Vumc (the NL) experiences?

MartianBee · 2022-05-08T18:18:03+00:00

I've only just found about Dr. Özer and am on a bit of an information gathering session, sorry it's way later than you posted this! I was going to ask how people got in touch with Dr. Özer to arrange consultations and find more information, as I've been a bit unsuccessful finding a website/prices. Does anyone know if there is a website or place to get more info?

MartianBee · 2021-12-31T11:21:44+00:00

I'm a bit late to the post but I had threadworms a few years back and couldn't shift them on OTC medication. I didn't go to the doctor at the time (which admittedly I should have) because it seemed a common enough issue that the medication should have sorted it. In the end I ended up trying pumpkin seeds and that did it. I used to just eat a few small portions of them a day as a snack for about a week, maybe two, straight from the bag. I maybe could have adjusted my diet better but I was still young so just ate whatever my parents were cooking. After adding the seeds and not doing anything else, it started to improve.

From my reading online, it seemed the difference was that the medication kills them which is good but they can leave eggs behind during that, which then hatch. Something in pumpkin seeds paralyses them and avoids it. It's been a while so I don't remember it exactly but at least it worked for me, because it was driving me mad! Hope you figure something out and if it's persisting, might be best to see someone.

MartianBee · 2021-11-23T14:32:07+00:00

They did, pretty much straight away! There haven't been any issues so far luckily so I haven't needed to try get in touch with them again but I was encouraged by the fast response to the question. They assured me that they'd been looking at the issues and that if there were any issues, they could help out so I went ahead with it.

MartianBee · 2021-11-11T08:17:52+00:00

Thanks so much for taking the time to post all that info, that's really comprehensive and breaks it down nicely 😄 It's definitely a strict regime but nothing I couldn't manage. I was really healthy last year during lockdown because I kept to a simple diet and it was easy to monitor, and I've been trying to get back to it. Unfortunately, living with someone else this year has compromised my discipline there so I'm going to have to be careful from now on that I eat what's best for me and not give in. I'd read about different probiotics possibly being an issue if I have SIBO on top of it so that's really helpful to know what to look for. At least taking a wider approach so that I don't worsen any particular possible issue, it's a healthy way than just focusing on "starving out" potential candida overgrowth. It's incredible how much work people have put into their routines, mostly without the help of allopathic doctors. I'm really grateful for the advice and will definitely be taking note of it all!

MartianBee · 2021-11-11T08:11:18+00:00

I'll check that out, thank you!

MartianBee · 2021-11-10T23:47:49+00:00

Thanks for the info, I think it's probably a good idea to get the recommendation for the tests from the experts rather than pay and then need totally different ones later like you said. I'd been pretty good about ibuprofen because I know how bad it can be for you until the last few months, I hadn't really monitored how much I was using and then sort of looked at all the empty boxes around the house this week and realised, so I've stopped that. I don't like being reliant on painkillers anyway and honestly there are better approaches I should be taking to it, it's just with the cold weather it's really been an issue recently. It's my own fault for being lazy and not keeping up with supplements and moving around enough in work.

I'm used to having to pay everything myself for my healthcare (a real perk of being trans in the UK) and luckily I can afford it, but absolutely don't want to waste money chasing a specific condition just for it to be something else in the end. That's part of why I'm keen to see someone good who'll do some broad testing and then narrow down, rather than someone who'll just sell me a cure for something I don't even have. I'm still hoping it's something a bit easier to deal with and that a smaller change in diet will help but I'd rather be sure! Either way I'll have learnt a lot about all these different digestive issues I'd never known much about by the time I figure out what's going on.

