u/Beginning-Invite5951

Hi, I recently restarted acupuncture for migraines and anxiety. I did this privately in the past without a problem, but this time I'm getting some shocks and nerve pain that I'm not sure what to think about.

The session before last, some of the needles caused an electric shock sensation when inserted. The one on my left hand, between my thumb and forefinger, was the strongest. The points on the upper, outer part of my shins were also strong. My acupuncturist asked where I was in my menstrual cycle, and I was late (day 37), so she suggested that was probably why I was so sensitive. The needles were fine after they were in, and there weren't any lasting effects.

Then, in my last session, I wasn't getting shocks but rather a twinge of an electrical sort of pain as she was pressing the needles deeper. It was hard to tolerate, and I finally said something with the last one. The pain did not continue when she stopped.

Since the pain doesn't last, I've been telling myself it's fine and normal and just part of the process. But after reading a bit more on this forum and Google, it sounds like this isn't a "good" kind of pain and that there may be an actual risk of her damaging my nerves. Is that right? Should I ask her to back off? Or am I overreacting and this is just how it goes sometimes?

Thanks, in advance, for your input.

Hi, I know there are a lot of posts on this topic, but it is so situation-specific that I decided to do my own.

I recently realized that I am very behind on saving for retirement, so I've decided to open an IRA and start trying to max out my 457b.

I've studied the wiki page on this, and I think I should go with Roth for the IRA and maybe do a mix for my 457b. I'm not sure. Here are my details. Let me know what you think.

40 yo, single, childless

$86,000/year income

$100,000 in hysa

$40,000 in 457b

State job with a pension

My state has a lowish flat income tax. I don't know where I'll retire but probably not anywhere with a high income tax.

Even though I know it would not be the best financial decision at my age, if I were to lose my job, I would consider going back to school.

Health issues also make me worry that I may end up not being able to work full-time at some point. I chose the 457b due to the ability to withdraw early without penalties should that happen. My job does not offer a 401k match.

Hi, I'm a 39 year old woman with mitral valve prolapse and mild to moderate regurgitation that was diagnosed just a couple of months ago. My BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels have always been excellent. There was recently an open enrollment period at work, and I decided to apply for long term disability insurance. I work for a state agency, and there was a questionnaire to qualify since I'm a late applicant, and it asked it I had heart disease. I wasn't sure but marked yes, then the next screen said I wasn't eligible.

Just wondering if anyone else has had this experience. I applied because I am, legitimately, feeling like crap most of the time and can't imagine continuing my stressful full time job until retirement. So I get why they wouldn't want to cover me.

But at the same time, does this really count as heart disease? My ef is good. I'm frustrated that there was no opportunity to give additional information about my "heart disease," because, as I understand it, many people have valve issues that never cause symptoms and never progress.

And I'm frustrated because, if I had applied just a couple months ago, I would have qualified. Or if I hadn't gone to the doctor. The lesson learned, which is too late for me, is, if you're feeling bad and suspect chronic illness, to apply for long term disability insurance first, and THEN go to doctors and seek diagnoses. Damn.

This could have potentially paid 60% of my income in the event of disability, so I just really wish I'd applied earlier.

Anyway, now I'm wondering - has anyone else with this condition qualified for long term disability coverage? Has anyone had to use it and successfully been able to? I would love to hear your experiences. I'm single and truly scared that I won't be able to continue supporting myself.