StudyLTCOVID.com

Thanks for visiting!

To translate this page, select your

language from the dropdown menu below:

What follows is certainly inclomplete as of 13 July, 2024.

I'll make updates.

Nevertheless, as a source of information about IL-6, and links to "long-term" COVID-19 (LTC) it may be useful for some readers: A start.

Here, presented in no particular order on this date. That will probably change, aimed at making this resource more useful.

But clearly, this domaine of molecular biochemistry and immunology has already been quite extensively explored. That includes, in the setting of LTC. Knowing that helps avoid efforts at wheel re-invention.

Of course... still much work to be done, and still much to be learned.

Biomarkers in long COVID-19__A systematic review

A Review__Highlighting the Links between Epigenetics, COVID-19 Infection, and Vitamin D

Epigenetic Memory of COVID-19 in Innate Immune Cells and Their Progenitors

Interleukin-6 as a potential biomarker of COVID-19 progression

Interleukin-6 as potential mediator of long-term neuropsychiatric symptoms of COVID-19

Interleukin-6 Receptor Inhibition in Covid-19 — Cooling the Inflammatory Soup

Long COVID or post-COVID-19 syndrome__putative pathophysiology, risk factors, and treatments

Long-COVID-19__the persisting imprint of SARS-CoV-2 infections on the innate immune system

The single-cell epigenomic and transcriptional landscape of immunity o influenza vaccination

And some videos ! Who doesn't like videos ?!

IL-6 has both local and systemic effects in the body

Interleukin 6 | Interleukin 6 signaling | Interleukin 6 inhibitors | USMLE

Immunology - Interleukin 6 (IL6) physiology and IL6 antagonist pharmacology Tocilizumab

So there. A start ...

Maybe an end for those who have now, already had enough of IL-6.

Feel free to copy any link or download the linked to reference once you open it.

Be well !

As always, this site exists to explore an intervention in participants with LTC.

It's primary purpose is to be a "Users' Manual" for participants in our studies.

These little bibliographic collections are usually felt to have some link to that primary purpose.

<<< Home

StudyLTCOVID.com

Thanks for visiting!

To translate this page, select your

language from the dropdown menu below:

Hello and Welcome !

I have included the usual translator here above. All articles linked to below are in English, as published. 

Various PAIN syndromes

have been studied in those with "long-term" COVID-19. (I've referred to it that way since the beginning, so why should I change its name ?).

To share and save you some time, I have here placed links to articles that I considered worthwhile (based on my own experience and past medical/ scientific work). 

You can be the judge.

Here are the articles, with (hopefully) working links.

Take your time selecting and reading. There(s no hurry from my end in what I have placed below.

I too am still re-reading and reviewing these works, so have not appended any annotated comments. When I come back from time to time, I'll place an asterisk or something next to any personal favorites. If in my careful reading I decide that one is poorly done, I'll note that too. Maybe even make it disappear if it really gets on my nerves.

Do I think that this subject has anything to do with the primary goal and subject matter of this site ? Of course I do.

I have placed the one that I most appreciate so far, first. But for now, they are here in he order that I found and downloaded them for myself.

I have set these to each open on a new page, so depending on your time spent reading, you may wind up with some tabs to close.

Here goes ...

Phenotyping Post-COVID Pain as a Nociceptive, Neuropathic,  *** I liked.

Musculoskeletal symptoms and related factors in postacute COVID-19 patients

Beyond the acute__pain in long COVID survivors at 1.5 years

Clinical Characteristics and Mechanisms of Musculoskeletal Pain in Long COVID

COVID-19-Related Neuropathic Pain

COVID-Pain__Acute and Late-Onset Painful Manifestations in COVID-19

European Journal of Pain - 2023 - Baroni - Fatigue can influence the development of late‐onset pain in post‐COVID‐19

Musculoskeletal involvement__COVID-19 and post COVID 19

Musculoskeletal symptoms and related factors in postacute COVID-19 patients

Pain Management in the Post-COVID Era—An Update__A Narrative Review

Peripheral Neuropathy Evaluations of Patients With Prolonged Long COVID

Post-COVID Patients With New-Onset Chronic Pain 2 Years After Infection__Cross-Sectional Study

Sites of post-COVID pain

Symptom burden correlates to impairment of diffusion capacity and exercise intolerance in long COVID patients

There's your little reading list for now. If I find more that need to be here, I'll place them here in the future.

