I Need help

[Guest guest]

I had my band done last August. I can tell you that I have had a lot of trouble and if anyone would have asked me i would tell you but i cherish this band because i have always been around 200lbs then just in one year blew up to 260lbs. i used to do plus size modeling but could no longer do that either. I decided to have the band and went to all extents to have the band done. When i had my band done i had a slippage right after surgery so had to go right back in the very next day then i laid up in the hot ass hospital for three days. I got out ok then i over a period of app. 8 months lost 60lbs. i was feeling better and wondering why i wasn't happy at 200lbs before but then i had a dr. put a hole in my port giving me a fill so then since April of this year i got fills and they came right back out. I went to dr. A then he expanded my band to see if i had a leak . Well he said there was no leak but then i went home and somehow had an absess come up on my stomach and a knot from where it was expanded. Then my dr. here in the states had to cut a hole in my stomach so from may until august i had a hole in my stomach that i had to bandage up every day and so i finally went back to dr. a august 12, 2006 i put back on 25lbs of the weight i had lost so i guess you can imagine how depressing that must have been for me. Well, now i have a new port i had to go back and have my port replaced to get one that didn't have a leak in it. I just had a fill this week and have lost 5lbs. since Wednesday so i am back on track but if anyone can speak about an experience with the band it would be me. I think everyone is different and everyone will lose at there own pace. if everyone was the same or looked the same then this world would be a boring place to live. I dont try to butter it up and hide things if someone asks me i tell the truth. I will not knock dr. a he is a very good dr. and he does care about your health and is concerned with people. That is just what happened in my case.

DAISY

ROME, GA

DOB 7-13-05

260LBS-200LBS/

BACK NOW TO 220LBS.

[Guest guest]

If you think we're all liars, why join our message board? We were

doing fine without your accusations... and mistruths...

Liz

> > >

> > > All,

> > >

> > > I had my surgery last Friday. I am having a hard time not

> > eating. I am drinking my broth and eating jello. Tonigt I cheated

> > and had a cup of hot and sour soup. I stuck with it for 6 days

and

> > have not lost any weight. Any advice.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ---------------------------------

> > > Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US

(and

> > 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less.

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Stay in the know. Pulse on the new .com. Check it out.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Wow this caused quite a stir (deservedly, I think). I am not

exactly an old-timer nor a newbie (banded last Dec. 21) so I guess I

am sort of a middle-age bandster. I was NOT miserable during

recovery. The most miserable part was trying to deal with an

airline stewardess who would not help me put my bag in the overhead

bin nor let me gate-check it. What little pain I had was from gas--

in the left shoulder (but having had a torn rotator cuff it was not

that bad) and liquid tylenol took care of the pain and generic

Immodium A-D helped the diarrhea. I WAS NOT hungry and here is how

I, personally (can't guarantee it will work as well for others)

achieved a no-hunger status. For two weeks prior to surgery I did a

protein-only diet (as a veteran Dr. Atkins dieter it was familiar

territory) even though my BMI did not require it I did it just

for " Extra insurance " , extra energy (the big energy boosts hits

about the third day) and a the weight-loss). When I got home I

stuck with mostly protein--broth--LOW SODIUM versions, sugar-free

jello, sugar-free popsicles, and GNC's pro-performance liquid

protein mixed in sugar-free tang, and various flavored waters which

had no sugar just some fruit flavors. That gave me a variety of

flavors and sometimes I did mix it in gatorade which has LOTS of

carbs but also has electrolytes since I was having diarrhea. I

stayed in ketosis (benign dietary ketosis--I am NOT diabetic) so I

was not hungry and had energy). I also took liquid vitamins which I

ordered through drugstore.com--also got the GNC liquid protein mix

there--it is clear and fruit-punch flavored. I liked the flavor of

the vitamins, prune-flavored I thought, but disliked the color and

the mess so now I use adult chewables by Centrum and I take chewable

calcium with magnesium and vitamin D by Caltrate. I am quite

satisfied by my weight loss which was much greater in the early days

when I exercised more. I eat whatever I want (and am learning what

I don't want because it gets stuck). It was many months before I

understood what " sliming " meant and what pb-ing is all about (I use

a self-heimlich maneuver as my personal " pb-dance.

For anyone NOT losing in the liquid phase I personally recommend LOW

Sodium and Sugar-free as both salt and sugar can contribute to water-

retention.

