help!

August 28, 2000

Lucille,

I will most certainly keep you in my prayers. My heart goes out to you. Are

you being treated for your hypertension at present? I am worried for you,

especially if you are not receiving any treatment for it. If you are

pregnant, that is even more reason to seek treatment asap. If you have a

stroke, how can you be there for ny? I know you are afraid of being

thrown into the hospital, but perhaps calling your doc and receiving

treatment to get your health under control would be the best thing you could

do for yourself and your family. Can you let your husband know how desperate

and out of control you feel? It sounds to me like you really need him right

now. I wish I could do more to help you than simply write to you. PLEASE,

Lucille, call your doctor. We all care about you,

Maureen

August 28, 2000

Lucille,

[[[[[[[[[[HUGS]]]]]]]]]]]]] Congratulations[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[MORE

HUGS]]]]]]]]]]]]]]] Takes a while for the shock to wear off, but keep your

chin up. I hope everything will be just fine.

(mom to 13DS/ASD)

August 28, 2000

Hi Lucille:

Wow what news!

Will this be your second child or?? (I can't remember)

I'll be thinking of you. Try to place good thoughts in the forefront of

your mind to help the blood pressure. One moment at a time.

hugs,

Joan

August 29, 2000

hugs and prayers

>From: Lucille312@...

>Reply-egroups

>egroups

>Subject: HELP!

>Date: Mon, 28 Aug 2000 22:48:14 EDT

>

>I just switched to the digest form so I am not sure how to post. Anyway,

>my

>5 year old with DS/ASD wipes out my every bit of energy and patience and

>today I got a positive reading on an EPT. I am almost 44, have

>hypertension, can't even reach to tie my shoes at my present weight, am

>experiencing major denial, haven't even told DH yet! Then I looked at my

>risk factor for another child with DS at age 45 which is 1:20, which by the

>way is the least of my worries! I am more worried that when I call my OB

>she

>will put me in the hospital because of my hypertension. I want to be home

>next week when ny starts his first shot at typical, inclusive preschool

>as he has previously been in all Early Intervention classrooms. Keep us in

>prayer.

>Lucille

>

August 29, 2000

lucille,hope it goes well,ring your doctor,have a safe pregnancy and a

beautiful baby and remind your DH it takes two Pat

August 29, 2000

WoW!! I hope things are going better by now! {{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Judy

August 30, 2000

All I can say is " ouch " .

Kara

HELP!

>I just switched to the digest form so I am not sure how to post. Anyway,

my

>5 year old with DS/ASD wipes out my every bit of energy and patience and

>today I got a positive reading on an EPT. I am almost 44, have

>hypertension, can't even reach to tie my shoes at my present weight, am

>experiencing major denial, haven't even told DH yet! Then I looked at my

>risk factor for another child with DS at age 45 which is 1:20, which by the

>way is the least of my worries! I am more worried that when I call my OB

she

>will put me in the hospital because of my hypertension. I want to be home

>next week when ny starts his first shot at typical, inclusive preschool

>as he has previously been in all Early Intervention classrooms. Keep us in

>prayer.

>Lucille

>

September 7, 2000

Ice it. Lay flat on your back with knees bent, or flat on your stomach if

that hurts. Take ibuprophen as opposed to Tylenol. Ibuprophen is more of a

muscle relaxant than an analgesic like Tylenol. And GO SEE A DOCTOR! Or at

least call the nurse at the doctor's office to help more define what you did.

Is it a specific spot? Or just pain in general?

-

In a message dated 07-Sep-00 04:44:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

sasasup@... writes:

<< Help! I just got back from my lower body workout and I've done something

to

my lower back. I stopped my workout immediately and came home. I can keep

my back totally straight and it doesn't hurt but I cannot bend at the waist

without pain. I can squat down but I can't bend over. What is the best

self-help? From what my medical book says, I should ice it to stop any

swelling. Any other advice?

Thanks so much!

Sara

>>

September 7, 2000

In a message dated 9/7/00 4:45:21 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

sasasup@... writes:

<< I can squat down but I can't bend over. What is the best

self-help? From what my medical book says, I should ice it to stop any

swelling. Any other advice?

>>

I have suffered from back and neck pain for years. It depends on the pain

that you are having. If it is a dull throbbing pain, then more than likely

it is slightly torn soft tissue whether that be muscle, ligaments, or what

have you.

If the pain is sharp and concentrated in one spot, kinda like being stabbed

with a knife, then it is some of your nerves getting caught in your spinal

cord.

How this works is a muscle will spasm in your back, that makes the muscle

very tight and therefore pushes the nerves against your spine. When you bend

over you elongate the spine and a nerve ending or two slip in-between 2 discs

of your Vertebral column. Then when you straighten your back it pinches them

causing a very sharp pain. Then when that happens, your muscles spasm again.

