|
|
Author |
Message |
|
|
Thu Jul 30, 2009 4:03 pm |
VERY INTERESTING Thanks so much for telling me that Antonia. I understand that Canada and the UK's systems aren't perfect but using someone like her for scare tactics I find so distasteful. There's a million and one people here in this country who wouldn't be able to borrow the 100K$ or to even fly to the Mayo clinic or get an appointment for that matter. I knew that story was fishy. And I'm glad I know now so I can tell others. I know a woman who had cancer here and she was put on a wait list for a month for her surgery, if she had CASH like Shona did I guess the Mayo clinic would have seen her immediately too. We need a overhaul of our system, I understand others are very flawed, they are trying to make it less flawed and more accessible to uninsured people. |
|
|
|
|
Thu Jul 30, 2009 5:13 pm |
I wanted to add something about bio-identical hormones, in the states you have to pay for them, they aren't covered by any kind of insurance. So if you find a doctor to prescribe you still have the cost of the prescription. My compounding pharmacy takes care of everything and ships it to me so I have little hassle. For every tube I pay about 30$ a month.(my insurance doesn't cover the Klaron lotion I need for my skin either, I pay 100$ a bottle for that. And I had to get my Tazorac from Canada for 61$ because it's about $300 here!)
Compounding pharmacies are interesting places too because they have a lot of anti-aging stuff and different nutritional stuff. Really sort of integrated pharmacies I guess you could say.
And about improper pain care, I feel for you who have to suffer because the art of pain control is so poorly understood. The only suggestion I can think of is that maybe you can see a pain control specialist at a pain control center, is that possible?
And Antonia re: the statin drugs:
The 2007 Lancet review of statins (vol. 369) by Harvard’s John Abramson found no health benefits and no reduction in mortality rates. The Heart Research Institute in Sydney, Australia, published supporting evidence in the New England Journal of Medicine (May 2008), showing that people who took statin drugs had 58% higher mortality rates than people with supposedly dangerously high cholesterol levels who took no statins – and lived happily ever after. This lack of efficacy has been known for a long time, prompting Merck and Schering-Plough to attempt suppressing such evidence from their recent Ezetrol trial (Times, March 31, 2008). |
|
|
|
|
Thu Jul 30, 2009 7:25 pm |
I have to admit that until I found this thread, I knew very little about BIH. I've been on HRT for about 6 years, currently taking Livial with no problems that I am aware of - but I'm certainly open to any alternatives, especially safer ones.
For those of you in Australia I've found this website which has a number to call for information:
http://www.menopausecentre.com.au/online/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=29 |
_________________ Born 1950. There's a new cream on the market that gets rid of wrinkles - you smear it on the mirror!! |
|
|
|
Thu Jul 30, 2009 8:45 pm |
I also wanted to mention for people with arthritis pain - in Europe there is a very popular "cure" - mineral waters in places like Germany, Italy, Hungary and Czech Republic and Slovakia (and many others).
If you do not have oncological problems/fears (hot water and mud packs may stimulate growth) and heart problems - it may be a thing to consider. They do work, they do not restore the joints, but provide long lasting relief for various maladies - sometimes up to a year.
BTW, I also live in NYC vicinity, so if you need doctor recommendations - PM me and if I would gladly share the names I know.
Also, a quick note - Dr. Bob Marshal (prlabs CEO and Ph.D. in Biochem) in his lectures talks quite a bit about quality of water, air, food supplies and all the harm caused by EMF; and also some interesting food handling/preparation practices (like if the organic farm is downstream from the polluting factory the products are technically organic, but ...). There is also a good book by Dr. Sherry Rogers "Detoxify or Die" (illuminating reading).
HTH |
_________________ Early 50s, Skin: combin.,semi-sensitive, fair with occasional breakouts, some old acne scars, freckles, under-eye wrinkles; Redhead with hazel eyes |
|
|
|
Fri Jul 31, 2009 4:44 am |
I feel for you, trigger, I really do! Like you say, they just don't, or can't, hope to understand what it's like. Naproxen isn't nearly strong enough to cope with severe arthritis flare-ups. It's enough to make you cry with frustration when things like that happen.
