New to group

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I am new to the group as well. I lived in an apartment with black mold

for ten years. I had candida issues before that though. On May 26, 2005,

one day after having a colonic and taking a huge dose of VSL#3 probiotics, I

woke up shaking, heart pounding, etc. It felt like I had been injected with

adrenaline. I went to the ER and BP was 206/124. All kinds of test and

nothing.

I have been in living hell since. I started about a year and a half

before that. If I took a probiotic, my head and ears swelled and had

tremendous

pressure. I was exhausted, etc. til finally it affected my nervous system.

I have spent my entire savings of $40,000. I have been told it was

black mold (stachybotrys) exposure, I had two nickel bridges put in my mouth

two

years before this and had those taken out and my mouth redone with supposedly

biocompatible materials. I had two tattoos removed in Mexico thinking it

was the heavy metal thing. NOW, an environmental toxicologist here in Dallas

has told me that the PLASTIC MESH (Marlex) used in my hernia repair in 1999

sent me into this hyper-reactive state. It has been living hell. I feel like

I am wired on adrenaline. I will not take meds.

I have been on a so called anti-candida diet for 7 months and have

gotten a bit better. I am hoping to go to Mexico soon to have the mesh

removed.

Can anyone suggest the best probiotic. I get Dr. Ohhira's wholesale

here in Dallas but they are so strong. Just not sure what to do. Thanks so

much.

Bill

[Guest guest]

Bee,

WHERE do I find your article with diet etc. I am VERY disciplined and

can follow it. Please advise. Thanks.

Bill

[Guest guest]

>

> hi there! i have heavy metals in my body. i also got the dreadful

candida. i am doing the diet. i've never tried coconut oil. what

brand is good and how much.also, is flaxseed oil not good for us

yeastie people?

Hi Janey. Welcome to our group!

==>My diet plus supplements will get rid of heavy metals. For

coconut oil brands see our Group's Files (left menu) where you will

find a Folder on Coconut Oil - in it you will find many good brands

listed. Flaxseed is not recommended because the essential fatty

acids in it must be converted to a useable form within the body,

which most candida sufferers are not able to do. Instead take cod

liver oil in the winter and fish oil plus vitamin A in the summer per

my article. Like Zack said please read my article carefully - it was

sent to you when you joined, or find it in our Files - it's in the

first folder. The diet is very different from any other candida diet

so please tweak your diet accordingly.

The best in health, Bee

[Guest guest]

>

> Hello, I am new to the group as well.

==>Hi Bill. Welcome to our wonderful group.

>I lived in an apartment with black mold for ten years. I had

candida issues before that though. On May 26, 2005, one day after

having a colonic and taking a huge dose of VSL#3 probiotics, I

> woke up shaking, heart pounding, etc. It felt like I had been

injected with adrenaline. I went to the ER and BP was 206/124.

All kinds of test and nothing.

>

>I have been in living hell since. I started about a year and a

half before that. If I took a probiotic, my head and ears swelled

and had tremendous pressure. I was exhausted, etc. til finally it

affected my nervous system. I have spent my entire savings of

$40,000. I have been told it was black mold (stachybotrys)

exposure, I had two nickel bridges put in my mouth two years before

this and had those taken out and my mouth redone with supposedly

> biocompatible materials. I had two tattoos removed in Mexico

thinking it was the heavy metal thing. NOW, an environmental

toxicologist here in Dallas has told me that the PLASTIC MESH

(Marlex) used in my hernia repair in 1999 sent me into this hyper-

reactive state. It has been living hell. I feel like I am wired

on adrenaline. I will not take meds.

==>My, you sure have been through hell Bill.

>

>I have been on a so called anti-candida diet for 7 months and have

> gotten a bit better. I am hoping to go to Mexico soon to have

the mesh removed.

==>Bill, please read my article " How to Successfully Overcome

Candida " because my diet and program are not like others recommended

for candida. It has significant differences, and the program does

chelate out heavy metals. If the diet you've been on has helped

you, I'm positive you will get even better results on my diet.

>

> Can anyone suggest the best probiotic. I get Dr. Ohhira's

wholesale here in Dallas but they are so strong. Just not sure

what to do. Thanks so much. Bill

==>Bill, probiotic will kill off candida big time, so that is why my

program is done in 4 major steps with the last one being

probiotics. If you take probiotics too early in your fight against

candida you will get horrible die-off symptoms. It is better to do

the diet first, along with supplements (Steps 1 & 2), and when you

are ready to start on antifungals, other than coconut oil which is

part of the diet. My article explains when you go to the next step,

however Steps 1 & 2 are done at the same time - see the 1st folder

in our files for How to Get Started.

Cheers, Bee

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Bee, WHERE do I find your article with diet etc. I am VERY

disciplined and can follow it. Please advise. Thanks.

