New to this group

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi,

>

> I am just thinking about building the apprentice device. Will any

electric wire do?

>

Any insulated, flexible wire should do - minimum wire size is

about 24 guage; smaller size [higher guage #] will function but

is harder to handle & not hardy.

> I want to start very slow. Any reason not to try a 4.5 volt battery?

>

> I am also considering to try this device with my 9 year old

daughter. Any advice?

Do a search for 'Harbor Freight & Tools'; order a DMM

[digital multi-meter] - usually on sale at $4. Read the

directions for connecting as a milliamp meter, set to 2000u

for 2 mA max. This DOES NOT have an automatic shutoff so

will need to set to OFF after use or the battery runs

down.

You should not exceed 0.3 mA for extended continuous use.

Do not exceed 0.2 mA to start. Symptoms of excessive

current are itch / skin irritation after over an hr. Your 9

yr old may have thinner skin & need less. If you can

feel anything during use - current is TOO HI.

>

> We have no really serious viral issues, just verucas and swollen

lymph nodes.

>

Use a trampoline - .5 hr / day; will force more lymph

movement & flush them. Omega 3 fatty acids should be .3 of

omega 6 fatty acids, are usually .1 or worse in cases like

yours; not so expensive at Wal-mart / Sam's.

> Thank you for any answer.

>

> Dagmar.

>

>

[Guest guest]

this is a good guideline, Joe. When folks can't feel it they think

it isn't connected or isn't working.

the microbes are silent and without feeling. a meter does help.

but, if not, you can adjust to where you feel it, then back it off a

tiny bit, add some wet cloth to the contact point at the battery,

etc.

bg

> >

> > Hi,

>If you can

> feel anything during use - current is TOO HI.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I can only speak for myself. My double major curvature was

corrected with one Harrington rod. When the spine is fused,

the free moving discs below the fusion take all of the wear

and tear that would normally be dispersed along the length

of the spine. My fusion goes from my neck down to L3-4

which leaves only 3 movable discs, maybe 4. Over the years

I have developed severe pain, as you have. I've developed

stenosis, schmorl's nodes, bone spurs, degenerative disc

disease, osteoarthritis of the spine, hips and knees,

fibromyalgia, bulging discs and I've had a herniated disc

repaired. As I degenerate, I'm told I may have to be fused

completely to my tail bone rending me " stiff as a rod. "

hahaha ...sorry, thought a little humor was needed here.

Another reason you feel pain is because most curvatures,

that I'm aware of, can only be brought in part of the way

leaving the body twisted. that means all of the organs,

muscles, bones of the torso are out of place. For instance,

on my spine, the long mucles that keep the back erect (I

have to look up the medical name, sorry) on me go around two

30 degree curves. That means some parts of the muscle are

overstretched and some understretched causing all kinds of

havoc when I try to move, reach and walk. Did that make

sense? I tell my family to find a steep hill and walk with

one foot up the hill and one foot down the hill for 10

minutes. They quit after 5. They can't take the pain. I

tell them that's sort of how I live all the time.

Plus because the pelvis is twisted, (my upper torso is 1

inch off-collar bones/shoulders going left and my lower body

1 inch off going right) it means that your legs are

essentially different length. Not your actual legs, mind

you, but the lengths vary according to how much your spine

is twisting the one side up. Everything is trying to

compensate for being rotated, twisted and bent. That's a

lot for a body to have to do....sort of like asking a

contortionist to work 24/7

I'd like to tell you that the pain will go away, but I'd be

lying. I too have woken up and said, " crap, another day to

face with scoliosis. " I used to get mad at every person

with a straight spine, but since there were so many of them,

it exhausted me, LOL.

I'm sorry you're going through this. I wish so badly I

could take the pain away because I know what it's like.

People always tell me, " you're lucky, scoliosis won't kill

you. " In my younger days, before I came to a stronger place

in my soul, I used to reply, " that's the problem, scoliosis

won't kill you.... " )

Well, this is my experience. I don't take pain pills or

anything, so can't offer advice on that. I tried the pills,

but they really messed me up, so I work out, walk and apply

ice packs to my inflamed spine. For now, it's keeping the

pain low enough that I don't give in to it.

Please know we're all out here for you.

