~Hello!~

.....Just to let you know, nothing in this journal's entry is toward anyone in specific, I use it to write my feelings, and about my illnesess,and in hopes it might help someone else as I do. And if you might take an entry wrong and feel that it is about you, I'm sorry but It isn't, it just may seem to coincide with your own life. May God bless you!......

Good morning! :o) It's raining and a bit on the chilly side here right now. ;o) The rain is making me hurt, but the chilly part...I love right now! A break from some heat. ;o) Thats all I need right now, then I'll be fine. ;o)
I fell in love with that graphic's saying! :o) Thats how I feel! lol :o) I'm a `63 model! lol
Whole body is in pain...keeping this short, just wanted to get on and say Hello! So..Hello! :o)
My plans for today are to get as much needed rest as I can. I hope you liked the pictures of my grandson! lol He's too funny! I want to get a video of him soon to put on here! He just cracks me up! LOL :o)
Last night though...he didn't want to leave. :o( He covered his face and didn't want his picture taken. The last picture I took about killed me....in his car seat waving bye-bye to grandma. God bless him! I miss him so much already!
I want to thank all my true friends for standing by me! It really means so much to me. :o) I now know who my "fake" friends are as well.....I was once told, when you go through something bad, and you really need your friends by you....thats when you can tell who they truly are! I now know! Thank you for letting me know! :o) Gods blessings to you all!

Living with MS

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be challenging. Fatigue, vision problems, memory lapses and other MS symptoms can have a major impact on your life, whether it’s taking care of your family, going to work, or just doing your normal, daily activities. But a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis doesn’t mean the end of living well. There are many techniques, treatments and lifestyle changes that can help you manage your multiple sclerosis.

Take an Active Role in Managing Your MS

The first step in living better with multiple sclerosis is getting diagnosed. If you are having symptoms, talk to your doctor. Once you are diagnosed, you can ask your doctor about MS treatments that can slow the progression of your disease, reduce relapses and help you live more comfortably. You can also work with your doctor to manage common side effects you may have from your therapy.

In addition to MS treatments you get at your doctor’s office, you can also manage your multiple sclerosis symptoms by making some changes in your lifestyle. Click on the links to the left to learn more about exercise, diet, stress relief and other tips to help you get more out of life.

Managing Multiple Sclerosis Symptom: Vision Problems

Some medications can help with vision problemsmultiple sclerosis symptoms. You can also:

Patch one eye or use opaque tape over one lens on a pair of glasses

Add a magnifying light to your computer or desk

Look for low-vision computer enhancement products

Label refrigerator and freezer shelves in big print so it’s easier to find items

Get an organizer for your makeup and toiletries

Managing Multiple Sclerosis Symptom: Weakness

Muscle weakness can cause problems with walkingmultiple sclerosis symptoms. A physical therapist may be able to show you exercises to improve strength and flexibility. In addition, consider equipment to help you move more easily. This includes scooters, canes, crutches and wheelchairs.

Managing Multiple Sclerosis Symptom: Numbness

Most of the time, numbness is not disabling, but you do need to be carefulmultiple sclerosis symptoms. Watch yourself around sources of heat, such as fire and hot water, as you may get burned without knowing it.

Managing Multiple Sclerosis Symptom: Pain

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can be painful. Physical therapy (PT) may help. A PT program would probably include strengthening exercises and compensatory techniques, such as bracing to prevent overuse of muscles. There are also a variety of both prescription and over-the-counter medications that can help ease MS pain. Ask your doctor about which medicine may be right for you.

Managing Multiple Sclerosis Symptom: Bowel and Bladder Problems

Establishing good bowel and bladder habits may help ease or prevent problems in the futuremultiple sclerosis symptoms. Try the following suggestions.

For your bowels:

Drink at least six to eight glasses of fluid every day

Add more fiber to your diet. It’s especially important if you have limited mobility, which can increase constipation

Be as active as you can. But consult with your doctor before undergoing any exercise plan

Use fiber supplements or stool softeners as needed, and as advised by your doctor

For your bladder:

Drink at least six to eight glasses of fluid every day

Drink cranberry juice

Avoid caffeine

Use absorbent pads when necessary.

Plan in advance—learn where bathrooms are at the mall, movie theater, or wherever you spend your free time

Managing Multiple Sclerosis Symptom: Intimacy

Lack of communication can be one of the biggest problems for you and your partnermultiple sclerosis symptoms. Your partner may not fully understand the sexual difficulties associated with multiple sclerosis. Sexual dysfunction is an MS symptom that can be addressed through counseling and medication. But most importantly, try to maintain a healthy dialogue between the two of you.

Managing Multiple Sclerosis Symptom: Balance/Coordination Problems

Poor balance cannot only make life difficult, it can also be dangerous due to falls. The following may help. Before pursuing any new activities, please consult with your doctor.

Aerobic activity

Stretching exercises

Physical therapy

Use of an assistive device, such as a brace or cane

Managing Multiple Sclerosis Symptom: Fatigue

Nearly 80% of people with MS complain of fatiguemultiple sclerosis symptoms. This lack of energy can be debilitating and depressing. Try these tips.

Plan your day. Schedule your most important activities for the times when you have the most energy. Eliminate low-priority tasks

Take naps. A 10- to 30-minute nap can refresh you and pump new energy into muscles

Keep cool. Lowering your body temperature can re-energize you. Try cool showers, air conditioning or a dip in the pool

Try relaxation and deep breathing exercises

Discuss possible medications with your doctor

Managing Multiple Sclerosis Symptom: Cognitive Function

Cognitive impairment can be one of the most frightening of all the MS symptomsmultiple sclerosis symptoms. Try to stay calm if you start to forget or become confused. Taking a few minutes to calm down can help clear your mind and memory. The following suggestions can also help.

Keep a daily diary with appointments, reminders and "to do" lists

Use electronic organizers for phone numbers and addresses

Keep important papers and other things in one place that’s easy to remember. A consistent routine makes remembering easier

Take a break if you feel overwhelmed

Maintain a sense of humor. A little laughter can go a long way.

Managing Multiple Sclerosis Symptom: Mood Changes

Depression is a serious and common problem of multiple sclerosismultiple sclerosis symptoms. If you’re feeling depressed, talk to your doctor. Medication and/or counseling can help. You should also consider joining a self-help group to meet others who share your condition and concerns. But in any case, don’t ignore your feelings. Help is available.

MS and Stress

Everybody feels stressed out sometimes. But if you have multiple sclerosis (MS), you may be more stressed than ever. The uncertainty of the disease, the physical and cognitive symptoms, the loss of control and many other issues can all add to your anxiety levels. That’s understandable. But too much stress can be harmful. Some studies indicate there may be a relationship between stress and the onset of multiple sclerosis relapses. And, many people say their multiple sclerosis symptoms are worse during times of stress.

Coping Strategies

What can you do to reduce the stress caused by your multiple sclerosis? There are several ways to cope.

Simplify your life. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Let the house be a little messy. Play hooky from work. Just let yourself have some fun.

