The Next Step

[Guest guest]

>

>

> ,

You are right to be wary of RAI. As Ann pointed out, destroying

your thyroid will not cure GD. In fact, due to the release of

stimulating TSH receptor antibodies, your symptoms will be exacerbated

for a while afterwards and your chances of developing Graves'

ophthalmopathy and pretibial myxedema will be greatly increased.

I'm a medical technologist currently researching and writing a book on

GD

with emphasis on autoimmunity and alternative treatment methods.

I have several friends who have been treated, or are currently being

treated with a combination of herbs, stress reduction, acupuncture

and/or

homeopathic preparations. Another friend is being treated with Lugol's

strong iodine solution. Although iodine only works for about two weeks

it can be given cyclically. It was the first substance used to treat

hyperthyroidism. It's biggest disadvantage is that it's cheap and earns

no kickback for the person prescribing it. It's effectiveness is proven

in that it is one of the first meds used in the ER to treat symptoms of

thyroid storm. you can e-mail me for more information.

By the way, I had RAI 10 years ago and I consider it the stupidest

thing I ever did. Keep well, elaine

[Guest guest]

Yes, I would like more info.

This is news to me. Also, don't feel bad, because I was in the office

preparing to take my RAI capsules but they couldn't seem to figure out

the right dosage (that made me feel real confident!). They told me to

come back in the next day or so when they had it figured out. Needless

to say, I didn't come back. I think it's a rare person who questions

the methods of the medical establishment and even more so at a young

age.

Also by the way, you mentioned a thyroid storm. When I was scheduled

for my scan, I was told to discontinue the PTU for one week. Well, on

the day of the scan, I had a flat tire on a hot day which I attempted

to change myself. I never felt so bad in my life! My heart was pounding

and I could barely breathe! It would have been nice if they would have

warned me this would happen. I don't have any heart problems that I

know of, but if I did I bet you it would have shown up on that day. I

assume that was a thyroid storm?

alexh@...

dais-@... wrote:

original article:hyperthyroidism/?start=28

68

> >

> >

>

> > ,

> You are right to be wary of RAI. As Ann pointed out, destroying

> your thyroid will not cure GD. In fact, due to the release of

> stimulating TSH receptor antibodies, your symptoms will be exacerbated

> for a while afterwards and your chances of developing Graves'

> ophthalmopathy and pretibial myxedema will be greatly increased.

> I'm a medical technologist currently researching and writing a book on

> GD

> with emphasis on autoimmunity and alternative treatment methods.

> I have several friends who have been treated, or are currently being

> treated with a combination of herbs, stress reduction, acupuncture

> and/or

> homeopathic preparations. Another friend is being treated with Lugol's

> strong iodine solution. Although iodine only works for about two weeks

> it can be given cyclically. It was the first substance used to treat

> hyperthyroidism. It's biggest disadvantage is that it's cheap and

earns

> no kickback for the person prescribing it. It's effectiveness is

proven

> in that it is one of the first meds used in the ER to treat symptoms

of

> thyroid storm. you can e-mail me for more information.

>

> By the way, I had RAI 10 years ago and I consider it the stupidest

> thing I ever did. Keep well, elaine

>

[Guest guest]

..I live in San Francisco. I have had Graves for five years and been in

remission twice (for a year) and then relapsed when dealing with stressful

circumstances. I am currently seeing an acupuncturist in Oakland who has me

on

a very rigorous herb/vitamin detoxification system. It is costly, but I'm

giving it a try because I'm determined to cure my hyperthyroidism. I have

been taking 10 mg. of Tapazol and doing very well. No symptoms at all. But

it's time to get to the source, so I'm detoxifiying my body and doing the

weekly acupuncture. This all began three weeks ago. I'll tell you how it

turns out. I stopped taking my Tapazol on Saturday. By the way, there is a

wonderful healer who treats thyroid conditions in Los Altos. Let me know if

you want her name/number.

Esther

[Guest guest]

njhwells wrote:

>Esther

>I would really be interested in hearing your outcome. I've heard

>of

>people who have gone to have acupuncture but never heard any

>results.

>

>dearesthe-@... wrote:

>original

>article:hyperthyroidism/?start=28

>73

>> ..I live in San Francisco. I have had Graves for five

>years and

>been in

>> remission twice (for a year) and then relapsed when dealing

>with

>stressful

>> circumstances. I am currently seeing an acupuncturist in

>Oakland who

>has me

>> on

>> a very rigorous herb/vitamin detoxification system. It is

>costly,

>but I'm

>> giving it a try because I'm determined to cure my

>hyperthyroidism. I

>have

>> been taking 10 mg. of Tapazol and doing very well. No symptoms

>at

>all. But

>> it's time to get to the source, so I'm detoxifiying my body and

>doing

>the

>> weekly acupuncture. This all began three weeks ago. I'll tell

>you

>how it

>> turns out. I stopped taking my Tapazol on Saturday. By the

>way,

>there is a

>> wonderful healer who treats thyroid conditions in Los Altos.

