I'm pretty sure I'm depressed but I don't have the energy or motivation to do something about it. I'm not sure what to do. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:10 PM - 7 answers

My anti-depressant (Wellbutrin XL) is generally working, but one of the side-effects is a great deal of generalized anxiety. I'm stuck with the anti-depressant for now, so I'm looking for practices, foods, or medications you've been prescribed that helped you combat anxiety. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:42 PM - 26 answers

In the past week my neck, specifically the back of the neck right where it connects to the base of my head, has been cracking several times a day. I'm not trying to do it intentionally - it happens when I do mundane things like turn my head or look up. It's strong enough to make me a little dizzy, or makes my head feel loose for a second, or alternately like it might seize up and stop moving altogether. Anyone have any experience with this?
posted by Josephine Macaulay at 5:30 PM - 3 answers

Has anyone gotten lasered in the mouth to fill a cavity (e.g., waterlase)? Roughly how much did it cost you? Relative to the drill and metal method? Would you opt for lasers in your mouth again? [more inside]
posted by Brian Puccio at 4:50 PM - 10 answers

We will be needing to drive an elderly relative to various locations over the next few months to help her find and relocate into a new retirement home.. She has had extensive spine surgery and is unable to life either foot up more than about one inch and maybe not even that. I have been looking for a temporary device (under $100.00) that we can use on these occasions but have no idea what to look for. She uses a walker - refuses a wheelchair. She's tried the "bottom in first" then swinging her feet in but that still involves lifting them. She used to be able to do that but no more. Maybe the only solution is to get a cab with sliding doors that opens down on the street level and she follow behind us in the cab but that would be expensive and time consuming as we would have to have the cab wait while she is inside being interviewed, taken on inspection, etc.
posted by Tullyogallaghan at 3:57 PM - 15 answers

So, a few professionals have informed me that they’re pretty sure I have Asperger's. Everyone agrees (including me) that I’m high-functioning. But apparently everyone also agrees that a positive diagnosis is very likely. Should I get the official diagnosis? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:11 AM - 17 answers

my fiancee is getting a surgery inserting a collagen-based nerve guide conduit for ulnal nerve repair in his ring finger, what can I do to help him prepapre for the surgery, what things should he know, and what can I do to help him recover
posted by denimchair at 8:11 AM - 6 answers

I'm a 29-year-old female who's been on birth control pills for 13 years, with one six-month break in the middle. Due to a recent medical diagnosis, my PCP is concerned about my continued use of this medication and has suggested I consider a Mirena IUD. I have questions. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:08 AM - 24 answers

I'm having major surgery and despite working in healthcare, am nervous off my rocker because I've personally never had surgery or anesthesia before. I'm also worried about life while healing and staying active while healing. Please help. [more inside]
posted by floweredfish at 6:53 PM - 41 answers

Once in a while I get a weird electric jolt in the side of my neck, totally out of the blue. What's going on? [more inside]
posted by zeri at 6:21 PM - 10 answers

The neck pain I've been having is clearly not going away on it's own, so I think I need to see a chiropractor. Anyone have recommendations for chiropractors in Philadelphia? I'm in Queen Village and would love to see one in the neighborhood if possible. [more inside]
posted by jshort at 10:21 AM - 4 answers

I have been having major stomach issues that I need to solve. Really uncomfortable bloating and belching minutes after eating, nausea, cramps, etc. I'm getting checked out by a doctor, but I suspect it is my old friend IBS coming back after a 6+ year absence. I NEED to get this under control and back to rights ASAP but so far nothing is working. HELP! [more inside]
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 5:14 AM - 27 answers

Occasionally I feel like I've got extremely mild cold symptoms that go away after a day or two. A very mild sore throat and a slightly stuffy nose, for example. What's going on? Am I catching a normal common cold rhinovirus and my immune system is just fighting it very effectively? Or am I catching a specific mild, almost asymptomatic variety of rhinovirus or some other virus? Or are these just normal non-specific symptoms that are unrelated to a cold? (Asking out of curiosity, not concern).
posted by dontjumplarry at 8:55 PM - 17 answers

Been having pretty constant heart palpatations. I have had them before, but they have been generally isolated. The ones I'm having during the day are minor, but they are persistent. I went to the hospital, and the doctor said to get a heart monitor. I went to my general practitioner and he said I had already had a heart monitor, so there was no need for one. Anyway, the palps get pretty bad at night to the point where my chest starts to ache. In the past I have also had panic attacks and anxiety problems, some of which during palpatations were present. What do you guys think is going on? What should I do? Any advice is welcome
posted by Thanquol180 at 5:29 PM - 26 answers

A dear friend is at 10 weeks pregnancy and suffering terribly, and I'm trying to figure out what sort of disability she can qualify for. Already lost 15 lbs, unable to keep down almost anything. She's seeing a doctor, who has her on Zofran now, but she's still completely unable to work. She is in northern California, a well-regarded freelance artist, and to make matters worse...uninsured. [more inside]
posted by fillsthepews at 9:56 AM - 13 answers

What's a rough rule of thumb for converting trail miles to road miles, taking into account elevation change? More details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by unSane at 7:23 PM - 4 answers

On May 20th, I stubbed my pinkie toe very very badly. I wasn't sure if I'd broken it, but it hurt enough that I taped it up for a couple of days. The reading I did suggested that that was all a doctor would probably do for a broken pinkie toe, anyway. The toe swelled up some, and I experienced some pretty dramatic bruising, much of it focused on the "knuckle" area of my foot, right above the toe. Weeks later, I'm still having episodes of pain that come and go. I'm not sure how to proceed. Details within... [more inside]
posted by Ursula Hitler at 4:04 PM - 24 answers

We're using all the advice from the Happiest Baby on the Block to get Little Stardust to fall asleep. It works the majority of the time and I can successfully get him to fall asleep by swaddling, rocking, white noise, etcetera. The problem is that he'll only stay asleep as long as I'm holding him. [more inside]
posted by Kitty Stardust at 12:23 PM - 34 answers

Have you been a part of an online anxiety support group before? I'd like to hear about your experience. [more inside]
posted by before and after at 8:37 AM - 3 answers

Prior to going on birth control I experienced two very severe episodes of pre-menstrual cramping, and I'd like to go off of the pill, but I'm scared! I'm looking for natural remedies to prevent severe menstrual cramping as I ease off of birth control. [more inside]
posted by Shaitan at 6:46 PM - 20 answers