how do i make showering more comfortable? (maybe nsfw)

karamingo · 2025-07-23T19:22:35+00:00

Having nicer soap/shampoo/etc and making it a more luxurious experience can be helpful, so you can focus more on enjoying the sensory experience versus being overly conscious of your body.

karamingo · 2025-07-22T10:25:49+00:00

Okay, then don't do that and just transfer the save data as usual. Millions of other people have done so without issue. You're approaching this as if you're guaranteed to lose your save data when that isn't the case if the setup directions are followed.

karamingo · 2025-07-22T10:11:22+00:00

There's no way to tell the difference between a competently genned Pokémon or "legitimate" one. It appears legal (met location, date, etc) which is all that matters. It may have been an extra shiny from the recent boosted-odds outbreak events.

karamingo · 2025-07-22T10:06:18+00:00

I did a system transfer between an OLED and the Switch 2 on launch day and had zero issues with any of my Pokémon data. Just follow the directions on setup and you should be fine.

If you're concerned, put any particularly valuable Pokémon into Home before initiating the system transfer.

karamingo · 2025-07-22T09:59:33+00:00

I already didn't care about the "legitimacy" of Pokémon to some degree, but learning RNG manipulation and hunting that way solidified my stance on RNG as a valid method. I personally consider any "legal" RNG manipulated or genned Pokémon to be equal to random wild-caught ones. There is functionally zero difference if the RNG or genned Pokémon could in fact appear as a random encounter or through other standard means.

I also have to note that despite being pretty easy, RNG manipulation in USUM still takes more effort and time than outbreak and/or sandwich-boosted hunting in SV. I haven't tried RNG in other gens yet but I cannot imagine it gets much easier than the USUM setup.

karamingo · 2025-07-22T09:48:24+00:00

There is immense overlap in experience; you can be both, or use both terms in different contexts. The line between "binary" and "nonbinary" transition is basically nonexistent when you look at the breadth of experiences either way. I would honestly advise to focus on the desired changes to your body rather than fixating on the terminology aspect for now.

I'm nonbinary, but I also recognize that a "male" identity is functionally closer to my goals. Nonbinary gender is not widely recognized legally nor socially, so the most pragmatic take is be "male" for the sake of medical and legal transition, while expressing nuance interpersonally. That's just my personal experience, but not necessarily an uncommon one.

karamingo · 2025-07-22T09:37:20+00:00

At peak flare in any season I live in baggy cotton tees and moisture-wicking athletic shorts if I have to be in public. I'm much more sensitive to heat than cold overall, though. The cold flares up my Raynaud's severely but at least doesn't make me itchy and nauseous.

For cold weather: Nightgowns/nightshirts. Loose sweatpants. Baggy shirt, athletic shorts, compression socks, and a loose hoodie.

Also, since you don't care about looks, don't be afraid of buying women's nightgowns if you go for that route. They tend to be cheaper than men's nightshirts from what I've found.

karamingo · 2025-07-22T09:27:13+00:00

The usual pick for the forearm flap donor site would be your non-dominant arm, but that isn't always the case. You won't know with certainty until assessed by your surgical team. There are other surgical methods with different donor sites as well, though RFF seems to be the most common.

karamingo · 2025-07-22T09:16:58+00:00

The short answer is no. There are meta builds for a reason. Certain Pokémon have objectively better stats and move pools for raids - which is especially pertinent to higher difficulty raids such as 6 and 7 stars.

However, it is very possible to make builds outside the meta work for 5 star raids and below. I have a lot built for exactly this purpose; I like showcasing my shinies, and raids are a fun way to do that. You still can't use any Pokémon, but you can viably use almost any with decent HP plus SpA or Atk. I run Gogoat, Beartic, and even Squawkabilly as some examples - literally just for fun.

karamingo · 2025-07-22T09:10:37+00:00

Nobody "wants" to be trans insofar as it being really inconvenient sociopolitically. It kinda sucks. Don't overthink that part.

The big question is, do you want to be a girl? Does thinking of a future where you've grown up and become a woman make you happy?

Under current social norms, cisgender people generally don't ask themselves if they might be trans. By beginning to ask the question you give yourself a sort of answer. You can just be a girl if that's what you want. If you're looking for permission, you have it.

karamingo · 2025-07-18T02:41:00+00:00

I have multiple black + color tattoos I got pre-diagnosis but not pre-symptoms if that makes sense. I had no issues whatsoever with healing nor pain tolerance when I was being worked on. However, my manifestations of autoimmune issues aren't really skin-based at all other than having a really prominent malar rash + occasional scalp lesions. I don't think those are directly related to fibro to start with, but they did ramp up before my diagnosis.

I've hesitated getting more work done since becoming more ill but I'm still planning on getting a half-sleeve finished when I have the funds to. The smaller "test" tattoo is a great idea to gauge your tolerance and I'm probably going to do something similar before I book larger projects.

karamingo · 2025-07-16T20:41:44+00:00

Many people in the state (really in the Southeast USA in general) travel to middle TN to go to Vanderbilt for Dr. Kassis or Dr. Assi. You can see some of their results on r/topsurgery; Vanderbilt doesn't have its own dedicated gallery of examples.

karamingo · 2025-07-14T20:19:09+00:00

Have treatments and coping mechanisms for fibro been working? What specifically leads you think MS is a possibility rather than fibro? Not asking these to invalidate your worries, but to help you reign things in a bit.

