Did the cardiologist refer you to an endocrinologist? I would think s/he would if the assumption is it may be hormone related.

OK, I know that we haven't even seen the opening ceremonies yet in the US, but NBC posted this on Facebook and I thought I'd share. This is what the Olympics are about to me. The stories like this… the countries who probably will never medal in an event, but the athletes still come and do their very best... http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/indian-luger-shiva-keshavan-crashes-then-makes-amazing-save

You're lucky. So, have I….but I'm not just talking about her but the men who were much heavier….closer to 400 pounds. They had on some super tight suits, and their skin would have shown more IMHO. I've seen men with weights that high who have pannus/aprons that hang down to their knees. Those suits they had on left nothing to the imagination. :) I actually think that the show should provide cosmetic surgery to the contestants for excess skin removal. I also think that they should be offered the option of say a sleeve gastrectomy or something similar should they regain to a certain BMI…so they don't have to "go all the way" back up. But that's just my thoughts. :)

I wonder if they don't get them surgery to take care of the extra skin. I'm well aware of the surgery people go through post-bariatric surgery, and spanx can only hide so much. The men were wearing very form-fitting suits, and they would have had a pannus, at minimum, to deal with. The woman who won would have had extensive skin in her upper arms, belly, and thighs. They must have surgery provided by the show for the top finishers. There's no other way. Skin doesn't bounce back that easily after being so large--even if the contestants are young. As to the winner, she looked very thin for her body type…it's not just weight/BMI…but as the Biggest Loser pays based on total percentage of weight loss, they are encouraging this behavior. If they gave people a minimum BMI or what not, what would they do if all of the finishers achieved it? Perhaps each would get $100k?

What a neat org. I'd never heard of them. Thanks for sharing!!

While I'm sure there may be some YEC among Muslims, it's far more common for Muslims to show how the Qur'an and science do not negate each other. (Personally, it doesn't affect my faith either way.) Honestly, it's not something I've heard anybody debate or question. I'm sure with the more fundamentalist groups arising, there are probably some YECs, but they would be the minority. Science as a career is just too important to Muslim parents. :p In Islam, the creation story uses a term "youm" which can mean days or ages (used to mean both in different parts of the Qur'an), so it's never been a point of much discussion in Islamic circles as far as I know. The flood is also not viewed as a world wide flood. There are even Muslims who say that the Big Bang is in the Qur'an. There are those who say that the Qur'an even described the elliptical orbits of the planets back in the 7th century, or how fertilization of an egg happens, etc. This article is similar to other stuff I've read on the subject: http://islam.about.com/od/creation/a/creation.htm

Our first child was born right after my 35th birthday. Our fourth child was born when I was 42. Each time, I got pregnant easily--so in a way, I viewed that as my body saying it was still viable. I'll admit I was more nervous regarding #4, vs. #1…but DH and I had already discussed what we would do should a child have Down's syndrome or what not. I'm done, though. It's not my age (45), it's just I'm too tired to have another. Four kids is enough for me. I look forward to older kids. I feel our family is complete.

I want to say this in a gentle way to the people who do believe in that the Bible is 100% literal, and so is the Creation story. Please do not hang your faith (or your children's faith on that). Please. You do not want to have them abandon their entire faith over that. There are plenty of well-regarded theologians who talk about the various literature forms in the Bible--and not all of it is meant to be taken literally. For example, saying it rained for 40 days and nights, does not mean that it rained exactly that. The term "40" in Middle Eastern literature means a lot. So, Jesus was in the desert for 40 days. Ali Baba and the 40 thieves. Muslims are told that their neighbors are 40 houses to either side of them. Etc. Regardless of what the Bible said, do you really think that people lived hundreds of years longer than now? Even without antibiotics or modern medicine? Are you going to hang your kids' faith on believing that Methuselah lived nearly 1000 years, when it's rare for somebody to reach 100 years today? I know I can't change your belief, but when talking to your children, at least point out that some believe it is a creation story, but not necessarily meant to be taken literally. It could be parable. It could be a lot of things. There is a preponderance of evidence out there that implies that it is not literally true. There is a lot of geologic evidence for regional floods, but nothing for a world wide flood. Your children will likely encounter it at sometime in their life. They may even believe it. You do not want them to throw out everything over that…to question everything you have taught them. At least, leave room for doubt. There are millions of good Christians who do not believe everything is literally true in the Bible. People of wonderful faith--both in belief and action. The only reason I'm bothering to say that is I have a good friend whose entire identity was his faith. When one think he was taught was proven untrue in his mind, he abandoned everything. It was heartbreaking to watch, but because he had been taught an all/nothing approach, he felt he had to chose nothing.

