Aussie Members?

[Kara Jayde]

Not sure if this is in the right area to post a question like this, but I thought I'd ask if there are any Aussies here, specifically in Victoria (but I'm sure the procedure is similar between states). I was hoping to find a good affordable psych that could put me on the path to HRT, and I was wondering if anyone local would have some suggestions. I've tried to google it, but I'm not making much process and I was thinking I might just have to see a local GP and explain the situation to them, though that makes me incredibly uncomfortable. I'd prefer to go straight into an environment where it was expected/accepted.

[Cindy]

Hi Nattie,

There are lots of Aussies here

I'm in Adelaide and there are several Victoria girls and a whole mob in Sydney (an unruly bunch even if I say so myself ).

There are a list of providers here www.anzpath.org you can get a referal from a GP or contact them directly. Most Aussies psychiatrists practice informed consent.

Although it can take a while to get the first consult, due to waiting lists, the procedure is very easy here compared to many places. Our protection under the Law is very good and to be honest I have not suffered any discrimination in any aspect of my life during or post transition.

Do contact me at anytime and I'm sure the other girls will say Hello soon.

Welcome Honey

Cindy

[Kara Jayde]

Thanks for the help Cindy ^_^ I'll have a look now. I was hoping I could contact them directly as I'd feel more comfortable with that, so that's good news.

I was reading in some areas you had to live as your actual gender for a certain period of time before they allow you to go on HRT. Is that true? That's scares me, as I'd want to wait till I can semi-pass before transitioning to full time, and I'd be hoping the HRT helps with that. 

[Kara Jayde]

Oh! There's a Psychiatrist down the street from me, what are the chances, haha ^^

[Jenny07]

Who you calling unruly?

HRT seemed quite easy. The hardest part was being brave enough to speak up about it.
My GP was so helpful and looked after me. Mid you I was so nervous.

Took 5 weeks start to finish.

Good luck

[Cindy]

Thanks for the help Cindy ^_^ I'll have a look now. I was hoping I could contact them directly as I'd feel more comfortable with that, so that's good news.

I was reading in some areas you had to live as your actual gender for a certain period of time before they allow you to go on HRT. Is that true? That's scares me, as I'd want to wait till I can semi-pass before transitioning to full time, and I'd be hoping the HRT helps with that.

No, there is no rule about living FT before HRT in Australia. No psychiatrist I know of uses that rule. Yes you do have to do about a year RLE before getting approval for surgery however. I personally think that is a good idea. It certainly helped me assimilate into society and to understand the problems I may face as a female in Australia.

[Cindy]

Who you calling unruly?

HRT seemed quite easy. The hardest part was being brave enough to speak up about it.
My GP was so helpful and looked after me. Mid you I was so nervous.

Took 5 weeks start to finish.

Good luck

Oh no, the unruly mob found me

Adelaide girls are very civilised though (Heee Heeee)

[kelly_aus]

Another of the Adelaide girls wandering by to say Hi!

I'm doing some research in to what services are available in Melbourne as I'll be moving back there in the not too distant future..

[Kara Jayde]

Who you calling unruly?

HRT seemed quite easy. The hardest part was being brave enough to speak up about it.
My GP was so helpful and looked after me. Mid you I was so nervous.

Took 5 weeks start to finish.

Good luck

Hi Jenny,
o0o so do you think I should just try with my GP? I know that they can organize your HRT by sending a letter (from what I read) which means you may not need the therapist? Though I probably should see a therapist just so I can make the 'diagnosis' official.

No, there is no rule about living FT before HRT in Australia. No psychiatrist I know of uses that rule. Yes you do have to do about a year RLE before getting approval for surgery however. I personally think that is a good idea. It certainly helped me assimilate into society and to understand the problems I may face as a female in Australia.

Oh okay, that's reassuring. I'm not thinking about SRS yet, that's a ways off, so that means I can take my transition at my own pace

[Cindy]

Generally a therapist wants to see you about three times, if you have no comorbidities that you need help with, you are then generally referred to an endocrinologist. If your GP is happy to take over they can, with back up of the endo as needed.

I say generally because it does vary between individuals, states and GPs comfort zones. Most GPs have no problems prescribing T for FtM but the problems of being on E are potentially more profound.

In my case I am on E implants, my GP had to feel capable of inserting them before he (and I) were willing for him to look after me.

