Peggy

[Guest guest]

Debby, in my daughters case she had lost an estimated 90% of her liver, she was to the point that while they felt it was safe for my to drive her from our home in northwest Fl. to Shands hospital in Gainesville they cautioned me on what to do if she should go into a coma on the way down. lol Needless to say it was a memeorable trip What the transplant team found when we arrived was that she was taking some meds that were hurting her and not taking some that may have a chance to help. When they put her on Prograff, gave massive doses of vitamine K, and made some other changes her numbers finally stopped climbing. What they decided to do was keep her in the hospital, do daily labs and just hope that her liver would start coming around, and it did. While the rescue may be viewed as a bandaid approach I personally feel that every chance should be given to keep the liver you have if at all possible. She was only 19 at the time and the thought of what a life change a transplant is I am glad she had a doctor willing to take the chance. She is not out of the woods by any means and in some cases her young age are going to play against her, while at some point she will probably have to have a transplant it isn't going to be now or for as long as we can keep this one going! I think that in each of us finding the right combo of drugs that our bodies respond to is the key and having a doctor with an aggressive approach has been a life safer for us. I hope I have explained that wel enough Debby. Peggy

[Guest guest]

Dear Peggy,

I'm curious about your daughters curve and treatment, since I too am going through the next generation with Scoliosis, my 13 year old daughter. Ceili has a 30 degree " C" type curve and is braced. What made them go to surgery with her being so young? Was she finished growing? Ceili still is growing by X-ray, and has been in the brace since late May, next check in early december, we are hopeful she's stopped growing then and hasn't progressed. How good of an in brace correction did they get with your daughter? I found Ceili's curve when she was nine and it moved around in degrees for four years till we had a progression from 17 to 30 in six months. Just looking to hear from someone whos gone through it a second time like me!

Colorado Springs

Re: clothing (was Weather changes & pain)Hi, ! I too have the very short-waisted Erkel thing going on - couple inches between bra and waist, etc. And hard to twist for side zippers, so try to avoid them when I can. I haven't ever tried low-rise, but you all have inspired me to try! I do tuck things in sometimes, and "blouse" it out enough that it looks like my waist is lower . . . sometimes works, but un-tucked works better. Too bad I like the neat/tidy look of pants and blouse. I have an opposite effect from my teen bracing experience and chest size. My post-surgical brace went up the sides and between the breasts. And since I couldn't wear a bra in that thing, I developed from an A to a D with no support, so I never had the perky experience. I've had old lady boobs since I was 13. Kind of a bummer. Every once in a while people will mention a reduction or lift, and I just can't justify to myself a surgery like that after all I've been through and probably will go through with revision in my future. Maybe when I have revision surgery, I can ask for a lift too! :-)Deb M.

[Guest guest]

Correction: it is Distraction Manipulation Technique

[ ] Peggy

I am 43 years old and had a Harrington rod fused to my spine when I was 12. I thought I was fused to L3 but after seeing my recent x-rays, I now know that I am fused to L4. You know the story, all the wear and tear has been on L5 and I have severe DDD.

I have felt a need for lumbar traction to try to open up the space and see if I could get some pain relief. (I went to a spinal surgeon a few years ago and he said that while I did have flatback, I was not a candidate for surgery at that time.) I knew that my local physical therapy clinic did not offer lumbar traction. I decided to call the chiropractor that I do transcription for and he said he had a technique he might be able to try to open up the space. He took weightbearing x-rays and I was shocked at the lack of space compared to my x-rays of 10 years ago. Dr. Graham said he would probably have to classify me as disabled in approximately 5 years (meaning that I would not be able to work full-time any longer as my spine would be unable to stand the pressure from sitting most of the day). He also said that down the road when the nerves started to be compressed I would probably need surgery to fuse the rest of the spine down through the sacrum.

He knows that my husband is unemployed (has not worked since 06/24/05) and that the present goal was to keep me working full-time until we were in a better financial position. He agreed to try the Decompression-Manipulation technique on my lumbar spine with very little movement. I lay face down on this table and he straps my legs in place. He moves the table so that your legs move putting your spine in a mildly flexed position to stretch the tendons and ligaments that have not been used in years due to degeneration. I have been going 2-3x/week for 4 weeks now and it has definitely relieved my back pain. Of course he said that this was just a temporary "fix" as there is really not anything more he can do. He also suggested that I never go to a chiropractor that would do more damage to my spine, and only go to the best surgeons in the future if the need for surgery arises.

