The advice thread for random problems #2

[petitspois]

Let’s move on from garlic-gate guys. Anyone know how to get rid of that bumpy chicken skin condition that begins with a k from your arms?

 

[TwooTwooTwitTwitTwoo]

This isn’t serious so please don’t worry but I was wondering how do you pick a private doctor to do a general health check and is one even possible? Our 1 year old seems to be picking up lots of colds and coughs from nursery which I know is normal but sometimes his breathing sounds really heavy and we have members of family on both side with asthma. He recovers from the colds fine but the breathing randomly just happens and this started maybe at a month old but GP at the time said it’s nothing to worry about. He had bronchiolitis a few weeks ago and it wasn’t serious so A&E didn’t keep him in but it’s louder now. Other than this he’s completely healthy. Our family have also said we should just pay and ask for a general check.

Yes, it's totally possible! Where I live there happens to be a private GP who works on the floor above my NHS GP. They can be contacted by email, telephone or even via Facebook. You can just have a one off check, no need to be a registered patient etc. I originally looked into it because I needed to keep up with my Depo contraceptive injections during Covid lockdown and my surgery wasn't doing them but the private clinic was, they were even doing house calls!

I'd just google for your nearest ones, pick the one you feel most confident about and give them a call.

 

[Tommyb]

Does anybody know a way to get mildew/mould spots off fabric garden cushions?. We had a cover on them but they have little spots on!!. I have tried white vinegar and vanish!. Also cannot machine wash them.

Thanks!

 

[stardust1]

I didn't know they could do that , I was hoping to come down a few sizes an stay that way, I was told "just lose the weight then" an I did, got right down to the lowest BMI where it was still healthy an they just looked even worse because I was smaller everywhere else

I’d defo still keep pushing the NHS if you still want them reduced. My partners friend had hers done not that long ago funded by them.

I know exactly how annoying it is cause I am slim and my boobs still stay big. They are even bigger after I’ve had my son.

 

[OnlyHereForTheLolz]

I always thought the traditional rules were to cover yourself up apart from shins and forearms downwards, but I may be making that up.

I’ll be honest I don’t know funeral etiquette. Not something I’ve given much thought. I’ve been only to one funeral as an adult and I didn’t wear black then

 

[Hastaggifted]

That sounds like polycystic ovary syndrome aka PCOS. Irregular periods, heavy and the hair. I have it to and mine are permanent atm but I did go through very brief ones in the past and have excess hair growth

I was told I have PCOS, it was actually undiagnosed coeliac disease! So may be worth going the opposite way and claiming you think you have coeliacs then they might diagnose PCOS!

Thank you for answering . I'm going to try and get back to the doctors and give them a push!

 

[TwooTwooTwitTwitTwoo]

Not a problem as such but hoping you all can help.
I need to write something formal indicating that I have ties to a place.
If I used the term ‘some’ so ‘I have been visiting for some 20 years’ would that imply 20+ years, nearly 20 years?
I don’t want to mislead but I don’t want to be specific. Thanks

It's used interchangeably these days but I think it's meant to be for over 20 years. That is, not less than.

 

[shadowcat5]

Not a problem but a general query:

I’ve been gifted an Amazon voucher and I have no idea what to buy! I don’t use Amazon often and when I do it’s mostly for little things I can’t find in stores (hair oil, spices etc).

The voucher is for £20 and I want to make the most of it. Anyone a frequent Amazon user and can give me ideas of some things I can buy?

I’ve been trying to learn how to do gel nails at home so my first thought was buying some nail art brushes or gel polish but I’m open to other suggestions.

Also I realise this is very vague and there’s a million things to buy on Amazon but my mind is blank

Do you have an E-reader or the kindle app on a smartphone? You can get E-books with it.

Or audiobooks too I think but I never have

 

[JoeBloggs]

Sorry if this is the wrong place for this. I seem to have come down with the sickness bug. I had a headache yesterday I felt bit iffy but just put it down to a busy day and not eating much. I woke up at 1 am and threw up and I have done another four times since. Mostly bile.

I’ve got a headache, very slight fever and I’m exhausted. I can’t get a doctor’s appointment for love nor money, and to be honest I don’t have the energy to get up should I be worried or do I just need to ride it out?

 

[chickhicks86]

Runners - where do you put your phone when you run? Bum bags don’t work for me, I find they get in the way and I can’t find a decent top or jacket! Help please!

Either bum bag, but with the bag bit in the small of my back or **massive game changer** shorts with a thigh pocket. Now we're coming out of shorts weather, I'm really missing that option. I always turned my nose up at thigh pockets, but it's great!

