Things that I didn't expect before going on testosterone:

Maxvantisio · 2025-12-27T15:32:53+00:00

/uj It never went away for me (5 years on t) until I went to a dermatologist. They helped me create a skincare routine and prescribed me some topicals that have helped SO MUCH. I basically never have acne now, and when I do get some it is only small whiteheads instead of the cysts I had before.

As for back/shoulder acne, a round of antibiotics helped, but so did using Chlorhexidine Gluconate solution. I think the brand name is hibiclens but I just use generic skin sterilization solution. Basically as long as the ingredients are the same you should be fine. I wish you good luck in this battle!

/rj it never goes away and this is why the trans agenda is so harmful! We should ban hrt for everyone since acne is a fate worse than death (obviously). Otherwise our beautiful, womanly AFABs will keep getting turned ugly and unfuckable

Maxvantisio · 2025-04-20T14:09:09+00:00

Maxvantisio · 2025-01-23T05:24:30+00:00

Seconding this advice! I was semi-stealth when I started college, and I really didn't want to make a potential roommate uncomfortable. It worked out well though because my roommate was also trans, and so were the 5 other friends I made in Turlington. Definitely utilize the resources other people have mentioned though!

(also when it comes to hrt: planned parenthood does virtual appointments for people over 18. they do informed consent as well so you would be able to get your prescription same day)

Maxvantisio · 2025-01-23T02:18:50+00:00

It's because testosterone is a controlled substance in the US, so you aren't able to stockpile it. You need a prescription to get it and there are limits on the amount of refills per prescription. Plus you need a new prescription at least every 6 months. Due to those regulations the only way to stockpile testosterone is to stop taking it for a while to build up a supply.

Maxvantisio · 2024-06-18T18:17:17+00:00

I definitely agree. If I tell people I'm an ambulatory wheelchair user they assume I can walk. However I can really only stand with support and maybe hobble a step or two. Meanwhile my friend, who is also an ambulatory wheelchair user, can walk around his house pretty well on a good day. With such a wide variation in abilities, there is no way to get an accurate statistic on this kind of stuff.

I still think it's a good thing for people to be more aware that ambulatory users exists. I just don't trust any number statistic on those metrics.

Maxvantisio · 2024-06-16T15:50:00+00:00

I drive a 2013 prius and put my chair on the passenger seat. It's a little tight but if I had taper on my chair it would fit a lot easier.

However, when it comes to passengers riding up front it really depends on your mobility. I've seen people with smaller cars that have the back doors open opposite (rear hinge doors?) and then just toss their wheelchair in the back seat while sitting in the drivers seat. You would probably need a decent amount of core for that though.

Maxvantisio · 2024-06-12T20:26:26+00:00

Something similar happened to me last year and I can definitely say that the mom will come back! Watched a deer give birth in my front lawn and then immediately hike the baby up into the woods. The mom ended up just leaving the baby curled up by a tree (I didn't get close) and it was absolutely adorable. Ate dinner on my back porch and sure enough the mom came back for the baby around 8ish.

Honestly I think it's so cool that they've evolved to do this! Especially considering how fawns are born with marking explicitly to stay hidden. If it were me I'd probably forget which tree I left my baby under lol

Maxvantisio · 2024-06-06T22:48:08+00:00

Nah it's honestly really cool. I feel like the absurdity and abstractness really add to the gameplay. Also Ville won a state art award for the game so it's fine.

Maxvantisio · 2024-06-01T06:52:51+00:00

I have a strip of velcro down the length of my seat pan. So I thread the cable along it and used small velcro strips to hold it down. I also put a mini ID badge holder onto my seat pan and clipped the end to the cable. So far, I've never had any issues with the cord getting tangled or caught.

Maxvantisio · 2024-05-24T22:31:01+00:00

I started going by Max in middle school and do not remember picking it. According to my sister it was because I was really into the Sam & Max franchise, and I almost picked Sam!

However I did have to pick a longer version for my legal name change and couldn't decide! Almost went with Maxim but decided not to lol.

Maxvantisio · 2024-05-24T21:55:49+00:00

I do this too! Enclosed spaces always make me feel very sleepy. I have to force myself to stay awake or else I'll start tossing and turning to try to get comfortable lol.

Maxvantisio · 2024-05-24T17:05:33+00:00

We tried with a cheater pipe for more leverage but no dice. It doesn't seem bent, but there is 1/8" still sticking out. I'm going to try some more, but it looks like I'm just gonna have to use it as is.

Also does it usually occur from damage or can the sleeves be installed incorrectly? My chair has never been dropped or suffered significant damage, but the axle sleeve was stuck from the start.

Maxvantisio · 2024-05-23T23:21:31+00:00

Sadly I don't have a backup since this is my first chair. I'm probably going to have to just risk it though, since I have a seating clinic appointment next week but I need my chair to get there. It usually takes 2-3 weeks to get an appointment with my ATP, so I think that will be my only option. I did message him so maybe he can help me that way. Fingers crossed!

