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Ladies, it's been a rough day.

The pain in my feet is actually due to plantar fasciatis and shin splints (wasn't expecting the second one) according to a specialist I saw a couple of days ago. 

Unfortunately I was also advised today that the results of some blood test done for something else show levels of creatinine more than 20% higher than the normal range.  I need to get myself to my family doctor and hopefully a kidney specialist.

What's also worrisome about this issue is that I went for blood tests 3 weeks ago with my family doctor, for diabetes and kidney stuff.  So far.....nada......no response from her office.  For the last 30 years I've always been told not to call the office, that they will call me if anything is wrong.........I'm not sure if this is the "new" medicine of if my new GP is well, asleep at the switch.  Luckily the other medical professional I saw did some blood tests last week, picked up on this, and contacted me today.

The new GP didn't sign the prescription for the foot specialist but they held the meeting with me anyway.  The GP who forgets to sign her prescriptions? I also found out that she lied to me during our first meeting about the number of specialists for a specific issue in our town, she told me 5 but the internet lists 27........if anyone knows of a decent witch doctor, please send them my way because if I have some serious kidney issues, I'm going to need someone who can remember to sign her own prescriptions and since she's already lied to me once about a specific set of circumstances that are critical to my health, this is worrysome. 

When I was much younger I was told that the reason doctors had offices because 50% of the time you spent in them was to give you a place to cry.  I can't see myself ever feeling comfortable enough with her to need a kleenex or two, despite perhaps even life threatening circumstances.

I'm worried and it's been a rough day.  I don't know what I'm dealing with, don't know anything about kidney disease and don't have any confidence in my primary health care physician.  I've been reading up on the net today on CKD, but if anyone has anything to contribute, that would be helpful.

Tomorrow, I'm going to a nearby swimming pool tomorrow to take some aqua fit lessons to get my feet on the path to healing up and I'm also going to schedule a massage for myself to try to bring my stress levels down.  If I get a minute I'll see if there are any tribesmen left in what's left of the Amazon forest who wouldn't mind having a gringa girl in the canoe down the river to the closest Shaman.  I'll go to the grocery store and buy all the "rabbit" food that a kidney disease diet entails. 

My sense of humor is starting to surface tonight but the last time I shed this many tears in one day was a few years ago when I went online and found Luise and her WW when I realized my son was never going to telephone me ever, despite his many promises to do so.

KG

Oh, Keys...what a bummer. I'd get a new primary physician YESTERDAY! I'm a nurse but I'm so out of date that I have nothing to offer medically. My primary physician is an Internist not a GP and coordinates everything for me!

I want you to know that I have painted my face with highlighter and am dancing around the room shaking rattles and singing, "My Friend The Witch Doctor," probably written before you were born but you can find it online. Very deep and inspiring. LOL!

Hang in there, honey...we're walking the walk with you!

Hi Keys.I was told by my np before I left for the winter that my GFR is 59 which would mean 59 percent functioning so I too found myself a nephrologist which I will see on 30th.I must be retested though when Igo home.So don't panick.I went on a great website called Kidney Smart.They have a forum and all the stages of CKD.I even went to a meeting last week here in zflorida where a nurse and social worker explained and answered my questions.It can be caused by so many different things.Your meds,your blood pressure,your levels of potassium etc.I have been researching this subject all winter.I should have been retested in zebra but np and gp didn't seem to think that  Going away for close to five months would hurt.lol.So if you can get retested and see a neph. he or she will put you on the right path.Another great website is DaVita .They are a service that deal with CKD.Hope that this helps you a bit.You have to care of yourself because as you can see in Canada it isn't any better.You should be seen by a neph. in stages two and up.I am apparently at 3 I could go back to two hopefully or can stay where I am for a long time..I will hopefully listen to a dietician which I will find myself  .Exercise is also important.Hope this makes you feel better.Finding out what your GFR is will also give you a better idea of what you are dealing with.If you need anymore info I can tell you what I know so far.xx

Sorry to hear about all this Keys.   I'm a nurse..  Nicncon is correct.  You DO need to consult with a neprhologist.  However.. do not panic yet.  Elevated creatinine can be caused by a whole lot of things that are not even kidney related.  It can be something as simple as dehydration..   Or as was stated, your medications.  This means it's a reversible condition.  Not knowing your numbers, I can only say that 20% increase is a LONG LONG way from endstage renal disease or the dreaded Dialysis.... don't even go there in your mind!  See the proper specialist and let him/her sort it out.   I am sending you good thoughts and hugs.

Thanks everyone, I was really thrown for a loop by this news.  My eGFR is 41, not sure what that means but I don't think it's great.  I've done a lot to take care of my health all my life, stopped drinking alcohol about 10 years ago, gave up meat 3 years ago and only "cheated" once a month with two pieces of pizza.  I have an appointment with the GP on Tuesday, and hope to get to see a kidney specialist soon.  Will make sure she signs the referral and keep looking for a new GP.

Luiise, I do remember that song, I used to sing it as a kid "Oo-ee-oo-aahh-ahh-ting- tang-walla-walla-bing-bang".......good to have you on the path with me, it's helping to keep me away from the panic button.

KG

Good Grief!!   Now that song is in my head...

So Lillycache,since I've only had one set of blood tests done in Nov and I don't  know my numbers could it just be my meds also?? Just wondering and getting nervous about the next tests.

Sorry Keys.  My thoughts are with you as you try to sort through all this.

