Alaska Mama chat - Feb! - Page 3

[heartmommyak]

Originally Posted by roadfamily6now

only with a pediatric endo and she comes up from Seattle. She is not very personable.

My Hubby sees Doc Nolan for his Diabetes. Not sure if Nolan is an Endo or internal medicine specialist. Doc Nolan is good.

My son is Hypo too. What are you on? I have heard good about Armore (sp?) but have not asked our Doc about that specifically. We just see a family practice NP because we love her! She is really great and thurough! (MY HEALTH CLINIC)

He is on Levothyroxine? (synthroid generic). Has been for 2 years. Seems to be working. He never had any symptoms of Hypo except weight gain. So not sure what is working except his levels are stable now.

I'm on levo too and have been since I was diagnosed about 6 months ago. I'm about 98% that I stopped ovulating 3 months or so ago though and this month I've totally skipped having a period, yet my levels are in an acceptable range so obviously something isn't right.

Looks like there are about 5 endos in Anchorage to choose from. My dr is great and all but is way overloaded with patients and I really just think I need a specialist. I don't want to take any risks especially since I really want to TTC (hypo can cause m/c's).

[tallanvor]

Originally Posted by heartmommyak

I'm on levo too and have been since I was diagnosed about 6 months ago. I'm about 98% that I stopped ovulating 3 months or so ago though and this month I've totally skipped having a period, yet my levels are in an acceptable range so obviously something isn't right.

Looks like there are about 5 endos in Anchorage to choose from. My dr is great and all but is way overloaded with patients and I really just think I need a specialist. I don't want to take any risks especially since I really want to TTC (hypo can cause m/c's).

I don't know about an endo in Anchorage, but I know that here on Mothering down in the natural healing (I think) section there are a couple really good (although rather long) threads dealing with thyroid problems. I was just looking at them last week because I was just diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and would like to try dealing with it naturally before doing medication. Unfortunately for me, there doesn't seem to be much info on hyperthyroidism available.

[heartmommyak]

Originally Posted by tallanvor

I don't know about an endo in Anchorage, but I know that here on Mothering down in the natural healing (I think) section there are a couple really good (although rather long) threads dealing with thyroid problems. I was just looking at them last week because I was just diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and would like to try dealing with it naturally before doing medication. Unfortunately for me, there doesn't seem to be much info on hyperthyroidism available.

I saw those threads and quite honestly got a bit overwhelmed looking at them. You're right though, most of it's on hypo and not hyper. If I do hear of anything about the endos, I'll let you know though. I'd prefer to go a more natural route as well but I just don't know where to turn right now.

[1stimestar]

So I've made the decision to suck it up and go waterless. I am spinning my wheels here. I can't pay this kind of rent on one income. If something were to happen to my (1998) car or myself, we would be in a world of hurt. The heater just went out on my car once again. It's not a fuse. I had to cancel my health insurance as the premiums went up to almost double what they were and work could not absorb the cost. I want to save up some money to get my OWN little cabin in the woods.

So, where do you take showers and what's the nicest laundry mat Fairbanks mommas?

[Icequeen_in_ak]

Originally Posted by heartmommyak

Do any of you have any experience with any of the (Anchorage) endocrinologists? I got diagnosed with hypothyroidism about six months ago (and want to TTC) and am strongly considering seeing a specialist. Any advice/recommendations/etc is welcome.

I've never been happy with any Endo's in Anchorage, but I REALLY like Dr. Ellenburg (nd) http://drellenburg.com/ for my thyroid treatment.

[Icequeen_in_ak]

Originally Posted by BubblingBrooks

Are you sure its not adrenal fatigue?

I was going to ask the same thing (as I sit here at 2am, completely unable to sleep even though I took a muscle relaxer AND a sleep aid at 9pm).

I'm in the process of having my adrenals tested. I know I've got a pretty bad case of adrenal fatigue, we are just trying to determine *how* bad it is and develop a treatment plan. Hopefully the side effect of treatment will be SLEEP.

[Icequeen_in_ak]

quick update on my mom. We officially brought in hospice today. She just wasn't able to keep her pain levels controlled with the scripts we had, and unfortunately, as wonderful as her doctor is... the response time to get new meds just wasn't quick enough. I called hospice this morning, they had a nurse in our home within a couple of hours and new scripts for her before dinner. I hope they'll be able to keep her comfortable for the time she has left.

