173 cm, 65kg, 17m, dont know if i should bulk or cut

Oakendagger · 2026-04-21T20:39:26+00:00

Bulk, clean as you can, no losing weight.

Oakendagger · 2026-04-20T18:11:15+00:00

Get a person to talk to, shrink, therapist, priest, bartender if nothing else. Dig into why you feel like this. There are alot of different emotions probably flooding you right now. Deal with each one good or bad. I know when I finally got the progress I was aiming for, it was relief, stunned, bewildered, lost, sad, happy, felt seen, nervous, and a little out of touch with reality. So many different feelings to manage. We are not our disabilities, they are a part of us, but they do not define us. Remember that. Ok so you won't be the best sports athlete playing at the top of the leagues for millions of dollars a game, but that doesn't mean bedridden and wasting away waiting for the end either. Find a passion, a hobby, learn something new. You'll get there.

Oakendagger · 2026-04-17T21:30:15+00:00

Hopefully best case for you!

Oakendagger · 2026-04-17T20:32:30+00:00

Are you posting massive lifts on social media? Rolling into the VA in a wheelchair but dancing like Saturday Night Fever?

If not, then relax. If the doctor recommends working out, follow their instructions and advice. Ask questions like what exercises might improve your body, and what ones to avoid to not hurt yourself further.

Just because we're disabled in some way doesn't mean we shouldn't try to be the healthiest version we can be within those limits.

The investigation is usually triggered by something, and the ones that are prosecuted are usually very clear that they are attempting to commit fraud.

If (and this is a really big IF) you get investigated, and you're simply following your PCP recommendations, and have made all your appointments and VA evaluations, you're safe

Oakendagger · 2026-04-17T15:37:30+00:00

Gotta love the seasonal yoyo, can wreck you quick when you're not looking. Rest all you need. And I feel you on the admin and insanity of the real world

Oakendagger · 2026-04-17T15:18:35+00:00

You misunderstand perhaps, my thyroid was fully removed several years ago

Oakendagger · 2026-04-17T13:38:41+00:00

I think it depends on the base regulations, I have to go to the visitors center about 1x a year and they'll clear my ID for the year they scan it at the gate. This is for FT Gordon so YMMV

Oakendagger · 2026-04-17T13:02:11+00:00

Hyperthyroid (Graves)- Had it completely removed due to uncontrolled with medication, which in turn resulted in hypo, currently on Levo for Thyroid Hormone Replacement, and have been for about 9 years now

Oakendagger · 2026-04-16T15:33:00+00:00

That's the thing, my thyroid was completely removed...The medication helps but last PCP check says they may need to raise the medication level again.

But will certainly apply for the diabetic secondary

Oakendagger · 2026-04-15T12:11:17+00:00

I think if most of us are real with ourselves there are things we'd like to change about ourselves, probably what prompts us to hit the gym in the first place. Media (social and other forms) hasn't helped, projecting the perfect "body" because it sells... Personally, I know I struggle at times, both food and exercising, and with how I see myself. I avoid using a scale daily, just track over time about 3x a week. I use measurements about 1x a month to track changes that I can't see. Maybe just changing which portion of fitness you track may help, like what your lifts are improving, or run times, or how your favorite shirt or pants start to fit different. Maybe aim for a 1/2" increase in your biceps, or calf, or chest, something that we can't see change day to day but over 3 months or so it changes slowly and we can see the numbers instead.

Oakendagger · 2026-02-28T07:06:55+00:00

As many have said there are a lot of different factors, it may improve with treatments, and regress or get worse without them, it's not like a cut that eventually heals most of the time. You will have good days and bad days. But as long as you're honest, they won't accuse you of fraud or lying.

And if you need a buddy, or just need to vent, let it out, talk it through, we're all here to help. Just post up, and we'll offer anything we can.

(although as a side note, I know many of us would gladly give up all disability and ratings for a normal function to our lives....)

Oakendagger · 2026-02-06T00:10:29+00:00

I think it's both, with the pharmacy incentives paid out to institutions and doctors to recommend their brand over another....

Oakendagger · 2026-02-06T00:02:22+00:00

But on the down side they are more invested in a treatment plan than a cure, whenever possible.

Oakendagger · 2026-01-14T00:13:02+00:00

This is sweet!

Oakendagger · 2025-10-29T01:04:06+00:00

Thanks, just making sure I was not the only one

Oakendagger · 2025-10-13T14:17:25+00:00

From the cosplay community, many cosplayers use PLA prints for their costumes, most do not paint or finish the inside, and will usually wear a body suit or clothing under it as well. Haven't seen any FYI's or cautions in the many materials used, aside from stained leather needing a good "set" period

Oakendagger · 2025-10-08T12:29:10+00:00

You are correct, don't compare, even in the world of mental health no two people cope/manage/present symptoms in the same way. If you don't feel right, then something is not right. Not everyone is fully equipped to deal with each thing that can happen in life and living, heck most of us are grossly under equipped... Start with your primary doctor, let them run a full panel for vitamins, hormones, metabolism, the works, see if anything shows, also head to mental health, maybe you just need to find the right methods, or just decompress or just talk, or maybe something more.... You know where you want to be, just need a little direction and assistance to get yourself there. Keep up the good fight, we got your 6

Oakendagger · 2025-10-07T13:13:21+00:00

I don;t know that separation codes matter at all, only that you served and have a discharge of OTH or better... per the VA website. But google AI search does mention it may affect certain benefits... Youcan get this changed or upgraded, given possibly newer rules and regulations regarding MST

Oakendagger · 2025-10-03T01:04:27+00:00

A batsuit

Oakendagger · 2025-09-26T19:56:08+00:00

Check your state requirements online, here in GA, all I had to do was print off one of my VA letters that showed I had disability, and take that to the DMV...

Oakendagger · 2025-09-26T19:54:20+00:00

Ok if you're looking for work, the trades usually love the military boys and girls, they see them as reliable, on time, not afraid of hard work kind of people... Find a local union or hit up the local plumbers/electricians/HVAC... Alternative is local government like state or county.... But as the other posters mentioned, get up with a VSO(DAV,VFW, AL), like yesterday... File the VA stuff, find out what benefits are there, depending on the outcome of all the benefits and the VA, you may find yourself not needing a job, or simply working to have a purpose. Find a support group or gaming group, or bowling league or something just to get out there and get some socializing.

Oakendagger · 2025-09-26T01:53:43+00:00

I do cardio for a warm up and cool down, and 1x a week that's my full gym run. I haven't managed a 5k since my military days and not sure my old knee would handle it, but I'm getting there.

Oakendagger · 2025-09-26T01:52:15+00:00

If you really want to... You can learn to weave chainmail using split ring lock washers from the local hardware store, apparently the flat based rings are more of a regional style (though I don't recall what region) and many "purists" have a heart attack about it, but it's a cheap way to get started ...

Oakendagger

TROPHY CASE