I would be truly grateful if someone could help me make sense of these lab results; I’m having a difficult time determining whether anything here is actually showing a positive or abnormal finding. Thank you.
coppergardener said:Is physical therapy still available through Medicare at the Sports Center? And what’s the best way to get an appointment? Thanks in advance.
That facility is run by the Holy Spirit, so your best bet is to give their physical medicine department a call directly.
Jesse Williams10 said:I also saw Miškulin for shoulder subluxation (major instability), way back in 2006 when he was still at Holy Spirit. Almost everything tore during my first round of physical therapy... I was screaming in pain, but I was sixteen, so there wasn't much I could do about it.
Anyway, looks like everyone is recommending Dr. čičak? Asking because I’m planning to go back in, which would obviously be a second surgery on the same shoulder, making things a bit more risky. Too bad I had to wait over a decade, but here we are. 🙂
Hopefully I can get back into sports soon. I've been sitting around long enough... 😁
Dr. Velcro operated on me in 2011, and everything has held up beautifully since then. Sure, my shoulder aches during heavy labor or repetitive motions, but as far as goes, the implants are rock solid. The only hurdle left is finding the cash.
A few years back, I underwent surgery for a torn rotator cuff—three tendons were completely ruptured, along with some scapular issues. It was performed by Dr. Miškulin at St. Jude's. However, after about two years of just going about my daily life, all those tendon repairs simply gave way under normal movement. I had to go back under the knife with Dr. čičak over at Acromion, and honestly, everything has held up perfectly so far. If I recall correctly, I paid $6.00 out of pocket for that first procedure, while Medicare covered the standard $2.00 for the outpatient stay.
Does anyone have a solid recommendation for a good general practitioner in my suburban town or nearby Saint Joseph? I’m looking for someone seasoned and genuinely well-intentioned—and frankly, someone with a competent nurse who actually picks up the phone. It would be a true blessing if they also knew how to navigate an email inbox without making it a struggle. Hvala.
I’ve been pondering a bit of a medical timeline question: how much time really needs to pass between a bout of general anesthesia—assuming we're talking about a relatively quick procedure—and a subsequent spinal block? For instance, if someone were looking ahead toward a knee replacement where a spinal would be administered, I'm curious about the necessary interval. Thanks!
Back in 2008, I underwent a tibial osteotomy. In my case, the procedure was necessitated by uneven cartilage wear that caused my leg to bow out into an "O" shape. To rectify that misalignment, they essentially have to break the shin bone to reposition the knee back into its proper alignment, subsequently securing everything in place with a metal plate and screws. It is generally recommended for younger patients who are already starting to deal with the onset of degenerative arthritis.
Joshua Gray75 said:I took my sample—in one of those sterile specimen cups you pick up at CVS—down to the microbiology lab for a urine culture and antibiotic sensitivity test, as specified on the referral.
I don't smoke. And I am truly hoping this turns out to be nothing more than an infection, though seeing blood in my urine was definitely a shock... 🤷
A urine culture identifies the specific bacteria involved and determines which antibiotic will actually kill it off. Urinary cytology is what detects whether red blood cells are present in the urine. I’m not sure what specific results > is waiting on, but if this isn't merely a bladder or kidney infection, I suspect the physician will refer you for cytology as well. In those cases, you typically have to provide samples for three consecutive days.
I’ve lived with elevated red blood cells in my urine for as long as I can remember. I’ve gone through the entire gauntlet of testing, including cytology, just to pinpoint the exact origin of the issue. In my case, the culprit is my left kidney pelvis, which was left structurally deformed following some severe kidney infections and vesicoureteral reflux back when I was a kid. Because of that physical irregularity, a bit of sediment—essentially microscopic sand—tends to collect there and scrape against the tissue. It doesn't actually cause any pain, but it’s always there. If I recall correctly, you should ask your doctor for a referral for a urine cytology. If memory serves, they usually have you come in three days in a row to provide samples, or sometimes they let you bring them in from home.
steeleagle152 said:I’m looking for recommendations for a solid gynecologist who accepts Medicare in the western part of Washington, D.C. (around Brooklyn, Vernon, Lake Tahoe, Spanish Hill, Crossroads...). Thanks.
Emily Ruiz93 said:I’d actually be interested in this too, please.😍
If I recall correctly, Dr. Bell is still seeing patients over in the Queens area. However, you should probably double-check the women's health thread—specifically the one for Washington, D.C. gynecologists covered by Medicare. It should have a contact number listed there.
