TL;DR, 12 year old male neck lymph node incredibly swollen for 6 weeks, other accompanying symptoms. (Yes, we’ve been to PCP 3 times, ER twice and still no answers except a referral to a surgeon.)
Back in early April, my son had the flu (tested positive) and 2 days later the skin around his right eye became swollen and a rash covered his face m. He had a small swelling of a neck lymph node. I took him to his PCP and they said it was most likely allergies, but to go straight to the ER if it worsened. It seemed to resolve itself in a couple of days.
Three weeks later, in the first week of May, the same eye swelling happened, but this time it was accompanied by a swollen lymph node. It was moderately sized, enough to cause concern. I took him to the ER and they said it was likely allergy induced and prescribed clindamycin.
After about 5 days, his eye and face had improved but his lymph node kept growing larger. I took him to the ER again, and the doctor did blood work; a CBC and cultures. She advised to stop taking the clindamycin and put him on amoxicillin instead.
The next night, he woke me up trembling uncontrollably, scared. I checked and his temperature was 98.1. I comforted him back to sleep, but he immediately woke up and projectile vomited. I checked his temp again and it was 102.3. I gave him ibuprofen and after 15 minutes he said he felt fine. I almost took him to the ER for a third time but he said he felt much better so I decided to let him sleep. I checked his temp all night and once the fever broke he stayed around 97-98.
The next day, I took him to his PCP (however, a nurse practitioner had to see him), and she said his CBC came back normal (no excessive white blood cells) and that the cultures were normal as well. She also said the vomiting was probably caused by the antibiotics. She kind of blew off the fever, didn’t really say anything except the lymph node might be a reaction from the virus (the flu from a month ago), and we made a follow up appointment for today to see his actual PCP.
So today, his actual PCP didn’t have any answers and told me she was referring him to surgery. I asked why, and she said to “keep an eye on it just in case”. I asked if it was something to be concerned about and she gave a vague “not really” answer.
I still have no answers. I will wait to see what the surgeon says, but my question is:
Should I get a second opinion? His blood work being normal is a good sign, but they don’t have a definitive answer or diagnosis, so what can I do? Will the surgeon biopsy it? What more can I do? This anxious mother needs to know.
Also, his appetite has gone down and he seems more tired than usual, but he just went through a growth spurt and he’s going though puberty. He has also been experiencing constipation, a feeling of “fullness”, and excessive thirst.

female, 20yo, 113lbs, 5’4 diagnosed PCOS, POTS, MCAS, EOE, autonomic nervous system dysfunction taking microgestin, zofran, klonopin
i woke up 2 days ago with a minor sore throat but had many white patches in my throat. i didn’t think anything of it until i really started feeling weird to throughout the day, like i was going to die.

• my heart rate is staying in 110-170 range and has frequently skipped beats and chest is hurting.
  
• complete lack of appetite cannot eat without gagging and throwing up
  
• a normal/low temp 97.0-98.5
  
• this INSANE uncomfortable restless aching feeling in my entire body and limbs
  
• aching pain in my neck and behind my ears and behind my eyes
  
• lightheartedness, weakness of all limbs
  
• BP shooting up up 150/100 at rest but then drops
  
• stomach upset (gurgling, diarrhea a few times, etc.)
  
• cold sweats, chills, clammy
  
• this overwhelming feeling that i am dying and i have this intuition that i am in serious trouble
  

my parents don’t believe me and think im being dramatic (i live at home with them due to my chronic illnesses) and refuse to take me to the ER. i spoke to my GP and she says it sounds like i’m fighting a bad infection but that i shouldn’t be feeling like i’m literally going to die. she is concerned about my stats. included pick of remaining white patches (they aren’t tonsil stones).
negative for COVID, strep, and waiting on flu test but they said they think it’s negative. my orthostatics are very bad, with my pulse jumping from 63 to 136 when standing with presyncope. i’ve had mono and that’s the only other time i’ve been nearly this ill. everything in my whole body is telling me i need to go to the ER right now but my parents said i can’t call an ambulance and they won’t take me and if i go i have to pay for the whole thing (without insurance).
what do i do? what does this sound like? i dont want to die please help me

Just wanted to share my story here as I still digest it and everything that happened in case it resonates with anyone else’s story!
This February, at 34 weeks pregnant, I started feeling sick to my stomach with a fever, vomiting/dry heaving, and body aches. I didn’t have an appetite to eat solid foods, but was managing to get down drinks and smoothies. I was so tired all I did was sleep all day between getting sick to the point I had my husband bringing me drinks. My blood pressure was normal, but thinking back I had high blood pressure through my pregnancy so it was weird that it was normal/lower at the time.
The next morning I had stopped vomiting but now my over 103 fever had stopped going down with Tylenol and I started having extreme pain in my upper back and shoulder. I called my OB office at 8am and told the nurses desk my concerns and asked if I should go to the ER. She consulted a doctor and called me back but I felt so horrible I had my husband answer and they told me to just keep staying hydrated and taking Tylenol and try to see my PCP that day. My PCP is virtual so I didn’t get an appointment in person that day and stayed in bed. By 9pm my whole back was in pain and I couldn’t get comfortable to even just lay in bed so we decided it was time to head to the ER.
After lots of antibiotics and labs, my lactate level was now creeping up above 5 (it eventually made it up to almost 7!!) so they knew I was septic. I tested negative for RSV, flu and COVID, but they never tested for strep which I ended up having. In addition to that, I started going into labor like my body knew something horrible was happening. They decided to put me completely under for an emergency c section so I was rolled off to the OR. The last thing I remembered was the anesthesia kicking in and falling asleep.
Fast forward to ~10 days later when I started to wake up on a ventilator in the MICU. Apparently they tried to extubate me after my c section but my blood pressure wouldn’t stay up so the call was made to intubate and send to MICU. In that time, both of my lungs collapsed and filled with fluids both inside and out. By the time I woke up, one of the chest tubes I had was removed already but I still had a tube in my right side. Part of my heart had started failing so I had cardiomyopathy as well as being tachycardic with ECMO on stand by.
During that time I also had something happen with one of the lines in my arm so I also woke up with a massive wound on one of my arms that will definitely leave a big scar. I was sent home after 21 days total, 15 on the ventilator, and with a PICC line in my arm for anitbiotics and having to use a walker from all of the muscle loss I had.
Somehow, baby Boy was spared from the strep I ended up having, pneumonia, and sepsis and spent 26 days in the NICU just getting strong and ready for me to be strong enough for him to come home.
I’m so grateful for the medical teams that took such great care of my baby and I. Now it’s just cardiologist follow ups, CT scans, therapy, and lots of digesting still what we went through. I still have a long road ahead of me, but I hope that’s the hardest thing I’ll face for a long time.

Hi guys, I'm just over 2 weeks in and absolutely loving the journey so far.
I'm down 11 pounds (I know it's mostly water weight!) and the appetite suppression has been great with very few side effects. I had tender muscles/flu-like symptoms at the start but nothing since.
Now I have COVID so I don't know if my symptoms are COVID or Mounjaro but overall it's grand.
My question today is.. what happens once I've lost weight to bring me below a BMI of 30? Do they just stop prescribing it?

