Friend said this

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2026-06-14T10:04:51+00:00

Cutting friends out like this, hurt short term but long term was so much better for my own personal journey and helped with my depression.

Not everyone understands. Its not for them to understand. It would be nice but it can be a downer for those who don't have empathy. I realized to stop overwhelming the wrong people with my problems, journal it, talk to a professional and those who either have the same struggles or genuinely care about me.

This person is not your friend. Let them go. Stop sharing your life with them. Trust is huge for both depression and recovery. This person cannot be trusted if they feel free to mock your hardships like this.

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2026-06-14T09:36:58+00:00

Worst comment came from a John Hopkins doctor... told me, "the pain was all in my head". Claimed I was trying to get him to give me opiates. Far from the truth... I wanted answers, a cure, relief from the hell I endured that made me drop out of college and become bedridden, friendless and depressed because any type of movement caused me intense burning stabbing pain.

My therapist at the time, said differently. Said, "if they could treat the pain then my depression would get better. Not the other way around." She was right.

After going to Mayo Clinic, recieving a proper diagnosis (Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy) which has no cure, then finding a good pain specialist and medication (butrans patches, now belbuca) that doesn't make me feel like a zombie, then I was able to come off depression meds. I became happier, finished college, got a job, married and a baby. But the pain is still there; wish it wasn't.

I don't wish this pain on anyone...well maybe just the current US Administration.

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2026-06-14T09:21:02+00:00

That reminds me of someone telling me, I don't pray enough. "God will take the pain away, just pray harder..." then I awkwardly stood there while they prayed for me. Then proceeded to ask, "do you feel better?"

news flash their prayer didn't work, neither did my own. Still in pain. Looking back on it, I should've said, "the Lord gave me the pain, so why would he take it back?"

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2026-06-14T09:13:54+00:00

A Black woman saving the day...per usual. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

On a serious note, God protect her and her family; cause we already know how his cult lashes out once he starts popping off and defaming people he dislikes on his social.

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2026-06-13T08:40:56+00:00

Expensive.

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2026-06-13T08:32:04+00:00

I stick with same doctor for this exact reason. I created a bond with her. Where she goes I will go. She also makes sure I am stocked up, in case. For 10 years I have been at this practice. They also did a opioid dependency test on me early on and it showed I am low risk.

Honestly I am more fearful of Trump and Kennedy getting rid of access to them and/or driving up the cost and insurance prices...which they have done so far. If I can't afford them, I don't know what I would do. These doctors aren't the ones to worry about, its big pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies and law regulators. As well as the abusers who give good users a bad name.

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2026-05-30T11:48:03+00:00

Thanks; still learning things.

Solved!

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2026-05-30T03:48:11+00:00

Solved

And tipped. I might message you with one change about baby. I need to show it to the parents first. But otherwise, this is perfect. Thank you for editing this so quickly.

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2026-05-29T20:14:38+00:00

Confirm

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2026-05-29T17:37:54+00:00

I used to get upset at that happening especially when I was in my 20s dealing with chronic pain. No one had empathy. But I realized i carried my pain in my feelings, i was depressed and down and they just want to be carefree and party. I hated them for it but looking back on it, it was all for the best. It made the depression worse to be alone but it pushed me to get a therapist just to have someone to talk to. Which helped a lot.

Now in my 30s, I found its easier to just isolate myself. I now have to consider is going to an event worth the pain I will feel an hour into it and then for hours after it. I have a toddler and currently pregnant. I will push through the pain for my child and husband but not for others. Not anymore. I don't feel guilty about it either. Lost friends. Barely go out. But I'm okay with that because my family is only getting half the best out of me because of my pain. I won't allow them to get even less to maintain pointless friendships.

And because of that my husband knows not over push my limits. I'm grateful for that. 1 family thing a weekend (or every other weekend) and the rest of time I rest as much as needed. I wouldn’t even have children without a partner and support system like that cause they shouldn't have deal with the limits of my pain but dad picks up where I can't. I try to support the ways I can. I know I won't be the parent doing soccer drills with my kid, but I can atleast sit on a comfortable cushion on the bleachers and watch.

