Posts by Terry Anderson71

@Sam Hayes/">@@Sam Hayes
How did I learn to deal with this? Honestly, I'm still figuring it out 😁
I'm not quite ready to rock low-cut tops just yet, but I definitely plan to. It’s not like I intend to hide them forever.
Besides, I’ve actually grown pretty fond of them lately. I find myself looking at them and thinking they're actually kind of charming.🤣
And you know, it really helps when someone tells you, "Oh, why even bother stressing over that?" It’s even better when you actually take that advice to heart and realize how silly it is to think everyone is staring at you and your scars.
I mean, let's be real—everyone else seems to be walking around without any little imperfections.
So, that's the deal. You've got two of them (well, maybe just one is visible 🙂), but for what it's worth, I have ten, and maybe only one or two are even noticeable.
So don't worry. I truly believe the "problem" looks way bigger in your own eyes than it does to anyone else.
Plus, as they heal and stretch out, they eventually tighten up again. It's not a huge change, but you can tell the difference.
As for how fast they heal? That’s different for everyone. It might even have something to do with getting older.
The very first scar I got back in 2001 faded and lightened up within about four months. Nowadays, for some people, it can take two whole years and they still look pink.
But again, it all depends on where the scar is located.
Ugh, I guess I went on a bit of a tangent there 😍
I'm off to go look in the mirror and tell them how cute they are 🤣

@Sam Hayes/">@@Sam Hayes
I honestly don't think the weight gain has anything to do with it. I mean, how much could two pounds actually add to one single arm? 😁
Take me, for example. I’ve got all sorts of scars. One on my back is massive—probably five or six times larger than the one they removed—and then there's this tiny little line on my stomach that nobody even notices.
So, what you said about the location definitely makes sense.
From what I can tell, the upper torso seems more prone to this kind of thing, while the lower half isn't quite as bad.
And hey, your arm counts as the upper body, so yeah, it's a factor, but it's all part of the same deal. 😁
If it helps at all, I've got one spreading on my chest and two on my collarbone area, so don't sweat that arm too much. I think mine are way more likely to catch someone's eye anyway.
Plus, if it's already looking pink, that's actually a good sign. It means it's healing well.
Mine hit the 19-month mark recently 🙂 and they're still pink.
But really, you just have to wait and see how time handles it.

@Thomas Rodriguez14/">@@Thomas Rodriguez14
You might want to do a quick Google search on the difference between keloids and hypertrophic scars, because I'm pretty sure you're dealing with the latter.
Either way, you should probably just check in with your doctor to get a real diagnosis.
As for me, I just cover mine up with a long sleeve and call it a day. It keeps me from overthinking it. 🤷

I haven't actually used Dermatix myself, just Contratubex.
I also tried mixing in some Vitamin E oil and rosehip oil.
Honestly? My takeaway is that these creams are a bit overkill. They don't really change how the body heals, and they probably aren't even doing much harm—it's likely just a placebo effect at this point.
I deal with quite a few scars, and I’ve noticed my skin tends to spread them out too.
I've tried the creams, but the only real difference I noticed was one scar settling down slightly, mostly because the wound had been stitched in a way that left it raised.
At the end of the day, your skin is just your skin. It seems to depend on your biology. Just like how many Black Americans are more prone to keloids, everyone's skin heals in its own unique way.
Once the scar fades, you won't even notice it anymore.😉

I’m dealing with the exact same thing.
I’m 23, though I’m not sure if that actually matters in this context. 😁

Basically, what placidjackal36 said is spot on.
You either scrape it clean, grab something to help clear it out, or just accept that you're going to have to see a doctor to get it pulled.
For me, this was a literal six-month cycle a couple of years ago—one would disappear, and then another one would pop up right away.
After trying a few rounds of Ciprol, which my doctor had me on, I realized the meds weren't doing squat, so I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I feel a bit better now, but honestly, I still wake up most mornings with this weird sensation in my mouth.
I already know exactly what's happening, so I just reach for my toothbrush.🤣
Just last week, I had a pretty mediocre attempt at DIY surgery because I couldn't manage to get the whole thing out.

