Newbie question

[Guest guest]

There seems to have been a problem posting this one so here it is again:

Hi all,

I felt I had to respond to this. Please be careful with your

terminology, otherwise great confusion ensues. The comment below

regarding the M & P method is confusing. It says to buy glycerin.

Which, of course, is incorrect. It is not glycerin itself that

you

melt down (it's already a liquid anyhow), but glycerin soap

-base-.

There's a big difference. It always bothers me to hear M & P base

referred to as 'glycerin' soap, since all soap by definition, cold

process and hot process included, are glycerin soaps, they all

contain

glycerin. A newbie could get really confused by this terminology,

especially since we're often talking about using glycerin itself

in

some of the other items we make, such as lotions. So I just

wanted

to

make the distinction. BTW, M & P base can be bought from many

places

online. I wouldn't recommend the stuff you can get in craft

stores,

it's usually overpriced and seriously inferior.

HTH,

Ellen~

> M & P method is....you buy glycerin. melt it down in micro or

double

broiler.

> add fragrances, herbs, etc. Very easy, and its a good start for

those(like

> me) who are too chicken to use lye. I like it. My soap comes

out

great.

>

> Re: Newbie with Question

>

>

> > Now, what exactly is the M & P method of soap making.

> >

> > Giselle~

[Guest guest]

Thank you for that information. I appreciate any and all information, even

corrections, that is how one learns, huh!

[Guest guest]

Thank you for that information. I appreciate any and all information, even

corrections, that is how one learns, huh!

[Guest guest]

Personally I am a true believer in following the list. If you are anything like

me...too many choices leads to a disaster. My first challenge I lost 25

pounds my second I lost 12 and that was eating junk in between days due

to christmas. I ate what was on the list. Everyone has their own way to do

it but I am starting a new challenge January 6th and I am going to eat

only from the list again

good luck!

dawnn

[Guest guest]

I do not use extra virgin olive oil in my soaps. I feel it is a waste of

expensive oil. I use the mild olive oil. Your local health food store is a

good

place to start for ingredients, but I'm telling you the truth, it will cost

you soooooo much more than ordering them online. Marcia

[Guest guest]

,

Answered privately.

Markey

*snippet*

> I live in Phoenix, AZ, so I have access to many different types of

> stores and retailers. What I need to know is where do I find things

> like shea butter, aloe butter, avocado oil, jojoba oil and the like?

> Thanks,

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Sandy,

It is great to see you here. Welcome to our group. I am so excited to hear that

you are enjoying LifeLift so much and that you are already feeling slimmer. That

is wonderful!

Yes, the pah is an exhale. When I say push the breath to the bottom of your

stomach I mean that as you exhale if you can imagine that you are pushing the

air downward it helps the pah to be less forceful, more like a deep sigh. Often

when people do the pah if they think of pushing the air forward it seems that

they often get too aggressive and the pah is too intense. If you can think of it

more like a deep sigh then it will give you a more nurturing workout. I have

been in health and fitness for over 40 years and I am convinced that the more

relaxed you are when doing a workout the easier it is for your body to release

toxins, fat and stress. It is especially important if you are trying to reduce

belly fat.

Remember that if you feel any stress at all when doing the pah part of the

LifeLift breath it is too forceful. Nothing should hurt if you are doing

LifeLift correctly.

As for the poses I know that often in the beginning there are many people who

have a hard time doing a few of the poses. The one you mention is one that seems

to be hard for some in the beginning but as you do it more you will find you

will become much more flexible and it will be easy to do all of the positions.

If any pose is too hard for you then replace it with one that feels good to you.

It is fine to do that at any time.

Be Healthy and take good care,

Rashelle

Harness the Powerful Benefits of Oxygen with LifeLift.

Oxygen burns fat, tones muscles, reduces stress

Be healthier with each breath you take with LifeLift

www.oxygenlift.net. LifeLift is the Original Aerobic Breathing

Newbie Question

I have two questions:

1) When you do the " Pah " it's an exhale breath, right? Then why does

Rashelle say to breath to the bottom of your stomach? I thought I am

to push all of the air out. I'm confused.

2) Does anyone else have a problem placing their elbow under their knee

and pulling the knee to the oposite shoulder? My tummy gets in the

way. I can place my hand under my knee but not my elbow. Is it still

as effective?

I appreciate any help. I really like this program and already feel

slimmer. I just want to do it correctly.

Thanks,

Sandy

[Guest guest]

Hi Rashelle,

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to reply to

my questions. I'm no longer confused! I haven't had much time this

week to actually do the workouts but every time I'm in the car, I get

in about 15-20 breaths. It has helped me so much. I can't wait until

I have more time next week to do the workouts on a regular basis! I

have tried so many things including Oxycise and Body Flex. I really

like LifeLift so much better and it seems to be something I will stick

with.

Thanks again for answering my questions. Have a happy holdiay!

Sandy

[Guest guest]

Welcome Sandy

The ones in are sometimes all I can get in

Great job

You will be amazed how it helps

Blessings

R

The commuter Cd is helpful to stay focused

Re: Newbie Question

Hi Rashelle,

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to reply to

my questions. I'm no longer confused! I haven't had much time this

week to actually do the workouts but every time I'm in the car, I get

in about 15-20 breaths. It has helped me so much. I can't wait until

I have more time next week to do the workouts on a regular basis! I

have tried so many things including Oxycise and Body Flex. I really

like LifeLift so much better and it seems to be something I will stick

with.

Thanks again for answering my questions. Have a happy holdiay!

