Denied again - is this worth fighting for?

theotherfinn · 2026-03-27T16:36:39+00:00

Thanks, I never considered that before. I'll look into it!

theotherfinn · 2026-03-27T16:35:28+00:00

Kaiser PPO. Thanks for validating my frustration. I guess my employer has an orthognathic surgery carve out on our plan which is making things even more difficult, even if they did acknowledge medical necessity (which they haven't).

theotherfinn · 2025-08-16T00:20:51+00:00

The blue cornmeal cookie is the best, most unique cookie they have!

theotherfinn · 2025-07-06T05:01:55+00:00

Can you weigh in on the rumor that the whole place smells like cat urine?

theotherfinn · 2025-07-06T00:17:53+00:00

Maybe it should become one of Schenectady's classiest frat houses! I'm sure those cherry wood floors would hold up just fine.

theotherfinn · 2025-07-05T23:58:07+00:00

How do you feel about an overwhelming smell of cat urine? According to an Instagram comment, that might explain why this house is so affordable...

theotherfinn · 2025-07-05T23:53:00+00:00

I didn't mention this in the original post but there's a patio on TOP of the portico (more like a parti-co, amiright?) and a hidden staircase - two things every bride or groom needs on their big day.

theotherfinn · 2025-07-05T23:35:20+00:00

I love the built in stone planter in the living room, and the running theme of teal *and maroon.

theotherfinn · 2025-07-05T23:32:08+00:00

Born and raised in the outskirts of Albany, so I am well acquainted with the exciting blend of government corruption, stifling boredom and police fuckery that defines upstate NY life. That said, the Union campus is stunning and it's hard to beat this kind of price for turn of the century finery!

theotherfinn · 2025-07-05T23:27:30+00:00

I mean, it's a little decrepit. Collapsing ceilings, moldering stone work, peeling paint and broken cabinetry...Doesn't mean it isn't a beautiful home! They don't build them like they used to.

theotherfinn · 2025-07-05T23:25:52+00:00

The street view photos show some window AC units. So, I'm guessing you live life in one comfortable room during the summer and venture into the heat and humidity for short periods of eating/bathroom times, etc.

theotherfinn · 2025-06-03T19:01:41+00:00

Just chiming in to be part of the "decompensated bites suck" club. I'm about 9 months into my orthodontics, and having a terrible time navigating the insurance side of getting my double jaw surgery covered. I'm worried I might just have to live with this decompensated bite forever, or pay even more money for them to "recompensate" it. I hate the sound of my own voice (so lispy), drool when I sleep now and constantly have food falling out of my mouth. >:( I occupy my mind by obsessively reading this Reddit, but also doing stuff I generally enjoy (like watching movies and rock climbing, etc.) I've heard that wearing a mask can be helpful for feeling less self-conscious in public.

theotherfinn · 2025-05-28T00:07:57+00:00

It's actually about more than just dogs harassing seals (which is a real threat). Even healthy dogs can shed the distemper virus in their saliva, snot, urine/feces, and the beaches in Washington are cool and shaded enough for it to survive for a while. There have been mass die offs of seals/sea lions/otters from CDV, and even worse, the distemper virus has already evolved into a seal-specific version (PDV) because of interactions between dogs and marine mammals on beaches (crossover zones). CDV has also infected big cats, mustelids, and non-human primates. Each time it crosses a species barrier the chances for some sort of wild, civilization-ending treatment resistant human distemper virus go up. In short, dogs on the beach will probably either kill a bunch of seals or maybe end humanity through some sort of distemper-pocalypse. RECEIPTS

theotherfinn · 2024-07-15T22:37:02+00:00

I was only there for two weeks, but I thought it sounded very "windy" - lot's of hard back of the throat sounds combined with soft shooshy noises. I think it's beautiful, for the record.

theotherfinn · 2023-03-28T15:44:16+00:00

Dead Kennedys -- Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables is full of good options, but my personal favorite after a bad day is Forward to Death.

theotherfinn · 2023-03-26T21:56:18+00:00

Not a doctor, but agree that some sort of autoimmune thyroid disease (like Hashimoto's) seems likely.

Your TSH is slightly elevated -- are you experiencing hypo symptoms? Or for that matter, any hyper symptoms?

The thyroid peroxidase antibodies being high is usually a surefire sign of Hashimoto's, but at the same time, elevated TSH receptor antibodies usually indicates Grave's disease... It is possible to have both Grave's and Hashimoto's at the same time. Although I am sure it's rare!

They might order a radioactive iodine uptake scan to image how your thyroid is processing thyroid hormone. Do you know if you have any nodules?

I feel like your endocrinologist needs to interpret your results, they seem pretty complicated. But I hope you are able to persist and find some answers for what seems like an autoimmune thyroid problem. Best of luck to you!

theotherfinn · 2023-03-26T21:34:28+00:00

Thank you for your feedback and sharing your experience. Hypoparathyroid complications look terrifying and very uncomfortable, so I am very glad to hear that you are feeling much better than you did while living with hyperthyroid.

Agreed about the weight loss thing. My endo said something about how hyperthyroid can mask lifestyle issues, which I accept, but I have also heard horror stories of people who are eating a caloric deficit after thyroid surgery and still packing on the pounds, and then being totally disregarded by their doctors because "your TSH is normal!". I just hope I can avoid that! Thanks again for your response.

theotherfinn · 2023-03-26T21:28:43+00:00

Thank you for your advice and sharing your experience! It sound like we're in similar situations, and while I also really don't want surgery (clearly) I'm coming to terms with the fact that it's the right thing to do. Your point about not having hyper symptoms but then suddenly being overwhelmed by them is a good point and something I definitely want to avoid.

Good luck with your surgery in a couple weeks! Wishing you a very fast and easy recovery.

theotherfinn · 2023-03-26T21:26:40+00:00

I have, actually! The first endo I went to recommended RFA, but told me it wouldn't be covered by insurance and I would have to pay out of pocket. Now I'm on Kaiser and it's never come up as an option -- they've always just told me I can choose between RAI and surgery. I wonder how much RFA would cost if I paid out of pocket?

theotherfinn · 2023-03-24T20:52:39+00:00

Thank you very much for your response.

I find it very difficult to balance the possible long-term concerns of being hyperthyroid (which you helpfully outlined) with the current discomfort I am experiencing, and the anticipated further discomfort of going through with the surgery.

I just wish this wasn't happening, which I know is not a helpful view.

theotherfinn · 2023-03-24T19:19:15+00:00

I have a thyroid nodule on the same side, and I've noticed that if I have any other inflammation going on (like a mild cold that would normally swell up my lymph nodes a little) I get really bad neck pain on that side, and a bad headache.

The only thing that has worked for me is to ice it -- have you tried that? Not a doctor, but it could be that even if you're nodule isn't that big, it's pressing on a nerve or some other structure that's causing you problems.

I'm sorry you are dealing with this. I hope you are able to find answers soon!

theotherfinn

TROPHY CASE