Quote from: nikncon on April 11, 2013, 10:44:05 AM
So Lillycache,since I've only had one set of blood tests done in Nov and I don't  know my numbers could it just be my meds also?? Just wondering and getting nervous about the next tests.

I don't know.. You would have to see your kidney doc and be retested to see if your numbers have changed.  What I do know is that some meds are metabolized by the kidneys and are called nephrotoxic.  Those meds can cause a problem with renal function. That is usually reversible once the medication is stopped.  A nephrologist would kno what was causing your labs to be off.

Thinking of you, KG and Nik.

Thanks Pen.Getting ready for the long drive home.We do it in three days.Still cold back home in Ontario but appointments to go to and taxes for the 30th.xx

Goof luck, Nikncon!

KG

Wishing you all the best, Keys Girl! xo

Ladies, here's an update........I met with the new GP today......the one with the finger nails bitten down to the quick, who was late for the appointment and had brought her breakfast coffee and muffin into the office/examination room. 

She tells me that the blood tests that she did on me 6 months ago and 3 weeks ago show everything is in the normal range which is completely opposite to the blood tests I had done with another physician/specialist during that time.  That specialist has been doing blood tests for almost 20 years so I trust his results over hers.

Obviously there is a problem here, if one lab results show me in normal ranges and the other shows me knocking on the door of Stage 4 CKD someone in one of the labs has dropped the ball over an extended period of time.  I wouldn't be surprised if the lab results are mixed up with the GP, my name is an easy name to get mixed up, I was once discharged from a hospital a couple of days early because they had mixed up the patients because the name was not particularly memorable, like Susan Smith.  My new GP has all kinds of fancy computer systems and there are about 3 women in my town with my name, so I may be getting test results from another patient with my name.

My GP is going to refer me to a kidney specialist......her office has told me if I'm lucky I'll get an appointment in 6 months to a year or even two years.   Whoop-de-doo.....If her blood tests for kidney issues are incorrect does that mean the numbers for diabetes are wrong too? 

She's going to do blood test over the next 3 months and send them to another lab to get another level but is "pooh poohing" my concerns, symptoms I've had over the last 6 months and subtly inferring that I'm making a big deal out of nothing.  All this from a physician whose nails are bitten down so that her fingers are almost stumps.  Anxiety??  I'm going to call my lawyer to find out if there are any malpractice suits pending against her. 

I'm starting to wonder if it's a total waste of time to even have a GP.  If you can't see a specialist for a year or two and you do have kidney disease, you could kick the bucket long before you get to the appointment.  I've changed my diet recently to "kidney friendly" food just in case. and am increasing my yoga and aqua fit exercises to help.

Also got her to give me a proper prescription for the issues in my feet which she should have backdated to the date her records show she gave it to me........There's only so much stupid I am prepared to handle.  I'm going to go for the blood tests for the new 3 months and see what the results are but I've checked the options of another GP and they are beyond dismal.

I'm giving some thought to getting on a plane and going to another country if I can see a kidney specialist and at least find out whether I'm in Stage 3B or not.  That piece of knowledge is literally a critical piece of data I need so that I can find out what I need to do to take care of my health going forward.

Thank you to everyone for the moral support, it's been a huge help.  My best friend has been conspicuous by her absence so that was a tough pill to swallow. 

KG

KG - I would be looking at going elsewhere, across the border, as well. You have one life and losing it because you got "locked into the system" wouldn't be good enough for me, either. You have strong reasons not to respect or trust your GP, from my view. Sending love...

Thanks, Luise, you are so right.  I'll put the pedal to the metal to get myself an appointment with a kidney specialist in a reasonable period of time.

KG

Hi KG.I don't know where you live but I went online and called one.I was very lucky because she is seeing me in two weeks.I neede a referral from NP.She fax my blood work and ultrasound to neph.You could probably get an appt faster if you just explain your fears and see if one can accept you as a patient.Mind you if I want to see someone I'll google it and call until someone will say yes.I was very lucky because there are only eight neph. in our area and the first one that I called said yes.Good luck.

I'm glad you both are taking care of your health issues. It's hard to face them sometimes. I'm proud of you! Best wishes, thinking of you and sending healing thoughts.

Thanks everyone, I spent time on the phone yesterday and may have identified a team of doctors in a city a couple of hours away who might be able to see me in 2 months.  I'm in a small city in Canada with 3 nephrologists and a large population of elderly people, so that's part of the problem.  The other problems is that in Ontario there are many recently graduated specialists who cannot find jobs as nephrologists despite spending an extra 9 years of training and wait line that are frankly shameful.  I found a recent newspaper article that details why newly trained nephrologists are working as glorified interns when huge sections of the population go untreated.  There is a system in place that allows the older doctors to decide if they hire the new doctors and since they are making at time $900,000, they aren't in any hurry to share their practices with the younger people because of the medical system they are contractual professionals.  I also made some phone calls south of the border (USA) and their nephrologists won't see me without a referral from a US GP.  I might just get myself one.  I'm a couple of hours away by car, so if that's what it takes, so be it.

I'm mad as a hatter that tens of thousands of people can't get the care they need, that many recently graduated doctors have spent 9 years of time and $$ to train to help them and the system is like the Berlin Wall between the two.  I'm sure that people are dying needlessly because of this.   Shameful in my opinion.  I have a credit card and I may just get on a plane and fly to wherever I have to if necessary to find out whether I'm already dealing with Chronic Kidney Disease or not.  I've had thyroid and related problems for years so I've been taking a lot of medication over a long period of time which may be the cause of the suspected kidney problems.