If you'd like a more online format, try this: 

"Why Does COVID-19 Cause Back Pain?"

And I quote from the above ...

"Back pain is now one of the key symptoms of Omicron, one of the main SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating. Data from South Africa where the variant was first identified suggested that people who get Omicron often develop two sets of symptoms – a sore throat, nasal congestion, and a cough – and also muscle pain, especially low back pain. This back pain has been described by some as intense period cramps, kidney stones or muscle spasms."

Of course, you might decide to start with Silas Mitchel Weir's classic, written in 1872, but unlike those provided above, it's a book of 377 pages.

"Injuries of Nerves: And Their Consequences"

You can even find it on Amazon.com.where I bought it for $13.98, in an abridged version.

It's even on Kindle at an "old books don't sell" price of $3.79.

He was quite a 'father of Medicine' and Neurology too during the US Civil war.

Who_was_S_Weir_Mitchell

When new things appear in Medicine, never dismiss the workers of the past.

Or as Shakespeare wrote it better (In the Tempest): "What Is Past Is Prologue."

"Silas Weir Mitchell (1829-1914) was an American physician and writer. He studied at the University of Pennsylvania, and received the degree of M. D. at Jefferson Medical College in 1850. His medical texts include Injuries of Nerves and Their Consequences (1872) and Fat and Blood (1877). In 1863 he wrote a clever short story, combining physiological and psychological problems, entitled The Case of George Dedlow, in the Atlantic Monthly Magazine. Thenceforward Dr Weir Mitchell, as a writer, divided his attention between professional and literary pursuits. His historical novels, Hugh Wynne, Free Quaker (1897), The Adventures of François (1898) and The Red City (1909), take high rank in this branch of fiction. He was also Charlotte Perkins Gilman's doctor and his use of a rest cure on her provided the idea for The Yellow Wallpaper, a short story in which the narrator is driven insane by her rest cure."

Anybody reading this ever thought that they were being driven insane by their 'rest cure' ?

Wish I had Silas's suit and coat.

Look around this site a bit if you want to get a bigger (or at least a different) picture.

And all the best to you for a good health.

Good reading !

<<< Home

StudyLTCOVID.com

Thanks for visiting!

To translate this page, select your

language from the dropdown menu below:

Information that is available about these different forms of the same substance.

Caution as you advance: these substances are marketed to the public. A significant misinformation risk is therefore present.

Here below, we offer links to some of the available literature, but no personal opinion or advice.

Let's ask Doctor Jaffe what he thinks ...

https://youtu.be/nZlvGZ4vmwU?si=MjeKlfEzqxoZc_a7

And here are links to related articles, offered as in PDF, that one can open, read, download.

Articles about CoQ10, Ubiquinone, Ubiquinol forms of these structurally related molecules.

Bioavailability of Coenzyme Q10__ An Overview of the Absorption Process and Subsequent Metabolism

Bioavailability of Ubiquinone versus Ubiquinol

Coenzyme Q10__ A Miracle Nutrient Advances in Understanding

Comparative Bioavailability of Different Coenzyme Q10 Formulations in Healthy Elderly Individuals

Role of Coenzyme Q10 in Health and Disease_An Update on the Last 10 Years (2010–2020)

Ubiquinol is superior to ubiquinone to enhance Coenzyme Q10 status in older men

Obviously, this foray into CoQ10 is only very peripherally related to the primary purpose of this site.

You may not read this final section below until you have read ALL of the above articles and listened to Dr. Jaffe.

So the main difference structurally between ubiquinone and ubiquinol is two Hydrogen atoms.

That's enough to make one form, more important in the inner membrane of mitochondria, and related to the transfer of electrons in the electron transport chain, ... and greater importance in antioxidant effects and reactive oxidant species for the other form. 

