I was called in by my doctor today go for a chat. Ominous. Was completely shocked that he'd actually has some trans patients and he wasn't a d*** like we all thought. For the first time ever seeing him was plleasnt and in Monday I'll be in the waiting list for Porterbrook in Sheffield. But the waiting list is over a year and I was told if I self medicate or use GenderGP they'll strike me off the waiting list. I don't know if I can deal with the wait as I'm so scared too much will change. What are the chances my body will change and potentially be impassable in a year to 2 and a half.  I've only been out a short time but now I despise my male body

Congratulations on taking that first step: it's a big one! 

Relax and don't worry.  I realize the wait is frustrating - sometimes it seem that all we do is wait - but you are young and you will be fine.  I have no doubts about your passability, provided you work on things like your voice and mannerisms.  There are a lot of us old biddies who didn't start until our 50s and 60s and are doing fine.

There are things you can start now to ease the dysphoria while you wait.  Facial hair removal is best done before starting HRT.  And voice therapy now can have your voice ready to go when you are ready to meet the world as yourself.  There are clothing options to get you started as well: underdressing and wearing androgynous women's clothes, for example.

Hi again Kathy I am happ6 about the first step but the wait urghhhhhh! I am fairly impatient sadly a lot of the pre things I have it be funded for cuz I have a poor income. But all my "boy clothes are so old there literall6 falling to pieces so going to be buying androganous and been watching voice vids on YouTube. Going to try slimming too for HRT

I'm sorry, that's a really difficult place to be...It could always be worse though, and you are moving forward even if it doesn't seem like it. Focus on what you can do-I always found comfort in estrogen-rich foods, even if the physical effects aren't visible, mentally it helps...A year will go quickly provided you fill it with enough to do, if you're at uni I found that completely immersing yourself in your studies helps a lot. Otherwise, try learning something new (a language or instrument), I'm on the waiting list for GRS at the moment and the wait is horrible, but there are coping mechanisms that work.

Anna x

Hi
Im on waiting list for Nottingham which is 2.5 years or more - ill get my GP to transfer me to Sheffield I think -thanks for the update. Pity there isn't a thread for UK first appointment waiting list/times and timelines.

luv n Hugz
Katie

BTW I'm with Gender GP and they can not cross you off their list for being with them - We pay taxes so they cant - that's discriminatory and a very serious offence - Crown court if its someone's opinion , that's really bad hate crime - Talk with Admin at GenderGP about this. That is clearly Anti Trans and illegal. Just because they cant cope and we have to go private doesn't mean you lose access to the NHS - Talk to both parties. Good luck, tread carefully.

Katie

 please don't sweat it too much dear I know it seems like a long time but from what I've read about you you've already begun in your own head which is extremely powerful, through all the psychology my sister has been drumming into me telling me through understanding and realizing exactly how you feel your mind and body will react to correct this and know this is possible because it happened to me a few months ago when it hit me after I waited a half a century as many of us Old-Timers did before we could be on the same page of expression you're at. I believe you know what I'm talking about because I sense you feel this power in you.
use your time now as Kathy said to get ready for the destiny that lays before you.
All the very best to your future love Tatiana

Hi TuskiCat,
To the best of my knowledge in Britain hormones can still be accessed above board via the private route. It's not free but not that expensive either. It's really your choice.It shouldn't effect the public program.
Kind regards, Kirsten.

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Ive been waiting 5 months now and atleast another 19months to go

Really? The the thing is my poor financial situation as my doctor said he's refuse to prescribe through gender go, which means of have to pay blood tests too and it would become way to expensive sadly. Sigh. Waiting game. Thanks for allll the support!
@Shambles are you waiting for Porterbrook as well or a different gic

No, its the nottingham one

Hello again TsukiCat

Quite a number of us are with GenderGP and I completely support Katie's statements. Going private does not exclude you from NHS; it is merely "bridging" the time with therapy and HRT and Blood Tests.

If your NHSGP refuses to work with GenderGP, my advice to you would be in the following order:

1. Find a new NHSGP.
2. Register with the new NHSGP and then they will cancel your membership of your present NHSGP.
3. If you have sufficient funds (in the near future), register privately with GenderGP.
4. Have therapy with GenderGP and if applicable HRT with GenderGP.
5. After first 3 months with GenderGP, tell GenderGP to pursue a "Shared Care Agreement" with your new NHSGP. GenderGP arrange that and most NHSGPs agree to the SCA and then HRT and BTs are under NHS system.

I wish you every success on your journey.

Hugs

Pamela

Perhaps the waiting period serves as a test to allow one to change their mind before receiving treatment; and if I rember correctly, I think I read some comments from others who received treatment from the NHS, that they were required to live full-time as a woman, before they were prescribed HRT.

Yes MissyMay you heard it from me among others.

NHS usually insist on "proving yourself" by living full time previously or at least agreeing to wef the time HRT starts which would probably NOT be on first appointment anyway. Realistically mid 2020 at best for NHSHRT.

As you know, I chose private.

Hugs to you

Pamela

Crazy system, like many systems in Europe. That just drives people to self-medicate, which causes all sort of other problems for society.

Or, it drives people to gather money for private sector, in all possible ways.

Lucky are those, who don´t feel the inner need to do those things. But how many are there, who feel it and are acting upon it?

After being referred to a GIC (Charing Cross), in October 1989, it was May 1991 before I got my appointment. I did things that would help while waiting, cut back my alcohol intake & quit speed, wed & coke, I started electrolysis, grew my hair out from a DA to shoulder length, learned to use make up properly, built up a wardrobe of clothes & shoes, started socialising in Blackpool gay clubs as female. I also self medicated which I think has caused me some health problems today.