Below are the most recent 25 friends' journal entries.

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Thursday, January 7th, 2010
victoria_bc [ xcutyourribbonx ]	8:57a	Dog repellent spray Anyone know where I can purchase a small dog repellent spray in Victoria? (2 Comments |Comment on this)
iud_divas [ inukshuk11 ]	9:39a	first IUD period & LOTS of bleeding Hi Divas, I got my copper IUD inserted on December 10th, have had spotting throughout the past month, got my first period about two days ago, and am now bleeding a LOT. I'm soaking through a super tampon within 2 hours and woke up this AM to some pretty incredible blood-stained bedsheets (even though I was wearing a pad backup). I know this type of bleeding is/can be common...esp for the first few periods? When did you divas notice the blood loss subsiding and what else did you do to make your periods better? I'm just kind of shocked because I usually use box of tampons with super, regular & light for my period because the heavy is usually only a little heavy for the first few days...and this is pretty incredible. I'm worried because I already have to take iron pills for usually low iron counts. Edit Question: OK I just went to the bathroom and had a giant glob of uterine lining come out...like...way big. Does this indicate fibroids? Should I call my doctor? When did your crazy bleeding stop and what gave you hope? ps- i desperately want to keep this IUD cause I can't take hormonal methods....so if this doesn't work I'm going to be disappointed. Current Mood: sad (7 Comments |Comment on this)
iud_divas [ reddrache ]	5:11a	Getting my Paragard tomorrow! I'm really psyched. After a long and drawn-out process, I am finally scheduled to get my ParaGard inserted tomorrow. A little bit of background: I'm 23 with no kids, but I had a 1st trimester miscarriage about 3 years ago. I've had the same Gyno since I was 15 and she's tried me on several different HBCs, all with poor results. I have PCOS and hypothyroid, which means my periods are completely unpredictable. I usually only have one or two periods per year that last about 3 weeks at a time, but are light throughout with virtually zero cramping. After a lot of research and reading I finally decided to get an IUD, and it is covered by my insurance company! But then my Gyno told me that she will not insert them in women who have had no children. She gave me excuses like "it will hurt too much because your uterus has not had a chance to expand", "there may be scarring from it that will prevent you from having children later on", and "there is a huge risk of it embedding itself". I was pretty upset and called around to find another doctor on our insurance network who didn't have this policy, but all of them wanted me to come in for an exam before they would even tell me. Living in Texas possibly has something to do with the trouble I've had getting my doctor to cooperate. Well, I went in for my annual exam right before Christmas and again I asked if I could have an IUD. She tried to talk me into the injections but at this point I was pretty much dead set on hormonal birth control methods and that if she didn't give me one I would continue to just use condoms and if I got pregnant I would just get an abortion. Magically, it worked! They asked me to call back when my next period started (which was yesterday) and today they called to schedule me tomorrow at noon! This is a lot faster than I expected since my periods are so few and far-between and I thought it would be 6 months till I could get one. I haven't done any reading on IUDs in nearly a year so I have a lot of catching up to do! I've never really had menstrual cramps before so I'm worried about the pain. I have some 800mg ibuprofens left over from an injury. Some people have said to take one before the procedure, but the nurse said they would be giving me an injection. Do I need to take more pain relievers? Since the IUD is just a copper one (as opposed to the Mirena), should I really expect to see a difference in the frequency/length of my periods? Should I eat before the procedure? omg I'm so nervous and excited! Just had to share the good news and blurt out a couple of last minute questions. (10 Comments |Comment on this)
iud_divas [ sophington ]	1:27a	Mirena Compared to Progesten Only Pills I am getting the Mirena in a few weeks and wondering what to expect.  I was on a progestin only pill (Jovilette) for a few months and I was wondering if Mirena has similar side effects.  I can't take estrogen based birth control because of high blood pressure (although I'm only 27).  I tried Paragard years ago, but it made me bleed almost constantly, although I never had problems with expulsion or pain.  Mirena seems to be my last resort and my main concern is that the hormone is going to make me moody or depressed, which is what I experienced when I took the progesten only pill.  I've read that Mirena has 1/7th the hormones of the pill, so does that mean it has 1/7th of the (hormonal) side effects?  I know everyone is different, but I'm wondering if there is anyone who has been on both the progesten only pill (POP) and Mirena and whether they felt they were similar or not. Thanks! (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010
