Hi, Ardith...

Sorry I've been out of the echo for awhile, but it has been busy.

I went to the urologist last Friday, and because I could not remember
if they were doing a KUB or an IVP (the latter would've required a
digestive tract and colon purge), I played it safe, and did it, anyway.
As it turned out, I didn't need to cleanse the colon, but the
bloatedness I had beforehand was 10 pounds!!

But, it would've been my luck if I had not done the purging, and they would've gotten there, and said that I should've done it, and they
would've had to reschedule it. It's hard enough to get appointments
and procedures scheduled as it is!!

Anyway, I don't have any new kidney stones or prostate issues. I do
have a bladder infection, that is being taken care of with antibiotics,
and am still dealing with that heat rash yeast infection between the
legs and the buttocks cheeks. It's still rather warm at times down here,
and when one does a lot of work, and perspires a lot...bacteria in those
areas have just what they want...warmth, moisture, and darkness...and
that goes for both males and females.

I don't have inguinal hernias, but I have severely strained the
tendons and groin muscles all the way across...the kind of injury that
"puts athletes out for the season". The only remedies for treating the
groin injuries are either anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medicine, and rest...and I have the "rest" part down quite well. <G>

I'm supposed to go back for a follow-up at the end of October, on the
bladder infection. It was extremely difficult to urinate, and I had
thought that the prostate was blocking the urethra, where urine couldn't
be expelled from the body. Overnight, and trying while on the toilet,
was nearly impossible to urinate. I guess I need to get back on a
diuretic, but I only take that if I know I don't have to go out, and I
don't have to do ham radio nets in the evenings. Once I take it, I have
to urinate every 5 minutes for the next 5-6 hours.

Also, I told the urologist that I was drinking mainly Ginger Ale, as
it settles my stomach without putting me to sleep, and it does so
without the caffeine or oxylates that Coca-Cola has. He said that "if
you're going to drink soda, then Ginger Ale is the best thing for you".
So, I try to drink that exclusively...even when eating out. I've noticed
at some of the area Burger King and Wendy's Restaurants, that they have
this "multi-flavor drink machine" from Coca-Cola. You fill your cup with
ice first, then press the desired flavor button on the panel, then
dispense your drink. And, one of the beverages is Schweppe's Ginger Ale.

Daryl

---
■ OLX 1.53 ■ We are born naked, wet, and hungry. Then, it gets worse.

--- Virtual Advanced Ver 2 for DOS
* ORIGIN: The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org (1:19/33)

Well, things have been interesting around here, health wise.

First, I went to the neurologist last week, to find out WHY I've been
having a burning pain in my left hand.

He did a battery of tests on me, and wants to do an EMG (electric
nerve conductivity test) on me. From what I've read, it won't be very
pleasant. :( They put a needle into various muscles, injecting a
very small amount of voltage to see how the muscle reacts, relaxed or "stimulated". I likely will be rather sore after that.

Shortly after that, the same day, I'm going to undergo an MRI. The neurologist thinks I may have "cervical osteoarthritis"...problems with
the nerves in the neck and spinal column. He wants to treat the
condition, because if left untreated, it could lead to paralysis. They
want to rule out ALS (Lou Gehring's Disease), Multiple Sclerosis,
Myesthenia Gravis, etc....all very painful issues. He also doubts that
it's carpal tunnel syndrome...which I thought was possible, since I do a
lot of work with the computer (the BBS, various websites, ham radio applications, etc.). Those procedures will be done either before, or
after prostate surgery, noted later in this message.

But, apparently, I also have a vitamin deficiency...the last blood
work showed my B-12 level rather low. So, I'm going to get a B-12 shot
sometime this week. My previous PCP took me OFF all vitamins and supplements...I'm wondering if I should take a multi-vitamin again; but,
I'll ask the nurse about that.

Then, on Tuesday, I see the urologist, to set up the "Urolift Prostate Surgery". An enlarged prostate is part of growing old for all
males...but, when even a diuretic doesn't help a weak urine stream, it's
time to take action.

The procedure (which obviously requires sedation) puts an instrument
up through the penis and urethra. Then, when it gets to the prostate, it
"opens up" like devices on window blinds to "hold them open". This
basically, "holds back" the lobes of the prostate, so that the enlarged prostate does NOT put constricting pressure on the urethra. There is NO cutting, burning, or other surgery, per se, on the prostate...plus,
there is no need for a catheter, or overnight hospitalization (it's done
as outpatient surgery). While pain medicine is given afterwards, it does
NOT lead to erectile dysfunction, and relief can be seen in as little as
2-4 weeks. I never thought I'd be so excited about a surgical procedure.
I hope to get all the details this week.

For those wanting more info, I believe the URL is uroliftforbph.com

Also, lately, I've had a large amount of gas and bloating. I realize
it could come from what I eat and drink (eating carbohydrates, legumes,
and drinking sodas are the main culprits)...but the ginger ale settles
my stomach without the caffeine, and without putting me to sleep. I'm to
see my gastrointerologist in June to set up my next colonoscopy,
possibly in August or September (after the last one in 2013, they did
find polyps (which were burned off)), but he felt I could wait until
2015 before I had the next one...since polyps are rather slow growing,
as it were.

