Debby

[Guest guest]

Im sort of in the same boat, cant find any one for care of nathan outside of

his home health care stuff, so when we dont have an aide and no school or he

is sick i have to stay home or finda a replacement etc, becoming very

difficult, ive tried everything for a sitter when HHA's dont show up or call

in sick, im at the point to where i may need to go back being a night

nurse---3rd shift, so i can be home during the day for whatever, but so far

the only thing available is the local care center and i hated it there but

if push comes to shove i geuss beggars cant be choosy. shawna.

Re: Debby

> In a message dated 7/15/2003 7:23:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

> debbysmith@... writes:

>

>

> > After all of this happend, I slipped into a stuppored state of who knows

> > what. I thought we were going to fianlly get some assistance with a

> > behavior therapist, a speech person, and some respite (all of which the

> > doctor recommended). Then I got the phone call from the state's DSP

> > office saying Jordan did not qualify.

>

> Hi Debby,

> I am so sorry to hear that Jordan wouldn't get the services. I think that

> stinks. I think many of us with kids with special needs are in the same

> predictament when it comes to childcare. I agonize about this every day. I

work only

> seasonal so I can be home for the school year but I would love to work

part

> time. I would be stuck if Zeb was sick or had school vacation. I decided

to forget

> it and stay home. I know that I could probably find something but I

suppose I

> am not desperate enough yet. I hope you can find a solution.

> Charlyne

> Mom to Zeb 10 DS/OCD ?

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Bozena, the problem with Spinal Stenosis is the pits! Several years ago, I was in agony. All I could do was roll (literally) on the floor in pain. I drove myself to the hospital at 2 in the AM. My husband was still sleeping....the creep! LOL....I walked into ER, the attendant just looked at me and asked if I needed to be seen! Apparently, I looked really bad. They got me right in, the doctor walked in, walked out, shot me, and told me to call someone to pick me up. I was in and out in about 30 minutes...totally a record! LOL

Apparently, the doctors can go in and sort of roto rooter it to make the spinal column bigger if it gets really bad. I was told that the spinal colum starts to narrow and the nerves get all scrunched up, thus causing all the pain. For me, Neurontin has helped a lot to ease the problem. The exercises are the best. PT was great to give them to me.

But right now, I think gravity is causing me to get shorter....you know?

I wish your son the best. After getting PT, the pain literally went away. I have had little pain until recently. Traction helped initially and then the exercises were more helpful. I hope your son get past the very painful stage!

Debby

Re: Bozena>> Good to hear from you Jan. Gosh darn, if that isn't frustrating that thedoctor would not give you a script for PT! Sometimes we know what will helpand what won't.>> For the past two months, I have been fighting with the Spinal Stenosis,and have begged for a script. In February, the Pain Management doctor gaveme a script, but would NOT address the issue of the neck problem. A coupleof years ago, I went to PT and was in traction and they gave me tons ofexercises to do. I still do them and those exercises are the ONLY thingthat keeps the pain at bay! It strengthens the muscles in my shoulders andneck. When I overdo, I pay the price and have to lay off for a couple ofdays for the inflammation to settle.>> Anyway, I went to the Neurologist last week and the Dr. gave me a scriptfor PT. Unfortunately, the nurse has NOT called the place and I am leavingfor a vacation soon and won't be able to even get in now until I return.Bummer! So, today, I guess I must call the office and at least get someappointments so that when I return, I don't have to wait a week or MORE toget in! Grrrr......it would have been MUCH easier for me to take the scriptrather than to have them call for me. Oh well!>> Hope your back gets much better.....and have a great trip across the"pond"! LOL>> Debby

[Guest guest]

Bozena, how old is your son? He surely sounds like he is too young to be having autoimmune problems. But with you having AIH, it is not going to be too uncommon to have family members with autoimmune problems too.

