I’ve been diagnosed with IBS for years had multiple colonoscopies and such. All they did in the past is told me to follow at FODMAP diet. Fast forward 5 years later and I’m having some serious issues wondering if anyone else has similar problems lol
My pain is EXCRUCIATING to the point where idk if I’ll even make it when I have to go to the bathroom. Sweats, dizziness and feeling of getting stabbed in the stomach. Yesterday my pain was so bad I wanted to call 911 lol
I also have bowel movements where it’s not stool that comes out but like tissue looking substance. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Anyone have similar and what did docs do to help? I don’t have any confidence that a doctor will help me with these symptoms except tell me well you have IBS lol

Hey all,
I’m a 22(F) from the Southern Tier. Born and raised. I have just graduated from a small college in my hometown, with a Bachelor of Arts. And I’ve been thinking about leaving within the next two years after I finish my masters in school library.
My two big reasons for leaving include

1. The Weather
2. High Taxes
   
3. Now, hear me out. I do love all 4 seasons. (I love the fall and summer.) But I’ve had knee surgery twice, and I get really bad knee pain in the winter (no matter what kind of exercise I do). And I have pretty bad asthma that is not controlled. (I’m trying to control it and have been going to the doctor’s.) But the winter makes my asthma worse, and so does however, super humid and hot air.
   
4. This one is pretty much self-explanatory lol.
   

I’ve been thinking about Florida because I have some family down there, but I also don’t like the governor and how crazy some people are there…
Please tell me some reasons why I should stay.

Age: 30 Sex: M Height: 171cm Weight:136 lbs Race: other Duration of complaint: 7 months Location (Geographic and on body): Stomach Any existing relevant medical issues (if any): Hashimotos(not on meds), skin condition (likely dermatitis) Current medications (if any): N/A Include a photo if relevant (skin condition for example) 

I have had a mystery illness over the past year with symptoms of constipation, nausea, reflux, discolored stool, shaking, ramped up nervous system, tinnitus, anhedonia. I also lost 40 lbs of weight (but I did have diet restrictions). Some symptoms would come and go (reflux) but other symptoms like constipation are constantly there. I've become severely depressed and hopeless.
I did an endoscopy/colonoscopy and it didn't show anything other than a polyp that was removed and mild chronic gastritis. GI said it's IBS and told me to go away despite my symptoms continuing.
However, I have learned from the experiences of others that the small bowel isn't properly imaged during endoscopy/colonoscopy and the entire middle part of the small bowel (jejunum) isn't seen. I also did a regular full abdomen contrast CT Scan that didn't show anything. As for blood test, my ferritin is elevated (323) but CRP(1.7) and ESR (2) seems normal. I also did a lactulose breath test that showed I had high methane and hydrogen gas
My doctors don't know what's going on and tend to eventually get rid of me. One of them told me I can't have crohns because I have constipation which is not consistent with the frequent diarrhea pattern that crohns patients have. They also told me that crohns usually shows up on CT scan with thinning of the intestine lining but I've heard some articles say that it's not that accurate for the small bowel.
Is it likely for small bowel crohns to cause more constipation rather than diarrhea when compared to crohns in the colon? Would an MRI be more useful?

