Posts by vividsailor7

Alexander Wilson77 said:Sorry if I’m posting this in the wrong sub, but I’m heading out to Paris in a few weeks and I need some advice. Can anyone recommend some pills or something for a sensitive stomach or to prevent diarrhea? It’s happened to me a few times during trips before—honestly, I think it’s more about the stress of traveling than the actual food itself.
I’ve heard people mention Enterogermina... if anyone has used it, I’d love to hear your thoughts. 🙂

A probiotic and activated charcoal.

holloweagle6 said:My little girl is almost three. It’s been just under a year since her VUR diagnosis, and we’ve just been bringing in standard urine samples and cultures ourselves. We use collection bottles because she stopped wearing diapers last summer. A nurse has never actually had to collect the sample from her... maybe they do that for smaller babies?

I don't know which hospital you guys are going to, but over at Children's Hospital, the nurses in the nephrology clinic handle all of that for you.

Brandon Lopez6 said:didn't even get a physical prescription, she just posted it online somewhere..

That’s just how things work now with all medications. I'm not sure if yours is a refillable script or not, but honestly, you shouldn't have to call your OB-GYN every single month just to get what you need.

Alex Thomas27 said:I get dysmenorrhea pretty regularly, and it always ends with the exact same bout of diarrhea. Is there any actual reason to suspect they're linked? Like, is it even possible for my period cramps to be caused by gut issues?

Look, let’s get the facts straight. The clinical definition of dysmenorrhea isn't just cramps; it includes those debilitating headaches, vomiting, and yes, the diarrhea too. Most often, the culprits are diet and psychological stress. It’s incredibly common—affecting roughly 60% of women out there.

Angela Reyes79 said:My meal times are pretty irregular. No issues.

Look, let me lay this out for you clearly: you need three main meals and two snacks. Period. And for heaven's sake, eat more home-cooked food! Stick to stews, hearty soups, or pasta dishes with plenty of sauce. Load up on fruits and vegetables. Please, stay away from burgers, kebabs, or pizza... just don't. You can find endless recipes online if you actually bother to look.

Angela Reyes79 said:I'm not sure if this topic has been covered here yet, so apologies if it has. 😎
Here’s the situation: I'm 16 years old. According to my latest measurements (taken 5 days ago 😁), I am 167cm tall and weigh 48kg 🙂. I've been at this weight for two years now. I manage to gain maybe 2kg, but it drops off almost immediately.
I am looking for advice, specifically from anyone who has dealt with something similar.
Don't just tell me to "eat more." I have no intention of eating mindlessly only to end up looking like a cow later on 😳. I need help with meal timing, portion sizes, and exercise. There is a gym near my house, but I'm not sure if starting there is a smart move. I am in no rush; anything done too quickly won't last. I know the weight will come eventually, but it won't happen by itself. Besides, I want to build muscle mass.
My goal is to gain about 10kg (maybe even 15kg 😁).
What are your suggestions? 🙂

What does your typical diet look like (give us a quick breakdown)? Do you deal with any digestive issues or sensitivities?

Karen Thompson10 said:I think what's bothering Jason Vaughn482 is that every single proctologist out there pushes their own specific method while bashing everyone else's approach. For us patients who aren't medical experts, it makes deciding on a course of action incredibly difficult.

That is exactly the point. That’s why you have to find one skilled surgeon you can actually trust and just "put your life in their hands."

Megan Jones27 said:Thanks.

You're welcome.

