Ask MetaFilter

I was recently diagnosed and briefly (4 nights) hospitalised with sudden and severe iron-deficient anaemia. I've been back home for a week and a half and am waiting on results/further tests and (oh the joy) a colonoscopy next week. My haemoglobin levels dropped extremely rapidly but are back up a little since I've had two iron IV treatments. My GP and docs at hospital are a bit mystified, but things are moving slowly (I'm in the UK, so this is all through the NHS). My GP is doing what she can to keep investigating, and in the meantime has signed me off work and told me to rest while I receive treatment and investigation. I do feel a lot better than I did (horrible headache and pounding in ears has decreased) but I am very tired, and just... not sure how to be ill? While I feel better, I'm not at all living a normal life, so it's hard to know how I'd feel if I was trying to go to work/walk around etc. For those of you who've been in similar circumstances, how do you cope? Do you try to have a routine? [more inside]
posted by sedimentary_deer at 9:03 AM - 7 answers

Registered Counseling (talk "therapy") as an adjunct/ add-on to pharmaceutical interventions for major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety. What kinds of things is it good for? [more inside]
posted by porpoise at 8:06 PM - 19 answers

My job is extremely stressful and uncertain right now. My home situation is also extremely suboptimal, so it's just sort of miserable on all fronts. I have a doctor's appointment to talk about allergies on Friday. Can I also talk to her about this stress and maybe broach the subject of medical leave? [more inside]
posted by mygothlaundry at 3:57 PM - 10 answers

I do not want any weight loss advice or even a hint of it. I am very heavy right now, I am trying to figure out ways to be more mobile in the body I have right now, I don't know who to ask or even what to ask, and my doctor hasn't made any suggestions. Regardless of why I am having mobility issues, I am having them and I deserve to be given information to make my life more livable, I'd welcome suggestions on who to ask and where to go. More inside. [more inside]
posted by A Fine Kettle of Socks at 2:46 PM - 21 answers

I've received some very distressing news about a loved one that pulls at one of my worst anxiety triggers (imagine a worst case scenario. And then it comes true. That.) As it often happens, it comes with a cluster of other stressful events. I'm having trouble coping. [more inside]
posted by Nieshka at 12:38 PM - 11 answers

I have already left a message for my doctor but looking for anecdata to quell anxiety while I wait for them to call back. [more inside]
posted by nayantara at 5:36 AM - 19 answers

Deep bass in music can increase a person's feeling of power - what are other momentary actions (not like diet, exercise, learning a long- term practice like medicine) that work this way or have promise to, or work for you?
posted by anonymous at 2:09 AM - 19 answers

I'm an alchoholic binge drinker. I drink way more than I should on the weekend. I am looking for something that can take the place of beer, but the catch is that I want it to sorta achieve the same feeling of being drunk. I know I should actually replace it with something like exercize or a passionate hobby, but I am NOT at that stage, and I also NEED to stop drinking. [more inside]
posted by ggp88 at 1:31 AM - 28 answers

Anxious since childhood, I had a bad episode in my mid-20s (about a decade ago) and started on Lexapro. I thought the meds would be a temporary fix while I got my shit together, but my attempts to quit have been disastrous and left me feeling worse than ever. I’m back on it again after a nightmarish meds-free year. How do I cope with the fact that I’ll be on meds for life? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:35 AM - 26 answers

I've been a seasonal allergy person most of my life, but this past season has knocked me out and made me sicker than ever. I am here to learn from your combined wisdom. [more inside]
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 9:05 AM - 21 answers

Twelve years ago, my friend was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Yesterday, he was told that he has been cancer-free for long enough that he no is no longer eligible for cancer-care services. I am wondering if anyone has gone through a similar situation and if you can recommend resources, articles, or ideas that can help shepherd him not this new stage of his life. [more inside]
posted by PatchesPal at 8:19 AM - 5 answers

About two years ago, I decided to take advantage of the sudden work-from-home situation and start Invisalign. I found an orthodontist nearby and initiated treatment. Now, two+ years and two failed attempts later, and I'm wondering what my options are. [more inside]
posted by tealcoffeecup at 7:59 AM - 13 answers

DNA testing filter - what's the current / future value of medical info that can now be extracted from consumer test services, in the context of a complete lack of 50% of family medical history ? [more inside]
posted by protorp at 2:52 AM - 3 answers

I quite often have a beard, and I prefer a longer one. However I am aware that beards reduce the effectiveness of masks worn to lower the risk of contracting COVID. So I have been either clean shaven or keeping my beard length to <= 5mm for the last couple of years. What are my best options in terms of mask shape/brand/type and beard length? My goal is to have the longest possible beard that is consistent with still having some protection against airborne virus.
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 8:22 PM - 4 answers

I've been in therapy for the past six months or so. I feel like the first few months were great, but my progress has slowed down significantly since then. I'm looking for ways to pick up the speed. [more inside]
posted by akk2014 at 11:29 AM - 9 answers

Looking for advice on avoiding occasional cannabis side effects. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:45 AM - 9 answers

Since as far back as I can remember, I have been plagued by an intense, pervasive fear of experiencing brutal retaliation following any form of confrontation, regardless of its severity. Specifically, this is the fear of violent home invasion or arson while I sleep. My therapist has told me to meditate, which has not been helpful, but does anyone have any tips and tricks for feeling safer at night, or any anecdotes and/or statistics to help alleviate this fear? [more inside]
posted by oxfordcomma at 7:39 PM - 16 answers

I bought a Schwinn IC4 stationary bike and signed up for Zwift. Any tips on getting the most out of Zwift? One question I have: since the Schwinn has a manual resistance knob, how do I know when to adjust this when I'm using Zwift?
posted by GernBlandston at 6:04 AM - 2 answers

I am having keyhole meniscus repair surgery in a couple of weeks, have never had a general anaesthetic or any kind of surgery before. I live on my own in a fairly inconvenient house and am quite solitary. Help me prepare to get through the recovery process and manage my anxiety. [more inside]
posted by ElasticParrot at 1:55 PM - 20 answers

I’ve been gradually tapering off my SSRI and over the past month have been waking up several times per week with panic attacks. Help? [more inside]
posted by Maarika at 10:48 AM - 7 answers