u/Bibliogato

Hi all,

Saw a new allergist today and explained what I thought was heat urticaria but he believes is exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Exercise (even extremely moderate, like taking a walk in my neighborhood) results in hives and if I persist, stomach cramping, diarrhea, and vomiting. The only way to control is so far is a daily antihistamine. I'm pretty good about taking those, but if I forget, it's a bad situation. He's prescribed me epipens.

For those who carry epipens, where do you keep them? I am not typically a bag/purse person. If I'm out in my neighborhood, I often just have my keys and my phone shoved in my pockets. I'm concerned about how to train this ADHD forgetful habit-resistant brain to carry it with me when I'm out and about.

I do think it's gotten worse--has that happened to anyone else? It just to be just if I really exerted myself. Now it's pretty much any movement.

I've also avoided stone fruit for years because I had an incident where I ate fresh mango and had muscle tremors and vomited. Now I'm wondering whether that was actually an allergy or whether that was EIA because it was hot that day and I was doing a lot of physical exertion. I'm getting allergy tested next week.

I also have asthma (lifelong) but I only carry an inhaler when I am doing exercise.

I've slightly suspected MCAS in the last year or two. I get contact dermatitis for basically plant matter that touches me (dead or alive!), I have enormous reactions to any bug bites (mosquito bites are often bigger than a quarter on me), I have a lot of food sensitivities, IBS, heat urticaria/EIA, etc. How did you get an MCAS diagnosis? I'm worried doctors will think I'm fishing for a dx when I'm really not (I've been dealing with all of this on my own for 15+ years, this is the first allergist I'm seeing.)

I got a new job this spring and the prescription drug costs under this plan are much higher. Plus, I haven't added a lot to my HSA since I just started and haven't met my deductible yet.

I was just prescribed an epi-pen today and the cost is $370. I triple checked that it was the generic and logged into CareFirst's portal and yep, that's the lowest price they can get me.

Obviously, I need the epi-pen.

But I do not have $370???

I've asked my doctor's office to send to CVS for their out of pocket cash price of $110 for two generics and honestly, I don't even really have $100. But $370 is insane right? Is there any way to get this actually through my insurance at a reasonable price? I don't think I make little enough to qualify for help from the pharma company but ???

And is there any information I can provide to my employer about feedback on this plan?

I'm currently on the road and getting a message on the dash that the cooling performance of my hybrid battery is low and I should see the dealer. A quick Google told me I need to check vents under my seats to make sure nothing is blocking it and vacuum out.

1. Which seat?

2. Is this an emergency or can I do it tonight when I'm done running around today? Do I need a dealership or repair place immediately or a tow?

2015 Prius C. Thank you!

Hi all!

I'm a passionate, committed editor with ten years of experience under my belt. I love working with authors at every stage of their writing journey—whether you're polishing your first book or leveling up your twentieth. I specialize in developmental editing and book coaching, helping writers strengthen story structure, deepen character arcs, and refine prose. My clients have gone on to self-publish and traditionally publish, including with Big Five publishers like HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and Hachette.

What sets me apart? I don't impose my vision onto your story—I help you bring your vision to life. If you're still figuring out what that vision is, no problem! We’ll work together to uncover it and bring it into focus.

For me, editing is like a puzzle, and I love solving puzzles. It's also a conversation. My goal is to help you tell your story the best way you can, not for me to impose my own desires for the story onto your manuscript. It's your book, not mine.

If you're interested in book coaching, I offer weekly Zooms and check-ins, regular feedback, and craft discussions, all designed to help you meet your goals and finish your book.

I keep my rates reasonable and offer payment plans. If you have any questions, please reach out!

Hello!

Seeking creative solutions here. I have 3 cats--a 17yr old, a 15yr old and a 5yr old. I have 5 boxes throughout my small apartment.

The litterboxes in my bedroom are my 17yr old's preferred boxes. The other two cats will use any of the boxes, including the two covered ones, but she will only use the two in my bedroom that are open.

I'd like to rearrange my room and block off one or both boxes a little better, but I can't put them in furniture or enclose them at this time because I don't want to add stress to her life or risk bad litterbox habits.

Any suggestions for blocking off/hiding the litterboxes, without putting them in cabinets/enclosures?

(I do not currently have any bad litterbox habits, and all three cats regularly see the vet. This is all about design/layout/cat friendly choices :))

I'm not asking for medical advice, I swear. I just want to know if anyone who has a soy allergy has used tofu litter successfully. I'm not sure how it breaks down and if there's protein left in the litter (which is what I'm allergic to). I really want to try it for lower dust, lower tracking, and better odor control reasons. Thank you!

Hello!

I have a soy protein allergy (I have not reacted to soy lecithin at all) that developed about 15 years ago.

I also have cats and I want to try the new tofu litters that are available as they're reportedly less dusty and better at odor control. Less dust would help my other environmental allergies as well as my asthmatic cat's breathing. But I'm mildly concerned that tofu litter will trigger my allergy.

I know if I email my doctor, it's going to be a flat no 😅 But I'm wondering if anyone here has used tofu litter and has a soy allergy?

Thank you!

I'm an award-winning author and freelance editor in Philadelphia, and I'm opening up my books for new clients for the first time in a long time!

I edit fiction of all varieties, including children's fiction and romance books. I'm not the best choice for a horror book, but I edit most other genres.

I have different packages for different types of books or writerly needs, and I can also do book coaching, if you've always wanted to write a book but don't know how or where to get started. Prices range from $50/hr for book coaching to $500+ for editing.

Shoot me a message here, and I'll share my credentials and more information!

Hi! Hoping someone can help. I need my car inspected, ideally tomorrow, quickly. It probably needs repairs in the near future but I'm really hopeful I can find somewhere that can pass it tomorrow. I lost track of time and it expired today. Trying not to get tickets/pulled over! Any suggestions?

Hi all,

Emails from my personal email out to people sometimes end up in spam, or emails from my domain for my professional site end up in spam. I do a lot of group organizing and volunteering where my emails contain super important logistical pieces of information. I'm not sure why this is happening, or how to make it NOT happen anymore...Both are gmail accounts, but has a paid domain through Google Workspace/Squarespace and one doesn't. This happens when I email directly from the inbox or use a newsletter server like Mailerlite or Mail Chimp.

*in case people ask: I don't send unsolicited emails, these aren't marketing emails or cold emails, they're literally to my clients or to volunteers at the same orgs. I don't use spam links, I don't use subject lines that are spammy. Any abide by privacy laws and have unsubscribe links. These are emails people need and want from me!

Please help! I'm tired and it's affecting my work!

TY!

New job requires much more business type clothing than I have, so I need to buy some more stuff. I don't like loud patterns and would much rather dress in solids or subtle patterns. I'm a stocky rectangle (150, 5'3). I don't wear skirts or dresses. I'd like pants/nice shirt/blouse/button up, but nothing particularly femme.

Suggestions on where to buy?

I have a couple of androgynous fox shirts but even those don't feel quite fancy enough for this office. I don't have to be in the office too often, I'm mostly remote, but when I'm in, I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb.

I am also trying to be mindful of money so I think I probably have about $200 to spend total on this. I'd like to make it go as far as possible. I don't have tons of time to go thrifting though I've found some good things on Poshmark.