Physical Check-In #2

I’m home from an appointment with my nephrologist (kidney doctor) who I'll refer to as "nephro". It was funner than usual because there were medical students observing and helping. I like that opportunity to put on a show. Dr. Nephro said I was a “particularly interesting patient” because of my illnesses (namely bipolar disorder). At one point, he asked me who my “shrink” is. I responded “Shrink?!?! I hate that word! You mean my psychiatrist?” I said that with humor, but I actually meant it. I remember an old psychologist saying he liked the word "shrink". I didn’t buy his reasons. I still find the word offensive. What do you think?

Well, my blood test results were as bad as I thought they would be. My triglycerides were waaaaaaay higher than in past years. Nephro told me to cut down on the carbs, so I told him that I wouldn’t stop at the Dunkin Donuts on my way home. My total cholesterol was predictably high, but ever so slightly lower than last time. The LDL was worse (and high), but the HDL was not only better, but even normal. What am I doing right with the HDL vs. the LDL and total cholesterol? My glucose was in the high range, but only by 1 mg/dL. That’s still not good considering that it had been normal for years. Too many Christmas cookies, I guess! My kidney function is unchanged, which Nephro said is a very good thing. He said that I likely drink plenty of water, which I do. He even drew the medical students’ attention to the fact that my sodium levels are especially good compared to other patients of his. He also mentioned a contrast between that and the likely sodium levels of people on Lithium. I only go to the nephrologist because of Lithium-induced kidney damage. He says it's been about 6 years since my Lithium was discontinued.

Nephro asked me about the last time I had a Tegretol level. I had to admit that though I love my psychiatrist, he is delinquent about ordering this test. I understand since I have no signs of Tegretol toxicity. The last time I had double vision, Pdoc reduced my dose and all was well again. As for other blood tests, between my GP and Nephro, there seems no need for more. I always give Pdoc copies of test results. Nevertheless, Nephro said he’d be seeing my Pdoc in a few days. I wonder if he'll remember to mention the Tegretol level issue. If he does, I hope he doesn’t tell Pdoc that I referred to him as “delinquent” about it.

I can do very low saturated fat, but very low carb, not for too long. I will lower my carbs and try to switch to whole grains for the ones I do eat. I'm not into deprivation, but I realize that high fat-high sugar "treats" should be occasional, and not daily.

I am at least slightly dismayed with the results of the appointment and with subsequent "testing" thus far.

We are not sure if the Enbrel is working well enough. We will re-evaluate in 1 month.
X-rays were ordered. My knee is most painful, actually excruciating. I have only a twinge of pain now and then in my hip now. My rheumy was in a rare mood and would not listen to me. She'd written for several views of one hip. She wrote for one pelvic view. She wrote for a limited view of my knee. (Again, my knee pain is excruciating 24/7.)

Initial results: Severe deterioration of hip joint. Some deterioration of opposite hip, of both SI joints and other regions of pelvis. Severe deterioration in low lumbar area.
knee: Deterioration to some degree. Radiologist notes that only the one hip was focused upon enough for a thorough examination. He is unable to accurately assess the degree of deterioration in other joints without additional x-rays. Further evaluations needed. Surgical consults should follow.

I am disappointed in the findings, while also being disappointed in the fact that my knee, which screams with severe pain, 24/7 was not more fully evaluated.

My rheumy is away for a month. I will schedule with Ortho. That is currently a month's wait. I will need to see 2 different doctors; a hip doc and a knee doc..
I am hoping I can at least get medication injected into my knee while waiting.

Thank you, all, for you support and love!

Sending lots of love and support your way WC! I'm sorry to hear about the state of the joints, but it explains the extent of your pain. I hope they can help you while you wait for your surgical consults. I know this is a lot to handle. I believe in your tremendous ability to find continued strength.

I'm also wishing you, Christina, and others with pain, some much needed relief.

That's a lot to take in all in one appointment. I think you're rolling with it all in a graceful fashion. I hope the changes you make work out for you. I am also not a fan of a deprivation method. It just isn't feasible or sustainable for most people.

I am so sorry! I had no idea the extent of the deterioration and your pain. You have my love, support and gentle hugs. I hope you are able to get the medication injected promptly.

I had not had a mammogram since 2017 until recently. Not because I was purposely trying to be negligent but because I was not capable of it due to my mental illness. I had the 3D type done and was proud of myself for being able to carry out necessary testing.

There has been a questionable finding and they need to retest one side. I’ll have it done on Wednesday. I’ve decided that worry serves no useful purpose and I can cope with whatever turns up. The miracle is that I was able to do the testing at an advanced level at this time and I now have the mental capacity to handle things...whatever they may be. Hallelujah!

Yes!
I have had years when I have missed, too. The "call backs" can be "unnerving!"

One of my sisters is called back every single time. She has resorted to scheduling her ultrasound on the same day as her mammogram. She seems to circumvent a lot of anticipatory anxiety this way.

Jennifer, I'll be thinking of you, hun!
Hugs, Love and Prayers

I, too, had no idea of these issues.

I have been in severe chronic pain for over 30 years. The level of pain has necessitated daily morphine and strong opioids for breakthrough pain for 20+ years. I have several very painful conditions pre-dating these conditions/findings and related discomfort.

I'd only started to experience hip discomfort in Oct. 2019., which I was quite sure was an injury. Knee pain followed shortly thereafter. (My rheumy had stated, "When the hips go, they go fast." I thought she was being an alarmist.!)

Almost all practices here have been bought out by the local university hospital/healthcare system. The system is now very backed up.. My appt with Ortho is in March.