Learn to say no. If you don’t have the strength or time to do something, it’s okay to say no. Save your energy for things you want and need to do.

Share your stress. It can help to talk to others with MS. Ask your doctor about MS support groups in your area.

Get enough rest and eat well. If you are irritable and tense from lack of sleep, or if you are not eating correctly, you may be less able to deal with stress.

Get involved with an exercise program. When your MS causes you to be nervous, angry or upset, exercise can release the stress you are feeling. Running, walking, and playing tennis or golf are some of the activities that can reduce stress. If you are in a wheelchair, you can still stretch your body—lean forward and bend side-to-side. Don't let the chair stop you from participating. Yoga is another good way to relax.

Managing Common Side Effects

All multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments can have some side effects, but they don’t affect everybody in the same way. Every person responds differently to different medications. Some people will have reactions; others may not.

Some injectable MS treatments may cause flu-like side effects, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and tiredness. For many people, the flu-like side effects lessen or go away over time. But if you do experience these symptoms, talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to recommend ways to get symptom relief, such as:

If you receive an injectable MS treatment, change the time of day that you take your injection. Many people choose bedtime so they can sleep through many of the side effects

Take over-the-counter pain medications. They can help reduce pain or fever

Look at the big picture. Remember that you can take MS treatment to slow the progression of physical disability and reduce relapses

For more suggestions on managing flu-like symptoms, call the MS ActiveSource Support Specialists toll free at 1-800-456-2255.

 

 

 

Tags: MS, Living with MS, Multiple Sclerosis

~Pictures!~

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ME/CFS & Fibromyalgia Good Doctor List

 
ME/CFS & Fibromyalgia Good Doctor List

(Last Revision: February 21, 2007)

Additions and deletions to the Co-Cure Moderators.

This page represents the index to the "ME/CFS & Fibromyalgia Good Doctor List," a collection of listings, of doctors who have been recommended by and for CFS/CFIDS/FM patients. The physicians are listed on separate pages by country and state/province/region and, within each page, by city.

DISCLAIMER: The "ME/CFS & Fibromyalgia Good Doctor List" is provided as a convenience to CFS/CFIDS/FM patients. Co-Cure has not verified any of the information submitted for the purpose of inclusion on this list and provided herein as to accuracy nor professional standings. As always, patients should check with local/regional agencies that monitor physicians prior to engaging services/treatment.

NOTE: The lists that comprise the "ME/CFS & Fibromyalgia Good Doctor List" are not to be reproduced in part or whole with the intention of use for profit.

All available physician listings are indexed below. If the country, state or province does not appear in this index, this means that no physicians have yet been recommended for that area.

INDEX - ME/CFS & Fibromyalgia GOOD DOCTOR LIST

Australia

Belgium

Bermuda

Alberta, Canada

British Columbia, Canada

Ontario, Canada

Israel

Japan

Mexico

Netherlands

New Zealand

South Africa / Zuid Afrika

South Korea

Spain

United Kingdom

Alaska, USA

Alabama, USA

Arizona, USA

Arkansas, USA

California, USA

Colorado, USA

Connecticut, USA

District of Columbia, USA

Florida, USA

Georgia, USA

Hawaii, USA

Iowa, USA

Illinois, USA

Indiana, USA

Kansas, USA

Kentucky, USA

Louisiana, USA

Maine, USA

Maryland, USA

Massachusetts, USA

Michigan, USA

Missouri, USA

Montana, USA

Nebraska, USA

Nevada, USA

New Jersey, USA

New Mexico, USA

New York, USA

North Carolina, USA

North Dakota, USA

Ohio, USA

Oklahoma, USA

Oregon, USA

Pennsylvania, USA

Rhode Island, USA

South Carolina, USA

Tennessee, USA

Texas, USA

Utah, USA

Virginia, USA

Washington (State), USA

West Virginia, USA

Wisconsin, USA

Wyoming, USA

Tags: Fibromyalgia, Good Doctor list, Fibro help

~Not sure~

.....Just to let you know, nothing in this journal's entry is toward anyone in specific, I use it to write my feelings, and about my illnesess,and in hopes it might help someone else as I do. And if you might take an entry wrong and feel that it is about you, I'm sorry but It isn't, it just may seem to coincide with your own life. May God bless you!......

Hello! :o) Going to try at this again! :o)

This has been a long road for me lately, to travel. And of course I've accepted this new gift of mine. Just still learning about it and most important; from it! :o)
Yesterday morning I had a very scary incident. All week I've been having more problems with my throat. I was eating cereal for breakfast and a small piece got lodged in my throat somehow and stayed! I couldn't breath! The only thing I could think of to do was to cough! And cough hard! I wasn't able to take in any breaths in between the coughs...so it was scaring me. I grabbed my trash can and had it in front of me to catch what came from my throat. I could finally feel something start to move up! It was slow, but I felt air getting through as well! I was able to get some breaths. As soon as I could grab enough air to get a good and hard cough, I got it out of my throat! That litterally scared me more then anything so far! My daughter was here, but had no idea what was going on. And I think I scared my grandson. :o( That just broke my heart. ;o(

I'm getting to a point right now of almost being afraid of so many things. Thats NOT me! I'm a fighter!

When my physical therapist came yesterday, she was amazed at how my body is. So am I! I feel like a big ball of yarn. Like the way the yarn is all in such different ways and twists? Thats about the only way I can think of to describe it. So many new and different muscle cramps and pains! Most of them started on the first day it was in the upper 80's here! Thats what heat does to my body! I was litteraly in a ball! I couldn't straighten up. My therapist didn't understand why the air wasn't turned on for me that day. I explained why. :o( She wasn't very happy about it. I feel the same.

Since then, it has been turned on for the days in the 80's. I just stay in my room. It's better that way so I can at least have my window open to stay cool. I had a muslce cramp so big on my left foot arch, I walked on the side of my foot. She didn't like that either...I told her I didn't care for it much too! lol Geesh! I was the one that had to cope with all of the pains! :o) Good Grief! :o) For the first time in all these years of her coming to give me the deep tissue massages...I went up to hit her! Big OOOPPPSSYY! :o) She understood. :o) Whew! I've never done that....even though it is human nature to try and hit someone that is hurting you and putting you in so much pain! :o) I just told her to hold my hand down when she got to the other side! lol 
Well, my grandson loves to color and seems to still be following in his mom's and Uncle's footsteps when they were his age! :o) My son loved to draw and was and still is very good at drawing! :o) My daughter at his age just loved to draw as well, but on all of the walls! LOL Well...so is he! LOL You should see his master pieces! I love them...But....! LOL I should take pictures of them so you can see how good he is! lol :o) And where he likes to draw! :o) Most of his drawings resemble piccaso I think! :o) Since he will be 2 in 2 months now...I think he's doing a bit of "express yourself!" LOL I think it's cute! :o) I'm just going to do what I did with my daughter.....get him a little bucket, and a sponge, and then show him how to wash it off! :o) He knows he's not allowed to do it....but that ain't going to stop him! LOL No way! LOL :o) He kills me! lol What I showed him this morning was Russ's new journal...! YAY! Then I said...now you can color on that! lol As if he doesn't have a zillion coloring books here! :o) He needs 1 more! :o) Thats the problem! :o) lol
Oh...he just makes me laugh so hard! Thats the best medicine ever! :o)

Honestly...I really need to get off of here now to go rest a bit. I hope I'll be able to write again...like I used to. I don't like to feel constricted. gggrr!
I do have some pictures I did won't to put on here, but not sure if I'll be able to right now. This just poped into my head....and it made my daughter and I laugh so hard this morning....just wanted to share it....when she was in here getting ready for classes, and (K) was in here with his drum set and he had a brown crayon too! I seen him go to the drums and just start to reach to color on the head on the drum.....And my daughter and I both said NO! Well....(K) looked at the crayon, looked at us, then back down at the crayon, then threw it up and acted like the crayon was doing it and he had no control over it! LOL Too funny!

