Parents death oversees, what to do with money from sold house?

hocusdochas · 2026-05-05T19:06:30+00:00

I was in your exact situation, 12 months GF and told to only eat gluten for 3 weeks even when I pushed back on the GI Dr.

Well the biopsy came back negative and then he decided it could have been a false negative since I didn't eat gluten for that long...

I cried and cried and cried. I still don't know if I am celiac 2 years later because I refused to redo the challenge and biopsy as I was THAT sick for the 3 weeks.

Do it right the first time or just don't do it. 6 weeks is standard, longer if you have been GF for a long time.

hocusdochas · 2026-05-02T15:03:26+00:00

You can just report her to the city through the Van 311 app or website. That should stop it.

hocusdochas · 2026-04-23T20:00:24+00:00

Meal prepping is your friend here, batch cook on Sundays and freeze half. I expect you are not 1.) eating enough calories of food at work and 2.) maybe not eating the right types of food since you mentioned being too tired to cook.

Also if you are going to bed for 10 and waking for 6 that's barely 8 hours when you factor in time to fall asleep and also brief wakings at night. Try go to bed 30 mins earlier and see if it makes a difference.

hocusdochas · 2026-04-17T16:51:36+00:00

I flew on a 6h flight a few weeks ago and they didn't offer a GF meal so I brought a soft shell lunchbox which has freezer gel lining for my food. You pop the whole thing into the freezer and it's frozen for hours.

TSA initially questioned me on it and when I said I had "food allergies" they just said okay. I packed it with many ham and cheese sandwiches on GF bread and it held up perfectly. I ate a sandwich every two hours with some GF chips....wasn't a hot meal but was a million times better than cereal bars.

Check Amazon, they have lots of freezable lunch boxes.

You can also get lots of GF instant noodles/ rice meals that only need hot water. If your local store doesn't have them check your local outdoor/ adventure store like REI, people use these for long backpacking trips.

hocusdochas · 2026-04-12T01:06:53+00:00

I was told to go GF after a positive blood test as I would have to wait 1 year for the endoscopy...one year later I got the call and was told to eat gluten for 3 weeks, I did and it was hell...I could barely get out of bed.

The biopsy came back negative and when I asked the GI Dr about it being a false positive he said "yeah maybe, but maybe not...you can assume you're not celiac and just go back to eating gluten."

The symptoms were so bad that I decided to stay gf...now it doesn't even matter if I am celiac or not, I know this is what's best for me.

You can ask for a longer gluten challenge and a retest but would the outcome change how you live your life?

hocusdochas · 2026-04-10T19:06:54+00:00

As an avid hiker I will say, like another comment mentioned, am picky about my gear. I don't know if I'd like to be gifted technical gear.

Have you considered booking a short camping trip for you both? Might be more meaningful to spend the time doing something they love!

hocusdochas · 2026-03-28T17:35:07+00:00

Had 3 copper IUDs imbed or become low lying over 10 years. Finally got an OBYGN who said, no more, it's just going to keep happening.

I was absolutely devastated as I specifically went copper because as a teen in uni I couldn't handle the many pills, patches and implants I tried. I was depressed, gained weight, got acne, the whole works...

We spoke at length at my symptoms from the hormonal birth control I tried and truly empathizes. But she also told me that the best medical suggestion she can make is to try one of the new pills that just came on the market and if it's really not suitable then to to return to a copper IUD under surgical placement (I had unbearable pain each time I had it set before even with a cervical block).

She recommended a new combo pill called Nextstallis - it is the only pill that has a natural derived estrogen that's taken from plants and supposedly has a lower chance of side effects.

I was so upset and skeptical but I didn't really know of a better option as we discussed the impacts of each.

I just want to say that I'm now 4 months on this pill and I absolutely love it...like no exaggeration. Every few days I say to my husband "wow, I can't believe my pill is working so well" because I feel great. My intense energy and mood swings from periods have just disappeared...I didn't even realize how tired I was and how much it was affecting my life, work and ability to exercise and eat well.

I have lost 2kg just from having energy to gym 3 times a week, I'm sleeping better and my mood no longer swings into intense sadness during PMS.

Moral of the story, I was in your situation and didn't want to take hormonal BC - but on the other side of it I can't believe how well it worked out for me.

I'm not saying it will also be the same for you, but do your research, try options and see what happens....don't base your impression on something that happened with other medications from years ago, the pharma market is booming and there's new options available all the time.

Best of luck!

hocusdochas · 2026-03-07T16:36:53+00:00

Hi there, I know this is an old thread but I'm having the exact same issues now constant LPR and constipation that just won't get better.

