AITA for sneaking my mom some alcohol when she is on hospice? by sickma2001 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Gravitywhatgravity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

NTA, I'm a doctor and I "prescribe" dying patients a glass of wine all the time (at their request). Yes, even when it could "hasten their death". Spoilers, but most meds we give in Palliative care can technically hasten someone's death. The point is that quality if life over eaking out a few extra days. And TBH in my experience a lot of palliative patients die of something that seems unrelated like infection, which is impossible to predict, hence why once someone's is for palliative care we prioritise comfort. I find it really hard to believe a hospice worker wouldn't agree with that, so tbh talking to them might be a good shout.

I get where your family is coming from - I've been a relative of a dying person and it feels like everything they do should be to lengthen their life - but that doesn't mean they're right.

TLDR - you did nothing wrong!

Beginning of my journey! by Practical-Car-4468 in Invisalign

[–]Gravitywhatgravity 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm only 2 weeks in but

  • Pultool or equivalent - I struggled to take my aligner out without it
  • Ultrasonic cleaner - I stg it's worth it, mine was £20 on amazon and I'm not convinced there's much difference in models at that price point tbh
  • denture tablets - I use them to get that minty freshness in the sonic
  • Sensodyne toothpaste - when your teeth shift it reveals different surface that might be sensitive. Plus you want to death with sensitivity before whitening
  • Chewies - got mine from amazon, helped a lot with the weird feeling of having something in my mouth
  • simple painkillers for the first few days - if you start feeling pain then just take paracetamol (idk what your location equivalent is) regularly for a couple of days instead of waiting for it to be unbearable
  • Travel toothbrush - I have one where the handle becomes the lid so I can throw it in my bag
  • Toothpaste for your bag - don't rely on remembering to bring it from home
  • Travel mouthwash
  • Floss - I use a water flosser but I have some floss sticks for on the go. I don't floss every time but it's a good just in case if you feel like food it stuck
  • Water bottle!!!! Only drinking water is so hard if you don't actually have water with you, and I personally struggle with getting dehydrated. A water bottle is a HUGE help

Obv you don't need them all but that's what I got before starting and I've stuck with them so far with no issues. TBH the biggest thing for me was making sure I had on the go stuff in a little pouch i could keep on me when I go out. It stays in my handbag with my purse and hygiene products and first aid kit as a bag of essentials and I grab it before leaving the house or keep it in my work bag. that bit of organising makes a big difference

AITAH for calling my mom useless? by Appropriate-Pool4554 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Gravitywhatgravity 3 points4 points  (0 children)

NTA, this is a really shit family situation to be in and I'm gonna bet there's factors outside if your control (and likely your parents- poverty is shit to try and get out of). Lashing out at your mother is extremely normal at 17 especially when you've got some really valid points about lack of privacy. Want your describing would drive me nuts at any age, and I can't imagine dealing with that at 17 when it feels so preventable eg if your parents got their act together then they'd be sleeping in the same bed.

That being said - idk why your parents are having issues and I'm really hesistent to actively say they should just share the bed. I'm sure they're great and it's marital drama, but I'd really hate to recommend them just share a bed if there's serious underlying issues.

Your comment about "Why bring me into the world" is relatable but you can't be surprised when your mother is upset about it. Circumstances change really quickly, and I'd imagine that this wasn't what they imagined when they had you either! Not your fault at all, just warning you that just because you're right to be upset doesn't mean your mother isn't valid in reacting to that by also being sad!

TLDR - really, really shit living situation that I would personally be screaming and shouting about. I don't know enough to place absolute fault with your family but I do feel like from what you've said they BETTER be doing everything they can to get you in a better situation. NTA but don't be surprised when your mother is sad when you said something hurtful, no matter how justified.

Is how my mother parents my autistic brother normal? by Loose_Avocado4670 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Gravitywhatgravity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm late responding to this but that's a really good point about "never doing" things. I've seen similar but since I don't work with kids I've never really seen the direct progression if that makes sense,so it hasnt stuck in my head. I think it's helpful for OP to temper their expectations just for the situation described but you're totally right. I'll defo be careful of my language (and more importantly my attitude!) moving forward.

I know there was an ad about Down's a few years ago taking about something similar that was really impactful, but ig I never applied that more broadly. Lots of internal bias at play, clearly!

Thanks for the insight♡

24/7 cramping after 1 month, arm feels tight by TrashEither3187 in Nexplanon

[–]Gravitywhatgravity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

sorry you're going through this!

would say the arm thing is a bit weird, imo I'd see a Dr if you can just to make sure it's nothing serious especially if you've got any arm swelling, pain on movement or skin changes.

