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My mother has invited her children to her home to divide up her possessions before she passes away. I think she'll be around for 5-10 years, depending on the outcome of an upcoming surgery and her genetics. Any tips for doing this in a way that does not damage relationships? [more inside]
posted by mecran01 at 11:26 AM - 10 answers

Are you eating? Don't read this. So I'm super sick. I went to test this morning and did the throat first but what came out of my throat was so gross I didn't want to put it in my nose, so I got another swab and did the brain swab with that, then I stuck BOTH swabs in the same vial of liquid. So my question was going to be is that ok....but...Then after the two minutes the content of the vial was so thick that I couldn't squeeze out a drop and then when I forced it, the dropper lid exploded off... [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 4:30 AM - 23 answers

As per my last question, I've been taking Miralax almost everyday—forgot one day because it was hard to get into the habit. Unfortunately, my constipation has remained steady, and now my lower back/side/stomach hurts and throbs because I'm most assumedly constipated, but despite walking, taking Miralax, drinking water, trying to incorporate more fiber, etc., nothing is helping. YANMD. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 8:02 PM - 36 answers

How long does it take for the hair to grow back after this fungal infection (treating with oral anti-fungals)? My 11 year old niece has lost two nickel size patches of her long curly hair due to getting ringworm on her scalp. She is very distressed and anxious to know when it will grow back. [more inside]
posted by CancerSucks at 7:08 PM - 2 answers

Please share your experiences with and knowledge of Cold Capping. [more inside]
posted by Ginesthoi at 5:18 AM - 5 answers

I decided recently to switch from wearing RGPs to soft contact lenses. Yesterday I was fitted with Biofinity monthly lenses and will be wearing them for a couple weeks before I decide to continue or try a different brand. There are so many online retailers to purchase from... are there ones that I should stick to or avoid? [more inside]
posted by extramundane at 5:09 PM - 7 answers

I broke my little toe. I have to wear a boot for 3 weeks. I can't drive or cycle wearing a boot, so can I just buddy strap the toe for those activities? [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 6:16 AM - 18 answers

I've been experiencing GI issues for six months now, with a new change in condition about 9 days ago. Please share your experiences and knowledge of what I should do and what might be going on. Descriptions of BM below the fold. [more inside]
posted by shocks connery at 6:07 AM - 7 answers

I had a Telehealth appt with my endocrinologist recently and she asked me if I'd been able to find a doctor local to me. I don't want to. I'll explain why inside. [more inside]
posted by nayantara at 8:53 PM - 14 answers

I will see my doctor about this but it's so bizarre that I was wondering if anyone had experienced anything similar. [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 1:06 PM - 10 answers

I have developed a rare disease which causes pockets of inflammation throughout the body. I have developed these inflammations in my brain stem. I have been feeling mild neuro symptoms for a few months now and my neurooncologist (it's not cancer) wants to treat the disorder and shrink the inflammation in my medulla with a course of prednisone. The course starts at 100 mg a day for the 1st 2 weeks and titrates down 20 mg every 2 weeks, all over the course of 16 weeks. I am also taking 2 accompanying meds to avoid pneumonia and stomach ulcer. [more inside]
posted by primate moon at 11:13 AM - 10 answers

I get EAP benefits (10 therapy sessions per year) and I'd really like to find a therapist who's willing to help me work on boundaries with friends/managing expectations at home. I'm male. [more inside]
posted by bbqturtle at 5:03 AM - 12 answers

I need help with words to de-escalate my father's REACTION to my mother's bipolar episode. She's not too manic, I believe she's relatively safe, but ABSOLUTELY annoying. Earlier my father sent frantic texts for HELP!, "She's threatening to leave him and will not see a doctor." A few hours later, I'm thinking it was mostly just a fight between two emotionally dysregulated people. I'm more concerned bout talking him down than I am about her. [more inside]
posted by Che boludo! at 2:25 AM - 9 answers

My triglycerides are high. They have been high in the past, but came down to well within normal when I got on thyroid medication that brought my TSH down to around 1. Well, my TSH is back up and my triglycerides are back up. My doctor doesn’t feel comfortable adjusting my thyroid medication and wants me to see an endocrinologist. She is concerned about my triglycerides and wants me to take a drug with known side effects of muscle wasting and shouldn’t be taken if you have had gallstones. Well… [more inside]
posted by Bottlecap at 7:10 PM - 5 answers

CW: Medical trauma, near-death experiences. Hi AskMe. I'd appreciate some help processing something which happened a couple days back, or at least advice on how best to do so. Details of the situation inside. [more inside]
posted by Alensin at 4:36 PM - 16 answers

Ideally, I'd like a treadmill to be max 66" long when in the down position. Ceilings are low (but I'm short), but I'd still love a treadmill with a great incline. As high as I can tolerate it without hitting my head. [more inside]
posted by raztaj at 12:57 PM - 2 answers

I've had a bout of constipation about a few weeks ago, and after trying some stool softeners without success, my doctor suggested I take Miralax. As I am taking iron infusions once a week, she also suggested I take the Miralax everyday to help my constipation. However, the Miralax bottle says not to take it beyond the 7-day max. YANMD. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 7:01 AM - 19 answers

I'm trying to learn more about Distraction Osteogenesis Maxillary Expansion (DOME) treatment for sleep apnea. Is there any data about efficacy / long term success rate for those who want to stop using a CPAP? How do I get ahold of it and compare it to other treatment methods? [more inside]
posted by rouftop at 12:29 PM - 7 answers

I can hear high-frequency sounds from some electronics (as discussed here). Does anyone know what frequencies these electronics are buzzing at? [more inside]
posted by lab.beetle at 11:09 AM - 13 answers

My wife has pulmonary fibrosis and is on nasal oxygen. Sometimes at night the nasal cannula gets displaced and her pO2 goes down. Can someone recommend a device that measures blood oxygen while sleeping and gives a good alarm if the pO2 goes below a set level? Thanks!
posted by spulver at 9:24 AM - 5 answers