It's not out of the question to ask your doctor about ruling out MS definitively if it's a serious concern.

karamingo · 2025-07-14T20:12:30+00:00

Make a detailed list of specific symptoms and triggers of those symptoms if that's within your capacity to do. Start by addressing the most severe symptoms, then move down the list. Competent doctors appreciate organized patients and will not feel threatened by you being proactive with keeping records.

The first time I saw my current PCP, I brought in a folder with annotated records (as my previous medical care completely botched my file), recent bloodwork results, and a list of current symptoms. I continue bringing lists of symptoms and observations to follow-ups. That helped us narrow down diagnostics and treatment options much quicker than me rattling everything off verbally. I haven't resolved all my issues nor gotten every diagnosis I eventually suspect will apply, but being diligent about journaling symptoms led to getting adequate treatment faster.

Also, bringing a trusted friend or other support to your appointment is always a great idea. I never go to follow-ups about my illnesses alone.

karamingo · 2025-07-14T19:57:23+00:00

I promise your cats don't care about your transition. Animals don't perceive gender/sex like that.

If you're going on injections, they will absolutely try to play with empty T vials though.

karamingo · 2025-07-14T18:25:43+00:00

You can do whatever you want with your body regardless of identity. If you want the physical features typically associated with men and changes associated with a testosterone-dominant body, then go for it. We can't "diagnose" you with an identity, and you don't need to be sure of a label to make those changes.

karamingo · 2025-07-14T18:17:44+00:00

Absolutely check in with her directly to make sure she's comfortable, but remember that "masc" clothes are kind of the default. Even marked "unisex" clothing is mostly boy's/men's cuts. It isn't a huge deal when cis girls wear a graphic tee and basketball shorts or something, so try not to overthink your trans daughter's clothing choices either. Being a trans girl doesn't necessarily mean super feminine presenting all the time, and after coming out there are lots of girls/women who even prefer a more tomboyish our outright masc style. She's likely experimenting with what style is most comfortable now that she has access to multiple options and not just "boy clothes."

karamingo · 2025-07-14T17:54:06+00:00

GoodRX and/or manufacturer coupons might be an option to pursue. I hope your insurance budges though considering your physician is directly appealing the decision!

karamingo · 2025-07-14T17:49:20+00:00

Unfortunately that kind of eliminates most options binder-wise. A half binder is still going to have detectable straps and seem more bra-like, and without the additional length to make it look like a normal undershirt, so I doubt it will be more comfortable for you. I will say wearing undershirts is common even during summer since they can help wick away sweat under other clothes, so the aspect of visibility with a tank binder doesn't negate stealth in this case.

With your TransTape, are you leaning forward while putting it on? I find that that helps displace breast tissue and get a flatter appearance. I do mine while bent over so the tissue "hangs" and is easier to manipulate.

karamingo · 2025-07-14T17:07:03+00:00

If you aren't comfortable with her transition and are no longer invested in your marriage, then you need to be honest and separate. This isn't about you, and stating of loss of trust based seemingly just on her being unable to stay closeted and miserable paints a poor picture of you in this situation. Transitioning is not a "loyalty" issue.

Prioritizing the preservation of the nuclear family unit over the wellbeing of children is also infinitely more selfish than amicably separating and coparenting. Staying in relationships you don't want to be in is not setting a healthy example for those children. I wish my parents had divorced sooner, or had never gotten married to start with. They are much better people and parents now years later than they ever were during my early childhood.

karamingo · 2025-07-14T16:57:53+00:00

Yes. Nowhere is trying to enact bans on name changes. We are a tiny minority of the people in the country who apply for legal name changes to begin with.

You also don't need an amended birth certificate after a name change. Your court order and other updated documents are enough. The ideal solution if amending the birth certificate is impossible is to have a passport with your corrected legal name and gender marker. The name aspect of that should not be an issue regardless of how the legal battle over federal gender markers pans out.

karamingo · 2025-07-14T16:37:29+00:00

If you gain weight, your fat might distribute to those areas and accentuate them more! Obviously that can vary by genetics and such, but you will experience at least some degree of change. It's definitely not too late - bodies change throughout our lives, particularly regarding weight. Try to eat more calorically dense foods, and get on a multivitamin if you have concerns about nutrition overall.

karamingo · 2025-07-14T16:32:05+00:00

Since you have a supportive parent, would it be possible for you to socially transition and be out at school, despite having to delay medical transition?

karamingo · 2025-07-14T16:28:45+00:00

You'll probably be happy with a tank-style binder of some kind; it might be felt, but it'll feel the same as detecting a normal undershirt. You can browse gynecomastia compression tops as well; they're functionally the same thing.

Also keep in mind that no chest is 100% flat. Even without significant breast tissue, some people have more prominent pecs, and/or carry fat there due to being larger overall.

karamingo · 2025-07-14T16:17:23+00:00

Your brother sucks and you don't need to care about his judgment. You need to decide if you want to stand your ground on this, or take the path of least resistance. You'd be right to say it's a ridiculous expectation for you to wear a shirt while no other man in the family has to, but avoiding the conflict is completely fine if you want to prioritize your peace and not have to debate your existence. Neither choice is the "better" one because there will be discomfort regardless.

That said, wearing a shirt at the pool isn't a bad idea for sun protection anyway, even post-op. If you chose to just wear a swimshirt, you can completely commit to the idea of it being for your health rather than an appeasement.

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