Online Blog

Julie is it possible you are experiencing clinical depression? It
sounds like all the symptoms of it. I have had depression for almost
12 years, that's why I noticed it. You might have ended up with it
from all of the pain causing a chemical imbalance in your brain. It
happens very frequently. Coming off your meds might just
have "pushed" you over the edge of it and now you are having more
pronounced symptoms. Please check this out. The antidepressants
that are out now are a big help. Please let us know how you are
doing. If you want to talk privately just email me and I'll give you
my phone number or I can call you if you want.
Take care,
Ruth

Oh yes, and the best thing about coming off Neurontin and Elavil (I refuse
to go back onto Elavil) is that I can now read a whole book. I used to
have to read every page over and over trying to remember what I had read,
until I gave up. I was an avid reader all my life and then I found I
couldn't read a novel for six years. My mother says that my speed at
upwords has increased 100 fold.
These drugs are so evil but...
I couldn't get out of bed without them. I literally had such low range of
movement in my legs I could barely walk and I couldn't sit for very long
either, let alone stand. The pain was not bearable without the drugs and
the drugs got me back to work, albeit part time.
I guess if I had my time over again, I would have opted for the stimulator
much earlier. But if there was no stimulator, I still would have taken
the levels of Neurontin etc because I had no life without them.
Now I'm scared that they have effected my brain/personality permanently.
Is there anyone who has successfully come off long term high levels of
these drugs successfully?
warm wishes
Julie

Hi Bev thanks for the info on the printer. That is what happened to me.
I thought my printer gave out. I didn't buy a new but did have those
thoughts.
Figured I would try it again and was surprise when it started
working.:))
I love to print out things especially baby patterns that i do for
hospitals.
You did answer what the problem was.I never once thought it was Web tv.
LOL
God Bless
Angel

Hi all,

Some of you may already know this but I have a new address:

mammabear@...

I got some mail back as undeliverable and I cant remember which lists got the message and which didnt so to cover my bases I am sending this to all of you. Thanks

Melanie

Hello Julie,
Have you been checked for the possibility that you contracted an autoimmune or
autoimmune related disease from the surgery? It does happen. I would ask my GP
for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate this possibility.
Roger

I got the trial device out yesterday. I admitted that my fears and doubts and
emotions told me all sorts of reasons to NOT get the permanent device, but
when I wrote things down on paper to see what percentage of improvement I saw
with the device for each type of pain, each area, and each activity that
normally causes pain, I found I had a 50-75% improvement in those sorts of pain.
(It
does not help my main disease, arthritis, muscle pain, bursitis, tendonitis,
or anything above the waist-it just targets the nerve damage below the waist).
So, we decided to go for the surgery. The doctor and Medtronics nurse say that
my results are a "slam dunk!"
I go for my presurgery exam on August 11th and then I have the surgical
consult with the neurosurgeon on August 19th. I'm guessing surgery should be
anytime from the 22nd to the end of the month. Can anyone tell me what tests you
had
to have to get surgery clearance? They said I would probably need an EKG,
Chest X-ray, bloodwork, and maybe clearance from a cardiologist and
rheumatologist. I'm hoping my Internal Medicine doc will be able to do all the
exam for me
because I'm sick of going to doctors!
If you ever have time and want to follow my ramblings, you can read my blog
at:
http://imlivingoutloud.blogspot.com/
Kathy W. in KY

Dori, when are you thinking about having the surgery? I know you have not taken this lightly. Your Aunt has my email, please tell her not ever to hesitate to use it, you know we will be worried sick about you. But are behind your decesion 100% whatever you decide. Love & huggs to all, Lynda [INLINE]

I'm baaaacccccck. LOL Hi girls. Many ty's for all your emails. I needed some time, with the second anniversary of my son Greggs' death on the 13th of Nov.

I needed some time for my head to get into a better place. I am getting some

special time to think and pray and am coming to terms and learning to let go in

the ways I need to in order to get on with my life and family. Thanks to all for all

your support.

Hi Every body, the news letter i sent can be opened at every title
description for info on that subject. good reads.hugs bev. i wasn't
aware of being able to clck on each subject for all the info on that
subject until after i mailed it.LOL. hugs,and prayers,bev.

Hi Denise and everyone
It was coming off Neurontin that set off all the side effects I listed in
my last email. I was on four 800mg per day for more than five years. I
don't think there has been a lot of research about coming off such a
prolonged high dose of Neurontin. While the doctors tell me there is no
evidence for the side effects I am experiencing (eg change in personality,
heaviness, nausea persisiting for months) and there is nothing else that
can explain it either. Hence why I have gone back onto it. I went off it
half a tablet a week, which is supposed to be very slow. I tried coming
off it again even more slowly but after a couple of weeks on only one
400mg per day, the symptoms became stronger everyday until I gave up and
increased the dose again. I seem to have some good days on three 400mg
tablets a day. But I lost so much weight when I came off it without even
changing my diet, and now its piling back on. Soooo depressing!!!!
warm wishes
Julie

lots of great facts.hugs,bev

Bernadette -
What were your side effects from coming off of Neurontin and Elevel? I am on
both. I take 1200mg three times a day for Neurontin. I take one 50mg Elevel at
night. I was taking two but when I called for a renewal of the prescription
they wrote it down as one table at bedtime. I am so frustrated with the weigh
gain from these meds.
I wish I knew what a clear head was. I have trouble spitting out my sentences
sometime. And Memory -- forget it (I usually do). I forget things quickly and
easily. Anyone have suggestions on how to help the memory issues?
Best wishes Bernadette and welcome to the group!!!
Denise (from MA)

hello everybody,enclosed is a document from webtv,explaining about the
hacks. it is a good read. good explanation of whats happening to our web
friends.please be careful of NG e-mails etc. hugs, from bev.

Dori,
Since you have done all the research and are sure that the bariatric bypass surgery is what you want to do, then my love and prayers are going to be with you every step of the way. It's going to worry me to death but, hopefully, in the end, it's going to be everything you want it to be to make you look and feel better physically and emotionally. I'm all for it because I'm all for you, sweetie! When it comes right down to it, though, you must have someone post for you so that we know you are okay. Or they can call me, you have my phone number I think, if you don't I'll give it to you but I want to know you came through the surgery okay.
Lots of Love,
Betty

Holly,
I hope you are recovering from your episode. I agree to always go with your
gut. If something doesn't seem right - it probably isn't.
Take Care,
Denise (from MA)

Hello everybody, in case you have a lot of printing that you do /and
you are fortunate enough to own a hewlett-packard. there is nothing
wrong with your printer, if you are on webtv. printing has been disabled
for some unknown reason.so give it a little time and maybe they will fix
it up for us. some of my friends have discarded their printers thinking
that they were broken. and bought a different brand which of course
works perfectly. i almost did this myself. i like to print out
recipes,patterns,and poems,prayers,and cards from friends. i was working
on my own christmas cards for a while.i have been ill since sept.3. i am
in much pain,glad to see all of you carrying the load.while i
rest.thanks bunches. hugs and friendship,bev." god be the glory"

Hi

I have been on it for 2 months now and DR just increased dosage 50mg today. I'm taking less break through meds. I hope that you can try it Dori

Hugs Pat CA

Sorry Rawlings that message was for Julie in Australia not you, about
the medic alert braclet. It was in regards to her post about what does
our braclets say and stuff.
Ruth

I also take the Baclofen but not for back spasms. Mine is for my leg and arm and hand spasms but I can tell the difference if I forget to take it. As a matter of fact, I weaned myself off from it for a couple weeks and doctor put me right back on and I am glad he did.

RSD friends

Dori

Oops guess I just needed to read all the emails. HUH?

Then I would know that you were going to the doc about your spasms on my birthday.

Kathy, I'm glad all went well for you!! The pain will subside but
don't you have any pain meds to help with it?? They certainly don't
take the pain away but they do help some. How many days are you
having your stim in? I had mine in for 3 days. I hope you are able
to get some sleep soon. Good luck and I'll be praying for you.
Ruth

Hi Rawlings,
Mine has implanted neurostimulator, no MRI, no Diathermy, then my
sleep apnea under it. I have the standard one not the largest
either. Is yours from the Medic Alert company or some other braclet
company? If you go to the Medic Alert website you can see the
braclets and order the large emblem and they can fit all of that on
there and maybe some others too.
Take care,
Ruth

having to get rid of a LOT of my craft supplies
due to my illness I have lost the ability to do many of the crafts I used to
enjoy..wanting to find a good home them.....I put them up on eBay, 3 day
auction/NR
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=429721977
thanks
==
agape,
Christy
Proverbs 31:13 She seeketh wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands.
AIM user name: crochetin4Christ
MSN user name: ouchiemama
http://www.egroups.com/group/ThankYouJesusforThornsonMyRoses (elist for
Christian women living with chronic pain and illness
http://www.geocities.com/christybritain/
(Christian pages(God's promises, creation vs. evolution, Corrie ten Boom tribute
page, shooting down the big bang theory....and more) recipes, free crochet
patterns, mystery page, Sherlock Holmes page, classic movie page, aromatherapy
'recipe' page, craft ideas, FMS page, homeschooling page and more)
http://www.geocities.com/britainchristianacademy/indexofstudies.html (thematic
on-line unit studies with off-line activites and games grades 2-?)
websites are continual works in progress

Hi all
I have to say that I have had only incision pain at the iste the battery
was implanted, which is in my lower right abdomen. I also had no pain at
all during the procedure to implant the trial lead electrodes or when I
had the discectomy associated with implanting the paddle electrodes
despite being awake the whole time during both procedures/surgeries.
Apart from post operative incision pain, the only pain I had was during
surgery when I experienced excruciatingly intense grabbing pain whenever
they tested both the lead and the paddle in the wrong position.
On another note, since having the electrode implanted I haven't been able
to drink even a small glass of wine without falling asleep immediately.
It took several glasses prior to the implant to have this effect. I also
can't eat much meat anymore without wanting to fall asleep. Has anyone
else experienced this?
Also, since coming off the meds, I feel heavier very quickly with
repetitive movements (I was hardly able to move prior to going onto the
anticonvulsants) and I seem to now catch every bug that is going around.
Do you think that I amalone in this?
The worst side effect is that I feel my personality has changed - and this
is really hard to deal with. I no longer feel motivated to do anything
and when I get sick, I go really low. All through the day I feel like
vomiting if I let my meds get too low. I go out and all I want to do is
go home. It has now been almost 8 months since I had the permanent
implant and I feel worse than a hermit, making it really difficult to
perform well at work, for the few hours a week I can work. I seem to feel
conswtant irritation in my head since I got the stimulator, sort of unable
to settle easily.
I just want to wake up and be me in my head again, rearing to go and find
something fun to do each day. I really don't know what more I can do to
help myself and would greatly appreciate anyone else's insight.
Congratuations to everyone who has had success with their implants
recently. I wish you a speedy recovery and day to day increase in
strength and activity.
warm wishes
Julie

Hi,
Just thought we would let everyone know we had a wonderful camping trip.
It was hot, 110 degrees where we were at, but the breeze off the water
and the a/c in the trailer helped! The girls had a great time and then we
had a wonderful family dinner tonight (doesn't happen very often here
because of scheduling). Our oldest daughter will graduate from high
school next spring and we are hoping that she will go to college close
enough that we can continue our family camping trips, they have become
somewhat of a tradition and quite fun too! The girls are more outdoors
people than my husband and I are, (don't get me wrong we LOVE the
outdoors) but the girls slept outside in a tent every night! I want my
a/c when I sleep can't sleep if I am hot!! I do hope now that the
official summer LOL has begun to come to an end the weather will take
this under advisory and cooperate and cool down a bit. Well I have missed
you all but soon (after I get the trailer cleaned out and all the dirty
clothes washed LOL) will be back to my normal schedule!
OH LADIES!!
Wonderful news, if you have daughters or children or IF you are just a
woman, I suggest you try reading one of the most spectacular books I have
ever had the privilege of reading!! "My Daughter, My Daughter" by Dee
Brestin and Lori Beckler. This book is a truly great inspiration and has
so many things to offer us as Women, a new way to look at our lives and a
wonderful way to live!!
Hope everyone finds your true heritage!!
Karnation
Visit Us: http://www.geocities.com/the_skinners_tx/
"May the Lord be as welcome in your world as you are in His."
"The price of hating other human beings is loving ones self less.

Hey Lynn,

I was just wondering if you are still having good results with the Lyrica?

Most everyone that I know of that has started using it, loves it. My next doctor's appointment isn't until the end of December but I plan to ask for samples.

RSD friends

Dori

Whose Hands?
A basketball in my hands is worth about $19
A basketball in Michael Jordan's hands is worth about $33 million
It depends whose hands it's in
A baseball in my hands is worth about $6
A baseball in Mark Mcquire's hands is worth $19 million
It depends whose hands it's in
A tennis racket is useless in my hands
A tennis racket in Venus Williams hands is a Wimbledon
Championship
It depends on whose hands it's in.
A rod in my hands will keep away a wild animal
A rod in Moses' hands will part the mighty sea
It depends whose hands it's in
A sling shot in my hands is a kid's toy
A sling shot in David's hand is a mighty weapon.
It depends whose hands it's in
Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in my hands is a couple
of fish sandwiches.
Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in God's hands will
feed thousands
It depends whose hands it's in
Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse
Nails in Jesus Christ's hands will produce salvation
for the entire world.
It depends whose hands it's in
As you see now it depends whose hands it's in. So put
your concerns, your worries, your fears, your hopes,
your dreams, your families and your relationships in
God's hands because, you see,
It depends whose hands it's in.

Just a note to let you know we are home from getting the spinal cord
stimulator trial and all went well from a no complications standpoint. I'll
probably
write this on my blog but wanted you to know right away.
They checked me in at 11:30 and I changed into scrubs and they placed an IV
where my elbow bends. They took my vitals-I'm still running high blood
pressure-have been for a month or so, but hopefully it is pain related (and
stress, of
course) and will subside when all this is over. They put antibiotic in the IV
and some valium to sort of relax me for the surgery. I did NOT get the
twilight sleep cocktail I was so looking forward to! I guess I get that the next
surgery.
The medtronics nurse met me in pre-op and asked if I had any questions and
showed me the trial device.
So, they took me by gurney to the operation suite. It's one they also use for
heart catheterizations. The doc met me there and the medtronics nurse was
there to deliver the equipment and also to program the gizmo. And then there
were
2 other nurses/techs to help.
The nurse scrubbed my back with betadine. Then the doc scrubbed it with MORE
betadine. The biggest risk factor is getting an infection through the open
hole to the spine that will be here until Tuesday when they take out the
equipment (since this is a trial).
They numbed the area (no good medicine in the IV <frown
narrated the whole procedure to me. He was so sweet! He first put a catheter in
there, taking photos with the fluoroscope the whole time to make sure he
didn't go too far. He especially warned me when he would bear down with pressure
on
my back to get the wire in the area, and of course he had to puncture and go
through ligament and that sort of thing. He said most people squirm or flinch
or are off the table, but I was as still as could be-he called me a trouper.
It wasn't unbearable (not great but not the end of the world), and staying
still helped him get it right the first time. So when they were satisfied with
the
location, they put in the lead wire with the electrodes.
At that point the Medtronics nurse hooked the lead wire up to the computer to
program a basic pulse and strength, to see if I could feel it and if they
were getting good coverage. They thought they might need two lead wires to cover
the whole area of pain, but they only needed one to cause the paresthesia
(tingling) in the low back, sacrum, buttocks, and both legs. Amazing! They
almost
did a high five when they got it right the first time. They looked at the
clock and said it was the best this procedure had ever gone for them in regard
to
accuracy, no complications, and amount of time. I told them it was because so
many people were praying. They agreed! They stitched the wire into place and
then cleaned me off and said we were done. It only took one hour.
I had to practice my logroll to get from the surgery table to the gurney to
take me back to pre-op which was also recovery. Russ and Pastor met me in
recovery and the medtronics nurse continued to program the device, so that there
are more options to consider. I have 4 different programs I can choose from at
this point. She showed Russ and me how to use the remote to change the
settings. Then she showed Russ the dressing in the back. He said it is the size
of a
piece of notebook paper. She said it is essential he inspect it often to make
sure none of the edges are unsecured because even a little bit of opening could
let in bacteria or viruses that could cause a major infection. If it happens,
he is to tape around the edges. So, they were thorough.
I am in a lot of pain from the surgery, because he had to bear down a lot on
my back to manipulate the wire to get it were he wanted it, and because they
didn't put any pain meds in my IV. They said this should get better in a day or
two.
The sensation from the device is unbelievable. Very hard to describe. Not
unpleasant, but strange. Will take some getting used to. And the restrictions
are
CRAZY. But this time it is just until Tuesday so I can deal with. I'm walking
like a granny with a cane, but that should get better when the surgical pain
subsides.
I'll keep you posted. Thanks so much for praying. Pray especially at this
point that the surgical pain gets better and that I can figure out a way to get
some rest.
Russ just put in a toilet riser for me and said with a smile, "You should be
good to GO." The king of puns he is!
I will close for now and also post this to the blog. Other updates will be on
the blog as this progresses. You can read it at:
http://imlivingoutloud.blogspot.com
(no www and no @)
Thanks again for thinking of me today and for praying!
Kathy

Cat, go back and read the messages that have been posted recently. We
have been talking about all the concerns and stuff of having scs done.
there is a lot of info in those posts. They should help a great deal
and maybe make you feel a little better. If there are any questions
that weren't answered then ask, ask, ask. We'll be happy to help.
Good luck.
Ruth

http://www.scborromeo.org/wisdom/devil.htm

Carrie

I am so glad to hear the surgery went well.

I pray that you are finding some comfort and the pain is diminishing.

RSD friends

Dori

This came from my Mom today. She is now an official e-writer! Published
online yesterday!!
Check out the site!
Melanie
very proud daughter : )
THE BIRTH OF KUDLICKA PUBLISHING
AND
KOSS PUBLICATIONS
As of last week, I have teamed up with Wendy Kudlicka to publish e-books.
Taken from our own lives, the stories and poems we have published will be
available in e-book format for purchase at:
<A HREF="http://www.kudlicka.com/"
tp://www.kudlicka.com</A
AND
please visit my website at:
<A HREF="http://kosspublications.homestead.com/FirstPage.html"
lications.homestead.com/FirstPage.html</A
This is a new venture for both of us, but already proving to be successful.
Please share this with with anyone you feel might be interested and......most
of all.....enjoy!!
Mitzi (or Ellyn - or Mom)

In a message dated 8/29/00 4:10:26 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
ThankYouJesusforThornsOnMyRoses@egroups.com writes:
<< this was sooo timely!
*** There is an attachment in this mail. ***
Christy,
I am on digest so I didnt get the article, could you either resend it to the
list or send it to me personally (dizzy94@...) I would really like to see
it.
Melanie

Hi Everyone, Please forgive me for being breif but the numbness is wearing off already! The skin cancer surgery was a success but it was Bigger & Deeper than they thought! It took 6 1/2 hours! But they kept going until they got it all so I don't have to worry about it coming back! With the insurance that I have regular plastic surgery is outa the question so next Monday the docs will do a skin graft from my forehead to fill-in and cover the hole it left. The BIG hole it left! I lost almost the whole right side of my nose! I'm starting to hurt real bad so i'm gonna take a nap. More tommorrow I Promise! Love, Carrie

--
May The Lord Smile Upon You Today!! `;~)

this was sooo timely!
*** There is an attachment in this mail. ***
==
agape,
Christy
Proverbs 31:13 She seeketh wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands.
AIM user name: crochetin4Christ
MSN user name: ouchiemama
http://www.egroups.com/group/ThankYouJesusforThornsonMyRoses (elist for
Christian women living with chronic pain and illness
http://www.geocities.com/christybritain/
(Christian pages(God's promises, creation vs. evolution, Corrie ten Boom tribute
page, shooting down the big bang theory....and more) recipes, free crochet
patterns, mystery page, Sherlock Holmes page, classic movie page, aromatherapy
'recipe' page, craft ideas, FMS page, homeschooling page and more)
http://www.geocities.com/britainchristianacademy/indexofstudies.html (thematic
on-line unit studies with off-line activites and games grades 2-?)
websites are continual works in progress

[INLINE]

As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in
my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there
are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials,
and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.
It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know,
the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and
be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for
the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the
meaning of the celebration.
I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of
delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite
and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't
invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation.
The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the
door in my face......... and I wanted to be with them and share their table.
In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me.
Since I was not invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and
stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and
laughing at everything. They were having a great time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed
in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on
the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying : "Santa Claus, Santa Claus"... as if the party
were in his honor !
At 12 midnight all the people began to hug each other ; I extended my arms waiting for someone
to hug me and .... do you know .... no one hugged me.
Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation.
When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me.
What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one ? I then
understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.
Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and
nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life.
I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this
world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe
this with all you heart.
I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my
own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party.
I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out many invitations and there is
an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for
you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest
list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invitation, will be left outside.
Do you know how you can answer this invitation? it is by extending it to others whom you care for...
I'll be waiting for all of you to attend my party this year...
See you soon .... I love you !
-Jesus-

I agree with Deanna. I think that this year, personally has been
very
hard for me. You have my prayers and thoughts as you go through this
hard time.
Pax,
In JMJ
Angelique
--- In ThankYouJesusforThornsOnMyRoses@egroups.com, formybiz@j...

definitely
have

Hi All, I've been reading some of the new posts regarding the trial and surgery
so I thought
I would tell you about mine. I've had 3 previous back surgeries, 2 discectomies
and a
fusion. I am almost 4 weeks post surgery and I can tell you that this was, by
far, the
easiest recovery. I was very careful the first couple weeks, and have not yet
started
physical therapy yet , but I can say that I have fully recovered my strength and
mobility. I
never had any difficulty putting on bra's, clothes, shaving legs or any hygience
problems.
The placement of my unit is in the abdomen, left lower quadrant. This area has
healed
with no residual pain. I also have read questions regarding MRI's, and
diagnostic
ultrasound. My doctor here in Sweden said that they don't recommend MRI's but
doctors
with his experience know of parameters that make them possible. He would
recommend
CT scans generally. As far as diagnostic ultrasound it is fine. I have a family
history of both
breast and ovarian cancer and my Gyn always does ultrasounds for both. My doctor
has
said, and my Gyn has concurred, that as long as it is off there will be no
problem. I will be
having my yearly Gyn appt. in Sept. and let you know how it goes. Theraputic
ultrasound
can not be done with SCS also diathermy and ablation proceedures are strictly
forbidden.
Since my surgery I have been able to completely stop taking neurontin (I was
taking
600mg 3 times a day), reduce my elavil to an evening dose, and cut my
percocet/tylenol 3
usage from 2-4 doses a day to 1/2 to one dose in the evening and have gone
without
narcotic pain meds 4 times. I feel clear headed for the first time in years. I
do tend to
increase the amount of time I have my stimulator on. At first I would get
headaches from
overstimulating but this seems to be abating. My doctor keeps telling me that I
have no
restrictions regarding lifting, twisting, and even mild stretching and I have
not had any
problems with any of these things. Now, having had so many previous back
surgeries I'm
sure I unconciously protect myself from going to far, but as I previously stated
this has
been a surprisingly easy recovery. I hope all the rest of you have positive
experiences too.
Good Luck, Bernadette

PHYSICIANS.....

(A) The number of physicians in the United States is 700,000.

(B) Accidental deaths caused by Physicians per year are 120,000.

(C) Accidental deaths per physicians is 0.171.

Statistics courtesy of U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services.

Now think about this:

Guns:

(A) The number of gun owners in the U.S.

is

Ruth, thanks for your great note! How long have you had your SCS? I'd love to
hear everyone's story, if you feel like sharing it. It helps me get to know
you.
And please, everyone, feel free to go to my blog-I have it set up with
graphics and photos and x-rays and my journal notes as well about being on this
journey of getting the SCS.
http://imlivingoutloud.blogspot.com/
Tomorrow I go to get the trial inserted. And I'll be home tomorrow night. Is
that how most you did it-outpatient surgery?
Thanks,
Kathy W. in KY

Dear Christy,
I have read your letter to the group members,and I most certainly will
pray for you. you have had a lot of courage to write how you are
feeling.which is a step in the right direction. i am 250 lbs and
used to be terribly depressed about it, but then one day it dawned on
me,that the weight wasn't painful physically, only mentally.and perhaps
if i didn't concentrate on it, it wouldn't bother me as much. and you
know what it really did work.i don't know what i should say about your
husband,because i really don't know what you meant. if it is that he
doesn't understand about your illness, perhaps you should get some
literature about it and just leave it laying around. we can only hope
that he might just read it, and understand more. sometimes the. lord
works in funny ways,and works through us without us even knowing it..
I will write you again soon, pray and i will pray for you really hard
too. your friend, bev.

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Sleep disturbances appear to
increase the risk of developing diabetes in men but not in
women, according to a Swedish study.
Dr. Lena Mallon, from University Hospital in Uppsala and
her associates sent questionnaires regarding sleep com-
plaints and other possible risk factors for diabetes to a
random sample of subjects who were 45 to 65 years old in
1983, and again in 1995. A total of 1187 subjects
completed both questionnaires.
During that interval, diabetes developed in 6 percent of
women and 9 percent of men, according to a report in the
medical journal Diabetes Care.
After adjusting for age and other risk factors, including
high blood pressure, snoring, weight and depression, the
team found that the risk of diabetes was nearly three-fold
higher for men who got no more than 5 hours of uninterrupt-
ed sleep a night, and nearly five times higher for men with
difficulties maintaining sleep.
However, sleep variables were not tied to diabetes in women
in the study.
The researchers say there are several ways that lack of
sleep might lead to diabetes. One possibility is that poor
sleep is related to activation of the stress system, another
is that sleep debt may impact carbohydrate metabolism.

Good luck Girl, I hope everything goes well for you.
Ruth

hello ladies,
I come 'begging' for intercessory prayer! I am really struggling spiritually
right now, and have been for about a month. I know this means that God is
trying to get my attention about something and I am being stubborn and don't
want to hear it. Please consider it as unspoken prayer needs......I could try
to explain, but it is such a big messy ball of tangles, and I am confused and
disoriented. I think it has something to do with pride. It involves my weight,
my husband,our marriage, my illness, a wheelchair, SSI, having someone come to
my house to help out 3 times a week, my cognitive problems, and so on and so on.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, I have a history of resisting to the point where
the Lord has to literally force me to my knees. It is a good place to be, but a
not so good way to get there. I think it is also part of this pride thing. I
have been out of the word for several weeks now, I just can't seem to pray for
any length of time, and certainly haven't been enjoying any quiet time with the
Lord. I feel very rebellious and almost self-righteous ....
thank you just for being there and knowing I can come and ask for this....
==
agape,
Christy
Proverbs 31:13 She seeketh wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands.
AIM user name: crochetin4Christ
MSN user name: ouchiemama
http://www.egroups.com/group/ThankYouJesusforThornsonMyRoses (elist for
Christian women living with chronic pain and illness
http://www.geocities.com/christybritain/
(Christian pages(God's promises, creation vs. evolution, Corrie ten Boom tribute
page, shooting down the big bang theory....and more) recipes, free crochet
patterns, mystery page, Sherlock Holmes page, classic movie page, aromatherapy
'recipe' page, craft ideas, FMS page, homeschooling page and more)
http://www.geocities.com/britainchristianacademy/indexofstudies.html (thematic
on-line unit studies with off-line activites and games grades 2-?)
websites are continual works in progress

Hi

I haven't been here much this past week. My sister in law from OK was here to visit and a lot of other things going on.

I hope that all of you are having less painful days. My Grandson sees a counselor in the morning.

Hugs Pat CA

I have a Medic Alert bracelet from medicalert.com, and subscribe to their
service, which is cheap - about $20/year. I've had my bracelet for years and all
that I have engraved on it is my primary condition (spina bifida) and my latex
allergy. My bracelet has a telephone number and member number, so when
paramedics or an ER physician calls, they receive my complete medical and
surgical history, including my SCS and another implanted device I have. It also
lists my surgeons' contact information, and Medic Alert notifies my family and
roommates. I carry a card in my wallet (printed by Medic Alert) that has a
shortened version of my history and my SCS restrictions. It's a great service
and literally saved my life last summer.
~Jen
| On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 10:29:37 +1000 (EST)
| julier@... wrote:
| Hi all
|
| I was wondering what everyone had put on their medic alert bracelet. Mine
| was one of the only ones in Australia so they didn't have set wording for
| it. I got them to write
| "Implanted scs. Use bipolar diathermy only. No MRI."
|
| But this was the max they could fit onto their largest tag.
|
| I have to say that I feel much safer having a bracelet now as I know that
| every ambulance officer will check out a person's wrists while treating
| them in an emergency so I know it will be found. My gynaecologist forgot
| that I had the stimulator and commented that he thought that the scarring
| under my appendix scar was very big. But I reminded him that it was the
| IPG he was feeling, and we laughed. But it did make me pleased that I
| finally bought a bracelet and I had been quite worrred before having it
| that they would think that my scarring on my back was usual surgery not
| the implanted electrodes. I got a cheap one for usual wear and a gold
| plated one for good wear.
|
| My gynae also told me that he used bipolar diathermy to good effect in my
| surgery and was pleased with how it worked. This was his first time at
| using it. He was a little reluctant because the book said no diathermy at
| all, and I told him the company assured me that he could use bipolar -
| he explained to me that they usually use unipolar diathermy that allows a
| current to stop a bleading vessel but also runs through your body. In
| bipolar, they put up something (I've forgotten what he called it) at both
| sides of the bleeding area that stops the current from running through the
| body.
|
| Congratualtions Amy, it must be great to feel like a new woman.
|
| warm wishes
|
| Julie
|
|
|
|
|
====================================
Jennifer Fitz-Roy
Boston College LSOE '07
fitzroyj@...
(973)563-0709

Oh my Lord my angel baby is the cutest!! We gave Cecelia her very first ice
cream cone last night and the whole family was rolling on the floor!!
First I had the scooper in one hand and gave her her cone and she set the
cone standing up on her tray and held out her hand for the scooper, she
thought she needed a spoon LOL then Daddy showed her how to lick it and she
had her whole face buried in the cone. When the ice cream was gone she sat
there staring at us and the cone confused (you should have seen the look on
her face she thought we were all nuts) till we took a bite of our cones and
she realized she could EAT the thing! Well she took off and finished first
out of all of us once she "got it" LOL
It was so cute I had to share : )
Melanie

Do you all allow photos on this site? Several have asked to see my dog. Here
is a photo. Her name is Jazzy and she is an 8 month old Boston Terrier.
Kathy W. in KY

this is an awesome read. wanted to share it with you. huggs,bev.
included page.

Welcome Linda,
It's nice to have new people join us. My name is Chris and I live in
Massachusetts.
I have added you to my prayer list. I believe in God's miracles
everyday.
God Bless,
chris

Best wishes Kathy. I hope your SCS trial is a success!
Take Care,
Denise (MA)

Hi Linda
My aunt and some cousins live in Indiana, Milan to be exact. Another lives
in Moore's Hill, and another in Versailles. Where in Indiana do you live??
Even if the majority agrees with an idiotic idea, it is still an idiotic
idea.
Mary J

Hi Sis,

Just wanted you to know that I started Lyrica about two weeks ago and I am having very good results.

As you may, or may not, know; I had to give up my pain meds for both CRPS and Fibro. Both were making me so sick that I couldn't function. Since taking they Lyrica I have also given up my sleeper,a nd two other meds.

I am still adjusting to the 225mg. dose, but I can tell when I forget to take it.

If you haven't tried it, and can get some samples from your doctor, you might want to give it a trial.
[INLINE] , [INLINE] [INLINE] ,& [INLINE] [INLINE] ,
Lynn

Me too Denise and mine feels "hot" to the touch. Any one else?? Mine
was placed June 27 of this year.
Ruth

[INLINE]

JURY TO DELIBERATE IN SAN MATEO CO. FRAUD CASE

Original Article can be found at:

http://www.cbs5.com/localwire/localfsnews/bcn/2005/11/14/n/HeadlineNews/DOBKINS-TRIAL/resources_bcn_html

Hi - was just wondering -
is there any one else out there with
neurofibromitosis?
Jo
=====
Joanne P. Eva \0/\0/\0/ <
YOUR VISION IS YOUR ONLY LIMITATION
"Preach the gospel at all times - If necessary use words." -St. Francis of
Assissi
Alt. e-mail address: jeva_nehemiah@...
Website: http://www.heartwarmers4u.com/members?christiangirl

I just wanted you all to know I'm writing a journal of my journey with the
spinal cord stimulator at my blog. Tomorrow I go for my trial, and then 2-3
weeks I'll go for my surgery IF the trial is successful. I've already posted
several entries about the SCS, so feel free to scroll down. I'm also posting
professional photos and graphics from the Web. And if you want to read my older
posts about other things, you are welcome to scroll down even further, or hit
the
links to past months.
The blog address is:
http://imlivingoutloud.blogspot.com/
Thanks everyone! Wish me the best on my trial!
Kathy W. in KY

Welcome Linda. I am so sorry to hear you have lung cancer. I will keep you
in my prayers, and I will pray that you will be one of God's miracles too.
This is a good group for conversation, prayer, comfort and what ever else that
is on your mind. May God bless you with a miracle.
hugs,
dorothy in Colorado

Hi, I just joined this list a few days ago. I was surprised the list was
so quiet.
I will pray for you and your children Christy.
I was asked to introduce myself when I was ready. I guess this is a good
time. My name is Linda and I live in Indiana. I just found out that I
have lung cancer which has spread to my head and neck region. The pain
that I have is in my back. That is what started the tests that found out I
had something wrong with me. Today the pain is bad. I had surgery on my
head last Thursday and was doing fine and am still doing great except today
I have the back pain back. Tomorrow I start chemotherapy.
I work two jobs, one at the Indiana United Methodist Children's Home, which
is a group home for emotionally disturbed children. I have worked there
for 18 years. My other job is at WalMart as a cashier. That job I am on
sick leave from as I can not stand on my feet that many hours. I have
worked there for over 3 years.
I live by myself with a sweet cat for company. My son is in his late 30's
and is married. No grandchildren.
I have wonderful parents, 3 sisters and a brother.
I pray a lot and know the Lord can work miracles. I want to be one of the
miracles! I only think positive thoughts. The Lord is always with us
through bad times and good times. He never lets us down, but I know I have
let him down many times. I was raised a Christian and I am afraid I have
taken God's love for granted. This I never want to do again. The life he
gives us is so precious.
Enough about my self. What are we studying for our Bible study lesson?
May the Lord bless each and everyone of you!
Linda

I think it Has Merit!

--
May The Lord Smile Upon You Today!! `;~)

Dear God:
Why didn't you save the school children at ?. .
Moses Lake, Washington 2/2/96
Bethel, Alaska 2/19/97
Pearl, Mississippi 10/1/97
West Paducah, Kentucky 12/1/97
Stamps, Arkansas 12/15/97
Jonesboro, Arkansas 3/24/98
Edinboro, Pennsylvania 4/24/98
Fayetteville, Tennessee 5/19/98
Springfield, Oregon 5/21/98
Richmond, Virginia 6/15/98

Littleton, Colorado 4/20/99
Taber, Alberta, Canada 5/28/99
Conyers, Georgia 5/20/99
Deming, New Mexico 11/19/99
Fort Gibson, Oklahoma 12/6/99
Santee, California 3/5/01 and
El Cajon, California 3/22/01?

Sincerely,
Concerned Student

I really think you should think long and hard about this because of
the Fibrosis. The leads scar up all along the spinal cord area
(dura). This could cause a lot of damage for you with the fibrosis.
It definitly would not be able to be removed and I hate to even think
this but could it cause paralysis because of it's ability to entangle
the spinal cord and nerves??? I would be very careful about this.
One of the useful things that I left out during recovery is using
a "Gopher" pick up thingy. It was a God send along with my service
dog. Also having a stool to be able to get to things in my upper
cabinets along with the Gopher. You can get them just about
anywhere. Online, CVS, Walgreens, Target, etc.
Good luck with everything.
Ruth

welcome Linda! What a wonderful attitude you have! I, and am certain many
others, will keep you in our prayers.
It has been very quiet on the list lately. I think part of it is because it is
summer. Once we get back to our 'normal' routines, I bet it picks up in a
jiffy! Even for us that homeschool, summer throws everything out of whack for a
while!
Before my vacation, we were starting women of the New Testment...I think I will
pick up there again....I have to pray on it and see what the Lord wants me to
do. :-)
--- Linda Miller <coolmom@...
==
agape,
Christy
Proverbs 31:13 She seeketh wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands.
AIM user name: crochetin4Christ
MSN user name: ouchiemama
http://www.egroups.com/group/ThankYouJesusforThornsonMyRoses (elist for
Christian women living with chronic pain and illness
http://www.geocities.com/christybritain/
(Christian pages(God's promises, creation vs. evolution, Corrie ten Boom tribute
page, shooting down the big bang theory....and more) recipes, free crochet
patterns, mystery page, Sherlock Holmes page, classic movie page, aromatherapy
'recipe' page, craft ideas, FMS page, homeschooling page and more)
http://www.geocities.com/britainchristianacademy/indexofstudies.html (thematic
on-line unit studies with off-line activites and games grades 2-?)
websites are continual works in progress

Kathy, my cell phone cut me off, as I was saying about the dog. My grandmother
has one now that is a huge pain in the back side!! :) I would love to see a
picture. I hope this helps. Keep your head up, JC
[willisway@...] wrote:
Thanks to those who have helped me with my questions regarding upcoming SCS
surgery. I just wanted to tell you a little more about myself and then ask
another question.
I am 43 and was diagnosed with a congenital anomaly of the reproductive
system when I was age 17. Then at age 28 I was diagnosed with mixed connective
tissue disease (for me that consists of Sjogren's Syndrome, with bits of Lupus,
Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Scleroderma). At age 30 I had a lumbar discectomy at
L5/S1 that required 3 months of physical therapy afterwards to be able to walk
unassisted. As I mentioned in my previous note, I have a great deal of scar
tissue from that surgery-which has tethered my spinal cord and invaded the nerve
root. I have symptoms in the low back, the legs, and perhaps the bladder (not
sure if it is connected or not). I have muscle cramps in my legs and feet,
and neuropathy. And more.
But what I learned a LONG time ago is that an educated, proactive patient is
a stronger patient who feels more in control. And a patient with a positive
outlook and a faith-filled life is a patient who has HOPE. So, any questions I
have are not motivated by fear or dread, but just a way to educate me so I am a
more informed patient.
So, here is my little ol' question for today. Women-were you able to wear a
bra during the trial stage of the SCS? Or what did you do? And during the 6-8
week recovery period from the implantation surgery-was there a part of that
time that you couldn't wear a bra?
Since it's summer, I can't really layer clothing to disguise going braless,
so I was just trying to figure out what to do since I'm modest when I'm out and
about. I have several options in mind, but don't want to go spend money
unless I have to.
Oh-one more question. I have a very bouncy, energetic 8 month old Boston
Terrier. How did you all do after surgery if you had pets? This is my 10th
surgery
in life, but I've never had a dog who was so hyper and a mama's girl like
this darling one. I can't afford to hire someone to stay with me all the time,
and my husband has to work sometime (he is a music pastor and also does whatever
else the church needs, so he puts in between 60-70 hours a week at church).
My family will not be coming to help me during recovery-they live too far away,
and frankly, they do not offer a lot of support, but my church family does.
Your input is greatly appreciated!
Kathy W. in KY

Hi, I just joined this list a few days ago. I was surprised the list was
so quiet.
I will pray for you and your children Christy.
I was asked to introduce myself when I was ready. I guess this is a good
time. My name is Linda and I live in Indiana. I just found out that I
have lung cancer which has spread to my head and neck region. The pain
that I have is in my back. That is what started the tests that found out I
had something wrong with me. Today the pain is bad. I had surgery on my
head last Thursday and was doing fine and am still doing great except today
I have the back pain back. Tomorrow I start chemotherapy.
I work two jobs, one at the Indiana United Methodist Children's Home, which
is a group home for emotionally disturbed children. I have worked there
for 18 years. My other job is at WalMart as a cashier. That job I am on
sick leave from as I can not stand on my feet that many hours. I have
worked there for over 3 years.
I live by myself with a sweet cat for company. My son is in his late 30's
and is married. No grandchildren.
I have wonderful parents, 3 sisters and a brother.
I pray a lot and know the Lord can work miracles. I want to be one of the
miracles! I only think positive thoughts. The Lord is always with us
through bad times and good times. He never lets us down, but I know I have
let him down many times. I was raised a Christian and I am afraid I have
taken God's love for granted. This I never want to do again. The life he
gives us is so precious.
Enough about my self. What are we studying for our Bible study lesson?
May the Lord bless each and everyone of you!
Linda

Hi Kathy, Ill try and answer your questions. If I leave anything out, its not on
purpose. First let me say that I dont know how youve dealt with the pain for so
long. Its only been 8 for me and if this stim. doesnt work I honestly dont know
what I will do. Ok, for your questions. As for wearing a bra during the
trial, I had a bit of trouble getting my arms to stretch enough for it to really
be comfy. My trial leads became misplaced the first day so it didnt really
matter. Now after my implant surgery I didnt even bother to mess with my bra.
That said I had my surgery in Feb. and didnt leave my home for 2 weeks. My
advise is not to push it, if you feel tugging, pulling, or pain forget the
stupid bra. Its not worth having to have another surgery to fix the leads. my
suggestion is to find a good sports bra try it out to see if its a keeper and
wear it all the time. Or have your husband put it on and take it off for you. As
for the hyper boston, I have no clue. My
grandmother has had bostons over the years
[willisway@...] wrote:
Thanks to those who have helped me with my questions regarding upcoming SCS
surgery. I just wanted to tell you a little more about myself and then ask
another question.
I am 43 and was diagnosed with a congenital anomaly of the reproductive
system when I was age 17. Then at age 28 I was diagnosed with mixed connective
tissue disease (for me that consists of Sjogren's Syndrome, with bits of Lupus,
Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Scleroderma). At age 30 I had a lumbar discectomy at
L5/S1 that required 3 months of physical therapy afterwards to be able to walk
unassisted. As I mentioned in my previous note, I have a great deal of scar
tissue from that surgery-which has tethered my spinal cord and invaded the nerve
root. I have symptoms in the low back, the legs, and perhaps the bladder (not
sure if it is connected or not). I have muscle cramps in my legs and feet,
and neuropathy. And more.
But what I learned a LONG time ago is that an educated, proactive patient is
a stronger patient who feels more in control. And a patient with a positive
outlook and a faith-filled life is a patient who has HOPE. So, any questions I
have are not motivated by fear or dread, but just a way to educate me so I am a
more informed patient.
So, here is my little ol' question for today. Women-were you able to wear a
bra during the trial stage of the SCS? Or what did you do? And during the 6-8
week recovery period from the implantation surgery-was there a part of that
time that you couldn't wear a bra?
Since it's summer, I can't really layer clothing to disguise going braless,
so I was just trying to figure out what to do since I'm modest when I'm out and
about. I have several options in mind, but don't want to go spend money
unless I have to.
Oh-one more question. I have a very bouncy, energetic 8 month old Boston
Terrier. How did you all do after surgery if you had pets? This is my 10th
surgery
in life, but I've never had a dog who was so hyper and a mama's girl like
this darling one. I can't afford to hire someone to stay with me all the time,
and my husband has to work sometime (he is a music pastor and also does whatever
else the church needs, so he puts in between 60-70 hours a week at church).
My family will not be coming to help me during recovery-they live too far away,
and frankly, they do not offer a lot of support, but my church family does.
Your input is greatly appreciated!
Kathy W. in KY

Dori
Thank you very much,and Lynn and Betty...
I so appreciate the concern and love,this is just too much for me.Worse w/
holidays approaching.I went to work yesterday for few hours and soon as one of
the company trucks pulled up that he was working for I lost it,so used to him
coming thru there too...I am gonna go to dr and see if he will put me on
somthing to settle me down some.
I will call you all in few days,need to be able to talk and not cry.plus last
night coming home,blacked out coming up stairs and landed square on knee's,pain
is thru the roof especially being neither one have cartlidge or meniscal tissue
in them after the last surgery,been holding off the knee replacement...may have
rushed the issue now....
anyhow,love ya all and will be in touch in few days....keep the prayers
coming...
luv ya
Sandy
From: "Dori Beynon" <woebey@...
Date: 2005/11/15 Tue AM 03:10:54 EST

hi everyone
boy have I missed everybody!!
I haven't ben doing so hot, so I have been kinda quiet. That, and the fact that
my mother has saddled me with the enormous task of going through and sorting and
finding ways to sell my grandmothers stamp collection. All that looking down and
even the little reaches to sort are NOT helping me any! Please pray that I can
find ways of selling these off quickly...I have still have a dozen HUGE boxes
waiting for me.
Well, my SSI is still awaiting decision, I have yet another Drs appt. to satisfy
them. Rob's insurance will be active as of Sept. 1st, so then I can look into
the wheelchair. We are also going to contact home health about hiring someone
to help me for a few hours each week. I don't think we qualify for them to pay
for it, but you never know. Our income is pretty small for the size of our
family. And we are still trying to scrape together the down payment for the
therapy tub.
Please keep this in your prayers for me.
Any of you crafters here may want to look into the KFC garage sale list to buy
and sell craft supllies and the such. I have made a few dollars in the past
week. Came in handy, let me tell you! I have also started lists for buying and
selling stamps, another for books, another for finished crafts, and yet another
one for rubberstamp supplies! I will send the URLs in the next post.
We have started attachment therapy with our youngest...we have had 2
visits....and he has already shown signs of regressing and acting out. Last
night he scratched his face up really bad during a fit, long cat-like scratches
on both sides. I cut his nails this morning, obviously I am going to have to
keep them very short. His name is Ryan and he is 8. Please add im to your
prayer list. We start the therapy with the older boy this week......if he
reacts as quickly I just don't know if I can handle two at a time acting out.
Well, thank the Lord I can count on Him to carry me through it, as well as the
rest of our family. His name is Avery and he is 9. Please add him to your list
as well.
And we have 'officially' started homeschooling this week as well. We have
signed on to a charter school program, I still do all the choosing and picking
and stuff, I still don't have to use curriculum, they just come and visit once
a month and check over our attence log and the kids daily journals (Rob keeps
them) and they pay up to $700.00 per child per semester for materials, private
lessons, tutors, it is just wonderful! I ordered about $1800 dollars ($600 per
child) of learning materials...CD for the computer, CDs for listening, learning
videos, learning games, art kits, the list just goes on and on! They won't
tutors this semester, nor will they be able to do any extra-curricular things
like private lessons until next sememster, so I stocked up. I just thank the
Lord for our pastor telling us about this program. At first I thought it would
be like having the school come into our home, but it isn't. I am still in
charge of everything! They claim not to pay for Christian things, but some of
the materials from the approved vendors are Christian. I can always pick up
Christian materials myself. It certainly is much more affordable than if I had
to buy everything myself. We are using a more classical approach to education,
so it is heavy in art, literature and ancient cultures. All three of my kids
are in the grammar (fact learning stage) so it is not difficult to pursue. So
that is another praise report!!
I hope to get back to the bible study soon!
with soft gentle loose fibro hugs to all!
==
agape,
Christy
Proverbs 31:13 She seeketh wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands.
AIM user name: crochetin4Christ
MSN user name: ouchiemama
http://www.egroups.com/group/ThankYouJesusforThornsonMyRoses (elist for
Christian women living with chronic pain and illness
http://www.geocities.com/christybritain/
(Christian pages(God's promises, creation vs. evolution, Corrie ten Boom tribute
page, shooting down the big bang theory....and more) recipes, free crochet
patterns, mystery page, Sherlock Holmes page, classic movie page, aromatherapy
'recipe' page, craft ideas, FMS page, homeschooling page and more)
http://www.geocities.com/britainchristianacademy/indexofstudies.html (thematic
on-line unit studies with off-line activites and games grades 2-?)
websites are continual works in progress

I'm not a doctor or even a biologist. However, as I understand it, the spinal
cord is inside the dural tube (thecal sac) that holds the cerebrospinal fluid
(SCS). The leads could not very well attach to the spinal cord, because they
would have to go through the dura (dural tube) to reach it. So they must go in
the space around the dural tube--the epidural space. Perhaps someone more
knowledge will point out any mistakes in this view.
I notice that the mfcs include nothing but general cartoon drawings of the body
and tell patients nothing of the anatomical specifics, evidently so as not to
frighten the squeamish. But what about the rest of us who want to know the
specifics? I will not have a procedure unless I know the details.
The free articles on SCS that I mentioned earlier are for doctors, and, of
course, they have the technical details.
Roger

I have a doctors appointment tomorrow and I'm a bit nervous. The last
appointment the psychologist suggested a spinal cord stimulator. That
is what I had been hoping for all this time. Now I am a bit scared that
my hopes will come true. I have concerns about the surgery, will it
help, how long will I be out of commission, what to expect, etc. I am
sure that it seems as if I am rambling but all these thoughts are
cluttering my brain. If anyone has any answers to these questions I
would appreciate any information I can get....Thanks, Cat

Lynn I have had this same problem and not just with this group.

I really don't understand how we get some posts and don't get others when they are all going to the website. I hate going to the web to read email too. I would much rather get it in one place and respond from my outlook express.

But trust me my little one, if you escape from us again, we will come looking for you my pretty. LOL

Love ya

Dori

"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in
weakness. . . ." - II Corinthians 12:9

Hi all
I was wondering what everyone had put on their medic alert bracelet. Mine
was one of the only ones in Australia so they didn't have set wording for
it. I got them to write
"Implanted scs. Use bipolar diathermy only. No MRI."
But this was the max they could fit onto their largest tag.
I have to say that I feel much safer having a bracelet now as I know that
every ambulance officer will check out a person's wrists while treating
them in an emergency so I know it will be found. My gynaecologist forgot
that I had the stimulator and commented that he thought that the scarring
under my appendix scar was very big. But I reminded him that it was the
IPG he was feeling, and we laughed. But it did make me pleased that I
finally bought a bracelet and I had been quite worrred before having it
that they would think that my scarring on my back was usual surgery not
the implanted electrodes. I got a cheap one for usual wear and a gold
plated one for good wear.
My gynae also told me that he used bipolar diathermy to good effect in my
surgery and was pleased with how it worked. This was his first time at
using it. He was a little reluctant because the book said no diathermy at
all, and I told him the company assured me that he could use bipolar -
he explained to me that they usually use unipolar diathermy that allows a
current to stop a bleading vessel but also runs through your body. In
bipolar, they put up something (I've forgotten what he called it) at both
sides of the bleeding area that stops the current from running through the
body.
Congratualtions Amy, it must be great to feel like a new woman.
warm wishes
Julie

Thought this was good.
Blessings,
Giselle~

Kathy, me again - Ruth. I have two dogs and basically took care of
them myself while I recovered. It was very difficult but I did it.
I used the "Gopher" thing I talked about to pick up the bowls. I
also put the bowls up on a stool so they were easier to get. I put
the dog food in small containers and kept them on the counter. To
put the water bowl on the floor I had to squat which was VERY
difficult because you can't bend your back at all and it is difficult
to get back up. That's why having the bowls "up" helped. My little
one spent a lot of time on my bed or the couch. Laying on your back
will be very difficult and even painful so expect to sleep on your
side. Make sure if you have your battery put in your buttocks that
it is NOT put on your "good" side. It's painful to sleep on it for
quite awhile. I was able to drive in 2 weeks. I had to. I don't
have a lot of help from others either. The doctor said it was
okay,so I did, but you have to be VERY careful, again, because you
can't turn or twist to look behind or to the side of you. So I only
did what I absolutley had to do.
Bra was no problem but pants were. I had to wear sweat pants and
shorts that were not tight because of the swelling and pain. That is
down now and I can wear just about anything now. It's been almost 4
weeks. It still hurts but it's much better.
You are absolutely right about being pro-active. I feel that an
ignorant patient is a danger to themselves. I learn as much as
possible (usually) about what is being done to me or what illness I
have and how to take care of it and stay up to date. God is also a
big part of my life. More spiritually than religously.
Take care of yourself and I'm praying for you,
Ruth

[INLINE]

FYI: Internet Radio Show on Thursday Afternoon
The Side Effects of Pain Medications
Chronic or persistent pain is hard enough on its own to live with and
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Dr. Alan Brewer is a pain management physician and interventional anesthesiologist with the Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, CO. He also serves in the United States Air Force treating and taking care of our men and women who are serving our country. Dr. Brewer will speak about medication side effects and how to minimize them while still getting the full benefit of the medication itself.
Listen to Dr. Brewer and Helen discuss this difficult subject and how to
tackle it and still maintain your sanity!
Thursday Nov. 17 4:00 PM CST
VoiceAmerica.com
health and wellness channel or www.health.voiceamerica.com
call in live with your questions to 1-866-369-3742

Subject: Fw: Noah

If things inspirational arn't your thing delete this right now.I am not trying to shove anything down anyones throat, but I think it is a fantastic piece of graphic work and the music is perfect for the content.
[INLINE] , [INLINE] [INLINE] ,& [INLINE] [INLINE] ,
Lynn

TURN UP YOUR SOUND - keep clicking on the flowers - it is awesome -

This is awesome!! When the tree comes up....click on a flower, close that one and click on another. Have a great day!
The Scripture Tree.....thescripturetree.com

Thanks to those who have helped me with my questions regarding upcoming SCS
surgery. I just wanted to tell you a little more about myself and then ask
another question.
I am 43 and was diagnosed with a congenital anomaly of the reproductive
system when I was age 17. Then at age 28 I was diagnosed with mixed connective
tissue disease (for me that consists of Sjogren's Syndrome, with bits of Lupus,
Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Scleroderma). At age 30 I had a lumbar discectomy at
L5/S1 that required 3 months of physical therapy afterwards to be able to walk
unassisted. As I mentioned in my previous note, I have a great deal of scar
tissue from that surgery-which has tethered my spinal cord and invaded the nerve
root. I have symptoms in the low back, the legs, and perhaps the bladder (not
sure if it is connected or not). I have muscle cramps in my legs and feet,
and neuropathy. And more.
But what I learned a LONG time ago is that an educated, proactive patient is
a stronger patient who feels more in control. And a patient with a positive
outlook and a faith-filled life is a patient who has HOPE. So, any questions I
have are not motivated by fear or dread, but just a way to educate me so I am a
more informed patient.
So, here is my little ol' question for today. Women-were you able to wear a
bra during the trial stage of the SCS? Or what did you do? And during the 6-8
week recovery period from the implantation surgery-was there a part of that
time that you couldn't wear a bra?
Since it's summer, I can't really layer clothing to disguise going braless,
so I was just trying to figure out what to do since I'm modest when I'm out and
about. I have several options in mind, but don't want to go spend money
unless I have to.
Oh-one more question. I have a very bouncy, energetic 8 month old Boston
Terrier. How did you all do after surgery if you had pets? This is my 10th
surgery
in life, but I've never had a dog who was so hyper and a mama's girl like
this darling one. I can't afford to hire someone to stay with me all the time,
and my husband has to work sometime (he is a music pastor and also does whatever
else the church needs, so he puts in between 60-70 hours a week at church).
My family will not be coming to help me during recovery-they live too far away,
and frankly, they do not offer a lot of support, but my church family does.
Your input is greatly appreciated!
Kathy W. in KY

Diane, I so understand what you are going through. I have a 10 year old girl
and I swear hormones have hit. There are days when she is just the sweetest
girl around and then there are days when I just know she was kidnapped by
aliens and they gave me a meanie with attitude to take her place. She drives
me crazy and I end up yelling at her and becoming very upset with her and
myself. I also am up for suggestions.
As to the "unprovoked advise", well, I have heard it all too and I just ignore
them. I used to tell them to MYOB but now, I am so used to it. It glides
right off my back, like water on a duck's back.
So just remember all of the good times and there will be more. Hope this
helps a little.
You are in my prayers!!
JMJ
Angelique

This Sounds better to me!

--
May The Lord Smile Upon You Today!! `;~)

For some reason, Sandy's post didn't get to me. I found the replys and had to come to the site to find out what was happening. If any of you send something, that you feel I should reply to, and don't hear from me, please, send an e-mail directly to my e-mail address. I surewould appreciate as I hate to be out of the loop! [INLINE]

T