Re: Joe

[Guest guest]

Dear Joe,

First understand I do not have a liver disease-- I am a Non-related Living Liver Donor. Believe me, what I offered up, saved his life. That is not a claim you can make with what you are peddling. We did not spend precious money on wild goose chases-- we researched the disease, followed our doctors orders and guess what? He is doing fine, is back to work full time and we live life like we always wanted.

It irritates the heck out of me to see someone who doesn't have a clue come into here and pretend to have the "cure". I don't think you even know how these people are suffering and the damage this relentless disease havocs on the them and their families. If you did, you wouldn't be doing what you are doing. Or perhaps you do and you see a gold mine?

Does your product have FDA approval to be prescribed by a licensed medical physician to be used in the treatment of liver disease? Has it gone through all the clinical trials necessary to deem it use safe? Is it on an approved list by the insurance companies as a coverage drug? I believe the answer to the above questions is a resounding NO. Am I correct?

Cheryl & Randy

[Guest guest]

> Where is your pain exactly <

If any one has opinions on these symptoms...I would appreciate it.

I have a constant (24/7) lower (lumbar) backache that is a 2-3 on a 1-10 pain

scale. Then with movement, such as walking or just changing positions, the pain

radiates to the left buttock, left hip and left leg, pain scale 5-6. When I have

been on my feet too long or have over done it, the pain also radiates to the

right buttock and hip, pain scale for back and both sides is about an 8. When I

roll over in bed, get up from a sitting or sqatting position, or get out of bed,

the back pain hits a 10.

I also have a 2 inch strip on my right outer thigh that is numb and tingles

anywhere from barely felt to a intense burning. Both soles of my feet tingle

constantly.

Since my caudal injection, I have also had tingling on both inner legs (ankle to

crotch) and crotch...much like you feel after being on a harley motorcycle, as

well as a weak rectum and bowel cramping/urgency.

Diagnosis is DDD, one herniation with nerve compression, and possibly stenosis,

all within the L2-S1 area. CT scan shows no disc changes ornarrowing of space.

Seems like it shouldn't hurt this bad for such an " easy " diagnosis. Like one doc

told me...you have the average back of a 40 year old.

****** Vicki Harkness ******

Paramedic...20 year career lost

Owner of: Sweet Dreams K9 and Casual Photography

[Guest guest]

>... the caudal injection didn't do anything. Did they tell you what the next

step is? Or are they clueless? <

When I told the doc that the caudal injection made the symptoms worse, he

immediately referred me to a neurosurgeon. Am thinking there was a " whoops "

there somewhere and he just wanted to get rid of me. But I understood the risks.

He wanted me to see a neuro within 2 weeks...it took 3 weeks to get the

insurance approval and the next avail was a month away. We got within a day of

the appt and they called to reschedule...for a month later! So I got another

neuro and I see him opn the 14th.

[Guest guest]

>I also have a 2 inch strip on my right outer thigh that is numb and

>tingles anywhere from barely felt to a intense burning.>>

Hey Vickie,

This is interesting. When I crawled into bed the other night I was whinign

to hubby that I was freezing, and of course, like a man, he was arguing

with me! LOL So I told him to feel in the area that you've described

above....and sure enough, just that area, on both sides, were extremely

colder than there rest of my legs.

Ask me about my new MSM lotion for aches/pains!

http://www.scentsappeal.net

[Guest guest]

> So I told him to feel in the area that you've described

above....and sure enough <

I always felt like I was crazy explaining that little patch to

doc's...especially since it has been tingly since I first got hurt and my only

complaint at that time was back ache, tingly feet and that one little patch. Now

it seems whenever I go in, my symptoms change or worsen and I feel like a

hypochondriac. I wonder sometimes if my doctor thinks " this woman just can't

keep her story straight " .

You know us " workers comp slackers " ...LOL

[Guest guest]

>

> Joe why would you leave when there are people that need to hear what you

> have to say?

