Feb 182021
 
This post contains affiliate links which means an FCS team member may receive a small percentage of any sale.

Cricut is having a sale! Take a look below on what can be had for 30% off with the Cricut Air 2 also being on sale.

If you’re looking to purchase a machine and you’re confused as to which one would be best for you – there’s a wonderful chart on the site where you can Compare the machines. There’s no right or wrong choice on which machine to chose – it’s all about what projects you’d be using the machine for.

Cricut Air 2 on sale for $229! Valid through 2/23.

Save 30% on vinyl! Valid through 2/23.

Save 30% on handheld tools! Valid through 2/23.

Save 30% on paper & cards! Valid through 2/23.

Save 30% on infusible ink! Valid through 2/23.

EasyPress machines starting at $49! Valid through 2/23.

Save 40% on machine mats! Valid through 2/23.

Free Economy Shipping on orders $99+ with code SHIPFEB or FEBSHIP through 2/28.

Aug 012019
 
Permission was obtained from the Canine Diabetes Support and Information Group Admin(s) before writing this post.

Where does one turn when they learn of their pup being diagnosed with Canine Diabetes?  I’ll tell you where.  You’ll want to join the Canine Diabetes Support and Information Group on Facebook.  Read on to learn why.

Canine Diabetes Support and Information Facebook Group

Our Pup’s Story and How I Found the Best Canine Diabetic Support Group

Diabetic dog

Diabetic 2.5 yrs…12.5 yr old Gracie enjoying the water at the fishing pond – yes, she’s blind now, but functions extremely well.

Around Christmas in 2017, I began smelling a foul-sweet smell in my bedroom.  When I say foul – I mean foul – it wasn’t just a fruity sweet smell as a diabetic is referenced to have.  I couldn’t understand what the smell was other than one of my male cats spraying in my room from the stray cat coming around again.  Though, if you’ve ever had cats that spray, you know the scent of a male cat’s spray is a putrid strong scent – nothing like what I was smelling. Regardless, my daughter and I tore apart my room – washing everything – literally everything with a product meant to rid the smell of territorial spraying.  The smell went away.

But…

Not for long.  I began to smell it again.  So, once again we tore my room apart, washing everything…everything, once again.  The odor went away again.

Time progressed a bit and I began to smell that foul sweet smell in the living room when I laid on the sofa.  Deep cleaning began in the living room.  I just couldn’t understand what the deal was at this point.  No one else in the house could smell what I was smelling…no one.  How could this be – the smell was so raunchy.  I had no choice but to let it go – I was driving people crazy asking them if they could smell a foul-sweet smell every. single. time. I smelled it – which got to be all the time.

Time went on, I noticed a change in Gracie.  She looked depressed.  She appeared as though she was losing weight – I could see this weight-loss despite her having a very thick furry coat. Then she began to leak urine…she was leaking it all over the floor no matter where she was lying.  Not droplets.  Not little puddles.  Not on occasion.  It was happening several times a day and there was a lot of it.  I was like – time for her to go see the vets – something isn’t right.

The time comes to venture off to the vets.  I get Gracie in the car and began to drive. And what do I get a whiff of?  Yep. You guessed it.  I smelled that foul-sweet smell for the very first time in my car.  Now mind you – Gracie goes everywhere I go unless it’s too cold, or too hot, or a place where dogs aren’t allowed yet this was the very first time I could smell that raunchy smell.

We get to the vets – I tell Gracie’s story, I tell my story.  Vet says, “Well, if she’s lying in her urine – she’s going to smell like it…she’s getting old, she’s probably experiencing bladder leakage.  We’ll get some blood work and then go from there. Though, I don’t see anything wrong in examining her.”  Then I had to ask what I had been pondering over in my mind, “could she have diabetes?”  (even though, in my head, the two things that were missing from the picture for a diabetes diagnosis were 1. excessive drinking, and 2. wanting to eat more…but… I still had to ask).  Vet confidently replied, “No.”  So…we get the blood work over with and Gracie and I head home.

