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Posts by Nicholas Davis4

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Disability assessment process in Health ·
Jesus, look, you should file an application for personal disability or caregiver assistance with Child Protective Services, and then submit a claim for physical impairment benefits through Medicare—I know that sounds a bit silly, but Medicare has this odd way of using that specific form as part of their assessment process. Don't ask me why, just fill it out and hand it in.
( Honestly, they might have even changed the name of the benefit by now, but either way, it’s for assessing the level of physical impairment. They’ll give you the right form once you mention it, so don't overcomplicate things with Occupational Medicine or everything else you mentioned; just ask for this.)
There is some information here regarding the assessment process if you're interested:
https://www.govinfo.gov/examples/assessment-guidelines

And you're going to need medical records; they won't base their assessment solely on what you tell them.
Without those records, you won't get anywhere.

Just take care of these two steps, and that's really it. It feels like everyone in this thread has made it much more complicated than it needs to be.
The CPS website has instructions regarding personal disability and that specific allowance (by the way, you can't receive both, but you can certainly submit applications for both and see what happens).
Here is how they determine the level of impairment, including who handles it and where:
https://www.ssa.gov/disability/assessment-process

By the way, waiting for survivor benefits basically means waiting until at least one parent passes away. If you are declared permanently disabled, you would then need to meet both requirements: the permanent disability status and the passing of a parent whose benefits you might potentially inherit.
wanderingpanther68 said:Has anyone been in for an exam at the hospital lately? From what I've read, they shouldn't be asking for anything at the entrance—no tests, no COVID-19 clearance... hmm.

Well, they’ll check your temperature, ask for your insurance card, verify where you're headed, and get you checked in.
I haven't looked into the paperwork requirements specifically, but usually, there's a staff member stationed near the line for those without documentation to check everyone else's credentials. That part moves much faster, almost without any delay.
But honestly, yesterday was such a whirlwind that I didn't even notice. I just joined the line, had my temperature taken... and headed straight upstairs.
Melissa Phillips4 said:No, it's really just for those specific tests that generate aerosols, like a bronchoscopy,spirometry,or a gastroscopy.

I actually had a spirometry test done yesterday, and I didn't need any kind of clearance. Nobody even asked me about it.
It feels quite surreal that I can grant access to my digital medical records to almost anyone across the globe, yet local hospitals and clinics can't seem to view them because their systems aren't set up for it. It’s a bit of a paradox—I give the permission, but the healthcare providers themselves are left out in the cold. 🤦
Omicron variant in Coronavirus ·
A doctor from South Africa who sounded the alarm regarding the Omicron variant notes that while symptoms seem "unusual," they remain relatively mild.

( For now. )


In short:
Omicron variant in Coronavirus ·
Linda Lee4 said:States are rolling out new restrictions because hospitalization rates are spiking despite high vaccination numbers, yet you're sitting there hoping that a vaccine designed for the Alpha strain can somehow pull its weight against Delta, let alone this new variant? That is some top-tier optimism right there.🤣

Just keep hoping; I have zero doubts that my recently acquired natural immunity will handle this strain just fine, assuming it even manages to spread rapidly enough to matter...

It reminds me of how things work with the flu—how different strains emerge and how natural immunity steps up to fight off a version of the virus we haven't encountered before... 🕺
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/change.htm
Dry nose, especially at night - any tips? in Health ·
1 liter of saline solution
2. Nisita ointment twice a day normally, or up to 5-6 times if things get rough
3. CVS nasal mucosa cream, also a few times daily
My routine starts by rinsing with the saline. Once that’s done, I apply the CVS cream, followed by a layer of Nisita. On good days, this is my morning and evening ritual. When I'm having a bad day, I use the cream less often but reach for the Nisita more frequently.

Before bed, I make sure to use plenty of saline (I usually spend a few minutes rinsing with a syringe since I accidentally broke my little rinse cup). After that, it's the CVS cream, then the Nisita. As soon as I open my eyes in the morning, the saline goes in first.
I carry this whole kit with me wherever I go🤦 🤣, keeping a few sets ready: one at home, one for work, and one for travel.
One tip: instead of squeezing the cream or ointment directly from the tube, I use Q-tips. It allows me to precisely coat the nasal passages; otherwise, I just end up with a big mess inside my nose that doesn't stay put.

I deal with systemic lupus and sicca syndrome... as my doctor recently put it, "you're as dry as a desert."
I've been managing this for about 20 years now.
I have tried just about everything under the sun, but this specific combination is my winning formula.
(It covers the eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and one other area that affects mucous membranes too, right? 😁)
Looking for a specialist... in Health ·
boldnomad45 said:I doubt there's any room left at the Siget Community Health Center.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy A12

Even if we assume that's the case, which option would be better?
Looking for a specialist... in Health ·
How would you rate the gynecologist at the Siget Community Health Center in New York City? Is he actually any good?
I saw Zivkovic for years, and then went to Doka before he retired, but I really don't feel like trekking all the way across town to find someone new.
wanderingpanther68 said:Has anyone been in for a checkup at the hospital lately? I read somewhere that they wouldn't ask for anything at the entrance—no tests or COVID-19 clearance... hmm.

