I just wanna say -- the random comments thread

[justginger]

My alarm went off this morning, DH was already gone (I'm back to uni). I think I'll sleep another 10 minutes...

Then I hear a cat yowling, like two are fighting under the bed. I yell at them to knock it off. It continues, I look over the side of the bed and our black DLH is there panicking, like her head is stuck under the bedside table. I get down there to try to calm her and get her free, and a second later I realize she's actually seizing.

Thrashing, screaming, biting, frothing, furry mess. I covered her with a blanket and tried to hold her as best as I could. It felt like it went on forever, but I think it was about 45 seconds. Then she went really still, with big dilated eyes for another minute or two, and then she was back to normal. Except some back leg flexing (voluntary) that happened a couple of times over the following 30 minutes or so.

The vet said just to watch her for now. It was an awful way to start the day.

 

[missy]

My alarm went off this morning, DH was already gone (I'm back to uni). I think I'll sleep another 10 minutes...

Then I hear a cat yowling, like two are fighting under the bed. I yell at them to knock it off. It continues, I look over the side of the bed and our black DLH is there panicking, like her head is stuck under the bedside table. I get down there to try to calm her and get her free, and a second later I realize she's actually seizing.

Thrashing, screaming, biting, frothing, furry mess. I covered her with a blanket and tried to hold her as best as I could. It felt like it went on forever, but I think it was about 45 seconds. Then she went really still, with big dilated eyes for another minute or two, and then she was back to normal. Except some back leg flexing (voluntary) that happened a couple of times over the following 30 minutes or so.

The vet said just to watch her for now. It was an awful way to start the day.

OMG Ginger, how awful and scary! I am so sorry... Sending you and your sweet kitty lots of healing and recovery dust and I hope this is a one and only incident. (((HUGS))) to you both.

 

[chemgirl]

Justginger: My boy kitty is epileptic so I know how terrifying it can be. Can you have someone keep an eye on your kitty for the day? Often cats will have a cluster of seizures as the first incident. Not to freak you out more, but this can be dangerous because the seizures will build in intensity. Valium injection will usually break the cluster so imperative that the kitty is being watched. We were told that multiple seizures in one day means a night at the vet and an IV catheter just in case.

Also it would be best to keep kitty out if any bedrooms. Our boy seized under the bed during his first episode and he ripped out his claws due to the confined space. Lots of pain for the poor guy and a horror movie scene for us when we came home.

We kept our boy in a "safe room" (towels to pad any edges or corners) for the first few nights after his cluster to make sure he wouldn't hurt himself.

Dust for your kitty! Hopefully this is just an isolated incident!

Eta: I know your first impulse is to hold her when you see her terrified like that, but best not to. Their movement can get pretty voilent and totally involuntary. I accidentally hurt my cat's arm trying to hold him during a seizure. It swelled up to double it's size. Our neurologist said to move any furniture out of the way, but other than that let him seize. We can pet him and talk to him during the post ictual phase (when he stops moving). I felt horrible when he was recovering from his sprained arm.

 

[chemgirl]

Waiting for blood test results and driving myself nuts.

 

[VRBeauty]

Last night I learned that a friend and former co-worker was killed yesterday when her car was hit head-on by a wrong-way driver. Her husband told me, "When we said good-bye this morning, I had no idea it would be for the last time."

Just two days ago I heard my minister talking about the "ashes" of Ash Wednesday being a reminder that none of us gets out of this world alive. Since two of my family members faced (and survived) potentially fatal health challenges last year, that message sounded like old news to me. But as it turns out, being reminded that we will all die at some point is very different from being forced to face the fact that any of us could die at any point.

So how am I responding to that reminder? I'm going to go attend to some things that need attending to - now!

 

[rosetta]

VR- that is so true. I put loads off

I passed my exam - thank you so much for all of your dust: I really think PS dust is magical!

 

[missy]

VR- that is so true. I put loads off

I passed my exam - thank you so much for all of your dust: I really think PS dust is magical!

YAY!!!!!
And while I know PS dust is magic Rosetta I think you passed this exam all on your own being the smart cookie that you are!!!

 

[chemgirl]

Going through boxes to make room in the garage. I found a B4-4 CD. DH owns a B4-4 CD. Any Canadians who were in highschool during the late 90's will know how epic this is.

