for my friends

[ghettoside]

I saw my new primary dr today.

I got some scripts to get me thru the headaches until I see the neurologist Nov 14.

w/o the bp med, my bp has been running all over the place so far. 168/114 has been the worst (avg of 3 consecutive reads). I was in the 130's/90's yesterday at work, not bad at all. You'd think my bp would go down at home, but I'm consisitent in the 140's/100's at night. bp is fine first thing in the am.

I'm still having some headaches, but overall I feel better. It's nice to not feel like barfing and passing out all the time.

The headaches are not as bad as they have been. I can feel them more now... the throbber and the squeezer were overshadowing the others I guess. I still have the squeezer, but it's not as strong.

Kinda worries me that I still have the headaches. I was hoping discontinuing the procardia would end those. My bp has been under 120/80 today. I can't be having a bp related headaches today. I had to use a lil of the migraine med when I got home.

The rash on my legs is a mystery. I gotta start putting neosporin and then hydrocortisone later. I keep scratching and tearing the scabs off. I look like I've been in a fight w/ a cat, lol.

Hurry up Nov 14.

[ghettoside]

Changed meds again. Stop propranolol. No more ibuprofen too. The neurologist said ibuprofen is crap.

I'm to take a steroid for 3 days, then this weekend start a new med, to take nightly. This is intended to "break out" from the constant migraines. I go back in about a month, sooner if any probs.

I was specifically told to NOT wait until the appt if there are ANY problems, lol.

I picked up the meds, however, I was warned about side effects. I'm thinking to not chance a work day and just wait til the weekend. Gonna sleep on that tonite.

also specifically don't start the other new med until a night when I do not have to work in the am. that sounds like fun maybe.

I have a return to the hyertension center later this month.

I'm going back for an MRI too, had to schedule it after thanksgiving.

I am to keep the axert and midrin (if I can get it lol!), but the plan is break me out of this cycle, get me off the abortive meds, and work on better medication. hopefully the new nightly med will do the trick. I may still have an occasional migraine, and I'll use an abortive to handle those.

the solution to the my other type headaches is in there somewhere too.

that's the plan anyway.

Thanks all

[Rivas]

Good luck with everything, hope you will feel better.

[9mmprincess]

Good luck ghetto are you still going to be taking a BP medication?

[Roody]

Good luck with everything GS.

[ghettoside]

Good luck with everything, hope you will feel better.

Thanks Rivas.

Best wishes for you too.

[ghettoside]

Good luck ghetto are you still going to be taking a BP medication?

I don't know yet. I'm going for bp evaluation at the upcoming visit.

I realized this morn I now have 2 appts in the same week. I need to call and move my appt at the hypertension center, I can't afford to miss 2 days in one week, not even 2 partials.

The MRI is prolly gonna take a while. As a machinist for over 20 years, I've cut and/or ground steel, so I have to go for an ocular screening first. If there's any steel in my eyes that has to come out before they can do the MRI.

Most likely I've got some steel in my eyes. I've had several incidents over the years. I did a lot of grinding too, so it is likely. I don't even wanna know how they take it out until/if it happens.

So I think I'm looking at 1 full day off for the MRI, and maybe I can make 4 hours work for the other.

[ghettoside]

Good luck with everything GS.

Thanks Roody.

[Norm]

First of all, good luck Getto. Migraines suck big time.

IMHO - Get off all thier drugs, and any other drugs you "may" be taking" on the side. Eat good fresh veggies, chiken, fish, and whole grain breads, and drink lots of water. Walk a mile or two every day. Go through a couple of weeks of possibly painful withdrawal and see what comes of it all. Maybe it's all the meds and changes that are causing the problems, who knows.

My faith in Doctors and thier precriptions has lessened over the years to the point I believe they know very little about certain conditions, and use the trial and error method at YOUR expense.

A good clean healthy living is the best medicine IMHO.

Anyway, good luck watever you decide is best.

[triniwasp]

Hey Ghetto,

Glad to hear your on the road to recovery. Keep the faith and live healthy!

Take care.

[MissTynker2]

Now the patience begins, which is sometimes not your highest suit! The testings take time, as well as new strategies..bear with it!

