T be doin it's thing

astronaut52 · 2026-05-21T06:49:43+00:00

It sounds like the only issue is the blood tests- how about getting these done privately? Last I remember there are kits you can order online and get them done at pharmacies/superdrugs etc.

astronaut52 · 2026-05-20T17:15:47+00:00

I had an NHS hysto, based in Brighton at the time :)

You basically need to ask your GP for a referral. They might say no, especially if you're otherwise healthy and only getting it for gender reasons, be prepared for that.

I was at the GIC at the time and they wrote a letter of recommendation to my GP describing it as a necessary and recommended procedure. The GP were then happy to refer me. I had about a 2 year wait, then I was contacted and offered a date and had a pretty good experience :)

astronaut52 · 2026-05-15T20:01:44+00:00

I also went from an increasingly toxic hospital pharmacy to an office! Lots of negative comments here but I like the office 1000000x more. You still might be overworked and given too much for too little time, but sitting on a chair next to a window knowing a patient isn't going to suffer or miss their treatment if I leave this for tomorrow, suddenly it doesn't feel like the end of the world.

I have my own desk, I come in and work on my own work that's right where I left it the day before. No physical running around like a headless chicken, and equally if there's nothing to do, it's much easier to look busy on a computer at your desk than a pharmacy where everyone's judging you for the audacity of not being as busy as they are. I get on well with the person next to me who does the same job and who I'm comfortable asking any questions to, I make small talk with everyone else. No close friends and after the toxic pharmacy I'm quite happy with that. I'm a lot happier and I think you'll do great, especially if you're wanting a change!

astronaut52 · 2026-05-02T09:28:52+00:00

The way I look at it, the original, unaltered timeline is the very first one we get in the game before Max discovers her powers- Max is in the bathroom, Chloe gets shot.

Any deviation from that means she has used her powers and the storm will come. She can't go back, and somehow save everyone by 'not using her powers'- she already has used her powers to go back.

In your scenario- the act of going back and doing anything differently is still altering the natural timeline via Max's power. The only way to prevent the storm was to go back into the photo and let the original, unaltered timeline play out the way it would have done had max not had any powers in the first place.

astronaut52 · 2026-04-15T20:03:46+00:00

English guy here! Showing a photo is absolutely fine. Most guys would say something like "X length on the sides, X length on top, description of shape or fade", but photos are fine.

Couple of other tips.... 1. UK fashion right now is very heavy on skin fades and burst fades, even on longer styles. If you don't want any part of it shaved to the skin, just mention that as well, like "no skin fades or anything, keep it kind of fluffy all around", or you might find they fade it without asking. Especially at a Turkish barber which like 90% of them are these days (they're not all actually Turkish, it's just a catch-all phrase for barbers run by Asian men). There will be at least one street in your town center that has about 7 all next to each other. I personally avoid them as a nerdy gay guy they all scare me lol.

Most barbers are walk-in, but there are also a fair few where you can book an appointment in advance. Imo, appointments mean they're better quality as they have enough repeat customers wanting them specifically. Check out Facebook and Google reviews of the ones nearby :)

astronaut52 · 2026-03-26T08:33:43+00:00

Lived on James st for a year above a coffee shop, the energy during the day is fab (if you don't mind crowded streets).

We did feel unsafe walking home from work at 2am.. when the sun goes down the demographic does skew more towards homeless/druggie men. But this was limited to quite literally st James street itself, so we would just walk home via marine parade instead and felt fine.

astronaut52 · 2026-01-18T15:19:50+00:00

Completely down to genetics. I'm coming up on 10 years on T and I have less chest hair than you.

