Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Topic started by: Gracie Faise on June 03, 2008, 02:13:16 AM

Title: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Gracie Faise on June 03, 2008, 02:13:16 AM
Dude ive gotten so weak!

I used to be able to open bottles no-problem, but ever since I started taking estrogen (which decreases your muscle mass) I reeeaaalllly have to struggle to get open a gatorade bottle.

Sooner or later I'm going to have to start asking my little brother to open it x"P

I know this was sposta happen but I don't know how bad this muscle mass decrease is gunna get. And if it does I hope it slims down my left arm, lol.
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Wing Walker on June 03, 2008, 02:30:05 AM
Quote from: Gracie FAISE on June 03, 2008, 02:13:16 AM
Dude ive gotten so weak!

I used to be able to open bottles no-problem, but ever since I started taking estrogen (which decreases your muscle mass) I reeeaaalllly have to struggle to get open a gatorade bottle.

Sooner or later I'm going to have to start asking my little brother to open it x"P

I know this was sposta happen but I don't know how bad this muscle mass decrease is gunna get. And if it does I hope it slims down my left arm, lol.

Hi, Gracie,

I know that estrogen decreases muscle mass but it sounds to me that it's too much too soon.  May I ask how long you have been on estrogen?  I trust that your HRT is supervised by a doctor.  Are you eating well?  Sometimes in our desire meet our own expectations of a female appearance we let dieting take precedence over eating properly.

Just some thoughts, maybe right, maybe not.

Wing Walker
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Gracie Faise on June 03, 2008, 02:37:13 AM
ive been taking on for 2 and a half months

totally supervised by a doc

and I don't diet at all :"0 I ate a whole pizza last night, matter-o-fact
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: cindybc on June 03, 2008, 03:45:06 AM
I been 8 years full time and on HRT for that same period of time. I know I lost quite a lot of muscle mass but I was also anorexic for some years before I started on HRT. My normal weight should be around 125 lbs I was weighing at 85lbs when I first met Wing Walker, and when she saw me in person for the first time i remember her referring me as being skinny as 6 o'clock. I went on a protein drink supplement and began to eat some better and gained weight but the muscle loss was permanent. That's ok though I have Wing Walker to open jars and whatever other containers for me. Of course in return I give her lots of hugs during the day, actually just about any time I feel the notion to do so through the day, you see, she's my hero.  ;D

I like being small, actually I am shorter then most women here. ;D

Cindy
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: offthesidewalk on June 03, 2008, 04:20:08 AM
O.O ... what if you have almost no mucsles? i can't afford to get any skinnyer- wouldn't be healthy. LOL.
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: cindybc on June 03, 2008, 04:38:51 AM
Hi Eloise, hon, you are smart, losing muscle tone through not eating (anorexia) is not the way to have a feminine appearance.  When I started my transition I hated myself, who I was and what i looked like, and I was so eager to change it quickly that I became anorexic.  I lost weigh and bottomed-out at 85 pounds. 

Starvation is not the way to get to where you want to be.  Let the estrogen do its work.  It may well sharpen your appetite because all of those feminine curves are made of *something!*

When you don't feed your body it does lose fat but when the fat is gone it then attacks muscle fibers and the woman you were working to be will look like a survivor.

Cindy
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: offthesidewalk on June 03, 2008, 04:58:18 AM
awh... *huggles* Cindy. no, i know- being thin comes a long way from my dad's side of the family... that, and i also didn't do sports during school, is why i don't have bulky muscles. (except a bit from the time i was on crutches. LOL)
and don't worry, I'm eating quite healthy plus taking vitamins. I have to, because of my low blood pressure etc. I'm walking alot every day (not jogging), i i get my exercise also.

I'm not putting my health at risk- as far as I'm concerned.

thanks for worrying Cindy. Hehe.
*huggles*
*huggles*
*huggles*
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Rachael on June 03, 2008, 05:15:52 AM
heh, i remember having to concede in my wrestling match with a jar once and ask my housemate XD
Men have uses sometimes... XD
R >:D
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Kate on June 03, 2008, 08:33:22 AM
Quote from: Gracie FAISE on June 03, 2008, 02:13:16 AM
Dude ive gotten so weak!

LOL, congratulations! Well sorta, lol...

I'm jealous, as even after 19 months of HRT I don't think I've lost much strength really. I *look* like a weakling (thin arms and all) lol, but still I've always been weirdly stronger than I appear.

