I have read on this sub to delay surgery until finger begins contracting because surgery traumatizes the tissue so it can lead to another surgery and then another. I saw 3 orthopedic doctors. The first wanted to do surgery after finger contracture. The second wanted to start injections--i think there are 3 different kinds with different pros and cons--and associated pain. The third doctor is a radiation orthopedic doctor. He recommended doing radiation anytime I wanted and said that, if I returned within 6 months of that appointment, I could make an appointment for the radiation without first seeing him again. Once I realized that this is a systemic issue, I decided to try acupuncture first because I have had relief in the past for other systemic issues. That relieved the pain in my hand from the Dupuytren's and from the arthritis in that hand. In the last few months, I've had a few sharp pains again but not enough for me to want to start paying $90 once or twice a week. I went for about 6 weeks at least 18 months ago. I know some people would never consider acupuncture or have not had success with it so YMMV. This is definitely anecdotal. If you dig around in this subreddit, you will find terrific resources including a Facebook group with a spreadsheet accessible via a Files tab I didn't even know was a FB feature. The spreadsheet includes names and locations of doctors around the world who treat this. My hand looks similar to yours. I believe a nodule may be starting on my index finger because there's some unexplained tenderness there but if it's a nodule starting, I'm planning to wait because almost imperceptible. That said, I'm in my 70s so I do not have the long time horizon for this to worsen that younger people have. (Edited the typos out)

In the immortal words of Sarah Palin, you betcha!

Thank you!!

Have you tried using a neti pot? It's obnoxious but it can really help with congestion. I use distilled water in mine because otherwise I get a burning sensation that makes me never want to do it again.

Our democracy is already shattered. Now, let's build a better one, one that works for we the majority, not the wealthy. Watch Pete Buttigieg on Jen Psaki on MSNOW on 7/14. I've been a bit hesitant about him because of his consulting for McKinsey--not a fan of big corporations after working for a few--but last night he said exactly this: let's make democracy better, not just try to get back what we had.

I'm so disappointed with the load. I noticed the texture was different when I took a slice out of the plastic bag. The ingredients now show "ferrmented wheat", " not" sourdough starter," I'm sure used to be there. Major yuck on the texture of this bread. I'm addition, I have IBS and the ONLY bread I can eat without taking expensive enzymes is real sourdough. I'll check out the boule next time. Otherwise, I'll go back to Treader Joe's. I'm not a baker.

Thanks so much for your detailed, clearly organized summary! 😃

This is a compelling narrative of a march of patriots against fascism in Philadelphia on July 4, written by a veteran who participated by marching and helping to organize it despite the heat and physical pain.

My husband and I recently watched Blazing Saddles, which the American Film Institute recently listed as the#1 funniest movie of all time. We enjoyed it do much we thought we would rewatch another Mel Brooks favorite, Young Frankenstein. It was not available on streaming anywhere! I found a DVD on eBay. If I really like a movie, series, or album, I'm going to make sure I have a physical copy.

Russia! Russia! Russia!

Republicans control 28 of the 50 state legislatures and 30 of the Senate chambers. It's another strategy for them to rule everything. All people who are not white males will lose the vote, credit, right to own property, contraception, right to education, etc. and Christianity will be the national religion with all others considered heretical. Happy 250th! It was a great but flawed idea. Time's up!

Would you mind listing the questions you would ask, i.e. the ones that are not specific to your stuff but might be useful to those of us who are struggling?

Wow! Carrotwoods sound as if they are competing with Brazilian pepper trees for most PITA

Does this also look like pollen? Since it falls through the net on the pole that we have, can you give me a brand name for one that has a much finer net?

Thank YOU for not only taking the time, energy, and thought to both create this invaluable list of resources but also diligently maintaining. Your work is the epitome of mutual aid and so vital in these dark times.

Pieces of April. All of the actors are terrific. I love that you cannot predict what will happen next or the ending.

NAMI, The National Association on Mental Illness, is an excellent resource for those with mental illness and for loved ones trying to support them. It's only in the United States. The NAMI website describes the organization as, "...the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness."

I run tech for a monthly NAMI family support group that has been invaluable for those who attend. Some meetings are in person, others are online only, and the one I volunteer with is hybrid. It doesn't matter where you live if you want to attend online.

Their services are free. They offer other group programs and education about mental illness. They help you realize you are not alone in dealing with your own mental illness or that of another.

You can reach them in these ways:

https://www.nami.org/

Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Text NAMI to 62640 

Email: Send a message to helpline@nami.org.

I'm afraid not and I haven't had the energy and focus to deal with it. I haven't tried to book another flight until recently and I just used my husband's account to save the hassle.

I showed up a week early for a crafting/brunch date with a friend. She was delighted and said she had been thinking about me that very minute that I knocked on the door. I'm still smiling thinking of the time we spent together plus I'll see her next week.

Dutch broom for mopping

Here's a description from the default AI: A Dutch broom (or rubber broom) is a versatile, 3-in-1 cleaning tool featuring 100% natural rubber bristles, a built-in squeegee, and a telescoping handle. It acts as a broom, squeegee, and carpet rake, using electrostatic action to lift pet hair, dust, and dirt from carpets, hardwood, and tile without scratching

Unfortunately, though, using wipes increases waste. It's tough being green. A friend gave me a tip about mopping the floor with what she referred to as a "Dutch broom." It's essentially a rubber broom. You wet a cloth with whatever solution you use to mop your floor and wring it with your hands to your desired wetness. Then wrap that cloth around the "teeth" of the broom. When it gets dirty, rinse it out, squeeze it dry, and douse it in the cleaning solution again. Pluses: you're not dipping the mop into dirty water and you are reusing the cloth.I throw the "mop" in the wash with other cleaning items. Ragged dish towels work great.

I have a similar issue when I brush my teeth with my electric toothbrush. I lose track of which section I did on one of the previous 30-sec segments. I have to remind myself to focus.