#“in treatment for symptoms of [insert disorder here]”

[thevoidofstars]

Not diagnosed, not medically recognized, but a secret third thing

[chillian-murphy]

Experimental Treatment

SUMMARY: after numerous failed attempts to treat your anxiety, you enroll in an experimental drug trial run by Dr. Jonathan Crane (OR: how you became Dr. Crane's bimbo fuckslave)

WORD COUNT: 5.4k

WARNINGS/ADDITIONAL INFO: Smut 🔞, dub con, drugging, mention of anxiety disorders, bimboification, brainwashing kinda??, breast/nipple play, oral sex (m receiving), piv, Jonathan is manipulative and possibly a nevernude

beta'd by @pawnsong

You shifted nervously as you sat in Dr. Crane’s office for the first time. You’d tried numerous treatments for your trauma-related anxiety, but nothing seemed to work. It had been about a year since you had been beaten, tied up, and left for dead in a supply closet by one of Gotham’s many aspiring criminals, and you haven’t been able to eat, sleep, or generally care for yourself since. When you heard about an experimental treatment study happening at the local university, you enrolled as quickly as you could, moving faster than you’d ever moved in your life. You knew there was no one therapy or pill that could fix everything, but at this point, you were desperate for any sort of relief that could be offered.

The man that entered was much younger than you expected; you always pictured the doctor running a drug trial to be much older, maybe even a bit weathered from the stress of working in such a nightmarish city. Instead, he was small, slender, and had an almost angelic baby face.

“Tell me about what brings you here today.” He sat down without looking up from his chart.

“It should all be there, but to summarize: about a year ago I was assaulted and have been experiencing extreme anxiety, depression, and nightmares since. I can’t eat more than a few bites of food at a time without vomiting, and can’t remember the last time I’ve had a few night’s sleep. I’ve tried talk therapy and a slew of medications, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines, but nothing seems to work.”

By this point, you’ve gone over your symptoms and previous treatments so many times that you had a well rehearsed script you relied on when recounting them. You worried that listing everything off in such a matter-of-fact way would lead people to think you’re just seeking drugs for recreational reasons, but fuck, what didn’t you worry about these days?

“As I’m sure you were told when you were applying for the trial, my background is in pharmacology and I’ll be putting you on an experimental drug of my own creation. I won’t bore you with the specifics of how it works, but you’ll receive a fast-acting injection once a week, and it should calm your nerves and improve your sleep. The exact effects aren’t well documented as of yet, which is why you’re here. All of the proper consent forms should be in order, so if you like, I can start you on the injections here and now.”

“Yes, please, whatever gets me my life back the soonest.” As nervous as you were to be injected with something you knew almost nothing about, part of you was almost giddy to be given something that might finally work.

“The drug can have some sedative effects, so no driving, at least for the first 24 hours. Do you have someone to pick you up? Family, a roommate? A boyfriend, perhaps?” Dr. Crane continued to inform as he prepared a syringe.

“I took public transport. Not a lot of people in my life.” you chuckled nervously.

“All alone. What a shame.”

Before you could mentally register his comment as odd, you were startled by the coldness of an alcohol wipe rubbing against your arm and the sharpness of a needle being inserted.

“You should start feeling the effects in about 5-10 minutes. I’m sending you home with a packet detailing what you should expect, as well as my phone number if anything unusual happens. It might be difficult, but I want you to take detailed notes on everything you experience, and we’ll review them when you come in for your next dosage.”

It proved a bit difficult to make your way home as the medication’s effects set in. Your body felt heavy and sleepy, and you had trouble concentrating; even reading the familiar train schedule felt impossible. Thankfully, some sort of muscle memory kicked in and you made it home safely, letting your brain turn off and follow your usual routine out of habit alone. The mindlessness felt weirdly comforting, you barely realized that you had moved from your spot on the subway until you were at your front door, fishing around for your keys in your bag.

The rest of the night went by pretty uneventfully, following your usual routine, with the addition of writing down your response to the medications in the journal included with Dr. Crane had provided you with. For the first night in as long as you could remember, you settled into a deep, dreamless sleep that lasted the full night.

*********************************************************

A week had passed since your initial meeting, and you were in Dr. Crane’s office again to go over how the medication had affected you and to receive your next dosage. You brought the journal you had taken notes in, although you were unsure how helpful it would be since you had mostly jotted down bullet points instead of writing down your experiences in-depth. It was the most you could do, since you were having trouble concentrating after you were dosed. Shit, that was another thing you should’ve written down.

The doctor entered quietly and greeted you with a tense smile, the kind of polite grimace you’d make upon accidentally making eye contact with a stranger in public. He motioned for you to hand over your journal of notes as he sat, and you passed it to him while trying to avoid looking at him as much as possible. He had never done anything to make you uncomfortable aside from being a bit terse, but he still gave you an uneasy feeling. 

“Let’s look at what you’ve written down. Your notes are brief, but at least they’re organized.”

Once again, terse. It was tempting to want to interrupt and explain how hard it was to focus on writing every little thing down when you kept forgetting where you were or what you were doing, often wandering into a room only to realize you couldn’t remember why you went there, but speaking up felt like too much trouble all of a sudden. After all, wasn’t Dr. Crane being soooo nice, offering to help you with your anxiety?

You had no idea where that thought came from. Weird.

“Grogginess, that’s to be expected, the drug was designed with sedative qualities. Forgetfulness, once again, not uncommon. Sleeping through the night? Good. Breast growth? I’d like you to elaborate.”

“I started getting my appetite back and gaining weight—“

“Weight gain is typical if you’re eating more regularly than you were before,” he interjected before you could finish. God, did he think you were fucking stupid?

“But I only seemed to gain weight around my breasts and hips.”

“Are you saying you’d rather have a double chin and beer belly?”

“Well, no…”

“Then I don’t see what the problem is.”

“I can’t fit into any of my old bras. Bras are expensive.” It really felt like talking to a brick wall.

“Understood.” He scribbled a few quick notes before looking back up at you. “Is there anything else?”

“Not that I can think of.” Relief sank in when you realized this meant that your meeting was wrapping up.

“Then I’ll give you your next dose and let you go. Please continue to take notes, even if they are brief. Any information you can give me is immeasurably helpful.” He gave you what must’ve been his version of a reassuring smile, tight and forced, before motioning for you to roll up your sleeve and receive your next shot. A cold jab in the arm was administered, and you were on your way.

*********************************************************

The next week passed largely without note, the intense brain fog from the first dosage had lessened into a sort of ditzy forgetfulness, which was still inconvenient but easier to live with. You misplaced things, forgot what you were doing, and lost track of time regularly, but somehow it all seemed easier to just laugh off. Had it not been for a reminder on your phone, you probably would’ve forgotten all about your weekly meeting with Dr. Crane.

The usual unease you felt around him was gone; you were almost looking forward to talking to him. He was the only one you could really talk to about everything that had happened since starting the trial, and how good you’ve been feeling, how your racing thoughts have slowed, and how sometimes you didn’t seem to think at all. It was a relief you never knew existed.

You were so caught up in thinking about not thinking that you hadn’t noticed Dr. Crane entering, sitting down, or speaking to you until he cleared his throat impatiently.

“I said, do you have your notes from this week?”

“Oh, right, here.” You casually tossed over your journal, even though your notes were even more scant than the first week. You had written just three things: 

boobs keep growing

really sensitive

really horny!!

thoughts not happening

“This is the second time you’ve mentioned your breasts.” It didn’t take long for Dr. Crane to skim your brief notes. “Would you mind showing them to me?”

Despite his relaxed posture, his stare felt about a thousand times more intense as you squirmed in your seat.

“That feels inappropriate.”

“I’m a medical professional. I assure you, I’m only trying to verify what you’ve reported.”

Cautiously, you pulled the front of your top down, exposing yourself to him. To your surprise, doing this didn’t make you feel nervous or vulnerable, despite always feeling rather timid about being seen naked in the past. Showing off for the doctor felt weirdly <i>right</i>, like the best thing you could do in any situation would be to do what he says.

He scooted forward on his wheeled office chair, leaning in to examine you closer, never losing the icily neutral look on his face. It’s not that you wanted him to leer, but something, anything other than stony professionalism would’ve gone a long way, especially as he reached out to touch you.

“You’ve gone up… two, maybe three cup sizes? Have you taken any measurements?” He cupped your round, heavy breast lightly, as if to evaluate it. His hand was surprisingly warm, you always assumed that his cold personality would extend to his touch, and that being handled by him would be like being prodded by a metal instrument.

“I dunno… enough that men have started being nicer to me.” Measuring hadn’t even occurred to you. A lot of things stopped occurring to you. It was so much easier just letting yourself not think.

“And you said they’re sensitive.” Gentle cupping had turned into squeezing, firm enough to make you aware of just how strong his hands are. You wanted to moan and lean into his touch, but you didn’t want to make things any more awkward than they already were.

“Yes” you squeaked out. “Really sensitive.”

“You also wrote down that you were, in your own words, really horny. Now, I’m going to need some elaboration, is that an increase in sex drive, or more like constant arousal? I need you to be as descriptive as possible.” He rolled your nipple between his fingers before turning his attention to your other breast, giving it the same treatment.