> I'm new to this group but am hoping you guys can help me.

> I had my fusion (thorasic lumbar) when I was 16. I'm now

> 34 and have had severe back pain for years. I'm pretty

> straight if I stand with one leg bent (ha ha) but I don't

> look deformed and the only way people would know is if I

> stand straight and point it out to them. Anyway, I have

> now been diagnosed with synovitis (it hit me overnight) in

> my knees and several other joints too. They were testing

> me for RA but so far I don't qualify for that diagnosis.

> Thank God!!!!

>

> My question to this group is, has anyone developed other

> bone/joint disases along with scoliosis? And, is it

> arthritis that causes the severe pain in the back this

> many years after surgery? I'm tired of hurting everyday!

>

> I also have one hot foot since surgery which is dryer than

> the other one and doesn't sweat. They tell me it's nerve

> damage because I've lost some feeling in it too. It's

> weird but my husband just laughs and says he's lucky

> because he only gets one cold foot on him to warm up at

> night. ha ha

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Your body sounds just like mine! Overcompensating here, not doing enough here.

No one understands but the people that are experiencing it. I'm glad someone

understands though.

I am in a lot of pain all the time for the same reasons.

Kraft <wolfsoul@...> wrote:

I can only speak for myself. My double major curvature was

corrected with one Harrington rod. When the spine is fused,

the free moving discs below the fusion take all of the wear

and tear that would normally be dispersed along the length

of the spine. My fusion goes from my neck down to L3-4

which leaves only 3 movable discs, maybe 4. Over the years

I have developed severe pain, as you have. I've developed

stenosis, schmorl's nodes, bone spurs, degenerative disc

disease, osteoarthritis of the spine, hips and knees,

fibromyalgia, bulging discs and I've had a herniated disc

repaired. As I degenerate, I'm told I may have to be fused

completely to my tail bone rending me " stiff as a rod. "

hahaha ...sorry, thought a little humor was needed here.

Another reason you feel pain is because most curvatures,

that I'm aware of, can only be brought in part of the way

leaving the body twisted. that means all of the organs,

muscles, bones of the torso are out of place. For instance,

on my spine, the long mucles that keep the back erect (I

have to look up the medical name, sorry) on me go around two

30 degree curves. That means some parts of the muscle are

overstretched and some understretched causing all kinds of

havoc when I try to move, reach and walk. Did that make

sense? I tell my family to find a steep hill and walk with

one foot up the hill and one foot down the hill for 10

minutes. They quit after 5. They can't take the pain. I

tell them that's sort of how I live all the time.

Plus because the pelvis is twisted, (my upper torso is 1

inch off-collar bones/shoulders going left and my lower body

1 inch off going right) it means that your legs are

essentially different length. Not your actual legs, mind

you, but the lengths vary according to how much your spine

is twisting the one side up. Everything is trying to

compensate for being rotated, twisted and bent. That's a

lot for a body to have to do....sort of like asking a

contortionist to work 24/7

I'd like to tell you that the pain will go away, but I'd be

lying. I too have woken up and said, " crap, another day to

face with scoliosis. " I used to get mad at every person

with a straight spine, but since there were so many of them,

it exhausted me, LOL.

I'm sorry you're going through this. I wish so badly I

could take the pain away because I know what it's like.

People always tell me, " you're lucky, scoliosis won't kill

you. " In my younger days, before I came to a stronger place

in my soul, I used to reply, " that's the problem, scoliosis

won't kill you.... " )

Well, this is my experience. I don't take pain pills or

anything, so can't offer advice on that. I tried the pills,

but they really messed me up, so I work out, walk and apply

ice packs to my inflamed spine. For now, it's keeping the

pain low enough that I don't give in to it.

Please know we're all out here for you.

> I'm new to this group but am hoping you guys can help me.

> I had my fusion (thorasic lumbar) when I was 16. I'm now

> 34 and have had severe back pain for years. I'm pretty

> straight if I stand with one leg bent (ha ha) but I don't

> look deformed and the only way people would know is if I

> stand straight and point it out to them. Anyway, I have

> now been diagnosed with synovitis (it hit me overnight) in

> my knees and several other joints too. They were testing

> me for RA but so far I don't qualify for that diagnosis.

