Fourth Quarter Posts: October through December 2015.
KonaKat
Posts: 3,411 Member
Let us try to end the year on a positive note when it comes to weight loss. Let us view this quarter the same way many view January with its resolutions and take steps now to get back on track if needed or continue if we are on a losing track.
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I'll be working just the afternoon today. Last year, I worked every day in October but not this year.
Off to have the Kellogg's flatbread sandwich for breakfast.0 -
I think to get back on track I need to get back to my spreadsheets. My version of logging (that takes less time). I have definitely been off the rails.
Helene - I'm glad your DH continues to improve!
I was at the endocrinologist yesterday and a woman sitting nearby struck up a conversation. Her husband hasn't been to a doctor OR dentist in decades. She says he's a dental phobic and his mouth smells. Wow! I told her the solution for a dental phobic is two words - nitrous oxide. My dentist and I have a deal. He can do anything he wants to me as long as he gasses me up first. Dental insurance doesn't cover it but it's so worth it to me. I'm actually current at the dentist and have been for years in spite of being a huge chicken/phobic.
Endocrinologist found no change in thyroid cysts over the last 3 months so no repeat biopsy right now (whew) and 6 months until the next recheck.
Next up is gynecologist/mammogram/bone density. Apparently there are Medicare limits on frequency for all three of those. Gynecologist (actually I always see the nurse practitioner there but you get the idea) already told me about the gynecologist limits so hopefully she also knows about the limits on the other two.
I imagine we can look forward to a lot more limits on what Medicare will pay over the next couple decades as the population skews older and older.0 -
Maryanne--I think you are right about Medicare. The people who are working and on the public employees insurance here are facing higher deductibles, etc. The law only permits them to raise the cost of the insurance to employers and employees (shared cost) when salaries increase by law. That hasn't happened for at least three years so as the number of people increase requiring services plus the increase in costs, the state had no choice but to cut elsewhere which means higher deductibles, fewer things covered without jumping through hoops, etc.
Yes, Medicare currently has in place limits on the number of times certain tests can be performed in a year. Ask me how I know. When lab tests are done, you have to sign a paper stating that if you exceed the Medicare scheduled time limitations then you are willing to pay the entire cost. I refused one test because it was too early and I just considered it not essential and could wait a couple of months.0 -
I was sort of concerned about the possibility of a repeat thyroid biopsy; since reading between the lines I think the reason would have been doctor error. Or maybe error is too strong a word but she didn't get a good enough sample. If I were Medicare I wouldn't pay so I'm glad we're not doing it right now. If we wants to do it in six months I'll have to think about whether we do it or wait for the one-year mark.0
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Have you seen the commercial with the two lions debating what to eat because they are craving something sweet?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxbnG7hIJuQ 0 -
Whoa! I thought I was pasting a link, not a whole video!!!0
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Maryanne--I love that video!! I want something sweet now. I did have Lean Cuisine stuffed peppers for dinner but something sweet would be good right now.
This is the month of Halloween treats and the dangers presented. I haven't had any trick or treaters for a few years, so I'm tempted not to buy goodies. If I did that, however, there would be some showing up and I would have no treats.
One of our tenth-grade boys who is a great kid fell from a deer hunting tree stand and broke his neck. The outlook isn't very good.
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Jean - I'm so sorry about the tenth grade boy. How terribly sad!
We don't get Halloweeners so I don't have to worry about that.0 -
We usually get trick or treaters but this year we won't be at home. We are flying to New York City that day and staying until Wednesday. The purpose of our trip is to see our future nephew-in-law make his Broadway debut! He is an understudy for two actors and has been given notice that one of the actors he understudies will be unable to appear that night, so it gives us the opportunity to plan a trip to see and support him. We are all so excited for him, since every stage actors' dream is to appear in a Broadway play.
Jean, what a tragic story about the tenth grader. I hope there is some improvement soon.
Helene, are you and DH home from the hospital yet? I'm sure you both are ready to get back home and into your more usual routine.
Maryanne, I'm glad you got a mostly good report from your doctor. It sounds like they aren't too concerned about it.
Not much going on around here beyond the usual trips to the gym and doing laundry when I get home. I really need to clean house, so maybe I'll get around to that tomorrow.0 -
Good morning, everyone! I'm off to sub with the first two periods being the "Class from Hades." Yesterday was a good food day. I didn't log it but I need to start getting back into the habit.
Pam--What a great way to spend Halloween. It will be so exciting to see your future nephew-in-law make his broadway debut.
Helene--I do hope DH continues to improve. Hopefully, he will be home soon.
Maryanne--Have you gone back to using your spreadsheet?0 -
Pam - that is SO exciting about your nephew! What is the play?
Apparently thyroid cancers grows extremely slowly so they watch but don't over-react.