The cure? I think your book is right. Ice to bring down swelling at first.

24 hours ice, then 24 hours heat. If you use heat first all you do is

enlarge the tissue and make the condition worse, although the heat feels

good. This happens to me often, and I have Styrofoam cups with water in them

in the freezer. My girlfriend will rub in circles on the spot on my lower

back that is in pain. The next day I will take it easy and take a long hot

bath, and or use a heating blanket.

If the condition gets worse or continues at the same level of pain for more

than 24 or 36 hours then I would suggest you see a medical Doctor.

Good luck and let me know how you are feeling.

Peace,

" Once I was a prisoner

Lost in myself

With the world surrounding me

Wandering through the misery,

But now I AM FREE..... "

September 7, 2000

LOL ...those deadlifts are just about what killed me! I have herniated

disks in my back and neck, so make extra sure to watch my form and pay

attention to how I am feeling, but I guess for my first lower body workout

day, I went a bit light on my calves and quads. LOL The weights didn't feel

like they were doing anything, so would go a bit heavier to see what I could

do.

Well, let me tell you! That workout definately crept up on me! My hamstrings

have never felt such pain!! Funny thing is, it took that good 24 hrs to set

in. LOL I couldn't even get a burn during the workout! Now I have these cool

nifty bruises on my knees, as I keep going down on them as I try to climb

into my school bus for work. This all happened two days ago, and my poor

hamstrings are still sceaming! LOL Thank the gods for Icy Hot! LOL My

coworkers sure are getting a kick out of watching me hobble out to the bus

lot too...but they are really great supporters for me!

Just thought I would share the horror of deadlifts. LOL I like it! I love

it! I want more of it!! LOL At least I can associate something good with

pain now! But they definately are becoming a favorite of mine!

Week 1, Day 5 - working hard!

_________________________________________________________________________

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September 7, 2000

LOL ...those deadlifts are just about what killed me! I have herniated

disks in my back and neck, so make extra sure to watch my form and pay

attention to how I am feeling, but I guess for my first lower body workout

day, I went a bit light on my calves and quads. LOL The weights didn't feel

like they were doing anything, so would go a bit heavier to see what I could

do.

Well, let me tell you! That workout definately crept up on me! My hamstrings

have never felt such pain!! Funny thing is, it took that good 24 hrs to set

in. LOL I couldn't even get a burn during the workout! Now I have these cool

nifty bruises on my knees, as I keep going down on them as I try to climb

into my school bus for work. This all happened two days ago, and my poor

hamstrings are still sceaming! LOL Thank the gods for Icy Hot! LOL My

coworkers sure are getting a kick out of watching me hobble out to the bus

lot too...but they are really great supporters for me!

Just thought I would share the horror of deadlifts. LOL I like it! I love

it! I want more of it!! LOL At least I can associate something good with

pain now! But they definately are becoming a favorite of mine!

Week 1, Day 5 - working hard!

_________________________________________________________________________

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September 7, 2000

Thanks for the help....I did ice it and I could get out of bed this morning!

(It was doubtful last night....I really thought I had done some major

damage). I went to school on ibuprofen and it felt better as long as I was

up and moving. When I sat for a while (lunch, reading aloud to my kids), it

hurt when I got back up. There is an ache down there but it is bearable.

When can I apply heat to it? It felt sooooo much better in the shower this

morning with the hot water beating on it.

I was doing dead lifts. I'm not sure if any of you remember but I was

having dull lower back pain a few months ago and wasn't sure what was

causing it but it was something in my workouts. Kit - you mentioned quite a

few exercises that could be the culprit and I eliminated them all and slowly

introduced them back in. I thought I had pinpointed it to stepping up on a

high step with 10 lb weights in my hand. I ditched the weights and step up

on it now without weights and have had no problem since until last night.

The dead lifts have never knowingly caused a problem. I did move up to 40

lb dumbbells from 35's last night and a felt a sharp pain on the 5th rep. I

think I can safely say that I was doing them correctly - they are in the BFL

book and in one of the magazines I got in the last couple of months. Also,

I had a trainer show me how to do them the first couple of times. What do

y'all think? I can tell you - it'll be a long time before I try another

one!!!! And deadlifts were truly one of my favorites!

Do you think I need to call the doctor? It is so much better and really

feels like it'll be OK. Last night - I knew I'd be having surgery for a

slipped disk or something!!!

Am I long-winded????

Sara

September 7, 2000

In a message dated 9/7/00 10:13:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

sasasup@... writes:

<< When can I apply heat to it? It felt sooooo much better in the shower this

morning with the hot water beating on it.