Hi Bill. You need to be on our Group's Website, and if you look to

the left there is a menu where it lists Home, Messages (with sub

sections), Files - click on Files. In it you will first see all of

the folders in alphabetical order (I've put an A in front of some that

I want to show up first), and after the folders there are more Files.

Inside each folder there are files as well.

You can also go to the 2nd Folder for A) Candida LIST of Files,

Folders & Links and using your browser's Edit Find function you can

search it.

Bee

[Guest guest]

Does anyone here know if candida can affect the nervous system (i.e.

autonomic, central, etc.)? I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

Bill

[Guest guest]

>

> Does anyone here know if candida can affect the nervous system (i.e.

> autonomic, central, etc.)? I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

> Bill

==>Yes, candida does affect the nervous system because its toxins go to

every single part of the body making all of the body's cell go rigid,

including nerve cells. That reference is from a book I have: Back to

Health; A Comprehensive Medical and Nutritional Yeast Control Program,

by Dennis W. Reminton, M.D., but I don't have time to look up more

specific information about it this morning.

When you realize that candida is only intended to change when the body

dies, in order to break it down, it gives you a different perspective

on the whole subject. Candida toxins are very destructive to every part

of the body, even causing lesions and direct damage. I knew a lady in

the mid 1980s who was in my candida support group who had brain lesions

proven by medical tests. Two years after being on the candida program

she was re-tested and had no brains lesions.

Bee

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi. My name is and I am new to this group.

==>Hi . Welcome to our wonderful group!

> It has been a long road getting here, but I finally feel like I am

getting on the right track. I have had endomitriosis and related

problems since I was in my early teens(I am 35 now), acne troubles as

far back as I can remember, and infertility has been a ten plus year

battle... I went on the Atkins diet eleven years ago before my

wedding, and that was the best I had ever felt. I am wondering now

why I did not stick with it.

>I have tried every traditional, and most non-traditional

> methods of solving my endo and related issues. This summer someone

> in a support group suggested I look into Candidasis. I did, and

have been taking Threelac since July. I know now it is not a

recommended product(besides being $$$), but it started me down the

road... After I began taking it my face, and body cleared of most

outbreaks, I became more regular, and I felt less tired. Last week

we went to visit family for a few days for the holiday. Not only did

I not take the Threelac, but my eating habits went down the drain.

We had adult beverages, snacks, desserts, and food galore. By

Thursday, I felt bloated, my face and back had completely broken out,

and I felt like I had a low grade flu. Since I was down for the

count on Friday I spent it on the web and came across this group.

>Reading, resting, eating well, and back on the Threelac I am feeling

better already and ready to get this under control because I am

convinced that this is most if not all of what's been ailing me. I

have devoured all the information I can and have put together a

shopping list. Any recommendations for first time shopping items

would be appreciated. I already take vit B, E, C (not enough

before), and fish oils.

==>, you are doing the right thing by reading and learning

first. Check out " Candida, How to Get Started " in our Files (left

menu), in the 1st Folder. Also see Candida Supplements. As you

probably read in my article you take fish oil plus vitamin A in the

summer when you get enough vitamin D from the sun, and cod liver oil

in the winter for Omega 3 and vitamins A & D - also see our Cod Liver

Oil Folder for brands, websites and details about the nutrients

contained in several brands; some brands need extra supplementation.

>Bee, thank you for putting this group together, and sharing all that

you have...

==>, you are so very welcome!

The best in health, Bee

[Guest guest]

Sandfiddler, not many LLMDs take insurance because they have to spend

too much time with you. These days, where insurance is concerned, it is

definitely quantity over quality with the doctors.

Good luck and God bless!

Debbie

[Guest guest]

Dear Kathy,

Welcome to the group, sorry that you find yourself with your second go around at scoliosis, but you are among friends here. I too went from having 60 degree curves to 30 after Harrington Rods and back up to 60 and more before revision. It's tough to have it all fall apart, but with the help of a great surgeon it's possible to get it better once again and have a full life, upright, level, and yes even taller.

Where are you located? Have you been diagnosised with Flatback, and who is you current doc? Are you in pain, and just where is it located? I know that all this is depressing, especially to go through it a second time, but you just have to take it one step at a time. There are excellent things to read on the site here, many articles, and member stories that will help you while you are learning, a good place to start. The files section is full of good info, and it's also interesting to see others x-rays in the photos section. Information is power while going through this, helps you to be an active partner in your care, to ask good questions, and understand just whats happening to you and what your options are.

I started my battle with Flatback six years ago, and had surgery, and I'm doing well. It was a difficult time for me and took more than one surgery, but I'm glad I stuck it out. I'm four years out from my last revision, and life is good. These groups( this one and others) helped me through, and were a support and a resource for excellent info and life experiences. I'm an active part of the group now to help new members who are at the beginning of all this to have someone to talk to who been through it. Here you will find member at all stages of dealing with Flatback,those who are not sure just whats going on with their post Harrington Rod spines, those newly diagnosised, those looking for good doc's to deal with it, those in physical therapy and early treatment trying to stave off surgery for awhile, those going through surgery and recovery, and some like me who are months or even years past revision surgery. So there is someone here who's at any stage you'll go through. While we are not doc's, and don't give medical advice, we are here to support you while you are traveling through Flatback. No one gets it like someone who has it.

