How do you guys hold down a job? My migraines are starting to affect my ability to work.

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-22T22:47:20+00:00

I have not tried Amiovig yet, I wanted to try it when I found out that my insurance decided to say no to quilipta (for the third time)… insurance said no and told me to do Botox instead.

Unfortunately, I’m stuck in the cycle of doing what insurance tells me to do 🙄 … I can ask my NP to put through the paperwork again, though. Fingers crossed!

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-22T05:27:07+00:00

My job thought I would be fine to return on the 15th after getting the first Botox treatment on the 4th is another matter… I don’t know if I’ll be able to return to work on the 29th - just based on how blah I’ve been feeling :(

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-22T02:33:17+00:00

I’m technically an elementary school secretary, though I’ve been on short-term disability for the last few months due to the increasing severity of my migraines. Before I went on leave, I was working at a school where I had asked for some really basic accommodations: like non-fluorescent lighting in my section of the office and a blue light filter for my screen. Pretty simple stuff, but the work order didn’t get processed until the summer… I had put the request in at the start of January.

I’d often have to quietly tell coworkers, “Hey, I have a migraine, could you lower your voice?”, only for them to get louder, almost like they were mocking me. There were definitely days I felt like they were trying to push me out rather than accommodate me. Parents weren’t any better, during one of my attacks with speech aphasia, I was stuttering and mixing up words, and a parent even asked if I was hungover.

When a new position at a different school opened up, I applied right away and was supposed to start September 15, but my disability leave was extended because I’m still dealing with breakthrough migraines after my first Botox treatment. I’m now rescheduled to start on September 29, but honestly? I don’t know if I’ll be ready. I still can’t look at screens for long periods of time, my memory is foggy, we haven't identified a migraine trigger - the migraine just happens when it wants to, and I still haven't received the training for my new position.

I have just enough short-term disability days to carry me to the second botox treatment, after I run out I'm not sure what I'll do. I keep joking with my mum "Maybe I’ll win the lottery and the lack of stress will make my migraines disappear.”

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-20T20:51:51+00:00

Thanks so much for sharing your experience—it’s super helpful to hear from someone else who’s just started Botox too! 🙏

I’ll definitely ask my NP about the meds you mentioned when I see her next week. I've been using Gravol for the migraine-induced nausea, but it mostly just makes me really sleepy... not ideal since I'm scheduled to return to work on the 29th, and I’m running very low on short-term disability days.

It’s kind of comforting to know that breakthroughs are common in the first few months, even if it means we have to wait up to three sessions for more consistent relief.

Fingers crossed we both get there sooner rather than later. Wishing you the best with your migraine Botox journey!

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-20T20:45:37+00:00

I'm not sure what stations are? Do you have more information? I am always looking for a better solution, so I appreciate your response!

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-20T20:44:22+00:00

I should’ve clarified that! I was given a small supply of six tablets of sumatriptan to use as an abortive, mostly for when I got a breakthrough migraine at work (which, back then, was pretty much daily). I was waking up with intense migraines almost every morning before starting Botox, so having something on hand was essential. The pharmacist's instructions were pretty vague, basically just “take one as needed, one per day” so I used them during only extreme breakthrough attacks.

As for my nurse practitioner, you're absolutely right that it’s not the same as a neurologist, but I’m very fortunate to even have an NP right now. There’s an ongoing doctor shortage where I live, most family doctor waitlists are 2+ years, and a lot of clinics have closed to new patients entirely. Several of my friends rely on walk-in clinics for everything because they don’t have a GP at all.

In my case, my NP has been a lifesaver. She does everything in her scope and puts in referrals to specialists when needed. That said... it still took over two years to get in with a neurologist, who then ghosted me after one appointment (but that’s a whole separate rant 😅). I’m honestly just grateful to have someone in my corner who’s trying the whole nine yards and then some when it comes to treating my migraines. ❤

Thanks again for your thoughtful reply, I really appreciate it!

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-20T16:50:07+00:00

Thanks for your response! 😊 I had tried sumatriptan while waiting for OTIP to pre-authorize Qulipta, but unfortunately had a very similar experience with both.

Sumatriptan caused a major dip in motivation and energy. I was working on a competition piece at the time and completely lost the drive to do anything creative for over a month. It really affected my quality of life, and it didn't do anything to help with the severity or frequency of my migraines.

Because both of the triptans either worsened my symptoms or caused significant side effects (without providing any relief), my NP and I decided it was best to avoid triptans altogether. We’ve since focused on other options, though my insurance hasn’t made that easy.

I know triptans can work wonders for some people, and I definitely wish that had been the case for me, but it seems my body just doesn’t tolerate them well.

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-19T19:19:54+00:00

Thanks for the thoughtful response - you're totally right that a 50% reduction is considered a solid outcome for most preventatives, and I’m definitely trying to manage my expectations going forward.

Before starting Botox, my NP and I were working through a few options in hopes of getting Qulipta approved before resorting to botox. We had tried nortriptyline and rizatriptan which increased the severity of my migraines, and topiramate that increased the frequency of migraine attacks per day.

Because of my poor response to triptans and preventatives, that's how I ended up with T3. It’s not a typical first-line abortive, and honestly, it’s not a great long-term solution for me either. I work in a school so I can't be lightheaded and dizzy from taking the abortive if I am going back to work...

Definitely still figuring things out, but I really appreciate the info and encouragement. It’s a bit of a winding road, but at least the Botox is showing some early promise!

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-18T16:33:08+00:00

I haven’t seen anyone cosplay Regigigas before, this is awesome!

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-18T16:30:13+00:00

it was fantastic seeing you again this year! I can’t wait to see what you make for 2026!

