Older Folks and Vaping Back Porch - Part Seven

[Kenna]

Hey this is a test of Ginny's ECF

Hi, Ginny! Welcome! It's about time you got here!

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[bigbells]

Do all the surprise combinations still taste good?

To me they do, but I've got really tolerant taste buds. Some might say I have no taste, but that's not true.

 

[bigbells]

Dave's Faster Internet Pursuit, Chapter Umpteen:
Hope Springs Eternal But Is Lucy Holding That Football Again?
It is not reassuring when the chat agent tells me I can rest assured.


Info at 10:34, Jul 17:
Thank you for contacting CenturyLink. A sales and service consultant will be with you in just a moment. Your account information is confidential and protected by law. Please advise our agent if you prefer that we do not use it to market products or repair your services. This has no effect on the service or offers we provide you.

Info at 10:36, Jul 17:
All agents are currently assisting others. A CenturyLink Consultant will be with you shortly. Your minimum wait time is approximately 1 minutes. Thank you for your patience.

Info at 10:37, Jul 17:
To ensure compliance with Payment Card Industry guidelines, please do not share your credit card information, security code, or CVV/CVC in the body of this chat. If required, your credit card information will be requested through a separate, secure window. Thank you for contacting CenturyLink.
You are speaking with Jessica S..

Jessica S. at 10:37, Jul 17:
Thank you for contacting CenturyLink for your internet and television needs. This is Jessica, how can I help you today?

Dave at 10:37, Jul 17:
Please do not use my information for marketing purposes.

Dave at 10:37, Jul 17:
I have been this route many times and continually get different answers from CenturyLink. I want to find out if faster Internet is available.

Jessica S. at 10:38, Jul 17:
Thank you for authenticating your account. I would be happy to check for an upgrade. Would you provide a contact number?
While I am in your account, if I see anything that will benefit you, I will be sure to let you know.

Dave at 10:39, Jul 17:
No thank you on the "will benefit me" stuff. It would be a waste of your time and mine. 252-xxxxxxx

Jessica S. at 10:40, Jul 17:
It looks like you are on 10mbps currently, and that is the highest speed available there. 25mbps does show available, but it looks like the tech has already been out and advised that 25M cannot be set up due to a bad cable.

Dave at 10:41, Jul 17:
Can I get a copy of that tech report? CenturyLink refuses to tell me anything. Where is the bad cable? Can I replace it?

Jessica S. at 10:42, Jul 17:
You wouldn't be able to replace it, no, the full cable would have to be replaced but the demand in the area would have to justify the cost of that so at this point, 10mbps would be the max available. The tech just contacted us to let us know 25M could not be set up due to the cable situation.

Dave at 10:42, Jul 17:
No tech has contacted me, not even one time, regarding my attempts to upgrade to faster service.

Dave at 10:44, Jul 17:
I would still like to know where the bad cable is located. My line runs 800 feet underground from the overhead telephone cable.

Jessica S. at 10:45, Jul 17:
We do not have access to that. The only information we have is what the tech contacts us to let us know if there's an issue with a particular order. The note says thetech contacted us to get the order downgraded to 10mbps due to a bad cable.

Dave at 10:45, Jul 17:
I already had 10 Mbps service and I've had it for about 3 years.

Jessica S. at 10:46, Jul 17:
Yes, I understand. The order was for 25M, so the tech contacted us to downgrade the order to 10M.

Dave at 10:47, Jul 17:
There was no "downgrade". CenturyLink did nothing. That's a downgrade?

Jessica S. at 10:49, Jul 17:
Yes, it was a downgrade because the order was for 25M. What you're actually provisioned for has to reflect correctly on your account so the corect billing codes are on there. So the tech contacted a rep to ask them to downgrade the order from 25M back down to 10M

Dave at 10:50, Jul 17:
OK, fine. Another question: please tell me what you see as my current billed amount, that will be drafted from my account at the end of this month.

