My mother has just completed six rounds of chemotherapy, and she is scheduled to begin radiation therapy in about ten days. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the affected breast has already been surgically removed.
I find myself grappling with a specific question: what has your experience been regarding the flu? Specifically, is it advisable to get the seasonal flu shot under these circumstances? Naturally, we will be consulting with her doctor on this matter, but I am deeply interested in hearing your personal perspectives and lived experiences concerning individuals who have undergone such intensive treatment.
It should be noted that she has always been quite susceptible to the flu; there is rarely a year that passes where she doesn't fall ill.
You go to see your doctor and they simply tell you straight up that you aren't going to find the answers you're looking for on a forum like this. It happens gradually, much like the process with methadone. This crisis is merely a brief episode, so just stay calm. Go consult your physician.
@silentlynx36—I feel a profound sense of sorrow regarding the circumstances you find yourself navigating, yet you must realize that you cannot offer them some grand miracle or a sudden cure, especially when such things aren't what they truly require from you right now. What they need is genuine support and empathy, though certainly not the kind of pity those guys were talking about earlier. Do not dwell on the terrifying thought that you might lose them; instead, accept that it is a possibility—however slim—and refuse to let it weigh you down, for ultimately, their fate is not within your grasp. Rather, simply spend your days with them to the absolute best of your ability, keeping a smile upon your face whenever possible. Talk about the boys, play with makeup, or try on clothes you have no intention of actually buying just for the fun of it, exactly as you would normally do. When they need a shoulder to lean on, simply be there, and let that be enough. Do not attempt to diminish the stress and pain they are enduring, nor should you amplify it. Just take it one day at a time. That is the only way both you and they will successfully weather these grueling periods.
The mere fact that you are worried proves how deeply you care, and that alone is enough to carry you forward.👍
p.s. I implore you, please do not neglect yourself in this process. Illnesses of this nature are devastatingly difficult for both the patient and those surrounding them, and it is vital that you also have a mature, trusted person in your life with whom you can talk openly. If you completely break down while trying to sustain them, you will find yourself unable to achieve much of anything.
ironstag said:I honestly don't know... maybe it didn't even happen, I can't quite recall... and my friends aren't exactly the supportive type. I have an appointment scheduled with my gynecologist tomorrow, but I have no idea how I should act or handle any of this... I am terrified of everything... and of course, I intend to lay everything out for him... (maybe it wasn't rape).... perhaps it was some sort of sexual encounter that I unconsciously consented to because I was completely wasted... 😢 😢 😢 😢 I am 17 years old 😢 😢 ... I just pray to God that I am not pregnant and that I haven't contracted some dangerous disease... perhaps it is merely some physical imbalance caused by the changing seasons, daily stressors, and the sheer anxiety I feel due to the issues I am facing at home...
And if I were actually pregnant, surely I would have realized it by now :S I would have noticed at least some of the side effects :S .... I truly have no clue how one is supposed to conduct oneself in situations like these... So please, if you know anything else regarding abortions, write back... I would be deeply grateful
Engaging in sexual activity with someone while a person is intoxicated is, whether she intended it or not, rape. It doesn't matter what she believed or thought in the moment. Whether you "consented" while drunk is entirely irrelevant to the fact that consent was impossible. If I recall correctly, you were supposed to see the gynecologist today? How did that go? Regarding abortions, there is a wealth of information available in the dedicated abortion thread; if you find you are lacking specific details, please ask there. I have never undergone the procedure myself, so I cannot speak from direct experience, but there are women on this forum who have.
But let us move away from hypotheticals—how was the appointment with the doctor?
