Christian Weddings

NWR Can we talk PMS? (TMI sorry!)

Midol completely doesn't work for me anymore (pain wise). It worked fine...when I was like 14 but now? haha no. And I really don't want to go to the dr about it. The thought of it nearly gives me a panic attack. My periods aren't heavy. I just cramp really bad. Is there anything else that might help?

Sorry for the TMI outburst.
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Re: NWR Can we talk PMS? (TMI sorry!)

  • fpaemp2011fpaemp2011 member
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    edited June 2012
    The only thing that ever helped me was Aleve (naproxen sodium) and those 8 hour heat wraps. I've never been on birth control, and Midol and Pamprin always gave me horrible headaches.
  • edited June 2012
    Birth control pills.  I went from pain so bad I wanted to kill myself (literally) to "oh hey, look at that, I must have started my period.  Interesting."

    ETA:  Why does the thought of going to the doctor give you a panic attack?  Have you never seen an OB/GYN before?
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    [QUOTE]Birth control pills.  I went from pain so bad I wanted to kill myself (literally) to "oh hey, look at that, I must have started my period.  Interesting." <strong>ETA:  Why does the thought of going to the doctor give you a panic attack?  Have you never seen an OB/GYN before?</strong>
    Posted by sessionswedding[/QUOTE]

    Nope. Never been. Don't really want to ever go but I know I will have to one day.  I'm not a fan of the idea of having my goods explored by some strange person...
    As for birth control, I want to avoid it at all costs. FI and I have talked about it and I'm not even going to take it when we get married. We will use other methods until we are ready to try for a baby.
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    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: NWR Can we talk PMS? (TMI sorry!) : Nope. Never been. Don't really want to ever go but I know I will have to one day.  I'm not a fan of the idea of having my goods explored by some strange person... As for birth control, I want to avoid it at all costs. FI and I have talked about it and I'm not even going to take it when we get married. We will use other methods until we are ready to try for a baby.
    Posted by SugarFoote[/QUOTE]
    Once you turn 18, you are supposed to have an annual exam by an OB/GYN.  If you have any problems like cysts or endometriosis, etc. that's how they often get noticed.  I've been seeing an OB/GYN due to suspected PCOS since I was 15 years old, AT LEAST once per year.  It's really not that bad.  In fact, it doesn't bother me at all.
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    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: NWR Can we talk PMS? (TMI sorry!) : <strong>Once you turn 18, you are supposed to have an annual exam by an OB/GYN. </strong> If you have any problems like cysts or endometriosis, etc. that's how they often get noticed.  I've been seeing an OB/GYN due to suspected PCOS since I was 15 years old, AT LEAST once per year.  It's really not that bad.  In fact, it doesn't bother me at all.
    Posted by sessionswedding[/QUOTE]

    I thought it was when you become sexually active...Since we aren't I didn't see the point in me going just yet...
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    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: NWR Can we talk PMS? (TMI sorry!) : <strong>Once you turn 18, you are supposed to have an annual exam by an OB/GYN</strong>.  If you have any problems like cysts or endometriosis, etc. that's how they often get noticed.  I've been seeing an OB/GYN due to suspected PCOS since I was 15 years old, AT LEAST once per year.  It's really not that bad.  In fact, it doesn't bother me at all.
    Posted by sessionswedding[/QUOTE]

    This is if you are sexually active. If you're not you don't have to go until you are 21 or 25, I can't remember the age.

    I go at least once a year to have everything checked out and I hate it. It's just awkward.

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  • edited June 2012
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_christian-weddings_nwr-can-we-talk-pms-tmi-sorry?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:464687ae-7bc1-4360-9aea-999e11f1e1adDiscussion:ddfd9adc-35da-4360-b83b-142a0ead84fbPost:1dcf3a2c-7f77-4ec7-b00f-0bae7b2999a6">Re: NWR Can we talk PMS? (TMI sorry!)</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: NWR Can we talk PMS? (TMI sorry!) : This is if you are sexually active. If you're not you don't have to go until you are 21 or 25, I can't remember the age. I go at least once a year to have everything checked out and I hate it. It's just awkward.
    Posted by peachykeen26[/QUOTE]
    It's 18.  You can still have many problems if you aren't sexually active.  The breast exams are especially important, as my OB/GYN's wife was diagnosed with breast cancer at 20.  If she had waited until 25 to start seeing an OB/GYN, she would have likely died.

    ETA:  Well, at the very least her breast cancer probably wouldn't have been caught until a much later stage.

