Guest guest Posted November 14, 2001 Report Share Posted November 14, 2001 In a message dated 14/11/2001 12:43:49 GMT Standard Time, writes: Message: 20 Date: Wed, 14 Nov 2001 02:21:33 -0500 (EST) From: TREE-P@... Subject: LIVER BIOPSY well i am finally getting it done ist thing monday morning nov, 19th almost 2 1/2 months since my ist liver blood tests came back abnormal i am very nervous any words of wisdom or feedback would be appreciated thanks theresa Theresa, I had my first liver biopsy last week. Like you, it was about 3 months since I was first diagnosed and found out my LFT's were high. I didn't have any medication prior to the biopsy. The radiologist put some local anaesthetic into my right side (it stings a little bit) then he did the actual biopsy which was like a staple gun - I heard a clicking sound and felt a bit of pressure but it lasted only 1 or 2 seconds at most. I had to lie flat for 6 hours afterwards and then a further 6 hours resting. I had no pain only an 'uncomfortable' feeling when I lay on that side. Don't worry about it at all. If you want any further information just do a search for Liver biopsy and you'll get loads of articles. Let us know how you get on and good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 10, 2002 Report Share Posted October 10, 2002 Lee wrote: " I said well, I had used Mino in the past but since I was nursing I used Erythromycin. she said only erythromycin? Wow, that's great and it worked for you. " A lot of M.D.'s think the AP works not due to any antibiotic action on the part of the drug(s), but instead due to their anti-inflammatory properties. They are usually quite surprised at anything which suggests this preconception may be in error, perhaps she is one. Geoff soli Deo gloria www.HealingYou.org - Your nonprofit source for remedies and aids in fighting these diseases, information on weaning from drugs, and nutritional kits for repairing damage; 100% volunteer staffed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2005 Report Share Posted May 3, 2005 Reg Reynolds There are lots of good suggestions in " Making a Difference " by Maurice et al. See the chapter by & ______. >From: " jennyk28212 " <jkolker@...> >Subject: Help with classroom aide > >Hello all, > >I have a 5 1/2 yo son who is in a self-contained autistic classroom. >He " mainstreams " with an aide during lunch, math time, and P.E. During >the math time, which is less structered, children use manipulatives on >the floor. My son tends to cling to his aide and push away (not >aggressively) children who try to interact with him. Any ideas on how >to structure or direct his time for him so that it is less >overwhelming? In a recent IEP some suggested having only a few peers >interact with him at at time and/or having my son having a defined >space such as a carpet square. However, in talking with his teacher >and aide, they feel these suggestions are impractical to implement. >Help! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 23, 2005 Report Share Posted May 23, 2005 In a message dated 5/23/05 5:50:17 AM Eastern Daylight Time, writes: > Date: Sun, 22 May 2005 17:40:29 -0700 (PDT) > From: Elise Strong <elisestrong@...> > Subject: RE: vitamin trouble > > he has seemed to have increased seizures on a bunch of > different vitamins- Good info on the foic acid- > thanks. Also I alwsays thought that b vites were > supposed to help w/ epilespy- but I swear they make > him worse. thanks Elise > .. ..>>> Elise BALANCE is the key. He may be getting folic acid of other B components from other sources .... like food..... and may have a natural imbalance with others that is throwing things off further. Give the B vitamins individually to sort that out and/or find an orthomolecular physician who can order tests to help sort this out for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 I was pleased to see so many replies to the posting I did about some hospitals no longer accepting Medicare as of July 1. True, it may blow over - the hospital group that owns Stormont-Vail is not a major group, like HCA. But Stormont Vail is a major hospital source for many, many of the rural citizens in at least 1/2 of the state of Kansas, including many of my in-laws. I know the impact this will have on them.  I have been carrying the diagnosis of hyperaldosteronism for 31 years. Most all of the major testing confirmed this, and I started on Aldactone (no generic when I started taking it) in 1977. Testing through the years has re-confirmed high aldosterone levels, but as I have aged, as I have had other conditions, as I have " trained my family physicians " , I am considered to be in excellent condition, albeit I am on 350 mg daily of spironolactone. All other body systems appear to be working in harmony and not giving me any problems.  