My Transition

• Posted by Cerys Rachel Evans November 18, 2014 #  #  1,098 views
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  Today the 18th Nvember I recieved a copy of the referral letter which was sent to Mr. Bellringert Consultant Urology Surgion.

  But, let me start from the beginning as has been for me.

   

  August 2012, my G. P., who is a fantastic and supportive Doctor referred me to the Nottingham Gender Identity Clinic.

  It was a matter of weeks and I received my first appointment date which was set for the 18th September 2012.

  I will not go into the events of that day prior to the appointment.

  I was accompanied to the Nottinghgam Gender Clinic by my ex-wife who accompanied me on the first three assessments as documented below and who came in for the 3rd assessment in the February 2013.

  The first assessment I saw the Consultant Psychiatrist alone. He was brilliant and very understanding and supportive.

  I took all his advice and set in motion the legal changing of my name by Deed Poll, which is a requirement.

  I then commenced attending the Mansfield Job Centre as well as all other places totally as a female, and I have to admit, I did not experience any difficulties.  I guess I was lucky.

  I applied for my Deed Poll name change on line with UK Deed Poll Service.

  The email address is :

  enquiries@ddedpoll.org.uk

  Once I had my Deed Poll, I set about changing my documentation.

  The DVLA require the origanl Deed Poll certificate, which they do return to you.

  It took the DVLA just under 3 weeks which was not bad.

  Lloyds bank took, including postage, 7 days before I received my bank card and on the 8th day, I received my PIN number.

  The NHS took about a month to issue me a new NHS number which gave me a female status in a sense.The NHS required a copy of my Deed Poll certificate.
  

  I also commenced a diary which I am maintaining as I find it helps keep me grounded.

  I also changed my name with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, though I am no longer a licensed nurse, I am still on the Register as a qualified Psychiatric Nurse.

  On the 6th November, I had my 2nd assessment with another Consultant Psychiatristwhom I saw alone, which went well.

  Due it being close to Christmas and annual leave's taking place, my third appointment and assessment was set for the 24th February 2013 which I attended with a companion who has know me for 19yrs.

  I attended the 3rd assessment with my ex-wife who was also asked questions by both Consultants. At the conclusion of the third assessment I was accepted for the programme and given the diagnosis of Transsexualism (ICD-10), and was informed that after I had had blood tests done, I would be, depending on the results, commence on HRT.

  I was glad but at the same time concerned, as I have a condition inside my oesphagus called Barrett's Syndrome, which is where the cells of the oesophagus change and can become cancerous.

  So, the Consultant Psychiatrist consulted with my Consultant at Bassetlaw Hospital about my condition.

  In the April, I was contacted by the Breast screening unit at Kingsmill hospital to be breast screened.

  I explained the situation and the person I spoke with was very understanding and supportive and informed me that I could still undergo breast screening or wait until things develop and have the screening done in 2016, which I am doing.

  On May 20th, I had a 4th appointment at the Nottingham GIC and I was assured that the HRT would not cause difficulties with the Barretts Syndrome.

  So, after undergoing another series of blood tests, I commenced on Climaval (Oestradiol Valerate) 1mg twice a day (bd).

  I was very happy as things were progressing.

  I saw the Consultant Psychiatrist again in the September and he was satisfied with my progress and attitude.

  The dosage was on December 2nd increased to 2mgs Climaval bd.

  My next appointment was set for March 17th.  At this appointment the Climaval was increased to 2mgs three times a day (tds).

  I continued to progress and I saw the Consultant again for my 10th appointment on June 30th. All went well.

  I had my final assessment on the 11th November 2014, which I attended with my friend Wendy who has known me since 1999, where I saw both Consultant Psychiatrists individually.

  They also asked Wendy questions and were satisfied with both our answers.

  They were satisfied that I was now fully settled and was a candidate for full Vaginoplasti surgery.  And they informed me that they would be referring me to my chosen Consultant Surgeon, Mr. James Bellringer who is a Urology Consultant Surgeon who will eventually perform the reuired surgery for me to be fulfilled to the woman and person I know I am.

  Today I recieved a copy of the letter to Mr. Bellringer who practices at the Parkside Hospital in Wimbledon.

  I have to wait now for 14 days, and then, I am to contact the GRS Services Co-ordinator to ensure they have recieved the referral and to then arrange a date for my first surgical procedure consultation.

  So now, it is a case of waiting a little as I progress steadily forward.

  I am also gathering my evidence which includes two reports, one from the GIC and one from my G. P., which I will then submit to the Gender Panel so that I can gain my Gender Identity Registration Certificate and then I will apply to have my Birth Certificate amended appropriately.

   

  Cerys Evans.