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Bruises on my butt cheeks in Health · Apr 14, 2013

Rebecca Myers38 said:Since we're on the subject of pressure sores—roughly how long does it take before you start seeing the first signs? And is there any way to prevent them if someone has to stay flat on their back for a while? Like, say, at least a month?😢

If you’ve got the right setup regarding things like mattress quality or room temperature, plus whatever the patient's overall health looks like, you can actually start seeing skin breakdown after just 8 hours of staying totally still.

If they absolutely have to stay on their back, you should look into some specialty pressure-relief mattresses. You can even rent them if you don't want to buy one outright—I know of a few medical supply companies that do that, but honestly, just do a quick Google search and see what works best for your situation.

Achilles tendon issues in Health · Apr 10, 2013

James Foster87 said:Hey there
I’m pretty sure I’ve got a shortened Achilles tendon or something. Honestly, it’s getting ridiculous: I can’t even do a squat without staying on my toes, and whenever I'm hitting the stairs, I’m basically walking on tip-toes just to get up. Even worse, when I'm coming down steps, it feels like I’m slamming hard into the ground, or if I'm just walking or stepping down from something higher, I trip over nothing constantly. If this is actually some kind of underlying issue, what should I be doing? Or does anyone else think this might be something else entirely?
Thanks in advance for any help!

If you want to be certain about what's going on, your first move should definitely be checking in with your primary care doctor. They’ll look at your overall clinical picture to figure out if it’s actually that specific issue or if you need more digging via specialists—maybe an orthopedic surgeon, a physiatrist, a physical therapist, or even a neurologist depending on what they find.
On a side note, trying to squat on your toes—whether you're lifting weights or just doing bodyweight reps—isn't exactly the smartest way to go about it; you really want that weight centered on your heels.
The way you described your gait issues could potentially stem from some other nerve system stuff (especially if this is a recent development or if things are getting worse), so you really ought to talk to your doctor sooner rather than later. 😉

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Apr 8, 2013

hollowmoose75 said:Hey there,
About 10 days ago I had surgery, and because I was needing to pee constantly while in the ICU, the nurses put in a urinary catheter (it wasn't done quite right), and they actually had to pull it out after two hours because my bladder was filling up but nothing was draining through the tube. Honestly, the whole process was pretty painful, and ever since then, I've been dealing with this constant burning and scratching sensation along my urethra along with frequent urges to go. My doctors just told me to drink tons of fluids, but that hasn't really done much for me so far; if anything, things seem to be getting worse.

I went ahead and got a urine analysis today, so if anyone here knows how to read these things, could you please let me know if there’s an indication that I need medication, or if this is just one of those things where it'll "fix itself"?

MICROSCOPIC SEDIMENT EXAMINATION
RBC: 1 (0-2(x400))
Granular casts: 0
Hyaline casts: 0
Mucus: plenty (0(x400))
Fungi: 0
WBC: 5 (0-(x400))
bacteria: plenty (0x400)
squamous epithelial cells: 7 ( 0-1(x400))
crystals: 0
salts: 0

Given the recent surgery (whatever it was), the catheterization, the stay in the ICU, these specific lab results (especially the bolded parts), and the fact that your symptoms aren't letting up, it is ABSOLUTELY necessary to get a urine culture and antibiotic sensitivity test done as soon as possible.
Your attending physician will make the final call on whether you need to expand the diagnostic workup further, since they have the full picture of your clinical status and medical history.

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Apr 6, 2013

Harold Nguyen47 said:Hey everyone, I went to see my doctor to get some blood work done because I was planning on starting Accutane, but it turns out a few of my levels are running a bit high.

Results:
Total bilirubin 23.2 (5.0-21.0)
Direct bilirubin 4.0 (up to 3.4)
AST 36.0 (up to 35.0)

Everything else looks great.

