new to group

[Guest guest]

I need to ask about that. I'll be thinking of you on Thursday .

juneflower60@... wrote:

Hi ,

I had my knee replacement done three years ago on my right knee my dr never told me what kind of knee replacement he put in my knee I guess I didn't know better to asked questions .What is a Oxford knee replacement ?Well I wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery.

Susie

-------------- Original message --------------

Hi,

Thursday I will be having a knee replacement, hopefully the Oxford Knee. I had a full knee done in 2002 on my Left Knee, now it is time to repair the Right side! This will be done at Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, AL with Dr Stanton .

I am interested to hear from anyone that has had an Oxford Knee replacement. I am very excited about my surgery and ready to get rid of the inconveniences caused by bad knees.

Have a Fantastic Day!

God bless you!

Start your day with - make it your home page

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Here are a few

links to information on the Oxford Knee.

I will keep you posted after surgery! Thanks for the Positive thoughts and Prayers!

Blessings,

http://www.oxfordknee.net/patient/home.html

www.myrapidrecovery.com

http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/mda/docs/p010014.html

Jerry and Browning

-----Original

Message-----

From:

Joint Replacement

[mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of Bill and Canter

Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2005

3:03 PM

Joint Replacement

Subject: Re:

New to Group

I need to ask

about that. I'll be thinking of you on Thursday .

juneflower60@...

wrote:

Hi ,

I had my knee

replacement done three years ago on my right knee my dr never told me what kind

of knee replacement he put in my knee I guess I didn't know better to asked

questions .What is a Oxford knee replacement ?Well I wish you the best of luck

and a speedy recovery.

Susie

-------------- Original message --------------

Hi,

Thursday

I will be having a knee replacement, hopefully the Oxford Knee. I had a full knee done in 2002 on my

Left Knee, now it is time to repair the Right side! This will be done at Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, AL

with Dr Stanton .

I

am interested to hear from anyone that has had an Oxford Knee replacement. I am very excited about my surgery and

ready to get rid of the inconveniences caused by bad knees.

Have

a Fantastic Day!

God bless you!

Start your

day with - make it your home page

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks for sending the web site about the Oxford knee that sure was differant I had the drs report but it seem he talked more about my Hip operation then my knee operation well you have a nice day.

Susie

-------------- Original message --------------

Hi,

Here are a few links to information on the Oxford Knee. I will keep you posted after surgery! Thanks for the Positive thoughts and Prayers!

Blessings,

http://www.oxfordknee.net/patient/home.html

www.myrapidrecovery.com

http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/mda/docs/p010014.html

Jerry and Browning

-----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of Bill and CanterSent: Tuesday, August 16, 2005 3:03 PMJoint Replacement Subject: Re: New to Group

I need to ask about that. I'll be thinking of you on Thursday .

juneflower60@... wrote:

Hi ,

I had my knee replacement done three years ago on my right knee my dr never told me what kind of knee replacement he put in my knee I guess I didn't know better to asked questions .What is a Oxford knee replacement ?Well I wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery.

Susie

-------------- Original message --------------

Hi,

Thursday I will be having a knee replacement, hopefully the Oxford Knee. I had a full knee done in 2002 on my Left Knee, now it is time to repair the Right side! This will be done at Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, AL with Dr Stanton .

I am interested to hear from anyone that has had an Oxford Knee replacement. I am very excited about my surgery and ready to get rid of the inconveniences caused by bad knees.

Have a Fantastic Day!

God bless you!

Start your day with - make it your home page

[Guest guest]

> I've been dealing with Multiple chemical Sensitivity for 3 and a half years

now,

> and I am starting to notice " fuzzy brain " symptoms around electronics - cell

> phones in particular. I understand MCS and EMF sensitivity could be related

> ailments. I'd be happy to hear of anyone else who contracted EMF as an

> extension of MCS .

As I recall -- this was about 5 years ago -- I got an increased

sensitivity to chemicals at about the same time as I got an

increased sensitivity to EMF. However, after years of working

on better nutrition and detoxification, I'm far less sensitive

to both (although still more sensitive than " normal " ).

> A cell phone tower went up in our neighborhood not too many months ago.

> Any ideas on how to protect myself?

Some sort of EMF protection device might help. I use stuff from

Quantum Products & Springlife polarizers, but there are plenty

of stuff out there that may (or may not) help.

Also, it's possible that placing a " tower buster " near the

cell phone tower may help:

http://proliberty.com/observer/20030422.htm

But this is just speculation -- I haven't tried this, and I'm

not sure if anyone else here has either!

There are also people who put shielding materials on their

walls, but I've tried to avoid solutions like this, as they

stand out too much.

Marc

[Guest guest]

nn,

I encourage you to talk with your neighbors and see if anyone else is

having additional headaches, irritation, poor sleep, trouble focusing,

concentrating, etc.