Two days later – I get a call from the vet, “Please give us a call, you were right.  Gracie needs to come back right away – she has diabetes.”  My heart sank.  Sank in fear…how was I going to care for Gracie?  Could I even do this…she can’t talk to tell me what’s bothering her if something goes array…how would I know?  I knew the costs involved…I feared I wasn’t going to be able to afford to care for her, thinking insulin would be an outrageous expense as it can be for humans.  I knew what diabetes does to a human – I’ve cared for diabetics in my younger day.  My anxiety began to soar.

We get back to the vets the next day.  I’m instructed on how to draw up insulin, where and how to inject it – was given a couple of handouts on how to adjust insulin if she doesn’t eat, and a list of acceptable foods.  I was told Gracie would need to go back for “curves” – that’s when one leaves the pup at the vets for the day so they can test the blood sugar at certain intervals to make sure the pup is getting the correct dosage of insulin.  Wonderful – another added expense, never mind – how was I going to get her there that early in the AM, and then home again before they close where I have a bed-bound adult child with no one to help me at those hours?  I left the vets feeling so overwhelmed and scared…’cause seriously, how was I going to do this?

So many questions running through my head.  Questions like – I’m not testing her like a human would test their sugar level – that wasn’t even brought to the table by the vet.  I didn’t understand that – so how will I know if her sugar level drops?  How will I know if it’s rising too high?  The food – how expensive is that going to be?  How do I introduce this new food where her immune system is so off whack?  What if her tummy doesn’t do well with this new food – her tummy is so sensitive?.  What’s the life expectancy of a pup with diabetes – will this now shorten her time here on earth with me?  The questions in my head were never ending.

So I began to do what I do best.  I started searching the internet for answers.  I never just read one or two articles; therefore, my research took me quite a bit of time.  Countless hours, day and night.  I wasn’t sleeping anyway – I feared I would miss something if I did. Something like Gracie going hypo (low blood sugar) – a hypo that turned deadly.  My heart just couldn’t handle all this; nor could my head…so I just stayed awake so I wouldn’t miss a beat (though – we all know that couldn’t go on forever).

And then…

After so much reading and researching – I found an article.  An article that lead me to a Facebook Group – the Canine Diabetes Support and Information Group.  I checked the group out.  The group had a LOT of members – over 10,000.  My train of thought was – 10,000 members – that’s a lot of people with what has to be a wealth of knowledge…so I asked to join the group.

I was accepted to the group!  The acceptance into the group was one of the best days of my life!

I began reading threads.  So much of what I read made SO much sense to me.  A few days later, I mustered up the courage to tell Gracie’s story – our story.  I was welcomed by so many.  That’s not to say I still wasn’t overwhelmed – there was no denying that I still was, but – I was beginning to feel a sense of comfort.  And even though I felt this sense of comfort, I was still kind of a mental case because, now, now I needed to absorb all this information I was reading.  My mentalness subsided pretty fast though once I learned I had a support team behind me, though, more importantly, behind Gracie….guiding me on where to start first.  I came to realize that the CDSI group is where I belonged – where we belonged.  And if you have a diabetic pup – it’s where you belong, more than likely, too.

Let me introduce you to the group!  Yes, I say/write this with a lot of excitement because I don’t know what I would do without this group!

Eileen is a co-founders and admin of the CDSI group (Christy Kobielsky is the other co-founder).  Eileen recently posted  this (below) in the group which is what led me to asking if I could write a post on the group.  Because –  seriously, the world needs to know that there is a Facebook group that exists for diabetic pups that is on the UP and UP – truly having many years of knowledge to share with you, that will not lead you in the wrong direction, that will have your back no matter what time of day it is or what time zone you’re located in.  A group that has your pup’s best interest at heart with supporting you through this journey that you’d never thought would cross your path.  A group that can save you a lot of money on vet bills, on getting questions answered about food and insulin dosage and what may be the best type of insulin for your pup and where you may find it the cheapest, on savings of home testing supplies (yes, home testing is important)…..the list goes on and on.  Yes, I learned all this and more and I couldn’t be more grateful!

Eileen’s post:

About the Canine Diabetes Support and Information Group (July 2019)

CDSI, Canine Diabetes Support and Information was created over 6 years ago.

