question

[Guest guest]

I have been living with Arthur for over 25 years, diagnosed at age 4.

Like you I only had the typical nsaids... And gold, etc.

I have major deformities, and use a wheelchair to get around... Mine had

been active, severely, for years.

Then, 2 years ago I started Remicade, which is very similar to Enbrel,

and it worked wonders. It too is paired with Methotrexate, but only for

one reason. The insurance companies REQUIRE it with a biologic drug, to

hinder the body rejecting the protein/drug.

Now, I'm not saying that I have no effects of Arthur any more,,, I still

have the damage that was done... That won't come back. But this I why I

started it... And IT WORKS.

I weighted the options of side effects, they were minimal. The biggest

unknown for me was the future. None of us really know how this disease

effects the body LONG term. In time, does it effect your heart, lungs,

whatever, as you age? Because of that, it is/was worth while to stop

this disease in it's tracks.

I hope this helps... Feel free to contact me off group if you'd like.

Also, My wife was on enbrel and metho... And she agrees with the above.

Fischer

DPA Architects, Inc.

pfischer@...

question

This question is for Donna and any adults who have had RA/JRA for a long

time.......

Have any of you taken Enbrel and/or Methotrexate?

Donna, u know me personally and I like you have the " deformities " of RA.

If you took either or both of these...HOW did they help?

I have been reading the posts about JRA being put into medical remission

with the use of these. I don't have alot of pain...my problems are the

functioning of my body etc and I wondered if wither of these would do

any good.

I was dx at the age of 3 back in 1971 - we only used NSAID's back then.

I take Celebrex, and 2 mg of pred daily. I used to take gold shots. I

have never been on any of these drugs -like Enbrel and Metho - so I am

wondering what good they could do me.

We are STILL trying to have another baby and I know I cant take metho

while trying to do that and I dont think I can take Enbrel while trying

- I am just looking to my future.

Thanks for any help. Hope you all have a great and pain free

Valentine's Day.

36 (poly since age of 3)

[Guest guest]

It's like the to be or not to be question....

I have had polyJRA since age 5 but it only became more severely

active in my preteens. I have deformaties but they are not as

noticible as what I have seen in some others. I use a scooter to get

around and also deal with Fibromyalgia. I have been on MTX a few

times and it helps but the side effects are pretty severe with me. I

am particularly sensitive to a lot of medications. I tried Embrel but

had an allergic reaction to it so there went that one however, I have

heard wonderful and seen wonderful results with a lot of the new

biologics. Of course, as Pete said and others, one never knows in the

long run, etc and also I agree with Donna in that I too have heard

horror stories. My reaction wasnt severe but enough to stop the drug

and not take the chance.

My disease is still pretty active and I do deal with more pain than

anything else. The medication seems to help a lot of people because

it can stop the diesease function and than they are able to work on

rehabing their 'viable' joints in the mean time making themselves

stronger, etc.

Personaly, for me, I think it's worth the trial if insurance will

cover it because if disease process is happening, of course, that

means future damage, possible pain and difficulty but there are pros

and cons with everything.

It's good that you are only on a low dose of prednisone but of

course, that has its potentialy detrimental effects as well so maybe

it's worth a try to possibly get you off of that one.

I've heard that a lot of insurances will not approve the use of

biologics unless you have been on MTX and other DMARDS first with

failure, and than will pay for biologics combined with MTX but I

don't know if that is the case with all insurances. Just something I

heard in the pipeline when I was making my decision regarding the

medications.

Best of fortune

>

> This question is for Donna and any adults who have had RA/JRA for a

long

> time.......

> Have any of you taken Enbrel and/or Methotrexate?

> Donna, u know me personally and I like you have the " deformities "

of RA. If

> you took either or both of these...HOW did they help?

> I have been reading the posts about JRA being put into medical

remission with

> the use of these. I don't have alot of pain...my problems are the

> functioning of my body etc and I wondered if wither of these would

do any good.

> I was dx at the age of 3 back in 1971 - we only used NSAID's back

then. I

> take Celebrex, and 2 mg of pred daily. I used to take gold shots.

I have never

> been on any of these drugs -like Enbrel and Metho - so I am

wondering what

> good they could do me.

