Sore throat upper back pain

started taking birth control a month ago, since then my side effects are horrible. im having cramps, lower back pain, extreme emotions, today im mid pack and I feel like im ovulating even tho you cant on bc?? i had some light spotting also today, nothing bad. im terrified because recently i went through an abortion (which i wanted) but i think i developed some trauma and now thinking that im pregnant again because of the symptoms + i have severe health anxiety so this doesn’t help at all, can you please tell me that starting birth control can have these side effects and its not something else? im losing my mind xD THANKU

Hi Everyone Wanted to share my experience dealing with joystick drift on my xbox controller.
So my original controller which came with the Series S started showing signs of joystick drift around 1 year after the purchase. Initially I bared it, but it became a pain when playing games such as overcooked 2.
Spending 5k more on buying a controller didn't seem to make a lot of sense since I had one more controller, the only issue was with couch co-op games.
So I first tried to call up local repair shops and they quoted me insanely high numbers to replace the joystick - roughly 2k. I live in Hyd, these prices might be lower in places such as Delhi.
Then the engineer in me got an itch, and I thought why not replace it myself. Searching on amazon I found this - TCOS TECH Xbox Series X/S Analog 3D Analog Joystick Replacement for Xbox Series S Xbox Series X Wireless Controller : Amazon.in: Video Games (not sponsored or affiliated in any way)
I thought it should just be a simple soldering job and I ordered a soldering kit with this.
Then I started, and oh my, it was a really scary experience.
So the difference between soldering normally, and removing solders made by hand is generally very easy. But in things such as the controller, the soldering is done using automated machines on the PCB.
Removing these solders is not possible using normal soldering guns you might have for hobbies etc. They require significantly more heat to remove.
So yeah, I spent a long time trying to heat and remove the solder to no avail, the PCB almost changed a bit of it's colour, and I was like I have anyways messed this up.
Then I started exploring more on youtube to see more simpler techniques, there were techniques around just breaking the potentiometers/joystick instead of the solder, and then just move it back and forth to break the solder.
I thought I'll do this on the whole joystick, but just doing it on one of the potentiometers was too much effort and scary. Scary in terms of breaking the whole thing up.
Then I ended up only breaking 1 potentiometer (the front-back one which had the drift) and then replacing it with a potentiometer from the one I had purchased. After much more effort and abusing the PVC very badly with heat, solder and the hole from where I removed the older potentiometer, it looked like a complete mess. I was worried if it would even turn on.
Luckily after few minor adjustments, the joystick was working perfectly. I can honestly say, I felt super happy!
Fast forward to 2months since this, now the joystick has a different kind of problem, where it randomly gets stuck in top direction, hopefully might be fixable with minor tweaks.
All in all it was a very scary experience (of destroying my whole controller), and I won't recommend it to anyone if you don't have advanced soldering skills and equipment.
Better approach would be to buy a stick like this online and then maybe go to a mobile repair shop and pay them some money to help with soldering.

Old man rant incoming.
BUT finding out Lemaire got his $80k in student loans forgiven was a kick in the nuts.
Hear me out. I like Lemaire, and have zero problem with him personally. That said, he clearly didn’t belong in college, like a lot of people these days. It did him no good. He admitted (like most people I knew who did GSL’s in college) he wasted a lot of that money on non-educational spending.
Now the rest of us will pay back that money. The Lemaire’s of the world just got freed up to make some more bad life & financial choices & hard working Americans will be poorer for it.
I know many younger people who are struggling right now. Trying to get a reliable car, afford rent, start a business…and they’re gonna get worse than nothing. They’re gonna have all their same problems PLUS they’re gonna help pay off student loans for ‘educations’ they didn’t get.
Worst of all, many that will benefit from this aren’t even poor. Most will come from upper middle class backgrounds and have advanced degrees.
Finally, I’ll add that as a college graduate I’m no longer convinced that it’s necessary for success…in most cases the opposite is true. And unlike many parents who think college has become a waste, my 19 & 20 year olds aren’t in college. Both are gainfully employed making $23+ an hour with full benefits.
I’m 53 and worked all of my adult life, I grew up on a farm where my folks worked 2&3 jobs on top of farming to pay bills. I know how hard it is to save $80k. I know how much I pay in taxes. Biden didn’t just give away $80k of Gov money…he gave away $80k of our money. And like the old saying goes…time is money, and money is time. He just robbed us all of time…and you can’t get more of that back.
We’re in deep 💩. The lack of accountability & bailing out bad choices will be the destruction of us. I know this isn’t funny or fun…but neither is life sometimes.
Those of you who don’t care or disagree with my views will no doubt be amongst those who have no responsibility or accountability in their lives.

