Frustrated

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi my name's

>

> I have been experiencing what I have now come to find out is a " Candida

Overgrowth " for only about 6 months. I have a history of on and off antibiotic

for acne and I started having an issue around the time I was switching from one

to the other about 7 or 8 months ago. It started with chronic constipation and

bloating, and then emotional issues followed it - irritability, mood swings,

confusion, foggy, memory loss, anxiety. This is possibly the most frustrating

thing ever because no doctor has any idea what they are talking about.

>

> Just recently, about two weeks ago I started a diet of no sugar, carbs,

starches, flour etc. I also started taking probiotics and nystatin daily, on

top of a regiment of vitamins and such for a " malabsorption " problem I was

diagnosed with awhile ago. Most of the vitamins and stuff I take were included

in this program. It seems to be helping, but I want to be doing it right so it

takes the least amount of time.

>

> I have noticed a change in my emotions over the past two weeks, and the

constipation is getting better, but the bloating is still pretty much the same.

It never seems to have any rhyme or reason around what makes me bloated or

not...it seems that any food does it.

>

> I only stumbled upon your article a few days ago and it gave me more

information that was good because I was drinking soymilk and certain things that

I didn't know I wasn't alowwed to. I am basically just wondering since I

haven't had it for too long, how long would it take before my bloating begins to

get better. Its not major bloating but its not minor either and I am skinny so

its more noticeable and I don't like the way it looks, seeing that the rest of

my buddy is toned and in shape. I see all these people on the internet talking

about how theyve been struggling for years and that doesn't really give me much

hope, I haven't seen a lot of people or talked to people that were where I am at

now, and don't have it anymore. If there is anyone that can relate to where I

am at, and they've overcome it, it would be appreciated if you could reply as

this situation seems hopeless in a sense.

>

> Also, if there are any suggestions for things to eat or take specifically that

I am not doing that would be great, there is a lot of information in your

articles but if anyone has the main points outlined that would be helpful.

>

> Thanks

>Hi , I just wanted to reply to you because you reminded me of me. I too

have been on antibiotics for acne, prescribed by stupid doctors who told me it

was safe to take them for years and years. I had been what I considered to be

basically healthy till I was 36, (i am now 38) although I did suffer from

depression, anxiety and syptoms of IBS and heartburn for years (probably from

the candida). When I got pregnant with my 21 month old I started having a lot

of stomach problems; gas, bloating, constipation which continued until a couple

of months ago when I started a version of a candida diet. Until then I was so

worried not knowing what was wrong with me and always feeling sick and

uncomfortable. I feel so lucky to have finally found out what was wrong with

me, and remind myself that this diet, no matter how difficult, is totally worth

not being sick anymore. I'm not scared anymore, and I know what to do to heal

myself, and feel myself getting better and better everyday. Also my bloating was

almost immediately better after starting the diet, but I still get gassy

sometimes. It doesn't last long and I think it is probably from the die-off.

Anyway, I wanted to maybe give you a little hope that you will begin to feel

better soon!

Good luck!

B.

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi my name's

+++Hi . Welcome to our group.

>

> I have been experiencing what I have now come to find out is a " Candida

Overgrowth " for only about 6 months. I have a history of on and off antibiotic

for acne and I started having an issue around the time I was switching from one

to the other about 7 or 8 months ago. It started with chronic constipation and

bloating, and then emotional issues followed it - irritability, mood swings,

confusion, foggy, memory loss, anxiety. This is possibly the most frustrating

thing ever because no doctor has any idea what they are talking about.

+++Most people nowadays have been unhealthy since before they were born, and

have experienced many health problems even when they were an infant, toddler,

child, etc. - and also have taken antibiotics, or other drugs and

over-the-counter medicines before candida became obvious to them. Of course

modern foods/diets lack the nutrients human bodies require in order to be

healthy.

+++That's why this program is as much a healing program, which improves anyone's

health, and not just for candida. Candida occurs, as well as other health

issues, because of the poor condition of the body, which is loaded with toxins

and lacking proper nutrients.

+++The only way to get healthy is by building up the immune system with " proper

nutrients " (this diet plus supplements) and by eliminating toxins and foods that

feed candida (they also feed bacteria and cancer too).

>

> Just recently, about two weeks ago I started a diet of no sugar, carbs,

starches, flour etc. I also started taking probiotics and nystatin daily, on

top of a regiment of vitamins and such for a " malabsorption " problem I was

diagnosed with awhile ago. Most of the vitamins and stuff I take were included

in this program. It seems to be helping, but I want to be doing it right so it

takes the least amount of time.

+++Since " proper nutrients " are most important, and the best antifungal is

unrefined coconut oil that I recommend starting along with the diet and

supplements as your only antifungal, and meanwhile stop taking nystatin and any

supplements not recommended on this program. This program will also cure your

malabsorption problems since it is excellent for normalizing digestion.

>

> I have noticed a change in my emotions over the past two weeks, and the

constipation is getting better, but the bloating is still pretty much the same.

It never seems to have any rhyme or reason around what makes me bloated or

not...it seems that any food does it.

+++The reason you are bloating is because when candida is killed out it produces

carbon dioxide (gas). Remember that many foods from Mother Nature are

antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral too. In fact it is difficult to avoid

them, and no one should anyway. Also when your body gets the nutrients it needs

from foods it makes if more able to heal, which causes healing symptoms.

<snip>

> If there is anyone that can relate to where I am at, and they've overcome it,

it would be appreciated if you could reply as this situation seems hopeless in a

sense.

+++We all relate to where you are at: We've " been there, done that " my friend!

It definitely is not hopeless, as many members of this group can tell you - see

these Success Stories for encouragement to do this program:

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/success/index.php

>

> Also, if there are any suggestions for things to eat or take specifically that

I am not doing that would be great, there is a lot of information in your

articles but if anyone has the main points outlined that would be helpful.