Debby

Re: Bozena>> Good to hear from you Jan. Gosh darn, if that isn't frustrating that thedoctor would not give you a script for PT! Sometimes we know what will helpand what won't.>> For the past two months, I have been fighting with the Spinal Stenosis,and have begged for a script. In February, the Pain Management doctor gaveme a script, but would NOT address the issue of the neck problem. A coupleof years ago, I went to PT and was in traction and they gave me tons ofexercises to do. I still do them and those exercises are the ONLY thingthat keeps the pain at bay! It strengthens the muscles in my shoulders andneck. When I overdo, I pay the price and have to lay off for a couple ofdays for the inflammation to settle.>> Anyway, I went to the Neurologist last week and the Dr. gave me a scriptfor PT. Unfortunately, the nurse has NOT called the place and I am leavingfor a vacation soon and won't be able to even get in now until I return.Bummer! So, today, I guess I must call the office and at least get someappointments so that when I return, I don't have to wait a week or MORE toget in! Grrrr......it would have been MUCH easier for me to take the scriptrather than to have them call for me. Oh well!>> Hope your back gets much better.....and have a great trip across the"pond"! LOL>> Debby

[Guest guest]

Debby thanks for your kind words and for understanding> I wish my family were as supportive.

the WV hillbilly

[Guest guest]

Thanks Debby I would appreciate the news letter. As for a support group I can no longer drive so I can't get out to to many places. I usually miss at least half of my dr appointments because of this.

I agree that as a country we don't know how to express our grief and that is a shame. Maybe someday that will change who knows.

Again thanks,

the WV hillbilly

[Guest guest]

, I wish I could give you a great big hug. Over the years, we have discovered we really have been blessed to have a family (extended) who really understand. However, both my Mom and Dad, and Brother and Sister in law have buried babies. My nephew and sister were born still. Nothing can take away that pain.

So, we were blessed to have family who truly DID understand. Yet, we see so many other families who do not have that immediate support group. We believe that since they DONT understand, they are

1) fearful of a similar thing happening to them, or 2) afraid of 'upsetting' you.

In all actuality, we seem to find that people just don't know HOW to handle us. In our society, we have put a "time limit" on grief. We move so quickly, want things right now, want results right now. We are the only country that does not have an official grieving limit.

Some countries, well, like those in the Middle East, have distinct mourning time frames. They wear special clothing to signify they are in mourning. Then, after the time limit is up, they move forward. However, they are allowed to express emotion, cry, do whatever they want to do for that time limit. When the official mourning is over, they are much more well adjusted to cope with outside life.

Unfortunately, here in America, our grief is not acknowledged. When that happens, we tend to "stuff" the pain we feel. As my husband says, "When you stuff the (emotions), it will come out sideways." For many bereaved parents, this is true. When we deal with our pain, we are more equipped to handle the normal stresses that come our way.

The pain of the death of our children is always going to be with us, for if we did not love, we would not hurt! It is a very great privilege to love. It is just going to happen.

I hope you can get hooked up with a support group for bereaved parents. It doesn't matter HOW long it has been, just important that you find a group that understands. If you need some assistance in finding one, I would be happy to help you. Also, if you would like, I can send you via email, our monthly newsletter that we put out. I send it out once a month.

Goodness....I have written a book. Hugs.....I know it hurts!

Debby

- Re: [ ] Debby

Debby thanks for your kind words and for understanding> I wish my family were as supportive. the WV hillbilly

[Guest guest]

Hi Debby,

Sorry I did not get back on this. Yes, this is exactly as .

There has been some improvement with and I would like to have

another functional assessement done on him. I know its still kinda

of early, maybe I'll wait to see how school turns out first. I know

had qualified because it was under 70 with the MHMR. This is

changing though here in Texas. You would think that the Mental

health office would be the first place that would help out.