Yes, I'm sure if they employed arthritic clinicians to help those with arthritis, the treatment would be very much better! I also believe that you should almost NEVER go to a male doctor with period problems. Most female doctors are far more sympathetic and helpful. (Having said that, I did see one male consultant who did try his best to help, but that's pretty rare, in my experience.)
I'm lucky now and have a very competent GP who I trust. My disease is mostly controlled through NSAIDs and regular exercise. Although I still have the very occasional bad flare-up, most of the pain I experience is pretty mild. These days, I hike, canoe and all sorts - which I never would have thought possible when I was first diagnosed in my early 20's.
Oops, sorry for going so off-topic, everybody!
(But it's kind of nice to have another arthritis sufferer to sympathise with.)
trigger wrote: |
Idiots!! I feel for you! I had a similar experience. We live in NY but often go up to our place in Canada, and whilst there, I had a terrible attack of arthritis that made it impossible for me to barely take a step (sleeping, oh, how can a body hurt so much lying down! the hips! the neck! the shoulders! the ankles!) basically I was wracked with pain and needed some help. After hours in the Canadian hospital a doctor looked at my swollen body and promptly sent me of with a prescription for.......... Naproxen, which is over the counter Aleve in the US. That bottle of Aleve cost me close to $400 all in, not to mention took days to give me any relief.
Doctors that don't consider treating pain properly should be inflicted with something painful for a week or so!! Pain in itself is a condition that can set off a whole chain effect of stressful chemicals in the body. And, we have many effective natural drugs for it! Arghh...now you're getting me started.
Shame on that doctor Majorb. I hope you've got your condition under better control now. It's an ongoing process, but getting the pain within manageable levels is the first step. |
|
|
|
|
|
Fri Jul 31, 2009 5:18 am |
That's fantastic to hear majorb! I've just come back from a camping/canoe trip in Algonquin park (canada). The NSAID's are helping me too (but I get a relapse of serious pain if I miss one dose). I worry about taking them, but as you've said, life is miserable without, and I've yet to find anything else to help.
I wonder how much my hormone balance is to do with it though, as the major pain relapses always occur premenstrual time. That's why I'm wondering if I can get my levels checked to see if BHRT could help. |
|
|
|
|
Fri Jul 31, 2009 7:43 am |
trigger, you are never going to believe this - but I'm off to Algonquin (and other parts of Ontario) in September to do some canoeing and hiking! Great minds and all.
As for hormonal imbalance, it seems to affect a surprising number of things. We get migraines during periods, temperature swings (shivering with cold, then unbearably hot), all kinds of stuff. It wouldn't surprise me if it did affect your arthritis in some way.
If you do start on BHRT, please report back on whether it helps to keep your arthritis calmer.
trigger wrote: |
That's fantastic to hear majorb! I've just come back from a camping/canoe trip in Algonquin park (canada). The NSAID's are helping me too (but I get a relapse of serious pain if I miss one dose). I worry about taking them, but as you've said, life is miserable without, and I've yet to find anything else to help.
I wonder how much my hormone balance is to do with it though, as the major pain relapses always occur premenstrual time. That's why I'm wondering if I can get my levels checked to see if BHRT could help. |
|
|
|
|
|
Fri Jul 31, 2009 8:22 am |
You're going to love it! It's beautiful there, and a great time of year!
Yes, I get all of those symptoms, but besides the migraine the body pains/fatigue is the worst. I'll let you know how I go. Unfortunately I don't live in a major city, so it probably means travelling to find a good specialist gyno. Have to get motivated to get onto it.
Was talking to my mum last night and it turns out she did try BHRT a few years ago with little success. At the moment she's not taking any thing for her hormones and is on an anti-depressant amityptalin (Elavil here, I think), which she says has helped her with the depression/anxiety insomnia, but has made her gain 20 kilos
I've passed on the link for BHRT in Australia... |
|
|
|
|
Fri Jul 31, 2009 8:28 am |
Ladies, I have really enjoyed reading this thread. Very informative.
I am 43 and not menopausal but I am curious about my hormone levels as I had my left ovary removed 5 years ago. So I assume that I have less estrogen than a woman with 2 ovaries?
