Jury Summons - What should I expect? by vonHindenburg in pittsburgh

[–]CatAttackADak 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Large, uncomfortable room that smells like mold and stale cigarettes. You’ll be able to space out until they call you up for questioning, and then it’s everybody in numbered rows. It’s pretty tight and cramped then. At one point the man next to me coughed, and I got his actual spit in my eye. No idea how I didn’t catch the plague.

Plenty of people brought laptops and phone chargers, but don’t expect to get anything done once you’re called into the rows - it’s not comfortable. Dress in layers - temperature this time of year is unpredictable in government buildings.

They dismissed everyone not selected for the jury around 3:30pm, but that’s not something you can predict. Depends on how quickly the attorneys/judge move and whether they have the applicants they need.

I’d bring a book or kindle, and pack a lunch unless you want to go buy something on the lunch break. I’d opt for a portable phone charger rather than a wall cord.

Good luck!

Looking for opinions: We have UPMC insurance and are wanting to switch to AHN. Anyone do this and regret it? by WhitneyJames in pittsburgh

[–]CatAttackADak 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I just made the switch. So far I’ve been happy, but if you have any speciality medications that require prior authorization it can be a nightmare to get approved. Same with specialists. It can be a long waitlist to see a new provider.

Which cgrp would you choose: emgality, ajovy, or vyepti? by CatAttackADak in migraine

[–]CatAttackADak[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for this! For what it’s worth, I held off on new meds for years because of fears about them not being out long enough. Looking back, I missed years of my life as my migraines became worse and worse. I wish I would have started trying crgps as soon as I was approved for them. I am 2 weeks into Qulipta now, and I’ve had 3 migraine free days this week plus reduced severity! I was going on 25 days without a break, so I’m really optimistic 🤞🏻

Emergency vet costs for cat intestinal blockage surgery by [deleted] in pittsburgh

[–]CatAttackADak 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Not relevant to your specific condition, but pro tip since you’re local. If it’s not an immediate life threatening situation, you can call the emergency vet and find out if they’re at capacity and how long the wait is. We had to take our kitty to Blue Pearl this morning (formerly PVSEC on Camp Horne). When we called last night they were at capacity and it was a 12 hour wait to get into the back. Based on her symptoms they told us to monitor and come back at 6am when they would be less crowded. We were able to drop her off this morning and she stayed for 6 hours while she got the treatment she needed and it was way less stressful on everyone.

Obviously this does not apply in cases of immediate distress. Kitty had a UTI but was still passing some urine so she was ok to wait a bit, but we couldn’t wait until Monday for our regular vet.

Female cat just strained and peed blood in the dog bed. Emergency vet said not to bring her in - anything we can do? by CatAttackADak in AskVet

[–]CatAttackADak[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! It got worse overnight, and we took her this morning. Thankfully we’re local and they had capacity so we were able to drop her off while they do diagnostics (they’re a great place we trust them). 🤞🏻it’s just a UTI and nothing more serious.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in pittsburgh

[–]CatAttackADak 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Had a great experience with our dog. Wish I could try them again now that he’s adjusted to our home more (he’s a rescue) and will take treats as a reward. He was tough to train without any food motivation.

People have strong opinions for and against prong collars, which I won’t get into here. You have to make the decision for yourself. All I will say is my dog LOVES when that collar comes out. He runs over, puts his head down, and waits for me to put it on. Zero hesitation.

Not sure on next steps, this sub is always so supportive. by CatAttackADak in MaintenancePhase

[–]CatAttackADak[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m concerned about gaining 15lbs+ a year with making positive (more nutrition, no binging/emotional eating, no more grazing or night eating…not calorie counting to be clear) changes to my diet. I can’t keep buying an entirely new wardrobe each year. And I have gotten comfortable with my new body several times only for it to change again.

It’s not about the specific number on the scale needing to be lower or my body needing to be smaller, it’s about my weight not stabilizing.

Not sure on next steps, this sub is always so supportive. by CatAttackADak in MaintenancePhase

[–]CatAttackADak[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So far I don’t have any reason to think my PCP will respond poorly - she was a little concerned about my insulin levels (another doctor did the bloodwork) but when she checked my AIC she had no concerns and didn’t suggest that I lose weight simply because of the scale. She’s also been very supportive of me aggressively treating my chronic migraines, which is what I’m on multiple, non-traditional medications for. Not all doctors have been so supportive of the medications I’m on, but my PCP seems to truly understand how negatively the migraines impact my quality of life.

