New member

[Guest guest]

,

I can relate to your problem. Last year when I was 48 I had a lumbar

discectomy (L4-L5) after an MRI revealed I had a gigantic herniated

disc. I felt good ten days after the surgery. However, once in awhile

I still get pain in my right leg if I'm not careful and lift something

in an awkward position.

-Bruce-

>

> I just joined this group today. I'm 32 and just had a discectomy

> (L5). It's been almost 6 weeks. I had what one Dr. called " the

> biggest bulge he had ever seen. " I also have two smaller ones above

> that one that were not corrected.

> I rode horses for 21 years and I imagine that is what caused me to

> have such severe problems at such a young age. When I was 18 I began

> having disc problems and sciatic pain. It resolved itself after

> almost a year and working with a gymnastics coach doing stretches.

> I never imagined I wouod have to deal with it again. Now I'm afraid

> I'll always have to deal with this. Although the surgery gave me

> instant relief, I can feel it coming back. I keep hoping it's just

> my imagination or just muscle stiffness, but deep down inside, I

> know what it is.

> Has anyone else had the pain come back after surgery? I was told

> there was a 95% chance everything would be fine and I'd never have a

> problem. I was also told that the numbness in my foot will probably

> never go away.

> I feel lucky that right now I'm pretty OK. But I'm scared to death

> about my future. I can barely function mentally anymore because the

> thought " what if? " haunts my every thought. The pain is nothing

> compared to the effect this has had on my life.

> Hopefully, this group will be helpful. I feel so alone going through

> this. Most people can't relate to what this type of back problem.

> C

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Janice,

I wish I had the answer, and like you I am 5'3'' and cannot shift the weight

either. However, a year in on meds I lost a measly four kilograms and got

very hopeful. However the 4 kilograms as gone back on, but I have levelled

out. I neither lose or gain. I would say I am too tired to exercise and not

too lazy, therefore neither are you! It is part of our condition, and I feel

no matter how well the thyroid get's fixed, weight will unfortunately

continue to be an issue for some of us. I do not weigh myself anymore. I

have my 'fat' wardrobe and my 'thin' wardrobe and simply watch what I eat.

Exercise does not leave me energised as it once did before hypoT got a grip,

now after any exertion I am wrecked for several days after. Sorry, if this

has depressed you!!! Some people are fighting and winning and I am sure you

will find other suggestions on the site,

Good Health,

Val

NEW MEMBER

> Hi my name is Janice and I have Hypothroidism. I found out back in

> April of 2004 I was 108lbs, but feeling tired all the time. I had just

> gotten married the Feb 2004 shortly before, to a military man that

> was gone overseas. I felt helpess at that point, the army moved us to

> SC and since April of last yr I have gained so much weight (131 lbs)

> and have been moved up to 50mg. I'm only 5'3 and feel so uncomfortable

> in all my cloths. I WANT TO LOSE THIS WEGHT!!!!!!!!!! I have tried

> working out but after about a week I get lazy. I don't really eat

> alot, but it's like if I look at food I gain 30 lbs. If anyone has

> been through what I'm going through PLEASE tell me what I need to do

> to improve myself and lose this weight.

>

>

> Janice Fisher

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Val,

what a lovely, honest, down to earth answer - I also find I don't gain

anymore - just stick at about 20lbs overweight! But since I have been

taking Progesterone the weight has turned into more muscle and has

redistributed a bit - I look and feel quite a lot better. I even had a

compliment from a new acquaintance last week - this doesn't happen too

often (except from my darling husband who seems to be able to look

straight past my chubby exterior bless him)

I think in my case it is complicated by co-inciding with peri-menopause

and hysterectomy. Perhaps if Janice is younger it may be easier to lose

the weight ?

Janice it is much more important to get well than to focus on being

overweight - I know how hard it is to be overweight and lose your self

esteem but it is really important to get the right treatment so you will

have a better chance of being able to exercise again and have the

strength to make the right decisions etc - being tired and depressed is

not a good place to start with weight loss.

You are probably under medicated and have you considered taking Armour

Thyroid or adding T3 to your mix?

I have also had great reports on the supplements on Dr 's website.

www.wilsonssyndrome.com

kind regards,

Kerry

Re: NEW MEMBER

Hi Janice,

I wish I had the answer, and like you I am 5'3'' and cannot shift the

weight

either. However, a year in on meds I lost a measly four kilograms and

got

very hopeful. However the 4 kilograms as gone back on, but I have

levelled

out. I neither lose or gain. I would say I am too tired to exercise and

not

too lazy, therefore neither are you! It is part of our condition, and I

feel

no matter how well the thyroid get's fixed, weight will unfortunately

continue to be an issue for some of us. I do not weigh myself anymore. I

have my 'fat' wardrobe and my 'thin' wardrobe and simply watch what I

eat.

Exercise does not leave me energised as it once did before hypoT got a

grip,

now after any exertion I am wrecked for several days after. Sorry, if

this

has depressed you!!! Some people are fighting and winning and I am sure

you

will find other suggestions on the site,

Good Health,

Val

NEW MEMBER

> Hi my name is Janice and I have Hypothroidism. I found out back in

> April of 2004 I was 108lbs, but feeling tired all the time. I had just

> gotten married the Feb 2004 shortly before, to a military man that

> was gone overseas. I felt helpess at that point, the army moved us to

> SC and since April of last yr I have gained so much weight (131 lbs)

> and have been moved up to 50mg. I'm only 5'3 and feel so uncomfortable

> in all my cloths. I WANT TO LOSE THIS WEGHT!!!!!!!!!! I have tried

> working out but after about a week I get lazy. I don't really eat

> alot, but it's like if I look at food I gain 30 lbs. If anyone has

> been through what I'm going through PLEASE tell me what I need to do

> to improve myself and lose this weight.

>

>

> Janice Fisher

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

you will never lose weight if you are undertreated and on a T4 only med.

You will need to add T3 http://www.armourthyroid.com

http://www.geocities.com/thyroide for more sites, books info

Docs generally don't treat hypos very well, so you must do your homework to

be well.

Gracia

> Hi my name is Janice and I have Hypothroidism. I found out back in

> April of 2004 I was 108lbs, but feeling tired all the time. I had just

> gotten married the Feb 2004 shortly before, to a military man that

> was gone overseas. I felt helpess at that point, the army moved us to

> SC and since April of last yr I have gained so much weight (131 lbs)

> and have been moved up to 50mg. I'm only 5'3 and feel so uncomfortable

> in all my cloths. I WANT TO LOSE THIS WEGHT!!!!!!!!!! I have tried

> working out but after about a week I get lazy. I don't really eat

> alot, but it's like if I look at food I gain 30 lbs. If anyone has

> been through what I'm going through PLEASE tell me what I need to do

> to improve myself and lose this weight.

