Posts by placiddrifter26

vividskipper15 said:Thanks for the heads-up. I think I’ll opt for a private clinic instead; I have a really hard time with blood draws, so
it’s just more comfortable for me to go private.

Since I don't drink at all, where on earth are these liver issues coming from? I've been on birth control for
quite a while now—could there be a connection there?

It’s possible, or maybe you're having an allergic reaction to some creams or chemicals you've been using.
It isn't definitely cirrhosis; those are just examples. There are plenty of other things it could be that are way less scary, but just to be safe, go see a doctor and get some tests done. It won't break the bank if you use a private provider, so don't sweat it.

vividskipper15 said:I’ve been noticing these red patches on both of my palms for a while now. They
tend to itch, though I didn't think much of it at the time. Recently, a medical professional mentioned that
these types of spots can actually be linked to liver issues.
On my hands, the redness is most intense just below my pinky and thumb, which looks distinctly
different from the rest of my skin. Personally, I’ve never heard anything about this connection before.
These marks have been there for about a year.

If I wanted to get some private testing done for liver issues, does anyone know what the typical cost would be?

RED PALMS
It could mean: liver cirrhosis
Your hands can actually tell a doctor a lot about your liver health. One classic sign of conditions like cirrhosis is redness on the palms. Cirrhosis happens when liver tissue is severely damaged—usually from heavy alcohol use, though other hidden issues like Hepatitis C can cause it too. The redness typically shows up along the outer edge of the palm near the pinky. It’s caused by swollen blood vessels due to hormonal imbalances triggered by liver disease.

Just go see a doctor with your insurance referral; you can get your liver function tests done at any local lab.

Jeffrey Jones2 said:Can I just fix this myself with some braces or something, or am I looking at a doctor visit?

Standard treatments usually involve immobilization, anti-inflammatories, steroid shots right in the elbow, or even surgery.
Honestly, if I were you, I’d try using a brace to keep that elbow still. It could really help you out during this initial stage, so it's worth a shot.
If you leave it untreated, you risk losing feeling in your hand, muscle atrophy, and constant pain in both your palm and forearm—but that typically only happens if the nerve gets damaged from long-term compression.

Jeffrey Jones2 said:For three days now, my pinky and a good chunk of my hand right below it have been totally numb.
The numbness just won't quit; it's constant. Sometimes it eases up a tiny bit, but then it flares right back up.
I honestly have no clue what happened, but it's starting to get on my nerves, and I'm getting a little worried it might be something serious.

Any help? Advice?

EDIT: It's my left hand. I'm right-handed.

It sounds like it’s definitely the ulnar nerve passing through the ulnar canal, which controls sensation in your pinky and the outer side of your ring finger.
The ulnar nerve runs through that channel and often gets compressed, leading to inflammation, numbness, discomfort, or even sharp pain. You see this all the time with people who spend way too many hours at a computer or doing jobs where they constantly lean their elbows on a desk or hard surface.

Amanda Johnson69 said:Has anyone here actually dealt with this thing called MGUS before?

I’ve been falling down a bit of an internet rabbit hole trying to figure it all out, but honestly, all these medical terms are flying right over my head, so I was hoping someone could explain things in plain English 😁

Like, does chemo only come into play if there's actual cancer or a tumor involved, or is it used to treat MGUS as its own standalone thing?

And what else is out there in terms of options—are we talking stuff like bone marrow transplants and other heavy-duty methods?

Getting some clarity on this would mean the world to me, so thanks a bunch for any help you can give 😉

MGUS—Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance—is diagnosed when a serum protein electrophoresis test shows a monoclonal immunoglobulin. A small percentage of people who have this might eventually develop multiple myeloma, which is basically plasma cells spreading in the bone marrow. Besides multiple myeloma, this group also includes Waldenström macroglobulinemia and amyloidosis.
On its own, MGUS generally has a much better outlook, especially if the monoclonal immunoglobulin concentration is under 1g, stays stable, and there's no Bence Jones protein showing up in the urine.
If symptoms are minimal, I don't think there's any specific treatment required, though there is always that risk of developing the conditions I mentioned above—which each have their own specific treatments.
If symptoms become significant, doctors will definitely dig deeper to figure out exactly which gammopathy is present, and then move toward targeted treatments like radiation or chemotherapy.
I'm not sure if one of those specific conditions has already been diagnosed, or... how old is the patient? Since it often progresses to multiple myeloma, you really have to stay on top of regular blood work and urine tests to monitor everything.