I've posted about a year ago regarding my then 7th month old scratching his head and hurting himself in the process. You can find the old post here: https://www.reddit.com/Parenting/comments/139ip9z/baby_wont_stop_scratching_his_head_until_it_bleads/
Recently I've had 3 different parents that have found the post and were in the same situation, inboxing for an update/solution, so I decided to make an update post in case more parents are looking for answers. Sorry I took so long. I know the despair you feel. I assure you it will get better if you persevere. This is an extremely long post, so I have bolded the several topics, in case you don't want to read everything, so they are easier to find.
To update on my son's situation: He's now 1y and 7 months. He is allergic to milk and he has a combination of cradle cap and eczema. In addition to this, he was also born with Hydronephrosis (enlarged kidneys) which means he is limited in the medication that he's allowed to take (no ipobrufren, as an example)
The Cradle Cap situation has improved by itself, mainly by just carrying on with what we were doing. We use the Frida Flake Fixer treatment and a cradle cap shampoo (Dentinox). We've also been advised not to wash his head every day, leave it 1 or 2 days (one doctor even said once a week). For the cuts, the best thing was indeed a Vaseline barrier to help the raw skin heal. Even though it definitely stinks, the healing is the most important part. I would put Vaseline on his scalp the day before a bath, do the treatment with the Frida Brush and then I would rub a Baby Scalp Oil (Colief) to soften the flakes on the day after the bath; I would put Vaseline on the scalp the next day and he would take a bath the next day, rinse and repeat, until the cuts were healed, and I could ditch the Vaseline step. If the cut was deep I would sometimes apply Sudocream only at night after a bath and the Vaseline was removed and he'd fallen asleep so he wouldn't take it off. He still slept with mittens inside his cuffed babygrow, but he always managed to get one or two fingers out, I kid you not when I say, that sometimes I would sleep holding his hand to prevent him from scratching his head when the wounds here at it's worst. All of these steps have contributed to has improved the cradle cap lot and eventually disappeared in about a month's time. He's going trough a second outbreak now, a year later, but no where near as bad as it was then, he's not scratching himself to death.
The Eczema situation. Right....... this situation has improved for a few good 7-8 months with the Aveeno Baby Dermexa Emollient Cream. I would use it 3 times a day or more to fight of dry skin. The areas where the skin folded were the worst. Arm folds, neck folds, behind the knees, there the eczema would install and spread, That could only be controlled an Hydrocortisoid Cream, 1% w/w. It did eventually disappeared save for one spot -- just behind the right knee. He developed a habit of scratching it with his left foot. But, lets put the Eczema situation on hold for a moment, while we talk about:
The Milk Allergy situation.... Oh Boy..... this is about to get very long.....
In my previous post made at the beginning of May 2023, I stated that my son had been to the A&E (a week before the post) for an allergic reaction to porridge, so he would either be allergic to Milk and/or Gluten. We were told a referral was done to our GP for a visit by an allergy team who would walk us through to process of slowly introducing allergens so that my son would hopefully be able to safely be exposed to them in the future and advised to "only feed him vegetables and fruit". We were given an "prescription" for an antihistamine to continue the treatment and to use as an SOS in case of another allergic reaction in the future. No allergy tests were done for my son at all.
We were told that, it would take a couple of weeks before we were contacted by the allergy team and to contact the GP after two weeks if we hadn't heard from them. We waited a month and nothing. At the end of May, I went to our GP to ask for updates on this situation. Imagine my shock when the GP told me that they didn't even have ANY information about my son being in the A&E. They've spent 1h contacting the hospital to get the paperwork from the A&E that SHOULD have been sent to our GP. In said paperwork, it states that the hospital would like the GP to sort out the allergy appointment. So, no allergy appointment had been made for an entire month and if I hadn't enquired about this situation, the GP would have had no clue about the need to make one because they didn't have the necessary paperwork! I was given an apology and scheduled an "assessment appointment" 2 days later. I enquired about an Antihistamine prescription, since my son was gonna start nursery in a couple of weeks when my maternity leave would end and I needed to provide a bottle for them in case of an allergic reaction, because we still didn't know what my son was allergic to.... Lo and behold, when the GP staff looks at the hospital paperwork, it was stated that no more antihistaminic was necessary, against what we were advised, as we should have one antihistamine as SOS, I had to press the GP to provide us with an prescription (which the lady was very quick to do after seeing me ready to implode regarding this absolute incompetence) so the nursery could have one antihistamine with themselves as we couldn't keep juggling our bottle back and forth with them.
The assessment appointment which basically consisted in 5 mins of asking for details about the allergic reaction, all of which was written in A&E's paperwork and only then being referred to a dietitian's team. I was given no ETA, no info about where it would be, no contact that I could call to at least be put on a waiting list in case of a cancellation, nothing. I was only asked to wait and when confronted, the practitioner admitted that this appointment COULD have been made straight in the hospital's A&E, instead of this ridiculous and time wasting bureaucratic football between the Hospital and the GP.
You might think this was the end of the miscommunication and incompetence.... Oh oh But no,.. of course not!! I waited another month of silence. At the end of June I called the hospital's appointment hotline enquiring about my son's appointment, only to be told that he doesn't have one because a referral hadn't been made yet! I was fuming!! I immediately called the GP who have assured me that a referral has been sent to the hospital's Paediatric and gave me it's referral number and they would enquire....
If you are in the UK like I am and you see that your baby/child is being ignored by your GP / Hospital and not getting the appropriate care, then do as I did and contact PALS near your area. That was the best piece of advice that I have received from people at my local breastfeeding group, and if being a mother has taught me anything, is that sometimes, you will have to be a momma bear (aka Karen to the eyes of the target) and advocate for your child. I work in retail, I despise Karens and I have no wish to be one, I am usually a pushover. But I will not allow anyone to trample on my son's health. And while I do have respect for the NHS, seeing has my brother in law works there, I know damn well, by his own words, that the main problem is not the lack of funds, but the pockets where they go and the terrible disorganization.
At that point I had enough of excuses and I made a complaint to PALS about both the GP and the Hospital. My son was almost 9months and still breastfeeding but eating mostly Vegetables and Fruit as solid food as per A&E'S guidelines, delaying his weaning and feeding development and causing stress with the nursery and our family as we didn't know what he was allergic to and couldn't move on to full meals. I flat out asked them if they were intent on my son completing an entire year of life being fed only Vegetables and Fruit besides breastmilk, and called them out because an 8 month baby should not be put on the back burner over and over again due to the incredibly poor communication between these two organizations and have his health jeopardized. I demanded a resolution ASAP and forward this to the Paediatrician as I did not trust the hospital to be able clearly communicate between their departments and whom I suspected had not been told absolutely nothing regarding all this. Two days later the allergy team specialist rang me to personally and profusely apologise and take the situation under her control and give me her allergy guidelines which I should have been given since the beginning. I was still forced to wait until early July for a allergy test - Milk was found to be the culprit.
I still thank everything that I had enough perseverance to stick with breastfeeding and never, ever, though to look at formula. I tremble to think about the consequences, Even though I'm aware that dairy free formulas exist, me being a 1st time ignorant mother, chances were I could have picked a wrong one. Fortunately I produced more than enough milk and my son had a good latch. Also because my son was not making any allergic reactions to my milk, this meant there was a higher chance that he could grow out of his allergy, as he was still getting enzymes from the dairy that I consumed. From here on, food introduction was a breeze. He's a real foodie, he loves to eat and he loves to eat with us. Adapting our diet was a bit of work, as I have IBS and my husband is diabetic so there might be some foods that will be a trigger or might not be the most ideal to someone in our family, but we managed to strike a good balance. Vegan options do help and we are having fun exploring that.
The problems then came with the nursery. After letting them know that my son was allergic to milk and other things were fine, the cases of allergic reaction in the nursery stated to increase and he started getting very bad reactions. First we suspected cross contamination, then that he might be allergic to something else, but the foods they were saying he was allergic to made absolutely no sense as he was just fine having those at home. We came to the conclusion after several events in the softplay area - that involved no food at all - that the culprit might be their cleaning products and further pressed after two different members of staff said they themselves were allergic to that product - Milton. After several bickerings between us and the nursery and us visiting our origin country for Xmas where my son ate in 4 different household and 5 different restaurant with absolutely no allergy reaction (in comparing to the then daily cases of reaction on the 3 days that he stayed at nursery), we finally convinced the nursery to change their cleaning products - they are now using Sanell. In addiction to prevent cross contamination, my son was given his own high chair, that no other child uses. Happy to say the cases of allergy are nearly non-existent now. His recent blood results also came back with amazingly good improvements, so we got the thumbs up from the Allergy Team and the Paediatrician to start the milk ladder and slowly and gradually adding milk to his diet. Currently he's in stage one and having half a teaspoon of malted milk biscuit daily with no reaction. It will probably still be able two months until he can have a full biscuit, but I can't wait to see his smile when we get to this stage - he loves taking the little piece of my hand.
Because of the back and forth with the nursery and them insisting that the allergic reaction could be due to other foods, the allergy team at the hospital was more concerned with that than his Eczema situation. We had to insist about it, since we suspected the reactions might be Eczema instead, stating that I was still waiting for the promised skin specialist appointment since end of April last year. The lead Team Speciallist, again showed her amazing professionalism and chased up the situation and we finally got our appointment jointly with her and the skin specialist in January of this year. She gave us a few products to try but said that the Eczema situation was relatively controlled. The samples that she gave were:

• Dermol 500 Lotion - we still use this for his bath as a soap substitute
• Adex Gel - kind like an emollient cream, it was ok-ish
• Cetraben Cream - didn't seem to make any difference, but can also be used as a soap substitute so we'll give it a go after Dermol is finished
• Zerodearm Ointment - didn't seem to make any difference, but it has a Vaseline like quality to it, so might try again

About a week after the appointment, my Son had an mild outbreak of Eczema on his legs. We tried several combinations of above products that seemed to temporally control the situation but didn't complete solve it. In Early March of this year the Eczema appeared in his back. He has a huge red birthmark the size of my hand on his back, so that skin is very sensitive. He started to scratch and rub his back against things and it didn't took long to break the skin. It didn't bleed but it was oozing/weeping which would make the skin get stuck to his clothes and then get raw, so no treatment was going to work on that as it would slide off with the oozing/weeping. I despaired then as I had a year ago.
So I went back to the thing that worked last time - Vaseline. This time though, it was on a place that I couldn't exactly leave uncovered. My son was about to do some blood tests so hospital had given us numb cream to put on the inside of his elbows and some clear medical film. He had this done before and I remembered that the film had been resistant enough to keep the cream in and didn't hurt his skin, so I though, maybe I could apply the same theory. So I bought some clear medical film (Tegaderm Film), put a good chunk of Vaseline on the wound and sealed it with the film. I changed this twice or three times a day, depending if he was in the nursery or not. It worked like a charm and it allowed the skin to heal. For reference, the nursery manager, whose son suffers with really bad eczema has suggested me the AproDerm Ointment which also has a Vaseline consistency to it, but my son's situation cleared up before I had to use it.
The skin specialist by then had prescribed a treatment with another hydrocortisoid cream ( Daktacort 2% 1% w/w, needs to be kept refridgerated ) and an emollient cream - Epimax Oatmeal Cream. For the other patches of Eczema (that were not in wound), I would use Daktacord, once in the morning, once in the evening, and I would use Epimax to keep the skin moisturized along the day, whenever I would change a diaper. The skin specialist told us to keep using Daktacord twice a day for a week, then drop it to once a day on the following week, and then drop it to every other day on the week after. This has worked brilliantly and it solved all Eczema patches, including the stubborn one behind his right knee, We were able to drop the Daktacord and we now only use the Epimax emollient regularly about twice a day.
Thank you if you have read everything so far, I hope you have found something that could be of use to you. Happy to answer any questions that you might have, or if you're feeling desperate like I was and just need some reassurance, just drop me message!

Hey everyone,
Wanted to share this story to hopefully inspire some of you on this forum to pursue your passion musically.
I’m 36 years old and grew up glued to VH1 and MTV. Some of my fondest memories as a kid were staying up late on New Years Eve watching the top 100 songs of the year countdown.
After discovering The Beatles through my parents vinyl collection, I asked for their CD’s for my 8th birthday. For my 9th birthday, I asked for an electric guitar. I only had that guitar for a couple weeks before my sisters complained and I had to trade it in for an acoustic. It was way too big and after unsuccessfully trying to play it I put it back in its case where it remained for a decade.
About every 5 years I would take it out and attempt to learn. When I got into my Alice In Chains phase senior year of high school I went for lessons but nothing stuck. When Chris Cornell died in 2017 I ordered a new guitar that night. Again, I gave up when I couldn’t form the chords.
In 2021 I started running with a man named Robert “Raven” Kraft in my hometown, Miami Beach. Ravens story requires more than a few paragraphs, but to some it up, this man has run 8 miles on the beach every single day since January 1st 1975. The run started out of heartbreak after he found out a hit song he had written was stolen from him.
Ravens dream is to have a hit. Him and I would discuss music every run (to date I have run with him over 220 times). We would fantasize about me learning guitar and him providing lyrics, starting a real rock and roll band.
In the winter of 2021 my job was on strike so I had a lot of extra downtime. I decided once again to pick up the guitar. This time, inspired my Ravens dedication, I decided I would play 1 hour a day, everyday, for the entire year of 2022.
By June, I was comfortable playing in front of my girlfriend. By October, my best friend was coming over once a week and we started forming songs. By November, we felt the music was good enough and all we were missing was lyrics.
We invited Raven over, who penned his 1701st song in about 10 minutes, our first single, Digging Her Grave.
Another runner joined us from Haiti and plays bass, another runner from Serbia came over and introduced his native Tambura to the band. Finally, a man named Bryan we found on Facebook came over and decided he wanted to produce the album.
In 2023 we became Raven and the Dark Shadows. Our first live performance was a disaster, but we regrouped and practiced more. We found a studio and recorded 10 tracks. Through my connections and Raven’s fame we convinced Dave Abbruzzese (Pearl Jam), Ian Grushka (New Found Glory), Keli Gunnarson (Agent Fresco) and Dave Pastorious (tech 9) to guest on several tracks.
We released our album, An Unkindness, in November of 2023. To celebrate, we had a show at the Wolfsonian with over 150 people attending.
Jack White’s Third Man Pressing is currently producing Blue and Yellow vinyl editions of An Unkindness that should be ready by the summer.
Our song Dracula just reached 30,000 streams. In addition to our music, I produced 4 music videos for our band. A fifth animated one will be out next week. Total views on YouTube are north of 20,000.
At a recent Florida Panthers hockey game, our song, Dead End Road, was played after the Panthers scored a goal. It’s also been used at various Spring Training stadiums around Florida this spring. The Miami Marlins have it on their batting practice playlist. Our upcoming song “Feel Like a Fugitive” is on the Grand Theft Auto 6 soundtrack, and last year we played Stephen King’s 75th birthday bash.
We are currently preparing our second album. All the songs have demos, we just have to find the time to enter the studio and begin the process. We hope to have our second album released by October of 2024.
On January 1, 2025, Raven celebrates his 50th year of the streak. We are hoping for more exposure for the band when this happens.
I hope this inspires you all. In my mid 30s I definitely didn’t expect something like this to happen, but if you really commit to something, dreams can come true.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the project and the sound. I’d also love to get recommendations on what we can do better, as we prepare for album number 2. Check us out on all the streaming platforms
Raven and the Dark Shadows

