Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[Love2dance]

@bigskygirl, glad your test is over, too. Hope you feel better soon and hear good results! I'll bet it was the drink stuff that brought on your hyperthyroid symptoms. Hugs!!

[Arwen Evenstar]

@bigskygirl, who knows, the process of prepping is so unnatural.  Throws off electrolytes and everything.  Hope they find you some answers.  Heaven knows you've been feeling miserable long enough.

All I could think of when I had my prep was, if this is what UC/Crohns/IBS feels like, then I can't even begin to imagine the misery of anyone's daily life if they have one of or a combo of these.

[bigskygirl]

My husband's dad had Crohns, and the poor man died from colon cancer in June 1992. They thought I had IBS in the early 1990's, but I think I was having symptoms of endometriosis and Graves Disease at the time, and of course, was misdiagnosed by another quack doctor. Some women diagnosed with endometriosis can also end up with Graves Disease or another type of thyroid disorder. My allergies, sensitivity to smell, and the crazy weather may have something to do with my symptoms because it seems everything acts up when my allergies/sinuses act up a little. I still think it is related to the radiation treatment and possible sensitivity to the thyroid med. In fact, most of the time when I bring up the radiation treatment, I noticed the doctors ask me when I had it and when did the symptoms start to kick in.

[jjane]

My little brother died Friday. He was the prince of the family and thought I lived to serve him, but I still miss him. My older sister has accused two of us of stealing money in his safe, although she was right there when it was opened. I'm the one who took care of our parents till their death, including financial support. We have paid my sister's and my brother's bills and bought them cars when they screwed up and the idea that we would steal money is so hurtful. She lives in a dream world of her own making because she can't handle real life, so I know we should just ignore this. She has also produced a one sentence will signed while he was in the hospital a week ago giving everything to her. Mostly it will turn out to be bills and a hoarder's level of stuff, not to mention a condo that is underwater, but  it still hurts. Its so stupid to be upset about this that I hesitate to talk to anyone in real life about this, but I've seen how great everyone on this board is when people have problems, so here I am.

[jcbrown]

I'm so sorry for your loss, jjane. Having family stress on top of a loss like that really sucks. I don't think there is anything at all stupid about being upset about it. Take care.

[Love2dance]

So sorry for your loss, @jjane. It is hard enough to lose a close family member without the added drama from another relative. I know it hurts. If it becomes too much, you might want to confide in someone compassionate in real life. Hugs.

[jjane]

Thanks so much  jcbrown. I really just wanted somebody besides my husband to hear me. You don't know how much your reply means to me.

[jjane]

Thanks Love2dance. I'm usually the one who comforts other people and right now there's an eleven year old who's lost 4 people in less than two years to watch out for. My time will come. In the meantime the comfort of strangers is a big help. 

[Arwen Evenstar]

6 hours ago, bigskygirl said:

My husband's dad had Crohns, and the poor man died from colon cancer in June 1992. They thought I had IBS in the early 1990's, but I think I was having symptoms of endometriosis and Graves Disease at the time, and of course, was misdiagnosed by another quack doctor. Some women diagnosed with endometriosis can also end up with Graves Disease or another type of thyroid disorder. My allergies, sensitivity to smell, and the crazy weather may have something to do with my symptoms because it seems everything acts up when my allergies/sinuses act up a little. I still think it is related to the radiation treatment and possible sensitivity to the thyroid med. In fact, most of the time when I bring up the radiation treatment, I noticed the doctors ask me when I had it and when did the symptoms start to kick in.

Are you near or in  menopause or you had a hysto recently? I'm menopausal and my alllergies have never been worse.  It's common.

Many women found complete relief from endometriosis by giving up gluten...there's more of a link to the two than previously believed.

Hope you get relief soon from your tummy issues.

[Arwen Evenstar]

@jjane so sorry for your loss and having to deal with the hurtful behavior of others while you are grieving. This forum is a great place to get support.  Hugs to you and your grieving family.

[jjane]

Yes Arwen, it is. I've always been amazed at the level of kindness and support this community gives. I appreciate your kind words.

[Micks Picks]

JIANE  I am so sorry for the behavior of your relatives.  This almost always happens to some extent when someone dies. Of course you are the one to have cared for people both physically and financially.  You'd what you personally needed to do in supporting your folks and brother.  You are the sort of person who just does that.  It is who you are, bless you.  It is beyond sad that those whom you have helped and who still survive you are acting this way.  It will do them no good.  But I hope you remember and do not bail them out ever again.  Just don't.  They blew it big time.  They will blow it again and should not come to you for help, but I'm sure they will, and for your sake and their sakes, don't do it.  And I hope you find solace in your good works and love you have shown to family.