“It’s both. I’m just… always horny, and I come so much harder now. Sometimes I sneak off during work to rub myself in the bathroom. I can’t help it, it just feels so good, so much better than it did before.” You knew it was for the study, but telling him this much, especially while he touched you like this, felt… weird, like it shouldn’t be happening. But you didn’t want it to stop.

“Are you aroused right now?” If your brain wasn’t clouded by how much you were turned on, you would notice the subtle smirk on his face. Instead, you just nodded eagerly.

“Now, I’ll have to stop touching you so I can write all this down. You’ve given me some crucial information, and as a thank you, you’re welcome to grind against my shoe and get yourself off while I record everything you just told me.” He casually extended his leg as an invitation.

You dropped to your knees promptly, bare breasts bouncing with every movement, and stared up at him dumbly as you straddled his foot. He barely glanced at you while he jotted notes down, even as you rubbed yourself against the shiny black leather of his shoe. It didn’t take long at all for you to climax, and when your orgasm hit you, it hit you so hard that it was honest-to-god disorienting. It took you a moment to remember where you were as you shuddered and fell backwards to the floor.

This was enough to finally get Dr. Crane’s attention. You stared back up at him with big, doe eyes as you finally realized how bizarre and even <i>wrong</i> it was for a doctor to grope you and encourage you to masturbate in front of him.

“Good girl. Cover yourself and let me give you your next dose.”

The faint bit of praise sent shocks down your spine as you pulled your top back over your breasts and climbed back into your seat, and the way Dr. Crane touched you as he administered the injection felt gentler than usual, almost tender. As soon as the drug entered your bloodstream, any apprehension you had about what just happened quickly disappeared.

*********************************************************

“These… aren’t notes in any way, shape or form.” Dr. Crane rubbed his temples in frustration as he looked at the page of doodles you handed him, mostly hearts, stars, and smiley faces.

“I couldn’t think of anything to write. I thought I would make it pretty instead.” you shrugged as you sat with your legs folded in a criss-cross on the couch in his office, not noticing or caring that the position hiked up your already short skirt in a way that revealed your lacy panties. It was true, you couldn’t remember a single thought, new effect, or even what you did from day to day over the past week.

“If you can’t record and report how the drugs are affecting you, you won’t be of any use to the trial and we’ll have to take you off the drug.” he chided, as if explaining himself to a small child. “Because right now, you’re just wasting my time.”

“But I like the drug! I feel better!” you whined, rocking back and forth and pouting for emphasis. “I’ll be good. I promise. Just tell me what to do.”

“Can you tell me anything? Anything at all?” His tone was becoming more condescending, to the point where it got through to even your druggy little brain. He stared at you, daring you to say something, but all you could do was stare back at him dumbly. “That’s what I thought.”

“I’ll have the nurses prepare the outtake forms. I wish you could have been more useful to me.” He spoke curtly as he stood and gathered his belongings, not even dignifying you with eye contact. You were nothing but a broken tool to be discarded.

“But I need this!” You desperately attempted to stand and follow him as he left, but were unable to unfold your legs and spilled on the floor, catching the leg of his pants and staring back up at him with big, pleading eyes.

You were desperate, you were pathetic, you were suddenly useful again.

“I’m surprised you’re this determined to stay in the trial. I suppose we do have one last option: since you’re unable to record your own data, I will have to watch you and take notes myself. I have a spare room in my apartment that you can move into, which should be more comfortable than being committed to the hospital and allow me more access to observe you. Is that something you would consent to?”

You nodded eagerly, although you’d agree to anything as long as it meant not going back to the anxious, overthinking mess of a person that you were before. It was so much simpler being simple.

“I’m taking a big risk on you. I need you to do something for me, to show you’re serious about wanting to continue with the trial.” He gestured towards the growing bulge in his pants, which was mere inches from your face. You stared silently, not sure he was inferring, but your mouth instinctively watered and dropped open when he nudged your head towards his clothed dick.

You pawed at his tented trousers until he got impatient and undid the zipper himself and freed his erection from his boxer briefs, and you quickly got to work bobbing your head over his length, lavishing the head with your tongue. Your eyes watered as you pushed as much of his cock down your throat as you could, making yourself gag lightly but never enough to deter you. You didn’t care that drool was dribbling down your chin, Dr. Crane’s cock was all that mattered.

He grasped a fistful of your hair, reinforcing the rhythm of your movements, and shoving you further down on his cock. No matter how visibly uncomfortable you were, you never pushed back or struggled, you just accepted your place as a living fucktoy. Mascara was running down your cheeks and your skin was flushed and glassy with sweat, almost looking like the plasticky sheen of a blow-up doll.

Dr. Crane grunted as he came in spurts down your throat, still tender from the rough treatment. You didn’t waste a single drop of what he gave you, and ran your tongue over his slit to collect any remaining seed. Once you swallowed everything, you wiped the saliva from your face and smiled up at him sweetly.

“Can we go home now?”

*********************************************************

You had lost count of how many days it had been since Dr. Crane brought you home, in fact, most of your life outside of the past few weeks had been something of a blur. It didn’t matter, though, as being his pretty little pet didn’t require you to think much. You spent most of your days lounging about, watching porn, staring out the window, or oohing and aahing over the pretty clothes he brought home for you. It took him a while to settle on a style when he replaced your wardrobe, dressing you in everything from latex minidresses to 1950s housewife apparel, but eventually found that he favored soft, feminine babydolls in light colors like pink and white.

You were admiring the ruffled hem of the slip you were wearing when you heard him unlocking the door to his apartment, and you immediately rushed over to greet him. Seeing him was the best part of your day, and you couldn’t wait to sit in his lap and talk to him about your busy day of watching yourself edge in front of the mirror.

It had become something of a routine, he would settle into his favorite recliner after coming home from work, and you’d straddle him with your breasts in his face while he felt you up and vented about whatever was bothering him. His job at the university was soooo stressful, apparently conducting experiments on unwitting students is “frowned upon,” whatever that meant. You were always happy to make him feel better.

“…and the dean can’t even appreciate the validity of my work. Opening up the skull of a live subject is the most reliable way to observe changes in the brain, regardless of whether or not the ethics board likes it.” You had no idea what he was even talking about, but you did your best to seem sympathetic, hugging his neck and pulling his head into your chest.

“My day was hard, too. My vibrator stopped working and I had to rub myself by hand.”

“Did you try changing the batteries?”

You thought about what he said for a few seconds and fell into a fit of giggles.

“Duh! Batteries go in the vibrator! You’re so smart, you always think of the best things.”

“That’s why I do all the thinking in the relationship. You just look pretty and keep your holes ready.” He frowned at you in faux concern, as if you were capable of having thoughts of your own.

“I do keep my holes ready!” You bounced excitedly in his lap. You were so, so good at having holes and keeping them ready. Dr. Crane even told you so.

“Wanna show me how nice and ready they are?" his hands skimmed over your body, from the top of your waist down to your thighs and then around back to your ass, which he squeezed firmly, making you gasp softly. You raised the hem of your slip and pulled your panties to the side, revealing your pussy, which was wet from edging all day. You were never allowed to let yourself come while he was gone, that was a special privilege that only he was allowed to give you.

“Beautiful. And your ass?”

You rose from his lap, turned around, and bent over to show him the plug you’ve had in for the past hour.

“I started with the small one and put the bigger one in when you texted me, just like you asked." The plugs always felt weird and you didn't like the bigger ones, but if Dr. Crane wanted you to wear them, then obviously there was a good reason. He’s so handsome and smart, you’d do anything he said.

“Good girl." His praise made your heart sing as he fucked the toy in and out of you. He knew anal play frustrated you, and it was so cute to watch as you tried not to squirm as the bulbous plug disappeared in your ass. Maybe he’d lock your pussy away in a chastity belt and make you masturbate anally all day instead of your usual edging.

Dr. Crane could hardly believe how much his little experiment had changed you. When he started the trial, it was mainly to indulge his curiosity about how the antidote to his fear toxin would affect people with no fear toxin exposure, and most of the other participants reacted to it the same way they would to any other common anxiolytic, save for one particularly unfortunate person who had their fear response reduced so drastically that they walked into oncoming traffic without realizing it was dangerous. But you? You turned into the perfect fuckdoll: always aroused, eager to please, and too oblivious to notice the strange hours he kept as both a professor and as Scarecrow.

Of course, there were some down sides: he had hoped to mold you into something of a stepford wife, not only taking care of his needs in the bedroom but other domestic duties as well. Yet after your third time nearly setting the kitchen on fire while trying to cook a simple meal, he had to accept that you had simply become too airheaded to trust with anything but sex.

“Can we fuck now? My pussy needs you." You whined, interrupting the train of thought that had pulled Dr. Crane’s focus away from you.

“Good girls don't whine like that, sweetheart. I could fuck you, but for that I think I’ll make you wait until after dinner.” He chided. You were so much fun to toy with when you got desperate.

"But I am a good girl! Let me show you.” You pouted and begged.

