Hello! Treating post-pill hormonal acne here (still have PCOS if that's relevant). I'm on week 4 of doing 0.1% Adapalene right now and my face is still shedding under makeup. My friend gifted me a bottle of Kikumasamune Skin Care Emulsion and she said it has ceramides and stuff but I'm not sure if I can use it with Adapalene. My occlusive moisturizer after Adapalene was Illiyoon Ato Ceramide Cream but I think it's breaking me out (and it doesn't stop the peeling) so I also got Purito Oat-in Calming Gel Cream but I'm unsure which one to add to my routine.
AM - Water - Numbuzin No. 5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum - Cos de baha 5% Tranexamic Acid + 5% Niacinamide - SKIN1004 Hyalu-cica Sun Serum
PM - Kose Cleansing Oil - Soonjung Foam Wash - Cos de baha 10% Azelaic Acid - Dr. G Red Blemish Moisturizer - Aquaphor on sensitive areas (T-Th-S) - 0.1% Adapalene (T-Th-S) - Illiyoon Ato Ceramide Cream
Do I swap Illiyoon with Kikumasamune Emulsion or the Purito Oat-In Calming Gel Cream? I'm also open to other suggestions as long as they're also fungal acne safe!

please help with recommendations for my skin at the moment i originally started taking birth control for my iron deficiency and prior to taking birth control my skin was perfectly fine and would get about one pimple here and there but bearly ever. but since taking it i've gotten acne in the middle of my cheeks, sometimes on my chin and and left side of my forehead, and i just didn't feel right on it which i had been taking it for 2 months and then tried a different pill that was meant to help ance but my skin just stayed the same and just realised the pill just isn't for me, for my skin and mentally. i have since stopped taking it about november last year yet the acne is still here. ive also gotten back from bali about a week ago and whilst over there my skin has just gotten worse about 5 day into my trip, around those areas of my face with pimples, small little red bumps and also just normal little pumps (closed comedones??). I'm assuming just from washing my face with the water over there has caused it to get worse. but during these past few months since getting off the pill back in november it's hard to work out is it just a hormonal imbalance causing this, is it gut health, stress, or a broken skin barrier, i also used to take whey protein which can also cause acne but ive stopped taking that for a few months now just to see if that would help lessen the ache but still the same, i'm unsure what i can do to fix this just unfortunate that ever since starting the pill back in september it's just completely ruined my skin and still haven't been able to fix it since. the current state of my skin is just mainly on the side of my forehand but is starting to branch out to the other side of little red lumps, pimples under and on top of the skin and closed comedones, where as my cheeks have just red bumps with small pimples and also closed comedones on my chin aswell which is starting to go up one side of my cheek and on my jawline. any recommendations, should i get my hormones checked, is it worth seeing a dermatologist, and i would prefer not to go on accutane or any birth control for it, or even try tretinoin but just worried about my skin purging and getting worse but i believe im too young for retinols
PLS HELP GIRL OUT🙏😭❤️

I am 25F and the father is 34M. I am going to be brutally honest, please no judgement.
We met at work when I was 23F and he was 32M, I flirted with him HARD for months and then he told me he was recently engaged after dating for six years. We had an emotional affair only, and he ended up terminating his engagement. We dated for around 8-9 months before breaking up. Immediately, I regretted breaking up. We tried no contact but it didn't ever really stick because we still loved each other and we couldn't part ways. I ended up finding out he got back together with his ex-fiancé less than two months after our breakup. We were still no contact, but a physical, full-blown affair ended up arising and lasted this past year and a half. I have never loved anyone more than him, and I did it for love. I wanted a life with him and I wanted to marry him and have a family with him. He admitted that he wanted those things too and he went back to her too quickly. I thought he loved me the way I loved him and it was just complicated for him to leave her because of their history. He never did leave her, even through a year of me showing up for him to show him I was ready for the things he thought I wasn't ready for.
Flash forward to today, I'm pregnant for the second time. I was first pregnant end of March 2024 during the affair (*Note: we are no contact now and he is blocked everywhere). I texted him the picture of the positive pregnancy test and he told me his ex-fiancé now girlfriend is pregnant too. My heart sank and I felt ill. I told my family the next day that I was pregnant and was in an affair for the past year and a half. I needed my mom and support and help. They were obviously unhappy with him getting two women pregnant at the same time. They wanted me to abort, however I've always wanted to be a mother, I have a good job and could afford the child on my own, and I was pro-choice for every woman on the planet but thought I would never be in this position. Four days later, I miscarried. My mother had many miscarriages before pregnancy stuck for her. I had bloodwork at my OB/GYN office and they tracked my HCG levels until I was low enough for them to confirm the pregnancy was nonviable.
I told him I miscarried and he came over a few times to see me. We ended up having unprotected sex after the miscarriage not knowing that I could get pregnant that quickly. I thought my body's cycle was so thrown off that I wouldn't ovulate for at least a month - 6 weeks. I woke up one day with really heavy breasts and tender nipples and took one of the tests that I had leftover from my first pregnancy just to see if I could be pregnant. Sure enough, pregnant. I told him the news and he said he was very clear that he did not want me to get pregnant. He thought I did it on purpose because he knows I want children and to be a mother. He said he would be here for an abortion but that I had to work around his girlfriend's schedule with her doctor's appointments for her pregnancy. I blocked him everywhere. If I go through with the abortion, I shouldn't have to do it on his/her schedule. He has kept this (me and my pregnancies and our affair) from her since the beginning. She has no idea that I am pregnant and he doesn't want her to know. I can't tell her because I'm in the wrong too. I knew he was with her and I still participated because I loved him and thought he would wake up one day and see that it was supposed to be us in the end.
If I have this child, I can afford to do it on my own and without financial help from him. He has made it clear that he wants nothing to do with the pregnancy or with me, and that he doesn't want me to keep the pregnancy. I am attached to this pregnancy the longer it goes on and it is so extremely difficult for me to accept that I may have to get an abortion. If I keep the baby, I don't want to tell him that I am keeping the pregnancy. I don't want him involved and I don't want him to ask for split custody. I can't share my child with her too. I have a consult Tuesday for the pills. I have to get an ultrasound first because of my previous miscarriage. I don't want to lose another pregnancy, this time on purpose. I am so emotionally distraught and alone. What would you do? How do you get through it? I tell myself that through this dumpster fire of a situation something good can come out of it. I can be a mother and love the child more than anything and create a good life for us. I will be a good mother and I can just tell people the dad isn't in the picture and leave it at that.
I am dealing with a lot of bitterness towards the father and I won't tell his girlfriend now because truly she has done nothing wrong and this will wreck her. I don't want to hurt an innocent bystander in this. I just know I wouldn't be in this position if he stepped up. I wouldn't have to consider abortion if he was here. It's the fact that I would do this on my own that my family wanted me to have one in the first place. Lots of people I know had accidental pregnancies but they all married the father of their child. I would be a single mother by choice. I am okay with that but I don't know if society is. I want to do the right thing but I'm overwhelmed with emotions. I worry I am going to keep the child selfishly so that I can avoid the absolute plummeting heartbreak of losing another pregnancy/being reminded the man I wanted more than anything doesn't want me or his child. I would love this child with everything in me. I would support this child and make sure that I would minimize the damage of the situation on my child. I can raise a well-adjusted child. I have so much love to give.
TLDR: I am pregnant with his child but he is expecting a baby with his girlfriend currently. I can do it on my own but should I? Should I have an abortion?

Now that I'm a Boomer I find I use this kind of stuff more often.
I've tried various Tiger Balms, the most effective one being some stuff called "Bach Ho White Tiger" from Vietnam. Dollar Tree stuff is OK but leaves too much residue. Haven't bought a jar of actual Tiger Balm yet, strangely. Walmart store brand is so-so, doesn't leave a residue. Salonpas patches are OK but don't really work depending on the spot (ie, elbows move.)
I like using oils more, the one I use most is called Kwan Loong Oil. It's pretty cheap, it seems like it's mostly methyl salicylate. It's 35%. White Flower is good, maybe better, but more expensive. Wood Lock oil is also good, I think it's salicylate based too as the main ingredient, but might have more Chinese herbs in it or whatever.
For actual pharma, I use the Walmart brand lidocaine rub on stick, and very occasionally will use Voltaren, but I try to keep Voltaren use minimal.
For failures I've tried, Arnica gel for me does nothing for pain relief except really heat the area up but with seemingly a bad allergic reaction rash. I wanted to try Arnica as it's the main ingredient in Traumeel, which seems to be a popular ointment and even pill/injection in Europe (Oleg Chen mentioned it in an interview) but for me with Arnica causing an allergic reaction it's probably not good to try it.
So what do you guys use and like?