>

>

> Janice Fisher

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Kerry,

Thank you for your comments. Along with my fat and thin wardrobe, I try to

worry less about my hair loss too. My scalp shines through, so what I did

was buy a product that are electrostatic nanofibres, the same shade as my

hair and sprinkle it on like pepper, then spray it with a fixative - then I

am good to go!!!

I am not always this up beat. There are days I cry about my hair loss and

the fact I am female and loath myself, the shape of my body and the fact I

have bouts of depression. But, today, right now, this hour I feel really

good about myself.

Val

NEW MEMBER

>

>

> > Hi my name is Janice and I have Hypothroidism. I found out back in

> > April of 2004 I was 108lbs, but feeling tired all the time. I had just

> > gotten married the Feb 2004 shortly before, to a military man that

> > was gone overseas. I felt helpess at that point, the army moved us to

> > SC and since April of last yr I have gained so much weight (131 lbs)

> > and have been moved up to 50mg. I'm only 5'3 and feel so uncomfortable

> > in all my cloths. I WANT TO LOSE THIS WEGHT!!!!!!!!!! I have tried

> > working out but after about a week I get lazy. I don't really eat

> > alot, but it's like if I look at food I gain 30 lbs. If anyone has

> > been through what I'm going through PLEASE tell me what I need to do

> > to improve myself and lose this weight.

> >

> >

> > Janice Fisher

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Val.

I have not been troubled by hair loss since the first time years ago

when a whole chunk of my hair came out in my hand - properly freaked me

out! But since that period I have been OK in that department - I wonder

if it is something I am taking that is different to you?

Maca is something I began taking about 4 years ago - that is about the

longest running supplement I am taking - apart from high dose B vitamins

and Vit C and zinc - everything else I have added more recently after

my hair had improved again. You probably already do all of these.

anyway I know what you mean about the bad days - although I do seem to

have beaten the depression with the T3 - but I have days that I am quite

disturbed by my appearance as well - I just do as you do and try to make

the best of how I look.....I will certainly share any discovery I make

in this department.

I have had my thin wardrobe waiting for me for over 6 years now - its

all out of fashion and I'm no closer to being able to fit into

it...........the only reason I don't throw it all out is that I have not

given up hope of being my old size again - as I get more energy back and

am stable for awhile I will gradually add some exercise back in....I

have learned that there is no rushing this process.

kind regards,

Kerry

Re: NEW MEMBER

Hi Kerry,

Thank you for your comments. Along with my fat and thin wardrobe, I try

to

worry less about my hair loss too. My scalp shines through, so what I

did

was buy a product that are electrostatic nanofibres, the same shade as

my

hair and sprinkle it on like pepper, then spray it with a fixative -

then I

am good to go!!!

I am not always this up beat. There are days I cry about my hair loss

and

the fact I am female and loath myself, the shape of my body and the fact

I

have bouts of depression. But, today, right now, this hour I feel really

good about myself.

Val

NEW MEMBER

>

>

> > Hi my name is Janice and I have Hypothroidism. I found out back in

> > April of 2004 I was 108lbs, but feeling tired all the time. I had

just

> > gotten married the Feb 2004 shortly before, to a military man that

> > was gone overseas. I felt helpess at that point, the army moved us

to

> > SC and since April of last yr I have gained so much weight (131 lbs)

> > and have been moved up to 50mg. I'm only 5'3 and feel so

uncomfortable

> > in all my cloths. I WANT TO LOSE THIS WEGHT!!!!!!!!!! I have tried

> > working out but after about a week I get lazy. I don't really eat

> > alot, but it's like if I look at food I gain 30 lbs. If anyone has

> > been through what I'm going through PLEASE tell me what I need to do

> > to improve myself and lose this weight.

> >

> >

> > Janice Fisher

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi valerie.

I have had hypothyroidism for over two years now, and same as you and kerry, l

have a wardrobe for my fat and thin things, but keep hopeing l will fit back

into my thin things soon.

Can you tell me if you are brain fogged because, thats how l feel all the time,

l couldn't lose weight, still carn't still, putting it on. I find that during

the the night l wake up every hour, am having a difficult time in remembering

places and name of something very familiar......and forgetful, l have no energy

what so ever, finding it difficult doing this email carn't think right at this

moment sorry

thanks carol

:

>

> Hi Kerry,

>

> Thank you for your comments. Along with my fat and thin wardrobe, I try to

> worry less about my hair loss too. My scalp shines through, so what I did

> was buy a product that are electrostatic nanofibres, the same shade as my

> hair and sprinkle it on like pepper, then spray it with a fixative - then I

> am good to go!!!

>

> I am not always this up beat. There are days I cry about my hair loss and

> the fact I am female and loath myself, the shape of my body and the fact I

> have bouts of depression. But, today, right now, this hour I feel really

> good about myself.

>

> Val

> NEW MEMBER

> >

> >

> > > Hi my name is Janice and I have Hypothroidism. I found out back in

> > > April of 2004 I was 108lbs, but feeling tired all the time. I had just

> > > gotten married the Feb 2004 shortly before, to a military man that

> > > was gone overseas. I felt helpess at that point, the army moved us to

> > > SC and since April of last yr I have gained so much weight (131 lbs)

> > > and have been moved up to 50mg. I'm only 5'3 and feel so uncomfortable

> > > in all my cloths. I WANT TO LOSE THIS WEGHT!!!!!!!!!! I have tried

> > > working out but after about a week I get lazy. I don't really eat

> > > alot, but it's like if I look at food I gain 30 lbs. If anyone has

> > > been through what I'm going through PLEASE tell me what I need to do

> > > to improve myself and lose this weight.

> > >

> > >

> > > Janice Fisher

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol,

I use to have the same problem.The following helped

a lot:

1.Soak 10 almonds in water overnight.Next morning peel

them and take with honey

2.Walnut and apples are also very good in this

condition.

3.Eat an apple with honey and milk (Cow's milk

preferably)

4.Alfaalfa seed are slso beneficial

4.If possible,restrict your diet to three meals.Take

fruits in the morning for brekfast with milk and a

hanful of nuts and seeds.Lunch can consist of steamed

vegetables,whole wheat bread and galss of Butter

milk.For dinner,green vegetable salad and all

vegetable sprouts such as alfaalfa seed,cottage

cheese.

