#multiple pathways to recovery

[script-a-world]

Submitted via Google Form:

How reckless could a race of people be if they could heal rapidly? If someone got hit by a car in real life and needed a few months to start walking again, and over a year to do anything like martial arts again, for these people, they'd be walking in a few days and doing martial arts in two weeks. If they would die on impact, then yes, they would die. If they would die in an ambulance, it depends but they would still have a chance. In real life, cuts that take a few days to heal will be healed in several minutes. They definitely do feel pain of course, but as a whole, the general populace has pain tolerance just below those of elite athletes in the real world. I'm imagining these people might be the daredevil type.. could it be very common to get cuts and bruises, not strange to see some of the worst kids or teens getting cut nearly every single day, multiple times a day. I mostly want to focus on the injured = not a big deal bit. Or getting injured as part of normal daily life. But what else might this affect? More surgeries happening because people decide the recovery time isn't an issue (doesn't eliminate other factors of course) How about piercings? If someone goes half a day without piercings, their hole would close. Maybe... medicine that stops the healing process? But how expensive could those medicines be vs getting pierced again?

Tex: So there’s this plant, called plantain. One of the common varieties is known as Plantago major. One of its primary uses in herbal medicine is to heal wounds - and it’s very good at it!

A little bit too good, unfortunately, and it often comes with a warning to clean out wounds first before applying it, because it has the tendency to work so quickly at encouraging skin to knit back up that infections can easily be sealed underneath. This is a problem, because in order to heal the infection, the skin must be cut back open, lest someone risk the infection spreading to the blood and causing sepsis (if not, in bad cases, necrosis).

“Super healing” has many of the same flaws. In practice, the process of healing is rather complex, and while there is some overlap in steps (excess blood cleared away, immune system response to pathogens, phagocytosis, signals sent to regenerate broken tissue or other affected organs), doing too much of only one process can have detrimental effects on the patient in question. It’s the reason why in first aid you clean a wound first, then apply medicines, then apply bandages.

Things like bones, and the squishier bits called organs, take time to heal, because they’re not only reallocating resources to grow new cells (i.e. neurogenesis, osteogenesis, etc), they’re also going through the entire pathway of fighting infections (i.e. B cells, T cells, etc) and checking for cancerous markers of cells that duplicated incorrectly (uncommon, but non-zero possibility). It’s a lot, lot more than “add calcium to bone” or “make skin whole”.

Regeneration of tissue is also rather itchy, and uncomfortable. That, barring anything else, is going to make a lot of people think twice about how many injuries they’re willing to risk. Compounding injuries compounds the discomfort, and most people wish to avoid being uncomfortable if there’s any other option for a situation.

On top of that, rapid regeneration would require a large amount of resources for both calories and micronutrients. This translates to being hungry all the time. Humans can generally heal quickly with a good diet and enough sleep (the brain regulates the flushing of metabolic waste during sleep, Patel et al.), which is why it’s seen as a good sign for hospital patients to have an appetite and also to have a regular sleep schedule.

You can handwave as much of this as you like in your worldbuilding, but to borrow SAW’s general rule, “you break it, you bought it” in terms of internal consistency.

[thecircularsystem]

Recovery and Syscourse Thoughts

I thought I would toss my hat into the ring briefly in the latest discussions about recovery from CDDs, since everyone and their uneducated brother have been spamming screenshots and sources left and right, and almost all of them have ignored the fact that the DSM and scientific (or otherwise) sources are not the people going through this disorder.

So let’s drop this take into the mix: there is no one set way to heal or recover, and everyone should work to find their best method of recovery and what works best for them.

I am a person working on recovery with DID. I phrase it that way specifically because I don’t want to stop having DID. I… actually really like having my system, and being multiple parts. My partner loves it too. They actually are overjoyed when I split — sad that I’m that stressed, of course, and so, so caring and gentle with me when I reach that point — but thrilled that they get to meet another part of me, a part so vivid and developed.

Isn’t it beautiful that I can see that love so brightly?

Anyways. Back on topic, I am recovering with DID. I am utilizing EMDR (though it’s been some time since we did a session) and I attend therapy weekly. I have grown far more integrated, and this past week, we’ve been so soupy that it’s hard to tell who’s fronting, and it hasn’t caused distress. It’s been nice to just be a collection of parts all at the same time, instead of split apart.

But wait. Isn’t that functional multiplicity? I mean, I just said I’m not distressed, and we’re all working together.

But wait. Isn’t that final fusion? All of us together, instead of split apart?

But wait.

How the fuck am I defining it?

Cause doesn’t that matter so much more??? There isn’t a set definition of what FM/FF are, guys. There isn’t this Ideal Recovery that so many people seem to post about. I’ll reach functional multiplicity when I say I do, and my FM will look different than others, and could look like FF too, because FF isn’t “okay now you’re a singlet.” If anything, the FF systems I’ve met have discussed how they feel MORE plural now.

FF/FM isn’t a dichotomy that can only exist separately, and they aren’t even the only ways to heal. For instance, am I not in recovery right now? Am I not actively healing? I might still be disordered, but isn’t it possible to be disordered and functional? Isn’t it possible to heal WITH DID? (The answer is yes; even FM/FF do not erase the fact that I have a rewired brain with new mental pathways. I could become nondisordered, that IS a thing, thought it took years to convince me it was. The fact is, it’s up to the individual.)

And my recovery is going to look entirely different than the recovery of my friends. For instance, I know many of my friends have reached final fusion, and one of them said they split frequently still. But for me, I split maybe once a year at the current moment, max three times a year. It's been a little messy, and confusing, but that seems to be the case. But if you're final fused, shouldn't you not be splitting???

NO YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT, FUCK THE RULES!

If that person says they are doing better and feeling fine, then that's what matters. And the fact is, regardless of what a DSM or source you provide says, that's what any therapist worth their salt is going to say as well. If you aren't distressed, then you're good.

The same thing does for anything system related.

Preference of how to refer to your alters/parts/headmates/people in your head/fuckers in your head/those assholes up there who bother you constantly? More power to you! You can call them whatever you want!

Littlecourse and how your littles engage in healing? Woohoo, do whatever makes you the most happy and does the least amount of harm -- or, yknow, harm yourself! That's part of learning too, and people trying to take away the dignity of risk from systems because "but-but think of the children" can go suck a dick. So long as the person is doing what they think they should be doing, why is it my problem?

The only time these things become my problem is when they impact me. And, remarkably, what someone else does with their system does not impact me.

I think so much of syscourse needs to learn to mind their own business when it comes to other people's recovery. What someone calls their parts or origins or recovery does not matter and does not impact me in the slightest. What someone else does on their own time is of no consequence to me. The only thing I see in syscourse that does actually impact me is misinformation about my disorder, which impacts me because it makes our parts who struggle with denial latch onto that...

WHICH IS A ME PROBLEM.

Sure, I correct the misinfo, because that helps me, but that's still a me problem, something I need to work on for me.

I used to be gung-ho about fighting against endogenic systems, and one of the reasons for that was because I had parts who clung to the idea that we might be endogenic. The existence of endogenic systems helping my parts deny that we had trauma does not suddenly mean endos shouldn't exist. It means I need to work on my trauma denial.

This post has been a HUGE ramble, and I'm sorry about that -- there's so many thoughts I Have about recent syscourse, and I usually can squeeze in about 30 minutes of free time to write.

I want to post more about this soon, but to summarize some ideas:

Let people recover however they please.

If someone is recovering in a way you don't like, then look away.

If someone is spreading misinformation, correct them, but like... buddy, do it gently, no need to get all butthurt, relaaaaax

If someone continues to spread misinformation after you've corrected them, more power to you, my guy, do what you gotta do to correct that shit for others if you want to do that

It is exactly Nobody's Job to do steps 3 or 4

And lastly; stop sucking [insert source you just googled]'s cock and talk to a system in real life for like. A half hour, at least. Just get to know how they view their system and what works/doesn't work for them. It might actually make you learn something.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Reference archived on our website

Published September of 2020. Never let them tell you "we didn't know there would be lasting effects." They just ignored the science.

Abstract COVID-19 is a highly infectious viral disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. While it was initially regarded as a strictly respiratory illness, the impact of COVID-19 on multiple organs is increasingly recognized. The brain is among the targets of COVID-19, and it can be impacted in multiple ways, both directly and indirectly. Direct brain infection by SARS-CoV-2 may occur via axonal transport via the olfactory nerve, eventually infecting the olfactory cortex and other structures in the temporal lobe, and potentially the brain stem. A hematogenous route, which involves viral crossing of blood–brain barrier, is also possible. Secondary mechanisms involve hypoxia due to respiratory failure, as well as aberrant immune response leading to various forms of encephalopathy, white matter damage, and abnormal blood clotting resulting in stroke. Multiple neurological symptoms of COVID-19 have been described. These involve anosmia/ageusia, headaches, seizures, mental confusion and delirium, and coma. There is a growing concern that in a number of patients, long-term or perhaps even permanent cognitive impairment will persist well after the recovery from acute illness. Furthermore, COVID-19 survivors may be at increased risk for developing neurodegenerative diseases years or decades later. Since COVID-19 is a new disease, it will take months or even years to characterize the exact nature, scope, and temporal extent of its long-term neurocognitive sequelae. To that end, rigorous and systematic longitudinal follow-up will be required. For this effort to succeed, appropriate protocols and patient registries should be developed and put in place without delay now.

[baldurs-writers-3]

Budding Friendships: A Baldur's Gate 3 Rec List

This week, we have Budding Friendships!  Check under the cut for eight amazing fics showing our favorite characters bonding and growing to trust each other, and as always, comment and kudos if you like them!

Short Rest by AbigailMoment (1828, General) Warnings: fantastic racism (anti tieflings) Pairings: N/A

Gale, Karlach, Wyll and Tav take a rest and get to know each other and help each other

Reccer says: i liked the multiple disabilities angle and them working together to make things easier for each other, offering advice and being supportive

one day you'll figure me out by new_space (3640, Teen) Warnings: Canon Typical Violence Pairings: Astarion & Friends

Astarion gets shot by a poisoned arrow and decides it's a great idea to try to keep it a secret from his new companions. His friends do not appreciate this.