I was at the Mayo Clinic last week. They asked if I had documentation, and since I didn't, they just noted it down, checked where I was headed, and took my temperature.
But that was just for routine exams and blood work.
For more invasive procedures, their website clearly states what requirements you need to meet.
Felix, thanks for getting back to me!
I’ve also been dealing with some SLE issues lately 🤦
I have a few questions, so would it be okay if we moved this conversation over to the SLE thread? I don't want to clutter up this space...
I was just wondering if anyone here has dealt with similar test results.
What did the doctors end up saying? What was the verdict?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for a medical diagnosis...
Just feeling a bit restless waiting for answers. 🕺
Unlike my last two tests, I actually had something to drink this morning...
But this isn't the first time things have spiked; it’s the third time I've seen an elevation.
I used to struggle with anemia, so I was taking Iron Mountain, but I had to stop once these levels started climbing.
The increase isn't massive, just a slight uptick.
Here is the timeline:
https://iili.io/Bb7CmX.md.jpg
https://iili.io/Bb5civ.md.jpg
Back in March 2018, I started on Iron Mountain.
https://iili.io/Bb7oIn.md.jpg
https://iili.io/Bb7xXs.md.jpg
https://iili.io/Bb7zLG.md.jpg
By December 2020, I stopped taking Iron Mountain.
https://iili.io/Bb7TBf.md.jpg
https://iili.io/BDTVzx.jpg
https://iili.io/BDuaQR.md.jpg

Even so, my immunologist-rheumatologist referred me to a hematologist.
( I have SLE & APL Sy )
My red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet volume are all running slightly high.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
https://iili.io/Bb0nig.jpg
Looking for a specialist... in Health ·
Does anyone have experience with ophthalmologists at the FK Zeljeznicar clinic or over on Runjanin in UG?
The wait times are short, and I need to get an eye exam done before I can move forward with everything.
I really don't feel like trekking out to Brooklyn or Crnomerac since this location is much closer to me.
Also, I'll be using my Medicare referral.
Jack Cook7 said:Mononucleosis, Epstein-Barr virus/EBV?

It might not apply much to my own situation, but I actually tested positive for EBV despite never having had mono. After three different rounds of testing, the doctors concluded it was just a "specific antibody response"—essentially a false positive triggered by lupus.
Gregory Turner71 said:In most cases, symptoms like these stem from depression. I think the best move would be to talk to a psychiatrist and perhaps try some antidepressant therapy to see if it helps. If it doesn't work, it’ll be much easier to go back to hunting for the actual cause.

I can barely keep food down, and I deal with neuropathy—meaning paresthesia too—due to my Lupus.
So, someone who didn't even test me for antibodies would suggest treating me with antidepressants...
😂

I've already been through that stage where they have no clue what's wrong and just throw everything at me.
It's because they didn't run all the necessary tests; instead, they decided I was way too young back then to have anything serious, so they dismissed it all as psychosomatic.
Luckily, I survived their "psychosomatic" diagnosis—which turned out to be a nasty flare—without any treatment at all.

Honestly, whenever someone tells me it's "psychosomatic," I break out in hives.

That said, it isn't wise to swing to the opposite extreme by obsessively demanding every single test under the sun.
If you're going to investigate, you should narrow things down systematically rather than just working through the entire DSM manual one entry at a time—that’s essentially a shortcut straight to psychotherapy.

On the other hand, taking an antidepressant for two months won't hurt anyone, so I agree with part of your perspective.

Personally, I’d head straight to a neurologist: paresthesia & tinnitus.

And ignore everything else. For now.
Looking for a specialist... in Health ·
Would you recommend LOM for anyone living in the East New Chicago area?
My situation is a bit complex, and my care requires more attention than your average patient.
Maria Fisher46 said:Dear Sophie,

I don't personally advocate for patients in SLE remission to stop taking chloroquine, and I'm not quite sure why a typical doctor would decide to take that specific path.

Your lab results show elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. While it isn't anything extreme, given the symptoms you've described and your underlying condition, it could potentially signal hypoxia—essentially a lack of oxygen caused by lung issues. This usually points toward chronic hypoxia, which is a process that develops over a longer period.

We are missing inflammatory markers here, specifically ESR and CRP. I believe it would be wise to follow up with some imaging and, as you mentioned, an acid-base status test. If there is any coughing involved, a microbiological analysis of the phlegm would be a good idea too. Beyond that, considering your primary diagnosis and current symptoms, I'd suggest undergoing the pulmonary workup previously recommended. This should include spirometry, a 6-minute walk test, and CO diffusion capacity tests, with further investigation if necessary. Additionally, because of the neurological symptoms and sweating, it would be prudent to check your electrolytes and thyroid hormones, since people with SLE often deal with co-occurring autoimmune thyroid issues.