Jessica S. at 10:50, Jul 17:
$45

Jessica S. at 10:50, Jul 17:
Amount Due:
$45.00 Current Bill Due:
07/31/2018

Dave at 10:51, Jul 17:
OK, thanks. The only bill that I can access online still shows that I will be billed $173.08 on July 31.

Jessica S. at 10:52, Jul 17:
The bill itself won't change because it's just a PDF of the printed bill, but your actual amount due should be reflected properly in your MyAccount

Dave at 10:53, Jul 17:
Yes, thanks. How will I know if and when 25M service is available for real?

Jessica S. at 10:53, Jul 17:
It won't be available until the cable is replaced but we don't have a way of seeing if/when that will happen. I would just keep checking back every few months

Dave at 10:56, Jul 17:
That's what I've been doing, but unfortunately your website sometimes says that 10M is the best I can get, while at other times it says that 25M is available. That's why it would be nice to know if and when CenturyLink is giving accurate info, rather than having to sign up for 25M only to find out a few days later that it's not really available.

Dave at 10:58, Jul 17:
If I replace the entire 800' of underground cable that's on my property (from the junction box to my house), will I be able to get a reevaluation from CenturyLink regarding the feasability of 25M service?

Jessica S. at 10:59, Jul 17:
Yes. If something happens and you do the work to replace the cable, we can dispatch a tech back out to check and see if 25M can then be set up there.

Dave at 11:01, Jul 17:
Is there some amount of cable that CenturyLink WILL replace? If so, what is that length, please? Or, can I pay to have it done so that I can get the 25M service?

Jessica S. at 11:01, Jul 17:
That is something you would need to speak to the tech about. I can let you speak to tech support to see if they're able to figure anything out for you?

Dave at 11:02, Jul 17:
Heck, yes, I'd appreciate that, Jessica. Thanks.

Jessica S. at 11:02, Jul 17:
My pleasure, one moment and I will get you transferred.

Info at 11:03, Jul 17:
Please wait while I transfer the chat to the best suited operator. This may take a moment.

Info at 11:03, Jul 17:
All technical support chats may be recorded and used for training purposes. Hello, you have reached CenturyLink Internet Repair, my name is Angelyca. Please give me a moment while I review the information you have provided.

Angelyca at 11:04, Jul 17:
Hi Dave. Thank you for contacting Centurylink. I see that you’re chatting about 25 mbps?

Dave at 11:04, Jul 17:
Yes

Angelyca at 11:05, Jul 17:
Alright. I'll be delighted to help you with that issue.

Angelyca at 11:05, Jul 17:
What’s your full name please?

Dave at 11:05, Jul 17:
Dave Bellware

Angelyca at 11:07, Jul 17:
Thank you. While checking on it, could you please provide a contact number in case there's a need to call you back and the email address associated on your account?

Dave at 11:07, Jul 17:
252xxxxxxx.

Angelyca at 11:08, Jul 17:
Thank you so much. One moment please.

Angelyca at 11:10, Jul 17:
So, you want to upgrade your speeds up to 25 mbps?

Dave at 11:11, Jul 17:
Yes, but I hope you will read the entire conversation that I had with Jessica. Otherwise I'll end up having to repeat the entire long story.

Angelyca at 11:13, Jul 17:
Sorry, 4 chats at a time, will do my best to review it.

Angelyca at 11:13, Jul 17:
One momen,t

Angelyca at 11:13, Jul 17:
moment

Angelyca at 11:14, Jul 17:
So, you want to know the fastest speeds available on the area?

Dave at 11:17, Jul 17:
OK, it looks like I have to repeat everything. The fastest speed is supposedly 25 Mbps. However, one of your technicians supposedly checked and said that there's a damaged cable that made it impossible for him to upgrade my service, which is currently 10 Mbps. I am inquiring to find out if I can pay to have the bad cable replaced. [Editor's note: I was extremely succinct but complete with that explanation!]