This might be a good opportunity to tell people about Chronic Kidney Disease.  It's called the Silent Killer.  There are usually no symptoms until the later stages and getting help then to reverse (to some extent) or protect the continuing function of the kidneys is usually diet and exercise (as I understand it) and keeping your blood pressure down and diabetes at bay are critical.  Taking a lot of over the counter pain medications can damage your kidneys over a long period of time. 

Nik, lucky you to get a meeting in 2 weeks........that is incredible.

I've moved out of the "shock" stage I was in the for the first day or two after I got the email and I'm now in the "A Woman With A Mission" stage to find the clarification I need.  I would be thrilled to find out there is a clerical error somewhere and my kidneys are in the normal range but I will find out one way or another. 

KG

I'm not sure what's worse.. not having access to the proper specialist and a long waiting time... OR having access, but  being able to afford to see one because of not having insurance.

My older son is uninsured.  He had an episode of chest pain in February.  He was unable to make it to the Veterans hospital a hour away.  So he diverted to local communityy hospital.   He was found to be in a Hypertensive crisis  bp 189/121.. they admitted him and ruled out a heart attack.. Got his blood pressure under control and he was disharged in less than 24 hours with medication...  Total of all his bills for that?   $16,000      AND he is responsible for paying them.   This is more than his yearly income..   He is trying to make payments, but it will only be a matter of time before he is sent to collections and he will have to declare bankruptcy.   IMO NO one in this country should be financially ruined because they get sick.   Keys... this is just a rant from South of your Boarder.  We don't have long wait times.. but if you cannot afford to pay insurance premiums or do not have insurance at your job... you will be ruined.. OR you will go without care.    I am very sad for my son.  He works hard.. he served the country for 6 years active duty during the Afghanistan and Iraq.. yet he is in this pickle..  I hate to see his credit destroyed.. but he really will have no choice once they start collections. 

Lillycache, I'm sorry to hear about your son.  I've heard stories that a broken leg in the US will cost $15,000 without insurance.

Both systems suck.  People on both sides of the border in some of the most advanced countries in the world are suffering, emotional, physical and financial distress while trying to keep their health intact.

If I were you I would approach some high powered, deep pocketed individuals in an effort to get some assistance with those bills.  I would start a Facebook page and ask people to donate $1 each.  That someone who defended your country is in a situation like this is deplorable.

$1 for the Vet's Debt - get the cans going on street corners, get the grassroots drumming those drums, put a video or even a photo montage of him on You Tube, get the power of the people he defended come to assist him.

Let me know when you get the You Tube posting up, with your address, and I'll send you the first $1.

Ask the elementary schools if he can come and speak to the students, about his experiences and advice he might have for them and ask them to put a quarter or $1 in the can after he speaks.

He has choices if they haven't started collections, oh, and you/he can also contact the Board of the Hospital and ask them what it would take to settle this debt without a veteran being put into bankruptcy..........and of course, call Dr. Phil.  Ask if he'll take your son's situation to the mainstream media if the Board or Hospital in unresponsive.

Your son can start a support group online for veterans across the country who have found themselves in the same boat and partner with some financial institutions who might give the group financial assistance in exchange for them appearing in advertisements.

And of course, write a letter to the White House........'cause you can always send extra copies of that letter to the major networks.

The Fourth of July isn't far away, if there is a parade in your town, get a spot with a car and a banner that reads "Help A Veteran Pay Hospital Bills".  Make sure to get a respected accountant in town to donate his services to manage all funds coming in.

I'm preoccupied with getting my own situation sorted out so I can't remember what the circumstances are with your son's wife or girlfriend, but perhaps this might be an opportunity to work together.

Good luck,
KG

KG - I'm glad you are thinking of heading South of the Border for answers even is a referrall is required there.

Thanks for the suggestions Keys... but there are litterally millions of Americans and Vets in the same boat... and even much worse.  Some have lost their life savings and homes.  My son's situation is minor comparedly and so common that I doubt if it would generate much interest.    Anyway I'm glad you are going to press on and get to get the help you need. 

Sending you my best thoughts, KG.  "Woman On A Mission", go, Woman, go!

KeysGirl.I also live in a small town in Ontario.I didn't have a referral when I called.I was just very persistent.Good luck.I have to travel one hour to meet the nephrologist.

Lillycache, what a heartbreaker for you, your son and the veterans and their families.  I hope some organization will step up to the plate to make it right.

Ta-da.....

I have an appointment in the US on May 15th with a highly rated nephrologist.  After explaining my situation they have agreed to see me without a local referral.  Less than a month away, and a couple of hours by car.....

Thank you for the moral support everyone, it's good to know that I'm not on this path alone. 

KG

Chiming in late.  Glad you got a quicker appointed KG.  I know how hard it is to wait...wait...wait...and then get contradictory reports....it's frustrating to no end.  Don't give up.  I have learned I have to be my own advocate!

Hi KG.I had my lab tests redone and now my eg for is 64 which apparently in Ontario is good.I will still go see the nephrologist that I got by myself because I have blood in my urine.My NP has no idea why and didn't say to follow up.The care in Ontario is not great compared to States as far as I can see.Good luck with your appt.

Hi Nik, I received an unexpected phone call from my GP's office on Monday, I expect the blood tests I did last week finally sent up some red flags and someone decided to pick up the pace.