Thanks everyone for your comments! Gods blessings to all of you! :o)

Tags: MS, My life

~None needed~

.....Just to let you know, nothing in this journal's entry is toward anyone in specific, I use it to write my feelings, and about my illnesess,and in hopes it might help someone else as I do. And if you might take an entry wrong and feel that it is about you, I'm sorry but It isn't, it just may seem to coincide with your own life. May God bless you!......

Hello all. Hope you are doing well today. :o) It looks nice out today. I'm just really glad....for now...that it has cooled downed to the 60's! I wasn't in too good of shape for awhile.

Still really don't know what to write about anymore. I do admire my friends that I have on my side bar to light candles for. I don't have cancer, but the strength these women have is so very strong!

No matter what anyone will say/think, I still have my own beliefs and faith! And will not go any furthur than that! Those who truly know me, already know what that is. :o) I don't need to have it plastered all over my journal, He's in my life and in my heart and thats all that matters to me! :o)

I've been in contact with my doctor, and all that he has planned for me as well. All I will say is, I can't wait for all of this to take place! It such a very positive way of things to come my way! :o)

I've been praying and thanking God for all He has given me! :o)

I do feel very blessed! :o) I have my family and my "friends," and love them all to death! :o)
Like a friend said: Too bad that people don't realize that everyone is different, and just accept that! It would be a boring world! For some reasons....there are those very few....that just can't do that for you. And I find it very sad. And what a sad soul thay must have. :o( Keep praying for them.

I'm still going through some grieving. Please let me and don't take it wrong. Ok? Let me have that much. I'm not on line much anymore. I'm in too much pain to sit for too long.

I've just been short in my writting because not able to sit long, and not knowing what to say in my own journal as well!
I do enjoy getting your emails and comments! :o) Thank you! :o)

Gods blessings to all of you!

Tags: People, Love, understanding others

Hi again!

.....Just to let you know, nothing in this journal's entry is toward anyone in specific, I use it to write my feelings, and about my illnesess,and in hopes it might help someone else as I do. And if you might take an entry wrong and feel that it is about you, I'm sorry but It isn't, it just may seem to coincide with your own life. May God bless you!......

Ok....this will be hard for me to write...so just alittle warning ahead of time. ;o)

I really haven't written much lately because I honestly don't know what to write anymore. It's like; Where do I go from here? I don't have an answer to that question. And I don't like that. I like to be on top of things and prepared. I'm not. I'm sorry if I start to sound like a broken record but, this is how I feel. This is the truth.
I'm afraid of the unknown and I don't know how to handle myself. When I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, it was differrent for some reason and I just don't know why. But giving a diagnosis of MS seems very different to me. I don't know why. I have no answers.
I know I've tried a few times to write before. Things were taken all wrong. I'm truthful. I always try my best to describe what I'm feeling so you can understand. But...most people do appreciate those who do tell the truth and respect us for that. Something was worded wrong, (sometimes can't think of the right words at times) and then taken wrong. But still honest. In my opinion, if then some can't understand/handle my honesty/truth, then whats that say about you?
I truly feel like I'm waist deep in the world right now. I don't know which way to turn. Or even, who to trust to turn to. I do know that I have a huge mountain that I need to move. I have to admit...I can't figure out how. It's a fight. I'm fighting my own body. And I feel that my only deference is my mind! lol With my cognitive problems...! Joking! lol
I do feel like glass that's been shattered. And I need to pick up all of these little tiny shreds and glue them all back together. I feel almost defeated! Thats a hard one to admit to!

I'm challenged on how my mind is influenced by my body and how it will use the knowledge to my advantage! Basically a fight or flight situation. Believe me, I've had alot of time to think about all of this. And I wasn't going to come to my journal empty!
I'm not one that will give up! I will figure this out, and do my best to chart things and to follow details as best I can.

The last 3 days have been rough days for me. I've been taking notes on this. Right now, I have 7 pages that I plan on writing in this journal. All information on MS. :o) I've been going through so many searches and reading. :o) Knowledge is the best thing for me to have right now.
Plus....having a good listener helps too! :o) Even though I'm still trying to pull myself together. It does help to know I do have someone that is listening. :o)
I'm still trying to address the physical and the emotional aspects that goes along with this. So far as to what I've found, it's the same as the fibro. So....Thats good to know! :o) Thats one down and how ever many to go! lol :o)
I really do hope that my experiance and attitude toward life can help others that are going through the same as I am. :o) Even though I still feel like I'm wasit deep in the world right now! :o) I will get through this! :o)
If you can find something to laugh at, no matter what it is, it will help you get through your day! :o)
I'm very thankful that I have my grandson living here with me! LOL Now he's a hoot! lol Plus...he's also my little snuggle bunny too! :o) We took a nap together today! :o) It felt so good to snuggle. :o) I've been up all night again. I really need to sleep. Yes, this is still going on. I'm getting used to it! :o)
Just like everything else in my life that I have as an illness, I have to master the MS too! :o) And I will! :o) I do not quit! :o)
I think I'll try going to bed and see if I can sleep. :o) I sure hope so! lol :o)
Thank you all for all of your support! I wish you knew how much it means to me! :o) Gods blessings to all of you! :o)

Tags: MS, Fibromyalgia, Support, Scared

~Funnies!~

~Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

~What disease did cured ham actually have?

~How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

~Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?

~Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?

~Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

~Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway.

~Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural

~Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

~If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?

~If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?

~Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!

~If Wiley E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME crap, why didn't he just buy dinner?

~If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

~Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

~Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

~Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your butt?

~Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride; he sticks his head out the window?

Tags: Funnies :o)

Are Fibromyalgia Patients Crazy?

Are Fibromyalgia Patients Crazy?

Have you’ve been told that you’re crazy, lazy, or depressed? If so, you are not alone. Friends, family, and doctors may try to make you think your illness isn’t real. They’ll probably say, "its all in your head."

