I have been getting Wegovy and I was up 1.7 mg. I had that strength filled last month with no problem. Along with all the other past ones. The Pharmacy filled the 1.7mg on the seventh of this month and I decided that strength was making me sick so I had them return the prescription that was filled this month for the 1.7 MG back to stock and did not pick it up. I wanted to go back to the 1mg. Doctor sent a new prescription for the 1mg on the 7th if this month. The insurance assured me there was still a prior auth on file for my secondary insurance due to my primary insurance not covering the medication. All of a sudden my primary insurance (Medicare) wants a diagnosis code. Which the insurance said they needed the diagnosis code for weight loss on the prescription. So I messaged my doctor and she sent a new prescription in today for a diagnosis code for weight loss. I called the pharmacy and it was still not going through. The technician went way above and beyond and found out what was needed. Apparently she spoke to the supervisor this time and they said it needed a diagnosis code that was different than for weight loss. All the work I had my doctor nurse do and sent a new prescription for the 1 MG. Then a prescription with a diagnosis code for weight loss for the 1 MG and still a problem. I need another diagnosis code other than weight loss. I did have cancer and now my cancer plans have went down since I’ve been on this. I do have to walk with a cane due to imbalance so I cannot do any kind of exercises to lose my weight. I do have back problems and weight has made it more painful. I was borderline with diabetes, but I do not need to check my blood sugar or anything like that. I do take metformin 1000 MG so I have no idea what kind of diagnosis code they would want to cover the Medicare part of UPMC For Life. ☹️ I have Medicare and Medicaid both threw UPMC

I had a C&P exam around 6 weeks for diabetes (secondary) on a claim that was placed in 01/2023. I put in for diabetic neuropathy for all extremities about week ago on a new ITF (March 2024) and I just got notified of a C&P exam for the peripheral neuropathy.
Does this mean that the VA might be granting the diabetes or why else will they be willing to pay for an exam. Thanks.

Hello! New here. I was recently diagnosed with GD and had a call with my MFM diabetic nurse. She gave me the rundown on meal planning/guidelines to follow, as well as debriefed me on how to take my blood sugar levels.
Last night, I tried to take my values for the first time, and was repeatedly unsuccessful. I must've tried at least 20 times before finally giving up. Even when I appeared to draw enough blood, the blood wouldn't move up through the channel on the test strip fast enough/completely, and I repeatedly got an error message.
I tried to do some research and wondered if maybe I wasn't drawing enough blood. I tried warming my hands and shaking them by my side to increase circulation prior to trying again in the morning. Again, I was unsuccessful.
I reached out to the nurse and explained my situation, and she suggested that the lancet wasn't penetrating enough/I wasn't drawing enough blood. She told me to try a different setting (but recommended the one I was already on). I tried to take my values again after lunch, and had the same issue/error message. I reached out again and asked if we could schedule another telehealth call, to which she agreed.
While I'm waiting for that, though, I'm wondering if anyone has experienced similar issues and has advice, or can just offer emotional support? Haha. I'm starting to get very overwhelmed and frustrated by this whole process and diagnosis—having to track everything I eat and send it to a stranger makes me feel all kinds of overwhelm, so also being unable to take my blood sugar values isn't helping. I'm unsure if it's a user error at this point or if there's something wrong with the machine/test strips.

Nursing assignment writers cover a wide range of topics to help nursing students understand different aspects of healthcare. These topics are like pieces of a puzzle that come together to create a bigger picture of nursing practice. Let's explore some of these topics in more detail:

1. Patient Care: Nursing assignment writers often discuss patient care, which includes topics like bedside manner, administering medication, and monitoring vital signs. They teach students how to provide compassionate care while ensuring patient safety.
2. Health Promotion: Another important topic is health promotion, where writers explain strategies for promoting healthy behaviors and preventing illness. This might include discussions on nutrition, exercise, and disease prevention techniques.
3. Medical Conditions: Nursing assignment writers also cover various medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and mental health disorders. They help students understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for different illnesses.
4. Nursing Ethics: Ethics is a crucial aspect of nursing practice, and writers often delve into topics related to ethical decision-making, patient confidentiality, and professional conduct. They help students navigate complex ethical dilemmas they may encounter in their careers.
5. Evidence-Based Practice: Nursing assignment writers emphasize the importance of evidence-based practice, which involves using research findings to inform clinical decisions. They teach students how to critically evaluate research studies and apply evidence-based interventions in patient care.
6. Nursing Theory: Understanding nursing theory is essential for students to develop a solid foundation in nursing practice. Writers explain different nursing theories and their applications in clinical settings, helping students understand the underlying principles of nursing care.
7. Leadership and Management: Nursing assignment writers also cover topics related to leadership and management in healthcare settings. This may include discussions on delegation, conflict resolution, and quality improvement initiatives.
8. Cultural Competence: In today's diverse healthcare environment, cultural competence is essential for providing patient-centered care. Writers discuss topics related to cultural awareness, sensitivity, and competence, helping students learn how to effectively communicate and collaborate with patients from diverse backgrounds.
9. Legal Issues in Nursing: Nursing assignment writers address legal issues relevant to nursing practice, such as informed consent, documentation, and professional liability. They help students understand their legal responsibilities and how to practice within the boundaries of the law.
10. Professional Development: Finally, writers cover topics related to professional development, including continuing education, certification, and career advancement opportunities. They help students prepare for lifelong learning and growth in their nursing careers.

In summary, nursing assignment writers cover a diverse range of topics to provide comprehensive support to nursing students. By addressing these topics in their assignments, writers help students develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to excel in their future nursing careers.

Impact of Cystic Fibrosis on Adults

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems, but it can also have implications for other parts of the body. With advancements in treatment and care, more people with CF are living into adulthood. However, managing the condition in adults involves dealing with a range of challenges and complications.

Respiratory System

1. Chronic Lung Infections: Adults with CF often experience recurrent lung infections due to thick, sticky mucus that traps bacteria. Common pathogens include Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
2. Reduced Lung Function: Over time, repeated infections and inflammation can lead to a decline in lung function, making breathing more difficult.
3. Bronchiectasis: The airways become permanently widened, leading to persistent cough, mucus production, and further infections.
4. Respiratory Failure: In severe cases, lung damage can progress to the point where the lungs cannot provide adequate oxygen to the body, requiring advanced interventions like oxygen therapy or lung transplantation.

Digestive System

1. Pancreatic Insufficiency: Thick mucus can block the ducts of the pancreas, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the intestines. This leads to malabsorption of nutrients, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiencies.
2. Diabetes: CF-related diabetes (CFRD) is common in adults due to the damage to the pancreas. It shares characteristics of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
3. Liver Disease: Blockages in the bile ducts can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension.
4. Intestinal Issues: CF can cause intestinal blockages, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and distal intestinal obstructive syndrome (DIOS).

Reproductive System

1. Infertility: Most men with CF are infertile due to congenital absence of the vas deferens, which carries sperm from the testes. However, assisted reproductive technologies can help achieve pregnancy.
2. Reduced Fertility in Women: Thick cervical mucus can make it harder for sperm to reach the egg, but many women with CF can still conceive naturally or with assistance.

Musculoskeletal System

1. Osteoporosis: Due to malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D, adults with CF are at higher risk for osteoporosis and fractures.
2. Arthritis: Some adults may develop CF-related arthritis or musculoskeletal pain.

Psychosocial Impact

1. Mental Health: The chronic nature of CF can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress. The need for continuous treatment and hospitalizations can impact quality of life.
2. Social and Work Life: Managing CF often requires time-consuming treatments and frequent medical appointments, which can interfere with work and social activities.

Treatment and Management

1. Medications:

• Bronchodilators: To open the airways.
• Mucolytics: To thin mucus.
• Antibiotics: To treat and prevent infections.
• Pancreatic Enzymes: To aid digestion.
• CFTR Modulators: Target the defective protein in CF and improve its function.

1. Airway Clearance Techniques: Daily physiotherapy to clear mucus from the lungs.
2. Nutritional Support: High-calorie diet, vitamin supplements, and enzyme replacements.
3. Exercise: Regular physical activity to maintain lung function and overall health.
4. Psychological Support: Counseling or therapy to help manage the emotional aspects of living with CF.
5. Advanced Therapies: Lung transplantation may be an option for those with severe lung disease.

Conclusion

While cystic fibrosis poses significant challenges for adults, ongoing advancements in medical care and treatment strategies are helping many individuals manage their condition more effectively and lead fuller lives. Comprehensive, multidisciplinary care is essential to address the complex needs of adults with CF, including respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and psychosocial aspects. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers specialized in CF care is crucial for optimizing health outcomes and maintaining quality of life.
Blaze0 notes Impact of Cystic Fibrosis on Adults
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems, but it can also have implications for other parts of the body. With advancements in treatment and care, more people with CF are living into adulthood. However, managing the condition in adults involves dealing with a range of challenges and complications.

Respiratory System

1. Chronic Lung Infections: Adults with CF often experience recurrent lung infections due to thick, sticky mucus that traps bacteria. Common pathogens include Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
2. Reduced Lung Function: Over time, repeated infections and inflammation can lead to a decline in lung function, making breathing more difficult.
3. Bronchiectasis: The airways become permanently widened, leading to persistent cough, mucus production, and further infections.
4. Respiratory Failure: In severe cases, lung damage can progress to the point where the lungs cannot provide adequate oxygen to the body, requiring advanced interventions like oxygen therapy or lung transplantation.

Digestive System

1. Pancreatic Insufficiency: Thick mucus can block the ducts of the pancreas, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the intestines. This leads to malabsorption of nutrients, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiencies.
2. Diabetes: CF-related diabetes (CFRD) is common in adults due to the damage to the pancreas. It shares characteristics of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
3. Liver Disease: Blockages in the bile ducts can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension.
4. Intestinal Issues: CF can cause intestinal blockages, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and distal intestinal obstructive syndrome (DIOS).

Reproductive System

1. Infertility: Most men with CF are infertile due to congenital absence of the vas deferens, which carries sperm from the testes. However, assisted reproductive technologies can help achieve pregnancy.
2. Reduced Fertility in Women: Thick cervical mucus can make it harder for sperm to reach the egg, but many women with CF can still conceive naturally or with assistance.

Musculoskeletal System

1. Osteoporosis: Due to malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D, adults with CF are at higher risk for osteoporosis and fractures.
2. Arthritis: Some adults may develop CF-related arthritis or musculoskeletal pain.

Psychosocial Impact

1. Mental Health: The chronic nature of CF can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress. The need for continuous treatment and hospitalizations can impact quality of life.
2. Social and Work Life: Managing CF often requires time-consuming treatments and frequent medical appointments, which can interfere with work and social activities.

Treatment and Management

1. Medications:

• Bronchodilators: To open the airways.
• Mucolytics: To thin mucus.
• Antibiotics: To treat and prevent infections.
• Pancreatic Enzymes: To aid digestion.
• CFTR Modulators: Target the defective protein in CF and improve its function.

1. Airway Clearance Techniques: Daily physiotherapy to clear mucus from the lungs.
2. Nutritional Support: High-calorie diet, vitamin supplements, and enzyme replacements.
3. Exercise: Regular physical activity to maintain lung function and overall health.
4. Psychological Support: Counseling or therapy to help manage the emotional aspects of living with CF.
5. Advanced Therapies: Lung transplantation may be an option for those with severe lung disease.

Conclusion

While cystic fibrosis poses significant challenges for adults, ongoing advancements in medical care and treatment strategies are helping many individuals manage their condition more effectively and lead fuller lives. Comprehensive, multidisciplinary care is essential to address the complex needs of adults with CF, including respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and psychosocial aspects. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers specialized in CF care is crucial for optimizing health outcomes and maintaining quality of life.

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sink, sir, sister, sit, site, situation, six, size, ski, skill, skin, skirt, sky, slave, sleep, slice, slide, slight, slightly, slip, slow, slowly, small, smart, smell, smile, smoke, smooth, snap, snow, so, so-called, soccer, social, society, soft, software, soil, solar, soldier, sole, solid, solution, solve, some, somebody, somehow, someone, something, sometimes, somewhat, somewhere, son, song, soon, sophisticated, sorry, sort, soul, sound, soup, source, south, southern, Soviet, space, Spanish, speak, speaker, special, specialist, species, specific, specifically, specify, speech, speed, spend, spending, spin, spirit, spiritual, split, spoil, sponsor, sport, spot, spray, spread, spring, square, squeeze, stability, stable, staff, stage, stain, stair, stake, stand, standard, standing, star, stare, start, state, statement, station, statistical, status, stay, steady, steal, steel, steep, stem, step, stick, still, stimulate, stimulus, stir, stock, stomach, stone, stop, storage, store, storm, story, straight, strange, stranger, strategic, strategy, stream, street, strength, strengthen, stress, stretch, strike, string, strip, stroke, strong, strongly, structural, structure, struggle, student, studio, study, stuff, stupid, style, subject, submit, subsequent, substance, substantial, substitute, succeed, success, successful, successfully, such, sudden, suddenly, sue, suffer, sufficient, sugar, suggest, suggestion, suicide, suit, summer, summit, sun, super, supply, support, supporter, suppose, supposed, Supreme, sure, surely, surface, surgery, surprise, surprised, surprising, surprisingly, surround, survey, survival, survive, survivor, suspect, sustain, swear, sweep, sweet, swim, swing, switch, symbol, symptom, system, table, tactic, tail, take, tale, talent, talk, tall, tank, tap, tape, target, task, taste, tax, taxi, tea, teach, teacher, teaching, team, tear, technical, technique, technology, teen, teenager, telephone, telescope, television, tell, temperature, temporary, ten, tend, tendency, tennis, tension, tent, term, terms, terrible, territory, terror, terrorist, test, testimony, testing, text, than, thank, thanks, that, the, theater, their, them, theme, themselves, then, theory, therapy, there, therefore, these, they, thick, thin, thing, think, thinking, third, thirty, this, those, though, thought, thousand, threat, threaten, three, throat, through, throughout, throw, thus, ticket, tie, tight, time, tiny, tip, tire, tissue, title, to, tobacco, today, toe, together, toilet, token, tolerate, tomato, tomorrow, tone, tongue, tonight, too, tool, tooth, top, topic, toss, total, totally, touch, tough, tour, tourist, tournament, toward, towards, tower, town, toy, trace, track, trade, tradition, traditional, traffic, tragedy, trail, train, training, transfer, transform, transformation, transition, translate, translation, transmission, transmit, transport, transportation, travel, treat, treatment, treaty, tree, tremendous, trend, trial, tribe, trick, trip, troop, trouble, truck, true, truly, trust, truth, try, tube, tunnel, turn, TV, twelve, twenty, twice, twin, two, type, typical, typically, ugly, ultimate, ultimately, unable, uncle, undergo, understand, understanding, unfortunately, uniform, union, unique, unit, United, universal, universe, university, unknown, unless, unlike, until, unusual, up, upon, upper, urban, urge, us, use, used, useful, user, usual, usually, utility, utilize, vacation, valley, valuable, value, variable, variation, variety, various, vary, vast, vegetable, vehicle, venture, version, versus, very, vessel, veteran, via, victim, victory, video, view, viewer, village, violate, violation, violence, violent, virtually, virtue, virus, visibility, visible, vision, visit, visitor, visual, vital, voice, volume, voluntary, volunteer, vote, voter, voting, wage, wait, wake, walk, wall, wander, want, war, warm, warn, warning, wash, waste, watch, water, wave, way, we, weak, weakness, wealth, wealthy, weapon, wear, weather, web, website, wedding, week, weekend, weekly, weigh, weight, welcome, welfare, well, west, western, wet, what, whatever, wheel, when, whenever, where, whereas, whether, which, while, whisper, white, who, whole, whom, whose, why, wide, widely, widespread, wife, wild, wildlife, will, willing, win, wind, window, wine, wing, winner, winter, wipe, wire, wisdom, wise, wish, with, withdraw, within, without, witness, woman, wonder, wonderful, wood, wooden, word, work, worker, working, workout, workplace, works, workshop, world, worried, worry, worth, would, wound, wrap, write, writer, writing, wrong, yard, yeah, year, yell, yellow, yes, yesterday, yet, yield, you, young, your, yours, yourself, youth, zone.

I've been T1 for over 30 years. I also have "high insulin resistance", and for years I've been using two 21 unit basal shots per day, and a carb ratio of 2.5 bolus units to 10g of carbs.
Or, at least those were my numbers until bowel surgery about a month ago.
The hospital diabetes nurse recommended that, post op, I start with a basal of 5 and a bolus of 1:10, gradually increasing as needed, while my plumbing and appetite settled down.
A month later, I'm eating normally, and healing well. But my insulin numbers are still crazy low compared to pre-op. I've settled on a basal of 12 units, twice a day, and a bolus of 1 unit to 10g of carb. My sensor readings are as good, if not slightly better than before.
I'm certainly not complaining, but I'm curious if this insulin reset is a common side effect of abdominal surgery? Is this now my "new normal?"
​

I'm a 38 y/o female.
I was diagnosed with asthma as a kid.
Current meds Soprobec 200 two puffs AM, two puffs PM, ventolin as needed.
I moved into this flat in 2022, was fine before I moved and to begin with, then I developed worsening asthma symptoms as the months went on. I spent ages trying to fathom out the possible cause. I found no sign of mold or anything like that. then found out tobacco smoke from the man downstairs was coming into mine, it's been so bad on a couple of occasions my bathroom has 'fogged up' with smoke. I have tried everything, including having the council works department out to see if we could seal up any gaps etc, nope, no way of stopping it. He seems to vanish for long periods of time, leaving his flat empty. During these periods, my asthma symptoms vanish completely.
In response to my worsening asthma symptoms, in Jan 2024 the asthma nurses at my surgery decided to increase my ICS dose of Beclomethasone from 400mg a day to 800mg a day. Now I have high functioning Autism on top of all this, I am far from dumb or stupid, but anything to do with numbers seems to go over my head a lot of the time, even though I am better at maths now, amounts of things can still flummox me.
NOBODY told me this was considered a moderate to high dose and I should be carrying a steroid warning card, nobody, not once. I wrongly guessed it was only a few mg more than the soprobec 100 I was on. The Soprobec 100 was two puffs am, two puffs pm.
Now, since I have been on the Soprobec 200 at 800mg a day, I have developed some extreme and very disruptive possible side effects.
All possible other causes of these symptoms just got ruled out in a complete bloodwork which included diabetes, hypercalcemia, thyroid and iron deficiency, which are all possible causes of the things I have listed below, all tests have come back requiring no further action.
These are:
EXTREME, unquenchable thirst. I am drinking easily over four liters of water per day. I am also waking up several times a night for a drink, and if I go out I must carry water with me otherwise the thirst is VERY distressing. I feel dehydrated on a 'cellular level', like it doesn't matter how much I drink, I feel thirsty WHILE drinking water!.
Fatigue so bad I can hardly get up out of my chair most days and I am asleep by 9pm, where before I would like to chill with my dog watching a film or something till about 12pm. I have gone from waking literal miles through local fields and woodland with my dog, to barely being able to take her on the local park which is only across the road. I hardly ever go out, and if I do, I suffer immensely as my muscles start aching. I live upstairs and I am struggling getting up the stairs.
It feels as if I have lost all muscle tone all over my body. I no longer feel safe walking my dog as she is med size mastiff cross who is quite strong, she has almost pulled me over at times and I cannot even lift my kitchen bin bag or the laundry basket, I have NEVER had this problem before.
I have lost my appetite and have to force myself to eat every meal, often taking hours rather than minutes.
Episodes of vaginal thrush, something I have NOT had for YEARS, started when I went on this high dose of ICS.
My once 'perfect' periods are now very heavy and irregular.
I feel more angry than before. I had to seriously check my anger levels in my adult years, and developed a much more patient and stoical outlook to life, which brought my stress levels down massively. Since I went on this inhaler I have been snapping at people again, including my own family :(
Tingling hands. This can come on anytime, never had it before the inhaler.
A terrible hoarse voice and it feels like my voice is getting deeper and I am starting to sound 'male' other people have noticed this too.
Profuse sweating on my hands and feet. My hands DRIP with sweat, to the point I hide them from people. Never happened before this inhaler.
Salt and red meat cravings. I am not a big fan of either, and due to heart problems in the family I keep my salt intake low. Other day I just felt compelled to walk into the local coop and buy pork loins and a pack of beef biltong, things I haven't eaten in many moons. I recall saying to myself 'this is SO out of character for you'.
Episodes of nausea, two episodes of vomiting in the morning over two months (not preggers before anyone asks lol) which were not related to anything I had eaten.
Dizzy spells and almost fainting, usually happens if I push myself to do even basic stuff like household chores, which I usually enjoy doing.
I know these are listed as 'rare' side effects, but unusual thirst, tiredness and weakness is mentioned both in the patient info leaflet with the inhaler, and in various other information regarding side effects, such as this article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/corticosteroid-inhalation-route/side-effects/drg-20070533?p=1
I take the inhaler via a spacer, my technique is good, I've been doing this whole asthma game all my life, so I am pretty ofay with it all now lol.
I have had a battle over this inhaler with my GP and other asthma services as well. They just do NOT believe ICS can have systemic side effects, in contradiction to what the drug manufacturers say on the leaflet. I think I am going to have to go back to the GP and stand up for myself, which is not something I am good at at all, and present them with this information leaflet, which actually tells you to consult your doctor if you develop any of them!.
Would it be worth asking to try the same dose, as I do not want to risk withdrawal, I have experienced this before from ICS, but on a different steroid with a different inhaler?.
Is there any more bloodwork I could ask for, perhaps adrenal function or cortisol levels?.
I am at a loss, I need to control my asthma, but I also need to be able to live!.
Thank you for taking time to read this, I hope everyone is well and your asthma leaves you alone to enjoy the summer!. :)