+++There is no substitute for reading and learning, however after you read the 2

most important articles (How to Successfully Overcome Candida and Curing

Candida, How to Get Started), there are helpful Candida Diet Lists and a

Supplements Chart on my website - here's those 2 articles:

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/intro2.php

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/intro1.php

+++Here's Diet Lists: http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/menu2_2.php

+++Here's Supplements:

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/menu2_4_3.php

The best in health, Bee

[Guest guest]

Jackie, hello.

I don't know much about PBC/AIH overlap, so I can't comment on specifics of your

treatment.

However, I will say that it sounds as if it's time to get a second opinion.

Tomorrow is Friday. I know it will be hard to pull together the energy, but

start making some calls now.

If a doctor is displeased by your seeking a second opinion, it doesn't speak

well of his commitment to your well-being. (Women seem more often concerned

about this than men.) It's your life, the only one you get.

Even if you have to travel some distance to find another hepatologist, it

probably will be worth it. Perhaps your doctor is doing all that can be done for

your particular case, but you need to be sure of that, if only for your peace of

mind.

I know that each of us is different, and that balancing the advantages and

side-effects of medications is complex. However, you need to feel certain and be

certain that everything possible is being done.

I hope you find a hepatologist who will be more engaged, who will give you a

sense of confidence -- and perhaps who will find a treatment that is more

effective for you!

Best wishes.

Harper

AIH dx 2000 (in remission, but probably stuck with fatigue and aches)

[Guest guest]

Thank you Harper,

I can’t even explain what it means to me to have all you great people there

for me, I was feeling so very alone and isolated by my doctor, and now I feel

much better, and I will find another doctor, I doubt it will be a hepatologist,

since here they are all at the same place, but maybe for now a GI who cares

would be better anyway.

Thank you again,

Jackie

“I don't know much about PBC/AIH overlap, so I can't comment on specifics of

your treatment.

However, I will say that it sounds as if it's time to get a second opinion.

Tomorrow is Friday. I know it will be hard to pull together the energy, but

start making some calls now.

If a doctor is displeased by your seeking a second opinion, it doesn't speak

well of his commitment to your well-being. (Women seem more often concerned

about this than men.) It's your life, the only one you get.

[Guest guest]

First let me tell you HCG dose not permenlety shut down LH and FSH. What is

dose is act like it so the body sees it and slows down sending it. Men take HCG

to help them make a baby as soon as they stop it there body goes back to making

there own LH and FSH again.

Clomid or any kind of SERM meds are not good to take long term. Here is a cut

and paste about this from Dr. .

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

IMPO tamoxifen should NOT be " first choice " for controlling estrogen. For

indeed, it does nothing of the sort. Drugs of the SERM class merely block

estrogen at some tissues, while acting as estrogen at others. The body may

sense estrogen is too low because of this, and actually increase its

production in response!

First choice in controlling estrogen would be altering dosing of

testosterone, where possible (a complex subject). Next is employment of an

aromatase inhibitor. I favor the competitive inhibitor anastrozole.

The simple fact is no one knows what long term use of a SERM will do to us.

But we do know it lowers growth hormone, and this is a powerfully negative

side effect with respect to our health.

Be well!

Regards,

Crisler, DO

Anti-Aging Medicine

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Co-Moderator

Phil

> From: ed <edhill_2006@...>

> Subject: Re: Frustrated

>

> Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2010, 8:30 PM

> Bill, I started hcg about 3 weeks

> ago, and am thinking of stopping, because I don't want the

> natural production of LH to shut down. I only started l dopa

> mucuna and stinging nettle about a week ago, so I can't

> comment on T-Force. But from what I have read, T-Force seems

> to get positive reviews. I won't get a blood test until

> September, so I have no idea of where I am at with T. I do

> feel better though, so I would suspect that my test is is

> higher than it was. I have been getting some good wood

> lately too. I also have been reading on other forums that

> clomid raises test. It seems it will do this in only three

> weeks of taking it.

>

>

>

> >

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> > > > I have all the classic symptoms of low

> testosterone including, lethargy, irritability, little to no

> libido, some ed, and weight gain.  I am 36 years old

> and eat healthy and exercise daily but nothin is

> helping.  I went to the doc to get testosterone checked

> and levels came back 189ng/dl.  I was happy with the

> results because and was ready to make the jump to treatment

> because I felt that it could be a life changer since I no

> longer feel like myself.  Doc wanted to retest and

> levels came back at 264 for total test and 52 for free test

> which he considers to be normal.  I wanted to test

> again immediatly but he wants me to wait 3 weeks because I

> also have low vitamin d which I began taking 2000mg of after

> my initial blood work.  His concern is the mood by my

> concern is my total health and quality of life.  My

> question to you is does testosterone treatment help as much

> as I think or should I just suck it up and deal with my low

> " normal " testosterone levels.  Any input would be

> appreciated.  Thank you

> >

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[Guest guest]

I pray you guys don't make your self's sicker on this stuff. I would not do any

of them things with out running it past my Dr. I can't tell you in the yrs past

how many times men have posted they are trying something like your talking about

and they wasted there money and ended up not feeling much better.

Co-Moderator

Phil

> From: Bill F <bfwl54@...>

> Subject: RE: Re: Frustrated

>

> Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2010, 8:49 PM

>

> Ed, sorry but I'm confused.  What were you taking that

> increased natural production of LH before you started HCG if

> you only started l dopa and Stinging nettle a week ago and

> HCG 3 weeks ago?  When did you start taking T-Force as

> that only has fadogia agrestis right?  If you stop HCG

> now, do you expect the T-Force to sensitize your ledig cells

> to produce their own T again??  Can you go over what

> naturals you took that worked and what effects they had

> prior to 3 weeks ago?  thanks.  Bill

>

>

> From: edhill_2006@...