Morrigan went to join her lily in her room, joining her apothecary in the making of their garden. She hoped it would calm her down, she hoped that she could smell that sweet smell again, she hoped that she could show her traitor son that he was wrong. She would show him that he was wrong, even if she had no idea how to garden.
Morrigan spent a lot of time working on the garden with her lily and apothecary, often without her armor. She wasn't sure how she would feel outside of her armor in the presence of another, but she grew to appreciate the opportunity. She noticed that the apothecary wore their mask less often around her, and even offered to help her with gardening. Morrigan refused, stubbornly insisting that she could do it herself, even though she was having no success whatsoever. However, even though she found the experience of gardening to be incredibly frustrating, it was also calming in a sense. The apothecary found this stubborn determination adorable in a sense. They had figured out what kind of flowers their lady liked and grew the ones that they liked best. It helped with their lady's unique smell, even though they had gotten somewhat used to it by now. They even started making perfumes, leaving them in their lady’s room without her knowledge. Morrigan loved the perfumes she knew her lily had made, but didnt say anything in case her apothecary would find out she actually liked them.
After much time and hard work, Morrigan finally got her first flower to bloom. It was a white lily, which she placed gently in the apothecary room, as a token. The apothecary found it rather touching, pinning their lady’s flower to their breast pocket, so they could carry it wherever they go.
The Primarch’s room would soon become a beautiful green space, so much so that Morrigan would often take off her mask when she was alone to smell the flowers and experience the work she and her lily had done. One day, while her lily was gardening, she handed them a new set of orders stating they would be moving into the room to better take care of the garden. The apothecary nodded, and moved their stuff into the garden, before returning to their work. They noticed that Morrigan didn't wear her mask anymore, and she never wore her armor in the garden. They didn’t ask their lady about it; they simply appreciated the trust.
Morrigan started bringing her Lily out of the garden more often, taking them on campaigns, to meetings and the like. Her sons questioned her intentions of bringing an apothecary during discussions of military matters.
“Mother, is it strictly necessary for the apothecary to be here? They have no training in the art of war, and they are not participating in the combat on the surface. I think it would be bes….”
Morrigan stared daggers at her son, her mask hiding the anger in her face. “The apothecary will stay. This way they can best prepare for the incoming casualties. That is final. Now let us continue planning the assault.” The apothecary smiled beneath their mask but made sure that this would be evident to their lady’s sons. They judged it would be best to not antagonize them.
After several successful campaigns, the Endurance once again returned to Barbaros, though as they arrived, they were greeted by another ship orbiting the planet. That ship was the Photep, flagship of Morrigan’s sister Magnolia. Morrigan had her vox master send a vox to her sister’s ship.
“Sister, what brings you here?” Morrigan said, questioning the intentions of her sister. She knew that Magnolia would not be here for a simple social call. She was here for something, probably knowledge.
“Sister! I am simply here to pay you a visit. I’ll arrive shortly.” Then the vox cut.
Morrigan gripped her scythe angrily. ‘That bitch’ she thought, ‘inviting herself, ignoring my questions. I’ll show her arrogant ass what for.’ She turned to her lily, her anger fading somewhat at the sight of her flower still pinned to her lily’s chest. “Apothecary, come with me. My sister may need some ‘assistance’ after I’m done with her.” Lily nodded, following quickly at the side of their lady as they made their way to the hangar.
Magnolia’s Stormhawk landed shortly after Morrigan and her Lily arrived in the hangar. Magnolia stepped out alone, a group of her sons waiting behind on the Stormhawk. Magnolia’s eyes were immediately drawn to the powerful psychic energy coming from the apothecary next to her sister. Lily could feel a strong probing psychic force in their mind, searching for information. Lily could also feel their lady’s anger and burning hatred. They gently placed their hand on Morrigan’s, before returning their hand to their side. Morrigan was shaken by this simple act, but she decided she would deal with it later. First, she needed to handle her sister.
Magnolia greeted her sister with a smile and gestured to the apothecary to Morrigan’s side. “Sister, what a lovely little psyker you have there. Have you finally changed your mind?” Magnolia said smugly.
Morrigan advanced upon Magnolia, ready to behead her sister for her insolence and arrogance. But once again, her Lily placed their hand upon hers. She knew it would be best to ensure they did not get hurt. “My Lily…!” Morrigan's voice, once angry, was now caught in her throat. Had she said it out loud. “Ahem, my apothecary is not a psyker. They are simply a talented apothecary, not a sorcerer like you. Perhaps your sorcery is failing you sister? Perhaps you could still see properly if you had both of your eyes.” She spat, her mask expelling gas in powerful blasts of anger. “If you have a purpose for your visit, state it. Otherwise get off my ship and return to your librarium sister.”
Magnolia, now frustrated, turned and left. “Your ignorance will bite you one day sister, that I assure you.” She said before her Stormhawk returned to her ship. She would find the knowledge she was looking for another way. Barbarus surely had knowledge that she could make great use of. She would just have to try and get it some other way.
Morrigan looked down at their Lily. They had held their hand the whole time, and it almost brought a smile to Morrigan’s face. “Let us return to our duties.” She said, letting go of her lily’s hand, and walked with them back to the garden. Morrigan couldn’t quite understand what emotions were going through her mind, so she focused on cultivating her plants, keeping her mind away from what she went through.
Nurgle was watching the two, smiling uglily. His plan would be put into place soon. Soon he would have the Primarch in his grips. He just needed to give her a little bit of a push. Targeting her apothecary would be of great benefit…

Hi friends, We recently started writing about Danish idioms on our newsletter the Simple Danish Newsletter - I also started posting them here on Reddit, but I have not been great at keeping up, and so now I am 12 weeks behind here on Reddit, and rather than space out 12 different posts, I thought I would do one big post and hopefully get back on track with the postings 😅 So here’s a bunch of Danish idioms for you!
At have det som blommen i et æg
Litterally; to feel like the yolk in an egg. I like this idiom a lot because of how visual it is. It means that you feel good, you feel comfortable, protected, and in the right place.
For example:
A: Se de søde killinger der sover.
B: Åårh, de har sikkert som blommen i et æg.
En heldig kartoffel
Literally, a lucky potato. If someone is especially lucky, in Danish ,you can call them a lucky potato. As far as I can read, the expression comes from an old sailors game, where you would pass a potato around in a circle, and a person in the middle would try to catch it. If the person in the middle could not catch the potato, it was said to be a lucky potato.
For example: A: Jeg har fri på fredag, så jeg kan nyde det gode vejr.
B: Din heldige kartoffel.
A: Har du hørt at Jonas har vundet i lotto? B: Sikke en heldig kartoffel!
En varm kartoffel
Something can also be a hot potato. It is the same expression as in english, where an issue can be a hot potato. Something so hot that it is painful to touch, and so something you would want to avoid. This expression is less used in Denmark, and mostly by newspapers or the older generations.
Lokummet brænder
Litterally: The toilet is on fire.
Either you are in big trouble or you are about to be in big trouble when your toilet is on fire.
Lokum in Danish used to refer to the old shed behind the house, where hole-in-the-ground-with-seat type toilets with no running water were found. Nowadays the word can also refer, with some disgust, to normal toilets.
For example:

• Danskerne er gode til at få psykologisk hjælp når lokummet brænder.
  
• Når lokummet brænder, ved jeg at jeg altid kan regne med dig.
  

Så er den ged barberet
Litterally translating to; then the goat is shaved. Means that something is done or solved. You can use it if you got an annoying task out of the way, either by avoiding the task entirely (and then ironically using så er den ged barberet to humorously say that it was easy), or by actually finishing it.
Example 1: Jeg skal lige færdiggøre den sidste del af præsentationen, og så er den ged barberet.
Example 2: FCK scorede et hurtigt mål mod Brøndby, og så var den ged barberet.
Hvor kragerne vender
Where the crows turn around is used to to mean the same as in the middle of nowhere, although I like the illustrativeness of the Danish phrase much more than in the middle of nowhere. It means somewhere so far away, that even the crows don’t dare go there. You can for example say; Rasmus er vokset op på landet. Der hvor kragerne vender. Or if someone asks you what you did this weekend, you can say: jeg var ude at gå en tur, helt derude hvor kragerne vender. Or if people ask you where you are from: jeg er fra en lille by ude hvor kragerne vender.
Den der kommer først til mølle, får først malet
Litterally; The one who arrives first at the mill will get milled first. This is pretty much the the Danish equivalent of first come, first serve, mixed with a bit of the early bird gets the worm. However in everyday life, you pretty much only hear the first part; først til mølle or you might see something like; “efter først til mølle princip” which was recently added to the Danish dictionary. You might see the phrase if you are looking at items being given away for free or being sold online. I can definitely see how the isolated phrase can confuse new learners though: “Selling sneakers. First to the mill.”
So now you know 😊
at spille kong gulerod
At spille kong gulerod, to play king-carrot. You can use this expression if someone is acting arrogant, cocky, or superior in a pretentious way. You can for example say du skal ikke komme her og spille kong gulerod if someone is being pompous around you. The phrase apparently comes from an old french, satirical opera from 1872, where vegetables from the garden take control over France. Or so I’ve heard. Don’t cite me on that.
At købe katten i sækken
Literally meaning to buy the cat in the sack. To buy the cat in the sack, means you got cheated in a trade, or that you were not diligent enough when checking what you were buying and got something not worth a lot. You can change the person or the idiom in the idiom as in jeg har købt katten i sækken meaning you already made the bad deal, or you can say hun køber katten i sækken in the 3rd person future tense if someone is going to make a bad decision. You can use it as a warning to someone Pas på du ikke køber katten i sækken if you think there’s a risk they will not make a good choice later.
At gå som katten om den varme grød
Litterally; to walk like the cat around the hot porridge. We use this idiom when someone hesitates to speak directly about a sensitive subject, when they skirt around the issue. I imagine a cat, interested in eating a nice bowl of hot porridge, but the cat is hesitant because it is afraid of burning its tongue.
Example: I forbindelse med spørgsmålet om klimaforandringer, gik politikerne som katten om den varme grød.
at skyde papegøjen
To shoot the parrot, or to have shot the parrot, means to be very lucky. It can also mean to have gotten hold of a very valuable object or person. It is in a sensee the opposite of having bought the cat in the sack. Here’s a few examples:
Rasmus har skudt papegøjen med hende Antonina. Hun er godt nok sød. Jeg har skudt papegøjen her I weekenden på loppemarkedet.
Det med småt
“that with small/little” or more legibly: the fine print.
Har du læst det med småt? Did you read the fine print? You will often see this when websites are trying to be transparent or quirky about their terms and conditions. So you might encounter a link or a website titled “det med småt” if you are trying to buy something.
That was all for now 😅 I apologize in advance for formatting problems, as I am writing this on mobile as apparently this is the only way Reddit will allow me to post multiple images.