And please, try not to succumb to fear. I understand that young women endure all sorts of things following such traumatic events, but you must remain resilient. I can tell you that I have found myself in similarly harrowing circumstances, though fortunately, I had friends who stepped in to look after me once they saw the situation spinning out of control. I have done the same for them. Given that you clearly lack a circle of friends who will watch your back, you must be exceptionally cautious regarding alcohol consumption. Drinking is never a virtue, but in this context, it is catastrophic. Be vigilant about where and how you drink. For all we know, you weren't merely intoxicated; it is entirely plausible that someone slipped Rohypnol into your drink, especially since your memory is so fragmented. Please, take care of yourself. Furthermore, it would be highly advisable to speak with someone you can trust—be it your mother, an aunt, a friend (one possessing more intellect than those previously mentioned), or a psychologist. Seek out professional support.
ironstag said:The core issue here is that this encounter didn't happen by my own choice... rather...
😢(At some party... I drank too much and passed out on a couch somewhere...
My friends are telling me that some guys took me away 😢(((( (one can easily imagine how all of that unfolded :S ) so in any case if I am indeed pregnant, the only way to handle it is an abortion, isn't it?
I just don't know if I am too young for such a decision... but good grief... when I don't even know who did this to me or what exactly happened.... 😢
And then I hear that... a test might show a positive result without it actually meaning I'm pregnant... that it could signify some kind of hormonal imbalance or something similar 😢
Look, if what you fear actually occurred, there is a very high probability that you have contracted at least one STI, which, should you be pregnant, poses a severe threat to the fetus; you must get to an OB-GYN immediately to be tested. An abortion is not a method of contraception or protection against STIs—it is a method for terminating an existing pregnancy. Do try to remember the distinction.
How old are you? Is there any way to identify those men? Have you considered reporting them? Do you truly grasp that what happened to you, if it did indeed happen, is rape?
Get away from those "friends."
Tests rarely fail. Go to a doctor and tell them everything that transpired.
Olivia Gomez67 said:I'd suggest checking out either the cardiac clinic on 13 Drašković Street or Siget if you're in the Chicago area. You can get an appointment quite rapidly using a referral, and the physicians there are truly top-tier. They’ll have you through an EKG on the very same day, and you'll be seeing the cardiologist within a week.
Well, I was actually looking for something just like that, so this is perfect—thank you! 👍 Yes, it's in Chicago; I always seem to forget to mention the location. 🙄
Thank you. I was actually given a recommendation for Medicard myself, but they don't even have a functional website or a transparent pricing list, let alone any meaningful information to guide a patient. My primary grievance is the agonizingly long wait times, which is precisely why I am inquiring about private providers.
I find myself in need of a consultation with a cardiologist; my recent EKG results were somewhat disconcerting, to say the least. My physician suggested that there are private clinics that accept standard insurance referrals, though she was frustratingly vague about which specific facilities they are, merely asserting that finding them would be a trivial task—a claim I have found to be entirely untrue. I am perfectly willing to pay out of pocket to expedite this process, yet I am struggling to locate a single clinic or medical practice that maintains a functional website featuring transparent, upfront pricing.🙄
Consequently, I am turning to you all: does anyone know of a reputable clinic that accepts insurance referrals? If not, could you provide some insight into the typical costs for such examinations and consultations?
I am reviving this old thread from a PDF I unearthed. I would be immensely grateful if a true specialist in this field, or perhaps someone with significant clinical experience, could provide some clarity. My father was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White, presumably back when he was quite young—though he is not one to discuss such matters with me, so the specifics remain elusive. As for myself, I am under no impression that I carry the condition, yet my mother insists I was diagnosed years ago, prior to the Gulf War era (I was born in 1986). Since all our medical records have long since vanished into thin air, my mother is now relentlessly pressuring me to undergo testing because she is gripped by anxiety, which seems to be her primary preoccupation lately. To be blunt, as unpleasant as it sounds, I have absolutely no desire to waste my time navigating hospital corridors and undergoing endless diagnostic tests that I am convinced are entirely unnecessary. Truly. So, I am seeking any suggestions you might offer, if it isn't too much trouble. 😁
Based on my reading, Wolff-Parkinson-White is most frequently diagnosed after the age of ten. What is the likelihood that my mother is simply conflating different medical events and that I was never actually diagnosed as a child? Is it even possible to establish anything reliable in a three, four, or five-year-old? I have attempted to make sense of the literature regarding Wolff-Parkinson-White, but I find it utterly impenetrable... how is a screening actually performed, and how is a diagnosis ultimately reached? Does an arrhythmia or dysrhythmia need to be actively occurring during the test for a diagnosis to be confirmed?
