howdy

[Guest guest]

Llinda, don't worry, things will turn out OK. My employer knew about the Hep from the day I found out myself & it made no difference to him. For a few months - 6 or more - I told everyone I came in contact with about it, I had a big case of verbal diarhea & no one seemed to care. My freinds accepted it, my enemies didn't give a shit.

You live in a small town, use this oppertunity to educate people about HCV, they'll listen to what you have to say(hopefully) Just one person listens & learns, you'll make the world a better place for everyone with HCV & who knows, if one person gets tested because of your story, it's all good - specially if they test positive.

We love you girl so if things get heavy, come & vent. You won't believe the downright stupid things people get in their brains about HCV. I had one person ask if it was " that kind of hepatitis that turns into AIDS?" I straightened her out & I feel good that I could.

Take care girl. Kiss the critters for me,

SuZie & SpYkeLlinda <2llama@...> wrote:

Hi everyone...

Connie, hang in there girl. My thoughts are often with you even if I am a complete derelict about communicating. Now there is stress, wish I could help.

Di, you sound so happy it just can't help but make everyone happy for you :-)

I sure am glad Deb left when she did... I cannot imagine that kind of rain or wind! When I was a kid we got caught in the tail end of a hurricane and I remember what that was like. What I see on the news is something else. I am also sure Deb is just fine!

I had my bi-annual DOT physical yesterday... I had forgotten the medical questions on the form I have to fill out and then goes back to the school. I had several Yes answers to various questions... BP problems in past, neck problems, lung problems, and liver disease... I didn't dare lie. The doc has to address each Yes to verify I am ok in his opinion. He wrote that BP is good at this time, my neck should not affect driving ability (pain is the killer there), I have COPD ok to drive, and I have Hepatitis C and am being treated at this time. Solo...

this may get interesting. Dumb, also known as the new boss, was gone after my physical so I stopped by the PO and bought a stamped envelope, the school should get it today. The ole HCV cat is out of its bag, I am out of the closet... now am waiting to see what they do, if anything. This is such a small community there are bound to be plenty of rumors in no time, sigh.

Jen, can sympathize about the stress... is an easy flip answer for a doc to tell you to eliminate. I am on overload with the stuff now. Just really tired of dangling and not knowing what will happen, guess I am just too used to thinking I am in charge of my destiny, lol.

Oh well... the good news is I have shot #5 on Thursday, only 4 more to go on tx!

Take care everyone,

Llinda

[Guest guest]

Hi ya .. Soo your going back to work eh!! Don't worry they can't fire you for that ok.. If they do you can sue the pants etc.. off them...Most employers don't seem to concerned unless your in Healthcare or porn movies!!! I looked and looked for that e mail for Liz from Deb stating she was getting the heck out of Dodge City..And wow it missed Ole Capt Danny.. He'll be around when the rest of us has gone ha ha.. But no Danny glad to hear your ok too..I myself have been in a hurricane in Savannah Ga..1978?? I think.. I am fuzzy around the edges to..It uprooted oak tree that were there when Sherman made his march to the sea.. Hurricane that one was..Very scary it was.. And the eye that pasted over was soo eerie, total dead calm..The the back of it pasted over.. I hope I will never have to go though that again...EVER!!! Love ya all my heart is with those who are suffering though this ordeal at this moment.. Kathy Boo..

-- howdy

Hi everyone...

Connie, hang in there girl. My thoughts are often with you even if I am a complete derelict about communicating. Now there is stress, wish I could help.

Di, you sound so happy it just can't help but make everyone happy for you :-)

I sure am glad Deb left when she did... I cannot imagine that kind of rain or wind! When I was a kid we got caught in the tail end of a hurricane and I remember what that was like. What I see on the news is something else. I am also sure Deb is just fine!

I had my bi-annual DOT physical yesterday... I had forgotten the medical questions on the form I have to fill out and then goes back to the school. I had several Yes answers to various questions... BP problems in past, neck problems, lung problems, and liver disease... I didn't dare lie. The doc has to address each Yes to verify I am ok in his opinion. He wrote that BP is good at this time, my neck should not affect driving ability (pain is the killer there), I have COPD ok to drive, and I have Hepatitis C and am being treated at this time. Solo... this may get interesting. Dumb, also known as the new boss, was gone after my physical so I stopped by the PO and bought a stamped envelope, the school should get it today. The ole HCV cat is out of its bag, I am out of the closet... now am waiting to see what they do, if anything. This is such a small community there are bound to be plenty of rumors in no time, sigh.

Jen, can sympathize about the stress... is an easy flip answer for a doc to tell you to eliminate. I am on overload with the stuff now. Just really tired of dangling and not knowing what will happen, guess I am just too used to thinking I am in charge of my destiny, lol.

Oh well... the good news is I have shot #5 on Thursday, only 4 more to go on tx!

Take care everyone,

Llinda

[Guest guest]

Hi ya .. Soo your going back to work eh!! Don't worry they can't fire you for that ok.. If they do you can sue the pants etc.. off them...Most employers don't seem to concerned unless your in Healthcare or porn movies!!! I looked and looked for that e mail for Liz from Deb stating she was getting the heck out of Dodge City..And wow it missed Ole Capt Danny.. He'll be around when the rest of us has gone ha ha.. But no Danny glad to hear your ok too..I myself have been in a hurricane in Savannah Ga..1978?? I think.. I am fuzzy around the edges to..It uprooted oak tree that were there when Sherman made his march to the sea.. Hurricane that one was..Very scary it was.. And the eye that pasted over was soo eerie, total dead calm..The the back of it pasted over.. I hope I will never have to go though that again...EVER!!! Love ya all my heart is with those who are suffering though this ordeal at this moment.. Kathy Boo..

-- howdy

Hi everyone...

