Health and Wellness Chit-Chat: Your Primary Care Topic

[stewedsquash]

@GHScorpiosRule A few weeks ago here in NC this news was on the radio. 
 

https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/north-carolina-state-insurance-popular-weight-loss-drug-wegovy-ozempic/83-772800bd-0981-42a2-ad14-d47fb012e4a7

so maybe change is on the way. 
 

My husband is diabetic and has had issues with meds over the years so I understand your ongoing dilemma with this. He has excellent insurance and still sometimes encounters problems, between the political football that insulin has become and now the off label prescriptions. 

 

Edited March 2 by stewedsquash
Wonky link

[GHScorpiosRule]

28 minutes ago, stewedsquash said:

@GHScorpiosRule A few weeks ago here in NC this news was on the radio. 
 

https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/north-carolina-state-insurance-popular-weight-loss-drug-wegovy-ozempic/83-772800bd-0981-42a2-ad14-d47fb012e4a7

 

Since I don’t take Ozempic, it doesn’t affect me-I was only able to read the headline before being  blocked-I would have to disable my Adblock to read the article.

A friend of mine told me that the Ozempic makers are now trying to get FDA approval to sell it as weight loss drug! Instead of its intended purpose. I think I mentioned that?

I’m hoping that the Metornin will be enough. I never thought taking Trulicity would help me lose weight-if it did, I would have lost it when I got on it-5 years ago. It was cutting off ALL processed and junk food and portion control that helped me to lose the weight I have. Even when I was taking it, my Dr wanted me to lose about 15 pounds which was difficult. I don’t know what it is, but every time I go to India, I lose weight. So that helped last year; what didn’t help and caused additional loss was the horrible experience I had working at trial with a bully.

So no more indulging for me even though I am allowed some sweets until this is resolved.  

Edited March 2 by GHScorpiosRule

[stewedsquash]

Under the “disable ad block”  box there is the option to “continue reading without disabling” option. I learned that on other sites after adding Norton adblocker  for this site. It is usually very small print but most of the time I never had to disable adblock for any site I visit.

I thought the link would be informative because of cost/ others using off label  not necessarily the same drug? That was one of the issues he had, people using what he takes which created a shortage. He does Levimere flex pen. 

Edited March 2 by stewedsquash
Wonky pic. Wonky is a pattern with me

[GHScorpiosRule]

Weird. When I clicked on the link again it worked. My issue isn’t that my insurance won’t cover it-Trulicity that is, but that the manufacturer is out of stock because Ozempic users started to get Trulicity because the abuse of the former caused it to go out of stock. It’s a vicious cycle.

[stewedsquash]

That was his issue in the last few weeks. His insurance issue was a year or so ago. It had to do with how his dr wrote the prescription. I posted about it. He was doing 30 day/$30 copay. Pharmacist called said it had gone up to $60 copay but if he got the dr to change the days it would stay the same. So he did and now I think it is 28 days? 
 

Anyway, I do understand your diabetes dilemma, since I am living it vicariously through him, ha. 

Off topic-ish, have your GH actors been noticeably thin like the YR actors in the last year? Discussion on YR thread picked up on it. Also, I am vaguely recalling an ad about diabetic class action. No one ever gets money from those but I would think it would cause reform to happen. 
 

 

[stewedsquash]

I forgot to add that the soap actors weight question was because the speculation on YR thread is it is from the diabetes medicine. Several have lost a lot of weight recently.

[PRgal]

Has anyone here gone through radiation therapy?  As many of you know, I have a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 1.  I've know about it at least half my life and it's one of the reason why my son was donor conceived and carried by a gestational surrogate.  Recently, one of my tumours was found to be at high risk in becoming malignant and needs to be removed.  However, they're giving me five weeks of radiation prior to the surgery to ensure that it doesn't grow.  So far, no side effects other than fatigue and my skin has been okay.  For those who have done radiation therapy for whatever reason, what side effects did you have?  

[Yeah No]

21 hours ago, shapeshifter said:

Yes! Even if the second opinion is the same as the first, it will at least be coming from a different point of view
— which gives perspective both in art and in thought. 😉

I have become increasingly sensitive to all medications, so I can relate to your concerns. 
So…
a few thoughts:

1. Be sure to speak up and advocate for yourself about these concerns. Dosages can be lowered, but medical professionals are understandably invested in sticking to current standard guidelines. 
    
2. Dosages and formulas are constantly changing.
   • I have been pleasantly surprised once or twice to discover that dosages were much lower than they had been a decade or more previously. 
   • New medications may have been formulated specifically because of enough people having bad reactions like yours.
      
3. My current primary care provider often suggests I take a medication every other day because of my sensitivities.
    
4. I am not familiar with Thyroid disease (although I had symptoms that caused health care providers to check me for it). But when I had stage IV cancer and it was a choice of 6 months to live or chemotherapy and major surgery, well, you know which I opted for.

Thanks for your advice.  I'm hoping that someone else here might have a diagnosis of Hashimoto's and can weigh in with some advice based on their experience as well.

I am still thinking about what I want to do about a second opinion.  If I do go for one it will be at a different practice than where my present doctor works.

I have read about compounding and specialty pharmacies that specialize in desensitizing people that have sensitivities to medications they absolutely need but I haven't found much on it online, although I haven't really gone down that rabbit hole.

I have a lot of motivation to solve this issue because my mother had to have her thyroid removed because of a goiter that kept growing out of control and blocking her windpipe and throat.  On top of that she had a certain type of arrythmia for which taking thyroid meds. is not recommended.  I only found out about that recently when reading online as my mother did not open up that much about the specifics of her conditions.  I just knew that the doctors were having trouble medicating her properly because of her heart condition.  So it's no wonder she blew up to such a high weight and died at 76 from complications related to her obesity and other conditions.  So far I am fortunate not to suffer from even half of the medical issues she suffered from, but I still worry about the future.

Thanks again!

[emma675]

Hashimoto's and Graves disease here. 👋 I'm an overachiever, lol.