I would be good to gather that info and take it to the person that has

the lease on the property that the Cell Phone company used to build the

tower. Or, take it to the Board of Adjustment or whoever approves them

so they know what they have done. Hopefully the lease will not be

re-granted and you can stay in your home.

Otherwise, shielding or moving is the best solution.

Other gadgets can alter the type of radiation into a less harmful one.

I haven't had much luck with these. There are others on this list that

have had better results.

Welcome to the list. You will get a lot of help and useful info here.

On Nov 25, 2005, at 3:54 PM, mariannfm wrote:

> Hi,

>

> I've been dealing with Multiple chemical Sensitivity for 3 and a half

> years now,

> and I am starting to notice " fuzzy brain " symptoms around electronics

> - cell

> phones in particular. I understand MCS and EMF sensitivity could be

> related

> ailments. I'd be happy to hear of anyone else who contracted EMF as an

> extension of MCS .

>

> A cell phone tower went up in our neighborhood not too many months ago.

> Any ideas on how to protect myself?

>

> Thanks!

> nn in Pennsylvania

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kelli, and I will be arriving on the 25th and surgery on the 26th. From the sounds of things, we will most likely be up and walking around so I'm sure we will meet. How nice it will be to spend some time with one of my new friends from this group!!! See you soon. BeckyKelli <psichikel@...> wrote: Hi Becky My name is Kelli. I am having my surgery the 27th!!! Wow, it would be great for us to meet and I'd like to talk to you after my surgery is done, if I'm up and about which I hope to be. I live in Merced, California so I'll be travelling there early since my bf lives in San Diego. I should be on the van the 26th, but I'm sure you'll already be there at the hospital by then. Please keep in

touch, as I'd like to meet you both and perhaps we can be each others angels. Take Care! Kelli > > Hi Everyone, > I wanted to write and introduce myself. I am Becky and both my daughter and I are going to have our surguries January 26th. I have to say that reading your posting the last few days has convinced me that we have made the right choice in going with Dr. A. Nina has been a dream in helping me and from what you all say, being helpful and very nice is the mode of everyone at the hospital. I am sure that I will have many questions over the next several months and knowing that having this group that consists of new and experienced bandsters will mean so much. > > I live in Walla Walla, WA and am trying to find a doctor here that can do my fills. Nina is searching for me but I thought that I would ask the group and see if any of you might be in this area. > > Becky > > > > --------------------------------- > for Good - Make a difference this year. >

for Good - Make a difference this year.

[Guest guest]

Joanne,

If he is in that much pain he should see the Dr. Did the hospital

have him in compression stockings? I had my hips replaced and the

hospital sent me home with a pair. I stopped wearing them and my

ankles blew up like a ballon. I started wearing them again and my

ankles look great.

[Guest guest]

Some pain and swelling are normal...lots an lots, and heat could mean

something is not right... I would contact my OS. Since tomorrow you will

see the Physical Therapist, they will be able to make a better

evaluation. They know what is normal, and will tell you to see the dr if

it is abnormal

MJ

Jane Le Kanides

http://www.my.tupperware.com/maryjanelk Visit my online Tupperware store

[Guest guest]

Hi Joanne,

Welcome to the group. I'm mostly a lurker but I must ask..what did your

husbands surgeon say about the swelling.

Judy

From: jcook48420 [mailto: jcook48420@...]

Joint Replacement

Date: Mon, 06 Feb 2006 13:11:13 -0000

Subject: New to group

Hello everyone,

I am new to this group and hope I can get some advice and help through

all of your posts. My husband had TKR on the 31st of January. He came

home on Feb. 3rd. He had an old football injury that just got to the

point he couldn't walk any more. Since we have been home he has been

in a lot of pain. The pain meds. don't even seem to be effecting it at

all!! He is starting PT tomorrow morning in town. His leg and foot

are so swollen that it looks as though if it swells any more it will

burst!! He is not getting any sleep except for a catnap here and

there. I am worried about the blood clots because I have tried

everything to get the swelling down and it just won't go away even a

little. Is all of this normal and has anyone else gone through this

will the pain meds. not doing any good and the swelling?? If anyone

has any suggestions that could help us we would really be grateful!!

Joanne

[Guest guest]

OH MY GOD PHYLLIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU HAVE ME ROLLING RIGHT NOW WITH LAUGHTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TAMMY IRISH"Phyllis D." <tobygirl5@...> wrote: Hi, . I'm flying in on 21st and surgery is Sat. 22nd. See you there!! You'll recognize me - I'm short ... and fat! HA!! LOL Phyllis NEW TO GROUP HI EVERYONE-MY NAME IS KELLY AND I AM SENDING IN MY DEPOSIT TOMORROW FOR SURGERY ON 4/21/06. IS ANYONE ELSE GETTING BANDED THAT DAY? I AM BOTH EXCITED & SCARED.

