New to the group

[Guest guest]

Perhaps it depends on your rods, but I've had numerous MRIs of my

brain and C-spine (neck) just fine with my rods. I have multiple

sclerosis, and MRIs are the way they track the lesions in the brain &

spinal cord. As they scan the lower end of the c-spine, there are

often " artifacts " or areas of distortion that are caused by the metal

rods (which start at T4 for me). But other than that, the MRIs are

perfectly fine for me. Of course, there would be no use in doing an

MRI in the specific areas where the rods are, as the artifacts would

likely ruin any details they're looking for in the image.

> >

> > Hello everyone,

> >

> > Just found this group and I am trying to determine if I have flat

> back.

> > I had scoliosis surgery with the implamintation of a Harrington

rod

> > when I was 15 years old. I am now 47. I have chronic lower back

> pain

> > that seems to change from side to side. It seems as if the

muscles

> our

> > sore very deep inside. Sleeping on my back, running the sweeper,

> and

> > sitting bent forward at my desk really bother me. I do tend to

lean

> > forward and when I get a glimpse of myself sometimes I cannot

> believe

> > how hunged

> > (sp?) forward I am.

> >

> > I have had an MRI which showed herniated disks and some

artheritis.

> > When to pain management for steroid injections and radifrequency

> > treatment which did nothing.

> >

> > Any thoughts out there?

> >

> > Thanks

> > Jen

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I too was told to avoid MRI like the plague, until I started searching

for a revision surgeon. I wrote Dr. Errico off my list immediately

because the woman who answered the phone wouldn't give me an

appointment unless I already had an MRI and treated me with disdain

when I tried to explain that I couldn't have one because I had a

Harrington Rod. The next one I tried was the one who took over my

original surgeon's practice. I was more insistent there because my

original surgeon promised to help me when the spinal stenosis finally

required surgery. Still it took more than one call and I had to

resort to insisting on speaking with the office manager. Then one of

the revision surgeons I saw said he doesn't bother with an MRI because

a CAT scan gives him better information!

> >

> > Hello everyone,

> >

> > Just found this group and I am trying to determine if I have flat

> back.

> > I had scoliosis surgery with the implamintation of a Harrington rod

> > when I was 15 years old. I am now 47. I have chronic lower back

> pain

> > that seems to change from side to side. It seems as if the muscles

> our

> > sore very deep inside. Sleeping on my back, running the sweeper,

> and

> > sitting bent forward at my desk really bother me. I do tend to lean

> > forward and when I get a glimpse of myself sometimes I cannot

> believe

> > how hunged

> > (sp?) forward I am.

> >

> > I have had an MRI which showed herniated disks and some artheritis.

> > When to pain management for steroid injections and radifrequency

> > treatment which did nothing.

> >

> > Any thoughts out there?

> >

> > Thanks

> > Jen

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I think Errico's receptionist should have been fired!

Lida

-----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of nerilka365Sent: 31 August 2008 02:45 Subject: Re: New to the group

I too was told to avoid MRI like the plague, until I started searchingfor a revision surgeon. I wrote Dr. Errico off my list immediatelybecause the woman who answered the phone wouldn't give me anappointment unless I already had an MRI and treated me with disdainwhen I tried to explain that I couldn't have one because I had aHarrington Rod. __________ NOD32 3401 (20080829) Information __________This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.http://www.eset.com

[Guest guest]

It's strange isn't it? I was told that as its a " magnetic resonance

imaging " and the magnets they use are so strong that it would in most

cases pull the metal out of you - gruesome hey? My husband has been

referred for MRI in the past and they say " no metal of any kind " and

that's earrings to pacemakers to hip replacements - everything. It

says on the letter something along the lines of if you've got metal

bits - you aren't coming in! we will refuse to do the scan and send

you home.

I was told that the ONLY way that they would give me a MRI would be

to remove my rods, do the scan, and then replace them. I think he was

joking.... I hope he was joking..... Doesn't matter now anyway cos

they used bone scanning instead. Anyone had one of those? weird

sensation.

> > >

> > > Hello everyone,

> > >

> > > Just found this group and I am trying to determine if I have

flat

> > back.

> > > I had scoliosis surgery with the implamintation of a Harrington

rod

> > > when I was 15 years old. I am now 47. I have chronic lower back

> > pain

> > > that seems to change from side to side. It seems as if the

muscles

> > our

> > > sore very deep inside. Sleeping on my back, running the

sweeper,

> > and

> > > sitting bent forward at my desk really bother me. I do tend to

lean

> > > forward and when I get a glimpse of myself sometimes I cannot

> > believe

> > > how hunged

> > > (sp?) forward I am.

> > >

> > > I have had an MRI which showed herniated disks and some

artheritis.

> > > When to pain management for steroid injections and

radifrequency

> > > treatment which did nothing.

> > >

> > > Any thoughts out there?

> > >

> > > Thanks

> > > Jen

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I think so too!

>

>

> I think Errico's receptionist should have been fired!

>

> Lida

>

>

>

> Re: New to the group

>

>

>

> I too was told to avoid MRI like the plague, until I started

searching

> for a revision surgeon. I wrote Dr. Errico off my list immediately

> because the woman who answered the phone wouldn't give me an

> appointment unless I already had an MRI and treated me with disdain

> when I tried to explain that I couldn't have one because I had a

> Harrington Rod.

>

>

>

>

> __________ NOD32 3401 (20080829) Information __________

>

> This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.

> http://www.eset.com

>

[Guest guest]

I also have a problem with bras. I am quite large in that department

*blushes* and in the last year or so have found that it is

excruciating to wear under-wires - only on one side where the metal

sticks into my ribs (which obviously wasn't taken into account at the

design how dare we have unsymmetrical shapes! tut! ) and soft cups

are either too tight round the circumference that they cause backache

OR too loose that they don't support and, you guessed it!, cause

backache. yay!

