[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by smrtdvl

My mom has been diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. She had a palliative surgery (colostomy) for constipation issues last week. The Dr said 15 days from the date of surgery we can start chemo every week and then plan for surgery after 9 - 12 weeks if things go as planned. My mom is in a state of shock (me as well) that we do not know whether to proceed with chemo or palliative way. Mom feels at 69 & highly diabetic her chances are less. I really don't want her suffer and need suggestions on what to do.

In matters of cancer, without hesitation, consult another senior doctor. Where cancer goes there is still a lot of judgement involved. I am not a doctor but starting chemo 2 weeks after a surgery, that too a sensitive one involving the digestive system and that too on a 69-year old does seem like rushing things. As a reference point my surgery to remove one cancerous kidney was followed by a strong radiation treatment that started 9 weeks later. The doctors wanted the body to heal fully and regain its strength.

My best wishes & prayers.

[bblost]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

Guys,

My wife, aged 68, has had high to very high blood pressure for several years, and does take regular medication for it.

My mom is about the same age but has a condition called
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/heal...inal-neuralgia

Undergoes treatment for the same using medication. This is a rather painful one so it included some painkillers etc.

I highly recommend https://synapsepain.com/ if anyone in Chennai needs treatment for spine or nerve related issues.

So mom has regular checkups every 6 months.

It was about 2 -3 years back that she started getting an elevated sugar readings and we have been monitoring the same.

6 months back her hbA1c hit over 12.

Now its back to 7.

What we have come to realize is that when the Trigeminal pain gets very high, her sugar levels also go very high.

What I am trying to say is that in my mom's case we realized that when there is this increased pain causing lack of sleep...her sugar goes up.

You may want to check if there is some stress causing lack of sleep etc that might have caused this big spike in hbA1c readings.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

T.E.G. let me cut to the chase. Get her to a doctor ASAP - today.

Originally Posted by bblost

My mom is about the same age

Thank you both, and to others who have messaged me.

Glad to say that she is going to the doctor tomorrow morning, as he is not available today itself. Glad to say that she is understanding that she must.

Another set of tests is needed, but let's get her to doc first.

Quick reply as I am dashing out now...

[bblost]

@Thad, I am not a doctor and I am only putting here my understanding of blood sugar.

Please take this with a pinch of sugar...I mean salt.

Blood is made up of many parts and has many functions.
One of the most important is that it carries Oxygen from the lungs to every cell in the body.

The vessels that transport the liquid blood are the pipes we call viens, arteries and most importantly the capillaries.

The capillaries are very thin.

When the blood has more "sugar" then it becomes more sticky and its flow gets hampered. It cannot move freely thru the thin capillaries.

Its like putting a wrong grade of engine oil...

The longer the blood flow is compromised the cells start to suffer. They are neither getting the oxygen and energy on time nor are they able to send back their waste to the disposal and processing systems.

This is why one of the most commonly impacted things with Diabetes is the feeling of tingling, frequent urination etc

Do not take diabetes lightly.

DO NOT GO TO A HOMEOPATH or anyone except a qualified medical doctor.

Do not consume vegetables without first checking up their calorific makeup.

Mostly green leafy vegetables are good.
Tubers like Potato not so much.

Wheat and Maida are almost the same. One is not better than the other.
Rice is rice, polished or unpolished makes no diff.

The extra fiber in the "so called good" one's is not that high to make a difference.

Look out for hidden sources of sugar.

Do not give up tasty food. Moderation will remove the feeling of punishment which makes life miserable.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by bblost

@Thad, I am not a doctor and I am only putting here my understanding of blood sugar.

... ... ...

Do not give up tasty food. Moderation will remove the feeling of punishment which makes life miserable.

What you say makes good sense, although I am learning that the stickiness [also] directly affects the red blood cell's ability to carry and deliver oxygen. The tingling thing causes us to rethink some of the symptoms she has had over the past few years.

I'm very touched and deeply grateful for the contributions and advices from fellow members. Thank you all so much.

I had to rush out this afternoon due to the concert I was attending being sponsored by me: I was one of the hosts! My wife should have been there too, but came home from grandson in need of rest. but at least she was able to watch the live webcast which she described as "divine and peaceful." I'm sure it was good for her. Tomorrow is one of our concerts too: I'm sure she will make it with me.

Looking back at previous reports, we see that she could have been considered as diabetic over a year ago, but doctors had not made a serious point of it, and these lab reports are not written for the layman.

I think it is unlikely that it is a false alarm, but we will certainly get a second test. However, as members have pointed out, if correct, this is a situation that must be treated urgently. And any lifestyle changes that are made from day one are going to be in the direction of good-for-health anyway. Medication will be taken as per doctor's advice. We will see what he says.

DO NOT GO TO A HOMEOPATH or anyone except a qualified medical doctor.

I strongly agree. Alternative treatments may help, but in a disorder like this, western medicine is the foundation stone of staying alive!

Originally Posted by bblost

I highly recommend https://synapsepain.com/ if anyone in Chennai needs treatment for spine or nerve related issues.

Thanks, we will look into this. She has bad inflamation/pain from cervical spondylolysis

[Thad E Ginathom]

At the doctor today, they got a test result of 300. Doctor did not seem unduly concerned (which I find a bit concerning!) but prescribed metformin with checkup in ten days. He's an elder guy: I think he believes in calming the patient, which is reasonable, but anyway, a second opinion will be sought tomorrow.