[pinkie]

jjane, I'm so sorry you are hurting from this. I know it's hard, but try your best to let it go so that you don't make yourself ill...make yourself a "bundle" of all the nastiness & then fling it off an imaginary cliff.

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[lookeyloo]

@jjane - so very sorry - I have lost my baby brother too, different circumstances, but horrible loss just the same.  A pox on your family!!  I couldn't imagine it then but time does help although we think about him and miss him every day.  Sending hugs.

[Barb23]

Jjane, so sorry for your loss & your family problems.  It's such a shame that a death brings out the worst in people.  It happened in my husband's family.  My MIL still held a grudge against her brother when he was dying of cancer because of what was in their parent's wiils approx 25 years prior.  

[lookeyloo]

Where is churchhoney?  Things okay?

[jjane]

Wow guys, I can't begin to tell you how much your love and support means to me. I went to bed last night uplifted by the kindness my original post received and this morning there was even more. I think this is hitting me so hard because most of the family were affected by the devastating flood in August. My brother and sister lived in condos and their first floors flooded. Guess whose house they ended up at until they could rip out the carpet and walls downstairs and treat for mold so they could at least live on the second floor? Yep, mine. My sister's daughter and granddaughter lost everything when their trailer flooded. They've been in my fifth wheel camper ever since and are using my husband's truck for transportation. He bought himself a small used truck so he would have transportation. We brought our extra fridge to my sister so she could refrigerate her meds. The day before the flood my husband went over there and had to argue with them about bringing their cars to higher ground to save them, which he did by pulling them out of the parking lot that was starting to take on water. I couldn't get my niece to leave early because she said she had never flooded before. It took two boats, a stint on the roof of Dollar General, two army transport trucks and me and my husband to get her to us. In other words, when there is a problem, I'm the one figuring out a solution and banging my head against the wall when they refuse to see the problem. 

Fast forward to now, my husband has almost rebuilt the niece's trailer, my brother's condo was about a day away from being finished, and we, after spending months trying to get the sister to take the steps to deal with her insurance, finally were seeing some progress on hers, although she gave up and begged us to deal with the day to day. Now, after my brother finally succumbs to major medical issues, we get hit with this. I could deal with it for myself, because frankly this is the way its always been. Constantly fixing their messes and being kicked in the teeth. But my husband didn't marry these people and he's been right there with me helping them. So the fact that she is accusing him of theft when he's been killing himself rebuilding a trailer so her daughter and granddaughter will have a place to live makes me so sad but also so angry. I know the only thing to do is to put her out of my life, continue to help her daughter and granddaughter, and find a way to get over this. It's all mixed up with the way she neglected our parent's while they were alive and left everything to me while still bleeding them dry financially. I didn't get to this place in a week and I won't get over it in a week but I will do what I can when I can.

In the meantime, if you're still reading, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for your kindness and support. 

[frenchtoast]

So glad the procedure went well for you @Arwen Evenstar. Testing is rarely pleasant. It makes me long for Star Trek medicine. Especially when the 11 year old girl is trying to squirm out of her flu shot. 

I've been sneezing a lot lately. I blame @bigskygirl. Her allergies are rubbing off on me! But she's a gives out the chocolate with a generous hand, so I try not to complain.

[Arwen Evenstar]

15 minutes ago, frenchtoast said:

 

So glad the procedure went well for you @Arwen Evenstar. Testing is rarely pleasant. It makes me long for Star Trek medicine. Especially when the 11 year old girl is trying to squirm out of her flu shot. 

 

 

Thanks @frenchtoast, I can't wait for Star Trek medicine either. I get they can't see anything if we don't "clean out", but it's awful...leaves you drained, weak, gassy, and headachey. Prepopik was two 5 oz drinks that tasted like Sweetart candy, followed by a set amount of clear liquids you get to choose rather than GoLightly (nothing light about the go, and I'm told it's like drinking a gallon of bilge water). Im glad my doc favors this infinitely more humane method and gives you the professional sample if your insurance won't pay for it.

