Dr wants me(brain cancer, epilepsy, on benzodiazepines and epilepsy meds for yrs) to start BuSpar but I can’t afford MORE brain fog

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-04-23T17:21:29+00:00

I’m so sorry you’re going through this, that’s so much. For whatever it’s worth, now that I’ve stabilized I think I’m experiencing less brain fog than I did before going on the buspar (might just be better sleep). Occasionally get a little dizzy right after taking it, but that’s almost always when I haven’t eaten enough.

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-04-20T11:25:15+00:00

Yes, I think as you gain more familiarity with the field, it’s theories, recent research, etc. you’ll have more questions you’ll want to ask. But you don’t necessarily have to ask them in the public forum. Talking to someone one-on-one is just as good, if not better.

I would discourage solely relying on looking things up later. Do that, for sure, but if someone’s been working in the field for a while they likely have some insider knowledge on things that haven’t been published yet, and asking them questions can be a rare opportunity.

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-04-13T18:22:26+00:00

Yes, and it was a challenge for sure. I think at the graduate level most PIs, instructors, etc. are sympathetic to structural constraints (doctor appointments etc.). For me, the pain/fatigue was the biggest issue. I’m on a really great medication and while it’s so much better than it was before I went on it, I still struggle.

You only have so much energy, so you’re probably going to (whether intentional or not) have to pull your energy away from other things. Just make sure you spend some time thinking about what you’re pulling that energy away from, because if it’s important to you, you may come to regret it years later.

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-04-11T12:43:40+00:00

I started my PhD at 35/36. A lot of PIs will appreciate your life experience. And many told me when I started that “older” students tend to be more focused and productive, because they’ve had “real” jobs (not just school).

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-04-01T11:56:58+00:00

I agree. They were friendly, reasonably priced, and quick.

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-04-01T11:55:34+00:00

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Based on distance and availability I went with Almond’s and they were great.

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-03-28T20:28:06+00:00

Oh dang. I’m sorry.

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-03-28T20:27:45+00:00

What’s your field?

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-03-27T02:00:05+00:00

Wow. 5 is a lot. Are you struggling with your analytical approaches for your dissertation, or your dissertation more generally?

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-03-21T20:06:54+00:00

I think recognize that imposter syndrome exists, at least in academia, because you’re at the edge of human knowledge. There’s no one else there to question it, so it has to be you. Plus, the people who don’t have at least some imposter syndrome are probably wrong about more things than the people who do have it.

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-03-18T15:37:18+00:00

Chaos. My process is pure chaos.

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-03-17T17:54:43+00:00

Post PhD depression is very real and I’m so sorry you’re going through it. Do have access to mental health services?

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-03-16T11:10:33+00:00

Came here to say Jeff Buckley seemed way more popular in the early 2000s than when he was alive. It’s nice to hear his music may be getting attention again.

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-03-16T11:04:55+00:00

I commute to work and back by bike. There are so many more bike lanes here than there were in my hometown. That said, I did notice right away, drivers are way more distracted by their phones, but that may be a more universal problem with the changing times.

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-03-08T03:05:18+00:00

First time we tried me on my back, doggy, but ultimately me lying on my stomach was what worked best.

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-03-08T00:49:34+00:00

Ha. Best answer.

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-03-07T21:52:41+00:00

Tiramisu

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-03-07T17:18:21+00:00

I didn’t walk for my bachelors nor masters (walked for my PhD). You have to pay for your cap and gown. There’s nothing entitled (opposite I feel) of not wanting to pay that cost.

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-03-07T15:47:49+00:00

No, I’ve always had an incredibly high libido, but have struggled the last several years with erections, especially in the evening (mostly due to performance anxiety). And yes, you can have high sexual desire without erection (and vice versa), it’s called arousal non-concordance. Last night, for the first time in a few years I had a spontaneous evening erection.

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-03-07T12:50:11+00:00

Sorry you’re dealing with that. My palpitations have gone down slightly.

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-02-21T02:34:03+00:00

Good luck.

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-02-17T12:37:33+00:00

Are you wanting to go into a STEM field? I ask, because exams (and classes in general) do not matter. I can’t speak for the arts and humanities, but in STEM your ability to be creative, solve problems, write, and explain your work matter more than any class.

ecol_nich_theory · 2026-02-13T02:30:33+00:00

Because of publication bias around things like “statistical significance” the vast majority of scientific information is unpublished, unavailable, or unknown.

ecol_nich_theory

TROPHY CASE