For those still suffering, I want to share my journey to recovery from long covid - there is hope.
January 2024: I was 8 months into long covid and had gone from a fitness geek to walking at most 20 minutes a day and spending most hours on the couch. My primary symptoms were I had significant fatigue and PEM. Small exertions would lead to a 2 day crash. I had shut down my business and I was getting worse by the week.
I had help doing research including getting info from UCSF and trying various recommendations from doctors: LDN, diet and supplements, nothing helped much. I talked to a neighbor who had severe LC and he went to Alaska for Stellate Ganglion Blocks and was cured in 3 months. I was sceptical but willing to research anything. A friend who is an anesthesiologist help me with due diligence on the treatment evaluating the risks and potential benefits. After talking to two patients ( I found) that had recovered from LC after SGB treatment I decided to give it a try.
Long story short: 3 months after my treatment I am 100% cured. My business is reopened and I am back to cardio workouts 4 days a week. My recovery profile was just like my neighbor, to the week, so I do believe SGB is what cured us. In talking with the doctor during my treatment, some patients recover faster than others and there are difficult cases so dont expect 100% efficacy but the Dr does believe it's 80-90% effective.
I would not suggest anyone sign up for this just on my story. Do your research, and you need to accept that the cure may not come from a pill or something you eat. My cure came from different approach than what western medicine dictates - this could be the reason why they have not found a cure yet. I found many doctors just dont know how to treat long covid and you/we probably know more than they do.
Stellate Ganglion Block write up:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165572821003118
I went to Anchorage, AK, but I also hear it's being performed in Texas as well. Unfortunately there are some less than reputable providers out there, so be careful in going cheap or not with a trained anesthesiologist.
I do believe Stellate Ganglion Blocks are the cure for long covid - it worked or me. We desperately need some research organization to study and publish results. If you know anyone in that area, please pass this along.
There is hope for those suffering from long covid

Hi everyone! I’m a 25F and on Wednesday the 15th, I went to PP in my area and found out I was just barely over 5 weeks. I went ahead with the MA and took mife in front of my doctor. She advised me to do two rounds of the miso- the first set 24 hours after the mife and another 4 hours after the first set. So 24 hours later, I put 4 pills in my cheeks on Thursday the 16th around 7pm.
I started bleeding 30 minutes later and passed stringy grey and red tissue. I went to go pee and I heard a plop in the water and figured that was for sure a clot. I couldn’t catch how big it was unfortunately but definitely not what I’ve ever experienced or sounded before in a regular period. My cramps were pretty bad.. but I actually get VERY bad period pains and tissue with my regular periods so it wasn’t anything I’m not used to. I took the other 4 miso pills about 5 hours later and bled a little more but not as much as the first round. The next day (yesterday Friday the 17th) I barely bled. It was similar to my day 3 period cycle. Only when I wiped, I saw blood but the cramps were still kinda bad coming in waves all day.
Today is officially Saturday the 18th and my cramps are not bad, still there but not bad. And my bleeding is light.
I’m not sure if it’s a failed abortion or if it was fortunately easier than I expected. I read that people bled like CRAZY and had clots coming out the size of a lemon. I also didn’t have really any pregnancy symptoms but I guess I do feel a little better.
My follow up is next Friday. Does this sound successful?

Hi, I know some of you have been interested in Joost’s written stuff, so this is one of them. It’s a short story that Joost wrote for Boekenweek voor Jongeren (Book Week for Young People) in 2019. There’s more info about it here (in Dutch) https://www.vice.com/nl/article/qvgzpv/joost-klein-schreef-een-kort-verhaal-over-een-wilde-nacht-in-berlijn and there was also this promo video for it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx7wxnpxps0. It's been translated from Dutch - maybe not the most perfect translation but it's readable. Original in Dutch here. Enjoy

