Author Topic: Doctor's Appointment (Read 11907 times)

Queen Tokelove · « **on:** January 10, 2007, 03:05:00 am »

Hey Everyone,

I had my appointment with my primary doctor today. I can't say it was bad really. I actually missed him because he had been overseas the past few months, he's in the military. He got the dictation from my id doctor. We talked about a few things. As for my diabetes, which some were concerned about. Right now I take 3 pills, Glypizide, Glucotrol, and Advandia. Since I just refilled my Rx, he told me to finish off what I had by taking the Glipizide and the Glucotrol, 2 in the morning and 1 in the evening, he left the Advandia as is. I love him cause he is trying to do whatever it takes to keep me from taking insulin shots. He also told me that some test showed that I had protein in my urine, not quite sure what that means but just knows it wasn't good.

He also told me that my tryglicerides where high so he wants me to stop with the fish oil pills and wants me to start taking Tricor. Anyone have any experience with this medicine? I plan on doing some research. The bright side he said was that my ldls were low, he just didn't like that my hdls were so low. I must admit, I am scared and I haven't felt this way since I first found out I was poz. I'm not depressed or anything but just scared I'm going to mess around and have a damn heart attack or something.

We also had a talk about my appetite, which is basically nil if I don't smoke some trees. He wants to put me on Megace, I think it's called but is concerned it might conflict with the depo shot I get every 3 months. I have to call my gyn and have him talk with the primary. But he's pretty liberal about my smoking, not that he condons it but he basically said I have to do what I have to do to eat or I will die. He wasn't saying it to be mean but was being real about it. I'm hoping that something can be done other than the Megace because I have come to love not having monthly bitchiness.

Any advice, suggestions or humor is appreciated....

GSOgymrat · « **Reply #1 on:** January 10, 2007, 04:54:09 am »

I take Tricor and fish oil pills. My cholesterol and triglycerides have gone down considerably but I think switching meds made the biggest difference. Tricor has a side effects warning for making you drowsy but I have not experienced any side effects from it.

There was a detailed article in Men's Health recently about how some doctors believe diabetes can be treated by eating a low carb diet. Apparently until the 1980s the Inuit people had virtual no cases of diabetes because they mainly ate meat and whale blubber-- very few carbs. Here's a link to the article:

http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=health&category=other.diseases.ailments&conitem=4a935e4e40fae010VgnVCM20000012281eac____

Dachshund · « **Reply #2 on:** January 10, 2007, 08:02:27 am »

Queen you are one pill-poppin' momma!

You sound very proactive when it comes to your own care and treatment. Did you ask your Dr. about smoothies? I'm telling you girl they can be a great way to add calories and nutrients to your diet. Does your health care cover seeing a nutritionist?

As we say down here in the South, having the sugars is a bitch. Thinking of you.

Aunty Doxie

skeebo1969 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 10, 2007, 08:31:48 am »

Queen,

I think maybe a tag team session with KC and I would clear all your troubles up rather quickly.. That's just my take though..an opinion off the streets.

Thomas

Andy Velez · « **Reply #4 on:** January 10, 2007, 09:30:12 am »

Yah, but Thomas that's what you advocate for hangnails, hiccups and nearsightedness too.

Is that what's called one or two sizes fits all? Just askin'....

Javicho · « **Reply #5 on:** January 10, 2007, 09:58:29 am »

Queen don't be afraid you are a very brave woman and very smart too, we all love you here

I hope everything goes well, love

Javier

Boo Radley · « **Reply #6 on:** January 10, 2007, 12:07:42 pm »

Queen A.,

Your report doesn't sound too bad -- you're apparently able to control diabetes without insulin shots and your LDL is low even though your HDL was too. I'd tell the doc to get you a prescription for medicinal marijuana, not that you have a shot at getting it but just so you can use it if you ever get busted (JOKE!! ... [and a bad one]). If pot helps you keep an appetite why switch to something else? Follow up on the protein in the urine though because you don't want that, not that I can remember why. I just took a couple of hits off a doobie and have no long or short-term memory.