    ETA2:  The Gardasil (HPV and cervical cancer) vaccine is recommended at like age 12 I think.  I have a cousin who died a couple months back from complications of cervical cancer.  This vaccine does you no good after you're already sexually active.  Go get it.
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  • edited June 2012
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_christian-weddings_nwr-can-we-talk-pms-tmi-sorry?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:464687ae-7bc1-4360-9aea-999e11f1e1adDiscussion:ddfd9adc-35da-4360-b83b-142a0ead84fbPost:81ae480a-3783-4d85-975e-9276c024639c">Re: NWR Can we talk PMS? (TMI sorry!)</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: NWR Can we talk PMS? (TMI sorry!) : It's 18.  You can still have many problems if you aren't sexually active.  The breast exams are especially important, as my OB/GYN's wife was diagnosed with breast cancer at 20.  If she had waited until 25 to start seeing an OB/GYN, she would have likely died. ETA:  Well, at the very least her breast cancer probably wouldn't have been caught until a much later stage. ETA2:  <strong>The Gardasil (HPV and cervical cancer) vaccine is recommended at like age 12 I think.</strong>  I have a cousin who died a couple months back from complications of cervical cancer.  This vaccine does you no good after you're already sexually active. <strong> Go get it.</strong>
    Posted by sessionswedding[/QUOTE]
    That shot isn't a requirement. And I don't opt for it anyway. I have looked into the making a ob/gyn appt. before with two different ob/gyn's and both told me when I called and asked  that it wasn't necessary for me to go until I becoming sexually active, however, going prior to become sexually active wouldn't hurt anything either.  I'm sure this age is probably different with every dr.
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    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: NWR Can we talk PMS? (TMI sorry!) : It's 18.  You can still have many problems if you aren't sexually active.  The breast exams are especially important, as my OB/GYN's wife was diagnosed with breast cancer at 20.  If she had waited until 25 to start seeing an OB/GYN, she would have likely died. ETA:  Well, at the very least her breast cancer probably wouldn't have been caught until a much later stage. ETA2:  The Gardasil (HPV and cervical cancer) vaccine is recommended at like age 12 I think.  I have a cousin who died a couple months back from complications of cervical cancer.  <strong>This vaccine does you no good after you're already sexually active.</strong>  Go get it.
    Posted by sessionswedding[/QUOTE]

    Not accurate.  If a woman hasn't contracted HPV yet, the vaccine still will prevent HPV.  It is only if a woman has gotten HPV that the vaccine won't do any good.

    I haven't gone to an ob/gyn.  It's something I've talked to my primary care doctor about.  I'd tried scheduling am appointment once, but it triggered a panic attack.  I've had a panic attack at the regular doctor's office as well.  I don't do well with people touching me. 

    I've been talking about it with my psychiatrist, who'd noticed how I tensed up to get my blood pressure taken at my first appointment (and that's the thing I'm *good* with!).  She said, for me, it's because when I was growing up physical touch was only for death (cat had to be put down, great-grandmother died, dog put down, etc), with the one exception.   We're going to work on re-teaching me.  I'm already better with hugs.  I still have trouble knowing when I'm supposed to give a hug, but with friends they seem *normal* now.

    Sorry to threadjack.  This is one of those sensitive topics for me. Time for me to take an emergency anti-anxiety pill now....
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  • There is a BUNCH of controversy over whether or not exams are ACTUALLY needed every year, what year they should begin at, etc. So take everything you see and hear with a grain of salt. That said, I do strongly encourage you to get set up with an OBGYN in your area.

    As for the PMS and your pain, Aleve is what works for me and sometimes caffeine can also help. GL!
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  • Panic attacks for doctors visits is a weird thing for me.  Not that you guys are weird, I just don't understand it.

    Maybe it's because I'm a nurse's daughter, or maybe it's because I've had mild medical issues that required lots of visits, but I never understood not going to the doctor.  I am very comfortable with doctors.  I literally see my OB/GYN in the hallway (I work in a hospital) and we greet each other.  He calls me sweetie and asks me how I'm enjoying married life, lol.  My neurologist remembers me when I come in for migraine visits.  ("You had that migraine with the speech issues.")  I don't put up with pain and other issues when there is so much modern medicine can do for it.  And after watching aunt after uncle after cousin die of cancer, I don't understand how people could not want to take preventative steps.