Good morning!
Last few days I've had nausea from my post-nasal drip. I feel like there's an endless supply of mucus draining into my throat, stomach, and back of mouth and it's making me want to vomit. I was going to pick up some Sudafed (not PE) during lunch, then I read that it's not a good idea to mix it with adderall.
I take 20mg IR 2x a day.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,

https://www.reddit.com/BinIchDasArschloch/s/0wS0sm5cLJ

TRANSLATED FROM GERMAN AITA

"AITA because I have informed someone about side effects?
I (25f) yesterday went out with a friend (26f) and her sister (22f) for coffee. I don't really know my friend's sister and have only seen her 2x so far.
The sister then said at some point that she had to briefly go to the pharmacy to get her prescription. And then she proudly said that she has finally been prescribed meds for her acne.
I perked up, I myself completed my treatment with isotretinoin a few months ago.
She was totally excited and was very happy. Also about the fact that she got the drug, even though her acne is not so bad (her words).
Long story short: At some point we came to talk about the side effects. The sister said that it can't be that bad. Finally beautiful skin.
I then corrected her and said that the drug does not suddenly make you beautiful skin and you have to really go through the side effects first. (she also has the same dosage as me)
She didn't want to believe me, because all meds have an endless list of side effects that never apply anyway.
I then showed her pictures of my skin in the first few weeks, scaly, peeling everywhere, painful. In addition, the constant nosebleeds, the sun sensitivity, the back and hip pain, the hair loss, the torn lips.. all really not great.
I also gave her a few products and tips that helped me a lot with the side effects.
Of course, the side effects are different for everyone, but I honestly find it somewhat critical that her dermatologist never really pointed them out? Also, that she may not get pregnant under any circumstances and basically has to commit to an abortion, for example. It was probably omitted to her (or she just overheard)
In the end, the sister angrily stormed off, saying I would make everything bad for her and just want to scare her.
I honestly didn't understand the world anymore - I wouldn't necessarily want to take medication like that now. If she is not sufficiently informed by her doctor, then at least by someone who had the same experience. Maybe she has no / slight side effects, then of course I am happy for her. But I would have liked someone to give me useful tips and recommend products.
My friend now thinks it was a bit unnecessary from me, but says her sister is also really sensitive.
I'm wondering now - AITA because I warned her about the side effects?"
again, I am NOT the original poster. I just found it and thought it was interesting, and translated it for yall. German is my first language.

About two months ago I started having stomach aches/cramping, changes in bowel habits and a feeling like something was stuck or like I wasn’t done even if I’d just gone to the bathroom or knew I didn’t need to go. I went to a GI about two weeks later and she said it could be colitis or IBS, she called for a FIT test and blood work (both came back normal) and a six week diet (two weeks gluten free, two lactose free and two fodmap). While the stomach pains went away, the changes in bowel and the feeling of something stuck or incomplete did not go away. I had a follow up yesterday and now she has ordered a colonoscopy for a month from now. She mentioned it could be internal hemorrhoids or colitis and also said she’s not worried but still wants to go in and look. Even though she seems unconcerned I am terrified. My worst fear is that it could be something much more serious and that diagnosis is taking too long. My question is do those of you who have experienced similar symptoms agree with her assessment or could my fears be valid and I should do more to get answers sooner? All thoughts welcome, thank you in advance.

Haiii, so 1 week ago~ I started shaving my legs, but there's a problem :/ every time I shave my legs I either accidentally hurt myself or I give up because it takes too long I do it with a razor and it takes me a long time and it's so painful to shave the back of my legs :/ and I was wondering if there was another way to shave? One that's probably quicker and also one where I can't hurt myself, although it's going to be a bit difficult for me because I had to negotiate for 2-3 months with my mom to get her to allow me to use a razor :/ also it's not really related but when I shave my leg after 2-3 days I'm already seeing new hairs, so if anyone here knows how to make them grow less it could be really helpful^^ anyway i hope everyone here is having a great day/night :3

Humans don’t look like much at first glance.
Herevordal had heard the stories of human berserkers and their battle lust, adrenaline, it was called. Fearsome stories, to be sure. Yet he’d never had the pleasure of battling one sword to sword through all the years of war, until now.
One stood not ten meters from him in the center of the battleship’s main corridor. And he had to admit he was unimpressed. Soft skin, small, no natural weapons, no armor. But at second glance, he saw the eyes, piercing and fathomless. You could tell a lot by reading the Kaal in your enemy’s eyes.
The human stood shirtless and glistening, small wounds striping its body, holding some kind of energy weapon. Herevordal sneered. Only a coward used such things in single combat. A true warrior needed only his blade. Though he shouldn’t have been surprised, this was a human. Yet the eyes gave him pause. Predatory, violent. A promise of death. Perhaps there was more here than what showed on the surface. Herevordal decided to proceed with caution.
The human glanced at Herevordal’s Sha’kai, the large crescent-shaped blade of a Rahkee—the mark of a true warrior. The human shifted its gaze from the Sha’kai into Herevordal’s eyes and, astonishingly, tossed its energy rifle aside. Slowly, the human drew a long, slender sword from a scabbard belted at his hip. How had Herevordal not noticed it before?
He shifted his gaze to the corpses of his Rahkee brethren strewn down the corridor behind the human, limbs tangled in death or curled peacefully around their wounds. Fear stirred his back spines. Could this one human truly have defeated a dozen of the elite Re’Kael guard by itself?
No. That wasn’t possible. There must be others about. Many others. They were probably all dead now, and this was the last of their horde.
Herevordal sublimated the fear rising in his twin hearts and drew himself up to his full towering height. The transverse, spiny crest on his head snapped up and rattled, heightening the effect.
The human showed no reaction.
“Come,” Herevordal growled in his native tongue. “Time to die, human.”
The human cocked its head. It showed a flash of teeth. Square, dull, unimpressive. Herevordal was told this was called a smile; it suggested amusement. He growled deep in his throat.
“You dare mock me? You have no honor.”
The human’s sword came up, and it kissed the blade, muttered something Herevordal did not understand, then, with a sudden rush, leaped forward, accelerating faster than Herevordal would have believed possible.
He brought his Sha’kai up to guard, following the human with his eyes. Gods, but the thing was fast, nearly a blur. Yet he was confident he could anticipate the coming strike.
At the last moment, as Herevordal moved to parry, the human juked left, spun into the air, and bounced off the wall, its blade whistling in a high, downward killing arc.
Herevordal didn’t even have time to flinch.
It wasn’t possible. Nothing could move so swiftly at such abrupt angles. Gods!
His Sha’kai never came close to the human’s steel.
There was a flash of hot pain across Herevordal’s throat and a second sharp explosion in his skull.
Darkness.