Good luck!

Boo

Christine · « **Reply #7 on:** January 10, 2007, 12:54:35 pm »

Hi Queen,
Just wanted to send you my good thoughts and prayers. Take one day at a time, you will get through this.

Keep smoking if it helps your appetite. Do what you have to do to get food in you.
Christine

Jean-Yves · « **Reply #8 on:** January 10, 2007, 02:10:51 pm »

I'm not on Tricor, but I take Lopid and Lipitor, and fish oil pills. Now the say that my triglycerides have more than doulbled, so they want me to start seeing a cardiologist. My bllod pressure is always ideal, just a problem with the cholesterol. Don't let it get you down, Think of Bob Marley, "Don't worry, Be happy".
(wish I could afford some of those trees)

skeebo1969 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 10, 2007, 04:46:48 pm »

Quote from: Andy Velez on January 10, 2007, 09:30:12 am

Yah, but Thomas that's what you advocate for hangnails, hiccups and nearsightedness too.

Is that what's called one or two sizes fits all? Just askin'....

It depends on what Queen can handle.... With proper technique I am sure she could..

aupointillimite · « **Reply #10 on:** January 10, 2007, 07:56:27 pm »

I'm afraid I don't have any advice or suggestions, Queen.

But I would like for you to laugh...

Since you asked for humor... here's some Family Guy. Family Guy and that guy from the diabetes supply commercials.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiiCrldF5Q0

twofires · « **Reply #11 on:** January 10, 2007, 07:57:19 pm »

I'm being told that this is the WRONG PLACE FOR YOUR HIV RELATED POSTINGS>>>>>>>

aupointillimite · « **Reply #12 on:** January 10, 2007, 07:59:15 pm »

I believe this is mostly regarding diabetes and cardiovascular issues...

Strayboy74 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 10, 2007, 08:06:29 pm »

Quote from: Queen Akasha on January 10, 2007, 03:05:00 am

Hey Everyone,

I had my appointment with my primary doctor today. I can't say it was bad really. I actually missed him because he had been overseas the past few months, he's in the military. He got the dictation from my id doctor. We talked about a few things. As for my diabetes, which some were concerned about. Right now I take 3 pills, Glypizide, Glucotrol, and Advandia. Since I just refilled my Rx, he told me to finish off what I had by taking the Glipizide and the Glucotrol, 2 in the morning and 1 in the evening, he left the Advandia as is. I love him cause he is trying to do whatever it takes to keep me from taking insulin shots. He also told me that some test showed that I had protein in my urine, not quite sure what that means but just knows it wasn't good.

He also told me that my tryglicerides where high so he wants me to stop with the fish oil pills and wants me to start taking Tricor. Anyone have any experience with this medicine? I plan on doing some research. The bright side he said was that my ldls were low, he just didn't like that my hdls were so low. I must admit, I am scared and I haven't felt this way since I first found out I was poz. I'm not depressed or anything but just scared I'm going to mess around and have a damn heart attack or something.

We also had a talk about my appetite, which is basically nil if I don't smoke some trees. He wants to put me on Megace, I think it's called but is concerned it might conflict with the depo shot I get every 3 months. I have to call my gyn and have him talk with the primary. But he's pretty liberal about my smoking, not that he condons it but he basically said I have to do what I have to do to eat or I will die. He wasn't saying it to be mean but was being real about it. I'm hoping that something can be done other than the Megace because I have come to love not having monthly bitchiness.

Any advice, suggestions or humor is appreciated....

My dear,

I have a genetic cholesterol problem - which ultimately will kill me WAY BEFORE any HIV related complications... I have been on EVERY cholesterol medication since before having a cholesterol problem was even in style. There is a new test, if you are concerned about your having a heart attack, which basically measures the build-up of plaque in your arteries... it is a blood test, called the CRP (I call it the crap test

). Ask your doctor to give it to you. It's a relatively new test, and I had to fight my doctor to get him to order it... in fact, I even marked the box on the lab request.

