Trans Advice - Question and Concerns

L.Jenkins · 11-03-2011 4:05pm

Well I have to get on to my own Doctors first to see if they sent it in the first place. If they did, then I can check back with loughlinstown. If they lost it, then I'll have to get back to my own Doctors, again!!!!

I'm getting tired of all this bouncing around and the secratary of Doctor I've dealt with aren't the nicest, most helpful people I've dealt with. They almost seem pissed off with there jobs, poor women.

hare05 · 15-03-2011 8:05pm

Went to a local consultant psych today to show my parents i'm not going crazy.

5 mins into the chat, she calls them in, tells them she's completely sure i'm not going mad, all my feelings are valid and she recommends I start treatment, although she admitted (As I had told my parents before) that she did not specialize in gender issues and as such I would be best off getting diagnosed somewhere else (She's an expert in psychosis / schizophrenia, my mom went to her for a few years and they thought I might have a hereditary schizo risk).

So... We're off to see the (Medical) Wizard!! :pac: June 29th, cant wait!

And I also got a doctors letter recommending I be given an extension on some college projects, so I may pass the year after all! :P

WantToBeRose · 16-03-2011 12:25am

hare05 wrote: »

Went to a local consultant psych today to show my parents i'm not going crazy.

5 mins into the chat, she calls them in, tells them she's completely sure i'm not going mad, all my feelings are valid and she recommends I start treatment, although she admitted (As I had told my parents before) that she did not specialize in gender issues and as such I would be best off getting diagnosed somewhere else (She's an expert in psychosis / schizophrenia, my mom went to her for a few years and they thought I might have a hereditary schizo risk).

So... We're off to see the (Medical) Wizard!! :pac: June 29th, cant wait!

And I also got a doctors letter recommending I be given an extension on some college projects, so I may pass the year after all! :P

Thats great, I hope everything works out for you!

hare05 · 16-03-2011 1:19pm

On another good note... my huge feet can fit in size 7 shoes! I'll still be sticking to guys size 12 runners, but its nice to have the option!

WantToBeRose · 17-03-2011 12:56am

hare05 wrote: »

On another good note... my huge feet can fit in size 7 shoes! I'll still be sticking to guys size 12 runners, but its nice to have the option!

Wait does that mean men and womens shoe sizes AREN'T the same? :eek:
I take size 11 in a mens shoe :P

rainbow kirby · 17-03-2011 1:42am

WantToBeRose wrote: »

Wait does that mean men and womens shoe sizes AREN'T the same? :eek:
I take size 11 in a mens shoe :P

Haha, this can get quite fun.

European sizes are the same, with a men's shoe slightly wider
For the same Euro size, the women's UK size will be 1 size larger than the men's UK size. The women's US size will be 2 larger than the equivalent UK size, the men's US size will be 0.5-1 size larger than the equivalent UK size.

For example: Euro 40/UK 7 (women)/UK 6 (men)/US 9 (women)/US 7 (men)

Links234 · 17-03-2011 2:06am

that's real interesting Hare, 12 to a 7? :eek: make sure you're not really squeezing your feet in there, you don't wanna end up hurting yourself.

Shoe sizes are an interesting subject. As kirby says, this can get quite fun

I used to wear size 11, but I was also a bit overweight. when I lost a few KGs, I actually started to feel that my shoes were uncomfortably big on me. I'm now comfortably (meaning I still got room to wiggle my toes) wearing size 9 runners.

In women's shoes, I find it's better to go by european sizes. I'll generally take a 43 or sometimes a 42. For some brands, 42 is an 8, for others, it's a 9. But it varies.

Remember though, your shoe size might change with HRT too because of changes in musculature.

hare05 · 17-03-2011 2:51am

Links234 wrote: »

that's real interesting Hare, 12 to a 7? :eek: make sure you're not really squeezing your feet in there, you don't wanna end up hurting yourself.

