Posts by Tyler Diaz4

Samuel Foster4 said:Hello!
I’m struggling with certain speech sounds—specifically "c," "z," "s," and "l"—so I'm looking to see a speech pathologist. Most of the programs I find online seem geared toward children; does anyone know of specialists who work with adults? And is there any hope for someone my age (24)?
Also, how does the billing work? Is it out-of-pocket, or can I go through my insurance (and if so, do I need a referral)?
Thanks!

You can use your health insurance at Savage.
The process is as follows: first, get a referral for a diagnostic speech pathologist from your primary care physician.
They will determine which tests are necessary, and once those are complete, you'll be placed on a waiting list for a therapist. Expect a wait of about 6 to 12 months.🙂

Laura Gomez31 said:Please 🙂, what she and her partner choose to do is strictly their own business; a woman isn't here to be lectured by others! The fact that she is even asking this question proves she is being responsible.

Cocaine creates an incredibly potent psychological addiction. Coming down from cocaine leads to depression and other negative emotions, making the craving to use again extremely intense. Once usage becomes a habit, quitting is incredibly difficult; withdrawal symptoms include intense cravings, apathy, depression, paranoia, suicidal ideation, loss of libido, and insomnia. Often, more cocaine is consumed simply to avoid these effects.
Research has shown that animals with access to intravenous heroin will consume it indefinitely, yet they still find time to eat and sleep. If, however, they have access to cocaine, they will use it constantly, neglecting almost everything else. As long as they are physically capable, they will continue seeking new doses. Within a few weeks, or even days, they will lose significant body weight, and within a month, they will die.

If both partners are using or have used cocaine, I believe one should carefully consider the implications for offspring and consult with a psychiatrist and a gynecologist first (since we are all "lecturing" here 🤷).
Ultimately, no one can stop them; everyone decides for themselves and their children.

Jonathan Hall4 said:I am no longer certain about the current state of public healthcare since I have completely given up on it.
I would much rather pay private providers—and I don't regret the expense—than deal with the public system. Unless you are essentially bribing people, you end up waiting years just for an appointment or basic tests.
In my case, I waited two years for a checkup. Once I landed a job, I used my second paycheck to go to a private clinic instead; the doctor there was actually concerned when he saw my test results and realized how long I had been forced to wait because the public system failed to provide them.

It feels to me like anyone who is truly sick and can afford a private doctor will eventually seek one out.
Meanwhile, the public system seems to cater to those who imagine they are ill just to collect disability checks or those who simply want someone to talk to.
As for those who are genuinely unwell, they ultimately pay out of pocket because they realize they simply cannot afford to wait any longer.

That isn't entirely accurate... we still have many highly skilled professionals in our healthcare system... most of them, in fact...
The issue is the wait times... though, some of those tests aren't even necessary... it’s just a way to drain funds...

Carol Ramirez39 said:Yes, unfortunately, it’s true. I speak from personal experience here. I consider myself an exception to the rule and take pride in that, but thanks to corrupt doctors and nurses, I often find myself regretting my career in healthcare.

...and me too...

Carol Ramirez39 said:This is an excellent topic. I work in healthcare—not as a doctor, but I am closely tied to their practice. The situation is grim. What I witness firsthand at work is truly frustrating; sometimes, people hand over envelopes of cash right in front of me without a shred of shame. Occasionally, patients even complain to me about having to pay under the table. It is painfully obvious who has paid their way through and who hasn't, leaving the poor patient without connections or extra cash to suffer. Barring the exceptions, which I must emphasize, there are still doctors who perform their duties conscientiously and without bias, but unfortunately, they are becoming an endangered species.
I believe there is also a significant flaw in our national mentality, where a large portion of the population feels obligated to tip a doctor, while few actually refuse. I suspect people "clear their consciences" by rationalizing that these professionals are underpaid anyway. Again, hats off to the exceptions.

We all chose our own paths...
...unfortunately, because of individuals like this—not just doctors, but nurses too—those who perform their jobs professionally and ethically suffer the reputation of the entire profession.
It bothers me to be lumped in with people of that caliber.
...but while the public just gossips about it in waiting rooms, over coffee, or at the local market, rather than addressing it within the institutions where it belongs...🤷
...one can only imagine how a gynecologist might lack competence in a clinic run by the Democratic Party, yet acts like an expert with a smile at a private practice. The same question applies to the Republican Party...
Another disgusting thing from my long career: seeing someone demand a kid's lunch money—just a soda and a candy bar—in exchange for a fake doctor's note. A real lesson for a fifteen-year-old... and

how high would salaries have to be for Americans to finally become honest?
The judiciary, the business sector, and... politics.
But that is a conversation for another time.