Once again welcome, ask away we are here to help!

Colorado Springs

[ ] New to Group

Hello my name is KathyHarrington Rod in 1980 to correct two 60 degree curves. After surgery I had two 20 degree curves. Now I have two 60 degree curves again.How in the heck is my spine curving when I have this rod in..I also am 4 inches shorter.. Was tall and thin now short and fluffy.Just so sick of this back. It gets depressing.Flat back also..55 years old.Getting old, shorter, heart seems to be getting funny thumps..I fall a lot. Not stable.Kathy

[Guest guest]

>

> I am a newbie and am excited about starting the New Year on a

Candida lifestyle change.

==>Hi Jodi. Welcome to our wonderful group!

> I have always been plagued by vaginal infections and things got

worse in 1998 when I had a throat procedure done where the doctor

scraped my escophogus. Following a 40 day anti-biotic stunt, along

with a 4 week prednisone treatment, I was full of yeast and had every

symptom of multiple yeast problems. Being treated with diflucan

didn't help, and my neighbor suggested liquid acidophilus, which

cured the thrush, and enabled me to slowly get off the 10 medications

for allergies and asthma. I am on no prescription medication and use

only health food supplements and acidophilus. Since then I have done

pretty well managing my yeast...but I am tired of this and want to do

the best I can in getting this infection out.

==>You've come to the right place for help Jodi!

> I am asking for any help in solving this. I have ready Bee's diet

and have done this before, only to fail. I see you have an area

where you can figure out how much protein, etc. you need. Can you

lead me to that area please? Thank you all very much and Merry

Christmas!

==>Jodi, it is very important that you read my main article " How to

Successfully Overcome Candida " (required reading for all members so

we are all on the same page) which was sent to you when you joined,

or find it in our files (left menu) in the 1st folder. My candida

diet is very different than any others out there, and it is the most

effective for many reasons you will understand once you read the

article. For more information on calculating ratios of protein, fat

& carbs see the Candida Diet Folder.

The best in health, Bee

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy,

Welcome to the group. I feel you frustration. It really stinks to

think that you had all this behind you...and now here you are again.

I think has covered a lot of the problems we tend to encounter

after the original HR surgery. The main reasons we talk and read

about detail curves progressing (they can and do)and/or some sort of

failure of the fusion and/or implant breakage. Either way, it would

be very important to be followed up by a doctor who has a lot of

experience if patients like ourselves.

I know many of us have been kind of stunned, in retrospect, when

after our intial post op period as teens or young adults we really

had no follow on with any specialists, and now haven't really got a

doctor who specializes in adult spinal deformity...our pediatric

guys are generally not willing to take us on. And very often our

members were unlucky enough to first contact a local ortho who

basically said we must just " live with it " ....and offer little

beyond PT and NSAIDs.

Depending on how much flatback has affected your ability to look

forward, or balance, or move your legs, this could be the source of

your stumbling. At our age....the less stumbling the better! The

spectre of a broken hip or leg as we move into our 60's and 70's is

scary to me, having watched family members start a a fairly

precipitous decline after this happened to them...and they didn't

have already fused spines!

As to your heart thumps...I would recommend you follow up with your

primary care doctor, if you haven't already. If you don't know,

mitral valve prolaspe (that funny feeling where it feels like your

heart gets a quirky rythm for a moment or two) is fairly commonly

found among us scoli types. I have it and, other than a period where

I was told I needed to premedicate before invasive

techniques....dental/minor surgeries... it hasn't really had any

impact on my life. After having my evaluation with a heart

specialist I was also told I did not need to premedicate, and so

other than getting the " funny feeling " now and then, I ignore it.

But that was just me, it could be something different for you.

Whatever you are feeling is causing you to worry about...and should

be chased down.

I hope you will find good strength and support here and look forward

to getting to know you better.

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

-Welcome to the Group!! This is going to be confusing, as I'm Kathy,

too, and relatively new to the group. I am 52 yo, and while I am

post-revision 23 years, I am again having difficulty and may be

facing more surgery. Discouraging isn't it. We thought we were

fixed, yet now we are faced with the realization this is a life-long

issue. I guess we have to figure out how to live with it, and one

way is with great support and info from groups like this!! Kathy W.--

In , " Kathy " <HavaneseHome@...>

wrote:

>

> Hello my name is Kathy

>

> Harrington Rod in 1980 to correct two 60 degree curves. After

surgery

> I had two 20 degree curves. Now I have two 60 degree curves again.

