Sunburn severe swelling

Introduction:
Pregnancy is a time of profound transformation, both physically and emotionally. As expectant mothers navigate the joys and challenges of this remarkable journey, prioritizing self-care becomes essential for nurturing both body and baby. Pregnancy yoga, a gentle and nurturing practice specifically tailored to the needs of pregnant women, offers a myriad of benefits for physical health, emotional well-being, and preparation for childbirth. However, a common question that arises among expectant mothers is: How often should I practice pregnancy yoga to maximize its benefits? In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the optimal frequency of pregnancy yoga practice and how online yoga classes can support your journey toward a healthy and empowered pregnancy.
Understanding the Benefits of Pregnancy Yoga:
Before delving into the frequency of pregnancy yoga practice, let's briefly explore why it's beneficial for expectant mothers:

1. Physical Health: Pregnancy yoga incorporates gentle stretches, strengthening exercises, and breathwork to support the changing needs of a pregnant body. It helps alleviate common discomforts such as back pain, sciatica, and swelling, while also promoting flexibility, balance, and circulation.
2. Emotional Well-Being: Pregnancy can evoke a wide range of emotions, from excitement and joy to anxiety and uncertainty. Yoga provides a nurturing space for expectant mothers to connect with their breath, cultivate mindfulness, and release tension, thereby reducing stress and promoting emotional balance.
3. Preparation for Childbirth: Certain yoga poses and breathing techniques practiced in pregnancy yoga classes are specifically designed to prepare women for labor and delivery. By learning how to relax the pelvic floor muscles, control the breath, and cultivate mental focus, expectant mothers can approach childbirth with greater confidence and ease.

Now, let's address the central question: How often should you practice pregnancy yoga to reap its maximum benefits?
Factors Influencing Pregnancy Yoga Practice Frequency:
The optimal frequency of pregnancy yoga practice may vary depending on several factors, including your individual health, fitness level, lifestyle, and stage of pregnancy. While some expectant mothers may benefit from daily practice, others may find that a few sessions per week suffice. Here are some considerations to help you determine the right frequency for you:

1. Consult with Your Healthcare Provider: Before embarking on a pregnancy yoga practice regimen, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider, particularly if you have any underlying medical conditions or pregnancy complications. Your healthcare provider can offer personalized guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances, ensuring that your yoga practice aligns with your overall prenatal care plan.
2. Listen to Your Body: Pregnancy is a time of heightened awareness of your body's signals and sensations. Pay attention to how you feel during and after each yoga practice session. If you experience fatigue, discomfort, or dizziness, it may be a sign that you need to dial back the intensity or duration of your practice. Honor your body's needs and adjust your practice accordingly.
3. Consider Your Energy Levels: Pregnancy can bring about fluctuations in energy levels, particularly during the first and third trimesters. While some expectant mothers may feel energized and invigorated during pregnancy, others may experience fatigue and lethargy. Tailor your yoga practice frequency to align with your energy levels, choosing more gentle and restorative practices during times of low energy and incorporating more active sessions when you feel more vibrant.
4. Prioritize Consistency Over Intensity: When it comes to pregnancy yoga practice, consistency is key. Aim to establish regular yoga classes that you can realistically maintain throughout your pregnancy. Consistent practice allows you to experience the cumulative benefits of yoga, including improved strength, flexibility, and mental clarity. Remember that it's not about pushing yourself to the limit but rather about nurturing your body and baby with gentle and mindful movement.
5. Supplement with Online Yoga Classes: In today's digital age, online yoga classes offer unparalleled convenience and accessibility for expectant mothers. Whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home parent, or someone with limited mobility, online yoga classes allow you to practice from the comfort of your own home, at a time that suits your schedule. Look for online prenatal yoga classes specifically designed to support pregnancy and childbirth, and supplement your home practice with occasional in-person classes for added support and guidance.

Conclusion:
Pregnancy yoga is a valuable tool for promoting physical health, emotional well-being, and preparation for childbirth during pregnancy. While the optimal frequency of practice may vary for each expectant mother, the key is to listen to your body, prioritize consistency, and tailor your practice to align with your individual needs and circumstances. Whether you choose to practice daily, a few times per week, or supplement your home practice with online yoga classes, the important thing is to nurture your body and baby with gentle movement, mindful breath, and loving awareness. With dedication, patience, and the support of experienced instructors, pregnancy yoga can become a cherished practice that enhances your pregnancy journey and prepares you for the transformative experience of motherhood.

She's in her stressed-out, bratty, emotionally immature, control freak, borderline manic, takes everything out on the easiest target, and won't accept blame for her role in things phase again.
To explain I've had severe TMJ issues as of late. I'm talking went to the ER level pain. Basically I popped my jaw out of alignment on Friday of last week and then went to the ER on Saturday. I took Sunday off of work to try and recover from my dehydration and lack of nutrition plus sleep due to the issue.
On Monday I messaged my PCP to get a stronger anti-inflammatory and some advice. Then I called a chiropractor my mom's friend sees for TMJ problems and they were able to get me in the same day in the afternoon. So I had also set up a Monday appointment in the morning with my dentist on Friday. So I was booked and busy on Monday after getting no sleep Sunday night into Monday morning.
Dentist didn't go great. Basically same as ER that they didn't see anything wrong take Advil for the pain. Except she did prescribe me Medrol (steroid) for swelling and referred me to an orthodontist she knows that specializes in TMJ. So I will be seeing that orthodontist on June 10th. But like the appointment was so wasteful of my time. I was there just waiting for over an hour before actually being taken care of as a patient and then to have them basically do nothing but prescribe medication and give me a referral.
Then I went to the chiropractor who was a big help. She explained that my jaw was out of alignment as I had thought it was all along. Because my right molars touched but the left ones didn't and that wasn't normal for me. Plus the pain was comparable to the pain from the surgery I had when I was younger to get a dental bone graft for a dental implant (not enough bone density in my jaw for a dental implant or something). So it was pretty severe pain.
Basically the left side of my jaw was all jammed up and the right side had a loose ligament that was pulling the left side of my jaw to the right. Then once it got less jammed up it became apparent that the left side of my jaw was noticeably pulled down or something like that. But after the first session I was in considerably less pain. After the second session I'm tense but not in pain.
My PCP has me taking cyclobenzaprine 10mg every night for that. Then I will get Botox with my oral surgeon, who wasn't available to help me with this matter until the end of this month when my previously scheduled Botox session will happen, on May 22nd.
I can take the cyclobenzaprine during the day if the clenching/tensing gets really bad but then I can't like drive myself anywhere and I'm basically bedridden cause it makes me dizzy.
But not shockingly now that my pain is significantly better and I'm not like in significant pain if I mention to my parents that I'm in pain or go to them for comfort they dismiss me and are just hurtful about it. Like tonight I'm really tense and I can't stop clenching my teeth so I went to my mother about it because it's making it difficult for me to fall asleep. I was seeking comfort and she just blatantly dismissed me because I was inconveniencing her and it can't be that bad and she can't fix it.
I just get fed up with it. Like I'm not going to my parents for attention I'm going to them for comfort when I'm in pain. To me there is a difference. I'm also not asking them to fix my problems because obviously it isn't something they can fix themselves. I dunno this is how it has been my entire life and I'm just fed up with it.
I have spent my entire life being given the bare minimum in terms of them being emotionally available and just caring about me and providing comfort as needed. Yet they give the stupid pet dogs all the attention and comfort I want and it's just so damn annoying.
If I could move out I would but I can't afford to do so. I'm disabled and a recipient of SSDI and have limited income. That being said I still pay rent to my parents (and yes I am living in their house so it's only right that I do so) and I help out around the house as well.
I just get sick and tired of how they mistreat me sometimes and being in pain with no one to go to for comfort.