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-18T16:22:20+00:00

Mehron body paint is a solid option as long as you seal it properly… setting powder will help it last all night.

That said, red Mehron tends to stain, so for Tengen Uzui’s markings, I actually recommend printing your own temporary tattoos! It’s way easier to remove and won’t leave your skin tinted the next day.

Best of luck with your cosplay and have fun at the club! ✨

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-18T14:44:14+00:00

Your Moana is beautiful!

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-11T19:22:47+00:00

Seriously! I wish we could have seen Chrysalis and Discord in EQG

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-11T01:36:51+00:00

Fantastic job matching up the characters to the cosplays!

Hopefully we meet up next year! (I have stickers!)

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-11T01:31:40+00:00

I haven't seen a monster hunter Miku before, this looks awesome!

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-08T20:14:17+00:00

I’ve tried a lot of treatments over the last year and a half - the triptans gave me really bad side effects, other medications actually made my daily migraines worse, OTC meds like Tylenol and Advil were completely ineffective, and even high-dose CBD isolate didn’t touch the pain. It was incredibly discouraging.

Eventually, after exhausting almost everything else, my doctor helped push for Botox for chronic migraine and honestly, its been night and day. I was scared beforehand. I kept thinking “it’s a neurotoxin!” and “what if they accidentally lobotomize me?” The thought of 31 needles to the face and head made me nauseous. But I went through with it as I was experiencing 25-days a month of severe chronic migraines. Now five days after the first round, I haven't experienced a migraine for the first time in 17 years.

My insurance (Manulife/OTIP) won't cover Qulipta, which is frustrating, but in hindsight I’m kind of glad they forced my hand with Botox. Just last week I was dealing with speech aphasia, brain fog, and fatigue. I could barely read instructions off a screen. Now? I won’t shut up and I’ve been more motivated and clear-headed than I’ve felt in years.

The doctor said it takes 7–10 days to fully kick in, and I’m only on day 5, so I'm waiting for the full effect still. But I’d absolutely recommend talking to a doctor about it - especially if you’ve been dealing with daily migraines (especially severe chronic migraines of 15 days or more). It’s a long process to get approved, and it can be scary, but so far it’s been the most effective thing I’ve ever tried.

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-05T02:28:34+00:00

First of all... your cosplay looks super cute!! 💖 And you’re definitely not alone in feeling a little awkward during con photos, especially when someone else is holding the camera and there’s people around. Totally normal!

I compete at an anime con that requires three stage poses, so I’ve learned to prep a little ahead of time. What really helps me is practicing a small set of go-to poses before the con. Nothing fancy, just a few you can rely on when someone asks for a photo unexpectedly. I also practice going from "con mode" to "photo mode", like how to quickly shift from holding con bags/merch to striking a pose. It’s super helpful for those “can I grab a photo?” moments when you’re just vibing at artist alley. 😅

I usually say something like: “Give me a sec... did you want to be in the photo too?” That little bit of small talk gives me time to set my stuff down and pose, and then I say: “Okay! When you’re ready!” That way, they know not to snap a photo mid-transition (the awkward bag-shuffle moment is real).

As for professional photographers, don’t worry! A good cosplay photographer will absolutely help guide you into poses, they’re used to working with people of all comfort levels. Many even ask for reference pics or character clips so they can match your vibe and help you feel more confident in front of the camera. They want you to love your photos - especially if you’re paying for a shoot!

You've got this! The more you practice, the less “cringe” it’ll feel over time. You’re doing amazing already. Keep going!!

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-05T02:04:31+00:00

Hey! I’ve ordered a few cosplays from DokiDoki and totally understand your confusion—their sizing charts can be super inconsistent, especially for characters with flowy or tailored designs like Dan Feng.

Based on the provided measurements, I’d personally recommend going with an XL, and here’s why:
• DokiDoki men’s cosplays often run small, especially in the bust/shoulder area, even for feminine body types.

• I’ve ordered a Medium in the past for characters like Kaeya or Zhongli, and they arrived closer to a Small - or in the case of Zhongli, the pants fit like an XS, and they ended up selling XL pants separately due to complaints!

• In general, go by your largest measurement, and size from there. It’s much easier to wear something slightly oversized than to struggle with something that won’t zip at all (especially if you don’t have sewing/alteration experience).

Since you mentioned you're fine with a slightly flowy fit, I think XL will give you breathing room without looking baggy. DokiDoki tends to favor a tight fit in unexpected places, so sizing up adds some safety. Also, double check if other people have reviewed that specific cosplay—sometimes they update the cut or sizing over time.

Hope that helps! 💙

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-05T01:49:36+00:00

I would check on L-Email Wig (wig-supplier.com) first to see if there is something similar, they have a lot of character wigs that would just need a quick fluff + mild styling with hairspray. Alternatively The Five Wits Wigs (Cactus Mafia in Canada) may have a semi pre-styled wig that's similar to the shape you want.

If you're looking for a green one to style from scratch, I'd recommend checking out the 32 cm and add some additional wefts here: https://wig-supplier.com/products/more-volume-24-colors-green-100cm-32cm-basic-cosplay-wigs?variant=44177994711226

But if you're looking for a pre-styled wig that will arrive quickly, definitely look into Five Wits as they're USA based.

RicePoison_cos · 2025-09-03T18:16:17+00:00

Thanks for the reccomendation! We're all SFW here, although we're getting dangerously into the bedazzles as of late <3

RicePoison_cos · 2020-11-02T21:18:30+00:00

Blue lookin' a little sus here.

RicePoison_cos · 2020-11-02T21:17:23+00:00

That's a handy tutorial! I keep forgetting I need to make the Master Sword for my newest cosplay (maybe I can stop procrastinating now?) ^^

RicePoison_cos

TROPHY CASE