My Journey Towards Better Health

If you haven't already, ask the Dr.'s office if it's a fasting blood test. A lot of them are.

maggiedemi said:

I just called and made my own follow up doctor appointment. It wasn't too hard. I hate talking on the phone though, I wish they would do it online.
The appointment is Wed at 10:15am. Then it says I have lab work on the same day, so I guess they will tell me where to go after the appointment?
What does Lab Work 9/18 CBC + BMP mean?

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CBC is complete blood count and BMP is basic metabolic panel. it's to see your organs are functioning and salts/potassium etc are at correct levels. They often recommend you do blood work before your appointment=did they recommend you to fast? Mine usually has me fast-I can drink water but no foods.

kashmir64 said:

If you haven't already, ask the Dr.'s office if it's a fasting blood test. A lot of them are.

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you read my mind lol

foxxycat said:

you read my mind lol

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My thyroid test is always a fasting test. Is this what a BMP test is?

kashmir64 said:

My thyroid test is always a fasting test. Is this what a BMP test is?

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No. The BMP is metabolic test-the levels of salts/potassium etc and liver/kidney organ function=that's where you find out your BUN levels for your liver. For one example.

Thyroid is usually a separate test. There are at least 2 different thyroid tests=one is a broad range, then one tests the actual thyroid hormone in this particular range=it's more expensive but gives exact levels. EDIT= That was with cats above-
Humans have T3 and T4 levels and then antibodies=It gets more complicated for humans-I only know about thyroid stuff for cats since Floey in her last month of life showed excessive thyroid in her blood but levels were high normal in the past.
The vet back then said that the basic thyroid test only checks a basic level of both combined then the more expensive test, a whopping almost 300 bucks, showed the one particular hormone level since her basic thyroid was high=just wanted to explain I only know about cats lol...but Those tests fall under endocrine tests.

M maggiedemi It must be relieving to have that appointment made and out of the way.

How is the pain from your surgical site? Hoping it's getting much better than the 1st week. Normally the 2 weeks after major surgery are the hardest then it starts to get better.

foxxycat said:

did they recommend you to fast?

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No

foxxycat said:

How is the pain from your surgical site? Hoping it's getting much better than the 1st week.

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The scab fell off one part and it felt wet. I was freaking out thinking my guts might spill out. So I put some aloe gel on it.

maggiedemi said:

The scab fell off one part and it felt wet. I was freaking out thinking my guts might spill out. So I put some aloe gel on it.

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No, your 'guts' will not spill out.. The incision is healing from the inside out..

I do not know about putting aloe on the area. Once it is all healed, yes, but while it is still a bit oozie, I would not. I think the ooze is just from the scab falling off. It is just part of the healing cycle.

You can put some vaseline on it. It will also help with scarring. The best brand, which was recommended to me by an awesome dermatology surgeon is: Aquacare. It is still petroleum jelly, but for some reason, it is supposed to be better than vaseline. I have been told this by a few doctors.

I had some skin cancer, on my face, removed, and you cannot even see the scar.. awesome stuff.

I am so proud of you! making your follow-up appointment!! and telling your social worker everything!! You are making such huge strides!

Yes, the sooner you get out of this caustic environment, the better you will feel and the more confident you will become!

October is almost here! Not much longer for your PCP appointment!! Hooray!

Oh, forgot to tell you.. many doctors have an internet site.
This means you can send a non-urgent message to your own doctor, without using the phone.. but only for non-urgent requests.. even to make appointments, renew prescriptions, etc.

You can ask your new doctor if they have one. This way, no one listens in, on what you have to say.

((hugs))

How do you cook thawed frozen carrots? My mom insisted on cooking mine and they were so horrible I almost couldn't stand it. She said she just sprinkled a little water on the them and microwaved them. Should they have been covered in water instead? I really need to learn how to cook because that was revolting.

maggiedemi said:

How do you cook thawed frozen carrots? My mom insisted on cooking mine and they were so horrible I almost couldn't stand it. She said she just sprinkled a little water on the them and microwaved them. Should they have been covered in water instead? I really need to learn how to cook because that was revolting.