Sandy

[Guest guest]

her " strikes " as she calls them?

What is a strikes?

Mine started at 75 as indigestion in the middle of the nite, then GERD and

finally Achalasia which had to be diagnosed with a manometry test. Took 4 GI's 2

years to determine it. YOU must have a manometry test to confirm Achalasia.

rayme CA OC

>

> Hi all,

>

> Thank you for having this wonderful forum.

>

> I am writing in because my " second Mom " has been diagnosed with Achalasia and

surgery has been recommended. It's very scary because of age(70) and other

health issues (previous kidney failure, autoimmune problems - been on Pred for

10 years, etc).

>

> She was diagnosed at Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek, Ca.

>

> You all seem to talk a lot about eating problems. She doesn't have much of

that - has been eating well all her life, and her " strikes " as she calls them,

seem to have no rhyme or reason. They often come early morning in her sleep!

>

> Is it possible she has been misdiagnosed?

>

> Not asking for medical advice, of course...just direction from those who've

been here.

>

> Thank you SO much,

>

> Fitzmaurice

>

[Guest guest]

,

Get a second opinion from one of the doctors recommend on this board.

Yes, doctors are eager to do the surgery. Not only do they make their money

that way, they want the experience on their resume.

I'm surprised you haven't heard from some of our members in California

already with recommendations. Usually, you can call these doctors and they'll

get right back to you. Hold off until you do...and find a doctor of your

own chosing.

I am going to post below something Debbi, one of our members, wrote

several years ago. Try some of these simple things to help with the spasms in

the meantime. I hope she'll find something there to help.

Maggie

Alabama

Chest pains, heartburn, acid reflux, spasm pains, NCCPs....what the heck

is all this stuff anyway????

(aka: Debbi's Dissertation on Dysfunctional Dysphagia Diagnoses)

Here's some info I've put together on differences between " heartburn " and

the " chest pains/spasm pains " that are related to achalasia. The official

medical term that I've found for the " spasm pain " is " NCCP " or Non Cardiac

Chest Pain. There are multiple terms used for " heartburn " including: acid

indigestion, acid reflux, GERD/GORD, etc.

In my pre-achalasia days, I would have " indigestion/heartburn " once in a

while (after a particularly large, fatty, acidic meal, etc.), maybe once or

twice a year. I would have that nasty acid taste in my mouth when I

burped, and a hot/burning sensation in the area of my breastbone. While not

particularly comfortable, it wasn't an excruciating, debilitating pain, and

taking some Tums or other antacid would neutralize it and both the taste and

the discomfort would go away.

When I had my first NCCP, I had been having problems swallowing for a few

years but hadn't yet been diagnosed with anything, and I had no clue that

the pain was related to my swallowing problems. I thought the pain was

some gawd-awful gas pains -- felt like something was stabbing me from the

inside out! The pain seemed to start in the ribs and almost squeeze my chest

with searing pain that seemed to shoot up into my neck, too. (note: everyone

can experience NCCPs in varying degrees and in various parts of the body,

including stomach, chest, shoulders, neck, back, jaw, tongue, teeth, and

roof of the mouth.) I lived alone at the time, and I drove to a convenience

store and bought three rolls of Rolaids and ate two whole rolls. That

didn't have any effect at all, and it took a couple hours for the pain to go

away.

Another time, I have a distinct memory of standing in the kitchen holding

onto the countertop and just WAILING at the top of my lungs because it hurt

so bad, and my knees buckling from the pain. My wailing turned into one

big repetitious prayer: " Please, Lord, Please, Lord, Make It Stop, Lord, I

Can't Take It Anymore, Lord, Please, Lord, I Need You To Please Help Me! "

over and over and over again while sobbing. This was almost a decade ago and

I don't know how long it went on, but I'm thinking that it was well over

an hour of that constant wailing. Boy, those were the days, huh? ;o)

For people whose doctors believe that NCCPs are an " atypical " (not

normal) symptom for achalasia patients, point them in the direction of this

informal poll here on our group:

_achalasia/surveys?id=1037310_

(achalasia/surveys?id=1037310)

The poll is now closed, so who knows how many more would be added to it if

it were still accepting votes. If you scroll down to the end, 38 people

reported that they have these " spasms " , and 5 people reported that they

don't have spasms. So out of 43 people who answered the poll, 88% have spasms

and 12% don't have spasms. Doesn't sound like a " rare " or " atypical "

symptom, does it?

In another poll (

_achalasia/surveys?id=1011383_

(achalasia/surveys?id=1011383) ) of

people who went to the Emergency Room due to extreme chest pains,

2 were given intravenous Valium, 3 were given Demorol or other narcotic

injection, and 7 were given no treatment whatsoever.... isn't that sad? 58%

of the people who were in such severe pain that they went to the E.R. were

given NO TREATMENT at all!!! That is SO unnecessary!!!!

Here's some info that I copied from an old post of mine -- if your doctor

will bother to do some simple web searches, he'll see that calcium channel

blockers, nitroglycerine, and anti-depressants are all documented ways to

treat NCCP in people with esophageal disorders! Maybe if you print it out

and show it to him, he'll be willing to offer you some help in dealing with

this.

=============================================

Here's some basic info that I've posted in the past -- different things

work for different people, so it's basically just an experiment to find what

works for your own particular situation.

Here are some different coping methods to try:

-- Swallowing something warm or something cold (in my case, I chug warm

--not hot-- water as fast as I can).

