tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post6573086593498729184..comments2024-03-14T03:43:02.583-04:00Comments on EPBOT: BRING IT, GRANDMASJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-28191503404605212572016-08-10T14:39:49.356-04:002016-08-10T14:39:49.356-04:00It's tough with traditional doctors - really, ...It's tough with traditional doctors - really, really tough. I go to a naturopath MD, whose whole practice specializes in alternative/holistic treatments & hormone replacement therapy, in addition to the "normal" prescription stuff. Check your area for Naturopaths and/or "Integrative Medicine" - those places will look at the whole picture, and tend to listen more.<br />Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-18668603653110168882016-08-09T10:41:59.329-04:002016-08-09T10:41:59.329-04:00What did you have to do to get someone to check th...What did you have to do to get someone to check these kinds of things? I have an appointment with an endocrinologist in freaking OCTOBER, and I believe I am having pretty significant metabolic issues... I need someone to take a look at the whole picture and start figuring out what is overall wrong with me, and I cannot seem to interest my GP in doing so...Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02859562022204193604noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-83169730386359473682016-07-17T07:54:41.874-04:002016-07-17T07:54:41.874-04:00I LOVE your description "weepy narcoleptic sl...I LOVE your description "weepy narcoleptic sloth." I may use that when I see my endocrinologist and GYN next month. Maybe that will get their attention. Which vitamins did you find to be "good"?Lesliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03568993231561097480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-31628692879930135552016-07-15T03:07:01.519-04:002016-07-15T03:07:01.519-04:00My best friend plays a game where, while I'm d...My best friend plays a game where, while I'm driving the car, she leans over and plucks my random chin hairs. So far I've always managed to not crash the car and she just giggles hysterically. MadTigerKittynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-85665644729435290782016-07-14T15:33:29.681-04:002016-07-14T15:33:29.681-04:00No kidding on the chin hairs! I have black ones AN...No kidding on the chin hairs! I have black ones AND white ones! ARGH! Momma never told me I'd have wrinkles, zits AND chin hairs! SalannBnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-58427981646749788732016-07-13T15:26:30.770-04:002016-07-13T15:26:30.770-04:00But could you arm wrestle *this* 80 year old grand...But could you arm wrestle <a href="https://classpass.com/blog/2016/07/12/news-worlds-fittest-grandma/" rel="nofollow">*this* 80 year old grandma?</a> :-o ;-)Katrinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00876194958924300697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-79556969266453027592016-07-13T15:24:01.535-04:002016-07-13T15:24:01.535-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Katrinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00876194958924300697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-29434820858237693142016-07-13T12:06:51.885-04:002016-07-13T12:06:51.885-04:00Just want to say thanks for the gentle prod. While...Just want to say thanks for the gentle prod. While I don't have pressing medical issues, I have been avoiding scheduling a procedure people "of a certain age" should get, not for any particular reason. I finally scheduled it after reading this.SueLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-85819476761162642652016-07-13T08:33:18.278-04:002016-07-13T08:33:18.278-04:00Awesome; I will check it out from the library. Tha...Awesome; I will check it out from the library. Thanks, Jen!Emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14874433206599664457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-3522956298033064832016-07-13T04:58:05.394-04:002016-07-13T04:58:05.394-04:00You have my admiration, Jen, for your ability to b...You have my admiration, Jen, for your ability to be proactive about your medical problems as well to talk about them here. :) I'm another person with some serious chronic medical problems (I have a congenital - as yet unidentified - hormonally-linked blood clotting disorder and a pretty huge deep vein thrombosis in my inferior vena cava because of that disorder. In real language, that means I have a big honking blood clot in the biggest vein in my body, blocking proper blood flow below my waist.) I 100% agree that it's really important to be an informed patient - and that means more than just going on WebMD! (Which I don't recommend in any case - the last time I did that when I felt sick I "found out" that I probably have a brain tumor, lung cancer, lupus, the Zika virus, and testicular cancer, despite the fact that I'm an XX woman.) It means stuff like being willing to ask your doctors a LOT of questions, getting a second opinion when you think one of your primary care doctors might not be totally on the ball, and listening to nurses and medical assistants, who often know as much as the doctors who employ them, if not more.