Re: (unknown)

[Guest guest]

anand, you have not been unsubscribed.

Questions about list administration should be addressed to

longevity-owneregroups.

(unknown)

I received an email that I had somehow been

unsubscribed to the longevity group. Please check and

make sure that this is not true. I want to remain on

your mailing list. Thanks. anand yogendra ayogendra@...

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

anand, you have not been unsubscribed.

Questions about list administration should be addressed to

longevity-owneregroups.

(unknown)

I received an email that I had somehow been

unsubscribed to the longevity group. Please check and

make sure that this is not true. I want to remain on

your mailing list. Thanks. anand yogendra ayogendra@...

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Dear Gordon,

There has been a great deal of discussion on intravenous injection of hgh

lately. Is there an advantage to this? Does it increase the effectiveness of

hgh? Should one lower the dosage? Where are the available answers?

Thank you in advance for your usual fine assistance.

Rampatrol

[Guest guest]

Dear Gordon,

There has been a great deal of discussion on intravenous injection of hgh

lately. Is there an advantage to this? Does it increase the effectiveness of

hgh? Should one lower the dosage? Where are the available answers?

Thank you in advance for your usual fine assistance.

Rampatrol

[Guest guest]

Dear Gordon,

I second that question. I thought that I read that IV did nothing

useful...!!!

@

Re: (unknown)

> Dear Gordon,

>

> There has been a great deal of discussion on intravenous injection of hgh

> lately. Is there an advantage to this? Does it increase the effectiveness

of

> hgh? Should one lower the dosage? Where are the available answers?

>

> Thank you in advance for your usual fine assistance.

>

> Rampatrol

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Christal:

My name is , and I have congenital hearing loss/deafness. Lt ear

deaf, Rt ear, going deaf. Mondini's dysplasia in both ears. I live in

Northern Cali. I'm replying to you, so you know that you are not alone

here.

(unknown)

My name is Christal Terry. I am 23 years old

and Live in los angeles. I lost my hearing 10 years ago as a result

of complications from Sickle cell Anemia. However, I am currently

using a cochlear implant and having pretty decent success as far as

that goes. I wanted to join this group because I want to give my

testimony on a matter that is so close to my heart. I started taking

nutritional supplements about a year ago and I haven't been to the

hospital not once in the entire year...which is for me...nothing

short of a miracle. Before I was using them I was in the hospital 4-8

times a year. I still have crises sometimes but they only come like

every 4-6 months, and they are much milder and shorter. And, I am

just so happy and Would like to help anybody else out there discover

this stuff. I can't guarantee it will work for you...I can only tell

you my own story and hope you give it a shot. I am on disability and

I know a few of you out there may also have very tight financial

circumstances...but it is very reasonably priced. And imagine, if you

you might be able to hold down a regular job, and if that's the case

this stuff is well worth the price. Anybody that is

interested...Please, please email me. WE HAVE GOT TO GET THE WORD

OUT!!

The Being Sick Community

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Hold on to what is good, even if it's a handful of earth. Hold on to what

you believe, even if it's a tree that stands by itself. Hold on to what you

must do even, if it's a long way from here. Hold on to your life, even if

it's easier to let go. " - Pueblo Prayer

[Guest guest]

DORIEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*hugs lots*

How are ya babe?? HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YA!!!

Let us know how you are when you get a momento!!

Love isha in her new slippers

[Guest guest]

Try nursing on one side only each time. Are you nursing during the night?

This will help too.

(unknown)

> I have a couple questions that I know are way of topic. Feel free to

e-mail

> me in private.

>

> My breastfed 5 month old baby is not eating alot lately. She might stay

on

> one breast for about 5 minutes, sometimes ten and I am afriad that she is

> not getting the hind milk. She is really underweight. I have started her

> on solids. I am trying breast compression (squeezeing the breast while

the

> baby is eating to make milk come out quicker). Does anyone have any

> suggestions to encourage her to eat better? I have read that the solids

can

> effect that. I will be going to shool 1/2 a day, 3 days a week and me

> schedule does not allow for pumping. So, I am going to let the day care

> provider feed her the solids while I am gone and I will breast feed her

when

> she gets home.

>

> Question number two. I am thinking of trying the IUD. I have done some

> research. If anyone knows anything about it please feel free to e-mail me

> privately.