> We are STILL trying to have another baby and I know I cant take

metho while

> trying to do that and I dont think I can take Enbrel while trying -

I am just

> looking to my future.

> Thanks for any help. Hope you all have a great and pain free

Valentine's Day.

>

> 36 (poly since age of 3)

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Gold was a treatment give, very often, to persons with RA in the mid

80's.

It's literally the metal gold in a serum.. Injected into the body.

I was on this for 3 months, maybe longer. It did nothing until my body

began to reject it. I found out I'm allergic to Gold injections.

Fischer

DPA Architects, Inc.

pfischer@...

RE: question

Ok I'm new to this drug stuff! What is Gold?

--

Lorilee

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ken 47 {PolyRA}

6 {Systemic JRA, Eczema},

Kayla 15 {Healthy Thank God}

18 {Asthma}

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

--------- question

This question is for Donna and any adults who have had RA/JRA for a long

time.......

Have any of you taken Enbrel and/or Methotrexate?

Donna, u know me personally and I like you have the " deformities " of RA.

If you took either or both of these...HOW did they help?

I have been reading the posts about JRA being put into medical remission

with the use of these. I don't have alot of pain...my problems are the

functioning of my body etc and I wondered if wither of these would do

any good.

I was dx at the age of 3 back in 1971 - we only used NSAID's back then.

I take Celebrex, and 2 mg of pred daily. I used to take gold shots. I

have never been on any of these drugs -like Enbrel and Metho - so I am

wondering what good they could do me.

We are STILL trying to have another baby and I know I cant take metho

while trying to do that and I dont think I can take Enbrel while trying

- I am just looking to my future.

Thanks for any help. Hope you all have a great and pain free

Valentine's Day.

36 (poly since age of 3)

[Guest guest]

*Found this info at about on the facts about DMARDS (Disease Modifying Anti-

Rheumatic Drugs) *

**

*Gold*

Discovered accidentally by a French physician, gold salts have been used for

the treatment of arthritis for over 50 years. Jacques Forrestier injected

gold salts into a tuberculosis patient to treat the infection. The patient

coincidentally had arthritis and after many months of treatment with gold,

the arthritis improved. Gold has been used to treat arthritis ever since.

The mechanism of how gold works is unclear but apparently it interferes with

functions of white blood cells responsible for joint damage and

inflammation. Though gold may slow destruction, it cannot correct existing

joint deformities.

Gold was originally available only as an injectable drug. Given on a

continuous maintenance schedule, it requires routine blood and urine tests

to be administered. In 1986, gold became available in oral form with the

trade name Ridaura. The most common side effects associated with injectable

gold are an itchy rash on lower extremities and mouth ulcers which usually

disappear when the medicine is stopped. Oral gold has fewer side effects but

can cause transitory diarrhea or loose bowel movements. Gold seems to work

extremely well for 10 percent of patients and very well for another 30-40

percent. Fifty percent of patients discontinue use due to side effects or

ineffectiveness.

On 2/14/06, lorileedare@... <lorileedare@...> wrote:

>

> Ok I'm new to this drug stuff! What is Gold?

>

> --

> Lorilee

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

> Ken 47 {PolyRA}

> 6 {Systemic JRA, Eczema},

> Kayla 15 {Healthy Thank God}

> 18 {Asthma}

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>

>

>

> --------- question

>

> This question is for Donna and any adults who have had RA/JRA for a long

> time.......

> Have any of you taken Enbrel and/or Methotrexate?

> Donna, u know me personally and I like you have the " deformities " of RA.

> If you took either or both of these...HOW did they help?

> I have been reading the posts about JRA being put into medical remission

> with the use of these. I don't have alot of pain...my problems are the

> functioning of my body etc and I wondered if wither of these would do

> any good.

> I was dx at the age of 3 back in 1971 - we only used NSAID's back then.

> I take Celebrex, and 2 mg of pred daily. I used to take gold shots. I

> have never been on any of these drugs -like Enbrel and Metho - so I am

> wondering what good they could do me.

> We are STILL trying to have another baby and I know I cant take metho

> while trying to do that and I dont think I can take Enbrel while trying

> - I am just looking to my future.

> Thanks for any help. Hope you all have a great and pain free

> Valentine's Day.

