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If you are childless not by choice -- if you actively tried to get pregnant for some amount of time and it didn't happen, and especially if you got no clear diagnosis of a cause for infertility, this question is for you. How did you go from trying to having tried? What did that process look like for you and how did you cope with it? Both practical and emotional "how"s would be very much appreciated. [more inside]
posted by cabbage raccoon at 10:40 AM - 8 answers

Most days I use a wrist brace like one of these when using a mouse. Over time, they get smelly. After washing, they don't smell, but after a day or two of use, they start smelling again, unlike when first purchased, where they lasted over a week. How do I keep them from smelling after only a day or two of use? [more inside]
posted by Hactar at 11:25 AM - 12 answers

My therapist is recommending Lifespan Integration, but the LI website looks a little... marketing-y? If you have used LI (either as a therapist or someone receiving therapy) do you have any experiences/feedback to share? [more inside]
posted by splitpeasoup at 9:27 AM - 3 answers

I get what seems to me (a non-medically trained, but scientifically educated person) sinus issues more or less every winter - even when it's not especially cold out, although it sure feels it because it's humid this year. Doctors are not really helping me in depth, please suggest ideas to be my own health advocate and/or manage the symptoms (detailed within)... [more inside]
posted by KMH at 4:17 AM - 14 answers

specifics within, but what it says on the tin. once a year? twice a year? [more inside]
posted by wooh at 7:45 PM - 6 answers

I fractured my shoulder and was told to use a sling to take the weight off it for 3 weeks. I already have a bad neck so wearing a sling isn't feasible as it has already set my neck off. Has anyone found or come up with a solution to this beyond sitting on the sofa with one's arm supported by cushions? I was thinking about a top with an inbuilt sling perhaps (a hoodie's pouch is too low).
posted by Lucy_32 at 12:34 PM - 11 answers

We signed up for new health insurance yesterday. (Thanks!) Our new insurance apparently starts today. We don't have our new member number or anything. We haven't yet cancelled the old insurance. Help, what happens?!? (USA, of course. RoW is too sensible for this nonsense.) [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 9:06 AM - 13 answers

What countries have stronger legal standards for supplements? [more inside]
posted by Art_Pot at 5:20 AM - 10 answers

I'm having a total knee replacement on December 18th. Are there any tips you might have for a good recovery? Any equipment you found helpful? Anything else? thanks.
posted by DMelanogaster at 6:29 AM - 18 answers

My parents have severe long COVID and no energy to fight for treatment. I am desperate to find something that would give them just a little relief, especially because my mom was already somewhat informed prior to catching COVID. Help? [more inside]
posted by The Adventure Begins at 5:57 PM - 13 answers

What's it like having health insurance through Cigna? Are they better, worse, or the same as other insurers? What has your experience been with getting things covered? Is their customer service accessible and well-trained? Are they friendly? [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 9:13 PM - 9 answers

What is it about young children’s physiology that makes them get overexcited and irritable when tired? I ask because I’m much more likely to get that sort of tired than the sleepy, sluggish typical adult tired.
posted by wheatlets at 6:11 PM - 15 answers

My dad is not doing so hot; my grandmother, on the other hand, is celebrating her 103rd birthday in a couple weeks. My mom and sister want to visit grandma, but someone needs to be at home with my dad. Who to call? [more inside]
posted by restless_nomad at 9:54 AM - 3 answers

Nor am I asking anyone on the net for medical advice -- but would take ideas and opinions. Today at 11ish I began to get a pang about once a minute just about where I figure my appendix is [more inside]
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 4:35 PM - 17 answers

What should I do with my days? [more inside]
posted by figaro at 1:25 PM - 30 answers

I used to run for exercise, but I had to stop after developing plantar fasciitis (still suffering from it, going on eight months now). I switched to riding a stationary bike, but now I have to stop because I developed hip pain. What do I do now? [more inside]
posted by akk2014 at 10:18 AM - 32 answers

A few times per year I'll notice a localized spot on my skin that for a day or two is mysteriously very achy in an odd feverish way, typically worsening when pressed or touched. The spot moves around (mostly somewhere on an arm, leg or hand) and there's never any visible lesion or injury associated with it. Sometimes this precedes the onset of a cold or flu, but not always. Do other people get this? Does anybody know a name or a potential explanation? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph at 12:53 PM - 11 answers

If you are lactose intolerant, and eat lactose, how long afterwards do your symptoms appear and how long do they last? [more inside]
posted by Vatnesine at 10:55 AM - 12 answers

I've been in physical hell for a couple years after much milder issues for about 5. Doctors sort of shug and suggest maybe Fibromyalgia despite saying a lot of my symptoms don't line up, do yoga, keep moving, try this diet or that. I went gluten free, anti-inflammatory , etc. Doctors aren't concerned but I am concerned it could be something bigger and want to rule it out. Where can I get a private pay test for the cheapest? [more inside]
posted by ReluctantViking at 1:54 PM - 18 answers

Or at least on certain days? Curious what happened, both to your mood and physically. [more inside]
posted by Eyelash at 6:36 AM - 19 answers