Hi

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Bread has too many carbohydrates and is not allowed as part of Bee's program.

Jackie

>

> Hi:

>

> I can get bread products that are wheat free, dairy free and gluten-free.

Should I have any other concerns with this bread?

>

> .

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi:

>

> I can get bread products that are wheat free, dairy free and gluten-free.

Should I have any other concerns with this bread?

>

+++Hi . Jackie replied to you, but also please ensure you read two

important articles, so you understand candida, and know what you need to do and

why - the first article explains why all grains, breads, pastries, pasta, etc.

are not included in this program, and also why all processed foods are

eliminated:

1) How to Successfully Overcome Candida

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/intro2.php

2) Curing Candida, How to Get Started

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/intro1.php

All the best, Bee

[Guest guest]

Hi all

 Dave, I am so sorry for the loss of your cousin's son. I can only imagine the

grief of parents' losing their child, especially to something that didn't have

to occur. We've had people standing in line for the shot or the mist who weren't

supposed to be eligible yet to receive the swine flu vaccine-it's hard to

control. So far here I haven't seen anything about people like us who have a bad

immune system, being able to get it. My granddaughter was sick with the virus

for about 10 days, but recovered without problems. My grandson received the

injection, he goes to special ed. at his sister's school, and two days a week,

he goes to speech and occupational therapy for his Autism, so even though he's

only 4 yrs. old, he's exposed a lot to other kids.

I'm in shock after receiving all the booklets from my supplemental insurance and

my prescription plan. My supplemental plan tripled, my prescription plan added a

$150. deductible. I can find another rx plan, but have no clue about my other

plan seeing as I have a pre-existing condition. They have me between a rock and

a hard place, when I first was able to sign up for the supplemental plan, I only

had 2 to choose from in my state, I was penalized because I was under 62 and

disabled, so other plans wouldn't let me join. Now in the past 2 years, they've

added more plans to choose from, but that doesn't help me any. I have no clue

what to do, as my drs. I have now don't accept HMO's. I've been with them for

the past 6 years, before I received Medicare, I had an excellent plan through my

job that carried over for 2 years after I had to quit because I couldn't do the

job I had, and it was being phased out anyways..Not only do I pay for the Part

B, but my

supplemental plan is $32./month-going to $96/month. Can anyone give me any

ideas on how to proceed-would it help if I tried calling insurance agents who

specialize in Medicare plans-or am I stuck and at the mercy of being charged

higher and higher rates every year? I don't qualify for any help because of my

husband's income and his VA disabilty-which I can't get on as we weren't married

when he was in the Army, and he was medically discharged, not retired.

It's been a rough week overall with family fights and a friend lost her husband

a couple days ago, their 40th anniversary is this week. I'm trying to help by

driving her around to where she needs to go, as she has always used the bus or

ridden her bike to go where she needed.

Again Dave, sorry for all your families losses.

Sincerely,

Jeannie

________________________________

[Guest guest]

AARP ??

In a message dated 11/2/2009 4:36:23 P.M. Mountain Standard Time,

jeannieboo1@... writes:

Hi all

Dave, I am so sorry for the loss of your cousin's son. I can only imagine

the grief of parents' losing their child, especially to something that

didn't have to occur. We've had people standing in line for the shot or the

mist who weren't supposed to be eligible yet to receive the swine flu

vaccine-it's hard to control. So far here I haven't seen anything about people

like

us who have a bad immune system, being able to get it. My granddaughter

was sick with the virus for about 10 days, but recovered without problems. My

grandson received the injection, he goes to special ed. at his sister's

school, and two days a week, he goes to speech and occupational therapy for

his Autism, so even though he's only 4 yrs. old, he's exposed a lot to other

kids.

I'm in shock after receiving all the booklets from my supplemental

insurance and my prescription plan. My supplemental plan tripled, my

prescription

plan added a $150. deductible. I can find another rx plan, but have no clue

about my other plan seeing as I have a pre-existing condition. They have

me between a rock and a hard place, when I first was able to sign up for the

supplemental plan, I only had 2 to choose from in my state, I was

penalized because I was under 62 and disabled, so other plans wouldn't let me

join.

Now in the past 2 years, they've added more plans to choose from, but that

doesn't help me any. I have no clue what to do, as my drs. I have now

don't accept HMO's. I've been with them for the past 6 years, before I received

Medicare, I had an excellent plan through my job that carried over for 2

years after I had to quit because I couldn't do the job I had, and it was

being phased out anyways..Not only do I pay for the Part B, but my

supplemental plan is $32./month-going to $96/month. Can anyone give me any

ideas on how to proceed-would it help if I tried calling insurance agents

who specialize in Medicare plans-or am I stuck and at the mercy of being

charged higher and higher rates every year? I don't qualify for any help

because of my husband's income and his VA disabilty-which I can't get on as we

weren't married when he was in the Army, and he was medically discharged,

not retired.

It's been a rough week overall with family fights and a friend lost her

husband a couple days ago, their 40th anniversary is this week. I'm trying to

help by driving her around to where she needs to go, as she has always

used the bus or ridden her bike to go where she needed.

Again Dave, sorry for all your families losses.

Sincerely,

Jeannie

________________________________

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Guest guest]

>

> Hey bee and everyone.

>

> I have just started learning about this condition and am looking forward to

the physical and mental freedom that comes from eliminating this difficult

condition.

>

> Thanks to everyone for contributing and helping me out~!

+++Hi Phil. You are very welcome my friend! Onward & upward!

Bee

[Guest guest]

This is a hard situation -- to have both physical and financial worries.

First, tell us what state you live in. Perhaps someone knows of a short-term

disability or health program for that state.

I think your doctor needs to know of your problem. He or she may know of a

program that will help you. (Mine told me about a great disability program that

my company's human resources person never mentioned!) It's just possible that

your lack of money could prejudice your care -- but if that's the case, you'd

find out pretty soon anyway.

Whenever you talk with co-workers in the restaurant business, speaking of " an

autoimmune disorder that attacks the liver " will put you in a better position

than saying you have autoimmune hepatitis. People who don't know about AIH are

automatically frightened by the term " hepatitis " .

