Posts by vividsailor7

wiredraven82 said:Look, I’m writing this because of my mom, and honestly, I am at my wits' end. This ringing in her ears started about five months ago. At first, it was just intermittent ringing, but from the very beginning, it was happening almost every single day—especially at night...

But over the last week, the rustling and ringing have gotten so much worse. Actually, the rustling only showed up a week ago, along with physical pain whenever someone touches her ear. It’s reached the point where there is intense physical pain upon contact. I don't even know what to tell her or how to help anymore.

She went to see an ENT specialist at a private clinic here in San Diego, and all the doctor did was shine a little flashlight into her ear. That was it! That was the entire exam. But the noise won't stop. Is it really possible that nobody—not even her primary care physician—is sending her for actual imaging? Like a CT scan of the head or the ear? Or some kind of detailed diagnostic workup? I’m no doctor, but I find it absolutely baffling that her physician isn't recommending further testing, especially since she’s been dealing with severe physical pain for the past week, not just the noise. Could this be an infection, bacteria, or something similar? When I look at the outside of her left ear—the one that hurts and rings—the area looks slightly swollen compared to her right ear. What are we supposed to do?

All that private doctor did after seeing her a month ago was refer her to another specialist. Seriously, do you have to be a world-renowned expert just to get sent for a proper scan or a more thorough analysis than just a flashlight check? Forgive my sarcasm, but I think you all understand why I'm feeling this way.

Now she tells me that when she touches her ear or applies pressure at a certain angle, it feels like something might "pop" open. Even when she yawns, she feels this clicking sensation. Is it even possible that this isn't a physical issue, given that there is actual physical pain now? I'm a bit heated with this private practitioner; considering what she paid him, it’s frankly ridiculous—bordering on tragic—that all she got was a quick glance with a light...

Maybe I'm overreacting by being so angry at that private doctor, since she didn't have physical pain back then, but I still can't wrap my head around him giving her a "diagnosis" that it's just noise and then just handing her a number for another private specialist...

In her entire life, she has never had issues with ringing in her ears until five months ago. Ever. So, what does a person have to do to get someone—even her own doctor—to send her for a systematic checkup or imaging of the ear or head (and I'm not a specialist!)?

I think the best move is to call that second private doctor this Monday, because she can't endure this any longer. My mom says it feels like there's an "apple" stuck in her ear—something heavy. It feels like something has swollen inside, and sometimes a little liquid leaks out, which makes it feel slightly better for a moment.

It could be an ear infection, like otitis. She needs to see an ENT specialist immediately.

goldenmoose25 said:Good morning.🙂

I've been on Cilest for quite a while now, but I’ve run into a situation that leaves me completely stumped. I was prescribed an antibiotic for a throat infection, and I’m well aware that antibiotics can interfere with birth control effectiveness. Here’s the catch: I’m supposed to start my next pack today, which also happens to be the very first day of my placebo week.
The instructions are useless regarding this specific scenario. I understand the "seven-day rule"—where you need seven consecutive days of active pills after finishing an antibiotic course—but that applies when you're actually taking the hormones. What happens during those seven days of being off the pill?
Can an antibiotic still diminish the efficacy of the birth control if I’m currently in my break?
I have no idea how long the medication stays in my system, especially since my last dose of antibiotics falls on the final day of my break.
Do I need backup protection? If so, for how long?
Sorry for the long post, but this is incredibly confusing.🤷

I don't follow.
Which antibiotic are you taking?

silverrider2 said:Hi everyone.
I’ve been on Novynette for a year now without any side effects. My cycle is as predictable as a Swiss watch.
Anyway, here is what’s on my mind. I was catching up with a friend the other day who just started taking Yaz. She mentioned they cost her about $10 per pack $24. Meanwhile, my Novynette is only $0.25! 😕 Then you have Diane 35 at $0.35 $17... and the list goes on. I realize there’s a difference in the standard of living between us and elsewhere, so a direct price comparison isn't perfect, but I’m curious: are Novynette much cheaper than other brands where you are? It actually worried me a bit how inexpensive they are, especially since I read somewhere online that they were supposed to be pulled from the market.

