All Things Health

I've been feeling 'off' for a while and nothing seems to help. I'm exercising more than I pretty much ever have... meditating more than I ever have... so hopefully I can get some blood work done again soon to see if my thyroid is misbehaving. Last check was in April, and my levels were going up from the borderline hypo at the time, but my doctor cut my meds in half instead of just dropping it a smaller amount (she wanted to take me of my meds entirely like a crazy woman, and I refused because I know my body). My levels can go back up high rather quickly if not careful.

My doctor hasn't been very easy to deal with. I've mentioned this before, but she still refuses to let me get blood work without having an annual physical first, so my last blood work I had to get an order from an online doctor visit with some random doctor and then go into a labcorp.. sigh. They are forcing me to pay extra for a visit I don't want because I'd rather we do telehealth still. I have chronic issues that need to be addressed, so I don't know why they are allowed to do this.

I know doctors are doing yearly visits through video chats at other places if requested, so I don't know what her problem is. I have things at home to take my blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen, weight, etc... All else can be seen via video, which I have a good quality camera for. The last visit I had with her was audio only, but she lied and pretended it was video. She pretended to see me by saying I was sitting in a chair when I asked if she could see me... NO DUH lol I could hear her walking to her car, and she was asking why I was even having the visit... Because your office said I needed to have a "visit" to get blood work and meds. Now those visits aren't enough to count as a visit, but they take my money anyway. $70 for a visit that supposedly doesn't count as enough of a visit to let me get my blood work done. I feel ripped off.

Okay... I'm done ranting.. I know I've ranted about this before already.... it's just she's the only doctor in my area that specializes in endocrine (and women's health) without having to go to an actual endocrinologist, as they are more expensive and have longer waits in between visits than I'd want at times. So... I feel trapped. I'm hoping this one online group of doctors will expand into my area soon; they are endocrinologists trying to bring people affordable care via telehealth, and it would be a lot cheaper than most places. They'd also let me get my blood work or order meds for me whenever I want. Sounds good to me!

The more I listen to people in the US talking about their health system, the more I think it's not that much better compared to ours lol. I don't mean to laugh at your situation, though, I hope you don't misunderstand.

I mean, yesterday a foreigner from Romania came and complained about why the outpatient clinic was closed for a national holiday. I could only laugh at him.

As for your case, is it not possible to go to an independent laboratory to get the blood work? There are so many of them here that sometimes people come to doctors with data unrelated to their conditions. Patients can ask to be checked for almost everything before having an appointment. Especially if you have a chronic disease and you know what to check, shouldn't be a problem to just get your thyroid hormone levels checked.

Do you mind if I ask where you're from?

The problem with the NHS, our health system is that we all think it should be bigger and better, but we don't want to pay for it, we think it is badly run, and if we just got rid of everyone who didn't wear a white coat it would be absolutely wonderful.

A free service - like the NHS - is never going to be perfect. BUT it is a very valuable service that employs staff who work very hard for Britain's healthcare. But - also because it is so popular - there is going to be long waiting times. If someone wants quick healthcare, they'll have to pay out of their own pocket.

You've got a point, a_muppet: that is an angle I had not considered. I guess I should've said most NHS workers probably work hard: but I hadn't realized your point. What I said IS open to contradiction.

You keep me honest.

This does sound about right...

I've been to the physio again this morning. Things are getting better I've had no pins and needles in my arm and leg this week at all.
Today Leanne worked on my neck muscles again and I have another appointment next week, hopefully that will be the last because this problem seems to have been resolved.

My son phoned yesterday , my DIL and the grandchildren will be coming over in September and he asked if we would be ok having the kids for one night...

Great lovely wonderful.... except the reason they are coming DIL's father has just found out he has acute Leukemia, he is in hospital this week for 7 days for chemo, then by mid September he should be ok to see family.
Chances are not good for him he is a smoker drinker and generally unhealthy type who has already had cancer once before.

Does anyone have anything to help me stop sneezing this morning?

I think I actually have one of those pots. I will have to search under my bathroom counter. Thak you.

That's good to know. I have been doing that for quite awhile.