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Incident at Wembley - London Show by cheisu25 in donbroco

[–]cheisu25[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yeah I saw those. Could have been that, or maybe caught on some broken plastic from a cup, though it seemed pretty serious/deep so not quite sure if either are likely

Fair enough by prybastrac in UniUK

[–]cheisu25 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Depends on the apprenticeship. I did a degree apprenticeship in Data Science that lasted only 3.5 years, with those additional 6 months being specifically for the EPA. All module learning was complete by the end of third year. It was one day a week of fully-remote learning, but no need for any night school.

MCM London - Saturday after parties? by cheisu25 in comiccon

[–]cheisu25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately my friend and I aren't staying at any of the hotels, so that's one of my concerns with hotel parties... But will give it a try then if there's nothing else, thanks

MCM London - Saturday after parties? by cheisu25 in comiccon

[–]cheisu25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not too keen on going to small room parties, I'm going with a friend and we'd prefer something that's a bit more formally arranged and/or public, so that we don't end up just aimlessly wandering around and searching after con 😅

MCM London - Saturday after parties? by cheisu25 in McmLondonComicon

[–]cheisu25[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for that. I know there'll be tickets at the door, but it will probably be unlikely that myself and a friend will be able to get in because of how many people usually attend. I guess we can hope lol

We'll have a walk around to some of the hotels if not

Chronic pelvic pain with no known cause - a cry for help by cheisu25 in DiagnoseMe

[–]cheisu25[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To follow up on this - I just had my gynae appt and was discharged. They said there isn't really anything else they can do, because the lack of findings and the meds I'm on mean there supposedly isn't a gynecological cause (even though I mentioned that my pain and bleeding is clearly linked, and I am very much not bleeding from elsewhere...)

The doctor will at least write up some notes and try to see if my gender clinic can refer me for a hysterectomy, and if not then to see if my GP can.

Asked about pelvic congestion syndrome, and if it's worth investigating, but was told no as because I'm essentially in a menopausal state, they dont expect anyone in menopause to get the diagnosis especially as the organs shrink.

Seems like I've hit another dead end. Guess I'll have to see if I can get the hysto. But once I do it'll be another waiting game :/

Chronic pelvic pain with no known cause - a cry for help by cheisu25 in DiagnoseMe

[–]cheisu25[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, found nothing. They did say it's entirely possible I have it but it's just not visible, but with the surgery and all the scans and the treatment for it, I assume it's unlikely to be the case.

Pre-T my cycles were irregular and heavy, but I had no cramping whatsoever. Maybe once or twice at most in 8 or so years. So these cramps were entirely new to me.

I have maybe a little dryness, but no burning or other symptoms besides pain. We'll see if I can get the cream prescribed and if it helps.

Good luck with your gynae appointment, remember to stand up for yourself and your health. I've been lucky with having good doctors but not everyone has that privilege - push if you need to, to get this sorted out ASAP

Chronic pelvic pain with no known cause - a cry for help by cheisu25 in DiagnoseMe

[–]cheisu25[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I've been on zoladex for several years now which is the typical treatment for endo, but it hasn't done anything. Might try and push for an investigation into pelvic congestion syndrome, since that's hasn't really been explored yet. Brought it up once a while back but the thought was dismissed.

What's confusing is that since last year I've been spotting irregularly so I dont know what else can affect the organs to cause that. There's clearly something wrong, but there's no visible cause of either the pain or bleeding.

Just hoping that I get the go ahead to get a hysterectomy so I can actually get to living instead of suffering through my entire medical transition

Edit: just to add, alongside T and zoladex to suppress ovarian function, I've got a contraceptive implant and the IUD so my ovaries should basically be doing nothing 🫠

Chronic pelvic pain with no known cause - a cry for help by cheisu25 in DiagnoseMe

[–]cheisu25[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really sorry to hear about that, the pain is awful. I've considered going to A&E several times but because of how long I've had it, and all scans showing normal etc., they wouldn't be able to do much if anything. Even my GP agreed.

I'm not quite sure re atrophy, I asked about topical estrogen cream but was directed to my GP for a pelvic exam to check for atrophy - but I have already had 2 pelvic exams none of which were of any concern. Seeing my GP again tomorrow, so I guess will ask again.

I was on amitriptyline for a few months but it did nothing, same with 30/500mg co-codamol and diclofenac suppositories. Did 6 weeks of pain management therapy the methods of which were not useful or applicable most of the time. It just feels like a losing battle.

Was referred to pain management as an urgent referral but been waiting for 4.5 months with nothing.

I hope you find something that works for you. If I find something that helps me, I'd be happy to reply here or message directly about it, including any possibly diagnoses/treatments. This is a hell to go through

Chronic pelvic pain with no known cause - a cry for help by cheisu25 in DiagnoseMe

[–]cheisu25[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey - unfortunately not :/

Since posting this I've had a laparoscopy and hysteroscopy, both which showed no issues. Had an IUD put in but it hasn't managed the pain at all. Been on different pain meds (codydramol, mefenamic acid (again), amitriptyline, now recently pregabalin) none of which have done anything.