>

> 36 (poly since age of 3)

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the input .

Right now I am dealing with recovery from ankle fusion.

Got my 2nd walking cast Thursday - long story but the first 1 (Tues) was

WRONG!!!!!

Anyway, have fun with you 900 emails LOL

love, prayers and blessings,

(poly 36)

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I have not had time to read in a while, so I am trying to go through 900+

emails since Feb 1st. Uggg. I too have the deformities of RA, and Enbrel

has really helped. If you don't have much pain, I would continue as you

are, but if you have quite a bit of pain, I would not let it go. You would

be amazed at how well Enbrel will do. It has been the best drug I have even

been on...and I have been on a lot.

Take care,

(poly 35)

question

This question is for Donna and any adults who have had RA/JRA for a long

time.......

Have any of you taken Enbrel and/or Methotrexate?

Donna, u know me personally and I like you have the " deformities " of RA. If

you took either or both of these...HOW did they help?

I have been reading the posts about JRA being put into medical remission

with

the use of these. I don't have alot of pain...my problems are the

functioning of my body etc and I wondered if wither of these would do any

good.

I was dx at the age of 3 back in 1971 - we only used NSAID's back then. I

take Celebrex, and 2 mg of pred daily. I used to take gold shots. I have

never

been on any of these drugs -like Enbrel and Metho - so I am wondering what

good they could do me.

We are STILL trying to have another baby and I know I cant take metho while

trying to do that and I dont think I can take Enbrel while trying - I am

just

looking to my future.

Thanks for any help. Hope you all have a great and pain free Valentine's

Day.

36 (poly since age of 3)

[Guest guest]

THANK you !!!!!!

I had a C section also and that pain was very manageable with pain meds kept

at a constant level. Crackers day of surgery - Thank goodness I HATE broth.

And PIZZA today - OH I Love pizza.

You dont know how much better I feel!!!!!!

Now to just get through the weeks till surgery on a LOW fat diet.

Thank you 100 times over - so glad to talk with someone who has been through

it and it was NO problem.

I feel so much better.

love, prayers and blessings,

wife to Greg 17 years

Mommy to Destiny 5

[Guest guest]

Thanks,

Does the perscription med help the diarhhea?

love, prayers and blessings,

[Guest guest]

,

I just had my surgery yesterday, so listen to me and not your neighbor!!

:-) I will admit that I am very sore right now, but the surgeon gave me

percocet to help with pain. And I learned from when I had my c-sections,

that if you keep up with the pain meds every 4 or 5 hours the first few

days, it's not as bad. It's when you forget to take a pain pill and then

the pain comes on stronger and you're stuck waiting for the pain pill to

kick in is when it hurts. I have 4 incisions - one in my belly button, one

up kind of smack dab in the center of my tummy, and two more incisions

close to each other on the lower right. For me, the one that hurts the

worst is the top one, and I think it's just because of where it's at. When

I got out of surgery my shoulder hurt like a ^ & *() & because of the gas used

to inflate my tummy, but once I got the recovery nurses to listen to me,

they gave me some more moriphine and that helped a lot. If they do it like

they did mine, at least at the hospital I went to it's a same day surgery.

We had to be there at 6:00 in the morning, and I was in the operating room

at 7:30. After that I don't know much of what happened, but we were out of

the hospital by about 1. The nurses said I had to pee, eat without nausea,

and have my pain reasonably well controlled before they sent me home. I

had been told to build up to what I wanted food-wise. I had some crackers,

and they stayed down okay, and they will offer you sodas in recovery

because it helps to get rid of the gas from surgery when you burp. We

stopped on the way home and got my hubby some lunch and I had some french

fries. Beware - food will taste lousy the first day. They have to stick a

tube down your throat, and I think the stuff they use messes with your

taste buds. And your mouth will be really dry. And my throat was pretty

sore yesterday, but it's getting better today. Today I have eaten much

better- I had some pizza for lunch and that tasted fine.

I'm actually glad I went in and had the surgery done. I've been having

pain for about 17 years now, and this is the first time I've done something

about it. At first, the surgeon said he wasn't sure this was going to

solve my problem because it could be that I have irritable bowel acting up,

and that may be causing some pain too. He said (at that time) that it was

a 60% chance it would get rid of the pain. When he went in and actually

got my gallbladder out, he said that I had a lot of adhesions and scar

tissue on my gallbladder, and he was pretty sure that the surgery would

solve the problem.

