hello!

[Guest guest]

hello, Have you tried " diet for your blood type " , worked for me. Maybe try water

class or maybe walking in pool. light exercize like walking if feet not hurting

to much. Is fatigue from pa or fibromyalia?

paris_abell <paris_abell@...> wrote: I guess I wasn't specific enough.

I'm frustrated by not being able

to find support groups/other people who have PA to talk to. That's

why I was excited to find this group yesterday.

I was diagnosed about 6 months ago with PA. What I thought was knee

trouble turned out to be more than that and thank goodness my

chiropractor thought of it and mentioned seeing a rheumatologist. I

have had very minor psoriasis all my life, which got worse in the

past few years. Still, it's minor, so I was surprised when I was

told I had PA.

I love my rheumatologist. She's out of the Hospital for Joint

Diseases here in NYC and I think she's great. Right now, apparently,

my PA is pretty minor, which is good, but it is progressing quickly.

I've noticed, just in the past six months, the pain getting worse

each month and the fatigue is killing me. That's probably the worst

part right now, getting so tired so easily. It's terribly

frustrating to not be able to do the things I used to do. Also, I do

notice that my immune system is not as good as it used to be. I get

sicker easier and it knocks me down for longer.

You asked about my medical regimens...my doctor has been trying

different things. I see her every 1-2 months and she changes things

each time. I'll see her next week actually and there will probably

be more changes. Right now I take Mobic (for the pain) twice every

day, but it's not really helping much. However, it is better than

not taking anything at all, so I guess that's something. I also take

Plaquenil every day (I think it's 400mg). And, once a week I take

15g of Methotrexate. I added folic acid every day to help with the

fatigue and it's a bit better. Next week, when I see my doctor I'm

going to talk to her about Enbrel. I don't know if it's right for

me, but I do know that I thought I'd notice some improvement after

all this and it's just not going like I'd hoped.

I'm glad you guys are here. It'll help to have people to talk to and

ask questions of. I did have a question about diet. Is there a

particular diet that has helped people? Low carb? Low sugar?

Anything at all. I know I need to exercise more often, but the

fatigue tends to keep me from doing what I ened to do. I'm hopign

maybe if I get more energy from food then maybe I'll be able to get

off my butt and work out like I know I need to.

Thanks!

-Paris

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/13/2005 8:33:49 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

paris_abell@... writes:

I added folic acid every day to help with the

fatigue and it's a bit better.

Hi Paris, for me, the folic acid started to help when I got to 4 times the

normal dose (I take 4 each 400 mcg per day). My rheumy said most of us with

PA are folate deficient, as are women of child bearing age...

With regard to some of the Noni juice comments...one thing I have

experienced personally and have had confirmed through tests and have read is

symptomatic for psoriatics is that we have difficulty absorbing nutrients. To

that

end, any product with lots of nutrients may help us...I try to make sure that

if

I have a day when I know I am not eating enough veggies, I drink one of

those " green " drinks, there are numerous brands that are full of broccoli,

spinach, etc but tempered with fruit juices so they taste OK. Another risk

factor

is celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, which travels with other autoimmune

diseases, causes nutrient absorption deficits, and causes fatigue. Celiac

disease is diagnosed 10X more in Europe than in the US, and there is some

suspicion that many people with chronic fatigue have undiagnosed celiac

disease.

Worth asking your doctor about...

[Guest guest]

Hi Paris! I was diagnosed in April and felt the same way when I found

the group.

Michele

> Hello all! I think this group is what I've been looking for. My

name is Paris. I am 30 years old and presently live in New York City,

although I'm moving at the end of th year. I was diagnosed with PA

about 6 months ago and have been frustrated with the lack of support

I've been able to find easily. I'm hoping to just have people I can

talk to who understand what I'm going through.

>

>

> [Editor's Note: Hi Paris. I'm 56 and have had PA since I was 16 (40

years!). I also live in NYC. We have some of the finest

rheumatologists in the country here and even an entire hospital devoted

to special surgery and joint diseases. There are many superb

medications out there that make a huge difference for many people so I

suspect you have not be plugged in to the right specialists. Please

tell us more about your symptoms and the medical regimens you've been

on since diagnosis. Kathy F.]

