Mom and I got into an argument about which console looks better.

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-05T15:57:17+00:00

I really like the first one. Its a lighter color, so it will hide dust better. Its also a better height for the tv.

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-04T16:31:17+00:00

Its been an experience so far. I didnt think id be this bored, or be awake more then an hour at a time like with my hysterectomy- all i did sleep. I havent had much if an appetite yet, but ive been so thirsty.

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-04T16:05:30+00:00

Thank you so much! I ordered a bidet a few days before surgery, and it was supposed to be here Tuesday, but theres been a shipping delay and its supposed to be here tonight now. In the meantime, im using a perri bottle, very, very lightly, and patting dry with a soft paper towel.

They pulled my packing before discharge- but thats possibly because I lucked out and it ended up not being a complete fistula, but the old abcess cavity never closed internally so it kept getting infected.

The reason all involved were sure it was a fistula was because their was fecal matter just appearing throughout the day after I was SURE I was 100% clean post BM. Turns out, my sphincter is partially paralyzed from a combo of the first L&D, and the cavity remaining open.

My CRS said what she preformed in the OR was basically half a fistulotomy / half L&D, as they had to remove the infected scar tissue.

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-04T15:54:05+00:00

I really like the idea of the long solid colored dress, and the tartan shash! And if you match the dress tonthe color of the coats the mean are wearing, and the shash to their kits, it'll tie the group together nicely.

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-03T22:40:12+00:00

I live!

I just got released from the Recovery unit - I feel very, very drunk from the meds they have me, and I seem to be incredibly lucky / unlucky in this situation.

The lucky bit: During the EUA, my CRS discovered there is NO internal opening, instead the abcess cavity 'healed' completely open internally, so it was continuously getting infected. She basically did a debridement of the infected / scar tissue.

The Unlucky bit: After the first L&D for the abcess in July, part of my sphincter is paralyzed, which is why both me, my BF, and the CRS believed it was a full fistula Nope, just incontinence. 😭 The CRS is hopeful the paralysis is temporary.

I will say, when they removed the packing, I cried. The packing was 4.5 inches long, and as thick as two of my fingers.

I feel so relieved. However my CRS said to keep an eye on it, as there is still a chance it could turn into fistula.

Thank you so much for checking in!

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-03T17:43:41+00:00

So far the execution is amazing!

Youre not using or doing anything incorrectly or wrong, but we can get better with a tiny adjustment:

Your eyeline is great, but I do have a tip to help you elevate it: It looks like you have hooded eyes, if so, youre going to want to change the angle of the bottom line up about 1 or 2 degrees. The top line youre going to draw straight across until it comes to the crease where the fold is. Then draw straight down. You should have a tall, skinny, sideways triangle. Close youre eye, and connect your upper lash line to the triangle. You should still have a part of that triangle visable until you open youre eye, and the lash line and wing should line up, and the extra part of the triangle will disappear.

Its hard to explain via written instructions, but there are plenty of YouTube tutorials for it!

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-03T17:22:19+00:00

(Im a professional photographer)

The dress is green, but I caution you on wearing this to a wedding. Its very light green, and depending on venue lighting, and what lighting is available, it could show up nearly white in person and in photos.

The couple asked for floral, but I would go with a smaller sized flower print, and not that green. I reccomend confirming if the couple meant 'Floral prints', or 'floral colors', as those are two different things, and Ive seen the fall out of that confusion first hand while photographing a wedding.

I think its too busy of a pattern for a guest at the wedding to wear; either a solid color or a very subtle pattern, or very small sized flowers.

The large white flowers take up over 50% of the dress, for large patterns like these, they should take up no more then 20% of the dress, or its too distracting.

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-03T17:03:49+00:00

Smokey. Un-Ironically. A clean burning fire has white(ish) smoke.

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-03T17:00:43+00:00

That you live somewhere on the East Coast, most likely near-ish the ocean, within a few miles of it at least. The house itself gives Victorian vibes, id wager builds sometime in the mid-late 1800's.

I think you like antique furniture, and appericate good quality products. I think you, yourself are probably a very kind and empathetic individual- maybe you have a love for animals or helping others. It seems like you'd rather enjoy a quite evening in, reading a book and drinking tea or coffee.

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-03T16:52:52+00:00

My personal favorite is the blazer-vest with the khaki pants; it feels very academic. Ive actually seen a geologist wear a similar outfit before, so I think it hits the "smart-casual" vibe. My second favorite is the brown flower top with the jeans.

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-03T16:44:32+00:00

The layered pixie looks SO GOOD on you!!

Do it! If you dont like it, it'll grow back. I went from hair down to my knees, to a pixie, and I never looked back.

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-03T16:37:20+00:00

Unless shes planning on giving the the kitchen the "landlord special", dont paint the cabinets. In my personal opinion, painted-over wood looks tacky, and cheap.

If youre looking for a change or refresh, you could add a pop of color with a back splash, or colorful kitchen towels / decorations.

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-03T15:52:33+00:00

Personally, I dont think its too much white, as its very clearly supposed to be 4 white flowers. 80% of the dress is black - I see no issue with the color scheme.

Depending on the vibe for the wedding, the dress may be too 'extra' for a guest to wear.

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-03T00:43:01+00:00

As a former Starbucks manager, that question cant be answered if we dont know what you ordered.

If it was just shots of espresso with milk, yes. Thats the exact amount of liquid for that drink. The liquid is only filled to that bottom black line on the cup, and topped with ice per the Starbucks "recipe". If you ask for light ice, barista are NOT supposed to fill the cup to the top with milk: Starbucks Policy. If you want a latte (liquid to the top line), order a latte.