So this might be a dumb or obvious question, and I’ve done some research and googling on the topic, but I’m having a hard time figuring out exactly what to do as the first step to starting HRT.
I came out as trans (mtf) years ago, and I just turned 18 a few months and wanted to start HRT. (My parents were supportive but weren’t keen on letting me start HRT or even hormone blockers🙃)
I live in Florida and have Florida Blue insurance, and a dead beat mom who is court ordered to pay half of all my medical til 21, ao cost isn’t an issue anymore. I’m just wondering where I start?
Is at as simple as talking to my doctor, or should I be looking into a therapist, or some other thing that I’m missing?
Any advice/help/tips would be really appreciated 💖My apologies if this is a really obvious question, just a little lost here 🙏

Hi everyone! Sorry if this is an annoying question! I had a hysterectomy 5 days ago. They sent me home same day, and the nurses kept saying how I wouldn't feel any pain. Well I had a lap before this, and I knew it was gonna suck. But my belly keeps swelling up, and I was told like when I called the nurses line that as long as it "looks similar to normal" then it's okay and it doesn't. It looks like my worst period/endo flairups ever.
I have been pooping, not everyday so far but I've passed. The wounds look okay. I just feel pressure in there. I keep icing it. I am walking around and stuff here and there, the nurses said I should be feeling great and that I'd need to force myself to stay down. Idk what they were smoking. This is worse than my last lap, which was mostly a diagnostic so I'm not surprised at all. But yeah how much swelling is normal and when should I be concerned?
I feel like I can't really trust anything the nurses said because of how extremely they downplayed the pain. They didn't want to prescribe me the narcotics for after the surgery and told me to not take the 800mg of ibuprofen any sooner than 8 hours apart and that's it. When I told her the doctor had already sent the percocet 2 weeks prior to surgery and I already filled it she was disappointed and said "ok whatever I guess if you need it then"
She also told me just resume my normal diet and just like generally I can behave like I didn't have surgery outside of needing to move very slowly and to not lift anything over 10 pounds.

This may be coming right out of left field- I am no expert in law; and more importantly, I am 21 years old. The reason that my age is important is because I have no clear ideas on statutes of limitations regarding my situation. My honest assumption is that there is nothing that can be done, but that's why I'm on reddit asking anyways, right?
I was born in May, and I was supposed to be born in August. The year was 2003, and on my own birth certificate, it's printed that I weighed 2lbs and 10oz (however, my parents told me that the following week of my birth I lost weight into an alleged 2lbs and 2oz). They sent an application to receive an SSI payment on my behalf, and the requirement was to be 2lbs and 10oz or less. On my application, it was written that I weighed 2lbs and 11oz, and thusly was denied because I was an ounce over aforesaid requirement.
On top of that, the day before my birth date, my mother was having contractions- and as I have an older brother- she knew very well how far along these feelings were coming. When she went to the doctor, they sat her down and did no medical examination onto her, and they told her she just had Braxton Hicks. The next day when she could no longer handle the pain, they went to the hospital and I was born. The issue is that the medical papers my mom got her hands on for the doctor's visit the previous day than from when I was born, it's written down (in what my mother firmly believes is different handwriting than the rest of the paper- it's a bit of a convoluted situation so please let me know if any details are required- so that it could potentially be from the next day and the doctor 'freaked out') that she was 'closed' and not dilated whatsoever.
My mom wanted to sue at the time, but alas, choices were made and I just found out about all of this until now.
I wish there was something I could do; and I'm like 99% sure that there isn't much I can do, but it's worth a shot to try and post something here to see if there's anything.
I'd also like to mention that I was born in Florida, but I now have lived in another state since then.

A Severe Weather Alert has been issued in your area...

CURRENT ALERT
Your Current Severe RADAR MAP Link
Your local forecast link
Breaking General News Link
Airports Closed or Delayed
Heat Advisory issued May 19 at 12:​12​AM EDT until May 19 at 6:​00​PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
* WHAT...Peak heat indices 106 to 110 degrees are expected this afternoon. * WHERE...Coastal Broward County
Heat Advisory issued May 19 at 4:​12​AM EDT until May 19 at 6:​00​PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
* WHAT...Peak heat indices 106 to 110 degrees are expected this afternoon. * WHERE...Coastal Broward County
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued May 19 at 12:​53​PM EDT until May 19 at 7:​00​PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 258 IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN FLORIDA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 3 COUNTIES IN SOUTHEAST FLORIDA BROWARD MIAMI-DADE PALM BEACH THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF BOCA RATON
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued May 19 at 6:​52​PM EDT until May 19 at 8:​00​PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 258

Services Description

This service is provided at no cost to you.

1. Severe Weather Alerts that include current radar, weather conditions and forecast links.
2. In addition to alerts you may also receive daily AM and PM forecast information with a separate option to unsubscribe.

Account Options:

To make changes to your email profile go to www.emergencyemail.org click on the Update Link.

So I guess I officially have chronic spontaneous urticaria. It started in February - my hands and palms broke out in small hives. Localized to that area, and didn’t subside after 2 weeks. Went to the doctor and received 20mg cetirizine prescription. After a few days, the hives went away, so as instructed I stopped taking the meds. A few weeks went by and nothing.. so I figured it was an isolated event.
Then the end of March it came back, but with a vengeance. It’s every day, constant, covering most of my body. Arms and hands get the worst of it, but it’s also on my chest, stomach, feet, occasionally my face. Doctor ran bloodwork, and other than a very mildly elevated CRP, nothing has come back. I obviously started the cetirizine back up right away, but this time it made no difference.
Fast forward to now, my doctor has me trying Bilastine but so far no change, if anything it’s worse. It’s not absolutely crippling, it does usually wake me once or twice a night. Sometimes it’s itchy and other times it’s not really, which is strange. I’m more so confused as to why it’s happening, and can’t help but feel like there’s some underlying health thing going on because I just generally feel like crap these days anyway.
All along I’ve felt like this is just something that will eventually go away, but it’s starting to feel like it’s here to stay and that’s kind of overwhelming. I’d like to take some positive steps forward in my health to see if I can help heal myself, but I don’t have any idea where to start. What should be the main focus point, changing my diet? And to what? Vitamins? More water? Eliminate certain things?
I am about 8 months postpartum and under a substantial amount of stress, but those things can’t be changed. Any advice would be appreciated!

