#additionally hard when you have no diagnosis

[bli-o]

hey autistic people who get overwhelmed by large groups or noise or conversation or etc etc etc you’re not evil for wanting to leave a family gathering. just so you know.

[catboybiologist]

About to fall asleep ramble time, this has been kicking around in my brain for a bit and I need to get some form of this thought out

I was diagnosed with ADHD and gender dysphoria one day after the other back in August. Extremely stereotypically zillenial of me, I know. Handling both of these has dramatically improved my quality of life. yes yes insert discourse about how much you need to have dysphoria as a diagnosis, it's just a tool for the medical system that's ultimately meaningless, that's not what this is about.

There's one thing that was really, really weird about the experience of getting care for both of these.

Most treatment and public talk of transition and motivations to transition are about misery. How much despair your birth sex gives you and how gender affirming care is the only stopgap against suicide (oftentimes, used as a barrier to entry that it should only be given when it's at the suicidal point). How crushing dysphoria is.

In contrast, most of the public perception of ADHD is this cutesy, "omg look I'm so quirky" kind of thing. People talk of ADHD "superpowers" and how neat it is to have hyperfixations (I'm low key starting to dislike that word, even though it's an accurate description of many things- it's very overused).

My actual experience has been almost exactly the opposite.

I absolutely had gender dysphoria, and still do, and misery associated with being AMAB. But is that what defines my trans experience? No, and in fact, it feels like a more incidental blip in it. My trans experience has mostly been defined by joy, by feeling my mind and body slowly make me more and more content with my default existence day after day. And the exploration of it all! The social roles, the romantic dynamics, the friendship dynamics, even small aesthetics like clothes and makeup, and again, the body and mood changes. It's incredible and it brings me joy so much of the time. That, more than anything, has defined my trans experience.

In contrast.... ADHD has objectively made nearly every aspect of my life more miserable. Working with my therapist and my pysch, as well as feeling what it's like to be properly medicated, have shown me extremely well how much the constant feelings of misery I always seemed to have were caused by ADHD. ADHD means being unable to receive a baseline level of dopamine to function under normal circumstances, so your brain starts looking for any way it can get new sources. And wouldn't ya know it, novel stimuli are a perfect way to do that. Keep in mind that dopamine isn't just "the pleasure molecule" it's a neurotransmitter with a broad range of functions. If you don't have ADHD, or even if you do, I want you to think about how miserable of an existence that is. Your default state is depression and inability to do things. It has been for me for most of my life. Additionally, anxieties creep into your head and distract you far more easily. You're less functional. You can't do simple things most of the time. You're distracted and have anxiety spikes easily. Continuous tasks are hard. And day in, day out... You are miserable. Almost constantly.

Oh also, you're easily addicted to extreme novel stimuli. For me, it was self harm. And when that stopped working... Well, I was in a state of mostly background depression that was only punctuated by spikes of massive, overwhelming anxiety that my brain hooked itself on. At a certain point, I just wanted it to end, by any means necessary.

It's been almost ten years since that day, and at this point I can genuinely say that I'm glad I'm still here.

But it wasn't dysphoria that did that (it contributed a bit, but still wasn't the biggest factor). Or a depressive disorder. Or bipolar. Or whatever the big, more "scary" mental illnesses or neurodivergencies are. They tried to treat me for some of them, and it ended horribly. My symptoms fit mixed presentation ADHD perfectly, including my physiological response to stimulants. They don't fit anything else. I likely don't have any strong comorbidities, unless you count the symptom-level anxiety and depression. ADHD did all of that to me. The "cute and quirky" one.

By the time I got around to a diagnosis, my pysch was astounded that I made it as far as I did with symptoms as severe as mine. Tackling ADHD has removed so much misery from my life, it's indescribable. Adderall has been the only thing that has ever actually gotten rid of my constant anxiety.

It's not fucking cute. Keeping with this being the flip side to my dysphoria, I do try to keep it light most of the time, and I join in on all of the classic "whoopsie doopsie my ADHD" trains and jokes. You don't have to stop making those, hell, they're fun. There are cute and funny parts to having ADHD, and ways it's made my personality what it is. But don't forget that this is also something that makes people genuinely suffer well beyond the "oopsie I'm such a procrastinator!!!" Type thing.

Idk where this thought is going. It's just kind of an observation that's been kicking around in my head for a bit. So uh. Hope it at least generates discussion? Feel free to add your experiences if you think it'll help you. But fuck I need to sleep lol

[gabrielsbubblegumbitch]

It doesn't seem to get discussed very often, but what's it like to have comorbid ASD and NPD?

hard

No but seriously it's like playing Squid Games when you don't know the rules (and everyone else does). How do I suppose to get my social validation without understanding what people expect from me??

Also it makes treatment very hard because line between maladaptive NPD pattern and adaptive ASD strategy is very blurry. For example, one therapist told me that I need to stop thinking so much about how other see me. Because that's narcissistic and constant performing prevents me form forming genuine connections. Okay Gretchen, but have you ever experienced consequences of smooching your classmate on the lips in front of everyone because being 7 you were convinced that kissing is just expression of love and you loved your best friend? And you had no idea that people have different boundaries and it's socially unacceptable for girls to kiss girls, even platonically? Cause I did and that's why I know I can't just "stop thinking" what is acceptable, and what is not. Not only for my own benefit of being liked but also to not make others uncomfortable.

It's also a constant internal struggle to identify if something I do/feel is just me being autistic (normal, I can't help it) or me being narcissistic (bad, evil, should be treated). Or maybe it's all narcissistic, I just use autism as an excuse because narcissism is undesirable pathology so ofc as a narcissist I would like to distance myself from it? Seriously stigma around narcissism fucked me up. Additionally it severly influences the way NPD is treated by medical professionals. One German psychiatrist I know told me that his hospital avoids giving poeple NPD diagnosis because "it's like telling someone that they are certified shitty person". My friend I met during the group therapy was constantly criticized for forgetting about stuff and being "insensitive to others needs" and therapists blamed it on his narcissism, that "makes him so self absorbed he's incapable of paying attention to the outside world". It turned out the guy just has ADHD. It's seriously such a struggle to explain people that suppose to help you that you are not that bad, you are not careless, you seriously want to be a well adjusted person but there are some things you cannot easily change.

Also it fascinates me how little research exists about connection between NPD and neurodivesity (I have some theories why's that but I don't have enough evidence to make any serious claims). It's an anecdotal evidence but out of 11 people with diagnosed NPD I know, 7 of them have ASD or ADHD. And to me it makes so much sense because one of major factors influencing development of NPD is feeling of inadequacy. Yeah, constantly failing at social interactions and basic chores while everyone seems to be doing just fine and you have no idea what you could do better makes you feel pretty fuckin inadequate. Of course there are other things required to form PD but that's a great start.