Dental fear and avoidance, commonly known as dental anxiety or dental phobia, can have significant impacts on oral health and overall well-being. Here’s an overview of its causes, symptoms, and implications:

Causes of Dental Fear and Avoidance

1. Previous Traumatic Experiences:
   • Painful or unpleasant dental visits in the past.
   • Negative experiences during childhood dental visits.
2. Fear of Pain:
   • Anticipation of pain during dental procedures.
   • Sensitivity to oral discomfort.
3. Loss of Control:
   • Feeling vulnerable or helpless in the dental chair.
   • Inability to see what’s happening or communicate easily.
4. Embarrassment:
   • Concerns about the state of oral health.
   • Fear of being judged by the dentist or staff.
5. Negative Stereotypes and Media:
   • Influence of negative portrayals of dentists in movies or TV.
   • Hearing horror stories from friends or family.
6. General Anxiety Disorders:
   • People with generalized anxiety, panic disorders, or other phobias may be more prone to dental anxiety.
7. Inherited Traits:
   • Some studies suggest a genetic predisposition to anxiety and phobias.

Symptoms of Dental Fear and Avoidance

1. Physical Symptoms:
   • Increased heart rate and sweating.
   • Nausea or stomach distress.
   • Shortness of breath or hyperventilation.
   • Trembling or shaking.
2. Psychological Symptoms:
   • Overwhelming feelings of dread or terror at the thought of visiting the dentist.
   • Sleep disturbances before a dental appointment.
   • Persistent worry or obsessive thoughts about dental visits.
3. Behavioral Symptoms:
   • Avoiding dental appointments altogether.
   • Cancelling or postponing scheduled visits.
   • Difficulty sitting through a dental examination or procedure.
4. Emotional Symptoms:
   • Irritability or mood swings related to dental visits.
   • Feelings of helplessness or being overwhelmed.

Implications of Dental Fear and Avoidance

1. Poor Oral Health:
   • Increased risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss due to infrequent dental care.
   • Development of complex dental issues that require more extensive and invasive treatments.
2. Overall Health Impact:
   • Poor oral health is linked to systemic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
3. Quality of Life:
   • Chronic pain and discomfort from untreated dental issues.
   • Impact on self-esteem and social interactions due to poor oral health.

Managing Dental Fear and Avoidance

1. Communication:
   • Open discussions with the dentist about fears and anxieties.
   • Seeking a dentist who is empathetic and patient-friendly.
2. Relaxation Techniques:
   • Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or listening to calming music during appointments.
   • Progressive muscle relaxation techniques.
3. Sedation Dentistry:
   • Use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedatives, or intravenous sedation to ease anxiety during procedures.
4. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
   • Psychological techniques to reframe negative thoughts and reduce fear.
5. Gradual Exposure:
   • Slowly increasing exposure to the dental environment to build tolerance and reduce fear.

Understanding the causes and symptoms of dental fear and avoidance is crucial for addressing this common issue. By adopting a compassionate and tailored approach, dental professionals can help patients overcome their anxieties, ensuring better oral and overall health.
Dental fear and avoidance, commonly known as dental anxiety or dental phobia, can have significant impacts on oral health and overall well-being. Here’s an overview of its causes, symptoms, and implications:

Causes of Dental Fear and Avoidance

1. Previous Traumatic Experiences:
   • Painful or unpleasant dental visits in the past.
   • Negative experiences during childhood dental visits.
2. Fear of Pain:
   • Anticipation of pain during dental procedures.
   • Sensitivity to oral discomfort.
3. Loss of Control:
   • Feeling vulnerable or helpless in the dental chair.
   • Inability to see what’s happening or communicate easily.
4. Embarrassment:
   • Concerns about the state of oral health.
   • Fear of being judged by the dentist or staff.
5. Negative Stereotypes and Media:
   • Influence of negative portrayals of dentists in movies or TV.
   • Hearing horror stories from friends or family.
6. General Anxiety Disorders:
   • People with generalized anxiety, panic disorders, or other phobias may be more prone to dental anxiety.
7. Inherited Traits:
   • Some studies suggest a genetic predisposition to anxiety and phobias.

Symptoms of Dental Fear and Avoidance

1. Physical Symptoms:
   • Increased heart rate and sweating.
   • Nausea or stomach distress.
   • Shortness of breath or hyperventilation.
   • Trembling or shaking.
2. Psychological Symptoms:
   • Overwhelming feelings of dread or terror at the thought of visiting the dentist.
   • Sleep disturbances before a dental appointment.
   • Persistent worry or obsessive thoughts about dental visits.
3. Behavioral Symptoms:
   • Avoiding dental appointments altogether.
   • Cancelling or postponing scheduled visits.
   • Difficulty sitting through a dental examination or procedure.
4. Emotional Symptoms:
   • Irritability or mood swings related to dental visits.
   • Feelings of helplessness or being overwhelmed.

Implications of Dental Fear and Avoidance

1. Poor Oral Health:
   • Increased risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss due to infrequent dental care.
   • Development of complex dental issues that require more extensive and invasive treatments.
2. Overall Health Impact:
   • Poor oral health is linked to systemic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
3. Quality of Life:
   • Chronic pain and discomfort from untreated dental issues.
   • Impact on self-esteem and social interactions due to poor oral health.

Managing Dental Fear and Avoidance

1. Communication:
   • Open discussions with the dentist about fears and anxieties.
   • Seeking a dentist who is empathetic and patient-friendly.
2. Relaxation Techniques:
   • Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or listening to calming music during appointments.
   • Progressive muscle relaxation techniques.
3. Sedation Dentistry:
   • Use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedatives, or intravenous sedation to ease anxiety during procedures.
4. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
   • Psychological techniques to reframe negative thoughts and reduce fear.
5. Gradual Exposure:
   • Slowly increasing exposure to the dental environment to build tolerance and reduce fear.

Understanding the causes and symptoms of dental fear and avoidance is crucial for addressing this common issue. By adopting a compassionate and tailored approach, dental professionals can help patients overcome their anxieties, ensuring better oral and overall health.

My grandpa is 87 years old and is in an nursing home. Unfortunately, we are losing him to Alzheimer's. He doesn't get a lot of physical activity and, because of his Alzheimer's, will often overeat.
He has gained a lot of weight since entering the nursing home and has since been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
I live about 1,600 miles away from home, so I have long phone calls with my Boomer parents every week or two to catch up. My dad always tells me about how my grandpa is doing.
Well, this particular time I called, my Boomer dad breaks the news to me that grandpa had been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, but my dad pronounced it as "diabetuhs" like Wilford Brimley, which has become a popular meme.
At first I thought he was trying to bring some levity to the situation by mispronouncing it, but then he said it again and I realized he was being serious. Unfortunately, I was so distracted by the fact that he said it as "diabetuhs" again, I had to stifle my laughter on the phone.
I didn't want to call my dad out or make him feel bad while he is trying to manage care for my grandpa, so I haven't said anything about how it should be pronounced.
Unfortunately, now I can't think of my grandpa having diabetes without laughing when remembering how my dad foolishly mispronounced it. I'm sorry, grandpa!

