Hi

February 11, 2003

I have got the exact same.. to the letter.

I have found that taking avitimin pill and some calcium helps but not a cure,

some days are better than others.

Please keep in touch.

C Uk

HI

For some time I have also experienced Chronic Fatigue (sluggish and tired 24/7)

and also pain in different parts of muscles and joints it seamed -- tingling

(like pins and needles) in fingers especially when I first wake up. Few years

ago dx with GERD and just last year IBS --- these all appear to be linked to

Hypothyroidism -- have always been so tired of having different syndrome type

names -- nice to be under one umbrella for once --

Being as I am new and do not know allot of you -- any of you also experience the

above....

Charmaine

April 19, 2003

> Hi. I just took a look at all the pictures on the group page. They are so

> nice. Joe is that you in the suit? I only reconigzed cindy..

> When was the spine outing? That looked like you all had alot of fun..

>

?? Nope. Haven't posted any pictures yet.

For some reason today, I'm just so sleepy. I came home from

work and was asleep before I hit the couch. I just got up, had

a quick bite to eat and am checking the e-mail. I'll probably

lie awake tonight since I crashed so hard this afternoon.

j

April 19, 2003

> Hi. I just took a look at all the pictures on the group page. They are so

> nice. Joe is that you in the suit? I only reconigzed cindy..

> When was the spine outing? That looked like you all had alot of fun..

>

?? Nope. Haven't posted any pictures yet.

For some reason today, I'm just so sleepy. I came home from

work and was asleep before I hit the couch. I just got up, had

a quick bite to eat and am checking the e-mail. I'll probably

lie awake tonight since I crashed so hard this afternoon.

j

May 18, 2003

Andre' wrote: So far, it seems that everyone is nice, but I am not

sure yet on how this board will continue. Seems I have joined

right in the middle of a chaos. I think I've said enough and I sure

hope I didn't hurt anyone's feelings, as that wasn't my intention.

I will just continue to read for awhile, please, thank you. Good

Luck.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Andre' and all other newcomers,

Welcome to our group! This IS a great group of people, and they

DO give a wealth of information not only on AIH but on many,

many topics. You will learn a lot here and become close to

people around the world.

Do not be dismayed that you have hurt anyone's feelings. This

group goes thorough growing pains every few months. Things

appear to be chaotic right now, but give everyone awhile and the

banter will be going smoothly again.

Once more, welcome. Feel free to ask questions and contribute

often.

(in WY)

May 19, 2003

Andre...welcome ...thanks for stating some obvious truths especially

that about taking so many things so seriously.... That's one of my pet

peeves...

to me this has become an " extended family " ...and like families we

sometimes fight.

I hope you stick around....because next week we'll find something new to

fight about and you can join in if you so wish.

love jerry

May 19, 2003

Very well put !

love jerry

May 23, 2003

Hi....I dont understand why it is that you cant call your doc but I would be

calling anyway.. Explain to him that you are in pain. It could be nothing but

it could be something and I would think that he would want to know if you were

experiencing any pain that was out of the ordianary...

Its been just about 4 weeks since my L4-L5 fusion and I am doing great. The

pain I was getting from over doing it is of course gone cause I havent over

done it..lol

I am noticing I can bend just a tad bit more than before and walking even

better..So I am very pleased.. But if I have concerns at all I would call my

surgeon in a flip second.

So please if your in pain call the doc and expalin it to him and see what he

thinks.

May 23, 2003

Hi and welcome to the group, tho I'm sorry you're in so much pain! I'd suggest

calling your neurosurgeon and telling then you need an appointment sooner, you

can't tolerate the pain. On the other points I'm sorry I can't help you as I

have different problems than what you are experiencing, but someone in the group

will be able to help you out. Good luck!

Connie

Hi

>

> Hi,

> I am new to the group and in severe pain. I had a herniated disk at

> c 5-6. I am 4 weeks post-op on a anterior cervical fusion with

> plate. I also have fibromyalgia. I was wondering if the muscle

> spasms I am having in my neck and shoulders are from the fibro or the

> surgery. Anybody else have pain like me? I don't know what to do I

> hurt so badly and I can't see my neurosurgeon until July to have a

> checkup and start physical therapy. Any advise or anything would be

> helpful. Thanks.

