#Chronic Fatigue is more than just being tiered

[unloneliest]

album ask for sunset tree!!

hi bestie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you for the ask !!!!!!!!!!!!! <3 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the best song on the album: this is a really hard call to make but pale green things. i don't think there's another song in the world like it. i think later songs on tmg albums are often the best of what the album has to offer, and i think this is an example of that, both musically and lyrically. i am looking forward to experiencing the feeling in this song about somebody someday.

my favorite song on the album: broom people cuts my heart to the quick. i'm not going to try to put into words what it means to me and why but i will say that i got to see it live at my first goats show and it just plain made me weep.

my least favorite song on the album: magpie just does not click for me. like the rest of the album can does and will bring me to tears but i've never fully groked magpie - it's just a moment of disconnect within an album i can otherwise submerge myself fully in, which stinks.

the most overrated song on the album: this is i think a controversial take. but. this year. IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ALBUM. i'm pretty sure it's in my bottom three. i play it every new years, i think it's a magic spell of a song, a spell that's cast every time it's sung along to, especially live, especially collectively like that. there's very real magic in this song and i love it to pieces. and it's overplayed to hell and back and my second least favorite song on the album because the rest of the album is just that damn good.

most underrated: i didn't think it was possible for a song on the sunset tree to be underrated but someone on reddit has been posting asking people's favorite and least favorite song on each album and a lot of people said that lion's teeth was their least favorite and i'm literally completely blown away by that. what the fuck? lion's teeth is so, so good. i think there should be more songs about revenge and jungle beasts and cars with incredible string parts and percussion. are you kidding me.

the banger of all bangers: DILAUDID MY BEST GIRL DILAUDID. this is going to go in a completely different direction than the rest of my rants on this album but. it is dilaudid to which i owe my entire wip in which i blow up eliot spencer from leverage. well, mostly. i saw this comic around the same exact time that i saw the tap out job and eliot said the words "it's not like i'm jumping on a grenade" and i was struck with the complete certainty that he had thought about it and WOULD jump on a grenade. for the team but mostly parker and hardison. because he's in love with them. well what if he kissed them first but only because he thought he'd die and then he didn't die. <-2017 me whose chronic fatigue was at their worst and who was on 40 mg of adderall a day, before having a redbull and locking themself in the campus library to write thousands of words in a sitting day after day before burning out. i will finish this wip someday. but as you can imagine that was not a recipe for success. except for the part where i was listening to dilaudid on loop while writing about blowing eliot up. that worked very well actually.

rate from 0-10: nine! a 10 has to be personal top tier goats album while also being top execution of goats album.

[hawkinspress]

Hotel With Massage - A Perfect Blend of Luxury and Relaxation

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and fatigue have become a part of everyday life, and nothing soothes the mind and body more than a luxurious massage at a hotel designed for relaxation. A hotel with massage services offers an unparalleled experience, combining the opulence of a world-class stay with the rejuvenating effects of therapeutic treatments. 

Whether you're travelling for business or leisure, incorporating a massage into your stay elevates your trip to a new level of indulgence. In this comprehensive guide, we explore everything you need to know about staying at a hotel that offers these specialized services.

The Unique Appeal of Hotels with Massage Services

Hotels that offer massage services stand apart due to their focus on well-being and relaxation. A significant benefit of these hotels is that they provide guests with easy access to top-tier spa treatments without ever leaving the property. These hotels often employ highly trained therapists who deliver a variety of massages tailored to suit your specific needs—whether it’s a soothing Swedish massage to ease tension or a deep tissue massage to alleviate chronic muscle pain.

Staying in a hotel with massage facilities ensures that after a long day of travel, sightseeing, or meetings, you can return to a sanctuary where relaxation is just a few steps away. This unique combination of comfort and therapy ensures you feel refreshed and recharged during your stay.

Types of Massages You Can Expect at a Luxury Hotel

Hotels that specialize in providing massage services often feature an extensive menu of treatments that cater to various preferences. Here are some of the most popular options:

1. Swedish Massage

One of the most common types of massages offered in hotels, the Swedish massage is ideal for relaxation. This massage involves long, gentle strokes combined with kneading techniques to improve circulation and release muscle tension. Many hotels offer this as their signature treatment for travellers seeking stress relief.

2. Deep Tissue Massage

For those dealing with chronic muscle pain or stiffness, the deep-tissue massage is a popular choice. Therapists apply more pressure in this treatment to target deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, offering relief from long-standing muscle tension and soreness. Hotels with experienced therapists will ensure that this message not only relaxes but also rehabilitates tired muscles.

3. Hot Stone Massage

A favourite among spa-goers, the hot stone massage is perfect for releasing tension and soothing the body. Heated stones are placed on key points along the body, allowing the warmth to penetrate deeply into the muscles. This treatment is often offered in hotels with a focus on holistic wellness.

4. Aromatherapy Massage

For guests who seek a sensory experience, aromatherapy massages combine soothing massage techniques with the healing power of essential oils. These oils, chosen based on your desired outcome (relaxation, invigoration, etc.), enhance the effects of the massage and promote overall well-being.

5. Reflexology

A specialized treatment focusing on applying pressure to specific points on the feet, reflexology is often available in hotels that cater to holistic health. This treatment is designed to relieve tension in corresponding parts of the body and promote a state of balance and relaxation.

The Benefits of Staying at a Hotel with Massage Services

1. Enhanced Relaxation and Stress Relief

Staying at a hotel with massage facilities is synonymous with achieving maximum relaxation. The availability of on-demand spa treatments makes it easier for guests to combat the physical and emotional strain of travel, offering an immediate retreat from stress and fatigue. A massage at the end of a long day can significantly reduce tension, helping to ensure a restful night’s sleep.

2. Improved Physical Health

Massages are not only beneficial for relaxation but also for overall physical health. Regular massages are known to improve blood circulation, reduce muscle pain, and enhance flexibility. Staying at a hotel with professional massage services means you can enjoy these health benefits conveniently during your stay, whether you are recovering from a long flight or preparing for an intense day of sightseeing.

3. Personalized Wellness Programs

Luxury hotels with massage services often offer customized wellness programs tailored to individual needs. These can include a mix of massages, body treatments, and fitness routines designed to help guests achieve their personal wellness goals during their stay. Whether you’re looking for a detoxifying experience or seeking to revitalize your energy levels, these programs offer a holistic approach to well-being.

4. Convenience and Privacy

The convenience of having massage services within the hotel means you don’t have to navigate unfamiliar cities in search of a spa. Moreover, many hotels offer in-room massage services, allowing you to enjoy your treatment in the comfort and privacy of your room. This level of personalization and privacy is perfect for guests who value exclusive and intimate wellness experiences.

Watson House

The ultimate spacious riverfront cabin is ideal for larger groups. Large living room features ample seating, with grand wood-burning fireplace. A fully equipped gourmet kitchen and bar awaits along with a large dining room surrounded by windows with views onto the river and lawns. The main floor offers two bedrooms and two bathrooms featuring a whirlpool tub or separate shower, plus luxury bath amenities. On each floor, you'll find one bedroom with a king-size bed and another with two single beds.

Upstairs offers two bedrooms and two bathrooms featuring a whirlpool tub or separate shower, plus luxury bath amenities. Two additional flex spaces offer single beds. Watson House is also equipped with its own washer and dryer. This 3000 square foot cabin is steeped in history and offers stunning views onto the Pipestone River and surrounding peaks.

Top Destinations for Hotels With Massage Services

While many hotels around the world offer massage services, some destinations are particularly renowned for their luxurious wellness accommodations. Here are a few regions known for their outstanding hotel spa services:

1. Bali, Indonesia

Known as a hub for wellness and spiritual retreats, Bali is home to some of the most luxurious hotels with massage services. Visitors can experience a range of traditional and modern massage techniques while enjoying the serene beauty of this tropical island.

2. The Maldives

The Maldives offers a unique blend of crystal-clear waters and world-class spa resorts. Many hotels here offer massages in open-air pavilions, allowing guests to enjoy treatments while surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the ocean.

3. Thailand

Thailand is world-renowned for its Thai massage, and many hotels in cities like Bangkok and Phuket offer authentic Thai massage experiences. Combining yoga-like stretching with deep-pressure techniques, these massages are designed to restore the body’s balance.

4. Japan

For a cultural experience intertwined with wellness, Japan offers an array of ryokan (traditional inns) with on-site massage services. In addition to the massages, guests can enjoy hot spring baths, known as onsen, for a complete relaxation package.

Temple Cabin

Secluded riverfront cabin features a comfortable living area with wood-burning fireplace stocked with firewood, Nespresso machine, wet bar, mini-fridge, and expansive windows to enjoy the views. The spacious bathroom offers luxury amenities, separate shower, and a whirlpool tub with mountain views. A private riverfront patio off the living area completes this unique cabin.

What to Look for When Booking a Hotel With Massage Services

When booking a hotel with massage services, there are several factors to consider to ensure you have the best possible experience:

1. Qualified Therapists

It is important to choose a hotel that employs certified and experienced therapists. This ensures that the treatments provided are both effective and safe. Reputable hotels will often highlight the qualifications of their therapists in their marketing materials.

2. Range of Treatments

Look for hotels that offer a wide range of treatments to suit your needs. A diverse spa menu, from traditional massages to more specialized therapies like reflexology or Ayurvedic treatments, allows you to customize your wellness experience.

3. Ambiance and Facilities

The ambiance of the spa is a crucial factor in your relaxation experience. Opt for hotels that invest in creating serene environments, complete with tranquil music, comfortable treatment rooms, and amenities like steam rooms or saunas to complement your massage.

4. In-Room Services

If privacy is a priority for you, inquire whether the hotel offers in-room massage services. This allows you to enjoy your treatment in the comfort of your own space, creating an even more personalized experience.

Final Thoughts

A stay at a hotel with massage services is an experience of ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. By combining luxury accommodations with top-tier wellness treatments, these hotels provide a retreat from the stresses of everyday life. 

Whether you're travelling for business or leisure, incorporating a massage into your hotel stay ensures that you feel refreshed and revitalized. From Swedish massages to hot stone therapies, the range of treatments available means there is something to suit everyone.

FAQs

1. What types of massages are typically available at hotels?

Hotels with massage services generally offer a variety of treatments to suit different preferences. Common options include Swedish massage for relaxation, deep tissue massage for muscle tension relief, hot stone massage for soothing warmth, aromatherapy massage using essential oils, and reflexology, which focuses on pressure points in the feet. Some luxury hotels may also offer specialized treatments based on local traditions, such as Thai or Ayurvedic massages.

2. Can I book a massage in advance when reserving my hotel room?

Yes, most hotels with spa services allow guests to pre-book massages and other treatments when they make their room reservations. This ensures that your preferred time and treatment are secured, especially during peak times when appointments may fill up quickly. Some hotels also offer wellness packages that combine room accommodations with spa treatments for a more integrated experience.

3. Do hotels offer in-room massage services?

Many luxury hotels provide the option of in-room massage services, allowing you to enjoy personalized treatment in the privacy and comfort of your room. In-room massages can be a convenient option for guests who prefer a more intimate setting or those who don’t want to visit the hotel’s spa facility. It’s best to check with the hotel ahead of time to see if this service is available.

4. Are hotel massage therapists professionally trained?

Reputable hotels employ certified massage therapists who are trained in various massage techniques. These therapists often have experience working in high-end spas and are knowledgeable about different therapeutic methods. Hotels with a strong focus on wellness often highlight the credentials and qualifications of their spa staff to ensure guests receive high-quality, professional care.

5. Is it customary to tip massage therapists at hotels?

Tipping policies vary by region and hotel, but in many countries, it is customary to leave a tip for the massage therapist, especially if the service exceeds your expectations. Typically, a gratuity of 15-20% of the treatment cost is considered appropriate. Some hotels may include a service charge in the spa bill, so it’s always a good idea to check your receipt before tipping.

[safepatientchairs]

Ergonomic Excellence: Transfer Chairs That Prioritize Patient Comfort

In the realm of healthcare, patient comfort and safety are paramount. One of the essential tools in achieving this goal is the transfer chair. These chairs, designed to move patients with ease, are critical in enhancing mobility while ensuring ergonomic support. Among the top innovations in this space is the Barton Chair—a groundbreaking solution that prioritizes both patient comfort and caregiver convenience.

Why Ergonomics Matter in Patient Transfer Systems

Patient transfers can be physically demanding for both the patient and caregiver, especially when dealing with limited mobility. Poorly designed transfer systems may result in discomfort, injury, or fatigue. This is where ergonomic solutions like the Barton transfer chair shine.

The Barton Chair patient transfer system offers an innovative design, engineered to reduce strain and make transfers smoother. Whether a patient is transitioning from a bed, wheelchair, or reclining position, this chair ensures seamless movement with minimal physical exertion. The Barton transfer system focuses on body alignment, pressure relief, and overall ease of use, providing a comfortable and safe experience.

The Barton Chair: A Leader in Comfort and Safety

The Barton Chair is more than just a transfer chair—it’s a comprehensive mobility solution. Here's why it stands out:

Ergonomic Design: The Barton medical chair is crafted to ensure patients remain in a comfortable, supported position during transfers. Its design prevents slumping and minimizes pressure points, enhancing patient well-being.

Versatility: The Barton Chair transfer system can be adjusted to different reclining angles, allowing caregivers to accommodate various needs—from sitting up to lying flat.

Ease of Use: Caregivers often face challenges with traditional transfer methods, such as hoists or stretchers. However, the Barton transfer chair simplifies this process, allowing one caregiver to perform transfers smoothly without the need for additional equipment like a Hoyer lift.

Safety Features: With advanced locking mechanisms and secure straps, the Barton wheelchair ensures that the patient remains stable and secure during movement.

How the Barton Chair Revolutionizes Patient Care

The Barton chair medical solution transforms the patient transfer experience in both hospitals and home care settings. Its ergonomic focus supports patients who may struggle with mobility due to illness, injury, or age. Caregivers can safely move patients from a bed to a chair without risking injury, ensuring smoother daily routines for both parties.

In addition, the Barton Chair covered by Medicare provides financial accessibility for many patients, making it a smart investment for healthcare facilities and families seeking top-tier patient mobility solutions.

