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| can anyone in here tell me how your loved one was diagnosed? All of the
tests have been run on my husband. It has been almost 2 months now. Each of
the 4 doctors & 3 ER doctors tells us "it looks like it may be early onset"
but not even the neurologist gives us a diagnosis but "Cognitive Loss". My
husband has been taken off work and driving until Dec 4th. We have to wait
another 3 weeks before I can get him to another Neuro. The primary neuro has
had a request for approval in to do a cognitive test for the last 4 weeks
and it just keeps getting a run around. No other appointments are set up
with him. The GP says there is nothing he can do until a Neuro says AD then
he can try the drugs and see if they help.
My husband and I are having a bad time of it. His moods can be harsh or
crying confused. Sometimes he talks in circles so much that I can't even
guess at what he means. All of the tests done come back normal but the brain
has an enlarged ventricle and some tiny strokes in the frontal lobe. I guess
I am just getting worn down. It has been 6 months he has been odd enough
that our lives are truly disrupted. Now 2 months of doctors and nobody has
even told us to give him aspirin. Is this normal?
It feels to me as if none of them are making any effort to help us. This
waiting has to be worse than the knowing
LindaJean
| |
| Gwen Love 2005-10-15, 6:04 pm |
| LindaJean, our family doctor gave my husband a prescription for Aricept
before he had ever gone to a neurologist.
Your doctor could too, if he wanted to.
Gwen
"LJ" <lppnp@xyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:52a4f.1877$hY6.1811@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> can anyone in here tell me how your loved one was diagnosed? All of the
> tests have been run on my husband. It has been almost 2 months now. Each
> of
> the 4 doctors & 3 ER doctors tells us "it looks like it may be early
> onset"
> but not even the neurologist gives us a diagnosis but "Cognitive Loss". My
> husband has been taken off work and driving until Dec 4th. We have to wait
> another 3 weeks before I can get him to another Neuro. The primary neuro
> has
> had a request for approval in to do a cognitive test for the last 4 weeks
> and it just keeps getting a run around. No other appointments are set up
> with him. The GP says there is nothing he can do until a Neuro says AD
> then
> he can try the drugs and see if they help.
>
> My husband and I are having a bad time of it. His moods can be harsh or
> crying confused. Sometimes he talks in circles so much that I can't even
> guess at what he means. All of the tests done come back normal but the
> brain
> has an enlarged ventricle and some tiny strokes in the frontal lobe. I
> guess
> I am just getting worn down. It has been 6 months he has been odd enough
> that our lives are truly disrupted. Now 2 months of doctors and nobody has
> even told us to give him aspirin. Is this normal?
>
> It feels to me as if none of them are making any effort to help us. This
> waiting has to be worse than the knowing
>
> LindaJean
>
>
| |
| Dennis P. Harris 2005-10-15, 6:04 pm |
| On Sat, 15 Oct 2005 16:23:29 GMT in alt.support.alzheimers, "LJ"
<lppnp@xyahoo.com> wrote:
> My husband and I are having a bad time of it. His moods can be harsh or
> crying confused. Sometimes he talks in circles so much that I can't even
> guess at what he means. All of the tests done come back normal but the brain
> has an enlarged ventricle and some tiny strokes in the frontal lobe. I guess
> I am just getting worn down. It has been 6 months he has been odd enough
> that our lives are truly disrupted. Now 2 months of doctors and nobody has
> even told us to give him aspirin. Is this normal?
>
i am not a doctor, but from all the symptoms you have reported it
sure sounds like a multi-infarct or vascular dementia, or at
least dementia due to stroke damage.
it's time for you to take a day or two off and do exactly what
someone else suggested: find out who actually makes the decision
and then camp in their office. just tell them you are NOT
leaving until someone makes that decision and OKs the next
requited test, period. BE OBNOXIOUS if you have to be; the idea
is that they will want to be rid of you, which means asking every
half hour or so when you can see The Man (it's GOT to be a man;
a woman, who knows what caregivers have to put up with since 90%
are female, wouldn't create these kinds of delays.
the important thing is that you have do it in person so that they
can't just put you on infinite hold, hang up, or forward your
call to some other clueless idiot. you may even have to get in
their face.
finally, your insurance company or the facility MUST have an
ombudsman or patient advocate. if they don't, contact your
state's office of the aging and ask for their help. it will be
worth your while to take the time off work and just do it until
you get your answer. don't take no for an answer, and RAISE HELL
UNTIL THEY DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM.
| |
| Evelyn Ruut 2005-10-15, 6:04 pm |
| I agree with Dennis' post below. You are truly suffering with this awful
situation. Somebody has got to help you and unless you get in their face
and be a real PITA, they won't help you. But most of all I think you need
a new doctor. Your doctor is absolutely the most uncaring rat I have ever
heard of. He should have at least given your husband some Aricept or
something right away.
--
Best Regards,
Evelyn
(to reply to me personally, remove 'sox')
"Dennis P. Harris" <NO_SPAM_TO_dpharris@gci.net> wrote in message
news:44s2l1t2c9en95j2i2s820175n3qqdb8j2@4ax.com...
> On Sat, 15 Oct 2005 16:23:29 GMT in alt.support.alzheimers, "LJ"
> <lppnp@xyahoo.com> wrote:
>
> i am not a doctor, but from all the symptoms you have reported it
> sure sounds like a multi-infarct or vascular dementia, or at
> least dementia due to stroke damage.
