Thoughts of a Warrior

      Robert Gillett

 Thoughts of a Warrior

Beneath the Tracksuit

EverchangingMS.blogspot.com

A Shout out from Northern California Sierra Foothills, USA to Robbie in the UK, who is making awareness of Multiple Sclerosis thru his book available on Amazon,

Thoughts of a Warrior

His poetry to Music, you will find in link on my page to the Right.   Robbie is from the UK.

He is now going to Teach a Class in Poetry, Continues to blog from his 

Facebook link, Beneath the Track suit.

He came up with a project to get everyone to send him a hi from any place in the World to him now, so I invite you to do the same challenge.  All his info to send him a picture is on his Facebook site.  Or A Shout out of where you are.  My partner,  Thinmansewing,  just bought me the book as a early Christmas present.

Beneath the tracksuit info 

So cheers to Robert Gillett, in the UK, and keep up the momentum from another Primary Progressive Blogger in USA.

Joey

Lyons Mane Mushroom and Effects With Multiple Sclerosis

Lyons Mane Mushroom and Effects with Multiple Sclerosis

 What is there to say about a mushroom that looks like a fluffy white lion (how it got its name)?

Quite a bit, as it turns out.

Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) has been both a culinary mushroom and medicine throughout history. It has a delicate flavor and powerful health-promoting compounds when it comes to traditional use. It was (and still is) an important medicine in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

But, more notably, its benefits have come under the scrutiny and excitement of scientific research— all because what it is capable of doing is so noteworthy that it deserves its own spotlight, and possibly even its own exploration into potential as medicine in the mainstream.

WHAT LION’S MANE CAN DO FOR HEALTH

So, what exactly is this alien-looking mushroom capable of? A lot, according to both tradition and science.

The following are the most notable benefits for health that can be found in lion’s mane. Many of these bridge any gap that can be found between the mushroom’s original folk use and the modern science that supports it.

NEUROPROTECTOR

Lion’s mane’s capabilities as a powerful neuroprotector are what truly lay the foundation of all the outstanding things it can do.

“Neuroprotector” (also called “neurotrophic”) means that something protects the nerves and neurons, and possibly even stimulate better healing and growth in the entire nervous system. slots malaysia

A 2013 review indeed termed lion’s mane a neuroprotective botanical owing to all the evidence of its effects.

What this means is that lion’s mane has the potential to protect, heal, and support anything related to the nervous system or what could affect it, including functions, health, damage, and more.

IMPROVE MEMORY

From neuroprotective abilities, many other benefits can branch out—and one of these is improving memory naturally.

Memory is innately tied to how neurons and nerves function in the brain.

If lion’s mane has the potential to protect these, then it can improve lots of different functions, not excluding memory.

Studies even show this is possible. In one study, test subjects were given extracts of the mushroom. These subjects demonstrated reduced experiences with short-term memory problems.

This means that, when used every day, lion’s mane might improve memory.

BOOST COGNITION AND FOCUS

Just as lion’s mane could boost memory, it could also improve cognition and focus. Meaning: it enhances the way the brain works, learns, and what it absorbs.

This means less distraction, slow thinking, and even mental fatigue.

That’s right, lion’s mane might help brain fog in the books. The same study showing how the mushroom affected memory also found that overall cognitive function benefitted from the use of the fungus.

It might just be the perfect supplement if getting distracted, forgetting those keys, and struggling with remembering important info at meetings sounds familiar.

REDUCE THE RISK OF NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES

Lots more besides memory struggles and cognitive issues could be helped by the likes of lion’s mane. For one, lion’s mane could actually help with neurological disorders for which each of these are just symptoms.

Most distinctively, studies show lion’s mane may help with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

After all, each has memory problems and cognitive dysfunction as trademark symptoms of their respective diseases. Studies are especially favorable of lion’s mane’s potential with Alzheimer’s, which studies show has strong indicators of being a great therapy for the neurological illness, pending more quality research.

PROTECT AGAINST STROKE

When science dubs lion’s mane a neuroprotector, this means it doesn’t just protect function and health—but against damage, too.

As a neuroprotector compared to other studied natural neuroprotectors and nootropics, lion’s mane reigns as king.

Its effects include protecting against powerful damage, even that resulting from a stroke. Studies even show that lion’s mane may help ameliorate the damage caused by strokes, too.