> Thank God!!!!

>

> My question to this group is, has anyone developed other

> bone/joint disases along with scoliosis? And, is it

> arthritis that causes the severe pain in the back this

> many years after surgery? I'm tired of hurting everyday!

>

> I also have one hot foot since surgery which is dryer than

> the other one and doesn't sweat. They tell me it's nerve

> damage because I've lost some feeling in it too. It's

> weird but my husband just laughs and says he's lucky

> because he only gets one cold foot on him to warm up at

> night. ha ha

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all your input. I still feel like I'm better off than a

lot of others that are in this group. I do have daily pain and it can be

severe a lot of the time but when I read other messages, I know I'm blessed.

I'm also blessed with a great husband that supports me and helps me

everyday.

Recently (started in Jan.) I have had some terrible pain in my joints. It

kind of hit me overnight. I just couldn't hardly walk one day or bend my

fingers. Went through a ton of tests and sent to a Rheumatologist who did

more tests. They were thinking RA at first but so far I don't qualify for

that diagnosis (Praise the Lord!!) so I've been diagnosed with Synovitis. I

m not sure where this thing is heading but I wondered if the Scoliosis is

the cause. After reading your e-mail, it may be from all the curves, wear

and tare on my body.... huh? Rheumy didn't act too concerned with the

scoliosis but I'm going to point out more to her when I go this month. She

has me on an NSAID and an DMARD. My goal and prayer is to get off those

meds and do natural things to be well. Don't know if I can yet. I'm trying

real hard to change my diet too. Trying to make better choices. Trying to

swim at least 4 days a week.

Jesus is my strength and comfort! In Him I find rest and peace so I know

that I can get through this. I'm so thankful for my faith. Sounds like you

too have a walk with the Lord.

Thank you for your POSITIVE outlook. That means a lot. I agree, we can't

give in to it.

Take Care!

Serena

-- Re: New to this group

I can only speak for myself. My double major curvature was

corrected with one Harrington rod. When the spine is fused,

the free moving discs below the fusion take all of the wear

and tear that would normally be dispersed along the length

of the spine. My fusion goes from my neck down to L3-4

which leaves only 3 movable discs, maybe 4. Over the years

I have developed severe pain, as you have. I've developed

stenosis, schmorl's nodes, bone spurs, degenerative disc

disease, osteoarthritis of the spine, hips and knees,

fibromyalgia, bulging discs and I've had a herniated disc

repaired. As I degenerate, I'm told I may have to be fused

completely to my tail bone rending me " stiff as a rod. "

hahaha ...sorry, thought a little humor was needed here.

Another reason you feel pain is because most curvatures,

that I'm aware of, can only be brought in part of the way

leaving the body twisted. that means all of the organs,

muscles, bones of the torso are out of place. For instance,

on my spine, the long mucles that keep the back erect (I

have to look up the medical name, sorry) on me go around two

30 degree curves. That means some parts of the muscle are

overstretched and some understretched causing all kinds of

havoc when I try to move, reach and walk. Did that make

sense? I tell my family to find a steep hill and walk with

one foot up the hill and one foot down the hill for 10

minutes. They quit after 5. They can't take the pain. I

tell them that's sort of how I live all the time.

Plus because the pelvis is twisted, (my upper torso is 1

inch off-collar bones/shoulders going left and my lower body

1 inch off going right) it means that your legs are

essentially different length. Not your actual legs, mind

you, but the lengths vary according to how much your spine

is twisting the one side up. Everything is trying to

compensate for being rotated, twisted and bent. That's a

lot for a body to have to do....sort of like asking a

contortionist to work 24/7

I'd like to tell you that the pain will go away, but I'd be

lying. I too have woken up and said, " crap, another day to

face with scoliosis. " I used to get mad at every person

with a straight spine, but since there were so many of them,

it exhausted me, LOL.

I'm sorry you're going through this. I wish so badly I

could take the pain away because I know what it's like.

People always tell me, " you're lucky, scoliosis won't kill

you. " In my younger days, before I came to a stronger place

in my soul, I used to reply, " that's the problem, scoliosis

won't kill you.... " )

Well, this is my experience. I don't take pain pills or

anything, so can't offer advice on that. I tried the pills,

but they really messed me up, so I work out, walk and apply

ice packs to my inflamed spine. For now, it's keeping the

pain low enough that I don't give in to it.