5.Take phosphorus rich foods like

cereals,pulses,nuts,fruit juices and milk.

6.Do Yoga and meditation.Practice shavasana or 'dead

pose'.

7.Learn to relax and get a good night's sleep.

Puneet

--- carol118982 <carol.dodd1@...> wrote:

>

> Hi valerie.

>

> I have had hypothyroidism for over two years now,

> and same as you and kerry, l have a wardrobe for my

> fat and thin things, but keep hopeing l will fit

> back into my thin things soon.

>

> Can you tell me if you are brain fogged because,

> thats how l feel all the time, l couldn't lose

> weight, still carn't still, putting it on. I find

> that during the the night l wake up every hour, am

> having a difficult time in remembering places and

> name of something very familiar......and forgetful,

> l have no energy what so ever, finding it difficult

> doing this email carn't think right at this moment

> sorry

>

> thanks carol

>

>

> :

> >

> > Hi Kerry,

> >

> > Thank you for your comments. Along with my fat and

> thin wardrobe, I try to

> > worry less about my hair loss too. My scalp shines

> through, so what I did

> > was buy a product that are electrostatic

> nanofibres, the same shade as my

> > hair and sprinkle it on like pepper, then spray it

> with a fixative - then I

> > am good to go!!!

> >

> > I am not always this up beat. There are days I cry

> about my hair loss and

> > the fact I am female and loath myself, the shape

> of my body and the fact I

> > have bouts of depression. But, today, right now,

> this hour I feel really

> > good about myself.

> >

> > Val

> > NEW MEMBER

> > >

> > >

> > > > Hi my name is Janice and I have Hypothroidism.

> I found out back in

> > > > April of 2004 I was 108lbs, but feeling tired

> all the time. I had just

> > > > gotten married the Feb 2004 shortly before, to

> a military man that

> > > > was gone overseas. I felt helpess at that

> point, the army moved us to

> > > > SC and since April of last yr I have gained so

> much weight (131 lbs)

> > > > and have been moved up to 50mg. I'm only 5'3

> and feel so uncomfortable

> > > > in all my cloths. I WANT TO LOSE THIS

> WEGHT!!!!!!!!!! I have tried

> > > > working out but after about a week I get lazy.

> I don't really eat

> > > > alot, but it's like if I look at food I gain

> 30 lbs. If anyone has

> > > > been through what I'm going through PLEASE

> tell me what I need to do

> > > > to improve myself and lose this weight.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Janice Fisher

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

__________________________________

- PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005

http://mail.

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol,

I use to have the same problem.The following helped

a lot:

1.Soak 10 almonds in water overnight.Next morning peel

them and take with honey

2.Walnut and apples are also very good in this

condition.

3.Eat an apple with honey and milk (Cow's milk

preferably)

4.Alfaalfa seed are slso beneficial

4.If possible,restrict your diet to three meals.Take

fruits in the morning for brekfast with milk and a

hanful of nuts and seeds.Lunch can consist of steamed

vegetables,whole wheat bread and galss of Butter

milk.For dinner,green vegetable salad and all

vegetable sprouts such as alfaalfa seed,cottage

cheese.

5.Take phosphorus rich foods like

cereals,pulses,nuts,fruit juices and milk.

6.Do Yoga and meditation.Practice shavasana or 'dead

pose'.

7.Learn to relax and get a good night's sleep.

Puneet

>

>

> Hi valerie.

>

> I have had hypothyroidism for over two years now, and same as you

and kerry, l have a wardrobe for my fat and thin things, but keep

hopeing l will fit back into my thin things soon.

>

> Can you tell me if you are brain fogged because, thats how l feel

all the time, l couldn't lose weight, still carn't still, putting it

on. I find that during the the night l wake up every hour, am

having a difficult time in remembering places and name of something

very familiar......and forgetful, l have no energy what so ever,

finding it difficult doing this email carn't think right at this

moment sorry

>

> thanks carol

>

>

> :

> >

> > Hi Kerry,

> >

> > Thank you for your comments. Along with my fat and thin wardrobe,

I try to

> > worry less about my hair loss too. My scalp shines through, so

what I did

> > was buy a product that are electrostatic nanofibres, the same

shade as my

> > hair and sprinkle it on like pepper, then spray it with a fixative

- then I

> > am good to go!!!

> >

> > I am not always this up beat. There are days I cry about my hair

loss and

> > the fact I am female and loath myself, the shape of my body and

the fact I

> > have bouts of depression. But, today, right now, this hour I feel

really

> > good about myself.

> >

> > Val

> > NEW MEMBER

> > >

> > >

> > > > Hi my name is Janice and I have Hypothroidism. I found out back in

> > > > April of 2004 I was 108lbs, but feeling tired all the time. I

had just

> > > > gotten married the Feb 2004 shortly before, to a military man that

> > > > was gone overseas. I felt helpess at that point, the army

moved us to

> > > > SC and since April of last yr I have gained so much weight

(131 lbs)

> > > > and have been moved up to 50mg. I'm only 5'3 and feel so

uncomfortable

> > > > in all my cloths. I WANT TO LOSE THIS WEGHT!!!!!!!!!! I have tried

> > > > working out but after about a week I get lazy. I don't really eat

> > > > alot, but it's like if I look at food I gain 30 lbs. If anyone has

> > > > been through what I'm going through PLEASE tell me what I need

to do

> > > > to improve myself and lose this weight.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Janice Fisher

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

hi Carol.

I take melatonin for sleep and it is excellent............I used to have

the same problems that you do....now my sleep is usually uninterrupted

and deep.

it is very cheap - I get mine from immunesupport.com but I think you can

get it just about any health food store. I take half of a three mg tab

each night just before bed - you mat need up to 5mg. For a while you

feel a bit groggy in the morning - not like on sleeping pills but like

coming slowly out of a deep sleep - but this passes as your body gets

used to a good sleep rhythm again.

The other recommendation I would make for better sleep is to try to

sleep alone as often as you can - this helps me a lot to get good sleep

as well.

I think like all of us your condition is probably more complex than just

HypoT....we have to balance many different aspects of our health - most

of which we didn't even know existed before being ill.

Here are a few more tips to getting to sleep.-

don't watch TV for a few hours before bed (or computer screens)

only read relaxing books - not stimulating ones like mystery novels etc

no coffee or tea after lunch or whenever you personal cut off time is -

for me its about 4pm.

write a list of things to do tomorrow just before bed and then forget

about them.

