Posts by Kate Wilson7

Hmm... I’m not entirely sure where this fits best, but here goes nothing...
It also looks like I have some Erythem on the outer side of my right shin. Now, is it typical for that area to feel warmer than the rest of my skin?
It isn't even bright red; it's more of a pinkish hue... circular... about 2cm in diameter... it doesn't itch or hurt at all... but it's just been sitting there on my leg for at least six months now.
For context, I suffer from allergies to grass, weeds, and tree pollen, so I take Aerius for that.
On top of that, I dealt with Shingles back in March, and now I'm facing acute bronchitis... I've had a constant low-grade fever hovering between 98.2 and 99.1 degrees Fahrenheit... clearly, my immune system is struggling right now... so, could this skin issue be linked to that weakened state?
Please, I would love to hear any experiences or advice you might have. I won't actually know what this is until my follow-up appointment with the dermatologist at the end of August, but right now I'm just trying to tackle this bronchitis and a potential lung infection (I'm currently on Augmentin).
Thank you all so much!

swiftcobra63 said:Bringing this thread back to life; does anyone know where in Indianapolis I can go to donate plasma?

As of right now, they still don't have the capability in Indianapolis because the equipment hasn't arrived yet. They ordered it ages ago, but apparently, they've been stuck waiting for over a year now... I checked in with my contact at the Blood Transfusion Department once upon a time...
Once I hear any news that the machinery has finally landed, I'll be sure to post an update... though you might actually know sooner than I do, since it's been quite a while since I last asked...

Donna Wood52 said:And who's to say when I'll actually end up pregnant?? I want to feel attractive while I'm still young—what am I supposed to do once I'm old? 🤷

But you're only 20! How can you possibly know how your body will react to implants?! What if your system rejects them and you just end up causing yourself even more unnecessary trouble?
At the very least, there are plenty of push-ups and similar exercises you can do today. Honestly, if those are the only things you're worried about, it means you're already a beautiful girl. Just work on your legs or your glutes if you really care about catching people's eyes.

Trust me on this... a girl as young as you truly doesn't need that.
Besides, not every guy out there is looking for huge breasts...

Please, just think this through. Once you go under the knife, you might regret it—especially if the procedure doesn't go as planned, or if you find you aren't happy with the results. Plus, you'll likely find yourself needing touch-up surgery in just a few years anyway.
It would be much better to just hit the gym... sculpt your body properly... buy yourself a few high-quality bras (the kind with silicone inserts), some cute outfits, and nice skincare with that money instead. And trust me, you'll see.😉

Nature didn't exactly hand me everything on a silver platter either, haha, but every little "flaw" can be fixed easily enough. And honestly, I've never once noticed my boyfriend being bothered by it. To be perfectly frank, I much prefer it when someone tells me I'm charming, smart, or funny rather than complimenting my hair, my legs, or my figure.🙂

Donna Wood52 said:Hey there!

I’m 19 right now—which means I'll be 20 by the time I actually go through with this next year—so I'm definitely past that "too young" stage.

What I really need to know is: does anyone know a solid plastic surgeon in Los Angeles who specializes in breast augmentation??And honestly, what kind of price tag am I looking at here?, because if the quote is astronomical, my parents aren't going to foot the bill. 😢

Thanks!

But honestly, why go through with an augmentation if your body hasn't even finished developing yet? Your breasts can continue to change and grow through pregnancy, and that's usually when their final shape is truly established. Wouldn't it make much more sense to wait until after you've had children?

For managing neurodermatitis, Beloderm cream is a common go-to. You really ought to consult a dermatologist first, though—honestly, even your primary care physician can write you a script so a local pharmacy can whip up a custom compounded cream just for you. One thing you absolutely have to keep in mind, however, is where you're applying it. You can't just use the same strength everywhere; the stuff meant for your body shouldn't be used on your face, as those facial formulas need to be much gentler.

I also feel like you shouldn't jump straight into using a cream like that right away, because it doesn't seem like we're dealing with a fungal issue here... at least, that's my take on it.
It would be much better to just go see a dermatologist first.
And if you're looking for something specifically for diabetic foot care, there's actually a really good cream from CeraVe.

