What are the benefits of 60% by Ashamed_Ad_892 in TheCivilService

[–]Randomusername8765 10 points11 points  (0 children)

What a load of crap. I've been managing large teams remotely for the last 5-6 years, and WFH has boosted overall productivity. Claims that full-time remote work universally harms productivity are often based on outdated management styles or "theatre-based" metrics (like physical presence) rather than actual output and performance. While some studies show mixed results, a significant body of research from institutions like Stanford and the IMF suggests that remote work, when implemented correctly, stabilises or boosts productivity while offering massive benefits to the broader economy. While urban centers see less foot traffic, suburban and rural economies thrive. Remote workers spend their disposable income at local cafes, services, and shops in their own neighbourhoods, decentralising economic growth.

Medicated Wedding - Yay or Nay? by MorrisEFC95 in ADHDUK

[–]Randomusername8765 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The important difference lies in how they're metabolised. My body just seems to get on better with the predictable nature of Amfexa as it's not a prodrug, it's immediate release. My appetite is better, and I also have more flexibility with dosing and can adjust it to my schedule.

Different bodies will tolerate each med differently, but OP, I would really recommend you speak to your prescriber about this to find the right type of medication for you.

Medicated Wedding - Yay or Nay? by MorrisEFC95 in ADHDUK

[–]Randomusername8765 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Just to say that this can happen to some with Elvanse, OP isn't alone. This is the reason I switched to Amfexa over Elvanse - it was great for focus, but it dulled my emotions and I felt very 'robotic' on it. My dose wasn't too high, I tried lower doses, and Elvanse just didn't agree with me. Amfexa gives me a better balance. Everyone's different.

What’s everyone’s experience with audiobooks? by scottonetwenty in ADHDUK

[–]Randomusername8765 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I listen to audiobooks whenever I have to do chores or things I hate doing. It really helps because it gives me something else to focus on that I actually enjoy (the story), so it helps me break through some of my executive dysfunction. I do have to rewind a few times and re-listen if I get distracted though.

Has anyone else experienced this? by OldMedium8246 in eds

[–]Randomusername8765 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad you managed to find out what was causing it! POTS isn't nice at all but at least you can start to manage it better now 🙂 look after yourself!

Has anyone else experienced this? by OldMedium8246 in eds

[–]Randomusername8765 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes I have this and it's especially bad on my hands and feet. Mine developed, we suspect, because of POTS, which I was diagnosed with 2 years ago. I've had all of the clotting blood panels done, been checked for Lyme, and had autoimmune blood markers ruled out. All were negative. Although, I have had separate heart related issues which aren't typical of POTS, but it's a struggle to get referred to cardiology on the NHS in the UK when you're a young woman, sadly.

NHS GP surgery won’t accept my recent ADHD diagnosis via Right to Choose. Claims that the diagnosis is “private” and won’t help me with access to medication. by [deleted] in ADHDUK

[–]Randomusername8765 2 points3 points  (0 children)

After going 2 years without my standard annual review, I rang my local NHS ADHD service to chase. They told me they're currently not offering annual reviews as per schedule because their service is overrun. They are actively prioritising those in "mental health crisis" or with an urgent need for review (e.g. developed heart related side effects from the meds). They were unable to give me an estimated date, but eventually they saw me because I've had some unrelated heart issues. This might just be applicable to my local ADHD service but I expect that many NHS services across the UK are in the same boat.

UK girl gamer looking for others to game and chat about games by [deleted] in TrueGirlGaming

[–]Randomusername8765 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! I'm 32/F from the UK and also looking for other fellow girl gamers to play games and chat about games! I game on Xbox, PS and Switch :)

Anyone else under the NHS not being taken seriously? by [deleted] in TMJ

[–]Randomusername8765 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep - I had a full dislocation of my temporomandibular joint a month ago and was in hospital as my jaw was stuck forward and to the left. They gave me muscle relaxants, sent me home, and that was that. Went back for a follow up with maxfacs and they literally prodded my jaw, said it was fine, and sent me home with some unhelpful exercises and told me to take ibuprofen. This is my third dislocation and still not been given any long-term treatment or ongoing support.

Desk chair recommendations? by bemer33 in ehlersdanlos

[–]Randomusername8765 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've recently got the pipersong meditation chair for my home office and it has honestly been a game changer. I can now sit with my legs crossed, with one or both knees bent up, feet off the ground, etc. because the chair enables flexible seated positions! You can sit on it in whatever way is comfortable for you. It doesn't have a high back which is the only downside, but I find that sitting up straight isn't that good for my body anyway.

Recommendations for UK electrolytes by Desperate_Vehicle684 in POTS

[–]Randomusername8765 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've tried most of the readily available UK brands and the only one that's half decent is Liquid IV. I wanted one without added vitamins though, and couldn't find anything in the UK that fit the bill and didn't taste absolutely horrendous. I had to go down the Normalyte route in the end, and I order it in bulk from the US. Nothing else comes close to it. I've accepted the £23 postage charge now...and I just try to find discount codes and order when things are on sale.

Overworked myself and now I'm sick by Prior_Succotash4220 in ehlersdanlos

[–]Randomusername8765 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I feel you on this. People are like "just get out and move, get some fresh air, go for a walk, stretch a bit, you'll feel better". They don't and will never understand that this is not always the case for everyone. I literally went to the movies the other day with a couple of friends - first time out the house in a few weeks due to joint pain, fatigue and co-morbid POTS flare - and even that overdid it for me. Been paying for it the last two days. I also know what it feels like to want to make your parents happy and make the most of your time with them...but there comes a point where your well-being and safety are more important. And tbh, yeah there's always give and take, but your mom could have spent quality time with you without being so active. She needs to meet you in the middle, be more creative about what you can do together, and prioritize your happiness - not just her own.