On the other hand, I may not have noticed it much if it changed gradually over this many months...

~Kate~
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Rachael on June 03, 2008, 09:06:24 AM
is that a BAD thing?

you think its fun or more female being weak? XD

i hate being weak tbh... i want to be able to do what i used to... now? no chance. :(
R >:D
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Kate on June 03, 2008, 09:17:11 AM
Quote from: Rachael on June 03, 2008, 09:06:24 AM
is that a BAD thing?

In practical terms, no...

But in *experiential* terms, yes. Part of the "experience" of growing up female is generally being physically weaker than most males. It's kinda like how still having a penis bothers me: no one else knows it's there, but *I* do. I know I still have that oh-so-male trait, that "threat" as it were. Combine the two (penis and strength), and I KNOW that I'm not "vulnerable" physically. I haven't been molded by that consideration as women are, I don't have to deal with that fear.

And to me, that's not "fair" of me. I'm cheating, keeping male "advantages" while living as a female... which for me makes it a less authentic experience.

~Kate~
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Kt on June 03, 2008, 09:27:01 AM
Quote from: Gracie FAISE on June 03, 2008, 02:13:16 AM
Dude ive gotten so weak!

I used to be able to open bottles no-problem, but ever since I started taking estrogen (which decreases your muscle mass) I reeeaaalllly have to struggle to get open a gatorade bottle.

Sooner or later I'm going to have to start asking my little brother to open it x"P

I know this was sposta happen but I don't know how bad this muscle mass decrease is gunna get. And if it does I hope it slims down my left arm, lol.

That can't be normal,... Estrogen decreases muscle mass, true, but not that much :O If you're having more trouble than a 90 year old with arthritis opening a simple gatorade bottle, you might have other health issues. Are you a vegetarian? Are you getting your Iron? Protein? Vitamins?

I've been on HRT for 6-7 years and I have no trouble with bottles or items under 50 pounds :-/

Posted on: June 03, 2008, 09:18:20 AM
Quote from: Kate on June 03, 2008, 09:17:11 AM
Quote from: Rachael on June 03, 2008, 09:06:24 AM
is that a BAD thing?

In practical terms, no...

But in *experiential* terms, yes. Part of the "experience" of growing up female is generally being physically weaker than most males. It's kinda like how still having a penis bothers me: no one else knows it's there, but *I* do. I know I still have that oh-so-male trait, that "threat" as it were. Combine the two (penis and strength), and I KNOW that I'm not "vulnerable" physically. I haven't been molded by that consideration as women are, I don't have to deal with that fear.

Well ok, most other women are weaker than you, but honestly, that's what guns are for, I figure that my physical weakness is made up for by my ability to blow people's brains out, though if I get pinned that may be difficult, but so long as I can get an arm free, a knife is always within reach on my person.
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Kate on June 03, 2008, 09:34:28 AM
Quote from: Kirsa on June 03, 2008, 09:27:01 AM
Well ok, most other women are weaker than you, but honestly, that's what guns are for, I figure that my physical weakness is made up for by my ability to blow people's brains out, though if I get pinned that may be difficult, but so long as I can get an arm free, a knife is always within reach on my person.

LOL, I feel guilty when I just "weed" a garden (weeds, flowers, it's all the same to me). I catch spiders and moths in the house and set them free on the patio. I flip beetles upright in the lunchroom when they get stuck on their back, their little legs wiggling in the air so pitifully. I make the office guys catch mice in the office and let them loose across the road.

Hey... maybe I AM weak! Well, in an "intent" kinda way, lol...

~Kate~
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Kt on June 03, 2008, 09:51:32 AM
Quote from: Kate on June 03, 2008, 09:34:28 AM
Quote from: Kirsa on June 03, 2008, 09:27:01 AM
Well ok, most other women are weaker than you, but honestly, that's what guns are for, I figure that my physical weakness is made up for by my ability to blow people's brains out, though if I get pinned that may be difficult, but so long as I can get an arm free, a knife is always within reach on my person.

LOL, I feel guilty when I just "weed" a garden (weeds, flowers, it's all the same to me). I catch spiders and moths in the house and set them free on the patio. I flip beetles upright in the lunchroom when they get stuck on their back, their little legs wiggling in the air so pitifully. I make the office guys catch mice in the office and let them loose across the road.

Hey... maybe I AM weak! Well, in an "intent" kinda way, lol...