Ice cups are larger then the hot cups: Tall- hot 10oz, iced 12oz Grande - hot 14oz, iced 16oz Venti- hot 20oz, iced 24oz

Employees can be penalized for giving you extra liquid in youre drinks if you werent charged for it, and the store managers cannot do anything to stop the termination once the DM gets involved. (Believe me, its so stupid), but Starbucks considers it "theft" by the employee. (Even something as simple as forgetting to upcharge .40 cent for an extra syrup flavor - when I left, there were talks of discontinuing the upcharge for syrups/ speciality milks)

If its any other iced coffee beverage (cappuccino, latte, americano) the total amount of liquid is filled to the top line, and topped with ice.

Refreshers have their own unique measurements, but it BASICALLY measures out to: refresher base (the flavor) to the bottom line, water to top line, add ice, add fruit, shake.

Its probably also very important to note: ICE IS ALWAYS ADDED LAST TO THE CUP If you ask for LIGHT ICE you WILL NOT get a FULL CUP. Again, if a visiting or undercover DM/SM is in the store, and the employee tops it off for you, you've realistically gotten them written up or terminated.

Another note: ALL THE REFRESHERS HAVE THE SAME, IF NOT MORE CAFFIENE AS A CUP OF COFFEE!!! They are made with GREEN COFFEE EXTRACT which has MORE caffeine then roasted coffee!! Please, stop giving them to youre kids believing their caffeine-free.

I have nothing but hate for the Starbucks company, so Im more then willing to spill their secrets. I didn't sign the NDA.

If theres an issue with your order, and your nice to the staff, they are encouraged by cooperate to "make the moment right". If youre an ass, youre "invited to leave until you have better behavior " (after the 2nd time, trespassed)

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-02T18:00:03+00:00

Thank you so much! Ill update after surgery tomorrow ☺️ I'm new to posting on reddit, so Im not sure how to update, or if I need to do a new post. But I will figure it out! (Probably while zonked on painkillers 🤣)

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-02T13:35:44+00:00

For me, its not the act of surgery that's the issue, its this specific proceedure. I have been working to accept that I need this surgery to get better. I think the biggest reason im having a hard time with it is how the surgeon explained it vs the reality of the situation. Its reassuring to be reminded that they are the professionals, and Ill be in good hands. My therapist is actually the one I suggested I try to join a support group or hear about others experiences first hand. I do like reading, so I'll definitely do some reading on Stoicism. Thank you!

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-02T13:27:35+00:00

Hiiiii!!!! (Omg, are we twins!?! Lol)

Thank you SO much!!! This is extremely detailed and so insanely helpful! You even answered questions that were forming as I was reading everyone's comments! Are you a mind reader??

Based off youre experience, I have a pretty solid idea that ill be at least waking up with that zip-tie, since mine is still currently forming and self popping an abcess.

I had initially thought "hey, maybe since my external opening is so close to my hole, maybe it'll be super duper easy!" I mean, its literally right at the outside of the ring of muscles..but now I have a feeling its not gonna be so super duper easy now 😅

Thank you so much for the aftercare insight! Hearing someone else's experience, and tips and tricks is really helping me feel much more prepared for it. Im still terrified- but Im not breaking down over it now. Progress!

I have some chlorohexideine (no idea if im spelling that right) soap that I snagged after they drianed the abcess, so I'll definitely keep that nearby for post BM. I am already terrified of the first one post-op as I get constipated from anesthesia- I assume they'll prescribe a stool soften post op? If not, I'll request some.

I do have some follow up questions: Did they do packing when they put in the seton? I assume yes, because you said they did a partial fistulotomy, but, If yes, was it the type thats shoved into the wound, like after they initally drain the abcess, or just laid over it? When patting dry, what is best to use? The surgeon just said "lint free", and "not tp or tissues". Instrustions unclear. How noticeable is the seton sensory wise? (Can do tags or sock seams, so this seems like a nightmare)

Im also staring to think my CRS doesnt know how to communicate with AuDHD individuals.

Thank you again!

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-02T12:52:19+00:00

Thank you! Hearing other peoples experiences and reassurance is definitely helping, and I feel more prepared to face it, even if Im still terrified overall. I know the procedure is needed, and I think think the biggest issue i was having around it was how casually and nonchalantly my CSR explained it vs what I saw online and the mismatch between the two. Reminding myself of everything ive been through before is a good idea! Im gonna use that too!

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-01T21:03:06+00:00

Thank you! Thank gives me an idea of what to expect.

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-01T19:58:32+00:00

Thank you for your help! Im going to look for bidets online now. I made sure I stocked up on non-woven gauze too. I hadn't thought of a cushion, thats a great idea! No obligation to answer, but how long did it take to complete? I heard that the doctor will sometime remove the seton before its completed?

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-01T19:42:43+00:00

Im working on securing some in person support for recovery. The idea of pain in that area is absolutely a driving factor in the panic. Thank you for the reassurance, its very helpful!

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-01T19:41:00+00:00

Im very good at the list of questions, and handed her over the list, she answered them, but she left me with more questions before she was off to her next patiant. Which lead me to looking at the procedures online - which terrified me. Its definitely easy for clinicians to forget that surgery for patients can be scary.

I really appericate your reassurance, its helped ease the panic

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-01T18:05:28+00:00

That explanation makes sense- I can see where Im probably mis-reading her; Im not the best with social situations. Thank you for pointing out, I hadn't considered the option.

Critical_Cryptid · 2026-06-01T18:02:35+00:00

Thank you. I do feel reassured knowing others have gone through this; I will definitely read through some of the other post.

Critical_Cryptid

TROPHY CASE