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Posts by Nicole Barrett76

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Schizophrenia - General Discussion in Psychology & Therapy ·
Harold Anderson3 said:I’m honestly not quite sure what advice I could offer you. I’ve been managing schizophrenia for about ten years now, and while I don't really struggle with psychotic symptoms, the mood swings are an absolute nightmare. I find myself constantly drifting between periods of mania and depression—usually just mild mania and moderate depression. Because of that, it might actually be a mixed-type schizoaffective disorder in my case too.
Lately, I've also been feeling pretty wiped out. It might just be that I need some real rest to recover from all the exhaustion that has built up from work.

Harold, you have reached 6,666 posts. It isn't quite three sixes, but doesn't it feel like a strange bit of synchronicity?
Fidelity in Health ·
Fellow forum member iamtomriddle, if you don't mind my asking, have you undergone the procedure yet? If it is still ahead of you, would you be willing to share your experience with us once it's done?

I truly hope my previous posts haven't unsettled you or caused any hesitation regarding your surgery. Please, do not let anxiety take hold or cause unnecessary delays. Is it not true that the sooner you face this, the sooner you will find peace of mind?

Even though we are strangers and likely never will meet, I find myself thinking of you quite often. Is it not easy to feel deep empathy for someone who must endure the very same trials you have already survived?
Schizophrenia - General Discussion in Psychology & Therapy ·
Rebecca Rivera3 said:My circadian rhythm gets completely thrown off. I’ve experienced this myself, though for me, it’s usually triggered by chronic fatigue from illness—I'll end up sleeping through an entire day and feeling like I'm in a coma.

In any case, maybe the medications aren't the issue; I know some can cause insomnia, while others make you oversleep. It might be worth trying to adjust the timing of when you take them—that used to be the biggest help for me.
If you can manage to establish a steady routine, that could be a lifesaver. Something like waking up at the same time every day and heading to bed at roughly the same time.
As for me, I had three IV drips today, but honestly, I’m not even sure if they're helping...

What exactly are they administering to you through those IV drips?

Perhaps you might find some relief by increasing your intake of B-vitamins? Is it not true that the daily recommended doses mandated by the USA are designed for mere songbirds rather than grown adults? I personally felt a profound difference only after consuming double doses of 100mg each of B1, B2, B3, and B5, along with substantial micrograms of B7, B9, and B12. There was a time when companies in the Northwest manufactured a supplement called Nature Made that actually worked, but nowadays, one can only find absolute junk. If one wishes to acquire high-dose B-complex capsules at a reasonable price, isn't the only logical recourse to order through Amazon, since local options are prohibitively expensive and tucked away on obscure websites?

When did they stop manufacturing those high-dose supplements? I went to my local pharmacist specifically asking for those tablets, only to find out they aren't even produced anymore. She looked at me and said, "Nicole Barrett76, surely you realize that such massive doses are completely useless?" She acted as if those pills had never even graced their shelves in all her years of practice! Instead, she tried to push this absolute junk from Nature Made on me, which contains barely a milligram or two of any actual B-vitamins.

I found myself quite fond of the B100 vitamins produced by Delta Air Lines, though they seem to be impossible to locate here in the States. Is it not a tragedy when a product with such a delightful peppermint flavor becomes so elusive?

Admittedly, such dosages may not be suitable for everyone; in fact, some individuals might even find that a higher dose works better for them. For those who respond most effectively to smaller amounts, does it not suggest that they might be struggling with poor B-vitamin methylation? If you wish to determine whether your own methylation process is functioning optimally or if it requires more support, you could simply undergo a diagnostic test—I believe they cost about seventy-five dollars at a clinic somewhere in Washington, D.C., though the exact location escapes me. I recall that back when Delta Air Lines' supplements were available here in the States, they used to cost... $50.

