Hello!!

[Guest guest]

Hi SJ

Missed Ya!!!!!!! 4-5 lines wouldn't even get my story started.....

LOL.... How are you doing? Glad to see you posting!!!!!

Angel Hugs,

Diane

[Guest guest]

,I give my daughter both of those enzymes.I haven't seen a whole lot

improvement but I am not giving up.My advice is this,start out with a small

amount of each capsule and then slowly increase the amount.My daughter has

been taking them for about a month and she still can't do a whole capsule of

each.She gets really bad diarrhea(sp?).There have been a lot improvements

with the use of enzymes in other childre so I am not giving up.Oh yeah,my

daughter isn't autistic but she has been diagnosed as SID with extreme oral

defensiveness......ne

[Guest guest]

Hello Brent,

Hope this finds you feeling good. Have you experienced any Springtime

weather yet? I have a bad case of spring fever myself, so I have been out as

much as

possible working to clean up what our " big freeze " damaged in my yard. I work

in short

spurts so I build up what I lost during the winter. I really love the sunshine

in the spring---

before it gets so hot.

I have a question for you. There has been a lot of talk within the group lately

about the

thyroid and various testing and I can't help but wonder " what does Brent think

on the subject? "

I know you do a lot of research on our disease. So, I was just wondering. I am

totally

confused now whether I should ask for more testing or just continue taking the

thyroid meds I

take now. You know that we all trust your opinion. God Bless

Janet in Ca

-------------- Original message --------------

From: " skrewtz " <brentherman@...>

> Hi ,

>

> I am glad to see you have found this group. Its members are

> generally very kind, very helpful. In terms of natural methods of

> stopping this disease, I think that there is only a smattering of

> annecdotal evidence that this or that worked for just a few people.

> As this disease is very individual in the way it manifests (due to

> our very complex systems and the complex genetic and auto-immune

> components), I am sure I will say little different than our brilliant

> moderator (Kathy F.) would say. Find yourself the very best

> rhuematologist that you trust and work with him/her to develop a plan

> you can trust. So far, only biologics and DMARDS are the only things

> that have been clinically proven to slow/stop the progression of this

> disease.

>

> Personally, if I were wanting to have a baby, I would have a blood

> test to see if I were HLA-B27+ . I believe the heritability of this

> is fairly high, and it shown to have a high correlation for people

> who carry this marker to have the Ankylosing Spondilytis (AS) form of

> PA. If you have PA and this marker, and it hasn't hit your spine

> yet, it probably will at some point. As I am HLA-B27+ and have AS, I

> find it incredibly debilitating (at times); the last thing I would

> want to do is pass this on to someone else. Though I have a son,

> whom I dearly love, if he weren't already born before I knew of my

> condition, I would have adopted a child to avoid passing this on. I

> worry that he has the marker, but we are not testing him (he's a

> teenager). If he starts getting symptoms, I am sure he will voice

> them and he will be able to blame me. If I knew ahead of time, I

> wouldn't know what I would say to him - glad your alive and I took a

> chance... sorry you weren't lucky with my gambling...

>

> In general, I think that PA is frequently passed on with or without

> the above marker.

>

> Good luck with all you have going. And by all means, listen to your

> body, eat those things that make you feel better and avoid things

> that hurt you. Alcohol is bad for this disease - avoid it.

>

> Best wishes... brent

[Guest guest]

welcome to the group. please check our the repo tips in the files

section. hopefully you can avoid a band. i'm in california so can't

advise you about your location, but there is a database of band

providers in the database section of the is group.

-christine

sydney 16 mo starband grad

>

> I have just gotten the diagnosis of Plagiocephaly for my 4 1/2 month

> old son. I live in Tennessee... Does anyone else? I was hoping to find

> out more about facilities around here. I live near Chattanooga. Our

> peditrician said to try repositioning for another 5 weeks and then he

> might send us to Atlanta to a specilist.

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome!

Do a search thru old messages to see if you can find out about places in your area!!!

:-)

Hello!!

I have just gotten the diagnosis of Plagiocephaly for my 4 1/2 month

old son. I live in Tennessee... Does anyone else? I was hoping to find

out more about facilities around here. I live near Chattanooga. Our

peditrician said to try repositioning for another 5 weeks and then he

might send us to Atlanta to a specilist.

AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Hello Nikki,

Welcome to the group, my name is sue, I'm not the official greeter,

just one of the members. A little new my self. Sorry to say though

that I am not familiar with your surgery. But I'm sure somebody will

come along that just might be. The worst of my surgeries have been

in my neck.

But we are here to lend support, and give info when we can. Wow, to

have a three yr. old, facing surgery. Thats a tough one. Are you

going to have help for you both when you have surgery? I hope you

are not in too much pain with your three year old and all. That

would be very stressing not to be able to pick him up, they are so

cute at that age. Are you on pain meds and such? When are you

supposed to have your surgery? Well take care.

