Posts by vividsailor7

Donna Watson10 said:So, a buddy of mine was dealing with some pretty intense anxiety lately, and his doctor actually told him he had serious heart issues.
He decided to go see one of the top specialists in the country over in Chicago, and honestly? The guy just burst out laughing and basically called the first doctor out for being totally off base.
Turns out, all he was experiencing was a racing heart—which is a super common side effect of anxiety and completely harmless in his case.

Typical LOM behavior.

lahor said:This is irrelevant to the thread. The doctor was basically shouting into the wind here. What's the harm in getting checked out? At least now he knows he’s fine. The real problem is when people don't react at all.

I agree that it doesn't technically belong in a thread about errors, but it is definitely a blatant waste of resources.

Bryan Foster4 said:My mother is battling this specific type of cancer—the kind doctors often label incurable. She is 57 years old. It was first detected via an MRI, and the tumor measures roughly 15 by 8 by 3 cm (about the size of a Sony Xperia). The specialists in Washington, D.C. (including Stipislav Jadrijević) essentially gave up on her. They sent her home without offering any viable treatment options.
However, there is a strange discrepancy that the doctors in Miami find extremely puzzling: she doesn’t physically look like someone with such a diagnosis. She hasn't withered away; in fact, she has actually gained about 7 pounds (going from 110 to 117 lbs). Her complexion is healthy and vibrant, which contradicts their initial assumptions that she would be jaundiced...
The situation is so confusing that after she spent three days at the Miami hospital, a medical board of 15 specialists (among them Eduard Vrdoljak) determined that all her tests need to be repeated. They believe there might still be a window for treatment through chemoembolization. But here is the catch: before Dr. Vrdoljak can initiate therapy, a new MRI is required. Getting that approved at the Miami facility will be an uphill battle, because they feel her case is already closed based on those first results, believing her death is imminent.
About 15 days have passed since the D.C. doctors discharged her and before this meeting with the Miami board. In the meantime, we have been turning to "alternative" medicine. She is strictly following a regimen of medicinal foods and specialized liquids we sourced from various websites. We are also using a liquid therapy specifically formulated for liver support, administered by a specialist who is incredibly confident in its efficacy, having helped many patients who were otherwise expected to pass away.
Factually speaking, her condition isn't deteriorating; if anything, she seems to be improving. Whether this is due to the liquid therapy or something else, I cannot say for certain, but she has been on it for three weeks now.

I started this thread to see if anyone here has experience with this specific illness, or knows someone who does. Please share your insights, particularly regarding treatment options. Thank you. 🙂

what needs to happen

is for the other doctors()

That is definitely highly unusual.
Any updates on moving things forward?
By the way, if you feel comfortable, please post the lab results (PET, MRI, AFP, etc.) because I am genuinely fascinated by this case.

Alex Foster24 said:Hey everyone! I'm new to this group, so I wanted to reach out and pick your brains about something... Ever since I had my baby, I’ve been incredibly thin, and honestly, I just can't seem to put on any weight no matter what I do. I recently went in to get some blood work done—my kidneys are totally fine, and while I deal with anemia, my iron levels are actually okay—but my platelet count came back low. About two years ago, I ended up in the ER because I was dealing with this intense stabbing pain in my head and really high blood pressure. It was so bad that I couldn't even handle being in a room with the lights turned on (and that was even in the evening!). To make matters worse, the doctor wouldn't even listen to me when I tried to explain the specific pain and symptoms I was feeling; she just kept insisting I go see an OB-GYN instead. So, I did, and everything there came back perfectly normal. But then, the other day, I was watching Dr. Oz on TV, and he was describing symptoms that sound exactly like what I've been going through regarding a brain aneurysm—which sounds absolutely terrifying. Is it okay for me to go back and specifically ask for certain tests to see if this is actually what's causing all my issues? Thanks so much for any advice!

Just reach out to Dr. Oz then and let him give you a diagnosis and whatever else.

steelwalker68 said:My grandmother has these lumps on her body... mostly around her joints. Six months ago, she had blood work done because of some kidney cysts and gallbladder issues, and everything came back fine. But about a month ago, these lumps appeared, though they seem to be receding... and because of that, they want her to run markers again. She also has asthma, a history of a heart attack, and deals with rheumatoid arthritis.

I recommend you frame your inquiry following the suggestions in the first post.

