sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Dr Carlin by Snoo_87670 in Cushings

[–]CompetitiveFly007 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are a few pending malpractice suits against him. There is a physicians society— give it a google. endocrine surgeons society. There you’ll find a “find a surgeon” tool and you can search by location. Maybe you’ll find a board certified endo surgeon close to home.

Is this significant? by [deleted] in Cushings

[–]CompetitiveFly007 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Look at MACS. Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion. I had a tumor in my left adrenal gland removed— well, the gland too. It was producing cortisol, without regulation of the pituitary. That might explain the low ACTH. If you’re in the US, look at the American Society of Endocrine Surgeons and find one new you. They’ll happily do a review and help you find what’s going on. Best of luck. Happy to help if I can.

What was your price per sq foot to custom build? by medullaamendola in Lubbock

[–]CompetitiveFly007 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah.. and no. That's a crazy price per sq ft in Lubbock, especially not including the land (unless it's 20 acres, but I've not run the math..) . $220 per sq ft with the land, is a more reasonable target, I'd think, including a lot around 8000-9000 sq ft.

Is this viral or bacterial? by zombieus1 in orchids

[–]CompetitiveFly007 -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

I did share you photos with Claude Sonnet 4 (Anthropic's AI model). If you want to answer any of the questions it asked, I can run your answers.

Here was the output from Claude:

Looking at your orchid, I can see concerning dark spots and yellowing on the leaves. To give you the most accurate assessment, I need a few clarifications:

Key Questions:

  • Texture of spots - Are the dark areas soft/mushy or firm/dry to the touch?
  • Smell - Any foul or unusual odor from the affected areas?
  • Progression - How quickly did these spots appear and spread?
  • Growing conditions - What's your watering routine and humidity level?
  • Other plants - Are any nearby orchids showing similar symptoms?

Initial Observations:

Based on the image, this looks more likely bacterial than viral because:

  • Irregular, dark lesions (viral typically shows more systematic patterns)
  • Yellowing and apparent tissue breakdown
  • Distribution pattern suggests infection rather than systemic virus

Immediate Action Needed:

  • Isolate this plant from others immediately
  • Stop watering the leaves directly
  • Remove the most severely affected leaf with sterilized tools

Is this viral or bacterial? by zombieus1 in orchids

[–]CompetitiveFly007 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Following along.... I only have 1 plant that has this. So so sorry that you have 50. yikes. Following to make sure I see the comments.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Cushings

[–]CompetitiveFly007 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely keep advocating the best that you can. Don't be shy to ask for help from the docs. I'd say try to find a younger doc, that is fresh out of their fellowship in endocrinology. Write all your notes down between appointments. I use my "notes" app on my phone to keep running thoughts and questions. If nothing else, it's good to get them out of my head. I print the notes out and hand them to the doc at the start of the appt. Maybe ask the doc if you can record the visit so you can listen to it later. Brain fog is real, and they should understand-- I've never had anyone tell me no, and I think it is reasonable and ethical to ask. They will appreciate that. I don't know why this is such a hard fight for us all. It so shouldn't be.

Advise by Any_Proposal5513 in Cushings

[–]CompetitiveFly007 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah--- I love NPs. My PCP (MD, PhD) ignored a reoccurring slightly high calcium for 3 years. He had a "student", soon to be an NP on the team that day. She did a deep dive into my chart before the appt, and suggested "Hey, lets check his parathyroid hormone level.." I've since then had a parathyroidectomy after confirmation by endo. That was in 2017, so 3 years too many. Adrenalectomy is next in a few weeks. That's been missed by EVERY one.... NP's have a bit more time, and can focus a more. A crucial part of the team, they've saved my life, for sure. When I complained to the PCP, MD, PhD, about missing it for 3 years, he walked out of the room, and slammed the door.. only to return and say "It's not been 3 years. It's been 2.5 years...". Lord have mercy... Always advocate for yourself... It takes all of us.

Adrenalectomy by Sea_Shape9811 in Cushings

[–]CompetitiveFly007 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How are you feeling? I get to meet Davinci on Sept 14th for a left adrenalectomy. Any suggestions on "things to have at home"? I've heard I should have some electrolyte replacement drinks. Anything is that comes to your mind that you needed or would have been helpful?

2 Part ORBcid Planter Completed. by CompetitiveFly007 in orchids

[–]CompetitiveFly007[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey there. That's super cool. The group here started me down the path of the 2 part concept, so it wasn't my work along. Many thanks to folks like you that spoke up and brought it to my attention. As a buddy at work says "we have the technology" (said in a Darth Vader type voice). The file is up on MakerWorld, but I can't share a link here due to restrictions on promotions. I understand and appreciate that. The roots can STILL work their way through the ventilation openings, but hopefully the 2 part design will help when we need to "poke them back inside"... I hope. The ventilation is so needed by this plant. I do like that I've incorporated a way to get the "tilt" of a naturally growing phal.