God bless,

sue

> Hi, I am Nikki. I am new to the group. I had lower back surgery 6

years

> ago to remove a disc. Now I am getting ready to have a Posterior

Lumbar

> Interbody Fusion with BAK cages, L4-5, L5-S1. I have heard this is

> going to be a more difficult recovery. I was hoping someone has

some

> imformation on this surgery or heard about it. Any advice, tips or

just

> support would be greatly appreciated. I have a 3 year old son now,

and

> I am so nervous. Thanks so much for your time!!!!

> Nikki

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Nikki,

Welcome to the group, I am not sure about your certain type of surgery. I had

lower lumbar surgery just over a year ago, fusions with flex rods, but my disc

were intact I was having a lot of leg pain and numbness due to DDD. Are you

going to have to wear a body-cast? The surgery itself was rough enough, but that

body-cast was no picnic. I had to wear it anytime I was up, and take it off

while laying down. I had to learn how to get up out of bed all over again. Just

getting into the thing was a feat. My biggest problem was waiting for the

drainage to stop, I had 2 drainage lines,and it took me 11 days to get out of

the hospital. Sorry I am not trying to scare you, just relaying my experience, I

knew of others that fared better than me, who went through the same thing I did.

I'm sure you will do fine, I know this because I am one that gets very

frightened when it comes to surgeries and not do well, but I learned to deal

with it, and if I can

handle it, I know anybody can. If you set your mind to it you will find its not

as hard as it first seems. Just be careful, and listen to what they tell you.

Make sure you do what they say. The one trick I found when I got home was to

elevate where ever it was I was going to sit, that will make it easy to get up

and down, especially if your in a cast.

 

george

 

The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level of sagacity,

but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his. Thurber

________________________________

From: nikifcs <nikifcs@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Saturday, November 8, 2008 4:03:59 PM

Subject: Hello!!

Hi, I am Nikki. I am new to the group. I had lower back surgery 6 years

ago to remove a disc. Now I am getting ready to have a Posterior Lumbar

Interbody Fusion with BAK cages, L4-5, L5-S1. I have heard this is

going to be a more difficult recovery. I was hoping someone has some

imformation on this surgery or heard about it. Any advice, tips or just

support would be greatly appreciated. I have a 3 year old son now, and

I am so nervous. Thanks so much for your time!!!!

Nikki

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info!! soryy you had such a hard time. How are you

doing now? I do have DDD also, another bad disc some bone spurs and

he said my back is just not sable. I also have alot of leg pain. They

said I would need to wear a back brace for a while. I am not sure if

that's the same thing. They said I would be in the Hosp. for 3 or so

days, I guess we'll see! Thanks again for the info, I wish you well!!

Nikki

>

> Hi Nikki,

> Welcome to the group, I am not sure about your certain type of

surgery. I had lower lumbar surgery just over a year ago, fusions

with flex rods, but my disc were intact I was having a lot of leg

pain and numbness due to DDD. Are you going to have to wear a body-

cast? The surgery itself was rough enough, but that body-cast was no

picnic. I had to wear it anytime I was up, and take it off while

laying down. I had to learn how to get up out of bed all over again.

Just getting into the thing was a feat. My biggest problem

was waiting for the drainage to stop, I had 2 drainage lines,and it

took me 11 days to get out of the hospital. Sorry I am not trying to

scare you, just relaying my experience, I knew of others that fared

better than me, who went through the same thing I did. I'm sure you

will do fine, I know this because I am one that gets very

frightened when it comes to surgeries and not do well, but I learned

to deal with it, and if I can

> handle it, I know anybody can. If you set your mind to it you will

find its not as hard as it first seems. Just be careful, and listen

to what they tell you. Make sure you do what they say. The one trick

I found when I got home was to elevate where ever it was I was going

to sit, that will make it easy to get up and down, especially if your

in a cast.

>  

> george

>  

> The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level

of sagacity, but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his.

Thurber

>

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: nikifcs <nikifcs@...>

> spinal problems

> Sent: Saturday, November 8, 2008 4:03:59 PM

> Subject: Hello!!

>

>

> Hi, I am Nikki. I am new to the group. I had lower back surgery 6

years

> ago to remove a disc. Now I am getting ready to have a Posterior

Lumbar

> Interbody Fusion with BAK cages, L4-5, L5-S1. I have heard this is

> going to be a more difficult recovery. I was hoping someone has

some

> imformation on this surgery or heard about it. Any advice, tips or

just

> support would be greatly appreciated. I have a 3 year old son now,

and

> I am so nervous. Thanks so much for your time!!!!

> Nikki

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Sue! Thanks for your support. Yes it will be harder this time

with the little guy but I do have some help, Hubby , mom and my

sister, they are great!! But don't live too close so it makes it hard

for them. Hopefully this surgery will be worth it , my back gets me

down so much it effects us going to play which is he loves. I hope to

be able to more of that after recovery!! I am on meds but when I am

here alone with him I don't take much, they do make me a little

foggy! So I have to suck it up which is not easy.

Thanks again, I do wish you well!!

Nikki

>

> Hello Nikki,

> Welcome to the group, my name is sue, I'm not the official greeter,

> just one of the members. A little new my self. Sorry to say

though

> that I am not familiar with your surgery. But I'm sure somebody

will

> come along that just might be. The worst of my surgeries have been

> in my neck.

