PJ

[Guest guest]

PJ,

I am so sorry to hear that you are ill. A kidney infection is nothing to mess

around with. I hope you rest and get better so. Lots of love Nola

[Guest guest]

PJ,

I am so sorry to hear that you are ill. A kidney infection is nothing to mess

around with. I hope you rest and get better so. Lots of love Nola

[Guest guest]

PJ,

I am so sorry to hear that you are ill. A kidney infection is nothing to mess

around with. I hope you rest and get better so. Lots of love Nola

[Guest guest]

PJ,

In my life there is so much to tell that it would take me writing a book to

say it all LOL It doesn't end at 19 that is for sure. The story goes on

and on. I think I could probably hit on every subject that comes up except

for severe illnesses, I thank God for that. However, you see how I am today

and that is the result of my life. Someday you will hear more and be just

as shocked LOL People always say I should write a book, I wish I would just

do it LOL In fact, you were one of them LOL Nola

-- Re: Religion

ine,

I was raped too. I understand. Really I do. But you know what...and

you probably don't want to hear this is by continuing to play the

victim, the martyr, the rapist wins. He always will, and he continues

to rape you each and every day that you feel bad about yourself. I

know this from first hand experience. Did I go into a psych ward from

my rape, no but in all honesty I should have. What I did was feel

sorry for myself, and let men continue to abuse me and use me because

that is what I believed should happen to me. Then I woke up. I

realized I did not want to continue living my life in fear, and in

the shadow of a rapist that did not deserve the air he breathed. I

refused to let him win.

It's hard, it's difficult but it's your choice. Pick yourself up.

Gather that deep strength that all women possess, you know the one

and use it for determination that he will not win. Every day you cry,

every day you fear, every day you're depressed because he raped you

means he wins. Now, do you want him to win? I don't but I can't fix

you. All I can do is sympathize and tell you how I dealt with my own

rape. The rest is up to you my friend.

(( hugs ))

~ Kassandra

> > God brings men into deep waters not to drown them, but to cleanse

> them.

> >

> > - Aughey

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

PJ,

In my life there is so much to tell that it would take me writing a book to

say it all LOL It doesn't end at 19 that is for sure. The story goes on

and on. I think I could probably hit on every subject that comes up except

for severe illnesses, I thank God for that. However, you see how I am today

and that is the result of my life. Someday you will hear more and be just

as shocked LOL People always say I should write a book, I wish I would just

do it LOL In fact, you were one of them LOL Nola

-- Re: Religion

ine,

I was raped too. I understand. Really I do. But you know what...and

you probably don't want to hear this is by continuing to play the

victim, the martyr, the rapist wins. He always will, and he continues

to rape you each and every day that you feel bad about yourself. I

know this from first hand experience. Did I go into a psych ward from

my rape, no but in all honesty I should have. What I did was feel

sorry for myself, and let men continue to abuse me and use me because

that is what I believed should happen to me. Then I woke up. I

realized I did not want to continue living my life in fear, and in

the shadow of a rapist that did not deserve the air he breathed. I

refused to let him win.

It's hard, it's difficult but it's your choice. Pick yourself up.

Gather that deep strength that all women possess, you know the one

and use it for determination that he will not win. Every day you cry,

every day you fear, every day you're depressed because he raped you

means he wins. Now, do you want him to win? I don't but I can't fix

you. All I can do is sympathize and tell you how I dealt with my own

rape. The rest is up to you my friend.

(( hugs ))

~ Kassandra

> > God brings men into deep waters not to drown them, but to cleanse

> them.

> >

> > - Aughey

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

PJ,

In my life there is so much to tell that it would take me writing a book to

say it all LOL It doesn't end at 19 that is for sure. The story goes on

and on. I think I could probably hit on every subject that comes up except

for severe illnesses, I thank God for that. However, you see how I am today

and that is the result of my life. Someday you will hear more and be just

as shocked LOL People always say I should write a book, I wish I would just

do it LOL In fact, you were one of them LOL Nola

-- Re: Religion

ine,

I was raped too. I understand. Really I do. But you know what...and

you probably don't want to hear this is by continuing to play the

victim, the martyr, the rapist wins. He always will, and he continues

to rape you each and every day that you feel bad about yourself. I

know this from first hand experience. Did I go into a psych ward from

my rape, no but in all honesty I should have. What I did was feel

sorry for myself, and let men continue to abuse me and use me because

that is what I believed should happen to me. Then I woke up. I

realized I did not want to continue living my life in fear, and in

the shadow of a rapist that did not deserve the air he breathed. I

refused to let him win.