Douglas Newman said:So, here’s the deal: I’ve been dealing with this nagging cough for about a week now, and whenever I breathe, I can feel this weird rattling sensation in my lungs—it’s always in the exact same spot. It isn't constant, just happens sporadically, but it's there. The coughing itself seems to be tapering off, but that annoying little "rattle" just won't quit. Has anyone else dealt with something similar? How did you get past it? And honestly, should I just bite the bullet and see a doctor?
Also, about six months ago, I went through something almost identical. My coughing was so intense and brutal that my entire chest actually ached, and that rattling feeling was way more pronounced and spread out across my lungs. Thankfully, that episode cleared up on its own after I took some homeopathic remedies. I'm looking for any advice you all might have.

Thanks in advance

It is entirely possible that you’ve developed some mucus buildup that has settled deep in your lungs, which usually points toward an infection. If I were in your shoes, I would definitely schedule an appointment with a doctor to have them listen to your chest... especially since this seems to be a recurring issue for you. They will likely prescribe an antibiotic along with some cough suppressant or expectorant.

I know exactly how you feel; when I had bronchitis as a kid, it felt like there were tiny little kittens meowing inside my lungs! hehe

Hmm... I honestly can't say for sure. It could be anything from swollen lymph nodes to a blocked duct...
The best move is to just head over to your primary care physician. There really isn't any other way to go about it.

I’ve had my ears pierced since I was a little girl. For the longest time, I stuck strictly to gold hoops, but one time I tried wearing some cheap costume jewelry and had a massive allergic reaction... honestly, it was such a nightmare to get it to clear up.
Fast forward a couple of years, and I went back to wearing gold, which worked perfectly fine without any drama.
However, about two years ago, I decided to get two more piercings on each lobe. Since then, they've been acting up a bit—they aren't exactly red or anything, but there's this constant, slight inflammation where a little fluid leaks out periodically, and crusting happens quite often.
At this point, though, I’ve mostly gotten used to it; it doesn't really bother me anymore.
My rule of thumb is to avoid messing with them too much, because if you start fidgeting with the piercings, they just get irritated and the swelling gets even worse.
That’s certainly been my experience.
So, I just take my earrings out occasionally to give the lobes a good wash with soap.
I assume most people probably wash themselves daily anyway... haha! But personally, I make sure to take my earrings out and clean everything thoroughly at least twice a week.

http://209.85.129.132/search?q=cache...&ct=clnk&gl=us

Take a look at this..

nimblebear92 said:Look, we all know cigarettes and weed aren't exactly good for you.

Since basically nobody smokes anything else, I suspect there isn't any actual data out there regarding how harmful it would be to smoke something different—like mint, for instance?

Essentially, what percentage of the total harm from smoking comes from the smoke itself? Is the combustion process inherently the killer here?

And could smoking mint actually be considered "healthy" in any capacity?

The real danger in cigarette smoke lies in its chemical makeup. You've got nicotine hitting those brain receptors hard, and then there’s the tar, which contains over 4,000 different compounds—43 of which are known carcinogens. Don't forget carbon monoxide, which starves your tissues of oxygen.

As for mint, who knows? You'd really need to analyze the specific components to figure out what kind of toxic cocktail you're creating when they burn.
But why on earth would you smoke it?! Mint is perfectly healthy on its own... and I assume your goal is just to cut back on tobacco. In that case, your best bet is to drink it. Just have 3 to 5 cups of mint tea a day. It has a calming effect, so I honestly believe it might help you ease the transition.

