Image 1 — After reading the guide I think I might be on to something here…based on these labs, how should I approach my doctor?
Image 2 — After reading the guide I think I might be on to something here…based on these labs, how should I approach my doctor?
Image 3 — After reading the guide I think I might be on to something here…based on these labs, how should I approach my doctor?

After reading the guide I think I might be on to something here…based on these labs, how should I approach my doctor?

Backstory: I’ve been sick since I was a child, diagnosed with IBS, then fibromyalgia, mild factor VIII deficiency, endometriosis and adenomyosis, depression, anxiety, autism, adhd, and some sort of suspected connective tissue disorder like EDS (not hEDS though). I had major surgery last October (10/13/25) and they took out a ton of endometriosis (can’t remember technical term), and a sigmoid resection of my colon. I got an iron infusion 3/14/26). I started taking vitamin B complex and vitamin D (5/22/26). For the last year and a half I’ve had symptoms of worsening fatigue (more than typical) to the point of after eating meals I almost fall asleep standing up. I’ve always had lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat when standing among many other sxs. After both the iron infusion and pills, I still don’t feel any better. I have an appointment to see my GI to talk about malabsorption due to my copper and zinc being low among other things, and then to the hematologist since the iron infusion hasn’t done anything. I feel like my GI may suggest an endoscopy and I don’t know how I feel about that. Any tips for how I should approach this whole situation?

u/sophiemanic — 15 hours ago

28F had endometriosis surgery and colon sigmoid resection October of last year. Got iron infusion March of this year due to low ferritin , vitamin B12 and D and platelets all continue to drop despite diet change and vitamins

Was able to get several blood tests since October due to having fatigue and other sxs. I’ve been sick since I was a kid, slowly was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, idiopathic constipation, endometriosis and adenomyosis (last May), and mild factor VIII deficiency. Mind you, I have not had a period since May of 2025 as my OBGYN does not want me having one due to adenomyosis. I also have not been sick (more than my chronic illnesses make me) during this time. I have seen over 10 different doctors in various specialties since January and have added lots of diets, I eat a good variety of food. My stomach cannot handle iron, whether in pill form or foods high in iron. I have an appointment to see a GI about malabsorption. I just scheduled an appointment with the hematologist after getting a call from my primary about low platelets. I bruise easily and have always had easy bleeding of gums, I also have noticed tiny red dots on my skin sometimes. I sleep over 8 hours a night and still feel exhausted.

u/sophiemanic — 4 days ago

Help! I just finished this mesh sequined shirt and realized I messed up! How do I fix it? (Btw in the 2nd pic, I’ve pulled the shirt down so you don’t see the problem)

I spent HOURS on this project as I had a couple of issues with it, and it took me twice as long to frog as it did to crochet with this yarn. It’s made in 3 parts: the neck to shoulders (no increases), the arms, and then the rest of the shirt. I realized after I finished that the reason it looked like this (big and bulky) was because I had crocheted the neck to shoulders too long. The only solution I can think of is pulling the rows up and crocheting or sewing them together, or cutting it? It would take me SO LONG to undo this shirt, but it’s really not wearable

Edit: here are more pics

u/sophiemanic — 10 days ago

[CHAT] How do I cut this vintage Aida fabric? I only need 9x9 and it’s 30x30, and this edge is only on one side. Should I just cut on the side that doesn’t have this?

u/sophiemanic — 18 days ago

Help me find this cross stitch pattern of Winnie the Pooh from the World of Cross Stitching issue 163 2010

I need either the issue or the chart. The image attached is too fuzzy, but I already have a clear picture of the legend. I’ve searched the app they have and it only goes back to 2013. I’ve checked my library system but bc I’m U.S. based and not U.K., they’re limited on what we have. eBay does have a listing, but when I contacted them, they said the page was missing from the magazine. Even if the image could be sharpened that would be amazing.

u/sophiemanic — 19 days ago
▲ 2 r/PSLF

Need advice on starting up my loans again

I'm 28, $26k in loans, currently in "administrative forbearance" which ends 10/31/2028. I graduated 6/2021 (started working for the state 10/2021) and my grace period ended 2/2023. During that time, according to the website there was a sort of "grace period" during COVID where all interest on loans were paused from 3/2020-8/2023, so got about 5 months of PSLF (I stopped working there 5/31/2023, took a break for a month and started working for the county 7/2023). I currently work with the county and have been for 3 years, during that time it looks like I only made 5 payments before it went into administrative forbearance. 1 made those payments with the SAVE plan (one that I could actually afford) and now am being forced to come out of that plan. I could either continue forbearance or choose the PAYE or DR for $120ish a month which would qualify for PSLF payments. I'm not sure if I can afford it at this point. I'm paying minimum for everything right now and I'm still struggling. I don't even have a car payment, and I split rent with my partner, but food and medical is killing me. My car has over 220k miles on it, and I don't know how I'll afford it if I need to get another one. I've been dealing with chronic illness flare ups for the past 6 months and had major surgery in October. When I created a budget, I was $20 in the red without adding the monthly student loan payments.