I'm 15 years old.
I heard these might be liver issues—is this anything to worry about? 🙂

Given how young you are and the fact that your numbers are slightly, though definitely, above the normal range, I’m not entirely sure you’re the best candidate to jump straight into Accutane therapy right now.
Maybe look into using a topical treatment instead, like benzoyl peroxide, but obviously, you should still do all of that under a doctor's supervision—ideally a dermatologist.
It isn't really wise to go playing chemist with different products on your own, because you could end up doing permanent damage to your skin. You're 15; I know how frustrating this whole thing is, but honestly, most of the time this stuff just clears up on its own after a year or so.
So, just talk to your doctor about what the next steps should be, and please don't try to DIY this. 😉

It probably makes sense to run those tests again in about 6 to 8 weeks, or maybe sooner if things change.
Have you dealt with any liver issues lately, like jaundice or maybe even mononucleosis recently? Or perhaps you have Gilbert's syndrome?

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Apr 5, 2013

Honestly, the infectious disease clinic here is one of the top-tier facilities in the US. The staff is incredibly dedicated to what they do, and I’ve got full confidence they’re going to handle this whole situation the best way possible.
Keep us posted on how things are moving along...

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Apr 5, 2013

ruggedgull48 said:Lab results: WBC 4.22, Hb 132, Hct 0.379, MCV 90, Platelets 180, Neutrophils 8.3, Lymphocytes 7, Monocytes 10.
Biochemistry: CRP 177.1, glucose 6.1, urea 5.1, creatinine 85, Na 132, K 3.4, Cl 95, bilirubin 16.6, aspartate-aminotransferase 20, alanine-aminotransferase 18, GGT 20, LDH 169.
Urine: albumin 2, sediment shows 10-12 leukocytes, 5-8 erythrocytes.

Could I get some thoughts on this?

It’s always a huge help when people throw in a bit more context, you know? Like, for example...
-What actually sent you to the doctor (the symptoms, how long they've been hanging around, if they keep coming back...)
-Any meds you're currently taking to deal with those issues
-Any existing health conditions you're managing
-Gender and age
-Older versions of these same tests (if you have them) just so we can see how things are shifting over time.

So, following the VidovitomMilan method here—just trying to narrow things down—it looks like we might be looking at a bacterial infection that's been lingering for at least three days. There's also a chance the urinary tract is involved too, though honestly, it would be a massive stretch on my part to go out on a limb and say it's acute pyelonephritis without more info.
Anyway, I'm asking for a little backup here too, so please, give me some more details. 😉

Dialysis: How many of us are here? in Health · Apr 5, 2013

Megan Carter69 said:I was wondering if someone is actually entitled to medical transport regardless of where they're living.

If we're talking about chronic dialysis, medical transport really ought to be available to anyone dealing with that.
You just have to sort out some paperwork, though I'm not entirely sure how the whole bureaucracy is laid out at the moment. You can find the specifics regarding the rules right here.
Of course, you'll definitely want to touch base with your primary care physician to iron out all the fine print.

Support resources for families dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses in Health · Apr 4, 2013

Dana Thomas6 said:She took one whole box of Ondantor (10 pills) and felt like a brand new person, but once she switched over to Zofran—which isn't hard to find since we all know they're basically the same thing—it just wasn't cutting it. She’s still feeling pretty nauseous, so we figured Ondantor really was the winner for her and started hunting around to see if we could track more down.
Thanks for getting back to me, we'll definitely look into it some more.

I should probably mention that it happens quite a bit where someone goes through these treatments and suddenly the exact same med doesn't hit the mark like it did the first time.
Even though, on paper, they're identical drugs, people genuinely "feel" a difference when they're switching between two different brands of the same generic medication produced by different companies.
It might also be worth playing around with the timing between when the Ondantor is administered and when the chemo actually hits, especially considering she’s a bit older now 🤷
At the end of the day, if the nausea is "manageable" and she isn't actually throwing up, it probably makes sense to just stick with whatever version of Ondantor is on hand if that "better" one isn't easily available right now.

Brain CT scan in Health · Apr 4, 2013

Richard Campbell56 said:Hey everyone. A specialist recently ordered an MSCT of my brain and an EEG for me. I’ll post the results here—if anyone with actual expertise can help make sense of this, I’d really appreciate it. Here's what we've got:
MSCT of the brain: Brain parenchyma densities, both infra- and supratentorial, appear normal. No focal lesions were identified. Ventricular structures are midline. There is bilateral enlargement of the lateral ventricles—slightly more pronounced on the left side—in the posterior regions and near the trigone area.

