This is a scam and I fell for it. Watch out for Woodenwoodpecker 6041

This person sent me a message through private chat, and in my desperation, I ordered the product that they linked. Well it turns out it’s from China so I became very suspicious. I’m going to try to do a charge back on my credit card, but I just wanted you to be aware.

Hey, I read your post and first, I want to say that noticing the wavy lines on your Amsler grid and immediately researching options and taking action shows how proactive you are. That's honestly the difference between people who let AMD progress unchecked and people who stay ahead of it, so good on you.

My mom went through the Valeda insurance question about eight months ago, so I can share what we learned. As of right now, Medicare coverage for Valeda is inconsistent and varies a lot by region and by specific plan. Traditional Medicare has been denying Valeda claims in most cases because they consider it investigational, even though it now has FDA clearance. Medicare Advantage plans, including Blue Cross Medicare Advantage, are all over the map, some cover it partially, some deny it entirely, and some require prior authorization with specific documentation.

The most useful thing we did was call Blue Cross directly and ask for a pre-determination in writing before starting treatment. Don't just accept what the retinal specialist's office tells you. Call your Blue Cross member services line, explain that you're considering Valeda photobiomodulation therapy for dry AMD, and ask them to confirm in writing whether it's covered under your specific plan, what the CPT codes are that they'll process it under, and what your out of pocket would be. Get the reference number for that call and follow up with a written request. Some plans will do a pre-determination that gives you a clear answer before you commit.

If they deny coverage, ask about the appeal process. Some people have successfully appealed with letters from their retinal specialist emphasizing that Valeda is FDA cleared, has clinical trial data supporting its efficacy for dry AMD, and is medically necessary. The LumiThera company that makes the Valeda system also has some resources on their website about insurance advocacy.

$10,000 over two years is a significant investment and I don't blame you for wanting clarity before starting. If insurance won't cover it and you have to decide whether to pay out of pocket, the clinical data from the LIGHTSITE III trial did show meaningful benefit for improving vision in dry AMD patients, which is different from most treatments that only slow progression. So for a lot of people it's worth it, but obviously that's a personal financial decision.

Now, I want to share something because 10 years of taking supplements and still progressing is really common, and it usually comes down to which supplement. I say this because my mom was on PreserVision for years and kept progressing too. When I actually looked at the ingredient panel and compared it to what the clinical research actually uses, I got kind of frustrated. PreserVision misses meso-zeaxanthin entirely, which is one of the three carotenoids your macula actually needs. And most of the other popular brands like MacuHealth are dosing lutein at 10mg when the research uses 20-30mg.

We switched her to MaculaCore about 18 months ago and her progression finally stabilized. Her retinal specialist even commented at her last visit that things looked more stable than expected. What makes it different is it has all three macular pigment carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, and the lutein is at 30mg, the clinical research dose. When I compared the ingredient panels side by side with what she'd been taking, it was pretty clear why the popular brands weren't cutting it. Here's the link if you want to look at the formulation and maybe show it to your retinal specialist when you go. https://eyeandease.com/products/maculacore-eye-vitamin

I'd honestly do this alongside the Valeda treatment if you can. The Valeda is treating the cells directly with light, and the supplement is giving your macula the actual nutrients it needs to rebuild and protect itself. Both together give you the best shot at not just stopping progression but potentially recovering some function.

Also, given you're seeing new distortion on your Amsler grid, please don't wait until the end of October if you can help it. Ask the retinal specialist's office if they have any cancellations you could get on a waitlist for, or if there's another retinal specialist in the area who could see you sooner just to rule out any wet AMD conversion. New distortion is the classic sign of possible conversion from dry to wet, and if it is wet, the earlier you catch it the better the outcome with anti-VEGF injections.