A Key Player in Home Healthcare

For families caring for loved ones at home, the Barton transfer system offers a compassionate approach to patient transfers. Rather than relying on cumbersome equipment or multiple caregivers, this chair makes it easy for one person to move a patient with limited mobility. The Barton Chair patient transfer system is especially helpful for those recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Transfer System

There are many options for patient transfer systems, but few offer the combination of comfort, safety, and ease of use like the Barton chair medical. Whether in a hospital, nursing home, or home care setting, the right transfer system can significantly impact the quality of patient care.

While Hoyer lifts remain a popular choice for heavier transfers, the Barton chair provides a less intrusive, more comfortable experience for patients with moderate mobility needs. The Barton Chair patient transfer system is not just about moving patients—it's about ensuring dignity, comfort, and safety throughout the process.

A Look into the Future of Patient Transfers

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, patient mobility solutions like the Barton medical chair are at the forefront of innovation. These chairs are redefining how we think about patient care, prioritizing ergonomic design and comfort without compromising safety. Whether you're a caregiver or a healthcare provider, investing in quality transfer systems like the Barton Chair can make all the difference in ensuring top-tier care for patients.

Conclusion

When it comes to patient transfer systems, comfort, safety, and ease of use are essential. The Barton Chair and its various models—such as the Barton transfer chair and Barton wheelchair—are leading the way in providing ergonomic, patient-centered solutions. Whether for hospital use or home healthcare, these chairs are designed to prioritize patient well-being while reducing the physical strain on caregivers.

With the Barton chair transfer system, patient transfers become smoother, safer, and more comfortable, ensuring that the journey toward recovery or improved mobility is a stress-free one. If you’re considering a transfer chair, the Barton chair medical series is an excellent option that guarantees ergonomic excellence, making it a smart choice for both patients and caregivers.

By investing in the right mobility equipment, you’re investing in the comfort, dignity, and safety of those who need it most.

[stephaniearsenault6]

Revitalize and Recharge: Comprehensive IV Therapy Solutions in Cathedral City

Cathedral City, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant community, now boasts a cutting-edge wellness solution – a full range of IV therapy services designed to meet various health and wellness needs. From IV hydration to specialized vitamin infusions, these services cater to both locals and visitors seeking to enhance their overall well-being.

iv in cathedral city

iv hydration in cathedral city

IV Hydration Therapy: A Boost of Wellness in Cathedral City

IV hydration therapy in Cathedral City is more than just a trend; it's an essential health practice, especially in the warm, dry climate of the area. This therapy ensures that your body receives the necessary hydration directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for immediate and more effective results.

Personalized IV Therapy in Cathedral City

Each individual has unique health needs, and the IV therapy services in Cathedral City are tailored to meet these specific requirements. Whether it's for boosting energy, improving skin health, or recovering from a night out, there's a perfect mix of vitamins and nutrients for everyone.

IV Drip: Quick and Efficient Health Boost

The IV drip in Cathedral City is designed for those seeking a rapid way to replenish their body’s nutrients. This method is not only efficient but also allows for a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals, providing an instant health boost.

Convenient IV Hydration Near Me in Cathedral City

Accessibility is key when it comes to health and wellness. The IV hydration services in Cathedral City are conveniently located, making it easy for anyone to access these vital treatments.

Myers Cocktail in cathedral city: The Ultimate IV Blend

A standout offering is the Myers Cocktail available in Cathedral City. This popular IV solution combines key vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, Vitamin C, and magnesium, known for its efficacy in addressing a range of health issues from fatigue to chronic conditions.

Advanced IV Vitamin Therapy

For those looking for something more than just hydration, the IV vitamin therapy in Cathedral City provides a myriad of health benefits. These therapies are designed to boost the immune system, enhance mood, increase energy levels, and much more.

Easily Accessible IV Therapy Near Me in cathedral city

For residents and visitors in Cathedral City, finding "IV therapy near me" is convenient and hassle-free. The city's health and wellness centers are equipped with the latest in IV therapy, ensuring easy access to these essential services.

Liquid IV in Cathedral City: Hydration on the Go

For those with a busy lifestyle, Liquid IV products in Cathedral City offer a practical solution. These products provide a quick and easy way to stay hydrated and energized, perfect for those always on the move.

In conclusion, Cathedral City's comprehensive IV therapy services are a testament to its commitment to health and wellness. Catering to a wide range of needs, these services ensure that whether you're a local or a visitor, you have access to top-tier wellness treatments to help you feel your best.

[chronic-frustration-syndrome]

Hi there, fellow disabled person who can only really do computer stuff (but desperately needs to feel fulfilled in life) here;

My hands suck (chronic pain, unstable joints, giving me poor grip & mild dexterity issues, plus severe fatigue, plus semi-recently acquired intermittent temporary paralysis - yes it's weird!) But I recently found I can draw using a stylus on a tablet for (what is for me) a fairly long time, snce the almost complete lack of resistance provided by the slick screen means I can grip the stylus very lightly, & I also don't need to press down on it (I end up with a death grip on regular pens & pencils to stop them twisting out of my shifty fingers).

I also like to write, (which I find easiest to do using analogue tools, but) & find a mix of writing on my tablet (stylus again, but also smaller, lighter movements touching a touchscreen keypad than typing on a manual one) & using text to speech (plus occasionally regular typing) helps me jot my thoughts down most effectively.

My sister & I like to play games together, & the main thing we do is make worlds in sims 3, which is pretty fulfilling because not only do we enjoy the process, but every time we play with the worlds we can go "I made that" "we did a good job on this", etc, & feel proud of ourselves!

With all 3 types of activity, I find them most fulfilling when I share them with others (I have a small account for my art, another for some of my writing, plus I show my family things when I can) since the biggest downside to creating digitally is that no matter how big the file size gets it doesn't always feel like you've done anything, since there's nothing you can touch, but when you show someone else it reminds you "oh yes, I made that. I put in lots of time & effort & got a thing I can share with people".

I also like to engage with creative communities, even if I can't create myself. It doesn't always work - Sometimes I find it depressing as it reminds me I can't make a thing - but often, seeing something grow & take shape, sympathising with the trials & tribulations afforded by the creative process, being able to make suggestions if they ask for help or guidance, etc, gives me a sense of satisfaction that comes close to the satisfaction I get when making something myself - I also like to research skills & techniques I didn't know about before (& history)

Ideas gleaned from other people:

Some people use 3d modelling software instead of drawing in 2d

On top of regular printers (which can also help make digital creations become more tangible) you can also get 'cricut' machines (other brands available) that can cut out various shapes, make stickers, etc, which can help make something tangible, even if you need a hand with final assembly (I've been thinking of getting one myself) - obviously these cost, but people do spend money on their hobbies, so for some people it's a worthwhile investment (for others, it's not - 3d printers, ditto - though apparently you can make a bunch of adaptive tools using a 3d printer - think they're pretty expensive, though)

There are companies that let you make/will make stickers, tote bags, keychains, t-shirts etc, using anything from a snappy slogan made with basic text-creator, to a photograph, to a full-blown artistic masterpiece. There are other places which will let you print & bind books of your art/writing.

Other crafting games (or just games with tiers of achievments) exist - I believe minecraft lets you make all sorts of stuff - sims 3 just happens to be what my sister & I like :)

Photo or video (or gif) editing often involves creating using other people's work, which can make it feel more important than creating for just yourself sometimes does, & more tangible, since you're starting with 'raw materials', rather than just the infinite potential of a blank screen (plus it gives you the chance of a wider audience, making it easier to share with more people, whether it's the original creator whose work you helped edit, or fans of the larger work who you edited a snippet of).

Photography/videography: even though the end product is digital, you're still interacting with someone/thing that isn't. There are also many, many tools for taking photos remotely/hands free, stabilising the camera, etc, since even able-bodied photographers need these things for tricky subjects

Creating collages or fanvids or character playlists, etc, again, things to share with other people (that you also happen to enjoy) can get more fulfilling feedback, since it's easiest for people to connect to something they already know & enjoy

Digital meetups: some people play DnD, & other such games over online videocall, rather than in person, other people have (ir)regularly scheduled meetups about a whole range of topics (there's also things like discord, etc, but having a real-time face to face about a shared is a cut above)

Book/other discussion/study groups: getting together to talk about things face to face is always surprisingly rewarding (humans are social creatures, after all)

Turning silly cooking/crafting games where you 'pilot' another person (they do the making, but you have the recipe/instructions) can work for some people: it not only lets you create together, but can be very amusing, too (how much independant thought/activity they can do, how much of the instructions they know in advance, etc can be varied depending if you want a genuine thing that you made together or just a fun creative mess!)

Learning a skill/language gives you plenty of opportunities to engage & interact with other learners & test & encourage & teach, etc them (my sister met her husband online when they were learning each other's language: they were language buddies, then language, music & gaming buddies, then romantic, now married!)

Oh yes, music! whether it's using a digital music programme to create from scratch, writing tunes/lyrics, singing, remixing existing tunes, etc, there are tons of ways to make music & interact with other musicians online

Hope this gives you some ideas & you find something tangible that works for you :)

I read your post about rewarding activities and it was really interesting! I'm phisically disabled and can only really do computer stuff, and I've always had the intuition that having all of my hobbies in here kinda sucks. But I don't know what tangible hobby I could have when my hands won't let me. Do you have any suggestions for that?

I'm not an expert in any such thing; anyone else who can't use their hands have any advice?

As a side note, computer stuff is less effective than physical stuff, but adequate if that's what you have. People kept sane in quarantine with Zoom. There's a surprisingly high number of cases of suicidal people getting a handle on their depression by playing Dark Souls. I warned about the lesser effectiveness of digital stuff because it's a trap I see a lot of people falling into, assuming that digital work works as well as any other kind of work and having the computer take the entire load and getting distressed when it's not enough, but digital work is still psychologically useful, just less so. If that's the limitation you end up working with, you can work with it.

Rewarding activities don't have to require a lot of physical activity, either; tabletop rpgs are popular, for example, if another player rolls your dice for you. Local poetry clubs or book clubs can also be great fun. But again the advice of other people in your situation is going to be more valuable than whatever random shit I (whose hand mobility is normal) can come up with off the top of my head.

[weabbynormalblog]

You got this!

Failure is a good thing...What???

In my experience it breeds strength, courage, conviction and belief in oneself!

That's right every step count; even if it leads to failure. Just another learning moment.

Perfection is something we all strive for at one time or another. The error free post, the ultimate cake, meal, artwork, skill, trade or even apparently phone call. We all do our best however our best often isn't always perfect. Success at anything usually requires commitment, a solid plan, consistency, knowledge and a wide variety of skills in order to successfully achieve realistic goals. Usually an optimistic big picture approach and managing daily details are the steps that lead to overall sucess. As humans we fail time and time again, success can seem fleeting and quite elusive at times especially when frustrated.

Failure really is only a complete failure when you give up forever. Like Anthony Bourdane. Suicide ideation is not "normal" behavior or anywhere near healthy thoughts. It's the red flag. It's the failure to thrive while being overwhelmed consistently.

Happiness and joy is available to everyone, regardless of situation or station. It's a choice, another option a better possibility.

It is attainable! Take responsibility for your own happiness!!! Don't let yourself be defeated by one little moment in a bazillion of moments that come in a lifetime! Success and failure are a matter of belief. Stop that degrading story playing in your head, that you'll never be better. Start saying what is easy, what is working; go down that check list if you have to. Never measure your self worth to others. We are all unique while being quite alike too. Weight the positives and agree to improvement on the negatives. It's all good! Change your vocabulary and thinking to a more positive mind set. We do ourselves a great disservice by comparing and analyzing who we are in retrospect to others. Judging our performance, philosophy, our earnings and material wealth. We are way more than the 10% of what people see.

I learnt by failing that I don't need to be successful or perfect at anything to be happy. I can enjoy the moment regardless of handicap or pain. That's a big realization in terms of adaptation and self acceptance! My therapist said pay attention to my thoughts, all of them, not just the good ones. And I am. I went to Giant Tiger to pick up some odds and ends and was stuck in a huge line at the check out. My endurance somewhat fleeting. I employ stretching and moving around while waiting. Extreme pain in my head, just breath slow in out sit in the pain and breath through it. I survived. Learning curve don't go at lunch time silly. Understanding our pain, our limits and abilities is a good start in the healing process. It's a big deal so I'm sharing it with you. It helps and works. Practicing mindfulness, energy management, a shelf life for your emotions, good sleep hygiene, the Yoga and a process free raw food diet. I even imagine it all chipping away at my disease. I'm starting to see results now in shifting my mind set. There may not be a "cure" for CFS mental illness etc or what terrible situation has befallen you, there's still hope for you to change, adapt and to create your own joy. Try out something that will bring some relief, you never know where that will lead you. Little by little, tiny beautiful bunches of happiness and success. So I'm going to keep working my schedule no matter how grim and depressed I am. I'm going to continue to rock my adaptation by not giving in to the fear of failure, lack or the unknown. I put in the time to go out to socialize and play music once a month because it's good for me even if I have to leave early or don't even get there. There was still lots of little steps of success throughout my day. I've been working hard on my stamina and energy consumption by practicing the standing, walking, singing and playing guitar. I was caught off guard by the crippling physical exhaustion. Next time I'll try an afternoon meditation session or even a power nap on music outing night. The smooth ride was over. Overdoing any type of activity can leave me in jeopardy of injury. Like loosing physical balance; I've injured myself enough to know no thank you body, I'm listening. Often I'm in bad shape for days with flu like/sun burn/tin man symptoms.

Ok fine, body you win this one.