I have moved three times in the last year one was an interstate

move, my mother died, I am on my second new job and I had a breast-

cancer scare last spring. With all that and surgery (Dr. Aceves)

too I am darn proud of my weight loss and I know how to add more

exercise (I do exercise some just not as much as I could if I

devoted more attention to that area of my life). I am comfortable

with my eating habits I have no forbidden foods and I socially

sample anything--I don't have to feel like a stick in the mud if I

want a cookie someone offers I nibble at it and savor the taste and

leave as much of it as I CHOOSE to not eat. MY biggest discomfort

is not drinking water with or right after meals--I have always had a

pint or more of water with meals and I forget to drink all that more

than fifteen minutes before eating and then I am thirsty after

eating.

AS has been said before, everyone is different so a variety of

suggestions and reports on what worked for others can be helpful. I

cannot fathom why anyone would be less than truthful here (well, I

do know about pathological liars from working in therapeutic

education) as there is no reason and no pay-off for anything

untruthful. Dr. A and his staff are the best thing I have found for

myself in a long time and I wish this success for anybody who wants

it. My physical and mental health are both much improved since

becoming a bandster. I am getting my next fill next week here in

Arkansas--I wanted to go back to Dr. A but airfares are as expensive

as the local fill and the trip would require an overnight stay

somewhere so it gets too expensive in both money and time.

To those who it find it more unpleasant than what I did...I am sorry

you have to go through that but STICK WITH IT--you are worth the

sacrifices you have to make and know that you are supported in this

group. I was fortunate to find Dr. A and get banded while still

under 230 pounds--not everybody has that advantage. Figure out

where you are and where you want to be and then GO FOR IT.

gloria

DOB 12/21/06

221/176/140--slowly but surely and making my own choices and living

with the results of them

> >

> > All,

> >

> > I had my surgery last Friday. I am having a hard time not

> eating. I am drinking my broth and eating jello. Tonigt I

cheated

> and had a cup of hot and sour soup. I stuck with it for 6 days and

> have not lost any weight. Any advice.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US

(and

> 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Jemma,

Hello! During my pregnancy, I regularly saw a perinatologist who regularly

monitored the growth of my baby by ultrasound. The whole entire pregnancy

almost, they were thinking it was most likely achon. I disagreed due to the

shape of the face and just the way the baby looked overall, he did not look

like he was achon. I always said he was small b/c I’m small and he doesn’t

have anywhere to grow in my stomach. My son at birth was very close to your

son’s measurements, almost exactly. He was 5 lbs 12 ½ oz, and 17 ½ inches

long. When he was born, it was definite that he was not achon looking at

him, he was just a small baby. He grew pretty fast though after he was born,

though I will say that he was just hitting the 20 lb mark around 1 year of

age like yours, maybe he was a little more, I can’t remember. Even now, he

is a very lean boy, but very solid but he weighs less than some of his

friends who are boys and is a little shorter, though he can be taller than

some of the kids his age, it just varies. He weighs 33 lbs now at the age of

3 years, 5 months. I am 3 ft 8 and am achon and he is just a little shorter

than me.

He was always in the lower percentiles, I can’t remember which. I say if

he’s healthy and as long as he’s growing steadily, which is what my doctor

said, then everything’s fine.

Hope that helps some.

Carolyn

<dwarfism/message/46009;_ylc=X3oDMTJxampzdnM4B

F9TAzk3MzU5NzE1BGdycElkAzI1NzMzNQRncnBzcElkAzE3MDUwNjIyMTUEbXNnSWQDNDYwMDkEc

2VjA2Rtc2cEc2xrA3Ztc2cEc3RpbWUDMTE3MTQ1NzY1MQ--> I need help

Posted by: " Jemma "

<mailto:guycraz1e@...?Subject=%20Re%3AI%20need%20help>

guycraz1e@... <guycraz1e> guycraz1e

Wed Feb 14, 2007 3:14 am (PST)

My son just turned one on Feb.9, well I guess I need to go back a

little bit to while I was pregnant. When I was 6 months pregnant I was

admitted to a specialist because my regular gyno said that my sons

limbs were not growing normally, that they were too short, the

specialist said that it could be dwarfism but she wouldnt know for

sure until he was born. When he was born he was 5 lbs 11 oz and 17 1/2

inches long.They did full body x-rays and said that he was normal

little boy. Now at a year he is only 20lbs and 24 inches long. The

doctor said at his 1 yr checkup that he is a healthy little boy just

very small. he is in the 3rd% for growth. what does anyone think??

thanx Jemma

[Guest guest]

DO NOT use the water that comes with it. You must

purchase the Bacteriostatic water. Go to the Links and

locate " How to order " and there are several sites you

can order from.