Furthermore, I have been experiencing certain symptoms that I previously attributed to stress, anxiety, thyroid issues, imagination, iron deficiency, blood pressure, or simply my baseline state. I honestly have no idea what an arrhythmia or dysrhythmia actually feels like. What I experience is a sensation I call "skipping"—regardless of my situation or physical activity—where for several seconds, I feel as though I am gasping for air, my heart seems to stop momentarily, then it pounds violently a few times, beats uncomfortably for a moment, and then finally settles back to normal once I catch my breath. Is it reasonable for me to just shrug this off as a normal part of life? It doesn't happen constantly—perhaps once every month or two, or even more frequently—and sometimes it manifests merely as chest pressure. Could this be classified as an arrhythmia? Other potential symptoms, though I cannot say for certain, include fatigue, an excessively rapid pulse following relatively minor physical exertion, and quick exhaustion. I tend to blame my thyroid for that, though I suspect the heart skipping fits somewhere into that equation as well.
I sincerely apologize for the length of this post, but I once attempted to consult my physician and she simply told me to go get tested. Yes, I understand that is the solution, but I simply lack the motivation to deal with scheduling appointments, waiting months for an opening, struggling to find a date that works, and eventually being told there isn't even a trace of Wolff-Parkinson-White... I truly just don't have it in me. I am seeing her tomorrow or the day after for other reasons, so I wanted to ask if you think there is any point in bringing this up or if I should let it go.
Are you feeling the pressure? Is anxiety clawing at you? I have a friend who picks at her skin—yes, she actually picks it—until she’s bleeding. She leans toward being obsessive, though I wouldn't go so far as to call it a clinical pathology, yet her anxiety remains quite intense.
But let us return our focus to you. What you are experiencing could simply be a mindless habit, or perhaps it is a physical manifestation of your current struggle to cope with stress. How old are you? If you are still in your teens or early twenties, this is likely just a passing phase, though even then, if it is causing you distress, it is worth addressing. How are your relationships with others? How is the dynamic within your family? And most importantly, how is your relationship with yourself? Is there something specific weighing heavily on your mind? Are you perhaps attempting to use one form of pain to mask another?
There is no need to answer these questions here; instead, take some time for quiet introspection. If you truly feel this has become an issue, seek out a professional psychologist. Everything will turn out fine.😉
It certainly looks impressive, though I have absolutely no intention of switching my birth control pills; I am perfectly satisfied with my current regimen and simply refuse to start experimenting with my biology right now. Furthermore, I can't shake the nagging suspicion that there would be some sort of internal conflict or chemical clash 😁 While the price tag is higher, it appears to be the more practical choice in the long run. If you decide to give it a shot, do let me know how it goes 👍
Personally, I find Mirena to be much more appealing.
I am merely curious as to why on earth they felt the need to hire belly dancers for the ring presentation ☕
Steven Baker12 said:I am writing on behalf of my girlfriend... her period was about five or six days late, and when it finally arrived yesterday, it was just a few drops of dark, clotted blood. She has also been suffering from intense abdominal pain over the last few days—to the point where she can barely walk—along with headaches, stomach pains, and nausea; she feels like she needs to vomit but cannot. I am unsure about a fever, but since everyone else in our family has had clear tests, I doubt it is an infection. She is being incredibly stubborn about seeing a gynecologist, so I am hoping someone here can offer some "online" guidance. Thank you very much.