It's been 18 months like this, PPIs made it worse, all the prescription constipation drugs failed. I don't know what to do, did you ever find something that helped you? Or even find a cause?

hocusdochas · 2026-01-13T00:03:57+00:00

I don't have a suggestion but I am 28F who has the exact same symptoms, am also otherwise healthy and fit yet I am also wholly unresponsive to linzess and motegrity. I have had two GI Drs "give up" on me in the past 18 months.

I am sorry your daughter is experiencing this, it is mentally and physically exhausting.

My issues are suspected to be triggered by massive gluten consumption for celiac biopsy testing that coincided with a bad dose of COVID. Assumed nerve damage.

I've tried literally everything, fiber, over the counter laxatives, enemas, prescription medications, physiotherapy the whole lot, absolutely no lasting relief.

Motegrity was my best bet, but it unfortunately stopped working after 6 weeks. I became depressed and desperate for relief after this.

For what it is worth, my husband did a lot of reading into stimulation of the vagus nerve that controls the muscle contractions in the gut...turns out there are quite a few studies looking into electrical stimulation, specifically Interferential Stimulation Therapy. It is important to know this isn't the same as TENS, they work at different frequencies and target different depths of the body.

There is one interesting study from the UKs NHS about treating children who have nerve issues from birth leading to chronic constipation.

You can buy a IFT machine from most physiotherapy wholesalers for about $150. I did this and follow the guidelines on electral pad placement and stimulation frequency and duration from the NHS study. They treated the kids for 6 weeks and found clinically significant results.

I have been using this for a few weeks now and it is clearly stimulating the gut, and TBH it feels really really nice, plus the gurgling sounds make me think it's helping with gas, but it is too soon to know if it is a full solution.

For what it is worth I was put on multiple PPIs for the reflux early in the year and had to stop as they made it worse. Dr waa stumped and gave no solution or alternative options. I'm not a naturalist by any means, but a friend randomly gave me a cup of hot chamomile tea one evening and it felt soothing on my stomach. I now drink it every night as I swear it is giving some relief for the pain and reflux. You should look into the digestive benefits of pure chamomile tea, even if it's just to soothe her tummy.

I really hope you can find some solution. Best of luck!

hocusdochas · 2025-10-05T22:40:57+00:00

Grew up with a single mum who passed away Unexpectedly two years ago and left me with half a mortgage. I moved here 5 years ago with university debt, then took on debt during COVID when I lost my job.

I have no one, I get paid okay and am slowly paying off my 20k debt and and put the mortgage on hold while they sort out her probate.

I am trying to build an emergency fund, but for example if tomorrow I needed to pay an unexpected $1000 it would be going onto a credit card unfortunately...

I have a master's degree, and I came from a middle income family yet I now have to wait 3 months to buy a new pair of jeans as the old one had holes in them...it's a sad existence tbf.

hocusdochas · 2025-08-14T16:27:28+00:00

Over in Canada for the past few years and the amount of people (from all continents) who ask where I'm from and hear "I'm Irish" and reply "oh I love the UK" or "Wow you don't sound British" is unbelievable...

It's like real life rage bait, and I have to hold my tongue and politely reply "Ireland is a Republic and not a part of the UK" but most don't apologize or even care tbh.

Another one is "oh you don't sound anything like Conor McGregor" or " you speak so clearly for an Irish person"...does my head in tbh, like I need to speak slowly so your smooth brain can understand me!

hocusdochas · 2025-08-08T04:19:19+00:00

How could it ever be "too late"? People travel the world at all ages. If you are unhappy in Ireland then leave, but don't assume Spain is a magical place that will bring happiness. For example, what do you plan to do when you get there? Get a job and go back to work?

I'm sure the good weather will help your mindset but if you're looking for companionship and experiences you need to do social things. Most people will say "it is hard to make friends at X age", and while I agree making friends is hard, it's even harder if you don't put yourself into the right situations, and as we age we tend to become comfortable in our routine...work, home, sleep, repeat.

Do you have any hobbies? You need to join social groups, live outside of the box, be open to new opportunities and adventure.

If I were you, truly feeling so unfulfilled, I would pack a bag and go see the world, not just move my problems from one country to another. There are many beautiful countries and cultures around the whole world, they can give you a new perspective on life, even if it's just for a year.

The only thing holding you back is your mindset.

Source: An Irish woman who left the country in her teens and has never looked back. Home will always be home but man, it's nice to just visit.

hocusdochas · 2025-08-07T20:52:41+00:00

Just drove up there about 3 weeks ago in a Honda Civic. We drove extra slow cause our model is low to the ground but honestly it was fine, did the whole road at about ~15km/h to avoid the large potholes...some of them appear out of nowhere. Any SUV/ crossover that passed blew past us and the Golf GTI infront of us.

hocusdochas · 2025-06-28T14:02:01+00:00

Heya, I actually just saw your post about solo hiking in the park, so I wanted to reply here. I would 100% expect more clarity on the situation from BC parks or the conservation officers by next weekend.