[Guest guest]

Hi Vesper,

Well congratulations on your approval. I wish you much success. I am right behind you. I hope to have my approval and surgery in place by the first weekend in November . When are you actually having your surgery? Have you had any information about unexpected expenses? Good luck, write back soon.

Barb W.

[Guest guest]

Hi Vesper,

I too am a paralegal, but work for a law firm that calls me a legal secretary, anyways, my experience in mexico was awesome, you couldn't ask for a better staff an doctor. Things I did to prepare, first I went to Sams and bought 2 cases of the big cans of broth, a case of gatorade, and a big bottle of the podered ISOPURE protein drink, I took some broth and gatorade with me, because we were staying an extra day in San Dieago before flying home and I wanted to have enough to drink. We ate at a few places but I always was lucky that they had chicken soup I could order and drink the broth. I took magazines, and we rented movies and brought the DVD player you can hook it up to the room TV in the hospital. It was great, hope all this helps.

Tracie K. Bartek - Aledo, TexasDr. Aceves Lap Band Doll248/214/150DOB-6/24/05

[Guest guest]

HI Vesper (what an pretty and unusual name!)

You can go to my website to read about my experience in Mexico. (Just look for the link in my signature line). Glad you found Dr. Aceves! To answer your questions:

As for preparation, you want to stock up on broths and isopure (clear protein drink) if you can find it. Also stock up on Jell-O if you like to eat that. Anything that can be classified under clear liquids (anything you can see through) like

Popsicles

fruit juice

Gatorade

You will be on clear liquids the first 2 weeks post op

Then, in weeks 2-4, you can think about getting some milk protein drinks (you can order some off the web, or get some at your local GNC or whatever) or I even drink the carnation instant breakfast. At this time you can also have yogurt. Oh and don't worry about bringing any thing with you, the hospital will provide bottled watered. You can freeze some home made broth before you leave if you like.

That should get you prepared enough before surgery. Other things to think about bringing are a book (to read on the plane), some slippers, some liquid Tylenol, a pill crusher or splitter if you take several pills.

We brought money to Mexico, but we stayed extra days. Hubby used money to get food at the cafeteria.

M.

3/1/05

280/194/155

http://www.tracyslapband.com

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Vesper StarrSent: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 4:00 PM Subject: Hello!

Hello Everyone!

My name is Vesper, and I have just received approval from Dr. Aceves for surgery. I am a single-mother with a 10 year old daughter. I have worked as a paralegal for 10 years but have decided to change my career and become a special education teacher. I currently weigh 312, I am 5'6. I have been overweight for my entire life, but it really came on after I had my daughter and I kept thinking it would go away and here I am 10 years later and it has not. I am looking forward to a healthier more active lifestyle, and a bra that will fit me properly! I would like some information on what type of preparation people did before their surgery and after. For example did you freeze clear liquids. What kinds of things did you buy to prepare? Did you take money to Mexico with you? I would just love to hear your experiences and if you could answer some of these questions that would be great! Congratulations to everyone and here is to a healthy new lifestyle!

Sincerely,

Vesper S.

Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free.

[Guest guest]

I am having my surgery on December 19. This is during the school break for me and will give me enough time to recover before the new semester begins. The only thing I have learned about extra expenses is just for food for a companion that you bring with you and for yourself the night before. I would keep an extra fifty dollars for emergencies. Better safe than sorry, but other than that I haven't heard of anything else. You will have to keep in touch and tell me how everything goes. What are you doing to prepare for your surgery. I am trying to drink all the water that I am suppose to so that my body will be hydrated and my skin will be also. I think that will be key in preventing saggy skin. Also I have started walking in the mornings for twenty minutes. Keep in touch! I am so excited for you!barbaraedley1@... wrote:

Hi Vesper,

Well congratulations on your approval. I wish you much success. I am right behind you. I hope to have my approval and surgery in place by the first weekend in November . When are you actually having your surgery? Have you had any information about unexpected expenses? Good luck, write back soon.

