#it's a painful procedure with risks and benefits

[sabattoir]

circumcision-is-genital-mutilation ppl getting on my damn nerves

[ihrindia]

Understanding Amniocentesis Test: Risks, Results, And Benefits

Dr. Deepak Goenka, M.D Director, Institute of Human Reproduction IVF Specialist

What is Amniocentesis Test?

The amniocentesis test is a prenatal diagnostic test (test done during pregnancy) that involves taking a sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus in the uterus during pregnancy. It is typically performed during the second trimester, between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.

What is Amniocentesis Test for? Why is it done?

Amniocentesis is usually done to check for chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders in the fetus, such as Down syndrome or Thalassemia.

The procedure of the Amniocentesis Test

The procedure for amniocentesis is typically performed in a hospital or clinic by a trained healthcare provider. It is done with the use of ultrasound to guide the insertion of a thin needle through the abdomen and into the uterus to collect a small sample of amniotic fluid. Usually, no prior preparations are required. No empty stomach. No anesthesia is usually used as it is just a needle prick. The procedure takes about 5-10 minutes. Post-procedure, you are asked to rest in the clinic for a few hours and then you can go home. This is an outpatient procedure and does not require admission.

To read more, Click Here

Consult the best IVF Experts click here —  Best IVF center in Guwahati, Best IVF center in Kolkata

[twinfools]

I’m 3 years post phalloplasty and I realized I’ve never really made a post about how things are going. Phalloplasty is a hard surgery to talk about because, bottom line, it’s not part of common conversation to talk about yo dick. That being said I think it’s really important for me to talk about this procedure to help break stigma and misinformation— both inside and outside of trans and non-binary communities.

I had ALT phalloplasty, glansplasty, scrotoplasty, no urethral lengthening (UL) with vaginectomy. This means that tissue from my thigh was used to create my penis, my urethra was not extended or moved (so I don’t stand to pee) and my vagina was closed. I feel like this detail is important because this is one of many variations for this procedure and what I opted for/out of were decisions made according to trade-offs between personal benefit and risk.

I opted out of UL because I do not tolerate catheters well and, due to my very active lifestyle, was not willing to risk longer term catheterization or bladder spasms which would impede my quality of life. This risk, for me, outweighed the benefit of standing to pee.

I opted for ALT knowing that I would likely need debulking (which I didn’t end up needing but opted for anyway out of preference). Debulking is a procedure to make the penis less girthy as ALT phalloplasty is more girthy because of the nature of tissue on the thigh. I chose ALT because, first and foremost, I did not want scarring on my forearm. My ALT scar is covered by clothing most of the time which I appreciate. I also chose ALT because I have skinny forearms, which wasn’t ideal for forearm phalloplasty (RFF).

Vaginectomy, for me, was a no brainer. I have never used or connected with that part of my body so I wanted it gone.

Glansplasty is a procedure to make the glans (head) of the penis and was a short procedure done after my initial stage of surgery. I may get it redone but I’m still undecided on that. Scrotoplasty creates a scrotum, I was ambivalent about this procedure but have grown to more appreciate it over time.

I am considering further surgeries: erectile implant (which creates the ability for the penis to “get hard”) and testicular implants (fills to scrotum with testicle implants). But I’m undecided and want a break from surgery while I finish my degree and focus on work. I’m also considering phalloplasty tattooing to help enhance the contour and coloring to make it appear more like a cis penis.

Whew! Lots of info, right? These are big procedures completed over multiple stages and are very unlike chest surgery, hysterectomy and other surgeries I had completed prior. When I was first considering this surgery I didn’t know there was flexibility in terms of tissue donor site and UL. I waited to have this surgery and am so happy I did because the information I gained from research and consulting with professionals and folks with lived experience was so valuable.

Was surgery hard? Yes. This surgery was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. I’ve never been so uncomfortable for the first 2 weeks after recovering. I had to re-learn how to walk. I couldn’t sleep. Peeing hurt… but would I do it again? Yes. It was worth it for me but I can’t underscore enough that that doesn’t mean I didn’t have moments where I felt regret while recovering because post op depression is a thing and I was in pain while adjusting to a new body part that was also a healing surgical site… LOTS going on there!

3 years on I feel really at home in my body. Just having a penis is such a comfort to me in ways I didn’t anticipate. I’ve had a feeling my entire life that I was missing a body part and this was it. The quiet gender euphoria of just sitting and feeling my body and for once feeling complete in that is something that’s hard to articulate.

I’m thankfully back to full mobility and got back to full mobility about 3 months post op. I was grateful for this since a long term recovery wasn’t what I wanted. There are still weird twitches, pains and feelings, especially around my donor site (thigh) from time to time but nothing that inhibits me. Just interesting when it happens (usually when weather gets colder?).

What is one thing I would want to go back and tell myself before surgery? Well:

Your penis will feel HEAVY. Like it will fall off. It won’t fall off and your body will adjust to the weight in an area you didn’t have it before. Until then it will feel like you need to hold it at all times.

Hopefully this helps someone as an overview of what an experience with this procedure may look like. Again, my goal is to put information out there and have frank conversations— because it’s these same things that greatly benefitted me in my surgery journey.

Finally— my inbox is open for anyone that has questions. I am in a privileged position to feel safe talking about these things and I feel comfortable doing so. Not everyone does, so please don’t assume that this invitation applies to other folks who have accessed surgery unless they say so.

Thank you for reading :)

[crookedkryptonitebeliever]

this might be a touchy subject and you don’t have to answer but, as one myself, how would Yves act with a chronically ill/physically disabled person? or even someone who constantly deals with chronic pain that is debilitating for everyday life? btw i love your writing, no matter how cursed. 🤍

Yves feels his heart wrench whenever he sees you break down in tears, frustrated at yourself for not doing as well as other able-bodied people, frustrated that you have to surrender your autonomy at times to Yves. He truly does, he hates to see you in such a state. While he doesn't mind, even prefers you to be dependent on him due to his strong caregiver personality, Yves doesn't want it to be at the cost of your happiness.

He will read up on all the papers published about your illness or disability. Past and modern ones, there must be a pattern or some sort that he could identify. Yves will try his best to find a cure or at least something that will improve your symptoms greatly.

But the first thing he will get done is to talk to you. Discuss what you ultimately want; is it freedom you seek? His undying support? The unyielding truth that Yves will stay by your side no matter how bad it gets? Do you want to keep fighting for yourself, or do you want Yves to do it for you?

You will have the latest, cutting-edge prosthetics if you're struggling with an amputated limb or body part. All the helpful, relevant, accessible gadgets will be installed in the house in hopes of making your life much easier and giving back the level of independence you need to maintain your mental health. Yves will remember all your appointments for you, that fills his planners up. Your dosages, your medication, and the procedures of your treatments.

He will remind you, pre-pack your pills, and help you with your IV drip. Yves is very careful with his tone and words, he knows the stress, humiliation, and pain that come with living as a chronically ill person can easily set you off. Everything can be overwhelming, he does not want to see tears of anger or hopelessness in your eyes. It's not your fault, you never wanted this and it just happened to affect you.

Yves spends nights perusing through all experimental treatments, weighing between the risks and benefits. He will present his carefully curated selection to you, but he makes sure to pace it out appropriately. Because if he were to show you thousands of pages of medical reports, chances are you're going to be upset, overstimulated, and angry at him. You have very limited energy and focus, he needs to get his words as concise and accurate as possible.

Watching him kneel with you on the bathroom floor, as you experience your seventh vomiting tonight, truly shocked you. Understandably, you're in such a terrible state, that you've barely gotten any sleep for the past month. But Yves sleeps even less, he is always awake, always looking after you. Ready for any emergencies and constantly preparing items or foods that will ease you. Yet, he looks glowing, as if he wasn't caretaking a bleeding ball of misery. His hair is always silky and brushed, no bags under his eyes, and his movement is still crisp. And he always knows what to do, much better than you or your practitioners.

He knows your body well enough to administer his own dose of painkillers, going against doctors' orders and obtaining drugs that fully alleviate your pain. Strategically timing your doses so it won't be too hard on your liver. Taking your blood samples himself and ran them through his own trusted pathology lab, potentially proving that your doctor might have misdiagnosed you. Maybe you wouldn't need to suffer, Yves could find a cure.