You say AIH was diagnosed in 2007, and that it's been monitored. Have you had

treatment (Prednisone/Imuran, typically) during that time? If not, why not?

Is a GI your best bet? Do you have access to a hepatologist? I know, you've

already invested $263, but you've got a long way to go in treatment of AIH.

Perhaps some of these tests don't absolutely have to be repeated right now.

Perhaps they could be delayed until you're in a better financial position.

Why does the new doctor believe you need another biopsy? What would a new

biopsy show, if your AIH diagnosis is certain? Aside from cost, biopsies always

involve some amount of risk -- it's small, but it exists. Many doctors, as far

as I can tell, believe there's no need for a repeat AIH biopsy unless a problem

becomes evident.

Is there some uncertainty about the diagnosis? Whatwas your response to

Prednisone, if you've taken it? People with AIHtypically see a rapid change in

their liver numbers and in theirsymptoms when they begin taking Prednisone.

Usually, this responseforms part of the diagnosis.

What's the purpose of a repeat sonogram? Is it necessary to have it right now,

given your financial problems?

For AIH treatment, you'll need to continue monitoring your progress through

blood tests.

Prednisone is the primary drug used for treatment. It's amazingly inexpensive.

Azathioprine/Imuran is the support that allows you to minimize Prednisone, with

all its side-effects. At Walgreen's a month's worth would be about $25.

There's a toxicity test that determines your ideal Imuran dose and whether you

can take it at all. I didn't get the test until about six years after I began

taking Imuran. I think it costs about $200.

Ask questions, lots of questions. Print them out beforehand, leaving room for

answers. Take a friend along if at all possible, armed with that same list of

questions. The friend provides an extra set of ears and can remind your not to

skip questions you need answered. My doctors like to look at the list at the

first of the appointment time, and then it goes into my file.

Keep a log of everything that happens. Even now, write down everything you can

remember of past medical visits, treatments, exams. Keep in mind that you own

all your medical records, your lab tests and biopsy results. You need to have

them in your possession.

Are you having any symptoms now?

Here's a book tht many of us find helpful. It's very basic, but it's a good

starting point. If you can't find it locally, you can get it from Amazon for

less than $20: Dr. Palmer's Guide to Liver Disease. Much other

information is available on-line. We can direct you to some is you wish.

Harper

AIH dx 2000

[ ] Hi

I'm new here and with this disease. I went to my general physician because my

legs ached. He did a blood panel to check lipids(?) and the elevated liver

enzymes showed up. I've had it monitored for two years now; biopsy in 2007

revealed AIH. Now seeing a gastro dr. who wants to start all over; sonogram on

12/7; liver biopsy on 1/14. I'm now single, 51 years old, no insurance and

scared to death. I don't have any idea how to pay for these tests or hardly

even a dr. visit! The initial dr. visit was $263! Ouch! I work as a

restaurant manager in a resort area; we will close on Dec. 12 and reopen

sometime in late winter/early spring 2010. I don't know what's going to happen

to me. Does anyone else feel the same and how do you get past it? thanks for

allowing me to vent at this group page. I'm really scared.

[Guest guest]

Thanks Harper!  I live in NC; way out here on the outer edge of the world; the

Outer Banks.  I have access to drs yes, but they are all in " far away " places

like Chesapeake VA (2 hrs) or Greenville, NC (3 hrs) or Duke & Chapel Hill (4

hrs); i.e. day off work, travel time, no work - no pay. 

First dr. a Gastro dr, was completely convinced I had fatty liver disease

BEFORE he did the biopsy; thus the biopsy.  He was in City, only 1.5

hr from here; went on referral from my family doctor.  Turns out, he doesn't

treat the disease and wanted to send me to UVA in Charlottesville.  A doctor

there is the " East Coast Authority " in AIH.  I didn't go.  And then I moved to

Georgia for 10 months.  Bloodwork conducted while in GA indicated the

enzymes were going down by themselves, so it was monitored for those ten months

and now I'm back in NC.  They're elevated again; same family physician has

referred me to a dr. that actually treats this disease.  He believes that he

wants to diagnose it himself,like start at square one, begin again, conduct

the biopsy himself (1st Dr. did not, a radiologist did the biopsy at the

hospital).  So.  I don't know what to think.  Maybe I'll call the new dr. and

just talk to him about the

whole situation again.  Thanks for your insights!  Robin

 

It is better to be liked for the true you,

than to be loved for who people think you are.

________________________________

From: Harper <flatcat9@...>

Sent: Thu, December 3, 2009 4:12:45 PM

Subject: Re: [ ] Hi

 

This is a hard situation -- to have both physical and financial worries.

First, tell us what state you live in. Perhaps someone knows of a short-term

disability or health program for that state.

I think your doctor needs to know of your problem. He or she may know of a

program that will help you. (Mine told me about a great disability program that

my company's human resources person never mentioned!) It's just possible that

your lack of money could prejudice your care -- but if that's the case, you'd

find out pretty soon anyway.

Whenever you talk with co-workers in the restaurant business, speaking of " an

autoimmune disorder that attacks the liver " will put you in a better position

than saying you have autoimmune hepatitis. People who don't know about AIH are

automatically frightened by the term " hepatitis " .

You say AIH was diagnosed in 2007, and that it's been monitored. Have you had

treatment (Prednisone/ Imuran, typically) during that time? If not, why not?

Is a GI your best bet? Do you have access to a hepatologist? I know, you've

already invested $263, but you've got a long way to go in treatment of AIH.

Perhaps some of these tests don't absolutely have to be repeated right now.

Perhaps they could be delayed until you're in a better financial position.

Why does the new doctor believe you need another biopsy? What would a new biopsy

show, if your AIH diagnosis is certain? Aside from cost, biopsies always involve

some amount of risk -- it's small, but it exists. Many doctors, as far as I can

tell, believe there's no need for a repeat AIH biopsy unless a problem becomes

evident.

Is there some uncertainty about the diagnosis? Whatwas your response to

Prednisone, if you've taken it? People with AIHtypically see a rapid change in

their liver numbers and in theirsymptoms when they begin taking Prednisone.

Usually, this responseforms part of the diagnosis.

