more questions

April 27, 2007

Hi ,

I double checked on my OBRA election form, and it appears to be a form

that required the employer's signature, but didn't require my

signature, so if you've given your husband's employer all your

Medicare information and told them that you are under 65 and disabled,

and they seemed to know how things were supposed to work, it is

entirely possible that they have already completed and processed all

the paperwork that needs to be done, with nothing more required from

you. (I hope I didn't put you to any unnecessary phone calling!)

If you already have your Medicare card and it reflects the Medicare

coverage you desire, there probably isn't anything more you need to do

with Medicare or SS either.

Good luck!

loriann

>

> Loriann,

> Thanks so much for your insights on this. I called Medicare this

> week, and while they did give me some of the same info you gave me,

> they basically said that they didn't know everything I should do!

> Then they suggested I call social security since I am qualifying for

> Medicare through disability (versus qualifying by being aged 65). I

> was kind of shocked that they couldn't help me with any further

> info. But thank you very much for the tip about the OBRA form. I

> plan on calling my husband's benefits coordinator tomorrow, and I

> will be sure to ask about the OBRA form.

>

April 7, 2008

Hi ,

It doesn't matter how " bad " the kefir grains are at first. In other words

what you are calling a bad batch of grains, will regulate themselves over

time and the kefir will taste better day by day as long as you keep giving

them a fresh change of milk every day. This kind of care will bring the most

neglected kefir grains back into pristine condition. Your job is to make

sure you give them enough milk every time. That means you should taste it

every time you strain and determine if they need more milk for the next

batch. Don't let it get too sour. Remove some kefir grains from the jar if

they are starting to eat you out of house and home.

Marilyn

On Mon, Apr 7, 2008 at 7:06 PM, jenross76 <jenross76@...> wrote:

> Hi All,

>

> I just recently acquired kefir grains for the first time. I am

> wondering how the resulting kefir is supposed to taste like. To me

> they taste like mild sour milk and yeast. After receiving my grains

> through the mail, I put them in new milk and changed it everyday for

> three days in a row. Do I have to keep changing the milk until the

> sour taste goes away, or did I get a bad batch of grains? Thanks for

> the help.

>

April 7, 2008

Hi Marilyn,

Thanks for the advice. Upon coming home and tasting the kefir that has been

sitting out on the counter today, I think it is finally starting to taste

better and develop the fizz it should. The grains are also growing rapidly.

So it appears all is well after all.

On Mon, Apr 7, 2008 at 4:22 PM, Marilyn Kefirlady <marilynjarz@...>

wrote:

> Hi ,

>

> It doesn't matter how " bad " the kefir grains are at first. In other words

> what you are calling a bad batch of grains, will regulate themselves over

> time and the kefir will taste better day by day as long as you keep giving

> them a fresh change of milk every day. This kind of care will bring the

> most

> neglected kefir grains back into pristine condition. Your job is to make

> sure you give them enough milk every time. That means you should taste it

> every time you strain and determine if they need more milk for the next

> batch. Don't let it get too sour. Remove some kefir grains from the jar if

> they are starting to eat you out of house and home.

>

> Marilyn

>

> On Mon, Apr 7, 2008 at 7:06 PM, jenross76

<jenross76@...<jenross76%40gmail.com>>

> wrote:

>

> > Hi All,

> >

> > I just recently acquired kefir grains for the first time. I am

> > wondering how the resulting kefir is supposed to taste like. To me

> > they taste like mild sour milk and yeast. After receiving my grains

> > through the mail, I put them in new milk and changed it everyday for

> > three days in a row. Do I have to keep changing the milk until the

> > sour taste goes away, or did I get a bad batch of grains? Thanks for

> > the help.

> >

>

May 21, 2008

I was wondering how long it takes for the pieces of

rib taken for the bone graft to grow back. I read

somewhere that someone said when their ribs grew back

the rib hump partially came back. Is this usual?

Thanks, Gail

--- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

> Hi Gail,

>

> Thank you for your kind words. If your son drinks

> lots of fluids and eats enough fiber, he should get

> his bowels moving on a regular basis soon. It

> wouldn't hurt him to take some senecot every

> evening, especially as long as he is on narcotic

> pain meds. He probably hasn't had enough food since

> the enema to cause him to have another BM. As a

> Hospice nurse we always started out with senecot

> with our patients who were on high dose narcotics

> and it worked in most cases. I know it can be scary

> to feel like you're getting " stopped up " . I've been

> there. After my surgery that was a major concern. I

> had an enema a couple of days post because I felt

> like I was gonna explode! One of the few things I

> remember from ICU.... begging the nurses for an

> enema! I complained again later, day 5, and the ICU

> specialist turned off my morphine pump without

> talking with the pain management dr. That was a

> horrible night- he didn't order enough to cover the

> pain. Sorry....back to your son!...... the

> sharp pain is probably a nerve. He will have a lot

> of weird sensations while things start to mend. I

> can tell you, there were sensations that I never got

> an explanation for, even months later. As long as it

> is not a pain that lingers or worsens I imagine it

> is from cutting into nerves and muscles and moving

> the spine around. But the doctor is there for you,

> to answer your questions and you should call if you

> feel there is a real concern. I finally decided that

> pain I had from my hip, for many months, was from

> giving me a totally new body alignment. Stuff just

> no longer moves in the old way. New muscles are

> being used, etc.

>

> As far as the college food- maybe a really good

> supplement would help. Some are better than others.

> There have been some independent studies about which

> ones are the most complete and have the best

> absorption. I have a book that gave the results, but

> it is a few years old. Things like One-a-Day got

> something like a 5 out of a 100! I take USANA, but I

> can't say how they rate now- they were the best in

> my old book. I know a lot of doctors don't think

> much of supplements, but it is also not a subject

> they are taught much about. Has your son had a

> dietitian talk with him? Just knowing how to make

> wise choices from the cafeteria, especially if they

> are of the buffet style. And if he comes home on the

> weekends, you can stuff him full of Mom's good home

> cooking! I'm sure he will be fine. He is young and

> resilient! Prayers for you both! And happy Mother's

> Day!

>

> Bea

>

> Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

> Hi Bea,

>

> As always, thanks so much. The fact that you came

> on

> to look for my post means so much. The two factors

> he

> is dealing with now is 1) sometimes feels a

> stabbing

> pain going from sitting to laying down (scary) and

> 2)

> he hasn't had a bowel movement since he had an

> enema

> in the hospital on Thursday. Other than that I

> think

> he is doing ok. Take care of yourself and I am

> thinking of you as well. Gail

> --- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Gail,

> >

> > I am so thrilled for you and your son, that you

> are

> > progressing along and are home by now! Again, I

> have

> > been off line for a couple of days because of

> > traveling to see my Mom. The nausea and vomiting

> > this far out from surgery are not the 'usual',

> but

> > then again, everyone's recovery is different?

> That

> > had to be pretty rough for him- vomiting so much

> > with all the back pain. I'm sure happy for you

> that

> > he is over that. Once the bowels move and he is

> > walking more and more, the problem almost

> certainly

> > won't happen again.

> >

> > I went straight from an ordinary hospital bed to

> a

> > hotel room, and I was 45 ! So, your son's own

> bed,

> > in his own home, will be perfect. I had no rehab

> and

> > no directions other than go do what I wanted to

> do.

> > I had anterior/posterior approaches and I

> couldn't

> > even get the dr to call back and tell me when I

> > could drive, so I started driving around 3-4

> weeks

> > post-op. Your son is getting out of the hospital

> > much sooner than I did, but I was in ICU for 5

> days,

> > most of which I don't remember, and I went to the

> > hotel after 9 days. So I know it seems early, but

> > your son walked much sooner than I did. At his

> age,

> > I'm sure he will speed through the stages of

> > recovery. I can't imagine any other medical

> > equipment that would be a must-have, but I'm sure

> > others have made a lot of suggestions. (I haven't

> > had a chance to read any other notes- I just got

> on

> > to look for yours). One thing that helped me a

> lot

> > was the elevated toilet seat. I still use that

> when

> > I am having a bad time with pain.