I’m totally new to this and just trying to advocate for my fiance.
We went to get an ultrasound due to calf pain & swelling in Feb. they advised there was no clot. After 3 months of pain, pain moving from calf to groin, I insisted on a ultrasound.
The results? Deep venous thrombosis occlusive in the right superficial femoral vein, profunda femoral vein, popliteal vein, posterior tibial vein and peroneal vein. Some venous flow seen in the common femoral vein and distal popliteal veins.
My fiance was already on his way home when they advised it was DVT. They let him know they were calling in a blood thinner. I asked if they needed to run labs or anything, they advised the labs they already did would suffice. I busted out laughing bc they never did any.
I took him to a closer ER— the ones that misdiagnosed. They asked what he was taking for pain. He said the previous hospital gave him Tramodol. This hospital prescribed him 10 hydrocodone mg after learning he was essentially on nothing for pain.
It has been several days so of course he’s out, he has a follow up with a PCP tomorrow so maybe he’ll get pain meds. We’re in a state that really cracks down on pain meds, so I’m worried he won’t get anywhere. It seems like others get IV morphine and things So what gives?
he doesn’t want to be immediately written off as a drug seeker, but he’s in so much pain he’s moaning in his sleep. :/ help

Most of my life I had a blood pressure that averaged 80-90 on the top number and 40-60 on the bottom. No symptoms, no problems. I was healthy and active and ate a healthy diet. I still eat healthy, but I am a smoker.
Now here’s where it gets confusing for the doctors. Once my blood pressure started to inch up little by little, I began to have symptoms that seemed to be heart failure. Even had several blood tests show something the heart releases when it’s failing. After 10 years I finally have what is a “normal” blood pressure for most people and I keep having heart failure symptoms.
Every night when I lie down my heart rhythm goes out of whack, heavy breathing and pounding heart after the rhythm straightens out, with heavy sweating. This also happens during the day and has begun causing me to pass out. I actually smashed my face into pavement one day and shattered an eye socket and fractured my forehead and lost a good chunk of cartilage from my nose because I passed out and went over like a bowling pin. Nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, extreme fatigue, what I call hot flashes (though I’m much too young and am not in menopause), My vision changes from day to day. I have been wearing glasses my whole life and now sometimes they work and other times I see better without them. Especially up close. My abdomen and legs stay so swollen I can barely eat or walk due to the pain.
My primary care doctor noticed my blood pressure was changing. But she knew I needed the water pills until I could see a cardiologist. She did caution me and told me to only take them every 3 days because I tend to have low blood pressure and water pills lower blood pressure. It was a concern. Well, I immediately felt about 50% better. Both the frequency and severity of my symptoms decreased.
My cardiologist said this:
Why would she put you on water pills?
Me: well because of how swollen I am with water retention.
Him: well you probably have (condition in my legs where the vessels stretch and blood flow gets messed up or stops) we will do the procedures for that. As for the water retention, your heart isn’t strong enough to pull the water out of your system the way it should. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with your heart
Me: that makes no sense (has ultrasound and confirms vessel condition in legs and has 4 procedures done) cardiologist releases me and says I should be fine now. No change including in leg swelling.
My primary then represcribes the water pills and adds a beta blocker. Diagnosis: high blood pressure. Frequency of symptoms reduced by 60%. Severity of symptoms reduced by 80%. Haven’t passed out since or had dizziness or nausea and vomiting. Headaches have been minimal. Eyesight is still a bit wonky.
Primary care doctor moves to another state. New primary care doctor thinks I and my previous doctor are insane and that my “normal” blood pressure is fine and my other symptoms are my imagination. Now I’ve been without meds for an entire month and I’m worried.
Are there ANY studies or doctors who have experience with a person whose normal blood pressure is low and high blood pressure reads as normal? I’m desperate at this point. I’m way too young to die of a heart attack or stroke and leave behind 3 kids without a mom. I’m only 44.
Edit. About 3 years ago I suddenly found that everything I ate or drank, even water, was like eating straight salt. I now can’t stand the taste of salt and can’t have it in any of my food. I lost 60 lbs in 8 weeks without changing anything. I have an extremely healthy diet, am very active (I teach 3rd grade, am a trauma recovery coach, and walk 3 miles with my daughter 3 times a week), I’m a light smoker (5-8 a day), not diabetic, healthy checkups, normal cholesterol and all that. The only thing I’ve ever had an issue with was my thyroid. I had 7 rapidly growing nodules that eventually stopped growing but haven’t been checked in 3 years since the radiologist said it was no longer necessary. All nodules were looked at through sonogram or ultrasound and biopsies every 2 years for 15 years. No kidney issues that I’m aware of. And NO the cardiologist and other doctors have NOT done ANY tests other than blood and CT scans to check my heart. They refuse. Yes I have good insurance. Family history includes mitral valve failure, mitral regurgitation, and non specific heart attack. Without the water pills I weigh about 240 lbs, with them I stay around 170.

So this is probably going to be long but i’m going to try and give as much info as possible because im at a loss and need advice. my fiancé (28M) and i (25F) have been together going on 7 years. we have had a rocky couple of years together due to substance abuse issues on his end. i spent about 2 years of our relationship fighting with him and pleading with him to get help and to please be better. i spent countless nights crying myself to sleep, driving around trying to find him, fighting with him till all hours of the night,verbal and mental abuse, fighting with other people to protect him, etc. it got to the point where i was not taking care of my health (T1D) and i was losing a lot of weight (20 ish pounds maybe more) and i was not doing well at work, i hadn’t seen my family or friends, i was dying. i made excuses for him because he had lost his dad recently and i knew he was hurting. i made excuses bc i had lost a previous long term boyfriend before him to an OD, i felt like i couldn’t give up on him. fast forward he got better. he got sobered up and now doesn’t hardly drink besides socially or on occasion. he has been apologetic about the way he was before and he has treated me better. he takes care of me and helps me in ways no one else ever has. since things were going so well and i finally felt like our lives were back to where they should be we decided to start planning our wedding. our wedding is in 5 months and i’m panicking and debating on calling it off. we’ve spent well over 15k on this wedding though and it is my dream to spend my life with him but i don’t know if it’s truly the right thing to do. my heart says he’s the one and i love him but my brain is telling me to run. as fast as i fucking can. we’ve gotten into a few tiffs but nothing really as bad as this recently. monday night i came home and he was shit faced. i had an awful day at work and was exhusted and realized that since he had been home from work for 4 hours before me he didn’t do a single thing, not any dishes, put away laundry, make the bed, nothing at all. i don’t expect him to do these things all the time but i do expect a helping hand during the week since i work 2 jobs to support us and he just recently went back to work after losing several jobs due to his attendance. i have spent since last september being the bread winner while he jumped from job to job. anyway, when i got home i snapped at him and asked what on earth has he been doing for hours that he couldn’t just help me out a little bit with things in the house? i know i shouldn’t have snapped but i didn’t yell or swear i was just clearly angry and had a negstive angry tone. but he just looked at me and said “after everything i fucking do for you you want to act like this? fuck u” and slammed the door and left. i could then hear him on the phone with his friend talking badly about me. he went to our basement and played video games and continued to drink. me being the moron i am went down there to see what he was doing and we just ended up going back and forth because the second i opened my mouth to ask him why he was drinking and what is going on he started SCREAMING at me to get the fuck away from him annd then asking his friend if he could hear how fucking crazy i was. i eventually left. he stayed up too late and was clearly hung over so he couldn’t work his full shift, mind you this is his 3rd day at his new job. he claims it’s bc he rolled his ankle at work… he was walking fine and i didn’t see a single bruise or swelling on his ankle but ok. so the next day i texted him while he was home and i was at work basically saying i cannot do this shit again and i will not stay with him if i have to come home to him drunk again like i did for so long and i lost myself doing so. he pretty much just focused on the fact that it was my fault it escalated bc i came home and was being mean. i just feel like he could have just apologized for not helping out and just comforted me so i could calm down and maybe we could have put the laundry away together? he didn’t have to scream at me and say hurtful things right? idk. so i get home from work that day and he pretty much didn’t want to talk bc he was tired so he went to sleep and i cried myself to sleep lol. he did tell me i was immature for acting like this and im an adult and i need to get it together. so today is now wednesday. i text him while he is at work and so am i, expressing how i feel and that im really hurt. i also told him what my expectations are and if he can’t meet them then we need to call off the wedding. he responded with one word answers and then told me that our relationship is not to be talked about over text so he wasn’t going to read it and i should know that he hates reading long messages. in the past i’ve tried to call him about stuff to talk and work out and he screams so loud i either have to hang up or he just hangs up on me. so i came home today and tried to talk to him in person about all this. i wanted him to know that bc of my mental health issues (BPD, PTSD, and OCD) that i know im difficult sometimes but i am very sensitive so i really need him to try harder to not do and say the things he knows trigger me. 5 minutes into the convo he tried to turn the tv on while i was talking and told me he didn’t want to talk and he was done and i need to let it go. i was talking calmly and nice the entire time. i just wanted to feel heard. he started to scream at this point and cry like actually cry and jumped up and started to walk away and i just lost it and told him i wanted to break up. i said a lot of mean things to him that’s crossed a lot of lines and i shouldn’t have said but he just kept calling me crazy and dismissing me and it made me feel so small my reaction is to be as mean as i can to him so he hurts the way i am hurting . of course now i am the bad guy. the conversation got no where and i wasn’t able to even get to what the main topic was, before he started freaking out. Also he was screaming the entire time. which is one of my triggers due to childhood abuse. i feel so unloved right now and i don’t see a way out. i feel hopeless. should i have not brought it up and just stopped talking when he asked? please be kind i really need help and im embarrassed and ashamed of the situation.

