OptiBoard Discussion Forums - Blogs http://www.optiboard.com/forums/blog.php OptiBoard is the Premier Online Community for Eyecare Professionals. en Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:04:34 GMT vBulletin 30 http://www.optiboard.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg OptiBoard Discussion Forums - Blogs http://www.optiboard.com/forums/blog.php Are AR coatings up to military standards ?........................ http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/98-Are-AR-coatings-up-to-military-standards Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:01:52 GMT *Are eyeglass optical AR coatings upto military standards ?* Military standards usually mean to the layman top qualityproducts that are non failing under the toughest physical conditions. Have weever seen an optical eyeglass lens claiming to have been made up to thesestandards ? Do these... Are eyeglass optical AR coatings upto military standards ?

Military standards usually mean to the layman top qualityproducts that are non failing under the toughest physical conditions. Have weever seen an optical eyeglass lens claiming to have been made up to thesestandards ? Do these standards actually exist ?

I went on Wikipedia and found a non ending list andexplanation on this subject at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_...itary_Standard
the question is, why is this expression not used in the commercialoptical eyeglass industry ? We alldiscuss AR coating processes being better than others while none of them claimsto be of such standards.

So I started to do a little research and found that there is an AR coating industrythat claims to make thin film coatings for hundreds of applications out sidethe spectacle lens industry we all know of and are used to.


Anti-Reflective (AR) Thin Film MultilayerOptical Coatings

AccuCoatInc.offers a wide range of high efficiency broadband, narrowband and dual-band Anti-Reflective (AR) coatings. Manystandard anti-reflective coatings are available on glass and plastic (polymer)substrates. Custom designed solutions are also available. Our coatings havebeen tested to meet MilitarySpecifications, High Laser Damage Threshold tests (LDT) and arefinding their way into many new Solarapplications.

http://accucoatinc.com/anti.html



Metal &Dielectric Mirror Coatings

Metal coatings can be applied as: Bare, Protected or Enhanced withdielectric layers. AccuCoat Inc. also produces Dielectric High Reflector coatings. These coatings can be appliedto Glass, Molded & Diamond Turned Plastic, and Metal substrates. Many ofthese coatings have been tested to meet MilitarySpecifications and High Laser Damage Threshold tests (LDT) and arefinding their way into many new Solar applications.AccuCoat recently added the capability to coat polygons and spinners.

Coating Types: • Aluminum (Al) • Gold (Au) • Chrome (Cr) • Dark Chrome • Tin (Sn) • Nickel (Ni)
• All Dielectric • Copper (Cu) • Inconel • Silver (Ag) • Titanium (Ti)

These coatings can beoptimized for use as first or second surface mirrors or adjusted for specifiedwavelength or angle of incidence ranges.
http://accucoatinc.com/mirrored.html


Beamsplitters, DichroicFilter, ITO, Hydrophobic and Other Coatings

http://accucoatinc.com/other.html



Coatings on Plastics andOther Materials
AccuCoat has developed processes that enable us toeffectively coat plastic substrates (including Zeonex and Ultem) with opticalthin films that can meet the difficult environmental requirements of today'smil-specs and Solarapplications. Typical tests include abrasion, humidity and multiday temperaturecycling. Wide-angle AR coatings, beamsplitters, and dielectric mirrors are someof the products we have developed for a range of applications from the visibleto the IR.

http://accucoatinc.com/pmgc.html



So here is only one sample from other industries that aremost probably much larger and spread out into many different applications butdo claim top quality military specs which our industry has never made.











]]> Chris Ryser http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/98-Are-AR-coatings-up-to-military-standards Permission to Fail http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/96-Permission-to-Fail Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:55:30 GMT I was asked today, 'Why can you create eyewear that other offices say can't be done?' The answer was easy.

I allow myself to fail.

Actually I enjoy the failure.

When I made my first Franklin Bifocal I blew through 3 sets of lenses before I got it right. The difference is I didn't just fail three times I actually discoverd three unique ways of not making a proper Franklin Bifocal.

The key is to fail intelligently much like DARPA has done with their scramjet last week.

Failure is good but only if you learn. Failure without learning is just spending money. ]]> kcount http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/96-Permission-to-Fail <![CDATA[Machol's Grand Unified Theory]]> http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/95-Machol-s-Grand-Unified-Theory Thu, 26 May 2011 20:36:15 GMT I've done it. Where others before me have failed, I have created a Grand Unified Theory that explains everything. Here it is:

Click image for larger version.  Name: GUT.png  Views: 6534  Size: 20.0 KB  ID: 7776

The Nobel Committee knows where to find me. I'll be waiting for your call. ]]> Steve Machol http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/95-Machol-s-Grand-Unified-Theory Being sick sucks..and so does being unemployed. http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/93-Being-sick-sucks-and-so-does-being-unemployed Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:33:40 GMT Its been a while since my last posting, and a lot has changed, yet stayed the same.

Jan 3rd, I ended up in the ER due to the inability to breathe. Once again, they were concerned about a clot, and wanted to verify one wasn't there. While they did not find a clot, they did detect some "shadowing" on the x-ray. They did a ct, and some additional blood work.. ruled out that I wasn't in any immediate danger, and sent me on my way. Due to the severity of the symptoms, and the imaging findings, my pulmonologist decided I should bump up my appointments to try and get some answers.