    Sorry if I've sounded forceful or anything, but a person's health is not something to just say "oh you know, I don't think I'll worry about that."
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    [QUOTE]Panic attacks for doctors visits is a weird thing for me.  Not that you guys are weird, I just don't understand it. Maybe it's because I'm a nurse's daughter, or maybe it's because I've had mild medical issues that required lots of visits, but I never understood not going to the doctor.  I am very comfortable with doctors.  I literally see my OB/GYN in the hallway (I work in a hospital) and we greet each other.  He calls me sweetie and asks me how I'm enjoying married life, lol.  My neurologist remembers me when I come in for migraine visits.  ("You had that migraine with the speech issues.")  I don't put up with pain and other issues when there is so much modern medicine can do for it.  And after watching aunt after uncle after cousin die of cancer, I don't understand how people could not want to take preventative steps. Sorry if I've sounded forceful or anything, but a person's health is not something to just say "oh you know, I don't think I'll worry about that."
    Posted by sessionswedding[/QUOTE]

    lol no offense, but if a man (or woman) who regularly sees my girl goodies ever calls me sweetie or any other pet name, I will be getting a new dr asap.

    I don't do well with anyone being up in my business that I do not know. I don't do physical contact with people I don't know.
    When I was 3rd grade, our house was broken into. I'm 19 and I freak out if I am home alone at night. If I hear the slightest sound, I go back to that little 3rd grade girl. I can also remember being carried to the basement of our home because of a tornado warning. So I don't do well with storms at night. (not physical contact I know)
    When I was 17 I had a car wreck. I was ready to faint from that anyway but the fact that EMS guys I didn't know were touching me and trying to make sure I was ok only made it worse. The only thing that kept me from having a fit was that I kinda knew one of the cops. My grandmother used to give his son guitar lessons. He recognized me from her and calmed me down...well until I saw the damage from my car...then I was pretty much a lost cause.
    I had braces when I was younger. I couldn't handle people being up in my face with their hands in my mouth and me not being able to see what they were doing. So after that was made clear to my orthodontist, I got to hold a little mirror the whole time and on 1 occasion was given valium.

    It isn't so much that I don't want to prevent health problems. I just don't do well with people I don't know. It's not that I'm awkward socially. I can be a very outgoing person...I just don't want to be touched by someone I don't know/not comfortable with and having anxiety problems doesn't help.
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  • edited June 2012

    That doctor sees so many lady parts in a day, there's no way he remembers them all, lol.

    I am just comfortable with doctors.  It doesn't bother me when they touch me because I know it's their job.  There's a disconnect there.  Mentally, it goes in a different part of my brain than if a true stranger touched me.

    ETA:  I'm with you on the storms.  I lived through Katrina.  And more other hurricanes and tropical storms than I can remember.

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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_christian-weddings_nwr-can-we-talk-pms-tmi-sorry?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:464687ae-7bc1-4360-9aea-999e11f1e1adDiscussion:ddfd9adc-35da-4360-b83b-142a0ead84fbPost:83cc6231-7375-4461-a140-049f531d7250">Re: NWR Can we talk PMS? (TMI sorry!)</a>:
    [QUOTE]Panic attacks for doctors visits is a weird thing for me.  Not that you guys are weird, I just don't understand it. Maybe it's because I'm a nurse's daughter, or maybe it's because I've had mild medical issues that required lots of visits, but I never understood not going to the doctor.  I am very comfortable with doctors.  I literally see my OB/GYN in the hallway (I work in a hospital) and we greet each other.  He calls me sweetie and asks me how I'm enjoying married life, lol.  My neurologist remembers me when I come in for migraine visits.  ("You had that migraine with the speech issues.")  I don't put up with pain and other issues when there is so much modern medicine can do for it.  And after watching aunt after uncle after cousin die of cancer, I don't understand how people could not want to take preventative steps. Sorry if I've sounded forceful or anything, but a person's health is not something to just say "oh you know, I don't think I'll worry about that."
    Posted by sessionswedding[/QUOTE]

    Panic attacks also are a medical issue. It's not like I want to be like this. It's MY medical issue (well, one of them) that means I see a psychiatrist. I may not be able to handle even the prospect of being touched, but I'm improving, and I'm starting to lead a more "normal" life.  Recently, I called to order pizza for the first time in my life (in the past I would have gone hungry rather than talk to a stranger on the phone).   I even answered the door myself, something else I'd never been able to do before.  Overcoming anxiety takes a lot of small steps, which for me feel really big. 

