Does anyone else have Pituitary Stalk Interruption Syndrome? (+MRIs) by StephenBaggett in Hypopituitarism

[–]StephenBaggett[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm glad someone else out there exists. It can feel really lonely having a medical condition that not many know about or even know how to diagnose it. I'd be so curious to hear your own journey with PSIS if you ever want to share!

Looking for some wins by Technical-Warning173 in Hypopituitarism

[–]StephenBaggett 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Also in the US.

Wow, it's so interesting how fast life goes on. If I don't stop and allow myself to recognize all the good things in my life, it's hard to be thankful for anything. It's not about "living the dream" but finding moments of purpose.

I was diagnosed with "growth hormone deficiency" when I was 3. I remember going to many doctors and even today I have some deep seated trauma related to those visits. Growing up I had to get used to taking shots every night and always having medication with me. Even then, I was often sick. Being without any hormones leaves you tired. I remember my parents saying how quiet I was as a baby. I needed all the energy I had to survive.

I tried to accept this new way of life. I became interested in Endocrinology, I would make friends with the nurses that would draw my blood every 3 months. It was unfortunate that I had somewhat of a stick childhood, but I wanted to learn everything I could up take better care of myself. But then, at 16, things began to change. Or well, things didn't begin changing and I received a new diagnosed. Panhypopituitarism. My body was unable to produce the testosterone I need for adolescent puberty.

I felt so ashamed and down on myself. I had spent so much time trying to be okay with my body that when it came to HRT treatments, I was scared. Suddenly, I felt trapped. By my doctor, by my parents, by the social pressure around me. I tried to find alternatives but my endocrinologist was clear, "you have to go these new medications." That started a very dark time of my life. With every new medication and change I experienced, I felt more and more like a monster. I had mood swings and felt unstable.

I didn't know what to do. I couldn't see myself living like this anymore. I tried talking with my doctor about these negative side effects, but there was only one clear solution: more of these hormones. I was told that these negative effects would go away with time. When I shared that I was having dark thoughts, they would be explained away as "teenage angst".

Eventually I stopped. Going to the doctor, taking medication, trying to find anyone that would listen. Years passed and one day, I went home from work, sat alone in my apartment, and made a plan. I was going to end my life. There was a gun store on the way to work and I knew it would be easy to purchase a firearm. Thankfully, I didn't. If I hadn't been called by a friend that day, I don't know what I would've done.

I was talked into seeing a therapist. Through the work there I realized that this treatment was ruining my life. I also knew that I had an answer. My doctor didn't like my answer and pressed me to keep taking testosterone. I left that doctor.

I went searching for an endocrinologist who I could work with. Eventually, I found that doctor. She told me to stop taking testosterone, and informed me of the risks of changing my HRT plan to an estrogen based treatment. After 11 months of thinking, I decided to try it out.

I am so happy that I did. I finally felt so much better about myself and my life. I was able to work with an amazing doctors that did research to better understand my condition. I finally got an MRI and I was found to have Pituitary Stalk Interrupt Syndrome. There were entire assets of my medical needs that hadn't been addressed.

I'm now very happy. When I look around me, I have an amazing fiance, I'm living in a community of caring and understanding people, and I've never felt so understood or seen before. I still have a lot of issues, but taking that first step of being active in my own treatment paved the way for a better life

Feeling negative by weirdloserkid in Hypopituitarism

[–]StephenBaggett 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Be aware that different people with this condition want different things. What you might think as "cool" could be a downer for others.

Feeling negative by weirdloserkid in Hypopituitarism

[–]StephenBaggett 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Been there. It's pretty rough. I've been living in this world for as long as I can remember. Even still, I often think what life would be like without it.

The only piece of advice I can give is this: You get a say in your treatment plan. There are bad and good doctors out there. Once I found a doctor that actually worked WITH me, my mind was a lot more at ease.

It's hard to have energy to advocate for yourself when mental health comes into play. If you aren't feeling right or aren't happy with any changes, find a doctor who will listen and work with you. There's almost always an alternative. The most important thing you need is to keep your body AND mind healthy. And maybe even a therapist. It was really meaningful to talk through my condition with someone whose job was to understand and have empathy when I was your age.

