GP Appointment.

Write that phrase on a bit of paper and hold it in your hand. If the words don't come naturally read it to yourself out loud and pretend the doctor isn't there, it gets easier after that bit.

You will be fine. Chances are your GP doesn't know the slightest thing about being trans or the procedure, so he'll most likely try and send you to somebody who does (or at least MIGHT), all they want to know if that you are sure and that it is worth sending you.

Answer their questions honestly, be brave, and you will be fine.

 

My doctor was incredibly nice and respectful. Most people I know have had the same experience. You'll do great

 

Remember, "I don't know" is a perfectly acceptable answer to any question they ask you. It might not score you many points but it is an acceptable answer.

You know how you feel, if it's easier, pretend you're talking to us. You know how you feel inside and all you have to do is let that out.

Also, keep this in mind. If they send you away with no progression, they KNOW you will come back. Again and again and again, because it's important. They know you will waste appointments other people could be using. There is no benefit for them to send you away without at the very least referring you to the local mental health unit.

 

A doctor of any kind with professionalism will not judge you and simply give their opinion of your best care of any kind. Doctors are bound to do no harm, so be brave and just go in and be yourself.

 

Depends on the question.

If your doctor asks you "How long have you felt this way" and you say "I don't know" and then manage to ramble something about a vague time frame, so be it. When he asked me that question, I told him expressly that I can't remember what I thought of anything for most of my childhood and said that I guess I could vaguely say it might have been around when I was 16...

Doctors are used to people being nervous about things, especially things that could be considered 'embarrassing'. You don't know how they will react, and doctors see people who worry about that every single day.

If you need to take your time to answer, do so. If you need to tell your GP you are really nervous, DO.

 

When i told my gp she was lovely but told me she had no experience with transgender people. she asked me why i thought i was transgender and how long i felt this way, when i told her i burst into tears and she gave me a hug she was really nice about it even though she didn't understand it and she referred me on to a gender therapist

 

My gp was awesome too. politely curious but obviously clueless. She asked a few questions and referred me to another gp in the area that works with trans* people and that was that. Even the most judgmental jerks of doctors are fairly nice if your just informing them. Hope it goes well!

 

Worry is natural but you will report back to us that things went great I bet.

 

Why does your GP have to refer you? I always get psychologists and psychiatrists on my own honestly. It's way easier that was because most doctors honestly don't know much about the local professionals. If they don't know about trans people they won't know who to refer you to.

 

In the UK, you have to go through the NHS system, which means being referred by a GP first, in order to transition free of charge save for clothes and surgery.

 

Well done!! Told you that you would get through it!

/hugs

 

That's awesome! I'm glad that it went well. It's also a good thing that your doctor has had experience with transgender people before. That's always a good thing