I was on SS Disability starting in 1981, due to severe chronic lung disease, diabetes, and hyperaldosteronism. I was 41. So I am very familiar with the changes that have gone on in the Medicare system. My first endocrinologist would not accept Medicare so I had to leave his service in the 1990s.  He was excellent, but he was about ready to retire anyway. He is the one who taught me that I was in charge of my body, and how to look for critical changes, and to help doctors who would not know how to handle my condition. My Pulmonologist and he had worked well together (the pulmonologist was treating me before the diagnosis, and continues to this day. It was my hospital admission for respiratory failure that brought to light the lack of potassium in my system).  In 2001 I was employed as a medical transcriptionist (my former occupation) and I declined disability payments and had earned income. The job lasted until 2007, when the hospital I worked for outsourced and let 10 of us go. I went back on social security and medicare began again.  I am now nearing 68 years of age, and in pretty good health, actually. This was all confirmed last summer when I had to have arthroplasty of my right knee.  It was hard to get the " okay " however because no one could understand that taking 350 mg daily of spironolactone was a good thing.  A comment someone made earlier about the Medicare D and formularies: I take the spironolactone as it is a generic now. But the formularies are set up for what some idiot decided was 25 mg daily. So my 350 daily is only partially covered. The cost is nearing $100 monthly.  Another comment: For about 24 months throughout 2006-07 regardless of where I had lab draws done, they were sent to Mayo Labs for the aldosterone level only.  This would be noted on the written information that came back, showing my aldosterone levels. (My doctor sends me copies of each and every lab that are done.) I wondered if Mayo was doing some kind of study that they were wanting to know aldosterone levels.  My recent lab levels were complete labs. Only my aldosterone level, and my H & H levels were out of range. The H & H levels are out of range, according to my pulmonologist, because my breathing is deteriorating and I should be using oxygen more frequently. The aldosterone level of 105 was excellent - in my opinion - because that was the approximate level for the last 5 draws. This was much better than the " 350 "  for an all-time high 3 years ago. ( In my heart I know what raised it to that level, but that is a point that all the doctors and I disagree upon.) I was only on 200 mg of spiro at that time, and was thus raised to 350. I panicked at that time, and had a nephrologist visit, MRIs done, and was told there were no problems with my kidneys or adrenals.  Medicare is also limiting DME billings now, and will not pay for charges submitted by anyone other than a " contracted supplier " as of July 1. That means the mail order company I receive my diabetic supplies and albuterol set-ups from will no longer be available to me. I have a friend who fell off her horse yesterday, and is in a major teaching hospital awaiting evaluation and/or surgery. According to the paper I received of the notification of the DME changes I anticipate she will have much difficulty getting the things she will need on going home - wheelchair, crutches, walker, etc.  One other thing - my husband retired from a union job. We have a Medicare wrap-around. It ONLY pays for something medicare has paid for, and pays the remainder of the bill balance between what medicare paid, and the amount Medicare deems to be the allowable charge. It cannot ever be considered as primary and if Medicare disallows the charge they will not pay either.  I see all sorts of problems coming my/our way.  Thanks. I'm working on a jingle now. Has anyone started one for You Tube?  From: hyperaldosteronism <hyperaldosteronism > Subject: Digest Number 1855 hyperaldosteronism Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 5:29 PM Conn's Syndrome and related problems Messages In This Digest (25 Messages) 1.1. Re: Dr. Svetkey From: aviano237 1.2. Re: Dr. Svetkey From: aviano237 1.3. Re: Dr. Svetkey From: Clarence Grim 1.4. Re: Dr. Svetkey From: Clarence Grim 1.5. Re: Dr. Svetkey From: jwwright 2.1. Re: Mayo From: aviano237 2.2. Re: Mayo From: aviano237 2.3. Re: Mayo From: Clarence Grim 2.4. Re: Mayo From: Clarence Grim 2.5. Re: Mayo From: Clarence Grim 2.6. Re: Mayo From: val1198 2.7. Medicare at Mayo From: Valarie 3.1. Re: Insurance From: aviano237 3.2. Re: Insurance From: Valarie 3.3. Re: Insurance From: Clarence Grim 3.4. Re: Insurance From: Valarie 3.5. Re: Insurance From: Clarence Grim 4. Re: Mayo etal From: jwwright 5a. Re: Medicare From: Hidy 5b. Re: Medicare From: jwwright 6a. CJOnline.com article From: hidypup@... 6b. Re: CJOnline.com article From: jwwright 7a. Can someone post this to You Tube? From: Hidy 7b. Re: Can someone post this to You Tube? From: Clarence Grim 8.1. Re: Archiving files From: Clarence Grim View All Topics | Create New Topic Messages 1.1. Re: Dr. Svetkey Posted by: " aviano237 " aviano237@...  aviano237 Sun Jun 29, 2008 5:51 am (PDT) Dr. Grim: I have queried Dr. Svetkey, both on Duke's site and general " Googling " . At least one of the sites called her an endo although I had understood differently. She sounds EXCELLENT. A lot of her focus seems to be HTN and I am not technically HTN. However, if she is familiar with PA and the routes to determine cause, then I am comfortable that if this is the reason for my symptoms, that she will help me. I also need an endo however..and I've found one through the recommendation of a friend that serendipitously is also affiliated with Duke Med. I saw another endo at Duke Med and she totally blew me off...the guy that my friend saw is patient and thorough. Thanks, Angie > > > > > > > Dr. Grim: > > > > Thanks for all your past help. Am in somewhat of a holding pattern > > > > right now with app't at Duke ( Svetkey at your > > recommendation) > > > > mid- > > > > July. I wanted to ask, am unclear, whether Dr. Svetkey is an endo > > or > > > > nephro? > > > > Thank you, > > > > Angie > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 I was pleased to see so many replies to the posting I did about some hospitals no longer accepting Medicare as of July 1. True, it may blow over - the hospital group that owns Stormont-Vail is not a major group, like HCA. But Stormont Vail is a major hospital source for many, many of the rural citizens in at least 1/2 of the state of Kansas, including many of my in-laws. I know the impact this will have on them.  I have been carrying the diagnosis of hyperaldosteronism for 31 years. Most all of the major testing confirmed this, and I started on Aldactone (no generic when I started taking it) in 1977. Testing through the years has re-confirmed high aldosterone levels, but as I have aged, as I have had other conditions, as I have " trained my family physicians " , I am considered to be in excellent condition, albeit I am on 350 mg daily of spironolactone. All other body systems appear to be working in harmony and not giving me any problems.  I was on SS Disability starting in 1981, due to severe chronic lung disease, diabetes, and hyperaldosteronism. I was 41. So I am very familiar with the changes that have gone on in the Medicare system. My first endocrinologist would not accept Medicare so I had to leave his service in the 1990s.  He was excellent, but he was about ready to retire anyway. He is the one who taught me that I was in charge of my body, and how to look for critical changes, and to help doctors who would not know how to handle my condition. My Pulmonologist and he had worked well together (the pulmonologist was treating me before the diagnosis, and continues to this day. It was my hospital admission for respiratory failure that brought to light the lack of potassium in my system).  In 2001 I was employed as a medical transcriptionist (my former occupation) and I declined disability payments and had earned income. The job lasted until 2007, when the hospital I worked for outsourced and let 10 of us go. I went back on social security and medicare began again.  I am now nearing 68 years of age, and in pretty good health, actually. This was all confirmed last summer when I had to have arthroplasty of my right knee.  It was hard to get the " okay " however because no one could understand that taking 350 mg daily of spironolactone was a good thing.  A comment someone made earlier about the Medicare D and formularies: I take the spironolactone as it is a generic now. But the formularies are set up for what some idiot decided was 25 mg daily. So my 350 daily is only partially covered. The cost is nearing $100 monthly.  Another comment: For about 24 months throughout 2006-07 regardless of where I had lab draws done, they were sent to Mayo Labs for the aldosterone level only.  This would be noted on the written information that came back, showing my aldosterone levels. (My doctor sends me copies of each and every lab that are done.) I wondered if Mayo was doing some kind of study that they were wanting to know aldosterone levels.  My recent lab levels were complete labs. Only my aldosterone level, and my H & H levels were out of range. The H & H levels are out of range, according to my pulmonologist, because my breathing is deteriorating and I should be using oxygen more frequently. The aldosterone level of 105 was excellent - in my opinion - because that was the approximate level for the last 5 draws. This was much better than the " 350 "  for an all-time high 3 years ago. ( In my heart I know what raised it to that level, but that is a point that all the doctors and I disagree upon.) I was only on 200 mg of spiro at that time, and was thus raised to 350. I panicked at that time, and had a nephrologist visit, MRIs done, and was told there were no problems with my kidneys or adrenals.  