Reccer says: This whole series is full of delicious team bonding and well written developing friendships, but I'm always a sucker for whump, so I had to rec this one primarily.

stars growing brighter by hermitized (3478, General) Warnings: None Pairings: Gale & Halsin, Gale & Tav

when Gale's orb stops taking treatment but before meeting Elminster, Halsin offers some comfort and kindness

Reccer says: it's so soft! i love Gale having to explain his situation to a new person all over again, and Halsin figuring out everybody's deal, and there's best boy scratch too!

Metamorphose by baozisdragon (1317, General) Warnings: None Pairings: Astarion & Wyll

Astarion doesn't seem to like Wyll all that much, and Wyll would like to know why

Reccer says: This is an absolutely delightful exploration of the hero/unsaved conflict and I love it

Expectations by yellow_craion (7526, Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Wyll & Tav, Wyll & Halsin, Wyll & Gale & Karlach

A few days after joining Tav and their party of adventurers and sparing Karlach's life, Wyll gets a fever. He's surprised when others are serious about taking care of him.

Reccer says: has everybody being protective of Wyll, all the longing and touch starvation, and a look at Wyll's lonely past

how you tried to hide in darkness by prettyaveragewhiteshark (1947, General) Warnings: N/A Pairings: Lae'zel & Shadowheart

Just a semi-fluffy little one-shot of Shadowheart at camp, dealing with her Shar wound and finding comfort from an unexpected source.

Reccer says: This fic does a great job at capturing Shadowheart's voice and tone, as well as an unexpectedly sweet moment around the campfire at camp.

Broken Little Puppets by BlackjackKent (1797, General) Warnings: N/A (Mentions of each character's past abuse) Pairings: N/A

Karlach supports Astarion after a nightmare about Cazador's ritual - and gets a little support herself in return.

Reccer says: This is an excellent, short and sweet one shot exploring the relationship between Karlach and Astarion. Draws some great parallels between the two by comparing their histories and their thoughts about their abusers.

My Friend, the Bhaalspawn by nyepexeren (36460, Mature) Warnings: Graphic Descriptions of Violence/Childhood Abuse Pairings: Tav & Durge

This childhood/found family fic is set in an orphanage traces the tale of Tav and Durge, and features child abuse/neglect alongside realistic pathways to recovery.

Reccer says: In addition to being well-written and true to character, writing realistic children, the fic builds in a growing mystery that keeps readers enthralled.

The above fanfic recommendations were pulled from our community for this weekly event. Have any questions about what this is? Check out the FAQ!

Next week, we’ll be back with another character rec list, this time focusing on Astarion!

[wilsons-three-legged-siamese]

Today marks my 7 month anniversary for my cardiac surgery. So id like to share my experience with SVT in honour of the doctors who have saved my life.

Also just in case people are interested!! Because honestly, its a very interesting condition.

As i said, its been 7 months since my surgery. Im forever greatful for my surgeons. Since its 7 months, i now experience no palpitations, which is awesome. Before it happened maybe daily? I feel non now. Its the best thing ive ever done.

Right, let me explain SVT first.

SVT stands for supraventricular tachycardia. Its when theres an additional pathway in the hearts electrical circuit, leading to the heart beating abnormally fast for an hour up to a day at a time.

Anyway.

I was diagnosed at the age of 4, in the US. I was visiting my grandparents and i was sent ro multiple hospitals to get diagnosed. A specialist took me in and finally got me sorted. Ever since then, it has been a struggle.

Ive been on adenosise a a lot, sometimes a few doses at once as i was almost immune to it. Ive been in perri arrest (stage before cardiac arrest) around 3 times. I have been sedated once. I have a massive fear of neddles because of my experiences with them in hospital. I have been pinned down tons of times.

My the age of 8, i was on the strongest medication with the highest dose with two medications. Its very dangerous to take them both together, that now severe my condition was. A year ago, i was taken in by the famous hospital in london under their cardiac unit. My cardiologists finally decided to give me the cardiac ablation.

The cardiac ablation works like this:

9 slits are made near the groin, 5 on one side, 4 on another. Catheters are inserted into the veins and arteries up to the heart. They put you into an episode of SVT to find the extra parhway. Once found, they either burn it or freeze it off, scarring the heart safely. Everything is removed with no stitches at all.

My surgery went fine, textbook easy. I have 4 tiny scars near my groin/on my thigh. I experiences daily heart palpitations at resting for about 6 months, which is normal.

Recovery was easy. It was extremely hard to walk, thats all. Legs were extremely weak and your heart just feels a bit funny, with the beating i mean. I could definitely feel a difference. I just couldn't be on my side for the first few days, making sleeping uncomfortable.

Theres my experience!! It was a journey definitely, but im so glad i overcame it <3.

[unicornachos]

Just some life updates & long ass random journalling

Saw multiple posts across social media over the break about ppl who need their routine and I'm the complete opposite. Truly thrive without routine. Never get bored. A++ marks in chilling skills. Could chill for the rest of my life and never need to go back to a routine

There's so much to do in life that's not work... I don't even think about work when I'm on leave bc I instantly enter my little world of food and books and art and films and fandom and watching video game playthroughs and nature appreciation (what I can get these days anyway given my severe mobility limitations bc of chronic pain). It's so easy to drift away from the real world and coming back is jarring and hard and a bit depressing :(

My therapy to better manage unhelpful thoughts over the past 2 years seems to be working tho bc I pulled myself out of my spiral today by journalling about it 🤙🏻 That was easier than usual bc I was in contract hell for the past 1.5 yrs, but last month I had to go through a deeply horrendous & stressful process of re-applying & re-interviewing for my own job to be made permanent (govt job bullshittery) that I had no guarantee of getting. But I got it and now I'll get a pay rise! It's scary bc more responsibility and more work which is not great for my attempts at recovery. But at the same time permanent job means I can have some sense of financial security, which is HUGE for me given all my health troubles and my uncertain future. I have no idea if I'll ever get better and so any sense of certainty I can have in anything in my life feels like a lifeline.

Oh speaking of therapy. I'm gonna try working with a new lady this year (in addition to reg psych) who is not a psych or medical professional but does pain reprocessing therapy. It doesn't sound very legit but I had a quick meeting with her a few weeks ago and we bonded over the uselessness of the medical system and she seems calm and someone who will listen to me and adjust based on what she thinks might work best for me. Idk if it will work or whether I'll be disciplined enough or capable of forging any new neural pathways away from the pain ones, seeing we still think I could have nerve damage or some other weird shit going on that we don't understand causing the pain, but I'm gonna give it a go 💪🏻 I'm gonna book regular appointments with her (while still trying to work a busy full-time job sighs) for a few months and just see what she's like to work with. I have nothing to lose by trying!

Other than that... What else. I made art last year despite it being a really hard year of stress and stagnation with my health. I got obsessed with JayVik. I started reading Realm of the Elderlings and I'm even More obsessed with that and 11 books in and liveblogging it all over at @unicornachos2. I made a Bluesky for my personal acct (unicornachos as usual) and one for my art (lesovyart also as usual).

I made a spoonie group chat which gives me a lot of support but also gives me the satisfaction of being able to support others, too. I stopped trying to reach out to a lot of people in my old city who don't reach out to me nor seem to care about keeping me safe. I celebrated my 30th birthday in October with people who respect my need to protect mine (and each other's) health, who were willing to isolate before visiting or mask during.

I made new work friends and even though some of them are leaving bc of the upheaval with our roles I think I'll still stay in contact with them a lot. And they all respect my need to keep safe from covid and other stuff too. Some of them came to visit me in winter for an outdoor picnic in my suburb and they brought me vegan pastries :')

I have really sad days where the loss of my mobility and personal freedom makes me cry in honestly bottomless grief. I get a horrible aching in my chest if I think about it all too much. They don't come as often as they used to bc I have a lot going on in my life and I have good things to distract me, but the grief and uncertainty for my future is still there.

I think the grief has made me weirdly less susceptible to other forms of it. Or things that would usually trigger stronger sadness in me now don't. Before I'd tear up at the slightest sad thing- in life, in a tv show, movie, whatever. We lost a family friend this year and I didn't shed a tear, and I know I usually would have. I've always fully felt my emotions, processed them, let them move through me and out. But it's like... The pain of what I've lost is so monumental that other losses or sadnesses don't feel as... close to me. I feel a slight distance from them. I don't know if I like that because it doesn't feel like me and who I've always been, and been proud of being. But I think my brain is trying to protect me and so I feel... neutral about it I think. It's doing what it has to, to help me get through.

OH and finally, we're switching gears completely LOL, I've decided that I'm gonna buy myself a switch when the new one comes out (supposedly) in March. I can't play PC games anymore bc I have to be horizontal 95% of the time, and there's no comfy way to arrange my setup at home to accommodate this. So I've been watching playthroughs of stuff instead. But I think I deserve a reward for getting through last year and getting a permanent job! So I'm gonna get a switch and then I'm gonna play the fuck out of tales of the shire as soon as it comes out and run around foraging mushrooms and baking pies and growing plants etc.

Finally, ig I'll spill everything here bc why not. I've been thinking lately I'd like to try and date but I have NO idea how to make that happen. I feel like my life is so busy and chaotic and uncertain and I can't get anywhere myself and can't travel very far for very long. And my emotional availability is questionable, lol. But I just kinda wish I had A Person™ or A Partner™ to rely on and be interested in and to have a crush on someone again. I miss flirting!!!!! I miss dating!!!!!! I miss going out for drinks in the city and going on walks and going to gigs and queer events... I can't do any of that now. It's been a rly long time since I've had that bc the last few years have been so hard. And my life is so full of... Full-time work and enjoying my hobbies while I can and trying to take care of myself and do my meditations and manage my pain and mental health with zero medications and my completely fucked sleep. And I think about where my symptoms are at and I have no idea if they'll ever get better. At the start of 2024 I got even worse and then just plateaued. But I'd like for things to improve, even slightly, if possible, before I would even feel ok and not guilty with trying to make something like that happen. I've always just felt like I know there's a person out there who's perfect for me and I have a very clear picture of the kind of person that would be, but I have to go out and find them somehow. And I know it'll be hard probably bc I'm so weird and particular. And I wonder if an able-bodied person would become frustrated with how little options I have for where I can go and what I can do, but I don't see how I could go on dates unless I did date someone who can physically do all those things. It also doesn't help that I'm extremely picky lmfao. So ig I'll just keep it in the back of my mind for now and see how the next few months go.

