August 21, 2003
The "Official" Doctors Review
I saw my PCP today to follow up with her and show her how things are going.
All my logs and notes and everything was reviewed. At first they (you see two doctors here, one which does an interview, and the the PCP who gets a summary) were a little bit skeptical and worried about the alternative doctor (especially about the thyroid supplement), but I showed them what I was taking -
it's only vitamins, minerals, herbs and body parts- and they seem ok about it now, so long as it helps me. She said it looks like I'm getting in my vitamins and nutrients, but not much else, since food isn't digesting all the way.
She didn't make any more model jokes - now that she sees I actually AM eating food and not trying to starve myself. She was dissapointed to hear what happened with the last gastroenterologist (GI) and is sending me to a new one - this one has nutritonal background as well. I laughed - she tried to set the appointment up for me and got stuck in voice mail, receptionist stonewalling, and everything I'd gone through. So even the officials get caught up in thier red tape. We'll both be calling till something happens.
She could not order the tests the a GI can, but she did order blood tests to check overall health, nutrient levels, thyroid function, and cancer markers. When I see the GI, I'll likely get a colonoscopy done.
After I left, the she really tore her staff a new a-hole when she found out they refused me seeing her in an emergency or even talking to her for the past two months - it turned out she didn't even go on vacation like they told me she did! They called us when I got home to apologise. That made me feel a little better.
I'll be continuing with my alt doctor, and will hopefully see this new GI relatively soon to do the undone tests to make sure nothing more serious is being missed.
One last thing - she was thrilled to hear I have not had any seizures since I started the alternate treatments. My test results came back from the glucose tolerance test and -gasp- I actually am a bona fide reactive hypoglycemic. She said she was sure of it all along... heh...sure. I knew it all along. And they were going to put me on anti-seizure medication for epilepsy!
Good to know officially my noodle is in good shape though. At leat structure-wise. :)
All my logs and notes and everything was reviewed. At first they (you see two doctors here, one which does an interview, and the the PCP who gets a summary) were a little bit skeptical and worried about the alternative doctor (especially about the thyroid supplement), but I showed them what I was taking -
it's only vitamins, minerals, herbs and body parts- and they seem ok about it now, so long as it helps me. She said it looks like I'm getting in my vitamins and nutrients, but not much else, since food isn't digesting all the way.
She didn't make any more model jokes - now that she sees I actually AM eating food and not trying to starve myself. She was dissapointed to hear what happened with the last gastroenterologist (GI) and is sending me to a new one - this one has nutritonal background as well. I laughed - she tried to set the appointment up for me and got stuck in voice mail, receptionist stonewalling, and everything I'd gone through. So even the officials get caught up in thier red tape. We'll both be calling till something happens.
She could not order the tests the a GI can, but she did order blood tests to check overall health, nutrient levels, thyroid function, and cancer markers. When I see the GI, I'll likely get a colonoscopy done.
After I left, the she really tore her staff a new a-hole when she found out they refused me seeing her in an emergency or even talking to her for the past two months - it turned out she didn't even go on vacation like they told me she did! They called us when I got home to apologise. That made me feel a little better.
I'll be continuing with my alt doctor, and will hopefully see this new GI relatively soon to do the undone tests to make sure nothing more serious is being missed.
One last thing - she was thrilled to hear I have not had any seizures since I started the alternate treatments. My test results came back from the glucose tolerance test and -gasp- I actually am a bona fide reactive hypoglycemic. She said she was sure of it all along... heh...sure. I knew it all along. And they were going to put me on anti-seizure medication for epilepsy!
Good to know officially my noodle is in good shape though. At leat structure-wise. :)
August 20, 2003
The Bacteria War
I was feeling great after yesterday's treatment, but the new supplement he gave me for dinnertime, intended to keep the yeast at bay (now that it has pretty much cleared up), caused a very violent and painful reaction in my stomach/liver starting about two hours after taking it and got worse overnight.
I didn't realize when I got them, but the pills contain Bifidum and other "friendly bacteria", the same kinds I had to get off of before I saw him. Apparently, my digestive system doesn't think they're as friendly as they're supposed to be!
Anyway, I've been here before with Kyo-dophilus (the supplement my old gastroenterologist prescribed) - once it passes through my system it will gradually clear. However, at the moment I've only had about 3-4 hours of sleep, and can barely move about without crying. Dr. V- says to stop right away. He still feels it is important for me to get these bacteria though in some way, but we won't worry about it right now. On my next visit he will determine how to restore the friendly bacteria.