22m 5ft8 I noticed a pain about 7 hours till now at the bottom of my testicle it started of on one side then started occuring on the other side of the same testicle , I can’t feel any lumps or swelling and the pain isn’t severe aswell

I've got what I am assuming is just another mosquito bite on the right side of my left leg. I'm almost certain it is not a spider bite. It is mosquito season where I am living and I have been reacting this severely to mosquito bites. This is by far the worst one so far. The bite is currently the size of a baseball in circumference. It is not excruciating but it is VERY hard to the touch and itchy. Zinc oxide is helping with the itching. I didn't want to take a ton of histamines right now because I am breastfeeding. Is there anything else that I can put on to help with the swelling. I have dealt with this before but in truth I am concerned about infection/cellulitis because of the size. Thx!!

I got my first beta fish in March and since then he has had a strange sort of swelling on his lower right chin. After doing an aquarium salt, treatment for a while with him the redness went away and swelling reduced. Overtime and water changes. The salinity of his tank slowly dropped. He’s been doing really really well for several weeks in his new planted tank, a recycled heavily planted 10 gallon tank with filtration and heater that I purchased off of someone local. It has dwarf grass, a couple of Java ferns and two snails in it. All of my parameters seem to be met and things have been going really well. The swelling started again though. The same day for the very first time he left from his tank and landed about four or 5 feet from the kitchen counter directly on the floor. I did not see him jump, but someone who happened to be here helping me with something did thankfully. I tried to get him into the tank quickly without hurting him and he seemed pretty shook up but Continued acting relatively normal the next few days. I let him calm down from the incident and the following day, I moved him into a heated hospital tank so I would not kill the plants and snails in the cycled tank with an aquarium salt treatment. I’ve also begun using kanaplex antibiotic by Seachem. My fish, despite the aquarium salt and the antibiotic is progressively worsening. The swelling has not gone down, and he now has severe Popeye, along with an inflamed gill, and he can no longer keep himself balanced/his equilibrium in the tank, which makes me worry that he struggling to get air. He’s also stopped eating about Three days ago except for two thawed blood worms about two days ago.
I really don’t know what to do for him, and I am scared that he is just going to suffer and suffer until and I really don’t know what to do for him, and I am scared that he is just going to suffer and suffer until an inevitable death. I do not want to euthanize him, but I’m struggling to know how to help him with what seems to be an underlying condition paired with severe trauma from his fall. Admittedly, as much time and energy as I have spent on trying to give him a wonderful life, I am woefully inexperienced, and an online vet said I could try to feed him by hand, but it might be difficult… Along with everything else that I’m trying, and he seems to be worsening despite all of my efforts. I just don’t know what to do right now…

White German Shepherd 6YR Male
Hello, I woke up to my German Shepherd having what looks like pink pigment invading the bottom halves of both his corneas. He recently has had some very large and firm swelling in his face and throat but has responded well to meds. His tonsils were the size of golf balls. I’ve attached those notes from the vet below. This just happened about a week prior to this eye issue.
Eye image: https://imgur.com/a/tCc1Xdx
Vet Notes: Discussed with owner that while it may be an ongoing allergic reaction, would strongly advise sedated oral exam to ensure no evidence of stinger and/or foreign material within the oral cavity. Discussed sedation would allow us the best visualization and treatment will be based on what we find. Dexmedetomidine (0.5 mg/mL) 6 mcg/kg IM Butorphanol (10 mg/mL) 0.3 mg/kg IM Sedated oral exam shows severely edematous tonsils bilaterally obscuring a large portion of the laryngeal region. No obvious foreign material or stingers. Swelling is extremely firm over right ventral portion of throat latch region - small area shaved and ultrasound utilized to visualize any fluid pockets. Small area of suspected fluid - attempted collection with ultrasound guided aspiration. No material removed. Suspect majority cellulitis. Ear canal visualized -TM intact, no obvious foreign material Atipamezole 0.36 mL IM - recovery uneventful Discussed with owner given the presentation of the swelling, strong concern for abscess/cellulitis moreso than allergic reaction. Discussed as well the possibility of penetrating foreign material (foxtail, stick shards, etc) that could migrate and cause abscessation. Plan to begin antibiotics and continue NSAID. However prefaced patient may very likely need CT and surgical exploration if not improving. Plan to follow up with primary care veterinarian in 48-72 hours. Sooner if having any difficulty breathing. Enrofloxacin and Carprofen tgh