So all in all, yes you will be sore, but don't believe what your neighbor

said. She might have had it done the old fashioned way. Oh, and by the

way, you will have a 10lb weight-lifting restriction. Mine is on at least

until I see the surgeon on 4/27. I took almost 2 weeks off work, and he

said that I'll be feeling okay by that time, but I'd be feeling really good

in about a month. The best advice I can give is to keep up on your pain

meds every 4 or 5 hours the first few days. I learned that when I had my

c-sections. If you miss a pain pill, then your pain will increase (duh)

and it will seem like forever until it kicks back in. Whereas if you keep

taking them on a regular basis, it keeps the medicine at a constant level

and it doesn't hurt as bad. My biggest pain comes from trying to get

upright and the positions inbetween sitting and standing.

I hope that helps. If you have anymore questions, please feel free to ask.

Original Message:

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

From: thewalkers1989@...

Date: Wed, 19 Apr 2006 19:22:50 EDT

ajao_young_adults , Christian_mommies ,

Subject: question

<html><body>

<tt>

Hello,<BR>

I am facing laproscopic(sp?) gall bladder removal soon (3-5 weeks). 

Anybody <BR>

had this done?  My hospital room neighbor has me kinda scared.  She said it

<BR>

hurt like all get out for 2-3 days, and had to do clear liquid (broth YUCK,

etc) <BR>

for 7 - 10 days.<BR>

I DID look it up online and everything I found said the pain depends on the

<BR>

person (with RA I have a high pain tolerance), and afterwards liquid for

about <BR>

1 day till the nausea stops, and after surgery back to regular (LOLgreasy)

<BR>

diet.  <BR>

I did read the 1 day to 1 week before surgery you must stop ALL anti <BR>

inflammatory drugs -and THAT will be a problem with my RA.<BR>

Any advice, comments etc to help ease my fears.<BR>

Thanks and God Bless.<BR>

<BR>

<BR>

<BR>

love, prayers and blessings,<BR>

<BR>

<BR>

wife to Greg 17 years<BR>

Mommy to Destiny 5<BR>

<BR>

<BR>

<BR>

[Guest guest]

I had laproscopic gall bladder removal one week after cesarian birth of my son.

It did not hurt at all. I could eat whatever my stomach could handle. The

biggest thing is that I have had bad diarreha ever since, especially after

eating anything fatty. I am on a prescription drug to help control it, so you

may want to ask your doctor about that. Good luck, and speedy recovery.

Deadra Dunbar

thewalkers1989@... wrote:

Hello,

I am facing laproscopic(sp?) gall bladder removal soon (3-5 weeks). Anybody

had this done? My hospital room neighbor has me kinda scared. She said it

hurt like all get out for 2-3 days, and had to do clear liquid (broth YUCK, etc)

for 7 - 10 days.

I DID look it up online and everything I found said the pain depends on the

person (with RA I have a high pain tolerance), and afterwards liquid for about

1 day till the nausea stops, and after surgery back to regular (LOLgreasy)

diet.

I did read the 1 day to 1 week before surgery you must stop ALL anti

inflammatory drugs -and THAT will be a problem with my RA.

Any advice, comments etc to help ease my fears.

Thanks and God Bless.

love, prayers and blessings,

wife to Greg 17 years

Mommy to Destiny 5

[Guest guest]

My sister had her gall bladder removed a year ago. She was sore for

a couple of days, but the pain was tolerable and she was back on her

feet without problems in a week.

Don't overdo it and as suggested by others, be sure to stay ahead of

the pain with your pain medications.

Remind us before your sugery so that we can be in prayer for you.

sonia (aundrea 10 systemic jra)--

- In , thewalkers1989@... wrote:

>

> Hello,

> I am facing laproscopic(sp?) gall bladder removal soon (3-5

weeks). Anybody

> had this done? My hospital room neighbor has me kinda scared.

She said it

> hurt like all get out for 2-3 days, and had to do clear liquid

(broth YUCK, etc)

> for 7 - 10 days.