Failure aside, I still got out of the house. I interacted with other humans and did something that brings me joy. I find when I'm not attached to the outcome, results or expectations, my moments can be enjoyable in spite of my body. Suddenly any down time becomes worth the little bit of enjoyment. Its about the quality of those moments and those were some good quality moments. Not a complete failure as I first thought. Yes it was depressing that I couldn't physically get through 3 songs this time. What does this inability means for my physical health in the future? Then the fear old me. New me however what I did perform, I did do justice! This is to be expected, the no more energy thing. This is my normal now. It's the nature of the beast. And I was pacing myself. I guess it doesn't matter that my practicing was successful or consistent because it suddenly became nul and void up against illness. I got to be realistic here. Yes CFS is a real fucking thing! It's like the narrow mindedness that comes with "flat worlders" have friends all over the globe. My CFS/TBI clearly cut me to the quick. It let me know who's bitch I really am. No more performing of any kind tonight! The old me: I was so bummed, ready to pack it all in, no cure; minimal enjoyment and relief. Ensuing some kind of abusive self harm behavior, the old me. The new me: Ok, so it was too much for me this time. Maybe not the next. It happens to lots of people. I know exactly how Lady Gaga feels. My body and mind gave out mid performance. Severe dry mouth, balancing and memory issues. It was awkward. I was somewhat dumbfounded. I had to stop singing and playing guitar or I was going to wipe out on the stage damaging lots of nice equipment and instruments. I can't keep putting myself at risk of falling. With chronic fatigue (insert auto immun/mental disorder)etc. Safety is an issue. You literally have no choice. Your tiered body/what's broken wins. Sometimes in extreme ways. I'll rest, dust myself off and give it another go another day.

I'll keep at it. I have too! I will not let illness dictate my life. I'll find a way to live with it, cure it or kill it which ever comes first.

For love the of myself, my offspring and all the others suffering.

[normal-with-adhd-is-a-joke]

@shy-bi-notatallfly​ saw this in the Walmart she works at (she couldn’t get a picture of it because she was on the clock so she had to look it up later). 

I just...

I have no words.

This is some top tier ableist bullshit right here.

Let’s break it down (for those of you using screen readers, the sign reads “10 things that require no talent” and has bullet points labeled 1 through 10, which I’ll be covering below).

1. Being on Time.

For many neurodivergent people, scheduling is a huge struggle.  This can be for any number of reasons.  People with ADHD tend to get hyperfocused and might lose track of time. People with depression might make plans for themselves but find it hard to follow through on them because of lack of motivation.  People with anxiety might make plans but need longer than they thought to manage the anxiety surrounding those plans.  The list goes on and on.

2. Making An Effort.

This is incredibly vague.  Someone can look like they’re not putting in a lot of work but actually be trying extremely hard.  It’s difficult to judge if someone is truly “making an effort”.

3. Being High Energy.

This one was the one that really got me.  I have extremely low energy because of depression.  Even basic tasks like getting up to make myself food are grueling.  If I greeted everyone with a peppy “hello!” and made conversation with them, I would be crying on the floor by the 5th person.  And I’m not the only one like this.  There’s like, several whole disorders (narcolepsy, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis, just to name a few) who have fatigue as one of their prominent symptoms. 

4. Having a Positive Attitude.

There’s a whole class of mental disorders (depressive disorders) devoted to people who can’t do this.

5. Being Passionate.

Depression can cause a lack of passion/emotion, people with ADHD might be passionate but about the “wrong” things, people in general don’t really choose to be passionate about things, they either are or aren’t.

6. Using Good Body Language.

I hope with all my heart that I don’t have to teach you why this is ableist as hell, but in case I do, here we go. A common problem in autistic people is being unable to read and understand body language.  Because of that, they might also have trouble using the correct body language.

7. Being Coachable.

By this I’m assuming they mean “being able to take criticism”.  Anxiety and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) both make it extremely hard to take criticism without being hurt/taking it personally.  This sometimes comes across as being “difficult to teach” because they might respond to criticism with anger or sadness, but it’s not a conscious response.  Most of them want to be better as people, they just have uncontrollable emotional responses to criticism. 

8. Doing a Little Extra.

This comes with the assumption that you have the mental and physical energy to do everything that’s required of you, then more on top of that.  A lot of disabled people can barely do what they need to do to survive, much less do extra on top of that.

9. Being Prepared.

This one’s just vague as hell.  Being prepared for what? Being prepared to do the work you’re assigned? Or being prepared for emergencies?

10.  Having a Strong Work Ethic.

Again, a strong work ethic depends on how much work you have to put in .  I wouldn’t be able to lift as many gallons of milk as my sibling.  Does that mean I have less of a work ethic than her? No.  It means that it requires more energy for me than it does for her and I have to take break more often.  Not to mention, depression and ADHD can both rob you of your desire to do work.

tl;dr: the sign is bullshit and if you are a disabled and/or neurodivergent person I just want you to know that you are incredibly talented for surviving this long and becoming the person you are today.  You found a way to work with/around your own mind and body to get done the things you need to get done, and that’s something that able-bodied neurotypicals will never understand.

[hey-hamlet]

BNHA AU Ideas : University Professors (in Love)

Also on AO3!

TL;DR:

Due to a long-standing feud between various Law and Science professors, the students from those respective degrees don’t get along very well. What better way to foster some good (or at least non-violent) relations between departments than to start a new science-in-law degree? 

Too bad the Law and Science professors - Yamada Hizashi and Aizawa Shouta, respectively - working on the course together hate each other's guts. 

(Well, until they fall in love.)

Oh and Izuku and Hitoshi are sleep deprived first years running on noodles and Redbull, but what else is new?

this is at a big ass, top tier university

all might is like, the david attenbourgh of this universe but he got injured on set and moved to teaching, he's not that relevant i just wanted to include him because hes a good man

so, aizawa is under all might in the science faculty hierarchy, but not by much considering how young he is. aizawas the animal physiology teacher and does shit tones of research with zoos and shelters for husbandry studies

now, the two big draws of this campus are like the wet sciences and their law section, but the whole campus is pretty swish: like if gatton and st. lucia were connected with land but still as weird as the other.

Now none of you know anything about my uni, so imagine not quite an Ivy League school, but still one of the fancier collages in your state, with a redneck agricultural campus slapped on. But the rednecks are liberals.

Now imagine they are run by the same people

so one of the law lectures retires and they get a new one! its mic! and now aizawa is already pissed. hes dealt with mic before riding his ass in ethics committees and honestly just making life harder for him than it had to be

and the university tells him to reduce the hostility between the two sides of the campus, they are going to be holding some law classes in the animal side and vice versa and aizawa is piiisssssedddd

and then they fucking, start a new animal science/law degree about animal ethics law and aizawa is flipping his fucking lid because all might is already the vet science-vet tech degree co-ordinator and since aizawa is so new, hes the highest-ranking person to not be a degree coordinator

so of course, hes the new degree coordinator

but oh no, nezu isnt done

hes coordinating with mic, and they are the two primary lecturers for the two first, second and third-year compulsory subjects so aizawa is having a mini breakdown rant at allmight in the staff room when mic bursts in to say hello

allmight shoves aizawa in the cupboard and nervously chats to mic as aizawa tries not to make a noise from where he was quickly shoved into a cupboard of skeletons. hes internally saying sorry to the skeleton of that one tutor who donated himself to the uni. mic leaves, allmight helps him out and aizawa is just caught between pissed and flustered tbh

so the science people band together to allow aizawa to drown his sorrows in the nice food on the other side of the campus

and they have fucking, disguised aizawa

hes in one of nemuri's wigs, a pair of sunglasses from snipe and one of the nice lab techs named inko gave him a big puffy coat

and so this pack of science nerds is penguin huddle sprinting to the one ramen shop they all love, trying to hide aizawa from nezu, hizashi, and other random law students/lecturers hes pissed off

so allmight swears he sees hizashi but its nbd he only waves

so they get there, and all give aizawa sympathetic looks and buy him his lunch even though he insists he has money. inko the lab tech is there too bc i love her and she is aggressively mothering aizawa

when they are done they run back to the science side because no one has the courage needed to stop a hoard of sprinting scientists. also: nemuri is the chem lecturer and you should know that

its like the middle of the school year when this starts, so aizawa and hizashi have to scrap together this degree real fucking quickly

even though the both of them have Opinions about the other, they refuse to let their students suffer bc of how poorly planned this was so they knuckle the fuck down and bust out 1.5 years worth of content before the end of the year. they dont do much in person, mostly just emailing

aizawa is softer on mic bc they guy isn't horrific over email. unknown to him mic has developed a full-on crush on this guy

hes like, crying to joke "hes just,,, he wants to do good for his students you know? he isnt just a lecturer for the research money,,, he c a r e s,,,"

the whole god damn science faculty is mothered by the head lab animal tech, inko and they see her fretting about one day, and its turns out this whole fucking time shes had a son and didn't want to say anything bc she didn't wanna impose

(yagi has a big ol crush on her but nbd)

and so shes surrounded by all these nerds asking ab izuku and how old he is, and what he likes to do and they've never seen her happier rambling about her son. She tells them she let slip ab the new degree a little early, and izuku wants to be in it so badly and everyone is real soft

hes graduating next year, so thats even more motivation for aizawa to buck up and make this degree work bc he knows one of the kids now, and from what inkos told him, the boys a good kid

the entire faculty has already adopted izuku

one thing she hasn't mentioned ab izuku is that hes got chronic fatigue syndrome

aka izuku is constantly exhausted, his immune system is a bit shit, and hes in chronic pain that isnt affected by painkillers, other symptoms can just like, pop up, its pretty not understood

anyway, thats the reason izuku wants to get into animal law, not vet practise, bc hes not sure he'll always be able to physically pick up the animals and he doesnt wanna do them like that

anyway, its near the end of the year and its time to set the OP threshold. I have 0 idea how you guys get into uni, but an OP is basically: your grades are ranked, then your subjects are ranked, then your school is ranked by a fancy test. Your OP is the score from 1-25 you get with all that jazz. 1-5 is like: you can do almost anything. 1 is like doctors, vets, law. 1-15 is pretty respectable, under than you might need to do a little fuckery to get into a course.

mic is pushing for like, 10, bc its a new degree

but aizawa isn't having that. op 2 or he wont sign off on it and mic doesnt understand why and aizawa just turns towards him

"im not having animals suffer lower standards than humans. standard law is an op 1. vet science is an op 1. im already making a concession here."

mic swoons a little tbh, they eventually agree on op 5

anyway, izuku has an op 2 so its nbd for him, inko is so proud of her boy! aizawa has a little "thank fuck" moment bc he really did want this kid to get in bc he sounded like a good kid. also, mic's nephew shinso is in the first class! aizawa is actively trying not to remember the kids name so he isn’t a dick to him for 0 reason

there is like a grand total of 80 people in this degree which honestly isnt that bad

super high rate of externals tho, so there are only 50 students on campus

20 students in the campus dorms

izuku is one of them, he was gonna get in anyway but they put him in and gave him a nice first floor room bc making the poor guy walk up and down stairs for no reason is just mean

hes in self-catered bc while hes not super picky, hes allergic to some stuff, and some other stuff makes him sick, so no dining hall

shinso is his nextdoor neighbour. hes in self-catered bc he put his form in late and thats the only spot they had left! he cant cook so save his actual life.

so, mirio is the ra and hes a big soft 4th-year vet, he works out to give the dogs hugs

amajiki is his neighbour he has a cat - i mean - very loud fish (aka: no pets other than fish allowed)

when mirio likes people, he just,,, puts a cat in their face, and insists its a fish until they get it

that cats name is guppy i don’t make the rules

ok so, izuku and shinso meet and bond a bit in freshers’ week (think hazing, but gentle, with loads of games and forced bonding), but shinso is intimidated bc izuku is smiley and social and has loads of friends

and that does a 180 when he gets back to his room after a late-night walk, seeing izuku crying in the kitchen as he waits for the kettle to boil because a hot water bottle is the only thing that might stop his arms from aching

and shinso like, hides bc he gets not wanting people to know what's wrong but from then one he is SUPER protective of izuku

anyway, end of the week izuku confesses that he has chronic pain so he might be a bit grumpy sometimes and shinsou has to be like "oh its nbd" when one day he almost smacked their other neighbour with a piece of frozen steak bc he was making too much noise in the morning when izuku got to sleep really late

on the weekend they play videogames and make popcorn as the other kids go home, and they get visited by inko and Hizashi

inko is mothering izuku and has two very fat rats in her arms that she dumps on him and he lights up

see: izuku isnt allowed pets. but no one said anything about inko

so she got the two softest, dumbest, babiest rats shes ever seen and they live on her desk now. and shinso is like "SONs" and they have rats in their jumpers while all 3 of them play mariokart

hizashi stops by to help shinso cook bc he admitted hes only been eating frozen shit. izuku is gently telling him off bc he could have helped! but shinso is like "no i needed to maintain my cool vibes" so hizashi gently grabs izuku, sets up the two chairs like fluffy thrones and they order shinso around the kitchen like hes a servant

shinso is loosing his actual mind laughing and so is izuku. they force him to make katsu curry and eat it in the kitchen on their thrones while shinso sits on a shitty box fridge. there are more chairs left, hes being extra

so, first day of classes, they have principals of law first, izuku drags his pained ass out of bed and he and shinso make their way to class, both freezing fucking cold holding mugs of hot drink

they sit down

the lecturer is mic

izuku is losing his shit and shinso is like "oh yeah didnt i tell you?" and izuku is trying not to cackle/punch him. he waves sheepishly at mic who waves back with great enthusiasm

mics first class is just

KAHOOT

it’s not even law-related, it’s just random bs animal facts

shinsos name is c a t s and hizashi is losing his mind bc izuku set his name as d o g s r b e t t e r

the lectures r live-streamed so the external students can join in real-time and monomas on the other end like s n a k e

hizashi is losing his actual m i n d, everyone just has variations of their favourite animal

also pwease during this lecture mic is just chatting w the students ab whats going to happen, sees izukus mug of tea and says

"ok and just so everyone knows, please feel free to eat and drink in my lectures, just dont let anyone know i said that

"sir this is being recorded"

"shhhhh"

pls bakugous that one asshole that whips out a full course meal and starts distributing it amongst his squad. bakugo is just a plain law student, but there are some plain law students taking this course as an elective

mic honestly looks bakugo in the eyes, and orders pizza for everyone but him. hes standing in font of the mic so its fucking recorded too. izuku is cackling

ok so, they have an hour break and go to the cafe, inko crashes and smuggles them outside, and gives them the rats

inko and izuku aren't super well off financially bc they are saving for a service dog and its EXPENSIVE, even tho inko makes ok money, husband divorced her bc izuku was sick, izuku has issues, was bullied in school, has had cfs for ages

so inko has these rats bc she "liberated" them from the end of a cosmetics trial she heped nemuri run and nerumi stood infront of the secruity camera and closed her eyes

anyway, next lecture is aizawa's

shinso has vaguely heard ab the guy from hizashi and desperately wants to sit in the back row. izuku has heard ab the guy vaguely from inko and desperately wants to sit in the front row. izuku wins bc they walked in through the lower door and shinso doesnt wanna make the guy walk up all those steps

aizawa walks in, nicely says hello to shinso, izuku and the over kid in the front row, tells the people in the back row that if they think he cant see or hear them from there they have another thing coming, and immediately starts talking ab how many people working in animal-related fields and in law are depressed

izuku raises his hand, while shinso is aggressively trying to pull it down

"yes, kid?"