The MRI will not take as long as you might imagine. It could easily be combined with the same day as your other appointments, if they have the opening...however...sounds like the first one you need is checking your eyes. Yikes! That one sounded a bit spooky if in fact any fragments are found. I wish you the BEST of luck with that one!

Hang in there!

[ghettoside]

update:

I found 2 messages from drs when I got home tonite.

I am to call the hypertension and reschedule. Don't know why yet, but at least the 2 appts in one week problem will be resolved monday. lol.

I also have to go back and have more blood work. I have to call monday morning.

I had bw done at the primary dr visit 30th, then the neurologist sent me to the lab Weds. They took prolly a dozen vials. When the tech set a handful down, then reached for more vials, I looked away. The draw point is still sore, lol.

I had to tap the midrin yesterday, felt better in late eve. So I started the steroid this morn, Prednisone 20mg, 3 tabs at once in the morn for 3 days.
Didn't have a bad reaction, but felt a lil funny til about 2p tho. Only 2 days more of that to deal w/.

I also decided to start the other nightly med tonite since my head has been pounding since about 4p. It's Elavil 10mg, 1 x at night.

I feel better, well enough to get on the box and post for a few.

[ghettoside]

First of all, good luck Getto. Migraines suck big time.

IMHO - Get off all thier drugs, and any other drugs you "may" be taking" on the side. Eat good fresh veggies, chiken, fish, and whole grain breads, and drink lots of water. Walk a mile or two every day. Go through a couple of weeks of possibly painful withdrawal and see what comes of it all. Maybe it's all the meds and changes that are causing the problems, who knows.

My faith in Doctors and thier precriptions has lessened over the years to the point I believe they know very little about certain conditions, and use the trial and error method at YOUR expense.

A good clean healthy living is the best medicine IMHO.

Anyway, good luck watever you decide is best.

It's really good to see you Norm.

I've always looked up to you at SG and it makes me happy you took time from your busy schedule to post well wishes and your opinion. Thanks Norm.

The point of the steroid is to break the cycle. The elavil is a minuscule dose that thru testing they've found helps people like me. I had to meet all the criteria. Hopefully it will do the trick.

the neurologist did tell me it could be all the meds, and the plan is to get me off as much as possible. Must break cycle first.

I have other headaches on a daily basis tho, I'm not dealing w/ only migraines. And the migraines are far too often now. I can not function when I get the migraines, they've never been as severe- nor frequent.

before I went into the hospital in April I had an increase in frequency and severity of migraines, for about 1 or 2 months prior. The migraines were not such a problem afterwards.

It was a combination of circumstances that started up this problem for me this summer, plus that bp med procardia xl should've been stopped long ago, it was making me really sick.

And yeah I am not a big fan of drs myself Norm.

But I'm going to the best neurology center in chicago, ranked 11th nationally.

I'm very confident in all 3 of my drs.

I'm also to the point that I do not object to guinea pig. At a top rated facility like this, n/p. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

only because I have great insurance. Lucky my bosses are decent folk too.

I actually have been living clean and I get lots of exercise. I bike it to the train and back, to the stores, and I do a few miles at work every day, it's a big shop.

I was eating better til I got sick and the financial probs began a couple months ago. Now I'm sticking w/ fresh meat that I buy as needed. Mostly I eat chicken, chicken, and chicken

I like pork chops a lot too. Avoiding the bargain stores like the plague now too.

I love salad. I'm having issues finding dressing under $3.50 (ouch!), so I am about to get back into making my own dressings, something I have not done since 1995. I dunno why, but in the burbs I could get dressing for under $2. Selection is poor at most of the stores in the hood, and even the Dominick's and Jewel don't have much of what I really like. Prices on lettuce, tomatoes and onion... etc..,. are excellent tho.

I last stocked up on frozen veggies as far as green beans, corn, and a broccoli-cauliflower-carrot-mushroom mix , when my supply runs out I'm gonna go back to fresh veggies, which will be next week.

Do to time constraints today I ate at McD's for lunch after cashing my check. I regret it, lol. In fact it's spawning another farting thread later tonite. lol.