What's the purpose of a repeat sonogram? Is it necessary to have it right now,

given your financial problems?

For AIH treatment, you'll need to continue monitoring your progress through

blood tests.

Prednisone is the primary drug used for treatment. It's amazingly inexpensive.

Azathioprine/ Imuran is the support that allows you to minimize Prednisone, with

all its side-effects. At Walgreen's a month's worth would be about $25.

There's a toxicity test that determines your ideal Imuran dose and whether you

can take it at all. I didn't get the test until about six years after I began

taking Imuran. I think it costs about $200.

Ask questions, lots of questions. Print them out beforehand, leaving room for

answers. Take a friend along if at all possible, armed with that same list of

questions. The friend provides an extra set of ears and can remind your not to

skip questions you need answered. My doctors like to look at the list at the

first of the appointment time, and then it goes into my file.

Keep a log of everything that happens. Even now, write down everything you can

remember of past medical visits, treatments, exams. Keep in mind that you own

all your medical records, your lab tests and biopsy results. You need to have

them in your possession.

Are you having any symptoms now?

Here's a book tht many of us find helpful. It's very basic, but it's a good

starting point. If you can't find it locally, you can get it from Amazon for

less than $20: Dr. Palmer's Guide to Liver Disease. Much other

information is available on-line. We can direct you to some is you wish.

Harper

AIH dx 2000

[LiverSupport- L] Hi

I'm new here and with this disease. I went to my general physician because my

legs ached. He did a blood panel to check lipids(?) and the elevated liver

enzymes showed up. I've had it monitored for two years now; biopsy in 2007

revealed AIH. Now seeing a gastro dr. who wants to start all over; sonogram on

12/7; liver biopsy on 1/14. I'm now single, 51 years old, no insurance and

scared to death. I don't have any idea how to pay for these tests or hardly even

a dr. visit! The initial dr. visit was $263! Ouch! I work as a restaurant

manager in a resort area; we will close on Dec. 12 and reopen sometime in late

winter/early spring 2010. I don't know what's going to happen to me. Does anyone

else feel the same and how do you get past it? thanks for allowing me to vent at

this group page. I'm really scared.

[Guest guest]

Another thing...

Robin. As far as finances go, be sure to remind your MD, frequently, that you do

not have insurance coverage. Often times, most of the time actually, doctor's

will lower the charges for services when they know you are paying out of your

pocket and are compromised financially with your work situation. Always ask if

the tests & /or procedures are a necessity or a secondary tool (if that makes

sense). Lots of times doctors do multiple procedures and charge ridiculous

amounts of money simply because it is standard a procedural practice and

insurance companies or Medicare pays the bill. It is important for you to put

the human factor into the equation.

Hope this helps,

>

> I'm new here and with this disease. I went to my general physician because my

legs ached. He did a blood panel to check lipids(?) and the elevated liver

enzymes showed up. I've had it monitored for two years now; biopsy in 2007

revealed AIH. Now seeing a gastro dr. who wants to start all over; sonogram on

12/7; liver biopsy on 1/14. I'm now single, 51 years old, no insurance and

scared to death. I don't have any idea how to pay for these tests or hardly

even a dr. visit! The initial dr. visit was $263! Ouch! I work as a

restaurant manager in a resort area; we will close on Dec. 12 and reopen

sometime in late winter/early spring 2010. I don't know what's going to happen

to me. Does anyone else feel the same and how do you get past it? thanks for

allowing me to vent at this group page. I'm really scared.

>

[Guest guest]

Also, one can always ask if there's a less expensive medication that's equally

effective.

Doctors used to have a lot of free samples on hand for people who were without

insurance; I don't know if they're allowed to accept them from drug reps,

nowadays.

Prednisone and Azathioprine don't have less expensive alternatives; fortunately,

they're not in the astronomical range.

Harper

[ ] Re: Hi

Another thing...

Robin. As far as finances go, be sure to remind your MD, frequently, that you do

not have insurance coverage. Often times, most of the time actually, doctor's

will lower the charges for services when they know you are paying out of your

pocket and are compromised financially with your work situation. Always ask if

the tests & /or procedures are a necessity or a secondary tool (if that makes

sense). Lots of times doctors do multiple procedures and charge ridiculous

amounts of money simply because it is standard a procedural practice and

insurance companies or Medicare pays the bill. It is important for you to put

the human factor into the equation.

Hope this helps,

>

> I'm new here and with this disease. I went to my general physician because my

legs ached. He did a blood panel to check lipids(?) and the elevated liver

enzymes showed up. I've had it monitored for two years now; biopsy in 2007

revealed AIH. Now seeing a gastro dr. who wants to start all over; sonogram on

12/7; liver biopsy on 1/14. I'm now single, 51 years old, no insurance and

scared to death. I don't have any idea how to pay for these tests or hardly

even a dr. visit! The initial dr. visit was $263! Ouch! I work as a

restaurant manager in a resort area; we will close on Dec. 12 and reopen

sometime in late winter/early spring 2010. I don't know what's going to happen

to me. Does anyone else feel the same and how do you get past it? thanks for

allowing me to vent at this group page. I'm really scared.

>

[Guest guest]

Robin,

Welcome to the group, I put your surgery date on the groups calendar.

Everyone going into this has a level of being anxious, it's completely normal. Yet, it didn't keep you from seeing a doc, whats possible for you, and making a surgery date. There are no guarntees in all this, but for the vast majority, this choice has been a improvement in function and pain levels.

For me I got to the point similar to you, and the surgery was my only hope to be rid of the pain and disability, so it was a no brainer to go forward, I felt I had little to loose, and more to gain.

Sitting after surgery is difficult, but gets better with time and healing, don;t let that freak you out. Also issues with hygiene, ( Access) gets better after healing happens. All is easy to get around in the beginning, there are tools to help you, and while it sucks, for the most part it is only temporary. I am far more ABLE after revision than I was before, I walk as much as I'd like, can stand, and for me the pain is gone, so I function so much better. Is it perfect having everything fused but my neck, no, but it's doable, and I wouldn't trade the losses for the pain, or the inability to walk more than about ten feet before revision. We weren't given perfect bodies, it sucks, but we are adaptable.

