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Posts by Nicholas Myers

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Ethan Watson5 said:Does anyone have experience with Dr. Raguž at the Holy Spirit hospital? I'm looking for feedback from people who’ve had rhinoplasty there or even just went in for a consultation. What was your impression?
Or if anyone happens to have some insight into how they actually operate.
Thanks.

Google found the following posts on this thread mentioning the doctor (click the links below to jump directly to the relevant message at the top of the page):

I still can't wrap my head around how some people manage to navigate the healthcare system without losing their minds. It’s like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube while blindfolded. Take this situation with the Medicare claims—it's pure chaos. You follow the rules, you submit the paperwork, and yet somehow, everything gets stuck in some bureaucratic limbo. It feels less like a structured system and more like a game of chance where the house always wins. It’s one thing to deal with a simple misunderstanding at a local clinic, but when you're dealing with major institutions like the Mayo Clinic, you expect a certain level of precision. Instead, you get hit with endless loops of "we'll get back to you." It’s exhausting. We see it everywhere. Whether it's a minor issue or something major, the lack of transparency is staggering. It makes you wonder if the whole thing is designed to be this complicated just to keep people from asking too many questions. Honestly, it's enough to make anyone want to pull their hair out.
I still can't wrap my head around why people think an appointment at the Mayo Clinic is some kind of magic bullet. It’s just medicine. You go there, you see the specialists, you get the tests. It isn't inherently superior to any other top-tier facility in the States; it's just the name on the building. The logic seems flawed. If you have a specific issue, you find the best expert for that niche, regardless of whether they are in Miami or Santa Barbara. Focusing solely on the prestige of one institution is like choosing a car based on the dealership's logo rather than the engine under the hood. It's inefficient.
I've been looking into this, and honestly, the more I dig, the more it feels like we're just spinning our wheels. It’s one thing to talk about theory, but when you look at how things actually function on the ground—especially with how Medicare operates—it’s a different story entirely. We aren't seeing the results people are promising. It reminds me of those old business case studies where everyone agrees on the goal, but nobody can agree on the logistics. You see it everywhere. People make these grand claims, yet when you check the data via Google, the numbers don't add up. It's just noise. We need to stop chasing these superficial fixes and start looking at the actual infrastructure. Otherwise, we're just wasting time.
I’ve been looking into how certain medical practices operate here in the States, specifically regarding the way doctors interact with insurance providers like Medicare. It’s a complex web. You have specialists at places like the Mayo Clinic dealing with massive bureaucratic hurdles just to get basic coverage approved. It isn't always straightforward. Take the way prescriptions are handled, too. Someone might be told to take Advil for inflammation, but the administrative friction behind getting that covered can be exhausting. It’s much like trying to navigate a labyrinth where the walls keep shifting. There is also the matter of how information is disseminated. People rely heavily on Google to find answers, but the quality of that information varies wildly. It’s similar to how we consume news today—you have to filter through the noise to find any semblance of truth. In my view, the system requires more transparency. Whether you're dealing with a local clinic or a major metropolitan hospital in Miami, the underlying issues remain remarkably similar. We need more accountability in how these institutions function.
I’ve been looking into this, and honestly, it feels like we're spinning our wheels. It's one thing to talk about theoretical changes, but when you look at how institutions actually function—take the way Medicare operates versus what people expect—there's a massive disconnect. It isn't just about policy; it's about the fundamental mechanics of the system. Think of it like trying to fix a vintage engine with parts from a modern hybrid. They might look similar on paper, but the tolerances are completely different. You can't just swap them out and expect the car to run smoothly. We keep attempting these superficial adjustments, hoping for a breakthrough, while ignoring the core structural issues that make the whole thing rattle. It’s frustrating. We see the same patterns repeating, the same ineffective solutions being pushed, and yet the conversation remains stuck in the same loop. We need to stop looking for quick fixes and start addressing the actual architecture of the problem.
granitecyclist42 said:Hey there!
I'm wondering if anyone here understands HLA typing results. My report just came back, but my follow-up appointment isn't for another two months, so I'm getting ahead of myself.🙂

What was the reason for the typing? Are they actually looking for signs of an autoimmune or rheumatological condition?
Elizabeth James73 said:We’re trying for another baby, so I went in for some swabs. Everything looks clean, except for one thing on the report—the cervical swab results. It shows the microbiological test was sterile, but under the microscope, there are 0-4 polymorphonuclear leukocytes per high-power field. My OBGYN is currently out of the office, so I'm wondering what this means? Thanks!

