Quarantine and chill and kindness chatty clubhouse: Jump in and join the conversation! All is welcome!

[Pea-n-Me]

@lynxstch Does Summer have a good primary care physician? With a good working relationship? That’s the person who drives the bus when it comes to complex issues of care. That should be the person coordinating everything and piecing it all together. I know things can get very complicated when different body systems are having problems because it means seeing so many different people. (I hear these stories all the time.) Often it’s one person (or practice) who finally pulls it all together. It’s unfortunate because people get frustrated and things can then go south. It’s overwhelming to have to live with so many medical appts and feel like you’re not getting anywhere. I hope she can find someone to help.

 

[lynxstch]

@lynxstch Does Summer have a good primary care physician? With a good working relationship? That’s the person who drives the bus when it comes to complex issues of care. That should be the person coordinating everything and piecing it all together. I know things can get very complicated when different body systems are having problems because it means seeing so many different people. (I hear these stories all the time.) Often it’s one person (or practice) who finally pulls it all together. It’s unfortunate because people get frustrated and things can then go south. It’s overwhelming to have to live with so many medical appts and feel like you’re not getting anywhere. I hope she can find someone to help.

She has a good PCP, but I don't know what kind of working relationship she has with her. All I know is that is the one who referred her to the rheumatogist, who seems to be the only one trying to find solutions for her. Everyone else just keeps passing it on to the next one. They keep giving her diagnoses but not what can be done about them. She has pretty much resigned herself to the fact that she won't be around much longer.

 

[easyas123]

When you accompany a current Costco member to customer service at a Costco store and become a member yourself, each of you get a $10 Costco gift card! Dad will be meeting Terri at Costco to do just that sometime soon. Good deal indeed.

Just a FYI, you don't need a Costco membership if you shop there with a Costco gift card (at least that is what I was once told at a Costco, prior to signing up for membership)

What a mess. Don is so upset over it, Summer she's just 'over all of it'.

I bet, how incredibly frustrating, I can't believe NONE of these Dr.'s has coordinated with the other Dr's and begun a treatment plan. What kind of Dr. says, "well - you've got serious XY&Z" but doesn't discuss with the patient a plan to treat it?!?!? Has she asked the Dr "what's next, what do we do now, where do we go from here?" or anything along those lines? That's a long list of ailments, there should be some sort of communication between her Doctors one would imagine. She may have to start speaking up for herself.

I assume Christiana. Try Penney's and Macy's. And Chico's at the Fashion Center. Good luck.

I was at that Penny's & Macy's last weekend - we got my husbands suit at Macy's, but there wasn't anything that appealed to me. You are right, I think I'll hit Chicos & Talbots, maybe I'll find something there.

I have only told my one acquaintance about the move but now more people are in the know I am sure.

Eh, so what. Who cares - and hey! Maybe one of them knows someone who wants to move into the complex and will recommend they check out your unit! Could be a win for you!

I am actually off this weekend plus since it's a holiday on Monday, I'm off for the holiday . I never get a 3 day weekend, I usually get stuck working one of the days.

Nice - enjoy the long weekend! MLK day is just another work day for us, so no long weekend here.

QOTD--Do you have any superstitions ?

Na. Although I am a believer of Karma, or Putting out "there" what you want back.

Unless the fool in the lane that is ending refused to merge and instead drives up to the very end and expects me to let them in. Then all bets are off

 

[Pea-n-Me]

She has a good PCP, but I don't know what kind of working relationship she has with her. All I know is that is the one who referred her to the rheumatogist, who seems to be the only one trying to find solutions for her. Everyone else just keeps passing it on to the next one. They keep giving her diagnoses but not what can be done about them. She has pretty much resigned herself to the fact that she won't be around much longer.

She needs to up the relationship w her PCP. Make an appt to sit down and talk about all of it. Bring a concise list of questions, ie the most important ones. Give the PCP a chance to get more involved. They are also overwhelmed right now and things may get by them. Go in w the attitude of looking for help, not blaming or being angry, which won’t help the situation. We’re talking about her life depending on this, right? So she needs to work with this like her life depends on it. If she’s angry, get it out before the appt. Just giving her my best advice. (And not saying she doesn’t have the right to be angry - who knows - but if she wants help she needs to curb it in order to get people to want to help her. Everyone is on edge today in healthcare and things can become explosive fairly easily, unfortunately.)

