We're getting old (OO medical complaints)

[gbasden]

I just went in to get a prescription for new glasses and found out I have cataracts that I'm going to need to deal with in a year or two. My inner lizard brain is still gibbering over the thought of having my eyeball cut on, but seeing your AAR is helping. Thanks for putting out all the details!

[Holman]

Just had a consult with an oral surgeon for my youngest. It turns out that, not only does he need his wisdom teeth out, he has multiple extra wisdom teeth that need out as well. His insurance only pays for four extractions and/or fillings per year, and doesn't pay for anesthesia or some of the other adjacent necessities, so a meaningful chunk of the bill is going to be out-of-pocket, and the time to get it done is running out. The OOP portion is going to be about $3000.

If I empty my personal savings, strip the holiday money, and max out my credit card, I'll almost have enough to pay for it.

So much for focusing on getting out of debt.

Oh, man. Sorry to hear it.

How many extra wisdom teeth does he have? Normies have four, but my wife had six. Apparently it's a pretty common mutation.

A lot of modern human dental problems are the result of learning to cook our food. Our ancient ancestors had to bite and grind and chew so hard that our jaws (and mouth space) were larger due to the lifetime muscular effort required.

[Holman]

Went for an annual checkup yesterday and got both a tetanus booster and the first of two Shingles vaccine shots. (The second comes a year from now.) Today I had a little soreness, but nothing awful.

I *highly* recommend getting a Shingles vax. I had a bout of Shingles in 2020 (apparently triggered by the stress of visiting my father on his deathbed), and it was awful: besides the blisters making me look like Lynch's Baron Harkonnen, I experienced severe pain every time I made a facial expression.

My doc told me that in some cases, getting Shingles can make that pain permanent. Oh, and it can also blind you.

[gilraen]

Went for an annual checkup yesterday and got both a tetanus booster and the first of two Shingles vaccine shots. (The second comes a year from now.)

A year? Isn't it supposed to be 2-6 months?

[Holman]

Went for an annual checkup yesterday and got both a tetanus booster and the first of two Shingles vaccine shots. (The second comes a year from now.)

A year? Isn't it supposed to be 2-6 months?

Doc told me a year, unless I'm misremembering. (I get automated messages, so I guess I'll learn about it either way.)

[Smoove_B]

A year? Isn't it supposed to be 2-6 months?

Yeah, I thought it was 2-6 months as well. Not sure if maybe they say "Within a year" after the first shot (after two months pass), but will remind you sooner.

[Blackhawk]

Just had a consult with an oral surgeon for my youngest. It turns out that, not only does he need his wisdom teeth out, he has multiple extra wisdom teeth that need out as well. His insurance only pays for four extractions and/or fillings per year, and doesn't pay for anesthesia or some of the other adjacent necessities, so a meaningful chunk of the bill is going to be out-of-pocket, and the time to get it done is running out. The OOP portion is going to be about $3000.

If I empty my personal savings, strip the holiday money, and max out my credit card, I'll almost have enough to pay for it.

So much for focusing on getting out of debt.

Oh, man. Sorry to hear it.

How many extra wisdom teeth does he have? Normies have four, but my wife had six. Apparently it's a pretty common mutation.

Just two.

[Kraken]

A year? Isn't it supposed to be 2-6 months?

Yeah, I thought it was 2-6 months as well. Not sure if maybe they say "Within a year" after the first shot (after two months pass), but will remind you sooner.

Was a year for me.

[stessier]

Was 2-6 months for me.

[LordMortis]

Was a couple of months for me.

[Default]

"Shingles? They're out in the truck. Where do you want them?"

Sorry. I'm a weak, weak man...

[dbt1949]

I ran out early of my oxycodone this month. Thanks to my daughter in laws son stealing my meds. And now I'm going thru withdrawals. Another week before I get new meds. Argghhh!

[Holman]

[Insert appropriate Breaking Bad meme here]

[Max Peck]

I finally have a medical complaint!

I just received notice from my family doctor that he's retiring at the end of March 2025, so I get to navigate the exciting process of trying to find a new doctor when there are tens or hundreds of thousands of other people in the city who are also looking for doctors and pretty much no doctors who are taking new patients. How could this possibly end badly?

[hepcat]

A year? Isn't it supposed to be 2-6 months?

Yeah, I thought it was 2-6 months as well. Not sure if maybe they say "Within a year" after the first shot (after two months pass), but will remind you sooner.

Was a year for me.

Mine was 2 to 6 months.

The super soldier formula shots were spaced out a year though.

[Anonymous Bosch]

I finally have a medical complaint!

I just received notice from my family doctor that he's retiring at the end of March 2025, so I get to navigate the exciting process of trying to find a new doctor when there are tens or hundreds of thousands of other people in the city who are also looking for doctors and pretty much no doctors who are taking new patients. How could this possibly end badly?

[Max Peck]

At least we're not so bad off that we're offing healthcare CEOs just yet.

[Anonymous Bosch]

At least we're not so bad off that we're offing healthcare CEOs just yet.

Perhaps, though that could be because Canada is more preoccupied with offing disabled veterans instead…

Former paralympian tells MPs veterans department offered her assisted death

A paraplegic former member of the Canadian military shocked MPs on Thursday by testifying that she was offered, in writing, the opportunity for a medically assisted death — and that the Department of Veterans Affairs even offered to provide equipment.

A paraplegic former member of the Canadian military shocked MPs on Thursday by testifying that the Department of Veterans Affairs offered her, in writing, the opportunity for a medically assisted death — and even offered to provide the equipment.

Retired corporal Christine Gauthier, who competed for Canada at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympics and the Invictus Games that same year, spoke before the House of Commons veterans committee and agreed to provide a copy of the letter.

"With respect to me, I have a letter in my file, because I had to face that as well," said Gauthier, referring to the debate about veterans being offered the option of medical assistance in dying (MAID).

"I have a letter saying that if you're so desperate, madam, we can offer you MAID, medical assistance in dying," said Gauthier who first injured her back in a training accident in 1989.

Testifying in French, she said she has been fighting for a home wheelchair ramp for five years and expressed her concerns about the assisted dying offer in a recent letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

"I sent a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau and that they [Veterans Affairs] offered me MAID and would supply equipment," said Gauthier.

[Max Peck]

At least we're not so bad off that we're offing healthcare CEOs just yet.

Perhaps, though that could be because Canada is more preoccupied with offing disabled veterans instead…

On Friday, Prime minister Justin Trudeau called the report of what happened to Gauthier "absolutely unacceptable" and said the government took action the moment it heard of other cases.

"We are following up with investigations and we are changing protocols to ensure what should seem obvious to all of us: that it is not the place of Veterans Affairs Canada, who are supposed to be there to support those people who stepped up to serve their country, to offer them medical assistance in dying."

Veterans Minister Lawrence MacAulay revealed last week in testimony before the same committee that four — perhaps five — cases of Canadian military veterans being given the MAID option by a now-suspended veterans service agent have been referred to the RCMP.

MacAulay urged other veterans who may have had similar experiences to come forward.

What happened was unfortunate, but was not exactly public policy. But you knew that when you read the article, no?

[dbt1949]

Tomorrow morning I'm having a nuclear stress test. This doesn't sound good.

[Anonymous Bosch]

At least we're not so bad off that we're offing healthcare CEOs just yet.

Perhaps, though that could be because Canada is more preoccupied with offing disabled veterans instead…

What happened was unfortunate, but was not exactly public policy. But you knew that when you read the article, no?

Yes, in case it wasn't abundantly clear, this was a tongue-in-cheek response continuing the context of the meme above, hence the included…

[Punisher]

Tomorrow morning I'm having a nuclear stress test. This doesn't sound good.

This actually sounds like the perfect opportunity to gain superpowers!

[Kraken]

Tomorrow morning I'm having a nuclear stress test. This doesn't sound good.

I'm not as stressed about nukes as I was during the Cold War but still prefer to keep them at arm's length.

[LordMortis]

Tomorrow morning I'm having a nuclear stress test. This doesn't sound good.

It was easier than trying to get my heart rate to the floor for monitoring, which I have never been able to do. Even now that I'm in the best shape I've been in since my 30s and they've lowered the floor because I'm in my 50s, I still can't get my heart rate to the floor for testing before they ripped me off the treadmill (and I'm glad they did. Once they had me lay down I felt like I was going to suffocate to say nothing of the leg fatigue). I could get close enough that they decided not to go nuclear this last time, though. So I guess the floor wasn't the real floor.

[hepcat]

Tomorrow morning I'm having a nuclear stress test. This doesn't sound good.

Make sure you come back and update on us on how it went. I'm hoping they find out you're part Highlander.

[hepcat]

At least we're not so bad off that we're offing healthcare CEOs just yet.

Perhaps, though that could be because Canada is more preoccupied with offing disabled veterans instead…

What happened was unfortunate, but was not exactly public policy. But you knew that when you read the article, no?