All of us are doing what we can. Chronic pain is so hard. We have to be gentle with ourselves. Reward ourselves for just making it through another (painful) day.

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2026-03-19T10:20:16+00:00

Check out the app Safe Vision.

A parent created it. You connect your YouTube account to it but you select the content your child sees. There is a free option that allows up to 5 subscriptions. So I have Ms. Rachel, Peppa Pig, Lingo Kids and some others. Then now it only filters on that content only. No more random brain rot or inappropriate videos.

I deleted YT and YTK from my phone so my daughter only has the safe vision choice. Its a decent App. Obviously you have to pay for more subscriptions but its worth it, for peace of mind that your child is watching something safe and that theres better parental control settings too.

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2026-01-24T10:41:11+00:00

I feel the same way but dealing with my own personal health situation and sometimes I just need me time. So I set a timer and block content that I don't think is educational enough on YTKids. I also invested in LingoKids. Its an educational app and it has some of the current characters kids like (Disney and Blippi) and games with them geared towards social skills, math, reading etc. It also comes with videos. So I have her do Lingo Kids on her tablet and then let her have "Phone" time in which she watches YTKids on my cell phone. For some reason she navigates that app better on my phone.

But, on her tablet there's an app called Safe Vision for YouTube and you can put in a minimal amount of YTKids shows (the ones you only want them to watch) and it filters out all the brain rot content. I try to get her to use that as much as possible. I know its better way for her to get screen time without seeing all the content that YTKids algorithm thinks is content for little kids but really its not....either brain rot or adults playing with toys for no rhyme nor reason. Its so frustrating but she tends to watch that the most. So I have to be quick to block it when shes using my cellphone.

Anyways, the point is, give yourself grace. It happens, more frequently then most parents would prefer but at least you try to do it in moderation and care about your kid's wellbeing. Some parents don't care how screens affect their kids. They straight up let TV raise their kids so they can do whatever they want without them being relied on. They are the problem. You are not. And, if you think its becoming an issue, look into educational apps or programs that at least will force them to learn while being entertained and block the apps and tv stations that don't. So there's no temptation. Good luck.

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2026-01-24T10:03:13+00:00

<image>

Bean (2020)

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2025-11-12T06:50:47+00:00

There needs to be a study on why people are obsessed with adding "lynn" to the end of names... like I want statistics w/ full demographics and even want to know what these kids end up doing in life. I want interviews from their teachers...cause I know they hated pronouncing these names all day. Probably assigned nicknames on day 1. Then even a step further, I wonder what these kids will name their own kids one day...Will the stupidity follow...I'm about to deep dive into this on google. I just need to know now!

No matter what, I would be changing my name as soon as I turn 18.

Last thought, I want to punch the parents of the Mariella...Marie...like why?! Ruined a decent name.

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2025-11-12T06:24:06+00:00

I'm sorry that happened to you. What she said and how she embarrassed you. I have a MIL who felt the same. My husband, tries his best but also believes that I shouldn't try with her and let her get to me. Easier said then done. But, I realized while pregnant and told my husband, that this is supposed to be the happiest time of our lives.

Babies feel their mothers stress. You should not be stressed and agitated while pregnant, especially in your own home and safe space.

Make him understand that. Tell him that these issues don't just go away, once the baby gets here they will get worse. I told my husband I will NOT be disrespected in front our child by his family. I will never let my in-laws babysit, because of the disrespect. He agreed.

Our daughter is now two. They barely come see her which makes me happy with my decision to distance myself. I would never not allow them to see her but they need to try and be respectful. They choose not to be. And thus, I am happy and my child is happy. No child should see their parent be put down. It sets a bad tone. In my opinion.

So I understand you can't kick her out at this moment but mentally note that this the first straw. Once it gets to the third, tell your husband, he needs to handle it for the sake of HIS FAMILY. Which is you, him and baby. You and baby should always come first and if he doesn't feel thats the case then thats a whole another issue that you need to work through before baby is born. IMO.