Medicare is also limiting DME billings now, and will not pay for charges submitted by anyone other than a " contracted supplier " as of July 1. That means the mail order company I receive my diabetic supplies and albuterol set-ups from will no longer be available to me. I have a friend who fell off her horse yesterday, and is in a major teaching hospital awaiting evaluation and/or surgery. According to the paper I received of the notification of the DME changes I anticipate she will have much difficulty getting the things she will need on going home - wheelchair, crutches, walker, etc.  One other thing - my husband retired from a union job. We have a Medicare wrap-around. It ONLY pays for something medicare has paid for, and pays the remainder of the bill balance between what medicare paid, and the amount Medicare deems to be the allowable charge. It cannot ever be considered as primary and if Medicare disallows the charge they will not pay either.  I see all sorts of problems coming my/our way.  Thanks. I'm working on a jingle now. Has anyone started one for You Tube?  From: hyperaldosteronism <hyperaldosteronism > Subject: Digest Number 1855 hyperaldosteronism Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 5:29 PM Conn's Syndrome and related problems Messages In This Digest (25 Messages) 1.1. Re: Dr. Svetkey From: aviano237 1.2. Re: Dr. Svetkey From: aviano237 1.3. Re: Dr. Svetkey From: Clarence Grim 1.4. Re: Dr. Svetkey From: Clarence Grim 1.5. Re: Dr. Svetkey From: jwwright 2.1. Re: Mayo From: aviano237 2.2. Re: Mayo From: aviano237 2.3. Re: Mayo From: Clarence Grim 2.4. Re: Mayo From: Clarence Grim 2.5. Re: Mayo From: Clarence Grim 2.6. Re: Mayo From: val1198 2.7. Medicare at Mayo From: Valarie 3.1. Re: Insurance From: aviano237 3.2. Re: Insurance From: Valarie 3.3. Re: Insurance From: Clarence Grim 3.4. Re: Insurance From: Valarie 3.5. Re: Insurance From: Clarence Grim 4. Re: Mayo etal From: jwwright 5a. Re: Medicare From: Hidy 5b. Re: Medicare From: jwwright 6a. CJOnline.com article From: hidypup@... 6b. Re: CJOnline.com article From: jwwright 7a. Can someone post this to You Tube? From: Hidy 7b. Re: Can someone post this to You Tube? From: Clarence Grim 8.1. Re: Archiving files From: Clarence Grim View All Topics | Create New Topic Messages 1.1. Re: Dr. Svetkey Posted by: " aviano237 " aviano237@...  aviano237 Sun Jun 29, 2008 5:51 am (PDT) Dr. Grim: I have queried Dr. Svetkey, both on Duke's site and general " Googling " . At least one of the sites called her an endo although I had understood differently. She sounds EXCELLENT. A lot of her focus seems to be HTN and I am not technically HTN. However, if she is familiar with PA and the routes to determine cause, then I am comfortable that if this is the reason for my symptoms, that she will help me. I also need an endo however..and I've found one through the recommendation of a friend that serendipitously is also affiliated with Duke Med. I saw another endo at Duke Med and she totally blew me off...the guy that my friend saw is patient and thorough. Thanks, Angie > > > > > > > Dr. Grim: > > > > Thanks for all your past help. Am in somewhat of a holding pattern > > > > right now with app't at Duke ( Svetkey at your > > recommendation) > > > > mid- > > > > July. I wanted to ask, am unclear, whether Dr. Svetkey is an endo > > or > > > > nephro? > > > > Thank you, > > > > Angie > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 Thanks for Hindy's story. Spiro also comes in 50 mg. We should see who we make that dose the standard one for PA. Another possiblity is Inspra but will cost 2-3 x more till it becomes generic, it may already be generic but not much cheaper. Dont know for certain. CE Grim MD On Jun 30, 2008, at 5:58 PM, Hidy wrote: > I was pleased to see so many replies to the posting I did about > some hospitals no longer accepting Medicare as of July 1. True, it > may blow over - the hospital group that owns Stormont-Vail is not a > major group, like HCA. But Stormont Vail is a major hospital > source for many, many of the rural citizens in at least 1/2 of the > state of Kansas, including many of my in-laws. I know the impact > this will have on them. > > I have been carrying the diagnosis of hyperaldosteronism for 31 > years. Most all of the major testing confirmed this, and I started > on Aldactone (no generic when I started taking it) in 1977. > Testing through the years has re-confirmed high aldosterone levels, > but as I have aged, as I have had