I went for detailed blood and urine tests this week so I might be referred to a Canadian Nephrologist who needs these tests before she will see me.  I don't actually have an appointment yet in Canada.  I'm going to give it a few more days to see if I can get the appointment before I decide if I will go the US.  I might go to both and then compare the results. 

I have found out that some of the online kidney websites are actually funded by some companies that have a vested interested in steering you to their drugs or medical facilities.  Da Vita is one of these.  There are also websites that pop up with a "doctor" who will answer your questions........really?? doctors with nothing better to do than wait for folks on the net to talk to them?? these websites are pushing Chinese herbs, but I found some info that says these herbs can actually hurt your kidneys.  I'm sticking to the websites that are run by the Kidney Foundations of the US and Canada, the Mayo Clinic and other significant medical facilities that aren't trying to sell anything.  I found Rate MD to be helpful to find feedback on doctors on line. 

Re your tests, I don't know what "e.g." means, I'm getting familiar with creatinine, BUN and GFR terminology.  The creatinine levels are expressed differently in the US and Canada so this can be confusing.

Good luck, Nik, I started keeping a diary of specific dates, symptoms, etc., so I can give that to the Nephrologist, I figure better to have more background info that less.

KG

Yes KG .I think that the terminology in the States is different.My GFR is 64 which is apparently normal here but an opinion from a nephrologist next Tues will  make me feel better.I hope that you get to see a neph. in Canada.A second opinion won't hurt but you'll have to pay out of your pocket if you start seeing someone in the south.Good luck.

Ok, ladies........got a call from the kidney specialist a few days ago, cancelling my appt. for end of July and moving it to today.  That would have been fine but today I got the keys to my new apartment so cancelling an appointment and rescheduling it on with almost no notice to a day I already had plans for wasn't exactly impressing me.

After going through the results from my specialist for the last 20 years that shows a marked and steady decline in kidney function that would put me in the middle of stage 3B, by March of this year, she dismissed them because she didn't know the assay number the lab used so considers those creatinine numbers useless.

She is using the blood tests for the last few months (the ring-a-ding GP's office didn't send her the tests results from last week's stick, and never asked me to go for the ultra sound she requested).  She has now diagnosed me as having no evidence of kidney disease.

Now, it's not that I wouldn't like to accept that diagnosis but logic tells me that 20 years beats out 3 months and this kidney specialist is a newbie and my specialist has been around the block for decades and is a hugely high profile physician.  I would love to be a fly on the wall of his office when he reads that she is discarding his blood work data and recommendations.

I'm going to make sure that all her conclusions are forwarded to my specialist and if he wishes, I'll get a second opinion from another kidney specialist.  Might just shuffle off to Buffalo, and have a plate of wings at the same time.

She had better not be wrong. The ultra sound that I'm going for and another test should help the puzzle but just in case, I'm making copies of everything so I can hand them over to a lawyer I know who specializes in malpractice suits although the newbie was quick to mention that in her opinion I don't have kidney disease TODAY, but next month or so might be different.

I know that now that I'm 60, my risks for kidney disease have gone up a lot.  One of the main risks is heart disease as a result and since my father died of a heart attack at 67, and passed on those genes to me, when I turned 50 and went through menopause and my blood pressure went through the roof, after a lifetime of low blood pressure.

I've had to be hyper vigilant about doing everything possible to crack the 67 year ceiling.  My former GP used to send me for all types of heart related tests on a regular basis but the ding-a-ling? not so much.  This is the first year in the last 10 I haven't gone for an EKG.  The ding-a-ling doesn't think it's necessary She better pray I don't have a heart attack on her watch.  I'll come back to haunt her dreams, every single night

Thank you to everyone for the moral support along the way, dealing with the health problems and the ding-a-lings in the white coats is enough to turn your hair white.  Getting older sure ain't for sissies.

The main thing I would like to pass on is: ALWAYS GET A COPY OF EVERY MEDICAL TEST YOU GET, YOU ARE ENTITLED TO THEM, AND IT SEEMS THAT THE STEP A LITTLE FASTER WHEN THEY KNOW THAT YOU COULD BE BRINGING THESE RESULTS TO A LAWYER OR A REGULATOR.  ANY MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL OR OFFICE STAFF WHO DRAGS THEIR HEELS DOING THIS SHOULD BE REGARDED WITH SUSPICION.

KG

Forgot to mention that I am going to find myself a new GP but getting moved into my new apartment (which was my Mother's Day gift to myself) is higher on the priority list.  Another negative review showed up this week on Rate MD, she's got a real habit for misdiagnosing significant problems. 

KG

Dang KG!  She sounds like a real charm.  So let's just disregard 20 years of history?  Sorry girl. 

We are all walking the walk with you gals. To think you have been charged for such incompetency and neglect makes my blood boil!

Short update - I've moved to my new apartment, had a lot or problems getting the internet set up, had someone break in and steal a few items while I was away for a few days.  Not a great welcome to the neighbourhood.  "It's always something" as Gilda Radner used to say.

It's been just over a month since I saw the "wet behind the ears" kidney specialist who said she would make arrangements for the tests to be done that the GP didn't.  Of course, no follow up, no tests were done.  I was counting on getting the data from the ultrasound of the kidneys to give me a definite answer on whether or not the blood test that put me up into Stage 3B was accurate, but they weren't done.

I eventually remembered this is the first year in the last 10 that I haven't had an EKG, despite the fact that I am at high risk for cardiac problems.  Guess the GP forgot to order that too.   

