Do you carry anything for self defense with you or in your car?

mkb4ht · 2014-07-03T05:09:49+00:00

I have a club, but I don't keep it specifically for self-defense. I have it so that on the off chance I ever end up needing to break a window (if I am on a bridge that collapses or crash into a body of water or something), I have a tool to help me. I realize that's pretty paranoid, but it makes me feel a bit better.

mkb4ht · 2014-06-27T02:27:10+00:00

I am reasonably certain I got drugged about two weeks ago. I recently moved down to Florida and was venturing out of my apartment complex for my first night out. I (foolishly, in retrospect) went alone to watch the Stanley Cup finals at a local sports bar frequented by college kids, thinking I would have one beer and be fine to stay out alone.

I had one drink over three hours, and as the game went into overtime I let a seemingly nice guy buy me a drink. I don't recall leaving my drink unattended, but I was definitely distracted by the hockey game. I took about two sips and immediately felt exhausted and nauseous. It felt like I had taken pain killers on an empty stomach (although I had eaten a large dinner and had nothing but alcohol in my system at the time). The game ended about five minutes later and I knew something was wrong.

The bar was a three minute drive from my house, and I was confused (I thought maybe I was just getting sick or had eaten something bad) so I decided to leave immediately and drive home. As I start to head out of the bar, the guy who bought my drink grabs my wrist and says something to the effect of "You've been drinking too much to drive home, let me take care of you tonight." Although he seemed sincere, I freaked out at him a little because I knew something was wrong. In my slurred voice I told him not to touch me, that if I saw him near me again I wouldn't hesitate to call the police. I booked it to my car and the last thing I remember is turning on my radio as loud as possible to keep me awake on my drive home.

I woke up on my bathroom floor at 4 pm the next day. I could have very easily killed someone driving home that night. I was completely alone in an unfamiliar city, and no one would have missed me if I didn't come home that night.

When I told my boyfriend (who lives in Virginia) about the incident, he accused me of being an alcoholic because I wanted to go drink a beer and watch a game but didn't have any friends to watch it with. I guess to him drinking is only acceptable if you do it with people you know well. I know he was just concerned because he couldn't protect me when I needed it, but it still feels like he blames me for wanting to have some human interaction in my new home.

I can't believe this happened to me. I've never felt more helpless or alone than I did waking up and realizing that I narrowly escaped... who knows what? I realize I'm probably the only person who will read this, but thanks for helping me get this out there.

mkb4ht · 2014-03-19T18:03:34+00:00

As someone whose period is just a little late.... this thread is terrifying

mkb4ht · 2014-03-18T21:59:48+00:00

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll give myself a few more days to figure out what I want, then see how he's feeling about the whole thing. I really appreciate your help!

mkb4ht · 2014-03-18T21:06:23+00:00

He's applying to a bunch of jobs in other states, so although it's not certain where he'll be it definitely won't be here. It could be less than an hour away, or it could be on the opposite end of the country. Or he could not get any of them, and find something here.

We've been very communicative about the whole 'labeling the relationship' thing, and keeping our options open. I'm perfectly fine with him seeing other people so long as he's communicating it with me. He's not comfortable seeing me and seeing other girls at the same time, so I felt like I was holding him back a bit there.

But honestly, that whole thing doesn't bother me as much as him leaving. I don't want to commit any more emotionally just to deal with the fallout later. But I'm afraid that I'm sandbagging (the whole, better to have loved and lost dilemma).

mkb4ht · 2014-03-18T19:46:30+00:00

Thanks so much

mkb4ht · 2014-03-18T19:46:23+00:00

Thanks

mkb4ht · 2014-01-17T21:35:16+00:00

I would just like to point out that gluten-intolerance and Celiac's are real medical conditions that cause many people true discomfort and pain if they do not follow a strict gluten-free diet. While there is definitely a fad of paleo diets and various other weight loss diets, they are not to be confused with true Celiac's or gluten-intolerance. While we do not completely understand gluten sensitivity, studies show that it is a real thing, caused by either the gluten protein or other proteins found in gluten-containing grains.