> I DID look it up online and everything I found said the pain

depends on the

> person (with RA I have a high pain tolerance), and afterwards

liquid for about

> 1 day till the nausea stops, and after surgery back to regular

(LOLgreasy)

> diet.

> I did read the 1 day to 1 week before surgery you must stop ALL

anti

> inflammatory drugs -and THAT will be a problem with my RA.

> Any advice, comments etc to help ease my fears.

> Thanks and God Bless.

>

>

>

> love, prayers and blessings,

>

>

> wife to Greg 17 years

> Mommy to Destiny 5

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

It helps immensely!!! I know when I have forgotten to take it!

thewalkers1989@... wrote: Thanks,

Does the perscription med help the diarhhea?

love, prayers and blessings,

[Guest guest]

,

I had my gall bladder removed about 5 years ago. It was an

outpatient surgery and they actually pushed me out the door about 2

hours after I came out of the anesthetic. The only really bad pain I

remember having was horrible stabbing/cramping pains in my chest,

upper back, and up through my shoulders that landed me back in the

ER. They decided it was a reaction to the codiene but I had taken

codiene before (and since then) without any problems so I never

really got a satifactory answer as to why it happened. Reading

everyone else's replys I'm realizing now that it was probably really

bad gas pains - I had no idea they filled your stomach with air! I

had no eating or lifting restrictions and was back to normal after a

couple days.

Blessings,

& (11-poly)

(7), Caity (4)

's JRA Page: http://www.caringbridge.org/mn/palexander/

JRA Webring: http://d.webring.com/hub?ring=kidslivingwithar

>

> Hello,

> I am facing laproscopic(sp?) gall bladder removal soon (3-5

weeks). Anybody

> had this done? My hospital room neighbor has me kinda scared.

She said it

> hurt like all get out for 2-3 days, and had to do clear liquid

(broth YUCK, etc)

> for 7 - 10 days.

> I DID look it up online and everything I found said the pain

depends on the

> person (with RA I have a high pain tolerance), and afterwards

liquid for about

> 1 day till the nausea stops, and after surgery back to regular

(LOLgreasy)

> diet.

> I did read the 1 day to 1 week before surgery you must stop ALL

anti

> inflammatory drugs -and THAT will be a problem with my RA.

> Any advice, comments etc to help ease my fears.

> Thanks and God Bless.

>

>

>

> love, prayers and blessings,

>

>

> wife to Greg 17 years

> Mommy to Destiny 5

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I can remember me experiencing this myself a few years ago. I also remember

that there also was an issue on this on this board. I do believe it has to

do with the AIH, but I am sorry don't remember exactly what.

Good luck and I hope someone else can help you out here.

Loes

Ontario

_____

From: [mailto: ]

On Behalf Of WOOTTEN

Sent: June 10, 2006 8:21 PM

Subject: [ ] question

This is going to sound like a weird question. Have any of you ever

experienced a metalic taste ? I have been bothered by this all day today. I'

ve tried everything and nothing is working...

[Guest guest]

Hello~

Can I ask where you heard of decompression? I've been looking into some places

in Florida, The Bonati Institute (www.bonati.com) and the Laser Spine Institute

(www.laserspineinstitute.com), who do things like this. Have you heard of anyone

else doing this for cervical conditions? Florida is a long way for me, but I

haven't heard of anyone else doing anything but fusions for the kind of problems

I have. I have a herniation at C3-C4 that is going to require surgery soon

because it's pressing straight back onto my spinal cord, and I also have smaller

bulges at the 2 discs below that. I'd like to avoid a fusion if at all possible.

Is your doctor recommending fusion for you?

Zirhut <dmzservice@...> wrote:

I have been diagnosed with a C-6 bulging disc/nerve root severe

problem. Have done the pain medication, series of epidural shots and physical

therapy none of which helped at all. I was told by the doctor that surgery would

be necessary. However, I have since learned about a treatment called

decompression therapy that is now being used on cervical problems as well as

lumbar. Does anyone know anything about this?

