Some muscle in my upper back, on the left side just inside my shoulder blade, has balled up and is really sore. I don't know how I injured it, but I do know I had trouble sleeping last night and this is the fourth day in a row it has hurt. I know a guy who is training to be a chiropractor, but I'm a little suspicious of going to a chiropractor, let alone a not-yet-quite-certified chiropractor. What would you suggest? A deep massage? Just wait for it to work itself out? See a real doctor? Or just keep popping the ibuprofens?
posted by billysumday
on Dec 16, 2004 -
26 answers
I've been having muscle fatigue problems for several years. It's mostly specific to my legs, which rules out Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (according to my doctor).
Recently, I tried eliminating various categories of food from my diet again, because I've had problems with certain things before. When I mostly eliminated cow's milk from my diet (I think I slipped once and accidentally had some ice cream), the problem mostly disappeared. Last night, I had a big mug of my friend's real hot chocolate, which she makes with milk for that extra unhealthfulness. Today, I could barely operate the clutch in my car. My doctor says that he's never heard of a connection like that before. Could a protien in milk be causing muscle fatigue in a particular part of my body?
[more inside]
posted by SpecialK
on Dec 15, 2004 -
10 answers
How come prescribed amphetamines do not cause health problems like amphetamine psychosis or those horrid pictures of the woman who looks like a skeleton after so many years of abuse? I know people who take 80mg of Adderall a day (prescribed) and I've heard of up to 120mg a day users. Are these doses too low to cause ill effect? If they stopped using would they be subject to the same withdrawals as street users? I realize street users must take more, and a different kind, but the basics are still there, unless they are taking a lot more. It seems like 10+ years of daily Adderall take would produce similar effects.
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posted by geoff.
on Dec 13, 2004 -
20 answers
My job involves a lot of repetitive motion and I type way too much outside of work. I've had RSI issues in the past, and I want to strengthen my wrists/arms/shoulders so that they don't flare up again. Any recommended books or web sites where I can find RSI-specific exercises?
(Yes, yes, I know. Just Type Less. Assume for the moment that's not an option).
posted by Jeanne
on Dec 13, 2004 -
14 answers
Pill weight gain? I went on the Pill to get rid of severe cramps years ago. [more inside]
posted by transona5
on Dec 13, 2004 -
35 answers
Joggers, Hikers and Marathon walkers, your attention please! I love to walk, but experience troubles with chafing. For particularly long walks (5 hours and beyond), I used to use a product called Chafe Eez, manufactured by a now apparently defunct company called Second Wind. [more inside]
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posted by tomble
on Dec 13, 2004 -
10 answers
I just found out my blood pressure is 160/100, and i'm only 21. I'm really scared, and I was told to stop putting salt on the foods I eat. Problem is, I don't add salt to things. I quit smoking today and I have been lapsing in my excersize but now I am out of excuses. Is this enough to reduce my blood pressure to a healthy level?
posted by anonymous
on Dec 8, 2004 -
19 answers
Does anyone else notice a decrease in motivation and/or analytical ability when taking high blood pressure medication such as Hyzaar or Lisinopril? I seem to have bursts of productivity shortly after I run out of pills.
posted by anonymous
on Dec 8, 2004 -
10 answers
So, I need to stop drinking. I'm used to drinking 8-12 beers every night, more on the weekends, so this will be a significant lifestyle change for me. I'm not interested in AA and would prefer to do this on my own. Any Mefites been through this process? Insights?
posted by anonymous
on Dec 6, 2004 -
28 answers
fff asked a really good
question about how children think. Many responders wrote that they have no memories from their childhoods. This freaks me out. I remember my childhood more vividly than my college years. I have a childhood friend who also has no memories from when she was a kid, which is really odd, because I remember all sorts of things we did together. Have there been any studies that shed light over why some people can recall their childhoods and others can't?
posted by grumblebee
on Dec 1, 2004 -
16 answers
I feel like my brain has stopped working and I'd like to get it fixed. A whole hell of a lot more inside.
[more inside]
posted by bondcliff
on Dec 1, 2004 -
47 answers
Does anything help to get 'un-high' off of legal medicinal marijuana and be more alertly functioning soon?
posted by anonymous
on Nov 30, 2004 -
19 answers
What's the consensus on non-stick cookware? I find that despite my best efforts the surface always gets a few scratches, and then I worry I'm eating the stuff. So I'd rather avoid it and go with stainless steel or cast iron wherever possible. Is it only worthwhile for particular items, such as omelette pans?
posted by schoolgirl report
on Nov 29, 2004 -
40 answers
How, specifically, do you work an exercise routine into your busy day? [mi]
[more inside]
posted by Succa
on Nov 25, 2004 -
25 answers
I get red blotches on my chest/neck when I experience any sort of emotion. Does anyone know what this is and what I can do about it? I'm getting married soon and I don't want to look like a freak for the whole day.
posted by gusrondo
on Nov 23, 2004 -
10 answers
Somewhere I saw advertised a metal rod that you stick into the cavity of a turkey to conduct heat into the stuffing to eliminate the bird/stuffing safe temperature conflict. Google fails me. Anyone know about this? Does it work? Where can I get one before Thursday?