There are too many people in the world like , who is of the opinion that

humor is not allowed in posts here. I believe differently. Rather than

list

to him whine, I choose to ignore him. Since I use humor as a healing tool,

I've decided that has the right not to see my posts. I'm joining the

other group being started by another person in this group.

> You say that you have had two operations where they both on your spine?

> What is #3?

>

I had a lumbar Laminectomy at L3/4 and the ACDF 2 years later at C5/6/7.

#3 may be another Lam due to problems with L5/S1. I'm trying to fix it

through physical therapy. This has me really depressed right now. Others

in the group have come to me with good wishes and humor, but some have

just attacked the use of humor.

> Sounds like a nice group here.

> If you aren't to speak of your experiences from these operations what is

the

> purpose of this list?

> Again thanks,

> amy

That was the purpose. However, will let you know if he feels any part

of your posts are inappropriate.

I believe in free speech, so I'm moving to the new group so I can express

myself

without being censored.

Good luck on your surgery. Hang tough.

joe

[Guest guest]

He was one of the people you were complaining about with the jokes.

Amy you said to Jan in msg #2344 " I just found out that I have this

and I'm terrified. If someone should think this is one big joke.

They should leave the group and start their own sick group. "

Well they did.

As I mentioned in my post earlier that you flamed me in,

#2346 " Everytime someone posted there medical condition it got

serious in here. Not once was anyone made fun of for their medical

condition rather they were embraced and given support or personal

advice from their own experiences. See thats what makes this a great

place sharing. "

Thats exactly what happened. Next time you may have to tolerate

others better if you wish to follow Joe and others in another group

that will allow a joke or two.

-Nick

>

> Joe why would you leave when there are people that need to hear

what you

> have to say?

> You say that you have had two operations where they both on your

spine?

> What is #3?

>

> Sounds like a nice group here.

> If you aren't to speak of your experiences from these operations

what is the

> purpose of this list?

> Again thanks,

> amy

[Guest guest]

> He was one of the people you were complaining about with the

jokes.

>

> Amy you said to Jan in msg #2344 " I just found out that I have

this

> and I'm terrified. If someone should think this is one big joke.

> They should leave the group and start their own sick group. "

>

> Well they did.

Wow! You mean I didn't start the complaining about the less than

serious support group? Guess Joe just decided to crucify me for my

opinion being posted. As my neck appears to be recovering on its own

at the moment I will make the group a more comfortable place as well

by my own leaving. Good luck to all with the pain and the

comforting...whatever form it may come in for you.

[Guest guest]

Joe how are you feeling? Did everything go ok today??

[Guest guest]

Joe how are you feeling? Did everything go ok today??

[Guest guest]

Joe when I had mine done I had them give me something for my nerves..I was a

wreck.

But it turned out ok..I am a big baby when it comes to stuff like that..

[Guest guest]

Joe when I had mine done I had them give me something for my nerves..I was a

wreck.

But it turned out ok..I am a big baby when it comes to stuff like that..

[Guest guest]

> Joe how are you feeling? Did everything go ok today??

>

Hi -

Things seem to go fine for me with ESI's. I only need to

watch my blood sugar for a couple of days afterwards.

Connie, it was only a 6 inch needle. The doctor that did

this one was my first neurosurgeon who did my laminectomy.

We (he, I and his nurse) just small talked through the procedure

about his 2 daughters, his nurse has 2 daughters and appreciates

the fact I think she's too young to have teenagers. I also

found out that he has a birthday this April 29th, and I was

checking because I'll be hitting the big 3-9 on the 25th, myself.

My bloodpressure seems to really drop back to normal fairly

quickly. I will tell anyone that is about to get a steriod injection

that you must discontinue aspirin products a couple of days

before to help prevent any excessive bleeding. I was able to

get up and walk away to the dressing room, get dressed,

and at the urging of my doctor, not go back to work, but go

home and put some light heat on my back. I went with the

doc and will make work up this Saturday.

joe

[Guest guest]

> Joe how are you feeling? Did everything go ok today??

