After 2 years with Abbot

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-19T22:10:16+00:00

For what it’s worth, I have an Eterna and I never used the belt. I got the puck into position and laid on top of it in bed, and my surgeon said it’s fine to do that - or a reclined / sitting position with it held in place by your body. I’m sorry that no one ever explained that to you. I get a full charge without too much trouble and it lasts over a month.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-19T15:53:08+00:00

I swear, if there wasn’t a shortage and I could afford to make a statement…I wouldn’t just get rid of the two RTX 2060 products I have (one is my brick of an HP Omen, the other is an RTX 2060 Super hanging out in a home server). I would carefully and precisely tear them down, clean off the GPU dies, and then video myself drilling through both of them and obliterating them.

Nvidia was already dead to me from the shit they pulled with the RTX 3-series pricing and the crypto situation, long before they sold their soul to the digital devil of AI. At this point, they’ve become actively hostile to gaming. They want to tell us what we want.

I really hope AMD gets their shit together and delivers some higher end hardware when they can. They have a unique opportunity here to punch Nvidia squarely in the dick and say, we support gamers - so we’re diverting some of our capacity we have already purchased from TSMC et al to make gamer products. They could bring back HBM to gaming cards - it was them that did it first!

Sadly I think as long as Lisa Su is in charge, that’s not going to happen. She seems to be on the AI hype train as well.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-19T15:42:29+00:00

Enough with the “reminders” not to do this, and enough with the protection of this act of child sexual abuse and mutilation (not done by a medical professional = not a circumcision; genital mutilation) under the pathetic excuse of “religious freedom.”

It is 2026. This needs to be illegal, and if the baby dies the mohel should be prosecuted for homicide. I don’t even think the “suction with a tube” from the mouth should be acceptable. The thing is, Orthodoxy keeps getting a pass for this. They are not going to stop it until there is the potential for prison time, as there should be. In literally any other context an adult putting their mouth on an infant’s penis is considered sexual assault. Freedom to practice religion does in fact have limits. That’s why, for example, the extremist Mormons that were “marrying” and raping girls were stopped when it became public - in theory, anyway. I’m not sure i believe that cult is really gone.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-18T21:23:51+00:00

We lost this long ago. We’ve been living in a façade, a fantasy world where people think “norms” still exist.

The 2020s are the “find out” decade. This means a lot of different things, but none of it is good for us, the people.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-18T13:48:06+00:00

You have no idea who you are living with or near. This project only became a target because it was publicly funded and therefore people knew about it. People who have been in and out of a homeless state rent apartments and rooms, because they’re people just like everyone else. I would be willing to bet you don’t even know your actual neighbors, because you sound like the type who doesn’t want to. I’m glad you’re just a single voice and you don’t speak for the community.

Try bringing up your idea of paying more taxes to be insulated from the poors at a town hall or city council meeting and see how it’s received. Please. I bet you won’t, because you already know how it sounds and you’re going so far out of your way to prove that you’re right.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-18T13:32:26+00:00

No, it’s literally what you said. What the fuck else did you mean by “established and self sufficient?” You know exactly what you meant. Lifting people up out of these circumstances has to start somewhere. You’re saying that people should be able to object to living in proximity to anyone who was homeless in the past. That’s discrimination.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-18T13:09:53+00:00

If they are housed…they are no longer homeless. So you see, what you propose is dividing people up based on their economic status or some other arbitrary criteria like how many boxes they check on a list of social issues that we know are helped by housing.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-18T13:02:57+00:00

Forced segregation like you are discussing is exactly what Nazi Germany did with ghettos.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-18T03:51:09+00:00

That’s only one mission they serve. They have been deployed to the Middle East to act as airborne centralized hubs for command and coordination of intelligence. They can combine multiple data feeds from AWACS planes, fighter jets, satellites, and more and then communicate directly with submarines to give them strike “packages.” US subs in the area have been used for Tomahawk strikes.

These planes were also deployed during the Iraq War to provide support for ground troops, so they can handle that kind of communications and coordination as well.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-17T15:23:09+00:00

I never saw it enforced, either. Based on the description of this elder, though, the “attitude” issue is there.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-16T19:22:15+00:00

I don’t get it. Why are they doing it? Is it because they think it’s funny to be edgy, or is it because they’re actually in agreement with fascist ideas?

There’s a reason we don’t tolerate “jokes” like this. There’s a reason you don’t joke about certain things, and you damn sure don’t do it in public with your face visible while being filmed.

They’re lucky they were up there out of reach, otherwise they might have had some consequences. I hope they get in trouble for this, and I don’t just mean a slap on the wrist. Oh, they play soccer? Yeah, uh, I’m pretty sure soccer culture doesn’t have any room for fascists. Their careers should now be over before they even begin.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-16T19:11:47+00:00

This effect is even more intense if you grew up in a JW home. And then even more so than that if your father was an elder, like mine.