<br /><br />In terms of fatigue and feeling just kind of sick in general - my mom just found out that apparently vitamin D deficiency is epidemic amongst people right now. When she got her bloodwork done, her vitamin D levels were nearly non-existent. She's started taking supplements under doctor's orders and is starting to feel a lot better (she was starting to worry about stuff like cancer and early-onset dementia). Apparently we're all doing a GREAT job of wearing sunblock, but that cuts down on vitamin D aborption from sunlight. Also, because of the trend towards vegetarianism and veganism, we're avoid a lot of foods that contain high levels of vitamin D, like dairy products and fatty fish such as salmon. I personally am going to ask my doctor to check my vitamin D levels during my next physical, because I pretty much COAT myself in 100+ SPF sunblock every time I leave my house - including facial lotion with a high SPF. And, while I'm not vegan or vegetarian, I almost never drink milk and only eat fish once or twice a month, if that. I mostly live on pasta, beans, and fruits and veggies. (Not to mention potato chips and chocolate.) :P Jaimehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04295823449665683014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-61712278364522906532016-07-11T21:58:23.153-04:002016-07-11T21:58:23.153-04:00We got the tests to check both my cortisol and sex...We got the tests to check both my cortisol and sex hormones, since my cycle wrecks almost 2 weeks out of every month for me. I only feel right the week after my period, so we knew it was hormonal, & in the past my testosterone has been unusually *high*, which I'm guessing is why they checked it again this round. (I'm still kind of astounded it's this low!)Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-38540288002839570712016-07-11T21:49:01.361-04:002016-07-11T21:49:01.361-04:00That's awesome, Emily! If you're feeling a...That's awesome, Emily! If you're feeling ambitious, check out "Hashimoto's Root Cause" by Izabella Wentz; it'll be an information overload, but she looks at so many things you can do to repair your thyroid, and will have you better understanding your body and the interplay of hormones and whatnot. Doctors are often (sadly) behind the times on the newest testing & treatments, so the more you know, the better!Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-43231328629401810212016-07-11T20:24:18.338-04:002016-07-11T20:24:18.338-04:00I think Pokemon Go will help with your exercise at...I think Pokemon Go will help with your exercise attempts! :D But it's hot there in Florida, so... I dunno about walking around outside.Alvinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01848637272348287022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-6530979139813614972016-07-11T14:44:18.318-04:002016-07-11T14:44:18.318-04:00you're awesome and we love you! I love your se...you're awesome and we love you! I love your sense of humor through it all! sarcastic jokes and gufaws are one of the best medicines (aside from testosterone). Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18408003625765571437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-82616660160951058112016-07-11T13:08:31.977-04:002016-07-11T13:08:31.977-04:00Jen, my doctor put me on testosterone (the spray) ...Jen, my doctor put me on testosterone (the spray) after hearing me complain about lack of energy and major brain fog -- he did a test of a large dose and honest to god, I could feel the fog lifting. But I didn't tell him then or my husband (wanted to make sure it was real). The next day I was so active and alert that my husband could not believe it (it was a Saturday and I could run errands that I had not had the energy to do in months). The next day I was my usual lethargic foggy self and I called the doctor first thing Monday morning. Interesting in that he told me not to worry if I missed a couple of days -- but if I missed three, my husband would be delicately inquiring if everything was okay and all. <br /><br />I ran out of the stuff (that he had provided) after about 9 months and he was trying to get me another freebie because insurance was being obnoxious about it. In the meantime, I did a Whole30 and realized that the brain fog never came back. Tests that fall showed that my levels were normal. <br /><br />Personally I think it was the combo of getting the testosterone for some time AND giving up diet soda (that hurt). But it felt like a miracle to me. I hope you have as good of results.<br />Sassyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02393070325096011170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-12781708904008500062016-07-11T12:21:15.892-04:002016-07-11T12:21:15.892-04:00OK, Jen, just for you, I finally called to go see ...OK, Jen, just for you, I finally called to go see my doctor...doctors. I'll get to see them both on my birthday. Thank you for caring. <3Doris Sudduthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03499829733900755355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-8689941900493454852016-07-11T11:28:37.309-04:002016-07-11T11:28:37.309-04:00Oh my god, I am with you on the chin hair. I swea...Oh my god, I am with you on the chin hair. I swear. I can spend half an hour plucking the damn things ... and the next morning, there's a new one half a centimeter long and WHERE DID IT COME FROM? I think I'm a mutant and my super power is exponential chin hair growth. Holly Denghelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10374144903476023383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-6497155134907447302016-07-11T09:44:45.886-04:002016-07-11T09:44:45.886-04:00So, I have an appt with the doc this week (fellow ...So, I have an appt with the doc this week (fellow Hashi's/hypo sufferer); from this blog, I've got a few questions I want to ask, like if I need to have my antibodies level checked, if there's anything I need to be doing to "protect" my thyroid (rather than just taking NatureThroid), if I should have my testosterone looked at, and what can I do about my thin hair? <br /><br />Got any other tips for me? I clearly do not know enough about this; I've just been taking my meds for 10 years without thinking much of it. Ugh.Emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14874433206599664457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-54551155411097191892016-07-11T09:12:34.129-04:002016-07-11T09:12:34.129-04:00Ugh. Chin hairs.