"what if you're already depressed, professor?"

aizawa pauses, turns off the mic and loses his shit quietly behind his desk, shinso is red and trying to hide, izuku looks proud of himself. aizawa gets himself together, coughs, and turns the mic back on

"seems we had a bit of a technical difficulty, continuing on"

and the whole room loses their shit, and aizawa is grinning like an idiot but his voice is the same pissed monotone as usual

just have to Be There for aizawas lectures like everyone who doesn’t show up is like :///// idk why y’all like him so much he’s kinda boring and izukus like No you have to Be There

in Person

everyone thinks the guy is a boring old man who keeps breaking his computers. in reality, hes like 26, really tired, and keeps losing his shit so hard he turns off the mic so No One Can Know

one time he walked in in hot pink leggings and when he asked "any questions?" ochako (a vet tech student in the class) ask "sir where did you buy those because they look amazing" "the internet, ochako. any other questions."

and bc you cant hear the students all the externals are trying to work out what the question was. it becomes a meme

last day of lectures they all show up in matching leggings. aizawas soft but he Refuses to show them. they fucking found the site he bought them from, all of them have pink leggings in increasingly vibrant shades

shinso's are like, lilac

izukus are eyebleeding, highlighter pink

anyway! mic likes to share the tea from behind the scenes

and so they learn ab the "really sweet department head with a crush on a lab tech" and izuku loses his shit. puts his hand up, and mic says "yeah?"

izuku clambers out of his seat, asks mic to turn the recording off, takes the mic and stares down the class

"that lab tech in my mum and shes smitten for this guy. totally smitten."

'ooOH SHIT REALLY?"

izuku just grins and nods

"ok class, extra credit. can we go through this uni's stance on dating co-workers. anyone who gives me a quick, sighted explanation of whether or not we can hook these two up gets 5% of their final mark, no questions asked"

fuckin, izuku is so on board with this, and tells hizashi he'll leave the assignments on inkos table at home if he wants, the whole class gets so fucking into it

anyway, after all that jazz izuku spots yagi and inko out for coffee together and reports it as a win, the class cheers

as an aside: hizashi is very open ab the fact hes one of 2 degree coordinators but he hasnt mentioned the second

its also very obvious he has a crush on the second, and that hes a little older than them (hizashi is 32, shouta is 26) now, literally no one thinks aizawa is the other

bc hes 26, and wears fucking pink leggings to lectures. hes like, hes baby. hes so small, so young, takes his cat to class in a backpack

its literally only the externals who think he could be bc they think hes like 50. aizawa has the curse of just having great fucking bone structure, hes really god damn hot. half of their love letters pages is people thirsting over him and hes so mad ab it. he doesnt brush his hair and wears dumb clothes but apparently, that makes him relatable or some shit

anyway, hizashi is off-topic talking ab the lab tech that mothers the other course coordinator and shinso sees izuku perk up

they guy has been looking out of it all morning bc hes having a bad day, but wanted to go to lectures. anyway, after the lecture hes scrambles over to hizashi and asks

"oh my god is the other coordinator professor aizawa”

"damn, what gave it away"

"mum mothers him because he never eats and he apparently looks like hes barely 20, which is false, but thats mum for you"

once they get out of lectures izuku is like

"shinso. shinso"

and shinso looks lost

"you know what this means, shinso""

"no. no i dont"

"MATCH MAKING TIME"

[desroundtree]

Diagnosis

Silence.  That's what I have had.  I have had all the feelings in the world, all the pain one can muster, all the love one can accept - but I simply could not find words big enough to carry them.  The lack of stability in my world right now has sent me to a place where explanations hurt but are still demanded.  I want answers no matter how badly they may hurt or what steps they may bring me to take.

Recently I have been struggling in every way possible.  Physically I have dealt with new symptoms, new diagnoses, new medicine.  Emotionally it has been new news (good and bad), new realities, new goals, new losses.  Psychologically there are no ways to explain the upheaval my emotions have gone through.

New diagnoses always come with new questions and protocols - what do we do now, how do we handle it regarding the other medicines and things I have introduced or removed into my daily routine.  The first was Hidradenitis Suppurtiva, a very painful inflammatory condition that effects the skin glands and pores.  Don’t click on that link if you have a weak stomach but I can tell you it’s pretty bad. It is autoimmune and one of the worst conditions I have had to deal with so far.  Since it has come on so suddenly and now seems to be taking roost it effects just about every aspect of my life.  The pain is immeasurable, the tenderness, and constantly feeling like there is something painful like a needle underneath your skin is not something that helps at all with any thoughts of being active at all.  I have read all I can about it and decided that changing my diet completely is the only thing I can do to get even the slightest bit of relief. 

Yet another pain condition to deal with.

Fatigue has been something I have always dealt with.  Since I was a teenager it was one of the symptoms I always believed was "something" - it was attributed to IBS which I was diagnosed and treated for.  Turns out they removed my appendix and there went my IBS but the fatigue always remained.  I remember being so tired I would cry myself to sleep and wake up hours later when dinner was ready.  A touch of depression probably contributed to it but I was tested for everything under the sun and everything was negative.  

As I got older and was finally diagnosed - in my 30's - with fibromyalgia and lupus, the pain and fatigue made sense.  I finally had an answer but I didn't realize that this answer would lead me to a whole lot of other questions where no answers seem to exist. I finally got my thyroid tested, and of course there was something not right there either.  Hashimoto's thyroiditis - leads to a lot of the symptoms I am struggling with now so there was a happiness with another diagnosis because at least now I had answers in order to try to help myself.

I was opting to have my thyroid removed and met with the surgeon.  I was excited to at least be able to eliminate some of the symptoms I was feeling.  It might not be full relief but some relief was an option I was willing to accept.  As a matter of fact, I can tell you I was betting on it, all my eggs in the basket for 10% relief.  That's how desperate existing with chronic illness can be.  Grasping at whatever tiny sliver of painlessness is offered, even if it means taking a pill for the rest of my life.  I could care less, I already take pills everyday.  What would one more make.  

I sat across from a doctor that told me he would not remove my thyroid.  He explained how he had seen worse cases.  I had nothing to worry about.  I should wait another six months and have a sonogram to see if there are any changes so we don't rush - as if I haven't been dealing with symptoms for over 11 years.  I was told the nodules that are less than a cm smaller than the criteria for biopsy are nothing to worry about.  When I asked about my thyroid growing 2cm in a little over a year was nothing because he has seen thyroids that are 12cm.

The tears were immediate.  Not because he didn't think I needed surgery, I guess that's great news.  The tears came as he continued to list every single thing that could possibly go wrong with the surgery - a) thyroid medication depends on absorption if you get generic versions (which would not be my actual case since I have tier 1 insurance) one week they could be from Mexico, the next from India, the next China.  This could be a problem.b) the medicine might not leave you feeling the same (I think that's the point) and he doesn't think the removal of my thyroid that is barely functioning would help.c) the vocal cords could be damaged.d) the papillary thyroid glands can be damaged.e) your metabolism might change.

Then he looked at me, completely thrown off by my tears, and said, "I mean I will take it out if you want me to."

To sum up the appointment - I am sick just not sick enough.  I am sick enough to suffer just not sick enough to treat.  I am sick enough and I have had enough. Yes.  I walked out of the office without my surgery scheduled and feeling like I had just been in a boxing match with Mike Tyson in his best days.  I was physically beat, emotionally crushed by the fact that my hope to feel slightly better wasn't all that it was cracked up to be and was also very short lived.  I walked out of that appointment thinking that under the jail is where I am meant to live my life.  The happiness was sucked out of my day, the wind in my sails were battered and torn by a conversation with one person.  One person who I felt maybe didn't take me all that seriously, one person that does nothing but remove organs and glands from people's bodies - he was right taking the least empathetic job in medicine, a surgeon.

I won't lie and say that this didn't knock me for a loop.  It certainly did.  The most sadness settled when I saw my daughter because I thought that just a bit of a burst of energy daily could change things for us immensely.  Instead of being stuck in bed maybe I could be stuck outside.  I had broken the cardinal rule, I made plans with something I didn't have yet.  I made plans with something I had not yet tasted or felt or held in my hand.  And that's called excitement and I will be guilty of it time and time again if it helps me find hope. Six months more of night sweats, fatigue, pain in my throat, hoarseness, hair loss, dry skin.  Forever of painful acne inversa.

All diagnoses I don't want to hear. Yet I persist.

[deeeepsteep]

Tbh when I think about lycanthropy and werewolves, I think about it like the stages to a disease

Read More because I put way too much thought into this

I know most folklore says that lycanthropy is more of a curse, but idk I always liked the idea of it being a disease, something contagious and mutated that latches onto your body and becomes a part of you whether you like it or not

Though...I think it originated hundreds, maybe thousands of years ago as a curse - maybe someone did something terribly wrong and was turned into a wolf as punishment, and that person found out that it could ‘infect’ others by biting or scratching them. Maybe this person was a complete dick who lacked self-awareness and didn’t learn from their mistakes, so they decided to fuck things up even more by intentionally infecting other people, which helped spread the disease. So maybe it is a curse???? Maybe it’s some weird mix of the two???? Idk lmao

My version of lycanthropy comes in three stages:

Man-Wolf/Untrue Werewolves

Common Werewolves/Halflings

True Werewolves

All three stages can be seen as variations or different “versions/mutations” of the same virus. Sort of like how a cold has different symptoms, if that makes any sense??? 

Now, humans aren’t as smart as actual wolves, and humans love to make things harder for themselves so the difference in stages have given some of them an entitlement of some sorts, which gives way to a sort of...werewolf racism????? There’s no existing word for it so I’m just gonna go with that lmao - humans love to discriminate against each other and this “werewolf tier” gives them another reason to treat each other like shit, because humans are terrible like that. They see the different stages as a hierarchy of some sort, with Untrue Werewolves on the bottom, Common Werewolves in the middle, and True Werewolves on top. More on that in a bit.

They all have a bunch of common traits, but they stand out on their own. Their common traits are things found in many werewolf-related folklore:

Speed-healing - I read that this has been a trait in werewolf lore for hundreds of years so it seemed imperative that this interpretation had it too. Bruises and cuts go away in seconds, even if there’s internal bleeding or if it’s a really deep cut. Bones that normally take weeks to heal will mend themselves in mere minutes, which can be a good and bad thing. You’ll have to set the bone as quickly as possible or else they will mend the wrong way, which means you’ll have to re-break the bone and set it again. It also takes a lot of strength and power to break werewolf bones; humans can’t do it on their own, so if you can cause a fracture that must mean you’re either very strong or you know very powerful magic!

High Body Temperature - A healthy werewolf will run about 110 degrees Farenheit in both their human and transformed forms. For humans, that’s an extremely high fever that can cause permanent brain damage and even death. Werewolves have a significantly higher body temperature due to two things: Their speed-healing, and their human immune system working harder to fend off the werewolf virus. They make great space heaters, so if you’re cold and your heater’s broken, cuddle a werewolf!

Heightened Senses/Abilities - Common and True Werewolves retain their heightened abilities in their human forms, while Untrue Werewolves only have them when they’ve transformed. A werewolf’s nose can smell things up to 5 miles away - that’s almost twice as strong as a regular wolf! They can see very well in the dark; since Common and True Werewolves retain their night vision in their human form, they have reflectors in their eyes (Also an easy way to spot a Common or True Werewolf). Their hearing is ultra-sensitive, and they also possess superhuman strength and agility; True Werewolves can cover dozens of miles within minutes. 

Transformation Under A Full Moon - This is a given. Whenever there’s a full moon, you transform, no matter what stage of lycanthropy you’re in. At night, once you see the full moon, your transformation begins. Full moons generally last between 3 to 4 days, but werewolves only stay in their transformed state at night. Once dawn hits, they’re human again - but when night falls and the moon is visible again, back into werewolf form they go! However, during the day of a full moon, they are noticeably more irritable (Scroll down a bit more to read up on Moon Sickness).

Weakness Against Silver - I know this is more of a pop culture thing, but I noticed in folklore werewolves don’t really have any traditional weaknesses, thus making them technically invincible - and I find that really boring tbh. Everyone has a weakness. When werewolves are attacked with a silver weapon, their wounds take longer to heal. If you’re a werewolf and your attacker breaks your arm with a silver hammer, guess what? Your bones will take weeks, not seconds to heal!!!! If a silver weapon breaks through skin and causes an open wound, it will leave a scar once it heals. Werewolves with plenty of scars are often revered in the werewolf community; you’re the toughest of the tough if you’re adorned with them! As of right now, silver is the only known way to kill a werewolf.

Post-Transformation Amnesia - Present in Untrue and Common Werewolves. Most werewolves have little to no recollection of what they were doing during a full moon, or when they’re in a transformed state. This is due to their human selves essentially dissolving when they transform.

Moon Sickness/Phasing Sickness - Moon Sickness happens with every kind of werewolf. Their bodies can sense an impending full moon, which triggers the human immune system to work harder than usual to resist the werewolf virus. It’s common for werewolves to experience chronic fatigue, insomnia, irritable mood (More irritable than usual), and even flu-like symptoms in the days preceding a full moon and during the days of a full moon. True Werewolves not only experience Moon Sickness, but also Phasing Sickness; they experience Moon Sickness symptoms when they haven’t phased in awhile. Unlike their Untrue and Common counterparts, they experience these symptoms because their wolf half is getting restless from being dormant for too long, rather than their human bodies fighting against the werewolf virus.

Insatiable Appetites - Werewolves LOVE to eat. They have insanely high metabolisms, so they need to eat large portions of food to keep up their strength - however, that doesn’t mean there aren’t out of shape werewolves! Soft round werebois exist out there. They just eat way more than other werewolves do, which is probably tonnes.