EEG: Occasional slower waves in the theta frequency range appear as subdominant activity over the temporal regions. No convincing asymmetries or paroxysms were noted. The reactivity/blocking response is well-expressed, and there are no changes during US Army maneuvers. The EEG result is borderline.

Now, looking at these things, you really have to interpret every single finding within the context of the actual clinical picture.
Since I don't have the full story regarding the clinical symptoms (I don't even know exactly why these tests were requested in the first place) or the patient's medical history—you know, current issues, past illnesses, medications, all that—I have to be a little careful about giving a definitive interpretation.

Basically, the brain CT didn't turn up any major pathological changes. That bit about the size and shape of the lateral ventricles is pretty non-specific; it could just be how someone is built, or it could be a sign of something that happened before or is happening now. It’s always a smart move to compare this with a previous CT scan if one exists, just to see if anything is actually changing over time.
As for the EEG, like the conclusion says, it doesn't point directly to a specific pathology, but it doesn't rule it out either.
It definitely makes sense to run the EEG again down the road (I'm guessing the specialist will suggest that too).

So, yeah, there's just not enough data here for a deep dive.

Hangover cures? in Health · Apr 3, 2013

Roger Rodriguez said:Is it normal to still feel this terrible three days after a massive bender?
If I count the first day as the one when the hangover should have hit—right after the drinking session—I felt worse than I ever have in my life. I was vomiting constantly, and even after getting some sleep, I felt barely any better; I tried to eat some soup, but even that came right back up. I basically just spent the whole time trying to survive.
By the second day, things improved somewhat, but the nausea, the shakes, and the panic attacks were still there. I already struggle with anxiety, and alcohol makes it a thousand times worse, but I was able to eat normally then. It wasn't "emergency room" bad, but I definitely didn't feel like myself yet.
Now it’s the third day, and I need to get back to work and function like a normal human being, but I’m still feeling weak, the anxiety hasn't let up, my stomach hurts, I'm exhausted, and I can't even smoke... and I haven't done anything else for three days besides lying around and trying to stay alive.
Just for context, I almost never drink; the last time was six months ago, and before that, I can't even remember. This time, I had several liters of heavy wine, and after just three glasses, I was already stumbling around.
I’m terrified that I’ve actually poisoned myself to the point where my life is at risk, even though people say the most critical window is just a few hours after consuming large amounts.
Is it possible I'm just out of shape because I rarely drink and really overdid it, or am I genuinely making a scene here? I can understand why I'm moving so slowly since I'm completely hungover and half my body is bruised, but I don't understand these other symptoms. I am really scared. 🙂
EDIT: My apologies for reviving such an old thread. 👍

It lasts a long time, yeah, but given what you described, it’s not exactly a shocker.
That said, the part about half your body being blue from bruising is what really gets me. What was the mechanism there? Did you take an udarac to the head? Pass out? Can you actually remember the whole night?
You definitely have enough reason to check in with your doctor ASAP—get a clinical exam and some basic blood work done to figure out what's going on.
Btw, we might need a new rule here—if you're gonna revive a thread this old, a doctor's consultation should be mandatory. 😍

Dealing with hemorrhoids – any advice? in Health · Apr 2, 2013

Just a heads-up, please send any pricing info via PM. If you start posting prices out in the open, it could be flagged as advertising, and we definitely don't want anyone getting hit with sanctions for that.