[itsaspectrumcomic]

man ok idk if youll be able to advise on this or something but like. do you know anything regarding dealing with like internalised ableism?

i live in a rural part of ireland, right? and idk what it is about rural ireland but some of the people are heinous. my school is in a small miserable-ass town and like. God, man. not everyone sucks, of course but like. jesus lol additionally i have a ~mildly ableist~ mother (a "we're all a little bit autistic" and "erm. youre not disabled because youre not in a wheelchair or blind/deaf" etc etc type stuff. + "npd = bad person" which isnt particularly good for me specifically because i have npd (that i both Cant get an official diagnosis for, for various reasons, and im not really Looking for one either because i know what i am and its not like you get support for it because ~ooh scary narcissist~.)

and like. idk if this is Obvious but that can kinda cause a weird-ass relationship with You (being Me in this case, yk how it is with the second person perspective when. ranting) and The Concept Of Being Disabled. like, objectively. im disabled. im autistic, ive definitely got adhd (that im hopefully going to get examined for at some point cause college stuff requires it for the disability forums and stuff. gotta love that. fuckin 80% comorbidity right?), ive got a laughable number of repetative strain injuries, i have a sensory processing disorder, an endocrine disease that effects my Entire cardiovascular system, a spine that felt a lil quirky and bent in too much. so on a so forth

but also like. it feels wrong to call myself disabled. yk, like im doing a disservice to all the other ~actually~ disabled people (being Anyone but me lol) (none of this is At All helped by the fact that my mother refuses to listen to me regarding Jack Shit about my health in Any way. "oh you nearly passed out on top of a hill because of your cardiovascular condition? erm youre just not exercising enough actually" "you dont have depression [said while i was filling out an assigned mood diary after being forcefully brought to camhs for Reasons" like. shut the fuck up and Listen to me please. at least Entertain the idea that i could be right about something for fucking once lmao. cause ive been right about EVERYTHING regarding my mental health so fucking far so. fuck off /nay ofc) (also man. like, even if you ignored the physical issues ive got im still disabled on account of being autistic. like, motor function is fine, despite being a lil clumsy and/or unsteady sometimes but like. my emotional needs are Fucked. think of the response youd get if you asked a. fuckin. 8 year old or something to do algebra. but with a very emotionally stunted and traumatised 17 year old lol. lmao, even /lh)

so like. if youve got. any advice or whatever on any of this thatd be Super cool + no pressure obvs. sorry this is a whole. like. fucking essay's worth of Random Guy Complaining To You On The Internet lol

-🐢 <- just so i can find this again if you respond. i Like Turtles. i am Normal about the tmnt and also turtles The Creatures. i wont talk at length about turtle mutant anatomy (i am deceiving you)

Internalised ableism is a really hard thing to deal with, especially when you're surrounded by people who constantly re-enforce it. I've also spent a lot of time worrying that I'm not disabled 'enough' to deserve certain accommodations, that I'm making an unnecessary fuss. But the truth is, autism IS a disability and if there are accommodations that can help support you, you deserve access to them. You're not taking away from others with disabilities by advocating for yourself.

It's taken me a long time to understand this and I still worry sometimes. What has helped is talking about my experiences with people I know understand, like my therapist or best friend, and learning about the experiences of other autistic people through books, social media, YouTube and even real life.

I'm sorry your mother and others aren't being understanding - remember that's a them problem, not you, and try to spend your time with people who do understand.

🐢🐢🐢 <- the turtles wish you luck

[hargrove-mayfields]

Disabled Billy and Steve Week

Day 5- New Diagnosis

My prompt: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Billy

-•-•-•-

For what must be the tenth time in the last month, Heather is parked outside of the hospital, her baby girl in the backseat, but the passenger side empty, waiting for Billy to get back.

The doctors have been running tests and screenings at appointment after appointment. He’s been… struggling. Ever since Isabella was born, his mental health had plummeted. It was never perfect, but for the first time, Heather was genuinely afraid.

Watching her husband pick his scalp until it bled and turned his golden hair red, or wash his face until he got a rash because his freckles started bothering him, was terrifying.

The fear isn’t eased when Billy walks out with a prescription bag, and red eyes that make it clear he’s been crying.

“What did they say?” Heather asks, as soon as he opens the car door.

Billy takes his time answering. He seems like he’s in shock.

Heather would hold his hand, but he has to sanitize, take off his mask, then sanitize again. An obsession.

Somehow, Heather isn’t shocked when Billy finally mumbles, “It’s ocd.”

Honestly, she doesn’t know what to feel. She’s been researching, scrolling on a tablet for hours after Billy is asleep to see what professionals all around the world would diagnose her husband with. But none of that preparation had told her how to feel.

Some part of it is relief, to finally have answers and be able to help Billy manage his symptoms. Another little piece of her heart is scared for how Billy will be feeling through all of this.

She decides to let him tell her, “Is that a good thing? A bad thing? Talk to me, sugar cube.”

“I just need a minute Hetty. That’s all.” Billy tries to smile, but it’s more like a grimace. It hurts to see him like that, but Heather will give him his space.

Instead of bothering him more, she just checks on him every now and again, seeing him glance back at the baby using the mirror that points down at her rear-facing car seat literally every few seconds.

When they get back home, which isn’t far since they knew their array of medical issues would require them being close to a hospital, Billy takes the baby straight inside and lays on the couch with her, just closing her eyes and cuddling her as tight as he feels safe to cuddle her little body.

Heather gives him a kiss on the cheek, and goes to take her own meds, calling from the kitchen, “What are you feeling for dinner tonight, baby?”

Silence. She comes back in, and Billy is in tears. Their little girl is biting his shirt and dozing off, and Billy is trying not to shake too hard with each sob.

His red eyes lock onto her, his lower lip wobbling, “Am I a bad dad?”

“Biscuits for dinner it is.” Heather declares softly, deciding he needs one of his comfort foods at the moment. Additionally, she takes the baby in her arms and comforts Billy with her words, “And no. Sweetie, you’re the best dad in the world.”

It barely helps anything. Billy is spiraling, “But I’m the reason the baby room is so plain. It takes me three times as long as you to change a diaper and I can’t cook for my wife and my kid because I have panic attacks if the oven timer is the wrong number. I can’t clip my baby’s nails cause I might go too short, I can’t hold her when she’s hyper and moving too much- I can’t even fucking be trusted with myself, let alone her little life!”

After all that, Billy takes a shaky, tear-filled breath in, “This OCD shit sucks.”

“None of that means you’re bad though. Your way of doing things is particular, but baby, you’re still here, and you’re doing your best for our girl.” Heather soothes gently.

He scoffs at himself, wiping his eyes more aggressively than necessary, “That’s the bare minimum.”

“Some parents can’t do that. Your mother didn’t.” It probably stings, but it’s reality. One of Billy’s biggest fears when they got pregnant with Isabella was becoming like his parents, or worse. Heather needs him to know that’s not the case.

“Hetty-“ Billy’s face pinches up, like he doesn’t know whether to be hurt or not.

So Heather decides to offer a little bit more insight, and maybe lessen the blow of the brutal reality, “My mom didn’t either. She drugged herself out of her mind and missed my whole childhood. I don’t have any memories from before I was ten. But Bella’s gonna have so so many with you.”

It seems to work, with Billy even smiling as he looks at their little girl and takes it all in, “Do you think she’ll think I’m weird?”

“Honey bun, every kid thinks their parents are weird at some point. But I do know she’s going to think you’re the most loving father a little one could ask for.” Heather chuckles softly.

Now it’s her turn to feel a little bit of panic.

See, Heather has a secret, and seeing as Billy could use a little cheering up, she decides to let him in on it. She takes his hand in hers, and places it on her stomach, right above her scar, “Two little ones, actually.”

Instantly she sees the difference in Billy, and the way his eyes light up. He sits bolt upright and hugs her tight, crying now but for a much better reason.

“Holy shit, baby! How long have you known?”