>Let me

>know if

>> you want her name/number.

>> Esther

>

>

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

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Hi ,

you sent me this message that i think was supposed to go to Esther. You

may have wanted to contact me too re my message to you on the board.

Don't get RAI. I'm writing a book on Graves and have lots of info why

you shouldn't. First of all it's an autoimmune, not a thyroid disorder.

axing your thyroid will make things worse.

Check out this site.

www.onelist.com/subscribe/grave_support

it is a somewhat radical educational support group, an offshoot from the

ultraconservative ngdf board. search back to about 6 weeks ago. B

explains everything she did to go into remission. I have all the details

here somewhere and can get them to you, but i think you'll find some

good information here. If you're concerned specifically about thyroid

eye disease, Chinese medicine treats it by detoxifying the liver. 's

naturopath had her chewing milk thistle and flax seeds and within a week

she noticed considerable eye improvement and no longer has symptoms.

she had lots of estrogen interference so is now dealing with the

spontaneous hypo. let me know if i can help you in any way, elaine

>

[Guest guest]

Esther

I would really be interested in hearing your outcome. I've heard of

people who have gone to have acupuncture but never heard any results.

dearesthe-@... wrote:

original article:hyperthyroidism/?start=28

73

> ..I live in San Francisco. I have had Graves for five years and

been in

> remission twice (for a year) and then relapsed when dealing with

stressful

> circumstances. I am currently seeing an acupuncturist in Oakland who

has me

> on

> a very rigorous herb/vitamin detoxification system. It is costly,

but I'm

> giving it a try because I'm determined to cure my hyperthyroidism. I

have

> been taking 10 mg. of Tapazol and doing very well. No symptoms at

all. But

> it's time to get to the source, so I'm detoxifiying my body and doing

the

> weekly acupuncture. This all began three weeks ago. I'll tell you

how it

> turns out. I stopped taking my Tapazol on Saturday. By the way,

there is a

> wonderful healer who treats thyroid conditions in Los Altos. Let me

know if

> you want her name/number.

> Esther

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/18/99 6:08:40 AM !!!First Boot!!!, alexh@...

writes:

<< Given that I have a high degree of self-discipline and I am willing

to do just about anything to cure this disease, do you think it is at

all possible to achieve a remission w/o RAI given the advanced state

of the disease? >>

Dear and Everyone,

I am extremely confident that you'll be able to correct your case of

hyperthyroidism. To submit to RAI would be very foolish in my opinion. RAI

eliminates the thyroid function but does nothing to correct the underlying

deficiencies which cause the malfunctioning thyroid.

If you haven't gotten a hair analysis, I would strongly recommend it.

That will give you a good idea of the major minerals that you are deficient

in. Also, if you're not taking a trace element supplement, I think that is

very critical for improvement.

I am quite certain that there is at least one rare trace element and

perhaps more that are deficient in hypers. Through my own experimentation

I'm now pretty sure that all trace element supplements do not contain enough

of this missing element. Previously I have recommended Mezotrace Trace

Element supplement, but I'm now pretty convinced that it is lacking in the

mineral or minerals that hypers need. In the past I used Mezotrace but

whenever I would get night-time rapid heart beat I would use another liquid

form of trace elements. This always seemed to correct the problem. The

supplement that I used is sold by New Vision (a multi-level marketing

company, which is the reason that I didn't want to recommend it.) I am

presently trying another product and will report on it. I think that it's

important to use more than one trace element supplement in the probable

likelihood that they are not all the same.

Presently I'm studying an element which looks like it might be the

missing mineral. We'll see what happens with this, but I'm very confident

that the answer to this missing mineral will be found soon.

Concerning the size of your thyroid, most studies indicate that a goiter

is usually the result of either an iodine or selenium deficiency. Are you

taking both selenium and kelp?

Also, pay special attention to the copper and zinc. Try 4-8 mgs of

copper per day without zinc. This should slow your thyroid. When that

happens add just a small amount of zinc about 15 mg every other day.)

Let me know if that helps.

[Guest guest]

Hi, I was reading your post and saw that you know of a healer in Los

Altos who deals with Thyroid problems. Would it be possible for you to

allow me the number? Thank you Maureen

dearesthe-@... wrote:

original article:hyperthyroidism/?start=28

73

> ..I live in San Francisco. I have had Graves for five years and

been in

> remission twice (for a year) and then relapsed when dealing with

stressful

> circumstances. I am currently seeing an acupuncturist in Oakland who

has me

> on

> a very rigorous herb/vitamin detoxification system. It is costly,

but I'm

> giving it a try because I'm determined to cure my hyperthyroidism. I

have

> been taking 10 mg. of Tapazol and doing very well. No symptoms at

all. But

> it's time to get to the source, so I'm detoxifiying my body and doing

the

> weekly acupuncture. This all began three weeks ago. I'll tell you

how it

> turns out. I stopped taking my Tapazol on Saturday. By the way,

there is a

> wonderful healer who treats thyroid conditions in Los Altos. Let me

know if

> you want her name/number.