Support resources for families dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses in Health · Apr 2, 2013

Dana Thomas6 said:Hey everyone,

Has anyone here actually heard anything about this medication? So, I’ve been thinking about Ondansetron 8 mg lately. It's one of those things you don't really give much thought to until you actually need it, right? It’s funny how we just go through life assuming everything is fine, and then suddenly you're dealing with some nasty nausea and you realize how much you rely on certain meds just to stay functional. I remember this one time back when I was staying in San Francisco, feeling absolutely miserable, and having that stuff on hand felt like a literal lifesaver. It's a weirdly specific kind of relief, if that makes sense. Anyway, just a little observation on the 8 mg dose—it's definitely a heavy hitter when things get rough.Does anyone happen to have some Zofran lying around? I’m looking for the stuff used to fight off that nasty chemo nausea. If you have an extra box from a relative or a friend who doesn't need it anymore, please let me know—I am more than willing to buy it off you. My grandmother is currently going through treatment for a tumor, and honestly, this is the only thing that really helps her feel human again. I managed to track down just one single box at a pharmacy in Santa Barbara, but since then, it’s been a total nightmare. I’ve been calling everywhere across the country, but it’s like the medicine has vanished off the face of the earth. Apparently, production has stalled, but I’m still holding out hope that I might find someone here who has a stash they aren't using. Any leads would mean the world to us. Replacement options. Zofran It’s just not working for her. I’m living here in Washington, D.C., and honestly, every single day feels like a high-stakes game to us. We really need some help navigating this.

I hope I’ve landed in the right spot here; if I’m totally off base, just go ahead and move my post to where it belongs...

Zofran i Ondansetron On paper, they’re basically identical since they both rely on the exact same active ingredient—Ondansetron.

Who exactly decided that was the case, and what kind of symptoms or red flags were they actually looking at to come to that conclusion about Grandma?
So, Zofran just isn't doing the trick for you?
So, regarding Ondansetron—if she hasn't given it a shot yet, honestly, how can anyone say for sure it’ll work? It’s one of those things where you just have to try it and see. Everyone reacts differently to meds, so while it's usually a lifesaver for nausea, there's no magic guarantee in medicine. But if she's struggling, it's definitely worth having on hand.

Honestly, Ondansetron is such a lifesaver when it comes to keeping nausea and vomiting at bay. It’s incredibly effective at cutting down those symptoms, especially when you're dealing with the fallout from chemo—though, fair warning, it doesn't hit the mark quite the same way for every single type of chemo drug out there. It’s definitely one of those heavy hitters in the toolkit, even if its performance can vary depending on what else is being pumped into your system.
Look, let's be real—it’s not some kind of magic bullet. It doesn't work the same way for everyone. You'll see cases where one person gets a massive boost from it, while someone else barely feels a thing. I’ve even heard stories about how it can be incredibly effective during one round of treatment, only to totally flake out on the next cycle, and then suddenly start working like a charm again. The bottom line is that it’s pretty much impossible to say for sure exactly how much it’s going to help any specific patient. It’s just one of those unpredictable things.
One of the trickiest parts—and I mean really, truly tricky—is trying to figure out exactly how much lead time you need before hitting someone with chemo. It’s not like there's a simple rulebook for this, especially when you're dealing with older patients. You've got to account for a lot of moving parts: their metabolism tends to slow down significantly as they age, their digestion isn't what it used to be, and then you have to factor in all those other underlying health issues and the cocktail of daily medications they're already juggling. It makes calculating that perfect window of time before the treatment starts a bit of a moving target.

I think I'll probably reach out to my doctors again just to pick their brains a bit more on this whole thing—specifically regarding whether Ondansetron or Zofran would be the better way to go.

Rhinoplasty: Experiences and recovery tips? in Health · Apr 2, 2013

Susan Diaz91 said:Yeah, I actually mentioned heparin a few posts back, but I made sure to clarify exactly why I was using it based on my doctor's orders.... honestly, from those daily injections, I ended up with such nasty bruising all over my arms and legs that it looked pretty rough... (sometimes I’d even hit a capillary because, hey, I’m not exactly a medical pro). In my specific situation, it was totally justified, but I also pointed out that you should definitely check with a pharmacist to see what they recommend for those dark bruises around the eyes..
so my bad if I gave anyone the wrong impression about why it's used.

