#it was these supplements or going back to antidepressants

[study-lizard]

iced caramel latte save me...

okay but actually vitamins & supplements have saved me and caffeine, of course

but i have been taking a stew of magnesium, vitamins b, d & k, adult multivitamin (with iron!), quercetin with bromelain, antidepressants, antihistamines, and of course, a lil caffiene - and it has helped clear up my sickness in like two days [orla was right when she said "we all become our mother in the end"]

anywho! since i now feel better, back on the grind! submitting master's apps, sending emails, figuring my shit out! lets go!!!!!

[rosethornewrites]

I saw my new PCP on Monday and got the fun job of explaining my conditions. I’ve previously had doctors who ignored my needs or told me to lose weight, so it’s scary to have to try to convince them that, yes, I am very sick, too sick to work, but I don’t want to be that sick. I miss working. I miss keeping my mind engaged.

So I decided to preface everything with, “You know, a year ago I was a professor at a state university, living in my own apartment. Before I got sick I used to go to a ton of events and travel places. And I spent so much energy pushing through to try to keep going that I burned myself out. Now I am in so much pain and have so much brain fog that even getting out of bed is a challenge. It feels like my life has crumbled around me, and I want to get it back.”

And then I discussed my medical history, what I’ve done to get treatment so far (getting on Medicaid, getting a behavioral health specialist, a dermatologist, a rheumatologist, etc., all involving dozens of phone calls each just to find someone who specializes), the setbacks I’ve faced and how it’s changed how I face seeking healthcare (that all my providers are women is not an accident), and the medications I’m currently taking and what they’re for. How I discovered I can’t have sulfa antibiotics.

It’s a lot—just the medications, I take a biologic injection every two weeks, 2 anxiety medications, an antidepressant that also helps with fibromyalgia, a controlled substance for my pain (NOT an opioid), a medication to control my insulin resistance, an anti-inflammatory, a low dose of antibiotics, and blood pressure medication. Oh right, and birth control, which is supposed to help with the HS. That’s just the prescriptions—I take OTCs and supplements that are meant to help keep my conditions under control because I researched copiously while trying to push through.

How long it took me to be diagnosed with HS (despite telling my PCP at the time I thought I had it, I was diagnosed on sight by a gynecologist two years later, who then referred me to a dermatologist), and the story of how I realized something was terribly fucked up with my body. The struggles with pain. How I take cannabis but hate that it doesn’t allow me to have a clear mind. The years of insomnia, which is a symptom of multiple conditions I have.

I have so many horror stories about my health that my horror stories have horror stories, and those are fun to relate, in graphic detail so they know exactly how bad it is.

It’s this fucked up cycle of having to convince a doctor you’re sick (apparently they don’t want to believe you if you say you are) and actually get treatment, except you get stuck on step 1 because everything must be weight-related and therefore I should just lose weight.

I been fat my whole life. This other shit is new. Catch up.

But then they get mad if you’re “difficult” aka advocating for your health.

Knowing that nearly everyone with chronic illnesses goes this, and even worse than me typically, is distressing.

I knew my chronic pain was fibromyalgia because my mom struggles with it and eventually got diagnosed after being told half her life it was in her head. I was lucky. I have to consider inheriting a debilitating illness from my mom lucky because at least I knew what it was from her experiences.

Every new doctor I see, I feel like I have to vet for egotism because that’s generally the mark of a hot dog who won’t listen or care.

All I really want is treatment so I can maybe get my life back.

[adaginy]

I think the real meaning of Daylight Saving Time is "quick, quick, the sun is out, go touch grass, touch enough grass and bank enough sun that you can survive the winter"

And some people don't need to touch a whole lot of grass, or maybe they live somewhere where the winter isn't so harsh

But some people just blow through any amount of Saved Daylight immediately, and have to supplement with artificial sun (antidepressants) through the winter.

Anyway I touched a lot of grass today; I found a wild plum tree where they were hanging like grapes and they were all mine IF I wove through the underbrush to get them. And this makes me happy. Very scratched up, and about to have a serious fight with a hairbrush, but happy and anticipating plums and making plans to go back next week with a sturdier bag.

[all-the-gory-details]

Whumptober Day 9

Polaroid / Mistaken Identity / “You’re a liar.”

TW: Restraints, partial nudity (non-sexual), knife, creepy whumper

The morning had gone by like usual. Alexei had come in to hand out food, water, and meds. Casey took a few minutes to go through Georgia’s paper cup and point out each supplement, antidepressant, and vitaman, to ease her mind. There was only one he didn’t recognise, but she quickly explained that it was her estrogen supplement.

“I don’t know how he knew my brand or dosage, though.”

“He has his ways,” Casey sighed.

Alexei came by to collect dishes, and the three started a game of go fish using Felix’s cards, asking questions with each play to get to know each other. Felix insisted on starting with simple questions, which Casey quickly agreed to. Felix tended to avoid talking about deep subjects, when at all possible. Besides, Casey didn’t know all that much about either Felix and Georgia, and favorite colors and animals seemed like a good place to start.

They only had a few minutes of playing before the door opened and Alexei walked in again. “Come on, Casey, let’s get moving,” he ordered, holding the door open and looking impatient.

Casey’s stomach dropped. “Where are we-”

“You’ve got a client,” Alexei interrupted, annoyed, “and they’ll be here any minute, so let’s move.”

Casey stayed motionless, rooted to the floor as the surprise and terror set in. He had only had a few clients since Alexei deemed him ‘trained’ enough to be on the market. He hadn’t gotten used to the paralyzing, horrible sensation of looming pain, hadn’t figured out how to push back the what-ifs and reluctance.

Alexei rolled his eyes and stepped into the room, grabbing Casey and yanking him up to his feet. He put a firm hand on his shoulder, pulling him out of his room and down the dreaded hallway. He stopped to grab something out of a cupboard, but Casey hardly noticed. He couldn’t stop staring at the steel door.