Connie, hang in there girl. My thoughts are often with you even if I am a complete derelict about communicating. Now there is stress, wish I could help.

Di, you sound so happy it just can't help but make everyone happy for you :-)

I sure am glad Deb left when she did... I cannot imagine that kind of rain or wind! When I was a kid we got caught in the tail end of a hurricane and I remember what that was like. What I see on the news is something else. I am also sure Deb is just fine!

I had my bi-annual DOT physical yesterday... I had forgotten the medical questions on the form I have to fill out and then goes back to the school. I had several Yes answers to various questions... BP problems in past, neck problems, lung problems, and liver disease... I didn't dare lie. The doc has to address each Yes to verify I am ok in his opinion. He wrote that BP is good at this time, my neck should not affect driving ability (pain is the killer there), I have COPD ok to drive, and I have Hepatitis C and am being treated at this time. Solo... this may get interesting. Dumb, also known as the new boss, was gone after my physical so I stopped by the PO and bought a stamped envelope, the school should get it today. The ole HCV cat is out of its bag, I am out of the closet... now am waiting to see what they do, if anything. This is such a small community there are bound to be plenty of rumors in no time, sigh.

Jen, can sympathize about the stress... is an easy flip answer for a doc to tell you to eliminate. I am on overload with the stuff now. Just really tired of dangling and not knowing what will happen, guess I am just too used to thinking I am in charge of my destiny, lol.

Oh well... the good news is I have shot #5 on Thursday, only 4 more to go on tx!

Take care everyone,

Llinda

[Guest guest]

You are absolutely correct. Three to go!

Clear blue skies here but chilly and a little breeze. 57 degrees here so

far today.

I am just hanging out watching TV and finishing up a few projects for the

coming week.

Nice looking piece for sale. I see you have a pretty good rep on Ebay.

Very cool.

You have a good one too,

Dick

At 01:58 PM 11/26/2005, you wrote:

Hi all...

Hey Dick, am I getting

ahead of myself? I am thinking you just have three more shots to go. Off

my rocker again?

Snowing here, no

accumulation yet. Hubby gone, feeling like crap, trying to clean the

house.

Oh, check out what I

got nerve up to list on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Scrolled-Eagle-Head-on-Birds-Eye-Maple_W0QQitemZ4422109463QQcategoryZ43411QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I tried selling it

under Art and didn't get a nibble so dropped the price and listed under

home decor.

Well, dusting isn't

getting done like this, hope all are having a good one today!

Llinda

[Guest guest]

Llinda, it’s

beautiful. I hope someone buys it.

De

-----Original

Message-----

From: Hepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies [mailto:Hepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies ] On Behalf Of Llinda

Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2005 4:58 PM

To:

Hepatitis CSupportGroupForDummiesgroups (DOT) Com

Subject:

howdy

Hi all...

Hey Dick, am I getting ahead of myself? I am

thinking you just have three more shots to go. Off my rocker again?

Snowing here, no accumulation yet. Hubby

gone, feeling like crap, trying to clean the house.

Oh, check out what I got nerve up to list on

eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Scrolled-Eagle-Head-on-Birds-Eye-Maple_W0QQitemZ4422109463QQcategoryZ43411QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I tried selling it under Art and didn't get

a nibble so dropped the price and listed under home decor.

Well, dusting isn't getting done like this,

hope all are having a good one today!

Llinda

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol and welcome back...kinda!

I know I was very sorry for those that got left behind at the other

site...but we couldn't very well post a link over there so we just

crossed our fingers and hoped that most everyone would eventually find

there way to us over here....and we are glad you stopped by.

If it is any consolation, I just had my 1 year post op check up and am

doing very well with no residual pain issues. Dr Rand commented at the

visit that this is generally the case where the primary complaint is

related to the degenerative disc disesase as opposed to stenosis...so

you got that going for you.

If you can make it to UCSF it is probably worth the trip...

Welcome! Cam

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol...

Have you been DX'd with flatback? The top surgeons at UCSF usually

require referral from other surgeons, but I think I might be able to

help you get past that if you're interested. I think UCSF takes all

insurance plans.

Regards,

>

> I am glad I discovered this site. I didn't know it was around. I

> heard about it on the other flatback site. I perused some earlier

> postings and found a lot of familiar names. I'm glad to have found

> you guys again!!!I posted last year at the other site and asked a lot

> of questions about doctors, pain management, etc. I guess I'll just

> have to break down and call UCSF and find out if they need a referral

> from a person's doctor or specialist. I also need to find out if they

> take my insurance. I just tried to get in to see another ortho in the

> same office as the one I saw last spring, but I just found out he

> doesn't take our insurance!!! I didn't like that ortho's attitude.

> The pain med's he put me on were too strong and made me dizzy and

> vomit. (Fentanyl patches and I already know I can't take Vicodin--it

> does the same)I've been trying to make it on Darvocet, Ibuprofen and

> Rabaxin. I found some pain med's mentioned in previous members

> postings and will do some research on them. The main problem is I

> don't know names of med's, and doctors don't seem to know much,

> either. I don't know if I just seem to get worse in Spring or it's

> psychological that I have to get another doctor's note for work each

> spring for my work restrictions. Could be psychological somewhat(?!).

