Incontinence really seems like a disability. It's frustrating and it's really affected my life in a negative way. It's gotten pretty depressing to the point of suicidal thoughts.
I've called Dr. Brassard on several occasions about it -- and now, again, waiting for him to call again. I hope he does soon. I hope I can book something with him. I have no where else to turn.
I don't know anyone else with this problem this bad. I guess I'm the lucky one.
I feel afraid to talk about it to people sometimes, not just because of the embarrassment but I'm afraid that I'll drive people away from SRS or away from a good doctor (Dr. Brassard).
I'm happy -- extremely happy -- that I had SRS. Everything looks good. The incontinence is wearing me down so much.
I've been constantly trying the kegel exercises he suggested. I'd have to say that it's improved some, but I still have issues. Somedays it doesn't seem as bad.
I've also been doing probiotics like crazy, which helped with the infections and helped calm it down a lot.
The amount of infections I've had have been insane. Usually 'caused by some incontinence, and once an infection (bladder or yeast) starts, the incontinence gets worse and worse.
I've been on way too many antibiotics, almost monthly. Same with the yeast infection stuff. I've been avoiding the antibiotics for two months so far - doing probiotic stuff as much as possible along with cranberry. That's helped, a lot, but it's not completely gone. I had to do yet another yeast infection treatment last week, although.
I've also been trying diet, exercise, and what ever I can think of or even find on the internet. Minor helps, but no cure.
It's hard, and I feel like I have no support. Other post-ops I ask don't seem to have these problems.
My GP won't do a thing, or even refer me. He says that I have to "live with it." I convinced him to do an ultra sound, but he claims he doesn't see anything wrong with it. He suggested some phsyo therapy that sorta indirectly might help, but it might not -- the cost is expensive, as it's not covered by health care. I can't afford it, especially if may or may not help.
I've gone from the very social girl who used to go out to clubs, out with friends, and do all kinds of activities, to sitting at home, depressed, too embarrassed to live life. I don't even work now.
I seemed to be getting neuro problems, which I thought would explain it -- but the neuro doc I saw said he doesn't think it's neuro, and that it's just from lots and lots of extreme depression... so bad that my nerves are shot and it's affecting my overall health in referred to a psychiatrist over this. At the moment I'm on a medication that's both a nerve calmer and mild anti-depressant. They're talking about putting me on some stronger anti-depressentans (so, I can feel happy in my own soiled pants).
I'm hoping they don't just commit me to the psych ward over it, 'cause just putting me on anti-depressants isn't going to help with the main issue, the 'cause of it -- the leaking.
Now, I'm broke (on disability), depressed, and having a difficult time. A lot of people know that I'm depressed, but don't know this is one of the major reasons.
If I'm just sitting, or not going out. I don't have much of a problem (sometimes small leaks). I can sleep and I don't even pee the bed. With the kegels, I can shoot ping-pong balls out of my vagina if I wanted. I can even use them if I sneeze or cough and prevent a major leak.
But walking, bending over, lifting anything -- no chance. I keep trying. I have to go through pads like mad, and it's difficult to keep up. I have to change my underwear several times a day. If I don't, then I can get an infection (bladder or yeast, or both) and it gets worse and worse.
It's been very difficult to work the last year -- I've even had to leave work 'cause I peed myself completely, I haven't been able to hold down a job at all due to this medical issue.
Peeing yourself at work is not only embarrassing, but hard to deal with. You can't excuse yourself to the bathroom every 10-15 mins to clean up, change, etc. So, you sit there with a wet pad, making things worse.
This issue has worn me down so badly that I don't think I can go on anymore. Being broke doesn't help, but trying to get a job in this economy and having to explain to your employer that you can't walk, move stuff, stand to long, etc, etc, is difficult and embarrassing. My last employer just kept cutting my hours until I had zero hours a week -- they can't fire me for being sick, but they sure can give me no working hours.
I've pensioned to the provincial health insurance for help. Apparently, they will send me to Dr. Brassard for this -- but, he has to send a letter in saying I need to see him.
