#I’m stressed out and nervous because my aunt helped me sign up for an appointment for the permit test

[jaejoongs-nipple-piercing]

When you’re so stressed out and broken down emotionally that you cry not being able to move a bookshelf a few inches.

[anotheronechicagobog]

Matt Casey x reader

I’m Sorry Part 3/Ending

Written by @anotheronechicagobog​

@fuelledbyfanfiction​ I hope you like it!

“We’ve made wonderful progress, Y/N, so I’ll see you next month?”

“No, I’ll be busy with my wedding and then Matt and I will be on our honeymoon, so our next appointment will either be when I get back or in a couple of weeks from now.”

“Oh, right... Do you think you’ll be okay waiting?”

“I’d rather see you in a couple of weeks just because I’ll be more stressed out than usual.”

“That sounds like a good idea. I’ll see you in two weeks.” Leaving Dr. Charles’ office you took a breath and smiled. It had been three years since you broke up and got back together with Matt and you were both incredibly happy. You started therapy with Dr. Charles and was soon prescribed anti-depressants. You’d been doing well for those three years, not initially, it had been something to work at and there had been setbacks, but you were finally in a place where you smiled more than you frowned.

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Your white dress flowed to the floor and Natalie stood behind you with the box holding the veil. The veil belonged to your great-great-grandmother and has been passed down for generations. Made of ornate hand-woven lace, it is easily the thing you’d been most excited about in terms of planning the wedding. It had also drug up awkward conversations with your brother and father.

You didn’t initially invite either of your remaining relatives to attend your wedding due to all the horrible history between the three of you. You’d all started to repair your relationship with the help of Erin, even though she was in New York. You’d never be a close tight-knit family, but you could at least tolerate each other and you started to refer to them as ‘Justin’ and ‘dad’. However, the veil was at your childhood home, which your dad had taken back when he got out of prison. You hadn’t been living there anyway, you’d locked anything important in the attic and rented it out. You hadn’t been able to live there again. The box with the veil was one of the things placed in the attic.

FLASHBACK

When you’d gone to retrieve it, you’d met your first obstacle at the door: your father. He’d been shocked that you were standing on the doorstep without fire in your eyes. He’d thought that you wanted to talk to him, to make amends. His face fell when you revealed your true reason for coming. He signed but let you in and helped you look for it.

This was when you met your second obstacle: your brother. Apparently, he had also made a stop at the house when he’d gotten out to pick up some things. And by pick up some things, he’d meant that he rummaged through the attic for things to sell. Including the veil. You’d burst into frustrated tears when you found out. You didn’t have a lot to remember your mother. You had a couple of photo albums and that veil. The only reason you didn’t take it when you helped the renters move out, was because your father showed up before you could. He’d made you so uncomfortable that you had to get as far away from him as possible as quickly as possible. 

You still weren’t quite sure how it got to this point, but your father was driving you to your brother’s apartment. You weren’t used to being weak in front of people, especially your father. You cried the whole way, and you were still sniffling when you entered your estranged brother’s apartment. 

“Dad for the last time fu-”

“This isn’t about either of us right now.”

“Y/N?” Justin looked at you apprehensively. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

“Do you have mami’s veil?” His eyes widened in understanding. “You’re getting married.”

“Yes, I am. Please tell me you still have it. Please tell me you didn’t sell it.”

“Of course I didn’t sell it. The box is on the top shelf in the hall closet.”

“Why did you take it if you weren’t going to sell it?” You were so confused. Justin scoffed as he retrieved the box. “How else was I going to find out when you get married? I know we’re not close, I know that I was a shit brother... and I know that you don’t want me at your wedding. I just... wanted to be able to congratulate you, I guess. You mean a lot more to me then I let on.” He placed the box in your hands. “I wish you all the happiness in the world, sis. Congrats.” He maneuvered around the box to give you a hug. “I love you, Y/N.”

END FLASHBACK

So, your father and brother were at your wedding. You’d made it clear that they couldn’t sit in thr front rows, that neither of them would walk you down the aisle, and that there would not be a father-daughter dance. You wanted to not loathe them again, but they’d caused too much pain. Too much permanent mental scarring. A hug wasn’t going to fix all that.

Hermann poked his head in the door.“Y/N? It’s time.”