>

Hi -

Things seem to go fine for me with ESI's. I only need to

watch my blood sugar for a couple of days afterwards.

Connie, it was only a 6 inch needle. The doctor that did

this one was my first neurosurgeon who did my laminectomy.

We (he, I and his nurse) just small talked through the procedure

about his 2 daughters, his nurse has 2 daughters and appreciates

the fact I think she's too young to have teenagers. I also

found out that he has a birthday this April 29th, and I was

checking because I'll be hitting the big 3-9 on the 25th, myself.

My bloodpressure seems to really drop back to normal fairly

quickly. I will tell anyone that is about to get a steriod injection

that you must discontinue aspirin products a couple of days

before to help prevent any excessive bleeding. I was able to

get up and walk away to the dressing room, get dressed,

and at the urging of my doctor, not go back to work, but go

home and put some light heat on my back. I went with the

doc and will make work up this Saturday.

joe

[Guest guest]

> Joe when I had mine done I had them give me something for my nerves..I was

a

> wreck.

> But it turned out ok..I am a big baby when it comes to stuff like that..

>

- I was fine, too. Then Connie told me they used a 24 inch needle.

I

never had bothered to ask what exactly they did back there. I just felt a

pinch as the needle entered. But I've been in so much pain for the past 8

years,

this is nothing compared to what I go through every day. I think that's

what

really freaks out all the docs that do this to me.

joe

PS. Connie, if you're out walking and you see something moving in the

shadows, it might be me. I've got a lemon meriengue pie with your name on

it.

24 inches indeed!!

[Guest guest]

> Joe when I had mine done I had them give me something for my nerves..I was

a

> wreck.

> But it turned out ok..I am a big baby when it comes to stuff like that..

>

- I was fine, too. Then Connie told me they used a 24 inch needle.

I

never had bothered to ask what exactly they did back there. I just felt a

pinch as the needle entered. But I've been in so much pain for the past 8

years,

this is nothing compared to what I go through every day. I think that's

what

really freaks out all the docs that do this to me.

joe

PS. Connie, if you're out walking and you see something moving in the

shadows, it might be me. I've got a lemon meriengue pie with your name on

it.

24 inches indeed!!

[Guest guest]

Now you have me completely lost, besides the 24 " needle, lemon meriengue pie?? I

decorate cakes and don't like pies much, maybe I need to go back to bed lol

Please someone keep my sanity, who mentioned this needle size to Joe?? lol

Connie

Re: Joe

>

>

> > Joe when I had mine done I had them give me something for my nerves..I was

> a

> > wreck.

> > But it turned out ok..I am a big baby when it comes to stuff like that..

> >

>

> - I was fine, too. Then Connie told me they used a 24 inch needle.

> I

> never had bothered to ask what exactly they did back there. I just felt a

> pinch as the needle entered. But I've been in so much pain for the past 8

> years,

> this is nothing compared to what I go through every day. I think that's

> what

> really freaks out all the docs that do this to me.

>

> joe

>

> PS. Connie, if you're out walking and you see something moving in the

> shadows, it might be me. I've got a lemon meriengue pie with your name on

> it.

> 24 inches indeed!!

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Now you have me completely lost, besides the 24 " needle, lemon meriengue pie?? I

decorate cakes and don't like pies much, maybe I need to go back to bed lol

Please someone keep my sanity, who mentioned this needle size to Joe?? lol

Connie

Re: Joe

>

>

> > Joe when I had mine done I had them give me something for my nerves..I was

> a

> > wreck.

> > But it turned out ok..I am a big baby when it comes to stuff like that..

> >

>

> - I was fine, too. Then Connie told me they used a 24 inch needle.

> I

> never had bothered to ask what exactly they did back there. I just felt a

> pinch as the needle entered. But I've been in so much pain for the past 8

> years,

> this is nothing compared to what I go through every day. I think that's

> what

> really freaks out all the docs that do this to me.