So, if anyone has reliable information—say, from a gynecologist, a nurse, or even a close family friend 😁—regarding how good or bad these pills are for your health, please be kind enough to share. 🙂

Just to reiterate, I’ve been using them for a year and they work great for me...

Just girl talk. Don't sweat it; you can keep taking your medication without worry.

Emily Cook34 said:I went to see my doctor yesterday and she told me it’s bronchitis. She gave me a slip for Flavamed to pick up at the pharmacy, and then mentioned there was also some Coaxil waiting for me (I assume that was sent electronically through the system). Well, instead of going myself, my dad took my insurance card to the pharmacy, and he came home with three different medications: Coaxil, Flavamed, and Makcin. When I asked him why he had three, he just shrugged and said he handed over my info and they just gave him the meds. Then it hit me—my doctor actually mentioned during the appointment that when she checked my digital records, she saw an unfulfilled prescription from over a year ago! Is it even possible that this Makcin is some old prescription from a year or more ago? Can things really just sit there that long?

Coaxil is an antidepressant.
Flavamed is an expectorant used to help clear out mucus; you don't even need a prescription for it.
Makcin is a macrolide antibiotic.
There is no way. You almost certainly got the Makcin to treat the bronchitis.

Megan Jones27 said:Just one more thing... those "units" I was talking about are probably called titers, and they really need to be determined, yet they aren't even mentioned here. I actually called the CDC to ask, but either they didn't understand me or something else went wrong, because they just told me I should contact whoever referred me so I could get more information there.

Titers. You've proven the antibodies exist, so that's what you treat based on.

Olivia Anderson10 here. I’ve been staring at my latest lab results all morning, and frankly, I am losing my mind. It feels like every time I think I’ve finally hit a plateau of "normalcy," my body decides to throw a massive tantrum just for the hell of it. I was looking over my Medical Report again—specifically that damn Ferritin level—and it’s just frustrating. How can everything else seem relatively stable while one specific marker keeps dragging me down? It’s exhausting. Dealing with this constant ebb and flow of symptoms makes me want to scream. One day I feel okay, and the next, I’m completely wiped out. I know I'm not alone in this cycle, but that doesn't make the frustration any less real. Has anyone else dealt with this kind of volatility? Does it ever actually settle down, or are we just destined to play this guessing game with our doctors forever? I'm tired of being a walking science experiment. kaže:
vividsailor7, thanks for the input—if only your words were actually worth their weight in gold!
I would sign off on a diagnosis like that in a heartbeat if only it meant it wasn't anything physical.
If Mr. Mozga actually turns out to be sane, I swear, there won't be a happier person on this entire planet!
When it comes to the psyche, we’re talking about one of the most powerful forces on this planet. Seriously. When your mind can actually dictate how your physical body moves and reacts? I’ve seen it firsthand. I know because I’ve lived it.
I'm checking in with my latest lab results.

I didn't see that coming—you actually caught me off guard there (in a good way, I suppose). Just let me know once those results are in. Best regards.

Megan Jones27 said:Sorry, so does being HSV positive mean I actually have it (either one or both), given that HSV 1 is still active but HSV 2 isn't? Or does it mean I don't have HSV 2 at all? Does this mean I'm infectious even if I'm not showing any external symptoms?

Or does that negative result next to HSV 2 mean it was never present—that I haven't had it yet?

Since the HSV 2 came back negative, you don't have it.
The HSV 1 is positive, which means you have it and it's currently in an active phase or outbreak; make sure you report this to your gynecologist.