100% convinced it's the flu because someone came into the office with the flu before they were sent home. I was around them before I knew they had it and almost immediately I got sick, too.
-Horrible, horrible cough every few seconds. Coughing so much my entire body hurts. Coughing so hard I sometimes throw up
-Runny nose, green mucus
-Loss of taste and smell
-Terrible sore throat
-Body aches
-No appetite
-Fatigue
-Stuffed up
-100.5 degree fever (First 2 days only, has since disappeared)
-Diarrhea multiple times
I've taken multiple COVID tests and all came back negative. All the medicine I'm taking doesn't work. It has to be the flu but I can't ever remember having the flu THIS bad before...

this is more so of a rant, i’m sorry if it’s long.
i have many chronic illnesses. POTS, MCAS, EOE, FND, PPPD, and more. i was told for years by family and doctors that it was anxiety (the usual) and suffered in silence. now that i found a doctor who believed me, i got my diagnoses and my parents got to be a bit more understanding but never apologized for gaslighting me for years. i dont want people to think that i am being self-pitiful here, but i was never the favorite child and was always the one that “was so dramatic” or “was never happy”. my older sister, however, was the angel child. she could do no wrong in my parents eyes. if she was sick with even a cough, she was tended to while i was told to take prozac and shut up. i should include that i do get sick very easily. i have a very weak immune system from past infections and such so i go through measures to avoid getting sick.
recently my sister came home from college and she has strep and pneumonia. i got all of these chronic issues from post viral infections (covid, mono, flu, and strep back to back) and have been weary of getting sick so i take extra precautions. nothing serious, i just bleach the bathrooms and sanitize things she touches until she is out of the contagious period. my parents say im being ridiculous and laugh at me for this. they say im being so over dramatic and such and that “if i get sick ill be fine”.
cut to a week later, i start feeling quite sick. white patches on tonsils, swollen neck, chills, nausea/loss of appetite, bones aching. same exact thing she felt. my parents say i conjured it up in my own head and i convinced myself that i am sick. the second my sister was sick my mom took her to urgent care to get meds and basically hand fed her for a week. now i’m asking to be taken to get a strep test and antibiotics (i can’t drive anymore due to my conditions) and she won’t take me. she says to take my sisters left over antibiotics. mind you, im also med sensitive especially to antibiotics i get very sick and get rashes and it is not good at all, hence not wanting to get sick and having to take them.
i’ll add that this week my grandmother who we were very close with died in a very unexpected and scary manner. it has left us all in shambles and we’re all doing the best we can to get things in order. i spent 5 hours cleaning the house prepping for the post funeral service feeling ill as shit and with my POTS flaring up. i planned the food and helped my little sister get her dress and stuff as well. i was happy to help but my sisters did nothing and didn’t get reprimanded. it just irks me. anyways, my mom says that i need to be more considerate and that everyone is mourning and emotional (i am too, my grandma and i were very close) and that this is not in her list of priorities. i told her that i don’t want to get any of the guests sick cause they’re all coming over this week for the service. i have other immunocompromised family and don’t want to be responsible for getting them sick. now they’re saying im being rude for “wanting to skip the service” which isn’t true. they don’t want me to tell anyone that im sick either!
i feel like because i am chronically ill they don’t take me seriously when it is something viral or bacterial. they say that im always feeling sick so how is this any different. i try my best to not get sick but shit happens. they joke that my cleaning did nothing so why even bother. they don’t understand that when i’m sick with something like strep or the stomach bug it’s not like when they are sick, i take 2x as long to recover, AND i still have all of my chronic illness happening at the same time.
so yeah, i got yelled at this morning for asking to go to urgent care for meds because it was insensitive and everyone else is going through stuff. my sister is better now and my mom (right after yelling at me) said “oh sweetie are you alright” when my sister coughed. i seriously give up trying with them. i don’t know what to do.

Back in February, I started feeling kind of crummy. My throat hurt only on my right side and it hurt to swallow and yawn. I noticed that my right tonsil was pretty swollen and a little red, but no white patches. After a day, I started feeling really bad and got a fever. Muscle aches, chills, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, the whole nine yards. I was miserable. Went to my GP and since the strep/flu test was negative, she gave me a z-pack and said to get some sleep. I started feeling better the next day (probably because I finally took some Acetametaphin for my fever), but my tonsil stayed swollen. Even after I finished the antibiotics, it was still swollen although not red anymore. But once my fever went away, I developed a cough with mild chest congestion but VERY clogged ears. After a week, it went away finally.
March comes around and I've had on and off soreness on the right side of my neck. Especially in my throat when I yawned or swallowed. I started feeling crummy again, so I went back to my GP and when the strep and mono tests came back negative, she prescribed amoxocyllin and said to come back for a referral if my tonsil was still swollen / throat still hurting. Well, after the 10 days there was no change so off to the ENT we go.
Its mid-April now and I go in for my consultation which went along the lines of- tonsillectomy sucks when you're not a kid and since this doesn't seem too bad, we'll reconvene in a couple months to see how you're doing. Kid you not, that next night I come down with a fever. Muscle aches, chills, everything from the first time I got sick I had again. Fever went away after a day and I got a cough again with more chest congestion than before. Went back to the ENT and they did a strep culture, which, surprise surprise was negative. They had me go to urgent care to get tested for flu/covid/strep (all negative). The urgent care prescribed a cough syrup (don't know the name but it was an absolute godsend. I couldn't talk for 10 seconds without starting to cough), an antibiotic (Omnicef) and a steroid (medrol). I started all of these and actually noticed the swelling decreasing by the second to last day on the steroids. However, even while I was still on the antibiotics, the day after I stopped the steroids, the swelling came back. It has stayed consistent since then.
Thankfully haven't gotten sick since then, but I get nervous everytime I feel like I have a fever that I'll have to go through another round. I still have my followup in June with the ENT, but have absolutely no clue whats causing this. Google has been no help and even when I tried using ChatGPT to help compare my symptoms to various illnesses, most of them just fit one half with the fever and sore throat or the other half with the congestion and coughing and sore throat. Just worried and wish I had some answers.

I am struggling so much on my meds, I have been on Vyvanse 30mg for 5 weeks now and I just cant seem to get the balance right of what im eating or drinking to help with the awful crashes in the afternoon.
Can anyone suggest a good supplement to take for someone who is quite active and gets flu like crash symptoms - headache, fatigue, mild temperature. I've read about Magnesium and B12, anyone take these?
Currently I am taking: 4000mg B2 (for migraines), 50mg Iron Tablet, 30mg Vyvanse
Diet: I am Coeliac so I cant have Gluten, Barley, Rye, Oats, Wheat or Spelt. I also have an allergy to eggs so breakfast is especially difficult to try and have something that isn't too heavy but that gives me what I need.
I am finding it so challenging to get the balance right, especially when I have no appetite at all on the meds, I usually have breakfast first before taking them which is lentils on toast or scrambled tofu with spinach or muesli with protein powder.
Then I take the meds about 7:30am - 8:00am and from then onwards I have no appetite whatsoever and when I do eat it makes me feel very full and nauseous even after just a few bites. I try having nuts and fruit throughout the day but it isn't enough as I work an active job.
Does anyone have any tips or suggestions please?
TLDR: Meds are kicking my butt, need help with meal ideas for Gluten Free Diet + Supplements