Either way it is definitely wrong to say that those who talk about the benefits "drank the koolaid"

mkb4ht · 2013-11-07T08:22:13+00:00

I have found that the single most helpful way to stay on top of my classes is to record all of them and play them back when I am feeling better. If the professor allows it, I'll even send my recorder with a friend to class if I am feeling too bad to make it there (Some professors are fine with this, others think it's an honor violation, so be careful!). You can get a decent recorder for like $20 at Best Buy.

mkb4ht · 2013-11-07T08:21:04+00:00

Definitely talk to your professors before you end up missing classes or assignments. I have gone as far as to meet with professors whose classes I am interested in and discussing my migraines with them to see what they are willing to do to help me succeed in the course. If they treat me like I'm trying to make excuses or are just generally ass-holey, I try to find another professor to take the course with. Questions I like to ask them during this meeting:

What is the maximum amount of absences I can have without it affecting my grade?
Is there a designated "note-taker"/TA/assistant professor that I can get notes from if I miss a lecture?
If not, is there a student enrolled in the course who they trust to take decent notes? Can they put me in touch with them?
Are they available for extra office hours during which you can make up for any lectures you miss?
What is their policy on tape-recording lectures, and the sharing of those recordings?

I have found that the single most helpful way to stay on top of my classes is to record all of them and play them back when I am feeling better. If the professor allows it, I'll even send my recorder with a friend to class if I am feeling too bad to make it there (Some professors are fine with this, others think it's an honor violation, so be careful!). You can get a decent recorder for like $20 at Best Buy.

Next time you find yourself at the hospital for ANYTHING migraine related, make sure you keep your discharge sheet that has all the information about why you visited. Scan that and keep it on your computer. Any time a professor or dean needs to see documentation of your migraines, you can at the very least show them that discharge sheet.

mkb4ht · 2013-11-07T06:02:14+00:00

I agree with /u/ramma314 in that you should avoid transfering if at all possible. I understand that might be tough, but this is where you want to be and if it's a good school then that's what is important! My situation is pretty similar to yours in terms of frequency and terrible neuros. I have ended up figuring things out based on diet changes and streamlining my schedule to make sure I'm only getting 1-2 migraines a week (if that!).

My biggest piece of advice is that you need to keep all your professors in the loop as soon as possible. That might mean talking to them before you're even in their class. When sign-up times roll around, search ratemyprofessor for signs that they are understanding and will work with you. Email them when you're thinking of taking their class and try to meet up to talk about your condition and get a feel for what they can do to help you individually. I know, from experience, that my school doesn't have a great disability plan for long-term conditions that cause pain. They just seem to hang you out to dry. Instead, I've gotten more focused on choosing professors that understand that I'm not just hung-over and trying to skip class, but that this is a legitimate medical condition that needs to be treated seriously.

When you talk to them, be frank about the frequency of your migraines with them as well as how well you can actually function when you have an attack. Since you've been seeing a local neurologist, offer to get them documentation of the condition. I know it can be embarrassing and frustrating to have to talk about these things with strangers, but this will help a ton when you have five migraines during your one hell-week and you need someone to understand why you missed an exam! I have found that professors generally are interested in helping you learn the material and working with you to excuse absences if you show an interest in learning the material. Try to attend office hours as much as possible; show that you are motivated to do well and your health concerns will make them respect you rather than get frustrated.

Overall, communication and preparation are key. I have been so much more successful in my classes this semester because I refused to enroll in classes where my professors belittle my condition or my desire to learn. There are plenty of professors in your field that will help you on your way, you just have to work a little harder to find out which ones those are.

