So today I went to see the GP and tell them I am transgender...except it didn't quite go to plan.
The doctor I had booked into see over a week ago (and who my wife knows is a supportive ally) was off sick, and the clinic didn't get around to calling me and telling me that. Instead they rescheduled me to see a different doctor whom I have had less than favourable interactions with in the past. I could've blown it off and said I'd wait again till next week - but I decided I've waited 20 years for this moment and wasn't going to wait any longer.
I told the doctor that I had come to accept myself as being transgender. He had no idea (obviously) how to proceed. At which point I pulled out my phone with the name of the gender clinic and specialist I wanted to see. A few minutes later he was convinced this would be a good next step.
Sadly it's a public holiday today where the specialist is so I'll have to wait till tomorrow until I can organize the next appointment.
But ultimately, after 20 years of denying my authentic self, I am finally on the path to set things right.
Well done! It was strong of you to go to the other doctor even though you don't have good relations.
Congratulations to your huge step forward to becoming yourself.
Tony
Waiting a week wouldn't be a big deal here. I have to make my appointments months in advance with some providers. It never used to be like this. Good luck with your next appointment.
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You have made the tentative first step in fixing a lifetime of pain, Congratulations and I hope you can get the help you are seeking.
Being trans can be very hard at times but one of the most difficult things is just finding the courage to take that first step as you have. Congrats
Take care
Liz
Thank you for posting this! I needed to read something like this so that I can take that first step myself.
I vented about my fears about making that first step in this thread.
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,240083.msg2164757.html#msg2164757 (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,240083.msg2164757.html#msg2164757)
I think I'll make the phone call in the next couple of days. Again, thank you for being so brave!
Ryuichi
Very well done.... I think that that is one of the hardest steps to take.... it takes courage I'm happy for you.... You have so much to look forward to.....
Quote from: wanderingaddy on August 15, 2018, 02:41:54 AM
So today I went to see the GP and tell them I am transgender...except it didn't quite go to plan.
The doctor I had booked into see over a week ago (and who my wife knows is a supportive ally) was off sick, and the clinic didn't get around to calling me and telling me that. Instead they rescheduled me to see a different doctor whom I have had less than favourable interactions with in the past. I could've blown it off and said I'd wait again till next week - but I decided I've waited 20 years for this moment and wasn't going to wait any longer.
I told the doctor that I had come to accept myself as being transgender. He had no idea (obviously) how to proceed. At which point I pulled out my phone with the name of the gender clinic and specialist I wanted to see. A few minutes later he was convinced this would be a good next step.
Sadly it's a public holiday today where the specialist is so I'll have to wait till tomorrow until I can organize the next appointment.
But ultimately, after 20 years of denying my authentic self, I am finally on the path to set things right.
Well done! It is hard enough to make the appointment in the first place, but you stuck with it in spite of a last-minute change of plans. That is the attitude that will see you through the tough times, if there are any. But I hope you have smooth sailing from here on.
The one thing I've noticed since coming out is that it seems to always be "hurry up and wait" [emoji6] Wishing you all the best on your journey to discovering the new you
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Thank-you everyone for your kind words. I'm now all booked in to see the gender specialist next week and fingers crossed everything goes more smoothly from here.
I'm also now booked in for the first round of laser for my facial hair next week as well.
It's still going to be a long road ahead that's for sure, but part of this acceptance of myself has been an improvement in my confidence at speaking up for myself.
I still doubt myself everyday whether this is real or whether I'm making this all up. I guess coming to realize this is who I truly am has lifted a huge burden off my shoulders to a point that I'm not as anxious as I was previously. It's almost like the lessening of those anxious feelings is making me question the validity of my identity even further, and yet when I look back and reflect deeper, is also further validation that I am on the right path.
Onwards and upwards [emoji4]