General Medical issues thread

[drron]

And even if it is $75 out of pocket a consultation that goes through all your problems and questions is better value for you than a $0 out of pocket consultation where one question is allowed and probably not answered properly.And for the taxpayer an absolute no brainer.
Now this is using the example of JohnK's doctor v Suze2000.There are very good doctors that bulk bill and charlatans that charge +++ unfortunately.

 

[BacchusMarsh]

Translators can be organised ahead of time if need be

Just a very minor point, but it's an interpreter you want to be asking for in this sort of situation rather than a translator. NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) make the distinction even though the average layperson wouldn't, which can lead to some unfortunate misunderstandings in times of great need.

 

[rogerkambah]

Your comments about DW (dear wife) - I think maybe the problem is displacement and language? Are there even any Thai language TV shows on TV here, which might help? (or how are your piracy skills in that regard? Is her need to have you around is a symptom of the loss of familiar supports? ie you are the only thing familiar to her, so she is fiercely attached to you?

I'm not aware that there is much in the way of Thai language shows on TV here except for the occasional SBS movie. However, my wife who is Thai, does a lot of reading on a website called pantip.com and also watches thai soap on youtube. Youtube has the latest episodes every day, some of them put online as soon as 30 mins after going to air in Thailand.
Depending on how strong her faith is she may find some comfort in talking to monks at one of the Thai temples in Sydney (Thai Buddhist Temples in Australia). Thais are naturally gregarious and she may meet other women there. As you will know Thais love babies and children to bits and they are always conversation starters. Best wishes, John K.

 

[wandering_fred]

My daughter-in-law was surprised at the Thai population when she (and family) moved to Alice Springs. Try something (perhaps stupid) like asking for native Thai families/speakers at local Thai restaurants. And where their social organizations meet.

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[Hvr]

Not the nose.

As you know by reading this thread I has a nose operation in September and have enjoyed breathing easy ever since.

Today I had a genuinely life threatening incident with an injury (albeit minor) to my nose. (Not at work).

Basically I walked into a glass wall and it shattered, cutting my nose, forehead and lip as well as grazing and minor cuts on my leg. All of the face cuts were minor but as with all head injuries they bled profusely.

There were a number of cuts in the jeans that didn't get onto my legs.

The glass wasn't safety glass ending up in shards and large pieces.

Fortunately I immediately stepped back and the glass fell down forwards and didn't fall back towards me.

I did hit my head on the glass but the left leg led the way meaning that the impact on the nose, whilst hard wasn't as bad as it could've been. Am still breathing easily so hopefully all is ok.

I was laughing hysterically as I received first aid obviously in shock. Still I've now completed my shift and will hopefully get into my GP later today.

 

[blackcat20]

Not the nose.

As you know by reading this thread I has a nose operation in September and have enjoyed breathing easy ever since.

Today I had a genuinely life threatening incident with an injury (albeit minor) to my nose. (Not at work).

Basically I walked into a glass wall and it shattered, cutting my nose, forehead and lip as well as grazing and minor cuts on my leg. All of the face cuts were minor but as with all head injuries they bled profusely.

There were a number of cuts in the jeans that didn't get onto my legs.

The glass wasn't safety glass ending up in shards and large pieces.

Fortunately I immediately stepped back and the glass fell down forwards and didn't fall back towards me.

I did hit my head on the glass but the left leg led the way meaning that the impact on the nose, whilst hard wasn't as bad as it could've been. Am still breathing easily so hopefully all is ok.

I was laughing hysterically as I received first aid obviously in shock. Still I've now completed my shift and will hopefully get into my GP later today.

Glad you're ok if not a little startled. Gotta watch that nose!

 

[love_the_life]

It sounds like you were very lucky hvr. Could have been much worse. Hope the cuts heal quickly.

 

[Pushka]

Gosh HVR, just nasty! Best wishes. This is the kind of thing I would dread happening on anticoags!

 

[cove]

My older friend has been presented with a regime of 5 drugs to fix his arteries at 77. The cardiologist is extremely confident that his drug choices will prevent an adverse outcome with no artery stents to be used. I think he was wise to visit.

 

[bosox76]

My older friend has been presented with a regime of 5 drugs to fix his arteries at 77. The cardiologist is extremely confident that his drug choices will prevent an adverse outcome with no artery stents to be used. I think he was wise to visit.

With the right combination of lifestyle changes and appropriate targeted medical therapy. One can often negate or delay the need for stenting for a considerable period of time. Obviously this depends on the severity of the artery disease to start with. But good thing he's getting on top of it earlier rather than later.

 

[cove]

I left out the 10kgs weight loss required and the exercise bit of the advice.

 

[GarrettM]

I've noticed a bit of pain and loss of strength in my left arm/elbow over the past couple weeks.

Actually getting harder to lift heavier items with that arm, especially the little one.

May need to get it looked at if this continues.

 

[suze2000]

But it's a big increase on $0 bulk billed.

Oh I didn't mean to imply that's the out of pocket. No I get a Medicare rebate on that (though to be honest I'm not sure how much, because it goes into a different account). I can't afford $75 every time I see the doctor, I've been three times in the last three weeks, and that's just the GP. :shock:

 

[docjames]

I left out the 10kgs weight loss required and the exercise bit of the advice.

A lot of patients leave that bit out too......

 

[Pushka]

I'm currently losing weight and don't really need to. Stress does that.

 

[docjames]

A lot of patients leave that bit out too......

And on reflection, many of the doctors too (both as advice and personally......)

 

[Pushka]

And on reflection, many of the doctors too (both as advice and personally......)

I do recall getting the diet lecture from a rather overweight Doctor. Not that I needed to lose weight but because the cholesterol was up a little. Surprisingly the lecture did not go down well.

 

[drron]

I do recall getting the diet lecture from a rather overweight Doctor. Not that I needed to lose weight but because the cholesterol was up a little. Surprisingly the lecture did not go down well.

I do remember giving that talk many times even though I was at least overweight and at times obese.
However I always pointed out that both my parents had coronary angiograms in their 70s that were totally normal.As well my cholesterol has always been in the range 2.7-3.6 with an HDL of ~ 1.5.
That has meant I am able to get away with eating naughty things.

 

[wandering_fred]

My coronary calcium score was so low the cardiologist didn't know what to say. The GP still wants my cholesterol ratio down further. I can't get too excited but I do try to get outside (and working/exercising) between one and four hours a day. Winter rains and temperatures didn't help achieve that goal. Almost all of my (recorded) male ancestors succumbed to cardio issues albeit at age ~80 in the pre stent/bypass days.

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[bosox76]

I left out the 10kgs weight loss required and the exercise bit of the advice.

Haha. I did stress lifestyle changes too...