My teenage son is 5 weeks post flu. He's still coughing some. He has had persistent gut issues since - loss of appetite, diarrhea, discomfort. I've been reading about gut biome issues following influenza and other upper respiratory illnesses. Anyone experience this? He's going to start pro-biotics and sees the doctor next week. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

I (21f) have just started taking abilify 3 days ago. I met with my psychiatrist on Wednesday because my anxiety and depression have been pretty bad for the past few months. I have been on lexapro for a little over two years. We decided to up my dose of lexapro and I am now on 20 mg. However, she also prescribed me abilify because my sleep has been so bad. I also struggle with emetophobia so nausea is something I struggle with and can be the root of my anxiety at times. We decided to try abilify because otherwise I would have to come off the lexapro for a month and then try a new medication, which wasn’t something I was looking forward to lol. I am only on 2 mg of abilify which is fine because I am really susceptible to medication. I have noticed that the medication puts me right to sleep, but the past few days that I have been on it I have been extremely nauseous, no appetite, anxious, and dissociative. Last night I woke up at 3 am and thought I was going to throw up, which due to my emetophobia is like my worst fear lol. I was eventually able to calm myself down but I was nauseous and shaking feeling also like I had the flu. I am wondering if this is normal, and if it is when the side effects subsided.

TLDR: Sick 6 times in last 6 months, despite active/healthy lifestyle. Anyone going through this through?
I’m doing terribly, and I know I’m gonna sound so whiny and annoying, but I’m scared. I have caught 6 bouts of illness in the past 6 months, with two just being two weeks apart. I have the flu right now, and it’s the sickest I’ve ever been. I’m talking fever, chills, nausea, night sweats, body aches, debilitating headache, and a wet cough that just set in a couple hours ago. I have no appetite so I haven’t been eating the past 3 days. My lifestyle is healthy, I’m an avid bjj competitor (although last comp was 7 months ago). My diet is balanced and healthy, although it’s nowhere near as healthy as when I’m healthy and preparing to compete. I’m starting to suspect my immune system is compromised, so I have to ask, have others fallen ill so frequently recently?