Shoe sizes are an interesting subject. As kirby says, this can get quite fun

I used to wear size 11, but I was also a bit overweight. when I lost a few KGs, I actually started to feel that my shoes were uncomfortably big on me. I'm now comfortably (meaning I still got room to wiggle my toes) wearing size 9 runners.

In women's shoes, I find it's better to go by european sizes. I'll generally take a 43 or sometimes a 42. For some brands, 42 is an 8, for others, it's a 9. But it varies.

Remember though, your shoe size might change with HRT too because of changes in musculature.

Yup, it's a squeeze, but at least it means if my feet fit in a 7 I won't have to traverse the depths of the interwebz for size 13 womens, I could do with a 9 or a 10.

As for room to wiggle... I heard in some old asian cultures women kept their feet small by bandaging them tightly. My toes were a bit pressured, but they weren't bunched up in the 7's, so I could even use them to achieve the bandaging effect!

As for damage to my feet... I used to run road races barefoot (Silly, I know, but I was in super-uber macho denial mode at the time). I think they can handle a little pressure ^^ (I also used to kick trees barefoot. Heard about those karate masters breaking blocks with their feet and thought I'd try their training regimen, toughen up, etc :eek:)

WantToBeRose wrote: »

Wait does that mean men and womens shoe sizes AREN'T the same? :eek:
I take size 11 in a mens shoe :P

Links234 · 17-03-2011 3:01am

running barefoot is one thing, cramping and squishing your toes up into some constrictive shoes can do some permanent damage. and that foot binding? that's one of the most horrific and disgustingly barbaric practices conceivable. go on, google foot binding and recoil in horror.

anyway, if you've got big feet, then have a look here: http://www.cinderellashoes.ie/

hare05 · 17-03-2011 3:14am

Links234 wrote: »

running barefoot is one thing, cramping and squishing your toes up into some constrictive shoes can do some permanent damage. and that foot binding? that's one of the most horrific and disgustingly barbaric practices conceivable. go on, google foot binding and recoil in horror.

anyway, if you've got big feet, then have a look here: http://www.cinderellashoes.ie/

Wow... I just heard the idea offhand, assumed it was similar to ftm chest binding but just for feet. No idea it was that horrible...

WantToBeRose · 17-03-2011 11:27pm

OMG that foot binding practise is horrible! The images are quite disturbing.

Anyway, Jus to make it clear...my size 11's...in a womans shoe will it be about an 8 or so?
Or am I thinking the wrong way?

hare05 · 17-03-2011 11:34pm

WantToBeRose wrote: »

OMG that foot binding practise is horrible! The images are quite disturbing.

Anyway, Jus to make it clear...my size 11's...in a womans shoe will it be about an 8 or so?
Or am I thinking the wrong way?

That would be size 12 in a woman's. I think.

http://www.runtheplanet.com/resources/tools/shoesizeconversion.asp

WantToBeRose · 17-03-2011 11:37pm

hare05 wrote: »

That would be size 12 in a woman's. I think.

http://www.runtheplanet.com/resources/tools/shoesizeconversion.asp

Oh wow thats big:(

hare05 · 17-03-2011 11:38pm

WantToBeRose wrote: »

Oh wow thats big:(

Mine are bigger :eek:

L.Jenkins · 22-03-2011 3:47pm

Anyone else still having problems getting an endo appointment? I've had my letter done up and diagnosis and all I can do is beat my head off the wall in fraustration. Rang loughlinstown today and still no appointment. Thank god I have a psychiatric appointment tomorrow, because I'm just píssed off at this stage.

littlehedgehog · 22-03-2011 5:17pm

Just on the shoes thing. I've massive feet too and take a wide 9, or narrow 10 in women's sizes. I found Cinderella shoes quite expensive, to be honest - Evans caters for large shoe sizes, and they're a bit cheaper, with a bigger selection. They do up to an 11, but also do different widths, which means you may not need such a big size, length wise. They're on Henry street but their website will give you a better idea of the selection and stuff!