I told Mr Evenstar this.."If someone walked off the street and saw me lying here all hooked up to an IV in a gown, they'd think I was very sick.  Other than being overweight and having headaches as far as I know, I'm relatively in excellent health." It made me feel for those who are sick. Star Trek medicine cant come soon enough for all of us.

[Westiepeach]

2 hours ago, jjane said:

In the meantime, if you're still reading, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for your kindness and support. 

We are all here for you, jjane! {full frontal hugs}

[Nysha]

{{jjane}}, grief is hard enough, without all the negative family drama from your sister. I'm sorry you're having to go through all this. Hopefully, your niece appreciates all you and your husband are doing for her. 

[bigskygirl]

14 hours ago, Arwen Evenstar said:

Are you near or in  menopause or you had a hysto recently? I'm menopausal and my alllergies have never been worse.  It's common.

Many women found complete relief from endometriosis by giving up gluten...there's more of a link to the two than previously believed.

Hope you get relief soon from your tummy issues.

Yes, I am menopausal. I noticed my allergies getting worse after the radiation treatment and starting the one thyroid med. When my allergies act up, I get the chest pain/tightness, nose bleeds, sore throat, tmj, more tired, and the Acid Reflux/Gastritis flares up. I contacted the specialist this morning because my hyperthyroid symptoms are not getting better.

Sorry @frenchtoast about your sneezing. I noticed my thirteen year old cat Tia has been sneezing more lately also. Poor kitty! I try to be generous with my chocolate, but I do not share with my two fur babies since chocolate can be toxic for cats.

And to change the subject. There has been a shooting at a hotel in Helena. The suspect is still on the loose, and the schools in the East Helena district are on lockdown. There is a school in the area where I live, but I have no idea if it is on lockdown also. I have not seen or heard any sirens or law enforcement officers where I live. The poor guy who was shot did not make it.

[Arwen Evenstar]

@jjane...thanks for sharing your story. She sounds horrible, but the niece and granddaughter appear to be at least grateful for yours and your husband's help. 

You make me even more thankful for my own siblings. We all have enough and our parents were always fair to us about money and equal treatment. When my dad passed away, nobody fought with anyone about dad's personal effects.  We all decided who would have what because we all knew who liked the Beatles, or who liked woodworking ...etc...

Your husband sounds like he should be up for canonization. Cherish him...it's obvious from your writing he really loves you to put up with inlaws like that.  Losing my dad was tough enough. If I'm not the first to go, it will truly suck to say goodbye to any of the siblings that may predecease me.

Big hugs from the Lone Star State! 

[jjane]

Well, we are catholic but sainthood seems a little far off. He is a wonderful man who would give you the shirt off his back and his last dollar. He doesn't show feelings a lot and I've been surprised when meeting new people when they tell me the way he talks about me, as in he thinks I'm great. He's also sixty-eight and spending his new retirement doing physical labor to fix the trailer himself because so many people flooded here that contractors are incredibly hard to find. I hope I go first because I don't know what I'll do without him after 37 years.

[Happyfatchick]

@jjane, here's my hug, and here's my advice.  (Because we all know I'm the advice giver - or not...).  MicksPicks is exactly right that in times like these, someone ALWAYS steps over the line and hurts someone else's feelings.  I don't know why, but it happens.  I gave up everything - a business I adored, a house I loved, everything! to move into my moms basement and take care of her with Alzheimer's.  My brothers both took nice long hikes the other way and wore some serious blinders.  But recently, when I mentioned that to one of them, he raised his eyebrows and challenged me with "do you really want to have a pissing contest over who did more for Mama and Daddy over their lifetime?"  Because he did change light fixtures and he did prime their failing well 40 leven times - and was basically on call for any maintenance issues for the last 10 years.  And I get that, I really do.  I'm thinking moving in, taking on daily care, being on call 24 hours a day, roughly nine million doctor visits, 50 trips to ER, staying with Crazy Sadie in the hospital, managing type 1 diabetes AND Alzheimer's... I WIN.  But when he said that, I listened carefully and I could tell he honestly felt his contribution was equal to mine.  He didn't do enough maintenance to make a dent in the poverty line (if he'd been paid), but he came right up whenever he was needed.  And I decided it wasn't worth the tit for tat and gave up.  I don't want to deminish what he did, and I certainly don't want to damage the family fence.  