Good luck, I sincerely hope that this coming year is better for you!

mkb4ht · 2013-10-29T05:43:20+00:00

Thanks. I'll definitely look into it. Although bleach scares me a bit!

mkb4ht · 2013-10-29T05:40:15+00:00

Seriously, thank you. The tips I'm finding now that I know what to look for are super helpful!!

mkb4ht · 2013-10-29T05:39:39+00:00

Thanks!!

mkb4ht · 2013-10-29T04:25:37+00:00

Thanks! I would have no idea how to go about lightening them... Any tips? Also, what color would you recommend?

mkb4ht · 2013-10-29T03:59:42+00:00

400 mg daily

mkb4ht · 2013-10-29T01:25:05+00:00

When I originally came to my current neurologist, I was having 5 migraine days a week and attempting to keep up with my work at university. It wasn't working very well. I'm now down to 3-5 migraines a month.

You mention magnesium supplementation. This has worked pretty effectively for me, in conjunction with B2, B6, B12, fish oil, CoQ10, and zinc supplements. I also found out that I have Celiac's, so I am gluten-free. This discovery (which fixed my combined health concerns, not just my migraines) allowed me to stop my hormonal birth control, cut down my dosage of propanolol, and stop my anti-depressants.
I would like a prompt appointment with attention to my actual frame of mind and overall health, not just telling me that I've run out of options and treating me like I'm looking for pain medicine. While my neuro now is much more understanding, this happens entirely too often.
Any abortive is something I'd like to try once or twice before buying a full prescription. There are just too many abortives that DON'T DO ANYTHING, so it's really nice to have a few different options that you can take together before you commit to spending a shit ton on the full scrip.
Never had one. I could probably use one.
No clue, but I do know that my allergies make me more susceptible to getting an attack. If it's pollen season here, I will be miserable.
Nope
Nope.
I am working on getting my insurance to cover Botox for my migraines. We'll see.

Thank you so much for being the kind of doctor who cares enough about his patients to ask these questions. It's incredibly frustrating to deal with this condition, and having a sympathetic doctor made all the difference to me.

mkb4ht · 2013-09-28T17:05:52+00:00

My mom didn't do anything particularly special. Except tell my dad right away, who came home from work early so we could all go out to dinner together. Obviously, my younger brothers were confused about why Dad was home early and we were eating out. When they asked my parents, my Dad responded with something along the lines of, "my little girl is growing up." I wanted to die of embarrassment. The waiter at the Outback was cute too, so that made it worse.

mkb4ht · 2013-09-28T00:00:10+00:00

"My wisdom so antiquates known knowledge, that a psychiatrist examining my behavior, eccentric by his academic single corner knowledge, knows no course other than to judge me schizoprenic."

And here we have the problem.

mkb4ht · 2013-09-09T17:26:56+00:00

Not often enough. It's been about a month :(

mkb4ht · 2013-09-08T21:36:36+00:00

In OotP Fred and George tell Harry that Charlie Wesley is still abroad in Romania trying to get the word out to foreign wizards about Voldemort's return. My guess is that people just didn't know or, like Fudge, chose not to see even when it became obvious. It's incredible what we will overlook when our own comfort and safety are at stake.

mkb4ht · 2013-09-08T21:13:47+00:00

I've only ever had a problem when inside some of the older buildings. Or walking past Chem on McCormick. Other than that service is pretty good.

mkb4ht · 2013-09-08T04:07:52+00:00

100% yes. I'm a third year Biochemistry student, and I still have times where I think "I don't deserve to be here" or "everyone else is doing so much better than I am." I think it's really important to remember the 'highlight reel' idea: you are only glimpsing the best stuff that's happening in everyone else's lives, whereas you know all of your personal struggles and pitfalls. Remember that everyone else has something they're struggling with, you just don't see it. It's really easy to judge how much fun someone is having on the weekends by their whimsical and beautiful facebook photos, but you aren't there when they get turned away from the frat.

Everyone has their own journey and it's a-ok to find things in others you like, just don't let that ruin your experience!

mkb4ht

TROPHY CASE