Ma'am,

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes are essentially just inflammatory cells. Finding a small amount like that in an active woman is perfectly normal.

I'm not a gynecologist, so take this with a grain of salt, but my understanding is that things usually only get flagged when you see 10 or more PMNs per high-power field. When those numbers spike, that's when you start looking at potential infections or perhaps some local irritation or tissue trauma.

If I were a betting man—which I'm not qualified to be—I'd say your count is low enough to be considered a clear result.

Of course, we'll wait to see what your doctor thinks (hopefully they won't fail me on my unofficial gynecology exam).

Best regards. 🙂
Elizabeth Fox said:Hi there!
Here are my S-OGTT results:
Glucose 0' 4.2 mmol/L <6.1
Ketones 0' neg Neg
Aceto 0' neg Neg

Glucose 120' 2.8 mmol/L <6.1
Ketones 120' neg Neg
Aceto 120' Neg Neg

I know everything is within range, but I'm wondering if it's normal for sugar to drop this low after two hours? Technically, that looks like hypoglycemia. What could be causing this? Should I still see an endocrinologist or some other specialist?

Hello,

You didn't mention why you had this test done in the first place.

It is important to note that we can only talk about so-called postprandial hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels after eating) if three specific criteria are met—essentially the Whipple triad:

- Blood sugar levels following the OGTT test are lower than 2.8 mmol/l (though some researchers use different thresholds)
- The recorded low sugar level occurs alongside actual hypoglycemic symptoms, such as tremors, sweating, heart palpitations, weakness, or anxiety.
- Those symptoms resolve once blood sugar levels rise again.

So, the key questions are: why was the OGTT performed, and did you experience any physical distress during or immediately after the test?

It is also worth noting that some studies show roughly 10% of perfectly healthy individuals will record slightly lower blood sugar values (below 2.8 mmol/l) without experiencing any symptoms at all.
Furthermore, due to elevated iron levels (44, ref.int. 8-30), my hematologist sent me for testing for hemochromatosis.
Results:
DNA analysis confirmed a heterozygote for the H63D mutation (genotype HD)

After cutting out the few foods high in iron, here are the blood results:

Iron 29.1mmol/L (8-30)
UIBC 23.3 mmol/L (26-59)
TIBC 52.3 mmol/L (49-75)
Fe- saturation 55.6 % (15-50)

Ferritin 76 ng/mL (5-148)

Genetic testing shows one mutation (disorder) in the HFE gene, which is the gene associated with hemochromatosis.

However, if you are just a heterozygote for H63D (genotype C/C, H/D), you only carry one faulty copy of the gene while the other is healthy, making the risk of developing the disease quite low. That said, I am not qualified to provide a deep dive into interpreting these findings. Perhaps our colleague vividsailor7 might have something to add.

The rest of the labs cannot be interpreted in isolation from your clinical picture and other findings.

Best regards. 🙂
Carol Hayes79 said:I'd appreciate some insight on these systemic review results. I'm 29.

MCHC 358 (320-345). Just a bit outside the standard range.

To whom it may concern,

MCHC represents the average concentration of hemoglobin—the oxygen-carrying molecule—within an erythrocyte. Essentially, MCV, MCH, and MCHC are grouped together under the umbrella term "erythrocyte indices." These parameters serve as descriptors for specific red blood cell characteristics. It’s important to note that any fluctuations in these values should never be viewed in isolation; they must always be evaluated alongside the total red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration.

Since both your red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels are within the normal range, and that MCHC value is only marginally elevated, I don't see any clinical significance here. In my opinion, there’s really no reason to worry about this.
MPV 11.5 (Range: 6.8–10.4).

That value represents your average platelet volume. It’s always meant to be viewed alongside your total platelet count. Since your count is within the normal range, and your platelets are just slightly larger than average, I don't believe there's any cause for concern here.
Cholesterol at 5.1 (Target < 5.0).
HDL cholesterol levels sit at 1.4. Anything above 1.2 is the target. Looks good.
LDL cholesterol: 3.2 (Target < 3.0). Just slightly over the line.

Cholesterol is running a bit high. It’s nothing to panic about, but you should probably take a look at your weight and what your diet actually looks like.
URINE:
Red blood cells 1 (O-2) NOTHING ELSE 0

It's a clean report.

