What's Your Ailment?

[Huntn]

March 2024- Still weening myself off Prednisone, down to 6 mg per day, my impression of end game, get off prednisone completely, take Actemra for some period of time after (it lowers your immune system to prevent the return of an auto-immune disease) and just hope there is no relapse of the Temporal Arteritis or discover what level of medicine (steroids or Actemra) is required to keep it at bay.. This is what I’m getting from the doctor. Using the Actemra, I found a $6k grant to reduce my cost. Under Medicare with RX coverage, it appears that the medicine runs about a $100 a month, about $2000 during the Medicare donut hole (gap in coverage) and then back to $100 a month (4 injections per month).

So far no relapse with the Subcapsular Urinoma (Kidney leaking) as far as I know. In a couple months I’ll get another CT Scan which seems to be the way to identify the condition in advance of symptoms of abdominal pain.

Question regarding toenail fungus-. Anyone here ever get laser treatment for it? How many sessions and did it return? Over the decades, this is the third time I’ve had it. This last time, I took 2 rounds of oral medicine, 3 months each time, and it was no longer effective. I was going to see a podiatrist about laser treatment, but this other stuff popped up last fall, so I put it off.

 

[CMoore515]

Question regarding toenail fungus-. Anyone here ever get laser treatment for it? How many sessions and did it return? Over the decades, this is the third time I’ve had it. This last time, I took 2 rounds of oral medicine, 3 months each time, and it was no longer effective. I was going to see a podiatrist about laser treatment, but this other stuff popped up last fall, so I put it off.

I had my nail taken off several years ago without laser treatment cause insurance doesn't cover it and I was broke, and mine came back when the nail came back. I don't think the Doctor properly killed the nail bed though.

 

[boswald]

This thread is truly humbling. Whenever I consider one of my problems unbearable, I come here and realize how much worse others are. It's sad, awakening and shocking all at once. I truly feel sorry for those who are suffering far worse than me.

 

[EllieCat]

I currently have a cold along with spring allergies. It feels horrible…

 

[a-m-k]

I bruise easily because of anti-seizure meds. 🤨

 

[fanboy-ish]

I bruise easily because of anti-seizure meds. 🤨

I'm really sorry to hear that. Is it possible, in your case, to consider a different anti-seizure drug? Is the drug controlling your seizure?

 

[a-m-k]

I don't know. I don't have to go back to my Neurologist until August or unless I have an unexpected Tonic Clonic seizure. (Formerly known as a Grand Mal seizure.)

 

[Huntn]

Chapter 9- Off To The Races.

As you may recall in the last Chapter, I dashed from one hospital to another (Sat 25 Nov) because the first hospital would not accept me (thank goodness) but there was a price to pay, wreathing in pain, howling at the sky, contemplating my soon to be altered existence.

For anyone who says “what the hell, why was an ambulance not taking you?“ The last time my wife rode an ambulence 5 miles to the hospital, it was attempted extortion by the County of $5k, later negotiated down to $2k and when I left the first hospital, there was no significant pain, after the doctor pressed all over my abdomen, and I was stable.

While in the new hospital, my new urologist, Dr. S had conferred with the Emergency Room Doctor, Dr.H and the plan was for me to see him see him on Monday, 27Nov, which I actually managed to do, having to hit the phone, first thing Monday morning, penetrating his office‘s antiquated phone system no one answering, leaving multiple messages. Having them call me back almost felt like a miracle!

The plan in his office was to send out an imaging order for a CT scan with enhanced contrast to the hospital, so the doctor could get a better picture of what was going on in my gut, before pulling out his scalpel. So that week of 27Nov, I went about my business, saw my New primary doctor on Tuesday (28th) and got her up to speed.

Saw my rheumatologist on Wednesday (29th) regarding my Temporal Arteritis*, the plan there is to ween me down off the high dose of Prednisone, to something more healthy without bringing my symptoms (severe headaches, and risk of damaged optic nerve) back.

*I had been calling it Athritis, which is incorrect.