I haven't seen any posts from Gregory Ramos8 yet. It seems like he’s been quiet lately. kaže:
Greetings! Well, here goes nothing... I suppose it’s finally time to share my story.😢
It’s been about two or three months now since I started noticing these tiny white bumps popping up all over my abdomen. I eventually went to see my doctor, and she prescribed me some allergy medication to clear things up. Well, I finished the entire course, and honestly? It didn't do a single thing to help. Not even a little bit. 😢Then, those little breakouts morphed into this intense redness, accompanied by extreme dryness and skin peeling. To make matters worse, the whole mess spread out across my neck and down into my groin and inguinal areas.😲
I recently went in for some blood work—which was perfectly routine, mind you—and decided to follow that up with a triple allergy panel just to be thorough. Well, the results came back, and it turns out my immune system is a bit more dramatic than I realized. Apparently, I’ve got sensitivities to ragweed pollen, latex, flour, potassium metabisulfite, citric acid, glutaraldehyde, and histamine. It certainly explains a few things!🤷
I find myself wondering about the best way to navigate this—what does an effective meal plan actually look like in practice? Has anyone else here dealt with symptoms that feel remarkably similar to what I’m experiencing right now? 😕
I need some assistance here! Please, if anyone can help, I would truly appreciate it.
I mean, let’s be real here... I’m only seventeen.
Thanks in advance! 🙂

I’ve started taking allergy medication again, which isn't exactly how I envisioned my week going. Honestly, if you want to survive this season, my best advice is to just stay indoors as much as possible when the sun is out and the wind starts picking up—especially during the morning hours. That's when the pollen count really hits its peak, and trust me, you don't want to be caught out in the elements when it's at its worst.
I’ve found myself checking my hair and my clothes much more frequently lately, mostly because everything seems to be catching dust and pollen like a magnet. It’s honestly becoming a bit of a constant chore.
You really have to be diligent about reading every single ingredient label and being extremely selective about which pizzas you order if you want to avoid those specific allergens. It can feel like a massive chore at first, I know, but honestly, just take it one step at a time. If you approach it slowly and stay consistent, you'll eventually find your rhythm and it won't feel nearly as overwhelming as it does right now. 🙂

ruggedlynx15 said:I’ve got this allergy flare-up going on and I have no clue what’s causing it, so I'm looking for some input.
It looks like these tiny little spots, kind of similar to chickenpox, popping up here and there on my arms. On my stomach, I get a few of these dots surrounded by redness.

It usually shows up when I’m sweating, like during a run or something.
Could it be a reaction to a specific type of fabric, my shampoo, or maybe the laundry detergent I use?
Just a heads-up: I'm currently going through puberty, so maybe that's playing a role.

Sweating can definitely trigger skin allergies. Honestly, your best bet is to head over to a dermatologist; they can run actual tests so you aren't just guessing about the cause.
In the meantime, try sticking strictly to 100% cotton clothing.
If you don't see any improvement, stop using fabric softener and try cutting back on the amount of detergent you use. If none of that works, go see the doctor.
It’ll save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run.

"We’re talking about clogged pores and those stubborn little bumps—you know, the ones that usually pop up on the backs of the legs, upper arms, or hips. Unfortunately, there's this common misconception that if you just scrub your skin aggressively with an exfoliant, you can simply scrape them away. In reality, that often backfires by triggering an even stronger inflammatory response from your skin. The absolute most important rule? Avoid hot water and harsh soaps. Seriously, stay away from aggressive cleansers altogether. You really need to pay attention to the pH balance of whatever you're using to wash. A lightweight BHA lotion is a much better route because it actually works to clear out the pores. Since it's oil-soluble, it can actually penetrate deep into the blockage. Honestly, unless your skin feels incredibly parched, you might be better off not applying anything at all. Also, keep yourself covered up with clothing, and be careful at the beach—standard sunscreen can sometimes make things worse.
Heavy, greasy creams can also exacerbate the issue because they essentially suffocate the skin."

I have heard that Neutrogena body lotion is a solid choice because it manages to be moisturizing without being so heavy that it clogs everything up.

The bottom line is that you need to focus on using hydrating moisturizers and washing with a creamier, more nourishing cleanser.
And please, steer clear of hot water so you don't strip your skin of its natural moisture even further.

For some people, physical exfoliation—like a gel scrub or an exfoliating mitt—can provide relief, but there is always a risk that your skin will react poorly to the friction.
If you do decide to go that route, you absolutely must follow up with a hydrating moisturizer immediately after your shower.

