Hello Alamo! You knew I meant Monday, not Saturday, right?
Part of why I’m taking it easy right now is I had a minor operation done. This post might be slightly TMI, but it also might be helpful to other people out there. (AFABs and women, if you want a hint. You’ve been warned.)
I have struggled with birth control for over a decade. You name it, I’ve tried the method. About the only thing I have not tried is the birth control patch. With my specific disabilities, things like inserting a Nuva Ring, taking a pill, inserting a tampon, and at times even wearing a pad/what feels like a diaper really sucks.
On the pills specifically, I never got pregnant, but no matter how many different ones I tried, they’d eventually stop controlling my flow. Some months I would be bleeding for 3 weeks. All that extra hygiene with limited spoons has driven me insane and made me hate my body just a little bit. To be clear, not the disability; the fact that I had to go through all this crap just because I’m meant to procreate and carry a child, neither of which I want to do (especially as a disabled person).
Even longterm options, both of which I’ve tried 8 years ago, worked for exactly 1 year before the hormones changed just enough to make me bleed constantly until I switched methods again.
I of course complained about this to every GYN I’ve ever had, but as every AFAB, women, disabled, or otherwise marginalized person knows, most doctors love ignoring us. Well, Dr. McAndrews finally listened and suggested a surgery to take care of both problems. I got a tubal removal and endometrial ablation operation on June 27th.
It takes time that no one has to establish a relationship with your healthcare providers. But if you are struggling with this same problem, and you need a bit of a script to help you get through to your doctor while you still can, make sure you mention ‘heavy bleeding.’ My autistic brain didn’t realize this meant both heavy in the amount of blood as well as bleeding past a normal period.
No longer being shackled to feminine expectations of reproduction (even on accident) feels amazing. That’s my queer joy. The ablation may only last 5 years, or it could last longer, but at least 5 years???? That’s my disabled joy. Happy Queer Wrath, happy Disabled Pride!
If you want a part 2 about my healing journey the past few weeks, let me know. But until Wednesday,
Salud!
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