That's my brain dump into the ether of Tumblr for the night!!!!!!!! I have my first day back at work tmrw but I don't regret staying up and writing all this out tbh

[butts-bouncing-on-the-beltway]

I love love love reading your posts, and the reblog re your food rules really stood out to me. As someone who has always had food issues and struggled with disordered eating (did not identify neurodivergence until adulthood) I have struggled without the help a parent who had the kind of insight, empathy, and compassion you describe. Do you have any thoughts on repairing dysfunction as it relates to food? Or on how to identify food rules that you subconsciously have that are Not helpful, and how to replace them with helpful rules? Please infodump if you so desire even if it’s not directly related to those two questions :D

I think maybe where I want to start is that my mom's actions as I described them are - I suspect - more the outcome of her own neurodivergent (undiagnosed) resonances with my own (late diagnosed like literally two years ago lol). There were a lot of good resonances! But some really bad ones too. She and I have had some good talks about that recently, although ironically this comes in the wake of her having a stroke and throat surgery with the result that she can't speak in long bouts anymore which has essentially FORCED her to start listening to other people when they talk instead of jumping in over them (her own ADHD presentation is in part deeply impatient and struggles with filtering the though to speech pathway, same as my own unfortunately). She's actually a very good listener these days! It was an adjustment for her not to get annoyed about not being able to talk, and she can still really only hold a conversation for at most 45minutes before she becomes to irritable to continue listening. But those are good 45 minutes! And I'm really proud of her for realizing that this was actually a good thing for her in multiple places and putting the work into it. She has always really struggled with change/transition and with long term consequence evaluation (shocker, same hat again) so I think it took the really dramatic and immediately visible consequences (of for example me going no contact, me explaining to her my experience of shared events/history, and literal near-fatal medical condition and post-op recovery) for her to navigate change. But she's doing it, and she'll be 65 next year so it's pretty cool that she's taking the time now to enhance and improve her life and relationships.

I think when my mom heard me ask her to tell me where to start eating on my plate, she had watched me struggle to eat for so long and had just never considered that I might not yet have the infrastructures that she so relies on to function.

See, my mom's approach to child-rearing was essentially: "my child will remain by my side as close to all times as possible, and while I am going through my life I will simply externalize my internal monologue at my child so it can absorb knowledge and context about the world"

And like. On the one hand. Mom. That is the MOST "I am not neurotypical" way you could possibly raise a kid, what the fuck how did you live long enough to have me and NOT KNOW???

On the other hand, because I am my mother's child, this naturally worked wonderfully and was a veritable Garden of Eden upbringing for me.

The places were it wasn't ironically enough, were the places where my mother submitted to someone else's expertise about how to care for me and then had to facilitate compliance with a parenting plan that neither of us could tolerate or work with. I couldn't understand why my mother was no longer communicating with me but rather passing edicts and overriding my concerns - a thing she had historically done incredibly rarely and almost always FOLLOWED UP with an explanation for why it happened. And my mother didn't know how to force me to do things I didn't want to because that was simply never something she'd wanted to or tried to do with me before.

The end result was about a decade of incredibly traumatic domestic violence that neither of us came out of unscathed. And that sucks. But we're both growing and learning together these days, so hope!

Anyways, as far as identifying and changing food rules, the answer is deceptively straightforward.

If I find myself pacing the kitchen in agitation about there being "nothing to eat" or I realize that I have reached within 3hrs of bedtime and still haven't had anything to eat, I literally sit down and stream of consciousness journal for the prompt "why did/didn't this happen?"

It usually starts with a lot of griping and crabby feelings and resentment of self and then eventually I will realize I'm no longer answering the question "why did/didn't this happen" and am literally just like. Mocking myself? In my head? For being a fuck up? And. Well, I know that's not helpful and makes me feel bad and also isn't an answer for why my day happened the way it did. So I remind myself that I am welcomed to feel upset at how things went, but that right now we're only asking why something happened, not how it made me feel. That usually helps me return to the logistical issues. Missing ingredients. Waiting too long to eat and forgetting about my grab and go's. Missing a dose of medication. Being more tired than usual. Carrying more emotional weight related to work than usual. Having an over-burdoned to-do list. That sort of thing. Those are places where I can problem solve. And like. Problem solving is executive functioning, and that's not really my strong suit even on the best of days but certainly not on days where I'm already not eating safely. But I find that writing out the problems like this makes them clearer, and then I can make thought maps** for each one. Once I have those down on paper, it's a lot easier to navigate the actual process of choosing and executing a solution to that issue. Often, it's basically a flag that something else in my life is Asking Too Much of my executive functioning, so there's not enough left for eating. That's uh. Not a sustainable or healthy thing! So I've found that treating it like a sign to start a "system review" so to speak can be really valuable. And often, literally the feeling of knowing what is happening and what I'm going to do about it, and trusting that because it's in my thought map notebook I won't just FORGET like ALWAYS is enough to let me get up and get a snack or a meal. Sorta like a pressure release valve on a pressure cooker I guess right? You vent the pressure before opening it up to see what it made you, you know?

Journaling is the vent. Acknowledging my feelings and hearing them as a communication of need from myself to myself and integrating them into my solutions that way rather than treating emotions as a direct 1:1 of need or problem. It's an abstraction I guess? Puts enough space between me and The Issue to look at it a little more openly. Makes it feel safer to trust that when I am asking for something from another person it's because I have identified a specific thing that I need and cannot or shoud not address effectively myself rather than making asks in anger or hurt. Also lets me realign my internal resource distribution to my needs. Win win!

I think the thing I always worry about is like. When I talk about my system, I use a lot of really confident and clinical language, and I worry that even when I emphasize that I am talking about a thing that is a part of my personal system, people will hear that as "and so if you are experiencing the same manifestation of Issue than this will work for you" but like. It's not the thing, you know? It's the mechanism/algorithm prescribing the thing, right? So like. That's really dependent on Your Personal Context Of Self, and there is REALLY rarely going to be any honest 1:1s. Plenty of coincidental successes! But it can be risky to put too much stock in that right?

Food rules work well for me in part because I am largely a wilful person who has a reflexive rage response at constriction of any kind. I love rules because they help me not have to make decisions, but I also hate rules because they make decisions for me that I would rather make myself. This means that a "food rule" is not just a support system for me. It's a litmus test. Am I fully in reflex mode? If so I will probably lash out at and reject the food rules, which means the food and the food rules aren't the problem, something else is enough of a problem and I am abscuring it enough from myself that I have turned FOOD into a threat to my system. And like, even that is a flattening of the role this serves right? Let alone why it works for me personally. I really don't want to suggest that food rules are the answer to not being able to eat because for you they may well not be! For a LOT of people they may well not be. And even some of those who find it effective may benefit from understanding WHY it works for them in case their why is different from mine.

Honestly what it really comes down to for me is "how can I look back on a situation where I did something I don't want to do in the future or want the OPTION not to do in the future in a completely non-judgemental way?" It's pure function right? If I don't feel in control of my choices, for me that's statistically likely to me emotional or physiological causes of dysautonomia. So the question is: am I in threat mode? Or is it a medical symptom? If the former, why am I in threat mode and how do I have autonomy in that dynamic? Etc.

Finding measure points where I recognize "I have not maintained that conscious thought pattern, how do I get it back" is helpful to keep me from getting too far away from my baseline before I can correct course I guess. My relationship with eating is one of them. What "downtime" activities I can tolerate or enjoy is another. The ranges of time that I conceptualize as equivalent in experience to each other is uet another. Some I can keep track of myself, others I ask wifey for help monitoring.

I think of it kinda like leaening to bowl with the guardrails up, right? You still have to learn what you can do to ensure you bowl WELL, but there's some scaffolding involved to keep you from falling down into the gutter when you aren't yet perfect at performing your life. You gotta find out what guardrails matter to you and why and how you can create them or seek them when they aren't immediately acessible. It's a lot, but it's always felt worth it. I think what matters most is learning how not to scold yourself when you're thinking about something that didn't end up how you needed it to, even if literally only you could have changed the outcome. A mistake is a learning opportunity, not a festering wound. Getting that to become your truth just kinda. Changes what your options are somehow. And if you live in a life where that's not treated as truth, it can be devastating to try and make that switch, regardless of whether or not it ends up being worth it to you.

[harmonyhealinghub]

Understanding Frequency Specific Microcurrent: A Revolutionary Approach to Healing Shaina Tranquilino July 20, 2024

In the realm of alternative medicine, innovative therapies often emerge that challenge traditional paradigms. One such cutting-edge technique is Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM), a therapy gaining attention for its purported healing benefits. FSM harnesses the power of electrical currents, delivered at specific frequencies, to target various health conditions. Let's delve into what FSM entails, how it works, and its potential applications in the realm of healing.

What is Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM)?

Frequency Specific Microcurrent is a form of electrotherapy that uses extremely low-level electrical currents (microcurrents) to stimulate the body's tissues. What sets FSM apart is its precise application of frequencies. These frequencies are thought to correspond with specific types of tissues and conditions within the body.

FSM operates on the principle that each type of tissue in the body has its own unique frequency signature. By applying microcurrents at these specific frequencies, practitioners aim to facilitate healing processes at a cellular level. This approach is rooted in the belief that restoring cellular resonance through targeted frequencies can optimize physiological functions and promote recovery.

How Does FSM Work?

The application of FSM involves several key steps:

Identification of Frequencies: Practitioners identify the frequencies associated with the patient's specific condition or area of concern. This may involve a detailed assessment based on the symptoms and medical history of the individual.

Electrode Placement: Microcurrent electrodes are placed on the skin at predetermined points. These electrodes deliver the precise frequencies identified during the assessment.

Treatment Session: During the session, the patient typically experiences a mild tingling sensation or no sensation at all. The currents are so low that they are usually imperceptible, making FSM a painless therapy.