Terry Cruz3 said:If we ignore common sense, we’re basically inviting illness. We all know smoking, drinking too much, and living a messy lifestyle are bad news—so choosing those things is essentially choosing to get sick. Then, we turn around and expect doctors to perform miracles or hand us some magic pill to fix everything. I'm not talking about serious genetic issues here, just most of those "everyday" ailments that we can actually prevent.

I totally hear what you're saying, and I mentioned in my previous post how bad habits like smoking, drinking, or eating junk food can trigger health problems. But here's my reality check: I never touched any of that stuff. I lived a clean life, yet sickness found me when I least expected it. First one tumor, then another, then lymphatic leukemia, followed by glomerulonephritis and an autoimmune condition. So, tell me... why? It definitely wasn't because of "bad vibes," and it certainly wasn't from cigarettes or cocktails. I didn't choose this; it chose me. Any ideas?

Linda Long3 said:Aside from what we eat and all the junk we put in our bodies—whether we realize it or not—there’s this growing view, even in mainstream American medicine, that our thoughts, fears, and suppressed emotions play a huge role in our physical health. Without getting too caught up in labels like "alternative" or whatever, does anyone want to chat about how energy affects matter? After all, that’s basically what metaphysics is all about.

I noticed you started a thread asking why we get sick. Why?
Everything you mentioned is spot on. It's also true that depression can pave the way for almost any kind of illness. But at the end of the day, sickness hits everyone—young people, seniors, those who are totally happy, and those struggling with anxiety or stress alike.
Personally, I think while stress is a massive trigger for most issues, genetics definitely plays a big part too.
Our health is really just a complex mix of things: diet, bad habits, stress, and yeah, those genetic factors.
I guess we mostly differ in how we handle it—some people accept being sick more easily than others.
Even when dealing with something minor, working with a doctor requires some effort on our part, and for serious stuff, it takes way more. Sometimes we're just lucky that medicine gives us a few good days, and we try to make the most of them.
We don't choose to get sick; sickness chooses us. I honestly think we can only control a small part of the factors that lead to it. At least, that's my take.

Can someone please walk me through why this happens, how it works, and how long I'm stuck with it?
It’s honestly pretty embarrassing, and I’m low-key terrified that I won't be able to handle things on my own for much longer.
Am I really the only one out here struggling with balance issues?

I’m starting this thread because I couldn't find much info on this specific issue online. If the moderator thinks there's already a similar discussion somewhere, please feel free to move this.
It all started last year when I was hit with dizziness, vomiting, and just feeling totally wiped out. My doctor put me on Torokan, and luckily, things settled down after a few days.
A couple of times since then, it flared up again, and that same treatment helped me get back on my feet.
But last week, everything came crashing back, and it was honestly the worst it's ever been. I had the dizziness, the nausea, and such intense weakness and instability that I actually fell down a few times.
After getting some tests done at the audiology clinic, they gave me a diagnosis: Vestibular neuritis
and Paresis vestibularis 1.dex
The current plan is Meridian Medical Technologies 24 mg, twice a day,
along with B vitamins and plenty of rest.
I've been following this regimen for a week now, but I haven't really felt much better yet.
If anyone else has dealt with this, could you please reach out? I'd love to know how long it took for you to see real improvement while on medication, and if you think an MRI might help pinpoint why this is happening.
I would really appreciate any insight or personal stories you can share to help me navigate this.
Thanks so much!

Emily Perez76 said:About 30 days ago, I stopped taking Lipitor (for cholesterol control) and tried switching to herbal teas instead. Things have definitely taken a turn for the worse. My latest labs really worried me, so I'm looking for some input.
urea 6.9
creatinine 86
cholesterol 7.02 H
hdl cholesterol 1.86
ldl cholesterol 4.5 H
triglycerides 1.37
ast 79 H
alt 115 H
Everything was within the normal range just two months ago. Did I make a mistake by ditching my prescription for home remedies? Those AST and ALT levels especially have me stressed out.😕
I don't drink alcohol. I am on medication for my thyroid, blood pressure, and circulation.☕

Hey there, it looks like you have mixed dyslipidemia, which really does require medical management.
Even though you didn't include the reference ranges—which is super important since lab standards vary from one clinic to another here in the States—it sounds like stopping your meds was a bit of a misstep.
Now, alternative medicine can be helpful in certain cases, but usually alongside conventional treatment. It caught me off guard that you went totally solo on this one.
AST and ALT aren't typically linked to thyroid meds; rather, those lipid issues stem from metabolism problems. More likely, those liver numbers are reacting to weight loss supplements or something similar you might have been using, rather than alcohol consumption.
I'd suggest getting back on your prescribed lipid therapy. Honestly, I've seen so many people make things much harder on themselves by dropping their prescriptions, though at the end of the day, it's your choice how you want to handle your health.
Hang in there! I'm rooting for you, and I'm sure once you get back on track with your meds, everything will settle down to normal.