It certainly isn’t backed by enough research to be passed off as a stroke medicine or therapy quite yet. But what science has shown definitely opens up promising doors to the idea.

PROTECT AGAINST CONCUSSIONS AND BRAIN DAMAGE

Brain damage caused by a stroke can be similar to that caused by trauma, injury, or collision. As such, lion’s mane could have a hand in helping heal damage from concussions or other brain damage.

Damage is known as “ischemia injury” is the biggest concern following events like strokes or concussions.

The same study showing lion’s mane’s benefits for stroke-caused ischemia injury could thus apply to concussions. As a neuroprotective, it can specifically assist with guarding the brain, nerves, and tissues from damage due to lack of oxygen, blood clots, and more, research shows.

IMPROVE ANXIETY

Experiencing anxiety can feel emotional and spiritual, though it’s most definitely a mental health and nervous system problem.

Because it’s tied to nerves and neurons, however, anxiety could benefit from a neuroprotector like lion’s mane.

One study showed that lion’s mane extract for issues with anxiety could suppress some of its most troublesome symptoms, including irritation, concentration issues, heart palpitations, and more often not the anxiety itself.

What’s more, lion’s mane performed better for these symptoms compared to a placebo. It could mean great holistic support for anxiety and anxiety disorders, though more studies are needed.

HELP DEPRESSION

Even better yet, this healing mushroom oddity could play a role in helping or supporting depression (and possibly general stress, too).

The same study that showed benefits to people experiencing anxiety also showed perks for depression sufferers.

Once again, there were greater benefits felt from taking lion’s mane extract for depression compared to a placebo. Researchers concluded that lion’s mane should be investigated as a depression therapy, but that more studies would be needed before assuming it as an anti-depressant.

As with anxiety though, if lion’s mane protects the nerves, then it most likely helps depression.

WORKS LIKE AN ANTIOXIDANT

All of lion’s mane’s neuroprotective benefits make it quite unique. Science could easily regard the mushroom as one of the most well-researched and powerful neuroprotectors in the world today.

But in other ways, lion’s mane’s benefits could be more ordinary.

As a matter of fact, lion’s mane is shown to be a simple antioxidant: not that much different from nutritious antioxidant-rich foods or supplements like dark berries, cacao, or grape seed.

Research shows evidence confirming this too. In one study, lion’s mane extract showed very powerful antioxidant powers, some strong enough to protect major organs.

BOOSTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

One overlooked the power of antioxidants is that they can help naturally boost immunity.

Antioxidants do their part by fighting free radicals. These can cause inflammation and disease in the body, but can also impair immunity.

Lion’s mane boosts immunity by relieving chronic inflammation as an antioxidant.

Furthermore, polysaccharides—microscopic healing compounds—extracted from lion’s mane mushroom also showed their own unique characteristics in an interesting study. This research showed that the bizarre-looking fungus might not just enhance immunity blindly, but it could also modulate it so that it expressed itself in the healthiest way possible.

In the long run, this could also make lion’s mane useful and supportive of autoimmune disorders.

PROTECT THE LIVER

2012’s study on lion’s mane not only found that it had evidence of being a strong antioxidant, but that it could also be a great support for liver health.

In fact, the study particularly tested the mushroom’s antioxidant benefits on the liver organ itself. In the study, there appeared to be a formidable affinity between the lion’s mane mushroom extract and damaged or threatened tissues of the liver.

For this reason, one could call lion’s mane a liver protector.

More excitingly, it could also properly be called a “detox” supporter, since it appears to help the most important detox organ in the body: the liver.

GREAT FOR DIGESTIVE HEALTH

Beyond the liver—which can sometimes be called a major player of the digestive system—lion’s mane may have perks in store for all other players and organs in the digestive tract and system as well.

This is owed to an in vitro study of the mushroom’s gastroprotective effects.

In this fascinating study, extracts of lion’s mane showed protection of gastrointestinal tissues, including symptoms of certain disorders and even ulcers. It may very well be that these effects are owed to its antioxidant and immune-boosting effects on digestive tissues all combined.

REDUCE THE RISK OF CANCER

This strange yet exciting mushroom could be one’s ultimate botanical ally against one of the most feared diseases on the planet: cancer.

As a general antioxidant to start, lion’s mane may reduce the risk of any type of cancer that could be started by free radicals, and if taken every day.