I hope he does. I hope he gets back to me. He's been on vacation, and he's back now... I'm still waiting here. It's extremely hard. It's very depressing. I hope he just doesn't say do more exercises -- I've been doing them for a year!
Really, if this gets no where, I'm gone. I just can't live like this. It's torn me up way too much. I have a few friends who have been trying to convince me not to, for a long while now, but it's getting harder and harder.
The only thing I hate is when people assume I have SRS regret -- which I don't! That makes me so mad when people assume that. I love my vagina. I have no regrets getting SRS. I don't like the complication I have, but having SRS has made me feel complete in so many ways.
The one solace I have is that if I nix myself, I know that I'm complete and whole. I really don't think I can carry on with this complication. It's stopped my life in it's tracks so badly.
I've already been carefully working on writing a suicide note for when the time comes. I wanna word it carefully so I don't get used as some statistic by some anti-trans site, or have my family use that is proof for their anti-trans mind-sets. And, most importantly, scare people away from SRS. This isn't a problem that's common place. I also wanna mention I wanna be cremated, and to use my name -- not my old name -- at the funeral. I wanna have a last will printed up.
I know they wanna send me to the psych ward for the not idea, and the talk about suicide. (I have an appointment with a psych doc Sept 1st, but already tried to convince me to check myself in to the psych ward, although it won't actually help).
I only hope things can be fixed, so I can move on with life and be the happy girl I once was. More than anything, I just want that. I've been trying despite the problems, but it's just wearing me down too much. There's only so much a girl can take. I hope that it doesn't come down to suicide, but with the direction things are going it's going to happen if there's no fix.
I hope Dr. Brassard calls and has an answer. And I hope the provincial health care insurance can help me. When you're on disability making next to nothing, unable to work 'cause you're so f'd up, it's a difficult place to be in.
--natalie
I'm sorry you are having so much trouble Natalie.
Good luck with Brassard, here's hoping he can help.
Don't give up yet. :icon_hug:
I'm so sorry, Natalie. It's sound like you're in a vicious cycle with incontinence/infections.
Strangely enough, I developed stress incontinence when on HRT.
It was just a few times a month while bending or sneezing.
It was usually just a minor "Oops", but sometimes a full-fledged underwear change.
After surgery there has not been a single incident (knock on wood).
I hope that you can beat this one.
Good luck.
My ex had the same problem. She did the exercises and took drugs. It wasn't until she had surgery to install a strap to support her bladder, that it stopped. She was absolutely in tears because of the problem, and I did all I could to be supportive.
It turned out that the floor of her bladder was weak and the strap helps her. To this day she has had no problems. Maybe you should try and see a urologist about this strap and the problem in general.
I doubt that your SRS was directly involved in the problem. But it might have contributed to it.
Hang in there, Natalie, It can and will get better. Even if you have to go private to get the help.
Janet
It is going to take longer than you think to heal from all of this physically.
I have had a big history (And still do) get really bad bacterial imbalances, allergies to things my body didn't properly digest, I take probiotics like mad as well.
I remember I'd have to go to the bathroom every 30 mins... And that my ->-bleeped-<- doctor said I had irritable bowel syndrome (An umbrella term for everything. Just like "Bipolar disorder" and "Depression" when, in reality, there are probably a thousand different specific types.
I don't think that this is permanent. It can't last forever, you know? I mean, even my allergies have calmed down a little cause I gave my body a break from them (not being able to have cake is.... Just... WRONG).
Maybe there'd be a way to transplant muscle tissue from another area to strengthen what you need to "Hold it in". I know its an embarrassing topic, but I've had HORRIBLE problems with things like this. Its like... The word Diarrhea... You just never wanna hear it.
I mean. Talk to the surgeon when he gets back to you. If they can make an fTm penis out of arm muscle, they can definitely do something. And plus stem cells, which later on, might be able to really "Rebuild" what invasive surgery has damaged. Don't give up. I know it sucks, but you're cool. I don't judge.
And for muscle stuff, maybe try Kava kava or something. Don't totally, EVER, rely on pharmaceuticals. Those medicines are mostly about money, not your health. Sometimes they work, sometimes NOT.