When Alexei pushed him towards it once more, the panic surged and filled his body. “Sir, don’t make me, please don’t-”

Alexei didn’t stop, sliding the bolt and pulling the door open. Casey was pushed inside. His eyes moved on their own accord, and he could not take responsibility for their sweep over the many weapons on the wall in front of him.

Something hit Casey’s back, and he flinched and turned to see a small heap of clothing on the floor. “Get changed quickly,” Alexei ordered, turning to unwrap a thick rope from an anchor on the wall.

Casey did as he was told, pulling off his old clothes and putting on a fresh white tee and a pair of black athletic shorts. He balled the dirty clothes up and held onto them nervously.

Alexei had untied the rope and added more slack. The rope was threaded through a loop on the ceiling, and the end now hung at about eye level. Tied onto it was a large, metal hook.

Alexei pulled a sturdy pair of handcuffs off a shelf, and Casey realized what was happening.

He backed away a step, shaking his head as tears started to well up in his eyes. This was all too much, he didn’t want this, he couldn’t handle this.

Alexei didn’t care. He grabbed his wrists and forced the handcuffs on, letting the bundle of clothes drop to the floor. He placed them on the hook and pulled the rope, and suddenly Casey was on his toes, hands above his head, caught like a worm on a hook.

“They’ll be here in a minute,” Alexei said, grabbing the dirty clothes and moving towards the door. “On your best behavior, understand?”

Casey said nothing, eyes screwed tightly shut.

“I said, do you understand?” The darkened tone made Casey flinch, and he nodded immediately.

“Yes, sir,” he whispered. Alexei left without another word.

The client opened the door a few minutes later, and before Casey knew it, they were momentarily blinded by the flash of a camera. Once their vision came back, blurry and littered with spots, they got a look at the client.

She looked to be in her mid 30s, with blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail. She smiled at Casey, holding the polaroid camera up again. This time, Casey had the foresight to close his eyes before the flash.

“Don’t mind me,” the woman said, bending down and pointing the camera up at him. “I’m just getting some ‘before’ pictures. We can get started in a minute.”

Casey found himself not minding the wait, as she lined up a few more shots. Anything to delay ‘getting started’.

Eventually, she put the camera down on a table, laying the developing photos out in a row. She turned to the wall of weapons and started looking. Casey didn’t know whether he wanted to watch or not, whether he wanted to know what would happen to him in a minute or two. In the end, it didn’t matter. He couldn’t bring himself to look away.

“So many interesting toys to play with,” the woman mused, tapping her chin in indecision. “In the end, though, I think I’ll stick to the classics.”

She pulled a knife off a magnetic strip, a small, curved weapon with a wicked shard point and a much duller blade. Casey couldn’t help the pathetic little whimper that escaped from his lips.

He wasn’t strong like Felix, not yet at least. He didn’t know how to bite back the screams, how to stay witty and brave through the pain.

When that knife bit into his chest as she slit his new clean shirt, when it carved patterns into his skin like he was a block of wood, he wasn’t able to hold back the sobs.

The client stepped back after what felt like hours, circling his shaking form like an artist around a sculpture. She picked up the camera and snapped picture after picture as Casey hung, barely supporting his weight, letting the cuffs rub his wrists raw.

She watched as they developed, smiling at each new addition to the collection of Casey’s pain. At one point, she picked one up and walked over to him.

“Look,” She said, grabbing his chin and forcing him to stare at the polaroid, showing off the blood dripping down his chest. “Don’t you think you look just beautiful like this?”

She was gripping him so hard, and his body hurt so much, and he wanted her to be happy, to leave him alone. “Y-yes,” he muttered, closing his eyes once more.

“Aww, you’re lying, aren’t you.” He felt a jolt of fear at these words. Would she punish him for the lie? Should he have told the truth, that he thought he looked like a cut of meat, barely human and hardly pleasing to the eye?

“No matter,” she continued, and he breathed a sigh of relief. “I can see enough beauty for the both of us.”

[fuckasur]

People just want you to bitch in private. Grieve in private. Get angry in private. Cry in private. Basically don’t come out of your residence until you clean yourself up and put on a happy face. If you display any other human emotion other then happy it’s back to the private quarters with you. Or they will gather their mob of have you considered thearpy? I have a great recommendation for a therapist. I started taking this antidepressants. I have a supplement just right for you! Have you tried walking 10,000 steps a day? You should go to Gym. Have you tried mindfulness? What about yoga? Arrghhhhhh, rehem karo yaar.. nahi sunni tumhari yeh toxic positivity. Sometimes things just suck and it's OKAY to acknowledge that it sucks. I don't have to look for a silver lining or hear how "this too shall pass" in every shitty situation. Sometimes I just need to bitch about stuff.

[nokingsonlyfooles]

Hope is Dangerous...

A machine elf woke me up this morning.

(Link has description penned by the ethno-botanist who named the phenomenon.)

Now, I have already heard of them, and I know what they're supposed to sound like, so if my half-sleeping brain wanted to produce one for me, it has instructions. Also, I'm operating on 1.5 hours of sleep right now, tops. Consciousness gets gooey under these levels of stress. Scientifically, this is a useless experience.

Nevertheless, a loud, excited, unintelligible gabble - distinct in that way from Disney-esque squirrel-speak - woke me from fitful dreams. And then the spouse came in and told me it was about time to get ready for my fateful doctor appointment.

I've had thyroid issues for at least three decades, probably born with them. My number was low (standard panels only check one, of three), they threw enough Synthroid at me to get the number into "normal range" and never gave me a diagnosis. I still had symptoms, nobody cared. They tried to treat my anxiety with antidepressants - which never worked. Because my thyroid number was "normal," you see. Of course, I was gaining weight because I didn't eat properly and exercise, even though none of the diets and exercises worked either. My thyroid number was "normal." I was just a lazy liar!

