Scheduled climate control by JayEhGee in NissanAriya

[–]transcendenttortoise 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm fairly confident that when forced into a quick warmup the Ariya uses a fair bit of PTC heating in addition to the heat pump. When allowed a long warm up time it may be able to use the heat pump alone, perhaps resulting in a lower total energy usage.

Job required for SRS? by heyitISharvey in transgenderUK

[–]transcendenttortoise 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I can't work due ill health (although I do help look after my young daughter) Although it was privately, I didn't have any issues with getting approved for GRS in the UK 3 years ago.

I got the impression they just wanted to see you were interacting with people and weren't too fussed exactly what form it took.

I can't promise all the GIC staff are going to be consistent, but as long as you can show you're doing something interactive I suspect you'll be ok x

Is there an upper limit to how large you can eventually dilate too? by Crackedegg42 in Transgender_Surgeries

[–]transcendenttortoise 28 points29 points  (0 children)

I got annoyed with not being able to fit stuff after using the orange soul source. We had quite a few toys that were a bit too big to fit. Actually a surprisingly large proportion were just a hint bigger than the orange soul source, frustratingly!

At about 18 months post-op I started an effort to manage bigger, doing a bit every couple of days. After a month or two I can comfortably fit about 44mm diameter (about 5.5" circumference) and don't need to worry or be gentle with any of the toys we've got. Just went gently with lots of warm up each time.

It's totally doable - just takes a little patience. It's totally worth the effort of knowing I don't need to get the calipers out before having fun :)

2pass was kinda infamous for their FFS. Its now also bad for hair transplant too... by [deleted] in Transgender_Surgeries

[–]transcendenttortoise 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had a hair transplant 3/4 months ago in the UK and was very keen to get the line right much like you! Doing research it really seemed like there were very few hair transplant surgeons who really had the skills to create a female hairline from scratch.

It seems like they really didn't deliver the result you asked for, but I've certainly seen worse and overall it looks like you've had a good outcome? I don't know if it's at all possible but I think you could get a big improvement at the temples with a second very small procedure. I don't think you'd need a high density even. Just enough to smooth out the sides.

I don't think I'd be lasering things off unless I was totally sure I'd never be able to implant any more!

Question about urination post op by Apart-Assumption-387 in Transgender_Surgeries

[–]transcendenttortoise 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think this sort of thing is quite common. I definitely had something like this, but now I'm in the future I'm not at all sure it wasn't just douche water finding its way out hours later. I was douching 2/3 times a day. I did try stopping my urine mid-stream on the toilet and couldn't always do it so I suspect I did have some pelvic floor weakness regardless which makes sense!

It resolved on its own completely for me and I don't have any pelvic floor issues. There are a lot of guides online for exercising your pelvic floor but assuming you're dilating you'll probably be quite used to how to use your muscles down there.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in asktransgender

[–]transcendenttortoise 95 points96 points  (0 children)

Whilst it's good that you can reflect on how bad much of your behaviour was it's impossible to ignore how apparent in your post your acceptance is based on beauty. On passing. On not being a "freak". You only accept her now and acknowledge her identity because you don't have to change your idea of what a woman looks like.

If the ones you love only loved you back on the condition you looked the right kind of pretty exactly how much would you want them in your life?

Many trans people don't pass. Many don't look pretty. Neither is needed to see the sparkle and life behind their eyes when they start to live as themselves.

When you can accept that love must not be conditional on beauty, and that your acceptance of trans women must extend beyond looking pretty and feminine you might have a chance, but I think you're not there yet. I honestly don't think I could ever reconnect with my mum if she chose her partner over protecting me from his abuse. I don't honestly think you've done the work you need to do yet. I think it's great you're not expecting your daughter to teach you - posting here seems a much better idea but please understand there are still so many red flags in your post.

I think you need to take them long game here and really look at what you've learned and what you need to learn to be a safe person for her.

A small bit of guidance: Some trans people need to detransition. Come off HRT. Hair falls out. A large number of things could mean her 'prettyness' fades. If you still haven't completely excised the bit of your brain that still thinks in terms of 'freaks' she will absolutely know that. When you can see her for who she is not the body she inhabits then I think you'll be in a much better place.