Duration and Frequency: Treatment duration and frequency vary depending on the condition being treated. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal results.

Healing Potential of FSM

Proponents of FSM suggest a wide range of potential benefits across various health conditions:

Pain Management: FSM is commonly used for pain relief, including musculoskeletal pain, nerve pain, and inflammatory conditions. By targeting specific frequencies associated with pain pathways, FSM may help reduce pain perception and promote tissue healing.

Inflammation Reduction: The anti-inflammatory effects of FSM are also highlighted. By modulating cellular activity and reducing inflammation at a cellular level, FSM may assist in managing chronic inflammatory conditions.

Tissue Repair and Regeneration: The application of microcurrents at specific frequencies is believed to enhance cellular repair mechanisms. This can potentially accelerate healing processes following injuries or surgeries.

Neurological Conditions: Some practitioners advocate FSM for neurological conditions such as neuropathy and even cognitive disorders. The rationale lies in the ability of microcurrents to influence neural pathways and cellular communication.

Frequency Specific Microcurrent represents a fascinating intersection of technology and holistic healing principles. While it continues to be studied and debated within the medical community, anecdotal evidence and some research studies suggest promising outcomes across various health challenges. As with any alternative therapy, it is essential for individuals considering FSM to consult qualified practitioners and explore its suitability for their specific conditions.

As research and clinical understanding evolve, Frequency Specific Microcurrent holds the potential to expand treatment options for those seeking alternatives to conventional medical approaches. Its gentle yet potentially profound effects on cellular function offer a glimpse into the future of integrative medicine, where personalized frequencies may unlock new avenues for healing and wellness.

[chowderofcats]

Questions & Answers // Q&A

If a question you have isn't answered here, please send an ask in our inbox and we'll add it if we see fit!

Thank you.

(A TLDR will be added at the bottom of each answer. I know the answers are lengthy, sorry for that!)

Q: Why did you make this blog?

A: I carry a lot of embarrassment and shame around my disorder. This blog was an idea encouraged by our therapist in hopes of finding community and positivity. I really want to be less ashamed about this disorder, as I can't even bring myself to talk to my closest friends about it. This blog is here both as an outlet for us to be ourselves and for me to feel less horrible about all of this.

TLDR: I want to be less embarrassed, and to find community. Therapist encouraged the blog.

Q: "Professionally recognized P-DID"?

A: Professionally recognized is a term we use in replacement of medically recognized as we see it as more fitting. We are not diagnosed and I don't want to accidentally imply we are.

Simply put, our therapist and psychiatrist both seem to agree we experience some form of multiplicity.

TLDR: Therapist + psychiatrist both agree, but it's not official/on paper.

Q: You're not diagnosed? Why?

A: As of now, we do not wish to seek a diagnosis for OSDDID. Such a disorder being on our medical record seems much more risky than not. First off, we are trying to immigrate and have heard that certain diagnoses will affect immigration, I don't want to hurt my chances of escaping where I live. As well as, while we are an adult, we do not support ourselves. Our parents would discover the diagnosis regardless of if we want them to (yes, we know theres privacy regulations in place for medical records. It really doesn't matter).

We have a trauma disorder for a reason. Please understand why that might not be the best for us. Perhaps in the future, we will, though.

TLDR: It's currently dangerous for us to get a diagnosis like this.

Q: How do you know you have P-DID?

A: We don't! I find it important to note that we can be wrong. We don't know if we have P-DID, DID, OSDD, etc. We really won't know until we get a proper diagnosis and/or proper screenings & assessments (we have had assessments in the past, but they weren't inherently for DID, only for our other diagnosis. Although I think we did get tested at some point? I'd need to contact my psychiatrist for that information). We, as of now, are only going off what we have discussed with our therapist and psychiatrist, alongside our own education and experiences (we are currently in college to make a pathway towards a career in therapy/counseling. Due to this, we have very fortunate opportunities to further our education and understandings of both ourselves and those around us).

All we do know for certain is that we experience severe disassociation, identity disturbances, memory loss, and what seems to be severe trauma (I don't really remember it all, and apparently, some happened pre-verbal, so idfk man).

TLDR: I don't know and won't until I get an actual diagnosis. I can only go off of the information I have currently.

Q: Are you planning on recovery or...

Absolutely, our disorders are hell on earth, and the sooner gone/made less shitty, the better. Still debating between final fusion and functional/healthy multiplicity. For healthy multiplicity, I think I'd only want one other alter to stay separate, two others at maximum. We used to have a major problem with splitting too much too often (likely a result of living in a high stress environment). I think it's calmed now, although I'm unsure. We've had lots of fusion between dissociative parts as of late (which is both good and bad in its own ways, since this hasn't been done in the most healthy of ways). Healing is slow, but I like to think that one step forward and two steps back only means I'll atleast know how to take the next two steps with ease. Progress is progress.

TLDR: Yes. Obviously.

Q: Why do you use both "we" and "I"?

A: I use "I" when referring to an individual thought, memory, emotion, etc, that applies to me specifically and not the whole(or majority) of the system. We use "we" when referring to general things, or widely known/accepted ideas, memories, etc, or just us as a whole.

TLDR: We = general, I = personal.

Q: Why are you so "introject-heavy"?

A: While it seems to be uncommon or rare, we are! I also, for once, may have a real answer to this. Growing up, ever since we started forming memories properly (and for reasons I don't understand), we've been creating OCs (original chatacters) as a coping mechanism. Disassociation was our main form of survival to get through traumatic situations, and usually, we did so with creating fictional characters.

If you wanted my guess? Since our brain already used fictional characters as a coping mechanism, our brain further applied the mechanism to what it decided we needed to "survive." Us having most of our alters be fictional characters or characters we made ourselves that got introjected makes a lot of sense. Our *only* safe space growing up was books and shows, which obviously centered around fictional characters. School and home life were both hostile, so we surrounded ourselves with imaginary things. Our only escape at the time was fiction.

Also, a note, introjects (be it fictives or not), are not the character, person, or thing that they represent. Introjects are simply alters that, when splitting, had absorbed traits from something external (such ad loved ones, characters, abusers, etc.) People who are not systems introject all the time, most commonly from loved ones. An example being when you start clicking with one of your friend and start subconsciously copying their mannerisms and personality traits. You can introject parts of anything into yourself subconsciously, fictional or not. It's incredibly normal! Introjects in systems are just more extreme cases of it.

TLDR: Brain has a weird ass coping mechanism and I don't know why it's there. Fiction was the only escape we had. + introjects aren't actual characters, just an alter that... introjected traits.

(Please understand all of the above information is written with my current knowledge, I can be wrong, and I likely am in various places. Be patient and understanding. I will correct any mistakes when I learn new information, you are free to contact me with concerns.)

[mama-mystery]

Personal Update -- Moved & Safe

Hokay! Been a while since I posted here, but a lot's been going on. Let me give you the short version.

My wife and I move and left the state of Texas after saving up for over a year this year. It was a hard move for us to make, but we made it after a very long drive with two very quiet cats. My wife was the mastermind of all of this, and I don't know how we could have done any of it without them at the helm. They are my beacon in so many ways, and they certainly were that again here, as we moved.

But, as I had began to say, it was a hard and stressful move. Some folks know that I was out of work before COVID hit, struggled to find work during the pandemic, we had a slew of bad events happen in our lives... but we pulled through it, certainly not perfectly, but we pulled through it.

But living in Texas didn't make any of that better or easier. While in Austin, a series of laws were enacted by the Governor that specifically targeted the Transgender and Drag communities of the state. People think of Texas as a big Conservative hellhole (and it is due to the government), but it's also much more than that. The cities of Texas are incredibly diverse and wonderful places.

I don't hide the fact that in real life, I'm transgender. My wife's transgender. These laws were purpose built to screw with people like me and keep us off of the stage and out of public view. For example, certain "devices" (see: breast forms and fake packages) could be considered adult and can't be included in public performance if a specific law isn't blocked, which would include public speaking like mine. If I wore my breast forms, for example, it would classify my act as adult no matter what I was speaking about or how clothed I was.

In fact, it's so broad that simply wearing my breast forms in public would constitute a crime. It would bar me from public life if I chose to present myself the way I've presented myself for multiple decades, without issue.

All of that for a pair of fake boobs under a t-shirt. Amazing law. Brilliant legal. Yes, these are sarcastic sentences.

That's just the beginning of the stuff that's been happening down there, and it honestly only gets worse. Not all of it makes it up to the news media, but we're lucky that some of it does, like our AG trying to get a list of transgender people in the state without legal reason.

I'll be blunt: It's dangerous to be transgender in Texas right now, and I feel deeply for all of the transfolks who are still down there. None of us should have to live like that or be degraded like that.

I deeply admire those who are choosing to stay for whatever reason they have, as those people are fighting for their literal lives. They do it with class too. My wife attended multiple protests in Austin, and each time they were surrounded by amazing, helpful, kind people. There were physicians, lawyers, people with water, food, and first aid kits... the list goes on.

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone here on my blogs and social media for all of the messages of kindness, support, and strength. I turned to them many times to help push me through. Without y'all, we wouldn't have been able to do what we did in the first place -- so thank you.

I'm still recovering from everything we had to do. While it's been a few weeks since we moved, it's been an extremely emotional time for me. It's odd to say, but I've found that I'm recovering from the stress of living in fear in Texas -- stress I didn't even realize I had until we left. It's also been the anniversary of my Dad's passing, as well as the passing of a number of our friends. This time of year is always grueling on me.

I know I'm doing better and feeling better, but it's still a slow path of recovery. I've taken it step-by-step, yet I truly loathe how abysmally plodding it all feels. My wife said it best: It's slow because we have to build new neural pathways in our brains to replace the old rusty ones and that takes time and patience.

I'm looking forward to getting back to being creative again, especially if I can continue to carve some more free time for myself now that my wife and I aren't living paycheck to paycheck with an astronomical rent. (I've been very, very confused by the concept of "having personal time again.")

I don't know when I'll quite be back doing my thing again with consistent gusto, but I will continue to be keeping in touch on my DeviantArt, Tumblr, and Instagram, as well as doing what's needed for SizeCon's tech.