Please know we're all out here for you.

> I'm new to this group but am hoping you guys can help me.

> I had my fusion (thorasic lumbar) when I was 16. I'm now

> 34 and have had severe back pain for years. I'm pretty

> straight if I stand with one leg bent (ha ha) but I don't

> look deformed and the only way people would know is if I

> stand straight and point it out to them. Anyway, I have

> now been diagnosed with synovitis (it hit me overnight) in

> my knees and several other joints too. They were testing

> me for RA but so far I don't qualify for that diagnosis.

> Thank God!!!!

>

> My question to this group is, has anyone developed other

> bone/joint disases along with scoliosis? And, is it

> arthritis that causes the severe pain in the back this

> many years after surgery? I'm tired of hurting everyday!

>

> I also have one hot foot since surgery which is dryer than

> the other one and doesn't sweat. They tell me it's nerve

> damage because I've lost some feeling in it too. It's

> weird but my husband just laughs and says he's lucky

> because he only gets one cold foot on him to warm up at

> night. ha ha

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi dsaamcbee...

I'd like to encourage you to see a scoliosis specialist who has a lot

of experience treating patients with prior scoliosis fusions. It's

entirely possible that you have a condition known as flatback, which

is essentially the loss of the normal curve in the lower back. If you

have flatback, it could be the reason that you're having trouble with

your knees. You can read about the problem here:

http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article308.html

Where are you located?

Regards,

> I'm new to this group but am hoping you guys can help me. I had my

> fusion (thorasic lumbar) when I was 16. I'm now 34 and have had

> severe back pain for years. I'm pretty straight if I stand with one

> leg bent (ha ha) but I don't look deformed and the only way people

> would know is if I stand straight and point it out to them. Anyway, I

> have now been diagnosed with synovitis (it hit me overnight) in my

> knees and several other joints too. They were testing me for RA but

> so far I don't qualify for that diagnosis. Thank God!!!!

>

> My question to this group is, has anyone developed other bone/joint

> disases along with scoliosis? And, is it arthritis that causes the

> severe pain in the back this many years after surgery? I'm tired of

> hurting everyday!

>

> I also have one hot foot since surgery which is dryer than the other

> one and doesn't sweat. They tell me it's nerve damage because I've

> lost some feeling in it too. It's weird but my husband just laughs

> and says he's lucky because he only gets one cold foot on him to warm

> up at night. ha ha

[Guest guest]

Hi Serena...

Unfortunately, I don't know if any of the surgeons close to you are

really experienced treating patients such as yourself. If possible,

I'd encourage you to see Bridwell in St. Louis or Mike LaGrone

in Amarillo. Both doctors have extensive experience with patients who

have prior scoliosis fusions.

Best of luck.

Regards,

> Thank you for the info and encouragement! I'm going to check

out that

> web site today. I'm in on, AR which is about 30 minutes south of

> Branson, MO and 1 1/2 hrs from Springfield, MO. My surgery was done

in 1987

> in Little Rock at the Children's Hospital by Dr. McCarthy

who is now

> featured on The Learning Channel (Extreme Surgeries).

[Guest guest]

Hi Serena...

I could have posted your words, as I feel exactly the same. I have

pain every day, but I'm still able to lead a relatively normal life.

I don't do things like gardening, which I know will cause pretty

significant pain, but I don't think of myself as at all disabled.

And, when I'm in a lot of pain, I kick myself for waiting so long to

do something about it. When I'm not in pain, I think I'm crazy to

even consider additional surgery. So, join the club. :-)

By the way, my scoliosis surgeon's first name is Serena.

Regards,

> Thanks ! I appreciate the names. Some days I feel so good

that I feel

> crazy for thinking about seeing a doctor and then I have a terrible

day and

> think I'm crazy if I don't see one.... I try to remain positive

for myself

> and my family. I know I'm too blessed to be depressed. Even on my

worst

> day, it's nothing compared to what many are going through without

any sign

> of relief. I truly believe I'm a lucky one. However, if this pain

> continues to be this frequent, then I will have to see a doctor

again. I'm

> seeing a Rheumy now for my new condition (I still think the

scoliosis has

> something to do with it too).