Lynda G

--- Dorothy <nana43@...> wrote:

>

> Can someone tell me if I can use the water in

> the PK. are do I need

> to buy new bacteriostatic water. I would need a

> email address for it if

> you have one.

>

> Thanks

>

> nana43

>

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Choose the right car based on your needs. Check out Autos new Car Finder

tool.

http://autos./carfinder/

[Guest guest]

You can get the Bacteriostatic Water from this site. www.gpzservices.com it says on this forum from all who order their stuff from the net to throw the water that comes with the hcg away. Also if you go to files on the left side of your screne when you first get on this site you will find all kinds of info for this program. Good luck to you.Dorothy <nana43@...> wrote: Can someone tell me if I can

use the water in the PK. are do I need to buy new bacteriostatic water. I would need a email address for it if you have one. Thanks nana43 Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check.Try the Beta.

It's here! Your new message!Get

new email alerts with the free Toolbar.

[Guest guest]

Dear t amasheh

Well depending upon what age you think is young, not everyone on this site is a

young person! Some are in their 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's! I probably have some

in their 60's.

Any way age does not matter if you need help and for someone to help you. First

you need to help your self to ALL of the FREE information on this site.Follow

the document that I sent you called A Study Plan. Open up the folders and

document sin the file section and study them. Purchase a recommended book. Then

post your questions of what you still do not understand AFTER you have studied

it.

Hope this helps you out. When you decide to move to the USA you will need to

check out the state board of pharmacy of the state that you will reside and work

in. Most likely it will require passing PTCB .

Hope this has helped you.

Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS

Pharm Tech Educator

Founder/Owner of this site

t_amasheh <t_amasheh@...> wrote:

hi,everybody young people is the best to help me,i need to make my new

own career im pharmacist working in saudi arabia, im search on new

agent to sell it saudi arabia, i need information to go on my drugstore

help me to find my building career, i have to build it in less cost to

go on manging it,my experence more 12 year in many fields of our

pharmac

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

Much depends upon which state you live in and its laws. Utah and

Washington both require formal classroom education. CA requires either

passing of PTCB or formal education (even though most pharmacists and

educators do not believe that they are equivalent, and even though most

CA pharmacists want to hire classroom graduate with externship

experience CPhT's or experienced registered techs). Tx requires

training and CPhT.

So what state are you in? Check with your state board.

As far as books and stugyguides go you might try going to the Files

section on this site (see yellow menu at left on home page).

Scroll to the 2nd Folder:

2- Books and Study Guides

A list of many, not all of study guidebooks available on the

market.Jeanetta's reviews and opinions about those listed.

inside of it you will find several documents; two of which follow:

Books and Study Guides Review for PTCB - 2007.doc

Updated version of the original 2002, updated 2003 and 2007, by

Jeanetta. I have placed a list of study materials here on this site.

This is not a complete list, there are others available. If you would

like me to include a book, video or CD in this listing please email me

privately. I have given my comments and personal rating. Jeanetta

Updated Adendum December 15, 2007

Additional book or books that have been reviewed and need to be added

to the original review.

In addition, I am awaiting a 6th edition of ICPT's Review book, Ihave

reviewed the 5th edition. It was good, I would have liked color photos.

It lacked reference to USP 797, but I understand the 6th edition was

going to add this.

You can try also your local library or nearest community college

library. Some libraries here in CA carrie a few of these study guides.

This will cut your cost as a 'mom'.

As far as schools go for pharmacist, I would recommend Creighton

University in Nebraska. On its 5th or 6th year I understand fro the

ONLY online full pharmacy/ist Pharm D. program with ACPE accreditaiton.

You do have to go back to Nebraska for some tests. But rounds can be

done in your own state.

University of Florida has an online Pharm D program to add to a BS

Pharm, but not a program for Pharm D from scratch.

Hope this helps you,

Respectfully,

Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS

Pharm Tech Educator

Founder/Owner of this site

>

> It has always been a dream of mine to become a pharmacist. I have a

> small child and work afull time job so i dont have time to go to

> school. i found out that i can take the ptcb exam without going to

> college as long as i have my high school diploma. if i pass does this

> mean that i could get a job a a pharm tech with out going to school?

if

> this is true what materials would i need to study in order to pass?

so

> the plan is to be a tech until haley gets older and then go to

medical

> school to be a pharmacist.

