Health and Wellness Chit-Chat: Your Primary Care Topic

[kristen111]

20 hours ago, chitowngirl said:

Eh, you’re asleep. I’d be more skeeved out having to GIVE a colonoscopy 

I get the endoscopy at the same time.  Two for one.

[shapeshifter]

2 hours ago, kristen111 said:

I’m just so used to this guy with my teeth

Have you ever had a root canal with your dentist?

I had 2 dentists I trusted attempt root canals on my teeth, but both times it became apparent I need an endodontist for that stuff.
But that has to do with the structure of my teeth roots.

[kristen111]

4 hours ago, shapeshifter said:

Have you ever had a root canal with your dentist?

I had 2 dentists I trusted attempt root canals on my teeth, but both times it became apparent I need an endodontist for that stuff.
But that has to do with the structure of my teeth roots.

My. iPad  broken.  Sorry.  On the fritz all day.  Goes on n off.

Edited August 8, 2023 by kristen111

[kristen111]

17 minutes ago, kristen111 said:

My. iPad  broken.  Sorry.  On the fritz all day.  Goes on n off.

Calling another oral surgeon tomorrow.  Thanks.

[kristen111]

So, thank you everyone for helping me with mu tooth problem.  The PITA oral surgeon’s office called this morning saying the Dr. will take me today at 1 pm.  Guess he decided to squeeze me in.  I appreciate everyone’s help. 😍

[kristen111]

5 minutes ago, kristen111 said:

So, thank you everyone for helping me with mu tooth problem.  The PITA oral surgeon’s office called this morning saying the Dr. will take me today at 1 pm.  Guess he decided to squeeze me in.  I appreciate everyone’s help. 😍

@shapeshifter  Only a matter of time your “munchkin” will be helping you with your computer and I-phone, lol.

[shapeshifter]

Being old with sensitive skin before I was old, I'm still having trouble with bandages for my scrape. The original wounds are getting smaller, but now I have a new wound from where my skin opened up when I removed a bandage. 

I have now read countless Amazon reviews for countless brands of bandages that claim to be suitable for elderly skin and waterproof for swimmers, but the the 2 qualities in bandages seem to be mutually exclusive.

Anyone here have this problem or maybe cared for someone with these problems?

Quote

Precautions and considerations
Consider the following when deciding whether to choose this type of dressing:...

• Transparent film dressings aren’t recommended for patients with fragile or thin skin, especially elderly patients, or in patients receiving steroids because removal may cause epidermal stripping or skin tears.

https://woundcareadvisor.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-transparent-film-dressings-vol3-no4/

 

[Laura Holt]

Doing a happy dance right now.  Like many places finding a family doctor in our area is a challenge, to say the least.  Our family doctor retired in February and today, oh frabjous day, we just got notified that we've been accepted as patients for another doctor.  What a relief!  

[nokat]

On 8/10/2023 at 8:55 AM, shapeshifter said:

Being old with sensitive skin before I was old, I'm still having trouble with bandages for my scrape. The original wounds are getting smaller, but now I have a new wound from where my skin opened up when I removed a bandage. 

I have now read countless Amazon reviews for countless brands of bandages that claim to be suitable for elderly skin and waterproof for swimmers, but the the 2 qualities in bandages seem to be mutually exclusive.

Anyone here have this problem or maybe cared for someone with these problems?

 

Maybe the non-stick pads. I was using the non-sticky tape, but that stuck pretty hard to my skin. Maybe wrap a pad using the self stick roll that isn't tape. It sticks to itself and not your skin.

[nokat]

In case you weren't sure what I was talking about: You can wrap it over gauze or a non-stick pad.

 

Edited August 12, 2023 by nokat

[shapeshifter]

13 hours ago, nokat said:

In case you weren't sure what I was talking about: You can wrap it over gauze or a non-stick pad.

 

Yes. I did get some of this and wore it as a kind of protective layer in the first week or so. 

But good news, I got "Transparent Waterproof Stretch Clear Adhesive Film Bandage Skin Dressing Tape for Tattoo Aftercare (6 x 394 Inch)" from Amazon (amazon.com/dp/B0B31Z45W6), and with just a little neosporin and a thin bit of bandage over the (shrinking) wounds, I can put this thin, Saran-wrap-like clear film over the area, and it keeps out water, stays put, is as flexible as the skin it covers, and removes (so far) without taking any skin with it. 👏

Edited August 13, 2023 by shapeshifter

[oliviabenson]

For anyone that had experience with a stroke in their life. After 50 days in hospital/rehab if the person can’t even stand that’s bad right? 