> Thanks again!

> Serena

[Guest guest]

Hi Anne,

I had a Hip and Knee replacement done five years ago and four years ago next month . Don't you have any childred or close friends that don't work I had to go to a nursing home both times no fun . If you have good insurance maybe you could get help at home .Well you have a nice day.

Susie

-------------- Original message --------------

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this group and have just learned I'm headed for a hip replacement. They wanted me to do it immediately but I have commitments I had to fulfill this fall first. So, I'm scheduled for Dec 19.

I am a homeowner who is going through a divorce, so I live alone. I have dogs, a split-entry house (steps everywhere unless you live in the foyer) and heading into winter here in MN. I do not have live in help like some of you, and right now do not know how I'm going to manage. Little things keep occuring to me, like how to feed and water the dogs given I can't bend down to put their bowls down, carrying laundry up and down the steps, etc. Have any of you been in a similar situation, and if so, how long before you could take care of yourself again?

Anne

[Guest guest]

I live alone and had a THR also. I moved from a second floor

apartment to the first floor before the surgery. Before, I had to

manage the stairs with crutches or cane. Is your procedure minimally

invasive? If so, it may be only a few weeks until you can ditch the

walker and use a cane. Until then, you may need to pick a level of

your house and make do. You won't be going out, so there will be less

laundry. When you can take the stairs, it may be possible to lower

and raise the laundry with a rope and a bag. That works with trash,

too.

As for bending down, practice extending the affected leg behind you

to keep it straight in line with your torso, while bending forward

with the other hip. A slight knee bend on the unaffected leg may

help. It is also possible to kneel on the affected leg keeping the 90

deg rule. The other leg tucks up to your chest. This is quite

difficult to raise back up from, however. Be sure to excercise your

unaffected leg and upper body as much as possible before the surgery.

I stocked my freezer with as many healthy frozen dinners as possible.

Stock up on TP, dry milk and cereal, etc. It is a good idea to buy an

extra pair or two of the support stockings. Futura sells the pricy

TED hose and also a generic lower cost version that will work just

fine. Check drug stores for this and a raised toilet seat. Linens and

Things sell plastic blocks to increase the height of a bed by about 6

inches. This can be a tremendous help. Make sure you have a good

comfortable chair that has arms and doesn't sit low. I used an office

chair with a cushion to boost even higher.

I had help from my sister during the first three weeks. She only had

to stop by after work every other day or so. Maybe there is a

neighbor or a neighbor's child that is trustworthy that you can give

a few bucks to carry out trash, collect mail, etc.

Be very careful this winter! Canes can be equipped with ice gripping

tips. Try http://www.walkingequipment.com/ for this. Elastic

shoelaces make tying shoes a thing of the past. I wish I had known

about these a long time ago! You will most likely be given a long

handled shoehorn, sock puller, sponge on a stick and reacher after

your surgery. Ask about this and obtain them if you need to. They are

often sold as a kit.

Of course, put all items used frequently within reach and those that

you won't use till next spring down low or up high.

That's all I have for now. I'm sure you will be hearing many other

suggestions from the group. Good Luck!

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I'm new to this group and have just learned I'm headed for a hip

> replacement. They wanted me to do it immediately but I have

commitments I

> had to fulfill this fall first. So, I'm scheduled for Dec 19.

>

> I am a homeowner who is going through a divorce, so I live alone. I

have

> dogs, a split-entry house (steps everywhere unless you live in the

foyer)

> and heading into winter here in MN. I do not have live in help like

some of

> you, and right now do not know how I'm going to manage. Little

things keep

> occuring to me, like how to feed and water the dogs given I can't

bend down

> to put their bowls down, carrying laundry up and down the steps,

etc. Have

> any of you been in a similar situation, and if so, how long before

you could

> take care of yourself again?

>

> Anne

>

[Guest guest]

one item i used a lot and suggest to others is a simple canvas (cloth) nail pouch. they are a couple of bucks at lowes. they tie in the back and have two large pockets in the front. just right for a sandwich in one side and a tupperware bowl of something in the other. please put the lid on before putting it in the pouch. i go to dirt tracks all over the eastern usa and i still take one with me. my burger goes in one side, peanuts in the other ( or second burger ), drink in my rt hand, and my cane in my lt hand

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

That sounds like a good Ideal ,thanks for telling us about it .