“Just let us put the veil on, Hermann.” Erin carefully took the veil out of the box and clipped it to the back of your head. She and Natalie took a few moments to straighten it out and make sure that it delicately framed you. “Alright,” Nat nodded along with Erin, “you’re ready, here’s your bouquet.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever been more ready for anything in my life.” You couldn’t stop smiling, and it seemed your happiness was infectious by the way everyone’s faces were suddenly split with a beaming smile.

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The reception was held in the hall of the botanic gardens, your outdoor wedding had been beautiful, but you were grateful for airconditioning. Your heart was fluttering, warmth was spreading through you as you danced with Matt for the first time as husband and wife. A gentle acoustic melody was playing as you and Matt waltzed around the dance floor, your head in the crook of his neck. “Y/N,” you lifted your head so that your forehead would touch his. “Hmmm?”

“I have never been this happy. Thank you for marrying me.” You moved your lips only a millimetre, that was all it took for your lips to be on his. “I can’t wait to get old and wrinkly with you.” Matt couldn’t help but laugh as the song trickled to an end. “C’mon let’s go sit down.”

You and your husband (damn, you loved referring to Matt as your husband *insert squealy giggle here*) sat down at the long table made up for the wedding party. The two of you, Kelly, Joe, and Brian as groomsmen, Erin, Natalie, and Matt’s sister Christie as bridesmaids. As the first course was served you were congratulated by your friends. “Erin, I’m so glad that you were able to be a part of this.” She scoffed and rolled her eyes with a smile on her face, “you’re my sister! Like I would miss your wedding!”

After eating you and Matt were making your way around the room, thanking everyone for coming when Christie walked up to you. “Can I talk to you guys for a second?” You looked at a shocked Matt and apprehensively nodded. You felt dread pooling in your stomach as you made your way out of the banquet hall to the hallway. Once you closed the doors behind you Christie put her hands on her hips and glared at you. “What is wrong with you?” She then turned to Matt, “how could you allow this?”

“Allow what Christie? What’s going on? And why are you glaring at Y/N? She didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Oh really? Y/N, why didn’t you take my brother’s last name?”

“Is that what this is about? Christie, it’s not the fifteenth century anymore, women don’t have to change their names when they get married. Plus, as much as I love Matt, he didn’t go to medical school. I did. I earned all my accomplishments as Y/N Y/L/N, and I plan on earning more.”

“Christie, I love you, but this really isn’t a big deal. Plus she’s right, regardless of her accomplishments or education, women don’t have to change their last names. I love her and we’re going to spend our lives together, I don’t need her last name to be Casey to know that.”

“Gabby didn’t take your last name.” She mumbled quietly. She’d lost her strong stance, crossing her arms over her chest and looking down at her shoes. “That’s what this is about. Christie, thank you so much for worrying about me, but Y/N isn’t Gabby. We don’t have fights that last for days on end. We actually talk and communicate, we never go to bed angry, we both have therapy regularly, we understand and support each other’s goals in life.”

“We are ready for this Christie. We are ready to be bonded together, to worry about each other, to come home to each other, to support each other, to have a family together. I love Matt with everything I’ve got and I’m not going to let go.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” You both answered. Christie beamed, eyes glistening with happy tears. “Let’s get a drink. I’ll grab wine for all of us.”

“No thanks, Christie. None for me.”

“Oh, come on, it’s your wedding! The only reason you could possibly have for not drinking at your wedding is pregnancy.” She and Matt started chuckling, but when you didn’t answer and looked at Matt with a nervous smile. “Well...”

“Oh my god! Really? You’re pregnant? I’m going to be a dad?”

“Yes, I am.”

“I’m going to be an aunt!” You were all smiling and hugging. “You’re pregnant?” You turned and saw your entire wedding party and half of your guests in the doorway. “Uh... Yeah, I am.” You spent the last hour of your wedding being hugged and congratulated by everyone you love by Matt’s side. And you couldn’t be happier.

[thechkncoop]

17 Weeks, 17 Things we already know.

Hello world, hello CJ. 

I write this to you in hopes that one day when you’re wondering what life was like before you, this will give you a glimpse of how cool mom and dad were. ARE.

ONE, we wanted you, I wanted you, very much so. So much in fact that technically you were at our wedding. I do apologize for the alcohol consumption and the sushi that was ingested while you were a clump of cells. 