I think we should go to a specialist. I will ask an American doc friend, whose parents live not too far away, for a recommendation, as I know they were diabetic. It seems to be the national disease: it is rarer to meet people who are not! But any suggestions here for Southern Chennai (Thiruvanmiyur district) are welcome.

[para_7k]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

At the doctor today, they got a test result of 300. Doctor did not seem

Thad, At those levels, I believe injectable insulin is almost an immediate requirement. We have a long history of diabetes in our family and most of us are on insulin. Met formin is good, but I am sure it's not enough in this scenario.

If Velachery would work for you, check out Dr Mohans diabetes centers. They are one of the best in the speciality and have been in the business for atleast 30 years.

One thing though, when you visit first time, they will subject your wife through every test possible and *may* ask to be admitted for a couple of days. They monitor the levels periodically with insulin and decide the best dose of insulin to be taken daily.

It can get a bit overwhelming, but they know what they're doing and one of the best.

It's worth a try

[rajeevsulu]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

At the doctor today, they got a test result of 300. Doctor did not seem unduly concerned (which I find a bit concerning!) but prescribed metformin with checkup in ten days.

That is the way to go unless there is any underlying medical or surgical emergency which warrants drastic control procedures. He will check how the body responds to the drug and will go on to definitive drugs based on requirement. Nothing wrong with getting a second opinion though. All will be well.

Cheers

[adisan]

Seeking inputs from the esteemed medical practitioners in this forum.

About four months back, the below symptoms appeared overnight in my left ear - no gradual buildup, and without any external injuries:
- partial numb feeling
- partial hearing loss
- continuous ringing sound
- sense of blockage

While the former two have remained unchanged, the latter two fluctuate on a daily basis. No pain or fever experienced at any stage. At the time of onset, there was a very feeble cold which vanished within a few days.

Started homeo treatment a few days after onset. The symptoms have not worsened, but neither has the condition improved.

[am1m]

Originally Posted by adisan

About four months back, the below symptoms appeared overnight in my left ear...

Sounds like a lingering ear infection of some sort. Why not go to an ENT specialist, who will take a look and diagnose correctly. Why wait for so long, ear infections are usually pretty easy to clear up, if treated quickly. But can cause hearing loss, vertigo, if it develops into something more serious. Go to a qualified medical ENT doctor today.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by para_7k

One thing though, when you visit first time, they will subject your wife through every test possible and *may* ask to be admitted for a couple of days. They monitor the levels periodically with insulin and decide the best dose of insulin to be taken daily.

Many thanks!

Velachery is not too far from us --- but I think she would freak out at the tests etc!

Originally Posted by rajeevsulu

That is the way to go unless there is any underlying medical or surgical emergency which warrants drastic control procedures.

Thank you!

I think her blood pressure probably qualifies. But, as I just mentioned, we have to see what the patient can stand. But I think she understands that very debilitating and potentially lethal conditions are involved.

Originally Posted by adisan

Seeking inputs from the esteemed medical practitioners in this forum.

Speaking as an ENT patient... Surprised you have left it this long. There is no alternative: one glance from the ENT doc will tell so much, but nobody here can tell you if there is inflamation, infection, wax blockage, or what combination. Also sinuses can be involved. If there is blockage, he or she will have you cleaned up in minutes. And all for a few hundred Rs. Don't wait, do go!

Alternative medicines can help many things, but you can't expect homeo to remove wax from your ears. That is like talking to your car and expecting it to clean the oil . No, you need a proper service and oil change: same for your ears.

[rahi]

My 84 years old father is a heart patient with LVEF=25% and recently underwent Gall Bladder stenting (ERCP done & uncovered biliary sem placed on 30.07.2024). The doctor's diagnosis is Carcinoma GB with possible Lung Mets and biopsy is pending due to heart condition. He earlier had creatinine & bilirubin levels elevated which are now within range. He is bed ridden with urinary catheter (for more than one and half months).

His Urologist at Fortis hospital, Mohali advised Rezum water vapour therapry being non-invasive and less risky given his age and overall health which is likely to give him respite from catheter.

I am in a dillema whether to go for this procedure to impove my father's quality of life keeping in mind his overall health or skip it as there is no guarantee that catheter shall be removed later. I am also open to second opinion from recommended doctors in Chandigarh or in vicinity.

Regards

[fawad0222]

Hi,

Sorry to know about your father's health. With his current health issues and age, any surgery is difficult. Please listen to your drs and make his living comfortable.

Take care
Fawad

[Cedia2013]

Originally Posted by rahi

My 84 years old father is a heart patient with LVEF=25% and recently underwent Gall Bladder stenting (ERCP done & uncovered biliary sem placed on 30.07.2024).

Regards

Hi, As a surgeon, I recommend whatever minimal intervention thats required to keep him pain free and comfortable is the best decision to make now. If he is walking by self and can tolerate little discomfort, he can undergo rezum procedure since it does not require anesthesia.

[rahi]

Originally Posted by Cedia2013

Hi, As a surgeon, I recommend whatever minimal intervention thats required to keep him pain free and comfortable is the best decision to make now. If he is walking by self and can tolerate little discomfort, he can undergo rezum procedure since it does not require anesthesia.

Thanks for the advice.

However, my father is unable to walk and bed ridden.

I am curious to know if rezum therapy is helpful in old age patients and would be of help to my 84 years old father.

Regards