while short). I'm thinking of trying laser first, only because it sounds as if I am the perfect candidate for it, and also because electrolysis sounds like a very difficult process. It isn't the pain I'd be afraid of, more the fact that there is so much healing time + you need to have your beard grown out a little + it will be patchy while being grown out because of the electrolysis. It sounds like it'd be absolutely noticeable to everyone. Am I exaggerating the effect in my head?

Oh, and my GP called and told me to come pick up a list of therapist names tomorrow, so I may discuss the Dr's recommended here when I see her ^^

Quote from: EmmaD on April 03, 2014, 04:26:20 AM
To echo Cindy, all the specialist service providers are listed at ANZPATH.  I met Dr Strecker a couple of times and I got the impression he wasn't too interested.  That said, he has done a lot of trans doctoring.

A mental health treatment plan is very useful.  Things just cost too much otherwise. Your GP should be all over these things, it is just who they direct it to that is the point at this stage.  They all know what is required as it applies to a large range of mental health services.

If I look back over the past 2 years, electrolysis is by far the most expensive thing.  Electro most weeks for about 20 months and still going every 3 weeks.  As electro costs diminish, other things start up more (wigs, girly glasses, clothes.....)

Regarding Monash, I recall hearing Dr Harte talking once about how it has a huge waiting list due to limited funding.  He provides his services to it but the hours funded are really low.  If you can manage it, go private, utilise Medicare as fully as you can and you will mostly access the same people.

Okay, good to know. I'll reach out to the doctors listed, thank you! As I said above, I'm a little concerned about electro and am considering laser, is this seen here as generally a waste of time and money due to the low rate of effectiveness?

Electro is painful, time consuming and expensive - but the right type of electro will give you permanent removal. I'm having the multi-probe galvanic variety and have to say I'm very happy with the results. Just wish it was over. The pain is variable. Sometimes I don't mind it, even during a three hour treatment - but other times, each needle hurts. And wow, the top lip!

May I just say to every trans*woman.

THE TOP LIP HURTS LIKE...............................................................................................a lot

If you're using laser make sure it is LASER and not the ipl. Laser may cost a little more but you will see results faster so it can become cheaper in the long run.

I am also the recipient of many many hours of multi-probe galvanic done with 2 electrolysists using 8 probes each - I have all the receipts and think it is now at about 90 hours mostly with 2 people zapping at the same time.  Cost?? Yeah well...At least it is over a long period. 

Under nose =  :icon_cry2:  ....but I found laser hurt too, but not for an hour at a time.  I remember doing 2 hours electro on my top lip with no pain relief.  Oh my God!!!  Many times as I endured it I have thought to myself "you REALLY REALLY must want this 'cos you wouldn't go anywhere near it otherwise".  Dr Harte even mentioned this!  This is also a very big deal for me as the 5 days after electro my skin is rubbish.  I react badly and it takes most of the week after to calm down again.  Trying to present as female during this time is impossible.  As bad as I react, not a single work colleague has ever commented which is surprising as I really do look like crap afterwards.  The skin reaction hasn't really improved over time either.

I had too much brown, red, white & grey hair for laser to work very well but I did try.  Now at every 3 weeks for electro and haven't shaved for 3 months.  After tomorrow (Oh joy - another round with some brown hairs right up under my nose.  Tears!!) I expect to push the appointments out further.  This is a huge relief but I do feel I have earned it.

Emma, have you tried using Emla numbing cream? It needs to be slathered on at least an hour before the treatment (and covered with a bit of plastic before it is wiped off and the area sterilised for treatment)...it makes a huge difference. Yes you still feel most needles and it still hurts but the pain is significantly dulled. Lasts for about half an hour after it's wiped off. Can be bought from a chemist, isn't cheap!

Tried Emla. Too water-based for me and makes the treated area go bright red for days. Got a different one made up by a compounding chemist that  that worked well for about 12 months and then I started reacting the same as for Emla.  Dr Harte offered to prescribe a stronger one than over the counter but I am almost done now so haven't bothered.

I did get a dentist to inject me once for the first top lip clearance but we only got 2/3 of it done.  Really good while it lasted.  That session was 3 hours single probe turned way up!

By way of explanation, what I was told is that for it to work well, there needs to be a moisture gradient from the surface in. Water-based creams can upset that.  I haven't bothered with pain relief for a while now. Just shed tears instead while keeping still.

Bummer - hope it's effects don't wear off on me too!