>

> But we are here to lend support, and give info when we can. Wow,

to

> have a three yr. old, facing surgery. Thats a tough one. Are you

> going to have help for you both when you have surgery? I hope you

> are not in too much pain with your three year old and all. That

> would be very stressing not to be able to pick him up, they are so

> cute at that age. Are you on pain meds and such? When are you

> supposed to have your surgery? Well take care.

> God bless,

> sue

>

>

>

>

>

> > Hi, I am Nikki. I am new to the group. I had lower back surgery 6

> years

> > ago to remove a disc. Now I am getting ready to have a Posterior

> Lumbar

> > Interbody Fusion with BAK cages, L4-5, L5-S1. I have heard this

is

> > going to be a more difficult recovery. I was hoping someone has

> some

> > imformation on this surgery or heard about it. Any advice, tips

or

> just

> > support would be greatly appreciated. I have a 3 year old son

now,

> and

> > I am so nervous. Thanks so much for your time!!!!

> > Nikki

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Nikki

Welcome to the group too. I dont know anything about that surgery either but I

do relate to your back and leg suffering.

I personally have not had surgery but my symptoms are progressively getting

worse and now I have met with an otheropedic surgeon (a woman very cool) who is

a specialist in pelvic and SI problems of which I also suffer with.

After the past year and a half of working with an Osteopathic MD who does the

manual manipulations, 2 years of PT, 2 Neuro surgeon consults at least 2 times

each with both, numerous epidurals from Phyisatirst MD's and numerous MRI-

I think I finally have found someone who might be able to help me.

She said if it turns out I cant help you Ill make sure you go to someone who

can.

WOW- and she apoligezed for running late because she had an emergency surgery.

WOW again.

Anyway- Im only 44 and the way I see it is at some point I think it will be

surgery for me too, just hoping to get as specific as possible as to the actual

source.

So if your surgery will help you in the long run from the suffering you have

been going through, than it will be worth it and just keep that focused in your

mind. Your doing it for the well being of you and your families future.

At least the surgeons are continuously improving on how they are doing these

back surgeries and figuring out more and more what works best.

Keep us posted as to how you are doing after wards and remember it maybe a long

recovery but it will be worth it!

Hello!!

Hi, I am Nikki. I am new to the group. I had lower back surgery 6 years

ago to remove a disc. Now I am getting ready to have a Posterior Lumbar

Interbody Fusion with BAK cages, L4-5, L5-S1. I have heard this is

going to be a more difficult recovery. I was hoping someone has some

imformation on this surgery or heard about it. Any advice, tips or just

support would be greatly appreciated. I have a 3 year old son now, and

I am so nervous. Thanks so much for your time!!!!

Nikki

[Guest guest]

Nikki,

I am doing better than before that surgery, part of my left foot is numb

from it, but at least the pre-surgery pain is gone. I was told I would be in for

3-5 days and ended up 11 days, but understand it depends on the drainage, some

of the other that had the same surgery that day, were out in 3-5 days, I just

always defy the odds and 's law always applies to me. I do not like

hospitals, so unnaturally I would end up having to stay the longest.

Believe me though, IMO it's not that bad now that I have gone thru the surgery,

I was very apprehensive about it, but when I was very young, I had a really bad

accident and was in the hospital for almost a month, so my fear of them stems

from that nightmare, can you imagine, (I was half way thru the 3rd grade when

this happened) being that young and have to stay in a hospital bed for that

long? Just remember there this is a very good group to get the info and support

you need for your condition, we are all in the same boat, and there is even some

RN's that will be happy to answer any medical questions you have.

Good luck, and God speed,

 

george

 

The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level of sagacity,

but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his. Thurber

________________________________

From: nikifcs <nikifcs@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Sunday, November 9, 2008 11:46:28 AM

Subject: Re: Hello!!

Thanks for the info!! soryy you had such a hard time. How are you

doing now? I do have DDD also, another bad disc some bone spurs and

he said my back is just not sable. I also have alot of leg pain. They

said I would need to wear a back brace for a while. I am not sure if

that's the same thing. They said I would be in the Hosp. for 3 or so

days, I guess we'll see! Thanks again for the info, I wish you well!!

Nikki

>

> Hi Nikki,

> Welcome to the group, I am not sure about your certain type of

surgery. I had lower lumbar surgery just over a year ago, fusions

with flex rods, but my disc were intact I was having a lot of leg

pain and numbness due to DDD. Are you going to have to wear a body-

cast? The surgery itself was rough enough, but that body-cast was no

picnic. I had to wear it anytime I was up, and take it off while

laying down. I had to learn how to get up out of bed all over again.

