Hi, I'm new...

[Guest guest]

Hi Cathie,

Its Di , I am 46 and I live in Canberra. Where are you?

Di

At 05:20 28/07/2001 +0000, you wrote:

>Hi!

>

>My name is Cathie, i'm 27 yrs old and live in Australia. I've had

>psoriasis since the age of 13, and psoriatic arthritis since 19.

>

>Any other aussies in this group?

>

>cath

>

>Editors Note <Cathie- based on email addresses there are at

>least a couple dozen Aussies and Kiwis in the group. Hey fellas

>come out come out wherever you are!!!???>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Cathie

My name is beverley I am 57 and come from Kallangur QLD Australia. I hope

you enjoy the group you always seem to

find a solution to most problems. I have had psoris and P/a along with many

more arthritis for too many years probable 35yrs if I can remember . At the

present I am on vioxx and finding it good.

If you need a friend in times of frustration or just to vent or talk you can

always email me.

Looking forward to hearing from you

Beverley in Aussie land

> Hi!

>

> My name is Cathie, i'm 27 yrs old and live in Australia. I've had

> psoriasis since the age of 13, and psoriatic arthritis since 19.

>

> Any other aussies in this group?

>

> cath

>

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Does it help that my daughter's boyfriend is from Australia, and they will

probably live there part time, which means I will visit?

[Guest guest]

Cathie,

Hi. I've spent a lot of time in Australia, Queensland in

particular, and my wife grew up there. We talk about going back

one day to live. If you've got any tips for living down under, I'd be

happy to hear them (currently in US). By the way, I'm 31 and have had

psoriatic arthritis since I was 21. Remicade has made a HUGE

difference for me. I'm not sure if it's available down there

yet?!?!

Gunther

> Hi!

>

> My name is Cathie, i'm 27 yrs old and live in Australia. I've had

> psoriasis since the age of 13, and psoriatic arthritis since 19.

>

> Any other aussies in this group?

>

> cath

>

> Editors Note <Cathie- based on email addresses there are at

> least a couple dozen Aussies and Kiwis in the group. Hey fellas

> come out come out wherever you are!!!???>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

You are with a great group here. I've been dealing with the plagio diagnosis for the last three weeks -- but have been doing what it takes to repo my now 12 week old. I think it's making a difference.. although it does feel slow going... I know you probably feel pretty overwhelmed. I know I was -- and that's how I found this site. But the key thing is take action and find out as much information as you can... and keep emailing folks on this site. They are wonderful, supportive and experts!

Take care,

Jeannie

ashinsc <ashinsc01@...> wrote:

Hi all. My name is and I have a two month old son named on. He was just diagnosed with Positional Plagiocephaly due to back sleeping. His is very pronounced, with a very flat back of the head, which makes it appear his forehead is even more pronounced than normal. I am a little scared and doing all of the research I can on this. However, after reading up on it, I am surprised my son's Pediatrician isn't any more concerned than she is. She basically told me to spend more tummy time with him(he hates it)and to try to turn his head during naps and while he is sleeping at night. Tried it, he refuses to keep his head in the position I move it to. I am considering trying the Boppy Noggin Nest, but I don't have high hopes for it. I am glad this group exisits, so I can talk to others who are going through what my husband and I

and my son are!For more plagio info

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to the group! Positional Plagiocephaly can be treated with

aggressive repositioning and helmet/band therapy. There are plenty

of members here with experience in both, so you'll have lots of

support for any of your questions or concerns. on is a very

young baby at 8 weeks of age, and you have all of your options ahead

of you. I think the youngest age for helmeting/banding is around 3 -

4 months, so you can work on aggressive repositioning for now.

I'm sorry you're having difficulty with your repositioning efforts.

Repo doesn't work for everyone for a variety of different reasons.

Once a flat area develops on the back of the baby's head, the head

always seems to " settle " on the flat spot, and it can be an uphill

battle to change head position. Plagiocephaly is often accompanied

by other asymmetries such as forehead bossing, ear misalignment,

facial asymmetry, and tort (where there is a restricted range of

movement of the head.) These asymmetries are best viewed from the

top, from the chin view looking up, and by holding your baby in the

mirror. Tort can seriously undermine repo efforts, since the baby's

head tilts usually to one side. Does on show any signs of

tort?

Cushioning the flat area with a noggin nest, etc. is better than

just having contact with a hard mattress, but ideally you would hope

to get on off of his flat area entirely. Parents of really

young babies such as your son, face unique challenges with repo,

since back-sleeping is safest for SIDS prevention. Some suggestions

have been sewing a wedge/bag of beans/receiving blanket to one side

of the back of his sleeper to tip him up slightly to get him to turn

his head off of the flat area. Front carriers (such as the Baby

Bjorn) instead of a stroller whenever possible helps out as well.