[1stimestar]

I'm sorry Karen. I'm glad that hospice was able to provide relief for her though.

[spruce]

Originally Posted by 1stimestar

So I've made the decision to suck it up and go waterless. I am spinning my wheels here. I can't pay this kind of rent on one income. If something were to happen to my (1998) car or myself, we would be in a world of hurt. The heater just went out on my car once again. It's not a fuse. I had to cancel my health insurance as the premiums went up to almost double what they were and work could not absorb the cost. I want to save up some money to get my OWN little cabin in the woods.

So, where do you take showers and what's the nicest laundry mat Fairbanks mommas?

Whooft, I am so sorry to hear it's gotten rough for you, Georganne.

Showers: I live all the way out in the GSV, so if we went waterless, we'd use the Goldstream Store showers, or in our case, go to the fire stations because of our connection as volunteer(s).

In town, the laundromat in the little mall next to Gullivers (corner of College and University) has reliable washers and dryers, and showers, all in one spot. Plus, you can walk to Gulliver's to read for a while when your clothes are sudsy. I've been using that place on/off for 16 years, hard to believe, but it's very tidy and the staff are nice.

I used to use the laundromat on Cushman...I don't know if they're still there any more. Nice, huge laundromat, but I don't remember if they had showers.

Good luck, hon. I hope it starts smoothing out for you soon, and I hope you find that little cabin of your dreams!

Love, p

[liza-s]

Family(Toddler) Friendly Lodging in Homer

Do any of you lovely ladies have recommendations for family-friendly (read that toddler-friendly) lodging in Homer? I told DH I really needed to go the shorebird festival this year. We haven't been for the last 2 years due to schedule conflicts. I wish I could go to Cordova - but the time or $ budget won't allow that.

I've always stayed at Seaside Farms - but her cabins are not exactly child-safe, and I don't want to camp this year.

I'd prefer a place with a kitchen/kitchenette. And not high-end/expensive. Any recommendations?

[akcowgirl]

Originally Posted by liza-s

Do any of you lovely ladies have recommendations for family-friendly (read that toddler-friendly) lodging in Homer?

You might check out http://www.alaskawildrose.com/ the Rasberry Cottage has 2 bedrooms, bathroom and a full kitchen, it is really cute. The lady who runs it is very nice and it has a great view. The prices that she has on her web site are her summer rates so i would just call and find out what a winter rate would be.

If that will not work let me know and I can give you a few other suggestions. I live in Homer and work in the tourism industry so I have a pretty good finger on that pulse. Good Luck

[roadfamily6now]

Originally Posted by 1stimestar

So I've made the decision to suck it up and go waterless. I am spinning my wheels here. I can't pay this kind of rent on one income. If something were to happen to my (1998) car or myself, we would be in a world of hurt. The heater just went out on my car once again. It's not a fuse. I had to cancel my health insurance as the premiums went up to almost double what they were and work could not absorb the cost. I want to save up some money to get my OWN little cabin in the woods.

So, where do you take showers and what's the nicest laundry mat Fairbanks mommas?

there is something about Dry Living. When we were waterless, we used D&E (?)Laundrymat up there near the University. they had just remodeled their showers and are pretty clean. there is always an attendant. (I see this one mentioned above!)

Also we used the Alaska Club but that is a membership.

If you take ONE class at the U, you can use their showers.

Find a friend that can get you on base and they have showers at the OutDoor Rec building. Nice big rooms for families with kids.

[1stimestar]

Originally Posted by spruce

Whooft, I am so sorry to hear it's gotten rough for you, Georganne.

Showers: I live all the way out in the GSV, so if we went waterless, we'd use the Goldstream Store showers, or in our case, go to the fire stations because of our connection as volunteer(s).

In town, the laundromat in the little mall next to Gullivers (corner of College and University) has reliable washers and dryers, and showers, all in one spot. Plus, you can walk to Gulliver's to read for a while when your clothes are sudsy. I've been using that place on/off for 16 years, hard to believe, but it's very tidy and the staff are nice.