-- CCB medication (calcium channel blockers) -- when I'm having NCCPs, I

prick the shell of a nifedipine capsule and squirt it under my tongue. It

absorbs into the bloodstream under the tongue (this is called a

" sub-lingual " medication, meaning under-tongue) and relaxes smooth muscle

tissue (which

is what the esophagus is made up of). You can also just swallow the

capsule, but since we have trouble swallowing in the first place, I've found

the

under-the-tongue method works best (then you just swallow when you've held

it there as long as you can and your saliva requires a swallow).

Unfortunately, it can also lower your blood pressure (usually only a problem if

you already have low BP to begin with) and cause a headache afterwards -- some

people experience this, some don't. CCB's can also be tried in the " slow

release " formula as a preventative to having NCCPs start in the first

place.

-- Nitroglycerin medication -- works in much the same way as the CCB

mentioned above, and can also be taken sublingually for fast relief.

-- Certain anti-depressant and anti-convulsant medications -- some people

don't have NCCPs when on these types of medications, believed to be a

function of the medicine's effect on serotonin in the brain (antidepressants

such as Nortryptaline, Amitryptaline, Imipramine and Trazodone have been

studied; Neurontin is being studied in a similar way for " phantom limb pain " in

amputees, etc.) People in the group have had luck with Paxil, Ativan,

Nortryptaline, etc. The dosage needed in this case is generally lower than the

dosage that is normally used to treat depression.

-- L'Argnine supplements -- some people have found these relieve NCCP

symptoms.

-- If symptoms are debilitating and none of the methods above help, you

may need a narcotic pain reliever, but definitely try all the options above

first, b/c if you're on narcotics you can't drive, work, etc., and the vast

majority of people can find relief in a way that doesn't involve

narcotics.

=============================================

In the last few years I've taken three different drugs that affect

serotonin (one of which isn't considered to be an anti-depressant medication,

but

which does have a serotonin effect nonetheless); any time I was on one of

those drugs, my NCCPs have either disappeared entirely, or been nearly

eliminated. And each time I discontinued a serotonin-effect drug, the NCCPs

started up again within a month's time. One member here who was in the E.R.

repeatedly for debilitating NCCPs finally had a doctor prescribe a low-dose

daily antidepressant; her NCCPs have been eliminated.... no more pain, no

more narcotics, no more trips to the hospital.

There are soooooooooooo many things that can be done to reduce NCCPs, but

doctors don't even bother to TRY to find a solution for us. I say let THEM

curl up in a fetal position making plea-bargain deals with their Maker at

3:00 in the morning just ONCE, and you can bet your booty that they'll find

a solution REAL fast!!! :oP

**************Access 350+ FREE radio stations anytime from anywhere on the

web. Get the Radio Toolbar!

(http://toolbar.aol.com/aolradio/download.html?ncid=emlcntusdown00000003)

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Thanks so much for the reply! My understanding is that it's almost a seizure of

the esophagus, causing tremendous pain (like a heart attack?). She has a number

of pain meds, including oral Morphine, to bring down the pain, but it doesn't

stop it...nor has the medication that's supposed to help stop or lessen these

" seizures. "

I'm pretty sure she had all the tests to confirm Achalasia - she was in

Muir for two weeks, seeing all kinds of specialists, including a young surgeon

who says he has a lot of experience... that has me concerned as I don't see how

he could have *that* much experience, and from what I've read here and on the

web it seems critical to have an experienced surgeon.

Her nephrologist gave two names of surgeons in San Francisco for a second

opinion but they don't have appointments available until August ;o( She doesn't

think she can wait that long, and is going back to the young surgeon at

Muir, who seemed very eager to do the surgery.

>

> her " strikes " as she calls them?

>

> What is a strikes?

>

> Mine started at 75 as indigestion in the middle of the nite, then GERD and

finally Achalasia which had to be diagnosed with a manometry test. Took 4 GI's 2

years to determine it. YOU must have a manometry test to confirm Achalasia.

>

> rayme CA OC

>

[Guest guest]

I'm in CA, only check once a day, and many of our kids are on spring break, so

guess we are dropping the ball.

loves Dr. Campos in the San Francisco area.

I'd avoid any " young " surgeon, meaning young in experience. Just like every job

requiring skill, experience is the main thing. Because achalasia is rare, you

likely need to go to the head of the departments in minimally invasive surgery,

chest diseases, esophageal diseases or however they organize it to get a surgeon

that has enough experience. There is someone else here, I think, that said they

are delaying them until August.. I'd push and shove and be willing to take any

cancellation. Your esophagus can stretch by then. Is that an HMO? Most PPO's

can get you in quicker, usually.

My memory is forgetting some of the doctor's names that are experienced in San

Francisco right now, but I'll email and Sandy from No CA to have them

check in. Both are happy to talk with you on the phone.

I went to Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles.

Sandy

>

> ,

>

> Get a second opinion from one of the doctors recommend on this board.

> Yes, doctors are eager to do the surgery. Not only do they make their money

> that way, they want the experience on their resume.

>

> I'm surprised you haven't heard from some of our members in California

> already with recommendations. Usually, you can call these doctors and

they'll

> get right back to you. Hold off until you do...and find a doctor of your

> own chosing.

>

> I am going to post below something Debbi, one of our members, wrote

> several years ago. Try some of these simple things to help with the spasms

in

> the meantime. I hope she'll find something there to help.

>

> Maggie

> Alabama

>

> Chest pains, heartburn, acid reflux, spasm pains, NCCPs....what the heck

> is all this stuff anyway????

