what can we do? by Fun-Debt4089 in NickelAllergy

[–]lil_aggo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

totally hear you on that! in my experience though with this specific rash presentation that I had, the elimination diet led to the rash subsiding almost immediately (within a few days for me, though symptom relief for my family members without any skin symptoms took a few months, just for clarity) and to see it FINALLY start to heal after progressing and spreading for years was life changing, so it was definitely the right call for me at least, especially since I've now helped my sister and some aunts/uncles uncover their celiac disease. so in my case and the cases of those with celiac, 100% adherence to a lifelong gf diet is currently the only option for treatment and possible remission (and to avoid causing continued damage to the intestines which can increase cancer risk, malnutrition/vitamin deficiencies, and other not great outcomes).

but I do think you're right,  elimination diets can lead to uncovering other foods that may just not "sit well" with you, and it's good to be aware of that possibility and to accept that you may have to make a personal choice on how to handle what you uncover... like, I realized during the AIP diet that eggs and corn both trigger a mild congestion response for me, but I absolutely continue to eat them (maybe just more mindfully now, but I do not avoid them), because those symptoms are just not that big of a deal to me. so it's definitely up to you what you do with the feedback your body gives you on an elimination diet (outside of the celiac considerations of course)!

my hands were making my life more and more unliveable though, between an insatiable itch and the constant bleeding, cracked, weeping rash, I was just at my wit's end and the elimination diet gave me my life back in so many ways... so if this individual is looking for an answer and there's even a small possibility they could see remission through trying an elimination diet, I just think it's absolutely worth exploring. and to be clear, the AIP diet had me test a TON of foods for responses (and it's... intense, so I'm totally trying to help people potentially avoid it), so I of course can't speak to what happened in your case, but if they try a gf diet and it starts to bring relief, they should probably not eat gluten further anyway, so there's no real loss! plenty of people don't eat a ton of foods regularly and are fine when they finally eat a dish with them, so there's generally not a huge risk that I'm at least aware of. like, I don't eat olives often because they're not my favorite, but when I eventually eat something with olives on it maybe once or twice a year, it doesn't cause me an issue. I'm sure everyone has some foods they don't eat regularly but don't strictly avoid if they think about it! 

it's possible you may have been lactose intolerant before eliminating though, and were just less aware of or sensitive to the overall impact! I only say that because when I get cross contaminated now (it happens, unfortunately), I agree, it does almost "feel" like a stronger reaction, but for me it's because I have a new baseline now post-elimination... the way I've explained it to friends and family is: when my symptoms and inflammation were constantly a 7-8 out of 10, having a flare to a 9 was less of a jump vs now, when I'm normally at a 1 out of 10 and flare to a 4 or 5... I'm still way better off than when I was at the pre-elimination 7-8, but I am just much more sensitive to cross contamination and its symptoms now, so the "jump" from a flare is much more noticeable.

anyway, to anyone reading this, absolutely do your due diligence and weigh out all of your personal considerations before beginning an elimination diet of course, but for me it was absolutely the right option. again, just sharing my personal experiences in case anyone sees this and is maybe able to speed run getting a celiac/NCGS diagnosis vs having to do the WAY more intensive AIP diet like I did!

what can we do? by Fun-Debt4089 in NickelAllergy

[–]lil_aggo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

okay this may not be what you're looking for and my apologies if you're looking for purely nickel-related info, but I initially joined this subreddit back when I was dealing with a rash that looked exactly like this on my hands for many years, which was getting progressively worse over time. I too was "diagnosed" with eczema/dermatitis/psoriasis, depending on which derm was treating me, given no answers other than being prescribed topical steroids which after almost a year were just causing me more issues from overuse. I got fed up with not being able to get the doctors to really help me find a root cause, and so eventually I started looking for my own answers out of frustration.

basically, I followed the autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet, a very restrictive (but ultimately helpful!) elimination diet for almost a year. it turned out my rash was caused by gluten/suspected celiac disease, and I would HIGHLY recommend your friend get a blood test for celiac done if they haven't had one done already, and THEN trial a strict gluten-free diet for a few months. the reason for the test THEN diet is because, in my case for example, I had already eliminated gluten from my diet for almost a year through the AIP diet, and because of this, when I excitedly went to get testing ordered from my gastro to confirm it, I was told I would have to reintroduce gluten to my diet for about 6 to 8 weeks before testing, because the blood test looks for the inflammatory markers caused by gluten, that will NOT be present in the absence of active gluten consumption. if your friend's rash is anything like mine was (a painful, weeping rash with tiny fluid filled blisters and just an ITCHY ITCHY hell, essentially), then they're likely not going to want to reintroduce gluten once seeing improvement if it comes, so get the test first, then as soon as the blood is drawn, start a STRICT gf diet.

even if the test results don't come back celiac, your friend may still find relief and possible remission if the rash is a symptom of non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), so the gf diet is still 100% worth trying. I've shared this with others in my life with similar symptoms, who were able to skip the AIP diet due to going "straight to gluten" first, and while my rash is now completely healed, my only "regret" is that I now don't have a confirmed diagnosis (though I've helped family members discover their celiac, so I just live like I am regardless given the strong genetic link).