> Esther

[Guest guest]

Hello

Just out of curiosity how many states require national certified technicians?

Idaho started requiring us to register with the board of pharmacy one year ago.

How many states are requiring registration? I am curious when all the other

states will required registration and national certification. Wouldn't it be

more easier to track if all states were uniform? Are there any plans to make all

states the same or are they leaving if up to the individual state boards? Idaho

doesn't require National certification here yet. But I will be taking the test

this Saturday(wish me luck:) ). I guess that I want to stay one step ahead of

the game. Thanks again, Anita

The next step

Hi everyone,

Bear w/me on this subject, but I think it's important to the growth

of our career/profession. After carefully reading the last published

White Paper on Pharmacy Technicians (1996), knowing a new one will be

released this yr - well, I had a thought after reading the

definitions.

Definitions -

Pharmacy Technician: An individual working in a pharmacy who, under

the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assists in pharmacy

activities that do not require the professional judgment of the

pharmacist.

Licensure: The process by which an agency of government grants

permission to an individual to engage in a give occupation upon

finding that the applicant has attained the minimal degree of

competency necessary to ensure that the public health, safety, and

welfare will be reasonably well protected. Within pharmacy,

pharmacists are licensed by state boards of pharmacy.

Registration: The process of making a list or being enrolled in an

existing list. Within pharmacy, some state boards have elected to

register technicians who work under the supervision of licensed

pharmacists.

Certification: The process by which a nongovernmental agency or

association grants recognition to an individual who has met certain

predetermined qualifications specified by that agency or association.

Within pharmacy, technicians may voluntarily choose to become

certified through an examination process administered by the Pharmacy

Technician Certification Board.

Now, six years have passed since this last White Paper was published,

along w/recommendations - the first one being that of registration of

all pharmacy technicians. Let not another yr go by without action, my

state (Missouri) requires registration, but not all states do. The

time is now for all technicians to be recognized by their states as

pharmacy technicians. I ask those technicians that are not registered

to write to their State Board of Pharmacy and asked that this step be

taken. Yes, it's a small step, but we must learn how to walk before

we run. I would like to see how many states require registration and

those that do not - power is the key to our success. Thanks for

listening to my thoughts.

Blondie

[Guest guest]

Dear Mike,

The very first state to require CPhT was Utah in l998

the second state was Louisianna, 2000

Texas 2001

Wyoming and Montana very recently I think last fall or this spring.

Arizona has a special designation for techs who are CPhT vs not

TN and Delaware have CPhT 's taking scripts over the phone, but not

all are required to be CPhT

RI is about to follow suit.

ihad heard abut 6 months ago from a tech online in Massecheusettes

that thsitoo was going to require CPhT for some if not all.

The National Asociation Board of Pharmacy is not a governing

agency.It does however make stong recommenations. It recommends

mandatory all state PTCB exam and registration.

Washington does not require CPhT, but does require a license and

education.

Utah also requires a license and education.

Californian requires education and registration.

In Ca the registration is also to do a criminal check.

I believe ther are two more states but my memory is not serving me.

I can tell you the following states at this time do not require PTCB:

Ohio

PA

Ilinois

NY

Indianna

Florida

Arkansaw

Kentucky

Nevada,

Colorado

Oregon

Alaska

Ga

Idaho

Iowa

New Jersey

Oklahoma

Thanks for the questions that I too have asked for about 3 years one

every site and this is how I first hear rumblings! I then go to th

esite and check them out about every 6 months.

Thanks for this great question! Anyone can you verify any state not

listed? or is there a correction to any of these?

Respectfully,

Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Chem

PTCB Study Group!

> Hello

> Just out of curiosity how many states require national certified

technicians? Idaho started requiring us to register with the board of

pharmacy one year ago. How many states are requiring registration? I

am curious when all the other states will required registration and

national certification. Wouldn't it be more easier to track if all

states were uniform? Are there any plans to make all states the same

or are they leaving if up to the individual state boards? Idaho

doesn't require National certification here yet. But I will be taking

the test this Saturday(wish me luck:) ). I guess that I want to stay

one step ahead of the game. Thanks again, Anita

>

> The next step

>

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> Bear w/me on this subject, but I think it's important to the

growth

> of our career/profession. After carefully reading the last

published

> White Paper on Pharmacy Technicians (1996), knowing a new one

will be

> released this yr - well, I had a thought after reading the

> definitions.

>

> Definitions -

>

> Pharmacy Technician: An individual working in a pharmacy who,

under

> the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assists in pharmacy

> activities that do not require the professional judgment of the

> pharmacist.