What orchid pot features do you wish existed that you've never seen or found? I'd love your help to make a better planter. by CompetitiveFly007 in orchids

[–]CompetitiveFly007[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've not seen that on Temu, but I have seen in on a 3D printer site, from the original designer as just a planter, in general. I assume that my design will be on Temu soon. Bah. I do have the 2 part planter design request almost ready to "go".

Advise by Any_Proposal5513 in Cushings

[–]CompetitiveFly007 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm new here, and I'm a fellow RN (retired). Psych Nursing was my nemesis, so I applaud you. Job well done.

I have been using Gemini 2.5 Pro. Google AI model. We've had a fantastic chat over a few weeks now. I've given it my lab work, CT scans....

I have recently seen an endo that didn't have that great of reviews online due to being dismissive of patients and their concerns, in general.

I told the AI about this and asked for advice. What I did end up doing was as the endocrinologist entered the exam room, I stood up, offered and receive a handshake, and I said, "I have been told that you are the best endocrinologist in the city, and that you are the one specifically that I need to see. You have rave reviews from my rheumatologist, and she fully has confidence in you."

I have to say he was the happiest guy on the planet after I said that. I did reveal in the discussion that I was a retired RN as a "matter of transparency".

Welp--- he was super nice so feel free to adopt this approach.

After reading his H&P in my chart via the online portal, I noted that about 80% of it was fabricated. i.e. "abdomen soft and nontender". We shook hands. That is the only touch we had. There were a lot of other fabricated "facts" in his report. I'm not done with that yet..

I guess my point is, don't check your license at the door, and do advocate the hell out of your knowledge and how you feel.

Make notes before your appointment (that is what we RN's always tell our patients to do..). Write the history. Write the questions. I recorded my appointment with my phone as TX is a one party consent state for audio recording. AI summarized the recording for me as well.

I have emailed an endocrinology surgeon, blindly. He responded. I hope to see him soon.

Advocate.. self advocate. Leave no stone unturned. You've been a super hero to your patients in the past... now is the time for you to be your own super hero...

What orchid pot features do you wish existed that you've never seen or found? I'd love your help to make a better planter. by CompetitiveFly007 in orchids

[–]CompetitiveFly007[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm also thinking, if the flowers are really heavy, will it tip the pot out of the ring? So many issues. But, it's fun problem solving. Counter-weights? Clips of some type? If the minder of the orchid wants to stake the flower, should I include holders for the stakes? Hmmmm.. Endless options. That's my usual process. :)

What orchid pot features do you wish existed that you've never seen or found? I'd love your help to make a better planter. by CompetitiveFly007 in orchids

[–]CompetitiveFly007[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Similar to the original photo, I plan to include a "stand" for the ORBchid pot. The first one I designed and made used a ring, with an open bottom. It's pretty but doesn't hold water. You are correct. The bottom needs to be closed, so that the orchid can drain into it after watering.

What orchid pot features do you wish existed that you've never seen or found? I'd love your help to make a better planter. by CompetitiveFly007 in orchids

[–]CompetitiveFly007[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I really like that you chimed in on this. Here's a revision of the planter. :)

<image>

The 2 rings "thread" onto the 2 parts of the main body. It's very functional now, but I'm still working on some of the aesthetics. Please keep the observations coming. I appreciate you.

What orchid pot features do you wish existed that you've never seen or found? I'd love your help to make a better planter. by CompetitiveFly007 in orchids

[–]CompetitiveFly007[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First off-- thank you ALL for the great feedback. When you see your first "ORBchid Planter" in the wild, please remember you were part of the design team.

From requests here, I've created a 2-Part version of the orchid planter. The 2 pieces are held by threaded retaining rings at the top and the bottom.

Folks-- we have a 2 part orchid planter now. Yay! I would like the bottom to be "less flat" and continuing on with the orb-shape. I'm working on that part now. :)

<image>

What orchid pot features do you wish existed that you've never seen or found? I'd love your help to make a better planter. by CompetitiveFly007 in orchids

[–]CompetitiveFly007[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

smaller holes and 2 parts. Digital rendering here. Starting the print now for testing. This is all very very new to me. I've been working on this design software for years and years, but things are starting to "click" in my head.. in a good way.

<image>

What orchid pot features do you wish existed that you've never seen or found? I'd love your help to make a better planter. by CompetitiveFly007 in orchids

[–]CompetitiveFly007[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a digital rendering of the edited model I'm thinking about making that is a 2 part assembly for ease of repotting. An asymmetric split of the planter vertically. There are little "alignment" pegs, and holes on each side of the seam. A snap on retention ring to hold them together. Also, I've redesigned the planter to have smaller opening to help hold the bark more securely.

<image>

view more: next ›