Laura Jackson45 said:For the sake of a research study, I would ask you to weigh in via this survey based on your own experience, whether direct or indirect.

Otherwise, what is your take on this?

Unfortunately, petty bribery and major corruption are daily occurrences within the American healthcare system.
Much of this stems from the patients themselves, who offer gifts or fail to report certain behaviors.
It starts small—bringing a nurse a coffee just to ensure better care. It's distasteful. It is degrading for both the giver and the receiver.

While coffee or chocolate might be minor, once you see people handing out gift cards, high-end groceries, or even gold and cash to doctors, it becomes clear that our social ethics haven't truly evolved.
Another massive issue in healthcare is how pharmaceutical giants recruit physicians to push their specific medications. A staggering amount of money is funneled into these schemes at the patient's expense.

Jonathan Miller82 said:I'm having some stomach issues. My doctor recommended a breath test, so I'm wondering where I can get one done and where it might be most affordable. I'm based in Washington, D.C.! If anyone has any info, I'd really appreciate it. It's urgent. Thanks!

Breath tests are available at private labs, through certain primary care physicians, or at local hospitals.
It's a simple, painless procedure that takes about 30 minutes.
You need to do it on an empty stomach.

The accuracy depends heavily on the quality of the breath sample provided.
The analysis should be conducted by trained professionals in accredited laboratories.

The cost is roughly $350 - $133

Scott Davis32 said:That’s nonsense, and it brings us right to a moral crossroads. When we called 911 and the paramedics, my brother was in a terrible state; he had completely shut down, wouldn't communicate with anyone, and was eating just enough to survive while playing the same song on loop all day. I have to ask: is it truly humane to sit by and watch someone spiral into ruin right in front of us? 😢
As for the idiots who drafted such a law—where if you commit someone to necessary treatment against their will, they can just sue you afterward—I’d rather walk into the wilderness than deal with that. They clearly haven't dealt with schizophrenia or similar conditions. There simply needs to be an exception clause; when someone suffers from schizophrenia, their grasp on reality is broken, so how can they be expected to maintain autonomy over their own actions?
I apologize if that sounded like a personal attack; it wasn't. My frustration is directed at such a senseless law...

Unfortunately, I feel just as bitter.

stormymaker24 said:I wasn't aware of the legalities regarding involuntary commitment. 😲
But essentially waiting for someone to reach a full relapse before hospitalization seems terrible... honestly, it's unbelievable. You have a schizophrenic individual who might suddenly lash out at those around them, yet we wait for such things to happen... think of how many people suffer. I realize we have to be careful about protecting civil liberties—it is a sensitive area—but still...😕
Though, from the initial post, I gathered that a relapse had already occurred...🤷

It did... but they hadn't endangered themselves or anyone else.

There is plenty of nonsense involved.
For instance, if a person goes on a hunger strike, you don't have the right to force them to eat, even as their vital signs begin to fail.
It's a similar situation; you have no authority to intervene until there is an immediate threat to others.

rapidheron2 said:I honestly don't get you people who are so against getting vaccinated! I’ve been doing this for over 10 years now, and since I started, I’ve only caught the flu once—and even then, it was a pretty mild case that I just powered through. So, speaking from actual experience here, the VACCINE WORKS, believe me! 👍 But, okay, there’s a catch: you actually have to get it ON TIME. That means hitting the pharmacy when the seasonal shot comes out, maybe around October or November. The shot itself is basically painless; you barely feel it in your arm, and side effects? Not really, unless your shoulder feels a bit sore for a day or two. Honestly, I’d much rather deal with that and cough up the couple of bucks it costs (if I remember right, and seniors over 65 get it for free!) than be stuck in bed for at least 10 days running a massive fever! 👍 I really hope those of you currently whining about how miserable being sick is that you'll actually listen to my advice next autumn and give it a shot. You’ve got nothing to lose, and you might just gain a season where the flu leaves you alone!
By the way, I heard they actually NAILED the vaccine this year. Word is, out of several thousand people who got sick, NO ONE had been vaccinated, which apparently means the protection is basically 100% this time around. That would be an absolute win! 👍

The body needs to learn how to build its own immunity

Our bodies are designed to fight off many illnesses
Even from a young age, people tend to take the path of least resistance, which is why children are vaccinated based on EPP

rather than following what the Health Institute epidemiologists and experts prescribe
Furthermore, consider how many antibiotics and other pills you swallow thinking you're doing something smart....
But while doing that, you smoke, avoid sports, stay away from fresh air, neglect proper nutrition and hygiene, and visit the doctor for every little thing—especially in waiting rooms that are currently overflowing....