> (aka: Debbi's Dissertation on Dysfunctional Dysphagia Diagnoses)

>

> Here's some info I've put together on differences between " heartburn " and

> the " chest pains/spasm pains " that are related to achalasia. The official

> medical term that I've found for the " spasm pain " is " NCCP " or Non Cardiac

> Chest Pain. There are multiple terms used for " heartburn " including: acid

> indigestion, acid reflux, GERD/GORD, etc.

>

> In my pre-achalasia days, I would have " indigestion/heartburn " once in a

> while (after a particularly large, fatty, acidic meal, etc.), maybe once or

> twice a year. I would have that nasty acid taste in my mouth when I

> burped, and a hot/burning sensation in the area of my breastbone. While not

> particularly comfortable, it wasn't an excruciating, debilitating pain, and

> taking some Tums or other antacid would neutralize it and both the taste and

> the discomfort would go away.

> When I had my first NCCP, I had been having problems swallowing for a few

> years but hadn't yet been diagnosed with anything, and I had no clue that

> the pain was related to my swallowing problems. I thought the pain was

> some gawd-awful gas pains -- felt like something was stabbing me from the

> inside out! The pain seemed to start in the ribs and almost squeeze my chest

> with searing pain that seemed to shoot up into my neck, too. (note: everyone

> can experience NCCPs in varying degrees and in various parts of the body,

> including stomach, chest, shoulders, neck, back, jaw, tongue, teeth, and

> roof of the mouth.) I lived alone at the time, and I drove to a convenience

> store and bought three rolls of Rolaids and ate two whole rolls. That

> didn't have any effect at all, and it took a couple hours for the pain to go

> away.

> Another time, I have a distinct memory of standing in the kitchen holding

> onto the countertop and just WAILING at the top of my lungs because it hurt

> so bad, and my knees buckling from the pain. My wailing turned into one

> big repetitious prayer: " Please, Lord, Please, Lord, Make It Stop, Lord, I

> Can't Take It Anymore, Lord, Please, Lord, I Need You To Please Help Me! "

> over and over and over again while sobbing. This was almost a decade ago and

> I don't know how long it went on, but I'm thinking that it was well over

> an hour of that constant wailing. Boy, those were the days, huh? ;o)

> For people whose doctors believe that NCCPs are an " atypical " (not

> normal) symptom for achalasia patients, point them in the direction of this

> informal poll here on our group:

> _achalasia/surveys?id=1037310_

> (achalasia/surveys?id=1037310)

> The poll is now closed, so who knows how many more would be added to it if

> it were still accepting votes. If you scroll down to the end, 38 people

> reported that they have these " spasms " , and 5 people reported that they

> don't have spasms. So out of 43 people who answered the poll, 88% have

spasms

> and 12% don't have spasms. Doesn't sound like a " rare " or " atypical "

> symptom, does it?

> In another poll (

> _achalasia/surveys?id=1011383_

> (achalasia/surveys?id=1011383) ) of

people who went to the Emergency Room due to extreme chest pains,

> 2 were given intravenous Valium, 3 were given Demorol or other narcotic

> injection, and 7 were given no treatment whatsoever.... isn't that sad? 58%

> of the people who were in such severe pain that they went to the E.R. were

> given NO TREATMENT at all!!! That is SO unnecessary!!!!

> Here's some info that I copied from an old post of mine -- if your doctor

> will bother to do some simple web searches, he'll see that calcium channel

> blockers, nitroglycerine, and anti-depressants are all documented ways to

> treat NCCP in people with esophageal disorders! Maybe if you print it out

> and show it to him, he'll be willing to offer you some help in dealing with

> this.

> =============================================

> Here's some basic info that I've posted in the past -- different things

> work for different people, so it's basically just an experiment to find what

> works for your own particular situation.

> Here are some different coping methods to try:

> -- Swallowing something warm or something cold (in my case, I chug warm

> --not hot-- water as fast as I can).

> -- CCB medication (calcium channel blockers) -- when I'm having NCCPs, I

> prick the shell of a nifedipine capsule and squirt it under my tongue. It

> absorbs into the bloodstream under the tongue (this is called a

> " sub-lingual " medication, meaning under-tongue) and relaxes smooth muscle

tissue (which

> is what the esophagus is made up of). You can also just swallow the

> capsule, but since we have trouble swallowing in the first place, I've found

the

> under-the-tongue method works best (then you just swallow when you've held

> it there as long as you can and your saliva requires a swallow).

> Unfortunately, it can also lower your blood pressure (usually only a problem

if

> you already have low BP to begin with) and cause a headache afterwards -- some

> people experience this, some don't. CCB's can also be tried in the " slow

> release " formula as a preventative to having NCCPs start in the first

> place.

> -- Nitroglycerin medication -- works in much the same way as the CCB

> mentioned above, and can also be taken sublingually for fast relief.

> -- Certain anti-depressant and anti-convulsant medications -- some people

> don't have NCCPs when on these types of medications, believed to be a

> function of the medicine's effect on serotonin in the brain (antidepressants

> such as Nortryptaline, Amitryptaline, Imipramine and Trazodone have been

> studied; Neurontin is being studied in a similar way for " phantom limb pain "

in

> amputees, etc.) People in the group have had luck with Paxil, Ativan,

> Nortryptaline, etc. The dosage needed in this case is generally lower than

the

> dosage that is normally used to treat depression.

> -- L'Argnine supplements -- some people have found these relieve NCCP

> symptoms.

> -- If symptoms are debilitating and none of the methods above help, you

> may need a narcotic pain reliever, but definitely try all the options above

> first, b/c if you're on narcotics you can't drive, work, etc., and the vast

> majority of people can find relief in a way that doesn't involve

> narcotics.

