General Medical issues thread

[kookaburra75]

Its just above the eyebrow. I was wondering whether it could be treated by radiation.

MrsK had had three basal cell carcinomas removed over the past several years, which were on her eyebrow, nose and face. Her specialist used Mohs Surgery method which was very effective as well as not leaving any noticeable scars, which was done by Dr Chris Kearney who is based in Bondi in Sydney.
Dr Thinus van Rensburg, who is up at Kippax knows Chris and refers people to him I think - you might need to check first.
That might be an option, although it will depend exactly on your situation.

 

[tgh]

CCCoooooeee flashback… 10300 posts is not retirement time…..

 

[prozac]

CCCoooooeee flashback… 10300 posts is not retirement time…..

I certainly hope Flashback has sought medical advice regards his racing heart.

 

[love_the_life]

I certainly hope Flashback has sought medical advice regards his racing heart.

Though I can't speak for him, I think he is doing OK

 

[Flashback]

CCCoooooeee flashback… 10300 posts is not retirement time…..

I certainly hope Flashback has sought medical advice regards his racing heart.

Though I can't speak for him, I think he is doing OK

Hello all, thanks for your chasing and/or concern!

For a while it did feel like retirement time. Some very kind people on AFF did reach out and suggest otherwise. You know who you are.

I won't sugar coat it, I had a cancer scare. After multitudes of testing it was fortunately proved to not be a problem. Thank goodness.

P.S. I was under 10k when I left! I didn't expect that......

 

[RooFlyer]

Just saw my GP and in passing asked about getting a booster flu shot ( I had a quad in early February prior to going over seas).

answer was a firm no - per advice from the national medical practitioners college ( or whatever it’s called) covering this issue. Plus of course there is b-all flu about.

 

[tgh]

there is b-all flu about.

weak as…. can't hack the competition

 

[SuePa]

Plus of course there is b-all flu about.

I participate in the weekly 'flu tracking'. It takes less than a minute, once a week.
The drop for this year has been quite dramatic.

You can join here, https://info.flutracking.net/ If you're interested.

 

[prozac]

I participate in the weekly 'flu tracking'. It takes less than a minute, once a week.
The drop for this year has been quite dramatic.
View attachment 223553
You can join here, https://info.flutracking.net/ If you're interested.

I wonder what the reduction in flu-related deaths is this year because of lockdown?

 

[prozac]

I wonder what the reduction in flu-related deaths is this year because of lockdown?

... "The latest national statistics, obtained by the ABC, reveal from January to June 2020, there were just 36 deaths from the flu.
That compares to 430 deaths in the same period for 2019."

This time last year 430 people had died from influenza. This year it's just 36

Australia has seen a huge drop in influenza cases and deaths this year. Experts say a combination of school closures, physical distancing, hand hygiene, border closures and increased vaccination rates have all contributed to the sharp decline.

www.abc.net.au

So far we are ahead of the game. Is it wholly due to lockdown or is it because people are finally washing their hands?

 

[RooFlyer]

I participate in the weekly 'flu tracking'. It takes less than a minute, once a week.
The drop for this year has been quite dramatic.
View attachment 223553
You can join here, https://info.flutracking.net/ If you're interested.

Already on it

 

[love_the_life]

I participate in the weekly 'flu tracking'. It takes less than a minute, once a week.
The drop for this year has been quite dramatic.
View attachment 223553
You can join here, https://info.flutracking.net/ If you're interested.

Been doing this for a few years now - good to feel I am doing my part and also good to see the patterns.

 

[SuePa]

So far we are ahead of the game. Is it wholly due to lockdown or is it because people are finally washing their hands?

Stopping the spread of one virus works just as well for another virus, I suppose.
I think it would help every year if people were more conscientious about handwashing, proper procedures for coughing and sneezing, and not going out when sick.
Maybe they will be after all this.

 

[cove]

I was annoyed that one of my heart medications was out of stock but when I spoke to my niece pharmacist I realized the supply chain is running poorly. Apparently diabetics cannot currently get their most regularly supplied tablets. At least I could get a generic version of Olmetec or a half strength version of the real drug so that would cover 14 days.
The supply chain is a bit broken.

 

[Pushka]

I was annoyed that one of my heart medications was out of stock but when I spoke to my niece pharmacist I realized the supply chain is running poorly. Apparently diabetics cannot currently get their most regularly supplied tablets. At least I could get a generic version of Olmetec or a half strength version of the real drug so that would cover 14 days.
The supply chain is a bit broken.

Its been broken since Covid began when supplies of plaquenil (hysdroxychloroquine) ran out for those with auto immune issues and then thyroxine supplies ran low just a couple of weeks later. Also some of the older blood pressure tablets have been hard to get for a few months as manufacturers shift to different drugs which is unfortunate for those who responded well to the first.

 

[wandering_fred]

PBS allows refills at approximately 3 weeks after each script (good for 30 days normally) purchase, Always refill at that point until you have a "backup" stock. GPs are usually agreeable to new scripts at the 5-6 month mark for long term issues.
Downside is when the med is considered to be "no longer required" or when replaced with something "new and more effective".

Generates some security before wandering
Fred

 

[Katie]

It suddenly occurs to me as I start the prep for a colonoscopy next week (three year check up, as advised by the doctor), that maybe 2020 isn't the year to have a colonoscopy.

(Of course I'm joking. I held off for a few months due to Covid, but don't see a need for further delays)

 

[RooFlyer]

At least I could get a generic version of Olmetec or a half strength version of the real drug so that would cover 14 days.

No probs for me with that one.

PBS allows refills at approximately 3 weeks after each script (good for 30 days normally) purchase, Always refill at that point until you have a "backup"

I just ask for two refills at the same time (ie using 2 of the 'repeats') when I 'm going o/s or, a few months ago when I wanted a month's supply up my sleeve in case of supply chain issues. Never had a problem, different pharmacies. Now I always keep about 6 weeks supply on hand.

 

[wandering_fred]

...
I just ask for two refills at the same time (ie using 2 of the 'repeats') when I 'm going o/s or, a few months ago when I wanted a month's supply up my sleeve in case of supply chain issues. Never had a problem, different pharmacies. Now I always keep about 6 weeks supply on hand.

Theoretically a no-no if you are on a seniors health care (or pension) card. And the various different chemist shops will check the on-line PBS records.
However the MD has ways of bypassing the standard rules.

From the PBS web pages

Regulation 49 (previously Regulation 24) provides that, in certain circumstances, a PBS prescription can be written so that the quantities for the original and repeats are supplied at the same time.

Saves undue wandering
Fred

 

[RooFlyer]

Theoretically a no-no if you are on a seniors health care (or pension) card. And the various different chemist shops will check the on-line PBS records.
However the MD has ways of bypassing the standard rules.

From the PBS web pages
Regulation 49 (previously Regulation 24) provides that, in certain circumstances, a PBS prescription can be written so that the quantities for the original and repeats are supplied at the same time.

Saves undue wandering
Fred

I'm not on a seniors or pension card but yes, the pharmac_ usually (not always) asks why I want two and 'I'm going overseas' always does it.