Doctor told me i had some kind of viral allergy. i’ve been sick for almost a week now. low grade fever, anywhere between 98.9-101.5. i’m taking bromphen/pseudo/dextro hbr syrup. doctor told me i wasn’t contagious just told me to not be coughing on people. i keep getting chills and sleepy. it comes in waves. sore throat and A LOT of coughing. i have work in 3 days can anyone help me get better?
Hello I’m (25 F) finally getting help for my allergies after a lifetime of being sick, periods of no medical insurance, and just getting used to always feeling miserable and counting it as the new normal lol. I got tested on a skin prick test earlier this week and reacted to 64 out of 68 allergens which I expected a lot as I hive up the second I walk outside. The test made me extremely light headed, I got chills and almost passed out. 😅 I also wanted to add I have had hives constantly for about 5 years straight and I do have terrible asthma which they gave me a lot of asthma medication at the allergy appointment as well. I have had several allergies & asthma since childhood but it has gradually gotten worse over the years.
We were going to do a food allergy test but we’re going to do a blood one as they did test for all the nuts and I reacted to everything (tree nuts, peanuts, coconuts), I should mentioned cashews and other tree nuts have gotten worse for me over time. I used to eat them and have minimal reactions, now one bite sends me into anaphylactic shock within an hour, even being in a room I will get hay fever, hives, and feel my throat closing up without me eating them. Other foods such as eggs and dairy give me bad stomach problems. I was diagnosed with oral allergy syndrome as most raw fruits and veggies give me a reaction, and pretty much anything else I eat gives me acid reflux which I just deal with pepcid lol.
I’ve come to realize all my issues that I’ve been to the doctor separately for links back to this. I’ve been to the doctors for constant migraines the past few years and they just told me to do neck stretches which I do daily and doesn’t help. I recently got an endoscopy bc I’m constantly having really bad acid reflux which spiked during pregnancy and they said they see I have GERD but to keep taking Pepcid. My pregnancy was spent vomiting multiple times a day until I developed severe pre-eclampsia that had my liver failing so I had to deliver 3 months early, apparently that can also be common among MCAS patients. I also have had kidney issues since 17 but unsure if that’s related or not. I did go into remission with my allergies during pregnancy which was cool but they returned the second I delivered. 😅
Sorry for this long thing as I just found out about it the other day but to anyone experienced does this make sense to ask about MCAS to my doctor based on my history? I feel like if it’s not this or something else, then I guess I just have terrible health at 25 years old which absolutely sucks. If people think I should ask about it, how would I go about it? I usually get pushed away by doctors so I stopped being seen unless it’s life threatening, even going to an allergist was a big step. Would I ask my allergist or go to someone like a gastroenterologist where I got my endoscopy done? Thanks for any information and sorry again for such a long post!
Just to confirm that this is not a medical question per se, as I'm not seeking medical advice. Just a general query.
Our cat, Misty, gets recurring allergies and dermatitis once every 6-7 months and requires a steroid injection to calm the back of her neck, where she overgrooms, as well has a antiseptic scrub to clean the area whilst it heals.
It's not related to pollen, as it last happened in November 2023, and now (June 2024). It's not food related or flea related either.
Vets have said there isn't really a good test they can do to identify what she is allergic to. They can do a blood test but they can't promise it would come up with the results.
Anyways, so now we are coming to terms that we have to just manage this unknown allergy ourselves and get her treated whenever it appears every so often. She's a very chilled out cat and loves the vet, so this doesn't stress her out.
Is anyone else in the same boat, and has a cat with an unknown recurring allergy? Did you eventually suss it out?
27M, 150 lbs, only medications are buspar as needed for anxiety and albuterol as needed for asthma.
Went to the dentist about four weeks ago for pain in a filling in tooth #3 that fell out about a year ago. Turns out tooth was completed dead and infected. Was put on amoxicillin for two weeks, and a temporary filling to seal it up until root canal. Had root canal yesterday and was put on amoxicillin for one more week for remaining infection (I’ve been off amoxicillin for a week now).
Ironically, I started feeling horrible today. The only pain I have related to the tooth is a bit of a dull ache, which I’m pretty sure is from the injection site of the numbing agent. There is no swelling, puss, or bleeding. However, I’ve had a headache all day that is getting a bit worse and sinuses feel awful and I feel a bit out of it and very fatigued. Have felt feverish with chills, but no fever yet.
I’m curious if this could be related to the root canal and/or further infection?
I had my bachelor party this weekend, and was out of town. So possible I: 1: got sick 2: allergy flare up since returning to Ohio river valley 3: root canal related
I’m wondering that if it were an infection created or made worse by the root canal, that my mouth would be in significantly more pain with more symptoms?
Recently went out on Friday 5/31 and a friend that was with us is now letting us know how sick they are (they day of they mentioned it might be allergies or they weren’t “sick” despite having sore throat). They have yet to test but keeps telling us they don’t know if they’re sick or think it’s Covid. Their symptoms include throat, headache, chills and slight loss of smell. I really don’t understand why they can’t just take a test and confirm instead of speculating and causing us stress but whatever.
I’ve taken a test the last 2 days and have tested negative and overall it’s been 5 days now since I’ve seen this person. If I have no symptoms am I in the clear now? I plan to continue testing throughout week but I also plan to see friends and family over weekend so just want to make sure. I’m really hoping they just got a cold and it’s not Covid and all my other friends who were with this person are all feeling fine as well.
24F with no prior related conditions/ diagnosis and currently not taking prescribed medication. Rare drinker, and vape regularly. 6ft tall, 125lbs.
After Covid era (2021) I started getting sick often and regularly. At this point now for the last yea year and a half, it has been clockwork of me getting sick once a month. I do work in childcare, and everyone told me I would eventually build immunity, but I’m now on my 3rd year in this field and I do not have any kind of immunity. At the start of this year, I had a 3 week long flu virus (cough/fevechills/runny nose) and that was significant because I have never in my life been so sick for so long.
Maybe my diet could be better, but I do eat lots of nutrients and proteins. I find myself snacking on unhealthy things a lot but it’s never been an issue in my life.
Has there been any links between a decreased immunity and the COVID vaccine? That’s my only other idea. I have a nasty cold as I write this that was unresponsive to DayQuil and allergy medicine today.
I know I’m not the only one who experiences this but whew.
Almost every time it’s time for my cycle, I feel fatigued, get chills and hot flashes and extreme nausea(like 2/3 days before my period). This time, I’m congested and my throat is sore(I also have super bad sinuses and allergies). I woke up around 3am this morning with cramps and it was a hassle to get back to sleep. I feel like I wasn’t like this until I had my son in 2017, after that my PMS has been hell.
My period is supposed to come tomorrow and I wish it would just come already because I am going through it.
Can anyone relate?
Previous case Victor hadn't been kidding when he'd said that the mechanic was going to become more aggressive. The only reason why this week wasn't my last was because I'd had Orion behind me as well as a plethora of precautions in place.
(If you're not familiar with what Orion Pest Control's services are, it may help to start
here.) For example, at Orion, all employees are advised to get lockboxes for their mail rather than regular mailboxes. It would be far too easy for a Neighbor to follow one of us home and fish out a piece of mail to find our names. This is only recommended for people who've had frequent or unpleasant interactions with the Neighbors.
You could also ward off your mailbox with iron. Salt, as always, would work as well, but I'm sure your mailman wouldn't appreciate getting seasoned every time he simply tries to give you your junk mail.
When it comes to monetary transactions, cash or pre-loaded debit cards are the safest, unless you can be certain beyond a reasonable doubt that the person ringing you out is human.
Another precaution that I've taken when it comes to the mechanic is that I've bought a cast iron fire poker from an antique store. Iron is one of the most effective weapons against the Neighbors, though it's best to think of it as an allergy rather than a perfect repellant. Some Neighbors will crumple instantly if they're within a few feet of it while others need direct contact in order to cause anything worse than hive-covered burns.
Given that the mechanic must have frequent exposure to iron during his daytime profession, I have to wonder how effective it is against him. I do see him wearing gloves from time to time, so it must do something, even if it's a minor skin irritation. Either it's a pride thing or he's just that committed to the ‘mechanic’ bit.