> >

> > Please keep us posted. I am so relieved for you

> that

> > this much is behind you! Prayers continue.

> >

> > Bea

> >

> > Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Everyone,

> >

> > My son is due to be discharged tomorrow. I am a

> > little nervous about caring for him at home

> without

> > experienced scoliosis nurses and physical

> > therapists.

> > As of now, he has turned side to side with

> > assistance

> > and walked with assistance. Today he is suppose

> to

> > take a shower for the first time and do stairs.

> We

> > only have one stair leading to our front door

> and

> > one

> > down to the living room and one up to the dining

> > room

> > which he doesn't have to use (normally doesn't)

> > because of the kitchen and family room as

> > alternative

> > living spaces. Any suggestions for his care at

> > home?

> > We have a shower chair, but were told he didn't

> > need

> > anything else special. In the hospital he was

> in a

> > special bed used for scoliosis patients so he

> > hasn't

> > been in a lower regular bed at home. Thanks,

> Gail

> >

> > --- Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Hi Bea,

> > >

> > > As always, thank you for your thoughts and

> caring

> > > support. It has been quite a journey over

> these

> > > past

> > > days. Yesterday, Wednesday was scary. My

> son's

> > > bowels were slow to move and his stomach was

> > > distended, and he was vomiting dark green

> > > continuously

> > > and so they had to put in an NG tube to drain

> > > things

> > > out. I am told this is not a regular

> occurance.

> > > Then

> > > they gave him a suppository and enema and he

> had

> > a

> > > bowel movement (maybe this is more than you

> want

> > to

> > > know) a few hours ago they removed the tube

> and

> > > other

> > > than back pain (he says a 7) he is feeling

> > better.

> > > He

> > > is worried he will be nauseaus but he has had

> a

>

=== message truncated ===

May 21, 2008

Hi Gail,

I hope you and your son are doing well. I'm afraid that I have not had the

opportunity to read any other notes but this one in days! My precious little

furry girl (Dog in normal people's vocabularies. To me, she is a furry baby) was

attacked by a neighbor's 2 cow-herding dogs. She will be fine, but between that

trip to the vet and getting an old old building in our yard, sort of, torn down

so we can have a little cottage put there for my mother, I have been too busy to

be on line.

My rib has a gap about 10 inches gone which has never grown back. There is an

indentation there and that part of my back burns. I've been up too much this AM,

then had to go to grave-side services for a lady in our community. I know I look

fit and able to be one of the " standers " , but I just had to sit. That part of my

back has one kind of pain and the other pain is the butt pain that really is the

worse. But again, I was 45 when I had my surgery. Your son will do great. My hip

hump was much decreased by the surgery and that hasn't changed.

Best of luck with everything. I will catch up later. I have to go see about my

mother and I will stay there 2 nights. She doesn't have computer. Her old TV

just has rabbit ears! fun fun fun! :0) Prayers for your son's fast and complete

recovery!

Bea

Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote: I was

wondering how long it takes for the pieces of

rib taken for the bone graft to grow back. I read

somewhere that someone said when their ribs grew back

the rib hump partially came back. Is this usual?

Thanks, Gail

--- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

> Hi Gail,

>

> Thank you for your kind words. If your son drinks

> lots of fluids and eats enough fiber, he should get

> his bowels moving on a regular basis soon. It

> wouldn't hurt him to take some senecot every

> evening, especially as long as he is on narcotic

> pain meds. He probably hasn't had enough food since

> the enema to cause him to have another BM. As a

> Hospice nurse we always started out with senecot

> with our patients who were on high dose narcotics

> and it worked in most cases. I know it can be scary

> to feel like you're getting " stopped up " . I've been

> there. After my surgery that was a major concern. I

> had an enema a couple of days post because I felt

> like I was gonna explode! One of the few things I

> remember from ICU.... begging the nurses for an

> enema! I complained again later, day 5, and the ICU

> specialist turned off my morphine pump without

> talking with the pain management dr. That was a

> horrible night- he didn't order enough to cover the

> pain. Sorry....back to your son!...... the

> sharp pain is probably a nerve. He will have a lot

> of weird sensations while things start to mend. I

> can tell you, there were sensations that I never got

> an explanation for, even months later. As long as it

> is not a pain that lingers or worsens I imagine it

> is from cutting into nerves and muscles and moving

> the spine around. But the doctor is there for you,

> to answer your questions and you should call if you

> feel there is a real concern. I finally decided that

> pain I had from my hip, for many months, was from

> giving me a totally new body alignment. Stuff just

> no longer moves in the old way. New muscles are

> being used, etc.

>

> As far as the college food- maybe a really good

> supplement would help. Some are better than others.

> There have been some independent studies about which

> ones are the most complete and have the best

> absorption. I have a book that gave the results, but

> it is a few years old. Things like One-a-Day got

> something like a 5 out of a 100! I take USANA, but I

> can't say how they rate now- they were the best in

> my old book. I know a lot of doctors don't think

> much of supplements, but it is also not a subject

> they are taught much about. Has your son had a

> dietitian talk with him? Just knowing how to make

> wise choices from the cafeteria, especially if they

> are of the buffet style. And if he comes home on the

> weekends, you can stuff him full of Mom's good home

> cooking! I'm sure he will be fine. He is young and

> resilient! Prayers for you both! And happy Mother's

> Day!

>

> Bea

>

> Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

> Hi Bea,

>

> As always, thanks so much. The fact that you came

> on

> to look for my post means so much. The two factors

> he

> is dealing with now is 1) sometimes feels a

> stabbing

> pain going from sitting to laying down (scary) and

> 2)

> he hasn't had a bowel movement since he had an

> enema

> in the hospital on Thursday. Other than that I

> think

> he is doing ok. Take care of yourself and I am

> thinking of you as well. Gail

> --- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Gail,

> >

> > I am so thrilled for you and your son, that you

> are

> > progressing along and are home by now! Again, I

> have

> > been off line for a couple of days because of

> > traveling to see my Mom. The nausea and vomiting

> > this far out from surgery are not the 'usual',

> but

> > then again, everyone's recovery is different?

> That

> > had to be pretty rough for him- vomiting so much

> > with all the back pain. I'm sure happy for you

> that

> > he is over that. Once the bowels move and he is

> > walking more and more, the problem almost

> certainly

> > won't happen again.

> >

> > I went straight from an ordinary hospital bed to

> a

> > hotel room, and I was 45 ! So, your son's own

> bed,

> > in his own home, will be perfect. I had no rehab

> and

> > no directions other than go do what I wanted to

> do.

> > I had anterior/posterior approaches and I

> couldn't

> > even get the dr to call back and tell me when I

> > could drive, so I started driving around 3-4

> weeks

> > post-op. Your son is getting out of the hospital

> > much sooner than I did, but I was in ICU for 5

> days,

> > most of which I don't remember, and I went to the

> > hotel after 9 days. So I know it seems early, but

> > your son walked much sooner than I did. At his

> age,

> > I'm sure he will speed through the stages of

> > recovery. I can't imagine any other medical

> > equipment that would be a must-have, but I'm sure

> > others have made a lot of suggestions. (I haven't

> > had a chance to read any other notes- I just got

> on

> > to look for yours). One thing that helped me a

> lot

> > was the elevated toilet seat. I still use that

> when

> > I am having a bad time with pain.

> >

> > Please keep us posted. I am so relieved for you

> that

> > this much is behind you! Prayers continue.

> >

> > Bea

> >

> > Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Everyone,

> >

> > My son is due to be discharged tomorrow. I am a

> > little nervous about caring for him at home

> without

> > experienced scoliosis nurses and physical

> > therapists.

> > As of now, he has turned side to side with

> > assistance

> > and walked with assistance. Today he is suppose

> to

> > take a shower for the first time and do stairs.

> We

> > only have one stair leading to our front door

> and

> > one

> > down to the living room and one up to the dining

> > room

> > which he doesn't have to use (normally doesn't)

> > because of the kitchen and family room as

> > alternative

> > living spaces. Any suggestions for his care at

> > home?