Sophia Brooks50 said:Thanks, but now I’m even more confused. It says it's chronic. I first felt this last year and it settled down after two months, but now, a year later, it’s back and has been going on for eight months. The pain isn't excruciating, but the burning sensation is constant... I don't understand what "neglected" means? I’m using ointments, taking chamomile baths, watching my diet... why don't hospitals perform anal dilation when it's such a simple procedure? And is it true that complications like fecal incontinence can happen? Honestly, I'm scared, but then again, a full surgery sounds way more painful. It's a tough call. I never realized a fissure could be such a massive issue; I thought hemorrhoids—which I also have, though they're quiet for now—were the real nightmare. Thanks again.😕

A fissure is actually a much nastier problem than hemorrhoids. As for being "neglected"? That just means you aren't following the treatment plan properly or the fissure itself hasn't been managed correctly. And regarding whether incontinence is a real risk... honestly, most patients cause those complications themselves through improper care. You need a thorough exam and solid advice from a specialist proctologist. Best regards.

Sophia Brooks50 said:vividsailor7, I was told you're the one to ask for advice. Basically, what’s the best and least painful way to deal with two shallow anal fissures that have been driving me crazy for 8 months now? Should I try that nitroglycerin ointment, even though I heard it can cause massive headaches? I'm torn between using ointments, trying anal dilation in NYC, or just going for a classic surgical cut at the hospital here in San Francisco where I actually live... I don't know if you're a GP or a surgeon, but people pointed me your way, so please help... thanks in advance

Look, I'm an internist. Since this issue has been dragging on for 8 months, the smartest move would be to undergo anal dilation—provided you don't have any contraindications, like chronic issues or if the fissure is already neglected. The procedure only takes about 5 to 15 minutes, it's pretty painless, carries minimal risk, and you can walk right out after. Best regards.

Megan Jones27 said:Here you go, this is from June 9, 2011.

Hematology

K - Erythrocytes - 4.03 (3.86 - 5.08)
K - Hemoglobin - 122 (119 - 157)
K - Hematocrit - 0.362 (0.356 - 0.470)
K - MCV - 90.0 (83.0 - 97.2)
K - MCH - 30.2 (27.4 - 33.9)
K - MCHC - 336 (320 - 345)
K - RDW - 11.4 (9.0 - 15.0)

K - Leukocytes - 7.2 (3.4 - 9.7)

Differential Blood Count

K - Eosinophil granulocytes - 1.0 (0 - 7)
K - Basophil granulocytes (not listed)
K - Unsegmented neutrophils - 5.0 (0 -2) elevated
K - Neutrophil granulocytes - 59.0 (44 -72)
K - Lymphocytes (rel.) - 24.0 (20 -46)
K - Monocytes (rel.) - 11.0 (2 -12 )
K - Mixed cells (not listed)

K - Platelets - 164 (158 - 424)
K - MPV - 7.6 (6.8 - 10.4)

Do you also need the urine analysis?

Those unsegmented neutrophils are only slightly elevated. Usually, they point toward inflammation or something similar. All in all, it looks like a clean report. Do you also need the urine analysis? No.

Emily Rodriguez9 said:Please, someone talk to me... am I really the only one dealing with this?
My physiatrist said it's a contracture in my right shoulder—where does that even leave me? She suggested physical therapy, but she didn't exactly inspire any confidence regarding my recovery. I just hope I can get into a session soon, because the wait times are getting ridiculous.
What actually worked for you guys, and how long did it take? I read somewhere it could take up to two years!???🙂

Just go to physical therapy. Period. It takes as long as it takes.

holloweagle6 said:We’re doing the standard routine—regular urine samples and cultures, plus we're getting bloodwork done every two months just to stay on top of things. Everything comes back perfectly normal, except for that one persistent thing showing up on the urine culture.🤷

The nurse needs to be the one to collect both the urine sample and the bloodwork if we want any hope of an accurate result. Otherwise, we’re just playing a guessing game with potential contamination.

Megan Jones27 said:Differential Blood Count
Unsegmented neutrophils - 5.0 (0-2)

The doctor underlined this part and noted that I should wait until my period was finished before doing the urine test... I guess that's how it works.
Urinalysis (FKP)
Erythrocytes/hemoglobin - 1 ..0/neg

Urine Sample (PS)
Erythrocytes - 5-7 ..0/neg(x400)

If you want, I can list the full blood count so you get a better idea of what's going on.