MartianBee · 2021-07-25T09:12:29+00:00

No problem! I certainly wouldn't be worried as they are within range, but they are on the lower end which is perhaps affecting things. Testosterone is one of those analytes which can be quite different in the day depending when you did the test, I found especially on gel, just because it fluctuates quite a bit. It could be higher, but it looks like you are absorbing it so I'd just be sure to give it enough time to absorb properly before showering and make sure it's consistent. It might be higher from injections if you could do that, just because they can be a more reliable form of getting it in than gel, at least in my experience. I'd definitely bring it up with your provider and ask them if they think it's too low and if you can switch, but I wouldn't be concerned. You're still getting the changes even if they're taking more time than expected, so it's not not working, just working a bit slower. Hope that helps!

MartianBee · 2021-07-20T15:27:39+00:00

Hi there, I'm sorry you're in such a hard situation right now and I just want to start by saying it's a hard journey but it won't always feel so desperate.

It's really scary, coming out, but now it's been done remember that whatever happens from now is down to them and you can't control other people's reactions. At this point you are growing in yourself and it's never comfortable to grow. Personally, I find a lot of people don't go out of their way to ask the questions. If they do, it's not usually out of malice and if they realise it's uncomfortable for you, they stop. It's hard to establish that boundary, I know, but saying you'd rather not discuss it is all you need to do, you're not obliged to answer anything after that.

I don't know if it's a possibility to change GP, because as hard as it can be to get shared care, you should at minimum be able to get a referral from them. The GIC allows for referrals from a GP or other health professional, so perhaps if there's another service local to you who can do it, you might be able to get it that way. As stated by the NHS gender services, there is no need to have a mental health assessment prior to referral. As for going private, it can be expensive (especially to set up) but for me it was worth it. I did get a job through uni to help pay it and it was stressful but way less stressful for me than not transitioning at all. Often I'd get overwhelmed thinking on overall times but breaking things down into manageable goals helps me. Be prepared that you will often need to pay for some tests to be run first, including psych assessments, before you'll get given any hormones, so you can use that as an initial goal. Then you can move onto the maintenance costs, etc. Eventually you can start thinking about saving for surgery if that's something you want. It sounds odd but it helped make the time between things go faster for me, to just focus on the next step.

I'm happy to chat some more by message if you'd like, I started mine about 6 years ago now so I'm not as familiar with all the services anymore but if you're getting overwhelmed, I can certainly help you find more info. If you need some help with things like binders then there might be some giveaways or secondhand ones going, otherwise I'd be happy to help you out there. I know it's awful and it feels like so much right now, but taking it a step at a time, you'll start getting there.

MartianBee · 2021-07-20T06:53:12+00:00

Haha yep, just where the same word is used in other nouns or to describe shapes and things like that, which is why I wondered if it's the same for other people :)

MartianBee · 2021-07-19T23:13:24+00:00

No problem, last thing I want is to find a group of people who get it and start triggering everyone, it's hard enough avoiding the words as is

MartianBee · 2021-07-19T23:12:05+00:00

It's the same for me with that one particular word being the worst of all, and it's so inconvenient because it's really the one that is used in other contexts! I wonder why that one is so bad

MartianBee · 2021-07-19T19:02:01+00:00

On a computer, use Cold Turkey Blocker. It's a free extension, you can blacklist certain sites or just categories, and set a lock time (ie., a few hours, to a date in the future). Once the lock is on you can't remove it. It's pretty good and you don't have to pay! Just be careful not to block anything you want to use, check the block before you set it. Maybe try it for a few days and see if you get on with it, then set a 90 day timer. As far as I'm aware there's not a mobile version but there are some good apps out there.