wiredpilot19 said:LH 4.48 (1.5-8.0)
FSH 6.59 (3.9-12)
estradiol 21.6 (18-147)
prolactin 654.9 (105-735)
progesterone 2.7 (0.6-4.7)

What do you think about these results from a few days ago?

cholesterol 6.6 ( triglycerides 2.6 ( serum is slightly lipemic

It looks like you have hyperlipidemia, which basically means high cholesterol levels. It’s not a massive spike, though, so you could probably manage a good chunk of this just by tweaking your diet—unless there's an underlying issue like a thyroid condition or maybe some kidney stuff going on.
I'm not sure how old you are or if you've dealt with any metabolic issues before.
To start, try cutting back on fats. You might want to try some Omega-3 supplements from Johnson & Johnson, and try adding a little olive oil to your meals. Definitely ditch the sausages, deli meats, and anything else packed with fat. Also, load up on fruits and veggies.
As for your reproductive hormones, they all seem to be sitting right on the edge of the normal range.
Have you had your thyroid levels checked yet?

wiredpilot19 said:Day 3 hormone panel
lh 4.48
fsh 6.59
estradiol 21.6
prolactin 655
progesterone 2.7

I don't see my doctor until next Tuesday. Does anyone know what these numbers might mean? thanks

To really make sense of these results, we need the reference ranges. Every lab uses different reagents, so it’s super tough to judge your levels without knowing their specific scale.
That said, that prolactin number jumped out at me immediately—it looks pretty high. I'm thinking things might be a bit off, but if you can post those reference values, maybe we can dig a little deeper.

dustydrifter14 said:I just got my lipid panel back, and here are the numbers:

Total Cholesterol = 4.9 ( HDL = 1.2 (>1.0)
LDL = 2.5 ( Triglycerides = 2.7 (
Everything seems to be right on the edge, except for those triglycerides, which definitely overshot the mark.
Budo .... Anthony .... any thoughts on these results? What should my next move be?
thanks!
🙏

Since everything looks good aside from the triglycerides, the best thing you can do is grab some Omega-3 fatty acid supplements from Belup at your local pharmacy. Honestly, don't sweat it too much—these are pretty minor deviations. Just start taking those, and maybe cut back on fats a little. I'm sure your doctor will tell you the exact same thing.

Hannah Sanchez48 said:Thanks for the chat. Honestly, both my grandma and my aunt struggled with thyroid issues—my aunt actually had surgery—so because of some other symptoms I was feeling, I decided to get checked out. I’ve been browsing through this thread about thyroid stuff, and people with elevated TSH levels don't seem to be in the same boat as me. This is just way too much. Ugh, now I feel sick to my stomach.

Don't let it get to you. I know people who had insanely high TSH levels—we're talking up to 295—and they're doing totally fine now on medication.
Your lipids are probably slightly elevated just because of the hypothyroidism.
The main thing is just starting the treatment, and everything will settle down.
The most important part is that there is medicine available to keep things under control so you can function normally.

Hannah Sanchez48 said:Hi everyone,
I just got my blood work back today and... I’m honestly feeling a bit lost. Could someone help me make sense of these? I haven't been able to get any clear or detailed answers to the questions I've posted here.
I'll just list the ones that are outside the normal range: (K)MCV 100.3 (83.0-97.2)
(K)platelets 157 (158-424)
(K)MPV 11.8 (6.8-10.4)
(S) GLUCOSE 4.0 (4.2-6.0)
LDL-CHOLESTEROL 3.6 (<3.0)
S CHOLESTEROL 5.8 (<5.0)
S Fe 7.9 (8-30)
S T4 60 (66-181)
And the one that has me really worried— S TSH 165.7 !! (0.27-4.2)

It was just a standard blood draw. I'm heading to my primary care doctor tomorrow to figure out the next steps.