I'll keep everyone posted.

Daryl

---
■ OLX 1.53 ■ Without geometry, life is pointless.

--- Virtual Advanced Ver 2 for DOS
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS (1:19/33)

I wanted to give a brief health update to everyone.

First, after several postponements of the MRI and the EMG (electric
nerve conductivity test), due to snow and ice, the weather has finally
allowed me to proceed with them.

I had the MRI of my neck done this past Thursday...and the neurologist
didn't see any evidence of bones pressing on my spinal column, which
would be cervical osteoarthritis. However, he thinks the burning in my
hands, arms, and elsewhere, may be due to a pinched nerve...but the EMG
that'll be done on Tuesday will reveal more. I know it'll be very uncomfortable, and quite painful...but I've got to go through with it,
to find out what's wrong. And, while it appears that neck surgery
isn't completely "off the table", it seems less likely.

I am currently on a clear liquids diet, as if preparing for a
colonoscopy. That means no solid food until after the procedure is done
on Tuesday afternoon...or I may not eat solid food again until
Wednesday. While I can stand to lose a few pounds, this isn't the way I
want to do it. :P

The reason I'm doing the clear liquids diet through Monday...then will
do purgatives overnight Monday into Tuesday (I doubt I'll get much sleep
that night), is because the electrical surges, although minor, could
cause problems with the urinary and anal sphincters, leading to more incontinence issues than I have now...and, I basically don't want to
urinate and defecate on the table...but may do some, anyway.

I hope to have an update by the latter part of next week.

Daryl

---
■ OLX 1.53 ■ WARNING!! I'm naked under these clothes!!

--- Virtual Advanced Ver 2 for DOS
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS (1:19/33)

On 03/14/15, Daryl Stout pondered and said...

I wanted to give a brief health update to everyone.

Take care Daryl.

Best, Paul.

--
Agency BBS, New Zealand | bbs.geek.nz | telnet: agency.bbs.geek.nz:23

--- Mystic BBS v1.10 (Windows)
* Origin: Agency BBS | telnet://agency.bbs.geek.nz (3:770/100)

Hi, Paul! Recently you wrote in a message to Daryl Stout:

Take care Daryl.

A belated welcome to the echo from me to you! I see you've posted in SURVIVOR before & I recognize your name from other echoes. Thanks for hanging in there with us although I may take quite some time to respond... [wry grin].




--- timEd/386 1.10.y2k+
* Origin: Wits' End, Vancouver CANADA (1:153/716)

On 03/15/15, Ardith Hinton pondered and said...

A belated welcome to the echo from me to you! I see you've posted in SURVIVOR before & I recognize your name from other echoes. Thanks for hanging in there with us although I may take quite some time
to respond... [wry grin].

Thanks Adrith... nice to meet you too ;)

Best, Paul

--
Agency BBS, New Zealand | bbs.geek.nz | telnet: agency.bbs.geek.nz:23

--- Mystic BBS v1.10 (Windows)
* Origin: Agency BBS | telnet://agency.bbs.geek.nz (3:770/100)

Paul,

I wanted to give a brief health update to everyone.

Take care Daryl.

Thanks. I'll feel even better after I can eat again...and if I don't
have to have neck surgery. But, the end of the fast isn't until late
Tuesday (the last time I ate solid food was Friday evening)...and it may
take a day or two for the doctor to get the results of the test, and
make a diagnosis.

Daryl

---
■ OLX 1.53 ■ If flying's safe, why is the airport called the terminal?

--- Virtual Advanced Ver 2 for DOS
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS (1:19/33)

Hi, Daryl! Recently you wrote in a message to ALL:

the EMG that'll be done on Tuesday will reveal more. I
know it'll be very uncomfortable, and quite painful...but
I've got to go through with it, to find out what's wrong.

Please keep us posted. We'll be thinking of you.... :-)




--- timEd/386 1.10.y2k+
* Origin: Wits' End, Vancouver CANADA (1:153/716)

Just wanted to give a quick health update.

I had the Urolift prostate procedure done yesterday (April 8th) at
Baptist Med Center Day Surgery in Little Rock. The procedure went well,
but I have pain and burning on urination, plus urgency to void, and incontinence...as well as stinging and burning after voiding. However,
all of that is to be expected. I haven't seen any blood in the urine,
but it's hard to tell, since one of the medicines turns the urine a
red-orange color.

I am on antibiotics and pain medications for at least a week to 10
days, and the follow-up isn't scheduled until May 8th. So, I have to
take it easy until then. I have a portable urinal, which is a great
help. I take the pain med (Pyridium) 3 times a day, and the antibiotic (Ciproflaxin) twice a day, until gone.

It was NOT prostate cancer, but the enlarged prostate (which I've
dealt with for 15 years), was practically blocking the flow of urine
from the bladder, which is a medical emergency. When even taking a
diuretic doesn't help to get a decent urine stream, it's time to take
action.

Basically, the procedure is done outpatient. The patient is sedated,
and a device is inserted through the penis and urethra to where the
prostate is. Then special items, like items you would put on window
blinds to hold them back, are put on each lobe of the prostate (a max of
3 per side) to hold the prostate back, so that there is no constriction
of the urethra from the urinary bladder, so urine can pass freely to the
penis, and out of the body. There is also no cutting, burning, etc. on
the prostate, plus no need for a catheter, blood transfusion,
no overnight hospital stay, and no erectile dysfunction issues.