Remember

a young, healthy organism doesn't need vaccinations

vaccines are good for chronic patients and the elderly (who are also chronic sufferers) whose bodies cannot fight off threats independently

stormymaker24 said:The police and paramedics are unfortunately your only options. If you have access to a reliable psychiatrist, call them instead; they might be able to intervene and coordinate transport. In my experience, every patient I’ve spoken to who underwent involuntary commitment noted that the police arrived the moment it became clear things were spiraling. It is difficult to say exactly what the authorities do during those moments, as they generally feel their actions are justified.
Call emergency services and the police, and emphasize that there is an immediate threat to both the individual and yourself. Someone will respond. Do not wait for the situation to turn violent.

Unfortunately, it rarely works that way. If there isn't an immediate physical threat, neither the police nor EMS can force someone into treatment without risking a lawsuit.
Your best bet is to work with a primary care physician to prepare a referral and a transport order for the FBI. Since he isn't taking his medication, a relapse with acute schizophrenic symptoms is inevitable. Once that happens, you can call the police and emergency services.
I realize how grim that sounds, but it is the reality.
If a social worker is acting as the legal guardian, you could try coordinating with them, though I doubt much will come of it.

Brandon Fox9 said:Look, even if the virus mutates, it’s usually just shifting into one of those sub-strains the vaccine was designed to target anyway, so you're still technically covered... honestly, maybe don't get too deep into the weeds on topics that aren't quite your specialty or start spreading generalizations... for instance, everyone who got their shot this year is fully protected because that specific strain of the flu is what's actually making the rounds right now. So, you got vaccinated specifically to avoid getting sick, yet here you are, still blowing smoke about how vaccines are useless.

I agree with you, though there's a segment of medical professionals who believe it's better for young people to build immunity naturally.

The real issue now is missing work, school, and so on.

Secondly, even if that specific strain isn't dominant, the symptoms tend to be milder.
It's a matter of antibodies; they should probably look that up on Google.

Douglas Ramos2 said:Man, I’ve been hit by the worst flu ever. Every single inch of my body aches; I can barely even get out of bed. My lymph nodes in my neck are swollen and super sore, swallowing anything is pure torture, my fever is sitting around 101.3, I'm dizzy, and I keep waking up in the middle of the night from shivering and back pain....🤷..so, what actually counts as a "severe" case of the flu?
I usually pick up a flu bug every winter, but it's never felt this intense... especially the throat pain, which feels like someone is literally ripping my tonsils out..🤷...that doesn't feel quite typical for the flu to me...
How many of you have managed to catch the flu?
Do you guys go to the doctor for it?.. I usually don't, but now I'm seriously considering it because of how bad my throat is...
What are you all doing to treat yourselves?

Flu: high fever above 102°F
bone aches, malaise, weakness, loss of appetite

Plenty of fluids, chicken soup, tea—not too strong—antipyretics, Tylenol..
rest

Viral pharyngitis: red, painful throat with fever, low WBC count

Bacterial: red, painful throat, fever is also elevated

Purulent tonsillitis: high fever, 102-104°F, inability to swallow, white spots on the throat, intense pain, high WBC count; sometimes penicillin therapy is required
or perhaps Silapen pills

An illness cannot be diagnosed immediately

To clarify the clinical picture, 24 to 48 hours are needed

Every illness lasts 7–14 days
Viral infections and the flu can transition into bacterial ones
However, antibiotics are not prescribed as a preventative measure

Hannah Bishop said:So, I just checked my blood sugar on the glucose meter—I haven't eaten anything yet and it was 7.2. I can feel it through this horrible stinging sensation when I pee and even when I'm not peeing. It’s awful, and my OBGYN appointment isn't until December 12th.

?????

diabetes
Both diabetes and vaginal infections can be linked, and if you actually have diabetes, it’s definitely something to worry about..
I’m just not sure if you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetes and developed an infection while being treated, or if you might be connecting two unrelated things here.