Thank heavens my echo was ok, so we were able to rule out pulmonary hypertension. The doc was able to detect a "fine broken glass" appearance on my ct, but is unable to tell exactly what it is. She sent the films to be reviewed by the Hopkins 2nd opinion/radiology team.. and in the meantime we did some function testing.

For some reason, every time I have complained of shortness of breath, the doctors always want to say its asthma. Take this inhaler, lets try this or that based upon asthma. I have argued that often times, the inhalers make me feel worse.. and finally the testing proved that. What's sad is that I have about 50% of the capacity someone my height and weight should. The ratios are in the normal range as far as inspiration/expiration, So its definitely a restrictive, not obstructive disease. So the key is to figure out what is taking up space, making it difficult for my lungs to do their job. It could be endometriosis, however since I don't have the classical presentation of actual lung collapse, they are wanting to try a few other things before diving in and taking a look.

When my next set of follow up appts came, the 2nd opinion department still hadn't had a chance to read my films. So consulting with another doc, they believe that a lot of the issue revolves around excess fluid. This was noted on my u/s and their belief was the shadowing on the xray, and ct was indications of fluid. So they put me on a water pill to try and remove the excess fluid, and see if they improves my function. While in some ways I am happy they don't want to jump to surgery right away.. in other it is so frustrating because we still aren't 100% sure what we are dealing with.

My pelvic appointment was very disappointing. Seems there was a mis-communication/misunderstanding about what my complaints were. I do well 50% of the time. I don't have a lot of pain, I can work, play, and function just as well as anyone else. 25-30% of the time I deal with moderate pain, some shortness of breath, and fatigue. 20-25% of the time.. then its hell. Though I have learned to deal with even this phase except for a couple of days where I literally can't make it more than 10 ft w/o gasping for air, or speak more than 2-3 words w/o doing the same. I don't think it is good for me or the patients quite honestly to be there is that level of distress.

For some reason they thought my pain was more due to bladder issues (granted I can not fully empty my bladder at this point due to adhesions) As far as pain was concerned, was told that it could be just the nerves stuck in a reflex sympathy mode. Was offered nothing more than the ibuprofen that I currently take, except to increase it more, and take it "proactively" instead of reactive. I could buy that the pain was reflex sympathy syndrome if it occurred all the time. If it didn't matter what time of the month it was, or what I was doing.. if my breathing wasn't also affected, along with other things. If my issue was just constant pain.. I could accept that diagnosis and I would be more open to ideas about nerve blocks, etc. However, we know that there are issues. Physiological issues.. After having to explain myself 3-4 times.. consulting with the referring gyn another 2 times.. we finally got on a plan. Before we decide where to go from here, I am getting a solid check up from the waist down. That way when we do surgery we will know exactly what we are dealing with. My biggest concern though now.. is *if* I want her to do the surgery. One reason why I heeded my friend's advice was because I wanted an endometriosis specialist to do the surgery. If I am willing to get rid of my womanly parts, I want someone who can take care of the whole job, and get all the endo out so I will have minimal chances of recurrence. She has some training in that area.. but her primary specialty is urology. She admitted that complex endo cases really aren't her thing..

Of course, the schedule is kind of full and crazy.. so it will be a few more weeks before we can begin that round of testing. So in the mean time.. I came back home to Indiana. Of course.. I get home only to get a message two days later that the 2nd opinion team agreed with their assessment, and I should get that thyroid nodule checked out ASAP! It could be cancerous.. lovely..

One of the joyful things (read sarcasm here) that happened while I was gone was my employer sold his practice. It had been in talks for several months, and I was assured that my job would be secure. The doctor I worked with had a heart attack in the spring of last year, and while he has done remarkably well recovery wise, he just doesn't feel as up to the rigors of running two practices. He opted to keep the location closest to his home, and sold the one I was in charge of.

During the time I was gone, the new doctor was there assessing the way the practice was ran. Looking at the software, seeing our flow, etc. Of course, it wasn't quite the same, since the office was short.. and I didn't have a chance to really show him what I bring to the table. On my first day back, I asked if I could speak to him. He had handed me a packet with a cover letter on it basically stating, your job isn't secure and if you want to work with me, you need to apply and go through my process. This set my hair up on end, since I knew he had no idea what I could do. My co-workers and Dr. H all assured me that I would be retained. How could he not? I am the "brains" (their words, not mine!) of the whole practice. However, I wanted to 1)be honest and let him know what I was facing.. 2) get a feel of whether he was going to work with me and 3) see if we were going to mesh or not. Considering that he asked if I really wanted to work, if part time was even possible, and had NO questions for me other than availability wise.. I was even further on edge. He told me that he would have an answer for me in a few days.

Over the next couple of days we find out that he had bought another practice a few months ago, and has them set up with different software that he hopes to link between practices. He also has a back office with an insurance person, an admin, etc. He joined Vision Source, and I think he could tell that I am the type of person who will question why you make certain choices. Not that I want to imply you are wrong, but to understand what's important to you. If you like vision source cause it is one bill, has discounts on the things you want, like payroll services, and differentiating your self in terms of product isn't as important as pushing tech and fashion.. hey.. more power to you. It lets me know what I should be thinking of in terms of products I bring in, how I phrase things to patients, and when I motivate staff. Of course, I also have a tendency to do what I think is right for the patient and practice, and used to being able to make judgement calls. I think honestly that while my availability is an issue, the fatal blow was that I am a strong admin/optician and he didn't want to deal with the issues that could create if he has his own game plan in place, and I might question or make him doubt it.

