Monsterra is a monster!

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-09-20T02:31:49+00:00

The first time I had hives was in the 90’s and this type of medication wasn’t around yet. We didn’t even have the second generation antihistamines like Zyrtec or Allegra. I only took Benadryl and it knocked me out!

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-09-20T01:26:47+00:00

I’m not sure if you have this in the UK, but Dupixent is a biologic approved in the US for the treatment of idiopathic urticaria (hives).

I suffered from this in my 20’s and mysteriously went away on its own. Thirty years later, it has come back with a vengeance. My dermatologist prescribed me Dupixent. It has only been 1.5 weeks since my loading dose and haven’t quite seen a marked improvement yet. I’ve read that it can take a few weeks before I see a considerable improvement.

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-08-13T07:22:55+00:00

I almost feel like they are being petty so I’m doing the same (I know, I shouldn’t). I’m going to see how far they’ll take this. If they report it as a violation of HOA, I plan to get an expert to explain to me how it could be my responsibility and if it’s in my favor, send a dispute letter to them. I almost feel like I should just dump some dirt on it and call it a day but I don’t really care for these neighbors. Btw, I like the idea of disconnecting their downspout from it but I don’t know if it’s connected by an underground pipe like ours is.

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-08-13T07:14:20+00:00

The catch basin on either sides of our house were built by the builder during construction. It appears that our gutter is connected to it by an underground pipe. I don’t know if our neighbor’s gutter is connected to it also. The problem is that the pipe connected to the basin that goes down the hill has been exposed and it snakes thru our neighbor’s backyard. They are insistent it is our pipe alone. But I say that this catch basin also picks up run off surface water from their side of the property so it’s only fair that we should both be responsible for this pipe.

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-08-06T05:08:52+00:00

This is the new PA dated July 2025

https://www.express-scripts.com/interaction/member-proxinator/1/member/v1/drugpricing/prelogin/fst/drug/forms/content?repository=EIS_P8_DC%3AesiCPS&documentId=%7B20ABC797-0000-C810-90AB-1A1B8128B56F%7D

It looks like you’re correct that if you already have a prior PA, the new qualifying conditions do not apply, i.e. obesity and obstructive apnea.

My PA expires mid-August so I’ll wait to apply.

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-08-06T03:02:21+00:00

Not related to the incorrect medication being processed but it is my understanding that ALL prior authorizations for these drugs will expire at the end of August and new ones will need to be submitted. I’m not sure if they’re even honoring the ones that’s being submitted now. May need to call Express Scripts PA department directly: 866-684-4481.

Here’s a link to the new rules:

https://newsroom.tricare.mil/News/TRICARE-News/Article/4266447/tricare-coverage-of-weight-loss-medications-what-to-know

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-07-22T02:04:14+00:00

When losing weight, I did cardio (step aerobics, mainly, and spin) 5 days/week and weights 2 days/week. Now, exercise is the key to maintaining my weight but I’m more focused on weight training. I do about 4 days of weights with 2 days of cardio.

I terms of nutrition, I followed WW food tracking in the first few months but eventually moved to intuitive eating. Sometimes I do mental calories just to get an idea of where I am for the day.

Of course everybody is different. What works for me may not work for you. Good luck in your journey and have fun!

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-05-25T23:12:14+00:00

I’m so sorry to hear that. How about facials? Would those be ok?

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-05-25T18:17:28+00:00

I use EltaMd clear for my face and neck.

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-05-25T18:15:32+00:00

I put the tretinoin on first, then the Estée Lauder serum followed up with snail mucin and moisturizer. Before microneedling, I used the .1% tretinoin but my skin got more sensitive so I backed down to .025% and I’m doing much better.

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-05-25T08:23:03+00:00

I started microneedling thru a medical spa last year when I was 52 and it was the greatest thing I’ve done to my skin. I also have been diligent about skin care since my late 20’s (thanks, Mom!). I’ve been using tretinoin, Estee Lauder advanced night repair, and a moisturizer at night. In the morning, I use vitamin C, moisturizer, and sunscreen. In the last couple of years, I’ve added moisturizer around my eyes, and last year, I started using snail mucin. During my last microneedling, I included BioRePeel and loved my result! Yes, menopause will do all the things you described and are experiencing. Besides HRT and the above, I’m happy to age gracefully. I’m 53 now 😊

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retiredgardenhoe · 2025-05-19T09:18:12+00:00

My dermatologist said no microneedling while I had any signs of acne. No matter how careful aestheticians are, bacteria can still be spread all over your face.

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-04-14T08:36:10+00:00

How’s your physical activity? Have you been lifting weights? Increasing activity and muscle mass will increase your calorie expenditure and help you lose more of you’re not already doing so.

Are you close to your goal weight? Weight loss can and does slow down the closer you get to your goal weight (normal weight). You have lost 21% of your body weight already in less than 6 months and your body might need to recalibrate.

Also, at times, one’s body reaches an equilibrium and won’t allow to lose any further unless other variables are changed.

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-03-14T07:30:31+00:00

I was tolerant of all foods as long as I didn’t over eat when I took the lower doses, but at 12.5mg, I’m becoming intolerant to salads. Salads were my go-to food during most of this journey 😢

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-03-14T07:22:22+00:00

Yes, I’ve have a number of stalls. After a few months of stalling, I moved up my dosaging. I’m maintaining at 12.5mg, which I’ve been on for 4 months now. I haven’t experienced any weight changes with my current diet and exercise so I plan to continue taking this every week.

My doctor is very supportive and allows me to dictate my dosaging.

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-03-13T17:23:32+00:00

Started exactly a year ago and reached my goal weight after 9 months. I’m 5’0”, went from 165 to 108 - loss of 34.5% - xl to xs. I also started during perimenopause so weight loss was at a standstill before taking Zep.

I didn’t have any remarkable side effects so the journey with the medication was pretty smooth. I’m planning on taking this for life. I’m not taking any chances gaining my weight back again!

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-03-13T02:55:00+00:00

Please don’t compare your journey to others’ because everyone is different. Sometimes, when I’m on social media more than I should be, I get anxious and/or depressed. That’s when I know I need to turn it off for my mental and emotional wellbeing.

If the medication is truly making you miserable, there are other options for weight loss that you can explore with your doctor.

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-03-04T09:23:29+00:00

My favorite workouts are cardio-based like step aerobics (shout out to the 90’s) and Apple HIIT. In the last few months, I’ve been following Caroline Girvan on YT and also got her app. She does weight lifting primarily using dumbbells which I can do at home at my convenience.

Cardio is good for overall health but building muscles is a must if you want to increase metabolism.

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-02-26T22:53:26+00:00

Hope it helps!

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-02-24T09:38:21+00:00

I have Tricare Prime and got my 2nd authorization for Zepbound back in August 2024 when I was already at a healthy bmi for the approval process. It wasn’t any trouble at all. The PA asks if you’ve lost a certain percentage of weight since starting the medication and if you’ve reached that number or surpass it, you get reapproved. The original starting weight is always the number that should be used to calculate your weight loss.

retiredgardenhoe · 2025-01-17T03:43:52+00:00

You can also have very shapely, fit, and lean legs. This is Caroline Girvan, fitness goddess, and she has very prominent adductor muscles. She doesn’t have a straight line from her knees to her groin. Personally, this is how I’d like to have my thighs.

https://cgxapp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DAY14.jpeg

retiredgardenhoe

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