I've been keeping the poker in the company truck. Even if it's not lethal to him, I’m sure that getting smacked over the head with it probably wouldn't feel too good. Along with that, I've restocked my salt shells. If the mechanic decides to try anything, he'll have an arsenal waiting for him.
I don't have any delusions about being able to kill him. I think that's something only a true hero could accomplish. I'm talking about legendary individuals like Cú Chullainn, Beowulf, or Māui. People whose deeds are so great that their stories live on to this day. Find someone like that in the modern age. (Though, I would argue that Marc-André Fluery comes close. Flyers fans, don't interact.)
Reyna suggested bathing the hagstone in saltwater to amplify its deterring effects. She also wrapped red thread along the outside of the ring, explaining that it should help enhance its protective properties.
It's a good thing, too. Since my last interaction with the mechanic, promptly at dusk, I would hear the beating of wings outside, and always from the west. I risked a glance out the window one night to find a murder of crows. Ever since I saw that the birds’ shadows move independently of their owners, I don't look at them. I ignore their calls. I know who they serve.
After Reyna's additions, the hagstone vibrates against my chest whenever they're near.
However, in my case, these were only temporary solutions, unless I wanted to be looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life and fearing death even more than I did before. But in the meantime… raccoons.
A client called about hearing scratching and chattering in her attic. Her uninvited guest also put a hole in her siding. In other words, it was enough of a mess to momentarily distract me from my own problems.
Raccoons are incredibly destructive, chewing up anything that they can get their little hands on. From the client's description, it sounded like we could be dealing with a nest. Mother raccoons can be especially feisty when it comes to protecting their young, so I had Reyna join me in case there were any kits.
At Orion, we are licensed to use humane trapping methods on smaller wildlife, so don't worry, no garbage kitties are being harmed. Though I want yinz to know that raccoons are
not to be underestimated. They may not try to take your soul, like some pests out there will, but they can spread a variety of diseases, including rabies and roundworm among others. They also present a major fire hazard when they claw their way into a home since they can chew through wiring like nothing.
The first thing we had to do was identify the garbage kitties’ entry point. Reyna opted to go on the roof while I investigated the attic.
The first thing I noticed was the telltale stench of dried urine. Yup, those were droppings over there in the corner. Delightful. Looking around, I found that the raccoons had torn out a few chunks of the insulation, but nothing that wouldn't be too difficult or expensive to replace. All in all, it seemed like it'd be an easy call.
Then I felt the hagstone begin to tremble. Not long after, Reyna screamed.
I rushed out, my heart surging with panic as I was greeted with the frenzied calls of crows.
Shit! They followed me.
She was on the ground, swinging her silver-tipped knife clumsily against the swarm of black feathers swirling around her. I heard her cry out again as I got closer to her, then suddenly, the cloud of feathers dispersed, twisting towards the sky with a cacophony of angered caws. Reyna had managed to get some salt on them before they could gouge her eyes out.
My hand was coated with blood as I guided Reyna towards the house. She'd managed to keep her eyes, but they’d shredded her with their beaks and talons. I could feel her shaking as we retreated from the horde. Reyna tried to hide it, but she was crying, the tears mingling with the blood covering her nose and cheeks like a bandit's mask.
The whole time, the hagstone didn't stop vibrating. I think that was the only thing keeping the horde from coming after us. Their calls were piercing as we took cover in the house.
The client was alarmed when she saw the state Reyna was in, “What psycho ass raccoons do I have?!”
I promised I'd explain later (I honestly don't remember what bullshit story I gave her) then asked her to watch over Reyna as I went out to get the emergency first aid kit we keep in the truck.
Reyna held me in a grip so tight that it left bruises, pleading, “
Don't go out there! Please!”
Now that we weren't on the run, I could see the injuries on her face more clearly. The deepest one went through her right eyebrow towards the bridge of her nose. The rest were shallow, painful-looking cuts that criss crossed over her skin.
“They can't come near me. And I’ve got something in the truck that’ll make them think twice.” I assured her.
She didn't let go. I couldn't find it in me to pry her fingers off, so instead, I put my hand over hers, hoping that it was comforting.
The client gently pressed a paper towel to the side of Reyna’s face, her voice heart-achingly motherly as she uttered, “It's okay, honey. Everything's going to be alright.”
I'm not sure if it was from pain or something else, but Reyna noticeably stiffened when the client spoke to her in that maternal tone, closing her eyes as if to keep more tears from falling. Her clutch loosened until my wrist was freed, her hand dropping limply to her side.
The fucking birds sounded like they were laughing when I marched out to the truck. The sound grated on me as I snatched the fire poker and the first aid kit.
“
Laugh at this!” I snapped as I swung the poker at the nearest crow.
It let out a squeal as the poker grazed its wing, hopping as far out of reach as it could afterwards. They didn't cackle after that.
After we cleaned Reyna's injuries up, they didn't look quite as terrible, but just to be safe, I dragged her to the hospital. Thankfully, the client was an absolute angel about the whole thing and understood that one of our employees being injured was going to be a setback. I called up Victor to inform him of the situation as well as the entry points that we’d found; he took over where Reyna and I left off.
On the way to the hospital, Reyna muttered, “So… does my little Alfred Hitchcock moment initiate me as an official Orion employee?”
Wearily, I gave her a small chuckle, “Yeah, you're one of us, now. Lucky you!”
“Hey, I’ll take the murder birds over Psycho Mantis.” She replied with a small smile.
Her nickname for the mechanic. I think it's from a video game. I don't know. Never quite got into them.
It was quiet for a moment. The smile faded away as she distantly said, “I think that's how they do it. They take your eyes, they take
you, you know?”
I nodded, feeling a lump in the back of my throat, thinking about how the mechanic can control someone just by meeting their gaze. “I think you might be right about that.”
I couldn't help but wonder if the Hunt had attacked her simply because she's an Orion employee or if they were drawn to her because of something else. Was she grieving over something? I didn't know her well enough at that point to be able to tell. They hadn't hesitated to go for her eyes. If that was the case, that'd make her the most vulnerable of the three of us.
Another thing I want yinz to know when it comes to dealing with the atypical: if you or a loved one has been harmed, one of the best things you can do is to support the victim. And if you need support yourself, ignore that stupid little voice in your head that tells you not to bother anyone and reach out. Isolation will destroy you in more ways than one.
After I got Reyna settled at the hospital, I made a beeline to the river to find another hagstone. Clearly, Reyna was going to need one, too.
Naturally, the stupid birds followed me, causing my hagstone to quiver nonstop. I went into the woods armed with my toolbelt and the iron poker. I opted out of taking the shotgun simply because I was going to need a free hand to look for another hagstone. There was a part of me that hoped that one of them would try something so that I'd have the opportunity to smack the shit out of them.
While I was searching, among the crows’ calls, I heard whispers. They sounded close, like they came from behind some brush about twenty feet away, but I believed the False Egg when it said that the whispering thing likes to confuse its victims. Without listening to what they were saying, I glanced around as the river's cold water rushed around my boots, trying to figure out what was stalking me.
The whispers pretended to move further away. But still, I couldn't see the thing causing them. I clutched the poker tighter. The crows had stopped their chattering. They heard the voices, too. Hold on. What were they all looking at?
Gingerly, I pulled out the hagstone and held it to my eye in the direction of the crows' gazes. At first, it looked like one of the trees, until I was able to make out a triangular head with eyes the size of basketballs. It held up two massive, folded appendages that were lined with sharp spines. It looked to be as tall as a draft horse, yet it was so still that I couldn't even tell if this huge animal was breathing. The whispers were quieter than they'd ever been before.
Those huge eyes were fixed on me. I didn’t dare move.
One of the ‘crows’ glided to the ground near to the whispering thing, passing in front of my field of view. I stifled a shudder when I saw the state of its frail, humanoid body. Its skin clung like molten wax to its ribs and spine. Tattered wings extended from the sides of its torso, the feathers looking as if they were ripped from numerous other avians and fused to the miserable animal's stretched, contorted arms to make it fly. Where the eyes should have been were empty sockets. A curved beak had been forced onto the creature as well, driven into the skull hard enough to leave ridged, fleshy lumps.
