Cable modem suggestions?

[DoYouKubuntu]

Speed still sucks--although it's up a TINY bit: 22MB d/l and 5.5 u/l

I think a new router is next on the list--since I can't check the modem's speed via a hardwired laptop. (See my other thread.) Any suggestions on an IPv6 router?

[GreyGeek]

22 Mb/sec? What's the speed TWC sold you, 50Mb/s ?? If so, you should expect at least 40Mb/s.

Is the cable modem supplying a DNS which is competing with a DNS setup on your wifi?

[DoYouKubuntu]

22 Mb/sec? What's the speed TWC sold you, 50Mb/s ?? If so, you should expect at least 40Mb/s.

When they tested the line--and this was with the old modem, the leased one they provided--they got 56MB d/l and 5.6 u/l. Meanwhile, I was getting 20 d/l and 5.6 u/l. That was how this whole thing started in the first place--they suggested that the modem, even though it's SUPPOSED to be compatible with higher speeds, really wasn't capable. Since I wanted to buy a modem anyway [to stop paying the monthly lease fee], I bought a modem from their recommended list, one that is capable of speeds up to 300 (which I can't even imagine ever having!). But, alas, the results are basically the same. So now I'm thinking new router.

Is the cable modem supplying a DNS which is competing with a DNS setup on your wifi?

I don't think so...well, I don't know. Not only do I not know...but I don't think I know how to check it, either.

BTW, GG, I've been meaning to ask: how's your wife doing? How are you holding up? I hope you're both doing well!

[GreyGeek]

...
BTW, GG, I've been meaning to ask: how's your wife doing? How are you holding up? I hope you're both doing well!

It's been quit a saga and it's not over. She was supposed to have the operation on March 5th, but the surgeon got the flu and it was moved to March 23rd. By the middle of February she was continually breathless and by the first of March she was bed bound. The surgeon gave her a 90% chance of survival. He pre-operative pulmonary arterial pressure was 120mm Hg with a gradient across the mitral valve of 33 mm Hg. After surgery pulmonary arterial pressure is 90 mm Hg. She has Function Class IV Severe Pulmonary Hypertension. Since the cause is known (not idiopathic) the one doctor feels she may have a chance that the SPH may resolve itself or at least moderate to sub 30 mm Hg levels. Others give her 2 to 5 years. The adhesions from the robotic surgery had "glued" the right lung to the heart and the surgeon had to cut part of the right lobe to free the heart. There were dense adhesions underneath the pericardium. She's had two lung fluid draws but her lungs appear to be clear now, except for two lesions picked up during Ct scans, one benign and the other not. Because of tachycardia after the operation she was given Amiodarone to control it. She is still on at at 200 mg/day. Amiodarone caused mortality is about 17%. Mostly by the lungs becoming ridged or the destruction of thyroid or other organs susceptible to Iodine poisoning. Without the Amiodarone she probably would have died in the hospital.

She also developed Left Ventricular Hypertrophy before the operation and accumulated 15 lbs of body fluid in the usual places. Lasix has caused all the water to be lost. It can also reverse the LVH. Her right atrium is enlarged. There is mild to moderate perivavlvular mitral regurgitation. There is moderate plus tricuspid regurgitation. The right ventricular systolic pressure is 90 mmHg, down from 120 mm Hg before the surgery.The inferior vena cava is dilated with minimal collapse. She has mild aortic vavle sclerosis with a trace of aortic valve regurgitation, and a trace of pulmonic valve regurgitation.

She's on 1 1/2 Liters of O2 continually. The surgeon and cardiologist say that it will take 12 to 18 months to see what her new "normal" is. Other than that she's fine.

I do everything around the house: cooking, dishes, laundry, vacuuming, shopping, or anything else she wants, but it's not a job, it's a joy, and I'm under no pressure at all. That's why I thought I'd drop by and see if I could help anyone.

By the way, I haven't heard if Steve has found a job yet, or not. Anyone know?

[DoYouKubuntu]

Thanks for the update on your wife, and you, GG. It sounds like she's been through the wringer, and then some. I'm glad you're holding up okay, and I totally understand what you're saying about it being a joy to care for her. I've had weird looks when I've told people things about caring for my mom before she died. For example, I'll say that "changing your mother's diapers is a very humbling experience...but it's one I wouldn't trade for anything"--and get startled looks. I don't think people really understand this stuff until they've lived it.

Regarding various prognoses you're hearing for your wife, keep in mind that they're really just guesses at best. People who've been given weeks or months to live have gone on to fool everybody and live for 10 years, so you just never know. I know I don't need to tell you this, but cherish every moment that you have together. I'm sure your wife is doing just that, too.