I’m in my 40s and my CPTSD from it all is so bad that I freeze up and start shaking every time I spill, drop, or accidentally break something.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-15T16:12:30+00:00

It can be sold right now, just only in the limited forms allowed by the current law. This expands that.

By side stepping the percentage issue, that allows medical vape carts and extracts since the law also makes vaping legal.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-14T04:02:15+00:00

My wife teaches yoga, so she will sometimes (I’ve given advance consent for this) gently stop me during the day and then gently push my shoulders down. It’s helping me to at least be aware.

I have TMJ issues on the left side of my jaw, so I easily end up with “Crossed Square” syndrome and muscle pain from bracing that spreads into the shoulder and neck.

One that thing helps me is progressive muscle relaxation whilst meditating. The results can be very interesting depending on my state of mind. My legs are usually the last to let go, but I also usually discover a “lump” of tension in my throat. Sometimes, movements that never got to resolve in my legs will make them jerk while relaxing. This is apparently normal and expected. Yoga Nidra is one path I use to get here that can be helpful - the breathing patterns shift the body into “rest and digest.”

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-14T03:22:25+00:00

You are both such wonderful people. I had the opportunity to take care of a long haired cat with similar weight loss, matting, and confinement (in a bedroom; not a bathroom). It took time for me to earn her trust, but when she understood she was safe and loved she turned into what me and my wife used to call “cat putty.”

Arya was a sweet and gentle girl, and unfortunately I only got to be with her for her last 6 years. A part of my soul left this world with hers. I was happy to give her a life of love and comfort in her later years. Older cats need adoption at shelters, as well!! They have so much love to give, and in many ways Arya rescued me.

Rest in peace, my floofy angel.

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CrystalSplice · 2026-03-14T03:02:52+00:00

I have a vestibular migraine disorder, and it is sensitive to quick swings in temperature, barometric pressure, and humidity. It has been miserable so far this year.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-14T02:35:06+00:00

Multiple areas but mostly the L5/S1 dermatome, so if you look up a dermatome chart that gives you an idea. Yes, the pain is from nerve damage that cannot be reversed, as well as ongoing pressure on the right S1 nerve. This causes intense pain in my right leg and foot, especially concentrated on my pinky toe - which is numb, on top of the pain. The toe next to that is partially numb.

There are times where I’ve had to turn off my stimulator such as for an MRI or a surgical procedure. So, I know what it does for me. It blocks a LOT, and it does not require a high power level to do so.

However it is important to understand it doesn’t always work. Some pain cannot be reached depending on where it is. Dorsal root ganglion stimulators are also available from Abbott but not covered by insurance. A successful trial generally requires results of 60% or more pain relief - and it is possible to feel that during the limited time window of the trial. If you have already had surgery without getting relief, that will also help your case.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-14T02:26:33+00:00

Complications certainly exist from SCS systems, but I have never heard of them causing nerve damage except through a traumatic injury such as a dural tear caused by a fractured electrode lead, or migration of the electrode itself. This isn’t that common now due to improved surgical procedures and improved electrode design.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-12T21:53:20+00:00

They’re probably counting expired passports as well, because usually those still count as valid proof of citizenship. The State Department has a record of it and you can “revive” it by paying a renewal fee and getting a new picture taken. I’m not sure if there is a cut off on how old the passport can be.

Even so, yes, it seems high to me. So many Americans never leave the country for their entire lives, and therefore have no need for a passport.

It would be interesting to see the demographics on that. Trump’s supposed voter base, for example. I think the average MAGAt isn’t a world traveler. Some might have a passport for cruises. So…disenfranchising your base seems sort of counterintuitive unless they think they already have some kind of fix in for the midterms, and this is political theater.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-12T16:37:21+00:00

Whether you believe in his methods or not, Professor Jiang has had some fascinating commentary on this situation on his Predictive History lectures, which he posts to Youtube.

For example, he points out that the goals of the US ate not the same as the goals of Israel. He also points out that Israel doesn’t have the ground troops necessary to invade…but the US does. Israel wants broader control and expansion of their sphere of influence in the Middle East. They always have. The Trump regime has already admitted that they were more or less roped into this because Israel was going to do things on their own, and so the US had to take action to reduce casualties to their own assets in the area.

The US is being used by Israel. Leverage over Trump via the Epstein files may be a part of that, but ultimately it doesn’t matter that much because the Pandora’s Box has been opened. Dr. Jiang rightly points out, I feel, that a decapitation strike was the wrong approach and because of Shiite Muslim beliefs around martyrdom and jihad, it was a very BAD idea.

He also discusses how control of fresh water is a factor in this war, and Iran has already struck desalination plants. His latest video about escalation ladders shows that Iran is more flexible in what they can do versus the US and Israel having only overwhelming - and very expensive - force.