Studies, on the other hand, have shown a specific affinity between the mushroom and gastrointestinal cancers. More specifically, lion’s mane has demonstrated potent effects against liver, rectal, and gastric cancers, though more studies are needed before referring to it or treating it like a cancer remedy.

EXPERIENCE LION’S MANE

Lion’s mane is one of the most widely-studied medicinal mushrooms and agreeably most powerful nootropics and neuroprotectors.  

These can be bought also at Primalherb.com

Information above supplied by Primal Herb for the Search of Lions Main Mushrooms, and studies website material is their material

Thank you for reading

JoeY

MTHFRE GENE

 MTHFRE GENE

The MTHFR gene codes for a key 

enzyme in folate metabolism. 

A large number of studies have

The associated the presence of 

common variants in the C677T and 

A1298C populations

 with a decreased folate metabolic capacity that could be related to several clinical conditions.

The MTHFR gene encodes for the enzyme methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase which plays

 a key role in folate and homocysteine metabolism by catalyzing the conversion of dietary

 ingested folate (vitamin B9) into the main circulating form of folate which is used in the 

conversion pathway of homocysteine to methionine. Methionine is an essential amino acid,

 not only for the constitution of the body's proteins, but also for DNA methylation and regulation 

of gene expression. In this sense, changes in the MTHFR gene sequence can lead to deficiency

 of this enzyme, and with this, to alterations in the folate conversion cycle and in the generation

 of methionine from homocysteine, which can lead to low levels of folate in blood and elevated 

levels of homocysteine in blood and urine (homocystinuria).

Variants in the MTHFR gene C677T and A1298C are two of the most common polymorphisms

 in the general population. Approximately 60-70% of individuals will have at least one of these 

variants, 8.5% will be homozygous (two copies) for one of them, and 2.25% will be compound 

heterozygous carriers (one copy of each variant). Both variants have been associated with

 reduced MTHFR enzyme activity, and reduced efficiency in folic acid processing. The C677T

 change decreases the affinity of MTHFR and its cofactor, which favors thermolability and 

decreasesn enzyme activity, whereas A12958C directly decreases enzyme activity. Hence,

 these variants have been associated with a variety of conditions, including various cancers, 

coronary artery disease, altered plasma lipid levels and neural tube closure defects, as well as

 thrombophilias, fertilityr Problems and complications during pregnancy.

However, despite the vital role of folate and MTHFR in its metabolism, scientific findings remain

 inconsistent and without statistically significant evidence that these polymorphisms have an

 impact on routine clinical practice. In this context, the American College of Medical Genetics

 and Genomics does not recommend the determination of the two common polymorphisms

 on a routine basis, and likewise, the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics does not 

recommend dietary interventions. This is because both variants have high frequencies in

 the general population, and there are no clinically meaningful interventions that can be

 offered to carriers, so their identification is not currently useful.

In addition to diet and other pathophysiological conditions (hypothyroidism, renal 

insufficiency

, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking or physical inactivity among 

others), the genetic

 component can affect homocysteine levels. The two widely studied common

 variants, C677T and

 A1298C, have been linked to a decrease in the activity of the MTHFR gene, which

 codes for the

 methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme involved in the folate cycle, which

 could affect 

intracellular folate distribution and increase homocysteine levels moderately.

 Both variants are

 prevalent in the population as a whole, both single copy or two copies of 

either variant, and 

one copy of each of the two variants.

Number of observed variants

13.5 million variants

Number of variants analyzed 

in the study

2 variants

Bibliography

MTHFR genetic testing: Controversy and clinical implications.

 Australian Journal for General Practitioners 2016; 45(4):237-240.

Wan L et al. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and psychiatric 

diseases. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8, 242.

Leclerc D et al. Molecular Biology of Methylenetetrahydrofolate

 Reductase (MTHFR) and Overview of Mutations/Polymorphisms. 

Madame Curie Bioscience Database [May 2022].

Liu F et al. 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T gene 

polymorphism and peripheral arterial disease: A meta-analysis. 

Vascular. 2020:1708538120982698.

Osadnik T et al. Genetic and environmental factors associated with 

homocysteine concentrations in a population of healthy young adults. 

Analysis of the MAGNETIC study. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2020;30(6):939-947.

TELLMEGEN.COM was used to create this report for science to use on my DNA

that is above. Hope this can help others.

