Diastasis Recti Repair Surgery Cost
Diastasis recti, also referred to as an abdominal separation, simply means your stomach sticks out because of the space located between the muscles on the left and the right of your abdomen has widened. With this separation, it causes the abdomen to protrude and may not be able to be fixed with simple exercises.
While this look may be temporary after a pregnancy, some women with this condition often feel they still look pregnant, even months after they had birth. Those who have experienced a heavy weight loss or gain may experience this look as well.
In some cases, it can disappear with the right amount of exercise, but in a lot of extreme cases, the surgery may be necessary.
How much does diastasis recti surgery cost?
The cost of diastasis recti surgery, like most surgeries, will depend on the surgeon, the facility, the complexity of the case, the amount of anesthesia you need, and your geographical location. From our research online via multiple people who posted their quotes, the prices ranged anywhere from as little as $7,000 to as much as $21,000 without any health insurance coverage.
The procedure itself can cost about $5,000, on average, but when you factor in the hospital/surgical center fees, the anesthesiologist and the medications, this is where the price can far exceed the low $xx,xxx range.
As almost all health insurance companies consider this a cosmetic procedure, you will find almost all health insurance companies will not cover it unless it’s paired with an umbilical hernia repair, which is often deemed medically necessary.
At Realself.com, for example, only a few members reported costs, with the average at the time of this publishing being about $10,525. According to multiple doctors online, many note that instead of a diastasis recti surgery, a “floating umbilicus,” which repairs the superior abdomen, can cost much less and have the same results in the end.
What is diastasis recti surgery?
Diastasis recti, according to Healthline.com, will occur when the two large parallel bands of muscles, located in the middle of the abdomen, stay seperated after a pregnancy. As these muscles will naturally separate during the pregnancy as the uterus expands, some women will experience these muscles will stretch so much that they will never heal or fully go back together again. This, unfortunately, will cause a bulge-like look between the seperated bands, creating what’s known as a “mommy” pooch due to “moms” who have given multiple births over time.
Just like a tummy tuck, this procedure essentially brings the seperated muscles back together again.
The surgical process
Performed under a general anesthesia, the entire surgical procedure, from start to finish, can take about one to three hours to perform.
During the procedure, the skin will be dissected up to the rib cage area, followed by tightening the seperated muscles.
Next, the belly button will be repositioned and all of the excess skin will be removed, which is designed to help create a tighter abdomen. At this time, the surgeon may also recommend liposuction if he or she feels some excessive fat needs to be removed.
After any excess skin is removed, the remaining skin is then released and pulled down to create the tight abdomen look.
When the procedure is complete, the incision will be sutured, bandaged and you may be asked to wear a compression garment for the days after the procedure to help reduce any swelling which may occur.
Diastasis recti surgery recovery
For the next one to two weeks, doctors note your abdomen will appear bruised and swollen, but as you rest and take it easy, this look will eventually disappear. TorontoSurgery.com does note the first two days after the surgery will be the time you experience the most pain, but after this, many patients feel a dramatic improvement.
According to Leigh Anderson at LifeHacker.com, you will need to stay in the hospital overnight and will have to go home with drains, which can stay in for up to 10 days.
For the four to six weeks after the surgery, you will be asked to avoid any strenuous activity. You will also be asked to not smoke during this time as you will be depriving your body of the oxygen it needs during the healing process.
The entire recovery can take an average of six weeks, with most patients seeing final results in about 90 days.
Tips to know
In her journey, Danielle at LoveLoveThing.com posted her before, during and after recovery pictures of this exact procedure, along with the day-by-day recovery process. As a warning, however, these photos may be graphic to some. Leigh Anderson at LifeHacker.com also talked about her experience with the procedure.
While the condition isn’t dangerous, it’s just how the stomach looks visually, but in some circumstances, it can cause back pain for some or can even make it hard for some to lift heavy objects due to the lack of core strength. In rare scenarios, a hernia can bulge through the space that was formed after giving birth.
The Mayo Clinic only recommends this procedure for women who are experiencing abdominal muscle weaknesses which are interfering with daily activities. Other than that, if you’re bothered by it due to cosmetic reasons, then the surgery could be a choice as well.
Doctors, for the most part, cannot agree with the surgery. Some doctors say dieting and exercise can greatly help the situation, whereas others suggest the surgery in some cases. Most doctors, however, agree you cannot always fix it without the surgery.
A good candidate, according to TorontoSurgery.com, will be physically healthy, be at a stable weight and be a non-smoker. They also note that this procedure should not be considered a procedure for those who are looking to remove an excessive amount of fat. Also, to be considered, you must be certain you will not get pregnant again as doing so will cause the damage to come back, even with the procedure.