Look, if you actually want help, you need to give me the entire KKS. I can't tell you anything based on just this snippets.

holloweagle6 said:Here’s another mom dealing with the reflux nightmare (bilateral, grades 1 and 2)... my little one has been on prophylaxis for a month now—Piyeloseptyl and Cephalexin—but every single time, the urine culture comes back positive for Escherichia coli. Honestly, neither our pediatrician nor the nephrologist thinks it’s a big deal, which leaves me completely lost. The ultrasound was fine; no scarring at all, just that one spot from the E. coli. From what I can gather, the main thing is keeping everything under control since the reflux prevents the bladder from staying sterile... those bacteria just take advantage of the VUR. I’m trying to wrap my head around all this, but if I’ve misunderstood how the whole process works, please, someone correct me. 🙂

Who actually uses the USA standards here, you guys or the nurses?

swifteagle12 said:Purpura was diagnosed at an older age (55 years old).

If anyone knows anything about this—how dangerous it is, what the treatment looks like, etc.—I would be so incredibly grateful if you could share. Honestly, I haven't found much helpful info on the internet.

Thanks 🙂

Just type "Henoch-Schönlein Purpura" into Google. I've already looked into it myself.

Emily Edwards19 said:Regarding that bolded part—maybe I misspoke. She was actually at the clinic here in Chicago seeing her primary doctor and an oncologist... they just handed her the meds and sent her home.....🤷

She isn't even on any kind of treatment plan yet... damn it... I guess they're just waiting for a miracle or something!

Look, since I don't know the diagnosis, the current status, or what the actual treatment plan is, I can't really comment or offer any advice.

Melissa Martinez5 said:So, I finally went ahead and booked an appointment with an endocrinologist over at the Mayo Clinic. I did it all over the phone, and honestly? I have absolutely no clue if this doctor is actually any good. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see if it's a total disaster or a pleasant surprise.😁
So, I finally pulled the trigger and placed my order today—September 8th. According to the current timeline, they’re telling me it won’t actually arrive until November 4th. Unbelievable.
I’m probably going to have to go at it again. $3.25 For the new patient...
It feels like you can't even be sick in peace anymore without someone breathing down your neck. Seriously, when does it end?🙂
I’m checking in—is it worth it if I just show up when it's my turn?🙂

You guys really need to look at the Mayo Clinic—they’ve actually managed to shorten their waiting lists.

Emily Edwards19 said:She was at her doctor's office in Chicago earlier today, and from what I gather, they just handed her some heavy-duty painkillers for the headaches and sent her home.
Her brother tells me she can barely speak right now, let alone see clearly...
I’m heading over to see her tomorrow...
I don't even know... everything is moving at lightning speed right now... 😢

Does anyone know if there's a standard protocol for patients who are critically ill—when doctors realize time is running out—are they REQUIRED to tell them, or does it just depend on the individual physician? Could they have, say, just informed her mother instead, letting her decide whether or not to break the news to her?

Angela Wright is Exactly right. We are legally obligated to inform the patient about their own medical condition.

I can't believe we're actually sitting here talking about this. It's absolute madness. Total insanity. We are witnessing a complete breakdown of common sense, and frankly, I’m losing my patience with how everyone is just letting it happen! kaže:
Thanks for getting back to me. Look, I need some actual suggestions here—how am I supposed to "bypass" this? What’s the move before hitting the hay? Should I just knock back a glass of bourbon to take the edge off, or what? 😁

Listen, if you actually want to get some decent sleep for once, you need to stop sabotaging yourself. First off: turn on some relaxing music. Something mellow, something that doesn't require your brain to actually process lyrics. And for the love of everything holy, quit the heavy workouts right before hitting the hay! You can't expect your body to just shut down after a high-intensity session at the local gym. It’s basic biology. Relax the mind, chill out the body, and maybe—just maybe—you'll actually wake up feeling human tomorrow.