Anyone used another postal service other than the royal mail for posting UK to US, an was it better service/cheaper?

I feel like royal mail are getting incredibly expensive now an I can't get the Xmas presents I want to give to friends just because it's costing so much, for some candy I was £30 to send, an my pens got stolen somewhere alone the line as well

I find under 2kg is cheaper with Royal Mail, but over that it's better to use a courier. I use Transglobal Express or Parcel Monkey to find the cheapest prices. Sometimes still cheaper to split into smaller, lighter parcels though.

 

[OnlyHereForTheLolz]

Does anyone know how to see a skincare specialist without going to GP? Never been formally diagnosed with rosacea but pretty sure I have it.

Just look up private dermatologist. But they are super expensive.
Why not ask your GP to refer you

 

[OnlyHereForTheLolz]

I've got no imagination, help me out?

Looking for a gift for someone who really loves a bath but no toiletries to go in the bath (no soap, bath bombs, etc - she's v particular).
I've thought about a bath pillow or one of those tray thingies that go across the bath for your book/ device/ wine, but idk if those things go mildewey/ the novelty wares off.... Any ideas or recommendations?

I got my MIL a bath pillow and she loved it. They do go a bit manky but not quickly so now I just replace it once a year.
You can also get a complete bath pillow, it’s basically just a soft mat and then the pillow at the top

 

[OnlyHereForTheLolz]

Help please... I got offered a job yesterday full time but also trying to pursue the option of going back to study in September for a year now both kids will be in school. This studying will be a dream of mine since young.

no idea which route to take! Problem is the job was offered through friend so feel like if turn it down now I'll be letting her down...

I just feel so torn and need other people's perspective.

If you can afford to, turn the job down and Don’t feel bad about it. Just be honset and say you are going back to studying

 

[Pesky Tarian]

I need a good website for electronic birthday cards. Does anyone have a recommendation that they’ve used?

Jacquie Lawson, wonderful cards. If memory serves it's £7 for a month or £20 odd for the year.

 

[Pinhead Larry]

This is such a weird question but I’ve thought I had fairly straight hair all my life- both my sisters are curly girls- I had a bit of a moment and had the hairdresser cut my hair into a long bob and it turns out my hair is REALLY wavy and I have no idea how to care for it. It is still fine and inclined to be greasy though… anyone? It is a different type to my sisters so they can’t help

This sounds just like my hair! I use a sulphate free shampoo and conditioner, then squeeze/towel dry my hair out as much as i can, then I brush it out, flip my head upside down and scrunch cantu curl activator through, then let it air dry

 

[shadowcat5]

What does everyone take to work for lunch or does anybody have any ideas of what I could have to mix things up a bit? (I work in an office with only a microwave and kettle for context). I am wanting healthy ideas but I am so bored of bringing the same things everyday (sandwich, jacket potato, pasta or soup).

I have a similar problem. I take mine in a thermos. Are wraps an option? Or cous cous (i love me a cous cous salad)

another option if possible is one day a week you buy food if there’s anything near by. I do that and find it helps with the monotony of things (i do it on Friday)

 

[rainbowlemon]

My second learner permit has expired and I only have one more learner permit renewal allowed before having to re-sit the theory test all over again etc. You’re only allowed 3 learner permits.

In order for me to apply for my last learner permit, I need to have a test booked. The issue is I failed my test twice and I’m solely reliant on driving lessons as I’ve no one to drive with.

I’m therefore wondering if it’s even worth it for me to reapply for the learner permit and book a test given my track record. Or maybe I should abandon the idea of getting my license once and for all.

Can you book a test apply for the permit then change the date?

Keep going you’ll get there.

 

[shadowcat5]

Usually some big supermarkets/retail centres have textiles recycling points, at least around me. Also bedding could potentially be donated to animal shelters

Fab thank you. I will have a look into it!

 

[OnlyHereForTheLolz]

What are civil partnerships | Marriages & Partnerships | Pearcelegal

A civil partnership is a legal union that can be entered into by two people who aren’t related, the partnership has the same responsibilities as in marriage but the difference is that a civil partnership. If you have any queries be sure to get in touch.

pearcelegal.co.uk

Loads of information on this link that is helpful, including information such as if one civil partner does any property doesn’t automatically get transferred to their civil partner like it would with a marital spouse, so there might be differences in whether you’re each others next of kin?

Thanks, that's really helpful. When I've looked I didn't notice the bit about property. Luckily that's secured at the moment but good to know for a future purchase

 

[Blond3g1rl]

Are his teeth ok? Bunnies are meant to chew a lot but a change could indicate something is wrong