You're doing everything right. Keep pushing on the insurance, get seen as soon as possible, and think about the supplement side. You've got this.

u/PomeloSome195 — 9 days ago

Changes in vision with macular degeneration

I’ve had macular degeneration for at least 10 years, but I do take the supplements, but my macular degeneration is still progressing. I looked at the Amsler grid and noticed that a few of the lines in the grid were not straight. I immediately did some research and I’m lucky to say there is a retinal specialist in my area that offers the Valeda treatment. Currently does anyone know if Medicare will pay for this? They quoted me for the entire treatment about $10,000 over two years (my co-pay ). The retinal specialists office told me they cannot tell me whether or not it will be covered until they actually start the treatment and Bill the insurance company. I do have Medicare and Blue Cross Medicare advantage. I also started the Arunalight today because the retinal specialist does not have any appointments available until the end of October. Any updates on whether or not insurance will pay for this would be appreciated. Thank you so much.

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u/PomeloSome195 — 16 days ago

Comfort line spa

I’ve had this spa for at least 10 years and the pump/electrical unit is not working. I purchased it from HSN and if you Google it, you can find some videos online that give you an overview of the spa. Possibly some clever fix it person could fix it. But I’m not really sure why it’s not working. The liner does not leak, but it needs a good clean. The spa top is a solid and does not leak. If you wanted to take just the spa top that would be fine too because I would hate to see it. Go to the dump since it is working fine and is solidly made. The spa comes apart really easily but needs to be drained and taken apart. I do not have the model number. I could possibly deliver within a short distance of Elk Grove if you could help load it into my vehicle. Please only truly interested parties. Send me a DM. Thank you so much.

This is the info regarding the spa from the Internet:
The Comfort Line Spa-N-A-Box in a redwood finish is a 6-foot portable, round hard-panel hot tub featuring reversible exterior panels with a simulated or real redwood look, a 280-gallon capacity, and a 110V plug-and-play setup. [12345]
Key Specifications & Features
Size & Capacity: 6 feet in diameter, holds 280 gallons of water, and comfortably fits up to 4 to 5 adults.
Jets: Equipped with over 120 soothing micro-air jets for full-body relaxation.
Power: Plugs into a standard 110V household electrical outlet with no special wiring or plumbing required.
Heating: Digitally controlled heater capable of reaching up to 104°F.
Design: Reversible exterior panels featuring a redwood finish on one side, paired with a cushioned floor and an insulated thermal locking cover.
Assembly: Tool-free modular panel setup designed to assemble in roughly 20 minutes. [123456]
If you would like more information, let me know if you need help with:
Troubleshooting or error codes
Chemical balance and maintenance tips
Finding replacement parts 
 
Comfort Line Spa-N-A-Box requires knowing your hot tub's specific model year, as the internal components (like filtration setups and the power pack) changed over time.The most common replacement parts are broken down below by category
 
.1. Filtration & O-RingsOlder units used single-stage filters, while models built after 2005 rely on improved two-stage filtration to protect the pump motor from hair and debris. Always replace the small rubber O-rings on the connector pipes when you swap out filters to prevent micro-leaks.
 
Spa-N-A-Box Spa Replacement Cartridge for Comfort Line Spas Spa-N-A-Box 1 pk$12.74$164.2(18)DiscountFilters.comA single-pack 100% compatible OEM-spec replacement filter featuring high-impact end caps and 56 crisp filter pleats. Available directly at DiscountFilters.com.
 
Clarathon Replacement For Comfortline LGFPWS EZ 2-PackAn updated 2-pack of premium, 2-stage filtration fabric cartridges built specifically for 2005+ Spa-N-A-Box setups. Available on Amazon.Spa-N-A-Box Spa Replacement Cartridge for Comfort Line Spas Spa-N-A-Box 2 pk$16.78$224.2(18)DiscountFilters.comA budget-friendly two-pack variant of the standard 2-inch top and bottom hole meltblown poly filter. Sold online via DiscountFilters.com.
 
2. Main Control Pack & KeypadsThe motor, 1000W heater, and air blower are all sealed inside the external vertical cylinder box (the "Power Pack").Complete Power Pack Assembly: If the motor housing cracks or the heater burns out, buying the entire power pack is often easier than trying to rebuild the pump interior. Look for original Comfort Line or compatible Balboa replacement packs.Topside Digital Decal/Keypad: The upper button pad on the cylinder can wear down from UV exposure and leak water into the circuit board. If buttons become unresponsive, buy a replacement plug-and-play ribbon keypad.