We are starting year TWO of the pandemic, or the panoramic, or the Panda Express right now and it is also dad’s last day at his old job. He’s nervous, but this new job pays enough so that when you pop out, he’ll be able to give you whatever you need. He’s so stressed. But I remind him that you love him lots. I can feel it. 

We’re still in this two bedroom apartment that’s about THREE blocks away from one of dad’s favorite breweries, Begyle. I’m sure every time we drive by the area, dad will mention it to you. 

You will be the FOURTH cousin in the series so far. Matilda, Ingrid and Chloe are super excited to meet you. Especially Aunt Steffi, Matilda and Iggy’s mom. So far she’s sent us 2 large boxes filled with cute clothes and snacks. 

This was Dad and I’s FIFTH Valentine’s Day together. Even though everything was shut down, it was perfect. We slept in and ordered breakfast sandwiches from Biscuit Man down the street. Dad made the trek in the 2 feet of snow that had fallen the night before. We watched “To All The Boys I Loved: Always and Forever” which dad surprisingly enjoyed. We then decorated some cookies that Ate Yasmine got us and had lasagna from one of our favorite places, All Together Now. Never forget that if they wanted to, they would. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you know what that is like. 

There are SIX letters in your name, though while you were marinating in my belly we rarely used your full name. 

You have SEVEN aunts and uncles. 5 on dad’s side and 2 on mine. You’re named after your aunt and my aunt, and I’m guessing because you’re the same zodiac sign, you’ll be exactly like her. God help your dad. 

Our favorite Mexican restaurant is about EIGHT minutes away from the apartment. Far enough where dad would have to drive during these Chicago snowstorms but on a nice day we could walk. Dad and I used to get high and eat an entire burrito each. Then we’d sit on the couch and listen to music for hours. 

It was probably around NINE pm on a Monday when we took the pregnancy test the second time. We were leaving for our honeymoon that Thursday, which was Thanksgiving and I was worried I had caught COVID. Somehow the symptoms didn’t really line up. Dad jokingly says, what if you’re pregnant? You know dad has the worst jokes. 

You’ve been around maybe TEN  weeks when we found out you were gonna be coming into the world as a girl. I still think I have the voicemail that the doctor sent us. Since dad was not allowed to come to the doctor’s appointments with us because of COVID (pandemic), i made sure we were able to find out together. 

It was about ELEVEN degrees outside when we looked at our first potential home. Every time we looked at a house I imagined you running around it, growing up and creating memories that only you will get to exquisitely experience. Dad and I want you to have a better life than we did, dad especially. Just know that I vouched for you to have your own room but dad is convinced you’re fine sharing with your sibling.

It was about TWELVE weeks when I heard your heartbeat for the first time. Honestly, I wasn’t prepared for your little thumps to overwhelm me. Not that I didn’t know you existed, but at that point, you were working your little developed butt off to create bones and I couldn’t help but feel proud of you.

It’s about THIRTEEN steps from our bedroom to the bathroom. I think i counted one night when we had gotten up for the fourth time to pee in the middle of the night. Some nights when I can’t go back to sleep I think about what you’ll look like, will you have my black hair? Or your dad’s amazing gorgeous dark ginger hair?

You’ll probably learn of these when you’re about FOURTEEN because dad and I feel like that’s when you’ll be the angsy-est. ha. Just kidding. We hope we tell you we love you everyday enough that you’ll only hate us the minimal amount to get you through puberty. 

FIFTEEN was the number of chocolate muffins I’ve had during the first trimester of hanging out with you. Poor dad had to dump the remainder of the batch when I was over it. He was such a good sport though. 

There are about SIXTEEN boxes in our office that are wedding presents that we have no home for yet. We are looking at houses this week and hopefully we picked a good one for you. Dad wants to make sure you have enough space for you to grow and I’m just hoping its in a spot where you can run around safely.

It is the SEVENTEENth week that you’ve been around CJ and you’re literally what I think about all day and all night. Probably because I pee about the same number of times throughout the day. Dad and I talk about you all the time. What you’ll like, what you won’t like. How many times you’ve ordered around Uncle Jon. If you’ll like all the foods we like. Dad hopes you’ll enjoy all the movies he’s gonna make you watch with him. I just hope I don’t annoy you too much with Taylor Swift and video games. 