Just getting into the thing was a feat. My biggest problem

was waiting for the drainage to stop, I had 2 drainage lines,and it

took me 11 days to get out of the hospital. Sorry I am not trying to

scare you, just relaying my experience, I knew of others that fared

better than me, who went through the same thing I did. I'm sure you

will do fine, I know this because I am one that gets very

frightened when it comes to surgeries and not do well, but I learned

to deal with it, and if I can

> handle it, I know anybody can. If you set your mind to it you will

find its not as hard as it first seems. Just be careful, and listen

to what they tell you. Make sure you do what they say. The one trick

I found when I got home was to elevate where ever it was I was going

to sit, that will make it easy to get up and down, especially if your

in a cast.

>  

> george

>  

> The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level

of sagacity, but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his.

Thurber

>

>

>

>

>

> ____________ _________ _________ __

> From: nikifcs <nikifcs@... >

> spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

> Sent: Saturday, November 8, 2008 4:03:59 PM

> Subject: Hello!!

>

>

> Hi, I am Nikki. I am new to the group. I had lower back surgery 6

years

> ago to remove a disc. Now I am getting ready to have a Posterior

Lumbar

> Interbody Fusion with BAK cages, L4-5, L5-S1. I have heard this is

> going to be a more difficult recovery. I was hoping someone has

some

> imformation on this surgery or heard about it. Any advice, tips or

just

> support would be greatly appreciated. I have a 3 year old son now,

and

> I am so nervous. Thanks so much for your time!!!!

> Nikki

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

You are so right , my surgeon explained to me before the last surgery I had

that the spine is not really designed for taking the everyday punishment that we

put it through, it is the weakest point in the body. While not defending any one

surgeon, I tend to have to agree now after what I have been through. They do the

best they can with what they have to work with.. When I first damaged my spine

in the cervical area, I didn't have a choice it was an emergency, or I would

loose the use of my left arm, that neuro-surgeon saved my left arm, but the

damaged cause a domino effect.

 

george

 

The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level of sagacity,

but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his. Thurber

________________________________

From: <wendy.tom@...>

spinal problems@...

Sent: Sunday, November 9, 2008 2:21:51 PM

Subject: RE: Hello!!

Hi Nikki

Welcome to the group too. I dont know anything about that surgery either but I

do relate to your back and leg suffering.

I personally have not had surgery but my symptoms are progressively getting

worse and now I have met with an otheropedic surgeon (a woman very cool) who is

a specialist in pelvic and SI problems of which I also suffer with.

After the past year and a half of working with an Osteopathic MD who does the

manual manipulations, 2 years of PT, 2 Neuro surgeon consults at least 2 times

each with both, numerous epidurals from Phyisatirst MD's and numerous MRI-

I think I finally have found someone who might be able to help me.

She said if it turns out I cant help you Ill make sure you go to someone who

can.

WOW- and she apoligezed for running late because she had an emergency surgery.

WOW again.

Anyway- Im only 44 and the way I see it is at some point I think it will be

surgery for me too, just hoping to get as specific as possible as to the actual

source.

So if your surgery will help you in the long run from the suffering you have

been going through, than it will be worth it and just keep that focused in your

mind. Your doing it for the well being of you and your families future.

At least the surgeons are continuously improving on how they are doing these

back surgeries and figuring out more and more what works best..

Keep us posted as to how you are doing after wards and remember it maybe a long

recovery but it will be worth it!

Hello!!

Hi, I am Nikki. I am new to the group. I had lower back surgery 6 years

ago to remove a disc. Now I am getting ready to have a Posterior Lumbar

Interbody Fusion with BAK cages, L4-5, L5-S1. I have heard this is

going to be a more difficult recovery. I was hoping someone has some

imformation on this surgery or heard about it. Any advice, tips or just

support would be greatly appreciated. I have a 3 year old son now, and

I am so nervous. Thanks so much for your time!!!!

Nikki

[Guest guest]

Hello Nikki,

You might want to consider disc replacement rather than fusion.

Make sure you really do your homework regarding the end result

of fusion vs disc replacement. Check out the Maverick Disc

Stenum Hospital...do a word search on those two and see if that

helps you. Best wishes...

thru

________________________________

From: nikifcs <nikifcs@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Sunday, November 9, 2008 9:56:03 AM

Subject: Re: Hello!!

Hello Sue! Thanks for your support. Yes it will be harder this time

with the little guy but I do have some help, Hubby , mom and my

sister, they are great!! But don't live too close so it makes it hard

for them. Hopefully this surgery will be worth it , my back gets me

down so much it effects us going to play which is he loves. I hope to

be able to more of that after recovery!! I am on meds but when I am

here alone with him I don't take much, they do make me a little

foggy! So I have to suck it up which is not easy.

Thanks again, I do wish you well!!

Nikki

>

> Hello Nikki,

> Welcome to the group, my name is sue, I'm not the official greeter,

> just one of the members. A little new my self. Sorry to say

though

> that I am not familiar with your surgery. But I'm sure somebody

will

> come along that just might be. The worst of my surgeries have been

> in my neck.

>

> But we are here to lend support, and give info when we can. Wow,

to

> have a three yr. old, facing surgery. Thats a tough one. Are you

> going to have help for you both when you have surgery? I hope you

> are not in too much pain with your three year old and all. That

> would be very stressing not to be able to pick him up, they are so

> cute at that age. Are you on pain meds and such? When are you

> supposed to have your surgery? Well take care.

