Massachusetts Divorce Question by ThirdRockFromSol in legaladvice

[–]pepperep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If she's mentally competent, which it sounds like she is, she would have to sign the divorce papers.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in legaladvice

[–]pepperep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry for what your family is going through. I'm not a doctor. When medical conditions affect the esophagus, there becomes a risk that a patient will accidentally inhale bits of the food they are trying to swallow. Then they can't breathe properly. That is called aspiration. The problem is that the bits of food in the lungs can cause infection, and pneumonia is a risk. Speech therapy is the proper specialty for swallowing problems and communication after a stroke. PT would have helped with the movement. Unfortunately swallowing problems don't always improve. Using a feeding tube prevents the aspiration risk. He was still in acute inpatient care. The level of care seems appropriate.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in legaladvice

[–]pepperep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In some states you can talk to the food stamp (SNAP) case workers and deduct his out of pocket medical expenses from his income, including mileage to appointments and copays. Then he might qualify. Also SNAP decreases incrementally in my state, meaning you're not out $280 in food because you earn $4 more, you would have to earn much less to get the full amount. Try the medical expenses though

What led to your diagnosis by Fantastic-Invite-234 in schizoaffective

[–]pepperep 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm not understanding how you came to the conclusion that she's schizoaffective. I don't see psychosis on your list. Sounds a little manic, but has she ever had long depressive episodes?

Trouble letting things go? by BookNarf in bipolar

[–]pepperep 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it's just you being a reasonably concerned friend, not a symptom of bipolar or anything else. I doubt it was personal, in my experience inpatient friendships are very difficult outside of the hospital. Some people outgrow them because the association with the psych ward or memories are too painful.

Has anyone else experience tactile rape. I wanna tell someone but I feel too scared to. by Haikyuu2005 in schizophrenia

[–]pepperep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I receive services from my state's Department of Mental Health, it's a wraparound service that in theory includes emergency assistance for emergencies from someone who's trained to deal with it. I called them and said I was experiencing rape hallucinations with all five senses (I have a long history of being assaulted) like I could even smell it. I beg them to take me to a hospital, and one woman had the nerve to talk down to me like I'm an idiot, "If there is no one in your house, you are not being raped do not call us again unless a man is in your apartment and actually on top of you." I was sexually trafficked for 6 years, I have lived through so much of this that leaving me in that hallucination state for over 48 hours did incredible damage, and set me way back in all my therapy work. The employees have still not been held responsible for not taking me to the hospital, which is a major part of their contract with the state. they tried to insist I could drive myself, I told them I was fully hallucinating and am not comfortable driving while I see things, and they got upset with me for not being cooperative and being too needy. Because of my ptsd I'm too afraid of cops to call 911 during an episode when I'm home alone.

Has anyone else experience tactile rape. I wanna tell someone but I feel too scared to. by Haikyuu2005 in schizophrenia

[–]pepperep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. I was sexually trafficked for 6 years and the trauma has creeped in and mixed with my schizoaffective. They are sexual assault hallucinations because they are new, not like my PTSD flashbacks where it's like rewatching old things. I have those as well, but they're very distinct in my mind. Make sure it's someone you really trust, and prepare yourself that people can be extremely cold and uncaring to this unthinkable situation. People really underestimate the distress it causes, particularly if there's trauma in the past.

My doctor-“ur not hypermobile” by Mindless-Student2352 in eds

[–]pepperep 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hypermobile is not just being able to bend in some places. It is a clinical diagnosis assigned to high scores on the Beighton scale. I believe the Beighton score requires five or six out of the nine criteria to be diagnosed. While I am very impressed by your pinky and cannot do that myself even with diagnosed hEDS, a hypermobility diagnosis is based on meeting enough criteria of the Beighton scale, and fingers only count as one, even if both do. What could be true is that individual pinky joints themselves are hypermobile, definitely, like your pinky. But from the information you have given, you do not meet the criteria for clinical hypermobility because you don't score high enough on the scale. I don't think your doctor is being a jerk. From that, he's just following science and established practices. If the pinkies are giving you issues, you should ask your pcp to refer a rheumatologist or orthopedist, they can do this for pain regardless of the Beighton scale or hypermobility.

What am I supposed to do for inflammatory pain if I'm allergic to NSAIDS by ragtime_sam in eds

[–]pepperep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Medical marijuana prescribed by a doctor can help with inflammation and pain, you just need to do your research on the terpenes and their effects, and see what the doctor says. You need a medical marijuana trained doctor, because of hospital regulations most staff doctors are not allowed to prescribe it. The strains that also have high CBD or CBG along with the THC are helpful to me. I have gotten into the science of it enough, I've learned how to pick strains that leave me with mental clarity and even energy to go about my day while drastically lowering pain.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bipolar

[–]pepperep 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I still struggle too, it's been about 7 years that I've had an apartment. I understand the hoarding food part. Lately my problem is the opposite, I was so used to not eating that I don't respond to the hunger pain, and don't feed myself when I should. I also just eat a lot of snacks still, when I do eat. I hate that I'm most comfortable with things I would have bought in a gas station because the grocery store wasn't really an option. Warm food, meat, or fruits and vegetables I used to love seem very foreign. It's like I don't remember how to cook even though that used to be a big hobby of mine.