> Date: Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:30:35 +0000

> Subject: Re: Frustrated

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>       Bill, I started hcg about 3 weeks ago,

> and am thinking of stopping, because I don't want the

> natural production of LH to shut down. I only started l dopa

> mucuna and stinging nettle about a week ago, so I can't

> comment on T-Force. But from what I have read, T-Force seems

> to get positive reviews. I won't get a blood test until

> September, so I have no idea of where I am at with T. I do

> feel better though, so I would suspect that my test is is

> higher than it was. I have been getting some good wood

> lately too. I also have been reading on other forums that

> clomid raises test. It seems it will do this in only three

> weeks of taking it.

>

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> > > > I have all the classic symptoms of low

> testosterone including, lethargy, irritability, little to no

> libido, some ed, and weight gain.  I am 36 years old

> and eat healthy and exercise daily but nothin is

> helping.  I went to the doc to get testosterone checked

> and levels came back 189ng/dl.  I was happy with the

> results because and was ready to make the jump to treatment

> because I felt that it could be a life changer since I no

> longer feel like myself.  Doc wanted to retest and

> levels came back at 264 for total test and 52 for free test

> which he considers to be normal.  I wanted to test

> again immediatly but he wants me to wait 3 weeks because I

> also have low vitamin d which I began taking 2000mg of after

> my initial blood work.  His concern is the mood by my

> concern is my total health and quality of life.  My

> question to you is does testosterone treatment help as much

> as I think or should I just suck it up and deal with my low

> " normal " testosterone levels.  Any input would be

> appreciated.  Thank you

>

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[Guest guest]

Once again taking HCG will not shut you down like going on TRT when you stop HCG

your body goes back to makeing the same amount of LH and FSH it was making

before you started on HCG. HCG acts like LH so when your brain sees this it

slows down sending it so you don't have to much in your body.

Co-Moderator

Phil

> From: ed <edhill_2006@...>

> Subject: Re: Frustrated

>

> Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2010, 10:30 PM

>

> Sorry for the confusion Bill. I wasn't taking anything

> before to increase it. I saw that forum post I referred you

> to after I started hcg, and figured, what the heck, anything

> thing that can help the situation. I know my pituitary must

> be producing LH because my total T was at 382 two months

> ago. I was having some ED issues, so that is when I decided

> to try hcg to increase my T. But I have been reading that

> taking hcg for too long can shut down the natural

> production, so I am afraid of this happening. I guess

> another week wouldn't hurt. It is confusing because I have

> read others say that it takes at least a month to start

> working. Maybe Phil will chime in. I don't profess to be an

> expert on the subject.

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> > > > > I have all the classic symptoms of low

> testosterone including, lethargy, irritability, little to no

> libido, some ed, and weight gain.  I am 36 years old

> and eat healthy and exercise daily but nothin is

> helping.  I went to the doc to get testosterone checked

> and levels came back 189ng/dl.  I was happy with the

> results because and was ready to make the jump to treatment

> because I felt that it could be a life changer since I no

> longer feel like myself.  Doc wanted to retest and

> levels came back at 264 for total test and 52 for free test

> which he considers to be normal.  I wanted to test

> again immediatly but he wants me to wait 3 weeks because I

> also have low vitamin d which I began taking 2000mg of after

> my initial blood work.  His concern is the mood by my

> concern is my total health and quality of life.  My

> question to you is does testosterone treatment help as much

> as I think or should I just suck it up and deal with my low

> " normal " testosterone levels.  Any input would be

> appreciated.  Thank you

> >

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[Guest guest]

Hi ,I know everyone is different -- but I didn't get into a car until 5 weeks after my revision surgery, and then it was so horrible I was in tears and I didn't get back into a car for another couple of months. I went out for a walk every day but Dr. Bridwell didn't allow any other kind of exercise or PT for a full year. Once I decided I wasn't going to get in a car it was actually kind of liberating. I had post-surgical pain for a couple of months, and after that I stopped taking meds but I was still in pain and had to rest a lot. I was lucky to get 6 months medical leave from work and I used it all. I was very careful because I had one failed fusion and broken rods, it was awful, and I wanted to make sure it didn't happen again.

I recommend taking it easy, resting and walking and not trying to much of anything else. Your body needs a lot of time to heal. I know it's frustrating but a year from now you'll be really happy that you didn't rush the process.Take care,EveFrom: Curran <melissacurran530@...>" " < >Sent: Tue, April 5, 2011 2:53:55 PMSubject:

[ ] Frustrated

For some reason, I expected my recovery to be further along at this point. I'm five weeks out from my first of the two surgeries (anterior), and four weeks six days out from the second (posterior). I've been trying to follow all the precautions so that I heal properly, while also pushing myself to get up and do stuff moving around and doing my PT exercises.

However, my pain level has still been very high. Some days are better than others. First thing in the morning is the worst. I get up out of bed and my back is screaming, and that is a couple of hours after my first pain meds of the day! Eventually that settles down a bit, and occasionally isn't that bad, but usually is pretty bad.

I've been trying to be a bit more helpful around the house. I need to feel like I'm not just a burden on my husband and daughter, so I try to find little things that I can handle doing: handling our finances, tidying the kitchen (rinsing soda cans and putting cereal boxes back in the pantry, not washing dishes or anything like that), and other family things that involve a computer and/or phone. I need to contribute.

But shouldn't my pain level be deceasing by now? What were you able to do around the house at this point in your recovery?My trips out of the house have been few and far between. Was this the case for you too? I'm obviously not driving myself, but I've only left the house a few times. Each trip is very hard on me, not just because of what I do when I get there, but because of the ride. Boston roads in early spring are more potholes than roads, which is so painful! I keep a death grip onto the overhead handle, which helps, but doesn't solve the problem. And last week when my car started bucking like a horse with me in it didn't help at all either! And can you believe that was caused by something as simple as spark plugs?