>
> it's time for you to take a day or two off and do exactly what
> someone else suggested: find out who actually makes the decision
> and then camp in their office. just tell them you are NOT
> leaving until someone makes that decision and OKs the next
> requited test, period. BE OBNOXIOUS if you have to be; the idea
> is that they will want to be rid of you, which means asking every
> half hour or so when you can see The Man (it's GOT to be a man;
> a woman, who knows what caregivers have to put up with since 90%
> are female, wouldn't create these kinds of delays.
>
> the important thing is that you have do it in person so that they
> can't just put you on infinite hold, hang up, or forward your
> call to some other clueless idiot. you may even have to get in
> their face.
>
> finally, your insurance company or the facility MUST have an
> ombudsman or patient advocate. if they don't, contact your
> state's office of the aging and ask for their help. it will be
> worth your while to take the time off work and just do it until
> you get your answer. don't take no for an answer, and RAISE HELL
> UNTIL THEY DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM.
>
>
>
| |
|
| all of these doctors and each ER has told us the same thing. That he must be
diagnosed first
LJ
"Gwen Love" <cglghl@knology.net> wrote in message
news:2ec4a$4351652a$45491df5$21351@KNOLOGY.NET...
> LindaJean, our family doctor gave my husband a prescription for Aricept
> before he had ever gone to a neurologist.
> Your doctor could too, if he wanted to.
> Gwen
| |
|
| I sure have tried that. It isn't easy to camp out with him but we did for 5
hours. It did no good. I am working with the insurance company but I need to
have each turn down in writing....that is proving to be hard to get.
Thanks
"Dennis P. Harris" <NO_SPAM_TO_dpharris@gci.net> wrote in message
news:44s2l1t2c9en95j2i2s820175n3qqdb8j2@4ax.com...
> On Sat, 15 Oct 2005 16:23:29 GMT in alt.support.alzheimers, "LJ"
> <lppnp@xyahoo.com> wrote:
> i am not a doctor, but from all the symptoms you have reported it
> sure sounds like a multi-infarct or vascular dementia, or at
> least dementia due to stroke damage.
>
> it's time for you to take a day or two off and do exactly what
> someone else suggested: find out who actually makes the decision
> and then camp in their office. just tell them you are NOT
> leaving until someone makes that decision and OKs the next
> requited test, period. BE OBNOXIOUS if you have to be; the idea
> is that they will want to be rid of you, which means asking every
> half hour or so when you can see The Man (it's GOT to be a man;
> a woman, who knows what caregivers have to put up with since 90%
> are female, wouldn't create these kinds of delays.
>
> the important thing is that you have do it in person so that they
> can't just put you on infinite hold, hang up, or forward your
> call to some other clueless idiot. you may even have to get in
> their face.
>
> finally, your insurance company or the facility MUST have an
> ombudsman or patient advocate. if they don't, contact your
> state's office of the aging and ask for their help. it will be
> worth your while to take the time off work and just do it until
> you get your answer. don't take no for an answer, and RAISE HELL
> UNTIL THEY DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM.
>
>
>
| |
|
| He and the Neuro said he can't have any meds until the cognitive test is
done but the shared risk company won't give approval. I just thought there
might be some new ideas for me besides crying and making phone calls ;-)
LindaJean
"Evelyn Ruut" <mama-lionsox@hvc.rr.com> wrote in message
news:UPe4f.2999$H3.776@twister.nyc.rr.com...
> I agree with Dennis' post below. You are truly suffering with this awful
> situation. Somebody has got to help you and unless you get in their face
> and be a real PITA, they won't help you. But most of all I think you
need
> a new doctor. Your doctor is absolutely the most uncaring rat I have
ever[vbcol=seagreen]
> heard of. He should have at least given your husband some Aricept or
> something right away.
> --
>
>
> Best Regards,
> Evelyn
>
> (to reply to me personally, remove 'sox')
> "Dennis P. Harris" <NO_SPAM_TO_dpharris@gci.net> wrote in message
> news:44s2l1t2c9en95j2i2s820175n3qqdb8j2@4ax.com...
| |
| Florence A 2005-10-16, 12:58 am |
| LJ
My heart hurts for you. There is, at this time, no test definitive test
for AD. It is a matter of elimination.
I do not understand why the Dr cannot give some meds for relief of the
symptoms your husband is suffering.
Could you get him to the ER when he is in this state?... This poor
fellow is probably so frightened---& my guess would be, so are you.
| |
| Anthony Shipley 2005-10-16, 12:58 am |
| "Evelyn Ruut" <mama-lionsox@hvc.rr.com> [WA] wrote:
>I agree with Dennis' post below. You are truly suffering with this awful
>situation. Somebody has got to help you and unless you get in their face
>and be a real PITA, they won't help you. But most of all I think you need
>a new doctor. Your doctor is absolutely the most uncaring rat I have ever
>heard of. He should have at least given your husband some Aricept or
>something right away.
My diagnosis was approximately 1 year after I reported memory loss. Until then I
was being treated for depression. Frustrating as it was, I sympathise with the
doctors who have to make the decisions.
I hated Aricept: it made me so nauseaus(sP). Over here, doctors can't prescribe
Aricept over here - must come from a neuro.
