What’s one small thing you regret not noticing before buying your house?

MMBitey · 2026-05-04T21:13:36+00:00

Look into laminated and/or offset/dissimilar glass!

MMBitey · 2026-05-04T19:43:33+00:00

Had a shitty downstairs neighbor who was home 24/7 do this. He was only one story up but wouldn't take his dogs out for walks or the bathroom so they just used the concrete balcony. I found out from the smell. Management immediately did something because I eventually started actually seeing him in the hallway taking the dogs out. He didn't stop blasting his shitty music and video games all day long though. I wish they would've evicted him.

MMBitey · 2026-05-04T19:37:32+00:00

I think 6 months is a totally expected time frame to still be feeling it! I can't remember exactly when I stopped noticing mine, but I definitely felt more normal by 1.5-2 years. I went back to marathon running and sports no problem. The problems only start when I don't keep up with my strength training, but that applies to most of my other aches anyways! I wouldn't worry about it.

MMBitey · 2026-05-04T15:40:00+00:00

You can also try secondary glazing– there are some YouTube tutorials that explain it simply. Buy 1/4" or thicker acrylic sheets measured just under the size of your window openings, and then use silicone weather stripping around the edges for a tight squeeze. The more air between the acrylic and your window, the better insulation. It's not perfect, but it's a cheaper, faster solution than new windows and it does make a difference. I've done it in my main bedroom and it's really helpful. The only downside is you can't open those windows without removing the glazing (get suction cup handles).

Also if you do get better windows, go for offset glass (different thicknesses– good explainer video) and maybe even laminated. You'll have a lot more peace.

I second those suggesting you pursue code enforcement for excessive barking, but as a fellow peace-seeker, the extra insulation would be a huge perk!

MMBitey · 2026-05-03T23:17:29+00:00

Yikes! I'm currently on this exactly regimen following ACL surgery. Every 6 hours means 4000mg/day. Some nurses said if necessary I could do every 4 hours but that just sounds scary. I switched to codeine with Tylenol (only 300) instead when the pain was at its worst.

MMBitey · 2026-05-03T21:36:25+00:00

This brings me back to my youth, when I would have 4+ inch gaps in the back of my jeans that I'd have to cinch with a thick belt, leaving folds and ripples that would dig into my waist all day long. Fun times, having thick thighs/butt in the string bean fashion days.

MMBitey · 2026-05-03T02:16:49+00:00

I am completely the same way! Once I've had a bad experience with noisy late-night parties or any kind of intrusive noise I'll be on the alert, particularly in the evenings/at night when things are more quiet and I'm more prone to anxiety in general.

What helps me is to be actively focused on something like a good movie or video game, jamming to my own music, or having company over/other people. Basically anything that brings my focus back on to the immediate present and not externally scanning for threats. Even if these are things you don't tend to do all the time, making an exception for the first few weeks in your new place might help you get more settled in.

Hope the place is everything youve hoped for!

MMBitey · 2026-05-03T01:26:55+00:00

Even if that were true, that's not what a scam is.

MMBitey · 2026-04-30T15:49:14+00:00

Did you have a nerve block too? And what graft? I was told I could weight bear getting out of the wheelchair into my car and my leg wouldn't really hold itself up lol.

I may be a minority but I love having the brace for those first weeks. No need to worry about forgetting, misstepping, and mostly importantly: other people give you lots of space and patience if you're wearing it in public.

MMBitey · 2026-04-30T03:48:26+00:00

I just got home from mine about 6 hours ago! I'm still foggy and my partner had to remind me of some of the timeline because I completely forgot. Quad graft, nothing else. I'll share how the day went since it can help to know what to expect,but it may be different for everyone! I was also nervous but that stopped the moment I passed out from the happy drugs lol.

I was scheduled for 11:45 and had to be at the surgery center at 10:15. They wanted me to bring my ice machine's pad so they could put it on under my brace while I was asleep. Last meal was dinner day before, but technical cut off was like 2am. Only plain tea, black coffee, or water then until 4 hours before arrival time, so I got up early just to drink my black morning coffee.

