Any research/info out there about Wegs and taking HRT?

[Al]

I used to love to walk outdoors, but several of the meds I'm on increase risk of skin cancer - lots of warnings about sun exposure. I'm already at higher risk with my pale skin, freckles, red hair and multiple sunburns as a child...
And I don't mind my treadmill - no cars to watch out for, no dogs chasing me, no skunk fumes

Oh, yeah--I forgot about the skunks! And you are correct about the risks of mixing prednisone and sun exposure. We on the wet side of the mountains don't have to worry so much about that. I just remember my hat always. Don just plays golf in Arizona anyway....

Al

[Dirty Don]

WHAT! I wear a hat, sunblock sometimes (I'm darker skinned...takes sun better...go melatonin!), but I have noticed some recent excessive hair loss lately...pissin me off here!!!!!! LOL...the mtx has caught up with me evidently after about 8 weeks...sheesh!

[Sangye]

ArlaMo, you may have to drive to find a holistic doc. When I lived in AZ I drove 3 hrs one-way once a month to my chiropractor. Here in MD it's 30 miles, but it takes half a day to get there and back because of traffic patterns. You can see a naturopathic doctor to get started on natural hormones. You don't have to go back that often for follow-ups-- maybe every 2 or 3 months in the beginning.

Your exercise program sounds great. Are you still on pred?

[Al]

ArlaMo, you may have to drive to find a holistic doc. When I lived in AZ I drove 3 hrs one-way once a month to my chiropractor. Here in MD it's 30 miles, but it takes half a day to get there and back because of traffic patterns. You can see a naturopathic doctor to get started on natural hormones. You don't have to go back that often for follow-ups-- maybe every 2 or 3 months in the beginning.

Arla, I go to a naturopath in addition to my main "contractor", and my insurance, at least, covers it. He helps me with the overview, and is ready and willing to discuss nutrition, exercise, sleep and rest, and emotional states--in short, the whole person. (He also writes mystery novels on the side. His hero is, of course, a naturopathic detective....)These are things the regular doctors are either uncomfortable with, or like to outsource. Plus, appointments are either half an hour or a whole hour, which allows for much more conversation than your doctor can give you. If not in Walla Walla, I'm sure you can find someone in the Tri-City area.

Al

[ArlaMo]

I am still on pred, Sangye. 5mg for several months now.

I saw a holistic doctor about a year ago - my mom recommended her and she is located in the Tri-Cities. It is a bit of a drive and also quite expensive - she doesn't take insurance. My one visit was over $700 and then she had a number of tests and labs that she wanted me to get done/send off totaling another $700. This came right before my $8000 trip to Cleveland Clinic (and that was just the clinic bill! Airfare, car rental, hotel was all additional) and then not too long after that, I had the Rituxan infusions - billed $44,000+ for two infusions. My portion was about $4,000 per infusion.

I know I just need to bite the bullet and go back, but I think I'm feeling guilty that I didn't follow through earlier. And we're also trying to plan another trip out to CC, so the whole $$ thing makes my head crazy. She's a great doctor from the time I spent with her; just need to let go of the guilt and go back and admit I never did any of the further testing and start over, I guess.

Dang, this whole disease makes me insane. We're trying to save for a down payment on our first house and just sent off our oldest son to college (daughter will go next fall) and all the sudden, I have medical expenses up the wazoo. Bleh!

[Sangye]

Don't feel bad about going back. I had patients who would do the same thing and I never wanted them to feel guilty. You can also work with her to figure out which tests are top priority right now. I can't imagine doing $700 worth of lab tests, especially since you already get a lot of basic blood work and labs done on a regular basis. Hormone testing for natural supplements is very inexpensive. Explain your circumstances. Holistic doctors look at the entire person and everything that affects them, so she won't ignore that source of stress for you.