Keeping time spent in a bouncie or swing to an absolute minimum, if

not ever at all, should also help. Are you using any of these types

of products? There are a bunch of links in the LINKS/REPOSITIONING

folder. You might also check out the FILES/REPOSITIONING

HEADQUARTERS folder for some ideas as well.

The way you described on's flatness reminded me of

brachycephaly. In Plagiocephaly, one side of the back of the head

in flattened. In Brachycephaly, the entire back of the head is

flattened. I was wondering, does on's flatness sound like

Brachycephaly?

I always advise parents trying repo to take photos (top, side, etc.)

every week in the case of a younger baby. These photos can confirm

progress is being made with repo, or that repo is not working and

that you need to move on to other options. Remember that it can

take weeks/months to slog through appts. to finally get into a

helmet/band, so you will want to start your prework for a helmet or

band before you actually give up on repo.

We have lots of information here at the group that you may want to

browse through, including a Helmet/Band Database where you can look

for a helmet provider in your area, and Before and After photos in

the PHOTOS section.

As you have questions, please post them!

Take care,

Christie (Mom to Repo'd Remy)

Y--- In Plagiocephaly , " ashinsc " <ashinsc01@h...>

wrote:

> Hi all. My name is and I have a two month old son named

> on. He was just diagnosed with Positional Plagiocephaly due

to

> back sleeping. His is very pronounced, with a very flat back of

the

> head, which makes it appear his forehead is even more pronounced

than

> normal. I am a little scared and doing all of the research I can

on

> this. However, after reading up on it, I am surprised my son's

> Pediatrician isn't any more concerned than she is. She basically

told

> me to spend more tummy time with him(he hates it)and to try to

turn

> his head during naps and while he is sleeping at night. Tried it,

he

> refuses to keep his head in the position I move it to. I am

> considering trying the Boppy Noggin Nest, but I don't have high

hopes

> for it. I am glad this group exisits, so I can talk to others who

are

> going through what my husband and I and my son are!

[Guest guest]

Hi ! Welcome to the group, that is wonderful that on

has been diagnosed so early. I know that Christie, our repo expert,

will be a big help to you! I think that aggressive repositioning

could really make a huge difference for on. Did they check to

see if he had any neck tightness (torticollis) that could make tummy

time uncomfortable for him?

Natasha

--- In Plagiocephaly , " ashinsc " <ashinsc01@h...>

wrote:

> Hi all. My name is and I have a two month old son named

> on. He was just diagnosed with Positional Plagiocephaly due

to

> back sleeping. His is very pronounced, with a very flat back of the

> head, which makes it appear his forehead is even more pronounced

than

> normal. I am a little scared and doing all of the research I can on

> this. However, after reading up on it, I am surprised my son's

> Pediatrician isn't any more concerned than she is. She basically

told

> me to spend more tummy time with him(he hates it)and to try to turn

> his head during naps and while he is sleeping at night. Tried it,

he

> refuses to keep his head in the position I move it to. I am

> considering trying the Boppy Noggin Nest, but I don't have high

hopes

> for it. I am glad this group exisits, so I can talk to others who

are

> going through what my husband and I and my son are!

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group. Two months is a wonderful time to to start

repoing your son. I am sure many many of the members of this group

would have LOVED to be able to start repo'ing at such an early age.

I am sure that Christie will respond to you post soon, if she hasn't

already, since she is our resident repo expert!

- mom to Aidan

--- In Plagiocephaly , " ashinsc " <ashinsc01@h...>

wrote:

> Hi all. My name is and I have a two month old son named

> on. He was just diagnosed with Positional Plagiocephaly due

to

> back sleeping. His is very pronounced, with a very flat back of the

> head, which makes it appear his forehead is even more pronounced

than

> normal. I am a little scared and doing all of the research I can on

> this. However, after reading up on it, I am surprised my son's

> Pediatrician isn't any more concerned than she is. She basically

told

> me to spend more tummy time with him(he hates it)and to try to turn

> his head during naps and while he is sleeping at night. Tried it,

he

> refuses to keep his head in the position I move it to. I am

> considering trying the Boppy Noggin Nest, but I don't have high

hopes

> for it. I am glad this group exisits, so I can talk to others who

are

> going through what my husband and I and my son are!

[Guest guest]

Hello. I am kinda new around here too, but not new to positional

plagiocephaly. I have a 4 mo old with back flattening and our ped

isnt too concerned either. I am and I knew what to look for because

I have a 6 yr old that had to wear a band due to flattening when he

was 6 mo old. I wasnt going to sit and wait for the ped to decide

it was/wasnt a big concern. I called a ped. nuerosurgeon (the same

one that saw my son 6 yrs ago) and got my dd in for an assessment.