Well, I hope the school helps out. Hugs with this and I know you'll

find some solution as you're doing great. Ok, heading to clean out

's bedroom remove all the kiddie stuff and graduating to some

older stuff.

has surprised me twice today with " mom come here, " from the

kitchen, hunting me down and grabbing my hand to him wherever

needed. The second which I know is no biggie but I had yelled out to

him as he was sitting on the pot int eh restroom " all done? " He

shouted " no, poo poo. " He is actually starting to understand.

He is starting to talk more. Maybe others will not see him as a

foreign person as he is non-verbal, that has turned into pre-verbal.

Getting there.

Take care and hugs.

Irma,14,ds/asd

> Irma,

>

> You asked... " What was his functional assessment? " It was 18 to 24

> months, w/IQ of 50.

>

> Thanks for the info. We will get services for him thru the school

> system and he is also a client of our local CARD agency. It is

the state

> children's mental health office that has rejected.

>

> - debby

>

>

[Guest guest]

Good news about talking!!! Gives me hope for Rochelle.

Diane

> From: " mum592001 " <ICANFIELD@...>

> Date: 2003/07/21 Mon PM 03:47:38 EDT

>

> Subject: Re: Debby

> has surprised me twice today with " mom come here, " from the

kitchen, hunting me down and grabbing my hand to him wherever

needed. The second which I know is no biggie but I had yelled out to

him as he was sitting on the pot int eh restroom " all done? " He

shouted " no, poo poo. " He is actually starting to understand.

He is starting to talk more. Maybe others will not see him as a

foreign person as he is non-verbal, that has turned into pre-verbal.

Getting there. >>>

>

[Guest guest]

Good morning,

(Irma) I know how wonderful it is for our guys (and gals) to tug on us

because they want something. When the actually put words out, I

absolutely love it. I hope the verbalization with continues.

That is one thing that gets me with my little guy... when I say " Jordan,

did you swim today, " he usually says nothing, or something that he wants

to do at that moment like " mall. "

2 pcshylogist have now come back with the same dx... Down syndrome (of

course, born with it, cannot remove that extra chromosome), PDDNOS,

ADHD, and MR. Because the PDDNOS does not fall within the definition of

" Autism " of Chapter 393, Florida Statutes, Jordan does not qualify for

services with the state. So, we are trying to get a **firm** MR dx on

Jordan. Up until now Jordan has been very aggressive and non-compliant

during the IQ assessements. He get fixated on something (the fire alarm,

the bubbles they have) and then will not do what they want, hits them,

clears the tables, yells, etc.

The local Autism Center is going to try a reassessment on him this

Thursday... we shall see. If we can get an **offical** IQ evaluation,

then he will qualify for services from the State, but then we'll only be

put on a waiting list. From what I understand people have been on this

list for 3 or more years.

I am learning a lot. I just read thru a book about Autsim and ADHD

(combined). It was very insightful.

My Autism Center has been wonderful - not sure where I would be without

their assistance.

You guys have been quite helpful. Glad I can read all of the emails

(definately deminishes alot of the issues in my world)

My boss, by the way, is being quite accommodating with me in my job. He

is willing to work with me on my fall schedule. So as far as now goes, I

am not going to leave my job. I am trusting that all of this is going to

work out for good.

One thing I read about over the weekend is about " not stressing over the

stress. "

- Hope all of your day today is a great and fantastic one. debby

_________________________________________________________________________

__________________

Hi Debby,

Sorry I did not get back on this. Yes, this is exactly as .

There has been some improvement with and I would like to have

another functional assessement done on him. I know its still kinda

of early, maybe I'll wait to see how school turns out first. I know

had qualified because it was under 70 with the MHMR. This is

changing though here in Texas. You would think that the Mental

health office would be the first place that would help out.

Well, I hope the school helps out. Hugs with this and I know you'll

find some solution as you're doing great. Ok, heading to clean out

's bedroom remove all the kiddie stuff and graduating to some

older stuff.

has surprised me twice today with " mom come here, " from the

kitchen, hunting me down and grabbing my hand to him wherever

needed. The second which I know is no biggie but I had yelled out to

him as he was sitting on the pot int eh restroom " all done? " He

shouted " no, poo poo. " He is actually starting to understand.