Sorry for all that rambling. I'm crying over here because I'm so frustrated with how slowly things are going. Is this all normal, and thus are my expectations completely out of touch with reality? What else can I be doing to move my recovery forward? I'm so frustrated with my current situation that I think it's interfering with my motivation at the moment.

I will obviously discuss this at my next post-surgery follow up appointment, which is on April 18th. Please give me a dose of reality and some suggestions to help get me through until then. C.Boston, MA

Surgeon: Dr. Glazer5 weeks post-opL3-S1 fusion plus removal and replacement of old hardware

[Guest guest]

Eve,Thanks for your reply. I couldn't wait 5 weeks to get into a car because my first follow up was at 3 weeks. Otherwise, the other trips weren't critical, but instead because I was going stir crazy and wanted to get out just to help maintain my own sanity: crafts store, restaurant with husband and daughter, event for the school my daughter will be attending next year, another shopping trip, and the above mentioned medical appointment.

Dr. Glazer had a physical therapist come by a couple of times while o was in the hospital. Then, during rehab, I had PT and OT daily. Since returning home, a visiting nurses association has sent a nurse by to check up on me 1-2 times per week. OT came by once per week to make sure my house was set up properly and that I was handling essential kitchen and bathroom tasks safely. PT came by 2-3 times per week in order to set up an in home exercise program for me, and also to make sure I'm moving around the house safely. He wasn't very happy when I switched from using my walker to using my cane without first obtaining permission from him. But once he found out, he ran me through a battery of tests, taught me the correct way to use the cane, and then gave me his stamp of approval. After my next post-op appointment in two weeks, I will be switched to attending outpatient physical therapy. I am really not looking forward to that because travel to and from that 2-3 times per week will be prohibitively difficult.

Why did you choose to stop taking meds at two months if you still had pain? Was it fairly mild, and thus you could manage on your own, or did you simply not want to be on meds anymore? I was on a lot of pain meds pre-surgery, so I'm wondering if that's (1) contributing to my increased need for pain meds currently, and (2) whether I can hope to eventually stop taking all meds, or will it be just some? It's still not completely possible to tell what the ultimate outcome will be, but most of my current pain is incredibly different than my pre-surgery pain.

Were you able to tell when your hardware broke, or was that only found dadiologically? I've been having a lot of pain near what I assume is my hardware, but nothing has happened that that I would expect to be required for broken hardware (a fall, car accident, sharp twist of your torso, etc.). If I can ask, what were your symptoms and cause, if known?

How did you know when you were ready to return to work? I work a desk job and ride in the car for thirty minutes each way. Part of me is anxious to return and the rest of me is terrified of how my body will respond. I was most recently told that I would be able to return 2-3 months after surgery. My employer benefits include both short term and long term disability insurance. STD is for the first six months and LTD is for anything beyond that. So far, I have been approved for three month, and further extensions are dependent on my surgeon's recommendation and documentation that he submits on my behalf. The only downside is that I take  a large salary cut while on disibility (either type).

Keeping myself from doing much while recovering for months is going to frustrating, and I'm not sure of I can do it. But you're right, if I do this right and recover well, a year from now I will be very happy with taking all the right precautions. I haven't been going out walking due to the weather, and due to being nervous about going out walking on my own, that has also kelp me inside.

Thanks again,On Apr 5, 2011, at 3:58 PM, eve  <eveweinbaum@...> wrote:

 

Hi ,I know everyone is different -- but I didn't get into a car until 5 weeks after my revision surgery, and then it was so horrible I was in tears and I didn't get back into a car for another couple of months.  I went out for a walk every day but Dr. Bridwell didn't allow any other kind of exercise or PT for a full year.  Once I decided I wasn't going to get in a car it was actually kind of liberating.  

I had post-surgical pain for a couple of months, and after that I stopped taking meds but I was still in pain and had to rest a lot.  I was lucky to get 6 months medical leave from work and I used it all.  I was very careful because I had one failed fusion and broken rods, it was awful, and I wanted to make sure it didn't happen again.

 I recommend taking it easy, resting and walking and not trying to much of anything else.  Your body needs a lot of time to heal.  I know it's frustrating but a year from now you'll be really happy that you didn't rush the process.

Take care,Eve

From: Curran <melissacurran530@...> " " < >

Sent: Tue, April 5, 2011 2:53:55 PMSubject:

[ ] Frustrated

 

For some reason, I expected my recovery to be further along at this point. I'm five weeks out from my first of the two surgeries (anterior), and four weeks six days out from the second (posterior). I've been trying to follow all the precautions so that I heal properly, while also pushing myself to get up and do stuff moving around and doing my PT exercises.

However, my pain level has still been very high. Some days are better than others. First thing in the morning is the worst. I get up out of bed and my back is screaming, and that is a couple of hours after my first pain meds of the day! Eventually that settles down a bit, and occasionally isn't that bad, but usually is pretty bad.

I've been trying to be a bit more helpful around the house. I need to feel like I'm not just a burden on my husband and daughter, so I try to find little things that I can handle doing: handling our finances, tidying the kitchen (rinsing soda cans and putting cereal boxes back in the pantry, not washing dishes or anything like that), and other family things that involve a computer and/or phone. I need to contribute.

But shouldn't my pain level be deceasing by now? What were you able to do around the house at this point in your  recovery?My trips out of the house have been few and far between. Was this the case for you too? I'm obviously not driving myself, but I've only left the house a few times. Each trip is very hard on me, not just because of what I do when I get there, but because of the ride. Boston roads in early spring are more potholes than roads, which is so painful! I keep a death grip onto the overhead handle, which helps, but doesn't solve the problem. And last week when my car started bucking like a horse with me in it didn't help at all either! And can you believe that was caused by something as simple as spark plugs?