She stood before the hag reaching for the item it offered her. A tarnished bronze bell. Just one ring and her wish would be granted. She hesitated only for a moment as she noticed black smoke begin to seep from the hag's jagged smile. A dull pain in her chest reminded her why she was here. So she grabbed the bell and gave it a firm ring. The hag cackled loudly and with each exhale of breath dense black smoke poured from its mouth. She stood there until she couldn't see anymore. Everything went black. But did she get her wish?
She woke up in her bed. It felt like any other day. She blinked the sleep out of her eyes wondering if maybe she hadn't found the hag. Maybe she didn't get her wish to disappear after all. Maybe it had just been a silly dream.
The house was quiet which is unusual for a home with 3 children. She wondered if by some miracle her husband had let her sleep in and he got them out for school himself. Or maybe they were all still asleep while he locked himself in his office. She decided she had better go wake them up and forced herself out of bed.
She didn't get very far until she crashed into something. She let out a startled yelp but there was nothing there. But she had walked into something. Confused, she reached out in front of her. A cool firm surface like glass met her outstretched hand. It was seamless and invisible. She felt along it, searching to get a sense of its shape.
After taking some time to search all around it she realized it was something akin to a wall. She went through every room of the house. It was as though this surface was creating a barrier in every space. Cutting the house in half like a dollhouse. She found that she could move herself with ease all around it. But she could never quite go in.
It took her some time to notice her bed wasn't there anymore. There was nothing there for a while. Only the light of the room she was in filled the void. But after some time a table and chair appeared. With a bowl of oatmeal and a newspaper.
She was feeling a little hungry but not really. The bowl promptly disappeared and a mug of coffee took its place. That is better she thought and she took a seat at the table.
She drank her coffee in contemplative silence. She had asked the hag to make her disappear. She couldn't take it anymore but she didn't want to hurt anyone. And she wanted to be able to watch her kids grow old. She didn't ask how it would work but the hag agreed. She began to feel nervous. Where was everyone? How would they handle the news of her being gone? Would the hag keep it's word and make sure they wouldn't be hurt by her leaving?
Her questions would be answered soon enough. Behind her wall she heard keys unlocking the front door as loudly as if she was the one clumsily doing it. She got up quickly to make her way to see who was there. The wall bending and moving to ensure she could see the entryway.
First came the children, their energy bursting into the room. Their voices became muffled as they got closer into the house. Whatever they were talking about they were excited. Their father came next. A slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he hung his things in the coat closet.
She felt the dull pain in her chest at the sight of him. Once searing hot, now just an ache that never goes away. Whatever joy she had gotten from seeing her happy children had been ripped from her. She found herself clenching her fists as he followed the others deeper into the house.
She noticed the door was still open. Did they forget to close it? That wouldn't be like him to leave it open. She watched as a shadow appeared behind it. Curiosity gave way to shock as a woman made her way through the door. She was beautiful. Her hair was styled and although she wore casual clothes, she appeared put together.
She picked up a shoe the kids had left directly in front of the door and she called after them. Gently scolding them not to leave their things where people can trip. She tidied the shoes and stood up again. She looked confident, happy, she looked like herself again.
Tears poured down her face as she held her hand to the wall. She covered her mouth to stifle her sobs even if she didn't think they could hear her. She watched as she passed her. She wanted to hug her. She wanted to tell her how beautiful she is. She wanted to tell her to run.
She spent the rest of the night weeping quietly in between fitful moments of sleep. The next morning she slept in again, but awoke to the sound of her cleaning playlist playing throughout the house. She was eager to see her again but after essentially a full day of not eating she felt terrible and decided some food first would do her some good.
The table appeared again. This time with eggs and toast for breakfast and of course a nice mug of coffee. Another newspaper sat on the table and she decided to look at it while she ate. She was pleasantly surprised to see a picture of her oldest on the front page. The article detailing a recent class project. Other students were interviewed for their thoughts on the project. And the overall consensus was overwhelmingly positive. The following pages were filled with various sports photos from the kid's sports teams. Write ups about the dreams they had the night before. Funny jokes they had told their friends that day. She cried a little again, this time feeling happy to have this window into their lives like she never had before. How had she missed so much? She spent several hours flipping through the pages and back again.
She found her on the phone in the kitchen. She was lazily stirring her coffee while talking. Suddenly she laughed and she knew she must be talking to Marni. Only Marni could make her laugh like that. How long had it been since she talked to a friend on the phone? Exchanging decor ideas. Complaining about the last flu going around the school. She grabbed her own mug and sat down in an armchair. Like a quiet friend sitting in the corner she enjoyed the muffed girl talk.
The kids came home and she moved around the house watching them do the things children do. Noses were picked. Toys were tossed around. And video games were played with intense focus and high drama. She placed a swinging chair to watch them and sometimes would pick up a book. Their voices making the soundtrack to the stories she read about them.
After a time she figured it was close to dinner. Since being here she hasn't had much of an appetite. But then again she hasn't had one in a while. She stopped by the kitchen to get an idea of what to have for dinner. She was cooking. She looked a bit frazzled and maybe a bit more tired than she had earlier. One of the children yelled at her for homework help from the table. Another ran through the kitchen to chase a bouncy ball narrowly missing her. She wobbled a bit and sighed. She looked at the clock on the wall as she put down the spatula.
She left the kitchen as she stood at the table answering math questions. She knew where she would find him. She stopped in the hall. How many times had she stared at that door? The ache in her chest began to pulse. She stepped closer to the door. Knowing what was happening on the other side. Her heart began to pound as she reached for the handle. The ache matched its beats until she couldn't feel it anymore.
Her hand hit the wall. For a moment she had forgotten that she wasn't herself anymore. Herself was downstairs scrambling to hold things together while he stayed locked in the bathroom. She could just look inside the bathroom herself. But instead she decides to go back to her table. She imagines having burnt chicken. One of the kids managed to get cut on a broken toy and needed some emergency TLC. She had burned dinner. He came in just as she was trying to convince the kids the rice and veggies were still good.
Seeing her slightly embarrassed looking face made her clench her teeth. She could tell she was apologizing and he was letting her. Like he wasn't just doing what he was doing. She picked the plate off the table and threw it against the wall. The people behind it none the wiser.
Days passed and oftentimes she had trouble telling them apart. Everyday she read about what the kids were up to. She hovered around herself, enjoying her own company. In the evenings she split her time trying to ignore the locked doors and instead focus on other areas and people of the house.
One night she saw her cry for the first time. It was silent. Wanting to spare the feelings of everyone else, she made sure no one could hear. Seeing her face fighting to stay quiet felt like a key sliding into a lock and she bolted upstairs in one angry unleash of emotions. She stood breathing heavily in front of the office. This is where he went in the night when he couldn't sleep. Where he went when he wanted to unwind. Where he went after an argument. And he always locked the door behind him. It was finally time to see what she always knew.
She burst inside the room expecting him to flinch. To scramble to close the tabs. To slam his laptop closed. But he didn’t move in any of those ways. But he certainly was moving. Scrolling past image after image. When those weren't doing it he moved to video sites. She stood behind him shaking and disgusted. After he was finished he began typing. Telling them all the things she had wanted to hear. He sat for a while after and he found some more places to enter his secret credit card into. For next time.She wanted to grow claws and stab them into his back. She wanted him to hurt like he had hurt her. But she couldn't. The wall stopped her from moving any closer forward. So she stood behind him in the dark until her disgust turned to anguish and she cried herself all the way back to bed.
She found herself repeating this cycle whenever she got the chance. Read about the kids. Watch herself. Watch him in his office. Watch her cry. At first she would argue with herself not to look. Not to seek her out when she knew she was hurting. Not to watch him devolve into a grunting beast. But she found herself incapable. Like looking at a car crash without being able to look away. She found herself obsessing over locked doors.
After a point the pain was hardly even a dull ache anymore. Watching his dead eyes stare at the screen day after day, she was largely just repulsed by him. He no longer seemed like a lover she was destined to chase after but rather a pathetic wretch that somehow managed to convince her he cared. She started to become curious about how his mind worked. She found herself wanting to study him.
After a time she found herself thinking about him more and more. What was he doing? What was his work life like? He always mentioned people and told her things about life outside the home but how much of it was even real? What was he getting from these women that she didn’t offer him daily? She sat at the breakfast table again picking at her eggs and toast thinking about him. He was like an anomaly to her.
She glanced at the paper. It's nice to have it but wouldn't it be nicer to have a phone instead? She thought about the paper becoming a phone and so it did. Every site and social media was all about the kids. She could see their posts. Still see news articles about them. And now even live video of what they were doing at the moment.
She spent some time mindlessly scrolling until she tried to imagine that she could use the phone to see things about him. She thought it. But nothing happened. She tried again this time holding the phone firmly. For a second she thought one of the pictures flashed of him. So she tried again. She concentrated as hard as she could on the idea that she could use the phone to see him.
And then she could. She saw him at a restaurant. It was noon and he should be at work. But maybe his boss took him out. Her heart began to pound. Slowly the camera angle turns to show that the table is a setting for two. And a beautiful woman sits across from him. She smiles and leans over the table reaching for his hand. Her heart is in her ears now so she doesn't hear a faint hissing sound as black smoke starts to pool around her feet.
"Naughty, Naughty." The voice of the hag appears behind her. She drops the phone with a startled yelp and jumps out of her chair to face the hag.
"We had a deal My Dear. Don't go testing the boundaries of it or you might not like what happens." The voice is coming from nowhere and everywhere all at once. She looks around not noticing that the smoke is crawling up her legs.
Suddenly she feels a cool moving sensation wrapping around her. She screams and moves away from the smoke pile exposing several snakes that were making their way up her body. She slaps at the ones on her and they fall off her into a puff of smoke on the ground. The hag cackles as the other snakes burst into more smoke. But the laughing begins to fade as does the smoke.
She crawls on her bed and imagines her old teddy. She sits cross-legged and cries into it while she watches herself do the same.
She goes back to the cycle this time with less enthusiasm. The hag let her keep the phone but she can only use it to see the kids. Sometimes she watches him in the office or the bathroom. Other times she sits with the kids and listens to their noise. But largely she lays in bed endlessly scrolling. Watching her kids live life without her. Occasionally arguing can be heard well into the night. She didn’t need to see it as she already knew all too well what it was about. She was crazy. She was insecure. She had no reason to feel the way she did. It was always the same.
One day her monotony was disrupted by a loud bang. She came downstairs to see what happened. She was in the kitchen. She stood with a pot of pasta laying on the floor. She was clutching her hand where she must have absent-mindedly burned herself.
She had the stare of a thousand miles looking out the kitchen window. For the first time she realized what rough shape she was in. Her hair was thinning and messy. She was thinning and messy. Weren't those the same clothes she wore for the last 3 days?
She turned and walked towards her. She grabbed a knife out of the knife block and pulled up her sleeve. No! She hasn't done that since high school! At least that her hadn’t. She smacked her hand against the wall. It was a fruitless attempt but she couldn't stand there and not try.
After the first red line began to pool she shook her head in what seemed to be a realization that she couldn't be doing that anymore. They might see. What would she say? She stood with her head back as tears welled up in her eyes. She knew that look well. That was the look of a woman that wanted to disappear.
No! Don't do it! You don't have to! You can leave! You can! She banged on the wall harder and harder with each word. You don't have to do this anymore. You can leave! Her eyes blurred as she screamed. Her pounding on the wall shook it.
She couldn't stop. It was as though every stifled tear. Every swallowed hot coal came out at once. Years of pain and suffering manifesting as pure blind rage. She banged on the wall screaming and she would continue until it all got out. And she did. She slid down the wall. Her screams turned to sobs. She sat there with her hands and head pushed against it. Until she heard a voice.
"Hello?" She looked up. She could hear herself! It was then she realized that she had broken the wall. A crack had formed above her head. She stood up abruptly but that is when she saw smoke seeping through the crack. They both looked terrified. She grabbed her throat as if she couldn't breathe. The smoke wrapping around it.
Leave her alone! She didn't do anything. Please don't hurt her.
"I told you not to break our deal, Pet. You were only supposed to watch. Now I'm going to have to take her early. It's too bad. They taste better after they've really had time to suffer." The smoke formed into the shape of the hag and it slipped into the room through the crack with ease.
She shouted again. She cried and begged and screamed. But she could do nothing as the hag picked her up and swallowed her whole. She screamed again and fell to her knees. She stayed like that for a long time. Only the sound of her own tears to keep her company.
She awoke in her bed. The house was quiet. She got up and tried to move to the kitchen immediately but nothing happened. She sat and looked around the room for a long time. She tried imagining a table beside her bed but nothing happened. She got out of bed and tentatively walked forward with her hands out.
She didn't feel anything. The wall was gone. She stood for a moment thinking about everything that had happened. She cried a little for herself and how she had died.
After taking some time to collect herself she ran to the nearest child's bedroom and woke them up with a huge bear hug. She scooped them up and carried them to the next room. There two more bear hugs were given. It took a few minutes to convince them all downstairs but after she did, they helped her make pancakes.
She stared upstairs briefly thinking about the locked door. Her oldest interrupted her by asking for more syrup. She smiled and handed it to them. Their energy filled the room as she lazily stirred her coffee chatting with them.
It wasn't long before he moved out. Not having to think about what was happening behind locked doors anymore allowed her the peace and time to focus on what really mattered to her. With the grunting beast gone she spent the rest of her life watching her kids grow old and never wanted to disappear again.