We have years upon years of hands on experience with some caring for multiple diabetic dogs, even cats.  I myself started back in 2004 with my first, and have been actively involved ever since, with 6 diabetics of my own.  Many others within our group have similar experiences to bring to the table.

CDSI works closely with several online sources for discounts for our members.  We have CDSI Helping Hands Inc, a group/board that offers help to some in need.  We had an auction the end of last year, beating all time records for first time groups.

We are working on obtaining our 501c3 status.

ALL of this shows we mean business…we care about handing you and your pups the best care possible, the safest as well to give your dogs the longest, happiest and healthiest life possible being a diabetic.

Rather recently several uninformed groups have popped up, ‘led’, and I use that term loosely, by brand new diabetic dog owners. Then with also passing along VERY dangerous, and misinformation to others that sadly fall prey.  They thrive on patting each other on the back and with criticizing the Groups that give solid information.  Information that is required for giving life to our dogs.

PLEASE, be extremely careful that you don’t fall into these groups that want nothing more than to be a community of complacent owners, not learning, not home monitoring…just barely getting by and with their head buried in the sand.

Having the ability to care for, let alone ‘teach’ others how to properly care for their diabetics takes YEARS of one on one…years of reading, learning, discussing…and NOT simply starting a group and with saying ‘this is the best place to be’.

They are deceiving you…they don’t want to take the extra steps to properly care for their dogs so are wanting others in the same corner with them…only to make themselves feel better about their lack of care. It makes me nauseous when I hear of what is coming out of these other groups…it hurts my heart for the poor pups suffering through such craziness and lack of concern.

We at CDSI care, we devote our time and energy into helping you help your dog.

Your Co Founders, Christy Kobielsky and Myself, along with our fabulous Admin./Mod. Team

Can you feel the passion Eileen references in her writing?  There literally is no denying that the members in the Canine Diabetes Support and Information group care – they care about your pup and you.

I think one of the most important messages Eileen speaks of in her post is falling prey to a Facebook group for diabetic pups that could lead you astray in caring for your pup…there are many of those on Facebook.  You need a group that has been at this for a very long time – assisting pup owners of diversified breeds.  No two dogs are alike…just as no two humans are alike.  Treatment varies from pup to pup – just as treatment varies from human to human.  The last thing you need or want is to fall into a group where there is limited experience brought to the table.

This group, the Canine Diabetic Support and Information Group will not steer you wrong.  You will learn so much from those in the CDSI group.  And, remember, a group that large has someone online 24/7 and that’s a huge benefit.  Diabetes knows no boundaries time-wise.  Trust me.  I’ve had to enlist help at 2am (not a major emergency, but rather a concerning one)…and…I got the help I needed on more than one occasion.

Please don’t be afraid to share this post.  The world needs to know there is a trusted safe haven for owners of pup’s with diabetes.  Pin this post …maybe someone who follows you will need, or needs to, see this.

Mar 212016
 

Julianna’s Adventures

Help 5 Yr.-Old Julianna Raise Funds for CMT Research

Julianna's Adventures

Who is Julianna?

Isn’t she a beautiful Princess?  She’s a little Princess with a lot of wisdom and an imagination that doesn’t quit.  As described by her mother:

J is smart, opinionated and kind. She thinks everything looks better embellished and is happy almost all of the time. She dislikes conflict and messy hair. Her middle name is Yuri.

You may have learned of 5 year-old Julianna, who has a severe version of CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease) on CNN back in 2015.  Her story went viral when she expressed to her mother that she wanted to die at home (not at the hospital) the next time she gets “that” sick.  That’s the short story.

Though despite all the obstacles Julianna is up against, Julianna has had a vision.  A dream.  Her vision – to publish a book and donate all the proceeds to the CMTA foundation.  She’d love nothing more than to be able to help CMTA find a treatment for those who suffer from CMT disease, even though it may not become available to her soon enough.

Well, guess what?!?!  Julianna’s vision has become a reality. Julianna’s Adventures has been published and you can get a copy now.

