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Topics - Robot Parade Leader

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Life Advice / How do you find out if you have metal in your body for an MRI?

« on: February 22, 2024, 06:26:04 pm »

After a follow up appointment with my doctor, because he says it is possible there is soft tissue damage. He wants an MRI.

I went to schedule it and they asked me if I had any metal in my body, a pacemaker, or anything. I was informed that there are strong magnetic fields in an MRI that can erase credit cards, and make metal implants a potential issue. I do not think so but the technician said to be sure beforehand.

I had an inguinal hernia repair with mesh in 2015. Does this or a "plug" used for hernia defect have metal in it or how do I find out? It was not a recurring hernia if that helps. I don't know and this is just "mesh" and a "plug" they put inside me to make sure the hernia was dealt with like 9 years ago or something. Never felt exactly the same but yeah.

I also had a metal rod and screw inserted into my broken arm way back in 1999, that was removed a year later. I physically, externally had the metal rod and screw in like a bag they gave me when they took it out. I don't know where it is now but it is not inside me. How do I make sure they did not leave anything in? I don't think they did but I do not want to find out I am wrong in an MRI. I don't think the surgeon who did the work on my broken arm way back then is still alive. Even if he did, that was like 26 years ago.

Any ideas on how I can find this out to be safe and not end up wrecked when I get the MRI? I don't know. I'm just trying to do what I'm told and being safe. I'm in America if that helps, because different countries have different medical systems and rules.

Life Advice / Weird Elder / Partent Issue (Non child, adult with older parents).

« on: October 11, 2022, 05:14:00 pm »

Hi.

Really weird situation. My parents are older (70s). I am an adult (30s), and live on my own, etc. My parents and family are pretty abusive and toxic. Always have been. I got out with some (former) substance abuse issues, and I have not drank since "T" got me sober in late 2016-2017. So I am looking forward to my 5 year chip soon.

First thing, my toxic family's extreme abuse is part of how I got addiction issues and I do not want to ever have those again. They keep trying to get me to drink and do that sort of thing, and they know I had issues and can not drink anymore. I've told them and they do not listen or they hear me but do not care. This and prior abuse is one of many reasons I do not have much contact with them. On the rare occasion I do have contact with them, how do I get it through their heads? Some people are just better off not drinking and I am one of them. Nothing they say or do is going to change that. I don't get how they can't accept this.

Ideas on getting people/family to just accept that you don't/can't drink as OK?

Second, my toxic parents are toxic and I have very little to do with them, after several years of trying to help them out (none of my other brothers and sisters ever did). It is likely they are up to some shady crap involving my (abusive) old dad with developing memory issues, and my (abusive) old mom. It's possible she's abusing him financially and perhaps in other ways. I do not know, but he's calling me up out of the blue asking me to "pick him up," and basically get him out of that situation/away from mom....

* Not sure how confused he is.
* Initially not sure what he wanted/where he wanted to go (apparently he thinks his car is at another property they have and he wants a ride there to get it).
* Not sure what he thinks he is going to do / where he is going to go if I give him a ride to where his car is (where he thinks it is, at their other house).
* Not sure if his license is valid (he says it is).
* He was very abusive previously and I do not feel I owe him much (so was she).
* Not sure how he is going to manage his health conditions if he just bolts or something and I have absolutely no ability to handle that (Money, medical knowledge, or anything).

I have no information to really work with here, and no one will tell me anything. It is possible there might be (primarily financial, but perhaps other?) abuse going on.

I am over an hour away and I have no real ability/way to get involved, at least without being seen as the bad person. At this point, do I give him the phone number for the local department of aging and tell him to tell them what's going on? Then have him call them and ask for an elder law lawyer and possibly the police or something depending on what's going on? (He won't tell me).

Limited information. Odd circumstances. Old wounds. No idea what to do. Thoughts?

Life Advice / possible broken finger

« on: April 15, 2020, 01:36:41 am »

Not asking for med treatment online but some med people hang around.... "Referral?" "Go see doctor?"

So I fell and caught myself and the only part of me that hurts is the tip part of my finger because of how it all landed. Very Hard landing, all on that fingertip. Hurts 2.5 to 3 days later. No discoloration, deformation, or swelling, but it hurts when I move it a bit and return it. Range of motion intact but some pain on motion. 1/10 maybe 2/10 with movement.

Have not treated, except cold pack, and avoiding movement. Talked to RN on insurance's phone line, said watch out but treat at home for now.