It is synthesized in the body. The two can be interconverted. Food intake and dietary choices may not provide "enough" especially given the different blood levels found in children, the young (higher in general), and the elderly (lower, in general). Watch out for statins. LDL cholesterol is essential to the transport of ubiquinol in the blood. And statins (as you know) are pitched at reducing LDL cholesterol. If one has a coronary artery layered with plaque, where lies the priority ?

<<< Home

Who lead us into this dark forest?

In a Facebook Group devoted to sharing information for those with “long-term” COVID-19, something seemed to manifest for me that I’ll now share.

Several individuals presented a deep level of dedication to what I’ll call “knowing more” about a specific topic in the domain of Cardiology: Heart Rate Variability and its measurement.

And without a doubt, several expressed a level of mastery of that topic.

Now, perhaps they are Cardiologists. But instead, I think they are simply students of this topic who decided to get real close to that subject of Heart Rate Variability. Why? Well, because they or someone they are close to has “long-term” COVID-19, isn’t over that entity yet, and inspiring hope that Heart Rate Variability may help to make it all better one day. At least, be a piece of, “better.”

Where did that come from? Who leads into (and hopefully, out of) the woods of HRV?

Some would say that it comes directly from today’s current system of Medicine and medical practice. Others might add that it comes from contact with people who have instruments and other things to sell. (No reason to exclude medical practitioners from that association).

Knowing one’s value of Heart Rate Variability is just one example. Scanning blog comments and replies will provide a host of other variables, and each with a willingness expressed to share what one has learned so far from and about, the illness at the center of such discussions.

That’s all very heart warming. When Medicine fails the patient, the patient turns elsewhere. And that includes to other patients for advice. That has certainly blossomed during the COVID era but isn’t new. The Internet makes it bigger. Suddenly, your neighbor is everywhere.

The abandonment of Medicine’s extant system is not complete. Most still seek out consultatons with medical professionals. But let’s get specific in our approach here: these individuals are increasingly closing in on principles of physiology, and the measurement tools involved, that in the not too distant past, belonged to those guys with white coats, running around in labs and hospital corridors.

Not just physiology of course. Sharing pharmacology tips is just as or more prevalent.

It's not "their" fault. The system has lost its way and "they" aren't waiting around for its guidance.

So is that a problem?

Most Medical Centers have given up on applying leeches to patients with congestive heart failure and fluid overload.

Is Heart Rate Variability measurement and expertise just the latest leech?

Let’s get a little more rigid with the extant system and its results.

Here below is a graphic representation which may help me make a point.

We’ll see.

Let me help with the above graph.

It’s the number of published articles about Heart Rate Variability, referenced and available through PubMed. Years 1993 and 2003 are thrown in for comparison. But its mostly that from 2013 to 2023, year by year. Clearly, more articles about HRV were published than in preceding years.

A total of 4 602 publications. Year 2024 is a projected value since it’s not done yet.

So it looks like one could find from these data, evidence for ever-increasing published output about HRV.

Here below is one more graph …

“Papers per author” is another metric used to follow such output of publications, and once again, as found through PubMed. Using other sources, the numbers may vary a bit, but not the trend. Have a look.

Understand that this metric reflects the results of playing the game of “Publish or Perish.”

Included is a definition of how this metric is calculated, but don’t get lost in that. Essentially, it reflects the output or paper productivity of those who are recognized as experts in the field of HRV: mostly Cardiologists but others as well.

If it helps to make the point for the reader, below are same data as above, but with additional years added to better appreciate the evolution of publications on Heart Rate Variability.

In the earliest years, the interest was mostly on heart rate variability in diabetes and neo-nates, with or without SIDS. Its use to explore links between the autonomic nervous system, cardiac function and exercise appeared in in 1991.

See a significant change during the "COVID years?"

I don't. And recall that 2024 data are a projection, so we'll see.

A valid question: "What's driving this ?"

And another: How much is that "driver" making choices and taking decisions along the route of scientific travel, to help those with LTC ?

If you interpret this as showing increased output year by year (2024 is again projected based on past values) then you’re on the right path.