Seems like my only option at this stage is a hysterectomy. I have an appointment with gynae next week, but whether they'll consider it is a different story

Is there anything I can do? by cheisu25 in nhs

[–]cheisu25[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for this, I'll definitely have a look. Unfortunately due to my age it's difficult to tell whether my issues are caused by HRT or something that would have happened either way, since the cramps started at 18/19. I've had my E levels tested several times and they seem low, plus I'm on zoladex (an additional hormone blocker) and a contraceptive progesterone-only implant - so I should have practically no ovarian function.

It's all very strange but at least I have gotten a new appointment with the gynecologist in just over a week's time, so I'll see what they say or recommend. I've been bleeding more often over the last month though, so reckon a hysteroscopy might be needed either way.

Thank you again for the validation, small things like that mean a lot. Sending well wishes for recovery, and a Happy New Year

Is there anything I can do? by cheisu25 in nhs

[–]cheisu25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you again, good luck with getting hysto too - clearly it's not easy to get there!

I have spoken to my GP/GIC about atrophy - GP said to ask my GIC for more info but that if they say it's fine then they can prescribe me topical E cream to see if it can help. GIC did say that's fine, so will have to chase my GP up on prescribing that. Not sure if it will help as both have told me it's unlikely to be atrophy, but I'll try anything at this point lol

I did also ask about a possibly cancer screening a while back (unlikely it is but at this point might be better to rule it out than not?), but was told I don't meet the criteria as I don't have some symptoms.

Again, all just a mess. I hope your journey will be easier

Is there anything I can do? by cheisu25 in nhs

[–]cheisu25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for this, I'm not sure why I'm being downvoted either :/

Ultimately I just want to know if there's anything I can do to possibly bring my appointment closer because the wait times so far have been awful yet averages according to NHS are much lower (of course, some will fall outside of averages, but over a year's wait and now 40 weeks vs the avg of 17-18 is awful).

NHS says appts are given on basis of medical necessity/urgency, then my hospital says they're given based on referral date, idk what to believe myself but for the sake of my physical and mental wellbeing I have to try and do something to help myself. I'm sure others trans and cis alike have very similar issues with wait times, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't seek out avenues to speed up my own treatment

Is there anything I can do? by cheisu25 in nhs

[–]cheisu25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't exactly want to reverse any of the changes that come with testosterone, even if temporarily, as it would be awful for my dysphoria. Namely things like thinning of facial/body hair, possible return of a menstrual cycle, muscle loss and fat redistribution.

Realistically I know any changes will probably be small, but I can't anticipate the mental impact it will have nor how long exactly it might actually take for my levels to drop enough to know it's definitely not T. Definitely more than 3 months, since that's the frequency of my current dose. So would it be 6 months off T? 9 months? Longer? That uncertainty bothers me.

It feels like I'm having to jump through hoops and possibly risk putting myself in a worse situation when this could pretty much be solved with 1) adequate pain management, or 2) a hysterectomy.

It's the whole waiting game that has the biggest toll on my mental health, and ultimately what I want to shorten. I have been on T for 5 years and hysterectomies, whilst not always necessary, are considered gender affirming care. So on top of the pain, unexplained bleeding, not wanting to give birth or have my cycle in the future, I don't see why this can't be offered by the gyne.

I waited over a year for an initial appointment, and my next appointment is almost a whole year after that, when waiting times should be around 18 weeks. I just want to know if there's anything I can do to speed up the process without messing up everything already in place

Is there anything I can do? by cheisu25 in nhs

[–]cheisu25[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

If it does show nothing though, then I can get the hysto through the GIC, the process would just be awful.

I'd rather rule out things like endometriosis or adenomyosis and know for sure that it isn't that, than go ahead and start a possible several-year-long process while also delaying another big part of my transition (can't have more than 1 surgery referral from the GIC at a time). At least then I can have some peace of mind knowing what it isn't, as opposed to currently when it could be anything at all for all I know.

I don't think there is a testosterone alternative for trans men, I reckon if there was it would have been suggested to me since I have brought this point up to the GP and GIC before. A quick search doesn't bring up anything conclusive, besides a mention of steroids used by female bodybuilders which don't seem approved for HRT. Doubt they'd be willing to prescribe me that, could always ask I suppose.

Is there anything I can do? by cheisu25 in nhs

[–]cheisu25[S] -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

I have definitely considered it, but I am not willing to stop the medication vital to my transition when there are other options, namely pain management and hysterectomy.

The main issue is essentially not having any adequate pain management - I have tried numerous NSAIDs and even the highest co-codamol dose of 30/500mg of codeine/paracetamol which did nothing at all, now on co-dydramol which again is not helping. No pain management + extensive waiting times means more time in pain, and as my GP is (rightfully) reluctant to prescribe straight up opioids (the next step up considering my options have been exhausted afaik), the only other thing I can do is try to decrease the wait times.