When people order tests, like MRIs, the results go to the person who orders them and should also go to the PCP. But the PCP then needs to delve into not just the results but what the recommendations by the specialist were and get in touch w the patient, etc. In this case there are several specialists involved, so it gets very complex. PCPs don’t have a lot of extra time these days to do all that. (Twenty minutes per visit which includes documentation - not nearly enough time.) Many are working at home to keep up and are really disenfranchised. But with an appt, they will prepare, and be able to look everything up while Summer is right there. Things to think about are next steps and ongoing follow up.

 

[easyas123]

She needs to up the relationship w her PCP. Make an appt to sit down and talk about all of it. Bring a concise list of questions, ie the most important ones. Give the PCP a chance to get more involved. They are also overwhelmed right now and things may get by them. Go in w the attitude of looking for help, not blaming or being angry, which won’t help the situation. We’re talking about her life depending on this, right? So she needs to work with this like her life depends on it. If she’s angry, get it out before the appt. Just giving her my best advice. (And not saying she doesn’t have the right to be angry - who knows - but if she wants help she needs to curb it in order to get people to want to help her. Everyone is on edge today in healthcare and things can become explosive fairly easily, unfortunately.)

When people order tests, like MRIs, the results go to the person who orders them and should also go to the PCP. But the PCP then needs to delve into not just the results but what the recommendations by the specialist were and get in touch w the patient, etc. In this case there are several specialists involved, so it gets very complex. PCPs don’t have a lot of extra time these days to do all that. (Twenty minutes per visit which includes documentation - not nearly enough time.) Many are working at home to keep up and are really disenfranchised. But with an appt, they will prepare, and be able to look everything up while Summer is right there. Things to think about are next steps and ongoing follow up.

This all seems like solid advice.

 

[lynxstch]

I bet, how incredibly frustrating, I can't believe NONE of these Dr.'s has coordinated with the other Dr's and begun a treatment plan. What kind of Dr. says, "well - you've got serious XY&Z" but doesn't discuss with the patient a plan to treat it?!?!? Has she asked the Dr "what's next, what do we do now, where do we go from here?" or anything along those lines? That's a long list of ailments, there should be some sort of communication between her Doctors one would imagine. She may have to start speaking up for herself

She has asked that of every one that she has been too. They just keep telling her they can't do anything until she goes to another doctor, for another one of her issues. But how long is she supposed to wait before they all get together and figure out what is going on and how to help her. I know she's super frustrated. She went to the rheumatogist Monday and the Kidney Dr. He gave her a referral to another Dr. When she went to the cardiologist, they told her they couldn't do anything until she had seen the urologist. It's like she's just spinning in circles.

 

[lynxstch]

She needs to up the relationship w her PCP. Make an appt to sit down and talk about all of it. Bring a concise list of questions, ie the most important ones. Give the PCP a chance to get more involved. They are also overwhelmed right now and things may get by them. Go in w the attitude of looking for help, not blaming or being angry, which won’t help the situation. We’re talking about her life depending on this, right? So she needs to work with this like her life depends on it. If she’s angry, get it out before the appt. Just giving her my best advice. (And not saying she doesn’t have the right to be angry - who knows - but if she wants help she needs to curb it in order to get people to want to help her. Everyone is on edge today in healthcare and things can become explosive fairly easily, unfortunately.)

When people order tests, like MRIs, the results go to the person who orders them and should also go to the PCP. But the PCP then needs to delve into not just the results but what the recommendations by the specialist were and get in touch w the patient, etc. In this case there are several specialists involved, so it gets very complex. PCPs don’t have a lot of extra time these days to do all that. (Twenty minutes per visit which includes documentation - not nearly enough time.) Many are working at home to keep up and are really disenfranchised. But with an appt, they will prepare, and be able to look everything up while Summer is right there. Things to think about are next steps and ongoing follow up.

Thank you for all of this Pea. I am going to send this along to her. I don't have to tell her where or who it came from.

 

[Maple Moose]

@Breezy_Carol Thank you, I needed to see this. One step at a time.

 

[easyas123]

Thank you for all of this Pea. I am going to send this along to her. I don't have to tell her where or who it came from.

It was good, I hope Summer can make use of the info Pea provided. Sometimes all it takes is a 3rd party non -involved point of view to help people see things differently, or approach a situation from a different prospective.

Help - good news, foster pup has had the two 3 applications selected and we are moving forward with the contact of the top contender. Fingers crossed (says the person who answered 'No I don't go for superstitions )

 

[Pea-n-Me]

When she calls to make the PCP appt and they ask what it’s for, she should just say she wants to review all the medical issues she’s had going on lately to touch base with the doctor about them.

@easyas123 for pooch! (That one’s on my frequently used emojis!) Someone will be lucky to get him!

