October Randoms

[winecat]

I got my e-bike yesterday and had my 2nd lesson with the local bicycle non-profit.  It was so, so much better than the first lesson.  This attempt at learning has gone much better than previous ones.  I think having professionals who I'm not related to was key.   

[seeyalater52]

This is so cool! I don’t think I know how to ride a bike but I’m thinking of learning.

I’m really out of sorts lately. I think I’m going to ask my PCP about going back on an antidepressant/anti anxiety med. My marriage has been kind of up and down lately and I just feel blah and overwhelmed. The transition to fall and cooler weather is not helping.

[Vespasia]

There's a big bike race in town this weekend, something we look forward to all year. There were two European riders that we were excited to see. We got their autographs and even chatted with one at the end. I was trying not to embarrass myself too badly fan girling.

[rubytue]

On the biking theme, I was supposed to do my first bike ride tomorrow. It was canceled bc of Ian. I have very mixed feeling. I so wanted to do it to prove it to myself. But, I’m not sure how my body would have reacted to cold rain. I think back to March, where I was showing signs of warm water hypothermia in 75* water. So this is for the best.

And then, today we went to donate an extra bike to a bike drive. And I signed up to help repair the bikes. First volunteer shift is next weekend. Yay!

[winecat]

seeyalater52- I'm excited for the e-bike but what I'm really looking forward to are bike tours and traveling. Hugs. I hope your doc can help you with the right med.

[rubytue]

Tha weather is ridiculous! I’m use to October being my low bill month. And here is it Oct 2 and I have turned on the heat. Because I’ve been in 2 layers (thermals and top layer, like my double layer sherpa-fleece hoodies) all week. This morning, I have a down throw over my legs and a hat on. Even the dog is begging for PJs and a blanket. My H is still running around in shorts and a T, but he has been outvoted by the girls.

[Vespasia]

rubytue we were outside all day today. It was highly appropriate weather for the kind of racing we were watching but I was soaked from the knees down by the end. Now we're driving to PA and I just cannot get warm, even with heated seats!

[pugz]

seeyalater52 you might add some vitamin D as the days get shorter. I usually take it from DST to DST. My husband has to take it year round since his office doesn't have a window

[seeyalater52]

Oct 2, 2022 17:53:25 GMT -5 pugz said:

seeyalater52 you might add some vitamin D as the days get shorter. I usually take it from DST to DST. My husband has to take it year round since his office doesn't have a window

This is a good suggestion. Since I’ve been WFH I don’t get outside nearly enough either, so I’m guessing I’m deficient even in summer.

I echo those complaining about the cold weather too. It was windy this morning and it made it kind of miserable! The utility company just got acquired and did a massive rate hike (like 50%) so I’m also stressed out about how much it’s going to cost but I hate being cold, especially when it isn’t even winter yet. Bad timing with my wife starting a new job with a big paycut.

[pugz]

My amazing family practice doctor of 10 years is no longer going to be seeing patients. I knew this was going to happen sooner or later as she kept taking on more administrative work at the hospital. It still hit me like a ton of bricks on Friday when I got the letter though. She just helped me through so much and has always been weight-neutral which is so hard to find in a doctor. I have a couple of leads on potentially fat-friendly doctors in the area so trying to keep my chin up but I'm really sad about it. It's so hard to find providers you can trust.

[rubytue]

(((( pugz,)))) finding doctors you trust can be so hard.

On that note, I’m seriously considering finding an endocrinologist for a second opinion on my thyroid. I love, love, love my primary doctor. But, she is 100% focused on TSH. Which is “fine.” But see my above about how cold I am. I talked to her about the fact I was showing signs of hypothermia on an 85 degree day and she said it can’t be the thyroid because that’s under control. But, I’ve seen so much on various boards over the years about thyroid sometimes needing more than just TSH. But, ugh, I hate getting second opinions on a doctor I love. It feels like I’m cheating.

[audette]

I went to a drag show last night. Drove three hours to get there, because a friend of mine's kid was in it, and my friend had surgery earlier this week and couldn't drive herself.


I am way too old to stay up that late all that often. I think I made it to bed before 2am, but barely.