Sorry for all that rambling. I'm crying over here because I'm so frustrated with how slowly things are going. Is this all normal, and thus are my expectations completely out of touch with reality? What else can I be doing to move my recovery forward? I'm so frustrated with my current situation that I think it's interfering with my motivation at the moment.

I will obviously discuss this at my next post-surgery follow up appointment, which is on April 18th. Please give me a dose of reality and some suggestions to help get me through until then. C.Boston, MA

Surgeon: Dr. Glazer5 weeks post-opL3-S1 fusion plus removal   and replacement of old hardware

[Guest guest]

,You are doing a lot of stuff. You might want to try doing nothing for a week. Be a burden and stop feeling guilty. No cars, no tidying, limit sitting time and computer. You'll be bored out of your mind, but you might be surprised how much better you feel. Your body needs to heal, If you are expending energy on little things, you don't have it for healing. Take care of yourself!!!! You will be useless to your family if don't heal.-Dyann Diamond

Hi ,I know everyone is different -- but I didn't get into a car until 5 weeks after my revision surgery, and then it was so horrible I was in tears and I didn't get back into a car for another couple of months. I went out for a walk every day but Dr. Bridwell didn't allow any other kind of exercise or PT for a full year. Once I decided I wasn't going to get in a car it was actually kind of liberating.

I had post-surgical pain for a couple of months, and after that I stopped taking meds but I was still in pain and had to rest a lot. I was lucky to get 6 months medical leave from work and I used it all. I was very careful because I had one failed fusion and broken rods, it was awful, and I wanted to make sure it didn't happen again.

I recommend taking it easy, resting and walking and not trying to much of anything else. Your body needs a lot of time to heal. I know it's frustrating but a year from now you'll be really happy that you didn't rush the process.

Take care,Eve

From: Curran <melissacurran530@...>" " < >

Sent: Tue, April 5, 2011 2:53:55 PMSubject:

[ ] Frustrated

For some reason, I expected my recovery to be further along at this point. I'm five weeks out from my first of the two surgeries (anterior), and four weeks six days out from the second (posterior). I've been trying to follow all the precautions so that I heal properly, while also pushing myself to get up and do stuff moving around and doing my PT exercises.

However, my pain level has still been very high. Some days are better than others. First thing in the morning is the worst. I get up out of bed and my back is screaming, and that is a couple of hours after my first pain meds of the day! Eventually that settles down a bit, and occasionally isn't that bad, but usually is pretty bad.

I've been trying to be a bit more helpful around the house. I need to feel like I'm not just a burden on my husband and daughter, so I try to find little things that I can handle doing: handling our finances, tidying the kitchen (rinsing soda cans and putting cereal boxes back in the pantry, not washing dishes or anything like that), and other family things that involve a computer and/or phone. I need to contribute.

But shouldn't my pain level be deceasing by now? What were you able to do around the house at this point in your recovery?My trips out of the house have been few and far between. Was this the case for you too? I'm obviously not driving myself, but I've only left the house a few times. Each trip is very hard on me, not just because of what I do when I get there, but because of the ride. Boston roads in early spring are more potholes than roads, which is so painful! I keep a death grip onto the overhead handle, which helps, but doesn't solve the problem. And last week when my car started bucking like a horse with me in it didn't help at all either! And can you believe that was caused by something as simple as spark plugs?

Sorry for all that rambling. I'm crying over here because I'm so frustrated with how slowly things are going. Is this all normal, and thus are my expectations completely out of touch with reality? What else can I be doing to move my recovery forward? I'm so frustrated with my current situation that I think it's interfering with my motivation at the moment.

I will obviously discuss this at my next post-surgery follow up appointment, which is on April 18th. Please give me a dose of reality and some suggestions to help get me through until then. C.Boston, MA

Surgeon: Dr. Glazer5 weeks post-opL3-S1 fusion plus removal and replacement of old hardware

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Try not to let the frustration get to you. If you havent already, please go to

the files section of the group and read in the area " post-op recovery " . I think

you will see reflections of some of what you are feeling.

I think it is very common for patients on the front side of this surgery to kind

of look away from the " train wreck " that early healing is for many of us. We

help ourselves on the one hand by convincing ourselves that our own healing

timeline will be faster and better, and that permits us to agree to the surgery

in the first place. Thats all well and good...but unfortunately everyone must

climb that recovery mountain. Some climb it quicker than others....but NOBODY

sprints to the top. Please remember that you are not recovering just from the

surgery. You are really recovering from a number of years leading up to the

surgery. So yes...6 weeks after surgery a lot of the soft tissue is healed or

almost healed...but the bone will not be completely grown in until 12-18 months.

And recovering the damage to all the postural structure will be a long way away.

And of course nerve damage may be permanent. It really takes a long time to sort

out what is temporary and what is not.

No doubt when you see your surgeon again he will take to you about your meds.

You may even find that he will want to transition that portion of your care to

you PCP where you can have a more frequent dialogue. But you will learn that you

are the best judge of finding a delicate balance between feeling comfortable

enough, and rested enough to move enough to gain strength and stamina....and

letting the pain become so overwhelming that you can not progress. Of course

also at this time it all seems a little daunting and depressing...but

honestly....after you get past the next few months you will see how far you have

come.

I think Dyann has given good advice. Sometimes when it seems like you should try

to do more...the right answer is to try to do less. This has been true for me

ever since my surgery whenever a ache or pain or twinge comes on. The first

thing I try to do is stop whatever activity seems the culprit. After a few days

or weeks I can usually pinpoint what it is and modify as necessary. I will say

that even to this day....sitting, especially at a computer, is indeed the worse

thing for my body! I feel it in my hips, my shoulders and neck. I get stiff and

dont move well when I first stand up. The answer is not to do more of the

same!!!