“Beasts all over the shop…You’ll be one of them, sooner or later…”
The strange Hunter turned around and exhaled. His breath was visible against the night’s air.
He’s bloodlusted. Aegis, I hope you have a plan.
Shimmer saw Elpis step back slightly, with a shocked expression on her face. She shakily raised a claw and pointed at something on the ground.
No. It… it can’t be.
That’s… horrible.
A shattered red jeweled necklace lay strewn across the ground, beside the mangled corpse of the Silkwing.
The Hivewing in front of the three swung his axe to the side. As it was a trick weapon, he was able to change its form on command. The axe had two forms: a shortened form that acted sort of like a sword, and an extended form specialized in crowd control and reach.
He extended his axe and Shimmer heard a low snarl from his throat.
“Do we kill him?” Elpis asked, a hint of fear in her voice.
“We don't have a choice. Steel yourself.” Aegis muttered and brandished his silksabers. The blades gleamed in the soft light of the three moons.
The hunter was taller than all of them, one head taller than Aegis and two taller than Shimmer and Elpis. Black tattered robes clung to him, marking him a Shadowhunter. Blood from tonight’s hunt stained the black fabric, showcasing his expertise and experience in the hunt. He wore a rounded dark-gray hat, and bloodied bandages covered his eyes. Shimmer wondered if he could even see.
Corpses of both beasts and dragons were scattered about the square-shaped courtyard, an equal amount of gravestones breaking up the open space. His teeth were uneven as if he had been eating and chewing rough bones. Blood dripped from his mouth down his neck, and his Hivewing stingers flexed in anticipation.
“Be careful,” Aegis started, “He’s going to use magic. Elpis, don’t use any of yours.” He told the hybrid dragon beside him, and she nodded.
The hunter walked slowly around them, searching for a weakness in their structure, and then spat out a lump of coagulated blood.
“That stench of squalid blood. No beast will be spared.” He half-muttered and half-growled. He tipped his hat respectfully, before lunging at Elpis. She dove to the side, and tried to retaliate with her scythe, but just slightly missed.
This hunter was agile, surprisingly so considering how old he looked. Shimmer gripped the handle of her silkhammer, knowing it wasn’t the time to strike. She stepped backward, seeking cover behind a grave, while Aegis leaped forward with the intent to pierce the frenzied hunter’s heart. Once again, the hunter rolled to the side and sent his axe hurtling towards the smaller Silkwing. Shimmer felt fear grip her heart, but Aegis avoided the blade. He fell back and motioned for Elpis to stay back.
“A sporting hunt. But alas, I’ve forgotten to ask your name.” Aegis growled, and the hunter laughed a sick, disturbing laugh.
“The name’s Gascoigne.” He shot back, and jumped into the air, slamming his axe down where Aegis was a split second ago. Shimmer’s ears rung from the sound of the impact. Her antennae subconsciously curled in defensively.
“Gascoigne. That’s a nice name. I’ll tell Ludwig you were a proud hunter till the end.” Aegis replied and sent his twin blades slicing into the hunter’s thigh. He recoiled, and a gleeful laugh escaped his bloodied mouth.
“Hehe… the sweet stench of blood. Just… just marvelous!” He exclaimed and raised his off-talon towards Aegis.
“Aegis! Get down!” Shimmer called, and a burst of flame erupted from the hunter’s claws across the courtyard. The limited magic the Hivewing had that he was willing to use in this hunt.
Aegis fell back, hissing in pain as a few stray flames singed his tail. The hunter chuckled under his breath, and Elpis took advantage of the opening he had presented her. She thrust the blade of her scythe toward him, opting for its sword form as of now, and the hunter knocked the blow aside. He countered with a kick to the Ice-Hivewing’s ribs, and she was sent to the ground. She coughed up a spurt of blue Icewing blood, and the hunter lifted his axe for a finishing blow.
Shimmer roared out and swung her hammer toward the hunter. The silk connected it to her wrists as it flew through the air, and it hit the hunter square in his side just as his axe was falling. He was sent into the opposite side of the courtyard, coughing and sputtering, but with a faint smirk on his face. Shimmer was in disbelief; how was he not dead?
“Ooh, what’s that smell… the sweet blood, ooh, it sings to me! It's enough to make a dragon sick.” Gascoigne laughed hollowly. He raised his talon, and Shimmer quickly rolled to the side as a ball of flame soared past her horns.
He’s going to turn at this rate.
Shimmer hid under a gravestone as a tree behind her erupted in flames, and Aegis jumped into the air. He beat his four wings ferociously before diving into the hunter. He caught both of Aegis’ horns, and he twisted his head. Aegis fell to the ground, and Gascoigne slashed his axe down across the Silkwing’s leg. Aegis cried out, and Shimmer’s heart ached. She pushed herself up, ignoring the raging fire around her, and she threw her hammer up in the air and aimed it towards the hunter. He narrowly evaded the heavy impact of the stone before Shimmer heard a metal clang behind her.
Elpis, scythe in one talon, approached Gascoigne. She had the little music box in her other.
Elpis played the music box and a song of eerie notes filled the courtyard.
The hunter stumbled back, clawing at his face, and Elpis shot Shimmer a look, her face telling her to make sure Aegis was okay.
Elpis advanced on the struggling hunter, and Shimmer leaped over to her Silkwing partner, who was injured on the ground. She felt tears welling in her eyes, but she knew this wasn’t the time to cry.
“Aegis. Look at me. Look at me.” She repeated, and he lifted his head weakly. His leg had a massive gash in it, but he could probably still walk, just with a limp.
“Ah, Shimmer. I’m alright. I’ll be back in the fight. Go, help Elpis. I’ll join back soon enough.” He groaned, and the pair heard a roar behind them.
Elpis was locked in a duel with Gascoigne, and the hunter’s stray fireballs met with blasts of frostbreath. For the first time in the battle, the hunter had a slight look of fear on his face. Elpis was relentless, her burial blade swiftly countering and stopping any attempt Gascoigne made at advancing. Aegis crawled back and attempted to stand, using a grave for support.
“Shimmer! I can’t hold him for long!” Elpis called, and Shimmer nodded. She took the hammer in her claws and swung it around her side, and in a clockwise circle in the air. It was the perfect counterweight to her body weight. She hoisted it up further into the air and then brought it crashing down onto the hunter.
It struck Gascoigne directly on the spine, and he fell to the ground.
He screamed in pain.
And then, a bright light flashed from his body.
His screams deepened in tone, morphing to be more animalistic. His posture fell forward, and his muscles rippled through his body. He grew in size, and more of his bloodied garb ripped from the size change.
Fur sprouted from seemingly random places on the Hivewing’s body, and his claws extended. His face shifted, his features becoming more and more distorted. His black hat fell to the ground.
The bandages around his eyes stayed, as well as the black-tattered garb that marked him as once a Hunter.
He was no longer a Hunter. Moons above, he wasn’t even a dragon anymore.
He was now a beast.
Shimmer’s heart pounded in her chest. She stared at the transformation for a split second, before reeling in her hammer. She took it in her right talon and dove behind a gravestone, wary of the spreading flames.
Elpis, on the other claw, held her blade in front of her. Shimmer heard a rasping cough escape the Ice-HiveWing’s throat, but she didn’t break her stance.
The beast that was once Gascoigne whipped around toward Elpis, and launched himself at her, with a ferocity Shimmer had never seen even in beasts.
Elpis sidestepped quickly. The beast slammed into the wall with a loud roar, and Shimmer spied Aegis in her peripheral vision struggling to stand. He winced as he stood on his injured leg, but didn’t cry out. He brandished his two blades as the beast charged at him.
“Aegis!” Shimmer cried.
He’s going to get hit. That beast will kill him.
Aegis ignored her, and as soon as the beast was within a wingspan from him he twisted his body in such a way that he narrowly avoided the savage charge. He elegantly sliced his twin blades across the beast’s hide, and the creature howled before rapidly turning to face him.
Shimmer flew into the air. “Get away from him!” She yelled before bringing the weight of her hammer down on the beast. It flattened part of his ribcage, but it seemed impervious to the pain. It did knock him to the ground, though, giving Aegis a moment to cut through what was once two of the hunter’s wings.
The beast quickly got back on its claws before sending a flurry of swipes towards Shimmer. She dodged to the side and readied her hammer for another strike.
That was before the beast kicked her square in her chest, its sharp, ravenous claws digging in and tearing her scales. Shimmer fell back, a slight gasp escaping her mouth, and she stumbled back into the wall. She lost her footing and fell to the ground, and gazed up at the beast locked on her.
“Aegis! Help!” She yelled, and not even a second later her Silkwing partner crashed into the beast. They fell to the ground, grappling with each other before Shimmer heard a familiar song fill the courtyard.
Elpis was cranking the music box, its ominous lullaby breaking up the noise of the fight. The beast stopped attacking Aegis and instead clawed at its face. It growled and screamed in pain, drawing blood from its very own fur and scales.
“Now! Kill it!” She yelled through the song, and Aegis nodded before driving his two blades through the beast’s skull.
They stuck, and the beast roared before throwing him off. It crawled and thrashed about on the ground, clearly not dead, and the two new blades stuck to his head pointed out like new horns.
Now’s my chance.
Shimmer stumbled to her claws and wound her hammer up into the air. With every last bit of her strength, she brought it down on the flailing beast.
It crushed what was left of the hunter.
Silence filled the courtyard, only broken by a few stray notes from the music box, the pained breathing of the three hunters in the area, and the howls and screams from other places in the Hive.
Shimmer breathed a sigh of relief, before collapsing.
I did it. We did it.
Gascoigne was free.
…
“I brought you water.”
Shimmer opened her eyes and found herself in her familiar hospital room.
The morning sun’s rays lit the room, and Shimmer felt very little pain from her chest.
It had been three days since that night.
Shimmer fixed her gaze on the purple-orange Silkwing sitting beside her and smiled.
“Thanks. I’m feeling much better, we should get going to Bloodworm soon. It’s today, remember?” Shimmer asked, and he nodded. Of course, he remembered.
The summons for every hunter to come to Bloodworm Hive. Ludwig, The Holy Blade had requested them all. He no doubt planned an attack. A shame really, the hive was only newly rebuilt. And now it was going to be the site of a horrid, savage warzone.
“I remember. Are you sure you’re feeling okay? Ludwig would understand if you couldn’t come,” Aegis asked, and she spied a hint of worry on his face.
“I’m fine. I need to make sure you don’t do anything stupid. I’ll come.” She sighed and took a sip from the canteen that Aegis had brought. It tasted wonderful, he had put something in to flavor it.
“Honeydew?” She guessed, and Aegis smiled.
“Yep. It’s your favorite, right?” He asked, and she nodded. She opened her arms, and he hugged her tight.
“I love you,” Shimmer whispered in his ear.
“I love you too. I pray to Clearsight that we’ll both be safe today. I can’t bear to lose you.” Aegis replied. He pulled away and gazed out the window.
Shimmer quickly drank the rest of the honeydew-flavored water before getting out of bed. She joined him at the window and was slightly surprised by what she saw.
Almost all of the hunters of Jewel Hive were preparing, some of them already flying in the direction of Bloodworm. They were all sharpening their trick weapons, mixing poisons, or saying goodbye to loved ones.
“We should get going. It’ll be midmorning when we get there, I don’t want to be late.” Shimmer suggested, and Aegis put a wing around her.
“Now? I need to get my stuff, and you do too. Join me at the workshop.” He asked, and she slid her head in the curve of his neck as he led her out of her sick room.
…
Shimmer beat her wings strong and fast against the morning savanna winds.
She saw what looked to be several hundred, maybe even a thousand dragons gathered around a hill. All of them had a colored garb fluttering proudly from their neck. Around ninety percent of the garbs were white, and the rest were black.
They were all different tribes and a fair amount of hybrids were scattered about as well. The gathered hunters were mostly Pantalan, but a good few were from Pyrrhia as well.
Shimmer and Aegis landed a short distance away from the hill, and all around them the sounds of dragons conversing and laughing with each other.
The sun was high in the sky, but it wasn’t quite noon yet.
“You see anyone you recognize?” Aegis asked, and Shimmer shook her head.
“There’s too many dragons here. It’s too much.” She whimpered, and Aegis pulled her close. He knew she didn’t do well in crowds. That was partly why she became a Shadowhunter. To work alone or with no more than a few other dragons.
“You’re safe with me.” He comforted her, and she leaned against him.
She had always hated being with a lot of other dragons. Aegis said it sounded like she had anxiety, which made sense. It didn’t do much to alleviate that fear, though.
None of them are thinking about you. They’re all busy with their own stuff.
Just take deep breaths.
“Do you want to move away? There’s fewer dragons over there,” He asked and pointed a claw across from them.
“…No, no I’m fine.” She whispered, and Aegis sighed.
“Alright. If you want to move, don’t be afraid to ask. I don’t mind it.”
Shimmer shook her head quickly, before the pair heard a loud voice from the top of the hill. They both looked up and saw the legendary hunter himself: Ludwig.
The menacing Nightwing stood proudly, his holy silver sword slung across his shoulder. His partner Memoria stood beside him, her tail twined around his. She had a bored look on her face as she stared at the crowd. The voices of the dragons fell silent, and Shimmer felt like she could breathe again.
The Nightwing’s loud voice echoed through the plain. “Dear Hunters.” He paused, his heroic voice inspiring pride and triumph in Shimmer, even though he had barely started.
“I’m sure all of you know why we’re here. Behind me, Bloodworm Hive stands proud against the horizon. Yet I am more than certain you all know what lies inside.” He paused and pointed his sword toward the dark shape of the Hive.
“Beasts. A few thousand. I think it’s time we put them out of their misery. That is why we are here. A battle of the ages, one that will go down in history. We, the brave heroes, fighting against evil. We will be reveled, we will be honored. We will protect the dragons we hold dear to our hearts, and save those we can yet save.” His speech roused the crowd, and Shimmer felt herself stand a little taller.
“The plan is simple. The Hunters of the Sun will lead the charge from the front. I have already talked to the leaders of the charge. The Shadowhunters will pick the stray beasts off from behind. We will attack at dusk when half the sun is hidden from the eye.” He gestured with his sword at the rising sun, and he extended his wings. His massive wingspan seemed to fill the sky, and Shimmer's heart swelled with pride.
He held his sword up to the heavens, and it transformed. It grew larger, into the shape of a claymore, and it turned a shade of sacred jade. It glowed with an otherworldly light, and the crowd was enamored by the display.
“Now, hunters. Spend the rest of today preparing. The hunt is on tonight. Ludwig, The Holy Blade will be with all of you in spirit.” He bellowed, and the crowd erupted in applause and cheers.
Shimmer saw a proud, triumphant look in Aegis’ eyes, and she felt the same. Ludwig’s blade captivated her. The blade of legend, inspiring all who lay eyes on it.
Ludwig would be with them tonight. The best, the greatest, the strongest hunter ever.
Tonight, the hunters would not know defeat.
Nor would they ever, with Ludwig alive and at their side.
May the good blood guide your way,
Ultima_8