--
2 + 2 = 5 for sufficiently large values of 2.
| |
|
| I took him to the ER at UCLA and they gave us a referral to a Neuro up
there. I take him in on the 4th. I decided it was worth it to just pay for
the visit if Cigna won't allow it. I don't know what else to do. John's
moods are keeping me on edge and it breaks my heart to see him get so
"vague" all of a sudden. I have just got to get somebody to DO something. I
have asked for but not yet gotten copies of denial for cognitive testing and
the denial for us to see a Neuro out of the "network". I am battling the
risk group and the local doctors and my husband at the same time. What I
need is a clone hahaha
Linda Jean
>
>
>
| |
|
| I started out a little frightened of AD now I am frightened of everything. I
have had him in 3 different ERs. The last one said they couldn't do anything
as there was no emergency :::sigh:::
I keep pointing out that one of these days he is going to have an episode
and actually get away from me but they tell me just to call the cops if he
is out of his head about something. This is ludicrous!
Linda Jean
"Florence A" <smada@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:27697-4351D74F-120@storefull-3313.bay.webtv.net...
> LJ
> My heart hurts for you. There is, at this time, no test definitive test
> for AD. It is a matter of elimination.
> I do not understand why the Dr cannot give some meds for relief of the
> symptoms your husband is suffering.
>
> Could you get him to the ER when he is in this state?... This poor
> fellow is probably so frightened---& my guess would be, so are you.
>
| |
|
| Where are you? We are in Southern California
Linda Jean
"Anthony Shipley" <astech@iinet.net.au> wrote in message
news:qnp3l112rj1kdef3ua3bo9rrjf2lctbqfg@4ax.com...
>
> My diagnosis was approximately 1 year after I reported memory loss. Until
then I
> was being treated for depression. Frustrating as it was, I sympathise
with the
> doctors who have to make the decisions.
>
> I hated Aricept: it made me so nauseaus(sP). Over here, doctors can't
prescribe
> Aricept over here - must come from a neuro.
>
>
> --
> 2 + 2 = 5 for sufficiently large values of 2.
| |
| Karen 2005-10-16, 12:54 pm |
| Linda, I just remembered a part of the appeals process I've never had to
pursue (thankfully) but any employer based insurance can be appealed back to
the Benefits Committee of the employer. There is usually a specific process
for this and I would send in my correspondence by registered mail (to prove
receipt) but I think this might be a good time for you to begin this
process.
An benefits attorney could confirm liability (and you may want to get one
involved), but I've read of several employers and insurance companies have
been sued for denial of services when the patient couldn't get resolution.
In some cases, people worsened or died of physical disorders. In other
cases, people committed suicide because they didn't have the mental
wherewithal to fight the system for the care they needed. Which is a pretty
damning statement on our healthcare system, when you think about it.
I think the hardest thing for most civil people to get used to is that
sometimes you get nowhere by being civil. You're probably going to be
forced into being a rude PIA until you get what you need. The gold pot at
the end of the rainbow is that once the diagnosis is established, the case
goes into "maintenance mode" and you probably will only have to be a PIA
once or twice a year during a verification process.
Karen
"Evelyn Ruut" <mama-lionsox@hvc.rr.com> wrote in message
news:%pj4f.2192$h25.1932@news-wrt-01.rdc-nyc.rr.com...
> Linda they gave my MIL Aricept right away. I just find it unconscionable
> that these doctors are not working with you knowing what you are going
> through. Is there any way you can get around this shared risk company
> approval process? Can you go somewhere else?
> --
>
>
> Best Regards,
> Evelyn
>
> (to reply to me personally, remove 'sox')
| |
| Karen 2005-10-16, 12:54 pm |
| Linda, I remember one of the insurance denial cases I read about was with
Kaiser in CA. Have you asked your state representative if they can point
you to some assistance in this? Perhaps to the State Board of Insurance?
Karen
"LJ" <lppnp@xyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:dDs4f.2244$4O1.974@newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> I started out a little frightened of AD now I am frightened of everything.
I
> have had him in 3 different ERs. The last one said they couldn't do
anything
> as there was no emergency :::sigh:::
> I keep pointing out that one of these days he is going to have an episode
> and actually get away from me but they tell me just to call the cops if he
> is out of his head about something. This is ludicrous!
>
> Linda Jean
| |
|
| I have to be able to show the denial. That is why I keep demanding they put
it in writing. The process seems to be fighting us tooth and nail <f>. I
have a serious problem dealing with strangers and being forceful.
Unfortunately for my husband.....I am all he has to fight for him. Thank
you, I am trying my best to fight back for us
Linda Jean
"Karen" <kk5151@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:11l54q4rtf3rba5@corp.supernews.com...
> Linda, I just remembered a part of the appeals process I've never had to
> pursue (thankfully) but any employer based insurance can be appealed back
to
> the Benefits Committee of the employer. There is usually a specific
process
> for this and I would send in my correspondence by registered mail (to
prove
> receipt) but I think this might be a good time for you to begin this
> process.
>
> An benefits attorney could confirm liability (and you may want to get one
> involved), but I've read of several employers and insurance companies have
> been sued for denial of services when the patient couldn't get resolution.