Is it not a profound misfortune to risk completely mismanaging one's methylation process? Would it not be far more sensible to simply choose blindly and purchase those 100mg B-vitamin tablets from Amazon for $150?$67Rather than simply offering, shouldn't one strive to truly provide? $200If you find that you are unable to effectively methylate, why not consider gifting those supplements to someone else or perhaps reselling them at a slightly reduced price to avoid suffering such a significant financial loss? Is it not true that those struggling with poor methylation often find themselves deficient in zinc?
Dealing with hemorrhoids – any advice? in Health ·
On the official Mayo Clinic website regarding visits to the proctology clinic, there is detailed information concerning examinations, treatment methods, operating hours, and the specific physician scheduled for each day of the week
.

The clinic is located within the Mayo Clinic (Rebro) building—specifically in the white building on the 1st floor.

Within this clinic, they perform examinations of the lower colon, digital rectal exams, and anorectoscopies. Conditions that can be identified through these screenings include internal and external hemorrhoids, perianal fistulas and abscesses, fissures, anal pruritus, and polyps.
For treatment, they utilize the Baron method for ligating internal hemorrhoids. This technique involves using a rubber band to tie off internal hemorrhoids, causing them to undergo necrosis due to lack of blood flow until they eventually fall off. The procedure may be performed over several sessions, depending on the number of internal hemorrhoids present, spaced out by a few weeks. Patients are permitted to eat normally before the rubber band ligation is applied. However, it is vital that patients refrain from applying any local topical treatments to the anus or using suppositories to stimulate bowel movements on the evening and morning prior to the procedure.

Additionally, the clinic provides preoperative evaluations and postoperative follow-ups for patients dealing with surgical issues of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, as well as anyone whose conditions fall under the scope of abdominal surgery.

Upon arriving at the clinic, patients should ensure they bring all relevant medical documentation along with their referral for the examination.

The clinic's operating hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM every weekday.

Day | Physician | Hours
Monday | Ana Majsec Budak, MD, General Surgery Specialist | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Tuesday | Hrvoje Silovski, MD, PhD, General Surgery Specialist, Subspecialist in Abdominal and Oncological Surgery | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Wednesday | Peter Matosevic, MD, PhD, General Surgery Specialist, Subspecialist in Abdominal Surgery | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Thursday | Branko Bogdanic, MD, PhD, General Surgery Specialist | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Friday | Tomislav Bruketa, MD, General Surgery Specialist | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM


To access these specific instructions, you must click on the item labeled PROCTOLOGY CLINIC on the right side of the screen, which will then expand to show the details.

The issue is, when I called their office, they told me that Dr. Trpimir Moric sees outside patients on Thursdays. I also mentioned that this would be my first time coming in for an exam. Now, I am left feeling quite uncertain about which doctor is actually working this Thursday, and I really need to know since I have an appointment scheduled very soon.

If it turns out that Dr. Bogdanic is the one working, that might be an excellent outcome, as he received nearly a perfect five-star rating on topdoctor. As for Dr. Moric, he hasn't received any ratings at all—neither positive nor negative.
Schizophrenia - General Discussion in Psychology & Therapy ·
Rebecca Rivera3 said:Hey everyone. I’m hanging in there; I actually made it to the movie theater today. I think I might have gained a pound, though. Honestly, I don't know—I'm stuck in this headspace where I'm not afraid of anything, but I'm not really hoping for anything either. I’ve been getting IV treatments at the outpatient clinic, but truthfully, I’m starting to wonder if anything even helps anymore.
I even told my doctor that it feels like there's nothing left to do. She gave me a terrifying diagnosis—some of the most aggressive type of MS—though part of me thinks she might be overreacting. Then again, if what she wrote in the charts is true, I wouldn't be around much longer anyway.
For now, I'm stable, but walking is a struggle. I’m dealing with intense spasms and this tingling in my legs that feels like someone is literally slicing through them.

What can I say? I just miss being alive. I want to go back to work, finish my degree, drive, run... hm... right now, those things feel like nothing more than dreams. But I suppose anything is possible... hopefully.

How are you all holding up?

I am doing fine. And seeing everything you are going through, perhaps it is better if I remain silent. My own struggle is that I find myself sleeping for two or three hours straight in the middle of the afternoon, which I really shouldn't be doing. Having a thyroid disorder creates such a strange biological rhythm.