Thanks!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

After the epidural shots didn't work, a friend referred me to a chiropractor for

a free consultation who said there was nothing he could do to help (big surprise

there) but suggested this treatment as an alternative to surgery. Also, while

surfing the web I found this site www.arizonabackinstitute.com

I went to a consultation appointment yesterday and it is basically 4 days

/week for 5 weeks of 45 minute appointments. The cost is approximately $4500

and doubt that most insurance carriers will cover it. I am still researching

this option but am concerned that it may provide only a short-term fix. It has

primarily been used on the lower back but is now being done with the upper/neck

area as well.

Mandy <amcedu33@...> wrote:

Hello~

Can I ask where you heard of decompression? I've been looking into some places

in Florida, The Bonati Institute (www.bonati.com) and the Laser Spine Institute

(www.laserspineinstitute.com), who do things like this. Have you heard of anyone

else doing this for cervical conditions? Florida is a long way for me, but I

haven't heard of anyone else doing anything but fusions for the kind of problems

I have. I have a herniation at C3-C4 that is going to require surgery soon

because it's pressing straight back onto my spinal cord, and I also have smaller

bulges at the 2 discs below that. I'd like to avoid a fusion if at all possible.

Is your doctor recommending fusion for you?

Zirhut <dmzservice@...> wrote:

I have been diagnosed with a C-6 bulging disc/nerve root severe problem. Have

done the pain medication, series of epidural shots and physical therapy none of

which helped at all. I was told by the doctor that surgery would be necessary.

However, I have since learned about a treatment called decompression therapy

that is now being used on cervical problems as well as lumbar. Does anyone know

anything about this?

Thanks!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

,

this is the hot new thing and as such is still experimental. basically with the

use of traction. There is some suggestion in the literature that extruded

nuclear material may be " drawn in " by the reduction of intradiscal pressures.

This concept however is not uniformly accepted since the length of time the

material stays 'drawn in' has not been established in controlled studies.

i looked into it but since it is so new and the AMA has not made a statement

about it, i avoided it because it just makes sense to me that unless the disc

material is enlarged somehow during the traction, eventually everything will

settle back into place. if i were going to do it i would have see many more

studies and wonder what happens to the nerves while this is being done as they

have a place and would be pulled too. just too many other questions for my

confidence.

Carlene in MT

Question

I have been diagnosed with a C-6 bulging disc/nerve root severe problem. Have

done the pain medication, series of epidural shots and physical therapy none of

which helped at all. I was told by the doctor that surgery would be necessary.

However, I have since learned about a treatment called decompression therapy

that is now being used on cervical problems as well as lumbar. Does anyone know

anything about this?

Thanks!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

here is an article on it:

http://www.orthopedictechreview.com/issues/novdec03/pg36.htm

their studies only showed 90 days of relief.

Carlene in MT

Re: Question

After the epidural shots didn't work, a friend referred me to a chiropractor for

a free consultation who said there was nothing he could do to help (big surprise

there) but suggested this treatment as an alternative to surgery. Also, while

surfing the web I found this site www.arizonabackinstitute.com

I went to a consultation appointment yesterday and it is basically 4 days /week

for 5 weeks of 45 minute appointments. The cost is approximately $4500 and doubt

that most insurance carriers will cover it. I am still researching this option

but am concerned that it may provide only a short-term fix. It has primarily

been used on the lower back but is now being done with the upper/neck area as

well.

Mandy <amcedu33@...> wrote:

Hello~

Can I ask where you heard of decompression? I've been looking into some places

in Florida, The Bonati Institute (www.bonati.com) and the Laser Spine Institute

(www.laserspineinstitute.com), who do things like this. Have you heard of anyone

else doing this for cervical conditions? Florida is a long way for me, but I

haven't heard of anyone else doing anything but fusions for the kind of problems

I have. I have a herniation at C3-C4 that is going to require surgery soon

because it's pressing straight back onto my spinal cord, and I also have smaller

bulges at the 2 discs below that. I'd like to avoid a fusion if at all possible.

Is your doctor recommending fusion for you?

Zirhut <dmzservice@...> wrote:

I have been diagnosed with a C-6 bulging disc/nerve root severe problem. Have

done the pain medication, series of epidural shots and physical therapy none of

which helped at all. I was told by the doctor that surgery would be necessary.

However, I have since learned about a treatment called decompression therapy

that is now being used on cervical problems as well as lumbar. Does anyone know

anything about this?