Mushrooms for MS. November 2022

                                            https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hericium_erinaceus

Weird to think a plant, a fungi, could have benefits.  There is little to no studies done on my condition, which leads me to mushrooms, End of 2022.

My latest Diagnosis of the MS,  I have not told anybody about, as a year has gone by. A second phase is about to start. In the meantime the first phase of MUSHROOMS is happening.

Can I expect a cure? Probably not. Could they help other parts of MS? Perhaps, perhaps not.

I am talking of just some certain strains, that my neurologist knows others with MS are trying.  Its like a blind study, using the real mushrooms. You can study up on them, their technical items.

I will try blogging about each strain, perhaps the names, and technical usage expected or experience with the Mushroom, as I take one or combination  or of different Mushroom combinations.

Now, you can not just go out and buy the Mushroom to eat. Does not work that way.

Like other herbs used, the extraction process is a key factor. Some off the ones I found have done this for you.

 Exracted with hot water and alcohol (dual extraction) must take place

You can find many mushrooms on the internet.  Make sure you are getting high quality pills or powder to use. These can be added to smoothies, coffee, baking, ect.

• Made from 100% organic mushrooms
• Extracted with hot water and alcohol (dual extraction)
• Made from Certified Organic mushrooms
• Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Vegan
• >15% Beta-glucans, >4% Triterpenes
• No added starch, mycelium, or grain of any kind
• Verified for quality at accredited 3rd party labs

As always, I am not a medical Doctor, and Mushrooms need to be gone over with your Doctor.

Ling Zhi-8, an immunomodulatory protein isolated from Ganoderma lucidum

I found a few sites quite quick that have Real Mushrooms. Let me know if their are better sites to buy from.

https://www.realmushrooms.com

https://nootropicsdepot.com/mushroom-extract-supplements/

Science Direct has interesting article, as it applies to MS and pathways that get broken by this disease.

Therapeutic applications of mushrooms and their biomolecules along with a glimpse of in silico approach in neurodegenerative diseases

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221001621#:%7E:text=It%20reported%20that%20many%20mushroom,attacked%20by%20the%20immune%20system

Lion’s mane and multiple sclerosis: Is it effective?

Medically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, M.D. — By Caitlin Geng on August 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lions-mane-and-multiple-sclerosis

And of course Dr Terry Wahls,MD

By Wahls Team

  Posted February 13, 2020 

 In Blog, Diet, multiple sclerosis

 0

This week I am featuring a guest post submitted By Nicole Apelian, Ph.D.

MS Management And My Medicinal Mushroom Trio

https://terrywahls.com/ms-management-and-my-medicinal-mushroom-trio/

Thanks for reading.

Join my Facebook page,

Leave me a message

joey

Everchangingms@gmail.com

Multiple Sclerosis 2022 has a year made it thru?

 

Seems my blogs get far and few.  Many reasons. More Specialized Doctors added, some top of the top working with me.  I had the pleasure of meeting one, who came out of retirement, to work his specialized clinic once per month. A six month wait to get to talk with the Dr, and two others, plus student learning, as I was listening also.

These Drs specifically specialize in one field. Like one box you do not stray from. So he did not know of other diseases, just generally.  I was his first MS Patient in all his years.

Excellent at his knowledge. That was what he was teaching me in the hour spent. He did a lot of reflexes and watched me walk, talk, movements.  A new toy to "try" for five minutes a day, perhaps 15 minutes.  That was the only thing left he could offer.

My MS specialist is awaiting a new mylan repair medicine.

The Day before, I saw my MS Botox neurologist. He had a new Dr with him. I let the new Dr put the botox into my muscles. He was not afraid to ask for assistance finding muscles, asking my main Dr there. I look forward, as these shots help me stay active and walking.   I have to sign a Black Box Warning for this medivine.

I have been seeing this top dr in his field and his co Specialist and his team for this last year. They were able to bring my blood pressure and all readings into a normal range. half of what it was.

 I brought my iron up into normal range, by stopping curcumin turmeric for a day, eating beef liver ( high in Iron ) and back onto supplement. Retested, and my being iron deficient for three years after my phlebotomy or vein puncture, all went away.

                                                         Yes a DROP in blood readings

Now I am not a Dr, but would of liked to of been a birdie listening in on how Drs (in their own boxes) can disagree on symptoms and what even their test may say is going on with me.  The phone call to all these other Experts in their own field., and their perspective, or what left is a option.

