What are /r/illnessfakers' favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

I’m so very confused by this set up. You can buy a wedge set on Amazon that does all of this for you. You can even upgrade this set and get a travel bag so it can come with you.

Contour BackMax Foam Bed Wedge Pillow Support System (20 Inch, BackMax Only) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CA5AG2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XXB18XYK3XED88HCQA76?psc=1

Just a reminder: If you watch these videos on YouTube (without an adblocker), you are providing these illness fakers with revenue! I'm not sure if an adblocker affects their views and if that matters or not, but there are sites like Hooktube that allow you to view the videos without contributing to their views or ads. I encourage anyone who wants to see this video to use this link: https://hooktube.com/watch?v=xVtk7PKGAkc

This is direct action that affects these fakers. Hit them where it hurts...right in the wallet.

Commenter actually has vEDS and has documented her journey pretty throughly on Instagram, so I think she’d be pretty knowledgeable. From a quick search of Mayo’s website, any specialist Aubrey could be referring to in the Arizona clinic(s) do not exist.

These are all their doctors who do genetics. There is only one in Arizona, and her profile says nothing about EDS. Aubrey claims she saw two geneticists, one of whom is an EDS specialist.

What the fuck? This camera is so expensive! Her videos aren’t even good enough quality to deserve this camera (editing-wise) and she just let some random stranger buy this for her. Does she have no shame???

Also my bad this camera is more around $400 but it’s still terrible https://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B0167Q104K

Have you ever read Fasting Girls: The History of Anorexia Nervosa? It's really interesting! It's obviously eating disorder focused but it talks about Victorian Munchies like you mentioned.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:

This is a post from aubreys.healing.journey's account.

It shows Aubrey from the chest up. She is smiling, and is wearing yellow, circular glasses and a hospital gown. The gown is pulled down, showing her port, which is accessed and connected to tubing. There is a black, white, brown, red and green wire from a heart monitor sitting across her chest, with the black wire connected just below her left collar bone, next to a faded scar; and the white wire above her right collar bone.

The screenshot also shows the text below the image, showing that the post has been liked by [redacted] and 275 others. The text reads; "My face when I wake up from anesthesia and hear that they were finally able to place the GJ tube 🙌 So thankful right now. I know y'all want to know what's been going on but it's been taking all my energy just to get through all these appointments but I'll update on what I'm comfortable with once I'm able to 💕"

[END IMAGE DESCRIPTION]

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https://www.amazon.com/Sickened-Memoir-Munchausen-Proxy-Childhood/dp/0553803077

This is an excellent autobiography on MBP (and seriously sickening the ability to manipulate doctors/medical professionals). It is an example of how "easy" pulling off getting a pointless G/GJ tube/surgery/etc. is for someone with a factitious disorder (or anyone really).

I'd also like to point out that the woman in the picture doesn't actually exist.

She's an AI-generated image from thispersondoesnotexist.com, a site that generates fairly realistic pictures of people. You can tell she's fake because her left ear is cut off by her hair, her right ear is warped and broken, the background is blank, and putting her picture into Tineye yields no results.

This is definitively a faker from Tiktok or the like trying to get the sub banned.

https://hooktube.com/rpoY-sGmYdU

Minute 14:11 - Amanda says as a baby she died for 5 minutes. "That may explain some issues I have now... people are saying I'm a miracle."

(Provided hooktube versus YouTube link in order to not give Amanda our views in case she tries to monetize her videos if there's an upswing in views due to us exploring her content.)

