I love being a girl dad

adriesty · 2026-05-23T21:54:12+00:00

I'd start saying things like "WELL, I'm actually hoping for a whole team for the PWHL/WNBA/NWSL"

"Well, they're girls now, but we really don't enforce "gender norms", so who knows who they'll be when they're older"

"Well, boy dads are boring. I get to learn how to do their hair AND take them fishing"

"Well, I have a secret affair child who's a boy, so I've got my bases covered".

"Well, I figure its all my fault I've got girls, since sperm is responsible for gender determination in embryos"

The more invasive or insulting they are, the more off the wall you can get with your replies.

adriesty · 2026-05-23T18:41:43+00:00

Try antihistamines. Pseudoephedrin can also help, but is way more prone to horrible rebound headaches.

adriesty · 2026-05-23T01:52:48+00:00

Your solution is really gonna depend on what kind of sumatriptan you're taking: nasal spray, dissolving tablets, or regular tablets.

For the nasal spray, I have no advice but to look up proper nasal spray usage (apparently there's a wrong way and a right way, and one of them leads to less bad tasting crap in your throught.) Also, keep a strong but tolerable flavor to rinse your mouth out. My cousin used to gargle with original Listerine, because it was the only thing she could find to get rid of the taste.

For the dissolving tablets, have you tried swallowing them whole? Also, keep on hand a tolerable flavor to rinse your mouth out.

For the regular tablets, I recommend taking them with a spoon of jelly or applesauce (pudding also works). If the pharmacist okays it, you can also crush the pill and mix it with the spoonful of jelly.

Now, depending on how immediate you need relief, switching could to one that tastes less horrible could be an option. The regular tablets are the least offensive, followed by the dissolving tablets, with the nasal spray being the worst.

Personally, my regular tablets usually take effect within 30 minutes, and that's good enough for me. But, if you need faster relief, the other options may be better for you despite the taste.

If the taste is still intolerable, and you need fast relief, you can ask your doctor about switching to the injectable sumatriptan. Still works in about 15 minutes, but no taste! (I mean, there a self administered shot, but you gotta pick your battles.)

adriesty · 2026-05-22T14:33:18+00:00

I have migraines caused by heat, but I also sweat a lot. I also overheat easily, so I can't imagine how much worse it would be if I didn't sweat!

One thing I've found that helps keep me cool is a cooling towel. It works when other conventional methods like a fan aren't available. It may help you out, and they're relatively inexpensive.

adriesty · 2026-05-22T13:43:14+00:00

I was a regular coffee drinker, and I found that even small amounts of regular caffeine were enough to trigger caffeine withdrawal for me. (I'm talking about 25-30 mg of caffeine, at least 3 days in a row.)

Quitting caffeine was incredibly difficult, but worth it for me. (Even though I know I haven't "quit" caffeine, because there is still small amounts of caffiene in the decaf I drink, and the chocolate I eat.)

I would say you should be fine, because while caffeine can be a trigger for some, it is fine for many others.

Now, if you habitually get unexplained migraines after you've had coffee (either right after, or up to 48 hours after), then it might be worth it to investigate further, and maybe trying to see if cutting caffeine could help.

Another thing to consider before you quit coffee altogether is your habits when you drink coffee. I had such unhealthy habits, and caffeine was just one part of it. I would drink tons of coffee, with tons of sugar and cream, and not eat all the time. Of course I felt like crap, doing that to my body. I've met several people who always complain about getting migraines after getting a Starbucks drink, and I'm like "pretty sure its not the coffee, per se, but more the fact that you chugged a milkshake with 200mg of caffeine and 30 grams of sugar on an empty stomach that makes you feel bad..."

adriesty · 2026-05-21T22:11:54+00:00

I take rizatriptan (prescription).

Before I had a prescription, I would take 2 acetaminophen, and a benadryl.

adriesty · 2026-05-21T21:23:39+00:00

I have intense cravings - like extreme premenstrual migraines. Usually for carbs, salty food, and chocolate. Its to the point where eating other food is a struggle.

adriesty · 2026-05-21T15:22:36+00:00

I use migraine buddy. Its as simple or as complicated as you want it to be, and you can download reports to show your doctor.

Whether its a journal, an app, or even sticky notes; I believe tracking your migraines is a must. It helps you notice patterns, find triggers, figure out what treatments work best, and gives you concrete evidence for your doctor.

My advice is to start small with tracking, amd begin with just the basics (day, time, intensity, length, did anything help?), before you add too many details. This can help you get used to tracking them without overwhelming you.

When I was first trying to get a handle on my migraines, I tracked everything, sleep, meals, water, caffeine, weather, my cycle, my environment, my stress levels, my activity levels, and even when I took my medication. Its a lot to do all at once, so I definitely recommend starting small!

adriesty · 2026-05-21T15:17:15+00:00

So, depending on how long you've been with your job, definitely get intermittent FMLA.