AST 46 (Normal range: 8-30).
ALT 87 (10-36)

Liver enzyme levels are running a bit high.

One crucial detail to consider: what medications are you currently taking? I’m talking about everything—oral contraceptives, over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen, or any other supplements. It's worth noting that these can easily be the culprit behind slightly elevated liver enzymes, independent of any excessive eating or drinking.

Moving forward, are you experiencing any symptoms? Specifically, anything like discomfort, heaviness, or pain in the abdominal area—perhaps just under the right rib cage—or any other issues?

When we spot a result like this during a routine physical, our standard protocol is to have the patient come back in a few weeks for a retest. We don't jump to conclusions immediately. It’s only if those elevated levels persist in the follow-up results that we move forward with more intensive diagnostic workups.

Greetings. 🙂
It looks like several questions have piled up without answers, so I’ll try to address a few of them:
Maria Nelson4 said:Got my results today:

WBC 2-3
epithelial cells 20-30
rare bacteria
significant mucus

Everything else on the report looks fine.

My doctor isn't available until Friday. Does anyone know how "bad" this looks?

Hello,

The results are within normal limits. A slightly higher number of epithelial cells and mucus might just mean the urine sample wasn't collected properly and got contaminated with vaginal discharge.

It’s also important to consider why the urinalysis was ordered—were you experiencing any symptoms?

Best regards. 🙂
rowdylynx17 said:What about white blood cells and red blood cells in the urine?

I'm 35. I had the test because I’ve been feeling some discomfort in my bladder, especially when it's full—like a dull ache that isn't quite pain, plus a slight stinging sensation when I pee.

Hoping for a quick reply. Thanks in advance.

Hello,

Given your symptoms and the urine results provided, it’s possible you're dealing with a mild inflammation or infection.

I hope you've reached out to your physician and get everything sorted out.

Best regards. 🙂
hollowmoose76 said:Hi, I need help interpreting my CBC.
All parameters are within range except for these:

WBC 3.1 (3.4 - 9.7)
MCHC 355 (320 - 345)
MPV 5.8 (6.8 - 10.4)
Neutrophils (rel) 41.6 (44 - 72)
Monocytes 15.4 (2 - 12)
Neutrophils 1.29 (2.06 / 6.49)
Band neutrophils (rel) 6 (0 - 2)
Segmented neutrophils (rel) 36 (44 - 72)
Monocytes (rel) 14 (2 - 12)
Plasma cells (rel) 1 (0 - 0)
Atypical lymphocytes 4 (0 - 0)
Glucose 4 (4.2 - 6)
Urate 435 (182 - 403)

Is there reason to worry? I did have a mild case of food poisoning two days before the blood draw (diarrhea and stomach cramps).
Thanks in advance.

Hello,

You haven't provided the complete lab panel, and it's difficult to interpret isolated values accurately.

From what I can see, the white blood cell count is slightly low due to the decreased neutrophil count. Considering your history of diarrhea and abdominal pain, it's entirely possible these results are simply a consequence of an infection.

With bacterial pathogens like Shigella, you might see this kind of profile—slightly low neutrophils with a left shift—and certain viral infections can present similarly.

It’s necessary to recheck the labs in about two weeks to monitor for any shifts.

Also, since I can't perform a physical exam through an online forum and I don't have your full lab panel, I want to be clear: I'm avoiding any definitive interpretation here. It could easily be something else entirely.

Best regards. 🙂
kumrman and velvetmoose9, your posts have been moved to the thread Chest X-rays (click the link).
Health Subforum Rules - PLEASE READ! in Health ·
We ask all members to refrain from personal attacks against anyone, including specific healthcare professionals you may have had negative encounters with.

The Health subforum is not the place for that kind of language. Please respect the community standards. This includes insults such as "idiot," "moron," or any other derogatory terms directed at others, even when naming specific doctors or practitioners.

Posts containing this type of content will be removed and subject to sanctions without further notice.

Thank you for understanding.
Mark Cox7 said:Just take a look at Gerson's diet and therapy. There isn't a magic juice recipe that cures cancer. If anyone tells you otherwise, they aren't practicing medicine; they're selling a fantasy. While loading up on fresh fruit and vegetable juices can certainly boost your vitamin intake and support a healthy lifestyle, it is not a medical treatment for oncology. Nutrition is a tool for wellness, not a substitute for clinical care.