Any Canadians (I am in Vancouver,Canada) with suggestions with where I could go to get tested? Will me GP take care of this or should I go to a naturopath?
BTW - I know political discussions are frowned upon but many of you have touched upon the health care debate in the US... seems like it is the best system in the world for the very rich and in terms of innovation (although it sounds like China is catching up -- they're cash rich right now and can plow money into novel technologies and research). However, "for profit healthcare" seems to create a society that needs to medicate itself for even the most unnecessary ailments whereas societies where the government (govenment=taxpayers=you and me) is on the hook for that care, extraneous treatment is frowned upon. I would think that you would not want to lose the opportunity to have the 'public option' in your healthcare model. |
_________________ 43 y/o: dark hair, blue eyes, fair skin... Holy grails are Flex Effect and Retin A. Still trying to find the perfect 'physical' sunscreen |
|
|
|
Sat Aug 01, 2009 7:40 am |
OK, so for now I've decided to go with a progesterone cream for the last 14 days of my cycle (when symptoms are at their worst) and something called DIM that's meant to help as well in controlling estrogen dominance. I'll see if that's strong enough for my particularly severe case. I did a bunch of online imbalance questionaires that all pointed to estrogen dominance. Anyone else tried this for PMS with any results? The reviews on iherb are astonishingly good...
After that I'll see if I need anything stronger and about finding a gyno that actually cares. My poor husband has taken to saying "oh you're premenstrual - that's why you're attacking me over this small and meaningless thing", which although slightly annoying, is a step forward for us. He used to take me so seriously all the time, so if I complained that the green tea and fruits he brings me in the morning in bed (I'm spoilt) aren't 'just so', he'd be distressed all day at my cruelty. Now he knows I'm imbalanced and doesn't take it personally. However, I'd love not to turn into an angry, fatigued, bloated and migrained woman in pain for the last two weeks of my cycle, and I'll continue my fifteen year quest on finding help.... |
|
|
|
|
Sat Aug 01, 2009 8:01 am |
I started a thread about estriol creams used for anti-aging. I've been interested in this since I've heard that Loulou from Ageless had used this in her quest to improve her aging skin. Perhaps I should have posted it here, but the thread is more pertaining to skin health and beauty, as I've heard topical estriol is the weaker form of estrogen that won't be picked up by the bloodstream for systemic effects.
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?p=474834#474834 |
|
|
|
|
Sat Aug 01, 2009 9:40 am |
I wonder whether something like that would work for me, trigger, as your symptoms sound very similar to mine? I'll try to find some of those online questionnaires and see if they offer any pointers.
As for Algonquin, I definitely know I'll enjoy it as this will be our third visit! We just can't seem to stay away!
trigger wrote: |
OK, so for now I've decided to go with a progesterone cream for the last 14 days of my cycle (when symptoms are at their worst) and something called DIM that's meant to help as well in controlling estrogen dominance. I'll see if that's strong enough for my particularly severe case. I did a bunch of online imbalance questionaires that all pointed to estrogen dominance. Anyone else tried this for PMS with any results? The reviews on iherb are astonishingly good...
After that I'll see if I need anything stronger and about finding a gyno that actually cares. My poor husband has taken to saying "oh you're premenstrual - that's why you're attacking me over this small and meaningless thing", which although slightly annoying, is a step forward for us. He used to take me so seriously all the time, so if I complained that the green tea and fruits he brings me in the morning in bed (I'm spoilt) aren't 'just so', he'd be distressed all day at my cruelty. Now he knows I'm imbalanced and doesn't take it personally. However, I'd love not to turn into an angry, fatigued, bloated and migrained woman in pain for the last two weeks of my cycle, and I'll continue my fifteen year quest on finding help.... |
|
|
|
|
|
Sat Aug 01, 2009 9:48 am |
Gosh trigger you sound exactly like my friend who for at least 2 weeks I can't say anything without making her irritated, mad, depressed etc. She knows it's hormonal but it's so intense, she sleeps all the time during the day, is always miserable before, during, and after her period. Most doctors would say oh you're depressed take an anti-depressant but she's just got severe PMMD. Have you tried light therapy? Try to get morning light and or get a bright light, they are recommended for SAD but sometimes also help with hormone imbalances. I'm going to check out your new thread. |
|
|
|
|
Thu Aug 06, 2009 3:49 pm |
Trigger... was your requirement for the MMR in the US? You should contact the CDC. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/safety/default.htm
And if nothing report your side effects. I'm not sure how easy if at all you can collect on the damage done to you. Your DR. is required by law to report any adverse effects that you reported to him/her... (at least that's what I remember from when I was dealing with the slew of vaccines that my boys needed.) I ended up with one of my twins in ER for a freakishly swollen fontanel after their DPaT shots... first time I was told it was not shot related. The 2nd time... we stopped all remaining shots.