    Undergoing an exam to detect something that I am VERY unlikely to have has to take the back burner when I learn how to deal with things like someone other than DH or a BFF sitting close to me. Even my mother sitting within inches of my makes me anxious and I have to move away. When it's a struggle to get through each day, it's hard to think about things that *might* be.
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    [QUOTE]There is a BUNCH of controversy over whether or not exams are ACTUALLY needed every year, what year they should begin at, etc. So take everything you see and hear with a grain of salt. That said, I do strongly encourage you to get set up with an OBGYN in your area. As for the PMS and your pain, Aleve is what works for me and sometimes caffeine can also help. GL!
    Posted by mrandmrsbrist[/QUOTE]

    agree with everything in this post. Also a heating pad works wonders too
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  • SugarFoote, have you tried therapy?  I know I still sound like a mess, but I promise I'm so much better than I was when I started in August.  It's been a whole week since I've had a panic attack!

    I like storms.  They don't involve touching or meeting new people or driving when there are lots of cars on the road....

    I know doctors have that disconnect.  I hang out with doctors all the time, and I even know a few who are in ob/gyn.  It doesn't change having a problem being touched. 
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    [QUOTE]SugarFoote, have you tried therapy?  I know I still sound like a mess, but I promise I'm so much better than I was when I started in August.  It's been a whole week since I've had a panic attack! I like storms.  They don't involve touching or meeting new people or driving when there are lots of cars on the road.... I know doctors have that disconnect.  I hang out with doctors all the time, and I even know a few who are in ob/gyn.  It doesn't change having a problem being touched. 
    Posted by ochemjenn[/QUOTE]

    Never tried therapy. To me, there is a difference talking to people online that I will never see IRL about issues and seeing a person face to face talking about them. lol It's if you all think I'm a nutcase.

    I don't have an issue talking with people. And if I touch someone (purposely) I'm ok.

    I actually work at a dermatology office. I'm ok with them touching me because I know them. I worked there for 2 years before I would even make appt. with them. I just wasn't comfortable with them touching me until I knew them.

    I've numbed patients before. That involved  me touching them. I was perfect fine doing that. I actually found it neat. The Dr. explained to the patient that I had never done it before and made sure it was ok with her first. She was all of 75 and didn't really care since I was just numbing the skin. Afterwards I ran around the office grinning like a manic telling everyone "I numbed somebody!" ...My sister says I was ok touching the woman because I was armed with a needle and was ready to go into attack mode.
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  • The only thing that worked for me was BCP.  Now that I'm off it, my PMS cramps are coming back.  Thankfully they aren't lasting as long as they used to - one day versus 2-3.  Interestingly, they're also coming the day I get my period instead of 3-4 days before.  I am another one with debilitating cramps so I'm really really really hoping they fade soon or I may have to go back on BCP just to control the cramping.
  • I've had severe cramps during all my periods since I started. They are so bad that if I don't take meds right away, I will be curled up on the floor, hyperventilating and nauseous. Not cool when you have a job to hold down! When I went to the doctor as a teen, she told me to take Advil (at least 2-3 pills at a time) as a preventative for the cramps, so they have to be taken before the pain starts, or at the very least, as soon as I feel even a twinge of discomfort, or else it's too late. I have found this helps the pain be bearable, but don't go anywhere without my heated rice bag for the back pain and/or cramping that still happens. I've heard BCP fix these problems as long as you don't have too many side affects from that.
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  • GJones27GJones27 member
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    edited June 2012
    I would like to add a couple of thoughts to this conversation.

    I used to have horrible cramps.  I took tons of Motrin to get rid of the pain.  NSAIDS are dangerous, and I have permanent stomach problems (gastritis) because of taking Motrin/Aleve/etc. for cramps.  I have a really restricted diet as a result (no vinegar, onions, garlic, lemon, soda, caffeine, alcohol, large quantities of fiber, the list goes on).  In my opinion, the pill will do a lot less damage to your body.  I'm not the only one who has gastritis from Motrin... a friend of mine also has it.  I now have no idea how I'll be able to stay healthy and eat properly if and when I'm pregnant. 

    I also made the mistake of not going to the OB/GYN until I was engaged at 25.  I can't even begin to explain how much I have regretted that.  Every Christian woman, even if she is not active, has to start going from 18 or so.  You can have health problems you never realized you had.  In any case, an OB/GYN doctor may be the only one who could give you recommendations about what to take.  I wouldn't rely on a board like this.  Plus, heavy cramps can be a sign of endometriosis.  You can seek out a Christian OB/GYN doctor who will best be able to cater to your values.  I think there's a list available at the Pro-Life Gynecologists of America (I forget the exact name).    
  • Before BCP, I would have cramps so bad that I would literally be stuck in bed all day the first day of my period. Now they are so much easier to deal with, plus I know when to expect them, so I can be more proactive.