So?

Is knowing one’s HRV going to get you over your problem, specifically if you’ve got “long-term” COVID-19 ?

Lots of people would like that.

Depending on the region of the globe and how it gets counted, that’s 10% to 20% (W.H.O.) of those who caught COVID-19. Commonly seen figures ? 13.8% up to 45% in a study published in the Lancet. Or, 6% to 16% in various U.S. States. You may land on a figure that says that in Europe, about 17 million people have “long-term” COVID-19 (I’ve stuck with that phrasing of this illness, since 2020). One can find estimates presented by experts that suggest that those figures are much too low.

So ?

Well the goal of Medicine might be stated as: “Relieve suffering, and heal the sick where possible.”

Have the 385±86 papers published per year since 2013 told us how to do that through Heart Rate Variability measurements for those with “long-term” COVID-19 ?

Or just supported sales of all types ?

And an important aside, even though I didn’t read all 4 602 papers, some do report a lack of value in applying HRV measurement in certain settings where it has been applied. Does it really accurately reflect your level of sympathetic nervous system stress ? Depends on who you ask, even in Cardiology circles. The graphs suggest HRV is still a hot topic. And yet at recent yearly Cardiology conferences, other electrophysiology topics (like electroporation for A-fib) seem to have pushed HRV off the stage.

Perhaps you can explain to me how it has consistently relieved suffering and healed the sick in the setting of LTC, if you know.

If not, perhaps we should agree to send HRV the way of the leeches.

You may like to add: “Well it’s just one little piece of the larger puzzle. But very important and should not be overlooked. Here’s where I bought mine.”

Or: One may not capture actual patient benefit, or be able to count those benefit events, just by following the trends in the numbers of publications.

Hunh ?

Here’s a suggestion.

The mindset that is required to get one deeply into the woods of HRV, leading to a thorough understanding of the topic, may not be the right mindset for those with “long-term” COVID-19.

Just an idea.

“Lost in the thick of thin things.”

Potentially valuable in other diagnoses ? That’s for another day.

But most people were raised with a respect for a system of care that isn’t always on the right track. “One day, they’ll get it right.” Who says ?

Thinking 'out of the box' as a scientist or practitioner in today’s market, may quickly get you and your sought after job, or professional tenure, onto the “Perish!” Side of the “Publish or Perish” scales. Yes, thankfully, one can still find those whose devotion to Medical Practice is life-long and unswerving. It’s the primary force protecting their patients from complications. Especially when they are found wandering in the dark woods of physiology or pharmacology.

For the LTC clan, the apparent productivity seen in the above graphs intentionally limited to HRV, may be wasted energy. The fruit of doing things as we always have: At least, for the last 10 or 20 years. Then, making people fit into the same old knowledge, as though it was something new. And that may be a current trend as one 'Long COVID Clinic' after another opens up. 

Do you have "long-term" COVID-19 ?

You'll probably get, sooner or later, a consultation with a Pulmonologist.

If you're a guy, much less likely that you'll get a consult with a Urologist or Endocrinologist to evaluate your Erectile Dysfunction and testosterone levels.

And yet, the testes have more ACE2 receptors per gram of tissue in the Leydig cells that produce testosterone, than the  broncho-pulmonary epithelium. And yes, testosterone levels have taken a hit and don't bounce back over night.

But when something catches on: ("it's a respiratory virus you know..."), watch out for those other organ systems. Especially those with societal taboos.

Summary:

Increased productivity doesn’t always get the problem fixed. Not without a healthy dose of insight.

What’s your new and insightful idea ? 

How do you plan to pursue it ? (If you can share that before publication).

<<< Home

StudyLTCOVID.com

Thanks for visiting!

To translate this page, select your

language from the dropdown menu below:

Traduisez avec le traducteur ci-dessus.

Übersetzen Sie mit dem Übersetzer oben.

What follows on this page has nothing to do with COVID-19, the principle subject of this site.

But this is my webpage, and that allowed me to place here, the following thoughts.

For German and French versions, see below...

Für die deutsche und französische Version siehe unten...