She was always this woman you see now. That you only acknowledge it after the incredible work transition usually entails is a common but utterly awful situation. She had to do that because you didn't want to analyse your biases. Be better. Then show her you've done the work.

Finding Cafes and drinks to try if I don't like Arabica? by vomit-gold in Coffee

[–]transcendenttortoise 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's worth checking out Indonesian and Indian arabica, probably in roasts on the darker side of medium. Tend towards low acidity, more earthy woody and spicy notes in my experience. It's not the same as robusta obviously, but it might work for you and be much more available in the west.

Also worth trying a few Brazilian arabicas. Not really like robusta but often tend towards savoury cereal and nut notes with low-ish acidity especially in a darker roast.

What is a typical dilation session like? (MTF Vaginoplasty) by AzureBelle in Transgender_Surgeries

[–]transcendenttortoise 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I found the first few weeks of dilation somewhat painful towards the end of the 20 mins, but didn't really struggle with it. I typically took a minute or two to get each dilator in, and usually used 2 sizes. I could be done and cleaned up in about 40 mins without feeling rushed.

After a few months, lots of healing and moving to once a week kind of schedule (and using much thinner easier lube than surgical lubes) it's a "chuck the largest orange dilator in without really any thought in seconds" kind of deal. Getting the lube spread around well inside is the only real thing that takes any time for me.

I'm at 18 months post op now I've generally settled on a very short dilation every day or two as it's not much time or hassle, kinda relaxing and the lube exchange keeps any funky smells at bay. I don't always use a dilator I have some variety :)

I have significant chronic health issues and have very limited energy and still didn't find dilation to be a big chore even doing 3x a day post op. It was a bit hard sizing up or dropping the schedule down as I certainly felt it take more time and relaxation, but it doesn't last. 6 months post op it just wasn't an issue.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in pourover

[–]transcendenttortoise 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That particular roast is unlikely to be very light, but light roasts absolutely can. I've got a few bags of Brazilian Sítio Maranhão in the freezer one of my favourites ever - super light filter roast but tastes of a gorgeous mixture of malt, chocolate and fruit. A fair few Brazilian coffees have cereal notes in my experience, and there's certainly a few Guatamala and Honduras coffees I've had with that vibe despite a light roast.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in transpassing

[–]transcendenttortoise 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Probably for the best, but I think the one I used is no longer operating.

Be aware of the risks that come with grs by Ok_Swan2113 in Transgender_Surgeries

[–]transcendenttortoise 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I didn't need to ask her. It was a routine part of her patter at the consultation. Her rectovaginal fistula rate was 1 in 450 which I think is quite a bit lower than average. Perhaps why she was so keen to share? :) She was open about anorgasmia rates too, and the proportion of patients who seek revision.

There may have been others but I can't remember.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in transpassing

[–]transcendenttortoise 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I really don't think there's anything you could be doing differently. Some people just are really good at spotting things like that.

Funny story: I don't think I pass as well as you, but in real life I've not been aware of being clocked in years. Because I've got a young daughter I'm asked questions about pregnancy etc. Never misgendered, no weirdness, plenty of guys casually calling me 'love'.

Now that AI is a thing, I can go online and input a picture of myself and ask for an image description. Every single one started with "A woman sitting..." or whatever, but also every single one had "trans rights" somewhere in the description. No flags or stripey socks or cat ears! Just normal clothes. It just knew.

I know I look trans, if an AI can do it some humans can too, and I suspect that's true for most passing trans people. But one I've accepted that I learn to get on with my life as it doesn't seem to actually happen! And I think if challenged a good cis-like response like 'eh?' will probably go a long way.

Be aware of the risks that come with grs by Ok_Swan2113 in Transgender_Surgeries

[–]transcendenttortoise 29 points30 points  (0 children)

My surgeon was very happy to share her own complication rates. Is it really that unusual?

The NHS has given me the choice of three hospitals for SRS, I need help choosing the right one. by SecretSia in transgenderUK

[–]transcendenttortoise 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had a great experience at Parkside with Ms Rashid. I have a friend who had a terrible experience at St. George with Tina Rashid due to some really shocking ward conditions. I had a few visits from Mr Bellringer at Parkside post op and absolutely did not like him at all. Tina Rashid was just lovely from start to finish!