Now that I've seen it, I think the crows were human, once. Transformed and disfigured to serve the Wild Hunt.
The crow shuffled a little too close to the whispering thing. Quicker than a blink, the whispering thing's folded appendage shot forward, curving around the crow's midsection, spikes driving into the crow's torso. My mind could barely keep up as the whispering thing then bit the crow's head clean off with a terrible crunch.
The other crows began to frenzy, shrieking as they dove towards the whispering thing. Without having to take a step, it snatched another crow out of the air. Flesh ripped with a wet tearing sound.
Since the animals were all focused on each other, I took the opportunity to dig frantically around for a hagstone, holding my own against my eye in the hopes it would lead me to another one.
There was a low hum that I felt more than heard. Deep within my chest, as if I was standing next to an amp at a concert. This was followed by an enraged screech from one of the crows. Still, I kept looking.
There had to be one. There just
had to be!
One circular, black rock stood out among the rest, the water seeming to outline it from the view of my hagstone.
There! I plucked it out of the water, looking over my shoulder to see if either the crows or the whispering thing were paying attention to me. They were too engrossed with trying to tear each other apart.
I shoved the black hagstone into my pocket and made a break for it, poker at the ready. One of the crows noticed and let out an ear-splitting cry to alert the others.
As I ran, I checked back to see that three of the crows split off to pursue me. I wasn't worried about them catching me. The whispering thing was another matter. This was only my second time encountering it and I hadn't had enough information to identify it, so I didn't want to find out the hard way if the defenses I had on me would be enough to stop it from tearing me apart like it did the crows.
There was another low hum that rumbled against my ribs as the whispering thing used one of its forelegs to swipe a crow out of its way. It had lost interest in them, its huge amber eyes focused on me once again. I prayed that the crows swarming around it would be enough to slow it down.
As I raced through the trees back to where the company truck waited, the whispers started anew. They became louder and clearer the faster I went, interrupted by the shrill cries of the crows tailing me. I did my best not to listen to any of them. The last thing I needed was to get led astray by any of my pursuers.
A crow swooped close enough for me to smack it with the poker. The sound the bird made when the iron scalded its skin made my teeth clench. The others joined it, bringing me to my knees, my ears ringing. High pitched, grating, like broken glass against a chalkboard. Disoriented, I swung desperately with the iron poker again, not hitting anything.
And among all that, the whispers hadn't stopped. My head rang, ears going numb. I swung again. One of the shrieks stopped as the poker found its mark. Even as the auditory assault continued, I got to my feet, grabbing the trees closest to me to keep myself going. The whispers became even more frantic as its prey got further and further away. The truck was right there.
The two crows tailing me had finally stopped their dreadful screaming and simmered down to furious clicking sounds with their beaks, as if they could think of nothing but stripping the flesh from my bones.
When one tested the limits of the hagstone as I got close to the truck, I swatted at it with the poker, the tip colliding with the creature's skull. The crow’s body crashed against an oak’s trunk, then went still.
As soon as I cleared the treeline, the whispering stopped. I looked over my shoulder. The whispering thing was retreating, only visible for a brief moment before blending in among the trees.
It couldn't leave the forest. That was good to know.
I closed myself into the truck, leaving the furious crows outside. They glared at me from the branches of a nearby oak. After taking a moment to collect myself, I drove back to the hospital, wanting to hand the black hagstone off to Reyna before anything else.
At a stop sign, I got a text from Victor: he had finished setting traps for the client's raccoon infestation and was going to meet me at the hospital.
Reyna was chilling in her hospital bed, face bandaged, wearing a hideous blue hospital gown decorated with faded green and pink squares.
“Guess who got her rabies shots!” She announced with a sleepy grin, holding her hand up in a shaka.
Someone was clearly given the good painkillers.
Victor arrived a few minutes later, wearing a black mask that covered his mouth and nose, smelling strongly of lavender. It made my nose itch.
“Why do you smell like an old lady?” I complained.
The mask intensified his withering stare, voice muffled by the mask, “Lotta blood around here. Probably wouldn't be too good if I smelled it.”
Reyna chimed in, slurring slightly, “If you're gonna eat anyone, go for the receptionist. He was reading Anne Rice, so he'd probably be into it.”
It was Reyna's turn to get The Glare. He said flatly, “You're high as a kite, aren't you?”
Reyna flashed a peace sign.
To summarize Reyna's condition, she's as okay as she can be. They had to close up her eyebrow and cheek, and they gave her a plethora of shots to make sure that she didn't catch any diseases from the crows. The hospital doctor wanted to keep her overnight to make sure that she didn't have an infection, then afterwards, she was going to take some time off of work to recover.
Also, I slipped the black hagstone into her purse so that it wouldn't be misplaced.
After we discussed Reyna's injuries, I decided to address the elephant in the room, “So… what can we do about the mechanic?”
Reyna shrugged, “Grovel and plead for our lives?”
Victor rubbed his eyes. “We might be a bit past that point.”
I asked Victor about the specifics of his deal with the mechanic. I knew that there had to be some sort of condition that had to be fulfilled before the mechanic could take someone, otherwise I probably wouldn't be alive to type this right now. Reyna was equally curious.
The boss seemed reluctant to speak on this matter, at first. I told Victor that he didn't have to share anything if there was any possibility of retaliation. The last thing I wanted was for him to be punished in some horrific manner for trying to help me.
He eventually shrugged a shoulder in resignation, “Whatever happens, I can handle it. It didn't take him long to figure out that I was the one that helped you find the hagstone.
That wasn't pleasant, but…” He went quiet for a second, his eyes glazing in a way that reminded me of when I first came home from active duty. He then shrugged again, “I'm willing to risk it if that means getting a chance to hurt him back someday. Lord knows it's been a long time coming.”
He didn't tell us what the consequences had been for assisting me, and neither Reyna nor I pressed the issue. Some mysteries are best left unsolved.
Even though I was nervous to hear the answer, I didn't pull any punches and straight up asked, “Why hasn't the mechanic sent you after me yet?”
Victor considered for a moment, then explained, “I'm not sure on the specifics, since the mechanic doesn’t tell me anything other than what I need to know to get the job done. But from what I can tell, he takes those who are dead, dying, or… ‘dead inside,’ I guess is the best way to put it. Some souls appear to be harder for him to take than others. The hard ones need to be… broken down first. As of right now, he says you're not ready.”
Reyna numbly asked, “So if the birds tried to nab me, does that mean that I am ‘ready’? That they could take me at any moment?”
Victor hesitated before replying, “We won't let that happen. Alright?”
Reyna nodded, eyes low.
I wanted to ask her what was going on. Figure out why she was suffering in a way that made her fair game to the crows. But she'd been through enough for one day. That discussion could wait for another time.
My next question was another one that I dreaded the answer to, “And where do you come into all of this, Vic?”
Regretfully, Victor admitted, “I bring him the ones that
are ready if he can't get to them himself.”
He glanced at Reyna, “As of right now, keep that hagstone on at all times. Even wear it when you're sleeping. The mechanic didn't know who you were initially, but I guarantee the fucking Lessers tipped him off. I think he’s more focused on Nessa, at the moment, but if I get sent after you, hit me with iron, salt me, do whatever and don't feel bad about it. Same goes for you, Nessa.”
I hated this. I hated that he was being used like this. I hated that he spoke about someday being sent to drag one of us to meet our fate at the hands of the Wild Hunt as if it was unavoidable.
The air suddenly felt like it was much thinner in the room. Somehow, I got enough oxygen to ask, “What if I learned the mechanic's true name? Would that end this?”
Victor let out a soft scoff, rubbing the bridge of his nose over his mask, “Probably, but good luck with that.”
I had already figured that the mechanic wouldn't dance around a fire singing his true name all willy nilly like Rumpelstiltskin. But I couldn't accept that all of us were screwed. There had to be a way. I had to believe that there was a way.
I announced that I'd be back in the morning. Reyna looked as concerned as her painkillers would allow, while Victor jumped out of his seat.
“What are you going to do?” He demanded.