What I'm saying is just ignore your sister.  She wasn't thinking clearly either, and later, she will realize that and be sorry for it.  See if you can find the grace to ignore her.  I know it's hard because it's ongoing - just make up your mind that you are bigger than this issue.  Clearly you are the "thinker" and the do-er in this crowd and eventually this too shall pass.  You're doing what you can.  I'm so sorry you lost your little brother.  Was this the same brother who's condo was just about finished?  I'm sorry you're having to deal with cray-cray on top of losing him.

and finally, KUDOS to your husband for being superman!  He's a keeper, and you should tell him that every single day!  

[frenchtoast]

1 hour ago, bigskygirl said:

Yes, I am menopausal. I noticed my allergies getting worse after the radiation treatment and starting the one thyroid med. When my allergies act up, I get the chest pain/tightness, nose bleeds, sore throat, tmj, more tired, and the Acid Reflux/Gastritis flares up. I contacted the specialist this morning because my hyperthyroid symptoms are not getting better.

Sorry @frenchtoast about your sneezing. I noticed my thirteen year old cat Tia has been sneezing more lately also. Poor kitty! I try to be generous with my chocolate, but I do not share with my two fur babies since chocolate can be toxic for cats.

And to change the subject. There has been a shooting at a hotel in Helena. The suspect is still on the loose, and the schools in the East Helena district are on lockdown. There is a school in the area where I live, but I have no idea if it is on lockdown also. I have not seen or heard any sirens or law enforcement officers where I live. The poor guy who was shot did not make it.

Oh, that's a frightening time. Hope they find the guy, though at this point, he's probably long gone by now. I do believe that in the end, they will get caught.

My doggers would loooove to drink my coffee. Don't know what it is but his big long snout is right there hovering over my coffee cup in the morning when I'm on the computer. 

I've been thinking about your hubby, @lookeyloo and how he's been handling his anxiety. It seems like the doctor you found was  great help.

[jjane]

You're right Happyfatchick, this too shall pass and in the end I have my husband and my sister's daughter and grandchild. Unfortunately this is the  fourth death in the immediate family in less than two years and  she has acted out every time. I am trying to remember that she is very seldom rational due to the fact that she self-medicates to escape from the mess she has made of her life. So, I will continue to take care of people whether they appreciate it or not because that is what Mama modeled for me and I will seek out people to listen when it is too much. I am familiar via this forum with your family trials, as well as those of others, and admire the strength I have seen. Which is why I came here with this, and I appreciate the support I have been given.  All the full frontal hugs are truly welcomed and I hope to reciprocate when any of you need them.  Much Love.

[lookeyloo]

38 minutes ago, frenchtoast said:

 

 

 

I've been thinking about your hubby, @lookeyloo and how he's been handling his anxiety. It seems like the doctor you found was  great help.

I do appreciate your thoughts.  Here is an update.  He tried Celexa and Lexapro.  Both made him worse, really, hard to imagine.  Turns out they are basically the same drug.  But by that time he knew he had xanax as a backup, the attacks were getting less frequent and less severe and he decided to try and not focus on them, since he had assurance that they wouldn't kill him (although he felt like they would).  We found him an LCSW who he met with twice and that helped validate his feelings (I am an LCSW too, but, coming from someone else had a greater impact and that is why I found him someone else). I'm invited next week, but she thinks he is just about done with her.  He now infrequently has bouts of shaking chills, and his temperature drops.  None of the doctors are interested in this.  The internist yesterday said if they continue he will refer to an infectious disease doctor.  All of his blood work has continued to be normal although we don't have the results of yesterday's CBC.  I've had the suspicion that the bug that caused his sternal wound infection after his bypass surgery may have reactivated.  The infectious disease dr. who treated that said that if it never comes back, he is cured, and if it comes back, he isn't.  Can't know.  And it started with night sweats and chills with no fever.  And normal blood work.  He doesn't have night sweats at this point and he says he feels well, but I found the name of the dr. here at Emory that he saw for a second opinion those 4 or so years ago.  I really believe we will have at least one appointment with him.  He needs to put back on some weight.  Why do men just drop it like that?  Happened after his bypass surgery too.  The cardiologist told me to "fatten him up" which is hard to do on a heart healthy diet.  But we managed.  

I'm glad we have each other.  Sending FF hugs to all with a wish for peace and comfort!!

