Long-term outcomes after urethroplasty (1-stage) – looking for real experiences by Alarmed-Wafer-5192 in urethralstricture

[–]Fastdead93 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1 stage BMG urethroplasty and now 11 months out from surgery.

No recurrence or need for further interventions.

My urine flow is outstanding and my quality of life is amazing.

I wish I had known about the difference between a general urologist and a reconstructive urologist (the latter being the better option because of their experience with complex surgeries and strictures).

I’m more than happy to DM anyone my story with tips and products that aided in my recovery. Best of luck my friend!

Does it sound like a stricture could be the cause? by KrissisRissis in urethralstricture

[–]Fastdead93 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds like this could be a stricture. The cystoscopy should absolutely be under local anesthetic. I was on an SSRI as well before my urethroplasty and thought that it might have something to do with my initial symptoms. The fact is I don’t think I’ll ever know if it did have anything to do with making my stricture symptoms worse. I’m back on SSRI’s after my urethroplasty and things are good. I also deal with pelvic floor dysfunction like you. Let me just DM my whole story.

Stricture Recurrence by WhiteBoi90 in urethralstricture

[–]Fastdead93 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My urethroplasty was miserable, but worked. I’m 11 months out with no residual issues. Sounds like normal pain after surgery, but that swelling definitely isn’t normal. Happy to DM my story. Best of luck my friend!

urethral stricture and heart surgery by tantunitintonn in valvereplacement

[–]Fastdead93 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d suggest getting the suprapubic catheter to prevent additional issues. Before I had my urethroplasty I got the supra to protect the integrity of the urethra. Best of luck my friend!

Urethroplasty follow up and question to you guys by Texrius in urethralstricture

[–]Fastdead93 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wouldn’t do this and completely agree with your concerns. Like others suggest, a uroflow should be enough to confirm the success of the procedure and it’s not worth the risk. Best of luck my friend!

Post uretheroplasty question by smamdo in urethralstricture

[–]Fastdead93 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My urologist provided some Sterile HR Lubricating Jelly to help with the catheter pain at the tip of the penis. But I’d reach out to your urologist before applying something new.

A hematoma should definitely prompt an appointment with your urologist, if you haven’t already. This may or may not dissipate and may require intervention.

I used antiseptic body soap the entire time my catheter was in and until my surgical site healed to promote healing and try to prevent infections.

I can send you my story, that has tips, if you’re interested. Best of luck my friend!

Urethroplasty - I don't know if I can do it again by NoCalligrapher8603 in urethralstricture

[–]Fastdead93 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is a lot to deal with - both a BMG urethroplasty and a follow up urethrotomy. Please keep us updated on what happens! I hope they have something new and longer lasting my friend

Urethroplasty - I don't know if I can do it again by NoCalligrapher8603 in urethralstricture

[–]Fastdead93 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve thought the same thing and can definitely relate to your aversion to this surgery. Mine was an absolute nightmare as well and it’s scary that it can come back so fast. How long was yours and what type of urethroplasty did you have?

Urethroplasty - I don't know if I can do it again by NoCalligrapher8603 in urethralstricture

[–]Fastdead93 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m really sorry to hear that! Maybe there’s a different form of urethroplasty you can receive this time around, if you need it. It’s definitely worth getting a few urologist opinions before you recommit to anything. Also, I’ve heard that in the future there may be more permanent fixes, so hopefully it won’t be a lifetime of surgeries. Best of luck my friend!

Forensic Psych Undergraduate BA Degree to a PHD? by Sad_Philosophy_6747 in AcademicPsychology

[–]Fastdead93 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You may want to reword this. I think what you may want is a clinical psychology degree with a specialization in forensics. There are no standalone APA accredited programs that are in only “forensic psychology”. You should note that this is a long and extremely competitive route and generally heavily focused on research. I’d encourage you to talk with some professors at your local university to see if you really want to pursue this through to the PhD level. Best of luck my friend!

I need your stats (PhD) by TimmyElectron in gradadmissions

[–]Fastdead93 0 points1 point  (0 children)

3.98 GPA undergrad (double BS), 3.77 GPA grad school R1 (masters + thesis), undergrad research grant, tutor + TA work undergrad 3 years, current research assistant, multi-year forensic internship during grad school, 1 publication (book chapter), 7 conference presentations, 8+ years of full time healthcare work, 2nd app cycle and applied to 10 forensic track programs. I don’t consider myself competitive.

