Medical issues and procedures

DrVenture wrote

Medicare? I was wondering if it was $0 out-of-pocket. I may have jumped the gun doing it while I was still on private insurance. But, I was getting to hate driving, especially at night. And didn't consider cost until I was already starting the process. Maybe I'll be surprises and insurance will cover more than I was led to believe. This is "Femtosecond" laser, FWIW.

I am anxious about the whole thing, like you stated. Being able to buy regular sunglasses seems like a bonus though, for some reason.

Yes. Medicare and Tricare (retired military) to take care of the 20% that Medicare doesn't pay.

I'm not too squeamish about medical procedures but having eye surgeries definitely had an "ick" factor. After the first went so well, I was pretty relaxed for the second.

Llarry wrote

Yes. Medicare and Tricare (retired military) to take care of the 20% that Medicare doesn't pay.

I'm not too squeamish about medical procedures but having eye surgeries definitely had an "ick" factor. After the first went so well, I was pretty relaxed for the second.

Yep, I agree. Didn't know what to expect, really, until I had my first cataract surgery done. For the second, I was a bit more relaxed, but hearing my doctor say don't blink or don't move, however, kept me from being totally relaxed.

Been many years now and glad I got it done. Looking back I can say it was a piece of cake, of course I had a very experienced and gentle doctor.

Llarry wrote

I was very nervous a few years ago about laser cataract surgery, but for me it was a game-changer. Despite my trepidation, it was a very positive experience. I had worn glasses since I was a toddler, and suddenly I had 20/25 vision and could drive without glasses.

In my case, my out-of-pocket cost was zero, though.

Also had laser surgery on one of my eyes post eye trauma that caused glycomia. That was about 10 years ago now and the procedure has been very effective. Other than keeping still during the procedure I remember thinking, “is that it” as it’s very gentle . Had eye drops for a few days that keep the iteration away.

I had a big crash on my road bike 8.5 weeks ago. Broken clavicle and destroyed everything I was wearing other than my socks and shoes. 6.5 weeks ago had surgery where they installed 2 plates and screws to make me whole again. Absolutely amazing, I was on the trainer 2 weeks later. At the 4.5 week mark (just two weeks ago) I did a week long tour. I took a couple of short cuts and took the Sag to avoid steep climbs (I had a lifting limit on my surgery arm of 15 lbs). Still managed 310 miles and ~17,000' of climbing.

Sending my biggest thanks to all who made that possible. From the people who designed and make the plates to the surgeon and staff who installed them.

It's been three years since I had my upper-GI endoscopy done and I got a reminder for a follow-up. The reason I went in was because food and drink would very occasionally seem to get "stuck" on the way to my stomach. Since the problem has not reoccurred in three years , I figured I was in the clear. But my pri care doc reminded me that the 2023 endoscopy also diagnosed Barrett's esophagus, which is considered a precancerous condition.

So back I go for another round. But I will say that my upper G-I endoscopy was not an unpleasant experience. I do not remember the prep, but I think it was not particularly dofficult.

Llarry wrote

It's been three years since I had my upper-GI endoscopy done and I got a reminder for a follow-up. The reason I went in was because food and drink would very occasionally seem to get "stuck" on the way to my stomach. Since the problem has not reoccurred in three years , I figured I was in the clear. But my pri care doc reminded me that the 2023 endoscopy also diagnosed Barrett's esophagus, which is considered a precancerous condition.

So back I go for another round. But I will say that my upper G-I endoscopy was not an unpleasant experience. I do not remember the prep, but I think it was not particularly dofficult.

I go in every 4 years for an endoscopy because of “signs of Barrett’s” but no conclusive diagnosis. I have done my best to keep reflux under control since GI doctor first mentioned Barretts.

No real prep (unlike the test through the exit door). Just avoiding things like blood thinners for days / week ahead of time, similar to any procedure. I do enjoy the anesthesia nap. Good luck.