How to save money
The surgery is not always required as in some cases, physical therapy can help your situation, as per HealthLine.com. Compared to the $10,000+ price tag mentioned above, a few $100 visits to your local physical therapist could help teach you certain exercises to help strengthen your abdominal muscles and which exercises to avoid. He or she can also teach you how to correctly lift, move around and posture techniques. For this condition, like the surgery, you may find your health insurance company may not cover the visits, especially if it isn’t medically necessary.
How Much Does Cologuard Cost?
Cologuard, available by prescription only, was developed by Exact Sciences, in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, and is a noninvasive colon cancer screening test that you’re able to use in the comfort of your own home.
Identifying the altered DNA and/or blood in your stool, which are often identifiers of colon cancer or pre-cancer, the test is able to identify the DNA mutations which were acquired over time in the cells lining the colon.
How much does the Cologuard test kit cost?
The cost of the Cologuard test, as per the official website, as of 2017, was $649 without insurance. This price is also confirmed by WebMD.
The company does mention that some or all of the test may be covered depending on your insurance plan, but they do recommend you contact your insurance company ahead of time to make sure the test is covered before you have the testing done, asking if they cover CPT code 81528 in particular. In its FAQ, they do mention the test is covered by Medicare every three years for average-risk patients who are 50 to 85 years old, but for some Medicare patients, a prior authroization may be required and/or you may need symptoms in order to be approved.
Aside from the testing costs, you will still need to consider the doctor’s office visit fee since it is prescription based and the diagnostic colonoscopy if your results were positive. This test is designed as a screening test only and should not be considered as an official diagnosis.
How the test works
After your doctor writes a prescription, the lab, once they receive the order, will send a collection kit to your address on file. This test will not be performed inside of your doctor’s office, but rather, inside of your own home so you can collect a sample with ease in private.
No special preparing is required for the test, as per the FAQ, and you do not need to stop taking medications nor do you need to restrict your diet as there are no known issues at this time which may affect the results. The company asks that you read the detailed instructions before collecting your sample.
To collect the sample, the lab asks you collect a “typical” sample, meaning if you generally have a loose stool, then take it as is, but if you are experiencing stool that’s not normal, such as diarrhea and/or being sick, then the lab asks you wait.
Once you collect your sample, you will be asked to ship it back using the prepaid postage label in less than 24 hours after collecting the sample As noted by the company, it’s important the sample is delivered to the lab within 72 hours of initially taking the sample, with the company recommending you mail it Monday through Thursday.
Within two weeks of receiving the sample, the lab will send the results directly to your healthcare provider, indicating either a positive or negative results. Even if you do have a positive result, the company says it does not mean you necessarily have cancer; it only means the test detected DNA and/or hemoglobin biomarkers inside of the stool which are known to be indicators of colon cancer or pre-cancer. Patients who do experience positive results will often be asked to take a diagnostic colonoscopy, and with these results, your healthcare provider will be able to create the appropriate treatment plan.
Tips to know
Naturally, the lining of the human colon will shed its cells every day, and if there is a presence of cancer or pre-cancer, then these abnormal cell swill shed itself into the colon, eventually excreted in the tool.
Cologuard was approved by the FDA on August 11, 2014, and is available in all states after going through extensive research, including a case study of more than 10,000 average risk study participants.
The test was approved for both men and women who are older than 50 years old and are considered at average risk for colon cancer. The test is not recommended for everyone and not considered as a replacement for diagnostic or surveillance colonoscopy in high-risk individual, as per the FAQ page.
As per the American Cancer Society, the test is recommended every three years.
The company says both false positives and negatives do occur, but the test can detect nearly 92% of colon cancers.
Brake Light Bulb Replacement Cost
The brake light bulbs, located at the back of the car inside of a protective lens, are responsible for letting other drivers know whenever you pressing the brake pedal, as you probably already know.
In the case this bulb fails, then other drivers may not know when you’re pressing the brake, which, as you can only imagine, will greatly increase your chances of an accident.
As a simple wiring circuit, it’s connected to the car’s body control module, in the case of a newer car, and the system is powered and protected by a fuse which is often located beneath your car’s dash.
The average brake light bulb replacement costs
The costs of replacing your brake light bulbs will depend on the vehicle you drive and the mechanic/dealership you choose. As the number of brake lights can vary in some vehicles, the costs can be greater in some cases, but for the most part, be prepared to spend anywhere from $25 to $65 for a professional replace the bulb if this were the only repair that needed to be done. Seeing the job will almost always take less than an hour to perform, all shops will charge the shop minimum for the job.