~Kate~
Hmm ok, I just shoot weeds, or swing a machete at them. What kind of office do you work in? It sounds like a wildlife sanctuary.
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: almost,angie on June 03, 2008, 11:40:40 AM


. Are you a vegetarian? Are you getting your Iron? Protein? Vitamins?

  :-/

Posted on: June 03, 2008, 09:18:20 AM
Quote from: Kate on June 03, 2008, 09:17:11 AM
What would being vegeterian have to do with it? I`m vegan and built like a stone mason.
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: MCMCyn on June 03, 2008, 12:03:10 PM
It took a while before I lost strength (I've been on HRT for 2 1/2 years) but I certainly can feel it now. I usually need a towel to help open cranberry juice bottles, it wasn't like that six months ago.

I had to build a piece of pre-fab furniture for my mother a few days back and I was sore all over for two days after.
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Kt on June 03, 2008, 12:15:44 PM
Quote from: almost,angie on June 03, 2008, 11:40:40 AM


. Are you a vegetarian? Are you getting your Iron? Protein? Vitamins?

  :-/

Posted on: June 03, 2008, 09:18:20 AM
Quote from: Kate on June 03, 2008, 09:17:11 AM
What would being vegeterian have to do with it? I`m vegan and built like a stone mason.
Your quoting of someone else who's comment was not even made in this thread or anywhere I am aware of is so puzzling I'm not even going to try to formulate an answer.

EDIT: My gods, these quote strings are so screwed up.
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Just Mandy on June 03, 2008, 02:24:08 PM
QuoteLOL, I feel guilty when I just "weed" a garden (weeds, flowers, it's all the same to me). I catch spiders and moths in the house and set them free on the patio. I flip beetles upright in the lunchroom when they get stuck on their back, their little legs wiggling in the air so pitifully. I make the office guys catch mice in the office and let them loose across the road.

Hey... maybe I AM weak! Well, in an "intent" kinda way, lol...

~Kate~

Same here Kate, I can't stand to see living things hurt or die unnecessarily. If that makes me weak so be it. As far as
strength loss, I've not noticed any change after four months but my workouts have gotten more intense so maybe
it's use it or lose it kinda thing.

Amanda
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: LynnER on June 03, 2008, 02:39:07 PM
I've lost allot of muscle mass... but that was due to illness... Seriously, my arms are about half the thickness they used to be... But I'm still pretty strong because I keep my drumming and workouts up.

You should be careful if your having rapid muscle mass/strength loss and see a doctor if it persists...
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Robin_p on June 03, 2008, 02:52:26 PM
I can't open nail polish bottles like i used too. The lady that does my toes used to have me open the nail polish before HRT. Now she ask someone else to do it. Giggles

I have to be careful at work. I'm a girl Boat Mechanic and they almost dropped a pump on me one day lowering it through the Hatch. Needless to say i held on for a sec and then that pump hit the deck. I knew right then and there i could not catch it.

But, that was after six months on HRT.

I still excercise by playing racquetball.
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Ms Bev on June 03, 2008, 05:36:53 PM
For my smallish size (5' 6"), I used to be quite strong.  after 2 1/2 yrs of hrt, I lost a lot of muscle mass, but now, 3 1/2 yrs into hrt, I have trouble with a pickle jar.  My partner/wife and I play-scuffle sometimes, and it's very surprising sometimes when I suddenly get pinned (don't even ask).  She thinks it's a hoot, and I take it in stride as part of the ride.  The guys at work never assume I'll do any lifting, etc, and automatically just do it themselves.  My customers don't know anything except that I'm female, and won't even let me open a door.

Okay.....but the PICKLE JAR!!!.....
Damn!

Bev
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Gracie Faise on June 03, 2008, 05:58:05 PM
Quote from: Kirsa on June 03, 2008, 09:27:01 AM
Quote from: Gracie FAISE on June 03, 2008, 02:13:16 AM
Dude ive gotten so weak!

I used to be able to open bottles no-problem, but ever since I started taking estrogen (which decreases your muscle mass) I reeeaaalllly have to struggle to get open a gatorade bottle.

Sooner or later I'm going to have to start asking my little brother to open it x"P

I know this was sposta happen but I don't know how bad this muscle mass decrease is gunna get. And if it does I hope it slims down my left arm, lol.