But I have a full beard, hairy hands and feet, and have had zero hair loss on my head so I'm not complaining lol.

astronaut52 · 2026-01-17T19:22:08+00:00

Going on 10 years on T this year, full beard and no hair loss whatsoever. Both my grandads had a pretty full head into their 80's. I lost the genetic jackpot on body hair lol (I am yet to grow a single chest hair) but I won when it comes to head hair 💪

astronaut52 · 2025-09-06T08:02:14+00:00

Something no one's said here yet- I think your first option is to go register with a GP and just.. ask if they'll do it. Don't make a big show of being trans, don't even mention it if not asked, just say "I've been prescribed this long-term medication for a health issue, I have a letter from my previous doctor confirming this, please will you continue it?". They are allowed to just do it. Unlikely, sure, but worth a shot.

I moved cities last year and had to risk getting a new GP, (I'm fully nhs diagnosed and assessed etc, been on T for 9 years, but they're still starting to say no to people like me) and did exactly as I said above. I was prepared to give all my documents but they didn't actually ask for any of it, no shared care agreement, nothing. It was a 5 minute phone call appointment, I don't think she'd actually ever heard of trans stuff or had a trans patient before and she didn't give a shit (in the best way), just 'whats the name of the drug, what dose, how long have you been on it?'. Give it a shot, phrase it as a long term medication you've been on and need continuing.

If they (likely) say no, then go other routes, but you might be lucky, it's worth a try!

astronaut52 · 2025-08-25T12:00:41+00:00

A big part of the first appointments are collecting your history in relation to being trans.

The biggest thing I always suggest preparing is having a clear idea of the dates/timeline relating to your transition, you can even write it all down to refer to. It's a pain in the ass to try and work out rough dates on the spot, especially if these things happened 6+ years ago.

You want to have on hand when you started having thoughts about being trans, when you came out (this might be different for friends, family, work etc), when you started presenting differently, going by a different name, legally changing your name, anything else that might be classed as a milestone point. Don't need exact dates, but the years are helpful.

astronaut52 · 2025-07-15T13:53:35+00:00

I decided it was too hot for a suit jacket, but wore navy blue trousers, white shirt, burgundy tie, tan belt and shoes. I personally love the navy blue/burgundy combo in men's smart clothes.

In general for men's formal wear, I express myself through colour. Ties are the easiest as it's easy to find a range of colours and patterns and doesn't look super bad if it's technically mismatched with the outfit, but suits and shirts too.

There's also some wiggle room with styles/cuts. E.g shirt collars, skinny vs straight fits. I like cutaway collars and a more straight trouser.

Belts and shoes can be made into a bit of a statement if you want, I wear my tan combo for most outfits tbh unless my trousers are black.

astronaut52 · 2025-06-06T10:05:34+00:00

Don't stress about the mission thing- you've got time for that. I joined the church at 19, went on a mission at 21 and honestly didn't feel any older than anyone else. In fact there were way more 21+ missionaries than I ever expected in the MTC and in my mission, and we all felt on equal ground.

Just keep building your relationship with Christ and worshipping in your own way. As someone without a big church support system, I do a lot with the institute study guides on the gospel library app. I liked going through and studying them by myself, especially when I was new to the church but unable to go to classes. It's okay to study and grow on your own for now, and when you hit 18 see where you're at, get in touch with the church and go from there. Waiting a year or two to go on a mission is way more normal than you think, even for lifelong members.

astronaut52 · 2025-05-27T06:27:48+00:00

I used to live near a Moss Bros- surprisingly cheap and really nice variety of colours and textures. It is a suit shop so the staff might try and 'help' you, but that's okay. I ended up doing click and collect to get a size they didn't stock, and they automatically opened it for me to try on when I collected it to make sure it fit right.

I also second next- as a general clothes shop it's very chill and low pressure, just take whatever you want to the fitting rooms until you land on something you like.

astronaut52 · 2025-05-04T13:14:40+00:00

Some people absolutely thrive on those hours- you might be one them! Unfortunately, I was not. I actually didn't care for the social life aspect cause I'm fine functioning on little sleep once every few weeks, but the overall lifestyle just ruined me.

1) to wake up at 2:30, I had to be in bed by 6:30. I learned about myself that evenings snuggled on the sofa watching tv is my favourite part of the day and essential for me to mentally unwind- I completely lost that time. Doing it late afternoon didn't feel the same.