The nuero. said to try repositioning for 2 mo and we will re-

assess. We have the noggin nest for her swing and bouncy (yes, we

still use these pieces of equipment...she will only nap in her

swing) and we are spending MUCH more time on her tummy and off of

her head. I use the front pack alot, carry her in my arms facing

out and prop her on her tummy on the Boppy pillow. She is

definitely getting a stronger neck and she even figured out how to

roll from tummy to back (that is how much she HATES tummy time, she

outsmarted me) once she started to spend more time on her tummy. We

have been working on this now for 3 wks and she is up to 5 whole

minutes on her tummy at a time (whooo hooo). A little more each

day. The nuero told us to spend up to 6 hrs a day on the tummy

which is kinda out of reach, but we keep on trying. We got her an

exersaucer too and that helps keep her off of her head. I know your

little one is younger, but my little gal is 6 wks preemie so though

she is 17 wks old, she is treated like an 11 wk old as far as

strength and neck muscles go. I dont hold much hope for

repositoning either as after 3 wks, my 9 yr old son noticed my

little girls ears are out of alignment (if he noticed, it kinda says

her head is NOT getting better!!). I will do everything I can

before we see the doc again.

I would suggest seeing a ped. nuerosurgeon, if that is possible, and

get an assessment. See what they think. They are the ones that

deal with plagio all day, everyday.

Thats my opinion. This is a great place for support and

information. I have gained both here. Its wonderful to be among

friends

mom to Presley (4mo) currently repo'ing

Mesa, AZ

--- In Plagiocephaly , " ashinsc " <ashinsc01@h...>

wrote:

> Hi all. My name is and I have a two month old son named

> on. He was just diagnosed with Positional Plagiocephaly due

to

> back sleeping. His is very pronounced, with a very flat back of

the

> head, which makes it appear his forehead is even more pronounced

than

> normal. I am a little scared and doing all of the research I can

on

> this. However, after reading up on it, I am surprised my son's

> Pediatrician isn't any more concerned than she is. She basically

told

> me to spend more tummy time with him(he hates it)and to try to

turn

> his head during naps and while he is sleeping at night. Tried it,

he

> refuses to keep his head in the position I move it to. I am

> considering trying the Boppy Noggin Nest, but I don't have high

hopes

> for it. I am glad this group exisits, so I can talk to others who

are

> going through what my husband and I and my son are!

[Guest guest]

, Hi and welcome to the group! I'm a day late here and see

you have rec'd some great replies. Please keep us updated on your

progress.

dustie

--- In Plagiocephaly , " ashinsc " <ashinsc01@h...>

wrote:

> Hi all. My name is and I have a two month old son named

> on. He was just diagnosed with Positional Plagiocephaly due

to

> back sleeping. His is very pronounced, with a very flat back of the

> head, which makes it appear his forehead is even more pronounced

than

> normal. I am a little scared and doing all of the research I can on

> this. However, after reading up on it, I am surprised my son's

> Pediatrician isn't any more concerned than she is. She basically

told

> me to spend more tummy time with him(he hates it)and to try to turn

> his head during naps and while he is sleeping at night. Tried it,

he

> refuses to keep his head in the position I move it to. I am

> considering trying the Boppy Noggin Nest, but I don't have high

hopes

> for it. I am glad this group exisits, so I can talk to others who

are

> going through what my husband and I and my son are!

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to the group. I see you've had a lot of responses. You have caught this very early. I'm not surprised your ped isn't super concerned at this point on is very young and can receive great correction from repo. Actually, the AAP has started to work on some treatment guidelines. Basically they say something like < 3months - repo, 3-5 months repo or possibly band depending on circumstances, >5 months band. So on is well in the repo area.

We talked to our family dr at na's 2 month check-up. He gave us the same advice. Lots of tummy time and have her sleep on her side. He said we would re-evaluate at her 4 month and then if it hadn't improved he would send us to a specialist. Well we went full force (with Christie's advice). After one month (we took pics) we couldn't see any improvement. We didn't quite get it 24/7 but it was close. After finding out about the free evaluations at CT I talked to the dr's nurse about my anxieties and worries. The dr agreed there was nothing to loose by being evaluated. We found out na had tort (very slight) and moderate plagio due to in uterine constraint. Our dr felt comfortable enough writing the RX for the band without sending us to a specialist. He had 2 other patients who had been treated by CT after he had referred them to specialists. She was banded at 4.5 months. By most doctors' definitions of repo we had been doing it since birth, by Christie's definition : ) we had been doing it for 2.5 months.

Do the best you can with the repo. Some folks are able to achieve wonderful results. Even if you can't do it 24/7 due to day time circumstances or lack of cooperation by on any little bit will help or at least prevent it from getting worse.