Thanks Norm.

Best Wishes to you too.

[ghettoside]

Hey Ghetto,

Glad to hear your on the road to recovery. Keep the faith and live healthy!

Take care.

thanks trini

yups, I am keeping the faith. good advice on live healthy.

[ghettoside]

Now the patience begins, which is sometimes not your highest suit! The testings take time, as well as new strategies..bear with it!

The MRI will not take as long as you might imagine. It could easily be combined with the same day as your other appointments, if they have the opening...however...sounds like the first one you need is checking your eyes. Yikes! That one sounded a bit spooky if in fact any fragments are found. I wish you the BEST of luck with that one!

Hang in there!

I don't have much choice other than bear w/ it, lol.

But actually I am content w/ it so far. Anxious, but content.

yeah, the eye thing could be a lot of fun.

In my case I've done grinding, which makes metal dust. There could be lots of teeny tiny specks in my eyes.

[Mark]

tell me more,

[YARDofSTUF]

tell me more,

Ghettoside has begun raising crikets and study them in an attempt to master the violin. It also works as a type of meditaion, but as hes farting out McD's chicken nuggets it instead gives him headaches.

[ghettoside]

update

I had some bad news tonite.

The insurance company (Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL) has denied my hypertension center treatment... it is a pre-existing condition.

The bill's only $250, but I am not not fixed yet, not even close. $250 I don't have.

They've asked Rush for information regarding dates of 1st treatment, referral, etc... but the status currently is denied.

There's some fine print bs I need to review which I prolly won't be able to access til tomorry.

I need to see the "group contract".

There's a notation on the EOB denial in regard to pre-existing conditions "...The waiting period is the number of days the member must be enrolled (listed in the group contract) in the plan before receiving benefits for covered services. ..."

Right now I can only hope that the waiting period is 30 days. I'd have to pay the denied bills before I could continue w/ any of my treatments at Rush.

This means the MRI and further neurology care is in jeopardy.

My visit to the primary dr at rush, and the neurologist, haven't hit the books yet.

I am trying to stay calm. My bp is in the 180/104 area right now. Not feeling so good either.

This prolly explains the hypertension center's message friday- to reschedule. I tried to call today at lunch, but their machine said they were closed.

I called on the additional bloodwork too... they couldn't find the draw order, so they are supposed to call me back.



x1000

[ghettoside]

There's been another development.

My roommate just left for Mexico, will be gone 2 weeks.

I have a $370 electric bill in my hand and it's a final disconnect notice to boot.

My bud didn't pay his bill for months. Kicked his nephew or whatever he is out Sept 30.

Then a week later lays this rap on me... $204 electric bill... final disconnect notice.

So anyway, I cough up $100 on the bill, he was supposed to match me to clear the damn bill up.

He knows I need electric, and he knew I'd have to help him pay his bill. I've been slightly irritated w/ him over this.

So anyway, looks like he pocketed what I gave him last month and made a payment plan. Which he then proceeded to NOT pay on.

Last week before he left he gave me a "$100 down payment due immediately" electric bill.

So anyway, I was forced to turn around and ask my bosses for more $ to cover the electric.

I also have orders from the neurologist to get an eye exam and new glasses immediately. So my bosses let me put off what I was to repay last friday.

But now the electric bill is out of my reach. It's too much. Perfect timing, lol.

My cable's gonna go too, now that I got the $80 credit I won't be able to pay my bill this month. Whether I find the $ for the electric bill, or find somewhere else to live... I am screwed.

[Debbie]

You'll get caught up. The glasses are definately important. That may explain the headaches from eye strain.

[MissTynker2]

That's a pretty good chunk of trouble to be chewing on at one time..damn! I do so hope upon checking, that it is discovered your pre-existing condition clause will be a short one. It seems to vary from state to state, as well as from insurance company to company. Is there a time period clause on what they consider pre-existing? Most of these ailments have just been recently discovered...it might play a part..can't hurt to check and ask your medical team for some support as well.

You might also be able to stave off the electric disconnection for health purposes. Again a variable clause I am sure from state to state..but certainly worth a few phone calls to find out.