And holy crap your face got even prettier. D: Friggin fascinating :P
I suffered with incontinence myself but not nearly as bad as you are experiencing Natalie. I too had a similar problem that when I stood or walked I had trouble controlling my bladder, and when I acquired a bladder infection the incontinence increased; I spent half the day in the washroom. To this day I still have a small problem with sitting for long periods and having to make a mad dash to the washroom when I stand.
From reading your post I would recommend that you demand that your doctor give you a referral to a Urologist who would be able to diagnose a problem with your plumbing whether it be physical or medical as there are many things that can cause incontinence, and don't take "No" for an answer, you are always entitled to a second opinion.
There is always the possibility that you suffered nerve damage to that area as a result of the operation, a risk in any operation and Brassard would be in a better possition to advise on this.
One thing that I did to help was to cut down on my fluid intake and started getting my fluids from fresh fruit and veg. As a rule I drink very little water (I only drink when I'm thirsty) and I don't drink milk. Also cut out the diuretics such as spiro, coffee, beer, etc. and see how it goes as none of these things should impact you medically.
-={LR}=-
Now this gonna sound crazy but, can you get to the ocean? I have heard though some homiopathic technics that standing in waist deep ocean with very mild surf develops your bladder control drink plenty of cranberry juice and water and it's OK to pee in the ocean, the motion and the salt water has excellent healing properties.
I've been demanding to see a urologist. I haven't been getting anywhere. I've read up on the sling thing, which and better than the suppression cuff, which has more risks. With the sling, they can go in via the vagina -- but, with SRS can they even do that. I don't know.
The doctor I have won't even give me medication for it.
I feel pretty stuck. Still no calls. I'm to the point where I hide in bed most of the day, extremely depressed. I really don't know if I can hang on and keep bugging doctors in hopes that they maybe might help me. I even thought that maybe I should OD on some pills, call 9-11, and then they'd catch me in time... maybe doctors would take it seriously and know just how badly this has been affecting my life in every aspect. I don't even know if that would work.
I've tried for a year now to keep up beat and keep on trying. I've put everything I've got into "keep going" even though I've been shot down and shrugged off so many times by the doctors. I tried. I tried. I just don't think I can do it anymore. I just don't see any reason to go any further. I'm a complete woman now, and that's all I could hope for before I died. I don't feel aweful about the idea of suicide anymore.
I have one string left, and I'm hoping I get the help. I hope Dr. Brassard can do something. After that, I have no hope and I'm barely hanging on as it is. I still haven't heard from him. I don't know. Maybe he doesn't care either. Then what hope do I have. What hope.
--natalie
Is there no way to go around or over your doctors head?
Even if you pay for to see urologist yourself?
Hi Natalie,
I'm so sorry to hear about this continuing problem. I recall that you and I had SRS right around the same time, and ever since I've followed your progress and complications. I wish that there was something that I could say or do to make you feel better about this. The only thing that I could possibly recommend: Could you possibly write a nice letter or email to Dr. Brassard, relating the story you've told us here? If he understood the degree to which this problem is affecting your life, I'm certain that he would intervene. It necessitates making him truly aware, however.
Thinking of you,
Lia
I've tried finding private here, but the cost is very prohibitive and I'd still need a referral of some sort. I have no credit, so a loan is out of the question. The cost would end up being much more than SRS in Montreal.
I've sent a letter to Dr. Brassard. I've called him several times in the past about this problem and he's only suggested kegal exercises, which he said (back then) should have cleared up the problem months and months ago.
I've been trying and trying with the doctors here, but they have little to offer. If I finally get a referral for a urologist (assuming they can even help), it's a long while before I can even get in for a consult, and surgery (if they even bother) months after.
I really feel like there's absolutely no hope. Years of struggling with being trans, and finally having SRS after all of this time only to have complications that affect my life so deeply has just been crushing my spirit. I've tried to keep strong, but, really, I don't know if I can hold on any longer and honestly, what's the point if I can't live life anyway.
Being demanding that it be taken care of. Raise a little hell. No one should go thru what you have. Absolutely no one.