[Guest guest]

Tammy, You're a kick, too! I wish we were going to cross paths in Mexicali! PD

NEW TO GROUP

HI EVERYONE-MY NAME IS KELLY AND I AM SENDING IN MY DEPOSIT TOMORROW FOR SURGERY ON 4/21/06. IS ANYONE ELSE GETTING BANDED THAT DAY? I AM BOTH EXCITED & SCARED.

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane, I had a Hip and Knee replacement I never heard of anyone having a elbow replacement done I heard of shoulder replacement done which my regular dr told me not to have done I also heard of ankle replacements done .Well I wish you the best of luck let me know if you find a group for that kind of replacement Have a nice weekend:-) SusieDiane <dijohnson2@...> wrote: Hi,My name is Diane, I am in Ohio and I have just joined the group and Ihave been looking

through some older messages, but I am thinking I amin the wrong group My doctor is telling me I need an elbowreplacement. Does anyone one know of a group for elbow replacementsurgery? Thanks much

[Guest guest]

elbows aren't done as often, you might have a hard job finding a list just

for elbows.

Aussie Margaret

RTHR 1990 revised 2004

New to Group

Hi,

My name is Diane, I am in Ohio and I have just joined the group and I

have been looking through some older messages, but I am thinking I am

in the wrong group My doctor is telling me I need an elbow

replacement. Does anyone one know of a group for elbow replacement

surgery?

Thanks much

[Guest guest]

there may not be a group for elbows but you are welcome here! our main focus is on hips and knees but all joint replacements share some issues. maybe we can all learn something together!

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane

I have a friend here in the UK, he had an elbow replacement about 18 months ago,

and 6

months ago I was watching him play drums again.

His recovery seemed straightf orward but you have to be careful for a while like

any

replacement I suppose.

Best Wishes - and I hope you will be " drumming " again

jane in Wales

-- In Joint Replacement , " Diane " <dijohnson2@...> wrote:

>

> Hi,

>

> My name is Diane, I am in Ohio and I have just joined the group and I

> have been looking through some older messages, but I am thinking I am

> in the wrong group My doctor is telling me I need an elbow

> replacement. Does anyone one know of a group for elbow replacement

> surgery?

>

> Thanks much

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks to everyone that replied.

I searched again and all that came up was something to do

with guitar elbows. So yes, I am finding there is not much or anything

out there for my condition. I guess if you all can survive knee and

hip replacements (which sound really traumatic) maybe I can survive an

elbow replacement. But still I am terrified of the prospect. I

have had two surgeries trying to fix my arm. I shattered my upper arm

in Dec '93 (age 42) and at that time they put it back together with

plates and screws. It all healed except one spot above the elbow which

they call a non-union. I had another surgery 3 months later in '94 to

redo the plates and screws with a bone graft. That section still did

not heal, I think partly due to the therapy which required movement of

the elbow so it would not freeze up. Anyway since then over the years

the two plates have broken one at a time and screws have come loose so

that there is a total separation of the humerus. That is where I am

now, I still have some use of my arm, amazingly, but it does cause

problems. Maybe I will just lurk here a bit and keep searching for a

group or more info. I would like to know how long a replacement would

last but the docs can't seem to tell me. I guess they don't have a

long enough track record on it. I see ortho again the 16th. Twelve

and a half years is long enough living with basically a broken arm,

guess it is time, even if it scares me to death.

Thanks again,

Diane

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > My name is Diane, I am in Ohio and I have just joined the group and I

> > have been looking through some older messages, but I am thinking I am

> > in the wrong group My doctor is telling me I need an elbow

> > replacement. Does anyone one know of a group for elbow replacement

> > surgery?

> >

> > Thanks much

> >

>

[Guest guest]

First of all, welcome. There are a number of joints that can be replaced, but I'd hate to have to think of having all of them that way... ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow and wrist all have total or partial replacement options... something like the $6-million man, but without the super powers.

While the elbow and shoulder aren't weight-bearing joints, the rehab can be problematical, and it will be different from that which we "hippies" and knee joint replacements went through. Try this as a reference site, and run a search for "elbow joint replacement" on Google (or any search engine) to learn more.

Getting spare parts IS scary-- I remember almost walking out of the hospital the night before my first surgery... but in the long run, it's worth it.

http://www.pacewithlife.com/z/ctl/op/global/action/1/id/390/template/PC/navid/175

(If the link doesn't work, cut & paste it into your browser window).

When you travel (which I do a fair amount of) be sure you have a letter from the medical center/hospital where you did the surgery, because you'll "ring the bell" of the metal detectors at the airports every time.