He also does trigger point therapy and having fibromyalgia, it has been wonderful to have some of these trigger points resolved. I am sure I will continue to see him for trigger point relief or find another good massage therapist down the road when my husband is employed again.

He would really like me to have an MRI to see what condition the discs are in but since we do not what material the Harrington rod is made of, we have not scheduled one. Does anyone know what the Harrington rod in 1975 was made of? I've always believed that it was stainless steel but that may not be correct. That is what my Mom always told me though. Is it safe to have an MRI done with a Harrington rod from T3-L4? I have had it for 31 years now.

Thanks,

Peggy

[Guest guest]

Hi Peggy...

While some patients have told me that they thought that their

Harrington rods were titanium, Mr. Marc Asher (keeper of all

Harrington facts) told me that all Harrington rods are stainless

steel. Even if he's wrong, I don't believe titanium was in use for

medical implants in 1975.

Regards,

>

> I am 43 years old and had a Harrington rod fused to my spine when I

was 12. I thought I was fused to L3 but after seeing my recent

x-rays, I now know that I am fused to L4. You know the story, all the

wear and tear has been on L5 and I have severe DDD.

>

> I have felt a need for lumbar traction to try to open up the space

and see if I could get some pain relief. (I went to a spinal surgeon

a few years ago and he said that while I did have flatback, I was not

a candidate for surgery at that time.) I knew that my local physical

therapy clinic did not offer lumbar traction. I decided to call the

chiropractor that I do transcription for and he said he had a

technique he might be able to try to open up the space. He took

weightbearing x-rays and I was shocked at the lack of space compared

to my x-rays of 10 years ago. Dr. Graham said he would probably have

to classify me as disabled in approximately 5 years (meaning that I

would not be able to work full-time any longer as my spine would be

unable to stand the pressure from sitting most of the day). He also

said that down the road when the nerves started to be compressed I

would probably need surgery to fuse the rest of the spine down through

the sacrum.

>

> He knows that my husband is unemployed (has not worked since

06/24/05) and that the present goal was to keep me working full-time

until we were in a better financial position. He agreed to try the

Decompression-Manipulation technique on my lumbar spine with very

little movement. I lay face down on this table and he straps my legs

in place. He moves the table so that your legs move putting your

spine in a mildly flexed position to stretch the tendons and ligaments

that have not been used in years due to degeneration. I have been

going 2-3x/week for 4 weeks now and it has definitely relieved my back

pain. Of course he said that this was just a temporary " fix " as there

is really not anything more he can do. He also suggested that I never

go to a chiropractor that would do more damage to my spine, and only

go to the best surgeons in the future if the need for surgery arises.

>

> He also does trigger point therapy and having fibromyalgia, it has

been wonderful to have some of these trigger points resolved. I am

sure I will continue to see him for trigger point relief or find

another good massage therapist down the road when my husband is

employed again.

>

> He would really like me to have an MRI to see what condition the

discs are in but since we do not what material the Harrington rod is

made of, we have not scheduled one. Does anyone know what the

Harrington rod in 1975 was made of? I've always believed that it was

stainless steel but that may not be correct. That is what my Mom

always told me though. Is it safe to have an MRI done with a

Harrington rod from T3-L4? I have had it for 31 years now.

>

> Thanks,

> Peggy

>

[Guest guest]

If the Harrington rods are stainless steel, is it safe to have an MRI?