So Jan 31st was the last day the practice was owned by Dr. H, and thus my last day too. It was a tremendous blow to the ego to think someone didn't want my skills. Then to be told of the decision in front of my husband (who was there to pick me up) and my fellow colleague was salt in the wound. I asked the new doc what factors influenced his decision and I got the bad break up speech. "Its not you. Its me." Meh

Normally I would not be so concerned. I have many connections, and friends in multiple optical places. I am sure, even if push came to shove I could go back to a chain and they would love me. Maybe I could make America's Best something mediocre, since was the one thread stated.. (and I agree!) they are America's Worst! However, with my current medical issues, who will want to hire me? Sure, Dr. H has agreed to give me a glowing recommendation (he told me that he was saddened by the new doc's decision. That they had a gentleman's agreement and he thinks it was the wrong move. However, it isn't his practice any longer..) I have some of the best references in the local optical industry... but who wants to bring on a person who will need to work off site for at least one week a month.. for 2-3 months.. followed by 6-8 weeks off for eventual surgery.

With that in mind.. I filed for unemployment. In fact.. I am thinking this could be a good thing. With my former position I had only 1 week off a year, and no short term disability, not even the AFLAC I had asked for and would have been paid 100% by me. I have been going w/o pay for all my visits since this more critical state came up, and had been trying to figure out how to prepare/save when you were paycheck to paycheck to start. Lord I would hate to think what things would look like if we bigger house they tried to say we could afford, or had a car payment!

So with unemployment, I feel that I can say I am able to work full time. Because when I am in Baltimore, I can do things on the computer, make calls, etc. if that was part of my duties. While it isn't the same as what I would get by working full time, it is allowing me to focus some on health issues and getting my house in order. Don't get me wrong, I am still looking for work. Be it fill in/temp or finding that ideal position. I am just steeling myself up that chances are it won't happen for a while cause of the current health issues.

Now if the thyroid is a bad situation.. then I can look at disability.. It just so hard to think about that.. and even the unemployment after working full time for 16 years, and contributing to the system for 26. (Had my first job with a paycheck and reported earnings at 12. Picking strawberries.) I still keep hoping that I will win the lottery or come into a windfall so that I can open up my own non-profit lab, hire Jacqui to help run it with me, and gallivant across the globe teaching and giving.

So while its only the beginning of Feb... I can't say much in terms of it being a better year. Then again.. I suppose its just bumps in the road to get me to where the real healing begins.. ]]> Jubilee http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/93-Being-sick-sucks-and-so-does-being-unemployed <![CDATA[Here's to a better year..]]> http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/92-Here-s-to-a-better-year Thu, 30 Dec 2010 04:27:38 GMT Well earlier this month I went to Hopkins to have them investigate what's happening. I was very impressed with the facilities, and the care. They sat and chatted with me. Took their time, really listened.. basically acted like I was the only patient they needed to care for. Heck the pulmonologist gave me her cell number, email, along with all the other contact info and told the cleaning lady to come back later as she took her time going over all the information/history etc we had.

Basic testing shows.. I am in trouble. Ultrasound shows endo has invaded the urinary system (blocking the bladder from completely draining), my ovaries are affixed to the pelvic wall, the uterus is tilted and folded over in half, and while on lupron I have developed a fibroid, and it looks the the endometrium has invaded the muscle wall of the uterus itself. Gotta love being so complex that when they asked the Radiologist to double check things, he brought in his interns as well so yeah.. 6 people present (7 if you count hubby) for my pelvic U/S.. Nice thing though.. I know results caused they discussed it right then! With the bladder involvement I have been referred to a urugynecologist at their Pelvic Floor specialty clinic. The idea being that they would be able to attack and excise from not only the reproductive organs, but address the urinary tract, and they work in conjunction with surgeons able to do excision on the colon if necessary as well.

The basic lung testing shows there is definitely an issue..and it is not asthma. Ratio is good.. volumes bad. Not obstructive then. Best guess? They are betting its Endo as well : /

So in a couple of weeks when I go to the pelvic floor clinic, I will be also getting a full set of Pulmonary Function Tests, and cardio work up. They will review the ct from my prior ER visit in Oct, but might ask for more testing that way. Possible scenario is if I am scheduled for surgery soon, they will do a thorascopy (since I will already be sedated) and look at the lungs and take some biopsies. Remove any clots/implants that they see. Their belief is that I have some small implants affecting either the lining of the lungs, or the vessels that supply the lungs causing pulmonary hypertension.

So while it is great on one hand to feel vindicated/validated.. "Hey I told you this wasn't right!" On the other hand, its scary to find out "Actually .. its much much worse than you thought..."

On the upside, I have been doing a lot more research into things and was very excited to see a transcript from a recent synopsium for Endo. There is a lot of research supporting it as being an inflammatory disease. With the response of interleukins, and cytokines.. that are actually present in allergic responses as well. Suddenly the flare with both the endo, and allergies is making more sense. Its also reassuring that it can be "one" issue causing both.. and not that I have a multitude of things going on. Just one.. A huge one..