You were very apprehensive at first when Yves suggested that he does his own testing. He has no credentials, why should you trust him? The doctors have much more experience than him and they went to school for this. You're not trusting a random to cut you open either, he's a mathematician, not a medical doctor or a surgeon-

You were dumbfounded when he produced his own certifications and licenses. Proving that he worked in hospitals, researched institutes, and even published his own medical papers that universities used as teaching material for decades. Everything he presented is legitimate, he even demonstrated the validity of them by your request. You could call his universities and they will all confirm his contributions, You can confirm with the government and the relevant boards, you can search for him anywhere, and early pictures of him will resurface.

He looked so different. Yves looked unremarkable in them with short hair. He looks unhappier and more exhausted, though. Makes you wonder how old he really is.

But that was all. You cannot find further information on Yves other than the ones he allows you to know about.

So you reluctantly let him stick a needle in you, only to realize that he's done. You blinked multiple times and darted your eyes from your arm and his gloved hands holding vials of blood. Unlike the usual nurses or doctors, you can't feel the needle going in or out. Yes, you saw it, but it was unbelievably fast.

Your jaw dropped as he didn't even need to palpate your arm. Yves just calmly inserted the syringe, gathered what he needed, and finished. You didn't experience any bruising later, which was astonishing with the speed he was working with.

He labeled them and packed them in a plastic bag with a biohazard symbol on it and into a padded envelope. Yves disposed of his gloves and washed his hands.

You expected him to enlighten you. Tell you stories while he was in the field, brag about his accomplishments, complain about difficult patients, anything! You needed to know more! Just who the hell is he?

But all he did was smile, give you a kiss on the forehead, and help you back to your room.

[transgenderteensurvivalguide]

I saw one of uyr most recent posts, and a thought occurred to me. (I know it was about more of a trans Masc experience but my question regards what could b describedas the opposite so i hope i dont trigger anybody). Can fat be transferred To the breasts? Cause I don't want plastic or silicon in my chest if possible. thans for reading

Lee says:

Yes, it is possible, but fat grafting can carry risks (necrosis, infection, lumps) and most of the fat that is grafted doesn't remain there and is reabsorbed by your body so it often requires multiple sessions.

As a result, fat grafting wouldn't be able to provide a comparable increase in breast size compared to implants.

Fat grafting might be used to correct small divots and smooth out the contour after someone has had a double mastectomy for top surgery, for example, but it wouldn't be used to increase the breast size by a cup or more as is typical in a breast augmentation.

Solid silicone and saline-filled non-textured breast implants are typically your best option for breast augmentation if estrogen does not create the breast growth you had hoped for.

A plastic surgeon can tell you more about the risks of implants, but risks may include:

Capsular Contracture: This is a condition where the scar tissue around the implant tightens, which can cause the breast to feel hard and may result in discomfort or changes in the breast's appearance.

Implant Rupture or Leakage: Breast implants can rupture or leak. A saline implant rupture will lead to deflation and an obvious change in breast size, while a silicone rupture may go unnoticed (silent rupture) but can cause pain, breast shape changes, or even local complications.

Infection and Bleeding: As with any surgical procedure, there's a risk of infection and bleeding. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed and reinserted after the infection is treated.

Changes in Sensation: Some people experience changes in nipple or breast sensation. This can be an increase or decrease in sensitivity and may be temporary or permanent.

Breast Pain: Some individuals might experience pain in their breasts following the surgery, which can be temporary or chronic.

Asymmetry or Unsatisfactory Cosmetic Outcome: There might be dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome, including issues like asymmetry, unsatisfactory size, or scarring.

Cancer: A rare but serious risk associated with certain types of textured breast implants is a type cancer.

Need for Additional Surgeries: Implants do not always last for your entire life. Over time, they may need to be replaced or removed due to various issues like cosmetic concerns or complications.

Interference with Mammograms: Breast implants can interfere with the detection of breast cancer during mammograms, requiring additional, specialized views.

Systemic Symptoms: Some individuals report a variety of systemic symptoms known as breast implant illness, including autoimmune diseases, joint pain, mental confusion, muscle aches and chronic fatigue.

While all of that sounds scary, and you may feel like the risks aren't worth the benefit for you, many folks undergo breast augmentation without complications. It's a choice each person has to make in consultation with a plastic surgeon based on their own needs, goals, and medical history.

Shared decision-making with a surgeon can help you decide whether breast augmentation is right for you. They can also help put the risks in context and can tell you the percent of patients that typically have those complications-- often it's pretty low.

So if you may be considering undergoing a breast augmentation, the potential for complications are something you should discuss with a surgeon-- they can also tell you more about what techniques can be used for augmentation.

Followers, anything to add?

[acti-veg]

Hi I don't know who to ask but I wanted to ask a fellow vegan since anywhere else id be told to eat em. So I have two chickens they are my pets, ones a male ones a female. They're both bantam(?) chickens and so the female lays an egg every 26 hours or so, I've tried leaving eggs in there, fake eggs, taking them away etc but she keeps laying. I re-feed them to her but then she just pops out another, is there any way to make her stop without destroying her lifespan, and causing her pain or future problems? Everywhere I read it says that sometimes procedures or shots to reduce egg amounts can be bad for them so I'm a bit lost on what to do. Shes my baby so I need her safe and happy, and laying an egg half her size must be painful I imagine. thank you!

The best thing to do is to prevent them laying using implants or injections. This is a pretty painless procedure, and lasts about 12 months. Hens implanted reportedly live longer, which makes sense since they aren’t as likely to suffer from the health defects associated with excessive egg production, which presents a far higher risk than any potential side effects from implants or injections.

If that isn’t an option (it’s illegal in the US) the eggs can also be fed back to the birds as you said, they’ll still produce more but at least it helps them regain some of the calories and protein used to lay it, and they can benefit from their own production, rather than us taking it for our own gain. Any excess could potentially be donated to a food bank or used to supplement the feed of other companion animals as well.

I’d advise speaking to your local vet and checking that they are happy to register and discuss options with you, if you haven’t already. They’ll be able to talk you through what is involved and help you make an informed decision. Best wishes to all three of you anon!

[laserhairremovalindelhi]

How to Get Rid of Back Hair Quickly

Back hair can be a nuisance for many, but fortunately, there are effective ways to deal with it. Whether you want to feel more comfortable, boost your confidence, or simply enjoy a smoother back, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide on how to get rid of back hair quickly and effectively.

Introduction

Many people experience discomfort and self-consciousness due to their back hair.  It’s not just about aesthetics; back hair can also cause issues like sweating and itching. Luckily, there are several methods available to tackle this problem efficiently. In this guide, we’ll explore various techniques, from Laser Hair Removal to other practical solutions, to help you achieve a smooth, hair-free back.

Understanding Back Hair

Back hair is a common issue that affects both men and women. While some might have light, sparse hair, others could deal with thick, coarse hair covering large areas. The presence and amount of back hair are largely determined by genetics and hormonal factors.

Why Remove Back Hair?

Removing back hair has several benefits:

Comfort: Reduces itching and irritation.

Hygiene: Helps in maintaining cleanliness and reducing sweat.

Aesthetics: Provides a smoother appearance, which can boost confidence.

Convenience: Makes activities like swimming and working out more comfortable.

Different Methods to Remove Back Hair

1. Shaving

Shaving is a quick and easy method to remove back hair, but it has its drawbacks. Here’s what you need to know:

Pros: Fast, inexpensive, and can be done at home.

Cons: Results are short-lived; hair grows back quickly. Risk of ingrown hairs, cuts, and nicks.

2. Waxing

Waxing involves applying a sticky substance to the back and then pulling it off, removing hair from the roots.

Pros: Longer-lasting results compared to shaving. Leaves skin smooth.

Cons: Painful, can cause irritation and redness. Needs to be done by a professional for getting  best results.

3. Depilatory Creams

Hair that lies just beneath the skin's surface dissolves with these treatments.

Pros: Easy to use, painless, and can be done at home.

Cons: Chemicals can cause skin reactions. Results are short-term.

4. Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal is a highly effective method for long-term hair reduction. It involves using laser light to target and destroy hair follicles.

Pros: Long-lasting results, minimal maintenance once sessions are completed.

Cons: Requires multiple sessions, can be expensive, and should be done by a professional.

More on Laser Hair Removal

For a detailed procedure and to understand why it’s considered one of the best methods, check out this comprehensive guide on Laser Hair Removal: Laser Hair Removal.

5. Back Hair Removal Services

If you’re looking specifically for services targeted at the back, there are specialized treatments available. Learn more about Back Hair Removal options: Back Hair Removal.