Wow, this Aussie thread refuses to die so I better chime in from Sydney.

Nattie, the others have already given you good advice in where to go for therapy/hrt recommendations.  Medicare is very helpful, although for some people you may see, a gap fee may apply.  At least HRT costs are reasonable thanks to the PBS.

Somehow this thread has turned into one on electro.

THE. TOP. LIP. HURTS.

I would say that EMLA cream is wishful thinking.  Yes, the mix of lignocaine and prilocaine does manage to penetrate, but it's not a profound anasethetia.  EMLA is only good for taking the edge off the initial puncture for inserting something pointy for injections/catheter insertions - what little that penetrates past the dermis will dissipate quickly due to the lack of a vasoconstrictor (something to stop the blood vessels from carrying the local away).

A standard dental injection with lignocaine and adrenaline will usually give 2-3 hours of soft tissue anaesthetia at best.  If your friendly local dentist does a lot of oral surgery, there may be some Marcaine (bupivicaine hydrochloride) available.  That will give anything up to 8 hours, but there are risks involved with using it as a local agent.

Wow, it must hurt a lot if you're all discussing the best way to numb the pain. Not looking forward to that at all *sigh*.

How long does your facial hair have to be for them to administer electro/laser? My main concern is having to live with a patchy beard between sessions, since I think it'd be very noticeable. 

Hi Nattie. Another South Aussie here I have my first psyc appt in 3 weeks am so excited have been waiting 5 months, I hope you have an easier time and find someone soon.

When I started electro, I would shave on Wednesday morning for a saturday appointment.  After I had been on HRT for a few months (after we had cleared my whole face), they asked if I could leave it a bit longer.  This was because the hair that was left was less visible (fine and not coloured much).  So for the past 3 months, I haven't shaved between appointments that are 3 weeks apart.

Given the fashion these days for the unshaved look, it doesn't matter much if you don't shave.

Hi Nattie, yet another Aussie and I'm in Sydney.

I have just recently come out to my GP and although she freely admitted to not having much experience in the area she was fantastic and offered to help me with everything. She found me a very nice experienced Clinical Psychologist with whom I have already had one visit. I was incredibly nervous before both appointments but once the discussions were started I found it became much easier and was an incredible relief. My journey continues to gather momentum.... yay!

In NSW (not sure if it's the same in VIC) you get 10 medicare subsidised appointments after filling out a Mental Health Care Plan which took over an hour for me but will save me nearly a $1000, well worth it. I believe certain health funds will also cover some costs. HCF will after you have used your 10 medicare subsidised visits.

I am about to try EMLA cream and will let you know if it helps with my next laser treatment.

Nicki

Re the Mental health care Plan, I didn't fill anything out - my GP just prepared the letter and the psychologist bills me like normal but I claim it back at Medicare.  I end up paying $20 instead of $110. Maybe the Psychologist did the form.  I will ask on Wednesday when I see her next. 

Re pain relief (sorry to harp on about the misery part), I always found the cream helped but it really didn't get deep enough. I was given something for laser and I seem to recall it was better than for electro.

Hi everyone!

My name is Rachel in case we haven't met, or you haven't read my posts (they're few and far between but I'm told they're RIVETING :P ).
My trick with electro pain is having two paracetamol and two ibuprofen (neurofen) about and hour before going in and having two after (I mostly have three hour sessions with multi probe galvanic) and that pretty much sorts out the pain for me. I used emla when I was having laser for my top lip but with the above I seem to get along pretty well and just go into my "zone" or just talk with my electrologist.
FYI the "Better Access" scheme with the bulk billed psychologist visits is fantastic and well worth getting from your GP. There is also a less known similar referral for allied health which can include visits to speech therapists if you so chose, thats called an "advanced care plan" or something, also from your GP, very well worth while.

From Perth here.

I went to a GP who has dealt with trans people before and she wrote out a referral for a endo on the spot and within about a month or two I had my first appointment and I have been on HRT for going on 15 months. I do feel sometimes I got lucky through the whole thing. Laser I have I think my 7th session coming up and I got every 6-8 weeks(6 mostly) not cheap and yes the top lip hurts...and that is with numbing cream one comparison is like having someone snap a lackey band against my face, I am getting use to it though and hopefully I do not have much hair left to rip...zap out/off.

