baby steps

[Guest guest]

> Well im back to baby steps. I gained back all the weight i lost in sept to

dec last year

All that refreshing Southern air, I'll bet! And I've read that down there,

they add fat to almost *everything* they cook.

Maybe you guys should move back to Boston? LOL

>I know its cuz i like to keep people from getting to close to me

I gather you haven't made too many friends since moving?

>He would always bring home fast food at 10 or 11 pm when he got home from

work and we would eat together then go to sleep.

It's hard when dinner is late at night. Do you work the regular day shift so

by the time you get home you're famished and eat your own dinner early, then

have the fast food as a snack?

Why not *plan* a snack to eat at that time while keeping hubby company while

he eats his dinner? Something light, like a yogurt or piece of fruit. By

that time, if you ate your dinner at 5pm or so you're probably getting

hungry again, and sooner or later you're going to want to eat something,

especially while watching *him* eat.

>maybe my water intake Im lucky if i get one glass a water a day.

I pity you women who work outside the home. I have enough problems getting

my water in and I *don't* have an outside job. I know that when I *did*, I

would never have been able to get even 4 glasses of water in. I was lucky to

get one sip of *anything* most days, especially those days when we had no

coffee or lunch break and had to eat on the run. You didn't want to drink

too much because you know you didn't have time to hit the bathroom.

Sue in NJ

[Guest guest]

said, " So im starting off with not eating past 7pm im still

struggling with that since the time i used to eat the most was after

the kids went to bed. He would always bring home fast food at 10 or

11 pm when he got home from work and we would eat together then go to

sleep. So far Ive been doing good since Friday or Saturday so far so

good. "

I have total sympathy for you, !! Changing habits is soooooo

hard. Sounds like late night is your " time for you " -- late nights

are like that for me, as well. House is nice and quiet... kids

asleep... time to breathe and relax. Sometimes just having a cup of

tea is nice, but if you find you are really really missing the snack,

couldn't you maybe have the pleasure of the snack in a pre-planned,

no-damage kind of way? Some little treat to feed your spirit while

still staying on plan? Besides, eating 5-6 times a day is supposed

to be best for weight loss, anyway, to space out the calories.

Sorry to be giving feedback when I haven't even started the diet, but

it just seems like if we think in terms of denying ourselves, it

makes us feel tense... like you say, " struggling " . My goal in all

this is to figure out how to lose weight and still feel relaxed and

satisfied.

Becky

[Guest guest]

> Sorry to be giving feedback when I haven't even started the diet, but

If you're like the rest of us, you've been " dieting " your entire adult life,

so any and all helpful hints are appreciated.

[Guest guest]

> OK, I went to Curves this morning.

I wish our Curves wasn't so expensive (Last I heard it was $50/month, 1

year contract). Everyone usually speaks so positively of their

experiences there!

Congrats on getting back in the swing of things.

Sue in NJ

[Guest guest]

> Years ago, I had plantar fasciitis, a terrible pain on the base of the

heel,

When I had it, it took around 2 years before it finally went away. Then

a few months later I wound up with Achille's tendintis in the opposite

foot, the doc said it was because of the funny way I had to walk for the

previous 2 years. At least that took only a few months before it healed

completely. Every now and then one of them will act up, especially if I

did a lot of walking on cement that week, but a few days of rest and a

few doses of naprosyn usually calms the flare down before it gets any

worse.

> Sometimes, I can't even put any weight on the foot.

I wound up with a cane for a while. It really helped.

> I know that weight loss is part of the solution,

My podiatrist said my weight had nothing to do with it, that thin people

would get these particular injuries just as much as fat people did.

>I also try to get up and move around at least

> once an hour so my foot doesn't have a chance to " set up " , as it were.

Isn't that a kicker? It hurts when you walk on it, but hurts *more* if

you don't.

> However, the good news is that my pedometer numbers are bumping up. In

fact,

> I hit 16,000 yesterday, but I'm almost certain there's an error

there -

I give up on pedometers. They don't count actual steps (I can walk a

mile on the treadmill and it'll register less than 300 steps) or they

register any tiny joggle (Like the time I racked up about 3000 steps

while sitting here reading my email for a half hour).

> The other piece of good news, is I was DOWN 2.8 lbs this morning at

> weigh-in.

Congrats, Eileen!

> WW is doing a charity campaign right now

> where the organization will essentially donate a dollar for every

pound lost

> for the next six weeks, up to a million dollars.

I saw that in the magazine.

> OK, time to figure what's for dinner. I think it will be a

smorgasbord of

> leftovers,

That's the best kind!

Keep up the good work.

Sue in NJ

[Guest guest]

Hi friends,

I thought I'd let you know that I finally got my notes from the office visit I

had with Dr. Kasten. The report made me realize how far things have progressed.

I must've given my pain level that day as a 3, although I know I must've had

worse in the evenings at that time. The P.T. and Mobic must've helped that day.

I finally got the courage today to do some calling and looking into some things

for pain relief. I first did some looking on-line at a therapeutic pool in our

city. It looked good to me, but the hours are very limited, and it probably

won't work into my schedule for now because of my other commitments. I may

still look into another pool but it is an 80 degree pool instead of a 90 degree

one like this one.

Then while I was on-line checking that out my hubby called from work to tell me

the phone number of a pain clinic of a guy he works with who has a fusion (not

for scoliosis, though) who goes to this clinic for his shots. So I did some

looking at that on line, and then called them. They thought I'd need my primary

care physician to refer me so my insurance would authorize. I called my PCP,

but they're not open today. Then I called my insurance and they said they'd

cover that with no prior authorization. I ended up leaving a message with the

pain clinic, but haven't heard back. I think they are still going to want my

PCP's referral.

Then I called Kasten's office. I was planning to make an office visit to ask if

I should be pursuing more tests or shots, and see if the pain clinic would work

for getting injections at. It turns out I have to get another authorization

from my PCP (closed on Fri) since my husband's insurance changed.

So anyway, I guess some action on my part is better than nothing...but I wish

I'd have gotten this kind of courage on a day when my PCP was in the office!

Frustrating.

I figure since I am too scared to make a trip all by myself to get a second

opinion from Bridwell, at least finding out if Kasten thinks I might be closer

to surgery now is better than nothing. I know I have a lot more symptoms now

than when I saw him earlier. I will find out how many flatbackers he does

surgery on a year, though, next time I see him. And perhaps after this step, if

he hasn't done many, I can take the next step by checking with Bridwell. ( I

know I need a 2nd opinion sometime, but I think I should give Kasten a chance to

work with me on the new symptoms first.)