And, I can say I do look forward to seeing everyone at SizeCon Micro 2023! <3 ~Mystery / Astra P.S. - Fuck Texas.

[jcrmhscasereports]

 HEREDITARY FORM OF EPILEPSY ASSOCIATED WITH PYRIDOXAMINE 5'-PHOSPHATE OXIDASE DEFICIENCY IN A CHILD by Plotnikova I.A in Journal of Clinical Case Reports Medical Images and Health Sciences

SUMMARY

The article presents a clinical case of focal epilepsy with a status course of seizures associated with a genetic mutation in exon 1 of the PNPO gene, which led to pyridoxamine-5'-phosphate oxidase deficiency. The diagnosis was made late due to the misinterpretation of symptoms, which complicated the course of the disease. Despite the fact that the first symptoms in the form of seizures appeared at the age of 1 month, only at the age of 5 the diagnosis was verified by doing targeted DNA sequencing. At the moment, the patient is receiving substitution therapy in the form of pyridoxal phosphate 300 mg/day, which enabled unstable clinical remission. Right now, it is impossible to achieve complete control over the convulsive syndrome without a strict diet: dairy-free, meat-free, egg-free and low-protein fat-free food. Currently, further search for treatment methods continues to improve the patient's quality of life and ensure stable remission. A detailed analysis was given for further genetic verification based on the amino acid profile of the patient, and the rehabilitation potential was determined based on topical neuropsychological diagnostics performed on a non-verbal child.

Key words: focal epilepsy; Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate; vitamin B6; PNPO; vitamin B6-dependent epilepsy, neuropsychological diagnostics.

INTRODUCTION

Vitamin B6-dependent epilepsies are aheterogeneous group of autosomal recessive diseases that are caused by mutations of five different genes involved in vitamin B6 metabolism [1]. Vitamin B6 is present in many forms in the human diet, but only pyridoxal-5 -phosphate (PLP) plays a vital role in the metabolism of a number of neurotransmitters, especially the inhibitory mediator gamma-aminobutyric acid. Code errors leading to a lack of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate manifest as B6-dependent epilepsy, including pyridoxamine-5-phosphate oxidase (PNPO) deficiency, which affects the synthesis and recycling of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate [2,3]. Neonatal manifestation in the form of acute encephalopathy with biphasic epileptic seizures (or status epilepticus) is the main symptom of the disease. The first phase (early attacks) is accompanied by fever and a temporary recovery of consciousness and the development; the second phase is a global cognitive dysfunction (late attacks).

Resistance to traditional antiepileptic therapy requires patient's lifelong treatment by pharmacological doses of vitamin B6 in the form of pyridoxine (PN) or a biologically active form of pyridoxal-5’-phosphate [1,4].

Case reports of PLP deficiency, verified not only clinically, but also by exome sequencing, are quite rare as well as the methods for studying molecular markers of alpha-aminoadipic semialdehyde and pipecolic acid in body fluids [5–7]. The complexity of diagnosis is caused by multiple disorders in newborns, especially in case of a slow and incomplete response to pyridoxine [8].

Recent studies have shown that the main enzyme defect in pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy is caused by alpha-aminoadipic acid semialdehyde dehydrogenase in the pathway of cerebral lysine degradation. The accumulating compound, alpha-aminoadipine semialdehyde (alpha-AASA), is in equilibrium with delta-1-piperidine-6-carboxylate (P6C). P6C inactivates pyridoxal-5’-phosphate, causing severe cerebral insufficiency. Although treatment of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate deficiency can successfully control seizures, most patients develop some degree of disability, regardless of early diagnosis and treatment. Very few patients with normal intelligence have been reported [7].

Objective: to analyze the course of epilepsy with pyridoxamin-5’-phosphate oxidase deficiency in an 8-year-old patient with diagnosis verification by clinical exome sequencing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS OF RESEARCH.

The analysis of primary medical documentation from 2013 to 2021 of a patient born in 2013 was performed. We reviewed the materials on the topic using PubMed search engines for the period 2014-2021, correlation of literature data with a specific clinical case.

RESEARCH RESULTS AND THEIR DISCUSSION.

A clinical case

Girl, 8 years old, was born from IV pregnancy of a woman with a burdened obstetric history. At the age of 1 month, tonic-clonic convulsions were first noted during sleep: gaze adversion to the left, lasting 30 seconds - 1 minute; afterwards there was up to 4 seizures per day, daily. At the age of 1 year, she was hospitalized 4 times on an emergency basis for convulsive seizures. The child was observed by a neurologist-epileptologist with a diagnosis of perinatal damage to the central nervous system, recovery period. Valproic acid was prescribed at a dosage of 50 mg/kg per day, oxcarbazepine 300 mg/day, without an effect of therapy. At the age of 2 years, she was hospitalized three times in the intensive care unit due to the status course of an epileptic seizure with a rise in temperature to febrile numbers. Neurological diagnosis at that time was: symptomatic epilepsy with complex partial seizures, status course of generalized convulsive seizures. On electroencephalography (EEG): moderate diffuse changes in the bioelectric activity (BEA) of the brain in a disorganized type. The patient's condition worsened. At the age of 3 years, she was observed in the State Autonomous Healthcare Institution of the Sverdlovsk Region "Children's City Clinical Hospital No. 9, Yekaterinburg" with the same diagnosis; the dose of oxcarbazepine was increased to 500 mg/day, valproic acid to 300 mg/day with no significant clinical effect. At the age of 4 years, she was hospitalized three times in the intensive care unit about epileptic seizures, without the effect of anticonvulsant therapy. Concomitant diseases at age 4 were: severe osteoporosis of the visible parts of the skeleton; pathological compression fracture of the body Th11; hepatomegaly; moderate expansion of the common hepatic, common bile ducts; enlargement of the gallbladder; a pronounced increase in the size of the kidneys, pancreas; diffuse changes in the parenchyma of the kidneys, a single cyst of the right kidney; unspecified form of caries; chronic gingivitis. Computed tomography of the abdominal aorta and its branches showed no evidence of hepatic artery stenosis. Autonomic dysfunction of the sinus node was noted: sinus arrhythmia with episodes of bradycardia. There were also small anomalies in the development of the heart: a functioning foramen ovale, additional chords of the cavity of the left ventricle.

DNA sequencing was carried out in 2017. Genetic mutations that were identified are described in patients with epilepsy associated with pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate oxidase deficiency and, based on the totality of information, regarded as pathogenic - a mutation in exon 1 of the PNPO gene (chr17: 46019139A> T, rs370243877), leading to amino acid replacement at position 33 of the protein (p.Asp33Val, NM-018129.3, mutation frequency in the ExAC control sample 0.0235%); as probably pathogenic - a previously undescribed heterozygous mutation in intron 3 of the PNPO gene (chr17:46022086G>A, rs766037058), leading to disruption of the splicing site and synthesis of the full-length protein (c.363+5G>A, NM_018129.3, OMIM: 610090, the value of the algorithm for predicting its influence on the function of AdaBoost splicing sites is 1.000).

A heterozygous mutation was also found in exon 4 of the EARS2 gene (chr16:23546678A>T), leading to a premature translation termination site at codon 163 (p.Tyr163Ter, NM_001083614.1). Such mutations have been described in patients with combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency type 12 (OMIM: 614924). In this case (when no second mutation in the gene is detected), the result is regarded as an option with uncertain clinical significance, however, the mutation may be related to the phenotype. The parents did not undergo a genetic examination.

Prescribed treatment was: pyridoxine hydrochloride intramuscularly, then - pyridoxal phosphate at the rate of 10-50 mg / kg /day. On the 7th day after the start of treatment, the patient's consciousness was assessed as clear, she was able to sit up independently and stand with support. Her seizures stopped, appetite improved, during rehabilitation positive dynamics in neuropsychic development was noted with an expansion of the range of motor activity, the appearance of gaming activity, emotions and attempts to pronounce individual sounds.

At the age of 5 years 1 month there was a new epileptic seizure. The dose of pyridoxal phosphate was increased to 600 mg/day, convulsive attacks stopped. Concomitant diseases at age 5 were perianal dermatitis, vulvitis, continuously recurrent leukocyturia. Subsequent courses of medical rehabilitation was prescribed with positive dynamics.

In 2019, hyperkinesis (blinking), tremor, restlessness reappeared; in the summer were tonic-clonic seizures with vocalization, lasting 15-20 minutes and the status course of an attack, operculations, loss of appetite. By the end of the year, there was constant nausea and a gag reflex at the sight of food, vomiting with yellow mucus and a sour smell once every 5-7 days, accompanied by febrile fever, the smell of "rotten cheese" from the scalp and excrements during attacks. Motor clonic seizures appeared with a frequency of once every 1-2 months, symmetrical chill-like tremor - up to 3-5 times a day. Periodic episodes of psychomotor agitation, stereotyped movements were also noted.

Neurological status. There are bradypsychia, delayed psycho-motor development, coordination disorder. Patient does not pronounce words, speech is active only during the game-vocalisms, self-service skills are not formed. Autism spectrum disorders with general speech underdevelopment of level 1, psychomotor alalia were noted. Cerebral, meningeal symptoms are negative. The gait is uncertain. Cerebellar tests are negative. Cranial nerves: palpebral fissures D=S, pupils D=S, pupil reaction to light: direct D=S, consensual D=S. The volume of movement of the eyeballs is complete D=S, there is no nystagmus. The face is symmetrical D=S. There is no language deviation. Swallowing, phonation are not disturbed. Muscle tone: arms - reduced D=S, legs - normal D=S. Tendon reflexes: from the arms and legs increased D=S. There are no pathological foot signs, pelvic functions are preserved. Patient shows signs of slightly asymmetrical (with an accent on the left) motor awkwardness, reduced nutrition (Body weight 21,5 kg).

Results of instrumental and laboratory studies. The following disorders were detected on the EEG prior to the start of etiological therapy: Epileptiform activity in the form of "peak-wave" complexes in the frontal and central-temporal leads, more on the right; slowing down of activity in the temporal zone.