“I'm going to talk to him.” I replied. “One of us is in the hospital and another one of us is undead-”
“I know it's looking bad right now, but they can easily get worse if whatever you're thinking of doing goes south.” He cautioned.
“I'm just going to see if there's some way I can… I don't know, talk him down? I haven't gotten that far yet, but
something needs to be done.”
He didn't look convinced, and with how terrible my argument was, I don't blame him. “I'll go with you.”
I motioned towards Reyna. “And leave her alone?”
Reyna, looking like she was fighting sleep, groggily said, “I got the adder stone and I'm in public. I'll be fine. If you're going to confront Psycho Mantis, you're going to need Vic around more than I will.”
Victor agreed, “Like it or not, you're not handling this alone. Remember what I told you when you got hired in?”
We're not heroes, we're pest control specialists. You know that thing I said about not isolating yourself? I can be bad about not following my own advice sometimes, especially that one.
Going forward, I do want to note that the decisions that were made on that night were extremely risky and I don't recommend for anyone to repeat them. Believe it or not, we are professionals.
On our way to our destination, we stopped by the 24-hr convenience store. Victor was about to question me until he saw me go for the whipped cream. I also got s'mores supplies, thinking that maybe some bribery would make the mechanic more amiable. I figured that if he rejected them then, hey, I like s'mores, too.
Afterwards, we followed the path to the skull trees.
During our hike, Victor whispered, “That fucker is hubris incarnate, but he's not stupid. If he offers you a deal, know that it's not going to be in your favor. And be careful with the way that he twists words.”
Something noteworthy is that the hagstone doesn't react to Victor. I think it's because he doesn't have the same malicious intentions as his captors. He may have changed after his murder (hell,
anyone would) but at his heart, he was still Victor. Meanwhile, as we got closer to the skull tree clearing, I felt the stone gradually begin to quake.
Up ahead, orange light flickered. The mechanic had a small fire going. He lay on a blanket next to it, that cursed banjo on the ground beside him, one arm folded under his head, legs crossed at the ankle. His eyes were closed.
He didn't open them as he greeted us, “I was wondering when you two would show up.”
Keeping my nerves buried beneath the surface, I held up the bag of sugary goodness. “I'm here to negotiate.”
He laughed, still not looking at me. “Are you, now? And what exactly do you think a little thing of cream will get ya?”
“Not much, I imagine.” I said evenly. “But I thought it'd be a good jumping off point.”
Even though I’d originally protested Victor coming with me, I was glad that he was there. I don't think I would've been able to be so level-headed if I'd met with the mechanic alone. It would probably be interpreted as a sign of weakness, but I was counting on that.
As soon as I saw the mechanic begin to crane his neck towards us, I slammed my eyelids shut. He knew way more about me than I'd ever wanted him to know already, and I was afraid of giving him more.
Again, another potential sign of weakness. When it came to trying to get him to back off of Orion a bit, I figured it'd be best if he underestimated me.
I didn't have to see the mechanic to know that he had that wicked grin on his face, “Alrighty. Let's see what you've got.”
A hand that was as cold as the grave gently removed the bag of goodies from my grasp. Victor. Wordlessly, he brought the cavity-inducing offering over to the mechanic. I never realized how quiet his footsteps were until then. He moved like a shadow. He could've been five feet away or five hundred, for all I knew.
There was the rustling of plastic, followed by the trademark sound of whipped cream being sprayed from the nozzle. Sounding
slightly less prick-ish, the mechanic told me I had his attention.
I had been trying to find the magic words that would make this whole situation blow over. Nothing that I came up with in my head fit that description.
So I decided to be straight forward, then go from there. “What will it take to de-escalate things between you and Orion?”
The whipped cream wailed once again. A moment later, the mechanic replied, “Why are you asking a question that you already know the answer to?”
“Other than my soul.”
He chuckled softly, the sound too casual and charming for this sinister discussion.
“You know, I’m curious, puppydog,” Fabric rustled. Without looking, I assumed he'd sat up, “Which o’ your parents are you most like?”
Here we fucking go. I tried to redirect him, “With all due respect, that isn't relevant.”
“Oh, but it is.” His tone of voice brought chills to the back of my neck. “You see, I'd be willing to take a trade. Find a soul as mouth-waterin’ as yours, and all this goes away. Hell, I might even let you rest in peace! You know what choice your father would pick.”
I was hoping that the firelight wouldn't be enough for him to see my face flush and my jaw stiffen. That had touched a nerve, just as he knew it would.
That was also a horrible deal. One that I wouldn't even consider. There was no way that I could condemn someone else to an afterlife of torment. I wouldn't wish that on anyone, not even that weasel-faced client that I rescued the False Egg from. Not even my father.
Swallowing back the plethora of terrible emotions threatening to bubble up, I suddenly felt Victor subtly squeeze my shoulder supportively. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't hesitate to give anyone who insulted his employees a piece of his mind, but the mechanic was the
last Neighbor to mouth off to. That was the best he could do for me, in the moment.
When I informed the mechanic that I wouldn't sacrifice someone else to save my own skin, he laughed again, “If only you knew how many times I heard those
exact words! Thing is, I ain't even got started on you, pup. Given enough time, you might find you're more like your old man than you thought.”
I took a deep breath to keep the mixture of dread and anger confined to my chest, then calmly replied, “Sounds like you know exactly how everything will play out. Isn't that boring for you?”
The tension that filled the air after those words left my mouth made my chest feel tight.
The whipped cream can wheezed thoughtfully before the mechanic mildly admitted, “A bit, yeah.”
There it is. “You already have all of the advantages,” I started, “It’s not much of a hunt if your prey can't even run, is it? There's no challenge in killing something that's already baited and trapped.”
“So, what do you suggest?”
Oh boy. I was about to do one of many things I warned yinz not to do: “The only way I can bring you the excitement you're craving is if I have a fighting chance. And a good one. I'll be searching for your name, but I need to know where to look first.”
His laughter made me suppress a shudder. I remember thinking that I should've known that he'd see through my words like he saw through everything else.
The mechanic then said, “I know what you're trying to do, pup. But the problem is, you're right! It's too easy anymore, especially since y'alls names are just available on the internet for anyone to find. I've been getting kind of soft lately.”
This was his soft side?
The mechanic continued, “You really think you can pull this off, pup? I know you're a fighter and all, but you're not a warrior, not really. Being a soldier ain't the same thing.”
“I may not be Cú Chullainn, but I'm as close as you're going to get in Mercer County. We've got a bit of a warrior shortage around here.”
He snorted, “You seem awfully sure of yourself for someone who can't even look at me.”
“I'm not sure about anything. That's why I'm here, isn't it?”
It was quiet for a moment with only the frogs chirping in the forest able to find their voices. Not even the whipped cream broke up the silence this time. I was tempted to risk peeking through my eyelashes, but managed to resist.
Just as my nerves started getting to me, the mechanic said, “So, you want me to give you a hint. That's a lot to ask, but you knew that already.”
“You want something in return.”
“Hagstone. Smash it.”
No way. It was too valuable. If I gave that up, I was dead. I promptly shook my head.
He sounded amused. “Shoulda known you wouldn't fall for that.”
Looking back, I wondered how many he'd tricked like that. Giving up some form of protection after being misled into thinking the mechanic was going to let them go, only to regret it seconds later. Probably far too many.
He continued, “Alright then, we'll talk for real. I'll give you that hint, but I got some conditions. You get three chances to guess correctly. Each time you guess wrong, you have to give me one of your names starting with your first, middle, then last name. Don't try fucking with me by trying to pass your middle name off as your first.”
That made my throat tighten even more. If I agreed to that, failure wouldn't just spell disaster for me, but for everyone I knew as well. I'd be dragging my mom and anyone else associated down with me. I'd essentially be doing what he already requested: sacrificing others to save my own skin.
I heard Victor faintly, from my right, “
Don't!”
The mechanic wasn't pleased, “This ain't about you, blue eyes. This is between me and her.”
The stakes were getting way too high. I couldn't do this. But then what? The Hunt wasn't going to wait around for me to find another way, assuming that there even was one. Victor clearly thought it was a terrible idea. For the record, I did, too. I could feel the boss' eyes on me, willing me not to forget what he'd said earlier about dangerous heroics.