“Four days. But I’m six weeks along.” Heather enthuses, combing her fingers lovingly through his long curls.

Billy looks like he’s calculating, then he gasps, “Six weeks- Hetty, that’s almost a quarter of the way!”

“I know! Hopefully it’ll fly by like the last one.” Heather laughs softly in pure joy.

Her pregnancy with Isabella was relatively easy, and the number of seizures she had even stayed consistent since her epilepsy medications were safe for her and baby. The worst thing was the morning sickness, but it passed early on enough that she’d somehow enjoyed pregnancy.

Billy had been a wreck, between his emotions and his fears. It took days of promising that she’d be okay when she was nine months in and he’d been scheduled for a work trip before he felt safe to leave her by herself.

At the moment, he doesn’t seem as panicked as he’d been before, but he does fret- “No, no, no, no- I need time. I need to work on stuff.”

Heather cups his face sympathetically, “Bubs, I already told you-“

But Billy interrupts to tell her she’d misinterpreted, “Not personal stuff, lover. I mean I literally need to work on fixing this shitty house up if we’re gonna have two littles running around.”

“First, we need dinner.” Heather happily changes subjects then, but sternly puts her hands on her hips when Billy gets up to help, “Don’t even think about it. This baby bun is literally the size of a grain of rice, I don’t need you butlering yet.”

“Please let me. I feel like I’m buzzing inside.” Billy begs, pouting his bottom lip out in that way that’s always made Heather feel soft.

She rolls her eyes playfully, and hands him a snoozy Bella back, the little one year old reaching for her daddy too, “Put baby girl in her high chair. I could use your help washing fruit.”

“Fruit and.. biscuits?” Billy looks absolutely perplexed by her dinner choices.

Oh how Heather loves this boy.

“No, silly. I’m making you biscuits. Bella can’t eat stuff like that yet though.”

A flush strikes Billy’s cheeks a deep red color- Heather's favorite since she met her soulmate in a pair of swim trunks the same shade- “How the hell do you remember all that stuff?”

Heather just shrugs, though her point is that it’s not as easy as it seems, “Because I don’t have two hundred other things to remember in a day. That and I read a lot of books when I was bedridden. C-sections give lots of time for learning.”

She also goes out into the kitchen, fishing ingredients out of the pantry and measuring utensils out of the cabinets. Billy steps behind her, his hand on the small of her back so she doesn’t bump into him, to reach into the fridge for some strawberries, blueberries, and grapes.

“I’d probably lose my marbles trying to keep track of what’s real and what’s pseudoscience garbage.“ Billy huffs, while portioning out fruit to clean.

It makes Heather recall a time when they were about to be parents and she couldn’t, “Right? Remember when I thought it was bad to sleep on my side when I was pregnant?”

“Changed your tune real quick when the back pain hit.” Billy laughs lightheartedly.

Heather takes the opportunity to reiterate what she’d promised Billy before, “Exactly. Nobody gets everything perfect on the first try.”

She looks over, and Billy is just staring at her lovingly. That was exactly what he needed to hear. Heather smiles back, and blows a kiss, a little puff of dough flour coming from her hands.

Billy acts like he catches the kiss, and puts it to his heart. Nothing beats flirting like dumb, lovestruck teenagers.

Until a piercing wail cuts it off.

Bella over in her high chair starts crying her little head off, Heather guesses because she missed a nap earlier while they were waiting for Billy to finish his appointment.

That sound to them as new parents is instant panic, all the time, and Heather isn’t sure when that feeling will end. Until it does, she knows it’s been hitting Billy harder, and decides to let him take care of it, in the form of an offer, “You wanna get her, bubs?”

Just like she predicted, he’s already drying his hands on the apron not around his own waist, but on Heathers, and running to grab the baby, “Already on it.”