As for parts, a brake light bulb is relatively inexpensive, and the repair, even if you do not have much car repair experience, can be done by the average driver. On Amazon.com, for example, the average brake light bulb can cost anywhere from $8 to $17, while at AutoZone.com, you can find some bulbs for as little as $5.
To do it yourself, the costs can almost always be less than $20.
According to 2CarPros.com, the average bulb at your local repair shop can cost anywhere from $35 to $55.
At Pep Boys, via its official pricing sheet, they note the average small bulb, if you were to use their company for the job, can start at $9.99.
One member on this BimmerFest.com forum thread noted he was quoted $92.99 to replace both of his brake bulbs, but according to the responses, this price was very high, even for a dealership.
For some specific makes and models, the light bulb cannot be replaced as it is part of an entire assembly that needs to be replaced. If this were the case, the average assembly replacement costs, if you were to use a mechanic/dealership, could cost close to $250 to $350 in total.
The repair process
Before the repair, the mechanic will first inspect the socket, wiring and fuses to make sure this isn’t the culprit. In some cases, the sockets can often melt due to the high amount of current that flows through this part. Another part that can also be responsible for a faulty brake light is the brake light switch, which is an electrical component situation on or comes in contact with the brake.
In most cars, the repair is pretty straightforward. First, the trunk is opened and the entire taillamp assembly is removed in order to access the brake light bulb socket.
The brake light bulb socket, once exposed, will be removed from the housing and the burnt-out bulb will be removed and replaced with a new bulb.
The entire assembly is refitted and the mechanic will confirm the new bulb is working.
The whole process can take about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the vehicle’s setup.
Tips to know
In the case of an LED brake light bulb, the bulb cannot be replaced individually; instead, the entire assembly has to be replaced.
Brake lights, on average, last about 40,000 to 50,000 miles or about five years, whichever comes first. Factors can greatly affect how long these bulbs last such as how often you press your brakes and the type of bulb installed. As for the electrical components, these parts can often last as long as 100,000 miles or longer.
A burnt out bulb is not always the problem. Other problems may be due to a blown out fuse, a broken wire inside of the harness, a poor connection, a shorted body control module or a faulty brake light switch.
How to change brake light
Jiffy Lube Brake Pad Replacement Cost
Even though Jiffy Lube is known for its oil changes, the company also employs highly trained ASE certified technicians who are able to replace brake pads for all vehicle makes and models.
The reported Jiffy Lube brake pad replacement costs
The costs to have your brake pads replaced at Jiffy Lube will greatly depend on your locality, the car you’re driving, which brake pad package you choose, the additional repairs and if a promotion is being held.
For just the brake pad replacement, the costs of a basic package can average about $225 per axle, including the labor, but a “signature” brake package can cost more than $299 per axle.
According to one member on this SubaruOutback.org forum thread, he was quoted $277 for a ceramic pad upgrade, the rotors and front brake service at his local Jiffy Lube. This was a quote for the front brake pads only.
One Jiffy Lube location based in Indiana posted its prices online, with the basic brake package starting at $229 per axle.
| Prices reported online... |
|---|
| $412.33 minus a $30 inspection -- included the pads, shoes and rotors |
| $625 for pads, rotors and drums |
| $491 for pads, wipers and premium oil change |
| $220 for front pads only |
The extra costs to consider
In addition to replacing the brake pads, the technician may found other problems which need to be addressed such as replacing the rotors and/or calipers. If this were the case, the rotors, which are the smooth discs that connect to the car wheels, can wear out over time as the brake pads come in contact with this part every time you press the brake pedal. Replacing the rotors, depending on the vehicle, can cost upwards of $450+.
New brake calipers, which are designed to last about 100,000 miles will use friction to help slow down the rotors as your vehicle is coming to a stop, may need to be replaced if some symptoms are present such as the car pulling to one side while driving and/or a grinding sound can be heard while driving. New rear discs and calipers, depending on the vehicle, can cost anywhere from $50 to more than $450+. Unlike the pads, they do not need to be replaced in pairs as they can be repaired as they wear away.
What is included in the quote?
Before the repair, a technician will first perform a thorough inspection of the brake linings and other related brake key components, and with his or her findings, they will write an evaluation, outlining repair recommendations based on the manufacturer’s specifications and the condition of the current brake components. This inspection, at most locations from what we researched, will be free.
Most locations will offer two options: either a basic package, which will include the brake pads and rotors, while the signature package, will include more than just the brake pads; it will also include a brake fluid exchange and a cleaning.
According to the official website, Jiffy Lube will include a Nationwide Limited Warranty, which starts on the day of the replacement and will last 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
In some cases, aside from replacing the brake pads, some locations will rotate your tires for free as well.