In the biochemical analysis of blood the level of amino acids (µmol/l) is low: alanine 119.30; glutamic acid 72.00; glycine 86.50; ornithine 22.10; proline 87.00. Activity of alanine aminotransferase is 24.9 U/l (reference values 0-29 U/l), aspartate aminotransferase - 26.4 U/l (reference values 0-48 U/l).

 Control visit. After the diagnosis was verified by exome sequencing, the patient was prescribed etiotropic therapy: pyridoxal phosphate 300 mg/day. The pre-elevated (1070 nmol/l) plasma concentration of vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) normalized. EEG data - video monitoring showed moderately severe violations of BEA of the brain; the main rhythm is formed by age; registered regional slowing of the rhythm in the right central-parietal region. Epileptiform activity, clinical paroxysms, EEG patterns of epileptic seizures were not registered.

Final diagnosis: Genetic focal epilepsy due to a mutation in the PNPO gene (chr17: 46019139A> T, rs370243877). The type of attack is focal with impaired consciousness. PNPO developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Cognitive impairment. Alalia. Motor awkwardness.

Psychological status. Diagnostics of cognitive activity showed that the girl is accessible to contact; she does not speak and comprehension of the speech is shown only in the form of understanding simple commands and simple instructions for the task. The child's object-sensory activity is carried out 100% through visual perception and shape perception, the perception of size is developed by 50%, spatial perception - 12%, color perception is completely absent. The insufficiency of these afferentations is a consequence of the decrease in the “zone of actual development”, which may be attributed to pedagogical neglect. In the motor sphere, gross motor skills are fully formed, fine motor skills are developed by 54%, objective activity is formed by 9%, taking into account the skills of game and constructive praxis, speech function is developed by 25%, self-service skills - by 60%, socialization – by 40%. Psychological diagnostics of the state of higher mental functions was carried out by depicting the structural and functional features of the brain, as a result of which topical insufficiency of brain areas was revealed. Figure 1 shows the level of formation of brain zones.

Figure 1: The degree of formation of brain departments that implement sensory and motor skills.

Despite the pronounced cognitive deficit in the child, the implementation of the program of psychological rehabilitation may expand the "zone of actual development" in the structure of the sensory, subject and pedagogical profile (since there are preserved components of cognitive activity)

DISCUSSION

Patient’s clinical diagnosis was established only at the age of 5 years, based on clinical manifestations and exome sequencing. The primal reduction of the dose of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate provoked a relapse of status epilepticus and a regression of acquired cognitive skills. A subsequent increase of treatment in combination with dietary therapy provided an unstable clinical remission without further improvement in the patient's condition. Such a response to the therapy has also been demonstrated in other studies [6,7].

Although in patients with a typical course of the disease, there is a several-fold increase in the level of glycine and glutamic acid in the blood plasma [1,5–7,9], in our case there is a decrease in glycine to 86,50 µmol/l (norm: 100-400 µmol /l) and other amino acids. Hypoglycinemia is an extremely rare condition, it occurs only in severe hereditary aminoacidopathy, but in our patient, tandem mass spectrometry was performed twice (including against the background of an attack) in 2016 and did not show any data of hereditary aminoacidopathy, organic aciduria, defects β-oxidation of fatty acids. The girl has a positive reaction to the oral intake of amino acid complexes and glycine separately, therefore, additional genetic analysis can be performed for 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase deficiency, the clinical manifestations of which may be encephalopathy and seizures unresponsive to anticonvulsants [10]. Symptoms of this disease can be stopped by joint intake of serine and glycine so this diet may be developed for our patient. The study of vitamin B6 metabolites in de novo serine biosynthesis by Ramos et al (2017) had one group of rats which received a pyridoxine-deficient diet, while the diet of the control group of rats contained a normal amount of pyridoxine. This study has demonstrated a decrease in serine biosynthesis in Neuro-2a cells in vitamin B6 deficient rats. The pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-dependent enzyme phosphoserine aminotransferase (PSAT, EC 2.6.1.52) cannot function fully in conditions of vitamin B6 deficiency, and likely reduces the synthesis of phosphoserine and serine in animals on a pyridoxine-deficient diet. The production of glycine depends on the availability of serine and on the pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-dependent enzyme SHMT, which catalyzes part of the transformation of glycine, and the simultaneous deficiency of serine and pyridoxal-5'-phosphate can reduce its activity and lead to a decrease in the content of glycine in blood plasma [9].

Some authors reported EEG changes in patients with pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy [11]. In our patient, no clear epileptiform activity was registered either before or after the start of treatment with pyridoxal-5'-phosphate; this variant of EEG was also described by other researchers [5,6]. Changes in the brain during magnetic resonance imaging in patients with pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy may vary from normal to diffuse atrophy of the gray and white matter of the hemispheres [2]; in our case no changes were detected.

According to Plecko B. Et al., with late diagnosis stable remission after the appointment of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate is observed only in a few patients [1]. Early treatment is critical to prevent irreversible damage to the central nervous system and shows positive results [1,5,6]. Patients with pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy require lifelong supplementation with pyridoxal-5'-phosphate. Therapeutic doses of the drug vary from 15 to 30 mg/kg/day [1]. The daily requirement for vitamin B6 in infancy is 0.1–0.3 mg. Pyridoxal-5'-phosphate doses up to 500 mg/day are considered safe in children with classical vitamin B6 deficiency, but higher doses may cause reversible sensory and rare motor neuropathy [1], so total daily doses of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate, should not exceed 200-300 mg. There are no data on the optimal dose of the vitamin for long-term treatment. In experimental animals, doses of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate >50mg/kg/d induce ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, and muscle weakness; histological examination demonstrates neuronal damage with loss of myelin and degeneration of sensory fibers in peripheral nerves, dorsal columns of the spinal cord, and descending tract of the trigeminal nerve. In most cases of peripheral neuropathy, the total dose of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate is >1000 mg/day. Some children who take high concentrations of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate develop a persistent increase in transaminases with progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma [3]. To avoid side effects, a fixed effective dose should be used. However, studies showed that daily doses up to 1100 mg/day and 50 mg/kg/day to achieve a state without epileptic seizures did not cause any side effects when they were divided into 4–5 doses per day [12]. In our case the doses of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate less than 600 mg/day induces epileptic seizures and cognitive disfunction. Some mutations in the genes encoding of pyridoxamine-5-phosphate oxidase may require the combined treatment with pyridoxal-5'-phosphate and pyridoxine [12,13]. It is possible that such treatment will have a positive response in our patient as well.

Another interesting feature of this clinical case is an intolerance of the patient to many products: remission occurs only on a low-protein, low-fat diet with the exclusion of dairy, meat products and eggs. Similar dietary restrictions are observed in ALDH7A1 deficiency (antiquitin deficiency), which often accompanies PNPO gene mutation. In our case ALDH7A1 deficiency was excluded by exome sequencing [13,14]. However, a lysine-restricted diet can also be effective for homozygous mutations in the PNPO gene in some patients [14]. As an example of a diet, the recommendations of Koelker and Ross on glutaric aciduria type I can be used [15].

The patient also has a high content of vitamin B6 in plasma (775.0 nmol/l), which is typical response to an intake of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (described levels of vitamin B6 in plasma: 400 nmol/l, 1060 nmol /l and 624 nmol/l) [12,18]. It is not known why some patients continue to have seizures even when taking high doses of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate, while others grow almost normally [1,7,19]. The long-term prognosis for this patient remains unclear. For our patient a clarifying genetic study with modification of pharmacological treatment and diet is required, considering that the girl does not tolerate protein hydrolysates and an unstable clinical remission only on a low-protein low-fat diet with the exclusion of dairy, meat products and eggs.

CONCLUSIONS

DNA diagnostics using the method of sequencing of exome regions of the genome is a key method for early verification of the diagnosis of epilepsy in newborns and young children, which in combination with the therapy can improve the prognosis.

The presence of heterozygous mutations in this clinical case suggests other metabolic deficits, which complicates the selection of treatment and requires additional examination of the exome.

To ensure stable remission, nutritional correction is required to compensate for deficient conditions during severe elimination measures, as well as the selection of the minimum sufficient dosage of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate in combination with pyridoxine hydrochloride.

Topical neuropsychological diagnostics and psychological correction based on intact higher mental functions makes the recovery of the patient possible.

Conflict of Interest: The authors of this article have confirmed that there are no conflicts of interest or financial support to report.

For more information: https://jmedcasereportsimages.org/about-us/

For more submission : https://jmedcasereportsimages.org/

[androgynousmakerkitten]

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Teen Mental Health Arizona

Guiding Teens Through Mental Health and Substance Abuse Struggles. Paving the Way for Lifelong Solutions.

(480) 485-3424

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Nexus Teen Academy

Phoenix

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NEXUS TEEN ACADEMY MISSION

Teen Mental Health in Arizona: Support and Resources

Nexus Teen Academy is a purpose-driven organization offering an individualized approach to treatment for adolescents struggling with mental health concerns and substance abuse. Our teen residential treatment center offers therapeutic groups, individual counseling, and life skills to support our residents in creating a safe space to reflect, heal, and powerfully choose to redirect their lives’ trajectories. Together, we foster an environment of trust, integrity, and limitless possibility.

(480) 485-3424

Comfortable Residential Facility for Treatment & Healing

Nestled in the beauty of the Arizona desert, our teen residential treatment center offers more than just comfortable living spaces – it provides a safe and structured environment for your struggling teen’s recovery and growth. At Nexus Teen Academy, teens find comfort and inspiration to embark on their journey toward healing.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be the leading providers of adolescent behavioral health and sustainable recovery. Through our holistic, individualized approach to treatment, we skillfully empower adolescents to navigate their own healing by fortifying their mental health and cultivating powerful new skills to bring home to their families.

Our services

Effective Clinical Treatment Programs for Teens & Families

Thoughtful Discharge Plan

We partner with each family to develop a discharge plan to create clarity and momentum around the next steps in transitioning to different levels of care whether it’s Adolescent IOP, or connecting with a teen counselor near you.

Individualized Therapy Plan

Each teen receives multiple individual therapy sessions weekly. We use a range of assessments and therapeutic tools to customize each resident’s treatment journey.