Angela Wright said:I have sludge in my gallbladder; it was found at the end of September. When I went to the ER, besides the sludge, they found a lesion—they say it's fatty liver. My liver tests were:
AST 104
ALT 217
GGT 515
The attacks calmed down, so I repeated the tests yesterday and now they are:
AST 124
ALT 249
GGT 511
Everything else is fine—cholesterol, triglycerides, all great.
Basically, the doctor says this can't be due to the gallbladder, even though I've started feeling symptoms again. They're sending me for hepatitis markers and EBV and CMV serology.
Is it really impossible for the levels to be this high because of the gallbladder? Surely the ER staff would have mentioned that as a separate issue.

Angela Wright said:I had my first abdominal ultrasound at the ER, and then my doctor sent me home with a diet that I followed strictly. In the meantime, I needed to do a follow-up liver panel, but since things settled down—and I have a baby and a two-year-old at home—I kept putting it off. I finally did it because my doctor forced me after I got a bladder infection, and I’ve started feeling that stinging sensation again, especially in the morning when my stomach is empty.
Here is the ultrasound report from Sept 17th; two doctors looked at it, one was likely a resident. It says:
Abdominal ultrasound performed in the ER clinic shows a distended gallbladder with thickened sediment, without wall thickening or layering.
No focal lesions found in the liver parenchyma, which is diffusely hypodense, indicating steatosis; no dilation of the bile ducts.
Morphology of the spleen, gallbladder, and both kidneys is appropriate.
No free intra-abdominal fluid.
I took Silymarin and Rowachol on my own initiative.

I suspect this isn't just a gallbladder issue.
What really needs to be done is a CBC, CRP, glucose, AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, Bilirubin (total and direct), amylase (s/u), lipase, creatinine, urea, HBA1C, LDH, CK, Iron, UIBC, TIBC, Ferritin, Copper, ceruloplasmin, Ca, K, Na, PT/INR, immunoelectrophoresis, and serum protein electrophoresis (including total proteins and albumin), plus anti-TPO, anti-Tg, and TSH.
C3, C4, ANA—if those come back positive—then LKM, AGLM, and AMHA.
And hepatitis markers.
Go for an ultrasound with Doppler, then follow up with an MRI or CT scan.
The absolute last resort is a liver biopsy.
Silymarin might help, but don't bother with Rowachol—it won't do anything here.

Eric Fisher2 said:Hi there.
I just got my blood work and urinalysis results back, and I was hoping someone could help me make sense of these numbers.
CBC:
RBC 4.63 (3.86-5.08)
Hemoglobin 140 (119-157)
Hematocrit 0.397 (0.356-0.470)
MCV 85.8 (83.0-97.2)
MCH 30.2 (27.4-33.9)
MCHC 352 (320-345) *high
RDW 14.4 (9.0-15.0)
Platelets 177 (158-424)
MPV 12.8 (6.8-10.4) *high
WBC 7.7 (3.4-9.7)
Differential:
Neutrophils 4.8 (2.06-6.49)
Neutrophils % 62 (44-72)
Lymphocytes 2.3 (1.19-3.35)
Lymphocytes % 30 (20-46)
Monocytes 0.50 (0.12-1.27)
Monocytes % 7 (2-19)
Other Hematology:
ESR 20 (4-24)
Chemistry Panel:
Total bilirubin 9.4 (3.0-20.0)
Glucose 5.8 (4.4-6.4)
Creatinine 76 (49-90)
ALT 12 (10-36)
ALP 61 (54-119)
AST 14 (8-30)
GGT 15 (9-35)
Potassium 4.55 (3.90-5.10)
Sodium 142 (137-146)
Iron 16.2 (8.0-30.0)
UIBC 42.6 (26.0-59.0)
TIBC 58.8 (49.0-75.0)

By the way, I'm 31 years old. I went in for these tests because I've been dealing with constant fatigue, dizziness, occasional heart palpitations, and getting winded incredibly easily during basic activities like climbing stairs or even walking. It’s honestly bizarre because just a few months ago, I could ride my bike 31 miles miles a day without breaking a sweat.
I would really appreciate some expert insight on this.
Thanks.

Everything looks normal.

Michael Allen29 said:Could you please comment on these results?

View on imgur

Read the first post.

Jessica Adams7 said:Thanks, Angela Wright, for starting this thread. I’m sure there are countless people out there who just need a little bit of support... sometimes even a single word of comfort makes all the difference.
My dad is battling the same thing—leukemia... and right now, I am beyond frustrated. It feels like absolutely nothing is being done by the doctors, and my hands are completely tied...
So here I am, sitting alone overseas... feeling lost and wondering what on earth I should do... if only I could actually make some kind of progress...
I really hope the rest of you are getting better support than what we get from these so-called physicians.
Best regards,

If you want any actual advice or something concrete to talk about, you need to provide some actual facts.

