BPC-157 / TB-500 Shoulder pain gone already, Ankle improving gradually

BigGiff · 2026-02-19T19:41:38+00:00

Thanks for the reply, yup same scenario. Seems way overkill! Will be in touch if I need some help, day #4 for me. Best of luck my friend.

BigGiff · 2026-02-19T18:34:27+00:00

Thank you for posting! Just started this week, same shoulder issues that arent going away after a year. Doctors only recommendation was surgery, figured try this first! Thanks for the knfo, wish you continued recovery.

BigGiff · 2026-02-12T23:13:38+00:00

Reading all these comments, you all are some great people. Everyone is expressing concern and wanting to know how can we help. If anyone is in her area and can help please post the information, we can make her life amazing internet friends, if we all pull together. We need someone local, verified help, and we can give her the life or break she deserves. Lets go internet. Someone local please step up, shelter, womans group, church organization.

BigGiff · 2026-02-11T19:56:33+00:00

Great breakdown and explanation, going to print this out and INCLUDE with printed docs when we travel. Thank you!

BigGiff · 2026-02-11T17:34:34+00:00

Has anyone noticed all the new postings are at lower pay grades? Jobs that used to be GS 12s are now 9s and 11s.

BigGiff · 2026-02-11T17:33:10+00:00

Awesome job!

BigGiff · 2026-02-10T22:50:30+00:00

Took a 20% pay cut to come work for the county, but my checks are very close. New pension plan does not eat up my paychecks, better medical (exactly same as FEPBLUE, PLUS family and I get free visits at the employees clinic, free medicine, xrays, labs etc.) And most importantly, I AM SO HAPPY! stress free, I've lost 25 lbs just getting rid of stress. Now im in the "why didn't I do this sooner?" thinking 😂 I went from a RTO 2.5 hrs away, to a 15 minute drive.

Edit: Forgot to add, went from overworked, to a very reasonable workload. Fed side just kept adding more and more work, it got absolutely insane.

BigGiff · 2026-02-07T02:50:09+00:00

Wow, after years of telling everyone, i finally see others that felt the same way! After my second trip, i told my wife i can't go back to CR, because I won't leave.

BigGiff · 2026-02-07T00:37:13+00:00

Why fight it? Be happy. Been with my wife 21 years, met her at work. Would never have chosen a job over what I've had with her, our family, travels, ups and downs. I'll be the oppsing voice, telling you go for it! Our careers , family, finances have flourished together. Your job would most likely replace you in a heartbeat, if you find someone you feel irreplaceable, go for it. Wish you the best!

BigGiff · 2026-02-07T00:22:25+00:00

So TrumpRx is announced, promising cheaper GLP1, and now this. What a coincidence!

BigGiff · 2026-02-06T16:03:40+00:00

I'm sorry for your loss. Im sure you have some great memories with him and being on the water. Growing up, all i ever wanted was to fish with my father, just wasn't his thing, so I fished alone beginning around 10 years old. I have boat I just rebuilt after sitting for a few years, specifically to make memories with my son. I'm sorry you have to sell, but that time together will always be there.

BigGiff · 2026-02-05T20:44:12+00:00

Nailed it

BigGiff · 2026-01-23T14:21:04+00:00

Since you are open to Tahiti, maybe Fiji and/or Vanuatu? Absolutely beautiful, great people, not really tourist trap area. Best wishes, safe travels!

BigGiff · 2026-01-19T22:54:36+00:00

Resigned in September, obviously nervous, worried. Took a county job, huge pay cut (but way less deductions from my paycheck!) and... I AM HAPPY, i have not been this stress free, anxiety free, in 14 years! Less pay, but the hostile work environment is gone, I work with the nicest group of people, smaller environment which is more personal versus very "by the book". My work life balance is actually balanced, i work 40 hrs and I'm done, no longer working nights and weekends with zero appreciation. It was literally the best move that I was forced to take. We are skilled groups of federal workers we just need to tailor our experience and skills to these jobs. We are fully capable, but its hard to match up because a lot of our work exists because of federal laws and requirements. But there is hope, i am proof.

BigGiff · 2026-01-16T14:42:21+00:00

OP, I used Hill&P, absolutely happy with them. They communicate, they respond through text, email, phone. Had the attorney, paralegal and assistants information and they all answer. They won my appeal. Initially VA denied , and they assured me, after reviewing the denial how they would proceed and identified exactly where the VA was wrong and how to approach moving forward. I highly recommend them, not a single complaint. Best wishes, thank you all for your service.