> _________________________________________________________________

> Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/2/01 6:25:49 PM Pacific Standard Time, ietinc@...

writes:

<<

Is it possible that you can pump a couple of bottles in the evenings (before

bed, watching TV, soaking in the bath, etc) so that you don't have to

supplement her with formula or milk or whatever when the day care provider

is there? I don't think it will be healthy for your 5 month old to eat

solids only during the time that you will be away. >>

I agree! Anything other than breastmilk is a *loss* for the infant.My dd

bfed on one breast for 5 to 10min every 3-4 hours from the beginning.It was

difficult to accept at first,but I had to let her lead.Sorry to hear you have

to go back to school so soon.Try for info at lactivist.com.

And for IUD info at healthy.net.

Personally I would not insert that into my body,but I have no negative info

on it(yet

Take care!

Sara

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/2/01 21:22:04 Uhr, lashannasmall@... writes:

<< She is really underweight. I have started her

on solids. >>

How do you know she's underweight? Most breastfed babies weight gain slows

after 3 or 4 months. At five months she's awfully young for solids and

solids may slow/stop her weight gain. Your milk is much higher in

fat/nutruent dense/superior to any solid food. Are you nursing on demand?

Are you using a pacifier? This can also slow weight gain/decrease milk

supply. Are you sleeping with her? This also helps to increase weight gain.

Good luck! Oh, if you're planning on more kids I wouldn't use an IUD as

they can cause scarring and infertility.

[Guest guest]

Is it possible that you can pump a couple of bottles in the evenings (before

bed, watching TV, soaking in the bath, etc) so that you don't have to

supplement her with formula or milk or whatever when the day care provider

is there? I don't think it will be healthy for your 5 month old to eat

solids only during the time that you will be away. You can start pumping

now, and freeze it also. It will stockpile quickly. Especially if she is

underweight...that is serious in children (in particular so small) because

the body and brain are depending on nutrients to grow properly. I have no

idea why she is nursing for such short periods...maybe contact LaLecheLeague

for some help on that. Compressing your breast to try to squirt the milk in

faster may only be putting her off, if it is coming out too fast for her to

handle. Also, if she is actually eating solids at her age, she may be eating

enough to be filling her so that she is not so hungry to nurse...although

then she would not be underweight. I wish you and your little one

luck...Sharon

(unknown)

> I have a couple questions that I know are way of topic. Feel free to

e-mail

> me in private.

>

> My breastfed 5 month old baby is not eating alot lately. She might stay

on

> one breast for about 5 minutes, sometimes ten and I am afriad that she is

> not getting the hind milk. She is really underweight. I have started her

> on solids. I am trying breast compression (squeezeing the breast while

the

> baby is eating to make milk come out quicker). Does anyone have any

> suggestions to encourage her to eat better? I have read that the solids

can

> effect that. I will be going to shool 1/2 a day, 3 days a week and me

> schedule does not allow for pumping. So, I am going to let the day care

> provider feed her the solids while I am gone and I will breast feed her

when

> she gets home.

>

> Question number two. I am thinking of trying the IUD. I have done some

> research. If anyone knows anything about it please feel free to e-mail me

> privately.

> _________________________________________________________________

> Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

This MESSAGE contains a VIRUS.

DO NOT OPEN IT

(unknown)

[Guest guest]

First I will tackle the bfing question.... are you feeding on demand? that

means no pacifier, no bottles of water, etc. Are you nursing through the

night? Many people don't realize that babies have receptors in their brain

that tell them when they are full. They are not like adults, they don't

have the ability to eat themselves sick, lol, wish I had that ability

sometimes! If she is only nursing for 10 minutes then that may be all she

needs. Don't be a clock watcher, that is a medical community thing that

they pass on to new moms. The whole start feeding 5 minutes on one side and

then switch is a crock. My next question is, are you having supply

troubles? have you pumped to see how much you are making? if your supply

is low then get that baby to the breast more often. My best remedy, and

it's hard for some moms, is to take one full day, don't do ANYTHING.

Arrange for your significant other to help you. Go to bed with your baby.

That means you stay in bed, only get up to go potty and change diapers, lay

in bed and nurse, nurse, nurse. Usually a full day of this gets most moms

back on track. Also, how is your diet? are you getting enough protein? if

not, try a protein shake or supplement with some high protein foods. I know

many on this list are vegans or vegetarians and if you are one then ignore

this next statement, but get some good protein dinners in you, via meat,

milk, what have you. If you are a vegan then there are some other options

for you. Most women don't realize that they should have about 60 grams + of

protein while they are nursing. It WON'T make you fat, it will keep your

boobs working! Also, get plenty of fluids, are you drinking your 8 glasses

of water per day? or 8 glasses of non carbonated liquid in general?