iud_divas [ dolorousindeed ]	11:07p	Getting my FIRST IUD tomorrow afternoon! I'm excited and nervous. I have obtained a couple of hydrocodone to help me along in the experience. I am on my period and THANK GOODNESS for planned parenthood or I would have never been able to afford this otherwise. I have wanted and researched this for so long. I will post my experience after I have had it for a while. Any words of wisdom? This community has helped me so much in my decision. I have been lurking for a while, so thank you all. :) Current Mood: anxious (6 Comments |Comment on this)
iud_divas [ hanfromsd ]	4:19p	Paraguard Experience! Hey everyone I had my Copper Parguard IUD inserted on December 22, 2009 and since it's the new year and it's been 2 weeks I've decided to post my insertion experience and feelings so far :) A little about me. 24 years old, never had children. Main reason why I decided to get an copper IUD, no hormones and lots of my friends were getting pregnant around me. Which made me realize how I'm not ready for them yet. I'll just play with my friends babies! So I had mine inserted by an OBGYN at Kaiser Permanente here in southern California. I've never used birth control regularly but I was on the NuvaRing for awhile. With my health insurance NuvaRing was going to cost me $30 a month! I looked into the IUD and found out that insertion and cost of the actual IUD is completely covered. I just had to pay for the consultation and insertion copay visit which totaled $40 ($20 copay for office visits). They said the reason behind the cost is that the NuvaRing is a fairly new form of birth control while the IUD has been around for years. So what helped me before/during the insertion: - Walk in with a woman warrior mentality. Don't psyche yourself out or scare yourself. There's a lot of horror stories on the internet, but we are all different. - Take a 800mg Ibuprofen or some type of pain killer 20-30 minutes before. - Eat breakfast or a light snack. - Relax. I had my hands behind my head and when she was inserting it I put my hands over my eyes and made sure to breathe. The best way to describe my experience: It's like a pap smear, but slightly more uncomfortable. You feel a few tugs and pokes. How am I feeling now? I've been cramping frequently, actually I feel a bit crampy right now. Not painful, but uncomfortable. My vaginal discharge is a little bloody. I think it makes perfect sense when people say your body is getting used to this foreign object. Some women's bodies will react more agressively to it. So right now my body is saying to my IUD "WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING IN HERE?!" I've been reading up on the side effects and they said that having a copper IUD in your body can cause a copper imbalance (too much copper). Copper imbalance can lead to hair falling out, pimples, etc. etc. So I bought a multi-vitamin without Copper and one that has Zinc and Vitamin B6 which counteracts with Copper. I got One-A-Day VitaCraves which are pretty much gummy bear vitamins, very yummy. Has zinc, vitamin B6 and no copper. I'm also encorporating more iron rich foods into my diet since I've been having bloody discharge, just so my red blood cell count is up. I haven't had my first IUD period, hopefully it's not too bad. I think the Copper IUD beats synthetic female hormones! I hope this helps with your decision making. Happy New Year ladies! (8 Comments |Comment on this)
victoria_bc [ _getawaycar_ ]	3:53p	Volunteers Needed to Assist Individuals with Disabilities Looking for volunteers to help people with disabilities get out and be active. Recreation Integration Victoria strives to facilitate active lifestyles for all people with disabilities. As a volunteer Leisure Assistant you will be matched with an individual and together you will do activities you both enjoy. Time commitments are as little as one hour a week. Active males are especially needed! For more information visit:  www.rivonline.org   Email: volunteers@rivonline.org Or call Robyn (Leisure Assistance Coordinator) at 250-477-6314 (ext 15) Current Mood: cheerful (1 Comment |Comment on this)
iud_divas [ princesstoria08 ]	2:16p	I'm 25 yrs old and I got Mirena August of 2008. Everything was  fine until December of 08 I stopped getting periods and I didnt get a period until September of 09. I finally had a period in September- November 09 then in December I didnt get a period again. Ive been feeling nauseous and Ive been having cravings and sleeping alot and alot of other symptoms of pregnancy. Should I be worried or is this all in my head? Im suppose to go to doctors on wendsday, I hope I get good news!!!!!!!!!!! (5 Comments |Comment on this)
