Update

[Guest guest]

Whats the good word ? Is your eye sight now what you had hoped for ? Lots of

support out here for you..... Jeannie dx pbc 06 #2

jjcathcart <JJCATHCART@...> wrote: I am still recovering from

emergence eye surgery.Not allowed off the sofa yet, but just had to let you all

know why I have not been posting last two weeks nor answering any e-mail. Will

remain couch potato for at least another week and half. Will see how next

check-up goes. So far eye is healing nicely. Had start of retinal detachment

with.three tears on my retina.Instead of using laser as I had hoped she had to

use freezing method..which required seventeen needles to freeze all around the

tears. Not a very comfortable thing but she saved my eyesight! Blessings to all,

Joanne

[Guest guest]

Thanks for helping me to 'count my blessings' Joanne - speedy recovery to you

and our support is with you.

Hugs.

Dee

[ ] Update

I am still recovering from emergence eye surgery.Not allowed off the sofa yet,

but just had to let you all know why I have not been posting last two weeks nor

answering any e-mail. Will remain couch potato for at least another week and

half. Will see how next check-up goes. So far eye is healing nicely. Had start

of retinal detachment with.three tears on my retina.Instead of using laser as I

had hoped she had to use freezing method..which required seventeen needles to

freeze all around the tears. Not a very comfortable thing but she saved my

eyesight! Blessings to all, Joanne

[Guest guest]

Wow. GREAT news!!!

Love to hear good stuff like this

Sue

On 9/6/08 6:52 AM, " Betty " <bjshamrock@...> wrote:

>

>

>

> Hi, just thought I would let you all know how I am doing. As some of you

> know my Endo was lowering my meds and changing them since January. I was

> doing great on 120mg of armour, but he was going by tests only and not how I

> felt. He eventually lower it to 90. Since the middle of February I gained 30

> lbs and have felt horrible and had very little energy to do anything.

>

> In early August he started to listen to me and started to gradually

> increased my dosage of armour. I think he still believes 120mg was too much.

>

> I am now back up to 105mg everyday of armour and starting to feel good

> again, not great, but its a beginning. I weighed myself this morning and I

> have lost 5 lbs in almost two weeks.

>

> It feels so good to start losing again instead of keep gaining.

>

> Betty

[Guest guest]

Great!

What was your TSH anad T4 Free?

>

>

>

> Hi, just thought I would let you all know how I am doing. As some of you

> know my Endo was lowering my meds and changing them since January. I was

> doing great on 120mg of armour, but he was going by tests only and not how I

> felt. He eventually lower it to 90. Since the middle of February I gained 30

> lbs and have felt horrible and had very little energy to do anything.

>

> In early August he started to listen to me and started to gradually

> increased my dosage of armour. I think he still believes 120mg was too much.

>

> I am now back up to 105mg everyday of armour and starting to feel good

> again, not great, but its a beginning. I weighed myself this morning and I

> have lost 5 lbs in almost two weeks.

>

> It feels so good to start losing again instead of keep gaining.

>

> Betty

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi Bee,

>

> Hope you're well. I've been following your program for five weeks

now and I'm well into the swing of it. I have successfully removed

all sugars, fruit and dairy from my diet.

+++Hi Amy. That's great you are on my program for 5 weeks. You

didn't say you eliminated grains and other high carb foods, i.e. some

vegetables, etc. - have you?

> I haven't noticed any drastic changes to my health as yet, but I

know this is going to take time, so I'm ok with that.

>

> My digestion has slowed down quite a bit since starting your

program, and I'm not nearly as regular as I used to be. Do you have

any suggestions for improving this?

+++In the article " Curing Candida, How to Get Started " it is

important to increase your good fats up the ratios recommended as

soon as you can, otherwise you can get sluggish bowels due to the big

decrease in carbs:

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

Also see Constipation Treatments:

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/dig1.php

> Also, I am permanently bloated and am finding that my tummy is

still bloated and my weight hasn't budged one bit. I almost feel

like my metabolism hasn't been switched on for the past few years.