Thoughts? I get there is a pandemic on, but I make a living with my hands. Some medical people hang around here and I just wanted to ask:

1.) At what point do I see a physician? Get an x ray? Appointment with physician office or "urgent care" for what treatment?
2.) What do I do until then? The nurse just said treat at home, keep off it and cold packs. Will this heal on its own?

I get it is just a finger but ... possible bone.... Is it necessarily broken (Wishful thinking/hoping for less)? I am lucky it was only a finger hurt in that fall and that I have insurance. I just want things healed.

Life Advice / Getting a presciption in the US (not pain pills, etc)

« on: February 04, 2019, 03:31:28 pm »

Ok, I know there are some medical people here, and I wanted to ask about getting a presciption without wasting medical resources..... (Stupidly bugging a doctor more than required).

Propecia .... Yes for male pattern baldness, and not BPH. I realize it is not a medical emergency and do not want to take up valuable time from the medically needy. But, I want and think I need this.

Doctors do this with an outpatient appointment, right? Are there things I should say? I realize the side effects and do not care about them. Constructive help is appreciated. I also realize some nice people here have tried being supportive about the whole "bald guys can be great" thing. Thank you. I would appreciate the info though, please.

DF Dwarf Mode Discussion / No Migrants?

« on: December 15, 2018, 03:20:15 pm »

I tried everything I can think of but I can't seem to turn off migrants in this game.

It's like having a fishtank and then all of a sudden all these strange fish you've never seen swim in. Sure they're alcoholic somewhat murderous fishes, but so were the first fishes, dwarves, whatever.

Is there a way to turn off Migrants? Or tone it down a little bit/ I get like 18 or so in the first wave and my fort population explodes from 7 to like triple what it was before.

Life Advice / How do I warn my friend not to take a bad job

« on: June 27, 2018, 10:11:29 pm »

I escaped from an awful job, where I was told to do very stupid stuff that ended up getting some people fired and arrested, but there's still very bad stuff going on there. Thankfully, I left with a glowing review, because I turned in some of the jerks responsible, but there are tons more.

My friend needs a job and is looking at this place, because he was recently let go and put in over 300 applications. There is a reason I left because people have actually gone to jail working there with tons of turnover. All the decent people there do tons of CYA and document to make sure they don't get indicted when it eventually falls for breaking basically every regulation.

I am trying to find him any other job and have sent him links with detailed information for other positions like HR contact info. etc. I'm not showing him bad jobs either, cause I would take any one of them. I don't want him taken in by the same lie I was. I wasn't sleeping, developed health problems and it pretty much messed up my life. There are other jobs and I'll get him one that won't give him 12 ulcers and an arrest. This one was too good to be true for a reason; it was.

How do I get this across to him?

Life Advice / Urgent Care, or ER?

« on: June 26, 2018, 08:35:10 pm »

So the question is, which one should I go to. I'm actually leaving in a minute or two when my ride gets here. I think I'm OK to drive, but just to be safe, I'll ride instead.

The Emergency Room?

Urgent Care?

About less than 5 minutes ago....
I cut my arm on a glass bottle that broke. It isn't super deep but it is about 2 1/2 inches wide and I skinned it really, really good. I sprayed it with antibiotic stuff, bandaged it and it stopped bleeding. Hurts though. I don't want an infection, or scar, or if there are any little glass pieces in it.... It's possible it really might need stitches, for the next couple minutes I'm just happy it stopped bleeding.

It's bad enough that I need to do something and I am doing something right away, but I think someone else might need an ambulance more than me. It's about a 10-15 minute car ride either way.

Thoughts?

Life Advice / Stay or Move: Career advice, life advice ... moving? please.

« on: May 28, 2018, 07:04:22 pm »

The place I currently work for (on hopefully long term, renewable contract), is expanding to four cities in four states:

Albuquerque NM,
Phoenix AZ,
New Orleans LA,
Boston MA.

These areas would be cross country and cross cultural moves for me, pretty live changing, even if I could maybe transfer back.... I'm a contractor, people like me and my work where I am, but there's always worry.... Working as an actual employee would be fantastic.... Other options .... Where I currently live isn't great, between two metro areas (significant commute, but yeah). Also, things haven't been great for years, though I've managed.

If I apply for these positions, I imagine I'll probably take a pay cut and have to move cross country, probably long term, maybe... maybe with the chance to transfer back in a while. I don't know.
I'm not sure what to do.