My next question... by who's standards is she underweight??? Tell us, how

much did she weigh at birth and how much is she now? Remember that

breastfed babies do not follow the formula fed baby charts that most peds go

by. It is rare to see a fat breastfed baby (rare, but it happens!), most

are slim and tend to look *skinny* to the general population because they

are used to seeing formula fed babes.

Now while you are going to school, I agree with the other poster, pump your

little heart out now, then give that instead of solids. She is 5 months,

but I wouldn't push the solids. Her nursing sessions will get less frequent

once you introduce them and you don't want to do that at this point. Trust

me... bananas, rice cereal and peas don't have near the brain building

qualities that your breastmilk does!

If you have any questions about the above, feel free to email me privately,

I would be glad to help )

Now about that IUD.... personally I would do a diaphragm instead. I have

had both. I had the IUD for 4 months, in those 4 months I had 4 infections!

My family has a history of early hysterectomies because of uterine troubles,

etc. I decided after the 4th infection that I didn't want to put myself at

that risk so I had it removed. I want more babies and I didn't want

anything to stand in the way of that. While IUDs are safer now than they

have ever been, they can still cause uterine perforations, read the insert.

In fact a good OB or CNM will give you the insert to take home and read

BEFORE they ask you to make a choice about it.

Just my thoughts. Sorry to clog the list, I just thought that maybe this

information may be useful to you all.

Melisa

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Did you hear? Breast is Best!

Certified Lactation Counselor

IBCLC Exam Candidate

Homeopathic Counselor in training

www.nurturingmama.com

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the link. I found a lot of interesting stuff!!

>From: nnu29@...

>Reply-Vaccinationsegroups

>Vaccinationsegroups

>Subject: Re: (unknown)

>Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2001 21:31:48 EST

>

>In a message dated 1/2/01 6:25:49 PM Pacific Standard Time,

>ietinc@...

>writes:

>

><<

> Is it possible that you can pump a couple of bottles in the evenings

>(before

> bed, watching TV, soaking in the bath, etc) so that you don't have to

> supplement her with formula or milk or whatever when the day care

>provider

> is there? I don't think it will be healthy for your 5 month old to eat

> solids only during the time that you will be away. >>

>

> I agree! Anything other than breastmilk is a *loss* for the infant.My dd

>bfed on one breast for 5 to 10min every 3-4 hours from the beginning.It was

>difficult to accept at first,but I had to let her lead.Sorry to hear you

>have

>to go back to school so soon.Try for info at lactivist.com.

>And for IUD info at healthy.net.

>Personally I would not insert that into my body,but I have no negative info

>on it(yet

>Take care!

>Sara

_________________________________________________________________

Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

[Guest guest]

The diaphragm is kind of a sexual drag isn’t it?

>From: " LC Mama " <lcmama@...>

>Reply-Vaccinationsegroups

><Vaccinationsegroups>

>Subject: Re: (unknown)

>Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 09:31:06 -0700

>

>First I will tackle the bfing question.... are you feeding on demand? that

>means no pacifier, no bottles of water, etc. Are you nursing through the

>night? Many people don't realize that babies have receptors in their brain

>that tell them when they are full. They are not like adults, they don't

>have the ability to eat themselves sick, lol, wish I had that ability

>sometimes! If she is only nursing for 10 minutes then that may be all she

>needs. Don't be a clock watcher, that is a medical community thing that

>they pass on to new moms. The whole start feeding 5 minutes on one side

>and

>then switch is a crock. My next question is, are you having supply

>troubles? have you pumped to see how much you are making? if your supply

>is low then get that baby to the breast more often. My best remedy, and

>it's hard for some moms, is to take one full day, don't do ANYTHING.

>Arrange for your significant other to help you. Go to bed with your baby.

>That means you stay in bed, only get up to go potty and change diapers, lay

>in bed and nurse, nurse, nurse. Usually a full day of this gets most moms

>back on track. Also, how is your diet? are you getting enough protein?

>if

>not, try a protein shake or supplement with some high protein foods. I

>know

>many on this list are vegans or vegetarians and if you are one then ignore

>this next statement, but get some good protein dinners in you, via meat,

>milk, what have you. If you are a vegan then there are some other options

>for you. Most women don't realize that they should have about 60 grams +

>of

>protein while they are nursing. It WON'T make you fat, it will keep your

>boobs working! Also, get plenty of fluids, are you drinking your 8 glasses

>of water per day? or 8 glasses of non carbonated liquid in general?