Relief can be seen in 2-4 weeks...although I saw one report that one gentleman who underwent the procedure was "back to normal" 2 days after
the procedure (I assume that the pain and burning on urination had
stopped). If that's the case (I hope so), I have at least another day to
endure this. I don't mind having to urinate often...I just don't like
the discomfort when doing so.

An enlarged prostate is part of males growing old...and if all goes
well, I should be "back to normal" very soon. The only thing is that the
metal things on the prostate may rule out any future MRI procedures.

Those wanting more information on Urolift, should go to:

http://www.uroliftforbph.com

After reading that, talk with your urologist, and see if this is right
for you.

Daryl

---
■ OLX 1.53 ■ Press any key to continue or any other key to quit...

--- Virtual Advanced Ver 2 for DOS
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS (1:19/33)

On 04/09/15, Daryl Stout pondered and said...

I had the Urolift prostate procedure done yesterday (April 8th) at Baptist Med Center Day Surgery in Little Rock. The procedure went well, but I have pain and burning on urination, plus urgency to void, and

I'm glad to read it went well for you Daryl.

It was NOT prostate cancer, but the enlarged prostate (which I've

Good news and I'm sure a feeling of relief for you. I was relieved for you
and we hardly know each other!

An enlarged prostate is part of males growing old...and if all goes well, I should be "back to normal" very soon. The only thing is that the

Yay, joys of being a guy... can't wait.

After reading that, talk with your urologist, and see if this is right for you.

Daryl

Well I think I'm fine for now but thanks for the info.

Take care, rest up and know folksa round this globe are sending you good
vibes ;)

Best, Paul

--
Agency BBS, New Zealand | bbs.geek.nz | telnet: agency.bbs.geek.nz:23

--- Mystic BBS v1.10 (Windows)
* Origin: Agency BBS | telnet://agency.bbs.geek.nz (3:770/100)

Paul,

I had the Urolift prostate procedure done yesterday (April 8th) at Baptist Med Center Day Surgery in Little Rock. The procedure went well, but I have pain and burning on urination, plus urgency to void, and

I'm glad to read it went well for you Daryl.

Well, I had to make 2 trips to the Emergency Room yesterday; the first
was via ambulance...a second run last night, I drove myself. Both times,
it was abdominal pain, testicular pain, and nausea (the latter didn't
want to quit, even with several doses of Zofarin). They did a CT scan
and a urinalysis, and discovered that even with the Ciproflaxin
(antibiotic) and Pyridium (which colors the urine reddish orange, making
it hard to see if there's blood in it), I still got a urinary
tract/bladder infection...not to mention epididymytis...and I haven't
had relations since the night my wife died almost 8 years ago (that was
the last thing we did together...never thought sex could be a killer).

Good news and I'm sure a feeling of relief for you. I was relieved for you PH>and we hardly know each other!

The pain and burning is lessening a bit, but not completely gone. But,
I have to call the urologist in the morning, and report things to him.
However, with heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast here much of the
week, I don't know when I'll be able to get out...as I obviously don't
want to try to navigate flooded roads.

Yay, joys of being a guy... can't wait.

While males have their issues, the females have their own to deal
with.

Well I think I'm fine for now but thanks for the info.

Take care, rest up and know folksa round this globe are sending you good PH>vibes ;)

Thanks...appreciate it.

Daryl

---
■ OLX 1.53 ■ Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

--- Virtual Advanced Ver 2 for DOS
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS (1:19/33)

Just wanted to give everyone a health update...

I went to my urologist 2 weeks ago, and apparently, I don't have any
new kidney stones...although I thought I was going to have an attack the
other night. So, I took a diuretic, but it must've been an old one, as
it took a couple of hours to kick in. The pain was only about a 2 on a
scale of 1 to 10, but was only there for a second or two at
most...instead of being constant. I drink Ginger Ale as my beverage of
choice, as it keeps the stomach settled without any caffeine. It's rare
that I drink caffeinated beverages anymore.

I am still waiting to hear from my gastrointerologist on scheduling my
next colonoscopy, as it has now been just over 2 years since I had one.
I have to have 3 days of prep work before hand (clear liquids, then the purgatives on the day before, and the enema the morning of the
procedure)...or it's just a waste of everyone's time and money.

But, I didn't get out to check the Post Office Box today, since I felt
like I was coming down with a head cold, so I took some DayQuil.
Unfortunately, that made me as groggy as if I had taken the NyQuil. I've
always been hypersensitive to anesthetics, pain medications, etc...and
my blood pressure plunges under sedation...I've had that problem for
almost 45 years.

I've had problems with cysts over the years, including on my face and back...but I've got one on the scrotum, and a bigger one on the buttocks
cheek. They're not painful, but I'm afraid they're going to become
boils, which hurt like the devil to get lanced. So, I want to get them
removed before they get to that point. Just draining the cyst doesn't
get rid of them...they literally have to be cut out. My brother has had
a lot of problems with cysts and boils over the years.

While the urologist can take care of the one on the scrotum, I might
have to get referred to someone else to remove the one on the buttocks
cheek.