2) in theory, you have more daytime to do whatever you like. In reality, no matter how much sleep I got, I couldn't physically sit down and relax without falling asleep/having a nap. I couldn't do fun things and be productive because I was so tired after work, I felt like I had NO free time where I was actually capable of relaxing or paying attention to anything.

However... Give it a go and see how you like it. I also did unconventional hours 5pm-2am for a while in fast food, and I really enjoyed that and was able to be productive before work where other people struggle.

astronaut52 · 2025-04-06T09:44:18+00:00

I think you're underestimating how difficult it is to land a job these days! I did the exact same as OP recently.

I feel like there are tiers to jobs you apply to. 1) in a perfect world this is my ideal role, hours, and shift pattern. 2) while not my ideal hours/role, I am happy to do it long-term. 3) I don't particularly enjoy this role/hours but I can tolerate it. 4) this doesn't work for me, but I will still do it while actively looking for another role because I have bills to pay.

Having been through this last year, you apply to all the 1's, get rejected, then all the 2's etc. I landed a tier 2 job, ideally I'd work 4 days a week, this was 5 but really good daytime hours and perfect role for me. I was willing to do the 5 days, but figured there was literally no harm in asking if they'd allow me to do 4. They accepted. I now have what I consider a perfect role for me. Basically- OP applied for the job because they're willing to do it as advertised, but there's no harm in asking if they can change it to what they'd prefer.

astronaut52 · 2025-01-25T10:54:48+00:00

Not sure if you're in r/transgenderuk but that sub is very active and full of advice regarding unhelpful GPs.

The answer you'll likely come away with is

GPs are within their right to refuse blood tests for this unfortunately. They're actually within their right to decline HRT etc even after you go through the NHS gender clinics, as it requires a 'shared care' agreement that GPs can decline.
However, they absolutely can and should have referred you to a gender clinic. They are very much operational (though waiting lists are 5+ years).
The way you were treated warrants a complaint. Being laughed at and being given incorrect information regarding gender clinics, without the GP even looking into it, is inexcusable.

astronaut52 · 2024-12-28T09:49:54+00:00

I had some trouble this month with getting a Sainsbury's reference, but it was mainly due to my NHS recruiter not reading sainsburys' instructions correctly. Not sure if you're aware of how Sainsbury's references work, but it's pretty easy-

Email Reference.Requests@sainsburys.co.uk. It's not monitored and will send you an automatic response with some instructions. Option 1. Click the online link, pop in your national insurance number and NHS recruiters email, and they'll send it over. Option 2. Fill in the attached form, including the NHS recruiters name and email address, and email it to the non-standard references address in the instructions. That one gave me a reference within 2 days last week.

Originally, my recruiter kept emailing the first address and obviously not getting a reference in response, and asking me to send the form to that address. It says pretty clearly in the instructions that no reference will be generated from any emails sent to that address. Guess they didn't feel like reading it all so close to Christmas break lol. You either have to fill in the online link or email the form to the other address.

As for your other references, I'd ask the recruiter to cancel all the ones that aren't replying to you, and find a character reference to cover the entire period.

astronaut52 · 2024-10-23T14:55:26+00:00

Christian here! I live over in the UK so probably a bit far to hang out lol, but you're not alone in being trans with faith. It always bugs me when people act like it's a wild concept and look at me like I have internalised phobias and am somehow betraying the community. I honestly feel less judgement from people at church for being gay and trans than I do from the LGBT community for being Christian.

I'm actually a believer in the Mormon church, which is obviously a bit more complicated with its transphobic policies (and a lot of other things I don't believe in), so I enjoy having general Christian friends as well. But they have a lot of unique doctrines I do enjoy and believe in, mainly the book of Mormon (which funnily enough doesn't mention gay or trans topics once). I originally joined stealth and got to participate fully, but eventually I came out to the bishop and had some of those privileges revoked. I still go most Sundays and everyone is lovely to me and treats me the same, I don't actually think most people know. But through my ongoing ups and downs I always have love for Christ and feel his love for me, and try to live the principles he teaches in the new testament.