>

>My next question... by who's standards is she underweight??? Tell us, how

>much did she weigh at birth and how much is she now? Remember that

>breastfed babies do not follow the formula fed baby charts that most peds

>go

>by. It is rare to see a fat breastfed baby (rare, but it happens!), most

>are slim and tend to look *skinny* to the general population because they

>are used to seeing formula fed babes.

>

>Now while you are going to school, I agree with the other poster, pump your

>little heart out now, then give that instead of solids. She is 5 months,

>but I wouldn't push the solids. Her nursing sessions will get less

>frequent

>once you introduce them and you don't want to do that at this point. Trust

>me... bananas, rice cereal and peas don't have near the brain building

>qualities that your breastmilk does!

>

>If you have any questions about the above, feel free to email me privately,

>I would be glad to help )

>

>Now about that IUD.... personally I would do a diaphragm instead. I have

>had both. I had the IUD for 4 months, in those 4 months I had 4

>infections!

>My family has a history of early hysterectomies because of uterine

>troubles,

>etc. I decided after the 4th infection that I didn't want to put myself at

>that risk so I had it removed. I want more babies and I didn't want

>anything to stand in the way of that. While IUDs are safer now than they

>have ever been, they can still cause uterine perforations, read the insert.

>In fact a good OB or CNM will give you the insert to take home and read

>BEFORE they ask you to make a choice about it.

>

>Just my thoughts. Sorry to clog the list, I just thought that maybe this

>information may be useful to you all.

>

>Melisa

>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

>Did you hear? Breast is Best!

>Certified Lactation Counselor

>IBCLC Exam Candidate

>Homeopathic Counselor in training

>www.nurturingmama.com

>

_________________________________________________________________

Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

[Guest guest]

>The diaphragm is kind of a sexual drag isn’t it?

I sure don't think so! I pretty much know the days that I am in the *mood*

so I just put the diaphragm in then I can leave it in for up to 12 hours

afterward. It's easy for me to remember, easier than a condom. And even if

I don't put it in until right before, it's still no hassle. I can then roll

over, go to sleep and not think about it until morning! I love it. And I

am definitely one of those people who doesn't want to have to think about

birth control. My husband is really good at helping me remember, afterall

it's his responsibility too! Once I put it to him that way then he agreed

to help in the endeavor. The IUD is ok, but you really have to think to

yourself... even though they are safer, they aren't as safe as other

methods, and for me I wouldn't even consider it again until I knew I was

done having kids, because afterall, one of the terrors of the IUD is uterine

perforation, and that would stop me from having more kids right there. Just

be well informed before you make a choice.

Melisa

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Did you hear? Breast is Best!

Certified Lactation Counselor

IBCLC Exam Candidate

Homeopathic Counselor in training

www.nurturingmama.com

[Guest guest]

Do you know of any links about the diaphragm?

>From: " LC Mama " <lcmama@...>

>Reply-Vaccinationsegroups

><Vaccinationsegroups>

>Subject: Re: (unknown)

>Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 19:49:26 -0700

>

> >The diaphragm is kind of a sexual drag isn’t it?

>

>I sure don't think so! I pretty much know the days that I am in the *mood*

>so I just put the diaphragm in then I can leave it in for up to 12 hours

>afterward. It's easy for me to remember, easier than a condom. And even

>if

>I don't put it in until right before, it's still no hassle. I can then

>roll

>over, go to sleep and not think about it until morning! I love it. And I

>am definitely one of those people who doesn't want to have to think about

>birth control. My husband is really good at helping me remember, afterall

>it's his responsibility too! Once I put it to him that way then he agreed

>to help in the endeavor. The IUD is ok, but you really have to think to

>yourself... even though they are safer, they aren't as safe as other

>methods, and for me I wouldn't even consider it again until I knew I was

>done having kids, because afterall, one of the terrors of the IUD is

>uterine

>perforation, and that would stop me from having more kids right there.

>Just

>be well informed before you make a choice.

>

>Melisa

>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

>Did you hear? Breast is Best!

>Certified Lactation Counselor

>IBCLC Exam Candidate

>Homeopathic Counselor in training

>www.nurturingmama.com

>

>

>

>

_________________________________________________________________

Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

[Guest guest]

>Do you know of any links about the diaphragm?