>

[Guest guest]

first off.  find your state's board of pharmacy website and see what the law

says. 

second, learn everything you can. 

third see if you can volunteer even 1 day a week somewhere to not only get your

foot int he door, but to get some experience as well.

It has always been a dream of mine to become a pharmacist. I have a

small child and work afull time job so i dont have time to go to

school. i found out that i can take the ptcb exam without going to

college as long as i have my high school diploma. if i pass does this

mean that i could get a job a a pharm tech with out going to school? if

this is true what materials would i need to study in order to pass? so

the plan is to be a tech until haley gets older and then go to medical

school to be a pharmacist.

[Guest guest]

Dear Lilian, thank you so much for taking the time to look at the following. I am going to put exactly what is on the report from the lab

Thyroid Panel with TSH

TSH 1.967

Thyroixine (T4) 8.2

T3 Uptake

Serum was received in contact with cells. Thbis may cause erroneous increases in AST, ALT, LD, GGT, potassium and phosphorus and a decrease in glucose. Clinical correlation indicated.

Free Thyroxine Index 2.5

There is some other stuff on the right side of the paper but that doesn't seem to have anything to do with the results The rest is saying 1-3 days, 1-4 weeks, 1 month-5 years 6-18 years, adult, so I guess that means what's normal for those ages? It also has uIU/mL 01

From: Lilian <lilian15@...>Subject: Re: I need helpthyroid treatment Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 11:18 AM

Hi Deanna,

Could you post what your results are. Do they have the reference range for the tests, if so please post them too.

If there is no reference range perhaps you could ask your doctor's surgery to give them to you. Personally I find my doctor's secretary far more helpful than the receptionists.

Lilian

Does anyone here know what the readings should be? I got a copy of my blood test yesterday. Thanks for your help!!!

[Guest guest]

Hi Deanna,

Thanks for posting those results. I am sorry but I cannot understand what that is all about - but possibly some of the others here will. When Sheila comes back (or pops in) I am sure she will be able to help.

From your TSH I see it is within what they would consider a normal range, but with your T4 only 8 I would say that indicates hypo.

By the way, we ask members to delete, all except a few lines, all the messages they are answering and all the other stuff. Also, new members please note, other than the names of authors or our doctor advisers, we do not put the full names of doctors on the group.

Lilian

Dear Lilian, thank you so much for taking the time to look at the following. I am going to put exactly what is on the report from the lab

[Guest guest]

Hi Deanna,

We normally have a reference range when we get our results, (if you

don't get them, you should ask for them. All labs have a different

range they follow when testing thyroid function.)

Anyway, looking at your results and going from my labs reference

range which is TSH (0.6 - 4 mu/L) and T4 (12.0 - 22.pmol/L)this

suggests that your TSH is bang in he middle and within normal range.

However, the T4 is very low at 8.2. (I remember the Doc panicked

about mine when it was 10) I am quite sure this indicates a

hypothyroid state and you need to get this level back within the

normal range. In one year since I was diagnosed and put on

levothyroxine my T4 has reached 13 pmol/L and because it is now just

over 12.0 pmol/L they are no longer worried!

I am no expert and speak only from my experience and limited

knowledge of blood test interpretation. I am sorry I don't understand

the rest of it.

Hope this helps for starters anyway.

Best wishes,

Gillian

  I am going to put exactly what is on the report from the lab

>  

> Thyroid Panel with TSH

> TSH   1.967

> Thyroixine (T4)  8.2

> T3 Uptake

> Serum was received in contact with cells.  Thbis may cause

erroneous increases in AST, ALT, LD, GGT, potassium and phosphorus

and a decrease in glucose.  Clinical correlation indicated.

> Free Thyroxine Index  2.5

[Guest guest]

Hi,

This is a classic case of docs looking at the blood tests and not at

the patient. Over 90% of healthy folk have a TSH of around 1.0 in

Germany you would be diagnosed if it went above 2.5 and the USA 3.0 here

we usually have to wait until it is over 5.0 that is why we are treated

badly. It is possible to be hypothyroid if TSH reading does not rise as

the pituitary may be affected- tests should be taken in to account

together with the symptoms.

Subject: I need help

When I was a child a doctor told my mother I had a problem with my

thyroid. (I had gained about 50 pounds in a couple of months and was

very active and a very light eater). ......I went to the doctor for a

blood test and he says there

is nothing wrong with my thyroid yet I still have all the symptoms.

Does anyone here know what the readings should be? I got a copy of my

blood test yesterday. Thanks for your help!!!

------------------------------------

TPA is not medically qualified. Consult with a qualified medical

practitioner before changing medication.