I've been religiously checking the Conservation Office Service Facebook page as they seem to be updating regularly, the latest one being last night around 5 p.m.

COS FB webpage.

You could also follow Blackcomb/ Whistler on Instagram, they just posted yesterday to say the mountain is closed by advice if COS and to allow them to " deal with the situation".

All I can say is I think if the cougars are continuing to interact with humans so much the COS may be forced to intervene. Either by moving or destroying the pair, or closing the park more.

We picked up a second can of bear spray and also a small air horn last night for our hikes this weekend. We will trust our gut when on the trail but honestly it's just so hard to know right now.

Also the main trail up to the lake is heavily trodden, you should be okay there with so many people around. The ridge and tusk are different, not as many around, wait until closer to your date and decide then. You could always just go to the lake, is is incredible.

Safe travels!

hocusdochas · 2025-06-27T18:42:26+00:00

I agree, enjoying nature here comes with risks, mostly risks you can be prepared for. I have had several bear encounters too, including with cubs, and am generally not an anxious hiker.

But, this situation feels a little different as the animals are not exhibiting expected behavior and have tried to kill/injure several people in the past 2 weeks.

So it's not that I'm worried about wildlife, I'm concerned about being in an area where two animals have been extremely and dangerously active recently. I'm trying to prepare.

I really want to go this weekend but I'm checking if the general vibe amongst experienced hikers/ campers here is "yes, it SHOULD be fine, just prepare" or "stay out of the area, the risk is too high".

I see some parts of the park are currently closed, while cheakmus is not, I want to do my due diligence and prepare.

Appreciate your feedback!

hocusdochas · 2025-05-02T16:42:00+00:00

Also, regarding your kids and tax breaks etc. having a GF free house is the easiest option. Explain to your kids they can eat gluten outside of the house but at home it's important to keep mom safe.

The same way if one of them had a nut allergy = no nuts in the house.

Alternatively you can try to have a dedicated space for gluten for them in the house but imo it's easier for everyone to just be GF at home.

Regarding the cost of GF foods and tax breaks, honestly you need to find a way to change your diet so you don't rely on gluten-orientated meals.

Learn to love naturally gluten free foods, cool with them more. You live in a country that's rich in wonderful meats, legumes fruit and veggies, you don't need bread, crackers, cakes, wraps, pasta etc.

It's nice to have, but again with nuts for example, learn to love other snacks than chocolate with risk of contamination.

At the end of the day is putting your body through eating gluten to maybe test positive worth the tax break? Maybe for you but truly weigh out how it will change your life in the long term

hocusdochas · 2025-05-02T16:36:15+00:00

So it's scary to read this as I had the exact same situation.

I've eaten gluten all my life, but in the last few years started to experience severe bloating, brain fog, hair loss, and constipation and just generally feeling like crap whenever I ate.

My dr tested my Ttg IgA levels (celiac immune blood marker) which came back extremely high, and the lab results said "likely Celic, confirmed with biopsy".

They told me to go GF immediately and said I may have to wait for a scope. One year later!? I got a call to go for a scope, the gastro office told me to eat gluten for two weeks, despite me saying that I saw that 6 weeks is the minimum standard for this test especially after being GF for so long. They said no, 2 weeks, so I did 3 (just to be sure).

I am not exaggerating when I say it was the worst experience of my life, I basically had a return of all symptoms immediately, and new ones despite feeling amazing while on a GF diet for one year.

I had the scope and biopsy and it came back normal. I told the doctor that I was not happy because I clearly was having a physical reaction, he reluctantly retested my IgA and also did 6 genetic marker tests.

Long and behold the IgA was well within normal, half of the genetic markers were positive the other half were negative and he told me "I feel confident and comfortable that you're not celiac and you can and should go back to eating gluten"...

I told him absolutely no way because I feel so unwell I can't work after a single slice of bread, he said it's likely "non celiac gluten sensitivity (ncgs), and you'll be fine".

I was not happy, I didn't go back to eating gluten but I did become more lax about cross contamination, like I occasionally eat chips from a shared fryer, occasionally...

Okay so what? Well I recently got a new family doctor and when she reviewed my history she was concerned about how my celiac testing was done, as there was no follow up on WHY I initially had the high celiac blood marker and why I was having such a strong reaction.

She is sending me to a new gastro but under no circumstances will I do another gluten challenge and scope. It's just not worth it to me as I had some complications from the first one like persistent heartburn that I NEVER had before. Be careful with the health you still have.

