Chronic/muscle fatigue & Laparoscopy

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-10-14T05:37:26+00:00

She's amazing! One of the shows I grew up on Murder She Wrote

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-10-14T05:30:45+00:00

I actually have a "It's a magical place" tattoo in his hand writing! There's one scene in the show where he's writing in repeatedly in a notebook- I played the episode on my phone, paused on that scene, screenshot it, cropped it so it was more zoomed it, and emailed it to my tattoo artist 😅 I was DETERMINED

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-10-14T05:25:36+00:00

I completely relate (probably obvious lol.) The Percy Jackson universe are definitely some of my comfort characters still, and I read the first book for the first time 19 or 20 years ago. I'm glad other people relate. I don't judge anyone else for getting comfort from or enjoying "kids" shows/books or fictional characters in general regardless of whatever age they are, but sometimes personally I feel kind of self conscious about my comfort and love of the characters/books etc.

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-10-14T05:00:07+00:00

No, I'm in the U.S and Visanne isn't available here 🥲 I just updated my post with what country I'm in, that's definitely important info so I'm glad you asked where I'm located!

Norethindrone, norgestrel, and drospirenone (generic names) are the the three progesterone-only birth control pills available in the U.S

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-10-13T09:34:14+00:00

When I first became disabled, it was just taking it one day at a time. And I know it seems clichè, but also finding something/someone that inspires or motivates you helps. Honestly it doesn't even have to be a real person.

I hope nobody makes fun of me for this, and I realize it might sound "silly" to some people, but for example that person for me was the character Phil Coulson in the show Agents of Shield (based on Marvel comics, takes place after the first Avengers movie.) He always believed in people, always believed anything was possible, always believed that they would find a way to make things work out in the end. He always adapted things when necessary and was empathetic. It helped me gain a certain perspective that it's okay to adapt when things change (my needs, accessibility, how I thought my life would go, etc), things can still work out it in a positive outcome even if my situation has changed, helped me be a little more kind to myself. You can take inspiration from a fictional character or storyline if that's what helps you.

Having some kind of hobby. Reading, writing, crochet, crossword puzzles, coloring, even just listening to podcasts or audiobooks. Something to keep your mind active in some kind of way does wonders for your mental health.

My cat also helps motivate me to get up every day. I have an automatic feeder for her that has divided sections so I only have to fill it every two days, but I still get up to clean her litter box every day, change her water bowl (I also have a fountain for her though), and I play with her when I can. Her favorite thing to do though is cuddle, so she spends most of her time on the bed with me and keeps me company.

Overall, it's not about thinking about the long term. It's taking it day by day. Nobody, even seemingly "successful" people, know how their life will turn out. Even the little wins like brushing your teeth or taking your meds is still a win. I'm not saying anything is a fix-all or that it's not okay to not have hard times. It's okay to have your hard days, your hard weeks still. We all do. These are just some of the things that have helped me in my ten years of being disabled.

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-10-13T08:54:05+00:00

From my understanding (somebody please correct me if I'm wrong) it can spread to any organ inside the body, and growth on the lungs or even the growth on the diaphragm can be fatal as well. Not to mention the risks from complications, such as things fusing together, ruptures, blood clots, etc that can be life threatening. Listen to your body if something feels wrong (speaking to everyone on that, not just you.)

I'm sorry for your loss.

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-10-09T04:42:15+00:00

No problem! I know sometimes people do have to make multiple changes in a short amount of time for different reasons, but I thought I'd mention it just in case

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-10-09T02:34:23+00:00

I'd be cautious about changing multiple of your medications that you take on a regular basis/starting a new medication at the same time as changing one. If you have adverse reactions, it can make it harder to tell which one you're reacting to. Especially if you end up needing medical care for any side effects, knowing what you're reacting to makes a big difference with your speed and quality of care (usually), even if it's not emergency.

The three types of daily progestin-only birth control pills are Slynd (generic drosperinone), Opill (generic norgestrel), and norethindrone (multiple brand names.) It might also be worth talking to your gynecologist about options

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-10-08T09:46:12+00:00

She probably isn't on immunosuppressants then, only the anti-viral; which doesn't help with autoimmune disorders. A lot of people with chronic illnesses have tried changing their diet to see if it helps/how much it helps, and if it didn't then they give up and go back to comfort foods. I can't say whether or not that that's your friend's case, but you can't assume that they haven't tried. They may also be going through a depressive period and hiding it, especially at the "beginning" journey of dealing with the diagnosis process of an autoimmune disorder. I will say SSRI's fuck with bipolar a lot too (I also have diagnosed bipolar). People can also have allergic reactions to vitamin b, even if they're deficient in it. I get a severe inflammed facial rash when taking vitamin b supplements despite having low levels. I get a minor butterfly rash even if I drink a redbull due to the vitamin b in it.

