General Medical issues thread

[blackcat20]

Just go. Money spent seeing your parents is never wasted.

He's already on his way.

 

[Pushka]

He's already on his way.

I am sure his dad will be delighted to see him even though he will tell him he shouldn't have come. Priceless.

 

[wandering_fred]

Yellow fever:

A number of years with a great price on air fares I visited the Canal Zone. At the time my research found that the YF jab was not required there.
From the (USA) CDC
Not recommended for travelers whose itineraries are limited to areas west of the canal, the city of Panama, the canal area itself, and the Balboa Islands (Pearl Islands) and San Blas Islands

Try more wandering

Fred

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellow...w-fever-malaria-information-by-country/panama

 

[JohnK]

Left shoe shrunk overnight.

Extremely painful back of head/neck, right shoulder, right hand below index finger, left ribs, behind knee, left shin and ankles and feet. God I love inflammation. Makes me so happy to be alive.

 

[rogerkambah]

Left shoe shrunk overnight.

Extremely painful back of head/neck, right shoulder, right hand below index finger, left ribs, behind knee, left shin and ankles and feet. God I love inflammation. Makes me so happy to be alive.

I know how you feel JohnK. My right shoe shrank overnight, which is a real pain as my right foot is a half size bigger than my left at any time. Joint pain too seems to be a problem today, but could be a side-effect of my drug induced state (60 days in now).

Haven't heard much about your wife and child recently so assume they are overcoming medical problems and settling down to a life in Oz now - hope so anyway.

I'm glad you're so happy to be alive. I think that even with some pain its better than the alternative.

I was visiting my 80 yo neighbour across the road yesterday, who hadn't been able to get out of bed due to pain issues, when the palliative care doctor arrived to administer heavier pain drugs. My neighbour introduced us and said we may get acquainted soon, however I hope not, or at least not for 15 years or so. Time will tell.

 

[JohnK]

I know how you feel JohnK. My right Haven't heard much about your wife and child recently so assume they are overcoming medical problems and settling down to a life in Oz now - hope so anyway.

I'm glad you're so happy to be alive. I think that even with some pain its better than the alternative.

You're right there.

Wife and daughter doing ok. Think they need to spend more time with me so will be bringing them to Brisbane with me regularly. Daughter just gets better by the day. She's way too smart for her dad.

The 2 Nurofen Plus and 2 Panadeine Extra I took an hour or so ago have numbed the pain. The ~60mg codeine phosphate has done the trick. Don't want to take it that often though.

Just keep hoping we can get better.

 

[QF WP]

This afternoon, like sinophile, I'm off to the specialist (for my family member who has waited the required week for their appointment). Should be interesting to listen to his recommended course of action, we have our own thoughts as well that we will be sharing

Update: Neither of us liked the Head of Surgery for PCH, he made some very inappropriate comments in front of both of us and so the patient hasn't been back in contact. Instead, they went back to their GP for a referral to a General Surgeon at a nearby private hospital (incidently where my wife had our two children, so very comfortable with that choice - better parking and no cost).

They attended him this afternoon and he looked at all medical information to hand (4 x bloods, 2 x Ultrasounds, 1 x MRCP + hospital report). He recommended an ERCP to assess whether any damage from the initial passing of stones and subsequent further (mild) pain being experienced after meals, before a decision is made as to whether to take out the Gallbladder. He has referred to the Gastro that my 2 specialist friends recommended, who now has a practice at same hospital, appointment is next Tuesday. I'll attend that one.

 

[TomVexille]

I'm glad I did it and it never should have been a "should I do it" kind of moment, but when you're younger (we're similar ages I believe TV) you often think about the work implications over the real life ones which is completely out of kilter. You can only appreciate that a few years later on I think.

Thankfully I have a pretty understanding couple of bosses who just told me to go and they would see me when I got back.

Was an interesting few days. I didn't do myself any favours by not setting my alarm correctly for the 6am flight to SYD. blackcat20's car problems, a go-around at SYD (completely routine I know, but a first for me), EK412 being delayed by fog at DXB and the entire CHC International Terminal having to be re-screened last night due to a security breach. In between all that I got to spend some quality time with my dad. He has some issues with his right hand at the moment, while his grip is still strong, his motor control is not. Normal tasks like holding a fork or buttoning his shirt is impossible. His GP is organising physio and taxi vouchers for him to get around, and is expecting a full recovery within 6 months.

I am sure his dad will be delighted to see him even though he will tell him he shouldn't have come. Priceless.

Pretty much

 

[suze2000]

There are drugs which are ototoxic but I don't believe sedatives fall in that category.

Alcohol can also be ototoxic

1) thank god

2) oh oh.

and 3) I have tinnitus that is getting worse. I try very hard not to think about it or spend any time in silence. I use a white noise machine to sleep.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Anyone (Pushka, John K), on using Methotrexate? Doctor has just recommended Miss FM start on it, but bit concerned. She has what appears to be Linear Scleroderma (finally a diagnosis!). It doesn't appear to be active but I am busy making a list of questions for her to take back to her Rheumatologist and also we will probably get a second opinion, but just wondered if any experience on here. She is 25 and will be starting a family in a few years, so can't take it then anyway.