> In some cases, people worsened or died of physical disorders. In other
> cases, people committed suicide because they didn't have the mental
> wherewithal to fight the system for the care they needed. Which is a
pretty
> damning statement on our healthcare system, when you think about it.
>
> I think the hardest thing for most civil people to get used to is that
> sometimes you get nowhere by being civil. You're probably going to be
> forced into being a rude PIA until you get what you need. The gold pot at
> the end of the rainbow is that once the diagnosis is established, the case
> goes into "maintenance mode" and you probably will only have to be a PIA
> once or twice a year during a verification process.
>
> Karen
| |
|
| It may come to that but first step is to have the turn down in writing....I
am still trying to get that.
Linda Jean
"Karen" <kk5151@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:11l54q84lc791a9@corp.supernews.com...
> Linda, I remember one of the insurance denial cases I read about was with
> Kaiser in CA. Have you asked your state representative if they can point
> you to some assistance in this? Perhaps to the State Board of Insurance?
>
> Karen
>
| |
| Dennis P. Harris 2005-10-16, 5:57 pm |
| On Sun, 16 Oct 2005 20:04:55 GMT in alt.support.alzheimers, "LJ"
<lppnp@xyahoo.com> wrote:
> I have to be able to show the denial. That is why I keep demanding they put
> it in writing. The process seems to be fighting us tooth and nail <f>. I
> have a serious problem dealing with strangers and being forceful.
I am not a lawyer, and what follows is not legal advice, but
simple practical steps to take. One thing I have learned from
dealing with either inept or dishonest bureacrats is to document
everything, and to do as much business in writing as possible.
Haver you been keeping notes, a log, or a journal? As crazy as
life gets for caregivers, I understand why many folks don't, but
the time is well spent when you need to accurately refer to what
you have requested, and when.
Following up all verbal or in-person requests with a letter
setting forth your understanding of what you were told gets their
attention, because they'll then know that you are documenting
every encounter. It's often much easier to demand things in
writing, too, and it protects your legal rights. In court, such
a letter is called a "demand letter".
So write to ALL the parties involved, including this mysterious
"risk management" company, and demand that they make a decision
by a date 7 days hence. Either hand deliver the letter and get a
receipt for it, or send it certified mail with a return receipt
requested, and save the receipt.
Your other alternative, of course, is to pay a personal injury
attorney to write such a demand letter. You'd be surprised how
fast they'll get moving when they get a letter from "your"
lawyer.
And what Evelyn said: It's time for a new doctor, if the doc
won't push to get this done for the patient's immediate benefit.
| |
|
| Good points
thank you everyone. I have been kinda upset as you can imagine and I needed
advice from people that have been thru this
Linda Jean
"Dennis P. Harris" <NO_SPAM_TO_dpharris@gci.net> wrote in message
news:oid5l1lc28j9h3tpgqlqhah6so91g8tjuh@4ax.com...
> I am not a lawyer, and what follows is not legal advice, but
> simple practical steps to take. One thing I have learned from
> dealing with either inept or dishonest bureacrats is to document
> everything, and to do as much business in writing as possible.
>
> Haver you been keeping notes, a log, or a journal? As crazy as
> life gets for caregivers, I understand why many folks don't, but
> the time is well spent when you need to accurately refer to what
> you have requested, and when.
>
> Following up all verbal or in-person requests with a letter
> setting forth your understanding of what you were told gets their
> attention, because they'll then know that you are documenting
> every encounter. It's often much easier to demand things in
> writing, too, and it protects your legal rights. In court, such
> a letter is called a "demand letter".
>
> So write to ALL the parties involved, including this mysterious
> "risk management" company, and demand that they make a decision
> by a date 7 days hence. Either hand deliver the letter and get a
> receipt for it, or send it certified mail with a return receipt
> requested, and save the receipt.
>
> Your other alternative, of course, is to pay a personal injury
> attorney to write such a demand letter. You'd be surprised how
> fast they'll get moving when they get a letter from "your"
> lawyer.
>
> And what Evelyn said: It's time for a new doctor, if the doc
> won't push to get this done for the patient's immediate benefit.
>
>
| |
| Deborah 2005-10-17, 12:57 am |
| "LJ" <lppnp@xyahoo.com> wrote in
news:Hoy4f.1542$fc7.343@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net:
> It may come to that but first step is to have the turn down in
> writing....I am still trying to get that.
>
> Linda Jean
> "Karen" <kk5151@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:11l54q84lc791a9@corp.supernews.com...
>
>
>
>
LindaJean, I've been reading about your dilemma from Day One, and from
what you say, what follows is nothing but a long shot. There was a fly-by
poster in this group a year or so ago who had a valuable warning: her
"young" (50-ish) husband was some kind of professor (i.e., an intelligent
guy) who had been put on (anti-cholesterol) statins for a year or two,
which ruined his cognition for at least a few years, maybe more, maybe
indefinitely. I wish I remembered more about her few posts. (Caregiver
dementia kicking in, here. Sorry.) They were heart-wrenching posts. From
what you have said, I don't suppose there's any chance this could be the
problem with your husband, but if he's been taking cholesterol lowering
statins, it may well be worth mentioning to the docs.
I know what you're feeling. It took a Biblical host of doctors 3-and-one-
half years to diagnose my mother (in her 70's) with a specific non-Alz
dementia after we family members began being PITAs. It was the absolute
worst 3-1/2 yrs. of my life. (And I'd had some doozies.)