[Love2dance]

6 hours ago, Arwen Evenstar said:

Thanks @frenchtoast, I can't wait for Star Trek medicine either. I get they can't see anything if we don't "clean out", but it's awful...leaves you drained, weak, gassy, and headachey. Prepopik was two 5 oz drinks that tasted like Sweetart candy, followed by a set amount of clear liquids you get to choose rather than GoLightly (nothing light about the go, and I'm told it's like drinking a gallon of bilge water). Im glad my doc favors this infinitely more humane method and gives you the professional sample if your insurance won't pay for it. 

You were lucky, ARWEN EVENSTAR, that you were able to use the 5 oz drinks. Our insurance (Kaiser) won't approve it, and makes us use the gallon drinks. They say the smaller solutions are too hard on some people's systems, so none of us can use them. Ugh. I, too, would love Star Trek medicine.

[jjane]

2 hours ago, Happyfatchick said:

I'm so sorry you lost your little brother.  Was this the same brother who's condo was just about finished?  

I realized I didn't answer you on this point. Yes, he was the one who was flooded. Once the carpet and walls were out to forestall mold, he moved in upstairs and stayed there when he was  not in the hospital, which unfortunately was  a good while. He was lucky to be referred to a contractor who came from Alabama to help with the reconstruction. This man fronted the money to start, waited on money from the insurance, and most importantly, was a good man. He brought in the  groceries and  laundry my brother picked up from me and took them upstairs.  His men helped move whatever could be saved upstairs. He took him to pick up appliances and even took him to Walmart to buy a tire when he ruined one going over a curb. He did a great job on the house, told me he wanted to make it more masculine for him because it was pretty generic before. His suggestions always took his medical problems and disability into account, such as doing wood rather than carpet for stability and putting in a stairlift. There are truly angels among us and I thank God this man was in his life at this time.

[bigskygirl]

Good news! They caught the one suspect in Boulder this afternoon. Way to go officers! There was another arrest of a woman (dangerous drugs charges) related to the case. My heart goes out the man who died and his family and friends.

The nurse from the GI Clinic called with results from the test. Borderline slowing of stomach digesting may be the reasoning behind my symptoms. They suggest eating small meals during the day, and a low fiber/low residual? diet. The nurse practitioner will be sending me a copy of the diet. The endocrinologist ordered two thyroid blood tests and a mini chem blood test. The doctor office should call sometime tomorrow with the results.

[Arwen Evenstar]

52 minutes ago, bigskygirl said:

Good news! They caught the one suspect in Boulder this afternoon. Way to go officers! There was another arrest of a woman (dangerous drugs charges) related to the case. My heart goes out the man who died and his family and friends.

The nurse from the GI Clinic called with results from the test. Borderline slowing of stomach digesting may be the reasoning behind my symptoms. They suggest eating small meals during the day, and a low fiber/low residual? diet. The nurse practitioner will be sending me a copy of the diet. The endocrinologist ordered two thyroid blood tests and a mini chem blood test. The doctor office should call sometime tomorrow with the results.

Glad you're getting some answers. Smaller, more frequent meals are recommended for controlling weight, blood sugar levels, and other medical issues.  Maybe your system can only handle so much food at a time. I'm no medical doctor, just a nerdy engineer whose stomach was too weak to be one, but maybe the smaller more frequent meals could also line out the thyroid/ and the metabolic challenges thyroid issues pose. I'm sure that would be a great blessing.

57 minutes ago, bigskygirl said:

Good news! They caught the one suspect in Boulder this afternoon. Way to go officers! There was another arrest of a woman (dangerous drugs charges) related to the case. My heart goes out the man who died and his family and friends.

The nurse from the GI Clinic called with results from the test. Borderline slowing of stomach digesting may be the reasoning behind my symptoms. They suggest eating small meals during the day, and a low fiber/low residual? diet. The nurse practitioner will be sending me a copy of the diet. The endocrinologist ordered two thyroid blood tests and a mini chem blood test. The doctor office should call sometime tomorrow with the results.

Glad you're getting some answers. Smaller, more frequent meals are recommended for controlling weight, blood sugar levels, and other medical issues.  Maybe your system can only handle so much food at a time. I'm no medical doctor, just a nerdy engineer whose stomach was too weak to be one, but maybe the smaller more frequent meals could also line out the thyroid/ and the metabolic challenges thyroid issues pose. I'm sure that would be a great blessing to you if it works that way for you.

[GeeGolly]

Just wandering in to say hi to all you wonderful and caring posters.

[Ownedbydogs]

LJANE I am sorry for your loss.  Hugs and good thoughts are given.

[bigskygirl]

Looks like I am hypothyroid again, so new med dosage and another blood test in two months. I think my other symptoms are related to the Acid Reflux and other digestive issues, the crazy winter weather, and the nasty air inversions we have been having (causing the coughing, sneezing, and trying to adjust to the cold and snow.)

[lookeyloo]

@bigskygirl - sounds like you are on a path to figuring it out.  Just left cardiology appointment.  All that hoo-rah I had in June with chest pain and high fever and 3 days in hospital with lots of tests - no treatment, by morning I felt fine, but they went through with the testing.  She said there was never a diagnosis, but good to get it checked out.  During that time I was having GERD, hard to separate from chest pain, but I think it was related to the post nasal drip left over from the sinus infection plus seasonal allergies.  And, my thyroid meds got jerked around when we moved here, and since my fab oncologist decided what I was taking for 15 years before we moved indeed wouldn't kill me as the other drs said, he would monitor me and let me have my old combo back.  And, what do you know, I feel great again.  So, keep on keeping on, and one day you will get the magic mixture and you too will feel good.  At least I'm sending all that your way!!!

[emma675]

bigskygirl, are they checking your thyroid antibodies still? I only ask because I could never get my thyroid meds dialed in right until my antibodies calmed down (specifically my TSI and TPOAb ones). And if they aren't running Free T3 each and every time, insist! Weirdly, my TSH remains about the same every single lab, but if my FT3 is off at all, I have symptoms. I also had stomach issues when my thyroid levels were off (I used digestive enzymes to help mine and now I just use really good (meaning $$) probiotics). Good luck!

My head cold has settled in for the long haul and I'm not looking forward to flying on Sunday for another work trip. I try to avoid decongestants because I feel like they make things last longer (my nose gets dependent on them quickly, lol), but I gave up and used my Zicam Extreme Congestion Relief nose spray yesterday. I can breathe again for about 6 hours before I start stopping up again.

[bigskygirl]

The doctor is good about which thyroid blood tests to run. He also ordered a mini chem blood test because I was feeling like crap while I was drinking the nasty prep stuff for the first two tests. My mini chem blood test results showed no problems. This morning my sinuses were bothering me. I notice any time my allergies or sinuses act up my other medical issues kick in also. I did see the specialist in December and had a blood test and was feeling okay except for the blasted stomach cramps and digestive issues. Hopefully once the digestive issues start getting better, I will not be going back and forth between hypo and hyperthyroidism. Sadly, I think the damage has been done because of the radiation and being on too high of a thyroid med dosage for two years. At least the specialist here knows what he is doing and actually wants me to get better.

I hope your cold gets better. I cannot imagine traveling and having a cold at the same time.

[CherryMalotte]

JJane - I'm having a good thought for you, and please accept my condolences in the loss of your brother.  I'm very sorry that your sister is being a pain in the ass as well, it's times like these that you need help and not hindrances.  Sometimes...you just have to cut them off.  I'm not quite all the way there with my father, but it's getting close...so I understand.  Please feel free to vent your frustration here, Valhalla knows I've had to yap about my own numerous times and oddly enough it is a help.  A BIG help.  Lots of compassion here!

Speaking of thyroid...I'm back on pills myself and even with just taking them a week I'm finding them lifting me up.  My doc and I had a frank but good talk about my health and some of the small alarms I've been getting.  Time to adjust my diet and limit the stress Captain Oblivious causes.  I was actually pretty proud of myself, I've sorted out and ordered a replacement vehicle title for an old work truck of my parents, as soon as that arrives it can be signed over to the new owners.  Something that should have been done two or three years ago but wasn't.  I'm glad that I could accomplish that, if nothing else.  And Captain Oblivious has gotten his second cataract surgery, so while I'm hesitant to ever see him drive again that's another box checked.  

Is it Spring yet?  You know, blue skies, sun, green grass and leaves on trees?  Oh how I wish...

  

Edited January 28, 2017 by CherryMalotte
I dunno, it bolded everything...sorry

[bigskygirl]

They should change the name of the Low Fiber, Low Bulk Diet to the No Fun Diet or the Die with a T at the end Diet. I know I should not complain because I am lucky I still have my stomach, no cancer, no operation or no feeding tube, but I will be a cranky diet camper. I just wish the medical team I had when I first started showing the symptoms would have listen to me when I first started feeling like crap four years ago after starting the one medication. I also am kicking myself in the behind for not getting a second opinion or doing more research before having the Radiation Ablation Treatment. I was more healthier when I had my thyroid and was in remission for nine years. In fact, if my primary doctor would have treated me when I was mild hyperthyroid, I would not have went into full blown Graves Disease a month later leading to being sent to the out of town quack. Lesson learn the hard way.