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u/sophiemanic — 19 days ago

I’m struggling and need advice on how to handle student loans starting in July

I'm 28, $26k in loans, currently in "administrative forbearance" which ends 10/31/2028. I graduated 6/2021 (started working for the state 10/2021) and my grace period ended 2/2023. During that time, according to the website there was a sort of "grace period" during COVID where all interest on loans were paused from 3/2020-8/2023, so got about 5 months of PSLF (I stopped working there 5/31/2023, took a break for a month and started working for the county 7/2023). I currently work with the county and have been for 3 years, during that time it looks like I only made 5 payments before it went into administrative forbearance. 1 made those payments with the SAVE plan (one that I could actually afford) and now am being forced to come out of that plan. I could either continue forbearance or choose the PAYE or DR for $120ish a month which would qualify for PSLF payments. I'm not sure if I can afford it at this point. I'm paying minimum for everything right now and I'm still struggling. I don't even have a car payment, and I split rent with my partner, but food and medical is killing me. My car has over 220k miles on it, and I don't know how I'll afford it if I need to get another one. I've been dealing with chronic illness flare ups for the past 6 months and had major surgery in October. When I created a budget, I was $20 in the red without adding the monthly student loan payments.

Edit to add: I file as single and make $39400.

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u/sophiemanic — 19 days ago

About to start fostering, going to start with momma and babies. Any tips on cages/etc based on the room they’ll be in and my house? And tips as a first foster parent?

They’ll be in the second bedroom. There’s a bed and dresser and side table. A litter box (covered, but I’ll get one for the kittens). I have a cat bed but it’s small. I think I’ll get a box she can lay in with a blanket so she can lay on her side and nurse.

My partner and I work 40 hours a week, but were told that the best foster situation would be momma and babies. We have a 7 year old cat, but he is super sweet and has been around cats his whole life. We’re sort of fostering a cat now (he wandered off the streets into our house so we fixed him up but we’ve paid for everything) and he just licks his head, it’s adorable.

I live in Tampa, and kitten season is AWFUL here, so I’m really happy to help. I’m also ok if we get a foster fail as well, if it works for our family. Any tips?

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u/sophiemanic — 1 month ago

Has anyone ever crocheted solely with Lang Pailletes before? I can’t seem to find any crochet patterns, only knit ones

Does it turn out ok? I want to make some sort of mesh with it, like a shawl. Do I need to learn how to knit lol

u/sophiemanic — 1 month ago
▲ 6 r/Yarn

Got about 650 grams of whitish crochet thread from a hospice resale, should I dye before or after crocheting?

Found this thread at a thrift store. It has some stains from age and some are more cream than others. I’m wanting to dye them so that they match whatever project I’m doing and also to take the stains out. How should I do it? Also, any tips on what to stain it with?

u/sophiemanic — 1 month ago
▲ 3 r/Yarn+1 crossposts

Looking for a sparkly yarn to make this top, instead of sequined

Friend is a beginner crocheter, so I’m looking for maybe a sport weight yarn that’s sparkly and not too itchy. I’ve never gotten one before so I wouldn’t know where to start. I recommended against the sequined for now since it’s a pain to frog (from someone who has been crocheting for 2 years). Any suggestions? US buyer

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u/sophiemanic — 1 month ago
▲ 158 r/cats

How old is this cat I’ve adopted off the street? Pet resource center estimated that he’s 2 y.o., but many people question it

Lil’ guy is named Pierre. Found him in my apartment complex and he had fleas and wasn’t neutered, so I took him to the resource center and got him vetted etc, including chip and FIV. Based on his teeth I believe, they estimated that he was 2 years old. He only weighs 7 pounds and he honestly acts like a kitten and will go from crazy parkour to purring on your lap within minutes. He also loves to play as well, annoying my 7 y.o. cat.

u/sophiemanic — 2 months ago

ISO a sequined yarn that’s a weight 2 or 3

Looking for yarn for a project. I love the Lana Grossa Cosmo, but it would cost me about $25 just for one skein. It’s better on Amazon, but I don’t really trust the yarn there.

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u/sophiemanic — 2 months ago

Looking for Lana Grossa Cosmo yarn in sand or taupe, only need one

Hoping to get one for under $20 including shipping if possible

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u/sophiemanic — 2 months ago

I just finished making a bandana but blocked it too big. The yarn is 100% cotton that I got from a thrifted shirt. If I stuck it in the dryer for like 10 minutes would that shrink it a little?

u/sophiemanic — 2 months ago
▲ 4 r/BookRecommendations+1 crossposts

I don’t really care for romance in a book. I like books where the government is critiqued, there is a societal breakdown, or maybe society is run in a different way in the future, but no YA please. I LOVE science fiction and have read all of James S.A. Corey and a lot of Tchaikovsky’s work, along with Becky Chambers. I have read:

- Both Parable books

- Rocannon’s world, left hand of darkness, the word for world is forest, and the dispossessed by Ursula k le guin

-The broken earth trilogy by N K. jemisin

-Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh

-Hugh Howey’s Silo series

-Foundation series, I II and III

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u/sophiemanic — 2 months ago