Dr. M
After the marathon of infections had begun, the nurse practitioner PCP I had wanted me to switch to an internal medicine doctor. She did it in a strange way - seeming to be upset that I went around my urologist for a genetic test to find what was actually wrong - which was unusual for her. But, I thought it could be helpful and started the search.
The Promise
TW: weight gain/loss, self harm, body image, death
When I was a teenager, I struggled with both mental and physical health. Physical health struggles were isolating at times - especially when I had to miss out on an event and then hear everyone at school talk about the event. I had severe anxiety and was diagnosed with OCD and depression in middle school.
Dating is hard.
Dating is hard.
That's true for everyone, but there's an extra layer of difficulty when you're a disabled woman and dating.
Time to talk about my body
It's time to talk about my body
My PEG tube bumper was put on incorrectly - twice: the second time
I'm still surprised this was ever an issue the first time. It left me wary and annoyed with IR in general. When I was hospitalized for a very bad infection in my abdomen, my PEG tube had to be replaced. It was not in the right position and bleeding and leaking often, as well as causing a lot of pain!
My PEG tube bumper was put on incorrectly - twice: the first time
I had developed some friction irritation from a rectangular bumper on a PEG and requested a round one. My insurance requires me to get my PEG tubes replaced by an interventional radiologist, so I woke up bright and early for my appointment at the local IR clinic.
I Have an Immune Deficiency
When I was a kid, I was always getting sick. If something was going around at school, I'd definitely catch it. I had pneumonia, strep throat, and stomach viruses multiple times. It was awful.
The Road Back to Art
I've started to get back into art.
When I was young, I loved doing arts and crafts; but somewhere along the way, I lost my confidence. I went through a lot of bullying as a kid and the constant criticisms internalized and became negative self-talk.
The Cyberbully Part 2
Duplicate of “The Cyberbully” with a short update on the bottom. His current defense is that the screenshots were edited, so I have taken the liberty of adding the time stamps of the screenshots (all from October 16, 2023) in order to be more transparent. I've kept the time and date I'm viewing these
Earlier this month, I joined the Facebook group, "Gain and grow REAL supporters" that someone I went to middle school with had created. The premise of the group is to follow and engage with each other to gain followers for your Facebook page.
The Cyberbully
Earlier this month, I joined the Facebook group, "Gain and grow REAL supporters" that someone I went to middle school with had created. The premise of the group is to follow and engage with each other to gain followers for your Facebook page.
A Little Clumsy
JD was originally going to be a service dog, primarily for my allergies, but life had other plans.
He got worse
TW: ableism, misogyny, mistreatment by healthcare providers
I reported Dr. Waters and provided a lot of evidence of my experience with him being… less than ideal. When you report a doctor, they have to respond with a letter and you receive a copy along with information on any actions they took/didn't take.
I received the letter.
Through the Darkness and Into the Light
The story of trying and failing to get help for chronic UTIs and kidney stones, before finally getting the help I needed - but almost too late.
JD is an ally
Decorating
When I was a teenager, I had to have my gallbladder removed. It was my first surgery and experience with anesthesia and painkillers stronger than Tylenol.
“Drink more water”
Dr. Waters talked excessively during my first visit and focused almost solely on overactive bladder treatments - though I was there for recurring UTIs and kidney stones, which aren't something that overactive bladder causes.
“Don’t yell at my momma!”
My dog. JD, is very protective of me; he’s an ESA and I’ve also done some more specialized training with him. One of those things is that he puts himself between me and whatever is causing me to be anxious. One of those things is people raising their voice.