Try to be patient with yourself. You are still in early days.

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Cam and Dyann.I read everything in the files section prior to surgery, but I think I deluded myself into thinking my recovery would be faster than the average of what I was reading, because I'm younger than most people in this group (I'm 31). Perhaps I should not have given that as much weight.

The information I was given by my surgeon said that he would handle pain meds for the first six months, and then it was up to my PCP. however, my PCP refuses to handle pain meds, so I will probably be sent back to the pain management doctor in the same large medical practice as my PCP. The PM doc suggested the surgery on the first place.

When I mentioned computer work and such things, I didn't mean I was spending a ton of time sitting at a desk. 95% of my computer work and paperwork has been done lounging in my recliner. I don't feel like I'm doing myself any favors by laying in bed all day, and I've been told by PTs not to. I was told that at least sitting up / lounging in my recliner helps strengthen my core, and thus helps me protect my back. Tidying has been done in mini-spurts of no more than 15 minutes each. I still have taxes to do in the next week, which includes a business component, which means I have to do it myself (the data is not ready). Luckily it is a very, very tiny business.

I will try to be patient, but you've found one of my weakest points. I thought I had done a ton of research into what to expect post-surgery, but it didn't seem to have set in fully. I lave a *long* way left to go, and that terrifies me. I guess it's time to reread the stuff in the files section to realign my ideas about recovery with what people have actually experienced.

[Guest guest]

Hi ...

I'm 11 weeks postop, and am totally sympathetic. I'm also not as far along as

I'd hoped by now, although I am significantly better than I was at 4 weeks

postop. As you'll hear from others here, everyone recovers at a different rate,

and there appears to be no magic to the formula.

Since your pain seems to be at its worst when you wake in the morning, you might

want to consider setting an alarm to get up every 4 hours or so, during the

night, to walk around for a bit. It wasn't until about 2 weeks ago that I was

comfortable enough to sleep in bed at all. While I'm not taking pain medication

during the day, I still have to take both oxycontin and something for

breakthrough pain at night. I get up every 4 hours and walk for a bit, sit for

a bit, then lie back down.

I hope things start improving soon. Try not to let it all get too depressing.

I know the feeling all too well.

Regards,

>

> For some reason, I expected my recovery to be further along at this point.

> I'm five weeks out from my first of the two surgeries (anterior), and four

> weeks six days out from the second (posterior). I've been trying to follow

> all the precautions so that I heal properly, while also pushing myself to

> get up and do stuff moving around and doing my PT exercises.

>

> However, my pain level has still been very high. Some days are better than

> others. First thing in the morning is the worst. I get up out of bed and my

> back is screaming, and that is a couple of hours after my first pain meds of

> the day! Eventually that settles down a bit, and occasionally isn't that

> bad, but usually is pretty bad.

>

> I've been trying to be a bit more helpful around the house. I need to feel

> like I'm not just a burden on my husband and daughter, so I try to find

> little things that I can handle doing: handling our finances, tidying the

> kitchen (rinsing soda cans and putting cereal boxes back in the pantry, not

> washing dishes or anything like that), and other family things that involve

> a computer and/or phone. I need to contribute.

>

> But shouldn't my pain level be deceasing by now? What were you able to do

> around the house at this point in your recovery?

>

> My trips out of the house have been few and far between. Was this the case

> for you too? I'm obviously not driving myself, but I've only left the house

> a few times. Each trip is very hard on me, not just because of what I do

> when I get there, but because of the ride. Boston roads in early spring are

> more potholes than roads, which is so painful! I keep a death grip onto the

> overhead handle, which helps, but doesn't solve the problem. And last week

> when my car started bucking like a horse with me in it didn't help at all

> either! And can you believe that was caused by something as simple as spark

> plugs?

>

> Sorry for all that rambling. I'm crying over here because I'm so frustrated

> with how slowly things are going. Is this all normal, and thus are my

> expectations completely out of touch with reality? What else can I be doing

> to move my recovery forward? I'm so frustrated with my current situation

> that I think it's interfering with my motivation at the moment.

>

> I will obviously discuss this at my next post-surgery follow up appointment,

> which is on April 18th. Please give me a dose of reality and some

> suggestions to help get me through until then.

>

> C.

> Boston, MA

>

> Surgeon: Dr. Glazer

> 5 weeks post-op

> L3-S1 fusion plus removal

> and replacement of old hardware

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I had my revision surgery (T12-Sacrum) with Dr. Glazer when I was 25, almost 26.

I did heal quickly, but having spent a lot of time with Cam when she was

recovering (and she was in her 40s) I don't think it was that much faster,

except that Cam's surgery was more extensive than mine.

The problem I had (and it sounds like yours) was that I'd feel really good in

short spurts, and want to be doing more than watching daytime TV. I was a

teacher at the time, and had taken off June, July and August to recover. In

August, I ended up teaching one class for summer school. It was so exhausting

that I'd teach for 2 hours, then lie down in the nurses office for 2 hours, then

drive home.

What did help me was daily walks - even if they weren't long, I thought it was

really good to leave the house every day. And I had wonderful friends who'd

visit regularly - I just had to ask.

Hope that helps,

Carolyn

>

> Thanks, Cam and Dyann.

>

> I read everything in the files section prior to surgery, but I think I

> deluded myself into thinking my recovery would be faster than the average of

> what I was reading, because I'm younger than most people in this group (I'm

> 31). Perhaps I should not have given that as much weight.

>

> The information I was given by my surgeon said that he would handle pain

> meds for the first six months, and then it was up to my PCP. however, my PCP

> refuses to handle pain meds, so I will probably be sent back to the pain

> management doctor in the same large medical practice as my PCP. The PM doc

> suggested the surgery on the first place.