>

May 23, 2003

-Hello,

If you are in so much pain why are you not contacting your doctor and

asking for help..I sure would not wait until July.. I am 3 weeks post

op L-5-S1 posterior.. and I am doing great and off pain pills

totally.. I even drove my car today and went to the store.. I would

be in the docs face in a hurry if I were you.. Just my

opinion..Sorry to see you are going through it but get help..Keep

your chin up.. positive attitude is alot to your recovery

Sue

-- In spinaldisorderssupport , " courtneysweatman "

<courtneysweatman@y...> wrote:

>

> Hi,

> I am new to the group and in severe pain. I had a herniated disk

at

> c 5-6. I am 4 weeks post-op on a anterior cervical fusion with

> plate. I also have fibromyalgia. I was wondering if the muscle

> spasms I am having in my neck and shoulders are from the fibro or

the

> surgery. Anybody else have pain like me? I don't know what to do I

> hurt so badly and I can't see my neurosurgeon until July to have a

> checkup and start physical therapy. Any advise or anything would

be

> helpful. Thanks.

May 24, 2003

Hi ,

I also suffer with major pain in my neck, shoulders arm and legs, weakness

fatigue, headaches and musle spasm in neck partial loss of motor and sensory

function mainly left side. 6 years post op for cancer in the middle of spinal

cord C1-C3 Take med for pain and muscle spasms helps a lot but still hurts a

lot. Some weeks worse than others. Don`t know why, But still glad to be alive.

Just to let you know your not alone. I have post op complications, I`m sure

yours will ease in time and physio, but take meds, I live in UK so different

brand names probrably.

courtneysweatman <courtneysweatman@...> wrote:

Hi,

I am new to the group and in severe pain. I had a herniated disk at

c 5-6. I am 4 weeks post-op on a anterior cervical fusion with

plate. I also have fibromyalgia. I was wondering if the muscle

spasms I am having in my neck and shoulders are from the fibro or the

surgery. Anybody else have pain like me? I don't know what to do I

hurt so badly and I can't see my neurosurgeon until July to have a

checkup and start physical therapy. Any advise or anything would be

helpful. Thanks.

May 24, 2003

Hi ,

By all means if you are in so much pain goto an Emergency Room. If

you can wait contact your Doctor and reschedule something ASAP! You

may be told this is common after surgery however you then need to

ask for stronger pain meds in the meantime. I am c5-6/c6-7 with

nerve compression two levels waiting on surgery. If you don't mind

were did you have your surgery done and by whom?

-Nick

>

> Hi,

> I am new to the group and in severe pain. I had a herniated disk

at

> c 5-6. I am 4 weeks post-op on a anterior cervical fusion with

> plate. I also have fibromyalgia. I was wondering if the muscle

> spasms I am having in my neck and shoulders are from the fibro or

the

> surgery. Anybody else have pain like me? I don't know what to do

I

> hurt so badly and I can't see my neurosurgeon until July to have a

> checkup and start physical therapy. Any advise or anything would

be

> helpful. Thanks.

May 24, 2003

Hey Pete,

Sorry to hear about your problems. Is everything under control for

now?

-Nick

>

> Hi,

> I am new to the group and in severe pain. I had a herniated disk

at

> c 5-6. I am 4 weeks post-op on a anterior cervical fusion with

> plate. I also have fibromyalgia. I was wondering if the muscle

> spasms I am having in my neck and shoulders are from the fibro or

the

> surgery. Anybody else have pain like me? I don't know what to do

I

> hurt so badly and I can't see my neurosurgeon until July to have a

> checkup and start physical therapy. Any advise or anything would

be

> helpful. Thanks.

>

May 24, 2003

> >

> > Hi,

> > I am new to the group and in severe pain. I had a herniated disk

> at

> > c 5-6. I am 4 weeks post-op on a anterior cervical fusion with

> > plate. I also have fibromyalgia. I was wondering if the muscle

> > spasms I am having in my neck and shoulders are from the fibro or

> the

> > surgery. Anybody else have pain like me? I don't know what to do

> I

> > hurt so badly and I can't see my neurosurgeon until July to have

a

> > checkup and start physical therapy. Any advise or anything would

> be

> > helpful. Thanks.