That can't be normal,... Estrogen decreases muscle mass, true, but not that much :O If you're having more trouble than a 90 year old with arthritis opening a simple gatorade bottle, you might have other health issues. Are you a vegetarian? Are you getting your Iron? Protein? Vitamins?

I've been on HRT for 6-7 years and I have no trouble with bottles or items under 50 pounds :-/

Posted on: June 03, 2008, 09:18:20 AM
Quote from: Kate on June 03, 2008, 09:17:11 AM
Quote from: Rachael on June 03, 2008, 09:06:24 AM
is that a BAD thing?

In practical terms, no...

But in *experiential* terms, yes. Part of the "experience" of growing up female is generally being physically weaker than most males. It's kinda like how still having a penis bothers me: no one else knows it's there, but *I* do. I know I still have that oh-so-male trait, that "threat" as it were. Combine the two (penis and strength), and I KNOW that I'm not "vulnerable" physically. I haven't been molded by that consideration as women are, I don't have to deal with that fear.

Well ok, most other women are weaker than you, but honestly, that's what guns are for, I figure that my physical weakness is made up for by my ability to blow people's brains out, though if I get pinned that may be difficult, but so long as I can get an arm free, a knife is always within reach on my person.
Ive talked to a lot of my guy friends and most of them, even the strong ones, say compared to other bottles gatorade bottles are a bitch to get open. They were hard for me before HRT, it's just gotten harder now. And no, I'm not vegetarian or anything.
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: deviousxen on June 03, 2008, 06:02:54 PM
Quote from: Gracie FAISE on June 03, 2008, 02:13:16 AM
Dude ive gotten so weak!

I used to be able to open bottles no-problem, but ever since I started taking estrogen (which decreases your muscle mass) I reeeaaalllly have to struggle to get open a gatorade bottle.

Sooner or later I'm going to have to start asking my little brother to open it x"P

I know this was sposta happen but I don't know how bad this muscle mass decrease is gunna get. And if it does I hope it slims down my left arm, lol.

No. I feel for you. I actually eat more than almost anyone I know. Its still a struggle to gain weight with these allergies, but I try ALOT.


But basically I'm in a similar situation. I used to be able to play Guitar Hero on expert non-stop (just a hobby for fun), but now, after 2 months of not doing it, I've been reduced to being exhausted after only one round of Through the Fire and the Flames.

I actually feel weaker in the wrists. Its amazing how much muscle mass I've lost. I've lost 10 friggin' pounds, and I have more body fat now (not much... But yeah), but I weight 120 ibs according to the old scale...

D:
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Beyond on June 04, 2008, 07:55:10 AM
Quote from: Gracie FAISE on June 03, 2008, 02:13:16 AMI've gotten so weak!

I used to be able to open bottles no-problem, but ever since I started taking estrogen (which decreases your muscle mass) I reeeaaalllly have to struggle to get open a gatorade bottle.

Sooner or later I'm going to have to start asking my little brother to open it x"P

I know this was sposta happen but I don't know how bad this muscle mass decrease is gunna get. And if it does I hope it slims down my left arm, lol.

Welcome to womanhood!  And hey! we women don't have to rely on men, we find ways to adapt.  I keep a mini strap wrench in the kitchen drawer for those stubborn jars.  And there are other jar opening devices you can get at any kitchen aids store.

And don't worry, eventually you'll get used to the new you, your body and brain just need more time to adapt.

Besides strength have you noticed you can't grip a jar like you used to as well?  Estrogen dries out your skin and makes gripping things a tad more difficult.  This is the same reason why your finger nails stay cleaner now too.  Testosterone makes your skin oilier and your fingernails literally suck up dirt as compared to estrogen.
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Janet_Girl on June 04, 2008, 08:02:53 PM
Heck I have those same troubles but I know, in my case, it is not from estrogen.. Old man Arthur has a hold of both my thumbs so gripping anything is interesting.  I just learn to adapt.

Love,
Janet
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: funnygrl on June 04, 2008, 08:50:34 PM
Quoteand I don't diet at all :"0 I ate a whole pizza last night, matter-o-fact


...must be nice :-\  can't do that anymore....dumb diabetes :(
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Sarah on June 05, 2008, 03:05:41 AM
*grins*
Oh yes!
Welcome, sister!
*smiles*,
-Sara
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Gracie Faise on June 05, 2008, 12:24:36 PM
Quote from: funnygrl on June 04, 2008, 08:50:34 PM
Quoteand I don't diet at all :"0 I ate a whole pizza last night, matter-o-fact


...must be nice :-\  can't do that anymore....dumb diabetes :(

Ah to be young and hopelessly caught up in the illusion that health is not something to be feared.