[XinaMarie]

Popping in to say hi, if anyone remembers me. I still kibbitz every few months though I don't post very often. I've taken up a time consuming hobby, I've started listening to podcasts for entertainment during the day, and my sweet baby angel takes up the rest. I admire the emotional generosity of this community. This is a constant.  

Also I want to extend my sympathies to everyone with health issues. It make me feel very fortunate to have minor aches and pains. There is too much suffering in this world...and this board!

Edited January 29, 2017 by XinaMarie

[Arwen Evenstar]

54 minutes ago, bigskygirl said:

They should change the name of the Low Fiber, Low Bulk Diet to the No Fun Diet or the Die with a T at the end Diet. I know I should not complain because I am lucky I still have my stomach, no cancer, no operation or no feeding tube, but I will be a cranky diet camper. I just wish the medical team I had when I first started showing the symptoms would have listen to me when I first started feeling like crap four years ago after starting the one medication. I also am kicking myself in the behind for not getting a second opinion or doing more research before having the Radiation Ablation Treatment. I was more healthier when I had my thyroid and was in remission for nine years. In fact, if my primary doctor would have treated me when I was mild hyperthyroid, I would not have went into full blown Graves Disease a month later leading to being sent to the out of town quack. Lesson learn the hard way.

Don't be so hard on yourself @bigskygirl.  You had no way to know how any course of treatment was going to work out. Problem is that a lot of doctors don't look at the whole person...you fill out a bunch of crap that you wonder if they read...or how much they listen to you.

Many specialists are all about a particular disease, organ, system, gland, and don't bother to look at much else. It's really important to be our own advocate for our health and wellbeing, but it really must be tiring to go from doctor to doctor to test to procedure to find out that nobody can find any reason as to why you don't feel quite right or give you much in the way of help. 

Even though you're always glad to know there's nothing insidious going on, if something doesn't feel "right", keep complaining until you get your answer. 

My SIL lives in Puerto Rico, but because she's on some assistance for her medical, she has nothing but obstacles to get to see a doctor.  Even if she doesn't like her primary care doc, she can't even get another one. And this doc won't often refer her out to a specialist...thinks he knows it all.

BTW if your insurance won't cover something or still sticks you with a large percentage of cost because deductible, go to GoodRx.com....its free, and I saved over $250 on a generic my insurance wouldn't cover.

You can put the name of the drug, quantity, strength, form...most insurance won't pay for compounding, suppositories, some of the newer medications...they will let you know things like drug is expensive, new to market, not yet approved by some insurance, Medicare.  Those coupons of pay no more than $25 often only work if your insurance covers the drug...we checked to see if it worked in Puerto Rico and it DOES...usually PR is excluded.  Recommending it to everyone....sometimes it's cheaper to pay cash than use your insurance. Pharmacies vary widely.  It can be 14$ at Walgreens and 80$ at Walmart or vice versa...

Edited January 29, 2017 by Arwen Evenstar

[bigskygirl]

Believe me I question things big time now. I look up every medication, test, test results, and treatment plan. For example, last July when they put me on the med to help me sleep and feel better. After the first dose was taken, I was feeling worse and my vision was being affected. After taking the med three times and the symptoms were getting worse, I said no more med and no other med replacement. I am also not afraid to ask questions anymore. I am also picky about who I see when I am not feeling well. Like my endocrinologist said one time, it is your body, and you should know when and when you are not feeling well.

[Arwen Evenstar]

9 minutes ago, bigskygirl said:

Believe me I question things big time now. I look up every medication, test, test results, and treatment plan. For example, last July when they put me on the med to help me sleep and feel better. After the first dose was taken, I was feeling worse and my vision was being affected. After taking the med three times and the symptoms were getting worse, I said no more med and no other med replacement. I am also not afraid to ask questions anymore. I am also picky about who I see when I am not feeling well. Like my endocrinologist said one time, it is your body, and you should know when and when you are not feeling well.

Good for you. ?I think the older I get, the more I should listen to my body.  Right now, it's more important than ever with respect to some food sensitivities and how much of a medication or supplement I really DO need.  And being vigilant with respect to any changes in mood, appetite, GI symptoms, energy levels...

