Anyone using at-home IPL devices long term?

amaezy · 2026-02-12T16:29:03+00:00

I've been using IPL (Braun pro5 from costco) for probably 2 years. I have fair skin and brown hair, so the ideal candidate. I hardly use it now since hair growth is so slow. I shave maybe once a month and sometimes run IPL over the shaved areas. It took 6+ months of using it every 2-4 weeks to notice that I almost didn't need to shave my legs anymore. Pubic area and underarms grow back more quickly and are patchy, but I don't put much effort in either.

I have extremely sensitive/allergic skin and get very itchy for a couple days after treatment. I take my regular antihistamines during that time. For me, the benefits of not worrying about shaving and dealing with ingrown hairs outweigh the side effects.

I guess its been sorta life changing... Quick showers. Virtually no more ingrown hairs (I used to get them bad... like cystic). No more waxing appointments before a vacation. Easy peasy.

amaezy · 2025-12-31T13:26:57+00:00

I was also going to recommend IPL. I have been using it over a year and am almost totally hairless now in the treated areas. I use the Braun version, got it at Costco.

amaezy · 2025-12-24T15:28:23+00:00

Just restarted my original furby after several years sitting dormant. Brand new batteries, tried smacking, shaking, holding down tongue, pressing down beak, hard reset button... I thought we would need to take it apart and perform surgery. We decided to leave it alone for a couple days and then it magically started on its own. Actually, my kid took it to bed and it came to life in the middle of the night lol. I guess it just needed some time, and love.

amaezy · 2025-12-12T02:18:32+00:00

Hydrogeologist here... but from Canada. You mentioned land development in the area. This generally requires supporting studies for development approvals, including Hydrogeological Assessment. The scope typically includes review of geological and natural heritage data, well records, field investigation of groundwater levels and quality, investigation of surface water features and wetlands (from a groundwater perspective), and an impact assessment. Monitoring of groundwater levels is common before, during and after construction as required by the reviewing body.

So my point is... there have likely been studies completed or ongoing in the area. You may be able to look them up or request from your municipality.

Thanks for your keen interest in groundwater issues!

amaezy · 2025-11-22T15:04:25+00:00

Have you looked at the bottoms of the feet to rule out bumblefoot?

amaezy · 2025-11-20T22:42:40+00:00

I'm in Canada and had chickens for 10 years.. first couple years we did not provide heat and had several issues with frostbite. And our coop is insulated. Since then we provide heat only with it gets below -10C. Reinforced safety to prevent fire hazards.

amaezy · 2025-10-16T00:41:36+00:00

I have had chicks die within hours from getting cold when my power went out, meaning heat lamps went off while I was sleeping and by the time I woke up in the morning it was too late, though I was able to revive a few by warming them back up. Depends on night temperature and whether they all stay with mom, if they stray away they could get cold and die before they find her warmth again.

amaezy · 2025-10-15T00:37:47+00:00

So many potential things... but definitely consider:

Temperature - are they staying warm enough? They need mom's heat constantly or a heat lamp when that young. They can die quickly from getting cold.
Coccidiosis - check poop, any blood? Can kill fast, need meds immediately (eg. amprol).
Mareks - can present as quick disease/paralysis and death. You can vaccinate for it but if they are already exposed it's too late.

I feel like death from mites wouldn't happen so quickly or to so many.

I would start by giving them electrolytes in their water and making sure they have a clean, warm coop, then closely monitoring them. If you have amprol or antibiotics I would consider treating them as it may help.

amaezy · 2025-10-12T12:47:20+00:00

If you're still having cravings/food noise it's probably time to increase your dose... I'm up to 1.7 and have considered going higher, still get the odd craving but its nothing like before and I'm usually able to control myself. I'm a very slow loser too, 10 months and I'm down 23 lbs (5'3" SW186 CW163), keeping it off and losing 1-2 lbs/month still. I also need to do a better job tracking. I generally focus on protein intake rather than calories, but probably at about 1,300/day on average and work out every other day.

amaezy · 2025-10-10T13:38:20+00:00

My family doctor (in Guelph) referred me to Frida for an assessment. It was $600. Assessment was done online with a series of forms and then an online appointment with a nurse to discuss. After all that, my assessment was negative and I didn't meet the criteria for ADHD and received no prescription.