Good news is, once we did get a fairly accurate diagnosis, the meds have
mostly done a power of good; not just for my mother, but for all of us.
Best, best wishes to you, LindaJean. I don't post here often, but I feel
safe in saying that you should never hesitate to bring your frustrations
to this group. It's a very supportive, caring bunch. Take what helps you,
and leave the rest, if it's too upsetting. You can tell, after a while,
who are the helpful posters (even if you don't care for their particular
delivery) and who are not. Meanwhile, keep using the group to get help for
yourself. That's only an infintessimally close second to getting help for
your husband -- really.
Deborah
| |
|
| The doctors all know he takes the stuff. I will be more pushy about the
subject with the new Neuro thanks. I had read it could cause some memory
loss. I don't know how much tho.
You are all a God sent. Just being able to talk about all this and hear
different views is a help.
Linda Jean
"Deborah" <celiej@yaspamisnotwelcomedhoo.com> wrote in message
news:Xns96F1C5CA03FC1celiejyaspamisnotwel@165.166.15.4...
> LindaJean, I've been reading about your dilemma from Day One, and from
> what you say, what follows is nothing but a long shot. There was a fly-by
> poster in this group a year or so ago who had a valuable warning: her
> "young" (50-ish) husband was some kind of professor (i.e., an intelligent
> guy) who had been put on (anti-cholesterol) statins for a year or two,
> which ruined his cognition for at least a few years, maybe more, maybe
> indefinitely. I wish I remembered more about her few posts. (Caregiver
> dementia kicking in, here. Sorry.) They were heart-wrenching posts. From
> what you have said, I don't suppose there's any chance this could be the
> problem with your husband, but if he's been taking cholesterol lowering
> statins, it may well be worth mentioning to the docs.
>
> I know what you're feeling. It took a Biblical host of doctors 3-and-one-
> half years to diagnose my mother (in her 70's) with a specific non-Alz
> dementia after we family members began being PITAs. It was the absolute
> worst 3-1/2 yrs. of my life. (And I'd had some doozies.)
>
> Good news is, once we did get a fairly accurate diagnosis, the meds have
> mostly done a power of good; not just for my mother, but for all of us.
>
> Best, best wishes to you, LindaJean. I don't post here often, but I feel
> safe in saying that you should never hesitate to bring your frustrations
> to this group. It's a very supportive, caring bunch. Take what helps you,
> and leave the rest, if it's too upsetting. You can tell, after a while,
> who are the helpful posters (even if you don't care for their particular
> delivery) and who are not. Meanwhile, keep using the group to get help for
> yourself. That's only an infintessimally close second to getting help for
> your husband -- really.
>
> Deborah
| |
| Anthony Shipley 2005-10-17, 12:57 am |
| "LJ" <lppnp@xyahoo.com> [WA] wrote:
>Where are you? We are in Southern California
Australia
--
2 + 2 = 5 for sufficiently large values of 2.
| |
| Florence A 2005-10-17, 11:02 am |
| LJ
Perhaps the ER was trying to tell you something when callng the police
was suggested. If the police see your husband acting abnormally and
you in anguish the police may want to
call an ambulance. Let them Don't say no to any help or
suggestion. Try to get him admitted.
Good luck.
My health plan says you must report the emergency ASAP {24 hrs) to cover
costs ambulance & ER. If he is kept in hospital .that hopefully
should get things going.
| |
| Dennis P. Harris 2005-10-17, 11:02 am |
| On Mon, 17 Oct 2005 01:34:25 GMT in alt.support.alzheimers, "LJ"
<lppnp@xyahoo.com> wrote:
> The doctors all know he takes the stuff. I will be more pushy about the
> subject with the new Neuro thanks. I had read it could cause some memory
> loss. I don't know how much tho.
If your husband needs to lower his cholesterol, he probably
should be using some other therapy than statins.
I just did a google on "statins memory loss" and the results were
quite disturbing. You should try it.
The current book on the subject is
Lipitor: Thief of Memory, Statin Drugs and the Misguided War on
Cholesterol (Paperback)
by Duane Graveline, MD, MPH
Paperback: 162 pages
Publisher: Infinity Publishing (January 28, 2004)
ISBN: 0741418819
Dr. Duane Graveline, former astronaut, aerospace medical research
scientist, flight surgeon, and family doctor, given Lipitor(r) to
lower his cholesterol, loses his short-term memory for several
hours. He discontinues the drug, but a year later at his annual
NASA physical is urged to resume it at half the dose. Six weeks
later he loses both short and retrograde memories for half a day
and is diagnosed in the ER with transient global amnesia (TGA).
Appalled by the medical community's ignorance of the cognitive
side effects of the statin drugs, he begins searching for answers
to his traumatic experience. Lipitor(r), Thief of Memory, Statin
Drugs and the Misguided War On Cholesterol is the "scary,
appealingly written" account of his findings.
| |
| Anthony Shipley 2005-10-17, 11:02 am |
| NO_SPAM_TO_dpharris@gci.net (Dennis P. Harris) [WA] wrote:
>On Mon, 17 Oct 2005 01:34:25 GMT in alt.support.alzheimers, "LJ"
><lppnp@xyahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
>If your husband needs to lower his cholesterol, he probably
>should be using some other therapy than statins.