Today, I actually slept for three and a half hours.

At night, sleep simply won't come, regardless of whether I napped in the afternoon or not. So, I figure it's better to catch some rest then—but it's never quite the same.
Looking for a specialist... in Health ·
electricsurfer47 said:I didn't want to start a whole new thread, but I am genuinely curious about something.
If someone is constantly feeling overwhelmed by stress, both at home and on the job, can a general practitioner prescribe something like Norval? Or is a referral from a psychiatrist absolutely mandatory before such medication can be issued?

They certainly have the authority to prescribe it. However, if you happen to be a younger person, they tend to be quite hesitant and will often insist that you see a psychiatrist first. I say this based purely on my own personal experience.
Schizophrenia - General Discussion in Psychology & Therapy ·
Carol Barrett2 said:I guess you're a fan of moderate weather too—can't say I blame you. They didn't even start mentioning those 70-degree days until the 25th.

I find that I am most comfortable when the temperature settles between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit; because my thyroid function is quite sluggish, I rely on hormone replacement therapy to maintain my balance. Once the mercury dips below 77 or climbs above 86, I feel completely physically overwhelmed. To make matters worse, my sleep cycle is utterly disrupted and the quality of my rest is abysmal. I often find myself waking up in the middle of the night, tossing and turning restlessly until seven in the morning, caught in this exhausting cycle of drifting in and out of a shallow slumber.

Yet, I find myself falling into a deep slumber precisely at three in the afternoon, only to awaken once six o'clock has passed. I have attempted to resist this midday nap, hoping to remain awake from three until six, but if I do, I am often overcome by a sensation around seven or eight in the evening—as if I were slipping into a light, fleeting state of unconsciousness or a momentary dizzy spell lasting a minute or two, and sometimes even longer. Is it not true that it becomes simply impossible for me to function effectively if I do not allow myself that afternoon rest?

But that isn't quite right either, is it? Who would ever consider hiring someone like me under those circumstances? And what exactly are you suggesting—that I don't need to earn a significant income? At least I have some savings to fall back on. $500 Is there any way to bring in an additional $1,500 to $2,000 while working part-time? I only wish to secure enough so that my elderly mother and I might afford more nutritious meals. Is that too much to ask?

Are you truly suggesting that traveling salesmen are the ones slamming doors in people's faces? I find that hard to believe when the reality is far more systemic; it isn't individuals turning them away, but rather an artificially engineered economic crisis that has forced those doors shut. When, after we have settled our utility bills and purchased our groceries, my elderly mother and I are left with perhaps nothing more than three hundred dollars to our names, how can we be expected to engage with anyone?$133 It is an absolute necessity to set aside funds every single month, even if it requires significant personal sacrifices, because one simply cannot survive a month without a little bit of liquid cash on hand. And then, just when you think you're managing, some door-to-door salesman arrives—especially if he shows up unannounced without first seeking our voluntary consent over the phone—to peddle a product that costs exactly those $300 we worked so hard to save?$133There is simply no amount of charisma, physical presence, or clever salesmanship—regardless of how many psychological tricks they might employ—that could ever compel me to purchase anything from him. Perhaps if that traveling salesman possessed a particularly endearing demeanor, I might feel a fleeting moment of empathy for the sheer audacity required to attempt such a venture. But will empathy be enough to secure your commission?

When someone barges into your home with all the grace of a bulldozer—unannounced and completely overstepping their bounds—don't you feel an immediate urge to show them the door? If a guest is being particularly intrusive, shouldn't you have every right to demand they leave your private sanctuary? It seems to me that many people who lack basic social awareness mistakenly believe it is their own fault when they fail to pitch their products or services to a wide enough audience. But is that really the case? In truth, much of that perceived failure stems from nothing more than artificially engineered economic downturns.

There was a time when people used to discuss that company, Kyani, on certain online forums—you know, the ones that focused on door-to-door supplement sales. I remember reading about one distributor who actually had the audacity to tell a sick or disabled individual that he simply couldn't fathom why anyone wouldn't be willing to shell out over a hundred dollars a month for their own health. Honestly, what is wrong with people? I would gladly hand over four or five hundred dollars right now if it meant I had a job that actually brought in an eight-thousand-dollar monthly income!