> =============================================

> In the last few years I've taken three different drugs that affect

> serotonin (one of which isn't considered to be an anti-depressant medication,

but

> which does have a serotonin effect nonetheless); any time I was on one of

> those drugs, my NCCPs have either disappeared entirely, or been nearly

> eliminated. And each time I discontinued a serotonin-effect drug, the NCCPs

> started up again within a month's time. One member here who was in the E.R.

> repeatedly for debilitating NCCPs finally had a doctor prescribe a low-dose

> daily antidepressant; her NCCPs have been eliminated.... no more pain, no

> more narcotics, no more trips to the hospital.

> There are soooooooooooo many things that can be done to reduce NCCPs, but

> doctors don't even bother to TRY to find a solution for us. I say let THEM

> curl up in a fetal position making plea-bargain deals with their Maker at

> 3:00 in the morning just ONCE, and you can bet your booty that they'll find

> a solution REAL fast!!! :oP

>

>

> **************Access 350+ FREE radio stations anytime from anywhere on the

> web. Get the Radio Toolbar!

> (http://toolbar.aol.com/aolradio/download.html?ncid=emlcntusdown00000003)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

If yiou are convinced that it IS Achalasia, don't let her jump into major

surgery.  Surgery is the LAST option.  There are very atrong antacids to try,

dilitation which is less invasive, or even different temperatures of water in

small sips during this spasm.  I find that cold water helps, and have have the

dilitation which gave me great relief and less pneumonia.  Always exhaust the

lesser options before  deciding on surgery.

Good luck.

Bonnie

________________________________

From: <tollerzone@...>

achalasia

Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 9:57:11 PM

Subject: Newbie question

Hi all,

Thank you for having this wonderful forum.

I am writing in because my " second Mom " has been diagnosed with Achalasia and

surgery has been recommended. It's very scary because of age(70) and other

health issues (previous kidney failure, autoimmune problems - been on Pred for

10 years, etc).

She was diagnosed at Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek, Ca.

You all seem to talk a lot about eating problems. She doesn't have much of that

- has been eating well all her life, and her " strikes " as she calls them, seem

to have no rhyme or reason. They often come early morning in her sleep!

Is it possible she has been misdiagnosed?

Not asking for medical advice, of course...just direction from those who've been

here.

Thank you SO much,

Fitzmaurice

[Guest guest]

Did she have a manometry and does the barium swallow test show the bird's beak?

Usually by the time you get an achalasia diagnosis, that is it, as all other

common diagnosis have already been checked.

At first I was going to disagree w/ Bonnie, then I saw all your mother's other

issues.

The best thing to do is get to the BEST gi. Save any more tests until you have

determined which gi you like and which hospital you like. The doctor's names

aren't at the top of my head right now.

I also ADORE Dr. Ippoliti, the gi at Cedars Sinai. He was at UCLA when I met

him. He did a dialation on me first, Then recommended surgery only after that

didn't last. He has seen all, lap, VATS, all gi problems, lower and upper, he

isn't a one pony ride. Whatever problem you mother has is likely something gi.

I have his direct phone number, rushed for time right now. So email me if you

want it, you can find him online at Cedars Sinai now. Otherwise call the best

gi at the best, closest medical center... major one. And email, call that

person. He/she will talk to you on the phone.

Send me a personal email to remind me to give you Dr. Ippoliti's phone.

>

> ,

> If yiou are convinced that it IS Achalasia, don't let her jump into major

surgery.  Surgery is the LAST option.  There are very atrong antacids to try,

dilitation which is less invasive, or even different temperatures of water in

small sips during this spasm.  I find that cold water helps, and have have the

dilitation which gave me great relief and less pneumonia.  Always exhaust the

lesser options before  deciding on surgery.

> Good luck.

> Bonnie

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: <tollerzone@...>

> achalasia

> Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 9:57:11 PM

> Subject: Newbie question

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi all,

>

> Thank you for having this wonderful forum.

>

> I am writing in because my " second Mom " has been diagnosed with Achalasia and

surgery has been recommended. It's very scary because of age(70) and other

health issues (previous kidney failure, autoimmune problems - been on Pred for

10 years, etc).

>

> She was diagnosed at Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek, Ca.

>

> You all seem to talk a lot about eating problems. She doesn't have much of

that - has been eating well all her life, and her " strikes " as she calls them,

seem to have no rhyme or reason. They often come early morning in her sleep!

>

> Is it possible she has been misdiagnosed?

>

> Not asking for medical advice, of course...just direction from those who've

been here.

>

> Thank you SO much,

>

> Fitzmaurice

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Who? what?

Sorry, I haven't been checking the group emails lately. Busy with school and

working and writing papers and all.

I haven't been to Dr. Campos but does speak highly of him so I would

most likely go to him if I needed anything more than an endoscopy. I usually

like my regular GI doc who is close to home for endoscopies and regular

care. He's just really down to earth and he listens and gives me really good

advice.I don't want to travel to SF for my doctor appointments so I always

end up going back to him. His name is Verudjian Keledjian and he's in

Antioch, CA and he would be the first to refer me to someone else if need

be.

Are you looking for a GI doctor or a surgeon? There's also Dr. Ostroff in

San Francisco and he's a GI doctor. I had an excellent surgeon in my area,

Horacio Asbun. His practice was in Pleasant Hill, CA. He is a master at

laparoscopic surgery and he ranks right up there with Pelligrini and some of

the best, but he has moved to the Mayo Clinic in Florida. Just now found

this out when I went to look for his contact info. : (

I guess if I needed surgery again I will be traveling either north or south,

since Dr. Patti and Dr Asbun have left the area.