When I get everything unpacked, I'll be on the hunt for a new GP, and will widen the net and drive a couple of hours to a larger city if necessary. 

Thanks for letting me vent here,

KG

What a mess! I'm so sorry KG! Sending love...

Well yuck!  Sorry KG...but keep on fighting!

Oh blazes.......wouldn't you know it.......I've been sorting through my stuff now that I'm in my new apt.  I cannot find the binders that held all the data about my bank statements, credit cards, contracts, legal stuff, every important document from the last 10 years was in those binders.  I could tolerate but not like someone stealing the small items that I'm missing but now we are into the realm of possible identify theft.

I'll go talk to the Banks, etc. tomorrow, not keen to get the Police involved if the perp is living in the building with the keys to my unit.  I've come across this before and I'm not concerned that anyone would come in while I'm in the unit, I think the aim is to intimidate and show me who owns the turf.

Since the grease monkey who is the maintenance guy lives in my building, I'll have to go talk to the Police, I assume.  I got this new apartment as a Mother's Day present to myself and it's starting to resemble being a parent...........more headaches than you expected along with the good stuff.

If this is a sign of things to come, next Mother's Day I might just have to give myself a new apartment!

KG

I get they are going to show up. Sending love...

Oooh I hope you find them, just misplaced.  Pain in the hiney to have to go through canceling and changing everything if someone does have them.  And the even worse news?  (You probably already know but I deal with this at work every day now), is that you can cancel stuff all day long, but if they got your social security number off of any of that, they can just open accounts in your name left and right.  Please file a report KG if you can't find them, just in case so you will have an official record of when they were taken.

Thanks, Pooh.  That's a big help.  I don't know if the police can make a report but I'm going to talk to them today.  I'm certain they were taken, I've turned this little place upside down in the last 3 days.  They are big and heavy and stick out like a sore thumb, but they aren't sticking out cause they aren't here.

I catalogued the boxes when I moved, with the contents in each.  My catalogue shoes the box holding the binders was emptied.  I emptied all the boxes, sent them to recycling, locked the door and then went on a well deserved holiday.  Came back to find this. 

I'm not unpacking anything else and am actually re-packing some stuff that I don't use day to day.  It's obvious that I'll have to move, I'm just going to deal with the paperwork first and then determine my options.

KG

It sounds less and less like your legal stuff could have been misplaced or overlooked. I'm so sorry KG. Even a lost wallet is a big issue...this has got to be huge. I would check with a good attorney to find out what needs to be done, how and when. Sending love...

Yes.  Unfortunately my brother had his house broken into last year and they took his little safe lockbox.  Inside of it was his birth certificate and social security information (tax returns and such).  He cancelled everything but they were able to open all kinds of credit card accounts with those things and he started getting calls a few months later because he was behind in thousands of dollars worth of credit cards that he never had.  It became a huge legal battle and his credit is in the toilet.

We have this reported (identity theft) daily here now.  It's really sad.  The new thing is stealing mail out of mailboxes and obtaining all your information in order to open accounts.  That's making it even harder because how do you know if your mail has been stolen if they only take a couple of things?  They are not finding out until the bill collectors start calling.

The police should very easily make a report on this with missing items.

KG, so sorry you're going through this. What a nightmare! Sending strength and patience...

Oh snap........I have a feeling that what I have found to be missing is unfortunately the tip of the iceberg........suddenly my Rolodex only starts at D......the cards and categories for A,B,C and the cards are gone.

I've been pretty busy today, credit bureau alerts good for 6 years in place, bank accounts and credit cards changed, mail going to a new PO Box, meeting tomorrow with someone who referred me to a top notch real estate lawyer who helped me some years ago......and taught a management company that they were not above the law when they tried to kick me out of an apartment and end my lease early.  I hope he is still practicing and I would like to talk to him about a lawsuit.  Let's start with $500,000 for emotional distress and throw in the bubonic plague just for fun.

Saturday morning, appointment with the Police, they asked me to go home, I would have had to wait 8 hours today, they were swamped, but they treated me with courtesy and weren't skeptical about my claims.  Suggested I need to find a new place.

I had a meeting with some other apartment management cos nearby in the spring and I know they have units in the area.  Will contact them tomorrow.  Hope to be able to get the legal beagles to cancel my lease by the end of Aug. and I will move again then.

Tomorrow I'll also go through the apt. to see if I can identify anything else that is gone.

This is nasty stuff, but I plan to hold that stick with the nails in it in my hands on the day that I move out for all the hours that it takes for the movers to get my stuff out of here, unless the police want to keep it..........lucky for the perps that we don't have the second amendment in the great white north, 'cause I am totally anti-guns, but yesterday, just for a minute or two I thought to myself......."Well, maybe once in a while they might come in handy".

Some years ago I did some work for an Globally high profile organization that sold my work under a name that was close to mine, but not exactly mine.  It was a nasty way to be treated, considering that I had done volunteer work for this organization for years and they would profit handsomely from my donation of work and expertise.  When I saw that they had effectively pirated the work and cheated me out of the copyright, I went to the manager, gave her a piece of my mind in a voice that she'll never forget, saw the tear in her eye, severed ties to the organization and never stepped another foot on their property.  They tried over the years to make contact with me but I refused to have anything to do with them.

I went out that day and bought myself a little plaque that says "Life is all about how you handle Plan B".  I'm convinced that the B stands for "Better".  I've never walked away from a nasty set of circumstances and said to myself years later "Oh.....too bad I didn't stay".......I've met some great new friends along the way while working out Plan Bs in the past and eventually, I'll sort this one out two.