My "family doctor" (I'm lucky to have one!) "prescribed" megadoses of iodine, and sea kelp, and a ketogenic diet. I begged him to send me to an endocrinologist, almost from the first appointment. I told him the same story I've told you, plus more. Finally, my spouse accompanied me to an appointment and told him to give me the referral. He did, but I couldn't get an appointment with the thyroid specialist for months. Today was that appointment.

I have had so many doctors stop listening, glaze over, and do the minimum amount needed to get me out of the office. I've also had a bunch be very enthused about listening and helping me! Only to disengage and glaze over when it turns out the minimum amount doesn't cure me and I keep coming back asking for help. Pssht! Women! Am I right, fellas?

Today, this guy had run a full blood panel with all three numbers. For months in advance, I stopped taking all the useless supplements the "family doctor" pushed on me, to make sure the guy had an accurate result. The first thing that happened when I came to the office - a tech weighed me and checked how tall I am. THAT IS NOT A GOOD SIGN. I waited, expecting to hear, You have an unhealthy BMI, here's a diet, you need to exercise.

What I got, after some very sincere (seeming!) discussion was: "You have Hashimoto's, your immune system is attacking your thyroid, and you're probably one of the 5% of people who can't convert Synthroid to every type of thyroid hormone you need."

THIS IS HOW I SELF-DIAGNOSED YEARS AGO, BUT I NEVER GOT ANYONE TO LISTEN.

I told the doctor I'd tried Armour Thyroid, and it was wonderful, but I couldn't tolerate an effective dose. (I tried so hard to tolerate it! I split my dose, I built up to it, I worked for months, but the side effects didn't go away. It killed the anxiety I've lived with all my life. Boom! Gone! And then I had to stop taking it and, like a nightmare, over about a week, all that mental anguish came back.)

He said: "It might be the binding agent." THIS ALSO JIBED WITH MY RESEARCH! "Let's try it from a compounding pharmacy. If that doesn't work, get back in touch with me, there are more things we can try." Ha-ha, and also, bonus round: "No, don't take sea kelp, don't megadose with iodine, that can make your thyroid stop working altogether." And! "I'm going to talk to your doctor."

I AM VALID! But, I've heard that before. And when the first thing doesn't work, I lose all my traction. I am hoping so hard. Armour Thyroid did help, but if I can't tolerate it, I'm setting myself up for another Flowers for Algernon where my crippling anxiety goes away and comes right back.

Machine elves seem like they like us. The seem to have the ability to create beautiful things with words, and they're so jazzed to teach us how to do it, that they try to create this information into our heads all at once instead of slowing down to explain. I'm a writer. Broadly-speaking, that is also my jam, so I'm in favour of the little guys, real or imagined.

My dude - or genderless construct, or however you identify - if you're watching me right now, thanks for giving my reality a nudge towards something better. Now, for god's sake, keep it up!

[ask-will-and-nico]

They both had painkillers, but Nico had a few more pills than that. Supplements in most vitamins, an immune booster, one for low blood pressure... An antidepressant. He'd had to start the process all over again when he got back, taking the minimum dose and working his way back up to what actually used to work for him.

Will grabbed a few snacks out of his backpack and climbed back into bed with Nico. “If you want anything, let me know,” Will said, piling the snacks on the nightstand on his side of the bed. Nico nodded, setting his bottle of water aside and grabbing one of his stuffed animals to hold. He set it on his stomach, but that seemed to be a bad idea. He quickly moved it off, making a mental note that pressure felt bad. “Should we get a movie going?” Will asked. Nico shrugged. He wasn’t sure he’d stay awake, to be honest.

“You can if you want,” Nico said. Will settled back in bed beside him. Will had noticed the way Nico had moved anything off his stomach, and frowned a little bit. “I won’t do anything you’re not comfortable with, but if you want, I can take a listen and see if something sounds off,” Will said gently. “Or even just touching under your shirt would help get a clearer picture,” he added. “But no pressure at all if you don’t want me to.”

[idiotlittleme]

Since the war began I don't see my boyfriend anymore cause he lives in Jerusalem and I'm at the central-south, so we have this long-distance thing going on where most of our conversations will be on voicenotes at 10 PM or later going on about our daily shit and struggles

When the war began it was the first time I spent the weekend in his house. It was a big deal for both of us and it was really nice. Well, up until Saturday when all hell broke loose. I remember my parents called nonstop and I thought it was the usual "there was some terror event in Jerusalem and we wanted to see you're okay" and I was so tired that I was like "nah I'll call them later" and then later came and I called them and they said a war began.

And obviously I thought they were exaggerating cause like you know every now and again we go through this kind of bullshit crossfire and this is just part of living here. But then there was the first siren. And we opened the news and realized everything that is happening.

After the second hour of watching everything the news and social media had to offer on the war we decided this is bad for both of our mental health so I put on a "calming music" video on YouTube and we just cuddled for like the rest of the day

On the evening his father took me to the bus station and I went back to my place, seeing my country at a whole different light. Everything was scarier, darker, unfamiliar. It was weird.

But then I went up the stairs, and I saw my dog and I relaxed a bit and began to contemplate over the situation and started to understand where I stand in all of this.

It all went back to me today when I did the most routine activity I do every day - taking my pills. Everyday I take 4 pills before bed - an antidepressant, a mood stabilizer, an iron supplement, and a birth control pill. And when I was at my boyfriend's house that weekend I did him a little quiz - I showed him all the pills and told him to guess which is which. He was all wrong. And it made me laugh.