[Guest guest]

Hi Deanna,

This

looks most confusing, what you will usually see is TSH 1.9 range 0.5 to 5.0 for example.

Without a ‘normal’ range the

whole thing is pointless.

Now if that T4 result is the usual FT4

with a range of 11 to 24 then that would be low and a cause for concern, but as

it stands who knows? What did doc say?

Subject: Re:

I need help

Dear Lilian, thank you so much for taking the

time to look at the following. I am going to put exactly what is on the

report from the lab

Thyroid Panel with TSH

TSH 1.967

Thyroixine (T4) 8.2

T3 Uptake

Serum was received in contact with cells. Thbis

may cause erroneous increases in AST, ALT, LD, GGT, potassium and phosphorus

and a decrease in glucose. Clinical correlation indicated.

Free Thyroxine Index 2.5

There is some other stuff on the right side of the

paper but that doesn't seem to have anything to do with the results The rest

is saying 1-3 days, 1-4 weeks, 1 month-5 years 6-18 years, adult, so I

guess that means what's normal for those ages? It also has uIU/mL

01

[Guest guest]

Hi Marie,

Have you checked the Scoliosis Research

Society to try and locate a doctor near you? Website is http://www.srs.org/. Then click on Find A

Specialist. I had HR surgery in 1978 at 13 years old. Had another back

surgery a few months ago and now feel so much better! Medication, nerve

blocks, etc. didn’t work for me. Feel free to e-mail me directly if

you’d like.

Stay strong. Better days are

definitely possible with the right treatment. Take care and don’t

get discouraged.

Jodi

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of curvykitty65

Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2009

10:08 PM

To:

Subject: I need

help

I've been lurking around here for about 4 years and I

feel rotten that I haven't posted sooner. . . this site has been a god-send to

me once I found you (about 4 years ago, circa 2005) because I was starting to

think I was crazy. .so many of the comments on here I relate to so much. .I

tried to find help on the internet starting in the '90's and there wasn't much.

.. .I had harrington rod fusion surgery for a big C scoliosis curve in 1980 and

got a lot of good years out of it (Iwas 14). Starting in the mid-late '90's I

got some horrible intermittent pain which has only progressed in stages and now

I'm 43 and don't know how much more I can take. . .I didn't have my 1st MRi

'til '03 because I was always advised I couldn't . . from what I understand, I

have it much better that many of you here in that I was only fuse to L-2.

However, I was never really advised what I should/shouldn't do

activity-wise and was so afraid of becoming an invalid that I for years did a

lot of high impact excercise to stay in the best possible shape (I thought).

Now, the pain can be so excruciating I can't stand and it lasts anywhere from 2

days to 2 weeks where i'm literally incapacitated and want to kill myself. . I

want to find someone to see in Lawrence,

KS (or near) and need advice on

what pain meds might be effective. . . from what I understand, I have to not

work for at least a year before I would be able to receive disability and I'm

not in a position to be able to do that. Any feedback would be most gratefully

appreciated. . . thanks and god bless all of you (and me)

Marie

[Guest guest]

Marie,

I am so sorry to hear about the awful pain you have been dealing with, it really is exhausting physically and emotionally to battle with pain day in and day out. You mentioned that you had an MRI in '03, but you don't mention your results. What did they find and have they advised you on what type(s) of treatment or surgery you might need or benefit from? Do you see a doctor that specializes in revision surgery? Have you had a CT myelogram? This test will show exactly where nerves are being compressed and it was very helpful in diagnosing my current problem.

Jeanne

I need help

I've been lurking around here for about 4 years and I feel rotten that I haven't posted sooner. . . this site has been a god-send to me once I found you (about 4 years ago, circa 2005) because I was starting to think I was crazy. .so many of the comments on here I relate to so much. .I tried to find help on the internet starting in the '90's and there wasn't much. . .I had harrington rod fusion surgery for a big C scoliosis curve in 1980 and got a lot of good years out of it (Iwas 14). Starting in the mid-late '90's I got some horrible intermittent pain which has only progressed in stages and now I'm 43 and don't know how much more I can take. . .I didn't have my 1st MRi 'til '03 because I was always advised I couldn't . . from what I understand, I have it much better that many of you here in that I was only fuse to L-2. However, I was never really advised what I should/shouldn't do activity-wise and was so afraid of becoming an invalid that I for years did a lot of high impact excercise to stay in the best possible shape (I thought). Now, the pain can be so excruciating I can't stand and it lasts anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks where i'm literally incapacitated and want to kill myself. . I want to find someone to see in Lawrence, KS (or near) and need advice on what pain meds might be effective. . . from what I understand, I have to not work for at least a year before I would be able to receive disability and I'm not in a position to be able to do that. Any feedback would be most gratefully appreciated. . . thanks and god bless all of you (and me)Marie

[Guest guest]

Hi Jodi and thank you so much for responding!