All I can share now is I have Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. This is effecting my whole body, in ways I would never imagine. Hereditary Hemochromatosis with the H63D H63D gene playing a role, overlapping Endocrinologist, hematologist, Neurologist,GI, nephrologis,, and 23 more to list. That are overseeing My Multiple Sclerosis. A good team. The Best of the Best.

I still walk with a cane. Minds active. get around, fatige real easily.   Research what Dr, their thoughts, brings me back to a reality, shared with only a few this entire year, of what they see, or know.  The changes a reality.

Thanks for reading 

Joey

,

Vitamin D and coimbra protocol

 

I can not say this better than the source. I've mentioned this in the past, but its been a while ago.

Vitamin D and coimbra protocol

https://www.coimbraprotocol.com/general-information

https://www.coimbraprotocol.com/general-information

IRON. IRON H63D gene Hereditary Hemochromatosis

      Its been a while, but refresher course in iron.   A double H63D gene was found  in 2018. A rare for it to overload iron over load, but did. 17 trips to phlebotomist, or vein puncture, to take blood from me. see prior posts.

Do labs every three months. I was left iron deficient for three years. I found if I stopped my turmeric curcumin regime  a day, and ate beef liver with onions, and restarted my regime, it brought my iron back into balance in 2022. A trial and experiment.

 As there had to be a way to close the iron valve.

Since I have Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, some items get blamed, where there may be a different diagnosis. So thus bouncing between Drs, who all have their own theory.  Last October 2021, my hemoglobin was high again. To many red blood cells, or to large.  Thus prior you tube videos to explain. But No Iron to dispose of with a phlebotomy. 2022 was year I got iron increased, by trial. And testing.  A three year low, or anemia that played a part.

Labs again in a few months, to check, and double check endocrine system. A protocol, a Specialist put me on last year  in 2021 helps tremedously but that's for another blog.

I receive Botox every three months. Injected deep into calves, inside and out, thigh muscles, and into neck muscles on both sides, and into right shoulder. The right arm was added last time.  Another blog to talk about, but helps a great deal.

But I did not want to loose these links that help understand... Just more info to listen to.

        

Iron Deficiency Without Anemia – Common, Important, Neglected

        Transferrin   Saturation

Another great site I found on iron, and related diseases

http://checkiron.com

                                                       Iron Physiology

Gastrointestinal | Liver Metabolism, Protein Synthesis & Storage

   

Approach to Anemia

Join my blog, so I know my readers!

JoeY

Neurologist and specialized Drs

 

Every Dr has their Speciality that I see for multiple conditions. The year 2022, made it this far with Primary progressive Multiple Sclerosis.  Awaiting new medicine to come out, as my body makes everything off the table, except Copaxone and twenty plus medicines.

So I stick to what is working thru my lengthy list of medicines, and what they are used for. Vitamin D3 in high doses, followed by endocrinologist every three months. A GI Dr, A Kidney Dr, A Heart Dr, a blood Dr, a endocrinologist, Eye drs, The list goes on.

A B12 test was ordered to check my levels, as they were low a few years ago. This you pee out any extra.  I see my blood Dr in a few weeks, as B12 can also make more red blood cells. I wonder about my other B vitamins. I do not need more red blood cells, as that makes more hemoglobin, which in turn bounces me back to another Dr.

I was on high dosage of Biotin a few years back, vitamin B7.  I measured pure powder on a scale, following study, but on real biotin, followed by endocrinologist.  The vitamin affects many lab test, and I had to stop for my endocrinologist. The high dose biotin trial, never panned out with good results anyways.

Currently my labs look good, but adding in certain vitamins could cause problems.  I have hereditary Hemochromatosis, with the Rare H63D genes, both gave me iron overload in 2018/9.  I did 17 phlebotomy or veinpuncture to resolve the iron, but that left me iron deficiency for three years. That has its own set of problems, of Anemia, and items shown how blood is made from the bones.  I will have to go into detail in another blog.

Anyways, being unique in getting all the side effects of medicines, especially generic, My team works hard to ensure I stay on name brand.

A Testosterone test came back with erroneous readings. My Dr thought the batch that my pharmacy sent was bad. She made three attempts at over a hour each to get a replacement medication.  They decided to play Dr, and Not Send any new unit, so I could retest. Every day she sent a new prescription in, talking to pharmaceutical department, it put them shipping out the next 90 day order by a few days, of when my regular order was due. Three long emails were sent from me also about the problem, that they answered to call them again.  This comes to who is playing Dr.  