Boston seems expensive, but I might like it there, winters aside (I could handle cold).
New Mexico is a cold desert. (and I hear it has some issues of its own? https://www.bestplaces.net/city/new_mexico/albuquerque)
Phoenix is a hot desert (and expensive)
I'm not moving to New Orleans. I'm sorry but no, I ... I just can't.

Notably, the office I am at is looking to hire 6 to 8 people and I would SURE apply for that. It's not guaranteed. I know they want to fill these new positions at new offices. I feel like it's a double edged sword. If I apply to the other areas, they might just toss me out there (assuming I get the job). If I wait and apply here, there's not guarantee I'll get a spot. I want to work for this place where I am in the location I am. I'm from here.... That said.... This is the best job outcome I can really reasonably think of for a long while actually. I also have a (piece of crap) little house I'd have to sell here or rent out?

Ideas? Please.

Life Advice / Why is my eyesight sucking?

« on: August 23, 2016, 06:26:24 pm »

2 Years ago, I could read closed captions on the TV 5 to 10 ft away without glasses (I'm nearsighted).
Now I see things as blurry when it's 2 ft away without glasses.

Last time I had an eye exam was feb 2016. Then the doctor reduced my prescription and said I was less nearsighted.
He implied it was odd I mentioned my vision without glasses and said I was lucky to have it as good as I did.
I don't get it. He doesn't seem to think it's anything but requesting sugarcoating. I'm not that old.
How am I less nearsighted when i can't see better, but seem to see worse for distance.
Why does my vision without glasses not matter?

He did say my astigmatism got worse but wow.

Sidenote: I don't have diabetes (I got tested) so it's not that. Is there anything I can do / stop doing?

Life Advice / Doing something nice for my mom?

« on: April 19, 2016, 12:19:01 pm »

Actually this is for something before Mother's Day, but that's on my mind too.

She's about 64 years old. She doesn't like going out to eat and it is difficult for us to get along at times, but I mostly just do what she says without even answering much except for to do it. She does garden a little bit, but the weather is still iffy on that right now.

We watch popular TV shows sometimes, and conversation is difficult so we mostly don't.

Here's what I have as an idea so far:

1. Cook dinner for her
2. Watch a Movie she wants to (I don't know which one, she has Netflicks she doesn't use much).
3. Get her some of her favorite Wine

Other than that I'm not really sure what to do and just trying to float some ideas out there. Any good suggestions?

Life Advice / Problems with stress and being upset from dealing with people. How do you?

« on: March 27, 2016, 09:41:44 pm »

Problems with stress and being upset

I get really anxious, stressed and upset Not quite "angry," because that makes you think of somebody screaming at the top of their lungs or punching somebody. Not it.

That said, I just can't stand people asking me question when I clearly either a.) don't want to talk about it b.) don't have an answer and they know these things or should. It's like they feel entitled to speak/question regardless of the other person who doesn't want to be in the conversation and a favorite phrase of theirs seems to be "I'm just saying." Yup, I knew. Still wishing that wasn't the case. I ask people to stop and they just look at me like I'm nuts.

I realize the following:
A.) This is at least partially my problem. Probably more than partially.
B.) People are going to always keep asking questions (stupid or otherwise) even and especially if you don't want them to.
C.) I need to find some way to deal with this on my end, because there is no other option.

It's not an anger problem yet but I just .... it gets to me a lot.

Ideas?

Please and thank you.

Forum Games and Roleplaying / You are a stupid, stupid goblin. Get in before it dies (SG)

« on: February 13, 2016, 10:08:56 pm »

GOBLIN

You are smart ... you think. Other goblins are your own worst enemies, except when you are, or other things are. Either way, tasty bugs, shiny things and not getting killed sounded great. You had that until some elves came by and destroyed your home in a rotted out cave, which those crazy elves said smelled bad. Nothing compares to the fragrance of rotting mushrooms. You managed to escape their grasp with part of a finger from it stuck in your teeth for a minute there. They haven't found you and seem to have stopped looking. You're finally alone in the forest but can't go back home, because they collapsed it. You never had reason to leave before....

What on earth will you do now?

Stats and Description:
Goblin, orange, scaly, 4 ft 2 in.

Skills:
Club (5)
Hide (4)
Climb (3)
Bug cooking (8 )
Bug Finding (8 )
Animal Handling (2)
Ride (1)

Known Areas: (generally)
North - Elven Forest. Pointy arrows are bad.
West - Grimshaw Mountains. Other goblins. Distant relations, maybe friendly, maybe not.
-Plovin's: Plovin is an Ogre Lord ruling Ogres, owning orc, goblin, and other slaves. Oppressing Zuffens (and more?).
South - Humans. Farms, lumber camps, forests, villages.
East - Sabrin Coast. Water. Humans. 3 big mountains full of dwarves. Ships. Bad tasting poison bugs.