Jean - I haven't done the spreadsheet yet. I think I'm doing the mental readiness right now. I'm so swamped with work that my anxiety level is sky high. No excuse I know!0 -
Maryanne, the play is called "Spring Awakening". This is a very interesting production because it is a collaboration with the Deaf West Theater in Los Angeles. He played the role in their production of the play in LA last year. The play received so much positive feedback that some Broadway producers approached them about bringing it to New York, and eventually they were able to do so. His role was recast because the producers wanted to bring in some more well known actors, but Daniel was given the opportunity to understudy his old role and one other. This production is really unique in that most of the roles are dually cast with a deaf actor and a hearing, speaking actor. The play is performed simultaneously in spoken form and in ASL with the actors shadowing each other. Daniel had to learn ASL in order to do his roles and to be able to communicate with the deaf actors. This production features Marlee Matlin and Camryn Manheim, both of whom have become friends to Daniel. In fact, Marlee Matlin has asked to be invited to the wedding next spring! The play opened two weeks ago and received rave reviews, and there is talk about taking it to London after it closes in January. If that happens, Daniel has been told that he will be given the role again and will not be the understudy in that production. I'm really looking forward to seeing him perform, and of course, visiting New York again. I've been there once before with my MIL and SIL, but this time I'll be with my DH, sister and her DH, and two of my nieces. Daniel's parents live in New Jersey, so we will get to meet them as well.
I didn't make it to the gym this morning. During the night we were awoken by some strange noises that DH finally determined was an animal of some sort in our rain gutter outside our bedroom. After that we were just settling down again when a neighbor's car alarm went off. That seemed to scare off the critter in the rain gutter at least, but it took me awhile to settle down and get back to sleep. So when it was time to get up for the gym this morning, I instead turned over and went back to sleep. Luckily, my workout buddy has a luncheon to attend today so she was agreeable to skip the workout so she didn't have to rush to get ready for her luncheon.0 -
It does look interesting. Wow, 8 Tony nominations. http://www.springawakeningthemusical.com/?gclid=CLT6ob6YscgCFUYWHwodoToANQ
I knew I recognized the choreographer's name. Turns out I know him from So You Think You Can Dance. http://www.broadway.com/buzz/163665/so-you-think-you-can-dances-spencer-liff-on-his-crazy-emmy-nomination-and-saying-goodbye-to-broadway/0 -
Maryanne--Readiness is important, and you are so involved that it is difficult to focus and commit; excuse? Perhaps more legitimate than many excuses we have.
Pam--How wonderful that Daniel will be given the role if the play goes to London. I also think your reason for not going to the gym is legitimate; sleep is needed!
Work went well today. Now, to determine what I want for dinner. Part of me is wanting "carry out," but I will be good and have either an NS entrée or a Lean Cuisine entrée.0 -
I went to the grocery store yesterday and didn't buy anything bad. That's a step in the right direction!
I'll probably have eggs (aka egg + EB + vegetables) for breakfast. I hope my local stores soon restock their EB. Heck, at this point, even seeing the Southwestern would make me happy!0 -
Today is my birthday and I am celebrating by going to the gym this morning and the library this afternoon. In other words, sticking to my usual routine. However, DH is taking me to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner, and that is definitely not part of the usual routine!0
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAM! I hope you had a great day and dinner!0
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Happy birthday Pam. So you're a Libra too. My birthday was last Sunday. That's so exciting about Daniel and the play. I hope you have a wonderful trip.
Jean..What a tragedy about the 10th grade boy. Let us know what happens.
Maryanne...It sounds like you had good reports on your check ups. Great news.
DH was transferred to rehab last night. He was in the hospital for 11 days and most of that was in the cardiac ICU He made remarkable progress the last 2 hospital days. His heart is stable and the pneumonia finally cleared up. He had his first therapy session today and will be getting 2 sessions a day starting tomorrow. The expect this to be short term so he may be home in a week or so. The rehab cardiologist met him today and told him he looked much better than she expected. I guess reading his file led her to believe he was sicker than he is now. I've been eating on the run mostly at the hospital. I'll have to start eating better and logging again. I was up to 130 consecutive days but I went back to zero during all of this.0 -
Helene - I'm glad things with your DH are moving along so well! I would be surprised if you were still logging during all this.
I had my flu shot today. DH insisted I get the high dose and my arm hurts. I asked about getting the pneumonia vaccine at the same time but the PA said no way. She said that one is even harder on your arm (oh joy).
Also picked up Nikki's ashes although her urn hasn't arrived yet. Hopefully soon!0 -
After watching Dh struggling with pneumonia, I'd say get that shot as soon as your arm is better. Better that than a nasty bout with pneumonia. I need to get that and a flu shot as soon as I'm over the respiratory bug I've had for 2 weeks. Dh was given both shots at the hospital. The good news is the pneumonia shot is good for 5 years.0
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Maryanne--I got the Prevnar 13 pneumonia shot. I didn't see any difference in it compared to the flu shot in terms of how it felt. I got both of mine at Rite Aid which notified the doctor that I had received them.0
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The person at the CVS clinic (I failed to note whether she was a PA or nurse practitioner) said the current recommendation is prevnar 13 first and then "the other one" (whose name has left my head) a year later.