I have no idea how it is for greencards, but in a school environment, you have the right to sign off that your child will not be getting certain shots. And that you agree to the fact that if there is an outbreak, your child will not be allowed to attend school. Fine with me...a lot of good that pc. of info does for you now. |
_________________ Claudia of FlexEffect... 43, fair skin, occasional breakout, Using ECO FROG (my own=disclaimer), and TrueScience (I also sell this)... Happy with that...Come visit on FB! |
|
|
|
Thu Aug 06, 2009 5:25 pm |
secretly wrote: |
I wanted to add something about bio-identical hormones, in the states you have to pay for them, they aren't covered by any kind of insurance.
|
Hi, secretly - I'm in the states and SOME of my BHRT products are covered by insurance. The compounded testosterone cream is not, but my Prometrium is. I also tried the Vivelle patch, and it was also covered by insurance. These are FDA-approved medications that fall in the bio-identical category. So when doctors categorically say that all bio-identicals are not standardized, I say they need to do their homework! BHRT covers more than compounded creams. |
_________________ Nadine, age 50, live in VA; half-Asian, slight yellow tone; sensitive, dry/combo skin |
|
|
|
Thu Aug 06, 2009 5:42 pm |
trigger wrote: |
OK, so for now I've decided to go with a progesterone cream for the last 14 days of my cycle (when symptoms are at their worst) and something called DIM that's meant to help as well in controlling estrogen dominance. I'll see if that's strong enough for my particularly severe case. I did a bunch of online imbalance questionaires that all pointed to estrogen dominance. Anyone else tried this for PMS with any results? The reviews on iherb are astonishingly good...
ich although slightly annoying, is a step forward foAfter that I'll see if I need anything stronger and about finding a gyno that actually cares. My poor husband has taken to saying "oh you're premenstrual - that's why you're attacking me over this small and meaningless thing", whr us. He used to take me so seriously all the time, so if I complained that the green tea and fruits he brings me in the morning in bed (I'm spoilt) aren't 'just so', he'd be distressed all day at my cruelty. Now he knows I'm imbalanced and doesn't take it personally. However, I'd love not to turn into an angry, fatigued, bloated and migrained woman in pain for the last two weeks of my cycle, and I'll continue my fifteen year quest on finding help.... |
Is the supplement you found on iherb Nature's Way DIM Plus Estrogen? I also ran across this and thought the reviews were good and were wondering if it might help me? Have you ordered it yet or has anyone else used this product? |
_________________ 50 Is definitely NOT nifty!! |
|
|
|
Thu Aug 06, 2009 5:49 pm |
secretly wrote: |
Gosh trigger you sound exactly like my friend who for at least 2 weeks I can't say anything without making her irritated, mad, depressed etc. She knows it's hormonal but it's so intense, she sleeps all the time during the day, is always miserable before, during, and after her period. Most doctors would say oh you're depressed take an anti-depressant but she's just got severe PMMD. Have you tried light therapy? Try to get morning light and or get a bright light, they are recommended for SAD but sometimes also help with hormone imbalances. I'm going to check out your new thread. |
Secretly, I sound exactly like your friend!! My next gyno appointment isn't until October. But in the meantime, I'd like to keep doing research and take with me questions/suggestions for my doctor. If I ask for tests/bloodwork what kind do I need? Thanks for your help and suggestions!! I am so tired of feeling good for only one week out of the month!! |
_________________ 50 Is definitely NOT nifty!! |
|
|
|
Thu Aug 06, 2009 5:55 pm |
Absolutely go to the Woman to Woman website, they are EXPERTS on this and other woman's issues. They have a checklist you can go through and tons of other stuff. I really feel for you, it's so terribly witnessing my friend suffer like she does ....awful!
