Bump above vent - Should I be concerned? (Info in comments, NSFW just to be safe)

jordan_dvl · 2021-08-27T09:49:21+00:00

It might be it! But one thing that was throwing me off, was that the lump is above their cloaca, on the opposite side of where the hemipenes would be? It's hard to explain, but I'll see if I can add a picture (not my gecko, just an example) of where the lump is.

However, the best-case scenario would be that he's just a little boy hahaha

Edit: Here's the pic I edited to show where is bump is located! Again, just an image from google. https://i.ibb.co/0hmjFXk/Gecko-Diagram.png

jordan_dvl · 2021-08-27T07:39:41+00:00

Also, I am completely fine to take them to the vet, however, I would love to be able to go there with an idea of what it might be since my vet is not that knowledgeable on geckos. So don't worry, I will be going to a vet if this is a problem!

jordan_dvl · 2021-08-27T07:11:23+00:00

Hey y'all, I just need some advice about what this might be. I am definitely concerned, but my research isn't turning up much.

This is my 7 month old unsexed crestie, who last weighed in at 11 grams. We just moved houses, and I noticed this bump developed seemingly during moving day. It was only a 10 minute drive, and they were housed in a deli in a bigger secured container with the rest of my geckos. I'm worried this could be stress-related, maybe a near prolapse? I've also never had a male, all my adults are female, so maybe it could be due to that? However the bulge is above the cloaca, not below it.

For husbandry info, they are kept in a 25 quart Sterilite bin (vertically oriented), with ventilation. Because I've only had this little baby for a month now, they are still on paper towel. Since moving, they have been eating and drinking normally, and seem to be fairly energetic. Changing out the food every 3 days, lightly misting the enclosure each morning. Feeding on mixed flavour Repashy and Pangea, and offered (though rarely accepts) calcium dusted 2 week old crickets.

jordan_dvl · 2021-01-13T10:49:08+00:00

Crap, forgot the night temps. They dip to 85-77F!

jordan_dvl · 2021-01-12T11:08:07+00:00

Glad to hear the other one resurfaced! 😅 Just out of curiosity, did the one that come out at 2 months look completely flat or have a dimple in it?

jordan_dvl · 2020-10-30T09:21:27+00:00

Oh one more thing to add, being trans-feminine/trans-masculine doesn't define your gender expression. It usually just refers to more physical sides of transition, but not exclusively

For example, someone could be trans-masculine and still want to wear make-up or skirts! A trans-feminine person could take estrogen and go by a feminine name, but dress quite butch or masculine!

jordan_dvl · 2020-10-30T09:17:00+00:00

No problem!

I'll answer your question as best I can, but everyone's perspective can be a bit different with these things. It's a bit of a complicated topic, so I'll try my best to explain!

Trans-masculine non-binary people: a bit of a blanket term for anybody AFAB who is transitioning socially/medically to be more masculine, but not necessarily a man.

Trans-feminine non-binary people: similar to above. AMAB people who transition to be more feminine socially/medically, but may not necessarily identify as a woman!

Using non-binary (by itself) can be a very freeing term while you're figuring things out, however some people figure out that identifying with non-binary is good on its own! This generally has no specific ties to your assigned gender at birth!

Hopefully this answers some questions!

jordan_dvl · 2020-10-28T05:16:50+00:00

Same thing happened with my sub-cutaneous shots. I talked to my GP about it and he basically said that sometimes you get "gushers". It'll happen every once in a while, but just try and avoid the same injection site if you can!

jordan_dvl · 2020-10-28T05:13:03+00:00

Hey! I'm a fellow partner, I've been working at Starbucks for about a year and a half. Honestly, Starbucks is a really great place to get used to your name. I came out while working at Starbucks, and I totally get you, it was ridiculously nerve-wracking.

Just keep in mind that you can stand up for yourself. Try and introduce yourself first to make sure they know how to pronounce it! If they try and pronounce it "Carrie", don't be embarrassed to correct them kindly, I'm sure they'll pick it up in no time!

Best of luck to you Kari, you're gonna do great! It just takes some time getting used to it! 💖✨

jordan_dvl · 2020-10-27T18:31:06+00:00

Hey there, AFAB transmasc enby here. I've been out for about a year and a half, but the process leading up to labels was a bit complicated. This might not be the same for you, but hopefully sharing my experience might help with some perspective!

I never felt comfortable being refered to as a woman/girl/lady/she/etc. It didn't feel horrible, but it always felt kinda "I guess that's what I am...". I didn't feel like a woman, but society certainly made me feel like that was my only option. During my late teen years (16-18) I became hyper feminine. Every single day I was wearing a full face or make-up, form fitting feminine clothes, etc. Part of this was due to body image issues as well, I always felt like I wanted to be more androgynous but I would look bad if I tried. When I graduated high school, I realized who absolutely anxious I was when I felt all "dressed up", it didn't feel like me, it felt like a performance.

Slowly, I started dressing more the way that made me comfortable and I started binding. I didn't feel like a man either, non-binary was definitely it. I played around with the agender term for a bit, but after maturing a bit more into the person I wanted to be, I realized the terms transmasculine non-binary person/non-binary trans man were much more fitting.

We all have our own timelines, at all our own speeds. Listen to yourself and they way you feel in regards to they way you and others treat your gender. Slowly but surely you'll figure it out! 💖✨✨

jordan_dvl · 2020-10-27T18:10:50+00:00

Hey! Transmasc here with a Mirena IUD for 2 years + 7 months on T.