Nicholas Myers said:Ma'am,

I know of an instance—specifically in Germany, though I won't go into specifics—where someone waited ages for a consultation, even longer for surgery, only for the outcome to be poor. In the end, she had to pay out of her own pocket using her savings to undergo a corrective procedure privately.

Now, I don't live in Germany myself, and I'm basing this on a single case, but it’s enough to illustrate my point: health systems anywhere aren't exactly flowing with milk and honey.

Furthermore, my point was specifically regarding strabismus and waiting for follow-up specialist consultations. A diagnosis like that isn't an emergency; it isn't life-threatening. And in America, there are certainly clinics where the wait for a strabismus exam is significantly shorter than at a major hub like Johns Hopkins Hospital, which is where everyone seems to want to go.

As this user pointed out:

The bottom line is that people wait for exams and tests in other countries too, not just here. And we're talking about much wealthier, more developed nations!

Take the United Kingdom, for instance—you could be waiting an absolute eternity just to see an allergist. Two whole years. Two entire years!I believe that's actually mentioned in the "Allergy and asthma help" book, published by Mosaic book.

briskstag13 said:What does the processing actually involve?

Hepatitis markers, re-running the labs, and an abdominal ultrasound.

Nicole Chavez5 said:Hi everyone. I really need some help here.
A few days ago, I did a 24-hour urine cortisol test and the result was:
93.21 ref. range: 100-379
After that, I had my blood cortisol checked and it showed:
at 8 AM 16.9 (ref. range 3.7-19.4)
at 4 AM 10.4 (ref. range 2.9-17.3)
How is it possible that my urine levels are low while my blood levels look perfectly normal?
I'm running these tests as part of follow-up monitoring for residual tumor tissue in my pituitary gland, which I had surgery for back in 2009. I am not on any hormone replacement therapy. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

These results look fine to me.

Anthony Wilson10 said:What does a biopsy result mean when it says individual spindle cells are immunohistochemically positive for vimentin, desmin, and SMA?

Just read the first post.

Lawrence Anderson19 said:I ran some blood and urine work. In my hematology results, lymphocytes are low at 15.7 (20-46), and neutrophils are elevated at 76.5 (44-72). Also, my platelet PDW is slightly high at 16.6 (12-16.5). Everything else falls within the reference range.

I'm also curious about my urinalysis:

Appearance—clear
Color—yellow
pH—6
Relative density 1.025
Sediment
Bound erythrocytes 2-3
Leukocytes 3-4
Squamous epithelial cells 2-3
Bacteria—trace
Mucus—trace
Crystals—trace calcium oxalate crystals.

Basically normal findings.

Brandon Lopez6 said:I’m already on generics, so that part hasn't been an issue for me. But my grandad—he had a stroke about 7 or 8 years ago—just had 3 or 4 of his meds swapped out. We went to pick them up today and realized we have absolutely no clue which one replaces 🤔. The label says it's for blood pressure, but he was given a different BP med entirely, and looking at the drug class, it doesn't even seem to fit with what he was taking before.
The doctor didn't really say much, just a quick "you'll be getting generics," without mentioning which specific med was being swapped for what. Now we're stuck waiting until Monday to figure out if this was a prescription error or not. I don't get it... surely he could take two minutes to write down the changes, especially since we're talking about a guy in his 70s. It's hard enough keeping track without this.

Can you please list what he was taking before versus what he received now? I'm genuinely curious to see what happened.

Sarah Wells23 said:Look, I can't exactly write anything coherent when I don't have direct access to the medical records—all I've got to work with are bits and pieces passed to me over the phone. So, here’s the situation: the initial diagnosis that landed her in the hospital for two weeks was rheumatoid arthritis. She ended up there after falling out of bed, and once she hit the floor, she just couldn't get back up. The joint pain was absolutely excruciating, and her whole body was swollen shut.
After spending a week in the hospital—just a couple of days before they were actually planning to discharge her—everything just went south. She took a turn for the worse and spiked a fever. I don't have the blood work right in front of me, but I know they confirmed she's anemic. Her ESR (sedimentation rate) was up, and her white blood cell count was high, which were the biggest red flags. To make matters worse, her urine test showed bacteria, and it turns out her kidneys are starting to fail. On top of all that, she’s developed pneumonia. Then, because she started losing balance and couldn't speak, they rushed her over to neurology under suspicion of a stroke. It turns out it’s cerebral ischemia. Now, they've had to insert a catheter because of the kidney failure, and she’s started on antibiotics and a blood transfusion. It's just one thing after another.
According to the doctors, everything is a direct consequence of the RA. They’re telling us that they can't even begin to fix these issues with the kidneys, the lungs, or the general circulation because nothing works anymore—it's a vicious cycle where treating one inflammation just triggers another. They said things are critical right now. All we can do is sit here and wait to see if kidney function returns and what the situation with the circulation ends up being.