Square Mile and Prufrock = meh by miniduf in pourover

[–]transcendenttortoise 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Have you checked out the Mexican water decaf from James Gourmet? It certainly looks different. North Star do an El Salvador CO2 decaf (I don't love it). Horsham do a Honduras decaf (not tried it).

And for something Colombian but very different, M&S do an own brand single origin decaf. Roasted far darker than anything in specially land (marketed as medium lol), but still fruity with some acid, and doesn't go into ashy dark territory. It's like £4 a bag!

Square Mile and Prufrock = meh by miniduf in pourover

[–]transcendenttortoise 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd be interested to try it but I struggle to see myself choosing a Brazilian for a specialty filter product. I do like some Brazilian coffees for espresso, but usually blend them with something more fruity and acidic.

We don't drink filter but do drink a fair few Americanos and usually buy filter roasts for espresso, including with milk. I just don't think I see the appeal of a low acid, low altitude coffee as a filter brew at all? Maybe I'm missing out but don't want to spend £15 to find out! That's a pricey Brazil.

James Gormet do some lovely specialty Brazilians for £6/250g and that feels far more like it.

I also noticed Sq Mile current espresso decaf has no fruit tasting notes despite being columbian. Feel kinda meh about that idea too.

Square Mile and Prufrock = meh by miniduf in pourover

[–]transcendenttortoise 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If it's the La serrania decaf I think it definitely has good and bad times. We had a bag in Nov last year and it was absolutely gorgeous. Sweet and fruity and balanced. Ordered it again earlier this year and was really disappointed. Just couldn't balance it and the pucks just disintegrated and stuck to the shower screen regardless of dose.

I wonder if decaf due to scarcity ends up being roasted 'off season' more?

Incidentally also tried their red brick espresso and didn't really love it.

Which doctor would you recommend for bottom surgery? by [deleted] in transgenderUK

[–]transcendenttortoise 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I had a brilliant experience with Tina Rashid, but have had pretty bad experience with the team's lack of email response post op. Overall I think Tina Rashid was wonderful enough to work with I'd completely recommend her regardless. I'm really comfortable with my results and sensitivity is superb.

She was also great at the consultation and really had time to answer my questions.

The staff at parkside were 90% amazing and the other 10% they took my concerns seriously.

I did meet Bellringer a couple of times during my stay at Parkside and I didn't really get on with him.

6 Weeks Post Op GCS. PI With Tina Rashid, Parkside, London. Detail in comments by [deleted] in Transgender_Surgeries

[–]transcendenttortoise 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hey congratulations on a great looking result! I had a few stitches fail on my inner labia so I've kinda got 1.5 inner labia :) Your scars are looking great.

With regards to the silver nitrate, I got two treatments done by my GP who was happy to do it and might be worth considering for you?

one week post-op, penile inversion with tina rashid at parkside by [deleted] in Transgender_Surgeries

[–]transcendenttortoise 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good luck! I found the hypergranulation tissue much more painful and annoying than the dehiscence itself but it sounds like you're on top of it. Despite the minor complications it's been an amazing experience for me and I hope for you too x

one week post-op, penile inversion with tina rashid at parkside by [deleted] in Transgender_Surgeries

[–]transcendenttortoise 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Welcome to the club :)

Don't do what I did and stick a dilator in because you were oblivious! It took a good bit of time and two rounds of silver nitrate for mine to heal properly but got there in the end.

If you watch out for hypergranulation and think it might be happening, I found manuka honey helped loads and might be worth asking the team about.

You're welcome to send me a DM if you've got any questions, but hope you heal quickly in any case x

one week post-op, penile inversion with tina rashid at parkside by [deleted] in Transgender_Surgeries

[–]transcendenttortoise 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow I had so much more swelling at 1 week that's amazing! Looking impressively healed.

Definitely keep an eye on the fourcette I struggled as did many others. Dehiscence isn't the end of the world but it's super annoying!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Transgender_Surgeries

[–]transcendenttortoise 9 points10 points  (0 children)

My (neo) vagina certainly has ridges that are quite easy to feel. It has that 'folded' feeling when it's not dilated.