The struggle is real. Ugh. Chin hairs. <br />The struggle is real. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12606360845412694807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-46353286778946485902016-07-11T09:10:14.197-04:002016-07-11T09:10:14.197-04:00A lengthy conversation and no one's mentioned ...A lengthy conversation and no one's mentioned PCOS yet, so I will. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome has one particular symptom (not all get this flavor of it) that grows thick, wirey hairs in all the wrong places while losing hair in the right places. I spent about two hours a day plucking because I also can't handle waxes and the home bleaching things don't work on this kind of hair. I'm lucky to have a doctor who understands PCOS though and we got it mostly sorted out with one particular medication. I won't mention the name because this isn't intended as a pro-med post, but I'm happy with the results. I wasted a lot of time blaming facial and body hair on my ethnicity. Turns out it was wanky hormones and completely manageable with help from the right medical professional.Kim Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03295477457255962125noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-6765538700800873762016-07-11T05:25:07.256-04:002016-07-11T05:25:07.256-04:00I think gravity wins over time. Men lose hair on ...I think gravity wins over time. Men lose hair on their heads which then grows out of their eyebrows, ears, noses and backs. Women lose less hair from their heads, but lose their eyebrows and eyelashes which eventually show up as chin/neck hairs. Even as I type this, I feel more a-sproutin'!<br />-ZippyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-35739786414387589092016-07-11T04:43:12.009-04:002016-07-11T04:43:12.009-04:00This is why I love this blog. Here we are in the c...This is why I love this blog. Here we are in the comments, bonding over chin hairs! I have them too, and some on the upper lip as well. I even keep some tweezers in my bag in case I notice a hair while at work :P (it's really not that bad, I just hate not being able to remove it straight after I find it). <br /><br />Hope you have a wonderful day! :)June Marienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-21183495873330009332016-07-11T03:59:59.269-04:002016-07-11T03:59:59.269-04:00I'm sorry to hear about your struggles, and ca...I'm sorry to hear about your struggles, and can relate... I also have excessive problems in that area, coupled with hair loss on my scalp. <br /><br />I was diagnosed with late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH),and from the description you gave, it sounds like it could be worth looking into with an endocrinologist. PCOS could also be the cause, and I think an gynecologist should be able to help with that diagnosis. <br /><br />I hope you'll find the cause, and a treatment plan that would help you with the symptoms bothering you :) Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-18659611646695822712016-07-10T21:43:32.747-04:002016-07-10T21:43:32.747-04:00My son is often found of introducing me to his fri...My son is often found of introducing me to his friend as "and this is my mom, she is 15 yrs dead this year." sometimes he even goes so far as to explain to them WHY he says that, either way my point is I was told when I was 16 that I would be in a wheel chair at 25 and dead at 30. And I am proud to say I am now 15 yrs dead (or in English the non-morbid can understand I am 15 yrs past the date they gave me to live).<br /><br />I owe it to a couple of very important things. One I know as much if not more then my doctors about my medical issues. I see my doctors regularly and am forever playing the health balance game. You know the one where you take this medication to make that issue ok but then need to take that medication to fight the side affects of the previous medication. <br /><br />I also have this desire to prove them all wrong, I will go out on my own terms thank you very much. To that end I keep a positive attitude (no I am not one of those happy all the time roses and sunshine girls, not that there is anything wrong with folks like that) when it comes to my health I try to work WITH my health care team and not against them. I come to each appointment prepared with a list so we know what needs to be taken care of and I have the best advocates (my husband and son) a woman could hope for. They know everything they need to be able to step in when I am not able to do it for myself. <br /><br />I love following your medical progress, while we do not share the same issues the way you have stepped up over the years makes me proud to be at part of a community which can offer so much support for people we've never even met. <br /><br />You keep doing you, and always remember especially when you are having a hard day that sharing your experiences are helping so many out in the world and that we are all sending those same vibes back at ya.Velvet Kittenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12871509290698202001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-36987465584708764992016-07-10T20:59:01.243-04:002016-07-10T20:59:01.243-04:00I'm going tomorrow to see that doctor about th...I'm going tomorrow to see that doctor about that thing! My initial sleep medicine consultation. Susannoreply@blogger.com