Oh joyous day

[alee_grrl]

So today was a very good day for two reasons. One, I met with a potential new therapist whom I really like that works with many trans and genderqueer folks. Said therapist is also well versed in dealing with childhood trauma and abuse. Normally she likes to do three visits for both patient and therapist to be sure that it is a good fit. I see her again on Tuesday. So that is of the good.

Two is that I met with a trans/genderqueer gynecologist today.

Backstory: Since starting my period at age 14 I have had a hellish and miserable experience. My periods are always painful, and often involve extremely heavy bleeding. The cramps have been painful enough at times to keep me home from work/school. I also have a history of migraines with auras that occur most frequently around my period. Prior to my early 20s, which is when I started birth control pills, my periods were super irregular (I could have one twice in a month and then not have one for six months). I was diagnosed with PCOS in my early 20s and put on a birth control pill. That helped at least ensure that the periods were regular and a little less painful, meaning I was slightly less likely to want to claw my uterus out of my body because of the pain. In addition to the pain, heavy bleeding, and general discomfort, I've also always had gender disphoria issues around my period, I just didn't realize that is what it was. I truly thought all women were disgusted and appalled by their periods to the level that I was. As I said the birth control helped some, but recently I've been having more and more issues (three week long periods, horrific cramps, migraines, etc.). I do not want children, and even if I did I would be more than happy to adopt. The thought of carrying a child kind of squicks me out. So I scheduled the appointment to discuss what my options are for a more permanent solution.

After discussing my history with the Doctor I learned that I really should not be on birth control pills since I have a history of migraines with aura. Both are things that slightly increase your risk of stroke on their own, but together increase your risk quite a bit. So no more birth control pills for me. We discussed progestins (where I would only receive the progesterone hormone and not any estrogen), but my history of depression makes it a not so great idea as it tends to increase dark moods and mood swings for those with a history of depression.

Since I have PCOS and possibly endometriosis I am not a candidate for uterine ablation. But I am a candidate for a hysterectomy. And the Doctor agreed that a hysterectomy would probably be the best solution for me, especially since I do not care to bear my own children. Her nurse is going to call me next week to set up appointments for a full pelvic and ultrasound (just to be on the safe side and rule out any possibility of cancer). Thankfully they are more than willing to prescribe Valium prior to that appointment. I've already alerted my heart sister that I will be calling to see if she is available to take me as soon as I have the appointment set. We'll also be scheduled a pre-op appointment and the appointment for the surgery itself. It's most likely that it would be done in November. Recovery time is about a month give or take. I figure I can spent September and October knuckling down on Bar Review stuff, and then go back to intensive studying once I've recovered from the surgery. I could put it off til after the exam, but I don't see a reason to prolong the pain and suffering that comes with having my period, especially since I can no longer take the birth control.

So that was my busy but very happy making day. I'm going to chill for the rest of the day, and if I have the energy tomorrow I might do a bit of thrift store shopping. See if I can find some more masculine clothes to add to my wardrobe to see how it feels to let my more masculine side out to play.

Comments

[sperrywink]

{{hugs}} Good luck!

[alee_grrl]

Thank you!

[sulien]

The pain caused by menstrual disorders just can't be adequately described and I am so very glad that you found a team of excellent doctors who are going to help you without making you wait until you are peri-menopausal before doing a hysterectomy! I hope your migraines also go away after your surgery. *sending huge virtual hugs and positive, healing vibes your way*

[alee_grrl]

Thank you! I was super relieved. I've heard that many doctors won't even consider such solutions for women under 40. But as my sister pointed out, 35 seems to be the magic age where they stop insisting you might want to have children someday.

[sulien]

The reason they don't like to remove the ovaries before they start naturally shutting down is because that necessitates hormone replacement therapy to help prevent various hormone related health issues. At least that was the excuse doctors kept giving me for refusing, not that I thought it was sufficient (still don't).

[alee_grrl]

I have the option of leaving at least one ovary in so that hormone replacement isn't necessary, or having the whole lot out and getting either low dose estrogen, low dose testosterone, or some mixture of the two. I'm not entirely sure which option I'll pick yet. I'll probably go ahead and have one ovary left behind and if I decide at a later date that it is still causing me too much pain/discomfort I can elect to have it out. But I'm going to talk it over with various family members first I think.

[lynnoconnacht]

*huggles* Good luck! <3

[alee_grrl]

::hugs:: Thank you. <3

[syntaxofthings]

WOW. I'm so excited for you, and a tiny bit jealous! \o/ Congratulations on finding a trans/genderqueer gynecologist and being able to discuss and plan to have a hysterectomy. That is most excellent.

[alee_grrl]

Thank you! There are many days I wish I could magically transport friends to see some of the doctors I've found.

[breezeshadow]

I know how you feel about periods and pregnancy -- pregnancy squicks me out as well, and before I got an IUD my periods were actually monthly assassin attempts by my uterus. I would also have no problems with removing my uterus, considering all it's brought me is suffering and stupidity.

I wish you best of luck with the surgery! If my uterus keeps up its "get more evil as I get older", I may find myself pursuing the same thing down the line. For now, the IUD keeps it manageable, though still probably more heavy than most women deal with.

[alee_grrl]

Thank you! I hope that the IUD continues to keep things relatively manageable for you at least. The doc and I discussed IUD as an option, but I am really ready for a more permanent solution. :)

[breezeshadow]

I think someday I will be in a similar situation, but for now I don't think I'm ready for early menopause. My body is a grump as it is. Best of luck!

[alee_grrl]

I'm contemplating having them leave one ovary so that I don't go through early menopause since that was one of the options offered.

[calissa]

It's good to hear you have a health care team that supports you and is offering helpful options. *hugs*

[alee_grrl]

::hugs:: Thanks!

[vintagewitch]

Congratulations! I'm so glad that you found a gynecologist that gets/works with trans and genderqueer patients, and that you've got the full green light to have a hysterectomy.

I'm glad that things are looking good!

[alee_grrl]

Thank you!