Oh about the brain fog - this seems to improve as you get more nutrients

and hormone back into your body - mine is much better now after three

years of meds and good supplements. Its not 100% but I can use my mind

to work part time again - I couldn't work for nearly 4 years because I

was so exhausted and my brain was so fuzzy. I spent all my savings and

have gone into debt (my husband with me) in trying to get my health

sorted out....it has been an ordeal for sure but I'm coming out of the

worst of it now so I can reassure you that it is possible to feel better

again.

Kerry

Re: NEW MEMBER

Hi valerie.

I have had hypothyroidism for over two years now, and same as you and

kerry, l have a wardrobe for my fat and thin things, but keep hopeing l

will fit back into my thin things soon.

Can you tell me if you are brain fogged because, thats how l feel all

the time, l couldn't lose weight, still carn't still, putting it on. I

find that during the the night l wake up every hour, am having a

difficult time in remembering places and name of something very

familiar......and forgetful, l have no energy what so ever, finding it

difficult doing this email carn't think right at this moment sorry

thanks carol

:

>

> Hi Kerry,

>

> Thank you for your comments. Along with my fat and thin wardrobe, I

try to

> worry less about my hair loss too. My scalp shines through, so what I

did

> was buy a product that are electrostatic nanofibres, the same shade as

my

> hair and sprinkle it on like pepper, then spray it with a fixative -

then I

> am good to go!!!

>

> I am not always this up beat. There are days I cry about my hair loss

and

> the fact I am female and loath myself, the shape of my body and the

fact I

> have bouts of depression. But, today, right now, this hour I feel

really

> good about myself.

>

> Val

> NEW MEMBER

> >

> >

> > > Hi my name is Janice and I have Hypothroidism. I found out back in

> > > April of 2004 I was 108lbs, but feeling tired all the time. I had

just

> > > gotten married the Feb 2004 shortly before, to a military man that

> > > was gone overseas. I felt helpess at that point, the army moved us

to

> > > SC and since April of last yr I have gained so much weight (131

lbs)

> > > and have been moved up to 50mg. I'm only 5'3 and feel so

uncomfortable

> > > in all my cloths. I WANT TO LOSE THIS WEGHT!!!!!!!!!! I have tried

> > > working out but after about a week I get lazy. I don't really eat

> > > alot, but it's like if I look at food I gain 30 lbs. If anyone has

> > > been through what I'm going through PLEASE tell me what I need to

do

> > > to improve myself and lose this weight.

> > >

> > >

> > > Janice Fisher

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

However my issue is with the medical community. My MD will not even

consider, she is still stunned that I actually have hypothyroisim, I

was the one who had to insist on the antibody test to clarify. She

states that all T4 is converted to T3, so that is not needed. I have

an appt coming up with an endocr, so hopefully he will be more

knowledgable and receptive. Her solution is to do gastric by-pass

surgery to combat my 100+ extra lbs. PLEASE, let's work on the

chemical imbalance in my body before you start chopping me up!!!

***grrrr***

>

>

> you will never lose weight if you are undertreated and on a T4 only

med.

> You will need to add T3 http://www.armourthyroid.com

> http://www.geocities.com/thyroide for more sites, books info

> Docs generally don't treat hypos very well, so you must do your

homework to

> be well.

> Gracia

>

> > Hi my name is Janice and I have Hypothroidism. I found out back in

> > April of 2004 I was 108lbs, but feeling tired all the time. I had

just

> > gotten married the Feb 2004 shortly before, to a military man

that

> > was gone overseas. I felt helpess at that point, the army moved

us to

> > SC and since April of last yr I have gained so much weight (131

lbs)

> > and have been moved up to 50mg. I'm only 5'3 and feel so

uncomfortable

> > in all my cloths. I WANT TO LOSE THIS WEGHT!!!!!!!!!! I have tried

> > working out but after about a week I get lazy. I don't really eat

> > alot, but it's like if I look at food I gain 30 lbs. If anyone has

> > been through what I'm going through PLEASE tell me what I need to

do

> > to improve myself and lose this weight.

> >

> >

> > Janice Fisher

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

However my issue is with the medical community. My MD will not even

consider, she is still stunned that I actually have hypothyroisim, I

was the one who had to insist on the antibody test to clarify. She

states that all T4 is converted to T3, so that is not needed. I have

an appt coming up with an endocr, so hopefully he will be more

knowledgable and receptive. Her solution is to do gastric by-pass

surgery to combat my 100+ extra lbs. PLEASE, let's work on the

chemical imbalance in my body before you start chopping me up!!!

***grrrr***

>

>

> you will never lose weight if you are undertreated and on a T4 only

med.

> You will need to add T3 http://www.armourthyroid.com

> http://www.geocities.com/thyroide for more sites, books info

> Docs generally don't treat hypos very well, so you must do your

homework to

> be well.

> Gracia

>

> > Hi my name is Janice and I have Hypothroidism. I found out back in

> > April of 2004 I was 108lbs, but feeling tired all the time. I had

just

> > gotten married the Feb 2004 shortly before, to a military man

that

> > was gone overseas. I felt helpess at that point, the army moved

us to

> > SC and since April of last yr I have gained so much weight (131

lbs)

> > and have been moved up to 50mg. I'm only 5'3 and feel so

uncomfortable

> > in all my cloths. I WANT TO LOSE THIS WEGHT!!!!!!!!!! I have tried

> > working out but after about a week I get lazy. I don't really eat

> > alot, but it's like if I look at food I gain 30 lbs. If anyone has

> > been through what I'm going through PLEASE tell me what I need to

do

> > to improve myself and lose this weight.

> >

> >

> > Janice Fisher

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

RUN IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THIS DOC!!

mn_mom2003 <G.Rahn@...> wrote:However my issue is with the medical

community. My MD will not even

consider, she is still stunned that I actually have hypothyroisim, I

was the one who had to insist on the antibody test to clarify. She

states that all T4 is converted to T3, so that is not needed. I have

an appt coming up with an endocr, so hopefully he will be more

knowledgable and receptive. Her solution is to do gastric by-pass

surgery to combat my 100+ extra lbs. PLEASE, let's work on the

chemical imbalance in my body before you start chopping me up!!!

***grrrr***

>

>

> you will never lose weight if you are undertreated and on a T4 only

med.

> You will need to add T3 http://www.armourthyroid.com

> http://www.geocities.com/thyroide for more sites, books info

> Docs generally don't treat hypos very well, so you must do your

homework to

> be well.

