OT - NO POLITICS April edition - RIP Gordon Lightfoot

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BMC

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Facts. The hoops they make you jump through are the reason so many people put off routine screenings.

You bet I have a draft of a letter started to the hospital asking for changes to be made

I guess I was fortunate, my pcp noticed that I'd never had one, referred me to the specialist and wham! just like that I was scheduled for a colonoscopy. I have Anthem BC/BS and they're fairly good about stuff like this.
 

Alicat

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I guess I was fortunate, my pcp noticed that I'd never had one, referred me to the specialist and wham! just like that I was scheduled for a colonoscopy. I have Anthem BC/BS and they're fairly good about stuff like this.
I got referred and everything but this particular hospital seems to require a charge nurse's consent on top of the doctor's orders to even schedule one.

I'm calling back tomorrow morning. Don't play games because I still know people and will go over your head if need be. I hate even typing that out but sometimes you have to use those stored favors from years ago. Pays to be nice to everyone wherever you work.

I strongly suspect the person didn't want to do their job and used this archaic "policy" as an excuse to get me off the phone. They sounded like I had just woken them up from a nap when they finally picked up.

I have a lot of respect for schedulers and all of that having been one myself years ago but when you essentially refuse to do your job, that is when we have problems.

Advocating for oneself can be hard and can get a little messy at times no matter how polite you try to be.
 
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Mione134

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Was able to find a dentist today that took my insurance to look at my tooth and make sure it wasn't infected. Luckily it wasn't. They took x-rays. My gums are inflamed. He gave me an antibiotic just to be safe which I appreciated. And gave me a referral to a oral surgeon that accepts my insurance so I'll call tomorrow to see what he says. If not. I'm paying out of pocket for a place in Winchester.

I'm so greatful to of found this dentist office. The staff made me feel at ease and the doctor was lovely and so handsome. He said "Don't worry! We'll get you ready for Taylor Swift" :laugh:


So I'm on augmentin. I take 1 pill every 8 hours to prevent any infection which was my worry. I wish all dentist places were this kind. They got me in their office within 2 hours. Took an xray. Examined me. And gave me antibiotics.

Top notch care. My appointment was at 4:30. I was home by 5:19 and that's with traffic.
 

Glove Malfunction

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I guess I was fortunate, my pcp noticed that I'd never had one, referred me to the specialist and wham! just like that I was scheduled for a colonoscopy. I have Anthem BC/BS and they're fairly good about stuff like this.

I got referred and everything but this particular hospital seems to require a charge nurse's consent on top of the doctor's orders to even schedule one.

I'm calling back tomorrow morning. Don't play games because I still know people and will go over your head if need be. I hate even typing that out but sometimes you have to use those stored favors from years ago. Pays to be nice to everyone wherever you work.

I strongly suspect the person didn't want to do their job and used this archaic "policy" as an excuse to get me off the phone. They sounded like I had just woken them up from a nap when they finally picked up.

I have a lot of respect for schedulers and all of that having been one myself years ago but when you essentially refuse to do your job, that is when we have problems.

Advocating for oneself can be hard and can get a little messy at times no matter how polite you try to be.
Almost certainly, the reason for your disparate experiences is the difference in your ages. Once you hit the age where screening is "recommended", it will be scheduled without a second thought (like mine was). But getting it scheduled before that, primarily due to insurance, can feel like the worst obstacle course. GI centers don't want to perform a surgery they won't get paid for, so they make extra, extra sure they'll get theirs from the insurance, before they'll even consider scheduling it for you.
 
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Glove Malfunction

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Was able to find a dentist today that took my insurance to look at my tooth and make sure it wasn't infected. Luckily it wasn't. They took x-rays. My gums are inflamed. He gave me an antibiotic just to be safe which I appreciated. And gave me a referral to a oral surgeon that accepts my insurance so I'll call tomorrow to see what he says. If not. I'm paying out of pocket for a place in Winchester.

I'm so greatful to of found this dentist office. The staff made me feel at ease and the doctor was lovely and so handsome. He said "Don't worry! We'll get you ready for Taylor Swift" :laugh:


So I'm on augmentin. I take 1 pill every 8 hours to prevent any infection which was my worry. I wish all dentist places were this kind. They got me in their office within 2 hours. Took an xray. Examined me. And gave me antibiotics.

Top notch care. My appointment was at 4:30. I was home by 5:19 and that's with traffic.
This is how it should always be, Glad you're getting the care you need now. Navigating the health care system is awful even without being anxious about it.
 
