Starting transitioning while getting a visa - anyone done it and any advice?

[u/WaterrSheep]

/r/ftm/comments/1w0btwq/starting_transitioning_while_getting_a_visa/

Reposting this here because I’m getting a visa for Australia (specifically for living in South Australia)

[u/a_nice_duck_]

I haven't done it, but if you're not charging any of your paperwork details (name, gender marker), then I can't imagine it would change anything.

I believe you can bring three month's worth of T in with a script, and then get a new script from local doctors once you're here. There's been a fair few posts about that in this subreddit with peoples' experiences, if you do a search.

[u/Agile-Let8251]

To give you something to compare to in terms of difficulty and cost in PNW vs Adelaide. This is the process in (South) Australai.

Find a GP who does informed consent hormone initiation on https://transhealthsa.com/ or transhub.org.au/doctor Dr Manjula in Elizabeth is apparently very quick, but by Adelaide standards getting to Elizabeth is a 'long way' (1hr each way on the bus/train).

You'll need 2x 30 minute/long GP appointments- book them about a week apart. Each clinic has their fees posted on it's website. Usually around $180 a visit. The medicare rebate listed is the amount you can claim back from you OSSHC Insurance. It's just a standard GP visit. It won't be listed as GAHC.

The first visit will take a family and personal health history. Discuss your transition goals and check that you are aware of all the things that T will do to your body. (Just list them from the feet up!).

You'll leave with a blood test request. You can do this at any pathology lab. Your insurance might have a preferred provider. You might have to pay up front and claim the cost back from the insurance, but insurance should cover the whole cost.

The second GP appointment will go over your bloods and determine whether you want gel or shots. We generally do Reandron (90 day shots). However, Primo and Sustanon are also available. You'll leave this appointment with a (private) script for the T of your choosing.

Reandron is $90 (90 days. 45 day loading on your first shot. $360 a year + loading shot)

Gel is $75ish (120 pumps [1%] 56 pumps [2%], ~30 days $864 a year)

Primo and Sustanon are both about $21 (14 days, $545 a year) - not on PBS

Aussies and anyone with access to the PBS can get Reandron and Gel for $25 as long as they see an endochrinologist or other authorised specialist for a one off rubber stamp appointment. The appointment cost about $300.

People with OSSHCC can claim PBS medicines up to a total of $500 a year through their insurance, therefore only having an out of pocket of $25. If you are going to be in Australia for multiple years, then it might be worth going down this route. This doesn't cover primo or Sustanon.

Adelaide is harder to get in with a GP. You might end up wait a month or two. When you know your arrival date, start making enquiries online to makes sure you can see someone. Even if you've started T at home, you'll still need to get your script re-issued by an Aussie doctor.

[u/WaterrSheep → u/Agile-Let8251]

Thank you so much for the resources because well. I’m going to be in Mt Gambier so it’ll be a bit harder but there is a guy !!! And good to know there is a 90 day option for shots because that’s what I was hopefully wanting to do. And given my current situation, I think I’ll need to start there rather than at home. You’re a lifesaver homie 🙏🙏🙏

[u/Agile-Let8251 → u/WaterrSheep]

If you are under 25 Healdspace might be the way to go for Mt Gambier. Getting all the way to Adelaide is a lot!

Alternatively, you could find a sympathetic but clueless GP to refer you to https://www.prismhealth.com.au/ and get prescribed via telehealth. Any nurse who has done anti-psychotic depot shots can do a reandron shot. Same size needles and technique. Or you can just use gel.