"How come he suddenly has cash?" I looked at Gurb, but he avoided my gaze. Louis never had money and yet he was buying another round. Meanwhile, a Moby song was playing and nothing made sense. "If he has money for drinks, he can surely pay me back, right?"
Just a few hours ago, I was alone in Berlin. Now, ten hours later, I'm standing in some obscure techno club with my best friends. Loud rock music with drunken shouting. "Hey, Miss Murder, can I make beauty stay if I take my life?" I woke up that day with a mild hangover from the lonely yet people-filled night before. Perfect conditions for a 20-year-old dropout.
The Hard Rock Café was the most beautifully ugly place in Berlin. Gurb had driven for seven hours straight in his mother's car, but we didn't notice. An iconic black Mini Cooper. Your body leads your mind, the beat never stops, and you can conquer the world. Louis threw in another crazy dance move. We were happy.
"Do you want another drink, brother?" Gurb asked me, half shouting. An evening filled with rhetorical questions. He saw me dancing and already knew the answer.
Gurb always had money. Louis, on the other hand, never did. Louis was also the youngest of us three. He had just turned 18. I wouldn't call him a cunning fox. More like a jack-of-all-trades. Like the time he made a lot of money on a Wadden Island with a group of boys. They sold large blocks of hash.
"Crazy dude!" I shouted at him. He yelled something back.
"Do you remember back then?" Louis said.
"Back then? Back then? Yeah man, of course!" I had no idea what he meant. "Do you mean the party?"
"Do you mean the party, he says! This guy. When I look at you like this, it makes me happy. The exact same kid is here letting loose just like back in high school!"
We knew each other from secondary school. He joined when I was in the second grade. He was very intelligent. Too young, too much knowledge of the world. His mother is from Brazil. We often went to his mother's place to play on the Playstation Louis and I had bought together.
I lived everywhere at that time. In the crisis shelter where I stayed for a while, for example, I wasn't allowed to have a Playstation. So we set it up in an accessible place, near school. It was always fun with Louis. Going together to the Apple Store. Taking all kinds of photos with all the webcams, posting them on Hyves, and then leaving. Louis always knew how to cheer me up.
"Aaaaaaaaaa!" There was Gurb with five drinks in his hands. Gurb was wearing a blue checkered shirt. Two buttons undone. Hair slicked back. "You look good, brother!"
"You look fresh too! We all look fresh!" Gurb said enthusiastically. Louis was wearing a completely white outfit. We quickly bought this before going out. He also bleached his hair.
"You look like the Brazilian cousin of James Dean in these clothes," I said. Louis laughed. "Let me take a picture."
Suddenly, the DJ switched to some kind of techno. "Ah, here Berlin briefly takes off its mask." I was fine with it all. Louis was talking to a lady.
Voluptuous breasts, I thought to myself. He gave her one of his two drinks.
"He's with a girl and he's thinking with his dick," I said to Gurb. "Let him be, tonight Berlin is ours!"
The bass kept pounding. "I simply don't have the patience for the club," I said to Gurb. He looked surprised. Like a sweet dog, tilting his head. "I'm just waiting for tomorrow. Can't do my thing here. Don't have patience for the already known. I want adventure and I want it now!"
Gurb started laughing. "Patience is a virtue." Yes. Patience is all well and good, but I think it's a waste of my time. Gurb grabbed my shoulder.
"I think it's time for another beer."
Louis and I were walking through Leeuwarden a year ago when suddenly a red Ford Ka stopped in front of us. It was Gurb, casually driving around the city. He invited us into his car. We hopped in. Since that afternoon, the three of us were together. A few months later, Louis got a tattoo on his ribs in honor of our friendship. It was the name of our group chat. Braddar Force Indigo.
There were also days when Gurb would take me for a drive around Friesland. He reminded me how beautiful Friesland is. The world doesn't spin there. The newspapers I threw away in the Stiens forest in 2011 could still be lying in the same spot, so to speak.
Just before midnight, I found myself in line for the restroom. My eyes fell on a pair of striking shoes. Cigarette smoke invaded my nose for the fourth time. "Müssen Sie eine Zigarette haben?" a female voice spoke to me. I felt like Tom Hanks in the final scene of Angels & Demons, where the new pope first steps onto the balcony. The curtains opened. There I was, witnessing an important moment in history. I was just told how I was sent by God, but my ears didn't want to hear any of it. At least that's how I felt. My mouth was empty. I had no words left. That's when I knew for sure. Berlin might really be as crazy as literally everyone says.
Dark blond, silky hair. Was this real beauty then? She wouldn't look 40, but I think she was. A true woman. Beautiful in all her elegance. I always joked about being interested in older women, but tonight one stood in front of me. "I don't smoke," I said to her.
Someone tapped me. "Please, just go to the toilet!" He was right. I hadn't peed in a while either. My urine was cloudy. "Glomerulonephritis," I said to myself on the toilet. This is an unusual condition. It's an inflammation in the kidneys, I thought I remembered. They should never have given me access to Google.
The evening progressed, and Louis kept buying rounds. "But seriously now. How does Louis suddenly have all that money for drinks?" I asked Gurb. He was outside smoking with a group of Swiss girls. I had strategically positioned myself so that I could always leave the crime scene if necessary.
"You shouldn't ask me," said Gurb. He was laughing with the temporary girlfriend group of Louis. Gurb has a beard. A lot of chicks like that. I get it too.
As much as I enjoyed Louis and Gurb being here for me, something didn't sit right with me. It couldn't just be about the money. "What's up with him?" I heard one of the Swiss girls say to Gurb.
Those kinds of questions really tire me out. "Not much, with you?" I replied.
They all started laughing. "That's not what she meant, brother," said Gurb.
"I couldn't care less whether she meant it or not. Send that brace-face back to Switzerland. Don't drive me crazy, alright!"
Actually, I hadn't drunk that much that evening. "Two vodka Sprites, please!" It's rare for me to get just one drink. "I always get two drinks, then you have to wait shorter for the third one!" Maybe the alcohol was affecting me more than I wanted to admit. Oh well, it was still the three of us against the world.
"Nice shoes, are those Prada?" I asked a random girl at the bar.
"No, these are fake. Why would I buy real ones for 600 dollars if I could just buy these for 20?"
"..."
I'm not very good at that. Talking. To women.
Louis and Gurb were in the smoking area now. It was less blue than the dance floor itself. My clothes already stank, so a visit to the smoking area couldn't hurt. "These people are so underground!" Gurb shouted. Louis was filming him with his phone. "These people..." There was a brief pause. As if Gurb forgot the only line he had. "...so underground!" All three of us burst into laughter. The alcohol flowed through our veins as if it came from the purest mountains. People seemed doubled and the room was full. We had been in the same club in Berlin for several hours.
"Leonardo! What are you hiding from the big boss?" I sometimes called Louis ‘DiCaprio.’ "You a rich guy, now?" I said, with an accent as if I were from the Bronx.
Louis started laughing. "Eh, you know nothing. Bullshit talk."
I had to laugh too. What was I even worried about? Friends are friends, with or without money. That shouldn't matter. Louis probably just worked for that money. Maybe it wasn't as bad as I thought. Maybe he just had enough to buy rounds. But what if my gut feeling was right? That feeling was never wrong. Except for that one time at the Holland Casino in Groningen. Even the best of us have slip-ups. I was just getting worked up again. When it comes down to it, Louis is one of the sweetest guys I know. I had to let it go. After all, it's still Louis.
"I think I'm going to have sex soon, man," Louis said.
"With who?" I asked immediately.
"That one girl."
"Which one?"
"The one with the boobs."
"Oh, her. Just be careful."
"What kind of reaction is that?" Louis asked indignantly.
I'd only had four drinks, but I was acting like a mess. Louis was right. I didn't understand myself. Where was my head at? I'm here in Berlin, supposed to be having the time of my life, but here I am feeling lonely and sad again. Joost once again couldn't control his emotions.
"Sorry," I suddenly said to Louis. "Sorry for my behavior. Been acting dumb towards you all night. It's unnecessary." Sometimes I have that. Mood swings. "Know that crime is never the solution. We've talked about this so many times. Yes, it's tempting and sometimes easy money. I sometimes find it amusing too, but it's always hypothetical. Ask me for help. I can help you, even with illegal things. I'll always have your back." The dancing was kind of over.
The words I had just placed on Louis's plate came from my heart. My Frisian, irregular boys' heart.
Crying in the club. I had never seen myself like that. Crying, yes. In the club, no. I never understood the taboo around crying. Or emotions in general. I saw myself in the mirror. They weren't tears of joy. They weren't tears of sadness either. It was me letting everything go. All the emotions I had ever felt. The emotions I felt between my brother and sister and myself because they wanted to take on a parental role over me, but I was in puberty, so I pushed them away. The emotions I felt when my old neighbors were supposed to take care of my dog, but didn't tell me that he was bitten by one of their dogs. They didn't have money for the surgery, they later told me. They were ashamed of their lack of money. My dog died from this injury. Even the emotions that were all jumping at once during the retake for my swimming diploma A, I let go of.
No emotions. Just for a moment, not feeling anything. Is that too much to ask for?
"You still don’t smoke?"
It had to be the voice of the woman with the cigarettes. I looked over my shoulder through the mirror. It was her. The one with dark blond, silky hair.
"Not to be rude, but this is the men’s room," I said. She took a step closer and kissed me on my lips. It tasted like more. We started kissing. It had been a while since I had had female contact at this level. It probably didn't look good and it didn't feel good either. She started kissing my neck. Slowly, I noticed the pressure in the erectile tissues of my penis starting to increase. "I really don't have time for this!" I thought to myself. The woman with the cigarettes started to slowly sink down until she was on her knees. I didn't want this. Not now, not like this. She unraveled my penis from my Polo Ralph Lauren underwear. Her tongue was blue. It was probably from cheap shots of alcohol.
Was this real beauty then? Was this the beginning or the end of her story? And had I become the boy my parents hoped I would be? I thought about the fact that this was once someone's little daughter. Somewhere in the world, an old man might be wondering what his daughter is doing. Am I really putting pleasure above my own morals and values?
With my semi-erect circumcised penis still exposed, I lifted her up. After giving her a kiss on her forehead, I pulled up my pants and left the toilets.
It was the usual last hour in any club ever. I met Louis and Gurb at the bar. "Should we have another drink?" I asked Gurb. "I feel like having a cocktail. Something sweet. Lots of sugar. What about you?"
Gurb looked at the menu. "A cognac would go down well right now."
"A cognac? You're only nineteen!" Gurb and Louis laughed. "Two Tequila Sunrises please!" I called to the bartender. "Also, two beers! Thanks!" I also got a beer for Louis. At first, I didn't want to, but I didn't want to spoil the mood either. Besides, I didn't want to show too much that it bothered me so much.
We danced away the last minutes. The club closed, and we decided to walk with the group of Swiss girls. Apparently, they were staying nearby.
As I lagged behind the group, one of them tried to start a conversation with me. "Are you okay?" she asked kindly.
"I'm fine. Just had too much beer. Makes me sleepy." Not true at all, but I've heard people say that.
"You’re tired? The fun has only just began!" And as she said this, she pulled something out of her inner pocket. Her clenched fist, shielded by a half jacket. Who is this girl, anyway? I thought to myself. She opened her hand flat, and right in the center of her palm lay two small pills with a smiley face on them. At least, they looked like it.
"Oh, I don’t do drugs. Sorry."
"Me neither!" And she swallowed a pill. "Now it’s your turn... Or are you scared?"
Scared? Who did this crazy Swiss witch (with really beautiful eyes) think she was. With her "are you scared". I'll show her who's scared.
"Scared? I’m not scared." I picked up the remaining pill and swallowed it.
Everything went in slow motion. Was this who I had become? Was this the same boy from high school? And just before I could swallow, I spat out the pill. She was shocked. I picked up the pill again, dried it with my jacket, and put it back in her fist. "Maybe later!" I shouted, running back to the group, over my shoulder.
I have nothing to say to 9 out of 10 peers I come across. Of course, I can be social. I can also have fun with random people in random situations, but that night, it just tired me out. I also didn't understand what we were doing there. Those girls found me strange anyway. Suddenly, I was the fifth wheel.
"We know this place where they go until 7 in the morning!" The girl leader of the group spoke. I wanted to go home. "If you guys want, you can go. Don't worry about me," I said to Gurb and Louis. The boys had a brief discussion. We agreed to stay for just a little while longer for some drinks. I consented. I was thirsty. "I'll have a Fanta, Louis."
Gurb had reached the last cigarette in his pack. Louis and a girl from the group were nowhere to be found. It didn't even bother me. This guy just walks around with some cash in his pocket and all hell breaks loose. After a night full of stimuli, I understood Louis. Of course, I understood Louis. He's a young god. Handsome, smart guy. But that didn't make me any less angry. It was purely about trust for me. Something inside me said I should stop subconsciously expecting things from people too. It prevents disappointment.
"Hotel please!" I jokingly suggested to Gurb. "Should you call Louis or should I?" I added. Gurb immediately grabbed his Android smartphone and called Louis. He put the call on speaker.
"Are you ready?" Gurb asked.
"Yeah. Sort of."
"What do you mean?"
"We didn't have sex."
"That's fine, right? Tomorrow's a new day!"
"I think I'm in love, man," Louis said.
"...," Gurb said, chuckling as he let out a sigh.
Once we arrived at the girls' hostel, it was already getting light. Louis was thankfully back. There were stains on his pants, around his knees. My focus was solely on arranging a taxi. Although the boys were still flirting, I was really done now. "How are we going to pay for this taxi?" I said a bit too loudly.
There was a silence. "Don't worry. I still have cash," Gurb said.
"Yeah, I knew you would," I replied.
My words clearly hit Louis. "What do you mean by that?" he said.
It was as if time stood still for a few seconds. "Exactly what I said. Better listen." Louis pulled out a small wad of green bills from his pocket. At least 400 euros. "I don't even want to see that money," I reacted. I walked away.
I'll just order a taxi myself.
"Why are you walking away now?" Gurb said.
"Twelve hours ago, I was alone too, and I had a lot more fun then."
"Do you really want to know how I got this money?" Louis said.
Yes, I did want to know. My whole evening revolved around that damn money.
He took a second of pause before he began speaking. "The answer lies in the Mini."
What on earth could be in Gurb's mother's car? Louis was trying to get into my head. "Taxi!"
Once in the taxi, the division was clear. Gurb was upfront, chatting animatedly with the driver. All adventures ever were recounted. Louis and I in the back. One of my best friends since I was thirteen. Funny how things turn out. It was quiet between us. I was in my head, rehearsing how I would bring up the money again. It didn't add up, and he knew it himself. "I don't care, you know," I said, hoping he'd break.
"What don't you care about?"
"About that money."
"What money? You're really a crazy woozy man." Louis burst out laughing again.
On the other hand, it was silent. Gurb had started talking about the driver's family. The driver didn't appreciate it. Gurb meant well. The driver smelled of alcohol. Or was it me? His nails were polished. Maybe his wife was a specialist. I bite my nails myself. Like now.
"In the Mini, oh yeah."
"Shut up. Illegal man."
"You'll never know."
"Stop playing. Just say it!"
Louis grabbed my head, pulled himself towards me, and brought his mouth to my right ear. "Why so serious?" he whispered. He didn't want to tell me.
"But always with this damn money, huh?" I almost shouted at Louis. I broke every silence within a radius of 10 kilometers.
"I'm trying my best, bro. It is what it is. I can't make it any different," he replied. It was clearly bothering him deeply. He ran his hands through his hair. "Sometimes people have to do things. And you know that better than anyone. Sometimes they have to do things they don't really want to or aren't supposed to do."
I knew this spiel all too well. Through all the drunken haziness, I suddenly saw a small glimmer of light. A tiny spark of sincerity. Louis was serious this time.
"I'm sorry. I didn't want to involve you in this. I'm sorry," sweat dripped from his forehead.
"You're serious, huh? Damn, man. What mess have you gotten yourself into now? Worse than Terschelling?" Worse than Terschelling would mean stolen goods. Maybe even violence.
"It's not what you think."
"The Adlon Hotel, right?" the driver chimed in. Always saved by the bell, that Louis.
Suddenly I hit my head against the seat in front of me. Of course, I wasn't wearing my seatbelt. The last thing I saw was Gurb waking up in panic from his drunken stupor. One by one, I started losing my senses. It started with the feeling in my fingers. For a brief moment, everything wasn't quite black, and I could only see a vague pattern of colors repeating inside my eyelids. You could compare it to the brief moment after the commercial break before the movie starts in the cinema. The movie was about to begin.
I knew I wasn't dying. At least not yet. Not like this. Not after an overall mediocre night out in Berlin. I found comfort in the image I forced myself to see. It was all in my head. There I was, unconscious.
I saw myself in a third-person point of view. It wasn't like I was actually leaving my body. More like there was a webcam hanging in one of the upper corners of the taxi.
As a child, I used to dream a lot about death. Nights spent awake.
At some point, I developed a kind of compulsive behavior. I kept swaying my torso from left to right with my hands under my head. It became almost like a workout before bedtime. Every night.
I called it dream shuffling. Just like I had learned to shuffle puzzle pieces or playing cards. Making things a little exciting for yourself. But what I almost never told anyone was that I was scared. I was afraid of burglars, who were very agile and muscular.
Especially afraid that they would murder me. I really wanted to know what death was like. It scared me.
These fear visions originated during an all-inclusive vacation in Turkey. I was 6 years old and already in bed. There was a big old TV in our hotel room, so I could secretly watch TV from bed. Every evening, my parents sat on the balcony. Here they discussed their day while enjoying a glass of alcohol. There was a Japanese animated series on TV. In the few seconds that I watched, I saw a scary creature climbing a sort of apartment complex via the balconies. The creature had hundreds of teeth and blond hair. It quickly entered to decapitate the people, then drained them and, as a final insult, robbed them. Dozens of carcasses of dead people were scattered around the apartment complex. The complex on TV resembled the resort where we were in reality, and the TV world merged with my surroundings. I became part of it. I saw people watching. No matter how loudly I screamed for help, they didn't react. The sun became very bright, and the people turned into nothing more than shadows. As the intensity of the sun increased, something became clear to me. These were not people. They had a sort of orange skin. Where I had previously thought it was their nose and mouth, it turned out that these shadowy figures did not have such physical features. They simply had three holes in their heads. The police tried to do something, but in vain. Since then, we always kept the light on in the hallway outside my bedroom. By rocking back and forth, from left to right, I could glance fleetingly at the beam of light under the door. That bit of light, escaping from the hallway into my room, gave me an advantage. It allowed me to stay one step ahead of the burglars. Pretty smart, right?
"From Jamaica to the world!
It’s just love. Why must the children play in the street?"
It was Bob Sinclar with "Love Generation" speaking to us through the taxi's speakers. We were stationary. I was conscious again, but I didn't feel alive at all. "How long was I out?" I asked Louis.
I could tell by his expression that he was relieved. Relieved that I was back. "One minute," he almost apologized. Louis gave me a pat on the shoulder. Gurb, on the other hand, was sleeping. He slept like a baby cub.
I put my right index finger on my forehead. It felt wet, but it wasn't blood. Blood feels different. Meanwhile, I kept hearing whistling.
"Be the love generation! Oh yeah!" It was still that same song by Bob Sinclar.
The earlier scent of alcohol had now been replaced by the smell of incense. It smelled like the same incense I had in my room. Sold to me as Tibetan 39 incense. I had bought it at a coffee shop in Rotterdam. I pulled up my notes on my phone. "Who lights incense in a CAR????" I let Louis read from my screen. He took the phone from my hands and started typing as well.
"Look at Gurb >>>" Gurb was so deeply asleep that his head drooped. His seatbelt held his torso in place, but his head ended up on the driver's shoulder. The man didn't mind. He didn't move. I made eye contact with the driver through the rearview mirror, and soon I found him. He winked at me.
We arrived at the hotel. Gurb awakened from his alcoholic hibernation. "Who's going to pay for the taxi?" I asked. Clearly rhetorical. I already knew I would take this one for the team, as usual. I refused to use Louis's money. It was uncomfortably quiet. "By card please," I said.
"I'll always protect you, Louis. You really need to know that. I care about you like my own little brother. I'll always try to help you. But you have to be honest with me. Can you do that?" Louis didn't hesitate.
"Yes. Yes, I can. I'll show you. It's really in the Mini." Meanwhile, the taxi driver's card machine indicated that I had insufficient funds. That couldn't be right. Maybe I had withdrawn too much that evening.
"I have cash in the hotel room," Gurb said to me. Gurb informed the driver in broken English that he would go get his cash. The driver agreed. Money is money, whether it comes now or later. As long as it feels good in your hands.
Louis and I got out of the taxi. "You're not going to light a cigarette now, are you?" Louis wanted to smoke. "Especially for stress. That's really for people who can't handle pain. You need to feel pain. Pain needs to brand you for the rest of your life so you finally learn not to do such stupid things." It fell silent again. My blood boiled. All pots were on the stove. I felt like Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen. "Show me then. Do it."
Louis remained silent and walked around the corner of the hotel. Towards the parking lot. I followed him. "You're not going to find much," said Louis.
"Why not? Are you a magician?"
"No. Just. Not much."
"So there's suddenly magically nothing in Gurb's car?"
"Stop. Get out. Get out of my head!" Louis shouted. Louis had had enough. He was done with the parade. Normally we dealt with hypothetical stories. Only this time it wasn't a joke. I was sure now. Louis had dropped his mask. The revolution had begun. The government had fallen and the dikes had broken. The people were in charge. "You shouldn't freak out like this. Always wanting more. Sweet boy, think about yourself."
After Gurb gave the money to the driver, he came to us. He had a smile on his face, lit a cigarette, and exclaimed, "Brothers!" Once with us, he hugged me. He started laughing. "Maybe I haven't been entirely honest either." Sometimes Gurb seemed like a 38-year-old man. In a positive way. He exuded confidence in a way I didn't often see. Affectionate, with a hint of authority.
We stood in the middle of a large parking lot. "Look. We've reached a point where I might not even care anymore. You guys are teasing me." It did matter to me. Maybe more than ever. I was supposed to be two steps ahead of them, but I couldn't figure it out. "I give up."
The delightful silence returned. Louis and Gurb looked at each other. "You guys win. Apparently, I'm not to be trusted as a friend."
From Louis's expression, I could tell he disagreed with this. "Not true. Come to the car."
We arrived at the car. Louis unlocked it and searched for the trunk button. Gurb had started his third cigarette. "It's a corpse, isn't it? Say it now. I can still help you. I can still help us. I can book a ticket for you. We can get you out of here," I said to Louis.
"Just wait. Nutcase."
"Why won't you accept my help?"
Louis started laughing nervously. Or at least it seemed that way. Perhaps a sly laugh too. Had Louis killed someone? "It's not a corpse. That can't be. You wouldn't be stupid enough to use their ID. You're smarter than that. So it must be something stolen. Haven't you found that button yet?"
Suddenly, we heard a click. Louis had found the button. Somewhere, I didn't want to know. Shouldn't I just trust Louis? Wasn't that the whole point of friendship?
Finally, the moment had arrived. I placed my right hand in the slot of the rear hatch. Something in me doubted. Still. I still doubted. Louis looked dead serious. "You wanted to know, didn't you? Then you also have to be man enough to accept it." Louis was clearly not joking. Or was he acting again? "Pussy," Louis said. I looked away. "You're afraid of what's inside, huh? You're afraid of the real Louis." He began to laugh manically. "Open that thing, man. Nutcase!"
I started laughing too. Why did I make such a big deal out of it? Sweat broke out from every pore in my body. It was even a bit damp in the no man's land between my scrotum and my anus. A tropical climate. It had been quite an adventure the whole evening. I took my hand off the rear hatch and first gave Louis a hug. Not some half-hearted birthday wish. No, a real hug.
"It's okay, buddy," Louis said to me. I had no idea what he meant by that. It fit the moment though.
It was really time now. I opened the rear hatch.
"Where is it?"
"In front of you," said Louis.
"In some secret compartment?"
There was nothing in the trunk. Absolutely nothing. An empty trunk. For an empty evening, in an empty Berlin, with an empty group of guys. I didn't get it.
"You won, man," I whispered. "You finally fucking done did it."
I couldn't believe my eyes. Empty? There was still nothing in the car. Louis just stood there. Emotionally, I was a wreck. I had felt every emotion this evening. Seen every color and smelled every scent. I was done. My body was ready. No longer needed. My mission was complete.
"But why did you do this?" I asked Louis, laughing.
He scratched his chin. It felt like the end of a bad movie.
"I sold our Playstation. Wanted to tell you only after I had sorted everything out again. I terminated my lease. Had some debts, and I also wanted to have some money for once. Once not empty-handed in the club. Once not dependent on my best friends. This is not who I am... I know how much that Playstation meant to you. It was ours together. I should have just told you."
"… and how does Gurb actually make his money?"

