Severe Itchy Scalp HElP! Please?

I am bothered by severe itchy scalp. I have seen a dermatologist without any real help. He wrote a prescription for "medicated Shampoo" but it cost almost $400.00 a bottle so it is not an option. Both the doctor and my hairdresser agree that there is nothing visibly wrong with my scalp. It is not overly dry or overly oily, no dandruff or any other conditions. I have tried rinsing with a baking soda solution, with moderate success. I am now trying a vinegar rinse but it is too early to tell. I do seem to get immediate, though temporary relief. That relief may or may not last... too soon to tell. Any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks

Found something that helped Slow My Cancer!

I'm a very recent cancer survivor... It was a rapid cancer that took my left breast. The Dr. said it was RARE because of the Size and Number of cells that took root in the one side and did NOT SPREAD!! I've been taking a supplement that helps fight Free Radicals, and has been proven to help with over 200 other conditions. After research I found it also helps SLOW Cancer Cell Duplication. I did NOT know I had cancer at the time I started taking it. I was taking it for general health and knew the effects were powerful, like having a Super Antioxidant in my system.

There is Proven Science that's backed up by the US National Library of Medicine stating this really DOES HELP!! I'm more than willing to share this information with anyone looking to improve their health. I'm looking to help as many people as I can, God wouldn't want me to keep this to myself. Thank you. Have a Blessed Day.

Can I get my medical records from a doctor?

Can I get my medical records from a doctor if the medical exam that I went to was a free exam to test to see if I was compatible with a medical procedure that was available for purchase?

Or since I didn't pay for anything, and they spent their personal/professional time doing the testing, are they not obliged to give me the resultant medical information on me?


They talked to me, not me to them so much. They did the many tests and gave me their professional opinion, spoken and written. Mostly, I want to know what the law actually says in regards to my getting the full documentation.

E.g. am I *legally* a patient if I paid nothing?

Again, what the law ACTUALLY says is what I'm interested in.

Euthanasia

Does anybody have insight on euthanasia? I know in various jurisdictions there are serious legal concerns.

However, being very close to some aging adults, I am vary perturbed about how we "humanely" treat our companion animals, our pets, to being put asleep when the pain is just too great for them, however, we can't come to terms with doing this to our own grandparents and parents.

There comes a time when the quality of life isn't worth it for the person suffering. We have a fix on where this might be for our dogs and cats. But more highly sentient beings, our human companions and family, we seem so hesitant to give the same relief to. What is your take on this?

I understand that Switzerland views this differently. I think the most difficult aspect is determining that quality of life. I watch dementia patients and think to myself- that is not a good quality of life. But those people are in their own world so there is the possibility that my view is wrong.

I watched one parent die from cancer when I was still a teen. Now I am watching the other die from Alzheimer's and it is much worse. If it had been my cat, its life would be over.

Why won't eye doctors see me?

I make an appointment, I call to confirm and they confirm, I call the day of the appointment and they confirm. Then I show up, and the office staff all look at me and say I have no appointment and say goodbye.

I have a pterygium. (A common growth of the sclera over half of the cornea.) I inform them of this in setting up the appointment. Then I walk in and they refuse me.

Basically all I want is for a Doctor to look at it, give his/her professional opinion, and to answer some questions I have about cornea damage from the growth, and expected damage from the process of removing the growth, and what standard degradation of vision I might expect.

Also, and I expect this might have to do with Doctor of Record issues, I am homeless and since I have to make do on damn near nothing I tend to look the part somewhat. Plus my eye is scary to look at for others, and makes my vision quite impaired for any employment.

Can any Doctors or Atty's comment on such a Dr's legal situation; so that I can be informed and so choose myself my extremely limited other options I might need to take to actually get some healthcare?

Appreciatively,
1 in 4 million.

It's a terrible feeling to be alone

and afraid without a single soul who gives a damn.

This is a reminder to those who may have relatives or friends who have few contacts.

Please don't brush them off when they talk about some medical concern - they are just scared and believe me, no one will ever appreciate your attention more.

Imagine getting bad news from your doctor and having no support, no one to tell. Taking 2 buses to chemotherapy (in the rain, the snow, the heatwave) treatments and going home tired and sick and fearing if you will even live thru the night.

I just want to say thank you to those here who are kind enough to try to help each other. For some of us, it's honestly the ONLY small comfort we have. I wish I had friends who treat me as I treat them. I think I'm a wonderful friend who genuinely cares and extends myself to those in need. Most people are too self absorbed.

Remember those you know who may not even be able to post here - a phone call or brief visit can mean the world!

What if marijuana cured cancer?

The oil that comes from the resin of marijuana does cure cancer and it does it without any side affects. Here is something that has been around our children for decades and you'd think someone would have told the world about it's curing capabillity's wouldn't you. Not a word was spoken by the government here in the US about a cure even being out there. The AMA is partly the reason for no one knowing about this find. Why would a cult want us to know about a cure we could use ourselves. There is no money to be made if we can cure ourselves is there?

