Thanks, though I suppose it isn't quite as dire as it might appear on paper... hopefully...😕
And yes... I would like to kindly request that everyone on this forum please refrain from using those counterproductive and rather unsettling "😲" smileys. It would be greatly appreciated. ☕
Why am I even bothering? (Honestly, I’m starting to bore myself...)
Nausea, occasional vomiting, and frequent, voluminous stools—they look greasy and have a rather loose consistency. I have lactose intolerance (well, that's been a lifelong thing), but over the last few years, I’ve started to find meat quite revolting; I also struggle more with fatty foods and white bread (not that bread was ever a gourmet experience for me, especially since I try to stick to healthy eating anyway, but still...).
Then there are these other symptoms that might point toward malabsorption (so, I want to see if we're looking at IBS, Celiac disease, or perhaps something else entirely...) as well as stress—or maybe they're psychogenic in nature? (Excessive thirst, frequent skin issues, irritability, nervousness, depression, occasional joint and muscle aches, total exhaustion, and periodic swelling in my face, hands, and shins... not to mention everything else...). I’ve been diagnosed with hypercortisolemia—which likely means it's just stress—but regardless, isn't it better to get checked out now rather than twenty years down the line? I also have mild hypokalemia (...most likely due to the cortisol and the loss through my stool. Nothing alarming, really, but I do have to constantly snack on potassium-rich foods) and my kidneys feel a bit sluggish... even though my lab results (blood work, CT, and ultrasound) regarding kidney function seem perfectly fine... though, I suppose that isn't directly related to this current mess.
I’ve been doing a bit of searching online—though, truth be told, most of what I’m finding feels incredibly vague and surface-level—and since my schedule is quite packed at the moment, I haven't had the luxury of a deep dive. So, if anyone happens to have an answer or perhaps a helpful link... :)
Does the procedure actually hurt—that is to say, how invasive would you consider it to be? Is there a significant risk regarding infection? And does one typically undergo this as an outpatient procedure, or is a hospital stay required? Has anyone here personally experienced it, observed it, or perhaps gone through it themselves?
Linda Lopez80 said:man, Roth was absolutely Law in Four Rooms...
Oh, that absolute trash... I was practically screaming! For years, that’s been one of my favorite comedies—honestly, the absolute peak was that final scene in *The Misbehavers*.
I’ve seen Roth in... well, not a huge amount... maybe seven or eight films... but he has always been unbeatable—truly, in every single second of his performance. Even when I didn't particularly care for the movie itself, just having Roth on screen would somehow "elevate" the whole thing. And whether it was a comedic beat or something dead serious, he always executed it so perfectly. I don't know how one defines "good acting," but based on what I feel... Roth doesn't just meet the mark; he exceeds it entirely.
hollowwolf66 said:you can pick it up at any organic grocery store that water tastes kind of strange to me oxygenated water helps with hangovers, drowsiness, physical exertion, and so on
Oh, I’m well aware of that water—I was actually wondering about those oxygen canisters you inhale rather than drink (not that I’d ever buy one myself, but you know... just out of pure curiosity!), yet I haven't seen them in any local shops. As for the water itself? The taste is certainly peculiar, though, strangely enough, I actually quite liked it.
I recently acquired a liter of what is supposed to be oxygen-enriched water—or rather, a concentrate. Now, according to the instructions I received from some folks, I am meant to add about two tablespoons to a liter of "standard" water and drink it that way. The label on the bottle is entirely in German, so I am completely lost—really, I haven't a clue! The only thing I managed to decipher was this website www.sunway-vertrieb.ch, but it provides absolutely nothing helpful. Does anyone here have any actual experience with this kind of oxygenated water (not necessarily this specific brand)? Does it even make sense to drink it??
Good grief... 🤣 how exactly is that oxygen tied down so it doesn't just evaporate, allowing you to dose it with a spoon? 🤣... I am being serious here. I truly have no idea.
