u/copperboombabe

Around this time last year I visited this forum daily, was at the lowest point of my life, and didn’t think I’d make it through. I sought so much reassurance, almost cancelled my wedding, took extensive time off work, and could barely get out of bed for a month. With a ton of therapy, SSRI’s, and most importantly, the most supportive and patient partner, I can proudly say I’m on the other side. In fact, my husband and I are officially expecting!

I still have triggers, moments, and am assuming that will only worsen with pregnancy and postpartum hormones… but I sit here typing this with tears in my eyes knowing I never thought any of this remotely possible. I spent so many days questioning what was wrong with me, if he was “the one”, what if, over and over again. Now I channel those thoughts with “even if”, knowing whatever comes my way - I’ll make it through. Not to sound too cheesy, but so will you. Just take it one moment at a time. ❤️

(Scroll photos!) Still in shock! (I’m also the most anxious person - so feeling ALL the things, good and bad, but going to test again tomorrow and Tuesday to be sure.)

Hi friends! Just beginning the TTC process and curious if NC got my ovulation date right. If not, when did I likely ovulate?

Hi friends! I attempted to use Chat GPT to help me understand these but I don’t trust it. Any thoughts?

(Tests in photo are from 7/11, 7/14, 7/15, and today, 7/16, along with today’s Oura temperature reading)

I’m on CD 15, average a 28 day (26-30) cycle, though this is my second month post copper IUD removal. (Last month my period was over a week late, had crazy pregnancy-like symptoms, and felt horrible with several negative tests and bloodwork.)

Our Dyson V10 (I think) has been on it's last leg for a while, and we're looking to upgrade to a new model. I was initially sold on the sleek look of the Dyson, and found vacuuming to be actually enjoyable as it's cordless and light. I could just get a replacement part for this on Amazon, but frankly, this hasn't been the best vacuum and already has a lot of cracks throughout. My husband and I have 2 dogs, a ~1200 square foot house (hardwood floors all throughout), and also have a Dreame robo-vac for general vacuuming/mopping in between the days we don't vacuum. My husband also isn't a fan of the Dyson, and we're open to any price point really - as long as its a solid investment and has a warranty.

I've previously had braces + headgear (never wore it) as a preteen, Invisalign in college, and had gum recontouring done a few years ago (though I didn't love my dentist who performed this at the time, they didn't have much experience, and I didn't notice a huge difference in the before and after.) I've also tried 'gummy smile' botox, which also does little and does not last long. Curious if anyone has recommendations for how to approach a better smile - considering contouring again with someone that's more skilled, and maybe some bonding between 8 and 9? I have a permanent retainer there, but genetically my gap is strong and still tends to pull them apart. Any suggestions?

Apologies for not knowing the medical terms here, but this is about 1 year post-rhinoplasty. (Technically 1 year and a few months.) From a cosmetic standpoint, the outside of my nose looks great (could have asked it to be more narrow, but I’m fine with how it turned out.) The entire procedure was for cosmetic purposes to shave down the bump, no initial breathing issues.

Through multiple follow-ups with my surgeon, he was happy with the way it turned out. I continuously mentioned I am breathing ‘worse’ post surgery, and he reassured me that was likely minor swelling that would heal over time. The only real suggestion he made was to use saline nasal spray. When asking about revision possibilities due to my breathing being ‘worse’, he seemed very opposed, and was adamant about needing to provide the funds to cover that should it be something I’m interested in. I’ve been able to deal with it, but my husband constantly reminds me he can hear my breathing and to ‘sniffle’ (I never had this issue prior to surgery.)

1. Does the inside of my nose look normal, or are my concerns valid about one side being constricted and harder to breathe? (Third photo is the constricted nostril.)

2. If so, does this sound like a potential medical need where my insurance may cover the correction? Or does this sound like a cosmetic revision at my own cost?

Any advice or medical opinion would be really helpful. Thanks!

4 years later, she gone! In all honesty, it wasn’t the most terrible experience… but after being on the pill for 10 years prior I can honestly say I prefer the hormones. This is surprising as I made the switch in the first place to get off hormones (after going down the rabbit hole during COVID and freaking out after reading Beyond the Pill.) Nothing profound to say, just that I won’t miss the week long periods, debilitating cramps, mental nonsense, and many, many pairs of ruined lacy thongs I spent far too much money on at Victoria’s Secret. Could it have been worse? Sure! Could women’s birth control be a hell of a lot better? Absolutely.