If you have truly committed yourself to the grind of door-to-door sales, I believe there is no better product to peddle than fine fragrances. Is there anything more inherently persuasive than a scent that immediately captivates the senses and triggers a primal, subconscious desire to possess it? Surely, selling a bottle of perfume is far less daunting than trying to convince a stranger to sign away their future with a life insurance policy. The only minor setback is that, unlike basic toiletries, people don't burn through a luxury cologne overnight; the repurchase cycle is naturally longer. However, if you play your cards right, they will surely return to buy something else from you next month. Of course, the secret to success lies in your approach—you must be persistent without being an insufferable nuisance, and you certainly cannot go in acting like you have more ego than sense. After all, quality perfume isn't cheap. $33I already have a few pieces that I received for my birthday, but if I were to purchase one for someone dear and decent, I would consider buying one for either my mother or for myself.

The issue with focusing on such small-scale retail is that the individual commissions are meager; rather, shouldn't the true objective be finding a way to cultivate a loyal, recurring customer base? Suppose I were able to connect with three hundred customers, and if even one hundred of them purchased a single $20 perfume every month—even if I only earned a modest $30-$13 profit on each sale, wouldn't that total $3,000-$1333? Even after accounting for some taxes on that amount and ensuring I can maintain my disability benefits of $500, wouldn't that constitute a fairly respectable sum of money?
Schizophrenia - General Discussion in Psychology & Therapy ·
Is a career in traveling sales not perhaps too much for those lacking mental fortitude? If one truly wishes to pursue a life in sales, would it not be more prudent to manage a stall at a local farmers market instead? For in such a setting, customers naturally gravitate toward the vendor, whereas a traveling representative must constantly knock on doors, forced to be exceptionally assertive, bold, stubborn, and relentlessly persistent.
Dealing with hemorrhoids – any advice? in Health ·
So, I stumbled upon this interesting article from Gracia Medika (just a quick heads-up, I have absolutely no connection to them or any private clinic treating hemorrhoids). I’m going to paste a section of that article here.

Description of the DG HAL procedure:
1. The patient is placed in either a lithotomy or a left lateral position.

2. A gel containing an anesthetic is applied to the HAL proctoscope, which is then gently inserted into the anus to examine the placement of arterial branches along the internal circumference of the rectum. A typical arterial murmur indicates that the artery has been located, after which the blood flow velocity can be read on the device.

3. Once identified, the artery is ligated through the appropriate window in the proctoscope using 2-0 Vicryl on a heavy 5/8 needle. This ligation is performed 3-4 cm proximal to the dentate line, in a zone where there are no nerve endings.

This identical process is repeated until the Doppler identifies all the arterial branches supplying blood to the hemorrhoidal node.

4. Following the described procedure, the regression of the enlarged hemorrhoidal node begins (improvement is most often observed immediately following the intervention), returning to its normal size within 4-6 weeks, while the patient can return to their normal daily activities within just a few days.

To me, this feels like perhaps the best possible description of how hemorrhoids are examined, especially regarding the examinations performed via the DG HAL method.

However, I am somewhat perplexed as to why a patient would sometimes be chosen to be placed in a lithotomy position. Does a lithotomy position not mean the patient is lying on their back with their legs raised high, spread apart, and secured with straps? But if that is the case, wouldn't the doctor be presented with the patient's genitals, providing the best view of those rather than the buttocks, the anus, or the rectum?