As far as clothes are concerned, being a mum I tend to wear casual

clothes anyway so you cant tell as much but I am very very lucky that

my mum is a great crafter and can make clothes to tailor to me - I've

been a bridesmaid once and married twice and my mum specially made my

dresses for me each time - with a slightly different neckline and one

shoulder higher than the other that the pattern suggests. We also

managed to find patterns that cover the (IMO) nearly 3 foot ugly scar

down my back! I am really conscious of it and have a heck of a job

getting swimming costumes with high backs! lol

> >

> > Hi this is my first time writing to this group. I'm 34yrs.old and

have

> > had my harrington rod since I was twelve. Up until four years ago

i

> > really didn't have problems with my back. I had three children,

no

> > epidurals of course, with no problems,other than the intense pain

of

> > childbirth. I feel like I have so many questions, but i don't

want to

> > take up too much space all at once. I guess I'll start with a

seemingly

> > goofy question that I've only noticed in the past couple of

years. Has

> > any women out there had problems with bras fitting correctly?

It's

> > becoming more of a problem for me as time goes on. i can't

believe they

> > haven't made bras for women with severe scoliosis. I'm also a

little

> > nervous about the talk of having another surgery. I can see where

it

> > may become necessary but I don't know what to do. i watched a

show on

> > The Learning Channel about extreme surguries. A young girl had

rods put

> > in for scoliosis, BUT they " straightened " her spine before

putting the

> > rods in. This was not done to me. Does anyone know if this is a

new

> > tecnique? I hope I'm o.k. in asking these questions to this

forum. If

> > you think that I may need a different forum please let me know.

> > Thanks, Josie

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

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

> Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check.

> Try the Beta.

>

[Guest guest]

I also have problems with bras. My issue is that all the straps fall off my left shoulder since my right shoulder is higher than my left. So needless to say, straps always fall off the left side. I also can't carry my purse on that shoulder either since it slides right off. I after years of searching I have discovered that 's Secret makes a racerback bra that is wonderful. There is no worrying about the strap falling off my shoulder or having the strap on my left shoulder so tight that it hurts.AmyFrom: highs_and_lows08 <highs_and_lows08@...>Subject: Re: New to the groupTo:

Date: Monday, September 1, 2008, 6:51 AM

I also have a problem with bras. I am quite large in that department

*blushes* and in the last year or so have found that it is

excruciating to wear under-wires - only on one side where the metal

sticks into my ribs (which obviously wasn't taken into account at the

design how dare we have unsymmetrical shapes! tut! ) and soft cups

are either too tight round the circumference that they cause backache

OR too loose that they don't support and, you guessed it!, cause

backache. yay!

As far as clothes are concerned, being a mum I tend to wear casual

clothes anyway so you cant tell as much but I am very very lucky that

my mum is a great crafter and can make clothes to tailor to me - I've

been a bridesmaid once and married twice and my mum specially made my

dresses for me each time - with a slightly different neckline and one

shoulder higher than the other that the pattern suggests. We also

managed to find patterns that cover the (IMO) nearly 3 foot ugly scar

down my back! I am really conscious of it and have a heck of a job

getting swimming costumes with high backs! lol

> >

> > Hi this is my first time writing to this group. I'm 34yrs.old and

have

> > had my harrington rod since I was twelve. Up until four years ago

i

> > really didn't have problems with my back. I had three children,

no

> > epidurals of course, with no problems,other than the intense pain

of

> > childbirth. I feel like I have so many questions, but i don't

want to

> > take up too much space all at once. I guess I'll start with a

seemingly

> > goofy question that I've only noticed in the past couple of

years. Has

> > any women out there had problems with bras fitting correctly?

It's

> > becoming more of a problem for me as time goes on. i can't

believe they

> > haven't made bras for women with severe scoliosis. I'm also a

little

> > nervous about the talk of having another surgery. I can see where

it

> > may become necessary but I don't know what to do. i watched a

show on

> > The Learning Channel about extreme surguries. A young girl had

rods put

> > in for scoliosis, BUT they "straightened" her spine before

putting the

> > rods in. This was not done to me. Does anyone know if this is a

new

> > tecnique? I hope I'm o.k. in asking these questions to this

forum. If

> > you think that I may need a different forum please let me know.

> > Thanks, Josie

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

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

> Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check.

> Try the Beta.

>

[Guest guest]

YES!

Sorry I dont mean I'm happy that this happens to you - of course I'm not but I am happy that finally I've "met" someone who "gets" WHY I dont use a handbag (except for special occasions) yet my pockets are always full of stuff!

I dont know what its like in the US but here (uk) EVERY female over the age of 12 uses a handbag .... seemingly except me.... and everyone always looks at me daft if I try to explain "they fall off, and its annoying"

Re: New to the groupFeistyScolioFlatbac kers@groups .comDate: Monday, September 1, 2008, 6:51 AM

I also have a problem with bras. I am quite large in that department *blushes* and in the last year or so have found that it is excruciating to wear under-wires - only on one side where the metal sticks into my ribs (which obviously wasn't taken into account at the design how dare we have unsymmetrical shapes! tut! ) and soft cups are either too tight round the circumference that they cause backache OR too loose that they don't support and, you guessed it!, cause backache. yay!As far as clothes are concerned, being a mum I tend to wear casual clothes anyway so you cant tell as much but I am very very lucky that my mum is a great crafter and can make clothes to tailor to me - I've been a bridesmaid once and married twice and my mum specially made my dresses for me each time - with a slightly different neckline and one shoulder higher than the other that the pattern suggests. We also managed