There’s absolutely no reason to think your post was meant to be malicious; if anything, 😉
Your post is actually super helpful for anyone looking to take someone else's lived experience and apply it to their own situation in a smart way. 🙂
You clearly stated that in your case, heparin was prescribed by your doctor, which is the kind of advice we’re always trying to gently nudge people toward.
At the end of the day, some people will take a suggestion to heart and others won't—that's just down to individual judgment and choice.
Plus, it’s always worth a quick reminder about the Health Forum rules where the very first point explicitly states: "All information and advice provided here is used strictly at your own risk. This forum is not a substitute for professional medical advice. "

Just a reminder that this space exists so we can share info in a well-meaning way to help whoever might need it.

Stethoscope - Q&A thread in Health · Apr 2, 2013

hollowdriver17 said:Is anyone actually using a Sprague Rappaport stethoscope? What’s the verdict?
Has anyone tried auscultating with a Littmann and then compared the two? Is there a noticeable difference?
To me, it feels like there is...

There definitely is a difference.
But what kind of differences are you picking up on exactly?
And which Littmann model are you using...

Rhinoplasty: Experiences and recovery tips? in Health · Mar 31, 2013

goldencobra92 said:Thanks so much for getting back to me. Honestly, I don't think I went overboard with the application; I was only putting it on twice a day in a super thin layer. I wasn't even being aggressive about rubbing it in, either. I stayed well away from my actual eye area too—I just focused on that tiny little patch right under my lower lash line where the purple discoloration is most intense, nowhere near my nose. I'm really hoping I haven't done any permanent damage. The swelling finally seems to be backing off.Honestly, the only thing that’s a total disaster right now is the color, so I’m kind of at a loss for how to even help you out. I know, I know—time heals all wounds and eventually things will settle down, but given that I’ve always been pretty particular about these kinds of things myself... I’ve always been one of those people who seems to be a walking target for bruises; I get these massive hematomas that just refuse to fade away for weeks on end.I gotta admit, I'm feeling a little uneasy about how long this whole thing is going to drag on.
I really hope your advice serves as a wake-up call for everyone else out there. Thanks again for looking out.

That part right there—that’s the real kicker. Just try to wrap your head around what the rivers in the States are looking like right now.It’s getting a little weird out there, isn't it? This sudden melt is hitting way faster than I expected. One day you’re bundled up in three layers just to step onto the porch, and the next, everything is turning into this gray, slushy mess. It feels like we skipped half the season entirely. Honestly, it reminds me of that one February back in Chicago where the temperature swung so wildly we went from a blizzard to seeing actual mud in the driveway within forty-eight hours. Just kind of disorienting when the seasons don't follow the script. It’s been nothing but non-stop rain for weeks on end, and then the last couple of days just absolutely dumped everything at once. Now we're dealing with some serious flooding.
Especially since you tend to bruise easily and get those Hematomas, it’d be a really good idea to touch base with your primary doctor once you land. It would be worth having them take a look and decide if you actually need to go see an internist or maybe even a hematologist—sometimes people even loop in transfusion specialists for a second opinion on stuff like this. There's no huge rush though, so don't stress about it too much. 😉
By the way, does anyone else feel like once you start popping Aspirin, even the tiniest, most insignificant little bump can leave you with a massive, ridiculous bruise? Like, I’ll barely graze my leg on the corner of a coffee table and suddenly there's this huge Hematoma staring back at me. It feels totally disproportionate to how much it actually hurt.

Rhinoplasty: Experiences and recovery tips? in Health · Mar 31, 2013

goldencobra92 said:I mean, why not? Is there something wrong with that?

goldencobra92 said:It’s not a doctor's advice—I think I read that somewhere on here. Now I'm actually getting a little spooked.

Look, a Hematoma doesn't just happen by accident; there's a whole logic and dynamic to how they behave.
If a doctor hasn't specifically cleared you to use heparin gel or cream after reviewing your actual medical records and clinical status (ideally the surgeon who did the work, or at least someone in the same field), messing around with it can totally backfire. It’s actually pretty common to see people trying to be their own medics, slathering heparin products all over their face after nose surgery, only to end up with the entire nose swelling up way too fast and far too intense. Then you're looking at a real mess trying to save the nose from collapsing (and trust me, gangrene isn't exactly a vibe anyone wants to deal with)
. So, if the tip of your nose (or the nose itself) starts hurting like crazy, throbbing, or feeling like it's "pulsing" or "stabbing," and it feels significantly warmer than it was before, those are major red flags that you need an urgent consultation with your surgeon or an ENT...
Bottom line: post-op heparin should be used ONLY & EXCLUSIVELY after talking it through with your doctor.