Maybe there was another way and I just couldn't see it. But desperation has a way of messing with your head.
“If I agreed to this,” I started, knowing that I was probably digging my grave even deeper. “And I haven't agreed to anything, just to be clear.
If I did this, I'd need the assurance that you won't send your crows or hounds or any others that serve the Wild Hunt after those that I care about. That includes my colleagues and me, for that matter. Like you said, this is between us two.”
The mechanic chuckled and I heard him shift again. “You're feeling awfully bold tonight, aren't you?”
I reminded him, “You want this to be interesting, don't you?”
He considered, then with a click of his tongue replied, “You hear that, blue eyes? Means you, as well. On both sides, mind you. Same with that witch doctor. Yeah, I know about her. I keep mine out of it, if you keep yours out. All's fair, right?”
I didn't feel right with any of this, but the alternative was for things to continue as they were. If that happened, we were all screwed anyway.
“And
if I agreed, the hint that you provide will have to be both true and helpful. And it'll also be given in easily understandable American English, no riddles or puzzles or any other forms of confusing phrasing. You’d also have to give it to me tonight. The whole thing would begin after that.”
Once again, he laughed, “Shit, you're not messin' around!”
I know how the Neighbors do deals. If I hadn't mentioned it, he probably would've given me the hint in the form of a riddle spoken in backwards Gaelic.
“Alright, pup, I get the picture. You know what you're dealing with. I’ll play nice.”
His voice had a subtle sardonic edge. Nothing about this was going to be nice, if I chose to go this route, but that wasn't news.
“Oh, and one more thing!” The mechanic added a little too cheerfully. “You have until Samhain. I’m sure you know why.”
It's June already; still a good while away from October, but this year feels like it’s flying by fast, like every other year following 2020. He didn't have to explain why: the Wild Hunt are at their most powerful during Samhain, which for those who don't know, was a Celtic holiday that eventually gave birth to Halloween. It's when the veil between the atypical world and ours is thinnest.
In short, it's a busy day for Orion. Looks like it’s going to be even worse this year.
Victor spoke again, “Can I talk to her for a moment?”
“Nope. You don't get a say. Either she takes it or leaves it.” The mechanic answered curtly.
As I deliberated, there were subtle taps on a tree nearby. Hold on. Morse code. M-I-S-S-I-N-G. What was I missing? Maybe it was because I hadn't clearly spelled out what I wanted to happen if I correctly guessed the mechanic's identity.
“If I accept this bet, then if I find your name, you’ll relinquish your claim on my soul, as well as all other Orion employees, whether they're living, dead, or undead. Have I made that clear?”
After a moment, the mechanic answered, the smirk blatant in his voice, “You have now.”
Of course. It was so simple. If I had gone through with the deal without being specific about the outcome, the mechanic wouldn't have been obliged to release any of us. I would've done all the work to identify him for nothing. Tricky bastard.
Thanks, Victor.
With a heavy sigh, I politely asked the mechanic to repeat everything that we'd just discussed to make sure that he wasn't going to conveniently forget something. To my surprise, he did it without comment, though he sounded like he thought the whole thing was funny. He left nothing out.
When I say that agreeing to this deal was one of the hardest things I've ever done, I mean it.
I instantly had second thoughts the moment I heard the mechanic stand up and cheerfully say, “Well, you ready for that hint? You’re gonna wanna open your eyes for this. I can show you better than I can tell you.”
Oh God, I made a mistake! No. I could do this. I had to.
Black cherries. He was in front of me. Steeling myself, I opened my eyes. The mechanic stood as close as the hagstone would allow, a dark silhouette in front of the crackling flames.
“Blue eyes, would you mind holding puppydog’s hagstone for her? Wouldn't want that gettin’ lost, now, would we?”
What?! “Don’t get all frantic, I can’t do shit to you until you get your hint, per our agreement,” The mechanic said dismissively as Victor approached me. “You’ll get it back after.”
Victor looked apologetic as he gently removed the most powerful defense I had. He had an odd glint in his eye. Was that defiance?
I’ll get you out of this, Vic. I promise. The very moment that he was able to, the mechanic grabbed my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes.
A church surrounded by black water… A great feast of viscera and wildflowers… Black thorns drinking the blood of the unworthy… The great antlered headdress of the White Son of Mist… Pricking his finger on those horns… He signed in blood… Victor pulled me back, not giving the mechanic even a picosecond to take full advantage of being outside of the hagstone’s influence. If he hadn't been holding me up, I would've been on the ground, still recovering from what I'd just seen.
“You find that ledger, you find me.” The mechanic said coolly.
That church. It reminded me of something. In the morning, I’m going to check our records. For now, I just want to crash. I'll keep yinz updated.
On the bright side, there weren't any crows waiting for me when I got home.
(Here's an index of all the cases I've discussed so far.) 30 year gamer. Have a backlog of hundreds of games that will likely outlive me. Have been feeling blah last few days assuming it was allergies, but ended up being covid. It sucks not to smell or taste and feeling just blah but could be worse.
Out of all these hundreds of games I could chill with and enjoy, the only one I boot up and enjoy moment to moment is Suicide Squad. I know that sounds like a meme and some may find fault with that, somehow, but it just genuinely makes me feel better. It can be mindless, colorful, smoothe and fun, and it's basically all I've wanted to do while getting over this. Just relax, rest up and have some mindless grindy fun.
That's all, wishing you all a great day.
Looking for travel recs for our anniversary trip in October.
Typically we take a 10 day all inclusive Sandals trip, but after just having a baby, we’re not up for spending the sort of money we usually do ($8-10k).
My husband has also developed some sort of alcohol allergy, so he doesn’t drink nearly as much as we used to.
Looking for: -Somewhere within a 6 hour plane ride from the Philadelphia area -Great food culture -Relaxing -Not a crazy city or super touristy, but somewhere walkable and enjoyable -Great views, chill beaches (October) or really cool culture. -An awesome resort would be great, but not opposed to airbnb either
My chunk boy (8yo) had a dental cleaning in January of this year. They extracted 6 teeth. 4 were expected to come out but they ended up needing to take his top two canines out despite being in good condition. Apparently he had a trauma that had damaged the root and would have eventually caused lots of nerve pain.
A week or so after extraction, I noticed his one bottom canine was pushing into his upper gum, causing an inflamed red pocket. He was also chewing his paws and over grooming his tummy to the point of having no hair. Our vet said this was probably due to pain, so I did an oral rinse with chunky for 3 weeks and the painful pocket calloused over (yay).
However, now it's been nearly 5 months and the biting/chewing/picking has only gotten worse - he consistently takes the hair off his paws and tummy.
He has experienced food allergies in the past but I am familiar with those symptoms and this is different, new. He is also on a special limited protein diet, the same for years.
I was FLOORED when I called my vet, and they mentioned possibly needing to extract ALL of his remaining teeth!? (Over the phone, they haven't looked in mouth in months). The other option is to try a steroid. I have heard bad things about steroids and also feel like it doesn't address root cause.
Could it be lingering trauma and stress from the dental work? Could it be pain from something related to it? Do I need to chill out and just try the steroid?
Our appointment is coming up and I want to see if anyone here is kind enough to share advice because I am losing trust in our vet and we live on an island where care might not be the best so I want to be informed. Thanks SO much for reading!!
So I found a pretty decent breakdown video for the Orientation notebook with at least some pages past the first free 24 shown. One of the pages contains a report on full effects of the red smoke and it sounds rather good.
Effects are as follows: improved sleep quality (more restful and improved brain functions during sleep), improved memory retention and better emotional processing, also probably sedative effects going by the game.
Sounds pretty good so far.
There are of course side effects mentioned however with one very important addition: in select few individuals - I'll go over why this is important after going through the possible side effects which inclde: intense nightmares, sleepwalking, unusual heart activity, dilated pupils, severe hallucinations, chills and nausea.