Janet
yeah! raise some ruckus!
besides, you've come to far to give up now
love you girl :-*, beth
Quote from: Janet Lynn on August 11, 2009, 10:58:57 PM
Being demanding that it be taken care of. Raise a little hell. No one should go thru what you have. Absolutely no one.
Janet
Exactly. He probably doesn't want some lawsuit for something potentially messed up. You need to be blunt with him and tell him that kegel exercises are supplementary to help, but not the whole picture. Be very forceful. Do NOT hinge your whole life on one year and peoples crap. You are very pretty. Don't let one thing like that get the best of you.
Im so sorry babe, thats terrible. Your an amazingly strong woman and after all you've been through, you can make it through this as well.
Wait for DR. B but dont hinge your life on that, it maybe that the surgery wasnt the cause but its hard to say. Anyway Id wait for him to get back to you and explain to him exactly what you said here. If that has no effect, then see a urologist stat! Try getting a referral through another doctor to see one. Theres help out there.
I'll talk to the smartest person I know tomorrow about it and see what she can recommend. Its my sister actually and shes a nurse practitioner and is a genius. I'll let you know what her advice is tomorrow. Hang in there. I'll do whatever I can to help you as you've helped me and others over the years to transition.
Audrey
This is a real nightmare. You have my sincerest sympathies.
If it was me, I would camp out in the doctor's office until he gave me the letter I needed.
So, Dr. B got to me today and emailed me a letter for my doctor to refer me to a urologist. My doctor filled out the referral form after he read it and also gave me some medication that should help with the incontinence while I'm waiting. He said that if the meds help it will probably help with reducing the amount of times I get bladder and yeast infections (that would be great, instead of just taking antibiotics and anti-yeast infection stuff every month).
So, yeah, Dr. B's letter really pushed my doctor to actually do something, which is nice.
So, I'm happy now and I'm hoping the meds help while I'm waiting to see the urologist. And, hopefully, I won't be getting as many infections and that would probably help a lot.
Thnx everyone for your kind words and encouragement.
--natalie
Quote from: gothique11 on August 13, 2009, 01:31:29 AM
So, Dr. B got to me today and emailed me a letter for my doctor to refer me to a urologist. My doctor filled out the referral form after he read it and also gave me some medication that should help with the incontinence while I'm waiting. He said that if the meds help it will probably help with reducing the amount of times I get bladder and yeast infections (that would be great, instead of just taking antibiotics and anti-yeast infection stuff every month).
So, yeah, Dr. B's letter really pushed my doctor to actually do something, which is nice.
So, I'm happy now and I'm hoping the meds help while I'm waiting to see the urologist. And, hopefully, I won't be getting as many infections and that would probably help a lot.
Thnx everyone for your kind words and encouragement.
--natalie
^_^ Thanks a relief. Being on antibiotics that long is so horrid for you anyway. From what I hear, there are more bacteria in your body than human cells cause of the size difference. Weird no?
Quote from: gothique11 on August 13, 2009, 01:31:29 AM
So, Dr. B got to me today and emailed me a letter for my doctor to refer me to a urologist. My doctor filled out the referral form after he read it and also gave me some medication that should help with the incontinence while I'm waiting. He said that if the meds help it will probably help with reducing the amount of times I get bladder and yeast infections (that would be great, instead of just taking antibiotics and anti-yeast infection stuff every month).
So, yeah, Dr. B's letter really pushed my doctor to actually do something, which is nice.
So, I'm happy now and I'm hoping the meds help while I'm waiting to see the urologist. And, hopefully, I won't be getting as many infections and that would probably help a lot.
Thnx everyone for your kind words and encouragement.
