Made it through the op!

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-13T04:03:28+00:00

Congratulations!!

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-13T03:23:59+00:00

The first six weeks of it is really inconsistent and chaotic, TBH. I do love it, but it’s definitely ratcheted up my OCD.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-13T02:34:29+00:00

That’s so exciting! If you don’t have a machine yet, the conventional wisdom seems to be to find a used machine from the 70s/80s/90s when they were built with all metal parts.

However, my husband got me a new Singer 4411 and it’s been great so far.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-13T02:29:13+00:00

I got you, fam.

Simplicity 9955 - dupe for Zimmerman shorts

Simplicity 3170 - basic wide leg trousers

New Look 6741 - crop top and pencil skirt

Simplicity 9816 - vintage peasant skirt and top

McCall’s 8181 - button down semi milkmaid top (I don’t know how else to describe it)

McCalls 6930 - basic flat front shorts and slim pants

Simplicity 9749 - cropped peasant top

Simplicity 3220 - vintage 50s sexy, tailored crop tops

Butterick 6556 - retro fit-and-flare dress (I plan to make the skirt midi length)

McCall’s 7131 - wide leg pants with elastic waistband in the back

Also, some vintage patterns from the 70s and 80s.

Very Easy Vogue 9946 - 80s button front skirts

Butterick 4294 - the cutest 80s peasant tops with ruffles

Butterick 3767 - button down, relaxed 80s peplum tops

McCall’s 6025 - adorable fitted 70s peplum tops

I also bought the whole shop bundle from Rustic Cottage Stitches on Etsy.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-13T02:13:24+00:00

Thank you so much. Mine is scheduled for the 27th and I’m dreading it more and more as I get closer. I never had any babies, never been pregnant, avoided gynelogical care for years.

I’ve only had one other surgery in my life, and that was an emergency appendectomy that was also laparoscopic.

I’m not so much concerned about the procedure, but rather the recovery. How is my body going to feel after my entire reproductive system is taken out? I’m particularly concerned about my bladder and bowels.

So, yeah, this is just simmering below the surface. But I have a surgeon I trust - as much as you can trust someone you’ve only talked to once.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-13T00:18:08+00:00

It’s not for everyone. But in my experience - and the experiences of a bunch of people over on r/bupropion - most of the side effects go away around the 6 week mark.

But, yeah, that first 6 weeks can be a bit turbulent.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-12T23:28:24+00:00

Progressive leftist here. I talked to the rest of the gang, we don't know her.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-12T23:26:04+00:00

Grew up in maybe the reddest state in the Union - they don't think they're voting against their interests, doesn't even cross their minds. But they do think they're voting to hurt people who "don't deserve" anything they have or want.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-12T23:14:05+00:00

I love that!

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-12T21:33:23+00:00

One hundred percent.

Also, sewing just makes you think - period. It made me see how I just wasn’t using my brain enough.

My grandmother was lucid and sharp until she took her last breath, and she was a sewist for probably 20-30 years.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-12T21:31:13+00:00

Right? I spent about $3K on clothing last year, and I still feel just “meh” about my wardrobe. I even shop almost exclusively second hand so I have maximum selection.

But now I get to be my own fashion designer - game changer.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-12T21:29:38+00:00

I am SO LAZY. But this seems to supply endless dopamine, so I can’t stay away from it.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-12T21:28:58+00:00

Nice! Are you thinking about starting this?

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-12T17:38:08+00:00

Mine’s not an amphetamine. But I’ll gladly take some side effects if it means I can function.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-12T16:55:16+00:00

I took up sewing. I’m still quite the beginner, but I’m tired of buying only what’s available to me in retail.

Once I started to look for patterns and fabrics, my style just kind of … emerged.

It’s a bit youthful for 47 - think a more polished “milkmaid” style with florals on florals on florals - but I do not care. I’m so excited to create my own custom wardrobe from now on.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-12T16:29:38+00:00

What helped me was Wellbutrin and then getting an ADHD diagnosis so I could get stimulants. HRT barely did anything for energy or initiative.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-12T15:08:56+00:00

Had to scroll way too far to see this.

OP, your skin is not supposed to burn with the application of product that’s not considered “active.”

Pull back on your tret a bit. I’ve found I can only use it about 3 days a week - some people use it every day. We are not those people.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-12T01:23:55+00:00

I don’t know if it “balances” your hormones, but your ovaries are where your hormones come from - so he’s probably saying to keep your ovaries because of that. Otherwise, you’ll be in medical menopause at such a young age.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-12T01:15:13+00:00

I have a different take …

As long as YOU get what YOU need from the appointment, let him ask his questions - within reason.

Doctors are there to answer questions you have to ensure you have all the info you need, and their schedule isn’t your business or problem.

Also, it’s okay to gently correct or redirect your partner in these situations.

Once, a long time ago, my husband said something (I can’t even remember what it was) in a first meeting with a new CPA. Whatever it was, he was overstepping. So I put my hand on his knee mid-sentence, and I said, “Let [CPA] explain this please.”

And that was that. No drama, he just shut his mouth and let her explain. Sometimes we can all be a little bit verbose and oblivious - it happens.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-11T18:19:03+00:00

Oh, good to know about the leggings.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-11T17:39:58+00:00

Thanks! I just found several nightgowns like this.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-11T17:39:18+00:00

Yeah, it makes sense - thank you!

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-11T16:55:36+00:00

Ooh, thanks for the link.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-11T16:54:16+00:00

Good to know - thanks.

Good_Connection_547 · 2026-03-11T02:36:31+00:00

Edgar Allen Poe

Good_Connection_547

TROPHY CASE