Sensory Overload - Having heightened senses is great and all, but it’s overwhelming for many Common Werewolves, especially for those who’ve been bitten recently. Their human bodies simply cannot handle the wolf’s sensitive nose, ears, and eyes. It gets so overwhelming that some werewolves look for ways to “dull” these senses so they’re easier to bear. Unfortunately, this means that a lot of Common Werewolves succumb to substance addiction. Drug and alcohol abuse is a sad common reality for many Common Werewolves. Smoking cigarettes is a common vice for the werewolf community, as it’s seen as the “least harmful” addiction; their speed healing is capable of eating up any harmful chemicals before they’re able to infect their cells, thus preventing them from multiplying and spreading, and it doesn’t affect their stamina. This means they’re immune to cancer and other serious diseases (If a human with cancer is bitten, their cancer will be cured...but it obviously comes with a heavy price).

Longevity: Werewolves aren’t immortal, but they can live for a very long time if they take care of themselves and avoid getting attacked with silver as much as they possibly can. Their lifespan is way longer than a human’s; the oldest recorded werewolf lived for over 800 years.

Loss of Humanity During Transformation: Untrue and Common Werewolves lose their human minds in their transformed state, making them incredibly dangerous. They cannot tell the difference between friend and foe, and they’ll attack anyone who stands too close.

A little more detail on the three stages of lycanthropy:

The “Man-Wolf”, or “Untrue Werewolves”

One becomes an Untrue Werewolf when they are scratched, not bitten, by another Untrue Werewolf, a Common Werewolf, or a True Werewolf.

They look more like the old-school werewolves you see in movies like the Wolf Man, Teen Wolf, I Was A Teenage Werewolf, and the American Werewolf series. They’re more human-shaped, peppered with wolf-life traits: They have a lot more hair than the average human, their nails are longer and more claw-like, their eyes retain their human shape but they may change colour (Not all wolves have yellow or orange eyes, they can be brown too). They possess the classic werewolf traits - superhuman strength, heightened senses, speed healing - but only when it’s a full moon and they have transformed (So if you get a boo-boo in human form, it’ll heal like a regular wound; you’ll have to wait for the full moon in order for the healing process to speed up). Otherwise, they’re your average-looking person, and if you didn’t know they were infected you probably would never be able to guess. 

Untrue Werewolves are only able to transform when there’s a full moon; their mood or other environmental factors do not influence a transformation. The transformation process is gradual but relatively painless, as the only things that really change are the amount of hair, the length of the nails, the formation of the teeth, and, depending on the individual, the colour of the eyes.

There are known small pockets of Untrue Werewolf “packs”, but for the most part Untrue Werewolves prefer working alone. That being said, the few packs that do exist band together because they have an unwavering hatred for Common and True Werewolves. They’re often seen as the very bottom of the “werewolf hierarchy”, and many werewolves do not consider them part of their community, hence the Untrue Werewolf title. Since they’re the least “wolfy-looking” and only possess wolf-like traits when the full moon is out, they’re often looked down upon, or not taken seriously. Desperate to prove themselves, and to show others that they count as werewolves, some have gone as far as deliberately scratching and/or biting humans for the sole purpose of adding more to their ranks. Unlike Common and True Werewolves, Untrue Werewolves do not have enough of the “werewolf virus” in their system to transform a human into a Common Werewolf via biting them, so their bites will merely turn them into another Untrue Werewolf.

However, it is possible to “advance” to a Common Werewolf if an Untrue Werewolf is bitten by a Common Werewolf or a True Werewolf, but unsurprisingly, most Untrue Werewolves go out of their way to ensure that doesn’t happen. There are some who willingly seek out a Common Werewolf or True Werewolf so they can get deliberately bitten, but these are few and far in between. For the most part, Untrue Werewolves are stubborn and proud beings who just want to be respected for who they are. They just want to be loved!!!!!!!

The Common Werewolf, or Halfing

These funky dudes are the most common kind of werewolf, hence the name. In order to become one, you must be bitten, not scratched, by another True Werewolf. 

They look more like your “classic werewolf” aka a wolf that stands on two legs, with hands instead of paws. They’re huge, with the smallest recorded werewolf measuring a little over 7 feet. Their forearms are stronger than their back legs and it shows in their posture; they’re often hunched over, with their thick arms hanging by their sides in an ape-like stance. Fur colour varies, just like any wolf coat does. Same with the eyes. The noises they emit are similar to Untrue Werewolves, but are significantly more animalistic. They retain their heightened abilities, including speed healing and night vision, in their human form.

Common Werewolves are notorious for being incredibly violent and hot-tempered in both their wolf and human forms. The smallest inconvenience can set them off, to the point where it can force them to transform unexpectedly, and a Common Werewolf doesn’t discriminate when it comes to their rage, meaning they’ll attack anyone who is in close range - including loved ones. The transformation process is extremely painful for Common Werewolves because their bones and internal organs shift around as they mutate from human to werewolf. Shifting back to human form is just as painful. 

Many Common Werewolves detest their wolfy state and dread or even fear transforming. This resistance only makes the virus within them more volatile, rendering them vulnerable to more unexpected transformations and violent outbursts. 

Although they are considered the middle tier of the werewolf hierarchy, both Untrue and True Werewolves look down upon Common Werewolves for their brutish behaviour. They’re often seen as the “dumbest” and most “goon-like” of the community, but they are still regarded as “more werewolf” than Untrue Werewolves. However, these stereotypes are mostly untrue, as Common Werewolves are fully capable of planning and executing elaborate hunting and battle strategies, and there are some who are capable of controlling their anger. Unlike their Untrue counterparts, they prefer living, hunting, and attacking in packs.

Halfling is a common colloquial term for them, but most aren’t fond of the name, as they feel it makes them sound like an incomplete being. If you want to piss off a Common Werewolf, call them a Halfling - but most would strongly advise against it!

True Werewolves

The highest tier in the werewolf hierarchy, and also the most rare; there are less than 3% of recorded True Werewolves, though it is very likely there are many more. One cannot become a True Werewolf by a scratch or a bite; it takes weeks, sometimes months or years of physical and mental preparation.

It’s unknown how the first True Werewolf came about, but the most commonly accepted tale is at least 1000 years old and speaks of a Common Werewolf who was left for dead in the deep woods after being attacked by a coven with silver daggers. As she lay in a pool of her own blood, she began to hear voices that whispered things to her such as accepting change and reaching her full potential. Interpreting these messages as a sign of making peace with the end of her life and accepting her fate, she closes her eyes, ready to pass onto the next life - only to wake up moments later, fully healed, and in the form of a wolf.

Picture the werewolves/shapeshifters from Twilight, except not as gigantic. True Werewolves, when in wolf form, look exactly like a real wolf, with the exception of enhanced senses, strength, speed, and speed healing. They are able to shift back and forth between their human and wolf forms at will, and the transformation process is seamless and painless. Transforming only takes mere seconds - they actually prefer the term phasing as opposed to transformation or mutation. It has been described as morphing or “melting”; however, when angered, scared, or under a full moon, the transformation is more volatile (But still painless), often described as “exploding” into their wolf forms. Like their Common counterparts, they retain their enhanced abilities in their human form, but unlike their Common and Untrue counterparts, they retain their sentient minds when transformed/phased (Except during a Blood Moon - more on that later). They’re able to discriminate between friend and foe in their wolfy state, and True Werewolves usually prefer keeping to themselves, so they’re the least harmless out of the three werewolf types. They are way more docile than their Untrue and Common counterparts, however some may still be prone to angry outbursts if provoked enough. 

So how does one become a True Werewolf? It’s hard to explain. The very few True Werewolves that are known to exist have difficulty describing the process. Many of them have “accidentally” turned into True Werewolves; one True Werewolf described his experience as waking up one day and being overcome with a feeling of “wholeness, completeness, like I’ve finally found this missing part of me that I didn’t know I was searching for”. 

Achieving True Werewolf status is a matter of quelling the perpetual conflict between a werewolf’s human half and their wolf half. Common Werewolves are constantly at war with their animalistic instincts and impulses, which causes them to act out with violence. True Werewolves accept that they are two different beings within the same vessel, and that they are not “more human than wolf” or vice versa; they are equal parts human and wolf. A True Werewolf’s human immune system no longer sees the werewolf genes as a virus that needs to be fought off, so the two halves intertwine and form a completely new genetic makeup, finally collaborating instead of butting heads.

This is a very difficult concept for many Common Werewolves to handle, especially when lycanthropy is highly stigmatized and most of them have been raised to fear or detest lycanthropes. This internalized hatred makes it very difficult for many werewolves to accept lycanthropy as a part of themselves and refuse to believe that this is a lifelong condition. The constant resistance only makes them more volatile, which increases public stigma, so it’s kind of like a self-destructive cycle. True Werewolves find a way to break out of that cycle - in other words, they know what werewolf self-love and self-care is and they’ve embraced it fully!

Like Common Werewolves, True Werewolves have the pack mentality - which is crucial for them, since so few of them exist. In wolf form, they’ll look like an ordinary wolf pack, and they’ll usually behave as such as to not attract werewolf hunters or any other predator (Witches, demons, vampires...literally nobody likes werewolves, it’s pretty sad).

True Werewolves are often revered in the werewolf community, as they are hard to come by, and their self-acceptance is greatly admired. However, there are very, very few True Werewolves (Remember, only less than 3% of them are recorded to have ever exist) who look down on anything that isn’t like them, and refuse to interact with Common and Untrue Werewolves. Fortunately, “bad” True Werewolves are very few and far in between!

Lycanthropy In Society

Like many other interpretations out there, this interpretation of lycanthropy is condemned, exiled, stigmatized...you name it. Most people aren’t fond of werewolves. though their hatred towards them is mostly born out of ignorance and fear than genuine hatred. It’s a given that humans act hostile towards things they don’t fully understand, and so this is how they approach lycanthropes. Many of them have a very limited understanding of what lycanthropy is about and only accept what they’ve heard through word of mouth, aka urban legend and exaggerated recounts of encounters with lycanthropes. For the most part, the world sees werewolves as violent, out of control, savage, disorganized, and primitive. This means there aren’t a lot of opportunities for them - jobs, friends, romantic relationships, etc. 

There are groups of werewolf hunters whose sole purpose is to hunt werewolves into extinction. They can be literally anyone - human, goblin, demon, vampire, witch or warlock - and many groups have grown fame and notoriety for killing packs and packs of werewolves simply for being werewolves. 

However, there are some people out there who do want to learn more about lycanthropy and have gone so far as lived with werewolf packs to gain a better understanding of them. Pro-lycanthrope scientists have teamed up with lycanthropes (And lycanthropes who are scientists) to try and come up with a cure to lycanthropy, or at least a medicine of some sort that’ll help Common and Untrue Werewolves retain their humanity while in their transformed state. Contrary to popular belief, wolfsbane isn’t an effective ingredient, and there currently isn’t a cure to lycanthropy.

Lycanthropy isn’t inheritable. One can only become infected with the virus if they’re bitten or scratched, so if two werewolves decide to start a family their children will be free of the virus - but, unsurprisingly, many children of werewolf parents want to become a lycanthrope so they can be like them. Many werewolves are against the idea, as they believe their children can have a clean slate and live the life they never had.

Werewolf Alphas?

Many people have a common misconception about wolf packs and pack behaviour. Alphas aren’t necessarily the leader of the pack, and they don’t actually have this reigning authority over the group. Rather, wolf alphas - and there is a female alpha and a male alpha for each pack, not just one lone male alpha - act more as parental figures...most likely because their pack consists of them and their children, rather than a band of random, unrelated wolves.

But humans aren’t that smart. Humans, by nature, desire power and control - and that reflects in werewolf pack behaviour. Werewolves need an alpha. They need someone to listen to, someone to guide them - especially Common Werewolves. In a werewolf pack, there is only one alpha, though gender isn’t a determining factor. A werewolf alpha isn’t necessarily the strongest or most dominant of the pack. An alpha must be street smart, they must know how to properly plan and execute hunting strategies. An alpha is a leader because they know how to lead with respect, and they see their fellow pack members as a cohesive unit rather than a hierarchy. They do not see themselves as above pack law, or “higher” than the other pack members. They see the pack as equal members of a group with their individual sets of strengths and weaknesses, and they have a gift for figuring out how to use everyone’s strengths to the advantage of the group. Earning the position of alpha comes with a lot of respect and trust, though there are very few True Werewolves who abuse this position of power (Like I mentioned earlier, humans aren’t as smart). 

There are werewolf betas and gammas who serve as second and third in command to the alpha. Betas and gammas are usually the muscle of the group; they’re the strongest, physically speaking, and when they travel in wolf form they’re are often seen at the head and tail of every pack (Alpha and gamma in front, beta in the back) so that they keep a watchful eye on the other wolves and potential enemies. 

What Happens During A Blood Moon?

A blood moon is another term for when the moon is in total eclipse. It takes on a distinguish reddish colour, hence the name.

Blood Moons are one of the worst times in any werewolf’s life. There isn’t a scientific explanation for it yet, but blood moons make werewolves even more agitated, violent, and explosive than usual. Even True Werewolves can’t resist the pull of a blood moon; they will turn violent and lose their human minds. Werewolves stay in their wolf forms even during the day of a blood moon, and they are unable to change back until the moon is back to normal.

So you have a bunch of feral-like Untrue, Common, and True Werewolves running around and destroying everything they see. It’s not fun for anyone.

What About A Wolf Moon? A Super Moon? A Harvest Moon?

The full moon in January is commonly referred to as the Wolf Moon. A Super Moon is - you guessed it - when the moon is gigantic. During these phases, a werewolf’s senses are heightened and they find that their strength is at least doubled. They can run twice as fast and hit twice as hard. 

A Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. The same applies to Wolf and Super Moons - they’re stronger, but strangely enough...they’re a lot more hungry. Werewolves have a big appetite to begin with, but during a Harvest Moon they’re hungrier than usual. Werewolves in rural areas have been known to steal entire fields of crops and livestock. In a sense, the Harvest Moon is like a werewolf Thanksgiving!

What about a Super Blood Wolf Moon?

Feral-like werewolves with double the strength and speed running around everywhere that have absolutely no control over themselves? Have fun!