Peggy

[ ] Re: Peggy

Hi Peggy...While some patients have told me that they thought that theirHarrington rods were titanium, Mr. Marc Asher (keeper of allHarrington facts) told me that all Harrington rods are stainlesssteel. Even if he's wrong, I don't believe titanium was in use formedical implants in 1975. Regards,>> I am 43 years old and had a Harrington rod fused to my spine when Iwas 12. I thought I was fused to L3 but after seeing my recentx-rays, I now know that I am fused to L4. You know the story, all thewear and tear has been on L5 and I have severe DDD.> > I have felt a need for lumbar traction to try to open up the spaceand see if I could get some pain relief. (I went to a spinal surgeona few years ago and he said that while I did have flatback, I was nota candidate for surgery at that time.) I knew that my local physicaltherapy clinic did not offer lumbar traction. I decided to call thechiropractor that I do transcription for and he said he had atechnique he might be able to try to open up the space. He tookweightbearing x-rays and I was shocked at the lack of space comparedto my x-rays of 10 years ago. Dr. Graham said he would probably haveto classify me as disabled in approximately 5 years (meaning that Iwould not be able to work full-time any longer as my spine would beunable to stand the pressure from sitting most of the day). He alsosaid that down the road when the nerves started to be compressed Iwould probably need surgery to fuse the rest of the spine down throughthe sacrum.> > He knows that my husband is unemployed (has not worked since06/24/05) and that the present goal was to keep me working full-timeuntil we were in a better financial position. He agreed to try the Decompression-Manipulation technique on my lumbar spine with verylittle movement. I lay face down on this table and he straps my legsin place. He moves the table so that your legs move putting yourspine in a mildly flexed position to stretch the tendons and ligamentsthat have not been used in years due to degeneration. I have beengoing 2-3x/week for 4 weeks now and it has definitely relieved my backpain. Of course he said that this was just a temporary "fix" as thereis really not anything more he can do. He also suggested that I nevergo to a chiropractor that would do more damage to my spine, and onlygo to the best surgeons in the future if the need for surgery arises.> > He also does trigger point therapy and having fibromyalgia, it hasbeen wonderful to have some of these trigger points resolved. I amsure I will continue to see him for trigger point relief or findanother good massage therapist down the road when my husband isemployed again.> > He would really like me to have an MRI to see what condition thediscs are in but since we do not what material the Harrington rod ismade of, we have not scheduled one. Does anyone know what theHarrington rod in 1975 was made of? I've always believed that it wasstainless steel but that may not be correct. That is what my Momalways told me though. Is it safe to have an MRI done with aHarrington rod from T3-L4? I have had it for 31 years now.> > Thanks,> Peggy>

[Guest guest]

Peggy...

Yes, it's safe, but the area of the spine around the rods will be

distorted by the metal.

Regards,

> >

> > I am 43 years old and had a Harrington rod fused to my spine when I

> was 12. I thought I was fused to L3 but after seeing my recent

> x-rays, I now know that I am fused to L4. You know the story, all the

> wear and tear has been on L5 and I have severe DDD.

> >

> > I have felt a need for lumbar traction to try to open up the space

> and see if I could get some pain relief. (I went to a spinal surgeon

> a few years ago and he said that while I did have flatback, I was not

> a candidate for surgery at that time.) I knew that my local physical

> therapy clinic did not offer lumbar traction. I decided to call the

> chiropractor that I do transcription for and he said he had a

> technique he might be able to try to open up the space. He took

> weightbearing x-rays and I was shocked at the lack of space compared

> to my x-rays of 10 years ago. Dr. Graham said he would probably have

> to classify me as disabled in approximately 5 years (meaning that I

> would not be able to work full-time any longer as my spine would be

> unable to stand the pressure from sitting most of the day). He also

> said that down the road when the nerves started to be compressed I

> would probably need surgery to fuse the rest of the spine down through

> the sacrum.

> >

> > He knows that my husband is unemployed (has not worked since

> 06/24/05) and that the present goal was to keep me working full-time

> until we were in a better financial position. He agreed to try the

> Decompression-Manipulation technique on my lumbar spine with very

> little movement. I lay face down on this table and he straps my legs

> in place. He moves the table so that your legs move putting your

> spine in a mildly flexed position to stretch the tendons and ligaments

> that have not been used in years due to degeneration. I have been

> going 2-3x/week for 4 weeks now and it has definitely relieved my back

> pain. Of course he said that this was just a temporary " fix " as there

> is really not anything more he can do. He also suggested that I never

> go to a chiropractor that would do more damage to my spine, and only

> go to the best surgeons in the future if the need for surgery arises.

> >

> > He also does trigger point therapy and having fibromyalgia, it has

> been wonderful to have some of these trigger points resolved. I am

> sure I will continue to see him for trigger point relief or find

> another good massage therapist down the road when my husband is

> employed again.