None of this is easy, but living like you are is harder, in my opinion, and leaves little hope, revision at least gives you a shot. Dr. Rand is one of the very best in the field, and he wouldn't take you on if he didn't think he could improve your overall wellbeing. He has very many sucess stories here, including our group owner Cam, who is around six years out from revision and doing well, and back at life full bore.

I wish you peace during this process, hard yes, but for me sooooooo worth it.

Colorado Springs

[ ] Re: hi

Hi ,

I joined the group yesterday after we talked and browsed through some of the emails posted. I am once again feeling very anxious about having the surgery. I read about not being able to sit and about hygiene difficulties. Some of the posts were rather innocuous while others were quite detailed.

I don't know if I am in denial about really needing the surgery or if my pain level and mobility is bad enough yet to warrant it. I know that I am on a lot of meds for pain and that I am very limited due to my posterior fusion of 33 years and the rollercoaster of fibromyalgia. I am also battling with anxiety and depression, gained about 35 pounds, and feel like I am losing control. Little by slow I am experiencing losses like independence, self esteem, my nursing license and driving my car. I don't do errands alone anymore and seem to be getting more disabled as I age. (I'm 46 now). I guess I'm just scared.of loss or living. I am already housebound and my pain/body is my prison.

I am feeling that the surgery will make me more "stuck" and that I will be more limited in terms of functionality. Mostly I am afraid of the unknown. I feel like I have good days and bad days from the pain, fibromyalgia, and decreased mobility. It seems that everything affects me and I can't/don't tolerate much of anything. I really don't know if I am minimizing my chronic pain, yet I am engrossed with that and then it is amplified by the fibromyalgia.

I know that Dr Rand is the answer. I am just having trouble visualizing the other side after the surgery. I don't know any other way of life than what I have experienced. Sometimes it feels safer to keep the problem I know as difficult as it is to live. My surgery is scheduled for January 6, 2010 at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston. I am having a lot of difficulty coping and reaching a level of acceptance/peace with this.

Sorry to go on for so long. I am really trying to feel that more surgery is a good choice. I am hoping for any feedback that will help.

Robin

On Fri, Dec 4, 2009 at 6:24 PM, <wendywoodardcharter (DOT) net> wrote:

Hi Robin,Sorry i did not catch your phone call. I was eating dinner and was not near the phone. Email me anytime and keep me posted on your journey.. Remember you have nothing to lose and everything to gain (exccept weight of course). My email is wendywoodardcharter (DOT) net. The web site is on and is called flatback revised. You may have to join but it does not cost anything. They are very helpful and informative. ' I will watch for you there.

[Guest guest]

Robin,

Welcome to the group, I put your surgery date on the groups calendar.

Everyone going into this has a level of being anxious, it's completely normal. Yet, it didn't keep you from seeing a doc, whats possible for you, and making a surgery date. There are no guarntees in all this, but for the vast majority, this choice has been a improvement in function and pain levels.

For me I got to the point similar to you, and the surgery was my only hope to be rid of the pain and disability, so it was a no brainer to go forward, I felt I had little to loose, and more to gain.

Sitting after surgery is difficult, but gets better with time and healing, don;t let that freak you out. Also issues with hygiene, ( Access) gets better after healing happens. All is easy to get around in the beginning, there are tools to help you, and while it sucks, for the most part it is only temporary. I am far more ABLE after revision than I was before, I walk as much as I'd like, can stand, and for me the pain is gone, so I function so much better. Is it perfect having everything fused but my neck, no, but it's doable, and I wouldn't trade the losses for the pain, or the inability to walk more than about ten feet before revision. We weren't given perfect bodies, it sucks, but we are adaptable.

None of this is easy, but living like you are is harder, in my opinion, and leaves little hope, revision at least gives you a shot. Dr. Rand is one of the very best in the field, and he wouldn't take you on if he didn't think he could improve your overall wellbeing. He has very many sucess stories here, including our group owner Cam, who is around six years out from revision and doing well, and back at life full bore.

I wish you peace during this process, hard yes, but for me sooooooo worth it.

Colorado Springs

[ ] Re: hi

Hi ,

I joined the group yesterday after we talked and browsed through some of the emails posted. I am once again feeling very anxious about having the surgery. I read about not being able to sit and about hygiene difficulties. Some of the posts were rather innocuous while others were quite detailed.

I don't know if I am in denial about really needing the surgery or if my pain level and mobility is bad enough yet to warrant it. I know that I am on a lot of meds for pain and that I am very limited due to my posterior fusion of 33 years and the rollercoaster of fibromyalgia. I am also battling with anxiety and depression, gained about 35 pounds, and feel like I am losing control. Little by slow I am experiencing losses like independence, self esteem, my nursing license and driving my car. I don't do errands alone anymore and seem to be getting more disabled as I age. (I'm 46 now). I guess I'm just scared.of loss or living. I am already housebound and my pain/body is my prison.

I am feeling that the surgery will make me more "stuck" and that I will be more limited in terms of functionality. Mostly I am afraid of the unknown. I feel like I have good days and bad days from the pain, fibromyalgia, and decreased mobility. It seems that everything affects me and I can't/don't tolerate much of anything. I really don't know if I am minimizing my chronic pain, yet I am engrossed with that and then it is amplified by the fibromyalgia.

I know that Dr Rand is the answer. I am just having trouble visualizing the other side after the surgery. I don't know any other way of life than what I have experienced. Sometimes it feels safer to keep the problem I know as difficult as it is to live. My surgery is scheduled for January 6, 2010 at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston. I am having a lot of difficulty coping and reaching a level of acceptance/peace with this.

Sorry to go on for so long. I am really trying to feel that more surgery is a good choice. I am hoping for any feedback that will help.

Robin

On Fri, Dec 4, 2009 at 6:24 PM, <wendywoodardcharter (DOT) net> wrote:

Hi Robin,Sorry i did not catch your phone call. I was eating dinner and was not near the phone. Email me anytime and keep me posted on your journey.. Remember you have nothing to lose and everything to gain (exccept weight of course). My email is wendywoodardcharter (DOT) net. The web site is on and is called flatback revised. You may have to join but it does not cost anything. They are very helpful and informative. ' I will watch for you there.

