6 month check up

[Guest guest]

Darlin you go by the scales that give you the best weightloss!! I

personally go by my scales at home...for one thing I can use a

consistant " Naked Morning weight " . When I go to the Doctor it is

always at a different time of day and in different cloths.

Do I think your silly for wearing a wig to work? Naw, I'm sure your

husband is right and you look fine without it, but, if it makes you

feel better for now then wear it. Hey wearing a wig is an option

that we are lucky enough to have if we feel the need.

Jo

[Guest guest]

I forgot to mention that my doctor prescribed synthroid for my hair loss.

Has anyone heard of this practice before? He said sometimes it works and

sometimes it doesn't. Since it was only one pill a day I thought I would

give it a try.

Jan

>From: " moft54 " <jandu1711@...>

>Reply-

>

>Subject: 6 month check up

>Date: Wed, 07 May 2003 03:21:04 -0000

>

>Went today for my six month check up. I must say I like my scales a

>whole lot more than Dr Hess'. Over this past weekend I hit 185, but

>on his scales I was 189. I started out on Halloween last year at

>260, so, depending what scales you go by I've lost between 71 and 75

>pounds in 6 months. The only problem I am having is that I'm waiting

>on my hair to grow back. I think I lost 2/3 of it. I went and got a

>short do. At work I usually wear a wig. Am I being totally stupid?

>My husband doesn't mind the look of my hair, but I do. I sent my

>daughter a picture and she said I looked very young. I may not be

>able to get my fat head back in the wig. I haven't posted in a long

>time, but I read everything. I'm also having the acne problem. It

>seems like everything I go through, it's discussed within a week or

>two. I keep wondering if someone is reading my mind. Thanks for

>letting me be in your group even though Dr K isn't my doctor.

>

>Jan

>Indiana

>Dr Hess Bowling Green, OH

>10/31/02 260

>5/6/03 189

>

_________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Hi Jan!

Great post! You are doing so well, congratulations -- 185! Yikes, I eagerly

anticipate the day! LOL

Hugs and blessings, Ann

[Guest guest]

> Went today for my six month check up. I must say I like my scales

a

> whole lot more than Dr Hess'. Over this past weekend I hit 185,

but

> on his scales I was 189. I started out on Halloween last year at

> 260, so, depending what scales you go by I've lost between 71 and

75

> pounds in 6 months. The only problem I am having is that I'm

waiting

> on my hair to grow back. I think I lost 2/3 of it. I went and got

a

> short do. At work I usually wear a wig. Am I being totally

stupid?

> My husband doesn't mind the look of my hair, but I do. I sent my

> daughter a picture and she said I looked very young. I may not be

> able to get my fat head back in the wig. I haven't posted in a

long

> time, but I read everything. I'm also having the acne problem. It

> seems like everything I go through, it's discussed within a week or

> two. I keep wondering if someone is reading my mind. Thanks for

> letting me be in your group even though Dr K isn't my doctor.

>

> Jan

> Indiana

> Dr Hess Bowling Green, OH

> 10/31/02 260

> 5/6/03 189

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``

Jan,

I would go with the 75lbs..lol You always do the lowest

weight,anyway that's what they tell me so that's what

I go by.

Isn't it GREAT on being a looser??So glad that you post

with us and best of luck and God bless

Pat in Taft,Ca

[Guest guest]

Great 6 month update, Jan! Don't worry about the hair, it will grow

back. It just takes time. And hey, whether it's 71 or 75 pounds,

that's a fantastic 6 month loss! Whoo hoo!

Tracey

> Went today for my six month check up. I must say I like my scales

a

> whole lot more than Dr Hess'. Over this past weekend I hit 185,

but

> on his scales I was 189. I started out on Halloween last year at

> 260, so, depending what scales you go by I've lost between 71 and

75

> pounds in 6 months. >

> Jan

> Indiana

> Dr Hess Bowling Green, OH

> 10/31/02 260

> 5/6/03 189

[Guest guest]

Hi Suzie,

I have some ideas for car travel. First, of course, is to get out of the car about every hour (I stretch that to an hour and a half), even for just so long as to walk around the care four or five times. I use a seat cushion in the car. I've tried the ones with the tailbone area cut out but don't like them, so I use a regular memory foam cushion and push it forward enough so that my tailbone area hangs off the back of the cushion. Thus, no pressure on the spine. I also have an airline sized pillow that I put behind my neck area as I push the seat back toward a reclining position. Beware, though, that seat belts don't work so well when your seat is in a deeply reclining position. Or so I'm told. And I don't drive more than 5 hours per day. Good luck.

Bonnie

[ ] 6 month check up

Hi everyone~

I just wanted to check in and let you know that I will be heading up to NJ next week for my 6 month check up. I am quite nervous about the trip...I am going to have to drive and the trip will take about 11 hours. I don't have alot of endurance still and am quite uncomfortable sitting for long peroids of time...who am I kidding short peroids of time beat the tar out of me as well! I can't afford to fly so this is really my only option at this point. Does anyone have any suggestions? The bulk of my pain is in the tailbone area.