> >

> > He would really like me to have an MRI to see what condition the

> discs are in but since we do not what material the Harrington rod is

> made of, we have not scheduled one. Does anyone know what the

> Harrington rod in 1975 was made of? I've always believed that it was

> stainless steel but that may not be correct. That is what my Mom

> always told me though. Is it safe to have an MRI done with a

> Harrington rod from T3-L4? I have had it for 31 years now.

> >

> > Thanks,

> > Peggy

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Peggy,

I had and MRI without any problems at all....I believe they can be a

little difficult to read, but still may be useful for the surgeons in

the early planning stages.

It might make sense to hold off on the MRI until you consult with a

surgeon who is affilitated with a hospital and also has experience and

expertise with our particular type-set of circumstances....the MRIs

are not cheap and you wouldn't want to have to have a re+do...!

Just my $.02...Cam

[Guest guest]

Peggy-in response to your post about if anyone has ever " cured "

anything that they THINK they have, I did. I have suffered with

many improperly diagnosed conditions, as well as Rheumatoid

Arthritis, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial

cystitis, and a variety of other chronic conditions. When I first

heard about candida, I was already considering making some dietary

changes. After much research, I decided to go to an allergist for

food testing-I tested positive for wheat, dairy, and eggs, as well

as dust mites and grass. Well, all of those things are imposible to

avoid! So, I decided to modify what I could. I gave up all

processed food, (that is hard to do) and started reading food

labels. Once I started reading labels, I was HORRIFIED at what I

had been consuming! SO MANY chemicals and artificial stuff in

today's foods! Our bodies are not designed to process those things

and view them as toxic. When we get a build up of toxins, the body

becomes too ill to deal with it. Anyway, I started eating only

fresh veggies, small portions of organic fish and turkey, and

steamed whole grain rice. Within days of starting this diet, my

stomach problems completely cleared up, as did a chronic skin

condition. Within weeks, my arthritis symptoms cleared up as well.

Today, 8 months later, most of my health issues have shown dramatic

improvement, with the exception of the candida. I attribute this to

the fact that I drink wine every night, which feeds the yeast.

Also, I compare this condition to an overgrown garden-it didn't get

that way over night, nor will it be cleared up over night. If we

don't diligently " weed " our bodies of toxins and foods that feed the

yeast, we will never really clear ourselves up. I also quit using

chemical toothpastes, shampoos, cleaners, etc. I make all of my

personal care products homemade using natural ingredients. It is

alot of fun mixing up moisturizers and stuff like that. My daughter

and I enjoy the hobby, and feel better for the process. I am

absolute proof that diet works. I was basically bed bound before I

started on it, and now I do organic gardening, crafts, etc. Be

diligent-as hard as a good diet is, it is much harder to be sick!

If anyone would like more info about my diet, please feel free to

ask.

[Guest guest]

It is good to hear some good news. Thanks for sharing. I have a question. What

are your symptoms of candida, and how long have you had this condition? I also

want to add a little bit concerning dieting. Before I came down with BMS and the

itching I was juicing fresh carrot juice every morning and eating mainly green

veggies, wheat bread and drinking distilled water. I also consumed mostly

chicken and fish and no red meat at all. I had been on this diet for almost

three years and walked 2 1/2 miles 3 times a week. I had gone from 183lbs. down

to 153 lbs. and was feeling good. Now, since I gone on this candida diet, I am

down to 128lbs and feeling real weak.

My back ground: about 25 years ago I worked at a nursery spraying insecticide

on trees, lawn, ect. I also had prostate infections most of my life and took

long term antibiotics of different kind. And last but not least, I struggled

with chronic sinus infection and surgery and more antibiotics.

My question is,even if I changed my eating habits, was my immune system

already shot?

