Guest guest Posted August 23, 2002 Report Share Posted August 23, 2002 Welcome Back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 23, 2002 Report Share Posted August 23, 2002 Helli! i¹m so glad you are on the mend. When you are up to it i¹d like to hear about your experience. My thoughts and prayers are with you! Love, nicole On 8/23/02 1:23 PM, " Helen Hellicopter " <hellicopter@...> wrote: > Hello Everyone, > I know I don't post a great deal, but I like to read your mails! I just > wanted to say I have come back to the group since having spinal fusion! > A lot of people thought I was a bit mad as I am 24 and this operation isn't > usually performed on Adults with SMA. 3 operations later I am making a slow > but steady recovery, and it has been a steep learning curve! If I can ever > offer any advice to anyone else considering this in the future, especially > older candidates then I don't mind sharing my experiences! > I wanted to thank Tufty, Rebbecca, and for your get well wishes and > cards! > It is good to be back... > Helli > xx > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 24, 2002 Report Share Posted August 24, 2002 Hi I am upto sharing my experiences anytime...as I an getting better all the time! Everyday brings something new but I am working through everything just fine! I feel strong in mind which I think is the most important thing of all when going through something like this. If you have any specific questions just gimme a shout! Helli x >From: <nicoleroberts@...> >Reply- > < > >Subject: Re: Hello All... >Date: Fri, 23 Aug 2002 23:43:18 -0500 > >Helli! i¹m so glad you are on the mend. When you are up to it i¹d like to >hear about your experience. My thoughts and prayers are with you! > >Love, nicole > > >On 8/23/02 1:23 PM, " Helen Hellicopter " <hellicopter@...> wrote: > > > Hello Everyone, > > I know I don't post a great deal, but I like to read your mails! I just > > wanted to say I have come back to the group since having spinal fusion! > > A lot of people thought I was a bit mad as I am 24 and this operation >isn't > > usually performed on Adults with SMA. 3 operations later I am making a >slow > > but steady recovery, and it has been a steep learning curve! If I can >ever > > offer any advice to anyone else considering this in the future, >especially > > older candidates then I don't mind sharing my experiences! > > I wanted to thank Tufty, Rebbecca, and for your get well wishes >and > > cards! > > It is good to be back... > > Helli > > xx > > > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > > Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 24, 2002 Report Share Posted August 24, 2002 Hi helli! I'm just wondering what exactly happened and why you ended up having 3 surgeries, and how are you feeling different since the fusion... Love, N On 8/24/02 8:38 AM, " Helen Hellicopter " <hellicopter@...> wrote: > Hi I am upto sharing my experiences anytime...as I an getting better all > the time! Everyday brings something new but I am working through everything > just fine! I feel strong in mind which I think is the most important thing > of all when going through something like this. If you have any specific > questions just gimme a shout! > Helli > x > > >> From: <nicoleroberts@...> >> Reply- >> < > >> Subject: Re: Hello All... >> Date: Fri, 23 Aug 2002 23:43:18 -0500 >> >> Helli! i¹m so glad you are on the mend. When you are up to it i¹d like to >> hear about your experience. My thoughts and prayers are with you! >> >> Love, nicole >> >> >> On 8/23/02 1:23 PM, " Helen Hellicopter " <hellicopter@...> wrote: >> >>> Hello Everyone, >>> I know I don't post a great deal, but I like to read your mails! I just >>> wanted to say I have come back to the group since having spinal fusion! >>> A lot of people thought I was a bit mad as I am 24 and this operation >> isn't >>> usually performed on Adults with SMA. 3 operations later I am making a >> slow >>> but steady recovery, and it has been a steep learning curve! If I can >> ever >>> offer any advice to anyone else considering this in the future, >> especially >>> older candidates then I don't mind sharing my experiences! >>> I wanted to thank Tufty, Rebbecca, and for your get well wishes >> and >>> cards! >>> It is good to be back... >>> Helli >>> xx >>> >>> >>> _________________________________________________________________ >>> Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com >>> >>> >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 25, 2002 Report Share Posted August 25, 2002 Hi ! I had to have 2 stage surgery due to my age (24). As my spine was already fused I had to have anterior and posterier release where they made my spine unstable in order to put the rods and bones grafts in! I had my 12th rib removed but I was lucky enough to have the majority of the work done below my diaphram. Sometimes in adults they have to take your diaphram down and collapse your lungs so they can see more of your spine, but my scoliosis was much worse in the lumber region so they were able to get a good enough correction without doing that. My third operation was due to an infection in my wound so they opened me up again