Then, my last medical deal scheduled for the year is my eye exam
sometime in November.

The medical expenses help with rent recertification at the end of the
year.

Daryl

---
■ OLX 1.53 ■ Nothing is fool-proof to a sufficiently talented fool.

--- Virtual Advanced Ver 2 for DOS
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS (1:19/33)

Hi, Daryl! Awhile ago you wrote in a message to ALL:

[re Urolift procedure]

Relief can be seen in 2-4 weeks...

I understand you experienced some discomfort at first, but that's par for the course. Are you satisfied with the results of the procedure now? :-)




--- timEd/386 1.10.y2k+
* Origin: Wits' End, Vancouver CANADA (1:153/716)

Re: HEALTH UPDATE

[re Urolift procedure]

Relief can be seen in 2-4 weeks...

I understand you experienced some discomfort at first, but that's pa for the course. Are you satisfied with the results of the procedure now? :-

Ardith,

Very much satisfied with the Urolift prostate procedure. Now, if I could
just get a decent night's rest. I end up sleeping in the afternoon, because
of a lack of sleep overnight, and my slumber schedule gets all skewed.

The next deals coming up are:

1) A much needed colonoscopy. But, they've CHANGED the prep work to one day before with this "NuLytely" solution. If it's ANYTHING like the "tepid salt water" of the "GoLytely" I had a few years ago, I'm NOT taking it. I can
handle the tartness of things like citrate of magnesia, but NOT salt water. I did some research on it last night, and apparently, they now have "flavor packs" to it...so that might make it better. However, it cuts down the clear liquids diet to just the day before...drinking an 8 ounce glass of it every
10 minutes, until the bottle is half empty (probably like a gallon jug).
Then, 7 hours before the procedure, I have to finish the bottle. I start the swigging at 5pm, and start the second batch at 2:30am. I likely will be up on the toilet all night, cleaning out my colon (probably will set my anus on
fire from the hemorrhoid burning and rectal bleeding). Then, I have to drive
to my Mom's place that morning, putting my car in her yard, then drive us
both to the clinic where the procedure will be done. Afterwards, she'll drive us both back to her place, and I'll spend the night there.

For many of these places now, where you have to be sedated, they REQUIRE a driver to be present when you arrive, and for that driver to REMAIN THERE
UNTIL YOU'RE DISCHARGED. They will NOT let you take public transportation,
and if you don't have a driver, they will CANCEL the procedure...whether
you've done the prep work or not. If you get pulled over with driving after being sedated, they can cite or arrest you for DUI. The bottom line is liability issues and safety.

2) A double cyst excision. I've had problems with cysts over the years, but
not as bad as my brother. At times, his have turned into boils, which hurt
like the dickens to get lanced. In my case, I have a cyst on the scrotum, and
a bigger one on the left buttocks. The urologist wants to have another look
at them, then he'll schedule the surgery. Since I'll be sedated, I'll require
a driver, just as with the colonoscopy. The concern of lancing in the scrotal area is that males can bleed to death from an injury in that area.

3) Lastly, I have an eye exam in early November...and I hope that's the LAST medical deal I'll need for 2015.

Daryl

--- Virtual Advanced Ver 2 for DOS
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS (1:19/33)

Another health update...

1) For those who missed it, or in case I forgot to post it...I got a good report on the colonoscopy in late October. Only one polyp was found this time...compared to 5 polyps that were found the last time I had a colonoscopy 2
years ago. So, I don't have to have that done again until 2018.

2) I had a large benign cyst removed off the left buttocks cheek yesterday, via
outpatient surgery. The cyst was EXTREMELY DEEP, similar to one I had on my back several years ago. They did prescribe some Hydrocodone, but if the pain stays at a 1 or 2, I can just take generic Tylenol, and tough it out.

The home health care nurse just came by, and she said it looked like it was healing nicely. I told her that Medicare would only pay for a certain time, but
she said that the way it was setup, I shouldn't have to worry about it. It'll probably take about a month for it to completely heal from the inside out...and
they'd come by daily for a week, then reduce it to maybe 2-3 times a week.

There was drainage, as expected, but it's far enough away from the anal orifice, where I don't have to worry about fecal contamination from a bowel movement...but they may end up shaving the hair off the buttocks cheek. While the cyst was "benign", any time you hear that word, it raises a "red flag".

3) The scrotal cyst removal was postponed until December 22...because of a threat of severe weather and flash flooding here Monday and Tuesday...and I don't want to risk going out if there's a threat of flooding or possible tornadoes.

The worry of the scrotal cyst becoming abscessed or a boil is a concern...because any laceration in the groin area can result in a male bleeding to death.

While the scrotal cyst has been there longer than the buttocks cyst was, I've
wanted to get them removed, as I've had a problem with cysts over the years, but didn't want them to become boils, because they hurt like heck to be lanced.

4) The last blood work I had done showed elevated A1C, liver enzymes, cholesterol, and triglycerides. I have had problems with elevated levels on all
of them except the A1C, but have had the potentil to become type 2 diabetic. With a potential for severe weather and flooding this next week, plus it being so soon after that buttocks surgery, I may wait a bit to get that done.