Thanks for the replies everybody ^^ I'm going into my GP tomorrow to get her to refer me to the psych (Dr. Eramus) via the bulk billed medicare plan (it's taken this long because I was waiting for a replacement HCC). Hopefully I'll have that meeting fairly soon so I can begin HRT, as I am very anxious to begin. Also probably going to go in for my first laser session tomorrow.

I was wondering, now that I have all the aussie members in one thread :P do any of you go to trans support groups or meet ups? I'd very much like to meet some people locally who are going through the transition or have gone through it, just because I think that would help me not feel so alone in the whole process. I opened up to an old friend yesterday, and although he was very supportive, he clearly didn't get it and kept saying as much 'I don't understand what it must be like (to have GID) but I'm here for you', which was nice, but somehow still made me feel very alone.

Hey Nattie,

I've been referred to the Gender Centre in NSW for support groups although I haven't contacted them yet. There is this group in VIC that you might have a look at. http://gendercentre.com

Hope that helps

Nicki

Quote from: Rachel85 on April 12, 2014, 09:18:00 AM

My trick with electro pain is having two paracetamol and two ibuprofen (neurofen) about and hour before going in and having two after (I mostly have three hour sessions with multi probe galvanic) and that pretty much sorts out the pain for me.

400mg ibuprofen and 1000mg paracetamol is acceptable 1hr pre procedure is fine.  The second dose (if necessary) should be taken at least 4 hours after, otherwise it's not so great for the liver.  For anyone wishing to try this, be aware that the acidity could upset the stomach.  The dose 1 hour before should be sufficient.

This thread is turning into the Aussie chatter thread! =)

I talk to my clinical psych every 4-5 weeks. I do not know of any trans support groups in W.A and the few trans people I know of around here, they are stealth so are probably hesitant to set up a group. Also only know of two around my age group but one I have only been told about to help me out and the other is one if the aforementioned stealths.

So no support groups for me.

Quote from: luna nyan on April 14, 2014, 06:32:06 AM
400mg ibuprofen and 1000mg paracetamol is acceptable 1hr pre procedure is fine.  The second dose (if necessary) should be taken at least 4 hours after, otherwise it's not so great for the liver.  For anyone wishing to try this, be aware that the acidity could upset the stomach.  The dose 1 hour before should be sufficient.

This thread is turning into the Aussie chatter thread! =)

Yes playing around with painkillers can be dangerous you are better off getting good quality ones rater then doubbling up on lower quality ones. Saying that AUSTRALIA ONLY (my body is held together by spit, grit and duct tape some days), if you want to take the painkiller route and your not alergic to codine I would suggest Mersyndol. You find them at the back of the chemist if you ask for them by name you have no trouble getting them and there inexpensive. There is a night and day strength, the night having a calmitive in them as well. Remember when a pharmacist tells you not to take something on an empty stomach its not a suggestion. I learn't that the fun way

This has become a little Aussie chatter thread, Today the forum tommorow the world

codeine only adds about 5% efficacy to the paracetamol at the cost of drowsiness. :)

If it works for you, great!  Personally, I'm not too great a fan of paracetamol codeine combinations.

I didn't know that about that how efficicant it was or not, but some of my friends had said codine has made them sleepy. :icon_sleep:

But when you have had days when you collapse after taking a normal step or want to cry after getting on your knees, pain from permant hair removal no matter what method used is the least of your problems

Hi Nattie;
So Sorry about the late post. I cannot help you with the Pysch, because mine is based in London (or at least for my first letter) as I got mine from Charing Cross GIC. I had to show it when I first went to Prahran and by the way despite  some concerns about Dr Strecker, he is my GP and I have found him to be perfect for me. Other than not referring to my Female name on my first visit, he has been wonderful, always treating me well and always commenting on how nice I look and how in his opinion I pass very well.  (I always present as female on my visits)  Also despite some other people's concerns about large dosages, in fact  Dr Strecker  only allowed me to increase mine over a period of 9 months with blood work ups every time.  My only concerns with him is that he will not recommend me for Pellet implants because of the health risks (my age) and for the same reasons doesn't want me to start on Progesterone (I was on it the first time I transitioned aged 32).