Personally, I find myself wondering where—and at what sort of price point—one might acquire those little oxygen canisters they keep in the minibars of high-end hotels, fancy fitness clubs, and places catering to clients looking for a bit of a "boost" or that certain "healthy" glow.
For instance, I tried the Active O2 from Adelholzener Quellen while traveling—it is water enriched with oxygen, if I recall correctly; I believe it supposedly contains something like 500% more oxygen than regular water. Well... I found it quite pleasant, but nothing extraordinary—of course, there isn't some miraculous effect. As for the cost, I don't remember precisely, but I think you have to shell out more than a couple of dollars for a half-liter, mostly because of the fancy packaging. They do offer flavored versions, though I have heard the taste is an absolute disaster.
Why don't you transcribe the German text (as accurately as possible) and I will try to translate it for you?
Regarding whether it makes sense—it would be wonderful if someone with actual expertise could weigh in. Pure oxygen is dangerous, obviously, but I doubt consuming these types of beverages would be harmful, particularly for people who might be dealing with lower oxygen levels.
Hey there, thanks for all the replies! Sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner—I’ve actually been stuck at the Mayo Clinic in the endocrinology department for the last fifteen days.
My blood work looks fine overall. Platelets? Good. The only thing is my potassium is running a bit low (and sodium is slightly low here and there too), my creatinine is off by just a few units, and then there are those tiny little things that don't deviate much from the standard reference ranges—plus a bit of acetone in my urine (likely just from fasting while in the hospital), but nothing major. Regarding those little red spots, the doctor taking my history mentioned they probably aren't anything significant and didn't think they were petechiae; however, she was some sort of mediocre resident—honestly, I suspect she didn't even record them properly, so it likely never even reached my primary specialist. And goodness, if you keep asking about every little detail, people might think you're looking for pathology in everything! It's not that I'm worried about how they look aesthetically—they are barely even visible—but it felt strange because I've never had them before, so I thought I should mention them just in case.
Hehe, no, if I actually had leukemia, it would definitely show up in the lab results, especially since they drew enough blood and urine to fill a bucket. No need to panic.
I still don't know what on earth is going on. For the hypercortisolism, they suggested it's likely stress-induced, but I haven't received the results from the VMA test, the dexamethasone suppression test, or the follow-up cortisol and ACTH levels yet. I'm still waiting on those along with my discharge papers. I'll also probably have to undergo a duodenal biopsy to rule out malabsorption. Stress definitely plays a massive role, though I wouldn't go so far as to say all my symptoms are purely psychosomatic. We shall see; my doctor recommended that I focus on learning and walking for the next six months.☕ 🙄 So, we will cross paths again (maybe I'll have myself sorted out by retirement!), and in the meantime, I'll be monitoring my cortisol and getting my intestines checked out.
(It is just wonderful when they discharge you after two-minute consultations in a hallway without even handing you your paperwork!🤣 )
I’ve noticed these tiny, tiny spots all over my skin—almost like pinpricks if you look closely—specifically on my torso and arms. I’m fairly certain they are petechiae; they're a dark red color, and some of them seem to "fade" slightly if I run a fingernail over them, though they always pop right back up again.
So... I’ve done a little reading up on them, but I’m honestly stuck on whether this is actually worth worrying about—or more importantly, whether I should even bother bringing it up during my appointment with my internist?
On a side note... for the last few months, I’ve been dealing with a "geographic tongue," and I recently developed some dermatitis near my collarbone—just a small patch, red and dry, but it simply won't clear up, and I really don't think it's fungal. To top it all off, my hives are acting up again after a several-month hiatus. It doesn't feel like an allergy; if it is, then it's to something that absolutely no one else on earth is allergic to—it's almost as if I'm just reacting to myself.🤣 ☕.
Am I stressed? Yes, certainly, but it's just my baseline—nothing out of the ordinary for me.
(And just as a quick heads-up: my current working diagnosis is suspected Tulsa syndrome.)