I don't off hand, but you could go to webmd and look around. Or ask a CNM,

that's who did mine. They have great information.

Melisa

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Did you hear? Breast is Best!

Certified Lactation Counselor

IBCLC Exam Candidate

Homeopathic Counselor in training

www.nurturingmama.com

[Guest guest]

That doctor was injecting hGH directly into arthritic joints, resulting in

confirmed regrowth of degenerated cartilage and relief from pain. Don't recall

which issue that was in, but I brought the article to my doctor, who was very,

very interested. If you call an adviser at LEF or search their site www.lef.org

, you might find the article.

Loren Sherman

(unknown)

Jan/03/2001 16:16 ET

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

Dear Gordon and others,

Does anyone have first hand information as to whether or not growth

hormone will help regenerate a bad disc that resulted from an injury?

Steve Boracchia

There was an article (from LEF I think?) about a physician in south

Florida who has injected directly DHEA into the disk, with good

results. Does this ring a bell with anyone?

Lee Groth

eGroups Sponsor

[Guest guest]

That doctor was injecting hGH directly into arthritic joints, resulting in

confirmed regrowth of degenerated cartilage and relief from pain. Don't recall

which issue that was in, but I brought the article to my doctor, who was very,

very interested. If you call an adviser at LEF or search their site www.lef.org

, you might find the article.

Loren Sherman

(unknown)

Jan/03/2001 16:16 ET

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

Dear Gordon and others,

Does anyone have first hand information as to whether or not growth

hormone will help regenerate a bad disc that resulted from an injury?

Steve Boracchia

There was an article (from LEF I think?) about a physician in south

Florida who has injected directly DHEA into the disk, with good

results. Does this ring a bell with anyone?

Lee Groth

eGroups Sponsor

[Guest guest]

Regarding:

Defense Secretary S. Cohen and the Joint Chiefs of Staff will

honor President Clinton and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton today at the

Pentagon. Spokesman Bacon said the couple will be applauded " for

their support of the military over the last eight years. "

I saw this on CSPAN and it was surreal. I had to check the channel to make

sure it wasn't a spoof or something.

[Guest guest]

That's so much for someone so young to go through. I have a nephew who was

born with a cleft lip and pallate and an incomplete esophogus ... and like

Hayden, a lot of other problems too. I know how hard it is. I also know what

you mean about the smile. My nephew is still one of the happiest children I

know. He's 20 now.

Sissi

Kids' Page

http://home.isoa.net/~nitetrax/dillon.htm

Life is just one damned thing after another. ~ Elbert Hubbard

(unknown)

> Hi,

>

> I am new to the group. My son, Hayden is 10 months old has a 35%

curvature

> at T10. He has had a custom soft TLSO since October and that seems to be

> helping straighten things out a little. We are hoping to keep the curve

> under control till Hayden is allot older. Though I have been made

> understand that this is quite a sever curve for someone so young and that

> there is a better chance of it getting worse than for it to get better.

>

> So far, the scoliosis has been an easy thing for us. Just put the brace

on

> and go to check ups. Our bigger concerns have been his eyes, ears, and

> other facial abnormalities that have made it necessary for the trach and

> Gtube.

>

> Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself and Hayden. Glad to have found

> this group. )

>

>

>

> Taydoo

> Mom to Hayden. Born 02/00 Goldenhar Syndrome. Complete unilateral cleft

> lip and pallet (repaired), Severe Bilateral Microphthalmia, Mandibular

> Hypoplasia, Microtia, Combined Profound Deafness, Hemifacial Microsomia,

> Tethered Tongue, Scoliosis, Trach & Gtube, and the biggest smile any baby

> could have.

[Guest guest]

ok.... ladies... go to www.urbanlegends.com this is a hoax and NOT at all

true! It has however given Mc's enough bad press that they have moved

most of their ball pits inside AND most of the newer ones don't even have a

ball pit.

Melisa

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Did you hear? Breast is Best!

Certified Lactation Counselor

IBCLC Exam Candidate

Homeopathic Counselor in training

www.nurturingmama.com

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

About the same thing happened to me. I was put in the hospital for 7 days,

60 mg of predinozone and 2 high doses of antibotics. I gained alot of

weight too. I am now off the steroid and just on imuran 75 mg per day. I

am slowly coming down and I mean slowly. I have been with aih for about 3

years. I prayed alot and now I am in remission for now. Hang in there.