>

> How in the heck is my spine curving when I have this rod in..

>

> I also am 4 inches shorter.. Was tall and thin now short and fluffy.

>

> Just so sick of this back. It gets depressing.

>

> Flat back also..

>

> 55 years old.

>

> Getting old, shorter, heart seems to be getting funny thumps..I

fall a

> lot. Not stable.

>

> Kathy

>

[Guest guest]

hi, jp, welcome to the group. if i were to give you advice, it would be to

see another orthopedic spine specialist or neurosurgeon spine specialist

until you find the one who will tell you what is wrong. just saying they don't

know is not okay. they need to find out what is wrong and what they can do to

either correct the situation or control your pain. after my back surgery in

may i developed severe fibromyalgia and the first arthritis doctor i went to

told me i was depressed and needed to get off the pain meds. what an

asshole. i am still angry about that. but i went to another arthritis

specialist

who diagnosed me with what i already knew from this group to be fibromyalgia.

so, don't let them screw you around. if you don't get satisfaction from

one doctor, move on to the next. but you do need for them to give you

information. good luck. marsha

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the reply! I am the one usually telling others to go see other

drs- my son has a severe disability and I never stay with a dr if I am not

satisfied. I guess my issue is that they can control my pain most of the

time but I just don’t like the idea of not knowing and everything I read

says that many times with the spine, you don’t know…..and since I have had

so many tests done, I guess I believe them….but maybe I need a good referral

to a doctor who doesn’t specialize in just managing the pain…like a

neurosurgeon, anyone have any suggestions on how to find a good doc? The

ortho I saw was in the best of Delaware. I just hate not having a root

cause, you know?

And speaking of…..do a lot of you get the advice….like –

1-See a chiropractor- been there, didn’t help

2-Oh, you can’t get that many spinal blocks….can you? Course if they were

in pain like that they would!

3-Did you consider acupuncture- yes but my doc doesn’t do it and my

insurance doesn’t cover it….gets expensive trying all that stuff!

4-oh, don’t start taking narcotics! They are addictive! Yeah I know but

when you have pain that bad…what are you supposed to do??

5- epidural? Oh DON’T do that! Its in your spine!!- yeah where the pain

is!!

And my mother in laws favorite thing to tell me – just get a girdle- it will

stop you pain immediately! Oh if that were true! $15 bucks, smooth look

and NO pain!

JP

Re: new to group

hi, jp, welcome to the group. if i were to give you advice, it would be to

see another orthopedic spine specialist or neurosurgeon spine specialist

until you find the one who will tell you what is wrong. just saying they

don't

know is not okay. they need to find out what is wrong and what they can do

to

either correct the situation or control your pain. after my back surgery in

may i developed severe fibromyalgia and the first arthritis doctor i went to

told me i was depressed and needed to get off the pain meds.

--

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2:58 PM

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2:58 PM

[Guest guest]

Perhaps you could benefit from an upright MRI (standing or sitting.)

I have neck problems and a regular MRI showed no nerve impingement

from my herniated discs, but a flexion/extension MRI showed the

impingement. Perhaps a regular MRI simply isn't sensitive enough to

show your problem.

>

> Hi,

> I am jp. I have lower back pain, sciatica with NO apparent cause. I

> had a recent flare that resulted in me going to hospital and finally

> taking narcotics...which I have refused til now. pain has been

> ongoing for about 8 years and this flare resulted in me being in

> wheelchair as I could bare NO weight on that side for weeks....I had

> an SI injection two days before and the doc thought it was an

> infection so I got a bone scan. No infection so I got my third

> mri....no abnormality. I think the worse part for me is having NO

> IDEA what is causing the pain! I saw an orthopod for a few years who

> tested me every which way he could and then he referred me to pain

> management. The selective nerve blocks have worked well for me for

> l5, s1 but I still cant believe no one can tell me where the pain is

> originating from? I wonder if I should see a neurosurgeon .

> perhaps he would see what others cant? I am active - in between pain

> that is! LOL - have three kids- one of which is severely handicapped

> so I must stay on top of this! When I flared I could not even

> reposition my son...not a good position to be in. well thanks for

> letting me be part of the group and if you have any advice, please let

> me know!

> JP

>

[Guest guest]

I always wondered about the upright MRI. Is that something that insurance would

cover?

I never heard of the flexion/extension MRI. How do you get one of those?

Does the doctor have to deem it neccessary or can a patient ask for it?

Phyllis

achangedlife101 <no_reply > wrote:

Perhaps you could benefit from an upright MRI (standing or sitting.)

I have neck problems and a regular MRI showed no nerve impingement

from my herniated discs, but a flexion/extension MRI showed the

impingement. Perhaps a regular MRI simply isn't sensitive enough to

show your problem.