> Gracia

>

> > Hi my name is Janice and I have Hypothroidism. I found out back in

> > April of 2004 I was 108lbs, but feeling tired all the time. I had

just

> > gotten married the Feb 2004 shortly before, to a military man

that

> > was gone overseas. I felt helpess at that point, the army moved

us to

> > SC and since April of last yr I have gained so much weight (131

lbs)

> > and have been moved up to 50mg. I'm only 5'3 and feel so

uncomfortable

> > in all my cloths. I WANT TO LOSE THIS WEGHT!!!!!!!!!! I have tried

> > working out but after about a week I get lazy. I don't really eat

> > alot, but it's like if I look at food I gain 30 lbs. If anyone has

> > been through what I'm going through PLEASE tell me what I need to

do

> > to improve myself and lose this weight.

> >

> >

> > Janice Fisher

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

---------------------------------

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

[Guest guest]

Hi Carole,

My brain fog was terrible, and became a bit of a joke within my family. I

was saying things like 'drain dog' and 'brain frog', when I tried to

describe how I was feeling. I used to stutter as well, all this before meds,

and only gradually improved once I started going up in dose. At work it was

difficult because I spend alot of my time doing conciliation between warring

couples in contact disputes over their children. What I was finding was I

would look down at the file get the clients names in my head, but the moment

I saw them I instantly forgot! So as not to look to unprofessional and

clueless, I started saying, 'and what does father say to mother's proposal?

Probably ticked them off, but it was better than looking down at the file

every minute or reading biro on the palms of my hand. I suppose what I am

saying is, it gets better and just be patient with yourself during this

time.

Val.

NEW MEMBER

> > >

> > >

> > > > Hi my name is Janice and I have Hypothroidism. I found out back in

> > > > April of 2004 I was 108lbs, but feeling tired all the time. I had

> just

> > > > gotten married the Feb 2004 shortly before, to a military man that

> > > > was gone overseas. I felt helpess at that point, the army moved us

> to

> > > > SC and since April of last yr I have gained so much weight (131

> lbs)

> > > > and have been moved up to 50mg. I'm only 5'3 and feel so

> uncomfortable

> > > > in all my cloths. I WANT TO LOSE THIS WEGHT!!!!!!!!!! I have tried

> > > > working out but after about a week I get lazy. I don't really eat

> > > > alot, but it's like if I look at food I gain 30 lbs. If anyone has

> > > > been through what I'm going through PLEASE tell me what I need to

> do

> > > > to improve myself and lose this weight.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Janice Fisher

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

Carole,

Going by your e-mail address are you a fellow U.K. sufferer of this

condition? If so, how have you found the doc's treat you?

Val

NEW MEMBER

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > > Hi my name is Janice and I have Hypothroidism.

> > I found out back in

> > > > > April of 2004 I was 108lbs, but feeling tired

> > all the time. I had just

> > > > > gotten married the Feb 2004 shortly before, to

> > a military man that

> > > > > was gone overseas. I felt helpess at that

> > point, the army moved us to

> > > > > SC and since April of last yr I have gained so

> > much weight (131 lbs)

> > > > > and have been moved up to 50mg. I'm only 5'3

> > and feel so uncomfortable

> > > > > in all my cloths. I WANT TO LOSE THIS

> > WEGHT!!!!!!!!!! I have tried

> > > > > working out but after about a week I get lazy.

> > I don't really eat

> > > > > alot, but it's like if I look at food I gain

> > 30 lbs. If anyone has

> > > > > been through what I'm going through PLEASE

> > tell me what I need to do

> > > > > to improve myself and lose this weight.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > Janice Fisher

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

>

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________

> - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005

> http://mail.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Vonnie,

Welcome to the group! I'm , Had revision in Colorado in 2002, and I'm

doing great. You are in excellent hands with Dr. Rand, many in the group

have been revisied by him. Our Groups moderator Cam, went through revision

with him fairly recently, and she'd be a great one to ask questions to! I'm

sure she'll chime in soon! There are stories that each of us have written

about our journey through Flatback in the files section. Thats a great place

to start, to see that there are many of us fighting this second battle with

Scoliosis. We are so happy you are here, and have a good doc, and we look

forward to hearing more from you! Feel free to ask any questions, we have

been through it and are a great resource. Welcome!!!!!

Colorado Springs

[ ] NEW MEMBER

> HI,MY NAME IS VONNIE AND I AM A NEW MEMBER TO THIS GROUP.I TALKED TO

> CAMERON AND SHE TOLD ME ALL ABOUT THE GROUP AND ALSO THAT I AM A

> FLATBACK.I NEVER HEARD OF THAT WORD BEFORE OR BEEN CALLED THAT.I HAD

> THE HARRINGTON ROD PUT IN WHEN I WAS 11 YRS. OLD BECAUSE I HAD 3

> CURVATURES OF THE SPINE AND THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE DIED WITHIN A

> MONTH BECAUSE IT WAS GOING INTO MY HEART AND LUNGS SO MY PARENTS TOOK

> ME TO THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AND I HAD 2 SURGERIES THEN.IN THE LAST

> 10 YEARS I HAVE HAD ALOT OF PAIN ON THE RIGHT SIDE, ALOT OF DR.'S

> DIDN'T WANT TO TOUCH ME THEN I FOUND DR. MANFIELD AT THE MASS GENERAL

> AND IN 2002 HE DID A SURGERY TO HELP RELIEVE THE PAIN BUT IT FAILED

> AND THEN HE DID ANOTHER IN 2003 AND THAT WAS A FAILURE ALSO..SO MY

> PRIMARY DR. TOLD ME TO SEE DR. RAND AT NEW ENGLAND BAPTIST HE TOLD ME

> I NEEDED A SET OF 3 SURGERIES TO HELP ME.SO THAT'S WHERE I STAND

> NOW.I WILL BE HAVING THE SURGERIES THE END OF APRIL BEGINING OF MAY

> WHEN THE WEATHER GETS A LITTLE WARMER SO I CAN DO THE WALKING THAT HE

> SAID I NEED TO DO AFTER THE SURGERY.I HAVE TALKED TO 2 LADIES THAT

> DR. RAND GAVE ME THEIR NAMES AND I HAVE HEARD NOTHING BUT GREAT

> RESULTS FROM THE 2.SO I WILL TRY THIS ONE MORE TIME AND HOPEFULLY

> THIS WILL BE IT.I AM JUST REALLY TIRED OF BEING IN PAIN DAILY AND NOT

> BEING ABLE TO WALK OR STAND OR DO JUST ABOUT ANYTHING.SO ANYTHING

> THAT ANYONE CAN TELL ME ABOUT THIS SURGERY WILL HELP ME

> ALOT.THANKS,VONNIE

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group vonnie!

