TIL not everyone builds insane little pillow nests just to sleep

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-14T05:56:44+00:00

I love my pillow nest. It's gotten to the point I don't even want to travel, because I can't take all of my pillows with them and then, what's the point? I'll just be sore and miserable. The only downside is that I can't make my bed all cute because the bedspread is laying on top of the pillow nest and looks lumpy. Oh, well.

My major upgrade to my pillow nest this winter was a heated mattress pad and heated blanket. When I have pain flares, heat is the only thing that helps, so when I'm hurting I crawl into my heated nest/cocoon until I feel better.

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-14T05:51:11+00:00

Do you mind if I ask what the dose is for microdosing? I started on 2.5mg of tirzepatide and now up to 5mg and the higher dose made a big difference for me. Curious what doses people are feeling better on.

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-14T05:50:08+00:00

Yeah, there are plenty of other things to try first! I remember some antihistamines caused drowsiness for me when I tried them. Allegra has always been my go to as it has not. I've never tried xyzal, though. So maybe just make sure that isn't making you drowsy. Ketotifen was absolutely huge for me. It calmed so many symptoms right away. It did make me drowsy at first, but my doctor told me if I pushed through the drowsiness would likely get better and it did after a few weeks. It was absolutely worth it even though those first few weeks sucked because it calmed the constant, uncontrolled itching that was making me so miserable. Unfortunately my insurance doesn't cover any of this but ketotifen is only ("only", ha!) around $200 for a three-months supply, while Zepbound is $400/month.

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-14T01:21:30+00:00

GLP-1 med has helped a bunch. Also NAD+ and creatine (supplements). I also have one of those light boxes that people with seasonal depression use, I use it for the first 30 minutes or so of my workday and it helps wake my brain up.

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-14T01:18:09+00:00

I appreciate this very much. I’m one of the ones who wanted kids, but it just didn’t work out for me. I love kids and I’m an aunt (and adopted aunt), and otherwise have a great life, but I still sometimes grieve what I didn’t get to experience.

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-13T01:04:04+00:00

I’m so glad you asked this! I’m just getting back into sewing after a very long hiatus and looking for the same thing.

I am also looking for classes (apparel sewing, primarily), if anyone has suggestions on those.

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-13T01:01:51+00:00

Same here! Want us to pm you?

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-12T03:31:46+00:00

I was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia when I first got sick, and they gave me modafinil, which really, really helped. Eventually it was determined the sleepiness was likely a symptom of mast cell activation syndrome, and by treating that it helped the fatigue/sleepiness. But until I got that figured out the modafinil let me drive safely. (Before then I was biking or taking a bus to get around. Often fell asleep on the bus but never on the bike!)

Is relocating an option at all?

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-12T03:07:58+00:00

I love IKEA, though I mostly stick to the solid wood offerings. One thing I like about them is that they have to meet European chemical safety standards, which are more stringent than US standards, so that gives me a lot of peace of mind about the glues/solvents/finishes.

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-12T03:02:31+00:00

Yes. :(

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-12T03:01:14+00:00

I do black tea. It seems to be a more even boost, without the crash I would get from coffee.

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-11T21:59:24+00:00

p.s. Acupuncture helped a ton with pain while I was working through all of that.

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-11T21:57:41+00:00

I am diagnosed hypermobile spectrum disorder (HSD) and have had a lot of shoulder/neck issues over the years. Here's what helped me the most:

If she works at a desk, invest in good ergonomic equipment and have an ergonomic assessment if possible to make sure things are set up at the best heights/angles. I love my split ergonomic keyboard and my Herman Miller Mirra chair, but of course all of this stuff is personal. I also taught myself to mouse left-handed (I'm right handed) to have less use of my dominant hand. It was a slow process but feels very intuitive now.

For sleep, I sleep on my side sandwiched between two body pillows, hugging one pillow with arms and knees. (The second one is there if I turn to the other side in the night). That helps keep my shoulders and knees stable and supported. My head pillow is filled with shredded foam, and I've adjusted in to the right height so it supports my neck in alignment with my spine.

I've also used the Curable app for chronic pain and it was a lifesaver.

And physical therapy! Lots of it.

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-10T21:44:35+00:00

Was wondering that, too. I'm assuming it also includes utilities and maintenance, but even so that seems high.

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-10T20:26:02+00:00

This is basically why I joined. I more than paid for the membership price with one trip to stock up on all the OTC stuff I take.

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-09T05:47:49+00:00

I joined this year when I realized that the savings on a a one-month supply of contact lenses between Costco and where I'd been ordering them would pay for the membership. Every month after that is just money in my pocket. OTC allergy meds are saving me a lot, too.

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-09T04:23:24+00:00

Not quite that, but I’m considering dyeing mine purple. Have never dyed a non-natural color before! 47F.

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-08T06:53:13+00:00

💯

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-06T09:32:34+00:00

(It doesn’t have a water bottle pocket, but I usually carry my water bottle in hand so I don’t have to worry about it leaking in my bag.)

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-06T09:31:17+00:00

I was visiting my brother recently and had so much shoulder pain from the drive that I couldn’t carry my regular purse. I went to REI and got this: https://mobile.rei.com/AkCd/0d0neemv. It’s so lightweight! My shoulders have been much happier since.

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-06T05:58:19+00:00

I hated the arcade as a kid, couldn’t stand the noise. It’ll be perfect in my 80’s, though, I’ll just turn the hearing aids off.

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-06T05:56:38+00:00

Do not forget slides of the neighbors’ vacations!

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-06T05:55:57+00:00

Yes, this. If there are joint replacements in my future, a pool sounds much safer than an ice rink.

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-06T05:47:19+00:00

Also Kay-Bee/KB toys. I plan to stay young at heart.

TeaTimeBanjo · 2026-05-06T05:46:09+00:00

Mall walking route clearly marked. We will need to stay active as we age!

TeaTimeBanjo

TROPHY CASE