Barb W.

Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free.

[Guest guest]

Hi Vesper,

I actually started preparing for my surgery a couple of weeks ago.....and I haven't been approved yet....lol....I guess I am just plain old ready. I've been walking, and I've cut my food intake tremendously. I've been practicing chewing. I forget sometime, but I am much more aware of what I put in my mouth and how many times I chew. I find if I take small bits I'm able to follow through with chewing better. Well if I happen to go before you I will most certainly keep you posted.

Barb W.

[Guest guest]

I tell everyone that the average cost for a fill in the US is between $250 and $350. There is a list of fill doctors on this site (groups) in the database section.

M.

3/1/05

280/194/155

http://www.tracyslapband.com

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Vesper StarrSent: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 10:12 PM Subject: RE: Hello!

Thank you for the response. I really appreciate it. I am so excited to get started I can hardly wait until December. I have to wait until then because of the Christmas break between semesters will give me enough time to recuperate before returning to school. Another question that I thought of...how soon after surgery do people go an get a fill. Also, if you have your fills done here in the U.S. approximately what has been the cost? Mills <techgurl88@...> wrote:

HI Vesper (what an pretty and unusual name!)

You can go to my website to read about my experience in Mexico. (Just look for the link in my signature line). Glad you found Dr. Aceves! To answer your questions:

As for preparation, you want to stock up on broths and isopure (clear protein drink) if you can find it. Also stock up on Jell-O if you like to eat that. Anything that can be classified under clear liquids (anything you can see through) like

Popsicles

fruit juice

Gatorade

You will be on clear liquids the first 2 weeks post op

Then, in weeks 2-4, you can think about getting some milk protein drinks (you can order some off the web, or get some at your local GNC or whatever) or I even drink the carnation instant breakfast. At this time you can also have yogurt. Oh and don't worry about bringing any thing with you, the hospital will provide bottled watered. You can freeze some home made broth before you leave if you like.

That should get you prepared enough before surgery. Other things to think about bringing are a book (to read on the plane), some slippers, some liquid Tylenol, a pill crusher or splitter if you take several pills.

We brought money to Mexico, but we stayed extra days. Hubby used money to get food at the cafeteria.

M.

3/1/05

280/194/155

http://www.tracyslapband.com

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Vesper StarrSent: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 4:00 PM Subject: Hello!

Hello Everyone!

My name is Vesper, and I have just received approval from Dr. Aceves for surgery. I am a single-mother with a 10 year old daughter. I have worked as a paralegal for 10 years but have decided to change my career and become a special education teacher. I currently weigh 312, I am 5'6. I have been overweight for my entire life, but it really came on after I had my daughter and I kept thinking it would go away and here I am 10 years later and it has not. I am looking forward to a healthier more active lifestyle, and a bra that will fit me properly! I would like some information on what type of preparation people did before their surgery and after. For example did you freeze clear liquids. What kinds of things did you buy to prepare? Did you take money to Mexico with you? I would just love to hear your experiences and if you could answer some of these questions that would be great! Congratulations to everyone and here is to a healthy new lifestyle!

Sincerely,

Vesper S.

Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free.

Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free.

[Guest guest]

Vesper,

when I went to Mexicali, I went alone. It was a great trip. Everyone was so good to me. I wish I could have gone shopping before my surgery! I used my debit card at the restaurant and for my daughter's contacts. You get whatever the days rate is for the dollar. That worked out the best for me. I did take some cash but came home with most of it.

I cooked a lot of chicken in the crock pot with celery and onions, a little garlic too. I bought chicken broth too. I did not care for the beef broth but used it to make other soup. I cooked canned veggies in it and added browned ground beef and onions. I strained the broth off and fed the veggies and meat to my family! I am so glad you are having this surgery. I am hoping my sister will be having it in January for her birthday. She has a 3 year old surprise baby at her house. He has two nieces older than he is! I pray everyday that she will have surgery so she can enjoy this bundle of energy she has! There are almost 19 years between her twins and ! He was a real surprise! My kids asked me why I could not do that too! I hope you can have surgery soon so you can enjoy your new job change! in NM

Hello!