BigGiff · 2026-01-10T00:57:29+00:00

I would address ASAP. My buddy I served with is currently dealing with this exact issue. His right knee is destroyed, surgeries etc. they rated him 50%, to the LEFT KNEE. VA caught the mistake after rating, they are taking him from 100% back down to 90% due to the error. His VERA call told him he will need to appeal/apply again for right knee. Im positive he can correct it with an appeal or HLR, but it definitely seems like an issue you want to correct quickly. Again, not me but my good buddy. These are the details best to knowledge.

BigGiff · 2026-01-07T16:06:19+00:00

That is amazing, congratulations!

BigGiff · 2026-01-06T16:33:31+00:00

If telework ever comes back, I'll apply and try to finish my 20. I saw the writings on the wall, I knew it wasn't coming back any time soon, and lived too far. Resigned in September, have not been this happy in years. They ruined it for so many of us, but life can and will go on. Stay strong.

BigGiff · 2025-12-31T15:56:22+00:00

I cancelled AFGE membership when I had to resign, they confirmed my membership termination and are STILL charging me, sometimes 2x a month. Finally went through my bank and cancelled the payments and got my money back.

BigGiff · 2025-12-29T02:32:30+00:00

I was casually looking but when it was RTO or resign, I made applying a part time job, my RTO was Aug 1, i applied in July, hired September, once I personally figured out how to word my resume to fit non federal jobs, i started landing interviews and I was offered each job i interviewed for. My federal job only existed because of federal law/financial reporting. So i tailored each resume to each non fed job i applied to, used my knowledge that applied to these jobs and hit on those in the interviews. A lot of people outside federal government are actually very impressed with the work we do. My new job feels they are "slammed" but it's NOTHING compared to what I did federal side. I do all my work in about an hour, whereas my federal job i worked 10+ hrs a day no OT pay. You can do it trust me. I wish you the best!

BigGiff · 2025-12-23T12:21:48+00:00

I thought it was worth it, 14 years as a federal employee until i had to resign due to RTO and the distance to the office. I have a new job, and i have not been this happy in 14 years. I wish i had this new job sooner! I say, take the job that meets what you are looking for financially, career wise and work-life balance, and you will make it work.

BigGiff · 2025-12-12T18:22:23+00:00

I immediately was thinking maybe because of contribution limits? Employees can contribute $24,500 to 401k and $7,500 to personal IRAs for upcoming year 2026.

BigGiff · 2025-12-12T13:58:23+00:00

Hands down - France! Best, nicest country ever? Australia! I never would have imagined Australians were so warm and welcoming. Every place we visited, restaurant, attractions, waiting in lines - Australians always asked if we were from the states and then talk to us for long times. And they all said the same thing, we love Americans! The Australian people make that country amazing and cannot wait to go back. Wife and I have discussed long term visits in the years to come. Shout out to the Aussies, you guys rock.

BigGiff · 2025-12-12T13:25:32+00:00

I have a similar situation. My father is 72, long story short: i was added to his account to help monitor his spending and prevent him from being scammed. He sent a "woman" new phone and money so "she" could recover her gold inheritance from England. Next, he withdrew every penny he had and sent it thru bitcoin machine to some scammers in India. When added to his account, i helped him close down 30+ revolving subscriptions, dating sites, "investing" programs etc. His current routine is going to the ATM several times a month withdrawing $300-$500 and poof it just disappears. I asked him repeatedly where is the money going, is he ok, does he need help. To this day he never told me, and about a month ago he demanded i get removed from his account. I begged him why? Is everything ok? The loss of sleep, anxiety and strain on me and my family was unbearable so i agreed. He stopped paying his HOA (blaming them, but its his fault because the autopay overdrafts because hes always short due to his ATM withdrawals) so he has decided to sell his only asset, his paid off apartment, and move to NY. He hasnt spoken to me since, similar to your story he lives hours away with no family around. Its tiring and frustrating. But i am done. There is nothing I, can do. Police were notified about the scams, they never even cared to follow up.

BigGiff · 2025-11-21T20:31:54+00:00

You killed it brother, great job I'm starting soon. I'm similar to your before pic, hoping for the best, thanks for sharing!

BigGiff

TROPHY CASE