“If you’re an extra good girl, you’ll be quiet while I’m cooking dinner and then we can fuck.” His tone was equal parts syrupy and condescending, “if not, you can spend the rest of the night gagged and locked in your cage. The choice is yours.”

Not wanting to spend the night locked in a dog crate, you crossed your arms and sulked, but nevertheless obeyed as you sunk into the couch. Your needy little pussy was aching, but you had to be a good girl for Dr. Crane. Even if it was mean and bad and unfair and… Oh? There’s a plate being placed in front of you, dinner must be ready already.

As soon as Dr. Crane sat down beside you, you snuggled into his side. Physical affection wasn’t something he was used to before bringing you home, and it took him some time to come around to it, but now he was actually starting to enjoy the amount of cuddles and kisses you desired from him. Spooning on the couch while trying to eat wasn’t the most practical thing in the world, although you were determined to find a way to bury your face in his chest while also stuffing it with mashed potatoes.

“Someone’s needy tonight,” he teased as he stroked your hair.

You just hummed contentedly and nuzzled your face into his neck. He was warm and smelled nice, like everything in the apartment. The one time you tried opening the window, it smelled like rot and gasoline, and made you sad and scared as it filled your head with vague memories of your old life.

Dinner passed comfortably and quietly, even as you squirmed to find a position that let you eat and snuggle at the same time. Dr. Crane’s attention was largely on the nightly news playing on the television, nodding along with the crime report. The news was mostly boring to you, except for that one weird time that a woman who looked like you and had your name was reported missing. Dr. Crane told you not to worry about it, though, so you didn’t.

“I’d say you’ve been a very good girl this evening,” Dr. Crane shifted to face you. “Would you like to join me in the bedroom?”

“What’s in the bedroom?” You stared blankly.

“Sex, sweetheart. I’m asking you if you would like to have sex.” Dr. Crane rubbed his temples. Perhaps drugging your brains out but leaving you just smart enough to talk was a mistake.

Sex! Sex was exactly what you wanted! Sex was what you dreamed about all day, edging your pussy and thinking of Dr. Crane. Your face lit up, which he took as a sign to lead you to the bedroom.

As you approached the bed, he toyed with the strap of your chemise, gliding it off your shoulder so it hung suggestively.

“I want this off.” His voice was soft, but his unblinking gazes held all the authority in the world over you.

“Yes, sir.” You made quick work of the garment, pulling it over your head and flinging it to the floor.

“Panties, too.”

Those silently slid off next, leaving you completely nude while he remained fully clothed.

Dr. Crane’s breath stilled for a moment as he took in the sight in front of him. It only took a few weeks of being dosed for your body to reshape into a bouncy hourglass, with full breasts, a slim, defined waist, and a round ass with thighs to match. A soft, trimmed patch of hair adorned your pussy, just above the lips, with everything else kept bare. Occasionally you’d have your pubic hair waxed into a heart, which he found ridiculous, but was easy enough to overlook if it kept you happy.

Once he was done drinking in the sight of your body, he gently shoved you onto the bed and guided your legs open, settling in between. His hand made its way to your eager little pussy, spreading the lips and pressing inside, making you shudder in pleasure.

“Have you been this wet for me all day, baby?” His voice now a low rasp, thick with desire.

“Mmmhmm,” you hummed in affirmation, too lost in the sensation to form words.

“God, you’re good for me.” He growled as he dived on top of you, kissing your neck and fondling your breasts. You couldn’t help but moan when he rolled your nipple between his fingers, tugging lightly. You were always responsive, but especially when he played with your tits.

He trailed soft bites down from your neck to your nipples, gently nipping at any skin he could grasp between his teeth. Once he got to your chest, he got more aggressive, sinking his teeth into you until you whimpered in pain. Your breasts were his favorite. He had never given much thought to the “tits or ass?” question before, but now that he could come home to a soft, inviting pair to play with and suck, he knew where his preference lied.

Feeling satisfied that your nipples were now swollen and pink from both arousal and abuse, Dr. Crane removed himself from on top of you to once again admire your needy body and tease your cunt. Even when he was just fucking you with his fingers, you moaned and rolled your hips as if it was the best thing you’ve ever felt. Some nights it could drag on for hours, he would stimulate you with just his hands or a toy only to withdraw before you could climax, giving pleasure and taking it away over and over to see just how desperate he could make you. It was no secret that Dr. Crane was a sadist, and watching you squirm, cry, and beg was almost as good to him as coming inside of you.

Tonight was different, though, he wanted to fuck. He pulled his fingers out of you and freed himself from his trousers and underwear, making a show of rubbing his cock with the wet essence covering his fingers as he lined himself up with your tight, eager hole. He pushed himself in slowly, savoring how hot and slick you felt around him.

Your life revolved around his cock. If you weren’t sucking on it or being filled by it, you were fantasizing about the next time you would have it inside of you. And now that you were being given exactly what you were craving, you couldn't get enough, grinding back against Dr. Crane every time his hips met yours.

No longer satisfied with the languid pace he had set earlier, Dr. Crane pulled back slightly, helping to lift your hips and push your legs towards your chest, essentially folding you in half so he could penetrate you deeper and harder. His new rhythm was merciless as his fingers dug into your thighs, pistoning his hips and fucking you like his life depended on it. Whatever frustration he felt with his job, his colleagues, and his extracurricular activities, he was now taking out on your pussy and all you could do was grip the sheets and take it. 

Between the powerless feeling reinforced by his rough treatment and the way his cock was hitting your g-spot, you couldn't help but let your eyes roll back in ecstasy. You were fulfilling your ultimate purpose as Dr. Crane’s pet: a pretty toy to play with and look at, and an inviting set of holes to fuck. You could come from the thought alone if you were allowed to orgasm without permission. You met each of his thrusts with short, staccato moans as you arched your back beneath him, sticking out your chest as your breasts bounced with every hammering movement.

Dr. Crane’s breath grew ragged as he approached his own climax, and his motions changed from a fluid rhythm to jerky, rough thrusts.

“Play with your clit. Come for me."

Finally given the permission you’ve been needing all evening, you began rubbing yourself vigorously as he continued ramming his cock into you. It didn't take much to push you over the edge, and as your orgasm hit, you moaned so loud and luridly that it would make most seasoned pornographers blush.

Dr. Crane wasn't nearly as noisy as he joined you in orgasmic bliss, panting heavily as he filled you with his seed. Once he found himself thoroughly drained, he collapsed next to you and silently attempted to catch his breath as you rolled over and snuggled up to his chest.

“Let's go again!" you excitedly chirped while reaching for his softened cock.

“Later, sweetheart, I need to rest.” He had no idea how you recovered so quickly. "Why don't you play with yourself while you're full of my come? I know you like that.”

"It's not the same,” you begged. "I need your cock.”

"How about this,” Dr. Crane's clinical doctor voice was back. "You can warm my cock in your mouth while I grade papers, and once I'm good and ready, I’ll fuck your throat while you ride one of your dildos.”

You made a happy little squeal as you smiled and hugged him tightly. He took such good care of you, keeping you so well-fucked. You had everything you could ever want: you were safe, you were loved, you were happy. And all you had to do was let your brain be turned into cotton candy.

[intothedysphoria]

Billy Hargrove’s story is unattachable from disability

Of course Dacre has said he portrayed Billy as having bipolar and generalised anxiety disorder (and Dacre is a disabled actor himself)

And the Duffers aren’t exactly known for their good treatment of disabled characters or disabled actors

When you look at social representation models for disability in media, a lot of these hegemonic traits fit with Billy pretty fucking well.

“The disabled character as sinister/evil”- throughout the narrative we are told that the way Billy behaves (a lot of which are pretty textbook symptoms of bipolar disorder btw) make him evil and someone to be feared. ESPECIALLY after he’s flayed and is literally seen as inhuman.

“The disabled character as a burden”- Stranger Things presents him as *burdening* Max, preventing her from seeing her friends because he’s *insert fandom mental health diagnosis here*

“The disabled character as sexually deviant”- Billy is seen to be flirting with Karen (never mind that he looks fucking nervous while doing it) therefore he is a sexual deviant and must also be sexually deviant in other ways. (And certain disabilities are absolutely hyper sexualised)

Even the ways the fandom reacts to him are steeped in ableism. I’ve seen him be referred to as a sociopath, as a narcissist, as if npd and aspd aren’t mental health conditions and are instead an insult. The abuse he endures is blamed on him being a “difficult child” for Neil to raise, again pointing at Billy’s disabled traits.

And that’s not even mentioning that abuse is inherently a disability issue.

Abuse is disabling. And disabled people are both more likely to be targeted and less able to escape.

Billy’s story and thus his villainhood is reliant on the fact that he is disabled. He is a disabled abuse victim and therefore he is inhuman in the narratives eyes.

The one heroic he does according to the narrative is die. It is incredibly depressing.

But it is a story which has been thrust on disabled people since the beginning of television. You can consider me disappointed but not surprised.

[sophieinwonderland]

Please talk about traumagenic systems formed from psychosis and delusions, not DID or OSDD, and IFS parts and how brain fragmentation works on psychosis or delusions!

I just got diagnosed with it last month, I’m interested about what you have to say.