Patient Info: Male, Caucasian, Mid 60s, Unknown Weight (but probably overweight), Cannabis use, Diabetes (I think), previous spine surgery at base of spine with hardware that has cracked, other medications unknown.
Backstory to current situation: He began having balance issues a couple months ago, and started falling more and more frequently. He then showed occasional confusion, like he didnt quite understand what you said to him but still responded in a related way. The confusion would clear up and he would be fine the majority of the time. Zero neck or arm pain, his lower back where his previous surgery was hurt him a lot due to a broken screw and his knees hurt him (previous knee replacement surgery). Went to the ER one night when family made him due to him being very disoriented and confused. Diagnosed at ER with some sort of issue at the base of his skull that was causing these balance and confusion issues. It was relayed to me as some sort of bone spur or restriction that needed intervention ASAP or the next fall could cause serious damage (if his neck is jolted). Cervical fusion surgery was scheduled pretty quickly fusing 4 vertebrae in his neck.
Current Situation: My Family Member (Male, mid 60s) had a cervical fusion surgery at c3-7 (4 vertebrae) about 1 week ago. First day he woke just fine, seemed happy, wanted to sit up and was doing fine. He is discharged, and over the next days he complains of worsening pain between his shoulders either at the very top of his back/base of neck (second hand info). The pain worsens each day for 3 or so days until he is in such a state that he is grunting, groaning, and banging his fists on things because of the pain. This past Friday he started getting almost violent and seemed incredibly disoriented, delirious, and terrified. He could not talk and did not recognize anyone or seem to understand words spoken to him. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Once there, he attacked staff (not like him at all) and seemed like a feral animal or a rabid animal. It took 4 people to get him restrained: and they gave him drugs to paralyze him to keep staff safe, restrained him, and sedated him to the point of being on a ventilator. Blood tests came back with only mild THC as anything out of the ordinary. He likely took his entire 30 day pain killer rx from the surgery (bottle was found empty) within a few days HOWEVER the prescription was weak enough that the doctor remarked that the 'drugs he is currently on is stronger than the whole bottle' so unlikely to be an issue. MRI came back fine, all tests they have run have come back fine (aside from blood tests, MRI, and 24hr seizure monitoring test, I do not know if other tests were preformed or what they would be.)
Each day they try to let the sedation wear off and remove the vent to gauge his reaction, and each day it has been the same nearly immediate intense aggression putting staff at risk. He broke restraints. I was told his eyes rolled back into his head where only white showed during one of these wake up attempts, and that when he does gain alertness he looks absolutely terrified and behaves like a cornered prey. So they just sedate/paralyze/intubate again. At this point the plan is to try waking him each day until he stops being aggressive due to tests not showing a diagnosis. He has been given a feeding tube today.
His surgeon's nurse had been contacted today and she said she does not believe this is related to the surgery and she has never heard of a reaction like this. His current doctors (not affiliated with the surgery) have told his mom and sister that 'they have seen this before' but also 'they don't know what this is', which is odd.
Is there anything else that could be going on, and tests that should be preformed, any idea on why this is happening? I cannot stand the idea of him being in terror over and over waking up to being pulled off a vent then put back on, indefinitely.
I apologize for the vague information, but any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

My Dad, early 60s, has been in and out of care homes/hospital for 2 years. He's diabetic, managed to get sepsis, found out foot was broken etc. so it's been a long ride. He's near the end of it and is back at home, though bedridden still while he heals. He has lost a lot of weight through this and is extremely frail, but he has a belly like a pregnant lady at 9 months (fatty liver disease).
When he was in the care home, one of the nurses approached me and asked me about the gin he is drinking and I just winced, he's been a heavy drinker for 15 years and we don't really see each other anymore, he usually texts me one liners and doesn't really make an effort and I don't really want to see him like this, so I choose ignorance. Anyway, since he learned he has fatty liver a few month ago he told me he had stopped drinking and I was impressed, he was still in the care home at this point.
Fast forward to today when he's back at home, I visited him a few weeks ago and spotted some gin so I knew he was still drinking, despite being bed ridden. There's so much to this story but the nail on the coffin was I said I'd visit him and he said 'ok' then 5 minutes later text 'can you bring a bottle of gin'. I just ignored him and ended up not visiting like I said the day after, I made an excuse saying I had a headache after he just text me 'what happened'. It's very upsetting and I don't really like seeing him this way. But I don't know how to help. There is no way I am bringing him gin, he is on PIP/the last of his pensions and most likely struggling for money as he's not working.
Can I help him? If I talk to him about it he says well its not fun being locked up etc. but he's been a functioning alcoholic for 15 years, he's just no longer functioning. This is in the UK.
Part of me wants to distance myself as I don't think he'll be around much longer.

My mother (61) was diagnosed with MDS over a year ago. Not a candidate for bone marrow transplant due to poor health - has been diabetic since 16, kidney transplant 30 years ago, overall just too weak to take it. 3 weeks ago she was diagnosed with leukemia and given 1.5 years max. A day after learning this, she fell and broke her hip in multiple places, has been in ICU and now a “regular” hospital bed. Since the fall, she is no longer herself - she has very little short term memory, cannot hold a conversation and bottom line is we suspect she had a mental breakdown. She is refusing physical therapy and food.
When I spoke to the Dr today I was told we have one day to decide if in-home hospice or nursing home is the next step, with the understanding that she will be on her way to passing - no further transfusions or life-saving treatments. Specifically I was told her type of MDS is “a bad one” and so even without food her cause of death will be from the MDS, without further transfusions.
Basically I’m wondering what she will be going through in the end so I can prepare myself as best as I can. I’m sorry if I didn’t provide enough details or broke any rules. And I hope the best for anyone reading this that has been diagnosed or has a loved one that has.
Edit: I am sorry for the title of this post and wish I could change it. Please feel free to delete if it is too blunt and insensitive

I feel like this is neverending and we are sp close to getting our girl home..
Our girl was born at 34 and 6 - I had every hope and dream of the ideal pregnancy and birth plan that turned into an OB I was not happy with, misdiagnosed preeclampsia that was called Gestational diabetes, my water breaking that had me admitted to the hospital for a week and told something different every day about going home to wait out my labour to happen on its own and ending up being induced. Thankfully the birth was amazing for our first, while being the most intense experience ever.
My hopes were shattered after our daughter was taken to be checked over, only to find out she was a TEF baby and given 5 minutes of skin to skin contact before being rushed to NICU. She has been poked and prodded, moved to 3 hospitals after birth, second for major surgery and third for the remainder of her recovery which has come down to requiring her to feed with no NG tube assistance for a minimum of 48 hours before they will begin to look at discharging.
We are doing everything we can, asking for tips and tricks from nurses, having the conversations and working on ourselves to be skilled with our baby but always feeling like we are doing the wrong things and making her stay in the NICU because we can't feed her a bottle properly.
I am now terrified of food aversion from her having so much trauma on her throat in the first 3 weeks of her life that she is scared to drink and is on high alert all time.
I don't know what I wanted from this post more so then to get it off my chest because its so hard to talk to family and friends who just don't understand what is happening and I don't want to hear them tell me they can relate to my feelings when they don't see what we are dealing with every day.
I hope of you are a NICU parent as well, and/ or going through recovery with TEF baby that you don't feel alone through it because I sure do..