I have been quite down the past few days as I have learned that I am going through menopause. Couple that with everything else and I guess that I've been a bit of a bummer.

Anyway, if anyone has any ideas for my jouney I would be forever grateful! Thanks!

Suzie

Start your day with - make it your home page

[Guest guest]

Suzy,

Two quick suggestions. First of all, do NOT try to drive more than 5

or 6 hours a day. AND about every hour or two at the MOST get out and

walk and stretch. I have not had revision surgery, but that is the

best I can do. Also would some sort of pillow or cushion help? And I

am hoping someone else will actually be doing the driving? You will

just be riding?

Regarding menopause, the best thing about that for me was finally

getting rid of migraine headaches that have bothered me since I was a

teen.

With the cost of gasoline and motels are you SURE flying isn't about

the same cost?

Kathy

Txbluebelle

> Hi everyone~

> I just wanted to check in and let you know that I will be heading

up to NJ next week for my 6 month check up. I am quite nervous about

the trip...I am going to have to drive and the trip will take about

11 hours. I don't have alot of endurance still and am quite

uncomfortable sitting for long peroids of time...who am I kidding

short peroids of time beat the tar out of me as well! I can't afford

to fly so this is really my only option at this point. Does anyone

have any suggestions? The bulk of my pain is in the tailbone area.

> I have been quite down the past few days as I have learned that I

am going through menopause. Couple that with everything else and I

guess that I've been a bit of a bummer.

> Anyway, if anyone has any ideas for my jouney I would be forever

grateful! Thanks!

> Suzie

>

>

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

> Start your day with - make it your home page

[Guest guest]

Suzie,

Same questions...

From where are you driving? Is there not an airline that has

specials between you and there? Even if you had to rent a car, with

gas prices as they are, it might be worth considering. I will be

going to Amarillo tomorrow (5 hours), but my mom is going with me

and we'll be taking a DeVille so I can stretch out. If it weren't

for mom's desire to stop and see relatives on the way home AND for

the long weekend, I would definitely be flying.

Secondly, is someone going with you and do you have friends or

family along the way so you can break the trip up? Eleven hours is A

LOT of sitting time no matter who you are.

If driving is your only choice, I hope you find a spot to stop with

a nice pool so you can get in and stretch a bit when you arrive.

Hope your appointment goes well!

kam

> > Hi everyone~

> > I just wanted to check in and let you know that I will be

heading

> up to NJ next week for my 6 month check up. I am quite nervous

about

> the trip...I am going to have to drive and the trip will take

about

> 11 hours. I don't have alot of endurance still and am quite

> uncomfortable sitting for long peroids of time...who am I kidding

> short peroids of time beat the tar out of me as well! I can't

afford

> to fly so this is really my only option at this point. Does

anyone

> have any suggestions? The bulk of my pain is in the tailbone

area.

> > I have been quite down the past few days as I have learned that

I

> am going through menopause. Couple that with everything else and

I

> guess that I've been a bit of a bummer.

> > Anyway, if anyone has any ideas for my jouney I would be forever

> grateful! Thanks!

> > Suzie

> >

> >

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

> > Start your day with - make it your home page

[Guest guest]

Suzy,

Just thought of something. You said you were heading "up to NJ" and you have an 11 hour ride. If you are traveling from the South (I live in southeastern NC) and you have to take I-95 which, to me, is the worst road in the country, I suggest you avoid the Washington, DC area at rush hour, which for DC is about 3pm to 8 pm. The traffic is horrendous and could add hours to the trip. Also, a lot of people I know take 301 to stay away from DC. It's out of the way and will add a good 20 minutes to normal drive time, but you can be assured of not having a major tie-up.

Bonnie

[ ] Re: 6 month check up

Suzy,Two quick suggestions. First of all, do NOT try to drive more than 5 or 6 hours a day. AND about every hour or two at the MOST get out and walk and stretch. I have not had revision surgery, but that is the best I can do. Also would some sort of pillow or cushion help? And I am hoping someone else will actually be doing the driving? You will just be riding?Regarding menopause, the best thing about that for me was finally getting rid of migraine headaches that have bothered me since I was a teen.With the cost of gasoline and motels are you SURE flying isn't about the same cost?KathyTxbluebelle> Hi everyone~> I just wanted to check in and let you know that I will be heading up to NJ next week for my 6 month check up. I am quite nervous about the trip...I am going to have to drive and the trip will take about 11 hours. I don't have alot of endurance still and am quite uncomfortable sitting for long peroids of time...who am I kidding short peroids of time beat the tar out of me as well! I can't afford to fly so this is really my only option at this point. Does anyone have any suggestions? The bulk of my pain is in the tailbone area.> I have been quite down the past few days as I have learned that I am going through menopause. Couple that with everything else and I guess that I've been a bit of a bummer.> Anyway, if anyone has any ideas for my jouney I would be forever grateful! Thanks!> Suzie> > > ---------------------------------> Start your day with - make it your home page

[Guest guest]

Hiya Suzie,

I'm sorry your checkup is not at the HJD...then I could at least try

to stop by and say hello, ah, well, such is life.