I'm not very functional today. I am propped in front of my computer most of the time, since I can't lay down. I've been playing games (even the simplest puzzle is a challenge now), watching short films, anything to keep my mind off of it.
What can I say? If we don't try, I won't make progress.
Distract Yourself Here.
I didn't realize when I got them, but the pills contain Bifidum and other "friendly bacteria", the same kinds I had to get off of before I saw him. Apparently, my digestive system doesn't think they're as friendly as they're supposed to be!
Anyway, I've been here before with Kyo-dophilus (the supplement my old gastroenterologist prescribed) - once it passes through my system it will gradually clear. However, at the moment I've only had about 3-4 hours of sleep, and can barely move about without crying. Dr. V- says to stop right away. He still feels it is important for me to get these bacteria though in some way, but we won't worry about it right now. On my next visit he will determine how to restore the friendly bacteria.
I'm not very functional today. I am propped in front of my computer most of the time, since I can't lay down. I've been playing games (even the simplest puzzle is a challenge now), watching short films, anything to keep my mind off of it.
What can I say? If we don't try, I won't make progress.
Distract Yourself Here.
Smile Through the Pain
Well, here I am, another night (or should I say morning?) in agony. I was browsing the net to distract myself when I bumped into this dear abby article I thought others might appreciate:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
WOMAN WHO COPES WITH PAIN INSPIRES TEEN TO DO THE SAME
Fri Aug 8, 8:03 PM ET By Abigail Van Buren
DEAR ABBY: Like "Smiling Through the Pain," I, too, suffer from chronic pain. When my doctor told me that there were no medications at this time that would make the pain go away, I asked, "How am I going to endure this?" She replied, "Live one day at a time. Live each day to the fullest. Laugh heartily, love deeply, pray daily -- and let the rest roll off." I then asked, "How am I going to live with the pain?" She said, "Surround yourself with positive things -- positive people, sunshine, rainbows, roses, puppies and kittens." After reflecting upon what she had said, I realized that this is a great prescription for anyone's life. That doctor probably saved mine. Not only did she give my monstrous disease a name, she helped me to make my life worth living again. I have good days and bad. I curse the bad ones and praise God for the good ones. The "good" pain comes when I have accomplished what I wanted to do that day. The "bad" pain comes when I refrain from doing what I want to do -- and hurt anyway. Every day I get up, get dressed and have something planned to do. And, Abby, I try to perform at least one act of kindness for someone each day. Regardless of my pain, it makes each day seem fuller. I hope you will find this letter appropriate to share with your readers. If it helps someone else who is hurting (for whatever reason), then my effort will not have been in vain.
-- TRYING TO SMILE THROUGH THE PAIN, PARK HILLS, MO.
DEAR TRYING: I don't know what act of will it took for you to compose your letter, but it is certainly worth space in my column. Your doctor is a wise woman, and you are far more than a survivor. Your philosophy will help more people than you know, and on my behalf and theirs, I thank you for sharing it. I wish you continued success in your daily battle. You are an inspiration.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, she did inspire me and made me smile through my tears.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
WOMAN WHO COPES WITH PAIN INSPIRES TEEN TO DO THE SAME
Fri Aug 8, 8:03 PM ET By Abigail Van Buren
DEAR ABBY: Like "Smiling Through the Pain," I, too, suffer from chronic pain. When my doctor told me that there were no medications at this time that would make the pain go away, I asked, "How am I going to endure this?" She replied, "Live one day at a time. Live each day to the fullest. Laugh heartily, love deeply, pray daily -- and let the rest roll off." I then asked, "How am I going to live with the pain?" She said, "Surround yourself with positive things -- positive people, sunshine, rainbows, roses, puppies and kittens." After reflecting upon what she had said, I realized that this is a great prescription for anyone's life. That doctor probably saved mine. Not only did she give my monstrous disease a name, she helped me to make my life worth living again. I have good days and bad. I curse the bad ones and praise God for the good ones. The "good" pain comes when I have accomplished what I wanted to do that day. The "bad" pain comes when I refrain from doing what I want to do -- and hurt anyway. Every day I get up, get dressed and have something planned to do. And, Abby, I try to perform at least one act of kindness for someone each day. Regardless of my pain, it makes each day seem fuller. I hope you will find this letter appropriate to share with your readers. If it helps someone else who is hurting (for whatever reason), then my effort will not have been in vain.