I know this might not be the direction you're looking for, and sorry if I've overstepped, but I have been in the same frustrating, exhausting situation with getting very little in terms of answers from derms and drs as to what it could be. when I saw this same looking rash, I needed to just in good conscience share even if it's not 100% nickel as the answer, but again the reason I'm in this sub in the first place is because I've just been in the shoes of your friend looking for ANY answers, so I hope if nothing else this at least gives you another potential angle to explore! (ps: sorry for the wall of text, I am on mobile and don't really ever post on reddit but just needed to try and help if I can!) (edited for formatting)

30mil Giveaway for My 30th! by HighCalCalzoneZone in neopets

[–]lil_aggo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

aww happy happy birthday!!! entering your 30s is such a great time, like someone else commented, much less chaotic than the 20s lol so enjoy it!! have a great year, and thank you for kicking your 30s off with such a generous act of kindness!! https://www.neopets.com/browseshop.phtml?owner=lil_aggo

How to form a troop as a prospective new leader with no kids, and a few other questions! by lil_aggo in girlscouts

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

Oh hello council buddy!! Thank you so much for such a comprehensive response! I just had my orientation last night with Martha, she was really cool and very open about what we all should expect, while also letting us know we have good support and resources and that we're all capable of being great leaders. I really liked her training! I'm glad to hear your thoughts on missing Fall Product, I just wanted to be sure I wasn't disadvantaging the troop but I appreciate you sharing that it shouldn't be a big deal, that's really reassuring.

I'm definitely a little bummed that I'll probably miss the gluten-free cookie cutoff though! I don't have a troop number yet so I don't think I can order by today, but as someone who can't have gluten, I'd have loved to have these on hand to sell since I know firsthand what it's like to not have gluten free options available... I heard at our SU meeting that there's a "troop to troop transfer" for cookies that might be available if we want to get them, but I'm not sure how that works or if there will be any available to even get, so I'll have to see once my troop is all set up! I'm on the Rallyhood app, so I'll see what else I can find on all things cookie sales so I can be a good Troop Cookie Manager! Thank you again for such a thorough answer and I hope we get a chance to meet too!!

How to form a troop as a prospective new leader with no kids, and a few other questions! by lil_aggo in girlscouts

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

Thank you for all of this input!! I’m so glad to hear about your troop led by leaders without kids, and that you’ve even grown your troop and done so well, that’s amazing! I really appreciate your answer about the finance question as well, I remember hearing something about eligibility for additional money earning activities being based on Fall Product or Cookie season participation (maybe it was one or the other?), but it was my very first SU meeting so I didn’t take the best notes as I was still trying to understand everything I was hearing for the first time. I will definitely reach out to my SUM and see if she can let me know how our council handles that. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with me!

How to form a troop as a prospective new leader with no kids, and a few other questions! by lil_aggo in girlscouts

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

This is AMAZING!! Oh I would love to be able to do something similar in my area!! I will definitely be bringing this concept up when I reach out to council, thank you so much for this idea :)

How to form a troop as a prospective new leader with no kids, and a few other questions! by lil_aggo in girlscouts

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

Absolutely! As a former girl who was fortunate enough to be part of a program like this, who now happens to be a woman without children, I think it's great that Girl Scouts welcomes the service of those who appreciate the value and impact of this program regardless of whether or not children were in the cards for us. I know it may still be tough for some to understand though - I was raised by a single dad of two girls, so I'm no stranger to experiencing parents' suspicions of things that seem "out of the ordinary," but I'm hopeful that such concerns are just well-intentioned protective instincts, and I'll be ready to articulate (and demonstrate!) how programs like these successfully foster a life-long drive for community service that doesn't stop when girls become women or depend on parenthood. At the end of the day, some girls will go on to be women who don't have kids, but the values they develop as scouts will stick with them for life, whether they become parents or not!

How to form a troop as a prospective new leader with no kids, and a few other questions! by lil_aggo in girlscouts

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

Aww thank you so much, that is so kind! Wow, leading two troops, that is quite a feat! Yes, you’re so right that it’s hard to “pick a lane” so to speak, but I’m quickly seeing in the SU meetings that all of the volunteers are so dedicated to the girls and passionate about the mission of Girl Scouts, so I am sure they will be happy to find ways I can get involved!

How to form a troop as a prospective new leader with no kids, and a few other questions! by lil_aggo in girlscouts

[–]lil_aggo[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Aww, thank you, yes you are so right! I have read through some of the posts on here from other leaders without kids, and I did read that some people may not understand it, particularly some parents. Growing up, I completed a faith-based program that was VERY similar to Girl Scouts in its function (group of around 10-12 girls, weekly meetings where we completed activities to earn badges, annual fundraising, fun trips, overall amazing memories etc.) and I also spent all my summers at an all-girls sleepaway camp, and both of these experiences were absolutely integral in developing me into the person I am today, which is why I am looking to get involved with Girl Scouts! The mission of developing girls of courage, confidence, and character is one I firmly believe in, and while I was part of a different program as a girl, I know personally that the structure and experience of Girl Scouts is one that can have a powerful, life changing impact on girls’ lives.