About two months ago I started having stomach aches/cramping, changes in bowel habits and a feeling like something was stuck or like I wasn’t done even if I’d just gone to the bathroom or knew I didn’t need to go. I went to a GI about two weeks later and she said it could be colitis or IBS, she called for a FIT test and blood work (both came back normal) and a six week diet (two weeks gluten free, two lactose free and two fodmap). While the stomach pains went away, the changes in bowel and the feeling of something stuck or incomplete did not go away. I had a follow up yesterday and now she has ordered a colonoscopy for a month from now. She mentioned it could be internal hemorrhoids or colitis and also said she’s not worried but still wants to go in and look. Even though she seems unconcerned I am terrified. My worst fear is that it could be something much more serious and that diagnosis is taking too long. My question is do those of you who have experienced similar symptoms agree with her assessment or could my fears be valid and I should do more to get answers sooner? All thoughts welcome, thank you in advance.

I (37F) have 4 biological children (17F, 16M, 12M and 10M) and 4 stepchildren (15F, 13M, 11M and 8F) with my husband (38M).
Yesterday, for Mother’s Day, I wanted to go to a baseball game. I’ve always been a sports fan, growing up, I was all into watching baseball, basketball, etc. I played volleyball in school. No one in my family liked sports and at school, I experienced either allegations of being a lesbian or only watching sports for the hot men, all of these allegations were by the girls in my middle and high school. I still was passionate about sports and even considered majoring in psychical education.
I mentioned this idea a few months back and my biological children all said they didn’t want to go, the only one who was interested was my stepson Axton (13M).
Axton is the jock of the family, like I was. He plays baseball and said he wanted to go with me. Axton is close to me, probably closer than he is to his dad or mom. Axton is a sweet kid, but is one of those kids who has a strong desire for autonomy. He goes to a Montessori school as he flourishes there compared to regular school, where the opposite is true for his siblings and step siblings. He’s always challenging authority, including mine. He can apologize when he’s wrong, but if he believes he was unfairly grounded, he’ll wear that grounding as a badge of honor for sticking up for what he believes in. He can be a real pain sometimes, but he’s also very caring and a good boy at heart.
His biological mother tries to be more of an authority figure, which my husband and I always back her decisions, but it hasn’t worked for her and her relationship with Axton isn’t great. Axton is most open to me and he’s told me he loves his mom, but she hasn’t earned his respect and tells me I’m the only parental figure that has. I see this in how he behaves to, I’m the disciplinarian when it comes to Axton because he’s more likely to listen to me than his father.
A few days after I mentioned the idea, Axton said he was going to the game with me, even if that meant not spending Mother’s Day with his biological mom. Luckily, his mom and stepdad agreed that they shouldn’t force him to do an event with her over going with me, as he’d be happier with me.
Despite asking my kids multiple times, none wanted to come. My husband was working yesterday and my stepkids were with their mom, so it was just Axton and I.
It was a great day, Axton went with me to get a manicure, and even asked if he could have his fingernails done for the first time. We also shopped in some antique stores, and I told Axton he could get whatever he wanted. He ended up getting a few jerseys and buttons and reading cards. I also bought him stuff at the stadium.
When we got home, my kids and stepkids saw what Axton had got, they were jealous and asked why I would buy him so much and my 10 year old said he would’ve gone if he knew he could get gifts out of me. My daughter asked if I made him get the manicure and said manicures weren’t for boys, and he said he got it “because I wanted to, it looked cool”.
After that, we had a discussion with her and discussed her homophobia, but she started to argue with us about Axton and how he always is “rebellious” and she told us we should “punish him harder”, when he does act up, we asked for specific examples but she gave none. Axton certainly does act up and gets grounded, but never does anything morally wrong like bigotry. We told her she wasn’t being constructive in her criticism and to knock it off. They’re all still mad at me about the splurging on Axton, saying this proves “favoritism”, I asked for specific examples and my kids wouldn’t provide any, but said that we should “know what they mean”. AITA?

