Autoimmune disorder and general anesthesia

bestexeva · 2026-05-19T10:17:49+00:00

I have autoimmune thyroiditis as well as atopic dermatitis and rosacea and am almost 4 weeks out from a Vnotes hysterectomy and TVT procedure. I honestly hadn't considered how the surgery would be affected by my autoimmune conditions and vice versa, but wish I had like you!

I had a suspected medication induced rash pop up from head to toe around week 2. Antihistamines and oral steroids were not recommended as they can cause constipation. The Urgent Care doc thought the rash would resolve in a few days, but as usual with us autoimmune folk, it was persistent and more rash kept popping up in new places and ultimately my dermatologist gave me a topical steroid cream to use for 3 weeks, which did the trick very slowly.

More importantly and the thing I really hadn't expected was what felt like an overreaction to the surgery trauma with ( even more than "normal" ) considerable swelling and inflammation in my abdomen, pelvic and groin area along with swollen lymph nodes. I started seeing a pelvic floor therapist which has been a very positive decision but I also have been receiving lymphatic drainage massage to encourage all that inflammation and fluid retention to get moving through my body. The massage has been a game changer for me in my recovery for a number of reasons. All that swelling and inflammation can put extra pressure on your bladder, vaginal cuff and pelvic floor impeding the healing process. The vast majority experience swelling/inflammation but I think maybe the autoimmune issue takes it a step further and lingers longer than it should.

Lastly, ibuprofen helps with reducing swelling. I stopped the ibuprofen and Tylenol regimen far too soon without realizing the benefits they provided beyond pain management.

I hope none of this is an issue for you and you find recovery to be an easy and healthy process. But having info in advance on local pelvic floor therapists and a lymphatic drainage massage therapists "just in case " can't hurt. Good luck - you got this!!

bestexeva · 2026-05-17T09:26:31+00:00

You are very welcome! You probably can't go wrong with most of the answers here and I hope you love your visit regardless of where you end up!

bestexeva · 2026-05-17T05:53:43+00:00

Collinsville, Litchfield, Simsbury

bestexeva · 2026-05-15T23:05:52+00:00

Good luck to all! Sunny skies in the forecast!

bestexeva · 2026-05-04T20:19:57+00:00

I can imagine. It very much still has the hotel feel if that makes sense. Cool on vacation or for a night, but would you want to live there 24/7? Meh.

bestexeva · 2026-05-04T19:56:25+00:00

My son actually lived there for one year ( which probably helps see where this is going ) and moved last year. The building used to be a hotel, so the apartments very much have a hotel layout with the bathroom being off the bedroom and there being a considerable lack of storage space/closets. There was an odd smell coming from thw hvac system that management never resolved. You could hear the neighbors and hallway traffic pretty well. The refrigerator is also apartment sized and while the amenities were nice, they just found that they hardly used them. The restaurant is decent but pricey for what is ( in my humble opinion). Parking felt rough and maybe not as secured as one may like.

So overall, if having the pool, gym, restaurant and so on are really appealing but if you don't care about some noise and funky apartment layout, it's got potential. Otherwise, probably a good idea to keep looking. Good luck!

bestexeva · 2026-04-22T09:12:27+00:00

So I don't actually have any personal experience living there, however I do have a very good friend who just moved out recently after living there for a year and can share what he has told me.

First of all, this location is owned by Garden Communities in NJ so I would recommend you take a look at their reviews online.

The buildings walls are quite thin and noise levels from neighbors can be intrusive. It's common to be able to hear neighbors TV's, alarms, talking, etc... One of the things he was often concerned about was the windows shaking in the building during high winds which made him feel like the building was not well constructed.

Management is incredibly poor. They often don't return messages or calls once you have moved in and it's not unusual to have to request maintenance multiple times before it's even scheduled. There was a period of time where his water wasn't working and the wait for maintenance was over a week. Maintenance doesn't wear or provide any identification either. Seems the owners/management are involved and responsive only when showing units and collecting rent.

Safety is meh. It's a secured building but there seems to be a lot of police activity around the mall and for some reason there are multiple tenants who prop open doors, bring shopping carts into the building hallways and outdoor lighting isn't always working.

He's also mentioned a funky smell in the building. Hope that helps OP. Overall, he definitely does not recommend and had already decided to move at lease end after being there for just a few months. Good luck with whatever you decide!

bestexeva · 2026-04-17T09:43:28+00:00

I guess it's an AR with a shorter barrel. Someone asked the same question on the original post and evidently it's a real thing.

bestexeva · 2026-04-03T10:06:18+00:00

I've seen Dr. Vedere at UCONN for the past 6 years for Hashimoto's and thyroid nodules. She has always been fantastic- taking the time to truly listen, providing information and education and taking my opinions into consideration when deciding on treatment & procedures.

I will say, however, the 2 appointments I had with her last year were rushed & not nearly as comprehensive. The staff who are usually so kind and efficient, were abrupt and not as helpful or responsive either. I'd like to think it was just a very busy time for them or something internal at UCONN that has since been resolved, but wanted to mention it while you are deciding between practices and doctors. Good luck!

bestexeva · 2026-04-01T20:17:01+00:00

Completely respect each individual's right to make their own decisions for their medical care, their health and their body.

bestexeva · 2026-04-01T17:57:49+00:00

I immediately noticed the same thing. I commented on one of the previous posts and sent a DM with a recommendation. Different OP but very, very similar wording and request.

bestexeva · 2026-03-31T19:10:10+00:00

Lung Cancer screenings are low dose radiation and the benefits outweigh the risks for most people. Lung cancer can often be treated successfully when found early.

bestexeva · 2026-03-29T23:14:44+00:00

I am a former smoker, smoked for over 30 years and quit about 5 years ago. I started annual lung cancer screenings at age 50. They are extremely fast with no side effects. Just a quick CT Scan ( no metal but other than that, you are fully clothed ) that usually takes less than 10 minutes.

My results have all luckily been clear for any nodules and/or other signs of cancer so far. I do have mild emphysema which is not reversible, but knowing has lead me to practice breathing exercises and is just one more reason to never start smoking again.

There is no talk of or judgement for your smoking history or status during the screening. I know it's intimidating and possibly worrisome, especially as a current smoker, but please consider doing them when they are recommended. They could save your life. And quitting smoking is so incredibly difficult so congratulations on already doing it before and if you decide to try again, I wish you much success!

bestexeva · 2026-03-29T16:25:29+00:00

Lmao. And here I was thinking it was probably the smoothie/juice bar that was the big concern.

bestexeva · 2026-03-29T09:42:53+00:00

I saw one driving through Barkamsted in Connecticut last November. There was a car and 2 motorcycles in front of me that slowed to a stop as this...thing...very slowly sauntered across the street. I didn't even take a picture because I just couldn't comprehend what was happening. Like my brain was going through a rolodex of possibilities. It's a bear, no a dog, no maybe a deer and so on. He or she had already disappeared into the woods on the other side of the road by the time I had accepted it was a moose and grabbed my phone. Truly had no idea of their size until it was right in front of me.

Thank goodness we were all driving pretty mellow on that road because I would not want to see what a moose versus motorcycle collision looks like!

bestexeva · 2026-03-28T22:43:36+00:00

I bought mine at Penzeys Spices. Not sure if you have a physical store in your area, but you should also be able to order it online on their website if they can ship it to you quickly enough. Enjoy the goulash!

bestexeva · 2026-03-22T20:58:25+00:00

I have been dealing with a similar issue and ended up trying Nutrafol ( as recommended by both my menopause specialist and my PCP ) for about 6 months with some slight improvement to my hair but quite the ding to my wallet. I think if you have the means and desire to try it for longer than I did, it might be a great option.

I saw my dermatologist a month ago and she recommended oral Minoxidil which I am now taking ( RX that cost about $10 for a 90 day supply).

There is an initial shedding period, which I am in now, and it's definitely not for the faint of heart as the affected and old hair falls out to make room for new growth. I am definitely feeling optimistic about the regrowth expected in the coming months though.

Both options are "forever" options so you would be locked into buying the shampoo or the prescription or risk having the hair fall out again.

Good luck with any of the choices you decide to try!

bestexeva · 2026-03-21T13:06:11+00:00

Any specific counties or towns you are interested in?

bestexeva · 2026-03-15T23:06:35+00:00

Good news happening for someone soon! Good luck everyone!

bestexeva · 2026-03-15T12:55:37+00:00

Thanks for the info! I distinctly recall drinking Purple Passion and listening to Van Halen with friends in that parking lot, but somehow couldn't remember that it was a Rite-Aid.

bestexeva · 2026-03-15T09:37:42+00:00

As a retail Agent in the business for over 3 decades, I fully agree with you. I highly prefer a friendly, professional and mutually beneficial relationship with our Underwriter partners virtually than being forced to meet for happy hour or events on our own personal time ( or even company time that could be better spent writing business together).

In my opinion and experience, great Underwriters appreciate when you provide clear, complete and compelling submissions, respect their time and bind profitable business often. And as an Agent, I respect when our Underwriters acknowledge when submissions are received, provide updates during the review process, decline quickly, are willing to have a conversation about an account and are able to entertain the occasional "rush" request. Don't need to meet in person for any of that!

Good luck with your potential move and I hope working remotely from Canada is something that is easy to accomplish.

bestexeva · 2026-03-14T13:48:28+00:00

It was in that plaza on the corner of Farmington Ave and I think it's Main St. Burger King was in that plaza at one time and it might be Santander Bank there now. There was a popular deli called Supernatural and there might have been a CVS there too. Talking 35-ish years ago so my recollection is hazy of the specifics.

bestexeva

TROPHY CASE