other conditions, as I have > " trained my family physicians " , I am considered to be in excellent > condition, albeit I am on 350 mg daily of spironolactone. All other > body systems appear to be working in harmony and not giving me any > problems. > > I was on SS Disability starting in 1981, due to severe chronic > lung disease, diabetes, and hyperaldosteronism. I was 41. So I am > very familiar with the changes that have gone on in the Medicare > system. My first endocrinologist would not accept Medicare so I had > to leave his service in the 1990s. He was excellent, but he was > about ready to retire anyway. He is the one who taught me that I > was in charge of my body, and how to look for critical changes, and > to help doctors who would not know how to handle my condition. My > Pulmonologist and he had worked well together (the pulmonologist > was treating me before the diagnosis, and continues to this day. It > was my hospital admission for respiratory failure that brought to > light the lack of potassium in my system). > > In 2001 I was employed as a medical transcriptionist (my former > occupation) and I declined disability payments and had earned > income. The job lasted until 2007, when the hospital I worked for > outsourced and let 10 of us go. I went back on social security and > medicare began again. > > I am now nearing 68 years of age, and in pretty good health, > actually. This was all confirmed last summer when I had to have > arthroplasty of my right knee. > > It was hard to get the " okay " however because no one could > understand that taking 350 mg daily of spironolactone was a good > thing. > > A comment someone made earlier about the Medicare D and > formularies: I take the spironolactone as it is a generic now. But > the formularies are set up for what some idiot decided was 25 mg > daily. So my 350 daily is only partially covered. The cost is > nearing $100 monthly. > > Another comment: For about 24 months throughout 2006-07 regardless > of where I had lab draws done, they were sent to Mayo Labs for the > aldosterone level only. This would be noted on the written > information that came back, showing my aldosterone levels. (My > doctor sends me copies of each and every lab that are done.) I > wondered if Mayo was doing some kind of study that they were > wanting to know aldosterone levels. > > My recent lab levels were complete labs. Only my aldosterone > level, and my H & H levels were out of range. The H & H levels are out > of range, according to my pulmonologist, because my breathing is > deteriorating and I should be using oxygen more frequently. The > aldosterone level of 105 was excellent - in my opinion - because > that was the approximate level for the last 5 draws. This was much > better than the " 350 " for an all-time high 3 years ago. ( In my > heart I know what raised it to that level, but that is a point that > all the doctors and I disagree upon.) I was only on 200 mg of > spiro at that time, and was thus raised to 350. I panicked at that > time, and had a nephrologist visit, MRIs done, and was told there > were no problems with my kidneys or adrenals. > > Medicare is also limiting DME billings now, and will not pay for > charges submitted by anyone other than a " contracted supplier " as > of July 1. That means the mail order company I receive my diabetic > supplies and albuterol set-ups from will no longer be available to > me. I have a friend who fell off her horse yesterday, and is in a > major teaching hospital awaiting evaluation and/or surgery. > According to the paper I received of the notification of the DME > changes I anticipate she will have much difficulty getting the > things she will need on going home - wheelchair, crutches, walker, > etc. > > One other thing - my husband retired from a union job. We have a > Medicare wrap-around. It ONLY pays for something medicare has paid > for, and pays the remainder of the bill balance between what > medicare paid, and the amount Medicare deems to be the allowable > charge. It cannot ever be considered as primary and if Medicare > disallows the charge they will not pay either. > > I see all sorts of problems coming my/our way. > > Thanks. I'm working on a jingle now. Has anyone started one for You > Tube? > > > > > From: hyperaldosteronism > <hyperaldosteronism > > Subject: Digest Number 1855 > hyperaldosteronism > Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 5:29 PM > > Conn's Syndrome and related problems > > Messages In This Digest (25 Messages) > > 1.1. > Re: Dr. Svetkey From: aviano237 > 1.2. > Re: Dr. Svetkey From: aviano237 > 1.3. > Re: Dr. Svetkey From: Clarence Grim > 1.4. > Re: Dr. Svetkey From: Clarence Grim > 1.5. > Re: Dr. Svetkey From: jwwright > > 2.1. > Re: Mayo From: aviano237 > 2.2. > Re: Mayo From: aviano237 > 2.3. > Re: Mayo