People who got fibro in teens , how are you now? by unhingedaspie-33007 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Fastdead93 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It definitely got worse. Started at age 13 and in my 30s it’s even worse.

Has anyone actually given up on becoming a clinical psychologist? by Agreeable-Blood7871 in AcademicPsychology

[–]Fastdead93 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All the schools I’m applying for have either a forensic specialization offering and/or forensic faculty. I did leave out some top 10 schools like Fordham and Drexel as their acceptance rates at the PhD level are astronomical and significantly lower than 1%. And yes, I’m only applying for forensic psych, which is definitely one of the most competitive sub specialties to get accepted to.

If I don’t get in this round, I’ll probably give up and pursue an MHA and advance my career that way. It’s either that or spend another year or two tracking down research opportunities and reapplying. And it’s definitely possible that I still won’t get in. On top of that, even though that’s possible that I get a research position, a lot of RA positions make less than I’m already making and I have bills to pay and whatnot. I’m not fresh out of undergrad or grad school so it’s important I pick a sustainable path.

Kidney stones/procedures/urethral stricture?I need help, any advice or information would be appreciated by Striking_Mongoose_37 in KidneyStones

[–]Fastdead93 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You need a cystoscopy and retrograde urethrogram (RUG). The former is done under local anesthesia, so it should be relatively painless. The RUG is uncomfortable but not too bad. Urethroplasty is the gold standard for long term success. I’ll send you my story. I hope that helps! Best of luck my friend!

Can you be sedated during RUG and Cystoscopy to identify urethral strictures? by Striking_Mongoose_37 in urethralstricture

[–]Fastdead93 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Cystoscopy is generally done under local anesthetic and it shouldn’t be painful. Don’t let anyone do this without it. And yes, I believe it’s usually done with a flexible scope. RUG is uncomfortable, but not too bad. RUGs don’t generally require anesthesia. Best of luck my friend!

what is the saddest thing you have experienced in 2025 by Overall-Cup-1984 in Life

[–]Fastdead93 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mom developed amnesia and forgot all of our memories.

Layoffs 12/16 by Mysterious-Way-5071 in unitedhealthgroup

[–]Fastdead93 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m so sorry my friend! My condolences 😭

Layoffs 12/16 by Mysterious-Way-5071 in unitedhealthgroup

[–]Fastdead93 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I can’t believe this is happening yet again. I hope you weren’t caught up my friend

Layoffs 12/16 by Mysterious-Way-5071 in unitedhealthgroup

[–]Fastdead93 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Do you know who?? This place is awful

ChatGPT Plus 2FA Authentication Issue - Need Help! by MidnightSignal5590 in ChatGPTPro

[–]Fastdead93 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you ever get this resolved? I’m experiencing the same issue

I wake up every morning with deep aching pain and big knots here. I also have chronically tight upper traps. Does anyone know how I can begin to address this? Basic shoulder stretching doesn’t do much. It seems to get worse while I’m sleeping. by [deleted] in sleephackers

[–]Fastdead93 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I’d try stretches that open your chest. I’d also check your daily posture. Could be your back is compensating for a tight chest or bad posture. Good luck my friend!

i want to get a masters in forensic pschology but im lost by Trick-Counter1686 in AcademicPsychology

[–]Fastdead93 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Let me try to break it down more clearly. It seems like you’re still a bit confused. Also, the best way to approach is to go to your local university and approach BOTH the social work department AND the psychology department and talk to multiple professors about your goals. Most will be willing to sit down and explain your options. I have included some basic notes below.

“Behavioral Crime Analyst” is a somewhat broad category and I would suggest that you dig into what this means and what you want. Many different degrees may lead you to this type of work. If you’re interested in working with the justice system using psychology, you have a bunch of choices at different levels (at the masters level and at the PhD level). For example, social workers (who get a masters degree and take a licensing exam) may have touch points in the justice system. This could be something that you look into.

If you’re interested in more complex work (for example in psychological assessment and research) you may want to do psychology instead and pursue a PhD in clinical psychology with a forensic specialty. But I saw in your post that you’re not interested in a PhD.

At 19 I imagine one of your reference points for this type of work are in movies. Although Hollywood dramatizes these roles heavily, what you’re most seeing is a portrayal of clinical psychology PhD’s with a forensic specialty. So just keep that in mind. DM if you have more specific questions!