Yes, in case it wasn't abundantly clear, this was a tongue-in-cheek response continuing the context of the meme above, hence the included…

Not trying to turn this into R&P, but I just wanted to remind folks that America is ranked BELOW Canada when it comes to quality of health care...and access, cost, efficiency and life expectancy. Heck, we're dead last when ranked alongside Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

[Jeff V]

I've been going to PT on my busted arm for a few weeks now. I'm really trying, and the results are good. Maybe not so surprisingly, in some of the measurements the PT is taking, might right (busted) arm is out-performing my left (dominant) arm. Methinks I need to do the prescribed exercises with both arms.

[LordMortis]

I've been going to PT on my busted arm for a few weeks now. I'm really trying, and the results are good. Maybe not so surprisingly, in some of the measurements the PT is taking, might right (busted) arm is out-performing my left (dominant) arm. Methinks I need to do the prescribed exercises with both arms.

18 months later and that's what I still do. My PT essentially became my upper body routine. Also 18 months later and I still really need to do it. My arm is still a big problem even is the break is long since healed.

In related news, got a notice the hospital is going to collections on the same day my insurance is sending me a bill. Yay! They demand theirs on time but don't pay their obvious obligations after six notices.

[Daehawk]

Was sick all night. Was semi nauseous but not sick enough to puke. Did have run to the bathroom 5 or 6 times or poop my pants. Almost didn't make it 2 times. Finally started taking Imodium and Im better now.Actually ate some eggs and drank some ginger ale. I dont think I have a bug..no where to get one from. But dont understand the diarrhea and kinda sick stomach either. My sleep has sucked. I was up 2 days slept 3 days up one then slept 2 again. I woke up at 11pm last night thinking it was 11am. Almost totally missed Monday. Im going to try and stay up today and go to bed early and HOPEFULLY force myself up tomorrow. Its that waking up and going back to sleep over and over is SO comfortable and I dream so well. I mean I can sleep 2 days and nights without eating or drinking and going to the bathroom maybe 2 times. I even didn't feed my dog right. I get up for that but I didn't yesterday. Miss all 3 of his meals. Thats not right. If I set an alarm I simply smack it off. Its just so comfortable to wake up and sleep over and over.

But I think that really did a number to my insides.

[Daehawk]

Well ive spent the last 2 hours with my new medicare supplement place and my doctor on the phone..both refusing to do simple stuff the other requires. What really SUCKS is they are MY medical records yet i have no say so in them.

[LawBeefaroni]

A year? Isn't it supposed to be 2-6 months?

Yeah, I thought it was 2-6 months as well. Not sure if maybe they say "Within a year" after the first shot (after two months pass), but will remind you sooner.

Was a year for me.

Mine was 2 to 6 months.

It's 2-6 months for the second dose of Shingrix. If you're stacking Shingrix on Zostavax, it is recommended to wait a year.

[hepcat]

Wait...so it WASN'T the super soldier formula???

[Daehawk]

I am NOT happy with my new Soc Sec supplement plan from United Healthcare. Not at all. I had Humana before them and had zero problems and paid nothing at all.

But this new plan....First the phone call computer when you try to contact them spouts bs stuff that has nothing to do with you oor why you call for FIVE minutes nearly before gettign a human on the line.

I have a $290 benefit card to use for food and OTC stuff. Supposedly it will pay my utility bill too but haven't looked into it. But so far I cant use it for food. I depended on the card from Humana for food help. And I had planned to use this one the same. They offered me more money. But they wont let me buy food yet because they dont have my medical info from my doctor to see that I do in fact qualify for it. Which I DO. So $290 is just sitting there useless to me while I have little food to get me by until the 11th when food stamps refill..at less than ever amounts. I cant go to get food at food banks either thanks to my car.

And today when my pharmacy delivered my medication refills I have co pays again...like $4.90 per med so like $35 a month. I had ZERO with Humana. So theres $35 more gone each month from already no money ..yay.... I should have stuck with humana but the united healthcare rep over the phone sold me on having the same coverage as humana and the $100 more a month benefit card....so far neither are true it seems.

[Jeff V]

I've been going to PT on my busted arm for a few weeks now. I'm really trying, and the results are good. Maybe not so surprisingly, in some of the measurements the PT is taking, might right (busted) arm is out-performing my left (dominant) arm. Methinks I need to do the prescribed exercises with both arms.

18 months later and that's what I still do. My PT essentially became my upper body routine. Also 18 months later and I still really need to do it. My arm is still a big problem even is the break is long since healed.