How to save money
Look for coupons if you do decide to use Jiffy Lube as they do post coupons occasionally. For example, at the time of this publishing, we were able to find a $25 off brakes and rotors package at a local California Jiffy Lube.
Always compare the prices of brake pads at a local mechanic and dealership before choosing Jiffy Lube since you may find some of these locations can often be cheaper than expected. Seeing a brake pad replacement job is pretty straightforward, most professionals will be able to offer you a quote over the phone.
How Much Does an Apicoectomy Cost?
| Save up to 60% off with discounted dental plans. Get your quote now >> |
An apicoectomy, also known as an endodontic microsurgery in the dental world, is a surgical procedure which will remove the root tip of an abscessed tooth, plus any of the infected tissue surrounding the tooth.
Typically done after a root canal has been performed, it is only considered when the root canal failed and the tooth is still infected.
Basically, it’s used as a last resort to save the tooth.
The average cost of an apicoectomy
The cost of an apicoectomy will depend on your geographical location, the oral surgeon/professional you use, the position of the tooth and if you have dental insurance. Without any dental insurance, most of the quotes we found online ranged anywhere from as little as $1,100 to more than $1,700 per tooth, but for those with a dental insurance plan, the costs were often inside the $50 to $450 range based on the plan details.
The estimates mentioned above may or may not include the necessary x-rays needed before and after the procedure is performed to confirm both the treatment plan and to ensure the surgical procedure worked according to plan. Dental x-rays, on average, if not included, may be an additional $100 to $300, depending on the number of x-rays needed. The same can be said about the crown/filling after the procedure has been performed. In total, when including everything from the surgeon’s fee to the x-rays and crown, the total costs can exceed $2,000.
According to some of the comments on SteadyHealth.com, they mentioned the costs would depend on which tooth needs work, but one member, in particular, said he paid a total of $2,000 out of pocket since he capped out his dental insurance benefits. This included the surgeon fees, the procedure, x-rays and the crown. Another member said they were quoted $1,400 for the entire procedure.
What exactly is an apicoectomy?
As per Colgate.com, the teeth are held in place by its roots which extend into your jawbone. Your front teeth, usually have one root, while your premolars and molars will have two or more roots. The tip of the root, known as the apex, allows the nerves and the blood vessels to enter the tooth, eventually traveling through a canal inside of the root, referred to as the pulp chamber, located inside of the crown — the portion you can see with the naked eye.
During a root canal, a procedure where any infected or inflamed tissue is removed, a dentist will clean these canals using special instruments. In some cases where an infection develops or the infection simply does not go away, then an apicoectomy may be necessary. In some cases after a root canal, infected tissue can still remain inside of the tiny branches of the main canal, which, unfortunately, cannot prevent an infection from happening in the future.
In most cases, if a root canal was performed in the past and this area becomes infected yet again, then it’s more than likely due to the apex root, and depending on the circumstances, a dentist may recommend a second root canal before considering this procedure. To determine, dentists, using advanced technology, can often detect which canals were not treated adequately and if you need the apicoectomy.
An apicoectomy will always be performed after the tooth has gone under at least one root canal procedure and other retreatment options have been deemed unsuccessful.
The procedure
Generally, the procedure will be performed by either an endodontist, which is a dentist with more than a few years of additional treatments with the root canal procedure or by a maxillofacial surgeon, which is also considered a dentist but will have at least four years of additional surgical training.
Performed right inside of the dentist office, the procedure is typically done without a strong local anesthetic, but in some cases, a patient, if uncomfortable with any dental procedure, can request an IV sedation or nitrous oxide.
During the procedure, the affected area is numbed and a small portion of the gum is sliced open with a small incision to help expose the hidden bone and root end by lifting the gum away from the tooth and the bone. Depending on the circumstances, a drill may be required in order to expose the root.
Once the root is exposed, any of the tissue that is infected and the root-end will be removed, about a few millimeters from the root tip, and this space will then be washed out, followed by a filling. The gums are then re-attached with a handful of stitches.
The surgery is usually performed under a special microscope using an ultrasonic instrument, allowing the dentist to see the area clearly.
The entire procedure, depending on the location of the tooth, can take about 45 to 90 minutes.
Apicoectomy recovery process
After the procedure, many patients note feeling sore or minor discomfort in the affected area. Typically, ice will be applied for the next 12 hours after the procedure has been performed to help with the swelling. An OTC anti-inflammatory, such as Motrin, will be recommended as well to help cope with the pain.
Your dentist will ask you to refrain from eating any tough foods for the next week and avoid smoking for the next 48 hours.
While your gums heal, and most patients, as long as the procedure went according to plan, can go back to work the next day.