I am also a patient of Dr Rands My 2 stage was done in April,2005

and I am happy with the results my standing straighter and I have

more endurance. If you read some of my psat poststs or others you

will learn what its like. Don't be afraid to ask questions, I'm sure

any of us would try to answere as best we can.

If you dont mind,... What kind of surgery did you get in 2002 and

2003? What actually was done?

p.s. I am one of the slackers in the group so you might not hear

from me too much, SORRY. Wish I could keep more in touch but I do

ocasionaly pop in.

>

> HI,MY NAME IS VONNIE AND I AM A NEW MEMBER TO THIS GROUP.I TALKED

TO

> CAMERON AND SHE TOLD ME ALL ABOUT THE GROUP AND ALSO THAT I AM A

> FLATBACK.I NEVER HEARD OF THAT WORD BEFORE OR BEEN CALLED THAT.I

HAD

> THE HARRINGTON ROD PUT IN WHEN I WAS 11 YRS. OLD BECAUSE I HAD 3

> CURVATURES OF THE SPINE AND THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE DIED WITHIN A

> MONTH BECAUSE IT WAS GOING INTO MY HEART AND LUNGS SO MY PARENTS

TOOK

> ME TO THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AND I HAD 2 SURGERIES THEN.IN THE

LAST

> 10 YEARS I HAVE HAD ALOT OF PAIN ON THE RIGHT SIDE, ALOT OF DR.'S

> DIDN'T WANT TO TOUCH ME THEN I FOUND DR. MANFIELD AT THE MASS

GENERAL

> AND IN 2002 HE DID A SURGERY TO HELP RELIEVE THE PAIN BUT IT FAILED

> AND THEN HE DID ANOTHER IN 2003 AND THAT WAS A FAILURE ALSO..SO MY

> PRIMARY DR. TOLD ME TO SEE DR. RAND AT NEW ENGLAND BAPTIST HE TOLD

ME

> I NEEDED A SET OF 3 SURGERIES TO HELP ME.SO THAT'S WHERE I STAND

> NOW.I WILL BE HAVING THE SURGERIES THE END OF APRIL BEGINING OF MAY

> WHEN THE WEATHER GETS A LITTLE WARMER SO I CAN DO THE WALKING THAT

HE

> SAID I NEED TO DO AFTER THE SURGERY.I HAVE TALKED TO 2 LADIES THAT

> DR. RAND GAVE ME THEIR NAMES AND I HAVE HEARD NOTHING BUT GREAT

> RESULTS FROM THE 2.SO I WILL TRY THIS ONE MORE TIME AND HOPEFULLY

> THIS WILL BE IT.I AM JUST REALLY TIRED OF BEING IN PAIN DAILY AND

NOT

> BEING ABLE TO WALK OR STAND OR DO JUST ABOUT ANYTHING.SO ANYTHING

> THAT ANYONE CAN TELL ME ABOUT THIS SURGERY WILL HELP ME

> ALOT.THANKS,VONNIE

>

[Guest guest]

Vonnie,

Welcome. I suspect most won't catch that Cam told you about this group

(we don't ever see her referred to as Cameron). She is great! You have

found a lovely spot. At what levels are you fused presently and what

does Dr. Rand plan to do? It is always interesting to read about

others' stories and can be very helpful (there is likely more than one

person that can relate to your story). I had my first fusion at age 10

and second at age 13. I've never really known what it would be like not

to have to deal with scoliosis or surgeries. But, for whatever reason,

it's never bothered me much. What does bother me is the extreme pain I

am having, which interferes with my daily activities. Fortunately, I am

having revision surgery in December - will be fused from T4 to S1.

You've got a few months to ask questions. Know we will do our best to

help!

kam

[Guest guest]

Hi Vonnie and welcome to the group!

I think you will find an answer to just about any question you might

have here. There a a number of folks who have had to have multiple

surgeries as is the case with you.

I just want to clarify that I didn't say you had flatback! Lord

knows I am not a doctor and don't know a thing about your specific

condition....I just assume our surgeries are somewhat similar as Dr

Rand suggested you contact me. It may be, for instance, that your

saggital alignment has already been addressed in the earlier salvage

surgeries....you may just need additional fusion. I was just

speculating a fixed saggital imbalance might be the case based on

the year of your original surgery!

Anyway, I have complete confidence that if Dr Rand didn't think he

could improve your situation he wouldn't undertake it. So let's

cross our fingers. I am sorry you will have to gear up again for

such big surgery...you must have incredible strength and resolve!

Any specific questions...please ask.

Here is to hoping for better days for you,

Cam

[Guest guest]

Thanks Cam,I am learning alot from this group,I can't believe there are so many people out there like me..I appreciate all the info I am getting from you and the group.I don't know where I am fused from all I know is I have a harrington rod put in me when I was younger and another rod too it's from half way down the back to the end of the back..Dr.Rand said something about L4 and 5 but when I go back to him in feb. I will find out more cause I think I was in shock when he told me I had to have the set of 3 surgeries that I blocked out everything he was saying.But I have alot of questions writen down for him when I go back.I just hope after all these are done I feel alot better than I do now..But thanks for everything and I will be keeping in touch with all of you nice people...Vonniecammaltby <cammaltby@...> wrote:

Hi Vonnie and welcome to the group!I think you will find an answer to just about any question you might have here. There a a number of folks who have had to have multiple surgeries as is the case with you.I just want to clarify that I didn't say you had flatback! Lord knows I am not a doctor and don't know a thing about your specific condition....I just assume our surgeries are somewhat similar as Dr Rand suggested you contact me. It may be, for instance, that your saggital alignment has already been addressed in the earlier salvage surgeries....you may just need additional fusion. I was just speculating a fixed saggital imbalance might be the case based on the year of your original surgery!Anyway, I have complete confidence that if Dr Rand didn't think he could improve your situation he wouldn't undertake it.

So let's cross our fingers. I am sorry you will have to gear up again for such big surgery...you must have incredible strength and resolve!Any specific questions...please ask.Here is to hoping for better days for you,Cam

FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click.