As for your bud, he appears to be a little less than operating with a full deck when it comes to responsibilties and priorities, however, not much you can do with that situation at the moment, except try the above suggestion..and be well forewarned in the future.

I am so sorry Jeff All you can do is the footwork here, and let God do the rest.

[ghettoside]

You'll get caught up. The glasses are definately important. That may explain the headaches from eye strain.

yeah, the glasses could be causing headaches.

I was gonna handle that tonite but not feeling good today. Only worked 8.5 hrs today, came home to go to bed but got the eviction surprise. My bp is on the moon right now.

Thanks Deb

[ghettoside]

You'll get caught up. ...

I already am caught up Deb... caught up in bs.

[ghettoside]

That's a pretty good chunk of trouble to be chewing on at one time..damn! I do so hope upon checking, that it is discovered your pre-existing condition clause will be a short one. It seems to vary from state to state, as well as from insurance company to company. Is there a time period clause on what they consider pre-existing? Most of these ailments have just been recently discovered...it might play a part..can't hurt to check and ask your medical team for some support as well. ...

It appears to be 365 days.

My boss is having the company's insurance agent come to see me so I can get a personal policy w/o pre-existing bs. Maybe tomorry.

It's more money for me, but no coverage will be more expensive.

I'll have to check iffen I can keep the AD&D and there is a temp disability coverage too that's be nice to have. My portion of my current group ins is about $40/wk.

One of my bud's at work (an older guy who has worse bp probs) told me during the summer he had just gone back to the group policy, he'd had his own private insurance.

So I asked him today about it. He'd talked to the owner, so the co's agent was brought in, and he got his own policy. No pre existing bs. So I asked the owner today.

You might also be able to stave off the electric disconnection for health purposes. Again a variable clause I am sure from state to state..but certainly worth a few phone calls to find out. ...

it's moot now, got a summons to appear in landlord court and he will not be back in time. I'm not on the lease, so dunno if i can do anything.

I'll try to call the landlord tomorry from work too.

As for your bud, he appears to be a little less than operating with a full deck when it comes to responsibilties and priorities, however, not much you can do with that situation at the moment, except try the above suggestion..and be well forewarned in the future. ...

He was my best bud in the city for over 15 years.

He went thru a divorce last year. He's changed, and not for the better unfortunately. He was once a true friend and not on any such bs w/ anyone.

I'm very disappointed in him.

I am so sorry Jeff All you can do is the footwork here, and let God do the rest.

yups, this is one of those times where there's gonna have to be only set of footprints in the sand.

[Gixxer]

First of all, good luck Getto. Migraines suck big time.

IMHO - Get off all thier drugs, and any other drugs you "may" be taking" on the side. Eat good fresh veggies, chiken, fish, and whole grain breads, and drink lots of water. Walk a mile or two every day. Go through a couple of weeks of possibly painful withdrawal and see what comes of it all. Maybe it's all the meds and changes that are causing the problems, who knows.

My faith in Doctors and thier precriptions has lessened over the years to the point I believe they know very little about certain conditions, and use the trial and error method at YOUR expense.

A good clean healthy living is the best medicine IMHO.

Anyway, good luck watever you decide is best.

damn norm ... ... good stuff

[Gixxer]

gs, you at home today?

[ghettoside]

The insurance agent came to see me today.

My only option is to try and transfer me to an HMO within our group. Switching is only supposed to happen at open enrollment. That's in July

But we did the paperwork for the transfer. Transfer at a time other than open enrollment is not expressly verboten, so BCBS could put me on an HMO. It's entirely at their discretion.

Insurance man told me he would put it thru, if they rejected it, he said he'd fight for me... but can't promise the desired result.


This is a good piece of info to know regarding group policies:

HMO are regulated state and federal, and there is no pre-existing bs allowed, period. So says insurance man.

PPO all have pre-existing. So says insurance man.

There are no individual policies w/o pre-existing. If there was one, they would not accept me. So says insurance man.

The state run pool is bad, I would have to spend $10,000 before getting any coverage, and then I'd only get a small bit of coverage. So says insurance man.