Could this be related to the candida?

+++Bloating is caused by gas which is produced by candida (and other

bad bacteria) when it is being killed off. Do you need to gain or

lose weight? In any case weight problems can take a long time to

become normalized.

Yes, your metabolism was lowered due to candida, lack of nutrition,

toxins, etc. And candida causes all cell membranes to become

rigid/stiff and this means organs and functions responsible for

maintaining metabolism aren't working like they should, and also the

cells aren't as able to obtain nutrients, hormones, water, etc. into

them like they should - see Candida Causes Cell Membrane Defects to

understand: http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/cabout1.php

Take good care,

Bee

[Guest guest]

Caren,

Continue to take it easy. I know you want to do for yourself but don't overdo it. Take advantage of the help while you have it because in a few weeks you will be on your own.

Is the Tylenol taking care of your pain? It's amazing that you are off pain meds already!

Remember to take it slow!

Peggy

[ ] Update

Went to the plastic surgeon yesterday and everything looked good but todaythere's a little ooze. Must see him again next Wed and the back surgeon onThurs. Have taken no pain meds since 7:30 PM last night except for tylenol.The pain meds are giving me dry mouth and I can't stand it.Have been walking and sitting and doing very easy PT, just to keep the bloodmoving and the legs nimble. I have an aide with me during the day but it'ssurprising how much I am able to do myself!! I'll probably need her forjust another week or two. My sister is staying with me at night for thefirst week and a friend will probably stay with me the second.It's GREAT to be on the other side!!! I HATE being dependent on anybodythough, so I try to do whatever I can for myself.Thanks again everyone for all your support and extra special thanks toDonna.Caren

[Guest guest]

Good for you Caren!! It's a great feeling to up and about again, isn't it? Even in the hospital I was able to do more than going into the hospital... Tonight was back to school night and I actually made it by all of my kids classes for the first time in about 3 years!

Take care, Ken.

From: Caren Koslov <ckoslov@...>Subject: [ ] Update"Flatback List" < >Date: Thursday, September 18, 2008, 2:32 PM

Went to the plastic surgeon yesterday and everything looked good but todaythere's a little ooze. Must see him again next Wed and the back surgeon onThurs. Have taken no pain meds since 7:30 PM last night except for tylenol.The pain meds are giving me dry mouth and I can't stand it.Have been walking and sitting and doing very easy PT, just to keep the bloodmoving and the legs nimble. I have an aide with me during the day but it'ssurprising how much I am able to do myself!! I'll probably need her forjust another week or two. My sister is staying with me at night for thefirst week and a friend will probably stay with me the second.It's GREAT to be on the other side!!! I HATE being dependent on anybodythough, so I try to do whatever I can for myself.Thanks again everyone for all your support and extra special thanks

toDonna.Caren

[Guest guest]

Caren,

I am so glad you are in the comforts of home. If I may, I would only

caution you that striving for

independence to early can cause great grieve. You've been hit by a

bus...so to speak and it takes

a very, very long time to heal so please watch out for those extra

stretches, lifting and taxing the old

bod...too much and just take care of yourself....Welcome home. C

Quality Assurance Manager-Cadra Product

SofTech, Inc.

59 Composite Way, Suite 401

Lowell, MA 01851

978-513-2650 call

978-458-4096 fax

http://www.softech.com/products/cad.php

[Guest guest]

Ken,

That's wonderful to hear. Keep up the good work.

Caren

>

> From: Caren Koslov <ckoslov@...>

> Subject: [ ] Update

> " Flatback List " < >

> Date: Thursday, September 18, 2008, 2:32 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Went to the plastic surgeon yesterday and everything looked good

but today

> there's a little ooze. Must see him again next Wed and the back

surgeon on

> Thurs. Have taken no pain meds since 7:30 PM last night except for

tylenol.

> The pain meds are giving me dry mouth and I can't stand it.