Angelyca at 11:19, Jul 17:
Well, actually, it should be handled by our customer service, and let you know if there's a possible charge to replaced bad cable.

Dave at 11:20, Jul 17:
You folks are truly impossible. I was transferred to you.. now you want to transfer me back, right?

Angelyca at 11:20, Jul 17:
We don;t have a tools to check if there's a charge replacing the bad cable.

Dave at 11:21, Jul 17:
Yes, but you do have tools to check what the tech told CenturyLink. I don't have those tools, but you do.

Angelyca at 11:22, Jul 17:
Yes, but all we can do here is to send you a tech to check the cables.

Dave at 11:22, Jul 17:
OK, let's do that again, even though a tech did that 15 days ago (supposedly).

Angelyca
at 11:24, Jul 17:
Okay. just to check, are you using a filter on the modem?

Dave at 11:25, Jul 17:
Well, it's a router, but I do not have a filter on it. [Editor’s note: whoops! Angelyca was correct, I think, that it’s a modem. All routers are modems, maybe?]

Angelyca at 11:26, Jul 17:
Aside from centurylink modem, are you using a third party router?

Dave at 11:27, Jul 17:
It's a CenturyLink approved router, but I bought it outright on Ebay.

Dave at 11:28, Jul 17:
The router is an ActionTec C2000A

Angelyca at 11:28, Jul 17:
Thank you,
Okay. Let me now check your line connection here.

Dave at 11:29, Jul 17:
Thanks, yes.

Angelyca at 11:30, Jul 17:
You're welcome, And could you please provide the complete service address?

Dave at 11:30, Jul 17:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx; xxxxxx: xxx NC xxxxx-xxxx

Dave at 11:31, Jul 17:
The speed that appears on CenturyLink's site when I enter the modem's IP address is 5.56 M download, 0.76 M upload.

Angelyca at 11:32, Jul 17:
Thank you. Upon checking here, CenturyLink will need to dispatch a technician to your location to isolate and repair the issue you are having. There is no charge if the problem is found to be outside the building in the CenturyLink network. If the problem is found to be inside the building, the technician will let you know if there are any possible charges before he or she proceeds with the work. Charges for that work will be a minimum of $85. Before I schedule that dispatch, do you have any questions I can answer for you?

Dave at 11:33, Jul 17:
No, but I hope the hopes that you've raised in me are justified. Thanks!

Angelyca at 11:34, Jul 17:
Alright. You're welcome. Let me ask you a few questions.

Angelyca at 11:34, Jul 17:
Our technician should attempt to contact you by phone when they are en-route to start work on your trouble report. What telephone number would you like us to use?

Dave at 11:34, Jul 17:
252-xxx-xxxx

Angelyca at 11:35, Jul 17:
Thank you. The earliest time available here is on Wednesday 7/18 not later than 5PM, would that be fine?

Dave at 11:37, Jul 17:
The tech needs to be told that my 10 Mbps service is working just fine, but that CenturyLink has previously told me that a tech told them that there was a damaged cable which made the installation of 25 M service impossible. Yes, Wednesday (tomorrow) is great.

Angelyca at 11:38, Jul 17:
Yes, already noted.

Angelyca at 11:38, Jul 17:
Are there animals in the yard that the technician should be aware of?

Dave at 11:39, Jul 17:
None.

Angelyca at 11:39, Jul 17:
Okay.Is there clear access to the Interface Box on the premise or is it inside your premise, or in a fenced/restricted area? It is usually located near the power.

Dave at 11:41, Jul 17:
There are two different types of boxes and I don't know which is named an interface box. The box at the front of my property has a dome-shaped top. The box right outside my house is where the line enters my house.

Angelyca at 11:42, Jul 17:
Okay. Noted.

Angelyca at 11:42, Jul 17:
We request someone over 18 to be at the premise when we come out, without that your repair could be delayed and we do not wish for that to occur. Will that be possible?

