Oh joyous day
Aug. 28th, 2015 04:37 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alee_grrlSo 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.
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.