5) I'm to have an eye exam on Nov. 20 -- but cataracts are no longer an issues,
since those were removed a few years ago. But, they still check eye pressure, and for signs of glaucoma, and macular degeneration. I have permanent intraocular implants in each eye...and I use reading glasses when I'm at the computer, or reading items. Otherwise, I don't need them while I'm driving.

Other than that, all things considered, I'm doing pretty good...considering I
have over 50 medical conditions to deal with.

Daryl

---
* OLX 1.53 * 35 million laws are trying to enforce The 10 Commandments
* PDQWK 2.53 #5


--- GTMail 1.26
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org - GT Power 20 (1:19/33.0)

If this was previously posted, I apologize. I had a glitch in the message bases, so the previous post may have gotten zapped before it went out.

First, the removal of the rather large benign cyst on the left buttocks cheek
went well. However, the cyst was VERY DEEP...so, it has to heal from the inside
out, and left as an "open wound". I have health care nurses coming by each day for about 15 minutes, to clean the wound, replace the gauze, and pull the hair off the butt cheek when they remove the tape...I think hairy butts are a given for males. :P

So far, it appears that the wound is healing rather nicely. I haven't had any
pain, but it's a bit uncomfortable when they repack the fresh gauze into the wound.

At least it's just below the waist on the upper left part of the butt cheek, so the risk of fecal contamination is minimal, if at all.

I'm taking it easy until early next year, as exertion could cause sweat to enter the wound, making it sting like crazy.

Second, the removal of the scrotum cyst had to be rescheduled to December 22,
due to the threat of both severe weather and flash flooding tomorrow (Nov. 17),
when it was originally scheduled). That one I'm not looking forward to...but I sure don't want it to become abscessed, or to turn into a boil. Lacerations in the groin area could cause males to bleed to death.

Third, I have my yearly eye exam on Friday...cataracts are no longer an issue, as they were removed a few years ago, and intraocular lens implants were
done in both eyes...giving me 20/20 visual acuity, and just needing reading glasses.

Fourth, my Medicare drug plan is changing, due to cost...so, I might have to change pharmacies. I'll take care of that later today.

Daryl

---
* OLX 1.53 * I feel like I'm diagonally parked in a parallel universe.
* PDQWK 2.53 #5


--- GTMail 1.26
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org - GT Power 20 (1:19/33.0)

I hadn't posted in awhile, so I figured I'd give a health update.

First, I've been offline for a month...Synchronet BBS software crashed
in later July, so I went back to Virtual Advanced. However, it has been
a very stormy year in Arkansas...August looks to be one of the ten
wettest on record for Little Rock. I've heard of 3 instances of
lightning strikes frying all the persons electronic equipment
(computers, peripherals, home entertainment systems, ham radio rigs,
etc.) in the last 3 days.

Second, I had blood work nearly 2 months ago, and hadn't heard
anything yet. I assumed that "no news is good news", but I'm on the
phone with the clinic as I type this message to make sure everything is
well.

Third, I've had a lot of sinus issues lately. The drainage gets a
tickle in my throat, and I start hacking like a cat with a hairball, and bringing up "clear saliva"...but some days, I end up gagging like crazy.
It really becomes pronounced after eating, but I have to eat.
Unfortunately, they apparently can't do anything about it.

Fourth, I'm to get a glaucoma check later today. I've been having
headaches for years, from a severe concussion almost 45 years ago...but
I've had some minor eye pain lately. I'm not sure if it's eye pressure
changes, or just from sitting at the computer too much.

The strongest pain medication I take is 400 milligrams of Ibuprophen,
but even that can make me groggy...and that rules out driving or many
other tasks the rest of the day. Even Promethazine or Phenagren for
nausea knocks me out in 10 minutes. I've always been hypersensitive to anesthetics, and my blood pressure plunges under sedation. Either way, I
try to not take a pain pill every day, although I'm not as likely to get "dependent" on Ibuprophen as I would on the much stronger meds of
Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, etc.

At least I don't need another colonoscopy until 2018, although the
acid reflux is a hassle. The thing is, the only food I like is American
or Italian...yet, it's the spices in the tomato sauce (which is a good anti-oxidant) that gives me the grief...and you have that with pizza, spaghetti, lasagna, etc.

I'm still not resting well at night. Even though I'm well over the
Urolift prostate surgery from a year and a half ago, my drinking of a
large amount of ginger ale a day (it settles the stomach without the
caffeine), makes the urinary system go into high gear...but with the
urine almost clear, it means I'm getting enough fluid. I understand that
the darker the urine, it means you're probably dehydrated...and that can
lead to kidney stones. Thankfully, I haven't had a kidney stone in 4
years, and I'd like to keep it that way.

Daryl

---
■ OLX 1.53 ■ I'm always late. My ancestors arrived on the June Flower.

--- Virtual Advanced Ver 2 for DOS
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS (1:19/33)

A bit of a health update.

I am STILL dealing with effects from 2 urinary tract surgeries, 2
overnight hospitalizations due to complications (so much for outpatient surgery), 6 Emergency Room trips in April and May, and having a urinary catheter for 4 weeks.

I think I've got bladder stones again, due to dull testicular pain...I
go to see the urologist Thursday for a scrotal ultrasound. I want to be
sure I don't have a hernia, or torsio of the testicle...the latter a
medical emergency.

