Hello.

[MoseySusan]

@groupw texted me a few days ago. "Lots of us missing you on the forum." I replied, "Good people there, for sure."

And you are quite good people. Smart, considerate, caring, good to animals and to your families, active life-long hobbyists and learners. I have truly fond memories of experiences here.

But my older child is transgender, male to female. So is their roommate and potential spouse if things keep going in the direction they're heading. I love them very much, and I have given all my talents and gifts to support them in what has become a difficult cultural landscape for their particular queer experience. 

That said, nobody owes me an apology. But I will continue my hiatus from the Cafe because transgender sentiment is a trigger issue for me. 

Now, some news. I have been diagnosed with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease. I disregarded a falling gfr four years ago; well, not entirely. I quit taking ibuprofen. That alone was not enough to slow the progression. So, I had an ultrasound that showed a little kidney stone in the left and a cyst and compromised blood flow into the right kidney. Both are echogenic. I'm left wondering whether high-protein diet along with massive amounts of the salts and phosphorus from joint supplements and mega vitamin doses have also contributed. The doctor seemed to think that healthy kidneys can manage all of that and a brat cookout. I'll see where this goes as I engage upcoming treatment.

One last thing, I lost my Wordle streak on the day the answer was droll.  

 

 

[bikeman564™]

Prayers and vibes

[Parsnip Totin Jack ★]

Thanks for the update. I cannot speak to the transgender topic as I have little to no experience there. But I will say that I support all, in any way I can, in their life journey. I am willing to listen and learn. Sorry to hear that you are having health issues with your kidneys. I will pray for your recovery. If we’re a match, you can have one of mine. I’m O+.

[donkpow]

These trivial matters don't warrant your attention.

[Airehead]

Thank you for checking in. I have missed you.  Wish your daughter well. In my experience as an onlooker, it seems like a tough transition. The truth is  good people stay good people and hearts are hearts. I wish you and them well. Mosey back when it feels right. 

[shootingstar]

Good for this drop-in, MoseySue and update. It's alot of adjustments in family.

I give my good vibes for you and your family. So will you require surgery or?  for current condition? 

[groupw]

One of the things I was seeking with a new employer here was more diversity. My old job was very homogeneous. Definitely more diversity now! One of the people on my team is trans male to female. She has a great sense of humor so we get along just fine. For the most part it’s a non-issue. Every once in a while her voice is a distraction simply because of the drag queen sound quality. Not a huge thing, but  it sometimes throws me off. 
Another coworker is engaged to a trans female to male. He was seated next to me the first time we met. He was quiet, but it was his first time among our group. It wasn’t until later that I learned he is trans. His fiancé actually thanked me a few days later for not making things weird for him. They were at the pool party we went to last weekend. Aside from the scars for breast reduction, no one would have been the wiser. He is originally from Philly but has traveled a bit. We had fun comparing notes on beer. Great guy! 
Hugs for you on the kidney situation. Follow doctors’ orders. Hope things turn for the better! Hoping to come visit this fall. 

[Wilbur ★]

51 minutes ago, MoseySusan said:

@groupw texted me a few days ago. "Lots of us missing you on the forum." I replied, "Good people there, for sure."

And you are quite good people. Smart, considerate, caring, good to animals and to your families, active life-long hobbyists and learners. I have truly fond memories of experiences here.

But my older child is transgender, male to female. So is their roommate and potential spouse if things keep going in the direction they're heading. I love them very much, and I have given all my talents and gifts to support them in what has become a difficult cultural landscape for their particular queer experience. 

That said, nobody owes me an apology. But I will continue my hiatus from the Cafe because transgender sentiment is a trigger issue for me. 

Now, some news. I have been diagnosed with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease. I disregarded a falling gfr four years ago; well, not entirely. I quit taking ibuprofen. That alone was not enough to slow the progression. So, I had an ultrasound that showed a little kidney stone in the left and a cyst and compromised blood flow into the right kidney. Both are echogenic. I'm left wondering whether high-protein diet along with massive amounts of the salts and phosphorus from joint supplements and mega vitamin doses have also contributed. The doctor seemed to think that healthy kidneys can manage all of that and a brat cookout. I'll see where this goes as I engage upcoming treatment.

One last thing, I lost my Wordle streak on the day the answer was droll.  