I expect insurance man knows what he's talking about.

There was a major foul up when the differences were not explained to me when I signed up. I asked what the difference was between the HMO and PPO... I was told 'the PPO is less money'... so stupid me went w/ that.

Never even thought of pre-existing bs...

I'll still browse for an individual policy w/o pe bs, not satisfied til I confirm that myself, one way or another.

[ghettoside]

update

I went for an eye exam yesterday.

The optometrist wrote a referral to a neurologist.

it says: "Need MRI R/O papilledema / pseudotumor cerebri"



It was a hard decision deciding whether or not to post this. I already knew what we're looking for w/ the scheduled MRI.

The optometrist spent a lot of time looking in my left eye, before I told her about the headaches and pain thru and behind my left eye.

Papilledema

pseudotumor cerebri

I think I'm really going to be in trouble if the insurance problem isn't resolved immediately.

I'm off to my dad's today. The cheapest way for me to go w/ glasses is to go where I bought my current frames and have lenses ground there, which is near my dad's. My frames are in good shape.

I'm pretty stressed w/ the having to move in 4 days problem. I'm still off bp med and I need to do something about that this week, not feeling so good since all the bs jumped off this week.

[Debbie]

Lots of prayers going out for you Jeff.

[MissTynker2]

I would hope the proper prescription for your glasses will relieve some of the stress at least. Higher pressure in the eyes does not always mean there is a serious problem. Mine is higher and always has been than their "normal" scale....however with everything else that is going on and possible "big trouble", I would think your Dr.s could move all the schedules up. If they class your condition as possibly a life threatening issue...I do not believe any hospital could turn you away. I speak of my State, that is the rule, but I would hope that also applies there. Then the insurance issue could be worked out in some form, possibly with some state programs to back that up.

You are trying!! Don't give up!! Continued prayers sent!

[ghettoside]

Lots of prayers going out for you Jeff.

Thanks Deb.

that means a lot to me.

[ghettoside]

I would hope the proper prescription for your glasses will relieve some of the stress at least. Higher pressure in the eyes does not always mean there is a serious problem. Mine is higher and always has been than their "normal" scale....

You're absolutely correct, high pressure doesn't necessarily indicate a serious problem.

I can only hope for the best at this point. The optometrist wrote a referral w/o me asking for one, and it says "need MRI..."

I think I need that MRI.

til then it's all guessing.

lol, I went all the way to round lake today, got over to gurnee mills... and they tell me the lens grinder is on vacation til monday. wasted 8a to 2:30p!

I called yesterday, asked if they still grind lenses on the spot, told the girl what I needed done... stupid girl told me yeah they grind lenses... and they're open from 11a to 7p tomorrow (which was today).

Norm is so right, there are idiots everywhere.

So I dunno when I'm gonna deal w/ it, prolly not til after I move. I've got the first closet ready to go. Tomorry I'll really go at it after work.

I'm gonna call the landlord, they were closed til monday.

I talked to my roommate. He says he paid, he can't check if the check was cashed... and he says "trust me". That's kinda hard for me to do now.

If he did in fact pay and there will be no eviction... then I can take a lil time to find a new crib instead of being rushed into yet another friggin motel.

or maybe I'll just move to a motel anyway. My Dad thinks I should just do that.

...however with everything else that is going on and possible "big trouble", I would think your Dr.s could move all the schedules up. If they class your condition as possibly a life threatening issue...I do not believe any hospital could turn you away. I speak of my State, that is the rule, but I would hope that also applies there. Then the insurance issue could be worked out in some form, possibly with some state programs to back that up.

I could prolly go to the county butcher shop, except I don't trust cook county hospital. Too many people die there.

I want Rush because they are the best.

You are trying!! Don't give up!! Continued prayers sent!

It's too early to give up Misty.

seriously, thanks Misty.

It's my turn to walk down that road. I've got my feet on it. I'm not gonna give up so easy either. You can count on that Misty.

[ghettoside]

I finally talked to the landlord this morning.

There is no stopping the court date thurs unless I can cough up $1281.85... by tomorry.

My roommate is an azzhole!