Thank you for you thoughts, and prayers.. I know they have certainly helped to carry me this far. ]]> Jubilee http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/92-Here-s-to-a-better-year Next Christmas http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/91-Next-Christmas Sun, 19 Dec 2010 15:58:15 GMT I won't be racking my brain for gift ideas. I'll buy for my grandson, but the rest of my money will be spent answeing a letter or two from the thousands sent to the Post Office every year. I was moved to tears by an ABC News story by Diane Sawyer on how the content of these letters has changed this year. No more fancy electronics, toys or games, these children are asking for the stuff we used to hate getting...shoes, socks, warm clothes and such. No child, no family should have to suffer like so many of our countrymen are. I don't care about immigration status, I care that there are children who are so aware of the struggles of their family that Santa is their last resort. I want to be Santa for someone who NEEDS me to be Santa. ]]> CuriousCat http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/91-Next-Christmas Hanging on.. http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/90-Hanging-on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:12:00 GMT Some days it seems like I am hanging on by a thread. Others aren't so bad. After everything went downhill in Oct, I did call Hopkins to set up a consultation. It was a long process because you have to forward all your records, they sort through them over a period of a couple of weeks, and determine who they want you to see, then they have to coordinate appointments.. So by the time everything gets worked through, it will be December 9th before I see them. 3 months after the lupron shot.

In many ways it is frustrating having to wait about 6 weeks from the time I started the process to be seen. Then again, since Hopkins is the leading institution in endometriosis research, hopefully it will be worth it. I was really hoping to have it a bit earlier so they could really test if Lupron was actually doing its job of shutting down the hormones. I don't understand if cysts are caused by hormones, why the cysts that I had on both my mammo and ultrasounds have not changed.. at all. While I suppose I should be happy that there has been no growth, particularly on the mammogram since they weren't 100% sure if they were just cysts or not (hence the careful monitoring) I would have thought that they would have shrunk, or had some change. The breast ones really concern me since my aunt died on her 40th birthday from breast cancer.

Which in all this theory crafting has led to another *thought*. I have had problems with endometriosis outside of the pelvic cavity. Including my diaphragm. In the course of my research, and my allergist's, endometriosis has been found just about everywhere.. heart, brain, lungs... His concern is that since I have had endo on the diaphragm, it is just a short hop to reach the lining of the lungs. My really bad breathing flare occurred at the same time as a cycle. Which is when all implants, inside or outside of the uterus would bleed. Is it possible that my endometriosis has gotten into the pleura? While my breathing has been better to a degree.. ie I can actually carry on conversations w/o gasping for air.. It is still way down. My last round of testing a couple of weeks ago revealed that my already reduced volume is down, and overall function between the time I started allergy therapy to now is 25% less.

This is something that is also going to be looked at when at Hopkins. I have a consult for the endometriosis, and another for pulmonary. I really hope it yields some answers, considering that the lupron in my opinion has made things worse, or at least I feel a lot worse, rather than better. Of course the real measure is what's on the inside. Not sure when we will look at that. Keep telling myself that while I might feel bad, it is a form of chemo so it might be what I need though to keep this at bay. I think I am angling though for them to take a thorough look sooner rather than later to accurately assess just where everything is, and take whatever steps are necessary.

On the up side, Hopkins has given me an excuse to see my two closest friends, since they are so kind as to put use up while we are in Baltimore. I have really missed them in the past few months, and getting to spend some time together will be great. There is even a side trip planned for the Saturday to visit a mutual friend up in Pennsylvania, so definitely some fun to be had. Which will at least take some of the sting off of not being able to visit the in laws this Christmas. ]]> Jubilee http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/90-Hanging-on Not going well http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/88-Not-going-well Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:49:25 GMT So this experiment with Lupron started out promising. I was told the worse part of it would be the first 3 weeks or so as it was shutting my hormones down, and having that last "cleansing" cycle.

The first 3-4 weeks were cake. I was beginning to believe that I was going to get through this just fine.. and perhaps I was one of the few not to experience too many issues..

However the constantly being cold continued.. the severe fatigue has persisted... I ended up in the ER due to shortness of breath and clotting. I was told to go off the add back meds to see if they would help the breathing, and reduce the inflammation.

When I went off the add back.. I ended up getting that cycle.. I was literally bedridden for a week. I had two heating pads, one for front.. and one for back on high the entire time. Took the pain meds and anti-inflammatory that they gave me and the combo was not enough to even make me merely miserable. I called my doctor's office.. was told my doc is out on family leave, and everything had to go through her partner. I was told I simply needed to eat more bananas for potassium, they phoned in an rx for the severe headaches I started to have, and as far as the cramping was concerned.. just take 2 aleeve every 6 hours or so.

HELLO!! Did you not hear me?!? I am already taking prescription strength stuff and it isn't beginning to cut the pain. While they did schedule a doppler study to look for more clotting issues.. the office is simply too over scheduled to get me in right now. Despite my repeated calls..

So a week after my ER visit, my breathing still has not returned to normal. Because I get so out of breath.. even in just carrying on conversation.. I am more fatigued than ever. It is taking every fiber of my being to make it through a work day. Often I am actually leaving early to come home to rest.. My employer has been very kind working with me. Praying with me.. Its humbling and so sad at the same time.

In reading up on Lupron, I never took into consideration the mechanics behind how it works. The way it affects both the hypothalmus and pituitary. The two main glands that communicate with the rest of the body and the central nervous system. When I saw a recent news story about chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia most likely being the same disease with one focused on pain and the other fatigue.. and how both were linked to problems with the hypothalmus and pituitary.. all of a sudden it made more sense why so many women who took this drug have developed these conditions.

To be honest.. I have never felt as sick and as worn down as I do right now. I haven't slept well for weeks. The intense pain.. "shot gun" headaches, vision changes, all are getting to be a bit too much. Its obvious that I haven't been processing this drug as intended.. I just don't know what all will go wrong.

