u/Fickle-Fondant2927

I don't have a family doctor, and I live in one of those areas without walk-in clinics. The only source of healthcare for me is the ER or Telehealth, which will be going away soon.

Problem? I have a constellation of symptoms. Telehealth doesn't do referrals, and the ER only deals with one issue at a time and nobody seems particularly keen on finding out what's wrong.

I got diagnosed with psoriasis in the ER yesterday after Telehealth said I needed to be seen in person. They never asked about joint pain or anything, and I didn't think it mattered because I didn't think it was linked to what I thought was a rash.

Then, I learned psoriatic arthritis is a thing. I've been dealing with this joint pain and chronic fatigue for years. Also had two episodes of episcleritis in my eye (which I did mention in the ER). Telehealth did run very basic bloodwork (CBC and electrolytes) a year ago, which came back normal except for low ferritin.

Beyond that, they said I probably just needed more sleep and probably have heavy periods (I feel like mine are average).

What else is there to do? If I had a family doctor, I could talk to them about this group of symptoms, but I don't..

36 female

5'2 and 112lbs

Hx. bipolar type II, low ferritin, have had 2 episodes of episcleritis and eczema around my eye in the past (no cause identified)

Meds: Seroquel, lamotrigine, sertraline

This spot at the base of my skull near the hairline first popped up approximately 3 weeks ago. At first, it itched BAD and sort of hurt. Now it just itches on and off. It was flat at first and now feels raised a bit. I haven't noticed any secretions or anything.

I first thought I might have burned myself with a hair curler, but it hasn't gone away. My wife thinks it looks a bit like ringworm. However, I don't have any other patches, and she has no symptoms (I know it's highly contagious if it is ringworm). I don't know where I would have gotten ringworm either. I do my own hair, and I have good hygiene.

I don't have a family doctor, and there is no urgent care or walk-in here. The only option is telehealth (they told me to see a doctor) or a LONG ER wait because there's zero chance this will be triaged as priority.

https://preview.redd.it/n9u1n53s8rzg1.jpg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ee813a9f056c523f611c3fac06ceb3403364f7d5

I started watching The Art Life yesterday but didn't finish because I had work to do.

Towards the beginning, he's smearing some sort of super wet mud substance on his canvas. What is that?? I want to try using it in my own work. I don't think it's clay, right? It seems he used whatever it is in many of his pieces to create figures.

I've heard pretty much two takes on this from different Catholics. The first line of thinking is that God destroyed Sodom & Gomorrah because of gay people. The second is that it was destroyed because it was unwelcoming and didn't help the poor despite its riches.

Which of these is the "correct" understanding according to Catholicism? If it matters (maybe does?) I'm asking as a woman in an 11-year same-sex partnership who sometimes thinks of going to Church but always ends up being too afraid.

Don't get me wrong. I love his films as well as his visual art! I'm a surrealist writer, and I guess I'm just a bit sad he didn't leave behind a collection of poems. I've found one or two, but I would absolutely eat up a book of bizarre Lynch poems, fragments, etc.

Anyone else?

Necessary Background Info:

I'm a tenured professor at a French university. I teach English literature and creative writing, though. I understand French well but when it comes to speaking, I need to feel prepared and comfortable.

Usually, I hold things together very well. I have a catalogue of conversation topics, tones, and body language for the colleagues I interact with. I just sort of "pull" their folder out when interacting with them.

If I have to give a speech or anything in front of colleagues, I need to know ahead of time. That way, I can prepare.

It's different with students. I'm super comfortable. My students often leave comments on evaluations saying I'm non-judgmental, it's obvious I love my job, and I give great feedback. They comment on the warm atmosphere of my classes. I know I do well with students. It's probably because I still have a younger mentality despite being 36.

The Problem:

I've been feeling the mask slip lately. I was pushed into the role of department head. I think the stress is making it so that I can't mask the way I once did. None of my colleagues or admins know I'm on the spectrum although I think some suspect.

I had organized a visual art and surrealist poetry performance event at the university. It ended up being cancelled because our whole city lost power on the day of. Since we hadn't anticipated this and didn't have a plan B, the university decided to host our yearly coffee social in the art gallery instead. Our students are already gone for the summer, so no performances, just an unofficial "viewing."

I asked the dean ahead of time, "will I be asked to say anything?" He said no. Then, during the event, the vice-president asked me with 5 minutes notice to give my own speech after his. I said no, and he basically said I was the one behind the original event, so I had to say something.

I absolutely bombed. It was objectively bad. I could barely get my French out. I couldn't control my facial expressions and just looked to the side while speaking. I repeated myself like 3 times. I forgot the names of my students. I said "uh" 500 times, sweated, and finally just abruptly ended my speech with "enjoy" in English and went to hide behind someone.

The VP came to me after and said he felt bad having put me on the spot. YEA, YOU THINK?

I ended up leaving the event early so I could go lie on my back in my office.

Last night, I barely slept. I hate this.