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is the subject of heated debate. How are mast cell activation syndromes defined? Which diseases are included? What is the diagnosis and treatment of mast cell activation syndrome? Prof. Dr. Knut Brockow, Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Allergology at the Biederstein, Technical University of Munich answers these questions in an interview with MeinAllergiePortal.
Mast cell activation syndrome: The most important facts!
-The prototype of mast cell activation syndrome is recurrent anaphylaxis
-Other forms of idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome are being sought; however, there are mainly symptom descriptions where the diagnosis cannot be made
-Clinical suspicion of MCAS is based on recurring allergy-like symptoms on the skin, nose, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and circulation
-The diagnosis of MCAS is made according to recognized international criteria based on three criteria
-MCAS is often suspected even when symptoms are inappropriate and the diagnosis is unclear; the suspicion is then not helpful for patients
-The same medications are used to treat MCAS as are used to treat allergies, in particular antihistamines and cromoglicic acid
Prof. Brockow, what kind of disease is MCAS?
Mast cell activation syndrome is not an established diagnosis, but rather a concept. Historically, this concept arose because an increasing number of patients came to the doctor's office with complaints that gave the impression of having been triggered by mast cells. These patients sometimes showed symptoms similar to those of allergic reactions, anaphylaxis or mastocytosis, but a clear diagnosis for these diseases could not be made. Nevertheless, it was suspected that there could at least be a connection with mast cell diseases. Unfortunately, the term MCAS created more uncertainty than understanding. This is because MCAS is now thrown around as a diagnosis for many patients with many symptoms and an unclear diagnosis. This is not helpful for patients and fuels short-term hope of diagnosis and cure, which cannot be fulfilled later.
Is MCAS an autoimmune disease?
No, in autoimmune diseases mast cells are not primarily involved and not as lead cells, but lymphocytes that attack the body's own structures, in some cases by forming antibodies.
Is there a connection between mast cell activation syndrome and autoimmune diseases?
No, there is no known connection between MCAS and autoimmune diseases. It has also been claimed by specific authors that other diseases, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are related to mast cell activation syndrome. However, there are no good arguments for this. Unfortunately, such claims are easy to make and difficult to refute.
What is the cause of mast cell activation syndrome?
Mast cell activation syndrome is actually more of a symptom description than a diagnosis in its own right. Mast cell activation syndrome is fully applicable to recurrent anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions in several organ systems such as the skin, respiratory tract, digestive tract and circulatory system), for example due to insect bites. All the criteria for mast cell activation syndrome are met here. Severe allergic reactions are the most common cause of MCAS. However, although the term MCAS is correct in this context, it does not provide any additional information, as patients with such events are better described as patients with a diagnosis of anaphylaxis or allergy, and the term MCAS is somewhat confusing.
Is mast cell activation syndrome genetic?
MCAS itself is not genetic, but patients with the genetic disease mastocytosis often suffer from anaphylaxis, particularly to insect venom, and therefore MCAS. In addition, it is currently being investigated whether people with genetically determined hereditary alpha-tryptasemia suffer more frequently from MCAS.
How did the term mast cell activation syndrome come about?
There were many patients without a clear diagnosis, some of whom predominantly showed the symptoms typical of mast cell diseases. Accordingly, the experts dealing with mast cell diseases saw the need to develop a concept that took into account the “undiagnosable” symptoms of the patients. In the course of this, the terms “mast cell activation” and “mast cell activation syndrome” were defined. In addition, an attempt was made to sort all mast cell diseases into a classification with regard to mast cell activation. However, the difficulty in classifying these complaints is that many of the complaints described by patients are subjective, relatively non-specific and can be both organic and psychosomatic.
How have you defined mast cell diseases and which diseases do they include?
Mast cell diseases are defined as recurring chronic symptoms that are compatible with mast cell activation.
Mast cell activation is classified on the basis of three criteria:
Recurrent typical clinical symptoms in at least two organ systems
An increase in mast cell mediators can be detected in the blood, most frequently by determining the serum tryptase level during an acute attack
Good response of symptoms to anti-mast cell mediator-directed therapy, especially H1 antihistamines
What types of mast cell disease are there?
The classification of mast cell diseases associated with mast cell activation syndromes defines three groups:
1. primary mast cell activation syndrome
Primary mast cell activation syndrome is explained by a clonal expansion of mutated overactive mast cells. It manifests as systemic or cutaneous mastocytosis. If these criteria are not completely fulfilled, but clonal mast cells have been detected, it is referred to as monoclonal mast cell activation syndrome.
2 Secondary mast cell activation syndrome
Secondary mast cell activation syndrome is present when clear triggers of mast cell activation are known. There are established terms for secondary mast cell activation syndrome that we are more familiar with, such as “anaphylaxis” to a known trigger. The classification in the second group of mast cell diseases is therefore merely a reclassification. Examples of mast cell activation are physical urticaria or cold urticaria. Allergies such as pollen allergies are also secondary mast cell activations, as hay fever also causes symptoms typical of mast cell diseases. In pollen allergies, mast cell mediators are found in the blood serum and drugs directed against mast cells have a good effect. If the symptoms recur in several organ systems, this is referred to as mast cell activation syndrome.
3. tertiary or idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome
Tertiary or idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome refers to mast cell diseases whose triggers are unknown. This group would include, for example, chronic spontaneous urticaria, which has additional symptoms in other organs. Here we know that mast cells are activated, but not by what. This group of idiopathic mast cell activation syndromes would also include patients with as yet undescribed clinical pictures who do not fulfill the diagnostic criteria of known mast cell diseases, e.g. allergy, anaphylaxis, but in whom the disease is triggered by mast cells. In these patients, however, the connection between the symptoms and the activities of the mast cells must be proven.
Does this mean that tertiary or idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion?
Idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome can be described as a diagnosis of exclusion insofar as the prerequisite for the diagnosis is that there is no other disease causing the symptoms. However, the symptoms described are often very, very unspecific and could also be caused by a variety of other diseases. However, there are the three criteria for mast cell activation syndrome already mentioned. If these are not all fulfilled, this diagnosis cannot be made.
How common is mast cell activation syndrome?
Anaphylaxis and severe recurrent allergies are not uncommon and represent the vast majority of appropriate cases for MCAS. In addition, mastocytosis patients often have multiple anaphylaxis and therefore also MCAS. However, our initial idea of finding a new disease, idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome, has not yet been confirmed. There are many patients with many symptoms for whom a clear organic diagnosis cannot yet be made. However, it is almost never possible to prove that a defect in the mast cells is primarily responsible for the symptoms. Many of these patients describe symptoms that could fit, and in some patients anti-allergic drugs also have a positive effect. But in only very few patients can an increase in mast cell mediators be detected during an acute attack. I now believe that somatic stress disorders could play a significant role in many of the patients examined.
Histamine intolerance is also a diagnosis of exclusion, is there a connection with mast cell activation syndrome?
Histamine intolerance can cause similar symptoms, but is not a mast cell disorder and has nothing to do with MCAS. When mast cells are activated, the messenger substance histamine is released, which in turn can cause symptoms. In histamine intolerance, the mast cell is not activated - it is not involved in any way. Rather, histamine intolerance describes patients with an increased sensitivity to histamine, which is supplied, for example, via the diet. This can lead to similar symptoms, but in contrast to mast cell activation syndrome, histamine intolerance has a clear trigger, histamine. As a result, the symptoms occur after eating histamine-rich foods, but disappear again if the patient follows a low-histamine diet. A test is also available to diagnose histamine intolerance.