Definitely get a second opinion if you've had trouble in the past with medication, but make sure it's with a doctor that checks ALL of the thyroid markers. This includes Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPOAb, and TGAB. Make sure the T3 and T4 say Free in front of them because those are the active hormones in your bloodstream available for your body to utilize. 

Forewarning, an endocrinologist or a doctor who isn't well versed in thyroid problems is going to scoff at a lot of the labs I've mentioned above. Endos are stuck on TSH and often keep their patients miserable because while TSH is a good diagnostic tool, you can't dose meds or get a full picture of what is going on without the others. My thyroid was removed over 10 years ago and I see an Integrative physician. She treats all hormones, so she understands how thyroid hormones work alongside female hormones, cortisol, etc. I feel better now than I did when I had my thyroid.

[Yeah No]

8 hours ago, emma675 said:

Hashimoto's and Graves disease here. 👋 I'm an overachiever, lol.

Definitely get a second opinion if you've had trouble in the past with medication, but make sure it's with a doctor that checks ALL of the thyroid markers. This includes Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPOAb, and TGAB. Make sure the T3 and T4 say Free in front of them because those are the active hormones in your bloodstream available for your body to utilize. 

Forewarning, an endocrinologist or a doctor who isn't well versed in thyroid problems is going to scoff at a lot of the labs I've mentioned above. Endos are stuck on TSH and often keep their patients miserable because while TSH is a good diagnostic tool, you can't dose meds or get a full picture of what is going on without the others. My thyroid was removed over 10 years ago and I see an Integrative physician. She treats all hormones, so she understands how thyroid hormones work alongside female hormones, cortisol, etc. I feel better now than I did when I had my thyroid.

Thank you so much for this!  This doctor, who is a thyroid specialist, tested me for T4 Free, TSH and TPOab.  So what's missing are T3, Reverse T3 and TGAB.  I have heard of T3 and Reverse T3 but know nothing about TGAB.  I will look into that.  So far what's been tested has been normal except for the TPOab, but as I mentioned earlier that number is still not high enough for a diagnosis of Hashimoto's on any website I've seen, which is what is making me question it.  I think I'm going to look very carefully for the doctor I go to for the second opinion.  What is your doctor's title, as in what is her specialty name so I can look for a similar doctor?  Is she an endocrinologist? 

Thanks again very much, this is VERY useful!  I'm glad to hear you're feeling so well.  I didn't know it was possible to have both Hashimoto's and Graves at the same time.

Here are my labs just in case you or anyone has a comment to make about them:

TSH - 1.01 uIU/mL (normal range is between .35 and 4.94)  Note that this has stayed pretty flat for the past 3 years.

T4 Free - .96 ng/dl (normal range is between .8 and 1.8).  Note that last year mine was 1.07 and the year before that it was 1.01.

TPOab - 25 IU/mL (normal is below 9 IU/mL, but I only see websites saying Hashimoto's is indicated when that number is 100 or above).  This was my first time being tested for this.

Here's something interesting about the above from Verywell Health.  I'm putting it in a quote box because it's near the bottom of a long page so I can't link to it easily:

Quote

Positive thyroid antibodies suggest you could have autoimmune thyroid disease. Still, they are only a piece of the picture.2 They can help healthcare providers decide if treatment is needed. Healthcare providers will also consider your symptoms, family history, and other blood test results.

You can have elevated thyroid antibodies and not require treatment. If you don't have symptoms and your thyroid hormone levels are normal, your healthcare provider may not treat you. If you have mild symptoms or your thyroid levels are borderline, you are more likely to receive treatment.

The presence of antibodies may confirm subclinical hypothyroidism. Early therapy might prevent disease progression, but this has not been proven.

Summary

Some thyroid conditions are caused by autoimmune disorders. These are conditions where the body produces antibodies that interfere with the thyroid hormone-making process.

Thyroid antibodies may cause the thyroid to make too much or not enough thyroid hormone. An antibody test can determine the cause of your condition.

Thyroid treatment is based on your symptoms. If you do not have symptoms, you may not need treatment.

I think based on the above I'm right that this doctor based her diagnosis of me on the TPOab and my mother's Hashimoto's.

I also found out on that page that untreated Hashimoto's can lead to arrhythmia.  My mother had arrhythmia.  Now I think I know why.  In my case this doctor is choosing not to treat me because my other thyroid numbers are in the normal range.  But I still worry.

I noticed that the author at the bottom of the page is listed as Mary Shomon.  I have been reading her stuff on thyroid health for close to 20 years.

 

Edited March 4 by Yeah No

[emma675]

TGAb is the antibody for Graves. More than likely you don't have it, but it's good to test to get the whole picture. Sometimes autoimmune diseases come in pairs and sometimes it can explain why you can't tolerate meds.

Free T3 (Free is important here, make sure it has that in front) because it's the main thyroid hormone your body uses. It actually converts into T4 so in a way, it's the most important one to look at. 

Reverse T3 can be controversial. Some doctors think it's a useless test but others think it can show problems when a person can't tolerate medicine. High Reverse T3 levels can indicate that your body isn't absorbing and using T3 and it's getting built up in your system. You have to clear it out before you can dose meds properly. 

Right now, your TSH and Free T4 look pretty good; you want your TSH around 1 and your Frees in the upper parts of the ranges. Your TPOAb isn't terrible, but many doctors consider any number above range as a positive marker for Hashimoto's. Are you having any problems like weight gain or brain fog or fatigue? I would hesitate to medicate things until your Free T3 and Reverse T3 come back, just so you have the whole picture. And don't let them tell you Synthroid is the only/gold standard thyroid medication. There are many options to try, if it turns out that is what you need. 

Standard disclaimer, I'm not a medical doctor. I just play one on PT. 😂

[Yeah No]

2 hours ago, emma675 said:

TGAb is the antibody for Graves. More than likely you don't have it, but it's good to test to get the whole picture. Sometimes autoimmune diseases come in pairs and sometimes it can explain why you can't tolerate meds.

Free T3 (Free is important here, make sure it has that in front) because it's the main thyroid hormone your body uses. It actually converts into T4 so in a way, it's the most important one to look at. 