[Guest guest]

Hi Robin so glad to see you onboard. All the members here are very knowledgable

and will be able to answer any questions you have. i am 3 weeks postop and can

take care of all hygiene except shave my legs but hubby is working on making me

a longer stick for my razor. i can sit in chairs just not low sqishy ones. I

understand all of this gets better with time.... just stay strong, research and

know you will be in good hands with dr rand.

>

> > Hi Robin,

> > Sorry i did not catch your phone call. I was eating dinner and was not

> > near the phone. Email me anytime and keep me posted on your journey..

> > Remember you have nothing to lose and everything to gain (exccept weight of

> > course). My email is wendywoodard@... The web site is on

> > and is called flatback revised. You may have to join but it

> > does not cost anything. They are very helpful and informative. ' I will

> > watch for you there.

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Robin so glad to see you onboard. All the members here are very knowledgable

and will be able to answer any questions you have. i am 3 weeks postop and can

take care of all hygiene except shave my legs but hubby is working on making me

a longer stick for my razor. i can sit in chairs just not low sqishy ones. I

understand all of this gets better with time.... just stay strong, research and

know you will be in good hands with dr rand.

>

> > Hi Robin,

> > Sorry i did not catch your phone call. I was eating dinner and was not

> > near the phone. Email me anytime and keep me posted on your journey..

> > Remember you have nothing to lose and everything to gain (exccept weight of

> > course). My email is wendywoodard@... The web site is on

> > and is called flatback revised. You may have to join but it

> > does not cost anything. They are very helpful and informative. ' I will

> > watch for you there.

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you for your response to my message, . And thank you again for

being there so soon after your own surgery.

I've seen a few posts where hardware has been a problem causing new pain. I

must say this is a concern of mine as I have never had any. Thirty-three years

ago, I was fused and " lucky enough not to need a Harrington rod " . I have no

strength or stability and I was never able to build any. With fibromyalgia and

a low pain threshold, I wonder how I will be able to tolerate hardware. I

usually feel that my body is just hanging off this pole of a spine which is

mostly fused and too fatigued to hold myself/sit up straight. With this in mind,

I feel the hardware will cause much pressure/pain.

I also saw earlier posts where people have been on the fence right up until the

moment of surgery. That is definitely me. I am trying to tell myself that I am

not bad enough to need surgery. I am always afraid of being made worse than I

already am. I don't expect to be cured and not knowing what the future will be

like and how I will feel about it, I am really unsettled over this. Dr Rand

says the decision is " with the owner " . I need more convincing/answers than

that...

>

> Hi Robin,

> Sorry i did not catch your phone call. I was eating dinner and was not

near the phone. Email me anytime and keep me posted on your journey.. Remember

you have nothing to lose and everything to gain (exccept weight of course). My

email is wendywoodard@... The web site is on and is called flatback

revised. You may have to join but it does not cost anything. They are very

helpful and informative. ' I will watch for you there.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear RObin,

I fullly undertand your fear...sometimes the devil you know is better than the devil you do not know!! I had surgery with Dr.Rand Jan 13th 2006 and Jan 24th 2006. I am coming up on my 4 year anniversary. I have had a very good results. I feel very lucky. You are in good hands. I know you know that. If you need anything please just ask...been there....scary time, I know. Hang tough!!! , PA

From: Robin Vita <robin.vita@...>wendywoodard@...; Sent: Sat, December 5, 2009 1:28:04 PMSubject: [ ] Re: hi

Hi ,

I joined the group yesterday after we talked and browsed through some of the emails posted. I am once again feeling very anxious about having the surgery. I read about not being able to sit and about hygiene difficulties. Some of the posts were rather innocuous while others were quite detailed.

I don't know if I am in denial about really needing the surgery or if my pain level and mobility is bad enough yet to warrant it. I know that I am on a lot of meds for pain and that I am very limited due to my posterior fusion of 33 years and the rollercoaster of fibromyalgia. I am also battling with anxiety and depression, gained about 35 pounds, and feel like I am losing control. Little by slow I am experiencing losses like independence, self esteem, my nursing license and driving my car. I don't do errands alone anymore and seem to be getting more disabled as I age. (I'm 46 now). I guess I'm just scared.of loss or living. I am already housebound and my pain/body is my prison.

I am feeling that the surgery will make me more "stuck" and that I will be more limited in terms of functionality. Mostly I am afraid of the unknown. I feel like I have good days and bad days from the pain, fibromyalgia, and decreased mobility. It seems that everything affects me and I can't/don't tolerate much of anything. I really don't know if I am minimizing my chronic pain, yet I am engrossed with that and then it is amplified by the fibromyalgia.

I know that Dr Rand is the answer. I am just having trouble visualizing the other side after the surgery. I don't know any other way of life than what I have experienced. Sometimes it feels safer to keep the problem I know as difficult as it is to live. My surgery is scheduled for January 6, 2010 at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston. I am having a lot of difficulty coping and reaching a level of acceptance/peace with this.

Sorry to go on for so long. I am really trying to feel that more surgery is a good choice. I am hoping for any feedback that will help.

Robin

On Fri, Dec 4, 2009 at 6:24 PM, <wendywoodard@ charter.net> wrote:

Hi Robin,Sorry i did not catch your phone call. I was eating dinner and was not near the phone. Email me anytime and keep me posted on your journey.. Remember you have nothing to lose and everything to gain (exccept weight of course). My email is wendywoodard@ charter.net. The web site is on and is called flatback revised. You may have to join but it does not cost anything. They are very helpful and informative. ' I will watch for you there.

[Guest guest]

Robin,

I also have fibromyalgia and understand your suffering. I was trying to work full-time at a doctor's office before my revision and was on many pain killers for my back pain and my fibromyalgia. I can tell you that revision surgery was the best thing I have ever done. As far as my lower back pain goes, I am completely pain free now and I am two years postop. Now I can just focus on the fibromyalgia. I have good days and bad days. I am currently working part-time as the secretary for two churches, and I've also just taken a job at my local post office. What was guaranteed to be 2 hours a week has turned into approximately 20 hours each week. Thanks to the revision surgery I've been able to stand for 2-3 hours putting up the mail.