Family Therapy & Empowerment Group.

Our dedicated family therapist works with each teen and their family to identify relational patterns. Together, we develop a pathway toward familial healing, and interpersonal growth. In the Family Empowerment Group, parents will learn effective ways of navigate their teen’s mental health and ongoing wellness.

Evidenced-Based Therapy

The powerful synergy of evidence-based therapy modalities and clinical expertise helps guide individualized personal growth for your teen.

Individual Teen Therapy

Tailored to each teen’s unique needs, our personalized recovery plans pave the way for sustainable healing.

Group Therapy

Our teen groups are the heart of Nexus’s program. Together, the teens build relational tools through psychoeducation, process therapy groups, psychodrama, wellness classes, and more.

Thoughtful Discharge Plan

We partner with each family to develop a discharge plan to create clarity and momentum around the next steps in transitioning to different levels of care whether it’s Adolescent IOP, or connecting with a teen counselor near you.

Individualized Therapy Plan

Each teen receives multiple individual therapy sessions weekly. We use a range of assessments and therapeutic tools to customize each resident’s treatment journey.

Meet Our Clinical Director

Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist ten years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. In the program, she worked with teens and their families, specializing in intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment, adverse childhood trauma, and other mental health concerns using group, individual, and family therapy modalities.

Hannah Carr LPC, BC-TMH

Clinical Director of Nexus Teen Academy

Learn More

Private Insurance Plans Accepted

We work with most major insurance providers. You can confidentially check to see if your treatment is covered by insurance. Our admissions experts are here to guide you through the process.

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Trauma-informed Therapy to Rebuild Purpose

Nexus Teen Academy’s Scottsdale, Arizona facility provides a tranquil place for teens to open up and heal. Our teen groups and individual counseling all reflect our core beliefs:

Get Started

Mental Health Treatment For Teens (Dual - Diagnosis)

Transform your teenager’s life with Nexus Teen Academy’s powerful dual diagnosis teen mental health treatment program. We don’t just scratch the surface; we dive deep to uncover the root causes of their struggles. Our team of dedicated clinical professionals combines cutting-edge therapies with proven success to ignite real change for your teen.

We understand the challenges you and your teenager face, and we’re here to guide you through this journey with unwavering compassion and support. Don’t wait – take the first step towards a brighter future today.

(480) 485-3424

PTSD

Trauma

Teen Self Harm

Anxiety

Suicidal Thoughts

Depression

Low Self-worth

Mood and Behavior Disorders

ADHD/Impulse Control

Psychotic Disorders

Personality Disorders

Mood Swings & Anger

Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment

Our clinical experts at Nexus Teen Academy, are well-versed in the unique challenges that adolescents and their families face when dealing with teen addiction. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of care and support for teenagers who are facing substance abuse issues.

Focusing on evidence-based therapies, our clinical team offers comprehensive assessments, individualized treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring to ensure that each teen receives the best possible care. Through a combination of group therapy, individual counseling, family involvement, and holistic wellness programs, we strive to empower teenagers with the tools they need to overcome addiction and build a brighter future.

[highlandphysio]

Why Physiotherapy is Essential for Recovery: Insights for Kitchener-Waterloo Residents

Recovery from an injury, surgery, or chronic condition can be challenging. For residents of Kitchener-Waterloo, physiotherapy offers a proven pathway to regain strength, mobility, and overall well-being. Whether dealing with sports injuries, back pain, or postsurgical recovery, physiotherapy provides tailored care to support healing and improve quality of life.

Understanding PhysiotherapyPhysiotherapy is a healthcare specialty that restores movement and functions. Using evidence-based techniques, physiotherapists create treatment plans tailored to help patients recover faster and avoid future injuries.

Physiotherapy in Kitchener-Waterloo is highly valued and accessible. Clinics such as Highland Physio and Rehab have ensured that residents receive the professional care they need.

Advantages of Physiotherapy Physiotherapy is highly effective in healing. The following are some of the significant advantages of physiotherapy for recovery.

No Prescription of Medication for Pain Physiotherapy heals using techniques like manual therapy, exercise, and modalities, including ultrasound, which does not include prescribing medication to reduce pain. This eliminates the reliance on painkillers.

Enhances Mobility and Flexibility Stiffness following an injury or surgery hampers mobility. A physiotherapist devises exercises that increase flexibility, making it easy to engage in day-to-day activities.

Faster recovery after surgery Recovery after surgery may also involve guidance. Physiotherapy helps with recovery by strengthening the muscles, improving circulation, and minimizing scarring.

Reduced risk of injury Educating and educating specific exercises helps people know their bodies, thus reducing the chance of re-injury.

The holistic approach to health Physiotherapy deals with the root cause of issues, not just the symptoms. It helps people to achieve overall wellness and live active, independent lives.

Who Can Benefit from Physiotherapy? Physiotherapy is suitable for people of all ages and conditions. Some common reasons that residents seek physiotherapy in the Kitchener-Waterloo region include.

Sports Injuries  Athletes recovering from sprains, strains, or fractures can benefit from targeted rehabilitation programs.

Chronic Pain Physiotherapy is very effective in dealing with conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Workplace Injuries Cases of repetitive strain injuries or accidents at work often demand physiotherapy for an absolute recovery.

PostSurgical Care Joint replacements, spinal surgeries, and other procedures do demand a structured rehabilitation.

Neurological Conditions Patients with stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis can improve mobility and function using physiotherapy.

The Process of Physiotherapy The physiotherapy journey starts with an assessment. A qualified physiotherapist in Kitchener-Waterloo assesses the patient's condition, medical history, and goals and creates a customized treatment plan based on this. Treatments may include the following.

Manual Therapy Hands-on techniques to relieve pain and improve joint function.

Exercise Therapy Strengthening and stretching exercises to enhance mobility and endurance.

Modalities Tools like heat, cold, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to support recovery.

Education Instruction on posture, movement, and lifestyle changes to help recover and prevent further problems.

Selecting the Best Physiotherapy in Kitchener-Waterloo A good clinic is important for recovery. Kitchener Waterloo has many options, but choosing a reliable provider makes all the difference. Highland Physio and Rehab can be your go-to partner for physiotherapy in Kitchener-Waterloo. Contact them today to start on your road to recovery.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Molnupiravir May Offer Modest 6-Month Benefits for High-Risk COVID Patients - Published Sept 11, 2024

by Katherine Kahn

People with acute COVID-19 who took the antiviral drug molnupiravir (Lagevrio) reported modest improvements in symptoms, less time off from work or study, and less healthcare utilization at 6 months post-infection, a follow-up analysis of the prospective, open-label PANORAMIC trial suggested.

Among patients who received molnupiravir 800 mg twice per day plus usual care for 5 days after diagnosis with COVID-19, 8.5% reported persistent symptoms at 6 months compared with 11% who received usual care only (adjusted risk difference -2.5%), reported Christopher Butler, MBChB, MD, of the University of Oxford in England, and colleagues in Lancet Infectious Diseasesopens in a new tab or window.

At 3 months after treatment, use of healthcare or social services was also lower in the molnupiravir group at 14.1% versus 15.5% in the usual care group (adjusted risk difference -1.4%). There was a trend in the same direction at 6 months, but the adjusted risk difference was only -0.5%.

There were no differences in hospitalizations or deaths between the two groups at 3 and 6 months follow-up.

"This study was a secondary long-term analysis, and although we did not correct for multiplicity, the number of statistically superior outcomes make chance a very unlikely explanation of the results," the researchers wrote. "The trial design was pragmatic and open-label; therefore, participants were not masked and recovery and well-being outcomes were ascertained by self-reporting."

The study showed that the numbers needed to treat were high, noted co-author Victoria Harris, PhD, also of University of Oxford, in a press releaseopens in a new tab or window. "For instance, only one person would have less severe symptoms from a total of 53 people who took molnupiravir, and only one person would have used fewer NHS [National Health Service] services from a total of 71 people who took molnupiravir," she said.

Among participants who received molnupiravir, 17.9% reported having any time off from work or study at 3 months versus 22.4% in the usual care group, for an adjusted risk difference of -5.3%. At 6 months, 4.4% in the molnupiravir group reported having time off from work or study versus 5.4% in the usual treatment group (adjusted risk difference -1.1%), and about 91 patients would need to be treated to benefit one patient.

Molnupiravir is an expensive drug, Harris pointed out. In the U.S., a 5-day course costs about $1,000 opens in a new tab or windowwithout insurance coverage.

"Given the small additional number of participants who benefited from taking molnupiravir, compared to those who did not take the drug, long-term health benefits will need to be weighed up against costs and any unwanted effects," she emphasized.

The trial did not address the efficacy of molnupiravir in preventing long COVID, but Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, of the VA St. Louis Health Care System in Missouri, said in an accompanying editorialopens in a new tab or window that antivirals may one day play a role in long COVID treatment and prevention.

"The use of antivirals to reduce the risk of long COVID is grounded in the hypothesis that viral persistence and possible ongoing replication of SARS-CoV-2 are major mechanistic pathways responsible for long COVID," he commented. "Evidence for this hypothesis is growing." Studies have identified persistence of viral RNA or protein fragmentsopens in a new tab or window and the presence of T-cell activationopens in a new tab or window and double-stranded viral RNA months to years after infection with SARS-CoV-2, Al-Aly noted.

"The promising results from the PANORAMIC trial are consistent with results from well conducted observational analyses as they both converge on finding a modest effect of molnupiravir in reducing the risk of long COVID in high-risk individuals," Al-Aly wrote.

"Concerns, however, have been raised about the mutagenicity of molnupiravir," he pointed out. "Furthermore, effectiveness of molnupiravir or [other SARS-CoV-2 antivirals] in reducing risk of long COVID in low-risk populations, including younger individuals with no comorbid medical conditions, has not been evaluated," he cautioned.

The CDC recommendsopens in a new tab or window molnupiravir as an alternative to nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) for the treatment of acute mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in non-pregnant adults at risk for severe disease, to be started within 5 days of symptom onset.