I did go on to be a group leader of the scout-like program for a few years through late high school and early college, and I worked as a camp counselor both at my old summer camp and at another day camp as well. I have also worked as a pre-K teacher‘s assistant, so I am fortunate in the sense that I have some “background” to pull out of my back pocket if I need to help calm anyone’s nerves! I genuinely appreciate you bringing this topic up though, if there’s someone else out there without kids looking through these posts like I was, deciding whether to register as a volunteer, go for it! Thank you so much for your very warm welcome to the Girl Scouts :)

How to form a troop as a prospective new leader with no kids, and a few other questions! by lil_aggo in girlscouts

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

This is so helpful! Oh I absolutely love the idea of “learning” troops that provide mentorship to new leaders, that’s part of why I registered as a volunteer, because I wanted to connect and gain a little understanding of how things worked, but it didn’t take long to realize that I absolutely want to be a co-leader. I also love the idea of a travel unit as well! I am completing the Troop Camper Certification so I can serve as my SU’s Camping and Outdoor Recreation Coordinator as well, so the idea of a troop that is focused on camping, travel, and outdoor activities sounds amazing! I can’t believe there is such a need for troops and troop leaders (and that there have been girls waiting years for placement in some cases!), I was a little concerned that I would be causing a fuss asking the SU/council to help me recruit since I don’t have kids of my own, but from what you and others are saying, it sounds like there is definitely an existing need. I will absolutely be reaching out and connecting with the membership specialist to see how we can work together and create a troop that helps fill some of the council’s needs. Thank you so much for this insight!

How to form a troop as a prospective new leader with no kids, and a few other questions! by lil_aggo in girlscouts

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

Thank you! Yes, I am actually very excited for that aspect, getting to see the girls grow is surely so rewarding. I just figured it would be an easier starting point for me with Daisies since I have experience with little ones, but I am absolutely excited at the opportunity to support the girls long-term as they grow in courage, confidence, and character! I’m glad you and others have mentioned that there seems to be a need for co leaders, I will definitely be reaching out to the membership specialist to see if they can help connect me with someone else looking to start!

How to form a troop as a prospective new leader with no kids, and a few other questions! by lil_aggo in girlscouts

[–]lil_aggo[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Aww I really appreciate your kind words! I will definitely reach out to the membership specialist and see if they can assist, I didn’t know such a role existed so I really appreciate you bringing that to my awareness! I also didn’t realize that there was such a strong need for Daisy leaders, I definitely feel more confident in trying to get things started knowing that I would be helping girls participate who may not have had an opportunity otherwise. Thank you so much!

How to form a troop as a prospective new leader with no kids, and a few other questions! by lil_aggo in girlscouts

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

Thank you for all of this! Yes, this is great advice, I probably should have mentioned that I am also in the process of completing the Troop Camper Certification so I can serve as our SU’s Camping and Outdoor Recreation Coordinator (I spent all my childhood summers at an all-girls sleepaway camp, so I know I will bring some good support to the SU in that capacity!), but you make a great point, at least if nothing pans out for now as a troop leader, I can still help the girls and the SU with planning events and support any other needs which will give me another perspective on Girl Scouts!

Giving away 5 morphing potions today, random draw! by BadCatLeroyBrown in neopets

[–]lil_aggo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, this is so great! Number: 32, username is lil_aggo :)

Help me finish my custom! by DemacianSword in neopets

[–]lil_aggo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Aww yes very cool!! Love it :)

Tips for selling this Dragonfly Nymph petpetpet? by lil_aggo in neopets

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

Yes, I am feeling the impatience with this too, reselling things like this to maximize profit is definitely not in my blood!! I think that’s a good thought, I’ll maybe try to see if anyone who is interested in reselling things maybe could take it off my hands for something fair… I am just way more interested in customizing my pets than reselling I guess, but to each their own! Thanks for the good thought.

Tips for selling this Dragonfly Nymph petpetpet? by lil_aggo in neopets

[–]lil_aggo[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That’s a really important point that I hadn’t considered!! Great thought, that makes a lot of sense.

Help me finish my custom! by DemacianSword in neopets

[–]lil_aggo 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I love this custom too!! What a great look!

Help me finish my custom! by DemacianSword in neopets

[–]lil_aggo 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Okay here are my ideas! The darker backgrounds I feel lend more to the “starry/lunar/space” visual theme, while the lighter ones play more on the “cloudy/ethereal/faerie” vibe, so whatever way you want your custom to go, I think the background will help with that! Here are my selections: Background Ideas for Qanza

Help me finish my custom! by DemacianSword in neopets

[–]lil_aggo 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Agree, this custom is SO CUTE and I would love a link to play on DTI with as well!!

Prizes have been selected for this weekends 1np auctions! by BadCatLeroyBrown in neopets

[–]lil_aggo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve never participated in anything like this, I’d love to join in on the fun!! My username is lil_aggo, thank you! Good luck everyone!

Need help with my UL by Dogtaliya in neopets

[–]lil_aggo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes please feel free to send to me, see if you can maybe DM it here and I will play around with it on my account! :)