u/l8te_night_r3ading

I had an open, no-mesh Desarda repair in 2015, after it took a very long time to get my hernia diagnosed correctly. The surgeon told me at that time that my abdominal wall was so weak. Last year, in 2025, I was diagnosed with a recurrent right inguinal hernia and a suspected right femoral hernia, and I’m now in extreme pain.

I have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, MCAS, and several other chronic health conditions. I’m really afraid of permanent mesh because of the complications and reactions I’ve heard about, but I also know another tissue repair could fail again. I’m looking for a surgeon experienced with hEDS, recurrent hernias, and alternatives to permanent mesh around California or a state near here if possible. I am willing to travel though.

I also have a cerebrospinal fluid leak and need an epidural blood patch, but that procedure has been delayed while I get this pain evaluated. I really need to address the hernias so I can move forward with my other medical care. Any recommendations or personal experiences would mean so much to me.

Hi everyone!

I don't live in Fargo anymore, but I'm reaching out because I'm trying to help a friend who is really struggling right now.

He has a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 SE that needs the two front strut assemblies and sway bar links replaced. One side is broken, the other side still needs to be done because they need to be replaced as a pair. He already has the replacement parts and can provide photos of the damage.

The problem is that he's in a very difficult financial situation and simply can't afford the labor costs that shops are quoting. Without reliable transportation, things are becoming increasingly hard for him, and I'm trying to see if there might be anyone in the Fargo area willing to help, whether that's lending a hand or offering guidance.

I know this is a big ask, and I know everyone has their own responsibilities. But Fargo has always been a community full of people who look out for one another, and I figured it couldn't hurt to ask.

If you have experience with suspension work, know someone who does, or can point us toward any local resources, charities, church groups, vocational programs, or mechanics who might be willing to help, I would be incredibly grateful.

Thank you for reading. Even a share, recommendation, or kind word means more than you know.

Please feel free to message me privately!

A man, Christopher Havens, serving a 25-year prison sentence taught himself advanced mathematics while in solitary confinement.

Over the years, he went from studying basic math textbooks alone in a prison cell to publishing mathematical research, collaborating with university mathematicians, writing a graduate-level textbook, and helping create prison education programs for incarcerated students.

What I found most interesting wasn’t just the mathematics itself. It was the sheer level of discipline and consistency involved.

No motivational speeches. No overnight transformation. Just years of reading, studying, writing, failing, learning, and continuing anyway in an environment where it would’ve been very easy to mentally give up.

One thing he said that stuck with me in one of his writings I found was that prison can become either “a womb or a tomb.” Some people become worse versions of themselves inside, while others decide to rebuild themselves completely.

Whatever someone believes about prison or redemption, I think stories like this are a reminder that human beings are more complicated than the worst thing they’ve ever done.

There is a really good article about him right now on Slate if you want to read more.