iud_divas [ spookyj ]	1:14p	Mirena, Drinking Alcohol and Exercise Hey Everybody! I've been reading this community for awhile and you guys have been a great source of information and a big help for me in deciding to get an iud. Thanx so much! On to my question. I got my Mirena iud put in on Jan. 30th 2009 (so a week ago) and went out drinking on the 31st for NYE. I drank a fair amount of alcohol, but didn't think I had over done it. But I did feel a little sick by the end of the night and was a little hungover the next day. That's a normal reaction if I did actually drink a bit too much. However, I ended up feeling hungover for the next 3 days after that night. My stomach just didn't feel right for those days and eating didn't seem to help the problem. I also felt pretty lethargic for those days as well. So I'm wondering if Mirena has any kind of weird reactions with alcohol. I seem to recall that when using birth control pills (or is it antidepressants or both?) you become more susceptible to the effects of alcohol. I'm wondering if the Mirena does the same thing since it uses one of the same hormones as the bcp.  Other things could have definitely been going on with me to cause this effect, but I'm just wondering if anyone has experienced something similar to this. Also, has the Mirena made anyone feel weird or different during or after workouts? Especially after you first got it? Thanx a lot! (4 Comments |Comment on this)
iud_divas [ detection ]	2:09a	Stupid question... So, as the subject states, I feel stupid asking this, but! Before my Mirena, my periods were usually pretty typical: about 7 days, only 1 or 2 heavy, and no cramping. This leads me to my question... It's been two weeks since insertion and I've been spotting most of the time... When my first period comes, if I don't cramp or really notice a change in flow, how am I going to know whether I'm just spotting still, or I've gotten my period? ETA: Thanks for the answers, Divas! The reason I ask mainly is because I was told to schedule my first follow-up appointment after my first period. (5 Comments |Comment on this)
iud_divas [ sakago ]	1:37a	paragard Q Hey guys! So I got my copper iud about a month ago and it has been amazingly perfect--minus heavy bleeding of course. Thanks so much for all of the info. Quick Q: So I've had sex a few times since insertion (and ts been fine) and tonight, right after sex I got this terrible burning/strange feeling in my lady parts....kind of like it felt after the first time I had sex, but stranger. Nothing else is wrong except a bit of burning and slight pain--why now? Anyone else have this happen? Current Mood: sore (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
iud_divas [ missbeasto ]	8:59p	Can I Vent? My first Mirena period is killing me! LOL! I have not had a period last more than 3 days in... probably 15 years. I feel very spoiled. I am now on day 7, and while it has tapered down into "heavy spotting" and not exactly a flow, I am still annoyed. I also normally use a cup, but I am not comfortable doing that yet with the new IUD (I don't know if I will ever be, but I hope I work up enough courage to try...) so I am back to using tampons again for the first time in 8 years, and hooooo boy, I am so uncomfortable. I mean, I can't feel the thing in there, but I KNOW it's in there and I HATE removing it. I suppose I should invest in a couple of cloth pads and liners now, huh? So, while I know that this varies widely from person to person... how long did your periods take to stop being so damn long? I know that your experience will never be mine, but I feel like whining and discussing IUDs this evening so I can lose some of this frustration. I am still 100% happy and satisfied with my Mirena though :) (14 Comments |Comment on this)
iud_divas [ gem2889 ]	5:41p	I got my IUD inserted and... It was so fast and I barely felt any pain I did take 2 Advil's and it helped out for the pain. I also had my period so I dont know if that helped with getting it to be placed. So far I feel good no pain, a bit of a headache but that is all I will update u ladies as the weeks go by.... Thanks for sharing your stories with me :) (1 Comment |Comment on this)
iud_divas [ caricaneba15 ]	2:15p	hey ladies! so my doctor mentioned that I would need to be on my period, and they would give me some medicine to open me up for the IUD, but she mentioned something like being able to get my period to start because I am so irregular..is there something doctors can do to make your period start faster?! or did I just misunderstand that? (4 Comments |Comment on this)