Heather just smiles after him, proud and fond all at the same time. Throw any new diagnosis their way, and they can handle it. Just Billy, her and Isabella, and their little bean on the way. An unbreakable family.

~~~~~

Interested in helping the community? Today’s organization that I’ve chosen to highlight is the Peace of Mind foundation.

POM is part of the international OCD foundation, which means they are recognized as being on of the most beneficial sites for individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder.

On the site, folks can access information about their disability, seek positive affirmations, reach out to care teams, and provide education to family members or carers to make sure the individual is getting the best treatment.

While the site uses language that I personally see as demeaning, I still thought it was important to highlight what they do for the community. I also couldn’t find a single charity or organization that didn’t use the word “suffering” to describe living with our disorder. I personally don’t see my OCD that way, but as I said, I wanted to show that there is a foundation out there trying to support us.

The site accepts donations, saying they will go towards families, therapists, support teams, and of course individuals with OCD. If you’re interested in reading more on your own and forming your own view, click here and the link will take you to the site!

[multiplicity-positivity]

Hi!! Two questions for yall, and thanks in advance for your time + answers

First off, for context, we're a system with trauma, but we've been pretty sure we're non-disordered until recently after seeing a couple of info posts about did and osdd

First question! We saw in one of your posts that you guys used to think you were endogenic, then later discovered you had DID. We were wondering how that worked, since we thought the amnesia would be noticable? This isnt us doubt your experiences btw! We're wondering because we're trying to understand if our experience might be similar.

Second question-- maybe not the best people to ask since you all are a DID system lol, but do you have any idea how much of your childhood it's normal to remember/forget? We really arent sure if our amount of memory of our childhood would count as amnesia or not, since for any given age range/grouping of years we can usually recall some explicit facts (ex: we were in this grade, we took part in this consistent activity) and maybe one or two snapshot memories of specific places/days, but not a whole lot beyond that. We only have our own experience to go off of, so we dont have any idea if it's an abnormal amount of memory, or if it's like that for everyone.

Thank you for running this blog! It helped us figure out we were plural in the first place, and it's a source of comfort when we're feeling lonely in our plural experience, so we're immensely grateful for the work you all put into creating this safe space for people like us :))

the folks who wrote this post aren’t fronting anymore (besides me but i’m just one piece of the pie). looks done enough to me so i’m posting it. the text is going under a cut bc it’s stinkin long, sorry about that.

🐢 kip

Hi! These are both really great questions, and we’ll do our best to answer them!

Yes, we did believe we were endogenic before we realized our system was trauma-formed. This was before our ANPs were aware of our trauma at all - we thought we were just quirky and forgetful, but not traumatized at all (boy were we wrong!).

In our system, we were vaguely aware that we were missing information, but we ignored the gaps, tried to avoid thinking about our childhood, and used projections of memories to fill in the blanks.

We’re not sure how common projections/pseudomemories are in systems, but here’s how projected memories worked for us:

Any negative or overt symptom of our disorder that distressed us was basically rationalized away or wiped by our brain and replaced with something harmless and tame, though factually wrong. So, for example, if Margo had a breakdown at work, or had some sort of interaction with a traumatized part that made it hard for her to function, later, she would forget about it entirely. Instead of having a gap where the distressing memory would be, we’d just have a projection of a typical, normal, or average day. She’ll feel like she can remember what happened, but what she remembers is entirely incorrect.

Additionally, we have tons of trauma responses that we never recognized as such. Our panic attacks and triggers we just said was our anxiety. Our fawning response we claimed was just because we were a “people pleaser.” The emotional flashbacks we /did/ remember, we wrote off as us being irrational and babyish.

In this way, we had no idea we were traumatized or a system for a very long time. It was a lot of denial, a lot of lying to ourselves, and a lot of minimizing and ignoring our own suffering. It was a very sad and unhealthy way to live, and we are so thankful we’ve received a proper diagnosis and are getting the help we’ve desperately needed for so long!

As for your second question:

We’ve never experienced having a normal, not broken memory. But our wife is not traumatized (at least not to the extent we were) and her memory functions much differently from us. She has ADHD, and therefore memory issues of her own, but her memory is more affected in the short term, and she has lots of memories of her childhood.

We can ask her what life was like for her at any age (after infancy) and she has a pretty good grasp on what was going on in her life, and can recall specific things that happened to her, what her life was like, and what was happening in her family. Of course, she can’t remember every single detail from her past, but she can easily recall the schools she went to, the friends she made, what she liked and didn’t like, and all sorts of other things.

For us… it’s quite different.

Growing up, our childhood was handled by different alters. As a result, our childhood memories are vague, fragmented, or completely nonexistent. The alters who fronted regularly during our childhood are currently trauma holders in our system. At this point in our life, they are blocked from the rest of us behind dissociative barriers, holding our childhood memories with them.

So we have some factual information about our childhood - info that was told to us by our friends and family over the years. We know things like the name of the schools we attended, what the house we grew up in looked like, how long we were homeschooled, and how well we got along with our siblings. This information doesn’t feel or look like memories to us. It feels like information from someone else’s past, even though it’s our own life. We suppose it’s because the memories from this time don’t belong to anyone who fronts regularly these days - they belong to the alters who lived them, who really don’t front that often anymore.

In our current fronting group, the most recent memories we have are from roughly 2011, when our current host split. So he remembers stuff from that time onward, and since he is usually frontstuck, the other members of our system remember too.

We’re probably doing a poor job of explaining this… it’s a really complicated topic, one that we’re not super educated on, and we’re trying to describe our experiences that we don’t even fully understand. Still, we hope this is able to answer your question at least to some extent…

If not, so sorry for rambling on and on without providing a definite answer! A therapist or mental health professional may be able to help you with this more than we can. But we hope someone who reads this will be able to get some use from it!

We’re so happy our blog has helped y’all in the past to learn more about yourselves and feel less alone! We hope we can continue to be helpful in the future. Thanks for reaching out - have a great day!

🌸 Margo, 🐢 Kip, and 💫 Parker

[bugbyte]

Bug gets an hEDS diagnosis

So it's been a minute since I've talked about ongoing health stuff, but I learned some new things this week and I'm posting because it's possible this will help somebody else on the path of "I think I have EDS, what do I do about it?" Throwing this under a read more because it's probably going to be pretty long.

For clarity, I'm located in the US, so depending on where you are, your version of this process may be different. Also, obviously, none of this is meant as medical advice because I am not a doctor, this is just a rough retelling of what I've experienced because it is a long, frustrating process, and when I started I had no idea what I was getting into. It would have helped me a lot to read a personal account of what it's like to go through this, and I hope this can help someone else in the same position maybe.

Also, if this is you, don't give up. It is long and frustrating and hard, and not always easily accessible, but if you can, I have found it worth pursuing the diagnosis. I have so many more options to help me now than I did when I started.

So: after a year and a half of constant doctors appointments and tests and various kinds of therapy and other nightmares, I've finally got an actual official diagnosis. Like I (and several doctors) thought from the beginning, I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, type 3 aka hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos aka hEDS. There are 13 subtypes of EDS that affect different types of connective tissue; type 3 is the most common, but is also the one type we do not know the gene for yet. (Although there is promising research happening currently and we might find the gene!)

The first step was explaining to my primary doctor the kind of issues that I have and just flat out stating that I've read about EDS, and it sounds absolutely strikingly like my lived experience. I emphasized that my joint pain and dislocations were impacting my quality of life and ability to work. She agreed, and referred me out to two other specialists: a physical medicine doctor, and a geneticist.

It then took about six months to get in to see the physical medicine doc, because every specialist under the sun is booked out until forever. You may have better or worse luck with this, but from what I've heard, wait times are awful everywhere. I was also sent for an echocardiogram, which is where they smear goop on your chest like an ultrasound and look at the size and shape of your heart. EDS can cause your heart tissue to stretch and potentially tear, which is bad for obvious reasons.