I'm going to moc him when he gets home. Until then, listening to some very orange guys sing the hilariously wrong "Get Down"

 

[Roxy]

Last night I learned that a friend and former co-worker was killed yesterday when her car was hit head-on by a wrong-way driver. Her husband told me, "When we said good-bye this morning, I had no idea it would be for the last time."

Just two days ago I heard my minister talking about the "ashes" of Ash Wednesday being a reminder that none of us gets out of this world alive. Since two of my family members faced (and survived) potentially fatal health challenges last year, that message sounded like old news to me. But as it turns out, being reminded that we will all die at some point is very different from being forced to face the fact that any of us could die at any point.

So how am I responding to that reminder? I'm going to go attend to some things that need attending to - now!

Thanks for sharing this VR, I know I can always use a reminder to not sweat the small stuff. We really have to make every moment count & even though that saying sounds corny, it's true.

 

[TooPatient]

This is just so wrong! Drug Company Refuses Lifesaving Medicine for 7 year Old

I know they are a company and can't give it all away for free, but the FDA hasn't approved and this little boy is going to die without help
They've given it to others but claim they can't afford to give any more away.... despite over $72 MILLION in federal funding to develop the drug...

 

[missy]

So it has been 4 weeks now that I have been dealing with this distressing symptom of back and arm and sometimes neck and chest burning (like an internal burning) and the doctors have no clue. I am so tired of going to different doctors who just don't even know what tests to do or who to recommend. So I am officially on doctor hiatus for a bit because they are just not helping. I did get an esophagitis diagnosis and am on the appropriate meds for that but all the specialists say it has nothing to do with my burning. The esophagitis symptoms happened 4 days after my initial arm and back burning and I was hoping they were/are connected but no such luck. (And on top of it all I have had to d/c my meds for another condition because of the esophagitis so I know that is about to flare at any moment). The esophagitis is painful enough but this never ending burning is so uncomfortable and the not knowing what it is, well, that is very concerning to me.

 

[Polished]

Hi Missy,

You are reaching menopause age. In regard to your burning skin, I would start by getting your hormone levels checked. When I hit menopause it was as though a switch was turned. Lowering hormone levels, dropping serotonin levels wreaked havoc with my previously healthy body. My blood flow was not as good as it previously was. I ended up being diagnosed under the broad umbrella definition of fibromyalgia. I don’t have the muscle pain, joint pain and many of the other symptoms that go with this condition but I do have the heightened sensitization that characterizes it. With me it manifests itself in burning skin and irritated nerves (I’ve been tested and have no nerve damage). With me it appeared to be something that was hormone related so after a time of nearly going off my head with it and with medical tests all coming back as normal; I was put on HRT and a low dose of an SSRI. I am past menopause now and my symptoms are kept well in check. I stress this is my case and not yours but from the response you have had from doctors so far it does not sound as though you have any condition that is life threatening or really serious. I do suggest finding a good doctor to help you with your case. I also stress that you carry on life as usual, keep up exercise and your bike riding! Deep breathing, quiet meditation can be good. Anything to take away worry, anxiety or help keep depression away. My symptoms don’t go away entirely with positive thinking but the less I think about them, the less I worry and the better I feel.

 

[TooPatient]

(Raising a normal teenager! Rant ahead.... far healthier than running to chocolate & wine!)


Grrrrrrrr!!!!!

Teenagers!! (breathe!!)


A week ago:

Me: Do you need any supplies for your school project?
"A": Nope! I'm already doing my painting in art class and just have to put the PowerPoint together!

Last Thursday:

Me: How's the project? Do you need anything for it?
"A": Nope! I'm almost done with my painting. See my PowerPoint!

Sunday morning:

Me: How's the project? Done with your PowerPoint!? Cool!!
"A": Yep. My painting will be done today too!
Me: Sounds great. Do you need anything else for your presentation?
"A": Nope!

Today (day before the project is due):

"A": Ummmm.... I think I have to do a whole new painting. This one was by the wrong artist.
Me: Okay... It looks similar to her work so you painted a picture of your own in similar style?
"A": No. I copied another lady's painting but I can't tell my teacher it was the wrong person. So I have to do it over again.
Me: But this is due TOMORROW. You need me to go out and get painting supplies for you tonight!?!
"A": Ummm... Yeah.
Me: But you are done with your PowerPoint and notecards for the presentation?
"A": Welll..... Almost with the PowerPoint but I haven't done notecards yet.