TW: mentions of menstruation.
Hi! I've been on T and hormone blockers for around 8 months. I've done my blood tests recently and my insulin is at 30, but it was supposed to be around 25 at most.
My exams when I was pre-T and in my first months were all fine, and I haven't changed my diet and exercise routine in any way. I eat the same as I did several months ago, not badly, but not super healthy. I'm asking this because I've heard from some guys that testosterone can increase insulin and blood pressure by itself, some of them even told me they got pre-diabetic just by taking testosterone – Keep in mind these people are predisposed to have problems with blood pressure and sugar. (My dad's side of the family also has issues with both of them. My dad is hypertensive himself).
Also, I've been having problems with atrophy recently, feeling cramps and bleeding a little bit, but it was worse some days ago. I don't think this has anything to do with my insulin but please let me know if you guys think it may be. We're going to do what we can to lower my insulin until my next appointment (Like lowering carbs, sugar, etc.), but honestly, I don't think it will work, since I'm eating the same as I always did and my exams were always flawless...
I know what I should do is to ask my doctor what's going on instead of asking reddit, but as I said, my appointment is just next month and she really doesn't have time to reply in text messages, so I won't bother her.
TL;DR: My exams pre T were always good and I didn't change my habits, but now at 8 months on T my insulin is higher. Can testosterone increase insulin by itself?

The baby died four days ago.
For context, we live in a small town. It’s remote, and we like it that way. Gives us privacy. My wife didn’t grow up here—she moved from up north, and never talks about her life from before all that much. I’ve gathered enough to know she has a sister, but is estranged from her family and that she never really felt like she belonged anywhere until she met me. Our little family is everything to her. She said she just wanted to hold him a little longer. For an hour. Then for the rest of the evening. Then through the night.
Now it’s been four days, and she’s barely set his tiny body down. When she isn’t rocking him, she’s praying, soft words muttered to the Lord under her breath.
When my wife first moved here she brought snacks and stayed after the church service for coffee and chit-chat—that’s how she and I got to know one another. She said it was different than the church she grew up with, less strict. Ours is a unitarian church that’s welcoming to everybody. There’s even a Buddhist who shows up just to socialize and sometimes leads a yoga group outside when the weather is nice. But tomorrow is the first service since our baby’s passing and I don’t want to field all those looks of sympathy and kind words and hugs…
… I do need advice though. Because you see, my wife has decided that if she prays enough, a miracle will restore our baby to life. She reminded me how last winter a frozen cat was thawed out and revived. One of our neighbors had a litter of puppies with one stillborn, and that thing was dead for fifteen minutes before it started to breathe.
But our little baby has been dead four days.
It's not that I don’t believe in scripture. But even Jesus revived after three days, not four.
My wife’s eyes used to always shine when the reverend talked about how much greater God is than any illness, how faith can bring us on a path of healing.
But I also know our reverend cut red meat out of his diet because his doctor told him to. He takes vitamins and goes on walks with his dog, and he is a down-to-earth man who believes God works miracles through us, not for us. In other words, we must take action if we are to heal, to be better, to do better. And he has counseled many of our congregants through times of grief. I’m hoping he can help my wife realize that our baby isn’t coming back…
***
After the reverend paid us a visit and offered his condolences, my wife flew into a rage at him and ordered him out of our house. Afterwards, she declared to me, “That man is a disgrace to the church! I should’ve known he was a fraud from the start.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
“Your church is a joke. They do yoga, Frank. They let Buddhists in.”
“I thought you liked Amita!”
“I do like yoga,” she relented. “But she shouldn’t be doing it at church.”
“It’s supposedly a very spiritual practice—”
“There’s no spirituality there, with Reverend Atheist in charge! If he really believed, why wouldn’t he pray with me for a miracle to restore our baby? Why did he tell me our baby’s not coming back?” She burst into tears.
What could I do? She would not brook even the possibility that our baby was gone forever. And after she collected herself, she told me she was going to pray. She moved our baby’s body up to the attic. She has a room up there, a room that’s hers and that I don’t go in. Every woman needs a room of her own, and when she first moved in with me, almost all her worldly possessions could fit inside one small travel trunk. She brought it in there and claimed that as her space. She used to say it was just her and God up there.
Now, it’s her, God, and the baby.
***
It's been six days. I’m glad she brought him up there because he was starting to smell, but it’s disconcerting to think of his little body decomposing and not yet put to rest.
I didn’t dare try to take him from her, though. She’d already chased away our reverend, was refusing all company, and left unopened the growing pile of sympathy cards and gifts. If she shut out me, too, she’d have no one. Only herself in that little room, with our dead baby and her prayers.
So, I offered to pray with her, too.
She didn’t want me to see the baby yet. Said he didn’t look very nice, and insisted on blindfolding me when bringing me upstairs to her little attic room, with her prayer shrine and the crib. And though I couldn’t see him, I could definitely smell him. I sank to my knees beside her and we both prayed for what felt like hours, until my back ached and sweat pooled under my arms and under my blindfold. I sucked in a breath, just about ready to tell her we should take a break when I heard a sound that sent my heart crashing into my ribs.
A baby’s cry.
Had I imagined it? My wife just kept praying. Maybe I was hallucinating. I touched my wife’s elbow and told her I needed some water.
As I was heading down the attic steps, I swear I heard it again! Just softly. And my wife let out a shriek. I dashed back into the room, where I found her—cradling a small swaddled bundle, her face beaming with joy. “Here he is!” she cooed. “Our son!”
She passed me the bundle. He was so long dead that his skin was discolored and putrid in his swaddling. But then his dead little baby mouth opened, and he softly warbled. I nearly dropped him. But my wife caught him, barely noticing my clumsiness as she lifted her shirt to let him latch. As soon as he did, she gave a cry of pain. But she wouldn’t let me take him, insisting he had to eat. Only afterward did she give him to me, his face bloody.
“Hold him while I go prepare bottles,” she said.
I looked down at our baby, his small blue lips wet with blood and milk.
Our miracle.
While my wife was preparing more food for him (blood? Or milk?), I laid him down in his crib. This strange and horrifying miracle. He seemed alert. His dead eyes, watching mine, never blinked. I knelt by the altar, intending to beg God to… undo whatever this was and take him back—but as I looked at the altar closely for the first time, what I saw chilled me to my very bones. It was decorated with words and symbols in a language that was definitely not Latin and that I could not read, and all the crosses hung upside down.
My wife is the most devout person I know… But I never asked which denomination she followed.
Only now do I realize that it’s some other God she’s been praying to… and apparently He granted her miracle…