to find patterns that cover the (IMO) nearly 3 foot ugly scar down my back! I am really conscious of it and have a heck of a job getting swimming costumes with high backs! lol> >> > Hi this is my first time writing to this group. I'm 34yrs.old and have > > had my harrington rod since I was twelve. Up until four years ago i > > really didn't have problems with my back. I had three children, no > > epidurals of course, with no problems,other than the intense pain of > > childbirth. I feel like I have so many questions, but i don't want to > > take up too much

space all at once. I guess I'll start with a seemingly > > goofy question that I've only noticed in the past couple of years. Has > > any women out there had problems with bras fitting correctly? It's > > becoming more of a problem for me as time goes on. i can't believe they > > haven't made bras for women with severe scoliosis. I'm also a little > > nervous about the talk of having another surgery. I can see where it > > may become necessary but I don't know what to do. i watched a show on > > The Learning Channel about extreme surguries. A young girl had rods put > > in for scoliosis, BUT they "straightened" her spine before putting the > > rods in. This was not done to me. Does anyone know if this is a new > > tecnique? I hope I'm o.k. in asking these questions to this forum. If > > you think that

I may need a different forum please let me know.> > Thanks, Josie> >> > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- ---> Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check.> Try the Beta.>

[Guest guest]

I think it's important that we keep publicizing the bad experiences we

have with medical personnel and their office staff. Dr. Errico seems

to get high marks from Feisty members, but it is disheartening and

alienating to hear that his receptionist acted this rude and

disdainful to a potential patient on the phone.

When I was searching for a revision surgeon several years ago, I

likewise wrote off at least one or two of them because of their

unbelievably inhospitable receptionists. An informed, capable, and

gracioius receptionist is a gem, and we can only hope that she or he

is respected and well paid by the boss. As for the occasional

nightmare-receptionist -- well, I just can't see that there is any

excuse for taking out her/his hostilities or dissatisfactions on

callers who are already dealing with a load of pain and anxiety from

serious spinal conditions. If that's your M.O. as a medical

receptionist, maybe you should consider another line of work (at the

Division of Motor Vehicles, perhaps?)

The MRI issue seems to come up again and again at this group. In the

early years, I did hear of one bad reaction someone had to an MRI

because of her Harrington rod, but to the best of my knowledge, this

is not a problem with the newer scanners. If you want to read lots

more posts on this subject, you could try searching the message

archives at our website!

Thanks to eight fusions and revisions, I have a veritable medical

supply store implanted in my back. I was wary of having an MRI but

found that it gave me no problems.

Best,

>

>

> I think Errico's receptionist should have been fired!

>

> Lida

>

>

>

> Re: New to the group

>

>

>

> I too was told to avoid MRI like the plague, until I started searching

> for a revision surgeon. I wrote Dr. Errico off my list immediately

> because the woman who answered the phone wouldn't give me an

> appointment unless I already had an MRI and treated me with disdain

> when I tried to explain that I couldn't have one because I had a

> Harrington Rod.

>

>

>

>

> __________ NOD32 3401 (20080829) Information __________

>

> This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.

> http://www.eset.com

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathie! Welcome to the group! I have often heard that there are a lot of

crazies on the SmartBandster board who make rude comments like the one you

mentioned. Happy to see you here! While veggies are very good for you, if you

have issues with textures and flavors, just find what DOES work for you and

stick to them along with taking an excellent vitamin supplement. I also have

PCOS; diagnosed at 18 and I am now 37 (for 2 more months!). Losing weight will

most definitely help with the disease and its associated diseases. My blood

pressure, lipids and insulin are all now normal off meds with the exception of

just one mild bp med which I may never get off of simply because of heredity.

If you have never seen an endocrinologist for your PCOS DEFINITELY make an

appointment with one!

@...: kathieiorizzo@...: Sun, 12

Oct 2008 21:31:06 +0000Subject: New to the Group

Hello all. I am Kathie and was in Smart Bandsters. I have decided to look for

another support group on this process. I don't feel SB was the right group for

me and I got tired of being blasted. The last straw was when a member advised me

I'd get cancer if I didn't learn to like veggies. My story is short. I was

banded April 23, 2008 with my parter Deb. We are in this together and having

that person here doing this with me, makes this so much easier. It is not as

easy as I thought. I am a very picky eater who has a texture issue with food and

also dislikes most veggies and condiments. I am learning to open my taste buds

and try new things, but most of the time it's a negative process and I end up

not liking them. I am determined to work this band the way it's supposed to be

worked and be a success with this. I also have PCOS which has gone untreated now

for two years. I got very frustrated with the back and forth birth control forms

of treatment so I'm waiting to see a specialist about it. I know I have to get

my PCOS in order for this weight loss to work. I eat pretty decent most days,

but I find I crave sweets. I also don't make time to cook during the week as I

should. So that is me. I am 31, no kids and I live in Chicago.

_________________________________________________________________

See how Windows connects the people, information, and fun that are part of your

life.

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[Guest guest]

Thank you heather for the warm welcome! I have seen several Endo's for my PCOS

and have done so many trials of medication. I just get sick from them or the

last one broke out in hives. Has your cycle returned to normal since losing

weight? Do you have children? I hope you don't mind my personal questions.

Kathie

kathieiorizzo@...

http://web.mac.com/kathie7

317/286.4/180

Preop/Now/Goal

http://web.mac.com/kathie7/LoveMeSkinny/Welcome.html

New to the Group

Hello all. I am Kathie and was in Smart Bandsters. I have decided to look for

another support group on this process. I don't feel SB was the right group for

me and I got tired of being blasted. The last straw was when a member advised me

I'd get cancer if I didn't learn to like veggies. My story is short. I was

banded April 23, 2008 with my parter Deb. We are in this together and having

that person here doing this with me, makes this so much easier. It is not as

easy as I thought. I am a very picky eater who has a texture issue with food and

also dislikes most veggies and condiments. I am learning to open my taste buds

and try new things, but most of the time it's a negative process and I end up

not liking them. I am determined to work this band the way it's supposed to be

worked and be a success with this. I also have PCOS which has gone untreated now

for two years. I got very frustrated with the back and forth birth control forms

of treatment so I'm

waiting to see a specialist about it. I know I have to get my PCOS in order for

this weight loss to work. I eat pretty decent most days, but I find I crave

sweets. I also don't make time to cook during the week as I should. So that is

me. I am 31, no kids and I live in Chicago.