[GreyGeek]

I've had different doctors read the same diagnostic data and come to entirely different conclusions as to cause and outcome. IMO, her prognosis depends as much or more on her on mental attitude as anything else. Her movements are restricted by the length of the cable connecting her nasal cannula to the Oxygen concentrator. The E4 Portable Oxygen tanks limits her outside the home travel to 5 or so hours. Just enough for round trips to doctors offices.

As far as myself is concerned, I'm doing nothing more than what I would have to do anyway if I were living alone. Except for the occasional diaper change and spoon feeding. And the food bill is a little higher. Having nearly lost my partner for 52 years gave me a better appreciation of what she means to me.

[GreyGeek]

About your wifi speed: are other wifi routers in your area using the same channel? The default is 6 and even in "auto" mode some routers stick with 6. Also, is your channel width 20 MHz?

Perhaps using channel 11 or doing a network scan to see which channel is least occupied, and setting the width to 40 MHz.

[DoYouKubuntu]

I've had different doctors read the same diagnostic data and come to entirely different conclusions as to cause and outcome. IMO, her prognosis depends as much or more on her on mental attitude as anything else. Her movements are restricted by the length of the cable connecting her nasal cannula to the Oxygen concentrator. The E4 Portable Oxygen tanks limits her outside the home travel to 5 or so hours. Just enough for round trips to doctors offices.

Attitude is very important. The desire to continue living. Wanting to be around for the family. All of that.

I don't have any personal experience with oxygen to compare to yours. When my mom was on oxygen, she was bedridden and under hospice care here at home, so moving around or going out didn't apply. Are there other, longer-lasting portables that your wife could use? Is it practical to go on a longer outing, like maybe a nice drive or dinner out at a special restaurant? Or would that be too tiring for her?

As far as myself is concerned, I'm doing nothing more than what I would have to do anyway if I were living alone. Except for the occasional diaper change and spoon feeding. And the food bill is a little higher. Having nearly lost my partner for 52 years gave me a better appreciation of what she means to me.

I don't want to sound too sappy, but right now I really wish I could hug you.

[DoYouKubuntu]

About your wifi speed: are other wifi routers in your area using the same channel? The default is 6 and even in "auto" mode some routers stick with 6. Also, is your channel width 20 MHz?

Perhaps using channel 11 or doing a network scan to see which channel is least occupied, and setting the width to 40 MHz.

I have no idea! My new router arrives tomorrow, so let's just put this all on hold until after I've gotten it up and running.

[GreyGeek]

The E4 Oxygen tanks ride on a two wheel dolly which I can drag behind me while I push her wheelchair. The tank+dolly is light enough that I can hold them in the air while she walks up or down our stairs on the way to or from a doctor's visit. Around the house the Oxygen Concentrator gives her 90-95% O2 levels at 1 1/2 L/min 24/7. We are renting it for $26/month, which includes a refilled E4 tank every week. That gives her 5 hours of travel time, round trip. I've looked into portable concentrators that weigh about 5 or six pounds and are battery powered but they cost too much for my budget. Hopfully, her need for Oxygen will diminish with time, IF some of the doctors are right. If they aren't she'll need it for 2 to 5 years.

[DoYouKubuntu]

Isn't that covered by Medicare and/or your Medicare Advantage insurance? Again, my only experience with oxygen (other than when I've been hospitalized) was during my mom's final weeks while she was on hospice care, so I realize it's comparing apples to oranges, but her insurance covered all of it.

[GreyGeek]

The Concentrator costs ~$700 if I had to buy it. An E4 tank, regulator and dolly about ~$400. Five more tanks ~$300 each. Renting the Concentrator and one E4 tank/wk, reg and dolly is only $26/month after insurance pays it's share. Humana PPO has been paying very well.

The battery/outlet powered 6lb concentrator (max 3 L/min) retails for $3000-4000. Insurance won't cover it.

Eight years ago my wife's first mitral valve hospital bill was $348,000 and a surgical robot was used. They discontinued the robot because it created too many complications. We were told the valve was good for "15-20 years". It lasted eight. This operation was done hands & eyes. It cost $177,000. An amazing drop in price and while the quality of care and treatment eight years ago was excellent, this time it was superb!

[DoYouKubuntu]

I have a real issue with robotic surgery. Yeah, yeah, I know, it's supposed to be perfectly wonderful, but I would definitely choose actual human hands--and the myriad of knowledge and experience behind them--if given a choice. My most recent surgery was the middle fossa craniotomy to remove a brain tumor, and I was blessed to have *THE* preeminent brain surgeon heading up my surgical team; I can't imagine surgery like that without human hands and eyes and experience involved! But, you know, I used to say that I would NEVER read a book on an electronic device. (And I still don't, as a rule. It's just that I've at least TRIED it.)