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Alicat

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Almost certainly, the reason for your disparate experiences is the difference in your ages. Once you hit the age where screening is "recommended", it will be scheduled without a second thought (like mine was). But getting it scheduled before that, primarily due to insurance, can feel like the worst obstacle course. GI centers don't want to perform a surgery they won't get paid for, so they make extra, extra sure they'll get theirs from the insurance, before they'll even consider scheduling it for you.
Could be but I’ll be calling in the morning. in my case I think the person on the phone was being lazy.

Health insurance is such a headache.

Cigna has really gotten so bad in just one year that I wont be shocked if we go back to Blue Cross for 2024
 

Glove Malfunction

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Could be but I’ll be calling in the morning. in my case I think the person on the phone was being lazy.

Health insurance is such a headache.

Cigna has really gotten so bad in just one year that I wont be shocked if we go back to Blue Cross for 2024
Oh definitely call. "The squeaky wheel gets the grease" is very apropos in this scenario.
 

Kovi

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I know my age is throwing them fo a loop. It has been eye opening to see people’s perceptions of how people of a certain age are supposed to look. I didn't realize 40 was ancient.
When things start crackin every morning, you're ancient. haha

My father passed from prostate cancer in 95. After that my brother went every year to do his PSA, they questioned him on his age every time, so I can empathize. He was like--yeah, I watched my dad die, you're doing it.

Was able to find a dentist today that took my insurance to look at my tooth and make sure it wasn't infected. Luckily it wasn't. They took x-rays. My gums are inflamed. He gave me an antibiotic just to be safe which I appreciated. And gave me a referral to a oral surgeon that accepts my insurance so I'll call tomorrow to see what he says. If not. I'm paying out of pocket for a place in Winchester.

I'm so greatful to of found this dentist office. The staff made me feel at ease and the doctor was lovely and so handsome. He said "Don't worry! We'll get you ready for Taylor Swift" :laugh:


So I'm on augmentin. I take 1 pill every 8 hours to prevent any infection which was my worry. I wish all dentist places were this kind. They got me in their office within 2 hours. Took an xray. Examined me. And gave me antibiotics.

Top notch care. My appointment was at 4:30. I was home by 5:19 and that's with traffic.
You deserved that kindness from the beginning. I'm glad it's in process.
 
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BMC

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When things start crackin every morning, you're ancient. haha

My father passed from prostate cancer in 95. After that my brother went every year to do his PSA, they questioned him on his age every time, so I can empathize. He was like--yeah, I watched my dad die, you're doing it.


You deserved that kindness from the beginning. I'm glad it's in process.

When I was 30 I insisted on a baseline mammogram, as my mother had a benign tumor removed from her breast when she was 21. Also my closest friend at the time was fighting what turned out to be a losing battle against breast cancer. Doctor thought I was nuts, you don't normally do a baseline until you're 35, until I explained why. Thankfully he understood.
 

Mione134

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Genuinely want to bash my face into a wall. After calling for 4 hours straight, I was able to talk to a receptionist for my wisdom tooth removal, only caveat is they only have an appointment for me for JUNE 8th. I cannot wait that long to get this f***ing thing out of my mouth. Yes, I'm on antibiotics and yes I'm glad I've got that to make sure I don't get any infections. But my gums are literally killing me and it's starting to cover my tooth because it's inflamed. Waiting 2 weeks has me petrified. I don't think I can't wait that long.

Mass Health is EASILY the worst f***ing insurance ever. I don't wish ANYONE to be on this thing. No other place can take me. The Winchester office that said I could pay out of pocket said I wouldn't be seen until August.

I don't know what to do. I kept the appointment for June 8th. But I'm trying to find a place that could take me next week and nope. Nobody. I hate it here. I really do. I'm so overwhelmed and stressed the f*** out.
 
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Alicat

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When things start crackin every morning, you're ancient. haha

My father passed from prostate cancer in 95. After that my brother went every year to do his PSA, they questioned him on his age every time, so I can empathize. He was like--yeah, I watched my dad die, you're doing it.


You deserved that kindness from the beginning. I'm glad it's in process.
They've been trying to figure out some digestive issues since I landed in the hospital for 3 days with a kidney stone and infection. Allergy tests keep coming up negative so before they try an elimination diet my doctor said lets do a colonoscopy and maybe we will get answers that way.

I was so glad that they are adopting new guidelines for mammograms but IMO, the age needs to be 30 not 40.
 