[xphanuel]

My isolation hiatus will come to a close once I have copious amounts of marriage iguanas again

Also trying to get hooked up with medical in NYS for chronic fatigue syndrome, PTSD, and POTS (heart syndrome)

My anxiety throws my blood pressure out of whack, it really scared my doctor how high it was compared to when I'm not freaking the fuck out internally (she was more surprised I LOOKED calm while trying to prevent a panic attack silently)

I know smoking helps that for me, so I'm really hoping things start working out and turning up

The fact this job sounds too good to be true is amazing as well

I love the atmosphere there, I always have, and they told me they start newbies at the lowest part of their job tier and you get rewarded for hard work with bigger positions and more hours and stuff, and that sounds so fucking perfect for me right now. I need to take things at my own pace in an environment where I'll ACTUALLY be appreciated for the work and effort I put in. They were so sweet, and I love my friend. They told me all the good things she said about me and I wanted to cry on the spot. I had just messaged her last night and thanked her for being here for me bc I truly didnt think people like her existed anymore.

She made me realize theres more to life than the shit that made me happy in the past, and that it is possible to move forward even while time and trauma still fucks you up. You literally just have to make new memories and slowly it gets easier to experience things again. AND THIS PURE WHOLESOME BITCH SAID SO MANY THINGS ABOUT ME THAT I FEEL EXACTLY THE SAME WAY ABOUT HER AND I JUST ajdkhsfuwjfjsnf if it wasn't for her I dont think I would have gotten this job but Ik if I said that she would yell at me and tell me to stop doubting myself but THAT'S ALL I GOT BRUH. I'm so glad we met each other when we did. Weve been mutuals for years but I never really spoke with her bc Anxiety(tm) but omfgggg I cant wait for the summer. I have a job now, i LITERALLY START FRIDAY/SAT/SUN even though the interview was today, and they pay every week. EVERY WEEK, HOMIES. FUCK THE BI WEEKLY STRUGGLE. We gonna go out and do some urban exploring this summer bitchessss we gonna be PRODUCTIVE and IN THE REAL WORLD FOR ONCE

I think that's why I dissociate so often, I've lived online for more than half my life. So when I dont have anyone to talk to online I get thrown out of whack and this change was a huge one. I'm managing though

I digress, I'm going to purchase so much bud with my first check

I'll put away 30 for gas but the rest? SMONKIN IT UP

And then I may finally be a functioning member of society again

And I will never let someone who's close to me hurt me like this ever again. I refuse to let people into my life that disregard my feelings and lack common sense. I have no patience for it anymore. No more second chances.

Now tomorrow I have to somehow tell my therapist about my sexual trauma without freaking out!! I want to write it down physically and let her read it after I leave, and maybe we can talk about it periodically every session or something, just so I don't get too upset that I cant focus enough to drive home yknow

Anyway thTs my life update for yall, who ever is still listening or passing by

[conversationaldothraki]

Okay so before I go into this keep in mind my mother has munchausens by proxy, meaning she wanted the consequences and she knew better Mostly. I don't normally stand up for docs but anyone going into the medical field needs to know that this shit happens.

I found out at 17 reading through old legal documents.

So I'm seriously sick, major heart condition with 3 open heart surgeries, cranial surgery, and eventual double transplant for heart & liver. I was born like this with a very low survival rate, it took a lot to keep me alive and, at 20, it still does. I wasn't supposed to make it past 5.

When I was around 2 the docs insisted again and again that I be fed more, my parents had been split for a while now so I was only under the care of my mum every second week, and when she was told she had to feed me, when asked what she fed me, she talked about flaxseed oil and other things like that. Now don't get me wrong, when handling modern medicine and homeopathy, there is an in-between, but this was absurd. She told the doctors, who testified to this in a court of law, that she didn't want me getting fat. A fucking baby. A fucking baby on deaths doorstep who shouldn't have logically been alive anyway, that she didn't want me getting fat. This was still a few years before her diagnosis and before the courts figured out the extent of her mental health, keep in mind she was already known to be manic depressive and bipolar.

So my then gp, who I've known most of my life, fought on my behalf, because he was, by chance alone, a decent enough person to do that. My dad spent 14 odd years fighting her in court over and over again. She would bang her head on hospital walls and do so much unbelievable shit, and no one spoke up because who would want a fat baby right? Because eating healthy is more important than eating at all, right?

I still struggle with food, it's been four years since I even managed to hit 50kg, I have no appetite and the mere smell of vinegar makes me want to vomit, because she made me drink it. Now, fatphobia isn't what caused her to do all this, but it sure as fuck didn't help. When I started on a steroid at 13 and got teased for 'moonface' - a swelling symptom where you both swell and gain weight Rapidly - it wasn't fatphobia which alone stopped me from eating, but it didn't help. These inbuilt biases in my brain are still something I have to get through, because thinner is better, right? I'm not even 5ft because I didn't eat enough to grow, I was already faint and fatigued with my heart, but I didn't eat for shit. Because putting on weight is always bad, right?

Fatphobia is dangerous to everyone, don't get me wrong, but in children especially. I've read through the stories on this post and they are fucking insane. There has been a lot going on in my life that indangered my health, that still endangers my health, I'm not a big person and I don't suffer the brunt of it, but all the heart surgeries in the world couldn't have helped if one doctor didn't catch the fact that my mum wanted to hurt me. That she didn't want me to get 'fat'. That my tiny little baby ass wasn't being fed because society is so stuck up in this idea that weight is inherently bad.

I will always face the consequences of this. My body hasn't recovered and it won't. If you're going into medicine please be prepared for things like this, please be aware that fatphobia exists for normal kids and their parents, but it also exists in chronic health and even kids who should be getting top tier care, can be subject to fatphobia. It's an issue and it's dangerous.

TLDR:

I've got major chronic health and my mum didn't want me getting fat at 2 years old. Endangered my health beyond belief to a point where I'm still suffering the consequences.

Medical people: look out for kids who are, even marginally, underweight, it can be a sign of much bigger things. Just because it's a 'healthy' diet, doesn't mean its a safe one.

Everyone else?

FEED YOUR FUCKING KIDS

I work at a daycare with infants.

One of our baby girls is fat, in the 99th percentile for her age. She is super cute and sweet. Lately, she has been sick with various breathing issues, so she has been reluctant to take her bottles. Normally, she’ll take 4 ounces of formula at lunch and 8 ounces in the afternoon. Today, I was lucky to get to her take 5 all day.

There was a substitute covering a lunch break in my classroom today. We emphasized to her that we need to keep trying to get the baby to drink her bottle until she finished it. She said, “Why are you guys so worried about taking her bottle?”

My coworker replied, “That’s where all her nutrients are. She needs the nutrients and the water.”

To which the substitute replied, “But she’s so fat. She doesn’t need it.”

Thin privilege is a small, pretty baby getting better childcare because the caretaker doesn’t think she’s too fat to be allowed to eat.

[safepatientchairs]

Ergonomic Excellence: Transfer Chairs That Prioritize Patient Comfort

In the realm of healthcare, patient comfort and safety are paramount. One of the essential tools in achieving this goal is the transfer chair. These chairs, designed to move patients with ease, are critical in enhancing mobility while ensuring ergonomic support. Among the top innovations in this space is the Barton Chair—a groundbreaking solution that prioritizes both patient comfort and caregiver convenience.

Why Ergonomics Matter in Patient Transfer Systems

Patient transfers can be physically demanding for both the patient and caregiver, especially when dealing with limited mobility. Poorly designed transfer systems may result in discomfort, injury, or fatigue. This is where ergonomic solutions like the Barton transfer chair shine.

The Barton Chair patient transfer system offers an innovative design, engineered to reduce strain and make transfers smoother. Whether a patient is transitioning from a bed, wheelchair, or reclining position, this chair ensures seamless movement with minimal physical exertion. The Barton transfer system focuses on body alignment, pressure relief, and overall ease of use, providing a comfortable and safe experience.

The Barton Chair: A Leader in Comfort and Safety

The Barton Chair is more than just a transfer chair—it’s a comprehensive mobility solution. Here's why it stands out:

Ergonomic Design: The Barton medical chair is crafted to ensure patients remain in a comfortable, supported position during transfers. Its design prevents slumping and minimizes pressure points, enhancing patient well-being.

Versatility: The Barton Chair transfer system can be adjusted to different reclining angles, allowing caregivers to accommodate various needs—from sitting up to lying flat.

Ease of Use: Caregivers often face challenges with traditional transfer methods, such as hoists or stretchers. However, the Barton transfer chair simplifies this process, allowing one caregiver to perform transfers smoothly without the need for additional equipment like a Hoyer lift.

Safety Features: With advanced locking mechanisms and secure straps, the Barton wheelchair ensures that the patient remains stable and secure during movement.

How the Barton Chair Revolutionizes Patient Care

The Barton chair medical solution transforms the patient transfer experience in both hospitals and home care settings. Its ergonomic focus supports patients who may struggle with mobility due to illness, injury, or age. Caregivers can safely move patients from a bed to a chair without risking injury, ensuring smoother daily routines for both parties.

In addition, the Barton Chair covered by Medicare provides financial accessibility for many patients, making it a smart investment for healthcare facilities and families seeking top-tier patient mobility solutions.

A Key Player in Home Healthcare

For families caring for loved ones at home, the Barton transfer system offers a compassionate approach to patient transfers. Rather than relying on cumbersome equipment or multiple caregivers, this chair makes it easy for one person to move a patient with limited mobility. The Barton Chair patient transfer system is especially helpful for those recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Transfer System

There are many options for patient transfer systems, but few offer the combination of comfort, safety, and ease of use like the Barton chair medical. Whether in a hospital, nursing home, or home care setting, the right transfer system can significantly impact the quality of patient care.

While Hoyer lifts remain a popular choice for heavier transfers, the Barton chair provides a less intrusive, more comfortable experience for patients with moderate mobility needs. The Barton Chair patient transfer system is not just about moving patients—it's about ensuring dignity, comfort, and safety throughout the process.

A Look into the Future of Patient Transfers

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, patient mobility solutions like the Barton medical chair are at the forefront of innovation. These chairs are redefining how we think about patient care, prioritizing ergonomic design and comfort without compromising safety. Whether you're a caregiver or a healthcare provider, investing in quality transfer systems like the Barton Chair can make all the difference in ensuring top-tier care for patients.

Conclusion

When it comes to patient transfer systems, comfort, safety, and ease of use are essential. The Barton Chair and its various models—such as the Barton transfer chair and Barton wheelchair—are leading the way in providing ergonomic, patient-centered solutions. Whether for hospital use or home healthcare, these chairs are designed to prioritize patient well-being while reducing the physical strain on caregivers.

With the Barton chair transfer system, patient transfers become smoother, safer, and more comfortable, ensuring that the journey toward recovery or improved mobility is a stress-free one. If you’re considering a transfer chair, the Barton chair medical series is an excellent option that guarantees ergonomic excellence, making it a smart choice for both patients and caregivers.

By investing in the right mobility equipment, you’re investing in the comfort, dignity, and safety of those who need it most.

[bodyalive]

L'église Saint-Etienne de Bar-le-Du, France, 2005 - by Jacques Mossot, French

*

Everywhere in your body is tissue called fascia. Scientists are unlocking its secrets.

By Rachel Damiani and Ted Spiker 

Jan. 26, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. EST

Americans, who spend about $8 billion a year in massage and chiropractic treatments to relieve pain, may have no idea that they’re all probably experiencing the same thing — a manipulation of their fascia, a three-tiered layer of tissue that encases tissues and organs.

Although some people who are kneaded, stretched, or cracked may have a vague notion that fascia exists, they probably don’t know much about their fascia — or understand why it even matters.

Some in the scientific and medical communities think the same way.

They cannot agree on what fascia is. They don’t know what fascia does. They may not even know it when they see it. (One scientist, when asked about fascia, had to look it up to try to define it. And a scientific group, the Fascia Nomenclature Committee, has devoted itself to resolving this language confusion.)

But this is what they suspect: As the only tissue that modifies its consistency when under stress (it’s your body’s shape-shifter, of sorts), fascia is a part of the body that inspires equal parts confusion and optimism in research circles.

It’s everywhere in the body, so it could affect just about everything. That leaves researchers wrestling with an intriguing dilemma: If fascia is everywhere, then how do you isolate its impact on the body?

Early research suggests it may have relevance in areas one wouldn’t normally think of fascia playing a role, such as digestive conditions and cancer.

“Fascia is what holds us together. There are very few diseases that don’t have a fascia component,” said Frederick Grinnell, a professor of cell biology at the UT Southwestern Medical School.

In an article in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, researchers make the point that this web throughout our body has the potential to influence everything.

“Fascia is involved almost everywhere in the body,” said Andreas Haas, the founder of the Manus Training Center and the Manus Fascia Center in Austria who has been a manual therapist for 30 years and looking at fascia for two decades. “Each organ, each muscle, each artery, each vein, each nerve — there is not one single structure in the whole body that is not connected with fascia or not enveloped by fascia.”

What is fascia?

Best known by murky metaphors (a glove, net or web), fascia — in lay terms — appears differently throughout the body. There is the fascia that almost mimics a muscle with thick tissues, such as the fascia that makes up the plantar fascia in the foot or the iliotibial band along the side of the leg; the IT band is a structure that is unique to humans, and the fascia probably developed as an adaptation to bipedal movement, said Neil Roach, a lecturer in the department of human evolutionary biology at Harvard University.

There is also the fascia that appears all over and acts like a casing — a biological Spanx of sorts. “This fascia throughout the body holds muscles and organs in place to make sure they don’t jostle around,” Roach said.

The characteristic of fascia that is at the forefront of discussion in terms of health implications is its elasticity — that is, higher elasticity of the fascia allows organs and tissues to function better, while stiffer fascia decreases performance. (But that is not completely agreed upon, either; in some areas of the body — the joints, for example — it may be advantageous to have stiff fascia to provide support for anatomical structures, Haas said.)

Carla Stecco, an orthopedic surgeon and professor of human anatomy and movement sciences at the University of Padova in Italy whose father wrote books on fascia, is working to provide clarity to the confusion. She has conducted more than 100 human dissections with the goal of better understanding fascia’s anatomy.