Asking myself. 

[annzeepark914]

Foot & ankle pain! I just had an MRI on my left foot and ankle...nothing showed up. Back in March, my podiatrist gave me a cortisone injection and I was pain-free until a few weeks ago. Went to an orthopedic foot/ankle specialist who ordered the MRI and gave me an injection of cortisone two days ago. I still have pain. Anyone here have or had similar issues? This is so frustrating 😫

[shapeshifter]

13 minutes ago, annzeepark914 said:

Anyone here have or had similar issues?

Yes. In my foot, shoulder, hip, etc. for decades. 
I have tried everything but not found a solution. 
Let us know if you find something. 
I would change my screen name to "still looking," but that doesn't convey my persona. 🙃

[isalicat]

6 hours ago, annzeepark914 said:

Foot & ankle pain! I just had an MRI on my left foot and ankle...nothing showed up. Back in March, my podiatrist gave me a cortisone injection and I was pain-free until a few weeks ago. Went to an orthopedic foot/ankle specialist who ordered the MRI and gave me an injection of cortisone two days ago. I still have pain. Anyone here have or had similar issues? This is so frustrating 😫

Have you ever gone to one of those places specializing in arch supports etc.? Its possible (just speculating) that you need some sort of orthotics (I'm spelling that wrong, I'm sure) in your shoes or a specialized fit of shoe to align your foot and ankle properly and/or have your foot hit the ground correctly. Just a suggestion if they aren't seeing anything on an MRI...

[annzeepark914]

On 8/20/2023 at 7:06 PM, isalicat said:

Have you ever gone to one of those places specializing in arch supports etc.? Its possible (just speculating) that you need some sort of orthotics (I'm spelling that wrong, I'm sure) in your shoes or a specialized fit of shoe to align your foot and ankle properly and/or have your foot hit the ground correctly. Just a suggestion if they aren't seeing anything on an MRI...

Good suggestion! I put on a "sock" (that the podiatrist sold me a few months ago). It's open toed & has a padded section in the heel area. Wearing this with my Josef Seibel clogs (and I took 3 Advil earlier) has helped. The Ortho doctor I saw yesterday for a knee issue (that has magically cleared up 🎉) suggested I see a rheumatologist. They deal with tendons, inflammation, etc , & since I'd been diagnosed with Achilles tendonitis, that sounds like a plan too.  Thanks 😊

[nokat]

It's the time of year when we get vaccinations. I'm thinking it is earlier than usual.

I also think the more we get vaccinated, the lower your work load.

 

Should probably take this to health. Drags my wonky leg with me.

Edited 6 minutes ago by nokat

[shapeshifter]

2 hours ago, nokat said:

It's the time of year when we get vaccinations. I'm thinking it is earlier than usual.

When I still worked at the College library reference desk, if I didn't have my flu shot by now, it was too late, with kids arriving on campus from all over the globe and across the country.

[emma675]

Does anyone know anything about the latest Covid vaccine in the US? When it's available, when we should get it, etc? I haven't heard much about it or the latest variant, but I'm also in a dumbass state where a lot of the citizens don't prioritize it.

[Bastet]

55 minutes ago, emma675 said:

Does anyone know anything about the latest Covid vaccine in the US?

There is not yet a new booster for the latest variants; they're expected to be available in three to four weeks.  So if you're about due for a booster - which many are, as they got the bivalent booster last fall, and we're now generally on an annual schedule - and of average or low risk of complications if you get COVID, it's generally advised to wait for that one rather than getting another booster of that existing bivalent vaccine.

Edited August 26, 2023 by Bastet

[emma675]

40 minutes ago, Bastet said:

There is not yet a new booster for the latest variants; they're expected to be available in three to four weeks.  So if you're about due for a booster - which many are, as they got the bivalent booster last fall, and we're now generally on an annual schedule - and of average or low risk of complications if you get COVID, it's generally advised to wait for that one rather than getting another booster of that existing bivalent vaccine.

Thank you!

[shapeshifter]

Since I’m of an age (almost 70) at which I should get the new RSV vaccine as well as the new Covid and flu vaccines, I wanted to figure out the timing.

According to this AARP article,* it sounds like it’s fine for me to get the RSV next week and then get the flu and new Covid booster together later. But if my grandson gets the flu first, I won’t be protected. Plus, I’d rather get the flu and Covid shots separately because of the sore arm factor.