Susie

-------------- Original message --------------

one item i used a lot and suggest to others is a simple canvas (cloth) nail pouch. they are a couple of bucks at lowes. they tie in the back and have two large pockets in the front. just right for a sandwich in one side and a tupperware bowl of something in the other. please put the lid on before putting it in the pouch. i go to dirt tracks all over the eastern usa and i still take one with me. my burger goes in one side, peanuts in the other ( or second burger ), drink in my rt hand, and my cane in my lt hand

[Guest guest]

My daughter bought me two long handled reachers you see on tv for

$19.99. I thought two was one too many but I put one on in my

bedroom and the other in the basket I had on my walker.They proved

to be very handy. I would fill the dogs bowls and put them down with

the reacher as it was strong enought to hold the weight. I filled

the dogs water dishs by pouring from a pitcher.I didn't have to

carry laundry upstairs but got it out of the dryer early on by using

my reacher.Good luck. Jackie

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I'm new to this group and have just learned I'm headed for a hip

> replacement. They wanted me to do it immediately but I have

commitments I

> had to fulfill this fall first. So, I'm scheduled for Dec 19.

>

> I am a homeowner who is going through a divorce, so I live alone.

I have

> dogs, a split-entry house (steps everywhere unless you live in the

foyer)

> and heading into winter here in MN. I do not have live in help

like some of

> you, and right now do not know how I'm going to manage. Little

things keep

> occuring to me, like how to feed and water the dogs given I can't

bend down

> to put their bowls down, carrying laundry up and down the steps,

etc. Have

> any of you been in a similar situation, and if so, how long before

you could

> take care of yourself again?

>

> Anne

>

[Guest guest]

Jackie

My wife Barbara is a week out of successful hip replacement, and I'm spending this week home with her. The basket on the walker sounds like a great idea. Can you tell me what shape the basket is, how you attached it. etc?

We already have the 2 reachers, but unfortunately both are often out of reach.

Dennis

Re: New to This Group

My daughter bought me two long handled reachers you see on tv for $19.99. I thought two was one too many but I put one on in my bedroom and the other in the basket I had on my walker.They proved to be very handy. I would fill the dogs bowls and put them down with the reacher as it was strong enought to hold the weight. I filled the dogs water dishs by pouring from a pitcher.I didn't have to carry laundry upstairs but got it out of the dryer early on by using my reacher.Good luck. Jackie

[Guest guest]

" We already have the 2 reachers, but unfortunately both are often out of reach."

DENNIS, The reacher [grabber] fitted sideways across my walker with the lower end straddling the bar. That prevented it from sliding off. The upper end laid on the bar underneath the bar where her hands grip. I had a large canvas bag that was wide enough and had straps long enough to fit over the top bars, so the bag hung down in the middle. You can also hang stuff on the walker with those hiker's clips.

My Best to Barbara

Marge

[Guest guest]

Marge

Our walker must be a different design, I can't see any way to fit the grabber without using a pouch or home made holster.

Thanks

Dennis

Re: Re: New to This Group

" We already have the 2 reachers, but unfortunately both are often out of reach."

DENNIS, The reacher [grabber] fitted sideways across my walker with the lower end straddling the bar. That prevented it from sliding off. The upper end laid on the bar underneath the bar where her hands grip. I had a large canvas bag that was wide enough and had straps long enough to fit over the top bars, so the bag hung down in the middle. You can also hang stuff on the walker with those hiker's clips.

My Best to Barbara

Marge

[Guest guest]

Dennis, I fastened my reacher to my walker using a velcro cable-tie.

There was a hole in the handle to slip the tie through and the velcro

was strong enough to hold it but easy enough to pull apart when the

reacher was needed.

>

> Marge

>

> Our walker must be a different design, I can't see any way to fit

the grabber without using a pouch or home made holster.