Hello Everyone!

My name is Vesper, and I have just received approval from Dr. Aceves for surgery. I am a single-mother with a 10 year old daughter. I have worked as a paralegal for 10 years but have decided to change my career and become a special education teacher. I currently weigh 312, I am 5'6. I have been overweight for my entire life, but it really came on after I had my daughter and I kept thinking it would go away and here I am 10 years later and it has not. I am looking forward to a healthier more active lifestyle, and a bra that will fit me properly! I would like some information on what type of preparation people did before their surgery and after. For example did you freeze clear liquids. What kinds of things did you buy to prepare? Did you take money to Mexico with you? I would just love to hear your experiences and if you could answer some of these questions that would be great! Congratulations to everyone and here is to a healthy new lifestyle!

Sincerely,

Vesper S.

Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free.

[Guest guest]

I am coming in the day before my surgery. Exactly one week from today. Very exciting. What do they do with people who come in early? Do they put you at a motel? Is it clean and safe. I am coming in alone. Any tips for packing and what to bring? Thanks, Tami

[Guest guest]

I dont do broth. I am a vegetarian!!!! I dont know where to get the isopure. Is it just protein powder?

[Guest guest]

Can I eat the day before surgery?

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for sharing your story with me. I hope you will keep me updated about your sister, and your own progress. God bless you and yours

Vesper StarrRobbins Family <rrobbins@...> wrote:

Vesper,

when I went to Mexicali, I went alone. It was a great trip. Everyone was so good to me. I wish I could have gone shopping before my surgery! I used my debit card at the restaurant and for my daughter's contacts. You get whatever the days rate is for the dollar. That worked out the best for me. I did take some cash but came home with most of it.

I cooked a lot of chicken in the crock pot with celery and onions, a little garlic too. I bought chicken broth too. I did not care for the beef broth but used it to make other soup. I cooked canned veggies in it and added browned ground beef and onions. I strained the broth off and fed the veggies and meat to my family! I am so glad you are having this surgery. I am hoping my sister will be having it in January for her birthday. She has a 3 year old surprise baby at her house. He has two nieces older than he is! I pray everyday that she will have surgery so she can enjoy this bundle of energy she has! There are almost 19 years between her twins and ! He was a real surprise! My kids asked me why I could not do that too! I hope you can have surgery soon so you can enjoy your new job change! in NM

Hello!

Hello Everyone!

My name is Vesper, and I have just received approval from Dr. Aceves for surgery. I am a single-mother with a 10 year old daughter. I have worked as a paralegal for 10 years but have decided to change my career and become a special education teacher. I currently weigh 312, I am 5'6. I have been overweight for my entire life, but it really came on after I had my daughter and I kept thinking it would go away and here I am 10 years later and it has not. I am looking forward to a healthier more active lifestyle, and a bra that will fit me properly! I would like some information on what type of preparation people did before their surgery and after. For example did you freeze clear liquids. What kinds of things did you buy to prepare? Did you take money to Mexico with you? I would just love to hear your experiences and if you could answer some of these questions that would be great! Congratulations to everyone

and here is to a healthy new lifestyle!

Sincerely,

Vesper S.

Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free.

Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free.

[Guest guest]

Tami, Nina will get with you on hotel reservations and such. If she doesn't, email her directly. The motels are clean and safe, so no worries there. Bring a couple bottles of water, some isopure if you can get some, and some broth. I had bought a metal thermos from Wal-Mart and heated up broth in the hotel room and put it in the thermos. It stayed hot for a long time, and was very handy. I am sure some of the others can help with what else to pack. Great to hear from you! You will love Dr. Aceves!

M.

Dr. Aceves Post Op Coordinator

D.O.B 3/1/05

280/192/155 -88lbs

http://www.tracyslapband.com

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Tamiderr312@...Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2005 9:43 PM Subject: Re: Hello!