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They might have tasted better if they had remained frozen until microwaved. Thawed I would heat them in a frying pan with a bit of orange juice, butter, brown sugar. Or you could also just microwave them in water.

Carrots are really good roasted, but I use fresh.

Mealime app! If you have a smartphone or tablet. You can make a list of ingredients you don't like (or can't eat now) and the recipes you get don't have them. It's improved my cooking a lot.

Fresh carrots come small and peeled in packages. You can eat them right out of the bag or boil them in water with a little sugar. Learning to cook yourself will prevent your mother from controlling your food, so give it a try.

DreamerRose said:

Fresh carrots come small and peeled in packages. You can eat them right out of the bag or boil them in water with a little sugar. Learning to cook yourself will prevent your mother from controlling your food, so give it a try.

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Wouldn't brown sugar taste better? I absolutely hate carrots (except in carrot cake), so I'm actually asking.

My daughter loved candied carrots. Just put them in a pan with a little butter and brown sugar and keep heating until soft.

I have had lots of lab work and blood tests over the years. Drink water well before the test and when they go to draw the blood, look at something else in the room. Try rubbing your earlobe with your other hand. Between your thumb and index finger. It helps.

You’re doing great. I understand the complications with your situation. You’ll get through it all. You've already made huge progress. I’m so proud of you! Lion heart! Keep roaring!

Frozen carrots are terrible. I don't know why. Most veggies freeze fine. But not carrots. You can use frozen carrots in soups or something but they just aren't for eating plain. If you want to eat them plain, baby carrots will fill all your carroty needs without a need to peel or chop them. Eaten raw, with or without dip, or cooked however you like.

Yes, brown sugar would taste better, but I don't always have it on hand, and if I 'm going to add parsley, which I do often, white sugar is better. It doesn't take much sugar to get the bitterness out.

DreamerRose said:

Learning to cook yourself will prevent your mother from controlling your food, so give it a try.

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I'm trying, but she still insists on cooking for me. Her cooking is getting so bad. That's why I think there is some Dementia going on there. She used to be a pretty good cook when I was a kid and teenager. Now it's inedible, like I actually feel like vomiting it up.

Jcatbird said:

I’m so proud of you! Lion heart! Keep roaring!

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I'm really tired, but I'll try.

Willowy said:

Frozen carrots are terrible. I don't know why. Most veggies freeze fine. But not carrots. You can use frozen carrots in soups or something but they just aren't for eating plain.

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Figures I would pick the worst frozen vegetable. But I would have cooked them totally covered with water. She just sprinkled it on, so that made them dry and inedible.

maggiedemi said:

I'm trying, but she still insists on cooking for me. Her cooking is getting so bad. That's why I think there is some Dementia going on there.

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It's a form of control, she's trying to control you which is why you need to get well so you can continue to assert yourself. You are strong and capable of breaking away from her manipulation. I realize she's your mom and it's not easy because you obviously have feelings for her but, if in fact, she's in the beginning stages of Dementia it will only worsen. Keep the lines of communication open with your brothers so that they can step in if need be and, most of all, continue to heal. Everyone here is in your corner, we want to not only help but lend our support and guidance.

maggiedemi said:

I'm trying, but she still insists on cooking for me. Her cooking is getting so bad. That's why I think there is some Dementia going on there. She used to be a pretty good cook when I was a kid and teenager. Now it's inedible, like I actually feel like vomiting it up.



I'm really tired, but I'll try.



Figures I would pick the worst frozen vegetable. But I would have cooked them totally covered with water. She just sprinkled it on, so that made them dry and inedible.

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M maggiedemi When you get on your feet and on your own, if you need suggestions about cooking, I can help. I love to cook and everything I make is simple and healthy. *And as you know, I am very frugal. I spend about 1/3 the reported "average" per person per month for this area, and I eat very well. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and a little tuna once in awhile.*

tarasgirl06 said:

if you need suggestions about cooking, I can help. I love to cook and everything I make is simple and healthy. *And as you know, I am very frugal.

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Thank you. Frugal is always good.

Please send good vibes & prayers for tomorrow. I have my follow up appointment at 10:15am and my Lab Work. I just hope everything goes okay and I can go back home and relax until Oct. 10th when I see my new doc. I need some time away from doctors!