In most cases, I read that the preferred position is either on the left side—as in the Etus position—or on the stomach.
Schizophrenia - General Discussion in Psychology & Therapy ·
Steven Stewart3 said:And yeah, medication can definitely help! You just have to find the right fit. There are dozens of different types out there, and usually, it takes about two weeks for any single one to even start kicking in. It feels like such a massive waiting game while you're searching for the right therapy... honestly, it feels like you're playing the lottery!
Please, please let me hit the jackpot and find the right meds! 🙂

You have a much better shot at finding the right treatment through a partnership with a psychiatrist than you do at winning a week's worth of millions on a lottery ticket.
Dealing with hemorrhoids – any advice? in Health ·
If anyone would be willing to share their personal experience regarding an anoscopy, I would be truly grateful. I have spent considerable time pouring over thirty or forty pages of this thread, yet it seems everyone is preoccupied with discussing private clinics—where the rates are low, where the procedure is painless, or where the staff is reliable. But no one is actually addressing the reality of the sensation itself. According to Inpharma and Zivim.hr, the examination is supposedly painless, merely uncomfortable. But can we really call discomfort "painless"?
Fidelity in Health ·
casualowl6 said:Is it possible to go back to work normally?

It is certainly possible, though I would strongly advise against returning during those first two or three days; wouldn't it be far wiser to simply complete all your professional obligations either before or after the procedure?

casualowl6 said:And is it true that it is best to wear some kind of supportive underwear at that time?

I have never heard that mentioned before, although might it not be slightly painful if you were to walk down a steep hill and find yourself unable to slow your pace enough to prevent any discomfort from movement? In any case, one can certainly manage without such specialized underwear.

When I underwent surgery for Figma, I actually returned to my job the very next day—not out of choice, mind you, but because circumstances forced my hand quite unexpectedly. I even had to walk home via a steep descent from my workplace; had I possessed the courage to tell my colleagues about the operation, I surely could have avoided the necessity of going in, but since the matter was a top-secret priority for me, I did not deem it appropriate to disclose it. I didn't even mention it to my family, as I was living and working independently at the time.

Fortunately, I happened to run into an acquaintance from a firm near where I worked, and he was kind enough to give me a ride for most of the trip home, as he needed to stop at a grocery store located relatively close to my house.
Schizophrenia - General Discussion in Psychology & Therapy ·
Carol Barrett2 said:
Your score was 26 out of a possible 80.

scores of 30 or less indicate a lack of empathy Common in People with Autism or Asperger ’ sa syndrome

https://psychology-tools.com/test/empathy-quotient

So I took this test and ended up with this. On other tests, I’ve gotten totally different results—stuff saying I actually *do* have empathy. Does this mean I'm a sociopath or a psychopath? Since they have that lack of empathy thing too.

I know these internet tests aren't exactly clinical grade, but I figured I'd give it a shot anyway. Honestly, it's possible I didn't even grasp all the questions properly or answered them wrong because I rushed through the whole thing.

It certainly does not!

A potential deficit in empathy does not automatically mean you are an aggressive or manipulative individual like a true sociopath or psychopath.

In my opinion, you might just be being a bit of a hypochondriac, and perhaps you should simply take the advice that Rebecca Rivera3 gave you.
Fidelity in Health ·
Douglas Lewis91 said:- there are no dietary restrictions before the procedure.

Ozzy, you were probably at a different hospital. I don't have anything against fasting beforehand. But why on earth would a patient suddenly need to clear their bowels right while they are performing such a delicate operation? Though, I suppose they are prepared for that possibility. It just feels wrong to be scheduled for eight in the morning, racing through heavy traffic from one side of the city to the other just to make it on time, only to be left sitting there "on standby" until 1 p.m.

If you don't mind me asking, which hospital were you at and roughly what year was it?

Douglas Lewis91 said:- you lie down on the table and get an injection

In my case, I received a couple—maybe even several—injections.

Douglas Lewis91 said:they used dissolvable stitches and a bandage

Oh, this is a crucial detail that I neglected to mention, and I am truly glad you brought it up! I wouldn't want the thread starter or any other readers to think, "Good grief, how painful will it be when they have to remove the stitches from my penis?" The stitches actually dissolve on their own. If I recall correctly, it happens within the first three to seven days after the surgery. The process of them falling out is completely painless.

Douglas Lewis91 said:there is no passing out, 😁

Perhaps you were given a more modern anesthetic, or perhaps a smaller dose than what I received. Or, quite simply, maybe not everyone experiences that brief period of unconsciousness.