> > We have a shower chair, but were told he didn't

> > need

> > anything else special. In the hospital he was

> in a

> > special bed used for scoliosis patients so he

> > hasn't

> > been in a lower regular bed at home. Thanks,

> Gail

> >

> > --- Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Hi Bea,

> > >

> > > As always, thank you for your thoughts and

> caring

> > > support. It has been quite a journey over

> these

> > > past

> > > days. Yesterday, Wednesday was scary. My

> son's

> > > bowels were slow to move and his stomach was

> > > distended, and he was vomiting dark green

> > > continuously

> > > and so they had to put in an NG tube to drain

> > > things

> > > out. I am told this is not a regular

> occurance.

> > > Then

> > > they gave him a suppository and enema and he

> had

> > a

> > > bowel movement (maybe this is more than you

> want

> > to

> > > know) a few hours ago they removed the tube

> and

> > > other

> > > than back pain (he says a 7) he is feeling

> > better.

> > > He

> > > is worried he will be nauseaus but he has had

> a

>

=== message truncated ===

May 23, 2008

Hi Bea,

I am so sorry about your little furry girl :-). I

have a very old little furry guy. Did the doctor ever

say why your rib didn't grow back? I am sorry you

have pain. Will you always have it? Is there

anything more that can be done for you that is not

invasive? Your mom is a lucky lady having you and you

for being able to build her a cottage. My son is

doing very well. He seems to have turned a corner.

We go back to the doctor on Tuesday and I hope the

xray shows good news. We are both kind of nervous

about it. Have a good weekend minus the technology.

Gail

--- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

> Hi Gail,

>

> I hope you and your son are doing well. I'm afraid

> that I have not had the opportunity to read any

> other notes but this one in days! My precious little

> furry girl (Dog in normal people's vocabularies. To

> me, she is a furry baby) was attacked by a

> neighbor's 2 cow-herding dogs. She will be fine, but

> between that trip to the vet and getting an old old

> building in our yard, sort of, torn down so we can

> have a little cottage put there for my mother, I

> have been too busy to be on line.

>

> My rib has a gap about 10 inches gone which has

> never grown back. There is an indentation there and

> that part of my back burns. I've been up too much

> this AM, then had to go to grave-side services for a

> lady in our community. I know I look fit and able to

> be one of the " standers " , but I just had to sit.

> That part of my back has one kind of pain and the

> other pain is the butt pain that really is the

> worse. But again, I was 45 when I had my surgery.

> Your son will do great. My hip hump was much

> decreased by the surgery and that hasn't changed.

>

> Best of luck with everything. I will catch up later.

> I have to go see about my mother and I will stay

> there 2 nights. She doesn't have computer. Her old

> TV just has rabbit ears! fun fun fun! :0) Prayers

> for your son's fast and complete recovery!

>

> Bea

>

> Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

> I was wondering how long it takes for

> the pieces of

> rib taken for the bone graft to grow back. I read

> somewhere that someone said when their ribs grew

> back

> the rib hump partially came back. Is this usual?

> Thanks, Gail

> --- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Gail,

> >

> > Thank you for your kind words. If your son drinks

> > lots of fluids and eats enough fiber, he should

> get

> > his bowels moving on a regular basis soon. It

> > wouldn't hurt him to take some senecot every

> > evening, especially as long as he is on narcotic

> > pain meds. He probably hasn't had enough food

> since

> > the enema to cause him to have another BM. As a

> > Hospice nurse we always started out with senecot

> > with our patients who were on high dose narcotics

> > and it worked in most cases. I know it can be

> scary

> > to feel like you're getting " stopped up " . I've

> been

> > there. After my surgery that was a major

> concern. I

> > had an enema a couple of days post because I felt

> > like I was gonna explode! One of the few things I

> > remember from ICU.... begging the nurses for an

> > enema! I complained again later, day 5, and the

> ICU

> > specialist turned off my morphine pump without

> > talking with the pain management dr. That was a

> > horrible night- he didn't order enough to cover

> the

> > pain. Sorry....back to your son!...... the

> > sharp pain is probably a nerve. He will have a

> lot

> > of weird sensations while things start to mend. I

> > can tell you, there were sensations that I never

> got

> > an explanation for, even months later. As long as

> it

> > is not a pain that lingers or worsens I imagine

> it

> > is from cutting into nerves and muscles and

> moving

> > the spine around. But the doctor is there for

> you,

> > to answer your questions and you should call if

> you

> > feel there is a real concern. I finally decided

> that

> > pain I had from my hip, for many months, was

> from

> > giving me a totally new body alignment. Stuff

> just

> > no longer moves in the old way. New muscles are

> > being used, etc.

> >

> > As far as the college food- maybe a really good

> > supplement would help. Some are better than

> others.

> > There have been some independent studies about

> which

> > ones are the most complete and have the best

> > absorption. I have a book that gave the results,

> but

> > it is a few years old. Things like One-a-Day got

> > something like a 5 out of a 100! I take USANA,

> but I

> > can't say how they rate now- they were the best

> in

> > my old book. I know a lot of doctors don't think

> > much of supplements, but it is also not a subject

> > they are taught much about. Has your son had a

> > dietitian talk with him? Just knowing how to make

> > wise choices from the cafeteria, especially if

> they

> > are of the buffet style. And if he comes home on

> the

> > weekends, you can stuff him full of Mom's good

> home

> > cooking! I'm sure he will be fine. He is young

> and

> > resilient! Prayers for you both! And happy

> Mother's

> > Day!

> >

> > Bea

> >

> > Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Bea,

> >

> > As always, thanks so much. The fact that you

> came

> > on

> > to look for my post means so much. The two

> factors

> > he

> > is dealing with now is 1) sometimes feels a

> > stabbing

> > pain going from sitting to laying down (scary)

> and

> > 2)

> > he hasn't had a bowel movement since he had an

> > enema

> > in the hospital on Thursday. Other than that I

> > think

> > he is doing ok. Take care of yourself and I am

> > thinking of you as well. Gail

> > --- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Hi Gail,

> > >

> > > I am so thrilled for you and your son, that

> you

> > are

> > > progressing along and are home by now! Again,

> I

> > have

> > > been off line for a couple of days because of

> > > traveling to see my Mom. The nausea and

> vomiting

> > > this far out from surgery are not the 'usual',

> > but

> > > then again, everyone's recovery is different?

> > That

> > > had to be pretty rough for him- vomiting so

> much

> > > with all the back pain. I'm sure happy for you

> > that

> > > he is over that. Once the bowels move and he

> is

> > > walking more and more, the problem almost

> > certainly

> > > won't happen again.

> > >

> > > I went straight from an ordinary hospital bed

> to

> > a

> > > hotel room, and I was 45 ! So, your son's own

> > bed,

> > > in his own home, will be perfect. I had no

> rehab

> > and

> > > no directions other than go do what I wanted

> to

> > do.

> > > I had anterior/posterior approaches and I

> > couldn't

> > > even get the dr to call back and tell me when

> I

> > > could drive, so I started driving around 3-4

> > weeks

> > > post-op. Your son is getting out of the

> hospital

> > > much sooner than I did, but I was in ICU for 5

> > days,

> > > most of which I don't remember, and I went to

> the

> > > hotel after 9 days. So I know it seems early,

> but

> > > your son walked much sooner than I did. At his

>

=== message truncated ===

May 26, 2008

As many of you know, my son had scoliosis fusion

surgery (T2-T12)on May 5th. He complains of intense

pain when getting up in the morning in his lower back

(the part that is not fused). Has anyone else

experienced that and other than him taking pain pills

any suggestions? When he gets up and walks around and

sits up etc it goes away. We put a memory foam

mattress topper on top of his regular mattress, becaue

he complained he wasn't comfortable on his regular

mattress. When we did that he said it helped and then

since that time he has developed pain getting up in

the morning more so than the previous discomfort.

Tomorrow is his scheduled first follow up with the

surgeon. His incision looks good and other than some

limitations he is doing well. Nevertheless I am

anxious about tomorrow and concerned/feel bad he has

this pain.

--- Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

> Hi Bea,

>

> I am so sorry about your little furry girl :-). I

> have a very old little furry guy. Did the doctor

> ever

> say why your rib didn't grow back? I am sorry you

> have pain. Will you always have it? Is there

> anything more that can be done for you that is not

> invasive? Your mom is a lucky lady having you and

> you

> for being able to build her a cottage. My son is

> doing very well. He seems to have turned a corner.

> We go back to the doctor on Tuesday and I hope the

> xray shows good news. We are both kind of nervous

> about it. Have a good weekend minus the

> technology.

> Gail

> --- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Gail,

> >

> > I hope you and your son are doing well. I'm afraid

> > that I have not had the opportunity to read any

> > other notes but this one in days! My precious

> little

> > furry girl (Dog in normal people's vocabularies.

> To

> > me, she is a furry baby) was attacked by a

> > neighbor's 2 cow-herding dogs. She will be fine,

> but

> > between that trip to the vet and getting an old

> old

> > building in our yard, sort of, torn down so we can

> > have a little cottage put there for my mother, I

> > have been too busy to be on line.

> >

> > My rib has a gap about 10 inches gone which has

> > never grown back. There is an indentation there

> and

> > that part of my back burns. I've been up too much

> > this AM, then had to go to grave-side services for

> a

> > lady in our community. I know I look fit and able

> to

> > be one of the " standers " , but I just had to sit.

> > That part of my back has one kind of pain and the

> > other pain is the butt pain that really is the

> > worse. But again, I was 45 when I had my surgery.

> > Your son will do great. My hip hump was much

> > decreased by the surgery and that hasn't changed.

> >

> > Best of luck with everything. I will catch up

> later.

> > I have to go see about my mother and I will stay

> > there 2 nights. She doesn't have computer. Her old

> > TV just has rabbit ears! fun fun fun! :0) Prayers

> > for your son's fast and complete recovery!

> >

> > Bea

> >

> > Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

>

> > I was wondering how long it takes for

> > the pieces of

> > rib taken for the bone graft to grow back. I

> read

> > somewhere that someone said when their ribs grew

> > back

> > the rib hump partially came back. Is this usual?

>

> > Thanks, Gail

> > --- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Hi Gail,

> > >

> > > Thank you for your kind words. If your son

> drinks

> > > lots of fluids and eats enough fiber, he should

> > get

> > > his bowels moving on a regular basis soon. It

> > > wouldn't hurt him to take some senecot every

> > > evening, especially as long as he is on

> narcotic

> > > pain meds. He probably hasn't had enough food

> > since

> > > the enema to cause him to have another BM. As a

> > > Hospice nurse we always started out with

> senecot

> > > with our patients who were on high dose

> narcotics

> > > and it worked in most cases. I know it can be

> > scary

> > > to feel like you're getting " stopped up " . I've

> > been

> > > there. After my surgery that was a major

> > concern. I

> > > had an enema a couple of days post because I

> felt

> > > like I was gonna explode! One of the few things

> I

> > > remember from ICU.... begging the nurses for an

> > > enema! I complained again later, day 5, and the

> > ICU

> > > specialist turned off my morphine pump without

> > > talking with the pain management dr. That was a

> > > horrible night- he didn't order enough to cover

> > the

> > > pain. Sorry....back to your son!...... the

> > > sharp pain is probably a nerve. He will have a

> > lot

> > > of weird sensations while things start to mend.

> I

> > > can tell you, there were sensations that I

> never

> > got

> > > an explanation for, even months later. As long

> as

> > it

> > > is not a pain that lingers or worsens I imagine

> > it

> > > is from cutting into nerves and muscles and

> > moving

> > > the spine around. But the doctor is there for

> > you,

> > > to answer your questions and you should call if

> > you

> > > feel there is a real concern. I finally decided

> > that

> > > pain I had from my hip, for many months, was

> > from

> > > giving me a totally new body alignment. Stuff

> > just

> > > no longer moves in the old way. New muscles are

> > > being used, etc.

> > >

> > > As far as the college food- maybe a really good

> > > supplement would help. Some are better than

> > others.

> > > There have been some independent studies about

> > which

> > > ones are the most complete and have the best

> > > absorption. I have a book that gave the

> results,

> > but

> > > it is a few years old. Things like One-a-Day

> got

> > > something like a 5 out of a 100! I take USANA,

> > but I

> > > can't say how they rate now- they were the best

> > in

> > > my old book. I know a lot of doctors don't

> think

> > > much of supplements, but it is also not a

> subject

> > > they are taught much about. Has your son had a

> > > dietitian talk with him? Just knowing how to

> make

> > > wise choices from the cafeteria, especially if

> > they

> > > are of the buffet style. And if he comes home

> on

> > the

> > > weekends, you can stuff him full of Mom's good

> > home

> > > cooking! I'm sure he will be fine. He is young

> > and

> > > resilient! Prayers for you both! And happy

> > Mother's

> > > Day!

> > >

> > > Bea

> > >

> > > Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

>

> >

> > > Hi Bea,

> > >

> > > As always, thanks so much. The fact that you

> > came

> > > on

> > > to look for my post means so much. The two

> > factors

> > > he

> > > is dealing with now is 1) sometimes feels a

> > > stabbing

> > > pain going from sitting to laying down (scary)

> > and

> > > 2)

> > > he hasn't had a bowel movement since he had an

> > > enema

> > > in the hospital on Thursday. Other than that

> I

> > > think

> > > he is doing ok. Take care of yourself and I

> am

> > > thinking of you as well. Gail

> > > --- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

> > >

> > > > Hi Gail,

> > > >

> > > > I am so thrilled for you and your son, that

>

=== message truncated ===

May 26, 2008

Gail, have him walk every day - in increasing distances. It really

does help resolve the " other " tweaks outside the fusion area.

I walked a 5K at 33 days post op, and during my training all my bonus

pain resolved.

That said, expect him to probably be sore in the mornings for a

while. I'm 16 wks post op - and while it's MUCH better, I still

groan a lot for the first 30 minutes and prior to my coffee.

Don't regret it a bit, however ... beats the hell out of my back

hurting ALL day.

Regards,

Pam

> > > >

> > > > > Hi Gail,

> > > > >

> > > > > I am so thrilled for you and your son, that

> >

> === message truncated ===

>

May 27, 2008

I certainly appreciate your apprehension about your doc appt tomorrow but it

will be a relief to have it, too. Your son will probably have an xray and

it'll give you all a chance to see what it all looks like in there.

Regarding his pain when he gets up in the morning, obviously the best answer

will be forthcoming from his doc. It is probably all part of the recovery

process but if he sleeps on his stomach that would definitely contribute so

check that out, ok? He may start out sleeping on his back or side and roll

onto

his stomach in the middle of the night. If so, he could use those long body

pillow to try and prevent it.

Best wishes for tomorrow....

**************

Get trade secrets for amazing

burgers. Watch " Cooking with Tyler Florence " on AOL Food.

(http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4 & amp;?NCID=aolfod00030000000002)

May 27, 2008

Thanks for your reply. We went to the doctor and he

said everything looked fine. I wasn't happy with not

getting a complete and answer about the fact that

there is a slight concave in the middle of his chest

and one breast looks larger or perhaps swollen. He

said he hadn't noticed it that it might go away and

that he usually works on girls and never had a

complaint about it. When I asked if it would

definitely go away he said nothing is definite. My son

sleeps on his back. The doctor said he is finding his

center of gravity and that the pain would go away.

The other concern I had from the xray is that while

the area for fusion is practically straight his lower

back still has a curve even though it is less than it

was and since it is good that it is not fused for

movement I am concerned that an unstraight lower back

will take even more stress on it than if it were

straighter. We go back to the doctor in 8 weeks.

-- KnightonND@... wrote:

> I certainly appreciate your apprehension about your

> doc appt tomorrow but it

> will be a relief to have it, too. Your son will

> probably have an xray and

> it'll give you all a chance to see what it all looks

> like in there.