My three month labs will come due, right before my next shipment comes. A waste of resources, from the drs, the labs, The largest mail order pharmacy. They asked if I wanted to file a complaint. Hmm.. "Like bitting the tail of the Dragon that feeds you"

Photo credit wixmp.com

Back to Experts I utilize at UC Davis, Sacramento. Many items have been added to my MS over the last ten years.  I lost count, at over twenty experts looking into certain areas that has a cause and effect.  I do much research giving experts a a different viewpoint sometimes on new studies or of which came first, as their is no cure.

This blog, to help keep scientist and followers updated to a point.

A lot has gone on this last year, I may write about in another blog, but being bounced around like a ping ball between Drs right now. Just not much research has been found because of my unique mess, of different specialists needed. Was offered two new ones, but have declined until I get my other specialists updated and involved.  

Everything takes time.

Joey

State of California vs Joe lawsuit

Most of you know I live in California. How can I afford items is still a mystery.

We live quite Rural at 3,000 ft above Volcano CA pop 101. Beautiful in nature with a small home, and no close neighbors. 

I went thru so many state and federal programs before my diagnosis was found.

Years without any income coming in.  I was glad to have a house with my partner to stay in, and not be on the streets. I have two moms. My partners Mom, who takes excellent care of me, and my mom, who lives in Alaska, who also is quite supportive. Bruce was my partners dad, quite knowledgeable. Miss him, and our conversations. He had been bedridden for 30+ years.  My partner is quite supportive and helpful with me.

I was diagnosed in 2012 with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

Many rides were needed to go to Doctors outside our county. This includes The University of California Davis in Sacramento, CA. This can be up to a two hour ride one way.

Our county is smal, and does not attract to many good doctors, I hope you all do your own investigating, and can find expert cae, even if its in the next county with knowledgeable Doctors.  My local GP knew something was going on, and knew the only neurologist had not gone far enough. He sent me to a Neurologist outside or County for care.

I am on a dual medi-medi program from the Federal Government, State Government, and Social security.

The State of California made a ruling years ago, that makes sure you get to and from your Dr visits, by providing rides. This applies to anyone on Medicaid, or Medi-Cal or certain other programs. The state maintains a huge fleet contracted out. "All you do is have to call them" ...not so easy.

"The State of California is Required to provide me with transportation to and from  all of my doctors. This is something not happening...

John Tan of  Legal Services of Northern CA has taken this to court twice.
42 C.F.R. 431.53 requires Medicaid plans to specify that "Medicaid agency will ensure necessary transportation for participants to and from providers" transportation includes rides but also "expenses for transportation and other related expenses...". 42.CFR 440.170(A)(1) Fee For Services... Cal. Welf. And instead code 14132(ad)(2)(B)
A State hearing before Judge Hammond was heard in Sacramento, CA March 26, 2019, and a re hearing was heard July 16, 2019. Both denied.

Legal services of Northern CA has appealed this case March 18, 2020. Due to the world Epidemic, the case is dragging on.  Natalie DaSilvia  is in charge.  the year is 2022.  when she left,Ted Mumford took over tmumford@lsnc.net
 

He is the leader of this ongoing court case in 2022

This state mandate took nine years to find, going thru counties, government, agencies, other organizations, and many counties. to find. organisations who gives rides, but they would not for me.  

The year found, 2018 was that in the next small town, Ione, CA, was Hector from foothills medical transportation. Nobody in any State agency knew of him, or that he gave rides. There are five NEMT (Non Emergency Medical Transportation) in the state. Contacting DHCS,(Department of Health Care Services) took them nine years to find Hector for me.

 This came from a Sacramento Government Agency, who knew of the problem. They had been contacted many times before, with no response.

To this Date, 40,000 people in Amador County need to be on a ppo plan, as no HMO is in the area, unless you forge that you live in ione, ca. That gets you to a hmo, keiser in the valley, another county away. 2023 you are required to join a HMO.

If on a HMO, there is not a problem with rides, they say. . Many vehicles, and companies can give.  the State of California has a huge fleet of vehicle's that they use, pay the drivers, wait time, so to take you home is what is supposed to happen.  Our county will not tell you rides are availiable.