Reverse T3 can be controversial. Some doctors think it's a useless test but others think it can show problems when a person can't tolerate medicine. High Reverse T3 levels can indicate that your body isn't absorbing and using T3 and it's getting built up in your system. You have to clear it out before you can dose meds properly. 

Right now, your TSH and Free T4 look pretty good; you want your TSH around 1 and your Frees in the upper parts of the ranges. Your TPOAb isn't terrible, but many doctors consider any number above range as a positive marker for Hashimoto's. Are you having any problems like weight gain or brain fog or fatigue? I would hesitate to medicate things until your Free T3 and Reverse T3 come back, just so you have the whole picture. And don't let them tell you Synthroid is the only/gold standard thyroid medication. There are many options to try, if it turns out that is what you need. 

Standard disclaimer, I'm not a medical doctor. I just play one on PT. 😂

Wow, thanks so much for this, don't worry I know you're not a doctor and I will use this to discuss with my doctors of course.

I've had a problem with weight gain since perimenopause.  Before that I was a normal weight.  This is a trend all down the female side of my family.  Until menopause I was able to control it with diet and exercise but since menopause, which was about 12 years ago now, it's been increasingly difficult.  

Interestingly I have a saved printout of my blood test results from  when I was about 50 years old, before menopause but during perimenopause.  My TSH was 1.87, my T3 Free was 278, and my TPOab was zero or undetectable.  These tests were ordered by that holistic doctor I mentioned previously who gave me a natural thyroid medication (not synthroid) that gave me a bad reaction no matter how little I took of it.  He then told me he couldn't help me and sent me on my way.  I had come to him looking for some kind of relief from my perimenopausal symptoms given that traditional methods all gave me bad reactions.  I had been put on estrogen and progesterone at different times.  Well, even the natural and very low doses of ANY hormones gave me the same response.  This is why I went to him, hoping he could find something I could tolerate.  But no.  So I left it at that and had horrible PMDD for the next 2 years with absolutely no relief.  I was lucky to have a very sympathetic boss whose wife had gone through a similar ordeal so fortunately I was able to work from home on bad days, etc.

So anyway that's why I fear being put on any kind of hormone, synthetic or natural.  I know I keep being told that the doses are lower now, but I could put one tiny dot on my forearm of estrogen or progesterone cream and have the SAME bad reaction.  I think the doctor thought I was nuts and making it up.  Seriously.  And I think that's the same reason my mother's Hashimoto's was not effectively treated either.  I remember my father telling me they were having a hard time finding a dosage that she could take.  My mother was of that generation and personality where she didn't talk to me about such things.  The only things I know came by way of my father and even that was limited.  I think my mother had the same sensitivity to hormones that I do.  Ironically if Hashimoto's is the autoimmune kind it tends to come along with other autoimmune quirkiness like sensitivities to medications and hormones that get worse with time.  So the very thing that would help you is the thing your body wants to reject.  I just don't want to die young because I have Hashimoto's that can't be effectively treated.  My mother was a beautiful woman that blew up like a balloon after her thyroid was removed due to her goiter.  I know my issues are nowhere near as bad as hers (at least not yet) but I still worry I am headed in that direction.

Otherwise, to answer your other questions, I have no brain fog (I did during perimenopause so I know what that is) and I do have some fatigue but some of that is because of lack of good sleep.  When I get enough sleep I feel great (like today, ha).

ETA:  I'm 65 years old now in case I didn't mention it.

Edited March 4 by Yeah No

[GHScorpiosRule]

Fingers crossed that the different pen that my doctor prescribed is in stock and will arrive by the weekend. I don’t want to say what it is for fear of getting the dreaded “out of stock”  email. But I just found out why Ozempic became so high in demand that resulted in its becoming available. Turns out that it’s one of three that Oprah stated was provided to her as a weight loss drug [supplement]” in addition to her Weight Watchers regimen!🤬😒 These ARE NOT weight loss drugs, for FUCK’S sake! It’s in the Everything Else Tv/I’m So Disappointed in celebrities forum/thread. I know that just recently manufacturers are seeking FDA approval to have Ozempic as a weight loss drug instead of as the MEDICINE that those who have Type 2 Diabetes rely on to help control their Diabetes. So now I will add Oprah to the top of the list because what Oprah wants, Oprah gets.🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 And to hell with those who really need it.

I came down with a nasty chest cold this weekend, and when that happens, I have no appetite. Just drinking chai with fresh ginger, whole cloves, and masala and toast. I dropped 5 pounds overnight and that is NOT how I want to lose the extra weight I’ve wanted to lose. I had already decided to increase my exercise and buckle down on my diet-strict restriction-to decrease my A1C level as much as possible just in case.

Stupid, arrogant, entitled celebrities and greedy doctors have just made it so much worse for those of us who need and depend on these medications.

Edited March 7 by GHScorpiosRule

[Gramto6]

I am so sorry for your problem @GHScorpiosRule! As a diabetic, only on metformin at this time, I was afraid this "weight loss" feature of Ozempic would end up causing major problems for diabetics that need the drug! The diabetics should be first on the list for supply of the drug, not behind all the people wanting it for "cosmetic" purposes. Yes, being overweight is a medical issue, but there are other options for weight loss where a diabetic has no option but the medication or insulin or hoping metformin will fill a gap in supply. Not using insulin, I don't know the differences Ozempic provides, but it obviously working for a lot of diabetics. The manufacturer really needs to step up production if they also plan to offer it as a weight loss aid. It is not right that the people the drug was invented for, diabetics, are not able to get their medication because the drug company has $$ in it's eyes over the sales for weight loss.

[GHScorpiosRule]

Thank you. But to be clear, I was never on Ozempic, but Trulicity. But because so many were given and taking Ozempic as a weight loss drug, instead of it going to those who need it, it went out of stock and so they turned to Trulicity. And now, Trulicity is also out of stock through 2024.

I am cautiously optimistic that the new drug I was prescribed-made by the same manufacturer as Trulicity-is in stock, and after some “clarification” which put it on hold under a pharmacist’s review was cleared up, will be arriving by the weekend. Just one month supply as I am starting at the lowest dosage. Then the increased dosage will be a three month supply. Dosages differ. This drug (I’m still wary of mentioning it until I get the “shipped” notification) one dose is equal to double of Trulicity, hence starting at the lowest first.