Meds and nerve blocks and p.t. haven't worked for me either. . . what type of

surgery did you have recently? I'm really wanting to avoid another " big " one

because I still have some really good days and things can go wrong and I'm not

made out of rubber anymore like when I was 14. I know that I could get

strong(er) pain meds if I tried but I don't want to be out of it all the time

and still be in pain - I've had some pretty strong stuff that just seems to take

the edge off a bit yet I'm still unable to sit up or stand it hurts so bad. I

want to see a group affiliated with KU Medical Center that was founded by a Dr.

Marc Asher (retired 5 years ago)He was a pretty key guy in developing an

alternative to the old H rod and I'm hoping that there's been enough

time/research now that they have options to help. It's about 8 weeks out to get

an appointment so I'll be holding on to hope for that long anyway. . . I would

welcome any info on the procedure you had a few months ago and am thrilled to

hear you found something that helped.

thanks again,

Marie

>

> Hi Marie,

>

>

>

> Have you checked the Scoliosis Research Society to try and locate a doctor

> near you? Website is http://www.srs.org/. Then click on Find A Specialist.

> I had HR surgery in 1978 at 13 years old. Had another back surgery a few

> months ago and now feel so much better! Medication, nerve blocks, etc.

> didn't work for me. Feel free to e-mail me directly if you'd like.

>

>

>

> Stay strong. Better days are definitely possible with the right treatment.

> Take care and don't get discouraged.

>

>

>

> Jodi

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ] On Behalf Of curvykitty65

> Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 10:08 PM

>

> Subject: I need help

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> I've been lurking around here for about 4 years and I feel rotten that I

> haven't posted sooner. . . this site has been a god-send to me once I found

> you (about 4 years ago, circa 2005) because I was starting to think I was

> crazy. .so many of the comments on here I relate to so much. .I tried to

> find help on the internet starting in the '90's and there wasn't much. . .I

> had harrington rod fusion surgery for a big C scoliosis curve in 1980 and

> got a lot of good years out of it (Iwas 14). Starting in the mid-late '90's

> I got some horrible intermittent pain which has only progressed in stages

> and now I'm 43 and don't know how much more I can take. . .I didn't have my

> 1st MRi 'til '03 because I was always advised I couldn't . . from what I

> understand, I have it much better that many of you here in that I was only

> fuse to L-2. However, I was never really advised what I should/shouldn't do

> activity-wise and was so afraid of becoming an invalid that I for years did

> a lot of high impact excercise to stay in the best possible shape (I

> thought). Now, the pain can be so excruciating I can't stand and it lasts

> anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks where i'm literally incapacitated and want

> to kill myself. . I want to find someone to see in Lawrence, KS (or near)

> and need advice on what pain meds might be effective. . . from what I

> understand, I have to not work for at least a year before I would be able to

> receive disability and I'm not in a position to be able to do that. Any

> feedback would be most gratefully appreciated. . . thanks and god bless all

> of you (and me)

> Marie

>

[Guest guest]

good morning Barbara and Jeanne !!

thank you both for responding to me. . . I have not had a myelogram but probably

should. I'm a little terrified of that procedure although the horror stories

I've heard about it date back a long time and maybe it's not so awful now. My

MRI's show " broad based disc bulging " at all levels below my fusion and

degeneration of the discs and facets. There is also a lot of arthritis and a

wierd round bone growth that was about the size of a marble but they always say

that everything looks " stable " . There has been debate as to whether it's my

facet joints or my s.i. joint that gives me so much grief. At this point, I

don't care and have to believe that it's possible to pinpoint it. I'm open to

surgery if it's not " the big one " or I need pain management treatment. I have an

appointment w/Dr. Burton in July - I'm really disappointed to hear that he's not

so nice, Barbara. I'm hoping that they at least have a clue about my situation

given their experience and background with Asher. Who do you see there for pain

management? All info is most gratefully appreciated!!

Marie

>

> Marie, maybe I can help you a bit. I live in Kansas City and have been to the

University of Kansas for my revision surgeries. They have a new spine center,

named after my doc, Marc Asher who is now retired. They have two ortho surgeons

but unfortunately I can't recommend either one.