Tony

berrywell <berrywell@...> wrote:

Peggy-in response to your post about if anyone has ever " cured "

anything that they THINK they have, I did. I have suffered with

many improperly diagnosed conditions, as well as Rheumatoid

Arthritis, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial

cystitis, and a variety of other chronic conditions. When I first

heard about candida, I was already considering making some dietary

changes. After much research, I decided to go to an allergist for

food testing-I tested positive for wheat, dairy, and eggs, as well

as dust mites and grass. Well, all of those things are impossible to

avoid! So, I decided to modify what I could. I gave up all

processed food, (that is hard to do) and started reading food

labels. Once I started reading labels, I was HORRIFIED at what I

had been consuming! SO MANY chemicals and artificial stuff in

today's foods! Our bodies are not designed to process those things

and view them as toxic. When we get a build up of toxins, the body

becomes too ill to deal with it. Anyway, I started eating only

fresh veggies, small portions of organic fish and turkey, and

steamed whole grain rice. Within days of starting this diet, my

stomach problems completely cleared up, as did a chronic skin

condition. Within weeks, my arthritis symptoms cleared up as well.

Today, 8 months later, most of my health issues have shown dramatic

improvement, with the exception of the candida. I attribute this to

the fact that I drink wine every night, which feeds the yeast.

Also, I compare this condition to an overgrown garden-it didn't get

that way over night, nor will it be cleared up over night. If we

don't diligently " weed " our bodies of toxins and foods that feed the

yeast, we will never really clear ourselves up. I also quit using

chemical toothpastes, shampoos, cleaners, etc. I make all of my

personal care products homemade using natural ingredients. It is

alot of fun mixing up moisturizers and stuff like that. My daughter

and I enjoy the hobby, and feel better for the process. I am

absolute proof that diet works. I was basically bed bound before I

started on it, and now I do organic gardening, crafts, etc. Be

diligent-as hard as a good diet is, it is much harder to be sick!

If anyone would like more info about my diet, please feel free to

ask.

[Guest guest]

It is good to hear some good news. Thanks for sharing. I have a question. What

are your symptoms of candida, and how long have you had this condition? I also

want to add a little bit concerning dieting. Before I came down with BMS and the

itching I was juicing fresh carrot juice every morning and eating mainly green

veggies, wheat bread and drinking distilled water. I also consumed mostly

chicken and fish and no red meat at all. I had been on this diet for almost

three years and walked 2 1/2 miles 3 times a week. I had gone from 183lbs. down

to 153 lbs. and was feeling good. Now, since I gone on this candida diet, I am

down to 128lbs and feeling real weak.

My back ground: about 25 years ago I worked at a nursery spraying insecticide

on trees, lawn, ect. I also had prostate infections most of my life and took

long term antibiotics of different kind. And last but not least, I struggled

with chronic sinus infection and surgery and more antibiotics.

My question is,even if I changed my eating habits, was my immune system

already shot?

Tony

berrywell <berrywell@...> wrote:

Peggy-in response to your post about if anyone has ever " cured "

anything that they THINK they have, I did. I have suffered with

many improperly diagnosed conditions, as well as Rheumatoid

Arthritis, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial

cystitis, and a variety of other chronic conditions. When I first

heard about candida, I was already considering making some dietary

changes. After much research, I decided to go to an allergist for

food testing-I tested positive for wheat, dairy, and eggs, as well

as dust mites and grass. Well, all of those things are impossible to

avoid! So, I decided to modify what I could. I gave up all

processed food, (that is hard to do) and started reading food

labels. Once I started reading labels, I was HORRIFIED at what I

had been consuming! SO MANY chemicals and artificial stuff in

today's foods! Our bodies are not designed to process those things

and view them as toxic. When we get a build up of toxins, the body

becomes too ill to deal with it. Anyway, I started eating only

fresh veggies, small portions of organic fish and turkey, and

steamed whole grain rice. Within days of starting this diet, my

stomach problems completely cleared up, as did a chronic skin

condition. Within weeks, my arthritis symptoms cleared up as well.

Today, 8 months later, most of my health issues have shown dramatic

improvement, with the exception of the candida. I attribute this to

the fact that I drink wine every night, which feeds the yeast.

Also, I compare this condition to an overgrown garden-it didn't get

that way over night, nor will it be cleared up over night. If we

don't diligently " weed " our bodies of toxins and foods that feed the

yeast, we will never really clear ourselves up. I also quit using

chemical toothpastes, shampoos, cleaners, etc. I make all of my

personal care products homemade using natural ingredients. It is

alot of fun mixing up moisturizers and stuff like that. My daughter

and I enjoy the hobby, and feel better for the process. I am

absolute proof that diet works. I was basically bed bound before I

started on it, and now I do organic gardening, crafts, etc. Be

diligent-as hard as a good diet is, it is much harder to be sick!