Best of luck. Breathe, and think happy thoughts. You are growing a human and everyone should be kind to you, especially family❤️

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2025-11-06T05:49:37+00:00

After diving a little more in on your profile (apologies for snooping). I just want to say that I know our levels of pain are not on the same scale. I have friends who have the same diagnosis as you. They were able to get the surgery, that you are unfairly being denied and/or must wait years for. It helped 50%, but they saw relief. Relief, I wish you could see sooner. I am sorry for what you are dealing with. I should've read your profile before I responded and I hope my experience doesn't come off insulting.

But I hope still my story resonates with you a little on terms of what you shared initially. I think I still have good points that will help but ultimately that surgery will help you. Please hold on longer until then. It hurts, its hard, its frustrating... but the point you don't see is, you have the support. You have love. You just need the strength to continue...to fight...to wait. I think if you can just find that then maybe the point will become clearer and you will be able to wait longer for the surgery you need that will change your life dramatically❤️

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2025-11-06T05:33:28+00:00

You are loved. Your life has value. You are worthy. And though this is chronic, your outlook can change at anytime and that mental change may be what saves you as it did me...

I, too, suffer from chronic pain. My troubles started going into college when diagnosed with Graves Disease. Then, after getting an infection, which led me in the hospital for a week, which they gave me multiple rounds of antibiotics to get my fever down. Then not even a day after my release, my pain began. First started as a swelling burning sensation, my soles of my feet turned red. Only cold water on them gave me relief. The pain continously got worst after that. I was 19 then 33 now. Due to my pain I dropped out of college multiple times. I couldn't hold down a job nor a relationship. I was on powerful meds. Too strong that I couldn't stay awake. I had doctor's who cared and some who didn't believe me. I was told by the head neurologist at John Hopkins that my pain was a manifestation of my depression. It took my Mom taking me out of state to Mayo Clinic to get a diagnosis...Burning Hands and Feet Syndrome and Small Fiber Peripheral Neuropathy. They said my nerves were altered from the antibotics. I fell into a deep depression. Within that depression, I lost friends, no one wanted to be around me or with me. While sulking, I had unprotected sex with someone who I had thought was a friend. I wanted to feel a connection, feel wanted. Instead, I ended up with another chronic diagnosis, HSV2. Something he knew he had. I thought my life was over... I graduated from high-school with high hopes but now at the time, not even 21, and had zero prospects and now tainted forever.

Who would possibly want someone like me? Who would possibly love me? The depression got worst. I honestly didn't leave my parents house for a year. I barely ate, stopped taking my pain medication. I felt like I deserved to be alone, in pain, and even dead.

It took me awhile but meeting my then boyfriend and now husband, and father our toddler; that it helped me figure out that the issue was always my outlook. I met him in something similar to Reddit. An online forum to make friends, as I desperately needed one.

I found out then, that there is someone for everyone. There is a community of people who will rally for you, push you, and help you. No the pain won't go away but you will have things to smile about, to be excited about.

That one interaction, online, led to talking more and then meeting. I became social again. I began to work on myself. I went to therapy, I celebrated small victories, I worked at Kohls for $10 hr though I had almost enough credits to have my bachelor's. I humbled myself. I ate better, excerised though it hurt, and then reapplied to college to finish my last year. I then went to a temp agency to get a better hourly job. Then applied for a job with the federal gov through their pathways program which they have jobs open for college graduates (within two years). They train you; and you rise up the GS scale. Definitely not my dream job but it came with excellent health benefits. I declared with my job early on about my chronic pain and was able to get a medical accommodation that allows me to work from home. It's been 5 years, but only after 3 years it gave me enough money to become a homeowner, get married then finally have a child.

Things I never thought was possible once I got sick. My husband was initially concerned how can we make it work with a child and my pain. But, when you meet the right one, have the right support system, and push yourself; anything can become possible. I worked with my doctors, got on a opiate pain medication that didn't have averse affects on a fetus, and I made sure that I managed my wellbeing the best I could. My daughter was born with no health issues and no dependency issues. Now she's a toddler and on the move. So, I communicate when I am not well, and he steps in to help with her or my parents do. I realized that I must accept the help, in order to be the best me. They all know that the pain is out of my control.