Would you guys, Llarry and RickFLM4, mind sharing your symptoms? I am having symptoms in my chest; pressure, pain, trouble breathing, burning feeling, food and drink gets stuck occasionally, burps and hiccups. I had an endoscopy a couple months ago, it only showed mild GERD. Biopsies were clear. Doctor (Gastro/Hep) saw nothing else. Awaiting results of low dose CT chest. Also had a 7 day heart monitor recently which came back normal.

Esteban wrote

Would you guys, Llarry and RickFLM4, mind sharing your symptoms? I am having symptoms in my chest; pressure, pain, trouble breathing, burning feeling, food and drink gets stuck occasionally, burps and hiccups. I had an endoscopy a couple months ago, it only showed mild GERD. Biopsies were clear. Doctor (Gastro/Hep) saw nothing else. Awaiting results of low dose CT chest. Also had a 7 day heart monitor recently which came back normal.

I don’t have any specific symptoms of Barrett’s that I notice. However, if I don’t take omeprazole, control what and when I eat/drink, keep my weight under control and sleep with my head raised in an adjustable bed, I can wake up with acid reflux (wake up coughing from acid flowing back into the esophagus). Over time that can damage a portion of the esophagus lining.

I’m no doctor, but I understand you can also experience reflux without realizing it. Additionally, there are various symptoms that can be associated with reflux, and they may differ by person. I have not had what I would describe as chest pain. I also have not had trouble breathing, other than when waking up with severe reflux, something I have managed to avoid for a long time now. In that situation, which is very unpleasant, it can seem similar to an asthma attack. There is also something called hiatal hernia, which I understand is very common, that can contribute to reflux.

Hope the doctors get it sorted out and help you feel better soon.

Esteban wrote

Would you guys, Llarry and RickFLM4, mind sharing your symptoms? I am having symptoms in my chest; pressure, pain, trouble breathing, burning feeling, food and drink gets stuck occasionally, burps and hiccups. I had an endoscopy a couple months ago, it only showed mild GERD. Biopsies were clear. Doctor (Gastro/Hep) saw nothing else. Awaiting results of low dose CT chest. Also had a 7 day heart monitor recently which came back normal.

I don't have any symptoms. I take an omeprazole daily and don't have heartburn at all.

Esteban wrote

Would you guys, Llarry and RickFLM4, mind sharing your symptoms? I am having symptoms in my chest; pressure, pain, trouble breathing, burning feeling, food and drink gets stuck occasionally, burps and hiccups. I had an endoscopy a couple months ago, it only showed mild GERD. Biopsies were clear. Doctor (Gastro/Hep) saw nothing else. Awaiting results of low dose CT chest. Also had a 7 day heart monitor recently which came back normal.

It sounds like the endo and the cardiac w/u have ruled out the more serious effects or causes of those Sx (you had those Sx while the cardiac monitor was ongoing? - that should rule out a cardiac origin). Assuming the CT is also clear, I think the next steps are going to be symptomatic treatment of the reflux. Barret's is an end product of ongoing damage to the esophogus, and it looks like you are well ahead of it. Hiatal hernia is a physical issue, obvious or easily ruled out on endoscopy. Get ready to add a new med or two, change your diet, and put chocks under the head of the bed.

But remember: you are better off tanking up with no-name 87 octane and getting your oil changed at a pep boys than getting medical advice from Bimmerpost .

Maynard wrote

But remember: you are better off tanking up with no-name 87 octane and getting your oil changed at a pep boys than getting medical advice from Bimmerpost .

You got that right!

RickFLM4 wrote

I don’t have any specific symptoms of Barrett’s that I notice. However, if I don’t take omeprazole, control what and when I eat/drink, keep my weight under control and sleep with my head raised in an adjustable bed, I can wake up with acid reflux (wake up coughing from acid flowing back into the esophagus). Over time that can damage a portion of the esophagus lining.