I texted my doctor about getting the RSV vaccine, but I don’t think the doctor saw the message, and the nurse who replied is the same one who messed up my medication refills. She just said it was fine for me to get the RSV vaccine, but that they didn’t have it yet. 
(Apparently Walgreens does?)

So I guess I’ll send another message saying I want the doctor to see the message (after verifying Walgreens has the RSV vaccine) and asking if I should get the flu or RSV first since my grandson who I see once a week is in daycare.

Am I missing anything?

 

______________
* quoting “William Schaffner, M.D., who is with the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and is a professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine“ (AARP).

[nokat]

2 hours ago, shapeshifter said:

According to this AARP article,* it sounds like it’s fine for me to get the RSV next week and then get the flu and new Covid booster together later. But if my grandson gets the flu first, I won’t be protected. Plus, I’d rather get the flu and Covid shots separately because of the sore arm factor.

I texted my doctor about getting the RSV vaccine, but I don’t think the doctor saw the message, and the nurse who replied is the same one who messed up my medication refills. She just said it was fine for me to get the RSV vaccine, but that they didn’t have it yet. 
(Apparently Walgreens does?)

Last fall I got the flu and covid shots in the same arm on the same day.  I don't react much any more, but the RSV will be new for me.

[nokat]

When I was in the hospital, I got asked if I had difficulty swallowing. While I had about ten pills in my hand. No, I can swallow them all. Thank goodness it wasn't the male nurse who asked me. 

[PRgal]

9 hours ago, emma675 said:

Does anyone know anything about the latest Covid vaccine in the US? When it's available, when we should get it, etc? I haven't heard much about it or the latest variant, but I'm also in a dumbass state where a lot of the citizens don't prioritize it.

The updated version won't be available until next month.

[nokat]

Copied from: SuprSuprElevated

"Pick your poison and pick your vital organ.

would you like to ruin your kidneys or your liver while trying to battle pain?-bad-liver-kidneys

Edit - I will take anything further to the Health & Wellness thread.

Edited 1 hour ago by SuprSuprElevated"

This is so true. What organ is worse to kill first?

 

[GHScorpiosRule]

Well I’ll be first in line for the next booster. As I’ve said here and to my colleagues and family-COVID isn’t going away, and we will probably have to get a yearly shot like we do for the flu. Sign me up…stick me…whatever.

While I have been fortunate not to get it, I have been exposed to friends and colleagues who were exposed and had it. 

As for Advil, I know that is the the one, or rather ibuprofen is the drug that one shouldn’t take if you get COVID; acetaminophen is what was/is recommended. 🤷🏽‍♀️

What I have been dealing with and NO ONE can tell me is the explanation for the fevers I’ve been having over the past two months. Highest is 100, but no other symptoms and like clockwork, on the weekends. Not COVID or Strep. I was worried my home tests were giving me a false negative so I went to urgent care; negative.

Anyway, these fevers remind me of the time it happened years ago. But the reason for that was my very low hemoglobin count. Because of my menstrual problems-heavy bleeding, I hadn’t realized how low the count has dropped. I ended up having to get a blood transfusion (2 bags) and one of iron. 

Anyway, since no more periods, it’s a mystery.

Can’t wait to get my flu and COVID shots. Usually get the former first week of September at work. Got the last booster around the same time at CVS. So will probably do that again when the Eris booster comes out. Don’t know why they call it a booster. Just call it a shot, like they do for the flu.

[nokat]

6 minutes ago, GHScorpiosRule said:

But the reason for that was my very low hemoglobin count. Because of my menstrual problems-heavy bleeding, I hadn’t realized how low the count has dropped. I ended up having to get a blood transfusion (2 bags) and one of iron. 

Oh my gosh.  I try to avoid the iron in vitamins. I'm no longer having a period.

[GHScorpiosRule]

12 minutes ago, nokat said:

Oh my gosh.  I try to avoid the iron in vitamins. I'm no longer having a period.

I had anemia as a child and polycystic ovarian syndrome, so I needed extra iron to keep my hemoglobin count.  My heart was pumping four times the rate, and I was thisthisclose to probably having a heart attack had I not gotten the transfusions. I could barely walk across six feet without my heart racing. Before the transfusions, I was eating all foods rich in iron like spinach and beets, and even red meat. Don't eat red meat anymore. Maybe once a year.

But this was in 2009. I'm good now. Well, except for the random fevers.

[nokat]

What the hell? I lost most of my sense of smell and it hit me all at once.