> God bless,

> sue

>

>

>

>

>

> > Hi, I am Nikki. I am new to the group. I had lower back surgery 6

> years

> > ago to remove a disc. Now I am getting ready to have a Posterior

> Lumbar

> > Interbody Fusion with BAK cages, L4-5, L5-S1. I have heard this

is

> > going to be a more difficult recovery. I was hoping someone has

> some

> > imformation on this surgery or heard about it. Any advice, tips

or

> just

> > support would be greatly appreciated. I have a 3 year old son

now,

> and

> > I am so nervous. Thanks so much for your time!!!!

> > Nikki

> >

>

[Guest guest]

FYI:

Washington University Hospital and s Hopkins are also doing the disc

replacement as well.

Re: Hello!!

Hello Sue! Thanks for your support. Yes it will be harder this time

with the little guy but I do have some help, Hubby , mom and my

sister, they are great!! But don't live too close so it makes it hard

for them. Hopefully this surgery will be worth it , my back gets me

down so much it effects us going to play which is he loves. I hope to

be able to more of that after recovery!! I am on meds but when I am

here alone with him I don't take much, they do make me a little

foggy! So I have to suck it up which is not easy.

Thanks again, I do wish you well!!

Nikki

>

> Hello Nikki,

> Welcome to the group, my name is sue, I'm not the official greeter,

> just one of the members. A little new my self. Sorry to say

though

> that I am not familiar with your surgery. But I'm sure somebody

will

> come along that just might be. The worst of my surgeries have been

> in my neck.

>

> But we are here to lend support, and give info when we can. Wow,

to

> have a three yr. old, facing surgery. Thats a tough one. Are you

> going to have help for you both when you have surgery? I hope you

> are not in too much pain with your three year old and all. That

> would be very stressing not to be able to pick him up, they are so

> cute at that age. Are you on pain meds and such? When are you

> supposed to have your surgery? Well take care.

> God bless,

> sue

>

>

>

>

>

> > Hi, I am Nikki. I am new to the group. I had lower back surgery 6

> years

> > ago to remove a disc. Now I am getting ready to have a Posterior

> Lumbar

> > Interbody Fusion with BAK cages, L4-5, L5-S1. I have heard this

is

> > going to be a more difficult recovery. I was hoping someone has

> some

> > imformation on this surgery or heard about it. Any advice, tips

or

> just

> > support would be greatly appreciated. I have a 3 year old son

now,

> and

> > I am so nervous. Thanks so much for your time!!!!

> > Nikki

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Would you please send me those links where I might

read about what they have to offer?

Thank you

________________________________

From: <wendy.tom@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 7:30:48 AM

Subject: Re: Re: Hello!!

FYI:

Washington University Hospital and s Hopkins are also doing the disc

replacement as well.

Re: Hello!!

Hello Sue! Thanks for your support. Yes it will be harder this time

with the little guy but I do have some help, Hubby , mom and my

sister, they are great!! But don't live too close so it makes it hard

for them. Hopefully this surgery will be worth it , my back gets me

down so much it effects us going to play which is he loves. I hope to

be able to more of that after recovery!! I am on meds but when I am

here alone with him I don't take much, they do make me a little

foggy! So I have to suck it up which is not easy.

Thanks again, I do wish you well!!

Nikki

>

> Hello Nikki,

> Welcome to the group, my name is sue, I'm not the official greeter,

> just one of the members. A little new my self. Sorry to say

though

> that I am not familiar with your surgery. But I'm sure somebody

will

> come along that just might be. The worst of my surgeries have been

> in my neck.

>

> But we are here to lend support, and give info when we can. Wow,

to

> have a three yr. old, facing surgery. Thats a tough one. Are you

> going to have help for you both when you have surgery? I hope you

> are not in too much pain with your three year old and all. That

> would be very stressing not to be able to pick him up, they are so

> cute at that age. Are you on pain meds and such? When are you

> supposed to have your surgery? Well take care.

> God bless,

> sue

>

>

>

>

>

> > Hi, I am Nikki. I am new to the group. I had lower back surgery 6

> years

> > ago to remove a disc. Now I am getting ready to have a Posterior

> Lumbar

> > Interbody Fusion with BAK cages, L4-5, L5-S1. I have heard this

is

> > going to be a more difficult recovery. I was hoping someone has

> some

> > imformation on this surgery or heard about it. Any advice, tips

or

> just

> > support would be greatly appreciated. I have a 3 year old son

now,

> and

> > I am so nervous. Thanks so much for your time!!!!

> > Nikki

> >

>

[Guest guest]

http://www.gwhospital.com/index.php?PageID=2700 & subpage=Minimally_Invasive_Spina\

l_Surgery & subpage=Non_Fusion_Technologies it looks like GW only does cervical

disc replacement but Hopkins indicates it. Check out their sites. I think it

is all very recent.

http://www.hopkinsneuro.org/spine/disease.cfm/condition/Degenerative_Disc_Diseas\

e

wendy

Re: Hello!!