If the dots aren't actually connected, then that stinging sensation during urination sounds like a classic UTI.

In that case, you don't need an OBGYN; you need to see your primary care physician.

Essentially: difficulty urinating,
a constant urge to go,
and pain that feels like you're peeing shards of glass.

Drink plenty of fluids (cranberry juice or tea, just nothing too sugary) and follow your doctor's advice or take an antibiotic based on a culture test.

DISCALCULIA

In addition to the reading and writing challenges associated with dyslexia and dysgraphia, individuals may also face specific obstacles within mathematics instruction.
The distinction between a student who simply struggles with math or learns at a slower pace and a child with dyscalculia lies in a pattern of distinct errors, such as:

• incorrect application of numbers during reading, writing, or calculation
• getting stuck on a particular step in a process
• mirroring errors—reversing the order of digits
• improper notation of numbers
• visual inaccuracies
• difficulty memorizing and recognizing numbers

DYSGRAPHIA

Dysgraphia represents a persistent inability to master writing skills, characterized by frequent and enduring errors. These difficulties are not caused by a lack of knowledge. In many instances, dysgraphia and dyslexia coexist. However, writing struggles often exist independently; in such cases, reading issues may resolve early in a student's schooling, while writing challenges persist much longer.
The writing process requires several integrated functions, including motor skills, attention, language processing, memory, cognition, sequencing, and visual-spatial abilities.

Dysgraphia can be categorized as follows:
• phonological dysgraphia
- articulatory-acoustic—the child mispronounces sounds, leading to spelling errors.
- phonemic dysgraphia—the child struggles to aurally distinguish between similar-sounding phonemes.
• linguistic dysgraphia
- syntactic and morphological dysgraphia—the child finds it difficult to break down text into sentences, words, morphemes, syllables, and phonemes.
- dysgrammatic dysgraphia—typically seen in children with deficits in short-term auditory memory and attention, resulting in grammatical errors.

• visual dysgraphia—linked to visual-spatial perception issues. Such children may struggle with spatial prepositions like "in front of," "behind," "left," or "right," or opposing adjectives like "thin/thick" and "large/small." In later grades, they often confuse visually similar letters, such as n and u, or b and d.
• motor dysgraphia—occurs due to underdeveloped fine motor skills. It manifests through the constant mixing of letters with similar formation patterns and unstable, illegible handwriting.

Primary indicators of dysgraphia:

• clumsy and illegible handwriting
• omitting or substituting letters within words
• mirror writing
• running words together without spaces

DYSLEXIA

The term "dyslexia" is relatively modern, categorized by how specific behaviors and functional deficits manifest. Historically, descriptions varied widely, ranging from medical labels like "minimal cerebral dysfunction," "organic impairment," or "psychoneurological disorder," to more behavioral descriptors such as reading disturbances, reading disorders, or learning difficulties.

Dyslexia is cognitive in nature and frequently has a genetic component; however, it is not caused by intellectual deficits, a lack of social or cultural opportunities, or teaching methods. Based on current scientific classifications regarding related disorders, we now define dyslexia in a narrow sense as a specific reading disorder, while in a broader sense, it encompasses a cluster of challenges in acquiring and applying skills related to reading, writing, reading comprehension, learning, and other abilities (such as spatial and temporal orientation and motor skills).

Dyslexia can be categorized into:
• Dyslexia involving underdeveloped oral language. This appears in children with limited vocabularies, grammatical inconsistencies, difficulty memorizing rhymes due to an inability to segment words into sounds, and pronunciation errors.
For example: I got a big ball with a bright light. The horses are in the stable.

• Dyslexia characterized by impaired or underdeveloped visual-spatial perception and orientation. This involves difficulty remembering sequences related to space and time; such children may struggle with days of the week, months of the year, seasons, directionality (forward/backward, left/right), and often substitute letters with similar shapes or misuse prepositions.
For example: Bio-dio, fast-fry, and saying the path "from" home instead of "to" home.

• A combined form, which includes an equal mix of the difficulties mentioned above.

Key indicators of dyslexia in a child include:

• Difficulty connecting letters to their corresponding sounds.
• Substituting similar-looking letters while reading.
• Omitting letter sounds at the end of words.
• Inserting extra letters that do not exist in the word.
• Guessing words based on context rather than reading them.

In Washington, D.C., one might choose between the IRS or private speech therapy clinics

u Washington, D.C. the IRS

That page features a series of questions and answers regarding HPV.