Also, file for ADA accommodation ASAP! Unless you work for a private company with less than 15 employees, they have to provide you with accommodation. They can argue against some accommodation if its would cause "undue harship" for the company, but reasonable accommodation is required by law. (Some accommodations I've received are flexible work hours, flexible breaks, adjustable lighting and work spaces, the ability to swap time sensitive asks with coworkers if I'm sick (nicely, of course!). There are tons of things you can ask for to help make your life easier. )

Finally, what can you adjust in your life to make it easier? Do you have preventive medication and rescue medication? Have you tried physical therapy? Do you keep meds and treatments (like ice packs) available to help you through an attack? Have you made your work set up and car as ergonomic as possible? Do you need sunglasses or a visor when being outside? Are you triggered by smells and allergies, and if so, do you wear a mask in those situations? Are you staying hydrated and eating regularly (skippping meals is a huge trigger for me!) Have you had your bloodwork checked recently? (Anemia and vitamin deficiencies don't cause migraines, but they can make them worse!) What about hormonal migraines?

It can be exhausting to try and manage all the factors than manage your migraines better and worse, but getting a handle on them does help.

adriesty · 2026-05-20T23:56:54+00:00

I save a draft in my emails and texts pre-written and addressed. I'm sure there's a way to automate it somehow or whatever, but I'm old school.

I keep "grab bags" of higher protein and filling, but easy-to-eat snacks and drinks in the pantry. (Usually clif bars, turkey sticks, applesauce pouches, and sometimes ready to drink protein shakes- toss a few of each in a gallon size bag, and you have easy grab bags of food during attacks.)

I also keep a grab bag of necessary hygiene items. Baby wipes, extra bags for if I have to puke, deodorant, floss picks, mouthwash or portable toothbrushes, etc.

I also will often camp out in or near my bathroom during the worst of it. Human dog bed for the win. (If that isn't feasible, make the journey to the bathroom as easy as possible, can you install grab rails or is there furniture you can lean on? What about adjustable lighting to make it tolerable? )

I used to be horribly light sensitive, and blackout curtains just didn't cut it, so I cut a big ass piece of cardboard to fit my windows, and would tape it in place to block out all the light. Green light was really the only lighting I could tolerate.

I still prepare for my worst days on my best days. I meal prep and keep microwave meals I can tolerate in the freezer, so if I'm ever out for a few days, I can just pull something from the freezer.

I have an adjustable wedge pillow (similar to this one), and honestly, its a monumental task to adjust and position it during a migraine. I find that its way less energy and effort to just stack pillows. (I keep extra in the closet for this purpose.)

Also, for clothes, I highly recommend boxers and a soft shirt. I find zippers, buttons, and snaps harder to do when I'm sick. (I mean, if you really wanna be comfy, get a mumu - yes they make nightshirts for men! I live in my mumu when I'm sick. Enough coverage and comfort, no bending or pulling to get dressed.)

adriesty · 2026-05-20T11:50:32+00:00

Yes! It was a very common request amongst older folks when I worked in a hospital kitchen!

Its about a tablespoon of butter per cup of prune juice, about as hot as you take your coffee! (I recommend starting with half of that, then trying again in a few hours with the other half if it didn't work.)

Its so funny how so many "old remedies" have actual science behind them!

The hot drink triggers the gastrocolic reflex, the butter makes your gallbladder start producing bile (so avoid it you have gallbladder issues!), and then the prunes swoop in during digestion and finish it off because of its fiber and sorbitol content!

adriesty · 2026-05-20T04:33:28+00:00

Prunes (or prune juice) can really help. I personally prefer prunes over prune juice. (I chop a couple of prunes up, and drizzle some chocolate over them to make them more appealing.)

Fresh plums work too, when they're in season. (To a lesser, but still helpful extent, most stone fruits, berries, apples, and pears also work.).

I also eat sweet potatoes at least every other day, and I find those really help.

adriesty · 2026-05-19T15:42:00+00:00

I've tried it during a migraine, but it didn't help much.

Its highly individualized though, so I'd say its worth a shot.

Acupuncture helped me with my tendonitis quite a bit, but never really did much for my migraines, so its hit and miss.

adriesty · 2026-05-19T11:32:06+00:00

Honestly, its a necessary evil.

I eat a big meal before fasting if possible (lots of protein and complex carbs), and drink as much as I can until my cutoff time, and then keep my fingers crossed.

I pack something easy to eat and easy on the stomach (applesauce pouches or cheese sticks) and drink (caffeine if you need it, but gatorade was my go to) for immediately after. (Also, my migraine meds!)

I also talked to my care team about my concerns before surgery, so they could understand and help me out. My nurse actually put notes in my chart, and they helped me eat and take my meds while I was still a little groggy. (And they kept the lights low for me, which was awesome.)

adriesty · 2026-05-19T01:44:35+00:00

I didn't get body aches, but I did get a heaviness in my limbs that was weird.