Now this sounds very bad and it indeed would be if not for the previously mentioned "in select few individuals". What this means is that only some subjects and probably rather small portion of them suffer from these issues which can mean one of two things:
1) Allergy - it's fairly common (relatively speaking since those range from 10% to sub 1% of all people) for people to be allergic to either components, products of metabolizing various medical substances or just the substance itself. Ranging from aspirin to some types of anesthesia and more. It's not really a problem, only a matter of knowing whether subject is allergic which can be safely checked for with very simple tests.
2) Overdose (non-lethal) - overdose is possible with just about any substance (you absolutely can overdose on water or salt though it requires somewhat specific circumstances) and I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Playcare staff just eyeballed it and lucked out into no one dying (maybe) and Catnap once deployed would almost definitely not be able to regulate specific amounts so anyone more sensitive or just unlucky enough to get a higher dose would be suffering the side effects. This is of course completely avoidable with proper care and procedures.
In conclusion: the effects of the red smoke are pretty great actually and it could make for a great pharmaceutical substance as a performance enhancer and a sedative and any side effects seen or reported on in game are caused by incompetence and/or negligence of PlayCo employees.
Of course this is all dependant on the assumption that no side effects that would result from long term use exist.
So I had a colonoscopy on the 22nd of May which required me taking miralax to clean out. Following the colonoscopy my gut health was off for a few days so my appetite was low. After two days I was really hungry so I pigged out. Felt horrible and almost threw up. Even started getting the chills. The following few days were small appetite and random chills and generally not feeling great. Then on the 29th I broke out in hives on most of my body and ended up waking up in the middle of the night and threw up. The next two days I had some serious fatigue. Started feeling better on June 1st but again, broke out in hives. Now I seem to be feeling fine but I keep getting random hive outbreaks throughout the day. Went to dr and they ran blood work to test for tick born diseases. Everything was ok besides high white blood cell count. All tick born diseases were negative. I've been taking Benadryl to help but it isn't enough to fully stop the hives. I have no known allergies and have not had a fever at all. Anyone ever have something similar? A long time ago I had a random winter where my skin would swell when it contacted cold but it went away on its own.
This story is my true account of an issue i had with a seller on ebay back in 2015. I am new to reddit so i figured now was as good a time as any to tell my story.
A few years back i purchased a small squeeze bottle of my favorite natural rice milk lotion, on a popular auction site called eBay. I purchased my lotion & the seller shipped out fast. Cool! This specific lotion was always out of stock & i hadnt been able to find it for some time now. So you cant imagine how excited i was to find a “too good to be true” discount on ebay, for the full sized bottle. I have since become more cautious..
For reference, the usual price not during the holidays for this lotion was around $50. I only was ever able to afford it during the holidays, & this was mid june so i figured i had really scored big time at $10 less than the sale price.
I just figured they had old stock they were trying to get rid of before the dates expired.. Oh how wrong i was. A week goes by, & i receive my lotion in the mail. Let me stop here & inform everyone that i have severe allergies to most lotions, shampoos & fragrances. But if the lotion is made all natural with real essential oils and no harsh chemicals, my skin doesn’t react at all. I have eczema.
I blame my childhood self of drowning my skin in bath & body works for my abrupt adult allergies to benzene’s & other similar 15 letter plus chemical ingredients. But I digress. Im fine lol
So i get the lotion in the mail & immediately put it in the fridge to chill. I notice there are no other packaging or letters to accompany the lotion. Not a big deal, but having 15 years on ebay as first a seller, then a buyer.. sellers usually are really big about giving thank you cards & not so much just chucking the merchandise into a box with no protection. Its highly encouraged to get yourself out there and protect everything in bubble wrap as apart of the packing instructions.
The red flag🚩 i quickly noticed that the return address had been cut off of the shipping label with scissors. Okay..thats bad considering if i needed to return the merchandise & ebay for some reason doesnt work with me or the seller doesnt have returns & the system refuses my return, i wouldnt be able to return it for my money back if it where say, expired. Or not as described. They would just tell me to try & “work it out with the seller.” & more often than not, you get ghosted if they are being dishonest anyway.
So i take the lotion out of the fridge, & i pop the cap. There is no safety seal in place🚩i tell myself, Ew, this lotion has always had a safety seal! Against my better judgment & i already know this was stupid but at the time i wasnt fully on the “this seller has duped me” train yet. I squeeze a small dollop of lotion out onto my fingers & fully expecting the fragrance of medicinal essential oils to hit me, i was met with…nothing. Nothing!? I wipe off the lotion onto some paper towels now concerned. This lotion was also a lot thinner than normal.
Thats when i realize there is a smell, but it is very faint. Almonds. Cherries? Damned if it wasnt jergens!!! A dollar store lotion i often used to get but had developed a severe allergy to in the past few years. That is when i notice my fingers starting to itch & burn in painful pinpoint areas on my fingertips. I hadnt washed my hands. I drop the lotion bottle on my bed & run for the bathroom sink, dowsing my hands in cold water & rewashing them as the tissue under my fingernails begins to flare.
After my small panic attack in the bathroom i come back, take 2 benadryl & sit & think. I angrilly toss on a glove from a hair color kit i had, and toss the lotion back into the box. I have my husband tape it back up. I use my good hand & start scrolling through my order history, landing on the lotion sale. I scold myself for not looking at the seller history before ordering, my tired lapse in judgment getting the better of me.
I go through & find multiple negative feedback where the seller had all but insulted every negative feedback given. They always had something to say to try & cover themselves. Batch inconsistency excuses, blaming the buyer for their mailbox being in the sun multiple times for different reviews etc
Having the experience i do with wonky ebay sellers, i start with pictures. My hand, now fully flared. The item, with no seal & layed in its box. I typed out my findings as clearly as possible, & the seller immediately rebutted with a “clear buyers remorse case” & somehow had the case dismissed! I then attempted to appeal, but was told ebays decision was final & automated.
I message the seller asking why they refused my return request, and was met with the sobering response “you can return the item at your own expense anytime you like😊” and i was then ghosted. I responded with my explanation, & a photo on the shipping label with his address cut out. No one ever replied.
the next night, i respond steaming with the rage of a woman who has been wronged at this point, with “if you wish to play with my health, then we will play your game sir. Good luck.” I get a response less than 2 minutes later, swearing me out & for lack of a better word, calling me every feminine insult in the book, in the most foul of wording possible. & generally just mocking me in general. I receive TEN emails through ebay of him egging me on to “aw whats the matter, f****** c*** you wont do sh**!”
At this time it is clear to me that this seller has an obvious mental problem & i have the biggest ball in my court. You cant swear on ebay. So i screenshot all of my messages & add them to my “for later” folder & i then contact ebay customer service, this time during business hours.
Im met with a very nice lad who i then invite to take a look at my messages in the ebay system. He obliges & 5 minutes later im met with a chat message in a very serious tone apologizing on behalf of the entire ebay team for their negligence in this situation. & the same spiel of this is not how we want our customers treated on ebay. I am then told that my chat has been noted & a report has been made on my behalf, & im given a link to also report the seller myself in my own words.
I am then offered my money back on ebays behalf. I mull it over & ask, “is this money coming from the original sale back from the seller, or from ebay?”
And He responds with, “from ebay ma’am.” I immediately respond with i would like to ask paypal first. I told him it was the principle of the matter, that i was looking for justice and not money at this point. & he kindly accepts & says that if i need ebay to step in & refund me that all i need to do is come back & give them the reference number he then provided me. & he wished me luck lol
I then report the seller through ebay & flag all of our messages.
My Petty Revenge. I take my folder of photos & email screenshots over to paypal. Ive been with them for years & they have never allowed this type of behavior. & yes, The Crazies of eBay are in fact becoming more & more popular these days. I find my transaction & start a case. I give them EVERYTHING. Including the notes from all of the emails i received. I then report the seller there as well, & lye in wait.
He emails me through my paypal address a week later. I receive a string of insults a mile long calling me a liar. I was told very obscene things & he signed the email very specifically with “i f*** your mother, i f*** your Ala.”
i promise you, i cannot make this crap up. I first had to google who Ala was! For context, Im a 30 year old mother from the south, and am a bit confused at this point because i have no idea who this is coming from, and i have no friends whod prank me like this and the only person ive pissed off at this point Was mr ebay. i have a pretty good idea. The email is a throw away gmail account, and i immediately block and report it as junk, taking screenshots first…id love to leave it there, but I did however being in my late 20’s & not being able to take anything seriously at the time, sent back a single GIF with the vampire from the movie “30 days of night” saying “no god.” I have a sick sense of humor when met with violence!
