So my doctor has me taking a combination of naproxen and sumatriptan together if a migraine hits, although since this was the first time, it went on too long and I ended up needing a steroid injection to finally kick it in the teeth. I’ve also been told to start keeping a journal to see if there are certain food or…

That is so hard. It sounds like it would be worthwhile for your doctor to take a more active role in changing your medications, if this is how bad it’s getting. You shouldn’t have to be this brave, and yet in this space you are still:

Spent this weekend recovering after a six(!) day migraine. It’s my first one, though I do have a family history, made worse by my first-ever sinus infection. I’ve been out of work all week, I’m shuddering to think how behind I’ll be, and now I’m on eggshells about figuring out what my triggers are. And on top of it…

I think you can be honest about his strengths, or even just ask him about those things that concern you before you (agree to) write the recommendation-- “this position requires a lot of X and Y, and when we worked together I saw A and B from you instead. What’s your plan for bridging that gap?” You don’t owe him the…

You did so, so well. Your kids will likely be better for seeing that their mom is a full person who exists outside of relation to them, and honestly, if the littlest is being that whiny and fractious, bed was the best place for her. You are doing your best. You are a good enough mother (which is, to my mind, even…

Hey--you are plenty of good to those whom you love. I won’t try and convince you you aren’t suffering--that would be insulting and untrue--but you don’t have to meet some baseline level of ‘healthiness’ to be a valuable human being, especially not to people who care about you. You also don’t have to have this all…

You look lovely and I am DEEPLY covetous of your purple nail polish!

Talk to your program advisor or coordinator about what logistics would look like. Also, if you have any paperwork that you signed from starting the assistantship, it might tell you if you are on the hook or not. But otherwise?

My GP does acupuncture, which I learned last week when she used it to give me some relief from what turned into a six-day migraine. 

It can’t be any worse than the time I went to a psychic because I knew I was depressed but the school year was over and thus I couldn’t get counseling from the university. She tried to get me to give her hundreds of dollars. 

I love these little fluff nuggets! I would love to get a cat, but sadly the person I love is allergic and while I could maybe eke out the two years of long distance with a cat, I can’t get an animal in good conscience if I know I probably won’t be able to keep them. 

I’m so sorry that happened to you. If you ever do need to fake your own death to put some distance between y’all, you can usually get a full service fake death in the Philippines for like $7k, and I will gladly chip in for it. 

You’re welcome! I’ve been in a similar situation with non-linear healing (though from abusive parenting rather than an illness), and sometimes it knocks you way the fuck back, but we can do this. Good luck with your surgery! 

Hi, Jezzies! Looking for advice about long-distance relationships.

Ugh, I hate it when people tell you not to be upset about things, because I totally want my life to be so stressful because of stuff I can’t control. Also, adjusting to a new BC is tough and takes time. If anything, being gentle with yourself is probably the best bet--I’ve never found being harsh with myself helpful.

Oh my gosh, that sounds really stressful and scary; I don’t blame you one bit for feeling upset and dealing with all those painful memories. If it helps to hear it from an outside source, NONE OF THIS is your fault. You aren’t responsible for your abuse. You are not the cause of your endometriosis, nor did you…

I feel you. 5'5", 220 pounds; I’m working out more now, aiming to lose 50 pounds over the next year (about a pound a week, which feels reasonable). I usually feel pretty good about myself, but I do want it to be easier to find clothes, and maybe make certain activities easier. 

1) Love a soup; you can chuck anything in there and it’s usually good. 2) Raw veggies and hummus/salad dressing is also really good, especially when it’s hot and you don’t want to cook. Add some crackers and salami and you basically have a charcuterie board dinner. 

For no one in my current profession to refer to a mental health curtailment of an assignment as a “whack evac”; all these fake bitches in middle management and senior leadership give lip service to the idea of not destroying yourself for this job when they talk trash about people actually caring for their mental…

Ahhh, yay! That’s so cool. Can’t wait to see the new episodes!