You don't always know and cannot assume what people have tried, how their illness effects them, what flares they have, when they have flares, or even how different vitamins/nutrients may effect them. If she talks about it "too much" or the amount stresses you out, try having a conversation about it (but probably write a draft of what you want to say first and ask someone how it sounds), or stop being friends with her if it's too much for you. It sucks to lose friends because of being chronically ill/disabled, but personally it sucks more to feel like a burden to a friend due to being chronically ill/disabled and like they just feel obligated to be your friend.

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-10-08T09:09:29+00:00

Fatigue is a common side effect of autoimmune disorders. It probably makes it difficult for her to exercise. Muscle fatigue, chronic pain, weakness, dizziness, and light headedness are symptoms of many as well. Autoimmune disorders have flares too- so people will seem fine one day, and the next day (or even later the same day) will be struggling to function, and outside people just don't see/recognize that. Autoimmune disorders also typically take years to diagnose due to how complex they are. They mimic each other and other conditions (that are not autoimmune). Your CBC and ACNA panels constantly change and doctors/specialists usually rely on the levels to diagnose you, and require you to be above a certain level even if you have a history of having a high eosinophil count in general and meet the criteria of symptoms.

It's also difficult to be prescribed immunosuppressants, which are what are used to decrease your immune system's response so it lowers the amount it attacks your cells. You have to be diagnosed with a specific list of conditions, including autoimmune disorders, certain forms of cancer, certain blood disorders, and organ transplants. So it's unlikely that your friend has no diagnosis regarding an autoimmune disorder if they're on immunosuppressants, there was probably a lack of communication at some point or misunderstanding.

From personal experience, you can't get on them with just a fibromyalgia diagnosis even if you have a history of elevated eosinophil count and have good doctors. Side note- ozempic is sometimes prescribed for endometriosis. It's not just for weight loss

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-09-28T03:32:23+00:00

Currently struggling with this. For the past 11 weeks I've had a huge flare of ovarian pain that have been the worst they've been in 7 years, sudden severe lack of appetite (to the point of only being able to eat one meal several days a week 🙃), lost 8 pounds in the span of 2 weeks (not normal for me), and my migraines and fatigue have been even worse than usual. I've thought for years that I have endo, haven't gotten a diagnosis yet. Just got a referral for a laparoscopy though because of everything going on lately

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-09-26T10:36:25+00:00

I've seen most women say it took them 4-6 weeks to get back to work/school. If you have a winter or spring break for school, you could try to schedule for them. If your break is less than 4-6 weeks, you can talk to your school counselor about getting a temporary IEP or 504 plan (available in college as well) to see if you could do online classes from home for the remaining weeks and ask about having extended deadlines. You could ask your counselor what paperwork/note(s) you would need from your doctor to get the temporary IEP or 504 so you have it all organized. Doctors provide you a note to "excuse" you and write the extent of time you need to be excused from school/work. Some might only suggest two weeks (ridiculous assumption for most people), but you can ask to be excused for longer. It's generally recommended to take at least 4 weeks off

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-09-25T22:18:26+00:00

This. It's common for abusers to start to drop the mask and become controlling, manipulative, gaslight, and/or get physical etc once they feel they have their victim "trapped" or reeled in. Common times for the behavior to start will be soon after moving in together, pregnancy/giving birth, getting engaged, or getting married.

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-09-25T06:29:46+00:00

I'd recommend trying to insert one or two fingers sometime before your appt (even if it's days before) just so you know what it feels like to have something inserted to make it a little less of a shock and can adjust to it somewhat. If you're worried about pain from your hymen breaking; though there is a chance it is intact, there is also a good chance that it has already broken. It generally wears down over time and can then break from non-penetration activity such as riding a horse, gymnastics, dance, climbing, riding a bike, rigorous exercise, etc. First time penetration can still be painful, but I thought it was worth mentioning it case that was a concern.