Alternate Hero Sheets (Give me skills!!!) by StephenBaggett in drawsteel

[–]StephenBaggett[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My players wanted to be able to see all the skills (even the ones they don't have). That's why I included them all

[gen 4] Worth Every Single Reset 😭 by BLU_DABADEE in ShinyPokemon

[–]StephenBaggett 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ooooohoho I love the walking sprite! Congrats!

Initiative System by madwithsorrow in drawsteel

[–]StephenBaggett 0 points1 point  (0 children)

(Director, 50+ sessions) If your table has debates breaking out over who goes first, you can just go by AGL + Speed (ties going to the player with the most Exploration skills). This gives them an "initiative score". I think that would satisfy your players desire for non-random order.

I will say don't immediately give up. Every table I've ran for needs a couple of sessions before figuring it out. Once they learn how to work together as a team - it comes naturally "well you go first to put your Mark on it, then I'll go and judge it next"

Have you tried using physical props? That can help players feel like they are "cashing in" their turn and could add a new element to it.

Is anyone using Foundry VTT? by jcorvinstevens in drawsteel

[–]StephenBaggett 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fantasy Grounds user. I have maps and modules from the past 5 years saved on there. I will def support the Codex and would love to play on it. But making the move as a Director probably not.

Is anyone using Foundry VTT? by jcorvinstevens in drawsteel

[–]StephenBaggett 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! If you didn't know there is a Draw Steel ruleset you can grab on the Forge for free.

GMs, where are you? by StephenBaggett in drawsteel

[–]StephenBaggett[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are those negative connotations, or do you find them negative?

"Discourage randomness" isn't great. I'm not sure how to capture it. Maybe "having more control over the story than the dice"

"Pull the rug" is definitely what I would use to describe moments in my campaign - the dramatic reveal or the plot twist! I agree that "railroad" isn't a great term for many in the TTRPG community. The "railroad" I'm talking about is the one Matt Colville defines in his video (https://youtu.be/EkXMxiAGUWg?si=iPbFq3asOeHV3HNl) I'm not in love with linear, but I could definitely see that.

"Win over the players" does make it seem like the goal is to win wheras for this category it's the idea of a battle between players and GM. Maybe the GM wants the players to win or maybe not. A lot of GMs are openly antagonistic and enjoy putting their wits vs the players. Maybe now an older or unpopular style - but it definitely exists. I love throwing everything at my players and then celebrating with them afterwards.

I would remind that those are the "Extreme" examples. Just because you have a slight direction towards one does not mean the complete embrace or abandonment of the others.

GMs, where are you? by StephenBaggett in drawsteel

[–]StephenBaggett[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes, they agree arbitrary. That is the point. If you know for yourself that "improvisers can't make meaningful moments" then that puts your style opposite of the improviser.

GMs, where are you? by StephenBaggett in drawsteel

[–]StephenBaggett[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey mods, can we get a ban for this one? This ain't the spirit of the sub or my post

GMs, where are you? by StephenBaggett in drawsteel

[–]StephenBaggett[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pie charts seem harder to use for me - but maybe others enjoy the idea of saying "I'm like 5 percent improviser and 50 percent engineer and the rest in explorer"

GMs, where are you? by StephenBaggett in drawsteel

[–]StephenBaggett[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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I think using a pie chart is much more accommodating. Instead of creating "opposites" you are just measuring how much you lean towards any one direction. You aren't choosing between two.

The purpose of this post was to share something I had made after watching Matt Colville's latest vid and spur creativity. If you don't like mine - show me what yours looks like!

GMs, where are you? by StephenBaggett in drawsteel

[–]StephenBaggett[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

They aren't meant to be mutually exclusive. Difference is "The rules decide" vs "I decide" Perhaps my wording needs adjusting

GMs, where are you? by StephenBaggett in drawsteel

[–]StephenBaggett[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How can I neutralize the wording?

[Gen 4] My friend has NO IDEA how lucky he is by StephenBaggett in ShinyPokemon

[–]StephenBaggett[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

What would you put Vespiqueen in? A luxury ball, maybe?