So there are also patients with suspected mast cell activation syndrome who cannot be assigned to a classification group, even though they have corresponding symptoms?
There are many patients in whom no mast cell activation syndrome can be detected despite suspicion. They do not fit into one of the three groups. However, this also used to include monoclonal mast cell activation syndrome. These patients showed anaphylaxis and a KIT mutation, but not the full criteria for mastocytosis. In the meantime, a separate disease diagnosis has been created for these patients. The independent accepted disease of these patients therefore lies between mastocytosis and normal findings.
We thought that there might be other forms of idiopathic MCAS with clinical pictures that have not yet been described. However, this is not supported by the findings to date. There are patients who show symptoms but do not meet the necessary criteria for idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome. In these patients, the diagnosis remains unclear. In how many of these patients functional physical complaints play a role still needs to be investigated.
Are there risk factors that favor mast cell activation syndrome?
There are hardly any recognized studies on this. In a study conducted by Cem Akin in the USA, patients were examined who met the three criteria for idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome. They had the right symptoms, there was an increase in mediators and their symptoms improved with treatment. It was shown that many of these patients suffered from urticaria factitia, a scratch-induced urticaria, abdominal pain and flushing.
Recently, a genetic trait was discovered, hereditary alpha-tryptasemia with elevated basal serum tryptase levels. In patients with this trait and insect venom allergy, the severity of the allergic reaction appears to be increased. It is also discussed that the frequency of mast cell activation syndrome is increased in patients with this genetic trait. However, the published studies are not yet unanimous in this respect.
What symptoms can occur with MCAS?
The following symptoms could be signs of mast cell activation syndrome:
MCAS symptoms on the skin:
Appearance of sudden intense redness (flushing)
itching
wheal formation
Deep wheal formation (angioedema or Quincke's edema)
MCAS symptoms on the nose:
Nasal congestion
Nasal itching
MCAS symptoms in the airways:
Swelling of the upper airways
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
MCAS symptoms of the digestive tract:
Vomiting
abdominal pain
diarrhea
Systemic MCAS symptoms:
Syncope - where you suddenly lose consciousness, but only for a short time
Sudden drop in blood pressure
Allergic shock
These symptoms can occur together or individually. In principle, symptoms must occur in two or more organ systems for MCAS. These symptoms, together with the typical skin changes and anaphylaxis, are also typical of mastocytosis.
Are muscle pain and hair loss also symptoms of MCAS?
No, why would anyone think that these symptoms are primarily caused by a malfunction of mast cells? Mast cells are not important cells for muscle pain and hair loss.
How is MCAS diagnosed?
MCAS is a diagnosis of exclusion, i.e. there is no mast cell activation syndrome test. However, this does not mean that all other diseases must be ruled out before a diagnosis of MCAS can be made.
When testing directly for mast cell activation syndrome, three criteria would be examined, all of which must be met, not just two:
First, there must be a matching of symptoms to see if the above symptoms are leading, recurrent and occur in at least two organ systems.
Is there a substantial or complete improvement in the clinical symptoms when taking anti-allergic medication, antihistamines or cromoglicic acid? Then this criterion would apply.
The blood levels of tryptase in the serum can now be examined at two different points in time. This would check whether there is an increase in mast cell mediators or tryptase in the blood serum in a highly symptomatic phase or during a seizure compared to a time when there are no symptoms.
What does the tryptase level in the blood mean in the diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome?
If the mast cell mediator tryptase rises by 20 percent of the basal value, i.e. the initial value, + 2 ng/ml during such an episode, the diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome has been made without the need to rule out other diseases beforehand. However, taking blood samples to determine the tryptase levels is very time-consuming, because a blood sample should be taken in the normal state and then another blood sample should be taken during a seizure or a highly symptomatic episode. This means that the patient must see a doctor in good time for a blood test during the acute phase. If these tests are negative, mast cell activation syndrome cannot be confirmed.
Elevated tryptase levels also play a role in anaphylaxis, is there a connection with mast cell activation syndrome?
Anaphylaxis is an extremely strong mast cell activation, the “prototype” of mast cell activation, so to speak. The tryptase level rises, so that it is considered an indicator of anaphylaxis. Here too, the basal value is measured and compared with the value during an episode. The relevant factor is the resulting increase in the tryptase value. The therapy against mast cells is effective in this case. In this respect, anaphylaxis is the classic form of mast cell activation syndrome.
The tryptase value also plays a role in the diagnosis of mastocytosis, what are the correlations here?
Mastocytosis patients also have an elevated baseline tryptase level. This is therefore an indication of mastocytosis and an indication for a final diagnosis by means of a bone marrow biopsy. However, there is also a mastocytosis-independent correlation between tryptase and anaphylaxis. People who have a higher number of mast cells often develop more severe anaphylaxis than people with fewer mast cells. The tryptase basal value is therefore considered a kind of indicator for the total mast cells in the body. For example, insect venom anaphylactic patients with elevated basal mast cell tryptase levels in the blood are at increased risk of severe anaphylaxis.
What can be done against MCAS and which medications help?
The aim of treatment for mast cell activation syndrome is to slow down the effect of the overactivated mast cells and to calm the mast cells. In particular, the avoidance of allergic triggers is available for this purpose.
Histamine receptor blockers are tried as medication to block the effects of mast cell activation by histamine. Mast cell stabilizers or blockers of mast cell release, cromoglicic acid, can also calm the mast cells. Cromoglicic acid is also used in mastocytosis patients. It is important to know that the use of cromoglicic acid is not advisable if the attack has already run its course. On the other hand, many patients achieve a significant improvement in symptoms if cromoglicic acid is taken continuously as a preventive measure and in a sufficiently high dose. This has also been shown to be the case with antihistamines.
Another option would be leukotriene receptor antagonists and corticosteroids in the short term, but never over a longer period of time.
Unfortunately, many patients with previously unexplained complaints are given a suspected diagnosis of MCAS in the hope that this knowledge will lead to better treatment or perhaps a cure. However, apart from the drugs mentioned, which can also be used on a trial basis in cases of suspected MCAS, there are no other useful drugs available. In this respect, the suspicion of MCAS unfortunately does not offer patients any additional treatment options.
Are there foods that activate or deactivate mast cells?
No such foods are known in humans. Of course, it is possible to bombard mast cells in a test tube with high concentrations of food and measure whether the natural activation of mast cells is increased or reduced. However, such tests are generally not meaningful for humans when consumed.
Can naturopathy help with mast cell activation syndrome?
I don't know how it could help. Naturopathy is the attempt to achieve a positive effect through naturally occurring active substances. Is the avoidance of allergens in our natural environment already naturopathy?
Could certain vitamins, for example vitamin C, be beneficial for MCAS?
This is claimed by a few doctors without any convincing results. Vitamin C is also said to help against seasickness. After all, vitamin C, taken in normal amounts, is not harmful and is beneficial. Sometimes the conviction that a substance is good for you also helps. That's why the experiment doesn't bother me.
Is it possible to prevent mast cell activation syndrome?
Yes, by avoiding MCAS with a known trigger. This is the case with allergies. In the case of allergies and recurrent anaphylaxis as a form of MCAS, omalizumab, an antibody against immunoglobulin E, can also be used in individual patients.
Prof. Brockow, thank you very much for this interview!
https://www.mein-allergie-portal.com/mastozytose-mastzellaktivierungssyndrom-mcas/925-idiopathisches-mastzellenaktivierungssyndrom-ein-neues-krankheitsbild.html

