Re: New here, and have a couple of questions

Emily wrote:


Hi all. Thanks for the replies. I had a good oncologist visit today--white cells were down to 12. Still high, but not SKY HIGH, and we are waiting for more test results. Right now, it appears it's not cancer, and she doesn't think a bone marrow biopsy will be needed, but if other tests are funny, or my repeat CBC is weird, we'll do a biopsy. She says if I develop any infection symptoms (fever etc.) to go to the doctor ASAP. (I've been septic twice in my life, and hospitalized four times with I.V. antibiotics for infections, I definitely know that DRILL!) She wonders if it was perhaps an infection, or what not, but I'll know more in two weeks. Oh, on a side note, my cholesterol is under 100, HDL low at 37, but the triglicerides were only 45, didn't get an LDL done, but the last one was 37. So, that is good. Funny thing is, high cholesterol and heart problems run in my family. Diabetes and Cancer do not. My step-dad thinks maybe I just have Dutch Elm Disease, LOL.

As for diabetes, we don't know about that either. I have an OGTT in two weeks, and I"m sure I'll fail it. My meter readings are not so good right now. But I do have a meter, and we will know more in two weeks.

As for the fillings thing, I remember now what it was. My mom's friend with breast cancer was accepted into a drug trial. One of the requirements before starting the trial of the chemo drug was to have all your dental fillings replaced as a prophylactic measure. They wanted to make sure you got all dental work taken care of *BEFORE* starting the chemo so that you wouldn't have to have dental work done while on chemo, with the infection risk.

I definitely keep all my doctors informed of everything. I do have to make an eye appointment now--for the diabetes. I've already got a great MD who does my eyes--because of the graves disease--so I guess I'll go see her for my dilated exam a little early this year.

I have another double header of doctors in two weeks, hopefully for more good news, or at least manageable news--I'm pretty certain of the diabetes now, but we shall see what two weeks of BG testing says. (and the OGTT).

Then in March, I have my two dental cleanings, and I will be getting my gums back into shape. I do have a question as to what you fine dentists think of electric tooth brushes. My dad uses a SONIC and says it has improved his gums greatly. He says he'll get me one for my birthday (March), and I think it would probably be a good thing to help me take control of my oral health. (and full body health too).

Thanks again for the replies, there really are a great bunch of dentists on here. I know dentists are great people, and I'm glad to 'meet' some of the friendly ones out there.

Emily


Thanks for the update, and glad the news is encouraging.
I'm assuming what you'd heard from your friend was that all FAULTY fillings were to be replaced. There is no prophylactic value (and significant risk) in arbitrarily replacing sound fillings.
Sonic toothbrushes generally have done well in clinical tests, but how you use the brush is more important than which brush you use. The more fastidious you are, the less likely you will see additional benefit from any kind of mechanical toothbrush.
Dentists are generally rather boring. You should get out more.

Steve
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