![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by noa on April 15, 2003, at 11:57:32
I just wanted you guys to know that I'm getting off the train here. NO, I'm not leaving Babble. But I'm getting off the hostility train. I posted at admin that I won't post any more to or about a certain poster. I have also requested that a poster not post to me or about me anymore either.
It was futile, so I needed to disengage.
Posted by Greg on April 15, 2003, at 17:26:57
In reply to Stopping the madness, posted by noa on April 15, 2003, at 11:57:32
Noa,
It isn't an easy thing do, but when you're really frustrated, it's the only thing you can do and keep your head about you. I don't know what happened to me, I used to get so fired up about things around here, but now I just don't pay attention to the stuff that used to irritate me. It does make me sad when I see people like you and Nikki and Tina making such concerted efforts to get your points across *civilly* but to no avail.
I'm glad you decided to step away, but I'm also glad you spoke your mind. Now, if that's not playing both sides of the fence, I don't know what is... :)
Greg
Posted by noa on April 15, 2003, at 17:40:53
In reply to Re: Stopping the madness » noa, posted by Greg on April 15, 2003, at 17:26:57
Well, it sounded diplomatic to me, Gregster.
BTW, sounds like you need an accountant to do your taxes next year. I bet you they'd save you some money.
I found something good about the IRS today--I was able to file my extension by phone. It was pretty easy! So, I'm still in my pj's, not having to go out to the post office!
Posted by Greg on April 15, 2003, at 18:23:53
In reply to Re: Stopping the madness, posted by noa on April 15, 2003, at 17:40:53
> I found something good about the IRS today--I was able to file my extension by phone. It was pretty easy! So, I'm still in my pj's, not having to go out to the post office!
Yeah, that's how I did both of my extensions (Not in my pj's though. I have the greatest footie jammies..but I digress). It was incredibly easy and they were unbelievably amiable about the whole thing. Could we have been giving the IRS a bad rap this whole time???
Nah... Dare to dream.
Posted by noa on April 15, 2003, at 20:32:09
In reply to Re: Stopping the madness » noa, posted by Greg on April 15, 2003, at 18:23:53
Amiable? My extension was taken by an automated voice! I guess "she" was amiable. They're programmed that way, no?
Posted by Greg on April 16, 2003, at 6:41:40
In reply to Re: Stopping the madness, posted by noa on April 15, 2003, at 20:32:09
I talked to two very live people! The lady at the IRS in all fairness, did have a little bit of the "teacher" attitude in her tone. You know, "Greg, if you would have turned your homework in on time this wouldn't have happened". But she was very nice about it. The guy at the Franchise Tax Board sounded real young. It was like, "Duuuude, yeah man, we can help you out!" I was pretty worried about waiting to call as late as I did, but it all worked out. Do you know if you called the Fresno, CA office? Maybe they have difference setups at different offices?
Oh well, as long as we both got what we needed.
You can't always get what you want,
You can't always get what you want,
But if you try sometimes,
You just might find,
You get what you need.I'm feeling musical this morning. Feel lucky you don't work with me, I have a horrible voice.
Have a great day! Or at least tolerable.
Greg
Posted by noa on April 16, 2003, at 10:05:34
In reply to Re: Stopping the madness, posted by Greg on April 16, 2003, at 6:41:40
And so early in the morning! Was that post really written at what, 4:40 am? YIKES--how are you able to be so cheerful at that hour?
No, it wasn't Fresno. There, beardedlady, et. al, might be happy to narrow my location down by eliminating Fresno!
Thanks for the cheery, tuneful post. I needed that.
Yesterday turned out to be rather glum for me. Even though it was a beautiful day, I stayed in all day. I hate wasting a great weather day like that. But I was grumpy as all get out. But at least I got my extension filed.
Last night I got a call. My mom is in the hospital. But at least it isn't as serious as my father's recent illness. My mom had complications from an allergic reaction to a medication she took Monday. I spoke with her this morning. She is going to have an endoscopy because she was bringing up blood, so they think she might have an ulcer. When my mother asked the doc if the med (pain killer with codeine) could have caused an allergic reaction (Mom is smart, she called her neice who tends to have exactly the same allergic type reactions to stuff as she does and sure enough the neice said the same about codeine), guess what the doc said? Yep--she said, "Oh, no. It wouldn't cause that". But thankfully my Mom knows better than to take the docs word for it.
Anyway, they'll check for an ulcer, and hopefully she'll be home later, I hope. Then they have to deal with the problem that required the pain meds in the first place. My mom has osteoporosis. she had gone about 6 years with no new fractures, but all of a sudden, she has several fractures in her back again. What is up with that, I don't know. Sounds like her bone-building meds aren't working properly.