Pour les versions allemande et française, voir ci-dessous...

--------------

This review is really not about the seller.

The product arrived well packed or protected, intact when opened, and with a reasonable shipping delay.

As others reviewing here have noted and which I confirm:

- it is possible to expect from the presentation of the product that one is buying two sensors. It is only one.

- one might think that in buying the Reader of the sensor, that that would be a complete set or kit, including a sensor or two. Everything ready to go for your first glucose reading. Are you kidding? Not !

- when I followed the instructions and placed the Libre 2 sensor, 7 times in a row it informed: “not ready yet, try again in 10 minutes.” After 80 minutes delay, it never worked.

- just as bad, after a few hours it simply informed: “Sensor Ended. Start a new Sensor to read glucose.” I looked in my medicine cabinet, but did not have another sensor. Delay to get one (even with Prime) 7 to 10 days. Why should I even worry about my blood glucose level for 7 to 10 days. Vacation !

Clearly (as with others who have lived this same experience and reported here) Amazon is selling defective product for the FreeStyle Libre 2 device.

I don’t think that Amazon is plotting to do this and trying to get away with it. I think they just needed to hear more feedback. They don’t know yet. Abbott may not care.

And Abbott it too large a company to try to push its shelf stock like that either (or so I hope). The Directors don’t like the idea of having to pay their attorneys even more than they do already.

Of course, the FreeStyle Libre 3 (three) is the updated product. It is more expensive that the 2. The sensors for 3 are more expensive than the 2.

They proclaim the 3 is it more accurate and works better than the 2. I don’t know. I could not compare with the 2 since my 2 has a sensor that has been Kaput right from the start.

I don’t need to know the details about those decisions. I don’t want to invoke a corporate-driven conspiracy. But at the price I paid for these objects, especially when a simple fingerstick machine is so much less expensive (and the golden standard referred to by Abbott when their product’s results seem questionable), this represents a reprehensible outcome for the the manufacturer, the seller(s), and especially, the client. Also, could be very dangerous if a person was counting on this to check his or her sugar before deciding on a dose of insulin to administer.

“Go buy a new sensor.”

Oh.

Other things I have learned:

- today as well, the Freestyle Libre 3 sensor worked without any problem. I read the interstitial fluid glucose results with the application on my iPhone. No problem. But when I tried to confirm the reading with the Libre 3 Reader: it informed me that the sensor was already matched to another device (the iPhone app) and would not read the sensor. So I suppose that if I buy another Lbre 3 sensor and stick it on my body somewhere else, the Reader will now find it. But not the iPhone app ! Ridiculous ! And once again, what could have been interpreted as a box with 2 sensors (on the images) was only 1 sensor for FreeStyle Libre 3.

- the person sending the sensors included in the package a special deal: a sensor for 80€ instead of 98€, undercutting the Amazon price. But at this special price only if purchasing 2 sensors. So 160€, special deal, for my next 2 sensors.

So don’t be an uninformed consumer. Throw away your Freestyle Libre 2 today. Do it right now. Then order a Freestyle Libre 3. Don’t forget: the sensors (perhaps 5 or 6) but also the Reader. Or get the iPhone app. (No Smartphone? Buy one at the same time. Then get the app. Then get the sensors).

I’m a physician, and perhaps from what has now become “the old school.” But I find this yet another example of how businessmen have entered Medicine for only one reason. Profit. Because we (physsicians, patients, insurers) let them get away with it. They would respond something useless like: “These are simply market-driven decisions. That’s how we operate.” Well my results were much better than theirs so far, when I used to operate beneath hot lights, with cold steel. And when they have completely ruined Medicine, not a problem. They’ll simply sell shoes or bowling balls or fishing poles, just like before.

Caveat emptor ! Caveat aeger !

(Let the buyer beware ! Let the patient beware !)

