I seem to be spending a large amount of time in London lately. First there’s my laser treatment in North London, followed by a visit to a friend of mine in South London. Then there was the makeover in Central London and now, my second appointment in West London. I just need a reason to go to East London then I’ll have the whole set.
I’ve spoken about the reasons for the North and Central London trips but the West London one was a whole different kettle of aquatic creatures. It was my second visit to Charing Cross GIC. And the news I had been waiting for, pointing me in the direction I need to go at this particular crossroads in my life. (That sounds so corny. I really should know better)
So Thursday arrived (26th). My appointment was at 1315 but the Olympic torch was due to pass along Fulham Palace Road that day as well so I thought it might be prudent to leave plenty of time to get there. I had to pop round to a customer to get a signature on a job sheet and check on the status of payment for the job so I left my place about 1030. I finished with the customer and left their office at 1100. I have to admit I did develop a bit of a lead foot on the A3. Utilising the SatNav in my snazzy new S2, I arrived at the GIC at 1200, a full hour and a quarter before my appointment. I even managed to park directly outside the door, at £2.20 an hour! It was too hot to bother walking around, despite wearing a light dress, so I sat in the car with the aircon on full and wrote up some project notes. The time came for my appointment and I went in. Surprisingly there was no-one around. The waiting room was empty! I spoke to the woman at the reception desk, filled out a couple of forms and went and sat down. After about fifteen minutes Dr Lenihan called me in.
She seemed to be a very likeable woman, putting me at my ease and making me feel comfortable. She then got down to business. The questions she asked were pretty much the same as Dr Barrett had asked me on my first visit. She delved into my background, growing up, school, family history etc. She then asked me about what I was doing now, work, life in general, interests, family. As with Dr Barrett I answered truthfully, not holding back. Eventually she told me to think of any questions while she wrote her summation. Eventually she finished, looked at me and said: “Psychologically, I have no problem recommending you for hormone therapy. The only thing is you will have to give up smoking. I can have a word with the endocrinologist about electronic cigarettes as he believes they shouldn’t be a problem with taking hormones.” Filling out a small form she said “I’ll write to your GP telling him to start you on HRT as directed by Dr Seal” It was all I could do to stop jumping around the office with joy. I then remembered to ask the only question I could think of: “What is the lead time up to surgery?” I asked. She replied that two years RLE (Real Life Experience) was required along with at least a year on hormones, plus some evidence of employment, (of any type). She consulted a calender and said that I would be looking at a second surgery referral around October next year. Fifteen months to referral, probable eighteen to actual surgery. I don’t think I felt so happy in a long time. The consultation ended and I went out to book my next appointment. I felt like I was walking on air. Another step in the right direction.
Next appointment is Feb 2013.
The Girl From Nowhere 