The patient has developed a hospital-acquired infection, and honestly, given all the other underlying health issues they're battling, the situation is looking pretty grim.
RA definitely plays a role in this—that much is certain—but he isn't the whole story.

Joshua Moore7 said:Hey friends, I stumbled upon this forum while searching online. I’ve been trying my absolute best to translate this medical report into plain English, but I am honestly hitting a brick wall here. If any of you could help me make sense of this, I would be incredibly grateful. Here is what the report says: The patient was admitted to the clinic for a reassessment following an anterior low rectal resection with mesorectal excision and coloanal anastomosis, due to rectal adenocarcinoma with liver metastases. Post-surgery, the patient completed four cycles of FOLFOX chemotherapy. A recent MSCT scan shows nodular changes in both lung fields, measuring up to 5mm, as well as target lesions in the liver consistent with secondary deposits. Following admission, a full evaluation was performed, confirming the aforementioned diagnoses. An MRI of the abdomen and pelvis revealed multiple focal lesions in the basal regions of both lungs, measuring up to 26x17mm, characterized as secondary deposits. Within the liver parenchyma, there are multiple focal lesions of the secondary type, the largest being located in segment V with dimensions of 26x17mm. Additionally, peritoneal dissemination and abdominal lymphadenopathy were noted.

It’s not even about whether surgery is an option anymore; the real question is whether chemo is still on the table. Personally? I don't think so.
The final stage.
Palliative care is absolutely necessary.

Susan Carter4 Asks:
CT scan results.
The lung parenchyma shown at the bases looks clear—no visible focal lesions or any signs of pleural effusion.
The liver is neatly positioned but shows some mild enlargement. It’s diffusely permeated by numerous hypodense lesions of varying sizes, ranging from 1 to 4.5 cm. Based on the radiomorphological characteristics, these findings are consistent with metastatic changes.
The CT scan came back, and honestly, I’m relieved. My gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, adrenal glands, and both kidneys all look perfectly normal. Everything is right where it should be.
Massive conglomerates of enlarged lymph nodes located retroperitoneally around the aorta and the vena cava—stretching from the level of the renal hilum down to the aortic bifurcation—measuring roughly 5.6 x 3.5 cm in width along with the blood vessels on certain transverse sections.
The uterus shows sharply defined contours on the transverse sections, measuring 3.60 x 5.40 cm. The cervix measures 4.90 x 2.30 cm, and there is some cloudiness noted in the pericervical fatty tissue.
The intestinal loops show no signs of dislocation or dilation.
The rectum shows eccentric thickening on the right side, accompanied by some cloudiness in the surrounding fatty tissue.
The imaging of the lumbar spine and the pelvic bones shows no visible signs of lytic destruction.
The bottom line.
Hepatitis.
The scan shows conglomerates of retroperitoneal lymph nodes, stretching all the way from the renal hilum down to the aortic bifurcation.
The imaging shows some cloudiness in the fat surrounding the cervix and rectum, along with an asymmetrical thickening of the rectal wall on the right side.

We need to get Calcium and Phosphorus levels checked because of potential bone disease. Also, I'll need coagulation tests done.
Is it DVT? Or maybe thrombophlebitis? They need to check the D-dimer, PT/INR, and aPTT, along with kidney function—specifically creatinine, urea, urate, CK, and LDH.
From a gastroenterology standpoint, they really ought to be performing at least a rectosigmoidoscopy, if not a full comprehensive colonoscopy. On top of that, you absolutely need to be checking those markers—CEA, CA 19-9, CA 125, and CA 15-3. It’s basic protocol.
She’s supposed to start systemic chemo soon.
The liver just isn't meant for surgery.

Donna Brooks18 said:I’ve been searching everywhere, but I just can't find it... Is there actually a thread anywhere about how to deal with this agonizing wait for test results? Right now, I'm stuck in limbo waiting on my own labs, and honestly? Everything is still a massive question mark. It's driving me absolutely insane.

I'm just responding to the thread regarding the lab results.

Jesse Foster54 said:I just went in for my usual annual checkup—you know, the routine physical we all do every year. I teach English at a local school, so I try to stay on top of my health to keep up with the schedule. Everything has always been fine in previous years, but this time, the report came back with a curveball. It says: "Diagnosis Z22. Repeat nasal swab with AB and proceed with therapy based on the findings."
Look, I’m definitely heading in tomorrow or the day after to get that swab done, but in the meantime, I really need some insight here. Can someone please tell me what we might be looking at? Is this actually dangerous? Because seeing "temporarily unfit for work" written there has me seriously on edge.
I was born in 1985.