I kicked a ratchet trying to get a stuck oil drain plug off back on November 3rd. It's been one long nightmare since then. Incapacitating pain on the lateral side of that foot - figured I might have fractured the 5th metatarsal. Problem is that I had been having periodic chronic pain that I was sure was peroneal tendonitis, since it ran right along where that problem happens. Limped around for months - x-rays didn't show anything. Limped around more - wasn't getting better. On April 8th, was climbing down a steep hill when something went wrong and I was hit with a sudden sharp severe pain around the ankle in that area on the lateral side. Swelling all around the whole ankle and even down on top the whole foot. Finally went for an MRI of the foot and a separate one for the ankle. Foot came back ok no mention of any ligament or tendon or bone problems. That puzzled me. But what really blew me away was that the radiologist said it looked like a stress fracture of the calcaneus. Huh? I can put my full weight on my heel and the pain was always only ever with weight on the forefoot during push-off. Anyway, now it hurts all the time. Even just sitting here I am getting waves of pain. Right under the base of the 5th metatarsal where I hit that ratchet 6 months ago. I feels like really bad plantar fasciitis and/or really bad insertional peroneus brevis tendonitis - only under the bone if that makes sense. Went to a podiatrist and let him look at the MRI scans - he didn't see what the radiologist saw and said it MIGHT be a contusion of the calcaneus. Told me to get a walking boot and wear it for 6 weeks. Yeah, that isn't gonna happen. I tried it for 3 days and the pain from being uneven was hurting my hip and back worse than the foot pain was. Anyway, I don't understand the whole thing. I am starting to think that this injury is just a coincidence and had nothing to do with the ratchet incident and could be just a stress fracture from limping around trying to favor the ratchet pain injury. But I really don't get (and the podiatrist didn't get either) how I could have a fractured calcaneus and have pain where and how I have it. So frustrating and confusing. I don't know what to do. It isn't getting better and the pain is actually really bad at the end of every day. Not too bad when I get up in the morning.
Any ideas, suggestions, theories? Thanks.

Over the past several months I (21 F) have noticed that when I exercise, my hearing becomes severely impaired (like I am underwater). I went to an ENT who did a scope and found that my lingual tonsils were significantly enlarged. Recently, my hearing will become randomly impaired in a similar fashion with no relief except waiting. I have also started to get a painful clicking sensation when I swallow, speak, or move my head in a certain way around my neck area towards the top (about 2 inches down from where my tonsils would be).
He initially put me on a steroid to see if it brought the swelling down with no change.
So far test wise, I have done a CT with contrast but that was 2 weeks ago and have not gotten the results back. I feel like they should have definitely been out by now. The CT results have taken longer than my kidney biopsy which I got done at around the same time. I am concerned they found something significant and have not called to inform me. I am also concerned about the new symptoms as I feel like that is a sign that the swelling is getting worse. Any ideas?
I also wanted to note that when I was little I had a similar issue with the main tonsils. They were apparently not infected or bad, they were just so huge they were obstructing my airway and had to be removed. So I am wondering if maybe something similar can happen like this with a 20 year gap.

Hey everyone! So my cat ran out of the house and in my husband and I’s attempt to grab him to bring him back in, we both got scratched and bit pretty bad. He got mostly scratches, I got bit. Wondering if we should see a doc about it. (Cat is safe back at home by the way. We won the battle) My wounds are mostly bites, they are probably one of the deepest wounds I’ve had, but I’ve never gotten a wound treated before always let it heal at home with neosporin. I have severe doctor anxiety and often pass out in doctor’s offices. Right now, we both have our arms wrapped up in gauze with neosporin on it. My arm picture was taken directly after the accident, after re-dressing my wounds the swelling around the bites has disappeared and the holes are not as “gaping” as they seem to be in the initial bite photo. My husband’s arm is the one pictured all scratched up. He is our home cat and is up to date with his shots. What do you recommend we do? I can probably get my doctor to prescribe me antibiotics without going into the office as he’s familiar with my anxiety.
Just realized I can’t add an attachment, but if I figure out how to add a photo I will. Thanks!

