Hello!
My friend (a gay guy) and I (nonbinary), both in our early 20s, are going to spend 5 days in wien later this month. We'd love to visit some queers bars, clubs, cafes and any other interesting spaces, specifically ones that aren't focused mostly on gay men.
We're also interested in spaces that have an anarchist/generally left wing ideology.
Would love any recommendations :)
Hello, first time poster here.
I'll preface this post by saying i'm not looking for medical advice! Just wanted to vent and maybe hear from others who have been through similar experiences.
I'm 20 yo, and have been struggling with very severe pain and other symptoms, (mostly but not exclusively during my period) for the past few years. I'm talking pain that is spread throughout the pelvic area and radiating to my legs, and that leaves me unable to walk or otherwise function with the maximum otc dose of ibuprofen never covering it. In addition I experience pretty heavy bleeding, fatigue and digestive symptoms.
It took me a really long time to be convinced my symptoms are "bad enough" and to gather the courage to go to a doctor about it. I'm also queer and nonbinary, which makes dealing with medical professionals quite difficult for me.
A month ago I went to a gynecologist who refused to do any exams herself as I haven't had penetrative sex (LOVE THAT). In general I felt she wasn't taking me very seriously, also saying that I probably "read on the internet about endometriosis and convinced myself I have it". She prescribed me a bc pill (yasmin) and told me to take it continuously, skipping my period. She also referred me to an ultrasound.
today I had the ultrasound (transvaginal), it was quite painful and very uncomfortable. This time I told the tech i've had penetration when I was asked, because I didn't want to be denied the test once again. While she was inserting the probe I told her it hurt a lot an she replied with "wait, you're not a virgin, are you?". Not sure why i'm including this part, i guess i just felt a little humiliated.
Reading the summary that the tech gave me, I see she couldn't find any deep infiltrating endo or adhesions. She did tell me I have a uterine polyp, and that it might explain the heavy bleeding and the pain. Though after looking it up I see it doesn't normally cause severe pain. Anyway, she referred me back to a gyno and i'm gonna try to find another one who will take me more seriously.
Besides just wanting to vent about the situation, I wanted to ask others who were/are in the same boat: what would your next steps be? Should I try looking for an endo specialist? I know it is often not seen in an ultrasound... Are there other conditions to consider? How can I find a gyno who will take my pain seriously? I'm also wondering weather to start taking the bc or not yet. Initially I wanted to wait until after the ultrasound to see if maybe i can get answers about the root cause, but that didn't work. I think i'll give it a try, though i am quite nervous about side effects.
Honestly I'm just frustrated at not getting answers and tired of being in pain.