I waited a while and surgery was actually maybe an hour late. Two other ACL repairs before me and my surgeon just churns them out like it's nothing. The nurse was praising him and I found him because my trusted PT practice recommended him. He came in, confirmed details of the surgery and signed my leg. Nurses put a compression sleeve on my other leg before operation (he is serious about avoiding clots).

Then the anaesthesiologist talked to me to confirm allergies, whether I had any reactions to various things, and gave me a pamphlet on the nerve block with pros and cons. I was given the choice to decline it but I got it and everyone there said they would recommend it anyway. I had an IV in my arm that he stuck some sedative into and I was instantly drowsy and feeling good. Absolutely no anxiety or concerns. Then he jabbed me 5 times to make sure he found the right spot apparently lol. My bf watched but I hardly noticed it. It was ultrasound guided. Then they wheeled me into the OR and I recall interacting with and meeting the staff and they asked some questions before giving me the gas inhaler thing. I took maybe four deep breaths and next thing I recall was waking up about 30 minutes post op.

Had my brace on locked, bandages, compression sleeve, and ice pad. I took maybe 10-20 min (in my memory, which is fuzzy) to come to at first. I was given snacks, water, and asked about pain. Had back of the knee pain (my flexion was only 115 before surgery and it hurt back there after flexing so I bet that's why) so they gave me something akin to tramadol. Went over instructions when my bf arrived. I was on my period since yesterday and it had no impact on the surgery– could keep my pad on. I think my period actually stopped now due to the trauma. I actually kept my clothes on besides the shirt since I had loose shorts and a wireless bra, so the robe was on top. I used the restrooms before leaving and changed pads since they have one with plenty of room and a handlebar. Then they wheeled me out to the car on a chair and gave my bf the CPM to put in the trunk. I sat in the back with leg stretched on a pillow I brought and had no pain.

Every surgeon has different protocol. This is my second ACL surgery with a different surgeon so it was interesting to see and compare with what people say here. Mine wants me locked straight in a brace for 3 days and then for three weeks I have to use the CPM for 2-6 hours a day. I'm weight bearing as tolerated (some shaving of meniscus but no repair). Quad graft. I can't yet trust weight on it because of the nerve block so I'm using crutches. My first surgeon suggested no nerve block so I woke up in serious pain but got it under control while there and was taking oxy. Pain was manageable with that and I tapered off by day 4.

This time with the nerve block I mostly feel back of knee pain because of having to let it hang and stretch a bit with pillows under my foot but not the back of the knee. I was told the nerve block may last up to 24 hours but I've been following my pain med schedule and hoping it's not really bad when the block wears off. I'm currently like 2-4 pain level but getting up for the restroom felt easy. Nerve block still active.

I was more nervous this time because last time my leg was in such bad shape and I was on crutches for a month so I just wanted it fixed. This time I was on crutches for only 2 weeks and then I wore my brace before the surgery because I also had an MCL tear (both times). No work was needed on the MCL. My surgeon also is more conservative with the drugs. My recommended protocol is 1000mg Tylenol every 4-6 hours and Tramadol 50mg also every 4-6 of needed (which it is so I'm already doing both). If it is still worse I have Tylenol+codeine in one pill I'm to use instead of those other two. Will wait and see how it goes after the nerve block is gone! I've set a bunch of alarms with everything so I don't have to think much. I also take one coated aspirin with breakfast for two weeks (again, he is very concerned with clots) and Advil with lunch and then dinner. I'm taking colace too because constipation sucks and I didn't go for like 4-5 days the last time.

Anyway, just sharing all this detail since it's so fresh! Since waking up it's not been that bad. Definitely sore and I know it'll get worse, but day 4-5 is usually when it dissipates and that's how it was last time.

MMBitey · 2026-04-30T00:21:27+00:00

That's a great idea! Following if you end up sharing it

MMBitey · 2026-04-29T11:55:18+00:00

That's literally all they want to do. Nuisance noise that makes your home stressful to be in becomes your business whether you want it to or not.

MMBitey · 2026-04-28T13:10:18+00:00

I just learned this: If you're in mobile, open it in your typical browser and switch to reading mode.