William O’Neill, MD

-------------  Wie oben, auf Deutsch  -------------

In dieser Rezension geht es eigentlich nicht um den Verkäufer.
Das Produkt kam gut verpackt oder geschützt, unversehrt beim Öffnen und mit einer angemessenen Versandverzögerung an.
Wie andere, die hier rezensiert haben, angemerkt haben und was ich bestätige:
- Aufgrund der Präsentation des Produkts kann man davon ausgehen, dass man zwei Sensoren kauft. Es ist nur einer.
- Man könnte denken, dass es sich beim Kauf des Lesegeräts des Sensors um ein komplettes Set oder Kit handelt, einschließlich eines oder zweier Sensoren. Alles bereit für Ihre erste Glukosemessung. Machst du Witze? Nicht !
- Als ich den Anweisungen folgte und den Libre 2-Sensor sieben Mal hintereinander platzierte, kam die Meldung: „Noch nicht bereit, versuchen Sie es in 10 Minuten erneut.“ Nach 80 Minuten Verzögerung funktionierte es nie mehr.
- genauso schlimm, nach ein paar Stunden meldete es einfach: „Sensor Ended.“ Starten Sie einen neuen Sensor, um den Glukosewert zu messen.“ Ich schaute in meinem Medizinschrank nach, hatte aber keinen anderen Sensor. Es dauert (auch mit Prime) 7 bis 10 Tage, bis man eins bekommt. Warum sollte ich mir 7 bis 10 Tage lang überhaupt Sorgen um meinen Blutzuckerspiegel machen? Urlaub !
Offensichtlich verkauft Amazon (wie auch andere, die die gleiche Erfahrung gemacht und hier berichtet haben) ein defektes Produkt für das FreeStyle Libre 2-Gerät.
Ich glaube nicht, dass Amazon dies plant und versucht, damit durchzukommen. Ich denke, sie brauchten einfach mehr Feedback. Sie wissen es noch nicht. Abbott ist das vielleicht egal.
Und Abbott ist ein zu großes Unternehmen, um zu versuchen, seine Lagerbestände auf diese Weise zu erhöhen (zumindest hoffe ich das). Den Direktoren gefällt die Idee nicht, ihren Anwälten noch mehr bezahlen zu müssen, als sie es ohnehin schon tun.

Natürlich ist der FreeStyle Libre 3 (drei) das aktualisierte Produkt. Es ist teurer als die 2. Die Sensoren für 3 sind teurer als die 2.
Sie verkünden, dass die 3 genauer ist und besser funktioniert als die 2. Ich weiß es nicht. Mit der 2 konnte ich keinen Vergleich machen, da meine 2 einen Sensor hat, der von Anfang an kaputt war.

Ich muss die Details dieser Entscheidungen nicht kennen. Ich möchte keine von Unternehmen betriebene Verschwörung beschwören. Aber bei dem Preis, den ich für diese Objekte bezahlt habe, insbesondere wenn eine einfache Fingerstickmaschine viel günstiger ist (und der goldene Standard, auf den sich Abbott bezieht, wenn die Ergebnisse ihres Produkts fragwürdig erscheinen), stellt dies ein verwerfliches Ergebnis für den Hersteller und Verkäufer dar (s) und insbesondere der Kunde. Es könnte auch sehr gefährlich sein, wenn eine Person darauf vertraut, ihren Blutzuckerspiegel zu überprüfen, bevor sie sich für eine zu verabreichende Insulindosis entscheidet.
„Geh und kauf dir einen neuen Sensor.“
Oh.

Andere Dinge, die ich gelernt habe:
- Auch heute funktionierte der Freestyle Libre 3 Sensor problemlos. Ich lese die Ergebnisse der interstitiellen Flüssigkeitsglukose mit der Anwendung auf meinem iPhone ab. Kein Problem. Als ich jedoch versuchte, den Messwert mit dem Libre 3 Reader zu bestätigen, wurde mir mitgeteilt, dass der Sensor bereits mit einem anderen Gerät (der iPhone-App) verknüpft war und den Sensor nicht lesen würde. Ich gehe also davon aus, dass der Reader ihn jetzt findet, wenn ich einen weiteren Lbre 3-Sensor kaufe und ihn woanders an meinen Körper klebe. Aber nicht die iPhone-App! Lächerlich ! Und wieder einmal war das, was man als Box mit 2 Sensoren hätte interpretieren können (auf den Bildern), beim FreeStyle Libre 3 nur 1 Sensor.
- Der Versender der im Paket enthaltenen Sensoren erhält ein Sonderangebot: einen Sensor für 80€ statt 98€, was den Amazon-Preis unterbietet. Allerdings zu diesem Sonderpreis nur beim Kauf von 2 Sensoren. Also 160€, Sonderangebot, für meine nächsten 2 Sensoren.