Preparing for Back Hair Removal

Regardless of the method you choose, preparing your skin is crucial for the best results. Here are some tips:

Exfoliate: Remove dead skin cells to prevent ingrown hairs.

Cleanse: Ensure your back is clean to avoid infections.

Patch Test: If using creams or new products, test a small area first to check for reactions.

Aftercare Tips

Post-removal care is essential to maintain smooth skin and prevent issues:

Moisturize: Keep your skin hydrated to soothe any irritation.

Avoid Sun Exposure: Newly treated skin can be sensitive to the sun.

Wear Loose Clothing: Prevent irritation from tight clothes.

DIY vs Professional Services

Deciding between DIY methods and professional services can depend on several factors:

Cost: DIY methods are cheaper but may require frequent maintenance.

Convenience: Professionals offer expertise and better results, especially for large areas like the back.

Time: Professional treatments like Laser Hair Removal offer long-term solutions, reducing the need for constant upkeep.

The Benefits of Professional Back Hair Removal

Professional services, especially laser treatments, offer numerous advantages:

Precision: Targeting specific areas effectively.

Efficiency: Covering large areas quickly.

Results: Achieving smooth skin with long-lasting effects.

Choosing the Right Professional

When opting for professional services, it’s important to choose a reputable provider:

Research: Look for reviews and testimonials.

Consultation: Schedule a consultation to discuss your needs and understand the procedure.

Qualifications: Ensure the provider is certified and experienced in hair removal techniques.

Conclusion

Removing back hair doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right method and proper care, you can achieve smooth, hair-free skin quickly and efficiently. Whether you choose shaving, waxing, or the advanced Laser Hair Removal, it’s essential to consider your skin type, hair growth, and personal preferences to find the best solution for you.

FAQs

1. Is Laser Hair Removal permanent? Laser Hair Removal offers long-term hair reduction, but it may require maintenance sessions for optimal results.

2. Can I shave before a Laser Hair Removal session? Yes, it’s recommended to shave the area 24 hours before your session to allow the laser to target the hair follicles effectively.

3. How often should I wax my back? Waxing should be done every 4-6 weeks, depending on your hair growth cycle.

4. Are there any side effects of depilatory creams? Allergies or skin irritations are possible for some persons. Always test a patch before utilizing it.

5. Can men and women both opt for back hair removal? Yes, back hair removal treatments are suitable for both men and women.

[is-the-owl-video-cute]

I'm not necessarily pro-circumcision, but there ARE studies done on the safety and benefits of circumcision. In fact, in areas where STIs are very common, circumcision shows a marked negative impact on infection rates, including diseases like HIV. It also decreases incidence of genital herpes and penile cancer. I work in a NICU. I see circumcisions every day. Is it a perfect procedure? Not at all. It can be quite uncomfortable and no procedure is without risks. But it's not done without anesthetic and the babies almost always heal very quickly. I can't convince you in an anonymous ask on tumblr and I don't want to try, but you should look into some peer reviewed studies on circumcision on both sides of the argument.

Yeah anon. I’ve looked at peer-reviewed studies. And no amount of “oh well it SOMETIMES decreases risks of transmitting HIV” is going to justify the permanent mutilation of infant genitalia. As someone said in the replies on my first post, removing finger and toenails from infants can keep them cleaner and help prevent them from scratching themselves, but we aren’t going around removing those are we?

For any instance you can pull up of someone having a lower infection rate of HIV I could pull up an instance of an infant circumcision being botched to the extent the penis is lost or disfigured beyond just loss of foreskin.

It’s a matter of bodily autonomy, not a matter of if the infant remembers it. There are studies to show they do experience long term pain responses during recovery and psychologically it may impact how they react to contact with their genitals later in life. There’s also loss of sensation and less pleasure for partners because a circumcised penis head will generally displace lubricant and cause more friction that isn’t necessarily pleasurable.

[artdecosupernova-writing]

WASTE

sci-fi ▼ cyberpunk ▼ synthwave/neo-80s queer rep ▼ disability ▼ mental illness abuse ▼ addiction/recovery Darkspace Portent Series spin-off ▼ takes place before Thriving: Rebirth

▷ Guetry Sympa is a livewire and an adrenaline junkie, a musically talented hero with lawful blindness, so having a government-funded AI implanted in his brain to control most of his bodily systems after nearly dying isn't exactly an easy adjustment to make.

▷ Of course, there's no better way to cope with a hard breakup and recover from a five-month-long coma than by being forced by the Consortium to enlist a team of fellow contract agents for a covert operation...

▷ ...To solve a centuries-old cold case involving the mysterious disappearance of the Milky Way's enigmatic savior.

Playlist: Precious Gems and Reaver Rock

GUETRY DANON SYMPA ▼ French-American ▼ scorpio ▼ human ▼ Earth ▼ a gifted musician and elite member of a special forces task unit working for the Consortium, aided by an AI in his brain that keeps his quality of life ideal after an overdose that left him otherwise brain-dead for five months. wise-cracking smartass unafraid to tear the system apart for what's right.

SUBCUTANEOUS OPERATIONAL and TACTICAL SYSTEM (SCOT) ▼ "Scotty" ▼ artificial intelligence ▼ NodeSource ▼ prototype embedded in Guetry's brain to undo most of the damage from his overdose and keep him functional. added benefits of enhancing his eyesight and aim, providing intel on missions, and overall companionship.

ALECTURA WU ▼ Chinese ▼ aquarius(?) ▼ human ▼ Consortium Node ▼ talented spaceship mechanic and other half of the band Skywaste, co-founded by Guetry when both were in high school. doesn't like going out into the field, will also fight tooth and nail for justice where there is none.

OREN ALTAVIAN ▼ capricorn ▼ human ▼ the Himalaya ▼ self-proclaimed "entrepreneur of seedydom" and known around the Milky Way as the "Kingpin of the Node." slings the hard stuff around the galaxy and gets paid handsomely for it. endlessly charming but willfully manipulative. tends to get his way no matter what, especially at the expense of those around him who think they care for him.

ADAM "MERCURY'' LYONS ▼ scorpio ▼ human ▼ Earth ▼ also an operative for the Consortium with his identical twin sister Quincy "Mars" Lyons. a bit more by the book, but willing to do what's right even if it means risking his job. a fiery complement and challenge for Guetry both personally and professionally. 

TUXTH ▼ Rotangan ▼ Logoryt ▼ a child of a Rotangan and a biracial Rontangan/Morrite, born on the seedy planet of Logoryt. in order to combat the rough upbringing she endured, she makes a name for herself by taking on missions for the Consortium, doing her part to chip away at the Morrite Blue Prince Hyret's goal to completely overrun the Milky Way.

DAZIA FOURTEEN ▼ sagittarius(?) ▼ human ▼ Consortium Node ▼ it's unknown what Dazia's origins are other than her birthplace of the Node, though it's alleged that she's of Hispanic, Slavic, and Middle Eastern descent. used to work for Consortium security until she witnessed corrupt activity within the ranks. tough as nails but all heart.

A soft tone swirling in the waves of dark gray and flashes I couldn't decipher. Purple pulsing light. A haze, more flashing images. White lights, gloves, whirring, thumping, squashing. Hot white stars. Burnt umber pain. Scorching pink fire. Numbness in muted blue. Sparking stings. Another soft tone. A smooth yet mechanical voice right inside both of my ears at once. Hello, Guetry. I am your Subcutaneous Operational and Tactical system. What. You have suffered a great deal of neurological damage and I am going to attempt to repair as much as I can. Your next of kin has given full consent to this procedure. The fuck. I am only a prototype as of yet so I must be transparent...there may be some functions I cannot fully restore, but I will do my best to make sure you are healed well enough to wake up and are able to do the remaining recovery yourself. Is this.

[juicycoutureheaux]

When it’s over Chapter 11

“Alma Y Cuerpo”

It’s been a while since I’ve updated “when it’s over” on Tumblr, I didn’t know if this story had many readers on here. I’ve got 17 chapters on Ao3, I’ll work on updating the chapters without spamming the tags here. The other chapters can be found here

The next couple of weeks were spent on leave, Anna’s body slowly catching up with her mind.

She had received news, in a sterile BSAA clinic that Walden had exposed her to the Mold where it entered her bloodstream. After her initial life saving procedures to stop the mold from spreading further, the medical staff conducted a CT scan on her brain to see if the mold had moved to her brain.

She was lucky, there weren’t any masses found in her brain, but she would have to go back for scans and tests twice a year.

