General Medical issues thread

[Quickstatus]

I don't think they test appearance in a usual blood test

The machines will flag the appearance of abnormal red (eg sickle cell) and abnormal white cells (eg leukemia). Then a manual blood smear is done under a microscope.

 

[Pushka]

This is quite likely.

https://www.amjmed.com/article/0002-9343(81)90363-6/pdf

That makes sense although the pattern of change is strange. High neutrophils and WBC the first month after steroi_s, I was then tapering over the next few months and levels returned to normal limits for 7 months, but this last month both are the highest they've been since starting steroi_s and down to 5mg and this time low RBC has chimed in. Fatigue? Hell yes. I have been getting little bruise spots, less than half a cm, but just a couple at a time. Then they go away.

 

[Quickstatus]

High neutrophils and WBC

Any test should be correlated to clinical findings. Often abnormal tests are insignificant/irrelevant in the overall context - in other words a red herring.

If abnormal and concerned just repeat in a little while and observe.

 

[Seat0B]

Question for members who have previously undergone chemo treatment, you know who you are. Do you think chemo affected your drinking habits? After a couple of drinks now I have generally lost interest. I had a greater thirst prior to chemo.

It’s certainly affected mine. I have no interest at all in alcohol. Zip, zero, zilch. I wasn’t a huge drinker before, but a glass of red with a delicious steak - yes please! And a couple of glasses of bubbles for a special day - yes please. Now, i don’t want to drink anything, not even water which still tastes foul. Maybe it will settle down in the future? I hope so.

 

[Seat0B]

Any test should be correlated to clinical findings

I am really grateful to my haematologist for adopting this approach. He said that my blood test results were bad but not terrible, but that my physical symptoms (blotches and bruises) were “way worse than expected with that kind of blood results and we need to get to the bottom of it” - and hey presto, diagnosis. My blotches were very significant.

I have a question about the etiquette of this thread. Is it regarded as Ok to post photos - I have photo of my arm blotches that might help someone to know they should se a competent doctor, but I notice that no one ever posts photos. Which is fine, because medical photos are usually pretty gross .

 

[Seat0B]

I asked at the pharmac_ about getting Shingrix. I’m not quite 65 yet but qualify because of the leukaemia. However, was told not eligible until both formally declared in remission (not yet) and at least 6 months since last dose of chemo (not yet). This is related to the live Nature of the vaccine. So it’s a bit of a wait for me still to get this shot.

I forgot to ask if the same rules apply to additional COVID booster that I would be eligible for as immuno-compromised. I assume that’s ok because COVID vax is not live? Does anyone know the answer to this?

 

[TheRealTMA]

Maluka honey for infections and wound treatment. Anyone know if this is problematic to use with someone who has an historical allergy to bee stings (anaphylaxis)?

 

[Pushka]

I asked at the pharmac_ about getting Shingrix. I’m not quite 65 yet but qualify because of the leukaemia. However, was told not eligible until both formally declared in remission (not yet) and at least 6 months since last dose of chemo (not yet). This is related to the live Nature of the vaccine. So it’s a bit of a wait for me still to get this shot.

I forgot to ask if the same rules apply to additional COVID booster that I would be eligible for as immuno-compromised. I assume that’s ok because COVID vax is not live? Does anyone know the answer to this?

I didn't think Shingrix is live though? Maybe he thought you meant the other one which is? It's only available I understand at the GP who hopefully will know the truth.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I didn't think Shingrix is live though? Maybe he thought you meant the other one which is? It's only available I understand at the GP who hopefully will know the truth.

Yes that's also my understanding.

"hingrix is a non-live vaccine and is safe for use in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised people. "

Zoster (herpes zoster)

Information about herpes zoster (shingles) disease, vaccines and recommendations for vaccination from the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au

 

[Pushka]

Maluka honey for infections and wound treatment. Anyone know if this is problematic to use with someone who has an historical allergy to bee stings (anaphylaxis)?

WebMD suggests it could be an issue for people anyway and especially if allergic to bees. Can the person consume honey ok?

 

[TheRealTMA]

WebMD suggests it could be an issue for people anyway and especially if allergic to bees. Can the person consume honey ok?

Ta. Yes I've googled the issue but it's not clear, especially since it's applied topically not ingested. But eating honey has not been an issue in the past AFAIK.

 

[Pushka]

Ta. Yes I've googled the issue but it's not clear, especially since it's applied topically not ingested. But eating honey has not been an issue in the past AFAIK.

Well you know how this all goes. As in, we will do a CYA so, computer says no.

 

[RooFlyer]

I have a question about the etiquette of this thread. Is it regarded as Ok to post photos - I have photo of my arm blotches that might help someone to know they should se a competent doctor, but I notice that no one ever posts photos. Which is fine, because medical photos are usually pretty gross

Personally, I have no problem. But let's restrict it to blotches on arms!

 

[Quickstatus]

Can the person consume honey ok?

Most likely Ok.
Occasional people are allergic to both but it's rare.

Of course if no allergy occurs , one could reasonable ask if the honey is actually authentic honey or pretend honey....

 

[mrsterryn]

have a question about the etiquette of this thread. Is it regarded as Ok to post photos - I have photo of my arm blotches that might help someone to know they should se a competent doctor, but I notice that no one ever posts photos. Which is fine, because medical photos are usually pretty gross .

Others have posted. Though I do get surprised when people ask to see husband's head post surgery lol..I always oblige

 

[Seat0B]

So if anyone is worried about bruising I’m happy to DM you a photo of how mine progressed. It was a significant factor in getting my diagnosis once it was taken seriously

 

[blackcat20]

If you have a lump on the bottom of your foot (under the skin) do you see a podiatrist or a GP? It's been there for a few months but getting painful to stand on.

 

[RooFlyer]

If you have a lump on the bottom of your foot (under the skin) do you see a podiatrist or a GP? It's been there for a few months but getting painful to stand on.

I would say whoever you can get into see first, but make an appointment with both. Either may refer you to the other, and then you are covered and can be cancelled if not needed.

Where abouts on the foot? I've had quite a bit going on there recently.

 

[blackcat20]

I would say whoever you can get into see first, but make an appointment with both. Either may refer you to the other, and then you are covered and can be cancelled if not needed.

Where abouts on the foot? I've had quite a bit going on there recently.

It's in the heel region, but the sole of my foot. Feels cyst like and is uncomfortable when standing on it.

 

[RooFlyer]

OK, heel isn't my current area of knowledge - ball of big toe and top of foot for me. On top of foot I have a painless cyst bulging about the size of two peas side by side. As I said, book podiatrist and GP s they both may be necessary (GP for clinical diagnosis, podiatrist for alleviating foot ware, no matter what it is)