Megan Jones27 said:Hey everyone, if anyone can help me make sense of these lab results...
HSV Serology Results

HSV IgM - POSITIVE - (EIA method) - reference values: pos >1.1 neg HSV 1 IgG - POSITIVE - (EIA method) - reference values: pos >1.1 neg HSV 2 IgG - negative - (EIA method) - reference values: pos >1.1 neg HSV 1 IgG WB - POSITIVE - (WB method) - reference values: neg
HSV 2 IgG WB - negative - (WB method) - reference values: neg

I don't really get these reference values... and under "result and unit" there’s nothing listed... which is weird because there should be something there. Based on this, it looks like I don't have HSV 2, but I had those symptoms about a month ago along with every other possible issue. I felt sick, like a massive sore throat or something awful, my whole body was aching... and then a sore appeared on my lip for the first time. I went to see both a gynecologist and a dermatologist, and neither of them could give me a straight answer or a solid diagnosis at the time. So, I went looking for a second opinion at the General Hospital, and they sent me for more blood work through the CDC department. I've never had this in my life, so maybe that's why the reaction was so intense. They say almost everyone carries HSV 1 and we all deal with it at least once... but I've always been perfectly healthy until now, aside from the occasional cold sore on my lip every once in a while. And now, out of nowhere, I've picked up both, even though the person who likely passed it to me told me later that their infection had been inactive for a year. It's just awful that this happened to me...

Based on these results, you tested positive for the herpes virus.
IgM means it's an active infection.
IgG means it's something you've had before.

Olivia Anderson10 said:Thanks for taking a look at my labs. Phew, I can finally breathe a little easier knowing you said everything looks okay. Regarding my period situation—about ten years ago, I had surgery for endometriosis. It was a laparoscopy where they didn't actually remove anything, just cleared out some adhesions and cysts. I stay on top of it with regular checkups, so it’s all being monitored closely. I do deal with occasional spotting that isn't tied to my cycle, but my gynecologist says that’s normal given my history with the disease. Then, earlier this year, I missed an entire cycle. I went through every single test imaginable to figure out why, but everything came back within the normal range. Once that passed, my cycle just went right back to its usual rhythm on its own. To be honest, the endometriosis has definitely played a role in infertility issues. And just so we're clear, I don't take any birth control pills because of my heart condition.
I’ve already coordinated with my gynecologist to get sent in for some testing regarding potential hormone shifts. For days now—and honestly, this might be exactly what's triggering these "attacks"—I’ve been hit by these intense bouts of shivering. It happens both during the day and in the middle of the night, lasting for hours at a time. It’s this bone-deep, internal coldness where I just cannot get warm, no matter what I do. Then, suddenly, it feels like my blood finally starts circulating properly and I warm up within a few minutes. But then? An hour later, the freezing shakes come right back, rattling me from the inside out. It’s ridiculous. People are walking around in short sleeves, and here I am, bundled up in a heavy jacket just to survive.
I totally forgot to mention that I’ve been diagnosed with Grade I-II mitral valve prolapse. Because of that, I’ve been taking Ormidol 25 mg every single day for the last two years to help manage my heart rate, arrhythmias, and tachycardia. Honestly, it feels like the medication has actually helped dial back those symptoms quite a bit.
I'm still waiting on more blood work results from the local clinic, so once those come in, I'll be able to post them here for everyone to see.
I've had my thyroid checked via ultrasound several times now, and every single time, the results have come back perfectly normal.
Well, Sam is back from the city, looking absolutely depressed. We went out for a walk—just me, my husband, and the dog—and everything seemed fine at first. Then, out of nowhere, it was like a switch flipped inside my body. I’m talking about a literal *click*. Suddenly, my legs, my arms, my entire body just gave out. I felt this overwhelming weakness, like my balance was totally shot and I was either going to pass out or my legs were simply going to quit on me entirely. On top of that, there’s this stinging tingling sensation shooting through my hands and feet. My husband asked if we wanted to grab a coffee, but I just told him I was feeling crappy again, and we headed straight home. Once we got in, I just broke down. I burst into tears because this isn't me. This helpless, sickly version of myself is a stranger. I’m crying because it feels like I’ve permanently lost the life I used to have—that happy, vibrant, carefree existence. Now, this is my "new reality," and honestly, I have no idea how dark it’s actually going to get. Everything has just spiraled out of control over these last few weeks. It’s turned my whole life, and my family's lives, upside down. I just want my old life back!
This depression is absolutely killing me. Sometimes I’ll take 2 mg of Normabel just to trick my brain into feeling even remotely normal.
Multiple sclerosis is constantly spinning in my head, and honestly, having this much pain in my hips is absolutely killing me.
I know I'm only doing myself a disservice by acting this way, but man, it is so incredibly hard to fight the urge.
I finally quit smoking after 20 years, and honestly? I’m not feeling any kind of withdrawal at all. There isn't even a single craving for just one puff.
It feels like my brain has completely locked up from pure fear.
There’s one thing I just can’t wrap my head around. And look, it’s not like I’m obsessively dwelling on everything that’s happening to me all day—I stay busy with work, I have great friends, and honestly, everything was perfect today. We were out for a walk earlier, laughing and having a blast, just enjoying the moment. Not once did the thought of being sick cross my mind. But then, out of nowhere—just pure, random coincidence—it hit me. One second I was fine, and the next, it was like a switch flipped. I started feeling physically weak and completely losing my balance. I am telling you, I didn't imagine this. It wasn't "all in my head." I wasn't thinking about my health, yet the physical sensation of being unwell just slammed into me out of thin air.
I honestly have absolutely no clue what you're talking about. I am completely lost here!