Hello Sue! Thanks for your support. Yes it will be harder this time

with the little guy but I do have some help, Hubby , mom and my

sister, they are great!! But don't live too close so it makes it hard

for them. Hopefully this surgery will be worth it , my back gets me

down so much it effects us going to play which is he loves. I hope to

be able to more of that after recovery!! I am on meds but when I am

here alone with him I don't take much, they do make me a little

foggy! So I have to suck it up which is not easy.

Thanks again, I do wish you well!!

Nikki

>

> Hello Nikki,

> Welcome to the group, my name is sue, I'm not the official greeter,

> just one of the members. A little new my self. Sorry to say

though

> that I am not familiar with your surgery. But I'm sure somebody

will

> come along that just might be. The worst of my surgeries have been

> in my neck.

>

> But we are here to lend support, and give info when we can. Wow,

to

> have a three yr. old, facing surgery. Thats a tough one. Are you

> going to have help for you both when you have surgery? I hope you

> are not in too much pain with your three year old and all. That

> would be very stressing not to be able to pick him up, they are so

> cute at that age. Are you on pain meds and such? When are you

> supposed to have your surgery? Well take care.

> God bless,

> sue

>

>

>

>

>

> > Hi, I am Nikki. I am new to the group. I had lower back surgery 6

> years

> > ago to remove a disc. Now I am getting ready to have a Posterior

> Lumbar

> > Interbody Fusion with BAK cages, L4-5, L5-S1. I have heard this

is

> > going to be a more difficult recovery. I was hoping someone has

> some

> > imformation on this surgery or heard about it. Any advice, tips

or

> just

> > support would be greatly appreciated. I have a 3 year old son

now,

> and

> > I am so nervous. Thanks so much for your time!!!!

> > Nikki

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I'm new to RA I've been in ALOT of pain. I'm very scared that it never goes

away. Between my 40hr a week job and my 4 year and my husband I feel like

nobody understands. My husband tries to understand. I really scared of the all

the meds. I'm on pred. and MTX and ultram... just took my first dose of thr

MTX... I hope it works/// I'm just looking for people to talk with that

understand... Looking forward to hearing from you....

[Guest guest]

Hi :

I was sorry to read that you are in a lot of pain. We all know about

that!!

You will find that no one understands the pain we have to bear with RA.

Just all of us here. It is very hard to function when you have pain

24/7 days a week.

Hopefully you will have a Rheumy that will help you. If not, keep

trying to find the perfect Rheumy for yourself. It makes all the diff.

in the world. I have a wonderful Rheumy, and she takes such good care

of me. I just love her. I wouldn't be where I am today with out all

her help and caring ways. We all owe it to ourselves to find the best

Rheumy for us.

I was terrified when I got diag. with RA 6 years ago. I had never heard

of it, and when I saw what I went through for the first 5 days, I was

scared to death. It is a horrible disease when it rears its ugly head.

I looked on the Internet to see about RA, etc., it scared me so much I

never went on again.

It was a lucky day for me that I found this wonderful group of caring,

loving, compassionate, and informative people here. It has been a God

send for me. I have made many friends here who have been so supportive

of me, and have helped me get through a terrible time in my life. I

would be lost without them.

Wishing you pain free days ahead. Remember, we are all here for you,

and do understand your pain and suffering each day.

Hugs,

Barbara

>

> I'm new to RA I've been in ALOT of pain. I'm very scared that it never

goes away. Between my 40hr a week job and my 4 year and my husband I

feel like nobody understands. My husband tries to understand. I really

scared of the all the meds. I'm on pred. and MTX and ultram... just took

my first dose of thr MTX... I hope it works/// I'm just looking for

people to talk with that understand... Looking forward to hearing from

you....

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi , I'm just starting also. My husband is very understanding...but the

other day he came home depressed. he said he could not deal with work and all

that we're going through...meaning my pain and depression. So I decided to not

let him know what I am really going through. My older children just say " hey mom

we're here for you " but they're not. They're so busy with the friends and

work...they'll help around the home for a couple hours a week. But still expect

more from me. The lil ones will help if I ask...but they're so limited in what

they can do because of their age. So if you need to talk I'm here.

ita

--- In , " arquetoothus1973 " <arquetoothus1973@...>

wrote:

>

> I'm new to RA I've been in ALOT of pain. I'm very scared that it never goes

away. Between my 40hr a week job and my 4 year and my husband I feel like

nobody understands. My husband tries to understand. I really scared of the all

the meds. I'm on pred. and MTX and ultram... just took my first dose of thr

MTX... I hope it works/// I'm just looking for people to talk with that

understand... Looking forward to hearing from you....

>

>

[Guest guest]

Full View

Edit Draft  MGB Contact Information

From: Kathy <kathy.allison@...> Add

 

________________________________

Hi -- nice to meet you! I haven't posted in a while. I hope nobody minds

getting all this info. I hope I answer all your questions.