Thanks!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

This is different than the decompression I've read about at the Bonati Institute

in Florida. There, I believe they go in with with a very tiny incision and use

instruments to " decompress " or clean out the problem areas. I think part of the

disc may be removed if necessary. There's a lot less blood loss and scarring

than with traditional surgery, and it's also local anesthesia. I'm not very

well-versed in their procedures, but it is interesting. They claim to have

around a 90% success rate. They will review your MRI for free and let you know

what your options may be... so will the Laser Spine Institute. I spoke with a

woman who did a testimonial about the LSI place and she was very pleased with

her outcome. She lives near me and was told she needed traditional fusion

surgery, which she was able to avoid. It's something I'm considering, although I

need to learn more.

Zirhut <dmzservice@...> wrote:

After the epidural shots didn't work, a friend referred me to a

chiropractor for a free consultation who said there was nothing he could do to

help (big surprise there) but suggested this treatment as an alternative to

surgery. Also, while surfing the web I found this site

www.arizonabackinstitute.com

I went to a consultation appointment yesterday and it is basically 4 days /week

for 5 weeks of 45 minute appointments. The cost is approximately $4500 and doubt

that most insurance carriers will cover it. I am still researching this option

but am concerned that it may provide only a short-term fix. It has primarily

been used on the lower back but is now being done with the upper/neck area as

well.

Mandy <amcedu33@...> wrote:

Hello~

Can I ask where you heard of decompression? I've been looking into some places

in Florida, The Bonati Institute (www.bonati.com) and the Laser Spine Institute

(www.laserspineinstitute.com), who do things like this. Have you heard of anyone

else doing this for cervical conditions? Florida is a long way for me, but I

haven't heard of anyone else doing anything but fusions for the kind of problems

I have. I have a herniation at C3-C4 that is going to require surgery soon

because it's pressing straight back onto my spinal cord, and I also have smaller

bulges at the 2 discs below that. I'd like to avoid a fusion if at all possible.

Is your doctor recommending fusion for you?

Zirhut <dmzservice@...> wrote:

I have been diagnosed with a C-6 bulging disc/nerve root severe problem. Have

done the pain medication, series of epidural shots and physical therapy none of

which helped at all. I was told by the doctor that surgery would be necessary.

However, I have since learned about a treatment called decompression therapy

that is now being used on cervical problems as well as lumbar. Does anyone know

anything about this?

Thanks!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

, No, that isn't an odd question. Before my transplant I would

often have the metalic taste in my mouth.had that off and on for many

years.now post transplant none. I have no idea what the cause is nor

do I think the doctors have a clue yet either. If it gets bothersome

pop in a Life Saver or lemon drop.etc. Also, using the Biotene

mouthwash also helps.I have heard of a new mouthwash.I THINK it is

called Oasis....folks is that right? Funny, as I just bought a hair

conditioner called Oasis also...wonder if part of a new line in health

and beauty. Joan and I are both on vacation so if

anyone new posts and it doesn't show right off it is because we are

popping in here and there.so PLEASE be patient. Blessings all, Joanne

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I think it took maybe 1 1/2 years for me to start feeling much

better. My blood work has always been excellent since diagnosed but

I did suffer nausea, tiredness and most of all anxiety. I think you

should start feeling better. Also an anti-depressant medication, i.e.

Zoloft, Paxil, etc would probably help you. I know it made me feel

100 percent better. Talk to your doctor and maybe he can help!

Let us know and keep posting

>

> Hello I'm new here and I'd like to ask a question. I was diagnosed

> with AIH a year ago and I am on Prednisone and Imuran. My LFT's

are

> down to normal range after being in the 1100's. I'm pleased about

> that but I still don't feel well. Not even enough to hold down a

job.

> I am still terribly exhausted, have sore muscles and joints, night

> sweats, anxiety, malaise etc. My question is this, does anyone

else

> feel pretty unwell even though their LFT's show normal? I

certainly

> don't have the jaundice and nausea but that's about the only

> improvement. My Doctor's keep telling me I should be feeling great

> but I don't. I desperately want to though. I don't even feel well

> enough to keep up things I enjoy. Could anyone else tell me their

> experience? Thanks.

>

> .