Tldr - 12 yr old, active dog had leg surgery requiring bed rest for 14 days, and she's very bored. How to help her cope? We've got ice, treats, and trying to think of games that don't involve her standing.
Full story: My dog is 12 years 2 months old, 83 lbs, boxer mix, short hair. She's always been high energy and active. As recently as last week we were walking 30-45 minutes at least once a day and she has no problem with stamina.
For several months she's had a lipoma growing in a rear leg. The vet and I have been watching it, and it has been causing her to limp and bunny hop up steps so we decided it should be removed. Her blood work was all very good. She has no other health problems.
Surgery was 2 days ago. The incision is on the trailing edge of the haunch/thigh. We cleaned her crate and moved it to the first floor of our house (it's normally on a second floor, she's crate trained and sleeps there of her own volition sometimes but she usually prefers the living room couch). It's in a cozy spot she likes.
The vet's recovery instructions are: Do not encourage play for 14 days. Slow leash walks only to toilet for 14 days. Then stretch walks by 5 minutes every 3 days till walks are 20 minutes long. Then resume normal activity.
Part of why this is so restrictive is the vet didn't put drains in - they had planned to beforehand but didn't feel comfortable during the procedure because of where the arteries were relative to the incision. The restrictive rest is in hope of reducing irritation and swelling there and needing to bring her back to the office to drain fluid.
At discharge the nurse suggested she be mostly in her crate for the first 14 days. We were given gabapentin and carprofen.
This worked for the first 36 hours, but even on the gabapentin she is obviously bored and wants out of the crate. We are going to the back yard briefly a few times a day (on leash, no play, just to toilet), I'm sitting beside her in the crate with door open, petting and giving treats for simple commands like laying her head down and shaking, I'm feeding her food and water, but with work and kids my time to spend with her is limited. We are keeping a bowl of ice in the crate too, she seems to like this. Also, peanut butter kongs.
2 big questions:
What else could we try as far as activity/entertainment? Her normal happy place/outlet is a long walk. We have a couple food puzzles, and I plan to try them however she's never been much of a fan of them before.
How can we judge her recovery, as far as when she should be allowed more freedom? For example, after 4 days can she sit with us on the couch instead of in her crate? What about laying down outside? Etc?
Cheers

TL;DR: Do you know of any autoimmune conditions that would cause inflammation leading to sudden nerve pain or sudden sciatica?
I think I have an unidentified autoimmune condition. For the past 14 days, I am experiencing a sudden onset sciatic nerve pain, numbness and tingling from my back to my toes. My quality of life is majorly impacted and I am looking for answers. I suspect this is caused by inflammation from an unidentified autoimmune condition.
27F. Joint pain & joint swelling for over 4 years. Comes on really bad and then disappears like it never happened. First noticed it after contracting COVID for the first time.
I woke up two weeks ago with a cold and sudden onset sciatica pain. I have never experienced sciatica problems before, although I have had chronic low back pain. While I recovered from the cold after a few days the sciatica pain has remained for the past 14 days. Numbness, tingling and sharp pains from back to my toes leading to extreme discomfort. It has not gone away for over 2 weeks now and has been extremely uncomfortable and out of my range of tolerance on pain - can’t sit through work meetings, can’t sleep, can’t relax etc. I haven’t been able to get comfortable in weeks in any position - sitting, standing, laying, etc.
I am seeing a PT already for another nerve related issue in my shoulder that I have had for over 10 years (old volleyball injury). I have a winging scapula, another structural problems with my shoulder that lead to nerve impingement that travels to my hand. Since I have been experiencing that for over 10 years, I know there’s no cure for nerve pain and I know it when I feel it. So the PT has been quick to help me start doing PT for sciatica and specific stretches & exercises they think will help. This is super great, but I am kind of concerned about the underlying cause which I believe is immune related. I suspect my body is inflamed from being getting sick the same day the sciatica pain started, and the inflammation hasn’t gone down yet. The weird part is I think I have been over the cold part for over a week now, but the sciatica remains. I did take a COVID test by the way and it was negative so not COVID - just had a fever, stuffy nose, joint pain, body aches, and then this sciatica all start the same day.
Saw my primary care doctor yesterday and she is not super concerned this is anything more than “normal sciatica from prolonged sitting” and “not something more serious” (unless I lose bladdebowel function or muscle weakness I should go to ER, which is thankfully not what I am experiencing). We are going to do MRI to make sure I don’t have a slipped disc or something else going on. I have told her about joint pain flare ups getting worse whenever I catch a cold, so my PCP did find that suspicious for autoimmune.
But I am trying to see if there’s possibly an autoimmune condition associated with something like sudden onset sciatica/nerve pain as a result of inflammation/joint pain? I feel like this joint pain and swelling leading to nerve pain happening around when I get sick is really starting to impact my life and I want to see if there’s certain conditions associated with this kind of thing. I also have never had sciatica problems in my life, but I feel like I need to take immediate actions to get some answers on how to prevent this ever again & what the cause of the underlying flare up is.
Thank you for your insights.

55F /150 pounds 5'3". I have a very complicated medical health history and I'm not sure how much this will pertain to my question, so in the interest of brevity, I'll leave it out but I'm happy to answer follow up questions.
I am scheduled to get a robotic assisted, laproscopic hysterectomy on Friday. I will likely stay in the hospital 1 night as I am high risk for clots/bleeding. 3 months ago, I had a tummy tuck with muscle repair and I am still experiencing muscle soreness and a lot of abdominal swelling. My abdomen is rock hard. I am unsure of how much this prior surgery will contribute to post operative pain.
My question- after this type of surgery is it common to prescribe just 3 days of narcotic pain meds? Even the pharmacy seemed very surprised that I'd get so few doses for a hysterectomy.
I don't have any problems with addiction, in fact I don't tolerate narcotics well at all and I have always weaned off of them for prior surgeries as soon as possible.
I realize that there is an opiod epidemic in the US, but I'm honestly terrified that I won't have the relief that I need. I tried discussing this with my doctor after he told me he'd prescribe just 2 days worth and he relented and gave me 3 days.
I have several family members who have had this surgery and a girl friend who recently recovered and they got weeks of pain relief. 3 days seems overly conservative to me and the thought that I may be in agony afterward with no relief is giving me terrible anxiety.
For the record, I have had open, abdominal surgery and several other surgeries and I have never been offered so little for pain relief.
I know that we all heal differently and pain tolerance differs from person to person, but I don't know if I should cancel the surgery so that I can find another surgeon.
I have called the nurses line to discuss this a few times and also met with my doctor yesterday. I feel like I am just a pain in the ass at this point and they are going to stop taking my concerns seriously, if they haven't already.
Am I out of line to expect better pain control? I will get 12 doses total. Is that realistically going to be enough? I may be able to spread those doses out to cover another day, but I feel like I shouldn't have to fight so hard to have my pain controlled?
Edited to add: I meant to say that I don't expect the same pain control as I'd get for an open, abdominal surgery, but thought that I'd at least be covered for a week or so.
Also, I am unable to take NSAIDs as I am on blood thinners.