Okay....
Off to cheesecake and brandy.
(Hey! It isn't chocolate & wine )

 

[missy]

Hi Missy,

You are reaching menopause age. In regard to your burning skin, I would start by getting your hormone levels checked. When I hit menopause it was as though a switch was turned. Lowering hormone levels, dropping serotonin levels wreaked havoc with my previously healthy body. My blood flow was not as good as it previously was. I ended up being diagnosed under the broad umbrella definition of fibromyalgia. I don’t have the muscle pain, joint pain and many of the other symptoms that go with this condition but I do have the heightened sensitization that characterizes it. With me it manifests itself in burning skin and irritated nerves (I’ve been tested and have no nerve damage). With me it appeared to be something that was hormone related so after a time of nearly going off my head with it and with medical tests all coming back as normal; I was put on HRT and a low dose of an SSRI. I am past menopause now and my symptoms are kept well in check. I stress this is my case and not yours but from the response you have had from doctors so far it does not sound as though you have any condition that is life threatening or really serious. I do suggest finding a good doctor to help you with your case. I also stress that you carry on life as usual, keep up exercise and your bike riding! Deep breathing, quiet meditation can be good. Anything to take away worry, anxiety or help keep depression away. My symptoms don’t go away entirely with positive thinking but the less I think about them, the less I worry and the better I feel.

Thank you so much Polished for taking the time to write this. I am hoping this might be my case too. My mom thought it could be perimenopausal/menopausal related but because of the almost constant burning I was doubtful but now you have given me a bit of hope that perhaps it could be. I find it fascinating that none of my doctors even explored this possibility but not totally surprised.

Thank you for your great advice. I am continuing on with my exercising and will focus on maintaining a positive attitude. I am taking a few weeks off going to the doctors barring any new troubling symptoms and then I shall explore your hormone testing suggestion. Thank you again and I am so glad you are doing well after all that you went through with your symptoms!

 

[Roxy]

(Raising a normal teenager! Rant ahead.... far healthier than running to chocolate & wine!)


Grrrrrrrr!!!!!

Teenagers!! (breathe!!)


A week ago:

Me: Do you need any supplies for your school project?
"A": Nope! I'm already doing my painting in art class and just have to put the PowerPoint together!

Last Thursday:

Me: How's the project? Do you need anything for it?
"A": Nope! I'm almost done with my painting. See my PowerPoint!

Sunday morning:

Me: How's the project? Done with your PowerPoint!? Cool!!
"A": Yep. My painting will be done today too!
Me: Sounds great. Do you need anything else for your presentation?
"A": Nope!

Today (day before the project is due):

"A": Ummmm.... I think I have to do a whole new painting. This one was by the wrong artist.
Me: Okay... It looks similar to her work so you painted a picture of your own in similar style?
"A": No. I copied another lady's painting but I can't tell my teacher it was the wrong person. So I have to do it over again.
Me: But this is due TOMORROW. You need me to go out and get painting supplies for you tonight!?!
"A": Ummm... Yeah.
Me: But you are done with your PowerPoint and notecards for the presentation?
"A": Welll..... Almost with the PowerPoint but I haven't done notecards yet.



Okay....
Off to cheesecake and brandy.
(Hey! It isn't chocolate & wine )

LOL Thanks for the chuckle, I totally get it!! Since you've got the cheesecake and brandy, I'll bring the chocolate and wine ... heck, you deserve it for pete's sakes !

 

[iLander]

Hi Missy

I wanted to say hello, for some reason you bubbled up in my mind. plus I missed you!

I don't understand what your burning could be, I guess I don't know what you mean when you say that. Burns when you touch it, or all the time? More of a stinging? Or aching? Does your skin feel hot to others who touch it?

Are you taking any medications or new foods or drinks? I think it's related to a chemical. The weirdest skin feeling I had was a throbbing that seemed to between the layers of my skin. It wasnt on the surface where I could touch it or deep where I could feel it. Odd. It turned out to be my nicotine patch. My body had had enough of those chemicals all of a sudden. I removed the patch n it stopped the next day. Is there a chemical your body doesn't like? Exterminator, medication, food? How pure is your water? Anyone else in your house feel anything lately? It seems like your own body reacting to something.

We will figure it out, maybe you should start a thread.