>

> Licensure: The process by which an agency of government grants

> permission to an individual to engage in a give occupation upon

> finding that the applicant has attained the minimal degree of

> competency necessary to ensure that the public health, safety,

and

> welfare will be reasonably well protected. Within pharmacy,

> pharmacists are licensed by state boards of pharmacy.

>

> Registration: The process of making a list or being enrolled in

an

> existing list. Within pharmacy, some state boards have elected to

> register technicians who work under the supervision of licensed

> pharmacists.

>

> Certification: The process by which a nongovernmental agency or

> association grants recognition to an individual who has met

certain

> predetermined qualifications specified by that agency or

association.

> Within pharmacy, technicians may voluntarily choose to become

> certified through an examination process administered by the

Pharmacy

> Technician Certification Board.

>

> Now, six years have passed since this last White Paper was

published,

> along w/recommendations - the first one being that of

registration of

> all pharmacy technicians. Let not another yr go by without

action, my

> state (Missouri) requires registration, but not all states do.

The

> time is now for all technicians to be recognized by their states

as

> pharmacy technicians. I ask those technicians that are not

registered

> to write to their State Board of Pharmacy and asked that this

step be

> taken. Yes, it's a small step, but we must learn how to walk

before

> we run. I would like to see how many states require registration

and

> those that do not - power is the key to our success. Thanks for

> listening to my thoughts.

>

>

> Blondie

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

update on washington, they have voted to make us be certified, but i've yet to

hear a timeframe as to exactly when. my guess would be a couple of years.

rxjm2002 <rxjm2002@...> wrote: Dear Mike,

The very first state to require CPhT was Utah in l998

the second state was Louisianna, 2000

Texas 2001

Wyoming and Montana very recently I think last fall or this spring.

Arizona has a special designation for techs who are CPhT vs not

TN and Delaware have CPhT 's taking scripts over the phone, but not

all are required to be CPhT

RI is about to follow suit.

ihad heard abut 6 months ago from a tech online in Massecheusettes

that thsitoo was going to require CPhT for some if not all.

The National Asociation Board of Pharmacy is not a governing

agency.It does however make stong recommenations. It recommends

mandatory all state PTCB exam and registration.

Washington does not require CPhT, but does require a license and

education.

Utah also requires a license and education.

Californian requires education and registration.

In Ca the registration is also to do a criminal check.

I believe ther are two more states but my memory is not serving me.

I can tell you the following states at this time do not require PTCB:

Ohio

PA

Ilinois

NY

Indianna

Florida

Arkansaw

Kentucky

Nevada,

Colorado

Oregon

Alaska

Ga

Idaho

Iowa

New Jersey

Oklahoma

Thanks for the questions that I too have asked for about 3 years one

every site and this is how I first hear rumblings! I then go to th

esite and check them out about every 6 months.

Thanks for this great question! Anyone can you verify any state not

listed? or is there a correction to any of these?

Respectfully,

Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Chem

PTCB Study Group!

> Hello

> Just out of curiosity how many states require national certified

technicians? Idaho started requiring us to register with the board of

pharmacy one year ago. How many states are requiring registration? I

am curious when all the other states will required registration and

national certification. Wouldn't it be more easier to track if all

states were uniform? Are there any plans to make all states the same

or are they leaving if up to the individual state boards? Idaho

doesn't require National certification here yet. But I will be taking

the test this Saturday(wish me luck:) ). I guess that I want to stay

one step ahead of the game. Thanks again, Anita

>

> The next step

>

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> Bear w/me on this subject, but I think it's important to the

growth

> of our career/profession. After carefully reading the last

published

> White Paper on Pharmacy Technicians (1996), knowing a new one

will be

> released this yr - well, I had a thought after reading the

> definitions.

>

> Definitions -

>

> Pharmacy Technician: An individual working in a pharmacy who,

under

> the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assists in pharmacy

> activities that do not require the professional judgment of the

> pharmacist.

>

> Licensure: The process by which an agency of government grants

> permission to an individual to engage in a give occupation upon

> finding that the applicant has attained the minimal degree of

> competency necessary to ensure that the public health, safety,

and

> welfare will be reasonably well protected. Within pharmacy,

> pharmacists are licensed by state boards of pharmacy.

>

> Registration: The process of making a list or being enrolled in

an

> existing list. Within pharmacy, some state boards have elected to

> register technicians who work under the supervision of licensed

> pharmacists.

>

> Certification: The process by which a nongovernmental agency or

> association grants recognition to an individual who has met

certain

> predetermined qualifications specified by that agency or

association.

> Within pharmacy, technicians may voluntarily choose to become

> certified through an examination process administered by the

Pharmacy

> Technician Certification Board.

>

> Now, six years have passed since this last White Paper was

published,

> along w/recommendations - the first one being that of

registration of

> all pharmacy technicians. Let not another yr go by without

action, my

> state (Missouri) requires registration, but not all states do.

The

> time is now for all technicians to be recognized by their states

as

> pharmacy technicians. I ask those technicians that are not

registered

> to write to their State Board of Pharmacy and asked that this

step be

> taken. Yes, it's a small step, but we must learn how to walk

before

> we run. I would like to see how many states require registration

and

> those that do not - power is the key to our success. Thanks for

> listening to my thoughts.

>

>

> Blondie

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello.. I'm new here.I'm a student IN WA state..adn we

were told that we don't REQUIRE it there.. but.. we are

told we SHOULD get the certification right after school

ends, because it's all still fresh in our minds. And

just in case as well.

I only know about our state..

Vickie

[Guest guest]

Karin,

I was under the impression that WE have to be

certified.. I guess I was confusing that with license. I

know that we GET out certification with this class I'm

in, because our graduates today, got their pins, that

says CPhT on them... at least, I am pretty sure that is

what I seen on it. Can you clarify that?

Vickie

[Guest guest]

HI ALL-

Here's a cut and paste of the Washington State BOP discussion to

which Karin is referring:

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

WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

BOARD OF PHARMACY

April 11, 2002

Holiday Inn

17338 International Blvd

Sea Tac WA

National Certification for Pharmacy Technicians

Don reviewed a recent press release from NABP that announces

that NABP has joined with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board

(PTCB) in the national certification program to examine and certify

pharmacy technicians. Mr. encouraged the Board to require

all future Washington pharmacy technicians to take and pass the PTCB

exam as a prerequisite to certification which would enhance the

quality of pharmacy technician practice in this state. ACTION:

Leon Alzola moved to accept the National Exam and start the rules

process. MOTION CARRIED. Kleinberg and Donna Dockter

opposed.

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

I know the odds are against it, but I sure hope they require existing

techs to take the exam as well---none of the grandfathering stuff.

Dora

>

> update on washington, they have voted to make us be certified,

but i've yet to hear a timeframe as to exactly when. my guess would

be a couple of years.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Vickie,

Actually the only organization that can bestow upon you the CPhT title is the

PTCB. This was posted most recently at the PTCB bulletin board as a long

ongoing discussion about name badges. If you are interested, scroll down the

postings until you find the one written by Murer where she explains that

PTCB owns the designated CPhT title it confers to all who pass its exam.

Re: Re: The next step

Karin,

I was under the impression that WE have to be

certified.. I guess I was confusing that with license. I

know that we GET out certification with this class I'm

in, because our graduates today, got their pins, that

says CPhT on them... at least, I am pretty sure that is

what I seen on it. Can you clarify that?

Vickie

[Guest guest]

Thanks Dora! I really hope this DOES happen. I will be

taking the National exam myself upon graduation.

This will make it easier right out of school as well.

Vickie

[Guest guest]

Dear Vickie

Very interesting! Please ask your instructor if th elaw has recently

changed. Katbird is from Washington and so is my group moderator,

Dora.

The school that I teach at is the first school in California to

require PTCB testing in order to graduate. At this time our students

take the test that is the closest to/after the last day in school and

most likely during their internship. At this time we do not require

that they pass. We require that they take it.

California, does not require PTCB except as a disciplinary action by

state board for negligence on the part of the technician.

Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Chmeistry

Founder of this PTCB Study Group!

> Hello.. I'm new here.I'm a student IN WA state..adn we

> were told that we don't REQUIRE it there.. but.. we are

> told we SHOULD get the certification right after school

> ends, because it's all still fresh in our minds. And

> just in case as well.

>

> I only know about our state..

>

> Vickie

[Guest guest]

Dear Vickie

Very interesting! Please ask your instructor if th elaw has recently

changed. Katbird is from Washington and so is my group moderator,

Dora.

The school that I teach at is the first school in California to

require PTCB testing in order to graduate. At this time our students

take the test that is the closest to/after the last day in school and

most likely during their internship. At this time we do not require

that they pass. We require that they take it.

California, does not require PTCB except as a disciplinary action by

state board for negligence on the part of the technician.

Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Chmeistry

Founder of this PTCB Study Group!

> Hello.. I'm new here.I'm a student IN WA state..adn we

> were told that we don't REQUIRE it there.. but.. we are

> told we SHOULD get the certification right after school

> ends, because it's all still fresh in our minds. And

> just in case as well.

>

> I only know about our state..

>

> Vickie

[Guest guest]

Great Job Dora!!!

Thank you. In the past California usually follows what Washington

does. Since Ca has yet to pass Naplex the pharmacists may look at

PTCB that way or they may decide to require it. To date I have heard

nothing.

Jeanetta

> >

> > update on washington, they have voted to make us be certified,

> but i've yet to hear a timeframe as to exactly when. my guess

would

> be a couple of years.

> >

[Guest guest]

hmmm I don't know about the pins. I don't remember getting one. I know you

shouldn't put CPhT with your name unless you have taken the national exam. We

are liscenced in Washington, and as of the april board meeting we will need to

be nationally certified soon. Just because you pass the class isn't an

automatic liscense. You still have to send paperwork to the state. They help

you with it, but it still needs to be done. I think the class is a certificate

class as you don't get a degree. But CPhT is for those board certified by the

PCTB.

wildorca@... wrote: Karin,

I was under the impression that WE have to be

certified.. I guess I was confusing that with license. I

know that we GET out certification with this class I'm

in, because our graduates today, got their pins, that

says CPhT on them... at least, I am pretty sure that is

what I seen on it. Can you clarify that?

Vickie

[Guest guest]

We are encouraged to take the national exam after we are

done in class. I remember her telling us that sooner or

later it will be a requirement soon anyways.. so we

should just go ahead and do it sooner after school,

because it is a better advantage, right after school.

I definately will as well. I take my final finals, which

is for the state, in January. I can take it at anytime

during my final module though. But we definately are

encouraged to get the national one done for sure.

Vickie

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/11/2004 6:47:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time, krbosco@... writes:

All of this said and done, I hope to have my surgery either very late this month or early next month. Actually, I'd love to have it earlier, but since the darn insurance company wants to double check everything, it's not going to happen as soon as I'd like.Kim in KS

Kim,

Sounds like things are progressing, albeit slowly.

Here's hoping the tests and then surgery can be scheduled sooner rather than later for your sake. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Hugs,

Jan in Northern KY

[Guest guest]

Hi , So we're in the same position now, eh? I am going for it I guess October/November... In fact the question you ask here is one of the main questions I wrote down in my mindmap to ask my surgeons before telling them to go ahead. I indeed wonder what the long term prognoses are for us, will we live as long as people without an -ectomy? Furthermore I want to know what happens to us in case of other heavy stomach issues. My grandfather died of stomach cancer. Nobody else in the family has ever had any cancer issues, but you can imagine me thinking what if I get something like that? I am only 34 years old now and want to live muuuuuuuuuch longer. September 6th I'll see my surgeon again and ask him these so very important questions, but I am really curious to know what other members here on the board know about this. Are you mentally OK about the whole thing? It took

me some time to get used to the idea of me needing an -ectomy. Untill a couple of weeks ago -ectomy was the biggest NO-word in my vocabulary! I am OK now and feeling at ease with the whole idea. Love, Isabella michelle <mcnairmichelle@...> wrote: Hey all - so I got a phone call from Dr. Rice yesterday - he was really nice!! just to give you the condensed version of what's going on...I had a heller with Nissen over 18 years ago and have managed pretty

well on a day to day. Over the last 2 years spasms had really reduced because I had my gall bladder removed (some of what I thought were spasms were actually gb attacks!) and about a year ago I started on amitryptaline - which has helped alot.over the last several months I've noticed an increase in those little annoying, not 'OMG' painful but continuing for a day or 2 spasms.anyway, I've had a barium swallow and EGD done and had the results sent to Dr. Rice for his opinion. My E has gotten 'corkscrew' shaped and saggy at the bottom.Ironically, BECAUSE of the length of time since my heller, he feels that I cannot have a redo wrap but I now can count myself among the ranks of the -ecotmies...I wasn't terribly surprised actually - being with this group has really prepared me for what I had come to think of as being inevitable. It's not something I'm looking forward to but I think back on all of the recent posts

from a lot of the -ectomy members and really - after the first 6 months or so, they seem to be pretty happy with their choices (and after 25 years of A, what's another 6 months??).Here's my question though, how long will you go after an ectomy? I had kind of thought that - that was the final bit, you could (in theory, with a successful surgery) live that way for the rest of your life but Dr. Rice said something about 'when that one fails...'So - how long have all of you been given before more surgery is needed? There's only so much that can be done, right? what happens then?honestly, that's the only part that's really freaking me out.I'm still waiting to hear from Dr. Dempsey's office but honestly, in my mind, Dr. Rice is THE man so I'm very apt to go with what he says first.Anyone know about how long an -ectomy s supposed to last?Happy Swallowing!- in

NC

Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join 's user panel and lay it on us.

[Guest guest]

A transplanted organ is going to

> require antirejection medications which would make your immune system

> less effective to fight infections. You can spare some intestines

and it

> will work as well as a transplanted organ, without the rejection

problems.

To add to Notan's argument: A friend of mine had Pumonary

Hypertension and 5 years ago underwent a double lung transplant.

Fortunately, the transplant worked and her body accepted the lungs and

her life was spared. Unfortunately, she will have to take

anti-rejection medication the rest of her life and she has already

developed diabetes as a result (I hear that this is pretty typical

with the meds)!

in Michigan

[Guest guest]

,

Everything you wrote below about wanting to do it now while you are

still in good health, and wanting to get it over with so you can move

on with your life all rings so true to me. Like you, things on the

inside were in bad shape - my esophagus was very, very sigmoid, very

dilated and always packed with food, but somehow I didn't have

symptoms that were that bad, or at least bad compared to what some on

this board have described. Everything was " manageable " . Then again,

when you live like this for years, you learn to adjust and don't even

realize how bad it is.

I was scared out of my mind about the surgery, but realized that at

age 33 it wasn't going to go away, and if they were recommending it

now, then waiting wasn't going to help me at all or change anything. I

already had very bad pneumonia after the birth of my son due to

aspirating, and my husband and I discussed all the pros and cons

together. We decided that this is such a major deal that it was better

to do it when I was healthy to give me the best chances of coming

through it well. Not only that, but we could do it on our terms and

plan for the kids and everything instead of me getting really sick and

it becoming an emergency, or waiting until I was so bad off with

symptoms that I was miserable and not healthy going into it. Sure it

was a rough couple of months, but I am past it now, and it's over, and

I am moving forward with my life and can enjoy everything now without

worrying about it. My kids were young enough that it didn't scare the

hell out of them to see mommy li

ke that, because they didn't really understand fully what was going

on. They stayed at my sister's place and played with their cousins -

after the first 3 days I was able to talk to them on the phone every

day. They knew I was getting my belly fixed but the doctor was far

away so I couldn't be with them. When I got home, I showed them my

incisions and explained they had to be careful because I was still

sore and couldn't do the same things for a little while. They were

great about all of it, and they were 4 1/2 yrs. old and 2 1/2 yrs old.

You need to make the best decision for yourself, your family and your

future. We are on the young side of things and have young children to

think about. Certainly, speak with more than one doctor. I saw Dr.

s in Rochester, NY, and then took almost 2 more years before I

went to see Dr. Rice. Both gave me the same recommendation, but after

hearing it the first time from Dr. s I wasn't ready to deal with

it. I also felt much more comfortable with Dr. Rice. All I can say

from my experience is that yes it was hard, but it's only been 4 1/2

months for me and I am glad I did it when I did.

It's not looming over me anymore...in my case it was something I had

to do, it was just a matter of when. I decided sooner was better than

later and went for it. Dr. Rice agreed that was the best course of

action in my case. While it was hard, I don't regret it.

Always happy to answer any questions you have,

Love,

in NY

Re: the next step

achalasia

> Hi Isabella - actually I am OK with it - I'm kind of a 'get it

> over

> with' kind of person so even though he told me I could probably

> wait

> awhile...

> actually, he asked me if I have been losing weight (no) or have

> been

> having problems with aspirating (no) and said, well, you can wait

> awhile if you want, until the symptoms get bad but then I

> thought 'why do I want to wait until I HAVE to get it done?' I

> don't

> want to be in poor health because of poor nutrition or feeling

> like

> I'm on my deathbed. I want to take a few months to get it all

> together and go have the blasted surgery so I can get on with the

> rest of my life!!

> I don't know, some in my family seem to think I'm rushing but

> honestly - after 25 years of this crap - 6 months of re-adjusting

> seems a small price to pay. Also, I've been a part of this group

> for

> 5 years or so now and since then, I've gradually accepted the idea

> that if I needed surgery again, an -ectomy might be it. I also

> have

> the shared experiences of everyone here. We have - about a dozen

> or

> so members that have had -ectomies now? I'll take their personal

> experiences and journeys over phone calls to doctor references any

> day of the week.

>

> You bumped up your time frame to Oct/Nov?? I thought you had to

> wait

> until the first of the year for some insurance thing?

> Let me know what your surgeon says about the whole 'how long can

> we

> live without our E' thing. I expect to speak with Dr. Rice in

> about

> another 2 weeks and with Dr. Dempsey also and I'll let you know

> what

> they say.

>

> Glad we can be together for the journey, this group means

> everything

> to me at times like this.

>

> Happy Swallowing!

> - in NC

>

>

>

> > Hey all - so I got a phone call from Dr. Rice

> yesterday -

> he was

> > really nice!! just to give you the condensed version of what's

> going

> > on...

> > I had a heller with Nissen over 18 years ago and have managed

> pretty

> > well on a day to day. Over the last 2 years spasms had really

> reduced

> > because I had my gall bladder removed (some of what I thought

> were

> > spasms were actually gb attacks!) and about a year ago I started

> on

> > amitryptaline - which has helped alot.

> > over the last several months I've noticed an increase in those

> little

> > annoying, not 'OMG' painful but continuing for a day or 2 spasms.

> > anyway, I've had a barium swallow and EGD done and had the

> results

> > sent to Dr. Rice for his opinion. My E has gotten 'corkscrew'

> shaped

> > and saggy at the bottom.

> > Ironically, BECAUSE of the length of time since my heller, he

> feels

> > that I cannot have a redo wrap but I now can count myself among

> the

> > ranks of the -ecotmies...

> > I wasn't terribly surprised actually - being with this group has

> > really prepared me for what I had come to think of as being

> > inevitable. It's not something I'm looking forward to but I

> think

> > back on all of the recent posts from a lot of the -ectomy

> members

> and

> > really - after the first 6 months or so, they seem to be pretty

> happy

> > with their choices (and after 25 years of A, what's another 6

> > months??).

> >

> > Here's my question though, how long will you go after an ectomy?

> I

> > had kind of thought that - that was the final bit, you could (in

> > theory, with a successful surgery) live that way for the rest of

> your

> > life but Dr. Rice said something about 'when that one fails...'

> > So - how long have all of you been given before more surgery is

> > needed? There's only so much that can be done, right? what

> happens

> > then?

> > honestly, that's the only part that's really freaking me out.

> >

> > I'm still waiting to hear from Dr. Dempsey's office but

> honestly,

> in

> > my mind, Dr. Rice is THE man so I'm very apt to go with what he

> says

> > first.

> >

> > Anyone know about how long an -ectomy s supposed to last?

> >

> > Happy Swallowing!

> > - in NC

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

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

> > Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join

> 's

> user panel and lay it on us.

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes!! Oh Yes, - you get it!! Dr. Rice actually told me I could

put it off until it was really bad and I have an Aunt who is a nurse

who is FREAKING out at me 'how could I even THINK about having this

done, I need to wait until I have NO other options, I'm not that bad

off, etc.'

but you get it. I have small children - actually about the same age,

5 next month and 2 1/2 right now. So I really DO need to plan this

out on my terms!! I have no familly in town, so I'm going to need to

ask my mom to come here for several weeks to watch the girls while

I'm in the hospital and then ask her to stay for maybe another week

while I recover - just to help out taking them to school and such.

Also, we live in a tourist town, it will be VERY difficult for either

my husband or myself to take off several weeks (months for me) during

the summer. Jan or Feb would not be so hard.

Actually, everything seems to be lining up well for me, I just

recently took over a new position at work and am trying to get it set

up so that I can do at least some work from home. I also have a job

where I could go back just a few hours a day at first and start

getting back at least some of my income.

Did you claim short term disability while you were out of work? I am

of course worried about the lack of income for several months. Hubby

is the bread winner but we ain't gonna have anything to put on the

bread if I don't have any income coming in. (lol)

Did you have your surgery open? I'm curious why you were in the

hospital for 13 days and Ginny only 7. Of course I'll take 7 anyday.

That seems to be another argument for doing sooner rather than later,

maybe the earlier I can catch it, the better my chance for lap

surgery.

Ugh! so many things swimming around in my head.

Thanks for answering my questions. I hope you don't mind, I'll

probably have more...

Happy Swallowing!

- in NC

> > > Hey all - so I got a phone call from Dr. Rice

> > yesterday -

> > he was

> > > really nice!! just to give you the condensed version of what's

> > going

> > > on...

> > > I had a heller with Nissen over 18 years ago and have managed

> > pretty

> > > well on a day to day. Over the last 2 years spasms had really

> > reduced

> > > because I had my gall bladder removed (some of what I thought

> > were

> > > spasms were actually gb attacks!) and about a year ago I

started

> > on

> > > amitryptaline - which has helped alot.

> > > over the last several months I've noticed an increase in those

> > little

> > > annoying, not 'OMG' painful but continuing for a day or 2

spasms.

> > > anyway, I've had a barium swallow and EGD done and had the

> > results

> > > sent to Dr. Rice for his opinion. My E has gotten 'corkscrew'

> > shaped

> > > and saggy at the bottom.

> > > Ironically, BECAUSE of the length of time since my heller, he

> > feels

> > > that I cannot have a redo wrap but I now can count myself among

> > the

> > > ranks of the -ecotmies...

> > > I wasn't terribly surprised actually - being with this group

has

> > > really prepared me for what I had come to think of as being

> > > inevitable. It's not something I'm looking forward to but I

> > think

> > > back on all of the recent posts from a lot of the -ectomy

> > members

> > and

> > > really - after the first 6 months or so, they seem to be pretty

> > happy

> > > with their choices (and after 25 years of A, what's another 6

> > > months??).

> > >

> > > Here's my question though, how long will you go after an

ectomy?

> > I

> > > had kind of thought that - that was the final bit, you could

(in

> > > theory, with a successful surgery) live that way for the rest

of

> > your

> > > life but Dr. Rice said something about 'when that one fails...'

> > > So - how long have all of you been given before more surgery is

> > > needed? There's only so much that can be done, right? what

> > happens

> > > then?

> > > honestly, that's the only part that's really freaking me out.

> > >

> > > I'm still waiting to hear from Dr. Dempsey's office but

> > honestly,

> > in

> > > my mind, Dr. Rice is THE man so I'm very apt to go with what he

> > says

> > > first.

> > >

> > > Anyone know about how long an -ectomy s supposed to last?

> > >

> > > Happy Swallowing!

> > > - in NC

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

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

> > > Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join

> > 's

> > user panel and lay it on us.

> > >

> >

> >

> >

>