 

 

I am sure you will see multiple specialists but your diet will require a significant adjustment.  My mother staved off dialysis for 15 years by making huge changes. Elimination of nightshade veggies and even the most minute sources of salts and phosphorus.  Cucumber sandwiches will be an easy go to meal for you.  With unsalted butter of course. 

Best of luck. 

[Road Runner]

40 minutes ago, MoseySusan said:

I will continue my hiatus from the Cafe because transgender sentiment is a trigger issue for me. 

I don't know the details of what happened, but I do not believe that any of us here have any predisposed negative views of transgenders or the transgender community.  Someone may have thoughtlessly posted something that they thought was "funny", only to regret it later.  Stuff happens.  We all make mistakes.  I only hope you might reconsider and return to give us the gift of your continued presence here.  The forum isn't the same without our teacher and friend, MoseySue.   

[petitepedal ★]

Thank you for the update...you are being a great supportive parent..

Sorry to hear about the kidney stuff..hopefully some dietary changes and medication will help..in the mean time, I cannot believe that no one has mentioned @Parr8hed...I believe he can work a deal on slightly used one 

Hugs and peace..keeping you and your family iny prayers

[Kirby]

Very happy to hear from you.  I've missed you.

Your child is lucky to have such a loving and supportive family. I know too many people who don't get the support they  should from their families. .  I haven't dealt with this specific situation , but I'm always eager to listen and learn.

Very sorry to hear your medical update. I hope it's not causing pain and that you and the doctors can find a way to address it with diet or other changes.

Even if you want to take a break for a bit, I hope you'll come back and visit from time to time.  You have a lot of friends here and a lot of people who care, and I'd love to get an update when you can.

 

[Parr8hed]

You’re one of my favs. 
keep dropping in every now and again. 
If there is anything I can help with on the kidney from then don’t hesitate to ask. 

[maddmaxx ★]

Keep stopping in.  We love your input here.

[Road Runner]

[shootingstar]

18 minutes ago, Road Runner said:

She did tell us....it might be awhile before returning. 

You are too sly..

[Dottleshead ★]

On 7/2/2022 at 4:28 PM, MoseySusan said:

@groupw texted me a few days ago. "Lots of us missing you on the forum." I replied, "Good people there, for sure."

And you are quite good people. Smart, considerate, caring, good to animals and to your families, active life-long hobbyists and learners. I have truly fond memories of experiences here.

But my older child is transgender, male to female. So is their roommate and potential spouse if things keep going in the direction they're heading. I love them very much, and I have given all my talents and gifts to support them in what has become a difficult cultural landscape for their particular queer experience. 

That said, nobody owes me an apology. But I will continue my hiatus from the Cafe because transgender sentiment is a trigger issue for me. 

Now, some news. I have been diagnosed with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease. I disregarded a falling gfr four years ago; well, not entirely. I quit taking ibuprofen. That alone was not enough to slow the progression. So, I had an ultrasound that showed a little kidney stone in the left and a cyst and compromised blood flow into the right kidney. Both are echogenic. I'm left wondering whether high-protein diet along with massive amounts of the salts and phosphorus from joint supplements and mega vitamin doses have also contributed. The doctor seemed to think that healthy kidneys can manage all of that and a brat cookout. I'll see where this goes as I engage upcoming treatment.

One last thing, I lost my Wordle streak on the day the answer was droll.  

A couple things.  I'm glad you dropped us a line.  We wondered.  Two, take a step back from this crap whenever but make sure you come back.  Some of us just happen to like crap more than others, so there's some good crappy people around.  Three, I'm very sorry to read about your health ailments.  I wish you all the best Susan.  Finally the transgender thing is something I think many folks don't understand or can't relate to -- but they don't have to be assholes about it.  I actually worked with one she was one of the best people I know -- that went through the whole deal and eventually crossed over.  While I can't honestly say I fully understand it -- I will say she is a quality human being and was one of the best and most talented coworkers I've come across in all my years -- and while I don't see myself marching in parades for her, I do respect and accept her.  It's really not a big deal.  Never hit on me or made me feel uncomfortable (though there was a period she was balancing out her hormonal supplements that I admit wasn't the most pleasant.  Frankly by her own admission -- she was a bitch).  Folks are going to believe-do what they want but IMO should be respectful enough to keep their comments to themselves.  Also, again, while I don't understand it or won't be marching in parades for their cause, my sister-in-law has been married to the same woman for over 20 years and they're a great couple.  Most heterosexual couples probably could take lessons on what it takes to be a successful monogamous couple.