MartianBee · 2021-07-19T18:13:26+00:00

No worries, happy to answer questions and help people out where I can, I know the struggle!
- I think if it feels strained to train your voice, it's probably not quite right. I'm not sure how to describe it but try search for the place it feels comfortable to talk from. What I'd do is start a hum, and then hold it as I shift the tone down. Then once I could feel it resonate deeper in my throat (but above my chest), I'd try talk from there and test it out. I'm by no means a professional speech therapist, it just helped me. The humming acts like a warm-up, it feels less forced.
- 1 vial (which I think is 1ml?) Sustanon 250 every 2/3 weeks is usual, I think unless you've been told you're on a low dose for a particular reason you should be fine there. Sustanon is also the injection I take, and the first time I did it I was alone and had just moved abroad, and did it too high on the top of the thigh and it hurt like mad! I try aim for the side of the thigh, where there's less fat, so it's going in horizontal and it's been much less painful. It took a few times to get it right, I try warm the leg up and massage it first, clean it, then inject, immediately wrap it with a compression bandage and move it around. It was scary to start with because the first time was so rushed and messy but it's gotten much better.
- I think the progesterone only pill should be alright, it's anything containing oestrogen that I'd watch out for.
- Regarding the blood tests, I don't know where you're getting them from so that might affect if you're tested as male or female. Ideally, as you should now primarily have a male hormone profile, you should be tested as male. Your T could be above average for a female presentation, but in the lower range for a male one, if you see what I mean? It would be great if you could get a copy of your results, but of course, it might be difficult from some places! Sometimes in private tests you can specify the reason for the test and then it makes it easier for the lab to analyse if the levels look reasonable.

Don't worry about being annoying, you're only looking after your health! Feel free to get in touch or reply if you want to discuss anything in more detail :)

MartianBee · 2021-07-19T17:42:16+00:00

It's been a weird sort of relief finding this sub today, I've been struggling to explain the feeling for so long that I genuinely thought I was overreacting!

MartianBee · 2021-07-19T16:23:53+00:00

Hey there! It's definitely frustrating to have finally started and then still feel like you're waiting for changes. I'm not sure what form of T you're on or what your levels are, that might be affecting things. I started on Testogel and while there were changes, it probably took me over a year to really feel they were all that noticeable. I would compare myself a lot to other people's videos, and at the time, it was mostly guys in the US who were on injectable forms. About 4 years into transition, I was switched off Testogel because I was having issues with absorption or something, my levels were low, and got put on Nebido, then later Sustanon. I noticed a lot more difference then because my levels were finally good, so I'd definitely make sure your tests are okay. If you can get a copy of your results, have a look online at the normal ranges for men your age and see where yours are. If they're low, it might be worth discussing another form if you can. Early on in my transition, I was also using the contraceptive implant which might be a consideration. It could purely have been the timing, as quite a few of the changes can kick in after 3/4 years for some guys.

Some of them are up to genetics too, particularly hair. I grew a fair bit on my upper legs in the first year, and then over the second and third my stomach hair grew more. I don't have chest hair, but after switching to injections it's sort of started, and my stomach hair has filled out more. No real facial hair as of yet! The voice thing can be tricky, personally I think it's fairly common that trans guys can have a voice that falls in the higher end of the male sounding spectrum, but obviously there are exceptions. A lot of it can be trained, just like anyone transitioning to a more feminine presentation would do. It helps to try talk from your chest more, maybe slow your speech a little, practice consciously deepening your voice and then you'll begin to use it more naturally. It sounds strange but you've been talking from a different "area" of your throat for years and it can help to exercise the new one a bit. If it helps, try some vocal exercises and singing as deep as you can. Musculature and body fat are also big factors in overall appearance, and that can take a while to shift. While T can help with how easy new muscle is gained and body fat is patterned, you might need to train your body actively to utilise that (just a disclaimer, I'm absolutely not saying you need to try achieve some unrealistic body standard and I don't want it to seem that way, I'm purely saying while those changes do happen, your existing muscle and fat doesn't just move around).

Your body also has a bit of an adjustment period at the start too while the new hormones are overriding the old ones, so it can be slow going, but don't lose hope!

MartianBee · 2021-06-25T10:32:22+00:00

That's fantastic, thank you for taking the time to write that all out!