Until then, 

Love Mom

[scarlettsage77]

The Problem with Sushi

Imgine One Shot

The Problem with Sushi  Based on imagine-tom-finally-realizing 

Tom HiddlestonxReader

You couldn’t deny it any longer. You were sick. You hated getting sick. You liked being taken care of and Tom has always been the best possible fiancee to have when you were sick, but the actual feeling like you were going to throw up and generally feeling like you had been hit by something just smaller than a Sherman tank, sucked.

You groaned and curled into a ball on the bed, another wave of nausea rolling in. Tom turned around from the bureau and came over quickly. He leaned down and lightly petting your hair. “My poor sick, Love.”

You take a few slow deep breaths and roll to face him, he lies next to you, “It’s a persistent thing, whatever this is.”

“You’ll call the nurse today, yes? You promised.” You nod a little weakly and he kisses your forehead. “Thank you, I hate that I have to be gone all day. Call me if you need anything, Darling,” He slowly got back up out of bed, “I’ll bring home lunch.”

You croaked out a weary, “I love you.” as he heads into the en suite.

He calls back, “Always, my Darling.” and you curl up to try to get a little more sleep.

You managed another hour in before your need to use the bathroom insisted that you get out of bed and stop being a lump. You stretched out a kink and cramp and thought about your day as you worked your way awake, making some tea and toast. You smiled when you saw the note on the kitchen island.

‘Call the nurse, (y/n). I love you.” followed by the phone number for your insurance’s nurse helpline in Tom’s familiar scrawl. You shake your head and laugh as you get the milk from the fridge and find another note there. “ I mean it.” He was too much sometimes and you loved every bit of it.

You settled in on one of the counter high stools and dialed the helpline as you nibbled at your toast and sipped your tea.

After a series of automated messages steering you through a phone system that on a normal day would be irritating but today was maddening, you finally reached a human.

“Hello, This is Eliza, how are you feeling today?” the woman’s voice was gentle and soothing, like a kind old aunt.

“Yes, hello, not well actually, I’ve been feeling pretty horrible the last few days.”

“Do you mind describing some of your symptoms for me?” You could hear her typing in the background.

“I’ve been dealing with some nausea and vomiting, I've been sore and somewhat achy, constantly tired, I am mostly calling to pacify my fiancee, I think it’s just a bug. I’ve been pretty stressed out the last couple weeks so I figured I would get hit with something.”

She chuckled sympathetically, “Ah yes, the nervous fiancee, that is a pretty common symptom actually, it’s always the one that drives people to call me.” you weakly chuckle with her as she continues, “Now, I just need a little more information to try to help narrow this down and see what I can do to help. Do you remember when that first day of your--”

You cut her off, knowing the question she is about to ask and always feeling a little ooked out by it. “Yes, it was around the 8th, I am a little late but when I get super stressed I am always about a week late.”

She chuckles again, “That technically answered my next question but I have to ask it anyway. Is there a chance you may be pregnant?”

You set down your toast. You had not even considered that. You weren’t on birth control because everyone you had tried messed with your body too much, but you and Tom had used protection, you wanted to start this family in the traditional order. “I shouldn’t be, we use birth control, condoms, but I can’t honestly say there is no chance.”

She hummed in agreement, “Well, my first recommendation would be to baby your stomach, eat light and only when you can. Get plenty of fluids and rest.”

You nodded even though she could not see you, preparing your commentary for Tom when you explain that you were right and it was just a bug.

She continued, “And my second recommendation is that you take an at home pregnancy test. Even birth control can fail, so if you are active, there is a chance.”

“Thank you, Eliza, you’ve been helpful.”

You click off with the nurse and look down at your toast. Bad idea. You run to the sink and just manage to keep your stomach. You needed to visit the chemist.

You threw on a pair of yoga pants and a wonderfully oversized sweater on over your tank top and slip on a pair of shoes. Thankfully the weather was lovely, a little cool but the rain was holding off and if you looked closely you could even see where the sun was trying to poke through. You sent Tom a text.

“The nurse was helpful, slightly.”

You smiled at his reply and could almost hear his laughing, “Only slightly?”