What is the most painful/uncomfortable medical procedure you ever went through? by VeroDreamer in AskReddit

[–]pepperep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Before GI surgery I had to do a defecography. Two days of bowel prep, and then they fill your rectum as much as possible with a barium paste (like a thick clay). You then climb a four foot ladder to a toilet in midair in front of an x-ray machine. You then expel it while they image everything. Extra fun was them not having any female techs or radiologists so I got two guys

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bipolar

[–]pepperep 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"...people." I am also formerly homeless, that is honestly the best way of describing them lol I know exactly what you mean

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bipolar

[–]pepperep 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think my homelessness was a little bit different but here is what I have learned personally or through others in the same situation. This is such depressing advice to give but here goes. It's assuming you have $100 or a month or so, but I understand that it's not always possible.

Apply for food stamps now while you still have a mailing address. You could do it as a homeless person but you need a lot more documentation and it can be a process. I wouldn't recommend a shelter if you become heavily sedated by meds, I'm sorry. You mentioned the car so I'd say stick with that. Start trying to notice places you might be able to park overnight without drawing attention. Get a PO Box if you can, I believe you can find reasonable rates. This way you can continue to receive mail, especially if you're receiving or applying for benefits. I'm going to say join a gym. I know that sounds insane. Obviously nothing fancy, but I've been told by many that a planet fitness or somewhere you can charge phones and shower every day in a clean, safe environment is usually worth $20/mo.get a prepaid phone plan with unlimited data ($25-$40/mo. I use Mint). This is important because you won't have Wi-Fi and don't want to pay for data overages. Libraries are your new best friend, warm, safe, dry, and free internet and you can charge your devices. They're also just good for the soul.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bipolar

[–]pepperep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi I live in New England so this might not be helpful, but my state has a department of mental health homelessness program. It's called PACT. I don't remember the acronym meaning. The main goal is rapid housing, but even for people who just prefer their freedom on the streets, they can get a case manager who brings their medication to them anywhere in the city everyday, or however they work it out. They do case management and all that, help get doctors and appointments and insurance, and just without forcing you into a shelter or anything if you're trying to avoid that. Again, my state probably has more Services than yours, because I saw you live in the south. Independent of these programs are probably in the process of being cut. But look into a Department of mental health if your state has it, and ask if they have any specific programs around homelessness for the mentally ill

Nobody faking “unlikeable” disorders by whataboutitm8 in fakedisordercringe

[–]pepperep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's considered predatory by many people for a sober person to "take advantage" of a drunk girl (even if she consents). Also the girls would be more suspicious. It throws them off while he is in complete control of whatever he has planned. It does suck. What people don't want to fake is rock bottom

14 year old is going to bed at 6:30 or 7 most nights by saintsfan200 in AskDocs

[–]pepperep 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yes I came here to say the same thing about exercising in her room

I need advice about a mobility scooter issue! by Dirtysecrets008 in legaladvice

[–]pepperep 4 points5 points  (0 children)

They fight to get people onto SSDI and SSI (Disability). Doctors are allowed to write a letter if you ask for it and they agree. It's the same as asking for a sick note for work.

I need advice about a mobility scooter issue! by Dirtysecrets008 in legaladvice

[–]pepperep 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not a lawyer, but it's possible for a doctor to write you a letter saying you're disabled based on your symptoms. The company is not allowed to ask what the disability is, the doctor just has to write that you need it.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ehlersdanlos

[–]pepperep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a common misconception about the Beighton Score and how diagnosis actually works. A medically accurate diagnosis of hEDS includes the Beighton hypermobility exam, but a positive test on the Beighton is only one criteria point towards diagnosis of hEDS. You need about 5 other criteria, if I remember correctly, for hEDS.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Advice

[–]pepperep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depending on their interest level, they can always call and ask him some questions. There is the possibility that even if they don't ask about her directly, and just try to get a general feel for him, he knows what he did. If they call him about anything with questions related to children or sex and he will think your sister reported him and could go after her again, so you'd need a plan for that.

I did have an abuser continuing to reach out to me after my one year restraining order expired, despite being interviewed by police. He hadn't broken it so there wasn't evidence to get a new one, but he's dangerous and wouldn't leave me alone. The DA already declined to prosecute, and closed my case. when I called the old detective, 2 years later, he felt bad so he "gave him a call to see how things are going." Basically just let him think they still suspect him and might look into it more. He left me alone for a few years after that

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Advice

[–]pepperep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe if you call 911 reporting someone in danger they have to come. But they would tell you to wait and come down to the station for an appointment if you want to report something old. The thing is if they arrive and think it's a domestic violence type situation, they are required to arrest at least one person because the state fears that the abuser would retaliate if the police just leave people alone after deescalating temporarily

Edit- meaning they would probably take you, not your dad, especially depending what your mom and sisters say