In case anyone needs a really great surgeon in Florida.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/bio/11143401.html

Sandi in No CA

_____

From: achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf

Of toomuchclutter

Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 8:34 AM

achalasia

Subject: Re: Newbie question

I'm in CA, only check once a day, and many of our kids are on spring break,

so guess we are dropping the ball.

loves Dr. Campos in the San Francisco area.

I'd avoid any " young " surgeon, meaning young in experience. Just like every

job requiring skill, experience is the main thing. Because achalasia is

rare, you likely need to go to the head of the departments in minimally

invasive surgery, chest diseases, esophageal diseases or however they

organize it to get a surgeon that has enough experience. There is someone

else here, I think, that said they are delaying them until August.. I'd push

and shove and be willing to take any cancellation. Your esophagus can

stretch by then. Is that an HMO? Most PPO's can get you in quicker, usually.

My memory is forgetting some of the doctor's names that are experienced in

San Francisco right now, but I'll email and Sandy from No CA to have

them check in. Both are happy to talk with you on the phone.

I went to Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles.

Sandy

>

> ,

>

> Get a second opinion from one of the doctors recommend on this board.

> Yes, doctors are eager to do the surgery. Not only do they make their

money

> that way, they want the experience on their resume.

>

> I'm surprised you haven't heard from some of our members in California

> already with recommendations. Usually, you can call these doctors and

they'll

> get right back to you. Hold off until you do...and find a doctor of your

> own chosing.

>

> I am going to post below something Debbi, one of our members, wrote

> several years ago. Try some of these simple things to help with the spasms

in

> the meantime. I hope she'll find something there to help.

>

> Maggie

> Alabama

>

> Chest pains, heartburn, acid reflux, spasm pains, NCCPs....what the heck

> is all this stuff anyway????

> (aka: Debbi's Dissertation on Dysfunctional Dysphagia Diagnoses)

>

> Here's some info I've put together on differences between " heartburn " and

> the " chest pains/spasm pains " that are related to achalasia. The official

> medical term that I've found for the " spasm pain " is " NCCP " or Non Cardiac

> Chest Pain. There are multiple terms used for " heartburn " including: acid

> indigestion, acid reflux, GERD/GORD, etc.

>

> In my pre-achalasia days, I would have " indigestion/heartburn " once in a

> while (after a particularly large, fatty, acidic meal, etc.), maybe once

or

> twice a year. I would have that nasty acid taste in my mouth when I

> burped, and a hot/burning sensation in the area of my breastbone. While

not

> particularly comfortable, it wasn't an excruciating, debilitating pain,

and

> taking some Tums or other antacid would neutralize it and both the taste

and

> the discomfort would go away.

> When I had my first NCCP, I had been having problems swallowing for a few

> years but hadn't yet been diagnosed with anything, and I had no clue that

> the pain was related to my swallowing problems. I thought the pain was

> some gawd-awful gas pains -- felt like something was stabbing me from the

> inside out! The pain seemed to start in the ribs and almost squeeze my

chest

> with searing pain that seemed to shoot up into my neck, too. (note:

everyone

> can experience NCCPs in varying degrees and in various parts of the body,

> including stomach, chest, shoulders, neck, back, jaw, tongue, teeth, and

> roof of the mouth.) I lived alone at the time, and I drove to a

convenience

> store and bought three rolls of Rolaids and ate two whole rolls. That

> didn't have any effect at all, and it took a couple hours for the pain to

go

> away.

> Another time, I have a distinct memory of standing in the kitchen holding

> onto the countertop and just WAILING at the top of my lungs because it

hurt

> so bad, and my knees buckling from the pain. My wailing turned into one

> big repetitious prayer: " Please, Lord, Please, Lord, Make It Stop, Lord, I

> Can't Take It Anymore, Lord, Please, Lord, I Need You To Please Help Me! "

> over and over and over again while sobbing. This was almost a decade ago

and

> I don't know how long it went on, but I'm thinking that it was well over

> an hour of that constant wailing. Boy, those were the days, huh? ;o)

> For people whose doctors believe that NCCPs are an " atypical " (not

> normal) symptom for achalasia patients, point them in the direction of

this

> informal poll here on our group:

> _http://health.

<achalasia/surveys?id=1037310_>

/group/achalasia/surveys?id=1037310_

> (http://health.

<achalasia/surveys?id=1037310>

/group/achalasia/surveys?id=1037310)

> The poll is now closed, so who knows how many more would be added to it if

> it were still accepting votes. If you scroll down to the end, 38 people

> reported that they have these " spasms " , and 5 people reported that they

> don't have spasms. So out of 43 people who answered the poll, 88% have

spasms

> and 12% don't have spasms. Doesn't sound like a " rare " or " atypical "

> symptom, does it?

> In another poll (

> _http://health.

<achalasia/surveys?id=1011383_>

/group/achalasia/surveys?id=1011383_

> (http://health.

<achalasia/surveys?id=1011383>

/group/achalasia/surveys?id=1011383) ) of people who went to

the Emergency Room due to extreme chest pains,

> 2 were given intravenous Valium, 3 were given Demorol or other narcotic

> injection, and 7 were given no treatment whatsoever.... isn't that sad?

58%

> of the people who were in such severe pain that they went to the E.R. were

> given NO TREATMENT at all!!! That is SO unnecessary!!!!