> >

May 24, 2003

Hi fletch,

Not really my docs and gp are hopeless think I am a pretender said I should come

off pain meds and take paracetomol when required, some so called specialist

think they can feel your pain and symptoms better than you don`t they. Never

mind, coping ok so far just keep taking meds.

Thanks for asking, pete.

fletchiek <fletchiek@...> wrote:

> >

> > Hi,

> > I am new to the group and in severe pain. I had a herniated disk

> at

> > c 5-6. I am 4 weeks post-op on a anterior cervical fusion with

> > plate. I also have fibromyalgia. I was wondering if the muscle

> > spasms I am having in my neck and shoulders are from the fibro or

> the

> > surgery. Anybody else have pain like me? I don't know what to do

> I

> > hurt so badly and I can't see my neurosurgeon until July to have

a

> > checkup and start physical therapy. Any advise or anything would

> be

> > helpful. Thanks.

> >

May 25, 2003

Hi Nick, Not really doctors and specialist here treat the symptoms not the cause

had many MRI`s which show leaking SCF and adhesion of cord at C1 op to repair

failed, slowly getting weaker, more tired & pain. Was told no other test

available, are there more test? pete

tasmaniac1 <no_reply > wrote:Hey Pete,

Sorry to hear about your problems. Is everything under control for

now?

-Nick

>

> Hi,

> I am new to the group and in severe pain. I had a herniated disk

at

> c 5-6. I am 4 weeks post-op on a anterior cervical fusion with

> plate. I also have fibromyalgia. I was wondering if the muscle

> spasms I am having in my neck and shoulders are from the fibro or

the

> surgery. Anybody else have pain like me? I don't know what to do

I

> hurt so badly and I can't see my neurosurgeon until July to have a

> checkup and start physical therapy. Any advise or anything would

be

> helpful. Thanks.

>

May 26, 2003

In a message dated 5/26/2003 8:21:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

nancyjobes@... writes:

> Some topics discussed will include vitamin, mineral, glandular, and

> herbal supplements, sex hormones and replacement, DHEA, cortisol and

> other adrenal cortex and medula hormones, and of course, the mental

> state and attitude you must have to get well! The entire endo system

> works together and therefore, if one gland is off, chances are, your

> other hormones are suffering as well.

Well, for those who see RAI as a quick and easy solution, we see that we

can't avoid having to work to be healthy.

AntJoan

May 28, 2003

Greetings, uh, sweatman -

I'm coming off of being away from this group for a week,

and hope this advice may have been given, but muscle

spasms and nerve twitches are common after ACDFs.

Your neuro should have prescribed you something for

pain, something for spasms, and possibly something for

your nerves firing randomly when they are getting used

to a new situation. I suggest that for this, you skip

Neurontin and ask your doctor to immediately go to

Topomax.

Good luck, keep posting.

joe

>

> Hi,

> I am new to the group and in severe pain. I had a herniated disk at

> c 5-6. I am 4 weeks post-op on a anterior cervical fusion with

> plate. I also have fibromyalgia. I was wondering if the muscle

> spasms I am having in my neck and shoulders are from the fibro or the

> surgery. Anybody else have pain like me? I don't know what to do I

> hurt so badly and I can't see my neurosurgeon until July to have a

> checkup and start physical therapy. Any advise or anything would be

> helpful. Thanks.

>

May 28, 2003

Pete-

We're all pulling for you. Do you have a Neurosurgeon? If not, ask your

GP to

send you to one or get a new GP. The only way you are going to get them to

believe you is to get an MRI with something on it to show them.

joe

> Not really my docs and gp are hopeless think I am a pretender said I

should come off pain meds and take paracetomol when required, some so called

specialist think they can feel your pain and symptoms better than you don`t

they. Never mind, coping ok so far just keep taking meds.

> Thanks for asking, pete.

May 28, 2003

> Hi Nick, Not really doctors and specialist here treat the symptoms not the

cause had many MRI`s which show leaking SCF and adhesion of cord at C1 op to

repair failed, slowly getting weaker, more tired & pain. Was told no other

test available, are there more test? pete

>

Pete -

Sorry to answer for Nick, but there is a test called an EMG that tests nerve

reaction

time to see if there are any problems with them. There are some needle

sticks in order

to probe them, but after the pain that we've all been through, I equate them

to kisses.