So, for 5 months it felt like I had the flu, plus COVID. Getting out of bed and going to the bathroom was exhausting, I live in a basement, and those stairs kept me from going outside for months. Maybe perchance if you were a little like me, you might have chronic fatigue syndrome (or a number of other things)? I had a blood test done, and it turns out I didn't have mono, and probably have never had mono. But I did have: Dizzy when standing too long, hot flashes and like, cold flashes, brain fog, pins and needles, tremors, post exertion malaise, hard time breathing. Snotty Reoccurring symptoms, I'll be sick for months at a time, then I get better, then I may be overdo it one day, and suddenly I'm sick again for months potentially (usually I didn't realize I was overdoing it, so it just came out of nowhere).
CFS Maybe you don't. Idk doesn't hurt to look.
Edit: forgot to manage the crippling depression and lack of appetite

I have a one year old and a three year old, and last weekend my one year old got a fever that would come and go, but persistently got higher and higher until topping out at over 103. At that point we took him to urgent care and he tested negative for all the usual suspects - COVID, flu, RSV. Soon after his fever broke and his temperature stayed normal. Beyond the fever and being slightly sleepier than usual, he was fine. Good appetite, good fluids, and periods of acting completely normal even when his temperature was high.
My 3 year old decided this weekend to go straight to the 103 fever, which is responding well to Tylenol, so we're resting and watching. Same thing though - if it wasn't for the high fever, there'd be virtually no indication she was sick.
Granted, we've been running the gamut of illness these last few weeks - colds, flu, and now this mystery fever. Is anyone else going through the same thing? Is this kind of fever-only illness normal and I just didn't know about it? Have others had it pop up after a bout of something else and maybe the earlier illnesses are the cause?
The urgent care doc said he'd been seeing more kids with high fevers testing negative for all the biggies, so I guess this is part question part PSA.
Also the Frida infrared touchless thermometer sucks. Don't trust it.

My 2 year old is on day 7 with high fevers (102 to 103) and no other symptoms at all besides tired a bit more and appetite is a bit off. Went to the doctors twice and were told it was something viral. Did a urine test, Covid, flu, Rsv and it is none of the above. Currently waiting on bloodwork to come back. She’s going to bathroom like normal and playing like normal. Just wondering if anyone has been through this recently. Maybe it’s just something going around this year.

Hey guys, I'm new to this POTS life (or rather new in knowing it and new in it being so unmanageable) and wanted to share my current experiences to see if anyone else has gone through anything similar. I have reached out to my cardiologist office with recent changes so hopefully they can offer some insights. About a week ago I started Diltiazem in the mornings and propanolol in the evenings. The first few days were very encouraging. I could sit upright and perform small task without too much trouble (a huge relief after a few months of bedrest). I was cautiously excited that I might get some of my life back. A few days ago I pushed it a bit and got some consequences. I had a coworker pick me up to go to a working lunch - first time in nearly 3 months I would be able to see my coworkers in person. I balanced my electrolytes and water and propped my feet. It wasn't totally comfortable but I felt like I was staying in my window of tolerance. Since the improvements I've been wanting to work on building my stamina back up and this felt like a good step towards hopefully returning to work. Afterwards I was fatigued but I reclined and set out to answer some emails and do some easy clerical work. That was probably a mistake. I think I felt guilty for spending so much energy on 'fun' work and wanted to balance it out by being productive. As I worked I could feel myself getting more and more fatigued. But I was stubborn and didn't stop until my wife pointed out how awful I looked and sent me to get real rest in bed. I've been essentially bedridden since then, with today being day 3. The first day I had all the terrible stuff - vertigo, nausea, extreme fatigue, brain fog, insomnia, migraines, you name it. Yesterday I ended up sleeping almost the whole day which felt like a win following the insomnia. Partially because I was having serious nerve pain and body aches, as well as fatigues, loss of appetite etc. But I was thinking/hoping today would be better and it's just not. Still can't even recline without getting hot and feeling sick, gotta be in bed. One thing I'm wondering is if this is just because I pushed myself or if it might be the medication backfiring or even related to pms.
Before I was thinking it was POTS I had been working with my doctor on sx of pmdd. Serious flu-like sx ending in a total mental breakdown each month just before my period. I know POTS and PMS can be a nasty combo so I'm wondering if that might be part of it? Not sure though bc it feels early (I'm working on getting better tracking health stuff). My BP is high which seems weird because it's usually normal all the time.
Idk, just curious if anyone had an insights or suggestions. Or even just a bit of commiseration. This POTS stuff is for the dogs.

5 hours of violent vomiting and 2 days of pooping only water, and my fiance obviously got it too. Anyway, I have a very bad IBS and now I'm horrified if this stomach bug will make my symptoms worse by messing with my gut microbiome. Any tips to recovery? Eating probiotics, obviously and also lot of liquids. No appetite yet, though.
My diarrhea stopped yesterday and today I had basically a "normal" poop, but it was literally very pale yellow. I am a hypochondriac so I'm absolutely horrified that it means I have something wrong with my pancreas or something like that. Do you think the colour is from the stomach flu? Or should I start panicking? It's like 60 hours since I got sick.

I began taking Effexor in July 2023. I started with a small dose of 37.5 mg and would increase over the span of a couple of months to 150 mg. This was my first time ever taking antidepressants of any kind. I was diagnosed with ADHD but my psychiatrist didn’t believe in prescribing stimulants. Her excuse was always that they were experiencing a shortage and that there are other medications that could also help. Looking back I do believe that she didn’t trust my symptoms because I was a student, so she didn’t want to prescribe me a stimulant despite diagnosing me with ADHD. Now, a year later I have gained 40 pounds and other than a slight decrease in social anxiety. I have NOT noticed much difference. After realizing my weight gain, I wanted to come off of the medication. First I attempted to take it every other day and I began experiencing horrible withdraws and flu like symptoms. Eight days ago I stopped taking my extended release tablets. Quitting cold turkey has actually not been bad. I have not been having nightmares, though my dreams have been vivid. I have slight very subtle brains zaps, but nothing is unbearable. If I could go back and do it all over again, I would never have gotten on this medication. The medication definitely increased my appetite. I The medication definitely increased my appetite. I’m hoping to be able to lose the weight.

