So the appointment I had with my doctor for my acne finally came around, and I slipped in my GID issues with: "Oh, one more thing...". He was honest and said he didn't really know what to do, but he would let me know. The problem now is that I have the wait for him to get back to me, and then the wait for the next appointment with whoever it is that I need to see (and that could be a while). Is there anything I can do in the mean time to prepare myself for what's ahead? I would love to start HRT but I'm pretty sure I need a formal diagnosis (in Canada) before I can.

Did you say this to your dermatologist? I'm sure he can do some research to give you a referal but getting a GID diagnosis must be done through a mental health professional if I'm not mistaken.

The best thing would probably be to find a professional familiar with gender issues (therapist or similar) as they can be your biggest help in finding what is right for you.

As for the formal diagnosis, it isn't required in Canada, but I would recommend finding professionals with experience to help you manage any kind of HRT and most endo's require a referral (hence the recommendation for the therapist).

I cannot speak about CAMH as I've only heard bad things and have avoided it like the plague, if it is the only option given to you, I do assure you there are other professionals out there that are willing to help, you may have to look a littler harder to find them though most LGBT groups should be able to help you find someone.

My endo took informed consent, so you don't need to have a formal diagnosis.

It took me 4 months to get in to see him, though. I just occupied myself with something productive and focused on that until I got in.

Quote from: uni on May 29, 2010, 01:07:12 AM
Did you say this to your dermatologist? I'm sure he can do some research to give you a referal but getting a GID diagnosis must be done through a mental health professional if I'm not mistaken.

This is my regular doctor, but since he referred me to another therapist about social anxiety problems I had, I figured I might as well ask him, it just happened to be during an appointment for my acne.

Quote from: SoShy on May 29, 2010, 01:31:28 AM
The best thing would probably be to find a professional familiar with gender issues (therapist or similar) as they can be your biggest help in finding what is right for you.

As for the formal diagnosis, it isn't required in Canada, but I would recommend finding professionals with experience to help you manage any kind of HRT and most endo's require a referral (hence the recommendation for the therapist).

That's good to know, finally a positive.  I've searched around and there doesn't seem to be much around here in terms of LGBT groups or therapists, I live a couple hours from Toronto though, so that's a possibility. I just hate having to take time off work, I need to save as much as I can, as I'm sure we all can relate to.

From what I know, there are a lot of trans resources in Toronto.  I know because everyone here in Saskatchewan is always talking about how much better Toronto is.     I'm sure you'll be able to find something.  It's quite a lot harder, here.  As for what you need to start hormones in Canada, I am not well-versed in the specifics, but for me what was really needed was a referral to a psychiatrist who dealt with GID among other things gender and sex related, because after three sessions (monthly) with her, she is making a referral to an endo, and has basically told me "the diagnosis is made".  But I think it was made on the first appointment, because all she really does is get to know her patients.  I have heard informed consent is another option, but everyone here pretty much urged me to do things the way it is outlined in WPATH.  And again, I don't know the specifics about WPATH so I'm just working around what I've been told.  Which, as far as I know, could be inaccurate nonsense.

Hi there

If you are in Canada your local GP is allowed to treat you without you having to go through the whole process of a registered "pyhsc" to give you designation. However I'm pretty sure you would have to be over 18, or with parental aproval.

I'm lucky to live in Vancouver Canada and have been extremely fortunate to be able to go this route.

I wish you all the best

Quote from: betty on May 30, 2010, 06:52:12 PM
Hi there

If you are in Canada your local GP is allowed to treat you without you having to go through the whole process of a registered "pyhsc" to give you designation. However I'm pretty sure you would have to be over 18, or with parental aproval.

I'm lucky to live in Vancouver Canada and have been extremely fortunate to be able to go this route.

I wish you all the best

So are you saying I can just go to my doctor and ask for a referral to an endo?

I am currently in Quebec, and I am not sure what the minimum requirements are for HRT, but I do know that many trans professionals will want you to follow the WPATH standards of care and see a therapist for 3 months before the referral to HRT.  Having said that, from my understanding, you need a MD or psychiatrist to refer you to the Endo as most therapist are not able to write prescriptions.  Then it would depend on the personal philosophies of the MD and / or Endo if they will give the hormones.  Just my experience.....Jenna!

 

i haven't been to an endocrinologist per say, but my GP works closely with one as the clinic I go to provides everything. In fact if I go to a random walk in clinic i would be taken off the clinics client list.

I haven't had any offical psyhc opointments, but in 2003 BC got rid of the gender clinic at UBC university, I think it is better as it is not just a shrink who determines your state of mind.

I'm quite agitated because I got a letter saying my next appointment with the clinic isn't until late July. Two months.

It does come with a note about how I can ask to have the appointment moved forward, so I'll definitely making a call today.