124 posts shown.
I’ve been sitting here staring at the transfer rumors flying around the internet today, and it got me thinking about the psychological trap that modern sports fandom has fallen into. It feels like every single season—no matter how much money is spent or how many "exciting new faces" are brought in—the narrative is always the same: *This is the year. The foundation is finally set. The pieces are finally clicking.*
We’ve become addicted to the concept of the "rebuild." It’s become this almost religious mantra for fans of teams that have spent years stuck in the middle of the pack. You see a new manager come in, you see a few big names signed, and suddenly, there’s this massive wave of optimism. But I can't help but wonder if we’re just chasing a horizon that keeps moving. Is a "complete" squad even a real thing anymore, or is it just a carrot on a stick used to keep us engaged through the summer doldrums?
I look back at my own history with my club, and I can see the pattern. There was this one period, maybe five or six years ago, where it felt like we were finally on the cusp of something special. We had the tactical identity, we had the budget, and we had the hunger. We spent the entire summer window convinced that one more specific type of player—a certain kind of playmaker or a physical presence upfront—would be the final piece of the puzzle. We spent months debating stats, watching highlight reels, and convincing ourselves that the "imbalance" in the squad was the only thing standing between us and glory.
Then the season starts, the "perfect" signings struggle to adapt, or the old guard hits a wall, and we find ourselves right back at square one, looking for the next "missing link." It’s exhausting. It makes me wonder if the obsession with "improving the roster" actually prevents teams from finding stability. If you are constantly swapping out the engine while the car is doing 80 mph, you’re never going to have a smooth ride, regardless of how expensive the new parts are.
There’s also a weird tension between the fans' desire for immediate impact and the long-term vision of the coaching staff. We want the "firepower" now. We want the flashy, high-ceiling talent that makes the highlights. But a team isn't just a collection of high-octane individuals; it's a delicate ecosystem. I've watched so many "super-teams" on paper completely fall apart because they lacked the grit or the cohesion that only comes from staying together through the losing streaks.
And let's talk about the "urgency" factor. I feel like clubs are under this immense pressure to show "intent" every single window. If you don't spend, you're seen as stagnant. If you do spend, you're seen as desperate. It feels like there’s no middle ground anymore. This constant push to add more, more, more—more depth, more aggression, more creativity—it feels like we're trying to solve a complex math equation with nothing but a sledgehammer.
I’m starting to doubt if the "final push" is even a real strategy. It feels more like a symptom of a culture that can't handle patience. We’ve traded the slow, methodical build for a series of frantic sprints, and I’m not sure it’s working for anyone—not the players, not the managers, and certainly not the fans who end up feeling let down every August.
Do you guys think there's such a thing as a "finished" squad, or is the pursuit of the perfect lineup just a cycle designed to keep us buying jerseys and clicking on news alerts? Is it even possible to build a lasting identity when the roster is in a constant state of flux?
Does anyone know how one actually goes about seeing a geneticist as an adult? My primary doctor is insisting that there isn't really such a thing as a geneticist "for adults," claiming they all operate strictly within pediatrics and therefore she can't refer me to them. Has anyone else run into this hurdle before? 🙂
When I search online, everything points toward the Institute of Genetics and Metabolic Diseases at Johns Hopkins Hospital, which seems to be tucked under their pediatric department. 🤷
On another note, I’m looking for recommendations for a solid private immunologist or rheumatologist. I was considering reaching out to Dr. Bosnic, but honestly, I've been reading some pretty discouraging reviews from the last few years...
Does anyone know where in Chicago I can get a CDFI blood vessel scan using a referral, specifically with a focus on the VB pelvis area?
Sandra Allen60 said:I'm still torn on who to go see... but I'll definitely let you know if I end up making an appointment with her. 🙂
I'm trying to send you a message, but your inbox is absolutely overflowing. 😁
I’m looking for some advice here. My parents are planning on gifting me about $15,000 in cash. My plan is to deposit it directly into my savings account, but I’m feeling a bit unsure about the logistics. Should I actually bring them along to the bank with me, or is there a more standard way to handle this kind of thing?
