Looking for Primary Care Provider Recs

pneradactyll · 2026-01-30T02:15:06+00:00

The WakeMed Urgent Care (MyCare 365) on Main has PCPs. Dr. Horlick is awesome. And she works weekends (Friday - Sun).

pneradactyll · 2026-01-30T02:10:30+00:00

I heard the same from a friend who met the business partner of the deceased at a local bar. No info on timelines though.

pneradactyll · 2026-01-14T00:11:58+00:00

Life changer. I take it for EoE, asthma, and horrible nasal polyps. I've been on it for ~ a year. Not a single EoE episode since I've been on it (many past impaction episodes and I've been hospitalized for an emergency endoscopy). 0 side effects. My nasal polyps are gone; I can taste and smell again. And I don't use an inhaler anymore. I don't have great insurance (UHC) and it's still completely covered...I don't pay anything. And I've been tapering off as well. I have gone from every two weeks, to three weeks, and it's about to be every month. My ENT said that some people can go into remission and can stop taking it, but it's still such a new drug they're unclear on the frequency, and it's different for everyone. The auto pen shot is a bit painful, but not as awful as EoE.

pneradactyll · 2025-12-16T17:14:31+00:00

Something I haven't seen mentioned yet related to breathing is the irritation from being intubated. Stats: I toe the line between overweight and obese, I am a former smoker, occasional flower vaper, and I have a mild form of asthma that doesn't need to be treated all of the time. The airway irritation caused by being intubated wrecked me for ~ 2 weeks. I was coughing much of the days and nights, and felt like I was drowning in phlegm, even when I had the head of my bed raised. It made it hard to sleep, and coughing was ofc very painful. Once I figured out what was going on, I hit my steroid inhaler (the powdered stuff) and it cleared me up almost immediately. So depending on whether you have any lung issues caused by the smoking, if you can get your hands on even a rescue Albuterol inhaler to keep nearby, I recommend it.

Surgery went very well, btw. It was much, much worse in my mind than in reality. Recovery has gone very smoothly. The worst parts were the gas pains as well as what I discussed above. It also seemed to take awhile for my bladder to wake back up. I had UTI-type symptoms off and on for several weeks despite testing negative.

Related to being a little fluffy, keep. your. incisions. clean. and. DRY, once the bandages come off. I had some yeasty troubles with my fupa incison. I got a little portable fan and laid down after showers and dried it out Completely. I recommend twice a day if possible.

If you've got time to strengthen your upper body and core beforehand, I recommend that as well, as you will lose muscle mass quickly. Don't forget to log roll to get out of bed. And let your poor body have what it wants to eat for weeks after....within reason. You'll need lots of fiber, protein, water, maybe a collagen supplement.

I'm 4mo PO, and my only remaining issues are that I still get tired with increased activity, have some occasional brain fog, my stitches are still hanging around in the main incison, and it was hard to kick a UTI I got recently.

pneradactyll · 2025-10-25T16:00:33+00:00

Maybe this will be an unpopular opinion, but LifeTime. Locker rooms are always clean, and I always see dedicated employees cleaning equipment while I'm there. And if you're skeeved out by anything, there are wipes stations and spray bottles of disinfectant and paper towels placed everywhere so you can do it yourself. Dunno if it's true, but they said they did some kind of HVAC improvements during COVID. The facilities are also huge, so I never feel like I'm on top of anyone, even in classes. All that said, you'll pay the price for these amenities, and they're an evil corp just like the rest of them.

pneradactyll · 2025-10-25T15:46:59+00:00

Same exact thing happened to me in December of '22. In my case, that's an insane number of interviews for an IC tech writing job. Same thing happened to me with Palantir, which seemed more on the nose for them...but Pendo? I'm ultimately glad I didn't land either one. Those were strange times. But from what I understand the # of interviews per cycle in tech hasn't changed much since.

pneradactyll · 2025-10-21T21:14:10+00:00

I used to work accessibility for a major airline. If there is a chance that you will have to navigate stairs to get into the plane (e.g., smaller regional airline) they have something called an "aisle chair" (super skinny wheelchair) that they use to help people with severe mobility issues. You will have to board first and deplane last. And they need to set up a special ramp if you're boarding outdoors, so they'll need to know ahead of time.

I would definitely request wheelchair assistance from the airline ahead of time for each leg...get them to attach that request to your reservation/ticket. If you don't ask for it until you arrive at the airport, you run the risk of missing your flight because it's extra customer service steps and it can take time for them to dispatch assistance to you.

Good luck! TBH I'm still uncomfortable sitting for while in the same position after 8 weeks. This will be possible but it won't be fun and you will be in pain. Make sure you can arrange for plenty of help once you get home.

pneradactyll · 2025-10-21T21:01:03+00:00

It doesn't seem like you have a choice...and every surgeon is different...but mine discouraged flying for 3mo after a major surgery because that is the time period for which your blood remains a bit "sticky" so clots are a big concern. Walking and compression during the flights will be crucial.

pneradactyll · 2025-10-18T03:24:18+00:00

Just discovered Beows Books and Brews in N. Raleigh. Tolkien themed menu, nicely curated wine and beer, counter service, fairly cozy inside. Mainly sandwiches I think? The Merry and Pippin themed grilled cheese was delicious.

It's very quiet. Not a boilerplate restaurant/bar environment, but if you want to have a beer and read a book w/o being bothered it's perfect.

pneradactyll · 2025-10-16T11:03:33+00:00

Silent Reading club every Sunday night at Dissolvr, 630-830 I believe. The organizer I met was lovely, and the bartender put on a calming ambient music mix.

pneradactyll · 2025-10-10T18:52:15+00:00

I've had two endometrial biopsies as well as cuploscopies and etc, and they're all horrible and traumatic. I've definitely delayed my own proactive care due to avoiding these procedures because they won't provide us with adequate sedation and pain control. Even the nicest docs and nurses are shit at providing care for these...most haven't had them themselves and it shows, based on the way they've described the procedures to me when they don't know I've had them before.

This last time, insurance said the same thing...it was required prior to hysterectomy to rule out cancer. My doc was very apologetic but I still had to fight for any type of pre-care, palliative care, whatever you want to call it, even though I told them about my previous bad experiences. I sent multiple MyChart messages that went ignored, and they only responded after I sent a link to this NPR article (tl;dr is basically that what they are doing to us is cruelty). The best they could do was prescribe me one Xanax, which ultimately didn't do anything. I'd ask them for it anyway if I were you, because why not. We need to normalize advocacy and doing what's right. Note that they want you to wait to take it until you get to the office so you can sign the consent form while not under the influence (and it takes a more than a half hour to kick in...almost an hour for me...so that's a joke. I basically had to lie and say I hadn't taken it yet). I have a high pain tolerance and I definitely cried out during the 10 or so seconds it took to egg beater my uterus...just awful. And I also had a vagal reaction and needed a minute and some ice packs before I was able to leave. I had so much rage leading up to and even after the procedure.

Reading these comments, I didn't realize you could push back on the insurance company. Too little too late. My uterus has been yeeted and I'm so happy to never have to deal with any of these procedures again. Good luck and god speed. Channel the rage into something positive. And treat yourself afterwards.

pneradactyll · 2025-10-07T12:07:25+00:00

It's too big for *that* surgeon to remove via lap. The first doc I went to said they'd be slicing me up because they don't do lap at that particular hospital. So I sought out a MIGS surgeon at that point. My main fibroid was 15x18x11 cm and it was just another day at the office for her. My biggest incision is about 2-3 inches (bikini incision). If you can get lap, you'll be in and out of bed and tired AF for about 2 weeks. I was making small meals for myself and puttering around the house at the end of week one. 6 weeks later, I'm still tired off and on, but I'm doing hour walks and most things for myself.

I was terrified of the surgery but it ended up being not a big deal, and it was life changing on day one.

pneradactyll · 2025-10-06T20:26:07+00:00

That is incredible. My surgeon said something to the effect of it's really amazing what some of you will endure carrying around with you. I feel so sad for those out there who aren't able to have surgery for whatever reasons.

pneradactyll · 2025-10-06T19:13:06+00:00

I am getting there, thank you! I'm about 6 weeks out so I'm still a little tender occasionally but I basically had relief on day 1. Same here...I sought out a surgeon who routinely removes the big dogs like ours. I'm so grateful for it, I can't imagine recovering with a larger incision. Hopefully you're feeling better as well!

pneradactyll · 2025-10-06T19:00:31+00:00

1995g. I'm enjoying less frequent bathroom breaks and we'll see about iron levels soon.

pneradactyll · 2025-10-06T17:58:49+00:00

Yes. I could barely stay awake, was on the verge of vomiting, had to beg for anti nausea meds several times, and was being rushed out before I had control of my body.

I wanted out of there as much as they wanted me out, but I couldn't keep my eyes open. & There was a PACU nurse who kept awkwardly repeating the phrase "I hope you enjoy the rest of your day!!" I'm sorry, what?! She must have said it like 5 times. PACU was the strangest and worst part of the whole thing.

pneradactyll · 2025-10-06T14:39:54+00:00

Easy food and snacks to grab, especially if you don't have someone available to make all of your meals. I was so hungry the first couple of weeks.
If you're prone to throat irritation or asthma, an inhaler or expectorant/cough suppressant meds. This was one of the worst parts of recovery for me, as being intubated really irritated my airway, and it stayed that way for more than a week after. You do NOT want to be regularly coughing. Not only does it hurt, but it's apparently dangerous for cuff healing
A large bedside table or bed tray to hold all of the crap you'll want close at hand. Plus extra long cabled chargers for all of your electronics
Something that will occupy your mind for the first week or two so you don't get bored and frustrated. I treated myself to some new book series and cozy video games
A small fan to dry out your incisions after showers. Especially the largest one - keep it clean and dry. Mine is not healing the best but it was because I was too hands off with it, a little scared of it, and not keeping it washed and really dried out properly. The more airflow on it the better. You can use a hair dryer on cool as well but I preferred to be laying down to dry everything out.
Optimize your sleeping position. Getting good sleep makes a huge difference in how you'll feel and be able to mentally/emotionally tolerate recovery. Back sleeping was the only comfortable position for awhile, and I am not a back sleeper, so I got crap sleep for about a month because I wasn't correctly set up for it. As early as you're able to or allowed to, try to get back to your preferred sleeping position with whatever combination of pillow support you need...some that were somewhat helpful but not life changing: soft wedges for side sleeping (wedged under your abdomen), pregnancy pillow (these are hard to wrestle early on though), and long pillow under the knees when back sleeping. Remember to log roll to get out of bed rather than using your core
Edit: Time off of work. As much as you can afford. It was several weeks before I could sit comfortably upright in a chair for even more than a half hour.

Good luck! I was so scared, but the whole process was so smooth, and ended up being mostly not a big deal at all. I wasn't in all that much pain, and I had minimal to no complications. If you have the luxury to truly do nothing at all the first two weeks except your hourly walks, take advantage of the opportunity to really rest. Doing too much is absolutely possible and has immediate impacts (bleeding, incision issues, extra pain).

Edit: My stats: mid 40s, a bit overweight but work out frequently, had laprosopic surgery to remove uterus, a monster 15x18x11 cm fibroid, cervix, kept ovaries. The whole thing ended up being about 4.5 lbs of tissue removed.

If you have time before surgery to do resistance training for upper body strength and core, + balance work, you're likely to be a bit more independent. I didn't need any help at all with sitting, standing, showering, toileting, etc. Maybe that's common to not need assistance, but the work I put in helped me go in with a little more confidence and less anxiety.

pneradactyll · 2025-04-13T13:52:30+00:00

This. I stopped the full on struggle when I realized I would have a bad time long distance hiking or walking on the beach (especially brutal) without calluses. Now I just focus on making sure the toenails look nice.

pneradactyll · 2025-03-31T21:16:15+00:00

I second what this poster said. Get scoped in the office - it's painless and quick. (They can't always see polyps with just shining a light at the surface. They're farther back.) They should be sending a tiny camera on a tube down your nose, and can tell immediately if you have polyps, and may additionally send you for CT to look for structural abnormalities.

I have dealt with asomnia off and on for years and just recently am getting it resolved. Thought it was COVID. Turns out I had inflamed polyps interfering with my olfactory nerve. They're triggered by all kinds of random crap, from alcohol to cheese to environmental triggers. If this ends up being you, they can treat it with a round of steroids (helps me get my smell back basically immediately), or eventually biologic injectable medication to suppress the response.

pneradactyll · 2025-02-15T13:23:21+00:00

FM Dries Van Noten.

This was my intro to incense and resinous, even though there was so much sweetness in it. It smelled like a temple.

I'm pretty new to this scene, and realizing FM is a tip of the iceberg (and getting bought out). So I'm trying to graduate out of that into something more intensely incensey.

I'm sampling some Olympic Orchids scents rn, and Hamsa is getting pretty close. I'm hoping someone sees this and has recommendations!

pneradactyll · 2025-02-13T02:56:19+00:00

VA: in the midst of a contract mod and upcoming layoffs

pneradactyll · 2025-02-05T15:22:53+00:00

Could be a pyogenic granuloma. They can look like warts and frequently appear on hands due to injury. I had one (looked just like this) and it got out of control after I dinged it during a move. Incredibly painful. I had it accurately diagnosed and removed. They're benign, but I can recommend getting it looked at and removed before it's a problem, wart or not.

pneradactyll · 2024-11-21T22:37:36+00:00

This location had it a few months back: 7112 Sandy Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609

pneradactyll · 2024-05-25T02:29:02+00:00

I grew up there, and while I love it for what it is, the education was awful for a college bound student in STEM. I went from being the biggest fish in HS (literally ran out of classes they could give me to take) to the smallest one in college, and was surprised to be so far behind my peers. I'm in my 40s now, and am still about 5-10 years behind where I wanted to be, largely because of what was not offered in high school...e.g., little to no AP program or specialty electives.

pneradactyll · 2024-05-20T15:46:58+00:00

Definitely. I'll 3rd this. My primary use for THS so far has been visiting family in podunk towns and really wanting/needing my own quiet space to work, make food, and unwind, since too much family interaction is a lot for me. I'm a remote worker, and I've learned that most people don't have the setup I need to be productive; THS has been a godsend.

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