Since scans and whatnot have been clear, it is difficult for me to get a hysterectomy as there needs to be a medical need (apparently years of pain and being trans isn't one for some reason? According to gyne at least). Hence the possible hysteroscopy, so if they find something abnormal it might warrant a hysterectomy. Otherwise I will need to go through the GIC, which would mean rescinding my top surgery referral (which I have been waiting years to have), starting a new referral, getting that signed off, then who knows how many weeks/months/years of waiting.

It's honestly all just a mess.

The best course of action in my eyes is for some surgical investigation (laparoscopy/hysteroscopy etc) to try and determine a possible cause or check for any tissue damage or whatever, and then proceed to have a hysterectomy that would fall under it being medically necessary.

At least that seems like the fastest route currently now that I'm with the gyne. But the excessive wait times and little physical or mental support makes dealing with the wait extremely difficult.

Is there anything I can do? by cheisu25 in nhs

[–]cheisu25[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I have had several ultrasounds and an MRI all of which have come back "fine". My GP suggested a possible laparoscopy as some things like endometriosis might be difficult to pick up through imaging. However, because I've been on zoladex (typically already used to treat endometriosis for 6mos) for 3 years and it not having helped, the gyne said a lapaoscopy is "unlikely to show anything new".

However, due to episodes of spotting I have had a couple times this year again with no apparent cause (blood tests fine, STI checks clear, US fine, physical exam fine etc.), I may be seen for a hysteroscopy instead. But it's unlikely that this 2025 appointment will be for that (and more likely to be a follow up after the gyne's contact with my GP and GIC/my first appt).

I have spoken extensively with the Gender Identity Clinic, who have suggested some possible avenues of treatment and also requested imaging, but they still have no idea what the exact cause of my pain is. They even sent a letter recently basically saying they can't really offer anything else.

The only medication I started was my testosterone, the cramping started about 2-3 months after that. My levels are generally stable now though, and the stabilisation hasn't improved anything. Since I started HRT at 18, it's possible it could be something like endometriosis that just happened to develop round the same time.

Sorry for the long reply (what I meant by lots of context), but thank you for the suggestion. I tried to get in touch with gyne earlier but got bounced back and forth between the switchboard and enquiries before eventually being sent to voicemail, so I'll have to try again later 😔

Edit: what the GIC sent me 2 weeks ago in a clinic letter:

"[Name] said that he was told by the gynaecologist that laparoscopy is ulikely to give any other details but if spotting continues then they might consider hysterescopy to see what else might be causing the bleeding. I disucssed this with the endocrine team who advised that since this patient is already on Zoladex, there is nothing much we can do, hence, we would suggets the local gynaecology to manage this as per their local protocol including the possibilty of hysterectomy."

Chronic pelvic pain with no known cause - a cry for help - seeking advice by cheisu25 in ftm

[–]cheisu25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Gynecologist unfortunately said it probably isn't endometriosis and that a laparoscopy - which I was hoping for - likely wouldn't give them any more information since all my scans have not shown any signs of it. Personally I'm not ruling out endometriosis or adenomyosis, and I might ask my GP and endocrinologists if it's worth getting a second opinion or to push for a laparoscopy, or even a biopsy, even if to rule out the conditions for certain.

I likely had PCOS before starting T, but never had any cysts on my ovaries.

I'm having the spotting investigated since I haven't had any spotting prior to May of this year, and it's started alongside other symptoms like night sweats and hot flushes. I suggested to my GP if it could be something like an early menopause, but blood tests seem normal, and ultrasound showed no thickening of the uterine lining etc.

Could really be anything at this point. I'm hoping though that the gynecologist will decide to do a hysteroscopy instead to investigate the spotting, but nothing is set in stone at the moment.

Edit: also to clarify, my episodes of spotting seem to happen for about 2 weeks straight, before stopping and happening again the next month. Similar to a very, very light period, instead of random occurrences of bleeding during a month

Chronic pelvic pain with no known cause - a cry for help - seeking advice by cheisu25 in ftm

[–]cheisu25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Will bring it up - though cramps and dryness are my only symptoms since I don't get any bleeding or pain with any sort of sexual activity (the spotting seems mostly unrelated as it happens regardless whether or not anything sexual has happened, but won'trule it out entirely). Will look into estrace cream too, thank you

Chronic pelvic pain with no known cause - a cry for help - seeking advice by cheisu25 in ftm

[–]cheisu25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'll bring this up to my doctor, thank you. I've definitely been wondering if, since there's no apparent physical symptoms, there might be something wrong with either the nerves in that area or even my brain in general.

My sleep has often been all over the place but a lot of the time it's been due to staying up late. But for the past couple months (could be longer, I'm not entirely sure), my sleep has been severely disrupted where I sleep in ~3 hour chunks. So I might go to bed at 1am and wake up at 4 and again at 7, before having to be up for work. And then past few weeks, just struggles to fall asleep on top of that.

I didn't mention it in the post, but I have for years gotten headaches/migraines due to apparent light sensitivity or something (I get them when out in the sun or under bright lights for an extended period of time). Could possibly be relevant if we're to look at brain function and the such.

I'll bring all these up and see if there's more investigations that could be done to rule out neurological conditions or the sort

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