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[alan-tel]

May 6, 2024 Riding The Storm Out

We had been watching the storms in western Oklahoma most of the evening. The storm hit our house about midnight. The line of the storm was moving around 60 MPH.

Once again we got lucky. The storm came up from the southwest along I-44. While we got heavy rain and wind it didn't last long. As what has become the usual as the storm approached the southwest side of the Metro it reached somewhere between SW 149th and SW 104th. From that point the storm changed direction to moving east. When it crossed I-35 it switched back to a northeast path.

On occasion we will have storm come in from the west or northwest. One of the last storms that came from that direction produced 9 inches of rain. A tornado formed several years ago that took an unusual travel direction southeast. Because of that 4 storm chasers were killed.

The state count for tornadoes last night is 8 but is expected rise.

#tornado #ok #oklahoma #storm

[alan-tel]

Heat and Humidity

According to the National MS Society, up to 80% (8 out of 10) people who have Multiple Sclerosis are sensitive to heat. I'm one of them. For me it's more about me humidity. Over the last week and a half, there has been several days I've had issues with the humidity. It doesn't take extreme heat to make the MS worse. Even though the temperature has been in the upper 70's I've seen increasing symptoms:

Problems with balance, I've fallen several times.

My spasticity (stiffness) has gotten worse.

Difficulty concentrating.

Seeing I'm having problems with the temperatures being lower than the summer, I think I'm going to have more problems as the heat and humidity will increase with summer.

#multiple sclerosis #ms #heat #humidity

[alan-tel]

Second Iron Infusion 4/27/2024

I had my second iron infusion today. It took a little over an hour with no problems.

Now I wait for a month and I'll get a blood test to see if my iron is back to normal. If not I'll need another infusion.

I need to see how I can get iron in my diet. This situation is probably due to my Celiac. So I need to keep checking for hidden sources of gluten.

The hope is this will get my Restless Leg Syndrome under control.

#celiac #restless leg syndrome #rls #gluten #iron #iron infusion

[alan-tel]

First Iron Infusion Done

Saturday April 20th I had my first iron infusion (Feraheme 510 mg) for my Restless Leg Syndrome. I believe that it's caused by damage to the small intestine from Celiac. I didn't have any problems, but I will need at least one more infusion. After a month from the last infusion I will need to get a blood test to see my iron level. If it isn't up to a safe level I will need more infusions.

Image by klbz from Pixabay

#celiac #iron #iron infusion #infusion #restless leg syndrome #rls

[alan-tel]

Doctor's Appointment 4/15/2024

Yesterday I had an appointment with a doctor that specializes in Hematology. I now have appointments for my iron infusions.

I need to get their infusions to increase my iron level. The low iron is believed to be the reason for my Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). It is thought that my low iron is caused by damage from Celiac disease. I hope that I won't need the infusions forever.

All I can say is that Multiple Sclerosis and Celiac are diseases that keep on giving.

#ms #multiple sclerosis #celiac #iron #infusion #restless leg syndrome #rls

[alan-tel]

Doctor's Appointment 4/11/2024

I had an appointment with my family doctor Thursday. We went over my recent blood tests. I was surprised by some of the information. It showed again that my iron was still low. The B vitamins were generally in the acceptable range. Vitamin B 12 was barely in the normal range so I will take a supplement to bring it up. The opposite is the case with B 6, it was well above the normal range. That is something that I was not expecting. But it can be explained as I take a Melatonin with Vitamin B 6 and the reason for the B 6 is to help to generate Melatonin. So I'll drop it and go with plain Melatonin.

I also was surprised when my doctor was leaving the clinic. I'll be looking for a new doctor.

#blood test #melatonin #vitamins #diary

[alan-tel]

Parkinson's Doctor Appointment 4/4/2024

I had a doctor's appointment with my Parkinson's doctor. I've had tremor issues, up until recently my tremors were primarily in the morning. It switched to evenings particularly after I went to bed. From there it moved to starting from 5 pm on.

I've also have uncontrolled movements. We adjusted the times I take my medications. Carbidopa and Levodopa were increased with me taking the last dose of the day at 9 pm. So far the adjustments have helped.

They also diagnosed me with Tardive Dyskinesia. The challenge of Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's continues.

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Large Strawberries

I try to eat healthy due to Celiac, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's. Usually I have gluten free oatmeal and have fruit most mornings.

The other day I was at Aldi and I got some fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. When I opened the strawberries I found some of them extremely big. As you can see by the above picture they are huge. Compared to the 1 dollar coin in the picture it gives a clue as to how big the strawberries actually are. Size wise they are as big as a mandarin orange, they are going on 3 inches in diameter. Those strawberries are going to help me with Celiac. Even though they're large they are sweet and juicey.

#ms #multiple sclerosis #parkinson #parkinson's #celiac #strawberries #oatmeal

[alan-tel]

MS Doctor Appointment 4/3/2024

Yesterday I had an appointment with my Multiple Sclerosis doctor. We went over the latest MRI and the good news I'm stable; no new lesions.

The diagnosis of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) was discussed. Since the Gabapentin didn't work and the iron supplement had problems also, iron infusions were ordered.

I explained that I thought my Celiac was a issue as well. That the villi which absorbs nutrients was damaged. I've tested in the past low on Vitamin D and iron. Add to that the gluten free items like bread aren't fortified.