Azure_sky · 23-03-2011 6:55am

Can anyone tell me what blood tests I need for the endo? Estrogen, testosterone, glucose and lipid levels right? But there's one more and I can't remember what it is.

deirdre_dub · 23-03-2011 10:52am

Azure_sky wrote: »

Can anyone tell me what blood tests I need for the endo? Estrogen, testosterone, glucose and lipid levels right? But there's one more and I can't remember what it is.

PM sent.

Note that different people may need different tests, so it's probably not wise to enumerate the tests here.

L.Jenkins · 23-03-2011 1:22pm

Just getting my letter sorted out now for Dr o Shay. Ever so slightly fraustrated, but getting there.

WantToBeRose · 29-03-2011 5:53pm

Ok so my doctor has sent a letter to Dr O'Shay so hopefully something will happen. I am prepared for the long wait, I'm just happy something is being done.

Also, I sort of "came out" saturday night:pac: I was a little drunk and was talking to my friends girlfriend (my friend is lesbian) ,who I just met, and just said i was transgendered. It was so easy to say (probably due to the amout of vodka I had drank!) but it felt good to say it. And she was so sweet about it. I think the fact she is Lesbian made it easier. But she's just one person that I don't really know, comming out fully to friends is a little too soon yet.

CrystalLettuce · 31-03-2011 3:34am

Hi, a friend of mine is wondering if being on VHI helps with anything trans related? She didn't seem to be able to find any information and her parents are going to drop her from their plan unless she can think of something it may pay for in the long run.

L.Jenkins · 31-03-2011 6:55pm

Hey Crystal, Has your friend got in contact with VHI themselves to find out what they will and will not cover. I know the medical card will cover some things but not everything as far as I'm aware.

CrystalLettuce · 31-03-2011 7:53pm

ItsThatManAgain wrote: »

Hey Crystal, Has your friend got in contact with VHI themselves to find out what they will and will not cover. I know the medical card will cover some things but not everything as far as I'm aware.

Too embarrassed apparently...

What things does the Medical Card not cover? What does VHI cover?

Louisevb · 03-04-2011 8:40pm

VHI wil not cover anything transgender related.
The medical card covers hormones, but for some reason not all.
Evorel microgram patches are covered for 50 microgram but not 100 microgram, so double patches of 50 microgram are used to get over this.
Zoladex injection anti androgen is covered.

Apart from the overseas treatment purchase fund covering Charing X hospital nothing else is covered. Although the OTPF does not depend on the medical card.
Facial cosmetic surgery or facial hair removal is not covered by any scheme in Ireland, although hair removal is covered in certain health areas of the UK.

CrystalLettuce · 03-04-2011 8:47pm

It's possible to get surgery on Medical Card? I heard it was possible to be referred.

L.Jenkins · 05-04-2011 3:34pm

CrystalLettuce wrote: »

It's possible to get surgery on Medical Card? I heard it was possible to be referred.

From what I believe, it is possible to get referred. I hear the wait is pretty long and it's over to Dr. Richard Curtis. Here's the web address http://www.transhealth.co.uk

I'm getting my Endo appointment mailed out to me soon aswell

:)

WantToBeRose · 05-04-2011 4:42pm

ItsThatManAgain wrote: »

From what I believe, it is possible to get referred. I hear the wait is pretty long and it's over to Dr. Richard Curtis. Here's the web address http://www.transhealth.co.uk

I'm getting my Endo appointment mailed out to me soon aswell :)

WHY do we not have a place like this in Ireland?:O

deirdre_dub · 05-04-2011 6:08pm

WantToBeRose wrote: »

WHY do we not have a place like this in Ireland?:O

We barely have an endocrine unit in Ireland that deals with trans people! I think the reason is because there aren't enough trans people in Ireland for a surgeon to become competant at it.

And, surgery isn't with Dr. Curtis, it is with Dr. Bellringer in Charing Cross.