I am coming in the day before my surgery. Exactly one week from today. Very exciting. What do they do with people who come in early? Do they put you at a motel? Is it clean and safe. I am coming in alone. Any tips for packing and what to bring? Thanks, Tami

[Guest guest]

Tami -

Are you having surgery on Friday or your pre-op tests? I will be

having my tests on Friday and surgery on Saturday and I am going

alone as well. I don't know how patients are situated at the

hospital, but I will look for you. Are you flying to an airport?

If so, what day do you fly in?

>

> I am coming in the day before my surgery. Exactly one week from

today.

> Very exciting. What do they do with people who come in early?

Do they put you

> at a motel? Is it clean and safe. I am coming in alone. Any

tips for

> packing and what to bring? Thanks, Tami

>

[Guest guest]

Tami and ,

My name is and I'm having the surgery on the

20th. I'll be driving in from Los Angeles with my mom

and sister. I'll see you there too.

--- sweetlisa211 <sweetlisa211@...> wrote:

> Tami -

>

> Are you having surgery on Friday or your pre-op

> tests? I will be

> having my tests on Friday and surgery on Saturday

> and I am going

> alone as well. I don't know how patients are

> situated at the

> hospital, but I will look for you. Are you flying

> to an airport?

> If so, what day do you fly in?

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> >

> > I am coming in the day before my surgery. Exactly

> one week from

> today.

> > Very exciting. What do they do with people who

> come in early?

> Do they put you

> > at a motel? Is it clean and safe. I am coming

> in alone. Any

> tips for

> > packing and what to bring? Thanks, Tami

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

__________________________________

Start your day with - Make it your home page!

http://www./r/hs

[Guest guest]

ayou can go to the gnc store and pick up a huge one for about $13.00 It's like a chocolate shake that I have in the morning and it last me unti noo almost like slim faast but ot me it taste better and it really thin not thick

[Guest guest]

Hi

I'm glad to get to know a few names before I get there! It looks

like I will be arriving on your first whole day as a banded woman! I

fly into SD in the evening of the 20th and am staying overnight in

SD. I will be picked up at the hotel on the 21st and plan to have

surgery on the 22nd. So far, everything is on schedule for me! I

will try and find you in the hospital - but you might be easy to

find since you will have your family support team with you . . .

lucky!!!!! Wow, less than a week for you - you must be very excited!

> > >

> > > I am coming in the day before my surgery. Exactly

> > one week from

> > today.

> > > Very exciting. What do they do with people who

> > come in early?

> > Do they put you

> > > at a motel? Is it clean and safe. I am coming

> > in alone. Any

> > tips for

> > > packing and what to bring? Thanks, Tami

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________

> Start your day with - Make it your home page!

> http://www./r/hs

>

[Guest guest]

YOu can order ISOPURE on line, on ebay, General Nutrition Center- GNC has it, look on yellowpages.com and see if you have any in your town. or health food store, sometimes gyms, carry it. Good Luck.

Tracie K. Bartek - Aledo, TexasDr. Aceves Lap Band Doll248/214/150DOB-6/24/05

[Guest guest]

I was told to stay on liquids the day before surgery.

Tracie K. Bartek - Aledo, TexasDr. Aceves Lap Band Doll248/214/150DOB-6/24/05

[Guest guest]

According to Dr. Aceves Patient Information Sheet, it says not anything after ten p.m.tkbartek@... wrote:

I was told to stay on liquids the day before surgery.

Tracie K. Bartek - Aledo, TexasDr. Aceves Lap Band Doll248/214/150DOB-6/24/05

Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free.

[Guest guest]

you can do vegetable broth, and the isopure you need for the clear liquids can be purchased online, or at GNC. They also do make protien shakes...and they are pretty good, but I found they do tend to be VERY HIGH in sodium. I like the A advantage ones from Walmart better...and it is much less expensive. And yes, folks, I am drinking one shake a day...but otherwise am on clear liquids still, and I pulled all but my port stitches tonight...a day early, but everything looked really good , and still does. I do have one incision that is at least 2 in. long in the center...I didn't ask about it, but I figure Dr. A had to make it a little bigger to work around the scar tissue from earlier surgeries. Anyhow...I am still not feeling really hungry at all. The protien shakes are more because I don't think I am taking in ENOUGH calories..and I don't want to lose any muscle mass, just fat...and I am down 8 lbs already!! You will notice I adjusted my signature weights, to what Dr. A's scales read right before surgery. I had already lost some weight prior to surgery...so this reflects my ACTUAL weight loss since surgery now.