--natalie
YAY! I'm so happy for you. :icon_hug:
I am so sorry to hear about these troubles you are having. I have no medical advise, other than to say sometimes those so-called anti-depressants can just make it worse, and I do know this from my own personal experience. I always look forward to reading your posts here because you always seem to be so level-headed and in possession of good, down-to-earth common sense about lots of things. Dear you are beautiful and it would break mine and quite a few other hearts I'm sure if something were to happen to you, or if you checked out on us. I'm pleased to hear you are finally getting some positive response. For what it's worth I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending lots of hugs and good energy your way,
Chloe
I'm no psychiatrist or urologist but I figure'd i'd put this out there based on semi-related experience. I used to suffer from night-time bedwetting up until I was about 18-20 or so. I had no idea that there were medications for it, but eventually I did see a doctor and they put me on something called 'imipramine', which totally zapped it. After 2-3 years of being on that I eventually went off of it and no longer have any problems (although who knows how things would go after SRS). What's funny is that I recently learned that imipramine is actually the *original* anti-depressant, which in your case could possibly be a two-birds-with-one-stone kind of thing.
So, like I said, I'm no expert, but I figured I'd suggest talking to the urologist about it (unless it's already one of the things you've tried) because I know how terrible that whole situation can be.
Quote from: Ketsy on August 13, 2009, 08:26:55 PM
I'm no psychiatrist or urologist but I figure'd i'd put this out there based on semi-related experience. I used to suffer from night-time bedwetting up until I was about 18-20 or so. I had no idea that there were medications for it, but eventually I did see a doctor and they put me on something called 'imipramine', which totally zapped it. After 2-3 years of being on that I eventually went off of it and no longer have any problems (although who knows how things would go after SRS). What's funny is that I recently learned that imipramine is actually the *original* anti-depressant, which in your case could possibly be a two-birds-with-one-stone kind of thing.
So, like I said, I'm no expert, but I figured I'd suggest talking to the urologist about it (unless it's already one of the things you've tried) because I know how terrible that whole situation can be.
That's what the doctor just put me on. I got the prescription today. I'm really hoping it works.
I don't have any bed wetting problems; however, it happens when I'm walking, lifting, bending, etc. With the kegals, I usually don't leak if coughing or sneezing. But, if I'm walking around, even if I try hard, I still get issues. *shrugs* I then, of course, there are situations where you can't be changing every 10 mins, then comes the infections, and then it gets worse.
I'm hoping the medication works.I think with less or no leaking, I'll have fewer infections and hopefully that will help things heal, too.
I did some research on impramine today, and I just kept running into sites that mention wetting the bed at night, but nothing talking about day time or stress incontinence. I'm hoping it works for the day for stress incontinence, even though I'm supposed to take it at night. o_0
UTI's are definitely a pain, one that affects most women at one time or another, and men can get them too but not nearly are common, due primarily to the design of their anatomy down there. Some women get them more frequently than others but there are things we can do to help prevent them.
The biggest one is cleanliness. Now please don't anyone dare take this personally, I'm just passing along info, info that everyone probably knows. Our urethra is much shorter than males and as such bacteria has an easier time getting into our system, and female genitals are a great breading ground for the little buggers. The skin folds are the perfect place for bacteria to develop; warm and cozy, nothing to bother them tucked away in soft comfy beds.
After a particularly nasty experience with a UTI, baby wipes became an essential item I now carry in my purse. They do a great job of keeping one clean and fresh and gentle enough to use on a regular basis. Of course there are alternatives such as "Always" feminine wipes and while I've used them I prefer the baby wipes - they are cheaper.
Ya, you probably all knew that. :)
-={LR}=-
I'm pretty clean down there, I had to be -- but leaking all of the time also leads to UTI's.
But, OMG, these pills are working already! I woke up and I wasn't wet down there. I've been able to pee normally today, and I've had no leaks. Normally when I went to pee I'd be there for at least 10 mins 'cause I'd keep leaking after, and just when I thought I stopped, I'd stand up and leak some more. But none of that today at all, and I haven't even worn a pad today and there's been no sign of leaking at all.
I'm so happy. I've been jumping around my house so excited. It's like night and day. I feel a lot more confident as well.
I'm going to give it some time to be sure, but I think I'm going to be able to start working again (the bladder issues made working difficult and very miserable, and also limited what I could do and how much I could do). I'm excited. I feel like I can start living again.
And now that it's not constantly wet and leaky down there, I'm pretty sure things are going to heal better down there (I've had some delayed healing due to infections and everything being irritated down there constantly).