Rhinoplasty: Experiences and recovery tips? in Health · Mar 31, 2013

Scott Allen10 said:Look, we aren't all just sitting around waiting. Personally, I'm definitely not playing the waiting game. I feel like I've lost count of how many times I've pointed out that trying to push prices, epic stories, or whatever else regarding private providers isn't going to fly here. People can have their own opinions on it, sure, but it just won't happen. If that Munitić guy is just doing his job at the hospital, fine... but this? This is different...
Please keep these kinds of agendas to the PMs or stick to the pinned thread... otherwise, I’m gonna start handing out warnings...

Ignoring clear warnings from the moderators won't be tolerated in the Health subforum.

Rhinoplasty: Experiences and recovery tips? in Health · Mar 30, 2013

goldencobra92 said:So, here's my deal: today is day four, and I’m planning on pulling the tampon out the day after tomorrow. Honestly, I was absolutely terrified of the tampon because I feel like I can't even breathe through my mouth. Yeah, that’s definitely my biggest hurdle right now. On the first day, I had a total mental breakdown; I genuinely thought I wasn't going to make it through and almost just ripped everything out myself—I was seriously on the edge. That first day is the absolute worst, but somehow, I’ve managed to adjust. I'm drinking tons of fluids just to stop my mouth from feeling like a desert. I never thought a person could actually get used to this, but hey, here I am, it's getting a bit easier. Nights are a struggle, though—waking up constantly, dry mouth, you know the drill—but during the day, it's fine enough to live with. Right now, I'm mostly dealing with these Hematomas, so I've been using some heparin gel, but they’re still looking pretty prominent and large

And for what it's worth, I didn't have any pressure in my ears at all, and I don't see any reason why my throat should be swollen either—just dry, and that's about it. As for gas in the stomach? Not a thing. I haven't dealt with any nausea either. Actually, the only real issues are the tampons, the Hematomas, and a dull ache in that specific part of my head

.

Which doctor told you to use heparin gel for that area after this procedure? Was it the technician or the primary physician?

Rhinoplasty: Experiences and recovery tips? in Health · Mar 30, 2013

Just circling back on this one: does anyone remember which doctor actually suggested putting heparin gel on your face?

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Mar 28, 2013

rapidranger79 said:Female, age 75. Diagnoses: myeloproliferative syndrome (currently on lithium), had a bone marrow biopsy back in 2008—everything checked out fine at the Hematology department then. Also dealing with Stage III renal insufficiency and I've had two thyroid surgeries way back when. Currently taking Euthyrox 50, though I've got a 12 mm cyst showing up now. No issues with blood sugar. There’s more to my history, but it shouldn't matter for this specific question: my nephrologist wants me to get serum free light chains and serum protein immunofixation done because there's a spike in the gamma globulin fraction. Naturally, she also wants me to see my hematologist, which I have an appointment for soon. But what I'm actually curious about is what that "spike" actually means... and what it might potentially indicate.
Thanks in advance.

It’s always a bit of a guessing game when you don't have the full clinical picture or the actual medical files right in front of you.
That said, I’ll try to walk you through it. It sounds like the nephrologist is suspicious of some potential overgrowth of a single plasma cell clone. That spike in the gamma fraction usually points toward hyperproliferation—basically, one specific group of cells is cranking out way too much of something. Now, before you panic, this doesn't automatically mean it's malignant; there are a whole bunch of factors that play into how we interpret these results.
Keep in mind, this is all just speculation on my part, probably about as solid as anything VidovitomMilan would say given how little info we have here.
I wonder if they also ordered any X-rays of the skeletal system? Sometimes doctors look for that if there are new aches or pains that can't be explained by existing conditions. Have the kidneys been acting up for a while, or is this a recent development? Any anemia, electrolyte imbalances, or maybe catching more infections than usual lately?