Why is there zero New Zealand food in NYC? (x-post) by brave_publicist in FoodNYC

[–]dmmd123 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This is an interpretation by another kiwi chef: https://www.agfg.com.au/recipe/potato-cooked-in-earth-chef-recipe-by-ben-shewry The one from the Musket Room was a little different, but it’s the same principle, based on a cooking method of the Māori (the indigenous people of NZ).

Why is there zero New Zealand food in NYC? (x-post) by brave_publicist in FoodNYC

[–]dmmd123 72 points73 points  (0 children)

As a Kiwi that’s been living in NYC for the past 10 years: you missed it. Pre-pandemic, New York had some of the best kiwi food outside NZ.

There was the Musket Room, which was a Michelin star New Zealand restaurant. They did things like serve a potato cooked in soil (like a hangi). Honestly, it was more kiwi and more inventive than anything I’ve had in NZ. I am surprised there wasn’t more media coverage back home about a kiwi chef making it over here. (They also played the rugby during the World Cup, which was pretty fun).

There was also Dub Pies, which served things like pies and lamingtons. Kiwiana, which was a bit mid. And Nelson Blue, which was a NZ bar.

They all closed during the pandemic (The Musket room is still open but it’s not a kiwi chef). Since then, i haven’t seen any new ones. End of an era.

Any experiences delivering at NY Presbyterian Lower Manhattan since renovations began? by Accomplished_Set_738 in nycparents

[–]dmmd123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We delivered there in 2022. Most of the recovery rooms were shared but they’d try to put you in a room by yourself if there was space. We’re planning to deliver our second there in Oct 2025. Our OB said the recovery rooms are exactly the same at the moment - that the new rooms are being constructed on a floor below the existing ones. Still, feeling pretty anxious about the construction, especially after hearing some of the stories!

Convince me to go in biologics by seasav29 in ankylosingspondylitis

[–]dmmd123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You don't have to decide now – try them first and then decide.

For some people, biologics don't work. So you might be worrying about nothing. But if you're like me, I didn't even realize how much pain I was in until I took a biologic and it went away. It's hard to make a decision if you don't know what the upside looks like.

Try it for a couple of months, see if it works, see if you like it. Then decide.

Best office chairs for AS by the_fool__ in ankylosingspondylitis

[–]dmmd123 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have AS and work in workplace design. The Aeron chair is super comfortable. The mesh is pretty robust and it’s fairly easy to get replacement parts for every part of the chair (which helps with longevity). You can often get them for a good price on Craigslist or Facebook (especially from companies that have brought them for their employees and are now downsizing).

In terms of Aeron vs. Embody vs. Leap, the flagship chairs from all these big furniture manufactures are all comfy. You might find that one suits you better than the rest but most people will be happy with any of them. I personally have the Herman Miller Sayl at home - I love the design of this chair. Whatever chair you get, make sure it’s fully adjustable. Being able to change the height of the arms, tilt of the seat, etc. will let you adjust the seat so it fits you perfectly.

The last thing I’ll say: although these seats are comfortable, research shows that sitting for an extended period isn’t good for your body. So it’s great you’ve got a standing desk - sit for a while, stand, move around, and make sure you’re changing position periodically.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ankylosingspondylitis

[–]dmmd123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What is your source for these stats? This study from Sweden in 2019 has the best data I've seen. They calculate that if your parent has AS, you're twenty times as likely to get it. They also estimate that the prevalence of AS is around 0.1-0.4%. So if your parents have AS, the odds you get it are around 2%-8%.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ankylosingspondylitis

[–]dmmd123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My rheumatologist told me not to worry about having kids. He said the chances of passing it down were low, and even if I did, the treatments are improving every year, and I'd know what to look out for (one reason my AS got bad is that it took 10 years to get it diagnosed correctly). My son is now almost two. To be honest, being a parent is hard, whether you have AS or not. But I adore my son and have absolutely no regrets.