About Wed (29Nov) , I had expected the Hospital to have called me, and while in the Urologist’s office that previous Monday, I had asked the front desk staff about the “imaging order”, one of the girls had it, but was complaining that something was missing, and I actually left there thinking, “ah, they will take care of it”.

So on Wed (29Nov), I called Dr. S’s office 4 times and ended up leaving 4 urgent messages. These messages were urgent, because although I had been given trusty hard core pain management”medicine on the previous Saturday, about Tuesday my abdominal pain had increased to a point where I had to start taking hydrocodone pill every 4 hours and where I could no longer sleep in bed due to pain, where my easy chair had sufficed to sleep in for several nights, it was no longer sufficient to stave off my abdominal side, back pain. In other words things were coming to a boil for a second time. 😳

Then I get an “oops” message from Dr. S’s office the order had been delayed to the hospital. No, not possible? 🤔

I arrive at Thursday (30Nov) morning 4am with acute pain on my right side. Joe, my kidney is very unhappy, but not yet spasing out. That would be the pulsing, undulating, pushing nails out into my cut feeling that freezes me in my tracks. I wake my wife and ask her to take me to the hospital, a 20 mile drive. I recline the seat on the Toyota to about 50 degrees, gingerly climb in and fortunately Joe is semi-satisfied it is not being abused by me.

At the hospital, I get the CT with enhanced contrast, constantly in debilitating “give me a couple minutes” pain as any pressure put on my abdomen based on normal movements sets off Joe. The ER doctor consults with someone and they decide to put a drain (needle, tube, external 600 ml bag) into the “liquid filled” cyst.

I’m lightly sedated in an operating room, am told there will be a slight pinch as a needle is inserted into my side. Almost immediately the pain recedes as the bag starts to fill. Repeatedly emptied about 2.5 liters flows out, like formerly having an extra half gallon milk jug taking up space in my gut pressing up against my kidney.

I’m admitted to the hospital for observation. I have to say I had the best hospital food I’ve ever eaten. The next morning Dr.S. the urologist walks in my room with good news, I don’t have a giant damaged kidney with big cyst inside, but a giant liquid filled cyst that is semi surrounding the kidney and that now that the cyst is draining, relieving pressure on the kidney, the kidney is function is returning to normal! Great news, and they were going to release me from the hospital. The plan is to meet with the urologist, this morning 5Dec and decide on the next step.

Because they had been recording how much liquid was draining from the cyst at the hospital, no one asked me, but I continued to monitor this from home as I continued to empty the cyst bag that I keep in the pocket of my pants. It’s been draining at a variable rate of 22-100 ML per hour. The liquid was red, then over the weekend transistioned to pink, and now is a light tan color, but it still flowing. The doctor had mentioned something about it drying up, but so far it has not. I could easily imagine, the next step is to pluck that sucker out. Not so fast, more to come…

I finally got a bill for last Nov, kidney issue as described in the post above. This was for one night in the hospital. A minor operation was conducted to put a drain in my kidney, they barely sedated me, and the procedure was about 15 minutes to poke a hole in my side. That part of the bill for the operation, including anesthesia was $10k. But it's deceptive on a couple of levels.

The Bill:
Hospital Charge: $39000
- Operation $8k (minimalist 15 min procedure)
- Anesthesia- $2.5k
- CT Scan- $9.5k
Total Insurance Adjust -$37740 (wiped away by insurance)
______________
Medicare Paid- $1360
I paid- $100.

• First off, Medicare! You've got to love it from a patient expense standpoint.There is no way that an average person could afford the initial bill listed above.
• 2nd- $39000 charge, even if it was not paid, for 1 night in the hospital? Ridiculous. Back when on regular company insurance before medicare, my wife spent 3 hrs in an Emergency room for heat exhaustion, where very little wa done and the bill was $5k that we had to pay. 😤
• 3rd- How can the hospital operate getting reimbursed $1360 for what they did do?? Do they hate Medicare? But is the initial bill a huge tax scheme to show big losses?? 🤔

 

[VulchR]

I finally got a bill for last Nov, kidney issue as described in the post above. This was for one night in the hospital. A minor operation was conducted to put a drain in my kidney, they barely sedated me, and the procedure was about 15 minutes to poke a hole in my side. That part of the bill for the operation, including anesthesia was $10k. But it's deceptive on a couple of levels.