I (f, 22) just wanted to vent somewhere people will actually understand. I’ve been dealing with GP for about 4 years now and finally got diagnosed last year, i had the botox injection in september and was in hospital for around a month, didn’t have to go back to a&e at all until the end of march where it all started happening again. for the first time in years i actually felt free and i was able to live as close to a normal life as i could, obviously being careful in what i ate and portion size but pretty much had freedom to eat what i wanted when i wanted and it just made me feel somewhat like a normal person.
since the end of march i’ve been in and out of hospital, i had another round of botox early april but that didn’t seem to help and the doctors couldn’t explain why, they said maybe it wasn’t injected in the right place or they didn’t use enough, they honestly were nearly as clueless as i was. in the end they decided to repeat the botox, that was just over a week ago. i was sent home the same day, had to go back to a&e later that evening, was sent home 2 days later and again was back in a&e that same evening. i’ve now been kept as an inpatient for a week and i’m still finding it hard to eat/drink without being sick and feeling really intense stomach pain, it gets to the point where i’m rolling around, crying and screaming in pain. doctors don’t seem to do much at all other than keep me on regular IV cyclizine and metoclopramide for sickness, subcutaneous morphine injections for the pain and a sliding scale to manage my T1DM.
when i was healthy for that october-march period i’d managed to gain some weight and was around 50kg, a week ago i was back to the godforsaken 46kg i seemed to always be stuck at before, and now i’ve gone down to 43kg which has been really disheartening and has taken a toll on my mental health. i felt i was doing so well, not only had i gained weight but also muscle, i was exercising more than i ever could have before and even walking 10-12km a day, now i can barely walk down the hall without feeling drained. i managed to get a job which i was doing quite well at and it was my first job, at 22, because i could never get hired before due to being so unreliable with my condition, luckily they understand what i have to deal with as it is my boyfriend’s family business.
i don’t know, everything is just making me feel really down and depressed and all i want is to be able to go home and go back to my life. staff at hospital also don’t help, the majority are nice but i still get comments from certain nurses who accuse me of faking to get medication or who complain when i’m crying as i’m “disturbing others” when there’s nothing i can do. i hate the way my body looks again, i hate the gap between my thighs and how i can see my ribs and bony shoulders. i hate my arms even more, all the bruises and needle marks from blood tests and IV drips, it makes me look like a junkie and i find myself crying because of it a lot.
i’ve been referred to another hospital for a consultation regarding a G-POEM but still haven’t heard from them yet. it’s just getting to the point where i’m feeling so hopeless and helpless. i’ve also been put back on anti depressants and taking diazepam regularly to help with the anxiety and distress it all causes.
at home i smoke weed, a decent amount, which helps with my appetite and also helps with my mental health struggles but obviously being in hospital i haven’t been able to smoke which makes everything so much worse as i don’t have anything to distract myself from what’s happening. some days smoking is the only thing that will get me to eat and keep me from having anxiety toward food.
my boyfriend (m, 29) and his family have been really supportive and they’re pretty much the only reason i haven’t spiraled into a full on mental health crisis, he visits nearly everyday and so does his mother who has been such a huge support for me as my own family aren’t there for me. i actually asked my mother if she would come visit me, i knew she wouldn’t, but i did it anyway, she came up with a bullshit excuse as to why she couldn’t and that nearly broke me because i was already feeling so low and on top of that i then felt rejected by my own mother, i should’ve known better but at that moment i just needed my mom. the one who came through for me that day was my boyfriend’s mom who came to see me as soon as she found out how upset i was, she held me, she let me cry and hugged me so tightly and reassured me i was loved and cared for. she’s truly been the mother i needed through this.
i know that i can be somewhat healthy and live almost normally, but right now things are just so bleak and i’m struggling to see a way out, all i want is to just be normal, it’s all i’ve wanted my entire life and it’s like no matter what i will never get that. i’ve had T1DM since i was 9 with 2 diabetes related comas under my belt by age 10, PTSD, depression, and anxiety since 12, and the GP since i was 18, it’s like i can’t catch a break. no one understands what it’s like but i keep getting told “i get it” or “i relate to that” and i know people are trying to make me feel better but to me it just comes across as diminishing what i’m going through and have been going through for so long. I was also recently told just how bad my GP is and i just couldn’t stop crying for hours, i was always told it was ‘severe’ but now i know that i have 96% retention after 4 hours and all it did was make me feel even more hopeless.
sorry for the long post, i just really don’t know where else to go where people might ACTUALLY understand what i’m going through

I got a call to set up diabetes education classes, which is annoying because no one called me to confirm my GD dx. I guess I have it. This sucks as I’m only 14w6d. I did opt out of the classes as I am a nurse that teaches diabetes education to clients.
I’m just so mad. 176 days I’ll have to be on a diabetic diet. I know it’s not the worst thing. But I can barely stomach eggs, I don’t eat meat, and the only fish I ate were salmon and tuna. I cut tuna out completely. Nothing even sounds good to eat aside from chips, carrots and hummus, peanut butter & jelly, and fruit. I was getting my proteins mostly from beans and pb.
I honestly want to cry lol. It feels ridiculous. I’m just sad about it. I work out every day. I walk daily. I do strength training. I walk my dog twice a day. I know it can’t prevent GD but damn. I was hoping.
What are some foods you eat?

Went to the walk-in clinic to get my bg checked as “precaution” for suspicious symptoms. Part of me thought I was being paranoid as there is no way I could be diabetic at my age (type 1 or 2). They didn’t have the instant blood sugar machine at the clinic so they ran a whole bunch of labs and sent me home. Hours later the nurse practitioner calls me to tell me my concerns were correct and my bg was 497 and I need to go to the ER. Fortunately I was not in full blown DKA, apparently I was on my way there and putting me on IV insulin was discussed. I was admitted for the night and got a ton of information and was, in general incredibly overwhelmed. I am a registered nurse so I already had a decent understanding of diabetes, insulin and meal time bolus dosing and I was still just completely overwhelmed. I can only imagine how hard this is for those with no medical background or training.
I am now home working on figuring out “my new normal” and have some questions:
-What are good apps you guys use for counting carbs, tracking your blood sugars and insulin doses? I am using My Fitness Pal right now and writing down sugars and insulin boluses in my notes app.
-What are good high protein/low-ish carb snacks that are easy to dose for? I am also considered underweight and in malnutrition right now.
-I am a meal prepper but most of the stuff I prep I am unsure how to count the carbs because they are complicated meals. Any advice on easier to prep meals/recipes for carb dosing?
Thank you for any advice given! 💜
Edited for grammar errors