That’s simply not true. Cancer is treated through surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Diet plays a vital role in a patient's recovery, certainly, but it isn't a cure for cancer itself.
There’s an interesting documentary out there about how diet impacts diabetes. It follows people with severe cases over a 30-day period. By switching entirely to a raw food diet, they actually managed to eliminate their need for insulin altogether.

Once the pancreas is shot and stops producing insulin, you can't just eat your way out of it. No amount of dietary tweaking is going to jumpstart that production again. At that point, insulin becomes a lifelong requirement.

Please take a moment to read the rules before jumping into any discussions in the Health PDF. A quick heads-up: giving advice on prescribed medical treatments is strictly prohibited.

Dietary changes and herbal supplements are fine, provided they serve only to complement conventional medical treatment. Suggesting that people ditch their prescribed medications—calling them "toxins"—in favor of plants and diet shifts is strictly prohibited here. Violations will be penalized.
Overdose on pills in Health ·
Tyler James5 said:I'm totally with everyone else on this—that combo is just asking for trouble. I was looking at what Harold Chavez3 said about taking half a Voltaren ER pill four separate times... I mean, that’s two whole tablets total. Honestly? It’s still way too much and honestly just pointless. If one pill doesn't touch the pain, doubling up isn't going to be some magic fix... plus, it's not exactly life-threatening in most cases. Sure, you hear those rare horror stories about GI bleeding where things get serious, but for the vast majority of people, it's just overkill. And for the record, those ER tablets have a special coating designed specifically to release the meds slowly over time... you really shouldn't be breaking them, crushing them, or crumbling them up... it ruins the whole point...

Man, that caffeine in Excedrin can seriously mess with you... if you aren't used to it, or if you're already totally fried from stress like I was... you can end up with that crazy heart palpitations and anxiety kicking in out of nowhere... it's intense...

When you're dealing with pain this intense, it’s honestly brutal... you just have to hang in there and wait for the meds to actually kick in. Most painkillers—unless the label specifically tells you otherwise—usually work better and faster if you grab a little something to eat first. Don't just take them on an empty stomach... trust me...

I found this PDF from a dental clinic that’s actually loaded with advice on which painkillers really hit the spot when you're dealing with a toothache... definitely worth a look if you're hurting...

...

Spot on response. 🙏
Moderator Notice

Attention, everyone.

1. Everyone is entitled to share their experiences with specific doctors—whether they were excellent or terrible. However, I ask that you watch your language. Using insults like "idiot," "moron," or other derogatory terms to describe physicians is unacceptable. I understand that bad medical experiences are frustrating, but please refrain from name-calling. You can make your point clearly without being abusive. For this reason, a previous post has been removed.

2. Please stop the petty gender-based bickering regarding who is more sensitive or who is more aggressive. These provocations will be strictly sanctioned moving forward. This is an American Health forum, and we have zero tolerance for insults or inflammatory comments here. Leave that kind of behavior at the door. If you see posts like this, please report them by clicking the icon to the left of the post.

Thank you for your cooperation.
Music survey - Need your input! in Psychology ·
1. It doesn't work for me; I can't focus while it's playing.
2. Not a fan. The shifting tempo and dynamics break my flow at work.
3. It’s okay, though certain parts feel a bit too sedative.
4. Passable.
5. Excellent.
6. A bit overdone.
7. Some parts are fine, but the sudden tempo shifts ruin it for me.
8. Some sections work, but those erratic changes make it impossible to concentrate—so, no.
9. Occasional distractions make this a "no" from me.
10. For some reason, it just doesn't land.

Number 5 is easily my favorite. Numbers 1 and 2 are the biggest distractions.
The big shot said:kaže:
Does anyone happen to know the name of that therapy? You know, the one where they use a nasal spray and you have to say "chocolate"?

I've been scouring the web, but I’m coming up empty. It seems like it might have something to do with how people pronounce the letter "r." 😕

To whom it may concern,

Wrong thread. 😉

It’s a process known as... The Rockefeller attempt. Or just call it policing. Follow that link—it’ll take you straight to the right thread where all the details are laid out.