Doctor Williams, who was an internationally recognized scientist and medical doctor, assured her she wasn’t contagious and she could live a normal life, with few modifications.

He even hypothesized that the infection is what saved her life.

The news was devestating. She was struggling with a condition now, that had little research about it and she couldn’t even tell her best friend.

After she was released from the hospital she was cleared to go back to her apartment she shared with Lavish.

The apartment didn’t have the same warmth as it did before.

It felt like the ghost of who she used to be, was haunting the apartment.

The weird thing about having a near death experience and seeing loved ones that have passed on, is that everyday you’re reminded of it.

Every time she stepped into the shared living space she expected her mother and husband to be there, but they were absent.

She also longed to receive a message from Bunny. She would have accepted anything; a feather, butterfly or cardinal. Maybe, an unfortunate, yet comical series of events that only she could orchestrate in the afterlife.

It was like radio silence coming from the other side of this existence. As the days passed on, Anna felt more empty; it was like a part of her died when Walden tried to end her life.

And maybe it did.

She had experienced actual pain before, but nothing compared to the betrayal of a friend. She had betrayed her friend, by not being able to keep her safe. She had died a horrible death for nothing. It was selfish, but there were nights she wished she had been the one to die instead. It only made sense, she was the one who vowed to risk her life for the safety of others, not Bunny; yet, here she was laying down on the cold floor of her bedroom alone.

It was Saturday night, Lavish was at the club performing.

They held a week-long celebration of life for the late Bunny while Anna was still in the hospital. Her murder reverberated through the community and seemed to bring everybody closer together. The bar was busier than ever and Lavish was reaping the benefits.

Lavish would come home, plentiful cash tips in hand at sunrise, but there was always something sad in her eyes.

“I don’t know how much longer I can do this without my friend.” She would say. Anna would just sit there and listen while Lavish would talk through her guilt.

Sure, they were doing better than ever, but Bunny wasn’t here to see it. It was almost like she was some sacrificial lamb. Anna didn’t even want to think about it, it’s not like she could talk about what Walden confessed to her. This was the first time she really couldn’t talk about something with Lavish and it was killing her.

Anna decided the pain was beginning to be too much to bear and she got off the cold floor and decided to do something about it.

She was going to Redfield’s house; before she could realize what she was doing she was standing on the porch of Alpha’s home.

She was debating whether or not to knock on the door, or to turn around with her tail between her legs but fate had other plans.

The distinct sound of a lock being undone and the door creaking open filled Anna’s ears.

Chris stood there in a plain, gray tee that accentuated his muscular chest and arms. He looked at the woman with the slightest bit of confusion and curiosity.

“Anna, what are you doing here? I didn’t expect to see you for a couple more weeks.”

Anna’s breath hitched in her throat. “I made a mistake, I should really be leaving, I’m sorry for disturbing you.” She went to leave but she felt a large hand gently, yet firmly grab her wrist.

Anna looked up to meet Chris’ concerned gaze.

“You made the drive out here for a reason. Why don’t you come inside, even if it’s just for a minute.” He reasoned with her.

She bit her lip with indecisiveness and let him guide her through the threshold of the doorway.

Out of habit she gently removed her shoes at the front door before stepping further into Chris’ neat home. Her bare feet were cold on the hardwood floors.

“Why don’t you have a seat on the couch?” Chris suggested.

Her movements were automatic as she sat on the plush couch. She instinctively sat at the edge of the couch and propped herself up against the armrest.

Chris came back in with a bottle of whiskey and two glasses. He sat them down on the coffee table and sat at the other end of the couch Anna was on.

“Soooo….” He started off by pouring the dark liquid into the glass and offering it to her. She took it and watched as he poured some for himself.

She stared into her glass swirling the dark amber-y liquid, watching it change in color as it moved around the glass. She decided it was only fair for her to break the silence.

“I’m so used to always initiating cheers before I drink.” She said awkwardly.

“Considering you showed up looking helpless on my doorstep, I’m guessing you’re not in the mood to cheer for anything.” Chris said flatly.

“You would be absolutely correct.” She announced the last two words bitterly. Then, without giving it a second thought she threw back the whiskey in one take. She put her glass firmly on the coffee table. The warmth from the alcohol swirling in her belly.

“Right on.” Chris said and did the same.

“I came here to talk about the incident.” She said shakily, the liquid courage starting to numb her a little bit.

Chris stared at her sympathetically, he was silent, but his body language said that he was listening.

“Walden told me some things… some awful things. I can’t get them out of my head. I have nightmares almost every night.”

“He almost killed you Anna.” He sighed, pouring himself another shot and did the same for her. “You trusted him, and he tried to murder you.” The thought of Walden leading Anna into that lab alone, if Chris had just been five minutes late, or hadn’t even thought to look for her, Anna would have been dead.

Anna looked at Chris intently. “That’s not even the worst part.” She felt the sadness and guilt build up in her chest. She drank some more of the burning liquid to numb the pain. “I killed her.” She said out weakly.

Chris instinctively moved closely to her. He put his hand on her shoulder. “Killed who, Anna?”

Bunny’s face flashed in her mind. She thought of how scared she was in her final moments and how Anna was completely to blame. She began to cry in her hands.

Chris pulled into her an embrace and began to rub her back. She couldn’t tell if it was the alcohol or the fact she had kept the awful secret to herself for weeks, but she felt comfortable enough to cry into his chest.

When she had calmed down a little bit, Chris loosened his embrace on her.

“Walden killed Bunny because of me.” She managed out.

“Anna, it's not your fault.”

“But it is!” Anna sobbed. “She’s gone, it should have been me, why couldn’t he just have killed me?”

Chris tensed his jaw. He remembered the Arklay incident. The feelings of guilt flooding back to him. His comrades dead because of his selfish leader; and Chris, left alive to suffer.

“I should never have involved anyone else in my life when I moved here. I knew the risk! I knew there were bad people out there like Walden, I just never thought it would be him! Bunny is dead because I was selfish, I just wanted friends so badly, I felt like she really understood me and now she’s gone.”

“She’s dead because some selfish asshole wanted to hurt you Anna. And he succeeded.”

Anna began to spiral. “It’s not just Bunny Chris-“ she raised her voice a little. “If I hadn’t pushed Michael so hard, if I hadn’t been so adamant about starting a family. Maybe if I had just stopped demanding so much he wouldn’t have felt the need to advance his career so fast, he wasn’t even supposed to be there the day he died.”

She breathed shakily, moving her hand through her hair. “But I insisted he go, I wanted him to be the first one there to make the best impression.” She started to sob again.

Chris breathed in. He remembered the guilt that he still carried with him, with Jill. She wasn’t supposed to be there with Spencer either, but she insisted. He remembered saying to him that it was “their fight”.

He regrets letting her go everyday.

Chris decided to speak. “You know, I bet he didn’t think you were pressuring him.”

She looked up at him, her usual spritely features marred with tears and red blotches.

“You…think that?”

“Of course I do, the way you talk about him, he seemed like a good man, but you’re also a good woman.” He planted his hand on her thigh assuringly.

The warmth of his hand on her thigh made her weak, but his words made her weaker.

“I bet you were so good to him. I bet everyday you gave him something to smile about.”

She sniffled starting to feel like she could talk to

Him without sobbing.

“Everytime he was sick, I would go to the grocery store and get his favorite fruit, because I know it would make him feel better.” She laughed at the memory. “I demanded he lay in bed, because he was always moving; even when he was sick.”

She grimaced and looked down at her feet.

“I really miss the life I had.”

Chris gave her an understanding look.

“You know I think about that all the time. I dream about the life I had before all this bio terrorism mess.”

Anna quickly snapped her head up. “Chris, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to seem ungrateful.”

Chris held her tight again. “You don’t sound ungrateful, you sound human.”

She leaned her head into his chest. “Did you ever want a family Chris? Did you ever think you’d get married, have kids?”

Chris hadn’t dwelled on the thoughts he had while living in Raccoon City. Working at the RPD, sure he was immature, but he saw how happy Barry and Kathy were. He was a womanizer, but he always thought he’d find the right girl to settle down with and have a couple of kids.

When he met Jill, he was convinced it was her. She was beautiful, smart and tough as hell; she didn’t take any shit from the guys at the station. Then the incident happened, he was so hellbent on avenging his dead friends he forgot about the ones who were still alive.

He abandoned Jill in Raccoon City where she needed him most, he had even abandoned Claire.

What kind of man was he?

He decided to answer truthfully. “I did, I don’t think I deserve it anymore.”