We're both in this sticky situation now as Jewish Arabs. We're Jewish and Arabs. We don't have a clear-cut side. And we both just want this all to end - the terror regime of Hammas over Gaza, the occupation in the west bank, the idea of killing and making others suffer so much for political reasons. It's messed up. But discourse during war times is difficult so you cannot always just say what you think publicly, because the backlash could be devastating. So at least we have those late-night conversations. These memories of stupid fucking moments like my self-proclamied pill quiz. We let it all out to each other, say goodnight and go to bed. In the morning we go through our wartime routine of work and tiredness of it all and ongoing emotional trauma, and sirens, and war helicopters right until the next 10 PM-ish voicenotes of rants and "how was your day?".

He works at a dedicated call-center for displaced people during the war to help them get their documents sorted so he hears terrible stories on daily basis of people that their entire family was erased; and I work at a local college. We have both Palestinian and Israeli students, so it's weird and complicated now. A lot of rasicm and nationalism issues on daily basis between students.

But at least I have some constant things - getting my dog to bed with me, taking my pills, and making a stupid voicenote on my phone.

[nursingwriter]

Pfizer can be included in the larger industrial sector of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, although a great part of its revenues come from the pharmaceutical products for which it is renowned. The pharmaceutical companies have specialized in a vast category of drugs, from simple, aspirin- type drugs, to more complex ones, including drugs that inhibit or activate individual molecules in different selected environments. They also produce vitamins and livestock food supplements. The pharmaceutical industry in the United States (and worldwide for that matter) is considered to be one of the most profitable and continuously booming. It is estimated that globally, over $300 billion worth of drugs are sold. A simple explanation for this high degree of profitability is, of course, the high demand of the sector: no matter what happens, drugs and medicine continue to be one of the necessities of people. Additionally, this demand seems to be on a constant rise, with the researches that lead to discovering new treatments for cancer, AIDS and other diseases. So, as a general characteristic of the industrial sector, demand seems to be on a constant rise and the industrial profitability is not expected to go down any time soon. As a short, additional comment on the demand, it seems that the pharmaceutical companies have begun to focus on products for chronic diseases, like ulcer or cholesterol treatments, mainly because the R& D. costs are very high. A great part of the demand is ensured by the elderly population that is continuously rising and is expected to consume by 2025 $690 million worth of drugs. The major pharmaceutical players, as of 2001, according to their revenues were Merck, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer. Pfizer encountered a serious increase over the last two years and this was determined, in part, by the commercialization of profitable drugs, like Viagra, the pain management drug Celebrex or the antidepressant Zoloft. Indeed, in 2003, no less than 14 drugs produced by Pfizer find themselves top sellers in the respective therapeutic categories. Brief overview and history of the company The best definition of Pfizer's role and products is given on their website as such: "Pfizer Inc. discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets leading prescription medicines for humans and animals and many of the world's best-known consumer brands." Pfizer's origins go as far back as 1849, when Charles Pfizer opened a company producing fine-chemicals. In time, the company grew and by the beginning of the century (1910), it was already accounting for total sales of $3 million. By 1951, the company was already a global player and it had established operations worldwide. The merger between Pfizer and Warner-Lambert in 2000 created the new Pfizer (Pfizer Inc.), a much larger and more prepared company to face the competition, even if the costs of the merger were not at all to be neglected. Financial Analysis I have divided the ratios that I have calculated into several categories that I will in turn analyze and explain. Further more, I have calculated the ratios for 2001 and 2002, so that I could compare the ratios and see how the company has evolved in time. Additionally, where the case was and where I had data, I compared the ratios obtained for Pfizer to the industrial average. Liquidity ratios The two liquidity ratios that are generally used are the current ratio and the quick ratio (or acid test). Usually, a financial analyst's first concern is liquidity: will the company be able to honor all its liabilities in the near future? The current ratio is calculated by dividing the current assets to the current liabilities. We calculate the current ratio because this will show whether the company has not been able to honor near future liabilities and has begun to accumulate long-term debts. If the current liabilities rise at a higher rate than the current assets (and this is why I wanted to compare to the 2001 ratios), then this could be a sign of possible problems. Financial Indicators 2002 2001 Current ratio 1.34 1.4 Acid-test ratio 1.19 1.22 As we can see from the table above, both the current ratio and the acid-test ratio have slightly dropped from 2001 to 2002. Should this be a concern? In my opinion, the decreases are too small to be considered and are not causes for concern. The ratios are still greater than 1, which means that the company's current assets are greater than the current liabilities and that these can still be met on proper time. If we refer to the liquidity ratios, we may affirm that the company has a solid position and that it can meet its liabilities in the near future. Asset management ratios Financial Indicators Pfizer (2002) Merck Inventory turnover 1.5 4.1 Fixed asset turnover 0.33 0.42 Total asset turnover 0.13 0.29 Receivables turnover 1.16 2.57 The ratios regarding asset management show how efficiently the company is using the assets it has. Let's take the inventory turnover ratio. This is calculated by dividing the total sales to the stock value. As a general rule, this ratio should be as large as possible, because this would mean that the company is actually selling its stock (as we may affirm, a large value of stock is a question mark: why is the company producing and not selling?). The slight decrease from 2001 to 2002 was not enough to elucidate the company's health from this point-of-view, even if, in my opinion, the ratio itself was too small (the company's sales are almost equal to the company's stock). In order to find out what the value obtained here actually represented, I calculated one of Pfizer's main competitors (Merck) inventory turnover and the result was concluding: Merck's ratio was around 4.1, much bigger than Pfizer's. This leads me to believe that my initial suppositions were correct: Pfizer may be operating with more stock than is actually needed. It is the only explanation that I could provide, because, according to what I have said in the lines above regarding pharmaceutical demand (and especially the