Hi Y’all (lol) I was bored and this saline issue was interesting to me so I did some research. In January 2018, the FDA published a statement on behalf of the FDA Commissioner to shed some light on the saline shortage issue. The summary:

• An ongoing saline shortage was exacerbated by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in September 2017. The US was already experiencing intermittent shortages prior. Need for the fluid has been higher than expected since a nasty flu season in 2013-2014.
• Particularly affected medicine includes Sodium Chloride 0.9% injection bags
• The FDA Commissioner believes the shortage will improve in weeks to months
• The FDA is sourcing bags from international suppliers including in Germany and Switzerland and is asking Saline suppliers to investigate and address expiration dates, hoping to extend the life of some hospital bags that are nearly expired.
• There was a loss of small volume bags (commonly used to mix medications) was seen in Puerto Rico, and the loss of those bags has had a negative result during the flu season.
• Larger volume bags are not produced in PR and additional large volume units are being imported.
• The tight supply is compounded by the shortage and a worse than normal flu season
• Institutions and supply centres are having to ration saline. Mitigation strategies by healthcare providers are being monitored by the FDA.
• There is a demand for empty IV containers. These are classed as Class II Medical Devices.
• In the shortage, medical institutions are having to repurpose bags, leading to fears of further shortages of empty bags in future.
• Health care providers are being prioritised over individual providers.
• In basic economics, demand is exceeding supply

https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm592617.htm

https://edition.cnn.com/2018/01/16/health/iv-bag-shortage/index.html

The ORIGINAL SeatSleeper Travel Head Support Pillow – Straps to Headrest So You Can Get Good Sleep on a Plane & Stay Upright – Cozy, Small, Black/Gray, Adjustable, for Flight & Car Sleeping https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0758TY861/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6CMY84VNN63VN23K0JCF

You can use a VPN set to UK. Ones like TunnelBear give you a certain amount of free monthly usage. There are some TikTok, and other social media, accounts that have posted each part, but I'm unaware of any specific usernames to search. Other than that, I'm not quite sure how it's accessible, but hopefully someone else can chime in if neither of those work out.

If you are outside of the UK, you can use a VPN set to UK. There are VPNs that allow monthly free usage, such as TunnelBear. Some people have posted each part on TikTok, and other social media, but I am not aware of any usernames directly.

Apart from that, I am not sure how it would be accessible to you. Hopefully someone else can chime in with a more helpful option for you.

No defense of Aubs here, but I'm confused about everyone saying Mayo Arizona doesn't diagnose EDS.

This article from the Mayo site is about an EDS patient being diagnosed in Arizona: https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2017/10/05/teen-navigates-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-with-the-help-of-clinical-genomics/

And then, this section of the website seems to suggest that EDS can be diagnosed and treated at Mayo: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20362179

Alright, so seems like the best option is to get a VPN plan and then cancel it to get your money back. Most of them have the no-questions-asked money back guarantee. One of them, HotSpot Shield, which I'll probably spring for. If I don't watch the documentary in 30 days, well then I need to get my life together.

https://www.amazon.com/Dying-Ill-Stories-Medical-Deception/dp/1138063819

This is a good book. I found it very insightful on people who fake illnesses.

If it really was Ruconest, it looks like HAE is its only use. And as others have pointed out, you take it to stop angioedema when it’s happening- not as a prophylactic. One interesting thing: one potential side effects is an increased risk of blood clots. CZ wanting to switch her birth control (and the weird situation with asking her followers which one to try/saying she didn’t trust her OBGYN) a few weeks ago was because her port increases her risk of blood clots and her doctors were supposedly worried. If that’s the case, why would another doctor approve this for what’s apparently an unorthodox/off label use?

No abdominal migraines are not CVS here is a link describing both. https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/cyclic-vomiting-migraines

But yes GP and CVS can go hand in hand though not very common. I only have a handful of friends that have both vs the amount of friends I have that just have GP.

Your comment was the first thing I thought if when she said the quote below in the video....not having oxygen to her brain for a while would mess her up. But, there's no way to verify her story. She just says her mom told her. Her mom doesn't even go along with her own daughters diagnoses, so I wouldn't potentially believe this story unless the mom said it herself.

https://hooktube.com/rpoY-sGmYdU

Minute 14:11 - Amanda says as a baby she died for 5 minutes. "That may explain some issues I have now... people are saying I'm a miracle."