In addition to being thieves, these people are bullies.  They want a reaction from me, one of fear and dismay at being locked in to this lease and intimidated by the goons so they can get their jollies.  Not gonna happen.  I've got my "Big Girl Panties on", and the people in the banks, etc. in this hick town have been surprising helpful, one organization even waived some significant fees because all this stuff is already costing me $$$.

I've had lotsa creeps, unfortunately, target me over the years (perceiving me as a single older meek and mild woman) but on the day that I leave, I might just leave behind a huge platter of brownies (baked with lotsa Ex-lax). 

Next year for Mother's Day, I think I'll buy myself some perfume.

Thanks for moral support,

KG

Well, I'm going to have a hard time wearing my "Big Girl Panties" because whoever has been prowling around my apartment has take a pile of them!!

They've also moved around some stuff inside the unit, I think they've probably come in at least 5-10 times.  I'm going to start keeping a diary with dates and specifics.

The Police had a meeting with me yesterday, they think the worse case scenario is Identify Theft and don't feel there is any reason to be concerned for my safety.  They have discouraged me from buying a security camera, I'm guessing that it would actually put me in danger if I could identify and prove who is doing this, especially if that person is living in my building.  I don't think that person would necessarily spend any time in jail, and from what I've read on line, this happens a lot more than you think.

I've decided to leave the hick town.  I'm not as happy as I could be here and this set of circumstances is a nasty but effective way to get me to re-evaluate my goals and take some action.  I have a plan, so that's 99% of solving any problem for me.

There is a city a few hours away that I think I would be much happier in.  I would not like to have to pay a whole year's rent here to move there right away, we are talking serious $$$, and I can't stop paying the rent without damaging my credit.   Because I can't prove who is coming in, I can't start the ridiculous amount of paperwork needed to appeal to have the lease cancelled.  I may just spend a lot of time away from the apartment and go stay with friends for a few months.

I'm going to look at some new apartments in the new city, in a couple of week after I get the paperwork done.  A bonus is that it has much better medical care and facilities so I'll be saying goodbye to the Dumb Bunnie GP and specialist.

KG

KG - You are making some impressive lemonade here! I'm in awe! Can you rent storage someplace, store what matters...and just leave furniture and clothes? Sending love...

Oh geesh...not only a thief, but a perverted thief. 

Are you allowed to have pets?  I'm thinking a big ole' Rottweiler right now just might be the ticket.

So sorry, KG.  Mean people suck.

Hi Pooh, cats are allowed but no dogs.....yesterday some small damage was done to one of my pieces of furniture, banking statements were stolen, stuff moved around, etc., someone is trying pretty hard to get my attention and I'm guess trying to make me freak out.......I remember hearing about my former MIL was robbed when she was in her 80's and living alone, her purse was taken, her groceries spilled, but she must have been terrified and she had to continue to live in fear.

This too shall pass.

KG

I couldn't do it. I would store everything...and go live with someone that loved me...paying the monthly lease from afar. Cat and mouse is so incredibly sick.

And my concern is escalation.  Not trying to scare you KG, but coming in multiple times and taking your underthings is a big red flag to me.  They have no fear and those type people tend to escalate.  At the least, go get those window and door alarms at the store that squeal to high heaven when a door or window is opened.  Get extra safety locks or something.

I'm more concerned with your safety at this point.

Pooh, I'm in such a hick town that I can't find any of those alarms that hang on the door.  I got on the net but they don't deliver to Canada.

Just got off the phone with the Police again.  Now they are saying that I should get a laptop and get a video tape of who is coming in, they have to rule out the possibility that I'm lying to them about things moving around, etc.etc.  They did say that the fact that I was not threatened directly was a good sign.......oh yippee.

I asked them what they would do with video tape evidence and they said they would check it out and talk to them and give them instructions to stay away from me..........oh sure, that sounds like fun, I live in the same building as the people I think are doing this, that's would be even worse that they way things are right now.

I know I'm going to have to go, the question is when and how, I've got some thinking to do, thanks for the feedback and moral support.

KG

Yeah, because if they are taking things, let's stick a big ole' laptop out in plain view that's recording.  Geesh...sometimes these guys have the mentality of a 2 year old. 

Ok, number one, and this is just me personally thinking what I would do.  I would want video evidence of what they were doing, but I would invest in one of those nanny cam type devices that you can buy that are small and can be hidden easily in a plant, bookshelf, etc.  When I had my evidence, I would make a copy (not give them the original) and I would request to press charges for breaking and entering and theft.  Forget the talking to.  A maintenance person(s) might have the right to come in and inspect, but once they start rifling through things and taking stuff, it's breaking and entering/theft.  At the same time, I would request an order of protection again the person(s), so if they came near me, immediate arrest, again...more than a talking to.

Now I'm saying all of this because I know how it works here, but I can't say anything about Canadian laws and how they work.  At the very least, I would make the tape and take it to an attorney for advice and let them deal with it on your behalf.

Yes, the ultimate would be to get the heck out of Dodge, but if you absolutely can't right now and can't get out of the lease, then this would probably be the lawful way to break the lease, to have proof.

I found these on the home depot Canadian site? http://www.homedepot.ca/product/window-or-door-alarm-2-pack/980613
Sorry, I don't know how things work in Canada, but maybe you can get a consult with an attorney to see what your options are?

I'm just mad for you at this point.

Just noticed this is the actual base kit you have to have to get started and then you can add as many sensors as you need.  Looks like they have several other options.