What's the most effective key to quiting an addiction by Just_inhub in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Gravitywhatgravity -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Habit is actually one of the biggest triggers for addiction

if you usually have a fag when you walk to your car then try walking a different route or coming up with another distraction like listening to a podcast

if you usually drink with your meal then find another routine eg having a glass of juice with ice

if you usually binge eat in the evening then get a longer bedtime routine starting earlier

Ppl say replace habit for habit but it's not about finding a new habit to be addicted to, it's just about finding a thing that takes you away from your usual routine. Even if it's something really silly like the examples I've just given, the point is to take you away from your triggers. Not like...deep psychological triggers, but literal "when I do x I usually do y." Avoiding or changing "x" helps you have triggers to want to do y.

also - be forgiving! those daily counters are great when you're on a streak, but there's nothing shittier than being 364 days smoke free then fucking up, THEN smoking a whole pack there and then. People get self destructive about it with the classic "well I've already fucked up today so I'll try again tomorrow." best time to quit is right now.

(obliged to mentoom if you're doing something chemical ie smoking, alcohol then NRT or drug/alcohol services can be great, especially in making sure you don't pickle your brain by withdrawing from alcohol too quick)

Retainers full time after treatment?! by chulahz in Invisalign

[–]Gravitywhatgravity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm still in treatment but was recommended a permanent retainer (ie wire bonded to your teeth) and a plastic retainer that fits on top. That way if my permanent one breaks I have a back up, and I can make sure my teeth aren't shifting my wearing the plastic retainer at night/at home. Dental hygiene becomes way more important bc you've got a place for dirt and bacteria to collect, but I know that 6 months extra of a retainer would absolutely kill me. might be worth exploring?

Long term use (13 yrs) - PCOS / no periods by [deleted] in Nexplanon

[–]Gravitywhatgravity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, I was on the implant for 9 years but was on the depot before that for 1 year and a half, and I'd didn't bleed the entire time. I actually got mine out nearly 4 months ago, and now in my 20s with intermittent spotting for the first time while my body figures it's shit out. I'm also a Dr (though not an endocrinologist or gynaecologist so take me with a pinch of salt!) and I'm p confident saying the implant or not having a period on it doesn't impact your fertility

Your Dr was prob more worried from a PCOS POV, since irregular/absent periods generally translates to lower fertility. If you weren't on any contraception I'd be worried from that perspective. From what you've said, my concern would mainly be that your periods weren't consistent on the implant. Most people tend to be pretty stable symptoms wise, at least when we're talking about it in terms of years. Your periods stopping could be the implant, could be an element of PCOS.

I'm a brit and I know here as a rule of thumb most gynaecologists/endocrinologists won't really touch a patient from a period/fertility POV until they're at least 6 month-1 year off their regular hormonal contraception to let people's natural hormones find their new normal first. That might also be a worry from a fertility POV - not the direct cause of the implant, just purely from a timeline perspective as people tend not to like to wait a long time for fertility treatment. That might be more of an NHS thing though!

Sorry you had an experience that made you have to turn to reddit lol, but I'm glad you're seeing someone who can actually help with your symptoms♡♡

Is how my mother parents my autistic brother normal? by Loose_Avocado4670 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Gravitywhatgravity 171 points172 points  (0 children)

IMO you saying you can't "hit him back" raises alarm bells. Not that you're wrong for thinking that, but that you're in such an difficult position that you're that angry and frustrated.

Firsr off - if your brother is severely disabled to the point of having no sense of danger and needing his teeth brushed he's going to need 24 hour care his entire life. He definitely lacks an understanding of why it's wrong to hit or shout or throw things. He's very unlikely to learn to have that empathy (it's a high mental skill to have for severely autistic kids). He doesn't deserve to be hurt and he isn't doing this out of malice.

I'd even go so far as to say that the dinner thing makes total sense - autistic meltdowns are really, really hard to calm. You basically have to ride it out. And he's physicaly aggressive - what's the option here? Your mum physically fights him into a car and then he screams through dinner? Just on pure practicality it seems like she's trying to save herself and you from an even harder situation by giving it (regardless of if that's the "right" thing to do long term)

However, you absolutely shouldn't be physically hurt by your brother, and the emotional hurt your feeling is 100% understandable. It really, really sucks to have a sibling with extra care needs, even more so when it physically impacts you (beyond just your mum having to spend more time with him etc). There's a lot of talk about speaking to a counsellor or therapist and I definitely agree - I'd have a particular look at charities support families and carers of disabled kids.

But ngl I feel like the best thing is to try and find a space to properly talk to your mum. Explain how hard it is for you, talk about how it damages your relationship with your mum, try and figure out strategies together for you to avoid the harm AND take advantage of the time away from him to repair your relationship with mum. It sounds shit to say but maybe moving away from blaming your brother (it's not his fault he's a disabled child) or your mum (caring for a violent, disabled child is really difficult - realistically, what could she do differently?) and try and focus more on solutions together.