It's hard, it's difficult but it's your choice. Pick yourself up.

Gather that deep strength that all women possess, you know the one

and use it for determination that he will not win. Every day you cry,

every day you fear, every day you're depressed because he raped you

means he wins. Now, do you want him to win? I don't but I can't fix

you. All I can do is sympathize and tell you how I dealt with my own

rape. The rest is up to you my friend.

(( hugs ))

~ Kassandra

> > God brings men into deep waters not to drown them, but to cleanse

> them.

> >

> > - Aughey

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Nola, I'll say it again. Write your autobiography! It would be very

interesting, and it would should people that just because your life is very

difficult, you don't have to give up, or hide your head in the sand. Instead,

you get up and get going! I really feel strongly that people would be

interested, and would buy a copy. (I know I would)!!

Have a great week! Hugs, PJ

N wrote:

PJ,

In my life there is so much to tell that it would take me writing a book to

say it all LOL It doesn't end at 19 that is for sure. The story goes on

and on. I think I could probably hit on every subject that comes up except

for severe illnesses, I thank God for that. However, you see how I am today

and that is the result of my life. Someday you will hear more and be just

as shocked LOL People always say I should write a book, I wish I would just

do it LOL In fact, you were one of them LOL Nola

-- Re: Religion

ine,

I was raped too. I understand. Really I do. But you know what...and

you probably don't want to hear this is by continuing to play the

victim, the martyr, the rapist wins. He always will, and he continues

to rape you each and every day that you feel bad about yourself. I

know this from first hand experience. Did I go into a psych ward from

my rape, no but in all honesty I should have. What I did was feel

sorry for myself, and let men continue to abuse me and use me because

that is what I believed should happen to me. Then I woke up. I

realized I did not want to continue living my life in fear, and in

the shadow of a rapist that did not deserve the air he breathed. I

refused to let him win.

It's hard, it's difficult but it's your choice. Pick yourself up.

Gather that deep strength that all women possess, you know the one

and use it for determination that he will not win. Every day you cry,

every day you fear, every day you're depressed because he raped you

means he wins. Now, do you want him to win? I don't but I can't fix

you. All I can do is sympathize and tell you how I dealt with my own

rape. The rest is up to you my friend.

(( hugs ))

~ Kassandra

> > God brings men into deep waters not to drown them, but to cleanse

> them.

> >

> > - Aughey

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

The weight? No thanks LOL just teasin' I really have to start soon, its

the largest I have ever been. No exercise either, I sit on this computer

all day working and my behind hurts when I finally get up awwww LOL I bet

you all wanted to hear that huh? LOL Nola

-- Re: ine

Nola, oh no!!! When I think about having to lose 80 pounds, it makes me

really sick. Of course, I don't look so great either. LOL But, I've never had

THIS MUCH weight to lose before!! When I start losing, I'll share it with

you!! PJ

[Guest guest]

,

Wow!!! That is a lot of weight to lose! How did you do it,

other than the hour at a time thing?! I'm hoping to be able to avoid surgery.

Did you have surgery on your back, or just lost weight and did strengthening

exercises?! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Mine is the lumbar

and sacral region -- lower back. Thanks so much! I'm addicted to cokes, and

need to cut them out again -- that is one of my worst fears -- the awful

withdrawal symptoms I get when I'm cutting them out. Been there several times

before! Hugs, PJ

wrote:

PJ,

I understand herniated disc.been there, done that, don't want the

t-shirt thank you very much. Your orthopedic is right..you cannot do

any strenuous exercise until you get that fixed. But there are

strengthening exercises you can do. The extra weight has A LOT to do

with it. I lost about 80 pounds and it has made a huge difference. I

still need to lose another 30-40 so I'm not there yet, but I know I'll

feel even better then. I, too, HATE and I mean LOATHE exercise. I

don't mind being active, but hate doing exercises. I'm terrible at it,

which is why I haven't lost the other weight..that and I like to eat!