Definitely stop frequently to stretch and walk....I have mentioned the

memory foam pillow I'm using for my chair at work, perhaps that would

help in the car as well?

Drink lots of water, if nothing else, it will force you to stop

frequently to use the restrooms along the way, which is a great

opportunity to stretch.

Can't wait to hear how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!

Edie

> Hi everyone~

> I just wanted to check in and let you know that I will be heading up

to NJ next week for my 6 month check up. I am quite nervous about the

trip...I am going to have to drive and the trip will take about 11

hours. I don't have alot of endurance still and am quite

uncomfortable sitting for long peroids of time...who am I kidding

short peroids of time beat the tar out of me as well! I can't afford

to fly so this is really my only option at this point. Does anyone

have any suggestions? The bulk of my pain is in the tailbone area.

> I have been quite down the past few days as I have learned that I am

going through menopause. Couple that with everything else and I guess

that I've been a bit of a bummer.

> Anyway, if anyone has any ideas for my jouney I would be forever

grateful! Thanks!

> Suzie

>

>

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

> Start your day with - make it your home page

[Guest guest]

Hi Suzie, Good luck with your check up. The trip we just made up to

Canada was a total of about 9-10 hours on the road...we break it

into two days with the first day the longer day...5-6 hours.

Even around town I always have to travel with a small pillow in my

lumbar area. My tailbone also gets a little sore after a couple

hours so we just made it a point to stop at a rest stop. Just the

act of walking into the bathrooms and grabbing a drink or snack

seemed to put me back to okay for more driving. I would think doing

the whole drive in one day will be pretty difficult...can you make

it a two day trip?

Maybe a foam seat cusion is a good idea? Of course...I assume you

will not drive yourself...so if you can recline your seat from time

to time..that will help also.

Good luck and we will all be looking forward to hearing about your

check up.

Best of luck, Cam

[Guest guest]

Bonnie~I am living in South Carolina...and yes, I must agree that I-95 is a nightmare and the DC area is the worst PITA out there. I am planning on making the trip with my husband, and we are NOT going to do it all in one day! We have taken 301 in the past and will probably use it again, thank you for reminding me! SuzieBonnie <bonnie@...> wrote:

Suzy,

Just thought of something. You said you were heading "up to NJ" and you have an 11 hour ride. If you are traveling from the South (I live in southeastern NC) and you have to take I-95 which, to me, is the worst road in the country, I suggest you avoid the Washington, DC area at rush hour, which for DC is about 3pm to 8 pm. The traffic is horrendous and could add hours to the trip. Also, a lot of people I know take 301 to stay away from DC. It's out of the way and will add a good 20 minutes to normal drive time, but you can be assured of not having a major tie-up.

Bonnie

[ ] Re: 6 month check up

Suzy,Two quick suggestions. First of all, do NOT try to drive more than 5 or 6 hours a day. AND about every hour or two at the MOST get out and walk and stretch. I have not had revision surgery, but that is the best I can do. Also would some sort of pillow or cushion help? And I am hoping someone else will actually be doing the driving? You will just be riding?Regarding menopause, the best thing about that for me was finally getting rid of migraine headaches that have bothered me since I was a teen.With the cost of gasoline and motels are you SURE flying isn't about the same cost?KathyTxbluebelle> Hi everyone~> I just wanted to check in and let you know that I will be heading up to NJ next week for my 6 month check up. I am quite nervous about the trip...I am

going to have to drive and the trip will take about 11 hours. I don't have alot of endurance still and am quite uncomfortable sitting for long peroids of time...who am I kidding short peroids of time beat the tar out of me as well! I can't afford to fly so this is really my only option at this point. Does anyone have any suggestions? The bulk of my pain is in the tailbone area.> I have been quite down the past few days as I have learned that I am going through menopause. Couple that with everything else and I guess that I've been a bit of a bummer.> Anyway, if anyone has any ideas for my jouney I would be forever grateful! Thanks!> Suzie> > > ---------------------------------> Start your day with - make it your home pagescoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Kam, Thank you for your helpfulness!! I will plan to stop quite often as I will need it! My husband, Chuck will be making the trip with me. I would never think of going it alone at this point in the game. As for the pool my doc said no pool until he sees me. I have wanted to be able to get into a pool for months! I felt it would be so helpful in my recovery, since I have so much trouble walking. Last May I had a "simple" surgery on my foot and the doctor caused permanant nerve damage that starts in the foot and goes all the way up the leg. I was in a wheelchair for months unable to walk...during my revision surgery the doc cut the sympathetic nerve to try to get me some pain relief. ( I had 4 prior procedures to try to help w/out success).I did get some relief from the pain and have been able to get around but the nerve fibers have started to mend and I am having trouble with it again. Its a scary

thing! Anyway, that really isn't where I was going with this.....I am thinking as I am typing this that I wish that I could fly instead of driving...who knows miracles can happen.Thank you again!