>

> Have been walking and sitting and doing very easy PT, just to keep

the blood

> moving and the legs nimble. I have an aide with me during the day

but it's

> surprising how much I am able to do myself!! I'll probably need

her for

> just another week or two. My sister is staying with me at night

for the

> first week and a friend will probably stay with me the second.

>

> It's GREAT to be on the other side!!! I HATE being dependent on

anybody

> though, so I try to do whatever I can for myself.

>

> Thanks again everyone for all your support and extra special

thanks to

> Donna.

>

> Caren

>

[Guest guest]

Caren,

So good to hear you are doing so well. A bit of caution though, leaving pain meds behind to early can be counter productive. Speak with you doc and see if something milder can be used so that you can have pain control without the dry mouth. Going off med's can be tricky, pain can creep up again or just plain wollop you, and you want to keep the forward progress moving, and pain hitting you hard can and does really complicate forward progress. I know it sucks to depend on people, I hated it too, but really those who take it steady and easy move through recovery better. You want those fusions to get solid, and the time spent now taking it easy and healing will be the best gift you have ever given yourself. The stage you are in now is allowing the work your surgeon did to settle and become complete, making bone and healing is tough work. I know when I was recovering, if I pushed too hard, I sure paid for it the next day. So early on allow those around you to help, when you get further down the road from this you'll see how sound this advice is right now you just want to recover your life and get back at it, but time and healing will be your friend, and so worth this time given now. Just this week I went to a political rally, spent hours in line only to find when I got inside I would be standing too, and my reaction to that was thank God for my surgery and Dr. Kumar that gave me back the ability to stand and walk as much as needed. Nearly six years out from Revision it's never lost on me just how much I've gotten back from it, most would complain about standing for 5 hours, I was grateful I was able to do it. Know if you give recovery it's time, you do reap the reward of it, good solid fusions with hardware solidly in place, it's the best gift you can give yourself.

Colorado Springs

[ ] Update

Went to the plastic surgeon yesterday and everything looked good but todaythere's a little ooze. Must see him again next Wed and the back surgeon onThurs. Have taken no pain meds since 7:30 PM last night except for tylenol.The pain meds are giving me dry mouth and I can't stand it.Have been walking and sitting and doing very easy PT, just to keep the bloodmoving and the legs nimble. I have an aide with me during the day but it'ssurprising how much I am able to do myself!! I'll probably need her forjust another week or two. My sister is staying with me at night for thefirst week and a friend will probably stay with me the second.It's GREAT to be on the other side!!! I HATE being dependent on anybodythough, so I try to do whatever I can for myself.Thanks again everyone for all your support and extra special thanks toDonna.Caren

[Guest guest]

Caren,

I understand how awkward and uncomfortable it can be to feel the need

to ask for help with those everyday things that we need....but try to

remember that this too shall pass.

I can also understand that you don't like the way the meds you were

on make you feel....but I have to say that I don't know of any

members who were off all meds this soon after surgery. The fastest

that I know of was around 4 weeks. There is no award for being off

meds early. Of course everyone is different...but I would caution you

too that if you have a big uptick in pain and stiffness you may find

it very tough to get through your daily walking goals...never mind

finding that you are one " crabby cathy " !

I believe it will take more than 24 hours for the meds to leave your

system so you may not yet know what you feel like without adequate

pain relief. Promise that if you are not feeling good that you

contact your surgeon and find an alternative method of pain

control....please!

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Caren,

I have to agree with Cam,

When I had my 2nd surgery, around 1980 or so, I didn't take the pain shots

while still in the hospital and was told I needed to take them. I guess if

your body is tense from pain, it hampers the healing process which is

something you don't want to do. If dry mouth is the only issue, you could

try some hard candy or something to keep it moist or sip on liquids more

often. I hate dry mouth, too, but in this case, it's the the lesser of the

evils.

I, too, am independent and never ask for help because I hate it like you do.

BUT, there's a time and a place for everything and THIS is the time for you

to accept some help.