Here is a recommendation for a specific cream, though I can't say for certain how effective it is... I haven't personally tested it, but this was the only thing that looked promising in my online research.

Steven Nguyen43 said:The issue is that I already had a CT scan right after the impact, and they didn't find any abnormalities at all. To be perfectly honest, this whole thing didn't actually start surfacing until about a year later.

You really need to get an MRI. A full year is a long time to wait.

Steven Nguyen43 said:I honestly can't wrap my head around why this is hitting me now. I’ve been working in the music industry for years without an issue. Besides, millions of people go to loud concerts all the time, and I’ve never heard anyone complaining about these specific symptoms. To be fair, I did take a hit to the head a while back—just a freak accident—but the doctors cleared me and said there was absolutely no damage. It’s been about a year since that happened and right up until these symptoms started appearing.

Hmm. It seems pretty clear that the noise itself isn't the cause, but rather that the noise is just making everything worse.
It really might be a lingering consequence from that head injury.
You should probably head over to an ENT specialist so they can actually run some tests and see what's going on. Maybe start by getting a brain scan just to be safe. I'm no expert, but my best advice is to get second or even third opinions from different doctors instead of just relying on one person.

Oh, and you should try posting your specific symptoms on this forum; you might at least pick up some helpful info from others who have dealt with something similar.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/otolaryngology

Amy Rivera79 said:I could use some perspective here...
Are high-end spa treatments actually worth the investment? If they are, which ones shouldn't be skipped?
Is there a more budget-friendly way to achieve similar results at home?
In any case, I'd appreciate any insight you can offer—please feel free to share your own experiences.

There’s really no need to repeat yourself here... just head over there... you'll find plenty of experiences from other women on the forum regarding anti-cellulite products.

Susan Hall43 said:Here’s the deal: a close friend of mine is planning on getting breast implants. However, during her initial ultrasound, the doctor spotted two small cysts, both about 4mm. To be absolutely certain, a second doctor ran another ultrasound and even ordered a mammogram just to rule out anything serious. Thankfully, the mammogram came back totally clear. The radiologist basically said there’s no risk involved in proceeding with plastic surgery, but they still want her back for a follow-up check in four months just to be safe.

Has anyone here dealt with something similar? What would you do if you were in her shoes? Would you go ahead with the procedure now, or wait until that follow-up appointment? She’s really anxious to get it over with because she’s already coordinated everything with her surgeon.
Oh, and she’s 28.

I honestly have no clue. Generally speaking, I’m not a huge proponent of implants, especially if a woman hasn't had children yet but plans to down the road. And if there were any signs of fibrocystic changes, I definitely wouldn't touch it.

Linda Diaz3 said:How can you say it isn't much?
Honestly, I am just completely traumatized by this...
I was reading somewhere that it could be caused by a cyst on the ovaries...
I have never experienced anything like this before,
though I suppose stress could be a factor too...

If this is weighing on you this heavily, I would truly recommend seeing a doctor. Honestly, why wouldn't you?
Have them run some tests

Raymond Mitchell66 said:Hey, first things first—I really think you shouldn’t worry yourself too much. My brother has actually gone through limb lengthening surgery several times now, specifically on his femur. Honestly, if you’re looking for top-tier specialists, they are definitely the best in the country. He’s actually dealt with this since he was a little kid because he was born with one leg shorter than the other. Back then, the difference was about 4 or 5 inches, but after the procedures, it's pretty much leveled out now. Just so you understand the process: they essentially saw the bone into two sections. They run three wires through each segment, which are attached to external frames, and then those two frames are connected by adjustable screws that slowly expand. That gap created between the two pieces of bone eventually fills in with new bone growth.
The pain can be quite intense, and you absolutely have to clean the wounds every single day without fail. But then again, his discrepancy wasn't massive..
Once they finish the lengthening, I believe he'll have to wear that external fixator for about a month, and then they just put him in a cast, and that’s that. It’s nothing to fear; in a few months, he'll feel like a brand new man.. take care!

I've heard rumors that everyone who undergoes this procedure ends up dealing with chronic pain for the rest of their lives... is there any truth to that?