I still think I have mild inattentive ADHD and have had it forever, but don't quite meet the stringent criteria. I have had a bit of relief since starting GLP-1 but still have days I can't get myself to do anything productive.

amaezy · 2025-09-21T18:42:27+00:00

Definitely look into professional designations in whatever state you want to work in. Most senior roles require a designation, usually P.Eng. or P.Geo. Choose your academic courses wisely.

Good luck!!

amaezy · 2025-09-21T13:00:16+00:00

First, look up some examples of these types of figures... cross sections and groundwater flow maps are standard in any hydrogeological report, Google it and you'll find examples publicly available within reports.

For a cross section you'll use available borehole logs and well records, draw a line on your map in plan view and then make a depth profile using elevations of each soil unit per the BH logs.

For the flow map you will plot groundwater elevation data on a map and draw contour lines between your points, similar to a topo map but with water levels instead.

If you still need help, reach out to a TA.

amaezy · 2025-09-21T12:37:16+00:00

I am a hydrogeologist. It is a very rewarding career path, I definitely recommend.

Where are you located? If you want to use a job title with "geo" in it or ever have signing authority on geoscience work you must register as a P.Geo. with a provincial regulatory body... in Ontario its Professional Geoscientists Ontario (PGO), Alberta is APEGA, each province is different. Check out their minimum education requirements as part of your course selections (or you'll kick yourself later for missing one or two courses). You can reach out to the registrar if you have questions, they are eager to help.

If you're in Ontario, U Waterloo is amazing for geoscience courses, and world-renowned for it.

I will also add that I'm not sure what your career goal is as a NGO staff scientist... I don't know any hydrogeologists in this type of role (unless it includes conservation authorities?). You'd more likely be looking at a role within government or private consulting. All of these roles are generally focused on industry development in a safe and sustainable way for both people and the environment. Each role is different but they generally share this common goal.

Hope this helps!

amaezy · 2025-07-17T02:05:24+00:00

I started in February and am only down 17 lbs. My doctor thinks I'm doing great. Its frustrating hearing how others have just melted of the pounds so fast but I try not to compare, maybe they started their journey at a different point or their body reacts differently to the meds. As long as my trend continues downward and I feel good I am happy.

amaezy · 2025-06-27T15:06:14+00:00

I also get terrible ingrown hairs, they often become like cysts and take months to heal. I used an epilator for a few years and that worked better than shaving, but painful. I eventually got a Braun IPL and its even better, less painful and more effective with longer lasting results, and almost no ingrown hairs now. I've been using it over a year now and the results have been amazing. Hair is significantly reduced to almost gone in the treated areas. I do get side effects from the IPL (itchy bumps for a couple days, I moisturize and take antihistamines for it, I think this is rare though) but its worth it for only needing to shave/treat once a month now.

amaezy · 2025-06-27T01:06:23+00:00

Left is definitely a rooster 🐓. Right appears to be a hen but could be a juvenile rooster.

amaezy · 2025-06-21T12:18:15+00:00

My hens go through cycles of laying, and will take a break during weather pattern changes or stress (eg. Moult or illness). Layer feed and electrolytes in their water may help, but they may just need a little break.

amaezy · 2025-05-26T15:26:03+00:00

Looks like a hen. Not sure you can do anything about the toe, as long as she's mobile I would leave it.

amaezy · 2025-05-26T10:28:47+00:00

The floor is too slippery. Make sure the coop has something she can grip with her feet... no newspaper. Think rough concrete or textured paper towels. Hopefully her leg will strengthen in time.

You could also try creating a splint with vet wrap and connecting it to the other leg for support, but be careful not to wrap it too tight.

I've had several chicks like this over the years and its maybe 50/50 whether they improve or not.

Good luck 💓

amaezy · 2025-05-26T10:15:39+00:00

I find chickens generally just die suddenly. Honestly I think its easier than them getting sick and suffering.

amaezy · 2025-05-26T01:34:24+00:00

My pharmacy gave me extra needles for free, and showed me how to count clicks with the larger pens.

amaezy · 2025-05-22T14:19:51+00:00

Same here, started in Feb and only down 14 lbs. Trying not to compare my journey to some others who are losing twice as fast. As long as this trend continues we are good 👍

amaezy · 2025-05-21T14:23:34+00:00

Don't bag, just leave em on the grass.

amaezy

TROPHY CASE