When looking at fascia in a cadaver, fascia rests beneath the skin like mist on a lake. Thin and almost translucent, fascia looks like “white paper,” Stecco said. Past the fat cells, another fascia level — called deep fascia — rests beneath the superficial layer. Even deeper, a third layer called epimysial fascia rests on top of muscles. Out of the body and under the microscope, fascia is composed of a variety of different collagen types, elastin and multiple cell types, including telocytes and fasciocytes.

Scientists are still working to understand what characterizes one fascia layer from the next and distinguishes fascia from other connective tissue. Stecco said she believes this knowledge is vital to understanding fascia’s clinical implications.

“Without correct knowledge about fascia,” she said, “we really can’t think about pathology.”

What is known about fascia is that these three fascial layers are not isolated. Rather, they’re bound to one another in a 3-D matrix that gives the body structure and helps it function in an “integrated manner,” according to the definition put forward from the Fascia Nomenclature Committee.

Long thought of as just the support structure, fascia may have more influence on health than as a passive container.

“I think that understanding about the science of fascia is really important for people who are investigating different ways of being healthy other than surgery or drugs,” said Grinnell, a scientist who was initially skeptical about his research related to fascia.

Why does it matter?

Antonio Stecco, the brother of Carla Stecco, and a proud member of the first family of fascia, is a research assistant professor at New York University in physical medicine and rehabilitation who describes fascia’s main functions as helping coordinate the body’s movements (i.e., biomechanics), position in space (i.e., proprioception) and fluid flow throughout the body.

Related to these functions, research has indicated that structural integration (a type of body work thought to release stiff fascia) has improved balance in patients with chronic fatigue, range of motion in patients with neck pain, and reduced eye spasms in patients with muscular dystonia.

Beyond movement conditions, fascia may also be involved in a variety of unexpected health conditions and diseases, including cancer, lymphedema, and gastrointestinal distress — and many more areas to study, said Antonio Stecco, who reviewed many of fascia’s potential clinical implications in a 2016 review paper in the PM&R Journal.

In this paper, Stecco posits a link between fascia and swelling of the arms in the legs (lymphedema). He suggests that stiff fascia decreases lymphatic fluid flow and can contribute to swelling in the limbs.

By releasing fascia through bodywork, it could be possible that fascia becomes more pliable, lymphatic fluid flow increases and swelling goes down. Similarly, releasing fascia could help reduce gastrointestinal distress, including constipation, bloating and acid reflux.

Antonio Stecco hypothesizes that stiff visceral fascia, which Carla Stecco describes as a fourth type of fascia that is related to the internal organs, may decrease the motility of organs, resulting in distress. Bodywork could make stiff fascia more pliable, facilitate organ functioning and reduce these unpleasant GI symptoms.

Fascia and cancer

One potential role of fascia could be for cancer research. Thomas Findley, an expert on fascia and a professor of physical medicine at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, is fighting prostate cancer. He says he performs a series of exercises every day that he hopes may stall the progression of his cancer by releasing his fascia.

Findley said that exercise may slow down development of cancer and that some research suggests that physical activity (which would include weight training) may improve longevity in people once they’re diagnosed. But the reason is unclear.

One hypothesis: Fascia, as part of the extracellular matrix, could surround the tumor like a net around a crab. When the collagen in the fascia around the tumor becomes stiff, Findley thinks cancer cells could use it as a direct line out of the net (envision a tumor escaping the area on stiff fascia, like a playground slide). But when the fascia is pliable, the tumor can’t escape (envision it being trapped in quicksand with no easy escape route).

A recent study published in Scientific Reports and led by a group of researchers at Harvard Medical School, including Helene Langevin, director of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, indicated that stretching reduced tumor growth in mice. Future studies are necessary to better understand fascia’s role in cancer development, however.

The frontier of fascia

The study of fascia is marked by both uncertainty and promise.

“We’re really at the nascent phase of identifying fascia,” Findley said.

And in these beginning stages, scientists have not yet reached consensus on fascia’s potential to affect the body.

Part of this confusion in the medical community could stem from fascia straddling both modern and traditional medicine: two perspectives that are often portrayed as starkly different from one another. Fascia knowledge is generated by both scientists using modern techniques and body practitioners who use alternative medicine techniques, such as yoga and massage.

Grinnell said that while many researchers and body practitioners such as chiropractors focus on fascia, other scientists are less enthusiastic about its potential.

“If you talk to most surgeons, they would think of it as ‘what you cut through,’ ” said Grinnell. “Within the medical community, there are widely diverse opinions about the importance of fascia.”

The world’s experts have been gathering regularly in their efforts to figure out the potential of fascia. The Fifth International Fascia Congress met in November in Berlin and another event is planned for 2021.

“The more we know, the more I realize there’s more to learn. Every time you answer a question, it generates more questions,” Findley said. “That’s kind of the fun part.”

[naturopathycanada]

LYME DISEASE: A WHOLE-PERSON APPROACH

Tolle Totum

Lyme illness has actually ended up being the fastest-growing insect-borne transmittable disease in the United States, Europe, and also Asia. In 2018, we are already becoming aware of the rising tick populace and the assumption that Lyme disease will just come to be a lot more epidemic than it already is. More than 300 000 Americans as well as 65 000 Europeans are impacted annually by this epidemic-- as well as these numbers appear to climb up yearly.

The traditional clinical understanding of Lyme disease is rather restricted to those that have intense Lyme illness. On the other hand, chronic Lyme disease, or post-Lyme disorder, has become questionable and also has inadequate agreement among physicians relating to the best way to detect as well as treat it.

An intense case of Lyme disease consists of signs and symptoms that develop within days or weeks of a tick bite as well as which might be treated reasonably conveniently first. A persistent situation occurs when Lyme makes its means deep right into the system and also maintains recurring, perhaps with periods of remission. Nevertheless, both kinds of Lyme are misinterpreted.

Intense Lyme Condition

The very early intense stage of Lyme illness usually happens 3-30 days after a tick bite. Signs and symptoms might consist of:

High temperature

Cools

Battering, throbbing frustration

Relentless, visible tiredness

Numbness and also tingling

Muscular tissue and joint aches

Inflamed lymph nodes

Face or Bell's palsy

Erythema migrans (EM) breakout (" bull's- eye breakout").

One of the most widely known and particular symptom of the severe stage is the EM, or bull's- eye breakout. It begins at the website of a tick bite, and also broadens until it reaches a diameter of 12+ inches. Hardly ever scratchy or agonizing, this breakout occasionally gets rid of as it expands, such that it appears like a target or "bull's eye." The existence of the EM rash is pathognomonic for Lyme condition.

Although a bull's- eye rash and also flu-like signs are traditional early signs of Lyme, many individuals never experience either of these. Some people obtain unclear symptoms (or none in all) as well as might nurture the infection for many years without recognizing it. And numerous thousands of people have the common symptoms of Lyme without even understanding that they have the disease, till long after it has deeply established itself right into their bodies. Lyme illness is called "The Great Mimic" due to the fact that it appears like countless other ailments. Consequently, it is not uncommon for medical professionals to ignore Lyme disease as they connect symptoms to another thing. Lyme disease has actually been misdiagnosed as fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, several sclerosis, mononucleosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, as well as several other conditions.

Persistent Lyme Disease.

Individuals experiencing persistent Lyme disease can look medically different, and may present with signs such as:.

Exhaustion.

Stomach pain and also digestive tract modifications.

Amnesia or cognitive problems.

Tingling or tingling of extremities.

Sensory distortion of skin (burning feelings), specifically in hands or feet.

" Roaming" joint or muscular tissue pain.

Light or audio sensitivity.

Lightheadedness or vertigo.

Rest disturbances.

Cardiac troubles: mitral valve prolapse, heart block, heart palpitations, upper body discomfort.

Balance or control troubles.

Endocrine disturbance: hypothyroidism, uneven menses, etc

. The Centers for Illness Control and also Prevention (CDC) states that up to 10% of individuals with acute Lyme disease will certainly go on to establish persistent Lyme condition or Post-Lyme Syndrome; however, numerous Lyme-literate physicians feel this number is grossly underreported.

Lyme Testing: Risks of the 2-Tiered System.

Adding to the difficulty of Lyme illness is making a right medical diagnosis. According to the CDC, Lyme disease is a clinical diagnosis, which means it is based upon signs and symptoms and also other elements rather than solely on a laboratory test. Lab screening for Lyme condition has actually been woefully inadequate for decades, because of the poor level of sensitivity and also uniqueness of the screening itself. Currently, the CDC recommends a 2-tier screening system, starting with a Lyme display examination.

One research study found that in 55 people with recognized Lyme illness, <46% of them had either IgG or IgM antibodies on their Lyme screen. A good testing test should pick up at least 95% of individuals being examined for their condition, according to the College of American Pathologists. The Lyme testing test does not fulfill this standard. As a matter of fact, the Lyme screen test might just pick up concerning 56% of individuals that have Lyme disease. To make issues worse, the CDC standards do not advise doing a Western Blot when the Lyme display is adverse. Research study shows that the Western Blot is a lot more accurate in identifying Lyme illness due to the fact that it looks for very particular antibodies usually seen in Lyme illness individuals yet not found in healthy and balanced controls.

The Western Blot is the 2nd stage of the CDC's advised 2-stage screening. This examination is also an antibody test, however measures numerous antibodies connected with Borrelia infection. In 40 years of research study, we have learned that some antibodies specify to Lyme, while others are not. The visibility of 23, 34, 39 and 93 kd antibodies are strongly related to direct exposure to Lyme as well as may recommend infection. But considering that antibodies can spend time for many years, as well as even years, the existence of antibodies does not always show a current infection.

The Western blot is additionally highly susceptible to false downsides, ie, unfavorable for antibodies in spite of active infection. This takes place because it can take weeks for the body to create antibodies versus Lyme, which is why the CDC does not advise doing a Western Blot examination on anyone whose illness happened within the previous month. Various other laboratories examinations, consisting of PCR screening and straight discoloration, have inadequate level of sensitivity and also bad dependability in screening for Lyme disease.

So, the bottom line is that an unfavorable test does not omit the opportunity of having Lyme illness, but a positive test confirms direct exposure to the microorganism causing Lyme disease. It is essential to evaluate lab screening along with a patient's medical symptoms. A person might have been subjected to Borrelia as well as never created Lyme disease yet might still have antibodies in their blood stream. This is why it is essential to always consider your client's signs prior to beginning any kind of treatment.

Conventional Therapy.

The standard clinical therapy for Lyme condition is a training course of antibiotics for as much as 3 weeks after medical diagnosis. This has actually been the referral of the majority of government, medical, and also public health companies in the United States for virtually 40 years. While mainstream infectious-disease medical professionals do not usually deviate from the CDC suggestions, others really feel that the typical 21 days of antibiotic therapy are insufficient to defeat Lyme illness. Many medical professionals who are members of the International Lyme and also Linked Illness Culture (ILADS) will certainly utilize longer courses of prescription antibiotics, both dental and also intravenous-- for weeks, months, or even years. Simultaneous use 3-4 prescription antibiotics is now typical.

Most bacteria reproduce every 20 minutes, yet Borrelia varieties reproduce much more gradually, every 1 to 16 days. Considering that numerous prescription antibiotics typically utilized to deal with Lyme illness just function when the microorganism is reproducing (bacteriostatic), they are ineffective when the microorganism remains in an inactive state, and also consequently would take longer to remove the infection. Existing standards from the CDC only address severe Lyme condition and do not resolve post-Lyme syndrome in all.

Long-lasting antibiotic usage exterminates a big part of the friendly digestive tract germs, which are required for keeping the health and wellness of the microbiome as well as immune system and also fighting infection. Long-lasting antibiotics can likewise cause kidney and also liver damages, along with numerous other harmful adverse effects.

Although there is evidence that antibiotics can be effective in severe Lyme condition, studies on long-lasting antibiotic usage either show no effectiveness in all or limited benefits that stop when prescription antibiotics are ceased.

Naturopathic Therapy.

According to the tenets of naturopathic medicine, the therapy of Lyme illness must include the whole person, including diet, lifestyle practices, comorbid problems, immune status, as well as ecological exposure, along with treating active infection. A whole-body approach to Lyme condition addresses most of the hidden variables that keep individuals with Lyme condition ill.

Diet.

Although numerous diet plans have been reported to help people with Lyme condition, I have actually personally found an alkaline diet regimen to help most Lyme people. This involves consuming foods that promote better cellular alkalinity. There are no specific studies on an alkaline diet and Lyme disease, but the few studies published on alkaline diets, in general, have observed health benefits, including reducing inflammation. Note that following an alkaline diet does not change blood pH, as has been purported by some individuals.

I recommend eliminating all processed foods, sugar, and coffee, and primarily eating organic fresh vegetables, legumes, and nuts. It is also necessary to limit animal protein to less than 20% of total dietary intake for the week, as animal protein breaks down into acid-forming byproducts. For patients who have difficulty making dietary changes, it may be helpful to have them work with a nutritionist for meal planning and guidance.

Intestinal Health.

Research shows the intestinal tract accounts for 70-80% of immune function; thus, maintaining healthy intestinal permeability, balanced microflora, and optimal digestion is essential for overcoming any chronic infection. It is important to ensure proper intestinal motility to prevent dysbiosis and mucosal inflammation, which in turn can disrupt normal intestinal function. Comprehensive stool analysis and/or organic acid testing can help provide insight into specific areas of intestinal function that are imbalanced. The treatment in this area should be specific to your patient, but I often consider herbs and nutrients that help promote better motility, reduce inflammation, rebalance gut microflora, and treat overgrowth of pathogenic microbes. Some specific considerations include magnesium salts, probiotics, glutamine, curcumin, and fish oils.

Treat Active Lyme Infection.

Several herbal protocols have been used to treat both acute and chronic Lyme disease, many of which I have used successfully in my clinical practice. I have also found that herbs are generally better tolerated than antibiotics, and come with fewer adverse side effects. The 2 herbal protocols I have used the most are Dr Zhang's Modern Chinese Medicine protocol and a modified form of Dr Lee Cowden's protocol.

Dr Zhang is a Chinese medical doctor and licensed acupuncturist in New York City who developed a series of Chinese herbal formulas to help eradicate Lyme, boost immune function, improve circulation, and modulate autoimmunity. When I myself had Lyme disease, his protocol helped me to get off antibiotics and dramatically improve my health. Dr Lee Cowden, a cardiologist in Dallas, TX, prior to retirement, developed a series of liquid tinctures made from plants from the Amazon rainforest in South America. His protocol has been studied at the University of New Haven by Dr Eva Sapi and has been found to be more effective than antibiotics. His protocol also helps eradicate infection, reduce inflammation, and improve detoxification.

