Things Tentatively On My To Do List

Even though here in NY, things are opening up gradually, until there is a vaccination available, I'm reluctant to head into NYC for anything. Even here in the 'burbs, even though masks are required to be worn in shared public spaces like grocery stores, people are complacent and selfish, and mask wearing compliance isn't what I'd deem even remotely close to 100%.

There are many shitty things to associate with the pandemic, and exposing the true nature of other humans has been, unfortunate and quite enlightening. I hate just about everyone.

Another shitty thing is our inability to make any real plans. Vacations seem almost impractical and absurd--yet, I am so exhausted, I need a break. Making doctor appointments seems out of the realm of possibility too. If I am forced to go, I could presumably DRIVE, but I've never driven to NYC, and usually take the train. I'd have to search out parking garages or on street parking, and hope for the best. 

That all being said, for my own notes, I am crafting this to do list of potential doctors I need to see, but at this point, it might be early 2021 before it happens:

1. Kidney Guy (regular follow up appointment & vaccinations)
2. Endocrinologist (establish as a new patient; and follow up U/S for thyroid nodules)
3. Hematologist (get to the bottom of my anemia)
4. Neuro Ophthalmologist (regular follow up appointment)

I have triaged everything else. I see Mt. Sinai is opening a new office at 331 Central Park Avenue in Scarsdale, so I might check in September to see if any of the names of the doctors is familiar to me so I might save myself a trip into Manhattan.

The rheumatologist I was seeing last year is being forced into retirement, and I'm less than enthused about starting with yet another rheumatologist, when it doesn't appear as if my joint and other pains are rheumatological in nature. 

As an aside, I did mention in my previous post about how I haven't had a therapist since September 2019. I did manage to do an effective Google search to find the practice where my previous therapist ended up. I called and left a voicemail last week, and have yet to receive a response. 

Note to self: Hyperglucidic Breakfast Test

The more I read, the more inconclusive I think my 2 hour OGTT results are.

Considering my endocrinologist is taking his time replying to my emails (odd for him, actually), and he's not answering everything, especially the million dollar questions of: 1. What should my target be; and 2. How long must I continue to stick myself? I'm holding off on asking the question of the moment: Are we going to do a hyperglucidic breakfast test to confirm the suspected Dx of post-prandial reactive hypoglycemia?

Sticking a pin in that thought and slapping it here, as a reminder for myself.

Note To Self: Glucose Target Range

Screen grab from today: 

http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/Diabetes/hypoglycemia/Pages/index.aspx

Note to Self

Endocrinologist appt on 8/19

Concerns/issues to discuss:

1. Screening for DVT; ask for a d-dimer test. Check! Done! Rx for test written!
2. Do I exhibit signs for Lipedema? (Mother has lymphedema; prior to that exhibited signs of lipedema--currently handicapped and housebound due to complications from both) Negative so far!
3. How different is DIC vs Factor Five Leiden Mutation? (I tested + for FVLM; brother, however had DIC, and exhibits signs of lipedema). Quit worrying, you can only have one or the other!
4. Saliva adrenal profiles (re: DHEA, cortisol)? 24 Hour urine collect is much more effective for diagnostics.
5. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome? Negative.
6. Is it meritable to do a follow up ultrasound of the thyroid? Yes. Scheduled for 9/23.
7. Should I consider pro-actively going for lymphatic drainage massage? No.
8. Follow up trans-vag sono scheduled for 8/27.

Before I Forget

Last Friday, I was able to speak with the RN that was at my dad's former cardiologist's office. Cardiologist has since retired and is otherwise unavailable to field my questions. And I lucked out (such as it is) that dad's records haven't been purged/destroyed, given it's now six years since he's passed away, and since he was last a patient of the cardiologist.

The nurse informed me that according to the records, there was nothing there to indicate that dad was ever diagnosed with, or was suspected of having polycystic kidney disease.

I find this information inconclusive at best, and not iron-clad, given the trajectory of dad's health and the inescapable question of the mitral valve prolapse, which his maternal aunt also had (and died from, after surgical replacement).  I am convinced he was never thoroughly screened, and in part, I suspect that this negligence directly impacted and shortened dad's life span.

Note to self: Milk Thistle

Day 1: Start taking.