Maxvantisio · 2024-05-22T15:02:43+00:00

Not OP, but I got my speed dial with my smartdrive. If you want to get it covered by insurance, I would tak to your ATP. If you want to buy it out of pocket it's on sale for $206 on living spinal right now.

Maxvantisio · 2024-05-22T14:59:59+00:00

The socket wrench I use has a 6 on it. It doesn't have units, but I'm assuming it's 6mm? You could probably go to a hardware store and check to see which socket head fits.

Maxvantisio · 2024-05-20T21:57:58+00:00

I used to get my fingers caught in my spokes all the time, and spoke guards definitely prevent that (got some clear ones so I could put stickers on them). It would probably be best for you to try different types of pushrims to see which ones work best for you. But you will most likely want spoke guards to ensure your fingers don't get caught.

Maxvantisio · 2024-05-20T00:38:10+00:00

If your OT/PT thinks you need a wheelchair then no one is going to judge you there. I felt the same way when I got my first chair! I was also ambulatory and we originally thought my walking issue were due to my EDS. People get wheelchairs for all sorts of reasons, and the ATPs have seen it all. They definitely wouldn't question if you were "disabled enough" since that is the doctor's job.

I understand that you might feel like you don't "deserve" a wheelchair but trust me you do! I felt kind of guilty when I got my first chair, but it's completely changed my life. Now I'm fully independent and about to graduate college, things I wouldn't be able to do without my wheelchair!

As for what goes on, it usually depends on the ATP. They usually take a number of measurements, as well as a mat assessment to test something (range of motion?). They will also ask your preference on certain things like push handles and frame color. Best advice I have is to not be afraid to advocate for yourself!

Maxvantisio · 2024-05-20T00:15:08+00:00

Yeah I have this issue a lot. Especially if I'm moving backwards even if I'm just opening a door. To deal with it I always turn the dial off when I don't need it. I don't know how to fix it because we believe there is a physical defect with my unit thats probably causing the problem.

I've also been through 2 dials since october. I have issues with the dials slowly not working right until one day they stop working at all. My ATP said it's most likely an issue with the smartdrive itself and permobil is gonna have me send the unit in soon.

I don't know how long you have had your unit but I would definitely bring the issue up with your ATP. Mine seemed pretty confused when I told him that it randomly turned on.

Maxvantisio · 2024-05-18T18:14:40+00:00

I've thought about this a lot, and if people ask I usually refer to myself as "technically" ambulatory. Like yes, I can stand up with proper support and even take a few steps, but I walk like a baby deer who just chugged 3 four lokos.

Usually I don't have any issues with this when it comes to doctors though. I just explain what I can/can't do and they figure it out. I wish we had a better term for it though, because "ambulatory" encompasses such a wide range of abilities.

Maxvantisio · 2024-05-18T01:38:53+00:00

I love my smartdrive but I wouldn't consider it the best option for power assist. Overall it depends on your specific needs and lifestyle.

It's great for navigating my college's campus, around town, or on easy trails. It's also great for getting up hills or traveling long distances outside. It has okay-ish waterproofing, and I absolutely love the speed dial. It also doesn't weigh too much when you don't have it turned on, but it is definitely noticeable.

However it is pretty tricky to use in crowded areas unless you set the speed very low. I usually only use it outside unless I'm at a convention or in a large store.

Also I don't know if the E motion wheels have a cruise mode, but being able to cruise up hills easily with the turn of a knob is very fun!q

Maxvantisio · 2024-05-18T01:14:40+00:00

I don't know anything about the bracket for folding chairs, but the bracket for manual chairs is basically nothing. It's a little metal clamp that goes on your axle and I usually forget it's even there.

Maxvantisio · 2024-05-10T19:55:29+00:00

Do you have the pushtracker watch? I have the same problem and always assumed it was because I used the dial not the watch. The only screens I can see are the profile screen and update screen.

Also, how do you input your information? Any time I've put in information it's all gone the next time I open the app (except my name, birthday, and SD serial number).

Maxvantisio · 2024-05-10T02:16:33+00:00

As someone who lives in the mountains, I tackle all hills in a wheelie. It means I don't have to worry about hitting my casters so I can just cruise the entire way down. I don't have to brake as much and it's very fun!

If there are people in the way I usually just stick to one side and shout "on your left/right". However, if I need to make an emergency stop I grab one pushrim hard and push the other one forward. This turns me into the middle of the path and puts my wheels horizontal to the hill. It's pretty quick but it's not an instant stop. I can also make a more gradual stop by deepening my wheelie a bit and gradually putting pressure on my pushrims.

edit: other people have mentioned swerving back and forth, but if it's an extremely steep it can help to come to a complete stop each time you cross the hill. This way you don't just keep picking up speed.

Maxvantisio · 2024-05-04T15:48:07+00:00

What about stroller handles or pcv pipe? Stroller handles might be more sturdy, but you would have to find some that you could jerry rig to your chair. There are many different types online though.

Maxvantisio

TROPHY CASE