 

[missy]

Hi Missy

I wanted to say hello, for some reason you bubbled up in my mind. plus I missed you!

I don't understand what your burning could be, I guess I don't know what you mean when you say that. Burns when you touch it, or all the time? More of a stinging? Or aching? Does your skin feel hot to others who touch it?

Are you taking any medications or new foods or drinks? I think it's related to a chemical. The weirdest skin feeling I had was a throbbing that seemed to between the layers of my skin. It wasnt on the surface where I could touch it or deep where I could feel it. Odd. It turned out to be my nicotine patch. My body had had enough of those chemicals all of a sudden. I removed the patch n it stopped the next day. Is there a chemical your body doesn't like? Exterminator, medication, food? How pure is your water? Anyone else in your house feel anything lately? It seems like your own body reacting to something.

We will figure it out, maybe you should start a thread.

Hi iLander, thanks for thinking of me. I miss you too. I have been having a tough time health wise lately and I am trying so hard to remain upbeat but it is difficult. I am so uncomfortable almost all of the time for the last 4 weeks now and I am just hoping doing everything all my doctors asked me to do will help provide relief.

I have been diagnosed via endoscopy and biopsy with severe erosive esophagitis and gastritis most likely due to the low dose doxycycline (Oracea) I have been on since 2006 for my rosacea. Who knew that medication could do that to my body. Now of course I have discontinued my medication but I am dealing with the consequences of that as well but I have to choose the lesser of the 2 evils right now and first thing is to heal my esophagus and stomach. Problem is I have been on the GI meds (40 mg omeprazole AM and 300 mg ranitidine PM) for 4 weeks and I am still experiencing a lot of discomfort in my chest and stomach.

Starting yesterday I started getting some adverse side effects from the new meds that are almost intolerable (feeling incredibly jittery, agitated and out of it) and so after speaking with both my internist and gastro last night we decided to d/c one of the meds (ranitidine) so now healing will be affected because I cannot deal with the horrible side effects of the meds.

On top of that the burning I am experiencing on my back and arms and neck and sometimes chest is still there and has nothing (according to all of my doctors) to do with the erosive esophagitis/gastritis even though the burning started 4 days before the symptoms of the esophagitis. It feels like a sunburn-an internal burning that is with me 24/7 though it is only present about 80% of the time. I do have some brief merciful times without the burning but they are brief and I cannot associate anything with the burning. No specific food/chemical/environment. It is present when I wake up most of the time and present at home, at work, outside (though I do get relief in the cool/cold weather because it eases the burning). I just cannot figure it out.

I truly am sorry for monopolizing the random comments thread with my health problems but I am just so overwhelmed and felt like starting a thread would be worse for some reason. I am embarrassed at all the health threads I have started over the last couple of years (my shingles thread, my dh melanoma thread and probably a few more I have forgotten about) and I thought it would be less noticeable here though it would be amazing if a fellow PSer could figure out what I have and how to help. I don't know because though I feel like my symptoms of body burning and esophagitis/gastritis are related all the doctors say no. I just want to start the esophagus/stomach healing because I am afraid to eat/drink though I am doing both and keeping up my nutritional intake. But I am so uncomfortable.

 

[iLander]

And here's your chemical

For the Consumer

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking omeprazole:

redness, tenderness, itching, burning, or peeling of the skin

Less common

heartburn

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/omeprazole-side-effects.html full list.

Some side effects of doxycycline may occur that usually do not need medical attention.

heartburn

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/doxycycline-side-effects.html

Get a new doctor, or get off all those meds. It's not working for you. You're young and healthy, you shouldn't need all that. You're taking meds that are causing you to take more meds. Not good.

A quick note about Zantac: it shuts off the valve that produces acid in the stomach. When you stop taking it, the acid gets released and is not regulated by the body, because the body is confused. I don't like any of those inhibitors because food requires acid to digest, without the acid, malabsorption can be an issue.

 

[missy]

And here's your chemical

For the Consumer

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking omeprazole:

redness, tenderness, itching, burning, or peeling of the skin

Less common

heartburn

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/omeprazole-side-effects.html full list.

Some side effects of doxycycline may occur that usually do not need medical attention.

heartburn

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/doxycycline-side-effects.html

Get a new doctor, or get off all those meds. It's not working for you. You're young and healthy, you shouldn't need all that. You're taking meds that are causing you to take more meds. Not good.