I want to be mad. I want to raise a fuss and protest the cruelty of taking a drug to prevent disability and having it disable you instead. I want to be able to fight it.. and carry on anyway.. but I just can't seem to stir up the level of energy necessary to do so..

That thought makes me want to cry. I have always been known as the fighter. The strong one. The girl who will get it done. Now I just feel weak. Not worthless.. but certainly worth less.

My employer and friends are encouraging me to go to a major hospital network like Mayo or Hopkins to be thoroughly evaluated to see what damage this drug has done, or to see if something else is at play. I am considering this.. but timing is so off with holidays, birthdays, school, etc. Then again.. I am not sure how much longer I can fight this. ]]> Jubilee http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/88-Not-going-well The Lupron Debate http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/86-The-Lupron-Debate Sun, 03 Oct 2010 12:12:00 GMT First let me say thank you for your support and well wishes. They mean a lot to me. Particularly as I see what the next few months will bring. I mentioned in my last post that Lupron maybe the best decision I have made, or one of the worst mistakes of my life. Why did I say that? Well... First let me say thank you for your support and well wishes. They mean a lot to me. Particularly as I see what the next few months will bring.

I mentioned in my last post that Lupron maybe the best decision I have made, or one of the worst mistakes of my life. Why did I say that?

Well first, Lupron is a GnRH antagonist. It was approved by the FDA in 1985 for use in men with advanced prostate cancer as a means to chemically castrate them to avoid surgery due to costs or risks to the patient. The way the drug works is by overstimulating the pituitary through the hypothalamus. Usually the hypothalamus sends pulses to the pituitary to tell it when it needs to make and send out more hormones. The drug puts the hypothalamus in panic mode and basically tells the pituitary, "NEED HORMONES NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" and the pituitary goes, "crap! lets get busy and produce a lot of this!" and sets itself into overdrive to keep up with the demand. About a week or so in, the pituitary starts thinking "why is the hypothalamus still shouting at me about hormones? It must be f-ed up and I am not going to do this anymore!" and shuts down its production of the major hormones, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

The effect is two fold, first the overabundance of hormones the first couple of weeks really gives the disease (be it cancer, endometriosis, or fibroids) a chance to really feast and perhaps worsen the severity of the disease. Though, remember this is supposed to be just temporary until the hormone production is shut down to "starve" it and thus reducing the amount of disease. Just pray that it didn't kick it up high enough to cause further damage.. for instance in endometriosis there have been reports that this has caused additional cyst formation and ruptures.

Then after those first couple of weeks of over abundance, your body stops makings the hormones. Which while they can cause problems for those of us "lucky" enough to have diseases that feed off of them, the also do a lot of good things for the body. So going without them puts one at a greater risk of developing, osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, mood disorders, stroke, and all kinds of fun stuff! Supposedly these are all temporary, and much like natural menopause in women with endo, however there now seems to be a lot of documentation that some of these side effects can last years. Effectively permanent. Supposedly add back therapy (either low dose estrogen, or in my case, progesterone) will help offset some of those side effects.


Now I realize, that its usually the people who have problems with a drug that shout the loudest. However when I read reports from doctors and from former FDA officers detailing the falsification of research reports and data.. that really is hard to ignore. Some “interesting” research I came across..From a report in 1996 from the Office of Research Integrity in the Health and Human Services:


“Based on a report from Harvard Medical School and Dr. Friedman's admission, ORI found thatAndrew Friedman, M.D., former Harvard Medical School Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology at theBrigham and Women's Hospital, committed scientificmisconduct by falsifyingand fabricatingdatain research supportedin
part by a PublicHealthService(PHS) grant to theBrighamand Women's Hospital General ClinicalResearch Center.
Between 1992 and 1995, Dr. Friedman altered and fabricated information in permanent patient medical records and notes by changing dates, changing and adding text, and fabricating notes for clinical visits that did not occur. Dr. Friedman admitted that he had falsified and fabricated approximately 8O percent of the data in research reports published in Fertility and Sterility (Friedman, A.J. and [Hornstein, M.D.] "Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist plus estrogen-progestin 'add-back' therapy for endometriosis-related pelvic pain." Fertility and Sterility [60(2):236-41], 1993.), in Obstetrics and Gynecology (Friedman. A.I. and Thomas P.P. "Does low-dose combination oral contraceptive use. affect uterine size or menstrual flow in premenopausal women with leiomyornas?" Obstetrics and Gynecology, pp. 631-635. 1995.), and in an unpublished manuscript.”


80%.. 80% of his research was fabricated on the effectiveness of Lupron with add-back therapy.