I don't know about you, but I can't stand having it sitting in my mouth. The breath? Good grief, it's like a stray cat.🙄 So, my advice? Just keep clearing it out yourself for now.
Also, I went to see an ENT, and they told me that if this keeps up, I have the green light to just get my tonsils removed.
If those tonsils don't just fall out on their own from all the misery they're going through, I'll probably end up heading in for the procedure eventually.😁

What a wild topic 🤣
I usually try to be pretty quick when I'm venting, but if I think I’m going to be here a while 😁 I’ll turn on the radio. Or, like most people on here, I just grab whatever products are within arm's reach and start reading the labels in every language I can find.
It doesn't matter if it's bleach, shampoo, or some hair gel.
As long as there's a label and it's a little bit long, I'm good. 🙂
When I actually have an exam coming up, I'll just grab my study guide and go over it. ☕
Because honestly? About 90% of the time, the stress of an upcoming test just sends me running to the bathroom. (Okay, maybe that last part was a bit much 🤣).

I finally caught it 🤣 🤣
Honestly, the movie was pretty funny. Not the whole way through, mind you, but certain parts? Absolutely hilarious.
Especially those roommates—that bit where they're trying to hold their butts 😂 was just gold.

Man 🙂
I really miss 1999. 😢 🤣

John Cruz4 said:I have actually encountered someone quite like this before. It is my belief that true malice often stems from deep-seated sadness, which then evolves into profound disappointment; consequently, I view such an individual as being inherently malevolent.
We are listening!

What on earth are you saying about me on the forums? 😕 😁

1)Do you think drugs are a common presence in your city?
a)Yes

2)In this day and age, do you feel like drugs are easy to get a hold of?
a)yes

3)Has anyone ever actually offered you drugs? (Any kind, light or heavy)
a)yes

4)Have you ever been put in a situation where you were tempted to try something?
a)yes

5)Have you ever actually tried drugs?
a)yes

6)Have any of your friends ever tried them?
a)yes

7)Where is it easiest to find drugs?
a)at parties b)school, college, work
c)in your neighborhood d)during trips or traveling
Based on my own limited experience, option A definitely takes the lead here.🤣

8)Do you believe that legalizing soft drugs would actually stop young people from using them?
b)no

9)Why do kids start using drugs?
a)out of boredom
b)to prove something
c)pure curiosity
d)having the wrong role models
e)various family or life struggles
It’s funny how people turn out, isn't it?🙄

10)Are you well-versed in the side effects of drug use and specific types?
a)yes and b)no
I know about some, but I'm in the dark about others.🤷

11)Do you think drug use is just another trend we've imported from more "advanced" parts of the world?
a)yes
It seems like we in America tend to just copy and paste whatever looks "cool" from elsewhere.😁

12)What are the most effective ways to cut down drug use among youth?
a)better communication within the family
d)giving kids more options outside of school (sports, music, field trips)

13)Do you think drug use among young people will, over the next 10 years:
a)increase

14)Do you think kids from wealthier families are more prone to drug use?
a)yes and b)no
There are those "easier" ones—cheap and easy to find—that anyone can get their hands on these days.🤷

So, I just finished watching the movie too, and honestly? I really loved it. I'm so glad I gave it a chance. 😁
I didn't even bother focusing on Frodo—or rather, Elijah Wood—because I just find him a bit unlikable. I don't know why. 🤷
I'm with some of the people saying the whole subplot about Matt's sister was pretty stupid. And that thing about her husband being blamed for something he didn't do? Plus the part where she showed up right when they were fighting with the kid... I mean, wtf? 😕
Oh yeah, and I felt so bad about Pete dying 😢, but if you look at the big picture, maybe it was actually better that way. There's probably a lesson in there somewhere.
But at the end of the day, despite those little gripes, all I can say is "I liked it a lot." 😍

I just caught this movie on TV, and honestly? It’s great. The cast is fantastic—Charlize Theron is absolutely stunning, isn't she? I know all you die-hard action junkies who live for nonstop shootouts are probably tearing this one apart, but look, not everyone needs Dolph Lundgren or Jean-Claude Van Damme to enjoy a good flick 😂.
Okay, I'm kidding. I watched the Bourne identity too, and I liked that one, but this movie just stuck with me more because it actually made me laugh along the way.
At the end of the day, tastes differ. That's just life. There's really no need to start a war just because someone else sees things differently, right?
Anyway, that's my two cents. 🙄