Hi,

I'm Melissa, I'm 41 and hoping to transition MTF. Finally reached a point where I decided to go for it. I'm currently undergoing electrolysis to remove my unfortunate pepper and salt beard. I dress and go out and about etc outside of work. I have also told the Medical team at work about my aims, but not taken it any further.

The reason for this post is a request for advice. Until recently I lived down in Kent. I went to my GP and asked for a referral to a GIC. I saw a local psychiatrist in May who recommended referral to a GIC. That was the last I heard until recently, when it appeared that the local PCT decided in July to provide some funding to go the Claybrook.

Meanwhile I moved up North to Teesside in July/August and left my GP and the local PCT not knowing of the PCT's decision. I have now registered with a GP up North and it looks like I might have to start again.

My main question is - is this likely and will I have to start again? Secondly, where is the best clinic up here.

Kind regards,

Melissa

Hello and Welcome to the Zone, Melissa.

Your new PCT will want to make its own funding decision, which must, alas, begin all over again, though you may be able to speed things up just a little with medical reports already obtained.

Some PCTs - like Brighton & Hove, where I live, for example only - have minimum residency qualifications for GRS (and other non-urgent procedures) such that you would have to be resident here for two years before funding would be made available.

Your new PCT will have a contract with one or other of the GICs - not necessarily the nearest one - and it is to them that you will go regardless of convenience.

Good Luck!

Hi Melissa

I'm afraid I'm unsure about clinics in your area so cannot help you there.

As far as starting again goes, I dont believe you should have to go through the whole process of faffing about with psychiatrists again, unless you are still unsure that is and would therefore benefit from it.
I personally have never had to have any real sessions with a psychiatrist so far, I've been on prescription hormones since last December and was on self paid crappy ones before that. The only psychiatrist I saw didnt think there was anything she needed to do as I've always been 100% certain of myself and confident, although I must admit she didnt quite grasp that I couldnt explain how I 'decided' to be transexual, which I saw as a little narrow minded being as I knew in the same way as members of other genders know what they are lol.

Anyways, sorry for rambling on I would suggest you ask your previous clinic and GP to send your previous notes to the GP you are with now and perhapse as whichever clinic picks you up to start you on hormones, probably 2.5mg premarin to start then boost it and add antiandrogens once you begin to feel the effects and have had time to see if you like them.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

Much Love

JJ x

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Definitely From Another World

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Definitely From Another World