He has also given me a referral letter for Breast Augmentation, but up to now I haven't gone ahead with it as another girlfriend has recommended I wait for another 6-9 months to see how the Oestrogen works, although I am thinking about at least looking at the costs and potential sizing to get a view about potential breast sizes. I am currently a small B Cup, but hope to be a C Cup or small D. My mother was a DD size.  For Hair removal I have an outstanding Beauty Therapist that does Laser Hair removal and Electrolysis in Melbourne. I also have a really nice Corsetiere that does my bra fitting and even a Deportment coach. Also I found an excellent place for inexpensive wigs. For Dress sizes (I am a size 20)  again I have a fabulous shop I can recommend that are very TS friendly. do PM me if you want some ideas. Also I think you asked about a group. There are in fact two I know (one for young people) and I that meets once a month at Alphabet Soup restaurant in Clifton Hill. Again I can put you in touch if you PM me. In terms of both Laser and Electrolysis, I use Panadeine Forte. But this is prescription only and very strong. I have another health pain problem and have these when the pain gets too much, but there really deaden the pain and really help me get through extended Laser and Electrolysis sessions. But you need to watch the after effect especially on driving as they can relax you too much also Panadeine Forte must not be mixed with Alcohol.

Hugs
Judith

Thanks for that Judith! I may PM you if I need any of those details :) I went in and got my first referral letter for the Psyche from the GP, so now just have to make the appointment! ^_^

I also went into a local laser clinic and asked which types of laser they used, she gave me a strange look and listed about a dozen different lasers and asked what I wanted specifically. I told her I wanted to get laser on my face and asked prices, and she asked why I'd want that (she didn't ask straight out but kept trying to get me to say that I was trans) I finally said 'I'm transitioning' and she smiled broadly and stood up, suddenly changing her whole demeanor. She thanked me for telling her and told me it would have been rude to imply but that she has a lot of trans patients and that I had come to the right place (essentially). She sat me down and we went through the different procedures and she told me I'd be a perfect candidate for laser, but I should only start once I'm on hormones, since they will help thin my hair out and change the hair makeup anyway. She said once I went on hormones, I'd be looking at about 8 - 10 sessions at around $250 a pop. She also said if I came in early on the laser days (by half an hour) she could apply a cream to my face which would make it hurt much less (I'm assuming this is the EMLA cream discussed in here?).

I told her I was also considering electrolysis, and she practically laughed. She made it sound like the most out of date and painful procedure known to man, and basically implied that with the technological advances in laser tech, it's redundant and barbaric. Considering how many people here are discussed electro, this really surprised me.

Quote from: nicki on April 14, 2014, 02:20:47 AM
Hey Nattie,

I've been referred to the Gender Centre in NSW for support groups although I haven't contacted them yet. There is this group in VIC that you might have a look at. http://gendercentre.com

Hope that helps

Nicki

Thanks Nicki, with that link and Judith's suggestions I've found a few in Melbourne. Now to summon up some courage and investigate (I'm painfully shy at the best of times).

Quote from: Nattie on April 15, 2014, 07:00:00 AM
I told her I was also considering electrolysis, and she practically laughed. She made it sound like the most out of date and painful procedure known to man, and basically implied that with the technological advances in laser tech, it's redundant and barbaric. Considering how many people here are discussed electro, this really surprised me.

As I understand it, the effectiveness of laser is down to skin and hair colour. Tried laser a couple of times but my beard whiskers range from reddish, to mouse brown, to blondish, to white... sadly not effective. Believe me I'd have used it if it had worked. :-\

[Starts doing snoopy happy dance]

Congratulations Nattie your almost there now make the call (all in your own time no actual rush)

The 1st phone call is probably the hardest one you will make but one of the most rewarding because it is the one that starts you off

Quote from: judithlynn on April 15, 2014, 02:04:40 AM
But you need to watch the after effect especially on driving as they can relax you too much also Panadeine Forte must not be mixed with Alcohol.

^This.  I do not advise driving while taking panadeine forte.  There's sufficient codeine to impair judgement.

Nattie, great to hear you're starting to get your ducks lined up.  Your laser story is interesting, I've always presented as male to my electro and they have never questioned me about whether I was trans or not.  Mind you, what beard I did have was rather pathetic, so it did make sense.

Two more days to the long weekend!  Hope you all have something fun lined up!

Quote from: judithlynn on April 15, 2014, 02:04:40 AMHe has also given me a referral letter for Breast Augmentation, but up to now I haven't gone ahead with it as another girlfriend has recommended I wait for another 6-9 months to see how the Oestrogen works

Only 6-9 months? I think one should wait at least a few years before deciding as full breast growth takes quite a few years to be fully complete, just look at natal females. Nature works slowly but surely. :)

At the same time, I can understand your impatience so in the end, you must do what you must do, listen to your heart and follow it. Just do realize that implants come with risks, that they probably may need to be replaced after 10-20 yrs (?). Progesterone may also be quite useful for breast growth as I and others have found out.

