Hi all

I have decided to go to the Doc's at last so have some questions:

I live in Wigan so where am I likely to be referred as a GIC and how often are GIC appoinments usually? (trying to time it right for work purposes)

Am I expected to go to the GIC as my true self? If so I might go full time first

What are the other rough timescales such as hormones, RLT etc?

Thanks for the help
Rach

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Hi and welcome to tzone.

tsrach wrote:

I live in Wigan so where am I likely to be referred as a GIC and how often are GIC appoinments usually? (trying to time it right for work purposes)

I am afraid I don't know which GIC you may be referred to, each PCT does have a preference to where they refer people but it isn't necessarily the GIC which is the closest. The majority of people get referred to Charing Cross GIC in London but some people get referred to others.

Although all the GIC's try to adhere to the same standards of care, some of the GIC's do have slightly different ways of doing things, I can only comment on how they do things at Charing Cross in London as that is the only GIC I have been to. At Charing Cross the appointments are usually around 3-6 months apart, the last couple I have had have only been 3 months apart.

tsrach wrote:

Am I expected to go to the GIC as my true self? If so I might go full time first

I don't think you will be expected to go as your true self, I am not sure to be honest. I would definitely advise it though, as that will give a much better impression I feel. If you are in a position to go full time and you feel ready to do that then also that will certainly help.

tsrach wrote:

What are the other rough timescales such as hormones, RLT etc?

At Charing Cross the first two appointments are one hour long assessments by two different consultant psychiatrists and they are at least 3 months apart. If both of these psychiatrists recommend that you can start hormones then they will write to your GP authorising them to write you a prescription. Usually they like you to have done at least 3 months of your RLE (real life experience) before recommending hormones, although I have heard that instead of having 3 months of RLE that some people have been prescribed hormones after having so many hours of counselling.

The RLE itself lasts for two years before you can be considered for surgery and again the two consultant psychiatrists that are dealing with you will each make an assessment before you can be recommended for surgery. Also after two years of RLE you can apply for a GRC (gender recognition certificate), this document is the equivalent of having the correct gender on your birth certificate.

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Hi Rach,

I live just down the road in Warrington, so we are both under the 5 Boroughs NHS Trust.

I have been referred to a psychosexologist, and I am currently waiting for my first appointment, I've been waiting just over a month. My GP has told me I am likely to see them for about 6 months and they will refer me to a GIC. Which is likely to be in London.

I imagine you will be able to get the psych service locally as mine is in Warrington though.