I can't guarantee the same results for you. I will say that immediately after surgery my fibro reacted to the trauma and was a little worse. However, it was nothing compared to the pain I had before surgery from my back. One important thing is to do the walking after surgery. I didn't do it because it was summer and so hot here on the coast of NC and I didn't want to deal with the mosquitoes. I wish I had used my elliptical machine to strengthen myself.

But know there is hope for a better quality of life after revision. I don't think there is anyone on this list that regrets it! And if you want to keep in touch with me privately to discuss fibromyalgia, I will welcome your emails.

Peggy

[ ] Re: hi

Hi ,

I joined the group yesterday after we talked and browsed through some of the emails posted. I am once again feeling very anxious about having the surgery. I read about not being able to sit and about hygiene difficulties. Some of the posts were rather innocuous while others were quite detailed.

I don't know if I am in denial about really needing the surgery or if my pain level and mobility is bad enough yet to warrant it. I know that I am on a lot of meds for pain and that I am very limited due to my posterior fusion of 33 years and the rollercoaster of fibromyalgia. I am also battling with anxiety and depression, gained about 35 pounds, and feel like I am losing control. Little by slow I am experiencing losses like independence, self esteem, my nursing license and driving my car. I don't do errands alone anymore and seem to be getting more disabled as I age. (I'm 46 now). I guess I'm just scared.of loss or living. I am already housebound and my pain/body is my prison.

I am feeling that the surgery will make me more "stuck" and that I will be more limited in terms of functionality. Mostly I am afraid of the unknown. I feel like I have good days and bad days from the pain, fibromyalgia, and decreased mobility. It seems that everything affects me and I can't/don't tolerate much of anything. I really don't know if I am minimizing my chronic pain, yet I am engrossed with that and then it is amplified by the fibromyalgia.

I know that Dr Rand is the answer. I am just having trouble visualizing the other side after the surgery. I don't know any other way of life than what I have experienced. Sometimes it feels safer to keep the problem I know as difficult as it is to live. My surgery is scheduled for January 6, 2010 at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston. I am having a lot of difficulty coping and reaching a level of acceptance/peace with this.

Sorry to go on for so long. I am really trying to feel that more surgery is a good choice. I am hoping for any feedback that will help.

Robin

On Fri, Dec 4, 2009 at 6:24 PM, <wendywoodardcharter (DOT) net> wrote:

Hi Robin,Sorry i did not catch your phone call. I was eating dinner and was not near the phone. Email me anytime and keep me posted on your journey.. Remember you have nothing to lose and everything to gain (exccept weight of course). My email is wendywoodardcharter (DOT) net. The web site is on and is called flatback revised. You may have to join but it does not cost anything. They are very helpful and informative. ' I will watch for you there.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,The fact of the matter is I'm scared to death and really don't know if I should have the surgery.  If you get this email, maybe you could call me or give me permission to call you.  

I just feel so debilitated that I won't be able to move the way I am supposed to post op and I will botch everything Dr Rand fixes.  I don't want to end up worse off than I am now because I am so bad that I will be  unable to do the walking or maintain the posture required during position changes  and screw up the healing of the fusion or perhaps not bad enough to begin with and unaware that the fibromyalgia is masking everything and that the surgery will only expedite my demise.

I know no one will tell me to have surgery, but perhaps no one will tell me not to have surgery either.  How were you before surgery? How did you come to terms and decide to go forward with the surgery?  What was a typical day like before surgery?  Were you able to work?   How limited were you?  Did you have someone helping you before surgery to continue to function?  Do you have any services now?  

My pre op is still on as is the surgery but I am having a terrible time emotionally and really don't know what to do.  I probably will go forward with the schedule, but I am hoping that I won't come out of this with regret and more losses/difficulties.   I am trying to sit and plow through the piles and responsibilities I am burdened with on a daily basis.   I am worried that I will be unable to do any of this after surgery (because I will not be able to tolerate sitting or struggling with the hardware) and that I will just be further behind and  in a deeper depression, unable to cope.

Am I overthinking this or do you think I could have legitimate concerns?  I am feeling that since my insurance has authorized the procedure and Dr Rand accepted my case and the booking went as smoothly as it did that perhaps that should be reason enough to go forward.  I am thinking that I may not have the opportunity/option again in the future, so maybe I should take it while I can and hope it is the right choice.  I just wish I could know or be more sure.

Thanks for being there,RobinOn Thu, Dec 17, 2009 at 1:40 PM, wendy woodard <wendywoodard@...> wrote:

HI Robin,

I am just checking in on you to see how you are doing?  Are you all set for  your preop testing tomorow?  Let me know how it goes?  I am thinking of you often and hope you are doing ok.

Re: hi

Hi ,

I joined the group yesterday after we talked and browsed through some of the emails posted. I am once again feeling very anxious about having the surgery. I read about not being able to sit and about hygiene difficulties. Some of the posts were rather innocuous while others were quite detailed. 

I don't know if I am in denial about really needing the surgery or if my pain level and mobility is bad enough yet to warrant it.  I know that I am on a lot of meds for pain and that I am very limited due to my posterior fusion of 33 years and the rollercoaster of fibromyalgia. I am also battling with anxiety and depression, gained about 35 pounds,  and feel like I am losing control.  Little by slow I am experiencing losses like independence, self esteem, my nursing license and driving my car.  I don't do errands alone anymore and seem to be getting more disabled as I age. (I'm 46 now). I guess I'm just scared.of loss or living. I am already housebound and my pain/body is my prison.

I am feeling that the surgery will make me more " stuck " and that I will be more limited in terms of functionality.  Mostly I am afraid of  the unknown.  I feel like I have good days and bad days from the pain, fibromyalgia, and decreased mobility.  It seems that everything affects me and I can't/don't tolerate much of anything.  I really don't know if I am minimizing my chronic pain, yet I am engrossed with that and then it is amplified by the fibromyalgia.