>

> Hi,

> I am jp. I have lower back pain, sciatica with NO apparent cause. I

> had a recent flare that resulted in me going to hospital and finally

> taking narcotics...which I have refused til now. pain has been

> ongoing for about 8 years and this flare resulted in me being in

> wheelchair as I could bare NO weight on that side for weeks....I had

> an SI injection two days before and the doc thought it was an

> infection so I got a bone scan. No infection so I got my third

> mri....no abnormality. I think the worse part for me is having NO

> IDEA what is causing the pain! I saw an orthopod for a few years who

> tested me every which way he could and then he referred me to pain

> management. The selective nerve blocks have worked well for me for

> l5, s1 but I still cant believe no one can tell me where the pain is

> originating from? I wonder if I should see a neurosurgeon .

> perhaps he would see what others cant? I am active - in between pain

> that is! LOL - have three kids- one of which is severely handicapped

> so I must stay on top of this! When I flared I could not even

> reposition my son...not a good position to be in. well thanks for

> letting me be part of the group and if you have any advice, please let

> me know!

> JP

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

In my case, there is only one place (that I know of, anyway) that does

flexion/extension. My neurosurgeon ordered it, but I had to get a

special request for my insurance company to cover it- but the girls

from the doctor's office took care of it for me (I love them!) I had

a second after my surgery, and there wasn't an issue of being covered

at all. So, I think, at least with an HMO, if the doctor can " prove "

need for a certain test, the insurance company will pay for it.

> >

> > Hi,

> > I am jp. I have lower back pain, sciatica with NO apparent cause. I

> > had a recent flare that resulted in me going to hospital and finally

> > taking narcotics...which I have refused til now. pain has been

> > ongoing for about 8 years and this flare resulted in me being in

> > wheelchair as I could bare NO weight on that side for weeks....I had

> > an SI injection two days before and the doc thought it was an

> > infection so I got a bone scan. No infection so I got my third

> > mri....no abnormality. I think the worse part for me is having NO

> > IDEA what is causing the pain! I saw an orthopod for a few years who

> > tested me every which way he could and then he referred me to pain

> > management. The selective nerve blocks have worked well for me for

> > l5, s1 but I still cant believe no one can tell me where the pain is

> > originating from? I wonder if I should see a neurosurgeon .

> > perhaps he would see what others cant? I am active - in between pain

> > that is! LOL - have three kids- one of which is severely handicapped

> > so I must stay on top of this! When I flared I could not even

> > reposition my son...not a good position to be in. well thanks for

> > letting me be part of the group and if you have any advice, please let

> > me know!

> > JP

> >

>

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group. I also found it after beginning my journey with

Threelac. I am fortunate that I have always been a picky eater and

never really liked most of the no-no foods like fruit, potatoes, corn,

etc. My DH had a more difficult time adjusting to the diet- but is

doing well. We have been thrilled with the changes even a short time

has made. We don't feel the need to eat nearly as often, don't feel

hungry all the time, and don't " crash " if we don't eat at the regularly

scheduled time (the last was a big problem for DH). As far as the food

bill, I find that we actually spend less than we used to by almost $20

to $30 a week. If you count the fact that we don't eat out nearly as

often, and do not have alcoholic drinks anymore the savings are even

higher. There is a little initial 'setup' cost getting needed

supplements, etc. but it is definately worth it!

http://kelleygate.blogspot.com

> i joined here after looking at the threelac site, which

> i wanted to believe, but didn't quite " feel right " intuitively.

i am concerned about the diet, though,

> not sure i will get what i need if i dont eat any fruit,

> etc. and all my favorite veggies are on the no-no

> list. and i dont have very much $ in my food budget,

> so the expensive meats will be difficult for me.

> so, i'm just not sure. but i'm so tired and i really

> want to get healthy again. its been a long time

> since i've really felt good.

>

> poya

>

[Guest guest]

>

> hi everyone,

==>Hi Poya. Welcome to our group. Also check out my new website at:

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/ - all of the articles and

recipes (over 700) are posted on it, and it has a great Site Search so

you can find anything you need.

>

> i joined here after looking at the threelac site, which

> i wanted to believe, but didn't quite " feel right " intuitively.

>

> i have had problems with candida for 15 years. i used

> to try staying on the diet, but was never able to main-

> tain it long enough. i have never been diagnosed with

> candida, i can't afford a doctor outside of my insurance,

> which does not pay for alternative care. but i diagnosed

> myself with the books, etc.

==>There is no other candida diet like the one I recommend, and my

diet helps you stay on it because of the high natural fats, i.e.

coconut oil, butter, lard, etc., etc. as noted in my article sent to

you when you joined.

>

> eventually i just gave up hope that i could ever get rid

> of this for good. i am still not sure its possible. i feel

> very discouraged and tired.

>

> the past couple of years, my health has gotten worse

> even than what i was dealing with before. i dont' have

> " normal " bowel anymore, i get extremely bloated and

> feel nauseas a lot.