So now I've exhausted just about every motel along the train route. Lowest weekly rate is $378... plus tax.

I'm waiting on neurology to call me back, & I have an appt w/ my primary dr this afternoon. Hypertension Center doesn't wanna talk to me, got transferred to billing right away. Hopefully my primary can consult w/ the bp dr...

friggin insurance man hasn't returned my call either.

I just cancelled the MRI. I have no choice.

lol, just talked to the eyeglass place. Same outfit as the one by my dad's, except the want double the price for the lenses @ $159.

argh

[ghettoside]

update:

the dosage of elavil has been increased to 25mg. I've been having trouble around 3-4p every day. I found I feel better if I take a 2nd dose of the 10mg when headache starts breaking thru in the afternoon.

It's still considered a small dose. I'm a lil groggy this morn but I'll get used to the dosage quickly.

I also gave that additional blood that the dr wanted last week.

My white blood count is high, and there something wrong w/ my platelets. Already forgot what the dr said.

Got home from the dr and found a message from neurology. My pre-cert is waiting at MRI center. I missed the call by 10 mins.

I have to call back today and see if that means BC is gonna pay for the MRI, if so I'll reschedule the MRI for the next available slot, as long as it isn't this week.

Insurance man left a message too, it's gonna take 7-10 days for BC to process the transfer to HMO.

My plan now is to rent a storage space and put my stuff there. I'll sleep here as long as I can, hopefully I can make it til sat. The landlord is really pissed tho.

I still don't know where I'm gonna go

I may end up where I have no net for a bit. If that happens, Roody will handle updates.

I'm gonna pull the plug on my comcast tomorry. I'm gonna be crippled for apt searching w/o net.

My bud never paid June's rent (I moved in July 2). he was using the excuse that the lady who collects the rent must've lost the check, and kept stalling.

Then he paid w/ an NSF check last month, at which point the landlord realized my bud is full of chit.

the total bill is over $2,000. The check for nov hasn't been cashed yet because "...I have a check from him for this month, but I don't know if it's any good.". So if the $820 check is good, the balance owed is that $1200 amount.

[Roody]

Hang in there man. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

[ghettoside]

Hang in there man. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

Thanks Roody.

definately need prayers.

Also, Thanks to all my friends who are praying for me.

I know you're there, I can tell from the thread views.

Not sure myself what I'd say to one of you if roles were reversed.

[ghettoside]

I'm going to work late, gonna try to lock down the storage space this morning. My machine is still down, so it's a good time to handle some crucial biz. Left work real early yesterday.

Can't afford to do this, but if I need a lil $ I can borrow from the owners. Arranged that last week. I think I did anyway...

I have a full check coming this friday, no OT cuz of the holiday, but still will be a 40 hr check. Need that bad.

There's a hot job my boss wants me to setup. Yesterday morn I went to it, then had a machine problem right away. Someone crashed the machine last Friday, Maintenance fixed it, but now it's broke again.

The most experienced man there told me on the qt that the maintenance man did a horsepoop job on it, and that's why it's down again.

Anyway, boss says n/p on coming in late, they understand.

There's a storage facility next to a train station. On the line I ride. They open at 9:30, then I have a train to work at 9:49. Should be able to handle the biz and catch that train.

kinda weird, train doesn't stop at my stop every train, and on weekends not at all. Sat's always been a pain in the ass cuz I have to bus and walk to this other station. If it's warm it's only a 30 min bike ride. NOT warm outside now tho!

This is the perfect place to store my stuff. Every train always stops there, and it's on my line to work.

I scored online. I hope, lol.

Got a coupon for $1 first month move in, then 50% off the next month.

a 5 x 10 is $99 regularly. That's gonna have to do, the next size is $149.

this gives me 2 months to setup an apartment.

I may not have much more opportunity to post for a while, so sorry iffen I babble this morn. I have to get going pretty quick anyway.

I may be able to catch the neurology office before I have to scoot.

[Debbie]

You are still in my thoughts and prayers Jeff.

[triniwasp]

You are still in my thoughts and prayers Jeff.

[ghettoside]

You are still in my thoughts and prayers Jeff.

Thanks. it is a comfort.