From: Clarence Grim > 2.4. > Re: Mayo From: Clarence Grim > 2.5. > Re: Mayo From: Clarence Grim > 2.6. > Re: Mayo From: val1198 > 2.7. > Medicare at Mayo From: Valarie > > 3.1. > Re: Insurance From: aviano237 > 3.2. > Re: Insurance From: Valarie > 3.3. > Re: Insurance From: Clarence Grim > 3.4. > Re: Insurance From: Valarie > 3.5. > Re: Insurance From: Clarence Grim > > 4. > Re: Mayo etal From: jwwright > > 5a. > Re: Medicare From: Hidy > 5b. > Re: Medicare From: jwwright > > 6a. > CJOnline.com article From: hidypup@... > 6b. > Re: CJOnline.com article From: jwwright > > 7a. > Can someone post this to You Tube? From: Hidy > 7b. > Re: Can someone post this to You Tube? From: Clarence Grim > > 8.1. > Re: Archiving files From: Clarence Grim > View All Topics | Create New Topic > Messages > > 1.1. > > Re: Dr. Svetkey > Posted by: " aviano237 " aviano237@... aviano237 > Sun Jun 29, 2008 5:51 am (PDT) > Dr. Grim: > I have queried Dr. Svetkey, both on Duke's site and > general " Googling " . At least one of the sites called her an endo > although I had understood differently. She sounds EXCELLENT. A lot > of her focus seems to be HTN and I am not technically HTN. However, > if she is familiar with PA and the routes to determine cause, then I > am comfortable that if this is the reason for my symptoms, that she > will help me. I also need an endo however..and I've found one > through the recommendation of a friend that serendipitously is also > affiliated with Duke Med. I saw another endo at Duke Med and she > totally blew me off...the guy that my friend saw is patient and > thorough. > Thanks, > Angie > > > > > > > > > > Dr. Grim: > > > > > Thanks for all your past help. Am in somewhat of a holding > pattern > > > > > right now with app't at Duke ( Svetkey at your > > > recommendation) > > > > > mid- > > > > > July. I wanted to ask, am unclear, whether Dr. Svetkey is an > endo > > > or > > > > > nephro? > > > > > Thank you, > > > > > Angie > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 Thanks for Hindy's story. Spiro also comes in 50 mg. We should see who we make that dose the standard one for PA. Another possiblity is Inspra but will cost 2-3 x more till it becomes generic, it may already be generic but not much cheaper. Dont know for certain. CE Grim MD On Jun 30, 2008, at 5:58 PM, Hidy wrote: > I was pleased to see so many replies to the posting I did about > some hospitals no longer accepting Medicare as of July 1. True, it > may blow over - the hospital group that owns Stormont-Vail is not a > major group, like HCA. But Stormont Vail is a major hospital > source for many, many of the rural citizens in at least 1/2 of the > state of Kansas, including many of my in-laws. I know the impact > this will have on them. > > I have been carrying the diagnosis of hyperaldosteronism for 31 > years. Most all of the major testing confirmed this, and I started > on Aldactone (no generic when I started taking it) in 1977. > Testing through the years has re-confirmed high aldosterone levels, > but as I have aged, as I have had other conditions, as I have > " trained my family physicians " , I am considered to be in excellent > condition, albeit I am on 350 mg daily of spironolactone. All other > body systems appear to be working in harmony and not giving me any > problems. > > I was on SS Disability starting in 1981, due to severe chronic > lung disease, diabetes, and hyperaldosteronism. I was 41. So I am > very familiar with the changes that have gone on in the Medicare > system. My first endocrinologist would not accept Medicare so I had > to leave his service in the 1990s. He was excellent, but he was > about ready to retire anyway. He is the one who taught me that I > was in charge of my body, and how to look for critical changes, and > to help doctors who would not know how to handle my condition. My > Pulmonologist and he had worked well together (the pulmonologist > was treating me before the diagnosis, and continues to this day. It > was my hospital admission for respiratory failure that brought to > light the lack of potassium in my system). > > In 2001 I was employed as a medical transcriptionist (my former > occupation) and I declined disability payments and had earned > income. The job lasted until 2007, when the hospital I worked for > outsourced and let 10 of us go. I went back on social security and > medicare began again. > > I am now nearing 68 years of age, and in pretty good health, > actually. This was all confirmed last summer when I had to have > arthroplasty of my right knee. > > It was hard to get the " okay " however because no one could > understand that taking 350 mg daily of spironolactone was a good > thing. > > A comment someone made earlier about the Medicare D and > formularies: I take the spironolactone as it is a generic