Oh... This is... actually really complicated.

My views on this have evolved a lot over the years and I find myself often wondering where the line even is between psychotic and dissociative experiences, if there is one at all.

I think many of the systems who say they formed from psychosis could qualify as having DID, OSDD or Partial DID.

Further complicating things is that individual headmates can have delusions of their own.

Say for instance that someone is hearing a voice that claims to be an alien. This voice is heard in a way that is similar to an inner monologue.

This is what's called a thought insertion delusion. A belief that thoughts in your head are coming from an external source. That's what psychiatrists would consider it. The "person" has a delusion that someone else is putting thoughts in their heads.

But I would argue that this form of delusion inherently involves dissociation. If the "alien" thoughts feel coherent and intelligent enough, then perhaps the issue is a headmate who has a delusional belief about themselves.

And this isn't just me saying this. Actual psychiatrists have been arguing that many psychotic symptoms might actually be dissociative in nature.

Others have said the intelligent voices psychotic disorders may be dissociated parts of the system.

And that traditional strategies focused on getting rid of voices in these voice hearers may actually be harmful to them.

That particular paper was published in 2016 before Partial DID was added to the ICD-11 in 2019. But it makes me believe there's a need for Partial DID to be a diagnosis in the United States, and to apply it with these cases of intelligent hallucinatory voices.

Additionally, it's not just voice hearing and thought insertion either. Another big one is so-called "delusions of control" where control over some of your actions are attributed to an external source.

That sounds a lot like how motor intrusions from other headmates are described. And it's hard to look at case studies of delusions of control and not think these are a lot of systems who are misdiagnosed and treated using ineffectual methods.

This case study even seems to describe the problem mentioned in the earlier paper on treating hostile voices. She's diagnosed at 23 and responds to the voices by telling them to leave her alone. They become more aggressive and even start controlling her. And she's still suffering nearly 20 year later.

The belief the actions are from external people may be a delusion, but I'd be inclined to believe what she's experiencing could just be a result of an introject who believe they're actually their source. And if 20 years of traditional treatment didn't work, I wonder if she might benefit from the sort of treatment proposed in the article on treating hostile voices.

Here's an instance of a man in the same paper whose controlling voice was believed to be a woman he met in his youth.

The paper claims this as pure delusion and nothing more. And obviously, he's not being mind-controlled by an external woman he used to date.

But the possibility that this is a headmate (or "dissociative part" as psychiatrists would call it) who is merely believed to be that woman is never brought up.

That's despite it being well-documented that alters can have false beliefs about themselves, such as believing themselves to be an angel or a demon.

THIS IS IN THE DSM-5!

So if we accept possession states like this are dissociative, and that the alter is simply believed to be an external agent, why aren't psychiatrists treating these "thought insertion delusions" and "delusions of control" the same way???

...

This might have been a bit rambly, but my main point is that I think A LOT of experiences that are currently classified as psychotic would be better classified as dissociative, and should be recategorized.

It wouldn't be the first time. ASD was considered a form of childhood schizophrenia until the 80s, and DID was once a type of hysteria.

In my opinion, there needs to be similar restructuring when it comes to these intelligent voices and "delusions of control", where they should be reclassified as as dissociative. Particularly under the new category of Partial DID.

[springtrappd]

i still think about "afton has dissociative identity disorder" guy sometimes not because he was outright wrong but because of how utterly insane the way he was wrong was. because the thing is that he wasn't wrong! afton does display various symptoms that indicate something is up with his sense of self*; he experiences extreme mood swings and shifts in personality, he references his various personas in the third person, doing elaborate dance routines to declare that that version of himself is dead, that he has numerous masks that he switches out at all, and just. Everything about him-as-spring-bonnie in tse**. i'd have to reread the trilogy to get you complete sources, but absolutely none of the things he says (or thinks of himself) are normal***, and they draw attention to this in the text every single time it happens. and naturally this is all up to interpretation, but it's a completely reasonable one to make given the circumstances****

like he was so so close to getting it but the ableism- and conspiracy-worms ate his brain and he jumped to "william afton has a split personality and is scott's secret self-insert meaning that the entire character is scott explaining that he, Real Guy Scott Cawthon, has dissociative identity disorder" rather than. just. "you can easily interpret afton as displaying symptoms of mental illness". which he does and you can.

CLICK HERE FOR FOOTNOTES:

[*] - psychiatric labels are names given to collections of symptoms to better categorise them for treatment/study; human beings are multifaceted beings by nature and thus often exist outside their narrow confines. it is pointless to argue the distinction between personality, mood and dissociative disorders in this context, as these titles are -- again -- tools to aid understanding. they exist to fit us; we do not exist to fit them. fictional characters, as entities that do not exist, cannot be definitively diagnosed or expected to behave in ways that satisfy the more psychiatrically-minded; however, viewing them through such a lens allows for a new perspective on their actions, and that is something vital to media analysis. the use of labels here are tools to assist in your understanding of what i'm discussing, not definitive statements of what something is (or isn't). He like definitely has a personality disorder though have you seen this guy, jesus christ

[**] - whether he's actually himself here (just concussed) or outright possessed is up to you. this is just a possible take on it, not necessarily the definitive one. i'm demonstrating an argument.

[***] - i do not know your own experiences and you should not judge yourself based on a random tumblr post about five nights at freddy's. it's okay if this aspect of afton's character resonates with you, or if you don't understand why a statement like this would be noteworthy from a psychological perspective. he is a fictional character who has been written the way he was with particular intent; you are a real person with lived experiences that cannot be confined to the page. there isn't (necessarily) anything wrong with you (and it doesn't matter if there is, btw) (see note 1), but this is used as a way to show that there is something wrong with him.

[****] - i have a dissociative disorder. you do not need to know anything more about it than that, and i will not be telling you.

[hauntedselves]

do you have any advice for finding a competent therapist for DID? like questions to ask them, things to look for, things to avoid, etc. ?

generally, finding a therapist for DID is the same process as for any issue, except that they need to be knowledgeable - or willing to learn - about dissociation and complex trauma.

red flags for therapists specific to DID are things like not believing in it or believing its socio- / iatrogenic / therapist-induced, pushing abuse narratives onto you, pushing a specific healing goal onto you, only willing to talk to the host, pushing you to discuss details of trauma (especially if you're not ready or have only just met)...

here's some tips from this-is-not-dissociative, a PDF from Sidran Institute, a question sheet from a DID book, and some tips from @/switchcase (copy-pasting in case of mobile inaccessibility as it's a blog page, not a post):

if you’re worried you can’t afford a therapist:

ask potential therapist if they offer sliding scale and/or payment plans

check your community clinic and see if they have therapists there. community clinics are either free or low cost. many of them (not all) are trauma-informed or sometimes even knowledgeable about DID/OSDD because of the type of people commonly needing to use community clinics. my current therapist is an isstd member and has a waitlist for clients and volunteers at a clinic for the homeless/at risk for free

if you can’t find a dissociative specialist in your vicinity, search for trauma therapists. some will know about DID/OSDD or be willing to learn

if the lowest priced option is still too much for you, see if they’re willing to offer less sessions. once every 2-4 weeks is better than nothing

how to find a therapist: if you have insurance: go to your insurance website and log in. you can crosscheck names here to make sure that someone is covered by your insurance

http://isst-d.org has a directory for people that pay to be members (meaning they go to continuing education stuff or access resources ISSTD has). you can then narrow by zipcode and then crosscheck the names with your insurance page

you can also google “dissociative therapist [zipcode]”. a psychologytoday website will pop up, and basically it’s a yellowpages for therapists that claim to be dissociative specialists. keep in mind they get to put whatever they want on there, so be sure to check if they just claimed they specialize in everything and be sure to interview them

Things to Ask Your Potential Therapist:

do you offer a free initial consultation?

do you take [insert your insurance company] insurance?

do you have experience working with DID/OSDD?

how long have you been working with DID/OSDD?

what methods do you use in treatment?

how do you view clients with DID/OSDD? (this is open ended for a reason, some of their answers will set off red flags)

my goal for therapy is [goal], what would our first steps be?

i have [problem/symptom], is that something we can work on?

do you take continuing education credits, go to conferences, or research about dissociative disorders?

do you have experience with [insert specific trauma]? (OPTIONAL, useful if you have “heavy/unusual” traumas or a trauma that is very important to talk about)

[lightblueminecraftorchid]

Rant under the cut

At the time this posts, I will have had an appointment with a new PCP, discussing several medical concerns that I’ve encountered in recent years.

I feel scared. Scared that I’m wrong, scared that I’m right. And angry. Angry, both at the systems that require me to work past what I can handle and beg for help, and at my body, for not being able to hold me up. I’m ashamed of how much I am capable of doing. I’m ashamed of the recovery time I need. I’m ashamed that I’m still grappling with this internalized ableism, because obviously I would never say this shit to a friend about their needs or capabilities. And yet. Here I am. Thinking this about myself.