Maybe this is a treatment that lasts long, which is required to be done 3 times a year. No Medications, no hard diet, but it's (in the blood). I need a knowledgeable person to advise me. Attention: I'm not responsible if you try it (I wish it works for everyone who will) , but I just want to let everybody know what worked for me.
I will try to explain and go through details and dates, so we can connect the dots to see if it was a coincidence or not.
In 2018 got plaque Psoriasis for the fist time. First thing is, I have never used or taken any Meds or ointments except I started applying coconut oil to moisturize my skin since Mar of 2024. I smoke a lot since 2005 and I eat healthy food since 2015 and I started vaping in 2018. I'd gone through lots of troubles which led to depression in 2018 . Since that time red patches have appeared on my legs only.
In 2019 my blood pressure was 190H/120L and my blood was thick ( blood viscosity) a Doctor told me, you have to do Hijama or blood draw right now. I did Hijama on the same day. My attention was about getting rid of blood viscosity and I never cared or thought about Ps and I still can't remember after how long it cleared (maybe 6 or 5 weeks or less) Note: The blood draw is not a donation, it is just taken blood that will be disposed. Hijama is wet cupping or blood Hijama not a dry one.
August of 2020 I got the vaccine and boooom psoriasis spread and covered all my body even my nose that was just after two weeks of taking the Vac. Went to a doc and told me you have to take Chemicals; if that does not work, we will try Biologics and lots of other things but I took nothing and said F*** it, it will be gone by itself like the first time.
Oct or Nov-2020 two months later or so after the Vac I did Hijama for the same reason of blood viscosity. Smoked Cig and vape a lot during Corona. After 6 months April 2021 did Hijama for the same reason.
The thing is, I was not monitoring my Ps when it was clearing and didn't know how. By the end of May 2021 I was preparing to travel and I noticed there was not a single spot of Ps on my body. My brother asked me how that happened. I said I don't know. Since that time I decided to stop vaping because I don't want my blood to be thick and get a headache every 4 or 5 months.
Jan-2023 was the last time I did Hijama which means year and a half no Hijama so far, because I stopped vaping and I'm no longer having high blood viscosity.
2024 two months ago once again it spread and covered my body and this time it's itchy as F*** creepy dark red and I don't know what to do nor do I accept to take Meds. Kept reading here the conclusion was healthy food improves it after 3 weeks up to 2 or 3 months and most Meds are a temporary solution for some but worked for others. 3 months ago it was the first time in 9 years I introduced every single type of food that exists on our planet into my body and that was the reason, so, I have to accept it. I started fasting and reducing carbs but my Ps this time was so aggressive.
Traveled for business, during a meeting it was itching so hard and I was scratching, a friend told me today I will take you to a doctor where people visit him from many different places around the world I laughed and he replied to me you will see how good he is. I rejected the idea then I said to myself just go and see if no Meds that's ok.
Apparently, The Doctor turned out to be a traditional Doctor in a rural area. First thing he asked me, did you take Bio or Chemicals or any types of pills I said no, then he said ( it's in your blood) I will take blood from your legs and hands (I thought for test purposes) and this is gonna be the first session, and it could go up to 3 or 4 times or even more, do you agree ? I said ok. An old man next to me who showed me his picture of how terrible he was and now he is almost clear taking his last session.
He took blood out of both my hands and legs (from the vein near MTP joint) he wrapped a strap just above my elbow then he put my hands down in a plastic bowl, then the needle was inserted without a syringe, blood started dripping for two mins or so then done.
Less than 24 hours flares and redness decreased and changed from red to pink. No itching then I started remembering Hijama and wondered if Hijama was the reason for my unknown recovery after the vaccine? Both share the same thing, blood taken out!!, but the only difference is blood taken out from the skin and the other one from vein!! people improved after taking a strict diet for two months!!! Is it not the blood responsible for taking the nutrients to the body parts and skin? What happens after two months of clean eating to the Blood? I think it kind of renews or expels the bad things out of the body so that's why people see results. I think diet is safer, harder and takes time, but blood draw is faster and critical if was done in wrong place.
Conclusion: I eat healthy since 2015 but got it in 2018 from stress, and got it 2020 from the Vaccine, but the last time 2024 from junk, processed and sugar.
Could blood draw from Hijama or Vein be the reason of my recovery the last two times? And I'm not sure which one has better results I mean from the skin or the vein.
I will update on the 10th of June.