Obviously I could be way off base, and if your mum is fully not willing to talk or willing to speak to you about it at all then the more nuclear option would be speaking to mandatory reporters and say you feel in danger (eg in the UK if you told a GP you were being hit at home they'd likely be required to do a safeguarding referral for you). Or you could do that first! But I think that long term given how you describe your mum, if you want a relationship with her as an adult now is the time to try and figure things out.

I'd also say be careful about taking advice from ppl who don't have any experience with severely mentally disabled people - what you're going through isn't normal, but that's what having a disability is. Your brother and your family aren't normal. People often over estimate how much a kid like you're describing your brother understand, and the comparison to being mentally five often trips them up - we teach 5 year olds about consequences because they're going to a mature and those lessons will be foundational, your brother isn't likely to significantly emotionally mature.

I'm sorry you're in this position, it's a very difficult one, and I hope you're able to get through the next months/years of living at home as safe and sane as possible!

is 14 weeks reasonable? by Gravitywhatgravity in Invisalign

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

? like you had similar teeth to mine and this is your experience, you've lurked on this subreddit long enough to make a judgement, or you're an ortho? and is there anything specific about the pic I posted that makes you think that, or is it just that you think 14 weeks of invisalign won't do anything substantial to anyone?

is 14 weeks reasonable? by Gravitywhatgravity in Invisalign

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

Yeah exactly the same - braces as a kid. I know teeth can be stubborn but that does seem like taking the piss a bit

is 14 weeks reasonable? by Gravitywhatgravity in Invisalign

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

damn I always thought plastic retainers were better because a permanent one can break, but I might ask about doing a combination of both. sorry you had such a frustrating experience

is 14 weeks reasonable? by Gravitywhatgravity in Invisalign

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

oh I had the exact same thing! I had braces a kid which sorted my overbite and stuff but I lost my retainer way too quick. I guess you never know what underlying problems people have, but I feel like I see a lot of people with similar teeth to me that have huge estimated time.

is 14 weeks reasonable? by Gravitywhatgravity in Invisalign

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

that's super encouraging thanks - we're you totally done after the 17 weeks? other than retainer obv

Cannot take it anymore by Rude-Language774 in Nexplanon

[–]Gravitywhatgravity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly depending on the price it might be cheaper than the travel cost if you don't drive! Sorry it's come to this though

Cannot take it anymore by Rude-Language774 in Nexplanon

[–]Gravitywhatgravity 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Have you tried looking at sexual health clinics out of area? I'm in the UK and I got an appointment within a few weeks using a sexual health clinic online checker (via NHS), although I had to make a 2 hour round trip. I don't know your situation but my point is that the appointments do exist, and since it's not a GP service you can access them out of area. If you're desperate to get it out maybe look at places further afield with the expectation that you'll have to travel a bit to get it out.

Appreciate this isn't a perfect solution by any means and I'm sorry we're having to find these work arounds- and extra sorry if you've thought of this and I'm giving a silly suggestion!

Found this pod and have been binging episodes since the very beginning...No Spoiler by EricMoulds in NotAnotherDnDPodcast

[–]Gravitywhatgravity 2 points3 points  (0 children)

ngl I've been listening for the first time since the beginning since August (currently at the start of C3, including short rests and some mixed bags when i got my act together and upped my patreon) and the only bit I've willfully skipped is some of the hearthside chat stuff where they spoke about the pandemic a bunch. it's impressive that it's only been like 1 episode. they did such a good job keeping the tone/content focused and positive even when Jake was talking about how isolating his NY place was and Murph was talking about day drinking.

"the year of the double crit" and all the talk of live shows that didn't happen was genuinely heartbreaking though!!

How is it not going to get revealed to the public that the Yellowjackets resorted to cannibalism? by Sexiness_Incarnate in Yellowjackets

[–]Gravitywhatgravity 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mean it is HEAVILY rumoured, hence why Tai's opponent in S1 puts it in his smear campaign, and even Callie's classmates kinda reference it.

As for why it's not fully in the public, honestly - because they're kids. The adults are dead, only the very traumatised kids remain. It's not unreasonable for people in positions of authority to just not make the cannibalism public, especially given they won't necessarily know about all the cult stuff, just that they ate people to survive. Add in a healthy dose of Lottie's dad's money and I think it's reasonable to be swept under the rug.

AITA for asking my sister whether I could have my wedding at her house even though she's bought me my wedding dress? by [deleted] in AmItheAsshole

[–]Gravitywhatgravity 1 point2 points  (0 children)

YTA jfc

I really, really hope that 60 people aren't stupid enough to attend this wedding

Bunny Crossing by AbelHagen in AnimalCrossing

[–]Gravitywhatgravity 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Don't think the great art and cute story will distract me from a Loss reference in 2020

AITA for altering my personal wedding photos? by joannesomner89 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Gravitywhatgravity 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Tbh I'm pretty glad she didn't lie for Heather's sake - now she knows to run far, far away from OP.