I had a great time, and we got to eat lunch today with kid and partner, which was lovely, but, holy heck, am I exhausted now. Hoping a solid night of rest tonight will be enough to get the week started.

[audette]

Oct 2, 2022 18:34:53 GMT -5 rubytue said:

(((( pugz ,)))) finding doctors you trust can be so hard.

On that note, I’m seriously considering finding an endocrinologist for a second opinion on my thyroid. I love, love, love my primary doctor. But, she is 100% focused on TSH. Which is “fine.” But see my above about how cold I am. I talked to her about the fact I was showing signs of hypothermia on an 85 degree day and she said it can’t be the thyroid because that’s under control. But, I’ve seen so much on various boards over the years about thyroid sometimes needing more than just TSH. But, ugh, I hate getting second opinions on a doctor I love. It feels like I’m cheating.

My endo is very "by the numbers" in her diagnosing, but, the numbers she uses may be a tighter range than what your primary care doc uses.

I am medicated to have my numbers within the range my endo wants, but she admits that even with that in place, and stable, that I may still have outward symptoms of being hypothyroid.  If she increases my medication, I'd be at risk of going hyperthyroid, so...


There are other things that can make people more susceptible to cold, so it's worth talking with your primary about those other things.  Or finding a new primary if she didn't at least do some sort of lab panel after dismissing thyroid issues when you told her how cold you were all the time.

[rubytue]

Oct 2, 2022 20:00:27 GMT -5 audette said:

Oct 2, 2022 18:34:53 GMT -5 rubytue said:

(((( pugz ,)))) finding doctors you trust can be so hard.

On that note, I’m seriously considering finding an endocrinologist for a second opinion on my thyroid. I love, love, love my primary doctor. But, she is 100% focused on TSH. Which is “fine.” But see my above about how cold I am. I talked to her about the fact I was showing signs of hypothermia on an 85 degree day and she said it can’t be the thyroid because that’s under control. But, I’ve seen so much on various boards over the years about thyroid sometimes needing more than just TSH. But, ugh, I hate getting second opinions on a doctor I love. It feels like I’m cheating.

My endo is very "by the numbers" in her diagnosing, but, the numbers she uses may be a tighter range than what your primary care doc uses.

I am medicated to have my numbers within the range my endo wants, but she admits that even with that in place, and stable, that I may still have outward symptoms of being hypothyroid.  If she increases my medication, I'd be at risk of going hyperthyroid, so...


There are other things that can make people more susceptible to cold, so it's worth talking with your primary about those other things.  Or finding a new primary if she didn't at least do some sort of lab panel after dismissing thyroid issues when you told her how cold you were all the time.

Well, I am currently on levothyroxine. But is radiation dead, not like hasimotos. So its been the same dose since diagnosis. And, by TSH, it’s well medicated. But, I still feel symptomatic (not just cold, that’s just the one on my mind right now, exasperated by the fact it turned way too cold for the calendar!). I’m just… I don’t know. And I get all wrapped around there is a lot of stuff out  there on thyroid issues that boarders on woo. And while I’m all about evidence based stuff, I have a hard time figuring out what is woo and what is not (when it comes to thyroid stuff). Like, is it worth trying a different brand? Or just a different generic manufacturer? And should we still be checking T3 or is TSH really all that’s needed. *sigh* 

[audette]

Oct 2, 2022 21:27:18 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Oct 2, 2022 20:00:27 GMT -5 audette said:

My endo is very "by the numbers" in her diagnosing, but, the numbers she uses may be a tighter range than what your primary care doc uses.

I am medicated to have my numbers within the range my endo wants, but she admits that even with that in place, and stable, that I may still have outward symptoms of being hypothyroid.  If she increases my medication, I'd be at risk of going hyperthyroid, so...


There are other things that can make people more susceptible to cold, so it's worth talking with your primary about those other things.  Or finding a new primary if she didn't at least do some sort of lab panel after dismissing thyroid issues when you told her how cold you were all the time.

