Most important day of my life.

[Darky]

Hey y'all.

Hope you don't mine me rambling here about something!

As some of you know, I am a pre-op female-to-male transsexual.

A couple of years ago I tried to get help from the NHS. After being mucked around for an entire year, my local PCT refused to fund a referral to a Gender Identity Clinic. They claimed that I had to be 25 or over, despite never saying this during the whole year they made me do things to be 'qualified' enough to get the funding. Also, this ia a made-up rule, total and utter nonsense.

So! As the NHS let me down, unlike most transgendered people in the UK.. I'm not allowed free help.

Instead, I have now booked an initial consultation with a gender specialist, Dr. Curtis at the London Gender Clinic. It is costing me £220, plus £110 for all further appointments. I don't mind too much, to be honest, because I truly respect Dr. Curtis and he himself is transgendered.

I should hopefully be able to get a prescription of Testosterone (Hormone Replacement Therapy) on the NHS thanks to the wonderful GP who has been helping me for years now, unless the PCT steps in again to ruin things for me. In which case, I shall pay for a private prescription - despite being on incredibly low income due to being unable to work.

So, my appointment is on Wednesday July 8th, and.. It's the only thing in my life I have ever done for myself.

I am terrified! XD Really excited, but also terrified. I've been living as male for about three years now, had my name legal for over two years, am "out" to everyone and finally accepted by my family.

If I cannot get this Hormone Replacement Therapy (I am certainly qualified), I don't know what I'll do. o_o;

Soooo scary.

[angieh]

You have shown how courageous you are Darky just by all the struggles you mention above. I do so hope that you receive the help you need at the clinic. It's great that you are going to see Dr Curtis who will fully appreciate your problems. Good luck!

[EmmaG]

Good luck!!! I am sure everything will be ok. Try and be positive.

[Mags]

This is such an important step for you Darky and I wish you all the luck in the world.

[tilly]

I wish you the best of luck and I hope it all goes well and the PCT don't ruin it for you.

Tilly

[calismum]

I am so pleased you are viewing all these obstacles in a positive way, not letting them get you down and taking steps toward your goal.

It is unfortunate that the rules that are made to protect the majority cannot be bent to support other, but that is how it is I suppose.

I wish you all the best for Thursday and will keep my fingers crossed for a positive outcome for you.

[Darky]

The horrible thing, Calismum, is simply that that is not a real rule. It is something that my local PCT specifically came up with, after making me get an official diagnosis - and I had my name changed and everything, and the support of a GP. I don't know a single other person in the transgender community that has ever had a PCT make up an age rule like that, it's generally just 18+.




Thank you, everyone! C:

[Leesy]

I hope that everything works out for you at your appointment with Dr.Curtis, it sounds like you have gone through so much already with your decision to change gender.
Good luck and think positive.

[dandysmom]

Fingers crossed that all will go well for you Thursday, sending positive vibes for that important day!

[random]

Fingers crossed all goes well you Darky, you knwo when money and the government are concerned there is always things happen and obstacles put in your way. It will only serve to make you stronger though! All the best for you appt.