It looks pretty obvious that you're dealing with hypothyroidism, meaning your thyroid isn't working quite right.
With a TSH value that high, you really need to see an endocrinologist or head over to a specialist. They'll likely want to run some extra tests for thyroid antibodies, like anti-TPO and anti-TG, because it sounds a lot like Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
You'll probably need to start hormone replacement therapy with Synthroid pretty quickly, at a dosage your doctor decides on.
As for the rest of your results, they point toward a mild anemia, which usually goes hand-in-hand with thyroid issues like this.
Hang in there! It's a super common condition, and we even have a specific thread for thyroid stuff here. If you have more questions, just ask.🙏

Urinary tract tuberculosis symptoms aren't exactly textbook—they can be pretty vague and hard to pin down. You might deal with signs of a chronic infection, like feeling generally run down, running a fever, getting tired easily, or waking up drenched in sweat at night. A kidney infection itself often doesn't show any obvious symptoms, though you might notice you're heading to the bathroom more often or feel a burning sensation when you go. Blood in the urine is also pretty common. On a lab report, you'll typically see pus without bacteria, along with red blood cells and usually some protein. The real confirmation comes from a positive culture for tuberculosis bacilli. If the kidneys are significantly damaged, you could start seeing signs of renal failure, such as elevated urea levels and electrolyte imbalances typical of uremia. It’s also common to see anemia and an increased ESR rate.
I'm not sure what specific symptoms you're dealing with, other than the hematuria, which could definitely be one of them.

Brenda Lopez3 said:Can I ask a quick question? What does it mean if my urine protein levels are marked as +++ (three pluses), when the normal range is supposed to be 0-negative? Thanks in advance!

Finding protein in your urine—also known as proteinuria—usually points toward some kind of inflammation or kidney issues.
Basically, this result means you really need to follow up with a 24-hour urine collection, urine electrophoresis, a cytology test, and a urine culture. Doing those will definitely help pin down exactly what’s going on.
You should definitely check in with your doctor for a referral to a nephrologist; please don't just brush this result off.
I'm assuming you also had some blood work done? How did those results look—any abnormalities there?

Brenda Ruiz18 said:Just to be clear, we're talking about the same doctor and his clinic over in Matthews!👍

Thanks so much for getting back to me,🙏 I was actually really curious about what you said regarding your friend's knee surgery—how she was able to head home the very same day. It sounds like the laparoscopic procedure I’m facing myself 🙄, but I was surprised to hear how quick the recovery is for $2.25 since there's a clinic in Brooklyn offering that exact same surgery $3.00, which immediately caught my eye.
Do you think you could ask your friend what a single consultation at the clinic actually costs? I’d happily make the trip out there because I desperately need a third opinion. Honestly, every doctor I've talked to so far seems to have a completely different story, and none of them align.🤷

I'd be happy to! I'll check on all those details tomorrow and let you know. I'll get you the full breakdown of prices for the consultations and the surgery itself.

Brenda Ruiz18 said:So, I was wondering if anyone has actually been to this clinic? Does anyone know what kind of services they offer, or what the typical cost is for a consultation and knee surgery?
I've heard that one of the top orthopedic surgeons in the US (Dr. Nemec) practices there, so I'm curious if anyone has firsthand experience with this clinic.😕

Hey there!
I haven't seen the doctor myself, but a close friend of mine just had knee surgery there five days ago, and it cost her about $2.25. She was able to head home the very next day, and she tells me everything is going great.
Also, a buddy of mine had hip surgery at the same place. He stayed for a week and couldn't stop raving about the doctor—not just the surgery itself, but the whole staff too. Honestly, the food was amazing, and don't even get me started on how nice the accommodations were.
As for him, I think he paid around $12.
Just keep in mind, the price really depends on the specific procedure, so Dr. Nemec will have to give you a quote based on what's needed.
Those are just the experiences I know regarding Dr. Nemec, but I'm sure someone else might jump in here to share their own story.
I'm assuming we're talking about the same Dr. Nemec who's based out near Matthews, close to Palm Springs.

Kimberly Ward said:Here’s the situation: thyroid hormones look fine (T3, T4, TSH), but my antibodies (TPO and TgAb) are elevated. What would you guys—acting as my primary care doctors—do next? Calling on Sam Hall15 and Green Ninja here.

I’d start by getting a thyroid ultrasound just to make sure there aren't any nodules hiding in there.
If the ultrasound doesn't show anything unusual, like a nodule or general enlargement, then the move is usually just to monitor those hormone levels without starting any medication.
Now, if a nodule *is* found, since elevated anti-Tg can sometimes be linked to malignant nodules, you might need to go a step further and get a biopsy.

Those high antibody levels point toward an autoimmune issue, but treatment typically only kicks in if the TSH levels rise, which would confirm a Hashimoto's diagnosis.