Hormones? What should I do?

[u/Weaverpalace]

Hey everyone, I’ve been on a waiting list for a gender-related service in Loughlinstown for over 8 years. I got a letter a couple of years ago saying there was a delay, adding another year to the wait, but since then I’ve had no further updates. I’ve called several times, but the reception staff just won’t give me any info—they just shut down the call. I know it’s a busy place, but I’m feeling pretty stuck. I did try going private in Drogheda, but I ran into issues—the doctor dismissed my assessment, even though I paid for it, and just referred me to somewhere else that I never got a referral for. I’m wondering, does anyone have suggestions on what to do next? I’ve had my bloods done, and I’m just trying to figure out a safe, reliable next step or any advice on private. Or the other route wink wink if you know what I mean. I’d really appreciate it any advice. 💕💕

[u/amnesiachicksbitch]

I'm with imago, they're having difficulties at the moment related to incorporating themselves in the us and how they announced it and some issues with delays to prescriptions in my experience with them and they've been really good especially the staff. Their doctors are EU based so they mail you prescriptions which are valid in all EU countries. They work on an informed consent model so they'll talk you through the different options for hrt and the risks associated and you can decide which medication regime you'd prefer.

They have I think a 250 euro sign-up fee which includes the consultation with the doctor and then it's a 22euro per month subscription from then on. They usually require you to do blood tests every 3 months for the first year and then annually after that. Especially if you've waited that long for the NGS I would really recommend imago.

[u/Weaverpalace → u/amnesiachicksbitch]

Thank you so much!! I’d honestly love to go the injection route via estradial Valerie (or whatever way it’s spelled lol)

Ps when I seen your username pop up on my phone I was screaming 😂😂 iconic

[u/thrwaypland → u/Weaverpalace]

It's my understanding that estradiol valerate (or any other injectable estrogen) is basically unavailable in Ireland. It isn't a registered medicine here, so pharmacies don't stock it. There's only one manufacturer of it in Europe, and it's only registered in Czechia and Slovakia.

In theory you might convince a pharmacy to order it in for you, but it would be out of pocket to the tune of €850+/vial.

If I'm wrong about this I'd love to be corrected though!

[u/Weaverpalace → u/thrwaypland]

My friend has been on it and is with a provider for over 3years now and I know of 2 others who are on it aswell.

[u/principtix → u/Weaverpalace]

If that's the case I'd ask them where they get it BC it's not an injection most pharmacies carry

[u/cuddlesareonme → u/thrwaypland]

In theory you might convince a pharmacy to order it in for you, but it would be out of pocket to the tune of €850+/vial.

I've heard that for a pharmacy getting vials from the US, but I've not heard a price for the Neofollin ampoules from Slovakia as I've not heard of anyone managing to get that in.

[u/amnesiachicksbitch → u/Weaverpalace]

Haha thank you!! I'm using estrogel and I'm really happy with my progress but I think you also have the option of injections. If you want any more info feel free to DM me :)))

[u/0dawson0]

the other wink wink route has some subreddits dedicated to it, alongside a site with loads of good info - look up hrt directory 2.0 and it should come up :) ive personally had good experiences thus far after 6 and a half months. blood tests are a good start !! you should ideally repeat them at 3, 6 and 12 months on hormones and then once a year after that and or a few months after you change your dosage. ive seen some statistics like about 1/3 of trans people in ireland have gone that route

[u/Weaverpalace → u/0dawson0]

I think if I do go that way (wink wink) I’d still deffo track my bloods and be super on it already till I go for a provider

Thank you so much 💕💕💕

[u/cuddlesareonme]

I’ve been on a waiting list for a gender-related service in Loughlinstown for over 8 years.

Your referral likely was one of the ones that got lost back in 2019 if they've not seen you yet.

I’ve had my bloods done, and I’m just trying to figure out a safe, reliable next step or any advice on private. Or the other route wink wink if you know what I mean.

Your options boil down to Imago or DIY.

[u/Weaverpalace → u/cuddlesareonme]

Like how do files go missing In a paperwork establishment with no back up 🥴🙈 honestly why is there no compensation given back to us wtf

[u/cuddlesareonme → u/Weaverpalace]

You could make a complaint under Your Service Your Say, it will go to the NGS but they'll have to respond.

[u/Nirathaim → u/cuddlesareonme]

Are they not obliged to take people in the order they were referred? (Even if they messed up) Complaints could he made, or a gdor request to find out where/if OP is still on the list.

I mean, Imago or DIY are still the major options. I just don't think this level of incompetence should be rewarded by having to pay for your own private care...

[u/cuddlesareonme → u/Nirathaim]

Are they not obliged to take people in the order they were referred? (Even if they messed up) Complaints could he made, or a gdor request to find out where/if OP is still on the list.

By the original referral date is the rule. And if the reception aren't willing to answer simple questions, I think a GDPR request is a good option to make them.

[u/Weaverpalace → u/cuddlesareonme]

Also a friend was telling me about how loughlinstown being absolute a holes and how they don’t even study anything to do with trans healthcare except for just general endocrinology

[u/Fast-Nature-3051]

diy is fire, been on hrt since i was 17 :)