> Here's some info that I copied from an old post of mine -- if your doctor

> will bother to do some simple web searches, he'll see that calcium channel

> blockers, nitroglycerine, and anti-depressants are all documented ways to

> treat NCCP in people with esophageal disorders! Maybe if you print it out

> and show it to him, he'll be willing to offer you some help in dealing

with

> this.

> =============================================

> Here's some basic info that I've posted in the past -- different things

> work for different people, so it's basically just an experiment to find

what

> works for your own particular situation.

> Here are some different coping methods to try:

> -- Swallowing something warm or something cold (in my case, I chug warm

> --not hot-- water as fast as I can).

> -- CCB medication (calcium channel blockers) -- when I'm having NCCPs, I

> prick the shell of a nifedipine capsule and squirt it under my tongue. It

> absorbs into the bloodstream under the tongue (this is called a

> " sub-lingual " medication, meaning under-tongue) and relaxes smooth muscle

tissue (which

> is what the esophagus is made up of). You can also just swallow the

> capsule, but since we have trouble swallowing in the first place, I've

found the

> under-the-tongue method works best (then you just swallow when you've held

> it there as long as you can and your saliva requires a swallow).

> Unfortunately, it can also lower your blood pressure (usually only a

problem if

> you already have low BP to begin with) and cause a headache afterwards --

some

> people experience this, some don't. CCB's can also be tried in the " slow

> release " formula as a preventative to having NCCPs start in the first

> place.

> -- Nitroglycerin medication -- works in much the same way as the CCB

> mentioned above, and can also be taken sublingually for fast relief.

> -- Certain anti-depressant and anti-convulsant medications -- some people

> don't have NCCPs when on these types of medications, believed to be a

> function of the medicine's effect on serotonin in the brain

(antidepressants

> such as Nortryptaline, Amitryptaline, Imipramine and Trazodone have been

> studied; Neurontin is being studied in a similar way for " phantom limb

pain " in

> amputees, etc.) People in the group have had luck with Paxil, Ativan,

> Nortryptaline, etc. The dosage needed in this case is generally lower than

the

> dosage that is normally used to treat depression.

> -- L'Argnine supplements -- some people have found these relieve NCCP

> symptoms.

> -- If symptoms are debilitating and none of the methods above help, you

> may need a narcotic pain reliever, but definitely try all the options

above

> first, b/c if you're on narcotics you can't drive, work, etc., and the

vast

> majority of people can find relief in a way that doesn't involve

> narcotics.

> =============================================

> In the last few years I've taken three different drugs that affect

> serotonin (one of which isn't considered to be an anti-depressant

medication, but

> which does have a serotonin effect nonetheless); any time I was on one of

> those drugs, my NCCPs have either disappeared entirely, or been nearly

> eliminated. And each time I discontinued a serotonin-effect drug, the

NCCPs

> started up again within a month's time. One member here who was in the

E.R.

> repeatedly for debilitating NCCPs finally had a doctor prescribe a

low-dose

> daily antidepressant; her NCCPs have been eliminated.... no more pain, no

> more narcotics, no more trips to the hospital.

> There are soooooooooooo many things that can be done to reduce NCCPs, but

> doctors don't even bother to TRY to find a solution for us. I say let THEM

> curl up in a fetal position making plea-bargain deals with their Maker at

> 3:00 in the morning just ONCE, and you can bet your booty that they'll

find

> a solution REAL fast!!! :oP

>

>

> **************Access 350+ FREE radio stations anytime from anywhere on the

> web. Get the Radio Toolbar!

> (http://toolbar.

<http://toolbar.aol.com/aolradio/download.html?ncid=emlcntusdown00000003>

aol.com/aolradio/download.html?ncid=emlcntusdown00000003)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Beccaburm, you wrote:

2. For Russian Traditional Method of kefir grain storage.... "

Will you tell me what the Russian Traditional Method for kefir grain storage is,

and how to do it?

Sherre Vacek

[Guest guest]

Hi Becca,

Yes, you can decant your kefir in a plastic bottle as long as it's food grade.

I've used plastic bottles that I had from store bought kefir.

I started mine on organic pasteurized milk before I was able to get my raw milk.

They still did well. If you have access to a health food store like Whole

Foods, look for organic NON homogenized low heat pasteured milk and I'd keep the

milk fat to at least 2%. The brand I found was Kalona Super Natural.

As for taste, well that can change based on several factors. First, it will

take a few batches for the grains to fully wake up. Also, the milk to grain

ratio can change the flavour. When your grains begin to grow, the kefir will

get quite tart and less thick (more whey) and that's when you know you have to

add more milk each time. Also, once you've strained the grains, you can keep

your kefir at room temperature for another day (or half day if your house temps

get in the high 70's) where it will continue to ferment and become more tart.

Hope that helps!

Shari

In , " beccaburm " <bcwhite@...> wrote:

Hi all. I received my kefir grains from Marilyn yesterday and started my first

batch. They're clearly alive and working and I'm very close to straining and

starting batch 2. I stirred gently once, tasted and decided to give the full 24

hours before processing.

Already I have questions. So anyone who can help, I'll be so grateful.

1. I'm fermenting in glass and using plastic utensils when I stir. Question:

After I strain and am ready to store in fridge, can I use a plastic container

instead of a glass one? i.e. thoroughly cleaned half and half 1 qt plastic

container?

2. For Russian Traditional Method of kefir grain storage, can I use low

pasteurized milk instead of raw milk? Or something else? Raw milk is hard to

get here.

3. I know this is a really subjective question, but how sour is real kefir?

The kefir I've been buying at my fav local " organic " grocer is really tart/sour.