He is starting to talk more. Maybe others will not see him as a

foreign person as he is non-verbal, that has turned into pre-verbal.

Getting there.

Take care and hugs.

Irma,14,ds/asd

> Irma,

>

> You asked... " What was his functional assessment? " It was 18 to 24

> months, w/IQ of 50.

>

> Thanks for the info. We will get services for him thru the school

> system and he is also a client of our local CARD agency. It is

the state

> children's mental health office that has rejected.

>

> - debby

[Guest guest]

Hi Debby,

What a postive reponse. I bet this is some comfort for you and the

family with your job status. I'm glad that your boss is willing to

work with you.

Update with this past weekend on the communication status is

he is not tracking me down now, he is actually asking across the

room when he wants something. Typical teenager. I went over to him

to see what he wanted and he was over by the fridge with the door

open and then he pointed towards some leftover lasagna. No pics but

a verbal command he had applied to me.

Debby does Jordan like going to the mall? can tolerate it now

but it has to be a short trip, this I at least I understand its due

to his sensory issues. If he is tired though, I will not take him.

What a bummer with the dx of a merry-go-round your son is having to

go through for services. I know our kids have MR but now some

services are cutting funds on this, too. I read something like we

have to apply something like medical need blah blah instead of

mental health or MR, don't quote me too much on this as this is not

an accurate info just a piece of the article I read which I do

remember where its at.

Thursday, huh? Good luck when this happens. Lets see what the

difference is since the last assessment. Fingers crossed, though for

a good turn out.

Yes, what another bummer on the waiting list but sometimes things

can change if a new program is offered to accomodate the delay. I

know you're in good hands if your involved with the Autism center as

you could apply some basic techniques at home or school with all

this information on hand,now.

I've come across some post on what has been offered near your way

especially with Parent Training courses offered. I hope this spreads

out this way. I do have a list of what I would like to suggest for

our professionals to look into so that it could be introduced at

support group meetings, with the school district my son attends, and

workshops with the regional here in our city.

There is this one school in ville that Dr. Capone has started

or normally providing worshops there. I do not have the name of it

on hand but do you recall it?

You've mentioned about the combination of the ADHD & Autism, I too,

have run across this. It is alot of learning and great that you have

some assistance with the Autism Center. Glad to hear your update.

Take care. Heading out to take out for a haircut.

Hugs!

Irma,15,ds/asd

[Guest guest]

Debby, Boy, I am way behind! Was happy to hear you had a good vacation!

I was worried about you. I noticed you weren't writing in. Didn't know if

maybe you had computer problems. It's good you don't have to go back to

work full time until winter. Working part time is good for you. Won't

tire you out as much. I don't mind working the rest of my life, if able,

but I would feel much better if I could get by with part time hours.

Have you always taught the little ones? Do they pretty much listen to

you? I know when I was little like that I pretty much was sent to the

coat closet often because I didn't pay attention and I talked with

everybody to much.(I did that for quite a few years) I think I spent

more time in that closet then I did in the classroom. Good reason why I

have trouble spelling and pronouncing words. I must of missed the lessons

of the a,e,i,o,u's! Take Care -NH

[Guest guest]

LOL ! You are so funny. I too had a talking problem in school...was forEVER in trouble! Motor mouth. In fact, dad called me Windy cause I talked all the time! Oh well!

Yes, I have either taught Kinder, First, and one year, I taught 3rd. I really want to teach older children though now. Indeed, the little ones ARE sweet, and no, I wish they would listen. The biggest problem is not the children, but the parents who tell their children that they DONT have to pay attention to adults. Over the years, we have taught people that they don't have to do anything they don't want to do....and unfortunately, that includes listening if the child chooses not to do so.