It was Anna’s turn to comfort Chris.

“Chris, I think you’d be an amazing husband and an even better dad.” She said sincerely.

He shifted uncomfortably. He decided to switch the subject back to Anna.

“Did Walden do anything else to you, Anna?” He said cautiously, making sure he didn’t offend her or bring up traumatic memories too soon.

She grabbed the glass bottle and poured them more, she knew she needed to slow down, but she couldn’t stop herself.

“I can’t remember much of what happened honestly,” she sipped the alcohol this time, taking time to taste the bitterness of it. “I remember he threatened my family, that’s why I went with him. He wanted to inject me with something…” she trailed off. She hadn’t thought of the events since her recovery in the hospital, she suddenly felt panicked.

“He…he… exposed me to the mold, Chris.”

Chris’ eyes widened. Anna buried her face into her hands.

“Is this the first time you’ve talked about it with somebody?”

“Yes.” She sobbed a little bit.

He laughed humorlessly, lost for words. “Well, you haven't been neutralized, so you must be okay.” He tried to say lightly.

“It’s in my bloodstream but I’m not contagious. They tried some experimental drug on me so it wouldn’t spread. It wasn’t very pleasant as you can imagine.”

“Anna, I’m so sorry. I knew you had been exposed, I just wasn’t aware of how bad it actually was.”

“Do you think I’m a monster? That I’m like Lucas?” She asked sharply.

Chris looked at her incredulously. “You’re nowhere near that crazy bastard. You will never be like him.”

“You’re the only person I’ve told, I don’t know if anyone else knows.”

“They don’t.” He said assuringly. “I won’t tell either. Your secret is safe with me.” He smiled at her.

Anna nodded, her eyes still unfocused, mind in some far off place. Chris recognized that stare, he had seen it too many times. It genuinely made him angry that Walden, and the connections had caused her so much pain.

“So you and Micheal wanted kids?.” He asked casually, trying to lighten the subject.

For the first time tonight, Anna genuinely smiled. “I wanted them so bad.” She said. “We tried so hard to conceive. The doctors told us our only hope was IVF, my body was having trouble ovulating.” She blinked quickly and made a grimace.

“I’m sorry that was TMI.” She laughed awkwardly.

“No it isn’t.” Chris laughed with her.

Her face fell a little bit. “It was expensive, but I wanted a baby so bad, I just wanted to be a mom. Michael would have done anything to make it happen and he did.” Her face fell again.

“It just wasn’t meant to be.” She took another shot of the whiskey. Her body was getting warmer, she knew she needed to stop, but didn’t want to.

“You don’t know that,” Chris said reassuringly. “You’re still so young.”

“Yeah, well, I think God has other plans for my life.” She said. “They advised me at the clinic if I were to conceive they would have a chance of having the infection. You know that means.”

Chris nodded. He did. Terrorists were manufacturing BOWS in labs. If word spread that a human was producing super humans naturally, Anna and her children would be in extreme danger.

Anna stood up quickly, “Well I’ve wasted enough of your time tonight Chris, I should get going,” she stumbled slightly before Chris firmly seated her into the couch again.

The mood started to shift to a lighter tone.

“I think you’ve had too much to drink, missy.” He said in a playful tone. “You should stay here until you sober up. I’ll let your roommate know where you are.”

“Do you know their phome number?”

“Oh I got Daniel’s number while you were in the Hospital. He was listed as your emergency contact.”

Anna looked at him confused. “He lets you call him Daniel?” She glared at him. “Have you guys been texting behind my back?”

He smirked. “Maybe.”

She flopped her back into the couch dramatically and put a pillow over her face. Chris smirked at her overracting.

He sat down next to her again. “Alright, he’s aware you’re staying over.”

“Great.” Anna said through the pillow which muffled her response. She took the pillow off her face. “Soooo… since we’re in a talking mood tonight,” she said, starting to blush. “Should we talk about that kiss we had in Canada?”

Chris blinked at her, genuinely shocked. The kiss had been on his mind for weeks. He thought she would never bring it up, he was worried he had forced himself onto her. Obviously he knew now the feeling was mutual.

“What about it?” He asked, trying to cover up his shock.

“Well, do you have feelings for me Chris, because I definitely think I have them for you.”

Instead of answering verbally, Chris decided to do what any hot blooded man would do. He kissed her passionately.

It was comfortable and romantic, it was like they had just picked up where they ended in Canada. Anna decided to break the Kiss.

“I’ll take that as a yes?” She giggled.

“Yes.” He said, going in to nibble at the sensitive skin on her neck.

She instinctively let out a moan. It had been so long since she had been touched like this, she missed it. She also felt slight guilt of being with another man.

She tried to shake it off, remembering her fever dream. Would Michael really be okay with her having a relationship with another man?

Chris sensed her demeanor change. “Are you okay? We don’t have to keep going.”

She smiled up at him and kissed him again, rougher this time. The liquor was doing things to her body, she felt like her belly was on fire and she could smell Chris’ natural scent, which only made her more aroused.

Chris picked up on her neediness and began to paw at her breasts through her clothes. Impatiently, she ripped her shirt and bra off. She wanted to feel his calloused hands on her bare breasts.

“You want this bad, don’t you baby?”

“I’ve wanted you since Dulvey, Chris.”

“You’re such a bad girl making me wait that long. We have a lot of lost time to make up for.” He said roughly pulling her hips up to align with his. She could feel his erection on her thigh.

Although Chris was in his 40s, he was rock hard and had no problem getting “it up” for her. The size of what she felt excited her, but also made her nervous. It had been years since she had been fucked. Would she be any good still?

Chris began to play with the waistband of her shorts. She lifted up her hips and removed them exposing her panties.

She suddenly felt self conscious. “Why don’t you take your shirt off honey?” She said playing with his shirt.

Chris responded enthusiastically by taking off his shirt. “That good enough sweetheart?”

She smirked. “Definitely.” She began to gently rub his muscular chest. “Chris, you’ve got an amazing body.” She began to stroke his hair and move her hands from his head, down to his neck and stop at his shoulders. She couldn’t help but squeeze his biceps.

“Mmm, you’re driving me crazy baby.” He said as he pressed body against hers again. He let his hand drift down below her waist, touching the thin fabric of her panties.

She shuddered at his touch. She kissed him again to affirm she wanted him to continue. She bucked her hips up to him and moaned in pleasure when he moved her panties to the side to gently stroke her most sensitive place.

“Mmm Chris, please don’t stop it feels so good,” she moaned into his ear.

He responded by inserting a finger into her tight entrance. She gasped at the sensation of a thick finger inside of her.

“God baby, your pussy is so tight.” He began to pump his finger in and out of her while rubbing her clit. “It’s a shame I’m going to stretch it out.”

Anna and Michael hardly exchanged dirty talk when they had sex. The two of them would say the occasional dirty thing and then giggle. They were so young and inexperienced when they married.

Chris was proving to be the exact opposite. The way he touched her body, he had probably been with several women, and he didn’t hold back with expressing his dirty thoughts.

She started to blush a deep red. Chris used his free hand to caress her face. “Is this your first time since…?”

Anna nodded sheepishly.

“I’ll take good care of you baby, don't worry.”

Chris began to kiss down her abdomen to her pelvis. He pulled down the thin fabric of her panties and revealed her pussy.

She began to sit up to protest what was about to happen when Chris placed a firm hand on her abdomen, keeping her in place.

He spread her thighs apart and put his head between her thighs and began to lick her clit mercilessly.

Anna was not the type to receive oral sex, sure her husband had tried it, but she was so self conscious it was never enjoyable.

With Chris it was different. He was assertive, Of course she didn’t feel pressured to do anything she didn’t want to do, but he was making sure to push her limits.

“Chris, it’s so much,” she began to writhe underneath him. He didn’t slow down, but instead he entered two of his thick fingers into her pussy.

She couldn’t contain the erotic noises of her pleasure. She thanked god he lived in a home and not an apartment. She was loud and knew that if people were nearby they were hearing her react to Chris’ unique set of skills.

Her body began to tremble as the increasing waves of pleasure ran over her body. Just as she was about to climax Chris withdrew himself from her.

She lifted herself, face flushed and looked at Chris with confusion and slight embarrassment.

“Did I do something wrong?” She stammered out.

Chris kissed her reassuringly. “You’re doing everything right sweetheart.”

He began to undo his pants and she couldn’t help but stare.

“You wanna help me get these pants off so I can fuck your little pussy quicker?”