The Bill:
Hospital Charge: $39000
- Operation $8k (minimalist 15 min procedure)
- Anesthesia- $2.5k
- CT Scan- $9.5k
Total Insurance Adjust -$37740 (wiped away by insurance)
______________
Medicare Paid- $1360
I paid- $100.

• First off, Medicare! You've got to love it from a patient expense standpoint.There is no way that an average person could afford the initial bill listed above.
• 2nd- $39000 charge, even if it was not paid, for 1 night in the hospital? Ridiculous. Back when on regular company insurance before medicare, my wife spent 3 hrs in an Emergency room for heat exhaustion, where very little wa done and the bill was $5k that we had to pay. 😤
• 3rd- How can the hospital operate getting reimbursed $1360 for what they did do?? Do they hate Medicare? But is the initial bill a huge tax scheme to show big losses?? 🤔

Glad to hear you're not bankrupted by this! The hospital charged $39K because they manage to get some people to pay absurd bills like that, one way or the other.

Anyway, the important thing is that I hope you are OK.

 

[Huntn]

Glad to hear you're not bankrupted by this! The hospital charged $39K because they manage to get some people to pay absurd bills like that, one way or the other.

Anyway, the important thing is that I hope you are OK.

I got a CT scan yesterday to check on the status of my kidney. 🤞Right now everything feels ok, and I have been working out in the gym as usual.

 

[Richard8655]

I finally got a bill for last Nov, kidney issue as described in the post above. This was for one night in the hospital. A minor operation was conducted to put a drain in my kidney, they barely sedated me, and the procedure was about 15 minutes to poke a hole in my side. That part of the bill for the operation, including anesthesia was $10k. But it's deceptive on a couple of levels.

The Bill:
Hospital Charge: $39000
- Operation $8k (minimalist 15 min procedure)
- Anesthesia- $2.5k
- CT Scan- $9.5k
Total Insurance Adjust -$37740 (wiped away by insurance)
______________
Medicare Paid- $1360
I paid- $100.

• First off, Medicare! You've got to love it from a patient expense standpoint.There is no way that an average person could afford the initial bill listed above.
• 2nd- $39000 charge, even if it was not paid, for 1 night in the hospital? Ridiculous. Back when on regular company insurance before medicare, my wife spent 3 hrs in an Emergency room for heat exhaustion, where very little wa done and the bill was $5k that we had to pay. 😤
• 3rd- How can the hospital operate getting reimbursed $1360 for what they did do?? Do they hate Medicare? But is the initial bill a huge tax scheme to show big losses?? 🤔

Glad everything went well and costs were covered. Those charges are really behind the pale excessive, and why healthcare is so expensive in this country. Among the highest in the world.

I just pity those folks who have no insurance or are not of Medicare age and in similar circumstances with such a bill. This wouldn't be a worry in countries with national healthcare. (hope I don't get moderator lambasted for politics!)

 

[dannyyankou]

Anyone tried any of the GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy? I have issues with obesity and fat on the liver, and I have trouble losing weight. My insurance covers Wegovy for obesity, and I just started taking it today.

Any success stories or issues with side effects here? I'm interested to see how this goes.

 

[Huntn]

Anyone tried any of the GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy? I have issues with obesity and fat on the liver, and I have trouble losing weight. My insurance covers Wegovy for obesity, and I just started taking it today.

Any success stories or issues with side effects here? I'm interested to see how this goes.