Then in a report from a former FDA medical officer regarding bone density loss:
“Bone Density Loss— The "L" labeling shows minus 3.2% to minus 6.3% bone density loss of the lumbar spine due to a six (6) month Lupron treatment Only 41 patients at week 24 and 29 patients at week 52, were studied for bone density loss. [Plaintiff] suffered osteopenia with 14% bone density loss of her lumbar spine and a 16% bone density loss of her neck, more bone density loss than TAP warned about. I have reviewed a Clinical Summary written by Abbot, entitled Study NO. M86-039., comparing Lupron Depot 3.75 treatments to Danazol treatments (Danazol was an already FDA approved drug for the treatment of endometriosis) in women with endometriosis, which found that in measuring Spinal BMD by QCT, the Lupron Depot group showed a mean BMD decrease of 7.0% (range - 27.8 to + 53.7%) compared to a 6.2% mean increase for the patients (range - 4.5% and + 13.7%). However, one Lupron Depot patient (No. 577/DA) had an unexpected post-treatment increase of 53.7%, which is considered to be a measurement error. If this patient is excluded, the mean change for Lupron Depot patients becomes a decrease of 15.7%. which differs significantly from the 6.2% increase seen in the Danazol patients. Lupron Depot package insert and patient information only warns of a mean bone density loss of 3.2%, which is false and misleading.. I also reviewed an Endometriosis Safety Update No. 43818, which discusses the follow-up on the bone density issue to the M86-039 Clinical Summary, discussed above. This study notes that bone density measurements were performed on 32 patients in the follow-up study. Only 11 of the 32 patients experienced a complete recovery. Thus 21 patients did not have a complete recovery and many showed further decreases.”


If you want some real scary reading the full report can be downloaded here: http://www.lupronvictimshub.com/
Not only do they discuss all the casually related side effects known to this drug, but also how TAP paid physicians up to 100k a year to prescribe it.


The sad thing is, this is just a bandage really..it is not a cure. While those with mild to moderate disease can get pain relief for up to 5 years, for those with severe cases it lasts for about as long as you are on the meds. Due to the toxicity of it, the FDA limits its use for up to 6 months. With add-back therapy, you can get a second round of 6 months out of the deal. Then its off to other things to try. The number one expert on Endo actually recommends avoiding the drug, and if you have been on it, waiting 3-6 months after ceasing therapy before having surgery to give a chance for the deep hidden implants to grow out enough to make them easier to spot.


So far, I haven't had a heck of a lot of relief. Then again, I took it to prevent it from worsening, rather than necessarily making it better. I suppose then its par for the course. My main concern is that I am so tired. I am actually napping rather than eating at lunch. I can not get warm to save my life. I sleep with my heating pad just so I can get warm. Then it is the wheezing after going up the stairs, walking inside.. I am hoping that its stress, and possibly a bug from a co-worker causing rather than the med Particularly since there is nothing I can do but ride it out for the next 2-3 months since the injection has already been given.

I also should admit that my patience is waning. I haven't figure out if this is the Lupron, the disappointment in getting the job opportunity I wanted, but having to turn it down due to health insurance and relocation costs, or if the people at my work just know the right buttons to push to really tick me off. Talking with the hubby and a dear friend, most likely all the above. So if my posts come off a bit terse... tense...etc. Please keep that in mind :shiner:
 ]]> Jubilee http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/86-The-Lupron-Debate <![CDATA[What's going on]]> http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/85-What-s-going-on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 02:34:59 GMT Some of you may have noticed I have not been posting/participating as much as I used to. While I still love The Optiboard, and what Steve has done to get the movers and shakers in the optical industry to talk, I just haven't had the energy to jump in like I used to.

The past few years have been crazy, and it has been one thing after the next. Between family issues, the health of my parents, and implementing some huge changes at work, my down time comes at odd hours and I find the comfort of friends and gaming with those friends to be more beneficial to me.

See it seems while I was juggling everything else, my own body put its plans in motion to speed up its attacks against me. I have long had issues regarding hormones and their regulation, but I though everything was under control till I had that round of pain that I referenced in the last post many many months ago.

It was December before I finally had surgery to take care of the adhesions that were causing issues. Which turned out to be endometriosis based. What is endometriosis (endo for short)? Guys, don't get squeamish on me, but you know how women develop that uterine lining that sheds every month, just in case it has to sustain a baby? Well for some reason, they aren't sure yet though there are several theories as to why, that lining shows up in places outside the uterus too. Typically it stays close to home, so outside of the uterus, the pouch of douglas, the ovaries/tubes. In severe cases it can affect the bladder, affix the colon to the pelvic wall, and if your endo is an over achiever like the rest of me is.. then it will also go outside of the pelvis and hit up the diaphragm and liver.

While the doctor was able to remove a great portion of it, not all of it could be removed with her hand. The hope was that she got enough of it that with hormone therapy things would at least be stable for a while. See endo in some ways is a lot like cancer. If not all of it is removed.. if there is one cell that was left behind.. it can supply itself with the hormones necessary to grow all on its own. This is the reason why contrary to most people's belief.. endo can not be "cured" by a complete hysterectomy. Now there is some argument still for its use in the course of treatment. Depending upon the severity of symptoms and primary location for the endo, it can help a lot of women. However, to be absolutely clear here.. there are hundreds of women that still have problems with endometriosis AFTER hysterectomy and menopause. Because cells were left behind during their surgery.

So unfortunately for me, it is obvious that the surgery was not successful in this regard. The endometriosis has continued to spread and the hormonal imbalance is affecting my allergies, and many other health related issues. Researching my options, we had other forms of hormonal therapy to try with either GnRH antogonists (medications that chemically induce menopause by interrupting the pituitary signals), Aromatase inhibitors such as Femara/tamoxifen which theoretically goes after the estrogen being produced in all cells (so endo, adipose, etc) or More surgery. When I saw my doctor for a follow up this summer, she was pushing Lupron. I asked about the aromatase inhibitors and she stated that they are not fda approved for endo, and would really need to be prescribed from a reproductive endocrinologist or oncologist who was familiar with its use. Surgery is going to be necessary again, but the extent is beyond what she can offer at this point. Her suggestion was using Lupron to enduce chemical menopause and then seeing how it affects my health before looking into making it permanent through surgery if it reduces my allergies (I am currently carrying an epi-pen due to near anaphylaxis states I have been put in) and the extent of the disease. The theory is that by reducing the amount of estrogen available, the endometriosis will shrink, or at least be stable.