demand for Pfizer's products like Viagra), there should be no concern about selling the products. The receivables turnover basically shows us how fast the clients are paying their bills and is calculated by dividing the total annual sales by the current accounts receivables. The results obtained for Pfizer in 2002 have made me believe that the company is not being paid quick enough. Indeed, the value of the ratio was of only 1.16 turns, which is very close to 1 and not very conclusive. I wanted to compare this to the value obtained by the most important competitor, Merck. Merck accounted for total sales of $13.918 billion sales in 2002 and had a total value of accounts receivable of $5.423. Calculating the ratio, its value was 2.57, twice as much as the value obtained in Pfizer's case. This was enough to draw a conclusion that not only Pfizer was not being paid fast enough, but, compared to its main competitor, it was being paid half as fast. I have continued the same comparison analysis between Pfizer and Merck for the last two asset management ratios, the fixed-asset turnover and the total-asset turnover. In both cases, as you can see, Merck scored better ratios. The fixed asset turnover indicator was 0.33 for Pfizer and 0.42 for Merck, while the total assets turnover was almost twice larger in Merck's case than in Pfizer's. Besides the obvious reason, that the company is not using its assets as efficiently as it could, I have discovered one further explanation that may be used to explain Merck's poorer score here. As I have mentioned in the company's history, 2000 saw the merger between Pfizer and Warner-Lambert. Although this was two years before the year of our analysis, the merger may have reflected the fact that Pfizer has acquired some of its latest assets (from Warner- Lambert) at a higher price (of course, at a market price) than Merck has done years ago. Otherwise put, Merck has acquired its assets at a lower price than Pfizer has and this is reflected in the balance sheet. Indeed, if we have a look there, we will discover a difference of over $5 billion in total asset value between Pfizer and Merck. This, corroborated with a much higher value of current assets in Pfizer's case (almost twice as much), has probably led to the difference in ratio values obtained. Debt Utilization I have found it useful to calculate one important ratio here, the debt to total assets ratio, and compare the values obtained for the two companies. The ratio is calculated by dividing the total debt indicator (short- and long-term debt) to the total asset value and determines how much of the company's funds come from external credits. The concept here revolves around the financial leverage that a company uses. In general, the credit institutions will look for lower values of this indicator, because this ensures a lower risk, but a company will generally want to use higher level of debts and a higher financial leverage. In Pfizer's case, this indicator was 46.8% (Current liabilities plus long-term debt all divided by the total assets), while in Merck's case, this was 36.2%. One should not actually draw conclusions here and say that Pfizer is doing better than Merck's, but we may affirm that Pfizer's assets are financed in a 46.8% proportion by credit institutions, while in Merck's case, this amounts only to 36.2%. It is probable that Merck's policy in this area is more prudent and that Pfizer is using a higher financial leverage. However, the figure obtained in Pfizer's case is not really a cause for concern: it is not too high, probably just about right. Profitability I want to address here three profitability ratios: the profit margin on sales, the return on total assets and the return on equity, using the same comparison between Merck and Pfizer and, where the case may be, a comparison with the industrial average. Merck's profit margin was 13.6%, while Pfizer scored 34.8%, almost three times as much! This means either that Pfizer is selling at higher prices than Merck (it may be the case that Pfizer provides more specialized drugs that sell at a higher price) or that Pfizer has lower costs (I doubt that this is the main cause here. In general, the main costs in the pharmaceutical industry come from research and developed. As is the case here, it is very probable that these two companies are spending more or less the same amount on R& D. In order to remain competitive). The return on total assets ratio, obtained by dividing the net income after tax to the total asset value, showed a score of 1.9% in Pfizer's case and of 14.8% in Merck's case, while the ROE (return on equity) amounted for 40.37% in Merck's case and 3.57% on Pfizer's case. The differences, as we can see, are extremely high. I could explain the first indicator, the ROI, with the very high value of total assets for Pfizer in 2003 (this almost doubled from 2002), which made the company less profitable that year, but the difference in ROE is enormous. It does not necessarily reflect a low profit in Pfizer's case (this seems comparable), but a very high value of equity. However, the analysis is even more complicated when we look at the P/E ratio, where the differences are staggering: Pfizer has a reported P/E of 136.92, while Merck has one of only 16.75, with the industrial average somewhere at 28.72. The closest to Pfizer in this case is Bayer, with 96.01. The conclusions that we can draw from this analysis are somewhat ambiguous. We have had a look at several financial indicators and in many of them, Pfizer has scored lower scores than its competitor Merck. This is mainly the case of the asset management ratio and the profitability ratio. However, one of the most important indicators, the P/E, that shows us the perspective of a company, showed extremely high values for Pfizer, compared to all other companies and to the industrial average. Seeing that many indicators were influenced by the unstable value of the total assets, due to current acquisitions and mergers, investing in Pfizer may be advisable given the fact that a long-term growth is expected in the industry, as well as for the company (see again the P/E).   https://www.paperdue.com/customer/paper/financial-management-analysis-on-the-pfizer-163209#:~:text=Logout-,FinancialManagementAnalysisonthePfizerCompany,-Length7pages Read the full article

[medicinemart]

Why Can’t You Sleep? The Causes & Solutions for Insomnia

Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night, unable to drift off to sleep? You’re not alone. Millions of people struggle with insomnia, a common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling rested. Poor sleep can affect your mood, productivity, and overall health.

Understanding the causes of insomnia and exploring effective treatments can help you regain control over your sleep cycle.

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a condition where a person has trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to go back to sleep. It can be a short-term issue (acute insomnia) caused by stress or lifestyle changes, or it can be long-term (chronic insomnia) lasting for weeks or months.

People suffering from insomnia often experience: ✅ Difficulty falling asleep at night ✅ Waking up frequently during the night ✅ Feeling tired even after sleeping ✅ Lack of concentration during the day ✅ Irritability and mood swings

If left untreated, chronic insomnia can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression.

