<sigh>

[Guest guest]

Well, back into surgery tomorrow to have yet another abcess removed.

This time there will be an infectious disease specialist there to

make sure they get all out that they can, but it also means a larger

incision, and more to heal. This one is large, and deeper than the

last.

What a birthday present..and we were to take to his

University open house on Saturday. I'll be here at home, I hope.

He's so looking forward to it, though Mom wants him closer to home,

lol!

Maybe NOW my arm will heal, though after nearly 11 months I don't

trust it as far as I can throw it. Only an EDSer can say that, hehe..

I've noticed some posts on pain meds and addiction (I admit I didn't

read them all, just can't), and MD with poor atitudes, in several

places lately. Yesterday a woman saw Dale reading about Rush L in

the grocery line, and commented that Oxycontin and heroin are the

same drug. That 'they' got her father addictd when he had cancer..

There is so much misinformation and misunderstanding about this in

the world. Yes, your body will become accustomed to the medication,

and will react if it's missing. That's physical dependence, not

addiction, which is a psychochological need that goes on beyond the

need for the medication. I'm sure there are some long term trade

offs with any use of medication, that your MD can help with. In the

scheme of thngs I'd rather have the quality of life I have without

as much pain, than be bedridden and unable to join my family in

activities.

These are very personal choices. I began taking Darvon in high

school with my first and failed surgeries..stopped for the kids, and

handled thngs as best I could with self-hypnosis and relaxation.

Later, as I went to pieces, I found my way to a good pain clinic.

Orthos in general don't like to prescribe meds long term, Rheumys

here don't see EDS patients (even they don't know why), GPs have

stopped prescribing pain meds..so thankfully I was already in a pain

clinic. Half our pharmacies have stopped carrying OxyContin because

of the publiciy. Wo knows what will be next. We can only hope that

both MDs and the public will become better educated, and understand

the uses of pain meds. I really felt for the older folks I hear of

who refuse any pain meds at all, even in hospice care, for fear of

dying an addict..and the families agree with them.

Hope I didn't ramble too badly, lol..been a long day

Love and hugs to all,

Jean