General Medical issues thread

[Flying mermaid]

We are watching a bit of tv here in California and the drug advertisements are simply incredible. I don't think advertisements like this are allowed in Australia.....thank goodness.

we noticed them last time we were in the states - just terrible!

 

[Flying mermaid]

Sure, but it's the doctor's job to know about these drugs and most do.

The "alternatives" to warfarin have multiple issues and questions around the studies used to approve them.

Direct marketing to consumers is a terrible idea.

I am a huge fan of being informed and an arbiter of my own health. However most of the drug ads I saw seemed more about creating demand than anything else. My doctor is terrific and very low intervention so we suit each other. I trust if she says I really need something then I do, otherwise she keeps it as natural as possible.

 

[Cynicor]

I am a huge fan of being informed and an arbiter of my own health. However most of the drug ads I saw seemed more about creating demand than anything else. My doctor is terrific and very low intervention so we suit each other. I trust if she says I really need something then I do, otherwise she keeps it as natural as possible.

I agree. It's a bit like doctors meeting pharmaceutical reps. I don't see how that is not ok and direct marketing of drugs to consumers is. I don't see reps because they are inherently biased. It's not like the ads on US TV tell you all the options and why the others might be better.

 

[JohnK]

I think patients are much better off if they are informed as much as possible when consulting Dr.
Always go with a support person.

Google and Wiki is not where medical info resides.

My doctor is not always available even when he is in the office. Some things cannot wait. Google is a good reference guide for people with similar conditions.

 

[TheRealTMA]

My doctor is not always available even when he is in the office. Some things cannot wait. Google is a good reference guide for people with similar conditions.

Cache 22, you can only see your doctor (major major major) when he's not in. You can't see him when he's in. Duh! Cache 22. Look it up.

 

[Hvr]

Cache 22, you can only see your doctor (major major major) when he's not in. You can't see him when he's in. Duh! Cache 22. Look it up.

Did you mean 'catch 22'?

 

[TheRealTMA]

Did you mean 'catch 22'?

Yes! Sorry, it's all in Rosario's pronunciation!

 

[rogerkambah]

I am seeing my oncologist on Wednesday. Four weeks ago he discussed the possibility of excision of my remaining lung nodules. He seems quite keen on the idea but I am reluctant for more surgery and would rather undertake further therapy. However if just keyhole surgery was involved I probably would reconsider. He said he would ask me again at our next meeting.

I had a scan on Friday which indicated that there are 2 nodules (5mm and 6mm) remaining laterally in the right upper lobe with a further 3mm nodule located posterolaterally also in the r u lobe. The previous scan indicated the largest nodule was 11 x 5.4mm so some progress has been made.

I can't find a reference as to whether nodules of this size would be easy to locate and remove.

 

[Cynicor]

Could you clear your inbox rogerk?

 

[JohnK]

Cache 22, you can only see your doctor (major major major) when he's not in. You can't see him when he's in. Duh! Cache 22. Look it up.

Not catch 22. It means you need an appointment. If serious go hospital.

 

[love_the_life]

I am seeing my oncologist on Wednesday. Four weeks ago he discussed the possibility of excision of my remaining lung nodules. He seems quite keen on the idea but I am reluctant for more surgery and would rather undertake further therapy. However if just keyhole surgery was involved I probably would reconsider. He said he would ask me again at our next meeting.

I had a scan on Friday which indicated that there are 2 nodules (5mm and 6mm) remaining laterally in the right upper lobe with a further 3mm nodule located posterolaterally also in the r u lobe. The previous scan indicated the largest nodule was 11 x 5.4mm so some progress has been made.

I can't find a reference as to whether nodules of this size would be easy to locate and remove.

If the nodules have shrunk which it sounds like that's good news. Hope Wednesday's appointment confirms this. Fingers and toes crossed for you.

 

[Pushka]

Keyhole surgery is pretty amazing these days. I had full hysterectomy by keyhole and woke up asking if surgery had been cancelled as I was completely pain free and stayed that way. Using the microscope they know exactly where to go.

 

[rogerkambah]

Could you clear your inbox rogerk?

Sorry - fixed now.

 

[Flying mermaid]

I am seeing my oncologist on Wednesday. Four weeks ago he discussed the possibility of excision of my remaining lung nodules. He seems quite keen on the idea but I am reluctant for more surgery and would rather undertake further therapy. However if just keyhole surgery was involved I probably would reconsider. He said he would ask me again at our next meeting.

I had a scan on Friday which indicated that there are 2 nodules (5mm and 6mm) remaining laterally in the right upper lobe with a further 3mm nodule located posterolaterally also in the r u lobe. The previous scan indicated the largest nodule was 11 x 5.4mm so some progress has been made.

I can't find a reference as to whether nodules of this size would be easy to locate and remove.

thanks for the update. Good luck with the appointment and your decision.

 

[KitKat]

I am seeing my oncologist on Wednesday. Four weeks ago he discussed the possibility of excision of my remaining lung nodules. He seems quite keen on the idea but I am reluctant for more surgery and would rather undertake further therapy. However if just keyhole surgery was involved I probably would reconsider. He said he would ask me again at our next meeting.

I had a scan on Friday which indicated that there are 2 nodules (5mm and 6mm) remaining laterally in the right upper lobe with a further 3mm nodule located posterolaterally also in the r u lobe. The previous scan indicated the largest nodule was 11 x 5.4mm so some progress has been made.

I can't find a reference as to whether nodules of this size would be easy to locate and remove.

Not knowing the full details - best go with advice from person who knows you best... or unless you are keen for a second opinion.... if your primary doctor is professional they would accept patients requesting a second opinion.
My suspicion is that they are planning a Right Upper Lobectomy, probably a VATS (video assisted thoracic surgery)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/vats-lobectomy

"Keyhole" in the chest is not really like "keyhole in the abdomen" but probably better tolerated than an "open" procedure
I would look for a good cardiothoracic surgeon and anaesthetist team - outcome esp short term very dependent on a good team
All the best with appointment

 

[straitman]

I was meant to go and have an MRI on my head last week. I got as far as lying on the table but with all the 'stuff' surrounding my head I was freaking out and so I bailed out.

 

[Flying mermaid]

I was meant to go and have an MRI on my head last week. I got as far as lying on the table but with all the 'stuff' surrounding my head I was freaking out and so I bailed out.

Mr FM had around 25 MRI's on his head when he had brain abscesses. I don't think he liked them either. Is there something else they can do to get the info - they don't tend to order them lightly?

 

[love_the_life]

I had one a few years back on my head as well. It took me all my strength to last. Found it very claustrophobic and I had to concentrate on my breathing to keep calm.
Twenty five MRIs would have been awful.

 

[Flying mermaid]

I had one a few years back on my head as well. It took me all my strength to last. Found it very claustrophobic and I had to concentrate on my breathing to keep calm.
Twenty five MRIs would have been awful.

They sound dreadful if you are at all claustrophobic. 25 + ct scans, ultra sounds, spectroscopy etc. I had to pick up his "file" and take it to various appointments and it took a lot of effort to carry it! Eventually they created a second one, so I just had to take the latest. Fortunately it is all online these days. The 25 MRIs were over about 10 months, but most of them were in the first 3 months and then he went to monthly MRIs.

 

[JohnK]

I was meant to go and have an MRI on my head last week. I got as far as lying on the table but with all the 'stuff' surrounding my head I was freaking out and so I bailed out.

I freak as well and try to avoid MRI where possible. Think last time I barely got by with 2 valium/Xanax.