They're nothing.

joe

May 28, 2003

I'm glad the EMG's are nothing for you now Joe, I wouldn't wish that pain on

anyone! I'd go thru surgery again (as I've told many) rather than do another

EMG. Unfortunately mine this past Monday had me in tears.. till I couldn't feel

his poking in a couple places... have results when I understand them I'll post.

Connie

Re: Hi

>

> > Hi Nick, Not really doctors and specialist here treat the symptoms not the

> cause had many MRI`s which show leaking SCF and adhesion of cord at C1 op to

> repair failed, slowly getting weaker, more tired & pain. Was told no other

> test available, are there more test? pete

> >

>

> Pete -

>

> Sorry to answer for Nick, but there is a test called an EMG that tests nerve

> reaction

> time to see if there are any problems with them. There are some needle

> sticks in order

> to probe them, but after the pain that we've all been through, I equate them

> to kisses.

> They're nothing.

>

> joe

--

_______________________________________________

Sign-up for your own FREE Personalized E-mail at Mail.com

http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup

May 28, 2003

Thanks Joe, EMG doesn`t sound very pleasant but I will ask my neurosurgeon when

I see him next week, I`ve been in constant pain for many years but if Connie`s

experience is right it`s like self inflicted pain asking for a EMG I am bit of a

coward when I go to the dentist and it sounds a similar experience but worse.

thanks pete

C F <emeraldeyz68@...> wrote:

I'm glad the EMG's are nothing for you now Joe, I wouldn't wish that pain on

anyone! I'd go thru surgery again (as I've told many) rather than do another

EMG. Unfortunately mine this past Monday had me in tears.. till I couldn't feel

his poking in a couple places... have results when I understand them I'll post.

Connie

Re: Hi

>

> > Hi Nick, Not really doctors and specialist here treat the symptoms not the

> cause had many MRI`s which show leaking SCF and adhesion of cord at C1 op to

> repair failed, slowly getting weaker, more tired & pain. Was told no other

> test available, are there more test? pete

> >

>

> Pete -

>

> Sorry to answer for Nick, but there is a test called an EMG that tests nerve

> reaction

> time to see if there are any problems with them. There are some needle

> sticks in order

> to probe them, but after the pain that we've all been through, I equate them

> to kisses.

> They're nothing.

>

> joe

--

_______________________________________________

Sign-up for your own FREE Personalized E-mail at Mail.com

http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup

May 29, 2003

Hi, I didnt mean to scare you at all about EMG's, just the two I've had - one

before my 2nd surgery and this last one, hurt very bad and I just hate to see

someone go in (like I did my first visit) thinking, ok they said it was bad but

I bet it wasn't as bad as they say... I wasn't prepared, actually I wasn't as

prepared my 2nd time b/c I cried and yelled " shit! " again lol funny tho, when I

did that the first time I had a doctor with a foreign accent and after I said

" shi* " I said OOPS I'm sorry shoooooott!!! He said " no if you hurt you say shit

I ok with that you hurt you say shit! " I couldnt help but laugh through the

tears. The 2nd one this past week I had met with that doc before as a consult

and he actually remembered me (he remembered I used to live in Dayton, had a

daughter, and decorated cakes when I could... talk about a memory! Last and only

visit to him was last summer). Anyhow, he told me he's heard the worst so dont

hold back, say what you feel just please try not to blame me. Anyhow, I wish you

luck with your EMG if you have one and I really hope your pain is minimal

through it!

I am sorta glad I had pain otherwise I would have a problem, think of it that

way.. no pain is not good sometimes wiht this test.. as I said I did have a

couple times of no pain and he said it was not a good sign. Anyhow...

Connie

Re: Hi

>

> >

> > > Hi Nick, Not really doctors and specialist here treat the symptoms not the

> > cause had many MRI`s which show leaking SCF and adhesion of cord at C1 op to

> > repair failed, slowly getting weaker, more tired & pain. Was told no other

> > test available, are there more test? pete

> > >

> >

> > Pete -

> >

> > Sorry to answer for Nick, but there is a test called an EMG that tests nerve

> > reaction

> > time to see if there are any problems with them. There are some needle

> > sticks in order

> > to probe them, but after the pain that we've all been through, I equate them

> > to kisses.

