OT December Chit Chat

[Virginia]

Jeanie, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I know she must have loved you because you were so good to her and tried to help her to the extent that you could.

Ann, get thee to the Doctor! It is soon time.

Cat, it was when that one chiropractor that I went to was going to align me using my neck that I left and didn't go back. He had good reputation, but should not have tried that with a first time patient. I do recall that he took some x-rays before announcing that I needed an alignment. I felt like the front end of a car. Still, as Sunshine pointed out I have heard some people say that they were helped by a chiropractor.

I've never had a snickerdoodle! I didn't even know what they were. Peg could this be the reason for some of your fatigue, baking and cooking?

[Sunshine]

There is something called gentle chiropractic. I think that might be what I am getting. Nothing feels like a bone will be cracked. The thing thats annoying is that they think Chiro is a cureall for so many things, AD/HD etc. And the chiros dont seem so bright.

But, i am much better. Watchful waiting did nothing.

[agate]

Jeanie, it's so sad that your friend is no more. I'm glad she had you as a friend though. I'm sure she was more at ease with a friend who cared.

About chiropractors, Consumer Reports has surprised me by becoming less harsh in their assessment:

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They're saying that chiropractic treatment works as well as several other commonly used treatments for back pain--and does no apparent harm, compared to some of the strong painkillers that are often prescribed, which have a lot of potential for addiction.

[Howie]

Here's a question about addiction to painkillers. If you have a condition that requires you to take a painkiller for life, what difference does it make if you are addicted?

[Virginia]

Howie, if one is going to die anyway, I can't see that it makes any difference at all. I don't know if that is what you meant but that is what I took it to be. And if you meant that the person might still have a long life, but needs painkillers I can't see that it matters that much again as long as the painkillers are monitored by a Doctor and the person is not out buying them illegally in order to increase their intake of them.

[stillstANNding]

We had a good visit with my GI. She asked how I was feeling and I told her that I feel well except for the eating problem; that I have lost weight since I saw her 6 weeks ago but have kept steady this week. This is because I changed my focus from nutrition and primarily protein to calories. I am eating fattening things and thinking about how I can make them more caloric. That sounds good to her.

We talked about the CT or MRI to see if I have enough blood flow to my stomach. I told her that I wanted to know how strongly she felt about that for me. She does not feel strongly. So we set that aside for now.

She has two ideas: the gastroparesis as the test was not ideal (I couldn’t eat all the food) or small bowel overgrowth of bacteria.

For the gastroparesis, I keep doing what I’m doing and she’ll have a nutritionist call me Monday to see if I can optimize what I eat any better.

For bacterial overgrowth there is a breath test. I think Suzy had it. You breathe into a series of three balloons. The results take three weeks. Treatment is with the antibiotic rifaximin (Xifaxan) for 10-14 days. she says it’s an easy drug to take and it is not absorbed. Her idea is to skip the test and just treat empirically.

She said the insurance may not pay without the test. Already the insurance has asked for “more information.” So, I may have to wait until I return and take the test. We aren’t trying to avoid the test just get things rolling.

She examined me and abdomen is good. She wants me to exercise! To do my PT work out and to walk more.

That’s it for now.
ANN

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((ANN)))))) ~

I hope that the nutritionist will give you great ideas to increase your caloric intake healthfully. I recommend adding avocados, if you can get them now during the winter.

Is Xifaxan expensive? I'm just guessing that it is, and that's why the insurance wants you to have the test. Of course, the test costs money too. As did all of the other tests and hospital stay you endured to rule out/rule in. I pray that your insurance company will just authorize the Xifaxan, so that you don't have to wait 3 weeks for test results. You've been in misery far too long as it is.

You're in my prayers.

Love & Light,



Rose

[stillstANNding]

Thank you, Rose.

Yes, I’d have to wait until Jan 2nd to schedule the test and then 3 weeks for the results and then 2 weeks of the drug. I think that is propably what will happen.

ANN

[Cherie]

Snickerdoodles are my favorites as well.

I have been to a husband wife chiropractic team and really liked them but can no longer tolerate the adjustments. I have tried 4 additional chiropractors since and cannot do this any more.

Jeanie , so sorry to hear about your friend.

ANN, I know you are probably so wiped from getting knocked down like you have that exercise seems like the last thing you want to do but I promise the more you do, the better you will ultimately feel. Just take it slowly getting used to it.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Jeanie)))))) ~

I'm so very sorry for your loss of your dear friend, Peggy. I imagine it is a shock for you to learn this news, especially since she passed nearly 3 weeks ago.

You are a wonderful friend, and you and Peggy were blessed to share a loving friendship. I pray that you will find peace and comfort in your memories of times together and in knowing that she is resting in God's arms, free of pain, after her long journey.

Love & Light,



Rose

[Sunshine]

This may be why Medicare wants the test first :
“There are currently no generic alternatives to Xifaxan. It is not covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some manufacturer and pharmacy coupons can help offset the cost. The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of Xifaxan is around $2,188.25, 15% off the average retail price of $2,574.88.”

Jeanie, I am so sorry for your loss. Terrible.

[stillstANNding]

I have Federal Blue Cross (FEP Blue) for my RX. Not a part D plan. I hope they pay.

ANN

[Sunshine]

Keep tryin. If they turn it down, ask which MD on their committee reviewed it and why did she turn it down,

[Jeanie Z]

[B]:) I am overwhelmed. There is so much to do and my good leg (right one) is hurting really bad and I can hardly put weight on it. Going to the bathroom every 1 and 1/2 hours all night was almost impossible. My floors need mopping and I can't do it. I called Jim and asked him to come and mop and put the new bulbs in the outside lights.

There were no longer jars of ambrosia at the store. So I bought jars of mandarin oranges and coconut to make it. Not the same but probably ok. I am supposed to go to Andy's band practice tonight as they are having a party. I may have to skip it.

I had no energy yesterday but drug myself out and had my nails done at Walmart. Then I stopped in Walmart's beauty shop and had my hair shampooed. I can't get in the shower with my leg like this. Next I went to Publix and got the fruit for the stockings. I did a lot of praying along the way for the energy to get it all done.

I feel safe sharing here and thanks for being there. Jeanie :)

[/B]

[stillstANNding]

Jeanie, could you have a UTI? That would explain all but the leg. I’m sorry you are struggling.
ANN