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/wireless-alarm-system-control-centre-and-door-window-sensor-kit/980614

Thanks, Pooh, I've identified a couple of security systems and am working towards getting one set up in the next few days.

Got some good advice to day from a friend of a friend whose sister was unfortunately stalked by someone for some time.  She gave me some concrete tips for things that I can do to protect myself, and I'm getting on with that.

The Police have not give me a case # and the Constable did not give me a badge number so they are unwilling to get the paperwork going until I have some concrete proof that someone is entering or it's just that this hick town is so small that they might know or be related to the bad dogs or it's just the usual "She's a hysterical woman who can't find her things"......the drawback is that not much will be done if the Police get involved.  They will give the person "a talking to"........my translation is that on a Saturday night when this person is liquored up, he'll be even more angry that the Boys in Blue came to see him at my request, so I'm actually not keen to get them involved.  The law says the landlord has to give you 24 hours notice before entering your unit unless it's an emergency and if it's proven that they have been trespassing, they might get a fine.  The lease will not be broken.  Canadian laws IMHO amount to a mild finger wagging.

I'm coming across some interesting tips.  One of the things that has gone missing in the last few days is the key to my safety deposit box.  I may have hid it or locked it into a suitcase, or it might have been taken, but thankfully I took the advice of the person in the bank last week who told me to separate the 2 keys.  I was able to use the one that I had put somewhere else to get into my box, and today was told that if you are going through a stressful period and are "losing" things because you are stressed, put the keys on a chain that you wear around your neck every day with a charm or something.  Let the charm hang down in the front and let the keys hang down in the back under the back of your t-shirt.  Works like a charm.....pun intended.

I have yet to use the "puke" bucket technique, where you fill a bucket with every file piece of rotting something or another and hang it above your door, so that it tips over on someone who comes in.  I'm not really good at hanging buckets, etc. and the clean up would be pretty nasty, but I'm hearing about all kinds of things like this.

KG

Well hang in there.  Keep doing things to protect your safety.

It feels like some kind of sadistic game to me. As posted earlier, I would opt for safety and disappear...not knowing what this twisted person's limits are.

My goodness, I just read back about what has been happening to you and it sounds just awful.  Something that struck me and it is just my opinion, but, I would be wary of the moving co. that you used to move initially also.  Especially if they are tied in with the apts. where you are.  Also, I wonder if you contacted a shelter, or someone online, if they could give you the details of someone who specialises in stalking situations.  There was a program on the TV in my country about it a while ago and there are groups and drs etc who specialise in research, advocacy etc.  I wish this wasn't happening to you and I send you all of my best thoughts and wishes. xo

Lavender, what a smart cookie you are......I'll follow up with that.

Thank you for the thoughts and prayers, they are much appreciated.

Pooh and Luise, thanks for keeping me in mind.

KG

That is my pleasure KG!  Gosh, I just can't imagine why someone would do that; but like Luise has said many times 'you can't make sense of the senseless'.  You are fighting the good fight for yourself and I am here in your corner.  Sometimes in life justice doesn't come easy and being safe is more important IMO, so whatever you do, I hope that you take care of yourself and find time in your days somehow to relax.  xo

Quote from: Pooh on August 12, 2013, 12:12:43 PM
Oh geesh...not only a thief, but a perverted thief. 

Are you allowed to have pets?  I'm thinking a big ole' Rottweiler right now just might be the ticket.

So sorry, KG.  Mean people suck.

I have found out over the last few days that even though my lease says "No Dogs"......the provincial regulations over ride that and I can have a dog.

I'm looking into "borrowing", adopting or fostering a nice big Rottie, and the next time the prowlers come in, well, he could introduce himself to whoever is rummaging around in my stuff.

If I can get a photo of the dog "meeting" the perp, I'll post it here.

Stay tuned......looking for dog names.......

KG

KG - I think they may need to be specially trained. I have two friends with "Rots" and they would kiss a burglar and show him where the silver was.

Louise, even though your friend's "rots" are sweet there are few burglars who would count on it.  If they hear a big dog they avoid it.  Actually if they hear a dog at all most of the time they will choose another place!  Even small dogs are loud, arouse suspicion and provide an annoyance that most thieves would prefer not to encounter.  I would get a dog that is not aggressive but sounds an alarm and maybe  tell my neighbors that he/she is mean.  Word will get around but you do not have to worry about possible injuries to people you like.   

That would work, "if." However, both of my friends dogs don't bark...they stand at the dog wagging their tails. Just thought I should share that.

KG, I feel like putting a protective bubble around you, projecting it towards you mentally that is. So here goes...please be safe. I hope this gets resolved ASAP!

I have found that the smaller dogs do make more noise.  My Chihuahua that I had once was the loudest and people were actually more scared of her :)

KG, get a dog and then post one of these in your front window or door:

(http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee29/pryor172/Bewareofdog.jpg)

Of course, my hubby keeps threatening to buy one of these and post outside....but we're a gun family.

(http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff343/DesertHiker/Miscellaneous/NothingInsideIsWorthDyingFor.jpg)

Thanks everyone, Pen, I felt like I was in your bubble all day......I've gone to visit some friends and it's nice to be able to relax.  I'm going to take a week to chill out and then I'll go back to seeing how I can resolve this problem.

R & R! Wonderful!  :D

Having such a good time, I've decided to make it 2-3 weeks!