Just my 2 cents that probably aren't even worth that much, anymore.

Be well,

Jill

[ ] Re: Update

> Caren,

>

> I understand how awkward and uncomfortable it can be to feel the need

> to ask for help with those everyday things that we need....but try to

> remember that this too shall pass.

>

> I can also understand that you don't like the way the meds you were

> on make you feel....but I have to say that I don't know of any

> members who were off all meds this soon after surgery. The fastest

> that I know of was around 4 weeks. There is no award for being off

> meds early. Of course everyone is different...but I would caution you

> too that if you have a big uptick in pain and stiffness you may find

> it very tough to get through your daily walking goals...never mind

> finding that you are one " crabby cathy " !

>

> I believe it will take more than 24 hours for the meds to leave your

> system so you may not yet know what you feel like without adequate

> pain relief. Promise that if you are not feeling good that you

> contact your surgeon and find an alternative method of pain

> control....please!

>

> Take Care, Cam

>

>

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

>

> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates

> Links

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yesterday was a big day for me and I definitely required pain meds

again. Worked with the PT and I was exhasuted after the workout. I

know now that I must continue with the pain meds even though I hate

them.

Caren

>

> Caren,

>

> I understand how awkward and uncomfortable it can be to feel the

need

> to ask for help with those everyday things that we need....but try

to

> remember that this too shall pass.

>

> I can also understand that you don't like the way the meds you

were

> on make you feel....but I have to say that I don't know of any

> members who were off all meds this soon after surgery. The fastest

> that I know of was around 4 weeks. There is no award for being off

> meds early. Of course everyone is different...but I would caution

you

> too that if you have a big uptick in pain and stiffness you may

find

> it very tough to get through your daily walking goals...never mind

> finding that you are one " crabby cathy " !

>

> I believe it will take more than 24 hours for the meds to leave

your

> system so you may not yet know what you feel like without adequate

> pain relief. Promise that if you are not feeling good that you

> contact your surgeon and find an alternative method of pain

> control....please!

>

> Take Care, Cam

>

[Guest guest]

Caren,

Please don't beat yourself up...you are doing great!

Believe that the day will come when you can taper off meds that are

keeping you sane and comfortable now. Yes, there are some down sides

to them, but they also have the benefit of permitting you the comfort

level you need to move around enough to gain strength. You just can't

get your stamina up if you feel too crummy to move much. Its a tricky

cycle to maintain in the first few months...but ordinarily as all the

muscles that support this new posture become strong again you will

tire a lot less quickly, and then you can do more without being

knocked out, so you are less stiff, so you can step down on meds...and

then you do a little more and so on, and so on. Suddenly you find

yourself like Ken saying to yoruself... " Holy Cow! I just did something

I couldn't have imagined a year ago! "

We all want this healing business/recovery to be over and done as

quickly as possible, but try to let your body do its magic and

heal...and you will get there sooner than you think.

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Hi Caren,

Please take it easy. Slow and easy wins this race. Remember, right after surgery, your spine is basically mush. It needs a lot of time to fuse properly. The last thing you want to do is to do too much too soon. Also, there are no rewards given for getting off meds sooner rather than later. Stay on the meds as long as you need them. The meds allow your body to use its resources to heal instead of using its resources to fight pain. And please remember, if anyone is giving you a hard time about being on meds, it's their problem, not yours. When it's time to get off the meds, as long as you do it slowly, it's not a problem. I was on MS Contin, a morphine derivative, for 6 months following my revision surgery. At that point, I had no problem decreasing to nothing because I did it very slowly.

Bonnie

[Guest guest]

Caren,

You are quite welcome and as I've said a thousand times before, any

questions, please call!! Tylenol 3 weeks post!!!! Are you trying to

be a hero????? I know one of the reasons we have surgery is so that

we can stop relying on pain meds, but we need to heal and kill the

pain (postop) so that we can rest. Trust me, your Tylenol days are

not far away, but I doubt that now is that time. You are doing

great, but be patient with yourself and let others help. Believe me,

they will be gone shortly and wondering why you are not back to being

yourself in about 1-2 months time. This is a process - trust it and

rest!

Donna

>

> Went to the plastic surgeon yesterday and everything looked good

but today

> there's a little ooze. Must see him again next Wed and the back

surgeon on

> Thurs. Have taken no pain meds since 7:30 PM last night except for

tylenol.

> The pain meds are giving me dry mouth and I can't stand it.

>

> Have been walking and sitting and doing very easy PT, just to keep

the blood

> moving and the legs nimble. I have an aide with me during the day

but it's

> surprising how much I am able to do myself!! I'll probably need

her for

> just another week or two. My sister is staying with me at night

for the

> first week and a friend will probably stay with me the second.

>

>

> It's GREAT to be on the other side!!! I HATE being dependent on

anybody

> though, so I try to do whatever I can for myself.

>

>

> Thanks again everyone for all your support and extra special thanks

to

> Donna.

>

> Caren

>

[Guest guest]

good luck with your surgery Dawn. Fingers crossed!

wendy

Update

Hi all, sorry I have not updated in awhile, but here is what is going

on with me.

I am scheduled for spinal fusion and a Laminectomy on Jan. 8 2009. It

is being done by Dr. Melisi. I have full faith that this will work

after much therapy and positive attitudes. I already have a great

support system lined up for my recovery here at home. I have my best

friend Misty, my Mom, my sister-in-law Becky and a few nieghbors who

are going to chip in and help me. My insurance will also pay for ten

home health visits for PT, OT and personal care. (Ten each)

I have not been able to get to sleep lately until like 4-5 am. As

long as I am laying down it does not bother me so the pain is not the

reason. I just have alot of my mind, ie... surgery, money and etc...

My car's head gasket blew and it has cost me $800.00 to get my car

out. I finally get it back tomorrow. YIPPY!

I still have the pain as normal and I am getting over my sinus

infection although my nephew, Liam (2) is now sick with sinuses! Poor

baby! I hope everyone has an awesome and pain free Christmas if I do

not get to post again. I am looking forward to doing my Christmas

shopping next year fighting the crowds instead of ordering over the

computer because of the pain!

Dawn

[Guest guest]

Hi April,

 

How come you had a second surgery?  What did you have?

 

I had C3-5 fused mid December.  Some symptoms are gone, but now I have some new

symptoms.

So. Cal.

Photos: http://www.vegetable123.blogspot.com

Email: vegetable1two3@...

From: April <nanny04@...>

Subject: Update

spinal problems

Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 7:47 PM

Hey Everyone, I am now two weeks post surgery. This was my second

surgery in 12 weeks. I am def recovering slower this time, but I

think its because my body was still recovering from the first one.

The good news is that I got to take my first shower today My spine

doctor doesnt allow you to take a shower for two weeks after your

surgery! So, that is my exciting news for today!

I am really hopeful that this surgery will do the trick. At least,

take away enough pain so that I can go back to work. It is hard being

home all the time!!! How is everyone else doing? Any good news to

report? I look forward to hearing from all of you!

--

Email2me.... The email service that cares. It is FREE.

http://www.email2me .com

[Guest guest]

I had a massive spinal fluid leak after the first surgery. I also had L4

L5 fused again. It didnt work the first time! Its very frustrating. I

hope I dont have to have a third surgery!

Update

spinal problems

Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 7:47 PM

Hey Everyone, I am now two weeks post surgery. This was my second

surgery in 12 weeks. I am def recovering slower this time, but I

think its because my body was still recovering from the first one.

The good news is that I got to take my first shower today My spine

doctor doesnt allow you to take a shower for two weeks after your

surgery! So, that is my exciting news for today!

I am really hopeful that this surgery will do the trick. At least,

take away enough pain so that I can go back to work. It is hard being

home all the time!!! How is everyone else doing? Any good news to

report? I look forward to hearing from all of you!

--

Email2me.... The email service that cares. It is FREE.

http://www.email2me .com

[Guest guest]

April,

 

I had c4-6 fused in Dec.  What do you mean, it didn't work?  How does fusion not

work?  did you need new screws?  Hope you are feeling better....

So. Cal.

Photos: http://www.vegetable123.blogspot.com

Email: vegetable1two3@...

From: April <nanny04email2me (DOT) net>

Subject: Update

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 7:47 PM

Hey Everyone, I am now two weeks post surgery. This was my second

surgery in 12 weeks. I am def recovering slower this time, but I

think its because my body was still recovering from the first one.

The good news is that I got to take my first shower today My spine

doctor doesnt allow you to take a shower for two weeks after your

surgery! So, that is my exciting news for today!

I am really hopeful that this surgery will do the trick. At least,

take away enough pain so that I can go back to work. It is hard being

home all the time!!! How is everyone else doing? Any good news to

report? I look forward to hearing from all of you!

--

Email2me.... The email service that cares. It is FREE.

http://www.email2me .com

[Guest guest]

The first fusion did not hold! I dont know how that happens. I switched

doctors for this last surgery. I feel like I am never going to be able to

enjoy normal life again, but I am sure trying to heal!!! Hope you feel

better soon too! April

Update

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 7:47 PM

Hey Everyone, I am now two weeks post surgery. This was my second

surgery in 12 weeks. I am def recovering slower this time, but I

think its because my body was still recovering from the first one.

The good news is that I got to take my first shower today My spine

doctor doesnt allow you to take a shower for two weeks after your

surgery! So, that is my exciting news for today!

I am really hopeful that this surgery will do the trick. At least,

take away enough pain so that I can go back to work. It is hard being

home all the time!!! How is everyone else doing? Any good news to

report? I look forward to hearing from all of you!

--

Email2me.... The email service that cares. It is FREE.

http://www.email2me .com

[Guest guest]

Congratulations Caren on your progress! Your statement ..."the surgery gives you back your life"...is what we all go through this rigorous revision surgery in hopes to achieve. We all experience improvement on different levels. I'm very happy for you!

G

[ ] Update

Had my 5 month post-op visit with Dr. Errico yesterday and everything isfine. He is now starting me on physical therapy. Still have surgical painbut either I'm getting used to it or it's getting somewhat better!For those of you who are awaiting surgery, just know that the surgery givesyou back your life!!Caren

[Guest guest]

Caren,

Congratulations! I bet it is a little bit of healing and a little bit

of strength returning that is contributing to your feeling better. The

good news is that you still have a long timeline ahead to heal...which

hopefully means a lot of this will resolve for you over time.

Do you know what your particular PT prescription is for? Sounds like

your doctor also puts any formal PT off until the fusion is beginning

to set up. I didn't start with my PT until around 7 months since I

didn't get to my 6 month check until then....and eventually met all my

goals anyway. I couldn't believe how weak my abs were when I first

started but that is what we started with!

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

>

Hi Cam,

The exercises prescribed are: trunk strengthening, lower extremity

stretching and lower extremity strengthening. I hate PT but I guess

I'll have to do it.

Caren

> Caren,

>

> Congratulations! I bet it is a little bit of healing and a little bit

> of strength returning that is contributing to your feeling better. The

> good news is that you still have a long timeline ahead to heal...which

> hopefully means a lot of this will resolve for you over time.

>

> Do you know what your particular PT prescription is for? Sounds like

> your doctor also puts any formal PT off until the fusion is beginning

> to set up. I didn't start with my PT until around 7 months since I

> didn't get to my 6 month check until then....and eventually met all my

> goals anyway. I couldn't believe how weak my abs were when I first

> started but that is what we started with!

>

> Take Care, Cam

>

[Guest guest]

Caren,

Just take it as part of the process....and take it easy...you don't

have to pass a physical fitness test anytime soon. Slow and sure wins

the race in this recovery!

Take Care, Cam