If your inflammatory markers are normal—I'm talking CRP, CBC, the whole nine yards—and you aren't actually feeling any symptoms, then there is absolutely no point in throwing antibiotics at the problem. Unless, of course, you're actively looking to cause some damage.

Scott Long4 said:I just went in for my routine annual checkup—blood work and urine tests—because of my diagnosis of right renal hypoplasia. Most of the results came back looking fine, but there are two things that caught my eye: my red blood cell sediment rate was 1 (where the normal range is 2-12), and my total protein in my 24-hour urine collection hit 0.45 (with the normal limit being up to 0.15). Does anyone see any reason to actually worry about this?

It would be a huge help if you could provide some more specifics—like age, any complicating lab results, the actual diagnosis, blood pressure, and so on.

Kate Patel59 said:Female, 39 years old. Diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. I’ve actually been euthyroid for years now without any medication, and as long as my levels stay steady like this, I just follow my doctor's instructions for monitoring.
Once a year, I get my thyroid hormones checked and have an ultrasound done on my thyroid.

Last year:
TSH is sitting at 2.17 (normal range: 0.27–4.2). Looks like we're right in the sweet spot.
T3 at 1.5 (range 1.3–3.1).
T4 at 65. Let's get into it. (66-181)
HHS is looking okay.

I don't know what to tell you. It’s just depressing.
TSH is 2.38 (range 0.35-4.94). It's the same lab—they just updated their reference values.
T3 at 1.8 (range: 0.89–2.44).
T4 at 58? Seriously? That’s incredibly low. I am honestly stunned. If you aren't already feeling like a total zombie, you should be. This isn't just a minor fluctuation; this is a massive red flag that needs immediate attention. You cannot just sit around and wait for this to fix itself—it won't. Get to your doctor immediately and get this sorted out before things go from bad to worse. (63-150,84)
FT4 is at 11.4, with the standard range listed as 9.0 to 19.05.
I'm just sitting here waiting on the HHS results.

Does this T4 value even matter at all? Is it more sensible to just focus on the FT4 levels and completely ignore the total T4?

Clean up these results.

I don't even know where to begin with this one. It’s just... unbelievable. Truly. kaže:
I'm not even sure where I should be posting this question, so I guess I'll just drop it here...

An ultrasound of my abdomen just turned up a hypoechoic, focal lesion in the head of the pancreas—about 23x12mm—and the etiology is still wide open. My doctor is suspicious of an insulinoma. I’m heading into the hospital in a couple of days to get everything checked out: an MRI, specific markers, endoscopic ultrasound, and endocrine testing specifically for insulinoma. Basically, we're going through the whole gauntlet to finally get some real answers.
I’m looking for a second opinion from a gastroenterologist here. I know an ultrasound isn't exactly the gold standard for checking the stomach because of where it sits in the abdomen. My results seem pretty straightforward, but what else could be going on besides the tumor mentioned in the report? Obviously, an MRI will give us the full picture... but could this be anything else?
Please, I’d really appreciate some insight.

It could be anything, really. It depends on what symptoms you're dealing with, what your fasting glucose looks like, and whether you've had any other diagnostic work done.
And honestly, an MRI might not even be the move here—you probably need an EUS, plus insulin, C-peptide, and CGA levels.

Sandra Rivera59 said:Hi there. I have a quick question about blood work. My gynecologist sent me for some tests due to my birth control (CBC, liver panel, transaminases, urea, creatinine, glucose, a mini coagulogram, and urine). Since I've been having some weird lower abdominal pain for a few days now (though we've ruled out any gyno issues), I was wondering if I need to be fasting for these specific tests? Or can I just get them done during the day? Also, how long should I hold off on eating or using the bathroom? Thanks! 🙂

Yes, you definitely need to be fasting.
Just grab your first morning urine sample in a cup, then go ahead and use the restroom whenever you need to. Once the blood draw is finished, you can eat whatever you want.

northernlynx3 said:Is this something handled by a primary care physician?