>>

The best thing is to do the ice for 24 hours and heat for 24 hours, then back

to ice if it is still swollen.

That is what the DR. S say regarding any muscle pull. The Motrin is great to

as it is an anti inflammatory.

If the pain gets worse, or goes on without change, then see a Dr.

" Once I was a prisoner

Lost in myself

With the world surrounding me

Wandering through the misery,

But now I AM FREE..... "

September 7, 2000

Sara,

I have been in a few accidents, one was in the Army where I was an EMT. I

got hair line fractures in my neck, and had some disk damage in my lower

back. I also have 2 blown knees and a bum ankle from a motorcycle accident.

I was in a wheel chair for a while with that one, re injured my back and neck

too. I wore braces on my knees for my first month. I used a weight belt for

my back. I take 500 mg Naproxen 2 times a day and 10 mg Baclofen 2 times a

day just to walk and move around. When I started working out I was in a lot

of pain. I would have my girlfriend rub ice on my lower back and as a bones,

she would sometimes give me the most awesome massage. Then in the morning to

loosen up I would shower with super hot water and use the water massager. And

the next day do it all over again. Sometimes I lay on an ice bag, and then

a heating pad. I also have a TEN's unit (it is a thing that uses electricity

to relax muscles) and would need it on most of the dat just so I would not

stiffen up too much.

My body is in bad shape, not just fat, but damaged. BUT, as my back muscles

are getting stronger, my back and neck feel better, since they are no longer

supporting all the fat around my mid section. I am still limping most of the

time, as I still have a handicap parking decal, but even that is getting

better and better.

You got to take care of yourself, you only have one body (and not to sound

silly, but) you got to make it your body for life. Do the work outs

according to the book. Read the book a few times. I still read mine. Every

time I read it I learn something new. If I have questions I ask here or I

call EAS. I am doing this by the book, and rules or no rules, money or no

money, I will have my transformation and keep my word not to cheat.

I was an EMT in the Army, a CNA and HHA when I got out, I am a Masters level

Clinical Social Worker and Youth Minister. I have had my broken bones and

bumps to know that if something is injured, go see a Medical Doctor, if it

hurts, ice and heat, if it burns, yeah baby!

I hope that your pain is gone by the time you read this, and play hard, but

play safe.

Peace,

Gilmer

" Once I was a prisoner

Lost in myself

With the world surrounding me

Wandering through the misery,

But now I AM FREE..... "

September 8, 2000

Sara, have you thought about seeing a chiropractor? All these changes to

your musculature could have thrown your alignment off and a slight

adjustment could fix every thing. At the very least, a good bone cracker

can tell you what is wrong, probably more accurately than your PCP.

Barbara

November 4, 2000

Heartbroken,

You have found a very resourceful list to help you through this difficult

time! I am impressed that you have already begun to read up on OCD and from

what you describe, it does sound like your daughter fits the criteria. Are

you aware that Dr. Chansky is an advisor on this list?

There are several childrens books you might want to look into.

" Up and Down The Worry Hill " by Aureen Pinto Wagner, Ph.D. is an excellent

book which addresses the anxiety associated with ocd. Dr. Wagner is also an

advisor to this list. For young children I really like " Blink, Blink, Clop,

Clop: Why Do We Do Things We Can't Stop? An OCD Storybook " by Katia Moritz

and Jablonsky. The book has lots of ocd symptoms and the animals

learn to Boss Back the OCD Flea!

If you look in our files in our website you will find an article on how to

interview a therapist. You may access the files, links, and archives for our

list at . To help you along,

I'll explain a few things to consider when picking a therapist:

1) is this person trained to do cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for ocd,

using the Exposure and Response Prevention method (ERP)?

2) does this therapist have experience dealing with younger children?

3) what are the therapists views on medication? (btw, medication may be

necessary if your daughter is in crisis and the anxiety is too high for her

to relax enough to absorb what is being explained to her.... it may be

temporary)

4) does the therapist offer support for the family? Is there a support

group?

If you have Dr. Chansky's book, then you are ahead of the game! The

Obessive-Compulsive Foundation has resources for trained therapists:

http://www.ocfoundation.org . We have other parents from Texas on the list

who may be able to offer you suggestions first hand.

we have a weekly chat every sunday night at 10pm Eastern time from our

website. Sorry, but I dont know what time that is in Dallas! If you can, try

and join for some support and interaction with other parents.

take care, let us know how we can help you out....

wendy in canada

(hubby and 3 kids (11,14,17) all with ocd/depression - and things are going

great here!)