Persons known:
Throlu, a Zuffen
You have met a very large boar, however and you fed it 4 tasty looking grubs and 3 bugcakes. It seems friendly, and you're sorta riding him for now.

Items:
Club
Goblin Clothes
9 tasty beetles
20 bugcakes
9 tasty grubs
Lucky Bug Finder Charm
Cooking stone
6 elven arrows
1 magnifying glass (an "ant roaster")
1 end table
1 stick with a bugcake stuck on it.

Boar makeshift saddlebags: (2 large sacs held together around boar with ropes)
6 Prepacked rations: dried fish, nuts, and grain.
1 goblin-make ax (single bladed)
2 waterskins (full)
1 pair goblin-make gauntlets (leather with metal plates)
1 Piece of paper reading as follows:

"Work Order:
Time: Dawn
Place: Plovin's Quartermaster Office.
Quota: 8 holes dug as directed, stake filled. "

Life Advice / How do I opt out of Windows 10 "upgrade" and keep Windows 7?

« on: December 01, 2015, 11:35:16 am »

Hi,

I like Windows 7. It works. I do not want Windows 10, at least not right now. I may or may not give it a chance later, but I remember Vista and how much I didn't like that.

Is there any way to opt out of Windows 10 as an upgrade? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Life Advice / Downloading to replace a lost game

« on: March 06, 2015, 02:56:20 pm »

I got Might and Magic VI: mandate of heaven like almost 10 years ago. The game is from like 1998 or something. Now it won't work to let me reinstall it. I liked that game a whole lot, but now the stupid thing won't work. I think the disc is messed up or who knows. Is there some way I can get a replacement copy or download it or something? I already paid for it and don't want to again but I guess I will if I have to and if it's safe and lasts.

Edit: I can't find it on steam. I don't want the "Heros" game. I want this again http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Might_and_Magic_VI:_The_Mandate_of_Heaven

Edit Edit: Am I doing something wrong with my discs and crap? My star wars Episode II DVD is messed up too and I never watched it too much but the arena scene is all skippy. My parents have VHS tapes from the freaking 80s that still work. I'm sorry I know I'm complaining but yeah.

Life Advice / Dealing with crippling fear and anxiety.

« on: March 02, 2015, 01:22:58 am »

Every time I go to do anything, I get incredibly scared and don't do it, or wait until the absolute last minute, because I'm afraid of failing: self fulfilling prophesy.

I've been to doctors and therapists for years. They prescribe pills, and I've never seen them work for me. I've tried different meds, different doses, etc. My mind races when I think about certain things. I'm not dumb and I know somewhere that I can do things well. I've been put down my entire life, but my teachers have always said I did great work. I work long/hard until stuff is done. Parents aren't supportive and never were and that doesn't help.

I fake self confidence. I fake not being afraid. I'm always afraid about everything and that makes me depressed. Do get stupidly scared about stuff that is dumb, even games. To show you what I mean, I have Diablo III and I'm scared to fail at that. I know it's stupid. It goes for all my games but I brought that one up because there's no penalty for dying. I think your items need repaired but that's it. I'm stupidly scared of EVERYTHING including a game that has no down side to failing it. I don't fail it either and I'm still scared.

I know I'll win that stupid game, or whatever else, but I don't do it because I'm so insanely scared. The idea of failing makes my chest tighten up and I have panic attacks.

What the hell do I do?

I know I need to go to a doctor somehow or a therapist or whatever but I'm scared that will be more money we can't afford and I'll end up right back where I am now. Things suck because I have panic attacks and trouble breathing when I'm scared and I'm always scared for no reason. If I go to another doctor I want this to work and I don't see how that can be different from all the other times. I don't have hundreds of dollars to spend on another doctor or therapist if I'm just gonna be right back where I started. All they wanna do is give me the same pills I was on before and they didn't work then so why would they work now? I don't wanna try that celexa or wellbutrin stuff again, but they keep trying it. I've been to like 3 doctors over the last like 7 years and nothing worked. I want it to work or at least not to repeat the same shit that didn't work last time.

I'm scared all the time for no reason. I tried to get help before and it didn't seem to work. They keep trying to give me the same damn pills that didn't work last time. What do I do to make any new doctors I try to see understand this? What do I do?