When I found this forum about a month ago I was reading the back posts and weeping the whole time.
Background:
I have processed this in therapy, made my peace, and have empathy for the situations that made her who she is.
I don't want to cause her harm, and fortunately I am really bad at relationships, and do not have children. Because it would be very painful if she had grandchildren that she has no access to. My sister and BIL can't have kids. (Details omitted for TW)
I work in the MH field, I'm an Nurse Practitioner. I worked as part of a DBT team. I am not DBT trained or certified but I got really good at boundaries, and sensing manipulation, without having an emotional response.
Before I went NC I would directly and clearly set limits. I stopped her when she would try to split my Sister and I, or gossip about her. There were several times every visit where I would stop her, and explain how I would not engage, did not want to hear, or set a reasonable expectation. Her reply a few times was "Don't analyze me."
Which is amusing because after the last estrangement, I asked her to go to therapy.... never happened.
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Current Situation:
My Mother visited my Uncle who is dying of cancer and has by his estimation about 2 months to live.
My Mother sent me a text that I should visit him that she was down there and he does not have much time to live. I forgot I hadn't blocked her number on the new phone.
I have been NC for 9 years other then sending her a 9th Step (AA) letter. I intend to be NC for the rest of her life or mine whichever ends first.
I asked if she was present in the room. She left the morning of him calling me. I said I appreciated him not doing "One of those Ophra type interventions" as it's usually destructive.
I asked about visiting. Everyone has been invited down but me. He says he would like a visit.
He wants me "As a personal favor" to reconcile with her. I should mention he's a retired corporate attorney. Yes it's not amateur hour on either side of the phone. He said she was "Distraught that I would not talk with her."
I said let's address the second item, as you may not want me to visit depending on how I answer.
I would prefer having this conversation in person and to not have this conversation on a 2 sided Cell phone call either.
I said "no."
He pushed back and said this was not normal. I explained how it's more common then you would think both from people I know and also from being in clinical practice for almost 20 years.
He said "I can hear it in your voice that you want to reconcile." (Defining my feelings) I said I am speaking to you in the same tone I use with my patients.
I said that I will not be interacting with her for the rest of our lives. That this was a carefully made and considered decision.
I said we can discuss my reasons if you would like.
He said that was not his concern that it was between my Mother and I.
My mind formulates, "So no matter what happened, there is no reason that would cause you to find estrangement acceptable." Secondly you are implicating that I am being unreasonable, or worse yet cruel.
This goes in circles.
He bounces off a few boundaries, answer stays the same.
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I figure I am going to let him know some of the situation. Because he's dying and I don't want him to think I am just being unreasonable and stubborn.
I then explain a little of how our childhood was. The abuse that my mother and I got. I also said I suspect my sister getting other abuse. Left that one hanging out there... Remember this is what I do for a living so that should have significant weight.
The things I did that I regret, and have made amends, as well as going to therapy, stopped drinking, worked the steps, and so forth.
I mentioned my sister goes to Trauma therapy, partially because of me.
Which also puts out there "Has your Sister ever had any therapy for all the stuff she has been through?"
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He says "I can hear you are angry at your mother.." (defining feelings again) "
"Help me understand why do you feel that way."
"Based on what you said (above)" I said back, I am not angry at her. I have accepted and made my peace with this situation. I only listed my part in it, and what I have done to become a better person."
Which floats the unsaid question "What is her part in this?"
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I said the offer is on the table to talk about this, or not talk about it. That is up to him. If you do want to have this conversation then it needs to be scheduled so I can have my notes.
The offer of a visit is "We shall see, and depends on how I am doing, check back in a week." I know the answer already. I also explained if I visit I will be getting a hotel room and a rental car, and that it's probably better if we do 2-3 hour visits so I don't tire him out.
The unsaid part is I want to be able to leave if I need to immediately, I want to be able to go to daily AA meetings, I want my own space process this coming loss. I
wrote a poem about this situation and read it in at my AA homegroup (The meeting you go to most and help keep it going.) I haven't written a poem since HS writing class. I've been weepy about the whole situation on and off.
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I have a letter penned to my cousins, who I am in contact with explaining that he is a father figure in my life, that this is a very painful situation for me anticipating his passing, and that I apologize for not attending major life events in their lives and their children's lives because of this estrangement. That I won't be attending his service because it's the place for my Mother to mourn her last living sibling.
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Conclusion:

1. That firstly he feels that there is nothing that would justify estrangement.
2. That my Mother probably said she has no insight into why I estranged her.
3. Based on #2 I am guessing that she has had no therapy. A good therapist would turn that around and use certain questions to help her develop insight.
4. That he feels I am angry and I want to reconcile.
5. Defining my feelings is a huge red flag for me.
6. I bet he didn't expect me to be calm, collected and give a rational and consistent dialogue.
7. Having to hear about his Sister's home life probably hurts. The fact that he probably had no clue until my father passed, he has a lot of guilt.
8. He's formally trained and skilled in negotiation tactics.
9. He's dying so he has a huge ability to guilt me.
10. I gave him the option to understand, that I would visit if asked, that I would limit exposure, and that we did not have to address this, or we can look at photos and tell stories, etc. What is not on the table is reconciliation with my Mother.

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I've seen many patients die. All of us have seen patients die, even from our student days. But we don't cry for every death, do we? Supposing that everything was done in a proper way you know that you did your best not to have a bad outcome.
That patient was a young man who had diabetic ketoacidosis. His pump had stopped working and he found out the hard way (don't ask me why he hadn't checked his glucose levels, I don't have an answer). I didn't know him. I didn't really know the patient. I'd drawn blood for him (because the internist has some serious trouble with phlebotomy and nurses aren't in the mood) so they called me for some reason. We had some silly conversation (the usual when you're trying to have a patient relaxed when you're taking blood). Everything was going on perfectly perfect until he got an infection. All these days I was next to him putting central catheters and taking blood. I knew he was getting worse. And then I received a blue code call. I've never ran faster in my life and I've ran a lot. He died. And I don't know why. I'm not the guy who cries (and if I cry I usually go somewhere alone) and I cried a lot. It was beyond my control. I was told by a consultant in a hostile way that serious doctors are not supposed to cry and this is highly unprofessional. But you know what? I don't have a stop button on my forehead, you can't just not cry if you're crying.

