(part 1) I've been self medicating on T for 4 months and just had my appointments with both Dr Lorimer and Dr Seal at GenderCare (Dr Seal had a lucky cancellation so I saw them both within a fortnight!) where they gave me 2 months private prescription (of testim) while I wait for a GP appointment to ask for shared care. I was referred to Charing Cross GIC in March so I'm expecting my first appointment with them in April ish next year.
(part 2) Please could you be a huge help and outline the differences in timelines for top surgery NHS vs GenderCare? I'm having trouble getting my head around the processes and waiting times and figuring out how significant the time difference with me. My grandparents have offered to pay for my to go private but only if the difference in waiting times is "significant" so i need some info for them. Thank you so much!
There are lots of variables when it comes to waiting times for specific procedures, so it’s hard to give definitive timescales, but it’s more than likely that there would be a “significant” difference in waiting times.
On the NHS you will first need to wait for your first appointment, and then go through their assessment process which would comprise of at least two appointments. At Charing Cross these appointments might be anywhere from 6–12 months apart, and although the current state of play is that they’re towards the latter end of that range it could be different by next year. Once you’re referred to a surgeon the waiting times will depend entirely on the surgeon. Surgeon’s waiting times can be anywhere from around 4 months to a year (or even slightly longer for Mr Andrew Yelland), although the majority are at least 6 months or more. Although once again, this might change by the time you’re at that stage.
Privately there are perhaps even more variables. You’ll need to see a private doctor, such as Dr Lorimer, again for a referral, although in some cases he might wish for you to have a second opinion. His current wait is around 5 months, although as you’ve already found out there can be some more flexibility when it comes to private care, especially if you can make cancellations. Once again, the wait for surgery after you have a referral depends on the individual surgeon, but private waiting lists are shorter than NHS ones. In the case of Mr Miles Berry surgery is generally possible within a month or two, although other surgeons are usually a couple of months longer than this. If you have specific surgeons in mind you could try contacting them directly to inquire about their waiting times.
~ Alex