> They might be excellent surgeons but are not friendly and have no bedside

manner. The spine center uses a multi disciplinary approach so they have several

neuro docs, rehab, and pain management. My pain management doc is on the spine

center team and she is just great.

>

> It might be a start since Lawrence is only 30 miles away. You can check on

all this info if you go to kumed.com. Since it is a teaching hospital, you will

be seen by residents, medical students as well as the attending doc. I am going

there on Wednesday to see my rehab doctor because of my leg pain. However, if I

needed further spine surgery, I would see Dr. Bridwell in St. Louis.

>

> You can e-mail me any time if you have any questions or concerns.

>

> Barbara

>

[Guest guest]

Marie,

I was very scared about the myelogram as well, but it turned out to be a pretty easy procedure. The worst part was laying on the hard xray table and holding various positions. They even let me wear scrub pants! The benefit of having the myelogram is that it will show exactly where your nerves are being pinched and then you can target your treatment better. I'm starting physical therapy on Wednesday to work on core strength, hip flexors, etc., and I'll be scheduling a consult with the pain specialist about draining the cyst. They say I've got a 50-50 chance that the steroid injections and aspiration will reduce or eliminate the cyst. But, everything I read says that I need to try this option first as surgery should be only done when all else fails. I'm good with that.

I wish you the best with your appointment with Dr. Burton. July is such a long time to wait to get answers about your condition. Did they tell you what the weird round bone growth was? Maybe this is pressing on a nerve or nerves? There are just too many things that go wrong with our spines that is makes a persons head spin.

Jeanne

Re: I need help

good morning Barbara and Jeanne !!thank you both for responding to me. . . I have not had a myelogram but probably should. I'm a little terrified of that procedure although the horror stories I've heard about it date back a long time and maybe it's not so awful now. My MRI's show "broad based disc bulging" at all levels below my fusion and degeneration of the discs and facets. There is also a lot of arthritis and a wierd round bone growth that was about the size of a marble but they always say that everything looks "stable". There has been debate as to whether it's my facet joints or my s.i. joint that gives me so much grief. At this point, I don't care and have to believe that it's possible to pinpoint it. I'm open to surgery if it's not "the big one" or I need pain management treatment. I have an appointment w/Dr. Burton in July - I'm really disappointed to hear that he's not so nice, Barbara. I'm hoping that they at least have a clue about my situation given their experience and background with Asher. Who do you see there for pain management? All info is most gratefully appreciated!!Marie>> Marie, maybe I can help you a bit. I live in Kansas City and have been to the University of Kansas for my revision surgeries. They have a new spine center, named after my doc, Marc Asher who is now retired. They have two ortho surgeons but unfortunately I can't recommend either one.> They might be excellent surgeons but are not friendly and have no bedside manner. The spine center uses a multi disciplinary approach so they have several neuro docs, rehab, and pain management. My pain management doc is on the spine center team and she is just great.> > It might be a start since Lawrence is only 30 miles away. You can check on all this info if you go to kumed.com. Since it is a teaching hospital, you will be seen by residents, medical students as well as the attending doc. I am going there on Wednesday to see my rehab doctor because of my leg pain. However, if I needed further spine surgery, I would see Dr. Bridwell in St. Louis.> > You can e-mail me any time if you have any questions or concerns.> > Barbara>

[Guest guest]

Marie,

Perhaps I was too harsh when I said Dr.Burton wasn't friendly. I think I'm just

spoiled because I saw Dr. Asher for 15 years and he always treated me like I was

his only patient. Dr. Burton studied under Dr. A for a long time; I remember

when he was a resident. He knows what he is doing and should be able to give

you the information you need.

I see Dr. Long for pain management and there is also Dr. Khan. They are both

very nice and only want to take away your pain.

Right now I just see Dr. Varghese in rehab. He evaluates my leg muscles which

are very tight due to the spine and hip surgeries. He has prescribed physical

therapy and two years ago gave me Botox injections in my leg when P.T. didn't

work and nothing else would loosen up the muscle. He's really good.

I may end up seeing one of the neuro docs for my nerve pain, but for now I'm

pretty stable.

As a side note, they always seem to be running late so plan on being at KU for a

while. Good luck and keep posting on your progress. I will post after my visit

with Dr. Varghese on Wednesday.

[Guest guest]

Has she been checked for a stricture? I have had pts like this who can tolerate liquids well but even chicken salad is a problem and had a stricture when an EGD was performed. Just a thought..

