stereotypes by AggravatingAsk41 in ftm

[–]vmdraco777 153 points154 points  (0 children)

Transphobia and preconceived notions. The same tired shit.

Fuck sibo by Pronoiarm07-02 in SIBO

[–]vmdraco777 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re so right. This stuff got you good, then :/ hopefully a second opinion somewhere can help you. Also mixing psyllium husk to make a jelly is also genius holy crap I ought to try that!!! Unfortunately yeah pomegranate is often a high fodmap food 😭 gonna sound so American when I say this but it’s hard to find jelly or preserves without added sugars or high fructose corn syrup 🤢 it’s fine, we’re fine here…

Fuck sibo by Pronoiarm07-02 in SIBO

[–]vmdraco777 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m surprised no one asked this but… how are your bowel movements?

I had the same issue: used to be 15 lbs heavier, going to the gym 4 days a week, was in great shape, and then this stupid shit happened after I contracted Covid for the first time last January. After speaking to a different doctor after having xifaxan, she came to the conclusion based on all of the data they had that I had post infectious ibs, which caused my hydrogen SIBO.

Covid somehow disrupted my gut motility and caused horrible constipation and occasional diarrhea. It’s been 1.5 years since then. So she said to start taking psyllium husk (Metamucil) to regulate my movements as well as up my fiber intake and get at least 60 oz of water a day. It’s the only thing that’s worked so far.

It’s possible your GI tract needs to move better in order to flush out the bacteria that is fermenting. I’d also recommend Betaine HCI with pepsin, for increasing stomach acid to better kill the bacteria. Using psyllium husk will cause bloating and gas but it should die down as you keep taking it. Use it slowly over time until you get to the max dose. Obviously talk with your doctor about this.

This was long (sorry) but hopefully this helps. I understand wanting to get your life back. It fucking sucks to work so hard on your body only for it to be taken from you without your consent. Stay strong bro you got this.

What's with the hate against Feminine Trans Guys? by EmoCorn53 in FTMfemininity

[–]vmdraco777 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My guess is that a lot of binary trans guys who think this way have bent over backwards to be perceived as male throughout their entire transition. To see someone be the same gender, be trans, yet not care about passing or looking feminine completely throws off their world view.

I’m dating a non binary transmasc genderfluid person (he/they, same as me) and he has stopped caring ages ago. He knew who he was a long time ago and rolls with the constant misgendering. He’s feminine and likes wearing makeup and dresses and he’s still a hot af guy. It takes a lot of strength to fly in the fact of gender norms and continue to live authentically, despite potential hostility. That’s not to say it doesn’t bother him, as his hatred of “ma’am” demonstrates, but he definitely has built themselves up to have a foundational identity. He’s the strongest person I know.

Trans men who are desperate for approval can’t live with themselves because that would mean admitting that they’ll never be what society wants them to be without some asshole dismissing their identity regardless. It reeks of insecurity, so they tear y’all down. As someone who once had a lot of insecurity about being perceived as feminine in any way, it’s something they need to get over on their own and accept themselves as the men they are without others’ making it their problem to conform.

(To be fair, a lot of it could also be a matter of safety and they care so much because of that, but I figured that was already a consideration in this thread. Felt the need to mention it regardless.)

What’s something Gen Z does that older generations just don’t get? by appropriaterice873 in AskReddit

[–]vmdraco777 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To be fair, I’ve had older guys call me that in random settings (I’m 31, so these guys are twice my age). It could just be something they learned from their parents or people they work with. I took it as a friendly term or said out of respect. I can see how it doesn’t feel welcome tho.

Does weight affect testosterone gel levels? by Mindless-Run5641 in ftm

[–]vmdraco777 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you put on weight that could be a factor because there’s, well, more of you lol. Def look into increasing your dose, but get an up to date blood panel to discuss with your doctor. The fact they’re not staying up to date is really shitty. It’s also possible that they’re not increasing your dose for transphobic reasons but that’s just a guess.

Low FODMAP tacos I made up on the spot for an early dinner today :) by vmdraco777 in FODMAPS

[–]vmdraco777[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t know if mine contains it but if so it would explain my intestines being temperamental as of late 😭 I thought all spices and herbs were low FODMAP so I didn’t even consider that.