Hi Everyone,
This is my first post here and I'm excited to be part of this forum.
For the last week i have gone from 2MAD to OMAD and for the last three days of OMAD I have experienced dizziness, lethargy, but have otherwise felt better than I had before. Besides the few side effects, I feel like I have even greater mental energy and focus and I feel calmer and somewhat more patient. I understand that I have only been following OMAD for a week, but my questions are as follows:

1. While I understand that dizziness is not a positive side effect, how can i mitigate it moving forward?
2. Something I don't quite understand is that I have not reduced the amount of food since starting OMAD, but have only combined both meals into one. Ultimately, I haven't changes my intake, but only my frequency of food intake, so why these side effects that I never had before with 2MAD?
3. I also understand that OMAD may not be for everyone, but I figured that now, while not going to the gym that adding excessive stress to my body and reducing and elimination medications, it would be the ideal time to try it. Could it be possible that OMAD is not for me and are there any definitive physiological signs to verify this conclusion?
4. Does OMAD have an adaptation phase and should I give it more time?

Some info about myself:

• SWM, 49yo, 6'1", about 13-14% bf, approx. 215lbs
• I try to walk 15-20 minutes 2-3 times a week, when possible.
• I am a 4+ year carnivore that has followed a 2MAD protocol since the beginning.
• I have use a doctor prescribed protocol of TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) for the better part of 10+ years, but 3 weeks ago have finally completely come off TRT after months of gradually tapering off. I am currently using HCG for post recovery for a short while, but will stop that as soon as I can.
• I have frequented the gym 2-3 times a week for over 33 years, but as of mid-October 2023 have completely stopped going due to ulnar nerve pain in both elbows and to take a break and recover. Not sure If I'll be going back again, yet.
• I have made a conscious decision to try to follow an ancestral way of living to the best of my ability while still trying to take part in daily activities.
• I don't drink alcohol, or use any form of recreational drugs of any kind.
• I have eliminated almost all supplementation over the course of 4 years and, besides the medications which I am eliminating, I only take vitamin D daily. No more protein powders, creatine, mutivitamins, etc. and may cease the use of vitamin D over time as I consume a substantial number of eggs daily. My goal is food nourishment only. No exogenous supplementation of any kind.
• 3 weeks ago I also stopped the intake of salt and while at first I didn't feel great, after a week, I actually felt better than when I used it. Never would have though this possible. Go figure!
• Stopped using electrolytes when I stopped going to the gym because I never felt good after taking them, but always took them because I thought that I needed them.

This way of eating has made me feel better than ever before, but I somehow, based on what I have read and seen, believe that OMAD could possible take my health to the next level if done correctly.
I'm sorry for speaking of carnivore diet in this forum, but I wanted to give you some context about myself and I also understand that I have made a number of significant lifestyle changes in the last few weeks, which could account for some of the side effects, but I can't imagine that dizziness would be one of them. I admit that I am naive in the ways of fasting and OMAD and would appreciate any information you may offer about what to do moving forward and please do not hesitate to ask me any questions that you may have. Thanks

