[Llarry]

Originally Posted by DrVenture

Medicare? I was wondering if it was $0 out-of-pocket. I may have jumped the gun doing it while I was still on private insurance. But, I was getting to hate driving, especially at night. And didn't consider cost until I was already starting the process. Maybe I'll be surprises and insurance will cover more than I was led to believe. This is "Femtosecond" laser, FWIW.

I am anxious about the whole thing, like you stated. Being able to buy regular sunglasses seems like a bonus though, for some reason.

Yes. Medicare and Tricare (retired military) to take care of the 20% that Medicare doesn't pay.

I'm not too squeamish about medical procedures but having eye surgeries definitely had an "ick" factor. After the first went so well, I was pretty relaxed for the second.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Llarry

Yes. Medicare and Tricare (retired military) to take care of the 20% that Medicare doesn't pay.

I'm not too squeamish about medical procedures but having eye surgeries definitely had an "ick" factor. After the first went so well, I was pretty relaxed for the second.

Yep, I agree. Didn't know what to expect, really, until I had my first cataract surgery done. For the second, I was a bit more relaxed, but hearing my doctor say don't blink or don't move, however, kept me from being totally relaxed.

Been many years now and glad I got it done. Looking back I can say it was a piece of cake, of course I had a very experienced and gentle doctor.

[NealfromNZ]

Originally Posted by Llarry

I was very nervous a few years ago about laser cataract surgery, but for me it was a game-changer. Despite my trepidation, it was a very positive experience. I had worn glasses since I was a toddler, and suddenly I had 20/25 vision and could drive without glasses.

In my case, my out-of-pocket cost was zero, though.

Also had laser surgery on one of my eyes post eye trauma that caused glycomia. That was about 10 years ago now and the procedure has been very effective. Other than keeping still during the procedure I remember thinking, “is that it” as it’s very gentle . Had eye drops for a few days that keep the iteration away.

[mc-m3]

I had a big crash on my road bike 8.5 weeks ago. Broken clavicle and destroyed everything I was wearing other than my socks and shoes. 6.5 weeks ago had surgery where they installed 2 plates and screws to make me whole again. Absolutely amazing, I was on the trainer 2 weeks later. At the 4.5 week mark (just two weeks ago) I did a week long tour. I took a couple of short cuts and took the Sag to avoid steep climbs (I had a lifting limit on my surgery arm of 15 lbs). Still managed 310 miles and ~17,000' of climbing.

Sending my biggest thanks to all who made that possible. From the people who designed and make the plates to the surgeon and staff who installed them.

[Llarry]

It's been three years since I had my upper-GI endoscopy done and I got a reminder for a follow-up. The reason I went in was because food and drink would very occasionally seem to get "stuck" on the way to my stomach. Since the problem has not reoccurred in three years , I figured I was in the clear. But my pri care doc reminded me that the 2023 endoscopy also diagnosed Barrett's esophagus, which is considered a precancerous condition.

So back I go for another round. But I will say that my upper G-I endoscopy was not an unpleasant experience. I do not remember the prep, but I think it was not particularly dofficult.

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by Llarry

It's been three years since I had my upper-GI endoscopy done and I got a reminder for a follow-up. The reason I went in was because food and drink would very occasionally seem to get "stuck" on the way to my stomach. Since the problem has not reoccurred in three years , I figured I was in the clear. But my pri care doc reminded me that the 2023 endoscopy also diagnosed Barrett's esophagus, which is considered a precancerous condition.

So back I go for another round. But I will say that my upper G-I endoscopy was not an unpleasant experience. I do not remember the prep, but I think it was not particularly dofficult.

I go in every 4 years for an endoscopy because of “signs of Barrett’s” but no conclusive diagnosis. I have done my best to keep reflux under control since GI doctor first mentioned Barretts.

No real prep (unlike the test through the exit door). Just avoiding things like blood thinners for days / week ahead of time, similar to any procedure. I do enjoy the anesthesia nap. Good luck.

[Esteban]

Would you guys, Llarry and RickFLM4, mind sharing your symptoms? I am having symptoms in my chest; pressure, pain, trouble breathing, burning feeling, food and drink gets stuck occasionally, burps and hiccups. I had an endoscopy a couple months ago, it only showed mild GERD. Biopsies were clear. Doctor (Gastro/Hep) saw nothing else. Awaiting results of low dose CT chest. Also had a 7 day heart monitor recently which came back normal.

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by Esteban

Would you guys, Llarry and RickFLM4, mind sharing your symptoms? I am having symptoms in my chest; pressure, pain, trouble breathing, burning feeling, food and drink gets stuck occasionally, burps and hiccups. I had an endoscopy a couple months ago, it only showed mild GERD. Biopsies were clear. Doctor (Gastro/Hep) saw nothing else. Awaiting results of low dose CT chest. Also had a 7 day heart monitor recently which came back normal.

I don’t have any specific symptoms of Barrett’s that I notice. However, if I don’t take omeprazole, control what and when I eat/drink, keep my weight under control and sleep with my head raised in an adjustable bed, I can wake up with acid reflux (wake up coughing from acid flowing back into the esophagus). Over time that can damage a portion of the esophagus lining.

