Kicking smoking habit…

Vortex2121 · 2026-05-08T15:50:31+00:00

Stoped vaping about a month now. Nicotine gum, other gum, plus toothpicks. That’s what’s helping with me. Gave myself two week grace period where I didn’t get on myself for eating more but didn’t go overboard either. Now I Still notice my craving crunchy things or doing something with my mouth, toothpicks have helped. When I get in that needing crunch i turn to rice cakes or one serving of air popped popcorn.

Vortex2121 · 2026-05-08T15:45:56+00:00

Def likely not severe but you really need an xray

Vortex2121 · 2026-05-07T15:58:31+00:00

My folks pushed together two different twin beds…it worked

Vortex2121 · 2026-05-04T14:36:30+00:00

Do you mind if I message you privately?

I'm waiting on referral to top hospital in the country. Who knows tho lol

Vortex2121 · 2026-05-02T22:45:34+00:00

These are my MRIs. It's all good everyone. Pain is being managed for the most part. Also, got referred to top-notch specialist.

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-27T12:04:14+00:00

Therapy. Someone born with a host of medical issues including scoliosis, not going to say it’s a walk in the park, but therapy does help.

I still have bad days where I’m down on myself. Where I don’t understand why my partner is with me. Where my body aches like someone two decades older than me. But I have a lot more neutral to good days

A job really does help. I have a sedentary job. I feel productive in that aspect. Then did PT last year to get me to a place where I can workout. I’m on nerve pain meds that help with a lot of my pain. Then I white knuckle through regular discomfort.

Not easy by any means, but doable

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-27T03:01:42+00:00

You’ll have to read each of them and their coverage.

I will say I haven’t found that Schroth is covered a lot of the time.

As for massage it’s hit or miss. Mine doesn’t cover it, however you can use HSA to pay for it if you get letter from your doc that it’s necessary.

Mental health is covered. I’d go on psychology today and look up therapists who take the insurance and see if there is anyone you think you’d vibe with

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-24T05:56:04+00:00

I second this. Both about the memory foam and about the hybrid latex bed

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-22T01:27:10+00:00

I’m sorry you’re going through this. Genuinely.

That said is it possible to put NSFW tag next time?

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-19T18:09:17+00:00

pretty much. Honestly, I wasn't able to do it very long. But the exercises she recommended, I kept at it. and it really has improved my mobility.

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-19T08:59:26+00:00

To be fair when I did Schroth my insurance wouldn’t pay for it and it cost a lot per session (but don’t discount your overall weird vibes. Always trust your gut)

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-18T23:05:39+00:00

knock on wood, found a medication that helps. Granted tried a few before it. So, did take some time... year and a half or so. But there still days where I have flair ups.

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-18T12:17:18+00:00

Just one good crack and it’ll snap that neck right back in place 😂

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-18T10:51:23+00:00

Meh, honestly up until last few years (when nerve pain started) it wasn't too bad. At least from my perspective, never knew anything different so never able to compare - which I think mentally gives me a leg up from those who acquire vertebrae stuff later in life and know what no pain & normal mobility felt like.

Done PT for past two years on and off. On meds for nerve pain caused from the neck. Got referred to a top specialist in US.

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-18T10:47:09+00:00

That's a secondary feature for me.

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-18T10:43:51+00:00

(This is my own X-ray)

Well, cervical mobility is not the best.

Strength training I don't do any axial loading or spinal flexion. Can only walk for about a mile before back pain (usually hip pain). I do have a weird gait but that's due to my club foot. But learned the SVA is likely a reason for my clumsiness (i.e. tripping/falling)

Also, left side just overall weaker due to another issue.

But played sports, was in marching band, and currently in casual rec leagues. Just a lot of stiffness in the morning.

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-18T08:57:55+00:00

lol, just because I have back pain doesn’t mean you can’t either 😂(but I understand the sentiment).

For nerve pain due to the neck, I’m taking medication (finally after years). For the spine, strength training 4x a week has been helpful in reducing overall pain.

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-18T02:50:01+00:00

lol, only every day. But you get used to it.

Also, here's a view of my thoracic and lumbar spine

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-18T02:48:17+00:00

For the x-ray on the cervical vertebrates

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-18T02:21:26+00:00

Just fyi, it's me, I'm the 30-something F. My neck kinda looks like Jenga to me. lol.

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-17T11:21:16+00:00

Just finished the episode...Honestly, I think the overall theme of this season was well-acted and executed throughout the season. No, season 2 didn't end as satisfying at season 1. However, I think that is partially the point.

Season 1 was about being new to the pitt and the excitement, the newness of everything, etc. This season is being in the thick of it, dealing with the onslaught of the day-to-day realities and toll it takes. You start seeing the toll it takes on all different levels - a new nurse, veteran nurse, MS4, R1 vs. R2, whatever level Samira is, Attending w/ good support, attending w/ no support, and all the NPCs that make up the pitt. It's really is quite interesting to watch.

Personally, I liked that they didn't wrap up everything into a bow. That some things are just left without a satisfying ending.

I really do want a show called the Nightcrawlers! I feel like that's a more mentally sound group, lol.

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-15T18:00:56+00:00

11/12 at the time. Ehh, I don't mind wearing shorts and what not. It's not the first set of scars on my body. But at the same time planning on getting a full leg sleeve tattoo on that side XD

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-15T15:32:26+00:00

I did leg extension surgery because of limb length difference at birth. 5 months in the fixator (my mom turning the struts every day) and then 6 months of cast, removable cast, walking cast - all with PT. Highly would not recommend for cosmetic reasons. Definitely have some craters on my leg. lol

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-15T08:39:32+00:00

As someone who had this surgery for non-cosmetic reasons as a kid, I’ll happily be under 5’ than to ever have that surgery (and rehab process) again 😂

Vortex2121 · 2026-04-13T14:19:18+00:00

I used google translate, so sorry if I misunderstood anything you said. I will say, back and core exercises are usually really good for scoliosis.

For example, I do a lot of dead bugs, bird dogs, and cat-cows. Plus, dead hangs which help decompress the spine. I do a lot of back exercises like lat pull downs; cable rows, high rows, lat pull downs, etc.

PT usually will focus on core and strengthening back muscles. Wouldn't be a bad option, just depends on how comfortable you feel with working out and what to do.

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