Fingers crossed.

[GHScorpiosRule]

Yes! New medication shipped! And now that it has, I feel safe to say that it’s Mounjaro.

[EtheltoTillie]

On 3/7/2024 at 2:02 PM, GHScorpiosRule said:

Thank you. But to be clear, I was never on Ozempic, but Trulicity. But because so many were given and taking Ozempic as a weight loss drug, instead of it going to those who need it, it went out of stock and so they turned to Trulicity. And now, Trulicity is also out of stock through 2024.

I am cautiously optimistic that the new drug I was prescribed-made by the same manufacturer as Trulicity-is in stock, and after some “clarification” which put it on hold under a pharmacist’s review was cleared up, will be arriving by the weekend. Just one month supply as I am starting at the lowest dosage. Then the increased dosage will be a three month supply. Dosages differ. This drug (I’m still wary of mentioning it until I get the “shipped” notification) one dose is equal to double of Trulicity, hence starting at the lowest first.

Fingers crossed.

My husband takes Trulicity for diabetes. There was a shortage at the end of the year, and we could not get the 90 day supply. but we are getting it again. This is NYC. 

Edited March 8 by EtheltoTillie

[GHScorpiosRule]

5 minutes ago, EtheltoTillie said:

My husband takes Trulicity for diabetes. There was a shortage at the end of the year, and we could not get the 90 day supply. but we are getting it again. This is NYC. 

How odd. The article that I had read stated that it was out of stock in the United States through 2024, and maybeeeee available overseas for a higher price. So glad your husband was able to get it. I had been (and still am) on the waitlist for Trulicity until it becomes available. I am in MD. So now I have to wonder is it really out of stock everywhere? Emailing the manufacturer got me nowhere.

[EtheltoTillie]

4 minutes ago, GHScorpiosRule said:

How odd. The article that I had read stated that it was out of stock in the United States through 2024, and maybeeeee available overseas for a higher price. So glad your husband was able to get it. I had been (and still am) on the waitlist for Trulicity until it becomes available. I am in MD. So now I have to wonder is it really out of stock everywhere? Emailing the manufacturer got me nowhere.

It would be interesting to know more about this. 

[GHScorpiosRule]

On 3/8/2024 at 4:45 PM, EtheltoTillie said:

It would be interesting to know more about this. 

I left a message with my doctor about this. I figure he would have better luck in getting an answer. They now have an app where I can text him and his office manager. 

And on a final and relieved note, the Mounjaro arrived today! Huge relief that there will be no lapse in medication, and no need to get on insulin.

[GHScorpiosRule]

Well, too bad I'm not in NY. According to my doctor's office, Trulicity is just not available locally. I'm hoping Mounjaro won't give me any of the dreaded side effects these meds like to throw at you. The only one I like is the "reduced appetite", which I guess is a factor for weight loss. But I'm not taking this for that-it's another option-also made by the manufacturers that make Trulicity, so I'm hoping it will be okay. It looks the same as the Trulicity pen.

And I cackled as I watched Jimmy Kimmel's monologue at the Oscars last night-he made a nice jab "diabetes-medicine" abusers-pointing out the assholes who are taking Ozempic, Trulicity and whatever else as a weight loss drug instead of leaving it for those of us who NEED it.

And now I'll shut up about this.

[stewedsquash]

I am having trouble wrapping my brain around how someone can take a medicine that treats diabetes  issues just to get the weight loss factor without having any issues with the other things the medicine does? How does the body stop the medicine from doing diabetes things? 
 

But I have read that people are having side effects, gross ones, that don’t relate to people with diabetes taking it so there’s that. 
 

 

[PRgal]

There have been shortages of various Type 2 meds over the past few months.  My husband had to go off Ozempic for a bit because it just wasn't available in Ontario.  He's now back on.  His bloodwork has been okay, but he still can't be off without it going back up.  He's cleaned up his diet a bit (he used to drink a lot of fizzy, sugary things he bought with his own money.  Glad we both separate accounts and a family one).  Honestly, I don't know what it's like to be on meds, but I can't imagine it's all that pleasant.  

As for my own health, radiation therapy has had, so far, zero side effects, save for the day I had migraines, likely due to eating a bit too much turmeric powder (cooking "accident") the night before.  I was cooking for myself, so no one else ate the meal, and thus wasn't affected.  I'm about half way through, but haven't been informed of a surgery date yet.  I guess they won't tell me until after everything is over and they do more scans.

 

ETA:  I should note that I AM on meds for epilepsy.  I just don't know what it's like to have to do weekly shots.

Edited March 12 by PRgal

[GHScorpiosRule]

Oh now I have seen everything-manufacturer that makes Trulicity has released a commercial intending to shame those who are using it and Ozempic (not sure if it’s the same manufacturer) as a weight loss drug-to fit into that dress! Look good at a red carpet event! Instead of being given to those who need it. And they show an image of a woman who is overweight.🤬

Maybe do more diligence and ensure the scripts you’re getting is INDEED for those who need it? Or if you’re too greedy, increase your fucking production and DON’T penalize those of us who need it by increasing the price!*

*Which would happen if something isn’t done. And luckily, Mounjaro is the same price as Trulicity.

[Yeah No]

14 hours ago, stewedsquash said:

I am having trouble wrapping my brain around how someone can take a medicine that treats diabetes  issues just to get the weight loss factor without having any issues with the other things the medicine does? How does the body stop the medicine from doing diabetes things? 
 

But I have read that people are having side effects, gross ones, that don’t relate to people with diabetes taking it so there’s that. 

I heard somewhere that at least in the beginning most doctors would only prescribe a diabetes drug to people who classified as obese and had elevated blood sugar (not necessarily diabetic but in the "yellow zone").  As I was one of them and had joined a medical weight loss program at my local hospital, Metformin was prescribed.  I had lost over 20 lbs. on my own but had reached a stubborn plateau despite continuing to diet and exercise (which I now know is probably caused by my recent diagnosis of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis).  Unfortunately I eventually experienced side effects (stomach upset) and had to stop taking it.   I would have agreed to be prescribed one of the newer drugs like Ozempic if not for the fact that I tend to be very sensitive to medication and was told that if Metformin upset my stomach the others would likely do the same thing.