There was a comic I came across on here, years ago, about a person struggling with depression. They compared themself to a chipped tea cup: damaged and in need of repair, but not damaged enough to warrant immediate or intense repair. Like the chips in a cup, their symptoms were mild enough that they could be ignored or left untreated. They were still functional, albeit not as well, and not without issues. As a result, they felt small and shunted aside, both afraid of taking up space in depression communities, and angry that their clinicians and peers kept saying “it could be worse! you’re so functional! you don’t need (insert treatment here).”

I feel a lot of solidarity with this person’s experience in this moment.

I don’t know what the fuck is wrong with me. Google searches give me several answers which vaguely fit some of my symptoms, but nothing fits all of them. Either they fit the bill nominally but are way more severe than what I have going on, or they have a bunch of other symptoms I don’t have. I’ve looked at pages for so many chronic pain related disorders by now, and I still don’t have anything I can walk into the office with and say “I think something like this might be going on”.

When I was getting my autism diagnosis, I knew I was autistic. By that point, I’d known for over a year. It was just a matter of getting a clinician to verify it, so I could access accommodations. This is an entirely different beast. Everything I have is vague and hard to explain. I don’t have any diagnosis that I know of to reference, or another person like me to ask questions to. I don’t have EDS, at least. I’m not nearly that stretchy. That, at least, is easy-ish to check. I probably don’t have POTS, or PCOS, or endometriosis. That’s all the things I know my friends have. Beyond that, I can’t really ask people for their personal experiences with their own disabilities and compare notes. Because it’s incredibly invasive to ask random strangers about their medical history. But with my autism diagnosis, I knew several people who were already self-dx or professionally diagnosed with autism. I could easily talk about my experiences and compare it to theirs. It was easy to tell my clinician what was going on, because I’d already explained it and been told “yeah that sounds right for me, too”. People already knew. There was a lot of external validation for my experiences. It was a lot easier to trust myself, knowing that people I was close to agreed with me.

Now, I don’t have that luxury. Yes, my friends believe me, but they also don’t know what the fuck is wrong with me. Nobody does.

And then there’s the added wrinkle of coming to terms with my existing dissociative symptoms, which have possibly been going on for years without me recognizing them as dissociative, because I explained them away by “just being tired/loopy” or “ADHD memory gaps lol”. Working on mitigating my dissociation made my pain symptoms immediately and measurably worse. I have the dual-pronged issue of not being properly aware of my body’s condition, and losing large chunks of time and memory to something I can’t really control.

How do I even give a timeline for how long I’ve been in pain, given that? Or a baseline level? Do I just draw on post-grounding data?

I’ve been making a google doc with a list of everything I can think of. Hopefully I can give that to my doctor, and it’ll be more helpful.

And what if it’s something that isn’t easily fixed, or is poorly understood? Like fibromyalgia? Am I just screwed? I have a future I’ve been working towards. I want to get a PhD and join a clinical practice. I want to move to a new city where my friends are and get a job there and afford my rent. If I actually do have something beyond normal aches and pains, will I be able to do that? What if it’s something progressive, and I have to move back in with my parents? I won’t have a partner to rely on in the future to help take care of me if I need it. I know this is already the reality for a lot of people, and I don’t mean to imply that their lives aren’t worth living, or that they’re tragic figures for needing full-time care. I mean that, for me, moving in with my parents would limit or reverse a lot of the things in my life that currently bring me joy.

And all of this is assuming that I’m not making this up, or exaggerating or hyper focusing on normal life events and conditions, and that this new doctor believes me even if I’m right. Yeah, I was in a lot of pain after standing up for hours at a concert, but wasn’t everybody? Yes, I’m still sore two days later, but isn’t that normal? Yes, my fingers, wrist, and elbow are all sore and tingly hours after doing homework; I was coloring a lot. Maybe my pencil grip is just bad? Maybe it was just a lot of work? It did take me 4 hours. Yes, I run out of energy quickly and want to lay down after one or two big tasks, like grocery shopping or going to class. Doesn’t everyone get tired running errands? What’s the threshold for being tired? What if this is just an autism/sensory thing?

Honestly I’ll be lucky if I can get to even ask these questions. I’ll be happy to get this doctor to look past the number on the scale and actually recommend me something besides cutting down on sugar and carbs.

I guess the central conflict is, I need to somehow convince a stranger to believe me, and I don’t even know if I believe myself. Heaven help me. We’ll see what happens.

[ur-fav-is-schizo]

YOUR FAV IS SCHIZOSPEC↭!!

Hey folks!! I'm Sol (he/it), and imma be the one running this blog!! I noticed that the previous "your fav is psychotic" blogs seemed to be either inactive or deactivated, so I thought why not add another sideblog to the collection, you know? (EDIT: XANDER HE/HYM/IT IS ALSO HELPING WITH THE BLOG NOW)

The ask box is open, so feel free to request any characters! Format it something along the lines of...

"[Insert Character] from [Insert Media] is psychotic!!"

Or maybe, "psychotic and autistic," "a psychotic pwAVPD," "schizospec," or even "a schizo" if you really want. Feel free to go into details too like, "[Insert Character] from [Insert Media] is psychotic, and has [Insert Symptoms]!!" ..or you can just chat to me and share posts, that's chill!! Elaboration on submissions here...!

This place is safe for neurodivergents of all kinds, including disabled pplz btw!!

I'll say outright that pwPDs are welcome here, so if you think "narcissistic abuse" is a valid descriptor of any abuse then go away!! It's also not my place to question other people's experiences, so if you're the kind of person who goes around fake claiming others.. You're not welcome!! I don't care how "cringey" or "obviously fake" someone is, because in my experience that's usually just repackaged sanism!! Any plural/system/what have you is welcome, I'm not interested in syscourse so try not to bring it up. But anywayz, if you get on my nervez I'll justz block u k?

Here is my own version of the psychosis/schizospec flag, with the symbol, primary colours and moon motif pulled from actuallyschizophrenic, while otherwise being unabashedly inspired by charb's flag. The explanation/description is pretty long so I'll tuck it underneath the read more (along with other ids). Feel free to use thesez!! Just tag me if u do anythingz cool w/ them cause I wanna see!!

The flag centers the symbol of the schizospec/psychotic community: an arrow pointing either way, left and right, (symbolizing the vastness, scope, and diversity of the community) with a wave in the middle (symbolising positive and negative symptoms). It's coloured purple, one of our representing colours, featuring a pink outline to help with the cohesion of the flag.

Behind it are two overlapping circles: one a light grey like silver (our other representing colour), and one a dark purple. White and black can often be seen as ethereal colours (embodying light or the abyss), so I knew I wanted to include them for their otherworldly properties, and so the overlapping is like the inbetweens or overlapping of what we perceive and experience if that makes sense. The overlapping circles also create a crescent moon, another symbol claimed by the community because psychotics are a bunch of "lunatics". It's outlined in grey to help with the cohesion of the flag.

The impression of a pink arrow's point continues to either edge of the flag (also outlined in grey), emphasising the centered symbol while also seperating the top and bottom's colours. Shapes come off the top and bottom of the pink, imitating a wave. The waves on the top half are a lighter purple with a purple background, the bottom a lighter red with a red background (outlined in pink). These are akin to lines on a typical flag.

To pull from charb's description of the colours:

Purple; the good side of schizospec disorders/being proud of being schizospec despite everything. Red; the reclaimation and/or the hatred of harmful tropes of us in media. Grey & Black; the unfortunate bad side of schizospec disorders and the strength it takes to deal with it. Pink; acceptance and the hope for better treatment from others.

And next to that is its geometric counterpart, which should be a BIT easier to reproduce.. But I think it's pretty obvious I made the flag to be more artistic than practical.

The symbol is the same, but the circles have been changed to verticle lines. About a quarter of the flag the silver line, a quarter the dark purple line, the overlapping colour a small slither. This block of lines is outlined by grey. To the left and right are horizontal lines, alternating between large and small lines. Top to bottom, starting with a large line: purple, (pink), light purple, (grey), pink, (grey), light red, (pink), red.

Blog header is my version of the psychosis/schizospec flag. Pfp is Ame-Chan (Needy Streamer Overload), with the purple, light purple, pink, light red, and red stripes as a background.

First image of pinned is the purple, light purple, pink, light red, and red stripes.

Next image is purple, light purple stripes. Followed by the psychosis/schizospec flag, and its geometric counterpart. Next image is light red, red stripes.

Under the cut is the purple stripes again, followed by the red stripes. This text is followed by the first pinned image, repeated.

[aanjaneyahospital]

Top ENT Specialist in Jaipur for Advanced Ear, Nose & Throat Care

Where serious ENT problems are the concern, proper medical hand decision matters the most. Whether chronic sinus problem or deafness or throat infection, a trained ENT specialist in Jaipur is best of all to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Where symbiosis of skills and new age technology is the concern, Jaipur has become the center of excellence as far as quality ENT care is the concern.

Having an Idea What an ENT Specialist Does

ENT doctor or otolaryngologist is a specialist doctor who holds the credential to cure and heal neck and head disease. It could be little like ear infection and throat sore or large like tonsillitis, nasal polyp, deafness, and dizziness. A effective ENT doctor in Jaipur provides surgical as well as medicinal treatment depending on the patient.