As an aside - from everything I've heard, I believe Dr. Curtis is a good choice for anyone considering getting their hormones privately. He is F2M himself, and so he knows what it is like to be trans. And, I don't know, but I suspect that it is cheaper for an Irish M2F who doesn't have a medical card to go privately to London with Dr. Curtis than publically to Dublin with Dr. O'Shea (especially if they live near an airport)! :eek: :mad: I almost went to Dr. Curtis myself, and I now regret that I didn't.

WantToBeRose · 05-04-2011 6:19pm

deirdre_dub wrote: »

We barely have an endocrine unit in Ireland that deals with trans people! I think the reason is because there aren't enough trans people in Ireland for a surgeon to become competant at it.

And, surgery isn't with Dr. Curtis, it is with Dr. Bellringer in Charing Cross.

As an aside - from everything I've heard, I believe Dr. Curtis is a good choice for anyone considering getting their hormones privately. He is F2M himself, and so he knows what it is like to be trans. And, I don't know, but I suspect that it is cheaper for an Irish M2F who doesn't have a medical card to go privately to London with Dr. Curtis than publically to Dublin with Dr. O'Shea (especially if they live near an airport)! :eek: :mad: I almost went to Dr. Curtis myself, and I now regret that I didn't.

Not sure I'd be able to afford it but it sure sounds alot better!
Would one need to go through all the waiting crap we have to do here in Ireland to get treated in the UK? Because that clinic looks like Heaven to someone wanting transition!

deirdre_dub · 05-04-2011 8:57pm

WantToBeRose wrote: »

Would one need to go through all the waiting crap we have to do here in Ireland to get treated in the UK?

To get treated at Dr. Curtis's clinic - no. I would guess that you could start treatment maybe a month or 6 weeks after making an initial phone call.

WantToBeRose · 05-04-2011 10:17pm

deirdre_dub wrote: »

To get treated at Dr. Curtis's clinic - no. I would guess that you could start treatment maybe a month or 6 weeks after making an initial phone call.

Wow that is actually kind of exciting. But also scary.
I suppose you'd need to be really ready for it to go there. What with coming out, and getting ready to go full time.

WantToBeRose · 07-04-2011 7:05pm

ItsThatManAgain wrote: »

From what I believe, it is possible to get referred. I hear the wait is pretty long and it's over to Dr. Richard Curtis. Here's the web address http://www.transhealth.co.uk

I'm getting my Endo appointment mailed out to me soon aswell :)

Sorry just want to back to this again.
How does one go about getting help in the UK through the medical card?
I mean if it can be done, and if that clinic can help in such a short amount of time, then I want in! :O

L.Jenkins · 07-04-2011 8:18pm

I know that SRS is funded through the medical card, but I can't say for certain about receiving an endo appointment in the UK. Check it with your GP and Psychiatrist.

Links234 · 07-04-2011 9:00pm

ItsThatManAgain wrote: »

From what I believe, it is possible to get referred. I hear the wait is pretty long and it's over to Dr. Richard Curtis. Here's the web address http://www.transhealth.co.uk

I'm getting my Endo appointment mailed out to me soon aswell :)

You get referred to charring cross in the UK through loughlinstown, I think. it's nothing to do with Dr. Curtis or transhealth.co.uk as far as I know.

L.Jenkins · 07-04-2011 9:05pm

I see. I don't know if I'd rather go there to the UK or go to Thailand for SRS in a few years time. Have time to think about it.

CrystalLettuce · 08-04-2011 1:14am

That's great news. How long is the wait on average though? It's really not a big deal if it's just over a year or so, but 3 or more would be too much for her. It could be difficult if it's one of those things where you have to keep pressuring them(very common in this country) as she's very shy.

Kind of bummed though, wanted to go on a trip with them to Thailand. Oh well, I'll find another excuse or befriend a richer-but-not-too-rich trans.

L.Jenkins · 08-04-2011 1:30am

Has your friend begun transitioning yet. It's a year to 2 years living full time first, before any consideration for SRS. Your friend could begin sourcing out information on SRS if she wants.