I have also used protocols from Stephen Buhner, Byron White, and a specialty herbal formula company with unique products. I prefer the other protocols, as I've observed greater clinical effectiveness with Dr Zhang's and Dr Cowden's protocols; I've also seen fewer die-off reactions using these protocols, which are common with any Lyme treatment.

Lifestyle & Environmental Control.

In addition to taking antibiotics or herbs to treat the active infection, it is also important to manage lifestyle habits than can undermine your patient's immune system, making it harder to overcome an infection. Getting good-quality sleep, getting plenty of exercise (as tolerated), and managing stress all play significant roles in immune system function. I encourage anyone with Lyme disease to eliminate from their home and work environment all toxins and toxicants that are known immune disruptors, in order to optimize their immune function.

One of the biggest external factors influencing Lyme disease is mold. Mycotoxicity and mold allergy can cause symptoms that are almost identical to Lyme disease, and many people with mold problems are unaware of their exposure. I highly recommend Lyme patients have their home tested for mold using spore-trapping and ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) to help identify hidden sources of mold, so that it can be remediated if present. Additionally, urine mycotoxin testing or mold allergy testing can help establish whether mold is contributing to one's health issues.

Immune Modulation & Detoxification.

Research shows that Lyme disease can trigger an autoimmune reaction against certain neurological proteins, which may account for many of the symptoms of post-Lyme syndrome. Therefore, therapies that help modulate the immune system are ideal for correcting immune dysfunction. I have used low-dose immunotherapy (LDI) successfully with hundreds of my Lyme patients. Developed by Ty Vincent, MD, LDI uses homeopathic dilutions of a Lyme nosode to downregulate Th2 responses to Lyme, essentially "turning off" the autoimmune reaction to Borrelia spp. This isopathic approach has helped numerous Lyme patients overcome their symptoms. To learn more about how to do LDI, please visit progressivemedicaleducation.com.

Other forms of immunotherapy, such as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) can help modulate regulatory T cells (Tregs) against mold, pollen, dust, or foods, and lower the total body immune burden. I have found this to be a useful adjunctive therapy in treating Lyme disease, especially in those with a history of allergies prior to being infected with Lyme.

Detoxification is a limiting obstacle for many chronic Lyme patients. Although some patients are genetically predisposed to being slow metabolizers, many naturopathic therapies can still help promote better detoxification and elimination. Research shows infrared sauna can help eliminate toxic metals and chemicals stored in the tissues and organs. The temperature and length of treatment should be modified for each person according to what they can tolerate, but regular sauna therapy can improve many Lyme symptoms.

I also highly recommend colon hydrotherapy, for many of the same reasons that I recommend sauna therapy. It is an effective way to promote better bowel function and improve motility and elimination. I have had some Lyme patients that failed every therapy they tried except colon hydrotherapy, which helped them improve. I recommend 1-2 sessions per week for the first 4 weeks and to then adjust the schedule based on clinical response.

Summary.

Early detection and treatment of Lyme disease gives your patient the best chance of recovery without future complications. Many naturopathic therapies can be as or more effective than conventional antibiotic therapy, as antibiotic therapy only addresses eradication of the organism and fails to address underlying immune, autoimmune, and detoxification dysfunction. Lyme disease is a complex illness with more than 100 associated symptoms, and its prevalence continues to rise. Most naturopathic physicians in North America are likely to see Lyme patients in their practice at some point, and they are well suited, in general, to treat Lyme. Following basic naturopathic principles, along with some understanding of Lyme-specific protocols, can greatly improve the health of Lyme patients and help them to overcome their illness.

The article “ LYME DISEASE: A WHOLE-PERSON APPROACH “ was first published on ndnr

Discover how naturopathic medicine may help you. Learn more with a Naturopathic Doctor - Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND.

[biofunmy]

Sea Moss Does Not Cure Thyroid Disease. But People Sell It Online Anyway.

Pinterest

Pinterest search results for “hypothyroidism.”

“No, you are not crazy, lazy, or faking,” the Pinterest post says. “Just count…”

The link leads to a post on the website HypothyroidMom.com called “300 hypothyroidism symptoms: count how many you have.” The post, which lists 307 symptoms, details nearly everything that could go wrong with the human body. Weight gain. Bloating. Dry skin. Pressure in ears. Athlete’s foot. Cold hands. Chest pain. High cholesterol. ADD/ADHD. Schizophrenia.

With more than 1.1 million likes on Facebook, Hypothyroid Mom — which is run by Dana Trentini, a former talent development specialist at JPMorgan Chase and high school teacher, according to her LinkedIn — is one of the most prominent figures in a community that spans Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Etsy, and Amazon, made up of people who have either been diagnosed with hypothyroidism or believe they should be. (Trentini did not respond to multiple requests for comment.)

What sets these patients apart from those who suffer from poorly understood diseases like chronic fatigue syndrome or chronic Lyme disease — which also have huge online communities around them — is that the standard medical treatments for hypothyroidism are typically highly effective. According to the American Thyroid Association, hypothyroidism — a condition in which the thyroid gland does not secrete enough hormones — can’t be cured, “but in almost every patient, hypothyroidism can be completely controlled.” Dr. Steven Hodak, an endocrinologist at NYU Langone, told BuzzFeed News that 85% to 90% of patients see their symptoms improve by taking one levothyroxine hormone pill (T4), while another 10% to 15% take a different hormone pill (T3).

However, since hormones can affect nearly every major bodily function, one person’s symptoms could be almost anything. As a result, the flourishing communities of people who feel alienated by traditional medicine are willing to try alternative treatments. And online platforms provide a space not only to these communities, but also to the alternative medicine merchants eager to cash in.

Instagram user @theinvisiblehypothyroidism, who has over 12,000 followers, posts about how thyroid patients are “not easily understood by those around them” and “not taken seriously.”

“Most people think it’s an easily treated condition, when in reality, it is none of these things for many patients,” she wrote in one post. “We’re not hypochondriacs, it really does cause us many symptoms! Yes, for some thyroid patients they do OK on standard thyroid medication but for many, they still struggle with daily symptoms and living with this diagnosis.”

Rachel Hill, who runs @theinvisiblehypothyroidism, declined to comment.

There’s no easy way for platforms to contend with the proliferation of hypothyroid-related content, because posts about real symptoms often go hand-in-hand with the promotion of miracle treatments or misleading information. The end result is that almost all information stays up unless it’s specifically flagged to a platform.

For instance, Hypothyroid Mom posts lots of content that validates people’s symptoms, like a photo that read, “Your symptoms are not all in your head oh hell no.” But she also attributes an extensive list of symptoms to hypothyroidism by sharing articles with titles such as “fixing your thyroid can also fix your hands” and “low thyroid and my darn feet.” But medical professionals say that a combination of lab testing and symptom evaluation is necessary to treat hypothyroidism effectively, since a patient could easily have a different condition that’s not hypothyroidism.

“It’s really not useful or really accurate to think of hypothyroidism as being defined by any specific symptoms, because it really depends on the severity of the hypothyroidism,” Hodak said. “If somebody looks the part and has a lot of symptoms, you can certainly suspect that they’re hypothyroid. But you have to confirm it with a lab test because what if they have adrenal insufficiency? Or what if they have narcolepsy, or what if they have sleep apnea?”

Yet many of the people in the online hypothyroid community insist that they have hypothyroidism because their symptoms persist, although their bloodwork is normal.

“I’m so sick of being exhausted all the time and being told my bloodwork is normal,” one person recently commented on a Hypothyroid Mom post.

“I’m reading this with tears flowing down my face,” another person commented. “There are days I feel as if I want to be alone. I don’t want to be a wife, mother, caregiver, friend, aunt. I just want to slip away.”

Pinterest

Listings for “hypothyroid treatment” on Pinterest.

Hodak emphasized that symptoms can vary wildly depending on the person and case.

“In the very classic and profound presentations of all these diseases, there are sort of hallmark features that might steer us this way versus that way,” Hodak said. “But at some level, until people are…until they have a full-blown manifestation of a disease, oftentimes the symptoms are very nonspecific.”

Filling that void are those peddling unproven treatments, like powders, capsules, and mixtures of sea moss, bladder wrack, and ashwagandha root. There’s no single way that people come across these treatments, since the hypothyroid community exists across various platforms. But many people on Instagram and merchants on Etsy reference the late Honduran herbalist known as “Dr. Sebi” — who was not a doctor, and whose real name was Alfredo Bowman — as a source of their belief that sea moss and bladder wrack can treat hypothyroidism.

In 1988, a New York court found Bowman, who did not have a license to practice medicine in New York, guilty of consumer fraud. In its ruling, the court said that his then–company, the Fig Tree Products Company, falsely claimed it could “cure, mitigate, or […] relieve” medical conditions. Bowman died in 2016, but Dr. Sebi’s Cell Food continues to sell powders and supplements in his name.

Instagram

Recent posts tagged #drsebi on Instagram.

The cost of these treatments varies wildly. Sixteen ounces of sea moss goes for about $20 on Amazon and Etsy. One hundred capsules of bladder wrack or ashwagandha can cost between $10 and $20. A 16-ounce bottle of “Seamoss Bladderwrack Burdock Gel” is being sold on Etsy for $55.

Some of the reviews for these products are positive, but others claim that the products were moldy, slimy, or smelled like plastic or bleach. Many people said that the packages only came partially filled. For instance, a package of “Premium Irish Moss Superfood,” an $11 product which is labeled “Amazon’s Choice,” has dozens of reviews which claim that the sea moss smelled noxious and that people who bought it were too afraid to consume it.

“As soon as I opened the package I was overwhelmed [by] the smell of plastic almost smelt like new shoes, tiers or even a new plastic Barbie doll,” one reviewer said. “There is white powder that looks like sand but it instantly disappeared in water. No sand to rinse off. It feels rubber. I’m sorry I just have a hard time believing this is authentic. There should be strict regulations on amazon to ensure the safety of its customers. I will not consume this plastic imitation moss.”

On Etsy and Amazon, merchants sell products which they promise will treat or alleviate hypothyroidism. The top result in an Etsy search for “hypothyroidism” was, until recently, a bag of sea moss and bladder wrack, which was removed after a reporter contacted them about it.

Sea moss is a food thickener with no proven medical value. Bladder wrack is a low-calorie root, with “insufficient evidence” of affecting thyroid problems. Consuming large amounts of either thing probably won’t hurt you, but it almost definitely won’t cure or treat hypothyroidism. Ashwagandha root can improve thyroid function in some people according to the US Library of Medicine, but patients whom doctors have placed on standard hypothyroid treatments should avoid ingesting it.

Amazon

Amazon listings for sea moss.

However, all of these supplements are commonly promoted online. Hypothyroid Mom has promoted ashwagandha as a thyroid supplement. On a guest blog on her website in 2016, nutritionist John Axe recommended ashwagandha as the “top supplement” for hypothyroidism. Axe also sells several types of powder supplements.

Hodak said that “natural remedies” for medical conditions can often have a positive psychological effect on people experiencing hypothyroidism. However, there’s a risk when people interfere with or undermine a doctor’s prescribed treatments.

“Naturally occurring substances, plants, those sorts of things have potential medicinal benefits and sometimes risks,” Hodak said. “My attitude is usually as long as it’s not something that we know is going to cause a problem, if it makes the patient feel good, and they want to do it, go ahead, it’s not going to hurt. But it’s not going to replace thyroid hormone.”

But those who sell alternative hypothyroid supplements advertise them as having nearly supernatural quality. Dozens of listings for sea moss, bladder wrack, and ashwagandha root on Etsy claim that the elements can treat a variety of ailments. One listing for sea moss and bladder wrack powder, for instance, claims its powers include: “soothing the kidneys, as a blood purifier, relieving the lymphatic system, rheumatism, gout, GI tract disorders, stomach ailments, constipation, catarrh, fever, infection, fluid retention and skin problems.”

Every platform has a different way of dealing with medical misinformation. Facebook and Instagram, for instance, claim that posts with “exaggerated or sensational” heath claims will get surfaced less often on people’s News and Discovery Feeds.

According to Facebook’s terms of service, posts with “exaggerated or sensational” heath claims will surface less often on people’s News Feeds. Instagram’s terms of service does not mention how exaggerated or sensational health claims are treated in the Explore tab.

“If a member of our fact-checking program marks a health-related hoax as false, we will take steps to significantly reduce how many people see that hoax on Instagram and Facebook,” a Facebook spokesperson told BuzzFeed News.

A Pinterest spokesperson told BuzzFeed News that its health misinformation policy prohibits “false cures for terminal or chronic illnesses.” Content found to be in violation should be taken down entirely.

“The US National Center for Health Statistics defines hypothyroidism as a chronic disease, so we would remove anything suggesting sea moss or bladder wrack is a cure or treatment for hypothyroidism if we find it or if someone reports it to us through our Pin report feature,” the spokesperson said. “In addition, we don’t allow medical misinformation in ads, so an ad claiming to cure or treat hypothyroidism would not be allowed to run on Pinterest.”

Etsy and Amazon instruct third-party sellers to follow national laws and not sell illegal merchandise. But since hypothyroid treatments sold on their platforms are often categorized as “supplements,” which don’t require FDA approval to be sold, it’s legal to sell most hypothyroid treatments.

An Etsy spokesperson told BuzzFeed News that it could not comment on specific items or sellers.

An Amazon spokesperson told BuzzFeed News, “All sellers are required to follow our selling guidelines and those who do not will be subject to action, including potential removal of their account.”

Facebook

An image posted in an “Irish Sea Moss Healing” Facebook group.

Hodak said he recognizes people’s urge to self-advocate for their medical wellbeing, but that there’s no alternative medical miracle for hypothyroidism.

“[Americans] are always looking for that one thing that’s going to be a paradigm-shifting supplement or something that they can take,” Hodak said. “And there are precious few things like that out in the world. It really reflects a bias that I think — at least in this Western culture that we have — where somehow there’s a thing that’s like a magic bullet. And there really aren’t any.”

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