Dave at 11:42, Jul 17:
In either case, the boxes are accessible. Yes, I'll be here!

Angelyca at 11:43, Jul 17:
Thanks much. Find out when your technician will arrive at this link: https://selfservice.centurylink.com/ticketing/residential/displayWheresMyTech.do

Angelyca at 11:44, Jul 17:
Please do note about the tech dispatch schedule so you won't missed the tech's appointment: Wednesday 7/18 not later than 5PM Thank you.

Dave at 11:45, Jul 17:
I will not be leaving my residence tomorrow. I will be here. I waited all day on July 2nd and the tech who was supposed to come never contacted me.

Angelyca at 11:45, Jul 17:
Thank you so much. Is there anything else I can assist you with today?

Dave at 11:46, Jul 17:
No, but thanks. I hope this goes somewhere this time, after 8 months of trying to get my service upgraded.

Angelyca at 11:48, Jul 17:
Sorry about that, rest assure that it will be fixed by our field tech.

Angelyca at 11:48, Jul 17:
Alright. I want to make sure you know about the CenturyLink App. You can access it from your smart phone and it provides account and service information. . It's very easy to use to get the help you need, you can use the click to chat option from your smart phone so you don't need to call for future concerns. It's a pleasure to have helped you today! For self-help guide please visit ctlhelp.com. Thank you for Centurylink. Have a great day!

 

[Kenna]

Thanks. I am going to try to get her on but she is having a heck of a time with this treatment. She talked to her SIL yesterday her name is Cathy. This Cancer in her back they are treating with oral Chemo and it makes her just as sick. She told Ginny that they are going to check to see if it is helping and if it isn't she is just going to give up. She is like the old saying goes Sick and Tired of being Sick and Tired. Shes been fighting this since she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer over 3 years ago and beat that one then it appeared in her back. She's had it. She is about 63.

Ginny's back has been really bothering her had to get up and come downstairs and take some pain pills. Everytime she tries to eat she feels really sick, nothing comes of it she said she feels like she has the worst flu ever. Day by day she is getting gradually better, in baby steps.

This morning started early 0330. Alyssa will be here tomorrow. So that will cheer her up. I got all my juice made and her computer set up for use. Now to get her better will work on vape room some more today.

Poor Ginny! That flu thing such a rotten feeling. It's not like you can take a flu OTC thing to at least make a dent in it either. Itxs hard for her to go thru this h know what her SIL is dealing with. Hopefully the visit makes her feel better.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[Kenna]

Guess whos coming to dinner tomorrow. 2 months old but really 1 month he was a premie by 1 month.

GGSon Jash

How sweet! He's beautiful!

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[Bea-FL]

Do you all remember a little over a year ago I spent a week in the hospital due to an intestinal blockage that didn't allow anything to exit! And that was my second blockage. Well, it looks like the obstruction that caused it (scar tissue from my hysterectomy years before) is getting worse again. I had to see my gastroenterologist today and since I'm not blocked right now, which would mean surgery, he wants me to start using Miralax regularly to try to relieve my symptoms. He said start with the full dosage…see inside of cap…3 times a week. If you end up with very loose stools or ........ go to 2 times a week or cut the dosage in half 3 times a week. He said Miralax can be used that way indefinitely, unlike laxatives which should only be used very occasionally because they can cause dependancy issues.

Why am I telling you this? Because often older people have chronic constipation for no medical reasons. And since so many of us here are older I thought some of you might find this info useful. My oldest cat, Peaty, takes Miralax three times a week too. He's old and gets constipated without it.

And get this - Miralax is PG…who knew!

Keep your fingers crossed I don't block.

 

[bigbells]

blockage that didn't allow anything to exit!

A toilet in my house developed the same condition two days ago. In my whole life I have never before been unable to fix a stopped-up toilet, but this one has so far resisted my best efforts with plunger and augers.

May you do better than that!

 

[Iffy]

Wholly crap, kinda wish I hadn't mentioned my commode issue a few days ago!

Bea, do hope all turns out OK at da end...

 

[bigbells]

Sweet success! After a trip to Lowes, this baby plus some high-velocity elbow grease got my toilet unclogged.
Shop Liquid-Plumr 6.75-in dia Rubber Plunger with 9.75-in Handle at Lowes.com

 

[Bea-FL]

@bigbells
If it happens again…get yourself some Miralax…pour in toilet…watch it unplug…success

EDIT: BTW Walmart has their own brand of Miralax, exact same product but half the price.

 

[bigbells]

And get this - Miralax is PG…who knew!

Miralax= Polyethelene Glycol. The dilutant commonly used in ejuice= Propylene Glycol. 2 different animals, both with the same acronym.

 

[Bea-FL]

Miralax= Polyethelene Glycol. The dilutant commonly used in ejuice= Propylene Glycol. 2 different animals, both with the same acronym.

oh, dah! I knew that but my brain had a brain fart!

 

[2legsshrt]

Well GDaughter and GGSon got here today that put a smile on her face. She has gone back to sleep now him too. A lot of excitement.

 

[DancingHeretik]

Do you all remember a little over a year ago I spent a week in the hospital due to an intestinal blockage that didn't allow anything to exit! And that was my second blockage. Well, it looks like the obstruction that caused it (scar tissue from my hysterectomy years before) is getting worse again. I had to see my gastroenterologist today and since I'm not blocked right now, which would mean surgery, he wants me to start using Miralax regularly to try to relieve my symptoms. He said start with the full dosage…see inside of cap…3 times a week. If you end up with very loose stools or ........ go to 2 times a week or cut the dosage in half 3 times a week. He said Miralax can be used that way indefinitely, unlike laxatives which should only be used very occasionally because they can cause dependancy issues.

Why am I telling you this? Because often older people have chronic constipation for no medical reasons. And since so many of us here are older I thought some of you might find this info useful. My oldest cat, Peaty, takes Miralax three times a week too. He's old and gets constipated without it.

And get this - Miralax is PG…who knew!

Keep your fingers crossed I don't block.

I've never been quite that constipated, but close enough to know it's pretty horrible. Best of luck!

Well GDaughter and GGSon got here today that put a smile on her face. She has gone back to sleep now him too. A lot of excitement.

Beautiful!

 

[MikeE3]

Well GDaughter and GGSon got here today that put a smile on her face. She has gone back to sleep now him too. A lot of excitement.

Wonderful! So heart warming and touching.

 

[Janet H]

Well GDaughter and GGSon got here today that put a smile on her face. She has gone back to sleep now him too. A lot of excitement.

Awww, what a sweet picture!!

 

[oldbroad]

Well GDaughter and GGSon got here today that put a smile on her face. She has gone back to sleep now him too. A lot of excitement.

Ginny looks so happy! What a gift for her!!!

 

[2legsshrt]

Ginny looks so happy! What a gift for her!!!

Yep it has really snapped her out of feeling so bad. She is up sitting in her chair holdin Jash right now and every chance she gets.

 

[Iffy]

Well da 'breaks' are keepin' on keepin' on!

Da Tahoe got rear-ended today. Thankfully no one was injured and da truck (mit new paint job) wasn't harmed. Da brighter side is dat we're gonna get a new mobility scooter lift!

Ginny, luv da G-baby/Granny pics!

 

[3mg Meniere]

Well da 'breaks' are keepin' on keepin' on!

Da Tahoe got rear-ended today. Thankfully no one was injured and da truck (mit new paint job) wasn't harmed. Da brighter side is dat we're gonna get a new mobility scooter lift! View attachment 755009

Ginny, luv da G-baby/Granny pics! View attachment 755011

Iffy, you guys have had one bad break after another. My prayers for a turn-around. Maybe not as tough as Pat and Ginny's situation, but, oh-my-gosh!!