Hector can only drive on certain days, as I am the only one in Amador county that needs rides?...   

The lawsuit needs to charge each county not being in compliance and letting their clients know of the service, that they can get to And from doctors. Perhaps sue counties also for non compliance

Currently, to try and obtain a ride, I must submit a request to 
The Department of Health care services.  My Dr, What for, address, ect.  I also send this to my county workers, who should know about the program, but fail to let clients know. At one point, the county said travel reimbursement, but I have seen zero. The County personnel also wanted Hippa Privacy items, not entitled to, to be sent.

I keep this list, published here also, so I will not forget who I send requests for rides to.

They usually are ignored, not responded from, or go  un-noticed.

tmumford@lsnc.net

Ted Mumford, lsnc.net

Hector Flores

foothillsmedicaltransportation@gmail.com

TMitchell@amadorgov.org

Jrodriguez@amadorgov.org

TDalporto@amadorgov.org

Matthew.Kizzie@dhcs.ca.gov ended employment 5/20/22

Jonathan.Ring@dhcs.ca.gov

Tiffany.Saelee@dhcs.ca.gov

Tere Gonzalez  Tere.Gonzalez@dhcs.ca.gov

Jim.Elliott@dhcs.ca.gov

The State of California VS Joe leighkendall was heard by a Judge, earlier this year, as required for transportation. The State has asked for two delays, which were granted. They used this to abuse their powers by auditing Hector, his books, and vehicles he uses.

They did not audit anybody else.

To ensure his fleet was spick and span, records up to date.

 I asked DHCS for reimbursement for my partner,  Our 29 year old vehicles have taken a beating. Wil can not drive the distance. Records from doctors from 2012 of rides needed were given to all for reimbursement. All current ones are emailed to the above. . I have exhausted all means of transportation.

 I asked for transportation to out of town doctors. gas reimbursement, registration fees, insurance fees, repair cost and operating costs. A repair of the system.

I asked them to comply with their rules and supply me with a driver to get me to and from Doctors out of Amador County , as required.  

I asked that other people in my situation, have access who qualify, with reimbursement for anything else related.

I asked them to Fix their system, so thousands of others that qualify, or are enrolled and qualify, can get rides, uber, lyft, (we are to small to have that luxery of paid cars to take you places) so need a driver like Hector. He has vehicles, and drives many people on hmo plans.  reimbursement, and everything that the DHCS offers.  Rides to and from the Dr, medical trips, supplies. He has vehicles ready to hire more drivers, but I am the only one that has researched, taking time being pro active.

Hector can only drive me on certain days. My Doctors do not allow me to choose dates. As they only see patients on certain days. He takes many patients to dialysis, thus he has a filled schedule.

The year, 2018, not looking for another diagnosis, my Endocrinologist sent me to the Cancer Doctor at UC Davis, as  blood readings kept being off.   The cancer Dr. did some gene testing, ruling some out, before he found the HFE Gene, a Rare H63d Gene causing Iron Overload in me. Quite Rare, and I  have only found a few other persons in a ten year span that have iron overloaded.


This caused 17 phlebotomy to uc davis weekly, along with trips to my other Doctors. The only treatment is barberic, known as blood letting or a Phlebotomy weekly, to drain blood from me, trying to get the iron down.  My blood comes out as thick as pancake batter.

No rides given, even though the State DHCS knew about the real need, as exhausted all other means.

2019

John Tan of  Legal Services of Northern CA has taken this to court twice.

The State of California VS Joe leighkendall was heard by a Judge, earlier this year, as required for transportation. The State has asked for two delays, which were granted. They used this to abuse their powers by auditing Hector, his books, and vehicles he uses.

 I asked for reimbursement for Wil, who had driven, 

A  hearing by a different Judge was asked for On terms CA was not following their own rules.  The first judge took fifteen pages to state denial. The second judge did not override any items.

CA IS NOT FOLLOWING ITS OWN RULES, as I am Not on a Managed care plan, and Can not be. Must be on a PPO plan, because of all the specialist, and No HMO plan covers our county.

On Sunday August 11 On page 6a of the Sacramento Bee, Cathhie  Anderson wrote a excellent article that blast medi-cal for failing 18 counties, and she doesn't know people on Nemt, have been forgotten, and No rides given, or re reimbursed for. .This  Took DHCS  Nine years, and then another three months to find me a driver 15 miles from home, taking the largest toll on trying to keep a vehicle running for multiple specialists weekly, and a Toll on Wil trying to maneuver Sacramento.