I (F, 50kg) have been on Accutane twice (20mg last year, 10mg this year) and had to quit early both times. Around a cumulative dose of 400mg (barely 1-2 months in), I get painful crusting blisters on my lips (pics on my page). I couldn't get a swab but my doc diagnosed it online as impetigo. I used Mupirocin, stopped taking the pills, and my lips healed over 1-2 weeks, but since it's a reoccurring infection, I cannot be using antibiotics for the entirety of my course. These lip infections also prevent me from leaving the house 1-2 weeks at a time.
I am wondering if anyone else who cannot go on Accutane due to the side effects or has relapsed after Accutane has any solutions that permanently cleared their acne. I have pretty cystic severe acne, I can't tell if it's hormonal since it's all over my face (not just jaw/chin area). I'm thinking the next steps would be to ask for a hormone test or allergen test.
I don't think I'm well suited for topical treatments bc I got allergic contact dermatitis from benzoyl peroxide. I naturally have very sensitive skin so I'm afraid topicals would completely destroy it. Also, ppl with acne like mine typically need more than just a topical treatment. I've tried many OTC treatments with no results. I also don't think oral antibiotics would be a good fix since it's only temporary, damages the gut, and the possibility of resistance. I'm thinking of trying birth control or spironolactone if my acne is hormonal, the only issue being the treatments only work while you're on the drug. I know my acne is caused by a deeper root issue since my lifestyle habits are already decent (healthy diet, exercise, sleep, water, good hygiene, simple skincare). My scars keep building up since I constantly have new active breakouts. I don't think I'd ever try laser or chemical treatments bc of my sensitive skin.
It's very difficult to bring my concerns to a doctor since they just prescribe some crazy strong topical bandaid solution and call it a day. Mentally, I feel the worst I've ever been bc even the last resort did not work for me. I hear so many success stories and I'm so jealous people were able to achieve clear skin with such minimal side effects. This post is not to scare anyone from going on Accutane, I recognize it works great for others, just not for me. I'm very tired and hesitant of trying new treatments and putting my body through all of this. I appreciate any thoughts/suggestions and would love to hear if anyone has gone through something similar.
TLDR: My body cannot tolerate Accutane even at the lowest dose (I get reoccurring infections on my lips). What are some alternatives that might work permanently for severe cystic acne?

Me and my girlfriend have been together for a good while now, too early to propose but at a point where we know it’s a pretty secure relationship, however over the course of our relationship, there has been a few things I’ve needed to look past, her smoking and drug usage are what bothers me the most.
It’s nothing too major, however she is relatively close with her plug, and goes to parties and such with them quite often, this isn’t an issue for me, as I like seeing her having fun and I trust her plenty when it comes to loyalty, however, I am just worried her marijuana usage will develop into something worse, like cocaine, or pills.
I know it’s a pretty big jump, however it’s just the type of person her plug is, and I genuinely don’t think that she has the self control needed to turn it down if she is offered stuff like this.
We live in a rough area, and her plug is quite possibly one of my least favourite people, and I genuinely don’t doubt the fact that whatever she gets her hands on is laced, and I just really don’t want her to kinda cross the point of no return when it comes to addiction, I can’t speak to her about it as she’s know her plug for far longer than she’s known me, and she trusts her a lot, but there has been many situations in which I have genuinely be concerned for my girlfriends safety.
If anyone has been in a situation like this, and won’t give advice like “she’s her own person, let fate take its course” please reply with your advice.

Hello everyone, I want to share my experience with De Quervain's Syndrome and how I healed naturally without surgery or injections.
It all started one day after doing dips at the gym. I began to feel a slight discomfort at the base of my thumb, near the wrist. I didn’t pay much attention to it, assuming it was due to the effort I put in that day at the gym, and thought I would feel better in a few hours or days.
The discomfort worsened over time. When doing bench presses, the pain was horrible, to the point where I decided to stop doing bench presses because of the pain it caused. Then, someone recommended that I see an orthopedic specialist to find out what was wrong.
The orthopedic specialist performed the "Finkelstein Test" and diagnosed me with De Quervain's tenosynovitis. He prescribed some anti-inflammatory pills, which did nothing for me, and recommended cold and heat therapy. None of this helped, and the cold and heat therapy only provided temporary relief. He also suggested that I see a physical therapist for 15 sessions, and if that didn’t work, I would need surgery. I was surprised because I didn’t think it was serious enough to require surgery, but the pain was so terrible that I didn’t care about the treatment—I just wanted my hand to be back to normal so I could continue going to the gym, which I had to stop for 2 weeks on the orthopedic specialist's recommendation.
The next day, I went to a physical therapist and paid for the 15 sessions recommended by the orthopedic specialist. In the sessions, they applied electrical therapy, massages, and had me do tendon strengthening exercises. Frankly, I think the electrical therapy and massages didn’t help at all; the only thing that gave me temporary relief were the tendon strengthening exercises. I also did these exercises at night before bed, along with cryotherapy, as recommended by the physical therapist.
After a few days, I noticed that my thumb would sometimes trigger, meaning if I moved it, it would snap to another position and it was a bit painful when that happened. In the mornings it was terrible because I would always wake up with my finger triggering and it was very painful, as the pain would last at least 5 minutes after moving my finger.
A month had passed since I saw the orthopedic specialist, and I still hadn’t improved enough to lift weights again. The pain was still intense. The physical therapist recommended that if I wanted to go to the gym, I should avoid exercises that involved wrist strength, so I only did leg exercises. When I had completed 12 sessions, she told me to start doing upper body exercises, but with light weights so as not to worsen the tendon.
I finished my 15 physical therapy sessions and didn’t notice a significant improvement. I felt that the constant pain had improved somewhat, but not much, as I used to wake up at night with severe pain in that area. The physical therapist recommended that I continue doing tendon strengthening exercises and that I would improve soon.
I was consistent and every night without fail, I did the exercises recommended by the physical therapist. These exercises consisted of using an elastic band to open my hand with resistance. I also helped with my other hand, opening the affected thumb with force and using my other hand for resistance. I did this about 10 times, and each time I did these exercises, the pain was relieved.
The most painful exercise was one similar to the "Finkelstein Test," but with resistance from my other hand and lowering it as far as I could without too much pain. At first, I could barely lower it because the pain was unbearable when doing that movement, but over time I gained more range of motion and the relief was greater. Another similar exercise was raising my wrist instead of lowering it, although this didn’t seem to have any effect, but for some reason, it also made me feel more relieved.
Another exercise involved squeezing a rubber ball with force, doing about 10 repetitions, and this helped alleviate the pain significantly.
The last exercises I did involved holding something not too heavy (at most 5 lbs) with my palm facing up, lowering and raising my hand while supporting my arm on a flat surface.
All these exercises were part of my routine before going to bed. Eventually, I got used to it, and the pain was not as bad. The only annoying thing was that my finger would trigger more often, which became increasingly bothersome. However, I kept doing my exercises and continued going to the gym (not with the weights I used to lift), but gradually increasing the loads if the thumb tendon didn’t bother me too much.
Then one day, I woke up without feeling any discomfort and, without realizing it, I was cured of the syndrome. I had no triggering or pain in the area. I should note that this was a gradual process, not from one day to the next, so I can’t say exactly when I was cured. Eventually, I stopped doing the exercises because I no longer felt pain, but undoubtedly those strengthening exercises were responsible for my recovery. Today, my hand is normal, as if I had never suffered from the syndrome, and without any pain. The approximate time I had the syndrome was 8-9 months.
This was my entire journey to recovery from the syndrome. I hope it helps you in some way and that you do your exercises without fail, because even though it may seem like they aren’t helping and you aren’t improving from one day to the next, know that it is a constant and gradual process. Eventually, it will get better. My best wishes to everyone suffering from this syndrome, as I know how terrible it is, and I wish you a speedy recovery.

I've been in a new relationship for a few months and we both went through check ups before we started doing it without condoms. We did it only once. (She takes the pill)
One day I was concerned about what I always thought were skin tags. They protrude from the skin like skin tags and did not spread visibly for several years. An acetowhite test at home did not turn them white after 5 minutes, but they seemed a little lighter the following days after. I had a lot of visits to different urologists in the past because of other problems (burning sensation in the urethra, 7 examinations, multiple urine and sperm samples, cystoscopy, prostate examination, all without findings). They also told me that everything looked normal down there.
However, an online dermatologist had a different opinion: It might be genital warts. I asked my regular dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis. His answer: He couldn't rule it out. I should apply Condylox for 5-6 weeks and see what happens. Follow-up appointment after 8 weeks.
I have now completed the first treatment (Day 6). The suspicious areas have turned white.