Personally, my classrooms are quiet, for I don't put up with a lot of noise. For disobedience, I have the children call Mom or Dad at home, but generally, at work....which is NOT exactly what they want...either the child or parent. Fortunately, most of the time, parents WANT their child to obey and generally the problem ceases.

Now, children come with earrings in their ears, noses, etc...spiked hair, colored hair, and there is not one thing we can do about it. THEN...when their earrings get pulled out (for the boys) when they fight (MIND YOU, I AM TALKING ABOUT K-2) the parents sue the school for not taking care of their kids....it is an endless cycle.

One of the pieces of our curriculum includes a component of Getting Along Together. We teach the children to take responsibility for ALL of their actions......sometimes we are successful.

Working 1/2 time will be great, and tomorrow is my very first day to begin!!!

Debby

Re: [ ] Debby

Debby, Boy, I am way behind! Was happy to hear you had a good vacation! I was worried about you. I noticed you weren't writing in. Didn't know ifmaybe you had computer problems. It's good you don't have to go back towork full time until winter. Working part time is good for you. Won'ttire you out as much. I don't mind working the rest of my life, if able,but I would feel much better if I could get by with part time hours. Have you always taught the little ones? Do they pretty much listen toyou? I know when I was little like that I pretty much was sent to thecoat closet often because I didn't pay attention and I talked witheverybody to much.(I did that for quite a few years) I think I spentmore time in that closet then I did in the classroom. Good reason why Ihave trouble spelling and pronouncing words. I must of missed the lessonsof the a,e,i,o,u's! Take Care -NH

[Guest guest]

Debby:

Good luck at school- the first day--- will be exciting.

Will have to let us know the news, and how the first day went. Again, have a great day and enjoy.

Love, Gaynel.... I have to tell you, this day and age,

alot more stress on children - and teachers......

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your support. It was an interesting day. My co teacher is wonderful...but she didn't think I would stay the whole two days. She really thought I was going to just stay for a few hours. Oh golly, some of the kids are precious! THEN...there are a couple who just LOVE to defy! Oh well, it will be fun. Tuesday was the most fun because I got to play the piano for music. The kids just were not quite sure what the piano was all about! It is amazing that kids nowadays have never heard music other than from the radio! They sang some, but were more intent on just listening!

So, now, I don't go back until Open House and then January.....I will miss them!

Thanks for asking!

Debby

Re: [ ] Debby

Debby:Good luck at school- the first day--- will be exciting.Will have to let us know the news, and how the first day went. Again, have a great day and enjoy.Love, Gaynel.... I have to tell you, this day and age,alot more stress on children - and teachers......

[Guest guest]

I saw a segment on one of the medical channels about people who were dieting. They were all doing different types of diet. Some Adkins, Weight Watchers, one was just exercising and decreasing her calorie intake and other things. The one that sticks out in my mind was the girl (40ish) who was training for a marathon and decreasing her calorie intake. She too did not have any decrease in weight. They had a dietitian go over her calorie intake and they determined that she was not eating enough calories for weight loss. They increased her calorie intake and she continued to train and she then began to drop the weight. Maybe it's worth taking to a dietitian about. I was shocked. This woman had never trained like she was for the marathon and see too was very upset. After the calorie increase things turned around for her.

Just a thought.

[Guest guest]

, indeed that is true. The body must

have a certain amount of fat in the diet to burn off weight / fat. That

is why the no fat diets faded eventually! They did more harm than good.

I am going to write down everything I put in my mouth starting tomorrow

and see if I can figure out what the problems is. The one problem for me,

is that I have Celiac disease and cannot eat wheat, oats, barley, or rye.

A lovely diet to say the least! LOL….but it is workable, and I have

tons of different flours that I can use, so it is OK.

Thanks for the input.

