Hey y'all.

I am having a mild medical issue and I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with this. I know this might not belong exactly here but I'm not really sure where to ask people about this. I'm a little panicked about it all.

Yesterday my GP diagnosed me with an inguinal hernia. It's not severe but it's uncomfortable and will require surgery to fix. The fact that I am post-op came up as a concern. I guess the concern is if it gets worse, I don't have a scrotal sac for the hernia to spread into. It's not at that point but I have no idea how long it's going to take to schedule surgery. I know a lot of people go for years not even knowing they have a hernia like this.

Does anyone have any experience with this while post-op? My surgery was over a decade ago but I'm still worried about another surgeon poking around in the area. Having the soreness from this is driving up dysphoria and it's a lot of stress.

On top of that, I have FFS scheduled in 3 and a half weeks and I'm scared this could delay it. My GP is making some phone calls but I'm not going to hear anything for a few days yet. If anyone has any advice, experiences, or suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

@Jessica_Rose
Dear Jessica:
I am very saddened to read your recent comments regarding the situation
with your dad.

Please know that I am praying for him, for you, and all of the extended family...
...Peace and Comfort to all of you.

Be strong, and if it is within you, be the one that holds the family all together
during these difficult times.

Many HUGS, and my Prayers....💖💖💖💖💖  Danielle
              
                   

Rachel, Susan and I took many vacations with our daughters when we lived in Colorado. We visited quite a few National Parks, including Yellowstone, Arches, Canyonlands, Great Sand Dunes, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Zion. We visited some of them multiple times. As our daughters got older, it became more difficult to schedule vacations. Once I began transition, it seemed most of my 'extra' time and money suddenly vanished. Electrolysis and multiple surgeries, most of which I had to pay for myself, devoured our resources at an alarming rate. Our daughters are on their own now, all of my major surgeries are complete, and our finances have recovered. I've also saved enough vacation time that I need to use some occasionally to keep from hitting the maximum allowed. I think I can finally begin to relax a little.

Thanks for the photo compliment, Allie. We're not sure if my dad has developed dementia. His doctor thinks it may be a form of psychosis from being in the hospital for so long. As far as 'going home', I'm afraid to ask for clarification. Asking may trigger an angry response, and my dad is just about the only person I still fear.

We're still researching my dad's finances. I now have access to his accounts at two banks, but we're still waiting on the third. Although we have not found statements from any other banks, we believe he may have accounts at one or two others. We also found an annuity none of us knew about, and documentation for possible accounts at a few other financial institutions. I'm pretty good at digging, and this is literally a treasure hunt.

My dad was moved back to the rehab facility yesterday (Friday). He is on a liquid diet because he is having trouble swallowing. None of his doctors have commented on a long-term prognosis, but we are all doubtful that he will ever go home again.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Danielle,

Sounds like fun. Gorgeous pictures of Alaska. Glad you're getting some time to decompress. Hugs
Mariah

Not sure Texas cares about federal funding. So many Texans want Texas to leave the United States. Hugs
Mariah

It was great hearing that the VA is finally going to come through with some voice training. You may want to consider an app or two which can help you monitor progress. The 'Voice Pitch Analyzer' is free, and there is another similar tool with more features which is about $15. Something else you must remember to reduce frustration -- the voice you hear isn't the same as the voice other's hear. Make a recording of something like 'the rainbow passage' before you start, and make another recording after a few sessions. Progress is often slow, but the recordings will be markers you can use to gauge improvement. Comparing where you are to where you were will help you hear the changes. Don't get discouraged. Many people go weeks without hearing any difference, then one day everything suddenly 'clicks' and you hear a voice you never thought possible. Keep tissues handy. Ocular leakage will occur.  You can do this.

Love always -- Jess

From the Texas Workforce Commission website:
Employment Discrimination

"Employment discrimination generally exists where an employer treats an applicant or employee less favorably merely because of a person's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. Employment discrimination also applies to work situations such as hiring, firing, promotions, harassment, training, wages, and benefits."

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I hope every teacher in Texas files a complaint and Texas loses all federal funding. The only way to get a politician's attention is to hit him hard where it hurts the most. Right in the wallet.

A great support team will not only hold you up when you need it most, but they will also be the first to defend you against those who may not be supportive. You have the Dream Team.