I personally feel that people in my category should be prescribed these drugs.  I'm 65 and my blood sugar and pressure are slightly elevated and cholesterol is considered moderately high even after losing the 20+ lbs.  My health would be significantly improved on several levels if I could only lose another 20 lbs.  I heard that they're working on a new drug that doesn't cause the stomach upset and I'm waiting for that one to come out.

I don't agree with doctors prescribing Ozempic and other similar drugs not intended for diabetics to healthy people with normal blood sugar that only want to lose a few pounds for reasons of vanity, but there are always unscrupulous doctors out there that will do it, especially ones that stand to make a lot of money off of rich and famous people.  And there probably aren't any rules that can prevent them from doing it, unfortunately.

I read somewhere that some of these people's blood sugar might be in danger of dropping too low on these medications but I think some of them were supposedly put on it on a temporary basis until they reached whatever goal weight they had in mind.  The trouble is that the dietary effects of these drugs only keeps the weight off until you stop using them and then for the most part you would likely gain some if not all of it back.  So I think some of these people continue to take it on an indefinite basis which may not be good for them in the long run.

[isalicat]

On 3/2/2024 at 5:41 PM, PRgal said:

  For those who have done radiation therapy for whatever reason, what side effects did you have?  

Some one may have given you more useful info by now, PRgal, but my mom went through eight weeks of radiation for a tumor in one lung (that they could not remove surgically) and her side effects (at age 78!) were fatigue and a very sore throat. This was over 15 years ago so I understand the technology has advanced tremendously and the "beam" or whatever is much more accurately targeted on the tumor. I am still dealing with cancer (in my case, breast cancer - its been surgically removed but I'm doing infusions due to the kind of cancer...) and radiation was considered unnecessary (I assume because if they are going to cut your whole breast off, why bother to shrink the tumor first?). Hope that was not TMI! 😸

[GHScorpiosRule]

Well, this is interesting. Just got a text from CVS that have placed an order for Trulicity. I’ll wait and see if they actually get it, and if so, I’ll just switch and have it delivered from them even if it is $20 more. I’ll know more in a few days.

[Jeeves]

Oh gosh. I've been reading here. So many serious health conditions are going on that I've hesitated to ask my question. But I've decided that it may provide some comic relief. Or something. For a minute.

My question is about: donut pillows and bruised tailbones. See? Kinda funny already. 

Two days ago I slipped on a bit of black ice on a sidewalk. I landed hard on my well-padded (okay, fat) rear end. Fortunately I had no injuries except a sore tailbone. I don't think it's broken. I'm able to walk and move around. It's not debilitating pain or anything. But it's definitely painful. 

It seems that a bruised tailbone should heal in a few weeks. I've read recommendations that using a donut pillow to sit on will be more comfortable and not trigger as much pain. Before I buy one, I thought I'd see if anyone here has experience or insight about that. I don't want to waste money by buying one if it won't make much of a difference. I'm old and of course my injuries heal more slowly now than they did a few decades ago. I'm happy that I wasn't hurt worse and was able to get up off the sidewalk without assistance. 

Thanks for any info you can provide. 

[Yeah No]

1 hour ago, Jeeves said:

Oh gosh. I've been reading here. So many serious health conditions are going on that I've hesitated to ask my question. But I've decided that it may provide some comic relief. Or something. For a minute.

My question is about: donut pillows and bruised tailbones. See? Kinda funny already. 

Two days ago I slipped on a bit of black ice on a sidewalk. I landed hard on my well-padded (okay, fat) rear end. Fortunately I had no injuries except a sore tailbone. I don't think it's broken. I'm able to walk and move around. It's not debilitating pain or anything. But it's definitely painful. 

It seems that a bruised tailbone should heal in a few weeks. I've read recommendations that using a donut pillow to sit on will be more comfortable and not trigger as much pain. Before I buy one, I thought I'd see if anyone here has experience or insight about that. I don't want to waste money by buying one if it won't make much of a difference. I'm old and of course my injuries heal more slowly now than they did a few decades ago. I'm happy that I wasn't hurt worse and was able to get up off the sidewalk without assistance. 

Thanks for any info you can provide. 

Aww, sorry to hear that!  That must hurt, I did that once many years ago.  In my older age, though, I'd go check it out with a doctor just in case.  A few years ago I slipped and fell in a parking lot and bruised a rib (one of the only times I've fallen in many years).  I had worn a pair of mules I usually only wear at home to run a quick errand and they were not secure enough.  So it was my own fault.  But I went right to the doctor just to be sure I didn't break anything.  Fortunately it was just a bruise.  It took several weeks to heal completely but thankfully that's all in the past now.  Not sure if that helps!

[Quof]

2 hours ago, Jeeves said:

Thanks for any info you can provide. 

Info/advice - Don't try to look at your ass in a mirror to see if it's bruised. Nothing good can come of that. 

[Gramto6]

4 hours ago, Jeeves said:

Thanks for any info you can provide. 

I fell and broke my tail bone at a fairly young age (~25). I was chaperoning my kids Montessori class on a roller skating trip. I can sort of skate, no tricks or anything. There were a couple kids that were really nervous/scared, so I had one in each hand as we skated around. Then they went down holding tight to my hands so I landed on my arse very hard. It was sore for days, I could walk and function but it was definitely sore.

So I went to the dr and an xray showed it was actually broken, not just bruised as I had thought.  He manipulated it back into position (don't ask!!) and gave me one of those pillows to sit on whenever I sat. Not much else they can do actually, but at least it healed in proper position. It still aches when I sit on hard/cold surfaces to this day, from a good 50+ years ago.

So, I guess what I am suggesting is go to the dr for an xray just to be sure it isn't broken.  And if it is, some pain pills might help and who knows maybe now there is some other new fangled treatment....