  1. Structural Liners & BladdersThe structural integrity relies on the outer panel structure, but the water relies entirely on the internal vinyl.Replacement Vinyl Liner: The 6-foot round internal vinyl liner is the most frequently requested major replacement part. If yours develops a non-patchable seam leak, ensure you buy the specific "Spa-N-A-Box 6ft round" variant.Inflatable Thermal Top Bladder: This sits directly on the water underneath the vinyl locking straps to trap heat. If yours deflates, it can be replaced with any standard 6-foot round inflatable spa bladder.

 

u/PomeloSome195 — 18 days ago

Snorkeling tour: Red Rafts Molokini or Trilogy Lanai

We are a family of one 70-year-old and a couple in their 30s. We can’t decide between the two tours. A positive for the Red Rafts tour is that since they have smaller boats, it could be a more intimate experience, and they could go where other large boats can’t go. Is age even a consideration? We are good swimmers, but not necessarily expert ocean swimmers. Thanks so much.

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u/PomeloSome195 — 23 days ago
▲ 13 r/cfs

Starting therapy. Need a good opening statement.

I’m starting with a new therapist on Sunday. Allegedly she has experience with chronic illnesses. As we all have experienced medical PTSD, I want to make sure she’s a good fit at the very beginning. I want to ask her what her experience is with ME/CFS and what her understanding of the disease is. I’m having a hard time figuring out what else to say. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you so much.

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u/PomeloSome195 — 26 days ago
▲ 2 r/CPAP

Mold in used Airsense 11?

I received a used Airsense 11 in April. It’s obviously used because some of the “ paint” is missing from the buttons. I have mild sleep apnea with mostly low oxygen. I immediately adapted to it and have been sleeping well. However, ever since starting the CPAP I’ve had a cough that just wouldn’t go away. I ended up developing pneumonia, although I hadn’t been sick. My doctor tested my blood for numerous types of mold, and my blood work came up positive for one strain of mold. It could be just a coincidence, but it makes me wonder if there’s perhaps mold inside of my machine. (I have no mold inside my home and I have water sensors underneath all of my sinks as a safety measure ). I clean everything regularly, but I’m wondering if I can request a new Airsense 11 that has not been used by someone else. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

reddit.com
u/PomeloSome195 — 1 month ago

Stress incontinence/ pelvic floor therapy.

I’ve been seeing a pelvic floor therapist for about three months. I really like her and she gives me exercises that I can manage with my chronic fatigue syndrome. I had my first appointment with a Uro gynecologist yesterday. Initially, they told me that I would void my bladder, and then they would catheterize me during the appointment. Instead, I had a pelvic exam done by a physicians assistant, which was fine, and then later the doctor comes in. No catheterization. I had told her that I had found a pessary on Amazon that worked well for me, but I had to use two of them. I mentioned Bulkamid and she said that oh we don’t do that because it’s not guaranteed and it needs to be done in the OR. I just sort of shook my head and she basically said my only options are a sling or the pessary. She wants to try the pessary first, which makes sense. However, I was really sort of surprised that she outright dismissed the Bulkamid. Although she didn’t say this directly, I looked at the clinical notes and it appears I do not have any prolapse. So I’m not really sure where to go with this. I feel like my symptoms have improved about 15% with the pelvic floor exercises, but I feel like I have a long way to go with core strength, etc. The exam by the PA didn’t include any gripping or strength testing, just bearing down like I’m going to have a bowel movement. Advice here would be appreciated. Thank you.

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u/PomeloSome195 — 1 month ago
▲ 23 r/cfs

I don’t have a blood disorder and I’m disappointed. Bizarre take.