(Provided hooktube versus YouTube link in order to not give Amanda our views in case she tries to monetize her videos if there's an upswing in views due to us exploring her content.)

You can use a VPN set to UK, I believe. There are some that give you some free usage, such as TunnelBear. Other than that, I'm not entirely sure how it can be accessed in the US. Hopefully someone else can chime in and give some alternative options for you!

I dug it up and read through all the comments. I’m just not sure it’s an accurate representation of the risk for patients under 65. As far as that goes, Paxil, Zyprexa, Phenergan, doxepin and Vistaril (and a ton of other drugs) all have similar problems.

https://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20160509/anticholinergic-drugs-dementia-link

https://www.theseniorlist.com/list-of-anticholinergic-drugs/

It’s definitely a valid thing to consider but it’s not something that should make someone completely overhaul their treatment plan (unless they’re going crazy with it with no supervision from a doctor). Practically all drugs and supplements have risks that have to be weighed.

Ah, seems BBC has caught on to VPN usage 🙄 It could be that some VPNs are good enough that they can't be detected in the way TunnelBear was, maybe. I assume that is a possibility since I have seen that as a suggestion that works very recently, or they've recently clamped down on VPN usage and those people were unaware.

My best suggestions are Googling how to watch BBC programs in the US, or possibly putting up your own post here, or the BBC sub, to ask if anyone knows of a way to watch in the US that will work? I'm sorry I'm not more help, I did try to find the TikTok accounts I saw a couple people mention, but didn't come across anything helpful there either.

I'll keep looking/asking around to see if I can find anything that is helpful.

Kat has a cheap Drive transport chair, available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001MBCS6K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabt1_zmeRFb0XHN77M?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I care for 2 elderly people who use these chairs, and they are designed to be pushed by someone else.

Since there is very little research into EDS, let alone diet and supplements, there are not really any studies into collagen supplements for CTDs, besides this:

https://www.slideshare.net/achijoshi29/collagen-and-collagen-disorders

In the big Facebook EDS support group there are over 30,000 members and the collagen supplement question gets asked about once a week. Some people say it does nothing, others find it helpful. It is not a cure, but it can help some people, based on their self reports.

This is from a molecular biologist with EDS who is/was an admin in that group and has collected data on the efficacy of collagen for EDS:

"So EDS is a collagen disorder right? Why can't you just take collagen? -Basically when you take a supplement, it just gives your body the building blocks to make things, since the code to make collagen is broken it won't help in that way. There are over twenty types of collagen though and not all are broken . Sometimes collagen supplements help our GI issues but it's the same as drinking bone broth or eating a lot of animal products. It doesn't hurt to try and they do have some benefits for some people but it definitely won't cure us. What may help more is taking vitamin c, which helps strengthen bonds between collagen fibers."

I'm not saying it's a cure, or that everyone will find it helpful, just that some do, so making a blanket statement that it won't help anyone with EDS, is incorrect. It's also a source of protein, which is not a bad thing either, especially with digestive issues and dietary restrictions. The natural sources are much more preferable to supplement pills or powders though.

What I did was use my NordVPN account to use the UK server. Then clicked the link the previous user posted. That took me to the page of the video from there it asked me to sign in or register. So I made an account saying I lived in the UK and used a UK postal code. From there I said I did have a TV account and then the video started playing. So I think you just need to make a UK account with a UK postal code

IMAGE DESCRIPTION Screenshot of an amazon review. It is a 5 star review. The title says "* Life Saver for Someone with Lyme and other chronic illnesses. By Aubrey Winkie on April 19, 2018 Verified Purchase The review reads: This mat is a life saver!! It helps me so much with my chronic joint pain and inflammation. I used it for several hours every day for almost a year. My mat one day stopped working which is really rare but the customer service was absolutely amazing and they sent me out a replacement. I loved this product so much I also bought it for my father-in-law who struggles with arthritis and autoimmune disease.