“Only slightly.” It was all the concessions you could bear as you walked into the chemist and headed for the aisle with the pregnancy tests. You send off one more, “She made some recommendations, I am at the chemist getting some things.”

“I could have picked them up on the way home if they were not urgent.”

“Nothing urgent, but I needed to get out.”

“I understand, rest when you get home. I have to go, I love you and will call when I can.”

“I love you.”

You tuck the phone in your pocket and look at the suddenly overwhelming wall of cardboard and options. You pick up three different brands, reading the back of each and dropping each in the basket after reading the directions. Better safe than sorry. On that same thought, you grab some disposable rubber gloves.

Two hours and four cups of tea later, you were staring at a pink plus sign, two pink lines, and, the most obvious one, that simple said. Pregnant.

You left them sitting on the bathroom counter and went to get another cup of tea and to make an appointment for an official test with your doctor.

You had just hung up when you heard Tom call from the front door.

“I’m home, Love.”

“I’m in the kitchen”

He comes in and sets the bags with lunch on the island, stopping to give you a kiss as he goes to fetch some plates and utensils. “How are you feeling?”

“Oddly better,” you muse as you start to unpack the bag, “Oh dear, I don’t think I can eat this.”

He looks back a little worried, “I wasn’t sure, but I know it’s a favorite of yours and I thought it might be appealing. Still nauseous?”

You shake your head, “No, um, I don’t think I am supposed to eat sushi for a few months.”

He looks you over and smiles, thinking. “A few months? Sorry, love, I’m a little confused.”

“Well, the nurse had some ideas as to why I was feeling poorly, and her hunch was right so” you pause and feel suddenly nervous, “there are just some things I can’t eat for the next, nine months or so, give or take.”

Tom moves closer, his smile growing as the pieces start to click into place.

“She probably said no wine than either, probably need to switch to a decaffeinated tea.” He slips his hands into your hair and kisses you deeply. “(y/n), Am I going to be a Father?”

You smile and nod, resting your forehead against his, “Yes.” 

 He kisses you again before kneeling down in front of you, resting his head on your middle and whispering, “Hello Baby.”

[snakecolumn95]

An Exact Breakdown Of The $1,100 I’ve Spent Trying To Cure My Stomach Issues Over The Past 2 Years

For the past two years, I have struggled with unknown digestive issues. I had never before experienced such constant constipation and bloating. For a year and a half, doctors dismissed my complaints of, “This is not normal. Something is wrong,” by telling me to eat more fiber, exercise more, and drink more water. These were all things I was doing (and tracking in a food/exercise/water/poop journal), but no one wanted to listen.

In August, I met with a naturopath who looked at my 13 months of notes about what went in and out of my body. She heard my concerns and worked with me to recommend different possibilities as to what was causing my body to turn against me so.

Here’s a complete breakdown* of what I’ve spent (so far) on my journey for gut answers:

*Note that all amounts listed here are in CAD unless otherwise noted

March 2017

I am constipated for a week and think it is due to a hemorrhoid flare-up.

Hermoval (oral pill): $23.72

Total spent so far: $23.72 CAD ($17.79 USD)

April 2017

The Hermoval doesn’t work, and thinking it’s still hemorrhoids causing my constipation, I buy Preparation H. I see a doctor at a walk-in clinic and he writes me a prescription for a hemorrhoid cream he says is “stronger than the over-the-counter stuff” and tells me to buy Metamucil. I cry over Easter weekend because my stomach is so distended. I see another doctor a few days later and he tells me to get more fiber.

Preparation H: $15.24

Prescription Cream: $10.10 (this was on my old insurance, so I’m not sure how much I saved, probably ~$20)

Metamucil: $22.59

Total spent so far: $71.65 CAD ($53.74 USD)

May 2017

I go away with my friends for the May long weekend and change my diet of smoothie bowls and salads for burgers and alcohol. My stomach and bowel movements momentarily return to normal?

Preparation H: $12.98

Total spent so far: $84.63 CAD ($63.47 USD)

June 2017

I’ve noticed that I have proper bowel movements the mornings after I drink alcoholic ciders.

Alcoholic Ciders: $13.40

Total spent so far: $98.03 CAD ($73.52 USD)

July 2017

I see a different walk-in clinic doctor who prescribes me Constella, a pill that fights constipation by increasing fluid in the digestive tract.