-- TRYING TO SMILE THROUGH THE PAIN, PARK HILLS, MO.
DEAR TRYING: I don't know what act of will it took for you to compose your letter, but it is certainly worth space in my column. Your doctor is a wise woman, and you are far more than a survivor. Your philosophy will help more people than you know, and on my behalf and theirs, I thank you for sharing it. I wish you continued success in your daily battle. You are an inspiration.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, she did inspire me and made me smile through my tears.
August 13, 2003
Something is Happening....
One step forward, two steps back... The great news is that the super strict diet, doing accupuncture and bio-cleanse treatments, and following docs orders
has significantly restored my energy and mind function (no more brain fog), haven't had a seizure since I've seen him, and some of my pains are easing -
for which I am very grateful. According to his latest tests, my overall health when started was at 41%, and I am currently 73%.
The bad news is that a lot of bad stuff occured this week - super stress! So I decided to go out and have fun and laugh at a comedy club in NYC. They were so funny, I had tears coming out of my eyes (it was the first time in MANY months I could laugh without screaming in pain too). I needed to eat some food outside- I went to a really reputable place geared toward health nuts, I told them my requirements, and they gave me a really tasty meal - that apparently got cross contaminated with an allergen or bacteria...return of fevers, and getting stuck in the bathroom. I feel all swollen inside. The pain is horrendous. It probably didn't help the weight loss either...at last check, 97 lbs. and falling. Dr. V says my intestines and liver got all inflamed again, but should be back to previous levels in a few days. He told me I MUST stop doing things like this and rest, or it will take longer to recover.
I'm so allergic to everything right now, I can barely do anything with anyone. I just have to patient, keep super clean, and let myself heal up so the parasites, yeast, and allergies from leaky gut go away. I'm spending a lot of time in prayer and meditation, reading and just trying to think positive.
Laughter is the Best Medicine!
has significantly restored my energy and mind function (no more brain fog), haven't had a seizure since I've seen him, and some of my pains are easing -
for which I am very grateful. According to his latest tests, my overall health when started was at 41%, and I am currently 73%.
The bad news is that a lot of bad stuff occured this week - super stress! So I decided to go out and have fun and laugh at a comedy club in NYC. They were so funny, I had tears coming out of my eyes (it was the first time in MANY months I could laugh without screaming in pain too). I needed to eat some food outside- I went to a really reputable place geared toward health nuts, I told them my requirements, and they gave me a really tasty meal - that apparently got cross contaminated with an allergen or bacteria...return of fevers, and getting stuck in the bathroom. I feel all swollen inside. The pain is horrendous. It probably didn't help the weight loss either...at last check, 97 lbs. and falling. Dr. V says my intestines and liver got all inflamed again, but should be back to previous levels in a few days. He told me I MUST stop doing things like this and rest, or it will take longer to recover.
I'm so allergic to everything right now, I can barely do anything with anyone. I just have to patient, keep super clean, and let myself heal up so the parasites, yeast, and allergies from leaky gut go away. I'm spending a lot of time in prayer and meditation, reading and just trying to think positive.
Laughter is the Best Medicine!
August 07, 2003
Health Insurance Just Causes Headaches!
Dr. V- doesn't deal with insurance companies. But has given me a claim for me to submit to them to see if I could hash it out.
So, I called my insurance and spoke to a woman named Sue. I explained to her that I've been very ill, and due to the doctor unavialability in the plan (make appt today, see your doctor in 4-6 weeks) and either reluctance or inability to do proper testing I sought a physician out of network who can see me on a regular basis.
When I asked where do would submit this form, she told me the address but
said it will be automatically denied because he is not part of my HMO. Then we have to go through the grievance procedure from there....
Red tape, red tape....what a waste. But I'll send it in anyway. Gotta try!
So, I called my insurance and spoke to a woman named Sue. I explained to her that I've been very ill, and due to the doctor unavialability in the plan (make appt today, see your doctor in 4-6 weeks) and either reluctance or inability to do proper testing I sought a physician out of network who can see me on a regular basis.
When I asked where do would submit this form, she told me the address but
said it will be automatically denied because he is not part of my HMO. Then we have to go through the grievance procedure from there....
Red tape, red tape....what a waste. But I'll send it in anyway. Gotta try!