>
>I just did a google on "statins memory loss" and the results were
>quite disturbing. You should try it.
So, should I worry? Which should I give up the statins or the a.d.?
:-)
--
2 + 2 = 5 for sufficiently large values of 2.
| |
| Evelyn Ruut 2005-10-17, 11:02 am |
| "Anthony Shipley" <astech@iinet.net.au> wrote in message
news:2am6l1d1vrjkc32vsls3ncd5l3ler151k3@4ax.com...
> NO_SPAM_TO_dpharris@gci.net (Dennis P. Harris) [WA] wrote:
>
>
> So, should I worry? Which should I give up the statins or the a.d.?
>
> :-)
Give it up for a while and see if your memory improves. If not, then you
are not among the part of the population who experiences this symptom. I
gave up statins myself, but for another reason. Severe muscle weakness and
muscle pain. I have never felt better.
--
Best Regards,
Evelyn
(to reply to me personally, remove 'sox')
>
> --
> 2 + 2 = 5 for sufficiently large values of 2.
| |
|
|
"Dennis P. Harris" <NO_SPAM_TO_dpharris@gci.net> wrote in message
news:u0l6l1d42rlhfut2f4e4qjg12ea2kr4vd9@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 17 Oct 2005 01:34:25 GMT in alt.support.alzheimers, "LJ"
> <lppnp@xyahoo.com> wrote:
>
> I just did a google on "statins memory loss" and the results were
> quite disturbing. You should try it.
>
> The current book on the subject is
>
> Lipitor: Thief of Memory, Statin Drugs and the Misguided War on
> Cholesterol (Paperback)
> by Duane Graveline, MD, MPH
> Paperback: 162 pages
> Publisher: Infinity Publishing (January 28, 2004)
> ISBN: 0741418819
>
> Dr. Duane Graveline, former astronaut, aerospace medical research
> scientist, flight surgeon, and family doctor, given Lipitor(r) to
> lower his cholesterol, loses his short-term memory for several
> hours. He discontinues the drug, but a year later at his annual
> NASA physical is urged to resume it at half the dose. Six weeks
> later he loses both short and retrograde memories for half a day
> and is diagnosed in the ER with transient global amnesia (TGA).
>
> Appalled by the medical community's ignorance of the cognitive
> side effects of the statin drugs, he begins searching for answers
> to his traumatic experience. Lipitor(r), Thief of Memory, Statin
> Drugs and the Misguided War On Cholesterol is the "scary,
> appealingly written" account of his findings.
>
>
My husband has been taking omega-3 supplements for years for cholesterol.
It definitely helps. I told my brother about it and he told me it really
helped bring down his cholesterol count too. I didn't know about the
connection between statins and memory loss until this newsgroup. Thanks for
the info. I always look for natural remedies to help whenever
possible....June
| |
| Evelyn Ruut 2005-10-17, 11:02 am |
| "June" <ljbart@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:QoO4f.444493$_o.305202@attbi_s71...
>
> "Dennis P. Harris" <NO_SPAM_TO_dpharris@gci.net> wrote in message
> news:u0l6l1d42rlhfut2f4e4qjg12ea2kr4vd9@4ax.com...
> My husband has been taking omega-3 supplements for years for cholesterol.
> It definitely helps. I told my brother about it and he told me it really
> helped bring down his cholesterol count too. I didn't know about the
> connection between statins and memory loss until this newsgroup. Thanks
> for the info. I always look for natural remedies to help whenever
> possible....June
The supplement "Pantethine" made by Jarrow Formulas in the 300 mg size is
pretty good for bringing down cholesterol too. I can't take statins myself
either.
--
Best Regards,
Evelyn
(to reply to me personally, remove 'sox')
| |
|
| oh! I didn't think of that. Thank you
LJ
"Florence A" <smada@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:29864-43534871-174@storefull-3311.bay.webtv.net...
> LJ
> Perhaps the ER was trying to tell you something when callng the police
> was suggested. If the police see your husband acting abnormally and
> you in anguish the police may want to
> call an ambulance. Let them Don't say no to any help or
> suggestion. Try to get him admitted.
> Good luck.
>
> My health plan says you must report the emergency ASAP {24 hrs) to cover
> costs ambulance & ER. If he is kept in hospital .that hopefully
> should get things going.
>
>
| |
|
| thanks :-)
LJ
"Dennis P. Harris" <NO_SPAM_TO_dpharris@gci.net> wrote in message
news:u0l6l1d42rlhfut2f4e4qjg12ea2kr4vd9@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 17 Oct 2005 01:34:25 GMT in alt.support.alzheimers, "LJ"
> <lppnp@xyahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> If your husband needs to lower his cholesterol, he probably
> should be using some other therapy than statins.
>
> I just did a google on "statins memory loss" and the results were
> quite disturbing. You should try it.
>
> The current book on the subject is
>
> Lipitor: Thief of Memory, Statin Drugs and the Misguided War on
> Cholesterol (Paperback)
> by Duane Graveline, MD, MPH
> Paperback: 162 pages
> Publisher: Infinity Publishing (January 28, 2004)
> ISBN: 0741418819
>
> Dr. Duane Graveline, former astronaut, aerospace medical research
> scientist, flight surgeon, and family doctor, given Lipitor(r) to
> lower his cholesterol, loses his short-term memory for several
> hours. He discontinues the drug, but a year later at his annual
> NASA physical is urged to resume it at half the dose. Six weeks
> later he loses both short and retrograde memories for half a day
> and is diagnosed in the ER with transient global amnesia (TGA).