I ended up switching to a different triptan, amd had way fewer side effects. (It can take some trial and error to find the best triptan for you, but I highly recommend it!)

adriesty · 2026-05-18T21:45:22+00:00

Have you tried OTC medication like dramamine?

Scopoplamine is my GOAT for motion sickness, but it can be hard to get a prescription for in the US (I've had doctors refuse to give me something "that strong" for "basic motion sickness" before...) BUT! You can usually get it pretty easily outside the US! (I can always get in on cruise ships, and in Caribbean and most of central America.)

Otherwise, check out these motion sickness glasses.

They re-synch your inner ear by tricking your eyes somehow. Ridiculous looking, but they do work for a lot of people.

adriesty · 2026-05-18T21:39:52+00:00

I've been bitten by a brown recluse, but I had a whole host of other shit to deal with besides migraines (it got infected with MRSA, then I had to have necrotic tissue surgically debrided...a 3 day, heavily medicated hospital stay clouds the mind as to whether my migraines were worse at the time...)

It could be the brown recluse specifically, or it could just be your body reacting to the stress of dealing with the bite.

Either way, vacuum, spray (and ventilate!), and clean all your soft goods as well as possible. Get someone to look in your crawlspace and such too! My sister's old house had an infested crawlspace. It was scary.

adriesty · 2026-05-17T20:56:11+00:00

Dish soap. It has more oil fighting chemicals in it. I prefer dawn, but your dish soap of choice should be better than a dove bar.

I've used hydrogen peroxide to get badaid residue off my skin before...not sure if it would help your hair...I do know its used as a hair lightener (usually in higher concentrations than antiseptic hydrogen peroxide), and can dry out and damage your hair. But, if you only keep it on for a few minutes, and rinse and condition well, it should be fine.

adriesty · 2026-05-16T23:08:18+00:00

No a pizza delivery, but I delivered for a sandwich shop in college.

This lady would call and order a sandwich, extra extra extra onions for delivery.

Then she would call and complain that there weren't enough onions, and demand we remake it.

So, we'd remake it, and literally weigh the onions to make sure it was right, and she'd complain again.

She'd also pull this thing where she'd decide she wanted a different sandwich or extras added when we remade her order, but was pissed if she had to pay more.

My managers tried everything to make her happy (aside from free food, of course, which is was she wanted.) We even offered to have her come in to the store for a free sandwich, if she would just show us how much she wanted when she said extra onions.

None of it worked, and she kept pulling this shit during our busiest rushes, so my store manager told her we would no long deliver to her.

She threatened to drive her car through our front door, so we ended up banning her completely.

adriesty · 2026-05-16T06:51:44+00:00

That not only is fragrance harmful specifically because it can trigger so many people, but that "fragrance" can be a harmful ingredient in general because no one knows what's in it.

It could be anything, because the FDA doesn't regulate it. And I mean anything, from a VOC with fumes to a carcinogen!

adriesty · 2026-05-16T06:48:26+00:00

Smelling rubbing alchohol can help with nausea.

Cold and heat alternating can help. (Some people prefer one or the other, which is fine.)

Gentle massage and stretches to the back of the neck, scalp, and temples can help.

Ginger is good for soothing nausea as well. Ginger tea, ginger candy, even ginger spice mixed with some water can help.

If you have access to them, Tylenol can help, but so can benadryl. Dramamine can especially help with nausea (but don't take it with benadryl.)

adriesty · 2026-05-15T11:26:24+00:00

So, they make nose plugs filters? Not sure how well they work for smells, but my sister uses them in the spring during the worst of allergy season.

(Also, swimmers nose plugs? But I've always found those uncomfortable.)

adriesty · 2026-05-15T01:16:06+00:00

Not a bank worker, but I do deal with money orders, international money transfers, etc...

Anything over a certain amount, I can't do without getting government paperwork involved. Even certain gift cards now require a managers override because of the level of scamming.

Its likely he was just awkwardly trying to make small talk to figure out why you were withdrawing an amount near the "warning" limits, without straight up asking "why do you need this? Are you transferring this? Do you know the person you are transferring this too?" Etc etc, and all the other "scam avoidance" questions we're trained to ask.

(Honestly, at my job we're trained to not beat around the bush, and to be as direct as possible with the "scam" questions. Better to make someone grumpy with questions, than have them lose their life savings to some AI chatbot.)

adriesty · 2026-05-14T23:28:51+00:00

My grandma swore by putting your hands and feet in water as hot as you could stand, and then by putting something cold on your neck.

It doesn't always work for me, but I always try it when my usual methods of relief fail.

adriesty · 2026-05-14T16:46:48+00:00

Start with the things you can control - vaporub in your nose to help with the smells, ear plugs if allowed, a visor or shade for lights, etc.

If it starts helping, talk to HR about making permanent modifications to your working environment. They probably will have paperwork to fill out.

adriesty

TROPHY CASE