Ok, so you forget appointments, cancel at the first sign of bad weather, get lost on the way, show up on the wrong day or at the wrong time. You ask the same questions over and over and often lose your train of thought in mid-sentence, you have strange reactions to medications and suffer with an assortment of health problems; yet all of your lab results look normal. You’ve got numerous complaints including anxiety, depression, fatigue, chronic pain, insomnia, IBS, MVP, chronic sinusitis, tingling in your extremities, night sweats, chemical sensitivities, headaches, reflux, and other symptoms. Are you crazy? You may think you’re a brick short of a load, but in your defense, I’d feel crazy too if I went days without sleeping, had diffuse chronic pain, had no energy, had no life, no hope, and had been bounced from one doctor to another and given dozens of tests, had taken numerous drugs which didn’t help, and then proceeded to get worse year after year!

The traditional drugs of choice for fibromyalgia include NSAIDS, antidepressants, anticonvulsant medications, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, and pain medications. These drugs may provide short-term relief but their results are often fleeting and their side-effects are detrimental. It’s not unusual for FMS patients to be taking twelve or more prescription drugs, many of which contribute to erratic behavior.

The sleep drugs Ambien and Lunesta may cause short-term memory loss, fatigue, flu-symptoms, and depression. Tricyclic antidepressants, including Trazadone and Elavil, may cause early-morning hangover, mental confusion, and lethargy. SSRI drugs may cause anxiety, depression, mental blunting, and lethargy. Klonopin and other benzodiazepines may cause depression, fatigue, and decreased mental function. Beta-blockers (Inderal and others) are commonly prescribed for MVP. These drugs may cause depression, mental and physical fatigue.

Neurontin and Lyrica have potential side effects that include depression, somnolence, fatigue, thought disorders, fuzzy thinking, and ataxia. Zanaflex and other muscle relaxant drugs may cause mental confusion, speech disorder, lethargy, psychosis, and even hallucinations. Adderall and other stimulants may provoke nervousness, mental instability, and psychosis. All of these drugs are known to deplete at least one or more essential mood-dependant vitamin, mineral, or nutrient (B6, B12, CoQ10, Folic acid, etc.). Individuals with fibromyalgia are also deficient in the brain chemicals, which help regulate mood and mental function.

Tags: Fibromyalgia

The Letter "L"

Ok....I got this from Russ and I thought I'd give it a try! :o)

Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following... They MUST be real places, names, things...

NOTHING made up! If you can't think of anything, skip it.

You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

Your Name: Lisa

Famous Music artist/group: Lucy in the sky with diamonds

3 letter word: Lie

Color: Lilac

Gift/present: Love

Vehicle: Low-rider...? lol :o)

TV Show: Love American Style

Country: Lybia

Boy's Name: Larry

Girl's Name: Lori

Alcoholic drink: Long Island Ice Tea

Occupation: Logger

Flower: Lily

Celebrity: Laren Holly

Food: Lo Mein

Reason for Being Late: Long Lines! :o)

Something You Shout:Live and Let Live!!! :o)

Tags: A meme

Hello!

.....Just to let you know, nothing in this journal's entry is toward anyone in specific, I use it to write my feelings, and about my illnesess,and in hopes it might help someone else as I do. And if you might take an entry wrong and feel that it is about you, I'm sorry but It isn't, it just may seem to coincide with your own life. May God bless you!......

Yes....I'm still awake! :o) Imagine that! LOL

Boy....today was 87 degrees here! Good Grief! I had no sleep the night before as well, and tried to take a nap, just to grab a few hours. Nope! :o) I had my window open and my fan on high and I was still laying in sweat! No kidding! Ick! I soaked through 3 night gowns! Yuckie!
I tried to get out of my bed and found that I was basically in a "ball!" My leg muslces were so balled up and my back and upper body and arms as well! The heat does this to my body....thats why I have to be in a controled enviroment! :o( The pain was pretty bad. uuuhh!

I knew no matter what I did, I was going to be in pain anyway, so I was all the way bent over, walked to the kitchen, got a tea towel and ran it under cold water. My son just happened to come in, and I asked him if he could wring it out for me. He did, and I put it on the back of my neck. aaaahhhhh, that felt good! Whew!
I had no idea where my husband was. I made it in here and sat at the computer with a fan on me. Emptied my mail box and here came my husband! He seen me and turned on our central air! Yesss! :o) In no time the whole house cooled down! I could feel my muslces starting to "uncramp" and that was very painful as well.

He helped me back in my room so I could "uncramp" in my bed and to also be safe, so nothing could happen. I was glad about that. :o) I get so scared to be alone, and walk. I'm so afraid of falling again.
My thighs are still cramped up, but so much better then earlier! :o) My physical therapist will be here this morning to give me that deep tissue massage! Ouchie! ;)

It's been raining alot here as well, and our basement had flooded pretty bad. So far since we've lived here, it's been the worse. I guess it was about 3-5 inches in the whole basement! :o( I'm glad that things were put up on cinder blocks! Washer and dryer! I don't know what It looks like, I haven't been able to get down there in sooo long. I can just open the door and look down the steps, and thats it! lol and yes, I seen water. Today my husband said that he was able to get it most of the way gone. So he did my laundry for me. My home health aid comes tomorrow, but he didn't want her to get hurt. So he didn't take any chances. :o) That was nice of him. :o)

I was thinking about going outside for a bit. I'm not able to get hot, I have to stay out of the sun, and keep in a cool enviroment, lol...but...I'm really an out doors kind of person and always have been! I'd give anything right now just to go hiking! I really miss doing that! :o)
I'd like to go out for a bit to get some fresh air. But I'm not sure if I can or not. I don't want anything to happen, and not be able to get ahold of my husband. Even though he's been sleeping on the couch for months now to help me. Bless him! :o) If I make a noise in my sleep, he's there in my room! :o) I was walking to the kitchen the other night, I said ouch, but I thought it was "to my self," but he turned and said or you alright? right out of his sleep! I went over to him to let him know I was fine and to go back to sleep. :o) I was going to get some tea. :o)

Well...I do need to try and walk a bit again.
Thank you for your comments. :o)

Last night was great! :o)

.....Just to let you know, nothing in this journal's entry is toward anyone in specific, I use it to write my feelings, and about my illnesess,and in hopes it might help someone else as I do. And if you might take an entry wrong and feel that it is about you, I'm sorry but It isn't, it just may seem to coincide with your own life. May God bless you!......

Hello! I've been off and on the past few days. Still feeling under the weather. Blah!