Lately I have been going through more issues with my health.
Fyi, i have Marfans, MVP, Fibromyalgia, Panic Disorder, Heart Palpitations, Frozen Shoulder, lower Back isues, crowded teeth, flat feet, joint pain, low energy.
Recently my mental abilities are getting worse. Sensitive, low pain tolerance, memory loss, slow information processing, brain fog, poor concentration, poor hand eye coordination, lack of eye contact, obsessive compulsive, lost in thoughts, cannot socialize. My wife has given up on me. I keep asking the same questions and i still can't follow. I am a teacher by profession. I lost my mother 2 years ago.
Please help.

https://www.uniklinikum-leipzig.de/einrichtungen/lica/Seiten/mastzell-aktivierungs-ayndrom-mcas.aspx
More and more patients are contacting us because they suspect that they have mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). We would therefore like to provide some basic information on this clinical picture based on a recent publication (Weiler et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2019 Aug 30).
Some publications and the lay press define the diagnostic criteria for MCAS very broadly. In some cases, findings of non-validated laboratory tests are associated with atypical symptoms in order to diagnose MCAS. This sometimes leads to great confusion among patients and medical professionals. This becomes critical when underlying diseases that are not mediated by mast cells remain undiagnosed.
Clinical symptoms for which there is no evidence of a connection with MCAS, but which are nevertheless frequently associated with it, are
Tiredness / fatigue, Feeling ill, Fibromyalgia-like pain, dermographism, oedema, Various skin rashes, Tinnitus, Lymph node swelling, constipation, Prostatitis, Chronic back pain, Headache, Mood swings, Anxiety, Post-traumatic stress, Weight changes, Hypothyroidism / hyperthyroidism, Polycythemia, Psychiatric/neurological complaints. Anemia Electrolyte disorders, Increased or decreased blood protein levels
Complaints or symptoms may also not be used for diagnosis if they are present in isolation, e.g. abdominal pain, diarrhea or reddening of the skin, or if they occur chronically rather than in attacks.
Affected organs and associated symptoms that are of diagnostic value for making a diagnosis (at least two of four organ systems must be affected, typically in an attack-like manner):
-Cardiovascular: drop in blood pressure, palpitations, dizziness / loss of consciousness / collapse
-Respiratory tract: wheezing, shortness of breath, stridor when inhaling
-Skin: paroxysmal redness, urticaria, itching, angioedema
-Gastrointestinal tract: diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps
Another characteristic feature is the detection of elevated blood levels of transmitter substances originating from the mast cell, such as tryptase. If the tryptase level is significantly elevated, mastocytosis of the skin and other organs must be ruled out (presentation to outpatient dermatology and hematology). The diamine oxidase measurement in serum has no diagnostic value with regard to MCAS. If you notice that certain foods or medications trigger or intensify your symptoms, these must be avoided.
With MCAS, the symptoms typically respond to treatment with antihistamines; only rarely will other medications (e.g. glucocorticosteroids, omalizumab) be used.
The prescription of emergency medication may be useful.
If underlying allergies are suspected, we advise you to consult an allergy specialist near your home. If they are in favor of a referral, we will be happy to make appointments. Last but not least, MCAS is a diagnosis of exclusion.
We are not the right contact for complaints of isolated organ systems or non-specific general symptoms.

If the old motto is true, my 6lbs boots and 6lbs skiis would be the equivalent of 60lbs on my back? I ski 10+miles 5k’ with no issues but I can’t imagine the pain of a 60lbs pack for those same routes done hiking. Am I missing something basic here?

I got bridge placed four months back and my teeth adjacent to the bridge pain and feel pressured on both sides. Is this normal or should I be worried? Also no x ray was taken prior the bridge placement. I have dental anxiety that's why I'm avoiding to visit the dentist's office. Is this something to be concerned?

TL;DR Partner and I were involved in a car accident last year. We were fully stopped at a red light when two cars collided and smashed us at full speed. Accident was serve enough to deem all three cards totaled. We submitted Bodily Injury claim for my partner. We received ~$3000 in Pain and Suffering. Need help estimating a fair counteroffer.
Details below: Injuries: my partner had a concussion without loss of consciousness. His head, neck, and back were smashed. No broken bones. He went to the ER after the accident and had scans done. He was referred to physical therapy by a Primary Care Provider. After attending 6 physical therapy sessions, range of motion improved, but he is still suffering from pain 6 months later. After 2 months of physical therapy, he stopped as he was no longer benefiting from it and it was causing work interruptions, and continued doing PT exercise at home. He is having difficulty sleeping, and was not able to lift weights or engage in sports for all this period. Total medical bills is around $10,000 (mainly due to the high ER bill) which was covered by the car insurance Medical Coverage and personal health insurance. I was in the car too and suffered from minor injuries from the shattered glass and I was too afraid to drive for two months following the accident. Insurance company denied a bodily injury claim for me as I did not go to the EPCP, which, although inconvenient, is understandable.
Based on the medical treatment he received, they are offering a little less than $3000 in pain and suffering, and covered his lost wages for 3 days. However, we want to negotiate this offer as they did not fully take into account his current situation and the ongoing impact of the accident. Once we gave them more information, they acknowledged the impact of the accident on his daily life and have asked us to make a counteroffer.
Our hope is not to take advantage of the insurance company and try to benefit from this awful accident. However, we want to be fair to ourselves too. I understand insurance company cannot make us whole. However, we feel that $3000 is very low considering the pain he went through and the uncertainty of future recovery and this justifies a higher compensation. We are concerned that issues with neck and back can sometimes reappear years later and we will be left on our own once the claim is closed. I would appreciate your thoughts on a fair counteroffer amount? Note: We feel that perusing a lawyer at this stage is already late. This was our first car accident and weren't aware of the correct course of action early on. Thank you!

My boyfriend 24M and I 26F have been together for about 6 months and the relationship has been mostly amazing. We communicate so well, have so much fun, share the same goals for our futures, respect each other and we are just really happy together.
There is however one issue with a girl that my bf used to hook up with. We can call her Sarah 24F and they were in the same friend group through college. They were friends for years and then last year they ended up hooking up. It happened a few times and then as my bf explains it “fizzled out”.
He said that they decided to just be friends and still hung out one on one and in group settings in a platonic way after they had no longer been hooking up.
When we started dating it was about 5 months after they’d stopped hooking up. As our relationship progressed I ended up meeting his friends and he told me about Sarah but I did not meet her because she had moved out of state.
About 3 months into our relationship my bf mentioned that Sarah was coming back into town and said that he’d probably hang out with her. I did not feel comfortable with this and we had a conversation about it. In the end, my bf understood my point of view (I had a major issue in my previous relationship with my partner cheating) and even offered to block her and not see her. I told him that wasn’t necessary, and that I’d be fine with him going to a group hangout with her there, just not a one on one situation. He said that was absolutely fine and that he would keep to that and let me know of any communication or interaction with her.
About a month later I found out he was texting her in a way that made me feel really uncomfortable. It was mostly platonic but he said things like “I’ve missed you!” and “I can’t wait to see you” in response to her saying she was coming back into town. If this was strictly a platonic friendship, it wouldn’t have been a big deal at all but because of their history it made me so uncomfortable. At the end of that situation, he said he understood and that he’d no longer speak to her that way. There wasn’t much resolution and I ended up letting it go.
Now a week ago he went to a party with his friends. I couldn’t go because of work. When he was on the way there I got a weird feeling she was going and I called and asked who was going. He listed the people and didn’t mention her name. Later on when he got there, he texted me saying she was there. I felt awful and like he knew she was going to be there and didn’t tell me before because it’s a sore spot.
I let that go too because I chose to trust him when later he explained he had no idea. He was showing me a gift his friends for him for his birthday. They gave it to him at the party and it was a really nice ring. I asked who gave it to him and he named 3 of his friends.
A couple days later I was putting away some stuff my bf had at my place and found the bag and box the ring came in. I looked at it and there was a note that said who it was from… it was from the 3 friends he named, but also from Sarah.
He swears up and down he didn’t know she was included in getting it for him and that he didn’t even see the note. The note was in the bag so it’s possible he opened the box and didn’t look in the bag to see the note. But I just have such a hard time believing they gave it to him at the party and that she didn’t say anything about being part of it.
He told me that he blocked her number a while ago and deleted her messages after I was upset with how he’d been texting her (I never asked him to do that). He still does follow her on social media. I found it weird that he’d delete their messages and block her number when I never asked for that, but still follow her on social.
I really want to believe him, but I feel so doubtful. He’s given me no other reason to think he’s lying, but this is a lot to me. I don’t want to let my past trauma of being cheated on screw up a relationship I’m so happy in, but I don’t want to be lied to. Do you think he’s lying or are these circumstances just coincidental?