It's been said that if this caught on that the cancer wings in all the hospital would have to shut down, so be it. All our friends and relatives could live instead of die. If marijuana was legal a person could grow their own and make their own oil and treat themselves and win the battle against cancer and have very little cost involved if any cost for that matter. I have a friend in the hospital right now. She had cancer over a year ago and she was treated with chemotherapy drugs and radiation. Complications set in motion by the use of these drugs and treatment are giving her a run for her life now. She keeps telling the doctors it was their drugs that are making her body go through all these changes and they know she is telling the truth. She wants to know why the US is not using the hemp oil (cannabis oil). The doctors keep telling her the government and AMA won't let them use it and they just walk out of the room. She tells the doctors that if she had listened to her friends she wouldn't be in the hospital dieing of cancer. She would have been living a full life again.

One patient out of a thousand might survive cancer on chemo and radiation, but 999 will survive with cannabis oil treatments in seven to nine weeks and some will cure their cancers faster. Cancers on the inside and the outside of our bodies can be cures and with no side affects. The word is out and now all it is going to take is a whole lot of people with some guts to get it changed. Stop being a sheep.

Strange foot problem

Yesterday I came inside and I had difficulty walking without my foot hurting. Even sitting, the top of my foot hurt, between the ankle bone and center of my foot. I put a cold compress on it and took 2 aspirin and went to bed.

I don't remember twisting my foot, dropping anything on it, etc.

This morning it started hurting when I got up. I was about to get some aspirin so I could go out and get my chores done and it felt as though something "moved" in my foot. I don't know how else to describe it. Then, after a few minutes it quit hurting on a continual basis.

I notice that if I press down on my entire foot it is fine; but, if I only press down with my heel elevated the same area hurts a very little bit.

Is there a nerve or tendon in that area that may have caused the problem?

First time Trigly level is below 150

Just under 150.

This has been an issue since 18 yrs ago (then around 800). I have been taking 1500 mg of Niaspan - with this, Triglyceride level came down to around 330.

I was on the verge of being prescribed Statin. I reduced rice, banana, and added Quinoa. Eliminated grapes but substituted with Berry. Also started with Pistachios nuts. Started with salmon (not frozen) fresh fish. Slightly modified exercise.

Not sure what exactly made the difference that from 330 it went to 147. Just at the border. Any thoughts on which change made the most difference?

What can I do to further halve it - say bring it to about 70 without the Statin drugs?

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

I want to know who's telling you peripheral neuropahty is contratindication? It can be, but there are multiple causes of peripheral neuropahty. There has been a series of articles either in Massage Today Mag. or perhaps it was in my Massage & Bodywork magazine, I forgot but in any case they talked about the various types and yes massage can be a very appropriate treatment. However, if you don't know or understand medical massage/health conditions then by all means don't just perform massage on somebody without understanding what you're working with. 


Unfortunately I've found a lot of mis-information is being given in many massage schools. A couple of other examples would be" not to massage the ankle areas in pregnant women," (If that's such a problem for inducing labor, why isn't it a standard treatment when women are past the due date or for other reasons need to deliver but they aren't in labor) Another one is that" massage gets rid of toxins in the muscle tissue". Your body automatically does this within a few hours unless the person has some type of medical condition that prevents it doing so,. We know it does a lot of wonderful things, but we must not just accept what somebody tells us we must research things for oursleves. 

High blood pressure and altitude

About 6 years ago I went to Ecuador and landed and "home base" was Quito. I had some discomfort there which I attributed to my room being on the third floor and only accessible by stairs.

I was not in the best of health as I had recently finished chemo and radiation therapy.

From there we went to the Galapagos Islands and other than fussing about the heat, all was okay--health wise.

We returned to Quito and immediately went to the mountains as my friends wanted to go to the "spa". I got sick right away. I felt light headed and nauseous. I was hanging onto a post when one of the employees insisted that I see the doctor on duty there.

The doctor was very concerned and said that he did not have the meds that I needed but would get them the next day. He did so and actually apologized that they would cost $10.00! Anyway he gave me enough to last for the rest of my trip.

He gave me a long list of things that should be checked out by my doctor in the States when I returned.

I didn't particularly want to go to the spa in the first place and this really convinced me that I should have stayed in Quito. I was so weak I couldn't even go on a hike. Have to say it was a beautiful place with a neat museum.

From there we went to a river location and although I had some difficulty with the hiking--out of physical condition--no more dizziness, etc. I quit taking the meds and having lost the list of things to check I didn't go to the dr. upon my return home either as I felt fine.

My blood pressure was checked about a month ago when I had some dental work done and it was okay.

I have avoided going to any high altitude locations as a result of this experience; but, now am interested in going to South Lake Tahoe for the dog sled rides my friend suggested.

I haven't been to the doctor to discuss this and wonder if I would just have to see what would happen if I go to the mountains or if the doctor would prescribe something for me to take as a preventive or in case I have a problem.

Old doctor vs. New doctor

Life is such a compromise. Ideal age of a doctor to me is 40-55. But if you have to choose between old (above 60) or too young (below 40), which would you rather prefer?