>
> Appalled by the medical community's ignorance of the cognitive
> side effects of the statin drugs, he begins searching for answers
> to his traumatic experience. Lipitor(r), Thief of Memory, Statin
> Drugs and the Misguided War On Cholesterol is the "scary,
> appealingly written" account of his findings.
>
>
| |
| Adelle 2005-10-17, 12:57 pm |
|
"Florence A" <smada@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:29864-43534871-174@storefull-3311.bay.webtv.net...
> LJ
> Perhaps the ER was trying to tell you something when callng the police
> was suggested. If the police see your husband acting abnormally and
> you in anguish the police may want to
> call an ambulance. Let them Don't say no to any help or
> suggestion. Try to get him admitted.
> Good luck.
>
> My health plan says you must report the emergency ASAP {24 hrs) to cover
> costs ambulance & ER. If he is kept in hospital .that hopefully
> should get things going.
What they are hinting at is if it seems your husband is a danger to himself
or others, and the police think it is rises to the level where medical
intervention is in order, he must be evaluated to see whether commitment to
a mental facility is in order. Now this seems drastic, but it's a way to
force the insurance company's hand by taking the decision away from them.
The needs of public safety now say the diagnostic tests are necessary.
The following should not be considered legal advice. It is simply
information you can take or leave as you choose. Remember, the laws in your
state may vary from what is written and you should research whether anything
below is applicable in your specific case.
There is a 'bad faith in insurance practices' law that others have hinted
at. In Massachusetts, an insurance company who does not fulfill the terms of
their contract (sticking to deadlines for determining things, etc.) can be
assessed treble damages (having an award tripled. Insurance companies hate
it) for their failure to deal in good faith. Not sure whether this is true
in CA, but I would bet it is as CA is often the first in the nation to
create these kinds of laws (most liberal legislature).
That demand letter Dennis mentioned is key. You need to drag out your policy
and a magnifying glass. Find all the time limits by when things in the
approval process must happen (won't be easy. you may need to just list them
and create a timeline in whatever way makes sense to you.). *Not getting a
decision doesn't mean the power is all in their hands. The avoidance of the
decision to prevent certain deadlines from kicking in is also bad faith.*
Then write the letter and send it certified, Return Receipt.
In your demand letter, list as specifically as possible dates of
appointments and phone calls, along with their purpose, to whom you spoke,
etc. If you don't have that info, do your best, and from now on log the
date, time and person to whom you spoke for every phone call (yes, even
every time you are transferred to another dept.) If there is no time limit
that specifically applies, you need to use the term reasonable in a
statement - something, like 'waiting x weeks for a diagnostic test before
treatment can even be started is so far beyond reasonable for a person who
acts in a menacing manner that it is unconscionable.' Give them a reasonable
time to answer (5 business days?) from receipt of your letter to issue a
decision and notify you immediately. You should also say you will be forced
to take legal action if they don't comply.
A cc to his doctors might not be a bad idea. It might get them thinking
malpractice for failure to push for timely treatment.
Adelle
(an atty in her incarnation before kids, but who has not practiced law in 15
years and is not currently registered to practice law)
| |
| Evelyn Ruut 2005-10-17, 12:57 pm |
| "Adelle" <adNOstavis@SPAMcomcast.net> wrote in message
news:zuCdnduyXOrvUs7eRVn-rA@comcast.com...
>
> "Florence A" <smada@webtv.net> wrote in message
> news:29864-43534871-174@storefull-3311.bay.webtv.net...
>
> What they are hinting at is if it seems your husband is a danger to
> himself or others, and the police think it is rises to the level where
> medical intervention is in order, he must be evaluated to see whether
> commitment to a mental facility is in order. Now this seems drastic, but
> it's a way to force the insurance company's hand by taking the decision
> away from them. The needs of public safety now say the diagnostic tests
> are necessary.
>
> The following should not be considered legal advice. It is simply
> information you can take or leave as you choose. Remember, the laws in
> your state may vary from what is written and you should research whether
> anything below is applicable in your specific case.
>
> There is a 'bad faith in insurance practices' law that others have hinted
> at. In Massachusetts, an insurance company who does not fulfill the terms
> of their contract (sticking to deadlines for determining things, etc.) can
> be assessed treble damages (having an award tripled. Insurance companies
> hate it) for their failure to deal in good faith. Not sure whether this is
> true in CA, but I would bet it is as CA is often the first in the nation
> to create these kinds of laws (most liberal legislature).
>
> That demand letter Dennis mentioned is key. You need to drag out your
> policy and a magnifying glass. Find all the time limits by when things in
> the approval process must happen (won't be easy. you may need to just list
> them and create a timeline in whatever way makes sense to you.). *Not
> getting a decision doesn't mean the power is all in their hands. The
> avoidance of the decision to prevent certain deadlines from kicking in is
> also bad faith.* Then write the letter and send it certified, Return
> Receipt.
