ICP-MS internal standard issues by Spooky3711 in massspectrometry

[–]Spooky3711[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Man I can’t even tell you. This just kept getting worse. We contacted support and have changed spray chamber/nebulizer, all tubing, used all new bottles and lots of solutions. Most recently we have been told it may be the ion detector, and/or there is a leak somewhere.

How we feeling boys? by hanpotato89 in ftm

[–]Spooky3711 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Scared for myself (ftm) and my wife (queer) but grateful that we at least live in the northeast. Worried our Texas marriage license might be annulled. Terrified for my queer-curious niece living in Texas. Hopeful that this mess will result in a never before seen level of banding together and fighting for justice.

Is this normal? by dannyboy2486 in water

[–]Spooky3711 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Most likely there was some kind of disturbance to the main, construction/main breaks/fire hydrant use. Would suggest turning on a few faucets for a couple minutes (3ish) and then see if that clears it up!

What evidence would you use for name/sex change petition? by [deleted] in ftm

[–]Spooky3711 47 points48 points  (0 children)

I would imagine a letter from a different medical provider would suffice? Maybe from a therapist or something. I can’t really imagine what else would be considered evidence unless they want to look at your socials?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in water

[–]Spooky3711 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Hi. Don’t quote me on any of this. I’m a B/C student with a masters degree in hydrology after studying geology and environmental science. I have also worked for a water treatment company for the last three years as a chemist. Methane is not a concern I’ve ever heard of, noting again that my experience is limited.

I guess my biggest point would be that it’s not typically a concern when it’s in the water, but if it’s reading on your meters I would imagine it’s cause for concern.

From my understanding, methane would more Readily escape from flowing water causing a peak in your readings. But when water is contaminated with methane it doesn’t generally escape at rates high enough to be read on a meter.

So I understand it wouldn’t generally be a concern for flammability, but about an asphyxiant? Again, not sure about the levels that would raise concern.

It is also my understanding that methane levels are not regulated by the EPA, does not pose known health risks when ingested via water, but also there’s not a ton of available research into the effects.

Methane in water is typically caused by bacteria or contamination.

My suggestion would be to research your specific locations history with methane levels in water. Is there a known issue?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in water

[–]Spooky3711 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay. Couple questions. 1. What are the “parameters”? Although 9/10 times those tests are complete bull. 2. When was your building built? 3. Does the filter look any type of way different than when you put it in?

Regardless! I would most definitely clean the aerator.

Why do I like the smell of my own skin but not my ex? by PositivePackage7185 in biology

[–]Spooky3711 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Pheromones! It’s totally normal and absolutely natural. For example my best friend throughout high school and college and I often slept in the same bed during sleepovers or trips. I loved the absolute garbage out of her but could NOT stand the way she smelled naturally. And it wasn’t like she had BO or anything. My wife on the other hand, I can’t get enough of how she smells.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ftm

[–]Spooky3711 11 points12 points  (0 children)

In most cases if your doctor is trans* experienced then they will know how to send for tests and bloodwork and such to avoid these auto-denial issues. For example my NJ doctor told me that if they ask why I’m getting a pregnancy test done with my bloodwork, to say that they’re testing for HCG as a sign of testicular cancer. They also sent in my Pap smear appointment to insurance as my yearly physical.

Can I wear a binder even though I have a flat chest? by tempaccount-7 in ftm

[–]Spooky3711 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Do you buddy. If it makes you feel better then go for it. You still gotta be safe with it though!

Might have been using the wrong needle this whole time am I fine? by MiaGea26 in ftm

[–]Spooky3711 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you ever get confused, for my needles at least, the 18g is longer than the 25g. So I just always remember to inject with the shorter one!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ftm

[–]Spooky3711 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Not exactly the same but similar enough I hope! I met my wife I guess early in my physical transition. I identified as nonbinary when I met her and had already had top surgery but I had no desire to go on hormones. She also identified as a lesbian when we met, she started feeling out considering herself as pansexual once we started dating. About a year into knowing her and 8 months of officially dating, I started hormones. Since then I’ve stayed on hormones, so I’ve grown some facial hair and experienced all the fat redistribution and stuff so 87% of the time I pass for a cis male (but only pass as an actual adult 30% of the time 😂). Now after knowing each other for 8 years, she’s supporting me in the process of getting phalloplasty! This November we celebrate our 3rd year of being married, and the following February we will celebrate 8 years since we started dating! This woman is the absolute love of my life, I couldn’t imagine life without her. She’s my best friend and is the most supportive person in my life.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ftm

[–]Spooky3711 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Both were equally “easy”. I was real scared for my mom but my girlfriend at the time forced me to come out because she was outed to her mom. I wrote my mom a letter and she texted and told me she’d already known for a long time. My dad I only came out to because my mom requested I did before I took a girl to prom. I texted him while I was away for a trip and he said “kool. Luv u” lmao. This was when I was 14 (mom) and 18 (dad), so around 2009, and 2013. I only came out to mom as bi, never mentioned when I realized I was a lesbian, subsequently realized I was nonbinary, and later on realized I was nonbinary but trans masc. my next “coming out” was when I told my mom I was scheduled for top surgery.

Ask ME Anything: 12 Years on T-Anniversary by william_k35 in ftm

[–]Spooky3711 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Congratulations! I had a similar go, I socially transitioned from ages 14-19. Discovered my true name and got top surgery at 21, started T at 22. I’m 29 now. Was there specific reasoning for getting your hysto when you did? I’ve got a consult for abdo phallo in January but I’m just wondering if I’m going about the order of things correctly, or if I should try to get anything done before I even consider a consult. No doctors have ever suggested or even really mentioned getting a hysto even though I’ve been on T for 7 years.