Forgot to add.....I talked to my friend today and I convinced her to work out today, she's got to get those natural hormones going, try everything is what I say! |
_________________ 61 OMG! Health and fitness oriented and I take care of my skin from the inside out and use Klaron, Clindamycin, Tazorac Shikai creams, Beyond Coastal Sunscreen, Clairsonic. |
|
|
|
Thu Aug 06, 2009 7:25 pm |
Thanks, Secretly!! I will definitely check out that web site. I don't think people understand how debilitating PMDD can be. As I've ventured into my 40's, my symptoms have become progressively worse. I feel like I've hit the perimenopausal wall head first!! |
_________________ 50 Is definitely NOT nifty!! |
|
|
|
Thu Aug 06, 2009 7:38 pm |
On our local TV morning show today, two vets were discussing stem cell research on animals and they are now able to prolong the life of a pet by up to 15 years. This technology is now available to anyone. Apparently stem cell research on animals has not suffered from the red tape of its human counterpart. So I think that this is going to be the future in anti-aging treatments. |
_________________ Born 1950. There's a new cream on the market that gets rid of wrinkles - you smear it on the mirror!! |
|
|
|
Thu Aug 06, 2009 9:24 pm |
Keliu when you say prolong the life of pets by up to 15 years, are they saying 15 years on top of what an animal would normally live for? That would be the best thing ever invented to me. I hate losing my beloved dogs with their short life spans. |
|
|
|
|
Fri Aug 07, 2009 12:11 am |
Mishey wrote: |
Keliu when you say prolong the life of pets by up to 15 years, are they saying 15 years on top of what an animal would normally live for? That would be the best thing ever invented to me. I hate losing my beloved dogs with their short life spans. |
Yes, that is what they're saying. The treatment is available now - I think it's injections but I'm not sure. The segment was on "Mornings with Kerri-Anne" on Channel 9. |
_________________ Born 1950. There's a new cream on the market that gets rid of wrinkles - you smear it on the mirror!! |
|
|
|
Fri Aug 07, 2009 12:46 am |
Keliu wrote: |
Mishey wrote: |
Keliu when you say prolong the life of pets by up to 15 years, are they saying 15 years on top of what an animal would normally live for? That would be the best thing ever invented to me. I hate losing my beloved dogs with their short life spans. |
Yes, that is what they're saying. The treatment is available now - I think it's injections but I'm not sure. The segment was on "Mornings with Kerri-Anne" on Channel 9. |
That is the most fantastic thing I've ever heard.
Thank you so much for letting me know. |
|
|
|
|
Fri Aug 07, 2009 1:36 am |
Mishey wrote: |
Keliu wrote: |
Mishey wrote: |
Keliu when you say prolong the life of pets by up to 15 years, are they saying 15 years on top of what an animal would normally live for? That would be the best thing ever invented to me. I hate losing my beloved dogs with their short life spans. |
Yes, that is what they're saying. The treatment is available now - I think it's injections but I'm not sure. The segment was on "Mornings with Kerri-Anne" on Channel 9. |
That is the most fantastic thing I've ever heard.
Thank you so much for letting me know. |
Yes, me too! I've had quite enough of having my heart ripped out of me by the deaths of my precious pets, thank you! |
_________________ "I know that only time will heal my broken heart, just as only time will heal his broken arms and legs.” --Miss Piggy |
|
|
|
Fri Aug 07, 2009 3:58 pm |
That really is great news thanks for sharing. I guess that will change the definition of "dog years?" |
_________________ 61 OMG! Health and fitness oriented and I take care of my skin from the inside out and use Klaron, Clindamycin, Tazorac Shikai creams, Beyond Coastal Sunscreen, Clairsonic. |
|
|
Thu Mar 28, 2024 3:34 am |
If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.
Click Here to join our community.
If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site. |
|
|
|
|