>

> Thanks

>

> Dennis

> Re: Re: New to This Group

>

>

> " We already have the 2 reachers, but unfortunately both are

often out of reach. "

>

> DENNIS, The reacher [grabber] fitted sideways across my walker

with the lower end straddling the bar. That prevented it from

sliding off. The upper end laid on the bar underneath the bar where

her hands grip. I had a large canvas bag that was wide enough and had

straps long enough to fit over the top bars, so the bag hung down in

the middle. You can also hang stuff on the walker with those hiker's

clips.

> My Best to Barbara

> Marge

>

[Guest guest]

Ok, I'm going to the hardware store and get what we need. Thanks for the tip.

Dennis

Re: New to This Group

Dennis, I fastened my reacher to my walker using a velcro cable-tie. There was a hole in the handle to slip the tie through and the velcro was strong enough to hold it but easy enough to pull apart when the reacher was needed.

[Guest guest]

I put a small insulated luch bag on my walker, and it was great, held my

books, drinks meds and icepack...

MJ

Jane Le Kanides

http://www.my.tupperware.com/maryjanelk Visit my online Tupperware store

[Guest guest]

My daughter bought it at a medical supply place and it just attatched to the

front. Looked like a bycycle basket.Was very helpfull for pills and carrying

my lunch from the kitchen.

>From: " Dennis J. Guggemos " <djguggms@...>

>Reply-Joint Replacement

><Joint Replacement >

>Subject: Re: Re: New to This Group

>Date: Wed, 19 Oct 2005 12:52:47 -0700

>

>Jackie

>

>My wife Barbara is a week out of successful hip replacement, and I'm

>spending this week home with her. The basket on the walker sounds like a

>great idea. Can you tell me what shape the basket is, how you attached it.

>etc?

>

>We already have the 2 reachers, but unfortunately both are often out of

>reach.

>

>Dennis

> Re: New to This Group

>

>

> My daughter bought me two long handled reachers you see on tv for

> $19.99. I thought two was one too many but I put one on in my

> bedroom and the other in the basket I had on my walker.They proved

> to be very handy. I would fill the dogs bowls and put them down with

> the reacher as it was strong enought to hold the weight. I filled

> the dogs water dishs by pouring from a pitcher.I didn't have to

> carry laundry upstairs but got it out of the dryer early on by using

> my reacher.Good luck. Jackie

[Guest guest]

The occupational therapy people at my hospital gave me my basket when I had my TKR. They should be available at medical supply places. Mine attached with velcro strips.

Jackie <jgadam@...> wrote:

My daughter bought it at a medical supply place and it just attatched to the front. Looked like a bycycle basket.Was very helpfull for pills and carrying my lunch from the kitchen.>From: "Dennis J. Guggemos" <djguggms@...>>Reply-Joint Replacement ><Joint Replacement >>Subject: Re: Re: New to This Group>Date: Wed, 19 Oct 2005 12:52:47 -0700>>Jackie>>My wife Barbara is a week out of successful hip replacement, and I'm >spending this week home with her. The basket on the walker sounds like a >great idea. Can you tell me what shape the basket is, how you attached it. >etc?>>We already have the 2 reachers, but unfortunately both are often out of

>reach.>>Dennis> Re: New to This Group>>> My daughter bought me two long handled reachers you see on tv for> $19.99. I thought two was one too many but I put one on in my> bedroom and the other in the basket I had on my walker.They proved> to be very handy. I would fill the dogs bowls and put them down with> the reacher as it was strong enought to hold the weight. I filled> the dogs water dishs by pouring from a pitcher.I didn't have to> carry laundry upstairs but got it out of the dryer early on by using> my reacher.Good luck.

JackieGod bless you!

Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free.

[Guest guest]

Welcome Karri. My daugher is 12 and has had JRA since she was 4. We're

very luckily as her pain has been minimal - although now she is in OT for a

contraction in her elbow and using a dynasplint daily to help straighten out

her

arm.

This is a great site, with tons of information about all types of JRA

issues.

Sandy

[Guest guest]

Hi Karri and welcome. For the second time today I am saying this is the best

group on the net. As always we hate to hear of another child who has this

battle to fight at such young ages but here you will find support as well as

friends. One of our big issues here is to break the image of arthritis as well

as spread the word that KIDS GET ARTHRITIS TOO. Once again welcome!