>

> anyway, i was hoping to maybe get on the right

> track. i am concerned about the diet, though,

> not sure i will get what i need if i dont eat any fruit,

> etc. and all my favorite veggies are on the no-no

> list. and i dont have very much $ in my food budget,

> so the expensive meats will be difficult for me.

> so, i'm just not sure. but i'm so tired and i really

> want to get healthy again. its been a long time

> since i've really felt good.

==>You can actually obtain any of the nutrients contained in any carbs

(foods not classed as proteins or fats) which included fruits, by

eating only the meats, eggs and natural fats I recommend, and even if

you ate no carbs at all. You need to eat less food on this diet, yet

you'll be more satisfied because of the high natural fats as written

in my article. Hopefully you have read it??

The best in health, Bee

>

> poya

[Guest guest]

==>Hi there. Welcome to our group. Would you please put your name at

the end of messages, not only so we know who you are, but also for our

blind member, Maddalena. Thanks so much.

> Hi I am new to the group and I think that my son has candida (Well I

am sure everyone in the family has it). I was wondering if anyone has

any success with this diet and very young children.

==>Yes, many young children have had lots of success on this program.

Some things need to be modified a little because they can't stand the

strong antifungals in their mouth. It is really great when the whole

family eats this way and gets treated for candida!

> I have a 16month old and a 3 1/2 year old. I am concerned that I

won't be able to find supplements for them and snacks will become a

bit of an issue. I would like the whole family to be involved, but I

will have to sell this idea to my husband who is still not coping with

the introduction of whole foods and sour dough bread into the house a

year ago. So this question may seem a bit premature but can you

successfully reintroduce fruits, grains, seeds and dairy when the

infection has passed or do you find the diet is basically for life? I

hope these questions are not too silly but I don't have time to go

back and read all the postings with 2 young children helping me on the

computer.

==>Yes, when you are cured you can reintroduce minimal fruits

(everyone should eat no more than 2 per day with lots of fats to slow

the release of fructose into the body), and grains, seeds, nuts and

legumes that are properly prepared.

==>We've had many discussions in the past about helping children; try

searching our message archives. When I get time I will be writing up

articles for babies and children as well, but the diet is the same;

their ratios of protein to fat to carbs is based on the amount of

calories they need to consume daily per my main article.

The best in health, Bee

[Guest guest]

Ken,

I'm curious. Where are you suddenly finding so many people with Flatback, the ones you are referring to the site?

Bonnie

[ ] new to group

Hi!

I'm new to this group. Thanks to Ken for letting me know about it. I'm 39 years old and live in the Dallas area. I had Harrington Rod surgery in 1981. In the past 2 years I have noticed increasing difficulty with extended walking, standing and the inability to completely stand straight. I went to a Doctor here in Dallas this week and he said I might need a revision due to flatback syndrome. I had a CT scan done yesterday with the results pending. Dr. Curtis (here in Dallas) wants me to go see Dr. M. LaGrone in Amarillo for a consult. I am originally from Amarillo and that is where my original surgery was done, although not by LaGrone. I'm going to make an appointment as soon as I get my CT results back. I just had a few questions I was hoping someone could answer:

1. After revision (I know everyone is different) when can people go bac work full time? I work in a hospital as a Speech Pathologist and am on my feet quite a bit.

2. Does insurance typically pay for the procedure? Any insurance issues I should be aware of?

3. How long are people typically in rehab after surgery?

4. How long can I expect to be in Amarillo if I decide to have the surgery?

5. For those of you who have had revisions, any pain now? Were you able to resume "normal" or better activity? Any regrets?

I really appreciate any imput as well as input about Dr. LaGrone if anyone has had a revision by him. I have heard nice things about him. Thanks, Melinda

Want to start your own business? Learn how on Small Business.

[Guest guest]

Hi Melinda,

Welcome to the group! I must say it sounds like so far you have been

geting good advice and care from your local ortho. It is not always

that way...many members have had to struggle to find someone who

could diagnose flatback and then make an appropriate referral to

someone well versed in this surgery. It is lucky (if anything in this

scoli life can be called lucky!) that you have found yourself in the

hands of a doc who will a actually work with you as you go forward.

I am just about exactly 2 years from having revision surgery. I am in

the northeast and had surgery with DrRand in Boston...but I did

travel a good distance from my home. I wouldn't let proximity play

too huge of a role in your decision about a surgeon/doctor, if that

becomes necessary for you. DrLaGrone is someone you can rely on to

give you an excellent evaluation and surgical consult. I think

knows more history, but I think DrLaGrone was really one of the first

doctors who really just waded into " flatback " and has worked

diligently to help his patients through this huge surgery. The fact

that you are comfortable in Amarillo and the area might make it even

easier to think about having surgery there.

> 1. After revision (I know everyone is different) when can people

go back to work full time? I work in a hospital as a Speech

Pathologist and am on my feet quite a bit.