Edited March 21 by Gramto6

[shapeshifter]

8 hours ago, Jeeves said:

Two days ago I slipped on a bit of black ice on a sidewalk. I landed hard on my well-padded (okay, fat) rear end. Fortunately I had no injuries except a sore tailbone. I don't think it's broken. I'm able to walk and move around. It's not debilitating pain or anything. But it's definitely painful. 

It seems that a bruised tailbone should heal in a few weeks. I've read recommendations…

I totally agree with the recommendations above to get it checked out, x-rayed, etc. 

Here's why:
Similarly, about a year ago I tripped and fell, resulting in a bruised, swollen thumb. Because I could still move it, and because I didn't feel like driving to the doctor with a sore thumb (sound familiar, @Jeeves?), I just did the usual hot and cold compresses. 
Finally, about 8 months after, when it still hurt and I was at my primary care doctor's, I mentioned it. She said to get a soft brace (which I did, and which helped and which I probably should have had sooner), and to get an x-ray (which I did). She also recommended a specialist, but because it was no longer a recent, traumatic injury, I have to wait 4 more months for an appointment.

So, like @Gramto6 and others mentioned, this could bother you for a much longer time if you don't get the right treatment sooner rather than later. 

 

Also:
I fell on my tailbone roller skating as a scrawny 8-year-old. I didn't tell anyone. We heal more easily at that age, but I wonder if it led to my chronic piriformis muscle pain that has prevented me from engaging in many professional, recreational, and social activities for the last decade that require sitting. 

 

Edited March 21 by shapeshifter

[Jeeves]

21 hours ago, Quof said:

Info/advice - Don't try to look at your ass in a mirror to see if it's bruised. Nothing good can come of that. 

Too late, alas. ☹️

[Quof]

At least you didn't (I assume) try to see it by holding your phone behind yourself to take a photo, then accidentally send the photo to someone.  

NO, that's not how I learned not to look at my ass in a mirror.  

[GHScorpiosRule]

Well. Been on Maunjaro for a couple of weeks now, and no discernable difference.

I am more tired, but that's my own fault for staying up reallllllly late, watching shows I've already seen and movies, and so not getting enough sleep.

But none of the bad side effects they stated in huge and large caps, so we'll see how this goes.

Of course, for me, I'm still sticking to my diet and moderate exercise plan (need to expand on the latter, as it's clear I'm out of shape after my heart racing this morning only after climbing the steps to the Metro. Even if it was lugging my roller that includes my laptop and other books) so I'm not panting like a dog who's just run across the yard and block like crazy.

I know weight is "just a number" but I still want to make my goal, and I have roughly 7 more pounds to lose until I get there; but otherwise, weight is still the same as before starting on this.

[PRgal]

Just wrapped up pre-surgical radiation treatment for a neurofibromatosis tumour (it was NOT malignant, but they still wanted to use radiation prior to surgery to make sure it doesn't increase in size) and I'll have a better idea of when I'm getting surgery and the recovery process in a couple of weeks when I meet with the doctor.  The surgery will likely be in May.

[GHScorpiosRule]

FUCK!!!!  Now Mounjaro is out of stock!

[Yeah No]

13 hours ago, peacheslatour said:

I've pretty much given up salt. It helps.

I've taken my response here from the Chit Chat thread.

You know when the swelling first started I tried that.  I went on diets, was prescribed water pills, took potassium, drank plenty of fluids, avoided added salt if possible, etc. and it didn't really help.  The only thing that made it go away was losing a significant amount of weight.  I would have to lose about 40 lbs. for that to work right now.  Unfortunately these days that seems to be impossible for me to do without going to such extremes that would probably be bad for my health.  And Metformin made me sick so the doctor in my weight loss program at the hospital didn't recommend any other drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, etc. because she said if you get sick on one you're likely to get sick on the others.  And those others are injectables so you're stuck with a bad reaction for a while if you get one.  No thanks.  

Then I also found out that the water pills were making my sodium dip below normal so the doctor told me not to skimp so much on the sodium!

I have my own theories on what's going on but so far medical science hasn't confirmed anything.  

Since perimenopause I carry more weight in my midsection like a lot of women.  In my case I think it restricts fluid from my legs from circulating back up like it should.  And that 11 cm. fibroid in my uterus probably isn't helping.  The more my midsection has grown the worse the leg swelling.  Unfortunately it's not possible to tell your body where to lose weight and that midsection weight is very stubborn.

I still limit salt without going to extremes but that's really hard to do.  I eat a reduced calorie diet all the time so salt is reduced anyway.  And yet nothing changes with my legs.

It is worse in the Summer, though.  I've read all swelling is, but mine seems to be particularly worse.  

I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroditis, but I am still not convinced I have that as my thyroid levels are supposedly just on the positive side of normal, plus this swelling existed way before that diagnosis.  I've been suffering with the swelling since about 2007, which is incidentally a year or so before I was diagnosed with the fibroids.  I haven't pursued hysterectomy which is the only thing any doctor has recommended for me in spite of other ablation procedures being available (and I've been to a few doctors about that).  I haven't continued to pursue it.  I am sensitive to everything and unless something is absolutely necessary I tend not to want to do it.  Plus no one wants to commit to telling me that getting rid of my uterus or the fibroids would solve the swelling issue.  They say it's an interesting theory but that's it.

So anyway, that's it!

[shapeshifter]

Wait. What?! 

35 minutes ago, Yeah No said:

And that 11 cm. fibroid in my uterus probably isn't helping

It’s certainly not helping anything.
Are they not removing them these days?
Isn’t it painful?

[Yeah No]

Just now, shapeshifter said:

Wait. What?! 

It’s certainly not helping anything.
Are they not removing them these days?
Isn’t it painful?

No, I've had no pain nor discomfort other than it might be increasing the size of my midsection.  They say if it's not bothering you don't need to worry about it.  And without any doctors willing to commit to whether hysterectomy or any other procedure would improve my leg swelling I have a hard time proceeding on my own personal theory and nothing else.  Especially because those procedures are not without their risks.