Edited August 27, 2023 by nokat

[shapeshifter]

11 hours ago, GHScorpiosRule said:

What I have been dealing with and NO ONE can tell me is the explanation for the fevers I’ve been having over the past two months. Highest is 100, but no other symptoms and like clockwork, on the weekends. Not COVID or Strep. I was worried my home tests were giving me a false negative so I went to urgent care; negative.

Anyway, these fevers remind me of the time it happened years ago. But the reason for that was my very low hemoglobin count. Because of my menstrual problems-heavy bleeding, I hadn’t realized how low the count has dropped. I ended up having to get a blood transfusion (2 bags) and one of iron

Maybe a silly question, but are you drinking enough water?

 

7 hours ago, nokat said:

What the hell? I lost most of my sense of smell and it hit me all at once.

Probably another silly question, but did you do a Covid test?

[nokat]

32 minutes ago, shapeshifter said:

Probably another silly question, but did you do a Covid test?

I did get Covid way back before the vaccinations came out. Thankfully it wasn't severe but I did lose lose some of my sense of smell. It was kind of bizarre, because I could suddenly smell again.

[nokat]

I feel horrible. You know how you have family get togethers involving food? So I said let's meet up at a restaurant. My cousin can no longer eat. Thankfully I didn't write that directly. Then I'm trying to think of something else without food.

[GHScorpiosRule]

8 hours ago, shapeshifter said:

Maybe a silly question, but are you drinking enough water?

I’ve read that you need to drink half of your body weight in water. That would mean I’d have to drink 62-64 oz.!! I drink more than half of that.

The STOOPID antibiotics (which I didn’t need) has given me the WORST case of D. I’m having to take the max allowed Imodium yesterday. It’s probably due to the combination of that with with my Diabetes medications.

Today is slightly better, but only eating the BRAT, minus the A. I hate applesauce. So I’m drinking apple juice instead. Along with regular water and coconut water.

I’m fur baby sitting through tomorrow and fortunately there’s plenty of water and bread for toast. I stopped the antibiotics which weren’t helping anyway.

I took some when I had strep in India, and those WORKED with NO side effects. I think I’d rather feel nauseous than what I’ve been going through since yesterday.

[shapeshifter]

Does anyone take oral THC-CBD tincture/oil for chronic pain? 
My son-in-law bought some (legally) and it didn't do anything for him, so he passed it along to me. I tried it with very mixed results. 
I'm mainly wondering about dosing and efficacy.

[kristen111]

On 8/20/2023 at 12:40 PM, annzeepark914 said:

Foot & ankle pain! I just had an MRI on my left foot and ankle...nothing showed up. Back in March, my podiatrist gave me a cortisone injection and I was pain-free until a few weeks ago. Went to an orthopedic foot/ankle specialist who ordered the MRI and gave me an injection of cortisone two days ago. I still have pain. Anyone here have or had similar issues? This is so frustrating 😫

I had an injection in my knee last year.  It took four days to feel better.  I thought it didn’t work, but it kicked in after the four days.

Anyone here on blood pressure meds?  I was given Norvasc 10 mg today.   Blood pressure and cholesterol meds always give me trouble.   Lipitor put me in the hospital a few years ago.  Very sensitive.

[kristen111]

On 8/29/2023 at 2:37 PM, shapeshifter said:

Does anyone take oral THC-CBD tincture/oil for chronic pain? 
My son-in-law bought some (legally) and it didn't do anything for him, so he passed it along to me. I tried it with very mixed results. 
I'm mainly wondering about dosing and efficacy.

I go to Pain Managent for my spine.  Before my surgery, they made me try half a dropper full of CBD oil under my tongue.  While sitting on my sofa watching tv four hours later, I couldn’t feel both my arms for about a few minutes.  WTF?   I didn’t eat or drink anything prior.   No feeling at all in both arms.  Very scary.

[shapeshifter]

5 minutes ago, kristen111 said:

I go to Pain Managent for my spine.  Before my surgery, they made me try half a dropper full of CBD oil under my tongue.  While sitting on my sofa watching tv four hours later, I couldn’t feel both my arms for about a few minutes.  WTF?   I didn’t eat or drink anything prior.   No feeling at all in both arms.  Very scary.

I was fine with the half dropper (0.5 ml, which contained 5 mg THC and 10 mg CBD) except that like any OTC or prescription pain meds, when it wore off the pain was so much worse! 😔
So, a few weeks later, I tried a full dropper, and it was kind of like a bad LSD trip from the early 1970s😳, although without the teeth grinding, which was probably due to the 1970s stuff being cut with who-knows-what.☹️
At least this stuff is from a reputable distributor and extremely well-labeled, including "Grown in New York" [state].