> > They're nothing.

> >

> > joe

> --

> _______________________________________________

> Sign-up for your own FREE Personalized E-mail at Mail.com

> http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup

>

May 29, 2003

Pete -

Connie's a wussie. She's afraid to wear a bikini on national TV. On NBC

for gosh's sake.

Need I say more? LOL. Actually, I must really have one hell of a high

pain threshold.

if you can stand someone taking blood, you should be able to handle it.

After the doc

did my first lumbar surgery, he commented that due to the severity of the

herniation when

he opened me up, he was a bit surprised that I walked into the hospital.

Go figure.

joe

> Thanks Joe, EMG doesn`t sound very pleasant but I will ask my neurosurgeon

when I see him next week, I`ve been in constant pain for many years but if

Connie`s experience is right it`s like self inflicted pain asking for a EMG

I am bit of a coward when I go to the dentist and it sounds a similar

experience but worse.

> thanks pete

>

May 29, 2003

Connie,

That was a very funny story and made me laugh- which I haven't done

in some time b/c of the pain of my spine surgery a month ago. I also

had an EMG and I cursed the whole time through. By the end I was

covered in sweat- but I felt fine when it was over.

> > I'm glad the EMG's are nothing for you now Joe, I wouldn't wish

that pain on anyone! I'd go thru surgery again (as I've told many)

rather than do another EMG. Unfortunately mine this past Monday had

me in tears.. till I couldn't feel his poking in a couple places...

have results when I understand them I'll post.

> > Connie

> >

> > Re: Hi

> >

> > >

> > > > Hi Nick, Not really doctors and specialist here treat the

symptoms not the

> > > cause had many MRI`s which show leaking SCF and adhesion of

cord at C1 op to

> > > repair failed, slowly getting weaker, more tired & pain. Was

told no other

> > > test available, are there more test? pete

> > > >

> > >

> > > Pete -

> > >

> > > Sorry to answer for Nick, but there is a test called an EMG

that tests nerve

> > > reaction

> > > time to see if there are any problems with them. There are

some needle

> > > sticks in order

> > > to probe them, but after the pain that we've all been through,

I equate them

> > > to kisses.

> > > They're nothing.

> > >

> > > joe

> > --

> > _______________________________________________

> > Sign-up for your own FREE Personalized E-mail at Mail.com

> > http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup

> >

May 30, 2003

,

I'm sorry you're also dealing with this (lots of bad words) pain! And

unfortunately you had a bad EMG also. My pain tolerance has gotten greater since

all this started but there's only so much one can take. Just think of it this

way, tho we hate EMG's, if we can feel the pain then we have working nerves and

that's a good thing. The muscle shocks I could handle, just not that needle in

the nerve. *shudder* A lot of people have loved that story, and I had to laugh

at the time too... just the way his accent was, I'm sure you all can picture

that, and having a doc with a sense of humor... well probably doing EMG tests on

people he has to or risk being killed by us if he's nasty about it LOL I hope

you get some answers yourself, I still hope I can get some answers and relief,

just so thankful that tho others have written me off, my primary doc hasn't,

she's been so great. I better get layin down again, something just has not been

right since I had my EMG, like I got shocked into more pain.. ugh Where was your

surgery and what's the next step for you? If I read right you havent had any

relief since your surgery either? If you've answered this already I apologize, I

thought I made it through all the posts when my email went down today but maybe

not...

Connie

Re: Hi

> Connie,

> That was a very funny story and made me laugh- which I haven't done in some

time b/c of the pain of my spine surgery a month ago. I also had an EMG and I

cursed the whole time through. By the end I was covered in sweat- but I felt

fine when it was over.

>

> > Hi, I didnt mean to scare you at all about EMG's, just the two I've had -

one before my 2nd surgery and this last one, hurt very bad and I just hate to

see someone go in (like I did my first visit) thinking, ok they said it was bad

but I bet it wasn't as bad as they say... I wasn't prepared, actually I wasn't

as prepared my 2nd time b/c I cried and yelled " shit! " again lol funny tho, when

I did that the first time I had a doctor with a foreign accent and after I said