[GHScorpiosRule]

Waiting to hear back from my doctor's office if an increased dosage is also out of stock, and if going out of my area ( I will PAY the extra money), where it, or Trulicity IS in stock, is a viable option.

Look, the weight loss thing? Non-issue for me because being on Trulicity for five years? I struggled with trying to shed those extra pounds. What I like about it is that it's not insulin, so I wouldn't be gaining any extra weight, like I did when I was on those two insulin meds prior to getting Trulicity. It helps to create my own body's insulin and it was a weekly shot.

Getting back on insulin will just undo my weight loss, which I am proud to say, I have maintained for the past year. I'm just going to have to increase my exercise activity (double it actually), IF I'm put on insulin, so I don't gain that extra poundage.

Want to talk about swelling? Well, after my reconstructive surgery, I now have a...bump? that protrudes on the left side of my belly, next to my navel. My surgeon warned this was a possibility. I could have surgery to "push it" back in, with some kind of mesh, but I remember how my breasts reacted to having that expander while recovering from the mastectomy-my body does NOT like having foreign objects inside of it. So I'm living with the lump. If I can just lose the inches in the "core" area, or right under the breasts, just another inch, and maintain that, I'll be all set. But there's nothing I can do about the fact that my back "expanded", so I avoid looking at it whenever I can.

[shapeshifter]

Does anyone here know if it is typical to need a referral to get an appointment to see a neurologist about possible Parkinson's?
Or other specialist?

When I lived in the Chicago area, you could call any specialist and make an appointment, although it might take a few months to get in as a new patient. 

Here in Rochester NY (since January 2021) it seems you have to have a referral from another doctor, and it's not an insurance issue. 

I'm wondering if this is a post-pandemic change in the way things are done, or if it's geographic (smaller city with fewer specialists).

[StatisticalOutlier]

10 hours ago, shapeshifter said:

11 hours ago, Yeah No said:

And that 11 cm. fibroid in my uterus probably isn't helping. 

Wait. What?! 

It’s certainly not helping anything.
Are they not removing them these days?
Isn’t it painful?

I've discussed fibroids elsewhere.  Fibroids don't necessarily cause any symptoms.  I had fibroids the size of a 20-week pregnancy and the only problem they caused was, well, having a mass the size of a 20-week pregnancy on a normal sized body.  No pain, no abnormal bleeding.

The go-to for gynecologists is a hysterectomy (remove the uterus) or a myomectomy (cut out the fibroids).  The hysterectomy obviously permanently takes care of the problem, and a myomectomy might or might not--fibroids can grow back.  But those are NOT the only treatments.  They are the treatments that gynecologists do. 

I had uterine fibroid embolization over 20 years ago, but it wasn't easy because one gynecologist said if I had it he would fire me as a patient, and another gynecologist wouldn't even talk about it--she just said I needed a hysterectomy.  (So much for seeing a woman gynecologist because she might better understand my desires.)

UFE is now much more accepted, but beware of gynecologists who don't mention either it or other treatments that they don't personally perform.  Interventional radiologists do UFE and from my limited exposure to them, they don't seem like they're big on advertising their services; they're behind-the-scenes toilers.  (UFE has been around for a long time, as a method to stop women from bleeding out during childbirth.)  My IR didn't even have an office--we just met in a room at the hospital. 

I gather that there are now even more alternatives to hysterectomy and myomectomy than UFE, which is great for patients.  But it's still on us to find out what they are.  I'm very very very grateful to the women who gathered in the early days of the internet to let others know that hysterectomy and myomectomy weren't the only options, contrary to what their doctors were telling them.

[EtheltoTillie]

6 hours ago, shapeshifter said:

Does anyone here know if it is typical to need a referral to get an appointment to see a neurologist about possible Parkinson's?
Or other specialist?

When I lived in the Chicago area, you could call any specialist and make an appointment, although it might take a few months to get in as a new patient. 

Here in Rochester NY (since January 2021) it seems you have to have a referral from another doctor, and it's not an insurance issue. 

I'm wondering if this is a post-pandemic change in the way things are done, or if it's geographic (smaller city with fewer specialists).

I think this would happen only if it's an insurance issue.  Otherwise, you should not need referrals for specialists.  I believe you have a Medicare Advantage plan, and that may be the reason.  But why they are telling you it's not an insurance issue, I don't know. 

Are you worried about possible Parkinson's?  Sorry to hear this. 

[GHScorpiosRule]

I just got off the phone with my Benefits manager, who's going to have a come-to-Jesus talk with the account manager of the mail  delivery to find out just what the issue is and why they can't get either Trulicity or Mounjaro. I don't care about Ozempic.

I'm now going to call my pharmacy to see if they are in the same boat as the home mail  delivery regarding Mounjaro.

Good God. I don't NEED this. I guess I should be grateful the chemo drugs were available and the anti-nausea drugs when I was undergoing chemo 10 years ago.

FUCK Oprah, Anna Navarro, and Sunny Hostin, and any rich folks/celebrities who have been given this as a weight loss drug.

ETA: Well whadday know? CVS has Ozempic-physically, two boxes, in stock! So I just called my doctor's answering service and told them to call him and to have him CALL CVS and put in the prescription tonight! Hopefully, it'll still be there tomorrow so I can get it, to tide me over until my regular one is back in stock.

I don't trust the latest update from my home delivery that a pharmacist is reviewing Mounjaro now!

FINGERS CROSSED.

Edited April 2 by GHScorpiosRule

[shapeshifter]

4 minutes ago, EtheltoTillie said:

I think this would happen only if it's an insurance issue.  Otherwise, you should not need referrals for specialists.  I believe you have a Medicare Advantage plan, and that may be the reason.  But why they are telling you it's not an insurance issue, I don't know. 

Why does having a Medicare Advantage plan matter with regards to seeing a specialist? 
(You can answer me in the “Medicare, Supplemental, Advantage, and other Insurances, Oh My Aching Wallet” thread if you think that’s best.)
Thank you!

The person on the phone got very snotty with me when I kept asking for an explanation about how was I supposed to get an appointment for something that doesn’t have specific criteria for diagnosis if a referral for that diagnosis was required. So I hung up — which seemed to be what she wanted. 
I know better than to call on the first day after a long weekend, but I’d been putting it off too long already.