Hang in there and good luck!

Greywolf - RTHR-2003; LTHR-2004

mdavison@...

From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of DianeSent: 09 May, 2006 11:50 PMJoint Replacement Subject: Re: New to Group

Thanks to everyone that replied. I searched again and all that came up was something to dowith guitar elbows. So yes, I am finding there is not much or anythingout there for my condition. I guess if you all can survive knee andhip replacements (which sound really traumatic) maybe I can survive anelbow replacement. But still I am terrified of the prospect. Ihave had two surgeries trying to fix my arm. I shattered my upper armin Dec '93 (age 42) and at that time they put it back together withplates and screws. It all healed except one spot above the elbow whichthey call a non-union. I had another surgery 3 months later in '94 toredo the plates and screws with a bone graft. That section still didnot heal, I think partly due to the therapy which required movement ofthe elbow so it would not freeze up. Anyway since then over the yearsthe two plates have broken one at a time and screws have come loose sothat there is a total separation of the humerus. That is where I amnow, I still have some use of my arm, amazingly, but it does causeproblems. Maybe I will just lurk here a bit and keep searching for agroup or more info. I would like to know how long a replacement wouldlast but the docs can't seem to tell me. I guess they don't have along enough track record on it. I see ortho again the 16th. Twelveand a half years is long enough living with basically a broken arm,guess it is time, even if it scares me to death.Thanks again,Diane

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane,

Yikes.....yes indeed, 12 1/2 years is too long to live in pain with a

bum elbow. I lived with my poor knee for 22 years...and 3

surgeries... before having it replaced 8 weeks ago. I've never heard

of an elbow replacement, it just amazes me what medicine can do now.

What a world we live in!!

I wish you luck at your OS app next week.

Debra

> > >

> > > Hi,

> > >

> > > My name is Diane, I am in Ohio and I have just joined the group

and I

> > > have been looking through some older messages, but I am

thinking I am

> > > in the wrong group My doctor is telling me I need an elbow

> > > replacement. Does anyone one know of a group for elbow

replacement

> > > surgery?

> > >

> > > Thanks much

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Phyllis,

I remember saying after my first hip.

" Orthopeadic surgeons think and act like they are God because they perform

miracles. "

I had a surgeon who wasn't known for his gentle side, but he was a fantastic

surgeon.

Remember there are no stupid questions. Ask away, they have probably been

asked 100 times.

Good luck with your recovery.

Aussie Margaret

RTHR 1990 revised 2004

New to group

| Hi, My name is Phyllis and I am new to group. I had a TKR on May 22nd.

I am going to PT and have so many questions. I cannot take any

anti-inflammatory medciation due to having Gastric By-pass surgery. So

progress is slow. Everyone's progress is so individual. I feel like I am

SLOW! I am using a cane and still taking pain medication at night and for

PT. Just knowing that someone is there incase I have a " stupid " question

is comforting. My doctor is good but not very compassionate. So I look

for that in other sources. I will enjoying just reading.

| Happy Healing

Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.

[Guest guest]

,

On the candida, my best advice is to join the candidiasis

group and question Bee Wilder's candida group as a source of

information. Bee Wilder's bias against prebiotics ignores a field

of science of gut ecology in which the cause of bowel candida and

bowel dysbiosis -- prebiotic deficiency -- is corrected for

uniformly good outcomes. Watch out also for the agenda spinners

in the Healing Crow and Specific Carbohydrate Diet groups for the

same reason.

On the castor oil, it's mostly ricinoleate and I'd avoid eating

it as it damages bowel lining. This damage is in addition to

whatever damage is already occurring because of the bowel

dysbiosis/candida. The laxative effect of castor oil can be had

by other means. Here's some sobering data:

Substantial architectural changes were seen upon light or

electron microscopic examination of the mucosal cells of hamster

small intestine perfused in vivo in the presence of 8 mM sodium

ricinoleate. After treatment, the villus tips were capped with

vaccuolated epithelial cells with disintegrating brush borders;

the tight junctions were, however, not altered. Ricinoleate

treatment was accompanied by increased mucosal cell exfoliation

as evidenced by appearance of DNA in the perfusate. Membrane

damage was accompanied by increased sucrase activity and

appearance of phospholipid in cell-free aliquots of luminal

fluid. There was also an increased clearance of inulin and a 16

000 molecular weight dextran (Cline et al., 1976).

Dose-related epithelial damage and increased mucosal permeability

was seen upon perfusion of rabbit colon in vivo with 0, 2.5, 5.0,

7.5 and 10.0 mM concentrations of ricinoleate. Only occasional

focal epithelial damage was seen with 2.5 mM ricinoleate. Severe

damage was seen at 7.5 and 10.0 mM ricinoleate. There were also

large dose- related increases in the plasma to lumen clearances

of urea and creatinine (Gaginella et al., 1976).

