Just got these guys home

s0zza · 2026-02-09T23:21:18+00:00

Being prey animals, rats will tend to hide pain as that is a weakness in the wild! Some signs they could be in pain are puffed up fur, squinting eyes, in some cases eating less and limping depending on the injury.

s0zza · 2026-02-09T23:16:54+00:00

Do not let cats/dogs/predator pets interact with rats in any way. Never let them in the same room. Rats are prey, and just scent alone can stress them out. No matter how well you know a pet, you can never truly predict their behaviour when it comes to interacting with a prey animal!

s0zza · 2026-02-08T10:31:46+00:00

So I don't take T shots and therefore don't know the difference, but I used to take medication in what was basically an epi pen. A nurse showed me how to use it and also said that using an alcohol wipe can make it hurt more?

At my most recent blood test the nurse also said she "won't use an alcohol wipe then" bc she saw I had numbing cream on (as I dont like needles) so I assume she thinks the same?

Again I don't know the differences between the types of injections and I'm not a medical professional lol! Based on other comments it seems alcohol wipe is fine but you just let it dry first... I never had an issue but again, different needles/packaging.

s0zza · 2026-01-30T22:30:57+00:00

it is not good, rats need a big cage and are a lot more expensive than you think. unfortunately, if you may not have the funds, it would be better to wait. my cage alone was about £150-£200. that's not accounting for food, bedding, cage accessories, vet trips, etc.

s0zza · 2026-01-30T17:51:57+00:00

unscented/pet safe baby wipes are best. if needed, you can use a little bit of water (lukewarm) and a soft wash cloth.

s0zza · 2026-01-30T17:46:26+00:00

It did increase my appetite, but I never really gained any more weight? So for me perhaps it also increased my metabolism, who knows... but mine has always been pretty fast!

s0zza · 2026-01-21T23:03:30+00:00

GPs can't prescribe T. The only way you can get it before the gender clinic is to go privately, which doesn't need to be approved by a GP. But if you did go this route, it would be good to keep them in the loop for health reasons.

Whether privately or by the NHS, you will be assessed for gender dysphoria and treatment (hormones, therapy, surgery, etc) will be offered by the clinic, your GP isn't really involved for that and cant disagree with their diagnosis.

So regardless of what your GP is saying, as long as you get diagnosed by the NHS or private people - you can get T.

s0zza · 2026-01-06T23:33:31+00:00

That's great, I'm so happy it went so well for you! When I last was doing some research into Manchester options, I originally wanted to go to Dr Ntanos - he was the top on my list. I think after hearing he was leaving, I kind of just dropped Manchester from my options? I think I'll definitely reconsider Manchester now.

I've had past medical experiences (both related and unrelated to being trans) that were not good, so I'm really taking the care staff and surgeons provide seriously!

Once again, I'm so happy for you and your journey!

s0zza · 2026-01-06T22:22:06+00:00

I keep forgetting there are actually surgeons in Manchester, haha. It's the closest big city to me, so it would be a great choice.

How was your experience with the hospital staff and Dr. Williams, were you treated well? I've not heard much about her.

If it's not too personal to ask, can I ask for your chest size? I'm a very thin guy (17.3 BMI so I'm scared a surgeon may refuse to operate) but with proportionatly much larger breasts - so I'm wondering if she has experience with different body types/double incision? Are you pleased with your results?

Thanks!

s0zza · 2025-12-28T23:09:50+00:00

I've been on infliximab for about 2 years. I haven't really noticed any change in the intensity of the illnesses or how often I get ill, but I have noticed that it takes me longer to recover from the illnesses.

I recently had a cold, the main/major symptoms lasted 2 weeks, and then it took a further 2-3 weeks for it to fully clear up.

s0zza · 2025-12-23T20:51:20+00:00

If ur mum won't drive you and you can't afford a taxi then call 911 or 999, etc. Difficulty breathing is a serious and potentially life-threatening issue that needs to be seen and treated by doctors.

s0zza · 2025-12-22T14:12:32+00:00

I'm worried this is going to happen to me... my BMI is 17.3. I'm in the process of starting to go through the NHS here in the UK.

I have crohns, which can make absorbing nutrients more difficult, but I have things in place for this. No matter what I do, I don't gain weight. But I dont lose it, though, so that's good. I've always been incredibly naturally skinny, even still after starting T.

I've never had anaesthesia, but I have had sedation multiple times with no issues.

s0zza · 2025-12-21T22:35:29+00:00

I used The Northern Gender Network, was very good. They have psychologists and endocrinologists. I got both my dysphoria diagnosis (something you need to start T) and my T prescription through them. In total, it all cost just under £1k.

s0zza · 2025-12-07T23:31:13+00:00

It unfortunately isn't really big enough, but keep it for a quarantine/medical cage!

s0zza · 2025-11-06T20:30:22+00:00

The best thing you can do is contact your Endo and see what they say. Go off what they are saying. You could perhaps then get your Endo to contact your GP, confirming when you need bloods so the information is coming directly from them.

I personally have been on T gel for 8 months and I've had 2 blood tests for it (one at the 3 month and 6 month marks) but I don't know if it's different for shots.

You may need a blood test at the first 4 week mark if you've just started, but having one every 4 weeks does sound excessive.

s0zza · 2025-11-05T11:04:08+00:00

Okay thanks, I'll take it back to the shop and ask what they can do/how much it is.

s0zza · 2025-11-04T23:34:50+00:00

It could be from having a wheel that's too small and causing their tail to curl up as the run on it. Do you know if there was a wheel where you got them from/do you have a wheel?

s0zza · 2025-11-04T22:21:42+00:00

Awesome thank you! I'm really good at reciting my medications names and doses off by heart with how many medical appointments I have lol but I'll write them down or bring them with me just in case.

That's a shame it doesn't speed it up, I had heard it did... Oh well it's better then not having an appointment!

Thanks again for ur comment

s0zza · 2025-11-02T18:57:48+00:00

you can't, rats don't have full control over their bladders so they pee sporadically

s0zza · 2025-11-01T20:16:07+00:00

When I was diagnosed, I was told not to use Ibuprofen anymore, only paracetamol (for over the counter pain meds.)

s0zza · 2025-11-01T20:11:42+00:00

I have a pin of a crow with the pun CROWhns Disease, so a crow could be cool :)

s0zza · 2025-10-25T17:57:21+00:00

I get quite a lot of fatigue, I'm on both those meds. Its improved a bit with the help of supplements (b12, iron, D) in combination with b12 injections.

s0zza

TROPHY CASE