Seien Sie also kein uninformierter Verbraucher. Werfen Sie Ihren Freestyle Libre 2 noch heute weg. Mach es jetzt. Dann bestellen Sie einen Freestyle Libre 3. Vergessen Sie nicht: die Sensoren (vielleicht 5 oder 6), aber auch den Reader. Oder holen Sie sich die iPhone-App. (Kein Smartphone? Kaufen Sie gleich eines. Dann holen Sie sich die App. Dann holen Sie sich die Sensoren).

Ich bin Arzt und vielleicht aus dem, was mittlerweile zur „alten Schule“ geworden ist. Aber ich finde, dass dies ein weiteres Beispiel dafür ist, dass Geschäftsleute nur aus einem Grund in die Medizin eingestiegen sind. Profitieren. Weil wir (Ärzte, Patienten, Versicherer) sie damit durchkommen lassen. Sie würden etwas Unnützes antworten wie: „Das sind einfach marktorientierte Entscheidungen.“ So funktionieren wir.“ Nun, meine Ergebnisse waren viel besser als bisher, als ich unter heißem Licht und mit kaltem Stahl gearbeitet habe. Und wenn sie die Medizin völlig ruiniert haben, ist das kein Problem. Sie verkaufen wie bisher einfach Schuhe, Bowlingbälle oder Angelruten.

Caveat emptor ! Caveat Aeger !

(Der Käufer soll auf der Hut sein! Der Patient soll auf der Hut sein!)

William O’Neill, MD

------------  Même que ci-dessous, mais en français  -------------

Cet avis ne concerne vraiment pas le vendeur.
Le produit est arrivé bien emballé ou protégé, intact à l'ouverture et avec un délai d'expédition raisonnable.

Comme d’autres l’ont noté ici (sur l'endroit de 'feedback' d'Amazon) et que je confirme :
- il est possible d'attendre de la présentation du produit que l'on achète deux capteurs. Il n'y en a qu'un.
- on pourrait penser qu'en achetant le lecteur du capteur, il s'agirait d'un ensemble ou d'un kit complet, comprenant un ou deux capteurs. Tout est prêt pour votre première mesure de glycémie. Est-ce que vous plaisantez? Pas ça du tout!
- lorsque j'ai suivi les instructions et placé le capteur Libre 2, 7 fois de suite il m'a informé : "pas encore prêt, réessayez dans 10 minutes". Après 80 minutes de retard, cela n'a jamais fonctionné.
- tout aussi mauvais, après quelques heures, il a simplement indiqué : « Capteur terminé. Démarrez un nouveau capteur pour lire le glucose." J'ai regardé dans mon armoire à pharmacie, mais je n'avais pas d'autre capteur. Délai pour en obtenir un (même avec Prime) 7 à 10 jours. Pourquoi devrais-je m’inquiéter de ma glycémie pendant 7 à 10 jours ? Vacances !
Clairement (comme d'autres qui ont vécu cette même expérience et l'ont rapporté sur leur site comme feedback) Amazon vend un produit défectueux pour l'appareil FreeStyle Libre 2.
Je ne pense pas qu’Amazon envisage de faire cela et essaie de "s’en sortir" indem. Je pense qu'ils avaient juste besoin d'entendre plus de commentaires de leurs acheteurs. Ils ne le savent pas encore. Ils attendent peut-être, le 'feedback' d'une centaine d'acheteurs.

Abbott ne s'en soucie peut-être pas plus que ça.

(
Et Abbott est certainement une entreprise trop grande, (et qui avait toujours auparavant une bonne réputation) pour essayer de pousser son stock de vielle marchandise en rayon comme ça non plus (du moins je l'espère). Les administrateurs n’aiment pas l’idée de devoir payer leurs avocats encore plus qu’ils ne le font déjà.