But, while you can't exercise, you CAN quit eating all the crap and

drinking cokes, etc. My weakness is carbs..I love anything bready and

salty and then cheese.oh how I love cheese! The thing is, when you eat

more healthy you really DO feel better. And you feel more positive

about yourself. What I did was take one day, one hour even, at a time

and say I was going to make the right choice. Looking at it more than

that was way too overwhelming. I'm saying this to myself because I have

gotten into some horrid habits of eating the junk again. It is so easy

to get the junk food we all love to eat and what makes it worse is that

in a lot of cases it is cheaper than eating healthy. I'm not trying to

diminish what you are saying, but to encourage you the other way. It

CAN be done and you will feel so much better when you are done.not only

physically, but about yourself.

Cole

Black Bridge Creations - Quality, Hand Crafted Originals

Black Bridge Farm - Icelandic Sheep & Fiber

[Guest guest]

PJ,

LOL, the surgeon refused to do surgery on me unless the disc ruptured

because my personality is one that doesn't stop and he said I'd just be back

in a few years with the one above it blown out. It still took me years

before I lost the weight. I'm addicted to Diet Coke, so I understand....at

least the caffeine issue. According to my doc, the chemicals in coke will

destroy things in your back as well, but I haven't managed to get off them

yet. The only time I did, I went cold turkey and went through the headaches

and THEN read an article not to ever try to go off caffeine cold turkey lol

No magic answer on the weight...it was just not eating as much. I still ate

some junk food, but in far less quantities...now to get back into that

habit!!!

Cole

Black Bridge Creations - Quality, Hand Crafted Originals

Black Bridge Farm - Icelandic Sheep & Fiber

-- RE: PJ

,

Wow!!! That is a lot of weight to lose! How did you do it,

other than the hour at a time thing?! I'm hoping to be able to avoid

surgery. Did you have surgery on your back, or just lost weight and did

strengthening exercises?! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Mine is the lumbar and sacral region -- lower back. Thanks so much! I'm

addicted to cokes, and need to cut them out again -- that is one of my worst

fears -- the awful withdrawal symptoms I get when I'm cutting them out.

Been there several times before! Hugs, PJ

wrote:

PJ,

I understand herniated disc.been there, done that, don't want the

t-shirt thank you very much. Your orthopedic is right..you cannot do

any strenuous exercise until you get that fixed. But there are

strengthening exercises you can do. The extra weight has A LOT to do

with it. I lost about 80 pounds and it has made a huge difference. I

still need to lose another 30-40 so I'm not there yet, but I know I'll

feel even better then. I, too, HATE and I mean LOATHE exercise. I

don't mind being active, but hate doing exercises. I'm terrible at it,

which is why I haven't lost the other weight..that and I like to eat!

But, while you can't exercise, you CAN quit eating all the crap and

drinking cokes, etc. My weakness is carbs..I love anything bready and

salty and then cheese.oh how I love cheese! The thing is, when you eat

more healthy you really DO feel better. And you feel more positive

about yourself. What I did was take one day, one hour even, at a time

and say I was going to make the right choice. Looking at it more than

that was way too overwhelming. I'm saying this to myself because I have

gotten into some horrid habits of eating the junk again. It is so easy

to get the junk food we all love to eat and what makes it worse is that

in a lot of cases it is cheaper than eating healthy. I'm not trying to

diminish what you are saying, but to encourage you the other way. It

CAN be done and you will feel so much better when you are done.not only

physically, but about yourself.

Cole

Black Bridge Creations - Quality, Hand Crafted Originals

Black Bridge Farm - Icelandic Sheep & Fiber

[Guest guest]

Ooh. , did you get surgery? I'm afraid to ask that question. But,

would like to know. What all did you do to get better?! thanks much for

sharing that with me! PJ

fowvay@... wrote:On Tue, 11 Nov 2003 10:30:07 -0800 (PST) Charlene

writes:

> .... Fortunately, my " slipped "

> disc slipped back in place because I was young and things were more

> flexible back then. ......

I severely herniated S1-L5, L5-L4, and L1-L4 are desiccated (dried

up from age). I did this 13 months ago and I am slowly getting better.

I occasionally fall and get muscle strains, but it never seems to be as

severe as the first. There is hope! I get a great deal of grief from my

boss when I have missed work. He will not let me return until I get a

medical release, and at times it takes me 4 days to get in. A lose-lose

situation. He threatens to fire me, make me go part time, etc., but

without the medical benefits, where am I. Aw, such is life. Don't let

the little things get to me (much). Good luck for all you fellow back

sufferers. At 46, I am guessing down is faster than up? (All puns

intended.)