I’m no doctor, but I understand you can also experience reflux without realizing it. Additionally, there are various symptoms that can be associated with reflux, and they may differ by person. I have not had what I would describe as chest pain. I also have not had trouble breathing, other than when waking up with severe reflux, something I have managed to avoid for a long time now. In that situation, which is very unpleasant, it can seem similar to an asthma attack. There is also something called hiatal hernia, which I understand is very common, that can contribute to reflux.

Hope the doctors get it sorted out and help you feel better soon.

Thanks. Some of the symptoms I have sound like a hiatal hernia but they didn't see that during the endoscopy. Hopefully the low dose CT will show something. Should get the results soon.

Maynard wrote

But remember: you are better off tanking up with no-name 87 octane and getting your oil changed at a pep boys than getting medical advice from Bimmerpost .

Not asking for medical advice; asking about symptoms.

Esteban wrote

Not asking for medical advice; asking about symptoms.

Didn't mean to imply you were, I figure you know better. I was just making the typical disclaimer/joke w/ this so no offense intended. From your description of the workup you have very thorough providers.

Maynard wrote

Didn't mean to imply you were, I figure you know better. I was just making the typical disclaimer/joke w/ this so no offense intended. From your description of the workup you have very thorough providers.

Thanks. Was not offended, just stating the obvious. Sorry if it came out wrong.

or this:

Maynard wrote

or this:

I remember that meme. You posted it in the "Funny and cute animal pictures" thread a while back. I don't have the greatest memory but I do remember most things that are cat related. Got a soft spot for the little critters, like you do as well.

Llarry wrote

I was very nervous a few years ago about laser cataract surgery, but for me it was a game-changer. Despite my trepidation, it was a very positive experience. I had worn glasses since I was a toddler, and suddenly I had 20/25 vision and could drive without glasses.

In my case, my out-of-pocket cost was zero, though.

I opted for the new LAL (Light Adjustable Lenses) and I’m very, very
happy with the results. It required 13 appointments over a period of
5 months to do both eyes. I had Lasik 20 years ago, so the LAL option
is a good option. My last treatment (the 2nd and last of the 2 mandatory
lock-ins) was a week ago today. 24 hours later I dusted off my Oakley
sunglasses and resumed a normal vision life. 20/20 with no astigmatism.

Well, it’s been a while since anyone has posted in this thread…

My wife is going in Wednesday for a thyroid lobectomy. One nodule on one lobe but it is cancerous based on extraction from fine needle aspiration sent in for a biopsy (papillary carcinoma). Other lobe does not show anything on ultrasounds and neither do lymph nodes.

Hopefully, that is all she’ll need but there is a chance she will need to go back in 3 months for the rest of it once they biopsy the lobe that’s removed. Supposed to be highly treatable and recovery should be speedy.

While not as much as some others have shared here, she has been through quite a bit over the last couple of years (knee replacement, then RA, then found out she had latent TB and now this). Hate to see her have to go through another chapter.

Sounds like she’s gone through a lot, Rick. Hoping for the best for you and your wife.

I was thinking about posting an update to this thread. And I see it has popped up towards the top again.

So thing took a turn for the worse for me. Last year I had bleeding when going number 2. Got in for a colonoscopy which showed nothing. I thought I was in the clear. Fast forward a few months. I started to get pains in my abdomen around my lower rib cage. But the pain would go away eventually. I thought it was maybe acid reflux.
Then I started getting pain in my abdomen in general. At times it was excruciating pain. Fast forward to early this year. I had dropped significant weight. I noticed my veins were bulging in my arms. And due to the weight loss I was seeing loose excess skin that you would see people that drop significant weight from weight loss programs. I then started having abdominal distention where I was also having bulging veins. I was hoping it was IBS or something similar. It got so bad that I looked like I was 3 months pregnant and the pain was getting unbearable.