I did return to work as an air traffic controller at 3 months, part

time and full time 4 months after surgery. My doctor told me that the

ideal job would be one where you can move about a little...and this

seemed true for me. Right after surgery you are very stiff if you

stay in any one position too long. Your job shouldn't require lifting

or leaning and lifting which are two " no-no's " early on.

>

> 2. Does insurance typically pay for the procedure? Any

insurance issues I should be aware of?

My insurance covered everything except the co-pays and deductibles.

All of my doctors and hospital were " in network " ...except the rehab

facility I was at for 3 days between my staged surgery. You should

really spend an afternoon and understand your insurance policy, and

then when you think you " have it " ...call and speak to a

representative and go over it again so you can be sure you know what

your benefits are. I will guess that you will have to be authorized

for the surgery, but I am not aware of anyone who was diagnosed with

this condition who was not approved for the surgery.

> 3. How long are people typically in rehab after surgery?

As I said, I was staged surgically, day one follwed by a second

surgery a week later. I spent a few days after each surgery in ICU,

then after a few days on a surgical floor they moved me to rehab to

await stage #2. After that surgery I was again in ICU for a couple

days and then 4 more on the main surgical floor....and I was then

released to go home...Yeah! I think everyones experience is very

different in this regard. You will want to ask DrLaGrone what

typically happens for his out of town patients. I don't think it is

all that uncommon for them not to go to rehab, but often they stay in

an area hotel for a week after release just to be on the safe side.

Other LaGrone patients will no doubt jump in.

>

> 4. How long can I expect to be in Amarillo if I decide to have

the surgery?

See above...depends on how your surgery is arranged based on what is

required and your need for rehab. With no extra complications I would

guess around 3 weeks at the very most.

>

> 5. For those of you who have had revisions, any pain now? Were

you able to resume " normal " or better activity? Any regrets?

I highly recommend you go to the Files section from the main site and

at your leisure go through member stories. My own story is good, so

far. I had excruciating hot nerve pain in the buttock...was resolved

by surgery and now am not bothered by pain. Since I could not walk or

stand before surgery my condition is much improved. In fact, as I

write this I am on a trip to Vermont and will do a little snow

shoeing and perhaps X-country skiiing if the weather permits. I am

now an avid swimmer and attribute a lot of my good recovery to good

muscle fitness gained in the water. I have no regrets. I don't know

how much you can read into anothers experience with post op pain. I

think the norm is that there can be residual issues for a long time,

and even forever. Everyone is different. For me, it was worth the

chance that I would get back to a good quality of life. You should

carefuly quiz DrLaGrone on this point....but I doubt you will get any

guarantees about a pain free existence.

I hope this helps and look forward to hearing more from you as you go

through the long process of figuring out what is what. We are all

just patients here...but we have a generous spirit and are willing to

support anyone who has to go through this again.

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Dear Melinda,

Welcome to the group, sorry you find yourself going through this second go around with your scoliosis, but you are among friends here. You are at quite an advantage getting to good doc's and a diagnosis very quickly, many here have gone years looking for a diagnosis not knowing what was going on. You in Dr. La Grone will be getting to a top notch doc, who will be able to give you sound advice on how to go forward.

I'm now 4 years past my last revision ( yes in my case it took more than one) and I'm doing beautifully. I'm a stay at home Mom, and while I didn't work outside the home, I had three kids at home following surgery, and was very active raising them and keeping up a home too. I would definately say I was up to speed caring for them, totally by the three month mark, and even earlier. Things come back in stages, by six weeks I was driving, taking kids to and from places, doing light housework, cooking easy meals. You seem to turn another page at the three month mark, gets easier and you get stronger. I would say it takes a full year to feel your old self in terms of stamina.

I had my revision done locally in the Denver area Dr. Anant Kumar and Dr. O'Brien, everything in network, and covered well, just had to pay co-pays. I only had trouble getting the insurance to pay for the physician's assistant, took months of calls getting that fixed, so if your surgeon has a assistant, pre check if it's covered. While I had no deductables, be aware co-pays can really add up after surgery, med's, medical equipment, various doctor appointments, brace fittings, the month after and during my surgery we had 400.00 in co-pays alone, a big expense if your not rolling in the dough like my family, we were sure tight while going through my recovery. I only went to rehab for a day, didn't like it and went home. Mind you I had a lot of help at home, a 17 year old daughter, a husband and two middle school age kids to help. I also had the support of my church bringing meals for the family( about three weeks) and they also sent someone to sit with me after my husband an daughter went back to school and work. My guess if you have surgery away from home you'd be there at least two or three weeks. I'm very lucky, I have no pain now, and have been painfree since about the three month mark after surgery. Many here have little or no pain, but there are some who have lingering pain issues, although much less, and almost everyone we see here are glad they did it. Before surgery I was a mess, I couldn't walk but a very short distance till I had to sit down to resolve the pain, I couldn't stand, made making dinner or grocery shopping awful, and I couldn't stand up straight enough to see the sky. My world kept getting smaller, and wheelchair was looking good to go places with the family. This has all changed after surgery, I'm upright, level, able to walk and stand for as long as I'd like, and I'm painfree, I got the whole shebang, and I'm so grateful. I went into the surgery looking for my pain to decrease, would have been delighted with that, and got so much more. While there are drawbacks being fused to the sacrum, I get around them with tools, and I'm able to do more after surgery than I was before. Last june I went to the DMV to register my car, the last day of the month, the place was packed, and stood for two hours while I waited for my number to come up, I was able to do it, still just amazing to me. It's things like that that brings home to me what a gift this surgery has been in my life. I have no regrets, wish it had taken less surgery, but alas I did have a complication that required a second revision. Maybe because my battle was a little extended, I really appreciate the gift it has been in my life and that of my family.