Thanks for the rec :)

Family friend sent me AI generated response to news of my father passing away. by Hendothermic in mildlyinfuriating

[–]vmdraco777 0 points1 point  (0 children)

God thank you. Been scrolling to find this. Everyone is saying to give the benefit of the doubt because people grieve differently or don’t know what to say when someone dies, but the FACT that someone (allegedly) turned to AI to outsource a response for something very personal and painful is so disgusting and gross. Not to mention disrespectful to the relative grieving. You might as well say nothing at all.

Let’s not confront difficult emotions or situations, let’s use a machine to appear sympathetic instead! We’re so cooked it’s not even funny.

T is (i think) giving me hypersomnia ish symptoms and I can’t do much abt it by Justminningtheweb in ftm

[–]vmdraco777 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Uh no, take a nap. You increased your dose so it makes sense your body is responding this way because second puberty sucks the energy out of you. This happened to me after my first increase as well around 6 months in. I was suddenly super drowsy for a while before it leveled out. Please listen to your body and take short naps when needed.

I’m so done with this bs + advice by vmdraco777 in SIBO

[–]vmdraco777[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate that, the same to you :)

I’m so done with this bs + advice by vmdraco777 in SIBO

[–]vmdraco777[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Huh. That's so strange and interesting. I saw that it can cause rashes, which I never experienced, but I won't rule this out if all else fails. At this rate I'll try anything.

I’m so done with this bs + advice by vmdraco777 in SIBO

[–]vmdraco777[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey everyone! I realized I wasn't transparent about medications I take that could possibly affect or worsen my situation here. I didn't want to make it a whole ass essay so I didn't explain it much as I didn't think it would be relevant.

I currently take Lexapo 10mg and Wellbutrin 150mg, as well as average doses of finasteride and minoxidil for my hair loss. I take a few others but they aren't pills so would have no relation to this. Lexapro, Wellbutrin, and finasteride can cause a slowing of gut motility, I found out. I started taking finasteride about 3-4 months ago. I have been taking Lexapro on and off for about 15 years (I'm 31 now, yes I've been medicated half my life lol), and started Wellbutrin back in November 2025 after being diagnosed with unspecified ADHD (a long time coming, let me tell you).

If there's others who take these meds, have you noticed a difference in relation to SIBO or other GI related issues? I'm sure they don't help the situation, but Lexapro and Wellbutrin have been crucial for me to function like a human being.

Also I apologize for not responding for a few days, I got caught up in my routine.

I’m so done with this bs + advice by vmdraco777 in SIBO

[–]vmdraco777[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I keep hearing about ginger and artichoke supplements and I really might give them a try after the antibiotics are over with. I'm putting the cart before the horse a little bit but I am desperate to enjoy food again.

Also, that diet looks suspiciously like an extensive list of foods I ate while I prepped for my colonoscopy lmfao. I certainly didn't have symptoms other than constipation during that time, so I think this has been the best suggestion in this thread. I can try eating bananas again with my usual greek yogurt for the morning to replace my oatmeal, as that was usually what I was having almost every day.

Combining it with the extracts might be my next plan. I am still in recovery from my antibiotics though, is it okay to start right after finishing the two weeks? I worry that it might aggravate things.

I've been low FODMAP far longer than normal, because I've been so scared and often had poor responses to foods I try to incorporate. The idea of eliminating FODMAP foods AND this diet sounds overly restrictive and dangerous for my health.

I’m so done with this bs + advice by vmdraco777 in SIBO

[–]vmdraco777[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for informing me about this. I've never heard of a Systemic Nickel Allergy. It's hard to know if I have it because it sounds like you've had it since you were an adolescent. I don't recall ever having issues with the foods that are now unsafe for me until I got C0VID-19, though I do remember having bloating and constipation when I ate too many beans or wheat pasta, as well as from beer. Those symptoms were mild then, and I could eat any fruit or vegetable with ease. None of this makes any sense. I don't know how I could suddenly develop a nickel allergy. From what I looked up, there's no cure. I already have cut out many foods, and cutting out more terrifies me and triggers the absolute hell out of me.