If anyone would like more info about my diet, please feel free to

ask.

[Guest guest]

Great post! Thank you for sharing.

berrywell wrote:

> Peggy-in response to your post about if anyone has ever " cured "

> anything that they THINK they have, I did. I have suffered with

> many improperly diagnosed conditions, as well as Rheumatoid

> Arthritis, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial

> cystitis, and a variety of other chronic conditions. When I first

> heard about candida, I was already considering making some dietary

> changes. After much research, I decided to go to an allergist for

> food testing-I tested positive for wheat, dairy, and eggs, as well

> as dust mites and grass. Well, all of those things are imposible to

> avoid! So, I decided to modify what I could. I gave up all

> processed food, (that is hard to do) and started reading food

> labels. Once I started reading labels, I was HORRIFIED at what I

> had been consuming! SO MANY chemicals and artificial stuff in

> today's foods! Our bodies are not designed to process those things

> and view them as toxic. When we get a build up of toxins, the body

> becomes too ill to deal with it. Anyway, I started eating only

> fresh veggies, small portions of organic fish and turkey, and

> steamed whole grain rice. Within days of starting this diet, my

> stomach problems completely cleared up, as did a chronic skin

> condition. Within weeks, my arthritis symptoms cleared up as well.

> Today, 8 months later, most of my health issues have shown dramatic

> improvement, with the exception of the candida. I attribute this to

> the fact that I drink wine every night, which feeds the yeast.

> Also, I compare this condition to an overgrown garden-it didn't get

> that way over night, nor will it be cleared up over night. If we

> don't diligently " weed " our bodies of toxins and foods that feed the

> yeast, we will never really clear ourselves up. I also quit using

> chemical toothpastes, shampoos, cleaners, etc. I make all of my

> personal care products homemade using natural ingredients. It is

> alot of fun mixing up moisturizers and stuff like that. My daughter

> and I enjoy the hobby, and feel better for the process. I am

> absolute proof that diet works. I was basically bed bound before I

> started on it, and now I do organic gardening, crafts, etc. Be

> diligent-as hard as a good diet is, it is much harder to be sick!

> If anyone would like more info about my diet, please feel free to

> ask.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Are you struggling to keep your weight up? My husband had the same

problem until very recently. He started mixing brown rice with chicken

breast and that seemed to help. Also when we took pau d'arco, it seems

to have made things a lot better.

Yes, your constant exposure to harmful chemicals must have damaged your

immune system. It is repairable, but it will take years to improve.

You must just stick to it and keep positive. Give yourself a few months

before you will see any improvement.

Keen

Re: re: Peggy

It is good to hear some good news. Thanks for sharing. I have a

question. What are your symptoms of candida, and how long have you had

this condition? I also want to add a little bit concerning dieting.

Before I came down with BMS and the itching I was juicing fresh carrot

juice every morning and eating mainly green veggies, wheat bread and

drinking distilled water. I also consumed mostly chicken and fish and no

red meat at all. I had been on this diet for almost three years and

walked 2 1/2 miles 3 times a week. I had gone from 183lbs. down to 153

lbs. and was feeling good. Now, since I gone on this candida diet, I am

down to 128lbs and feeling real weak.

My back ground: about 25 years ago I worked at a nursery spraying

insecticide on trees, lawn, ect. I also had prostate infections most of

my life and took long term antibiotics of different kind. And last but

not least, I struggled with chronic sinus infection and surgery and more

antibiotics.

My question is,even if I changed my eating habits, was my immune

system already shot?