I didn't realize the Prevnar had to be redone in 5 years. Something else to track!
I do tend not to get the side effects so I guess I shouldn't fret. I would just hate to be without one typing hand during our end of year busy season!
They asked whether I wanted my internist notified. No one understands when I say things like "she won't care". I have the same feeling when I hear "call your doctor". Yeah, right. I mounted an intensive campaign last year to get a prescription for Nasacort so I could submit it to my flexible spending account. Took me 6 weeks. When I finally got it it was a prescription for the prescription version (which costs hundreds of dollars) not the OTC version. At which point I gave up. That's just an example. I know they're busy but so am I!0 -
Maryanne...Maybe your internist has no idea what a flexible spending plan is. Otherwise, it seems strange she'd prescribe the RX instead of the OTC. I had one of those plans when I was working. Can you select a new internist since you're not crazy about the one you have? I just mailed our HOA fee to FL. The president of our association is a state cop. I told him about DH and asked if he could get some names of cardiologists for DH. His local cardiologist told him he should have one in FL too just in case. I feel better getting names from someone I know that picking a name out of the phone book. Nothing much on my schedule today except a rehab visit. I took a break between visits yesterday. The movie theater is a couple of miles down the road. I saw the Intern. It was funny and I really enjoyed it.0
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I took the cat along to rehab because DH wanted to see her. She wasn't pleased to be there. She refused to come out of the carrier and ignored all bribes of treats. She seemed content in the carrier but she wasn't interested in visiting one bit. So I probably won't bring her again. She's much happier at home. Other than that, I had an uneventful day.0
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I'm off to work today; no holiday for me. I had a Great Value breakfast bowl for breakfast for a change. Calorie wise, it was acceptable and it was a great taste change.
Helene--cats can be so resistant to what we want them to do. I guess the carrier represented safety in a strange situation. I hope the cardiologist you find in Florida will be one that is very good.0 -
Helene - that's probably what all our cats would do but I'd still be glad to see them. I guess it takes a rare cat to be a therapy cat.
Other than the internist, I've been very blessed when it comes to doctors. I have a lot of them. You'd think I was an unhealthy person. But it's almost all "suspicion of" this and that.
I figure I don't rely on the internist for much. If there's something really wrong, I head for a specialist.
There is a Johns Hopkins "outpost" near where my office used to be. That's where I usually start looking for docs if I don't have recommendations. My cardiologist is a wonderful woman who works at that place. I figure you can't go too far wrong trying out a Hopkins doc and so far they all take Medicare.0 -
Maryanne--I really think going to the primary care doc to be a nuisance. "How are you doing?" Then they look at the info sent by the specialist and say something like, "It looks as if all is in order. See you in three or four months." Yet, the primary is supposed to be the referring physician if something new develops.
I confess that when I was in Wal-Mart getting groceries, I spotted some 97% lean ground chuck for a reasonable price. I decided to try it as it came in patty form for burgers. I had one tonight and it was better than the Kansas City steak burgers. I used the George Foreman; very little fat dripped off the grill into the drip pan, so it definitely was leaner than typical burger.0 -
DH is making good progress every day. He's getting one therapy session a day. They'd talked about two but his BP is running a little low so I think they took that into consideration. As long as he's making progress, we're fine with whatever amount of time it takes. I think his BP meds probably need adjusting now that his arteries are open. The old dose may be a bit high, in my opinion. We'll discuss it with the cardiologist at the follow up appointment. I did well for breakfast and dinner but must confess I grabbed a chili cheese dog for lunch. Bad choice but delicious.0
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Helene - I'm glad your DH is making good progress. Good luck finding a cardiologist you trust in both places.
Jean - I'm with you on not thinking much of the internist role. They are just too overwhelmed. I tell people mine has a function - to do things like write my Zocor prescription and order annual lab work - and as long as she does that I use the specialists for everything else. The specialists are much more impressive, better organized, etc. No way if anything was really wrong with me would I rely on the internist.
I got a lot done last weekend on things like the next CROM newsletter. Yesterday I got back into work because that is piling up as well!0 -
Helene--I am so glad that DH is making progress. I'm sure that the cardiologist will be reviewing meds, etc. It will take time for the system to adjust to all the changes.
Maryanne--I would not have thought this a few years ago but some of the specialized nurse practitioners and physician's assistants do a great job for all the routine things. It is a reality that the physician's assistant was the one who discovered my AFib. Apparently, it was behaving when at regular visits with the internist, but went on a rampage the day I saw the physician's assistant for another matter. The odd thing is that I had no symptoms. I now have a healthy respect for their abilities.
This will be a busy two weeks. I am booked to work every school day for the next two weeks. I am still trying to get back into better eating habits. Some days are better than others.0
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