Posts by Maria Booth96

I’m jumping in here because it just makes the most sense.

I was supposed to get an Aldo-Renin test along with a few other labs done, then follow up with my nephrologist. My doctor handed me the referrals back in late September.

I went in to get everything checked at the start of October, figuring I’d have the results within three weeks—well before the referral expired. But when I got to the lab, they told me: "We can do some tests now, but we're out of reagents for others, so you'll have to wait."
So I waited. One month, two months... I kept checking in, but nothing. I finally got the results in the mail just a few days ago. Honestly, I'm already on medication because my blood pressure has been through the roof, and I really wanted to get my treatment plan sorted sooner. I'm seeing the nephrologist this Thursday.
Now, I'm wondering if that referral from September still counts; can they just update the date, or is it basically dead?

It feels awkward asking the doctor for a brand-new referral. I'd honestly rather pay out-of-pocket for the visit than deal with the hassle if they can just fix the date. I've managed to do that before, but never after three and a half months, and definitely not when moving into a new calendar year.
Thanks a lot.

Since the discussion about medical record privacy spiraled out of control in the abortion thread, I figured I’d start this separate topic to move those posts here so we don't clutter the other one. 🙂

melloworca6

boldridge92 said:I have a question—if you go to public hospitals like Mayo Clinic, does everything get logged in your patient file?! It crossed my mind because you need a referral and Medicare coverage even if you're paying out of pocket. It wouldn't be great if every doctor you visit could just pull up something like that in the system.😲 In private clinics, that shouldn't be an issue, right? If anyone knows, please let me know ASAP.

I'm not trying to hijack the conversation, especially since people are getting pretty vocal about medical records here. But I do want to point something out.

It makes sense for a doctor to know that info for your own good, and honestly, it's smart to be upfront during your medical history. Every time a gynecologist opens a file, they ask these questions because they actually matter. Researchers look at links between miscarriages and certain diseases, so knowing if a pregnancy was the first or the fourth is vital.

Think about it: if a hematologist asks you for professional reasons, "Have you ever had a miscarriage?"—and they need to know because a specific blood disorder only shows up during a first pregnancy—what happens if you say, "No, why do you care?"

If a doctor finds out, it's not like they're just snooping. 🤷

Kevin Bailey2 said:First time I've ever heard of mites living in a wooden cabinet.
Honestly, doesn't sound likely at all.
Just wipe it down with some disinfectant or rubbing alcohol and you're good.

I did some digging online. It looks like they actually don't settle or build up much there.
My wardrobe should be arriving soon.😍

On another note, do you know anything about mites in a car—like under the seats or inside them—if it's an older vehicle?

If it’s okay to ask here, please leave me be; if not, feel free to move this to the right sub.🙂 My bad.

So, my better half and I decided to pick up an old wall-to-wall shelving unit. It’s a solid piece—not worn out at all. Most people used it for books (which is our plan), but it’s an older model from the mid-eighties. Probably been around for 25-30 years. It looks functional enough to me, and it has a nice oak veneer.

I’m an allergy sufferer when it comes to dust mites, though I usually have it pretty well under control. It’s annoying, but it only flares up for maybe two or three weeks a year. Our mattresses are new and hypoallergenic, the sofa was bought just two years ago straight from the manufacturer—(for anyone with allergies, seriously, you have to check the manufacturing date. I still remember helping my late aunt pick out a couch for her place; something sitting in a warehouse since 2005 might have been manufactured back in 1997. It’s technically "new" because it hasn't sold, but it's been collecting dust particles for eight years before you even bring it home.) We don't have carpets, curtains are out of the question, and it's basically just books everywhere. And we'd be putting them behind glass. 🙂

Does anyone know if there could actually be dust mites living inside the shelving unit itself? Honestly, it sounds unlikely to me, almost impossible, but I want to be safe. I know they usually hang out in upholstered items, but I wanted to see if anyone more knowledgeable could weigh in.
Thanks👍

electricwalker35 said:Hey 😉

I'm looking for some nephrology recommendations. If anyone has any firsthand experience or has heard anything through the grapevine, let me know!
Who are the best nephrologists in the US? I need someone where you aren't waiting months just to get an appointment.

In my opinion, Jane Doe over at Mercury is great. It’s a standard referral, maybe about a month's wait. The only thing is you might run a few hours behind schedule because she actually takes the time to sit down with every patient.

I don't really have any leads on others. Good luck.👍