>

> joe

>

> PS. Connie, if you're out walking and you see something moving in the

> shadows, it might be me. I've got a lemon meriengue pie with your name on

> it.

> 24 inches indeed!!

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> how did joe almost die?? im a preop (sept 8th is the day) so bear

> with me as i get paranoid and ask all these questions!!!!!! poor

Doc

> has to REALLY put up with me!!

============================

Joe had surgery about 2 1/2 years ago...it was done lap (which now

Joe does not support) He had a leak, which lead to massive

peritontis, which lead to a 3 1/2 week drug induced coma plus the

removal of his spleen and additional holes forming in his

stomach...it's a long and complicated story but Joe tells it in his

own words at the duodenalswitch site...

www.duodenalswitch.com/Patients/Joe/joe.html

I think it is important to know and hear about the surgeries that

didn't go well. Complications are real and happen to good people.

Joe's life was in danger when I was preparing for my surgery. It

didn't stop me...but it made me well aware that the risks were real

and " IF " one happened I needed to be prepared to buck-up and

fight...to get through it. Fortunately...MOST surgeries go well.

And even the complications fall into more of a " pain in the butt "

catagory rather than the " life threatening " catagory.

Joe still fights bouts of low protein....but Joe has tooooo much

living to do...so he just does what he has to and then gets out

there and goes on with life.

Jo

[Guest guest]

Hey Joe,

I'm glad you're back. :-)

I coulda used your last post on my short hop last weekend. My kids

forgot to help me with my bag at the security checkpoint. I

explained to the security guard I couldn't lift my wheeled carry-on.

The guy behind me hefted it through the X-ray conveyor belt, & then

he sneeringly told the the security guard, " You might break your

back, too. " My kids were mortified when they realized they hadn't

helped. Later on the escalator, the same Jerk Samaritan smirked at

me & made another comment.

My kids & I laughed. What a jerk, but we didn't need to bring that

to his attention. It was obvious.

BTW, while I was visiting my folks, I was visiting a wheelchair shop

for my mom. They had a terrific lumbar pillow, lightweight & small,

that I snapped up. I love it.

Hugs, sonia

[Guest guest]

Re: overcoming the panic in being shocked

I have to reclaim my life.That's why I can understand what Hurts4real and her husband are going through. I know it isn't easy and can be very difficult.Joe

---------------------------

Yes, Joe that is true. I am sure you have gone through the denial of all of this as well, and that you thank God that you are alive. I bet you are very glad you had your ICD, that saved your life! That is my concern - your ICD was there to save your life and it sounds like it did its job. But are you up to all the stress of lawsuits? I think I personally would be thankful and move forward to reclaim my life.

Good luck to you and keep us posted. I am curious of your age?

~guin 47 yo Mom in CA

[Guest guest]

Guin;

I agree with you. Sounds like the ICD did it's job. You can not pick and chose when or if the unit will fire.

had a bad electric storm 6 months after his implant. He tried to rip the unit out of his chest. If it was not for the unit he would have died. Ya, we went through a lot after the episode. But life went on. When he had his second zap episode a year after that he sat on the ground and laughed.

His second unit was a recall unit. He is living with it as the docs said that he is not stable enough to remove it. If it fails when he needs it, I will be the one that has to deal with that. But in the meantime each day is a blessing (even though he tries my patients).

Many times a doctor has asked if we would like the name of a lawyer. If we had gone that route I do not think would be here due to stress and crp that go along with it.

Gail

I have to reclaim my life.That's why I can understand what Hurts4real and her husband are going through. I know it isn't easy and can be very difficult.Joe

---------------------------

Yes, Joe that is true. I am sure you have gone through the denial of all of this as well, and that you thank God that you are alive. I bet you are very glad you had your ICD, that saved your life! That is my concern - your ICD was there to save your life and it sounds like it did its job. But are you up to all the stress of lawsuits? I think I personally would be thankful and move forward to reclaim my life.Good luck to you and keep us posted.

I am curious of your age?