Charles Harris11 said:So, you just turn off the TV—and really, just hitting the button on the remote is plenty, there is no need to go overboard—then crack a window open for maybe ten minutes, and you're all set.
I would have to disagree quite strongly; I believe there is absolutely a reason to shut things down completely. One simply shouldn't leave a television on standby—because, you see, once you turn off the radio, the TV, or whatever else, and truly kill the standby mode, those who are more sensitive will certainly notice a profound sense of silence. Furthermore, by eliminating that standby draw, we are essentially conserving energy for our children’s future.
Personally, I sleep quite close to the television, and there is a distinct, palpable difference when I leave it on standby—my sleep quality suffers significantly, and I find myself tossing and turning incessantly. The same applies if I fail to disable the Wi-Fi on my computer or forget to unplug a radio from the wall; it has happened several times where I've forgotten, woken up feeling utterly exhausted, and wondered what on earth was wrong.
But then again... perhaps I am merely part of that specific group of people who are easily disturbed by any stray light while sleeping—and even by sounds as faint as the ticking of a clock.
The only other option might be to wrap yourself entirely in aluminum foil...🤣 🤣 🤣
So—to put it succinctly (this applies broadly to various populations, though it is often discussed regarding those of East Asian descent)... Inside the liver, an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase works to oxidize ethanol into acetaldehyde; subsequently, this substance is converted into harmless acetic acid—essentially vinegar—by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase —and this is precisely where the complication arises. Acetaldehyde is actually significantly more toxic than the alcohol itself, and it is largely responsible for that dreadful array of hangover symptoms we all know too well... Certain individuals of East Asian heritage carry a dominant mutation in their acetaldehyde dehydrogenase gene (specifically within the mitochondrial ALDH2 gene), which renders this particular enzyme much less efficient. Consequently, in these individuals, acetaldehyde builds up in the system following alcohol consumption, triggering symptoms akin to acetaldehyde poisoning—most notably that unmistakable facial flushing... Interestingly, those with this deficiency in acetaldehyde dehydrogenase activity are statistically far less likely to struggle with alcoholism...
In short—if you drink too much or perhaps too quickly—your body simply cannot break down the alcohol, or rather the acetaldehyde, with sufficient speed or efficiency. It is a matter of metabolic capacity, really. So, my advice? Drink less, sip more slowly, and please, be mindful of your overall physical condition. If you are already feeling "wiped out," there is certainly no need to pursue a night of heavy drinking.
Now, I should clarify—I don't believe this is quite the same thing as a true allergy in the medical sense of the word. Of course, one might be allergic to other specific ingredients found in certain alcoholic beverages; it isn't always the alcohol itself that acts as the culprit when a reaction occurs. Rather, one is simply more sensitive to the alcohol. Or, perhaps, one is normally fine, but has simply overindulged beyond what the body can handle.
I'm not entirely certain about the exact timing for administration—I believe it's before meals, according to the instructions—and they come in capsule form. You can find various brands at any local pharmacy, such as Align or Culturelle. If she’s willing to eat yogurt, that’s always an option too. There are all sorts of varieties available; most are those little single-serve bottles (which, admittedly, tend to be a bit pricier 🙂), but then there are the more potent versions sold exclusively in pharmacies—something a bit "stronger," I suppose—like this one: http://com4.runboard.com/bforumcruc.f7.t60 or perhaps this: http://www.vitality.com. I believe probiotics can also be purchased in powder form, though I must admit I'm not particularly well-versed in those specific products—my experience is mostly limited to the common brands like Align or Culturelle. You might find this forum thread helpful; it covers quite a bit regarding probiotics:
edit: No, wait—actually, yes, they CAN be obtained in powder form.😁
Hehe!🤣 I tend to react this way whenever I indulge just a little bit... my cheeks flush deep red, and then—as if that weren't enough—I break out in hives all over my neck and body. It seems to be especially sensitive if I'm feeling even slightly fatigued, or if the room is running a bit warm, or perhaps if there's a bit of smoke in the air? It makes me look... well, something like this:😠
So, please, don't go asking me for "just one more"—you know perfectly well that wouldn't be wise for several different reasons.
