Hi, guys!

I have a couple of questions regarding the NHS-funded top surgery. If anybody would be able to advise me, that would be great!

Okay, so basically, I began my transition privately through Dr. Curtis in London. I was privately prescribed testosterone and had been taking it for six weeks or so before I was offered an appointment at Charing Cross. Since my initial consultation my care has been transferred to the NHS, so basically everything's going to be funded from there from here on.

I was advised at the end of my appointment that in March, surgery options would be discussed. I've been doing extensive research on all the available NHS-funded surgeons in the UK, online and by talking to a lot of guys who have had their surgery through these surgeons, and I have made the informed decision that I would be more comfortable going to see Dr. Garramone in Florida. I do understand that every surgeon has good and bad results and I am in no way suggesting that the NHS surgeons are bad at their jobs or anything like that! It's mostly a matter of confidence and personal preference,  but let's not get into that

I was really just wondering how the NHS would respond to me paying to go privately as opposed to opting for the offered free surgery. I'm worried that it would cause issues with my treatment, be seen as "jumping a hurdle" or get me booted out of their care or something! Has anybody done anything similar before? Did they allow you to, and how were they with it? Did it cause problems? On one hand I'd think they'd be quite happy for me to pay myself so they don't need to shell out for it, on the other I can see that it would probably seem as if I was taking advantage.

My second question was something that occured to me just recently. I believe Dr. Garramone's costs for the surgery are about $5,900 (or approximately £3657) - if this is lower or approximately equal to the cost the NHS pays for one of their own surgeons, would it be possible to write an appeal to the NHS (explaining in detail why I believe that this surgeon would be more suitable) and have them fund the surgery? Once again, I do not mean this to come across as taking advantage or being ungrateful for the wonderful service I'm lucky enough to receive, as I am more than happy to save and pay for it myself, I just thought that if I offered to pay for my own flights and hotels and it was costing them the same amount or less as they'd normally pay, everybody wins!

Sorry this is so badly worded. I'm typing this at work so it's a little difficult to be coherent! Any advice you guys can give me would be very greatly received. Thank you very much!