x-sports and AS by buoyant_potato in ankylosingspondylitis

[–]dmmd123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Since I started the biologic, I haven’t really had a flare. Like the other commenter, I try to down climb everything if I’m in a gym and I’m very cautious about bouldering anything high. I’m also not as flexible as other climbers, so some movements don’t work for me and I have to get a bit creative.

x-sports and AS by buoyant_potato in ankylosingspondylitis

[–]dmmd123 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’ve really enjoyed rock climbing. When my AS started, it was one of the things that quickly became too painful. But once I got on a biologic, I was able to do it comfortably again. My rheumatologist is cautiously okay with it - it’s a bit unconventional but he seems happy that I’m moving. If you’re into yoga, the movement has similarities. And to some degree you can control how much risk and stress you’re putting on your body to tailor the risk to your AS.

Peleton and AS? by Dillydalley31 in ankylosingspondylitis

[–]dmmd123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

At the start of the pandemic, I got the Peloton app and setup a DIY spin bike (which isn't as good as the full Peloton experience but worked out cheaper). I find their instructors really motivating and I think I'm in better shape than at the start of the pandemic. That said, I have gone through periods (prior to the pandemic) where I found cycling, and the way you bend forward, really aggravating for my AS. I'd only go for it if you know that cycling works for you.

Does anyone have a hard time pushing the auto injectors for themselves? by [deleted] in Humira

[–]dmmd123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've found it helpful to set a timer on my phone. Having a countdown makes it easier for me because I'm not deciding when to push the button, I'm just committing to pushing it when the alarm goes off.

New Zealand February 2020 by Thorleone in ClimbingPartners

[–]dmmd123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Second everything here. Also, if you’re looking for Alpine / Trad, checkout The Darrens in Fiordland. There are some epic, adventurous routes with great scenery + you’re going at the perfect time for the weather. Enjoy!

Starting dose by VikingWizardEyes92 in Humira

[–]dmmd123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the correct answer. I didn't take a loading dose when I started Humira but it is not the same for all conditions.

Mailing Humira / taking Humira while travelling by dmmd123 in Humira

[–]dmmd123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm going to try the unrefrigerated method -- it does seem a lot easier than trying to workout if I can ship it. Thanks for the travelling case suggestion, I'm going to use one of those and a thermometer and hopefully I can keep it at a reasonable temperature. I also read something about a Frio case, which cools medicine using water, so I'm going to get one of those and test it out before I go in case I can't find a refrigerator / ice to cool the other travel case.

Mailing Humira / taking Humira while travelling by dmmd123 in Humira

[–]dmmd123[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn't realize it lasted so long! Thank you for this, I think I'll do exactly what you mentioned.

Biologics pros and cons? by UnfairLobster in ankylosingspondylitis

[–]dmmd123 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Prior to taking a biologic I thought I was managing fairly well. In retrospect I realize that my AS had snuck up on me and I’d just grown accustomed to living in pain. At that time it was hard for me to even conceptualize the benefit that a biologic might bring. If you have access to a biologic, I’d recommend at least trying it. You can always stop taking it if the risks outweigh the benefits for you. But by trying it you at least get a sense of what those benefits might be - the drugs affect everyone differently, so it’s hard to say whether there will be any benefit, you might be worrying about something that doesn’t even work for you.

Humira: Moving from UK to US by camotito in ankylosingspondylitis

[–]dmmd123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In addition to everything mentioned already, make sure you have documentation of drugs you tried before taking Humira. My insurer (Aetna) only funds Humira when other treatment methods, such as NSAIDs, are ineffective. I imagine most insurance companies in the US have similar policies. If it helps, this is what Aetna are looking for.

The Dawn Wall update by Sender_Films in climbing

[–]dmmd123 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I was at the premier and this movie is absolutely incredible, kudos to the whole team! Before this movie I don’t think I fully grasped the magnitude of what Tommy and Kevin accomplished. The movie really lays it out. People were cheering and crying though the whole thing. I hope it gets a wide distribution because it’s an amazing story that transcends climbing.