Tony

berrywell <berrywell@...> wrote:

Peggy-in response to your post about if anyone has ever " cured "

anything that they THINK they have, I did. I have suffered with

many improperly diagnosed conditions, as well as Rheumatoid

Arthritis, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial

cystitis, and a variety of other chronic conditions. When I first

heard about candida, I was already considering making some dietary

changes. After much research, I decided to go to an allergist for

food testing-I tested positive for wheat, dairy, and eggs, as well

as dust mites and grass. Well, all of those things are impossible to

avoid! So, I decided to modify what I could. I gave up all

processed food, (that is hard to do) and started reading food

labels. Once I started reading labels, I was HORRIFIED at what I

had been consuming! SO MANY chemicals and artificial stuff in

today's foods! Our bodies are not designed to process those things

and view them as toxic. When we get a build up of toxins, the body

becomes too ill to deal with it. Anyway, I started eating only

fresh veggies, small portions of organic fish and turkey, and

steamed whole grain rice. Within days of starting this diet, my

stomach problems completely cleared up, as did a chronic skin

condition. Within weeks, my arthritis symptoms cleared up as well.

Today, 8 months later, most of my health issues have shown dramatic

improvement, with the exception of the candida. I attribute this to

the fact that I drink wine every night, which feeds the yeast.

Also, I compare this condition to an overgrown garden-it didn't get

that way over night, nor will it be cleared up over night. If we

don't diligently " weed " our bodies of toxins and foods that feed the

yeast, we will never really clear ourselves up. I also quit using

chemical toothpastes, shampoos, cleaners, etc. I make all of my

personal care products homemade using natural ingredients. It is

alot of fun mixing up moisturizers and stuff like that. My daughter

and I enjoy the hobby, and feel better for the process. I am

absolute proof that diet works. I was basically bed bound before I

started on it, and now I do organic gardening, crafts, etc. Be

diligent-as hard as a good diet is, it is much harder to be sick!

If anyone would like more info about my diet, please feel free to

ask.

[Guest guest]

Peggy,

Oh my! That is very different. I haven't heard of any of the other

doctors allowing an NSAID. Not on a daily basis. I think one other

person said her doctor allowed them every once in a while for

migraine headaches.

Kathy

> >

> > Knowing the city that lives in I took a chance that I

could find her number and I

> did! I spoke with her husband Bob just now. She was supposed to

come home on Friday

> but went into acute respiratory distress and they moved her to

ICU with pneumonia. He

> expects her to still be in the hospital on Wednesday, not sure if

she'll still be in ICU or not,

> but since I will be up there at near the hospital I will make it

a point to go visit her. We

> both live 3 1/2 hours from Raleigh - just in opposite directions

from each other.

> >

> > Peggy

> >

> > [ ] G, are you out there? Did you

make it home yet?

> >

> >

> > Thinking about you and hope things went well. I wish we had set

up a contact person

> for you

> > from the group...but if you happen to see this, know we are

concerned and would love

> an

> > update--

> >

> > Love,

> >

> > Edie

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I'm trying to take your advice and go up and down with my left leg first since that is the weaker leg. It is hard to remember sometimes though. I did start using my elliptical machine on Tuesday and went 1/2 mile and did it yesterday as well. My quadriceps are so sore I'm going to skip it today as the PT suggested and try again tomorrow. But I am making a conscious effort to use the weaker leg first.

Peggy

[ ] 6 mo. post op check> > > Hi,> Well, saw Dr. Hu on Monday for my 6 mo. checkup. All xrays> show good fusion mass where it should be. Weak left leg is> definitly better, still weak, but good. > When I complained about the bottom screws still being so tender,> Dr. Hu's fellow (sorry his name just escapes me) pressed none> too gently on the tops of them. My jaw hit the floor, went weak> in the knees and did all but cry. Can we say tender! He also did> other non to gentle probing a little higher up with same > results. > When Dr. Hu came in, she said that the screws are causing chronic> pain and I am at the healing point where they could be removed.> She looked me in the eyes saying "you've been through so much,> your not ready yet for that are you?" I quickly agreed, and when> I see her again in Dec. we will talk about scheduling their> removal for early next year. Will just mean a day in the hosp. and > thats it. > I will say Carol was right about their not liking to provide> additional pain script after the 3rd mo out. But it seems not> to be a hard and fast rule, as at my 3 mo appt. I walked out with> another script for valiums, and I did come away Monday for an > additional cript for more pain meds as I cannot walk any distance at > all without those screws causing lots of pain and grief.> They also are sending my PCP a note saying it is ok for him to> treat me for the chronic pain they are causing. He was just adament> before, that he would not do any treatment that was in regards to> my back.> Also no news on coming off of the antibiotics. I was supposed to have> had contact with who Dr. Hu called ID, Infectious Diseases. They were> really surprised I have not been contacted by them. They are the dept> who will let me know if I will be on antibiotic for life to surpress> the infections. My blood work was gone over though and although> my white count was perfect showing no signs of infection, there was> another count that seemed to fluctuate which could be an indicator> for the lifelong antibiotic therapy. If the back probing didn't bring > me to tears, that news did. I need to think positive about it though,> after all, staph infections have been known to kill. So if a pill> or two will keep me kicking...alrighty then!> Dr. Hu also asked me what I thought of the final outcome of the > surgeries, even with all the complications. Told her if she had asked> me that about 4 months ago I would have said I was sorry I had it > done, but now. I AM DELIGHTED with my new body, love checking it out > inthe mirrow, the way clothes fit etc. She asked me if I would be > interested in talking with patients about the revision surgery, both > good and bad included. Told her yes, I would be honored. > I will not need physical therapy. Was told easy walking on a > treadmill or riding slowly on a exercise bike would do. CAn also get> back in our jacuzzi with just delighted me! Finally!!!! > OH this ended up to be pretty long...sorry about that!> hugs all around,> >

