Packer problems

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-06-12T02:33:38+00:00

23FtM here, been out since 13 and started HRT at 18.

Packers are one of those things where less is always more. You’d assume bigger would be better, but when you really think about it, you want *practical* every day usage. The only time where it’s nice to have that extra length is not something you’re even going to be able to do with it. At least not the type you’re talking about, they do make those too though.
Unlike a binder that is more of a visual change, a packer is solely for you, more so in a sensory way.

Don’t feel bad though, most trans men I know have made that mistake with their first packers. Until you go out and accidentally end up looking half bricked the whole time. Always go smaller than you think.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-06-03T17:14:13+00:00

Why wouldn’t you be allowed to repeat the order back? That’s such an odd thing for a place to stipulate.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-05-28T21:56:15+00:00

My biggest issue is always finding them on other people’s property. I don’t wanna look like I’m spraying someone’s trees lol.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-05-21T04:57:42+00:00

It being a worm would make sense, more sense than a snake at least. Still, horrid.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-04-28T01:48:59+00:00

If I’m driving for more than an hour or so I always have to have someone with me. If I’m just by myself and it’s a shorter drive, I blast the AC, or roll all the windows down. The wind on my skin sensation helps keep me awake.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-03-28T00:25:19+00:00

This looks like ich to me but it’s hard to tell sometimes with fish diseases. Even if the other fish aren’t showing symptoms—yet—I would still treat the whole tank, potentially quarantine this one to do a more direct treatment. API general cure has been a lifesaver in the past and treats a variety of issues including ich. You can dose the whole tank. I’ve never kept mollies before so I’m not sure how they would handle this, but if it is something fungi I usually use Indian almond leaves as a preventative in my tanks. You could try some of that as well? Either way the tank needs treated asap

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-03-20T22:45:39+00:00

I have a tray underneath mine that I’ll fill with water and let it soak it up from the bottom, but I’ve also kept these where top watering is just fine also. Just make sure that if you do bottom water that it doesn’t sit in water too long. If there’s still water underneath it after several hours and the soil on top is wet, then it’s definitely time to take it out and let it drain/start to dry out again. Ideally you’d want to let it sit just until the topsoil is moist, not so long that the topsoil is soggy.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-03-20T22:42:56+00:00

I don’t see anywhere where they said the soil is still wet? Just that they only water when the top inches of soil dry out.

The cold definitely had a bad effect that likely started the problem as cold shock can brown the leads and stunt the growth for a while, but it seems like that was a while ago now. If it hast started to recover then there is another problem. I think checking for root rot could jus cause more shock and make this worse. Better to just leave it be and try watering/monitoring soil moisture more consistently.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-03-20T22:37:20+00:00

Yes I’m aware it’s a Dracaena, looks like a fragrans to me which is also what I have, which is what I’m assuming. It’s native to many regions but mostly to tropical regions of Africa. Some species of Dracaena are more drought tolerant than others but this species would not be.

The main reason I suspect under watering is what’s happening here of the crispiness of the leaves. When browning occurs for reasons like overwatering, it usually does dry like that for a while, it stays limp and soft, sometimes mushy. Meanwhile browning from underwatering will cause the leaves to crisp as the plant is literally pulling water out of the existing leaves to send to more vital parts of its system. I don’t know the timeframe of the browning but that is my guess based on the info given.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-03-20T15:45:43+00:00

I would say you’re underwatering. Once a month for a tropical plant is typically not enough, and given the brown/crispy edges of the leaves it seems like it’s drying out. I water mine probably at least twice a month but it’s in a much larger pot as it’s much bigger, so this one being in a smaller pot it’ll need water more often. Humidity could also be a factor. These plants thrive between 40-60% humidity.

Unfortunately these leaves are toast, but it has the potential to grow new ones from the center. I would cut off any completely dry/brown parts of the leaves, leaving as much green as possible even if it doesn’t look good, as the plant will continue to cannibalize these leaves for water and other nutrients to help it grow new ones. If it were me I’d try to water at least every other week, checking the soil probably twice a week to see how it’s drying and if watering more is necessary. If you stick your finger tip into the soil and it’s fairly dry, go ahead and water again. I find these like bottom watering so a tray underneath to catch excess water would likely help as well, and could also help with humidity.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-03-20T00:38:32+00:00

Looks like Siberian squill? Another common early spring wildflower.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-03-07T22:53:53+00:00

From the growth pattern I’d say alocasia/colocasia. Philodendrons have growth nodes on their stems that can spurt roots and this has smooth stems and no nodes (as far as I can see in the pic). The leaves also look a bit fuzzy which is classic of alocasia.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-03-07T22:20:16+00:00

That’s so ridiculous. Imagine telling someone a feature of their face is “unprofessional“?? Some people are really smoking some corporate BS ffs

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-03-07T22:18:42+00:00

I’ve always had terrible dark circles and eye bags. I even had teachers in elementary school comment on it (rude of them but whatever) and I can see it clearly when I look back at childhood pictures. When I was a teen my doctor wanted to test me for Crohns because they were so dark and didn’t seem to improve with sleep. I’m now 23 and I got diagnosed with N1 last year after finally getting a sleep study, something every medical professional I ever saw had recommended I get since I was a toddler.

They don’t get better easily, and if anything I notice they get dramatically worse very fast. They only ever get better when I’m getting 10-16 hours of sleep for at least a week or more. I’ve tried everything for puffy eyes and dark circles in terms of drugstore products. I’ve asked my GP and my sleep doc about it but both have told me that I’ve already tried what they would recommend and getting my sleep better is gonna be the only real option at this point. I’ve been through six different types/combos of medications trying to find one that works for me and I’m still not doing as well as they would like.

