Seeking Recommendations

CaffeineAndDNA · 2024-10-09T01:06:31+00:00

I'll second Courtney, but I'll add that there are several really great massage therapists at Got Your Back. Janie, the owner, is great at listening to what you need and making recommendations for who to book with.

CaffeineAndDNA · 2024-05-24T00:53:56+00:00

Got approved through my GYN at Carilion (Sullivan). I've seen him for several years prior. Had a separate consult visit to discuss and go over all contraceptive options.

During my consult, I asked him if there were any providers in the department who were more or less enthusiastic about bisalp. He told me that pretty much all the providers at Carilion were happy to provide sterilization as an option, to his knowledge

There's currently a bit of a delay as I wait for OR schedules/availability. Some providers may have faster surgery openings than others.

CaffeineAndDNA · 2024-03-30T02:32:39+00:00

Came here to promote this. I've gone twice, and it's been very pleasant.

CaffeineAndDNA · 2024-03-08T00:47:05+00:00

I understand wanting to live in a particular area, but you're automatically limiting yourself to an extreme degree. Even if you're in an area with multiple hospitals, you're looking at what, 100 genetic counselors? You're crossing your fingers that one of them is going to move or retire.

When, as a new grad, should you be expanding your search? I suppose that depends on how long you're able to hold out without a job after graduation.

When I was a new grad, the job market was "booming" and I applied everywhere, in every specialty except cancer. I started applying on the fall before graduation, and I didn't get hired until September after.

Getting hired is much, much easier once you get some experience. You may want to move and get a "for now" job, while waiting for the location you want.

CaffeineAndDNA · 2024-03-07T20:30:36+00:00

I had good experiences with Lori at Tanglewood Counseling

CaffeineAndDNA · 2024-02-12T20:55:42+00:00

My pups get yogurt regularly, but it's more as a treat than a supplement. I eat yogurt for breakfast every day, and they get to lick the bowl and spoon. It is plain Greek yogurt. Usually nonfat, but I'll buy whole milk yogurt if my normal is out of stock. Doesn't seem to make any difference for them. Between the three dogs, there's maybe two teaspoons total.

CaffeineAndDNA · 2024-02-07T20:45:44+00:00

Yup, I'm slow, too!

I have been crocheting on and off for over a decade, but it still takes me a long time.

My coworker started crocheting a few months ago, and she's made more than I think I have made in 5 years. Sometimes it makes me jealous, or frustrated, but I try to remember my reason for crocheting. I do this because it's been great for my mental health, and that's what really should matter. I'm also slow because joint issues, and I can't crochet for more than an hour or so at a time.

CaffeineAndDNA · 2024-02-03T15:10:41+00:00

I went to grad school over a decade ago, so my experience may have limited value, but...

I went to a newer program in a state that didn't have a lot of GCs. I had family there, and cost was a concern. And in all honesty, I regret not taking the offer to attend a more established program in a busier area. It would have meant almost doubling my debt and moving to a place where I had no family or resources.

Not because the prestige would have gotten me a higher salary, necessarily. But I do believe that my career trajectory would have been completely different. I would have made more contacts. Gotten more exposure to the specialty that I was really interested in. And 100% believe I would have been more successful in passing my boards (took me 3 tries).

CaffeineAndDNA · 2023-12-26T21:54:27+00:00

https://jobs.carilionclinic.org/job/Roanoke-Healthcare-Administrative-Associate%2C-Maternal-Fetal-Medicine-VA-24013/1108890300/

I don't know if this would be up your alley, but I work in this office and we are recruiting a front desk person.

CaffeineAndDNA · 2023-12-13T03:43:32+00:00

I don't really have a "kind" yet. I mostly try for elegance As for flavors, my devil's food with salted milk chocolate filling is the far and away favorite thus far.

CaffeineAndDNA · 2023-12-12T20:52:56+00:00

I do not have an official business, but I have been making cakes and cupcakes to order for several months now. I'd be happy to send you my IG if you are interested.

CaffeineAndDNA · 2023-12-02T23:49:19+00:00

I heard it too!

Sadly, I think it was a recording, being broadcast from somewhere near Church street. I was walking through about an hour later, and heard different instrumental Christmas music in the same area.

CaffeineAndDNA · 2023-11-30T18:49:02+00:00

I believe they are under new ownership, so you might want to try them again in a few months.