So, I was debating whether to get on a plane. She insisted I not. I have one sibling there, nearby. He was at the hospital when I called today. I feel bad that he has all the responsibility. I'll see. I am kind of relieved, I was not in the mood to travel today. But I'll take it day by day.
as for the irs autovoice "person"--she was perfectly civil and pleasant and easy to follow. Unlike the sprint lady, "Claire", who is the only non-person I've ever wanted to strangle!! At least the IRS didn't name their voice.
Posted by Greg on April 16, 2003, at 13:23:51
In reply to Re: Stopping the madness » Greg, posted by noa on April 16, 2003, at 10:05:34
Oh Noa, I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. I hope she's feeling better very soon and the dianosis isn't an ulcer, but it does sound like it. She sounds like a very smart lady and I'm sure she'll let you know if she needs you to be there, although, if she's like most Moms, they always try not to worry the kids. I'm glad you have a family member there to keep an eye on her and can keep you updated as well. Try not to stress too much. I know that's easier said than done. Just remember we're here to talk to if you need us. And keep me informed, I'll keep good thoughts and say a prayer for you.
Hmmm, I don't know if I'd call myself cheery exactly. I've been getting up at 2am on weekdays for about 6 1/2 years now and I guess it just seems like the normal thing to do. Weirdly enough, when I sleep in until 7 or 8 on weekends I wake up not feeling very good. It's like my routine has been thrown all out of whack. Usually takes me about 15 minutes to get out of first gear and then I'm fine. I had a lot of work to keep me busy when I got in today and that always puts me in a better mood. When it gets slow and I'm bored, that's when I get bummed out. I'm glad my post picked you up and I hope it made you smile. If it didn't, I'll send you a picture of me. That outta work... :)
Well, I hope your day is going okay, and let me know if you hear anything about your Mom.
G
Posted by NikkiT2 on April 16, 2003, at 13:49:09
In reply to Re: Stopping the madness » Greg, posted by noa on April 16, 2003, at 10:05:34
Noa,
I'm so sorry to hear about your mum. Those fractures must be awful for her, and, though its nasty, I hope they find an ulcer as these are pretty easy to deal with I think..
Its good to have you back.. you're the first person I remember "conversing" with here, which must be about 4 years ago now!!!
Your mums in my thoughts.
Nikki x
Posted by noa on April 16, 2003, at 14:38:46
In reply to Re: Stopping the madness » noa, posted by NikkiT2 on April 16, 2003, at 13:49:09
Thanks, Greg and Nikki!
The endoscopy results indicate NO ulcer. I think it was just the codeine. My friend told me she knows lots of people who react that way to codeine.
Mom is going home this afternoon. Phew.
And, yes, you're right, Greg, she insisted that I NOT come. I think my brother wishes I would, although he won't say so directly, but I'll just take it one day at a time.
So Greg, if you're up so early, what time do you get to work?
Posted by Greg on April 16, 2003, at 17:33:37
In reply to Re: Stopping the madness, posted by noa on April 16, 2003, at 14:38:46
I take my time getting ready, so I get to work usually about 3:45-4:00. I don't start working until 4:30 or 5:00, so that gives me time to get my coffee (gotta have that, right?), check my email, check here and another site I go to and leave a few posts. I really come in so early because I have the second worst commute in the Bay Area and if I don't leave when I do, a 35 minute drive turns into at least an hour and a half. Those of us with anxiety and road rage don't do well with that stuff. It also lets me leave work at 2pm and I miss most of the traffic coming home. The only downside is I'm usually ready for bed by 7...
Great news about your Mom! I'm glad to hear it wasn't an ulcer. With everything else she has going on, she didn't need that too. You know, if you really feel like you need to be there, then you should go. But I think she would tell you, she sounds like a pretty straight-forward person to me. Your brother may just be needing moral support right now and that's what you're hearing on the phone. And you can give that over the phone. I'm sure you already have been. Just take some VERY deep breaths and do what you think is best...
Thinking about you,
Greg
Posted by noa on April 16, 2003, at 21:12:18
In reply to Re: Stopping the madness » noa, posted by Greg on April 16, 2003, at 17:33:37
Thanks!
Posted by shar on April 16, 2003, at 23:44:05
In reply to Stopping the madness, posted by noa on April 15, 2003, at 11:57:32
.
>
> It was futile, so I needed to disengage.Wow, great minds and all that. It IS futile, it's not a dialogue, it's a monologue and a game. I think disengaging is the only way to deal with it.