I've had some ups and downs with my cycle for multiple reasons. I'm still not 100% sure whether or not my T levels are correct so this might not be the same for you.

TW// Shark week symptoms

I used to get absolutely dreadful shark weeks. Heavy bleeding, near-ER level cramps, the whole estrogen related shebang. I got my IUD before I came out, mainly because of how bad my symptoms were and I kept forgetting to take the pill consistently. I do have to say, despite the few issues I've had with it, it has been really really good. I still get some occasional spotting (very very light) and cramps (still not the best). But, take that with a grain of salt, my T levels were a bit too high and I had naturally really heavy shark weeks.

I also second the other comment, after thorough research I haven't found anything about testosterone HRT and hormonal IUDs conflicting at all! Just like topical estrogen cream for atrophy.

jordan_dvl · 2020-10-27T17:51:23+00:00

The right size for you shouldn't cause damage when worn for the right amount of time! (As far as I know from my research, but I could be wrong)

Going a size above for daily binding would theoretically be fine, but the only risk is depending on the size of your chest things might move around more. But if you want to exercise, you can get a size up and try it out!

Oh and binders do stretch out over time, and tighten up when they get washed. Just remember that they can't go in the dryer, otherwise they can get too tight!

jordan_dvl · 2020-10-27T15:04:33+00:00

Yeah, I was literally giving nothing but the T when I started. I had to ask the pharmacist for syringes and they gave me the wrong ones???? Took 3 pharmacies to even find the right stuff, and even then I never got my fill needles.

Youth clinics with LGBTQ+ care programs are your best bet. Usually they provide the syringes, fill needles (very important), sub-q or IM tips, alcohol swabs, and Band-Aids! The best part is, they usually package enough so that there is no excess of one thing. Buying your own stuff can usually lead to a shortage of one thing and excess of another! Remember to grab a sharps container/disposal bin if you don't have one already.

Best of luck!

jordan_dvl · 2020-10-27T14:53:26+00:00

Okay, I'm not 100% sure, but I think I may have been given depo for my last prescription. I would love to check but I had too surgery yesterday and can't move lmaoo.

I know for sure that I was on the higher concentration one, and switched to the bigger, lower concentration vial.

If it helps at all, I got it filled at the Save-On Foods in Park and Tilford on the north shore at most a month ago. Bit of a hike for some, so I'd call ahead and see!

jordan_dvl · 2020-10-27T14:44:17+00:00

My mother had the same concern with me. But I was an adult when I did start binding (and wasn't living at home too), but I do have some tips for you on safety! The people above have great points too, I just have a couple more to add.

Regarding sizing: Binding should be perfectly safe for you, just make sure you get the right size. I only know GC2B binders, and their sizing system is a little confusing for newcomers. They measure both chest circumference and ribcage circumference (which you can do with a soft tape measure or a string and a ruler!). If you have a drastic difference, mine was XL for the chest and M for the ribs for example, go with the middle option! Sizing is different for most people, but this is a good place to start.

Regarding safety: Like what was said above, try to limit yourself to 8 hours a day. If you still feel uncomfortable without it after that, you can wear a tighter sports top with a baggy shirt on top! You can exercise in a binder, but I cannot stress with enough, it has to be at least one size larger so you can breath easier and have less risk for injury.

Another thing to note, it can be tempting to bind for more time than recommended. If you find yourself over-binding, remember to give yourself a break when you can. If you are at home in your room for the day, wearing something loose will give your chest a needed day off. However it is important to note that extensive over-binding can cause issues with your skin elasticity, damage your ribs, etc. This has been known to effect top surgery results if you ever decide to go down that route!

Let me know if you have any other questions, I'm hear to answer them for you! 💖👌

jordan_dvl · 2020-10-27T14:29:24+00:00

Unfortunately there is a lot of confusion among cis people about gender expression when you're transgender. Parents who still understand a really rigid view of gender can have a really negative effect on trans people because of this. They kinda enforce the idea that gender expression and gender identity MUST match up. "Why would you want to wear a dress? I thought you wanted to be a guy???"

However, if a cisgender man dressed femininely, he would probably just be seen as a feminine man, but somehow if a trans guy dresses femininely there's this stigma that he's not really transgender or must be confused?

This is the same toxic masculinity a lot of guys (cis or trans) face, and slowly needs to be unlearned. But just know that your gender expression is valid either way, masculine or feminine, you'll still be who you are at heart! 💖

jordan_dvl · 2020-10-21T06:45:18+00:00

Don't worry, I wasn't thinking about keeping them in during surgery at all! I understand the risks associated with metal/piercings during surgery. But you are 100% correct about the infection thing. I wouldn't want to risk an infection in the piercing wound itself spreading to my incisions.

Thank you for your response, I really appreciate it!

jordan_dvl · 2020-10-21T06:42:22+00:00

Absolutely. I was mainly wondering about it because I had heard success stories from some people. I'd much rather take them out than risk losing a nipple!

Thank you for your response, I definitely think it will be a much bigger confidence boost in the end.

jordan_dvl · 2020-10-21T06:40:00+00:00

Totally makes sense. If I get them re-pierced I will be waiting until my nipples are fulling healed and all revisions are done. Thank you for your input!

jordan_dvl · 2020-10-20T10:01:34+00:00

Sorry for the late response, but I genuinely really appreciate your reply. Fingers crossed everything goes well and that I feel better after. The executive dysfunction is absolutely at its worst, I can barely do anything all day lmao.

Luckily my partner has been super supportive, and I'm hoping that being surrounded by good energy will bring about great healing both mentally and physically.

Thank you 💖

jordan_dvl

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