Regards,

>^,,^< Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum

Mutato nomine. Nemo me impune lacessit.

Loquitor altier, nil desperandum in extremis.

[Guest guest]

Ooh. , did you get surgery? I'm afraid to ask that question. But,

would like to know. What all did you do to get better?! thanks much for

sharing that with me! PJ

fowvay@... wrote:On Tue, 11 Nov 2003 10:30:07 -0800 (PST) Charlene

writes:

> .... Fortunately, my " slipped "

> disc slipped back in place because I was young and things were more

> flexible back then. ......

I severely herniated S1-L5, L5-L4, and L1-L4 are desiccated (dried

up from age). I did this 13 months ago and I am slowly getting better.

I occasionally fall and get muscle strains, but it never seems to be as

severe as the first. There is hope! I get a great deal of grief from my

boss when I have missed work. He will not let me return until I get a

medical release, and at times it takes me 4 days to get in. A lose-lose

situation. He threatens to fire me, make me go part time, etc., but

without the medical benefits, where am I. Aw, such is life. Don't let

the little things get to me (much). Good luck for all you fellow back

sufferers. At 46, I am guessing down is faster than up? (All puns

intended.)

Regards,

>^,,^< Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum

Mutato nomine. Nemo me impune lacessit.

Loquitor altier, nil desperandum in extremis.

[Guest guest]

Ness,

Thanks so much for the extra info!! I've heard horror tales about

back surgery, and the after-effects for many years. But lately, I've heard a

couple of real successes with back surgery. Obviously, I'm leaning against

surgery!! I go this Tuesday for a closed MRI " in the tube " as you put it --

that is, if the insurance will pay for it again. (I'll find out tomorrow if

insurance coverage is there for a second MRI). Apparently, the open MRI didn't

show the area clear enough for my doctor's diagnosis. I get a little

claustrophobic, so I'm hoping I'll be able to handle it okay. Then, on

Wednesday afternoon, I start my first appt. of physical therapy. On Friday, I

go to a neurologist to make sure that there isn't more involved than my

Orthopedic surgeon suspects. I've had pain down my right leg (thigh), my right

hip, right knee, and right foot for several years very bad. Lately, it is my

foot that is so painful. The whole thing really threw me for a loop when they

said right off the bat to x-ray my back?! I'm telling them, no, not my back,

my foot! Well, they did an x-ray of my foot and there were no broken bones. It

still might be a torn ligament or something like that in my foot, but that would

require another MRI. No way! I walk like a very old lady! With a limp due to

my painful foot and leg and hip and knee and now, back. Of course, If I lost

about 80 pounds, that would also help a lot!!! Anyway, thanks so much for the

info! Did the shot in your back hurt? Was it miserable? Or did it give good

relief? My doctor is very enthusiastic about swimming or water aerobics over

any other kind of exercise for this. But, I was thinking that the Pilates floor

exercises might strength my abdominal and back muscles -- which might help my

back.

Have a terrific week!! Bless You, PJ

lilredwazz wrote:

PJ -- hang in there! I have a herniated disk between L4 & L5 (lower

back) that flared up in 1999 and I missed 3 months of work due to

that. I had x-rays, a cat scan, and finally an MRI (had to go in that

awful tube!) that showed it up clearly.

The first back dr. I went to saw me for 5 minutes and said --

" Surgery! " Believe me, I got a second opinion. Second (I did my

research the 2nd time and found a much more reputable dr. recommended

by some health professional friends) doctor said surgery is only

NECESSARY when you can't control your bladder or bowel movements

because of the herniated disk(s). There ARE other options. I had a

slow-release steroid shot in the disk, then did a few months of

physical therapy and took anti-inflammatories. It was slow progress,

but it worked. I also chose to strengthen my lower back and

abdominal muscles like did. Walking is the best thing for me,

as well as some specific exercises the PT gave me. I think I am in

better shape now than I was then, fitness-wise, and even though I'm

not always pain-free, I USUALLY am.

Good luck in your progress -- things WILL get better.