There is an independent pain doctor who specializes in joint injections. I am trying to get in to see him as soon as possible. The x-rays will help a little. He has a lot of equipment which allows him to perform "guided" injections.
I hope to get to see him soon. (Many people in chronic pain of this type see him and swear by his expertise as source of significant pain relief.)

Forgive me, I am just thinking out loud as I strategize securing some degree of relief., while waiting on ortho.

(I anticipate finalizing a divorce settlement shortly, which looks like necessitating moving/changing residences, along with drastic changes in insurance coverage and in finances in general. .I currently have some degree of responsibility for my mom. I am also still tangling with the SSA re: recovering my SSDI income and benefits. I will admit, I am very surprised to have yet another challenge, or set of challenges, added to the mix just now. Yet, who knows how any/all of this will play out? I am trying to remain optimistic.)

Thanks again, to all of my wonderful friends here, for your support!

I see you as such a talented baker and cook, I'd think it might be quite a challenge to cut out carbs. I can't imagine truly wanting to do so.

One thing I had noted rather early once low-fat foods had hit the market: the lower the fat, the more carbs were increased. The opposite was generally true, as well: the fewer the carbs, the greater the fat.

I used to cook and bake a lot. Once I was married, I'd realized that if I'd continued to do both just the way H enjoyed them, we'd both become huge!
Instead, I'd started to interest him in eating differently and certainly more consciously.

Longer story short: In our cases, we'd found it much easier to cut carbs (sugar) by increasing fat, especially healthy fats.

I'd recently had a debate with my pdoc about fish oil, for example. We each had our arguments as to why DHA and/or EPA was most important to brain health. We each were absolutely sure we were correct. Upon further research, it is now believed that both components are very helpful to the brain, including for cognitive deficits as well as to the prevention of depression and to the promotion of mood stability. Many systemic bodily benefits were also listed, the promotion of HDL, just being one of the positive effects.

I do recall fish oil being highly promoted by "holistic" doctors 30 years ago, while allopathic doctors were publicly denouncing the use of fish oil. I had to chuckle when a study soon came out, showing that 86% of cardiologists within the Harvard Health Group (providers of a very large health care conglomerate in the Greater Boston Area) were taking fish oil on a daily basis.

Enough about fish oil! Sorry about the rambling.

There are other healthy oils, as well.

(One study showed that when people are craving chocolate, for example, they are often craving fat. Their chocolate cravings could be curbed by using an alternative source of fat, with the goal being to avoid the carbs/sugars in the chocolate. When I have chocolate cravings, I find cheese, for example, ends the craving Cheese is not the most ideal source of fat: I am just using this for an example.

Some people increase their intake of healthy fats via making their own salad dressings with ingredients like: flax oil, etc. (I use flax oil and raw apple cider vinegar, incorporating other ingredients.) Some infuse a polyunsaturated oil with garlic and dip bread in the oil as a part of their meal.

We are seeing "MCT" oil just about everywhere now, when it used to cost an incredible amount of money and could only be found in shops catering to very serious body-builders. I now see it in department stores! I have rambled far too much on the virtues of healthy oils. I won't go into MCT oil just now. Do look into it!

I thank you, BirdDancer, for tolerating my ramblings on "healthy fats."

I do hope you find answers to your health concerns! After all, you have at least one book to write/publish, and possibly more?

Hi Jennifer. The first time I had the 3D type I had to return for further testing (an ultrasound). I remember that there were two other ladies there at that time told the same thing. That was the first they were doing the 3D type (maybe 3 or 4 years back). I think it's typical for them to double check certain things. Then the next year they already know about that and only retest if there is something new.

I’m so sorry you have another set of challenges on top of what you’re currently dealing with (and that’s a lot). I have no words. I admire your perseverance, tenacity and ability to stay positive. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

WC and BirdDancer...thank you for your reassurances. They made me feel much more at ease and I appreciate it.

I’ve now managed to lose a total of 3.5kgs (7.7lbs). Yay!!

I am new to this forum as of today. I hope to find it entertaining and informative.

welcome to the forums!
bizi

Welcome!

Welcome! We are happy to have you.

Checking in since it has been a while. I made the decision to break my addiction to sugar. I feel I've been using it when I am processing emotions and I began to recognize some common patterns. I'm not opposed to sugar all of the time and enjoying treats every now and again is something I want to continue to do, but I'd like to do it consciously as opposed to following my cravings all the time.

I'm still exercising regularly. Today I took a break from training and spent time playing in the snow instead. Rolling a snowball around in the yard to make a snowman is a good workout

I hope everyone is in good spirits and feeling well physically today and I wish everyone a healthful weekend.

I'm glad you joined us, Jmayfair!

I did a bit of binge eating last night. That's not a regular thing, but does happen from time to time.

Tonight my husband's friend is coming over and they will enjoy "pivni syr" (beer cheese). It is one of the most disgusting things that many Czechs eat. I think it makes Limburger cheese seem like brie. I will eat something else. His friend is so obsessed with onions that he eats one like an apple (literally) while eating the pivni syr, which already has tons of onion mixed in.

Welcome!

Oh my. I'd be eating something else as well. Enjoy your company!

I love all kinds of cheese. It might be fun to try the "beer cheese."
My pdoc called last night and increased Seroquel. It had been a very long time since sleeping much at all. I was falling asleep in the midst of just about everything. I was dropping my phone on the floor in the middle of texting, dropping my fork at the dinner table, etc., because I was/am so exhausted and was falling asleep.

I did get a few hours of sleep last night. My lovely niece came by for lunch today. She's a doll!
Still having difficulty staying awake. I could use a couple of days alone to just sleep.
Love to All!
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congratulations!!!