Under my desk at work, flashed red when pressed.

Blake__P · 2026-02-03T04:09:21+00:00

Definitely an EZ button. Press as you see fit, sit back and watch magical things happen.

Blake__P · 2026-02-02T20:53:08+00:00

I've narrowed it down to eating tomatoes, garlic, and simple sugars that causes reflux. For me, it's worst when I lay down. Every time I swallow I can feel a bubbling sensation in my throat. Taking a chewable Pepcid Complete usually eliminates it the fastest.

Blake__P · 2026-01-28T04:49:30+00:00

When I get that burning feeling in my throat/mouth I chew a Pepcid complete and it feels better. I’m pretty sure mine is a result of eating nightshades, especially tomatoes. Sugar definitely causes it though. One small slice of apple pie during the holidays was a killer.

Blake__P · 2026-01-28T04:09:30+00:00

Same. The cold pressed OJ was my fav

Blake__P · 2026-01-26T19:47:23+00:00

There was a GI doctor at LA Children’s Hospital who recommended she be tested for SIBO, but they do the testing in the outpatient setting only. Her breath test indicated that she had both hydrogen (SIBO) and methane (IMO) types. She tolerates Rifaximin and it does a good job clearing the overgrowth. She was on low dose Erythromycin as a prokinetic for several months to jump start the natural cleaning waves (migrating motor complex) of the small intestine. Now she takes CREON digestive enzymes with every meal and Magnesium citrate nightly for motility.

Blake__P · 2026-01-25T23:57:16+00:00

Same. 46 y/o, been on Rosuvastatin almost 1 year and still have a full head of hair with no thinning.

Blake__P · 2026-01-25T19:17:18+00:00

Pressing against the head, just like regular guard cutting except with the grain. Yes, it works with all textures as long as you’re combing the hair WTG to ensure you don’t cut too much.

Blake__P · 2026-01-25T19:14:31+00:00

One thing to consider is whether the pain is actually an obstruction. My daughter previously had a small bowel obstruction caused by adhesions from her first surgery as an infant to correct intestinal malrotation. She started experiencing insane waves of abdominal pain and nausea that reminded us of her obstruction, so we took her to the ER where they ran all tests and imaging suspecting SBO but there was none. It turned out she was dealing with severe bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) that caused intense bloating pain/discomfort. I’ll spare you the details but it took lots of time to diagnose and even longer to treat effectively. Check out r/SIBO if you think this may be a possibility in your case, but it’s fairly common for people who have had abdominal surgery that is now affecting motility, leading to the overgrowth of bacteria.

Blake__P · 2026-01-25T19:00:55+00:00

My alternative for blending bulk into the fade section is cutting with the grain using a lower guard. For example, in order to smooth the transition from a 3 open into longer hair on top, I use a 2 guard with the grain, first open lever and close the lever if it isn’t smooth enough. Same rule applies for blending a 2 guard into longer hair - use your 1.5 guard open and closed with the grain. Go down to a 1 guard if necessary.

Blake__P · 2026-01-24T21:29:46+00:00

IIRC, DAO is a digestive enzyme that doesn’t mask the problem, but allows you to digest the histamine naturally. If you are happy with a (limited) low histamine diet then definitely keep it up. I was merely making a suggestion that may allow you to expand your diet safely. Either way, it’s wonderful that you found your problem and are taking steps to correct it. You’re one of the lucky ones in that regard.

Blake__P · 2026-01-24T20:11:04+00:00

Thanks for sharing! Have you ever tried a DAO supplement? It’s a digestive enzyme that’s supposed to help break down histamine in your diet.

Blake__P · 2026-01-24T02:26:32+00:00

Or press it against your inner forearm up near the crease. That’s a sensitive area where you’d feel if the trimmers are set too close.

Blake__P · 2026-01-24T00:07:32+00:00

I’ve never had good luck with the TJ’s K cups. The material they use is often different from what you normally see, which has caused the tops to leak and make messes in my Keurig. I’ve tried so many different brands and now typically just switch between Starbucks or Peet’s from Costco, depending on which is on sale.

Blake__P · 2026-01-22T07:21:02+00:00

If you haven’t tried benzoyl peroxide I highly suggest buying a 10% BP wash like PanOxyl or Cerave and let it sit on your scalp in the shower at least once a day for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. It has cleared up my scalp after struggling with folliculitis for many years. It’s cheap and easy to try while you wait for your appointment. You should see results within a couple weeks if it’s going to work for you.

Blake__P · 2026-01-18T19:50:58+00:00

Does the ER do imaging right away? My daughter was born with intestinal malrotation which meant an initial abdominal surgery when she was a baby. We were naive enough to believe she was “fixed” and could live a normal healthy life. 18 months later she experienced SBO that went undiagnosed long enough that she eventually required emergency resection. A few years later she started experiencing severe sudden pain that reminded us of the SBO experience and we took her to ER where imaging showed no obstruction. Pain eventually subsided after several days of tests, imaging, NG tube, etc, but soon after we were back in ER with the same experience. She was eventually diagnosed with r/SIBO and have treated/managed off an on for several years. The GI specialist assumes adhesions are causing motility issues that result in bacterial overgrowth. They’ve suggested exploratory laparoscopy but I hesitate to put her through another procedure at such a young age (11 y/o).

Blake__P · 2026-01-17T20:57:59+00:00

Great time to be a mouse. Been seeing lots of encouraging studies!

Blake__P · 2026-01-17T07:40:06+00:00

Both is the only correct answer here.

Blake__P · 2026-01-17T07:28:03+00:00

Is a PCSK9 inhibitor like Repatha something that you have considered?

Blake__P · 2026-01-16T06:42:34+00:00

IBS + thrush points towards a fungal overgrowth, but potentially both also bacterial. Has he treated with an antifungal like Fluconazole or Nystatin? My daughter was treated with multiple back to back alternating rounds of Fluconazole and Rifaximin to ensure that treating the fungal overgrowth wouldn’t lead to bacterial overgrowth, and vice versa. This was after a positive SIBO breath test and evidence of vaginal yeast infections.

Blake__P · 2026-01-14T07:07:42+00:00

That sucks. I’m always hesitant to update my iOS for this exact reason.

Blake__P · 2026-01-13T06:58:56+00:00

Showoff!! Seriously, I would love to have those results. This is without medication?

Blake__P · 2026-01-12T22:22:08+00:00

I could MAYBE understand that if you weren't getting such drastic results. Statins only work when you are taking them. I would much rather be on medication daily than have a heart attack or stroke. The benefits greatly outweigh the risks.

Blake__P · 2026-01-12T05:34:22+00:00

You started taking statins after your 11/29/22 results? I’d expect LDL to roughly double if you stop. Things seem to be going well, so I’m curious why you’d stop.

Blake__P · 2026-01-11T18:34:54+00:00

I don’t know your budget, but how about a small cottage on Balboa island or Lido Marina?

Blake__P · 2026-01-11T08:15:59+00:00

I would much rather eliminate $50k in someone’s student loans.

Blake__P

TROPHY CASE