• Would skin tags also turn white as an inflammatory reaction of the skin, or does it mean that they are definitely GW’s?
• During the treatment my burning sensation (urethra) was worse. Can this be associated with HPV?
• My GF also had her cancer screening last week. Are HPV 6 and 11 also tested on those screenings?
• Can you test for antibodies for those HPV Types?
• If she were immune to HPV 6 and 11, we would not have to abstain from sex, right?
• She was vaccinated with Cervavix (HPV 16,18) Has anyone experience with also getting Gardasil 4/9 after already getting Cervavix?

I’m having another appointment with my dermatologist on Tuesday, and my GF an appointment with her Gynaecologist the day after.
But maybe someone on here has had some experience and can tell me more…

I ovulated this month and today I m at 8 DPO and I couldnt weight and did an HCG test and If you look close it s a pinkish color in the whole area where the second line is supposed to be. What do you think girls ?

32 y.o male On 3/15 I had a ultrasound on my testicles because I also had a history of vericoceles which were corrected in 2018 and at the time because it was affecting my fertility , my ultrasound was clear on both testicles. Fast forward to 3/15 they grew in size since then , but also there was a 3mm hypoechoic focus found on the ultrasound. The radiologist said neoplasia must be considered. The urologist had me do Lactate Dehydrogenase , AFP, and HCG tumor markers. They all came back clear The urologist says likely a harmless cyst and check again in a month, so on April 8th I got another ultrasound done which showed now change and on the report It said 2mm. The radiologist said neoplasm , but the urologist said again cyst/ lesion with no vascularity , it’s hypoechoic and looks like it had fluid in the center of it , and it has remained unchanged . Within that time I also developed a nervous / anxiety attack which led me to do more follow ups with the urologist leading to a CT Scan with and without Contrast of my pelvic area and abdomen, which all was clear as well. Also in January for chest pain I had an xray of my lungs and heart which was clear too. Lastly , the urologist wants me to check again in August , 3 months from now. How do I trust what they say is true , they said it’s perfectly safe to wait 6 months for another ultrasound. But with my extreme anxiety They stitched to 3 months on August…And they do not seem concerned , they recommend that I go into therapy which I had started. But I keep reading stories on here and that oh I had negative markers too but it grew or they taken it out.
My question is , should I trust my doctors. Idk how long it had been there but I know I did not have anything in 2018. If it was cancer is a month long enough to see a change ? I read articles or research about hypoechoic and on here meaning if it’s hypoechoic it’s cancer if it’s not cancer it’s andchoic but my doctor says that doesn’t matter it just means there a lot of echos idk… the thing that is scaring me is Leydig Cell Tumors and that 2% can be malignant and if so they have poor prognosis like 2 years max My doctors they keep saying it looks like a cyst .. It’s possible that it’s new but also possible I’ve had it for a while now. Would they have taken it out by now if it was cancer. I read articles / research that 80% of legions / cysts less than 1cm or whatever were benign with negative tumor markers and appearance/ no vascularity etc make it even more likely. I also had varicoceles so I wonder could that have contributed to the change? Also the fact that my CT scan was clear is that another positive sign? I don’t have any genetic issues so I’m not at higher risk.
This is different for me I am in limbo I don’t know if it will turn into anything or not if it were within a month between the two ultrasounds I’m sure it would have changed if it were anything ??? , I don’t even know how long I’ve had it within the 6 years between ultrasounds, I guess cysts can pop up at anytime .. but they still want to keep an eye on it they all say oh it’s so small ..
Like idk what to do… do i seek a second opinion,., do I ask for an MRI to tell better if there is internal vascularity? The ultrasound didn’t mention and my doctor also said there is blood flow in my testicle but not coming inside of it. Again this is not causing my testosterone issue for me as I had that back in 2018..
I’m freaking out that I have the malignant version of Leydig Cell Tumors which has a poor prognosis.. I had a clear Cat Scan in April as well.. idk what to do and I’m freaking out

BerbaPrime Berberine offers notable benefits in blood sugar regulation and metabolic enhancement, making it a viable option for those looking to manage diabetes-related symptoms or improve their metabolic health.
However, its effects on weight loss and appetite control are somewhat moderate, and it may not live up to the expectations set by its strong marketing claims, which can feel a bit hyped up.
For weight management & appetite suppression, I would rate it at 3/5.
For those specifically seeking more effective appetite suppression and weight loss, alternatives like PhenQ or Instant Knockout, which contain glucomannan—a soluble fiber that promotes a feeling of fullness—might provide more direct and noticeable results in these areas.
In my opinion, these alternatives are better designed to tackle weight management more robustly by directly suppressing appetite and enhancing metabolic rates than Berbaprime alone.
If you're exploring Berberine as a supplement to manage your blood sugar and potentially cut down on your appetite, here's my honest scoop from firsthand use. It works along similar lines as Metformin by affecting the same metabolic pathway, which is a big plus if you're familiar with diabetes treatments.
However, it's gentler on the stomach compared to Metformin. But keep in mind, if you're already on Metformin, adding Berberine could be overkill, so it's crucial to consult your doctor first.
Also recommend this article on Medium on recommended berberine supplements.
I've noticed some immediate effects, like a bit of a loose stool at first, but this side effect tapered off pretty quickly. More importantly, it significantly cuts down my appetite, although NOT as strongly as other potent appetite suppressants.
This was a real game-changer for me, especially during mid-day cravings that used to be my downfall. If you're on a specific diet like keto, it might be a boon for managing those pesky carb cravings, making it easier to stay on track with your dietary goals.
Lastly, not all Berberine supplements are created equal. I switched to a dihydroberberine form from a slow-release tablet, which was more effective and way easier on my gut compared to the standard Berberine HCL capsules that gave me a hard time with stomach pain.
This type of Berberine is more bioavailable, meaning you get more bang for your buck at lower doses.
If you're juggling other medications, especially statins or thyroid meds, heads up—Berberine could mess with their effectiveness. Always discuss with your healthcare provider before starting it, treat it like any other serious medication, because it really can impact your health regimen significantly.
Nopal cactus or Glucomannan based weight loss pills seem to have much better safety profile, so if you’re looking for better & safer solutions, stick to those.

Introduction
If you are on the lookout for a natural way to suppress your appetite and aid your weight loss efforts, you might have come across BerbaPrime Berberine. This supplement boasts a high-strength Berberine HCL at 97% concentration, each dose delivering a hefty 1500mg.
What sets it apart from other berberine brands is not just its strength, but also its claims of supporting a healthy metabolism, managing cholesterol levels, and keeping blood sugar in check.
All these features sound great, especially if you are trying to manage or prevent issues linked to metabolic health. But let's take a look into what it's like using BerbaPrime daily, from a real user's perspective.

Pros & Cons of BerbaPrime Berberine as a Natural Ozempic Alternative

Pros:

• Blood Sugar Control: Highly effective in regulating blood sugar levels, mimicking some of the glucose-management effects of Ozempic.
• Metabolic Health: Activates AMPK, supporting improved metabolic processes and potentially aiding in weight management.
• Inflammatory Response Reduction: Offers anti-inflammatory benefits that can enhance insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health.
• Gut Health Support: Positively impacts the gut microbiome, promoting a healthier digestive system which is essential for overall metabolic health.
• Safety Profile: Generally well-tolerated with a good safety profile, manufactured in facilities that follow high-quality standards.

Cons:

• Limited Energy Boosting: Does not significantly enhance energy levels, which may affect motivation for increased physical activity.
• Moderate Appetite Suppression: Less effective at directly suppressing appetite compared to Ozempic, impacting its efficacy in weight management.
• Variable Weight Loss Results: May not directly lead to significant weight loss, with effects on weight being less consistent and less pronounced.
• Initial Digestive Discomfort: Some users may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as stomach upset, especially when beginning the supplement.

Evaluation of BerbaPrime Berberine as a Natural Ozempic Alternative
1. Blood Sugar Regulation: 4/5 BerbaPrime Berberine effectively aids in stabilizing blood sugar levels, mimicking some of Ozempic's effects, due to its potent berberine content which activates AMPK, an enzyme crucial for glucose metabolism. Alternative: Cinnamon supplements are another natural option, known for helping to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
2. Appetite Modulation: 3/5 While BerbaPrime Berberine can help stabilize blood sugar, which indirectly aids in controlling appetite, it is less effective at directly suppressing hunger compared to Ozempic. Alternative: Glucomannan, and Nopal cactus are dietary fibes, that might be more effective in creating a feeling of fullness, helping to reduce overall calorie intake.
3. Metabolic Enhancement: 3/5 BerbaPrime Berberine activates AMPK, which can enhance metabolic health by improving how the body uses energy, though its impact may not be as substantial or immediate in terms of boosting calorie and fat burn as Ozempic. Alternative: Green tea extract, which contains catechins and caffeine, has been shown to increase metabolic rate and fat oxidation.
4. Energy Optimization: 2/5 BerbaPrime Berberine may support better glucose utilization, which can indirectly contribute to increased energy levels; however, it does not directly enhance energy in a noticeable way that supports increased physical activity like Ozempic might. Alternative: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplements can boost energy by enhancing cellular energy production, particularly beneficial for increasing vitality and endurance.
5. Weight Management Support: 3/5 BerbaPrime Berberine can aid in weight management by improving metabolic health and reducing insulin resistance, which helps in the fat reduction process, but it may not directly cause significant weight loss. Alternative: Nopal cactus, Glucomannan, Garcinia Cambogia. Garcinia has been popular for its hydroxycitric acid content, which can reduce appetite and inhibit the production of new fats, offering more direct support for weight loss.
6. Safety and Tolerability Profile: 4/5 BerbaPrime Berberine is generally safe for most individuals when used as recommended, with its high-quality manufacturing practices ensuring product purity and safety. Some users may experience gastrointestinal discomfort initially, but it is typically well-tolerated. Alternative: Magnesium supplements are well-tolerated and offer numerous health benefits, including better blood sugar control and reduced insulin resistance, with minimal side effects.
7. Inflammatory Response Reduction: 3/5 BerbaPrime Berberine has anti-inflammatory properties that can contribute to reduced systemic inflammation, potentially improving insulin sensitivity and metabolic health. However, its effectiveness in significantly lowering inflammation compared to direct anti-inflammatory supplements is moderate. Alternative: Turmeric, especially when combined with black pepper (which enhances absorption), is highly effective at reducing inflammation due to its active compound curcumin, and it supports overall metabolic health.
8. Gut Health Improvement: 3/5 BerbaPrime Berberine can support gut health by modulating the gut microbiota, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, and reducing the population of harmful ones. While it offers some benefits, it may not be as potent or direct in improving overall digestive health as other specialized gut health supplements. Alternative: Probiotics are a direct and effective choice for enhancing gut health, improving digestion, nutrient absorption, and can also positively impact weight management and metabolic health.