I’m not an expert by any means, but—subjectively speaking—I feel like that might be overkill. Kevin is incredibly potent (seriously, it hits hard)—it can really wear you down. In fact, a few years back, I couldn't even finish my own course because the side effects were just too much; I ended up skipping doses not because of the infection itself, but because of how the antibiotic felt. If they handed out Kevin at the ER (I'm not entirely sure how their protocols work there...), then you should definitely take your little one back to see her regular pediatrician instead.
And please, make sure to stop by the pharmacy for a good probiotic, and ensure she eats a decent meal before taking the pill. It would be highly advisable to stick to probiotics or dairy products with added cultures for a while after the treatment ends, especially since this stuff can really irritate the stomach lining and mess with the gut—and since she's still so small, we have to be careful.
I tend to keep my bangs quite short—really short—and the moment they start to grow out even a fraction, my skin starts acting up and looking uneven. It’s a bit of a nuisance, isn't it? Though, I must say, aside from that little hiccup, my complexion is actually near perfect. If you find yourself in a similar predicament, perhaps try pinning them back with a clip when needed, trimming them more frequently, skipping the heavy foundation altogether, being a bit more conservative with the moisturizer, and making sure to wash your face thoroughly—including the forehead area where the hair sits!
I suppose I am just throwing things out there at random now—to be perfectly honest, I haven't the slightest clue what I am doing—but I find myself quite curious (which is really just my way of saying I am procrastinating on my college coursework by doing literally anything else).
Or perhaps simply acne scars? (The various types are listed here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acne_vulgaris#Acne_scars)
Maybe even chicken pox scars? (One should probably search under varicella/chicken pox scarring if they are looking for specifics.)
(Please, do not ask me why I am looking into this 😵 )
Plus, there are the scars resulting from this: http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic741.htm, http://dermis.multimedica.de/dermisr...1/diagnose.htm ...and goodness, the synonyms are endless...
I can't stand secondhand smoke either—honestly, I find most smokers to be quite inconsiderate and selfish, even bordering on aggressive (it’s actually quite rare to encounter someone who simply asks, "May I?"). It isn't just about the smell, the coughing, or my eyes watering; it triggers hives for me, and occasionally even dandruff—if one could somehow slice through smoke with a knife! A significant amount of my wardrobe requires hand-washing (ah... those college dorm days...), which adds an extra layer of stress to my life. Once I finally step out of a smoking area, I make a point to "reward" myself with extra servings of vegetables, fruit, herbal teas... basically anything that restores my equilibrium... though, truth be told, the psychological toll of being stuck in all that smoke is likely just as taxing as the physical damage.
If we are all in agreement, let's pick a spot that isn't overly smoky—though I don't frequent coffee shops too often myself. Thankfully, none of my close friends smoke.
As for the men, kissing a smoker is quite possibly the most revolting thing that can happen to my mouth. I would much rather, if you'll forgive the expression, kiss something unpleasant. Furthermore, it truly turns my stomach when someone sits next to me whose jacket reeks of cigarettes; it's enough to make my acid reflux double instantly. The mere fact that someone smokes can cause people who are truly wonderful to stay away from me.
Laura Gomez31 said:...FSH and LH levels are elevated (slightly above the reference range) I am just so confused—can anything actually be done regarding infertility by simply getting prolactin back down to a normal level? Is that even a realistic possibility??? 😲
Well, you see, FSH and LH—which, as we know, are also secreted by the pituitary gland—can actually spike because of issues with testicular function. Now, these changes aren't necessarily permanent—not always! So, if one treats the underlying primary issue and manages to bring those prolactin levels back into a healthy range, it really might be possible to restore fertility to its previous state... though, of course, it all depends heavily on the specific nature of the problem. One must first identify the root cause; as I mentioned before, they really ought to be referred for more extensive diagnostic testing.