Why can’t I just have a cold or flu and be done with it! Coming to end of a horrible illness lasting around 10 days. Likely just the flu. But few lingering symptoms like fought but my lack of appetite is worrying me! My heads saying why am I not hungry yet what’s going on???
Hate the way I can’t just be ill, my head has to convince me it something more terrifying

alright, so i took my antiemetic today as usual, but my anxiety is horrible. pills scare me in general, and i read about the risks of heart attack with it and obviously i got a tachychardia loool, i feel sort of stuck inside my body. yesterday i think i only ate like a piece of watermelon and half a protein shake (cause of n*), thought it would make me feel better but it got worse, so im scared to eat even if i have more appetite today. Well, trying to down the rest of the shake to see how my body reacts, my flu symptoms have also decreased a lot, hope this ends soon

DAY: MAY 22 2024
5-22-2024

HOW RISKY IS TURBULENCE ON A PLANE? HOW WORRIED SHOULD I BE?

The Singapore Airlines turbulence incident that has sadly left one person dead and others hospitalized has made many of us think about the risks of air travel. We’ll hear more in coming days about how the aircraft came to drop so suddenly on its route from London to Singapore earlier this week, injuring passengers and crew, before making an emergency landing in Thailand. But thankfully, these types of incidents are rare, and much less-common than injuries from other types of transport. So why do we sometimes think the risk of
5-22-2024

WHAT FACTORS PREDICT WHEN OLDER ADULTS WILL STOP DRIVING?

What factors lead older adults to stop driving? A new study followed older adults who had no memory or thinking problems to examine this question. The study is published in the May 22 online issue of Neurology. “Alzheimer’s disease develops over a long time—people may have a 10- to 15-year period where they have no symptoms, but the disease process is developing in the brain,”
5-22-2024

EATING MORE ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS TIED TO COGNITIVE DECLINE, STROKE

People who eat more ultra-processed foods like soft drinks, chips and cookies may have a higher risk of having memory and thinking problems and having a stroke than those who eat fewer processed foods, according to a new study. The study does not prove that eating ultra-processed foods causes memory and thinking problems and stroke. It only shows an association. Ultra-processed foods are high in added sugar, fat and salt, and low in protein and fiber.
5-22-2024

STUDY REVEALS ALARMING LEVELS OF DRUG RESIDUE ON US CURRENCY

A new study led by Thomas Jefferson University researchers has found that American currency carries much more than germs on its surface. The study used a new method of analysis to examine one-dollar bills collected from 13 cities across the U.S. Fentanyl, a potent opioid, was detected on 63% of the bills, shedding light on the widespread presence of this dangerous substance in everyday transactions.
5-22-2024

RESEARCH TEAM IDENTIFIES A NEW WAY TO TREAT PROSTATE CANCER

Active Stat5 increases protein levels of full-length androgen receptor (AR-FL) and AR variants (AR-Vs) through the induction of AR mRNA levels in PC. The American Cancer Society estimates there are nearly 300,000 new cases of prostate cancer every year in the U.S., and approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Prostate cancer is often treated with androgen deprivation therapy, which lowers testosterone levels to shrink tumors. However, this treatment has side effects including sexual dysfunction and weight
5-22-2024

BRAIN IMPLANT IN CONJUNCTION WITH AI APP ALLOWS NEARLY MUTE MAN TO SPEAK IN TWO LANGUAGES

Schematic diagram of the bilingual decoding system. In each trial, the participant is presented with a target phrase in English or Spanish. The participant volitionally activates the system by attempting to speak, and this attempt is identified from the neural features by a speech-detection model. A team of neurosurgeons and AI specialists at the University of California, San Francisco, has found some success in restoring speech to a patient who lost the ability after a stroke.
5-22-2024

A DEADLY NEW RISK FOR OVERDOSE

Fentanyl, typically sold in compressed powder chunks, (and a few methamphetamine shards) and the materials commonly used to consume them via inhalation. Now that smoking has replaced injecting as the most common way to consume fentanyl, UCSF researchers have uncovered an increased risk of fatal overdose from the residue that accumulates in smoking equipment. The researchers found that people both shared fentanyl resin and consumed it accidentally. This may be increasing the risk of overdose, especially among those who use
5-22-2024

WEARABLE ULTRASOUND PATCH ENABLES CONTINUOUS, NON-INVASIVE MONITORING OF CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW

This soft and stretchy ultrasound patch can be worn on the temple to provide continuous monitoring of blood flow in the brain. During use, the patch is connected through cables to a power source and computer. Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a wearable ultrasound patch that can offer continuous, non-invasive monitoring of blood flow in the brain. The soft and stretchy patch can be comfortably worn on the temple to provide three-dimensional data on cerebral blood
5-22-2024

HIGH BMI LINKED TO REDUCED BRAIN VOLUME AND INCREASED WHITE MATTER LESIONS

A recent study published in Health Data Science reveals the significant impact of high cumulative body mass index (BMI) on brain health. The research, led by Associate Professor Han Lv from Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, found that high BMI is associated with smaller brain volume, larger white matter lesions, and abnormal microstructural integrity. The study analyzed data from a 16-year population-based cohort to investigate the effects of cumulative BMI on neuroimaging features in adults
5-22-2024

STUDY FINDS NEW METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING SLEEP DISORDERS IN CHILDREN

Research at the University of Oklahoma, in collaboration with The University of Tulsa, has resulted in a new method of screening for sleep disorders in children. The tool, the first of its kind, allows health professionals to assess children for multiple sleep problems at once, resulting in a quicker evaluation and more targeted treatment recommendations. The research that created the tool, called a structured clinical interview, was published recently in the journal Behavioral Sleep Medicine. The publication details the effectiveness of the interview questions across several types of sleep disorders,
5-22-2024

DOGS PLAY A KEY ROLE IN VETERINARY COLLEGE’S BRAIN CANCER TRIAL

Lucy, with her boundless puppy-like energy even at 12 years old, is more than just a pet to Susan Ketcham. She’s now part of a research project that could transform the way we treat brain cancer—in both dogs and humans. This study at Virginia Tech’s Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine explores an innovative therapy called histotripsy. It’s a leap forward from traditional cancer treatments, harnessing the power of focused ultrasound to break
5-22-2024

NEW STUDY SHOWS HOW CANCER CELLS EXPLOIT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

New research has discovered an important breakthrough that may overcome cancer treatment resistance. The immune system has a naturally occurring ‘brake’ that tells the body to silence key killer immune cells called CD8+ T-cells as a safeguard to restrain excessive immune responses. Cancer cells are known to exploit this process, called exhaustion, by hijacking the immune system at this ‘off-switch’ to dampen down the immune attack on cancer, enabling cancer growth.
5-22-2024

STUDY FINDS ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION MAY AFFECT SUBCUTANEOUS FAT REGULATION, COULD LEAD TO NEW OBESITY TREATMENTS