A quick note about Zantac: it shuts off the valve that produces acid in the stomach. When you stop taking it, the acid gets released and is not regulated by the body, because the body is confused. I don't like any of those inhibitors because food requires acid to digest, without the acid, malabsorption can be an issue.

Hi iLander, I am off the doxy probably forever unfortunately because it was the only thing helping/controlling my rosacea symptoms. But it caused a lot of damage to my digestive tract unbeknownst to me and I am praying that damage can be healed. As for omeprazole I have to been to 2 gastroenterologists and my internist and they all agree I have no other choice. My esophagus is quite damaged and the only way to heal it at this point is shut off the acid. Hopefully I will only have to be on this for a few months and not forever but I just don't know. As I wrote before right now it is a matter of choosing the lesser of all the evils because I have damage and I have to shut off the acid to allow the digestive tract to heal.

As for the meat rec I appreciate that but I do not eat meat. Right now I am mainly eating a vegan diet-chic peas, black beans, veggies, salad. I am at the point of not wanting to eat at all because I am so uncomfortable but I am forcing myself so I can maintain some strength. Truthfully I am not doing well but I am trusting the doctors that I will heal. It just will take some time.

I actually have an appointment in a few weeks with another (3rd) GI that my dermatologist goes to himself and highly recommends and I will see if he has any additional/other advice though I am not too optimistic about that. This seems to be the treatment for what I have. It's scary because as you said I am young to be dealing with this just like I was young to be experiencing shingles and I cannot help but wonder why and what might be next... I feel like I am doing something terribly wrong but cannot figure out what that might be.

Thanks again for chiming in-you always offer good advice and I always enjoy reading your posts though I wish this one wasn't so personal.

 

[Sakuracherry]

Missy,

I'm sorry you are going through this. I also have GI problems and was taking omeprazole for a long time. After a few years, a friend warned me of possible side effects and made me stop taking medicine. Last year, I started getting acupuncture every three weeks and it's been helping me a lot. I have few other health issues I've been dealing with for a few years and getting acupuncture is the best decision I've made about my health. I strongly recommend you to try Eastern medicine if doctors cannot find out what's wrong with you. Maybe you can take some herbs as well.

 

[missy]

Missy,

I'm sorry you are going through this. I also have GI problems and was taking omeprazole for a long time. After a few years, a friend warned me of possible side effects and made me stop taking medicine. Last year, I started getting acupuncture every three weeks and it's been helping me a lot. I have few other health issues I've been dealing with for a few years and getting acupuncture is the best decision I've made about my health. I strongly recommend you to try Eastern medicine if doctors cannot find out what's wrong with you. Maybe you can take some herbs as well.

Thanks Sakuracherry. I am so sorry you are dealing with this too and I am glad you are finding relief. I cannot believe how lousy I feel and some days I wonder if I am ever going to feel well again. My moods vacillate between hopefulness and then despair- feeling like I have no future if we cannot find the answer as to what is going on with my body. And I am finding very little relief on the GI meds and it has been already 4 weeks. One of my concerns is that my doctors don't have a complete diagnosis for me because they don't know what is causing my terrible back and arm burning as they say it is definitely not related to my esophagitis/gastritis issue.

My mother swears by acupuncture because many years ago (over 20) it was the only thing that provided relief from her severe RA though she said when she stopped treatments the pain came back and insurance wouldn't cover any of the treatments so she had to stop eventually.

Do you have any advice on how to find a reputable/good eastern medicine doctor? I live in NYC.

 

[iLander]

Missy,

Well this really sucks! Is the burning a hang over from the shingles? I know you will figure it out, and I'm thinking of you,

 

[Sakuracherry]

Missy,

I got to Dr Cai on Canal Street. He charges $60 per visit. He seems to be very popular among Chinese and American and it is hard to get an appointment.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/yaoshen-cai-new-york


My Chinese friend recommended Lin Sister Herb Shop, but I've never been there.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/lin-sister-herb-shop-new-york


My MIL goes to Kamwo on Grand Street. They are a herb store, but have a doctor on site a few days a week. I've also heard good things about Tomomi Tanaka in the West Village. I hope you can find some relief like your mother did.

 

[TooPatient]

Missy --

I have rosacea too and nothing helped except the oral antibiotic. (I think it was the same one you mentioned but I don't remember which I did for the rosacea and which I did for a sinus infection!)