I receive a quick response from paypal less than 48 hours later after my claim, informing me that the appropriate action has been taken with unit number *** & they take actions of FRAUD very seriously. I was not allowed to know what came of the seller, but their ebay account has since been terminated.
This dude goes POSTAL IRL. I get a letter in the mail 2 weeks later, my address is handwritten, with no return address. The words are simple, & have been typed out “i f*** your mother, i f*** your Ala.” & nothing else. Unrelated, Ive received my refund from paypal at this point, which had to involve paypal forcibly removing the funds from his account.
I take photos of the letter, i then pull his address from his selleshop profile on paypal, & then take the screenshot of the email i received, as well as the photo of the shipping label that had been cut on. The address is in LA…
I then email LAPD & send them the photos & screenshots & tell them im afraid for my life. I was thanked for my email, but due to certain laws i was not allowed to be made privy to the outcome of this “ongoing investigation.”
…omg theres an ongoing investigation!?!?
& thats where it ended.
This was honestly terrifying for me, and its made me a lot more careful to read negative feedback on ebay before i buy anything. Especially if the price is too good to be true, or the seller is mouthing off in response/seems confrontational.
Please also know that i am not insulting, nor have i ever insulted anyone elses religious beliefs💕
i’ve been dealing with panic disorder for the last month and within the month i have been to Urgent Care twice, the ER twice and to my PCP a couple of times, i’m also seeing a psychiatrist twice a week. I’ve been taking Lexapro once a day and Xanax when needed. The problem is that i feel like something else is wrong with me, the first time i went to Urgent Care was because i had never experienced an anxiety attack like that before, i had rapid heart beat, really shallow breathing, dizziness, sweating, nausea and vomiting. When i got to UC I let them know i was diagnosed with anxiety and they told me it was very likely a panic attack and suggested i see a psychiatrist. After that visit i visited my PCP who ordered me a blood test and prescribed me the Lexapro and Xanax.(blood work came back normal) I started having bad shortness of breath and constant rapid heart beat which lead to a panic attack where my limbs felt paralyzed and my speech was slurred, resulting in an ER visit where they gave me my first EKG which came back normal and they told me it was a panic attack. I started having other cold-like symptoms after this and assumed it was just allergies and started taking Claritin because once again, i felt like i couldn’t breathe and it was so bad i couldn’t sleep and would randomly start hyperventilating. My chest also started feeling tight and i was producing a little bit of mucus in my throat, this lead me to go to Urgent Care again because i thought it could be a sinus or respiratory infection (at this point i was getting really anxious about the fact that my breathing was really short when lying down and i had barely slept in days) at Urgent Care i explained all of symptoms including the fact that i was recently diagnosed with Panic Disorder; the doctor did another EKG, a chest X-ray and tested my vitals in multiple positions including laying down, standing and sitting. This doctor was very concerned about the fact that my heart rate went up 50 bpm when standing up and she sent me to the Emergency Room concerned that i could have a blood clot in my lungs. When i got to the emergency room they took my blood, gave me an IV and another chest X-ray (i had another severe paralyzing panic attack during this where even my stomach went fuzzy and i almost fainted😭) in the end the doctor told me based on all the tests given, i seem healthy and he did not want to subject me to anymore radiation and that it was just anxiety AGAIN. Since this ER visit i’ve started experiencing pain in my chest area and which is a new symptom and i feel like my heart is constantly racing. I still am barely getting any sleep because my heart will start racing in the middle of the night, waking me up. I’m not sure if i’m crazy for doubting all of these doctors, especially in the ER but i just do not feel okay and im not sure if it’s my anxiety like they keep telling me or there’s something else wrong they’re not checking for because i am young with an anxiety disorder. For the record, im a 27 year old female, im underweight and not very active at all and before a month ago i was smoking weed everyday for about 2 years. I’m going to make another appointment with my PCP because i need something to help me sleep but im making this post to see if anyone else has experienced the same and if A) it turned out to be more then just anxiety or B) these are all normal symptoms and i need to chill out. The chest pain is what is scaring me the most and the fact that im still experiencing the shortness of breath even after almost a month (although it is getting better i think???)
im concerned once i start receiving all these medical bills😖
When it comes to snacking, finding options that are both delicious and nutritious can be a challenge. Whether you're heading out for a busy day, packing lunch for the kids, or simply need a quick bite, all-natural snacks are the perfect solution. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about enjoying all-natural delicious snacks on-the-go, highlighting some amazing options from Cozy Farm and featuring the incredible Tiny But Mighty Heirloom Popcorn Kernels.
Table of Contents
| Heading | Subtopics |
|---|
| Introduction | Importance of natural snacks, convenience factor |
| Benefits of All-Natural Snacks | Health benefits, environmental impact |
| Types of All-Natural Snacks | Nuts, fruits, popcorn, bars |
| Tiny But Mighty Heirloom Popcorn | History, health benefits, taste |
| Easy Snacking on the Go | Portable snack ideas, storage tips |
| Nutritional Value | Comparing natural vs processed snacks |
| How to Choose the Best Snacks | Ingredient check, sourcing, brands |
| Cozy Farm Snack Collection | Overview, best sellers, customer favorites |
| Incorporating Snacks into Your Diet | Meal planning, snacking habits |
| Kid-Friendly Snack Options | Nut-free, allergy-friendly options |
| Travel-Friendly Snacks | Non-perishable, lightweight options |
| Energy-Boosting Snacks | Pre-workout, mid-day pick-me-up options |
| Sustainable Snack Packaging | Eco-friendly packaging, reducing waste |
| DIY Snack Recipes | Homemade granola, trail mix recipes |
| Pairing Snacks with Beverages | Tea, coffee, smoothie pairings |
| Seasonal Snack Ideas | Summer, winter, autumn, spring snacks |
| Healthy Sweet Treats | Natural sweeteners, dessert snacks |
| Savory Snack Options | Healthy chips, crackers, popcorn |
| Gluten-Free Snacks | Best gluten-free options, brands to trust |
| Vegan Snack Choices | Plant-based options, protein-rich snacks |
| Organic vs. Conventional Snacks | Benefits of organic, certification importance |
| Cost-Effective Snacking | Budget-friendly natural snacks |
| Snack Subscription Boxes | Monthly delivery options, pros and cons |
| Customer Reviews and Testimonials | Real stories, product experiences |
| Where to Buy Natural Snacks | Online stores, local markets |
| Storage Tips for Freshness | Keeping snacks fresh, avoiding spoilage |
| Allergen Awareness | Common allergens, safe snacking tips |
| Snack Prep for Busy Lifestyles | Prepping tips, quick snack ideas |
| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | Common concerns, detailed answers |
| Conclusion | Recap, final thoughts
|
In today's fast-paced world, finding convenient, healthy snack options is essential. All-natural snacks provide a nutritious alternative to processed foods, making them a perfect choice for busy individuals and families. These snacks are not only good for your health but also kind to the environment, ensuring you can enjoy your treats guilt-free.
Benefits of All-Natural Snacks
All-natural snacks come with a host of benefits:
- Health Benefits: Free from artificial additives, preservatives, and high fructose corn syrup, all-natural snacks support overall wellness and provide essential nutrients.
- Environmental Impact: Choosing natural snacks reduces the demand for processed foods, which often involve environmentally harmful practices.
Types of All-Natural Snacks
There is a wide variety of all-natural snacks to choose from, including:
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds are nutrient-dense and easy to carry.
- Dried Fruits: Options like dried apricots, raisins, and figs offer a sweet treat with vitamins and fiber.
- Popcorn: A whole grain snack, especially when you choose options like Tiny But Mighty Heirloom Popcorn Kernels.
- Snack Bars: Look for bars made with minimal ingredients, like dates and nuts.