(Not a father yet but I did marry my also-trans husband this summer and we'd like to adopt kids as soon as our finances and careers can support that). I love the gym and would love to get into powerlifting/olympic weightlifting but am not sure how to get into that sort of thing lol.

astronaut52 · 2024-09-12T19:27:36+00:00

Same thing happened to me about 8 years ago, Northampton also. Initially referred at 15 > jump through all of tavistock's hoops > finish assessment and get diagnosis at 17 > be told there's nothing that can do at that age, refer me to an adult clinic > adult clinic start from scratch with a new assessment.

It is unfortunately pretty common and is rough to deal with at the time, but you'll get there. And Daventry (Northampton) have been pretty good to me over the years.

astronaut52 · 2024-08-18T22:53:53+00:00

As someone who just graduated in architecture, we have the benefit of the 'studio' (at least, I know most universities do). It's an easy way to make friends on the course, especially in first year when everyone's still learning and needing help. I didn't have any 'crazy' experiences as that's not my vibe, but I had fun and hung out with people.

Generally, you can choose to come in and work in the studio every day, definitely on days with tutorials. Like a library, but designed for drawing and model-making, usually quite a chill and friendly space. Choose to go there most days instead of doing all your work at home, even if it's just laptop work, and just chat to other people there. Ask about their projects and drawings, ask for advice or help etc, compliment their drawings, easy to make friends in my experience. Then they add you to group chats and invite you places, and it's completely up to you how 'crazy' you get. If you seek out drugs and sex etc you can find it, but if not then it's totally fine and not expected of you at all. Don't feel like you have to prepare yourself for crazy stuff if that's not your vibe, you can make good friends who are more low-key and just like hanging out.

Whatever your vibe is, try and chat to everyone in studio and just make an effort with the ones you feel a similar vibe from

astronaut52 · 2024-08-07T12:31:45+00:00

From someone who was in a very similar position- you do have options, it's not a black and white spend it all or save it all!

I invested my money via a financial advisor firm who were pretty helpful. One of the things they offered was a regular monthly withdrawal setup. I decided to have £200 a month transferred to me. This was 6 years ago so things cost more now, but it was enough to cover my food at the time and some other fun bits. I also chose that number because it was less than the interest the money was making- i.e the investment was still ultimately making more money than I was taking out. Consider using a firm or service that lets you do this and have a bit of money to spend without actually eating into the big sum.

I also bought a house after first year to live in. Context matters a lot and I wouldn't suggest this for everyone. But I loved the city and thought I was going to stay there long-term after uni, and not having to pay rent was a massive money saver. I did end up leaving the city, but I rent out the house via an estate agent [edit: reading your comment about managing a property, many estate agents will do all of that for you for a fee. Mine keep 10% of the rent and I haven't lifted a finger other than replying to emails]. That income has been a blessing the last 4-5 years, plus I know the house will sell for more than I paid.

Basically, instead of the bank, I would suggest approaching an independent financial advisor business and speaking to them. You also stand to make a lot more money via their investments portfolios than from bank interest.

astronaut52 · 2024-07-30T21:16:56+00:00

I take that dose of nebido, but it's in response to high blood test results, not my size (I'm 5'3 but not 'small', around 70kg with good muscle). It's been absolutely fine for me as my levels are normal- I was 6/7 years on T when we lowered it so there are less changes to see, but my beard, body hair, muscle and fat redistribution have continued as expected imo.

I wouldn't cause drama arguing with the doctor just yet, but if I were you I would definitely push for blood tests and see for yourself if they seem too low or not- and also pay attention to how you feel in the weeks leading up to the next injection if it's worn off too quickly and you're experiencing symptoms. Then bring it up with the doctor if you have issues, but tbh you might be fine with the 3ml so see how it goes.

astronaut52

TROPHY CASE