now. But > the formularies are set up for what some idiot decided was 25 mg > daily. So my 350 daily is only partially covered. The cost is > nearing $100 monthly. > > Another comment: For about 24 months throughout 2006-07 regardless > of where I had lab draws done, they were sent to Mayo Labs for the > aldosterone level only. This would be noted on the written > information that came back, showing my aldosterone levels. (My > doctor sends me copies of each and every lab that are done.) I > wondered if Mayo was doing some kind of study that they were > wanting to know aldosterone levels. > > My recent lab levels were complete labs. Only my aldosterone > level, and my H & H levels were out of range. The H & H levels are out > of range, according to my pulmonologist, because my breathing is > deteriorating and I should be using oxygen more frequently. The > aldosterone level of 105 was excellent - in my opinion - because > that was the approximate level for the last 5 draws. This was much > better than the " 350 " for an all-time high 3 years ago. ( In my > heart I know what raised it to that level, but that is a point that > all the doctors and I disagree upon.) I was only on 200 mg of > spiro at that time, and was thus raised to 350. I panicked at that > time, and had a nephrologist visit, MRIs done, and was told there > were no problems with my kidneys or adrenals. > > Medicare is also limiting DME billings now, and will not pay for > charges submitted by anyone other than a " contracted supplier " as > of July 1. That means the mail order company I receive my diabetic > supplies and albuterol set-ups from will no longer be available to > me. I have a friend who fell off her horse yesterday, and is in a > major teaching hospital awaiting evaluation and/or surgery. > According to the paper I received of the notification of the DME > changes I anticipate she will have much difficulty getting the > things she will need on going home - wheelchair, crutches, walker, > etc. > > One other thing - my husband retired from a union job. We have a > Medicare wrap-around. It ONLY pays for something medicare has paid > for, and pays the remainder of the bill balance between what > medicare paid, and the amount Medicare deems to be the allowable > charge. It cannot ever be considered as primary and if Medicare > disallows the charge they will not pay either. > > I see all sorts of problems coming my/our way. > > Thanks. I'm working on a jingle now. Has anyone started one for You > Tube? > > > > > From: hyperaldosteronism > <hyperaldosteronism > > Subject: Digest Number 1855 > hyperaldosteronism > Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 5:29 PM > > Conn's Syndrome and related problems > > Messages In This Digest (25 Messages) > > 1.1. > Re: Dr. Svetkey From: aviano237 > 1.2. > Re: Dr. Svetkey From: aviano237 > 1.3. > Re: Dr. Svetkey From: Clarence Grim > 1.4. > Re: Dr. Svetkey From: Clarence Grim > 1.5. > Re: Dr. Svetkey From: jwwright > > 2.1. > Re: Mayo From: aviano237 > 2.2. > Re: Mayo From: aviano237 > 2.3. > Re: Mayo From: Clarence Grim > 2.4. > Re: Mayo From: Clarence Grim > 2.5. > Re: Mayo From: Clarence Grim > 2.6. > Re: Mayo From: val1198 > 2.7. > Medicare at Mayo From: Valarie > > 3.1. > Re: Insurance From: aviano237 > 3.2. > Re: Insurance From: Valarie > 3.3. > Re: Insurance From: Clarence Grim > 3.4. > Re: Insurance From: Valarie > 3.5. > Re: Insurance From: Clarence Grim > > 4. > Re: Mayo etal From: jwwright > > 5a. > Re: Medicare From: Hidy > 5b. > Re: Medicare From: jwwright > > 6a. > CJOnline.com article From: hidypup@... > 6b. > Re: CJOnline.com article From: jwwright > > 7a. > Can someone post this to You Tube? From: Hidy > 7b. > Re: Can someone post this to You Tube? From: Clarence Grim > > 8.1. > Re: Archiving files From: Clarence Grim > View All Topics | Create New Topic > Messages > > 1.1. > > Re: Dr. Svetkey > Posted by: " aviano237 " aviano237@... aviano237 > Sun Jun 29, 2008 5:51 am (PDT) > Dr. Grim: > I have queried Dr. Svetkey, both on Duke's site and > general " Googling " . At least one of the sites called her an endo > although I had understood differently. She sounds EXCELLENT. A lot > of her focus seems to be HTN and I am not technically HTN. However, > if she is familiar with PA and the routes to determine cause, then I > am comfortable that if this is the reason for my symptoms, that she > will help me. I also need an endo however..and I've found one > through the recommendation of a friend that serendipitously is also > affiliated with Duke Med. I saw another endo at Duke Med and she > totally blew me off...the guy that my friend saw is patient and > thorough. > Thanks, > Angie > > > > > > > > > > Dr. Grim: > > > > > Thanks for all your past help. Am in somewhat of a holding > pattern > > > > > right now with app't