About seven later after the apicoectomy was performed, the stitches may be removed or in the case of dissolvable ones, they will dissolve as your mouth heals.
The whole healing process can take about seven to 14 days.
Tips to know
The apicoectomy success rates if using contemporary endodontics enjoy a 97% success rate, while nonsurgical or surgical retreatment success rates exceed 90%, according to Inside Dentistry.
All dental plans are not created equally and even if you have coverage, some policies will not cover root end-based surgeries. Refer to your documentation to see what’s covered before having the procedure done. Even if you do not have insurance, check out DentalPlans.com to see if you can save hundreds on your next procedure with a local dentist.
LeafFilter Cost per Foot
The LeafFilter brand is a top-rated patented gutter-guard system which uses a stainless steel mesh that is able to stretch across the type of your gutters, either while the gutters are being installed for the first time or over an existing setup.
The company claims they are number one due to a variety of reasons, including being the reliable long-term solution, great for all four seasons. Also, its warranty, which doesn’t void your roof warranty, its lifetime guarantee, customer support, patented design, and installs are also some of the many reasons why the company has multiple five-star reviews from its past customers.
With the LeafFilter system, you can avoid many common gutter problems and damaged with its one-of-a-kind gutter guard solution.
How much does LeafFilter gutter protection cost?
The costs of the LeafFilter system, according to the official website, will greatly depend on your gutter type, the number of inside/outside corners, the amount of materials needed (measured in linear feet), the condition of your gutters if being installed on an existing setup, the number of levels and other variables. Because of this, the company recommends you contact one of their representatives, and from there, they will be able to assess your current gutter system and recommend the best course of action. This entire quote can be done in less than 15 minutes and you can get an estimate by filling out a form on their website.
The official company, at this time, does not offer any pricing estimates, but we were able to find some quotes online, ranging anywhere from $22 to $28 per foot.
On this City-data.com forum thread, for example, a few members talked about the quotes they received. One member said he was quoted $5,100 for about 160 feet of gutters, while another was quoted $20 per linear foot for just the system.
According to the multiple reviews on Roofery.com, they rated it as dead last when compared to other gutter guard brands. On two of the reviews, one member said he was initially quoted $16,000, but the quote was dropped to $8,000 almost immediately, while other member said he paid $6,000 for a job, both of which were unknown as to how long the gutters were.
| Quotes gathered online |
|---|
| $6,000 for 119 feet |
| $3,100 for 130 feet but haggled to $2,600 in end |
| $20 per linear foot for just the system -- this didn't include the new gutters, fascia or drip edge |
| $5,100 for 160 feet |
| Original quote of $5,148 but dropped after multiple attempts to $1,826 (length unknown) |
| $4,000 for 120 feet |
| $2,200 for 2 gutters |
As for just the materials, the company will not sell you the materials direct, but at the time of this publishing, we were able to find LeafFilter Brand Premium gutter guard material for about $7 per five feet on eBay.
How does it work?
Its award-winning, patented technology, according to the company, is made of three parts: its micromesh filter, which is considered to be so fine, that debris, even as small as sand, will not make its way into the gutter system. Its vinyl frame, designed to divert this debris over the drip edge and keep your gutters clean all year long is almost invisible when standing on the ground. Lastly, the reinforced hangers, designed to provide strength, ensure your new gutter guards stay in place during any inclement weather scenarios.
The installation process
The first step includes the inspection, a process where a professional will come to your home in order to measure your gutters and make recommendations. With these recommendations, you can review your options, ranging anywhere from just the LeafFilter system to complete system including new gutters. When you agree to the quote the company offers and you sign your contract, they will set an install date.
As for the install process, the company uses a three-step process to make sure your gutters remain clear and clog-free for the entire life of your home. The first step involves cleaning, realigning and repairing your existing gutters to prep them for the LeafFilter system. Next, the second step involves sealing and prepping your gutters to prevent any leaks and reinforce your entire system with internally hidden hangers. Lastly, the LeafFilter will be installed to your existing gutters.
Tips to know
Beware of the high pressured sales tactics from the company as we read many horror stories online with homeowners claiming the sales representative wouldn’t take no for an answer.
If you want to save money and you want to use this product, it appears if you continue to say no or even haggle, you can often drop the initial quote you’re given by more than 50%.
The company, as per the official website, does offer a 0% financing option, with payments as low as $35 a month.
Consumer Reports, in an older issue, highly recommended installing the CR Best Buy Amerimax 85198 or 854054 as this could save you thousands, even if you were to hire a contractor. While the system was rated highly, it was only a “middling at containing a severe downpour,” according to the magazine.