Yay, I don't have to live life in the bathroom anymore!
--natalie :)
I am so glad Natalie. May you be leak free from here on out.
Janet
Quote from: gothique11 on August 14, 2009, 03:31:13 PM
But, OMG, these pills are working already! I woke up and I wasn't wet down there. I've been able to pee normally today, and I've had no leaks.
Woohoo!
I'm so glad it looks to be sorted. If it works this good this fast, I can only imagine it will only get better, but even if it just maintains this, I think you will be happy (it sounds like it!).
Oh Natalie!
What a time you have had of this. Honey I can't even imagine how difficult this must be for you.
I sure do hope the new med is the right one, and that this will be the final key to your recovery.
Hang in there, beautiful girl!
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Thank goodness. It must be such a relief to have your issue validated. Glad to see that you made it past that part. Things will work themselves out ill bet, GOOD to see that that medication is starting to work too.
It sucks that your doctor couldn't help you out with a referral on your insistence. Can you get a new doctor? It helps a whole lot to have a doc that listens to the patient.
My doctors awesome and despite the fact that my insurance doesn't cover the clinic its worth it. He filled my HRT prescriptions with only my say so as far as what dosages etc., on the first visit, without any letter or anything from my psycho-therapist. lol pun intended. They're actually thinking about a trans clinic here, which will be a valuable resource, especially here in MT.
Quote from: FairyGirl on August 13, 2009, 04:59:15 AM
I have no medical advise, other than to say sometimes those so-called anti-depressants can just make it worse,
when i was taking paxil I had stress incontinence for at least a month after I stopped taking that stuff.
Quote from: gothique11 on August 14, 2009, 03:31:13 PM
I'm pretty clean down there, I had to be -- but leaking all of the time also leads to UTI's.
But, OMG, these pills are working already! I woke up and I wasn't wet down there. I've been able to pee normally today, and I've had no leaks. Normally when I went to pee I'd be there for at least 10 mins 'cause I'd keep leaking after, and just when I thought I stopped, I'd stand up and leak some more. But none of that today at all, and I haven't even worn a pad today and there's been no sign of leaking at all.
I'm so happy. I've been jumping around my house so excited. It's like night and day. I feel a lot more confident as well.
I'm going to give it some time to be sure, but I think I'm going to be able to start working again (the bladder issues made working difficult and very miserable, and also limited what I could do and how much I could do). I'm excited. I feel like I can start living again.
And now that it's not constantly wet and leaky down there, I'm pretty sure things are going to heal better down there (I've had some delayed healing due to infections and everything being irritated down there constantly).
Yay, I don't have to live life in the bathroom anymore!
--natalie :)
I told you it wouldn't last forever. You deserve this.
no leaks all day, not even a drop -- I haven't had that in a year! And I even went out for a bit for coffee with a friend, then everyone was hanging out here after. I moved around lot, bent over, coughed, sneezed, stretched, jumped up and down. And even drank a better with my friends, 'cause you know if somethings gonna make you wanna pee is a beer -- but, no leaks at all and I went to the wash room fine. No leaking after the washroom, too. And it also seemed to get rid of my urgency triggers, rain (it rained today), the shower (it's annyoing to keep wanting to pee, and having to get outta the shower), and the dishes... water just makes me feel like I really need to pee, but I did all of that and didn't have an intense urge to go pee.
Awesome day. I kept checking and feeling to make sure ('cause I still couldn't believe it). Not one drop. I didn't even have to change my underwear that day (instead of the normal 3-5 changes... 'cause even with pads down there, they can get a bit wet and also pick up some of the smell.
I'm really impressed at how fast it worked. I never expected it to work that quickly and to last all day. Everyone was telling me I was much, much happier than they've been me in a long while.
Today I went for an hour long walk, and I even did some jogging. I stretched. I bent over. No leaking. I cried. It's been a long time since I could go out and do things like that without having to worry about leaking. At least a year. That's a long time.