>
> In your demand letter, list as specifically as possible dates of
> appointments and phone calls, along with their purpose, to whom you spoke,
> etc. If you don't have that info, do your best, and from now on log the
> date, time and person to whom you spoke for every phone call (yes, even
> every time you are transferred to another dept.) If there is no time limit
> that specifically applies, you need to use the term reasonable in a
> statement - something, like 'waiting x weeks for a diagnostic test before
> treatment can even be started is so far beyond reasonable for a person who
> acts in a menacing manner that it is unconscionable.' Give them a
> reasonable time to answer (5 business days?) from receipt of your letter
> to issue a decision and notify you immediately. You should also say you
> will be forced to take legal action if they don't comply.
>
> A cc to his doctors might not be a bad idea. It might get them thinking
> malpractice for failure to push for timely treatment.
>
> Adelle
> (an atty in her incarnation before kids, but who has not practiced law in
> 15 years and is not currently registered to practice law)
Hi Adelle,
You may not any longer be registered, but so many times you have offered
helpful advice here, and shed light on many complicated situations. Your
knowledge is way above the average "Joe" or "Jill" on these matters.
In my opinion what they are doing to that couple is absolutely shameful, and
all of them are guilty of causing great pain. I don't know if she has any
legal recourse either, but the whole scenario is so shockingly negligent
that I think she ought to call an attorney about it and find out if there
is.
At the very least they should expedite the process of coming up with a
diagnosis, or prescribe some anti-depressants to keep the poor man from
going through so much mental misery over it all.
--
Best Regards,
Evelyn
(to reply to me personally, remove 'sox')
| |
|
| My hubby's cardiologist recommended Benecol (full strength, not Benecol
light) 1 Tsp/3 times a day when we expressed concerns about the potential
side effects of statins. It brought his cholesterol down from 385 to 180
and it's stayed there. The amazing thing is that it actually tastes good.
How often does it happen that something good for you tastes good? :-)
It seems a bit pricey for a butter substitute, but compared to the co-pay on
prescription drugs per month (or the cost of a stroke or heart attack) it
seems downright reasonable.
Karen
"Evelyn Ruut" <mama-lionsox@hvc.rr.com> wrote in message
news:sUO4f.6696$H3.1373@twister.nyc.rr.com...
> The supplement "Pantethine" made by Jarrow Formulas in the 300 mg size is
> pretty good for bringing down cholesterol too. I can't take statins
myself
> either.
>
> --
>
>
> Best Regards,
> Evelyn
>
> (to reply to me personally, remove 'sox')
>
>
| |
|
| Great advice! One suggestion -- if you send something by "Registered Mail,
Return Receipt Requested" spring for the extra $0.40 or so and get the
internet trackable option. I've had the little green cards go missing and
not come back to me. It doesn't happen often but when it happened to me,
the USPS was not a tremendous help.
Karen
"Adelle" <adNOstavis@SPAMcomcast.net> wrote in message
news:zuCdnduyXOrvUs7eRVn-rA@comcast.com...
>
>
> What they are hinting at is if it seems your husband is a danger to
himself
> or others, and the police think it is rises to the level where medical
> intervention is in order, he must be evaluated to see whether commitment
to
> a mental facility is in order. Now this seems drastic, but it's a way to
> force the insurance company's hand by taking the decision away from them.
> The needs of public safety now say the diagnostic tests are necessary.
>
> The following should not be considered legal advice. It is simply
> information you can take or leave as you choose. Remember, the laws in
your
> state may vary from what is written and you should research whether
anything
> below is applicable in your specific case.
>
> There is a 'bad faith in insurance practices' law that others have hinted
> at. In Massachusetts, an insurance company who does not fulfill the terms
of
> their contract (sticking to deadlines for determining things, etc.) can be
> assessed treble damages (having an award tripled. Insurance companies hate
> it) for their failure to deal in good faith. Not sure whether this is true
> in CA, but I would bet it is as CA is often the first in the nation to
> create these kinds of laws (most liberal legislature).
>
> That demand letter Dennis mentioned is key. You need to drag out your
policy
> and a magnifying glass. Find all the time limits by when things in the
> approval process must happen (won't be easy. you may need to just list
them
> and create a timeline in whatever way makes sense to you.). *Not getting a
> decision doesn't mean the power is all in their hands. The avoidance of
the
> decision to prevent certain deadlines from kicking in is also bad faith.*
> Then write the letter and send it certified, Return Receipt.
>
> In your demand letter, list as specifically as possible dates of
> appointments and phone calls, along with their purpose, to whom you spoke,
> etc. If you don't have that info, do your best, and from now on log the
> date, time and person to whom you spoke for every phone call (yes, even
> every time you are transferred to another dept.) If there is no time limit
> that specifically applies, you need to use the term reasonable in a
> statement - something, like 'waiting x weeks for a diagnostic test before
> treatment can even be started is so far beyond reasonable for a person who
> acts in a menacing manner that it is unconscionable.' Give them a
reasonable
> time to answer (5 business days?) from receipt of your letter to issue a
> decision and notify you immediately. You should also say you will be
forced
> to take legal action if they don't comply.
>
> A cc to his doctors might not be a bad idea. It might get them thinking
> malpractice for failure to push for timely treatment.
>
> Adelle
> (an atty in her incarnation before kids, but who has not practiced law in
15
> years and is not currently registered to practice law)
>
>
|
| |
|
|