Right now, one of the best medications, if you can get it, is Vytorin. It lowers your cholesterol with a statin and there is a second medication component to it called "ezetimibe" which inhibits cholesterol absorbtion by the intestine. It is one of the few things that I have taken which has actually helped me. Additionally, you may want to ask about niacin. Don't get the flush-free niacin, as according to my doctor it tends to be harder on your liver.

Also, In addition to asking my doctor about taking the above things, I would also ask him whether you can take the vitamin supplement "Milk Thistle" (very cheap you can get it at the grocer) which helps the liver to repair itself from medication overload.

Oh yeah, and lipids are a fancy name for "fats"... by decreasing saturated, polysaturated and unsaturated fats, in your diet, you'll help to decrease the cholesterol... NO EGG YOLKS!!!

Actually, ask him about the Atkins diet, the right proteins and decrease in carbs could help both your diabetes AND your cholesterol.

I love you, honey!
(hot legs)

-joseph

twofires · « **Reply #14 on:** January 10, 2007, 08:09:52 pm »

so: I still say:

if I am scolded for bringing my illness (any illness) into this forum, so should queen akasha..

ACinKC · « **Reply #15 on:** January 10, 2007, 08:15:37 pm »

No one scolded you. And im sorry you have to deal with this Queen. He is having an off day.

Strayboy74 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 10, 2007, 08:15:47 pm »

Quote from: twofires on January 10, 2007, 08:09:52 pm

so: I still say:

if I am scolded for bringing my illness (any illness) into this forum, so should queen akasha..

Let's talk about your illness...

twofires · « **Reply #17 on:** January 10, 2007, 08:25:07 pm »

sorry, musn't speak of illness.....thhis forum is for HAPPY thoughts!

Strayboy74 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 10, 2007, 08:28:33 pm »

Quote from: twofires on January 10, 2007, 08:25:07 pm

sorry, musn't speak of illness.....thhis forum is for HAPPY thoughts!

I really hope you find peace. Find me when you decide that you really want to talk and stop the game playing.

-joseph

twofires · « **Reply #19 on:** January 10, 2007, 08:35:32 pm »

stop the Game Playing???

would you like to say that to my face?

or would you just as soon FUCK OFF

aupointillimite · « **Reply #20 on:** January 10, 2007, 09:20:20 pm »

I really don't want the post previous to mine to be the last one in my Queen's thread.

So... I guess this is a bump.

twofires · « **Reply #21 on:** January 10, 2007, 10:40:19 pm »

I'll ad to the pile, since everyone else seems to enjoy piling on me...

how is it MY doctor related thread gets shut down, yet other doctor related threads continue??

why doesn't this thread get shut down also?

?

Queen Tokelove · « **Reply #22 on:** January 11, 2007, 01:43:47 am »

I really don't know what 2fires issues are but read my signature line, I don't need to say anymore...

Everyone other than 2fires~~

Thanks for the kind thoughts, jokes and advice. Auntie Doxie, I forgot to ask him about the smoothies but I am going to start making them. I am going to the grocery store sometime today.

Thomas~~ Are you talking double penetration? That doesn't work for me, I'm a one hole woman, only because I can't get past the pain and it gives me the urge of having to go to the bathroom. Now one at a time is more my speed plus I can't mess with AC, he's a married man! The Queen has morals, at times that is....

Wishes I could get a script for weed here but it's illegal I think unless you have glucoma, which sucks. I think I am building up a tolerance to the weed I have been getting...*sighs*...And I'm sure not gonna hit the highway...I am considering something though....*wink wink*

Joseph, I will ask my doctor about that test next time I see him.

skeebo1969 · « **Reply #23 on:** January 11, 2007, 01:45:52 am »

Double penatration ain't my thing either Queen.. Tag teaming means one at a time in the ring BTW

Queen Tokelove · « **Reply #24 on:** January 11, 2007, 01:49:04 am »

Yeah, I know what it means in terms of wrestling but the world of sex is a whole 'nother ball game.

aztecan · « **Reply #25 on:** January 11, 2007, 10:03:36 am »

Akasha honey,

I found a photo of you in a previous life. You don't have to thank me, I know you appreciate it.