Hey, Dr A...did you ever check out my link below for the car pics?? They are in the summer album. I also added the pic I sent the other day so people who read on the web or can't open attachments can see me in my "negligee" if they wanna...lol.BIG HUGS, AND GOD'S BLESSINGSDawnita May10/05/05 dob "Iraida"209/201/135"before" photos at: http://dawnita1961.myphotoalbum.com/

[Guest guest]

I had my surgery in August. I came down the night before too. Ernesto took me to the mall to get contacts for my daughter. I wish we had had more time to shop! I saw lots of stuff I could have purchased! It was probably a good thing we did not have time! The room was very nice and very cool. It was so hot outside! I walked to a little corner store and got some junks to take to my kids. There were not many places close by and it was too hot to walk very far away. I watched TV and read. I have seven kids at home still and it was kind of nice just to have some time to myself! I have traveled in Mexico with my sister and I felt very safe and I am a worrier sometimes. The restaurant was really nice too. Dinner was lonely and no one spilled milk! The food was good. You will have a great time. Take a cell phone with you. It will work from the hospital just like CA. Dr. A let me use his cell phone to call my family since I did not have one with me. I did take DVDs and a player. There are plenty of English speaking channels to watch. I did visit too. I like to do that. I was not in my room as much as I should have been. Have a great time!

Re: Hello!

I am coming in the day before my surgery. Exactly one week from today. Very exciting. What do they do with people who come in early? Do they put you at a motel? Is it clean and safe. I am coming in alone. Any tips for packing and what to bring? Thanks, Tami

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I can understand your frustration in trying to get Jake diagnosed and how awful

to have to go through that when you obviously are facing a tremendously

difficult situation with your other child. I'm very thankful that you finally

got your diagnosis for Jake and can work on getting him healthy.

I also understand your confusion about the different opinions on treating Lyme.

My 7-yr old son was diagnosed with Lyme in February when we contacted Dr.

in New Haven, CT (after not being able to get any of the local doctors in

land to seriously consider Lyme). I've seen many references to Dr. on

this listing. was initially put on a combination of Zythromax (1x/day),

and Omnicef (2x/day). He is currently back on these same meds but in the

interim Dr. at times switched the Omnicef to Amoxicillan, and then

switched the Amoxicillan to anti-malarial medicine because it was thought

might also have Babesiosis. These changes in meds were due to new symptoms, or

symptoms that came back after being gone for a while. wasn't showing any

improvement on the antimalarial meds (Malarone and Mepron), and so we don't

really think he has the Babesiosis and he was put back on Omnicef last month and

has improved. He has been consistently on the Zythromax since his diagnosis.

The questions that inevitably come up when symptoms resurface, or Herxheimer

reactions happen, have convinced me how important it is to have a doctor that

listens carefully to what the patient is experiencing to determine what should

be used... and to have a doctor you really trust understands Lyme. Even with

that, treatment to me seems so difficult to understand. Dr. also treats

his patients with antibiotics until all symptoms are gone, and then he continues

the treatment for 2 months after that as a 'buffer' to help ensure the Lyme

bacteria is really gone. Lyme can 'hide' in different parts of the body like

the nervous system, brain, etc. so for he chose to treat with a

combination of antibiotics that could attack the bacteria from 2 directions.

Dr. also explained that if antibiotic treatment is stopped too early then

the Lyme will come back and it'll be worse then it was previously so that's

something to keep in mind. Prior to his diagnosis, was on 2 rounds of

antibiotics for 12 days each which obviously wasn't enough to kill the Lyme but

seems to have caused the Lyme to forge deeper into 's system making it more

difficult to kill.

I hope this is helpful to you.

Patty

I am interested in knowing what other's childrens have been treated with, for

how long, results,

etc., especially in children who are too young for the Doxycycline,

Flagyl, etc...

Thanks!

(TN)