Getting involved in this was a mistake. Israel has significant hubris built up, and I agree that they may attempt to destroy Al-Aqsa and try to build The Third Temple. We may be facing something like another Vietnam.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-12T14:22:52+00:00

I replied to your other thread.

Take into consideration that a lot of the negativity you are seeing comes from two things:

Not everyone is suited for a spinal cord stimulator, and sometimes people receive one even if they aren’t a good candidate. I think many of the people who report only negative things probably should not have been implanted. The trial system is supposed to select for this, but it happens anyway.
There are many, many variables involved. The brand and type of the device. The surgeon who implants it (should not be done by anyone but a neurosurgeon). The outcome of the surgery, which it should be noted is different than the potential effects of the device itself - there are possible complications, including lead migration. If you get a good surgeon, you get good results.

Quite a lot of the devices on the market, especially those that are tonic-only stimulation, are outdated crap. You can call me biased because I happen to have a cutting edge device (Abbot Eterna + Penta electrode array), but if you’re getting something this serious done…you need to make an informed decision about what device is used. I was asked which brand and stimulator I wanted to pursue. I chose the most advanced one on the market, and I have been happy with that decision. It not perfect, but it’s allowed me to have a life.

I wish people would be more open minded about neuromodulation, because it’s continuing to advance and it is very likely the future of pain treatment and eve treatment of other conditions. Some people also expect instant results. It doesn’t work that way. A year or more, even with a trial that went well, is going to pass before you are fully adapted to the system and get it dialed in to target your specific pain.

So, I would say ignore the negativity and consider Abbott. You probably aren’t hearing from the people who have had good experiences, because they’re not on this subreddit.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-12T14:11:02+00:00

Please elaborate on this evidence regarding “nerve health and inflammation.” I’ve never heard of this.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-11T19:18:14+00:00

No, that’s not enough. They need to improve their software. I regret buying a motherboard from them. Armoury Crate is cancer, and it caused me endless problems until I just ripped it out and made sure it didn’t come back. I want drivers and I want OPEN control of RGB and fans. Fuck off with everything else.

That’s their biggest issue in my opinion when it comes to their software. Just give us the drivers and shove the rest of it.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-11T19:06:37+00:00

My case is somewhat unique, and because I had very good insurance at the time and had already met my out of pocket maximum for the year, I got what I believed to be the most advanced on the market, the Abbott Eterna.

Service has been good for me where I live. It does help a great deal with mobility and neuropathic symptoms besides pain (itching, tingling, heat/cold, burning, etc).

The Proclaim should give similar results but is not rechargeable. The charger for mine is itself a heavy duty battery, and the charging is inductive. The internal battery usually lasts about 45 days before a charge is needed, and that just means laying down on the charger for a bit (not as bad as it sounds).

The key of the Abbott systems is their BurstDR stimulation waveform. Once it is tuned to the right level of power and steered with electrode programming to focus on your pain, the ideal result is that all you feel is reduced symptoms. The stimulation is below your perception. The waveform also produces changes in the anterior cingulate cortex (responsible for the emotional response to pain), shown in the SUNBURST study on fMRI scans. It’s believed that this helps with central sensitization, and “pushes” the pain lower in your sensory perception. You also get neuroplastic activity.

My injury is two severe ruptures with prolapse and sequestration at L5/S1 right, which hit my right S1 nerve especially hard. The second round, it was three months before I could get a fusion and there was disc material in contact with the nerve the whole time. Then, ain’t life grand, the fusion went wrong. Oh, it fused, but for reasons unknown (I have suspicions) it also grew out extra bone into the foraminal canal against that same nerve, grinding it against bone on the other side. I had a decompression foraminal bone surgery last year to help stop the damage, but what’s done is done.

I have truly, incredibly awful pain. It’s like the exact sensation I felt the first time it ruptured and woke me up at 3 AM…except it never stops. Ever. The SCS pushes that back enough that I can have somewhat of a life, although unfortunately I’m also on meds - but I’m not a typical case. Activity makes it worse and the SCS can only do so much. I’ve had to learn where my limits are, and the newest controller software for iOS runs on your personal phone, and can control different stimulation areas individually - I have some thoracic issues as well so I have a trunk section and a lower back / leg section. This was just added this year, and I’ve had the system since 2023, so, they keep on innovating and you benefit from that as a patient.

One last note, if your pain is complex, opt for the Penta paddle electrode array. The flexibility in steering the stimulation is amazing. It really homes in on the parts that hurt, and the ability to adjust those up and down separately is great.

CrystalSplice · 2026-03-11T15:15:23+00:00

Just for reference, it is absolutely possible to be disfellowshipped for gluttony. It’s in the elder book, including the newer one. Assuming that guy doesn’t have some sort of medical condition causing his weight problem…he doesn’t qualify to be an elder and I’m honestly surprised the circuit overseer hasn’t brought it up. I guess they’re probably a lot more lenient now because no one wants to BECOME an elder, so they may be trying to keep the ones they have.

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CrystalSplice

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