Have you tried using double-acting Neosporin? (Polysporin and the generic versions)
I rub just a small amount on my face at night and it has worked wonders! The antibiotics just left me so sick it wasn't worth staying on them. It is a bit of a pain as I'm a bit gooey if I get too much, but I have gotten better at getting enough to work but not so much to be icky. I'll do spots if needed (like my cheeks and between eyebrows) in the morning but a super light amount so I'm not all shiny...

Sorry you're still having so many issues! Don't feel bad about posting around here though. I learn more here from everyone than I do in the dr's office most of the time!

 

[missy]

Thanks for the recommendations Sakuracherry.

Too Patient, the oral antibiotics were the only thing controlling my paps (and I tried everything available) and now 2 weeks off the Oracea they are coming back. My face is so sensitive that I am unable to use topicals but I am going to try your method. So I just apply topical antibiotic to my face? I'll let you know if it helps. Thanks for the tip.

 

[hippi_pixi]

The dentist really wants us to get braces on "A" because this is the age her friends will have them. He's also convinced that the way one of her teeth is sitting will cause it to wear down and she'll "someday" end up having to get a crown.

I just can't imagine braces being a good idea for her right now. I think avoiding a crown she may end up having to get some years from now is great but isn't worth having her get braces before she is even able to keep her teeth clean regularly.

A hygienist friend told me that if she isn't brushing at least most of the time we'd actually be causing her problems as she'd get all sorts of gunk in her braces and lots of cavities etc.

She goes the entire weekend without brushing at all if I don't remind her (tried not reminding her a few times ) and at least 2-3 times per week goes straight to bed without brushing. She'll even try to skip it in the morning before school "Oh! I just don't have time!" When she does brush her teeth, it is almost always well under a minute.
Flossing is a once every couple of months sort of thing...

Anyway, I'd love to see her done with braces about the same time all her friends are. It just feels to me (and to DH) like it would be irresponsible of us to move forward with them if she's not ready.

(Oh -- and this lack of tooth cleaning is even with me regularly reminding her and even having the dentist show her nasty film of gingivitis and stuff )



Sorry. Had to get that out somewhere!
I'm sick of people approaching kids as a one-size-fits all sort of thing. There are similarities but each kid is still an individual and needs to be evaluated as an individual!

I was just browsing this thread and found this. Don't put braces on a child that isn't able to keep their teeth clean! its a recipe for disaster! This dentist is just after your money. no self respecting dentist should be recommending braces for someone that doesn't have excellent oral hygiene. I've had a few patients lately that I have had to call their orthodontist and request braces off asap so i can take xrays and start filling cavities. Whats the point of having straight rotten teeth? its disgraceful and never should have happened in the first place. I find myself tell parents on a weekly basis: yes your child needs braces, no they can't have them until they pull their finger out.

Braces get best results just before or during puberty but can be done at any age. if she doesn't start taking care of her teeth before 18 she will just have to pay for her own braces later on

 

[missy]

Missy,

Well this really sucks! Is the burning a hang over from the shingles? I know you will figure it out, and I'm thinking of you,

I missed this-Thanks iLander. It's definitely not (according to 3 of my doctors) related to the shingles. Believe it or not I was hoping it was because then I would at least have an answer and know it was not fatal or anything terrible. I used to think I was healthy and now I just don't know. First shingles (which means I must be somewhat immunocompromised right?) and then severe esophagitis (which again in someone my age means immune compromised though doxy can be a culprit) and well I am feeling overwhelmed. Thank you for thinking of me and I need all the good thoughts and PS dust I can get. (((Hugs))).

TooPatient-I agree with hippi. She has to take responsibility and start flossing if you are going to spend the $$$ on braces. Good luck!

 

[TooPatient]

Thanks for the recommendations Sakuracherry.

Too Patient, the oral antibiotics were the only thing controlling my paps (and I tried everything available) and now 2 weeks off the Oracea they are coming back. My face is so sensitive that I am unable to use topicals but I am going to try your method. So I just apply topical antibiotic to my face? I'll let you know if it helps. Thanks for the tip.

I hope it helps!
Mine was quite painful so I know it isn't a small thing to have to give up the only medication that works.


Feel better soon!

 

[TooPatient]

The dentist really wants us to get braces on "A" because this is the age her friends will have them. He's also convinced that the way one of her teeth is sitting will cause it to wear down and she'll "someday" end up having to get a crown.