My name is Kathy , I live in Northern Virginia. I turned 48 June 1st. My

surgery was July 6, 2006, with Dr. Rutledge in , NV. I had not been

diagnosed with diabetes, but I was on the verge, having been prescribed medicine

to bring my rising sugar levels down. I was so ready to do something about my

weight! Like so many of us, I too have been overweight my whole life, up and

down, mostly up. Surgery seemed so extreme, but so was weighing 297 pounds. My

joints ached, my back hurt, my husband didn't want to sleep with me (in any

sense of the word), and I could just barely keep up with my family (two healthy

boys, one now 19 and one 11).

Since the surgery I've lost more than 150 pounds, my blood pressure is normal

(and was almost immediately after my surgery), and I feel wonderful. I was sore

and tired immediately post-op, definitely not sightseeing in the first few days,

but I didn't have any enormous pain or difficulties. I work for a local high

school so I scheduled the surgery for the beginning of my summer break, but I

could have gone back to work after I got home from Las Vegas. I did manage to

jump right back into my 2nd job-- mom, cook, gardener, family taxi, etc.

For a long time (after the wild ride of the first year) I would lose a couple of

pounds, then hang there for a week or so, then lose another. I think I may be

just about done losing, unless I get a tummy tuck. The skin thing was not as bad

as I anticipated! I'm so relieved that I feel like I'm on track, and the weight

will stay off no matter what. There's no wagon for me to fall off of. Exercise

(or rather the discipline) is my biggest challenge lately. I CAN do it, but

making myself is hard. I'm walking twice as much now, though. I don't feel

physically impaired; in fact, quite the opposite. I just never had a good

routine before and it's still a challenge now.

I was never a picky eater before (I loved ALL food!), so it's been an

interesting experience to realize that I'm a picky eater now. I was not lactose

intolerant before, for example, but I am now. It seems to have developed more as

time has gone by. It's not a deal breaker, but I do miss cottage cheese. I snack

on other cheeses without major problems, but if I have much more than a piece or

two my tummy is not happy. Most breads do not agree with me now, but a few

crackers are o.k. Steak is good, some chicken is good, but the chicken can be a

problem once in a while. Spicy food is fine. I love sushi, but have switched to

sashimi so I don't have to deal with so much rice. I have to remind myself to

eat sometimes.

 

It is very important to keep protein and vitamin levels up. My doctor has been

great-- she's helped me set up my vitamin regimen. Here's what I take daily,

split between morning and evening: three multi-vitamin (with iron), potassium,

calcium, Prilosec, and DHEA (this is a hormone supplement because my levels were

low pre-surgery), and two fiber capsules (very important for bowel health!). I

stopped taking the Actigall when I wasn't losing 10 pounds a month. I also took

zinc sulphate to help with hair loss. It wasn't a lot, but I noticed it, and the

zinc seemed to help. I had my two-year anniversary blood work done  and

everything was perfect and/or improved from my pre-surgery blood counts, with

the exception of vitamin D. I'm deficient now and take a supplement for that,

but I don't know if I was deficient before the surgery too. I've just added

Vitron C (a vitamin C and iron supplement). It's important that you pay

attention to the blood work post op

to track changes as they're happening. You don't want to get too low in

anything!

The only really unpleasant fact of post-surgery life is the necessity for

aroma-therapy in the bathroom. We're all human, I know, and none of us are

perfumed in our digestive systems, but the new plumbing does make an unpleasant

difference. I use a body spray as air freshener at home and at work. Just a new

fact of life. I'll live with it, no problem, and I know that the " cleaner " I eat

(by that I mean fewer carbs), the better it is.

 

As for donuts, (a major downfall before) I mostly don't want them. They show up

once in a while here in the office where I work, and there was one day that I

decided I wanted one. It went down o.k., but I was miserable the rest of the

day-- gas, diarrhea, etc. I never felt nauseous, but the rest of it was bad

enough that I haven't really been tempted since then. Same result with pizza.

Some pre-ops find it distressing to contemplate life without donuts (or whatever

their weakness is), and I have to admit I was one of those, but the reality is

much simpler and easier to live with than I'd feared. You just won't want to eat

what doesn't make you feel good. It is a relief, and one of the best benefits of

the surgery, imho. I'm eating now the way I probably should have been all along.

 

I notice lately that I can definitely eat more now than I could in the year

immediately post op. This is part of what makes your weight loss slow then stop,

and even rebound a bit. I feel more normal in my eating now, but I have to watch

out for going back to old habits.

Please let me know if you have any other specific questions. You won't be sorry

you've made this decision. I never got insurance reimbursement, but I'm not

sorry. I feel and look better than I have in years. My children are happy, my

husband is happy, and it's only going to get better! I would definitely do it

again, and would definitely recommend the procedure.

My best advice to you is to tell you to read the manual, then read the parts

again about what to eat post-op, and what meds and vitamins to take (and NOT

take). Ask any questions you want, on the message board or personally. We're

here to help.

:-) Kathy

7/6/06

297/144

size 24 or 3X then; size 8 now

________________________________

From: Taber <renee.taber@...>

Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2009 3:34:09 PM

Subject: Hello!!

