Hi, I’m the total mess known as Emma, and I’m currently a little overwhelmed with things.

So, long story short:

  • I started HRT January 2023

  • I desperately need bottom surgery as soon as possible

  • I’m worried that I should have been doing electrolysis instead of laser

  • I’m worried about wait lists for surgery

  • I’m worried about the costs of surgery

  • I need to find a surgeon

  • I’m interested in evacuating to a safe state on the west coast

  • I feel overwhelmed with everything that I need to do

There’s so much going on for me right now, and I’m seeking input from everyone here with something to say about any of my struggles.

Thanks ❤️

  • Ada@lemmy.blahaj.zoneM
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    6 months ago

    Laser is MUCH MUCH faster than electrolysis. The issue is that it’s not 100% effective. A small amount of hairs will always grow back.

    • -Emma-@fedia.ioOP
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      6 months ago

      A small amount of hairs will always grow back.

      Yeah, that’s what I was saying on matrix is what concerns me. Like, I’m thinking I just want the most permanent removal possible. I’m such a perfectionist, and it causes bad thoughts to consider flaws and stuff. I really need to find a surgeon and go over this stuff. Also a therapist would probably help a lot right now…

      • Ada@lemmy.blahaj.zoneM
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        6 months ago

        The majority of surgeons do pore scraping to remove any hairs left over. As my surgeon said to me, he can do hair removal during the surgery, but he doesn’t want to be doing hours and hours of hair removal, so he wanted me to get rid of as much as possible before hand.

        • -Emma-@fedia.ioOP
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          6 months ago

          omg that is so good to know! thank you thank you! that is like the missing puzzle piece that actually calmed my mind about it. i should still get a therapist tho.

        • -Emma-@fedia.ioOP
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          6 months ago

          damn, two therapists? this gate-keeping of healthcare is really exhausting and frustrating. exhaustingly frustrating. frustratingly exhausting. grrrrrrrrrrrrrr

          • femtech@midwest.social
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            6 months ago

            Yep, that’s for insurance and the Dr. They both require it. Also one had to have their PhD but the hospital had one on staff that validated my letters with the therapists.

      • lady_scarecrow (she/her)@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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        6 months ago

        I haven’t done electrolysis myself, only laser, but as far as I know, with electrolysis you have to run a needle through each hair individually, while laser can cover a large area at once. I’ve heard many people do laser first to massively reduce the amount of hair per area, then electrolysis to kill off the few remaining hairs.

        • -Emma-@fedia.ioOP
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          6 months ago

          yeah i’ve been doing the laser first just like you said. my doctor that prescribes my hrt is the one who does the laser, and she said i may need the electrolysis after laser is done. well at least for the remaining light-colored hairs. buy yeah, i can kinda work myself into mild panic and stress out enough to doubt myself. like a lot. lol