In related news, got a notice the hospital is going to collections on the same day my insurance is sending me a bill. Yay! They demand theirs on time but don't pay their obvious obligations after six notices.

I called my now former insurance about $10 remaining from the original February surgery. The nice Filipina said I don't need to worry about that. Well, ok, but when will they take care of it?

We'll see how things go with the new UHC insurance. I have an x-ray and follow-up with the surgeon tomorrow. I will also set their scheduling dogs loose on UHC and see if they can get more PT approved.

My brother ended up in the hospital a few days ago with afib. He going on a couple (more) meds and will have a heart monitor for the next week.

[LordMortis]

I begin colonoscopy prep tomorrow. Wednesday, I have my Jello, Gatorade poison mix, broth, and Apple Juice but that only comes to about 800 or 900 calories, very few of which I imagine will be absorbed. When I was 270 pounds and full of fat, that was no problem. Now that I'm under 180, I have major problems (weakness and illness) when I am not feeding my body with a steady flow calories on a normal a normal day. What do you all y'all do for calories during your colonoscopy prep? My memory was that overdosing on jello does not work for me. Maybe it will be different now that I'm lighter and I should go buy and make more. Whoda ever thunk a day would come around where I'd wish Jello had more sugary goodness calories?

Also, given that red dyes (and their derivative oranges, purples, etc...) are verboten, you'd think the clear, yellow, and green juices and jellos would be in abundance at the grocer. Not at mine. Everything is red and orange.

Not looking forward to Wednesday. Colonoscopy day and having to get up at 0300 to take my last bit of poison drink before the trip, whatever. The day before and never being more that 10 feet from the bathroom, having no food, and force feeding myself Gatorlaxative every 15 minutes. Can't we just put me under for that too?

[LordMortis]

Register, Wait, surgery prep, surgery, recovery. 2 hours and 15 minutes. That's crazy. I can eat now.

[Scraper]

I begin colonoscopy prep tomorrow. Wednesday, I have my Jello, Gatorade poison mix, broth, and Apple Juice but that only comes to about 800 or 900 calories, very few of which I imagine will be absorbed. When I was 270 pounds and full of fat, that was no problem. Now that I'm under 180, I have major problems (weakness and illness) when I am not feeding my body with a steady flow calories on a normal a normal day. What do you all y'all do for calories during your colonoscopy prep? My memory was that overdosing on jello does not work for me. Maybe it will be different now that I'm lighter and I should go buy and make more. Whoda ever thunk a day would come around where I'd wish Jello had more sugary goodness calories?

Also, given that red dyes (and their derivative oranges, purples, etc...) are verboten, you'd think the clear, yellow, and green juices and jellos would be in abundance at the grocer. Not at mine. Everything is red and orange.

Not looking forward to Wednesday. Colonoscopy day and having to get up at 0300 to take my last bit of poison drink before the trip, whatever. The day before and never being more that 10 feet from the bathroom, having no food, and force feeding myself Gatorlaxative every 15 minutes. Can't we just put me under for that too?

I've had 3 Colonoscopies in the past year and a half. I weigh about 200 and I don't do anything to supplement calories during the cleanse. Generally speaking once I start the cleanse I find that the constant trips to the bathroom outweigh my bodies desire to take in nutrition.

[LordMortis]

I've had 3 Colonoscopies in the past year and a half. I weigh about 200 and I don't do anything to supplement calories during the cleanse. Generally speaking once I start the cleanse I find that the constant trips to the bathroom outweigh my bodies desire to take in nutrition.

I was already always hungry before the prep. When I was 230 and gaining (my last prep) I couldn't even finish a Jell O I had made. This time I miralax didn't even put a dent in my hunger. I wish I had made more jello and bought sugary drink calories. First thing I got home, I devoured my daily budget for snacks along with my coffee. Now it's time for breakfast and probably straight to lunch, though I can't go too crazy or I'll be out of my food budge before 1500 or earlier.

And 3 in a year and a half? Ugh.

[Madmarcus]

I can't do sugary drink calories. I tried at my last colonoscopy but I simply couldn't keep down the mix of prep liquid and white grape juice.

[LordMortis]

I was allowed apple juice with no dye. I drank a full half gallon. I didn't do any white sodas as most a citrus and that I can't citrus drinks. I couldn't take an overdoes of Jello five or ten or 15 years ago. Yesterday, I could have gone three packages and I only made one. Broth was awesome tasting when everything else was just flavored sugar and I could have done a lot more but each bowl was only 20 calories and didn't sate my hunger or provide any energy even a little.