    To answer your original question, though, I find that one Excedrin Migraine (I use an off-brand) and two ibuprofen do wonders for taming my cramps and getting rid of my PMS headaches. And a heating pad for the rough days. A massage from DH doesn't hurt either. ;)
  • 1. Ibuprophen is the usual recommendation for very painful periods, which is, all by itself, a medical condition you don't have to just suffer through just 'cause you're a woman. Ibuprophen is available in perscription strengths if the over-the-counter pills aren't working.
    2. Very painful periods can also be the sign of something more serious, like endometriosis or ovarian cysts. These conditions can affect your fertility.
    3. While a gynecologist is the best person to see for very painful periods, most general practitioners will also prescribe the usual treatments. Birth control pills are another common treatment, after or with ibuprophen.
    4. I think the recommendation is a first pap smear at 21, then every 3 years for those not sexually active, but the recommendations don't really think people are not sexually active. Very knowledgeable, very experienced Christian gynecologists (such as my mother) will tell Christian young women to skip the gynecologist altogether if they don't have gynecological issues.
    5. The organization mentioned is the American College of Pro-life Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
    6. Gardasil, the HPV vaccine, is recommended for everyone age 12 to 25. It may not be effective in those already sexually active, but it is unlikely to cause problems. If someone sexually active has not yet contracted the strains of HPV Gardasil protects against, it will be effective. Gardasil has only been shown effective for 10 years. A girl getting it at 12 may not be protected when she graduates from college at 22.
    7. As I said, my mother's a gynecologist, and I still don't like seeing doctors who make me take my clothes off. [I'm OK with the dentist, the eye doctor, etc.] But mine is just a bit more-than-usual ickiness about doctors. Any anxiety leading to actual panic attacks should be treated by a competent mental health speacialist.
  • To answer the OP, I stick with Advil, heating pads as necessary.  Stretching, yoga, etc.

    If you're okay with it, I've also heard that some people have fewer/lighter cramps using the Diva Cup.

    For me BCP has regulated and lightened my periods - they used to be extremely unpredictable and really long and heavy and painful.  I know that's not the direction you want to go in but if they are really debilitating you could talk to your doctor about BCP as treatment for your periods (as opposed to its purpose being birth control, yes I know it's a fine line but some girls on here have mentioned this a while ago).  That conversation doesn't require anyone to be up in your lady bits.

  • I'm going to go ahead and give my two sense on the bcp and obgyn's.  I had my first exam at 16 to be put on the pill for my periods because the advil wasn't working and I would have extreme mood swings.  There is a noticable difference when I am not on them.  I refused to see a male obgyn because to me that is so incredibly weird.  I know they see hundreds of lady bits but the only man I want down there is my FI.  I went as far as making an appt in DFW texas even though I live 2 hours away at the college there.  The doctor took me into her office first and talked with me.  If I hadn't been comfortable, I could have walked away.  She was really nice and it helped that she came with a referal from a family friend who see's her and is a nurse as well.  I think the pill is a miracle for me.  It is something to consider if the other medicines do not work.  However, once you are married and sexually active you must schedule an appointment! Some doctors say even if you are sexually active you only need an exam every couple years until a certain age.  It is once a year, for 15 minutes maybe.  I was not comfortable with it at first but I am so thankful that I squeezed my eyes and put on my brave pants.  The bcp has made things so much easier for me.

    Also if they offer to put you on something like implanon (goes in your arm) or the patch or shot or anything like that I would say no.  I was on implanon for 6 months and maybe 2 months of that time total I was not on my cycle.  It was horrendous.  bcp is the way to go.
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  • I know you're probably not going to want to hear this, but i'm going to agree with the others about the BC. not necessarily a pill, but some type of hormonal BC. (I'm on the nuva ring and it works WONDERS, let me tell you! OTC pain relievers didn't work for me really, but this does!)

    Also, i'm going to encourage you to go to an OBGYN because you could have an underlying health condition causing these extreme cramps. I have a friend who had debilitating cramps, but refused to go to the OBGYN until she was about 16 or 17 BECAUSE she wasn't sexually active and would have felt "guilty" if she went and someone saw her. Turns out, she had PCOS and endometriosis. Neither would have been detected if her mother hadn't literally dragged her to the doctor. Now she's on Safryl and she LOVES it. She says its a night and day difference! 

    But my main two points here are hormonal BC isn't all bad, although might not be preferable depending on your beliefs, and PLEASE go to the OBGYN!
  • I wouldn't say I suffer from "extreme" cramps. They are more severe sometimes than others. Most of the time I can just take 1 midol and I'm a happy camper. Occasionally though, midol doesn't do squat.

    And BC is a big fat negative. We have discussed it and we aren't taking that route.
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