EDIT: Her period arrived two weeks early last month, and she has been under immense stress lately due to work... thanks.
For the sake of all three of you: go to a gynecologist. Steven Baker12—tell the girl she is being foolish, because she absolutely must prioritize her own health and get herself to a gynecologist immediately, as one simply does not trifle with symptoms like these. It is painfully obvious that something is wrong, and she needs professional intervention. We cannot assist you in any meaningful way through an internet forum other than by insisting that she seeks urgent medical attention from a specialist! 😲
Morgan Wilson7 said:Ugh, tell me about it. Only my left side gives me trouble too. It can't be an allergy—if it were, it would hit both sides. Feels more like I just hit a weird acupuncture point when I was getting pierced.
The piercing was done in the precise spot where my old dimple used to be.😁
Peter Gray2 said:I’ve been there. I can't say for certain, but you might be allergic to the specific metal used in those tiny posts or hooks on costume jewelry. Personally, I can't touch cheap jewelry at all—not even metal headbands or belts with metal buckles. Your best bet is probably sticking to solid gold or sterling silver. I heard about a trick where you coat the metal part in clear nail polish to create a barrier, but I haven't tried it myself, so I'm not sure if it actually works. Or, maybe try wearing nothing but high-quality gold for a long stretch until the area is completely healed; that might help prevent future infections.
I am honestly stumped, because logically, if I were truly allergic, the reaction should be present in both ears, yet that is precisely what is bothering me; one ear accepts the earring without any incident, while the other reacts violently following the most recent piercing.
Chloe Gomez6 said:To be perfectly honest, I find myself leaning toward the men, as they have consistently proven to be somewhat more accommodating. It isn't that I feel embarrassed, per se, but rather that I find their less-than-perfect physiques somewhat more comforting, much like my experience at the beach 🤣. Furthermore, there is the perpetual uncertainty regarding the proper etiquette—a dilemma that persists even though I am already in my mid-thirties🙄. For instance, when I encounter a comment like "I forgot to bring a skirt"😕, I am left wondering what the expectation actually entails. Am I supposed to arrive in a skirt and simply lift it? Or do I arrive in trousers, undress, and then proceed to walk quite naked to the table? I cannot help but wonder if anyone else operates this way, or if I am truly an outlier🙈. And what of the robes and slippers? Is wearing them mandatory?
I prefer to arrive clean and freshly groomed. I certainly do not feel as though I am being viewed merely as a sexual object.
My thought process follows a very similar trajectory.
I always opt to arrive in a skirt because it is far more efficient; you simply lift it and go. As for robes and slippers, I have never seen the appeal and simply don't bother with them. 😁 I am certainly not the only one arriving in pants; I see plenty of other women doing the same at the spa. Occasionally, I will just pack a skirt with me, particularly during the winter months. I strip off my trousers and slip into the skirt once I arrive.
Alex Patel96 said:What makes you so certain?!🤷 😕 🤷There are countless gynecologists out there who cross lines with their patients... besides, at the end of the day, he’s a man first and a doctor second.😉 If your logic actually held water, the man would have to be completely asexual.☕
Oh, please, don't be so paranoid! You aren't exactly a saint, and none of us are so desperate that we'd throw ourselves at every guy who catches a glimpse of us naked. Are you suggesting that men are fundamentally incapable of objectivity or self-control, existing merely as nothing more than sexual animals? I certainly hold them in higher regard than that.😉 And let's not forget that surgeons see naked women constantly; should we all start hiding from them too? Or general practitioners for that matter—they see plenty. No, your gynecologist isn't looking to score with you (I’ll allow for the occasional outlier, but those types don't last long in this profession), so there is absolutely no reason to feel threatened. Though, who knows, perhaps your dentist harbors some bizarre dental fetish and finds himself reminiscing about your molars long after you've left the chair.😉
It is merely the endometrium. If this situation is causing you significant distress, a thorough physical examination combined with an ultrasound should provide the clarity you require.