Tiny But Mighty Heirloom Popcorn
History and Origin
Tiny But Mighty Heirloom Popcorn traces its roots back to ancient varieties grown by Native Americans. This heirloom popcorn is cherished for its small, crunchy kernels that pack a flavorful punch.
Health Benefits
Tiny But Mighty Heirloom Popcorn is non-GMO and free from artificial ingredients, making it a wholesome snack. It's high in fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
Taste and Texture
Unlike conventional popcorn, Tiny But Mighty kernels are tender and less likely to get stuck in your teeth. The rich, nutty flavor makes it a favorite among popcorn enthusiasts.
Easy Snacking on the Go
Portable Snack Ideas
Keeping snacks handy is key to maintaining energy levels throughout the day. Consider these easy-to-carry options:
- Trail Mix: A mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
- Fruit and Nut Bars: Compact and nutrient-packed.
- Popcorn: Pre-pop and pack Tiny But Mighty Heirloom Popcorn for a crunchy treat.
Storage Tips
Store your snacks in airtight containers to maintain freshness. For items like popcorn, use resealable bags to keep them crisp and ready to eat.
Nutritional Value
When comparing natural snacks to processed ones, the difference is clear. Natural snacks:
- Have fewer additives and preservatives.
- Are often lower in unhealthy fats and sugars.
- Provide more vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
How to Choose the Best Snacks
Selecting the best all-natural snacks involves:
- Reading Ingredients: Opt for snacks with simple, recognizable ingredients.
- Sourcing: Look for brands that prioritize ethical sourcing and sustainability.
- Brand Reputation: Choose trusted brands like those found at Cozy Farm.
Cozy Farm Snack Collection
Overview
Cozy Farm offers a diverse range of all-natural snacks. From nuts and seeds to gourmet popcorn, their selection is curated to ensure quality and taste.
Best Sellers
Popular choices include:
- Tiny But Mighty Heirloom Popcorn Kernels: A standout product known for its unique flavor and texture. Check it out here.
- Organic Dried Fruit Mixes: Perfect for a sweet, natural treat.
Customer Favorites
Customers rave about the variety and quality of snacks available at Cozy Farm, making it a go-to destination for health-conscious snackers.
Incorporating Snacks into Your Diet
Meal Planning
Integrate snacks into your daily routine by planning ahead. Include a mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbs in your snack choices to maintain balanced nutrition.
Snacking Habits
Avoid mindless snacking by setting designated snack times. This helps control portions and prevents overeating.
Kid-Friendly Snack Options
Nut-Free Choices
For school-safe snacks, consider options like:
- Rice Cakes: Light and crunchy.
- Fruit Leathers: Naturally sweet and chewy.
Allergy-Friendly
Choose snacks that are free from common allergens and clearly labeled for safety.
Travel-Friendly Snacks
Non-Perishable Options
Ideal for travel, non-perishable snacks include:
- Beef Jerky: Protein-rich and satisfying.
- Energy Bars: Packed with nutrients and easy to pack.
Lightweight Choices
Opt for snacks that are easy to carry and don’t require refrigeration.
Energy-Boosting Snacks
Pre-Workout Snacks
Fuel your workouts with:
- Bananas: High in potassium and energy.
- Almonds: A great source of healthy fats and protein.
Mid-Day Pick-Me-Ups
Keep your energy levels up with:
- Greek Yogurt: Rich in protein and probiotics.
- Dark Chocolate: A small piece can provide an energy boost.
Sustainable Snack Packaging
Eco-Friendly Options
Look for snacks packaged in recyclable or biodegradable materials. Brands like Cozy Farm are committed to reducing waste through sustainable practices.
DIY Snack Recipes
Homemade Granola
Ingredients:
- Oats
- Honey
- Nuts
- Dried fruits
Mix and bake for a delicious, customizable snack.
Trail Mix
Combine:
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Dried berries
- Dark chocolate chips
A perfect blend of sweet and savory.
Pairing Snacks with Beverages
Tea Pairings
Match your snacks with herbal teas for a calming experience.
Coffee Pairings
Dark chocolate or nuts pair well with a robust cup of coffee.
Smoothie Pairings
Fresh fruits and yogurt make an excellent combo with green smoothies.
Seasonal Snack Ideas
Summer Snacks
- Watermelon Slices: Hydrating and sweet.
- Chilled Veggies and Hummus: Refreshing and nutritious.
Winter Snacks
- Roasted Nuts: Warm and comforting.
- Hot Apple Cider and Popcorn: A cozy combination.
Healthy Sweet Treats
Natural Sweeteners
Use honey or maple syrup in your sweet snacks for a healthier alternative to refined sugar.
Dessert Snacks
- Fruit Parfaits: Layer yogurt with fresh fruits and granola.
- Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Simple and indulgent.
Savory Snack Options
Healthy Chips
Try baked vegetable chips or air-popped popcorn for a satisfying crunch.
Crackers
Whole grain or seed-based crackers provide a healthier option for dipping or snacking.
Gluten-Free Snacks
Best Options
Look for gluten-free labels on snacks like:
- Rice Cakes: Versatile and light.
- Gluten-Free Bars: Made with nuts and dried fruits.
Trusted Brands
Brands like Cozy Farm ensure their gluten-free snacks meet high standards for quality and taste.
Vegan Snack Choices
Plant-Based Options
Great vegan snacks include:
- Hummus and Veggies: Protein-rich and satisfying.
- Fruit and Nut Mixes: Easy and nutritious.
Protein-Rich Snacks
Opt for snacks like edamame or lentil chips for a protein boost.
Organic vs. Conventional Snacks
Benefits of Organic
Organic snacks are free from synthetic pesticides and GMOs, making them a healthier choice for you and the environment.
Certification Importance
Look for USDA organic certification to ensure the quality and authenticity of your snacks.
Cost-Effective Snacking
Budget-Friendly Options
Choose bulk items like nuts and seeds, or make your own trail mix to save money.
Snack Subscription Boxes
Monthly Delivery Options
Subscription boxes offer a variety of snacks delivered to your door, perfect for discovering new favorites.
Pros and Cons
While convenient, consider the cost and whether the selection meets your dietary needs.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Real Stories
Customers share their positive experiences with Cozy Farm snacks, highlighting taste, quality, and health benefits.
Product Experiences
Detailed reviews provide insight into what makes each snack a great choice.
Where to Buy Natural Snacks
Online Stores
Purchase from trusted online retailers like
Cozy Farm.
Local Markets
Support local businesses by shopping at farmers' markets and health food stores.
Storage Tips for Freshness
Keeping Snacks Fresh
Store in cool, dry places and use airtight containers to extend shelf life.
Avoiding Spoilage
Check expiration dates and consume older snacks first to prevent waste.
Allergen Awareness
Common Allergens
Be aware of common allergens like nuts, dairy, and gluten when choosing snacks.
Safe Snacking Tips
Read labels carefully and choose products from reputable brands that prioritize allergen safety.
Snack Prep for Busy Lifestyles
Prepping Tips
Prepare snacks in bulk and portion them into individual servings for quick access.
Quick Snack Ideas
Keep easy options like fruit, nuts, and pre-popped popcorn on hand for when you need a quick bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if a snack is truly all-natural?
Look for simple, recognizable ingredients and certifications like USDA organic or non-GMO labels.
Can I trust online snack retailers?
Yes, reputable sites like Cozy Farm provide high-quality, natural snack options with detailed product information.
What makes Tiny But Mighty Heirloom Popcorn special?
It's an heirloom variety with small, tender kernels that offer a unique flavor and texture, free from GMOs and artificial ingredients.
Are all-natural snacks more expensive?
They can be, but buying in bulk or making your own mixes can help reduce costs.
How can I make sure my snacks stay fresh?
Store them in airtight containers and keep them in a cool, dry place.
Are all-natural snacks better for weight management?
Yes, they are often lower in unhealthy fats and sugars, and higher in fiber, helping you feel full longer.
Conclusion
Incorporating all-natural delicious snacks into your daily routine is a great way to stay healthy and energized. With a variety of options available at Cozy Farm, including the outstanding Tiny But Mighty Heirloom Popcorn Kernels, you can enjoy tasty, nutritious snacks anytime, anywhere. Start exploring today and discover your new favorite snack!
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