Update post on my progress and protocols for my treatment with side effects and how I managed it all.
Now that I'm done with treatment, I hope that this can help others who may be starting the same journey and have questions. I attribute my easy time to the premeds and my mental willpower. I focus on the positives and silver linings over the negatives. You can only control one thing -- your reactions. The rest requires you to practice acceptance.
Diagnosis: Stage 2 Endocervical Adenocarcinoma Gastric Type with LVSI
Treatment Plan: Surgery (cervix, uterus, and ovaries) followed by concurrent Chemo with Radiation with a PET Scan scheduled 2 months after treatment to determine if NED or more treatment is required.
I was scheduled for 6 chemo cycles, once a week, and 28 radiation beam therapies. Chemo happened on Monday and Radiation was Monday through Friday. I had to skip Cycle 3 on Chemo only because I was hospitalized with Norovirus and my counts were too low. I still did radiation those days.
Chemo Protocol in order of meds:

1. Magnesium Sulfate + Potassium Chloride. Cisplatin strips this from your body, supplements.
2. Emend (Fosaprepitant) - antiemetic. I had to get a port for this, it burned my arm vein and I had to use other arm for Chemo, no fun.
3. Aloxi (Palonosetron) - antiemetic.
4. Decadron (Dexamethasone) - steroid. It burns in your nether region, if it burns too much, ask them to push it slower.
5. Lasix (Furosemide) - diuretic. Cisplatin is hard on kidneys, this is to help purge the chemo faster. Be close to a bathroom and ask nurse if you can just unplug your IV pole and go to bathroom freely vs. pushing call button -- its easier.
6. Cisplatin (Platinol) 70mg (my dose). Didn't make me feel any different than the other infusions.

Plan for at least 5 hours for the above. I started at 7:30am and ended between 12 and 12:30pm.
Cisplatin Symptoms: This is going to vary person to person and you may get different premeds than me.

• Mon (Day 1) - just the cold feeling in your veins from all the fluid infusions. You also gain like 5lbs of water weight that day. I was typically ravenous and ate whatever I wanted, the antiemetics made this possible. Be wary of constipation from chemo, it took me by surprise the first week. The other weeks I ate a few prunes on Sunday and then after chemo on Monday to help. Otherwise you won't poop for a week and be miserable.
• Tues (Day 2) - no appetite and I don't eat. Even marijuana does not work to stimulate. I'll force myself if DH forces me, but since I eat everything in sight Day 1 I'm not too hard on myself. Important to have first BM this day, if nothing then you need to start addressing. Of course I BM daily so this may not apply to you.
• Wed - Thu (Day 3 - 4) - acid reflux and indigestion. Keep some Tums handy or use pills, it doesn't really help and you get used to it. All in, better than throwing up, so take it as a win if this is the worst for you. Appetite back.
• Fri - Sun (Day 5 -7) - less side effects, should be at normal BMs, if you are not you need to address for next cycle. Very important to purge your bowels if you are constipated before your next chemo. I ended up doing Miralax my first week, I had zero BM before Sat and I could feel the pressure. The following weeks I just did a handful of prunes Sunday night after dinner and Monday when I got home from chemo. I happen to like prunes and they worked to keep me regular.

Pelvic Radiation Symptoms: This is going to be different based on what areas are treated. My bladder, vagina, and pelvic nodes were heavily treated. Be sure you understand the side effects before you start treatment - so you can be on top of everything. Below is my experience and I had a fairly easy time of it.

• The fatigue sets in slowly. By week 3/4 I needed 12 hours a night to sleep. Don't ignore this important rest. I adjusted my work schedule from day 1 -- from 7a to 1p Tue - Thu. I didn't work Mon due to Chemo and Fri I had to get labs done and radiation so I worked from 7a to 11am. I did this from day 1 to set the tone with my boss and ensure I had the time needed to rest even if I didn't need it. I ended up working Sat and sometimes Sun to make up for things. I am a WFH executive - right hand of CEO and in charge of operations. Helps to have a great boss pick up the slack and an amazing team who supported me every step of the way.
• Bowels get softer over time, they do not go from hard to diarrhea overnight. If you have diarrhea fast, don't ignore it or let your doctor's ignore. I thought it was the prunes week 2 that did it, no it was norovirus. They didn't catch it until I had a 102 fever week 3 and had to be hospitalized. The chemo constipation masked it during the week.
• AZO is your BEST FRIEND. Take it every day. It is made to as a pain reliever for the bladder. I missed it for a week and paid for it so bad. Do not skip this important drug. I need to keep taking it for a few weeks until the symptoms subside.
• When you go in for your initial telemetry setup for the machines, make sure you are comfortable before they start anything. The moment you lay down on the machine bed, you need to make sure you are in a good position. They used a mold on my legs and I was not in a good position so it really hurt my hips every session thereafter.
• You have to put your hands on your chest. They give a ring, I hated it. I recommend relaxing your shoulders or you'll have a hard time while they do the treatment.
• You get used to the flow. You walk into the treatment room, hop on a bed while two techs adjust you (I had x marks on both hips and belly that they lined up). Then you get a quick CT to ensure your bladder is full and you're in a good position. Adjustments are made as needed. You know when the radiation beam starts because it is the only thing with noise. Don't move until they say you can. Whole thing is 10 mins or less.
• Bladder management is the worst part. You need to have a full bladder for this and as the treatment progresses you will have a harder time determining if your bladder is full or not. Your kidneys will also work slower (I attribute to the chemo) as the weeks go on, so you'll need to drink earlier. I recommend drinking what will fill your bladder two hours before your treatment. It is easier to let of some pressure than it is to fill the bladder. Tea is a natural diuretic and is very helpful to giving your kidneys a boost. I usually drank 20+ oz of Powerade two hours before (chugging), then tea when I arrived (they had fancy machines) and this worked 90% of the time.
• Be wary of foods you eat. I did great until Week 4 when I had lots of stuff with red sauce and it caused gas. I had to pass this gas before they could do my treatment, it was a riot but you don't want your visits to be like that every day. Stay away from tomato products and anything else that gives you even mild gas outside of treatment. It is nearly impossible to pass gas with an overfull bladder.

Nurses are your best friend. Having cancer and going through treatment sucks, but the nurses are there for you and my experience was all-inclusive resort service. Take advantage of the snacks (yes they have ice cream) when you're getting chemo. Don't be shy about asking them about your meds, they did a good job explaining this to me, but I still had questions now and again. It takes a special person to be an oncology nurse and you feel it. It never felt fake or like they were putting on a show/smile just for me. They truly cared. I never want to see them again either way :)
Edited to add: get a port. You will not regret it. I plan on keeping mine for a year after NED, which will require a monthly flush. It makes things so much easier, especially if you have to be hospitalized. I didn't need the numbing cream, it hurts less than the arm pokes for labs and infusions. I asked for mine before chemo and doctor didn't think it was necessary. First treatment proved it was - I had three IV's that day and I'm still suffering from the Emend infusion (not the chemo surprisingly) on my arm. Yes, its surgery but its easy. I had it in place before my 2nd chemo and it was lifechanging. I'd keep it for life it wasn't for the monthly flushes lol, my arm veins were crap to start and the more they are poked the worse they get.