HUGGLES,

Mark

(Who didn't know having "the sugars" could make a person look like this!

)

[attachment deleted by admin]

Queen Tokelove · « **Reply #26 on:** January 11, 2007, 10:43:52 pm »

OMG, Mark....No wonder I got issues....

Just to update, I'm feeling crappy today. I don't know if it's cause of the increase in my diabetic meds but I feel like I have to barf... I have also been very jittery like I need a fix or something. I'm wondering if this is just cause of the increased dosage and if so, how long is this going to last. Tomorrow am I will start taking the Tricor. I'm hoping it will not be another side effect.

But I must admit that I am very scared about this tricor and the heart thing. I know worrying does no good but I really can't help it. Thanks for listening to me...

Strayboy74 · « **Reply #27 on:** January 11, 2007, 10:47:27 pm »

*posting deleted*

-joseph

Queen Tokelove · « **Reply #28 on:** January 11, 2007, 11:03:46 pm »

why you delete the post, joseph? You know I value your advice....

Strayboy74 · « **Reply #29 on:** January 11, 2007, 11:13:01 pm »

Quote from: Queen Akasha on January 11, 2007, 11:03:46 pm

why you delete the post, joseph? You know I value your advice....

my dear queen...

after reading my post, I recognized that my fears in my own battle with cholesterol, when voiced, might only cause you fears and distresses to you that were undue. You don't deserve to carry my fears as well as your own.

Smoke a bowl, baby, I love ya!

-joseph

Queen Tokelove · « **Reply #30 on:** January 12, 2007, 01:03:45 am »

Quote from: Strayboy74 on January 11, 2007, 11:13:01 pm

my dear queen...

after reading my post, I recognized that my fears in my own battle with cholesterol, when voiced, might only cause you fears and distresses to you that were undue. You don't deserve to carry my fears as well as your own.

Smoke a bowl, baby, I love ya!

-joseph

Aww sweetie, you still could've shared them with me, we prolly have a lot in common. And me worrying about you would actually take my mind off of my own concerns. It's that mother hen complex. SO, if you feel like sharing you know you can always hit me up!

--smoked a birthday joint

Queen Tokelove · « **Reply #31 on:** January 16, 2007, 07:45:56 pm »

I just thought I would update this, no one has to respond. I have noticed that I have gotten very depressed since being told that I have to start the Tricor. Why? I guess because I feel I have enough going against me as it is and now I have to worry about my heart, thanks to the diabetes. Even though my ldl's are low, which my doc tried telling me was the bright side, my hdl's are also too low, how ironic. But my triglycerides which I'm still not clear on what they are is also high. I did some research on the Tricor and saw that it is used to boost low hdl's. I guess I should be grateful for that but I am concerned on the side effects and how they will affect my liver.

I don't think I have had any side effects from the Tricor. If it is suppose to make you drowsy, I have not experienced this because I am still always up til 5 am every night. I am trying not to stress about it cause it will do me more harm than good but I can't help it. I also find myself becoming angry because I have so much working against me healthwise as it is. I am trying to hype myself into believing that maybe by the time I see my doc again things will be better. Thanks for listening to me rant.

Longislander · « **Reply #32 on:** January 16, 2007, 07:48:46 pm »

Hey sweety, I hope your next visit shows improvement. Let it out and vent. Just remember how you've handled HIV for 9 years now (or so)! You're strong and you can get through this!

Love,
Paul

Strayboy74 · « **Reply #33 on:** January 16, 2007, 08:02:52 pm »

http://www.brist.plus.com/compheart.htm

It talks about triglicerides and what you can do to make changes...