At low doses castor oil is readily absorbed by man. As the oral

dose increases, per cent. absorption decreases and laxation

occurs.

Castor oil has a long history of use as a laxative and aside from

these effects it has been used apparently without harm. At

laxation levels castor oil might be expected to inhibit the

absorption of fat soluble nutrients, notably vitamins A and D.

Therefore, food additive use of castor oil should be kept well

below levels where absorption would be inhibited. At doses of 4 g

in adults absorption appears to be complete and may be considered

as a no-effect level.

However in light of the lack of adequate long-term studies of

immediate relevance the Committee applied a more conservative

margin of safety.

That is, less than 4 grams is apparently safe, and it has no use

in the body.

You need wild fish oil, cod-liver oil etc supplements for EPA and

DHA; the body makes hardly any at all from LNA contained in flax

and a few other seeds. In fact, when EPA and DHA are present,

contrary to popular belief the so-called " essential omega-3 " LNA

has no known use. Avoid seed oils generally and you'll get an

adequate omega-6 intake by casual exposure in foods, nuts, olive

oil etc. Food oils should be limited as much as practicable to

coconut, butter, lard and a small amount of virgin olive oil.

Duncan Crow

>

> Posted by: " " zulie_60@... zulie_60

> Date: Sun Aug 13, 2006 3:19 pm (PDT)

>

> Thank you so much, Duncan. Still little confused, however. Do I get

> a supplement, i.e., omega-3, fish oil, or something like that? Feel a

> naive about it all. Was " turned on " to coconut via a candida

> group, but there are all sorts of other dietary restrictions with that

> I'm not sure I need. They suggested butter and coconut oil for

> eating/cooking. And then I think a fish oil and/or castor oil

> supplement. Is there some piece of literature (succinct, please!) you

> could direct me to that might be easier for me to figure this out.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Tom, thanks for responding,

Actually, I really don't fault my family doctor. I'm just glad I stuck with one

long enough

for one to take notice. My history involves a lot of moving around and lack of

seeking

medical advise when I had an ear infection.

Since I was a toddler, my parents took me to doctors and specialists with no

resolve. As

an adult, I was still unable to get anywhere until recently. After a life time

of infections,

I've learned tolerance of the pain. I probably should have sought medical

advise more

often but I felt defeated and accepted it as a part of my life. It wasn't until

diving came

part of my life that I started really pushing for answers. I've missed out a

many dive trips

because of my ear 'acting up'.

My only complaint is the specialist I'm seeing is keeping me in the dark - as

far as he's

concerned, I haven't a clue what's going on. He's had plenty of opportunity to

explain

things to me but he hasn't. Anything I know about this is because I got my

family doctor

to get what ever he could from the specialist - he came in with the CT report,

told me they

found something, debris from past ear infections, and that the specialist will

be in touch.

I asked for a copy of the report and I started researching what the report said

- but I still

feel like I'm missing something.

I have an appointment with another specialist next week and we'll see what he

has to

say ...

Coming at you from Northern Alberta Canada,

Colleen

>

> Colleen

>

> Actually your time line is not abnormal, if I remember

> correctly it took my family Doc about 2 to 3 years to

> send me to a ENT and about another 4 years after that

> before I had my Modified Radical. That was 30 years

> ago. Don't fault the Family Doc as 95% of them have

> never heard of C-toma and would not know what it was

> if it bit them in the rear. I would get a 2nd opinion

> as to the recommend plan of the Surgery, Surgery is

> the only cure for C-toma. Let us know where you live

> and someone should be able to point you to another Doc

> for 2nd look.....

>

>

> tom hansen

[Guest guest]

Colleen:

Surgery is the only solution for a cholesteatoma.

My ear infections also went on for years before I had a CT scan. I

developed a really bad ear infection that forced the issue. From the

stories in this message group, seems to me like a lot of doctors drop

the ball and let these things progress much too long before treatment.

I too had underdeveloped mastoid air cells (probably due to all of

the infections I had as a kid). I don't think that this item in the

report is anything to worry about.

Here's my ideas about how one form of an acquired cholesteatoma

develops:

1. Eustachion tubes don't work well.

2. This causes an air pressure difference in the chamber behind your

eardrum where your hearing bones are - the hammer (malleos), the

anvil (incus) and the stirrup (stapes). The air pressure causes the

eardrum to suck in (which is surprising as had I to guess I would

have guessed that it would blow outward). It sucks in because the

walls of your inner ear absorb gas.

3. There is a portion of your ear drum that is not stretch so tight,

and this is the portion that gets sucked in. Your eardrum is made

from skin cells which flake away just as skin does elsewhere.