>

> When I mentioned computer work and such things, I didn't mean I was spending

> a ton of time sitting at a desk. 95% of my computer work and paperwork has

> been done lounging in my recliner. I don't feel like I'm doing myself any

> favors by laying in bed all day, and I've been told by PTs not to. I was

> told that at least sitting up / lounging in my recliner helps strengthen my

> core, and thus helps me protect my back. Tidying has been done in

> mini-spurts of no more than 15 minutes each. I still have taxes to do in the

> next week, which includes a business component, which means I have to do it

> myself (the data is not ready). Luckily it is a very, very tiny business.

>

> I will try to be patient, but you've found one of my weakest points. I

> thought I had done a ton of research into what to expect post-surgery, but

> it didn't seem to have set in fully. I lave a *long* way left to go, and

> that terrifies me. I guess it's time to reread the stuff in the files

> section to realign my ideas about recovery with what people have actually

> experienced.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I went to see a new doctor a few weeks ago here in NYC. He decided to stop my

Test Cyp. 100mg weekly injections and placed me on Axiron 60mg daily (the new

testosterone gel). My Total T was 1284, with Estradoil 38. He decreased my

Axiron to 60mg daily and prescribed Armidex 1mg daily and cialis 5mg daily. He

will recheck labs in 6 weeks.

After being on Axiron and Armidex, I am feeling extremely exhausted, low sex

drive and hardly any erections even though I am on Cialis 5mg daily. Today I

stopped the Armidex or I will take it EOD. What do you guys think I should do

about this mess?

-Dave

[Guest guest]

Dave,

That is a dam lot of arimidex when I first tested high for E2 I only needed .5

mgs everyday to get my levels down. We kept doing this dose and I went to low

in the next week. So I say you way to dam low on E2 taking 1 mgs of Arimidex

/day no dam Dr. worth his salt would give a man 1mg per day of Arimidex. You

drove down your E2 and when your low like this you can get clicking in your

joints and sore joints and muscles with Hot Flash's.

If I were you I would stop the Arimidex and wait until you get some strong night

time and morning wood back that day go back on it but do 1/4 of a pill every 2

to 3 days. Men on Arimidex going to low for E2 can't get it up taking Viagra

your penis will get very small in the soft state to the point you can find it.

Co-Moderator

Phil

> From: Dave <david.w.smith-1@...>

> Subject: Frustrated

>

> Date: Friday, April 15, 2011, 4:04 PM

> I went to see a new doctor a few

> weeks ago here in NYC. He decided to stop my Test Cyp. 100mg

> weekly injections and placed me on Axiron 60mg daily (the

> new testosterone gel). My Total T was 1284, with Estradoil

> 38.  He decreased my Axiron to 60mg daily and

> prescribed Armidex 1mg daily and cialis 5mg daily.  He

> will recheck labs in 6 weeks.

>

> After being on Axiron and Armidex, I am feeling extremely

> exhausted, low sex drive and hardly any erections even

> though I am on Cialis 5mg daily.  Today I stopped the

> Armidex or I will take it EOD.  What do you guys think

> I should do about this mess?

>

> -Dave

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Phil,

Before starting the Armidex I was having great morning and night time erections

with the Cialis for sure but now they are non-existant. I am very frustrated.

How am I suppose to have sex when I cannot get it up even with daily Cialis? I

did not take any today, so I will wait until I get my erections back. Once I do

that than I will follow your directions. I personally don't like this new

testosterone medication. I really like my injections. He wanted to try

something new. I will make sure if I see him again, I want my injections back.

Thanks PHIL!!

-Dave

>

> > From: Dave <david.w.smith-1@...>

> > Subject: Frustrated

> >

> > Date: Friday, April 15, 2011, 4:04 PM

> > I went to see a new doctor a few

> > weeks ago here in NYC. He decided to stop my Test Cyp. 100mg

> > weekly injections and placed me on Axiron 60mg daily (the

> > new testosterone gel). My Total T was 1284, with Estradoil

> > 38.  He decreased my Axiron to 60mg daily and

> > prescribed Armidex 1mg daily and cialis 5mg daily.  He

> > will recheck labs in 6 weeks.

> >

> > After being on Axiron and Armidex, I am feeling extremely

> > exhausted, low sex drive and hardly any erections even

> > though I am on Cialis 5mg daily.  Today I stopped the

> > Armidex or I will take it EOD.  What do you guys think

> > I should do about this mess?

> >

> > -Dave

> >

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Here is a file I made up for men on Arimidex print this show it to your Dr. you

don't give men a women's dose of Arimidex.

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

How To Take Arimdex and not go down on your Estradiol to Low.

What I found is if you go to low taking arimidex, it's the length of time your

to low, if your too low say for 8 weeks it can take your body a longer time to

make more Estradiol. Bottom line is to know how not to go to low. Keep a log on

your dose and how you feel men going to low can't get it up taking Viagra. I

went to low when I first tried Arimidex and did not know about going to low or

how one feels to low, so I was low a good 8 weeks. I did not know I was low

until my next labs.

The best gage I have found to control your Estradiol levels is to gage your

night time and morning wood. At good levels or what I call the sweet spot you

get your night time and morning wood back so strong it will wake you up and you

can hang a coat on it.

Most men do good taking .25 mgs or 1/4 of a 1mg. pill, I use a pill cutter to

cut the small pill in half then I stand it on the cut end and use a single edge

razor to cut this in half. A good way to take arimidex is by how high your

levels are. I tested over 90 pg/ml so we tried doing .5 mgs every other day

after 8 weeks my next set of labs showed it did not move below 90, test said

>90. So we did .5 mgs. every day in about 2 weeks I got some strong night time

and morning wood back after not having them for many yrs.