I'm drinking at least a liter of liquid (mainly "flavored water") a
day, and rarely having things like caffeine or chocolate, as they have oxylates, which are the cause of my kidney stones.

At least I was able to get financial assistance to "write off" the
majority of hospital expenses...what I still have to pay will help me
get a lower rent next year, when I do my rent recertification.

But, having the catheter is torture. I can barely walk, move, sit at
the computer, or sleep...and with the latter, I can't use the CPAP
machine for severe sleep apnea.

Daryl

===
■ OLX 1.53 ■ Rotisserie: A Ferris Wheel for chickens.
--- SBBSecho 3.00-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org (1:19/33)

Dallas,

Just thought I'd give a quick health update.

What started as a bad head and chest cold 2 weeks ago, digressed into
severe viral bronchitis. I went to a local Emergency Room, thinking it
was pneumonia, but thankfully, it hadn't gotten that far yet.

They gave me a strong antibiotic, Azithromyacin, which I finished off yesterday...but my PCP is so busy right now, that I can't see him until
Tuesday of next week. Needless to say, the flu shot I had planned for
last week, went by the boards.

At least it wasn't another bout with kidney stones...but I'm drinking
2 liters of flavored water a day, to stay hydrated.

Daryl

===
■ OLX 1.53 ■ Venison for dinner? Oh deer!
--- SBBSecho 3.01-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org (1:19/33)

Hi Daryl -- on Sep 28 2017 at 11:16, you wrote:

Just thought I'd give a quick health update.

[...]

At least it wasn't another bout with kidney stones...but I'm
drinking 2 liters of flavored water a day, to stay hydrated.

Damn, that's a drag. Glad you're on the mend! I had pneumonia about 40 years ago, which left me with asthma -- more or less controlled nowadays!

Get well!



Cheers... Dallas

--- timEd/386 1.10.y2k+
* Origin: The BandMaster, CANADA [telnet: bandmaster.tzo.com] (1:153/7715)

Well, good news and bad news.

I don't need hernia surgery...but I have a severely strained groin muscle...and I need to lose weight (tell me something I don't know,
Doc!!) -- yet, expecting that around the holidays is nuts!!

Second, I may be in the early stages of degenerative disk disease in
my spinal column. My late father had that, but it was pancreatic cancer
that killed him after being diagnosed with it 6 weeks earlier.

Daryl

===
■ OLX 1.53 ■ Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
--- SBBSecho 3.01-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org (1:19/33)

Daryl Stout wrote to ALL <=-

Well, good news and bad news.

I don't need hernia surgery...but I have a severely strained groin muscle...and I need to lose weight (tell me something I don't know,
Doc!!) -- yet, expecting that around the holidays is nuts!!

Second, I may be in the early stages of degenerative disk disease in
my spinal column. My late father had that, but it was pancreatic cancer that killed him after being diagnosed with it 6 weeks earlier.

Oh man - sorry to hear all this - will definately add you to the
prayer list!



... Heisenberg may have slept here.
--- MultiMail/Darwin v0.49
* Origin: Omicron Theta * Olive Branch MS * (662) 408-4283 (1:116/17)

Hi, Daryl! Awhile ago you wrote in a message to ALL:

Ardith,

I understand you experienced some discomfort at first, but that's par
for the course. Are you satisfied with the results of the procedure now? :

Well, I was...but it ended up being "undone".

The procedure itself is where a device goes up through the penis and
urethra, then opens like things you'd put on window blinds to hold them
open. The "staples" basically hold the lobes of the prostate open, so
the flow out of the urinary bladder isn't blocked.

But, one of the kidney stones lodged next to one of the staples, so
all that had to be undone, and part of the prostate had to be removed.

Had they removed all of the prostate, it likely would mean no chance
for prostate cancer, but also permanent erectile dysfunction, and
possibly no more digital rectal exams. But, they only took part of it
out. I can urinate better, but there is a lot more urgency now.

Daryl

===
■ OLX 1.53 ■ Why were the Indians here first? They had reservations.
--- SBBSecho 3.03-Win32
* Origin: FIDONet: The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org (1:19/33)

Well, I got my EGD and colonoscopy this morning. I was afraid I'd have
to do the latter again, as I couldn't finish the prep work for it. I
drank half the bottle of MyLytely, enhancing it with lemonade Kool-Aid
Flavor packets, so make it tart, and remove the "nasty taste" it had
otherwise.

Unfortunately, having not eaten in over 24 hours, I got a severe
build-up of stomach acid, and it was reacting with the solution...to
where I got chilled, nearly nauseous, and very sleepy. But, thankfully,
the doctor was able to complete both (only 1 polyp...I have to call on Wednesday for a biopsy report), and I don't have to do them again for 3
years.

But, next time, I'm going back to Citrate Of Magnesia and Ducolax
tablets. If I have to, I'll get 2 bottles of the citrate of magnesia,
but that's still less than half a gallon of that nasty stuff.

Daryl
===
■ OLX 1.53 ■ These Brownies don't taste anything like Girl Scouts.
--- SBBSecho 3.04-Win32
* Origin: FIDONet: The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org (1:19/33)

I thought I might have a detached retina, with all the floaters and
flashes I've been experiencing in my eyes lately. But, a retinal exam
the other day (man, that light was so bright), showed that while I might
have a small tear, I don't need any surgery at this time.