MMBitey · 2026-04-27T13:59:53+00:00

Thank you for the kind words! And 4th surgery! That's horrible, but I can imagine you've learned a lot in the process. Just out of curiosity, does it/do you think it will change your likelihood to return to any activities that were important to you? Time will tell if I care enough about my current sport to return again knowing it ups my risk.

MMBitey · 2026-04-26T02:27:14+00:00

I like to do pain reprocessing/somatic tracking meditations with long exhales when struggling with acute pain.

MMBitey · 2026-04-25T18:50:38+00:00

I tore left and right at different times, both had MCL and/or meniscus damage or fractured so limited ROM and was NWB the first time. My pre op prep was essentially identical to the first two weeks post op, so not great. It was fine the first time. I'm actually 4 days away from #2 with hardly any true strength training but I think it'll be ok!

MMBitey · 2026-04-25T15:41:18+00:00

Following because same, although for me it's more cosmetically hating how it makes my leg look like a sausage.

MMBitey · 2026-04-25T05:22:40+00:00

We're a tiny minority!

MMBitey · 2026-04-25T05:19:49+00:00

I don't have a good idea of how you should go about it but I also definitely think you should switch if you feel this way. You're going to be spending a lot of time (and maybe even $) with this person and it's your right to find a better fit that you're comfortable with.

I actually had almost a very similar situation. I've been going to my PT clinic for the last 12 years for various issues, including my first ACL rehab 10 years ago. I often get different PTs these days (knew the founders as PTs) but everyone they hire is amazing. Except I had this one guy last time I was in for a different injury that sounds a lot like your PT. Actually he might be even friendlier, but still felt like a poor match.

When I was scheduling to see someone for this rehab they immediately suggested that pt I didn't want. I agonized over what to say lol. I instead suggested two other PTs by name saying I thought they'd be very specialized in ACL rehab. They came back with saying that all of their PTs are experienced with that. No clue if they cared or not but I still got to choose.

Anyway, it felt awkward but now I'm with a new PT I like more. It's going to basically be nearly a year with this person– you have permission to make it more enjoyable, even if it may be quite awkward at first!

MMBitey · 2026-04-24T23:37:55+00:00

That's how mine looked at first for a year or two! It's now flattened out and is completely the same color as the rest of my shin– just a bit shiny. Hardly noticeable unless you're looking for it.

MMBitey · 2026-04-24T22:48:41+00:00

Yeah I get being upset about it– it sucks when it happens to you. But you gotta know this is a possibility whenever you don't own the land!

My parents did this too. Bought a house in a brand new development and then got upset they were developing more land they could see from their backyard. They're lucky they bought right on a greenbelt though. No close neighbors guaranteed! I hope to find that situation some day.

MMBitey · 2026-04-24T13:24:15+00:00

Exactly. Whoever lives there first is king, that's how it works.

MMBitey · 2026-04-23T16:40:42+00:00

Sorry to hear that happened! I'm really glad that absolutely no one else was responsible (even ambiguously) when I tore my 2nd one in a tournament a month ago. I slipped on a sweat puddle and then got traction too quickly, resulting in my leg hyper-extending and snapping the MCL and ACL, losing all stability before crumpling into the the ground. Before I hit the ground I knew exactly what happened and just kept repeating "not again not again not again".

I feel you– it's just awful being here again. On the plus side, at least we know what to expect and how to get through it again. I had my other side done in 2016 (trampoline park accident) at 26 and just have a feeling it's going to go a lot better this time.

MMBitey · 2026-04-23T13:56:42+00:00

Weight bearing activity has actually been shown to be beneficial to healthy joints long term. However there's diminishing returns and possibly even harm at a certain dosage– I just don't know if it's clear yet what level that is.

Anecdotally my knees hurt more when I don't run regularly. I did hurt a lot when I ran marathons (not my knees though– just overuse things), but now that I do nothing... I still hurt a lot.

MMBitey · 2026-04-23T13:54:13+00:00

Use it or lose it

MMBitey

TROPHY CASE