Common Causes of Insomnia

There are several physical, emotional, and environmental factors that can contribute to insomnia.

1. Stress & Anxiety

Overthinking or worrying about work, relationships, or personal issues can keep your brain active at night.

Anxiety disorders and depression are often linked to sleep disturbances.

2. Poor Sleep Habits

Irregular sleep schedules, such as staying up too late or sleeping in too long.

Too much screen time before bed, as blue light from phones and laptops suppresses melatonin (the sleep hormone).

Consuming caffeine or alcohol too close to bedtime.

3. Medical Conditions & Medications

Chronic pain, asthma, acid reflux, and neurological disorders can disrupt sleep.

Certain medications (like antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and steroids) may interfere with sleep patterns.

4. Hormonal Changes

Women may experience sleep disturbances due to hormonal shifts during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.

5. Environmental Factors

Noisy surroundings, uncomfortable bedding, or bright lights can make it difficult to sleep.

Jet lag or shift work disrupts the body’s internal clock.

How to Cure Insomnia: Effective Solutions

Fortunately, insomnia treatment does not always require medication. Small changes in daily habits can make a big difference in improving sleep quality.

1. Stick to a Sleep Schedule

Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

This helps regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

Read a book, take a warm bath, or listen to calming music before bed.

Avoid stressful conversations or work-related tasks before bedtime.

3. Improve Your Sleep Environment

Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.

Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows.

Avoid using electronic devices at least an hour before sleep.

4. Limit Caffeine, Alcohol & Heavy Meals

Avoid caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, soda) at least 6 hours before bed.

Avoid heavy meals and alcohol close to bedtime, as they disrupt sleep cycles.

5. Stay Physically Active

Regular exercise during the day can promote better sleep, but avoid workouts close to bedtime.

6. Try Natural Remedies

Herbal teas like chamomile and valerian root can promote relaxation.

Melatonin supplements may help regulate sleep, but consult a doctor before use.

7. Seek Medical Help if Needed

If insomnia persists despite lifestyle changes, consult a doctor or sleep specialist.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and prescription sleep aids may be recommended for chronic cases.

Final Thoughts

Insomnia can significantly impact your quality of life, but understanding its causes and making simple lifestyle adjustments can improve your sleep naturally. For trusted insomnia treatment products, visit Medicine Mart today!

[quailavenuesystem]

Ignore my last post. I fully read the ad and it pissed me off so I'm going to complain (€ds and delusions as well as weightloss mentioned under the cut, take care of yourselves please)

The ad started with "are you having problems? Don't eat!" And then went to "medicine is poison and all you need is (insert absurd amount of supplements) and (insert absurd amount of exercise) and you'll be cured of all your problems!" Like... The last time I was off my antidepressants I almost killed myself in the span of three days and was on suicide watch for months until it was back in my system? When I'm off my other medication my uterus stops working and gets even worse when I exercise, I had to have a fallopian tube completely removed because it decided to get tangled up in a cyst I had while I was playing tennis, I don't think any amount of supplements will undo my PCOS, but go off ig? Give potentially mental ill with paranoia people another reason to not trust their medication, sure why not! "Or you're taking it too seriously!" If I had seen that post a few months ago I would've decided it was a sign from the gods that all I needed was to workout myself to death, stop eating, and stop taking any medication. I have a disorder that can convince me of absurd shit like that. No, not everyone has to acknowledge my bullshit disorder, but we can at least acknowledge that putting that sort of advertisement on a sight full of mentally ill teenagers might be a little stupid? Idk though, maybe I'm just being an asshole and that if someone was potentially motivated by this to do something stupid we should all just get over it, right?

-Milo

[killesohcysp]

Got a speeding ticket of 210$, need to pay my car registrations (392$), I've got 3 new prescriptions (antidepressant, B12 supplement, antibiotics) don't know the price yet, had to drive 4 hours back and forth to go see my doctor. Bitch I'm poor give me a fucking break. Whats next? I get in a car accident? Food poisoning? Governement telling me I owe ´em 5000$ out of nowhere???? I can never relax omfg

[cambriancrew]

Ugh. (Frank discussion of medication and the digestive system below the cut.)

One positive effect of us adding Zyprexa/olanzipine to our medication regimen is that it seems to have really helped our chronic constipation, for the most part. Still have issues, just nowhere near as bad as we had it all our life. And those issues are complicated by our rare use of narcotics to combat chronic pain, and the other antidepressant we're on for fibromyalgia, both of which slow down our already slow digestive system. So sometimes it was like we had the Slow Down Army fighting with the Speed Up Army and the result was making us a very unhappy battlefield.

But then we added a magnesium supplement to our regimen to help prevent migraines. It's preventing them alright. But magnesium is also a laxative. And it's been a frustrating pain trying to figure out an effective dose without it causing us to have to sprint to the bathroom every hour or two. Which is extra frustrating because we work in a call center and they're measuring the time we take for bathroom breaks between our scheduled breaks.

And since we DO still have constipation issues, when we gotta go we gotta go but it ALSO takes some time to fully empty the tank, so to speak. And then there's the back pain and the cramping and the nausea from the cramping.

I'll still take this any day over the awful pain we used to have a couple days a week which is how often we used to empty that tank.

But it's still ANNOYING. Digestion is not supposed to hurt. It's not supposed to literally (literally as in figuratively, as well as literally as in literally) be a pain in the ass. Body why you gotta suuuuck.

[debbuchanan]

Random Thoughts Running Through My Head:

This is a random post I wrote back 2020. On June 14th,2023 my friend of 50 yrs took her last breath in my arms. It was not a quietly go to sleep passing. Due to a doctor who did not understand ALS it was a struggling to breath moment that should have never happened. When will the FDA stop playing God? People get worked up over their right to bear arms, rights to abort a child, why not your right to take a trial medicine that can possibly save your life?