About Julianna’s Adventures:

“I can’t walk but I can talk…” — Julianna Snow, age 5 Julianna supports all things beautiful, adventuresome and sparkly. Above all, she loves LOVE. Julianna has a severe form of CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease), a hereditary neuromuscular disorder. In her stories, she takes us to a bright, sweet and joyful world where there are no limits. Proceeds of this book will benefit the CMTA (CMT Association).

  • 66 pages, full color
  • features 3 adventures: stories by Julianna, illustrations by Christine Stalie
  • $20.52 (plus tax and shipping) on lulu.com
  • all proceeds will go to CMTA

Have you heard this quote?

If you think you’re too small to make a difference, youve never been in bed with a mosquito.” —Anita Roddick 

Julianna is proof that no one is too small to make a difference.  You can help her make a difference when you buy her book, Julianna’s Adventures.

For the long of Julianna’s journey with CMT visit http://juliannayuri.com/.  The stories, written by her mom about her little Princess are priceless.  The intricates you learn about Julianna are exceptionally heart-warming.  You’ll feel compassion as you hear what Julianna and her family endures.  You may shed some tears.  For sure though, you’ll close out the site and be left thinking about not taking life for granted.  Yours.  Your children’s.  Your loved ones.

Juliannas Adventures

Julianna and her family are working really hard at raising funds for CMT research.  Be sure to check out other fundraising events happening at http://juliannayuri.com/current-fundraising-events/.

#JuliannaStrong #GoJulianna #Julianna’sAdventures

**Finger Click Saver is posting this for nothing more than to help Julianna Snow raise funds for CMTA – to see her vision become a total success. 
Mar 062016
 

Educate Yourself About Pong Pong – It’s Dangerous and Easily to be Had

pong pong seed

That. Above.  It’s the outer shell of the Pong Pong tree seed.  Inside is a seed known as a kernel.  When you watch the video below, you will see what the actual seed looks like inside.  Keep that image in your mind forever.

Not well known in the USA, Pong Pong is very well know in India and Asia.  It’s nickname is “the suicide tree.”  When ingested it disrupts the heart.  Now that a death has occurred in the US from ingesting the Pong Pong Seed purchased on the internet, it’s time that us Americans, especially parents, seriously educate themselves on the danger of the Pong Pong Seed.

Wikipedia shares this:

Cerbera odollam is a dicotyledonous angiosperm, a plant species in the Family Apocynaceae and commonly known as the suicide tree, pong-pong, and othalanga. It is a species native to India and other parts of southern Asia, growing preferentially in coastal salt swamps and in marshy areas but also grown as a hedge plant between home compounds. It yields a potent poison that has been used for suicide and murder.

Its fruit, when still green, looks like a small mango, with a green fibrous shell enclosing an ovoid kernel measuring approximately 2 cm × 1.5 cm and consisting of two cross-matching white fleshy halves. On exposure to air, the white kernel turns violet, then dark grey, and ultimately brown, or black.

The mom in this video lost her transgender child (woman) to a Pong Pong seed.  She purchased it over the internet for $5.  She died a slow painful death and confessed at the end what it was that was ingested.  Emergency Response didn’t know a thing about Pong Pong Seed; therefore they couldn’t treat the woman.  The woman died.  A piece of her mother died too.

Now her mother is on a mission to educate others, especially parents, on how dangerous this seed is (a must watch).

 

It saddens me that she lost a child.  It saddens me that her child felt there was no other way to overcome what she was going through.  Though, as her mother stated, if being able to save just one other person from the death of a Pong Pong seed by putting her experience out there – she’s done good.

Did you know, suicide amongst 10 – 22 year olds is the second killer in the U.S.; though suicide is prevalent for all age groups.  Now that this Pong Pong seed has been in the forefront worldwide, one would hope that someone wouldn’t obtain Pong Pong with the intent to commit suicide.  Though when under mental duress those individuals don’t think clearly.

Unfortunately, I believe that we’ll be hearing more deaths occurring from Pong Pong here in the U.S.  and it saddens me.  What are your thoughts on Pong Pong – the suicide tree?