DH would probably tell you to use the cirpo for longer… but there are plenty of docs who feel comfortable with just one week. The chance of infection is minor, but you don't want to be that person. He would probably agree more with these guys: http://www.violinmd.com/UserFiles/postop.pdf or http://www.oaveyes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/b00dff7991bad0af08657230598d7599.pdf Of course, when my Mom had cataract surgery, I think she had abx drops for 2 weeks, and he was like…why doesn't she finish the bottle? He sees the infections…so he's biased, granted. :) I'm sure your ophthalmologist told you this, but because you were so myopic, you are increased risk of retinal detachment. (So am I, in spite of LASIK.) Changing your lens, did not change the shape of your eye. So, if God-forbid, you start to experience an increase in flashers/floaters, major vision change, loss of vision, etc., see a retina specialist. If they catch it early, they can often treat with laser, cryo, or a gas bubble. Much easier than surgery. (Note: if it happens at night or what not, you don't have to go to the ER. It's not that time critical and ER docs can't do anything for it anyway. Can wait until morning. :))

I don't believe evolution is a belief system. It's a scientific theory. I do believe in good science. There is a subspecialty in biology called evolutionary biology. There are different mechanisms, for lack of a better word, that play a part in evolution--it's not all just natural selection. If I give up on science, then I cannot trust any doctor I see. I cannot trust pretty much everything I interact with. I worry about a world where science is viewed as a belief system or even debatable. Where the views of 99.99% of scientists are dismissed so easily. Where conspiracy theories reign. In today's world, one outcome of evolution that we're seeing is how bacteria adapt….and how this is a very real risk for us due to our lack of antibiotic development. I don't have to "believe" anything to see it happen. It's happening as we speak--whether or not people believe in it. I believe in the accuracy of carbon-dating. It's measurable and repeatable. I believe that dinosaurs existed when man did not. I have no problem believing that the Earth is older than 6,000 years old. My believe in evolution does not negate my belief in the divine. It's not an all or nothing approach. Back when I studied the Bible, it was stressed that the Genesis stories were never meant to be viewed literally. Recently, the Pope expressed something similar. In Islam, it was that love of the Divine and awe of creation that caused Muslim scientists and physicians to accomplish so much in the "Golden Age of Islam" (8th-13th century roughly)

Washing hands properly is huge. Have everybody wash when you come in. Not to insult you, but a lot of people have no idea how to wash hands correctly. You need to get in between your fingers, do the backs, etc. This video is good: Vitamin D makes a big difference with us, too. Daily exercise can help. Simply eating fruits and veggies daily. If he doesn't like veggies, hide them in soup.

That sounds good. :) Some docs have them use the drops only for a week or two, which can be a problem.

I searched their website and cannot find the definition that they use…but I'm assuming it's similar to this https://archive.is/niqKw "For children, the right to life is the chance to be able to live and have the possibility to grow, to develop and become adults. This right comprises two essential aspects: the right to have one’s life protected from birth and the right to be able to survive and develop appropriately."

So, happy for you. DH is an ophthalmologist and one of his pet peeves is that some cataract surgeons do not have people use their drops long enough--then he ends up treating the infections. Please finish the bottle(s). Although rare, there are cases where you can get an infection called endophthalmitis (which I'm probably misspelling). It can be really nasty. I seem to remember DH saying that the biggest risk is a few weeks after surgery, but don't hold me to that. Just use your drops!