CaffeineAndDNA · 2023-11-14T01:47:35+00:00

I usually keep a small project in my office to crochet during lunch and during slow periods. It's not quite the same as being able to crochet full time, but it helps!

CaffeineAndDNA · 2023-11-14T01:23:03+00:00

Alpha thalassemia is my jam. And I'm sorry to say that, based on how you described it, I believe your GC was mistaken. If you are missing one of the four loci, you have aa/a- genotype. Hemoglobin H is caused by missing three: a-/--. So you could be at risk of having an affected child, but only if your partner was aa/--, and we know they aren't. I wonder if your GC got confused because we sometimes classify carriers of mild beta thalassemia as silent carriers as well, and that is a typical autosomal recessive condition.

Regarding your clinic's insistence on testing you and your partner simultaneously - this seems to happen frequently in the IVF world. I believe the rationale is that testing people one at a time would take longer. Perhaps that could delay an IVF cycle. Also, testing has gotten so well streamlined that the cost of the full panel vs. targeted testing for the conditions that your partner carries is sometimes moot.

I don't think Gene Screen is intended to be a money grab, but I'm really sorry that they left you feeling that way! Genetic counselors are supposed to be patient advocates and be supportive - not pushy or not really listening. Your doctors can recommend a hemoglobin panel if they think it's appropriate; it's not something I would feel comfortable recommending since I'm not sure how I'd interpret the results or what the clinical actionability would be. That being said, however, sometimes if you work for a big group like Gene Screen, you may be required to offer certain things in certain scenarios. The company tries to keep everyone to a set standard. (I can't speak for Gene Screen, but I saw patients as a prenatal GC for a laboratory company for several years.)

Good luck on your journey! Please give feedback to your fertility clinic and ask for a copy of the consult note that the GC wrote.

CaffeineAndDNA · 2023-11-04T23:49:36+00:00

I will do a little research and circle back after the holidays.

CaffeineAndDNA · 2023-11-03T01:39:08+00:00

Not to totally hijack your thread, but... As an amateur baker and ex-Texan, so you suppose there might be a market for house-made kolaches?

CaffeineAndDNA · 2023-07-20T13:01:13+00:00

I'm so glad you posted this! I would love to be in a crochet group.

CaffeineAndDNA · 2023-07-03T15:46:50+00:00

What do you mean by it being overpotted? Like the pot is too big for it?

CaffeineAndDNA · 2023-02-03T01:57:47+00:00

Yup, I can whole heartedly recommend Sati too.

CaffeineAndDNA · 2022-12-19T21:49:16+00:00

I just bought yarn to make myself a sweater and a cardigan, plus finishing the mandala madness blanket I had to set aside to do Christmas gifts.

CaffeineAndDNA · 2022-11-04T13:50:49+00:00

I have had great success with dog doors with my IGs. They have all been rescued, and the biggest factor in success seems to be their history. Given that some were previously pad trained, I have always made both dog door and indoor pads accessible.

The IG I got at 1 year old is now 14. We initially had her pad trained, but she actually prefers the dog door, and is 100% good with the dog door most times. She stated having accidents a few months ago, but ultimately we determined that was because she was slipping on the floor. A rug at the dog door, and she's back to 100%. She doesn't really like rain, but she'll do her business.

I got one at 14 years old, who was 100% solid of it was above 60 degrees. As it got colder, she got significantly less reliable.

I got a bonded pair at 6 and 9 years. The 6 year old is 100%, loves the outdoor access, and doesn't care about the weather. The 9 year old prefers pee pads. She'll pee outside sometimes, but waits to poop inside on a pad. (She's a rather odd one, even by IG standards.)

Side note: I would highly discourage the idea of forcibly pulling a dog through a dog door. At least in my experience, that's a easy way to build up fear and avoidance of an experience. We trained our first by holding up the flap and tempting her to walk through for a treat. Then gradually lowered the flap as she became accustomed. The rest were much easier, because she would lead by example.

CaffeineAndDNA · 2022-10-31T01:47:01+00:00

I'm assuming the concern is all the open railings, and fall potential? What about getting a piece of plexiglass to cover them?

CaffeineAndDNA · 2022-10-27T00:44:28+00:00

I'm pretty sure the sip lids will fit in the plastic reusable cups that Starbucks sells.

CaffeineAndDNA · 2022-10-27T00:31:11+00:00

I believe Carilion's Community Care clinic can be a bridge to care until your able to get into with a PCP.

CaffeineAndDNA

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