iud_divas [ gem2889 ]	10:44a	I am getting my First paragard and questions??? Hi, ladies I am new well today I am going to get my paragard inserted I am 20 yrs old I have a 14 month old son. Me and my DBF dont plan on having more kids till DS is 6 yrs old. Before I use to use DEPO as a form of BC and I had a horrible experience with it. I gained 30 lbs, mood swings, Suicidal thoughts, depression, and sever acne. Every since I have had that experience I have been scared in getting in any kind of BC. did it hurt when you first got it? How was your experience with it? where you able to conceive after you have had the paragard? any weigh gain ETC...?  sorry for all the questions but thank you for answering... (3 Comments |Comment on this)
iud_divas [ carmel24 ]	10:29a	Had Paraguard for 8 problem free months, now nonstop bleeding! carmel24 Hi Everyone, I've been reading posts here for a while now but decided to join because I'm wondering if anyone has experienced my situation before. I'm 25, never been pregnant.  I had Paragard inserted in April 2009.  Everything has been great.  No cramps, periods last 6-7 days( which is only 1-2 days more then my periods before Paragard).  December 9th i got my period as expected...and I haven't stopped bleeding since.  The flow has varied but is mostly pretty light.  I just got back in town from the holiday and made an appointment with my doctor for this Friday. I definitely don't want to have my Paragard removed.  Has this happened to anyone before, so long after insertion with no previous issues?  Should my cycle get back on track eventually?  Any advice? Thanks, Stacy (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Monday, January 4th, 2010
iud_divas [ heyhools ]	11:58p	1st Paragard! I had the Implanon for almost a year when I decided I had had enough with hormones.  I'd been on the pill roughly since I was 17 (I'm 25 now, NP) with one year off any birth control right before I got Implanon.  I almost got the Paragard at that time, but after worrying about expulsion I decided against it.  The doctor who inserted Implanon was really pushing for an IUD at the time, which I found promising.  She told me she gives it to young women who don't have children all the time.  After almost a year of horrible mood swings and unreliable periods I was ready to make the change.  My appointment was on 12/29/09 and I called the day before to see about getting a muscle relaxer prescribed to be, but they wouldn't do it.  I had to settle for 800 mg of ibuprofen instead.  I am a complete wimp when it comes to any pain down there, so I psyched myself out pretty badly.  Turns out I had good reason to.  The doctor took my Implanon out first, which was no problem after a numbing shot.  Then came the real fun.  This was easily the most pain I've ever felt.  Thankfully it lasted 15 seconds, max.  I'm not even sure if the doctor sounded me because she didn't explain what was happening (probably for the best as it turns out), but after I felt a sharp pain up in my belly button I yelped, and all of a sudden started crying.  I could tell she was trying her best to hurry and before I knew it it was over.  She could tell I was dizzy so she turned the lights down and told me to stay lying down until I felt like I could move.  The only really intense pain came directly during insertion, and I had pretty consistent heavy cramping the rest of the day.  I had taken the day off which was good because I know I would've been really uncomfortable at work, even just sitting there.  A heating pad really would have helped, and I regret not buying one before my appointment so I would've had it when I got home.  I'm wondering if some of my cramps came from the amount of ibuprofen I took, because I have a pretty sensitive stomach. After the insertion I bled pretty heavily and consistently until 01/03, when it just seemed to stop.  I used tampons no problem.  I had sex post insertion for the first time on 01/02 and my boyfriend says he couldn't feel the strings at all.  My doctor didn't say anything about checking for the strings so I've decided not to.  I have an ultrasound scheduled for 01/09 for another issue (possible ovarian cyst) so I'll be able to see my new toy!  So far Paragard is proving to be as awesome as being off any birth control.  It may sound crazy but I now enjoy getting my period, especially after this past year where it was so erratic that I always wondered if I was pregnant.  One thing is I've noticed a metallic scent to my discharge, but that could just be in my head.  Oh, and that first day I was worried I was going to expel it by pooping too hard.  Sorry if that's too much info, but I'm sure someone out there can relate! (2 Comments |Comment on this)