I mentioned something like this in a post to Nikki (over on admin) before I saw yours here.
Shar
Posted by tina on April 17, 2003, at 8:58:13
In reply to Re: Stopping the madness, posted by noa on April 16, 2003, at 14:38:46
It's good to hear that your mom doesn't have an ulcer Noa. I have a friend who was given liquid codeine for a very bad cough and it ruined her stomach. She was in pain and nauseous for a week after stopping the stuff. It's pretty damaging to some people.
take care
tina
Posted by noa on April 17, 2003, at 13:38:16
In reply to Re: Stopping the madness » noa, posted by tina on April 17, 2003, at 8:58:13
Tina, thanks. Apparently it is common to be allergic to codeine, I am learning.
When she left the hospital, she was given a fentanyl patch for the back pain, but it takes a while to start working, so the doc wrote a scrip for hydrocodone! Luckily, my mother is a smart consumer and read the label info and sure enough it says Do Not Take if you are allergic to codeine. So she stuck with regular tylenol (can't have any nsaids or aspirin) until the fentanyl starts working. The tylenol does little to help her, but she won't take the hydrocodone. I really hope the fentanyl works!
Posted by noa on April 17, 2003, at 13:39:32
In reply to Re: Stopping the madness, posted by shar on April 16, 2003, at 23:44:05
Yeah, Shar. And I already knew I shouldn't get into it. But I did anyway. Glad I pulled back.
I am sorry L. has such a long block time, though.
Posted by stjames on April 19, 2003, at 20:24:27
In reply to Re: Stopping the madness, posted by noa on April 17, 2003, at 13:38:16
> When she left the hospital, she was given a fentanyl patch for the back pain, but it takes a while to start working, so the doc wrote a scrip for hydrocodone! Luckily, my mother is a smart consumer and read the label info and sure enough it says Do Not Take if you are allergic to codeine.
I am allergic to codeine, just major iching.
oxy and hydro-codone (derived from codeine)
effect me much less, allergy wise. Sounds like
your mother is much more allergic than I, so she is smart to avoid all codeine derived meds.Fentynal is a good choice, it is synthetic.
If she needs a less strong pain killer, darvaset
and demerol are the other synthetic pain killers
I know I can take with no allergy problems.
Posted by noa on April 20, 2003, at 2:01:45
In reply to Re: Stopping the madness, posted by stjames on April 19, 2003, at 20:24:27
Thanks, James.
She was still having a lot of pain with the one patch. So the doctor told her to add a second patch. But doubling up made her nauseous. So she is back to one patch but has a lot of pain. I need to find out if there are different dosages in patch form.
Posted by stjames on April 20, 2003, at 12:09:36
In reply to Re: Stopping the madness, posted by noa on April 20, 2003, at 2:01:45
> Thanks, James.
>
> She was still having a lot of pain with the one patch. So the doctor told her to add a second patch. But doubling up made her nauseous. So she is back to one patch but has a lot of pain. I need to find out if there are different dosages in patch form.There are. dad has been on the patch for some time.
Posted by Greg on April 20, 2003, at 17:13:12
In reply to Re: Stopping the madness, posted by noa on April 20, 2003, at 2:01:45
> Thanks, James.
>
> She was still having a lot of pain with the one patch. So the doctor told her to add a second patch. But doubling up made her nauseous. So she is back to one patch but has a lot of pain. I need to find out if there are different dosages in patch form.Noa,
I wore the Fentanyl patch following my back surgery several years back and it does come in many different dose levels. The SE's I experienced were severe itching (the type you chase from one place to another, very frustrating), which passed in time, and interupted sleep. Everytime I changed a patch, the first night I'd wake 9-12 times, the second night maybe a half dozen times, the third night 3 or 4. Then I'd change to a new patch and the cycle started all over again. I don't know if this is typical to all users or not. I hope it passes your Mom by. It never went away for me.
Greg
Posted by noa on April 20, 2003, at 21:29:44
In reply to Re: Stopping the madness » noa, posted by Greg on April 20, 2003, at 17:13:12
Thanks, James and Greg. Mom isn't doing too well. I think I'm going to fly there tomorrow. She has an MRI and a doctor's appt. and I'd like to be there at the appt. with her to ask my probing questions.
My brother has it under control as far as rides to the doctor, etc. (dad has heart tests tomorrow, too), but I think I may be the only one Mom will allow to sit in with the doctor for questions. And only with my agressive insistence at that.
Maybe I'm going for me, too. Because I am so worried about them and it is better to be there doing something than here feeling helpless.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble 2000 | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.