I actually think Kasten is right on about my condition as it was when I saw him

(after reading the report). I was doing well for pain, but he does note that I

had near complete collapse of L3-4, hyperlordosis at 4-5 and 5-1 to maintain

sagittal balance. Also notes that I am hyperextending in the 4-5 and 5-1

regions and the facets look like they are a little bit hypertrophied. My

overall alignment was good at my visit. As far as diagnosis is concerned based

on his notes, I feel like Dr. Kasten knows his stuff. I perhaps was too sold on

the results of my P.T. at the time, and in a hopeful denial phase, to give him a

really good picture of what was going on with my pain. And perhaps it just has

really progressed a lot. It is hard to say, since I went off the Mobic(since it

only covered half the day), so it's like comparing apples to oranges, I suppose.

Well, I've gone on and on long enough, I guess. Baby steps may not get me where

I'm going quickly, but at least I'm not standing still.

Thanks for listening.

Diane VDW

Michigan

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Cam,

I wish more had come from my efforts, but just doing something helps. I'm glad to hear your point of view on the pool temperature. My hubby thought the same thing. I will have to look into both options. I do like the establishment that has the cooler pool, as I'm more familiar with it since my kids swim there for lessons. We'll see. I hope to get into a regular routine.

I do not know what kind of injections Kasten was discussing. It isn't in the notes, he mentioned it as we were leaving. He said if I start feeling worse we could do more tests. Steve remembered him saying something about injecting a dye. I just remember something about shots. We were walking out already, so I didn't get it written down.

The authorization issue is because my hubby's company got spun off from the parent company, so although we are still under the same insurance type, it is a different policy, so I need another referral from my PCP. Kasten's office and the pain clinic here in town both want referrals to safeguard payment, I'm sure. (and my PCP's office is closed on Fridays).

I think I will work with Kasten first, and ask about if I can do the pain stuff here as the trip to Kalamazoo is painful in the car (even my hubby was sore from that trip).

Fears about Bridwell trip: I am totally directions and map skills challenged. I get lost in parking lots. I'm being serious. One time I had to walk around the parking lot clicking my key finder to find my car. So that, and flying alone (seeing as there is no one yet that I am feeling I want along. I'm still praying about it, though) are the biggest fears. Then I'm also afraid that I'll get to Bridwell, and he will make me feel stupid for coming because I'm not as bad as I think I am. I know how silly that sounds, but I'm just being honest. I originally wanted nothing more than to just have a surgery to "fix it", but was so chastened by Dr. Kane-Smart and my friend, that I am now always second guessing my assessment of my pain situation.

Assessing my pain is difficult, too. I am not always at a 6 or 7, but today I am. I was at what I'd call a 7 last fall. A 10 for me is lying in the hospital bed crying for a hypo when I was a day out of my original surgery at age 14. Or perhaps a 10 is the excruciating pain of pushing out my babies. Some days now I don't even notice much pain, but then if I go shopping or heck, I don't even know what I do sometimes, and then I'm in pain. Today it is all mid back and between my shoulder blades. I normally only have lower back pain. The pain above is so much today, that I don't even feel the lower back or leg numbness. The fact that some days are good, makes it hard to rate. I think a journal would probably be a good idea. Our internet is probably not good enough to watch a video. I will still check out you link when I have more time tomorrow.

Preparing for a dr. visit will be overwhelming for me since the last 2 haven't gone so hot, but having some steps to take from that website may help.

Well, thanks again for having so many good suggestions and so much care and concern for me. It means a lot to me. I thank God for you guys.

Diane VDW

Michigan

Diane,I think you are making wonderful progress. I can tell you are on the path to taking control of your situation, and even if it isn't done yesterday, if you just check one thing off your list every few days you will find yourself with most of your items accomplished.I think you said in a recent post that you dont necessarily love the water as a chosen venue for exercise, and that may make the 80deg temp seem a little less tempting, but I thought you might be interested in knowing that most college competition pools are kept in the 76-78 deg range....so depending on how aggressive you think you are going to be working out...a 90 degree pool would be VERY warm for someone who was really getting a workout.Our community has had as big an economic downturn as any, and the school decided to lower the water temp, which on the coldest winter days meant a few days where the temp was actually holding closer to 76deg. The first lap was a tad chilly....but by the end of the workout I always was surprised at how comfortable it felt. The class before the lap swim is an arthritis class and I did hear that the water temp was a problem for some of the more stationary of the bunch.Perhaps you can find a way to do a combination of sessions...a few in the therapy pool and a few in the cooler pool. Just ask yourself to get there 2X a week for a month and see how it goes. Baby steps.Do your notes from Kasten suggest injections for pain control? Are you looking at epidural steroid injections or facet joint injections? I also was not sure what you were saying about authorization....do you mean that you can not see DrKasten again without another authorization of your PCP? In any event, if you can see the pain doc perhaps any success you have their will help pin point the current source of your pain.I am curious what your fears about seeing DrBridwell are. Are you worried about travelling alone to see him or more about what he might say? Also....you say that you noted your pain the day of your visit to DrKasten as a 3.....what would you say it is now?It occurred to me that you might be a patient who would benefit from keeping a pain journal. It might help you see where you are, your progression, or lack thereof, and help you remember what things that you do make it likely that your pain will be increased the following day. There is a very good website maintained by the American Pain Foundation and I would suggest you go to this page "Lets Talk Pain"http://www.letstalkpain.org/for_patients/professional.htmlIt has excellent information on talking to your doctor about pain, as well as a link to a downloadable pain journal. The videos are good too. If you keep one for a few weeks you might find that you are clearer about what the facts of your pain story are, and you will feel more confident when you discuss them with DrKasten, or other health care provider.You are going to have yourself quite a notebook before you are done, filled with questions for the docs, pain journals, office visit notes....all the things that create the picture of who you are as a patient! As the woman says in the video, it is best to prepare for your doctor visits like you are preparing for an important business meeting or other event.Take Care, Cam

____________________________________________________________

Digital Photography - Click Now.

[Guest guest]

Diane,

If you decide to write a pain journal, which I think would be a good idea, also keep track where and what pain you had, along with what you did that day. Kumar's office had a pain diagram of a human body, front and back side, and there you would put symbols for what kind of pain you had and where, including numbness. Well, mine looked like it had been colored in, as I had so many symbols. But believe me, not everyday was my pain completely the same. It varied along with what tasks I did that day.