I swear one day I'm gunna be fat as the day is long
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: DJorgensen on June 05, 2008, 01:30:32 PM
I sometimes have troubles with jars, but I do better than my girlfriend. I've got my ways to get them open the difficult ones though (using the handles of a pair of pliers for grip and a bit of leverage).

I don't drink gatorade so I really don't know how bad they are.... :3

Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Veerle on June 05, 2008, 02:01:31 PM
I have the same problem with the coffeemilk bottles here. Terribly difficult to open. Luckily there are easy ways to get around this problem.

My strength decreased at first; but now it's getting better and better.
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: deviousxen on June 05, 2008, 02:19:28 PM
Quote from: Gracie FAISE on June 05, 2008, 12:24:36 PM
Quote from: funnygrl on June 04, 2008, 08:50:34 PM
Quoteand I don't diet at all :"0 I ate a whole pizza last night, matter-o-fact


...must be nice :-\  can't do that anymore....dumb diabetes :(

Ah to be young and hopelessly caught up in the illusion that health is not something to be feared.

I swear one day I'm gunna be fat as the day is long

I'm not really good in terms of my health. My illusion died years ago. Lol.
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Godot on June 08, 2008, 01:47:44 AM
It's hard for me to even get gatorade bottles open   :(  I've been doing push ups for more arm strength but it's still hard for me to open soda bottles..especially Dr. Pepper bottles for some reason lolol
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Janet_Girl on June 08, 2008, 09:39:01 AM
There is a thing called a 'gripper pad'. Its a small round rubber pad, it works great!  I found it at Wally World and it was only a couple of dollars. It flexible so you can put it in your pocket or your purse. Like we girls really need anything more in our purse.  ;D

Much love,
Janet
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Rachael on June 08, 2008, 11:35:42 AM
heheh, mine looks like a bomb went off in it.... then the Burmese government organized the reconstruction effort :P
R >:D
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: cindybc on June 09, 2008, 02:11:46 AM
"Hee, hee, hee! Good one Rachael. That's what happens to gatorade in the hands of the uninitiated.

The coast guard are on their way to salvage  the survivors

Cindy
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Hypatia on June 09, 2008, 11:54:55 PM
Quote from: cindybc on June 03, 2008, 04:38:51 AMIt may well sharpen your appetite because all of those feminine curves are made of *something!*
Sophia Loren said: "Everything you see I owe to spaghetti."

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myclassiclyrics.com%2Fartist_biographies%2FSophia_Loren_Biography_2.gif&hash=5ad4f54e69911ff7ae5936ace9fa5574c6b56812)
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: cindybc on June 10, 2008, 12:10:18 AM
LOL, Cheez wiz man, I thought for a moment both Wing Walker and I were having the same hallucination. Why not, ummm have two hallucinations for the price of one, heck I think we has us a basement bargain on hallucinations tonight.

Cindy
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: funnygrl on June 12, 2008, 05:10:23 AM
Quote from: Hypatia on June 09, 2008, 11:54:55 PM
Quote from: cindybc on June 03, 2008, 04:38:51 AMIt may well sharpen your appetite because all of those feminine curves are made of *something!*
Sophia Loren said: "Everything you see I owe to spaghetti."

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myclassiclyrics.com%2Fartist_biographies%2FSophia_Loren_Biography_2.gif&hash=5ad4f54e69911ff7ae5936ace9fa5574c6b56812)

Whole grain spaghetti!!! I prefer whole grain angel hair pasta myself. Gotta watch that white flour pasta ladies!!!
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: Veerle on June 12, 2008, 07:04:25 AM
Quote from: cindybc on June 10, 2008, 12:10:18 AM
LOL, Cheez wiz man, I thought for a moment both Wing Walker and I were having the same hallucination. Why not, ummm have two hallucinations for the price of one, heck I think we has us a basement bargain on hallucinations tonight.

Cindy

I was thinking: omg, i'm psychotic, not transsexual   ::)
Title: Re: Dang, it is SO hard to open a gatorade bottle now!
Post by: cindybc on June 13, 2008, 01:49:29 AM
Yea, like what the blinkin heck is wrong with that picture? "Hee, hee, hee."

Cindy