I love buttermilk and by comparison, buttermilk is mild. My first taste of my

home-brewed kefir -- it is getting quite thick, but very mild in taste. Can

anyone tell me what real kefir tastes like?

Thanks so much all.

Becca

[Guest guest]

Hi. Thanks for replying.

I'm in Austin, TX. I found a farm in Schulenberg and one in town.

town is closer, but it's still a 75 mile trip.

I bought some low heat pasteurized milk at Wheatsville Coop over the weekend and

I'm going to try that. If someone knows a hint about raw milk in Austin, I'd

love to hear it!

Becca

>

> Becca......

>

> You mentioned that you have a hard time getting raw milk where you are at.

> If you were to mention your general geographical area, maybe someone would

> contact you (even off list) with some information as to a source. <G>

>

> Tami/TX

> Truckin' Blues (home to Nubian dairy goats, LG's, bees, chickens)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sherre, that is information I received with the grains I purchased from Marilyn.

I haven't been in the group long enough to know if that is proprietary info, so

I'll bump the question to her.

Becca

>

> 2. For Russian Traditional Method of kefir grain storage.... "

>

> Will you tell me what the Russian Traditional Method for kefir grain storage

is, and how to do it?

>

> Sherre Vacek

>

[Guest guest]

I got my keifer grains in yesterday -- well, really Saturday, but made it to

the mailbox yesterday (need to prepare and send off payment). Put them into

raw goats milk (I raise Nubians) yesterday afternoon. This morning, I

strained them, as there was definite separation of whey and all. Shari (in

snip below) mentions the second fermentation and if the house gets into the

high 70's. Oh..... the high 70's would be HEAVEN. I live in TX with NO A/C

(12 years now with no A/C to speak of!) and no convenient fridge (have a

freezer and keep milk in a cooler).

So question is..... How long would you guestimate for a 2nd fermentation in

the mid to upper 90's and lower triple digits (YES, my house often is in the

lower triple digits in the afternoon). I all ready realize that my kefir

will be ready WAY before 24 hours. <G>

Tami/TX

Shari wrote:

" Also, once you've strained the grains, you can keep your kefir at room

temperature for another day (or half day if your house temps get in the high

70's) where it will continue to ferment and become more tart. "

[Guest guest]

Becca,

My limited experience with raw milk has shown me the possibility that using raw

milk only part of the time is a great benefit to the grains. So, even if you

can't do raw all of the time, any of the time is better than none of the time.

and Katrina Bird's Incredibly Lucky Daddy

From: bcwhite@...

Date: Mon, 6 Jun 2011 13:52:32 +0000

Subject: Re: Newbie Question

Hi. Thanks for replying.

I'm in Austin, TX. I found a farm in Schulenberg and one in town.

town is closer, but it's still a 75 mile trip.

I bought some low heat pasteurized milk at Wheatsville Coop over the weekend and

I'm going to try that. If someone knows a hint about raw milk in Austin, I'd

love to hear it!

Becca

>

> Becca......

>

> You mentioned that you have a hard time getting raw milk where you are at.

> If you were to mention your general geographical area, maybe someone would

> contact you (even off list) with some information as to a source. <G>

>

> Tami/TX

> Truckin' Blues (home to Nubian dairy goats, LG's, bees, chickens)

[Guest guest]

Shari, Thanks!

I have got some good half and half containers with a nice pour lid. I used to

buy it in bulk and divide and freeze, so already have the bottles.

Yesterday, I bought some low heat pasteurized, non-homogenized milk yesterday

and will work with that. (Wheatsville Co-op). It's not much pricier than

regular house brand pasteurized.

Thanks for all your info. It really helps.

Becca

>

>

> 1. I'm fermenting in glass and using plastic utensils when I stir.

Question: After I strain and am ready to store in fridge, can I use a plastic

container instead of a glass one? i.e. thoroughly cleaned half and half 1 qt

plastic container?

>

> 2. For Russian Traditional Method of kefir grain storage, can I use low

pasteurized milk instead of raw milk? Or something else? Raw milk is hard to

get here.

>

>

> Becca

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks . I'm going to keep looking for raw. I grew up on a dairy farm, so

I KNOW the difference. But I think I'll use it for storing extra grains and

freeze the balance. That will help cost average a little!

Becca

>

>

> Becca,

>

> My limited experience with raw milk has shown me the possibility that using

raw milk only part of the time is a great benefit to the grains. So, even if

you can't do raw all of the time, any of the time is better than none of the

time.

>

>

>

> and Katrina Bird's Incredibly Lucky Daddy

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Tami, Is there any way you can " dig " a " cooler " outside the house, perhaps

on the shadiest side, down into the dirt about a foot and half, sink a

foam insulated cooler into the ground & cover by making some sort of

insulted covering .. if nothing else a plywood board covered with aluminum

foil or some such? That would probably be idea temp and it doesn't need

sunshine or anything. Put a weight on the cover or something so nothing

gets in it. In the " old days " we could put milk down into a well by rope

and keep it cooler. Just a thought. Joyce Simmerman

>

> high 70's. Oh..... the high 70's would be HEAVEN. I live in TX with NO A/C

> (12 years now with no A/C to speak of!) and no convenient fridge (have a

> freezer and keep milk in a cooler).

>

> So question is..... How long would you guestimate for a 2nd fermentation

> in

> the mid to upper 90's and lower triple digits (YES, my house often is in

> the

> lower triple digits in the afternoon). I all ready realize that my kefir

> will be ready WAY before 24 hours. <G>

>

> Tami/TX

>

>

>