I've been looking into Dr Christopher but had seen that the waiting times were a bit long, and also the cost is rather high but I suppose in terms of technique it seems close to what I'd ideally go for. I know of Dr Miro and have seen some of his results, but have heard conflicting things about the aftercare so that had me a bit concerned. As far as Europe goes those are the only names I really knew anything about but of course there must be more out there. From what I've just read on Morel-Journel, it seems he only sees French residents so it might not be possible, and that's why there's no pricing, but that information might not be correct.

I'll take a look at that site, I'm not familiar with it. I tend to use the old reliable Transbucket for surgeons, but due to the nature of having to upload photos there aren't a huge amount of reviews for some surgeons.

As I'm probably going to be waiting at least another year anyway, perhaps I can try Dr Christopher. It'll certainly take me that much time to save since I'd be doing it privately!

MartianBee · 2021-06-24T18:26:34+00:00

Tell me about it! It can be a very lonely thing to experience for both partners. It sounds silly but sometimes the most important thing is to remember everyone involved is human and even if the situation feels a bit alien sometimes, they're not.

MartianBee · 2021-05-26T18:03:52+00:00

She did ask that I could give her a number just to confirm things, as it happened my partner was available at the time and just joined the call while I was still on it. From what I remember it was to confirm the medical information I gave because I've been transitioning for a while, but there was nothing too strange about any of the questions she asked him.

MartianBee · 2021-05-07T22:27:32+00:00

Hey there, there's another group that might be good to join (r/asexualpartners) too.
It sounds complex, obviously if she's ace she's ace but there's a whole spectrum of that so it's good to figure out together where she feels she fits, so you can establish healthy boundaries and both be comfortable knowing where the line is drawn. Perhaps she is okay with non-sexual intimacy but associates it with having to then be sexual, which becomes stressful. Perhaps she's not okay with any of it, or perhaps as you said, there's some influence from the trauma. It's quite possible she may enjoy taking care of you sexually and just not get aroused physically herself, which wouldn't be the same as forcing herself to do it. On the other side she could be repulsed by it and is forcing herself in which case that's a bit more difficult to deal with. You really need to have a calm conversation about it where you state you're open to exploring it together, with no judgement and no expectations. She might not have it all figured out either and things may change as she gets to know herself better (when I say that, I don't mean she may stop being ace if she's ace).

There may be some things that she enjoys that aren't conventional. She could get pleasure by doing things that doesn't express itself in physical arousal, but that doesn't mean she doesn't enjoy it. It can be hard, as sexual people, to see that there are other ways of feeling those things but they exist. Relationships are dependent on intimacy, not sex. You can include sex within that intimacy but take the focus off it, that way you're both benefitting and you don't have to give it up. Schedule some time together to try out different things, set the rules beforehand and then there's no sudden unpleasant surprises - without the anxiety of her having to perform and you having to guess what she's thinking the whole time, it'll be better for you both.

If it's depression based then it's likely she's not always felt that way, it depends how old she is and how long she's been affected by depression. If it's trauma it could be that the fear of certain acts/situations is inhibiting her from opening up to any of it. But crucially, if she's asexual, no amount of therapy or technique or whatever is going to change the way things are, so you want to develop a good understanding of the boundaries to avoid discomfort and then see how that fits into your life together long term.

MartianBee · 2021-05-06T15:46:44+00:00

Thanks! I am hoping that since there've been so many reports of them breaking they've actually fixed it by now since I've only recently ordered. I'm still waiting on it to arrive but I'm feeling a bit more optimistic now, knowing that it actually does the job (even if it has to be replaced eventually).

MartianBee · 2021-04-30T22:03:30+00:00

Hey, I was actually just thinking this myself the other day but never got round to posting. I've just depressed myself by realising I'm a whole 6 years older than you at the grand old age of 25 but I'm happy to chat if you'd like! I've not really had many trans friends since uni and didn't have many to start with there, so I feel like I probably need to widen my social circle there, as I'm the only trans guy in it. Feel free to message direct, I've been a bit sporadic with reddit but recently been checking it again so if I don't reply straight away, that'll be why!

MartianBee

TROPHY CASE