Toni R · 08-04-2011 2:21pm

Does anyone know how good Rainbow Support services in Limerick is? Im going there next Tuesday

smugchik · 08-04-2011 6:44pm

Links234 wrote: »

I have to disagree with you, I think that hormones should be immediately and freely available

Most of the MtFs I've spoken to online over the past year have been self-medicating with hormones they've purchased from online pharmacies. I don't know if you can do that in Ireland, what pharmacies would ship to Ireland, or if you'd have trouble with customs or not. but I really do think that it would be in the best interests of trans people everywhere if they had free access to hormones without any kind of gatekeeping, just being made informed of the risks.

On some of the trans sites I visit, a lot of people who are questioning or aren't 100% sure they're are given advice to just try hormones for a while and see how they feel, and are given recommended starter dosages. A lot of people would say that they weren't sure until they tried hormones by self medicating, and then they felt right, it was then they knew. I think this could be the difference between someone going on to lead a happier life, and struggling with gender issues for many more years.

an article I read some time ago that was written by a FtM transitioning in the UK, he had some doubts, but was always afraid to bring them up for fear that they'd stop his hormone treatment. it ended up that he had to pay for independent counseling to help him through issues that, if he brought up with the NHS, he was certain they'd postpone or halt his transition.

I firmly believe that hormones should be freely available to anyone considering transition, and that psychologists, counselors and other professionals should be there for support, if the person needs it. Their roles shouldn't be to gatekeep or asses people for hormonal treatment, only to support them if needed.

But I'm a radical

As a trained therapist, I must agree that handing out hormones without proper consultation is not the way forward. There is the potential for horrific mistakes which could have dire effects on a persons psychological well being. I worked for a short time on transgender issues and am neither unaware of or unfeeling toward the issues and frustrations faced during the process...

smugchik · 08-04-2011 6:46pm

ItsThatManAgain wrote: »

I see. I don't know if I'd rather go there to the UK or go to Thailand for SRS in a few years time. Have time to think about it.

There is better follow up aftercare in UK

hare05 · 09-04-2011 12:25am

smugchik wrote: »

As a trained therapist, I must agree that handing out hormones without proper consultation is not the way forward. There is the potential for horrific mistakes which could have dire effects on a persons psychological well being. I worked for a short time on transgender issues and am neither unaware of or unfeeling toward the issues and frustrations faced during the process...

Completely agree with you here, I've spoken to a few people who detransitioned (one post Srs) and who felt they had ruined their lives. Hormones need to stay prescription, but we need to change the public perception of medical professionals in this regard. They are not gatekeepers, not some obstacle. They are facilitators, there to help you without judging.

I'd say the best option would be for the prescription to be written on day one. It keeps a paper trail (which you would not have with over the counter hormones, removes the view of psychologists / psychiatrists as gatekeepers (after all, what are they holding back?) But ensures you see them anyway.

C.Robin · 10-04-2011 12:34pm

Hi everyone!
Does the passport office allow changes of gender? If so do you just put down the gender you identify as on the application form or is there a special procedure?
My deed pole just came through and I'm having trouble finding Ireland specific info. Anyone have advice on changing all your documentation, order to do things in etc?

deirdre_dub · 10-04-2011 2:40pm

C.Robin wrote: »

Does the passport office allow changes of gender?

Yes.

You need -

1. The usual documentation people need to get a passport (birth cert etc)

2. Your deed poll.

3. A letter from Loughlinstown (or wherever you get your treatment) to say that you are undergoing treatment for GID.

4. (optional) proof that you have been using your new name for 2 years or more

If you can't comply with requirement 4, then they will give you a 2-year (or 3-year) passport. If you can, then you will get a 10-year one.

I would suggest that you contact the passport office. They have someone who deals with the transgender cases - she is quite nice and helpful.

Anyone have advice on changing all your documentation, order to do things in etc?