Pros:
- old doctors bring wealth of experience.
- people mellow down as they age.
- younger doctor may be more up to date in technology
- younger doctor may be more energetic and willing to think out of box

cons:
- old doc may not care since they'll retire in a few years.
- old doctors may die
- old doctors may retire
- old docotors may be biased based on experience
- young doctors may have attitude
- With less than 10-15 year experience, they haven't seen it all
- young doctors may be too ambitious to expand business, which may adversely affect your care.


I'd go with younger doctors.

Forget the experience thing. Shaky hands, memory loss, and failure to learn the latest new advancements make older docs -alas- obsolete. Let them retire and open more opportunity for newer internists if they're old enough to do so. Even the youngest Dr. has had 10 years of education before meeting you in a clinical setting. So what's the problem?

Should I go to the ER?

I checked my sugar at 5:30 pm and it was 317 and I took my 5 units of regular insulin checked it at 7:30 it came down to 305 I ate supper had Chinese pepper steak no rice just the pepper steak and a big glass of water and a peach that is all I ate waited to 9:45 checked sugar cause I feel strange after taking the insulin at 5:30 and when I checked it had went back up from 305 to 348 I thought insulin would bring it down I feel funny dizzy on standing and thirst and confused a little what should I do any help please

Eliminating the need for glasses or contacts

I am wondering if I can gradually wean myself off of contacts/glasses. I am 27 years old and have been wearing corrective lenses for 5 years, I got my prescription -1.50/-1.75 back then and it has stayed the same ever since with the -1.75 going down to -1.50 one year and back up the next. My up close vision is perfect and if I go without glasses my vision is better by evening.

The other day while experimenting with an eye exercise I stumbled upon all by myself, I found that after roughly 30 seconds of repetitions I could focus on more distant objects (specifically text) and they were much clearer, albeit only for a short time before I would have to blink. I have a limited understanding of how the eye works but from what I understand this exercise forced the eye to refocus back and forth while never looking away from the same object by changing the level of light taken into the eye. (I use non-prescription sunglasses that I flip up, focus, flip dow, focus, repeat, repeat.)

I got my glasses at a time when I was spending most of my waking hours in a small "office/cubicle" at work, roughly 36x36 inches. (private school, weird setup, etc. etc.) and my eyes didn't get a lot of outdoor, long range use at that time.

What I'd like is to find an eye doctor who will prescribe me weaker corrective lenses, say -1.00 or whatever it takes to get me just inside the legal requirements and then later on a weaker ones so I can still drive, etc. and pursue this exercise without using my normal prescription since it seems to ruin all progress as soon as I have to use corrective lenses to drive. Is there any legal implications in a doctor doing this for me?

What if cardio tests find NOTHING?

I had warning signs of a heart attack: pressure in chest, lightheaded, nauseous. Two days of tests in ER found NOTHING. Stress test went very well.

Doctors' verdict: anxiety. I feel 100% certain that anxiety is not what happened. I know what anxiety is. I was under NO stress at all when this "thing" happened, and don't have many stressors in my life, compared to most people.

I would love to believe the doctors but I don't think they're right. There is heart disease in my family.


The doctors recommended no treatment or meds, since they don't think I have a heart condition.

I have ZERO reason for seeking any type of anxiety treatment, because I don't have anxiety. It's that simple.

I had a one-time cardiac incident. It scared me because it felt significant and came out of the blue.

I need to have credibility when I report what I'm experiencing. I am absolutely positive that this was not anxiety.


What should I do?

Ranting about a co-worker

Leave it to the pros? Like you? I don't know what kind of social worker you were, but I think you need educate or re-educate yourself on the subject of depression. This is a medical condition that affects people with varying degrees of severity, regardless of their station in life. A millionaire with depression suffers it, at least in part, for the same reasons as a homeless person: a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Note that anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, anti-psychotics and the like improve the condition of the mentally ill; give these same medications to a healthy person and they would either have no effect or would make that healthy person 'crazy'. Apparently, you've forgotten that depression is a medical condition. Sometimes, as with thyroid dysfunction, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, Cushing's, Lupus and Alzheimer’s, the medical cause for the depression can be quite clear. Depression also frequently co-occurs with heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. But often, there is no clear cause. That doesn't change how devastating the depression can be for the person suffering with it.

Stating that people who do "[talk] suicide" are "very likely doing the species a favor" if they follow through is the height of irresponsibility for someone with your background. Mentally ill people LISTEN to you- to them, you're one of the experts. If you used to be a social worker, you should realize that statements like the one above could be taken seriously by someone looking for help. I'm shocked. If you still have a license to perform social work, it should be revoked.

You say that you have worked with "people that had some pretty good reasons to kill themselves... But nobody was talking suicide." Do you realize that people who genuinely needed your help would have picked up on your attitude and consequently not asked for what they needed? Did you ever consider that many of those downtrodden people you worked with didn't open up to you because of your attitude? Probably not.

You give the impression that you've left social work. If you have, please, please, please, don't go back. If you haven't left, do. Actually, I don't expect this post to make a difference in your attitude. I wrote it so that those who come here looking for help or answers will know that your callous remarks should be ignored.