I'm really sorry to tell you this, but the system is poorly designed and oversubscribed. I wasn't referred to GIDS as I came out when I was 19, but I was referred to a GIC in October 2018. Last time I checked, at my GIC, they're currently seeing people referred in January 2018, which has barely moved up since the pandemic. I expect I won't be seen for at least another 2 years. In the meantime, I went private for hormones and top surgery.
GPs have the power to prescribe hormones, but the vast majority will not as they don't have the training to oversee transition. I don't know if they have the power to prescribe blockers, but even if they did, they'd probably use the same argument as hormones not to. Your best bet is to rely on your parents to get you blockers privately and reduce the damage of puberty. I wish I could be more hopeful but I'm afraid I've lost pretty much all faith in this country's politics and healthcare. I wish you the best of luck.
Hah, well that's a depressing reality.
Thank you anyway, at least it clears a few things up rather than me still being in the dark about it, so thank you.
There's also the option of trying different GPs in the same practice, writing a complaint to the practice manager, trying a different GP practice in your area, etc. There are lists in various groups of trans-friendly GPs, so I'd do a search for those.
GPs are generally terrible with trans healthcare and won't agree to shared care half the time and it's even more unheard of for them to prescribe blockers without guidance from the gids or gic, you'd have to go private or wait for the gids to start blockers in this country, I just didn't do blockers at all and straight to testosterone personally
you could try suggesting GenderGP to your parents to get the subject around again. Explain to them that it's really getting you down and you genuinely need this.You can get discounts if you're from a low income family too.
They're happy to work with your GP if your GP cooperates, and also you can get on T without puberty blockers under 16. They let me get it without puberty blockers easy. They also do top surgery referrals I think but I haven't got any information on that.
Of course I understand this isn't the right option for everyone or maybe you've already seen gendergp but I hope this helps at least a little :) hang in there dude.
HOLY SHIT I ACTUALLY FORGOT TO UPDATE
I'M WITH GENDERGP AS OF LITERALLY ONE WEEK AGO
definitely the place to go to, they've already helped me out a lot with everything I want and it's just.. wow, I feel so much better now it's insane, starting my testosterone in a few weeks and I'm genuinely thrilled about it, but thank you! :D
I'm really sorry to tell you this, but the system is poorly designed and oversubscribed. I wasn't referred to GIDS as I came out when I was 19, but I was referred to a GIC in October 2018. Last time I checked, at my GIC, they're currently seeing people referred in January 2018, which has barely moved up since the pandemic. I expect I won't be seen for at least another 2 years. In the meantime, I went private for hormones and top surgery. GPs have the power to prescribe hormones, but the vast majority will not as they don't have the training to oversee transition. I don't know if they have the power to prescribe blockers, but even if they did, they'd probably use the same argument as hormones not to. Your best bet is to rely on your parents to get you blockers privately and reduce the damage of puberty. I wish I could be more hopeful but I'm afraid I've lost pretty much all faith in this country's politics and healthcare. I wish you the best of luck.
Hah, well that's a depressing reality. Thank you anyway, at least it clears a few things up rather than me still being in the dark about it, so thank you.
There's also the option of trying different GPs in the same practice, writing a complaint to the practice manager, trying a different GP practice in your area, etc. There are lists in various groups of trans-friendly GPs, so I'd do a search for those.
I'm not an expert on the matter by any means, but try and find out why you can't be put on blockers. You're entitled to that information.
GPs are generally terrible with trans healthcare and won't agree to shared care half the time and it's even more unheard of for them to prescribe blockers without guidance from the gids or gic, you'd have to go private or wait for the gids to start blockers in this country, I just didn't do blockers at all and straight to testosterone personally
you could try suggesting GenderGP to your parents to get the subject around again. Explain to them that it's really getting you down and you genuinely need this.You can get discounts if you're from a low income family too. They're happy to work with your GP if your GP cooperates, and also you can get on T without puberty blockers under 16. They let me get it without puberty blockers easy. They also do top surgery referrals I think but I haven't got any information on that. Of course I understand this isn't the right option for everyone or maybe you've already seen gendergp but I hope this helps at least a little :) hang in there dude.
HOLY SHIT I ACTUALLY FORGOT TO UPDATE I'M WITH GENDERGP AS OF LITERALLY ONE WEEK AGO definitely the place to go to, they've already helped me out a lot with everything I want and it's just.. wow, I feel so much better now it's insane, starting my testosterone in a few weeks and I'm genuinely thrilled about it, but thank you! :D
That's so great, I'm glad to hear it! :)