iud_divas [ thewarmestblue ]	9:47p	New Paragard and some questions Hi, I am a 25 y/o female and just got my paragard a week ago. I was not on my period for the insertion, and after my pregnancy test came back negative it was put in. I felt really dizzy and sweaty and had to lay back and take a moment to myself. I went home and relaxed for the rest of the evening. I had cramps for a few days, but nothing unbearable. I had some very slight, brownish, stringy discharge, but no blood (unless that is blood?) I had my period on the 9th of last month, so I'm assuming I'll be getting my period around the 9th of this month... though my periods have never been on a rhythm. I was on yasmin before paragard, and took a month off BC before insertion. I can check my paragard and it's still in place, so I'm not necessarily worried... I just wanted to see if this was similar to anyones experience. I noticed that a lot of people here had their IUD inserted while on their period, and a lot of you bled A LOT, so maybe I'm concerned that I haven't bled to death yet... Any words of wisdom or feedback would be greatly appreciated ❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀ ♥❀,tea (6 Comments |Comment on this)
iud_divas [ caricaneba15 ]	3:06p	So I've just found out that my IUD will be covered 100% by my insurance. I am SO happy. Now I am waiting for my doctor to call me back so I can discuss it with her... But, where can I find accurate information about the different types of IUD's? I am 21 and I've never been on birth control pills, and I have been pregnant once but I had an abortion. Thanks ladies! I've loved reading all of the entries...makes me feel so much better & less scared! (3 Comments |Comment on this)
iud_divas [ natane ]	5:04p	going to get an IUD. hopefully. so, i'm basically stuck in a situation where i have to get an IUD before i wanted to (my intent was to wait another year or two). it's explained further here... some questions. 1. will mirena have a high enough level of hormones that it's likely to interfere as well? 2. i have allergies to cheapo metals (i don't know what specifically, and nothing serious, i just turn green). one of them is copper. does that mean a copper IUD is out? 3. how much is the insertion going to hurt? and finally... anyone had experience, by some odd random chance, with the planned parenthood in winston salem, nc? (10 Comments |Comment on this)
victoria_bc [ batts_ ]	12:26p	recommendations can anyone recommend a photoshop course that is worth spending money on? i know the basics down pat, just need to get a refresher on the more advance stuff. and does anyone have a recommendation for a workshop for studio lighting? i never work in the studio so i haven't got the knowledge right now! i know camosun has some evening courses that would cover both, but with the photography workshops i took there, i found i didn't learn anything...don't want the same thing to happen with photoshop! thanks! (6 Comments |Comment on this)
iud_divas [ gyrbyl ]	7:37p	Pelvic joint problems with the Mirena coil? I had a Mirena coil inserted a few months ago. It has been great, and my heavy periods are already much much lighter. But (unfortunately, there has to be a but...) my left sacroiliac joint has gone haywire. Pain turning over in bed, pain bending over... not fun. I am told that in women the most common cause of a hypermobile sacroiliac joint (or other pelvic joints) is hormones released during pregnancy. I am not, nor have I ever been, pregnant. But, the sacroiliac joint problems started about a month after I got the coil, which is sitting in there releasing pregnancy hormones... I don't want to get rid of the Mirena coil... it's the only thing that's ever helped with my horrible periods... but if it's what's causing the sacroiliac joint problems, it's gotta go. But if it's not what's causing the problems, then I don't want to get rid of it. Has anybody here experienced problems with the sacroiliac joint (or another pelvic joint) with the Mirena coil? (6 Comments |Comment on this)
iud_divas [ shn525 ]	7:02p	And then the doctor said, "We'll just shove this back in there." I love going to my local family planning clinic in Limerick. Not only are the staff extremely friendly and professional, (never once reminding me how recent ANY form of birth control has been legal here in Ireland), but it's the only place I can think of where I get to stare at gorgeous Georgian crown molding whilst getting a pelvic. I'm 29, no children, and got my third copper IUD on 5 August (the T-Safe 380a QL to be precise. Mama knew what she wanted to drive off the lot!) The other two I'd had, I'd gotten in Germany (Alphaload gk 375 CU). Also copper based, they looked like little horseshoe crabs (eg not the T design) and were good for three years a piece. I'd never had a day's complication or complaint during the whole of my 20s (got my first at 21), so this time I was pulling out the big guns and getting a 10 year. The exchange of old to new was easy as ever; a bit of a twinge, a bit of cramping, no sweat. In October I had the "6 week checkup" (or 8-9 week checkup if you're as scatter brained as I was at the time) and everything was as it should be. In mid December I had a full STI screening as I've a new gentleman caller (I demand and give