ALS

So on our last visit to the ALS clinic I handed each discipline the new updated version of supplements my Pals is taking. Including the doctor. Not one added the list to her file on the computer. They all looked at it and layed it back down. Im guessing her file is never put into any kind of research or informative collection.

Yet, from day one she has researched the supplements that may possibly make a difference. A year ago January 2020 her ALS doctor said she had 6 months. Really? Because she is still here! I would think they would be asking us what we are doing to fight this Beast. Because, other than a saliva pill, elasticity pill, and an antidepressant pill, along with the therapy disciplines giving us ideas for exercises, and some equipment ordered. They just say see you in 3 or 4 months. Im wondering why they even test lung functions?? Just so they can deliver negative info.

I know that without the clinic and als organization insurance would not give us a CPAP, Breath Assist, Amazing Wheelchair, Tobi Eye Computer, hospital bed, walkers, bathing equipment, etc. Iam grateful!

Just give us the trial meds would you????? Sitting here waiting to exit this horrific disease while a select few get chosen to trial a pill that just might help ALL is so deeply disheartening!

Then this pandemic comes along and we have to sit back and watch as a miracle vaccine is developed over night. Politicians, big money, and big pharma want to force people to take the vaccines........

I don't think you would have to force one person suffering with ALS to take a trial med!!!!

Im just venting in hopes that some politician, big money, big pharma, big corporation that can make a difference would find my thoughts on here!

No worries! In the end I have my Faith! I know that what we are doing right here, right now is making a difference.

I've made this post available to all. Please Repost, Cut & Paste, whatever it takes to be read! I want it read! I want people to know what ALS is, what it takes away, and what it takes to live this life. I've only met Heroes on this Journey!

[adamgant]

151: Gut health with Hannah Aylward

151: Gut health with Hannah Aylward https://ift.tt/vNqLnu4 So excited to have Hannah on the podcast and we’re chatting about gut health. Here’s what we discuss: – Tips for optimal gut health – Food sensitvities – Eating for optimal digestion and more!  151: Gut health with Hannah Aylward Here’s a bit more about Hannah and her background: Hannah Aylward is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, gut health specialist, and the founder of HAN, her functional nutrition practice taking a root cause approach to repairing the gut for real. After struggling with her own chronic digestive issues for years, Hannah dove headfirst into the latest in gut health research, seeking answers to her bloating, food sensitivities, and pain. With her science-backed formula, Hannah has overcome her own digestive issues and helped hundreds of other women around the world do the same. Today Hannah leads her all-women team of functional practitioners who have served over 500 clients globally. HAN’s mission is to help clients transform their gut health and overcome their never-ending digestive issues with functional nutrition, targeted supplementation, and advanced lab work. Now referred by doctors across the U.S., HAN’s signature and highly sought-after Healin’ Guts + Shakin’ Butts Program has brought her clients life-changing results such as getting off of thyroid medication and antidepressants, reversing lifelong food sensitivities, healing leaky gut and brain fog, weight loss, and much more! Connect with her on Instagram and check out her website. More resources from this episode: Join us for Fit Team! This is my online fitness community and you can try it free for 7 days. I love love love the meals from Sakara Life! Use this link and the code XOGINAH for 20% off their meal delivery and clean boutique items. This is something I do once a month as a lil treat to myself and the meals are always showstoppers. If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don’t currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don’t begin on this path. They’re friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career. You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it! You can check out my review IHP Level 1 here and my review of Level 2 here. I’m still obsessed with my sauna blanket. This is one of my favorite ways to relax and sweat it out. I find that it energizes me, helps with aches and pains, I sleep better on the days I use this, and it makes my skin glow. Link to check it out here. You can also use my discount FITNESSISTA15 for the PEMF Go Mat, which I use every day, and the red light face mask, which is a staple in my weekly skincare routine. Get 20% off Organifi with the code FITNESSISTA. I drink the green juice, red juice, gold, and Harmony! (Each day I might have something different, or have two different things. Everything I’ve tried is amazing.) I’m currently obsessed with the shilajit gummies! Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you’ll get a little “thank you” gift from me to you.  Home The post 151: Gut health with Hannah Aylward appeared first on The Fitnessista. via The Fitnessista https://ift.tt/vkSoRYl February 01, 2024 at 06:30AM

[drbasilshomeo]

homeopathic treatment for constipation | homeopathy

Homeopathy, to a solution for constipation sufferers

Constipation is an uncomfortable and often chronic condition affecting people of all ages. Defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, constipation results in hard, dry stools that are painful or difficult to pass. While conventional medicine offers solutions like laxatives and fibre supplements, these often provide only temporary relief and can even exacerbate the problem over time.

However, homeopathy treatment for constipation offers a gentle, holistic approach to relieving constipation and restoring regular bowel function. Homeopathic remedies for constipation date back hundreds of years and are derived from natural plant, animal or mineral sources. Extremely diluted preparations are used to stimulate the body’s healing abilities. Homeopathic medicines for constipation are matched to each individual based on their personalized symptoms and responses.

 Homeopathic remedies are safer, gentler and often more effective than conventional ones. Homeopathic treatment can address underlying causes of chronic constipation, providing gradual and lasting improvement. 

When the bowel movements become constipated?

Constipation refers to infrequent, difficult, or incomplete bowel movements that can interfere with waste elimination. Typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, constipation results in hard, dry stools that are painful or take excessive straining to pass. This abnormal and bothersome condition has many causes including poor diet, lack of exercise or physical activity, various medications, dehydration, resisting the urge to defecate, irritable bowel disorders, and certain medical conditions. When severe, constipation can dramatically impact quality of life and negatively affect both physical and mental health. Signs and symptoms beyond infrequent bowel movements include abdominal pain and bloating, feeling as if the rectum is blocked, headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, and haemorrhoids. If left untreated, constipation may lead to fecal impaction and bowel obstruction which can have serious consequences.