at Duke ( Svetkey at your > > > recommendation) > > > > > mid- > > > > > July. I wanted to ask, am unclear, whether Dr. Svetkey is an > endo > > > or > > > > > nephro? > > > > > Thank you, > > > > > Angie > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 I think my AARP works the same way. I wonder if you can get your daibetice suplies from a " standard " source like AARP's formulary? I feel we must conserve the usage we make of Medicare, because they will trim it as needs. Many people do not know how the gov't works. They are already delayed in paying bills - a process used as far back as 1973. A new group gets control and they can merely delay further to make the debt look OK. We do NOT have conventional accounting in the US gov't - no balance sheet. The other truism is that managers manage dollars not functions, so payouts are reduced across the board (more or less). As the economy worsens (and I think it will), payouts will be trimmed more. That means Drs will do less unnecessary things, because they aren't getting paid. It means the holes that existed that allowed some people to make money will be tighter. That all means it's even more imperative that I KNOW what I need, plan to fund it, and workaround a clumsy system. It also means ethat very snake oil salesman will be touting every weed he runs across as treating BP. Believe me, I check ALL this newly touted stuff, demand to know the contents, and compare those chemicals with what we know from Pubmed. To all posters: Don't bother posting a new item if you're " just the salesman " . You check it out, you try it if you must and then give us the results. Regards Re: Digest Number 1855 I was pleased to see so many replies to the posting I did about some hospitals no longer accepting Medicare as of July 1. True, it may blow over - the hospital group that owns Stormont-Vail is not a major group, like HCA. But Stormont Vail is a major hospital source for many, many of the rural citizens in at least 1/2 of the state of Kansas, including many of my in-laws. I know the impact this will have on them. I have been carrying the diagnosis of hyperaldosteronism for 31 years. Most all of the major testing confirmed this, and I started on Aldactone (no generic when I started taking it) in 1977. Testing through the years has re-confirmed high aldosterone levels, but as I have aged, as I have had other conditions, as I have " trained my family physicians " , I am considered to be in excellent condition, albeit I am on 350 mg daily of spironolactone. All other body systems appear to be working in harmony and not giving me any problems. ..... I am now nearing 68 years of age, and in pretty good health, actually. This was all confirmed last summer when I had to have arthroplasty of my right knee. It was hard to get the " okay " however because no one could understand that taking 350 mg daily of spironolactone was a good thing. A comment someone made earlier about the Medicare D and formularies: I take the spironolactone as it is a generic now. But the formularies are set up for what some idiot decided was 25 mg daily. So my 350 daily is only partially covered. The cost is nearing $100 monthly. .... My recent lab levels were complete labs. Only my aldosterone level, and my H & H levels were out of range. The H & H levels are out of range, according to my pulmonologist, because my breathing is deteriorating and I should be using oxygen more frequently. The aldosterone level of 105 was excellent - in my opinion - because that was the approximate level for the last 5 draws. This was much better than the " 350 " for an all-time high 3 years ago. ( In my heart I know what raised it to that level, but that is a point that all the doctors and I disagree upon.) I was only on 200 mg of spiro at that time, and was thus raised to 350. I panicked at that time, and had a nephrologist visit, MRIs done, and was told there were no problems with my kidneys or adrenals. Medicare is also limiting DME billings now, and will not pay for charges submitted by anyone other than a " contracted supplier " as of July 1. That means the mail order company I receive my diabetic supplies and albuterol set-ups from will no longer be available to me. .... One other thing - my husband retired from a union job. We have a Medicare wrap-around. It ONLY pays for something medicare has paid for, and pays the remainder of the bill balance between what medicare paid, and the amount Medicare deems to be the allowable charge. It cannot ever be considered as primary and if Medicare disallows the charge they will not pay either. I see all sorts of problems coming my/our way. Thanks. I'm working on a jingle now. Has anyone started one for You Tube? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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