[Guest guest]

Hi Kam,I really don't know what levels I am fused at I had them done when I was young also,I know there were 2 rods in there one from the top of my back all the way down and the other rod stared in the middle of my back and went down.But in 2002 Dr. Mansfield operated on the lower one cause it had broken off and he tried to fuse it again and he had to go back in in 2003 to take it out cause it didn't work.So after he told me I had to live with the pain I went to Dr.Rand for a second opinion and he told me about the set of 3 surgeries that he will be doing in april or may of 2006..I was really in schock that I had to have this back operated on again that I went blank and didn't ask many questions.But now I have them all written down and will be asking them in feb. when I go see him again and have a test done.He did say someting about L4 + 5 but I'm really not sure..So are you having the same operation the set of 3 and is Dr.Rand doing your operation? I was waiting for the warmer

weather to come so I can do the walking that he said was for rehap..Some days I don't think I can wait cause I'm in so much pain but I have been in this pain for so long it's a part of my life..Well I wish you well with your surgery and keep in touch and tell me all about it..Take Care,Vonnieadvokam <advokam@...> wrote:

Vonnie,Welcome. I suspect most won't catch that Cam told you about this group (we don't ever see her referred to as Cameron). She is great! You have found a lovely spot. At what levels are you fused presently and what does Dr. Rand plan to do? It is always interesting to read about others' stories and can be very helpful (there is likely more than one person that can relate to your story). I had my first fusion at age 10 and second at age 13. I've never really known what it would be like not to have to deal with scoliosis or surgeries. But, for whatever reason, it's never bothered me much. What does bother me is the extreme pain I am having, which interferes with my daily activities. Fortunately, I am having revision surgery in December - will be fused from T4 to S1.You've got a few months to ask questions. Know we will do

our best to help!kam

FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click.

[Guest guest]

Thank you ,it seems like there are alot of great people in this group and I am new to this and will be reading all of the files and etc. to learn more about it.Cam seems to be doing great so I am glad I picked Dr. Rand to go to and I loved him cause he knew exactly what was going on with me..I will be having my surgery in april or may of 2006.Some days I really can't wait so I can be pain free.Well hopefully I will be in less pain than I am now..Thanks for all your help, Vonnie Kirkaldie <.Kirkaldie@...> wrote:

Dear Vonnie,Welcome to the group! I'm , Had revision in Colorado in 2002, and I'm doing great. You are in excellent hands with Dr. Rand, many in the group have been revisied by him. Our Groups moderator Cam, went through revision with him fairly recently, and she'd be a great one to ask questions to! I'm sure she'll chime in soon! There are stories that each of us have written about our journey through Flatback in the files section. Thats a great place to start, to see that there are many of us fighting this second battle with Scoliosis. We are so happy you are here, and have a good doc, and we look forward to hearing more from you! Feel free to ask any questions, we have been through it and are a great resource. Welcome!!!!!Colorado Springs [ ] NEW MEMBER> HI,MY NAME IS VONNIE AND I AM A NEW MEMBER TO THIS GROUP.I TALKED TO> CAMERON AND SHE TOLD ME ALL ABOUT THE GROUP AND ALSO THAT I AM A> FLATBACK.I NEVER HEARD OF THAT WORD BEFORE OR BEEN CALLED THAT.I HAD> THE HARRINGTON ROD PUT IN WHEN I WAS 11 YRS. OLD BECAUSE I HAD 3> CURVATURES OF THE SPINE AND THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE DIED WITHIN A> MONTH BECAUSE IT WAS GOING INTO MY HEART AND LUNGS SO MY PARENTS TOOK> ME TO THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AND I HAD 2 SURGERIES THEN.IN THE LAST> 10 YEARS I HAVE HAD ALOT OF PAIN ON THE RIGHT SIDE, ALOT OF DR.'S> DIDN'T WANT TO TOUCH ME THEN I FOUND DR. MANFIELD AT THE MASS GENERAL> AND IN 2002 HE DID A SURGERY TO HELP RELIEVE THE PAIN BUT IT FAILED> AND THEN HE DID ANOTHER IN 2003 AND THAT WAS A FAILURE

ALSO..SO MY> PRIMARY DR. TOLD ME TO SEE DR. RAND AT NEW ENGLAND BAPTIST HE TOLD ME> I NEEDED A SET OF 3 SURGERIES TO HELP ME.SO THAT'S WHERE I STAND> NOW.I WILL BE HAVING THE SURGERIES THE END OF APRIL BEGINING OF MAY> WHEN THE WEATHER GETS A LITTLE WARMER SO I CAN DO THE WALKING THAT HE> SAID I NEED TO DO AFTER THE SURGERY.I HAVE TALKED TO 2 LADIES THAT> DR. RAND GAVE ME THEIR NAMES AND I HAVE HEARD NOTHING BUT GREAT> RESULTS FROM THE 2.SO I WILL TRY THIS ONE MORE TIME AND HOPEFULLY> THIS WILL BE IT.I AM JUST REALLY TIRED OF BEING IN PAIN DAILY AND NOT> BEING ABLE TO WALK OR STAND OR DO JUST ABOUT ANYTHING.SO ANYTHING> THAT ANYONE CAN TELL ME ABOUT THIS SURGERY WILL HELP ME> ALOT.THANKS,VONNIE>>>>>>>>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates>

[Guest guest]

Dear Vonnie,

Sorry you have been through so many surgeries, I've had four. My revisions weren't staged, just one huge surgery. I did mine in the winter since I hate wearing the TLSO brace and couldn't imagine wearing it in the summer. I know it's hard to wait for surgery when you are ready, that just want to get it over thing kicks in. You have a great doc and thats half the battle. I was lucky going into this mess since I only had one Harrington rod, and since the hooks had cut out years ago, it was easy for Dr. Kumar to remove. I have it in a bag at home. Any questions you have just ask, good to talk to you!