Why Jaipur Is the Destination for Future ENT Treatment

Jaipur will become famous for having the best medical facilities, especially for ENT treatment. Jaipur is home to a number of multi-specialty hospitals and clinics with the best technology. High-quality human resources and affordable treatment procedures have made Jaipur a reliable destination for ENT treatment.

All the ENT doctors of Jaipur are highly sensitive towards recent medical developments across the entire world and offer speedy recovery through minimally invasive procedures. Whether it is recent hearing aid fitting or endoscopic sinus surgery, the patients are given the complete treatment at a single place.

Symptoms That Need an ENT Consultation

One should be careful about when to go and get advice from an ENT specialist so that one does not suffer long-term pain and complications. Situations where one would need to see an ENT specialist in Jaipur are:

Long ear pain or discharge

Deafness or ringing in the ear (tinnitus)

Sore throat or hoarseness for a long time

Respiratory difficulty while breathing through the nose

Tongue swelling or chronic sinus infection or facial pain

Sleep apnea or snoring issue

Neck or facial swelling

They will be avoided from aggravation with timely diagnosis and treatment, and your quality of life will never be disrupted.

Services Provided by Jaipur ENT Specialists

Jaipur's best ENT specialists provide a variety of diagnostic and curative services to children and adults. They are:

Ear Care: Ear infection, cochlear implant, audiometry, tinnitus treatment

Nose Care: Nasal obstruction correction, allergy test, sinus surgery, rhinoplasty

Throat Care: Tonsillectomy, voice disorders, treatment of sleep apnea, speech therapy

Pediatric ENT: Ear tube insertion, adenoidectomy, congenital problems

Head and Neck Surgery: Cyst, thyroid, and tumor surgery

The above services are invariably supported by diagnostic nasal endoscopy facilities, imaging investigations, and audiometry to give true results.

Aanjaneya Hospital – Jaipur's Home for Reliable ENT Specialists

Although being all about the best and reliable ENT therapy, Aanjaneya Hospital is one of the highest-quality health centers in Jaipur. Famous for its quality and highly qualified ENT professionals, AanjaneyJ Hospital provides best-class therapy to any type of ENT disorder. Equipped with latest facility like high-definition endoscopy units, micro-surgery instruments, and best-operating rooms for precise and effective treatments.

At Aanjaneya Hospital, each patient is personally attended to, genuinely counseled, and treated ethically. The hospital makes every effort to minimize patient pain using the minimally invasive approach and thus enables the patient to heal fast with minimal scope for complications.

From treating sinusitis, infection in ear, ear disease, to voice disorders, Aanjaneya Hospital provides one-stop solution for all your ENT problems.

How to Choose the Best ENT Specialist in Jaipur

Here are some suggestions on how to choose the most suitable ENT specialist in Jaipur:

Check Qualifications & Experience: Make sure that the doctor is board-certified and experienced enough to treat your condition.

Read Patient Review: What other patients say about the specialist says a lot about the work culture, attitude, and success rate of the specialist.

Check the Facility: Make sure hospital or clinic has the best diagnostic machines and operation theaters.

Pediatric Care Availability: Verify if pediatric ENT doctor is pediatrics qualified in case you require ENT treatment for a child.

Accessibility & Fees: Verify the location of hospital and whether consultation and treatment fee is affordable.

Conclusion

If you’re facing persistent issues related to your ear, nose, or throat, consulting a qualified ENT specialist in Jaipur can make a significant difference in your health and well-being. With highly reputed professionals and world-class healthcare facilities like Aanjaneya Hospital, Jaipur offers dependable and affordable ENT care.

Don't delay your diagnosis or treatment—book an appointment with a trusted ENT specialist today and take the first step toward better health.

[gloriouscrusadetidalwave]

The Power of Alternatives: Discovering the Advantages of Natural Medicine Prescriptions

Introduction

In a globe significantly aware of alternative health and well-being, alternative medicine prescriptions are acquiring traction as sensible choices for therapy. People are checking out techniques that match or perhaps replace standard medical methods. This write-up delves into the alternative medicine prescription multifaceted world of natural medicine, highlighting its benefits and stressing the significance of alternative wellness medicine prescriptions. We will certainly explore numerous techniques, their applications, and just how they can boost general wellness.

The Power of Alternatives: Checking Out the Benefits of Alternative Medicine Prescriptions

Alternative medication has actually thrived right into a veritable field and technique, using special options for disorders ranging from persistent discomfort to tension management. The power depends on its flexibility and concentrate on dealing with people holistically instead of just dealing with signs. Here's why natural medicine prescriptions can be so efficient:

Holistic Approach: Unlike standard approaches that typically target specific symptoms, alternative medicine thinks about the whole person-- mind, body, and spirit.

Personalized Treatments: Many professionals customize therapies to specific needs, making them even more effective.

Fewer Side Effects: Often derived from natural sources, many alternate therapies have fewer negative effects compared to pharmaceuticals.

Patient Empowerment: Clients commonly really feel a lot more in control over their wellness when they involve with alternative therapies.

Prevention Focus: Numerous alternative techniques emphasize preventative care, aiming to preserve wellness instead of simply treating illness.

Cultural Relevance: Different cultures have abundant practices in herbalism and other forms of natural medicine that reverberate with many patients.

Understanding Holistic Health Medication Prescription What Is Holistic Health Medicine?

Holistic wellness medication is a technique that takes into consideration all aspects of an individual's life-- physical, emotional, social, and spiritual-- when establishing therapy strategies. It stresses the interconnectedness of these measurements and looks for to advertise balance among them.

Key Concepts of Alternative Health Interconnectedness: Every facet influences the others; as an example, stress and anxiety can influence physical health. Prevention: Focusing on keeping wellness as opposed to just dealing with illness. Natural Remedies: Using herbs, nutrition, acupuncture, and various other all-natural modalities to cultivate healing. Common Practices in Holistic Health And Wellness Medicine Acupuncture An old Chinese technique including inserting needles into certain points on the body to stimulate energy flow. Herbal Medicine Uses plant-based substances for restorative purposes. Nutritional Therapy Focuses on usi

[medfertility]

Laparoscopy Cost in Ghana: A Guide to Affordable and Advanced Surgical Care

Laparoscopy, often referred to as minimally invasive surgery, has become a common and highly effective technique for diagnosing and treating a range of medical conditions, especially those related to gynecology, infertility, and abdominal disorders. In Ghana, this procedure has gained popularity due to its advantages — less pain, shorter recovery time, and minimal scarring — compared to traditional open surgery. But one of the most frequently asked questions is: What is the laparoscopy cost in Ghana?

This article provides a comprehensive overview of what to expect in terms of pricing, factors that affect the cost, and how Med Fertility can help guide you through the process with personalized care and transparency.

What is Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is a surgical technique that involves making small incisions through which a camera and specialized instruments are inserted to examine or operate on internal organs. It is commonly used for:

Diagnosing causes of infertility

Treating endometriosis

Removing ovarian cysts

Performing hysterectomies

Examining the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries

Performing tubal ligation or reversal

The benefits of laparoscopy include quicker healing, less postoperative discomfort, minimal blood loss, and a reduced risk of infection. Given these advantages, many patients in Ghana and beyond are opting for laparoscopic procedures over conventional surgeries.

Understanding Laparoscopy Cost in Ghana

The laparoscopy cost in Ghana is relatively affordable compared to prices in Western countries, without compromising on the quality of care. On average, the cost can range between $800 to $2,500, depending on the complexity of the procedure and other related factors.

Here are some of the elements that can influence the final cost:

Type of Laparoscopy: Diagnostic laparoscopy is generally less expensive than operative laparoscopy, which may involve removing cysts, fibroids, or adhesions.

Hospital Charges: The facilities, technology, and reputation of the clinic or hospital can affect the cost.

Surgeon’s Fee: More experienced surgeons or specialists in minimally invasive surgery may charge higher consultation and surgical fees.

Anesthesia and Medications: These are typically included in the surgical package but may vary from one institution to another.

Pre-operative and Post-operative Care: Lab tests, imaging, follow-up consultations, and medications may add to the overall cost.

Despite these variables, Ghana remains one of the most cost-effective destinations for laparoscopy, attracting both local and international patients.

Contact Us: +91–701669315 Email us: info@medfertility.com

Who Should Consider Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is often recommended for women facing infertility issues or experiencing unexplained pelvic pain. It is also used to treat a variety of gynecological conditions such as:

Uterine fibroids

Ovarian cysts

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Ectopic pregnancy

Adhesions from previous surgeries

For men and women alike, laparoscopy can be used to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal or urological conditions as well.

If you’re experiencing symptoms that affect your daily life or are undergoing fertility treatments, your doctor may suggest laparoscopy as a diagnostic or therapeutic tool. At Med Fertility, we ensure you receive the most up-to-date information and the right referrals for your treatment.

Why Choose Ghana for Laparoscopy?

Aside from affordability, Ghana offers several other advantages:

Qualified Specialists: Medical professionals trained in advanced laparoscopic techniques.

Modern Facilities: Clinics and hospitals with up-to-date surgical equipment and technology.

Short Waiting Time: Patients can schedule their surgeries faster compared to public health systems in other countries.