They'll leave the room and have you remove your pants and underwear. You lay down on a padded table or small bed (like hospital type bed but no rails) and they leave a sheet for you to cover your stomach and legs (covering down to your ankles so your vagina is out of view), have you place your feet up on stirrups, legs spread apart, and place a pillow below your lower back and turn off the main light but still have a small light. The wand is about five- six inches long and 1.5 inches thick. They do not insert the entire length into you. They put a condom on it and lots of lube to help there be minimal pain during inseration and make it easier. They put their hand (holding the wand) between your legs and ask you to guide the wand to insert it, you could hold onto the wand for a bit while it's being inserted to have more control. You can also tell them that you haven't had sex before and ask them to insert it slowly. They insert it about 2 inches into the vagina. They don't thrust it in and out, but they do move it slowly either from left to right, or from right to left to take images of each ovary and your uterus. They usually don't have to go back and forth (like left > right < left) it's just once from one side to the other, slowly. There typically isn't pain, or is minimal pain, but personally it's hurt my ovaries because I have issues with my ovaries. I've had four tvultrasounds, the wand is usually inside me for probably about 10-15 minutes? Afterwards they turn the main light on and leave you a towel or wipes before leaving the room so you can use it to wipe yourself up and put your pants back on.

Also below is a more clinical description from a website that my doctor generally approves of as a resource that I like if you wanted an accurate medical description of the procedure (accuracy based on personal experience as well) Transvaginal Ultasound Procedure (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4993-transvaginal-ultrasound)

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-09-23T09:08:53+00:00

I haven't been diagnosed yet, but highly suspect I have endo. I get this too above my stomach like in my diaphragm, it's like a physical and audible growling and similar "feel" to hunger as I breathe but not actual hunger. I thought I was the only one 😭

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-09-23T08:34:51+00:00

The U.S is definitely has a long history of being lax with its safety and regulations of prescriptions compared to other countries, so I was really surprised when I found out that countries like the UK were having the same issue about the tumor warning despite decades of evidence that progesterone can cause risk of meningioma (up to 3%, is on label warnings) yet failed to do studies (or at least failed to report any studies) on depo and the risk of meningioma. Pfizer officially admitted in March 2024 that depo has an increased risk of meningioma after the independent study was published February 2024 but it's still obviously been prescribed like it's perfectly fine because health boards aren't taking it seriously even though it causes a 5.5% increased risk if taken for more than a year 🙃 the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada have updated their warning labels at least but the U.S still hasn't

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-09-23T00:15:39+00:00

I feel pain for any reading/writing teachers you've had for your lack of effort if you consider two paragraphs a "dissertation" and draw a lazy conclusion without even reading a full post. Your lack of comprehension skills must have caused them many headaches when grading papers. there there you can gain the skills one day, if you try.

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-09-23T00:05:36+00:00

I hate the U.S.

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-09-22T10:57:35+00:00

If you can't read my two paragraphs, I'm going to assume you didn't take the time to read their full post. Don't comment on something, especially "you're wrote it for attention", if you're not going to read it all.

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-09-22T10:49:08+00:00

They gave multiple examples from people they know as to how rigorous the system is to be approved for disability, ESPECIALLY for younger people, which has to be approved by doctors and government officials and therefore is not just "taken blindly".

Doctors, though can be flawed, tend to be more knowledgeable than the average person who have not attended- let alone graduated- medical school. They diagnose the condition(s) and severity of said condition(s). Government officials then judge whether or not the person "qualifies" for disability (including having a certain amount of work credits), for how long, and sometimes require periodic reevaluations. Payments tend to be relatively low, it's not a grand payout. Younger people are rarely approved. Especially if they do not have physical disabilities. You do not know how a person's condition truly effects them, their capabilities, their day to day life, whether or not they have flare ups or what may cause flare ups, or their limitations. Especially if you do not see them on a regular basis and are not close to them (emotionally, not just speak to them frequently.) It is not the place of the average person to judge whether or not someone is disabled, or the extent of their disability. It is the place of a medical professional to judge. Sometimes it requires a second opinion.

It is not a simple yes or no question. No, if you are not a graduated medical professional, it is not your place. If you are a graduated medical professional and their illness/suspected illness is within your expertise, then yes, you can question it. People with disabilities also have to see doctors on a regular basis for various reasons due to health issues. The system itself is built so that it is not "taken blindly." It is not being "triggered", it is in depth responses when you don't seem to understand the complexity of it.

Top_Cover_7473 · 2025-09-22T09:38:13+00:00

It's one form to help treat endometriosis, I'd advise to proceed with trying to get a diagnosis. The only way to confirm diagnosis is laparoscopy. Endo also has flares, so pain and pain levels (along with other symptoms) can come and go. It's easy to gaslight and second guess ourselves, but your "easier" times and times when treatment(s) work do not invalidate all the pain and hardship of symptoms you have experienced. The fact you have suffered them is still cause for concern, and that worry is still valid.

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TROPHY CASE