What are the factors that lead you to constipation?

Diet – Diets that are low in fibre or high in processed foods, dairy products, eggs, meat, and fried or sugary foods can cause or worsen constipation. Lack of adequate fibre and fluid intake is a major contributor.

Medications – Many medications such as antacids with aluminium or calcium, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, blood pressure medications, diuretics, iron supplements, narcotics, and calcium channel blockers can directly cause constipation.

Lifestyle Factors – Being sedentary, lack of physical activity or exercise, resisting the urge to defecate when needing to go, not establishing regular bathroom habits, and travel or changes in routine can set up conditions for constipation to develop.

Dehydration – Not getting enough water and fluids each day allows the stools to become hard, dry and difficult to pass.

Age-Related Factors – As we age, we are more prone to developing constipation due to slower colon transit times, weaker abdominal muscles, side effects of medications, and illnesses or conditions that affect digestion and elimination.

Obstructed Defecation Issues – Obstructed defecation can result from conditions including colon cancer, colorectal strictures, rectal prolapse, rectocele, and more which physically block the passage of stool through the intestines.

Neurological and Other Disorders – Diseases and disorders like diabetes, strokes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, spinal cord injuries, irritable bowel syndrome and more can impair nerves and muscles responsible for waste elimination.

Prevention is better 

1. Increase fibre intake – Eat more high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, seeds and nuts. Fiber helps add bulk to stools making them softer and easier to pass.

2. Stay hydrated – Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, each day. Being dehydrated allows stools to become hard and dry. Aim for 1.5 to 2 litres per day.

3. Exercise regularly – Getting daily physical activity helps increase intestinal muscle contraction and motility. Simple walking or cardio for 30-60 minutes daily can dramatically improve bowel function. 

4. Establish toilet habits – Take time to have a bowel movement when you feel the urge rather than waiting or holding it in. Try to set up a regular bathroom routine like first thing in the morning or after meals. 

5. Reduce stress – Find healthy ways to manage emotional and mental stress which can negatively impact digestive function. Try meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or talking to a friend. 

6. Avoid constipating foods – Limit foods that can worsen constipation like cheese, eggs, meat, processed foods, white bread, pasta, rice and fast food.

7. Quit smoking – Smoking can dry out stool and suppress muscle contractions in the intestines. Quitting improves many aspects of digestive health.

Making lifestyle adjustments to support regular bowel function and prevent constipation can drastically improve comfort, well-being and quality of life.

Homeopathy treatment for constipation

The homeopath treatment for constipation conducts an in-depth interview, asking detailed questions about the patient’s constipation patterns, bowel movements, diet, pain levels, medical history, and a wide range of other symptoms. Getting a complete picture is key.

Remedy Selection

Based on the case details provided during the consultation, the homeopath matches the patient’s symptom profile to find the closest fitting natural medicine for constipation. Remedies like Nux vomica, Bryonia, Alumina and others are carefully chosen.

First Prescription

A prepared dilution of the selected homeopathic remedy for constipation is prescribed to the patient along with dosage guidelines. Tablet, liquid or powder forms are common. Acute cases may use a single dose while chronic issues involve a regimen over time.

Follow Up Appointments

Follow-up appointments assess the patient’s response to the first prescribed remedy. Adjustments may be made based on changes to symptoms. Constitutional treatments for constipation address deeper internal imbalances contributing to the constipation.

Lifestyle Guidance

Homeopaths recognize the influence of diet, exercise, stress levels and habits on digestive issues. Patients receive individualized guidance on beneficial modifications which support remedy action for constipation.

As symptoms improve, remedy potency, frequency or formulation may be tapered. The goal is to strengthen internal functioning to prevent future constipation recurrences whenever possible. Many patients experience substantial relief and lasting results with the homeopathic approach to constipation.

Some of the effective homeopathic medicines for constipation are,

Nux Vomica – The most common remedy for stimulating bowel movements. Best for those with infrequent urges or inability to complete bowel movements, often due to too much rich food, overwork, or a sedentary lifestyle. Also helpful for irritability, impatience, cramping, and bloating.

Bryonia – Effective when constipation is worse from hard, dry stools. Bryonia is indicated when the person has a thirst for large cold drinks and frequently wants to stay completely still with pressure applied. It can treat headaches during constipation.

Alumina – Used for cases where straining is required to pass a small amount of dry, clay-coloured stool. The person may feel like there is a physical blockage even when the urge to use the bathroom is present. Alumina helps regulate function.

Platina – Suitable for constipation with painful contraction of the anus and feeling of tiny stool balls stuck in the rectum. Platina patients are often haughty, tense, and oversensitive, and feel temporary relief from warm drinks.

Opium – Used when bowel movements are absent due to fright, anxiety, shock or severe acute illness. Stools are round, hard balls that are difficult to eliminate. Strong sedative actions.

The dose is based on individual response but often uses highly diluted potencies like 6c, 12c or 30c. Taking the correctly matched remedy stimulates improved tone and function for lasting relief from constipation.

Homeopathy treatment for constipation offers a gentler, safer approach to treating constipation compared to harsh laxatives or fibre supplements. Natural medicines provide effective relief without the gut irritation, dependency or side effects of conventional options. With professional guidance to select and dose the simillimum remedy, most constipation sufferers find the comfort and regularity they’ve been desperately seeking.

For more details regarding homeopathic treatment for constipation please contact us.

Dr. Sulfath Chengodan.BHMS

Online consultant, Dr. Basil’s Homeo Hospital, Pandikkad, Malappuram.

WhatsApp – + 96895511267