They did give me a handout on "flashes and floaters", and told me to
"look for a dark curtain" entering the eye from any direction. If I
notice that, I have to get in for emergency surgery, before I go blind.

So, that's something to keep an eye on...pun intended.

Daryl

===
■ OLX 1.53 ■ If flying's safe, why is the airport called the terminal?
--- SBBSecho 3.05-Win32
* Origin: FIDONet: The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org (1:19/33)

I hope 2020 is better than 2019.

First, in the death of my Mom in August, then rodents (field rats)
working their way into the house 2 months after her death, I've been
into a bit of a breakdown. The BBS was down for over 2 months.

I had bladder stone surgery 3 days after my Mom died, but I still
have a stone in the bladder. This will be 3 times in the last year...I
hope this time is the charm.

I'm drinking a half gallon of sweet peach tea a day, as it's a
diuretic. It has 25 grams of sugar per bottle, but it really hits the
spot. Now, if my A1C in March shows 6.4 or above, I'll be Type 2
diabetic...and that'll be a game changer.

Daryl


* OLX 1.53 * Examples of Pro and Con: Progress and Congress.
--- SBBSecho 3.10-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (1:19/33)

First, sorry for the abscence. Internet Rex crashed in late
February...I suspect due to a deal with Microsoft Windows 10 update.
Then, practically nonstop days of thunderstorms for the last 6 weeks,
and so I was offline.

Second, on the health front, I'm doing pretty good for a 60 year old
man. :)

At the last blood work, the A1C is steady at 6.0, the blood sugar is
97, the blood pressure was 122 over 82, vision was 20/20, and the
prostate specific antigen was 1.37 (very low risk of prostate cancer).

The only "bad" things were the very low B12 level, and an
umbilical hernia.

The low B12 level was likely caused by taking Ozemprazole
(prescription strength Prilosec) to control acid reflux. With my
deltoids (shoulders) being so sore, I prefer to get shots in the gleute
(butt cheek). I got 4 of those a week apart...and now will get them a
month apart until September...when the full blood work is done again.

The umbilical hernia was first diagnosed in December, 2018...and it
has grown. However, it's not "critical", but laparoscopic or open
surgery will be needed once COVID-19 subsides.

Daryl

===
■ OLX 1.53 ■ Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Naked.
--- SBBSecho 3.10-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (1:19/33)

Hi, Daryl! Last April you wrote in a message to ALL:

First, sorry for the abscence.

Not your fault. Glad to hear from you.... :-)

Internet Rex crashed in late February...I suspect due
to a deal with Microsoft Windows 10 update.

Sounds familiar... [wry grin].

Then, practically nonstop days of thunderstorms for the
last 6 weeks, and so I was offline.

Okay, so it took six weeks for your message to arrive & it's taken me
awhile to reply. Fortunately both you & I understand life in the slow lane.

We get thunderstorms in this part of the world too... but they seldom
last for more than an hour or so, while the rain can go on & on for weeks. :-Q

Second, on the health front, I'm doing pretty good for
a 60 year old man. :)

That's the important part. In general I seem to be doing fairly well
compared to many others my age... but I thought of you when I had a colonoscopy
& benefitted greatly from what you have shared in this echo about IBS etc. The
result established to our satisfaction that while the professionals don't quite
know what's going on they're glad to report I don't have xxx, yyy, or zzz. ;-)

The low B12 level was likely caused by taking Ozemprazole
(prescription strength Prilosec) to control acid reflux.

Although I hadn't heard of it before, I can tell you I've been taking
Tecta (pantoprazole magnesium) to control acid reflux and at least three others
I know are using prescription medications for the same reason. Because various
side effects may take awhile to show up &/or may go unnoticed by the patient it
is reassuring AFAIC that your GP is checking up on such things.... :-)

With my deltoids (shoulders) being so sore, I prefer
to get shots in the gleute (butt cheek).

I prefer to get them either in this area or in the upper thigh, where
the muscles are larger than in the upper arm & tolerate them more easily. It's
a nuisance if I don't take advantage of the free flu shots offered by our local
pharmacy because pharmacists aren't allowed to give shots in such places... but
doctors are, and when a GP does it I'm not in pain for a week afterwards. :-))

I got 4 of those a week apart...and now will get them a
month apart until September...when the full blood work
is done again.

I gather you're waiting to find out if vitamin B12 shots will help?

The umbilical hernia was first diagnosed in December,
2018...and it has grown. However, it's not "critical",
but laparoscopic or open surgery will be needed once
COVID-19 subsides.

Hospitals here are also postponing various things which aren't urgent
in order to make space available for COVID-19 patients who can't breathe. IMHO
the good news is that we're still alive & kicking, and we can wait awhile. :-)




--- timEd/386 1.10.y2k+
* Origin: Wits' End, Vancouver CANADA (1:153/716)

Ardith,

First, sorry for the abscence.

Not your fault. Glad to hear from you.... :-)

And you as well. :)

Internet Rex crashed in late February...I suspect due
to a deal with Microsoft Windows 10 update.