I’m no doctor, but I understand you can also experience reflux without realizing it. Additionally, there are various symptoms that can be associated with reflux, and they may differ by person. I have not had what I would describe as chest pain. I also have not had trouble breathing, other than when waking up with severe reflux, something I have managed to avoid for a long time now. In that situation, which is very unpleasant, it can seem similar to an asthma attack. There is also something called hiatal hernia, which I understand is very common, that can contribute to reflux.

Hope the doctors get it sorted out and help you feel better soon.

[Llarry]

Originally Posted by Esteban

Would you guys, Llarry and RickFLM4, mind sharing your symptoms? I am having symptoms in my chest; pressure, pain, trouble breathing, burning feeling, food and drink gets stuck occasionally, burps and hiccups. I had an endoscopy a couple months ago, it only showed mild GERD. Biopsies were clear. Doctor (Gastro/Hep) saw nothing else. Awaiting results of low dose CT chest. Also had a 7 day heart monitor recently which came back normal.

I don't have any symptoms. I take an omeprazole daily and don't have heartburn at all.

[Maynard]

Originally Posted by Esteban

Would you guys, Llarry and RickFLM4, mind sharing your symptoms? I am having symptoms in my chest; pressure, pain, trouble breathing, burning feeling, food and drink gets stuck occasionally, burps and hiccups. I had an endoscopy a couple months ago, it only showed mild GERD. Biopsies were clear. Doctor (Gastro/Hep) saw nothing else. Awaiting results of low dose CT chest. Also had a 7 day heart monitor recently which came back normal.

It sounds like the endo and the cardiac w/u have ruled out the more serious effects or causes of those Sx (you had those Sx while the cardiac monitor was ongoing? - that should rule out a cardiac origin). Assuming the CT is also clear, I think the next steps are going to be symptomatic treatment of the reflux. Barret's is an end product of ongoing damage to the esophogus, and it looks like you are well ahead of it. Hiatal hernia is a physical issue, obvious or easily ruled out on endoscopy. Get ready to add a new med or two, change your diet, and put chocks under the head of the bed.

But remember: you are better off tanking up with no-name 87 octane and getting your oil changed at a pep boys than getting medical advice from Bimmerpost .

[Buug959]

Originally Posted by Maynard

But remember: you are better off tanking up with no-name 87 octane and getting your oil changed at a pep boys than getting medical advice from Bimmerpost .

You got that right!

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

I don’t have any specific symptoms of Barrett’s that I notice. However, if I don’t take omeprazole, control what and when I eat/drink, keep my weight under control and sleep with my head raised in an adjustable bed, I can wake up with acid reflux (wake up coughing from acid flowing back into the esophagus). Over time that can damage a portion of the esophagus lining.

I’m no doctor, but I understand you can also experience reflux without realizing it. Additionally, there are various symptoms that can be associated with reflux, and they may differ by person. I have not had what I would describe as chest pain. I also have not had trouble breathing, other than when waking up with severe reflux, something I have managed to avoid for a long time now. In that situation, which is very unpleasant, it can seem similar to an asthma attack. There is also something called hiatal hernia, which I understand is very common, that can contribute to reflux.

Hope the doctors get it sorted out and help you feel better soon.

Thanks. Some of the symptoms I have sound like a hiatal hernia but they didn't see that during the endoscopy. Hopefully the low dose CT will show something. Should get the results soon.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Maynard

But remember: you are better off tanking up with no-name 87 octane and getting your oil changed at a pep boys than getting medical advice from Bimmerpost .

Not asking for medical advice; asking about symptoms.

[Maynard]

Originally Posted by Esteban

Not asking for medical advice; asking about symptoms.

Didn't mean to imply you were, I figure you know better. I was just making the typical disclaimer/joke w/ this so no offense intended. From your description of the workup you have very thorough providers.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Maynard

Didn't mean to imply you were, I figure you know better. I was just making the typical disclaimer/joke w/ this so no offense intended. From your description of the workup you have very thorough providers.

Thanks. Was not offended, just stating the obvious. Sorry if it came out wrong.

[Maynard]

or this:

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Maynard

or this:

I remember that meme. You posted it in the "Funny and cute animal pictures" thread a while back. I don't have the greatest memory but I do remember most things that are cat related. Got a soft spot for the little critters, like you do as well.

[3.0L]

Originally Posted by Llarry

I was very nervous a few years ago about laser cataract surgery, but for me it was a game-changer. Despite my trepidation, it was a very positive experience. I had worn glasses since I was a toddler, and suddenly I had 20/25 vision and could drive without glasses.

In my case, my out-of-pocket cost was zero, though.

I opted for the new LAL (Light Adjustable Lenses) and I’m very, very
happy with the results. It required 13 appointments over a period of
5 months to do both eyes. I had Lasik 20 years ago, so the LAL option
is a good option. My last treatment (the 2nd and last of the 2 mandatory
lock-ins) was a week ago today. 24 hours later I dusted off my Oakley
sunglasses and resumed a normal vision life. 20/20 with no astigmatism.