I guess I need to read some scholarly articles on CBD-THC for pain management (like: https://scholar.google.com/scholar?as_ylo=2019&q=CBD-THC+pain+management), probably published outside the USA.
Likely it's just my Special Snowflakiness, and it's not going to work for me.

 

 

In better news of things to try:
I heard spraying Vodka on smelly stuff is supposed to take the stink out without leaving any residue. 
I have a large bottle of Vodka that my son-in-law and daughter didn't want, and I haven't used it in the last year either, so I might try to see if it takes the lingering perfume smell from my other daughters' hair conditioner out of the shower.
Now if it could only stop dripping faucets too. 🙃

[Bastet]

1 hour ago, shapeshifter said:

I heard spraying Vodka on smelly stuff is supposed to take the stink out without leaving any residue. 

That's typically used on clothing (it's an old theatre trick for "cleaning" costumes between performances), because it's gentle enough for use on most fabric, while you could use heavier-duty cleaning agents in a shower.  But I remember you're super sensitive to smell, so vodka might indeed be the better option for you.

[GHScorpiosRule]

After four days of Imodium and Pepto and a staple of BRAT-yes, I’ve now developed a liking for applesauce, I’m back to normal. BUT. I’m leery of eating REAL food! Slowly ventured and had a small cappuccino this morning. So far, so good.

[shapeshifter]

Wednesday I had the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine, recommended for babies and older adults. 
"Muscle pain" and "joint pain" are known side effects, but I didn't think it would start 2 days later and be worse another 2 days later. 
However, I didn't see any specific number of days for the side effects on the info sheet or the CDC site, and the on-call nurse I just spoke with noticed the same lack of time frame, and was surprised.

I'm just posting this because I wanted to complain, and because it might be useful later. 
There's a CDC number to call to report side effects, but I'll wait a few more days until it's either better or worse. 

Most people would just take ibuprofen and be fine, but my chronic pain doesn't respond well to OTCs or opiates or anything else.

[partofme]

I know this topic says primary care, but I figure since this is health related its,  better to rant here than in the pet peeves topic?  I have chronic migraine and I'm really annoyed with my headache specialist office.   None of the daily migraine preventatives that I've taken work that well (and I refuse to take injections, I tried one once and never again).  When I went to see the doctor in June, I asked about switching to Qulipta and was given a month's worth of samples, when I was down to about a week left I emailed the doctor's office about getting a prescription, which they were okay with sending to my pharmacy, however my insurance denied it, so they did some work around and they sent me overnight a free month's supply from some pharmacy in Brooklyn, I was off the medicine for about a week by the time I received it, but at least I got it.  So then 2 weeks ago, I emailed the doctor's office again when I had about 9 pills left and asked them if they were going to send me more pills again the same way this month and they replied that they were working on it.  So when it had been a week and I hadn't received anything, I emailed them again(last Thursday) telling them I only had 4 pills left and wanted to check on the status, got no reply, emailed them again on Friday, still no reply.  I called them yesterday morning and the girl I spoke to said I had 5 refills left and asked what pharmacy I wanted it called into, so I gave her that info, around 5pm last night I got a text message from CVS that my prescription is pending insurance authorization.  So I called them this morning telling them this and explaining the situation and the girl I spoke to at first was like well we just put this in yesterday, and I had to tell her that this has been going on for 2 months and explain the whole back story to her and then she looked into it and said that the insurance had denied coverage and she would have the nurse challenge this and I asked her if they would have the pills sent to me again and I had to give her that info.  But in the mean time its been two months and they hadn't challenged the denial and now I've had no pills for four days now, have a massive headache and know I'm going to have to call again tomorrow morning to make sure they're challenging the denial and to find out if they're sending me anything in the meantime.