I think you should have been propped up a bit reading about the Gal who saw Bridwell this last week( I believe her name was Tonia) at what a complete work up she was given, the amount of tests, and x-rays, along with treadmill and bike movements to see just what generated pain in her and where. The office there has gotten it down to a fine art, and that should find you confident that they will find just what is up with YOU.

My best advice is let go of you bad office visits, and move on. I get the dissappointment, I had that happen to me over and over, and yes, over. You have to look inward, and get your gumption up, because the search for your doc, and your answers, is a key piece of the puzzle, and you can't let two bad office visits keep you from forward movement. Even if Bridwell said you aren't quite there yet, at least he could give a you a complete picture of where exactly you are now, in a setting where you know patients with Flatback are dealt with daily. I know going out of state is tough, money and being out of your element, but it will be a gift to yourself, to be with a doc and a practice that plain GETS it.

I always say, that for me the search to find a doc that GOT what was going on with me, was the toughest piece of the puzzle. The rest will fall into place when you find your doc, and you will find peace in that. I knew Kumar was my doc down to my toenails, and I wish that feeling for you. I know you will find your answers, keep your spirits up, and don't let dissappointments get you down.

Colorado Springs

Re: [ ] Re: baby steps

Thanks, Cam,

I wish more had come from my efforts, but just doing something helps. I'm glad to hear your point of view on the pool temperature. My hubby thought the same thing. I will have to look into both options. I do like the establishment that has the cooler pool, as I'm more familiar with it since my kids swim there for lessons. We'll see. I hope to get into a regular routine.

I do not know what kind of injections Kasten was discussing. It isn't in the notes, he mentioned it as we were leaving. He said if I start feeling worse we could do more tests. Steve remembered him saying something about injecting a dye. I just remember something about shots. We were walking out already, so I didn't get it written down.

The authorization issue is because my hubby's company got spun off from the parent company, so although we are still under the same insurance type, it is a different policy, so I need another referral from my PCP. Kasten's office and the pain clinic here in town both want referrals to safeguard payment, I'm sure. (and my PCP's office is closed on Fridays).

I think I will work with Kasten first, and ask about if I can do the pain stuff here as the trip to Kalamazoo is painful in the car (even my hubby was sore from that trip).

Fears about Bridwell trip: I am totally directions and map skills challenged. I get lost in parking lots. I'm being serious. One time I had to walk around the parking lot clicking my key finder to find my car. So that, and flying alone (seeing as there is no one yet that I am feeling I want along. I'm still praying about it, though) are the biggest fears. Then I'm also afraid that I'll get to Bridwell, and he will make me feel stupid for coming because I'm not as bad as I think I am. I know how silly that sounds, but I'm just being honest. I originally wanted nothing more than to just have a surgery to "fix it", but was so chastened by Dr. Kane-Smart and my friend, that I am now always second guessing my assessment of my pain situation.

Assessing my pain is difficult, too. I am not always at a 6 or 7, but today I am. I was at what I'd call a 7 last fall. A 10 for me is lying in the hospital bed crying for a hypo when I was a day out of my original surgery at age 14. Or perhaps a 10 is the excruciating pain of pushing out my babies. Some days now I don't even notice much pain, but then if I go shopping or heck, I don't even know what I do sometimes, and then I'm in pain. Today it is all mid back and between my shoulder blades. I normally only have lower back pain. The pain above is so much today, that I don't even feel the lower back or leg numbness. The fact that some days are good, makes it hard to rate. I think a journal would probably be a good idea. Our internet is probably not good enough to watch a video. I will still check out you link when I have more time tomorrow.

Preparing for a dr. visit will be overwhelming for me since the last 2 haven't gone so hot, but having some steps to take from that website may help.

Well, thanks again for having so many good suggestions and so much care and concern for me. It means a lot to me. I thank God for you guys.

Diane VDW

Michigan

Diane,I think you are making wonderful progress. I can tell you are on the path to taking control of your situation, and even if it isn't done yesterday, if you just check one thing off your list every few days you will find yourself with most of your items accomplished.I think you said in a recent post that you dont necessarily love the water as a chosen venue for exercise, and that may make the 80deg temp seem a little less tempting, but I thought you might be interested in knowing that most college competition pools are kept in the 76-78 deg range....so depending on how aggressive you think you are going to be working out...a 90 degree pool would be VERY warm for someone who was really getting a workout.Our community has had as big an economic downturn as any, and the school decided to lower the water temp, which on the coldest winter days meant a few days where the temp was actually holding closer to 76deg. The first lap was a tad chilly....but by the end of the workout I always was surprised at how comfortable it felt. The class before the lap swim is an arthritis class and I did hear that the water temp was a problem for some of the more stationary of the bunch.Perhaps you can find a way to do a combination of sessions...a few in the therapy pool and a few in the cooler pool. Just ask yourself to get there 2X a week for a month and see how it goes. Baby steps.Do your notes from Kasten suggest injections for pain control? Are you looking at epidural steroid injections or facet joint injections? I also was not sure what you were saying about authorization....do you mean that you can not see DrKasten again without another authorization of your PCP? In any event, if you can see the pain doc perhaps any success you have their will help pin point the current source of your pain.I am curious what your fears about seeing DrBridwell are. Are you worried about travelling alone to see him or more about what he might say? Also....you say that you noted your pain the day of your visit to DrKasten as a 3.....what would you say it is now?It occurred to me that you might be a patient who would benefit from keeping a pain journal. It might help you see where you are, your progression, or lack thereof, and help you remember what things that you do make it likely that your pain will be increased the following day. There is a very good website maintained by the American Pain Foundation and I would suggest you go to this page "Lets Talk Pain"http://www.letstalkpain.org/for_patients/professional.htmlIt has excellent information on talking to your doctor about pain, as well as a link to a downloadable pain journal. The videos are good too. If you keep one for a few weeks you might find that you are clearer about what the facts of your pain story are, and you will feel more confident when you discuss them with DrKasten, or other health care provider.You are going to have yourself quite a notebook before you are done, filled with questions for the docs, pain journals, office visit notes....all the things that create the picture of who you are as a patient! As the woman says in the video, it is best to prepare for your doctor visits like you are preparing for an important business meeting or other event.Take Care, Cam____________________________________________________________ Digital Photography - Click Now.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

You guys are so good at gently cheering me on! I think I already feel more strong inside. I think actually having a plan helps me not feel so helpless.

I still plan to go see Kasten again as a first step, but I see Bridwell as a 2nd opinion in the future. I think that if I find Kasten doesn't have many flatbackers per year in surgeries I will be able to better convince my Primary Care Physician for the referral to Bridwell, and also insurance to pay for it. I did find out they will consider it on a case by case basis. Having a journal to show symptoms and activities that cause the problems may better make my case to the drs., too. If Dr. Kasten doesn't order more tests I will most definitely gather my courage and go see Bridwell.

I was definitely encouraged by Tonia's description of the thoroughness of Bridwell's office. I do think that Kasten probably didn't do as much simply because the symptoms I had were so masked by the recent P.T. and Mobic. He probably couldn't justify to insurance the tests with my looking so good at that appt. Not sure Bridwell might have done the same in his shoes. It's just that things really have gone downhill again. If Kasten doesn't "get it" this time, I will certainly insist on seeing Bridwell. I may even see if my PCP will give me a referral before going to Kasten, since it will likely take time to get in. By then I may have found someone to go with me.

Thanks again for the encouragement.

Diane VDW

Michigan

Diane,

If you decide to write a pain journal, which I think would be a good idea, also keep track where and what pain you had, along with what you did that day. Kumar's office had a pain diagram of a human body, front and back side, and there you would put symbols for what kind of pain you had and where, including numbness. Well, mine looked like it had been colored in, as I had so many symbols. But believe me, not everyday was my pain completely the same. It varied along with what tasks I did that day.

I think you should have been propped up a bit reading about the Gal who saw Bridwell this last week( I believe her name was Tonia) at what a complete work up she was given, the amount of tests, and x-rays, along with treadmill and bike movements to see just what generated pain in her and where. The office there has gotten it down to a fine art, and that should find you confident that they will find just what is up with YOU.

My best advice is let go of you bad office visits, and move on. I get the dissappointment, I had that happen to me over and over, and yes, over. You have to look inward, and get your gumption up, because the search for your doc, and your answers, is a key piece of the puzzle, and you can't let two bad office visits keep you from forward movement. Even if Bridwell said you aren't quite there yet, at least he could give a you a complete picture of where exactly you are now, in a setting where you know patients with Flatback are dealt with daily. I know going out of state is tough, money and being out of your element, but it will be a gift to yourself, to be with a doc and a practice that plain GETS it.

I always say, that for me the search to find a doc that GOT what was going on with me, was the toughest piece of the puzzle. The rest will fall into place when you find your doc, and you will find peace in that. I knew Kumar was my doc down to my toenails, and I wish that feeling for you. I know you will find your answers, keep your spirits up, and don't let dissappointments get you down.

Colorado Springs

____________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Diane,

Just wanted to share with you what Bridwell's office did for me. If you call

them and tell them you are a new patient you will be put through to Jackie, she

is the docs MA. She'll go over your history with you and then ask you to send

Xrays, notes, whatever you have. Then Dr. Bridwell looks at them and let's you

know if he can help. They did this for me and it was a real relief to know that

I wasn't flying from CA to MO for nothing. It's a proccess, so I tell you, I'd

make the call soon than later. You commit to nothing. It'll cost you nothing

but a little time, and you'll be armed with info much faster. Not bad info to

have even if you stick with you current doc(Kasten?).

As far as travelling. I was worried, too. Driving is soooo painfull for me.

St. Louis and Bridwell's office is so easy to navigate. It's a straight shot

from the airport. I rented a car but, They have Metrolink that takes you right

to the hospital or a taxi'll cost about $25. I stayed at the Parkway Hotel. It

is right next to the hospital. They even have a pedestrian bridge to his

office. No going outside. I even ate at the hospital cafeteria or ordered

Applebee's room service. REAL EASY!! I really encourage you JUST MAKE THE

CALL!! Can't hurt.

Hugs,

Tonia

[Guest guest]

Tonia,

Thanks sssssooooo much! This eases my mind a lot. I know I could handle a taxi ride to the hotel/hospital. I will talk it over with my hubby.

Questions. How do you "send" your x-rays. Do you have your dr. send them? I have copies of all the notes, and I do have x-rays, but they are huge. And would I get them back? I'm so green...I know zilch about how to proceed.

I still may see Kasten so that if they do more tests I can send Bridwell the results.

Thank you again!

Diane VDW

Michigan

Diane,Just wanted to share with you what Bridwell's office did for me. If you call them and tell them you are a new patient you will be put through to Jackie, she is the docs MA. She'll go over your history with you and then ask you to send Xrays, notes, whatever you have. Then Dr. Bridwell looks at them and let's you know if he can help. They did this for me and it was a real relief to know that I wasn't flying from CA to MO for nothing. It's a proccess, so I tell you, I'd make the call soon than later. You commit to nothing. It'll cost you nothing but a little time, and you'll be armed with info much faster. Not bad info to have even if you stick with you current doc(Kasten?).As far as travelling. I was worried, too. Driving is soooo painfull for me. St. Louis and Bridwell's office is so easy to navigate. It's a straight shot from the airport. I rented a car but, They have Metrolink that takes you right to the hospital or a taxi'll cost about $25. I stayed at the Parkway Hotel. It is right next to the hospital. They even have a pedestrian bridge to his office. No going outside. I even ate at the hospital cafeteria or ordered Applebee's room service. REAL EASY!! I really encourage you JUST MAKE THE CALL!! Can't hurt.Hugs,Tonia

____________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Hi Tonia & Diane,

I am flying out of Philadelphia tomorrow night to see Dr.Bridwell on Monday morning. I have been looking forward to this for what seems forever... I have been keeping up with your posts and really appreciated reading all about your appt, Tonia, last Monday. Have you heard yet if your surgery will be 1 or 2 days?

Diane, I know you were wondering how to ship the reports...I had sent my xrays & MRI's from 2004 until now, including any reports I had, in a UPS box a couple of weeks ago.

I haven't heard anything since I sent them, other then receiving a packet to fill out & bring to the appt. I figured if there were any questions or if he thought he couldn't help me, I would've been contacted. I had spoken to Jackie several times regarding my referral and what reports & such to send, so hopefully, if after that there were any issues, I would have known by now. (i hope!)

Feel well,

lauren

From: rn.tonia <toniah82@...> Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2009 2:26:47 PMSubject: [ ] Re: baby steps

Diane,Just wanted to share with you what Bridwell's office did for me. If you call them and tell them you are a new patient you will be put through to Jackie, she is the docs MA. She'll go over your history with you and then ask you to send Xrays, notes, whatever you have. Then Dr. Bridwell looks at them and let's you know if he can help. They did this for me and it was a real relief to know that I wasn't flying from CA to MO for nothing. It's a proccess, so I tell you, I'd make the call soon than later. You commit to nothing. It'll cost you nothing but a little time, and you'll be armed with info much faster. Not bad info to have even if you stick with you current doc(Kasten?) .As far as travelling. I was worried, too. Driving is soooo painfull for me. St. Louis and Bridwell's office is so easy to navigate. It's a straight shot from the airport. I rented a car but, They have Metrolink that takes you right to the hospital or a taxi'll

cost about $25. I stayed at the Parkway Hotel. It is right next to the hospital. They even have a pedestrian bridge to his office. No going outside. I even ate at the hospital cafeteria or ordered Applebee's room service. REAL EASY!! I really encourage you JUST MAKE THE CALL!! Can't hurt.Hugs,Tonia

[Guest guest]

,

Thanks for the info on how to send the x-rays and other stuff. I will be thinking of you this Monday as you have your appt. Keep us posted.

Diane VDW

Michigan

Hi Tonia & Diane,

I am flying out of Philadelphia tomorrow night to see Dr.Bridwell on Monday morning. I have been looking forward to this for what seems forever... I have been keeping up with your posts and really appreciated reading all about your appt, Tonia, last Monday. Have you heard yet if your surgery will be 1 or 2 days?

Diane, I know you were wondering how to ship the reports...I had sent my xrays & MRI's from 2004 until now, including any reports I had, in a UPS box a couple of weeks ago.

I haven't heard anything since I sent them, other then receiving a packet to fill out & bring to the appt. I figured if there were any questions or if he thought he couldn't help me, I would've been contacted. I had spoken to Jackie several times regarding my referral and what reports & such to send, so hopefully, if after that there were any issues, I would have known by now. (i hope!)

Feel well,

lauren

____________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Good luck !

>

> Hi Tonia & Diane,

> I am flying out of Philadelphia tomorrow night to see Dr.Bridwell on Monday

morning.  I have been looking forward to this for what seems forever...  I have

been keeping up with your posts and really appreciated reading all about your

appt, Tonia, last Monday.  Have you heard yet if your surgery will be 1 or 2

days? 

>

> Diane, I know you were wondering how to ship the reports...I had sent my xrays

& MRI's from 2004 until now, including any reports I had, in a UPS box a couple

of weeks ago. 

>  I haven't heard anything since I sent them, other then receiving a packet to

fill out & bring to the appt.  I figured if there were any questions or if he

thought he couldn't help me, I would've been contacted.  I had spoken to Jackie

several times regarding my referral and what reports & such to send, so

hopefully, if after that there were any issues, I would have known by now.  (i

hope!)

>

> Feel well,

> lauren

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: rn.tonia <toniah82@...>

>

> Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2009 2:26:47 PM

> Subject: [ ] Re: baby steps

>

>

> Diane,

>

> Just wanted to share with you what Bridwell's office did for me. If you call

them and tell them you are a new patient you will be put through to Jackie, she

is the docs MA. She'll go over your history with you and then ask you to send

Xrays, notes, whatever you have. Then Dr. Bridwell looks at them and let's you

know if he can help. They did this for me and it was a real relief to know that

I wasn't flying from CA to MO for nothing. It's a proccess, so I tell you, I'd

make the call soon than later. You commit to nothing. It'll cost you nothing but

a little time, and you'll be armed with info much faster. Not bad info to have

even if you stick with you current doc(Kasten?) .

>

> As far as travelling. I was worried, too. Driving is soooo painfull for me.

St. Louis and Bridwell's office is so easy to navigate. It's a straight shot

from the airport. I rented a car but, They have Metrolink that takes you right

to the hospital or a taxi'll cost about $25. I stayed at the Parkway Hotel. It

is right next to the hospital. They even have a pedestrian bridge to his office.

No going outside. I even ate at the hospital cafeteria or ordered Applebee's

room service. REAL EASY!! I really encourage you JUST MAKE THE CALL!! Can't

hurt.

> Hugs,

> Tonia

>

[Guest guest]

Hi , good luck on Monday! It was so interesting to hear Tonia's experience with Dr Bridwell - mine was very different. He had me take a zillion xrays (although I brought with me some from just the previous week - as any of his staff will tell you, Dr Bridwell is very picky). But otherwise I did no tests at all! He really didnt ask me about psin either. He looked at my films and my back and told me his plan. I think it's interesting that although it's a "factory" different patients are treated very differently - as we each have our unique situations.Take care,Eve Sent from my iPodOn Mar 14, 2009, at 5:12 PM, Luff <lufflauren@...> wrote:

Hi Tonia & Diane,

I am flying out of Philadelphia tomorrow night to see Dr.Bridwell on Monday morning. I have been looking forward to this for what seems forever... I have been keeping up with your posts and really appreciated reading all about your appt, Tonia, last Monday. Have you heard yet if your surgery will be 1 or 2 days?

Diane, I know you were wondering how to ship the reports...I had sent my xrays & MRI's from 2004 until now, including any reports I had, in a UPS box a couple of weeks ago.

I haven't heard anything since I sent them, other then receiving a packet to fill out & bring to the appt. I figured if there were any questions or if he thought he couldn't help me, I would've been contacted. I had spoken to Jackie several times regarding my referral and what reports & such to send, so hopefully, if after that there were any issues, I would have known by now. (i hope!)

Feel well,

lauren

From: rn.tonia <toniah82 > Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2009 2:26:47 PMSubject: [ ] Re: baby steps

Diane,Just wanted to share with you what Bridwell's office did for me. If you call them and tell them you are a new patient you will be put through to Jackie, she is the docs MA. She'll go over your history with you and then ask you to send Xrays, notes, whatever you have. Then Dr. Bridwell looks at them and let's you know if he can help. They did this for me and it was a real relief to know that I wasn't flying from CA to MO for nothing. It's a proccess, so I tell you, I'd make the call soon than later. You commit to nothing. It'll cost you nothing but a little time, and you'll be armed with info much faster. Not bad info to have even if you stick with you current doc(Kasten?) .As far as travelling. I was worried, too. Driving is soooo painfull for me. St. Louis and Bridwell's office is so easy to navigate. It's a straight shot from the airport. I rented a car but, They have Metrolink that takes you right to the hospital or a taxi'll

cost about $25. I stayed at the Parkway Hotel. It is right next to the hospital. They even have a pedestrian bridge to his office. No going outside. I even ate at the hospital cafeteria or ordered Applebee's room service. REAL EASY!! I really encourage you JUST MAKE THE CALL!! Can't hurt.Hugs,Tonia

[Guest guest]

,

Good luck with your appt. Mon. I don't think Jackie would have given you an

appt. if they didn't think it was going to help. They wouldn't give me one till

they had all my records. Even OP reports from all previous surgeries. I did

hear from Jackie yesterday.. they lost my disability paper work!! Yiiicks!! No

paperwork no mortgage payment, you know?? She was able to tell me that he

decided on a 2day, drag. I guess he's supposed to call me this week and fill me

in on what he found on all those tests. I don't have a date yet. Bernie said

probably July. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself until then. Not

to mention my CA disability will run out in December and I doubt I'll be able to

get back to work by then. I'm a labor & delivery nurse. 12 hour shifts on my

feet? Pushing around birthing beds? Pushing with Moms for 2 hours?? I don't

think so!! Any ideas about a new career field for me guys???

Diane,

The radiology dept. put all my xrays and CTmylogram on a DVD so that was easy to

send. He did want me to bring the actual films from the Mylogram with me when I

came though.

I bet the dye thing your doc was talking about is the CTMylogram. They put dye

in your spinal canal( just like having an epidural) unless your allergic like

me, then it gets more complicated tee-hee. When the dye settles where they want

it they do a CATscan. The hardest part is just laying on your stomach for much

longer than I'M comfortable with. It would indeed be nice to have those things

done near home.

Happy Sunday everyone!

Tonia

[Guest guest]

Hi Dianne,

Congratulations on your baby steps. That is really a huge step! You are beginning to get the ball rolling.

I have several comments. The first is about how you rate your pain. For years I used the same logic that you are using now. I felt that a 10 was the pain we felt during our original surgeries. When we were screaming for our next morphine shot. I always told the doctors what I felt my pain to be using "my" standard. What I've come to realize is that I was minimizing my pain in the eyes of everyone else. Few people know what our 10 is. During my last round of surgery/pre-surgery visits I looked at the smiley face charts that the doctors use and rated my pain accordingly. I'm sure that you can get a copy of this on line. I would encourage you to tape this to the front of your pain journal and use these smiley faces to rate your pain of the moment. This way everyone is speaking the same language as the doctors. I know I gave my pain higher numbers when I used this chart and I imagine you will find out that you do the same. You may find out that your pain numbers are higher that you think.

Regarding Dr. Bridwell..........You can easily take a cab from the airport. The Parkway Hotel is actually attached by a sky bridge to the Center For Advanced Medicine which is were Dr. Bridwell's office is located. Jewish Hospital is attached to the Center For Advanced Medicine. It is a huge medical complex but very easy to navigate. There is an Applebies restaurant co-located with the hotel so you never have to leave the hospital complex. They will even do room service. Request a hospital rate from the hotel. Also request a room that faces the street. Some of the rooms overlook a parking garage and I felt that was really depressing. The other thing about Dr. Bridwell is he really is picky about x-rays and usually has them redone to his specifications. I arrived with current x-rays from Chicago's Northwestern and was shoked to find out that they were not good enough for him. Most of his patients are from out of the area so the staff is very used to helping patients navigate. Is their anyway that your husband would join you for moral support? It would also be good for him to hear first hand what they tell you. Also, I like to have a second person around because I get overwhelmed and can't always remember everything that the tell me.

Good luck on your journey!!!

D

Re: [ ] Re: baby steps

Hi ,

You guys are so good at gently cheering me on! I think I already feel more strong inside. I think actually having a plan helps me not feel so helpless.

I still plan to go see Kasten again as a first step, but I see Bridwell as a 2nd opinion in the future. I think that if I find Kasten doesn't have many flatbackers per year in surgeries I will be able to better convince my Primary Care Physician for the referral to Bridwell, and also insurance to pay for it. I did find out they will consider it on a case by case basis. Having a journal to show symptoms and activities that cause the problems may better make my case to the drs., too. If Dr. Kasten doesn't order more tests I will most definitely gather my courage and go see Bridwell.

I was definitely encouraged by Tonia's description of the thoroughness of Bridwell's office. I do think that Kasten probably didn't do as much simply because the symptoms I had were so masked by the recent P.T. and Mobic. He probably couldn't justify to insurance the tests with my looking so good at that appt. Not sure Bridwell might have done the same in his shoes. It's just that things really have gone downhill again. If Kasten doesn't "get it" this time, I will certainly insist on seeing Bridwell. I may even see if my PCP will give me a referral before going to Kasten, since it will likely take time to get in. By then I may have found someone to go with me.

Thanks again for the encouragement.

Diane VDW

Michigan

Diane,

If you decide to write a pain journal, which I think would be a good idea, also keep track where and what pain you had, along with what you did that day. Kumar's office had a pain diagram of a human body, front and back side, and there you would put symbols for what kind of pain you had and where, including numbness. Well, mine looked like it had been colored in, as I had so many symbols. But believe me, not everyday was my pain completely the same. It varied along with what tasks I did that day.

I think you should have been propped up a bit reading about the Gal who saw Bridwell this last week( I believe her name was Tonia) at what a complete work up she was given, the amount of tests, and x-rays, along with treadmill and bike movements to see just what generated pain in her and where. The office there has gotten it down to a fine art, and that should find you confident that they will find just what is up with YOU.

My best advice is let go of you bad office visits, and move on. I get the dissappointment, I had that happen to me over and over, and yes, over. You have to look inward, and get your gumption up, because the search for your doc, and your answers, is a key piece of the puzzle, and you can't let two bad office visits keep you from forward movement. Even if Bridwell said you aren't quite there yet, at least he could give a you a complete picture of where exactly you are now, in a setting where you know patients with Flatback are dealt with daily. I know going out of state is tough, money and being out of your element, but it will be a gift to yourself, to be with a doc and a practice that plain GETS it.

I always say, that for me the search to find a doc that GOT what was going on with me, was the toughest piece of the puzzle. The rest will fall into place when you find your doc, and you will find peace in that. I knew Kumar was my doc down to my toenails, and I wish that feeling for you. I know you will find your answers, keep your spirits up, and don't let dissappointments get you down.

Colorado Springs____________________________________________________________ Click here to find the perfect picture with our powerful photo search features.

________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks for writing. Your info about planning for the visit to Bridwell is excellent. I asked a friend today (the one I had been considering asking) to think about it, although I had no definite plans yet. She said she would go with me. She is our church's former secretary and is very sharp about details. I thought that would come in handy. She has done mission trips to Thailand, etc., so I know she would be brave enough to help me handle the plane and cab details. She is very upbeat, so that will help. She also has had plenty of experience with drs since she saw her husband and her dad through cancer (they both died), and then she fought cancer herself. Now her 2nd husband had some melanoma surgery. So anyway, she is an overcomer, and also very comfortable with dealing with drs. I will feel more confident having her along when the time comes.

I am not ready to have my hubby along again. He was good for finding the place, but not much help when I was with the dr. Seemed to undermine my questions unconsciously. Not sure if he was in denial and trying to make light of my symptoms or what. He is busy doing overtime at work, so it was a good excuse not to take him. That way he can cover the kids, too. As for the actual surgery...if there is one...I will want him there for that. (So it's best to save up his vacation days for that.)

What you mentioned about the pain scale makes a lot of sense. I know when I would say I was at a 4, I felt like they thought I was crazy to be there. And when they ask, I may be not going through breakthrough pain, so it isn't as intense. And yes, for me a 10 is that searing pain crying out for the nurse to bring me something for the pain. I think you are right that I need to speak the drs. language about my pain. The smiley face thing is a helpful idea; I'm sure my numbers will be higher.

Understanding the breakthrough pain thing also helps ease my confusion about whether I'm surgical or not. I always think that "Hey, I don't feel so bad today" then an hour later I'm miserable or something, so I keep going back and forth in my mind about how bad it is. I think the journal and the understanding of this will help.

Thanks again for sharing!

Diane VDW

Michigan

Hi Dianne,

Congratulations on your baby steps. That is really a huge step! You are beginning to get the ball rolling.

I have several comments. The first is about how you rate your pain. For years I used the same logic that you are using now. I felt that a 10 was the pain we felt during our original surgeries. When we were screaming for our next morphine shot. I always told the doctors what I felt my pain to be using "my" standard. What I've come to realize is that I was minimizing my pain in the eyes of everyone else. Few people know what our 10 is. During my last round of surgery/pre-surgery visits I looked at the smiley face charts that the doctors use and rated my pain accordingly. I'm sure that you can get a copy of this on line. I would encourage you to tape this to the front of your pain journal and use these smiley faces to rate your pain of the moment. This way everyone is speaking the same language as the doctors. I know I gave my pain higher numbers when I used this chart and I imagine you will find out that you do the same. You may find out that your pain numbers are higher that you think.

Regarding Dr. Bridwell..........You can easily take a cab from the airport. The Parkway Hotel is actually attached by a sky bridge to the Center For Advanced Medicine which is were Dr. Bridwell's office is located. Jewish Hospital is attached to the Center For Advanced Medicine. It is a huge medical complex but very easy to navigate. There is an Applebies restaurant co-located with the hotel so you never have to leave the hospital complex. They will even do room service. Request a hospital rate from the hotel. Also request a room that faces the street. Some of the rooms overlook a parking garage and I felt that was really depressing. The other thing about Dr. Bridwell is he really is picky about x-rays and usually has them redone to his specifications. I arrived with current x-rays from Chicago's Northwestern and was shoked to find out that they were not good enough for him. Most of his patients are from out of the area so the staff is very used to helping patients navigate. Is their anyway that your husband would join you for moral support? It would also be good for him to hear first hand what they tell you. Also, I like to have a second person around because I get overwhelmed and can't always remember everything that the tell me.

Good luck on your journey!!!

D

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[Guest guest]

Dear friends,

I just want you to know how encouraging you all are. On top of all I'm

trying to do to get my pain figured out...today the kids and I get out to

the car to head to church and I have a flat tire...hubby was working.

STRESS! So tonight when I got all of your encouraging letters it was

like a warm bath to my frazzled emotions. So thank you.

If I get behind on your e-mails this week, please forgive me. I have a

pretty packed week besides wanting to try to get a little leg work done

on the pool and dr. visit stuff.

Thank you all so much.

Diane VDW

Michigan

____________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Hi Dianne,

I am so happy that you have found a friend to go with you to see Dr. Bridwell. It is great to have another set of ears. It is even better to have someone to share the experience with. You will need a sounding board and she sounds like the perfect person................another baby step!!!!

As to pain, I think that quality of life (or lack there of) is what determined my need for surgery. Yes, pain was a huge part of it, but like the rest of us, I can handle a great deal of pain. When I could no longer do the things that were important to me on a daily basis............no let me rephrase that............I still could do many things on a daily basis but it was by gritting my teeth and enduring rather than enjoying...........that is when I knew it was time for me to have surgery. I didn't want that to be the reality of my life. I am now beginning to enjoy the little things once more. I look forward to continued healing and continued enjoyment. I am grateful every minute of every day to be "on the other side".

Keep taking those baby steps.................you're getting closer to your solution every day!!!!

D

Re: [ ] Re: baby steps

Hi ,

Thanks for writing. Your info about planning for the visit to Bridwell is excellent. I asked a friend today (the one I had been considering asking) to think about it, although I had no definite plans yet. She said she would go with me. She is our church's former secretary and is very sharp about details. I thought that would come in handy. She has done mission trips to Thailand, etc., so I know she would be brave enough to help me handle the plane and cab details. She is very upbeat, so that will help. She also has had plenty of experience with drs since she saw her husband and her dad through cancer (they both died), and then she fought cancer herself. Now her 2nd husband had some melanoma surgery. So anyway, she is an overcomer, and also very comfortable with dealing with drs. I will feel more confident having her along when the time comes.

I am not ready to have my hubby along again. He was good for finding the place, but not much help when I was with the dr. Seemed to undermine my questions unconsciously. Not sure if he was in denial and trying to make light of my symptoms or what. He is busy doing overtime at work, so it was a good excuse not to take him. That way he can cover the kids, too. As for the actual surgery...if there is one...I will want him there for that. (So it's best to save up his vacation days for that.)

What you mentioned about the pain scale makes a lot of sense. I know when I would say I was at a 4, I felt like they thought I was crazy to be there. And when they ask, I may be not going through breakthrough pain, so it isn't as intense. And yes, for me a 10 is that searing pain crying out for the nurse to bring me something for the pain. I think you are right that I need to speak the drs. language about my pain. The smiley face thing is a helpful idea; I'm sure my numbers will be higher.

Understanding the breakthrough pain thing also helps ease my confusion about whether I'm surgical or not. I always think that "Hey, I don't feel so bad today" then an hour later I'm miserable or something, so I keep going back and forth in my mind about how bad it is. I think the journal and the understanding of this will help.

Thanks again for sharing!

Diane VDW

Michigan

Hi Dianne,

Congratulations on your baby steps. That is really a huge step! You are beginning to get the ball rolling.

I have several comments. The first is about how you rate your pain. For years I used the same logic that you are using now. I felt that a 10 was the pain we felt during our original surgeries. When we were screaming for our next morphine shot. I always told the doctors what I felt my pain to be using "my" standard. What I've come to realize is that I was minimizing my pain in the eyes of everyone else. Few people know what our 10 is. During my last round of surgery/pre-surgery visits I looked at the smiley face charts that the doctors use and rated my pain accordingly. I'm sure that you can get a copy of this on line. I would encourage you to tape this to the front of your pain journal and use these smiley faces to rate your pain of the moment. This way everyone is speaking the same language as the doctors. I know I gave my pain higher numbers when I used this chart and I imagine you will find out that you do the same. You may find out that your pain numbers are higher that you think.

Regarding Dr. Bridwell..........You can easily take a cab from the airport. The Parkway Hotel is actually attached by a sky bridge to the Center For Advanced Medicine which is were Dr. Bridwell's office is located. Jewish Hospital is attached to the Center For Advanced Medicine. It is a huge medical complex but very easy to navigate. There is an Applebies restaurant co-located with the hotel so you never have to leave the hospital complex. They will even do room service. Request a hospital rate from the hotel. Also request a room that faces the street. Some of the rooms overlook a parking garage and I felt that was really depressing. The other thing about Dr. Bridwell is he really is picky about x-rays and usually has them redone to his specifications. I arrived with current x-rays from Chicago's Northwestern and was shoked to find out that they were not good enough for him. Most of his patients are from out of the area so the staff is very used to helping patients navigate. Is their anyway that your husband would join you for moral support? It would also be good for him to hear first hand what they tell you. Also, I like to have a second person around because I get overwhelmed and can't always remember everything that the tell me.

Good luck on your journey!!!

D____________________________________________________________ The Perfect Baby Gift. Click Here

________________________________________

PeoplePC Online

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[Guest guest]

Hi Diane,

Monday and Fridays are clinic days for Dr. Bridwell. Things are crazy on those days and the nurses usually call back the next day. I would call back today and ask for Jackie Green. Jackie is Dr. Bridwell's assistant. Tell her about your history and ask her to give you an appointment. You will probably get one much sooner that going through the normal receptionist. Good luck on your continued baby steps............you're making great progress!

Hang in there!!!!! D

Re: [ ] Re: baby steps

Thanks, , for cheering me on! I'm getting less scared about the process the more steps I take. I didn't get call backs from Kasten or Bridwell. Probably just as well since today was quite a busy day for me.

Thanks again!

Diane VDW

Michigan

Hi Dianne,

I am so happy that you have found a friend to go with you to see Dr. Bridwell. It is great to have another set of ears. It is even better to have someone to share the experience with. You will need a sounding board and she sounds like the perfect person................another baby step!!!!

As to pain, I think that quality of life (or lack there of) is what determined my need for surgery. Yes, pain was a huge part of it, but like the rest of us, I can handle a great deal of pain. When I could no longer do the things that were important to me on a daily basis............no let me rephrase that............I still could do many things on a daily basis but it was by gritting my teeth and enduring rather than enjoying...........that is when I knew it was time for me to have surgery. I didn't want that to be the reality of my life. I am now beginning to enjoy the little things once more. I look forward to continued healing and continued enjoyment. I am grateful every minute of every day to be "on the other side".

Keep taking those baby steps.................you're getting closer to your solution every day!!!!

D.____________________________________________________________ Rock Solid Web Hosting. Click Here.

________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

the physical therapist may not have been there on the day you went

but it also sounds like Tonia is ready to schedule surgery ASAP -- those are my

guesses why your experience was different. He will definitely do a lot of tests

before scheduling surgery!

>

> > Hi Tonia & Diane,

> > I am flying out of Philadelphia tomorrow night to see Dr.Bridwell on

> > Monday morning. I have been looking forward to this for what seems

> > forever... I have been keeping up with your posts and really

> > appreciated reading all about your appt, Tonia, last Monday. Have

> > you heard yet if your surgery will be 1 or 2 days?

> >

> > Diane, I know you were wondering how to ship the reports...I had

> > sent my xrays & MRI's from 2004 until now, including any reports I

> > had, in a UPS box a couple of weeks ago.

> > I haven't heard anything since I sent them, other then receiving a

> > packet to fill out & bring to the appt. I figured if there were any

> > questions or if he thought he couldn't help me, I would've been

> > contacted. I had spoken to Jackie several times regarding my

> > referral and what reports & such to send, so hopefully, if after

> > that there were any issues, I would have known by now. (i hope!)

> >

> > Feel well,

> > lauren

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > From: rn.tonia <toniah82@...>

> >

> > Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2009 2:26:47 PM

> > Subject: [ ] Re: baby steps

> >

> > Diane,

> >

> > Just wanted to share with you what Bridwell's office did for me. If

> > you call them and tell them you are a new patient you will be put

> > through to Jackie, she is the docs MA. She'll go over your history

> > with you and then ask you to send Xrays, notes, whatever you have.

> > Then Dr. Bridwell looks at them and let's you know if he can help.

> > They did this for me and it was a real relief to know that I wasn't

> > flying from CA to MO for nothing. It's a proccess, so I tell you,

> > I'd make the call soon than later. You commit to nothing. It'll cost

> > you nothing but a little time, and you'll be armed with info much

> > faster. Not bad info to have even if you stick with you current

> > doc(Kasten?) .

> >

> > As far as travelling. I was worried, too. Driving is soooo painfull

> > for me. St. Louis and Bridwell's office is so easy to navigate. It's

> > a straight shot from the airport. I rented a car but, They have

> > Metrolink that takes you right to the hospital or a taxi'll cost

> > about $25. I stayed at the Parkway Hotel. It is right next to the

> > hospital. They even have a pedestrian bridge to his office. No going

> > outside. I even ate at the hospital cafeteria or ordered Applebee's

> > room service. REAL EASY!! I really encourage you JUST MAKE THE

> > CALL!! Can't hurt.

> > Hugs,

> > Tonia

> >

> >

> >

> >

>