Personalized Care: Smaller patient volumes often mean more individualized attention and care.

These benefits, combined with a culturally warm and welcoming environment, make Ghana an increasingly popular destination for medical tourism.

Med Fertility: Your Trusted Partner

Med Fertility is a recognized name in fertility care and reproductive health services, helping patients from across the globe access world-class treatment at reasonable costs. When it comes to understanding the laparoscopy cost in Ghana, Med Fertility ensures complete transparency, ethical practices, and a patient-first approach.

From your initial consultation to post-operative care, Med Fertility walks with you every step of the way. Whether you are considering laparoscopy as a part of your fertility treatment or for other medical conditions, we make the process simple, safe, and affordable.

We assist with:

Appointment scheduling

Doctor and clinic referrals

Cost estimation and breakdown

Travel and accommodation guidance for international patients

Final Thoughts

Laparoscopy is a highly effective and increasingly accessible procedure for diagnosing and treating a variety of health concerns. Ghana, with its blend of affordability and medical excellence, offers an ideal destination for those seeking high-quality surgical care.

If you are looking for clear information about laparoscopy cost in Ghana or are considering the procedure as part of your treatment plan, Med Fertility is here to help. Our dedicated team ensures that your medical journey is smooth, well-informed, and cost-efficient.

Take the first step toward better health and peace of mind today.

Contact Us: +91–701669315 Email us: info@medfertility.com

[drvikaskathuriagurugram]

Cervical spine surgery in Gurgaon | Dr. Vikas Kathuria

Cervical Spine Surgery in Gurgaon: Restoring Mobility and Relieving Pain at Skin Aura Brain and Spine Neuro Center

Neck pain can be more than just a minor inconvenience—it can interfere with daily life, affect mobility, and in some cases, point to serious spinal conditions. For those who suffer from persistent pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, arms, or shoulders, cervical spine surgery may be the most effective treatment option. At Skin Aura Brain and Spine Neuro Center in Gurgaon, we provide world-class care for spinal disorders, offering expert surgical interventions designed to restore function and improve quality of life.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about cervical spine surgery, who needs it, what to expect, and why patients in Gurgaon trust Skin Aura Brain and Spine Neuro Center for comprehensive spinal care.

What Is Cervical Spine Surgery?

The cervical spine is the upper part of your spinal column, consisting of seven vertebrae (C1 to C7) in the neck region. It supports the skull, protects the spinal cord, and allows for a wide range of head movements.

Cervical spine surgery refers to a set of procedures aimed at correcting structural issues in this region, often due to conditions like:

Herniated discs

Spinal stenosis

Degenerative disc disease

Cervical spondylosis

Trauma or fractures

Tumors

When conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections fail to provide relief, surgery becomes a necessary step.

Signs You Might Need Cervical Spine Surgery

While not all neck problems require surgery, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that needs surgical intervention. These include:

Chronic neck pain that doesn’t improve with rest or medication

Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms or hands

Weakness in the shoulders, arms, or hands

Loss of coordination or balance

Difficulty with fine motor skills

Bowel or bladder dysfunction (in severe spinal cord compression cases)

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek evaluation by a qualified neurosurgeon or spine specialist. At Skin Aura Brain and Spine Neuro Center, our team provides advanced diagnostic imaging and clinical assessments to determine the best course of treatment.

Types of Cervical Spine Surgery

Depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition, your surgeon may recommend one of several surgical options. Common types of cervical spine surgery include:

1. Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

This is the most common cervical spine procedure. The surgeon removes a damaged disc through the front (anterior) of the neck and fuses the adjacent vertebrae to stabilize the spine.

2. Cervical Disc Replacement

Instead of fusing the bones, the surgeon inserts an artificial disc to maintain mobility. This option is ideal for younger patients who want to preserve natural neck movement.

3. Posterior Cervical Laminectomy

This procedure involves removing the lamina (part of the vertebra) from the back of the neck to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

4. Cervical Foraminotomy

This minimally invasive surgery enlarges the space through which nerve roots exit the spinal column, relieving nerve compression.

At Skin Aura Brain and Spine Neuro Center, we use the latest surgical techniques, including minimally invasive and endoscopic methods, which lead to faster recovery, reduced pain, and lower risk of complications.

Why Choose Skin Aura Brain and Spine Neuro Center in Gurgaon?

Choosing the right medical center for spinal surgery is critical for successful outcomes. Here’s why patients from across Gurgaon and beyond trust Skin Aura Brain and Spine Neuro Center:

✅ Expertise You Can Trust

Our team is led by experienced neurosurgeons and spine specialists who have performed hundreds of successful cervical spine surgeries. Each case is approached with precision, compassion, and a commitment to the patient’s overall well-being.

✅ State-of-the-Art Technology

We are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools such as MRI, CT scan, and digital X-rays, as well as operating rooms fitted with neuronavigation systems and intraoperative monitoring for enhanced surgical precision.

✅ Personalized Treatment Plans

We understand that every patient is unique. Our doctors take the time to explain the condition, treatment options, and recovery expectations, ensuring that you feel confident and informed throughout the process.

✅ Holistic Post-Surgical Care

Recovery doesn’t end in the operation theatre. Our multidisciplinary team includes physiotherapists and rehabilitation experts who design tailored recovery programs to help patients regain strength, mobility, and independence.

What to Expect Before and After Surgery

Preparing for cervical spine surgery involves several steps, including pre-surgical tests, stopping certain medications, and understanding the recovery process.

Before Surgery:

You’ll undergo a thorough physical examination and imaging studies.

Your surgeon will discuss the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the procedure.

You may be advised to fast before surgery and avoid smoking or alcohol.

After Surgery:

Most patients stay in the hospital for 1–3 days.

Pain management, wound care, and physiotherapy begin early.

You may need to wear a neck brace temporarily.

Light activities can resume within weeks, but full recovery may take a few months.

The team at Skin Aura Brain and Spine Neuro Center ensures continuous support from pre-op to full recovery, guiding you every step of the way.

Real Patient Success Stories

One of our recent patients, Mr. Rakesh, a 45-year-old IT professional from Gurgaon, had been suffering from severe neck pain and arm weakness for months. After undergoing ACDF surgery at our center, he reported significant improvement in just three weeks. Today, he’s back to work and enjoying an active lifestyle.

Such stories are common at Skin Aura Brain and Spine Neuro Center—where expert care meets genuine concern for every patient.

Conclusion

Persistent neck pain, numbness, or weakness shouldn't be ignored. If you're in Gurgaon and considering cervical spine surgery, trust the experienced hands at Skin Aura Brain and Spine Neuro Center. Our expert team, cutting-edge technology, and patient-first approach make us the preferred destination for spinal care in the region.

Don't let pain limit your life. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward recovery and freedom of movement.

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Comprehending Phlebotomy: The Art and Science Behind Blood Drawing

Understanding Phlebotomy: The Art and Science Behind Blood Drawing

Phlebotomy, the ‍practice of drawing blood, is ⁣integral to modern medicine. The process is not merely a technical​ procedure; it combines ‌skills, knowledge, and a patient-centered approach. In this article, we delve deep into phlebotomy, exploring it’s ​techniques, benefits, and the vital role⁢ it plays‍ in medical ​diagnostics.

What is Phlebotomy?

Phlebotomy originates from the Greek words “phleps,” ‌meaning vein,and “tome,” meaning incision. The practice is performed by trained professionals known ‍as phlebotomists.Their primary role⁣ is drawing blood for⁤ various purposes, including:

Laboratory testing

Blood donation

Therapeutic⁤ venesection

The Importance of Blood Samples

Blood samples provide crucial data about a patient’s health, assisting in ⁤diagnosing conditions,​ monitoring organ function, and ⁤guiding treatment decisions. The accuracy of these tests considerably depends on ⁤the proper collection technique employed by the phlebotomist.

Phlebotomy Techniques

Phlebotomy involves several techniques, each requiring‍ specific training and adherence​ to safety protocols. Here are the primary methods employed‌ by phlebotomists:

Venipuncture

The most common method involves inserting a needle into a vein,‍ typically located in the arm. Key components include:

Preparation: Identifying the⁤ appropriate ‌vein, often by ‍palpating.

Technique: ‌ Using a sterile ⁤needle and collection device to ​minimize discomfort.

Aftercare: Applying pressure and a bandage to the⁢ puncture site.

Capillary Blood Collection

This technique is primarily for infants and involves pricking the skin with a lancet to⁤ collect a ⁢small blood ‌sample.

Arterial Blood Collection

Less common and used mainly for measuring ‌blood gas levels, requiring advanced training to ensure accuracy and patient safety.

Benefits of ⁣Professional Phlebotomy Services

Choosing a ‍professional ⁤phlebotomist for blood collection offers numerous advantages:

Expertise: Trained ⁣phlebotomists ​can locate veins efficiently and⁢ minimize patient discomfort.

Safety: Adhering to strict​ hygiene practices reduces infection risks.

Patient ‍Management: Professionals excel in easing patient anxiety and providing clear explanations of the procedure.

Practical Tips for Patients

If ⁢you’re preparing for⁤ a blood draw, consider the⁤ following tips to enhance ‍your experience:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before⁤ your appointment ⁣to make veins more visible.