 

[Snowysmom]

I hope the foster pup finds the best forever home. Fingers crossed.

I really don't have any superstitions except I knock on wood when someone says something that could really happen. Chris was Italian and from a large Italian family. Their belief is that Friday the 13th is a good day for them. So I will go with that.

My older DGD feels lousy today with covid. I feel so bad for her. So far everyone else is testing negative. I am going to go to Michael's to pick up a crafty item for her and her siblings. Jeff is coming by tomorrow as long as he is negative to do some stuff for me. I will give him whatever I get to bring to her. I may find a little treat for them too.

I am waiting for my floors to dry so I can take my walk and then go to Michaels. I am stuck in my office for awhile.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning/Afternoon Friends,

Thank you all for your continuing dad prayers, he is feeling a little better this morning. He's currently at the laundromat where he will drop off our laundry to be done by an attendant. He will run to the library to return a book and pick up bread and some salad at Ralphs. I wish he would have stayed home but agree with him that the laundry would only get heavier.... praying this all goes smoothly and that the laundry service isn't too crazy expensive. I will update later.

Lynn, I am so very sorry all-around about Summer. Her situation sounds similar to my cousins in terms of being constantly given the runaround with little or no true solid help or answers. It breaks my heart to hear she is feeling defeated and “done.” Many prayers for her to choose to want to be healthier and absolutely as dear Pea as suggested seeking out a patient advocate. I feel, of course, terrible for you and Don being in the midst of this emotional mess. Extra love to you and know we are here and care.

Carol, I LOVE theand Piglet picture you posted, thank you! Amen to it! I’m so glad you are able to get a haircut and enjoy a lunch treat out today, too. Hooray also for continuing HI plans being made.

Snowysmom, your kids are absolutely right! You need to be at and comfortable, truly feel you are at where you live! I believe with all my heart God will lead to a new place. He guides you in all. Many prayers for your granddaughter. I continue to pray daily for a kind and complete end to Covid!

For a weekend off, Footballmouse. Enjoy it! Aw, God Bless Baby Mia and what a blessing for you to get to baby-sit her. I know you will cherish that extra closer time. So will she!

Pea, as always, truly for your compassionate, wise, and thorough health care suggestions and plain kind caring words! I especially love what you said about the importance of going into a doctor’s visit with a list already made. It can be so easy to feel overwhelmed during an appointment or forget to bring something important up. Also, sadly, sometimes doctors have a way of rushing your time with them along so that something truly needed to be shared with them doesn’t get mentioned. I remember with my grandma’s small-town doctor, how grateful I was to him for taking time to meet with me to over all her medications, the why’s, and also being someone for me to partner with in trying my best to care for my beloved grandma. Continuing prayers for your son and for you to have a good weekend!

Thank you, Easyas for the Costco information! you are feeling better today? Foster pup new home all good prayers and wishes, too.

Have a good day everyone. I'll check back later.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good afternoon.

Gray and dreary out. I did yoga, had my CFA, got a haircut, and used my coupon at Bath and Body Works. In for the duration.

Tomorrow morning I'm watching Mia

How was the show? I haven't watched it yet, can't decide if I want to devote to watching all 3 shows . I don't like NCIS LA, and I can take or leave NCIS Hawaii.

It was ok. I don't know the characters in LA or Hawaii so, at times, couldn't tell the good guys form the bad guys. And I agree that I prefer Hawaii to LA but like the original best. Of course, it's not the same without Gibbs.

QOTD--Do you have any superstitions ?

Not really but I do wear purple for the Ravens on purple Friday and game day, not that it helps/

I think I'll hit Chicos & Talbots, maybe I'll find something there.

Good luck! I like Chicos.

Maybe one of them knows someone who wants to move into the complex and will recommend they check out your unit!

That is a positive thought.

Lots of good advice in this thread.

 

[tazdev3225]

Another dreary day here. I can't wait for spring.

I finally heard about the hard drive, and it looks I am going to lose the one set of pictures that I don't have a backup for - my trip to Scotland with Jim in 2019. Honestly, I would have paid the price just to have them. I found a few in a different file but am saddened I will lose out on most of them. Unfortunately unless I can figure out how to get the pics off of a card that says it needs to be reformatted I am out of luck.

Ella hears what high schools she got into at 5 PM. I know the one she really wants and hope she gets it but at the same time, I hope she doesn't get in. It's an elite school but in such a bad neighborhood. By car it's a 45 minute commute each way. That means she would have to leave about 6:30 AM. By bus it takes 1 1/2 hours. That is a long day. At the same time it is such a good school.