The radiation enhances norepinephrine secretion, which not only decreases leptin thereby increasing food intake, but also increases energy expenditure through the browning of subcutaneous fat. Obesity and metabolic disorders are increasingly significant global public health issues. In a novel study, a team of dermatologists has evaluated the effect of ultraviolet (UV) exposure on appetite and weight regulation. They found that UV exposure raises norepinephrine levels, decreases leptin levels, and induces the browning of subcutaneous fat, thereby increasing energy expenditure. These results potentially pave the way
5-22-2024

NEW BIOMARKERS FOUND TO PREDICT KIDNEY FAILURE IN TYPE 1 DIABETES PATIENTS

In a paper published in Science Translational Medicine, researchers from City of Hope, a U.S. cancer research and treatment organization and a research center for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses, report that they have discovered advances in predicting kidney failure in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients. By performing the first epigenome-wide association analysis in patients with diabetic kidney disease, a research team has identified novel associations between DNA methylation activity—a biological
5-22-2024

SOME PATIENTS TAKE SECOND AT-HOME FECAL TEST TO DELAY COLONOSCOPY

A study of 316,443 patients shows that 7.4% of these patients repeated fecal testing rather than proceeding directly to colonoscopy as guidelines recommend, and of those who repeated home tests, over half did not have a colonoscopy within 1 year. The work is published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. The study showed that among repeat testers, only 41% went on to receive a colonoscopy within one year of their initial positive fecal test. To learn more, researchers interviewed patients who had been tested twice rather than go in
5-22-2024

YOUNG PEOPLE ARE INCREASINGLY USING WEGOVY AND OZEMPIC, STUDY FINDS

Public interest in weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic is surging, but national data on dispensing patterns in the United States is surprisingly scarce. Now, a national study from Michigan Medicine shows that the use of these weight loss drugs is increasing rapidly in adolescents and young adults aged 12–25 years, especially females. Using 2020–2023 data from a national database representing 92% of pharmacies, the study team found a 594% increase in the monthly number of adolescents and young adults
5-22-2024

STUDY ANALYZES THE IMPACT OF SUMMER HEAT ON HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS IN SPAIN

A research team has carried out an analysis of hospital admissions related to high summer temperatures in Spain over more than a decade. The study concludes that the causes of hospitalization in which the heat has the most notable impact are: Metabolic disorders and obesity Renal failure Urinary tract infection Sepsis Urolithiasis Poisoning by drugs and other non-medicinal substances The research included data of more than 11.2 million
5-22-2024

NEWBORNS WHOSE MOTHER SPOKE IN A MIX OF LANGUAGES DURING PREGNANCY ARE MORE SENSITIVE TO A RANGE OF SOUND PITCHES

It’s well established that babies in the womb hear and learn about speech, at least in the third trimester. For example, newborns have been shown to already prefer the voice of their mother, recognize a story that had been repeatedly told to them while in the womb, and tell apart their mother’s native language. What wasn’t known until now was how developing fetuses learn about speech when their mother speaks to them in a mix of languages. Yet this is common: there are 3.3 billion bilingual people (43% of the
5-22-2024

RESEARCHERS DISCUSSES 25-YEAR STUDY THAT SHOWS MOTHERS’ EMPATHY FOR TEENS MAY PREDICT TEENS’ EMPATHY

A new Child Development study from researchers at the University of Virginia provides the first long-term, longitudinal evidence for the transmission of empathic care across three generations: from mother to teen to child. The findings suggest that interactions with close friends in adolescence may provide a “training ground” in which teens can practice providing care in their peer relationships and pay forward the empathy they experience from their mothers, which may help strengthen their future parenting skills. For families and service providers, supporting one generation of parents to model empathy
5-22-2024

SCIENTISTS CREATE TAILORED DRUG FOR AGGRESSIVE BREAST CANCER

Scientists have used breast cancer cells’ weakness against themselves by linking a tumor-selective antibody with a cell-killing drug to destroy hard-to-treat tumors. The research, published in Clinical Cancer Research by a team from King’s College London, marks a new method in cancer treatment. The discovery is particular to triple negative breast cancer, which makes up 15% of all diagnosed breast cancer. This type of breast cancer is typically aggressive, resistant to chemotherapy, has a lower survival rate and is more common in women under 40. Usual treatment involves surgery, chemotherapy
5-22-2024

URBAN GARDENING MAY IMPROVE HUMAN HEALTH—RESEARCH SUBJECTS BENEFIT FROM MICROBIAL EXPOSURE

It’s easy to start growing in pots indoors in spring when the weather is still cool, and then move out e.g. onto the balcony when the weather warms up. Either way, you don’t need much space. A collaborative study between the University of Helsinki, Natural Resources Institute Finland and Tampere University demonstrated that a one-month indoor gardening period increased the bacterial diversity of the skin and was associated with higher levels of anti-inflammatory molecules in the blood.
5-22-2024

DAILY MARIJUANA USE OUTPACES DAILY DRINKING IN THE US, A NEW STUDY SAYS

Daily and near-daily marijuana use is now more common than similar levels of high-frequency drinking in the U.S., according to an analysis of survey data over four decades . Millions of people in the U.S. report using marijuana daily or nearly every day, according to an analysis of national survey data, and those people now outnumber those
5-22-2024

GENITAL TALC USE POSITIVELY LINKED TO OVARIAN CANCER

There is a positive association between use of intimate care products, including genital talc, and ovarian cancer, according to a study examined the association between intimate care products and female hormone-related cancers using data from a U.S.-based cohort study enrolling 50,884 women who had a sister with breast cancer. Data on genital talc use and douching were obtained at enrollment in 2003
5-22-2024

EPIDURAL LINKED TO REDUCTION IN SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS AFTER CHILDBIRTH

Having an epidural during labor is associated with a marked reduction in serious complications in the first few weeks after giving birth, finds a study published by The BMJ. Doctors refer to these complications as severe maternal morbidity (SMM), which can include heart attack, heart failure, sepsis, and hysterectomy. Epidural analgesia is recommended for women with known risk factors for SMM, such as obesity, certain underlying conditions, or having more than one baby. These women are said to have a “medical indication” for epidural analgesia in labor. Women delivering prematurely

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Keto Diet for Weight Loss The ketogenic diet, commonly known as the keto diet, has gained immense popularity for its remarkable weight loss results. This low-carb, high-fat diet forces the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. In this article, we’ll explore inspiring weight loss success stories on the keto diet, delve into the science behind it, and provide tips for those looking to start their own keto journey.
Understanding the Keto Diet
The keto diet involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. This shift in macronutrient consumption puts the body into ketosis, a metabolic state where fat, rather than glucose, becomes the primary energy source. Typically, the diet consists of 70-75% fats, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% carbohydrates.
Benefits of the Keto Diet:
Rapid Weight Loss: By switching to fat as the main fuel source, the body burns stored fat, leading to significant weight loss. Improved Energy Levels: Many people report stable energy levels without the crashes associated with high-carb diets. Better Mental Clarity: Ketones, the by-products of fat metabolism, are a more efficient fuel for the brain, enhancing cognitive function. Appetite Control: The high-fat content in the diet promotes satiety, reducing overall calorie intake. Success Stories

1. Sarah’s Transformation:

Sarah, a 35-year-old mother of two, struggled with her weight for years. Traditional diets didn’t work for her, and she often felt hungry and deprived. After researching the keto diet, she decided to give it a try. In just six months, Sarah lost 50 pounds. She attributes her success to the simplicity of the diet and the fact that she never felt hungry. “The keto diet changed my life,” she says. “I have more energy to play with my kids and feel more confident than ever.”