Donna

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the list, although it does sadden me to know of yet another

child struggling. My son is Chris; he was diagnosed at 13 with pauci

JRA, but has since been diagnosed with spondyloarthropy, an arthritis

which affects, among other things, tendons and the spine. He is now 18

and doing rather well. One of the things we all try to do is educate

others about the disease. We have created our own JRA bracelets (like

the Live Strong ones) and car magnet ribbons. Many of us are active in

various ways with our local Arthritis Foundation chapters and many of us

walk in the foundation's walks held at various times and places. There

is also a conference in the summer that some from this list attend. It

is amazing that there are so many kids with this disease in varying

forms, yet not a lot of awareness. Let us know how is doing and

please know that this list is a great source of education and support.

Many times when I have needed someone who understood exactly what was

going on, the people here were able to help in ways even close friends

and family may not, as they do not have a child with JRA. It is so hard

to see an active child suddenly be unable to do what they used to. Good

luck to you, Michele ( 18, spondy)

New To This Group

Hello to everyone. My name is Karri and my daughter , who is 16,

was diagnosed with Poly JRA when she was 13. She went from playing

sports at school to not being able to hardly walk or tie her shoes or

anything else literally overnight. She currently takes Enbrel 2x week,

Metho on Saturdays, Folic acid and lots of tylenol. When I found this

site I have to say that I was shocked at how many people were here.

With all of these kids that are sick it is hard to believe that noone

knows about this disease. I look forward to meeting you all.

Karri

[Guest guest]

Thanks Michele;

Our family is very involved with the local Arthritis Foundation.

was the 2005 Good Will Ambassador for the Central Ohio

Arthritis Foundation. She did such a fantastic job that they have

asked her to be the 2006 ambassador as well. does not have a

problem with getting up in peoples faces or getting in front of an

audience of 100's of people and making them aware of Juvenile

Arthritis. She makes appointments with Senators, Congressmen and

Reps. and shares her story. She wants to be a broadcaster so she is

going into broadcast jurnalism. She is a fighter for sure. To date

she has not missed a day of school because of the pain of her

arthritis since 7th grade and now she is a junior. She just misses

for Dr.'s appt., Steroid injections in the elbows and knees, MRI's

and stuff. She refuses to let this disease get control. It is so

hard to watch her struggle with this. I can not tell you how many

times I have taken her to school and she has cried all the way there

and then I cry all the way home. Right now she has a GPA of 4.1 and

is making National Honor Society. I am so incredibly proud of her.

also has done some work with Enbrel. She appears on alot of

there publications. She has started a support group for kids in

Central Ohio and is planning many field trips as well.

>

> Welcome to the list, although it does sadden me to know of yet

another

> child struggling. My son is Chris; he was diagnosed at 13 with pauci

> JRA, but has since been diagnosed with spondyloarthropy, an

arthritis

> which affects, among other things, tendons and the spine. He is now

18

> and doing rather well. One of the things we all try to do is educate

> others about the disease. We have created our own JRA bracelets

(like

> the Live Strong ones) and car magnet ribbons. Many of us are active

in

> various ways with our local Arthritis Foundation chapters and many

of us

> walk in the foundation's walks held at various times and places.

There

> is also a conference in the summer that some from this list attend.

It

> is amazing that there are so many kids with this disease in varying

> forms, yet not a lot of awareness. Let us know how is doing

and

> please know that this list is a great source of education and

support.

> Many times when I have needed someone who understood exactly what

was

> going on, the people here were able to help in ways even close

friends

> and family may not, as they do not have a child with JRA. It is so

hard

> to see an active child suddenly be unable to do what they used to.

Good

> luck to you, Michele ( 18, spondy)

>

> New To This Group

>

> Hello to everyone. My name is Karri and my daughter , who is

16,

> was diagnosed with Poly JRA when she was 13. She went from playing

> sports at school to not being able to hardly walk or tie her shoes

or

> anything else literally overnight. She currently takes Enbrel 2x

week,

> Metho on Saturdays, Folic acid and lots of tylenol. When I found

this

> site I have to say that I was shocked at how many people were

here.

> With all of these kids that are sick it is hard to believe that

noone

> knows about this disease. I look forward to meeting you all.

>

> Karri

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>