Quick Summary

Luma Nutrition Berberine offers a high dosage of berberine hydrochloride aimed at supporting weight loss, appetite control, and blood sugar regulation. However, user feedback reveals mixed results, with some experiencing significant benefits while others report no effect or adverse side effects such as gastrointestinal distress and dizziness.
I think overall, it's a decent berberine supplement for various berberine related health effects.
But given the variability in effectiveness and the potential for severe side effects, it appears that Luma Nutrition Berberine may be overly hyped, especially for those looking for consistent and safe results in weight management and metabolic health.
For appetite suppression & weight loss, I'd rate it at 3, I'd rather recommend something like PhenQ and Instant Knockout for appetite management & weight loss (both are better appetite suppressants than Luma), while Blood Sugar Optimizer does a better job in blood sugar management , being my top pick as (Berberine + Ceylon cinnamon supplement).
Introduction
If you've stumbled upon Berberine while searching for natural supplements to aid weight loss or control appetite, you might be curious about what it actually does.
Berberine is a compound found in several plants that is often used in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s known for its potential to impact blood sugar levels and improve metabolic health. Recently, it's also been gaining attention as a weight loss and appetite control aid and as a natural supplement that cna have some ozempic like effects..
Luma Nutrition is just one of many brands offering Berberine, but they promote their product with some pretty appealing features like being all-natural and vegan-friendly.
If you're curious about trying Luma Berberine, especially for controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, it might do some good.
Now different people have different kinds of expereinces with Berberine.

From my own year-long experience with berberine, not Luma specifically but a similar product, I found that it really helped with things I wasn't even targeting initially—like my chronic migraines pretty much vanished, and to my surprise, my thinning hair got thicker. It also worked wonders for my sleep; I can pretty much clock out the minute I hit the pillow and get a solid 7.5 hours without a hitch. But don't expect miracles in weight loss—I didn't shed pounds, and frankly, it didn't make a dent in my appetite at all.

Now, it's important to talk about how you might feel when starting out and as you continue.
Early days, you might notice some mild stomach issues like gas because your body's getting used to it.
Berberine is tough to absorb, so take it on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before you eat, to get the most out of it. Luma is no exception!
As time goes on, if you don't give yourself breaks from it, you might see some downsides.
For some people , taking it continuously may lead to some sexual dysfunction and mess with gut health, so I switched to a schedule—500 mg once daily for five days a week and then a break every few weeks.
This routine keeps the side effects in check and helps maintain the benefits without overwhelming my system. So, if you're planning to try it, consider a similar approach to manage any potential issues effectively.

Pros & Cons of Luma Nutrition Berberine

Pros:

• High Dosage: Each dose contains 1200mg of pure berberine hydrochloride, which is higher than many other berberine supplements on the market.
• Sugar-Free and Diet-Friendly: Suitable for individuals on vegan or gluten-free diets, and the capsules do not contain sugar, unlike gummy alternatives.
• Quality Assurance: The product is 3rd party tested for purity and quality, ensuring that what you consume is safe and effective.
• Made in the USA: Manufactured in GMP certified facilities, which guarantees a high standard of production and product safety.
• Veteran-Owned Business: Supports a veteran-owned business that is committed to providing customer support and addressing any product-related inquiries.
• Convenient Supply: Each bottle provides a 30-day supply, ideal for monthly subscriptions to maintain a regular intake without running out.

Cons:

• Potential Side Effects: Some users report side effects such as dizziness, intestinal distress, and heart palpitations.
• Inconsistent Effects on Appetite and Weight Loss: While some users experience benefits in terms of appetite suppression and weight loss, others see no effect, indicating variability in individual responses.
• No Return Policy on Amazon: The product cannot be returned if purchased through Amazon, even if unopened, which might discourage first-time buyers.
• Subscription Issues: There are reports of subscription delivery problems, including delays and receiving fewer capsules than promised.
• Does Not Suit Everyone: Not all users can tolerate the product; some report severe adverse reactions necessitating medical consultation.

Overview of Luma Nutrition Berberine
Luma Nutrition's Berberine comes in capsule form, which I found pretty standard for most dietary supplements. Each bottle contains 60 capsules, with a recommended dosage of two capsules per day.
This means each bottle is essentially a one-month supply if you follow the recommended dosage. The capsules themselves are a bit on the larger side, which might be a concern if you have trouble swallowing pills, but I managed fine.
One of the big selling points Luma Nutrition pushes is that their Berberine is made from all-natural ingredients, is vegan-friendly, and manufactured right here in the USA.
These are nice boxes to check off for anyone who's mindful about the ethical aspects of their supplements. They also claim that their product contains no GMOs, and is free from artificial fillers or dyes—something I appreciate since I try to keep my consumption of unnecessary additives to a minimum.
An independent company has verified the contents and safety of the product, which helps in building trust, especially if you're cautious about the purity of supplements. I found these details important not just for peace of mind but also because when it comes to supplements, you really want to make sure you're ingesting something safe and as advertised.

My Ratings Evaluation of Luma Nutrition Berberine as a Natural Ozempic Alternative

Blood Sugar Regulation

Rating: 4/5
Luma Nutrition Berberine contains 1200mg of Berberine HCI derived from Berberis aristata per serving, which is known for its potent effects on lowering blood sugar levels. Clinical studies have shown that Berberine can be effective in managing blood sugar, making it a strong natural alternative for mimicking some of the glucose-regulating effects of Ozempic. However, it might not be as consistently powerful as Ozempic, hence the deduction of one point.

Appetite Modulation

Rating: 3/5
While Berberine is primarily known for its impact on blood sugar and cholesterol, its effects on appetite are less direct. Some users report reduced appetite possibly due to better blood sugar control, which can decrease cravings and help with weight management. However, it's not specifically an appetite suppressant like Ozempic, so it scores a middle range for this category.

Metabolic Enhancement

Rating: 3/5
Berberine is reputed to have positive effects on metabolic health, primarily through the enhancement of glycolysis, which helps the body break down sugars more efficiently, and by improving insulin sensitivity. These actions can contribute to a higher metabolic rate indirectly. However, compared to Ozempic, which has a more direct role in enhancing metabolic outcomes, Berberine's effects are more moderate.

Energy Optimization

Rating: 2/5
While Berberine has been noted for its metabolic benefits, it is not primarily known for directly boosting energy levels. Users may experience increased energy indirectly through improved metabolic health and better blood sugar control, but it does not inherently contain energy-boosting properties like caffeine or other stimulants. Therefore, its capacity to support increased physical activity and vitality is limited and not as pronounced as the effects you might see with Ozempic.

Weight Management Support

Rating: 4/5
Berberine has shown promising results in supporting weight management through its ability to improve insulin sensitivity and enhance the breakdown of fats and sugars in the body. This can lead to reduced fat accumulation and support gradual weight loss, which aligns well with some of the weight loss mechanisms seen with Ozempic. While not as directly impactful as Ozempic, which is specifically designed for weight management in diabetic patients, Berberine holds its ground as a supportive supplement for natural weight management.

Safety and Tolerability Profile

Rating: 4/5
Berberine is generally considered safe when used appropriately, with common side effects being gastrointestinal discomfort such as cramps, diarrhea, or constipation. These side effects are typically mild and can often be managed with dosage adjustments. It is well-tolerated by most individuals, making it a viable alternative for those looking for natural supplements with minimal adverse effects. However, like any active compound, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider, especially for those with existing health conditions or those taking other medication.

Inflammatory Response Reduction

Rating: 3/5
Berberine has demonstrated some anti-inflammatory properties, which can contribute to overall health improvements, including enhancing insulin sensitivity and metabolic function. These benefits are crucial for managing conditions like diabetes and obesity, which are often accompanied by chronic inflammation. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of Berberine are not as extensively documented or as potent as those of some pharmacological treatments like Ozempic, which have broader systemic impacts. Therefore, while Berberine supports inflammation reduction, its effectiveness in this area is moderate compared to more targeted treatments.

Gut Health Improvement

Rating: 2/5
Berberine's impact on gut health is less clear and direct. Some studies suggest that Berberine can alter gut flora, potentially leading to improved gut barrier function and reduced permeability, which can indirectly support nutrient absorption and overall gut health. However, these effects are not as well studied or as pronounced as its effects on blood sugar and metabolism. Therefore, while there may be some potential benefits to gut health, they are not a primary function of Berberine, making it less effective in this category compared to Ozempic, which can have more noticeable effects on metabolic health and weight management through gut-related mechanisms.

