DrVenture wrote

Medicare? I was wondering if it was $0 out-of-pocket. I may have jumped the gun doing it while I was still on private insurance. But, I was getting to hate driving, especially at night. And didn't consider cost until I was already starting the process. Maybe I'll be surprises and insurance will cover more than I was led to believe. This is "Femtosecond" laser, FWIW.

I am anxious about the whole thing, like you stated. Being able to buy regular sunglasses seems like a bonus though, for some reason.

Llarry wrote

Yes. Medicare and Tricare (retired military) to take care of the 20% that Medicare doesn't pay.

I'm not too squeamish about medical procedures but having eye surgeries definitely had an "ick" factor. After the first went so well, I was pretty relaxed for the second.

Llarry wrote

I was very nervous a few years ago about laser cataract surgery, but for me it was a game-changer. Despite my trepidation, it was a very positive experience. I had worn glasses since I was a toddler, and suddenly I had 20/25 vision and could drive without glasses.

In my case, my out-of-pocket cost was zero, though.

Llarry wrote

It's been three years since I had my upper-GI endoscopy done and I got a reminder for a follow-up. The reason I went in was because food and drink would very occasionally seem to get "stuck" on the way to my stomach. Since the problem has not reoccurred in three years , I figured I was in the clear. But my pri care doc reminded me that the 2023 endoscopy also diagnosed Barrett's esophagus, which is considered a precancerous condition.

So back I go for another round. But I will say that my upper G-I endoscopy was not an unpleasant experience. I do not remember the prep, but I think it was not particularly dofficult.

Esteban wrote

Would you guys, Llarry and RickFLM4, mind sharing your symptoms? I am having symptoms in my chest; pressure, pain, trouble breathing, burning feeling, food and drink gets stuck occasionally, burps and hiccups. I had an endoscopy a couple months ago, it only showed mild GERD. Biopsies were clear. Doctor (Gastro/Hep) saw nothing else. Awaiting results of low dose CT chest. Also had a 7 day heart monitor recently which came back normal.

Esteban wrote

Would you guys, Llarry and RickFLM4, mind sharing your symptoms? I am having symptoms in my chest; pressure, pain, trouble breathing, burning feeling, food and drink gets stuck occasionally, burps and hiccups. I had an endoscopy a couple months ago, it only showed mild GERD. Biopsies were clear. Doctor (Gastro/Hep) saw nothing else. Awaiting results of low dose CT chest. Also had a 7 day heart monitor recently which came back normal.

Esteban wrote

Would you guys, Llarry and RickFLM4, mind sharing your symptoms? I am having symptoms in my chest; pressure, pain, trouble breathing, burning feeling, food and drink gets stuck occasionally, burps and hiccups. I had an endoscopy a couple months ago, it only showed mild GERD. Biopsies were clear. Doctor (Gastro/Hep) saw nothing else. Awaiting results of low dose CT chest. Also had a 7 day heart monitor recently which came back normal.

Maynard wrote

But remember: you are better off tanking up with no-name 87 octane and getting your oil changed at a pep boys than getting medical advice from Bimmerpost .

RickFLM4 wrote

I don’t have any specific symptoms of Barrett’s that I notice. However, if I don’t take omeprazole, control what and when I eat/drink, keep my weight under control and sleep with my head raised in an adjustable bed, I can wake up with acid reflux (wake up coughing from acid flowing back into the esophagus). Over time that can damage a portion of the esophagus lining.

I’m no doctor, but I understand you can also experience reflux without realizing it. Additionally, there are various symptoms that can be associated with reflux, and they may differ by person. I have not had what I would describe as chest pain. I also have not had trouble breathing, other than when waking up with severe reflux, something I have managed to avoid for a long time now. In that situation, which is very unpleasant, it can seem similar to an asthma attack. There is also something called hiatal hernia, which I understand is very common, that can contribute to reflux.

Hope the doctors get it sorted out and help you feel better soon.

Maynard wrote

But remember: you are better off tanking up with no-name 87 octane and getting your oil changed at a pep boys than getting medical advice from Bimmerpost .

Esteban wrote

Not asking for medical advice; asking about symptoms.

Maynard wrote

Didn't mean to imply you were, I figure you know better. I was just making the typical disclaimer/joke w/ this so no offense intended. From your description of the workup you have very thorough providers.

Maynard wrote

or this: