New to group

[Guest guest]

>(I can't remember what they are called--it is when needles are inserted in

>the muscles).>>>

Oooooo I know I know!!! An EMG! LOLOL Hi & Welcome Kris! Great name eh?

I've had a couple of those done.....while they aren't terrible, they

ain't no picnic in the park either

>, the johns will get a vibrating bed without spending the extra

>quarter! I have to joke about this becasue it is such an ongoing nightmare) >>

ROFLMAO WOOHOOO You will fit in here nicely! And the sad part is...we DO

have to joke about these things alot of the time to keep from crying!

OK...so the Neuro sent you to what kind of surgeon? a Neurosurgeon?

>

> The first surgeon told me through his nurse that he thought I was

> showing symptoms of a brain tumor. I asked for a referral to another

> surgeon to get a second opinion, as the odds that I developed a brain

> tumor at the same time I injured my neck seemed small. >>

WHAT??????????? Gads, don't Dr's really make you wonder what kind of drugs

THEY are on sometimes????

>The second surgeon told me that no, I didn't show symptoms of a brain

>tumor--he thought I showed symptoms of a heart condition! He also said

>that my neck couldn't be causing my symptoms unless I were old (even

>though the first surgeon said I had the neck of an old person). As I was

>leaving, he handed me an armful of samples of Celebrex and told me that I

>needed to stay on Celebrex twice a day for the rest of my life (funny, I

>didn't know they prescribed Celebrex for " heart conditions " . My

>apologies for the sarcasm, but this has been incredibly frustrating and

>expensive and unfruitful). >>

Oh hun...there is NO need to apologize to us for anything,....we KNOW I

was given Celebrex before my surgery, and since I am a non believer in

modern medicine, I didn't hold out much hope for a single pill to do

anything, but I have to say that I was shocked that it did help as much as

it did! Now what *I* found interesting is that 10 or so days prior to

surgery #1 I had to stop taking it. Oh man....the pain came back & it sure

seemed 10 times worse that it ever was prior to taking the Celebrex! I've

already been thru the Ortho that did the 2 surgeries (within 5 weeks) then

a Neurosurgeon with an idiot staff and finally to what I hope is a great

Neuro.

>wasn't causing my symptoms, but that Thoracic Outlet Syndrome not related

>to my neck was causing my symptoms. When I researched, it seems that the

>second leading cause of Thoracic Outlet are herniated cervical

>disks! What a coincidence!>>>

LOL Doesn't this just kill you???? You practically have to do THEIR

homework for them! I am so sorry you've had to give up so much But, I

am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason....so just keep

looking for that reason hun!

> (as if I am a lazy piece of garbage). >>

Please don't ever let ANYONE make you feel like that! And especially some

Dr's wife who sets on her ass all day!

> I asked her if she had ever tried to survive on $24 a day. There are

> times when my physical condition is so unbearable (the nausea is the most

> miserable to deal with for me), that I feel like I can't take it anymore. >>

I know....I was telling someone today that I was just plain TIRED of it

all! I was trying to lay down last night...and that seems like it is when

it hurts the worst. Last night it hurt to the core of my bones, and I am

sure it is the screws doing it. I have no doubt that the screws that are

left in there are at times rubbing against a nerve somewhere on the right

side. If I were fused a little better I would sure have them yank them

suckers out!

>I am sure that some if not all of you on the list have been through your

>share of misery. Can anyone recommended options -- I can't afford

>anymore useless $300 doctor visits. Have any of you been totally jerked

>around by your doctors like this? My next statement is probably going to

>anger some, but I honestly feel that if I had been a male, I would have

>not been treated like a hysterical hypochondriac. Thanks for letting me

>vent (if you have read this far, that is!) Kris King>>

LOL Are you kidding? We read ALL of the emails! You might have upset the

guys, but just say something sexy & they will forgive ya <G> I wish I

could come up with some options for you, but it all really boils down to

finding the right Dr. Like I said, I am on Dr #3! That is

horrible! Course, *I* think that if I had chosen the right Dr the first

time, I never would have had to even have surgery #2! Do you have all of

your films? IMO, if you go into an appt armed with as much info as you

can, the Dr has no choice but to listen to what you have to say. If he/she

gets defensive, then you know to RUN as fast as you can! My PCP had

doubled my Neurontin thinking that would do me some good....NOT! It had my

feet so swollen that I had to wear houseshoes for days! He refused to

listen to my *suggestions* about Topamax and insisted I just cut back on

the Neurontin! Good thing this new Neuro is willing to listen....as my

feet are now back to normal! Since you have now moved to someplace

new....it is going to be tough getting a good referral. Hmmmm, now our

lovely link Queen posted this not too long ago...and while it won't

tell you who is great, it will tell you who to stay away

from!

http://abcnews.go.com/onair/2020/PRIMETIME_hmodoctors_001116_feature.html

" This site gives links to many states disciplinary boards, the AMA, etc so

you can check your doctor. Additionally you can go to your local resources

like civil and circuit court records which are public information and run a

check on your doctors name that way. Good Luck and Happy Hunting "

I saw where you are in CO! Waaaaaaaa! LOL I am from there...and miss the

mountains terribly! I lived in Canon City for most of my high school

years and then in Colo Springs for several years as well. Maybe start

putting out the word on your rescue list that you are on the hunt for a

GOOD Dr.....it may take a little while, but at least you'll know beforehand

that they have treated someone out there well.

Again, welcome to our world!

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

http://www.scentsappeal.net

[Guest guest]

I understand about the MRIs, or should I say MRI$.

I have to say I'm fortunate in the insurance area. Also, my boss

has been really supportive on the 2 months of missed work and

all the follow-up appointments.

I had my surgery on August 30 '02 ( so call it September). I had a previous

Lumbar laminectomy in February 2001 which was a roaring success.

After I woke up from the ACDF (02 surgery), all I could say was

" Oh Sh*t. " I was never told by anyone that having Cervical procedures

were more " difficult " or " tougher " than the lumbar. I should have

known, but in my defense, I was diagonsed on a Tuesday and had

surgery that Friday. I had an ACDF on the C567, dubbed a 2 layer.

I'm a big guy, diabetic, and have high blood pressure. When I woke

up, I couldn't move hardly at all. My left arm was so pumped up with

steroids that I couln't close my hand. I was also on a new experimental

hospital bed that dumped me out 3 times during my stay. I told

the hospital to save their $60K cost of the bed and push it out the

window.

I was supposed to be in ICU one night, but the 2 disks that ruptured

cut through my spinal column, causing a spinal fluid leak. They did

a spinal tap at the base of my spine to drain out excess fluid while I

healed. I spent a lovely 6 nights in Hotel de Horror. The majority of

the nurses were rude and insensitive. I was talked down to like a dog

and they were extremely loud... I'm cripple, not deaf. They jumped

me when I didn't eat. Dry toast for someone who had just had their

throat cut..... M'm M'm good. I told them that I was unable to get

the food to my mouth due to the shock to both of my arms. I was told

" Yes you can. " and they walked out. One night nurse did feed me.

I was noted as being uncooperative.

In the time in the ICU I began to get stronger and I could squeeze a

blue foam block that the PT people gave me. I could feed myself

after a couple of days. The right arm was much better.

Holy cow, I'm ranting. My surgeon was technically excellent, but

his bedside manner sucked big time. A few weeks after my surgery,

his Physician's Assistant and his nurse both left. The PA was a hoot

and marveled at my ability to be stitched up without anesthetic. I

have a really high pain threshold from my pain.

I was prescribed a pain killer and a spasm reducer by the surgeon.

At my November followup (2 months post op), his new nurse came

in and lectured me on the evils of taking valium for so long. I was

taking 1/6 the daily allowed dose, just enough to keep the " pain

volume " low enough for me to function during the day and sleep at

night. *If anyone is still reading my rant, I would love to hear your

stories on pain meds and if they were encouraging you to stop them

and be well and normal.*

Well, about a month after the surgery, I was in outpatient PT at

a fine place. My dad, who had a terminal brain tumor, died. I did

see him before he lost his memory, but I was tortured that I couldn't

be with him at the end. I was well enough to travle the 650 miles

for the funeral. I had to go through surgery without any family support,

and I suggest that no one do this. Had I not been in such bad shape,

I would have waited.

Four months after my surgery (now), I have dull aches from the tips

of my fingers to my shoulders, a little bit in the shoulder blades). I

see a chiropractor to help my thorasic at present.

Thanks for letting me vent. Kris, I wish you the very best. I would hope

that you could find someone to help you the way you deserve to be helped.

Joe

Thanks for responding. Unfortunately, with no insurance (I had applied for

more affordable insurance before I let my Cobra go and they turned me down 2 1/2

months later), I can't afford MRIs or surgery. I am in Colorado, but thanks for

your recommendation (Raleigh is a beautiful area, by the way). Glad to hear

that the surgery has helped you. How long ago did you have surgery? Kris

----- Original Message -----

[Guest guest]

To bad your married, the things I'd do to spoil you afterwards.

-Nick

> I have to have an EMG...get this...internally...that is inside my

rectum and vagina...oh boy, I'm not looking forward to this one. (to

test a nerve that runs from the lumbar down into this area)

>

> I am being passed around to one doctor to another because noone

can figure out what is wrong with me. I have good insurance and it

still is costing an arm and leg in copayments and forget about the

prescription medicine. It's times like this that I wish I lived in

Europe where most of this stuff is almost free.

>

> Chris...I got the sample lotion today...smells wonderful..spread

all over my upper back, neck, butt, and hamstrings. Thanks so much!

>

> Jan

[Guest guest]

Hi Joe,

Happy healthy New Year! That was a long read for me so I am sorry if

I don't touch on a particular area that really effected you. I used

to work in a Hospital many years ago and saw both good and bad in

all of the staff. Sorry yours was not pleasant. It must have been

very difficult the loss of your dad especially when you were both in

need at the same time and could not comfort one another. I just

spoke with my father tonight and we don't get along. I can't imagine

not having the bastard around though. I will be facing your c5-6/c6-

7 cervical surgery hopefully soon. First I am scheduled for sinus

surgery this coming Monday. What a long day of pre-op I had today.

Take care and hang in there.

-Nick

[Guest guest]

> I had to go through surgery without any family support,

and I suggest that no one do this. <

Why?

I have my first neurosurgeons appt on the 13th and if he wants immediate

surgery, all I have is the support of my best friend since my husband is

military and will be gone to training for a month. My best friend and I are Navy

wives.

Will the best friend work...or should I try to wait the month out? My only

concern is that her husband will return from a deployment in that same time

frame and as they are newlyweds...I may get pushed aside.

On one hand I just want to get all this over with as quickly as possible...on

the other hand, I want my hubby there.

[Guest guest]

Tammy....I'm going to tell you this and you have to believe it....you

will definitely be around to see your daughter become a woman....(unless

you get hit by a truck)

Try not to worry and be careful crossing the street.

love jerry fox (AIH)

I,ve had 4 Bxs and they all were nothing but a piece of cake.

[Guest guest]

Jerry,

You seem to have just lifed a huge boulder off both shoulders. Thank

you for your kind and inspiring words.

I guess i'm just worried too much because of the lack of info I

currently have. I've been researching all liver diseases like a

maniac because I don't have a specific diagnosis. All that seems to

be happening is that i'm getting more confused and more depressed.

Thanks again,

Tammy

> Tammy....I'm going to tell you this and you have to believe

it....you

> will definitely be around to see your daughter become a woman....

(unless

> you get hit by a truck)

> Try not to worry and be careful crossing the street.

>

> love jerry fox (AIH)

>

> I,ve had 4 Bxs and they all were nothing but a piece of cake.

[Guest guest]

> Tammy, you sound just like the rest of us, scard. of course you will live to

see your baby grow up, biopsys arent as bad as people think. its taken them 9

years to dx me, but i am still here and hopefully responding to the meds. it is

a hard illness to cope with, pain, exhaustion etc. but i have an 8 year old

clinically diagnosed hyperactive daughter, and i am still here. hold on in there

and try not to panic. once dx is made and you start treatment hopefully you

will start to feel better.

love and prayers

anita

(england)

> From: " tamlybean2003 <tamlybean2003@...> " <tamlybean2003@...>

> Date: Sat 18/Jan/2003 11:02 GMT

>

> Subject: [ ] New to group

>

> I hope i'm doing this right

>

> Hello all, my name is Tammy and i'm 29 yrs old. Couple weeks ago I

> was hospitalized for 24 hour observation because of a few unexplained

> passing out episodes. Anywho, the 24 hours turned into days until

> eventually I signed myself out so that I could be home on Christmas

> with my 18 mo. old daughter.

>

> To try and figure out what was wrong they did a ton of blood tests. A

> coupla days into my stay Dr. Block (a liver doc) tells me that my

> liver enzymes and a few other tests were elevated and that my liver

> was enlarged. I'm thinkin', " Ok give me something to make the

> inflammation go away and send me home " (young and stupid)

>

> At first he thought it was iron overload as my iron levels were high

> but then after another fasting blood test he informed me that my iron

> was fine but the liver tests were still bad. (this was just the other

> day) I'm currently waiting on another set of blood test results to

> come back (probably next week) but the doc did mention that on the

> list of priority he is looking at AIH. I haven't received a dx yet

> but I am so scared, the stress is killing me. I want to be around to

> see my daughter grow into a woman.

>

> I'm just learning how to use this newsgroup but I would really

> appreciate any advice. upcoming liver biopsy, any info on AIH

> (personal accounts), i've read all the technical stuff.

>

> Thank you all and best wishes to all

>

> Tammy

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

>I am sorry this got so long

>Thanks everyone

>>>

Oh gosh ,]

Please don't EVER apologize for telling us your story! That is what we are

here for! Sounds like you've been thru the wringer indeed! I sure hope

they get you straight soon I have lumbar probs...but we have plenty of

neckies in here that can help ya out Glad you joined us!

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

http://www.scentsappeal.net

[Guest guest]

Hey

After a week of denial here I am. First I would like to thank

everyone who has helped me thru Chris.

I am a 33 yr old man who has herniated his C6 and C7. I've had

pain all the way from my back ( actually neck ) to the fingers in my

left hand since the end of November.

I had an MRI done and went to see a neurosurgeon who told me I

had to have a discectomy and laminectomy or else the " stuff " that

leaked-out would calcify and worsen my problem. This seems kind of

invasive.

Has anyone here had this surgery and if so what are the

long term effects? Will it go away if I ignore it ?? This seems to

work for my Ford truck !! What about a neck-brace?

PS - the pain pretty much goes away if I'm up and walking around.

It's really painfull when I sit for a long period of time ( forget

the movies!! ).

Tks for all your help.

Dave S.

>

> >I am sorry this got so long

> >Thanks everyone

> >>>

>

> Oh gosh ,]

>

> Please don't EVER apologize for telling us your story! That is

what we are

> here for! Sounds like you've been thru the wringer indeed! I sure

hope

> they get you straight soon I have lumbar probs...but we have

plenty of

> neckies in here that can help ya out Glad you joined us!

>

>

>

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

> http://www.scentsappeal.net

>

>

[Guest guest]

> You never know when is around

> ~~~~~~~ luv ya lol. >>

Now hey! Dave thinks I am a *nice* girl!!! Don't be tarnishing my image

like that!!!! <BEG>

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

http://www.scentsappeal.net

[Guest guest]

> I just spoke with my doctor again and he mentionned that he is

>not doing a fusion. He's going in thru the back and removing

>the " stuff " that leaked-out. He said that I could wear a neck-brace

>but that it wasn't necessary. He also mentionned that I could return

>to bungee jumping and sky diving, but not for another 6 months - if I

>want.

>

> He is not removing the discs - which is, I think, excellent. I

>guess I can keep abusing my body for another few years !! LOL :-)>>>

OK.....so I am confused now. Now that there isn't as much *cushion* in

there....since the bulging part is going to be gone....does this put Dave

at risk for injury later down the road? I'm not familiar enough with

Neckie stuff to know....so splain please!

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

http://www.scentsappeal.net

[Guest guest]

I once knew an alcoholic who woke up one morning and his stomach hurt

and he was black and blue. It turned out his wife beat him across the

stomach with a pop bottle. she was mad because had gotten drunk and

passed out. Lexi

On Tuesday, February 4, 2003, at 04:55 PM, Dave <k9sar1@...>

wrote:

> No, I didn't injur myself skydiving..  those days are long gone.  I

> woke-up one morning and my back hurt.  I think my wife beats me when

> I sleep !!  LOL

>

[Guest guest]

> I belong to a National Guard SAR unit here in NY. <

Guess there is a lot of us SAR people out here with bad backs and necks!!

[Guest guest]

welcome to the family laurie.

love and hugs

anita(england)

>

> From: " " <gtmiller@...>

> Date: Tue 18/Feb/2003 02:43 GMT

> < >

> Subject: [ ] New to Group

>

> Hi Guys--This is my first time on this web page--I was diagnosed in December

> of 2002 after a liver biopsy with hepatitis, but no one knew what kind yet.

> two weeks ago I was diagnosed with auto immune hepatitis and started on the

> prednisone on Sunday, I had to wait for a few weeks because I had been so

> sick for the past month and had lost 24 pounds from the nausea and vomiting.

> I have a wonderful doctor who found the disease fairly quickly and he

> specializes in this disease, however, he is leaving in June and I will then

> start with his partner. My only consolation is I have at least been

> diagnosed. I have been reading all your e-mails and have a lot of the same

> problems, I do have trouble with my bowels but it is because I lost 80% of

> my colon 4 fours years ago. I find I am tired quite a bit and very run

> down. I have a very active 11 year old and work for a surgeon and sometimes

> find it hard to keep up with everything. I find the e-mails I have been

> reading to be very helpful and encouraging. I am a little scared because I

> don't really know what to expect, I know the doctor wants me to try the

> prednisone for a while and try to get my counts under control and then we'll

> do another biopsy and switch to a different drug. I am 34 years old, enjoy

> coaching and playing soccer. My daughter plays rech soccer, select traveling

> soccer, and basketball and band. I am hoping to just keep up with her and

> she is my life, I have lost three children and can't have anymore and I

> always vowed I would do everything with her. I have been married for going

> on 13 years to a wonderful man, I don't think he understands my fears, he

> feels everything will be fine, and it may be, but it is still very scary.

> Thanks for letting me vent a little and have a place where I can communicate

> with people with the same problems. thanks again, I hope everyone is doing

> well and your in my prayers. Laurie from Sidney, Ohio.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/14/2003 7:13:42 PM Pacific Standard Time,

crawson@... writes:

> Secondly, I've had a cough for 3 months, have tried antibiotics

> unsuccessfully and thankfully have clear Xrays, currently being

> treated for rhinitis, and if that doesn't help then the doc will

> investigate asthma. I'm surprised to see a few letters to this list

> linking hypothyroidism and coughing. Can anyone explain why

> hypothyroidism could cause that, please?

>

Dear ,

Personally, I think that chronic cough and lung sensitivity is related to

hypothyroidism. I've had lung problems and lingering coughs and

pneumonias/bronchitis episodes for as long as I've been hypothyroid. Dr.

Denis , developer of treatment for 's Thyroid Syndrome, lists

asthma as a symptom of hypothyroidism. If you haven't looked at that

website, and since you mention you've had to increase your meds twice, you

might find some interesting information for yourself there.

www.wilsonssyndrome.com

is now offering herbal care products for specific maladys related to

long-term or severe untreated hypothyroidism, which is what a lot of us have

suffered through since our blood tests have always read normal and we've been

refused medicine. He has a preparation that I'm going to try (as soon as I'm

done with the one for the heart) called AsthmaCare. It's for lungs and

bronchial problems. Here's the link to that info: <A

HREF= " http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com/Products/AsthmaCare.htm " >

http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com/Products/AsthmaCare.htm</A>

Let me know if I can help in other ways,

in LA

[Guest guest]

I have problems with chronic bronchitis/pneumonia. I had pneumonia in

January and am working on a good case of bronchitis right now. I don't

know if it's related to my thyroid or the fact that I live in Kentucky,

which is know for allergies. I've had problems with this since I was 12

and didn't discover my thyroid problems until I was 24 so I'm not sure

which really came first.

new to group

Secondly, I've had a cough for 3 months, have tried antibiotics

unsuccessfully and thankfully have clear Xrays, currently being

treated for rhinitis, and if that doesn't help then the doc will

investigate asthma. I'm surprised to see a few letters to this list

linking hypothyroidism and coughing. Can anyone explain why

hypothyroidism could cause that, please?

Thanks very much,

[Guest guest]

> I have problems with chronic bronchitis/pneumonia. I had pneumonia in

> January and am working on a good case of bronchitis right now. I don't

> know if it's related to my thyroid or the fact that I live in Kentucky,

> which is know for allergies. I've had problems with this since I was 12

> and didn't discover my thyroid problems until I was 24 so I'm not sure

> which really came first.

>

Thanks for your reply . It is just so darn hard, with most medical

condition, to figure out what came first, or what is coincidental -v-

causal. Good luck with getting over your bronchitis!

[Guest guest]

Hi I would try the natural approach first as diflucan and other anti-

fungal drugs put a strain on the liver unless herbal anti-fungals.

A good supplement is Candex (www.gutdoctor.co.uk) and it's helping me

after trying numerous herbal anti-fungals it has been the best one.

I would say that as drugs got you where you are, try non-drug

treatments but then again that's just my opinion.

About your dog, that sounds unbelievable but possible I suppose

Jane

> Hi!

>

> I'm new to the group and I've had candidiasis (self-diagnosed :-)

for ~ 10

> years due to chronic antibiotic use prescribed by dermatologists

for acne.

> I'm sure I've passed it to my boyfriend.

>

> Here's a stupid question;

> My dog trainer thinks my dog has " a yeast infection " because other

dogs seem

> interested in her behind and she has a little discharge. Can

candida cross

> species and infect a canine? My dog sleeps in our bed and she goes

to work

> with me so she is with me all the time. I do give her flaxseed oil

and

> yogurt and that seems to stop her licking of her private parts. Can

candida

> be passed by just casual contact? If so, how do you keep it under

control?

>

> Is Diflucan a good idea in order to get the candida under control

and then

> start on a good diet?

>

> Thanks!

> Robyn

>

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE*

> http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail

[Guest guest]

Oh and do the diet along with anti-fungals or you will just be

feeding the candida and it will be no point

Jane

> > Hi!

> >

> > I'm new to the group and I've had candidiasis (self-diagnosed :-)

> for ~ 10

> > years due to chronic antibiotic use prescribed by dermatologists

> for acne.

> > I'm sure I've passed it to my boyfriend.

> >

> > Here's a stupid question;

> > My dog trainer thinks my dog has " a yeast infection " because

other

> dogs seem

> > interested in her behind and she has a little discharge. Can

> candida cross

> > species and infect a canine? My dog sleeps in our bed and she

goes

> to work

> > with me so she is with me all the time. I do give her flaxseed

oil

> and

> > yogurt and that seems to stop her licking of her private parts.

Can

> candida

> > be passed by just casual contact? If so, how do you keep it under

> control?

> >

> > Is Diflucan a good idea in order to get the candida under control

> and then

> > start on a good diet?

> >

> > Thanks!

> > Robyn

> >

> >

> > _________________________________________________________________

> > The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE*

> > http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail

[Guest guest]

Genie....HI...and welcome. First of all,my heartfelt sympathy at the death of your precious daughter. I can truly identify - our son was murdered Jan 19, 1996. It hurts...just plain hurts and we NEVER get over it. The pain just becomes softer.

If you have not already hooked up with a support group, may I suggest The Compassionate Friends? They are truly wonderful! They truly DID save my life after our son died.

Now, to AIH...funny, I teach too....and truly AM ready for bed as soon as I get home. I don't know HOW you are raising a child! My hat is off to you!

God bless you!

Debby

[ ] new to group

Hello,After years of feeling "under the weather" I was diagnosed with PBC in Aug.2001. This was about 1.5 years after the death of our only daughter in ahead-on collision in Dec. 1999. She was 17. We are still reeling from theshock of her loss and we were at that time already in the process of openingour home and heart to another daughter who we adopted from China in Octoberof 2001. We were scheduled to be united with her originally in September.The first leg of our flight was set for the evening of Sept. 11, 2001 justweeks after my biopsy. Needless to say our trip was postponed until lateOctober. (I have to admit that this story sounds hard to believe, even to meand I've lived it.) We traveled to Scotland in March (we live in SouthTexas) the week the war on Iraq began. We have friends who wouldn't standunder a tree with us in a rain storm.Anyway, I've really managed to stay in denial since we came home from Chinaabout my liver, but I was very traumatized with all the above. Our newdaughter is the light of our lives, but I worry about not having the energyfor her. I have been very depressed the last six months and have begun tofeel enormously fatigued. I am comatose by the time I get home from work (HSteacher) and want to spend time with my child, take of the house, eatright, exercise, rest, etc. While I have been basically asymptomatic untilrecently, I am beginning to get cysts in my muscle tissue and experience thefatigue. I also can't sleep at night. I don't feel I'm managing very welland have begun to look at early retirement so I can devote myself to mydaughter and self-care. Financially, it's not the best choice but sometimesour physical and emotional health come first, right?I'm wondering what your experience has been with depression and PBC.Obviously grief is another issue I'm dealing with. I feel like I've beensmashed into a brick wall over and over again and I just don't seem tobounce back like I used to!I pretty much cut to the chase with this introduction. Hope you don't mind.Genie

[Guest guest]

Genie...I know no words that will comfort you against such a devastating

loss... I have 4 daughters and don't know what I'd do if I lost any of

them . Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and I pray for your spirit to

be uplifted. Be extra kind and gentle with your new daughter who will no

doubt ever replace your loss but will never the less lighten your burden

and bring you joy. How wonderful that you could offer love and a home to

a child from half way around the world.... you have my instant respect.

I wonder if you are on or have tried any anti-depression meds...they may

help ease the pain.

My biggest complaint has been fatigue and mine never seems to lessen..so

I think I understand how you feel It is very frustrating wanting to do

certain things but not having the energy to do them.

Welcome to our little family...I hope you stay .

love jerry

[Guest guest]

Genie: Welcome. How devastating to lose your daugther. You are a very special family to adopt another child into your life from so far away. I know she will bring you untold joy.

We will help you through this disease, and all that it brings. There are many here who are full of information and we are always ready to share and lend an ear.

Love and prayers -

gina

[Guest guest]

Genie,

Welcome to this group. All of us can relate to the fatigue and adjustments

we have to make to deal with our liver disease. My heart goes out to you

regarding all the rest of the happenings in your life. Stick with us and you

will learn a lot.

Patty

[ ] new to group

Hello,

After years of feeling " under the weather " I was diagnosed with PBC in Aug.

2001. This was about 1.5 years after the death of our only daughter in a

head-on collision in Dec. 1999. She was 17. We are still reeling from the

shock of her loss and we were at that time already in the process of opening

our home and heart to another daughter who we adopted from China in October

of 2001. We were scheduled to be united with her originally in September.

The first leg of our flight was set for the evening of Sept. 11, 2001 just

weeks after my biopsy. Needless to say our trip was postponed until late

October. (I have to admit that this story sounds hard to believe, even to me

and I've lived it.) We traveled to Scotland in March (we live in South

Texas) the week the war on Iraq began. We have friends who wouldn't stand

under a tree with us in a rain storm.

Anyway, I've really managed to stay in denial since we came home from China

about my liver, but I was very traumatized with all the above. Our new

daughter is the light of our lives, but I worry about not having the energy

for her. I have been very depressed the last six months and have begun to

feel enormously fatigued. I am comatose by the time I get home from work (HS

teacher) and want to spend time with my child, take of the house, eat

right, exercise, rest, etc. While I have been basically asymptomatic until

recently, I am beginning to get cysts in my muscle tissue and experience the

fatigue. I also can't sleep at night. I don't feel I'm managing very well

and have begun to look at early retirement so I can devote myself to my

daughter and self-care. Financially, it's not the best choice but sometimes

our physical and emotional health come first, right?

I'm wondering what your experience has been with depression and PBC.

Obviously grief is another issue I'm dealing with. I feel like I've been

smashed into a brick wall over and over again and I just don't seem to

bounce back like I used to!

I pretty much cut to the chase with this introduction. Hope you don't mind.

Genie

[Guest guest]

I wanted to ask: does anyone have any information about emotional/psychological

connection to the liver (from alternative/Chinese medicine?)

Thanks,

>

> From: " J. " <scott_p@...>

> Date: 2003/05/06 Tue PM 05:36:03 GMT+03:00

> < >

> Subject: RE: [ ] new to group

>

> Genie,

> Welcome to this group. All of us can relate to the fatigue and adjustments

> we have to make to deal with our liver disease. My heart goes out to you

> regarding all the rest of the happenings in your life. Stick with us and you

> will learn a lot.

> Patty

>

> [ ] new to group

>

>

> Hello,

> After years of feeling " under the weather " I was diagnosed with PBC in Aug.

> 2001. This was about 1.5 years after the death of our only daughter in a

> head-on collision in Dec. 1999. She was 17. We are still reeling from the

> shock of her loss and we were at that time already in the process of opening

> our home and heart to another daughter who we adopted from China in October

> of 2001. We were scheduled to be united with her originally in September.

> The first leg of our flight was set for the evening of Sept. 11, 2001 just

> weeks after my biopsy. Needless to say our trip was postponed until late

> October. (I have to admit that this story sounds hard to believe, even to me

> and I & apos;ve lived it.) We traveled to Scotland in March (we live in South

> Texas) the week the war on Iraq began. We have friends who wouldn & apos;t stand

> under a tree with us in a rain storm.

>

> Anyway, I & apos;ve really managed to stay in denial since we came home from

China

> about my liver, but I was very traumatized with all the above. Our new

> daughter is the light of our lives, but I worry about not having the energy

> for her. I have been very depressed the last six months and have begun to

> feel enormously fatigued. I am comatose by the time I get home from work (HS

> teacher) and want to spend time with my child, take of the house, eat

> right, exercise, rest, etc. While I have been basically asymptomatic until

> recently, I am beginning to get cysts in my muscle tissue and experience the

> fatigue. I also can & apos;t sleep at night. I don & apos;t feel I & apos;m managing

very well

> and have begun to look at early retirement so I can devote myself to my

> daughter and self-care. Financially, it & apos;s not the best choice but

sometimes

> our physical and emotional health come first, right?

>

> I & apos;m wondering what your experience has been with depression and PBC.

> Obviously grief is another issue I & apos;m dealing with. I feel like I & apos;ve

been

> smashed into a brick wall over and over again and I just don & apos;t seem to

> bounce back like I used to!

>

> I pretty much cut to the chase with this introduction. Hope you don & apos;t

mind.

> Genie

>

>

>

>