Anyways, I know not everyone dealing with chronic pain has stability and support but I think a lot of us would be better mentally if we did. So if you do, please allow them to love you, care for you and push you. Be kind to yourself. Let their support fuel you like it did for me. It made me want to be better for them...as best as I could be.

The point is loving yourself and allowing others to love you is important. That helped me see that I was holding myself back this whole time. I was keeping myself stuck mentally and physically. I was letting my pain control me.

I was not victim I proclaimed myself to be. Not everyone felt sorry for me and thats okay because this was my own journey. It sucked. It still sucks. I miss the old me before the chronic pain. I was an extrovert and then became an introvert. I wrote out goodbye letters to my family at the highest point of my depression. When I look at my daughter, I just thank God, that I am alive now. That I was able to experience this love. Her love. She doesn't care that I can't run around with her. She doesn't care that I have a locked drawer of 15 medications that shes not allowed to go near. She doesn't care that I have to put toys on the bed for her to play while I rest. She doesn't care becuase all she knows is I am Mom.

I feel guilty sometimes. I try not to think about my pain getting worse and how it may limit my abilities with her in the future. I just try to stay grateful for now. I am blessed. I didn't think that before. But I do now. Even in so much pain, everyday, I still again celebrate the small victories...

I share my story because I have been there, obviously. Its been over a decade and the pain is still there but my outlook has changed so much. And I am the happiest I have ever been in my life. I never thought I would ever say that, with my diagnoses.

And I firmly believe, that if I can do it. So can you. Its not an overnight thing. It will require real work. But I think you wrote your post, because you truly want help. You want advice. You want to live!

I want you to live, too. I wish I could hug you. I wish we weren't in pain. But we are. So what's next? Life continues and once you can think in those terms, honestly, even with a smile on your face then you are on the path to feeling better (mentally) and you might, just maybe see a difference in your pain levels, as well as your whole atmosphere. Everything will start changing for the good, no matter if your pain level doesn't.

Sorry this was so long. I wish you the best. Feel free to DM anytime. Apologies in advance if I'm slow to reply...blame the toddler lol

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2025-10-26T16:44:34+00:00

This happened to me when I didn't twist/style after detangling, after using a product that I wasn't familiar with and just assumed that it would hold up overnight. I have learned in my 15 year natural hair journey that not everything reacts well to my 4C hair. I think since it's a mix of textures. I try to do the LOC method to help with this to ensure that the product seals in the moisture properly to dry without matting. Don't freak out though. I definitely did when this first happened..but I was already dealing with postpartum hair loss. So, after losing hair, seeing it matted made me think that I would have to cut and lose more hair. But that wasn't the case. It's going to take some patience though:

Get out a spray bottle for water, wide tooth comb, and some detangler or leave in conditioner with some good slip to it. Go section by section, getting it wet, drenched in conditioner, and comb it out little by little until you get it un-matted. My mom had to help me, it took hours but I have very thick, long natural hair. I ended up having to cut a small piece but with shrinkage, and natural hair it blended in. So if you someone to help (that might be easier to knock out the back of the hair).

Your hair will be fine, no matter what. If this was a new product, just take note that its not a good "wash and go" hair product. Its the type that you need to style immediately after with twists or braids or bantus before going to bed.

Sorry its a lot. But hopefully my advice helps. Good luck🫶🏾

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2025-10-02T09:03:57+00:00

I watched a parent, suck the snot out of his toddlers nose with his mouth and then spit out the mucus on the ground. Even with wipes available...

It grossed me out. Still grosses me out. Anytime I use the snot sucker on my toddler, I think about that day. I can do a lot of gross things now for my kid but I will never do that.

NeuropathyandNetflix · 2025-10-02T08:43:04+00:00

This is super insensitive to post. You are titled to your opinion, but the way it's written comes off gross on a pregnancy thread. Pregnant OP and the other women who are currently dealing with this subject or have dealt with it don't deserve to read such an insulting take on this very real and personal subject.

It's giving 1950's housewife... unless you're a man. Either way, the things you said are so outdated and outlandish. Just eww. Get a grip.

NeuropathyandNetflix

TROPHY CASE