NASA or a local hospital.

northernlynx3 said:Two years ago, I dealt with a fever during an allergy flare-up, but back then I was coughing uncontrollably and my nose was running like a faucet. Right now, I have zero allergy symptoms, so I'm skeptical that this is the culprit... 🙄

Allergies and the temperature have absolutely nothing to do with each other!

northernlynx3 said:I went back to see my doctor and requested a full blood panel and urinalysis. Here are the results:

BLOOD - CBC 2 (reference range 4-24)
GLUCOSE 3.2 (reference range 4.2-6.0)
ALP 52 (ref. range 54-119)

URINE - SG greater than 1.030 (reference range 1.002-1.030)
Ketones 2.0 (reference range less than 0.5)
Leukocytes 5-8 (reference range 0-2)
Erythrocytes 2-4 (reference range 0-2)

The fever, headaches, and nausea haven't let up. My doctor is essentially flying blind, unsure which specialist or diagnostic test to order next, and frankly, I’m even more lost than she is. Does anyone have any insight into what might be going on? 😕

We really need to start taking preventive diagnostics more seriously. It shouldn't just be about reacting when things go wrong; we need to be proactive. If you aren't regularly checking your insulin levels, C-peptide, fasting glucose, and HbA1c, you're flying blind. And don't even get me started on kidney function—you absolutely have to keep an eye on your transaminases, urea, creatinine, potassium, and sodium. Get ahead of it!
But let’s be real—at the end of the day, they’re actually quite decent.

Nancy Lee said:My dad was discharged after being diagnosed with malignant lymphoma in his neck. He’s been given Taxol and is scheduled for radiation on his neck in three weeks.
The doctor told us the scintigraphy results were fine, and we were sent home right after that, receiving everything by mail—including this message I’m writing to you all. We can't reach his doctor right now because he's traveling, so I am once again asking you, or anyone who actually understands this stuff, to please explain these scintigraphy findings.

It's possible there's a target, but it's also possible there isn't. I can't give you a straight answer because I don't have the complete picture in front of me, like X-rays, calcium levels, or phosphorus.
But look, if they told you the results were clear and the diagnosis doesn't mention bone involvement, then I really don't see why you need to overcomplicate things.

Sarah Wells23 said:I'm posting here even though this is about rheumatoid arthritis, because I wouldn't want to scare someone off on a different thread with a post that sounds this grim. So, my apologies if this is the wrong place.
We're talking about a woman, 79 years old, who only recently started actual therapy for RA despite being diagnosed years ago—she spent a massive amount of time in the hospital during those intervening years. Now that she's immobile, she finally started the proper treatment, but here's the situation: she has three types of bacteria in her kidneys (which I assume is also a consequence of the RA?) and pneumonia. Despite the medication, her fever won't break.
The doctors are being incredibly tight-lipped, so all I know for now is that she has inflammation throughout her body, which suggests the arthritis is spiraling out of control. She's getting blood transfusions, but her blood work isn't improving at all; she's not responding to antibiotics and the infections aren't clearing up. They said we have to wait a few days to see how her body reacts (her veins are shot, so they have very limited options for IV access), essentially saying if this current therapy fails, that's it...
They won't let me go into the hospital to get more information because I'm pregnant 🙂 and I'm wondering: is waiting truly our only option? It's been two weeks and nothing has changed—if anything, it's getting worse—while the treatment remains exactly the same. It's obvious to me that the old condition is playing a huge role and her body is just shutting down, but I still need to know if there is *anything* else that could change this situation... this waiting is absolutely agonizing.

That's all a bit scattered and messy, and honestly, it gives us nothing concrete to work with.
What I will say is that they absolutely need to perform a blood culture and appropriate antibiotic testing based on the ABG Quote.

Austin Stewart2 said:Question... maybe this has already been asked and answered somewhere else, but if it isn't too much trouble, I’d really appreciate some guidance here. My father just finished his second round of chemo for Stage 3 colon cancer, and now he’s dealing with those nasty mouth sores—it seems like such a common, miserable side effect of the treatment. What should he be using for rinsing or topical relief? Any recommendations? (Just as a side note, he’s currently taking beta-glucan and aronia to help boost his immune system... I’m honestly not sure if that’s enough or if there’s something else he should start adding to his regimen.) Also, does anyone here have actual experience using Graviol? Thanks, thanks a million...

Gelclair.

briskstag13 said:I just went in for some routine blood work, and bam—there it is. ALT 40, AST 37. I’m not taking any meds, I don't touch alcohol, I'm not on birth control, and I stay far away from anything else that could mess with my system. I'm definitely not dealing with drugs or promiscuity either🤣. But honestly, this is eating me alive because those numbers shouldn't be up. My OB-GYN (who actually sent me for the tests) wants me to check hepatitis markers, even though I'm not exactly in a high-risk group, while my primary care doctor is basically telling me there's nothing to worry about. What else could this be? Is it possible that cycling is throwing things off? I used to ride all the time and everything was fine. Now, I barely manage to get out for 16 miles once in a while, maybe twice if I find the time, usually for about 31 miles/day. I am absolutely losing my mind with worry here.