The State says they do not have a reimbursement plan in place, but they do, just a code Needs added to their existing transportation for those of us forgotten patients.   That would pay Nemt (non emergency medical transportation) drivers , the same premiums that the state's drivers are paid ( they pay a lower rate currently) , and wait time, to go hundreds of miles, reimbursement for mileage Wil drove, plus maintenance, and, would love new vehicle that is safe for local Doctors.

UPDATE OCTOBER 2020
this case is being heard by the California Attorney General.  They just want this to go away...

This is being handled by legal services of northern California for me.

I would need a Second Class Action Attorney to represent thousand not receiving this benefit.

I did Not accept their offer, as Rides to appointments are still needed to Sacramento. Rides Wil can not drive.

Local rides, I asked for the excess repair needing done, including a timing belt, tires,and engine repair on old vehicles. A Driver the state has, like Hector, and wages paid in accordance.

I would like this to be not just me, but open the door for others that can not receive rides to their Drs, as I am not on a HMO plan, that guarantees rides, reimbursement for lyft, uber, taxis, and any form of ride, regardless.  This is Stated in CA Law.

Know I am remote, but many people are in same predicament, in the entire state of California in small rural areas, or small counties forgotten.

For all hose that do not know, DHCS sub contracts out to a huge driver van service used to move people to Drs and  back home. If not, the people can hire lyft, taxis, for reimbursement. That is not a option for us in our small county, thus requested out of town rides provided by state.

​​​Transportation Services

Medi-Cal offers transportation to and from appointments for services covered by Medi-Cal. This includes transportation to medical, dental, mental health, or substance use disorder appointments, and to pick up prescriptions and medical supplies.

 

There are two types of transportation for appointments. Nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) is transportation by ambulance, wheelchair van, or litter van for those who cannot use public or private transportation. Nonmedical transportation (NMT) is transportation by private or public vehicle for people who do not have another way to get to their appointment.

 

When requesting transportation, be sure to contact the transportation provider as soon as you can before an appointment. If you have many appointments, you can also request transportation to cover those appointments.

https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Pages/Transportation.aspx

Hector from  foothillsmedicaltransportation.com was contracted to drive us, but missed many rides.  He has my medical Dr list for next six months, along with everyone on the email list above. 

so I hope he can still help on some rides.. 

Their is expensive rides in hundreds of dollars, people would charge, just to be denied they are not on DHCS registry, and I would not be reimbursed that I was asked to take.

We live at 3,000 ft elevation that gets Snow in Amador County.

The State of California is Required to provide me with transportation to all of my doctors. This is something not happening. 

 . I asked for reimbursement for Wil.
 I asked for transportation to out of town doctors.
I asked for the wait time, and to be able for second appointment the same day paid for, as the state caps the wait time for Hector at a minimum wage when he can drive.

Some appointments are more than the hour allotted, being a few hours, or waits between two Drs on the same day

In the meantime, Hector has stepped in to help out of town driving, per agreement with the State. But not many fit his schedule.

 I have exhausted all possibilities of other rides.

Hopefully this will find its hands into the proper State, County, Federal people to see that their program failed me, along with thousands of others, that do not know, or are not told about this. 

 Even Hector could hire another Driver if others in Amador County knew of the Rides to and From Drs even outside of our small county to obtain expert Doctors needed.

Contact me everchangingms@gmail.com, or my legal team, tmumford@lsnc.net for answers.

Thanks for reading my rant

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Joe

This Last year, 2022, Hector has been unable to make any rides., except two on a friday/Saturday.

DHCS Requires in 2023 Everyone be on a HMO plan. Drs in our county do not accept this plan. You can call the list provided, and will not get a Dr, or Hospital. 

DHCS required me to ask to a Exemption from UC davis. One filed, but forms kept coming to join a HMO. A second Exemption of 75 pages was filed by my Dr. Then DHCS accepted this, and then stated I did not need, as was Exempt from joining a HMO.

The latest hearing, DHCS is being required to turn over a list of everyone driven in CA, and how they pay drivers, reimbursement. Still dragging on.

On a note Kiser was given the HMO contract in 2024 for Amador County. ( no bidding?) Or Drivers to take care of need Now?