>

> Regarding his pain when he gets up in the morning,

> obviously the best answer

> will be forthcoming from his doc. It is probably

> all part of the recovery

> process but if he sleeps on his stomach that would

> definitely contribute so

> check that out, ok? He may start out sleeping on

> his back or side and roll onto

> his stomach in the middle of the night. If so, he

> could use those long body

> pillow to try and prevent it.

>

> Best wishes for tomorrow....

>

> **************

> Get trade secrets for amazing

> burgers. Watch " Cooking with Tyler Florence " on AOL

> Food.

>

(http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4 & amp;?NCID=aolfod00030000000002)

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

May 27, 2008

I let him know. Thanks Pam

--- Pam <pamelicious2k4@...> wrote:

> Gail, have him walk every day - in increasing

> distances. It really

> does help resolve the " other " tweaks outside the

> fusion area.

>

> I walked a 5K at 33 days post op, and during my

> training all my bonus

> pain resolved.

>

> That said, expect him to probably be sore in the

> mornings for a

> while. I'm 16 wks post op - and while it's MUCH

> better, I still

> groan a lot for the first 30 minutes and prior to my

> coffee.

>

> Don't regret it a bit, however ... beats the hell

> out of my back

> hurting ALL day.

>

> Regards,

> Pam

>

> > > >

> > > > > Hi Gail,

> > > > >

> > > > > Thank you for your kind words. If your son

> > > drinks

> > > > > lots of fluids and eats enough fiber, he

> should

> > > > get

> > > > > his bowels moving on a regular basis soon.

> It

> > > > > wouldn't hurt him to take some senecot

> every

> > > > > evening, especially as long as he is on

> > > narcotic

> > > > > pain meds. He probably hasn't had enough

> food

> > > > since

> > > > > the enema to cause him to have another BM.

> As a

> > > > > Hospice nurse we always started out with

> > > senecot

> > > > > with our patients who were on high dose

> > > narcotics

> > > > > and it worked in most cases. I know it can

> be

> > > > scary

> > > > > to feel like you're getting " stopped up " .

> I've

> > > > been

> > > > > there. After my surgery that was a major

> > > > concern. I

> > > > > had an enema a couple of days post because

> I

> > > felt

> > > > > like I was gonna explode! One of the few

> things

> > > I

> > > > > remember from ICU.... begging the nurses

> for an

> > > > > enema! I complained again later, day 5, and

> the

>

=== message truncated ===

May 27, 2008

I had so many different pains--still do--after my surgeries. I was always told

that in the first 3 months don't worry about the pains unless it keeps getting

worse. I did have that happen about 10 weeks after my last surgery, and I was

freaking out because I couldn't even put my foot on the ground without pain

surging up through my leg, hip, back. I was told to take muscle relaxers and

relax. I'd overdone. And sure enough, it did get better. And now I'm almost 4

mths post op and I'm starting to believe I might actually get better. It seemed

like the pain would go on forever, and everytime I turned around it was some

different pain. And with each surgery, it was different also. But we have to

hang in there and realize it's a really big surgery and it takes time.

Re: Re: more questions

I certainly appreciate your apprehension about your doc appt tomorrow but it

will be a relief to have it, too. Your son will probably have an xray and

it'll give you all a chance to see what it all looks like in there.

Regarding his pain when he gets up in the morning, obviously the best answer

will be forthcoming from his doc. It is probably all part of the recovery

process but if he sleeps on his stomach that would definitely contribute so

check that out, ok? He may start out sleeping on his back or side and roll onto

his stomach in the middle of the night. If so, he could use those long body

pillow to try and prevent it.

Best wishes for tomorrow....

************ **

Get trade secrets for amazing

burgers. Watch " Cooking with Tyler Florence " on AOL Food.

(http://food. aol.com/tyler- florence? video=4 & amp; ?NCID=aolfod0003 0000000002)

May 28, 2008

thanks Randie. I had been told because he is young he

would be rid of all pain two weeks or so post-op,

guess I was given wrong information. I can see

improvement from the hospital and since he came home.

--- Randie Meyer <taknitlite@...> wrote:

> I had so many different pains--still do--after my

> surgeries. I was always told that in the first 3

> months don't worry about the pains unless it keeps

> getting worse. I did have that happen about 10 weeks

> after my last surgery, and I was freaking out

> because I couldn't even put my foot on the ground

> without pain surging up through my leg, hip, back. I

> was told to take muscle relaxers and relax. I'd

> overdone. And sure enough, it did get better. And

> now I'm almost 4 mths post op and I'm starting to

> believe I might actually get better. It seemed like

> the pain would go on forever, and everytime I turned

> around it was some different pain. And with each

> surgery, it was different also. But we have to hang

> in there and realize it's a really big surgery and

> it takes time.

>

> Re: Re: more questions

>

> I certainly appreciate your apprehension about your

> doc appt tomorrow but it

> will be a relief to have it, too. Your son will

> probably have an xray and

> it'll give you all a chance to see what it all looks

> like in there.

>

> Regarding his pain when he gets up in the morning,

> obviously the best answer

> will be forthcoming from his doc. It is probably all

> part of the recovery

> process but if he sleeps on his stomach that would

> definitely contribute so

> check that out, ok? He may start out sleeping on his

> back or side and roll onto

> his stomach in the middle of the night. If so, he

> could use those long body

> pillow to try and prevent it.

>

> Best wishes for tomorrow....

>

> ************ **

> Get trade secrets for amazing

> burgers. Watch " Cooking with Tyler Florence " on AOL

> Food.

>

> (http://food. aol.com/tyler- florence? video=4 & amp;

> ?NCID=aolfod0003 0000000002)

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

June 4, 2008

Hi Gail,

Obviously I am still trying to catch up with email. You are so kind and

thoughtful- I wanted to try to answer your questions. And..... by the way- how

great it sounds like your son is doing! I never doubted that he would, with so

much going for him.

No one told me that I would have a rib removed, I never saw the surgeon after I

went home post-op, and it was next to impossible to get him to reply to any

questions I had in the first months after surgery. Of course the rib was not

even on my radar screen until much later. The place where the chest tube had

been was very painful for weeks, but I guess it never occurred to me to expect

that much of my rib to re-grow. Hmmmmm.

Yes, I guess I will always have pain. Thank God for advancements in pain

management and the change in attitudes about using narcotics in non-terminal

patients. In years past they didn't even want someone who had 6 weeks to live to

get " addicted " . Insane! There are such mixed expected outcomes from drs I've

talked with and seen that I keep putting off having surgery that might help,

might not help now but leave things the same, or make things worse. Add to that

the fact that one dr said that even if the surgery did help now, it might make

it harder in later years. I read all the posts from people who had gone for

revision surgery with so much interest because I know most of them had to weigh

all the facts and I'm always amazed that they make that final choice to try

again. I can understand, however, because a year after I hurt my back I was in

such a bad place that I was begging for surgery and would've had it if I had not

lost my insurance. Each of us is so different. I was

not able to make the trip to care for my Mom today as planned because I did too

much here at home yesterday and I couldn't get up today. I worry so- I must be

able to go tomorrow- actually, looking at the time- 2:30AM, that would be today-

or Thursday. Right now- I hurt too much to think I will be able to go today. I

get so frustrated with myself- I will hop up and do just one more thing when I

know it will catch up with me. Ratz!

I hope all the notes I haven't read yet are just a progression of good reports

from you and your son!

Blessings,

Bea

Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote: Hi Bea,

I am so sorry about your little furry girl :-). I

have a very old little furry guy. Did the doctor ever

say why your rib didn't grow back? I am sorry you

have pain. Will you always have it? Is there

anything more that can be done for you that is not

invasive? Your mom is a lucky lady having you and you

for being able to build her a cottage. My son is

doing very well. He seems to have turned a corner.

We go back to the doctor on Tuesday and I hope the

xray shows good news. We are both kind of nervous

about it. Have a good weekend minus the technology.

Gail

--- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

> Hi Gail,

>

> I hope you and your son are doing well. I'm afraid

> that I have not had the opportunity to read any

> other notes but this one in days! My precious little

> furry girl (Dog in normal people's vocabularies. To

> me, she is a furry baby) was attacked by a

> neighbor's 2 cow-herding dogs. She will be fine, but

> between that trip to the vet and getting an old old

> building in our yard, sort of, torn down so we can

> have a little cottage put there for my mother, I

> have been too busy to be on line.