Also, does anyone know if the IRS is going to come knocking with a tax bill once that money hits my account? 🤔
Sandra Allen60 said:I'm looking for a recommendation for a neurology specialist—if such a thing even exists—who actually has the patience to go through all my test results. I need someone willing to order the right diagnostic tests to finally get some answers regarding several issues I've been having, most of which seem to be neurological in nature. Honestly, I'm open to anyone from anywhere in the US or even further abroad within the Western world, as long as they are truly dedicated to investigating the root causes and providing real answers. The most important thing is finding a truly skilled diagnostician.
I'd be just as interested in this. Please let me know if you find anything or come across any good leads. 🙂
Ashley Smith24 said:I wasn't quite sure where else to turn, so please excuse me for asking here since this isn't a question for a doctor, but rather about other medical staff.
Does anyone know who in Chicago offers private intramuscular injections for Neurobion (folic acid + B12)? My specialist recommended them, but because of everything involving COVID-19, my family doctor is refusing to administer those kinds of shots. I'm buying the ampules myself; I just need someone to actually give them to me.
I did the exact same thing—bought my own B vitamin ampules and went straight to my primary care physician, and the nurse there gave me the injections without any hassle at all. Honestly, I don't see why you should have to go through the trouble of finding a private clinic for this. 🤷
Jacob Lopez51 said:I ordered both of those and didn't get hit with any extra fees... as far as I know, they just deliver it straight to you.
I view CBD more as a first-aid measure; I’d say it sort of "moisturizes" the receptors, whereas these two actually penetrate when expression is lacking. 👁️
So, unfortunately, CBD isn't really the answer for severe depression or anxiety, because it doesn't significantly boost neurotransmitters—it acts much more like an anxiolytic.
I started taking CBD oil to deal with chronic pain, but I haven't noticed much of a shift yet (granted, it's only my second day), and if anything, my sleep has gotten even worse. 😵 I don't quite know what to make of that. And once I finally do manage to drift off, my dreams are just absolute nonsense. 🤦
Jacob Lopez51 said:https://hr.iherb.com/pr/now-foods-l-...0-capsules/836
You should probably grab some 5-HTP too https://hr.iherb.com/pr/Now-Foods-5-...g-Capsules/306.
The ratio really needs to be 5:1 for it to be effective. Personally, I find 5-HTP works almost like a natural Prozac; it significantly improved my sleep quality so I'm not waking up three times a night anymore.
The only real side effect I noticed was having somewhat more vivid dreams during the first ten days.
My suggestion would be to take Tyrosine on an empty stomach in the morning with a banana, and then take the 5-HTP right before bed.
It doesn't make much sense to take one without the other, because if you just take Tyrosine by itself, you might end up depleting your serotonin levels quite quickly.
Depression, anxiety, and various other disorders often stem from messed-up neurotransmitters. In many of these neurological syndromes, the root issue is often completely burned-out dopamine.
Oh, thanks so much! 👍
I'm really struggling with this fragmented sleep; I wake up every two or three hours, which is enough to drive anyone crazy. I just can't seem to get enough rest. 🙂
I actually started using a 20% CBD resin spray yesterday, but I slept even worse last night. 😵 Do you find anything more helpful than CBDA? I read somewhere that you had tried that as well. 🤔
Edit: Does iHerb still ship to the US during the pandemic? 🤔 And what's the limit on the package value—around $53 including shipping, right?
Jacob Lopez51 said:You make a fair point. I’ve been cycling through CBD, and lately, I've added 5-HTP and tyrosine to the mix. I find it best to boost both simultaneously; if you only focus on one, the other tends to dip, doesn't it?
A 0.5 dose of Helex always does the trick for chilling out those sensory symptoms. Since it's an anxiolytic that hits those GABA receptors again... man, the brain is such a complex thing, isn't it? All that chemistry, the various receptors, the neurotransmitters, and so on.
I didn't see any dramatic improvements from Zoloft, Lyrica, or Qpin—mostly just sedation. It felt like they completely tanked my dopamine levels right from the jump, leaving me with this sense of lethargy and zero drive. That's just not helpful when I need to stay sharp and productive at work.