This doc (lucky for me) had a bunch of previous patients with EDS, and has slowly grown to pick up more over the years, which was really good news because it was easy to show and explain my problems. They set me up with physical therapy, some meds to try for the pain, referrals to a cardiologist, and sent a note to genetics to try and help expedite that process. (Spoiler: it did not help.)

At this point I should drop in this link, because there are a heap of good resources here that helped me a lot:

This person made several documents you can fill in the blanks on with your own information, which helps a) you understand what EDS is, b) explain EDS to doctors who don't know anything about it (more common than you'd think) and c) organize all the relevant information you need for appointments, bringing it up with your primary, and so forth. I discovered this a bit into my journey and it was so helpful.

Additionally, the EDS Society has a lot of information and printable stuff for taking to your doctor or other people who might need education.

Okay, link tangent over.

I spent the time from December 2021 through maybe May or June of 2022 in PT, which didn't go well because my health has deteriorated pretty badly. My joint pain was severe and out of control, and I dislocated my shoulder 3 times in PT. I also learned from a cardiologist during this time that I also have POTS syndrome, which tends to be comorbid with EDS. Basically: I stand up, all my blood goes to my feet, I get dizzy and have no stamina for walking any kind of distance. This, also, made PT very difficult because I had a really hard time doing any of the exercises without feeling like I was going to collapse. But PT is the standard treatment for EDS to strengthen the muscles around your joints so the work is distributed between them better and the pain is less over time. I'm hoping to get back to this.

So: if you're going through the diagnosis process, you might have to do PT for a while, and probably see a cardiologist.

Finally, after originally seeing my primary and getting a referral to genetics in spring of 2021, I got to see a geneticist in fall of 2023. It turns out that this is because there is only one geneticist in my state who deals with EDS, so the wait times are accordingly long. But: it was worth the wait. We tested for a whole spectrum of connective tissue disorders, to rule everything out, and I got so much information.

If you are waiting on a genetics appointment, it's worthwhile to use that time to try and gather as much family history as you can. Anything unusual neurologically, heart-wise, etc., among your siblings, parents, grandparents, if you can get that information. Even if you can't, they will still be able to help you. But it's very useful to have. It's also helpful to have a timeline for yourself: when did you start noticing your symptoms? Did you have any weird injuries? Were you weirdly flexible as a kid? Stuff like that.

Understandably, some people have different feelings on genetic testing, and it's all valid. For me, I just wanted an answer, because basically every doctor throughout my childhood and younger adulthood dismissed me when I brought up stuff that ended up being signs of EDS. I felt really vindicated by getting an answer, even if that answer means I have a lifelong illness. It just means I now have a toolkit to help it and work around it.

So, between meeting with genetics for the first time, and getting the test several weeks later, waiting for results, and finally making an appointment for a final diagnosis, took about 6 months. A lot of this was due to scheduling (again) and insurance causing a fuss because they do not like to pay for genetic testing.

Anyway, as I mentioned earlier, hEDS can't be tested for genetically (yet) but is also the most common type. So how do they diagnose it? You need a qualified geneticist to rule out other illnesses, and then they visually do some tests and ask a lot of questions. (The technical term is "clinical diagnosis.") You'll have to do something called a Beighton scale, which is a series of tests of flexibility on your thumbs, fingers, elbows, knees, and other joints. It's not difficult, and you can stop if your joints are in pain. (I also found that basically every doctor and physical therapist I saw through the year wanted me to do parts of this test for them, and they all said "yep, you're probably getting that diagnosis." So I guess I should have been more prepared to perform on command, or something.) Between my Beighton score, family history, and personal history, my geneticist determined that I fit the diagnosis to a T.

Really, this last genetics appointment was like sitting and listening to someone narrate the details of my entire life to me. So many little things I hadn't even mentioned in previous appointments came up, and I have so much more understanding of why my body is how it is. They confirmed that one of the best pain relief methods for EDS patients is cannabis, which I've been using for a month and change, and has truly made a difference in how functional I can be. I now have more ideas on what I can do to help reduce the pain I'm feeling through physical activity and other means, and diet, and so on. It will never be 100% better, and I can accept that. I can work with this.

So, essentially, it's an endurance game. I was frustrated, in pain, tired, and overwhelmed for the better part of a year. I cried a lot. I felt like no one would help me, but what I really needed was answers and information. I'm lucky to have family support cheering me on through the process, because more than once I just wanted to give up and never see another doctor again. But, knowing what I do now, I have the information I need to improve my life, and that is a lot.

It can be hard and scary and really, really frustrating, but don't give up. Your life can get better. You just have to be persistent, and if you've made it this far with pain and joints like these, you already have the persistence to do it. 💖

If this has helped you at all, and you want to help me out in return, I have a ko-fi page for tips and shop, but please take care of yourself first!

[funky-brainedwhaletransgender]

TW: ableism against mentally ill folks, ableism

Here are some observations about how mentally ill people are treated.

When you’re a kid, your mental illness isn’t real. It’s bad behaviour. It’s this kid cries too much, let’s see if punishing this kid for crying too much will make them stop crying too much. Most crucially, it is never to be taken seriously, and you are not to talk about it, because if you use words that make us worry, you must be faking for attention. If you show your emotions though, instead of calmly explaining them, then you are immature and it is a behaviour problem. I experienced this the most at school. For me, it was ignored until I was old enough that my symptoms were taken suddenly very seriously.

If your trauma isn’t big enough or isn’t there at all, then why are you like this? You have no excuse. If your trauma is too big, then you’re exaggerating. It wasn’t that bad.

When you get a little older, your mental illness isn’t real, but it’s dangerous, it’s still your fault, and has to be stopped. Bad behaviour is now scary. If you’re not white, or homeless, you are especially dangerous. If you are struggling to take care of your mental illness by taking your meds and doing your therapeutic homework correctly, then it is even more your fault than it already was. You have to want to get better, see.

Additionally, if you don’t have a diagnosis that we think is bad enough, you’re faking. If you have a diagnosis that we think is too bad, then you’re crazy. If you don’t have a diagnosis at all, then we’re not going to help you. If it’s temporary, it wasn’t that bad, if it’s long-term, why aren’t you over it yet.

And of course we have empathy for you.

At no point is the mental illness understood for its experience from the perspective of the mentally ill person. At no point is it about what they need. It’s all about blaming them based on how you, from the outside, think their mental illness should work. It’s about finding patterns you think are there and hating people for both fitting and not fitting them.

I think this is how ableism often works against mentally ill people. People get killed because people believe these things, especially people with other marginalized identities. When people say have the assumption that everyone is a little mentally ill, (a little OCD, a little crazy on the inside) they are refusing to acknowledge that we are a community. It’s also hard for us to do activism, because mental illness can make it hard to do anything.

We’re not seen as a community that has a right to want rights and fair treatment, because our symptoms are seen as excuses for bad behaviour.

There are things I haven’t considered here. If you see this and you have another thought about how ableism works, please talk to me about it. I’m trying to understand this specific discrimination better. Talk to me about how your other identities intersect with this kind of ableism. If there are things I’m not seeing and you feel up to it, please let me know.

[yaksha-garden]

What headcanons/theories do you believe fandom would invent about your character?

Is your character the subject of ‘imagines’ or ‘x reader’ style blogs?

Idk if this is out of line but I think Eden would catch So Many fan diagnoses. I've avoided giving them canonical diagnoses of anything because they come from a world where mental and physical illness would be popularly understood in a very different way, but! If the shoe (diagnosis) fits it fits yk. Obviously the specifics are gonna depend on fans, because I figure Eden is the sort of character that very specific types of people project onto. I know this intimately. (Though as the author I try to not project onto Eden *very* hard. Just use the projection to colour the contours of their soul a little.) Additionally, there are several (intentional) gaps in Eden's backstory due to amnesia that could be great fanfic fodder for character studies, there's gotta be theories and headcanons springing from those.

mmmmmmaaaaaybe? I feel like they're not enough of a Sexyman:tm: for a big imagines/x reader community, but there's definitely a space for powerful goddess-adjacent figures in x reader spaces on Tumblr, and even more of one for works that are spiritually x-reader even if they don't go with the trappings and style of x-reader fic. You know em when you see em. So tl;dr they have a niche imagines community but it may very well exist. Also this is technically outside the purview of this blog but I have to say it. Vayu on the other hand would be a hit with the yandere au x reader community on tumblr. I know this from personal experience. I will not elaborate further.