So before deciding on implants, you might want to try progesterone too... ;) Whatever you decide, I hope you get what you want in the end. :)

Quote from: Nattie on April 15, 2014, 07:00:00 AMI told her I was also considering electrolysis, and she practically laughed. She made it sound like the most out of date and painful procedure known to man, and basically implied that with the technological advances in laser tech, it's redundant and barbaric. Considering how many people here are discussed electro, this really surprised me.

Also surprised! Electrolysis is the still the only proven method to permanently REMOVE hair, not only REDUCE hair. Sometimes, hairs may come back up years after the last laser treatment (up to three years, I've heard).

Hi Nattie!
Good luck with your therapist search! Hopefully you can find one that you feel good about. ;)
I'm recently out (last month...feels like eternity) to a few loved ones, from Adelaide, and also not unruly! ;)
I also want to say hi to everyone! Thanks for all the information!
Bols

You are welcome Nattie.

Good luck with your first steps. As Immortal Gypsy say's the first one is the hardest but they do get easier. For me the results have been so rewarding. I suddenly had an immense weight lifted from my shoulders, everything became a little surreal but in a calm and focused way. I haven't stopped smiling since. In fact colleagues are staring at me because I'm not the usual dour person I was .... long way to go though but I'm off, woohoo  ;D

Nicki xxxx

Hi KayXO;
Yes sorry I should have clarified something. When I first transitioned I was on HRT (Stilboestrol, Premarin and Ethinyl oestradiol in the UK) and then Primogyn Depot in Australia for the a period of of about 3 years in total. I then de-transitioned for economic and family reasons. This left me with well rounded A Cup breasts. About 14 months ago I made the decision to start the transition process again and was started on an initial low dosage of Progynova. This dosage was doubled three times over the first 6 months, with the situation that I have quite perky B Cup breasts (quite obvious on a hot day or with a skinny T - Shirt and definitely jiggling without a bra, In fact my breasts easily pass the pencil test and are more rounded than lozenge shaped as they were when I first transitioned.). My nipples are quite obvious and my aureola are about the 1.5 x size of an Australian 20cent coin, so whilst my friend and the surgeon have recommended waiting at least another 6-9 months, this is from a base of development over quite a number of years.
Hugs

Ok. Then that makes more sense.  ;)

Quote from: Charley Bea(EmeraldP) on April 12, 2014, 10:43:19 AM
From Perth here.

I went to a GP who has dealt with trans people before and she wrote out a referral for a endo on the spot and within about a month or two I had my first appointment and I have been on HRT for going on 15 months. I do feel sometimes I got lucky through the whole thing.

I'm also moving to perth you wouldn't happen to remember the name of the GP? If you also know a good therapist would also be awesome.

-Kaylee

Quote from: Kayleewantsout on July 11, 2015, 03:59:52 PM
I'm also moving to perth you wouldn't happen to remember the name of the GP? If you also know a good therapist would also be awesome.

-Kaylee

You could additionally have a look here:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,109367.msg825414.html#msg825414


hugs

Link didn't have much useful In it, may just start a new thread, this one seems a little old.

-Kaylee

Quote from: Kayleewantsout on July 11, 2015, 04:23:37 PM
Link didn't have much useful In it, may just start a new thread, this one seems a little old.

-Kaylee

:)

There is a link to a list with transgender friendly gp and psychs in Australia.
You just have to email there to have it sent to you.

hugs

Must have missed it when I glanced over it   :) haven't had my mourning coffee yet.

Thank you

-Kaylee

Hey guys

I've started a Facebook page Transgender buy swap & sell Australia. 
Come and sign up for free, aim of the page is for those of us who have trans products that we no longer need a place to sell, a place to buy or even swap.
I've seen BSS pages go really well in the past and hopefully this one will take off


https://facebook.com/groups/273872332637928?ref=m_notif&notif_t=group_name_change&actorid=100001591684307#~!/groups/486170211538256?ref=bookmarks

Quote from: Kayleewantsout on July 11, 2015, 03:59:52 PM
I'm also moving to perth you wouldn't happen to remember the name of the GP? If you also know a good therapist would also be awesome.

-Kaylee

Sorry I only just saw this, the GP I went to was Dr Nicola Wood, my therapist/psychologist at the time was Paul Ryan(no relation to the guy in USA) Hope that helps :)