It's a shame that a surgical 'fix' that was supposed to last 15-20 years ended up only lasting 8. The extra wear and tear of another operation is tough, for anyone, but at your wife's age and in her condition, it would've been nice if it hadn't been necessary yet.

As for the cost, it's amazing that the sort-of-failed robotic surgery cost so much more than the [hopefully very good!] human hands surgery.

You mentioned Humana's PPO. You know what happened here last year? I had Anthem Blue Cross as my Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan. (I'm on Medicare because of disability, not age.) I loved it. It was a fantastic plan, I never had ANY problems of any sort with them. Then came the notice in October(?) saying my plan wasn't being offered in 2015. I assumed they'd have OTHER plans to choose from. I was wrong! They--and ALL OTHER insurance companies--eliminated Medicare PPO plans in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. If I wanted to move to Orange County--and I don't--I could get one there...but what about next year? To add insult to injury, Anthem Blue Cross started flooding me with hype about enrolling in one of their Medicare Supplement plans--which allow you to choose any doctor, no networks to worry about, etc. Their cost? Oh, upwards of $700 A MONTH. I told them to take a hike. I dropped back to original Medicare, plus a drug plan from Humana. True, Medicare only pays 80%, but I figured it was worth the gamble. And I'm STILL MAD that all PPO plans disappeared!

[GreyGeek]

BCBS was our insurance for eleven years before we retired. We stayed with their Medicare PPO after retirement ... For four years. We got a similar letter regarding our group plan and were kicked to the curb. About a month after we switched to Humana I got an ad describing what was, essentially, the same plan that got dumped except that the monthly rate was 25% higher, the co-pays went from $15 to $25 and the percentage of coverages were less and so were the services covered.

Human's co-pay has risen from $25 to $40 over the last two years, and its plan coverages appears to be on the same trajectory that BCBS took.

The differences between the cost of the robotic surgery and that by hands on is, I suspect, due to license fees.

Another segment of the health care industry that is gouging patients and Medicare are the "rehabilitation"/"nursing homes". Where my wife spent 19 days taking physical, occupational and speech therapy is rated as one of the best in Lincoln. They nearly killed my wife by not paying attention to contraindications of medicines THEY prescribed! In one case, after prescribing an OTC tranquilizer, it caused her INR to blow out to 8.5. I informed the APRN that SAM-E was an anti-coagulant. She had no clue and never bothered to check.

June has been retired for seven years. Occupational therapy?
She has no speech problems. Speech therapy?
Medicare will pay $1940 for each of the therapies.
They spent the third week destroying all the progress she made in the first two and then in the last week they jammed all the remaining hours of "therapy" in, even though she could hardly walk and could not climb stairs.
She'd Have to wait 30 minutes after informing staff she needed to use the rest room, and set on the pot about as long.
The food would gag a maggot.

Since she's been home she is making great progress. She just finished walking 1,000 feet without O2 and her satO2 was 92% and her HR was 124. After 5 minutes it was 98% and 70.
Going up our 21 steps without O2 results in readings of 74% and 130.
I suspect that in another month, if her stair climbing readings improve she'll come off of supplemental O2!!!

[DoYouKubuntu]

I had a similar experience with my Anthem Blue Cross PPO plan--when I first got it, its monthly premium was $0. Nice! The following year that went up to $15. Okay, not bad. The following year it jumped to $80. Hmmmm... All things considered, i.e., that it was a great plan AND I never had any issues with them as far as paying claims, okay.

Then it all came crashing down last year when they informed me the plan was toast.

Another segment of the health care industry that is gouging patients and Medicare are the "rehabilitation"/"nursing homes". Where my wife spent 19 days taking physical, occupational and speech therapy is rated as one of the best in Lincoln. They nearly killed my wife by not paying attention to contraindications of medicines THEY prescribed! In one case, after prescribing an OTC tranquilizer, it caused her INR to blow out to 8.5. I informed the APRN that SAM-E was an anti-coagulant. She had no clue and never bothered to check.

Amazing. And not in a good way...

June has been retired for seven years. Occupational therapy?

It's just called that. After I broke my right wrist, and after it had healed enough post-op, I started therapy for it--just like I had three months earlier for my broken ankle. Same place, same everything...but it was called OCCUPATIONAL therapy instead of PHYSICAL therapy.

Since she's been home she is making great progress. She just finished walking 1,000 feet without O2 and her satO2 was 92% and her HR was 124. After 5 minutes it was 98% and 70.

Um, GG, that's better than mine on a typical day!