I know that Dr Rand is the answer.  I am just having trouble visualizing the other side after the surgery.  I don't know any other way of life than what I have experienced.  Sometimes it feels safer to keep the problem I know as difficult as it is to live.  My surgery is scheduled for January 6, 2010 at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston. I am having a lot of difficulty coping and reaching a level of acceptance/peace with this.     

Sorry to go on for so long. I am really trying to feel that more surgery is a good choice. I am hoping for any feedback that will help.

Robin

On Fri, Dec 4, 2009 at 6:24 PM, <wendywoodard@...> wrote:

Hi Robin,Sorry i did not catch your phone call.  I was eating dinner and was not near the phone.  Email me anytime and keep me posted on your journey..  Remember you have nothing to lose and everything to gain (exccept weight of course).  My email is wendywoodard@....  The web site is on and is called flatback revised.  You may have to join but it does not cost anything.  They are very helpful and informative. ' I will watch for you there.

[Guest guest]

tara,

i'm only 3 weeks into this thing myself, but one thing that i can tell you from

personal experience is DO NOT, i repeat DO NOT, go off klonopin " cold turkey " . 

the withdrawal symptoms can be absolutely excruciating.  you can definitely

ween yourself off that particular drug in about a month, depending on how long

you have been on it.

 

also, i, too, have been diagnosed as " bi-polar " , but i suspected years ago that

the bi-polar was as much a mental/emotional manifestation of my chronic fatigue

and brainfog as anything else. i mean, i've been taking the meds like a good

little boy, in part, to rule out depression as the " cause " of my chronic

fatigue.

 

the more that i've learned about both chronic fatigue and candida, the more that

i realize the bi-polar meds literally have little effect on me...other than to

make the fatigue and brainfog worse.  the shrinks will warn you all day long

about the " dangers " of going off the meds, but i weened myself off all my

bi-polar meds within 2 weeks, and noticed very little change.

 

i have zero clue if this follows recommended protocol of either bee or the

shrinks, but i'm just sick of putting pills in my mouth that do absolutely

nothing to alleviate any of my symptoms at all.  none.  hey, maybe it is a

" risk " ...going into " mania " without their beloved lithium.  but i noticed after

not taking it that i actually had more energy.

 

and that, afterall, is there entire focus of my life...reduce fatigue and

brainfog.

From: Tara Cook <tlc51472@...>

Subject: [ ] hi

" Bee Wilder " < >

Date: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 7:08 PM

I have been so fortunate to come accross your info. I must have this issue.  I

first noticed when I was nursing and I had thrush that would not clear up.  My

mikk even gave me hives.  I used to be very natural and holistic, but having 3

kids and being in 2 severe car accidents left me in a bad way.  I was diagnosed

as bipolar and further away i went from nature.  I am on a ton of medication an

dread every day due to the fatigue.  I assumed it was gluten, which may be a

component, but I see that getting my body back to nature is what I have to do. 

Figuring out how to convince my husband and 3 kids will be interesting.  I am

totally broke so I need my parents financial support to get the organic food.>

Do u have any experience with www.grassfedtraditi ons.com? Or is there another

site of organic food you reccomend?

I am going to the health food store tomorrow to get my clove oil and oil of

oregano.  I have A lot to read still of your info, but I am excited.  I

normally can't get out of bed long enough to cook dinner, so I am hopeful that I

will feel " normal' again.

Oh, very important!  What do I do in regards to my bipolar meds?  I understand

they are toxic and I know that I can't exactly talk to my shrink, so in order

for me to feel better what should I do?

Is a little at a time the best answer?  Do the antifungal and then decrease the

meds slowly, or go cold turkey except for the Klonopin, which would kill me.

Should I stay on the meds, and will I start to have better mental health over

time and know that i am ready to decrease my meds with my Dr.s guidance.  I

just do not know if not stopping my meds will defeat getting well.

Tara

[Guest guest]

>

>

> I have been so fortunate to come accross your info.  I must have this issue. 

I first noticed when I was nursing and I had thrush that would not clear up.  My

mikk even gave me hives.  I used to be very natural and holistic, but having 3

kids and being in 2 severe car accidents left me in a bad way.  I was diagnosed

as bipolar and further away i went from nature.  I am on a ton of medication an

dread every day due to the fatigue.  I assumed it was gluten, which may be a

component, but I see that getting my body back to nature is what I have to do. 

Figuring out how to convince my husband and 3 kids will be interesting.  I am

totally broke so I need my parents financial support to get the organic food.>

Do u have any experience with www.grassfedtraditions.com? Or is there another

site of organic food you reccomend?

+++Hi Tara. Welcome to our group. The first step to getting healthy is knowing

that Nature doesn't get it wrong, and that following Nature's Laws on Health are

what are most important. Good for you!

+++You do not " have to " buy organic grass-fed meats in order to get healthy. If

the meat at your grocery store is not irradiated (zapped with radiation) or

injected with stuff to preserve it, they are healthy too. The difference is

that organic grass-fed will have higher nutrient value. How meat is treated

depends upon regulations in your area. The same is true for vegetables too, but

again ensure they are not being irradiated.

>

> I am going to the health food store tomorrow to get my clove oil and oil of

oregano.

+++It is way too early to start on those, and I have also eliminated them from

my program, except for special treatments. The only antifungal you need to take

is unrefined coconut oil, and that is mainly because it provides many health

benefits.

+++That is because Candida cannot be cured by " killing it off. " It just doesn't

work that way. Candida is only cured by building up the immune system, which is

done by:

1) Consuming " proper nutrients " (diet plus supplements),

2) Eliminating toxins and foods that feed candida (they also feed bacteria and

cancer),

3) Eliminating damaging foods, and

4) Eliminating toxins in general.

> Oh, very important!  What do I do in regards to my bipolar meds?  I

understand they are toxic and I know that I can't exactly talk to my shrink, so

in order for me to feel better what should I do?

+++After you are completely on the diet and taking all of the supplements you

should gradually start to wean off of the meds.

Please ensure you read these two important articles carefully:

1) How to Successfully Overcome Candida

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/intro2.php

2) Curing Candida, How to Get Started

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/intro1.php

For encouragement and inspiration see these wonderful Success Stories by members

of this group: http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/success/index.php

The best in health, Bee

[Guest guest]

> >

> > how is candida involved in neck soreness/ muscle tension?