Once you gather all those neurological test results and they finally line up perfectly, there’s a high probability that what you're actually dealing with is psychological. Don't take this the wrong way—I really don't mean to offend anyone—but I honestly think it would be a smart move to sit down and have a real conversation with a psychiatrist.

Robert Grant84 said:In which line of treatment are they using FOLFOX, FOLFIRI, and Xeloda?

Are we talking about colorectal cancer here?
Stage three carcinoma.

Casey Rogers47 said:Thanks, Doc.🙂

Don't mention it. Happy to help anytime.

Olivia Anderson10 said:I’m 41 years old, and for the second time in my life—with about a two-year gap between them—I’ve been hit by these abnormal, involuntary movements. We’re talking arms, legs, and my entire body jerking all at once. And the kicker? I was fully conscious the whole time. The first time this happened, it lasted for two days, coming in waves that lasted a few minutes each. This most recent episode started about ten days ago; it lasted roughly an hour, also in waves of several minutes. There was absolutely no stress involved, no physical labor, nothing. It happened out of nowhere while I was just sitting there. It eventually calmed down on its own.
Neurologist's report, EEG, TCD, Brain MSCT: all clear. Nothing found.
EEG results are back: average voltage cerebral activity shows an alpha rhythm of 9-11 Hz. There is some partially expressed blocking. No asymmetry or paroxysms were detected. The HV remains unchanged. Overall, the findings are within normal limits.
The TCD results are back: the assessment of the Wilson loop circulation, along with the VB slice, shows perfectly normal SBSK in all examined blood vessels. Circulation follows physiological directions, and the signature waves look completely normal.
The brain MSCT results are back. The fourth ventricle looks perfectly positioned and appropriately wide, with normal absorption values in the infratentorial region. Everything in the supratentorial area shows a medioponated third ventricle and symmetrical lateral cerebral cortex. The basal cisterns and sulci are all normal too. Brain tissue density values are right within the normal range, and the bony parts of the neurocranium show no pathological changes whatsoever. All clear on this front.
Thyroid test results:
T3 at 1.65 (Reference Range: 0.89–2.44).
TSH 0.982 | Reference Range: 0.350–5.000
FT4 14.42 (Reference Range: 9.00–19.50)
Anti-TPO is sitting at 9.64 H, while the reference range says anything under 5.61 is normal. This is definitely out of bounds.
Biochemistry:
Total protein is at 71.0, which falls right within the standard range of 66-81. Everything looks solid there.
Copper 19.3 (Normal range: 12.2–25.1)
Immunoglobulin A is sitting at 1.65, with the normal range being between 0.70 and 4.00. Everything looks perfectly fine here—right in the sweet spot.
Looking at these results, your IgM is sitting at 1.64, which falls right within the standard reference range of 0.40 to 2.30. Everything looks perfectly normal here. No need to stress!
I just got my latest lab results back, and I'm looking at my Immunoglobulin G levels. It’s sitting at 9.9, while the standard reference range is listed between 7.0 and 16.0. On paper, everything looks perfectly normal since I'm right in the middle of that bracket. But honestly? I can't help but feel like there's more to the story here. When you're dealing with all the other symptoms and constant uncertainty, seeing a number that's "fine" according to a lab manual feels incredibly dismissive. It doesn't capture how I actually feel. Has anyone else dealt with this kind of "normal" result when things clearly don't feel right?
My Ferritin is sitting at 28, while the standard range is listed between 20 and 200. Honestly, looking at those numbers makes me want to scream. I know technically it’s "within range," but being right on the edge like this feels anything but normal. It's frustrating when you feel like garbage but the lab results just shrug their shoulders at you. Anyone else dealing with these borderline levels?