>

> My rib has a gap about 10 inches gone which has

> never grown back. There is an indentation there and

> that part of my back burns. I've been up too much

> this AM, then had to go to grave-side services for a

> lady in our community. I know I look fit and able to

> be one of the " standers " , but I just had to sit.

> That part of my back has one kind of pain and the

> other pain is the butt pain that really is the

> worse. But again, I was 45 when I had my surgery.

> Your son will do great. My hip hump was much

> decreased by the surgery and that hasn't changed.

>

> Best of luck with everything. I will catch up later.

> I have to go see about my mother and I will stay

> there 2 nights. She doesn't have computer. Her old

> TV just has rabbit ears! fun fun fun! :0) Prayers

> for your son's fast and complete recovery!

>

> Bea

>

> Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

> I was wondering how long it takes for

> the pieces of

> rib taken for the bone graft to grow back. I read

> somewhere that someone said when their ribs grew

> back

> the rib hump partially came back. Is this usual?

> Thanks, Gail

> --- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Gail,

> >

> > Thank you for your kind words. If your son drinks

> > lots of fluids and eats enough fiber, he should

> get

> > his bowels moving on a regular basis soon. It

> > wouldn't hurt him to take some senecot every

> > evening, especially as long as he is on narcotic

> > pain meds. He probably hasn't had enough food

> since

> > the enema to cause him to have another BM. As a

> > Hospice nurse we always started out with senecot

> > with our patients who were on high dose narcotics

> > and it worked in most cases. I know it can be

> scary

> > to feel like you're getting " stopped up " . I've

> been

> > there. After my surgery that was a major

> concern. I

> > had an enema a couple of days post because I felt

> > like I was gonna explode! One of the few things I

> > remember from ICU.... begging the nurses for an

> > enema! I complained again later, day 5, and the

> ICU

> > specialist turned off my morphine pump without

> > talking with the pain management dr. That was a

> > horrible night- he didn't order enough to cover

> the

> > pain. Sorry....back to your son!...... the

> > sharp pain is probably a nerve. He will have a

> lot

> > of weird sensations while things start to mend. I

> > can tell you, there were sensations that I never

> got

> > an explanation for, even months later. As long as

> it

> > is not a pain that lingers or worsens I imagine

> it

> > is from cutting into nerves and muscles and

> moving

> > the spine around. But the doctor is there for

> you,

> > to answer your questions and you should call if

> you

> > feel there is a real concern. I finally decided

> that

> > pain I had from my hip, for many months, was

> from

> > giving me a totally new body alignment. Stuff

> just

> > no longer moves in the old way. New muscles are

> > being used, etc.

> >

> > As far as the college food- maybe a really good

> > supplement would help. Some are better than

> others.

> > There have been some independent studies about

> which

> > ones are the most complete and have the best

> > absorption. I have a book that gave the results,

> but

> > it is a few years old. Things like One-a-Day got

> > something like a 5 out of a 100! I take USANA,

> but I

> > can't say how they rate now- they were the best

> in

> > my old book. I know a lot of doctors don't think

> > much of supplements, but it is also not a subject

> > they are taught much about. Has your son had a

> > dietitian talk with him? Just knowing how to make

> > wise choices from the cafeteria, especially if

> they

> > are of the buffet style. And if he comes home on

> the

> > weekends, you can stuff him full of Mom's good

> home

> > cooking! I'm sure he will be fine. He is young

> and

> > resilient! Prayers for you both! And happy

> Mother's

> > Day!

> >

> > Bea

> >

> > Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Bea,

> >

> > As always, thanks so much. The fact that you

> came

> > on

> > to look for my post means so much. The two

> factors

> > he

> > is dealing with now is 1) sometimes feels a

> > stabbing

> > pain going from sitting to laying down (scary)

> and

> > 2)

> > he hasn't had a bowel movement since he had an

> > enema

> > in the hospital on Thursday. Other than that I

> > think

> > he is doing ok. Take care of yourself and I am

> > thinking of you as well. Gail

> > --- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Hi Gail,

> > >

> > > I am so thrilled for you and your son, that

> you

> > are

> > > progressing along and are home by now! Again,

> I

> > have

> > > been off line for a couple of days because of

> > > traveling to see my Mom. The nausea and

> vomiting

> > > this far out from surgery are not the 'usual',

> > but

> > > then again, everyone's recovery is different?

> > That

> > > had to be pretty rough for him- vomiting so

> much

> > > with all the back pain. I'm sure happy for you

> > that

> > > he is over that. Once the bowels move and he

> is

> > > walking more and more, the problem almost

> > certainly

> > > won't happen again.

> > >

> > > I went straight from an ordinary hospital bed

> to

> > a

> > > hotel room, and I was 45 ! So, your son's own

> > bed,

> > > in his own home, will be perfect. I had no

> rehab

> > and

> > > no directions other than go do what I wanted

> to

> > do.

> > > I had anterior/posterior approaches and I

> > couldn't

> > > even get the dr to call back and tell me when

> I

> > > could drive, so I started driving around 3-4

> > weeks

> > > post-op. Your son is getting out of the

> hospital

> > > much sooner than I did, but I was in ICU for 5

> > days,

> > > most of which I don't remember, and I went to

> the

> > > hotel after 9 days. So I know it seems early,

> but

> > > your son walked much sooner than I did. At his

>

=== message truncated ===

June 4, 2008

Bea,

I am so distressed by what you went through and the

fact that you live with pain...I am so sorry that

happened to you. Take care of yourself. Gail

--- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

> Hi Gail,

>

> Obviously I am still trying to catch up with email.

> You are so kind and thoughtful- I wanted to try to

> answer your questions. And..... by the way- how

> great it sounds like your son is doing! I never

> doubted that he would, with so much going for him.

>

> No one told me that I would have a rib removed, I

> never saw the surgeon after I went home post-op, and

> it was next to impossible to get him to reply to any

> questions I had in the first months after surgery.

> Of course the rib was not even on my radar screen

> until much later. The place where the chest tube had

> been was very painful for weeks, but I guess it

> never occurred to me to expect that much of my rib

> to re-grow. Hmmmmm.

>

> Yes, I guess I will always have pain. Thank God for

> advancements in pain management and the change in

> attitudes about using narcotics in non-terminal

> patients. In years past they didn't even want

> someone who had 6 weeks to live to get " addicted " .

> Insane! There are such mixed expected outcomes from

> drs I've talked with and seen that I keep putting

> off having surgery that might help, might not help

> now but leave things the same, or make things worse.

> Add to that the fact that one dr said that even if

> the surgery did help now, it might make it harder in

> later years. I read all the posts from people who

> had gone for revision surgery with so much interest

> because I know most of them had to weigh all the

> facts and I'm always amazed that they make that

> final choice to try again. I can understand,

> however, because a year after I hurt my back I was

> in such a bad place that I was begging for surgery

> and would've had it if I had not lost my insurance.

> Each of us is so different. I was

> not able to make the trip to care for my Mom today

> as planned because I did too much here at home

> yesterday and I couldn't get up today. I worry so- I

> must be able to go tomorrow- actually, looking at

> the time- 2:30AM, that would be today- or Thursday.

> Right now- I hurt too much to think I will be able

> to go today. I get so frustrated with myself- I will

> hop up and do just one more thing when I know it

> will catch up with me. Ratz!

>

> I hope all the notes I haven't read yet are just a

> progression of good reports from you and your son!

>

> Blessings,

> Bea

>

> Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

> Hi Bea,

>

> I am so sorry about your little furry girl :-). I

> have a very old little furry guy. Did the doctor

> ever

> say why your rib didn't grow back? I am sorry you

> have pain. Will you always have it? Is there

> anything more that can be done for you that is not

> invasive? Your mom is a lucky lady having you and

> you

> for being able to build her a cottage. My son is

> doing very well. He seems to have turned a corner.

>

> We go back to the doctor on Tuesday and I hope the

> xray shows good news. We are both kind of nervous

> about it. Have a good weekend minus the

> technology.

> Gail

> --- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Gail,

> >

> > I hope you and your son are doing well. I'm

> afraid

> > that I have not had the opportunity to read any

> > other notes but this one in days! My precious

> little

> > furry girl (Dog in normal people's vocabularies.

> To

> > me, she is a furry baby) was attacked by a

> > neighbor's 2 cow-herding dogs. She will be fine,

> but

> > between that trip to the vet and getting an old

> old

> > building in our yard, sort of, torn down so we

> can

> > have a little cottage put there for my mother, I

> > have been too busy to be on line.

> >

> > My rib has a gap about 10 inches gone which has

> > never grown back. There is an indentation there

> and

> > that part of my back burns. I've been up too much

> > this AM, then had to go to grave-side services

> for a

> > lady in our community. I know I look fit and able

> to

> > be one of the " standers " , but I just had to sit.

> > That part of my back has one kind of pain and the

> > other pain is the butt pain that really is the

> > worse. But again, I was 45 when I had my surgery.

> > Your son will do great. My hip hump was much

> > decreased by the surgery and that hasn't changed.

> >

> > Best of luck with everything. I will catch up

> later.

> > I have to go see about my mother and I will stay

> > there 2 nights. She doesn't have computer. Her

> old

> > TV just has rabbit ears! fun fun fun! :0) Prayers

> > for your son's fast and complete recovery!

> >

> > Bea

> >

> > Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

>

> > I was wondering how long it takes

> for

> > the pieces of

> > rib taken for the bone graft to grow back. I

> read

> > somewhere that someone said when their ribs grew

> > back

> > the rib hump partially came back. Is this

> usual?

> > Thanks, Gail

> > --- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Hi Gail,

> > >

> > > Thank you for your kind words. If your son

> drinks

> > > lots of fluids and eats enough fiber, he

> should

> > get

> > > his bowels moving on a regular basis soon. It

> > > wouldn't hurt him to take some senecot every

> > > evening, especially as long as he is on

> narcotic

> > > pain meds. He probably hasn't had enough food

> > since

> > > the enema to cause him to have another BM. As

> a

> > > Hospice nurse we always started out with

> senecot

> > > with our patients who were on high dose

> narcotics

> > > and it worked in most cases. I know it can be

> > scary

> > > to feel like you're getting " stopped up " . I've

> > been

> > > there. After my surgery that was a major

> > concern. I

> > > had an enema a couple of days post because I

> felt

> > > like I was gonna explode! One of the few

> things I

> > > remember from ICU.... begging the nurses for

> an

> > > enema! I complained again later, day 5, and

> the

> > ICU

> > > specialist turned off my morphine pump without

> > > talking with the pain management dr. That was

> a

> > > horrible night- he didn't order enough to

> cover

> > the

> > > pain. Sorry....back to your son!...... the

> > > sharp pain is probably a nerve. He will have

> a

> > lot

> > > of weird sensations while things start to

> mend. I

> > > can tell you, there were sensations that I

> never

> > got

> > > an explanation for, even months later. As long

> as

> > it

> > > is not a pain that lingers or worsens I

> imagine

> > it

> > > is from cutting into nerves and muscles and

> > moving

> > > the spine around. But the doctor is there for

> > you,

> > > to answer your questions and you should call

> if

> > you

> > > feel there is a real concern. I finally

> decided

> > that

> > > pain I had from my hip, for many months, was

> > from

> > > giving me a totally new body alignment. Stuff

>

=== message truncated ===

June 5, 2008

I'm posting a question to anyone who has been fused to S1. I had this done 4

months ago in conjuction with some other revision surgery. I've mentioned my

situation before. Here's what's happening: I've been having such bad pain in my

left side, high up kind of along my bone. It's ok when I first get up but as

soon as I start moving around it starts hurting and even with oxycontin, by late

afternoon my whole buttock area is throbbing. By the time I go to bed, I can

barely put my foot on the ground. I had been telling people that it feels like a

screw is in there and rubbing, but I didn't really know where the screws were. I

hadn't seen my post op xray until Monday, and sure enough, there's a screw right

where I'm having this awful pain. The ortho, who is a fill in for my surgeon

since I had to fly to Phoenix for the surgery, said he couldn't really tell me

anything. Like, would the pain ever get better. I'm waiting for my surgeon to

look at the xray and

get back to me. I know he placed the screw in a different position than he

normally does, he told me, because I'm very thin and the original placement

protruded.

So now I'm so worried that I'll have to have this screw moved. But maybe my body

will toughen up around that area. Has anyone else experienced lasting pain from

a screw? I guess its in my illium or illiac or something like that. It's just

terrible though.

Re: Re: more questions

Bea,

I am so distressed by what you went through and the

fact that you live with pain...I am so sorry that

happened to you. Take care of yourself. Gail

--- Beverlee <bea_simmons> wrote:

> Hi Gail,

>

> Obviously I am still trying to catch up with email.

> You are so kind and thoughtful- I wanted to try to

> answer your questions. And..... by the way- how

> great it sounds like your son is doing! I never

> doubted that he would, with so much going for him.

>

> No one told me that I would have a rib removed, I

> never saw the surgeon after I went home post-op, and

> it was next to impossible to get him to reply to any

> questions I had in the first months after surgery.

> Of course the rib was not even on my radar screen

> until much later. The place where the chest tube had

> been was very painful for weeks, but I guess it

> never occurred to me to expect that much of my rib

> to re-grow. Hmmmmm.

>

> Yes, I guess I will always have pain. Thank God for

> advancements in pain management and the change in

> attitudes about using narcotics in non-terminal

> patients. In years past they didn't even want

> someone who had 6 weeks to live to get " addicted " .

> Insane! There are such mixed expected outcomes from

> drs I've talked with and seen that I keep putting

> off having surgery that might help, might not help

> now but leave things the same, or make things worse.

> Add to that the fact that one dr said that even if

> the surgery did help now, it might make it harder in

> later years. I read all the posts from people who

> had gone for revision surgery with so much interest

> because I know most of them had to weigh all the

> facts and I'm always amazed that they make that

> final choice to try again. I can understand,

> however, because a year after I hurt my back I was

> in such a bad place that I was begging for surgery

> and would've had it if I had not lost my insurance.

> Each of us is so different. I was

> not able to make the trip to care for my Mom today

> as planned because I did too much here at home

> yesterday and I couldn't get up today. I worry so- I

> must be able to go tomorrow- actually, looking at

> the time- 2:30AM, that would be today- or Thursday.

> Right now- I hurt too much to think I will be able

> to go today. I get so frustrated with myself- I will

> hop up and do just one more thing when I know it

> will catch up with me. Ratz!

>

> I hope all the notes I haven't read yet are just a

> progression of good reports from you and your son!

>

> Blessings,

> Bea

>

> Gail Merri <p0etiss (DOT) com> wrote:

> Hi Bea,

>

> I am so sorry about your little furry girl :-). I

> have a very old little furry guy. Did the doctor

> ever

> say why your rib didn't grow back? I am sorry you

> have pain. Will you always have it? Is there

> anything more that can be done for you that is not

> invasive? Your mom is a lucky lady having you and

> you

> for being able to build her a cottage. My son is

> doing very well. He seems to have turned a corner.

>

> We go back to the doctor on Tuesday and I hope the

> xray shows good news. We are both kind of nervous

> about it. Have a good weekend minus the

> technology.

> Gail

> --- Beverlee <bea_simmons> wrote:

>

> > Hi Gail,

> >

> > I hope you and your son are doing well. I'm

> afraid

> > that I have not had the opportunity to read any

> > other notes but this one in days! My precious

> little

> > furry girl (Dog in normal people's vocabularies.

> To

> > me, she is a furry baby) was attacked by a

> > neighbor's 2 cow-herding dogs. She will be fine,

> but

> > between that trip to the vet and getting an old

> old

> > building in our yard, sort of, torn down so we

> can

> > have a little cottage put there for my mother, I

> > have been too busy to be on line.

> >

> > My rib has a gap about 10 inches gone which has

> > never grown back. There is an indentation there

> and

> > that part of my back burns. I've been up too much

> > this AM, then had to go to grave-side services

> for a

> > lady in our community. I know I look fit and able

> to

> > be one of the " standers " , but I just had to sit.

> > That part of my back has one kind of pain and the

> > other pain is the butt pain that really is the

> > worse. But again, I was 45 when I had my surgery.

> > Your son will do great. My hip hump was much

> > decreased by the surgery and that hasn't changed.

> >

> > Best of luck with everything. I will catch up

> later.

> > I have to go see about my mother and I will stay

> > there 2 nights. She doesn't have computer. Her

> old

> > TV just has rabbit ears! fun fun fun! :0) Prayers

> > for your son's fast and complete recovery!

> >

> > Bea

> >

> > Gail Merri <p0etiss (DOT) com> wrote:

>

> > I was wondering how long it takes

> for

> > the pieces of

> > rib taken for the bone graft to grow back. I

> read

> > somewhere that someone said when their ribs grew

> > back

> > the rib hump partially came back. Is this

> usual?

> > Thanks, Gail

> > --- Beverlee <bea_simmons> wrote:

> >

> > > Hi Gail,

> > >

> > > Thank you for your kind words. If your son

> drinks

> > > lots of fluids and eats enough fiber, he

> should

> > get

> > > his bowels moving on a regular basis soon. It

> > > wouldn't hurt him to take some senecot every

> > > evening, especially as long as he is on

> narcotic

> > > pain meds. He probably hasn't had enough food

> > since

> > > the enema to cause him to have another BM. As

> a

> > > Hospice nurse we always started out with

> senecot

> > > with our patients who were on high dose

> narcotics

> > > and it worked in most cases. I know it can be

> > scary

> > > to feel like you're getting " stopped up " . I've

> > been

> > > there. After my surgery that was a major

> > concern. I

> > > had an enema a couple of days post because I

> felt

> > > like I was gonna explode! One of the few

> things I

> > > remember from ICU.... begging the nurses for

> an

> > > enema! I complained again later, day 5, and

> the

> > ICU

> > > specialist turned off my morphine pump without

> > > talking with the pain management dr. That was

> a

> > > horrible night- he didn't order enough to

> cover

> > the

> > > pain. Sorry....back to your son!...... the

> > > sharp pain is probably a nerve. He will have

> a

> > lot

> > > of weird sensations while things start to

> mend. I

> > > can tell you, there were sensations that I

> never

> > got

> > > an explanation for, even months later. As long

> as

> > it

> > > is not a pain that lingers or worsens I

> imagine

> > it

> > > is from cutting into nerves and muscles and

> > moving

> > > the spine around. But the doctor is there for

> > you,

> > > to answer your questions and you should call

> if

> > you

> > > feel there is a real concern. I finally

> decided

> > that

> > > pain I had from my hip, for many months, was

> > from

> > > giving me a totally new body alignment. Stuff

>

=== message truncated ===

August 29, 2008

I can not resistreply to 'something so deadly'...have no particular answers to your other questions as I am still searching for those myself.

But here it goes about that CO2 tank that went off unscheduled while I was driving.

I am not a total fool, however, as circumstances had it, i planned to pick up my tank on friday afternoon then use that same evening as I have no storage in this high rise multi dwelling apartment complex, there is no convenient garage or shed anywhere in sight. So, I time things the best I can.

however, on that friday, my work got really busy and I agreed to continue working thorughout the weekend and monday too, so if figured, that tank thing will have to go with me on those trips for work, after all those guys just throw those things into the trunk of my car, it is not oxygen therefore not explosive. then on all went well and I kept my nerves until the last day on Monday and then finally able to use it that night..

HOWEVER: I just pulled off the interstate and about to enter the parking structure of a big hospital when I heard a huge spraying sound !@@@@................I am still alive, drive always with my windows open, yet, jumped out of the car left the car right in the drive way, ..sat on the curb and was major startled..........

later the CO2 company admitted that should not have happended, must have been a faulty valve,

so, there, thanks for listening to my chatty story...but it is about CO2.

M

From: savemyskin4me <savemyskin4me@...>Subject: More Questionsbird mites Date: Friday, August 29, 2008, 9:52 PM

Hi Fellow Suffers :)I have more questions. I think these questions are good for our databaseand also if you have ever tried to do a search of this forum....Youknow how frustrating that can be.Question #1 Besides Rita's use of Clorox, what else can you use to killa critter that has just bitten\burrowed into you. I know that with the Clorox, if I put it on a bite it hurts really bad and the bite willsuddenly flatten out. I even felt one "pop" one time. I think it was abug exploding under my skin. Rita's method works, but is there a way to kill then without the scaring/skin damage? Question #2 How big of a CO2 tank do you need to get to treat a car? Do you need a bigger one for something like a Van? Do I need a 5lbtank, a 10lb tank, 20lb or bigger????? Do you just put it in the carturn on the valve and quick shut the door? I would like alot more

infobefore I mess with something so potentially deadly.Many thanks to all who are willing to share!

August 30, 2008

Thanks for the story M!

I think I will pick up my tank with my pickup truck after your story!

Have fun in Mexico! The Ocean saltwater should be very good for your

skin.

>

> From: savemyskin4me <savemyskin4me@...>

> Subject: More Questions

> bird mites

> Date: Friday, August 29, 2008, 9:52 PM

>

> Hi Fellow Suffers

>

> I have more questions. I think these questions are good for our database

>

> and also if you have ever tried to do a search of this forum....You

>

> know how frustrating that can be.

>

> Question #1 Besides Rita's use of Clorox, what else can you use to kill

>

> a critter that has just bitten\burrowed into you. I know that with the

>

> Clorox, if I put it on a bite it hurts really bad and the bite will

>

> suddenly flatten out. I even felt one " pop " one time. I think it was a

>

> bug exploding under my skin. Rita's method works, but is there a way

>

> to kill then without the scaring/skin damage?

>

> Question #2 How big of a CO2 tank do you need to get to treat a car?

>

> Do you need a bigger one for something like a Van? Do I need a 5lb

>

> tank, a 10lb tank, 20lb or bigger????? Do you just put it in the car

>

> turn on the valve and quick shut the door? I would like alot more info

>

> before I mess with something so potentially deadly.

>

> Many thanks to all who are willing to share!

>

August 30, 2008

We bought a 20lb CO2 tank. We sat the tank in the floor of the back seat and opened the valve so the gas would come out slowly. Shut the doors and were able to leave the car like that for 3 days. One day should be enough time to kill the things. On the 4th day we opened all the doors and left that for 30 minutes. Came back and removed the tank, lowered all the windows and let the car sit like that all the rest of the day and night. Drove it the next day. Since we all may be dealing with different "things" it would be hard to tell if the Raid ant and roach killer would work for you. Since it works on what we were dealing with we could spray our car. We spray after each time we ride in it. If you use the raid be sure to pull the seat belts out and spray them as they retract back into their holders. Also, I don't know if this would help but I have learned recently that some people in Louisiana, where bugs are king, have used that washable white glue to kill something that was on their skin. They rub the glue over the area where they feel the things moving or itching and let the glue dry. Leave it on all day or all night and then wash it off the next night or morning. They can even do their hair and scalp with the glue and it washes out of the hair. Sounded like a good idea to me but I can't say if it works. Also, when you use the Clorox be sure to follow it with the salt water. I don't know why the 1 pint of water with the 2 cups of Epsom salt works but it goes hand in hand with the Clorox. Only leave the Clorox on the skin for only several seconds. Wash the Clorox off and then rub in the salt water and get that salt water dried on to the skin with a blow dried as fast as you can. If you keep doing this every day or night the skin will keep getting clearer and cleared over the next 4 to 5 weeks. As you get your environment under control by spraying the Clorox and salt water or by using the raid ant and roach killer you skin will only have to deal with the "hot spots" or places that the things have found to hide in. It can take up to 6 weeks to get the things under control. Good luck and keep trying. Rita

Sign In

more questions

Recommended Posts

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Guest guest