 

 

21 minutes ago, EtheltoTillie said:

Are you worried about possible Parkinson's?  Sorry to hear this. 

Yes. Both Mom and Dad officially died from Parkinson’s at 91, 5 years apart, but they really weren’t diagnosed until near the end. They lived in Kona Hawaii their last 30 years, where health care was not very good. 
My sister nagged me to get the DNA test offered to direct relatives by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which revealed I had one of the genes associated with Parkinson’s. Even before then I’d noticed myself developing a lot of the same symptoms Mom had — mostly loss of flexibility and strength, as well as chronic pain in soft tissues of hips when walking. Just 5 few years ago I could out-walk my athletic daughters. Now I can’t go more than 20 minutes very slowly.
I also have loss of strength in my hands , and elsewhere. 
And increasing memory issues.
 

I have an appointment with my primary care provider in a couple of weeks, so I can wait. Or I could message her about a referral using the stuff I’ve written here.

[EtheltoTillie]

56 minutes ago, shapeshifter said:

Why does having a Medicare Advantage plan matter with regards to seeing a specialist? 
(You can answer me in the “Medicare, Supplemental, Advantage, and other Insurances, Oh My Aching Wallet” thread if you think that’s best.)
Thank you!

 

 

I have an appointment with my primary care provider in a couple of weeks, so I can wait. Or I could message her about a referral using the stuff I’ve written here.

Because Medicare Advantage plans are managed care plans, so they require that you use doctors in their network and manage your access to specialists.  Again, there may be more to it, but I can't tell.  Maybe you can message your primary care doctor in the meantime.  It's possible to take medications that might help so you'd want to see someone soon. 

[GHScorpiosRule]

Sigh. My doctor called and said prescribing Ozempic is too much of ordering different meds at same time.

Good news is his manager confirmed the dosage of Mounjaro this evening -when I didn’t expect her to respond until working hours tomorrow. So at least the STOOPID pharmacist will see it, release the hold and ship it tomorrow.

Again, FINGERS CROSSED.

[shapeshifter]

2 hours ago, EtheltoTillie said:

Because Medicare Advantage plans are managed care plans, so they require that you use doctors in their network and manage your access to specialists.  Again, there may be more to it, but I can't tell.  Maybe you can message your primary care doctor in the meantime.  It's possible to take medications that might help so you'd want to see someone soon. 

It looks like it's just this:

Quote

…Many specialists require that you first see a primary care doctor before scheduling an appointment with them. They may also ask to see your lab work and medical records prior to scheduling an appointment with you.

https://armadahealth.com/faq-items/my-health-insurance-doesnt-require-a-referral-for-specialists-so-why-do-i-need-to-see-a-primary-care-or-urgent-care-doctor-first/

— which was not the case during the 40 years I lived in California and Illinois. 
So I guess it's either a newer thing or a NY State thing. 

If it helps me get a solution to my chronic pain, great.
But their receptionist is not a people person.

[Yeah No]

11 hours ago, StatisticalOutlier said:

I've discussed fibroids elsewhere.  Fibroids don't necessarily cause any symptoms.  I had fibroids the size of a 20-week pregnancy and the only problem they caused was, well, having a mass the size of a 20-week pregnancy on a normal sized body.  No pain, no abnormal bleeding.

The go-to for gynecologists is a hysterectomy (remove the uterus) or a myomectomy (cut out the fibroids).  The hysterectomy obviously permanently takes care of the problem, and a myomectomy might or might not--fibroids can grow back.  But those are NOT the only treatments.  They are the treatments that gynecologists do. 

I had uterine fibroid embolization over 20 years ago, but it wasn't easy because one gynecologist said if I had it he would fire me as a patient, and another gynecologist wouldn't even talk about it--she just said I needed a hysterectomy.  (So much for seeing a woman gynecologist because she might better understand my desires.)

UFE is now much more accepted, but beware of gynecologists who don't mention either it or other treatments that they don't personally perform.  Interventional radiologists do UFE and from my limited exposure to them, they don't seem like they're big on advertising their services; they're behind-the-scenes toilers.  (UFE has been around for a long time, as a method to stop women from bleeding out during childbirth.)  My IR didn't even have an office--we just met in a room at the hospital. 

I gather that there are now even more alternatives to hysterectomy and myomectomy than UFE, which is great for patients.  But it's still on us to find out what they are.  I'm very very very grateful to the women who gathered in the early days of the internet to let others know that hysterectomy and myomectomy weren't the only options, contrary to what their doctors were telling them.

Yes, thank you, I remember your very informative posts on this several months ago.  I admit I pursued it for a while but then got tired of being told the same thing by every doctor (a total of 3 so far) so I've kind of shelved it for now.  I was concentrating on losing weight as a way to deal with my leg swelling, which helped but now I've reached a plateau and actually have gained 5 stubborn pounds that I can't seem to work off.  I keep hoping that the warm weather (when if finally gets here) might help me get more exercise.  It doesn't help that I might have Hashimoto's, which might help explain why it's so hard for me to lose weight.  So for now I'm caught in the same vicious circle as my mother was for many years.  I've also read that Hashimoto's can cause leg and foot swelling but like I said above I've had the swelling issue for quite a bit longer than I've had any thyroid swelling.  My father had a leg swelling issue but I don't really know what caused his and I don't think he knew either.  There is a chance it might be hereditary edema as he told me his mother had it too (she died before I was born).  There are so many things that can cause leg and foot swelling that it must be hard to get a reliable diagnosis.

5 hours ago, shapeshifter said:

It looks like it's just this:

— which was not the case during the 40 years I lived in California and Illinois. 
So I guess it's either a newer thing or a NY State thing. 

I don't know that much about this but I have read that Advantage plans can vary widely by state and I believe even area within a state.  In some areas the benefits are much better than others in general.  After hearing the experiences of friends and acquaintances in my area I got the impression they weren't so great around here.  I didn't even figure out the finer points as to why (which I would normally do).  When everyone was telling me the same thing I decided it wasn't for me.