Anna giggled and instinctively looked away. He was so comfortable with her. She wish she could return the same confidence.

Never the procrastinator, Chris guided her hands to the waist of his pants. She followed his lead and began to undo his belt buckle. She pulled down his pants and his thick cock sprung out.

She was hesitant at first, but she gently took Chris’ member in her mouth and began to suck his cock.

Chris began to play with her hair gently, moving it out of her face and holding it in a ponytail.

“God you look so beautiful sucking my cock. It’s like your mouth was made for me.”

Ever the people pleaser Anna began moving faster, attempting to take more of him into her mouth. It was a challenge but she was up to it.

Chris rubbed Anna’s shoulder warmly. “Baby, I don’t want to cum just yet.”

Anna understood and moved away from his cock. She kissed up his chest, to his neck to meet his mouth. He buried his fingers in her hair, completely dominating the kiss.

When they came up for air, Chris gently picked her up.

Anna looked at him a little confused.

“I don’t want our first time together to be on a couch.”

She smiled at him and held on to his neck as he carried her into his bedroom. He gently laid her down on the bed and looked into her eyes.

“Are you sure you want this?”

“Of course.”

That’s all he needed. Chris spread her legs at the knees as he positioned himself between her. “This okay?”

Anna nodded positioning her hands on his biceps again.

He grabbed her hips and brought them to align with his. He began to tease her a little bit by rubbing the tip of his cock against her clit and wet entrance.

“Chris, please.” She whined out.

“Chris, please what?” He chided her. He wanted her to beg for it.

“Chris please…I want you inside of me.” She said sheepishly.

Chris smirked, “You are such a sweet girl.” He kissed her cheek.

He grabbed knees by the backs, and pressed them to as far as they would go so she was completely helpless tohim.

“All that training paid off babygirl. You’re so flexible.”

He began to enter her, little by little, Anna began to clutch his arms digging her nails into him.

“That’s right baby, you’re taking my cock so well.”

Chris eventually managed to get his cock inside of her right entrance, completely filling her up. He began to thrust into her, the head of his cock grazing her cervix with each thrust.

Anna couldn’t help but yelp with each thrust. He was being rough with her, but she was enjoying it.

When she was married sex was sweet, it was never erotic like this. Chris was completely dominating her and enveloping her entire body. He was commanding every sense she had

She felt Chris’ thrusts become deeper and faster. She knew he was close. She let herself relax so she could ride out the waves of her own orgasm. Chris bit down on her neck as he came.

Chris collapsed into her as soon as he finished. They shared a long kiss and he pulled out of her. She suddenly felt very empty,

The post coital clarity hit her hard.

She quickly ran into the bathroom before Chris could question her. She immediately turned on the shower and got in.

She felt Chris’ cum leak out of her.

In that moment she felt so dirty, that she didn’t even make him wear protection, that she was so easy she’d just let anyone fuck her.

Overwhelmed with emotion and hormones she began to cry.

She felt so guilty for sleeping with Chris. He was so good in bed, but they had no real relationship. She just slept with him out of pure carnal attraction. She was torn out of her thoughts when she heard a gentle knock at the door.

“Can I come in, Anna?”’

She quickly turned off the shower and wrapped a towel around her. She opened the door. Chris stood there with a concerned look.

“I heard you crying.”

She felt awful. “Chris, I just um, I don’t know, I think it’s all the hormones or something. I just haven’t been right that’s all.”

Chris brought her in for an embrace. “Was I too rough?”

Anna stroked his muscular chest. “No, it was perfect, honestly it was too perfect.” She pulled away.

“Then why were you crying?”

She took a shaky breath. “Because I know we can’t continue like this Chris. I feel like I’m just a hookup to you.”

“A hookup? Are you serious?”

“It’s really okay, I understand. I’m just not used to this.”

“Anna, you’re not just some hookup, you mean so much more to me.”

She felt overwhelmed.

“Is this really going to work? I feel like I have so many complicated feelings for you.” She leaned into his chest.

“All we can do is try.” He hugged her back and stroked her soft hair. He knew the risks of sleeping with her, he felt himself falling for her as well. He vowed mentally to take care of her. Whatever it took.

They ended up making love a second time that night and fell asleep in each other's arms.

For the first time, in a long time the pair hadn’t had the nightmares that kept them awake at night.

[rainbownomja]

Hiya,

So I’m sure this is a long shot since I make pretty much no original content/don’t talk about myself on here much if I ever have at all. I am through and through simply fandom and general meme trash here for the vibes this hellscape (affectionate) provides.

But if there’s a chance that it’ll make even a small difference I’m gonna do this anyway.

Long story short, my cat (Soup) needs emergency surgery for a reason that surprisingly has nothing to do with any of the chronic illnesses that he has. This procedure is happening this Friday, March 10th, 2023, and will cost between $1017-$1215 as long as there’s no extreme surprises, and that payment has to be given at the time of service (or at least I have to agree to a specific payment plan at that point. But my life situation stuff means I can’t be sure if I could cover it in that amount of time either by myself (and thus know if I would be able not to incur the interest fees. This clarification was added after original posting, I apologize that this wasn’t mentioned to make clear the most accurate amount of times-sensitivity originally)

If that is all you’d like to know/need to know and you would like to help, here’s the link (if you’re particularly squeamish, skip the summary there. It’s not graphic in any way, but does provide more specific detail of what’s going on):

For those of you who’d like some more context, here it is:

In theory had this happened/had I known even a month earlier, I would’ve probably been able to afford the cost on my own, but it didn’t, so I can’t (for a lot of reasons out of my control that compounded pretty much simultaneously.)

Soup is such an essential member of my family. I am not the type of person to throw money at a battle that would only cause him pain and suffering just because I’m scared of what life will be like if (hopefully very distantly, when) I lose him. I will never be willing to harm him like that.

But this is a situation thankfully in which the risk of complications because of surgery are pretty low even with his preexisting conditions, the benefits of the surgery are very high and the probability of losing him if this doesn’t get treated at all and soon is pretty much 100% certain.

Besides what the surgery is treating, his chronic illnesses are being managed and he has many more years of happy quality life ahead of him.

So, if you happen to have anything to spare and would be willing to help me cover the cost of this surgery, and/or share this, I would be extremely grateful.

(And if you can’t or just don’t want to, know that there is no judgement here. I appreciate anyone just for reading this. And hey, if you happen to have solid memes to share please do, I honestly could use some distraction)

Here are some photos of the boi, as a treat for making it to the end.

[kdlmedtech]

Why Blunt Filter Needles Are Essential for Precision in Medical Procedures

When it comes to medical procedures, precision is crucial. Every dosage, every injection, and every medication must be accurately administered to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. This is where syringe filters with blunt needles come in. Blunt filter needles are specialized medical needles designed to enhance precision in medical procedures. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using blunt filter needle and their role in achieving precision in medical procedures.

What Are Blunt Filter Needles? Blunt filter needles are a game-changer in the world of medical procedures. Unlike traditional needles, which have a sharp Blunt-tip, blunt filter needle have a rounded tip that reduces the risk of tissue damage and needlestick injuries. This design not only makes them safer for healthcare professionals to use but also allows for more precise delivery of medications and fluids.

The Need for Precision in Medical Procedures The precision of medical procedures is vital for various reasons. First, accurate dosages are essential to ensure that patients receive the right amount of medication for their condition. This helps prevent under or overdose, which can lead to complications and delayed recovery.

Additionally, precision in medical procedures reduces medication waste, which can be costly and harmful to the environment. Most importantly, it helps avoid incorrect medication administration, which can have severe consequences for patients.

Read More : Choose the correct Hypodermic needle for your patient

The Role of Blunt Filter Needles in Precision Blunt filter needle play a crucial role in achieving precision in medical procedures. They are design to work efficiently, ensuring accurate aspiration and injection of medication. This is especially important for procedures that require high accuracy, such as intravenous administration, epidural injections, intramuscular injections, biopsies, and spinal taps. Blunt filter needle also make it easier for medical professionals to handle and administer medication, reducing the risk of errors.

How to Choose the Right Blunt Filter Needle When it comes to choosing the right blunt filter needle, there are a few factors to consider. First, the needle size and gauge should be suitable for the intended use. Different procedures may require different needle sizes and gauges, so it is essential to consult a medical professional for guidance. Additionally, the needle must be compatible with the syringe being used. Lastly, it is crucial to ensure that the blunt filter needle has quality and safety certifications to guarantee its efficacy and compliance with regulations.