WP Thyroid Cost
WP Thyroid, a form of a thyroid hormone, can help improve the symptoms of a thyroid deficiency such as a lack of energy, hair loss, weight gain, slow speed and feeling cold, to name a few. It can also help prevent certain types of goiters and even manage thyroid cancer.
This medicine is a natural product, made from thyroid glands, often a pig’s, and is designed to replace or provide more of your thyroid hormone, which is normally provided by your own thyroid gland.
Having enough of this hormone is so important to maintain both your normal mental and physical health.
How much does WP Thyroid cost?
The cost of a WP Thyroid, seeing it’s a prescription-based medication, will depend on your health insurance coverage and where you have your prescription filled.
For the most part, even if you do not have health insurance, the cost of (30) 65 mg tablets will cost about $15 to $18 to as much as $65 for (100) 65 mg tablets. With a variety of dosages, we included the averages we found online in our table below:
| Dosage | Average Price Reported (number of tablets) |
|---|---|
| 16.25mg | - 30: $15 - 60: $22 - 90: $30 - 120: $37 - 180: $52 |
| 32.5mg | - 30: $15 - 60: $22 - 90: $30 - 120: $37 - 180: $52 |
| 48.7mg | - 5: $4 - 30: $12 - 60: $21 - 90: $30 - 180: $57 |
| 65mg | - 30: $17 - 60: $26 - 90: $35 - 180: $64 |
| 81.25mg | - 5: $4 - 20: $9 - 30: $13 - 60: $25 - 90: $36 |
| 97.5mg | - 5: $4 - 30: $15 - 60: $27 - 90: $39 - 180: $75 |
| 113.75mg | - 5: $4 - 14: $9 - 30: $16 - 60: $29 - 90: $42 |
| 130mg | - 5: $6 - 30: $18 - 45: $25 - 60: $32 - 90: $46 |
In general, GoodRX.com mentions that Medicare will not cover this drug.
According to GetRealThyroid.com, the prices will depend on the strength and pharmacy you use.
The medicine
As per CVS, the medicine is used by mouth with water and is best to be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or about two hours after food. Take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor and on the medicine label. If you do miss a dosage, be sure to take it as soon as you can, and if it’s close to the time to take your next dosage, then it’s recommended you only take that dose. Never take double or extra dosages.
The medicine, as seen in the table above, is available in eight strengths and only uses two all-natural ingredients sourced from the United States. Thyroid USP (desiccated porcine thyroid) is the active ingredient in both and is free of all glutens.
Side effects
Side effects, according to WebMD, may include hair loss during the first few months of using, increased sweating, a heat sensitivity, mood changes, tiredness, diarrhea, headaches and/or a shortness of breath. If you experience any of these side effects and are concerned, either talk directly with your physician or your local hospital emergency room. While serious side effects can occur, they are rare. These rare side effects include an allergic reaction, irregular heartbeat, itching, dizziness, and/or troubles breathing.
Storage
Always store the medicine away from any direct sunlight and moisture. Do not store in a bathroom and always keep it out of reach from both children and pets. Unless instructed to do so, never pour this medication down the drain or flush it down the toilet. Always discard according to the label.
The official website states you should store it at room temperature, 59°-86°F, away from heat, moisture, and light.
Power Windows Repair Cost
Usually located on each door, the power window switch, designed to send power to the window motor to open and close the window glass, can, unfortunately, fail over time.
In most cases, the most common reason due to a power window failure is either due to a faulty fuse, the window regulator or a motor failure.
How much does it cost to repair power windows?
The costs to repair your car’s power window will greatly depend on the reason for the failure, the mechanic/dealer you choose, the car you drive and your geographic region. From our research online, if you need to have the entire window motor replaced, which is often the culprit, then the reported costs ranged anywhere from $235 to $525 per window.
If it isn’t the window motor, then the regulator could be an issue as well as this part is responsible for moving the window up and down, but in some cases, this regulator part may be part of the motor, meaning both parts will need to be replaced together. Again, depending on your vehicle make/model, the costs of this regulator part, plus repair, can cost anywhere from $100 to $350, with luxury car brands often costing the most. The costs could be higher if the entire assembly has to be replaced.
However, if it’s the fuse causing the problem, then the costs can be much cheaper, with the part being as little as $4, but if you were to use a mechanic, then the costs could be closer the shop minimum to install it, which is usually around $65 to $100, depending on your geographical region. The fee will usually cover the diagnosis to confirm the fuse is the problem and the replacement part.
Power Window Repair, a professional mobile window repair service that had a business in the Phoenix, Arizona area, had more than 100+ reviews on its Yelp, with a lot of people claiming they paid anywhere from $150 to $225 per window when using their service.