It's been sooooo nice and warm here the past few days as well! Yay! :o) But, the humidity has been playing havic with my fibro. Which I expect every year now. :o) But...Ouchie any way! :o)

Last night was the best! :o) I haven't had that much fun in sooooo long! :o) My family were all here, which always puts me in a great mood! Love the heck out of them! :o) My husband decided for all of us to go out to diner! Extra YAY! :o)

So, that's my husband and I, my son and his girl friend, my daughter and my grandson! :o) There's this little restaurant here in our neighborhood, thats like Piqua's little secret! :o) These people originally made their garage into a bar. Then upgraded it years later when I was growing up here. :o) It's nothing at all to look at, but the food and atpmospher is the best! :o)

Because there was so many of us, we sat at a picnic bench! My grandson was in his high chair and just had a ball! :o) There is a juke box still in there that takes quarters! 1 quarter 2 songs, 2 quarters 3 songs! lol Love it! :o) It was right behind us! My grandson is so into music like we all are and loves to dance too! lol ;o) My husband grabed him up and put quarters in, and let him push any 3 numbers then he would play the next 2 songs! :o) No one knew the songs that he played, but it was just so cute to see him so happy and dancing! :o) It brought back so many great memories for me when our kids were young! :o) Now...they are grown, and the owner's still remember our kids and it's a good feeling to go someplace that know you, and they know you! :o)

Tonight, we have a pizza on it's way, and a movie waiting to bewacthed! :o) And I'm getting some looks...lol...so I think I should wrap this up! LOL :o)

I hope and pray that all of you are not in pain, or at least not in very much pain. I really do care and worry. Because I know I'm by far, I'm not in as much pain as most of you. I know that I do talk about my pains, but I would never say that "I'm in more pain" then anyone else...just please know that.

Thank you all for you e-cards, emails and comments and your support! If you only knew what that does mean to me. :o) Gods blessings to all of you! :o)
 

 

Tags: The true love of family!

~Pictures!~

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A bit late today

.....Just to let you know, nothing in this journal's entry is toward anyone in specific, I use it to write my feelings, and about my illnesess,and in hopes it might help someone else as I do. And if you might take an entry wrong and feel that it is about you, I'm sorry but It isn't, it just may seem to coincide with your own life. May God bless you!......

I went to the doctors this morning. I have what ever is going around. I already knew that. :o)

Last night, for the first time in a while, I slept all through the night! Yesss! :o) I think what helped, was my daughter came back from her little Spring Break and she and my grandson were home! :o) Nothing like having your family around you! :o) The ones you love! I took so many pictures of my grandson while he was playing out back! LOL I'm going to post a few after this. :o)
Grandpa took him on a wagon ride around the block, and he just loved it!
Now they went down to Bellbrooke to visit her dad and her girl friends! :o) I'm very proud of her! She Passed with A's!!! Woo Hoo! When she goes back, she will be starting in nursing classes! :o)
I'm so happy for my best friend!!!! YAY!! :o) Her and her husband are new home owners! :o) Yessss! If I could jump up and down and do a dance for her...I would!!! :o) You go girl! :o) She worked her butt off for this!! :o)

It's been very nice here the past few days! :o) I'm having "hot and cold" spells with this "what ever" thats going around, but it's been very warm. :o) A bit too warm for me...lol...well, I have my fan on me...only because of the fibro and not being able to keep at a "normal" body tempreture. ggrr! :o) I seen buds on my lilac bush! Cool! :o)
Well....maybe I'll post the pictures later....I feel the need to go lay down again. uuuhhh! This will go away soon, Just ride it out too! :o) I do however, want to thank you all for your support and emails and comments.
Gods blessings to you all! :o)

Tags: Love, Family

Having faith

Faith is your gift
the ability to believe in what you cannot prove
to imagine
to dream
in a purpose
in one another.

Out of faith comes hope.
Hope is your way out
out of depression
out of despair.

From hope comes your will to try
for dreams
for a future.

Love is your gift of thankfulness
a willingness to share of yourselves with others.
Without Love there is deceit -- selfishness.

Faith - Hope - Love
all gifts.

They are yours.

Use them.

The less you use them
the more your flame fades away.

Tags: My faith

Yiddish Proverb from Guido.

~What you don't see with your eyes, don't invent with your mouth.

                                          ~~~ Yiddish proverb

I really feel betrayed

......I think I've found the person that has been going from my journal, and to a neighbor that used to live next door to me last year, her journal. Like she did say, I have a reader that goes to her and tells her things, so she doesn't "have" to read my journal! I found the person out! I'm very hurt by this and I've always had a trust issue....and I want to tell you, "Thanks! Thank you for making that worse now!" You knew we had our problems, and (K) told me about you. :o(
Just let me know what have I done? What have I done to the both of you? What is it that was/is that is so bad that I have to endure this? I'm hurt beyond beliefe! (K) and I have been ok. And thats the way it's going to stay, ( I hope) but I really trusted you. Not anymore. And the things that the both of you say you are, and then I find out about this, how dare you? And yes....it is enough for me! I don't know what it is about this town either!
All I can do is say a prayer for the both of you!
Lisa

Tags: Betrayed, Christianity,

Top 10 Needs of People With Multiple Sclerosis and Their Significant Others

 

Top 10 Needs of People With Multiple Sclerosis and Their Significant Others

Posted 03/08/2007

From The Journal of Neuroscience Nursing

 

Abstract Intoduction

The purpose of this study was to identify the needs of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their significant others. A quantitative questionnaire, developed from focus groups and consisting of 75 needs statements, was administered to 353 MS patients and 240 significant others. Analysis produced rankings of the 10 most important needs of both groups. Rankings by the MS patients and significant others were similar. Three themes emerged. Psychosocial and other personal needs (relationship with physicians, the MS healthcare team, family, and friends) were ranked with high frequency. Information needs (information regarding MS or available support) and financial security were also ranked as important. The data validate the importance of interdisciplinary care for the MS population.

And this is mine....

Top 10 needs for me with ms and my significant other.

1. To have the support of my family and friends.

2. To know that my doctors are interested in me. To help me get better.

3. To be reassured and encouraged to maintain my positive out look in life.

4. To maintain control in my life.

5. To know that I've been heard.

6. To feel productive in my life.

7. For others to know that I'm still "me."

8. To be understood.

9. To recieve all of the information I can, and to learn as much as I can about ms.

10.To have financial security to do all I would love/like to do to make my life with ms better

~Going through the opening~

Going Through The Opening
Contracting Before Expanding

Sometimes our lives contract before they expand. We may be working hard on ourselves spiritually, doing good in the world, following our dreams, and wondering why we are still facing constrictions of all kinds-financial, emotional, physical. Perhaps we even feel as if we've lost our spirituality and are stuck in a dark room with no windows. We may be confused and discouraged by what appears to be a lack of progress. But sometimes this is the way things work. Like a caterpillar that confines itself to a tiny cocoon before it grows wings and flies, we are experiencing the darkness before the dawn.

When things feel tight, it's easy to panic or want to act in some way to ease the feeling of constriction. We might also spin our wheels mentally, trying to understand why things are the way they are. However, there is nothing we need to do at this time other than to be patient and persevering. We can cling to the awareness that we are processing the shift from one stage to another, and the more we surrender to the experience, the more quickly we will move through the tightness into the opening on the other side. Just like a baby making its way down the birth canal, we may feel squeezed and pushed and very uncomfortable, but if we remember that we are on our way to being born into a new reality, we will find the strength to carry on.

Even as we endure the contractions, we can find peace within ourselves if we remember to trust the universe. We can look to the natural world for inspiration as we see that all beings surrender to the process of being born. In that surrender, and in the center of our own hearts, is a willingness to trust in the unknown as we make our way through the opening.