Anything we can do to help just ask, and I hope some Dr. La Grone patients chime in with their experiences with him. Also know the site has tons of excellent info, take some time to read there under the files section, member stories are great reading and helps you to feel less alone. A few members have been kind enough to make a diary of their days following surgery, huge help to know how their recoveries went. Their is also an excellent list of questions to ask prospective surgeons. There are also X-Rays their of those who have had surgery with all our new" Bling", interesting to see. So once again welcome, we are here to be of help and support!

Colorado Springs

[ ] new to group

Hi!

I'm new to this group. Thanks to Ken for letting me know about it. I'm 39 years old and live in the Dallas area. I had Harrington Rod surgery in 1981. In the past 2 years I have noticed increasing difficulty with extended walking, standing and the inability to completely stand straight. I went to a Doctor here in Dallas this week and he said I might need a revision due to flatback syndrome. I had a CT scan done yesterday with the results pending. Dr. Curtis (here in Dallas) wants me to go see Dr. M. LaGrone in Amarillo for a consult. I am originally from Amarillo and that is where my original surgery was done, although not by LaGrone. I'm going to make an appointment as soon as I get my CT results back. I just had a few questions I was hoping someone could answer:

1. After revision (I know everyone is different) when can people go back to work full time? I work in a hospital as a Speech Pathologist and am on my feet quite a bit.

2. Does insurance typically pay for the procedure? Any insurance issues I should be aware of?

3. How long are people typically in rehab after surgery?

4. How long can I expect to be in Amarillo if I decide to have the surgery?

5. For those of you who have had revisions, any pain now? Were you able to resume "normal" or better activity? Any regrets?

I really appreciate any imput as well as input about Dr. LaGrone if anyone has had a revision by him. I have heard nice things about him. Thanks, Melinda

Want to start your own business? Learn how on Small Business.

[Guest guest]

Hi Melinda.

Welcome! Ken also brought me to this awesome group. :-)

Just wanted to say that you will LOVE not only Dr. LaGrone, but every

single person in his office. When I went to see him about 3 months

ago I was greeted by very nice people and Dr. LaGrone spent much

quality time explaining and answering however many questions that I

had. He has his office book out-of-town appointments at 3:30P and

makes it his last appointment for the day so that he can dedicate as

much time as you need with him. Nice man indeed.

I have not been operated on by Dr. LaGrone yet, but expect to have an

osteotomy to correct my flat back in about one year, if I can wait

that long.

Welcome.

Marilyn

>

> Hi!

>

> I'm new to this group. Thanks to Ken for letting me know about

it. I'm 39 years old and live in the Dallas area. I had Harrington

Rod surgery in 1981. In the past 2 years I have noticed increasing

difficulty with extended walking, standing and the inability to

completely stand straight. I went to a Doctor here in Dallas this

week and he said I might need a revision due to flatback syndrome. I

had a CT scan done yesterday with the results pending. Dr. Curtis

(here in Dallas) wants me to go see Dr. M. LaGrone in Amarillo for a

consult. I am originally from Amarillo and that is where my original

surgery was done, although not by LaGrone. I'm going to make an

appointment as soon as I get my CT results back. I just had a few

questions I was hoping someone could answer:

>

> 1. After revision (I know everyone is different) when can people

go back to work full time? I work in a hospital as a Speech

Pathologist and am on my feet quite a bit.

>

> 2. Does insurance typically pay for the procedure? Any

insurance issues I should be aware of?

>

> 3. How long are people typically in rehab after surgery?

>

> 4. How long can I expect to be in Amarillo if I decide to have

the surgery?

>

> 5. For those of you who have had revisions, any pain now? Were

you able to resume " normal " or better activity? Any regrets?

>

> I really appreciate any imput as well as input about Dr. LaGrone

if anyone has had a revision by him. I have heard nice things about

him. Thanks, Melinda

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Want to start your own business? Learn how on Small Business.

>