~guin 47 yo Mom in CA

[Guest guest]

Joe,

I remember you and your wife's posts. You are alive and that is

wonderful. I had my 'ectomy on February 25th and am having some

dumping, bloating, vocal cord, and energy issues. I will be going back

to Cleveland soon.

You hang in there. You are a very courageous and brave man.

In VA

>

> Well it has been a long road back from Feb. & nbsp; My roux en y was a

disaster I had an esophagectomy 9 years ago now acid and bile reflux

bothering me my MD said piece of cake. & nbsp; Yeah a heart attack and a

stroke later I am now coming out of it. & nbsp; i gave up my nursing

license as you can see I still have trouble with spelling and cant'

hve that as a nurse, & nbsp; I'M ALIVE!!!!! and that's all that matters

.. & nbsp; Gotta go kids fighting

> & nbsp;

> Love ya all through 9 years

> Joe

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Joe,

Thank you for your response. It is making me rethink my mammogram that I am to

get on Monday.

 

What did your daughter in law decide to do after realizing it was stage II? I

hope she is okay.

 

I have a similar lump on the right side. Both aren't painful enough to get them

surgically removed but it scares me that they either are cancer or could turn in

to.

 

What do you mean people get 100%?

....Mammograms often miss the more serious cancers as was the case with my

daughter-in- law. She had her annual done revealing nothing and within a month

discovered what she thought was a very quick and annoying cyst. It turned out to

be Breast Cancer and at stage II and that after the physical palpitation by her

physician and the Mammogram. I realize all cancers are 'serious', however there

are breast cancers and there are breast cancers and some findings will never

develop into anything life threatening. At least this is what some findings are

revealing. Then there are the strange events where cancers disappear

spontaneously and without seemingly any reason. This is causing the conventional

system to re-think whether or not more 'observation' is needed rather than quick

and aggressive treatment. Not an easy decision.

In addition to the radiation there is always the risk of 'seeding' cells caused

by the pressure (vice).

[Guest guest]

Joe,

Would you mind telling me your story?  What kind of cancer?  What kind of

treatments?  Are you well?  Etc]

Thanks,  Robyn

________________________________

From: JoeCastron <jcastron1@...>

Sent: Tue, June 1, 2010 3:09:54 PM

Subject: Re: [ ] Re: Cat Scan and chest x-ray radiation exposure

 

It seems that many on this and probably other Alternative oriented lists, and

that's what this list is, would come to the conclusion that ongoing and

'regular' CT and PET or X-Rays are detrimental to one's health. Radiologists

readily agree that these scans can cause cancer but throw the 'benefit to risk'

pitch at we patients. We're not talking getting a scan to determine one's

situation for how does one determine what their course of action is to be

without knowing what they are dealing with? That one scan is different from

'regular' scans.

I look at things differently and would not, under any circumstance, get a

CT-Scan because of an ache or pain somewhere.

We all know people that cannot get into one of those contraptions for the

slightest reason and one I know averages 3 a year and for a host of reasons and

never has she ever discussed her reservation about getting them. That tells me

the doctors just go ahead and order them willy nilly. Some doctors are solid

citizens and do care. When having a serious back situation I was considering the

need for an MRI and this GP of mine said, " Let's do the poor man's MRI " and he

proceeded to twist and bend my leg determining that I would benefit from

Physical Therapy. It worked! Some other character would have had me being

bombarded with something or other.

has helped me change my mind over getting CAT-Scans and he's right about

the percentages of getting cancer from one scan being less important than

knowing what is going on. However one would probably do well to first determine

the absolute need first.

Joe C.

From: Prem Carol

I agree. In my experience with myself and counseling others, CT scans done on a

regular basis can catch a small metastasis or if not, allow it to grow and then

manageability becomes extremely difficult.

I have heard that miso soup and ashwagandha ginseng as well as epsom salt baths

are good ways to help cleanse the system afterwards.

Hope this helps.

In health,

Carol

> >

> > I heard with one cat scan is like getting 400 chest x-rays.

> > Thoughts - comments

> >

>