to cut away the infection, this proved to be more painful than the spinal surgery! They didn't know why I got an infection, but I spent so much time in bed and a lot of pressure was on my wound as I had to lie completely flat for about 8 weeks in all! My surgen suggested that my size might have had something to do with the slow healing, but I am not hugely overweight (size 16 uk). I think you definitely heal better when you are younger as I have had a couple of operations before that left considerable scars and they had no problems healing! My back is still being dressed everyday 15 weeks later, but it is getting better now! It is hard to describe how the surgery has made me feel! I feel like I have been on a rollarcoaster emotionally and physically as there were good and bad days. I look so much better now and I am 4inches taller, it was like waking up and seeing someone else as it has changed my shape completely! When I first came out of hospital I was quite distressed because I had been quite active before, and then I found I couldn't do a thing for myself..but that is coming back now! I have kept focused and determined and I knew it would be harder being older and going through this! I think you know your own limits though and I am still pushing myself everyday to get back to how I used to be to the best of my ability. It is very weird not being able to bend your upper body but I am even slowly getting used to that now my balance is coming back! I am fairly pleased with the outcome of all of this, but because I am still in pain and discomfort it is wearing emotionally. My recovery has been slowed by my wound breaking down and a lot of my pain isn't from my back but from my hips. After over 9 weeks in bed my hips have rotated a little and they hurt a lot. I have however gone from being able to sit in my chair from 2 hours to 12 hours in 4 weeks so I am making good progress now! I had this operation because my scoliosis was very slowly getting worse and my doctors hadn't forseen that happening. Last year my breathing got worse by 5% so I was then given a choice! I was referred for surgery and was told this was my one and only chance of this operation due to my age. My surgen had not performed this operation on anyone with SMA at my age and had his reservations. He said on more than one occation that this is as major as it comes and in every operation my life was in the balance. He had booked me a bed in intensive care that I never used and I think he has even been surprised by my sheer determination and attitude throughout! I knew what I wanted to achieve, and that was to secure a future for myself and take the doubt out of my mind that my scoliosis could shorten my life. I wanted to take control of my own destiny and not have it dictated to me. I think if I had my time over I still would have made this decision. I hope that answers everything for you but if you have anymore questions don't hesitate to ask! Take care Helli >From: <nicoleroberts@...> >Reply- > < > >Subject: Re: Hello All... >Date: Sat, 24 Aug 2002 16:43:48 -0500 > >Hi helli! > >I'm just wondering what exactly happened and why you ended up having 3 >surgeries, and how are you feeling different since the fusion... > >Love, >N > > >On 8/24/02 8:38 AM, " Helen Hellicopter " <hellicopter@...> wrote: > > > Hi I am upto sharing my experiences anytime...as I an getting better >all > > the time! Everyday brings something new but I am working through >everything > > just fine! I feel strong in mind which I think is the most important >thing > > of all when going through something like this. If you have any specific > > questions just gimme a shout! > > Helli > > x > > > > > >> From: <nicoleroberts@...> > >> Reply- > >> < > > >> Subject: Re: Hello All... > >> Date: Fri, 23 Aug 2002 23:43:18 -0500 > >> > >> Helli! i¹m so glad you are on the mend. When you are up to it i¹d >like to > >> hear about your experience. My thoughts and prayers are with you! > >> > >> Love, nicole > >> > >> > >> On 8/23/02 1:23 PM, " Helen Hellicopter " <hellicopter@...> >wrote: > >> > >>> Hello Everyone, > >>> I know I don't post a great deal, but I like to read your mails! I >just > >>> wanted to say I have come back to the group since having spinal >fusion! > >>> A lot of people thought I was a bit mad as I am 24 and this operation > >> isn't > >>> usually performed on Adults with SMA. 3 operations later I am making >a > >> slow > >>> but steady recovery, and it has been a steep learning curve! If I can > >> ever > >>> offer any advice to anyone else considering this in the future, > >> especially > >>> older candidates then I don't mind sharing my experiences! > >>> I wanted to thank Tufty, Rebbecca, and for your get well wishes > >> and > >>> cards! > >>> It is good to be back... > >>> Helli > >>> xx > >>> > >>> > >>> _________________________________________________________________ > >>> Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com > >>> > >>> > >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 25, 2002 Report Share Posted August 25, 2002 In a message dated 8/25/02 8:07:54 AM Eastern Daylight Time, hellicopter@... writes: > I had to have 2 stage