KG

Wonderful!  ;D  Thank goodness you didn't have to look up "Having a good time..." in the dictionary! (You didn't, did you?) You must feel like you just got out of jail! Don't go back, OK? I have no how you could swing that but there must be a way! Sending love...

Have a great time!

I am spending some of the time with my friends planning exactly and when I will be moving my possessions out of the new apartment that has been the playground of some people who have pathetic lives and are jealous of anyone who doesn't.  Not my problem.

I'll go back eventually, pack up, store the furniture until I find a new place or decide where exactly I want to live.  It's been an undeserved and thoroughly malicious set of circumstances, but I've alerted all the financial institutions, the police (who has been about as helpful as an empty bucket) and found some new and valuable information and have had my computers firewalls tightened up as far as they can go.

I've done everything I can and if anyone should decide to try to actually use a credit card number or anything like that, the banks, etc. will send their investigators to check out the perps.  Those people will be far more helpful than an empty bucket, I know.

I don't know how much will be gone from my apartment whenever I go back, I did photograph everything I owned in case I need to process an insurance claim, I suspect a lot of small stuff will be taken, too small to bother with a claim but enough to add to the bites that they've already taken out of me.  They have stolen/picked every lock that I have in the place, so I went out and bought coloured cable ties to secure the suitcases where the most important things are.  I vary the colour of the cable ties every day and lock the package into the suitcase.  Hopefully they will be too lazy to try to find another package of the coloured ties, I bought the last one at the local hardware store.

It's been brutal and it's not over, but make no mistake, while they may be pushing me around even if I arrive home to my apartment and it's totally empty, I'm fine and I've pared down my possessions and I'm nowhere near as attached to my stuff as I was when I was a lot younger. 

I am the master of my fate, as the old saying goes (Invictus) and when this is all over, I will be much better off because of it.  Those clowns will have given me a reason to move to another city or much warmer country (that IS an option, I only found out during this process) where I'll be happier, I'll find a nicer apartment and I'll have enough material for a book and a screenplay.  I'll use the address of the building as the title.  Make as much $$$ as I can to offset the hits that I've taken and more that might be to come.

I do have a plan that I will share with you down the line that might help to defray some of the costs of paying rent for 10 months and not living there.  The only real drawback is the handsome single man with the cute dog who lives in the building that I met a few days ago, what a cutie. 

Onwards and upwards, and yes it was just like getting out of jail.  It's so wonderful to be able to relax and read a book and know that I don't have to be on guard around the clock.  Thank you to everyone,

KG

Again, I'm so sorry you have had to go through this...and still are. I wish you could store your stuff now and not have to face further loss and yes, persecution! What a huge bump in the road, KG! Sending love...

Me too KG, it's a total shame you are having to deal with this.

Here's a short update, I believe that the integrity of my computer is suspect so I'll be dealing with that.  Thank you to you everyone who has given me support and encouragement recently.

KG

Rotten...nasty...awful!  >:(

Get yourself free & clear of this awfulness and then...write a million-dollar bestselling book/screenplay based on this experience that keeps you riding high with residuals for the rest of your days. Living well is the best revenge, but I hope these creeps end up in prison too.

So...........I moved all my furniture, include the few lovely pieces in my bedroom that were scratched up and vandalized.  Everything is in storage with enough video cameras to cover the Oscars.

I'm going to be a gypsy for a while, I have some heavy duty bills, but those are expenses, they aren't problems, I haven't been diagnosed with cancer and given a week to live.  That's a PROBLEM.

I want to pass on some advice.

If you feel you are being abused, emotionally, financially, physically or any other way.  You ARE.

TRUST YOUR GUT.

Don't wait for anyone else to validate your thoughts, most people won't in my experience.

The rule is - When in doubt, get out.  Don't waste time or energy trying to figure out who the culprits are........just do whatever you have to so you can bring an end to it, and get on with living a life with some peace of mind.

It may cost $$$ but your health, immune system and peace of mine are worth a bundle.

I'll post on rare occasions going forward, I received word that my computer was hacked into.......and I'll sort that out eventually.  This little bit is coming from a public computer which is where I'll probably post from in the future.

I hope to get a book, screenplay, or weekly TV show out of this and if not at least Plan B...........which stands for a BETTER life............if as and when the book, comes out, get in touch with me on the board and I'll give you the WWU discount package.  Almost free for you.

To sum up, the nightmare that I've gone through and may not yet be over is not a stumbling block, it's a nasty stepping stone that has left me with some scratches and bruises.

I am still the master of my fate and the captain of my soul, even if I spent a lot of time in public laundromats instead of my own lovely apt.............details, details.

Cheers,
KG

Oh KG, I'm so sorry for everything you are having to go through.  I know you are strong and will make it, but it's a total shame that you're having to deal with all of this.  I will keep you in my thoughts.

Wonderful view on perspectives...hard-earned, KG. We are with you as you do the gypsy-thing. Please know that WWU is still Hearth and Home. Sending love...

Thinking of you, KG. Your strength, resilience and perseverance are inspiring.

You are a very strong woman KG.You'll be fine.Good luck.Keep in touch.Thinking of you in my prayers.

Thank you, everyone, I often think of my "tribe" of WW and it helps me as I travel down the gypsy path.

I had to laugh when I saw a photo of a car hauled up by a crane by a Chinese mother-in-law who lent $80,000 to her son in law.  He didn't repay her and the money wasn't supposed to be used for a car so now it is dangling high above the street.......how incredibly creative, I'll file that away for future reference.

Cheers,
KG