Yeah, because it's exactly horror stories like this that pretty much killed any real efforts at a national health care policy.

the uk system can only support a certain number of patients at any one time so they do seem to stall patients and sometimes some seem to get quicker treatment than others. ive found you have to be firm with them but not demanding.

Quote from: SUMMERWINE on October 29, 2012, 10:00:29 AM
the uk system can only support a certain number of patients at any one time so they do seem to stall patients and sometimes some seem to get quicker treatment than others. ive found you have to be firm with them but not demanding.

Many people would be amazed at how many have started various treatments, only to stop half way through. Self discharge is an enormous problem in the NHS, costing millions.

Young people are especially known for being fickle. Often, while people might start asking from transgender treatment, many will change their minds. Many are simply hoping that by making such a dramatic change in their life, they can run away with whatever is causing them pain.

It is also clear that, when some issue becomes fashionable, it suddenly become the priority of many.

This is why it is so essential, if someone really needs this support, they do their research. And to be patient.

where i live the local health authority has no funding for gender treatment so i have to be referred to another area so they do not do anything without good reason. for me my gum clinic (thats a sexual health clinic for those that dont know) picked up on the fact i wasnt happy and eventually i came out to the doc there who has been great. the system we have may not be perfect and yes it can be painfully slow at times but at least we can get help and advice.

Just had a quick read of your intro posts Summerwine. Sorry I didn't do so earlier.

How is your treatment progressing?

You talked of some presumptions about a treatment you were asking for? Has this been sorted out?

Be interested in an update, even if it's just to repeat what's already been happening.

Quote from: spacial on October 29, 2012, 10:34:27 AM
This is why it is so essential, if someone really needs this support, they do their research. And to be patient.

I have always said that fast transitions are rarely any good either for the transitioner or those around him/her. The more I read about it then the more I believe a slower transition is better for all concerned. In the context of a life time what does 2 or 3 years matter? I could understand people kicking off if it took 10 years to transition but do not I know anyone who has taken 5 years. Most of the ones I know personally in seem to be about 3 to 3.5 years from GP visit to surgery via the NHS and that is a sample of about a dozen or so.

I hope you're right about it taking 3 1/2 yrs from seeing the GP to having surgery, i'm rapidly approaching 2 yrs now & still not on HRT.
I'm not blaming the NHS completely as my last employer refused to let me have time off for my last appointment 6 months ago, my new appointment is next week.
Not counting this setback the NHS is still a lumbering dinosaur when it comes to transitioning, I understand that there are more life threatening things that need priority but when you're stuck in limbo for almost 2 yrs it can get frustrating

Quote from: bev2 on October 29, 2012, 08:59:10 AM
Go private in that case.

I can afford to go private but I am not in a hurry. I started my own RLE and I have socially transitioned.

You're fortunate if you can afford to go private, and equally fortunate to not need to do so.

Many of us - myself included - can't afford that luxury. And some of us desperately need treatment in order to pass, making my own RLE & social transition something of a farce until I can start T. I've already waited 21 years; waiting longer & being kept in the dark is just prolonging my agony.

Unfortunately going private is an option that many do not have, we have record unemployment in the UK, almost every job i've applied for recently is minimum wage.
7 years ago when I first started driving forklifts I could earn £8 - £10 ph, nowdays i'm lucky to earn just over £6 per hour, this is barely enough to pay bills & eat.

I've known people who've gotten divorced & had to move back with their ex just to make ends meet with the upbringing of their children, more & more people are moving back with parents due to low wages or no employment & many of these people are in their 30's.

We are in a worldwide recession & money has never been tighter for many.

I think a bit of waiting on the NHS is a reasonable exchange for treatment that would cost me over £20k, all in (what with therapy, hair removal, hormones, surgery...). I'm grateful to be getting it. It's not like I could afford the alternative.

eeekk going off topic but im on track sort of in a zig zag sort of way. have seen local mental health doc and we have discussion going as he says im cyclothimic (mood swings... steven fry suffers the same thing) and yes im gender identity dysfunctional.ive put forward the mood swings are down to gender problems and maybe treating that may solve the first problem. have u ever tried arguing with a psychiatrist lol, they are fitting me for a wrap round jacket next week.i have referal to gid consultant and im waiting for the letter from them.
i agree transition should be slow. for me i have asked for antiandrogen first to see what effect it has on feelings and desires. i have a belief that testosterone battles with my feelings. so many jump straight in and want everything at once without discovering if a lesser option may actually make there lives better. no two people are the same so you have to find out what is right for you. i think if you appear uncertain to the docs then you will get delayed and who can blame them. the meds are only a part of the process by far the biggest part is you yourslf.

Quote from: SUMMERWINE on October 29, 2012, 12:15:42 PM
the meds are only a part of the process by far the biggest part is you yourslf.

I completely agree with that

Quote from: FTMDiaries on October 29, 2012, 11:45:03 AMMany of us - myself included - can't afford that luxury. And some of us desperately need treatment in order to pass, making my own RLE & social transition something of a farce until I can start T. I've already waited 21 years; waiting longer & being kept in the dark is just prolonging my agony.

Have you looked at using Curtis? For hormones and consultation it is £600 for the first year or about £1.60 a day. The initial cost is £240. If you are doing T then you do not have to worry about hair removal and if you stay on the GIC list you can always contract back into the NHS system once the T is working.

Quote from: bev2 on October 29, 2012, 01:00:36 PM
Have you looked at using Curtis? For hormones and consultation it is £600 for the first year or about £1.60 a day. The initial cost is £240. If you are doing T then you do not have to worry about hair removal and if you stay on the GIC list you can always contract back into the NHS system once the T is working.

Thanks for the suggestion, and if I come into any money I'd certainly look into it. Unfortunately my family's cost-of-living expenses are so high that even finding an initial £240 is about as realistic as funding a trip to the moon at the moment.

Well, I hope you find some way. I should have posted a link to Curtis's website so here is one now

http://transhealth.co.uk/pages/gender_clinic.html

Thanks bev2 - now I know what to ask for for Xmas!