I just can't imagine braces being a good idea for her right now. I think avoiding a crown she may end up having to get some years from now is great but isn't worth having her get braces before she is even able to keep her teeth clean regularly.

A hygienist friend told me that if she isn't brushing at least most of the time we'd actually be causing her problems as she'd get all sorts of gunk in her braces and lots of cavities etc.

She goes the entire weekend without brushing at all if I don't remind her (tried not reminding her a few times ) and at least 2-3 times per week goes straight to bed without brushing. She'll even try to skip it in the morning before school "Oh! I just don't have time!" When she does brush her teeth, it is almost always well under a minute.
Flossing is a once every couple of months sort of thing...

Anyway, I'd love to see her done with braces about the same time all her friends are. It just feels to me (and to DH) like it would be irresponsible of us to move forward with them if she's not ready.

(Oh -- and this lack of tooth cleaning is even with me regularly reminding her and even having the dentist show her nasty film of gingivitis and stuff )



Sorry. Had to get that out somewhere!
I'm sick of people approaching kids as a one-size-fits all sort of thing. There are similarities but each kid is still an individual and needs to be evaluated as an individual!

I was just browsing this thread and found this. Don't put braces on a child that isn't able to keep their teeth clean! its a recipe for disaster! This dentist is just after your money. no self respecting dentist should be recommending braces for someone that doesn't have excellent oral hygiene. I've had a few patients lately that I have had to call their orthodontist and request braces off asap so i can take xrays and start filling cavities. Whats the point of having straight rotten teeth? its disgraceful and never should have happened in the first place. I find myself tell parents on a weekly basis: yes your child needs braces, no they can't have them until they pull their finger out.

Braces get best results just before or during puberty but can be done at any age. if she doesn't start taking care of her teeth before 18 she will just have to pay for her own braces later on

Thanks Hippi!


The dentist has never seen her teeth prior to the hygienist doing the full out cleaning. He would not be the one doing the braces and actually had to refer us to someone he knows by reputation rather than the guy they usually send people to. (We drive an hour or more to get to the dentist because he's really great and his hygienist is amazing.) So he doesn't really gain financially from pushing braces too soon -- and if he did that would be cause enough to find someone new!

The hygienist (40+ years experience) strongly suggested we wait due to the lack of cleaning. She told me similar stories to the ones you just posted. It seems like a recipe for disaster!

I got a bad feeling about her having braces with her lack of cleaning (despite her own Sonicare and other great gadgets) but started to second guess when the dentist pushed so hard.

We're doing what we can to get her to care for her teeth, but it is such a struggle... She'll sit in the bathroom holding the Sonicare but not actually put it in her mouth (yes... there are globs of toothpaste she's had to clean up after turning it on and letting it fling!) or put it in her mouth and chomp on the bristles so they can't actually move (as in bite down and hold between her teeth). The old fashioned tooth brush wasn't any better that way so at least the Sonicare gets a little as she lets it run for 20 seconds. I've sent her back to do it again until the timer shuts it off (as it has a two minute timer built in). I've had her chew the red tablet to stain the goop on her teeth and keep brushing/flossing until it is all gone. (do you have any idea how hard that is to get out of the bathroom tiles, floor towels, hand towel, hall floor, bedroom sheets... )
She's got three different types of floss plus two different flosser goodies. Still no luck.
She refuses to even consider using a WaterPik...


Teenagers!!!!

She'll be 15 in August and starting high school in September.

 

[hippi_pixi]

sounds like theres not much more you can do! sometimes teenagers won't change their habits no matter what you say or do. In the end they have to decide to do it for themselves. they might not listen to you advice on brushing but a regular check, clean and lecture from a dentist might help i love it when i see a kid booked in with a note attached parents want the kid to get a lecture. means i don't have to pussy foot around and can really give them a talking to.

The plaque tablets are usually useful but i guess you still need to have some motivation

lately I've been trying for shock factor. if the kid doesn't seem to care about what I'm saying to convince them i ask them if they've ever smelt poo breath before. humans or maybe the family dog who's breath smells like poo? its not because the human or animal is eating poo its because the bacteria in gum disease and other nasties actually smell a bit like poo. and the boys/girls arn't going to like that.

usually gets a little smirk out of the parents