Suzieadvokam <advokam@...> wrote:

Suzie,Same questions...From where are you driving? Is there not an airline that has specials between you and there? Even if you had to rent a car, with gas prices as they are, it might be worth considering. I will be going to Amarillo tomorrow (5 hours), but my mom is going with me and we'll be taking a DeVille so I can stretch out. If it weren't for mom's desire to stop and see relatives on the way home AND for the long weekend, I would definitely be flying.Secondly, is someone going with you and do you have friends or family along the way so you can break the trip up? Eleven hours is A LOT of sitting time no matter who you are.If driving is your only choice, I hope you find a spot to stop with a nice pool so you can get in and stretch a bit when you arrive. Hope your appointment goes

well!kam> > Hi everyone~> > I just wanted to check in and let you know that I will be heading > up to NJ next week for my 6 month check up. I am quite nervous about > the trip...I am going to have to drive and the trip will take about > 11 hours. I don't have alot of endurance still and am quite > uncomfortable sitting for long peroids of time...who am I kidding > short peroids of time beat the tar out of me as well! I can't afford > to fly so this is really my only option at this point. Does anyone > have any suggestions? The bulk of my pain is in the tailbone area.> > I have been quite down the past few days as I have learned that I > am going through menopause. Couple that with everything else and I > guess that I've been a bit of a bummer.> > Anyway, if anyone has any ideas

for my jouney I would be forever > grateful! Thanks!> > Suzie> > > > > > ---------------------------------> > Start your day with - make it your home page__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Suzy,

Good luck at your six month check-up. You've gotten some great ideas

for the drive, especially stopping to move around every hour or so. I

don't know if anyone has mentioned this, but do you have a problem

with taking meds? Perhaps a muscle relaxer or just some mild valium

to help you sleep through the drive would be a solution.

What kind of car will you be traveling in? If it's not that

comfortable could you borrow or rent one that is? Borrowing would

sure be the economical way to go if you've got family or a friend

that you feel comfortable asking.

I do hesitate to suggest this next idea because you'd have to forego

a seatbelt and I wouldn't forgive myself if something happened to

you, but if worse comes to worse and you really don't think you can

handle the drive sitting, even reclined, you might try an air

mattress in the back of a mini van or such. I drive a Jeep Grand

Cherokee and wish I'd thought to fold down the back seat and do just

that on the drive home from Boston to RI after my revision surgery (a

mere 1.5 hour drive)! But that was right after revision.

Maybe this is an obvious one, but try to keep yourself distracted,

too. Knit, crochet, book on tape, crosswords, electronic handheld

game like solitaire, yahtzee, poker, etc..., might help keep your

mind off the discomfort somewhat. I mean, there's only so much

entertainment to be derived from harrassing the driver (your hubby?)

about their driving deficiencies before said driver starts harboring

serious thoughts about sticking one on the bus for the remainder of

the trip! At least that's what I've found.

Hope this helps.

Sending postive thoughts for a good journey and good news at your 6

month check.

Best, Dianne

P.S. I'm so sorry to hear that you're feeling down. You'd think with

all the time we spend in peri-menopause we'd be more prepared for

the " real " deal. Hah! Please know that you're not alone and if you

ever need to vent, talk, whatever, email me or just post to us all!

> Hi everyone~

> I just wanted to check in and let you know that I will be heading

up to NJ next week for my 6 month check up. I am quite nervous about

the trip...I am going to have to drive and the trip will take about

11 hours. I don't have alot of endurance still and am quite

uncomfortable sitting for long peroids of time...who am I kidding

short peroids of time beat the tar out of me as well! I can't afford

to fly so this is really my only option at this point. Does anyone

have any suggestions? The bulk of my pain is in the tailbone area.

> I have been quite down the past few days as I have learned that I

am going through menopause. Couple that with everything else and I

guess that I've been a bit of a bummer.

> Anyway, if anyone has any ideas for my jouney I would be forever

grateful! Thanks!

> Suzie

>

>

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

> Start your day with - make it your home page

[Guest guest]

Hey Edie~

How are you feeling these days? How is work going are having a good go of things? I sure hope so!! I wish that we could get together when I come up there!! I remember you telling me that you were hoping to be moving has that happened yet? If not, how are you handeling all of the stairs where you are? I know that I don't go up the stairs in our house unless I totally have to. I am grateful to have my bedroom on the 1st floor, especially now that I am having trouble with my foot again. What is the memory foam pillow that you are using like? I am having so much trouble with my lower back and tail bone area that I can't sit for very long. When I spoke to the doctors office they asked if I was still using the donut pillow, nobody ever told me to use one. I got one and tried it but it was awful! At this point I would give just about anything a try. Well, I have

rambled on for too long.....I hope that you are feeling well and happy! How is your honey? Tell him I said to say, "HI". Suzie edie_scratch <edie_scratch@...> wrote:

Hiya Suzie,I'm sorry your checkup is not at the HJD...then I could at least tryto stop by and say hello, ah, well, such is life.Definitely stop frequently to stretch and walk....I have mentioned thememory foam pillow I'm using for my chair at work, perhaps that wouldhelp in the car as well?Drink lots of water, if nothing else, it will force you to stopfrequently to use the restrooms along the way, which is a greatopportunity to stretch.Can't wait to hear how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!Edie> Hi everyone~> I just wanted to check in and let you know that I will be heading upto NJ next week for my 6 month check up. I am quite nervous about thetrip...I am going to have to drive and the trip will

take about 11hours. I don't have alot of endurance still and am quiteuncomfortable sitting for long peroids of time...who am I kiddingshort peroids of time beat the tar out of me as well! I can't affordto fly so this is really my only option at this point. Does anyonehave any suggestions? The bulk of my pain is in the tailbone area.> I have been quite down the past few days as I have learned that I amgoing through menopause. Couple that with everything else and I guessthat I've been a bit of a bummer.> Anyway, if anyone has any ideas for my jouney I would be forevergrateful! Thanks!> Suzie> > > ---------------------------------> Start your day with - make it your home page__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Dianne,

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful ideas!!!! My husband and sister suggested that we put a mattress in the back of the van and the thought of having an accident scared to poop out of me. I will bring all of the things possible to distract me...because I think you are right about the driver (my hubby) might just put me on the roof rack, haha! I will try to see if my doctor can write me a script for valium or something for the trip...that was a wonderful suggestion. We are still really new to the area so, we don't know anybody that we could borrow a vehicle from, but we have talked about renting one.

As for the Menopause thing....I am only 36 years old. My hair is falling out in clumps, my hair dresser thought that it was from all of the anesthia from the 2 operations, I have been flashing for months and months and when I approached my GP about weather it could be Menopause he laughed and said, you are kidding aren't you? He said I was way too young to bother testing that was about a year ago. He made me think I was loosing my mind. My new GP agreed to test and confirmed it about a week ago.

Thank you for being so thoughful and caring!! You made my day!!

Warmly, SuzieDianne <Diannnes@...> wrote:

Hi Suzy,Good luck at your six month check-up. You've gotten some great ideas for the drive, especially stopping to move around every hour or so. I don't know if anyone has mentioned this, but do you have a problem with taking meds? Perhaps a muscle relaxer or just some mild valium to help you sleep through the drive would be a solution. What kind of car will you be traveling in? If it's not that comfortable could you borrow or rent one that is? Borrowing would sure be the economical way to go if you've got family or a friend that you feel comfortable asking.I do hesitate to suggest this next idea because you'd have to forego a seatbelt and I wouldn't forgive myself if something happened to you, but if worse comes to worse and you really don't think you can handle the drive sitting, even reclined, you might try

an air mattress in the back of a mini van or such. I drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee and wish I'd thought to fold down the back seat and do just that on the drive home from Boston to RI after my revision surgery (a mere 1.5 hour drive)! But that was right after revision. Maybe this is an obvious one, but try to keep yourself distracted, too. Knit, crochet, book on tape, crosswords, electronic handheld game like solitaire, yahtzee, poker, etc..., might help keep your mind off the discomfort somewhat. I mean, there's only so much entertainment to be derived from harrassing the driver (your hubby?) about their driving deficiencies before said driver starts harboring serious thoughts about sticking one on the bus for the remainder of the trip! At least that's what I've found.Hope this helps. Sending postive thoughts for a good journey and good news at your 6 month check.Best,

DianneP.S. I'm so sorry to hear that you're feeling down. You'd think with all the time we spend in peri-menopause we'd be more prepared for the "real" deal. Hah! Please know that you're not alone and if you ever need to vent, talk, whatever, email me or just post to us all! > Hi everyone~> I just wanted to check in and let you know that I will be heading up to NJ next week for my 6 month check up. I am quite nervous about the trip...I am going to have to drive and the trip will take about 11 hours. I don't have alot of endurance still and am quite uncomfortable sitting for long peroids of time...who am I kidding short peroids of time beat the tar out of me as well! I can't afford to fly so this is really my only option at this point. Does anyone have any suggestions? The bulk of

my pain is in the tailbone area.> I have been quite down the past few days as I have learned that I am going through menopause. Couple that with everything else and I guess that I've been a bit of a bummer.> Anyway, if anyone has any ideas for my jouney I would be forever grateful! Thanks!> Suzie> > > ---------------------------------> Start your day with - make it your home page__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi ~ I too started out with a wonderful head of hair! I had really long hair pior to my revision surgery, and decided to cut it shorter just before leaving for NYC in March....I have recently cut it really short because of the amound of hair that I have been loosing. I am like sleeping with a cat, when I roll over in bed I end up with a face full of hair. I can't tell you how many flashes I have in a day but the number is up there. I am in the process of looking for a new "get your legs up" doctor in hopes of getting some assistance with all of this. My GP said that the reason for me going into Menopause so young (36) is because I started to menstrate very young (10).

Why have you decided that you couldn't or wouldn't have the revision surgery it you had to wear a brace?