OK..but the UAE is not one of those. Not ideal, but it's pretty liberal compared to most Muslim counties. Capitalism is the religion just as much as Islam. And btw, my initial thought was that they were just a group of monarchies (seven emirates that are joined)…I didn't know the bit about the president federal monarchy. It's also pretty religiously free… there are churches, Hindu temples, etc. You can bring in Bibles or whatever without issue. "In 2013, the Norway-based Global Network for Rights and Development (GNRD) released its annual International Human Rights Indicator (IHRRI) report that ranks the United Arab Emirates first among Arab countries and 14th globally for respecting human rights. The next Arab country on the list, Tunisia, was ranked at 72. The UAE was also ranked six spots ahead of the United States which was placed 20th overall. To acquire its 14th position, the UAE fared well across 21 individual categories, performing best in the education category with a 94 per cent finish for ensuring top education for all children. Few expatriate workers have access to the UAE's education system. The UAE earned a 93 per cent rating for providing right to health care followed by an 85 per cent rating for right to life. For its protection for residents the right not to be deprived of property arbitrarily, the UAE was scored at 80 per cent while the country was scored at 79 per cent for protecting the rights of foreigners. The UAE was marked at 76 per cent for the right of protection for honour and equally at 76 per cent for the right to marry. A rating of 75 per cent was given to the UAE for working to protect the right to an adequate standard of living and 75 per cent was also given for the country's protection of the rights of the accused. The UAE's right to liberty and security was ranked at 71 per cent while the right of assembly in the UAE earned 70 points. The UAE also earned a 70 per cent rating for providing rights to acceptable conditions at work. Freedom of expression was scored at 69 per cent by the human rights indicator. The right to liberty of movement within the UAE was also scored at 69 per cent. The right to be free of discrimination was ranked at 66 per cent in the country.[75][76]"

Just please PM me and let me know if anything happens to the Dowager. I need to be prepared. Matthew's death and Anna's rape were too much of a shock.

Since you were asking about theocracies…and assuming they are negative. I'll add that as far as Iran goes…just because it's a theocracy does not mean it's been entirely crap to women. They out-do every other Muslim country, and out do the US in regards to women in STEM. If other Muslim countries didn't have the Sunni/Shi'a split, perhaps they could learn from Iran in terms of education, literacy, and birth control. While I'm honestly not a fan of many of their policies, and I thought that their last president was certifiably crazy, since the British and US backed Shah was disposed of in the Revolution... Literacy for young women (under 24) in 2008 was 98.52%. When the shah left, it was 42.33% for that same demographic. For young men, it's almost the same today, 98.79%…but back in the Shah's time, they had a much higher literacy rate of 70.90%. For all women, literacy rates are 80.66% now, and they were 24.42% in 1976 (Shah's time.) In the Shah's time, women had on average 6 children/women. Today it's less than 2. Women make up 70% of science and engineering students in Iran. In the US, 24% of STEM grads are women. It's university population has gone from 100,000 in 1979 to over 2 million. Of course, it's not all rosy. They actually beat the US in terms of executions…although they tend to execute for drug crimes more than murder like we do. Child marriages are starting to creep up again, after having dropped. With a lot of back and forth, the minimum age for marriage went from 9 to 13, which is a step in the right direction, but not the 15 or 18 that many were hoping for. Blood money for a woman, does not equal a man. A woman's testimony is not as valuable as a man's. Etc.

But…and a giant but…and a giant point that makes me think that yes, you are assuming all Muslim countries are like Iran or insert Muslim country of choice…the UAE is NOT a theocracy. Definition of a theocracy: "Theocracy is a form of government in which a deity is officially recognized as the civil Ruler and official policy is governed by officials regarded as divinely guided, or is pursuant to the doctrine of a particular religion or religious group." Iran is commonly viewed as a theocracy--and is one of the only countries that would qualify. The Vatican is a theocracy. The UAE is not. It is a President Federal monarchy.