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

See how Windows connects the people, information, and fun that are part of your

life.

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[Guest guest]

Kathie,

I don't mind personal questions at all! Well, pre-banding and even further back

pre-seeing an endo my cycles came about every nine MONTHS. I saw an endo and

started Metformin/Glucophage and my IR was so rediculous that I was on 2,000 mg

a day. I lost about 20 pounds from the meds alone, but my cycles started coming

about every 45 days or so. We tried to get pregnant for many years and just the

Met didn't help in that department so we did Clomid for a while and then moved

onto injectibles and after NINE years of trying we got pregnant with our

daughter Kylie who will be 4 on 11/30. I had to go on a LOT of insulin with

that pregnancy and couldn't come off of it after her birth, but my cycles were

at that point down to about every 30-35 days. I doubted that I was ovulating

considering ttc for those nine years. After having her I looked into LapBand

and was scheduled for surgery in April of 2006. A week before my surgery I

realized I was about 2 weeks late and took a home prego test thinking there was

NO way it was positive, but it WAS. My banding was cancelled. Unfortunately I

miscarried at 12 weeks (progesterone was very low). After I recovered I

immediately rescheduled my banding and got an IUD! My banding was on 9/14/06

and I immediately was taken off all insulin and oral meds other than BP meds

(which I was taking two different types and double doses of one). After losing

for a few months my cycles were down to every 28-29 days! My gyn said that the

IUD had nothing to do with it. So, about a year after my banding I realized I

was LATE and again took a home test and again was pregnant. The IUD had to be

removed although it was STILL perfectly placed. Again, I miscarried (probably

from the IUD removal), but this time at 8 weeks. After recovering from this

miscarriage we knew we definitely wanted Kylie to have a sister so we were told

we could try again and it was about 18 months after my banding and I had lost 80

pounds. So we tried for a couple months and the third month we found out we

were pregnant again. This time progesterone was dipping, but it was monitered

and I needed progesterone suppositories. All has gone very well with this

pregnancy and I'm having another girl in just 8 more weeks! We have named her

Lacie. I've gained 12 pounds so far and haven't had any band issues. Right now

I have 7cc in my VG band so it's just enough restriction, but after I deliver

I'll start with fills again so I can get back on the road to my goal weight!

_________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Kathie,

I should clarify....we tried to conceive for nine years - including without and

with medical intervention, we didn't try injectible meds for nine years!!! lol

....and p.s. Kathie, dropping progesterone levels during early pregnancy is

common in women with PCOS so if and when you try to start a family, be sure your

doc monitors your progesterone levels. The placenta takes over around week 11

or week 12 so it's just a couple months of suppositories to deal with.

_________________________________________________________________

See how Windows Mobile brings your life together—at home, work, or on the go.

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[Guest guest]

Welcome! We never blast people here, but we might ask you to look at

some tough issues sometimes, or give you a gentle " kick'

occasionally, with sincere caring. :-)

We often have cravings if our protein amounts are not enough. Try to

get 50 gm or so, on average, of solid protein a day.

Please also go thruthe Band Guide in the files, fo the basics on food

choices, eating techniques, nd safety issues - and more.

what veggies do you like? Use lowfat cheese sauces, butter sauces,

and " hide " veggies in stews, meatloaf, casseroles, pot roast.

I'd also urge you to consider the excelent Vita Band viramins from

Bariatric Advantage, if you're not too fond of veggies. they will

help you make up the difference.

It's tough to find time to cook sometimes, but there are good frozen

dinners, like the South beach ones with only meat and veggies. You

could also make meatloaves and casseroles on the weekends to freeze.

I make up about a dozen quality ground beef patties at a time,

freeze them individually, and then can quickly grill them. a crockpot

is also an excellent tool for busy people - just throw stuff in

before you leave for work, and it's hot and ready for you when you

get home!

Glad you're here with us !

Sandy r

>

> Hello all. I am Kathie and was in Smart Bandsters. I have decided

to look for another support

> group on this process. I don't feel SB was the right group for me

and I got tired of being

> blasted. The last straw was when a member advised me I'd get

cancer if I didn't learn to like

> veggies.

>

> My story is short. I was banded April 23, 2008 with my parter Deb.

We are in this together

> and having that person here doing this with me, makes this so much

easier. It is not as easy

> as I thought. I am a very picky eater who has a texture issue with

food and also dislikes most

> veggies and condiments. I am learning to open my taste buds and

try new things, but most

> of the time it's a negative process and I end up not liking them.

I am determined to work this

> band the way it's supposed to be worked and be a success with

this. I also have PCOS which

> has gone untreated now for two years. I got very frustrated with

the back and forth birth

> control forms of treatment so I'm waiting to see a specialist about

it. I know I have to get my

> PCOS in order for this weight loss to work. I eat pretty decent

most days, but I find I crave

> sweets. I also don't make time to cook during the week as I

should.

>

> So that is me. I am 31, no kids and I live in Chicago.

>

[Guest guest]

Hey Sandy! Speaking of meatloaf, I have a great " Pizza Meatloaf " recipe if

anyone is interested. I sometimes can't handle ground beef, but this meatloaf

is the perfect texture for me. It has Don Pepino sauce in it and over it and I

use a low fat mozzarella. JUST YUMMY!