I didn't care of this option due to all the horrors I read about Lupron. I began looking for an "expert" on endometriosis to review and hopefully see in regards to a second opinion. In case you are wondering there are only a handful of "experts" in this field. Many ob/gyns are given basic information regarding endo, but only a few centers treat it with basically the same care as given for cancer patients. The extensive surgery, in "non routine" places, biopsying as they go to make sure the "margins" are clean, everything necessary to get it ALL out. Many doctors think a couple of zaps with the laser, and its done.. but research has shown that most of the time this leaves deeper implants behind. It isn't always red, brown, or black.. it can be blue or white.. sometimes clear.

The way that the "expert" clinics operate is that you have to send them all your records for review first. Medical chart, surgery films, doctor's notes, radiology, pathology, etc.. Then you have to send them payment for reviewing these files, as it is NOT covered by insurance. That payment ranges from $50 to over $500. Then once they have reviewed your files, they will let you know if they can help you or not. If so, then it is a matter of juggling your schedule with theirs and how soon you anticipate surgery, etc. None of these places are in my state. So there is the expense of travel, food, lodging, etc on top of the medical costs.

Still I found a couple of prospects but was gathering up all my stuff when I ended up doubling over in pain severe enough I (Ms, my appendix ruptured and I didn't even cry) shouted. (Good thing I just closed the office!) A cyst ruptured. Not an ordinary functional cyst. NO.. this one had to be a "chocolate cyst." While I usually love chocolate, this one derives its name from the color it appears. The fluid inside is actually endometrial cells. Nasty cells that were let loose into my pelvis to wreak havoc on anything and everything it came into contact with. Causing more irritation, more scar tissue, and most likely, more endometrial implants to continue the cycle.

At this point, I felt like my back was against a wall. All I could picture was that Mucinex commercial with Mr. Mucus moving in and inviting his whole family and friends.. I was told by my doctor's office that I _needed_ to do the Lupron because that was my only choice in preventing the possible infection of numerous new sites. This did not make me happy, but the thought of it getting exponentially worse made me even more unhappy. So I got the shot on 9/8. 1 shot for 3 months of treatment. It maybe the best thing ever.. or the worse mistake of my life. Why do I say that? That will be my next post. ]]> Jubilee http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/85-What-s-going-on Coastal Contacts issues the financial report for the 2nd quarter in 2010 http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/78-Coastal-Contacts-issues-the-financial-report-for-the-2nd-quarter-in-2010 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:45:28 GMT ---Quote (Originally by Firmoo)--- ........................ an increase of 136% over the same period in 2009. Sales in Canada grew 43% during the six months ended April 30, 2010. Sales in the United States grew 32% during the six months ended April 30, 2010 ............... In approximately...
Quote Originally Posted by Firmoo View Post

........................ an increase of 136% over the same period in 2009. Sales in Canada grew 43% during the six months ended April 30, 2010. Sales in the United States grew 32% during the six months ended April 30, 2010 ...............

In approximately two years we have built a significant eyeglasses business that culminated in over 60,000 pairs of eyeglasses being shipped during the quarter and $4.7 million in sales, predominantly in North America. This quarter’s operating results are consistent with the financial model we used to establish our $20 million eyeglasses sales goal this year. We are significantly expanding the capacity of our North American eyeglasses facility to address consumer demand.”

Coastal noted the following operational highlights during the second fiscal quarter 2010:

-- Coastal reported that the Ministry of Health in British Columbia
modernized the regulations regarding the ability of consumers to
purchase contact lenses and eyeglasses on the Internet, making vision
care products more affordable and accessible.

-- Coastal secured a $5 million revolving line of credit from the Bank of
America, bringing the total cash accessible from existing credit
facilities to $8.5 million, none of which had been drawn at April 30,
2010.

Above results of sales by Coastal partially attribute to the deregulation of online optical sales by BC government which is the first regional government to announce the rules from government’s perspectives.

From: Online eyeglasses sales giant sells 60,000 pairs in 2nd quarter 2010

Firmoo, who posted above results by coastal, is the owner and only one of the other big 4 online optical sellers that has come out into the open and discuss the issue.

It would be nice to have a down to earth discussion with him. not like the last time he showed on OptiBoard.

The optical world is changing and Firmoo knows the other side that has started this change. Lets listen if we can. ]]> Chris Ryser http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/78-Coastal-Contacts-issues-the-financial-report-for-the-2nd-quarter-in-2010 Another smoking hot E-bay deal! http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/77-Another-smoking-hot-E-bay-deal! Mon, 17 May 2010 02:03:45 GMT
This one might be hard to pass up. With grilling season here, and Father's Day right around the corner, I expect bidding to be pretty competitive on this baby...








One OF A Kind Casket Grill!

Starting bid:US $800.00








This is an original "One of a Kind" authentic casket cooking grill complete with electric motor and spit with stainless steel rod with adjustable forks, and stainless steel grids. There is a lower grid area for placement of the briquettes (included). Below that level are three burners which are either individually operable or all can be operable for maximum cooking. Includes gas regulator and hose for propane hook-up. There is an ignitor button or below that is a hole where the grill can be manually lit. The interior is coated with a special heat-resistant grill paint and inner panels keep heat directed toward cooking area. This original casket is fully functional with its original swing-bar handles, making the grill totally movable to any desired location. Custom exterior finish gives it the lustre and shine for that exceptional look when closed.