Well, some institutions (e.g. banks*) need you to have photo identification, so you should try and get that sorted out quickly. However, for most institutions, I just sent them in a copy of my deed poll with a covering letter.

* I'm currently in a dispute with my bank which is refusing to change the name on one of my accounts. My case is currently with the Financial Services Ombudsman. I'll report back here when my case has come to a conclusion (I'm currently waiting to see if the bank will accept an offer of mediation from the FSO - if not, then the FSO will make a ruling in something like 40 weeks (!) time).

WantToBeRose · 22-04-2011 3:57pm

smugchik wrote: »

There is better follow up aftercare in UK

Thats a good point to make. I'd rather get the surgery in a place where I knew I could return to easily if I had a problem.
I wonder though, is the quality of SRS different in certain places? Say for a "realistic" looking outcome, would getting it in Thailand or London make a differance except for cost?

Links234 · 22-04-2011 4:06pm

WantToBeRose wrote: »

Thats a good point to make. I'd rather get the surgery in a place where I knew I could return to easily if I had a problem.
I wonder though, is the quality of SRS different in certain places? Say for a "realistic" looking outcome, would getting it in Thailand or London make a differance except for cost?

The quality is vastly different, they use different techniques entirely and it can have a big effect not just on looks, but how sensitive you are as well. and the top thai surgeons are possibly among the best in the world.

CrystalLettuce · 22-04-2011 4:26pm

I'm still trying to read up on this whole thing and understand.

I found a forum stating that one operation is generally not enough for convincing SRS due to a number of potential complications.

Someone said earlier that medical card may get you referred to a British surgeon eventually - but will this cover up any follow up operations? Some of the prospects such as necrotic tissue sound quite frightening to leave unattended. Imagining a friend going through that is very scary, but I guess it's important to be supportive.

WantToBeRose · 22-04-2011 5:07pm

Links234 wrote: »

The quality is vastly different, they use different techniques entirely and it can have a big effect not just on looks, but how sensitive you are as well. and the top thai surgeons are possibly among the best in the world.

I thought so. It would be handy to get help in funding for it, but in the end I guess it's part of your body and a proper transition is better then a cheap one!
It's a long way off yet for me, SRS, so hopefully when I come to it I'll have more knowledge of the best place to go.

Do you plan on going to Thailand?

Links234 · 22-04-2011 6:13pm

I think if I do want to go for SRS, then it will most likely be in Thailand, yes. If.

But I'd love to go to Thailand for a holiday anyway.

L.Jenkins · 23-04-2011 2:03pm

Off the current topic of conversation, but I'm curious to know has anybody experienced transphobia and to what extent. This question follows from working with a relative yesterday, who's attitude in general towards trans people wasn't suprising, but pretty disguisting. Doesn't inspire me with much hope as I want to come out soon. Feels like a bit of a set back, and yes, when push comes to shove, I'm a bit of a coward with respect to coming out.

diddlybit · 23-04-2011 2:17pm

ItsThatManAgain wrote: »

Off the current topic of conversation, but I'm curious to know has anybody experienced transphobia and to what extent. This question follows from working with a relative yesterday, who's attitude in general towards trans people wasn't suprising, but pretty disguisting. Doesn't inspire me with much hope as I want to come out soon. Feels like a bit of a set back, and yes, when push comes to shove, I'm a bit of a coward with respect to coming out.

I'm not trans, but so sorry that that happened to you. It's awful how one horrible insensitive comment can set somebody back. But you are no coward, it's an extremely difficult thing to do, especially when you have some idea of the neagtive reactions that you might recieve. Remember though, friends and family can say these things out of ignorance as they do not know any trans or queer people. Once they realise that someone in their circle is, they have to re-evalute their opinion.

Someone here once said (papaphrased) "The hardest person to come out to is yourself. Which is so true. You're not a coward, you are extremely brave for being honest with yourself and beginning this journey of discovery (as schamalzy as that sounds.)

Sorry for plagarising someone's quote there, but it really stuck with me.

Trans Advice - Question and Concerns

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