1. John’s Journey:

John, a 42-year-old software engineer, faced weight-related health issues, including high blood pressure and pre-diabetes. His doctor recommended losing weight, and John chose the keto diet. Within a year, he lost 80 pounds and saw significant improvements in his health markers. “I feel like a new person,” John shares. “My blood pressure is normal, and I no longer need medication for pre-diabetes. The keto diet gave me a second chance at life.”

1. Lisa’s Success:

Lisa, a 28-year-old fitness enthusiast, hit a plateau in her weight loss journey. Despite regular exercise and a healthy diet, she couldn’t shed the last 15 pounds. She decided to try the keto diet and finally reached her goal weight in three months. “The keto diet helped me break through my plateau,” Lisa explains. “I love the variety of foods I can eat, and I’ve never felt better.”
Tips for Starting the Keto Diet

1. Do Your Research:

Before starting the keto diet, it’s essential to understand the principles behind it. Familiarize yourself with the foods you can and cannot eat and plan your meals accordingly.

1. Start Slowly:

Transitioning to a keto diet can be challenging. Start by gradually reducing your carb intake and increasing your fat consumption. This approach can help your body adjust to the new fuel source.

1. Stay Hydrated:

The keto diet can lead to water loss, especially in the initial stages. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes by consuming foods rich in potassium, magnesium, and sodium.

1. Monitor Your Macros:

Tracking your macronutrient intake is crucial for staying in ketosis. Use a food diary or a mobile app to ensure you’re meeting your fat, protein, and carb goals.

1. Prepare for the Keto Flu:

Some people experience flu-like symptoms, known as the keto flu, when they first start the diet. These symptoms are temporary and usually subside within a week. Staying hydrated and replenishing electrolytes can help alleviate these symptoms.

1. Find Support:

Joining a keto community or finding a diet buddy can provide motivation and support. Sharing experiences, recipes, and tips can make the journey more enjoyable and less daunting.

1. Focus on Whole Foods:

While there are many keto-friendly processed foods available, focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods will provide the best results. Include plenty of vegetables, healthy fats, and quality proteins in your diet.

1. Listen to Your Body:

Everyone’s body responds differently to the keto diet. Pay attention to how you feel and adjust your diet as needed. If you experience any adverse effects, consult with a healthcare professional.

1. Be Patient:

Weight loss on the keto diet can vary from person to person. Some may see rapid results, while others may lose weight more slowly. Stay consistent and patient, and remember that lasting weight loss is a gradual process.
The keto diet has helped countless individuals achieve their weight loss goals and improve their overall health. Success stories like Sarah’s, John’s, and Lisa’s demonstrate the transformative power of this diet. By understanding the principles of the keto diet and following the tips provided, you can embark on your own journey toward a healthier, happier you.
Whether you’re looking to lose a few pounds or make a significant lifestyle change, the keto diet offers a sustainable and effective solution. With determination, support, and the right information, you can achieve your weight loss goals and experience the many benefits of ketosis.
Keto Diet Plateau Solutions: Breaking Through the Weight Loss Stagnation Hitting a plateau in your weight loss journey can be frustrating, especially when you’re diligently following the keto diet. Despite the initial success, many people find that their weight loss stalls at some point. Don’t worry – this is a common experience, and there are effective strategies to overcome it. In this article, we’ll explore practical solutions to break through a keto diet plateau and continue your progress.
Understanding the Keto Plateau
A weight loss plateau occurs when your body adjusts to the changes you’ve made, and your progress stalls despite following the same diet and exercise routine. This can happen for various reasons, such as metabolic adaptation, loss of water weight, or muscle gain. On the keto diet, several factors can contribute to a plateau:
Caloric Intake: Over time, your body may require fewer calories as you lose weight. Carb Creep: Gradually increasing carbohydrate intake can knock you out of ketosis. Hormonal Changes: Hormones like insulin and cortisol can affect weight loss. Adaptation: Your metabolism may slow down as it adapts to your new diet and weight. Solutions to Overcome a Keto Plateau

1. Reassess Your Macros:

Ensure you’re still following the correct macronutrient ratios: around 70-75% fats, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% carbohydrates. Use a food diary or app to track your intake and identify any deviations.

1. Monitor Your Caloric Intake:

Even on a keto diet, consuming more calories than you burn can halt weight loss. Calculate your daily caloric needs based on your current weight, activity level, and goals. Adjust your portions if necessary to create a caloric deficit.

1. Try Intermittent Fasting:

Combining intermittent fasting with the keto diet can enhance fat loss by increasing your metabolic rate and improving insulin sensitivity. Popular methods include the 16/8 (fast for 16 hours, eat within an 8-hour window) and the 5:2 (eat normally for 5 days, restrict calories for 2 days) approaches.

1. Increase Physical Activity:

Incorporate more exercise into your routine, focusing on both cardio and strength training. Cardio workouts can help burn extra calories, while strength training builds muscle, which boosts your metabolism.

1. Mix Up Your Workouts:

Avoid getting stuck in a workout rut by trying new activities. Different types of exercise can challenge your body in new ways, helping to break through a plateau. Consider activities like high-intensity interval training (HIIT), yoga, or swimming.

1. Check for Hidden Carbs:

“Carb creep” can happen when you unknowingly consume foods with hidden carbohydrates. Review the ingredients of packaged foods and be cautious with condiments, sauces, and low-carb products that may have sneaky carbs.

1. Increase Healthy Fat Intake:

If you’re not consuming enough fat, your body may struggle to stay in ketosis. Ensure you’re getting sufficient healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish.

1. Manage Stress:

Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which can hinder weight loss. Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your daily routine, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature.

1. Prioritize Sleep:

Lack of sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism, making weight loss more difficult. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support your weight loss efforts.

1. Consider a Fat Fast:

A short-term fat fast, where you consume 80-90% of your calories from fat for 3-5 days, can help jumpstart ketosis and break through a plateau. This approach should only be done occasionally and under medical supervision.

1. Reevaluate Your Goals:

Sometimes, your body reaches a natural set point where it’s comfortable and healthy. Reassess your weight loss goals to ensure they are realistic and sustainable. Focus on overall health and well-being rather than just the number on the scale.

1. Stay Hydrated:

Proper hydration is crucial for metabolism and overall health. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your body’s functions and weight loss efforts.
Experiencing a plateau on the keto diet can be disheartening, but it’s a normal part of the weight loss journey. By reassessing your macros, adjusting your caloric intake, incorporating intermittent fasting, increasing physical activity, and managing stress, you can overcome the plateau and continue making progress. Remember, weight loss is a gradual process, and staying consistent with your efforts will eventually lead to success. Keep experimenting with different strategies, listen to your body, and maintain a positive mindset.
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