Since I'm not working full time, I've got more time to contemplate things and pay more attention. It's not been good for my wallet, but in the long run, might be worth it.

[Happyfatchick]

Random Sunday thoughts:

the weather has turned chilly again,. As much as I hate cold weather, I'm sort of relieved about this - spring in January is just WEIRD.

I pulled out a pair of thick socks today.  Clean, sitting there for 2 years.  In the toes were a balled up washed/dried pair of footie socks (which is obviously what I favor).  Almost like finding money in a coat pocket, right? Socks with 2 years' less wear on them than all my others.  Woohoo!  And speaking of money, I wore my heavy coat over the weekend and found a dollar folded into the shape of a paper airplane.  Still.  It was money.  (It's still there, so I can grin about it again next year on the one day it's cold enough to wear it).  

Lastly, I'm refinishing (repurposing) some furniture for the move to moms.  Sanding, scraping, painting, mineral spirits, goof off.  I wear gloves, but still my hands feel like sandpaper themselves.  And the nails...YUCK!!!  And I just examined my feet, which haven't seen flip flops (flippies) in months.  Either I need to do some work soon, or I need to sign up for an Amope commercial.  Ewwwww!!!!

winter: the season for hiding the nasty

Confession: I have a mom crush on Jesse Watters.  Does anyone know who that is?  Awhile back, he did a piece on an alien convention and I laughed till I cried.  I can't stand O'Reilly (which is where Watters is usually), but I love me some Watters.  Waters often does random questions (like on a beach, showing vacationers pics of past presidents and asking them to identify them).  It's a riot!  He's holding up a pic of Jimmy Carter and people are saying "that guy was a President???"  Snort!  I think the alien thing was on YouTube.  If not, i can maybe post if I can figure out how.  Too funny!  I DO want to figure out how to post before/after pics of my repurposed buffet turned kitchen island.  WAAAAAY too cute!!!

Falcons in the SUPER!!!

[lookeyloo]

@Happyfatchick - and we are weather weenies, coming from South Louisiana.  I even got myself a hat to wear in cold weather but it hasn't been cold enough or I haven't been outside enough to use it.  Please try and figure out how to post the before and after pictures of the buffet/kitchen island!!

[Arwen Evenstar]

Contemplating this barium scan this coming Friday..it is what it is..and I'll be glad when it's over...so I can be done with it once and for all...follow any recommended diet and lifestyle changes...and live my life. I know more what to expect now and I'm sure prep won't be as bad since I already got a good purge 10 days before I have to do it again, just dreading the two days after it's going to take to get over the headache from dehydration...funny how a 30 minute test impacts your life for 4 days.

I'm starting to feel like Cartman from South Park!

 

[Micks Picks]

Arwen I don't know why less intrusive tests for our bodies are not done.  Somebody must have a better way.  Come on we spend a lot on medicine, let's gets better testing far less intrusive to the patient.

HFC  Better believe I'm a Jesse fan.  After all, it's Water's world, and we're in it.  Has his own show on the weekend for an hour. Are people really that clueless?  Yes, they are.

[bigskygirl]

Looks like winter is not over in Montana since we will be under a winter storm watch on Tuesday with a couple of days of colder weather and the following week we could be dealing freezing rain or freezing rain/snow mixture.

And on the subject of tests and procedures, I have had more tests, doctor appointments, and medical procedures in the last two years than my husband has. I find it weird since he was the one who was given two weeks to live, three years of dialysis, a kidney transplant, and diabetes caused by a lovely side effect from one of his anti-rejection meds. His vision is even better than mine. Go figure.

[Arwen Evenstar]

35 minutes ago, Micks Picks said:

 

Arwen I don't know why less intrusive tests for our bodies are not done.  Somebody must have a better way.  Come on we spend a lot on medicine, let's gets better testing far less intrusive to the patient.

 

 

They probably do, but either nobody's  insurance will pay for it yet unless you're a celebrity, president, or billionaire.... or the FDA/AMA hasn't cleared it yet...even the camera swallow probably requires the clean out and may be expensive...or they won't pay for something until several hoops have already been jumped through or you've tried this or that procedure first.

I agree, for as much as we already spend on health care, we should be getting foot massages every day!!!  I'm wondering how similar some of these procedures and tests are to what Mengele did ...or what the Geneva convention would have had to say about some of these. ...Or if these were just created by some doctor who had a sick fetish.