Because the eardrum is retracted, the sloughed off skin has more

trouble exiting the middle ear chamber and can collect, becoming a

cholesteatoma.

4. C-tomas are bad for a few reasons, first they can erode your

delicate hearing bones, second the c-toma crowds your hearing bones

such that they don't vibrate correctly leading to hearing reductions,

and finally, it's difficult for antibiotics to reach all of the

bacteria associated with an infection when the bacteria resides deep

inside the c-toma sac, hence ear infections persist.

>

> Hello,

>

> I'm new to the group and was recently diagnosed as having

choleteatoma. I found this site

> via http://cholesteatoma.netfirms.com/ I'm so glad to have found a

group to share my

> stories and maybe some of my fears about this.

>

> Now, I haven't gone through any of the old posts to see if my

question or concerns were

> addressed by someone else - but I'm assuming everyone is different

to some degree, so

> I'm making my own posting.

>

> I'm 36 years old with a life time of ear infections. Talk about

Doctors dropping the ball. In

> all my research done to date, I can't believe it has taken so long

to figure out what's going

> on with my ear.

>

> My last really bad ear infection started back in August 2005.

Throughout my life I've had

> periodic pain, pressure, drainage, vertigo, dizziness, and loss of

balance but since August

> 2005, it's been continuous. It took many visits to the doctor

before he finally sent me to a

> specialist. After my visit to the specialist, I had a CT scan

within a couple weeks (on

> November 8th). I'm going in for a hearing test December 8th.

>

> I was very confused when I left the specialists office because I

went in for chronic

> earinfections yet he was talking fitting me for a hearing aid!

While I was there, he gave me

> no indication what the problem was. He told me he was sending me

for a CT scan to get

> an idea if the bones in my ear were okay and a hearing test to

determine the extent of my

> hearing loss. I was so disappointed - I was hoping to get relief

for my ear infections and

> he gave me no hope.

>

> However, I managed to get a copy of the radiologists report on my

scan. The doctors

> request stated that he wanted them to check for cholesteatoma and

ossicle erosion. So,

> he had some idea what was going on.

>

> The report said (verbatim):

>

> On the left, soft tissues are noted, in the attic of the middle ear

adjacent to the malleus

> and incus. The soft tissues extend inferiorly, to the mesotympanum

following the inferior

> portion of the incus. The staples is not well seen. This likely

represents cholesteatoma in

> the attic and mesotympanum of the middle ear. The presumed

cholesteatom, extends

> through the aditus of the mastiod antrum, into the mastoid antrum.

The mastoid air cells

> on the left are under developed and are not aerated, likely relates

to inflammation. There

> appears to be retraction of the ear drum on the left ...

>

> Now, has anybody have a clue what all that means? I've done some

research and have an

> idea what it means but, to me anyway, it seems like it's a bad

thing that there is

> inflammation in the mastoid air cells and the cholesteatoma has

eroded the staples.

> Chances are that I would have no choice but to have a mastiodectomy

using the CWD

> surgery - making it impossible for me to ever go diving again. Has

anyone else had the

> same diagnosis and was still able to go swimming/diving?

>

> When my family doctor came into the office with the CT report, he

had a somber look on

> his face ... should I be worried to?

>

> Thanks for reading,

> Colleen

>

[Guest guest]

Mark, Your ideas on how an acquired c-toma is formed is probably the best I've heard and most logical to date. Nice work. - Culp, c-toma sufferer since 2002.markgordonstinson <markgordonstinson@...> wrote: Colleen:Surgery is the only solution for a cholesteatoma. My ear infections also went on for years before I had a CT scan. I developed a really bad ear infection that forced the issue. From the stories in this

message group, seems to me like a lot of doctors drop the ball and let these things progress much too long before treatment.I too had underdeveloped mastoid air cells (probably due to all of the infections I had as a kid). I don't think that this item in the report is anything to worry about. Here's my ideas about how one form of an acquired cholesteatoma develops:1. Eustachion tubes don't work well. 2. This causes an air pressure difference in the chamber behind your eardrum where your hearing bones are - the hammer (malleos), the anvil (incus) and the stirrup (stapes). The air pressure causes the eardrum to suck in (which is surprising as had I to guess I would have guessed that it would blow outward). It sucks in because the walls of your inner ear absorb gas. 3. There is a portion of your ear drum that is not stretch so tight, and this is the portion that gets sucked in. Your eardrum is made