Benefits of Blunt Filter Needles Blunt filter needles have many benefits that make them an essential tool in medical settings. First and foremost, they prevent accidental needle sticks. This is especially important for medical professionals who handle syringes and needles daily. Blunt filter needle also reduce needle breakage, which can lead to medication waste and increase the risk of complications. Additionally, these needles minimize tissue damage, resulting in less pain and discomfort for patients.

Moreover, blunt filter needle ensure accurate medication delivery. With their design, they can aspirate and inject with precision, decreasing the chances of incorrect dosages. This also leads to improved patient comfort as medication is delivered directly to the intended site.

Applications of Blunt Filter Needles in Medical Procedures Many medical procedures require precision, and blunt filter needle are a valuable tool in achieving it. Some of these procedures include intravenous (IV) administration, where accurate dosages are crucial for proper medication absorption and delivery. Epidural injections, which are use to manage pain, also require precision to avoid complications. Similarly, intramuscular injections, biopsies, and spinal taps all need accurate medication delivery for the best outcomes.

Conclusion In conclusion, blunt filter needles are an essential tool in achieving precision in medical procedures. Their benefits, such as preventing needle sticks, reducing breakage, and improving accuracy, make them a valuable addition to any medical setting. As a patient, it is essential to discuss with your healthcare provider the use of blunt filter needles for your medical procedures. With the right blunt filter needle, you can rest assured that your medical procedures will be performed with the utmost precision for the best possible outcomes.

Source : Why Blunt Filter Needles Are Essential for Precision in Medical Procedures

[essincny]

The Benefits of Using Endoscopy in a Veterinary Practice

In recent years, veterinary medicine has seen significant advancements in diagnostic and treatment technologies. One such advancement that has revolutionized veterinary practice is the use of endoscopy. Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a flexible instrument called an endoscope to visualize and examine the internal organs and structures of animals. In this blog post, we will explore the numerous benefits of using endoscopy in a veterinary practice.

Accurate Diagnosis

Endoscopy allows veterinarians to get a clear and detailed view of the internal organs and structures of animals. This enables a more accurate and precise diagnosis of various conditions and diseases. By directly visualizing the problem area, veterinarians can identify abnormalities, such as tumors, foreign objects, ulcers, strictures, and more. Accurate diagnosis leads to more effective treatment plans and better outcomes for our furry friends.

Minimally Invasive

Compared to traditional surgical procedures, endoscopy is minimally invasive. Instead of making large incisions, endoscopy only requires small incisions or natural body openings, such as the mouth or anus. This results in less pain, discomfort, and a faster recovery time for animals. Minimally invasive procedures also reduce the risk of post-operative complications, including infection and excessive scarring.

Reduced Patient Stress

Veterinary visits can often be stressful for animals. However, with endoscopy, the stress levels are significantly reduced. Instead of being put under general anesthesia for invasive surgeries, animals undergoing endoscopy typically receive sedation or local anesthesia. This reduces their anxiety, minimizes the risks associated with general anesthesia, and makes the overall experience less traumatic for both the animals and their owners.

Versatility

Endoscopy is a versatile procedure that can be used in different areas of veterinary medicine. It can be employed in various specialties, including gastroenterology, urology, respiratory medicine, and more. With different types of endoscopes and specialized instruments, veterinarians can examine and treat a wide range of conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders, urinary tract issues, airway problems, and even perform biopsies.

Lower Costs

While the initial cost of purchasing endoscopy equipment may be higher than traditional diagnostic tools, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, the long-term benefits can surpass the investment. Endoscopy allows for more accurate diagnoses, reducing the need for additional diagnostic tests and surgeries. This not only saves money for the pet owners but also minimizes the stress and risks associated with unnecessary procedures.

In conclusion, the use of endoscopy in veterinary practice offers numerous benefits. From accurate diagnosis and minimal invasiveness to reduced patient stress and versatility, endoscopy has transformed the way veterinarians approach diagnostics and treatments. By embracing this cutting-edge technology, veterinary practices can provide the best possible care to animals while ensuring their well-being and comfort.

[harmonyhealinghub]

Birth Doulas: Empowering Support for Expectant Families

Shaina Tranquilino

December 12, 2023

Bringing a new life into the world is an incredible journey filled with joy, anticipation, and sometimes, uncertainty. During this transformative time, many women seek additional support to ensure a positive birth experience. Enter birth doulas – compassionate professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational assistance before, during, and after childbirth. In this blog post, we will delve into what birth doulas are and explore their invaluable role in empowering expectant mothers.

Understanding Birth Doulas: A birth doula is a trained individual who offers non-medical support to expectant mothers throughout the entire childbirth process. These dedicated individuals are typically experienced in various birthing techniques and possess extensive knowledge of the physiological and emotional aspects of labour and delivery.

Their Role: 1. Emotional Support: Birth doulas provide unwavering emotional support during pregnancy, labour, and postpartum periods. They assist expectant mothers by actively listening to their concerns, fears, hopes, and dreams surrounding childbirth. By offering empathy and reassurance, these caring professionals help alleviate anxieties while fostering confidence.

2. Continuous Physical Comfort: Doulas employ an array of comfort measures to ease discomforts associated with labour pains such as massage techniques, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, positioning suggestions, and more. Their presence ensures that the mother's physical needs are addressed consistently throughout the birthing process.

3. Advocacy & Communication: One significant aspect of a birth doula's role is to act as an advocate for the mother's preferences and desires when communicating with healthcare providers or medical staff. This may include discussing pain management options or ensuring the mother has access to accurate information about procedures being performed.

4. Informational Support: Birth doulas empower expectant mothers by providing evidence-based information on various aspects of childbirth like different birthing positions or breastfeeding techniques. They ensure that the mother is well-informed, enabling her to make educated decisions regarding her birth plan.

5. Partner Support: Birth doulas also extend their support to partners or other family members involved in the birthing process. By guiding them on how best to assist and comfort the labouring mother, doulas help create a harmonious environment where everyone feels included and informed.

Benefits of Hiring a Birth Doula: The advantages of having a birth doula during childbirth are numerous:

1. Increased Satisfaction: Studies have shown that women who receive continuous support from a birth doula report higher levels of satisfaction with their birthing experience.

2. Reduced Interventions: Research indicates that with the presence of a doula, there is often a decrease in interventions like cesarean sections and epidurals, leading to more positive outcomes for both mother and baby.

3. Emotional Well-being: The emotional support provided by birth doulas significantly reduces stress levels for expectant mothers, promoting overall emotional well-being throughout pregnancy and beyond.

4. Lowered Risk of Postpartum Depression: Women supported by birth doulas tend to have lower rates of postpartum depression due to the consistent guidance and nurturing they receive during the vulnerable post-birth period.

Birth doulas play an essential role in ensuring positive experiences for expectant mothers during childbirth. Their unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy empower women to navigate this transformative journey confidently. By providing physical comfort, emotional reassurance, informational assistance, and acting as an advocate, these dedicated professionals contribute significantly to creating fulfilling and empowering birthing experiences for all involved.

[my-shields-are-down]

What's ur thoughts on the break up? Should Tim have broken it off?

Personally if Tim did break up with Ashley then he'd have to face his feelings for Lucy and I dont think he's ready to just yet.

Thanks for the question! People might be surprised by my answer - especially since I have been anti-Ashley (I call her Voldie in most other places, but not today) for awhile now.

I have mixed feelings about “the break up”. Turns out I have quite a lot of thoughts on this (and some tangents), so this might be long.

First, on the surface the manner in which Ashley broke up with Tim was harsh - a total dick move. She couldn’t wait until he was coherent, she had to dump & dash the instant he was opened his eyes? She couldn’t wait until he was clear of anesthesia? Completely heartless. Rude.

And yet, on another hand, she had an epiphany at some point that a life with Tim where he stays in his job and doesn’t retire is not a life she can lead - so she swiftly takes action and goes. I am all about action, deciding or recognizing what works or doesn’t, what you want and going after that?! Fuck yeah, I support that big time. That said, I would have waited - because that was the more compassionate, empathetic way to do it. The way Ashley has been written, neither of those two things would be considered her top qualities. Lucy? Yes, definitely. Ashley? Not so much.

I think there were clues from the beginning of the episode that this could happen.

1) Tim mentions being on Whole 30 - it was Ashley’s idea in reaction to her dad having some health issues. Ashley and her Dad are wickedly close - I bet she is freaking out that his health could be at risk- so she’s desperately trying to control her life. Tim is part of that world - so he gets controlled to.