I find myself jolting awake just as I’m about to drift off into sleep. It doesn't happen every single night, but it occurs frequently enough to be noticeable. One physician once explained to me that this sensation is simply that precise moment when the subconscious begins to seize control of the body from our conscious mind. So, according to that logic, it isn't actually some sort of underlying disorder. I truly hope there is some truth to that explanation; for my own peace of mind, I have decided to accept it as such.
I could really use some assistance here. Every time I attempt to log in to the forum via my phone, the system rejects both my username and my password. It’s as if they don't exist. Does anyone have any insight into why this might be happening? Thanks.
Roger Wood50 said:I am currently seeking recommendations for an orthopedic specialist based in Washington, D.C., specifically someone who specializes in spinal health. My primary concerns involve lower back pain, posture correction, and all the various ailments that stem from those issues. If you know a practitioner who truly understands the complexities of the spine, please let me know.
Whether you go through Medicare or opt for private insurance, the end result remains exactly the same. It’s all just different ways of navigating the same bureaucratic maze. I recently saw Dr. Johnson regarding my knee, and I honestly can't say enough good things about him—he’s truly top-tier. However, when I try to dig deeper into his expertise, everything I find points exclusively toward knee issues. It leaves me wondering: is he actually the right call for back problems, or am I looking at someone who specializes strictly in one area?
Thank you. 👍
Regarding those aches and pains you’re describing... if you ask me, you might actually find more success consulting a physiatrist rather than an orthopedist. In my experience—and I've spent enough time navigating both sides of that medical coin to know—a specialist in physical medicine often provides a much more holistic perspective on recovery.
I can't give you a definitive answer on that, but honestly, your best bet is to pick up the phone and call the Social Security Administration directly. They’re the ones who hold the cards here, and they should have the specific details you're looking for. I apologize if I can't be of more practical assistance in this matter. P.S. It also occurred to me that there might be a local patient advocacy group worth reaching out to; they might offer some guidance.
Aaron Fisher53 said:To be honest, no. I haven't been sick in a really long time, except for dealing with Candida every three months or so. My doctors said that's actually normal, and since I've dealt with it enough times, I know exactly how to handle it quickly. 😁
I'll probably head to the doctor tomorrow with my insurance referral and see if they can walk me through everything clearly.
Scott Bennett4, believe me, I was the same way. I tried living without them for a while, but I can't tell you how much this disease took over my entire life. Eventually, I realized I couldn't do it—I need my routine and I have to stick to it.
Right now, I am bordering on total despair. Circumstances have forced my entire existence into a rigid routine because spontaneous adventures or "escapades" just aren't on the table anymore🙄. Everything requires double-checking... Can I physically handle this? Do I even dare to try? I have to force myself to go see the doctors, even though I know I won't hear anything groundbreaking—but I absolutely intend to ask about these specific medications. It was incredibly helpful of you to share your experience, laying out both the pros and the cons of your medication. At my age, I'm certainly not some delicate little flower anymore, so I am prepared to shoulder whatever risks come with this kind of therapy—provided I can still find the strength to hold on.😉
melloworca6 said:So, which specialist are you actually seeing for this? Honestly, just go ask them. It doesn't cost anything to get a straight answer, and frankly, I’m not even sure if they can prescribe this specific thing for your condition. These drugs aren't cheap—we're talking at least a few thousand dollars per dose—so don't expect doctors to just start handing them out like candy. I'm assuming you'll probably have to deal with some kind of insurance board or medical review committee too. You have to prove exactly why you need it. I know people in my circle who had to jump through all those hoops for expensive chemo treatments, so I'm guessing the approval process for this is pretty much the same deal.
I’m seeing an orthopedist and a physiatrist. Exactly. I haven't been able to find clear information on whether these drugs are even indicated for osteoarthritis, and I am well aware of the staggering price tag. If I recall correctly, Arthur Smith56 mentioned that you absolutely have to go before a medical review board to get anything approved. But, quite frankly, I am exhausted by the endless cycle of doctors and hospitals; at this stage, I simply lack the energy to deal with the hassle of scheduling yet another appointment.🙂 But I suppose I'll have no choice.
melloworca6 said:Usually, biologics get approved for kids and teenagers first, or maybe for patients who just aren't seeing any results from other treatments once the disease really starts flaring up. At least, that’s how I heard it worked. 🙂
As for me, I’ve reached a point where absolutely nothing they prescribe for pain management makes a dent anymore—not even those Versatis patches. I'm honestly not even certain if those types of medications are ever even considered for OA cases. It seems we haven't had a single medical professional chime in here yet; I suppose that means there isn't much specialized knowledge regarding these specific drugs within our local medical circles.