My wife takes Ozempic for diabetes, taking a smaller dose. She reports it makes her less hungry by, she says disturbing her stomach and changing her taste buds. On the larger dose for weight loss which she did not mean to get on, she said her stomach was upset including some nausea, which I imagine helps you eat less. 😉 The thing is, as with most ”weight cures” it will help you lose weight, but when you get off it, there will still be the challenge of keeping it off. Not sure how good it is to be taking long term. 🤔

 

[Queen6]

Nothing hopefully, suffered A plural pneumonia in my mid thirties family was warned off. Was in intensive care for several weeks. Mid forties contracted a form of Typhoid, still have some nerve damage. Took over a year to fully recover. made the pneumonia feel like a common cold. Was an out patient for over a year... Chinese tradition medicine finally cured.

I dont take medication or over indulge in alcohol or do drugs. I'm sincerely grateful to all those that helped me in my moment of need 🙏 especially Typhoid as it's communicable, they knowingly put themselves in the firing line...

Nurses in the day had their fun, to clear out the malingers "your the guy with Typhoid" clears the room in a heartbeat LOL. Obviously noncommunicable at this stage, never again as is a long road to recovery...

Q-6

 

[Apple fanboy]

Today my body hates me due to a challenging hike. My Behçet’s disease feels like it might flare up. Basically 100’s of ulcers in my mouth and other places. Hopefully it’s a mild attack. A server attack can see my with not many food choices. But I’ve not had an attack like that for a few years.

 

[Huntn]

Nothing hopefully, suffered A plural pneumonia in my mid thirties family was warned off. Was in intensive care for several weeks. Mid forties contracted a form of Typhoid, still have some nerve damage. Took over a year to fully recover. made the pneumonia feel like a common cold. Was an out patient for over a year... Chinese tradition medicine finally cured.

I dont take medication or over indulge in alcohol or do drugs. I'm sincerely grateful to all those that helped me in my moment of need 🙏 especially Typhoid as it's communicable, they knowingly put themselves in the firing line...

Nurses in the day had their fun, to clear out the malingers "your the guy with Typhoid" clears the room in a heartbeat LOL. Obviously noncommunicable at this stage, never again as is a long road to recovery...

Q-6

I’ve been taking Pneumonia vaccines, I can’t remember if this is annual or not. 🤔 I’ll assume they are available to you now. The annual Flu/Covid inoculations are arriving soon. Happy to say I’ve not contracted COVID yet, knock on wood. What I don’t know is if inoculated, and you get it, if long COVID is still a possibility?

Regarding previously reported issues, my Kidney Urinoma seems to have subsided. For the Temporal Arteritis, I’ve been off Prednisone, but taking an expensive medication, Actemra to keep it at bay. Not sure how long I’ll be taking this. 🤔

 

[GrayFlannel]

March 2024- Still weening myself off Prednisone…

What do you mean you are weening yourself off Prednisone? The doctor does that not you.

 

[Huntn]

What do you mean you are weening yourself off Prednisone? The doctor does that not you.

Sorry you don’t like the way I said it. “I” was following a doctor approved schedule that reduced my consumption of prednisone. I have been off prednisone for 3 months now. 🙂

 

[GrayFlannel]

“I” was following a doctor approved schedule…

Excellent. Thanks for clarifying.

 

[Huntn]

Ok, about 3 months ago I was clearing brush behind the house tripped on the underbrush, and managed to fall on a stick that stabbed the underside of my arm near the wrist. My hand felt numb. I went to urgent care where they cleaned my wound and the doctor advised me I likely had nerve damage, either impact or it was cut, which may or may it heal on its own. Three months later and my middle finger remains fairly numb, my index finger less numb, my hand is functional but it’s annoying. I have a 3/4” scar. I’ve seen an orthopedic surgeon, who says the same, the nerve may heal and could take 6 months to heal, but has sent me to a hand, plastic surgeon, who does micro repair for a second opinion, who I‘ll see on Thursday.

As far as nerve repair, I had no clue. The orthopedic surgeon say they slice in, clean up the area, if there’s a separation, they bring the ends together, staple them and then wrap it with a dissolvable sleeve. It appears to me that they are encouraging the nerve to heal properly. On Thursday I’ll see the guy who works with a microscope if needed.

Of note, with my secondary insurance this would be $100 out patient surgery.