Good Luck Bidding! ]]> Johns http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/77-Another-smoking-hot-E-bay-deal! <![CDATA[John's Honest E-bay description of the week]]> http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/76-John-s-Honest-E-bay-description-of-the-week Wed, 12 May 2010 01:09:32 GMT Ok, this guy has got to get the award for the most honest description of an ophthalmic frame I've seen on e-bay yet. I especially like the "...the you pull it out and say, "I didn't mean that big"..." part.

This one's a classic:










Franel Gigante giant Large Huge Big Eyeglasses Frame


Item condition:New
Time left:1 day 2 hours (May 12, 201020:13:14 PDT)

Price:US $69.00Buy It NowBuy It NowBuy It Now


WARNING: PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU READ THE ITEM DESCRIPTION. IF YOU ARE NOT AN OPTICIAN OR PLANNING TO USE THIS AS A COSTUME OR HAVE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THIS FRAME PREVIOUSLY THERE IS ALMOST A 100% CHANCE THAT YOU ARE NOT GOING TO LIKE THIS FRAME. Franel Model Gigante. This frame is the largest ophthalmic quality (that is, this is actually made to put Rx ophthalmic lenses in it) frame that we have ever seen. It looks much bigger (much more enormous) to us in real life than it does in the pictures (as far we are concerned) because you have no reference in the picture (but see measurements further below and you can compare that to your frame). This is generally made for the person with an extraordinarily large head. Perhaps it is made for someone with acromegaly; we do not know for sure. Make sure you know what you are ordering before you order this one as otherwise the odds that it will be too big for you is almost 100% (these are massive in regard to size) (you are saying to yourself, oh no, I like glasses as large as possible; you have never seen these and these will be the first ones that you say, well, ok, i love large glasses but not that large; really if you are not familiar with these and/or don't really know how to judge the measurements forget it) (so seriously people, don't order these if you don't know what these are and even if you are sure you like glasses as big as possible and even if you have never once in your life tried on a pair of glasses that you thought was big enough because you have never experienced wearing something like these before) (we are just trying to warn you over and over so you don't order something there is almost no chance that will fit and this is only for experienced Gigante former wearers). They are zyl ( plastic ). As far as describing the color is concerned, would just look at the pictures as you should be able to tell from those pretty well. Franel Gigante Eyeglasses Eyeglass Eye Glasses Frame. If you are in the optical / optician / opticianry business, you could also purchase this to have on hand when clients complain you do not offer big enough frames. You pull this one out and then when they say, well I didn't mean this big, you can tell we have a full array of sizes so keep a lid on it. Eye size (greatest width) estimate of about approximately 68 mm. Vertical lens height (maximum height) estimate of about approximately 54 mm. Bridge size estimate of about approximately 24 mm. Temple length estimate of about approximately 195 mm (incredibly long). Made in Italy. This is new but may have been on display so may have been tried on.
]]> Johns http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/76-John-s-Honest-E-bay-description-of-the-week <![CDATA[John's eBay find of the week!]]> http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/75-John-s-eBay-find-of-the-week! Mon, 10 May 2010 00:05:15 GMT Lately, there have been some tremendous deals on ophthalmic lanes...anywhere from $4.500 - $9,000 complete. Some look like pretty good deals, excepting shipping, but I love to drive, so even that's not a big issue. However, this listing caught my eye, and after reading the listing, realized that there was one slight detail that makes this deal not such a good deal after all.

The listing is for a complete lane:

COMPLETE OPTOMETRIC EXAM ROOM FOR SALE!!!


Item condition:Used
Time left:5d 15h (May 15, 201008:42:51 PDT)
Bid history:0 bids[Refresh]

Starting bid:US $5,500.00
Even the photo looks pretty good:



However, read the description:
FOR SALE IS:
PHOROPTER, TONOMETER, SLIT LAMP AND TABLE, KERATOMOTER, PROJECTOR, EXAM CHAIR, TRIAL LENS SET, AND OTOSCOPE/OPHTHALMOSCOPE. THESE ITEMS ARE IN VERY GOOD WORKING CONDITION AND WAS BEING USED UP UNTIL LAST WEEK BEFORE THE OFFICE THEY WERE USED IN CLOSED. HOWEVER THE PHOROPTER HAD FELL A FEW MONTHS PRIOR WHILE IN TRANSPORT AND AN ATTACHMENT HAS CRACKED THAT HOLDS THE OTHER HALF IN PLACE. WE WERE USING THIS IN THE OFFICE LIKE THIS BUT HELD TOGETHER BY A HEAVY DUTY RUBBER BAND AND IT STILL PERFORMED WELL.



Dropped the phoroptor, and it's being held together with a rubber band???


What a deal!:cheers::cheers:

 ]]> Johns http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/75-John-s-eBay-find-of-the-week! <![CDATA["This is what change looks like..."]]> http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/74-quot-This-is-what-change-looks-like-quot Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:12:03 GMT Image: http://www.urbandigs.com/train_wreck.jpg :shiner::shiner::hammer:


:shiner::shiner::hammer: ]]> Johns http://www.optiboard.com/forums/entry.php/74-quot-This-is-what-change-looks-like-quot