Quote from: gothique11 on August 16, 2009, 02:45:24 AM
Today I went for an hour long walk, and I even did some jogging. I stretched. I bent over. No leaking. I cried. It's been a long time since I could go out and do things like that without having to worry about leaking. At least a year. That's a long time.
I'm so happy for you! I can't imagine having the daytime problem like you had but I was so relieved when I could go to sleep at night and not worry about waking up in a pool of... Sometimes it would happen multiple times a night, it was terrible.
Oh and the other thing is definitely stay away from coffee or iced tea or anything like that!
edit: I just checked up on the imipramine vs bedwetting specifics, and apparently they don't even *know* how it works, just that it does... so here's hoping it keeps working for you!
That's wonderful Natalie. It sounds like things are really looking up for you finally. :icon_hug:
I'm glad you found a medication that's working for you! Be aware, though, that nasty feelings of "Why the hell didn't they give me this a year ago?!?!" are probably going to creep up, if they haven't already. Try to remain positive!
Yay, Nat!!!!
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Glad the script is working and things are getting better. Are you able to go normally when you should?
Quote from: Mister on August 16, 2009, 09:32:12 PM
I'm glad you found a medication that's working for you! Be aware, though, that nasty feelings of "Why the hell didn't they give me this a year ago?!?!" are probably going to creep up, if they haven't already. Try to remain positive!
Quote from: Mister on August 16, 2009, 09:32:12 PM
I'm glad you found a medication that's working for you! Be aware, though, that nasty feelings of "Why the hell didn't they give me this a year ago?!?!" are probably going to creep up, if they haven't already. Try to remain positive!
Oh, believe me -- I'm wondering why the hell they didn't give this to me a year ago. Just think, I wouldn't be having yeast infections and UTI's all of the time, including an almost-monthly antibiotic treatment followed by a funguside (either pill, or that lovely grease you shove you your vagina). A very, very nasty cycle to have to go through. Leaking, then infection = worse leaking. Then you get better, you think the leaking's over, but it's not, then it gets worse and worse until you're running around with big, thick, incontinence pads and going for another round of doctors with another round of medication.
Rinse and Repeat!
Not not mention, having surgery and still haven't to deal with a bulge down there -- that plays with your mind a whole lot. Not wanting people to touch you down there, that also plays with your mind a lot.
I'm just hoping all of those infections haven't caused permanent damage. The meds are working like god came down and blessed me herself -- it's a miracle! Hallelujah! Finally something that works.
Now, I can go around and feel normal. It's an awesome feeling. I also have been continuing my kegals to improve my strength and help everything heal internally.
I still feel like punching doctors in the face, although.
Post Merge: August 18, 2009, 12:18:26 AM
Quote from: Virginia Marie on August 16, 2009, 10:55:50 PM
Glad the script is working and things are getting better. Are you able to go normally when you should?
yeah, for sure, I can pee normally -- I have all of the normal feelings when I need to go. Not one problem. And, if I really, really, really need to go and it hurts -- I'm not leaking all over on my way to the washroom (if I can find one asap). I tried it yesterday, no problems holding it in until I could get to the washroom. It's exciting! I'm no longer chained to the embarrassment of the toilet. No leaks. No pads. No problems. *Squee!* this is the way it should of been!
Good deal. Glad things are better :icon_chick:
Quote from: gothique11 on August 18, 2009, 12:15:23 AM
I still feel like punching doctors in the face, although.
Post Merge: August 18, 2009, 12:18:26 AM
yeah, for sure, I can pee normally -- I have all of the normal feelings when I need to go. Not one problem. And, if I really, really, really need to go and it hurts -- I'm not leaking all over on my way to the washroom (if I can find one asap). I tried it yesterday, no problems holding it in until I could get to the washroom. It's exciting! I'm no longer chained to the embarrassment of the toilet. No leaks. No pads. No problems. *Squee!* this is the way it should of been!
You have no idea how much I'd like to do that as well...
Hey you didn't heal me right! I'm going to bleed you!
I'm still good, this is helping to lift my moods a lot. :D I've even noticed that my vulva is looking better and healing better -- no infections so far, and everything even works better down there! *hops up and down*
That's great (!) and about time. :)
Quote from: Kara-Xen on August 11, 2009, 02:12:03 PM
I mean. Talk to the surgeon when he gets back to you. If they can make an fTm penis out of arm muscle, they can definitely do something. And plus stem cells, which later on, might be able to really "Rebuild" what invasive surgery has damaged. Don't give up. I know it sucks, but you're cool. I don't judge.
Stem cells unlikely, i worked in stem cell research for a couple of months feeding the cells a year or two ago. Don't think they'll be making useable muscle any time in the next couple of decades. In the scourse of playing with stem cells though they are inventing lots of intersting things cells like to grow on, they might be able to implant something synthetic that the cells around grow onto.
Quote
And for muscle stuff, maybe try Kava kava or something. Don't totally, EVER, rely on pharmaceuticals. Those medicines are mostly about money, not your health.
Don't get too paranoid about pharmacuitacles, or too over-keen on "natural" stuff. alternative medicines are just as much about the money as pharmacuiuitacles, they're just less thoroughly tested.
but fruit like cranberries and pro-biotics are a good idea. they mey help, and they certainly won't do you much harm. If nothing else they'll give you some good proftein and vitamins etc.
Post Merge: August 29, 2009, 01:04:30 AM
Quote from: Kara-Xen on August 13, 2009, 02:12:06 AM
^_^ Thanks a relief. Being on antibiotics that long is so horrid for you anyway. From what I hear, there are more bacteria in your body than human cells cause of the size difference. Weird no?
Yeah that's true, and you need them. they help digest food, and they help scare off fungi like yeast. It might take a while for things to get back in balance again, time for the good ones to grow back and the bad ones to F off.
Someone suggested baby wipes, that's actually kind of a bad idea. It might be different for transwomen, but biowomen are always told to never use soap or antibacterial stuff near there. It kills off all the friendly bacteria and lets the bad ones and yeast take over. mikld soap on the hairy bits and plain water on the pink bits is what's recommended. does anyone know if it's specifically different for transwomen? maybe it's different if you are not making the secretions which were evolved for keeping a urethra hiding in the dark infection-free?
hey WOW, that sounds like you've found your cure. big-pharma's corperate drug machine saves the day again ;)
If the problem comes back try looking at some of the advice given to biowomen who've had kids, a lot of it is probably applicable to anyone. the TV ads say something like 1/3 women have problems after childbirth. There are probably some websites out there for coping with it as a social issue as well.
Natalie, I'm SO happy to hear that things are working out for you!!
I almost cried while reading your first posts on this topic. I was going to plead with you not to give up hope! It was wonderful when I read the rest of the thread and saw that you finally got the problem resolved!
I don't think I'd punch the docs...maybe put sugar in the gas tank of their Mercedes Benz. LOL!
Luvs! ~Seanna
Ditto exactly what Tank Grrl said Natalie.
I'm so glad that you got things worked out :)
Natalie, glad to hear things are working out for you. I had a small bout with incontinence about 6-7 months after my surgery. I called my Dr. because I was concerned and it just ook time for things to heal up more. By month 10 or 11 it was a memory. Although just a memory, I can relate to the embarssment of wetting yourself and having to carry and extra pair or two of panties around with you.
While taking my kid to the nurse today, I was flipping through an issue of More and there was a brief article there about a woman with a similar issue...and after a couple of doctors wasted her time she eventually found one that did a procedure (through her vagina) in which he, essentially, strapped up the neck of her bladder which completely resolved her issue.
for whatever that's worth...
Natalie – sorry to hear about your problem. Don't worry about us. Many of us are looking forward to SRS and your problem is probably not that uncommon.
I hope Dr. Brassard can help!
i hope this works out for you and if it does the next thing you need to do is change your primary care physician on your insurance after your done this jack has something against trans genders he didnt need a letter from the srs surgeon in order to refer you to a uroligist all he needed was medical cause to believe you needed to see one, and telling you you have to live with it is dang near malpractice. in his smug little mind he's thinking you got what you deserved for having srs get rid of him when you can Dr's like this need to lose their licenses