Wear Loose Sleeves: Clothing that allows easy access to your arm can facilitate the ⁤procedure.

Communicate: Inform the phlebotomist‍ about​ any concerns or previous difficulties with blood draws.

First-Hand Experience: A⁣ Phlebotomist’s ⁣Viewpoint

We ‍spoke with Sara, a seasoned phlebotomist, who shared insights from⁣ her ⁤experience:

‌ “One of the most rewarding parts of my⁣ job⁤ is building⁢ rapport with⁤ patients. ​many come in anxious, ⁣and ⁤my goal is to reassure them. A gentle approach and a kind smile can make all the difference.”

Case Studies: Success Through Phlebotomy

Here ​are a few hypothetical scenarios⁢ that showcase the ‍impact of ⁤effective phlebotomy:

Case Study

Outcome

patient with Unexplained Symptoms

Blood tests identified an⁣ autoimmune disorder, allowing timely treatment.

Routine Blood Donation

Successful ⁣collection of blood for transfusion, saving a​ life.

Monitoring Diabetes

Regular blood glucose tests helped manage the ⁤patient’s condition effectively.

Conclusion

Understanding phlebotomy‍ reveals ⁢its integral role in healthcare. This art and‌ science ‍of blood drawing ⁣go beyond needles and tubes; it embodies trust,‍ skill,⁤ and ‌compassion. By learning about phlebotomy, patients can approach ​their next blood ​draw with confidence, knowing they are ​in able hands.⁢ Weather through advanced techniques or the personal touch of a trained phlebotomist, each blood sample plays⁣ a vital role in delivering ‍precise diagnoses and effective treatments.

https://phlebotomyclassesonline.net/comprehending-phlebotomy-the-art-and-science-behind-blood-drawing/

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Uncovering the Healing Power of Acupuncture: Old Method Meets Modern Health

Acupuncture, a crucial component of Typical Chinese Medicine, has been practiced for hundreds of years and is getting recognition in the Western world for its myriad wellness advantages. This ancient healing art includes the insertion of fine needles into details factors on the body to stimulate power flow, or "qi" (pronounced "chee"). Several people looking for alleviation from persistent discomfort, stress and anxiety, and various disorders are transforming to acupuncture as an all-natural option to standard treatments. Study has revealed that acupuncture can properly reduce problems such as migraines, joint inflammation, and stress and anxiety, making it a beneficial device in the alternative health toolkit.In current years,

acupuncture has been accepted by an increasing number of doctor, integrating it into detailed therapy strategies. With minimal side effects and a focus on advertising the body's natural recovery abilities, acupuncture interest those trying to find an extra balanced technique to wellness and health. As awareness of its advantages spreads, several are uncovering that acupuncture not just addresses physical symptoms however also fosters emotional health. Whether you're an experienced acupuncture fanatic or an interested beginner, exploring this time-honored method can open doors to enhanced health and a deeper connection to your body's all-natural rhythms.

Read more here https://x.com/healingwisdomto

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Uncovering the Healing Power of Acupuncture: Ancient Practice Fulfills Modern Health

Acupuncture, a crucial element of Standard Chinese Medication, has been practiced for hundreds of years and is acquiring recognition in the Western world for its myriad health benefits. This old recovery art entails the insertion of great needles right into specific factors on the body to stimulate energy flow, or "qi" (pronounced "chee"). Several people looking for alleviation from chronic discomfort, stress, and numerous disorders are turning to acupuncture as a natural choice to conventional treatments. Research has shown that acupuncture can effectively minimize conditions such as migraine headaches, arthritis, and anxiousness, making it a beneficial device in the all natural health and wellness toolkit.In recent years,

acupuncture has been welcomed by an increasing variety of doctor, integrating it right into comprehensive treatment plans. With minimal adverse effects and a concentrate on advertising the body's natural recovery abilities, acupuncture interest those trying to find a more well balanced approach to wellness and health. As understanding of its advantages spreads, lots of are finding that acupuncture not only addresses physical signs and symptoms but additionally cultivates psychological health. Whether you're an experienced acupuncture lover or an interested novice, discovering this time-honored method can open up doors to improved health and a much deeper link to your body's all-natural rhythms.

Read more here https://about.me/healingwisdomtoday

[meditechinsight01]

Global Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR) Market: Future Projections and 20% CAGR by 2030

The transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20% over the forecast period. Major factors driving growth include increased prevalence of mitral valve diseases, growing preferences for minimally invasive procedures, advancements in TMVR technology, growing geriatric population, increasing clinical trials & regulatory approvals for TMVR devices, and favorable reimbursement policies for TMVR procedures.

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to replace a damaged or diseased mitral valve in the heart. As one of the four heart valves regulating blood flow between chambers, the mitral valve plays a crucial role in circulation. When it becomes compromised, it can lead to blood leakage into the lungs, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid buildup.

During TMVR, a new valve is delivered through a catheter, typically inserted via an artery in the groin or chest. Using advanced imaging techniques like X-ray or echocardiography, the catheter is carefully guided to the heart. Once positioned, the new valve is expanded and secured within the existing valve structure, restoring proper blood flow. TMVR can be performed using two main techniques:

Native Valve Replacement: An investigational approach that directly replaces the patient’s original mitral valve

Valve-in-Valve Replacement: A method used to implant a new valve within a failing prosthetic valve or a previously placed annuloplasty ring from prior surgery

🔗 Want deeper insights? Download the sample report here: https://meditechinsights.com/transcatheter-mitral-valve-replacement-tmvr-market/request-sample/

The increasing prevalence of mitral valve diseases drives market growth

The increasing prevalence of mitral valve diseases, particularly mitral regurgitation (MR) and mitral stenosis (MS), is becoming a significant global health concern. Factors such as an aging population, rising incidences of cardiovascular diseases, and lifestyle-related conditions like hypertension and obesity contribute to the growing burden of these disorders. A 2023 ScienceDirect article states that mitral regurgitation, the most prevalent valvular heart disease, impacts approximately 2% of the general population and up to 10% of individuals over 75, frequently resulting in heart failure if untreated.  Additionally, mitral stenosis remains a major issue in developing regions due to persistent cases of rheumatic heart disease. Many of these conditions progress silently, resulting in late-stage diagnosis and the need for advanced interventions. As surgical treatments pose high risks for elderly and comorbid patients, the demand for minimally invasive solutions such as transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is rising, driving innovation and growth in the global TMVR market.

Growing preference for minimally invasive procedures in TMVR fuels its demand

The growing preference for minimally invasive procedures in transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is transforming the landscape of mitral valve disease treatment. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, which involves significant risks, long recovery times, and potential complications, TMVR offers a less invasive alternative with reduced hospital stays and faster patient recovery. Advancements in catheter-based technology, imaging guidance, and procedural techniques have made TMVR a viable option for high-risk patients who are ineligible for conventional surgery. Additionally, the increasing awareness of patient-centric care and the demand for quicker, less painful treatments are driving the adoption of minimally invasive TMVR. As healthcare systems prioritize cost-effective solutions with better clinical outcomes, the shift toward minimally invasive interventions is expected to accelerate, further boosting the growth of the TMVR market.

Competitive Landscape Analysis

The global transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) market is marked by the presence of established and emerging market players such as Abbott Laboratories; Edwards Lifesciences; Medtronic plc; Boston Scientific Corporation; LivaNova; Cardiac Dimensions; NeoChord, Inc.; Opus Medical Therapies, LLC; HighLife Medical; and Neovasc; among others. Some of the key strategies adopted by market players include new product development, strategic partnerships and collaborations, and investments.

Get PDF Report for Competitive Analysis: https://meditechinsights.com/transcatheter-mitral-valve-replacement-tmvr-market/request-sample/

Market Segmentation

This report by Medi-Tech Insights provides the size of the global transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) market at the regional- and country level from 2023 to 2030. The report further segments the market based on product type, indication, and end user.

Market Size & Forecast (2023-2030), By Product Type, USD Million

Mechanical Valves

Bioprosthetic/Tissue Valves

Market Size & Forecast (2023-2030), By Indication, USD Million

Functional Mitral Regurgitation (FMR)

Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation (DMR)

Market Size & Forecast (2023-2030), By End User, USD Million

Hospitals

Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)

Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories

Others

Market Size & Forecast (2023-2030), By Region, USD Million

North America

US

Canada

Europe

UK

Germany

France

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

India

Japan

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

About Medi-Tech Insights

Medi-Tech Insights is a healthcare-focused business research & insights firm. Our clients include Fortune 500 companies, blue-chip investors & hyper-growth start-ups. We have completed 100+ projects in Digital Health, Healthcare IT, Medical Technology, Medical Devices & Pharma Services in the areas of market assessments, due diligence, competitive intelligence, market sizing and forecasting, pricing analysis & go-to-market strategy. Our methodology includes rigorous secondary research combined with deep-dive interviews with industry-leading CXO, VPs, and key demand/supply side decision-makers.

Contact:

Ruta Halde Associate, Medi-Tech Insights  +32 498 86 80 79  info@meditechinsights.com