Where do I begin. For the purpose of this post, I will use fictious names and locations as it is ongoing, and out of respect (even though she doesn't deserve any)
My name is Daniel. I am 35 years old, and i am dying. I have a disease called systemic sclerosis. I am currently on a supplemental disability plan, until I get approved for SSI (social Security). Until then, my income is about 4K a month. I own a home but after child support and bills, NOT INCLUDING gas, food, haircuts, medical appointments, and or emergencies like my fridge just broke. (which i never go out) I am left with $260 that has to last me a month. I also have three children who I have to take care of half the time per the 50/50 agreement.
Recently, I found out my oldest, (who is 13) is not biologically mine. I decided to look into it as I had concerns for a while since my divorce as her cheating was very rampant. I also had caught her in 2017 with a man in my house, which is what prompted the divorce. But FL being a no fault state, doesn't matter. I also had to pay child support since the beginning and WHILE LEGALLY Married since 2010 because she had applied for financial support like food stamps and government assistance then. I know what your thinking. Why didnt you stop it then? I tried. You cant take yourself off child support. I also never grew up with a father and wanted that two-parent household. I don't run from responsibilities, like he did. Its how I was raised. Anyways, I married her, tried to do the right thing, she lied numerous times. she never worked, and I worked 90 plus hours a week. To look into her cheating, was impossible at the time as I was never home. and to busy providing for my family.
fast forward to now. My disease started to become worse and over three years; it didn't reveal itself until last year fully to actually pinpoint what this was. for instance, I had in 2019 pain behind my eyes and horrible headaches to the point that I thought I had MS. following year, I had trouble swallowing for 3 months. next year itching in the skin for three months. But prior, I had visited various doctors to see what was going on, each time a flare up then would last 3 to four months, which again, when you don't understand what's going on, you need to take time off to go see doctors, run tests, but this illness was and still is very elusive. with that being said I had 5 jobs since its first flare up till last year to continue to support my family and to pay child support. as of last year. I'm having trouble moving on certain days, breathing and acid reflux and muscle atrophy. (disease progression) especially when this is going on, it worsens everything as this is flared up. I was working under the table to try and make ends meet as I was paying child support still. I should add that the child support with 50/50 custody was $1029 for three kids cause I was making six figures at the time of divorce in 2018. Last year however, I couldn't work anymore, and filed for disability.
In june of last year, I had asked Susan, to get the children school supplies, (which she never does) as I was still paying at the time $1029 in child support. She said she didnt have the money despite now making 70k and her new BF living with her and is working whom she cheated on me with. With me working under the table, I bought them clothes, haircuts, school supplies (ive done every year) but then, I noticed she went on vacation to puerto rico and got a giant leg tattoo. At the time, I had already known what I had, and I asked myself why the heck am I doing this? So i turned to an attorney to get it modified. Again, this is June 20th to be exact of last year. My lawyer, stated that this was only going to be a 90 day turn around for the temporary modification then we will go for the final.
Since then, I have gone for a DNA test. I had to know. I am dying. I wanted to know. And you may judge me for this. but i have filed for disablement for paternity, meaning I am removing myself from the birth certificate. However, in the state of Florida, a mother can deny this and so can the courts. before you judge me, I have many reasons none of which have to do with him other then his mental disability (Aspergers) This illness, as days go by takes more and more from me. As previously aforementioned, I am left with 250 a month. I cannot go get a drs appointment pay for groceries or start planning my funeral which I will start making payments on soon. He also eats three times the amount that we all collectively do (Not his fault) but I have paid enough both mentally and financially. He also has trouble communicating as my suspicions is, that he was born of incest (gross) which is why I was 'chosen' to be his father at the time. Before you ask how do you know? Lets just say she had an uncle 'leave' during that time.
anyways, in February, I had the temporary modification hearing for child support and needless to say it was a circus. My doctor was subpoenaed to be there by my attorneys request to better my argument, even though I felt we didn't need her, she advised me to have my doctor there. Well, he attorney attacked my doctor and me for an hour and 40 mins when the court case was only supposed to go for an hour. He said "you saw another dr Max so and so and they said it was all in your head" (again I had flare ups on a illness that hadnt revealed itself correctly since last year). So there argument was that I was doctor seeking to avoid child support. After I have paid for 13 years never missing a payment. Her lawyer also targeted people who are living with me. Now I'll admit that I said they were friends which is true but how else can I pay for my attorney? Cant work, cant sell drugs, cant rob a bank? So they want to take there income into consideration. BS. She also hired a private investigator to watch me exercise outside and stated that because I can exercise, I can work..... Ok. Where's the 23 hours of the rest of the day watching me in pain. or when do you have me on video of a flare up from this terminal illness? (that's what I wanted to say)
Although I was granted the temporary modification, of $209, I left the court thinking wow, this woman can cheat, commit paternity fraud, not give two craps about our children, live with her mom in a section 8 home, and here I am doing whatever I can and I've done nothing wrong but be lied to and this is how my government, my country treats me? No wonder men my age dont have children this is insane. The paternity issue wasn't even brought up they said that this isnt the place for this and that the disestablishment will be another trial for those wondering. My lawyer only spoke for 5 mins. Asking her about her income cause thats the only thing that has changed since 2018 since she didnt work at the time. Other than that, it was an attack on me and my disease arguing my ability to work.
after leaving that, I didnt eat for 96 hours. I have since been crying nonstop. Compilating suicide. I am already heart broken about my son not being mine. Sure does a terminal illness make me said, no question everyday. But a life wasted on another? Cause I decided to be a man and take up responsibility? thats soul crushing. And to say "well, there is a big chance the courts will deny your request' thats BS. If i go to prison because I was accused of a robbery for 13 years, and DNA evidence proves I wasnt there, I get out of jail and can sue. This is no different. If anything, DNA evidence needs to be more of a factor in family law than in almost every court of law if not as equally important. My bad for not investigating her infidelity not only in the beginning but also in the end. How about not being a POS. sorry rant over
gets better. Her mom and dad smoke in the section 8 house, kids reek of cigarette smoke and marijuana, all day. they dont take showers there, they were hand me down clothes, they live in the garage shared with there mother, that isn't air conditioned. and he makes only a few thousand less than I do a month. She stated in court that she pays her mom $500 in rent which is BS, she is only doing that now so that she makes herself look bad. I know she is doing pills, like oxy and what not. Id love to prove it.
after the temp hearing, in april, I had to go to court to contest my drivers license suspension as I hadn't paid child support since, august of last year. again, there is no way, I can pay my bills, feed my children, go to the doctor, pay my lawyer to end all of this BS and pay the current child support amount. and again, this final hearing is still not set yet. So they intercepted my tax return, even though the temporary modification was approved, the final is what gets it retro backed to the date of filing, so they took, a much needed 5500 tax return from me. I needed that cause one of the issues I failed to mention as well, hurricane Ian has destroyed my home and I'm still going through that process too. not to mention I am on payment plans with Mayo clinic and other various medical facilities. (no one cares) but the interest that accrues, makes it impossible to catch up. also, Florida department of rev is overstepping I feel, and asking for medical info to be sent to them as well as updated doctors letters to be sent saying that I am still on disability.
a few weeks ago, I got an email from my lawyer having a withdrawal notice from her lawyer. in the withdrawal, he stated that he cannot represent her, due to something she may have withheld or lied about (more or less wasn't worded like that but you can tell). In feb court appearance they never produced the PI report, or videos, they had medical info they shouldn't have had, and they had very outlandish comments about my lifestyle. So my lawyer filed immediately a motion to compel. meaning, we want to see everything you have on my client. this was filed almost immediately after court appearance on feb 20th. Susan has failed to provide any updated info requested by my attorney so on june 18th, we have that upcoming hearing.
in the mean time, I have sent my lawyer, a very heavily requested topics, such as "where did they get my medical records, if those were lies, what are the consequences if any"? What did exercising have to do with any of this despite various drs saying he has to or he will get worse.
I know wat you must be thinking, what about your oldest, how can you do that to him. Please listen. This woman has taken everything from me. And i mean everything but the roof over my head. I am seeing a therapist to help with the suicidal thoughts. it isnt enough. the reality of it is, I chose to be loyal and it bit me in the butt. This disease will rob me of everything, my teeth will fall out ( I had 5 cavities last time I went to the dentist) I haven't had a cavity since I was 30 and even then I was suspicious. And I am brushing 5 time s a day to save them. My skin is tightening, and my arms and muscles are wasting. I will literally be left with nothing. My organs will also start to harden, and I will have to start getting around the clock care.
I forgot to mention they (child support) recently, sent a letter to SSI (social security) saying that they would garnish my SSI before I even got it, totaling $1029. the incorrect amount. I sent this to my lawyer and she is looking into it. But it shows that child support will overstep and breaks every law or freedom you may think you have. I DO take care of my children. if they need a haircut i do it, school supplies clothes, anything I do it. And I do it, cause she wont. What I want to leave you with, is that woman can be dead beats too. Child support was designed to have woman off of government subsidized programs like section 8 food stamps and what not. Also to make the man pay for their children man or woman I should say, I know this. I am not running from my obligation. I just want Susan, to have to pay for what's she's done to me and the kids.
I would like to hear your thoughts on this, please comment and share, all names are fake, but everything else is unfortunately real. I know it was wordy, but I wanted to provide as much backstory as possible. And please. Respect my descions. When you are end of life, I hope someone would be kind enough to respect yours. You may not agree and that's ok, but I am asking you to respect them. Thank you for reading.