>

[Guest guest]

i think there is decompression which i am totally unfamiliar with and then

there is minimally invasive. i have business with someone who had minimally

invasive and i spoke to him afterwards and he was thrilled and very active.

that was last february. i will see him in august and i will let the group

know how he is doing after 6 months. i was not eligible for minimally invasive

because of the spondylolethesis at L3-L4 in addition to the stenosis. the

spondy made my spine unstable and therefore required fusion with cage.

marsha

[Guest guest]

cheryl, have you been diagnosed and re-diagnosed? have you seen spine

specialists - both neurosurgeon and orthopedic surgeon? you might have already

said all this but my short term memory has been non-existent for years. i just

need you to know that i am so thrilled that i had my surgery. hang in

there. also, if it was me, i would have been to the doctors and the hospital

the

minute the pain attacked. father's day is just not that important when you

are freaking out. my best to you, marsha

[Guest guest]

Oh, Cheryl, I truly can sympathize!!!

None of the typical " pain " words really describe how my low back hurts.

It's not really sharp, dull, tender, or aching. Neither is it searing,

shooting, burning, stabbing, cramping, radiating, throbbing, hot, cold,

needles, numb, or tingling. And I've run that list past my mother, who has

been training for medical transcription, and she can't think of any more,

either.

I can describe it as awful, unrelenting, nagging, exhausting, gnawing,

miserable... but those are all relative terms, and someone who's never felt,

for example, a really *bad* headache, just plain has no frame of reference.

A person blind since birth will probably never understand the glory of a

sunrise, a person deaf since birth will never completely understand the

" tingle " I get from Trace Adkins. Same goes.

As for " Going to the ER " vs. " Bill wants to grill " ... I don't know Bill, and

I'm going to assume that he's normally a wonderful, supportive, perfect

partner... but on this one, he's got his head up his [bleep]. If you're in

enough pain that you need the ER, THE GRILL CAN WAIT. I don't care if his

last four hundred " grill holidays " have been disturbed by your indescribably

awful pain, THE GRILL CAN F'ING WELL WAIT.

Or, in other words, TAKE CARE OF CHERYL FIRST. You can't do anything for

anyone else when you're in that kind of pain. Trying to is setting a

*terrible* example for Kole. Having Kole see Bill take proper care of you,

nurturing you when you're in pain, and doing it with a cheerful spirit,

*that* is what the child needs to learn. If you believe that everything in

this life has a " cosmic " reason, that could be one reason you're in pain, to

help Kole learn compassion. (Some part of me believes that things do have a

" purpose " ... it helps me hang on during the tough parts.)

Hang in there, sweetie... even if nobody else " gets " it, we do. Even

without adequate vocabulary to express it, we understand. The pain defies

description, but we know it's real anyway.

On 6/18/06, Cheryl Harple <gramm1992@...> wrote:

>

> hi everyone

> i wanted to know if anyone ever had pain that you really cant decribe

> well enough for people to understand how bad it is, i have never had

> this before, i have the same pain that i had for months low back right

> side with pain shooting down my leg DR said irritated nerve would get

> better ha its worst instead of better, now i have swelling in my feet

> & hands neck stiffness & my low back feels like a hot burning pain

> with a feeling like a run in your stockings does that make sence?i

> never know if i can stand up till i try i got up friday morning with

> Bills help & i couldnt stand i was up from 9:30am friday morning till

> 1pm saturday afternoon i slept till 10pm when Bill woke me up now i am

> in the same shape i will be up all night till at least 5pm i have to

> babysit Kole i dont know how but i have to try i was going to go to ER

> but its fathers day Bill wanted to cook on grill PLEASE HELP IF YOU

> CAN LOVE MY FRIENDS Cheryl in PA ( not yelling yet)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

While I really understand wanting to celebrate the holiday...don't you think you

would enjoy it more if you got some pain relief?

Which is more important?

And if Bill doesn't understand, then...okay...I'm not going to go there.

And you could do both...go to ER and cook on grill when you get home.

Cheryl Harple <gramm1992@...> wrote:

... i was going to go to ER but its fathers day Bill wanted to cook on

grill PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN

Vivian Harkness

http://www.geocities.com/southeastsearchandrescue/index.html

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

Sneak preview the all-new .com. It's not radically different. Just

radically better.