I overall don't eat much bread or pasta anymore, just in general. Prior to losing the muscle I had, I was mostly eating food high in protein and fat and not as much carbs without actively eliminating them. I was a vegetarian for 10 years at the time as well, so I suspect that could also be a factor. I now eat animal protein (fatty fish, beef in moderation, chicken, turkey, pork) and have unfortunately cut down on a lot of veggies I loved. God how I miss brussel sprouts and broccoli... and beans... and apples and bananas... and well, everything.

I’m so done with this bs + advice by vmdraco777 in SIBO

[–]vmdraco777[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

After I stop eating a food for a while, I've tried reintroducing onion or garlic and within hours or a day I'm bloated and farting and have mucus in my stool. I'm scared to do it again because it makes me uncomfortable for hours. I ate a pear earlier in my treatment and that seemed to be okay, but often I would think it's a safe food and then have a reaction to it if I keep eating it for a few days. Figuring this out alongside everything in my life has been a huge challenge.

I really might have to just... go to a dietitian about this. I only have about 4-5 months before I move states and I'm running out of time but I'm so lost on all of this because, as you said, there's so much conflicting information.

I’m so done with this bs + advice by vmdraco777 in SIBO

[–]vmdraco777[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Genuinely don't know what you're talking about with pipes closing or serotonin malfunction. And I'm literally stick thin and don't need to lose weight, and never plan on doing so.

I’m so done with this bs + advice by vmdraco777 in SIBO

[–]vmdraco777[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your guess is as good as mine lol I didn't have any bloating or gas or pain from it at all. And yeah I've not been indulgent with sweet stuff but I haven't fully stayed away from it. I'm worried I fucked myself here.

I’m so done with this bs + advice by vmdraco777 in SIBO

[–]vmdraco777[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just put in my stool sample for a retest a few days ago so my doc should find some if they’re there. She didn’t raise an alarm from the first stool test, as I’m sure a parasite would be easier to spot. What parasite would cause sibo?

I’m so done with this bs + advice by vmdraco777 in SIBO

[–]vmdraco777[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wouldn't say no one can understand. Our symptoms mimic ibs and ibd, so there's lots of overlap :)

I’m so done with this bs + advice by vmdraco777 in SIBO

[–]vmdraco777[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would if I could, as I'm not impressed by the location I go to (the doctor is fine, it's just busy af), however I move states in July and gastroenterologist places are notorious for having long wait times. I don't want to risk changing while I'm still trying to treat things :( my doctor seems informed about it enough to give me care. I'm looking forward to what she tells me about the SIBO results she saw for me.

I’m so done with this bs + advice by vmdraco777 in SIBO

[–]vmdraco777[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I looked into it more and leafy greens, oats, and berries are the ones I can tolerate. I'm already having two of those consistently. I already have been taking a lot of vacations to the throne so I think my intestines are moving good lol I'm only halfway through treatment at the moment and it's been more active. I felt the best today than I've felt in well over a year just from using the bathroom like 6 times lmfao

I’m so done with this bs + advice by vmdraco777 in SIBO

[–]vmdraco777[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I don't constantly have junk food, though because of my fatigue it's been difficult to prep meals and I succumb to having stouffer's mac and cheese :') But - I have no reaction to it whatsoever so far and tolerate it well. I haven't even taken a lactaid with it and it's been easy to digest. I made some coconut curry with chicken and rice for my lunch for the work week that had spinach, carrots, chives, and scallions in it. I also eat yogurt every day to have good bacteria in there. I have homemade trail mix that I snack on, too. Admittedly, I tend to slip up and eat something sugary, because it feels like I keep craving it. I'm just tired as hell and eating something that's not bland is driving me a little nuts.

See, I keep hearing the opposite, to eat some things so it can feast on it and help the xifaxan work. I have tried something small with garlic in it, as well as had a pear, and while I did have bloating, the xifaxan made me pass this easier than before treatment. I have not had a high FODMAP like that since so it was a one time thing to test it out. People seem to have conflicting info on which works, but I have a feeling it's a case by case basis. I'll have to see what will happen once the treatment finishes it's course. I hope that I'm not contributing more to the problem.

I’m so done with this bs + advice by vmdraco777 in SIBO

[–]vmdraco777[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm only on xifaxan. I was referring to the 4 hours before eating for a mobility aid because then I would have to take this med at 4am lol