=====================================================

>My 4 year old daughter is showing many signs of OCD. It is very

>frightening to see my once confident, happy, carefree daughter turn

>into a child that is obsessed with the thought of dirt and not making

>a mistake. She feels the need to confess every little thing and has

>started washing her hands all the time. These are only some of the

>bizarre like behavior she has been displaying. I have been reading

>the book " Freeing Your Child from OCD " by Tamar Chansky. Although she

>has not been formally diagnosed I don't see how it could be anything

>else but OCD. I have set up one consultation with a therapist next

>week, but I'm not sure if it is the right person. Does anyone have

>any suggestions on a referral of a " Great " therapist for children?

>She is so young I just want a person who is not only very

>knowledgable in childhood OCD but also good with children. I am in

>the Dallas area but at this point I would go anywhere. I would also

>appreciate any input on how to explain this disorder to a 4 year old

>child? I would be grateful to hear from other families that have had

>very young children diagnosed with this disorder and how they dealt

>with it.

>>Sincerely,

>Heartbroken

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November 4, 2000

Dear Heartbroken,

Please know that this is not the end of the world, but only the

beginning of a new adventure for you and your child. Once her symptoms

are under control through proper treatment, your daughter will reveal

many wonderful facets of herself that are not defined by OCD, and she

will continue to grow and bloom.

I know; my daughter had just turned five when she was diagnosed with

OCD, but she had clear symptoms since age three. She is now seven and

in second grade. She is a dancing ballerina, also studies funky hip hop

steps, plays piano, loves school, her friends and her cat. This is not

to say that life with OCD is a bowl of cherries. It is hard work. And

it is heartbreaking at times. As parents, we must allow ourselves time

to grieve, and build the support systems we need to keep ourselves

going.

With the reading you are doing, you are already far ahead of the game.

I would also recommend Mitzi Waltz's book about children and OCD. It

gives a good overview of treatments: both therapy and medications.

Also, March and Mulles' manual about CBT therapy ( " OCD in Children and

Adolescents, " ) explains CBT in great detail.

has given you good suggestions about finding doctors and

therapists. In this area, you cannot be too careful. My daughter sees

both a pediatric pharmacologist (his practice is called behavioral

pediatrics) and a CBT therapist.

When we first explained OCD to andra, we said, " You have a hiccup in

your brain that sometimes makes your brain get stuck on certain

thoughts. We're going to help you learn how to get unstuck. " We told

her that different children have different blessings and challenges, and

that OCD just happens to be one of those. For andra, knowing that

other children, especially little girls, have OCD seems to be of

tremendous help and encouragement.

It may be hard to believe it now, but you are fortunate to be able to

begin treatment for your daughter at such a young age. Some kids go

undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years, with a lot of resulting

heartache. Also, your little one's brain is more " plastic, " - the

proper treatment can begin forging healthier mental pathways. ( I hope

I'm explaining this correctly; I'm just a lay person who happens to be

on the front lines of the battle against OCD!)

Please feel free to write to me privately or on this list with any

questions, comments or concerns. I have lots of hope for the return of

your daughter's confidence and happiness.

Take care,

Lesli, San Francisco Bay area

November 4, 2000

HI Heartbroken:

Thanks for sharing about your daughter and her OCD. Here is some

information on a book that might help a four-year old:

Blink, Blink, Clop, Clop: Why Do We Do Things We Can't Stop? By Moritz and

Jablonsky, (1998)

A picture book for young children with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This

book would be excellent for an adult to read to or with a child or younger

adolescent. It tells of farm animals tormented by " O.C. Flea " who urges

them to think or do repetitive things. The animals (and in one case an

animal's mother) learn to change their behavior so that they can banish

" O.C. Flea. " A pig makes up a sign to help himself and the other

animals guard against the return of " O.C. Flea. " Near the end of the story,

the owl explains how O.C. D. works and how it is treated. Some of the

vocabulary and concepts are fairly advanced, so an adult should read this

with the child to make sure that he or she understands. Although the book

is aimed at children, it might be useful for an

OCD adult with a sense of humor.

Perhaps someone else in the Dallas area on this list can give you a good

referral. Another referral source you can check out is the OCF web site

list of support groups. YOu might get some very effective referrals from

support group members in Dallas. The OCF Website also provides unscreened

referrals to OCD professionals.

My son is now 13 and was 10 when we figured out his OCD. There are quite a

number of parents here of younger OCDers and I am sure they will be able to

share very helpful information with you. YOu have done a great job to

recognize OCD in one so young as early intervention is the way to go and

young children have very plastic brains. Please have a lot of hope, it is

quite incredible how much our kids improve with quality treatment. Good

luck, take care, aloha, Kathy (H)

kathyh@...

At 11:14 PM 11/04/2000 -0000, you wrote:

>Help!