As for tummy time, it is so important. But instead of trying to go all or nothing right away. Set small goals. Start with a little tummy time during every awake period. Even if it is only 1-2 minutes. You will be amazed at how strong he becomes and that the fuss gets less and less. Work you way up to more. One of the posters today talked about a rolled up towel under the arms or a boppy to prop him up a bit. I used that for my daughter. She liked it much better. You can also use yourself as tummy time. Prop on up on your chest and lean back in a chair or on the couch. I also used to prop na up on my legs, tummy down, chest on my knees.

I wasn't very fond of the boppy noggin nest. na always got away from it. She was a mover too : ) We used a large rolled up quilt in her crib to help her sleep on her side. She would scoot out of the petitioners.

Keep trying and keep us up to date. Post a picture when you can. We love baby pics : )

Sorry this is so long. I hope it helps.

mom to na

DOC #1 10-27 to 11-26

DOC #2 12-10 @ 6 months

Hi, I'm new...

Hi all. My name is and I have a two month old son named on. He was just diagnosed with Positional Plagiocephaly due to back sleeping. His is very pronounced, with a very flat back of the head, which makes it appear his forehead is even more pronounced than normal. I am a little scared and doing all of the research I can on this. However, after reading up on it, I am surprised my son's Pediatrician isn't any more concerned than she is. She basically told me to spend more tummy time with him(he hates it)and to try to turn his head during naps and while he is sleeping at night. Tried it, he refuses to keep his head in the position I move it to. I am considering trying the Boppy Noggin Nest, but I don't have high hopes for it. I am glad this group exisits, so I can talk to others who are going through what my husband and I and my son are!For more plagio info

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I see you already got some great replies, so I just wanted to

welcome you to the group! Good luck with the repoing, it's not an

easy task but you've got great support here.

, mom to Hannah, DOCgrad

Cape Cod, Ma

--- In Plagiocephaly , " ashinsc " <ashinsc01@h...>

wrote:

> Hi all. My name is and I have a two month old son named

> on. He was just diagnosed with Positional Plagiocephaly due

to

> back sleeping. His is very pronounced, with a very flat back of

the

> head, which makes it appear his forehead is even more pronounced

than

> normal. I am a little scared and doing all of the research I can

on

> this. However, after reading up on it, I am surprised my son's

> Pediatrician isn't any more concerned than she is. She basically

told

> me to spend more tummy time with him(he hates it)and to try to

turn

> his head during naps and while he is sleeping at night. Tried it,

he

> refuses to keep his head in the position I move it to. I am

> considering trying the Boppy Noggin Nest, but I don't have high

hopes

> for it. I am glad this group exisits, so I can talk to others who

are

> going through what my husband and I and my son are!

[Guest guest]

Hi .

Welcome to the group!!

Looks like you have already received some wonderful responses.

Good luck with your repositioning and please keep us posted on

on's progress!!

--- In Plagiocephaly , " ashinsc " <ashinsc01@h...>

wrote:

> Hi all. My name is and I have a two month old son named

> on. He was just diagnosed with Positional Plagiocephaly due

to

> back sleeping. His is very pronounced, with a very flat back of the

> head, which makes it appear his forehead is even more pronounced

than

> normal. I am a little scared and doing all of the research I can on

> this. However, after reading up on it, I am surprised my son's

> Pediatrician isn't any more concerned than she is. She basically

told

> me to spend more tummy time with him(he hates it)and to try to turn

> his head during naps and while he is sleeping at night. Tried it,

he

> refuses to keep his head in the position I move it to. I am

> considering trying the Boppy Noggin Nest, but I don't have high

hopes

> for it. I am glad this group exisits, so I can talk to others who

are

> going through what my husband and I and my son are!

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon

Welcome to the group and welcome to your journey to get your life back. It really does happen and it really is wonderful!

My name is Sally and I live in the San Francisco Bay area. I am now 57 years old and this is my story. Have always had problems with my knees and knew I had arthritis in them when I was much younger. When I was 34 they did some type of corrective knee surgery on the right knee but I did not have the surgery on the left knee as I was not very pleased with it. I knew somewhere down the line I'd have to have knee replacements. When I was about 50 things really started going down hill. In addition to my knees, my back hurt and I started losing mobility. I had arthroscopic surgery on the left knee and when the pain increased, my mobility decreased and PT didn't help, my OS wanted to do a knee replacement then. I finally saw a rheumathologist and by merely lifting and turning each leg, he knew right away my hips were a problem and x-rays confirmed it. I changed my OS and he confirmed that both hips needed immediate replacement. (By then I had been walking with a crutch for a year). So in 1/01 I had the left hip replaced and in 7/01 the right done. Both hips are great! I still need the knees done at some point. Infact, the right one on which the corrective surgery was done is the worst and am right now in the process of having the Syn Visc injections which aren't really helping. So I'm probably looking at a right knee replacement next year.

Several points:

1. Make sure you get at least one more opinion.

2. Perhaps, as in my case, the hip replacements will give you enough relief so the

knee replacements can be postponed.

3. Know that joint replacements really do work and you really do get your life back.

I wish you the very best and please feel free to ask my any questions.

Sally

I

[Guest guest]

Hi. My name is Sharon

Hello Sharon,

I am in Texas.

I am in South Carolina.

I was really pleased to find this Group-as I am going to have hip-hip-knee-knee replacement surgery-

I have had hip-knee-knee. I was hurting for 20 years before I discovered replacements.

I am excited about all this-

I was really excited, too; and it has all been true! My legs do not hurt any more. My sacroiliac is holding me back now--as well as my feet. In two more days I will get serious support under my feet, and in four more days, I will be referred to the pain clinic again, where they will be helping me get my muscles in better shape to hold my body together.

For now, I enjoy going out to the van and driving myself shopping--or just going for a ride. I have a scooter to get around in the stores and sidewalks and parks. but I haveta say I am really kinda scared as well.

I was that, too! It will ease after the first one because then you will know what to look forward to. Each one is better.

I'm hoping being in this group with people of similar problems can help to alleviate my worries.

Yes, this is a great place to be!

I am supposed to be in the Hospital about 2 & a half weeks each time-first 3 days in regular section for recovery, next 2 weeks in the Hospital rehabilitation. How does that compare to any of you?

I had Wednesday to Sunday on the regular floor, then up to rehab until Sunday. They kept me an extra two days the third time, probably because of having so many surgeries in such a short time. I was Oct., March, and July. I think the main idea about how long you will stay has a lot to do with how much you have achieved. Like getting a knee bent to 90* before you leave. That sort of thing.

Best wishes to you,

Marge

He lives!

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon,

I just wanted to asked you have you ever had a major operation before ?Well I was 56 when I had my Hip replacement done and 58 when I had my Knee replacement done I wanted my knee done first my dr said no I had to have my hip done first you know what he said after my hip operation my bone wasn't that bad and now I feel this thing in me and he says bad scar tissues and my knee my leg is numb on the outside of my leg better then my hip at least what I'm trying to tell you make sure you body can take all these operation you plan on having .Well I wish you the best of luck and hope you have a good dr.

SusieSharon Lyon <nslyon@...> wrote:

Hi. My name is Sharon & I am in Texas. I was really pleased to find this Group-as I am going to have hip replacement surgery-left hip middle of November-then after about 3 months the right hip is to be replaced-3 months afterward-one knee replacement, then 3 more months the second knee. I am 53 & have not been able to get around without huge pain in a couple of years. I am excited about all this-since it will be so wonderful to be mobile again & to be able to garden again-everything else of course, but I have so missed gardening, but I haveta say I am really kinda scared as well. I'm hoping being in this group with people of similar problems can help to alleviate my worries.Looking forward to getting to know you.~Sharon PS I am supposed to be in the Hospital about 2 & a half weeks each time-first 3 days in

regular section for recovery, next 2 weeks in the Hospital rehabilitation. How does that compare to any of you? AND, I am sceduled to go to Washington DC to the Taste & Smell Clinic by January at the latest-but maybe December. Does that sound doable or not?

[Guest guest]

I had to admit that I felt the same way. They are huge operations. I

have just started week 9 after a total hip replacement.

Good luck with it.

Margaret

>

>

>

> Hi. My name is Sharon & I am in Texas. I was really pleased to find

> this Group-as I am going to have hip replacement surgery-left hip

> middle of November-then after about 3 months the right hip is to be

> replaced-3 months afterward-one knee replacement, then 3 more months

> the second knee. I am 53 & have not been able to get around without

> huge pain in a couple of years. I am excited about all this-since it

> will be so wonderful to be mobile again & to be able to garden again-

> everything else of course, but I have so missed gardening, but I

> haveta say I am really kinda scared as well. I'm hoping being in this

> group with people of similar problems can help to alleviate my

> worries.Looking forward to getting to know you.~Sharon PS I am

> supposed to be in the Hospital about 2 & a half weeks each time-first

> 3 days in regular section for recovery, next 2 weeks in the Hospital

> rehabilitation. How does that compare to any of you? AND, I am

> sceduled to go to Washington DC to the Taste & Smell Clinic by

> January at the latest-but maybe December. Does that sound doable or

> not?

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

-as I am going to have hip replacement surgery-left hip

> middle of November-then after about 3 months the right hip is to be

> replaced-3 months afterward-one knee replacement, then 3 more

months

> the second knee. I am 53 & have not been able to get around without

> huge pain in a couple of years.

Hi Sharon,

I am Valeri and am 52 years old. I live in central Calif. I had

left TKR in July 03 and right THR in April 04. Your attempt for 4

sugeries within 12 months...wow that could be pretty difficult.

Emotionally, if not physically. Having 2 within 8 months was a

stretch. The procedures are definatley worth what you have to thru.

For some there is some pain, and having had knee and hip, I would

say the knee was harder. There is more physical therapy for the

knee. There is also the strain of needing help after each surgery.

Are you alone, are you married? Do you have family that will be

willing to work with you for a long year?

The possibility of not driving for at least 6 weeks after each

procedure will be there. I got a bit depressed being housebound.

You mite have times of helplessness, with hip there are bending

reestrictions, so you need household help, hired, family or

frineds. Do you still work? Do yo have good medical insurance?

I really do not intend to sound so negative, but I would be very

leary of 4 procedures so close together. I went to back to work

after 3 months TKR, but still would like to have had more time for

PT. Plus, the anesthia can effect you too....

Good luck. Make sure and tell your doctor that you want to take a

trip. If you are flying, some discourage that due to possibilty

of blood clots. And truely now, the hardest thing I do is sit too

long, weather at work, or if I go for a car ride or even flying, I

still get stiff, just like getting up in the morning. But the pain

is not there, so the surgeries are worth it.

Valeri

[Guest guest]

Hi Margaret,

I'm glad you said that and these operations are not easy it takes time to heal I know some people had better luck then other people I'm looking for a new dr I don't know if I could go through that opeation again ,Well I wish you luck in your recovery.Have a nice day. SusieMargaret <zztinau@...> wrote:

I had to admit that I felt the same way. They are huge operations. Ihave just started week 9 after a total hip replacement.Good luck with it.Margaret> > > > Hi. My name is Sharon & I am in Texas. I was really pleased to find > this Group-as I am going to have hip replacement surgery-left hip > middle of November-then after about 3 months the right hip is to be > replaced-3 months afterward-one knee replacement, then 3 more months > the second knee. I am 53 & have not been able to get around without > huge pain in a couple of years. I am excited about all this-since it > will be so wonderful to be mobile again & to be able to garden again-> everything else of course, but I have so missed gardening, but I > haveta say I am really kinda scared as well. I'm hoping being in this > group with people of similar problems can help to alleviate my > worries.Looking forward to getting to know you.~Sharon PS I am > supposed to

be in the Hospital about 2 & a half weeks each time-first > 3 days in regular section for recovery, next 2 weeks in the Hospital > rehabilitation. How does that compare to any of you? AND, I am > sceduled to go to Washington DC to the Taste & Smell Clinic by > January at the latest-but maybe December. Does that sound doable or > not?> > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Hi. Thank you for your response, Susie. I am sorry that your replacement did not come out better-it is terrible that your hip turned out not to have been so bad in the first place!

Both mine are really bad-the MRI's- & x-rays showed massive degeneration the 'knobs' totally eroded & my right hip is fused as well, my knees are only marginally better than hips. The Surgeon did three series of knee injections so that I can move around well enough to rehabitate after the hip surgery.(BTW,even with good insurance each injection cost $115.00-if we had to pay it, it would have been $1000.00 each!! NO WAY could we have done it.)

He says he wants to use General anesthesia for hips then epidural-being awake for the knees. I am going to asdk him about epidural for hips-what do you think-(yes, I watched the horror special on the Discovery channel called 'Anesthesia Awareness' nigt before last-LOL-well, trying to, anyway.)That certainly plays into my question

In answer to your question, no this is not my first surgery, as many people have, I have had a tonsillectomy. I have also had my gallbladder removed & was under general anesthesia for both those & my first delivery-way back in the boonies. I never had a problem with healing or anesthesia.

Thank you again, for answering, Susie. I hope things get better for you. Take care.~Sharon PS Susie, can you at least get around better now? The promise of being mobile again, is what is keeping me going with the thought of the 4 Surgeries. I have barely been able to get around for such a long time-not to even mention the pain which is considerable. Started limping, then cane, then walker & now mostly wheelchair.> Hi Sharon,> I just wanted to asked you have you ever had a major operationbefore ?Well I was 56 when I had my Hip replacement done and 58 when Ihad my Knee replacement done I wanted my knee done first my dr said noI had to have my hip done first you know what he said after my hipoperation my bone wasn't that bad and now I feel this thing in me andhe says bad scar tissues and my knee my leg is numb on the outside ofmy leg better then my hip at least what I'm trying to tell you makesure you body can take all these operation you plan on having .Well Iwish you the best of luck and hope you have a good dr.> Susie> > Sharon Lyon wrote:>

[Guest guest]

Sharon: I don't think I would undertake that huge a project! But you

and your surgeon know your circumstances and your body. It usually

takes 6months to a year to feel totally over a joint replacement....so I

would think you are in for a really long haul. I would not plan on

going to DC a month after your surgery... although you are young, and

you may feel like doing it. It is a long flight and you will be

uncomfortable sitting that long. What does your surgeon say about it?