Albumin 67.8 (Reference range: 58.0–70.0)
Alpha 1 globulin at 2.2 (Reference range: 1.0–2.8). Everything looks perfectly normal here. No need to stress!
Alpha-2 globulin is at 9.1, while the standard range sits between 7.0 and 12.0. So, everything looks perfectly normal here. No need to stress about it!
Beta globulins are sitting at 8.3, which is low compared to the standard range of 9.0 to 14.0. I'm looking at this and honestly, it’s just one more thing on the pile. It's frustrating when you're trying to get a clear picture of what's going on with your health and the numbers just don't line up. Everything feels like a puzzle piece that won't fit.
Globulin levels at 12.6, with a normal range between 8.0 and 17.0. Everything looks perfectly fine here.
Albumin 48.1 (Normal range: 42-50). Everything looks perfectly normal here.
Alpha-1 globulin at 1.6 (Reference range: 0.7–2.0).
Alpha 2 globulins at 6.5—within the normal range of 5 to 9. Everything looks steady there.
My beta globulins came back at 5.9, while the normal range is supposed to be between 6 and 10. It’s just slightly low, but honestly, seeing anything outside those standard numbers always gets my blood pumping. I can't help but feel a bit on edge about it. Has anyone else dealt with low beta globulin levels? I'm trying to stay calm, but you know how these things go.
Globulin levels at 8.9, while the range says 6-12. Honestly, I’m staring at this and just waiting for the other shoe to drop. It feels like everything is hovering right on that line where things start getting complicated. Anyone else dealing with these kinds of borderline numbers? It's exhausting.
CA 19-9 levels came back at 2.00, which is well under the 37 threshold. Everything looks normal on that front.
CA 15-3 is at 5.7. The reference range is anything under 31. Looks like I'm sitting pretty on that one.
CA 125 came back at 32.4. Since anything under 35 is considered within the normal range, I guess I can breathe a little easier for now. Still, waiting on these results is absolutely nerve-wracking.
CEA 1.29 — anything under 5.0 is considered normal. Looks like everything is looking good on that front!

I still have my eye exam, SEP/SEEP testing, and a brain MRI left to do. I’m stuck on a decision: is a 1.5T scanner good enough, or should I really make the trek to New York City to hit up a neurology specialist who has a 3T? If I go the 3T route, I’ll have to travel all the way to the city. My local clinic only has a 1.5T, so now I’m just sitting here second-guessing everything.

Here’s how this should look. The results are fine. Are you experiencing any issues with your period? If there are clinical indications, it wouldn't be a bad idea to get an ultrasound of your ovaries and thyroid. Personally, I’d only add an electrolyte panel (K, Na, P, Ca) to complete the workup.

Donna Sanders3 said:Basically, my dad wasn't feeling well the other day—he had this massive headache and just felt completely off. He went to see his doctor, who told him his blood pressure was sky-high and that his cholesterol and sugar levels were up too. He started taking medication for the pressure and the sugar, and those seem to be under control now. Last Friday, he had some blood work and urine tests done. He went back to the doctor today to go over the results, and they said his sedimentation rate is 173, his cholesterol is a bit high at 6.34, and his ALT is 67. His blood pressure and sugar are fine, and the rest of his blood work looks okay. The doctor ordered him to come back tomorrow to get his erythrocyte sedimentation rate and CRP checked again. My father was born in 1965. He’s never had health issues before, not even a common cold. The only thing he ever struggled with was his veins; he tried laser treatment to fix them, but it didn't do anything. I am SCARED to death right now, and if anyone could help me out even a little bit, I would be so incredibly grateful.