from skin cells which flake away just as skin does elsewhere. Because the eardrum is retracted, the sloughed off skin has more trouble exiting the middle ear chamber and can collect, becoming a cholesteatoma. 4. C-tomas are bad for a few reasons, first they can erode your delicate hearing bones, second the c-toma crowds your hearing bones such that they don't vibrate correctly leading to hearing reductions, and finally, it's difficult for antibiotics to reach all of the bacteria associated with an infection when the bacteria resides deep inside the c-toma sac, hence ear infections persist. >> Hello,> > I'm new to the group and was recently diagnosed as having choleteatoma. I found this site > via http://cholesteatoma.netfirms.com/ I'm so glad to have found a group to share my > stories and maybe some of my fears about this. > > Now, I haven't gone through any of the old posts to see if my question or concerns were > addressed by someone else - but I'm assuming everyone is different to some degree, so > I'm making my own posting.> > I'm 36 years old with a life time of ear infections. Talk about Doctors dropping the ball. In > all my research done to date, I can't believe it has taken so long to figure out what's going > on with my ear.> > My last really bad ear infection started back in August 2005. Throughout my life I've had > periodic pain, pressure, drainage, vertigo, dizziness, and loss of balance but since August > 2005, it's been continuous. It took many visits to the doctor before

he finally sent me to a > specialist. After my visit to the specialist, I had a CT scan within a couple weeks (on > November 8th). I'm going in for a hearing test December 8th.> > I was very confused when I left the specialists office because I went in for chronic > earinfections yet he was talking fitting me for a hearing aid! While I was there, he gave me > no indication what the problem was. He told me he was sending me for a CT scan to get > an idea if the bones in my ear were okay and a hearing test to determine the extent of my > hearing loss. I was so disappointed - I was hoping to get relief for my ear infections and > he gave me no hope.> > However, I managed to get a copy of the radiologists report on my scan. The doctors > request stated that he wanted them to check for cholesteatoma and ossicle erosion. So, > he had some idea what was going

on. > > The report said (verbatim):> > On the left, soft tissues are noted, in the attic of the middle ear adjacent to the malleus > and incus. The soft tissues extend inferiorly, to the mesotympanum following the inferior > portion of the incus. The staples is not well seen. This likely represents cholesteatoma in > the attic and mesotympanum of the middle ear. The presumed cholesteatom, extends > through the aditus of the mastiod antrum, into the mastoid antrum. The mastoid air cells > on the left are under developed and are not aerated, likely relates to inflammation. There > appears to be retraction of the ear drum on the left ...> > Now, has anybody have a clue what all that means? I've done some research and have an > idea what it means but, to me anyway, it seems like it's a bad thing that there is > inflammation in the mastoid air cells

and the cholesteatoma has eroded the staples. > Chances are that I would have no choice but to have a mastiodectomy using the CWD > surgery - making it impossible for me to ever go diving again. Has anyone else had the > same diagnosis and was still able to go swimming/diving? > > When my family doctor came into the office with the CT report, he had a somber look on > his face ... should I be worried to?> > Thanks for reading,> Colleen>

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[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie

My heart goes out to you I don't know what more you can do, but at this time, somehow or other, you and your healing must come first! I hope some of the others will have some practical suggestions, knowing as they will, what is available for post-op folk in the States.

in NZ (post-op THR, Day 18 - watching a lot of Chick Flicks!!)

-----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of garagesale1999Sent: Saturday, 16 December 2006 6:55 a.m.Joint Replacement Subject: new to group

HiI just had a partal knee replacement Nov 20th. I did all theexercises the told me to do BEFORE SURGERY and beleave it has helpedmy recovery. Before I found the doc that did the surgery I was goingto a doc in my town and ended up with a swelled calf after 3injections of something into my knee, they didn't want to do surgeryon my knee as I am only 50 and they just kept pumping me withcordizone and then this 3 week shots thing. When I went to this otherdoctor out of town, I took x-rays I had and none were with me standingand bending my knee with pressure on it. Well it showed that I had NOcartlage on the inside of the knee and a good amount on the outsidearea. After trying for months to get the swelling and lump in theback of my leg figured out it was decided that when the shot was givenin my knee it settled into my calf (dumb doctor didn't even clean theshot area before shot and those shots hurt like pure fire) Anyway thenew doctor checked out the lump, and swelling real good and there isnothing they can do about the calf pain, so I had the knee fixedhoping that will give me less pain in my leg.Ok anyway now they say the knee is going great I have 90% rom and thepain had let up alot, still icing hot knee and using vit E on scar(almost gone). Went to theapy on wed and pushed myself to much I thinkand was in alot of pain that night. My knee was feeling great but thepain came back in the calf after over working it at theapy and walkingfor a half hour in the store. I slept all day yesterday as I think that I got up in the night andtook some pain meds and didn't remember doing it. I sleep walk andeat at night and don't remember it and I am sure that I must of gotinto my pills and don't remember as my friend called me at 9:oo am andshe said I was out of it, I argued with her but could be. I will haveto take my pills and lock them up so I have to wake up my husband toget them if I need them. for the last few days I have been pushing myself and keep forgeting mycane when I walk. I am not very happy being inside all the time andto tired to go out much. I am depressed and upset with the littlehelp that I get from the people who told me they would help. MyChurch family has sent cards but that is it. My parents are not welland I am an only child and was taking dad to chemo and mom toappointments. I asked the church to find people to help them and theynever did anything except tell me to call even when I gave them myparents number and and schedule of appointments. We just are not thebegging kind and I find myself overdueing it and getting bitter mad. I have a husband who is a hunter and is reluctly trying to keep upwith the washing the clothing. my daughter is 8mths pregnant and has3 kids and a husband who is being jacked around at work with hishours. they have 1 car and my daughter just can't help as she don'tknow week by week what his hours will be and her kids (the 3 from heranother marrage)are dealing with a real dad who won't pay support andis always moving and has now decided to move to ohio (from Mich) andwill only take them when and if he feels like it. Now with the newdads hours being shifted around and a new baby coming, they are notadjusting well to all the changes. I have always been the strong onefor everyone and now I am down and pushing myself to much then payingfor it in pain and depression. Just wondering if anyone else isfinding it hard to deal with the recovery time and have any ideas. Idon't even care about Christmas, I have the gifts bought beforesurgery. I always loved Christmas but this year forget it, I justwant to cry. thanks for reading this and I hope i can learn how tonot overdue it. Iceing knee and calf in Michigan. Debbie