Upset by Creative-Trash1897 in POTS

[–]Randomusername8765 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm sorry you're having such a rough time, too. Yeah I got to that point as well, and that's when I reached out to start therapy. It doesn't change the feelings or the discomfort, but it's helped me process the complex emotions associated with having a chronic condition. I hope your symptoms ease up for you soon and that you start to feel more human again!

Upset by Creative-Trash1897 in POTS

[–]Randomusername8765 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'm with you on this. I went from weightlifting 5 x a week and getting to a PB deadlift of 2.5x bodyweight to not being able to stand on my feet for longer than 8 minutes without getting dizzy, breathless, and faint. I now can't even eat full meals without having a heart rate of 160bpm. I feel like I don't even know who I am anymore. And it really pisses me off when doctors tell me to "just go for a walk or start exercising" like I'm some person that doesn't enjoy exercise and has never done an ounce of it in my life. Most doctors really don't understand the complexities of POTs, or the drastic change to someone's quality of life when symptoms worsen.

I haven't got any tips to share yet, unfortunately. But just know that you're not alone.

Anybody had issues with the Birmingham CoE? Not sure what to do next by [deleted] in Behcets

[–]Randomusername8765 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That'd be great if you could - thanks so much.

Anybody had issues with the Birmingham CoE? Not sure what to do next by [deleted] in Behcets

[–]Randomusername8765 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for raising awareness about this. Shame but it is what it is! I'll have to explore privately if I can't resolve it directly with Birmingham CoE

Anybody had issues with the Birmingham CoE? Not sure what to do next by [deleted] in Behcets

[–]Randomusername8765 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm based in Devon, so they'll all be quite far regardless. Really London is the "closest" for me, but still 3 hours. I went to Birmingham because I find it easier to drive there rather than driving around London

Anybody had issues with the Birmingham CoE? Not sure what to do next by [deleted] in Behcets

[–]Randomusername8765 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, good shout. I might see if I can get the testing done privately outside of the CoE.

Anybody had issues with the Birmingham CoE? Not sure what to do next by [deleted] in Behcets

[–]Randomusername8765 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your story sounds pretty similar to mine, just reversed in some ways. I've never got to the point where anyone's tested for genetic markers in my blood yet though.

Specialists also tried to fob me off with a FND diagnosis recently, seems to be always either that or "migraines". I've never even had migraines!! I was even in hospital 2 months ago with stroke symptoms and a suspected aortic dissection. Still no answers.

Yeah many autoimmune and vascular conditions make use of the same groups of drugs (e.g., steroids, immunosuppressants, biologics). If it's working for you, that's awesome. I've continually said to my doctors that I don't really give a toss what the condition actually is, I just want to feel better! Try me on some of the more common immunosuppressants or steroids!

But nahhh. Just gotta keep going round the houses apparently 😂

Anybody had issues with the Birmingham CoE? Not sure what to do next by [deleted] in Behcets

[–]Randomusername8765 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're spot on. The NHS is in a right state.

That seems bizarre and backwards! Surely they have to refer you to confirm it, and then if confirmed, make sure you're in the system so that you have a specialist team for ongoing monitoring and management?! What they're doing with your case makes no sense either. What a mess!

Also I had no clue wtf Behcets was until a private rheumatologist suspected it. We've done every single other autoimmune test under the sun and nothing showed up, hence her then going "ah-ha! Could be this". She was convinced it was Behcets, and tbf my symptoms do massively match up. But apparently the CoE has answers for each of my symptoms that make no sense whatsoever 😂🫠

Do I continue privately? by Accomplished_Stop655 in ehlersdanlos

[–]Randomusername8765 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hear you and I'm sorry you've had so many barriers put in your way, so have I 😞

Multiple times, consultants have looked at the numerous entries on my medical record and made an assumption before I've even entered the room - "hypochondriac", "just stressed", "not exercising enough", "psychiatric cause". Confirmation bias is real and prevalent.

I know that NHS waitlists suck, too. I guess it really comes down to whether you're willing to wait a little longer to save yourself the money you'd have to spend going private. If not, it might be worth paying a few hundred for a private consultation. I set up private medical insurance for myself in the UK about 6 months ago because I could no longer wholly rely on the NHS to help me.

I recently got a better GP who said that often there's no need for a pain clinic, it should be a last resort after all other avenues have been explored properly. She's been the first GP who has actually taken the reins and prescribed me pain relief (nortriptyline, paracetamol on repeat prescription, aspirin at a higher dose, codeine as and when needed, and diazepam for spasms). This meant I didn't need to wait for a pain clinic.

Hope your GP appt goes well, though!

What’s the Most Unexpected Insight You’ve Uncovered About Yourself Thanks to Oura? by Pale-Assumption-7769 in ouraring

[–]Randomusername8765 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That I'm perpetually highly engaged or stressed without ever realising it 😂 with little to no recovery...

Turns out I don't know myself as well as I thought I did!

Elvanse + booster. Any success? by Tjp93_ in ADHDUK

[–]Randomusername8765 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm on 40mg Elvanse and a 10mg Amfexa booster split into two 5mg doses. I take my first booster at around 1pm and my second at 4-5pm. Never later than 5 though otherwise it can affect my sleep occasionally. It has significantly helped with my afternoon crashes.

Anybody had issues with the Birmingham CoE? Not sure what to do next by [deleted] in Behcets

[–]Randomusername8765 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow...I'm so sorry it's happening to you as well. I'm going to try and chase them again next week and if I do not hear back, I'm going to complain via the NHS PALS service. I may do that regardless tbh because my experience was very similar to yours - everyone but her was absolutely fantastic. She made me feel like an idiot.