Tags: Just something to ponder on....

I need to talk!

I'm still not feeling well. I was up until 3:00 this morning. This is pulling so much more energy from me then I need, because it makes it harder for me to even walk.
I really need to get some things off my chest. I need to talk.
Last week I went through so much more then anyone knows! Not even my kids, anyone here, or my friends. I keep that part of my life seperate. Because I still feel that I "have" to! If I could make it better, I would, but I can't. I belong to an AA group on line! If a certain person ever knew this, I would be in alot of trouble!
I grew up with an alcoholic, my stepdad. He abused me, sexually, verbally, physically and mentally! I guess you can just say, All of the above! As an adult, that seems to be a pattern for me. I thought I had a friend, but again, she would come and drink at our house to hide it from her husband, and thats all it was...not a friend, a user! She never gave the friendship a chance without the drinking!
My husband is an alcoholic. I'm shaking right now. Last week was pure hell for me! Litterally! I was "told" to do things so that "I" didn't hurt ($)'s feelings! So, I did them! If you've noticed some entry's gone, thats why! I thought I could handle this. I "thought" I could when I wasn't so weak, and years back. I could just take the kids out to the park or someplace and forget about it. Now, I'm stuck and can't go anywhere. And thats used against me.
I have a problem with my throat. I've written about that before. I still have the problem and it has gotten worse. It has now effected my voice. My doctor told me it can go along with having ms. I have to wactch how I speak! If my voice happens to jump low or higher, then I'm thought to be mad, and then I'm getting a "talking" to. I've told him I can't help it and I looked it up to prove it to him. Doesn't matter! Why? I don't know. Yes, I did write about that I had a good talk with my son and my husband about my diagnosis. Which I did. After that, I don't know what happened. Again, I was told to delete and write certain things, and I did what I was told to do, because you do these things when the person is standing behind you, and when you've grown up with the same thing. It takes your mind right back!!! I was also told that I wasn't allowed to write in this journal. Thats why I didn't. Until I was given the permission to. But, I still have to watch what I write and to not put ($) in here! But I can my son? I haven't had time to even cope with/deal with or anything about what was told to me on March 9th! :o( I'm numb! After the last time of certain tests that came back negative, I took having ms out of my mind. When my doctor told me that I "did" have it...I don't know how I felt! I went numb inside! So many things were going through my mind! While he was telling me what I need to do, and what he was going to do, and my prognosis was! Hearing that was horrid news! :o( It was putting puzzle pieces together that day! I came home knowing what kind of responce I'd get and from who. I was right!
This whole entry may be all over the place for you to read....but this is hoe it is in my head! Sorry.
I'm sitting here alone. No, my daughter and my grandson isn't coming home, and I don't know when. :o( My son isn't here, he's helping his girlfriend out with her car. I don't have adult converstions. I told my husband that, and that I get more support on here then I do here in my own home! No, I don't have any family that I can go live with. They have all died. :o( As soon as I can get the papers from my doctor with everything on them, then I can look into assisted living. It's that, or this. I can only hold so much inside for so long!
I pray everyday. I pray for all of my friends and my family. I pray for strength. I have to keep my strength, or I'll never make it! God has a place in my heart, and my faith is strong. And I know deep inside of my soul, thats whats keeping me sane through all of this! Because God knows I can't just get up and go to the park anymore to get away! And my only deffense is my words! Thats all I have. Everyday, I sit in my bed, and it is just like it was when I was a little girl...I could tell what kind of night it's going to be for me by how many beers he brings in with him from the car!
Please keep me in your prayers! I'm still numb inside. As soon as it gets warm and sunny out, then I know it will get better for me. Gods blessings to you all!

Tags: Help, Alcoholic, MS, God, My faith

Stuff to think about

The Gift of Bringing Light into the Life of Another

Whenever we can remember that we would rather smile about what life brings us than suffer over it -- that our natural preference is happiness, not hurtfulness -- then in such moments of being mindful of what we love most . . . can't we also strive to remember how much better it is, for everyone, to brighten the life of another rather than to darken it in our forgetfulness?

Our faults irritate us most when we see them in others.
--Pennsylvania Dutch Proverb

Loving Each Day:

You must find the truth within yourself.

You move into and through all the levels of consciousness.
No matter what, you don't stop; you continue the
progression. If you keep moving, you cannot be bound by
illusion. As soon as you stop and say, "This is it," the
illusions will be there to put you in bondage.

Keep going - always.

SSDD/ My bestest friend/sick

I canceled my appointment this morning. I'm not feeling well at all. My mom came by to pick me up, and she is sick as well. So, she was glad too. My son came home from a metting this morning and told me how he wan't feeling well. It's the same as I have! Yuck! And it's a good day to just go and get all cuddlely in bed too! It's storming and raining out! That luls us both to sleep! lol :o) Thats where I'm heading when I'm done here! :o)

I also want to apoligize for sounding so crass yesterday in my last entry. I wasn't at all meaning to.
The last thing on my mind is to hurt anyone.

Last night....I couldn't believe my eyes!!! I had a wonderful surprise! I was sitting in my bed resting, and in came my best friend! :o) YAY! :o) It's been sooo long since I've seen her! Bless her! :o) Her husband brought her up her! :o)
I feel so bad for her. She really is in such bad shape! :o( Plus, she's now going through what I and the rest of us do, that have the "unseen" illnesses do. The " you can still do it," kind of stuff. :o( No, she can't. :o( My heart goes out to her! I'm also very worried about her mom too! :o(  It was upsetting to hear how she was doing. Not well at all. I feel so helpless. Not being able to help either of them. They understand though. We've been best buds for going on about 26 maybe longer, we knew each other in Junior High! :o) That would put it in the 30 mark! :o) Wow! :o) A long time! :o) I asked her if she'd ever thought the day would come that the two of us would be like this at this age?! :o) Of course we didn't! We both still have so much we want to do you know! :o) She still was making me laugh so hard! lol As always! :o) It was great! :o)

It's warming up out side. :o) Thats good. Spring is almost here! :o) I can tell because of my allergies! Yay to that even! :o) lol
My daughter and grandson will be coming home today! The house will be active again! :o) Yessss! :o) I need lots of hugs and kisses from my grandson to make up for the weekend! lol :o) I really miss my snuggle bunny when he's gone! :o)
I'm going to go now....need to take care of my allergies! :o)
Thank you for your comments....they really helped me! Gods blessings to all of you! :o)

Tags: Love, best friends, friends, Spring

~I offten wonder why~

             Good Evening! :o)
I have posted everything that I posted again today! I was looking for something in my archives and ran across them. :o) So, I chose to repost them! Why not? They "all" were liked before! :o) And "all" are inspirational! Except for my medical information. It seems that for some reason, and I've seen this happen so many times before, that when someone is the first to comment, everyone else "seems" to go from that! Without reading what was writen. I also noticed that there are some that will be more then happy to "give you a diagnosis!" In my opinion, and I'm sorry to say this but, I find that very rude! Especially not even knowing a person! Blows my mind! Among that fact, it is very hurtful as well! I wouldn't think od ever doing anything like that to anyone! I know that "I" have no right to do such a thing! I do not have such a degree hanging on my wall saying that "I" can! As I've said before, please don't assume! If you do have an assumtion, then email me please and ask me about it!

If....Keyword: "IF" it were brought up in the persons journal, then and only then can I see the situation ever brought up! But it wasn't!
Moving on......
Throughout this afternoon, I've slowly been feeling ill. Just not very well at all. A friend of mine is ill as well, and I know I didn't get it from her, unless you can get it through emails! lol
Tomorrow, I have an appointment to see my arthritis specialist. His office is in Englewood, which is another long enough drive for me. It's worth it though. :o) I do like all of my doctors now, and is worth the drive and the pain to get there! :o) My hands are swollen still, and have been for a few days now. I know he's going to squeeze my knuckles! Yikes! I always come home in worse pain then I do when I leave! :o) He'll be happy to know that I'll be going to the hospital for the water therapy! :o) I know I am!

My son is making super right now. :o) I love what he picked to make! :o) Salmon and potatoes! :o)
My husband is out there helping him as well. :o) lol
I chose these cute little graphicsto put in my entry! lol I love them and my favorite one is the squirrel! lol His foot is even tapping! lol They make me smile! :o)
Hopefully they do you too! :o) If you can't smile, or even laugh at yourself in life....then what's next? Everyday, I do something that I have to laugh at! LOL :o) I'm not all that graceful anymore! Add a cane/walker and already thats a dangerous situation! lol

Please don't forget to go to the side bar and light candles. I have two seperate ones up. One for Sugar and one for Donna! :o)
That little bear is as fast as my grandson! LOL :o) Now I can't keep up with him! LOL But I do a good job at trying! :o)
My daughter and he will be back tomorrow, and like every weekend, I miss them both. :o) I need to have him running around and laughing! :o)
I need to go. I still need to get a graphic email sent out with themes for this week! :o)
Thank all of you for your comments and your support! :o) Gods blessings to you all! :o)

.....True Love

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.

Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.

Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.

He had no army, yet kings feared Him.

He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.

He committed no crime, but they crucified Him.

He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.

In the Bible, Jesus says ."If you deny me

before man, I will deny you before my Father in Heaven."

 

 

 

Tags: Love

~God Is Our Hope~

God Is Our Hope

God is our hope and strength,
a very present help in trouble.

Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved,
and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea;

Though the waters thereof rage and swell,
and though the mountains shake at the tempest of the same.

There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God,
the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.

- Psalms 46: 1-4

Tags: God is our hope

Spinal StenosisLumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

August, 2005

The lumbar spine (lower back) consists of five vertebrae in the lower part of the spine between the ribs and the pelvis. Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal which compresses the nerves traveling through the lower back into the legs. While it may affect younger patients due to developmental causes, it is more often a degenerative condition that affects people age 60 and older. The discs may become less spongy as you age, resulting in reduced disc height and bulging of the hardened disc into the spinal canal. Currently, it is estimated that about 400,000 Americans, most over the age of 60, may be suffering from the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis. There are as many as 1.2 million Americans with back and leg pain related to any type of spinal stenosis.

Lumbar spinal stenosis may or may not produce symptoms, depending on the severity of your case. The narrowing of the spinal canal itself does not produce these symptoms. It is the inflammation of the nerves due to increased pressure that may cause noticeable symptoms to occur. When present, symptoms may include:

Pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs, calves, or buttocks Pain radiating into one or both thighs and legs, similar to sciatica In rare cases, loss of motor functioning of the legs In rare cases, loss of normal bowel or bladder function

Pain may decrease when you bend forward, sit or lie down. Pain may get worse when you walk short distances.

Degenerative spondylolisthesis and degenerative scoliosis are two conditions associated with lumbar spinal stenosis. Degenerative spondylolisthesis (slippage of one vertebra over another) is caused by osteoarthritis of the facet joints. Most commonly, it involves the L4 slipping over the L5 vertebra. It is usually treated with the same conservative and surgical methods as lumbar spinal stenosis.

Degenerative scoliosis (curvature of the spine) occurs most frequently in the lower back and more commonly affects people age 65 and older. Back pain associated with degenerative scoliosis usually begins gradually, and is linked with activity. The curvature of the spine in this form of scoliosis is often relatively minor, so surgery is required when conservative methods fail to alleviate pain associated with the condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by a neurosurgeon based on your history, symptoms, a physical examination, and results of tests, including the following:

X-ray: Application of radiation to produce a film or picture of a part of the body can show the structure of the vertebrae and the outline of the joints.

Computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan): A diagnostic image created after a computer reads x-rays; can show the shape and size of the spinal canal, its contents, and the structures around it.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A diagnostic test that produces three-dimensional images of body structures using powerful magnets and computer technology; can show the spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding areas, as well as enlargement, degeneration, and tumors.

Myleogram: An x-ray of the spinal canal following injection of a contrast material into the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid spaces; can show pressure on the spinal cord or nerves due to herniated discs, bone spurs or tumors.

Nonsurgical treatment

Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain, and analgesics to relieve pain. Most pain can be treated with nonprescription medications, but if your pain is severe or persistent, your doctor may recommend prescription medications.

Epidural injections of cortisone may be prescribed to help reduce swelling. This treatment is not recommended repeatedly and usually provides only temporary pain relief.

Physical therapy and/or prescribed exercises may help stabilize your spine, build your endurance, and increase your flexibility. Therapy may help you resume your normal lifestyle and activities.

Your doctor may recommend surgery if conservative treatment options, such as physical therapy and medications do not reduce or end the pain altogether. He or she will talk to you about the types of spinal surgery available, and depending on your specific case, will help to determine what procedure might be an appropriate treatment for you. As with any surgery, a patient’s age, overall health, and other issues are taken into consideration when surgery is considered.

You may be considered a candidate for spinal surgery if:

Back and leg pain limits normal activity or impairs your quality of life

You develop progressive neurological deficits, such as leg weakness and/or numbness

You experience loss of normal bowel and bladder functions

You have difficulty standing or walking

Medication and physical therapy are ineffective

You are in reasonably good health

There are several different surgical procedures which can be utilized, the choice of which is influenced by the severity of your case. In a small percentage of patients, spinal instability may require that spinal fusion be performed, a decision that is generally determined prior to surgery. Spinal fusion is an operation that creates a solid union between two or more vertebrae. This procedure may assist in strengthening and stabilizing the spine and may thereby help to alleviate severe and chronic back pain.

Surgical treatment

The most common surgery in the lumbar spine is called decompressive laminectomy in which the laminae (roof) of the vertebrae are removed to create more space for the nerves. A neurosurgeon may perform a laminectomy with or without fusing vertebrae or removing part of a disc. A spinal fusion with or without spinal instrumentation may be recommended when spondylolisthesis or scoliosis occurs with spinal stenosis. Various devices (like screws or rods) may be used to enhance fusion and support unstable areas of the spine.

Other types of surgery, including several methods of spinal fusion to treat lumbar spinal stenosis and associated conditions:

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF): Removal of the degenerative disc by going through the lower abdomen. Bone graft material or a metal device filled with bone is then placed into the disc space.

Foraminotomy: Surgical opening or enlargement of the bony opening traversed by a nerve root as it leaves the spinal canal, to help increase space over a nerve canal. This surgery can be done alone or together with a laminotomy.

Laminotomy: An opening made in a lamina, to relieve pressure on the nerve roots.

Laparascopic Spinal Fusion: A minimally invasive procedure involving small incisions in the abdomen, through which a graft is placed into the disc space.

Medial Facetectomy: Surgical procedure to remove part of the facet (a bony structure in the spinal canal), to increase the space.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF): Removal of the posterior bone of the spinal canal, retraction of thenerves, and removal of the disc material from within the disc space, followed by insertion of bone graft and sometimes hardware in order to fuse the bones. This procedure is called an "interbody fusion" because it is performed between the "bodies" of the vertebral bones and across the diseased disc space. This procedure is typically performed on both sides of the spine.

Posterolateral fusion: Placing bone on the back and side of the spine to achieve a fusion.

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): Removal of the posterior bone of the spinal canal, retraction of the nerves, and removal of the disc material from within the disc space, followed by insertion of bone graft and sometimes hardware in order to fuse the bones. Similar to a PLIF, but frequently performed from only one side.

The benefits of surgery should always be weighed carefully against its risks. Although a large percentage of lumbar spinal stenosis patients report significant pain relief after surgery, there is no guarantee that surgery will help every individual.

Tags: Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Speech and voice problems with ms

Speech and voice problems may be one of the daily challenges you face with multiple sclerosis. If any of the five systems necessary to speech and voice production are hindered due to lesions on your brain then you could experience:
Harsh voice Scratchy voice Slurred speech Tremor in pitch Variable breath control

In Living With Multiple Sclerosis, Catanzaro and Kraft give a comprehensive explanation of speech and voice issues:

"The most common cause of speech problems in MS is due to an impairment in the muscles that are needed for speaking. Speech may become slurred and difficult to understand. Speech therapists use a variety of techniques that may improve communication, although the problem cannot be cured.

Another problem arises when chest muscles are weak and the person's voice is soft because he cannot get enough air behind it. Personal amplifier systems are inexpensive and work well to overcome this problem"

Some of the treatments that a speech/language pathologist or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat physician) might recommend are:

Monitoring your own voice with a recorder and practicing vocalization Exercising the body parts necessary to speak, including lips, tongue, soft palate, vocal chords, and diaphragm Using a communication device (e.g., personal amplifier)

Updated: February 11, 2004

Speech and voice problems may be one of the daily challenges you face with multiple sclerosis. If any of the five systems necessary to speech and voice production are hindered due to lesions on your brain then you could experience:
Harsh voice Scratchy voice Slurred speech Tremor in pitch Variable breath control

In Living With Multiple Sclerosis, Catanzaro and Kraft give a comprehensive explanation of speech and voice issues:

"The most common cause of speech problems in MS is due to an impairment in the muscles that are needed for speaking. Speech may become slurred and difficult to understand. Speech therapists use a variety of techniques that may improve communication, although the problem cannot be cured.

Another problem arises when chest muscles are weak and the person's voice is soft because he cannot get enough air behind it. Personal amplifier systems are inexpensive and work well to overcome this problem"

Some of the treatments that a speech/language pathologist or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat physician) might recommend are:

Monitoring your own voice with a recorder and practicing vocalization Exercising the body parts necessary to speak, including lips, tongue, soft palate, vocal chords, and diaphragm Using a communication device (e.g., personal amplifier)

Updated: February 11, 2004

Tags: speech problms in MS

Multiple Sclerosis

DescriptionAn in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of MS.

Symptoms Most patients first experience multiple sclerosis as a single attack of symptoms called a clinical isolated syndrome, which typically occurs between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Once a second attack occurs, the patient is considered to have relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Much less commonly, the disease is progressive from the start and symptoms are more or less continuous. Early Symptoms Early symptoms may include the following: Optic neuritis and other problems in the eye. Optic neuritis, which is inflammation of the nerves in the eye, affects over half of MS patients and it is the first symptom in about 16% of them. Symptoms include unclear or doubled vision, usually in one eye. Some people see a shimmering effect. Patients may also experience pain or involuntary jerking or movement of the eye (called nystagmus). In 20% of people with this condition, MS develops within two years after the onset. In 45% to 80%, MS develops within 15 years. About 17% of people eventually experience impaired eye movement. Fatigue. Fatigue is typically worse in the afternoon and may be accompanied by an increase in body temperature. (At the onset, this occurs in about 20% of patients, but as the disease progresses, this is a significant symptom in nearly all patients.) Changes in sensations in the arms and legs. Patients can experience heaviness, weakness, or clumsiness in the limbs. Tingling or loss of sensations can also occur, most commonly in the legs. (The first symptoms for patients with primary progressive MS often develop slowly in the upper legs.) Muscle weakness in the legs and poor coordination. Lhermittes sign. This is an electrical sensation that runs down the back and into the legs, which is produced by bending the neck forward. Spasticity. Spasticity is the inability to control muscle tone and leads to spasms and stiffness. It is very common in MS. Disturbances in the bladder. Additional Symptoms That Occur Over Time In addition to the persistence of early symptoms, some patients experience the following symptoms as the disease progresses. They include the following: Imbalance and dizziness. Tremors. Facial pain. Spasm-related symptoms. They include burning, itching, aching, quivering sensations. They usually occur in the extremities and last seconds to minutes. Speech difficulties. Difficulty swallowing. Symptoms in the gastrointestinal, urinary, and genital tracts. Possible sexual dysfunction and loss of bowel and bladder control in severe cases. Emotional mood swings. Depression is very common. About 10% of patients suffer from psychosis (e.g., manic depression and paranoia). About 5% of patients with severe MS experience uncontrolled and extreme mood swings called the laughing/weeping syndrome. Problems in concentration and memory. Hearing loss. Possible Symptom Triggers Viral Infections. Viral infections are known to worsen MS. In a 2003 study, for example, the risk for an exacerbation of symptoms tripled within a month of an infection. Heat. Heat, whether generated by ambient temperature, infection, or physical activity, worsens MS symptoms in about 60% of patients. Stress. There is a strong correlation between severe stress and exacerbation of MS symptoms. For example, in one 2002 study, 85% of instances of MS exacerbations were associated with stressful eventsthat occurred within an average of 14 days before the episode. Furthermore, a 2003 study suggested that stress doubled the risk for exacerbations within a month of the stressful event. (Stress is not a cause of MS, however.) Trauma. Some experts believe that injury (trauma) to the head, neck, or upper back may trigger new or recurrent symptoms by disrupting the blood-brain barrier and allowing immunological attacks on the brain. This is a highly controversial theory, however, with very little supporting evidence.

Tags: MS

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