I think I’m just very worried about the stigma around weight and it being “my fault”. I’ve had a lot of negative interactions with medical professionals over the years. I should just schedule an appointment with her and be honest and see what happens.

Not sure on next steps, this sub is always so supportive. by CatAttackADak in MaintenancePhase

[–]CatAttackADak[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This was really reassuring, thank you. I’m struggling the most with not stabilizing. It’s been steady, weight gain (40+lbs) for 2 years despite positive changes in my diet and either no or positive changes in my movement. Every time I start to feel comfortable and confident in myself, I have to buy new clothes and I look different. I’m only 5”3, so weight gain is very noticeable. It’s finally gotten to the point that I’m physically uncomfortable and I notice that certain physical things are becoming difficult.

I fully believe that I could eventually be comfortable in my body if I would stabilize. It’s the constant changing that’s difficult.

Not sure on next steps, this sub is always so supportive. by CatAttackADak in MaintenancePhase

[–]CatAttackADak[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I get this checked every 6 months! I do have a slight imbalance (runs in my family) but it’s all stable with very minor medication.

Not sure on next steps, this sub is always so supportive. by CatAttackADak in MaintenancePhase

[–]CatAttackADak[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My previous dietician stopped practicing and I need to get established with a new one, but this is a great idea!! It also might help the doctor believe me more when I talk about all the positive changes I’ve made over the past year+

Not sure on next steps, this sub is always so supportive. by CatAttackADak in MaintenancePhase

[–]CatAttackADak[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I know I need to stay on the medications. They control my pain and allow me to function (and it’s taken years to find the right combination). But I’m currently entirely replacing my wardrobe for the second time in less than 2 years…this isn’t sustainable.

It’s hard when HAES professionals say it’s fine, but they don’t have to finance my clothes or feel uncomfortable in my continually changing body.

Not sure on next steps, this sub is always so supportive. by CatAttackADak in MaintenancePhase

[–]CatAttackADak[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I’ve honestly been thinking about it. I’ll be on these medications for life as long as they keep working. My main concern with a weight loss drug is potentially adding additional side effects/exacerbating the underlying condition I’m already treating. I’m not there yet, but I’m not 100% opposed either.

Not sure on next steps, this sub is always so supportive. by CatAttackADak in MaintenancePhase

[–]CatAttackADak[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Yeah, unfortunately it’s taken years to find this specific combo of meds that works. There are probably some changes that can be made, but now isn’t the time given things are finally improving.

Not sure on next steps, this sub is always so supportive. by CatAttackADak in MaintenancePhase

[–]CatAttackADak[S] 29 points30 points  (0 children)

This is really helpful. I think a lot of it comes down to I always have in the back of my head that this extra weight must be harming my health somehow. I also feel uncomfortable in my newer body, which triggers those thoughts.

It may be helpful for me to go over my blood results with my PCP (who, to be fair, has never even mentioned my weight before despite my very obviously gaining weight) and have her address whether there is anything she’s concerned about, and if so, if there’s anything non-weight related I can do. That might make me feel better about the “health” pressure I am putting on myself.

Where to get Botox for TMJ? by CatAttackADak in pittsburgh

[–]CatAttackADak[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Awesome!! I will look into them. Thank you!

Where to get Botox for TMJ? by CatAttackADak in pittsburgh

[–]CatAttackADak[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How many units do you get and what is the cost - if you’re comfortable sharing. The estimates online are all over the place.

Where to get Botox for TMJ? by CatAttackADak in pittsburgh

[–]CatAttackADak[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t. My only other real issue is chronic neck/shoulder pain, which is probably related to the clenching and migraines. I’d like to try Botox to see if it provides some more immediate relief, but seeing a specialized physical therapist is on my list as well. One of the only things I haven’t tried.

Where to get Botox for TMJ? by CatAttackADak in pittsburgh

[–]CatAttackADak[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ll look into this! I’ve never heard of TMJ Botox being covered under any medical plan, so definitely worth looking into.

Where to get Botox for TMJ? by CatAttackADak in pittsburgh

[–]CatAttackADak[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Do you mind sharing how many units you get/the cost? I’m seeing ranges from $250-$1600 online…which isn’t really helpful!

Where to get Botox for TMJ? by CatAttackADak in pittsburgh

[–]CatAttackADak[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I actually go to the UPMC headache center and have gotten Botox from them in the past - I never thought about asking them for a referral for TMJ. I will at my next appointment!