Hi everyone,
I used to frequently lurk on this reddit looking for some ways to deal with my case of anxiety induced OAB. I thought I’d chime and share a success story that had with my battle with overactive bladder. I just want to start with some background I’m 29m with not major medical or health complications, I’m healthy and physically active (at the time that my symptoms really cracked off I was probably the fittest I had been in my life).
My symptoms all started in August of 2022 and they came on suddenly. To set the scene it was a beautiful sunny Saturday and I had some plans to go surfing with some mates latter in the afternoon. There was some pretty good swell due at one of my favourite beaches in town and I was super exited (maybe a little nervous because it was going to be kind of larger surf that I was used to. In the morning I had breakie and a cup of coffee. I was really excited about this new coffee that I had got from the store. Immediately after the coffee I was a little anxious but nothing out of the ordinary, I thought it was nervous jitters for the surf session. Anyways my mated pick me up and we head to the beach (it was about an hour drive away). On the car trip I remember having to pee but again nothing out of the ordinary. We go surfing for about 2-3 hours, and I didn’t have to go once the entire time I was out. I get out of the water and change, and that when it all started. I went to use the bathroom and immediately afterwards had to go again (I thought it was weird and tried to go again but there was nothing…okay…). pack up the car and start driving, and the urge was strong again, stoped to go again still not much again. So I suffered for the rest of the car ride home feeling like I was going to go in my pants the whole time. It was at this point my anxiety shot through the roof and I felt like a panic attack was coming on (I had one earlier in the year so I kind of recognized the symptoms of it). I get home and try everything I can to get myself to calm down and nothing worked. The plan was to go home and then meet my friend for homemade pizza at their house (20 minute drive away). I get ready and use the bathroom and get halfway to my friends house only to have to stop and go again. I struggle through the dinner have to excuse myself once or twice to go again still there was not too much. By the end of the day I had burned 3500 calories of stress. I figured it was anxiety at the time and I hoped that it would get better in the morning.
But that urge became something I constantly had to deal with, and when I say constant I mean like I’d go and immediately feel like I needed to go again (maybe 5 minutes of relief between visits). This would lead to me having to go to the bathroom maybe 20 times a day or so. I missed out on movies, shows, drinking with my mates, had to start planning my life around bathroom access, and coffee. (At the time I would have done anything to be able to have a pint or a cup of coffee with my mated and not have to worry about my symptoms getting worse). All this worry was starting consume a large part of my day to day thinking. I mean it’s not like it a symptom that you can just ignore. Fomos and the general anxiety around whether was was going to get better This really stressed me out and made the problem much worse as time went on.
I figured I’d wait and see before going to the doctor see what was going on. After about a week with nothing getting better I decided to go see a doctor. They did some test which all came back negative, I had an ultrasound and everything was clear. At the ultrasound appointment with less than 100ml of liquid in my bladder the feeling was so intense the lady even showed me that there was nothing there on her screen (again this clued me into thinking maybe this was a physiological issue rather than physical one). They said there was nothing that they could find that was medically wrong with me but they would refer me to a urologist to give me the all clear. At this point in my mind there were not major medical issues with me, so there were two potential causes (1) anxiety and (2) a nagging injury. Re (2) I had a nagging groin injury that I sustained at the beginning of the year. I was going to pt for it and thought I could have been surfing from a hypertonic pelvic floor and that was causing the oab symptoms. I couldn’t get an appointment for several months so there was a long period of just waiting while still battling with this constant urge to use the bathroom.
After that appointment I figured I’m dealing with the injury with pt already so maybe I should try to focus on the anxiety aspect. So I tired everything that I could do to reduce my symptoms, drink less coffee, meditate (headspace), saw a therapist, stepped back my work as much as I could to get some time to relax, kept physically active (surfing running climbing multiple times a week), spent time with friends and still nothing made me feel better.
I think this was a period where I was the most stressed that I had ever been. Lets just say 2022 was a year I would not want to repeat anytime soon. To list all that I had going on (tw: cancer, suicide(friend), family member death ) :

1. I was living abroad in nz and was far from family, and my partner. My dad earlier in the year had been diagnosed with cancer and was going through treatments.
2. My really good friend attempted suicide twice (The first time I was the closest person to him and he confided in me with his intentions and everything. Probably the most stressful we ek of my life)
3. My friends mental health emergency lead to me having to move flats on short notice because I didn’t feel safe where I lived because I was threatened by my friend after calling the cops on him to do a wellness check. I went from living in boarding situation with 12 really good friends to living in a studio which was super isolating.
4. I felt afraid around the town because of these treats and made it harder to relax. Plus running which was my biggest outlet for stress and the thing that I did with my friend became to hard for me to do. It kept giving my ptsd flashbacks of the event.
5. my grandfather passed away shortly after my father was diagnosed with cancer.

(tw:end)

1. I was in the process of writing my thesis at the time and had my defence deadline approaching nearer and nearer.
2. I was planning on moving back to my home country at the end of the year which meant that I was going to loose my whole support system and have to start fresh again. I had to worry about selling most of the stuff I own (car, furniture, clothes, surfboards etc.)
3. I was also planning a carrier change from one research to a completely different field of study. I’m an academic and I wanted try something new. You either get to pick where you live or the research you do.
4. worried about jobs I was going to get when I moved back and how I was going to support myself. This is related to 8)

I feel like any one of these events would be a lot to deal with on its own. This was all coming off the tail end of covid as well, thing were starting to get back to normal but there were still periodic lock downs. I feel like it had been a year of very high constant stress and everything together overloaded me. It hasn’t been uncommon for anxiety to manifest as physical symptoms for me before. I remember earlier in the year before the oab really kicked off that I couldn’t eat food without it making me feel sick. it turns out that anxiety cracks up stomach acid and that can make you feel nauseous. The doctor was able to help me out with.
Well to continue the story I went and saw urologist and he said that everything was clear and there was nothing to worry about. Just have to wait for things to calm down, he did give me some oxybutynin that didn’t really help. Then shorty after that I had to sell everything I owned and I flew back home. I remember that flight being kind of hard, I was sad to leave the country and anxious for the new life I was about to begin. It really enhanced the symptoms that I was experiencing.
I moved back to the USA at the end of 2023 and that is when I began trying to tackle this problem in earnest. The urologist recommended that I tried bladder retraining while it was helpful to see progress it still didn’t help with the symptoms that much. I tired cbd for my anxiety and had some success. It seemed to help manage my symptoms. I moved from summer in the southern hemisphere, to the middle of the winter in the northern hemisphere and the lack of sun didn’t help my mental health.
At this point I could go maybe 30 minutes between trips to the bathroom. I didn’t have coffee, or alcohol (didn’t even dream of it). Car trips were miserable, would spend most of them stressed I wouldn’t find a bathroom. Still had the constant urge to use the bathroom. Things were not fun. Luckily I had a decent amount of money in savings so I took some time to relax while I was waiting to defend my thesis. (I think I took about 6-7 months to myself)
Okay I’m sure you all know all that symptoms and how miserable they can be. Here’s what worked for me:
First thing I’d say is go see a doctor. Reddit is great but a doctor will be able to tell if there is anything physically wrong with you. Then trust what they say. When are you a dealing with a health related thing that is related to anxiety the most important thing is to make sure that you have a clean bill of health.
Once you know nothing is wrong physically here are some ways of dealing with oab caused my anxiety:

1. Talk: Talk to your love ones about what you are dealing with. Tell them you are struggling with this medical issue and you may need to pull over and use the bathroom or disappear for a couple minutes. They will understand if they love you. I waited a long time to open up to my partner about this, and I felt a lot better after I told her what I was struggling with.
2. Face this head on: Don’t retreat still do things go outside got to shows bars the store. You will be able to find a bathroom you don’t need to worry. Remember that stuff that you love to do don’t let oab rule your life. Its going to be scary but its good to face these anxieties head on. If you start canceling events because you are afraid of bathroom access will lead to further isolation, and eventually agoraphobia (not a good place to end up)
3. Bladder retraining: This gives you a way to track progress and play chicken with your bladder in a controlled manner. You are trying to teach your brain the difference between really and fake signals. This will help you gain trust in yourself again. Remember this is gradual process.
4. Professional help. Shortly after getting back to the states I started getting professional help to deal with all the stress I had in my life. I needed somewhere where I could process everything I was going through. I got the quickest appointment I could and took the first one I could get. By involving doctors and therapist and even your loved ones you are not tackling this problem alone anymore you have a team of people helping you. Plus they can give you ideas on how to manage your stress and anxiety.
5. Headspace: In a similar vein headspace and mindfulness will help with learning how to acknowledge how we are feeling and move on. We are always going to need to use the bathroom there is no way around it and we sometimes will have the feeling that we need to go when we don’t need to. In the same way there is no getting rid of anxiety, what mindfulness does is help change our relationship with these feelings. You could try the session on chronic pain because what we are experiencing is a persistent unwanted sensation from out body like a form of pain. There is also more general ones about anxiety. I think we can borrow some of the ideas that people dealing with chronic pain use to to deal with the urges that we experience ( I don’t know how much there is to this though).
6. (a) side tangent: I saw this guy in nz who said that when people are dealing with heartache sometimes taking a painkiller (like Tylenol or ibuprofen) can help deal with the pain. Even though the pain is psychosomatic the feeling is still real, and the painkiller can actually help with managing the heartbreak. (see)
7. Medication: Trying anti anxiety meds was the biggest thing for me. What I really needed after all the stress was some mental space. For me lexapro gave me this space. I know that finding the right medication to be on can be hard and its a long process to find the one that is right for you. I’m currently on the lowest dose (5mg) and I have been taking it for about 1.5 years with little side effects (only if I miss a dose I feel a little dizzy in the evening). I know anti-anxiety meds get a bad wrap these days and I feel like there is a lot of misinformation about them. People worry that it is going numb them that they are going to feel like themselves, or that people are going to judge them for taking it, but in my case that hasn’t been my experience. If you are at a high level of stress it can help bring you back down to baseline, it can give you the space to acknowledge the things that make you feel anxious and move on. I highly recommend trying this out. I should also say here that it does take 1.5-2 months for the meds to really start working, and during that time your anxiety can increase (but its worth it!!!)
8. CBD: if you don’t want to try an anti anxiety med try CBD, it really helps with stress and I found that it was pretty good at helping with some OAB symptoms at first but you build up a tolerance to it when you are taking it daily, and it can become expensive. What I found that worked for me was around 10-15mg 3 times a day (breakfast lunch and dinner). This helped me be less stressed in the car our when I was out walking places and there was no bathroom nearby.