Colorado Springs

[ ] NEW MEMBER> HI,MY NAME IS VONNIE AND I AM A NEW MEMBER TO THIS GROUP.I TALKED TO> CAMERON AND SHE TOLD ME ALL ABOUT THE GROUP AND ALSO THAT I AM A> FLATBACK.I NEVER HEARD OF THAT WORD BEFORE OR BEEN CALLED THAT.I HAD> THE HARRINGTON ROD PUT IN WHEN I WAS 11 YRS. OLD BECAUSE I HAD 3> CURVATURES OF THE SPINE AND THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE DIED WITHIN A> MONTH BECAUSE IT WAS GOING INTO MY HEART AND LUNGS SO MY PARENTS TOOK> ME TO THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AND I HAD 2 SURGERIES THEN.IN THE LAST> 10 YEARS I HAVE HAD ALOT OF PAIN ON THE RIGHT SIDE, ALOT OF DR.'S> DIDN'T WANT TO TOUCH ME THEN I FOUND DR. MANFIELD AT THE MASS GENERAL> AND IN 2002 HE DID A SURGERY TO HELP RELIEVE THE PAIN BUT IT FAILED> AND THEN HE DID ANOTHER IN 2003 AND THAT WAS A FAILURE ALSO..SO MY> PRIMARY DR. TOLD ME TO SEE DR. RAND AT NEW ENGLAND BAPTIST HE TOLD ME> I NEEDED A SET OF 3 SURGERIES TO HELP ME.SO THAT'S WHERE I STAND> NOW.I WILL BE HAVING THE SURGERIES THE END OF APRIL BEGINING OF MAY> WHEN THE WEATHER GETS A LITTLE WARMER SO I CAN DO THE WALKING THAT HE> SAID I NEED TO DO AFTER THE SURGERY.I HAVE TALKED TO 2 LADIES THAT> DR. RAND GAVE ME THEIR NAMES AND I HAVE HEARD NOTHING BUT GREAT> RESULTS FROM THE 2.SO I WILL TRY THIS ONE MORE TIME AND HOPEFULLY> THIS WILL BE IT.I AM JUST REALLY TIRED OF BEING IN PAIN DAILY AND NOT> BEING ABLE TO WALK OR STAND OR DO JUST ABOUT ANYTHING.SO ANYTHING> THAT ANYONE CAN TELL ME ABOUT THIS SURGERY WILL HELP ME> ALOT.THANKS,VONNIE>>>>>>>>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates>

[Guest guest]

Well I didn't know I would be a brace either..oh boy...well I was in a body cast for a few years when it was first done like 38 yrs. ago.and I had to stay in bed for 6 months without even sitting up..that was hard when I was younger I will never forget that.Thanks for all the info I am learning more and more everyday. Kirkaldie <.Kirkaldie@...> wrote:

Dear Vonnie,

Sorry you have been through so many surgeries, I've had four. My revisions weren't staged, just one huge surgery. I did mine in the winter since I hate wearing the TLSO brace and couldn't imagine wearing it in the summer. I know it's hard to wait for surgery when you are ready, that just want to get it over thing kicks in. You have a great doc and thats half the battle. I was lucky going into this mess since I only had one Harrington rod, and since the hooks had cut out years ago, it was easy for Dr. Kumar to remove. I have it in a bag at home. Any questions you have just ask, good to talk to you!

Colorado Springs

[ ] NEW MEMBER> HI,MY NAME IS VONNIE AND I AM A NEW MEMBER TO THIS GROUP.I TALKED TO> CAMERON AND SHE TOLD ME ALL ABOUT THE GROUP AND ALSO THAT I AM A> FLATBACK.I NEVER HEARD OF THAT WORD BEFORE OR BEEN CALLED THAT.I HAD> THE HARRINGTON ROD PUT IN WHEN I WAS 11 YRS. OLD BECAUSE I HAD 3> CURVATURES OF THE SPINE AND THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE DIED WITHIN A> MONTH BECAUSE IT WAS GOING INTO MY HEART AND LUNGS SO MY PARENTS TOOK> ME TO THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AND I HAD 2 SURGERIES THEN.IN THE LAST> 10 YEARS I HAVE HAD ALOT OF PAIN ON THE RIGHT SIDE, ALOT OF DR.'S> DIDN'T WANT TO TOUCH ME THEN I FOUND DR. MANFIELD AT THE MASS GENERAL> AND IN 2002 HE DID A SURGERY TO HELP RELIEVE THE PAIN BUT IT FAILED> AND THEN HE DID ANOTHER IN 2003 AND THAT WAS A FAILURE

ALSO..SO MY> PRIMARY DR. TOLD ME TO SEE DR. RAND AT NEW ENGLAND BAPTIST HE TOLD ME> I NEEDED A SET OF 3 SURGERIES TO HELP ME.SO THAT'S WHERE I STAND> NOW.I WILL BE HAVING THE SURGERIES THE END OF APRIL BEGINING OF MAY> WHEN THE WEATHER GETS A LITTLE WARMER SO I CAN DO THE WALKING THAT HE> SAID I NEED TO DO AFTER THE SURGERY.I HAVE TALKED TO 2 LADIES THAT> DR. RAND GAVE ME THEIR NAMES AND I HAVE HEARD NOTHING BUT GREAT> RESULTS FROM THE 2.SO I WILL TRY THIS ONE MORE TIME AND HOPEFULLY> THIS WILL BE IT.I AM JUST REALLY TIRED OF BEING IN PAIN DAILY AND NOT> BEING ABLE TO WALK OR STAND OR DO JUST ABOUT ANYTHING.SO ANYTHING> THAT ANYONE CAN TELL ME ABOUT THIS SURGERY WILL HELP ME> ALOT.THANKS,VONNIE>>>>>>>>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates>

[Guest guest]

Vonnie,

I am sure you are now compiling a list of questions for your Feb

visit...I know well the feeling of unreality that seems to take over

that visit when you feel like you are deciding your " fate " . I do

recall Dr Rand taking about an hour to go over all my

questions...very patient man.

I hope if you did not have someone with you at the first visit that

you are able to have someone go with you the next time you have an

appointment. This will be a particularly important visit to have

another set of ears in the room with you. My husband came to my

visits with me, and I had briefed him on the list of questons so I

could make sure we covered everything.

I think we talked about this already...but to clarify the " 3

surgeries " ...for me, the three surgeries took place as two events,

meaning: Surgery #l was posterior...disc decompression/lami,

shortened old HR and did some clean up work preparatory to the

subsequent surgeries. A week later at surgery # 2 they started on

the anterior side, removed rotten old L4 and L5 discs and placed

cages...then they turned me and began what is called surgery #3

where he placed all the remaining hardware and tied it all

together...(in my case the hardware is united to my old Harrington

Rod which he left in place.) So even though it is 3 surgeries...to

the patient it only feels like 2....which is saying a lot because

gearing up for 3 in a row would be a challenge!

I know it is a long way off, and I know your loved ones probably

think they know what to expect with regard to your surgery and

aftercare....but NEBH offers a " class " for all patients pending

surgery which they would like the patient and their supporter to

attend. I think it was a good class for me and an excellent class

for my husband...it kind of opened his eyes a little wider to what

the period right after surgery and early recovery would be like.

Since you are close enough to NEBH to attend...I would very much

recommend it.

Good hearing that you are enjoying our company. It is fair to say we

are always sad that someone has to join the group, but we aim to see

that no one has to feel alone going through this...so we are happy

that you are here.

Take Care, Cam