The results are practically normal, but we could probably refine them a bit more.

copperlynx22 said:A few days ago, a primary care physician refused to issue a referral for a young patient with Type 1 diabetes to see an ophthalmologist-retinologist—the specialist who normally monitors his retina—claiming they simply couldn't due to some new system model or similar bureaucratic nonsense.

I don't have all the specifics regarding this particular case, and I suspect the patient hasn't actually been diagnosed with retinopathy yet. However, given the primary diagnosis, he really should be seeing a retinologist for routine monitoring to catch any changes, perhaps once a year or at least once every two years.
That is the standard clinical recommendation for anyone managing diabetes. https://www.cardiosmart.org/~/media/...en/zu1686.ashx

The real question here is how his DM was managed during his last check-up.

casualcobra222 said:Does anyone know how the whole sick leave thing works these days? Basically, I need to start a treatment plan that’s super aggressive—honestly, it feels worse than chemo. My doctor just dropped this bomb on me that I don't qualify for continuous medical leave anymore. Instead, she says I get maybe 3 or 4 days off when I receive the treatment, then I have to work for 1 or 2 days, and then it's back to being out sick again. 🙂Even during that last round, those 1 or 2 days I was actually at work felt terrible, and my job requires absolute, undivided focus... does anyone here have any experience dealing with this???

Your primary care physician has the final say on your medical leave.

First and foremost, my deepest condolences go out to everyone here who has lost someone they love.

stormytinker4 said:But let's be honest—there hasn't been any improvement whatsoever. Not a single bit. 😢 He’s stopped taking it entirely, and honestly, I'm getting worried. His feet and ankles are still swollen, and that right leg is just hanging there, heavy and bloated. What do you all suggest? Is there another diuretic out there that actually works?

stormytinker4 said:Thanks for the input, William... but you've got it all wrong. My father doesn't have high blood pressure; if anything, it’s dangerously low. We're talking 110/65. And on top of those intense coughing fits? This morning was an absolute disaster—his pressure plummeted to 65/50 while his heart rate shot up to 145! It's terrifying.

I know I’m late to the party here, but I owe you all an answer. Honestly, given that I was on Pfizer Product, there was no way I was going anywhere under my own steam—it would have had to be under hospital supervision.
Once again, I want to offer my deepest condolences.

Angela Wright said:@stormytinker4/">@@stormytinker4, my dad is taking a diuretic right now because we need to flush out all that fluid buildup caused by the cancer. His blood pressure took a dive and his heart rate spiked—likely because he’s losing electrolytes. He needs to stay consistent with the Californium, and honestly, a dose of Moduretic would probably do him some good right about now.
I honestly have no clue what the actual difference is between Moduretic and Lasix, but I do know one thing for certain: Lasix is incredibly effective.

Potassium is absolutely, categorically NOT compatible with Moduretic—or any other potassium-sparing diuretic, for that matter! I cannot stress this enough. You simply do not mix them. It’s dangerous, period.
And let’s not forget—if he was on Lasix, there’s a damn good chance he was already dealing with renal insufficiency. Which means, once again, potassium is absolutely contraindicated!

Nancy Lee said:Since I'm already here, I might as well ask about something from my recent discharge papers that just isn't adding up:
The scan clearly shows a pathological buildup of radiopharmaceuticals right in the area of that massive lesion on the left humerus.
The imaging shows an uneven distribution across the spine and ribs. There is a focal area of pathological radiopharmaceutical uptake—meaning a suspicious concentration—located at the posterior aspect of the 9th left rib.
The scans clearly show increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in both acromioclavicular joints, the coracoid processes of both scapulae, and both knees. Honestly, looking at the extent of it, we're almost certainly dealing with degenerative changes here.
I honestly don't follow any of this, and frankly, it sounds pretty terrifying. Could someone please walk me through this? I need a clear explanation.

There's no way he was just discharged without a full list of diagnoses and all those other medical details you didn't mention here.

bolddriver12 said:I just found out they give it to him as a syrup. Does that change anything?

No.

steeleagle152 said:Can someone please explain what esophageal stenosis is and how it’s treated?
My dad was just diagnosed with it. For the last month, he's had trouble swallowing, and this past week, it's become almost impossible. Basically, whatever he eats, he ends up throwing up. He had an endoscopy (I hope I got the term right) where they gave him this diagnosis, and now they're looking to follow up with a gastroscopy and an ultrasound of the esophagus.
Thanks in advance.

We definitely need a much more detailed medical history before anyone can weigh in on this.