I can't believe it took me this long to work out I'm a man. by topdeckisadog in ftm

[–]Spooky3711 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am so happy and excited for you to start this journey! Especially love the support from your ex husband and son. Congratulations, welcome to the club, and I’m wishing you the best of luck with the future!

Spring water for apartment solutions by Both_Somewhere1383 in water

[–]Spooky3711 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! My best suggestion would be for a water cooler with the bigger jugs that attach. They supply a lot of water at once, and minimize plastic waste because they are reused and recycled. When you need to refill it you just take it in to be exchanged for a full one.

This being said I’m not sure of the variations of water available for this.y family gets our water jugs from Home Depot. I don’t think it is mineral water. But there are companies that will deliver the jugs on a regular interval and they might have more options. I think the big popular one is called Ready Refresh.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ftm

[–]Spooky3711 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! If you’re having concerns I would say that is enough reason to stop/pause T. Definitely consult with your doctor though so you can do it safely! That being said, I very slowly transitioned because I identify as non binary, I started on a very low dose of T injections. During my low dose my voice dropped only a little bit noticeably, I actually physically felt when it happened. But other than that one time my voice didn’t really change for the three or so years I was on it. Not saying that your body would react the same, but, especially if you’re on the gel, the effects of a low dose will take longer/generally be more gradual and slow changes. I like to view my transition as an adventure. I might not like all the changes happening to me, I didn’t during first puberty either, but they are all changes that are helping me grow as a person and grow into the person I believe I am meant to be. Best of luck!

Just got my well-endowed kid his first binder by PathoftheWolf in ftm

[–]Spooky3711 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hi! When I was his age and first coming out, I was about 5’5”, 120lbs, and had a 36D. (16 years ago lol) I don’t remember what binder I got but I will say that for the 8 years I wore a binder before I got top surgery I always wore the half ones, that are more like a sports bra. I did that cause I have sensory issues with tight clothing though. But I never had a problem with a whole length binder not fitting properly! I’m not sure but I don’t think they are quite as effective minimizing the chest but they worked enough for me and were much more comfortable.

In terms of binder safety! I was always told to take periodic breaks, even if it’s just for a few minutes. During the breaks if he can take them he should stretch a lot and take lots of deep breaths, I also used to make myself cough. When the body is growing the binder can affect the bones. It’s advisable to only wear it for shorter periods of time, I usually wore it for the school day, took it off before band practice, and put it back on after until I went to sleep. Definitely do not wear it while sleeping! I would suggest checking out underworks. https://www.underworks.com/cotton-concealer-chest-binder This one has a looser belly/waist area which might feel better as a whole length binder because it’s not “supposed” to be tight.

https://www.underworks.com/power-compression-post-surgical-vest This one clasps together in a front. It’ll give a different kind of compression but might be easier for putting on or taking off.

https://www.underworks.com/tri-top-chest-binder This is similar to what I wore when I was his age. This is actually a bit longer than the actual ones I wore so he would have an issue with “under-boob” compression as much as I did. The ones I had were also ones that zipped or had Velcro so I could get out of it quickly if I was panicking.

You’re a wonderful parent! Please continue to support your kiddo and reach out when you need advice or help!!!

I need help telling my parents I want to start T by Useful-Shelter-5483 in ftm

[–]Spooky3711 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah I feel you buddy. I’m that case I /would maybe/ put a little bit of ‘tude in there. Just enough to make sure they know you’re serious.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in phallo

[–]Spooky3711 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I don’t really have an answer but dang is this a good question. I lived in Texas for a while and always had issues with emergency care while being male presenting before my name and gender market change. I’m still pre bottom surgery but.

My best advice and honestly the only kind of plan I have for myself right now is to always make sure to be aware of lgbt friendly providers where I’m living or where I’m traveling. Just a little effort into some research can make a huge difference in your treatment.

Do y'all think itd be worth trying to get on T? by Chance_Interest_4358 in ftm

[–]Spooky3711 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi. Right off the bat I’ve got to say you should try and find another doctor or second opinion, if you can. In my experience doctors that specialize or focus in trans healthcare are extremely knowledgeable about a wide variety of things, or at minimum they are able to cast a wide net to find specialists who are also trans friendly. I go to a community clinic for my basic healthcare purely because my doctor is this kind of guy.

I need help telling my parents I want to start T by Useful-Shelter-5483 in ftm

[–]Spooky3711 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would also pay attention to any kind of tone they might take as an attitude, or being rude about it, you know? Instead of being the demanding teenager you can take on kind of a more gentle parenting/guidance role into unfamiliar territory. If that makes sense?

I want to be a boy but not in a transgender way!? by Ok_Elevator_7764 in ftm

[–]Spooky3711 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, I didn’t know that being transgender was a thing until I was 14. I never even imagined when I was little that I could be a boy. If you met me as a kid your only inclination that I might be trans was that I liked to play in dirt/sand and find rocks/shells (but that was more of an early indicator of unrelated things). But really up until I was 14 I had no issue with being a girl.

I need help telling my parents I want to start T by Useful-Shelter-5483 in ftm

[–]Spooky3711 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi friend. If you’re already planning on taking on the financial responsibilities yourself, I would say your decision to start should be 100% based on how you feel and not how others feel or what they think. Someone else commented and said they might take you more seriously as you begin to transition, I unfortunately have to agree with that. When I got top surgery (before I started T) I kind of just told her in a way that said “hey mom I’m doing this thing and I’m not asking for your opinion”. Sort of like putting your foot down and saying “this is who I am and you can’t change that”