I don't think we know yet what sort of blackmail Barrow has on the new maid…but it's something. I love Mrs. Patmore and Mrs. Hughes too. I still wanted Daisy and Alfred to be happy.

So, this is my crazy predictions….and yes, some are a bit fanciful…but I'm having fun... Gregson did go to Germany as a spy for England. Sadly, he will meet his demise (because Edith loves him)…but will die a hero for the British Empire. The papers Edith signed left her a fortune, so she is independent. Edith's baby will have been adopted by Lady Mary and Lord Gillingham (of course they get to marry). Edith will not have wanted it to happen, but Lady Mary will get her wish for George to have a sibling. (She can be pushy.) Once Edith has her fortune, she runs off to America with her baby and money…. to become famous…because Americans love titles. Tom goes off to America with Baby Sybil, but not until after the Great Depression. I'm assuming that Cora's cousin has lost money in some sort of Ponzi scheme or something related to the Great Depression. I'm not sure what that means, but perhaps Shirley Maclaine is coming back? Mrs. Crowley will finally marry the doctor who asked her before and be content. Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson will retire happily on the estate…and Mr. & Mrs. Bates will succeed them. Band leader and Cora's niece run off…and it's a scandal. Cora's niece does come to her senses, and is sent to America to join Branson and start over again. And if anything happens to the Dowager Countess, I will stop watching. What do you think will happen??? :)

I hate my side by side. But it's an older model. The freezer is too narrow to store much in and that drives me crazy. If I buy a box of frozen pizzas at Costco, I need to take them out of the box to get them to fit. In our last apartment, we had a traditional freezer on the top…and even though it was a much smaller (and cheaper) fridge…I could store so much more in it. But if you'll have a big chest freezer, it might not be an issue. I think when we buy a new one, I like the ones with three doors…two doors side by side on top that are the refrigerator, and a big door on the bottom that is the freezer.

Because redsquirrel's comments brought up child marriage in an article about breastfeeding. The two have nothing to do with each other. Because Islamophobia is ripe in America…and I encounter assumptions and stereotypes every.single.day. I get "creeping Sharia' comments at least weekly. It gets tiring. Because you yourself are lumping all of those countries together…when they are really quite different.

I never have, but it might be a good way to sneak some in. For us, I'd probably do baby spinach, as it's mild.

I don't like that Tom looks like he's running off to America. I think he'll be happier there, but I still want him to stay. I hope Edith gets to keep her baby and nothing tragic happens. Unfortunately, because it's Edith…. I love Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Crowley, and the Dowager Countess. <3 Do you think that blond girl whose name I can't remember…Cora's niece…will run off the with bandleader?

More of an issue in Yemen. UNICEF does not list as a concern in the UAE--and the UAE has made changes that have really helped the issue. Minimum age for marriage for both boys and girls is 18, and a judge (not parents) must approve any exceptions. The percentage of young women married between 15 and 19 years of age dropped from 57 percent in 1975 to an astonishing eight percent in 1995. But thanks for assuming that because it's a Muslim country, they must have a child marriage issue. It's not a uniquely Muslim problem--but common in many rural developing countries, affecting 1/3 of the world's girls. Here are the top 20 countries from http://www.icrw.org/child-marriage-facts-and-figures: Rank Country Name % girls married before 18 1 Niger 75 2 Chad 68 3 Central African Republic 68 4 Bangladesh 66 5 Guinea 63 6 Mozambique 56 7 Mali 55 8 Burkina Faso 52 9 South Sudan 52 10 Malawi 50 11 Madagascar 48 12 Eritrea 47 13 India 47 14 Somalia 45 15 Sierra Leone 44 16 Zambia 42 17 Dominican Republic 41 18 Ethiopia 41 19 Nepal 41 20 Nicaragua 41