Meta Asks: Open

[tosin-talks]

Tosin Talks about residual symptoms of BPD

I haven’t really directly talked about symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder on my blog because I haven’t felt ready to discuss the real horrors of the disorder; I wasn’t even sure where to start and how to talk about my story. Additionally, I just haven’t been as affected by my symptoms as I used to be. For years, I have been working hard to recover from the diagnosis that I received in 2018 and undiagnosed symptoms that I experienced before then. Recovery is possible and I believe I’ve survived some of the worst parts of the disorder but BPD is a mental illness that greatly impacts one’s thought processes and perception of the world so I still experience the long-term effects of it.

I haven’t had a typical “BPD episode” in about 3-4 months. I don’t think I’ve self-harmed in about 6-7 months and I don't have constant urges to do so either. My reactions and responses are a lot less intense these days which probably means that my mental health has improved. Now that the life-threatening and extremely destructive symptoms aren’t a main issue, I am working on my issues with emotional impermanence, interpersonal relationships, splitting, and chronic emptiness.

I still struggle with the well known BPD concept of a “favorite person”, especially since a long-term relationship recently ended. I try to be cognizant of when I may unconsciously make someone else my new favorite person but it can be difficult to notice since my symptoms aren’t that intense anymore. Now that I process and evaluate my feelings towards someone, it’s not as easy to realize if I just really like and admire them or I’m idealizing them. The downside to when I realize that I might have idealized someone that I’m close to is the devaluation and emptiness that follows. The shift isn’t as grandiose as it used to be and rather than switching from black to white, I move between dark grey and light grey. I’ve been working really hard on not letting others’ thoughts, opinions, and worldviews become my own or heavily impact the way I perceive myself. I used to shapeshift to become whoever I assumed my favorite person wanted me to be. Now, I’m discovering my true self and learning to love her and choose her every time.

I definitely still experience mood swings but the highs and lows aren’t very high or low and they mostly occur on or around my period. Something that’s frustrating to still experience is emotional impermanence. I wish I had a better hold on an emotion and did a better job of remembering that a certain emotion will return. Another symptom that I still occasionally experience is chronic emptiness. I feel what Charles Baudelaire called “ennui”. I feel extremely detached and like I’m watching myself live this silly game of mundanity. I feel disconnected from the city I live in and some of the people I interact with and have little hope of this issue improving. I haven’t yet discovered what triggers my feelings of numbness and emptiness, it’s almost like I’m splitting on life itself. However, I’ve been combatting the emptiness by creating and stimulating my mind. I’ve been reading, learning new things, and writing a lot more.

Sometimes I get disappointed in myself for still experiencing minor symptoms. I understand that BPD can be a lifelong journey even if/when I no longer meet diagnosing criteria but I am fearful that I may never have a healthy, happy, long-term partnership or have my emotions completely in check or feel at home anywhere that I move to. I’m learning to give myself the same grace that I would give a future client or my younger self. I’ve come so far, my progress is definitely observable and I can acknowledge my effort and the results of that hard work. I’m not expected to completely rid myself of over a decade of mental health challenges in just a day. If I’m being honest, I didn’t expect myself to even live this long so I’m simply proud to be alive and sharing my story with you all. 

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, dial 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or text “HELLO” to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. For more education, advocacy, and support about BPD, visit the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (neabpd.org) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org).

Background music by Mist3r

[ceterisparibus116]

You think Matt would have been diagnosed or thought to be autistic because of his senses had he told anyone as a kid? Jack's reaction?

Hi! I'm not sure if your question is "does Matt actually have autism" vs "Would Matt be diagnosed with autism" which are two very different questions. So I'm going to try to answer both.

But let me start with a couple disclaimers. First, I'm not an expert. Second, I'm not autistic. Third, and I want to emphasize this: I know a lot of people headcanon Matt as autistic, and I don't mean to undermine that. It's a great headcanon that helps a lot of people, and I've read a lot of autistic!Matt fics that seem to me to have been done with a lot of love, and based on the comments seem to help a lot of people.

But my blog tries very hard to distinguish between headcanons vs the evidence we have in the show. Based solely on the evidence in the show, no, I don't think he would be diagnosed as a kid.

For one thing, my understanding is that you don't become autistic. As in, go from "not autistic" to "autistic." So although he has heightened sense sensitivity now, he hasn't always had heightened sense sensitivity. And the heightened sensitivity is clearly, I think, due to exposure to radiation. So I don't think it can be argued, factually, that the heightened sensitivity is because of autism.

(Unless his senses were slightly heightened before the radiation, and they just got more heightened due to the radiation. But I don't see any evidence of that in the show or the comics.)

That said, someone who doesn't know about the radiation might notice his heightened sensitivity and wonder if it's a symptom of autism. The difficulty is, heightened sense sensitivity is only one symptom of autism. A person shouldn't be diagnosed based on only one symptom.

Matt arguably has some other symptoms, but those arguably are the result of other influences in his life and are, again, not traits that have always been present. When I look at what we see of his personality prior to losing Jack and having to deal with Stick's toxicity, I don't see those other symptoms. This suggests, to me, that the symptoms aren't due to autism - they're due to complex trauma. If he saw a psychologist as a kid, prior to losing Jack and prior to dealing with Stick, I don't think a psychologist would see other symptoms present (or, at least, not enough other symptoms).

Additionally, it's notoriously (tragically) hard to get an autism diagnosis.

So ultimately, based on all of the above, I don't think Matt would have been diagnosed as a kid. That's not to say it isn't a valid headcanon. I just don't see the supporting evidence in the show.

But if he were - either because he actually did have autism or because someone simply thought he had autism - I'm sure Jack would react really well. He'd research everything he could, despite not feeling confident that he's understanding what he's reading. He'd probably ask Matt to help, which would result in Jack having a better understanding of Matt's actual lived experience, rather than just reading things online and assuming that those things are all true of Matt. I think it would bring them closer together and that they'd come up with unique ways to navigate life together.

[cripplecharacters]

I’m trying to write a character with anger issues when I don’t have them myself. They’re manipulated into believing someone they trust and who they feel a need to protect has betrayed them horribly. I wrote it like their anger circuit shorted out, that they reacted with a kind of all-encompassing apathy because their go-to reaction was too hard to process. Is this at all realistic or am I projecting? Would the anger just be suppressed and burst out in other ways?

Hey, anon! I want to start this off by saying everyone’s experiences with their emotions will be different, and people who struggle with anger are no exception-- personally, I have difficulty with emotional regulation and impulse control, which often manifests as intense anger and displays of emotion. 

I would agree that your scenario is realistic, particularly with the added factor of not being able to predict this (false) betrayal causing surprise in addition to other emotional responses. As time passes, your character may become gradually more angry, or, like you said, suppress it until a later date. Additionally, anger can present in more ways than one; passive-aggression, emotional outbursts, and apathy are all possibilities, as are sudden emotional withdrawal, an excess of anxiety, and acting overly cheerful/familiar in an attempt to balance out anger. 

Finally, a general note on ‘anger issues,’ marginally related to your question. I’d suggest you and all our readers keep in mind that anger is a neutral emotion, and while it can be expressed in ways harmful to oneself and/or the people around you, there are absolutely healthy, communicative ways to express anger. People who struggle with anger aren’t inherently bad or abusive, nor is ‘anger issues’ a diagnosis or quantifiable trait. Anyone can weaponize anger, and anyone can learn more effective coping strategies for anger. 

-- Mod Teeth

[injuryandaccidentlawyers]

What Should You Do If You Are Injured On a Construction Site?

Have you ever considered what you would do if you were hurt on the construction site? Accidents on construction sites are unfortunately all too prevalent and can have devastating implications for workers.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction will account for one in every five worker deaths in the United States in 2020. In the case of an injury on a construction site, it is critical to understand how to protect yourself and your legal rights.

This is where several things go through your mind:

● Should I consult with Construction Site Accidents Lawyer Nyc or handle it by myself?

● What about the fees?

● Hiring a lawyer Is worth it?

Well, in this blog we will guide you about the things that you should consider if you or your loved one are injured on a construction site.

Here are some steps you should take:

Ready? Let’s dive below!

Notify Your Employer About The Accident: You should tell your employer as soon as possible about the accident. This will not only guarantee that you obtain any medical treatment that is required, but it will also provide a record of the mishap.