 

I am new to this sight. I have been trying to get all of my requirements

completed for surgery. I feel like I am almost there. I am going to Las Vegas

hopefully at the end of Oct. 09. I would love to here from everyone  about their

story and their struggles. My Name is , I am a 56 yrs. old. I am a mom and

grandmother too. I am a prior lapband pt. I had the band removed in June 2008

after 4.5 yrs of struggling with it. I have gained most all of the weight I had

lost back. I found Dr R's web sight and hopefully the rest will be history. I

became malnourished and developed potentially serious medical problems.I am

doing much better but still am fighting the weight battle. I hope this surgery

will finally help me control my weight and be healthy.  Look forward to talking

with you.

[Guest guest]

Welcome !

 Elinor R.

Florida

Dr. P

Post-Op (4/20/07)

5' 1 "

53 min./7' bypass

Surgery/Now/Goal

278/159-165/120-125

Reynolds-Family-Elinor.blogspot.com

Live, love and LAUGH!!!!

________________________________

From: Taber <renee.taber@...>

Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2009 3:34:09 PM

Subject: Hello!!

 

I am new to this sight. I have been trying to get all of my requirements

completed for surgery. I feel like I am almost there. I am going to Las Vegas

hopefully at the end of Oct. 09. I would love to here from everyone  about their

story and their struggles. My Name is , I am a 56 yrs. old. I am a mom and

grandmother too. I am a prior lapband pt. I had the band removed in June 2008

after 4.5 yrs of struggling with it. I have gained most all of the weight I had

lost back. I found Dr R's web sight and hopefully the rest will be history. I

became malnourished and developed potentially serious medical problems.I am

doing much better but still am fighting the weight battle. I hope this surgery

will finally help me control my weight and be healthy.  Look forward to talking

with you.

[Guest guest]

Hi: I was 56 when I had my MGB and that was 9 years ago. I have nothing

but good reports from my personal surgery. I went to clinic on November

28, 2001 and had my surgery on November 29,2001. I was in the hospital

overnight and went to the motel the next morning and then to Charlotte N, C.

the next day. My surgery was in Durham N. C. that is the only place where it

was done back then because that was Dr. Rutledges home and practicing

hospital. I was treated nicely by both Dr. Rutledge's staff and Durham

Regional staff. I was a hard to get along with patient. I wanted to change

the

rules but Dr. Rutledge was steadfast in his orders and I had to stay

overnight and I could go no farther than Charlotte to recupe that week. I was

very fortunate to have a very dear friend who is a nurse and she had the MGB

less than 6 months earlier. She was there for me and my family was also

very supportive. In the 9 years since my MGB I have lost 140 lbs and have

gained back right at 20 which I have been told is to be expected. My only

medical problem has been 1 kidney stone episode and chronic B12 insuffiency.

I cannot drink gatorade and did not drink enough liquids postop so

therefore developed the kidney stones and did not take all the vitamins I

should

have so therefore became B12 deficient. I am bad about trying to make

things better than the Dr. who prescribed the treatment so now I am a

believer. Get B12 shots and take my vitamins better. I would like to add

right

after surgery especially be sure to drink your supplement drinks. It will

also help your weight loss. I did not mention I am also lactose intolerant

but was before surgery but am more so now.

Yes I have done great. Would have it again tomorrow if necessary and

feel truly blessed that I have been able to have this life changing

experience. Sit back and get ready for a roller coaster ride because that is

what

it is like. You will have plateaus but just hang in there and keep taking

the supplements and drinking the gatorade and the weight will come off.

Some people loose faster and some loose slower but just because you are one

or the other does not mean you are doing everything wrong or everything

right. Your own body will have to be your guide. Phyllis

[Guest guest]

Your life will be changed forever !  You found the right site and the right

procedure.

I am also a mother and grandmother.  I'm 64 and had the procedure 2 1/2 years

ago.  I'm healthier than I've been in many decades.  I'm confident you will be

too.

Diane

________________________________

From: Elinor <laussie04@...>

Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 3:50:29 PM

Subject: Re: Hello!!

 

Welcome !

 Elinor R.

Florida

Dr. P

Post-Op (4/20/07)

5' 1 "

53 min./7' bypass

Surgery/Now/ Goal

278/159-165/ 120-125

Reynolds-Family- Elinor.blogspot. com

Live, love and LAUGH!!!!

____________ _________ _________ __

From: Taber <renee.taber>

@gro ups.com

Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2009 3:34:09 PM

Subject: Hello!!

 

I am new to this sight. I have been trying to get all of my requirements

completed for surgery. I feel like I am almost there. I am going to Las Vegas

hopefully at the end of Oct. 09. I would love to here from everyone  about their

story and their struggles. My Name is , I am a 56 yrs. old. I am a mom and

grandmother too. I am a prior lapband pt. I had the band removed in June 2008

after 4.5 yrs of struggling with it. I have gained most all of the weight I had

lost back. I found Dr R's web sight and hopefully the rest will be history. I

became malnourished and developed potentially serious medical problems.I am

doing much better but still am fighting the weight battle. I hope this surgery

will finally help me control my weight and be healthy.  Look forward to talking

with you.