How I arranged my operation (and how I got it on the NHS)

For readers outside of the UK, the NHS (or National Health Service) covered my operation; I didn't have to pay for it.

For those IN the UK wondering how I managed this (and I'm not saying you'll have the same success, or should even risk it) here's how:

1) I contemplated/worried about going to the doctors - for about 3 years
2) I went to doctors to see my normal GP.

• I explained the problem to her in a straightforward way - I said my labia are uncomfortable during sex and doing normal stuff like wearing tight clothes, and sometimes even walking or sleeping. 
• I also expressed  insecurity about the appearance of my labia, to the point that I avoided relationships and sex.
• My GP had a look, briefly. 
• She said I MIGHT be eligible for surgery and she'd refer me to a gynaecologist. 
• She also noticed I had a history of minor mental health issues (in my early teens) and would need me to see a psychotherapist, to check these insecurities weren't part of something bigger/more serious.

3) I got a letter giving me an appointment with my local mental health service (also NHS)

• I went along to see the therapist, she asked me some questions ranging from obvious ones (like do you ever feel depressed) to the more obscure 'do you ever hear voices'.
• I answered everything honestly. She was really nice and easy to talk to.
• I think she could kind of tell that I'm completely fine and the GP was just taking precautions; I don't suffer from depression or body dismorphia etc.
• She must have sent a favourable report back to the GP because...

4) I got a letter telling me I had an appointment with the gynaecologist at my local hospital.

• at this appointment I met a very experienced gynaecologist/obstetrician who talked to me briefly about my problem.
• she got me up on the bed and I undressed (behind a curtain...there were 2 other people in the room, possibly training) then she came in and examined me in more detail than my GP had
• I sat back down and we discussed the risks of surgery briefly, she basically told me on the spot I could have the surgery, and she wanted to do it herself.

5) I called my Dad and told him about where I'd been and what operation I would be having soon. This might sound weird, but I've never lived with or had a close relationship with my mother. I tell my Dad everything so it makes sense he's the first I told, particularly as he'd be the one picking me up from the hospital. He gave me his support and at no point tried to talk me out of it.

6) Hospital appointment number 2

• I saw a nurse at the day centre, where I would be having my operation.
• She briefed me on the anaesthetic and instructions on how to prepare for surgery
• She gave me an A4 handout detailing what/how much I could eat the day before, and what I should bring - dressing gown, slippers, a book to read. (No food after 12pm, no water after 6am that day)
• The nurse also gave me information to read about anaesthesia and DVT. And a sample pot for urine, to fill and bring the morning of the operation.

7) The operation!! (To add a time scale, this was about a month after my original doctor's appointment, maybe a bit more)

• See Day 1 for details

So, as you can see, I didn't have to wait long or pay for my operation or aftercare. I also didn't get to choose my surgeon or have any say in how the end result would look, so it was a bit of a gamble.