Constella: $45.60 (this was on my old insurance so I’m not sure how much I saved, but likely ~$300)

Preparation H and Laxatives: $26.23

Alcoholic Ciders: $5.90

Total spent so far: $175.76 CAD ($131.82 USD)

August 2017

I get my own doctor by having a coworker and her sister tell their doctor that I am their cousin who has just moved to the city. My new doctor tells me to buy laxatives.

Alcoholic Ciders: $10.60

Laxative: $13.55

Total spent so far: $199.91 CAD ($149.93 USD)

September 2017

I travel to the west coast to my friend Nathalie, and my stomach looks like I am carrying a child. We spend the weekend talking about our poops. Fun fact about Nathalie: in our youth, we went to Paris and thought it would be fun to poop in the washroom at every big attraction. Eiffel Tower? Pooped there. Arc de Triumph? Pooped there. Ohhh what I wouldn’t give to return to 2011!

Alcoholic Ciders: $22.80

Total spent so far: $222.71 ($167.03 USD)

October 2017

I change up hemorrhoid cream brands! I buy a pre & probiotic powder called “Regular Girl” that claims it’ll keep ya regular! I start on probiotics! My grandma tells me to try mineral oil! My aunt tells me to try molasses! I buy a detox tea for my bloat! I attend a “Banish Bloating: A Naturopathic Guide to Overcoming IBS” talk!

Anusol: $12.74

Probiotics and Regular Girl powder: $50.09

Detox Tea: $10

Mineral Oil: $10.16

Molasses: $4.19

Total spent so far: $309.89 CAD ($232.42 USD)

November 2017

Most of my spending this month was included in my grocery bill, so hard to say what exactly it was I spent it on. But we can all imagine it was prunes (recommended by a co-worker), rapini (recommended by my boss), and the ingredients for a great laxative fruit spread as given to me by my friend’s mom.

December 2017

Probiotics: $22.02

Anusol: $11.85

Total spent so far: $343.76 CAD ($257.82 USD)

January 2018

My apartment gets bed bugs this month, and for 4 days I’m so stressed and nervous all I do is drink coffee, eat no food, and stress poop a LOT. My stomach is finally not bloated for these 4 blissful, bug-filled days. My dad’s girlfriend saw a picture I posted of my abs and said if bed bugs will give her “a body like that” then she’d gladly take them.

Probiotics: $28.24

Regular Girl powder: $36.15

Total spent so far: $408.15 CAD ($306.11 USD)

February 2018

I have my first appointment with a Gastroenterologist. When I tell her I’ve been reading online and I think it may have something to do with bacteria in my gut she tells me, “Probably not. You’re probably just stressed.” She doesn’t want to see my months of notes. I get an ultrasound, give a stool sample, and have some blood taken.

March 2018

My doctor tells me to switch to an IBS specific probiotic. (Months later, my naturopath will say, “What?? Why did she tell you do go on that?? That’s for people who have diarrhea-prone IBS.”)

Align Probiotic: $45.19

Total spent so far: $453.34 CAD ($340.00 USD)

April 2018

I read that moringa powder has lots of fiber and iron.

Regular Girl powder: $28.92

Moringa powder: $7.55

Align Probiotic: $50.84

Total spent so far: $540.65 CAD ($405.49 USD)

May 2018

My ultrasound showed a small cyst on one of my ovaries, but apparently, they come and go with your menstrual cycle. I have a follow-up ultrasound, and the cyst is gone. I have a recital for my stand up comedy class and do a hot five minutes about how I always look like I’m pregnant. It’s a hard sell, though, because I was so nervous I pooped seven times that day. I debate making this my new career.

Align Probiotic: $41.82

Total spent so far: $582.47 CAD ($436.85 USD)

June 2018

Anusol: $14.11

Total spent so far: $596.58 CAD ($447.44 USD)

July 2018

Align Probiotic: $33.89

Total spent so far: $630.47 CAD ($472.85 USD)

August 2018

A new IBS product comes on the market! They are little capsules full of peppermint balls that you take 30 minutes before eating and are supposed to help with bloating. They work okay, but mainly just make any gas I pass have a minty tingle. I’ve included a hole-in-the-wall dumpling restaurant in this month because I immediately get diarrhea after and I’ve never been so excited.