Feb 102016
 

Ways to Clear up Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Bad breath (Halitosis) can damage your confidence, ruin a first impression, or incite gossip. Although not a life threatening condition, sometimes chronic halitosis requires medical treatment. In rare instances, surgery is even necessary to correct the problem.

Usually a result of poor dental hygiene, bad breath can occur when you are dehydrated or even when you are ill. Some sicknesses cause these foul odors and may actually be the first warning that you need to see a doctor.

Many home remedies are known to be effective at treating bad breath. Activities that encourage good saliva flow help to cut down on the presence of odor causing elements in your mouth. Rinsing your mouth out with salt water or brushing with baking soda are common techniques for treating bad breath at home. To find out more and to learn ways to combat your bad breath problem, checkout the infographic below.

Clear up Bad Breath (Halitosis) Beating Bad Breath Guide Infographic
Presented By TheraBreath

Do you or someone you know, suffer from bad breath (halitosis)?  What remedies have you tried?  Have they worked for you?

Aug 082015
 
**This post contains affiliate links and a FCS team member may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through the links. 

Cricut Explore One Now in Colors

cricut explore one colors

Crafters! Now you have a choice!  Cricut’s colorful new Explore One machines are now available.  The two new colors: Vintage Navy and Cherry Blossom — for only $199.99!  Wondering what you can do with the Cricut?  Check out the related posts below.

PROMO CODE

Purchase your very own machine in one of these new colors today. Be sure to use the code AUGSHIP at checkout because you’ll get free shipping on all orders (no minimum)!

Shop Now

Wondering how the Cricut works?  Check out these related posts:

 

Jul 152015
 
**This post contains affiliate links and an FCS team member may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through the links.

cricut

Here’s the last of the four posts explaining what Cricut is all about.  This post gives you project ideas.  If you missed the last post, How Cricuit’s Design Space Works, you can view it here.

Now that you’re more familiar with Cricut Explore One™, Cricut Explore Air™ and Cricut Design Space™, it’s time to chat about some of the really neat things you can create when you put it all together. 

As you’re getting familiar with your Cricut machine, it’s a great idea to take advantage of the free Make it Now™ projects and images that you get with Cricut Design Space™. 

For example, check out this adorable 3D Hot Air Balloons Mobile. It’s a fun, easy starter project and makes for the perfect baby shower or toddler’s birthday gift (and can you believe it’s made with felt?). And what’s a gift without a card? Cricut has an incredible selection of card examples made with Cricut Explore machines. There’s even a whole selection dedicated to everything baby, which is where I came across this cute baby shower card. 

Birthday
What better way to tell someone how special they are than with a hand/Cricut-made card and gift? This super fun shaker card is perfect for a 21+ birthday. And even if you purchase a gift, you can always use your Cricut Explore machine to personalize it. For example, if you bought a friend a purse or a wallet, you could use your machine to monogram it with their initials. Or if you bought them a plain shirt or sweater, you could customize it with a fun image or statement. 

I love this sparkly pineapple t-shirt. All you need is a blank shirt, a roll of Cricut Iron-on, and images from the Cricut® Summer Love image set. 

Pool Party
Soak up the summer fun with a pool party! You can use your Cricut Explore to create everything from invitations to decorations. Here are some really creative ideas for how to add some special splash to a pool party. 

Engagement/Wedding
Make your own beautiful table decorations, banners, party favor boxes, cards, and more for the happy couple in just a few minutes! You’ll find some really impressive ideas in Cricut’s Design Space, such as this lovely Mr. & Mrs. card. 

There are an unbelievable number of project examples in the Design Space, which are categorized by type (e.g. baby, holidays, home décor, school, food, etc.) and by level (easy, moderate, and advanced). You can also find a ton of great ideas for projects on Cricut’s Blog and Pinterest page. 

The summer season is a perfect time to get your very own Cricut machine and familiarize yourself with Design Space and all the incredible projects you can create. Try out a few projects each month and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is. By the time the holiday season rolls around, you’ll be a Cricut pro and will wow your friends and family with your stunning crafting skills! 

Happy crafting!

Related Posts:

What is the Cricut Craft Machine?