On 3/15 I had a ultrasound on my testicles because I also had a history of vericoceles which were corrected in 2018 and at the time because it was affecting my fertility , my ultrasound was clear on both testicles. Fast forward to 3/15 they grew in size since then , but also there was a 3mm hypoechoic focus found on the ultrasound. The urologist had me do Lactate Dehydrogenase , AFP, and HCG tumor markers. They all came back clear The urologist says likely a harmless cyst and check again in a month, so on April 8th I got another ultrasound done which showed now change and on the report It said 2mm. The radiologist said neoplasm , but the urologist said again cyst/ lesion with no vascularity , it’s hypoechoic and looks like it had fluid in the center of it , and it has remained unchanged . Within that time I also developed a nervous / anxiety attack which led me to do more follow ups with the urologist leading to a CT Scan with and without Contrast of my pelvic area and abdomen, which all was clear as well. Also in January for chest pain I had an xray of my lungs and heart which was clear too. Lastly , the urologist wants me to check again in August , 3 months from now. How do I trust what they say is true , they said it’s perfectly safe to wait 6 months for another ultrasound. But with my extreme anxiety They stitched to 3 months on August…And they do not seem concerned , they recommend that I go into therapy which I had started. But I keep reading stories on here and that oh I had negative markers too but it grew or they taken it out.
My question is , should I trust my doctors. Idk how long it had been there but I know I did not have anything in 2018. If it was cancer is a month long enough to see a change ? I read articles or research about hypoechoic and on here meaning if it’s hypoechoic it’s cancer if it’s not cancer it’s andchoic but my doctor says that doesn’t matter it just means there a lot of echos idk… the thing that is scaring me is Leydig Cell Tumors and that 2% can be malignant and if so they have poor prognosis like 2 years max zz they keep saying it looks like a cyst .. It’s possible that it’s new but also possible I’ve had it for a while now. Would they have taken it out by now if it was cancer. I read articles / research that 80% of legions / cysts less than 1cm or whatever were benign with negative tumor markers and appearance/ no vascularity etc make it even more likely. I also had varicoceles so I wonder could that have contributed to the change? Also the fact that my CT scan was clear is that another positive sign? I don’t have any genetic issues so I’m not at higher risk.
This is different for me I am in limbo I don’t know if it will turn into anything or not if it were within a month between the two ultrasounds I’m sure it would have changed if it were anything ??? , I don’t even know how long I’ve had it within the 6 years between ultrasounds, I guess cysts can pop up at anytime .. but they still want to keep an eye on it they all say oh it’s so small ..
Like idk what to do… do i seek a second opinion,., do I ask for an MRI to tell better if there is internal vascularity? The ultrasound didn’t mention and my doctor also said there is blood flow in my testicle but not coming inside of it. Again this is not causing my testosterone issue for me as I had that back in 2018..
I’m freaking out that I have the malignant version of Leydig Cell Tumors which has a poor prognosis.. I had a clear Cat Scan in April as well.. idk what to do and I’m freaking out

Use it for a bit and lost more than two stones, got off it due to a combination of availably, insurance, and depression and gained it back. Hoping to get on it and use it long term, even if it means I pay out of pocket. I'm hoping prices drop to $100/mo and maybe they perfect the daily pill form and stagger the doses. It costs less than $5 to make so there's still a large profit margin.
Pharmacies have availability in the area and I know enough about prior auths to successfully pursue it. Anyone have insight to future trends?

I first went no contact with my entire family at the age of 15. I moved out and dealt with homelessness before I found an apartment. Lived in a high crime area and worked long hours to keep afloat. It was not easy but I never regretted it. I changed my number and got on with it. I have had a tumultuous relationship with my parents due to conflicting beliefs, their own mental health issues and what I consider to be emotional immaturity. Abuse and police intervention regularly and social workers ahoy in our lives. I don't like how they treated me and I knew that it wasn't good for anyone for myself to stay in the picture. It didn't stop my mother from stalking me, following me around in her car, having people she knew take pictures of me in public, going to places I worked at and waiting to spot me and making fake numbers to reach out. I don't really blame her as I was really young to be on my own, but she didn't care about my safety or how I was doing, she only cared about being "in the know" and her reputation. She frequently tried to get others to reach out to me so they could report back to her.
I reconnected with my parents after 5 years and I am on year 3 of having a civil, distant but polite relationship with them. They understood I meant business and that I held no qualms in walking away now that I was entirely independant. I've worked extremely hard to keep boundaries in place and keep a bit of discomfort in order to keep things from spiralling out of control. My one important reason for doing so is because two of my siblings are under the age of 18 and I love them tremendously. I've started to have my siblings come and visit over a weekend to catch a break from their home life which I thought was great because I could enjoy being around my siblings without the agony of being around my parents and trying to do everything perfectly. My sister came over recently and told me that my mom asked her to report how long I sleep, when I sleep, if I am taking my vitamins. My mother's reason for this is because she told my sister I didn't bring my vitamins with me for an overnight stay at her house. My mother is a conspiracy, health nut, religious psychosis type person. She believes the COVID vaccine made me sick, but I've always had the illness I have now, she just never brought me to the doctors because she didn't believe in them. I didn't bring my vitamins because it was less than a 24 hour stay and if I did bring them I'd keep them in a pill box. It leads me to believe she went through my belongings. The worst bit of this is her courage to go directly past me and not ask me directly. Which implies my mother thinks I am not being truthful about very mundane things or perhaps a small part of her knows it's not a question that'd resonate well with me. Or to ask my little sister to do her dirty work. My sister reassured me she isn't going to report back to her and she wanted to let me know so that I knew what she was up to.
This isn't the only thing that's ticked me off recently. They've started to regress and get too comfortable with me. This was the final straw for me, but a few notable other things said behind my back or to my face have set me off. My mother told my sister the reason why I'm sick is because I fill my body with toxic garbage (birth control, diet coke... and medication lol), told me if I ever got pregnant to give her the baby to raise as her own instead of an abortion (she said this infront of my longterm partner and he looked horrified, I never said I'd get an abortion but I guess she just assumes I would because of my beliefs), told me my partner and I were just simply "playing house" and that my partner needs to grow up (because he doesn't have a government job and works as a barista. We own a home together and have for years, and are financially stable with spoiled pets so idk lol) and arguing with my partner during Christmas about "indoctrination of kids" and that the government is putting chemicals in the food to make kids LGBTQ. These are a few examples.
I am considering going no contact again because while I am not bothered by what they say anymore; mostly because I've been through so much that it doesn't get to me and my parents are predictable. It's a step too far to make my siblings detectives and to go through my personal items. That is not the type of relationship I want to have with my siblings. I am their much older sister, with a cool home, cool snacks, cute cats and it's a place for them to come and relax. My other brother closer in age is entirely no contact with them, and in turn has been iced out of having a relationship with our other younger siblings. So I know how it'll go. I don't confront my parents anymore because it'll spiral into an argument or they'll dig their heels in. It's not worth it and for the most part I'm not as stupid as they may think. They don't have to say much for me to figure out what they are up to.
I guess the advice needed is how to go about this issue constructively. While I don't hold much value to my parental relationship and wouldn't really care if I never spoke to them again, my relationship with my younger siblings are important. They are homeschooled by my mother, live in the middle of nowhere and have no outside contact with kids their age and often come over to do stuff and see their friends in the city. I don't want to put my foot down and damage that avenue of connection with my siblings. I also don't really care to argue or defend myself to my parents, and I don't feel I have to prove anything to them. But, I am beyond enraged they are using my siblings to get information I'd very easily talk about with them. I don't have secrets. If anyone has been through something similar I'd love to hear your story and how it went. If you were able to find a balance between sibling relationships and distance from parents.

In 2004, I randomly stumbled across an obscure, low budget DVD documentary, on loan from a friend, called The End Of Suburbia. Like most people of the day, I had not given much, if any, thought to civic design, urban renewal, zoning issues or the nightmare of car-centric, stroad infested, blighted hellscapes of which most of us presently find ourselves ensconced.
It was this documentary that irreversibly changed my life forever. The practical, data-driven, politically agnostic angle this particular film took really got to me. The phrase geology does not care about your personal political beliefs was particularly memorable, even twenty years on.
After watching The End Of Suburbia about seven times, I believed for years that "peak oil" would solve so many problems, perhaps at least partially so. In the wake of a hypothetical ten dollar (or more?) gasoline world, somewhere in the near future, I envisioned that people would on some level unite in a community fashion, to help solve the crippling spectre of resource and energy scarcity. Maybe depression and isolation would soften for millions, the world would scale back down to a more human level. Bicycles and other alternative forms of people-powered and hybridized transportation might emerge victorious, as the seemingly never-ending stream of death machines were removed from roadways and thoroughfares. But most importantly, suburban sprawl would grind to a sudden halt, a dark blessing that arrived just in the nick of time, dodging critical areas of the country from being permanently destroyed, leaving millions of people isolated, lost forever in their car addictions, alone and unloved, disconnected from family, subsisting in sterile houses on saccharine forgettable streets that nobody cares about, the same family members who abandoned them and traded them off for the pursuit of The Suburban Tragic Comedy, pickleball courts and all, with little hope of recovery or spiritual salvage.
Despite the expert calculations and foretelling included within, sadly, peak oil never came about. The main culprit being arguably what some have called unconventional sourcing_reservoir) of crude oil, fracking in particular. As of 2024, there is no end in sight. The present state of the car culture feels palpably black-pilling. And while I am still a faraway fan of James Kunstler (of The World Made By Hand fame,) who was a featured as an op-ed style contributor for End Of Suburbia, any hope for an abrupt one-eighty feels utterly unreachable, at least in my lifetime. The madness will almost certainly march forward, into a future of bleak and very warm oblivion, and it makes me sad.
There is no specific reason for this post, but I guess I just wonder if anyone else remembers this presently dated, long-in-the-tooth but memorable documentary, and if you could push a big red button tomorrow and make gasoline ten dollars a gallon, would you?
tl;dr - Watched The End Of Suburbia in 2004, changed my worldview forever, great documentary that never actually happened. Instead, we chose to sail off the edge of the world, twenty years on.

Hello.
I have been low T for many years now, also on levothyroxine 125mcg due to primary hypothyroidism. My urologist wants to put me on clomid instead of TRT because my T is low but not that low (the typical "it's in the range so no T for you"), I mean, as long as it can help restore my T, I am fine, except clomid is more expensive ($190 with insurance, lmao, and Optum Rex or GoodRX prices aren't that better in my area at least). Thank god I have a decent job. My urologist also told me that my free T, estradiol and luteinizing hormone is right in the middle range (so, no hypogonadism, and surprisingly no super high estradiol due to fat boy aromatisation), while my SHBG is way below the lower spectrum but we can ignore that for now.
I m getting 50mg pill 30 tablet,s and it seems I should take once every two days. What are some cautions to take, and side effects you have noticed in your body?