I have read posts but fell behind in comments. Prayers for all who need them, no matter the reason.

Chat later. Have a great afternoon.

 

[Judique]

I had to go pick up older DD's kitten for the weekend as she and her husband and the DGD's flew off to Atlanta for the weekend.

Going up I-95 I saw this:

Someone has the same one, I guess. It zoomed past me, lol, so I didn't get to see much other than 'Santa Cruz' in large letters on the tail gate.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Just saying hi because I realized I haven't posted today. (Just busy with catching up a bunch of errands and house stuff.) Off now to walk on the treadmill for a bit.

Fingers crossed for Summer to get some answers!!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good later afternoon and evening, everyone,

Dad got our laundry safe and sound. Extra blessing from God that dad knows both attendants who took care of all this for us. Of course, how thankful we are to God for being able to do laundry this way today to begin with. Now we can keep the service in mind but hopefully won't need it for a while. Having them do our laundry cost twice as much as dad would have paid doing it himself but priceless today with him being under the weather. Quiet afternoon otherwise and how grateful I am to know dad is home for the rest of the weekend.

Carol, sounds like you had a full and good outing. I'm so glad and yes, please stay warm and safe at!now!

Taz, prayers all-around. Yikes that would be an incredibly long day! extra to you.

Judique,for safe travels to your DD and her family. I hope they have fun in Atlanta. Thank you for kitty sitting for them.

So good to hear from you, PollyannaMom. How grateful I am all is okay out there. I was concerned a bit this morning when you hadn't posted. Thanks for doing so now.

Have a good night friends with love.

 

[easyas123]

Ella hears what high schools she got into at 5 PM. I know the one she really wants and hope she gets it but at the same time, I hope she doesn't get in

Hope it all works out!

 

[Kirby]

The appointment with my attorney did not go so great. I won't to go into detail, but things with my oldest are getting dicey. I am exhausted and beyond having much hope left at this point that we are not going to end up in court. That is my biggest fear. All the progress I have made is quickly being replaced with anxiety and fear.

Got a call from Summer earlier. She's been seeing Dr. after Dr. for months, having all kinds of tests.

Her blood work keeps coming back flagged. Her red blood count is extremely high, white blood count extremely low. They are referring her to a hematologist for that. They are referring her to a bladder specialist as her kidney is still sore and she can't empty her bladder fully.

Yesterday was an MRI of her back.
MRI wasn't good either--bilateral stenosis of the spine, uncovertebral joint arthropathy , bony overgrowth causing compression of the spinal cord, disk space narrowing and front and back bone spurs at c6 and c7 and c5 and c6

Kidney test results show -kidney disease amd proteinuria

What a mess. Don is so upset over it, Summer she's just 'over all of it'.

This has been going on since September now and no one has done a thing. I told her to contact a patient advocate if need be. Someone has to do something or she won't be around much longer at this rate, and she's only 39.
Continued prayers asked if you can spare them.

QOTD--Do you have any superstitions ?

No

Weather has been up and down this week. We had record breaking warm weather in the middle 80's Tues/Wed and then down to the lower 30's last night and tonight.

DS and wife drove down to Houston to MDA yesterday. He was scheduled for his next round of maintenance chemo today but his WBC was too low. So they drove back home last night. More blood work today still shows low numbers. He is trying to get in touch with the transplant team to see what his tentative transplant date will be. His doctor at MDA feels that if his numbers don't rise enough for maintenance chemo and his date is not far away then DS might not need anymore maintenance chemo until his transplant chemo begins.

Had to come back and add this. It popped up on my Facebook feed just now.

 

[Snowysmom]

@Kirby Thoughts and prayers for your DS. I do love the Kroger picture. I saw another picture that showed a man buying 3 dozen eggs for his girlfriend for Valentine's Day.

Good morning. Rainy here again. I hope it stops soon. Jeff is supposed to come over today to help me with a couple of things. We'll see how it goes. Ellie is still not feeling great but is better. I hope no one else tests positive. I bought some big coloring pages, modeling clay, and lollipops for the kids to keep them quietly busy. Jeff can bring them back with him. I will be cleaning the bathrooms and dusting the bedroom. Then I will wipe down the kitchen counters and clean the sinks well. After this I think I am pretty much good except for moving some items that I use every day. I will wait until Monday for that. I have also gotten my valuables ready to go with me next weekend. I trust no one. When I was selling my house I was amazed at how people just thought they could touch and move anything and come into the house with mud and dirt on their shoes.

Have a good day.