Learn the Difference Between Cricut Explore One vs. Cricut Explore Air

How Cricuit’s Design Space Works

 

Jul 022015
 
**This post contains affiliate links and an FCS team member may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through the links. 

cricut
If you read last week’s post, you now know why Cricut’s Explore One™ and Explore Air™ machines are so incredible – and a must-have for any crafter.

About Cricut’s Design Space™

But what bridges the gap between the creative ideas in your head and the Cricut machine is the Cricut Design Space™. 

Cricut’s Design Space™ is software for PC, Mac®, iPhone® and iPad® that you get for free with your Cricut machine of choice. 

Instead of trying to figure out how to make your project, Design Space gives you the ability to focus on what you want to make. Your Cricut machine takes it from there and brings it to life. 

With Design Space, you can start designing from scratch on your computer, iPhone® or iPad®, or you can use a pre-designed, Make It Now™ project. These ready-to-make projects are created by professional artists and include everything from home décor to fashion to paper crafting, and even a variety of FREE projects. 

If you want to use one of Cricut’s 50K+ images, you can try them out in the Design Space to see which will look best in your project before you commit to purchasing it. 

Uploading Images 

When you’re ready to start designing, you can either use one of Cricut’s 50K+ images or easily upload your own using the “Upload Images” tool in Design Space. You can upload and cut .svg, .jpg, .png, .bmp, .gif, and .dxf files absolutely FREE. You can even use fonts already installed on your computer. 

Cut What You Want® tool 

The Design Space’s Cut What You Want® tool makes it easy to convert your design into a cuttable image in just a few clicks! 

The Cricut Design Space™ app for iPad® and iPhone® 

Cricut’s easy-to-use app for the iPad® and iPhone® makes it possible for you can design anytime and anywhere inspiration strikes you.

It also allows you to access all the project’s that you’ve personally designed, whether on your iOs device or your PC or Mac, and gives you access to all the Make-it-Now projects. 

With this app, you can start a project while at the beach, enhance it at the ice-cream shop, add some embellishments while cozying up on your couch, and then cut it on the Cricut Explore in your craft room. Plus, it’s cloud-based, so your projects are always synced across all your devices. 

P.S. Cricut is working on an Android™ app right now, so don’t feel left out if you don’t have an iPad or iPhone. 

In a nutshell, Cricut Design Space™ gives you the creative freedom to design just about anything! Make party invitations, decorations, and favors. Create seasonal home décor or personalize wedding gifts. Add embellishments to your favorite photo memories. 

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! That’s why next week’s post (the last on in this series) will focus on some really fun and interesting projects that people have created using their Cricut machine and the Cricut Design Space. 

The crafting possibilities with the Cricut Design Space are endless.  The gears are turning on what my next project will be.

Jun 292015
 
**This is a sponsored post with Mums the Word Network and Amwell. Reviewer received a free visit to facilitate an honest review. All opinions are those of an FCS team member.

Amwell telehealth

Times have certainly changed in the healthcare industry as to the options available when needing to be seen by a doctor.  To that list of options one can include Amwell Telehealth Urgent Care Service.

I can remember when doctors did house calls in addition to office visits.  That stopped – probably because of the increase in the population and/or insurance purposes.  We then needed to be seen solely in a doctor’s office.  For an emergency – to the local Emergency Room at a hospital we went.  Next came Urgent Care Centers being placed into communities – giving individuals another choice of when and where to be seen.  And now one can add to the list of choices – Telehealth Urgent Care services.

Amwell Telehealth is just that – an online Urgent Care service.  Amwell is found on the web, or through an app (android & IOS).  The beauty of this service is that one doesn’t need to leave their home to be seen by a doctor for a diagnosis of simple ailments.  Most often the doctor can prescribe prescription meds (unless your state doesn’t allow this), when appropriate.

Who Would use Amwell’s Service?