> I also have been in denial for years about my pain. I can usually for

> the most part put it out of my mind, but some days it's bad and it

> just exhausts me so much. People have wondered why I don't do much on

> weekends--it's because I have to rest up to do the work thing next

> week all over again. I have noticed the past year (since I have been

> paying more attention--and I guess not in so much denial either) that

> it always gets worse when I stand (can only do so for a few minutes)

> and walk for long periods and when I bend over. I guess the few

> unfused, arthritic vertebra (L4-L5) just can't take it. All I know is

> he told me I have arthritis there and I don't have stenosis--so I

> guess I don't have any bulging discs showing after the CT scan last

> year. He really wouldn't tell me much, and when I mentioned it

> possibly being the Sacro-iliac joints, I didn't get much response,

> then, either. Sorry this is so long, but I really don't know if going

> to this other ortho in another town is just a waste of time and

> money. This vaste " medical wasteland " of Central California is just

> the pits sometimes.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol -

I've just had surgery at UCSF and couldn't be happier with the

doctors there. Dr. Hu did my surgery, but there's also Dr. Berven

who is just as qualified. Hopping around seeing the local orthopods

in any city can prove to be quite frustrating, as I also came to

find out. That's why finding someone who is qualified in our

problems and sticking with them is so important for our basic

treatment, surgery, and pain control. Even Though I live in

Southern CA, I'm so happy to have found UCSF to take over control of

my back problems!

Good luck to you....

~~

>

> I am glad I discovered this site. I didn't know it was around. I

> heard about it on the other flatback site. I perused some earlier

> postings and found a lot of familiar names. I'm glad to have found

> you guys again!!!I posted last year at the other site and asked a

lot

> of questions about doctors, pain management, etc. I guess I'll

just

> have to break down and call UCSF and find out if they need a

referral

> from a person's doctor or specialist. I also need to find out if

they

> take my insurance. I just tried to get in to see another ortho in

the

> same office as the one I saw last spring, but I just found out he

> doesn't take our insurance!!! I didn't like that ortho's attitude.

> The pain med's he put me on were too strong and made me dizzy and

> vomit. (Fentanyl patches and I already know I can't take Vicodin--

it

> does the same)I've been trying to make it on Darvocet, Ibuprofen

and

> Rabaxin. I found some pain med's mentioned in previous members

> postings and will do some research on them. The main problem is I

> don't know names of med's, and doctors don't seem to know much,

> either. I don't know if I just seem to get worse in Spring or it's

> psychological that I have to get another doctor's note for work

each

> spring for my work restrictions. Could be psychological somewhat

(?!).

> I also have been in denial for years about my pain. I can usually

for

> the most part put it out of my mind, but some days it's bad and it

> just exhausts me so much. People have wondered why I don't do much

on

> weekends--it's because I have to rest up to do the work thing next

> week all over again. I have noticed the past year (since I have

been

> paying more attention--and I guess not in so much denial either)

that

> it always gets worse when I stand (can only do so for a few

minutes)

> and walk for long periods and when I bend over. I guess the few

> unfused, arthritic vertebra (L4-L5) just can't take it. All I know

is

> he told me I have arthritis there and I don't have stenosis--so I

> guess I don't have any bulging discs showing after the CT scan

last

> year. He really wouldn't tell me much, and when I mentioned it

> possibly being the Sacro-iliac joints, I didn't get much response,

> then, either. Sorry this is so long, but I really don't know if

going

> to this other ortho in another town is just a waste of time and

> money. This vaste " medical wasteland " of Central California is

just

> the pits sometimes.

>

[Guest guest]

CA ,

You sound in good spirits; let us all know asap the results of your Mon appt.

, did you specifically see any San Diego doctors? (or La Jolla?)

I continue to feel so satisfied with this Dr. van Dam - he's associated with Dr. Akbarnia (head of SRS) whom Ken came down to see; I have an appt. with their other associate Dr. Raizadeh for a 2nd opinion, but I have no doubt he will agree....

I don't have the complications of the Harrington rods like the rest of you, but my flatback is surely the same, and my bowel incontinence has returned.

Dr. van Dam proposes to fuse me from T9 to S1, with the osteotomy at L4.(At the moment am fused from L2 - L4.)

Would appreciate your thoughts.

Jane in San Diego

> >> > I am glad I discovered this site. I didn't know it was around. I > > heard about it on the other flatback site. I perused some earlier > > postings and found a lot of familiar names. I'm glad to have found > > you guys again!!!I posted last year at the other site and asked a > lot > > of questions about doctors, pain management, etc. I guess I'll > just > > have to break down and call UCSF and find out if they need a > referral > > from a person's doctor or specialist. I also need to find out if > they > > take my insurance. I just tried to get in to see another ortho in > the > > same office as the one I saw last spring, but I just found out he > > doesn't take our insurance!!! I didn't like that ortho's attitude. > > The pain med's he put me on were too strong and made me dizzy and > > vomit. (Fentanyl patches and I already know I can't take Vicodin--> it > > does the same)I've been trying to make it on Darvocet, Ibuprofen > and > > Rabaxin. I found some pain med's mentioned in previous members > > postings and will do some research on them. The main problem is I > > don't know names of med's, and doctors don't seem to know much, > > either. I don't know if I just seem to get worse in Spring or it's > > psychological that I have to get another doctor's note for work > each > > spring for my work restrictions. Could be psychological somewhat> (?!). > > I also have been in denial for years about my pain. I can usually > for > > the most part put it out of my mind, but some days it's bad and it > > just exhausts me so much. People have wondered why I don't do much > on > > weekends--it's because I have to rest up to do the work thing next > > week all over again. I have noticed the past year (since I have > been > > paying more attention--and I guess not in so much denial either) > that > > it always gets worse when I stand (can only do so for a few > minutes) > > and walk for long periods and when I bend over. I guess the few > > unfused, arthritic vertebra (L4-L5) just can't take it. All I know > is > > he told me I have arthritis there and I don't have stenosis--so I > > guess I don't have any bulging discs showing after the CT scan > last > > year. He really wouldn't tell me much, and when I mentioned it > > possibly being the Sacro-iliac joints, I didn't get much response, > > then, either. Sorry this is so long, but I really don't know if > going > > to this other ortho in another town is just a waste of time and > > money. This vaste "medical wasteland" of Central California is > just > > the pits sometimes.> >>

[Guest guest]

Yes, the ortho that saw me last year mentioned in one of my visits

that, " by the way, yes, you do have flatback " . He only said that

after I had mentioned it (later, of course) and said that I had been

doing some of my own research. I just didn't like his attitude when I

mentioned things like S-I joint pain, possibly getting muscle

cortisone injections (because I think that most of my pain is muscle

spasms and s-i joints being out of line....all he wanted to do is

that expensive X-ray guided facet joint cortisone injections, which I

don't think really did much at all. Now, whether he actually

documented this in my file or not, I don't know. I wanted to try his

associate (who's younger and more recently out of med school) but he

won't take my ins. Yeah, if I could get a referral to UCSF that would

be great, but I don't know if the " old guy " will give me one!