Bien entendu, le FreeStyle Libre 3 (trois) est le produit mis à jour. Il est plus cher que le 2 (deux). Les capteurs pour 3 sont plus chers que le 2. Ils sont soigneusement et intentionnellement conçus pour être des capteurs non interchangeables. Abbott en informe l'utilisateur si vous essayez d'effectuer une mesure avec le « mauvais » capteur ou lecteur.

Ils proclament que le 3 est plus précis et fonctionne mieux que le 2. Je ne sais pas.

Je suis sûr qu'ils ont payé un prix élevé pour des recherches visant à le prouver avant de le vendre.

Je n'ai pas pu comparer avec le 2 puisque mon 2 a un capteur qui a été Kaput dès le départ.

Je n’ai pas besoin de connaître les détails de ces décisions. Je ne veux pas invoquer une conspiration menée par les entreprises. Mais au prix que j'ai payé pour ces objets, surtout quand une simple machine à piquer les doigts est tellement moins chère (et l'étalon-or évoqué par Abbott lorsque les résultats de leur produit semblent discutables), cela représente un résultat répréhensible pour le fabricant, le vendeur. (s), et surtout, le client. Cela pourrait également être très dangereux si une personne comptait sur cela pour vérifier sa glycémie avant de décider d'une dose d'insuline à administrer.

"Va acheter un nouveau capteur."
Oh.

Autres choses que j'ai apprises :
- aujourd'hui également, le capteur Freestyle Libre 3 a fonctionné sans aucun problème. Je lis les résultats de glycémie du liquide interstitiel avec l'application sur mon iPhone. Aucun problème. Mais lorsque j'ai essayé de confirmer la lecture avec le Libre 3 Reader : il m'a informé que le capteur était déjà associé à un autre appareil (l'application iPhone) et ne lirait pas le capteur. Je suppose donc que si j'achète un autre capteur Lbre 3 et que je le colle sur mon corps ailleurs, le Reader le trouvera désormais. Mais pas l'application iPhone ! Ridicule ! Et encore une fois, ce qui aurait pu être interprété comme un boitier à 2 capteurs (sur les images) n'était qu'1 capteur pour FreeStyle Libre 3.
- à la personne qui envoie les capteurs inclus dans le colis une offre spéciale : un capteur à 80€ au lieu de 98€, soit un prix inférieur au prix Amazon. Mais à ce prix spécial uniquement si vous achetez 2 capteurs. Donc 160€, promo, pour mes 2 prochains capteurs.

Ne soyez donc pas un consommateur mal informé. Jetez votre Freestyle Libre 2 aujourd’hui. Fais le maintenant. Commandez alors un Freestyle Libre 3. N'oubliez pas : les capteurs (peut-être 5 ou 6) mais aussi le Reader. Ou téléchargez l'application iPhone. (Pas de smartphone ? Achetez-en un en même temps. Ensuite, téléchargez l'application. Ensuite, procurez-vous les capteurs).

Je suis médecin, et peut-être issu de ce qui est désormais devenu « la vieille école ». Mais je trouve cela encore un autre exemple de la façon dont les hommes d’affaires se sont lancés dans la médecine pour une seule raison. Profit. Parce que nous (médecins, patients, assureurs) les laissons s’en tirer vers ce but principal: le profit. Ils répondraient quelque chose d’inutile comme : « Ce sont simplement des décisions dictées par le marché. C’est ainsi que nous fonctionnons."

Eh bien, mes résultats étaient bien meilleurs que les leurs (jusqu'à présent), lorsque j'opérais sous des lumières chaudes, avec de l'acier froid. Et quand ils ont complètement ruiné la Médecine, ce n’est pas un problème. Ils vendront simplement des chaussures, des boules de bowling ou des cannes à pêche, comme avant.

Caveat emptor ! Caveat aeger !
(Que l'acheteur se méfie ! Que le patient se méfie !)

William O'Neill, MD

<<< Home