The neurologist also set me up with a Gastrointestinal doctor. Another good sign is he requested authorization and I got notified quickly that it was all approved. I wonder if my raising hell about the insurance declined and taking too much time to approve tests and services was the reason. I hope that the insurance will cooperate more.

My next appointment is with my Parkinson's doctor.

#ms #multiple sclerosis #restless leg syndrome #rls

[alan-tel]

Another Urologist Recommends Axonics Device

It's been 2 weeks since I called Axonics and asked if they could help me get the device approved by my insurance.

Seems when they were initially asked to have the device implanted they said it wouldn't work with MS. Next they said it wasn't FDA approved and was experimental. I submitted a press release proving that it had been approved. Then they stated the paperwork was incomplete. I checked on that and believe that is false. The final thing they said I needed physical therapy. So I'm going to try to get the physical therapy approved. If they reject the therapy or come up with another issue I"ll contact the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner and file a complaint.

#ms #multiple sclerosis #axonics #overactive bladder

[alan-tel]

Candy Coated Apple Mexican Style

Yesterday evening after dinner a neighbor came over and asked if we were interested in buying a candy apple. I bought one to try I thought it would be like a carmel apple. I was surprised it had glaze like coating with spices particularly cinnamon. Was it covered with cinnamon it was really hot. I've learned that Mexicans use a lot of cinnamon. But it was so good. I could eat more of them and best thing about it is gluten-free.

Image by jlezaic from Pixabay

#apple #candy #cinnamon

[alan-tel]

Restless Leg Syndrome No Relief

Yesterday I had an appointment with my sleep doctor to discuss what can be done with the Restless Leg Syndrome I was diagnosed with. The latest idea was to increase my iron level by using a iron supplement. I started with a 65 mg prescription supplement of iron. That actually made me sick. I bought a Nature Made, supplement that was 18 mg. They were gummies and 2 equaled the 18 mg dose. I took with dinner 1 gummy for a 9 mg daily dose. And yes it created problems.

I was referred back to my neurologist and there is a possibility that I will have to live with Restless Leg Syndrome.

#restless leg syndrome #iron

[alan-tel]

Axonics Device Denied Again

Once again the insurance has denied coverage for a Axonics device for my overactive bladder. The reasons continue to be a changing situation. So far they have given these excuses.

It won't work with MS. Never mind I know 2 people with MS that it works.

It's experimental and they don't pay for experimental devices. It was approved by the FDA January 31, 2023.

The paper work wasn't filled out correctly. This doctor has been practicing for years and has a experience staff.

The latest excuse is I haven't gone to bladder therapy.

I have talked to Axonics and they have asked me to see another doctor for a second opinion. Which I'm going to do.

For anyone who doesn't have a serious disease like Multiple Sclerosis getting treatments can be a bitch.

#ms #multiple sclerosis #Axonics #overactive bladder #overactive #bladder

[alan-tel]

Restless Leg Syndrome

One thing that came out of my sleep study was that I have Restless Leg Syndrome.

They prescribed Gabapentin to help me sleep. I found that was only of limited help and the side effects were horrible. The next thing was to check my ferritin level which is a indicator of iron level. It was found I have a below normal ferritin level. A minimum level is above 24 ng/mL, I was at 12 ng/mL. So I was put a iron supplement of 65 mg. I knew it would take a few days to see if it would help. After 2 days I didn't get any relief but had one heck of a case of constipation. From that I got a supplement that were gummies that were 9 mg each. According to the package 1 daily dose is 18 mg. I seem to be getting relief.

Why is my iron so low? Particularly since a few years ago when they tested my iron was extremely high, not quite where something needed to be done. Some evidence indicates the Celiac may have caused that. A problem from Celiac is it destroys the villi in the small intestine. Without a means to absorb nutrients means the vitamins and minerals you consume in food can't be absorbed. Without the nutrients you will have issues. In the case of low iron you get Restless Leg Syndrome.

Add to that food that is gluten free for Celiac isn't fortified as a example regular bread. It's no wonder with Celiac you can get other diseases. This is why I think I had Celiac first and it contributed to my Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis.

#ms #multiple sclerosis #celiac #gluten #rls #restless leg syndrome #Youtube

[alan-tel]

And little sarcasm on this 14th day of MS Awareness Month.

[alan-tel]

Lifeline Screening

This morning the better half and me went to a Lifeline Screening event. It took about 1 1/2 hours.

Among the tests that we got today include blood glucose level, cholesterol and triglycerides. They also checked blood pressure. All tests were in the safe zone.

We also had a bone density test. Along with tests for plaque in arteries and blood flow to the arms, legs, and brain. I should get the results in a few days. I hope they're as good as today's results.

Near the end of last year I had a full panel blood tests performed. All vitamins and minerals were checked. All the tests were generally in the middle range.

I think it's a case that my Celiac is under control.

#lifeline screening #celiac #blood #blood tests #bone density

[alan-tel]

Another Swarm of Earthquakes

I woke up this morning to hear the news that we had a swarm of earthquakes starting last night around 11:30 pm.

The first earthquake was a 5.1 and shook a good portion of the state. They say it was centered near where the last earthquakes took place.

We didn't feel anything and we haven't found any damage.

#earthquake