Well, I am currently on levothyroxine. But is radiation dead, not like hasimotos. So its been the same dose since diagnosis. And, by TSH, it’s well medicated. But, I still feel symptomatic (not just cold, that’s just the one on my mind right now, exasperated by the fact it turned way too cold for the calendar!). I’m just… I don’t know. And I get all wrapped around there is a lot of stuff out  there on thyroid issues that boarders on woo. And while I’m all about evidence based stuff, I have a hard time figuring out what is woo and what is not (when it comes to thyroid stuff). Like, is it worth trying a different brand? Or just a different generic manufacturer? And should we still be checking T3 or is TSH really all that’s needed. *sigh* 

Based on what I've heard, some folks do better on Synthroid (brand name, instead of generic).  Something about variance in manufacturing being more tightly controlled for the brand name.  However, depending on your insurance, it can be quite a bit more expensive than generic.  Not sure if that is important for folks with radiated thyroids.

I successfully convinced my prior endo to try a combination treatment of Levothyroxine and Liothyronine (basically, T3 and T4 pills).  It may have marginally helped, but the Liothyronine is a pain in the ass to fill here - my pharmacy rarely has a three month prescription in stock when I attempt to refill it.  It's also more expensive, even as a generic.  I'm actually in the process of trying to eliminate the Liothyronine from my meds because I'm just not sure I've seen much improvement with it.  My current endo is supporting me in that, so I'm doing the modifications now, and will have my levels tested again in a handful of months, after gradually reducing my dose.

That prior endo also had me try a gluten free diet for a couple months - she said she had some patients that found it improved symptoms.  That experiment was a royal pain in the ass, and showed no improvement for me.


My current endo is trying for a TSH number around 1, and is happy if it goes a bit below that, though.  Some might not medicate to that level, but it's where she wants me to be.


In the end, my issues are not all answered by the hypo diagnosis.  It's been a bit like a goose chase, tracking down root cause.  Still no final answer, sadly.  Few more medications in my daily routine, though...  Seeing another specialist in a couple weeks to continue the chase.

[winecat]

rubytue- Since you're so symptomatic, it seems reasonable to get your T3 and T4 tested. I remember you having issues with iron deficiency. When is the last time you had an iron panel and ferritin test done?

[rubytue]

Oct 3, 2022 1:23:39 GMT -5 winecat said:

rubytue - Since you're so symptomatic, it seems reasonable to get your T3 and T4 tested. I remember you having issues with iron deficiency. When is the last time you had an iron panel and ferritin test done?

That issue is finally under control! The ablation helped a *lot*. Funny how years of excessive monthly bleeding… anyway, I saw hematology in late July or early august. Full everything panel (CBC with diff, ESR, lactate, and a few others). Thats every 6 months now, and while I don’t go for iron issues, he is a hematologist. Of course, his answer to the iron thing was “eat more meat. Why be vegetarian?” 🙄

audette, thank you. I don’t know if I should try to push my primary or if I should try an endocrinologist. I guess I could try her (primary) again. See if she has other ideas.  Her system is also in a spat with my insurance company right now, so there is a slight possibility I’d have to find a new primary in December. There is an argument I’m just covering my bases ahead of time. I put that chances of my insurance dropping them at less than 2% though, it’s one of the biggest local system, and the biggest local insurer. Like, almost a partnership that is too big to fail.

[rubytue]

audette: Based on what I've heard, some folks do better on Synthroid (brand name, instead of generic). Something about variance in manufacturing being more tightly controlled for the brand name. However, depending on your insurance, it can be quite a bit more expensive than generic. Not sure if that is important for folks with radiated thyroids.

This is where I struggle. I have read a ton over the years about people struggling with trying different meds, armour, adding T3, etc. But, I feel like those conversations are for people with thyroid disease. And I don’t think I would be in the same bucket. Mine just stopped working because the radiation knocked it out. So it doesn’t change function randomly. Like the gluten thing - not likely to change anything, cause it’s not that I’m making antibodies that attack it. 

Thing is, every 6 months it builds up to the point I complain to my primary again. Lately, she doesn’t even test again and just reminds me that every text we’ve done comes back exactly the same. So we have the right dose and it’s good. But, I did make an appointment for next week. I’ve mostly complained over mychart message. Maybe face to face it’ll go differently. 