See A Physician (Approved) For Diagnosis And Treatment: You must visit a doctor who has been approved by your company or their insurance carrier. This ensures that your medical expenditures are paid and that you receive proper treatment.

Document Everything About Your Accident: Make sure to take comprehensive notes of the incident, capture images of the accident scene and your injuries, jot down the names of any colleagues who witnessed the incident, and retain duplicates of all medical documents such as X-rays, scans, and other records. Additionally, keep copies of any correspondence you receive from your employer or workers’ compensation insurer. This information might be useful in pursuing a legal claim.

Key things that you shouldn’t forget while collecting accident document

● What hit you (fallen construction materials or debris, spilled stuff, or a vehicle or piece of construction equipment)?

● When and where did the accident occur?

● Were you wearing a hard helmet or other protective equipment?

● What were you doing at the time of the accident?

● What did the site supervisor or your coworkers say (if anything) following the accident?

Prioritize Your Health: Your health should come first. Follow your doctor's instructions and keep all follow-up visits.

Seek The Assistance Of A Lawyer Who Represents Construction Workers: You may be eligible for compensation if you were hurt on a building job. A New York Construction Injury Attorney can assist you through the legal system and guarantee that your rights are protected.

This is it! If you have been injured on a construction site in New York City, you should contact Godosky & Gentile, the best Construction Accident Law Firm Ny. They have a team of experienced New York Construction Injury Attorneys who can help you get the compensation you deserve. Don't wait, get help after a struck-by construction accident today.

[diaryofaschizoid]

Diagnostic history

Heey everyone,

I wanted to give a brief summary of the diagnostic processes I went through, and the disorders I was either officially or self-diagnosed with. If people are interested in reading about this more, I can go into more detail in the future.

At 6 years old I was first diagnosed. After my brother was diagnosed with ADHD and PDD-NOS, my parents thought I should also get tested. The verdict: I had ADD, based on my behaviour in early childhood. I was always the quiet child, withdrawn, shy, I would rather play alone and read books instead of being active or playing with other kids. Additionally, I had problems concentrating, and seemed to be mentally absent (due to daydreaming) a lot. I have identified with having ADD all my life, and have been medicated (Ritalin) since 6 years old, with a 4 year break between 18-22.

In the course of my teenage years I self-diagnosed: long-term Depression, an Eating Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder and Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

2 years ago I decided to get back on my ADD medication. I was experiencing chronic fatigue, no ability to concentrate, and the ever increasing intensity of my university programme was impossible to keep up with. The psychiartist who got me back on my medication then suggested I might have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), for which I was then tested and officially diagnosed with. ASD seemed to fit me at the time. It gave me much needed explanations of my behaviour, which provided me with great relief. However, after 6 months of having this diagnosis, really thinking it through, I seriously started to doubt this diagnosis. I realised I do NOT experience difficulty in understanding neurotypical behaviour, social cues, norms and rules, making friends, engaging in small talk (although I try to avoid it at all costs), seeing things from another's perspective, etc. Because of this I was fairly certain ASD did not fit me at all.

Reading the book The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk, I realised most of the symptoms of ADD and ASD actually show immense overlap with the symptoms and outcomes of (childhood) trauma. A few examples: Hypersensitive sensory processing, decreased ability to concentrate, being shy, withdrawn, not liking social contact and thus wanting to be alone, clinging to safe routines, places, people, and activities, stimming, avoiding eye contact, etcetera.

This made me realise most of my symptoms and 'disordered' behaviour could be explained by trauma, both childhood neglect and traumatic experiences throughout my lifespan. Turns out I was not very wrong thinking this.

Only a few weeks ago I stumbled upon personality disorders, having a gut feeling when I saw a video about Avoidant Personality Disorder, thinking that it sounded like something I could be experiencing. However, with APD the avoidance of social contact is out of fear, not by choice or lack of interest. I do sometimes experience overwhelming fear of (high stakes) social contact, I can and do force myself to actually go through with it. Therefore APD did not fit me either.

The next video I watched was about Schizoid Personality Disorder. And, oh boy, that one hit me hard. It felt as if all the puzzle pieces, of me and how I experience life, that never fit or made sense, finally fell into place. I spent the next few researching the disorder, from Wikipedia, to YouTube videos of Schizoids describing their experiences, to psychologists explaining the disorder.

It was a complete revelation. A moment of complete recognition and reflection of my truest self. It was a very emotional experience as well, and I cried for a while.

Last week I finally forced myself to see a GP again, and brought up suspecting SzPD and wanting to get a diagnosis and perhaps undergoing treatment. I was referred and am awaiting further contact. The current waitlist is around 9 months, so this could take a while. I will keep everyone on here updated about the process.

If you have continued to read my story this far, you are a champ, thanks! xD

I would like to conclude with a brief comment on some Schizoid's opnions and beliefs that SzPD is not a disorder and that it should not be treated / it is a way of life. I suppose I hugely agree with this. Most of my symptoms do not really bother me, I love being alone, do not feel a need to emotionally connect with people, and am generally alright with all of this. It is not technically a disorder at all, when it causes the affected person no significant distress. Nonetheless, life outcomes for people with SzPD are extremely low, which is an extremely depressing reality. I personally often experience life as if I'm watching it all go by from the sidelines. I see others have happy and healthy social relationships, I see them pursue a wide variety of (fun) experiences, getting good jobs, and so forth. I myself, however, mostly fantasize about doing or having these things. I excitedly prepare myself to pick up a hobby, or to go to a job interview, or start a friendship, but can barely see myself keeping up with any of it due to a complete lack of motivation. I am terrified of never being capable of having a relationship with someone, of not being able to hold a steady job and supporting myself financially, of slowly wasting away my entire life stuck in dissociation and an elaborate fantasy life.

This is why I wish to seek out professional help. I recognize and respect the fact that not all Schizoids want or need help, and are perfectly capable of living their life the way they always have, and do not expect them to seek treatment. I believe it should always be an individual's personal decision.

Take care, and thanks for hearing me out <3

[ripenappstechnology]

How Doctor On Demand App Development is Changing the Healthcare Industry?

In today's healthcare world, convenience is key, especially when it comes to healthcare. Gone are the days of long waits in crowded waiting rooms or struggling to book appointments during office hours. With the rise of doctor on demand app development, accessing quality healthcare has never been easier or more convenient.

Doctor on demand app development has emerged as a game-changer in the healthcare industry, offering patients instant access to qualified medical professionals from the comfort of their own homes. As the demand for convenient healthcare solutions continues to grow, so does the popularity of these innovative apps. According to recent statistics, the global telemedicine market is projected to reach a staggering $559.52 billion by 2027, with doctor on demand app development playing a significant role in driving this growth.

Main elements of doctor on demand app development

So, what exactly are the main elements of doctor on demand app development? These apps typically feature user-friendly interfaces that allow patients to easily schedule appointments, consult with doctors via video calls, and even receive prescriptions online. Additionally, many doctor on demand apps leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the user experience and improve diagnosis accuracy.

Importance of doctor on demand app development

The importance of doctor on demand app development cannot be overstated, particularly in today's digital age. These apps offer a wide range of benefits for both patients and healthcare providers alike. For patients, doctor on demand apps provide unparalleled convenience, allowing them to seek medical advice and treatment without having to leave their homes or take time off work. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with busy schedules or mobility issues.

Furthermore, doctor on demand apps help to alleviate the strain on traditional healthcare systems by reducing wait times and easing overcrowding in clinics and hospitals. By enabling remote consultations, these apps also make it easier for patients in rural or underserved areas to access quality healthcare services.

From the perspective of healthcare providers, doctor on demand apps offer greater flexibility and efficiency. By leveraging telemedicine technologies, doctors can conduct consultations and provide care to patients from anywhere with an internet connection. This not only allows for more flexible work schedules but also enables doctors to reach a larger patient population.

How Doctor On Demand App Development Is Changing Healthcare

Talking to Doctors Without Going Anywhere

Doctor On Demand apps let you talk to doctors without leaving your home. You just open the app and boom – you're connected with a real doctor through your phone or computer. This is super handy, especially if you live far from a clinic or find it hard to get around.

