If possible, I would definitely recommend transdermal patches! I'll be super honest, injections aren't for everyone. My previous self had done IM injections when I was into bodybuilding, and it slowly became a huge stressor for me. I dreaded it every time I had to do it- beyond just the physical prepping, there was the mental aspect which got so much worse after a bad pin- nothing crazy, just nicked a nerve and my quad muscles spasmed like crazy. All that said, I do believe that sub-q injections would be way less stressful and a bit more convenient. I think it just comes down to how you feel about needles (which you can mentally train yourself to get more accustomed to) and how prone you are to trauma/PTSD (bad pin or injection site issues). As with most things, it all gets easier over time.

I never thought about botox to assist with muscle atrophy/shrinkage! It's not something I'd feel comfortable pursuing (as I can't even figure out navigating FFS), but I would say my muscle definition is a large contributor to my dysphoria... curse my bodybuilding pursuit to try to feel better about a body that never felt right 😭

Also super interesting to read that they believe laser hair removal is permanent! I love reading that and do follow their reasoning, but it almost sounds too good to be true.

It stimulates my brain, and I enjoy the randomness of it all. It's like how in nature things can be perfectly imperfect - random and still beautiful - unintentional and still emotion-inducing. Sure, I see the ethical issues with how an AI is trained and how capitalism cares more about profit than people leading to job loss or exploitation; however, those are separate issues in my mind, and I can still find joy in the random output of an AI. I could easily tunnel on the bad parts of AI and what's happening as the world devours a new technology, but I still see benefits it can bring in the medical research and engineering fields.

This broke me for a few weeks after my last session 😭Dysphoria was already bad that week. Technician and I decided to increase the strength of the laser - previous sessions maybe a pain level of 4, but the last one was like a 7. Face was so swollen and irritated... I didn't leave my place for over a week until everything calmed down and I was able to trim/shave. I hope your face and skin heals soon and those remaining hairs disappear 🩷

You'll find that in queer culture, there's not just top/bottom but a wide spectrum to define or describe preferences; I'm sure this all also applies to the BDSM world as well. There's a variety of tops and bottoms and preferences like Bambi lesbians who don't want sexual dynamics beyond cuddling and kissing.

It's still in Closed Beta, but they've been sending out waves of invites, so if you sign up you may get one!

After an incredibly emotional and difficult couple weeks, this week was a relief. I was invited to a girl's night with pumpkin painting and nostalgic Halloween movies (Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, etc). Just soooo thankful to have some super supportive women in my life 🥹. I've started to feel oddly lonely around my normal friend group - queer men who are very supportive and who I love, but idk... there's just been this growing disconnect inside me lately. The way they talk, try to comfort, connect... I've been feeling guilty about it, but I feel worse ignoring my feelings and trying to force myself to be somewhere I don't want to be. Like, how does the girl at the coffee shop I visit throughout the week know exactly how to comfort me, pick me up, include me, and make me feel seen, but my long-time friends don't 😭

Oh! I've also been playing Infinity Nikki and losing it over how cute and cozy the story, world, and clothes are! Suuuper recommend it!!

The combination might not be causing nausea, but nausea is a potential side effect with Lamotrigine. When I was being treated for Bipolar Disorder, I had to switch mood stabilizers due to random vertigo spells. I hope it's something else if you've been feeling stable (mentally) with your current prescriptions since changing psych medications is a huge pain!

I'm a little over 6 months on hrt and haven't noticed any appetite changes. I've actually been eating far less and more sporadically. I was eating for performance reasons pre-transition, so I'd say I'm eating more normally. How are you receiving/dosing your estrogen? I use patches, but I could see fluctuating hormones from injections/pills affecting appetite.

I hope your appointment goes well! If things don't click, I suuuper recommend Folx Health. It's an online doctor service, and you never have to do anything in person outside the blood work. They made the process so easy- one appointment over video chat, and then boom, pharmacy had my hrt the same day. Good luck!!

I still really enjoy Phasmophobia and all the games which came out after that have similar mechanics/gameplay. The Dark Pictures games are all really great experiences. There's also indie games like Little Nightmares and Dredge! Alan Wake, Outlast, Still Wakes the Deep... Honestly there's been so many amazing ones which have come out. For days/nights where you want a lighter experience, the Observation Duty type games can be fun!

Last time I had my eye appointment I asked for both prescriptions (since I guess they are different sometimes). Got a 3 month supply of contacts since I only use them when I go out and maybe go out 3 days a week, and some nice prescription glasses online. Now the real thing I'm after... Lasik. I had transitions for a year or two, but got so tired of wearing them when I was out for the day with friends- walk outside, fine, go in a shop...dark. By the time we're done in the shop they've just started to fade, then back outside and it's too bright... repeat 😵‍💫 I even paid for the 'quick' transitions.