I kept doing this dose and in 8 weeks my next set of labs said <20 back in the

day labs were like this they did not have to good labs we have today they could

not read lower the 20. My Dr. told me this looks to low to stop taking the

Arimidex. The one thing I noticed was my wood stopped and stopping the Arimidex

my wood came back in about 7 weeks my next test at 8 weeks was 24 pg/ml. So we

went back on the Arimidex but the Dr. told me to take .5 mgs every 3 days I was

on this dose not a week and lost wood. This is when I figured out going to low

you lose wood. And the longer your too low the longer it takes to get levels

back up.

I stopped the arimidex right away and got my wood back in 4 days. I then after

playing with the dose for a time found the best dose is .25mgs every 2 to 3

days.

So lets say your labs are less the 50 pg/ml if your take .5 mgs you can go down

so dam fast your miss the sweet spot of your wood and go to low. It's best with

lower levels 50 and under to do less Arimidex .25mgs every 2 days if later your

lose wood when it comes back go to every 3 days.

I have found estradiol is the hardest hormone to control, it goes up or down

from month to month some times I need .25mgs every 2 days other times I need

..25mgs everyday most of the time I do well on every 3 days.

So between wood and labs I do great and so do most of the men I have told this

to. I keep a log on how much I am taking and how I feel. Doing this and reading

back in my log I was able to tell when I was going to high or to low my Dr. lets

me dose my arimidex by how I feel.

Over the yrs. I have posted this story until I am blue in the face.

Co-Moderator

Phil

> From: Dave <david.w.smith-1@...>

> Subject: Re: Frustrated

>

> Date: Friday, April 15, 2011, 4:43 PM

>

> Phil,

>

> Before starting the Armidex I was having great morning and

> night time erections with the Cialis for sure but now they

> are non-existant.  I am very frustrated.  How am I

> suppose to have sex when I cannot get it up even with daily

> Cialis?  I did not take any today, so I will wait until

> I get my erections back.  Once I do that than I will

> follow your directions.  I personally don't like this

> new testosterone medication. I really like my

> injections.  He wanted to try something new. I will

> make sure if I see him again, I want my injections back.

> Thanks PHIL!!

>

> -Dave

>

>

> >

> > > From: Dave <david.w.smith-1@...>

> > > Subject: Frustrated

> > >

> > > Date: Friday, April 15, 2011, 4:04 PM

> > > I went to see a new doctor a few

> > > weeks ago here in NYC. He decided to stop my Test

> Cyp. 100mg

> > > weekly injections and placed me on Axiron 60mg

> daily (the

> > > new testosterone gel). My Total T was 1284, with

> Estradoil

> > > 38.  He decreased my Axiron to 60mg daily and

> > > prescribed Armidex 1mg daily and cialis 5mg

> daily.  He

> > > will recheck labs in 6 weeks.

> > >

> > > After being on Axiron and Armidex, I am feeling

> extremely

> > > exhausted, low sex drive and hardly any erections

> even

> > > though I am on Cialis 5mg daily.  Today I

> stopped the

> > > Armidex or I will take it EOD.  What do you guys

> think

> > > I should do about this mess?

> > >

> > > -Dave

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ------------------------------------

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Margaret - you might say try it for one month or two months and if you don't

like it, you'll never bother them again. In my line of work, I see a lot of

people trying to impose or force change on others. It doesn't usually work.

People tend to resist when they feel someone else is trying to control them.

They have to come to believe it for themselves.

I think most of us on here have seen improvements in one or two months' time

- not total healing or anything - but improvements. If your husband and son

see some improvements, it might be enough encouragement for them to come

around and believe it for themselves.

Chris

[Guest guest]

>

> I am trying to get my and my son's diet to follow Bee's plan. My husband is

getting very annoyed with me because he thinks I am out of line with the diet

changes.

*** Margaret - my heart goes out to you as I, too, believe very strongly in this

program. As it is, my husband enjoys all the meat and fat he wants but snorts

at me when I limit the carbs (or only offer him veggies, well-cooked). He gets

to cook and eat what he wants on the weekends (however, he's free to cook

whatever he wants - whatever is to be found - any day, if he wants).

Our symptoms of SAD are not as pronounced as some people's so our healing it not

so obvious.

Best to you. I hope you find a way to smooth out the transition.

, moderator

[Guest guest]

Thank you for your support.  I will continue to try to switch over to Bee's

program.  I need all the support here since I don't get it much other places!!

 This group is a great blessing!!

[Guest guest]

HOWDY MARGARET!

I don't know if you've read any of my postings about my personal life? My

husband left me shortly after I started Bee's program. He did not believe that I

was ill in the first place. I've put all thoughts about him, his attitude & his

actions in jar & stuck it way up on a shelf. I will deal with it later. Right

now & for some time to come, I must be SELFISH. My health is my first concern.

My personality is a GIVER, so this was a new & different choice in my life. I

think that might be what shocked him most. When I put my foot down & said " ME ME

ME " .

I am so much better than I was 9 wks ago. My weight continues to drop. My

strength is better. I don't have to deal with all the negativity. I don't have

to deal with someone that thinks I am making up all of the symptoms. I don't

have to cook two different meals every evening. So many positive things have

come from his exit. My inner strength & calmness have surprised me. I think it

comes from being on the road to wellness & confidence in Bee's program.

I know how difficult it is to not get what you need from a spouse. They are

supposed to cover your back, prop you up & encourage you. If the shoe were on

the other foot, I would not hesitate to do all I could to help. I think that has

been the most difficult thing for me to comprehend... when you think you know

your mate and it turns out, I didn't have a clue.

I, too, have found this group & Bee's knowledge & encouragement a true blessing

in my life. If I'd done what all the doctors & my husband wanted me to do... I'd

probably be on life support machines by now!!!

Hang in there Gal,

DeBBie in TeXaS

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

>

> Thank you for your support.  I will continue to try to switch over to Bee's

program.  I need all the support here since I don't get it much other places!!

 This group is a great blessing!!