Suzie

Racine <linda@...> wrote:

Hi Suzie...I've been losing hair and having an average of 30-40 hot flashes a dayfor two years. Luckily, I had a lot of hair to start with. I'vedecided that there's absolutely no way I could have revision surgeryunless it wouldn't require a post-op brace.Regards,> > Hi everyone~> > I just wanted to check in and let you know that I will be heading > up to NJ next week for my 6 month check up. I am quite nervous about > the trip...I am going to have to drive and the trip will take about > 11 hours. I don't have alot of endurance still and am quite > uncomfortable sitting for long peroids of time...who am I kidding > short peroids of time beat the tar out of me as well! I can't afford > to

fly so this is really my only option at this point. Does anyone > have any suggestions? The bulk of my pain is in the tailbone area.> > I have been quite down the past few days as I have learned that I > am going through menopause. Couple that with everything else and I > guess that I've been a bit of a bummer.> > Anyway, if anyone has any ideas for my jouney I would be forever > grateful! Thanks!> > Suzie> > > > > > ---------------------------------> > Start your day with - make it your home page> > > > > > scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates > > > >

[Guest guest]

Hi Bonnie,

Thank you for the great ideas! Where did you buy your memory foam cushion from? I think that I would really like to try that! I don't think that I could go an hour and a half with out stopping at this point in time! I am have a hard time feeling so restricted by the amoundt of pain that I am feeling. We used to drive from Jersey to Florida straight through, now I can't imagine the trip from SC up there in two days. UGH! Better days to come!

Thanks again, Bonnie! SuzieBonnie <bonnie@...> wrote:

Hi Suzie,

I have some ideas for car travel. First, of course, is to get out of the car about every hour (I stretch that to an hour and a half), even for just so long as to walk around the care four or five times. I use a seat cushion in the car. I've tried the ones with the tailbone area cut out but don't like them, so I use a regular memory foam cushion and push it forward enough so that my tailbone area hangs off the back of the cushion. Thus, no pressure on the spine. I also have an airline sized pillow that I put behind my neck area as I push the seat back toward a reclining position. Beware, though, that seat belts don't work so well when your seat is in a deeply reclining position. Or so I'm told. And I don't drive more than 5 hours per day. Good luck.

Bonnie

[ ] 6 month check up

Hi everyone~

I just wanted to check in and let you know that I will be heading up to NJ next week for my 6 month check up. I am quite nervous about the trip...I am going to have to drive and the trip will take about 11 hours. I don't have alot of endurance still and am quite uncomfortable sitting for long peroids of time...who am I kidding short peroids of time beat the tar out of me as well! I can't afford to fly so this is really my only option at this point. Does anyone have any suggestions? The bulk of my pain is in the tailbone area.

I have been quite down the past few days as I have learned that I am going through menopause. Couple that with everything else and I guess that I've been a bit of a bummer.

Anyway, if anyone has any ideas for my jouney I would be forever grateful! Thanks!

Suzie

Start your day with - make it your home page __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

HI Suzie,

Glad to help. I have one more idea for car travel - books on tape. If you get a real goody, it makes the time go faster.

I know how frustrated you are about the time it takes to go up to NJ. A lot of people I know do it in one day, too, from southeastern NC. Last time I visited my daughter in NYC, I flew and my husband drove by himself in one day. He didn't mind driving alone because at least I wasn't bugging him to stop so often. One day I would like to visit the Asheville area, a six hour drive, and we'll have to do it in two days. Oh, well. When are you going to NJ?

As for the cushion, it's a Tempurpedic and therefore pricey, $85. I've tried others and nothing comes close to being as comfortable, so I paid the price. It has a really good handle, too, so I take it with me to restaurants, movie theaters and airplanes. The tone Hard To Find Tools on line catalog has it (I just checked to be sure they still offer it). Their paper catalog did not show it last time I looked. Google tone Hard To Find Tools and when you get to the site it shows, search for Tempurpedic and keep turning the page till you find it - third page I think. If this doesn't work for you, please let me know and I'll try to better describe the site.

Bonnie

From: Suzie

Sent: Friday, September 02, 2005 3:34 PM

Subject: Re: [ ] 6 month check up

Hi Bonnie,

Thank you for the great ideas! Where did you buy your memory foam cushion from? I think that I would really like to try that! I don't think that I could go an hour and a half with out stopping at this point in time! I am have a hard time feeling so restricted by the amoundt of pain that I am feeling. We used to drive from Jersey to Florida straight through, now I can't imagine the trip from SC up there in two days. UGH! Better days to come!

Thanks again, Bonnie! SuzieBonnie <bonnie@...> wrote:

Hi Suzie,

I have some ideas for car travel. First, of course, is to get out of the car about every hour (I stretch that to an hour and a half), even for just so long as to walk around the care four or five times. I use a seat cushion in the car. I've tried the ones with the tailbone area cut out but don't like them, so I use a regular memory foam cushion and push it forward enough so that my tailbone area hangs off the back of the cushion. Thus, no pressure on the spine. I also have an airline sized pillow that I put behind my neck area as I push the seat back toward a reclining position. Beware, though, that seat belts don't work so well when your seat is in a deeply reclining position. Or so I'm told. And I don't drive more than 5 hours per day. Good luck.