surgery due to my age (24). Hi Helli, Before the end of the yr, I WILL also undergo Spinal Fusion I'm 19! I've been trying so hard to have this surgery done, my parents took me way to NJ to consult w/ a surgeon who didn't feel comfortable w/ peforming such a " big surgery " on me. I just cried when he told me they didn't think it was a good idea. So finally, I've found an excellent team of docs who I feel even more comfortable with. These guys are blunt but positive about the whole thing, which I love! They say they have an excellent intensivists team and I should be sitting up two days after surgery. They've said the hardest part will be getting off the vent, but the good thing is I sleep on BiPap. To go from vent straight to Bipap might not be so hard. This surgery is something I need to improve my quality of life and self image. I know for a fact it wont be easy at all, but it'll be well worth it in the end. I feel confident I'm making a good choice, I cant imagine what it feels like to actually sit straight! I cant wait! Helli have any advice? ~s, GRADUATE of Class 2002~ " Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes l ife meaningful. " - J. Marine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 26, 2002 Report Share Posted August 26, 2002 Hi Well I all I can offer you are my own experiences, and the way I prepared for surgery was to eat well to help build my immune system, take vitamin supplements, rest a lot, and try and be as fit as you can be. As I knew for about a year I used that time to try and get myself to a point where I was the best I could be in both body and mind. However having gone through it now I don't think you can really prepare yourself fully for every eventuality, you just have to be strong as and when you face things. I too was told I would be sitting up after 2 days, but you have to consider that might not happen. I wasn't prepared for 9 weeks in bed and I think you should be realistic about every possible outcome. They also told me that I might end up on a ventilator but that never happened, however I don't have any assistance with my breathing usually. It will be your strength and determination which will dictate the final outcome and you seem very clear in your mind that you want to go through with this. You have to believe that everything will be ok or I don't you would go through it. I think the mind is a very powerful thing and your state of mind will help you through this! I wish you the very best for your surgeries and would love to hear from you again! Helli >From: MsBYGthoughts@... >Reply- > >Subject: Re: Hello All... >Date: Mon, 26 Aug 2002 00:54:48 EDT > >In a message dated 8/25/02 8:07:54 AM Eastern Daylight Time, >hellicopter@... writes: > > > > I had to have 2 stage surgery due to my age (24). > >Hi Helli, >Before the end of the yr, I WILL also undergo Spinal Fusion I'm 19! I've >been trying so hard to have this surgery done, my parents took me way to NJ >to consult w/ a surgeon who didn't feel comfortable w/ peforming such a > " big >surgery " on me. I just cried when he told me they didn't think it was a >good >idea. So finally, I've found an excellent team of docs who I feel even >more >comfortable with. These guys are blunt but positive about the whole thing, >which I love! They say they have an excellent intensivists team and I >should >be sitting up two days after surgery. They've said the hardest part will >be >getting off the vent, but the good thing is I sleep on BiPap. To go from >vent >straight to Bipap might not be so hard. This surgery is something I need >to >improve my quality of life and self image. I know for a fact it wont be >easy >at all, but it'll be well worth it in the end. I feel confident I'm making >a >good choice, I cant imagine what it feels like to actually sit straight! I >cant wait! Helli have any advice? >~s, GRADUATE of Class 2002~ > > " Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes l >ife meaningful. " >- J. Marine > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2003 Report Share Posted September 4, 2003 , Welcome to the group! Wow it sure sounds like you have been bitten by the soaping bug. It is sooo easily addicting. Dont hesitate to ask any questions...Chances are someone has the answer. This is a very informal and freindly group. I am one of the ones that live near Rochester. Actually about 20 minutes east of it. I am a CPer at heart but I like to play with MP quite a bit. Been making soap and other stufs for about 5 and a half years or so. Welcome! Shaye The Soap Shack www.mysoapshack.com Hello all... I just wanted to introduce myself so you arent too awful suprized when you see the new soaper askin' silly questions. My name is Norton and I just started soaping (CP) about a month ago when friend gave us some that he and his wife had made. I immediately took interest in how it was done and did some research on the net. Now my wife can't stop me from tearin' up the kitchen and trying new recipes! I also recently started double boiler HP recipes and am very interested in learning all I can about it (since the soap is ready so much sooner). I am in the lower Finger Lakes region of NY (Elmira to be exact) and wondered if anyone here is close (Corning, Ithaca, Horseheads, Binghamton, Rochester, etc.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2003 Report Share Posted September 4, 2003 Nope! (Waving!!!) I am north of Binghamton and drive to Endicott every day. There are a few more in the Binghamton area, they just haven't replied yet. Lorrie B. In a message dated 9/4/2003 9:34:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, bfrog@... writes: > Still looks like I > am alone in the southern tier Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2003 Report Share Posted September 4, 2003 -Hi ! I`m Peggy from Caledonia (south of Rochester). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2003 Report Share Posted September 4, 2003 Well hello Katy and Peggy! Thanks for replying. Still looks like I am alone in the southern tier but I have lotsa folks here > Welcome, ! > > Katy (Naples, NY) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2003 Report Share Posted September 4, 2003 Welcome, ! Katy (Naples, NY) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2003 Report Share Posted September 4, 2003 Yeah, you're about an hour South of me but I believe we have a few on the list from Ithaca and Binghamton. Maybe they'll chime in. :-) Katy Re: Hello all... Well hello Katy and Peggy! Thanks for replying. Still looks like I am alone in the southern tier but I have lotsa folks here > Welcome, ! > > Katy (Naples, NY) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2003 Report Share Posted September 4, 2003 -Welcome ...Niagara Falls CP-er here. Just cooked a little over 20lbs of beef kidney fat yesterday...can't wait to make a batch with it tomorrow. Kim C/SoapBubble Dreams Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2003 Report Share Posted September 5, 2003 (waving) !!! hello i am in the binghamton area but i mostly make candles ...some soap and learning more and more so nice to meet you patti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2003 Report Share Posted September 5, 2003 Ummm... I am starting to feel like " the husband at the tupperware party " . Are there any men in the group? LOL BTW... just finished a batch of Mint-Tea Fresh last night and it's my favorite soap that I have made. I'll get some photos and post them soon. > (waving) !!! hello > > i am in the binghamton area but i mostly make candles ...some soap and > learning more and more > > so nice to meet you > > patti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2003 Report Share Posted September 5, 2003 Hi Lorrie, You must be one of the soapers that buys from Amrex Chemical Co. I called down to find out about sodium hydroxide and the lady I spoke to said there were a few ladies in the area who bought lye for soap making. I am trying to get down there in the next few weeks to get some.. it's ridiculous paying $3.99/18oz when I can take a short drive and get it for $0.75/lb! > Nope! > (Waving!!!) I am north of Binghamton and drive to Endicott every day. > There are a few more in the Binghamton area, they just haven't replied yet. > Lorrie B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2003 Report Share Posted September 5, 2003 hehe, there are a few guys here. Bob (Soapnazi), Bill (Saratoga Scents), , ( are you still on this list?). Love to see the photos of your Mint Tea soap! Sounds delish! Shaye - back to plugging away on the holiday soaps. Re: Hello all... Ummm... I am starting to feel like " the husband at the tupperware party " . Are there any men in the group? LOL BTW... just finished a batch of Mint-Tea Fresh last night and it's my favorite soap that I have made. I'll get some photos and post them soon. > (waving) !!! hello > > i am in the binghamton area but i mostly make candles ...some soap and > learning more and more > > so nice to meet you > > patti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2003 Report Share Posted September 5, 2003 Rochester here, and welcome to the group! " When I fall on my face from time to time, I try not to worry because I'm still going forward. " _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself with MSN Messenger 6.0 -- download now! http://www.msnmessenger-download.com/tracking/reach_general Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2003 Report Share Posted September 5, 2003 Hi And welcome to the group.... This is a great group of people . you will like it here ... I live south of Rochester and very close to Letchworth State Park . Kim Fuoco .. -- Hello all... I just wanted to introduce myself so you arent too awful suprized when you see the new soaper askin' silly questions. My name is Norton and I just started soaping (CP) about a month ago when friend gave us some that he and his wife had made. I immediately took interest in how it was done and did some research on the net. Now my wife can't stop me from tearin' up the kitchen and trying new recipes! I also recently started double boiler HP recipes and am very interested in learning all I can about it (since the soap is ready so much sooner). I am in the lower Finger Lakes region of NY (Elmira to be exact) and wondered if anyone here is close (Corning, Ithaca, Horseheads, Binghamton, Rochester, etc.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 Congratulations on your BFL start, Jen. About the fruit...how are you with smoothies? I use a straw if it's not my favorite flavor. There are great recipes using protein powders and fruit. Good luck as you continue BFL. M. > I have always had texture issues with food, especially fruit, but I > have learned to get beyond this. I have been working hard and feel > like I am at a point to move forward! > Jen > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2006 Report Share Posted January 18, 2006 Welcome Jen! BFL is a wonderful program. My advice to you is to plan all your meals the night before, including times and write everything down. If you need recipes, Eating for Life is a great cookbook. My dh & I have loved almost every recipe in it. I have the same texture issues with fruit. Any tips? You CAN do this! Keep us posted on your progress and feel free to post any questions. G. On 1/16/06, Ferguson <jen3_98@...> wrote: > > I am on the road to a great transformation! I am beginning my 1st > challenge today! > > This is a big step for me as I don't always make the best food > choices. I went to the grocery store today and never left the organic > food section.....and, my husband never knew it! I made dinner tonight > consisting of organic items and told him after he finished his meal. > What he doesn't know won't hurt him...will it?! > > I have always had texture issues with food, especially fruit, but I > have learned to get beyond this. I have been working hard and feel > like I am at a point to move forward! > > I am so excited to get this underway. I have almost finished the BFL > book and am on board at this point! I am sooo ready for the change! > > Jen > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2006 Report Share Posted January 19, 2006 Ah, the texture issues.... I have a real good friend at work who eats wonderfully. I have learned from her that eating is not about what tastes the best, but what is best for your body. I think that has been a big obstacle for me and now that I have hurdled that, I think I can get beyond the textures. My daughter loves brocolli and I am not a fan of it...I have noticed she is picking up on my likes and dislikes. I am now having to suck it up and move on. Eat it because it is good for me and good for her. > > > > I am on the road to a great transformation! I am beginning my 1st > > challenge today! > > > > This is a big step for me as I don't always make the best food > > choices. I went to the grocery store today and never left the organic > > food section.....and, my husband never knew it! I made dinner tonight > > consisting of organic items and told him after he finished his meal. > > What he doesn't know won't hurt him...will it?! > > > > I have always had texture issues with food, especially fruit, but I > > have learned to get beyond this. I have been working hard and feel > > like I am at a point to move forward! > > > > I am so excited to get this underway. I have almost finished the BFL > > book and am on board at this point! I am sooo ready for the change! > > > > Jen > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2006 Report Share Posted September 17, 2006 Suzy wrote: > > Hi, I just joined your group upon the recommendation of a friend Sue, who joined a while ago. She said the group was full of information on > candida over growth. Looking forward to healing with you all. ==>That's wonderful you've joined us Suzy. Your journey towards total health begins by reading and learning. Read and enjoy! We're here to answer any questions and to support you through the rough spots! Cheers, Bee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2007 Report Share Posted January 17, 2007 To, Jw_Todd, keep your chin up. My 28 y/o son was diagnosed with tm a little over 7 months ago and he's recovering. Doesn't use the wheel chair anymore...And, he's starting to walk around without the walker...The next step for him is to get this braces off that he has from the knee down..We're all very encouraged with his progress...He's in a pt program twice a week...They really know what they are doing and he's getting results...Do all you can to stay as active as possible and seek out pt people who know what they are doing....Duncan, Maine Hello all... I just found this group and thought I should introduce myself. Myname is Jim, 38, from Ontario, Canada.I'm kind of experiencing a double whammy here. I was diagnosed withtransverse myelitis last July and am now having to move around ina wheelchair. How much I'll be able to recover is still up in theair. And that recovery is hampered by some sort of middle-ear problemthat's causing dizziness and nausea. I'm waiting for an appointmentwith an ear/nose/throat specialist to see what's going on there, butI'm worried that it could be Meniere's Disease.Anyway, I'm glad I found this little group, and also that some of youhere are also dealing with TM. It helps to know that I'm not alone indealing with it.Thank you for being here,Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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