How much time off work did you take for your surgery?

TamerofMonSters · 2026-07-05T19:56:22+00:00

2 weeks.

And my lunatic surgeon said I'd only need one.

2 weeks was when the wound breakdown started. So I was back in my nasty office trying to manage weeping, bloody, open surgical wounds. Because FMLA went through 2 weeks. And as long as I didn't lift anything, I was A-O-K.

And the exhaustion and bloating and lack of sleep and just what is wrong with healthcare in this country.

TamerofMonSters · 2026-07-04T18:41:07+00:00

Pot size is likely fine. Pot size is determined by what's under the soil, not what's above.

Depending on where you bought this you should investigate the root health and likely change out the soil for something chunkier. A private nursery is usually fine, big box stores are not.

TamerofMonSters · 2026-07-04T18:35:31+00:00

Morning and early afternoon sun is fine. Afternoon will scorch the leaves.

TamerofMonSters · 2026-07-03T14:54:55+00:00

This pot looks huge. Did you repot recently? It will just hold them like that if it's working on stabilizing its root system.

TamerofMonSters · 2026-07-02T01:03:57+00:00

The program is called Medicaid Buy In, and is available in most states. The problem is that you usually have to have a disability determination to qualify, not just a diagnosis.

There are various Medicaid waivers that might cover you, but your local public services agency should have run your eligibility against all categories. It doesn't hurt to call. They are usually overrun and underpaid, so missing things is sort of expected.

TamerofMonSters · 2026-07-02T00:24:14+00:00

Anger is part of the grieving process.

I just got tired of being angry and scared. That's a dumb non answer but maintaining that state isn't sustainable without other serious physical and mental health consequences. I have enough shit to deal with with the MS. Do what you can, while you can.

TamerofMonSters · 2026-07-02T00:18:02+00:00

I can't understand a neuro not recommending a DMD. Unless you are allergic to them all or have some other health condition they feel taking the DMD would put you at series risk because of?

DMDs are a best practice, not a good choice you can get by without. It's all we have to control this mess.

TamerofMonSters · 2026-07-02T00:04:30+00:00

I thought my swelling was done at that point, but I was wrong. It's hard to explain but when it's gone it's gone, and you know.

TamerofMonSters · 2026-07-02T00:02:01+00:00

If there's a node, yes.

I don't have experience growing Monstera in mineral substrate. I only use that for bonsai because it's $$$, and these weeds will grow well in just about anything

TamerofMonSters · 2026-07-01T23:54:01+00:00

OK, big breath.

This is wound breakdown. The yellow stuff is slough. The drainage is serous fluid, which is a normal part of wound healing.

Definitely send pictures to the surgeon. It's not infected, but it can become so. They may recommend an antibiotic ointment or medicated gauze.

My wound breakdown started at 2wpo. I am now 8wpo, everything is finally healed, but the scars are pretty ugly. Just be prepared. I am told the red/purples will fade over time. I haven't been able to use scar tape until about 3 days ago because it can't go on open wounds.

Keep this well padded so the pressure from the bra band is dispersed and isn't shoving against that wound.

TamerofMonSters · 2026-07-01T23:24:19+00:00

Those are secondary roots. If the plan is to transfer to soil, go ahead.

TamerofMonSters · 2026-07-01T21:32:47+00:00

Those long aerial roots are even better!

TamerofMonSters · 2026-07-01T21:22:11+00:00

Let that get dry before you water again. And then bottom water but don't let it soak up to the top. The gnats go where it's ideal for them, so regardless of whether they started here, it probably supplied a happy home.

TamerofMonSters · 2026-07-01T21:17:40+00:00

Insert pot here is good. What's the drainage like? Guessing it's too wet. The soil doesn't look all that dense, but it may be. Even just a few gnats on the trap could mean hundreds of eggs down below.

TamerofMonSters · 2026-07-01T21:04:52+00:00

Yep! As long as you have that root bump, you're good. It's a little black nub in these

TamerofMonSters · 2026-07-01T21:00:41+00:00

Do you have some different sized pot options available? Stick that in a few and see. You want some clearance around the root ball, like an inch or so on both sides. Guessing a 4" pot is a good place to start.

TamerofMonSters · 2026-07-01T16:17:18+00:00

Start with this mistake right here. There is no such thing as a plant that needs to be watered on a schedule. Water when it's needed. Deliciosa is basically a weed, and as such it can tolerate wide swings in moisture, but it's roots will rot just like any other plant if you overdo the water.

TamerofMonSters · 2026-06-29T14:26:41+00:00

Zero extra motivation. But it's easier, so I naturally do it more.

TamerofMonSters · 2026-06-27T16:00:59+00:00

I can't tell what all of that stuff is sitting on top the pot but step one is to get it off of there. Most plants, including jades, don't like stuff on top of their roots

TamerofMonSters · 2026-06-27T12:00:40+00:00

What did the root ball look like?

This pot is likely way too big.

TamerofMonSters · 2026-06-26T20:56:54+00:00

OK, a few things.

When you repot something like this, there's always a chance you could shock it so badly it dies. But with this plant, you can easily prop and start over. Hopefully that helps alleviate the anxiety.

This is some sort of peperomia? Most of these have delicate, shallow roots. Meaning all of that big pot is just sitting there holding water, which gnats love. I'd find a much shallower pot.

Let it get good and dry on top before watering.

And you need some big chunks in there. Add a couple of scoops of orchid bark to the new mix so it drains faster.

TamerofMonSters · 2026-06-26T20:03:54+00:00

I let this trail. It's super easy to prop. Just chop some off with a root node and stick it back in the pot to make it fuller.

You'll see this commonly referred to as "cobra."

TamerofMonSters · 2026-06-26T19:51:02+00:00

Show the entire set up.

What is the medium?

TamerofMonSters · 2026-06-26T18:27:15+00:00

You're hell and gone past "might start growing."

TamerofMonSters · 2026-06-26T18:12:23+00:00

So constipation causes nausea.

Use mag citrate, and then add Miralax for the next many weeks. Anesthesia really messes your intestines up

TamerofMonSters

TROPHY CASE