[audette]

Oct 3, 2022 8:10:13 GMT -5 rubytue said:

audette : Based on what I've heard, some folks do better on Synthroid (brand name, instead of generic). Something about variance in manufacturing being more tightly controlled for the brand name. However, depending on your insurance, it can be quite a bit more expensive than generic. Not sure if that is important for folks with radiated thyroids.

This is where I struggle. I have read a ton over the years about people struggling with trying different meds, armour, adding T3, etc. But, I feel like those conversations are for people with thyroid disease. And I don’t think I would be in the same bucket. Mine just stopped working because the radiation knocked it out. So it doesn’t change function randomly. Like the gluten thing - not likely to change anything, cause it’s not that I’m making antibodies that attack it. 

Thing is, every 6 months it builds up to the point I complain to my primary again. Lately, she doesn’t even test again and just reminds me that every text we’ve done comes back exactly the same. So we have the right dose and it’s good. But, I did make an appointment for next week. I’ve mostly complained over mychart message. Maybe face to face it’ll go differently. 

One thing I have learned with American health care is that the squeaky wheel does seem to get attention.  It takes effort to keep pushing for answers, which is part of what _really_ sucks about conditions that come with thyroid issues - one of the symptoms is fatigue, so we just don't have the energy to keep pushing for answers.

I'd say it may be worth seeking out an endocrinologist.  And, I'd ask for a full thyroid panel, not just tsh.

[Vespasia]

cyclingtips.com/2022/10/fake-pro-cyclist-nick-clark-suspended-by-usa-cycling/

I am sharing this cycling story because A. it's bananas and B. for this line:
"Clark said that he “got to a point where I said ‘you know what, screw this, I’m going to bolster up the resume and put some letters behind my name’ and bam.” At one point, his title read B.Ec, LLB, MBA, CPA, F Fin, executive director and CEO; at various points a PhD worked its way in"

Who does that remind you of?

[wawa]

Have I asked this here already?
if you were gonna go to another city for a 3 or 4 day long weekend to just be city kids, do tourist stuff, eat tons of food in MARCH specifically - where would you go?  MH and I are both turning 40 in March, brainstorming ideas. Ideas I've thrown out have been Savannah, Charleston, New Orleans, Austin and Mexico City. But it doesn't have to be a warm place if the other factors outweigh the weather. Food might be my #1 criteria, city has to be reasonably walkable/transit accessible because I vastly prefer not to rent a car and don't want to have to worry about who's sober. And I'm starting from Maryland, don't want to lose a TON of time to travel, so like...europe is out of the question.

[TR]

Oct 4, 2022 13:34:54 GMT -5 wawa said:

Have I asked this here already?
if you were gonna go to another city for a 3 or 4 day long weekend to just be city kids, do tourist stuff, eat tons of food in MARCH specifically - where would you go?  MH and I are both turning 40 in March, brainstorming ideas. Ideas I've thrown out have been Savannah, Charleston, New Orleans, Austin and Mexico City. But it doesn't have to be a warm place if the other factors outweigh the weather. Food might be my #1 criteria, city has to be reasonably walkable/transit accessible because I vastly prefer not to rent a car and don't want to have to worry about who's sober. And I'm starting from Maryland, don't want to lose a TON of time to travel, so like...europe is out of the question.

Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico City!!! I loved it there and there is so much to do, each neighborhood has it's own vibe, it was so easy/cheap to get around with Uber. And the food is amazing.

ETA: We went end of March 2019 and the weather was beautiful.

[mskitkat]

Oct 4, 2022 13:47:02 GMT -5 TR said:

Oct 4, 2022 13:34:54 GMT -5 wawa said:

Have I asked this here already?
if you were gonna go to another city for a 3 or 4 day long weekend to just be city kids, do tourist stuff, eat tons of food in MARCH specifically - where would you go?  MH and I are both turning 40 in March, brainstorming ideas. Ideas I've thrown out have been Savannah, Charleston, New Orleans, Austin and Mexico City. But it doesn't have to be a warm place if the other factors outweigh the weather. Food might be my #1 criteria, city has to be reasonably walkable/transit accessible because I vastly prefer not to rent a car and don't want to have to worry about who's sober. And I'm starting from Maryland, don't want to lose a TON of time to travel, so like...europe is out of the question.

Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico City!!! I loved it there and there is so much to do, each neighborhood has it's own vibe, it was so easy/cheap to get around with Uber. And the food is amazing.

ETA: We went end of March 2019 and the weather was beautiful.

Oooh. I’m reading a book set in Mexico City, and it’s now on my must visit list. (Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia if anyone wants a fantastic vampire book).

[TR]

Oct 4, 2022 14:44:23 GMT -5 mskitkat said:

Oct 4, 2022 13:47:02 GMT -5 TR said:

Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico City!!! I loved it there and there is so much to do, each neighborhood has it's own vibe, it was so easy/cheap to get around with Uber. And the food is amazing.

ETA: We went end of March 2019 and the weather was beautiful.

Oooh. I’m reading a book set in Mexico City, and it’s now on my must visit list. (Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia if anyone wants a fantastic vampire book).

I want to go back because we did a long weekend and the city is so huge, there's so much more to see.

[penguingrrl]

I saved a mature tree today!

This morning we got a knock on the door. It was a guy from our Borough’s public works department saying that the borough would be removing the tree from our front yard. Apparently since it’s within 25 feet of the center of the road it’s a borough-owned tree. It’s a very old mature tree and beautiful. Apparently an unnamed resident called it is as “dead and causing a hazard to those walking on the sidewalk.” It’s not dead, though a few limbs do need to be addressed.

We’ll, H asked the guy for what work was happening in writing and whether we have any recourse in this. I reached out to the head of our environmental commission, whom I know from doing political work with. An hour later the Borough Administrator knocked on our door. He had heard we were upset so came to look at it himself. He looked at the tree and determined it only needs trimming.

I’m so mad that had we not raised a stink a perfectly healthy tree would have been removed. And mad that a single resident calling could get that done without regard for the environment. In general my town is fairly low lying and only 5 miles inland. Every tree removed increases the flood risks (although my property is fairly high up compared to most of town, so not a huge risk).

But, I’m relieved we were able to save at least one tree! I suspect my next door neighbors called. They just had two trees removed from their property because they thought being old poses too great a safety risk.

[rubytue]

I am so beat, and I feel like I did normal persons level stuff. A rode 2.5 miles, spent 3 hours on my feet cleaning bikes, and then rode 2.5 miles home. Then moved my plants inside because we are on the edge of a frost advisory tonight. And I’m just beat. *sigh*

A friend of mine stopped by with some homemade sauerkraut, and OMG is it good. I’ve made my own before, and he told me how. So I am surprised this is so much better. But, I guess he didn’t tell me the ratio or caraway and carrots. Just the salt to cabbage.

[StrawberryBlondie]

My dentist has been sending bills for a recent filling of mine to my husband.

We are not on the same insurance but we do go to the same dentist. I'm sure it's just an honest mistake but I'm pretty sure this is a HIPAA violation.

So I get to call them and gently suggest maybe they send the bill to the actual patient aka me. Fun times.

[rubytue]

audette, I had my PCP appointment this morning about cold, weight loss, fatigue. And she actually brought up doing a trial of adding T3 (although, she did say the evidence was inconclusive, but some people were trying it). And maybe looking into what wegovy would cost me. I thought I was going have have to try an endocrinologist. She did not seemed convinced, but was willing to try. And I’m happy that I didn’t have to ask for it. And everything was tempered with your getting into menopause, and you’ve have a bunch of toxic shit pumped into your body and we may never know what it’s done to you. So there is that. But… yay?

[audette]

Oct 10, 2022 8:56:48 GMT -5 rubytue said:

audette, I had my PCP appointment...
<snip>
But… yay?

Yay for not having to fight for it!

I fully admit I am working towards eliminating T3 from my treatment, but... that is me. Everything I have seen/heard and thyroid stuff is that it can be very individual to treat. Everyone needs something a bit different.

[pixy0stix]

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