 

[Pushka]

Flying Mermaid - My niece who has SLE has been on methotrexate for 6 weeks. She gets a bit nauseous the day after she takes it. She'd been on plaquenil and steroi_s for years and the specialist was concerned at that given she's only just turned 30. As long as it's administered by the specialist it should be fine. Its a very mild dose for auto immune issues as opposed for use as chemotherapy. My niece goes to the same rheumatologist as I go to and who is very involved in research.

Like you, her mother (my SIL) who works in ER was concerned about methotrexate when she was seeing a different specialist but she fully trusts the one we are both now seeing so was ok about her going on it.

I'm going to the Lupus conference in Melbourne in March as they are running plenary sessions on APS which is also what I have. Maybe that might interest you?

Rheumatologists in Australia tend not to diagnose without strict blood criteria or other 'tangible' markers. Assuming they are good ones.

Always get a print out of all blood tests etc. Always.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Flying Mermaid - My niece who has SLE has been on methotrexate for 6 weeks. She gets a bit nauseous the day after she takes it. She'd been on plaquenil and steroi_s for years and the specialist was concerned at that given she's only just turned 30. As long as it's administered by the specialist it should be fine. Its a very mild dose for auto immune issues as opposed for use as chemotherapy. My niece goes to the same rheumatologist as I go to and who is very involved in research.

Like you, her mother (my SIL) who works in ER was concerned about methotrexate when she was seeing a different specialist but she fully trusts the one we are both now seeing so was ok about her going on it.

I'm going to the Lupus conference in Melbourne in March as they are running plenary sessions on APS which is also what I have. Maybe that might interest you?

Rheumatologists in Australia tend not to diagnose without strict blood criteria or other 'tangible' markers. Assuming they are good ones.

Always get a print out of all blood tests etc. Always.

thanks - I think her rheumatologist is good, but no harm getting some second opinions. She is going to go to a dermatologist as well (recommended by her rheumatologist) and Dr FM has had a recommendation for a rheumatologist in Sydney from a friend who is a rheumatologist reg. Miss FM has a copy of her latest bloods and will bring them round this afternoon. She hasn't had anything new for some years now, so a bit surprised that they feel it needs treating, but maybe something in the bloods is indicating activity. She is very unhappy at going on it, so I think worthwhile to get some more opinions. Good to hear your niece is tolerating.

 

[Pushka]

FM - the reasoning should have been explained to her at the appointment.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Been talking to Miss FM this afternoon. Apparently she noticed some scars on her back, which she thought were new. However after her appointment when she discussed with her fiance he told her they have been there as long as they have been together which is 5 years. So I can understand why rheumatologist thinks things are active. She needs to discuss this further with her rheumatologist, but she doesn't seem to want to, but is going to talk to the dermatologist instead. Only so much a mother can interfere.....

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

..................................
I should have had the shingles shots. I learned the hard way about 4 years ago ..........
Fred

Me too ! I would agree the shingles shot is a definite ! When I got the shingles it was a dreadful 10 days !

 

[get me outta here]

I wonder how much the Shingles vaccination costs (apart from the doc's cons cost) when under 70? If you had chook pox as a kid, you are more likely to succumb later in life. Over 70 yo the vac is free in Aus:

[h=2]National Shingles Vaccination Program[/h][FONT=&quot]The shingles vaccine is provided free for people aged 70 years under the [/FONT]National Immunisation Program[FONT=&quot]. There is also a five year catch-up program for people aged 71 – 79 years until 31 October 2021. To receive the immunisation visit your local doctor or vaccination provider.
[/FONT]

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

I wonder how much the Shingles vaccination costs (apart from the doc's cons cost) when under 70? If you had chook pox as a kid, you are more likely to succumb later in life. Over 70 yo the vac is free in Aus:............

It is well worth the cost !!! I certainly wish I had the shot rather than getting the shingles. That is for sure.

So I googled the cost of the vaccine - and this is the first response with the cost- its a GP medical centre in Victoria - so it gives you an idea of what the charge could be.

"For patients who will not be eligible for the Funded Zostavax Program beginning on 1/11/16, the cost of the vaccine is $255.00. "

 

[cove]

The shingles shots were $180 US at our local supermarket pharmac_ in Ralph's in Marina del Rey , California. No doctor required as the pharmacist can do the shot.
$255 in Australia is quite reasonable and you should consider it if you are over 50 and have had chicken pox.
All of our friends who have had shingles wish that they had the shot.

 

[wandering_fred]

Stupid question time.

If you have had shingles is it still worthwhile to get the vaccine?

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[Infreq]

Paid A$207 for vaccine at a discount chemist in Mar 2015. Injection at GPs office. Research suggested highly recommended. Shingles does not sound like any fun.