Nowadays, tyrosine gives me that immediate morning hype I need, and for winding down before bed, I use 5-HTP. In between, I’ll toss in either some 20% CBD or a slightly higher dose of Helex to stay level.
Could you tell me which tyrosine you're using? If you have a link, that would be great. thanks.
I was wondering if anyone here could help me out with some information... for those of you dealing with hemorrhoids or an anal fissure, do you ever get that sensation of something being stuck right at the rectal opening? In my case, the feeling is mostly concentrated on the left side. I’m not entirely sure if that's a typical symptom of a hemorrhoid, and honestly, I'm a bit worried it might be a prolapse—though nothing is actually protruding outward. Has anyone else experienced this?
Given the whole situation, I don't see myself being able to make it in to see the doctor anytime soon.
Arthur Hall25 said:Hello everyone. I wanted to take a moment to explain my situation. I’m 31 years old, and for about the last six to eight months, I’ve been noticing something unusual. Occasionally, after using the restroom and wiping, I’ll feel what seems like a small sac protruding from my anus. At the time, I just assumed it was a hemorrhoid. It wasn't painful, it didn't itch, and there was no bleeding, so I didn't give it much thought—especially since it only seemed to happen after a bowel movement, and even then, not every single time. However, a few days ago, I noticed that this "sac" has increased significantly in size, and now it remains present even after I've finished in the bathroom. It’s such an unsettling sensation—that nagging discomfort down there, almost like there's a tiny pebble constantly rubbing against you. Have you ever experienced anything quite like it? It’s hard to focus on anything else when that constant irritation is present. Once again, there hasn't been any actual pain, bleeding, burning, or itching, but that persistent, uncomfortable sensation is really starting to get under my skin. Since it happened, I’ve found myself diving deep into this thread and doing quite a bit of research on my own. Looking in the mirror, I can clearly see what looks like a small "sac" near the anal area. Based on what I've gathered so far, am I looking at an external hemorrhoid, or is this actually an internal one that has prolapsed? I actually tried to push it back in, but I couldn't quite manage it. How much pressure is actually required? Is it something that should pop back in on the first try, or does it take five, ten attempts? I've also become much more meticulous about hygiene lately—using wet wipes, showering immediately after using the restroom—and I even picked up some cream. Though, I have to wonder, how much sense does applying cream actually make if I don't have any other symptoms to treat, aside from just having... well, something down there? To be honest, since I haven't performed a visual inspection before this, I have no idea how long this has been sitting there. Did it used to slip back in on its own after a bowel movement and now it's staying out, or has it been protruding for a while now? Is this definitely a hemorrhoid, or could it be something else? The lump itself isn't particularly soft or hard, and it doesn't hurt when I touch it. As far as my digestion goes, things have always been regular; I almost never deal with constipation or any other issues. In fact, my diet over the last year has been better than ever. I eat everything—plenty of vegetables, fresh cheese, eggs—and I've actually lost a few pounds. I exercise regularly through fitness training, so overall, I feel great and very healthy. I am aware that my hemorrhoids might have been triggered somewhat by the exercise, but stopping my workouts is simply not an option; the benefits I get from training far outweigh any potential downsides. I don't lift extreme weights—my max is around my own body weight (about 200 lbs)—and I mostly stick to bodyweight exercises. That said, I do have a sedentary job where I spend most of my day sitting, though I stay quite active at home, especially during the summer.
What should my next move be, and how long should I realistically wait for this thing to settle down? Is there any chance this isn't actually a hemorrhoid, but perhaps something else—maybe a perianal hematoma? That seems more plausible to me. After all, what are the odds that I’ve reached stage four, where a hemorrhoid prolapses and can no longer be manually reduced, especially when I'm not experiencing any other symptoms?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 using Reddit
Hey everyone, how are you all holding up right now? Did you end up making it to the doctor's office, and if so, what was the verdict? I have to say, that symptom from two days ago—the one I put in bold—is something I'm dealing with too, and honestly, it's driving me absolutely crazy. 😵
analoghound19 said:What are the actual symptoms of a Vitamin D deficiency? Or maybe B vitamins?