Anyone who finds the need for a doctor that doesn’t fit in the realm of needing emergency services.  You don’t want to be wasting time with a tele-visit if you’re thinking you’re having a heart attack or if you’re having suicidal thoughts –

A few reasons people go online to see a doctor:

  • I feel like I should probably see a doctor, but can’t really fit it into my over-booked schedule.
  • I’m flying tomorrow and can’t get out of work.
  • It’s difficult for me to get a doctor’s appointment.
  • I’m not sure if I should go to the ER or not.
  • My doctor’s office is closed and I don’t want to go to an urgent care clinic or hospital
  • I just moved and don’t know any doctors in my area.
  • I just need a second opinion.
  • I’m between jobs and have no coverage.
  • I have a question about a loved-one’s health and would like some advice.

Some of the most common conditions that can be diagnosed and treated online:

  • Bronchitis
  • Cough
  • Sinus infection
  • Sore throat
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Pinkeye
  • Flu
  • Sprains and strains
  • Cold
  • Respiratory Infection
  • Headache
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Weight concerns
  • Smoking Cessation

Who are the Doctors You’d be Speaking to?

  • The doctors you would see would be licensed physicians in your state.

Does Insurance Pay for These Visits?

  • Many insurance companies will pay for the online visit.  However, should you not have insurance, a 10-minute visit is $49.00.  For readers of Finger Click Saver’s, save $10.00 off your first visit with the promo code: LOVEAMWELL10.

Our Thoughts

***Let me say this first!*** 

***If you can capture an image of what is going on – do so before beginning your visit.  There is a place for you to upload images once you’re logged in.  I hadn’t realized that, and wished I did, as the provider could have actually seen what my shingles looked like at the time of the visit.***

Onto our Amwell visit.  We found Amwell is so easy to use.  You can utilize them on the web, or through an app (android & IOS).  Sign up was simple!  Within five minutes, I had myself signed up online, (children under 18 can be added to your account).

Because I don’t have a camera on my PC, I downloaded the app to my iPad.  Fast and simple to do.  I then logged into Amwell.  I was asked to choose the reason for my visit (Medical, Nutrition, Psychology).

amwell telehealth ipad visit

I then needed to answer the following prior to being seen:

  • What the reason was I wanted to see a doctor for?
  • I was asked what my medical conditions are
  • What medications I was on
  • What my billing status was IE: insurance, no insurance

The available provider was already seeing a patient, so I was asked if I wanted to wait in the “Waiting Room.”  I thought it was super kosher that I was provided with a profile of the doctor I would be speaking with.  Had I not liked her credentials, I could have waited until other providers became available.

That said, in reading the provider’s profile I was very much at ease in speaking with her; so I opted to wait for her to come aboard.  My wait was less than five minutes before she connected with me.

amwell telehealth ipad visit

Once connected with me, the provider introduced herself.  We had a glitch where she couldn’t see or hear me and since they ask for a phone number in case of any issues, she called me immediately on my phone.  She had me refresh the app and we were then good to go.

One of the very first things that I was asked was what state I was from.  This is to ensure that the provider is licensed to practice in the state you reside.  After that, we went over my medications and conditions list.  Next came my question I wanted answer to.

The issue for me at hand, was that I was wondering what I could take to help with the pain of shingles.  You see, I had been diagnosed with shingles on my upper left butt cheek the day before my Amwell visit.  The pain I was experiencing had already started three days before, but gradually progressed as time went on.

By the time I had my visit the pain was not only from my backside through to my pubic bone, but headed down my leg and into my toes.  It was becoming increasingly hard to sit.  My thighs were feeling heavy and crampy.  I wanted to know if I could take Motrin around the clock to aid in that pain, or if there were something else that would help my pain.

The provider was amazing at explaining how shingles pain works.  She reassured me that the medications I had been given was an aggressive treatment plan for me.  I was informed of a couple other meds that I could be put on for neuropathy pain; however any narcotic – including morphine and any anti-inflammatory, would not work for shingles pain.  Her advice to me was to see if I could wait it out rather than go on another medication specifically used for neuropathy pain.

The provider I spoke with was extremely professional.  She spoke in terms that I could understand.  She answered any questions I had.  Would I use the Amwell Telehealth service again?  ABSOLUTELY!  I was left feeling that I had received the care and advice I was in need of.

Have you ever used Amwell Telehealth, or a similar service?  What was your experience – please share.

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