Have you ever woken up in the morning only to realize that getting dressed felt like a Herculean task? Or perhaps you've experienced a lingering ache in your chest that doesn't seem to dissipate no matter what you do. These physical manifestations might not be due to the flu or a pulled muscle. Instead, they could be the subtle whispers of grief, a complex emotion that doesn't just affect your mind and heart but can also take a toll on your body.
Value Proposition: In this article, we embark on a journey to unravel the intricate connection between grief and its physical effects on the body. From the pounding headaches to the exhaustion that seems to seep into your bones, we'll explore the science behind these symptoms and provide you with valuable insights to navigate them. By understanding how grief impacts your body, you'll be better equipped to cope with its challenges and find solace amidst the storm.
Engagement Questions: Have you ever experienced physical symptoms that you later realized were linked to your grief? How do you usually cope with these symptoms when they arise?
Body:
The Science Behind Grief's Grip on the Body
Grief is more than just an emotional response to loss; it's a physiological phenomenon that can wreak havoc on your body. When you experience grief, your brain undergoes a series of complex changes, triggering a cascade of hormones and neurotransmitters that can affect various systems within your body.
One of the most notable effects of grief is its impact on the immune system. Research has shown that individuals grieving the loss of a loved one often experience a weakened immune response, making them more susceptible to illnesses such as colds and flu. Additionally, chronic grief can lead to inflammation in the body, which has been linked to a host of health problems, including cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders. Grief is a profound human experience that extends far beyond emotion. It's a journey that touches every aspect of our being, including our physical health. When we lose someone dear to us, whether through death, separation, or other forms of loss, our bodies respond in ways that often go unnoticed but can have significant implications for our well-being.
At the heart of grief's impact on the body lies a complex interplay of biological processes orchestrated by the brain. When we experience loss, our brain perceives it as threatening our well-being, triggering a stress response that sets off a cascade of physiological changes. This stress response activates the sympathetic nervous system, releasing stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.
Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to stress hormones can harm the immune system. Research published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that individuals experiencing chronic grief had lower immune cells, such as natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending the body against infections and tumors. This weakened immune response leaves grieving individuals more vulnerable to illnesses such as colds, flu, and other infections.
Moreover, grief-induced stress can also contribute to inflammation in the body. Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection. Still, when it becomes chronic, it can lead to a host of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. A study published in Biological Psychiatry demonstrated that individuals experiencing prolonged grief showed increased inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein, in their bloodstream.
But the impact of grief on the body doesn't stop there. The stress of grieving can also manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal disturbances. These symptoms are often overlooked or attributed to other causes, but they can be a direct result of the body's physiological response to grief.
Understanding the science behind grief's grip on the body is crucial for developing strategies to cope with its physical effects. While grief is an inevitable part of the human experience, there are steps we can take to support our bodies through the healing process.
Prioritizing self-care is essential for managing the physical toll of grief. This includes getting adequate rest, eating nourishing foods, and exercising regularly. Studies have shown that exercise can help reduce stress hormones and promote the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.
Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can also provide a crucial lifeline during grief. Talking about your feelings and experiences can help alleviate stress and promote emotional healing, positively affecting your physical health.
Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, into your daily routine can also help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Research published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that mindfulness meditation can reduce inflammation in the body, highlighting its potential benefits for managing grief-related inflammation.
Ultimately, navigating the physical effects of grief requires a holistic approach that addresses both the emotional and physiological dimensions of the experience. By understanding the science behind grief's grip on the body and implementing strategies to support our physical health, we can honor our journey of healing with compassion and resilience.
Navigating the Physical Terrain of Grief
So, how can you navigate through the physical terrain of grief? While there's no one-size-fits-all solution, there are several strategies you can employ to help alleviate the physical symptoms associated with grief.
Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care by engaging in activities that nourish your body and soul. Whether taking a warm bath, going for a leisurely walk in nature, or indulging in a favorite hobby, find solace amidst the chaos. Prioritize Sleep: Grief can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or restless nights. Prioritize sleep by creating a relaxing bedtime routine and a conducive sleep environment. Limit screen time before bed and try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to promote restful sleep.
Stay Active: Exercise is beneficial for your physical health and can also serve as a powerful tool for managing grief. Engage in activities you enjoy, whether it's yoga, dancing, or jogging. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help elevate your mood and alleviate stress. Seek Support: During grief, don’t avoid leaning on your support network. Contact friends, family members, or a therapist who can listen and offer guidance. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others can provide comfort and validation. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help you stay grounded and present amid grief. Take moments throughout the day to pause and check in with yourself. Notice any physical sensations you may be experiencing and allow yourself to acknowledge and process them without judgment.
Wrap-Up: Grief is a multifaceted journey that encompasses both emotional and physical dimensions. By understanding the profound impact grief can have on your body, you can take proactive steps to care for yourself and navigate through its challenges with grace and resilience. Remember to prioritize self-care, seek support when needed, and honor your body's needs as you heal. Grief is not a linear path but a multifaceted journey, weaving through the intricate tapestry of our emotions and physical being. It's a terrain marked by peaks of profound sorrow and valleys of quiet reflection, each step leaving an imprint on our minds, bodies, and spirits. Understanding the profound impact grief can have on your body is essential for embarking on a journey of healing and restoration. When grief takes hold, it doesn't discriminate—it permeates every cell, triggering a cascade of physiological responses that can leave you feeling depleted and overwhelmed. From the heavyweight that settles in your chest to the restless nights haunted by memories of what once was, grief manifests in myriad ways, reminding us of our shared humanity.
However, amidst the turmoil, there is solace in knowing that you hold the power to navigate through the storm with grace and resilience. By prioritizing self-care, you can tend to your body's needs and nurture your spirit back to wholeness. Take time to listen to your body's cues, honoring its need for rest, nourishment, and gentle movement. Whether indulging in a soothing bath, savoring a nourishing meal, or a leisurely stroll in nature, find solace that replenishes your soul and energy stores.
Seeking support is another crucial aspect of healing from grief. Lean on your support network—friends, family, or a therapist—who can provide a listening ear and a compassionate heart. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others alleviates the burden of grief and fosters a sense of connection and belonging that is essential for healing. Remember, you are not alone in your journey; there is strength in vulnerability and community.
As you traverse the terrain of grief, honor your body's needs with compassion and kindness. Allow yourself to grieve in your own time and in your own way, trusting that healing is a gradual process that unfolds at its own pace. Be gentle with yourself, and extend the same grace to others on their own healing journey. Together, we can navigate through the storm of grief, emerging on the other side with hearts full of love and resilience.
Call to Action: As you embark on your healing journey, remember you're not alone. Take a moment to reflect on the strategies discussed in this article and identify one small step you can take today to prioritize your physical well-being amidst grief. Whether scheduling a massage, reaching out to a friend for support, or taking a few deep breaths, honor yourself and your journey with compassion and kindness.
Prayer
Gracious and Merciful God,
In this moment of solemn reflection, we lift our hearts to you, seeking your divine presence to comfort and heal those who are grieving in mind, body, and spirit. We come before you with hearts heavy with sorrow, knowing you are the source of all consolation and strength.
Lord, we pray for those who are mourning the loss of loved ones, feeling the ache of absence deep within their souls. Wrap them in your loving embrace, O God, and soothe their wounded hearts with the balm of your unfailing love. Grant them the courage to face each new day with hope, knowing that you are with them, guiding them through the darkness into the light.
We lift up to you those who are experiencing the physical toll of grief, their bodies weary from the weight of sorrow. Heal their wounds, O Lord, and restore their strength and vitality. Pour your healing grace upon them, touching every ache and pain with your gentle touch. Grant them the resilience to endure, knowing you are the Great Physician who heals all our afflictions.
Lord, we also pray for the wounded spirits of those grieving, their souls burdened with grief and despair. Bring them peace, O God, that surpasses all understanding, filling their hearts with your eternal love and grace. Lift the veil of darkness from their eyes so they may see your presence's light shining brightly within them.
In your infinite compassion, O God, hear our prayer and grant healing to all grieving in mind, body, and spirit. May your comforting presence surround them like a warm embrace, offering solace in their time of need. May they find strength and courage in knowing that you are always with them, guiding them through the valley of the shadow of death into the glorious light of your eternal kingdom.
We ask all this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who conquered death and rose again, that we may have eternal life. Amen.

This weekend I had went to the ER for a possible concussion that I don’t remember falling or hitting my head, but just swelling and a bruise. As I was there, we discussed symptoms I’ve had for years, but I had never got answers and never pushed further doctor wise on it. Going over my many symptoms my doctor at the ER did the Poorman table test and EKG and several other test for both the concussion and she also discussed pots. She never said how my results looked from either of those test, but both her and the nurse brought up pots and all they said is “we can’t diagnose anything in the ER but to go to a primary physician” this has me nervous I never had considered pot, but also we have been trying to figure out what has been wrong with me for years ever since high school and we had gone between anemia, thyroid issues, diabetes, and more but nothing lined up. This seems to line up perfectly and explains a lot of issues I’ve had, but I am nervous because I know it’s hard sometimes to get diagnosed and also nervous for this stage of my life. What are the steps they will take at the doctors and is there anything I need to do in the meantime, like tracking symptoms?