*hug*

-joseph

Queen Tokelove · « **Reply #34 on:** January 16, 2007, 08:44:03 pm »

Thanks, I checked the link out..

Christine · « **Reply #35 on:** January 17, 2007, 02:08:49 pm »

Big hugs Queen! Vent away to us...that is what we are here for. Like Paul said, you lived strong through Hiv, the same will happen with this.

Christine

Queen Tokelove · « **Reply #36 on:** January 19, 2007, 02:03:38 am »

Thanks for the kind words, Christine.

I have been having a rough few days. I think I'm just getting the side effects from the Tricor, I have been feeling tired and weak. I had to have my friend do my shopping for me because I felt too weak to go to the store. I'm considering calling my doctor but he will prolly just tell me it's the side effects and I need to ride it out. Keep in mind my diabetic meds have been increased too, well 2 out of the 3.

JohnOso · « **Reply #37 on:** January 19, 2007, 07:32:19 am »

Babe,

thinking of you in these parts too. you were kind enough to offer me a helping hand, so i thought i'd return the favor

I'd still let the doctor know if your weakness lingers on or gets worse darlin.

Hugs,
John
(who would be honored to do the Queen's shopping anytime)

skeebo1969 · « **Reply #38 on:** January 19, 2007, 07:52:23 am »

Queen,

Sorry to hear you are having it rough as of late. Like John said I would still let the doctor know what is going on and how you have been feeling since the starting of Tricor and the increase in the diabetes medication.

I hope this all levels off for you soon.. In the mean time when you lite that next one could you take a nice long drag and blow it in the direction of Florida...

Keep us posted on how you are doing, please..

Thomas

Catman · « **Reply #39 on:** January 19, 2007, 04:16:02 pm »

Hello my Queen:
I've been taking Tricor for years because my triglycerides are always high. Tricor does control them from time to time. I don't get secondary effects from them though I am constantly tired. I do get my liver checked on a regular basis. I blame the hiv meds for my occasional weakness because they do cause fatigue. Sometimes I just think it is plain depression because we do live a hard life just being positive and it does take a toll on our strength. Relaxation may help and meditation but I know single parents don't have much time for this. I constantly listen to music that soothes my emotions and calms me down. That means in my car on my way to and from work and in the shower. Your body is constantly fighting hiv so remember that it is in a constant battle and rest is always recommended.
A good cd to relax by and probably fall asleep is NARADA: Decade, The Anniversary Collection 2 cd set. It's from 1993 but I still enjoy it. Take care.

Queen Tokelove · « **Reply #40 on:** January 20, 2007, 03:39:12 am »

Thanks for the concern, guys, I appreciate it. Things seem to be a little better today even though I do still feel tired. I often sleep 10-12 hours and wake up feeling really groggy.

Catman~~ I meditate before I go to sleep because if I don't my mind tends to get restless and I think about every little thing. I figure my health is prolly why I sleep so long but it doesn't hurt when I take my hearing aids off, I don't hear much anyway which makes for perfect sleeping, ya know..

Thomas~~~ Thanks for the kind words. I decided to try to stick it out til Monday before I call my doctor. I think going from 500mg to 1500mg would be a shock to my system, I don't have a tolerance to anything. And that's just one of the pills I'm taking everything else is lower dosage. I took count, I am taking 10 pills a day. I know to most that is nothing but for me it is like a shock to the system. But having a pill box has helped and I look at it as a stepping stone to ensure that I adhere to the atripla whenever I do have to take it. Btw, you know you got that fire down there in Florida, you should be trying to blow at me...

Yeah, I know you don't smoke anymore..

JohnOso~~ Thanks for the love, honey. I shoulda had you go shopping cause I don't know what my friend brought up in here..*lol*...

Forums Index

Welcome

Author Topic: Doctor's Appointment (Read 11907 times)