I finally went into urgent care with a close friend with me. That's when I got the bad news. The MD on staff said due to my history and what he's feeling when he palpated my abdomen that he thinks cancer is back. He sent me to the hospital where a CT scan confirmed it. Numerous tumors in the right lob of my liver taking over the entire lobe with one massive tumor which was pressing on my right kidney causing further pain. They also saw nodules in my left lower lung lobe. The abdomen distention was due to the my liver being in distress causing ascites to fill up my abdomen. The bulging veins were also signs of my liver disfunction through my research.

Treatment started about a month after with having a bunch of consults and a chemo port placed in me. I had to get my belly drained three times during this ordeal where 3.15, 2.95, and 2.65 liters of fluids were suctioned out.

So here are where I guess the miracles have happened. After the second round of chemo the ascites went away on its own without it returning since. My CEA started at around 3800 went as high as 10,103 and with the recent blood work is down to 860 or so. My liver function numbers are back to normal except one marker which is still trending down to normal. I'm currently on chemo #8 right now. A CT scan done about a couple of weeks ago showed shrinkage and decrease in the number of tumors. I also regained almost 40 lbs of the 50 lbs 'I've lost since this ordeal started.

I did have a set back where the Oxaliplatin that was part of my chemo cocktail with 5FU, Leucovorin, and Vectibix triggered an allergic reaction. So I'm off of Oxali now. Also the docs I've consulted are baffled why after 13 years a recurrence would happen from the original cancer from 2012. I was stage 3b Colon Cancer then. I also went through a second cancer, appendix cancer, in 2016 which was deemed a new primary but that was at stage 0. Just surgery was required.

From a personal standpoint as this is also part of anyone's medical challenges, my mom was diagnosed with stomach cancer a couple of months ago. Fortunately, it was caught early and surgery was all was needed. And she'll just need to go back in for CT follow ups for surveillance. Also, I was dating a girl for a year. We broke up a few weeks before my recent diagnosis and got back together a week before I found out I have cancer again. In the beginning she was playing the part of the supportive girlfriend. As time went on, she would complain about the dumbest $hit as if that was more important than my fight for life. She just couldn't set those minor things aside knowing what I'm going through. She progressively backed away from me by stopping staying over at my house and just going to the appointments with me. Then she dropped the bomb about not being able to be my girlfriend anymore but she's still willing to take me to my appointments. I told her I can handle the appointments myself. She got mad about this and that I was just cutting her off. So I agreed to let her continue to take me to my appointments. She was sending mixed signals to me by holding my hand during my treatments and such. She started a new job where she didn't have the flexibility to take me to my appointments. No biggie. I sent her a message on her first day at her new job hoping her first day was good. We chatted back and forth over text messaging. Since then nothing. She didn't even have the decency to check up on me when I went in for my next chemo treatment as she was there when I had a major allergic reaction to Oxali. So much so I had 4 nurses and a PA hovering around me wondering if was going to crash. With her knowing this she didn't bother to check on me. It's been about two months now with no communication from her. I suspect she was doing what she was doing to show her friends and family how good a person she is by being by my side. It might sound that I'm bitter. But frankly, I'm not. I was even wondering if a second go around with dating her would even be a proper use of my time due to some major issues that revealed themselves throughout the relationship.

I know this is a long update. But to leave things on a positive note with the progress I've made during treatment. I rediscovered someone special. I had dated this woman about two years ago. Things didn't work out on my end with her. So we broke up. I don't remember what prompted me to tell her about my recent diagnosis. We have stayed in touch sporadically over the two years. She dropped everything and was at the hospital the day after my diagnosis. We've been talking and spending more time with each other since. This bad news made me see what I missed out on and how I have someone that cares this much about me. So there's a positive out of all of this.

I have 4 more chemo treatments to go. Hoping to give more good news when treatment is over.

Glad to hear you’re doing better after this recent bout, Henry. Hope you continue to do better. Also, glad you’ve reconnected with your previous love interest, and hope she continues to be there for you.

Best of luck.