Booking Doctor Visits Online

Booking a doctor's appointment is a breeze with these apps. No more waiting on hold or trying to squeeze in a visit during work hours. You can pick a time that suits you and book it online, saving you time and hassle.

Saving Money on Doctor Trips

Using these apps can save you money on doctor visits. You don't have to spend on gas, parking, or taking time off work. It's a budget-friendly option for those who need to watch their pennies.

Using Healthcare Better

Doctor On Demand apps help keep clinics from getting too crowded. By handling minor issues online, they free up space for people with serious problems. This means everyone gets the care they need faster.

Checking Your Health Records

These apps keep your health records handy. Doctors can see your medical history during video calls, which helps them give you better advice and treatment.

Talking to Specialists Everywhere

With these apps, you're not limited to local doctors. You can chat with specialists from anywhere in the world. This opens up more options for tricky medical stuff.

Getting Help with Mental Health

If you need someone to talk to about your mental health, these apps are there for you 24/7. You can chat with a counselor or therapist whenever you need support.

Keeping an Eye on Your Health

Some apps connect with gadgets like smartwatches to track your health. This lets doctors keep an eye on you even when you're not in the clinic, which is pretty cool for managing long-term conditions.

Handling Urgent Situations

They're handy for emergencies too. You can get advice on what to do right away, whether you need to rush to the ER or can handle things at home.

Keeping Your Info Safe

And don't worry about your privacy – these apps take it seriously. They use fancy tech to keep your chats with doctors safe and private, so you can feel comfortable sharing your health info.

Final Thoughts

From what we've seen, doctor on demand apps are set to become even more popular in healthcare. They offer an easy and cheap way to connect with doctors, and that's something everyone can get behind.

These apps are shaping a future where healthcare isn't limited by where you live or what time it is. They're making healthcare more inclusive and bridging the gap between patients and doctors. For startups and healthcare folks, this opens up a world of possibilities for providing top-notch care.

But with so many apps out there, it's smart to get help from a mobile app company to make sure your app stands out. They'll make sure your app keeps up with what people want and beats the competition.

[vandana-memorial-hospital]

GET RID OF KIDNEY STONES WITH THESE TREATMENTS

This blog is about how to get rid of kidney stone.

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys. These stones can cause excruciating pain and discomfort, and if left untreated, they can lead to serious complications. Seeking proper treatment for kidney stones is crucial to alleviate pain, prevent complications, and improve overall health. In this blog, I will provide an in-depth guide on understanding kidney stones, the importance of choosing the best urology hospital in Jaipur, the available treatments for kidney stones in Jaipur, and the best practices for preventing their recurrence.

Understanding Kidney Stones

Causes and Risk Factors

Kidney stones can develop due to various factors. The most common cause is the concentration of certain substances in the urine, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. Other risk factors include dehydration, family history of kidney stones, certain medical conditions like urinary tract infections, and certain medications. Understanding the causes and risk factors can help individuals take preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of developing kidney stones.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Recognizing the symptoms of kidney stones is essential for early detection and treatment. The typical symptoms include severe pain in the back or side, blood in the urine, frequent urination, and a persistent urge to urinate. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. A urologist will conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, urine tests, blood tests, imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans, and sometimes a stone analysis. These diagnostic tests will help determine the size, location, and composition of the kidney stones, and guide the appropriate treatment plan.

Types of Kidney Stones

There are different types of kidney stones, each with its own unique composition. The most common types include calcium stones, uric acid stones, struvite stones, and cystine stones. Calcium stones are the most prevalent and are typically formed when calcium combines with oxalate or phosphate. Uric acid stones form when there is an excess of uric acid in the urine. Struvite stones are often associated with urinary tract infections, while cystine stones are rare and occur due to a genetic disorder. Identifying the type of kidney stone is crucial for determining the most effective treatment approach.

Importance of Choosing the Right Urology Hospital and Urologist in Jaipur

Role of Urology Hospitals in Kidney Stone Treatment

When it comes to kidney stone treatment, choosing the right urology hospital in Jaipur is of utmost importance. Urology hospitals specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the urinary tract, including kidney stones. These hospitals have state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to provide accurate diagnoses and offer a wide range of treatment options. Additionally, urology hospitals have experienced urologists who are experts in managing kidney stone cases and ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Urology Hospital in Jaipur

When selecting a urology hospital for kidney stone treatment in Jaipur, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, ensure that the hospital has a team of skilled urologists who specialize in kidney stone treatment. Look for hospitals that have a good reputation and positive patient reviews. It is also important to consider the hospital's infrastructure, availability of advanced diagnostic tools, and the success rate of their kidney stone treatments. Additionally, check if the hospital provides comprehensive post-treatment care and support to ensure a smooth recovery.

Importance of Consulting the Best Urologist in Jaipur for Effective Treatment

Consulting the best urologist in Jaipur is crucial for effective kidney stone treatment. A skilled and experienced urologist will thoroughly evaluate your condition, consider your medical history, and recommend the most suitable treatment option. They will explain the procedure in detail, address any concerns or questions you may have, and provide personalized care throughout the treatment process. The expertise and guidance of a trusted urologist can significantly improve the chances of successful kidney stone treatment and minimize the risk of complications.

Available Treatments for Kidney Stones in Jaipur

In Jaipur, there are several effective treatments available for kidney stones. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the size, location, and composition of the stones. Common treatment options include:

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive procedure uses shock waves to break the kidney stones into smaller pieces, making them easier to pass through the urinary tract.

Ureteroscopy: A thin tube with a camera is inserted into the urethra and up to the bladder and ureter to locate and remove the stones. This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): This surgical procedure involves making a small incision in the back to access the kidney and remove the stones. PCNL is typically recommended for large or complex kidney stones.

Open Surgery: In rare cases where other treatments are not feasible or effective, open surgery may be required to remove the kidney stones. This procedure involves making a larger incision in the back or side to directly access the kidney.

The choice of treatment will be determined by your urologist based on your specific condition and individual needs.

Best Practices for Preventing Kidney Stones Recurrence

Preventing the recurrence of kidney stones is crucial to maintain kidney health. Here are some best practices to minimize the risk of developing future kidney stones:

Stay Hydrated: Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to maintain proper hydration. Sufficient fluid intake helps dilute urine and prevents the formation of concentrated minerals that can lead to stone formation.

Follow a Balanced Diet: Adopt a diet that is low in sodium, oxalate, and animal protein. Incorporate foods rich in calcium and citrate, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and citrus fruits, as they can help prevent certain types of kidney stones.

Manage Weight and Exercise Regularly: Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise can reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.

Limit Certain Foods and Beverages: Limit the consumption of foods and beverages that are high in oxalate, such as spinach, chocolate, tea, and nuts, as they can contribute to the formation of calcium oxalate stones.

Monitor Medications: Some medications can increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Consult with your healthcare provider about the potential side effects of your medications and discuss alternative options if necessary.

By adopting these preventive measures and making lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney stone recurrence.

Conclusion

Kidney stones can cause intense pain and discomfort, but with proper treatment and preventive measures, they can be effectively managed. Choosing the right urology hospital and consulting the best urologist in Jaipur are crucial steps in the treatment process. With the availability of various treatment options and the implementation of preventive practices, individuals can get rid of kidney stones and improve their overall kidney health. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for a personalized treatment plan and advice tailored to your specific needs. Take control of your kidney health and say goodbye to kidney stones for good.

CTA: If you're looking for the best urologist doctor in Jaipur and comprehensive kidney stone treatment, contact Vandana Memorial Hospital today to schedule a consultation. Your journey towards a stone-free life starts here!

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