How the power windows work
Modern vehicles today will use an electronic signal which originates from the onboard computer, also known as the ECU or electronic control unit, to trigger the window to open when the button is pressed, while older vehicles had an electrical circuit, which when the switch was activated, it would cause this electrical circuit to close and operate the window motor. In some models, the motor is integrated inside of the regulator, meaning both parts will need to be replaced together.
The repair process
To diagnose the problem, the mechanic will first want to pay close attention to the motor sounds as he or she attempts to use the window switch. If no sound is coming from the motor, then it could be a sign the fuse is the problem, and if so, the fuse will simply be replaced. If the fuse isn’t the problem, then he or she will pay close attention to the dome light since this can often indicate a sign of a bad motor if the dome light flickers while the switch is used. Lastly, another sign to see if the motor is bad is by removing the door panel in order to access the window motor to check the wiring for voltage.
As for the replacement, it will all depend on the style of your window and the vehicle the mechanic is working on. In most cases, usually, the door trim panel will be removed in order to expose the electrical cables behind it. Next, the vapor barrier is removed, followed by disconnecting the window from the regulator. Once the window is disconnected, the mechanic will then remove the regulator from teh door and the motor, at this time, will be exchanged for a new part. If the motor is part of the regulator, then the entire assembly will be replaced instead.
Signs of a faulty window motor
If the motor did, indeed, fail, then there are a few signs to look out for. For starters, in the case of a failing window motor, the window may not close or open at all, but in some cases, it may only open intermittently. In the past, a power window failure was often caused by a faulty switch and/or the electrical wiring, but today, most of the problems rely on the control module.
Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Cost
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The Chao Pinhole® surgical technique, also referred to as PST, is a form of pinhole gum rejuvenation — a way to help repair gum shrinkage via a pinhole without the need to cut like a traditional gum grafting procedure.
How much does pinhole gum rejuvenation cost?
The cost of this procedure is similar to that of a traditional gum graft, but it’s important to keep in mind that many dentists are not experienced and/or trained with this type of procedure. With that being said, even if you want this exact procedure done, you may have a hard time finding a professional in your area that is able to do it.
The costs, untimely, will all depend on the dentist you choose, the severity of your case and your geographical location. To budget, dentists, from what we researched online, noted you should be expected to pay anywhere from $600 to $1,450 per tooth, but the costs can drastically drop if you were to need more than one tooth worked on during a session.
According to the official website of Erik P Svans, DDS, he noted the average cost of the pinhole surgical technique is anywhere from $600 to $1,400 per tooth, and the costs will greatly depend on the number of teeth being treated at the time. The severity of the situation, according to his FAQ page, can also play a role as patients will a generalized recession on every tooth could pay much less than someone who doesn’t.
The creator of this procedure, Dr. Chao, says it will be about the same costs as a standard gum grafting procedure, which, according to our guide and research, can cost $700 to $1,800 per tooth.
As this procedure is often considered a “periodontal” procedure, many patients who have dental insurance did find out that many companies will cover the procedure or at least a portion of it depending on your coverage. Be sure to talk with your dental insurance company ahead of time to see if they cover a procedure such as this. Even if you do not have dental insurance, you could still consider a dental discount plan, such as DentalPlans.com, to help save you a good amount of money as this plan works similar to that of a dental insurance plan.
The process
Before the process is even considered, your dentist will first want to thoroughly review the cause of your gum recession to minimize the recession from occurring in the future, even if you had the procedure done. In some cases, it may be as simple as refining your brushing strategies or even wearing a night guard at night. Elly Tehrani, DMD, MSD, a Toronto Periodontist, mentioned on Realself.com that not everyone she sees is a candidate for this procedure.
If considered a candidate for the procedure, then your teeth will be cleaned about seven to 10 days prior to the treatment as they will need to be cleaned as much as possible since gum tissue will only re-attach to its natural root structure.
Unlike a traditional gum grafting procedure, which takes a flap of your tissue from the roof of your mouth, the pinhole surgical technique will create small puncture holes in your gum, requiring no need for cutting or sutures. Using a needle creating about a 2 millimeter sized hole above the gums, just inside the cheek, the gum tissue from the jaw bone and a needle manipulates it, gently moving it down into its correct position, according to SimplyTeeth. At this point, collagen strips, which offer elasticity to the skin, are dropped into the area of the gum inside of the first incision, which offers more support. After, slight pressure is applied to manipulate the gums into position, and while doing so, the gums will be bleed out; however, when it clots, it mixes with the collagen strips, essentially binding to the bone surface nearby. This means no sutures are required to keep it in place, allowing it to heal naturally.
The entire process can be done in as little as 90 minutes and regardless of how many teeth are being worked on, you should be able to have the entire procedure done in one sitting. In fact, some dentists claim they can work on an entire mouth in less than three hours. The length of the session will all depend on the number of teeth that need to be worked on.
Recovery
The results are deemed to be permanent and can last just as long as any other gum graft, but nothing is forever because as you age, the results may change. As long as everything is healthy and you maintain good hygiene, Dr. Chao, the creator of the process, states you should see the process lasting for years.
For about six weeks after the procedure, you will need to use a prescription-based mouthwash as you will be limited to how you can brush your teeth. You will also need to be restricted to soft foods in order to avoid affecting the gums.
During this six-week period, you will need to come in for a series of follow-up appointments and if any pain is experienced, you can simply take some OTC medicine to help subside the pain.
In most cases, the pinholes will heal in less than 48 hours.
Tips to know
This process is not designed to help cure gum disease; it is meant to restore your gum line to its normal and natural position. If you even consider this procedure and you do have a gum disease, you must treat your gum disease before any dentist will consider this route.
With any surgical procedure, there are risks, but seeing this procedure is quite new, there are not many risks reported. All surgical procedures do carry the risk of discomfort, infection and bleeding.
The International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry published a study proving the effectiveness of this therapy.
Power Steering Fluid Flush Cost
Because replacing your power steering fluid isn’t often on your routine maintenance schedule inside of your vehicle’s owners manual, some mechanics are often skeptical as to if the flush is really necessary.
Some say it’s an oversell, while other mechanics note it can absolutely help due to the grit and sludge that’s able to find its way into the fluid.
This fluid flows through your power steering system as its being pressurized by the steering pump by the way of pistons, plungers and valves.
As the system wears over time, particles can make its way into the fluid, often contaminating the fluid, which, if left ignored, can cause the system to fail.
While it’s debatable if you should routinely flush your power steering fluid, most mechanics agree on one thing — follow the owner’s manual to see what your manufacturer recommends.
How much does a power steering flush cost?
The cost of flushing your vehicle’s power steering fluid will really depend on the mechanic/dealer you use and your geographical location. As a standalone flush and nothing else included, the costs are often between $65 to $115, but if you were to have this flush done with other routine repairs, then the costs could be much higher as it’s combined as a package. Seeing the flush itself is a relatively quick procedure, most shops will charge you the shop minimum and a few dollars for the power steering fluid, with dealerships often charging up to 40% more than a mechanic.
Angie’s List, for example, says that most of the experts they talked to charged anywhere between $99 and $125.
According to the official Pep Boy’s pricing list, its “Power Steering Flush Service Package” starts at $69.99, for instance.
At Jiffy Lube, when we called a local location, they said its power steering flush starts at $69.99, but it heavily dependent on the geographical location.
The process
The process is relatively straightforward as with most fluid exchanges.
Before the fluid is even flushed, however, the mechanic will first check to make sure no leaks are present. This will include checking any hoses, clamps and fittings for any leaks.
Once it’s confirmed no leaks are present, the power steering reservoir is emptied and is then filled with the correct type designed for your vehicle. Do keep in mind that if the wrong fluid is poured into the system, it can cause intensively damaged.
Nex, the mechanic will bleed the steering system and any residual fluid will be cleaned up at this time.
The car is then started, tested and will be inspected for any leaks before the flush is considered complete.
When should I replace my power steering fluid?
In some cases, there may be signs it’s time to replace your power steering fluid. For starters, if you see any dirty fluid and/or noise coming from the power steering, then it could indicate the fluid needs to be changed, but this isn’t always the case as you could have a faulty power steering part. Mechanics will often tell you to listen for a moaning-like sound because this can indicate the fluid levels are low.
Other signs to look out for, aside from listening to the noises, includes difficulty turning the wheel or brown/black fluid inside of the power steering fluid reservoir — a sign that indicates the fluid is contaminated.
As for a maintenance schedule, the service should be done either every 36 months or about every 75,000 miles, whichever comes first. This will all depend on your vehicle’s age, condition and the mechanic’s recommendation. The next time you do take your car in for routine maintenance, talk with the mechanic to see what he or she recommends as, again, you often won’t find it inside of your vehicle’s owners manual.
What color is power steering fluid?
Power steering fluid, usually, is a slight variant of transmission fluid, with pink, clear and red being the most common colors. To know for sure which colors your power steering fluid should be, mechanics recommend checking your owner’s manual to know for certain. If the fluids are either black or a darker brown, then this is a tell-tale sign the fluid is contaminated and should be swapped, especially if it has a bad smell to it.