Sounds familiar... [wry grin].

Or like the tagline "Failure is not an option. It comes shipped
with Windows". <G>

Then, practically nonstop days of thunderstorms for the
last 6 weeks, and so I was offline.

Okay, so it took six weeks for your message to arrive & it's taken me awhile to reply. Fortunately both you & I understand life in
the slow lane.

Well, I'm not going to argue with lightning. I've noted this in other
message areas, but a fellow ham radio operator "spared no expense" for lightning protection...you name it, he bought it, and installed it...
price was no object (must be nice to have all that money).

Well the direct hit VAPORIZED his tower, antenna, mast, and coaxial
cable. The surge melted the circuit boards inside the UPS unit and the
computer tower, and he had scorch marks down the walls of his home.

Each bolt is 3 million volts, 300,000 amps, 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit,
can strike up to 200 miles from the parent storm, can be 5 miles long,
but only as wide as your thumb. I'm a 2 time indirect lightning strike survivor, but I have nervous system damage as a result. However, I carry
no electrical charge, and can be handled safely. <G>

We get thunderstorms in this part of the world too... but
they seldom last for more than an hour or so, while the rain can go on
& on for weeks. :-Q

We haven't had to worry about drought or fire danger here for a good while...not like some areas of the country. This has been the wettest
and stormiest spring I've seen in 43 years in Arkansas...and the year
is now half over (it's July 1 as I type this).

That's the important part. In general I seem to be doing
fairly well compared to many others my age... but I thought of you when
I had a colonoscopy & benefitted greatly from what you have shared in
this echo about IBS etc. The result established to our satisfaction
that while the professionals don't quite know what's going on they're
glad to report I don't have xxx, yyy, or zzz. ;-)

The hernia surgery I had a month ago went very well. It was an inguinal umbilical hernia...not big, but I wanted it taken care of before it had
worked toward the colon or the groin. A friend of mine had to deal with
a scrotal hernia, and he said "that was a nightmare". I'm still wearing
a girdle/binder for support...but some days, it's hard to get the pants
on, because of it. At least I don't have to worry about them falling
down, because the girdle helps keep the pants up. If I didn't have the
Depends on, though...it'd be "full moon rising". <G>

Although I hadn't heard of it before, I can tell you I've
been taking Tecta (pantoprazole magnesium) to control acid reflux and
at least three others I know are using prescription medications for the same reason. Because various side effects may take awhile to show up
&/or may go unnoticed by the patient it is reassuring AFAIC that your
GP is checking up on such things.... :-)

I "get cheeky" with the nurses...because of the arthritis in both of
my shoulders (injections make that worse), I'm getting them in the hip
or gleute (butt cheek).

The B12 (levels plunged by the Ozemprazole) was originally done weekly,
but is now monthly. With COVID-19, the testapel (testosterone implant
pellets) are back ordered until sometime in August. The urologist felt
that if I waited (the level is 390, in the low end of the medium range),
the testosterone levels would crash, and I'd be in big trouble (low-T
can cause or aggravate cardiovascular and diabetes issues). So, I'm
getting weekly testosterone shots.

The full blood work is done in September and March, as the Hemoglobin
A1C is hovering around 6.1 -- and the type 2 diabetes threshold is 6.4;
I keep hearing different levels...I wish they'd make up their minds.

I prefer to get them either in this area or in the upper
thigh, where the muscles are larger than in the upper arm & tolerate
them more easily. It's a nuisance if I don't take advantage of the
free flu shots offered by our local pharmacy because pharmacists aren't allowed to give shots in such places... but doctors are, and when a GP does it I'm not in pain for a week afterwards. :-))

My hands aren't steady enough, and at times, the thighs and legs hurt
from the arthritis.

I gather you're waiting to find out if vitamin B12 shots will help?

I won't know for sure until the next full blood work in September. I
stopped taking vitamins a good while back, when told I shouldn't do that.

Hospitals here are also postponing various things which
aren't urgent in order to make space available for COVID-19 patients
who can't breathe. IMHO the good news is that we're still alive & kicking, and we can wait awhile. :-)

As noted above, the hernia surgery went real well. The pain has been
very minor...where only Tylenol and Ibuprofen were needed to take care
of it. I likely will wear the girdle for support for awhile.

Daryl

... An Electrician gets into people's shorts!
=== MultiMail/Win v0.52
--- SBBSecho 3.11-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (1:19/33)

Hi Daryl -- on Jul 01 2020 at 21:05, you wrote:

The full blood work is done in September and March, as the Hemoglobin
A1C is hovering around 6.1 -- and the type 2 diabetes threshold is 6.4;
I keep hearing different levels...I wish they'd make up their minds.

According to the Canadian Center for Disease Control:

"A normal A1C level is below 5.7%, a level of 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and a level of 6.5% or more indicates diabetes. Within the
5.7% to 6.4% prediabetes range, the higher your A1C, the greater your
risk is for developing type 2 diabetes."

I'm a diagnosed Type 2, and consistenly get readings of 6.6 - 7.1 -- the
doctor is quite happy with those readings (I'm on twice daily oral
metformin).


Cheers... Dallas

--- timEd/NT 1.30+
* Origin: The BandMaster, Vancouver, CANADA (1:153/7715)