You mentioned he was taking sugar pills, but you really need to clarify that for yourself—DID HE HAVE Diabetes Mellitus OR NOT? I can't work with vague details. You need to send me his full lipid panel and liver function tests.

Donna Sanders3 said:Best wishes....
My father just got back from his doctor, and they told him his sedimentation rate is at 173....
What on earth does that mean? They wrote down that he needs to go back tomorrow to test his erythrocyte sedimentation rate and CRP....
I am absolutely terrified right now and honestly have no idea what to think....

Based strictly on those numbers, I’d say we’re looking at some kind of inflammation. Check out that previous post by wiredcanyon2 regarding what specific details you need to provide.

Casey Rogers47 said:The result came back at 148, while the normal range is 60-142. This is for a 28-year-old male.
Everything else on the blood work looks totally fine.
About 5 or 6 years ago, things were similar—two tests within a few months—and then for a long stretch, everything stayed perfectly within the normal limits.
He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, and he's never touched drugs in his life.
Apparently, a small percentage of healthy people just have elevated ALP levels, but nobody seems to know why.
Doctors, please, I need your input.

If the unit is U/L, that result is perfectly fine. People tend to overreact when numbers are slightly higher than the standard.

Angela Wright said:Unless there's already some underlying heart condition, they usually just throw Norvasc at you to see if it settles things down. They only really consider switching up the therapy if that doesn't do the trick.

Exactly, and it’s happening alongside an existing heart condition.

Kate Brooks2 said:Hey everyone! I'm back again with more updates and more headaches. We actually managed to get his white blood cell count up from 2.6 to 7.2 by this third cycle, which felt like a huge win. But then today, they ran an EKG and told us his heart rate was racing. They couldn't even explain why! They just handed him some pill and decided to push ahead with the treatment anyway... Honestly, I am completely lost right now.

It’s critical to know what kind of medication they gave him, what his actual heart rate was, and if there were any specific abnormalities on that reading—like PVCs, SVTs, or AFib. Best regards.

swiftbear said:Please, I need your input on this! There are so many people here who have been dealing with this stuff for years, so I'm sure you all know way more than I do...
About three months ago, I noticed blood after a bowel movement for the first time—not just a light tint, but bright red blood—and it only happened once or twice back then.
Since then, things had actually been fine. But lately, during my last two or three trips to the bathroom (I usually go right before bed), I’ve seen blood again. And what’s really bothering me is when I wake up in the morning and go to pee, I notice blood from the anal area on the toilet paper. 😕
It doesn't keep bleeding throughout the day, though; it's just that little bit of bright red blood I see in the morning after waking up.

Has anyone else gone through this? Is this just hemorrhoids, or could it be something else? 😕

You need to talk to a doctor. It might be hemorrhoids, but it could also be something like an anal fissure after a bowel movement or something similar.

Brian Nelson10 said:Hey everyone! =)

So, I just got my first prescription for birth control today—Lindynette 20—but my gynecologist totally caught me off guard. He didn't think I needed any blood work or anything else before starting them, which I honestly assumed was standard procedure. Should I be worried? maybe? ^^

Also, if you've used them, please let me know what you think! 😁

Look, ideally, you should get those tests done. But honestly, if you aren't in a high-risk category—meaning you don't smoke, don't have high blood pressure, issues with blood sugar, clotting disorders, or a family history of blood clots—then skipping the blood work isn't necessarily a cause for alarm. Best regards.

restlessangler said:Does anyone have any idea what the typical wait time is for a full endocrinology workup?

Also, are there any private clinics out there that actually accept insurance referrals for those tests?

It really depends on which hospital or specialist you’re looking at, but if I had to guess, Mayo Clinic usually has the shortest waitlists.