Greetings. 🙂
To lucanoroko and Angela Wright: per Angela Wright's suggestion, I've moved your posts into a dedicated thread to ensure they don't get lost in the shuffle. Given that we are discussing a rare condition— Rosai-Dorfman disease (see the link here)
Whoops, your post was moved over to the EKG thread (follow the link here).
Amy James5 said:Can birth control pills cause elevated copper levels in the blood (serum copper)? I've been on them for 11 years (I'm 28). If so, how long does it take for levels to return "to normal" after stopping? My level is 31.6, ref range (12.2 - 25.1)

Oral contraceptives can definitely bump up serum copper levels—sometimes quite significantly. This is especially true for those with anti-androgenic effects, like Yaz or Yasmin.

Make sure to mention the pill use to whichever doctor ordered the lab work.

As for how long it takes to normalize, I can't give you an exact timeline. However, glancing at some studies, researchers typically measure copper about 1 to 2 months after discontinuing the pill, and things usually settle back down by then.

That said, the long-term implications of these elevated copper levels caused by contraceptive use haven't been fully mapped out yet.

Best regards. 🙂
Edward Thompson11 said:Some people have been pushing alternative routes on me, but I didn't feel comfortable taking on that kind of responsibility. A few friends suggest my mom needs to bolster her system with homeopathic remedies and immune boosters. The hospital staff isn't exactly on board with that; they actually say it could be contraindicated with chemotherapy. I'm stuck. It seems logical to trust the doctors, especially since she's already started chemo. But sometimes they're open to talking, and other times they won't even give you the time of day. Today is definitely the latter, and it's tough. Does anyone have any sensible advice? Thanks everyone!

Edward Thompson11 said:Regarding alternatives, have you heard anything about GNLD products or supplements? Someone is nudging me toward them. The Hematologists at Bank of America are skeptical of alternative medicine, so it’s hard to get into a deep discussion with them about it.

Ma'am,

Please exercise extreme caution with any preparations, including herbal ones. It is an absolute fact that certain supplements can interact with the medications prescribed by physicians. You must inform the medical team about every single thing your mother is taking or plans to take.

Certain alternative products are outright dangerous—even toxic—and you should steer clear entirely. Specifically, stay away from things like MMS drops, colloidal silver, or "Vitamin B17" preparations. These substances are hazardous; there are documented cases of fatal poisoning linked to them.

On the other hand, we have homeopathy. These are essentially sugar pills containing substances diluted to such an extent that they possess no efficacy. No credible scientific study has ever demonstrated their effectiveness. As a former moderator once aptly put it, they are nothing more than a drain on your wallet (Endymion17).

As for herbal supplements or "immune boosters," you must consult the Hematologists at Bank of America. Their skepticism is justified, but at the very least, let them confirm that a specific supplement won't cause harm, even if its benefits aren't proven.

Best regards. 🙂
Dear Madam,

Your inquiry regarding laboratory results has been addressed in the "Lab Results" thread. You can find those details here (please follow the link).
Holiday card ideas? in Dentistry & Oral Hygiene ·
Joining in those sentiments.

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season ahead. I hope you get to spend it in peace and good spirits with your loved ones. Above all, I wish you nothing but the best of health—everything else tends to fall into place once that is secured. 🙂
Jack Smith5 said:Burzynski has had a cancer cure for ages hidden within antineoplastons. Big Pharma and the bureaucrats have just stifled it to protect their bottom line. They’d rather push high-profit drugs that drive people into bankruptcy or debt slavery first, then maybe offer a cure after a massive struggle.

That's the endgame for everyone involved—the banks, the pharma giants, the mega-corporations. Trap as many people as possible in debt; once they own you, they control everything you ask for. That is where the power lies.

Gentlemen,

Please, before jumping into this discussion, read the Health guidelines PDF thoroughly. According to those rules, conspiracy theories and recommending drugs not approved by the FDA are strictly prohibited on this board.

We aren't interested in conspiracy theories here. We stick to what the experts say—modern evidence-based medicine.


And the experts state clearly that antineoplastons are experimental substances containing chemical compounds found in urine and blood. There is currently no published evidence in peer-reviewed literature supporting the efficacy of these substances. On the flip side, there is plenty of data regarding their toxicity.

The vast majority of papers concerning these preparations are published by Burzynski himself and his direct collaborators. Interestingly, independent researchers haven't been able to replicate the results seen in Burzynski's experiments.

Moderator Warning

Bottom line: there is no scientific proof of efficacy for these substances. Therefore, we cannot refer to them as a cancer cure, nor has the FDA approved them as such. Consequently, these substances will not be labeled as cures or promoted on this board.