Posts by wanderingjackal

Carol Reed64 said:I’m heading in tomorrow to get my swab taken—honestly, they’re driving me insane. Part of me just wants to reach in and rip the thing out myself. How does the actual extraction work? How long does it take? And did it actually hurt? Also, what’s your take on this whole nose situation so far?

Carol Reed64 said:Hey wanderingjackal—I finally took the swabs out. Honestly, it’s such an uncomfortable sensation. For now, I look like a total rabbit. I’m just hoping all this swelling is just from the molds and the tape pulling everything upward—hopefully, once I get this stuff off, things will settle down a bit. I really hope the swelling goes away; I truly wouldn't want to walk around looking like a rabbit. Is yours feeling that tight toward God too?

Do I look like a rabbit? No—it won't stay this way—at least, that wasn't the deal I made with my doctor. I’m heading in tomorrow to have the mold removed, and I'll let you know how it goes then. For now, the swelling under my eyes has subsided, though it's taken on this yellowish tint... meanwhile, I still have these two irregular, dark purple blotches on my cheeks. Hopefully, those fade soon too. Oh, and my eyelids are bruised purple as well—though anyone who isn't paying attention probably just assumes I'm wearing makeup.😉

Carol Reed64 said:I'm heading in tomorrow to get my splints out—these things are driving me insane. I’d honestly rather just rip them out myself... How was the removal process for you? How long did it take, and was it painful? Also, how are you liking your nose so far?

The actual removal is quick. I only felt a bit of discomfort on the right side, while the left one actually triggered spontaneous tears... but don't worry, it lasts maybe two or three seconds and then it's over. It's truly nothing you can't handle... hopefully, it'll be even easier for you.😉
It's hard to judge my nose right now—that purple mold hides whatever irregularities might be lurking underneath—and I won't really know the truth until the swelling completely subsides. And we all know that’s going to take some time...
How are you feeling about your nose so far?

Olivia Nelson37 said:I just blew my nose like normal and nothing happened... why wouldn't I be able to?

...as for me, I was told not to blow at all—just gentle cleaning with Q-tips twice a day...

Carol Reed64 said:Hey wanderingjackal, I just got out of surgery this morning. I look like a total bumblebee right now—not quite blue yet, but I think I’ll get there by tomorrow. It hurts a bit when I try to swallow, too... have you taken anything for the pain, or were you fine? My sinuses feel weirdly congested and then clear again, like something is constantly shifting around inside...

I'm more of a red-purple shade myself—hardly even hitting blue at this stage.😁 ... No pain for me; I can eat normally without an issue. They removed the packing yesterday and gave me instructions on how to clean everything up, plus a cream I apply to my nostrils with a Q-tip—carefully, obviously, nothing deep...
They gave me some Voltaren, but I haven't had any need for it... Honestly, breathing feels totally fine today—it's just that I can't bring myself to look in the mirror. It's a sight to behold.🙄

Carol Reed64 said:Hey, can anyone tell me who handles the paperwork when all my test results are finally in? Can I just bring them on the day of the surgery? I'm cutting it incredibly close with time—my procedure is this Friday, but the results won't be ready until Thursday. Also, will I actually have a moment before the surgery to consult with Glumičić one last time to finalize what I want done and what I don't? If anyone has any practical advice, please share—I'm starting to panic as Friday gets closer.😱

I had my surgery with Glumičić yesterday—well, a revision, really, since Borić didn't exactly do anything useful ten years ago.
I'm feeling pretty battered—it hurts quite a bit. How are you holding up?

Lawrence Wright7 said:Yeah... I actually thought along those lines too... but that's exactly why I'm here asking for advice on what to do next... I know full well I can't keep this up much longer... things are getting seriously heavy.
Here's the breakdown:
I took out a 30-year mortgage.
I've only been paying it for 2 years.
At this stage, isn't there basically zero wiggle room to lower the payment by stretching out the years? Or is there??

Some people are talking about forbearance or loan moratoriums... what does that even mean in practice?? Is it actually a good thing or just a trap... from what I gather, you’re still stuck paying interest, you just aren't chipping away at the principal while you're in that "grace period."
And in my specific situation
monthly payment $1264
interest $1100
principal $167!!!! just $167.
After two years of playing by the rules, I've only managed to knock the principal down by $3333—which is basically what it takes to cover two whole payments.

With certain banks, you can actually negotiate a one-year suspension on both principal and interest—provided you have the paperwork to prove your income has taken a hit.🤷