[Guest guest]

P.S: Debbie, you may be clinically depressed and should talk to your doctor. You've been through major surgery and need some looking after.

-----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of garagesale1999Sent: Saturday, 16 December 2006 6:55 a.m.Joint Replacement Subject: new to group

HiI just had a partal knee replacement Nov 20th. I did all theexercises the told me to do BEFORE SURGERY and beleave it has helpedmy recovery. Before I found the doc that did the surgery I was goingto a doc in my town and ended up with a swelled calf after 3injections of something into my knee, they didn't want to do surgeryon my knee as I am only 50 and they just kept pumping me withcordizone and then this 3 week shots thing. When I went to this otherdoctor out of town, I took x-rays I had and none were with me standingand bending my knee with pressure on it. Well it showed that I had NOcartlage on the inside of the knee and a good amount on the outsidearea. After trying for months to get the swelling and lump in theback of my leg figured out it was decided that when the shot was givenin my knee it settled into my calf (dumb doctor didn't even clean theshot area before shot and those shots hurt like pure fire) Anyway thenew doctor checked out the lump, and swelling real good and there isnothing they can do about the calf pain, so I had the knee fixedhoping that will give me less pain in my leg.Ok anyway now they say the knee is going great I have 90% rom and thepain had let up alot, still icing hot knee and using vit E on scar(almost gone). Went to theapy on wed and pushed myself to much I thinkand was in alot of pain that night. My knee was feeling great but thepain came back in the calf after over working it at theapy and walkingfor a half hour in the store. I slept all day yesterday as I think that I got up in the night andtook some pain meds and didn't remember doing it. I sleep walk andeat at night and don't remember it and I am sure that I must of gotinto my pills and don't remember as my friend called me at 9:oo am andshe said I was out of it, I argued with her but could be. I will haveto take my pills and lock them up so I have to wake up my husband toget them if I need them. for the last few days I have been pushing myself and keep forgeting mycane when I walk. I am not very happy being inside all the time andto tired to go out much. I am depressed and upset with the littlehelp that I get from the people who told me they would help. MyChurch family has sent cards but that is it. My parents are not welland I am an only child and was taking dad to chemo and mom toappointments. I asked the church to find people to help them and theynever did anything except tell me to call even when I gave them myparents number and and schedule of appointments. We just are not thebegging kind and I find myself overdueing it and getting bitter mad. I have a husband who is a hunter and is reluctly trying to keep upwith the washing the clothing. my daughter is 8mths pregnant and has3 kids and a husband who is being jacked around at work with hishours. they have 1 car and my daughter just can't help as she don'tknow week by week what his hours will be and her kids (the 3 from heranother marrage)are dealing with a real dad who won't pay support andis always moving and has now decided to move to ohio (from Mich) andwill only take them when and if he feels like it. Now with the newdads hours being shifted around and a new baby coming, they are notadjusting well to all the changes. I have always been the strong onefor everyone and now I am down and pushing myself to much then payingfor it in pain and depression. Just wondering if anyone else isfinding it hard to deal with the recovery time and have any ideas. Idon't even care about Christmas, I have the gifts bought beforesurgery. I always loved Christmas but this year forget it, I justwant to cry. thanks for reading this and I hope i can learn how tonot overdue it. Iceing knee and calf in Michigan. Debbie