@...: moonshadow.sandy@...: Tue,

14 Oct 2008 02:28:12 +0000Subject: Re: New to the Group

Welcome! We never blast people here, but we might ask you to look at some tough

issues sometimes, or give you a gentle " kick' occasionally, with sincere caring.

:-)We often have cravings if our protein amounts are not enough. Try to get 50

gm or so, on average, of solid protein a day.Please also go thruthe Band Guide

in the files, fo the basics on food choices, eating techniques, nd safety issues

- and more. what veggies do you like? Use lowfat cheese sauces, butter sauces,

and " hide " veggies in stews, meatloaf, casseroles, pot roast. I'd also urge you

to consider the excelent Vita Band viramins from Bariatric Advantage, if you're

not too fond of veggies. they will help you make up the difference. It's tough

to find time to cook sometimes, but there are good frozen dinners, like the

South beach ones with only meat and veggies. You could also make meatloaves and

casseroles on the weekends to freeze. I make up about a dozen quality ground

beef patties at a time, freeze them individually, and then can quickly grill

them. a crockpot is also an excellent tool for busy people - just throw stuff in

before you leave for work, and it's hot and ready for you when you get home!Glad

you're here with us !Sandy r>> Hello all. I am Kathie and was in

Smart Bandsters. I have decided to look for another support > group on this

process. I don't feel SB was the right group for me and I got tired of being >

blasted. The last straw was when a member advised me I'd get cancer if I didn't

learn to like > veggies. > > My story is short. I was banded April 23, 2008 with

my parter Deb. We are in this together > and having that person here doing this

with me, makes this so much easier. It is not as easy > as I thought. I am a

very picky eater who has a texture issue with food and also dislikes most >

veggies and condiments. I am learning to open my taste buds and try new things,

but most > of the time it's a negative process and I end up not liking them. I

am determined to work this > band the way it's supposed to be worked and be a

success with this. I also have PCOS which > has gone untreated now for two

years. I got very frustrated with the back and forth birth > control forms of

treatment so I'm waiting to see a specialist about it. I know I have to get my >

PCOS in order for this weight loss to work. I eat pretty decent most days, but I

find I crave > sweets. I also don't make time to cook during the week as I

should. > > So that is me. I am 31, no kids and I live in Chicago.>

_________________________________________________________________

Get more out of the Web. Learn 10 hidden secrets of Windows Live.

http://windowslive.com/connect/post/jamiethomson.spaces.live.com-Blog-cns!550F68\

1DAD532637!5295.entry?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_domore_092008

[Guest guest]

Yes, please add it to the recipe file here!! then i will swipe it and

also add it to my new board for Kuri patiets (credit to you, of

course!)

thanks !

Sandy

>> Hello all. I am Kathie and was in Smart Bandsters. I have

decided to look for another support > group on this process. I don't

feel SB was the right group for me and I got tired of being >

blasted. The last straw was when a member advised me I'd get cancer

if I didn't learn to like > veggies. > > My story is short. I was

banded April 23, 2008 with my parter Deb. We are in this together >

and having that person here doing this with me, makes this so much

easier. It is not as easy > as I thought. I am a very picky eater who

has a texture issue with food and also dislikes most > veggies and

condiments. I am learning to open my taste buds and try new things,

but most > of the time it's a negative process and I end up not

liking them. I am determined to work this > band the way it's

supposed to be worked and be a success with this. I also have PCOS

which > has gone untreated now for two years. I got very frustrated

with the back and forth birth > control forms of treatment so I'm

waiting to see a specialist about it. I know I have to get my > PCOS

in order for this weight loss to work. I eat pretty decent most days,

but I find I crave > sweets. I also don't make time to cook during

the week as I should. > > So that is me. I am 31, no kids and I live

in Chicago.>

>

>

>

>

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Get more out of the Web. Learn 10 hidden secrets of Windows Live.

> http://windowslive.com/connect/post/jamiethomson.spaces.live.com-

Blog-cns!550F681DAD532637!5295.entry?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_domore_092008

>

>

[Guest guest]

I'd love the meatloaf recipe too.

From: moonshadow.sandy

Sent: Monday, October 13, 2008 9:38 PM

Subject: Re: New to the Group

Yes, please add it to the recipe file here!! then i will swipe it and

also add it to my new board for Kuri patiets (credit to you, of

course!)

thanks !

Sandy

>> Hello all. I am Kathie and was in Smart Bandsters. I have

decided to look for another support > group on this process. I don't

feel SB was the right group for me and I got tired of being >

blasted. The last straw was when a member advised me I'd get cancer

if I didn't learn to like > veggies. > > My story is short. I was

banded April 23, 2008 with my parter Deb. We are in this together >

and having that person here doing this with me, makes this so much

easier. It is not as easy > as I thought. I am a very picky eater who

has a texture issue with food and also dislikes most > veggies and

condiments. I am learning to open my taste buds and try new things,

but most > of the time it's a negative process and I end up not

liking them. I am determined to work this > band the way it's

supposed to be worked and be a success with this. I also have PCOS

which > has gone untreated now for two years. I got very frustrated

with the back and forth birth > control forms of treatment so I'm

waiting to see a specialist about it. I know I have to get my > PCOS

in order for this weight loss to work. I eat pretty decent most days,

but I find I crave > sweets. I also don't make time to cook during

the week as I should. > > So that is me. I am 31, no kids and I live

in Chicago.>

>

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________________

> Get more out of the Web. Learn 10 hidden secrets of Windows Live.

> http://windowslive.com/connect/post/jamiethomson.spaces.live.com-

Blog-cns!550F681DAD532637!5295.entry?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_domore_092008

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the warm welcome. I bought some low fat cheese and I'm going to

try that on some different veggies. I'm also going to try salad again. The last

time I did salad it got stuck bad, but it's been a few months.

I will look into the vitamins. I also started eating protein for breakfast, so

I'm hoping this helps me as well. I'm going to look at the file you mentioned.