 

[Huntn]

Ok, about 3 months ago I was clearing brush behind the house tripped on the underbrush, and managed to fall on a stick that stabbed the underside of my arm near the wrist. My hand felt numb. I went to urgent care where they cleaned my wound and the doctor advised me I likely had nerve damage, either impact or it was cut, which may or may it heal on its own. Three months later and my middle finger remains fairly numb, my index finger less numb, my hand is functional but it’s annoying. I have a 3/4” scar. I’ve seen an orthopedic surgeon, who says the same, the nerve may heal and could take 6 months to heal, but has sent me to a hand, plastic surgeon, who does micro repair for a second opinion, who I‘ll see on Thursday.

As far as nerve repair, I had no clue. The orthopedic surgeon say they slice in, clean up the area, if there’s a separation, they bring the ends together, staple them and then wrap it with a dissolvable sleeve. It appears to me that they are encouraging the nerve to heal properly. On Thursday I’ll see the guy who works with a microscope if needed.

Of note, with my secondary insurance this would be $100 out patient surgery.

Saw a hand specialist yesterday. He says I have a minimal nerve damage to the median nerve, and that when a sensory nerve is damaged, partially cut, and then heals, it‘s not like plugging an electrical cord into a receptacle, that the circuit is not instantaneously restored to the effected area , that from the damaged area, the circuit must be reestablished at the rate of 1mm a month from the injury to the effected fingers. And that with this kind of injury, my body has greater ability to fix this than a surgeon does and to wait and see how it goes. 🤔

He also said damage to the Ulnar nerve (funny bone nerve) that controls movement vs sensory would be much more serious and would require immediate attention, because a broken connection there not restored could cause permanent impairment.

What Are the Major Nerves of the Hand? - Hand and Wrist Institute

Learn about peripheral nerves in the forearm, wrist, and hand. Discover functions, potential issues, and symptoms. Consult specialists at The Hand and Wrist Institute for personalized care.

handandwristinstitute.com

 

[Huntn]

@VulchR no need to feel sad. i’m doing well. My hand is functional, it feels tingly, the tip of my middle finger is numbish, but I can still launch my character into a group of criminals in a dash, slice and dice whirl wind and live most of the time. (computer Game reference obviously).

 

[cwosigns]

Anyone tried any of the GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy? I have issues with obesity and fat on the liver, and I have trouble losing weight. My insurance covers Wegovy for obesity, and I just started taking it today.

Any success stories or issues with side effects here? I'm interested to see how this goes.

Wondering how your progress is going. In May I started Zepbound (another GLP-1 medication that also has a GIP agonist). I too have struggled with my weight and had fatty liver. My NAFDL was pretty advanced, and I could feel my liver. Today I cannot feel my liver and have lost 34% of my starting weight.

 

[dannyyankou]

Wondering how your progress is going. In May I started Zepbound (another GLP-1 medication that also has a GIP agonist). I too have struggled with my weight and had fatty liver. My NAFDL was pretty advanced, and I could feel my liver. Today I cannot feel my liver and have lost 34% of my starting weight.

Oh wow, congrats! I started on July 27, and my starting weight was 240. This morning, I was 224. So it seems like I’m progressing at an average pace, but it’s my 2nd week on 1.0mg and I really feel the appetite suppression kicking in. I just bought a big case of protein shakes and high protein yogurts at Costco yesterday. I’m literally about to open a protein bar right now lol.

 

[cwosigns]

Oh wow, congrats! I started on July 27, and my starting weight was 240. This morning, I was 224. So it seems like I’m progressing at an average pace, but it’s my 2nd week on 1.0mg and I really feel the appetite suppression kicking in. I just bought a big case of protein shakes and high protein yogurts at Costco yesterday. I’m literally about to open a protein bar right now lol.

Congrats on your progress. A friend of mine lost 150 lbs. on Wegovy, so there is definitely potential for tremendous success.

I hear you on the Costco stuff. I spent $60 there Sunday on protein (pork, chicken, Chomps, yogurt). I get all of my protein there and all of my fruits and veggies at Trader Joe's.