IBS Gard: $40.67

Dumpling House: $15

Total spent so far: $686.14 CAD ($514.61 USD)

September 2018

I see a naturopath for the first time, and she thinks I might have SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and wow BIG SURPRISE, I do!! She also recommends a product called IBS Relief which is a guar gum based (fiber) powder to add to beverages. I literally go to another dumpling restaurant and hope I get diarrhea (I don’t).

Initial Naturopath Appt: $205 (fully covered by insurance, so $0)

SIBO Test: $150

Align Probiotics: $63.27

IBS Relief: $15.81

Meet Dumplings: $15.58

Total spent so far: $930.80 CAD ($698.10 USD) 

October 2018

My doctor refuses to prescribe me the antibiotic my naturopath says can help kill the SIBO. Because of this denial, I have to take the naturopath cure. Sadly, naturopathic pills aren’t covered by insurance. I finish my food journal and have to buy some new ones.

Naturopath Appt: $80 (fully covered by insurance, so $0)

Bio Film (pill): $64.35

LIVCO (pill): $53.10

New food journals: $15.75

IBS Relief: $15.81

Total spent so far: $1,079.81 CAD ($809.86 USD)

November 2018

My naturopath gives me a bunch of pills. After December, I will do two weeks of liver pills, then 2 weeks of 3 pills, then 2 weeks of another 3 pills, then 2 weeks of another 3 pills to hopefully eradicate the SIBO.

Naturopath Appt: $80 (fully covered by insurance, so $0)

Naturopathic Pills: $131.59

IBS Relief: $15.81

Total spent so far: $1,227.21 CAD ($920.41 USD)

December 2018

I see another GI who tells me to get celiac testing done. She also writes me a prescription for the SIBO antibiotic (which I haven’t filled yet, as it’s about $500 and not covered by insurance) and for Constella. I get acupuncture for digestion.

Celiac Test: $60

Preparation H: $11.76

Naturopath Appt: $80 (fully covered by insurance, so $0)

Initial Acupuncture Appt: $110 (fully covered by insurance, so $0)

Total spent so far: $1,298.97 CAD ($974.23 USD)

January 2019

Come mid-Jan I have finished 8 weeks of naturopathic pills and start on a 30-day SIBO elimination diet.

IBS Relief: $15.81

Vita Aid (pills): $63.22

Naturopath Appt: $25 ($55 was covered by insurance)

Total spent so far: $1,403 CAD (1,052.25 USD)

February 2019

The re-introductory period has my stomach freaking out with bloat again.

Naturopath Appt: $80 (fully covered by insurance, so $0)

Acupuncture: $65 (fully covered by insurance, so $0)

Vita Aid (pills) $63.22

Constella: $11.99 ($354.73 was covered by insurance)

Total spent so far: $1,478.21 CAD ($1,108.66 USD)

March 2019

I am 18 days into reintroduction. My naturopath said if I relapse in the first 6 days, it’s a sign the SIBO is still there, but if it happens from day 7 onwards, it may be a FODMAP intolerance. I meet with her again in a few days and we’ll figure out phase 2. I am attending the inaugural event for a Toronto-based gut health instagram (@thegutgazette) where we will do some mediation and movement for digestion.

Gut Gazette: $43.45

IBS Relief: $31.62

Total spent to date: $1,553.28 CAD ($1,166.06 USD)

I have become the kind of person who talks about my digestion and my bowel movements loudly and proudly. Almost every time I mention my problems, someone (whether I know them or not) turns to me to confide that they have been having some stomach/poop issues lately. Why are we all keeping this a secret! Why are we suffering behind closed doors!! Ladies! Be loud and proud of your gut issues. Hopefully, you don’t find yourself in a similar ordeal as me, but if you are struggling, reach out to someone. Mental health and gut health are so closely linked that if you’re feeling stressed then it’ll only serve to lengthen your recovery rate. After all, how are we going to be able to “trust our gut” if we don’t care for it?

Hailey is a homebody. Follow her social medias @hailmast.

Image via Unsplash

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Source: https://thefinancialdiet.com/an-exact-breakdown-of-the-1100-ive-spent-trying-to-cure-my-stomach-issues-over-the-past-2-years/