>

> ==>Hi. What is your name please? Candida toxins, along with other

> types of toxins, causes muscle pain, stiffness and tension, as well

> as joint pains and stiffness, so it too would be a die-off symptom.

>

> Toxins cause what the medical field labels " fibromyalgia, " which

> simply means " muscle fiber pain. " Toxins move and spread throughout

> the body and can move around from one place to another, or be in

> several places at the same time. I trully believe that all forms of

> arthritis and rheumatism are all caused by toxins.

>

> The neck and shoulder areas are the most common problems for many

> candida sufferers. I had them before I cured my candida too. As I

> progressed on my candida program toxins moved around my body. At one

> point the inside of both my thighs went numb from the toxins.

> Another time my body detoxified through my eyes for 3 months.

>

> The best thing to do is to stick to the program, taking all of the

> supplement recommended, and do other simple things to help your body

> detoxify as written in " How to Successfully Overcome Candida " ;

> http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/menu2_8.php

>

> But always your focus should be on nutrition. Some treatments help

> and can alleviate symptoms a little but overall nutrition does more

> for your body than anything else.

>

> The high " good " fats on my program are the most effective in helping

> the body detoxify, since they cleanse the body so well they even rid

> the body of heavy metals. You can also rub a 50/50 mixture of oil of

> oregano and olive or coconut oil into the areas that are painful, and

> apply wet heat. Oil of oregano is just as powerful of a pain killer

> as morphine. Also ensure you take regular Epsom salt baths, and do

> daily dry skin brushing or rebound on a trampoline, or even walk

> regularly to exercise your lymphatic system.

>

> Everything on the entire program works together to help you deal with

> symptoms and to cure your candida, so do not leave anything out.

> Also see this article about detoxifying:

> http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/detox.php

>

> The best in health, Bee

I can totally relate. I have been in so much pain that I bedridden alot of the

time. I am going to try that stuff as soon as the herbs I ordered come in. I

have been taking vicoden a few times a month when it gets really bad, and

tylenol otherwise. I can't tolerate Advil. So this is awesome to find out I

can rub these oils on me. I also feel like I am not 80, but 90. some days, I

can't even walk. It is so hopeful to know that I " will " be better someday. I

can go back to work, and make some money so that we are not in poverty. Thank

you for the post.

>

[Guest guest]

>

> > how is candida involved in neck soreness/ muscle

> > tension?

does accupuncture help speed up the healing process? If you go to one that

treats for the immune system? I had gone about 10 years ago, and my seasonal

were gone for about 4 years, she did tell me that certain foods were not being

absorbed into my body due to my issues. I moved so can't see her, but should I

find someone with the same philosophy?

[Guest guest]

>

> does accupuncture help speed up the healing process? If you go to one that

treats for the immune system? I had gone about 10 years ago, and my seasonal

were gone for about 4 years, she did tell me that certain foods were not being

absorbed into my body due to my issues. I moved so can't see her, but should I

find someone with the same philosophy?

+++Hi Tara. I hope I picked out what you wrote. Nothing speeds up the healing

processed since it take 1 month of natural healing for every year you've been

unhealthy, which for most people today is since before they were born.

The reason is because it takes time for your body to heal itself naturally once

it is getting what it needs to do its job, and of course that means eliminating

toxins and damaging foods.

Of course that means also sticking to the program carefully, and not

overtreating oneself so you aren't overwhelming your body. The timing starts

once the person is completely on the diet, taking all of the supplements, and

has eliminated drugs.

Of course it doesn't hurt to have accupuncture treatments once in a while or

other treatments that do not interfere with proper nutrients. But unfortunately

it still takes time and patience.

All the best, Bee

[Guest guest]

Hi Jenn,

Your doctor has it wrong. A high protein diet is hard on the kidneys, but you

aren't following a high protein diet. Bee's diet is a high fat diet and it is

not hard on the kidneys at all.

Here's the info to consult with Bee:

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/consult.php

All the best,

(Group Moderator)

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> it's been a while since my last post and boy am I in bad shape. I was on

Bee's diet for 6 months and felt better so I got off of it and my candida is

back worse than ever. I am once again on the diet and just have a question, my

doctor said that this diet is very hard on the kidneys and after a while could

cause serious problems. Has anyone heard of this?

>

> Jenn

>

> Please help! Bee also if I could schedule a consultation with you that would

be great.

>

[Guest guest]

---- Hey Theo,

---- Yeah i had teeth sensitivity with candida. Since on the program for 5 weeks

ive had major bouts of teeth sensitivity. Its a common die off symptom i

believe, so thats a good thing. Just hang in there as it will fluctuate, my

teeth are becoming less sensitive as the days go by. Good luck. Caine.

>

> Hi,

>

> I was wondering if anyone in the group experienced any teeth sensitivity

while having Candida. I took the test and honestly, I have like 90 percent of

the symptoms. This diet is going to be rough for me but I have to do it for me.

> Thanks in advance to any replies, -Theo.

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi,

>

> I was wondering if anyone in the group experienced any teeth sensitivity

while having Candida. I took the test and honestly, I have like 90 percent of

the symptoms. This diet is going to be rough for me but I have to do it for me.

+++Hi Theo. Yes, many people with candida have very sensitive teeth, since the

teeth, like any other part of your body, is affected by poor nutrition, an

overload of toxins, damaging foods, sugars, high-carbs, etc.

The good news is that this program improves the health of your teeth too. Here

a member of this group who reported that the enamel on her teeth regenerated:

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/success/ss1a.php

In the meantime your teeth will go through many changes as they get healthier

too. In fact your teeth will detoxify, possibly changing color when the toxins

are coming out, i.e. fluoride makes the teeth gray, and other toxins can make

them yellow - but eventually they will go white again.

You may also get more tartar while you're on this program, which is common to

occur while your body is adjusting its mineral levels and other nutrients.

However, the tartar will dissolve as you progress.

Going on this program can seem rough at the beginning, but it gets easier and

easier. It is well worth the effort!

All the best, Bee