Regina Galvan-, MS,RD, LD

From: cmc_dietitian <cmc_dietitian@...>Subject: I need help Date: Monday, September 14, 2009, 2:12 PM

I have a pt 9 week post gastric bypass. She reports getting intense chest pain and then vomiting with all food except grilled steak & chicken salad (with low fat mayo). Moisture doesn't seem to affect her tolerance and we have worked with the amounts and length of meal times with no success.. She can also consume liquids without a problem. Any thoughts regarding the etiology or has anyone experienced this before? Besides recommending a diet of steak, chicken salad, and protein supplements, what else could I try? Note: She is extremely compliant and truly an ideal patient.

[Guest guest]

Yes, I agree. I have seen strictures as early as 6-8 weeks.

Beth Taschuk RD

From: Regina <rkg_68@...> Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 4:54:33 PMSubject: Re: I need help

Has she been checked for a stricture? I have had pts like this who can tolerate liquids well but even chicken salad is a problem and had a stricture when an EGD was performed. Just a thought..

Regina Galvan-, MS,RD, LD

From: cmc_dietitian <cmc_dietitian>Subject: [bariatricNutrition Dietitians] I need helpBariatricNutritionD ietitiansDate: Monday, September 14, 2009, 2:12 PM

I have a pt 9 week post gastric bypass. She reports getting intense chest pain and then vomiting with all food except grilled steak & chicken salad (with low fat mayo). Moisture doesn't seem to affect her tolerance and we have worked with the amounts and length of meal times with no success.. She can also consume liquids without a problem. Any thoughts regarding the etiology or has anyone experienced this before? Besides recommending a diet of steak, chicken salad, and protein supplements, what else could I try? Note: She is extremely compliant and truly an ideal patient.

[Guest guest]

Hi Berny, I too have carpal tunnel syndrome- excess fluid causing compression if nerves in the wrist. I take diuretics to control it- though the right thyroid meds have gone a lon way to improve the situation. Ask you doc for a trial, but try to get one that does not deplete potassium. Maybe trying a tiny T3 increase would help- 5 mcg to see what happens as this may also help with the cold- I usually take a bit more in winter- but have been OK so far this year. > thyroid treatment > From: berny156@...> Date: Thu, 3 Dec 2009 20:09:41 +0000> Subject: I need help> > I take 60mcg of t3 and 35mg of hc . i am Dr P's patient. I can't work out how much t3 i should take.also how to increase it? how slow or quick do i up it.?> > Dr P seemed to think that 30mcg was enough for me in the summer. as it's now cold i upped it.but i have a pulse of about 76 but still have a lotof symptoms of thyroid (or adrenal?) . the worst one is my tunnel syndrome which wakes me early in the morning with my arm asleep. As sleep is so important for my adrenals i'd like some help.> > I can see that i feel colder than others although not as once, i'm still constipated but not as bad. Dr P seemed to think 65/70 was a reasonable pulse, if i'm not mistaken. > my temperatures are about 36.3 on awakening and if i sleep well they are 36.5. > Dr P also advised me iodine . i have tried kelp and it seemed to help and i'm now trying lugul's . > > I have been allergic since Sept (rhinitis) and asthma. > > I can say though that i manage to work much more than before.> thanks berny> > > > ------------------------------------> > TPA is not medically qualified. Consult with a qualified medical practitioner before changing medication.> >

[Guest guest]

Cecilia:

I have been on the program for 2 months,Phase one is when you eat like a

pig...while beginning the drops; 3 x a day, 4 drops 30 minutes before you eat

the high calorie meals.I believe you are fooling your body and jumpstarting your

hypothalamus.

I have been less successful because I keep going off the plan of 500 calories

a day...but the amazing thing for me is that origionally i lost 10 Llbs in one

week and now by continueing to take the drops even eating my same ole way....I

am maintaining the 10 pound loss. I am starting again today. If you go off the

500 calorie diet they say to revert back to phase 1; continuing taking the drops

and then start again doing the 500 calorie regemen....it works and your body

never reverts back to low metabolism.....it is amazing.

>

> i just bought and received my first bottle of hcg drops and im so lost di i

eat like a pig befor taking the drops of after?

>

[Guest guest]

My clinic goes by the book and you eat what you want the first two days of hcg /

either injections or drops.

My clinic has great customer service if you need a new place to get your hcg.

They are called:

Functional Medicine Specialists.

Lynn

>

> i just bought and received my first bottle of hcg drops and im so lost di i

eat like a pig befor taking the drops of after?

>