Debby

Re: [ ]

Debby

I saw a segment on one of the

medical channels about people who were dieting. They were all doing

different types of diet. Some Adkins, Weight Watchers, one was just

exercising and decreasing her calorie intake and other things. The one

that sticks out in my mind was the girl (40ish) who was training for a marathon

and decreasing her calorie intake. She too did not have any decrease in

weight. They had a dietitian go over her calorie intake and they

determined that she was not eating enough calories for weight loss. They

increased her calorie intake and she continued to train and she then began to

drop the weight. Maybe it's worth taking to a dietitian about. I

was shocked. This woman had never trained like she was for the marathon

and see too was very upset. After the calorie increase things turned

around for her.

Just a thought.

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[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/19/2003 8:53:31 PM Eastern Standard Time,

nucleus24@... writes:

>

> Well, sorry about that. When did Clarion come out with 16 electrodes?

> Thought it was 8 but they could pair them somehow.

>

>

Yes, 16 electrodes but 8 channels. Is this correct?

[Guest guest]

I know what you mean. Just this past week I was filling out an application for quote on new medical ins at work. One of the questions was Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E. I didn't mark any and hand wrote Auto Immune Hepatitis and in the question that asked about Auto Immune problems I also wrote AIIH. The nurse called and wanted to know why I hadn't marked anything in the Hepatitis Block. I said because it wasn't listed and it was an Auto Immune problem. She very dumb foundedly said "Oh". I know she was clueless.

It amazes me that medical people don't understand that the term Hepatitis just means inflammation of the liver.

You are correct, I just laughed and told her to read about it in a medical journal. I'm sure she didn't find it to funny.

[Guest guest]

AAARrRRRRRGGGGGHHHHH! This scares me sometimes! Actually, I

really believe it is in the fact that they just don’t listen to what you

say and don’t read what you wrote. I have been known to put

nonsense stuff on the forms to see if they would catch it…..oh well.

Debby

Re: [ ] Re:

Debby

I know what you mean. Just

this past week I was filling out an application for quote on new medical ins at

work. One of the questions was Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E. I didn't

mark any and hand wrote Auto Immune Hepatitis and in the question that asked

about Auto Immune problems I also wrote AIIH. The nurse called and wanted

to know why I hadn't marked anything in the Hepatitis Block. I said

because it wasn't listed and it was an Auto Immune problem. She

very dumb foundedly said " Oh " . I know she was clueless.

It amazes me that medical people

don't understand that the term Hepatitis just means inflammation of the

liver.

You are correct, I just laughed and

told her to read about it in a medical journal. I'm sure she didn't find

it to funny.

[Guest guest]

Thanks. Keep your fingers crossed for Tuesday. That's the next big hurdle.

[Guest guest]

Debby,

I know how much teaching means to you. I am sure that you enjoyed your time off and look forward to starting in January even though it will be a struggle. It sounds like the gym has really helped. Don't do too much though. Let us know how the visit with your GI goes and good luck at the Mass. I wish I could sing. I go to church and mouth the words because I don't want the next person beside me to hear how horrible I am. They all think I'm mute I guess. Can't you picture this crazy woman in church just singing with nothing coming out.

Hang in there and good luck.

[Guest guest]

, you are too funny! I was totally honored this AM when Monsignor asked me to do the music for the 7:00 AM Christmas Mass. Whoa! I was thrilled! Now, I will be singing the Midnight Mass, the 7:00, 8:30, and the 10:00 AM Masses.....but what a thrill to be able to be the cantor for the early one. It will be without piano, but that is OK...I can do it alone... but I am walking on air!

Debby

Re: [ ] Debby

Debby,

I know how much teaching means to you. I am sure that you enjoyed your time off and look forward to starting in January even though it will be a struggle. It sounds like the gym has really helped. Don't do too much though. Let us know how the visit with your GI goes and good luck at the Mass. I wish I could sing. I go to church and mouth the words because I don't want the next person beside me to hear how horrible I am. They all think I'm mute I guess. Can't you picture this crazy woman in church just singing with nothing coming out.