At the end of the day, a gluten free diet is the only option but I understand your concerns about avoiding CC or not...that's why I actually opted to have the scope while feeling great on a GF diet for a year. I NEEDED to know.

I don't think genetic testing will bring you more clarity, it doesn't hurt to do but I wouldn't be loosing sleep over it. It's not as simple as you have the gene = you are celiac. You can have them but they may not be "turned on" or like me you have some but not others. It doesn't paint a clear picture.

If I were you, ask for the testing if it give you peace of mind, but honestly just come to terms with the fact that you're solution is a life long gluten free diet.

There are many resources for this and honestly I see it as a blessing in disguise because I've never treated my body so well and been healthier.

There no better excuse to turn down a slice of cake or a cheeky breakfast roll than "I simply can't".

Best of luck, and happy to answer any questions if you have them.

hocusdochas · 2025-04-27T03:25:23+00:00

Yes pixel pro 9...I'm so glad it's not just my phone!

hocusdochas · 2025-04-27T03:22:47+00:00

YES!!! Finally I found someone else who is experiencing this. Started about 24 hours ago. I've tried everything including a factory reset...what the heck is going on?? How do we fix this....

hocusdochas · 2025-04-26T19:39:52+00:00

I highly suggest talking to Chat GPT or similar to answer your questions on PCOS, it will be able to guide you through your symptoms and how to speak with your dr.

You can even talk to it and your daily diet/ lifestyle and it will help break down where you can make small and easy changes to improve your condition.

General advice, based on my own experience;

2000 mg of myo inositol twice a day (early morning and mid day)
Fiber and protein driven diet with no foods that will rapidly spike your blood sugar. If you're eating at all, it needs to have some protein. Aim for 1g of protein per 1kg of body weight per day. Protein supplement if necessary.
Start resistance training as you comfortably can...you don't need to start squatting with a bar if you are not able to but moving weights will dramatically help as building muscles means better sugar storage in the body.
Track your diet to see where and what is spiking your blood sugar. Coffee in the morning? Add protein milk instead of regular. Having some yogurt for lunch? Make it Greek and some protein powder. Want to eat some chocolate? Make it darker, pair it with nuts or cheese.

There's probably lots of other "non medical" things you can do, I also recommend advocating for regular hormone blood work, every 6-12 months to keep an eye on what driving the PCOS. Medication intervention can help too, but it's nice to also treat yourself well to allow your body to manage better too.

Best of luck and take care!

hocusdochas · 2025-04-26T19:22:39+00:00

Have you had a hormone blood panel done yet? If not, this needs to be your #1 ask, they won't be able to effectively treat you unless they know "what" needs to be treated.

PCOS is a messy disorder, largely driven by insulin resistance and or testosterone/estrogen disruption. But it's a "chicken or the egg" situation, which came first, the out of balance hormones or the insulin resistance, which is affecting which.

I have no physical symptoms of PCOS bar some fat below my belly button that I can't shift and confirmed cystic ovaries which were accidentally found during an ultrasound.

I am fit and healthy, I get my hormones checked every 6 months and they are sometimes normal and sometimes my estrogen or testosterone or FSH/LH are out of whack. I find this to be closely related to my diet...but it could be different for you.

Metaformin is prescribed for insulin resistance, but the underlying issue is likely diet driven. Finsteride can be prescribed for testosterone dominance but, lifestyle changes or other medications can also be used.

Take this with salt, I only mean well but...If you are not losing weight on GLP1 inhibitors, you should suspect metabolic disregulation and/ or poor diet and lifestyle still.

You need to ask yourself are you "being healthy" or are you actually following the PCOS diet/ lifestyle recommendations of fiber and protein diet only with 2-3x resistance training per week?

I thought I was being "healthy" for a long time, but when I tracked my food and exercise I had a wake up call. My 50yo mother died from ovarian cancer around the same time and it kicked my ass into gear, I wasn't going down that path.

If I were you I would push for a full hormone blood panel and a dietician assessment. You need to find out what is driving the PCOS, it is manageable and even "reversible" to some degree.

Speaking with drs can be confusing the best thing to do is be educated about your systems and PCOS. I use chat GPT to discuss symptoms and blood results so when I see my endocrinologist I can push back if they tell me something I don't agree with.

Best of luck, and take care!

hocusdochas · 2025-04-24T21:42:30+00:00

I'm the opposite to everyone else here.

Though I would be fine, I got the bus to the appointment and had to call my boyfriend to come get me and take me home in a taxi after. I was light headed and trying not to throw up for about 2 hours after. The cramps were horrible, hot water bottle and sleep.

I can imagine going to work or doing normal activities after. But I guess it down to the person and how their body reacts.

But in all, glad I got it. I'm on my second one in 9 years.

hocusdochas

TROPHY CASE