Kathie

kathieiorizzo@...

http://web.mac.com/kathie7

317/286.4/180

Preop/Now/Goal

http://web.mac.com/kathie7/LoveMeSkinny/Welcome.html

Re: New to the Group

Welcome! We never blast people here, but we might ask you to look at

some tough issues sometimes, or give you a gentle " kick'

occasionally, with sincere caring. :-)

We often have cravings if our protein amounts are not enough. Try to

get 50 gm or so, on average, of solid protein a day.

Please also go thruthe Band Guide in the files, fo the basics on food

choices, eating techniques, nd safety issues - and more.

what veggies do you like? Use lowfat cheese sauces, butter sauces,

and " hide " veggies in stews, meatloaf, casseroles, pot roast.

I'd also urge you to consider the excelent Vita Band viramins from

Bariatric Advantage, if you're not too fond of veggies. they will

help you make up the difference.

It's tough to find time to cook sometimes, but there are good frozen

dinners, like the South beach ones with only meat and veggies. You

could also make meatloaves and casseroles on the weekends to freeze.

I make up about a dozen quality ground beef patties at a time,

freeze them individually, and then can quickly grill them. a crockpot

is also an excellent tool for busy people - just throw stuff in

before you leave for work, and it's hot and ready for you when you

get home!

Glad you're here with us !

Sandy r

>

> Hello all. I am Kathie and was in Smart Bandsters. I have decided

to look for another support

> group on this process. I don't feel SB was the right group for me

and I got tired of being

> blasted. The last straw was when a member advised me I'd get

cancer if I didn't learn to like

> veggies.

>

> My story is short. I was banded April 23, 2008 with my parter Deb.

We are in this together

> and having that person here doing this with me, makes this so much

easier. It is not as easy

> as I thought. I am a very picky eater who has a texture issue with

food and also dislikes most

> veggies and condiments. I am learning to open my taste buds and

try new things, but most

> of the time it's a negative process and I end up not liking them.

I am determined to work this

> band the way it's supposed to be worked and be a success with

this. I also have PCOS which

> has gone untreated now for two years. I got very frustrated with

the back and forth birth

> control forms of treatment so I'm waiting to see a specialist about

it. I know I have to get my

> PCOS in order for this weight loss to work. I eat pretty decent

most days, but I find I crave

> sweets. I also don't make time to cook during the week as I

should.

>

> So that is me. I am 31, no kids and I live in Chicago.

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome to this wonderful group. My name is Sue, and I'm one of the moderators.

 I'm glad you found us. You are so right. No one understands what we are going

through unless they are also going through it. That's the beauty of this group.

Everyone here knows what everyone else is feeling.

 

If you have any questions or need any information, please contact me

 

Sue C

Moderator

From: robbd1980 <robbd@...>

Subject: New to the Group

Stimulator

Date: Monday, November 10, 2008, 9:43 PM

Since, I'm new to the group, I thought I would tell you all a little

of my story. I was diagnosed with RSD 12 years ago, so I will make

it as short and sweet as possible.

I began having unexplained pain, swelling, and changes in skin color

and temperature in my right leg, during the spring of 1996. I had

injured the knee two years earlier due to a fall, but the knee had

healed and everything had been fine for two years. After seeing many

doctors who had no idea what was wrong with me, I was diagnosed with

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) in October 1996, when I was 16

years old.

After being diagnosed with RSD, I was passed from doctor to doctor.

Some didn't believe the pain, others said they couldn't help, and

some just wanted to give me pain meds and send me on my way.

Finally I ended up at a pain treatment center and found a doctor who

believed me and wanted to help. By that time I was 23 years old. He

tried different combinations of meds, but nothing helped. He

mentioned trying a spinal cord stimulator. Other doctors had told me

about spinal cord stimulators, but said I was too young to have one.

This doctor didn't seem to think I was too young.

In 2004, I had a trial stimulator. It was great. I couldn't believe

the change in my pain level. In October 2004, a permanent stimulator

was implanted and life was great.

In August 2005, my stimulator quit working, so I had to have another

surgery. It turned out that the lead wires had gone bad and somehow

the lead wire had come loose from the battery. My doctor put in new

lead wires and my stimulator was again working. Life was great again.

In January 2008, my stimulator battery was depleted, so obviously the

stimulator quit working. I saw my doctor the next day. He contacted

my insurance and scheduled surgery. Four days after my first

stimulator quit, I had surgery to implant my second stimulator. The

stimulator I currently have is rechargeable. Unlike the first, my

doctor placed two lead wires this time, so we have one to fall back

on if one quits working. It's been almost a year since my second

stimulator was put in. It's working great and I don't know what I

would do without it.

I came across this group a couple days ago, while looking to

see if there was a RSD support group in my area. I often wish I had

someone to talk to who understands. I feel I have found those

people. Many of the stories I have read on this website sound so

similar to what I have been through. I look forward to sharing pain

and stimulator experiences with you all.

[Guest guest]

That must have been really hard on you to be hit with this when you were so

young. I am glad your SCS has provided you with good relief from your RSD

New to the Group

Since, I'm new to the group, I thought I would tell you all a little

of my story. I was diagnosed with RSD 12 years ago, so I will make

it as short and sweet as possible.

I began having unexplained pain, swelling, and changes in skin color

and temperature in my right leg, during the spring of 1996. I had

injured the knee two years earlier due to a fall, but the knee had

healed and everything had been fine for two years. After seeing many

doctors who had no idea what was wrong with me, I was diagnosed with

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) in October 1996, when I was 16

years old.

After being diagnosed with RSD, I was passed from doctor to doctor.

Some didn't believe the pain, others said they couldn't help, and

some just wanted to give me pain meds and send me on my way.

Finally I ended up at a pain treatment center and found a doctor who

believed me and wanted to help. By that time I was 23 years old. He

tried different combinations of meds, but nothing helped. He

mentioned trying a spinal cord stimulator. Other doctors had told me

about spinal cord stimulators, but said I was too young to have one.

This doctor didn't seem to think I was too young.

In 2004, I had a trial stimulator. It was great. I couldn't believe

the change in my pain level. In October 2004, a permanent stimulator

was implanted and life was great.

In August 2005, my stimulator quit working, so I had to have another

surgery. It turned out that the lead wires had gone bad and somehow

the lead wire had come loose from the battery. My doctor put in new

lead wires and my stimulator was again working. Life was great again.

In January 2008, my stimulator battery was depleted, so obviously the

stimulator quit working. I saw my doctor the next day. He contacted

my insurance and scheduled surgery. Four days after my first

stimulator quit, I had surgery to implant my second stimulator. The

stimulator I currently have is rechargeable. Unlike the first, my

doctor placed two lead wires this time, so we have one to fall back

on if one quits working. It's been almost a year since my second

stimulator was put in. It's working great and I don't know what I

would do without it.

I came across this group a couple days ago, while looking to

see if there was a RSD support group in my area. I often wish I had

someone to talk to who understands. I feel I have found those

people. Many of the stories I have read on this website sound so

similar to what I have been through. I look forward to sharing pain

and stimulator experiences with you all.

[Guest guest]

Being hit with RSD at 16 was very difficult. A month before my 16th

birthday I told a doctor that I had to get better, I would be soon be

old enough to drive. Little did I know then what kind of battle lay

before me.

While I was being faced with all the changes in my life because of

RSD, my friends were not very understanding and they pretty much

deserted me. That was tough.

I also went to school with a cruel group of students who would walk

down the hall at school mocking my limp. They would also pretend

they were going to hit my leg and untie my shoes. My leg was so

sensitive to touch at that point that I couldn't stand for anything

to touch it. When they just pretended to touch my leg or untied my

shoes their closeness made me tense which made the pain worse.

My best friend in high school turned out to be my high school

principal. When I was having a bad day, he would be there with a

word of encouragement. He also helped out with my cruel classmates.

I couldn't sit in a desk because they were hard and pushed against my

leg, so my principal loaned me his brand new desk chair. Talk about

taking care of your students. A year after I graduated from high

school he, his wife, and their daughter were killed in a car

accident. It's strange to think that he became principal the year I

was diagnosed with RSD, helped me make it through high school, and

then died a year later.

Although the stimulator has made a big change in my life. I've come

to realize that life is never going to be like it was before. Now

instead of hiking and playing volleyball, I paint and knit. People

talk about how I must have such patience because I've taught myself

to paint and knit. I tell them it is amazing what you can learn

during the eight week recovery period after stimulator surgery. I

still have pain, swelling, skin changes, etc. but nothing compared to

what it was before the stimulator. It's hard to comprehend how an

implanted battery and wires helps keep my skin from changing colors.

At first I thought it was just a coincidence, but everytime my

stimulator has quit, the dark purple color has come back in my leg.

Although I wouldn't wish RSD on anyone, I can see the good that has

come from my suffering. I've been volunteering once a week at a

local elementary school and it is amazing how special needs students

and students with bad behaviors connect and respond to me. I can see

where my own experiences have taught me to be more understanding.

I love the innocence of elementary school students. They ask some of

the funniest questions. I can't walk without crutches. Last week I

was volunteering and I used the student restroom instead of the

faculty one. This little girl who didn't look to be more than 4 or 5

stopped me as I was leaving and asked, " How do you use the

bathroom? " The seriousness on the child's face was all that kept me

from laughing. She honestly thought I had to use the bathroom

differently because I walked with crutches. Trying not to laugh, I

looked at her and responded, " I sit on the commode the same as you

do. " I do have to be aware of what I wear when I am at an elementary

school because my leg still turns colors occaisionally and small

children tend to think something bad has happened when my leg turns

dark purple. I was wearing capris one day and a very scared looking

student ask what was wrong with my leg. I looked down and it was

almost black.

While student teaching in fifth grade, my students had lots of

questions. I was teaching a health unit on communicable and

noncommicable (hope I spelled that right) diseases. My students were

really interested in knowing what was wrong with me so I had a

question/answer health lesson where the students could ask anything

they wanted about my RSD and spinal cord stimulator.

I have a bachelor degree in elementary education, which seems useless

right now because I'm not physically able to work yet, and I am

currently working on a masters degree in educational technology. My

masters degree classes are all on the internet, which is really good

for me because it allows me to work at my own pace. So far, my

professors have been very understanding and have worked with me

really well. I'm hoping with my masters degree to be able to get a

part time job working with technology in our local school district.

>

> That must have been really hard on you to be hit with this when you

were so young. I am glad your SCS has provided you with good relief

from your RSD

> New to the Group

>

>

> Since, I'm new to the group, I thought I would tell you all a

little

> of my story. I was diagnosed with RSD 12 years ago, so I will

make

> it as short and sweet as possible.

>

> I began having unexplained pain, swelling, and changes in skin

color

> and temperature in my right leg, during the spring of 1996. I had

> injured the knee two years earlier due to a fall, but the knee

had

> healed and everything had been fine for two years. After seeing

many

> doctors who had no idea what was wrong with me, I was diagnosed

with

> Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) in October 1996, when I was 16

> years old.

>

> After being diagnosed with RSD, I was passed from doctor to

doctor.

> Some didn't believe the pain, others said they couldn't help, and

> some just wanted to give me pain meds and send me on my way.

>

> Finally I ended up at a pain treatment center and found a doctor

who

> believed me and wanted to help. By that time I was 23 years old.

He

> tried different combinations of meds, but nothing helped. He

> mentioned trying a spinal cord stimulator. Other doctors had told

me

> about spinal cord stimulators, but said I was too young to have

one.

> This doctor didn't seem to think I was too young.

>

> In 2004, I had a trial stimulator. It was great. I couldn't

believe

> the change in my pain level. In October 2004, a permanent

stimulator

> was implanted and life was great.

>

> In August 2005, my stimulator quit working, so I had to have

another

> surgery. It turned out that the lead wires had gone bad and

somehow

> the lead wire had come loose from the battery. My doctor put in

new

> lead wires and my stimulator was again working. Life was great

again.

>

> In January 2008, my stimulator battery was depleted, so obviously

the

> stimulator quit working. I saw my doctor the next day. He

contacted

> my insurance and scheduled surgery. Four days after my first

> stimulator quit, I had surgery to implant my second stimulator.

The

> stimulator I currently have is rechargeable. Unlike the first, my

> doctor placed two lead wires this time, so we have one to fall

back

> on if one quits working. It's been almost a year since my second

> stimulator was put in. It's working great and I don't know what I

> would do without it.

>

> I came across this group a couple days ago, while looking

to

> see if there was a RSD support group in my area. I often wish I

had

> someone to talk to who understands. I feel I have found those

> people. Many of the stories I have read on this website sound so

> similar to what I have been through. I look forward to sharing

pain

> and stimulator experiences with you all.

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello and welcome to the group. Insurances can be tough getting to

pay for scs surgery. my suggestion is call your insurance company

tell them after determined time limit you will retain a attorney

that might help but make sure you can get a lawyer if need. About

whaat the best scs they are all basically same just differnt brand. I

l,ike medtronics there my favorite but ans is good bio is good to. I

will post a link where you can see the surgery done. Mike group owner-

-- In Stimulator , " fpddcso " <fpddcso@...> wrote:

>

> Hi everyone, I just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself and

> ask a few questions.

>

> I became the proud member of the RDS club in Aug of this year. I

had

> fallen and done some tendon and ligament damage. Then alomg came

RDS.

>

> For the most part i am learning to adjust with this. I do get very

> very mad about this also and then think it could be worse. And that

> helps a little.

>

> I am currently getting nerve blocks for my foot/ankle on a weekly

> basis and they will last me about 3 days then I am back to toal

pain.

> I am waiting for insurance to approve me for SCS.

>

> Here is where my questions come into play..My insurance is not

being

> very cooperative in wanting to approve me. They feel I am making up

> the pain etc... What can I do to help this process along?

>

> I would also like feedback on what type of SCS are better than

others?

>

> Finally any good sites I can go and read more about the whole

> procedure and recovery?

>

> Thanks All

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

A good place to start is our homepage. Click on " links " onthe left of the page.

There is tons of info about stimulators, types, n the companies that make them.

The only things I know about RSD is what I have learned here in this group. I am

sure the other members will chime in soon.

My insurance ( workers comp ) didn't believe either....u just have to keep

pushing. Get another dr to diagnos if u can, or other doctors to agree with the

current one. I only know the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

If yours is regular insurance there are plenty here who have been thru that

also.

Feel free to ask as many questions as u like!

Deanna

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 11, 2008, at 9:11 AM, " fpddcso " <fpddcso@...> wrote:

Hi everyone, I just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself and

ask a few questions.

I became the proud member of the RDS club in Aug of this year. I had

fallen and done some tendon and ligament damage. Then alomg came RDS.

For the most part i am learning to adjust with this. I do get very

very mad about this also and then think it could be worse. And that

helps a little.

I am currently getting nerve blocks for my foot/ankle on a weekly

basis and they will last me about 3 days then I am back to toal pain.

I am waiting for insurance to approve me for SCS.

Here is where my questions come into play..My insurance is not being

very cooperative in wanting to approve me. They feel I am making up

the pain etc... What can I do to help this process along?

I would also like feedback on what type of SCS are better than others?

Finally any good sites I can go and read more about the whole

procedure and recovery?

Thanks All

[Guest guest]

and husband, well to this group. As Ann has stated there are many

here with experiences that can help you.

Ann was right in that not many who receive the myotomy and are helped move

on to a normal live. It would be nice if more of the success stories stayed

around to guide others, but many move on. I just posted some study results

here on the board a few minutes ago, which I think will prove what she said.

Anyway, we are happy to welcome you, just start asking questions about what

you's like to know and many will be here to answer your questions.

Maggie

Alabama

**************New year...new news. Be the first to know what is making

headlines. (http://www.aol.com/?ncid=emlcntaolcom00000026)

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

 

I send you a very warm welcome to the Group. There are some very kind and

wonderful people here who have medical knowledge, a lot of personal experience,

helpful hints and a great deal of friendship and support to give. No-one can

understand this achalasia thing like those of us who live it every day.

 

The best thing for you to do is ask the questions that you want answered. Try

not to be put off by reading about the problems that some people have here,

because we have found that most of the success stories don't post much to the

group anymore and just get on with their new-found lives.

 

The majority of the members are from the States, as I know you are, so you will

have no problems with relating to their experiences. They will be able to

recommend Doctors and also discuss subjects like health insurance if you have

difficulties there.

 

Good Luck to you and your Husband, and I wish you a positive future.

Love from Ann (West Yorkshire, England) xx

From: erikafried76 <erikafried76@...>

Subject: New to the group

achalasia

Date: Monday, 5 January, 2009, 4:46 AM

Hello. Thanks to Ann from England, my husband and I have been finally

able to join a fantastic group. We have been on the net now for many

hours reading a lot of your posted messages. My husband, who is 41

was just diagnosed (after almost a year of suffering). We are

currently looking into the treatment, basically myotomy. It has been

very interesting and frightening to read about living with achalasia,

but knowing is still better than not knowing. My husband is scared

for what's in store for him (long-term), but I hope that with your

support we will be OK.