[more inside]
posted by bondcliff
on Nov 22, 2004 -
12 answers
Foot Trouble: I can't run anymore due to foot pain. Should I visit a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist or what? [symptoms and stuff within]
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posted by weston
on Nov 22, 2004 -
6 answers
Remedies for opening up a congested ear canal? I've had a sinus/ear infection this week, and am currently taking both a decongestant and an antibiotic. My head seems to be clearing nicely, except my inner ear on one side which feels completely blocked. I'm trying hot compresses and steam. Are there any other suggested methods to clear this up at home?
posted by vers
on Nov 19, 2004 -
22 answers
Fibroid tumours. I just went for a kidney scan, and while I was there the doctor told me he saw I have a fibroid tumour and need to have it checked out by a gynecologist. I have an appointment for a week from today, but in the meantime, if any of the ladies of metafilter have experience with this kind of tumour, it would be really comforting to me to get some first-hand accounts. (more inside)
[more inside]
posted by hazyjane
on Nov 19, 2004 -
8 answers
You've nearly pulled an all-nighter. It's nearly 4am, and you can see yourself leaving the office about 4:30/5. What's the best way to get yourself into and through the next day?
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posted by namespan
on Nov 18, 2004 -
23 answers
I think one of my close friends has developed a serious drug addiction. They used to be an active, hard-working, happy person, but in the last couple of months they are reluctant to socialize, ended all outside commitments, are barely sleeping, have seriously neglected their hygiene, and I just found out they have stolen thousands of dollars from their work, at which they are well paid, in the last month. I thought it was 'just' depression, but the money seems to point to something worse and there is a history of casually using hard drugs. They don't seem to want help, so will it do any good if I try? Does anyone have any experience with interventions, or is that just something people do on television?
posted by anonymous
on Nov 17, 2004 -
12 answers
As I mentioned in
this thread, I drink rather a lot of caffeine. It doesn't actually do much any more and I don't want to increase my dosage since I get nasty headaches already when I don't have it. What I need is a more powerful (preferably legal) stimulant. Something that won't kill me or make me feel too weird but will give me the energy I need to keep my eyes open. Any suggestions? Does ginseng have any proven effect? Should I just start popping no-doz... I'm told the lethal dose of caffeine is 10 grams. I honestly think I could consume 10 grams without noticing it. I need better stimulants, damn it.
Thank you.
posted by Grod
on Nov 16, 2004 -
27 answers
PillsFilter. You'd think that a woman my age could swallow pills, but you'd be wrong. As I chewed several children's Tylenols this morning, I told myself that there
had to be a way to master this skill. I should add that the problem is not the size of the pill, but the actual swallowing-without-chewing bit--even with teensy-tiny pills, my throat closes up. Any suggestions, before I manage to contract some deadly illness that requires the daily ingestion of an entire pharmacy?
posted by thomas j wise
on Nov 16, 2004 -
33 answers
Has anybody had experience with Tempurpedic matresses or the Prima matress sold by Design Within Reach? Any reccomendations?
posted by alball
on Nov 15, 2004 -
6 answers
My boyfriend needs to go to the dentist. He recently chipped a tooth, and hasn't been in ages. The problem is two-fold: One, he's TERRIFIED of going, especially because of his long time away from the dentist, and because of deep-rooted fear of the dentist and two, he has no dental insurance. He's agreed to go if I can find a dentist that will accept him without insurance and I go with him to hold his hand. How do I find a dentist that will see him without insurance and will be accomodating to his fears? 1-800-dentist seems secretive at how they arrive at their recommendations.
posted by agregoli
on Nov 15, 2004 -
21 answers
My life is overflowing with stress. I have a wife and a 3 year old. We moved recently to a metropolitan area and we are having serious issues adjusting. I may have miscalculated the financial burden of where we are living, although we moved here to make more money, in addition my wife is starting two new jobs and is now having health problems (which she is blaming on the stress). Neither of us are the most organized people in the world and family won't be much help financially (in fact issues on my side of the family are adding to the stress). If you've been in this sort of situation, how the hell do I get out? What is the first step?
posted by anonymous
on Nov 15, 2004 -
7 answers
What's a good way to lower your blood pressure without medication?
posted by FunkyHelix
on Nov 8, 2004 -
23 answers
There's something long and hard inside my forearm, and it's not my radius or ulna! Tendonitis? Carpal tunnels? Repetitive Stress Injury? Keyboard allergy? Whatever you call it, I'm experiencing some pain and even a little numbness. I'm working on ergonomics, using ice and advil. A little massage. Rest. Any other suggestions? I will see a doctor but I welcome advice and anecdotes on computery injury / strain. Thanks!
posted by scarabic
on Nov 6, 2004 -
13 answers
Toefilter: Besides going to the doctor, do you have any good cures for a hangnail, especially if there's not much visible nail to cut off?
posted by drezdn
on Nov 1, 2004 -
7 answers
My voice has a nasal sound to it - not high-pitched-nasal, more like it sounds like I have a perpetually stuffy nose. Anything I can work on to change that, or am I stuck?