END OF IMAGE DESCRIPTION

Link to heating pad

Is the little packet in the middle not acupuncture pins? I thought acupuncture was a general catch all for it since I double checked and it was called a acupuncture hook as well.

Either way, you learn something new everyday!

Oh Jesus, I thought this was going to be an actual device - long handled angled clippers like this not some thing from redneck engineering

Here’s a few that look similar: if you search “grey pajama button down short sleeve shirt + shorts” you might be able to find the exact one. (First one is a different material) (The second one’s sleeves/shorts are a bit different I think)

https://www.amazon.com/Ekouaer-Ladies-Sleepwear-Loungewear-Pajamas/dp/B08JGSSGQH/ref=mp_s_a_1_17?crid=3GBE5636FJM04&keywords=Grey+Pajamas+button+down+shirt+and+shorts&qid=1654902914&sprefix=grey+pajamas+button+down+shirt+and+shorts%2Ca...

https://www.amazon.com/CULAYII-Pajamas-for-Women-Sleepwear-Womens-Comfy-Shorts-Button-Down-Cotton-Nightwear-Set-PJS-for-Women/dp/B092MKSP5R/ref=mp_s_a_1_43?crid=3GBE5636FJM04&keywords=Grey%2BPajamas%2Bbutton%2Bdown%2Bshirt%2Band%2Bshorts&q...

This story was in a book I had as a kid, called the little book of creepy stories (or something like that). There were other stories in it, but the girl with the ribbon around her neck is the one I still remember!

Found the book! This isn’t the cover I remember but it is the title. It’s literally a kid’s reader LOL.

I found the exact same brace on amazon.. i wonder if she just ordered it off here instead of it being prescribed by her doctor 🧐 https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00E0MGSX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FJYHAHA32184NZDVD7C3

Just try to add this to your cart. I promise it works.

Aspen Vista Cervical Collar, 2-Piece Rigid Neck Brace for Restricting Cervical Motion, 984000 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E0MGSX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HGKR4HY2QJNY592HT5S5

I’m not a healthcare professional or anything, but my dad has dementia and lots of meds and he uses something similar to this

Pretty sure it’s this one. She just bought her self 🤣🤦‍♀️

Aspen Vista Cervical Collar, 2-Piece Rigid Neck Brace for Restricting Cervical Motion, 984000 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E0MGSX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CMHA3K2VWZ41JZV7KA0A

You can also buy one on Amazon

I got it from a Dutch site, but I saw the same on Amazon; https://www.amazon.nl/Batterij-Krachtige-6800mAh-Draagbare-Oplaadbare/dp/B0855WW1R8/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=13JW5IBFG2M16&keywords=batterij+hoesje+iphone+11&qid=1648190115&sprefix=%2Caps%2C64&sr=8-3

This one is for the 11 so just search what type you have :)

Fun fact, they actually make those! I think they’re a bit silly, but they work well if you have to go out of town or something like that.

Picture it 2084: handicap bathroom stalls are now bigger bc of Bethany’s self sacrifice. But wait…what is that? It can’t be. There’s no way. It’s Bethany in a pimped out wheelchair that looks like a carriage from a fairytale. (Ya know those cute wheelchair costumes for kids, like this ). She tries to go to the bathroom bc she knows her wheelchair will fit bc she DEMANDED the ADA accommodate her. But alas, her carriage does not fit no matter which way she turns. So now she must have her husband stand in front of the bathroom door so no one can see her walk to the toilet. Bethany stomps her foot in anger & seethes “The ADA WILL hear about this!”

Me too, I’m hoping if I’m good I can be reincarnated as one. Float around in warm water all day lookin’ cute 🥰

Intelex Warmies Microwavable French Lavender Scented Plush, Manatee Warmies, Gray, 14" X 8" X 4" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VTXCTVC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_6Z97BR5JKJ5WN0TKEZCF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

For anyone who doesn't want to give this channel views (I've personally never heard of the guy), here is a non direct link. For future reference for anyone interested, you can change out the YouTube part for Hooktube dot com in the video's web address.