> >

> > I am glad I discovered this site. I didn't know it was around. I

> > heard about it on the other flatback site. I perused some earlier

> > postings and found a lot of familiar names. I'm glad to have

found

> > you guys again!!!I posted last year at the other site and asked a

lot

> > of questions about doctors, pain management, etc. I guess I'll

just

> > have to break down and call UCSF and find out if they need a

referral

> > from a person's doctor or specialist. I also need to find out if

they

> > take my insurance. I just tried to get in to see another ortho in

the

> > same office as the one I saw last spring, but I just found out he

> > doesn't take our insurance!!! I didn't like that ortho's

attitude.

> > The pain med's he put me on were too strong and made me dizzy and

> > vomit. (Fentanyl patches and I already know I can't take Vicodin--

it

> > does the same)I've been trying to make it on Darvocet, Ibuprofen

and

> > Rabaxin. I found some pain med's mentioned in previous members

> > postings and will do some research on them. The main problem is I

> > don't know names of med's, and doctors don't seem to know much,

> > either. I don't know if I just seem to get worse in Spring or

it's

> > psychological that I have to get another doctor's note for work

each

> > spring for my work restrictions. Could be psychological somewhat

(?!).

> > I also have been in denial for years about my pain. I can usually

for

> > the most part put it out of my mind, but some days it's bad and

it

> > just exhausts me so much. People have wondered why I don't do

much on

> > weekends--it's because I have to rest up to do the work thing

next

> > week all over again. I have noticed the past year (since I have

been

> > paying more attention--and I guess not in so much denial either)

that

> > it always gets worse when I stand (can only do so for a few

minutes)

> > and walk for long periods and when I bend over. I guess the few

> > unfused, arthritic vertebra (L4-L5) just can't take it. All I

know is

> > he told me I have arthritis there and I don't have stenosis--so I

> > guess I don't have any bulging discs showing after the CT scan

last

> > year. He really wouldn't tell me much, and when I mentioned it

> > possibly being the Sacro-iliac joints, I didn't get much

response,

> > then, either. Sorry this is so long, but I really don't know if

going

> > to this other ortho in another town is just a waste of time and

> > money. This vaste " medical wasteland " of Central California is

just

> > the pits sometimes.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I guess I really don't know WHO to see up there--Dr. Hu or Dr.

Berven. I've heard good things about both of them. Is one

more " attuned " or " qualified " about flatback and the revision

surgery? I have heard of others that have had them do their surgeries-

-but neither of those surgeries were scoliosis or flatback revisions.

They were other orthopedic back procedures relating to disc problems.

Both of those people were VERY HAPPY with them.

> >

> > I am glad I discovered this site. I didn't know it was around. I

> > heard about it on the other flatback site. I perused some earlier

> > postings and found a lot of familiar names. I'm glad to have

found

> > you guys again!!!I posted last year at the other site and asked a

> lot

> > of questions about doctors, pain management, etc. I guess I'll

> just

> > have to break down and call UCSF and find out if they need a

> referral

> > from a person's doctor or specialist. I also need to find out if

> they

> > take my insurance. I just tried to get in to see another ortho in

> the

> > same office as the one I saw last spring, but I just found out he

> > doesn't take our insurance!!! I didn't like that ortho's

attitude.

> > The pain med's he put me on were too strong and made me dizzy and

> > vomit. (Fentanyl patches and I already know I can't take Vicodin--

> it

> > does the same)I've been trying to make it on Darvocet, Ibuprofen

> and

> > Rabaxin. I found some pain med's mentioned in previous members

> > postings and will do some research on them. The main problem is I

> > don't know names of med's, and doctors don't seem to know much,

> > either. I don't know if I just seem to get worse in Spring or

it's

> > psychological that I have to get another doctor's note for work

> each

> > spring for my work restrictions. Could be psychological somewhat

> (?!).

> > I also have been in denial for years about my pain. I can usually

> for

> > the most part put it out of my mind, but some days it's bad and

it

> > just exhausts me so much. People have wondered why I don't do

much

> on

> > weekends--it's because I have to rest up to do the work thing

next

> > week all over again. I have noticed the past year (since I have

> been

> > paying more attention--and I guess not in so much denial either)

> that

> > it always gets worse when I stand (can only do so for a few

> minutes)

> > and walk for long periods and when I bend over. I guess the few

> > unfused, arthritic vertebra (L4-L5) just can't take it. All I

know

> is

> > he told me I have arthritis there and I don't have stenosis--so I

> > guess I don't have any bulging discs showing after the CT scan

> last

> > year. He really wouldn't tell me much, and when I mentioned it

> > possibly being the Sacro-iliac joints, I didn't get much

response,

> > then, either. Sorry this is so long, but I really don't know if

> going

> > to this other ortho in another town is just a waste of time and

> > money. This vaste " medical wasteland " of Central California is

> just

> > the pits sometimes.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Carol....