The PANORAMIC trial took place from December 2021 to April 2022 and included 25,783 participants who were randomly assigned to molnupiravir twice a day for 5 days plus usual care (n=12,821) or usual care alone (n=12,962) generally within 5 days of a COVID-19 infection.

To enroll, patients had to be either 50 years and older or 18 and older with at least one comorbidity. Mean age of participants was 56.6 years, 58.6% were female, and 93% had received at least three vaccine doses. Comorbidities included lung disease in 24%, hypertension in 22%, obesity in 15%, diabetes in 12%, a weakened immune system in 9%, and heart disease in 8%.

In the initial analysisopens in a new tab or window of the trial, molnupiravir failed to reduce the risk for hospitalization or death at 28 days from COVID-19 in high-risk, vaccinated outpatients, but did shorten recovery times from a median of 15 days to 9 days (HR 1.36).

Long-term follow-up data for the current analysis were available for about 89% of all participants -- about 92% in the treatment group and 87% in the usual care group.

Researchers contacted participants at 3 and 6 months and asked them to complete online or telephone questionnaires. Patients were asked to rate how well they felt, whether they had taken time off from work or study, or if they had been hospitalized. Patients also rated symptoms on a 4-point scale. Symptoms included fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, or feeling unwell.

The authors acknowledged that the open-label study design may have influenced patient self-reports of recovery and well-being. They also emphasized that the study was not an efficacy trial.

Study Link: www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(24)00431-6/fulltext (PAYWALLED)

[stephleb]

Jumpstart Your Healthcare Career: Top CNA Training Programs in Utica, NY

Jumpstart Your Healthcare Career: Top CNA Training Programs in‍ Utica,​ NY

if you’re looking to enter the rewarding field of ⁤healthcare, becoming a Certified Nursing ⁢Assistant (CNA) is an excellent choice. Not only is the demand⁣ for ⁣CNAs soaring, especially in areas like Utica, NY, but the roles also offer fulfilling opportunities to make a difference in patients’ lives. In this article, we’ll explore the top CNA training programs available in ⁢Utica that can help you ‍kickstart your healthcare career.

The Importance of CNA Training Programs

CNA training programs are essential for preparing individuals for the responsibilities that come wiht patient care. A solid training program will equip you with ​the necessary skills, ‍knowledge, and confidence needed to excel‍ in your role. Key components of CNA training​ include:

Patient care techniques

Understanding medical terminology

Basic nursing skills

Emergency⁢ response protocols

Interpersonal communication

Top CNA Training Programs in Utica, ⁢NY

Here are⁢ some of the leading CNA training programs available in Utica, NY, that are recognized for⁢ thier quality education and​ effective training methods.

Institution

Program Length

Cost

Contact Facts

Mohawk Valley Community college

6-8 weeks

$1,000

info@mvcc.edu

CNA Training Institute of New York

4-6 weeks

$850

info@cnatrainingny.com

Utica School of Commerce

6 weeks

$1,200

info@usc.edu

Benefits of Becoming a CNA

Becoming ⁢a CNA offers a myriad of benefits beyond‌ just a paycheck. Here are some of the ⁢key advantages:

High Demand: The healthcare sector continuously needs CNAs, ensuring job security and multiple employment opportunities.

Flexible Work​ Hours: Manny facilities offer shifts that ‌can‌ accommodate your schedule, whether you’re looking for full-time or part-time work.

Gateway to Further Education: Working as ⁣a CNA can serve as a stepping stone to⁣ more advanced healthcare roles, such ⁣as LPN ⁢or RN.

Personal Satisfaction: Being⁣ a CNA allows you to have a direct impact on ‌patients’ comfort and quality of life.

Practical ​Tips for Choosing the⁣ Right CNA Program

Selecting the right ​CNA training program is crucial for your career success. Here are some ‍tips to​ help you make an informed decision:

Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized body to guarantee quality education.

Curriculum: Review the curriculum to ensure ⁢it covers both theoretical knowledge and practical‌ skills.

Job Placement Assistance: Look for⁣ programs ⁣that​ offer job‍ placement services or connections within the ​healthcare community.

Alumni Feedback: Research reviews and testimonials from‍ former students to gauge the effectiveness of the training.

Real-Life Experiences: Insights from⁣ CNAs

To give you a better understanding of the CNA role, let’s hear from some individuals who completed their training‌ in Utica:

“I ⁤enrolled at Mohawk‌ Valley Community College and found the program to be‌ extremely thorough. The instructors were experienced, and I felt well-prepared ​for​ my​ first job.” – Sarah, CNA

“The training at CNA ​Training Institute was intensive but rewarding. The​ hands-on experience was invaluable, and I ⁢now feel confident in my skills.” – John, CNA

Career Opportunities for CNAs in utica

Upon ⁣completion of ‌your CNA program,⁤ a variety of career pathways await you:

Hospitals: Working in ‍a fast-paced environment, providing direct ‌patient care.

Nursing Homes: Offering essential assistance ⁤to elderly patients and ensuring their comfort.

Home Health Agencies: Providing personalized care to clients in their homes.

rehabilitation Centers: Assisting patients in their recovery process post-surgery or illness.

Conclusion

For anyone⁢ looking to start a fulfilling‌ career in healthcare,⁢ enrolling in a CNA training program is the first step towards‌ achieving​ that dream. Utica, NY, offers a variety of high-quality training ‍options tailored to fit different needs and schedules. By choosing a program that aligns with your goals‌ and interests, you can jumpstart ​a career that not only promises job security and stability‍ but also offers the profound reward of helping others. Take the ‍leap today, and transform your passion‌ for caregiving into a prosperous healthcare career!

https://cnatrainingcentral.com/jumpstart-your-healthcare-career-top-cna-training-programs-in-utica-ny/

[marylcna]

Leading Schools Offering CNA Training: Your Pathway to a Rewarding Healthcare Career

Top Schools Offering CNA‌ Training: Your Pathway to a Rewarding Healthcare ‌career

Top Schools Offering CNA Training: Your Pathway to a Rewarding Healthcare Career

The ​healthcare industry is one of the most rapidly growing fields in⁣ the⁣ United States, and ‍becoming a Certified Nursing⁤ Assistant⁣ (CNA)⁣ is⁤ an excellent way to​ start your career in this field.​ If ⁣you are looking to make ‌a ​meaningful ‍impact on⁣ people’s ⁣lives while enjoying job security and growth⁤ opportunities, pursuing CNA ⁤training⁢ is the perfect pathway.In ⁤this thorough guide,we will⁤ explore the top schools ⁤offering CNA training,along with their programs,benefits,and practical tips ⁤for aspiring CNAs.

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

A ‍Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides ⁣essential support to nurses and patients in various ⁣healthcare⁢ settings. ⁤Their responsibilities typically include:

Assisting patients with ⁢daily living activities

Monitoring vital signs

preparing patients for‌ treatment

Documenting patient care and ⁤progress

The CNA ‍role is crucial, as these​ professionals are often ‍the primary⁣ caregivers for patients. The ‍demand for CNAs‌ continues to grow, making this a stable and ‍rewarding career choice.

Benefits of Becoming a ⁣CNA

Choosing a career as a CNA comes with numerous advantages:

High ⁢Demand: The healthcare industry​ is rapidly expanding, creating an ever-growing need for CNAs.

Short‌ training Period: Many CNA programs can be completed in just​ a few weeks or months.

Flexible Work⁢ Hours: CNAs ⁤often have‍ the option to work full-time, part-time, or on⁣ a shift basis.

Career Advancement Opportunities: Experience as a CNA can lead to other roles in healthcare.

Making a Difference: CNAs play a ​vital‌ role in patient care, providing a sense of fulfillment.

Top ‌Schools Offering CNA Training

Here are some of the​ top schools recognized for offering ‍exceptional CNA training programs:

School Name

Location

Program Length

Certification Rate

Arizona College

Phoenix, AZ

8 Weeks

95%

Penn Foster College

Online

Self-Paced

90%

Chamberlain University

Multiple Locations

8 Weeks

97%

Gateway Community College

New ⁣Haven, CT

5 Weeks

92%

Western Kentucky university

Bowling⁣ Green, KY

6 Weeks

93%

Understanding CNA training Programs

Before enrolling in a CNA‌ program, its essential to understand what ​to expect.⁣ Here are the key components of CNA training:

Theory Classes: covering essential topics like‍ patient care, anatomy, and infection control.

Hands-on Training: Practical experience​ in simulated​ labs⁢ or⁤ clinical settings.

Certification‍ Exam ⁤Preparation: Most⁤ programs prepare you‍ for the state ⁣certification exam ⁢required to become a CNA.

Practical Tips for‌ Aspiring CNAs

Here ⁢are ‍some practical tips to succeed in your CNA⁤ training and career:

Choose the Right Program: Research​ schools carefully to find one that fits your needs and has good reviews.

Stay Organized: ‌Keep track of your‍ assignments and ⁢schedule study time‌ regularly.

Engage ‍with Instructors: Build relationships with your instructors for advice and mentorship.

Network: Connect with peers and professionals in the field⁤ to open ​doors for job opportunities post-certification.

Practice Empathy: CNAs work ‌closely with patients; empathy is crucial in providing⁢ excellent care.

First-Hand⁣ Experiences from CNAs

To give you further insight, we spoke with a few CNAs about their experiences:

Sarah, a recent CNA‌ graduate: “The training was challenging but ‌rewarding.⁢ I ‍feel prepared for real-life situations, and I love connecting with my patients.” ‍

John, an experienced CNA: “It’s a⁣ tough job, but seeing patients improve and knowing you⁢ played a part in their recovery is incredibly fulfilling.” ​

Conclusion

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can pave the way for⁢ a fulfilling and stable career in healthcare. Enrolling in ‌one of the ⁤top CNA ⁣training programs ⁢not ​only equips you⁣ with the necessary skills but also opens doors to various ​advancement opportunities within the medical field. Whether you’re just starting or looking to transition into healthcare, pursuing CNA training is an excellent‌ step towards improving lives, including your own. Take the‌ leap​ today and start your‌ journey towards a rewarding⁤ career!

https://www.cnacertificationschools.net/leading-schools-offering-cna-training-your-pathway-to-a-rewarding-healthcare-career/