results of STI screenings with every new partner. I keep the lady bits "factory fresh" as a point of pride. Okay, more a point of health. But health I'm proud of!). I asked the doctor at the time to have a look "while you're down there", but at the time I was menstruating, so only a digital feel for the strings was was done. Again, all things in good order. Had a rip-roaring good mid-week mini-break with the gentleman caller just before Christmas, but as neither of us had our results back yet, it was strictly kept to toys. This is where I should state that all toys involved are of normal human proportion, so nothing the IUD (or me) can't handle. Then, this past Thursday I got slight cramping on my left side (lower abdomen). This isn't that unusual. I was ovulating, and I usually have some physical sensation with that. But it did remind me to check for the strings. I'd skipped it in December as the doctor checked for me. About the time my fingernail bumped up and down on what I was realising was coiled copper wire, I knew something was "amiss". Into the doctor today (we're practically on a first name basis now. I'm one of those people who is infuriatingly inquisitive, but she suffers it gladly. Come to think of it, she's like Molly Weasley.) and I was right. As she said, it wasn't "falling out", but it was definitely expelled out of it's normal, intended position. Merde. Her first suggestion was the obvious one; she'd take it out and insert another right away. Brilliant in theory, but alas times are a bit lean. And while the clinic charges a very reasonable €165 for the IUD, it's just not possible for me right now. I knew it had been inserted correctly, I knew I did well with this method of contraception, and I knew I was in no danger from what had happened. I was just a statistic - the rate of expulsion of a properly placed IUD (a very small rate at that), so there was never any question about going for something else. Not in a million years. It was then she uttered the immortal lines, "If you're comfortable with me doing it, we'll just shove this back in there." Well, I was game. Contrary to the images that phrase may bring to mind, it wasn't a fly by night procedure. Speculum, cervical disinfectant, tenaculum, gloves, sterilised instruments fresh out of the autoclave, etc. While it didn't feel great (the T shaped arms are retracted in the "slider" when a new IUD is inserted. Not so with the "shove it back" method!), it didn't even elicit a real wince. I could feel it. I knew I'd rather not feel it, but very tolerable. I asked if she was comfortable doing it, hoping I hadn't made her feel pressured to find an alternative to a new one due to my financial straits. Nope! She was up for the challenge and seemed confident. She indicated that it was working and that the uterus was essentially "sucking it up" - I presume once the t-shaped arms got past as certain point, that natural widening of the uterus helped it settle correctly. As we speak, I have mild cramping, the same as if I'd just had a new one placed. Very, very mild spotting. Reminding me she didn't have x-ray eyes to verify this, I'm booked in for a scan in the next couple of days to remove any doubt as to whether it is properly in situ. Again, I don't know of anything I might have done to encourage it to become displaced, and after almost 8 years of trusty service, I'm not tarring the IUD with this one piffling little inconvenience. Statistically it has to happen to some of us. Rather me who won't freak out about it. If it isn't where it needs to be, I'll just start saving my pennies. The plan for the next few days is just to relax, get the scan, and wait a little while before I feel for the strings myself (to let things "settle"). If it is in the proper position now,  I'll just be more vigilant the next few months. Probably a once a week check for strings, especially once the gentleman caller and I start shagging like rabid monkeys (both out test came back clean as a sexed up whistle). Feel free to ask any questions. I'm an open book. I'll let you know how the scan goes. And Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Duit (Happy New Year to) IUD Divas everywhere. Current Mood: hopeful Current Music: Frank Sinatra - I've Got the World on a String (11 Comments |Comment on this)
iud_divas [ deadlyxpretty ]	1:13p	6 Week Check-up I just got back from my 6 week checkup and everything looks good!! She said my paragard was sitting perfectly! ETA: I also had my first period with it on December 24, and the whole week I had my period I didn't have any cramps!!! =] (2 Comments |Comment on this)
victoria_bc [ verlaine ]	9:26a	Boardgames Tonight There will be boardgames happening at QV's (Government/Fisgard) from 6.30pm till 10ish as usual, for anyone who wants to stop by and ring in 2010 that way. Happy new year! (1 Comment |Comment on this)

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