[V M]

Hi Nattie,

There are lots of Aussies here

I'm in Adelaide and there are several Victoria girls and a whole mob in Sydney (an unruly bunch even if I say so myself ).

Welcome Honey

Cindy

LOL, We have a few wild hares here in the U.S. as well 

[Kara Jayde]

Generally a therapist wants to see you about three times, if you have no comorbidities that you need help with, you are then generally referred to an endocrinologist. If your GP is happy to take over they can, with back up of the endo as needed.

I say generally because it does vary between individuals, states and GPs comfort zones. Most GPs have no problems prescribing T for FtM but the problems of being on E are potentially more profound.

In my case I am on E implants, my GP had to feel capable of inserting them before he (and I) were willing for him to look after me.

I suppose it just depends on which GP I end up with, maybe I'll try a few. I made an appointment tomorrow to discuss something else, but I may bring it up and see what happens. It'll be a little nerve wrecking but I need to start this ball rolling ^^ even if it's just to get a jump on the anti-androgens...

[Jenny07]

It does take nerves and I was scared witless waiting.

One thing I did find was how much better I felt finally talking to someone who could help me instead of it eating me up.
She has seen what a difference it has made, and with out her help to point me in the right direction I would be lost.

Listen to Aunty Cindy as I am not worthy.

[Ms Grace]

Another unruly Sydneysider here! I believe that if you go through a GP and get a referral to the psyche then that may allow you some rebate under Medicare - at least that's what happened for me.

[Kara Jayde]

Another unruly Sydneysider here! I believe that if you go through a GP and get a referral to the psyche then that may allow you some rebate under Medicare - at least that's what happened for me.

Oh, thanks. Anything that can help me avoid breaking the bank is appreciated ^^

[V M]

I'm wondering/curious

Do various laws, statutes and such vary much from state to state there? The reason I ask is because here in the U.S. they can vary by state quite a bit

I sometimes get somewhat jealous because some states allow stuff that wouldn't even be considered in the state where I live

[Cindy]

Hi Sis,

I'll skype you in a minute. Most of Australia is under the same laws except for SA, we have an ancient law called the sex reassignment act 1988 which restricts providers from helping us. We are also not allowed treatment for GI in the public hospital system. There is a woman you know who is working to get the act repealed

And she will

[Kara Jayde]

Wow, Cindy, I didn't know that at all. Some of the laws in Australia are so antiquated. I hope that it gets repealed asap!

[Cindy]

One of the themes of the ANZPATH conference being held in Adelaide in October is to get the act repealed and to improve health and education facilities for trans*people. I'm one of the organisers. I'm the conference secretary.

[EmmaD]

Hi Nattie,

I am in Melbourne and have been on HRT for almost 6 months.  My thoughts somewhat thrown together follow!

Find a GP that is experienced with LGBTI patients.  It is a bit faster and a referral can get printed while you are still saying "Hi".  The 2 that specialise are Prahran Central and Northside.  I go to Northside.  When I rang for an appointment, I explicitly said I wanted a GP to write a referral to a psych and what for.  I understand that there may be a wait at Northside for new patients.  If so, either wait or go to Prahran.  Try your own GP too.  Mine pretty much declined due to lack of experience.  A referral does mean Medicare contributes. The psychiatrists seem to require one.
Psychs - I only have experience with Fintan Harte.  Only a 5-week wait and spent 7 sessions with him but the 7th was us writing and reading his report.  I am in my 50s too with marriage, family and career so he was probably being cautious.  In the end, he came up with a diagnosis but I feel like it was "extremely well informed" consent.  I am seeing him for a follow-up this Friday - he wants to stay in touch and continue to help if he can.  If you go to the Joy FM website, you may find some podcasts of Fintan talking about his approach.   The other specialist psych is Jaco Erasmus in Moonee Ponds.  Haven't met him. 

Fintan also referred me to La Trobe Uni for voice work so the specialists are useful.  I also see a psychologist just for counselling.  She too specialises in this stuff.

My GP prescribes and does all my HRT stuff.  I love him.  Spends most of our time together talking about how I am going and how my family is (they don't go there). It helps he (he says "we") hit the E ad T levels we wanted straight away.  I see him again next week so we will see where things are at.

I am sure there are other providers in Melbourne.   As Cindy said, ANZPATH is a very good place to start.  Those I have dealt with are all really nice to deal with and I feel very well looked after.

Let us know if you have any other questions.