I found this helpful article that might answer your questions if you have a moment to look through it:
Keith Johnson96 said:Hey everyone,
I finally picked a new General Practitioner today. I was handed a few pieces of paperwork—three sheets, actually—that I need to drop off at Medicare so they can update my records. Since I'm based in Washington, D.C., they specifically pointed me toward the office on Fifth Avenue. However, looking at this link, it seems like there are several different offices scattered throughout the city. Does anyone know if I can just walk into any of them, or am I stuck going to that specific one?
I’m pretty sure you can. I always head over to the one on Broadway; they usually get everything handled for me in no time.
Andrew Perez61 said:So how'd the piriformis situation turn out?
I'm actually curious about this too! Does anyone have any idea what happened to him? He hasn't posted on the forum since 2015.🤷
Kimberly Ward said:Don't mention it.
Just wanted to give a quick update. I spent the entire Thursday glued to my phone, and honestly, not a single soul picked up among the hundred numbers I dialed. I finally sent an email, and they got back to me yesterday with an appointment for November 12th. At this point, I suspect that’s about as fast as it gets. 🤷
Grace Davis77 said:The reviews are definitely skewed because all the negative comments have been scrubbed. Personally, I never quite connected with her approach, though I know there are patients out there who are satisfied (just like any other doctor). For a while now, she has mostly been seeing private patients, while someone else handles the ones under Medicare—another doctor who actually gets quite a lot of praise.
They are quite good at Ligament, for instance; I was personally happy with Dr. Žugaj, though I have heard some negative stories as well, so... ☕
That’s exactly what I was thinking. Seeing how those negative reviews just vanish, I decided to go back and look at the feedback for Dr. Bojanić. I distinctly remember women mentioning how the man would literally drool over you or suggest wearing high heels while cycling—complete nonsense, really. And wouldn't you know it? Those reviews are gone. In fact, when I went to see him privately—and I think I $233 expected to receive service from a true professional in his field—it was such a disappointment. Unfortunately, the man does nothing but complain about knees; when it comes to any other joint, he's a zero. To make matters worse, I actually dealt with the drooling and the inappropriate comments right during the exam itself. Disgusting. It is a stroke of luck that they don't delete comments here.
Kimberly Ward said:At the Vrapce Department neurology clinic, the average wait time is roughly a month and a half—meaning your first appointment wouldn't be until early November. Most people don't realize that the wait times there aren't actually that bad yet. If you need to call them, I believe the number is: 3787711—try calling on a weekday between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
Thank you so much! I'll give them a call tomorrow.👍
Does anyone happen to know where I might find the shortest wait time for a leg EMG? I spent part of my day checking around a few different facilities, and here is how things currently stand:
- Vinogradski: the next available slot isn't until late February 2020
- Draškovićev: looking at about a 3-month wait
- Train Station: they aren't even taking new appointments until the end of the year
Grace Davis77 said:If there's a genuine need for needles, they can certainly be used, though I’ve only ever had that done once and wouldn't opt for it again unless absolutely necessary. Prof. Mikula is a true expert in this field, and under his care, I was able to complete everything successfully using just surface electrodes.
Thank you. Because of this incredible little miracle, my doctor gave me a referral for an EMG on my leg. I'm going to try to get it covered through Medicare, though I have no idea how long the waiting list might be.
Do you happen to have any recommendations for a great physiatrist? I came across some glowing reviews for Blaženka Nekić, but now I'm left wondering if she's truly that talented or if people are just being overly enthusiastic in their feedback. 🤷
Harold Reed4 said:I reached out to them, but they just handed me these medications that aren't doing a thing. They told me I should follow up with an immunologist to figure out my next steps...
Does anyone have a recommendation for a good immunologist? And more importantly, how do I even get an appointment—who should I ask for a referral?
Harold Reed4 said:My entire body.
Has anyone here experimented with medications like Neurontin, Lyrica, or Cymbalta? Does any of that actually provide some relief?
edit: I just realized looking back that you all have already tried pretty much everything.