Let me know if you don't get anywhere, and I'll work on getting you in

to UCSF. Once you've determined that you can't get a referral on your

own, send an email to me (linda @ scoliosislinks.com, without the

spaces) with your contact information.

Regards,

> > >

> > > I am glad I discovered this site. I didn't know it was around. I

> > > heard about it on the other flatback site. I perused some earlier

> > > postings and found a lot of familiar names. I'm glad to have

> found

> > > you guys again!!!I posted last year at the other site and asked a

> lot

> > > of questions about doctors, pain management, etc. I guess I'll

> just

> > > have to break down and call UCSF and find out if they need a

> referral

> > > from a person's doctor or specialist. I also need to find out if

> they

> > > take my insurance. I just tried to get in to see another ortho in

> the

> > > same office as the one I saw last spring, but I just found out he

> > > doesn't take our insurance!!! I didn't like that ortho's

> attitude.

> > > The pain med's he put me on were too strong and made me dizzy and

> > > vomit. (Fentanyl patches and I already know I can't take Vicodin--

> it

> > > does the same)I've been trying to make it on Darvocet, Ibuprofen

> and

> > > Rabaxin. I found some pain med's mentioned in previous members

> > > postings and will do some research on them. The main problem is I

> > > don't know names of med's, and doctors don't seem to know much,

> > > either. I don't know if I just seem to get worse in Spring or

> it's

> > > psychological that I have to get another doctor's note for work

> each

> > > spring for my work restrictions. Could be psychological somewhat

> (?!).

> > > I also have been in denial for years about my pain. I can usually

> for

> > > the most part put it out of my mind, but some days it's bad and

> it

> > > just exhausts me so much. People have wondered why I don't do

> much on

> > > weekends--it's because I have to rest up to do the work thing

> next

> > > week all over again. I have noticed the past year (since I have

> been

> > > paying more attention--and I guess not in so much denial either)

> that

> > > it always gets worse when I stand (can only do so for a few

> minutes)

> > > and walk for long periods and when I bend over. I guess the few

> > > unfused, arthritic vertebra (L4-L5) just can't take it. All I

> know is

> > > he told me I have arthritis there and I don't have stenosis--so I

> > > guess I don't have any bulging discs showing after the CT scan

> last

> > > year. He really wouldn't tell me much, and when I mentioned it

> > > possibly being the Sacro-iliac joints, I didn't get much

> response,

> > > then, either. Sorry this is so long, but I really don't know if

> going

> > > to this other ortho in another town is just a waste of time and

> > > money. This vaste " medical wasteland " of Central California is

> just

> > > the pits sometimes.

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol...

I'd let either surgeon operate on me.

--

> > >

> > > I am glad I discovered this site. I didn't know it was around. I

> > > heard about it on the other flatback site. I perused some earlier

> > > postings and found a lot of familiar names. I'm glad to have

> found

> > > you guys again!!!I posted last year at the other site and asked a

> > lot

> > > of questions about doctors, pain management, etc. I guess I'll

> > just

> > > have to break down and call UCSF and find out if they need a

> > referral

> > > from a person's doctor or specialist. I also need to find out if

> > they

> > > take my insurance. I just tried to get in to see another ortho in

> > the

> > > same office as the one I saw last spring, but I just found out he

> > > doesn't take our insurance!!! I didn't like that ortho's

> attitude.

> > > The pain med's he put me on were too strong and made me dizzy and

> > > vomit. (Fentanyl patches and I already know I can't take Vicodin--

> > it

> > > does the same)I've been trying to make it on Darvocet, Ibuprofen

> > and

> > > Rabaxin. I found some pain med's mentioned in previous members

> > > postings and will do some research on them. The main problem is I

> > > don't know names of med's, and doctors don't seem to know much,

> > > either. I don't know if I just seem to get worse in Spring or

> it's

> > > psychological that I have to get another doctor's note for work

> > each

> > > spring for my work restrictions. Could be psychological somewhat

> > (?!).

> > > I also have been in denial for years about my pain. I can usually

> > for

> > > the most part put it out of my mind, but some days it's bad and

> it

> > > just exhausts me so much. People have wondered why I don't do

> much

> > on

> > > weekends--it's because I have to rest up to do the work thing

> next

> > > week all over again. I have noticed the past year (since I have

> > been

> > > paying more attention--and I guess not in so much denial either)

> > that

> > > it always gets worse when I stand (can only do so for a few

> > minutes)

> > > and walk for long periods and when I bend over. I guess the few

> > > unfused, arthritic vertebra (L4-L5) just can't take it. All I

> know

> > is

> > > he told me I have arthritis there and I don't have stenosis--so I

> > > guess I don't have any bulging discs showing after the CT scan

> > last

> > > year. He really wouldn't tell me much, and when I mentioned it

> > > possibly being the Sacro-iliac joints, I didn't get much

> response,

> > > then, either. Sorry this is so long, but I really don't know if

> > going

> > > to this other ortho in another town is just a waste of time and

> > > money. This vaste " medical wasteland " of Central California is

> > just

> > > the pits sometimes.

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Carol -

As said, I would have let either of them operate on me. I

believe they are both equally qualified revision surgeons.

However..........Dr. Hu is the one who I went with, as it was her

name that I saw more of in my searches on revision surgeons, and she

was the one my local ortho doc referred me to see (along with

Boachie and Bridwell). You could always consult with one and then

the other for a 2nd opinion. That way you may develop a 'gut

feeling' about which one you wanted to chose.

Good luck in your endeavor!

~~

> > >

> > > I am glad I discovered this site. I didn't know it was around.

I

> > > heard about it on the other flatback site. I perused some

earlier

> > > postings and found a lot of familiar names. I'm glad to have

> found

> > > you guys again!!!I posted last year at the other site and

asked a

> > lot

> > > of questions about doctors, pain management, etc. I guess I'll

> > just

> > > have to break down and call UCSF and find out if they need a

> > referral

> > > from a person's doctor or specialist. I also need to find out

if

> > they

> > > take my insurance. I just tried to get in to see another ortho

in

> > the

> > > same office as the one I saw last spring, but I just found out

he

> > > doesn't take our insurance!!! I didn't like that ortho's

> attitude.

> > > The pain med's he put me on were too strong and made me dizzy

and

> > > vomit. (Fentanyl patches and I already know I can't take

Vicodin--

> > it

> > > does the same)I've been trying to make it on Darvocet,

Ibuprofen

> > and

> > > Rabaxin. I found some pain med's mentioned in previous members

> > > postings and will do some research on them. The main problem

is I

> > > don't know names of med's, and doctors don't seem to know

much,

> > > either. I don't know if I just seem to get worse in Spring or

> it's

> > > psychological that I have to get another doctor's note for

work

> > each

> > > spring for my work restrictions. Could be psychological

somewhat

> > (?!).

> > > I also have been in denial for years about my pain. I can

usually

> > for

> > > the most part put it out of my mind, but some days it's bad

and

> it

> > > just exhausts me so much. People have wondered why I don't do

> much

> > on

> > > weekends--it's because I have to rest up to do the work thing

> next

> > > week all over again. I have noticed the past year (since I

have

> > been

> > > paying more attention--and I guess not in so much denial

either)

> > that

> > > it always gets worse when I stand (can only do so for a few

> > minutes)

> > > and walk for long periods and when I bend over. I guess the

few

> > > unfused, arthritic vertebra (L4-L5) just can't take it. All I

> know

> > is

> > > he told me I have arthritis there and I don't have stenosis--

so I

> > > guess I don't have any bulging discs showing after the CT scan

> > last

> > > year. He really wouldn't tell me much, and when I mentioned it

> > > possibly being the Sacro-iliac joints, I didn't get much

> response,

> > > then, either. Sorry this is so long, but I really don't know

if

> > going

> > > to this other ortho in another town is just a waste of time

and

> > > money. This vaste " medical wasteland " of Central California is

> > just

> > > the pits sometimes.

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Carol -

As said, I would have let either of them operate on me. I

believe they are both equally qualified revision surgeons.

However..........Dr. Hu is the one who I went with, as it was her

name that I saw more of in my searches on revision surgeons, and she

was the one my local ortho doc referred me to see (along with

Boachie and Bridwell). You could always consult with one and then

the other for a 2nd opinion. That way you may develop a 'gut

feeling' about which one you wanted to chose.

Good luck in your endeavor!

~~

> > >

> > > I am glad I discovered this site. I didn't know it was around.

I

> > > heard about it on the other flatback site. I perused some

earlier

> > > postings and found a lot of familiar names. I'm glad to have

> found

> > > you guys again!!!I posted last year at the other site and

asked a

> > lot

> > > of questions about doctors, pain management, etc. I guess I'll

> > just

> > > have to break down and call UCSF and find out if they need a

> > referral

> > > from a person's doctor or specialist. I also need to find out

if

> > they

> > > take my insurance. I just tried to get in to see another ortho

in

> > the

> > > same office as the one I saw last spring, but I just found out

he

> > > doesn't take our insurance!!! I didn't like that ortho's

> attitude.

> > > The pain med's he put me on were too strong and made me dizzy

and

> > > vomit. (Fentanyl patches and I already know I can't take

Vicodin--

> > it

> > > does the same)I've been trying to make it on Darvocet,

Ibuprofen

> > and

> > > Rabaxin. I found some pain med's mentioned in previous members

> > > postings and will do some research on them. The main problem

is I

> > > don't know names of med's, and doctors don't seem to know

much,

> > > either. I don't know if I just seem to get worse in Spring or

> it's

> > > psychological that I have to get another doctor's note for

work

> > each

> > > spring for my work restrictions. Could be psychological

somewhat

> > (?!).

> > > I also have been in denial for years about my pain. I can

usually

> > for

> > > the most part put it out of my mind, but some days it's bad

and

> it

> > > just exhausts me so much. People have wondered why I don't do

> much

> > on

> > > weekends--it's because I have to rest up to do the work thing

> next

> > > week all over again. I have noticed the past year (since I

have

> > been

> > > paying more attention--and I guess not in so much denial

either)

> > that

> > > it always gets worse when I stand (can only do so for a few

> > minutes)

> > > and walk for long periods and when I bend over. I guess the

few

> > > unfused, arthritic vertebra (L4-L5) just can't take it. All I

> know

> > is

> > > he told me I have arthritis there and I don't have stenosis--

so I

> > > guess I don't have any bulging discs showing after the CT scan

> > last

> > > year. He really wouldn't tell me much, and when I mentioned it

> > > possibly being the Sacro-iliac joints, I didn't get much

> response,

> > > then, either. Sorry this is so long, but I really don't know

if

> > going

> > > to this other ortho in another town is just a waste of time

and

> > > money. This vaste " medical wasteland " of Central California is

> > just

> > > the pits sometimes.

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/17/2006 6:29:11 AM Pacific Standard Time, sandra.mygroup@... writes:

->Beat putting kellyagrouch LOL!! I do try to stay friendly and positive, the alternative is ugly....

Ann pegged you.LOL Yeah but isn't all that bright and happy stuff a little stiff. Don't you just wanna gripe and complain and get it out of your system? You are always so positive. I can see you sitting at your computer griping and complaining and stewing while you type happy happy thoughts:) LOL I wish I could keep your attitude.

LOL no, .... I do for the most part keep my attitude and don't feel it is stiff/fake. Like I said, the alternative is ugly and I have spent enough of my life in the muck bucket, so choose this route now. Trust me, I *hate* my son most days, he treats me like crap, talks to me worse than a sailor and am on the brink of deciding should I file bankruptcy, so I can relate to Bonnie and other's financial woes right now.... but, I just gotta be positive no matter what. :-]

Well I managed to sleep in late today.

MEEEEE TOOOOOOO!! I wanted to go to Curves this morning (they close at 11) and I slept til 10 a.m. and thought "well, I guess I needed to sleep more than go to Curves" LOL...

I hope you all have a great day. Now get on and move away from this computer and get some exercise!

So far, so good. Went for a one-mile walk around the mall today with my 10 yr old ds, so at least got a little movement...

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/17/2006 7:48:34 PM Pacific Standard Time, sandra.mygroup@... writes:

When I said it was a little stiff I meant it has to get you worn out being that cheerful. LOL You are definitely a postive person. I bet if you got your arm cut off you could find some kind of good thing from it:)

You could be right, . I knew what you meant though. I think I will go scream and yell and get it out of my system, but I won't cut my arm off to find out if I can be positive about it.

I don't get to sleep in much. My sleeping in consist of anything after about 6:00 am.

Me too. When I work, most of my work is on the east coast (I am west coast) so it is better if I can work 6-2:30 to get my calls in before those folks close. So, I try to be to work between 6-7 a.m. With this CVS/Osco thing, the majority of the new stores are in California, so I can go in early to hit the east coast, then stay late and do my west coast follow-ups. Makes for a long day, but I gotta get 'er done!! When this calms down in another month-two, I can go back to normal. (What IS normal??)

There is a concrete service next door and they have one of those annoying trucks that beep when they back up

Ugggh, there outta be a rule that they can't do that before a certain time LOL!!

Thats great! I got in 30 minutes on the bike today. And I didn't diddle daddle neither. I went the whole 30 minutes at a nice brisk pace. Hands off the handles and a swinging away:)But...I don't have much resistance on it. I'm gonna start tomorrow cranking up the tension a bit. That dern trampoline is just gonna be a grandkids play toy. I still cannot do more then 2 minutes. That thing kills me!

Great job today, !! I ended up walking another mile, so 2 total.... I outta do the trampoline... a few minutes at a time. When you swing your arms on your bike, do you hold weights, or just flap them around for motion?

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/17/2006 9:12:31 PM Pacific Standard Time, sulablue2001@... writes:

So, I went inside and I grabbed the phone book, found a listing for the Uni President - and proceeded to call it thinking it was his office number and to leave a message. Imagine my shock when he answered! His home phone was listed there for some reason! At first I wanted to crawl into a hole and pull the earth after me, I was mortified!But, you know what? They did change the route

LOL that's hilarious Sula!! Good for you though!!

[Guest guest]

**LOL no, .... I do for the most part keep my attitude and don't feel it is stiff/fake. Like I said, the alternative is ugly and I have spent enough of my life in the muck bucket, so choose this route now. Trust me, I *hate* my son most days, he treats me like crap, talks to me worse than a sailor and am on the brink of deciding should I file bankruptcy, so I can relate to Bonnie and other's financial woes right now.... but, I just gotta be positive no matter what. :-]**

I didn't mean you was a fake. I just meant you have to feel just like screaming and complaining at some time. When I said it was a little stiff I meant it has to get you worn out being that cheerful. LOL You are definitely a postive person. I bet if you got your arm cut off you could find some kind of good thing from it:)

>Well I managed to sleep in late today.

**MEEEEE TOOOOOOO!! I wanted to go to Curves this morning (they close at 11) and I slept til 10 a.m. and thought "well, I guess I needed to sleep more than go to Curves" LOL...**

Well there is always tomorrow. Sometimes you just gotta get caught up on sleep too:) I don't get to sleep in much. My sleeping in consist of anything after about 6:00 am. There is a concrete service next door and they have one of those annoying trucks that beep when they back up:( So every morning when they leave its like a automatic alarm. And I just got in the habit of waking up then.

>I hope you all have a great day. Now get on and move away from this computer and get some exercise!

**So far, so good. Went for a one-mile walk around the mall today with my 10 yr old ds, so at least got a little movement...**

Thats great! I got in 30 minutes on the bike today. And I didn't diddle daddle neither. I went the whole 30 minutes at a nice brisk pace. Hands off the handles and a swinging away:)But...I don't have much resistance on it. I'm gonna start tomorrow cranking up the tension a bit. That dern trampoline is just gonna be a grandkids play toy. I still cannot do more then 2 minutes. That thing kills me!

[Guest guest]

No kidding! When I was in college I lived in a dorm across from the back of the

library. At

the back there was this driveway that went down into the belly of the library

where the

dumpsters were. Big stone walls all around. The trash men came 3x a week at

about 4

a.m. OY.

Well, one night they got there particuarly early and woke me up when I had

FINALLY gotten

to sleep at 1:30 a.m. I was PEEVED! I threw on my house coat and ran out to the

garbage

truck and started banging on his door. Man, was he startled! Here's this crazy,

pissed-off

fat chick (I was heavy even then!) In a terrycloth bathrobe and flip flops

telling him where

she thinks he should stick his garbage truck. I get informed that they're on

this schedule

to avoid the busses (which, due to construction, no longer came around my dorm

ANYWAY!)

So, I went inside and I grabbed the phone book, found a listing for the Uni

President -

and proceeded to call it thinking it was his office number and to leave a

message. Imagine

my shock when he answered! His home phone was listed there for some reason! At

first I

wanted to crawl into a hole and pull the earth after me, I was mortified!

But, you know what? They did change the route

SulaBlue

>

> There is a concrete service next door and they have one of those annoying

> trucks that beep when they back up

>

> Ugggh, there outta be a rule that they can't do that before a certain time

> LOL!!

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/18/2006 8:41:07 AM Pacific Standard Time, sandra.mygroup@... writes:

Well I came back in and no sooner do I lay back in bed he started again. He hammered and pounded untill 8:00 this morning. Now he is over there sleeping during the day so he can stay up all night again.

Not that I am one to call the cops at the drop of the hat, but are there any laws/ordinances in your area that speak against this? If so, do as you did: ask him to stop, then when he keeps at it during the night, call and report it. A lot of places have quiet hours like from 9-10 p.m. until 6-7-8 a.m. from things like that. I realize in the other discussion about garbage trucks, etc. that they have ways around that, but Joe Neighbor probably doesn't fit into that category.

**No, never even thought of weights. To be honest I don't know if i could do weights right now for the time being. I just in a sense roll my arms like we used to do in pe class at school

At the dollar store here, they had small wrist weights, so that is what I was thinking, then you could sit there on your bike and like do "curls" or whatever they are called. I don't usually use hand or ankle weights when I walk or go to Curves, just wondered.

[Guest guest]

There is a concrete service next door and they have one of those annoying trucks that beep when they back up

Ugggh, there outta be a rule that they can't do that before a certain time LOL!!

**well to be honest they are usually there at 6:00 every morning. And when we first moved here it frove me crazy. Now I have *almost* gotten used to it. However, last night my neighbor on the other side(the one who is always causing trouble) got up and decided last night was a excellent night to hammer,saw and generally be a nuisance. He woke me up at 2:00 in the morning hammering. Hubby said it woke him up 2 1/2 hours earlier. I went out and asked him to stop until daylight hours and he said yeah he was just getting sheetrock moved so it didnt get wet(It was raining, and he said his roof was leaking) Well I came back in and no sooner do I lay back in bed he started again. He hammered and pounded untill 8:00 this morning. Now he is over there sleeping during the day so he can stay up all night again.He has no job so there is no reason he cant do it in the daylight hours.

Thats great! I got in 30 minutes on the bike today. And I didn't diddle daddle neither. I went the whole 30 minutes at a nice brisk pace. Hands off the handles and a swinging away:)But...I don't have much resistance on it. I'm gonna start tomorrow cranking up the tension a bit. That dern trampoline is just gonna be a grandkids play toy. I still cannot do more then 2 minutes. That thing kills me!

Great job today, !! I ended up walking another mile, so 2 total.... I outta do the trampoline... a few minutes at a time. When you swing your arms on your bike, do you hold weights, or just flap them around for motion?

**No, never even thought of weights. To be honest I don't know if i could do weights right now for the time being. I just in a sense roll my arms like we used to do in pe class at school:)

[Guest guest]

Not that I am one to call the cops at the drop of the hat, but are there any laws/ordinances in your area that speak against this? If so, do as you did: ask him to stop, then when he keeps at it during the night, call and report it. A lot of places have quiet hours like from 9-10 p.m. until 6-7-8 a.m. from things like that. I realize in the other discussion about garbage trucks, etc. that they have ways around that, but Joe Neighbor probably doesn't fit into that category.

Yeah, I'm going to call the city offices tomorrow and try and find out what the noise ordinaces are. The problem with us here is we only have 2 cops. And after I think it is 10 pm no one is on duty untill like 7 in the morning. We have to call the state police during those times and they take like 3 hours to get here. But I'm still going to call and find out what my rights are and what can be done. Like I said before the concrete truck is annoying but he dosent leave untill 6 in the morning. So I can live with that but this stuff I think the guy does it half time to be annoying. He has no job so there is no reason he cant do his work in the day. I don't know....I guess I'll have a better idea what I can do come tomorrow.

At the dollar store here, they had small wrist weights, so that is what I was thinking, then you could sit there on your bike and like do "curls" or whatever they are called. I don't usually use hand or ankle weights when I walk or go to Curves, just wondered.

I didn't think of the strap on weights.But its a thought. I havent even done my exercise today. I'm so wipe out from last night that I'm actually entertaining the thought of going in and sleeping a few hours.

[Guest guest]

>Sue, it's nice to see some posts from you. We miss you when you aren't

around.

So far the computer is working ok again, even in yesterday's 95 degree heat,

so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

>I've been to the gym at work 3-4 times a week for 4 weeks.

This is a big accomplishment for you! Keep up the good work!

>I'm still not walking enough though.

In Texas heat, I don't blame you!

>Tomorrow I'm changing my work hours to 7-4 so I can spend more time with

the kids in the afternoon.

They're back in school now, right?

> It's going to be unpleasant getting up at 5am every morning though.

That's when I get up to get Ed out the door. Once I'm awake, that's it for

the day. But get used to taping any tv shows you want to see, as you'll be

falling asleep between 9 and 10pm from now on.

> I'm a person that needs some alone time.

You get enough on your commute to and from work. LOL

> I did get some painting done in the breakfast room but that project just

seems to be never ending. I wanted to finish it up this weekend but that

didn't happen.

Maybe next weekend.

>I guess I'll try to get to sleep.

Nighty night.

Sue in NJ

[Guest guest]

Hello Stac,

  I have a daughter, who is showing signs of JRA and is being treated this

way...she is 5.  This is a wonderful place to vent.  I have learned quite a bit

here.  Welcome.

Love,

mia

Mia is cute

   Ian   9 years old

   Sashi 5

     

  

 

From: calvertmomof2 <calvertmomof2@...>

Subject: Howdy

Date: Thursday, July 10, 2008, 3:28 PM

Howdy to all. My name is and my beauutiful daughter who will

be

3 on Monday has had JRA since she was 8 months old. I am wanting to

join a group that is active and where I can vent. I am sure that this

group will be helpful to me. I'll explain more later but just thought

I'd jump right on in and give a short introduction.

Stac