posted by ferociouskitty
on Oct 29, 2004 -
6 answers
Double Insurance Coverage: I am now in an interesting situation -- I am covered under my employer's health plan (Regence/Blue Cross Utah), and an individual plan I bought earlier. What kind of rules might exist about how coverage from each applies? [more inside]
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posted by weston
on Oct 28, 2004 -
6 answers
Adult acne & combination skin: have any MeFites won the battle over persistent & social-anxiety-creating skin problems? Want to share your secrets?
posted by anonymous
on Oct 22, 2004 -
24 answers
SickFilter:
If you caught a cold this week
and hacked and sneezed and lacked some sleep
And when you talk you simply squeak —
How do you ward off bronchitis?
[more inside]
posted by Happydaz
on Oct 22, 2004 -
9 answers
StrangeDiseaseFilter: After playing tonsil hockey with a girl a few days ago, I began to notice that my nose and throat was, to put it mildly, fouling up. She kindly informed me that she had the same problem when she was kissing me, but that it wasn't really going away. The strange thing is that there is no soreness or signs of swelling anywhere, just a slight dryness and a really foul smell. It bothers me, and I can only imagine what it does for those around me. Can anybody shed light on what I might have contracted?
posted by Jongo
on Oct 22, 2004 -
7 answers
This morning I woke up, coughed, and saw silver sparks in the air in front of my face. They were like little bits of airbourne lint, only silver, and not really there. I watched them pop up here and there for about ten seconds before they disappeared. I've seen them before, although not often, and the last occurrence was at least three or four years ago. They usually seem to appear spontaneously. Does anyone know what they are, and if they portend anything serious?
posted by orange swan
on Oct 22, 2004 -
32 answers
Male pubic hair grooming. Looking both for tips on tools, technique, etc. as well as the female response - i.e. should I even bother? If so, what's ideal? Shave? Trim? Wax? Rogaine? Clean it up? Lose it all? Dye it blue? Context: gf just got a bikini wax and i'm looking to return the favor as a surprise.
posted by rorycberger
on Oct 21, 2004 -
40 answers
Ladies of AskMe: Help! What are your best tried & true methods of preventing a yeast infection?
posted by anonymous
on Oct 16, 2004 -
20 answers
I'm having trouble getting health insurance in Illinois. I'm 25 years old, 6', 175 pounds, don't smoke, and in pretty good health, but I'm being categorically denied coverage because I've been taking Paxil CR for several months now. It's really changed my life, but now I seem to have been blacklisted. Has anyone else had any experience with this?
posted by anonymous
on Oct 12, 2004 -
9 answers
[CrampFilter] My son woke up again last night with cramp in his legs...its painful for him, and disturbing for us...(morecrammedinside)
[more inside]
posted by mattr
on Oct 12, 2004 -
25 answers
Are there any blogs/regularly updated web sites out there focusing on stem cells? I want to follow not only all the latest research (both successes and failures), but also ethics and related public policy so I'll know when to write my Congressperson.
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posted by Soliloquy
on Oct 10, 2004 -
8 answers
You Are Not A Doctor: Three weeks ago, I got a nasty head cold that never quite went away. It's now settled into my chest, and I have a chronic, slightly productive cough. Ordinarily, I would just wait it out, but I'm exhausted, can't really get a full breath, and the stuff I'm coughing up tastes like bleach. I swear, I haven't been inhaling or gargling bleach. I do have an appointment to see my doctor on Wednesday (the earliest I could get in,) but I was wondering if anyone else had had these symptoms and could tell me what caused them, so I can quit Googling medical conditions and diagnosing myself with lung abscesses and tuberculosis.
posted by headspace
on Oct 9, 2004 -
16 answers
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
I'm not expecting a cure: just stuff that's helped fellow sufferers.
Apart from the drugs I'm prescribed: I'm trying a low fat/dairy diet, taking multi-vitamins, fish oil & evening primrose oil (which, as a combinaton, aren't a bad thing for me)
Is there anything else that someone with MS has found helpful that I don't know about? I'm thinking about acupuncture? specific exercises? suppliments? or dietary changes? or anything really.
posted by selton
on Oct 5, 2004 -
12 answers
CatPeeFilter
We have 2 cats; one an ancient, sickly 17+ year-old male and the other one a 2 year-old male. The 2 year-old has started peeing in weird places around the house (on top the dryer!!) like he's marking territory, although he's always been dominant. They both share a large catbox that's kept fairly clean. Any thoughts?
posted by jpburns
on Oct 3, 2004 -
11 answers
Catastrophic health insurance (in the US): I've just been laid off and am losing health care benefits. The COBRA premiums are insane--I'm looking for something cheap that will cover near-death experiences. (I will turn to the bottle for any minor ailments.) Anyone have any advice or plan suggestions?
posted by mookieproof
on Sep 30, 2004 -
16 answers
Does anyone else here have a bad disease? How do you deal with it-especially the bad days? [MI]
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posted by aacheson
on Sep 22, 2004 -
30 answers