Amanda Chavez27 said:Here is the question I am trying to get an answer to.
I have schizophrenia and receive treatment at the Mayo Clinic.
I’ve completed four psychiatric evaluations following my hospital stays, as I have been working under a medication regimen prescribed by my psychiatrist at Mayo Clinic, which my primary care physician then implements.
I need to know if I will continue seeing specialists at Mayo Clinic starting September 1st, or if my primary care doctor will take over those follow-ups.

It’s not four—it’s three follow-up exams. And look, the frequency of those subsequent check-ups isn't some fixed rule; it’s entirely up to your medical association. Basically, they hold all the cards. If they decide you need to be in for testing fifty times a year, they can send you right back through those doors. It's their call.

Elizabeth Fowler46 said:Is there going to be any shift regarding the other doctors in primary care? Basically, can my gynecologist still write me prescriptions or lab referrals, or is that all going to have to go through the AMA now?

It stays exactly the same.

Kyle Lee7 said:1. Well, I guess they "don't" have to then...
In my case, a neurologist—Professor Brinar—actually prescribed the exact dose I had discovered myself online and started taking: 5000 IU. And yes, there is evidence suggesting that patients with MS seem to deal with Vitamin D3 metabolism issues.
So, clearly, neurologists do know what's up.

2. I know exactly how an acute asthma attack is treated because I've been dealing with this since I was six years old, and now I'm nearly forty. But as I mentioned before, this wasn't an acute attack; it was a flare-up of the underlying condition. It wasn't quite "emergency room" level, but it was certainly "pulmonologist" level. I wanted to know their take—was this a new allergy, maybe my medication isn't working anymore, could it be an infection, or something else entirely?
The problem was, I couldn't actually see a pulmonologist because the wait time is a month. By the time that month passed, I didn't need them anymore.

I should clarify: my asthma is very well controlled. The only Ventolin I have at home expired back in 2007, so that's useless. I don't even take Flixotide or Serevent anymore; I just take one Singulair a day. When I first started, I was on 2x Flixotide and Serevent in the morning and again at night. Eventually, we managed to taper down to just that single Singulair. And that entire process happened under the close supervision of a pulmonologist, not some general practitioner or an ER doctor. That's precisely why—because we reached such a great state through careful monitoring and tapering—it worries me when I notice things starting to slip. Naturally, I want to see the specialist who manages my care, someone who would find it useful to see and hear about the situation right when the decline begins—to understand *why* it's happening and whether I'll need to move back to a stronger regimen.

So, my question remains: who needs a pulmonologist, and when?
Because based on your comments, it sounds like I'll never need one again. 🤷

Can someone please find me an official recommendation from a neurological association—or honestly, anything that isn't just some random study on Vitamin D levels in MS? Look, I’m not saying we should flat-out ignore the research, but that kind of data is strictly for neurologists to interpret, not for general practitioners or primary care doctors to play doctor with.
You can try to handle all of this through your primary care physician first—maybe they’ll suggest bumping up your inhaled steroid dosage or something similar. But look, if you don't see any actual improvement after that, don't waste your time. Go straight to a pulmonologist.

George Allen71 said:I have a question... I'm based out of the NYC area, and I need to undergo a surgical procedure that can only be performed at the Mayo Clinic. When I tried to get my preliminary testing done locally in the city, they basically told me no... because they want everything handled within their own hospital system. I've been scheduled for an outpatient appointment at 9:00 AM to get all my tests completed. Today, I went to see my primary care physician to ask for the referral... she told me to just come back at the beginning of September when the actual procedure date rolls around, because who knows what will happen by then?! She refused to give me the referral now, even though any referral she issued would likely be valid for about 30 days anyway. What is the deal here? Was she allowed to act that way? I called the Mayo Clinic and the head nurse confirmed that I am indeed on the schedule for outpatient services for that date at 9:00. Does my doctor have the right to refuse to give me the referral right now... or perhaps even later in September if four different specialists from the Mayo Clinic insist on performing the tests themselves because the procedure is so specialized and only their specific team handles it?

Honestly, it feels like you're making a mountain out of a molehill.

Jason Vaughn482 said:In your opinion, how often should someone with high blood pressure actually need to see a specialist? At the end of the day, if someone has been struggling with hypertension for fifteen years, I’d imagine they ought to undergo additional testing, like an ultrasound or something similar... yet most family doctors won't even bother measuring their blood pressure. Most of them, anyway. It seems we're all left having to rely entirely on our own home monitors.

If a specialist is handling the processing, then it's entirely up to whatever that specialist decides.
As for the supplemental testing, everything should be available through the local health department (CBC, glucose, CRP, AST, ALT, GGT, creatinine, urea, urate, K, Na, creatinine clearance, lipid panel)
including fundus exams
and X-rays.
In addition to what?