Well, I finally heard back from the American Thyroid Association. They claim everything looks fine, my lungs sound clear during an exam, and they're suggesting it’s all psychosomatic.
So, here I am, stuck in limbo.
Maria Fisher46 said:Dear Sophie,

I personally wouldn't advise patients in SLE remission to stop taking chloroquine, and I honestly can't wrap my head around why a doctor would make that call.

Looking at these results, the elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels aren't particularly alarming on their own. However, when you consider your current symptoms alongside your underlying health conditions, they could be an indicator of hypoxia—essentially, your body trying to compensate for a lack of oxygen due to lung issues. This typically points toward chronic hypoxia, which is more of a gradual, ongoing process rather than a sudden event.

It looks like we’re missing some key inflammatory markers, specifically ESR and CRP. In my opinion, alongside any radiological imaging, it would be wise to check the acid-base status, just as you previously suggested. If there is any coughing involved, getting a microbiological analysis of that phlegm would be a smart move as well. Given the underlying condition and current symptoms, I’d strongly recommend following through with the pulmonary workup that was mentioned earlier. This should ideally include spirometry, a six-minute walk test, and CO diffusion capacity, with further testing if necessary. Additionally, considering the neurological symptoms and sweating, it makes sense to check electrolytes and thyroid hormones; after all, individuals living with SLE often deal with co-occurring autoimmune thyroid issues.

My doctor didn't provide the rest of my test results yet, so I asked him to forward everything directly to my pulmonologist. I remember having similar symptoms once before that landed me in the ER; back then, after an initial screening at a local clinic, the doctor sent me straight to the emergency room at Jordan. These are the findings from that visit.
https://iili.io/Knowbt.md.jpg
I can't see the image you've shared, but if you could describe what’s in it or type out the text, I’ll get right to work rewriting it for you!
https://iili.io/KnoOzX.md.jpg
I don't actually have epilepsy, though my EEG results have been a bit off since I was diagnosed with SLE. Because I deal with trigeminal neuralgia and have an allergy to Tegretol, my doctors decided that Lamictal was the best path forward given my medical history. After consulting with several different neurologists across Washington, D.C., they finally reached a consensus on this approach.
My contact at the local hospital told me to hold off for now because they aren't taking new patients; they're completely swamped dealing with COVID. Basically, there hasn't been any movement since I got my referral, and no further testing or follow-up has happened yet.
I've dealt with low potassium and muscle cramps quite frequently over the years. I'm actually experiencing some cramping right now, so I've started back on Kalinor. It’s become a bit of a routine for me; once I notice the symptoms kicking in, I'll take the Kalinor and then follow up with a checkup to stay on top of things. As for my cortisol levels, they were perfectly normal during my last test.
A few years ago, I dealt with thyroid inflammation. When I went back for follow-ups a few months later, my labs looked fine, though my endocrinologist did note some latent hyperthyroidism. Since then, however, my weight has spiraled out of control—I’ve gained about 33 pounds in just two years despite making zero changes to my diet or activity levels. It feels like a losing battle; even while cutting my intake down to a meager 900 calories a day, I actually gained another 11 pounds. Nothing seems to work. My TSH levels were within the normal range, and my doctor insisted that everything was perfectly fine.
I could try to push them to move my case forward to processing, though I have my doubts about whether that will actually happen. My primary care physician is quite generous with referrals, which is a nice change of pace compared to other doctors I've dealt with—both personally and through what I hear from neighbors around the neighborhood.
My mother dealt with RA, Hashimoto's, and monoclonal gammopathy—they actually suspected multiple myeloma at one point, but thankfully that wasn't the case. To be safe, she underwent bone marrow biopsies roughly every two years.
My rheumatologist over in Arlington had to cancel my follow-up appointment for next week, and they haven't given me any indication of when we can reschedule. To make matters worse, I haven't been able to get a hold of her at all. It’s a bit uncertain how this will play out, especially since there are rumors they might be relocating the clinic to a new facility near downtown, though nobody seems to know exactly when that transition will actually happen.

Could a chest X-ray show changes that might explain this? My scan from last winter was completely clear, and I’ve generally felt fine, except during that bout of pneumonia. Since I started dealing with these issues—which has been at least 15 years now, though luckily not constantly—things have been a bit tricky.
I've also struggled with anemia in the past.
https://iili.io/KnxRBs.md.jpg
Back then, I could barely keep my eyes open, and even walking just a few steps would leave me winded.
Now, that feeling hits me within a day or two if I stop taking my iron supplements. If I miss them for even 5 or 6 days, I feel short of breath immediately.
Otherwise, my activity levels are totally normal; I take the stairs instead of the elevator for several floors and don't notice any shortness of breath (unless I skip the iron), nor do I feel like I'm gasping for air. Today, I managed to walk 2.5 miles without any trouble at all.
Honestly, I find myself hoping it's just anxiety... (truthfully, that would be the most welcome explanation of all!)

P.S. Thanks for the reply! I'll try to convince my primary care physician to order at least some of the tests you mentioned.