My husband was scheduled to fly to a conference 2 or 3 months after his

THP, and he ended up canceling as he could not sit that long

comfortably. Again, you and your doc are the ones to make that

decision. I will say that my father in law had both of his hips and

both knees replaced (over about 5 years) and he returned to building

houses, and climbing on rafters, etc. So, gardening sounds pretty

resonable.

Good luck, Marilyn

Sharon Lyon wrote:

>

>Hi. My name is Sharon & I am in Texas. I was really pleased to find

>this Group-as I am going to have hip replacement surgery-left hip

>middle of November-then after about 3 months the right hip is to be

>replaced-3 months afterward-one knee replacement, then 3 more months

>the second knee. I am 53 & have not been able to get around without

>huge pain in a couple of years. I am excited about all this-since it

>will be so wonderful to be mobile again & to be able to garden again-

>everything else of course, but I have so missed gardening, but I

>haveta say I am really kinda scared as well. I'm hoping being in this

>group with people of similar problems can help to alleviate my

>worries.Looking forward to getting to know you.~Sharon PS I am

>supposed to be in the Hospital about 2 & a half weeks each time-first

>3 days in regular section for recovery, next 2 weeks in the Hospital

>rehabilitation. How does that compare to any of you? AND, I am

>sceduled to go to Washington DC to the Taste & Smell Clinic by

>January at the latest-but maybe December. Does that sound doable or

>not?

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon,

I was glad to hear from you ,I 'm sorry all the pain you are having .

I'm able to walk but I have to walk with a cane and I still feel this fake hip in me my Dr calls it bad scar tissues so I won't get my left side done until I feel a lot better on my right side.I'm looking for a new Dr. Well I wish you the best and hope everything goes well for you let us know how you are after you have your operations and before you go . Have a nice day .

Susie nslyon@... wrote:

Hi. Thank you for your response, Susie. I am sorry that your replacement did not come out better-it is terrible that your hip turned out not to have been so bad in the first place!

Both mine are really bad-the MRI's- & x-rays showed massive degeneration the 'knobs' totally eroded & my right hip is fused as well, my knees are only marginally better than hips. The Surgeon did three series of knee injections so that I can move around well enough to rehabitate after the hip surgery.(BTW,even with good insurance each injection cost $115.00-if we had to pay it, it would have been $1000.00 each!! NO WAY could we have done it.)

He says he wants to use General anesthesia for hips then epidural-being awake for the knees. I am going to asdk him about epidural for hips-what do you think-(yes, I watched the horror special on the Discovery channel called 'Anesthesia Awareness' nigt before last-LOL-well, trying to, anyway.)That certainly plays into my question

In answer to your question, no this is not my first surgery, as many people have, I have had a tonsillectomy. I have also had my gallbladder removed & was under general anesthesia for both those & my first delivery-way back in the boonies. I never had a problem with healing or anesthesia.

Thank you again, for answering, Susie. I hope things get better for you. Take care.~Sharon PS Susie, can you at least get around better now? The promise of being mobile again, is what is keeping me going with the thought of the 4 Surgeries. I have barely been able to get around for such a long time-not to even mention the pain which is considerable. Started limping, then cane, then walker & now mostly wheelchair.> Hi Sharon,> I just wanted to asked you have you ever had a major operationbefore ?Well I was 56 when I had my Hip replacement done and 58 when Ihad my Knee replacement done I wanted my knee done first my dr said noI had to have my hip done first you know what he said after my hipoperation my bone wasn't that bad and now I feel this thing in me andhe says bad scar tissues and my knee my leg is numb on the outside ofmy leg better then my hip at least what I'm

trying to tell you makesure you body can take all these operation you plan on having .Well Iwish you the best of luck and hope you have a good dr.> Susie> > Sharon Lyon wrote:>

[Guest guest]

Hi, My name is Annie, I had half of my kneecap replaced in

March,2004 and I am still having problems with this replacement. I

have been to therapy three times this is my last therapy the doctor

has orderd me to have a PPI rating done on my knee. If anyone out

there is still having problem with this surgery please E-Mail me at

anniewilliuams@.... Please your input would be greatly

appreciated!

>

> Sharon Lyon wrote:

>

> >

> >Hi. My name is Sharon & I am in Texas. I was really pleased to

find

> >this Group-as I am going to have hip replacement surgery-left hip

> >middle of November-then after about 3 months the right hip is to

be

> >replaced-3 months afterward-one knee replacement, then 3 more

months

> >the second knee. I am 53 & have not been able to get around

without

> >huge pain in a couple of years. I am excited about all this-since

it

> >will be so wonderful to be mobile again & to be able to garden

again-

> >everything else of course, but I have so missed gardening, but I

> >haveta say I am really kinda scared as well. I'm hoping being in

this

> >group with people of similar problems can help to alleviate my

> >worries.Looking forward to getting to know you.~Sharon PS I am

> >supposed to be in the Hospital about 2 & a half weeks each time-

first

> >3 days in regular section for recovery, next 2 weeks in the

Hospital

> >rehabilitation. How does that compare to any of you? AND, I am

> >sceduled to go to Washington DC to the Taste & Smell Clinic by

> >January at the latest-but maybe December. Does that sound doable

or

> >not?

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi, Susie. Wow, sounds like you're in a tough spot right now. I understand why you don't want to tell your family, but you know you'll have to eventually, especially if you're going to do treatment. Allan was just saying he knew a guy that had so few sides his wife never knew he had it and never knew he was on treatment, but I wouldn't recommend that. I doubt many people have that few sides!

It's important for you to remember that the sides are different for everyone. Some breeze through it and others can't handle it at all, but the majority are somewhere in between. I worked overtime at an office job the whole 48 weeks and got the nickname in group Wonder Woman De. I only had 1 unplanned day off. Some of it is mind over matter -- so make up your mind you cacn do it and you'll stand a better chance. Get on some anti-depressants before you start though.

We're here for you. Weekends are usually a bit slow though.

De

Faith is the ability to not panic.

-----Original Message-----From: Hepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies [mailto:Hepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies ] On Behalf Of jnkn93Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2005 2:00 PMHepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies Subject: Hi, I'm new...My name is Susie and I'm 52 years old. We live in Oklahoma on Lake Texoma. I found out about 2 year's ago that I have Hep C. This was right after I found out I have Polymyositis and Rheumatoid Arthristis. They did a liver biopsy over a year ago - it showed inflamation. Then I lost my health insurance and couldn't go to the doctor for a year. I was told to take Milk Thistle and Vitamin C. So many of the medication's I need to take for the other health problem's can hurt the liver, so they were afraid to put me on them. Now, I have insurance again, but it's PPO not HMO and is more expensive. There is one clinic that is trying to help me, that won't charge alot and I can see a specialist in OKC. No one know's I have hepatitis, except for one son and his wife. Not even my husband know's. I'm afraid to tell my family, because my brother died of hepatitis C over a year ago and my youngest son has it. He was able to do the year of inteferon and is doing well. They got their's from drug use. I can only guess that I got it from two tranfusion's in '73 and '79. I'm afraid of how my family will react. I have a fatty liver and was given a special diet, but I can't stick with it. I've never been good at dieting. I was on Prednisone for so long, my weight was at 186. Now I'm at 149. Still overweight, but not so bad. I will have to have treatment, so I need to find another doctor. But, I'm scared of the treatment - it made my son so sick - can't hide that from anyone! I'm kinda lost here as you can see. Thank you for being here.Susie

[Guest guest]

You consider 149 overweight!!! Dang girl your just fine at that weight..Argh!! I'm a moose... Oh I am Kathy B in Milwaukee..

-- Hi, I'm new...

My name is Susie and I'm 52 years old. We live in Oklahoma on Lake Texoma. I found out about 2 year's ago that I have Hep C. This was right after I found out I have Polymyositis and Rheumatoid Arthristis. They did a liver biopsy over a year ago - it showed inflamation. Then I lost my health insurance and couldn't go to the doctor for a year. I was told to take Milk Thistle and Vitamin C. So many of the medication's I need to take for the other health problem's can hurt the liver, so they were afraid to put me on them. Now, I have insurance again, but it's PPO not HMO and is more expensive. There is one clinic that is trying to help me, that won't charge alot and I can see a specialist in OKC. No one know's I have hepatitis, except for one son and his wife. Not even my husband know's. I'm afraid to tell my family, because my brother died of hepatitis C over a year ago and my youngest son has it. He was able to do the year of inteferon and is doing well. They got their's from drug use. I can only guess that I got it from two tranfusion's in '73 and '79. I'm afraid of how my family will react. I have a fatty liver and was given a special diet, but I can't stick with it. I've never been good at dieting. I was on Prednisone for so long, my weight was at 186. Now I'm at 149. Still overweight, but not so bad. I will have to have treatment, so I need to find another doctor. But, I'm scared of the treatment - it made my son so sick - can't hide that from anyone! I'm kinda lost here as you can see. Thank you for being here.Susie