2) Ashley got WAY too excited about the possibility of Tim retiring. I felt like she was on a game show and the host had just said, “if he retires, tell her what she’s won Bob!” For a first time conversation on the topic she just barreled through all the possibilities and benefits like it was a done deal. Which made me think that she’s had this conversation with her Dad on more than one occasion and Dad regrets not taking advantage sooner - or he says he does.

She then brushes off Tim’s idea of traveling to see a MLB game in every stadium - which first, I raised my hand and volunteered to go with him, and second I think she does that all the time with Tim. The few scenes we saw her in were about Tim changing to meet her wants and needs instead of them growing together in a new direction.

3) Neither Tim nor Ashley asked any questions about the surgery. Granted because of their jobs as first responders, they’ve have some trauma training and advanced first aid classes. But this is major surgery, major not because of method - the fact they can do a minimally invasive procedure is fantastic, but major because the spine is involved. Like the brain, there’s so much unknown about the spine and the nervous system and LUCY is the only one who asks about the dangers involved the surgery. No one asks about side effects, or lasting damage, recovery times, PT, pain management, etc etc. I get being shocked, but this is why you take someone with you to ask questions while you sit there and freak out about knives being near your spine.

4) Ashley just stood there. She wasn’t holding his hand, or sitting next to Tim in the bed providing comfort and care before during or after the doctor’s visit. She was facing him like an adversary as opposed to sitting next to him as a partner or team member. Without knowing how she and Tim interact when alone, I read this as she was starting to distance herself from him. With him, but not.

She’s not overtly affectionate, she’s very reserved, hesitant almost and I think insecure. She rarely looks Tim in the eye for any extended period of time, and she’s not aware or open to Tim. I don’t think she loves Tim as he is. I think she loves the version of Tim that she’s created in her head, if he changes x, y, z then he’ll be perfect. A confident person loves and accepts themselves, I don’t think Ashley does. She kept looking to Tim for validation, that’s not confidence.

I said it in another post, but I think Ashley’s relationship with her Dad really shapes her relationship with Tim. She’s the apple of Jerry’s eye. I am sure Jerry doted on her and always let her have her way. So she manhandles her relationship with Tim to recreate that type of relationship where she’s the focus, and she controls everything.

Because things with her most important male (Jerry) are taking some hits because of his health, Ashley’s relationship with a Tim is receiving the backlash of that. She’s going to want Tim to provide her with a life that gives HER happiness - a lifeguard in Bali, living with Tim off his free money. When she realized that wasn’t going to happen, she bailed and ran.

I don’t think Lucy ever really entered into Ashley’s mind about the break up other than as a passing thought that Tim has a large cop family to support him.

===

I think if we had waited for Tim to break up with Ashley, we would have been waiting a long time. Tim liked Ashley. He cared about her. I think he was stung when she left him - more proof he’s unlovable, that people who love him, leave him. She was safe. Tim knew what to expect in his relationship with Ashley.

Being in a relationship with Lucy is wholly overwhelming for Tim. Like space, it’s undiscovered territory. He’s been in love - but Isobel didn’t know him as well as Lucy does. He has female friends - but he does not long for Angela like he longs for Lucy. I believe Tim doesn’t think Lucy likes him likes him or more importantly doesn’t think she loves him loves him. Yes, she’s attracted to him and yes, she willingly invited Tim into her home for a night of sexual pleasure. But she said it was biology. He doesn’t yet know it wasn’t just that for her.

IMO Tim never would have broken up with Ashley unless Lucy broke up with Chris and she told Tim that it wasn’t pretend for her. That she loves him and wants to be with him. Lucy, however, is waiting for Tim to do the same thing. She’s waiting for Tim to say he wants her, that he desires her, that he loves her. They are both waiting for the other to make the first move.

Right now, Tim’s overwhelmed with feelings. Feelings about Ashley and their break up. Feelings about Lucy. Feelings about her spending the night in the hospital with him. Feelings about surgery, retirement, marriage, babies, his sister, selling his childhood home, his dad dying, etc. He’s got more feelings on top of feelings, intertwined with other feelings that he doesn’t know which way is up. Before he can do anything, he has to untangle them all, acknowledge and name them and accept and process them. I bet he deals with Lucy first because SHE is the most important thing to him.

Thankfully, Tim is much more adept at dealing with them now. He’s strengthened his emotional intelligence muscle (thank you Lucy), but he’s not a talker - unless he talks to Lucy. He’s an avoider - and he’s going to avoid Lucy because it hurts him not being able to fully connect like he wants to. As he realizes how in deep the connection is with her, I don’t think he’ll be able to do it half way. Unless, there’s an imminent threat to losing her, I don’t think he’s going to be able to let her back in not all the way- his struggle with wanting to be near Lucy vs letting her in all the way, will play out on Tim’s super expressive face.

Tim is in feelings overload- so I expect Tim to revert back to TO Tim or try to at least. I loved that version of him. I’ve loved Tim since day one. He was in self-preservation mode. A hard shell and big time walls preventing people from seeing the anguish and heartbreak over losing his wife. Imagine it - you are married and one day your spouse disappears. Gone. How would YOU handle that? What would YOU be like in the world? Would you put up walls so you could cope? Or would all your emotions be on display 24x7? Or somewhere in between? Tim likely will distance himself emotionally with extreme professionalism as a way to keep his feelings hidden and in check. Without Ashley he now has no protection from Lucy, his feelings are going to be more obviously on display. He will probably make some bad decisions along the way. Until he opens back up and let’s Lucy back in.

Anyway… my 25 cents on the topic.

[cure4pain]

Does acupuncture work for back pain?

Back pain is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle strain, ligament injury, disc herniation, and arthritis. While there are many conventional treatments for back pain, such as medication, physical therapy, and surgery, many people also seek alternative therapies like acupuncture.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. It is based on the belief that disruptions in the flow of energy, or qi, can lead to pain and illness. By inserting needles into specific acupoints, acupuncturists aim to restore the balance of qi and promote healing.

How does acupuncture work for back pain?

The exact mechanism of acupuncture is not fully understood, but it is thought to work by stimulating the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that have pain-relieving effects. It may also modulate the activity of the central nervous system, which can influence pain processing and transmission.

Is acupuncture effective for back pain?

Numerous clinical studies have investigated the efficacy of acupuncture for back pain, with mixed but promising results. A 2018 meta-analysis of 39 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that acupuncture provided statistically significant pain relief compared to sham acupuncture or no treatment. The analysis also indicated that acupuncture was more effective than usual care interventions, such as medication or physical therapy.

Another RCT, published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2012, compared acupuncture, sham acupuncture, and conventional therapy (medication and exercise) for chronic low back pain. The results demonstrated that acupuncture provided superior pain relief and functional improvement compared to sham acupuncture and conventional therapy. Additionally, the benefits of acupuncture persisted even after the treatment was discontinued.

While these studies suggest that acupuncture may be effective for back pain, it is important to note that the placebo effect may play a role in its effectiveness. The use of sham acupuncture, which involves the insertion of needles into non-acupuncture points or using non-penetrating needles, helps to control for this effect. However, determining the true efficacy of acupuncture remains challenging due to the subjective nature of pain perception and the difficulties in conducting double-blind trials.

What are the potential benefits and considerations of acupuncture for back pain?

One of the advantages of acupuncture is its relatively low risk of adverse effects compared to pharmaceutical interventions or surgical procedures. Acupuncture is generally well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being minor bruising or bleeding at the needle insertion sites. It can be a suitable option for individuals who cannot tolerate or prefer to avoid medications.

Moreover, acupuncture treatments are often individualized, taking into account the unique characteristics and needs of each patient. Acupuncturists may assess factors such as the location, severity, and duration of the pain, as well as the patient’s overall health and constitution. This personalized approach can contribute to a more holistic and patient-centered treatment experience.

However, it is important to recognize that not all individuals may experience the same degree of pain relief from acupuncture. Factors such as the underlying cause of back pain, the chronicity of the condition, and individual variability can influence treatment outcomes. Additionally, the availability and quality of acupuncturists may vary, highlighting the importance of seeking trained and licensed practitioners.

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Conclusion

Acupuncture appears to be a promising treatment option for back pain, offering potential benefits with relatively low risks. Clinical evidence suggests that acupuncture can provide significant pain relief and functional improvement, although further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and optimize treatment protocols. As an alternative therapy, acupuncture should be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to managing back pain, in conjunction with conventional treatments, lifestyle modifications, and other interventions tailored to the individual’s needs.

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