[Guest guest]

We are not supposed to worry, , don't you know that? He he. My family in NY was definitely more cautious of what I did than my hubby has been. They were very quick to grab a chair for me or do whatever to make me comfortable. My husband pretty much let them wait on me while I turned around and waited on him. My niece-in-law even offered to take me in while I recovered!

Peggy

[ ] Peggy

Hi,I do apologize if I made you feel you had to put your guard up, or that I was attacking you or your doc. Definitely not the case. I was justworried about you overdoing. And then finding your docs orders interesting as they were the first of that sort which I had read about.I am so glad your sharing all your experiences with us. And I hope you continue to do so.I just can't stop caring and worrying about all of us in here. Worrying is one of the things I do best!!!!!Hugs,

[Guest guest]

Peggy,

Would you please just give this a REST!

Kathy

>

> I wish people truly understood the policy. Dr. Hey does not expect

you to be off pain meds in 6 weeks. His policy states that you will

be expected to get pain meds from your PCP or a pain clinic after 6

weeks time because those doctors are more in touch with the patient

on a daily basis. 70% of his patients come from afar. I was able to

get my pain meds from my PCP with no problem. I would assume that

patients would seek out their PCPs and let them know about the

revision surgery and what care they will need following surgery. I

did my pre-op physical with my PCP so he was aware of everything that

is going on. I have been in contact with Dr. Hey, his PAs, and his

Patient Care Coordinator. It is unfortunate that people are

misunderstanding his policy. He does not expect patients to be

painfree within 6 weeks and if you could actually read the policy you

would know that. It's also unfortunate that those with no experience

with Dr. Hey are going to be quick to judge him as a bad surgeon now

because of his policy. Just because he is not as well known doesn't

make him an unqualified surgeon. All surgeons, even Dr. Bridwell and

Dr. Rand, will have patients that don't have good outcomes. We all

have different experiences. I know in another scoliosis group I have

seen people complain about Dr. Rand. I don't think it is right for

people that are not patients of Dr. Hey to dissuade someone from

seeing him. We are all adults and can make our own decisions after

talking to the surgeon himself. We can only share our own

experiences and shouldn't bad mouth a surgeon we don't have

experience with.

>

> Peggy

>

> [ ] Re:I totally agree, . Awesome

summary.

>

>

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> I haven't posted for a few weeks because I've been out of town

visiting family and then it took me a week to just catch up on all

the posts I missed, and then I got sick. Now, I feel better and just

want to add my 2 cents to the issue of pain meds after surgery and

Dr. Hey's policy of stopping pain meds at 6 weeks post op, albeit

with exceptions to that rule. I " ll keep it short. Even though there

are exceptions to his rule, the fact that he has such a rule is more

than enough to make a patient feel there is something " wrong " with

her if she requires meds for longer. That's an awful thing to do to

a patient.

>

> BTW, a gazillion years ago,I asked Dr. Keim what his position was

about pain meds after surgery. His response was very simple. He

said, " Pain cures nothing. "

>

> Bonnie

>