5w1d, IVF pregnancy. Started bleeding thjs morning. Went to my clinic to draw HCG at 7:30am and it was 8350 (doubled every 48 hours). Bleeding became heavier with very mild cramping/discomfort and I passed a few small clots. Went to the ER (at a different hospital) around 10am, HCG was 5500 and no sac was visible on transvaginal ultrasound. ER doctor was hesitant to confirm miscarriage and said there was quite a bit of blood in my uterus, making it difficult to truly see anything. My IVF doctor said the same thing and I’ve been asked to repeat bloodwork and ultrasound on Tuesday. However, based on the big difference in HCG between the two hospitals over just a few hours I’m inclined to think I’m miscarrying or have already miscarried? My bleeding has since tapered off but I do see blood when I pee/wipe and my boobs aren’t sore anymore when they still were this morning. I just wish someone would confirm this instead of dragging it out further.

Hi everyone! Just wanted to share a potential leadership opportunity in case anyone is interested!
Hearts for the Homeless International is a student-led nonprofit organization that provides free blood-pressure screening opportunities and heart health education to homeless populations around the United States and globally. We are a team of undergraduate students, medical students, PhD students, medical doctors, and other professionals who are invested in improving the well-being of homeless communities around the world- including yours. H4H was originally founded by students at the University of Central Florida and has since grown into an international organization with over 15 chapters across the United States, Brazil, and India. With your passion, we aim to work with you to help you positively impact your homeless community. Together, we can better fulfill our goal of improving the condition of humanity!
We are interested in working with student leaders who want to innovate, to serve, and to enact change. For student leaders who are interested, all we ask is for your time, leadership, and compassion. We will take care of the rest. The lives you will change, the friends you will make, and the experiences you will gain will be invaluable.
The work of our students has helped so many, and for this reason, it has been recognized by the US Congress, the Brazilian government, President Clinton, educational and medical institutions, and other non-profit institutions as well. Some of our other significant achievements include leading an effort to rescue the homeless in multiple cities from hurricanes, partnering with Shark Tank’s Bombas Socks, as well as being published by Forbes Magazine.
We want to be able to help serve the struggling homeless community in Albuquerque. According to the most recent counts, there are over 2,394 people experiencing homeless in this city.
As the Hearts for the Homeless Albuquerque President, you will positively impact your community with a great international team supporting your drive to help others and implementing any great ideas you suggest.
Are you interested in being a H4H leader that makes a difference in your community? Use our response sheet, and let us know! https://forms.gle/5q7xRdsWpwVukELb9
If you do not receive an email response from us within 24 hours, please check your spam folder as it may appear there.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at sujena[@h4hinternational.org](mailto:communityoutreach@h4hinternational.org), and we will be sure to get back to you! Below is more information about what we do!
SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY!
For those interested in learning more about what we do, please reference the following media hyperlinks highlighting the work of our fantastic student leaders and homeless friends around the world.

• Link to our official website.
• Local newscasts recognizing coronavirus outreach efforts of our UCF & UNC chapters
• UCF article showcasing our hurricane relief efforts
• Dayton 24/7 Now Article featuring the work of our Cedarville Chapter
• City Hall article highlighting our Brazilian chapter in Governador Valadares
• Official Nonprofit Filing

Some of our chapters in the US currently in operation include:
● University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL)
● University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
● Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL)
● University of South Florida (Tampa, FL)
● University of North Texas (Dallas/Denton, TX)
● Cedarville University (Dayton, OH)
● University of Texas (Austin, TX)
● University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA)
● Boston University (Boston, MA)
● Loyola University (Chicago, IL)
● University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)
H4H Gainesville member Christina taking care of one of our homeless friends.

B12, B9 (folate), L-5-MTH, B6, D, E, C, glutathione, omega-3 fatty acids, and choline
Recent peer-reviewed studies highlight the critical role of B Vitamins in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Key insights and recommendations include:

1. Homocysteine, Vitamin B12, and Folate Levels:
   • Children with ASD often have elevated homocysteine and reduced Vitamin B12 and folate levels, contributing to oxidative stress and neuronal damage (Nesa et al., 2022).
2. DNA Methylation and Epigenetics:
   • Impaired methylation capacity in children with ASD can be improved with B9 (folate) and B12 supplementation, helping to mitigate symptoms (Abugharsa, 2024).
3. Supplementary Therapies:
   • High-dose folinic acid benefits children with ASD who have folate receptor autoantibodies, improving cognitive and behavioral outcomes (Ramaekers et al., 2019).
   • Other effective supplements include B6, D, E, and C, glutathione, omega-3 fatty acids, and choline, which enhance methylation and reduce oxidative stress (Abugharsa, 2024).
4. Clinical Trials and Recommendations:
   • Regular screening for homocysteine, Vitamin B12, and folate levels is recommended for early management and intervention (Nesa et al., 2022).
   • Addressing nutritional deficiencies with targeted vitamin supplementation significantly improves ASD symptoms (Ramaekers et al., 2019).

Editor's Note: Consult a doctor for vitamin and homocysteine level testing. Deficiencies and homocysteine levels are individualized and depend on your DNA and diet.
Summary: Supplementing B Vitamins, especially B12, and folate, can improve metabolic and epigenetic abnormalities in ASD, offering a potential path for better symptom management. Several authors recommend regular lab monitoring and tailored supplementation.

36F, Florida, currently using UMR. Just trying to get an idea of what would be the best option
I start a new job in a little over a week. For the first 60 days, I won't have health coverage (once that 60 days is up, my job covers medical coverage 100%, which I'm pretty happy about).
I'm trying to get an idea of what I should be paying for those two months, and what type of plan. I don't have any health issues at the moment, and I don't take any prescription meds right now. I don't expect to be at the doctor much in those 2 months, I just want something to be there in case shit happens
however, the short term plans I'm seeing on places like United, with subsidies are around $160 for me, but it seems like it would cover very little in the way of an emergency. Like it might knock of $1000-2000 in the event that something happens but would still be a huge bill.
Should I take something like this or what else would you suggest?

With each dose increase I've been having several days of nausea where I've barely been eating. My doctor prescribed prochlorperazine for nausea which helps only a little. I'm now on the maximum dose of Saxenda and feeling so sick.
What have others found to be helpful? Do most people eat a very bland diet on Saxenda?
I've also only lost about 4kg a month in with a high bmi. I would have expected to lose more.