Ness

--- PJ <mollyann365@y...> wrote:

> ,

>

> Very happy to hear it! You always do have a

great sense of humor!! It looks like I have several herniated discs

(lumbar and sacral area). The open MRI that was done was not very

readable or very clear according to my doctor, so they are trying to

send me to do a closed MRI if the Insurance will cover it. My doctor

is concerned that they may be ruptured, but that the film quality is

so poor, that it is hard to tell for sure. I know we are talking L4-

L5. and maybe a few others. Will let you know after next week when

I go to the doctor again! I have about four more dr's. appointment

next week, in addition to all I've had the last two weeks. Thanks

Much for the encouragement! PJ

>

>

>

> fowvay@j... wrote:

> Dear PJ,

> No, I chose not to have surgery, and focus on strengthening my

> lower back and abdominal muscles. In fact, just this last week I

noticed

> I can cough without the original " problem, " lol! Oh, such

laughter age

> brings. But, I have Poise, all puns again intended.

> :-) Regards,

>

[Guest guest]

Ness,

Thanks so much for the extra info!! I've heard horror tales about

back surgery, and the after-effects for many years. But lately, I've heard a

couple of real successes with back surgery. Obviously, I'm leaning against

surgery!! I go this Tuesday for a closed MRI " in the tube " as you put it --

that is, if the insurance will pay for it again. (I'll find out tomorrow if

insurance coverage is there for a second MRI). Apparently, the open MRI didn't

show the area clear enough for my doctor's diagnosis. I get a little

claustrophobic, so I'm hoping I'll be able to handle it okay. Then, on

Wednesday afternoon, I start my first appt. of physical therapy. On Friday, I

go to a neurologist to make sure that there isn't more involved than my

Orthopedic surgeon suspects. I've had pain down my right leg (thigh), my right

hip, right knee, and right foot for several years very bad. Lately, it is my

foot that is so painful. The whole thing really threw me for a loop when they

said right off the bat to x-ray my back?! I'm telling them, no, not my back,

my foot! Well, they did an x-ray of my foot and there were no broken bones. It

still might be a torn ligament or something like that in my foot, but that would

require another MRI. No way! I walk like a very old lady! With a limp due to

my painful foot and leg and hip and knee and now, back. Of course, If I lost

about 80 pounds, that would also help a lot!!! Anyway, thanks so much for the

info! Did the shot in your back hurt? Was it miserable? Or did it give good

relief? My doctor is very enthusiastic about swimming or water aerobics over

any other kind of exercise for this. But, I was thinking that the Pilates floor

exercises might strength my abdominal and back muscles -- which might help my

back.

Have a terrific week!! Bless You, PJ

lilredwazz wrote:

PJ -- hang in there! I have a herniated disk between L4 & L5 (lower

back) that flared up in 1999 and I missed 3 months of work due to

that. I had x-rays, a cat scan, and finally an MRI (had to go in that

awful tube!) that showed it up clearly.

The first back dr. I went to saw me for 5 minutes and said --

" Surgery! " Believe me, I got a second opinion. Second (I did my

research the 2nd time and found a much more reputable dr. recommended

by some health professional friends) doctor said surgery is only

NECESSARY when you can't control your bladder or bowel movements

because of the herniated disk(s). There ARE other options. I had a

slow-release steroid shot in the disk, then did a few months of

physical therapy and took anti-inflammatories. It was slow progress,

but it worked. I also chose to strengthen my lower back and

abdominal muscles like did. Walking is the best thing for me,

as well as some specific exercises the PT gave me. I think I am in

better shape now than I was then, fitness-wise, and even though I'm

not always pain-free, I USUALLY am.

Good luck in your progress -- things WILL get better.

Ness

--- PJ <mollyann365@y...> wrote:

> ,

>

> Very happy to hear it! You always do have a

great sense of humor!! It looks like I have several herniated discs

(lumbar and sacral area). The open MRI that was done was not very

readable or very clear according to my doctor, so they are trying to

send me to do a closed MRI if the Insurance will cover it. My doctor

is concerned that they may be ruptured, but that the film quality is

so poor, that it is hard to tell for sure. I know we are talking L4-

L5. and maybe a few others. Will let you know after next week when

I go to the doctor again! I have about four more dr's. appointment

next week, in addition to all I've had the last two weeks. Thanks

Much for the encouragement! PJ

>

>

>

> fowvay@j... wrote:

> Dear PJ,

> No, I chose not to have surgery, and focus on strengthening my

> lower back and abdominal muscles. In fact, just this last week I

noticed

> I can cough without the original " problem, " lol! Oh, such

laughter age

> brings. But, I have Poise, all puns again intended.

> :-) Regards,

>