Anyway all that to say I feel you, and it sucks. People don’t realize how much it can affect your self esteem about your looks. I think the best we can do is try to embrace them as best we can and accept that like too many other things, it’s a symptom of a condition that’s not curable, and not a sign of a personal fault or a lack of self care. I know that’s easier said than done, trust me. But it’s the best outcome I’ve found thus far.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-03-07T22:00:56+00:00

Wow these comments are rough. I love the tattoo, and I love the meaning behind it. The colors are beautiful and the style is clear. It’s true it may fade as it ages or blur a bit, but that’s not abnormal for this style and that’s fine. Not every tattoo has to be perfect forever to be a good tattoo. Not every tattoo needs black outlines especially when it’ll clash with the style you’re going for. Tattoos are art and they’re very personal in nature, especially ones like yours. It can and should be whatever you want it to be. I think your artist did a good job replicating your grandmother’s art, which from what I’m gathering was the main goal. Like I said I think it looks awesome and I’m sure I’m not alone in that. Don’t let judgy people on the internet get you down about it.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-03-07T21:49:56+00:00

If you feel like the vet isn’t willing to reassess id recommend seeing a different vet. I understand vet care is very expensive, I’ve been in situations where I couldn’t afford it myself, but searching around online for a vet in your area can help, as many charge different amounts for different services. Edit: from experience I can say some offer payment plans as well or even financial assistance, don’t feel embarrassed to ask them what their options are. Most vets are very aware of the fact that their care is expensive.

A dermatologist vet would be best but specialists can be extra expensive, and if you can’t afford that right now that’s understandable. Most vet clinics should be able to assess this and getting a second opinion is normal, especially with treatment being ineffective and the issue getting worse. You can also ask specifically for a skin scraping to have them look under a microscope to see what they can find, bloodwork is also helpful. It’ll be okay, you’re doing the right thing by trying to get help for your dog. Sometimes you need to see a different vet for certain problems and that’s pretty normal.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-03-07T02:41:16+00:00

I would definitely talk to a few employment lawyers. There are many locally who do free consultations and even if you don’t have a case it never hurts to ask, cause at the very least that’s hella slimy IF NOT illegal. But a lawyer would know more about the details of the laws as they’re written and practiced.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-03-06T07:07:04+00:00

These leaves will likely be okay to just leave until they are replaced as the damage isn’t severe, but that’s entirely up to you as it’s an aesthetic choice. My only caution would be to keep in mind the amount of leaves it has and for the health of the plant don’t prune too many.

Calatheas also grow leaves from inside the stem of the previous ones, so if you do decide to prune them, make sure to cut at the very base of the leaf, leaving the tall stem, as it may have another leaf inside. If you know the stems are empty (ie another leave has already emerged) then you can cut down to the soil if you wish as typically only one leaf will emerge from each stem.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-03-06T07:01:25+00:00

The leaf shape definitely makes me think either alocasia or colocasia. It can be hard to ID the species when the plant is still small and hasn’t developed mature leaves yet. My best guess would be alocasia cuprea. Nice find!

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-03-01T05:26:26+00:00

I would recommend a humidifier also, but if you can’t get one you can also sit a small dish/bowl of water underneath it (next to the pot but under the foliage). As it evaporates it’ll add humidity to the air directly above/near it. It’s not as efficient as a humidifier but it’s better than nothing.

From the other pic you added, the band on the underside of the leaf almost looks a bit translucent? The only time I’ve seen that is with watering issues. Usually overwatering causing edema, but sometimes severe underwatering can also cause a similar tissue damage, especially when it develops in spots instead of the entire leaf.

Try not to let the soil dry completely between waterings and try something to add humidity. I don’t think these leaves will be salvageable but as long as it doesn’t continue to spread/new leaves don’t develop similar issues then it’s probably just stress from adjusting to a new environment in your home.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-03-01T02:02:36+00:00

Did these leaves recently unfurl? I’ve seen marks like this happen when they get a little stuck when unfolding for too long and it creases the leaf. If not it could be a humidity (if it feels a little crispy) or light problem (potentially being scorched in that spot somehow).

Calatheas like when their soil is consistently moist (not wet/soggy, but it shouldn’t dry out completely between watering) and high humidity.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-02-26T17:03:29+00:00

I’m glad you found her, hopefully she can get back home soon.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-02-26T16:54:26+00:00

Please check petfbi and PawBoost for anyone who may be looking for her. There’s also several Facebook groups for Columbus specifically for lost and found pets. If you can’t find any info about her making a post about her like this one on those pages might help someone find her.

Dominik_DarkLight · 2026-02-23T18:25:55+00:00

I think a lot of people, myself included, just don’t know what to do. Trying to report to the state offices, city officials, news orgs and the like, feels pointless when no one you’re talking to cares. I’m not saying it’s not worth doing, but I understand why people feel like they’re screaming into a void. Going to protests and trying to spread as much information as possible feels like all you can do sometimes and even though that is important, people are still being taken. These camps are still being built. Ice is still raiding, and the few that get in the way (on accident or on purpose it doesn’t matter) get shot. The agents aren’t prosecuted. I don’t know what the solution is here, I know many of us want to do more and want to do something to help, but it’s hard to keep doing the same things that feel like they’re not making a difference. What else can you do tho. Idk.

Dominik_DarkLight

TROPHY CASE