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Kovi

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Genuinely want to bash my face into a wall. After calling for 4 hours straight, I was able to talk to a receptionist for my wisdom tooth removal, only caveat I'd they only have an appointment for me for JUNE 8th. I cannot wait that long to get this f***ing thing out of my mouth. Yes, I'm on antibiotics and yes I'm glad I've got that to make sure I don't get any infections. But my gums are literally killing me and it's starting to cover my tooth because it's inflamed. Waiting 2 weeks has be petrified. I don't think I can't wait that long.

Mass Health is EASILY the worst f***ing insurance ever. I don't wish ANYONE to be on this thing. No other place can take me. The Winchester office that said I could pay out of pocket said I wouldn't be seen until August.

I don't know what to do. I kept the appointment for June 2nd. But I'm trying to find a place that could take me next week and nope. Nobody. I hate it here. I really do. I'm so overwhelmed and stressed the f*** out.
Call back. Demand to be seen and say the 8th is unacceptable. Tell her you feel like you cant breathe and you cant go to work and you are losing money. She can at least put you on the cancel wait list.
I f*king hate western medicine. we're here for you. dont give up!!
 
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Mione134

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Call back. Demand to be seen and say the 8th is unacceptable. Tell her you feel like you cant breathe and you cant go to work and you are losing money. She can at least put you on the cancel wait list.
I f*king hate western medicine. we're here for you. dont give up!!

It's so beyond frustrating. I should be excited about going to the concert with my sister as I've been literally in the house, scared for 3 f***ing years. Instead, I'm just sad. I called the receptionist and she had empathy, but reiterated that they are booked until then. They are overwhelmed. She said lots of people are coming in now to do dental work and wisdom teeth removal because they didn't do it during the pandemic. Which I understand. I don't have a choice but to wait.

It's just so maddening. Sad part is, if I was NOT on Mass Health and on Blue Cross, Havard Pilgrim, etc Melrose Oral Surgery has openings.

But nope. I'm stuck. I just gotta take a deep breath. Trust that I'm going to be okay. Keep taking my antibiotic. Gargling with warm water and salt. Using ice. Tylenol. And hopefully this doesn't get worse until then. The dentist I saw yesterday took an xray and didn't say anything in regards to me to look out for, or anything he was concerned about. And I know everything will feel better once it's out of my mouth. Just the anticipation of waiting so long is making me more stressed than I already am. And I am already a stressful person. I've have a General Anxiety Disorder and a Panic Disorder on top of other things. So as you can imagine, it's been a rough 2 weeks of this.

So many places have told me late June, August. And I even heard a September if you can believe it. Just awful.

Fingers crossed, prayers, and good vibes my way folks. I need the universe to give me a break and just keep me sane until June 8th.
 
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quietbruinfan

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They've been trying to figure out some digestive issues since I landed in the hospital for 3 days with a kidney stone and infection. Allergy tests keep coming up negative so before they try an elimination diet my doctor said lets do a colonoscopy and maybe we will get answers that way.

I was so glad that they are adopting new guidelines for mammograms but IMO, the age needs to be 30 not 40.
Cannot speak to the mammogram but keep trying to get to the bottom of your kidney issue. Good luck with your colonoscopy. P.S. I read that the citrates in lemon water really help to break up stones. I tried it just for a nice add to my diet and the lemon really freshens the water well.
 

Bruinswillwin77

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Cannot speak to the mammogram but keep trying to get to the bottom of your kidney issue. Good luck with your colonoscopy. P.S. I read that the citrates in lemon water really help to break up stones. I tried it just for a nice add to my diet and the lemon really freshens the water well.
Im No doctor obviously lol but I've always sworn by lemon water first thing in the morning.
 
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Alicat

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Cannot speak to the mammogram but keep trying to get to the bottom of your kidney issue. Good luck with your colonoscopy. P.S. I read that the citrates in lemon water really help to break up stones. I tried it just for a nice add to my diet and the lemon really freshens the water well.
I've been drinking lemon based water as of late and want to try hot lemon water in the morning. The biggest thing for me is making sure that if I have tea or a ginger ale I need to have at least 8oz of water after.

I never want kidney stones again. I actually begged them to knock me out b/c the pain was so bad.
 
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AngryMilkcrates

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I've been drinking lemon based water as of late and want to try hot lemon water in the morning. The biggest thing for me is making sure that if I have tea or a ginger ale I need to have at least 8oz of water after.

I never want kidney stones again. I actually begged them to knock me out b/c the pain was so bad.
Also, for anyone who has a kidney stone try AZO.
It will numb your bladder and the surrounding nerves, side effect is it will turn your pee Kool-aid orange. Small price for and end to the pain.

I still have my last stone in a small plastic jar.

No way I am going through that much and not have something to show for it.
 

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Who wants to go for a ride?

IMG_0532.jpeg
 
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