I really thought I had figured out the answer to all of my problems.(I’m just kidding, of course, but sort of.) I had all the symptoms of polycythemia vera: high hematocrit, hemoglobin, and red blood cells. They were pretty much off the charts. I had all the symptoms also: bone pain, itchy palms, itchy feet, redness of skin, severe fatigue, etc. I luckily found a really good hematologist who ran every test that existed and I do not have this disease. I was strangely disappointed that I didn’t have an answer to why I feel like shit so much of the time. I know that I have ME/CFS but it would’ve been so validating to have something that I could say yes I have this and this is why I feel like shit. 90% of me was happy that I didn’t have it, but there was 10% of me that was disappointed that I didn’t have it. By the way, I ended up getting a sleep study and a CPAP machine and all of my blood values went back to normal. So I have mild to moderate sleep apnea. My sleep has been better, but it hasn’t changed how I feel overall unfortunately. Can anyone else strangely understand this phenomenon?

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u/PomeloSome195 — 2 months ago

Free laundry detergent

I purchased this and I’ve only used one pod. I don’t care for the scent. Porch pick up. Please DM for address. Please note I am close to the target on Laguna in Elk Grove.

u/PomeloSome195 — 2 months ago
▲ 4 r/cfs

Vent plus advice

I am retired, although I still work a couple of days a week when I’m not severe. I would consider myself mostly mild to moderate with periods of being severe. I still have to extensively manage my PEM. I am planning a trip to Hawaii to celebrate seven decades. I’m traveling with my daughter and her wife. Before I vent, I have to say my daughter and her wife have always treated me in an incredibly supportive way. Six years ago, I was bedridden for about a year, and my daughter still lived with me and took care of everything. She was amazing. Now for the vent/advice: we have two choices of the type of flights that we can take. One flight is early in the morning at 8:30 AM and arrives at 10:30 AM and it is a direct five hour flight. The other choice a later flight in the morning, a layover which can encompass between two and three hours in a Hawaiian airport or another airport on their route and arrives later in the afternoon. I wanted to do the earlier direct flight, even though we will not be able to check into our condo until four. My reasoning is I would rather do a direct flight get there, have lunch, sit on the beach and relax until we could check in. Her rationale is we could leave later, get there later and and go straight to the condo. I think what she doesn’t realize is that the stress of a longer flight, layovers, walking around another airport would be worse for me. I’ve tried to explain it, but she’s just angry. I’m hurt, and I’m tired of being a pain in the ass because of this fucking condition. I’ve told her just to handle the flights at this point because I am not emotionally and physically up to dealing with it right now. I do trust her and I know that she would be supportive in either situation but what would you do?

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u/PomeloSome195 — 2 months ago

Bubble wrap

This is the amount of packing bubble wrap that I receive per week and I will receive it weekly for the foreseeable future. I really hate to throw it in the trash. If this can be of use to you, I can save it for a month and you can pick it up all at once or whenever it’s convenient for you. Please send a DM for address. Reminder that I am in Elk Grove close to the Laguna Boulevard Target.

u/PomeloSome195 — 3 months ago

Condo on Maui recommendations

Three adults traveling to Maui, mid September through October 1 are our flexible dates. and this is our first visit. Budget is about 5000 for one week. Here are our must haves: two bedroom with full kitchen, beachfront, unobstructed ocean views, pool and the ability to walk out of the condo and jump in the ocean. We are all strong swimmers in general, but not necessarily experienced ocean swimmers. But we will also be cautious and careful. I looked extensively at the Mahana
but it seems like beach in front of the resort is not the best for swimming. We will definitely be taking excursions to snorkel, etc. But easy access to a swimmable beach is a priority. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer. Much appreciated.

reddit.com
u/PomeloSome195 — 3 months ago

Lap swimming/senior citizen

Where is the best place to lap swim for a senior? I’m just now recovering from a couple of injuries and want to get back into swimming. Even when I was a strong swimmer, sharing lanes was always stressful because people were much faster than me. Any thoughts about the various areas, including gyms, the aquatic centers, etc.? Thanks so much.

reddit.com
u/PomeloSome195 — 3 months ago