I find myself returning to this space with a rather significant predicament, and I would be profoundly grateful if anyone here has navigated a similar ordeal.
Long before my ear became a site of such persistent irritation—roughly five or six years ago—I was able to wear costume jewelry without any undue consequence. However, when I originally had my ears pierced during my previous post on this subject, I awoke the following morning to find my ear twice its normal size and found myself being treated at an emergency room in Chicago. At that time, I simply removed the earring, took a course of penicillin just to be safe, and applied compresses until the inflammation finally subsided. Because I possess a genuine desire to have pierced ears—as I find earrings quite aesthetically pleasing, for whatever it's worth 😁—I consulted my physician regarding preventative measures to avoid infection during a future piercing attempt. The woman was visibly stunned by the question, clearly perceiving it as medically irrelevant, which frankly left me feeling utterly dismissed.🙄 I suppose it is all quite futile. Fine then, I decided I would manage the situation independently. I returned to the same jeweler where the initial piercing occurred, and the staff there advised me against gold, suggesting instead that I opt for gold-plated surgical steel to avoid complications. We developed a theory that the gold itself might have been substandard, though I did test this by moving the earring to my other ear, which showed no reaction, implying the metal composition was likely acceptable. They also recommended a specific antibiotic ointment to use during the initial days of healing. I proceeded with the piercing around April and purchased Betrion ointment as instructed. To my frustration, the wound refused to heal properly. It only seemed to close when I kept the earring perfectly stationary, but the moment I attempted to switch to a different piece, the area bled profusely, forcing me to abandon the idea entirely. I waited. Eventually, while vacationing on the coast, I managed to insert an earring a few weeks ago, and everything seemed fine. Following that success, I tried wearing costume jewelry on two separate occasions about ten days ago, making sure to disinfect everything, revert to surgical steel, and apply the Betrion. Yesterday, I accidentally tugged on my ear and realized it was painful. While there was no redness, upon inspecting the back of the lobe, I discovered it had become quite purulent. I removed the earring, cleaned the area, dealt with considerable bleeding, expressed the pus, applied the Betrion, and replaced the earring. Despite these efforts, the infection persists and the pain remains, albeit slightly diminished than yesterday.
Does anyone have experience with this or perhaps a suggestion on how to proceed? I am truly determined to have these piercings, yet I am at a complete loss as to why my body reacts so violently. I even had two additional piercings in that same ear—one in the cartilage and one at the junction leading to the cartilage—and I simply cannot fathom what is happening.🤷
Any assistance?
(My apologies for the verbosity; I felt it necessary to provide a thorough account.)
Alex Patel96 said:I have been seeing my gynecologist for years now, and I honestly haven’t had a single complaint. 🙏 However, there is absolutely no way I would ever step foot in a male doctor's office. To me, the very idea is unnatural. With a woman, I can feel completely at ease, whereas being with a man would leave me dying of pure embarrassment!🙂 Honestly, that sounds more traumatic than anything else!🤣
I simply cannot wrap my head around how any woman could ever feel comfortable in front of a man in that setting.😕 😕 😕
Hmm... I don't know... perhaps it's simply because he is a physician, and I am certain he views me strictly as a patient rather than some sexual object he intends to lay hands on later. 🤷
hiddenscout362 said:Oh, absolutely. I felt completely violated during my last ultrasound with my OB-GYN. 🤣 The way she shoved that probe in there, I honestly thought it was going to come out through my mouth.
Forgive me, I realize this isn't particularly humorous, but 😂😂
In those specific moments, I simply fix the gynecologist with a look so menacing they'd think I was about to break their bones; they mutter something about necessity, I give them one more grim stare, and suddenly they find a reason to hurry things along. 😁
That whole preoccupation regarding whether a doctor is male or female is, quite frankly, utterly absurd.🤷