Not on the pancreas though, says Mayo

also she doesn't have the flushing or weight gain mentioned. I think she's relying on everyone else's naivety or ignorance of the condition

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carcinoid-tumors/symptoms-causes/syc-20351039

Yes you need to have tumors secreting hormones. There is a slight chance she may have it. However she tested Negative for it before the tumors were removed. She mentioned needing blood work and 24 hour urine before tumor removal and then never mentioned results, so most likely negative. Also it is unlikely she has carcinoid because her primary tumor was removed and was only on her pancreas. Carcinoid syndrome typically results when the tumor is on the intestine (sometime liver and lung).

Carcinoid syndrome hates stress (it does ugly flares of flushing and severe diarrhea) so OarBree should have been locked in the bathroom after each of her surgeries (biopsy as well).

My bet is that the doctor gave the octreotide as a”try this and see” approach. No official “carcinoid diagnosis” other than maybe for billing purposes. Octreotide is used for GI dysmotility and To reduce the chance for the NET to come back.

But the diagnosis of carcinoid is where I call BS because most doctors would at minimum redo the 24 hour urine test before going with the diagnosis.

Here is some good information: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carcinoid-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20370666

In case people are still looking for the schedule, try this one here.

Like many others here, I don't have access to Hulu, but I managed to watch the aired episodes because sometimes "sharing is caring" (instead of an attention grab).

There is no way in hell that someone who can't figure out Reddit could know all these people's names.

Given the fact that you'd need multiple (unchallenged) warrants to Reddit, ISPs and mobile carriers across a wide variety of both state and national jurisdiction, (all of whom may have different legal abilities to inform people about said warrants) to get any base information to connect to a real identity. It's also entirely plausible that a bunch of us use services like Tor, proxies or privacy badger to prevent online tracking making this even less believable considering the timeline.

If she or one of the many wonderful people trying to "sue us" really did know the identity of anyone in his sub they would have publicly announced it long ago. Your online presence is yours and yours alone. The EFF has a bunch of great resources to help protect you.

https://www.eff.org/privacybadger https://ssd.eff.org/en/module/protecting-yourself-social-networks

Did the link post? I know it was broken when i saw it. Sorry. It's the one on Amazon.

Nike Men's Baselayer Therma Tight https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NJNQDSD/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_CC44WQE9X5KPRYXXBY05

I'm a female, but I bought these (supposedly for men) and they're perfect and CHEAP but great quality. I always suggest hang drying. I've had a pair of these for 2 years now.

Nike's thermal compression pants.

This caught my attention and after reading some reviews I'm gonna order one 💜

I don't have high expectations but it's harmless and only $40.

https://www.amazon.com/Massage-Relieve-Headache-Attention-Carry-Improve/dp/B093PLD8MK/ref=mp_s_a

Ironic how Bethany might actually be helpful to a random person.

That said, part of the reason ADHD might be the best fitting diagnosis is that our current diagnostic system sucks at thinking about trauma.

I haven't read it yet but I've heard this book is a great examination of this issue: https://www.amazon.com/Scattered-Minds-Origins-Attention-Disorder/dp/0676972594

Thanks for the tip on bolthouse farms strawberry - I’m always looking for strawberry protein shake recommendations. Orgain has a strawberries and cream flavor i like a lot in their premixed shakes (Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake, Strawberries & Cream - Meal Replacement, 16g Protein, 21 Vitamins & Minerals, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Kosher, Non-GMO, 11 Ounce - Pack of 12 (Packaging May Vary) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AY6S2KU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_jtT5Fb2GXM26T )

Muzzle so they don’t have to listen to her tell them how to do their job. Or this mask Shield Safe Reusable Protective Face Mask with 10 Filters, Comfortable, Washable Silicone, UV Sterilized - Adult Size (Black) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07WTLMM5Q/