[shapeshifter]

15 minutes ago, partofme said:

I know this topic says primary care, but I figure since this is health related its,  better to rant here than in the pet peeves topic?  I have chronic migraine and I'm really annoyed with my headache specialist office.   None of the daily migraine preventatives that I've taken work that well (and I refuse to take injections, I tried one once and never again).  When I went to see the doctor in June, I asked about switching to Qulipta and was given a month's worth of samples, when I was down to about a week left I emailed the doctor's office about getting a prescription, which they were okay with sending to my pharmacy, however my insurance denied it, so they did some work around and they sent me overnight a free month's supply from some pharmacy in Brooklyn, I was off the medicine for about a week by the time I received it, but at least I got it.  So then 2 weeks ago, I emailed the doctor's office again when I had about 9 pills left and asked them if they were going to send me more pills again the same way this month and they replied that they were working on it.  So when it had been a week and I hadn't received anything, I emailed them again(last Thursday) telling them I only had 4 pills left and wanted to check on the status, got no reply, emailed them again on Friday, still no reply.  I called them yesterday morning and the girl I spoke to said I had 5 refills left and asked what pharmacy I wanted it called into, so I gave her that info, around 5pm last night I got a text message from CVS that my prescription is pending insurance authorization.  So I called them this morning telling them this and explaining the situation and the girl I spoke to at first was like well we just put this in yesterday, and I had to tell her that this has been going on for 2 months and explain the whole back story to her and then she looked into it and said that the insurance had denied coverage and she would have the nurse challenge this and I asked her if they would have the pills sent to me again and I had to give her that info.  But in the mean time its been two months and they hadn't challenged the denial and now I've had no pills for four days now, have a massive headache and know I'm going to have to call again tomorrow morning to make sure they're challenging the denial and to find out if they're sending me anything in the meantime.

I've had similar runarounds with new-to-market medications. Your rant echoes exactly how I felt at those times. 🧸

Thankfully, sumatriptan for migraines changed my quality of life for the better when it came out in the late 1990s, but there are limits to about 12 tablets per month due to risk of stroke. Fortunately, I don't need more than that.

 

 

And regarding "I know this topic says primary care, but I figure since this is health related" --
The "Your Primary Care" thread subtitle phrasing is just a cutesy, pun-ish thread subtitle assigned by someone. 

It's not necessary and is confusing.

Maybe it can be removed?

"Health and Wellness Chit-Chat" is sufficient and clear enough, IMO.

 

Edited September 6, 2023 by shapeshifter

[nokat]

Fudge, I planned on the vaccinations for covid, flu, and RSV. It's that time of year.

[shapeshifter]

58 minutes ago, nokat said:

Fudge, I planned on the vaccinations for covid, flu, and RSV. It's that time of year.

I just wish I'd waited until the condo pool closed for the season before I started them.

[partofme]

2 hours ago, shapeshifter said:

Thankfully, sumatriptan for migraines changed my quality of life for the better when it came out in the late 1990s, but there are limits to about 12 tablets per month due to risk of stroke. Fortunately, I don't need more than that.

I’ve been taking sumatriptan plus naproxen for years now when I get a headache.      My insurance only allows me to get 9 a month, but luckily it’s been more than enough, I used to get 12 a month and run out.  

[Laura Holt]

My Dad had Covid, his second round with it despite being up to date on all recommended vaccinations.  It was relatively mild, at first, but has now developed into pneumonia.  Luckily we have a lot of nurses and other heath care workers in the family so he's being well cared for but jeeze louise.  Enough already!

Edited September 7, 2023 by Laura Holt

[shapeshifter]

3 hours ago, Laura Holt said:

My Dad had Covid, his second round with it despite being up to date on all recommended vaccinations.  It was relatively mild, at first, but has now developed into pneumonia.  Luckily we have a lot of nurses and other heath care workers in the family so he's being well cared for but jeeze louise.  Enough already!

Was he diagnosed within the 5 day window so he could get Paxlovid?

[Laura Holt]

2 hours ago, shapeshifter said:

Was he diagnosed within the 5 day window so he could get Paxlovid?

I know he was the first time he had it but I think possibly not this time as he thought he just had a cold and may have waited too long to get a positive test.  I have heard that if you are still testing with the older kits they may give false negatives as they are not picking up the new variants.  So that's great.

Edited September 7, 2023 by Laura Holt

[shapeshifter]

1 hour ago, Laura Holt said:

I know he was the first time he had it but I think possibly not this time as he thought he just had a cold and may have waited too long to get a positive test.  I have heard that if you are still testing with the older kits they may give false negatives as they are not picking up the new variants.  So that's great.

Argh. 😖 
Apparently so: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/why-do-eris-symptoms-appear-a-week-before-positive-test-know-all-about-this-pre-covid-phenomenon-101692790541911-amp.html

But maybe not: 

• “Antiviral medications, such as Paxlovid, should also work against EG.5, and at-home rapid tests should be able to detect it, Dr. Roberts adds” (yalemedicine.org/news/covid-eg5-eris-latest-coronavirus-strain).