Bobbie

[ ] (unknown)

> Hi everyone. I heard about this group when reading Colleen's story on her

> Autoimmune liver disease. My mom found it for me and suggested that I

> should read it and then try out this group. Well, here goes!! I was

> diagnosed back in March, 2000 with Autoimmune Hepatitis. I had no idea

that

> I had this. My family and friends started noticing that my eyes were a

> little yellow. When going to my family doctor they tested me for every

> Hepatitis disease and they all came back negative. They were baffled.

They

> then sent me to a liver specialist. After doing some testing and seeing

the

> results, he thought that it might be this Autoimmune Hepatitis, but sent

me

> down to the University of Pennsylvania to see the head of the department

for

> a second opinion. After doing tests he confirmed that it was Autoimmune

> Hepatitis. Then he wanted to perform a liver biopsy to see how much

damage

> has been done. His first attempt failed because my liver was too small

and

> he didn't want to do any additional damage. He then arranged to have a

> biopsy done where they go in through the neck and down. That was a

painful

> process. They gave me some sedation, but I was awake and felt everything.

> I never want to go through another one of those again. After all was said

> and done, he put me on prednisone and Immuran. He started me off on

> 20mg/day of prednisone, and 100mg/day of Immuran. Within 3 months I

gained

> exactly 30 pounds. The weight has never gone higher than that, but I'm

> still devastated with the weight. I was a petite, 125 pound girl who

never

> had a weight problem ever. And I never thought that I would. Then from

all

> the sudden weight gain, I got horrible, dark purple strectch marks on my

> waist, hips, thighs and calfs. I was too embarassed all summer to get

into

> a bathing suit and short shorts. I hate being like this. My doctor has

> been slowly decreasing my medicine (now 10mg/day of prednisone and still

> 100mg/day of Immuran), but the weight just doesn't budge. I don't

over-eat

> either. It's driving me crazy!!! I'm even embarassed to see people that

I

> haven't seen since before the weight gain for fear they may say something

> about my weight. People don't even recognize me. It's so embarssing.

> Then, recently, I went into the hospital with kidney stones. I spent 7

days

> in the hospital because one was so badly stuck that I ended up becoming

> ceptic, and then I got pneumonia too. The urology doctors believe that

the

> stones were caused by the prednisone, but they won't know for sure until

the

> test results come back. I've asked my doctor countless times if he could

> put me on another drug that is comparable to prednisone that doesn't have

> the awful side affects (weight gain and stretch marks). He keeps telling

me

> that this is the best thing for me right now. Does anyone know of any

other

> drug? I hope that there is something out there. Also, if anyone else got

> stretch marks from the weight gain, do you know of anything that actually

> worked for making them go away? I tried Vitamin E stuff, but that hasn't

> showed any results. I'm very depressed about the whole thing, especially

> because I never felt sick in the first place. I just dream of the day

when

> I can fit into my size 6 jeans again. Oh, and to top everything off, my

> doctor told me when I was last there that there is a possibility that

> someday I may need a liver transplant anyway. So I got upset because I

feel

> like I'm going through all of this for nothing. I'd just rather have the

> transplant then and be done with it. But then again, I heard that the

> anti-rejection drugs you have to take after the transplant cause a

> tremendous amount of weight gain. This is all so frustrating. Does

> everyone else feel the way that I do? I'm at least thankful for my caring

> family, friends and boyfriend who are sticking by me through everything.

> Please, write back and share your stories and information with me. I am

> really in need of some advice and suggestions. I hope to hear from you

> soon. Thanks.

>

>

> _________________________________________________________________

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>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I sympathize you on the social, emotional, and physical effects of the weight gain, but it beats the hell out of being dead. I try to think of the alternative, of having LOST that amount of weight. If you stick to the prednisone now, later you can lose the weight. If you don't, you can be a pretty corpse. Makes the choice a little clearer, doesn't it.

In terms of transplant weight, I know one woman who was extremely heavy before her transplant. (She became ill at the same time I did, in May, but wasn't diagnosed until she was going into a coma in August, or so I've been told by her friends.) Her mother tells me that she's losing weight steadily after the successful transplant and feels well.

Yes, the weight gain is hard, not only because of social disapproval but because it limits us physically. But, there are worse things, and my doctor says weight loss is possible later. My face, which ballooned, is getting much smaller. I haven't lost any of the 40 pounds I gained in six weeks, but I haven't gained any more, either, and it isn't as strangely placed as it was earlier.

I have to get off line now to get a fax. Best wishes. It's a lousy situation for you, but it could be worse.