I used to use the laundromat on Cushman...I don't know if they're still there any more. Nice, huge laundromat, but I don't remember if they had showers.

Good luck, hon. I hope it starts smoothing out for you soon, and I hope you find that little cabin of your dreams!

Love, p

Originally Posted by roadfamily6now

there is something about Dry Living. When we were waterless, we used D&E (?)Laundrymat up there near the University. they had just remodeled their showers and are pretty clean. there is always an attendant. (I see this one mentioned above!)

Also we used the Alaska Club but that is a membership.

If you take ONE class at the U, you can use their showers.

Find a friend that can get you on base and they have showers at the OutDoor Rec building. Nice big rooms for families with kids.

Thanks you two. Looks like that's the place to go. I looked at one on that end of Farmer's Loop this morning but am waiting for the paper to come out tomorrow to see if I can get one a bit bigger.

Yea, maybe if I am paying less then half the rent I am now, I could afford to take a class at the U.

[onyxravnos]

im looking for girls khaki pants / skirts ... i know they are required for the catholic schools uniforms so they must come from somewhere... anyone know where to get some?

[roadfamily6now]

Old Navy, Land's End, Target, ....what size? I have one pair of light uniform pants that my DD is too big for. And a pair of black uniform pants. I guess they are size 6.

Oh! I have a TON of skorts, skirts and dress uniforms! Let me know if 6-7 will work for you.

I Have khaki, navy blue and black.

[Pinoikoi]

I have seen uniform pants at JCPenney and Sears and of course Junior Towne.

[roadfamily6now]

French Toast Too for uniforms!

[brightonwoman]

Originally Posted by onyxravnos

im looking for girls khaki pants / skirts ... i know they are required for the catholic schools uniforms so they must come from somewhere... anyone know where to get some?

ditto on french toast. If you have a little time, sign up for their mailing list, then wait a month. They email out specials all the time

Originally Posted by liza-s

Do any of you lovely ladies have recommendations for family-friendly (read that toddler-friendly) lodging in Homer? I told DH I really needed to go the shorebird festival this year. We haven't been for the last 2 years due to schedule conflicts. I wish I could go to Cordova - but the time or $ budget won't allow that.

I've always stayed at Seaside Farms - but her cabins are not exactly child-safe, and I don't want to camp this year.

I'd prefer a place with a kitchen/kitchenette. And not high-end/expensive. Any recommendations?

How long a stay are you talking about? Just you and the LO or your DH too? We could pick up the playroom and roll out some sleeping bags if you just need a couple of days, and you'd be welcome to use the kitchen...

[brightonwoman]

http://kidsdothedarndestthings.wordpress.com/

[roadfamily6now]

What?? NO posts in 2 days??? Are you all Ill?

Speaking of Doctors, get this! So Dh was sent to a heart specialist for some testing (nothing serious). First appointment gets rescheduled via Phone call. Second Appointment gets rescheduled after DH was IN the waiting room for almost 1 hour! Turns out the Doctor left for the day to go on vacation? (thanks for the warning) Third appointment was then "rescheduled" after DH was there and checked-in and IN THE EXAM ROOM for over an HOUR! He finally went to see what was going on and there was NO ONE in the office except the receptionist who looks like she did not have a clue what was going on. She just said they will have to reschedule.
Yeah right! Like that is going to happen! I told DH to file a complaint! 3 times? and being LEFT in the exam room?? That has got to be the lowest of the low! can you tell I am pissed? He has to take time of from work for this kind of crap. Grrr....

Cool stuff in my life. I went back to work for the Census. Pay is great and if any of you stay at home mom's or what have you, are looking for a little bit of extra cash can check it out. THey are ramping up their hiring for the next couple of phases. Enumerators make $25 and hour and seems they dont have quality help coming from the Fairbanks area so I told them I knew some great people in Fairbanks and I would pass the word they were looking!

Oh, I am also looking at doing another Surrogacy. I found a localish couple to help. They are in Soldotna and there is a couple in Georgia that looks interested. They are going through an agency and I will find out today or so, if our phone interview went well.

My DD is 16! We went to the blood bank and donated yesterday! I'm so proud of her!
Unfortunately my Iron was still too low to donate but it is going up so that is good.

Not much else is new. Hope you all are having a great weekend!