It would be wonderful if others would come forward and share their experiences. There must be over 200,000 men on this forum. Even if only every hundredth person had undergone a Figma correction or circumcision for medical reasons, that would still be 2,000 people.

And yet, has truly no one else stepped up to share their story and offer some guidance to the original poster?!?!?!

Thank you for speaking up. It will certainly give the author a much broader perspective on the matter.
Fidelity in Health ·
casualowl6 said:Thank you so much for responding! How long did the recovery take? And what is the procedure actually like?

Does anyone happen to know how things work at Mayo Clinic? I see they have the first available opening.

I can only tell you how it went in my case at Ribbon. I was scheduled for surgery at eight o'clock. They told me I couldn't eat anything for 12 hours before the procedure. And I truly didn't eat a thing from somewhere around five or six in the afternoon the day before. I arrived before eight. Once I finished the paperwork regarding registration with the doctor and handing over my insurance card and referral, they told me to put on a one-piece gown and sent me to a semi-chilly waiting room. It was November, if my memory serves me correctly.

I didn't actually get to the surgery until 1:00 PM. And there was hardly anyone in the waiting room. They lowered a green curtain over my abdomen so I wouldn't be able to see. I received a few injections in my scrotum and soon felt numbness throughout my entire reproductive system. The only thing you feel is that, using some kind of threads, your genitals are lifted up to make the circumcision easier—specifically to remove complete Fidelity, if the Fidelity is total. And while they perform the operation, you can actually feel the threads vibrating slightly. The surgery is performed under local anesthesia, of course, so you are conscious of everything they say to you. You have to remain jaaaaaaaaayly calm. After the staff leaves and pulls back the green curtain, one remaining staff member (usually a nurse or a medical technician, at least as far as I can tell) warns you that for the next two weeks "there are no girls or masturbation." I knew that already, so I replied, "Okay." But what if I still get an erection and I absolutely have to masturbate??? "Just lower it however you know how," he shot back.

Furthermore, he warned me that I shouldn't leave the hospital for the next half hour because a side effect of the local anesthetic is that you might lose consciousness briefly... for maybe thirty seconds or a minute. Because of this, you shouldn't drive a car; if you are going by car, someone else must drive you from the surgery, and of course, you have to wait out those thirty minutes. For me, the loss of consciousness didn't happen until 45 minutes later.

After thirty minutes, feeling all happy that everything had gone smoothly without complications and that the fainting spell hadn't occurred, I headed home via public transit. I passed out on the bus 45 minutes after the surgery. People, somewhere between Harambasic area and the downtown plaza, caused a total panic, and even the driver came over to ask me what was wrong. I told him I simply didn't know the cause; they asked if I had fasted, if I was hungry, if I was thirsty, or if I had blood pressure issues. They splashed me with water, gave me a glass of water to drink, and wanted to forcibly take me back to the hospital. So, I pulled out my wallet, waved my ID in front of the panicked crowd, and said I am-not-going-to-any-hospital!!! The bus driver was closest to me and told the people that they couldn't violate my free will since I am a grown man.

I didn't write this to scare you!!! Obviously, I just had the bad luck that the fainting spell didn't appear within the expected thirty minutes seen in the vast majority of cases. Rather, I wrote this so that you seek help from a trusted person who will pick you up from the hospital in a car after the procedure and drive you home. My Fidelity was a top-secret state matter, and no one alive except the GP, her nurse, and the urologist there at Ribbon was allowed to know about it!!!

It's just... what if I had passed out at a crosswalk, and the light quickly turned red, and cars rushed over it and ran me down?????????? I could have died for a completely pointless reason. Luckily, it wasn't my time. But there is something that, aside from the delayed fainting, at least somewhat defends my situation.

Even after the procedure, there was absolutely NOBODY in the recovery room!!! If there had been a nurse or even just one of those medical technicians who warned me about no naked ladies being around, things might have been different. Honestly, I could have passed out during those thirty minutes in the waiting area and bitten my tongue or fallen right off my chair. Who would have even heard me, unless I were making some kind of choking sound???


The technician who gave me that warning about the lack of nudity actually asked if my urologist had instructed me to fast for twelve hours before the surgery. When I told him yes, he visibly recoiled in disgust. I’m not sure... perhaps he thought such a long fasting period was excessive? Or maybe he was thinking, "Look, I didn't exactly fight to finish this degree, so if a patient has an accident, I'll just clean them up."

And I should mention once more... my experience comes from back in the early 2000s, so it may or may not be relevant today. Perhaps nowadays, someone actually stays behind to watch over patients after a procedure just in case they lose consciousness and need immediate help.
Fidelity in Health ·
In previous discussions on this thread, I shared my personal journey regarding a Fidelity procedure. However, I didn't explicitly label it as such, referring to it merely as a surgical intervention. I wrote extensively about my time dealing with urology at Ribbon Hospital.

I underwent the surgery back in the early 2000s, so while my experiences might be useful to some of you, they certainly aren't universal.

Once the surgery is complete and you are still recovering in bandages, you might—just maybe—experience some bouts of hypochondria, worrying whether you will ever regain the ability to achieve an erection, engage in intercourse, or reach orgasm.

But let me tell you, once the wound has healed and you are finally able to satisfy those physical urges for the first time—even if it is just through self-gratification—everything will return to normal, and those fears will simply evaporate.

Even though I had prepared myself mentally for the operation, I found myself struggling with those exact anxieties while I was still heavily bandaged. It doesn't mean you will go through the same thing, but if those intrusive thoughts do happen to strike, please do not let them unsettle you. Everything will be perfectly fine before you know it.
Schizophrenia - General Discussion in Psychology & Therapy ·
Carol Barrett2 said:Hold on, why wouldn't you be able to? 😲 My plan was to use whatever disability or assistance I could get to retrain, finish my degree, or even start from scratch.

We aren't asking for much here. Just small things. Like, you know, an education. Nothing crazy. 🙂

It is possible the laws have shifted since then. I am aware that as of last January, one can work while receiving disability benefits here in the States, but I am uncertain if you can pursue schooling simultaneously while still collecting those checks.

Back when I asked a primary care physician—who happened to be one of the specialists tasked with evaluating disability claims—if it was possible to do both, how did she respond? She met my question with a biting rhetorical one: "Do you have any other musical wishes I can grant you?" That was back around 2005.
Schizophrenia - General Discussion in Psychology & Therapy ·
Rebecca Rivera3 said:Hi everyone, first off, thank you all for those supportive messages.

Basically, I had this feeling that something was wrong with me. Since I’ve always insisted that everything was just "psychological," I tried to tackle the issue through mental health channels. However, despite various medications, diagnoses, and even stays in psychiatric facilities, the problem wouldn't budge. It turns out, I don't have a mental illness.

I actually have brain lesions; I am a neurological patient. I am living with Multiple Sclerosis. It's a progressive disease where lesions spread through the brain, and as they affect specific areas, they cause physical disabilities as well as cognitive and emotional shifts.

My vision is most affected, so my sight is impaired, and my legs are also impacted, making it difficult to walk for long periods. Further progression usually leads to more significant disability. I won't even list the other symptoms—to put it mildly, they are quite unpleasant and I wouldn't wish them on anyone.

All in all, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I am a stronger person today because of it. My main struggle over the last few months has been depression stemming from the uncertainty of tomorrow. Will I be able to walk at night? Questions like that weigh on me.

Many people just don't get it, which can be really isolating.

By nature, I am a scientist. I have ambitions that others might find hard to grasp, specifically my goal to earn a PhD in quantum physics.
These aren't just pipe dreams; I am currently in my final year of a science program and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Ever since this diagnosis, I've been on medical leave.

I am currently trying to find ways to get back on track.
For now, I am living on disability benefits and rental income from an apartment. Naturally, I have much higher aspirations for my future.

I once held those same ambitions myself. They were intense, driving desires, and did not just elude a few people—rather, almost no one in my small, insular, and rather narrow-minded rural hometown could possibly understand them.

Rebecca Rivera3 said:Hi everyone, first off, thank you all for those supportive messages.

Basically, I had this feeling that something was wrong with me. Since I’ve always insisted that everything was just "psychological," I tried to tackle the issue through mental health channels. However, despite various medications, diagnoses, and even stays in psychiatric facilities, the problem wouldn't budge. It turns out, I don't have a mental illness.

I actually have brain lesions; I am a neurological patient. I am living with Multiple Sclerosis. It's a progressive disease where lesions spread through the brain, and as they affect specific areas, they cause physical disabilities as well as cognitive and emotional shifts.

My vision is most affected, so my sight is impaired, and my legs are also impacted, making it difficult to walk for long periods. Further progression usually leads to more significant disability. I won't even list the other symptoms—to put it mildly, they are quite unpleasant and I wouldn't wish them on anyone.

All in all, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I am a stronger person today because of it. My main struggle over the last few months has been depression stemming from the uncertainty of tomorrow. Will I be able to walk at night? Questions like that weigh on me.

Many people just don't get it, which can be really isolating.

By nature, I am a scientist. I have ambitions that others might find hard to grasp, specifically my goal to earn a PhD in quantum physics.
These aren't just pipe dreams; I am currently in my final year of a science program and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Ever since this diagnosis, I've been on medical leave.

I am currently trying to find ways to get back on track.
For now, I am living on disability benefits and rental income from an apartment. Naturally, I have much higher aspirations for my future.

As far as I am aware, unfortunately, one cannot simultaneously receive disability benefits and pursue formal higher education. If such a thing were possible, would I not have saved myself? Of course, that is assuming I also had access to a university dormitory.
Looking for a specialist... in Health ·
I am quite unsure of the appropriate section for such an inquiry, so please forgive me for posting it here.

Should the moderator feel this topic would be better suited elsewhere, I kindly ask that you relocate it accordingly.

I find myself wondering: what have the experiences been like for those patients currently under the care of Dr. Trpimir Morić? As he is a specialist in proctology—focusing specifically on surgical procedures regarding the rectum and anal area—I would value any insights regarding his practice at Rebro. He accepts outpatient appointments every Thursday, and since I am scheduled for my very first visit, I am eager to know how I should best prepare myself.

Would it not be helpful if I could hear your thoughts? Every single response will be held in incredibly high regard and will be truly precious to me.
Schizophrenia - General Discussion in Psychology & Therapy ·
Jose Ward4 said:Wait, are we talking about high voltage or high current? Those are two very different things. And honestly, that phrase "high voltage of current" makes zero sense to me. What is that even supposed to mean?

And by the way—all this talk about meditation being dangerous is just nonsense. I’m not talking about you personally, but the media and those other pundits. Look, I meditate myself. Not every single day, obviously, but when I do, I feel fine. It doesn't bother me at all. People just get it into their heads that it might be bad if you have Schizophrenia. Trust me, I sat down for thirty minutes three days in a row, and my head felt perfectly normal.

It involves both high voltage and high frequencies. When you generate electricity using an AC generator, both the voltage and the frequency remain proportional to the speed at which the generator rotates.

Jose Ward4 said:Wait, are we talking about high voltage or high current? Those are two very different things. And honestly, that phrase "high voltage of current" makes zero sense to me. What is that even supposed to mean?

And by the way—all this talk about meditation being dangerous is just nonsense. I’m not talking about you personally, but the media and those other pundits. Look, I meditate myself. Not every single day, obviously, but when I do, I feel fine. It doesn't bother me at all. People just get it into their heads that it might be bad if you have Schizophrenia. Trust me, I sat down for thirty minutes three days in a row, and my head felt perfectly normal.

That is truly heartening to hear! I find myself wishing I possessed the sheer capacity for concentration required to sit in meditation for a full half hour, yet I simply lack it. My only success lies in a morning meditation where I attempt to plan my upcoming day. However, I consistently find that I only manage to execute perhaps 30 to 40 percent of my goals, or 45 to 50 percent on a particularly good day. On a truly hyper-productive day, I might reach 60 percent. Then, there is my evening recapitulation, wherein one attempts to recall every minute detail of what was accomplished during the previous day and at what specific hour.