Bonnie

[ ] 6 month check up

Hi everyone~

I just wanted to check in and let you know that I will be heading up to NJ next week for my 6 month check up. I am quite nervous about the trip...I am going to have to drive and the trip will take about 11 hours. I don't have alot of endurance still and am quite uncomfortable sitting for long peroids of time...who am I kidding short peroids of time beat the tar out of me as well! I can't afford to fly so this is really my only option at this point. Does anyone have any suggestions? The bulk of my pain is in the tailbone area.

I have been quite down the past few days as I have learned that I am going through menopause. Couple that with everything else and I guess that I've been a bit of a bummer.

Anyway, if anyone has any ideas for my jouney I would be forever grateful! Thanks!

Suzie

Start your day with - make it your home page

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Suzie...

Some hotflashes are so intense that I can barely stand to have even a

tank top.

--

>> Why have you decided that you couldn't or wouldn't have the

revision surgery it you had to wear a brace?

> Suzie

[Guest guest]

Hi ~ I can relate to that! I must say that my doctor only insisted that I wear my brace when I was up walking around....I don't know what your doctor requires but it might be worth checking into. THe other thing is if you are having second thoughts because of your flashes I would consider having your surgery in the fall so you could have the winter to recover while it is cool or cold! I sure wish that I could have waited but, now I am so glad that its over!

Suzie Racine <linda@...> wrote:

Hi Suzie...Some hotflashes are so intense that I can barely stand to have even atank top. -->> Why have you decided that you couldn't or wouldn't have therevision surgery it you had to wear a brace? > Suzie__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Suzie...

I live in Northern California, where the temperature rarely goes above

80 degrees, so season doesn't make much difference. And, I have

hotflashes 24 hours a day, so it doesn't make a difference whether the

brace has to be worn at night (which is rarely the case anyway).

But, thanks for understanding.

Regards,

> >> Why have you decided that you couldn't or wouldn't have the

> revision surgery it you had to wear a brace?

> > Suzie

>

>

>

>

>

>

> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi , I really do understand.Sorry!

Suzie Racine <linda@...> wrote:

Hi Suzie...I live in Northern California, where the temperature rarely goes above80 degrees, so season doesn't make much difference. And, I havehotflashes 24 hours a day, so it doesn't make a difference whether thebrace has to be worn at night (which is rarely the case anyway).But, thanks for understanding. Regards,> >> Why have you decided that you couldn't or wouldn't have the> revision surgery it you had to wear a brace? > > Suzie> > > > > > > scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates > > > >

[Guest guest]

Hello Suzie Q,

So the time draws near for your 6 month check up...can you believe it?

I can't help but think of you in the hospital, being held prisoner

there for so long because of the infections, not to mention the

previous foot surgeon's incompetence. Is anything happening about

that? Girl, you are the rock of Gibraltar!

To answer some of your questions below:

1. We are supposed to be closing on the new apartment September 13th,

and will move by the beginning of October. The new place is only a

couple of miles away from our existing place, and we now have a car,

so it will be much easier to get back and forth to move the delicate

stuff, clean it beforehand, etcetera. We'll do all the big furniture

in one go. I, of course, will not be moving anything, my husband

will be keeping an eye on me, so if I even try it...I'm busted. He is

doing really well, thanks for asking, and sends his absolute best back

to you.

An aside here: I do appreciate how lucky I am to have his total

support. When I read the posts from people whose loved ones don't

believe the amount of distress they are in, it makes me really upset.

I guess I would expect that from people I don't know really well, but

not those closest to me. All they need to do is look at me when I'm

having a bad back day, and that wipes out any skepticism. (Of course,

we will never let on that everyone on this board are collectively the

greatest actors in the world, engaged in a nefarious plot to elicit

sympathy by hobbling about unsteadily and bent over. Shhh....please

let's all continue to keep it our little secret.)

2. The brand of the memory foam pillow I'm using is Kensington. I love

it, and I think it is less expensive than the tempurpedic. I can't

imagine using a donut pillow, just thinking about it makes my butt,

sacrum, and tailbone scream!

3. Work is going pretty well so far. I'm doing 4 days a week, and will

continue to do so until after the move, at least. I am finding the

routine healthy for me right now, and it forces me to keep to a

schedule. There are even times throughout the day that I don't think

about my back, which is a welcome mental relief.

4. The 40 steps leading up to my apartment (not to mention all the

many more subway steps to and from work) have become less of a problem

with the passing of time. Some days I need to take them more slowly

than others, but most days, they are not causing any problem anymore,

whereas before my surgery, each step felt like Mt. Everest. I do use a

cane to get around everywhere outside of my apartment.

Can't wait to hear how your 6-month check up works out for you. We

will all be anxiously awaiting your report. I hope Dr. Errico will

give you the go-ahead to get into the pool and start aqua therapy.

I hope your entire family is well. Please send them my best.

Take good care, and you know I'll be sending the good thoughts your way-

Edie

> > Hi everyone~

> > I just wanted to check in and let you know that I will be heading up

> to NJ next week for my 6 month check up. I am quite nervous about the

> trip...I am going to have to drive and the trip will take about 11

> hours. I don't have alot of endurance still and am quite

> uncomfortable sitting for long peroids of time...who am I kidding

> short peroids of time beat the tar out of me as well! I can't afford

> to fly so this is really my only option at this point. Does anyone

> have any suggestions? The bulk of my pain is in the tailbone area.