Hang in there and good luck.

[Guest guest]

Thank you Debby.

[Guest guest]

a, I did go to another doctor yesterday, but the only thing that I

worry about is that our local hospital is NOT a good place at all. Way

too many people become very ill with “hospital staph” and I just

don’t want to take that chance. It is a hospital that has MANY

litigations pending now.

The doctor who was so disrespectful to me at least can treat me at a

hospital that is good. However, if I EVER would need a transplant (I am

no where near that right now) I would still have to go to Stanford or

UCLA. So, anyway, that is one reason I am afraid to change totally.

I liked this new doctor yesterday, and he will work with my GP and that is

good.

As for the clips, it is just standard…nothing that was done

wrong. That is just the way they do surgeries nowadays. Even if

they could come out, I don’t know if I would do it because it would just

leave more scar tissue that could give me more pain.

So for now, I am just going to hold tight, at least do the labs and go

from there. Thanks for writing.

Debby

-----Original

Message-----

From: paula delarosa

[mailto:pdelarosa@...]

Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2004

3:17 AM

Subject: [ ] Debby

My gosh Debby....

I would be very upset with your doctor. How

dare she treat you like that? I would be getting another doctor if you

can. I wouldn't go to a dr who treated me like that at all. Can

you find someone else that can be recommended?

I'm glad they found the reason for your pain.

Did you say they left clips in? Should they have been taken out?

Do you have an recourse? That sounds to be like they should be held

accountable for that. I am not a person who is sue happy but my gosh

you've had pain for so long!!

I'm glad that they have found the reason for your

pain and that you're doing okay now. I wish they would have fou d it

sooner.

Hugs..a

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[Guest guest]

Hi Debby,

It's nice to know your name. Let me see if I can answer your questions.

Wear something comfortable to the hospital with a button down shirt and slip on

shoes because these are much easier to go home with, especially if you have the

large turbin head wrap that many doctors use and like to keep on your head for a

couple of days.

The hospitals usually have people who are coming in for surgery come in groups.

Your group must be arriving at 5:30AM. You'll probably sit in a waiting area

for a little while waiting for them to call your name and bring you in to change

into your gown and get you comfortable. The anesthesiologist will come to you

after they have you all settled in and tell you about the anesthesia process.

They will make sure you understand this completly. The nurse that is assigned

to you will double check to make sure she has all the information she needs on

you - making sure your chart is accurate. They may then start your IV and give

you something to relax. If you feel shaky or cold - be sure to ask for warming

blankets as they feel really good.

When it's your time to go to the operating room, they will wheel you there on

the bed. You'll transfer on to the operating table and see that they are

preparing everything. I asked to see my implant receiver before I let them put

me to sleep. The next thing I knew, I was waking up in recovery and my surgeon

was talking to me. You'll stay in recovery for a little while until they have a

room assigned to you where they will take you.

I think with 6 kids, your doctor feels that it's a good thing to let you rest in

the hospital overnight. Also, some doctors prefer to keep their patient

overnight if the insurance approves it. He'll come in to see you in the

morning, check out your incision and release you with instructions for the next

few days at home.

If you have a recliner, use it for a couple of nights to sleep. If not, sleep

with your head elevated some on extra pillows. It just seems to feel better.

Make sure you fill the prescription in case you have any pain but chances are,

Tylenol will relieve it. This varies from person to person. You might want to

consider soft foods for a couple of days just because your jaw might be sore on

the side of the implant. You will probably feel tired more than anything and

it's a good idea to take a couple of days slow.

It's so natural to be scared. Don't think your any different than the rest of

us. We all fear the unknown. I hope I've helped you to understand what to

expect a little better and you can relax a little until Tuesday. We're here

24/7 for you so if you have specific questions, please ask them.

You will be fine and in just a matter of a few weeks, enjoying the benefit of

going thru this hard part. I'm excited for you.

Alice