When this all started I didn’t ever think I was going to be able to enjoy a cup of coffee again or go to a bar and have a pint and drive home with out a worry. After working at this for the last 2 years I’ve been able to get to a place where I can have a coffee and then go for a long car ride and have no symptoms. I’m able to go to a triva night and enjoy a beer without having to get up every 10 minutes to use the bathroom. I’m able to sit through meeting without having to leave 3-4. I’ve been able to give a 1 hr long talk to a large group of people (something I wouldn’t have been able to do because oab at the beginning of all this) with no issues. In my experience there is no instant cure for this, don’t say this to be negative but more so to say that its going to take hard work, and there is hope. I was able to overcome this thing and so can you! I hope this helps and thanks for taking the time to read my post.

Age: 28 Sex: Female Diagnoses: coeliac disease, osteopenia, asthma, ADHD, sliding hiatal hernia, depression/anxiety/C-PTSD. Suspected vasculitis due to previous lower limb swelling and leg rash followed by kidney pain & inflammation but never confirmed after steroids resolved issue. Supplements: vit d, calcium, biotin/collagen, magnesium, folic acid Medications: fostair & ventolin
The issue: For years I’ve experienced persistent joint pain, but particularly in my knees, wrists, ankles and elbows. Pretty much everything I’ve ever done, even as a kid, has involved some level of tolerance of pain. I used to put this down to normal pain but as an adult it’s become so severe I can sometimes not engage in normal activities. For example, I went on a bike ride today and have been in excruciating pain since, persistent knee locking & crunching/clicking, wrists crunching and in pain, hands stuck in ‘claw mode’/trigger finger. I’ve fared even worse than my mother who did the same ride and is awaiting a double knee replacement because of chronic arthritis. Had several cases of joints getting ‘stuck’ and mild dislocations. Ankles regularly roll while walking normally. Been referred to physiotherapist four times, physio does usual checks and notes substantial hypermobility but nothing else unusual with knees. Suggests rehab exercises but these invariably make the knee worse. Both physio and GP agree that the issue is not caused by osteopenia as this is controlled well and the issues pre-date the DEXA that showed osteopenia (including before historic scans showing bone density in normal range). Neither currently have any idea and keep suggesting new exercises which do not improve symptoms. Relying on consistent re-referral until I find the right answer to be honest.
I feel like this is starting to ruin my life. I love being active and have trained for years in powerlifting, also do aerial sports, climbing, etc. used to run but found it too painful and had to stop. I feel like these activities are becoming harder to enjoy and I’m tired of having to give up things I love for something I don’t even understand. Other issues are well controlled (Coeliac markers and blood tests are within normal range).
Other ongoing issues: - urinary incontinence (urgency and leakage) - notably irregular menstrual cycle - neuropathy - extreme fatigue (I usually have to nap 1-2 times a day) - general unexplained cramps & pain

im sending out a major sos for my skin and my routine bc ever since taking my skincare seriously and creating a routine, i feel like my skin has somehow gotten worse. i dont really know much about skincare but i have a friend who works at a cosmetics store and she helped me build a routine. could anyone help me identify what im doing wrong and point me to products that may be better for me?
backround info: im 19 years old, on a budget and would prefer not to spend more than like 20 bucks per product if possible. im assigned female at birth (they/them) (are these important?)
issues: i have severe fungal acne, those colorless little bumps all over my forehead. this is one of the major issues that has specicically gotten worse. i used to never get acne except for one pimple on my forehead every week or so. now, i have pimples all over my forehead and chin.
i have combination(?) skin, my face is extremely extremely oily all of the time except for my eyelids which become so dry they flake horribly, become red, itchy, and inflamed, and even swell.
(i dont even think skincare can fix this?) the area around my mouth is weirdly green tinted and my undereyes are noticeably purple.
okay lets go into my routine

1. juno skin clear 10 cleansing balm
2. cetaphil dermacontrol oil removing foam wash
3. whatever lipscrub
4. neutrogena hydro-boost hyaluonic acid exfoliating cleanser
5. cerave hydrating toner for normal to dry skin
6. cetaphil moisturizing lotion for dry to normal, sensitive skin
7. aquaphor healing ointment (the only thing that tames my eyelids)
8. cerave hydrating mineral sunscreen spf 50

in the morning i use the cleansing balm, foam wash, lipscrub, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen
at night i use the cleansing balm, foam wash, lip scrub, toner, moisturizer, and aquaphor on my eyelids
i use the exfoliating cleanser twice a week
sos my skincare lovers. any and all advice is appreciated …. i love u all

I am not capable of normal relationships. The "relationships" I have had I spent the majority of them intoxicated. I tried to isolate myself until I felt better. I kept hoping and wishing one day I would wake up and feel "healed". I eventually gave up and met up with the person who kept messaging me on Tinder. I texted them for an extremely long time before meeting them after downing a bottle of alcohol and some substance before meeting him. I had blacked out sex with him. We met up several times over the next few months and I would have impersonal meaningless sex with him. Honestly I just figured he's a nice enough person and I am lonely, why not. I genuinely would not look at him directly the entire time we hung out because I felt so ashamed of this bizarre relationship. Finally I worked up the courage to look at him directly and was floored by how beautiful he was. I developed an extremely strong sexual attraction to him. Suddenly his voice started sounding beautiful to me. I would make up excuses all the time to call him to hear it. He is too normal/put together for me unfortunately and wanted to stop seeing me. There have been a couple times we have said "let's stop seeing each other" and would have sex like the next day so I didn't realize he meant it. Or maybe I did. I was being intentionally delusional. I blacked out and texted him to the point of him hating me. He said something extremely hurtful to get me to leave him alone and I apologized. I drunkenly bought him flowers and sent them to the venue his band was playing at. He was like thats sweet but I still dont fucking like you lol. Why did I do it? I don't really know. I find him extremely sexy and dazzlingly beautiful. I see glimpses of him in my mind throughout the day and I'll just be like "he is so....damn beautiful....i wish i could touch him again." I fucking adore him and he thinks I am mid or weird. I rarely feel any kind of attraction to anyone even if they are objectively beautiful. Him touching my thigh in the car made my heart explode and my ----- soaked. I will probably never forget him and his beautiful beak nose and long hair and beautiful hands eyes hands acne scars chest hair belly. He is so casually breath taking. I can't believe I was sleeping with someone as beautiful as him and I wouldn't even look at him. I was so selfish and self absorbed. I bought him flowers because he is so stoic and serious looking and the thought of him receiving them made my heart swell. I told him he is so sexy and I just wanted him to feel pretty and he like spat on me in return.