> > I have been quite down the past few days as I have learned that I am

> going through menopause. Couple that with everything else and I guess

> that I've been a bit of a bummer.

> > Anyway, if anyone has any ideas for my jouney I would be forever

> grateful! Thanks!

> > Suzie

> >

> >

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

> > Start your day with - make it your home page

>

>

>

>

>

> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello sweetie!

I can't believe that it has been six months! Some days it seems like its been forever and others like it was just yesterday! No matter which it is I am forever grateful to have been blessed with meeting you! We really do get what we need. I have obtained an attorney for the situation with my foot. I am having trouble with it again and am afraid if I own it it will consume me. I have to believe that I am doing well and will it away because I firm;y believe that my recovery from my revision depends upon it! I have an appointment with a new pain management specialist on Wednesday so, I am hopeful that he will have some new ideas for me. I am no Rock of Gibraltar...but I am a survivor...I have had to be my whole life and I'll be darned if I am going to give up now!

Enough about me...I am so excited for you about your new apartment!! You better behave yourself or I might just have to pay someone to kick you butt! I'd do it myself but I don't think I could get my foot up that high. ( how dare you be taller than 2 feet,haha!) I wish that I could have had my appointment in NYC so that we could have gotten together! I think that and Chuck would make fast friends as we did. We truely are lucky aren't we? I am so thankful for Chuck and his love and support we have been through a load of sh** together! Well, I hope that you are finding yourself more relaxed about work and your upcoming move! Keep me posted will you? Do you keep intouch with Carol from the hospital?

Mom said to send you her love!

Hugs from SC!!

SuzieQedie_scratch <edie_scratch@...> wrote:

Hello Suzie Q,So the time draws near for your 6 month check up...can you believe it?I can't help but think of you in the hospital, being held prisonerthere for so long because of the infections, not to mention theprevious foot surgeon's incompetence. Is anything happening aboutthat? Girl, you are the rock of Gibraltar!To answer some of your questions below:1. We are supposed to be closing on the new apartment September 13th,and will move by the beginning of October. The new place is only acouple of miles away from our existing place, and we now have a car,so it will be much easier to get back and forth to move the delicatestuff, clean it beforehand, etcetera. We'll do all the big furniturein one go. I, of course, will not be moving anything, my husband will be keeping an eye on me, so if I even try it...I'm

busted. He isdoing really well, thanks for asking, and sends his absolute best backto you. An aside here: I do appreciate how lucky I am to have his totalsupport. When I read the posts from people whose loved ones don'tbelieve the amount of distress they are in, it makes me really upset.I guess I would expect that from people I don't know really well, butnot those closest to me. All they need to do is look at me when I'mhaving a bad back day, and that wipes out any skepticism. (Of course,we will never let on that everyone on this board are collectively thegreatest actors in the world, engaged in a nefarious plot to elicitsympathy by hobbling about unsteadily and bent over. Shhh....pleaselet's all continue to keep it our little secret.)2. The brand of the memory foam pillow I'm using is Kensington. I loveit, and I think it is less expensive than the tempurpedic. I can'timagine using a donut pillow, just thinking

about it makes my butt,sacrum, and tailbone scream! 3. Work is going pretty well so far. I'm doing 4 days a week, and willcontinue to do so until after the move, at least. I am finding theroutine healthy for me right now, and it forces me to keep to aschedule. There are even times throughout the day that I don't thinkabout my back, which is a welcome mental relief.4. The 40 steps leading up to my apartment (not to mention all themany more subway steps to and from work) have become less of a problemwith the passing of time. Some days I need to take them more slowlythan others, but most days, they are not causing any problem anymore,whereas before my surgery, each step felt like Mt. Everest. I do use acane to get around everywhere outside of my apartment.Can't wait to hear how your 6-month check up works out for you. Wewill all be anxiously awaiting your report. I hope Dr. Errico willgive you the go-ahead to get

into the pool and start aqua therapy.I hope your entire family is well. Please send them my best.Take good care, and you know I'll be sending the good thoughts your way-Edie> > Hi everyone~> > I just wanted to check in and let you know that I will be heading up> to NJ next week for my 6 month check up. I am quite nervous about the> trip...I am going to have to drive and the trip will take about 11> hours. I don't have alot of endurance still and am quite> uncomfortable sitting for long peroids of time...who am I kidding> short peroids of time beat the tar out of me as well! I can't afford> to fly so this is really my only option at this point. Does anyone> have any suggestions? The bulk of my pain is in the tailbone area.> > I

have been quite down the past few days as I have learned that I am> going through menopause. Couple that with everything else and I guess> that I've been a bit of a bummer.> > Anyway, if anyone has any ideas for my jouney I would be forever> grateful! Thanks!> > Suzie> > > > > > ---------------------------------> > Start your day with - make it your home page> > > > > > scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates > > > >