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The Where in the World is Bill Column Part 2 0f 3

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Posted 7/11/2009 10:48 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Dear Friends,

Glad to read your all hanging in there. Bill it is a restful weekend for you young man. smilewinkgrin

Denise,  Thank you always for your quick responses to the members with questions re procedures, you are always right on the spot.

PAlady, I too am sorry about your insurance.  I know how important it is to have insurance and even with insurance so many of the new and better drugs are not covered.  Geez !

Barb, You hang in there sweetie and know you are still reeling from all you have been through this past week.  Be good to you.

Janice, I am sure you are spending quality time with your best friend this weekend.  :)

To everyone I have tried to hit your own threads ASAP.

Take care and choose your foods wisely.  devil

My love and best wishes to all,

Kitt

Posted 7/12/2009 1:29 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Bill, sorry your having so many troubles with your ribs again and pain. I hope that shot takes care of it. What a thing to have to deal with after getting better from the stomach surgery. It's like you can't get a break from pain it's always something. It seems that way for me any way. That would be really great if they could do both at once. I found out they can't do it when I am supposedly out of it from vesaid and something else they give you because they have to do it in another room that has a special camera and is not as sterile. Also so I do not react at all to versaid and the other stuff that they give you to make you out of it as I was on pain meds long term and because of all the stomach tests. I am going to try to talk them into putting me under with a general since the hospitalist doctor ok'd that if my doc wants too. I don't like the idea of being fully awake while they are cutting on me. I am also still leary about the block completely blocking any pain. If I feel it I'll scream and I don't think he needs that while trying to operate on me. We'll see on Tuesday I guess. I'll be thinking of you next Friday when you go for your shot.

PAlady, talk to your doctor about taking the omperazole which is almost the same as nexium. My Nurse practitioner that is my Primary care who knows his meds says it is only a molecule away from being nexium. I am amazed at how he much he knows about medications and how they work. I haven't ever even had a doctor that smart. My insurance decided the won't pay for my nexium any more so my doctor told me when I run out of what I have to get the omeprazole and take 2 of them to equal 40mg. I can't take the nexium 2x a day as I have severe short term memory loss when I do. I already had permanent short term memory loss from taking Zocor for 6 months so that maybe why the nexium affects me like that so dramaticaly. Also talk to your doc about adding some sucralfate the generic of carafate. It is really cheap and very affective especially when taken with something else.

Denise, yes good health insurance is really a blessing for me too with the cost of the advair alone would break me not to mention all the stomach meds and plavix. I count myself very lucky to have an job and good insurance these days.

Kitt, I am starting to feel a little better. I still cry some and can't believe he is gone, but it's just going to take time. My hubby and I have had some nice talks about him. I've been going for walks every night and tomorrow I'll go to the gym and swim and go in the hot tub. I'm enjoying the little things in life that I love to do. I still can't wait to ride my bike again though. Next week when I'm off after surgery my hubby and I will go do some hiking since I can't ride yet.  On Tuesday night I probably won't be able to sleep because of surgery the next day so I'm going to go to the gym late and relax in the pool and hot tub and then take a nice long shower. I had planned on doing that before my last surgery but I go to spend the night in the bathroom instead. At least I get to skip that part this time. Well I'm off for my nightly walk with the pups. Barb

Posted 7/12/2009 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hi All,

Kitt,
I'm happy to respond to questions whenever I can. I hop on the computer when I have a minute. My husband and I are working really hard every day, trying to get the house ready to show. We're not sure exactly what we'll be doing or when, but this is the best time of year for me to get into the cleaning and decorating mode. Hopefully we'll get enough for our house to do what we want at the townhouse. We'll see. Until then, we're incredibly busy!

Bill,
So sorry your rib is so painful. Was your rib painful before the surgery? I seem to remember you saying something about it. My left rib hurt really badly for about 2 months, then started getting better. (Then the incision near my belly button started hurting--after I started wearing jeans, etc.) Hope you're enjoying a restful weekend. Take it easy for a change!

Barb,
I had foot surgery in 2007 and 2008. I had Versed for my anesthesia for both of those surgeries. I woke up during the second surgery, and was able to listen to the surgeon as he talked to the nurses, etc. I was still very relaxed, and I didn't mind being awake at all. It was actually interesting. I had a block for the pain, and I can tell you that I felt absolutely NOTHING. I don't think you have to worry about that at all. Good luck! I've had 3 surgeries in 3 years--I've never been a surgery person...I always dreaded it, and couldn't understand how others could choose it. Once having the foot surgery the first time,I decided there was no time like the present for getting the other foot fixed as well. I think my recovery from both of those surgeries helped me have the courage to go forward with the Nissen as well. It was one more positive that gave me the courage to have another surgery.

PALady,
I truly hope you find a way to afford the medicines you need. We're all with you in your quest to find a way to deal with your reflux!

Janice,
Hope you're finding time to relax and have fun this summer!

Bea,
Glad you're home!

Take care everyone!
Denise
Posted 7/12/2009 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Denise, Versad does absoulutly nothing for me any more even when it is mixed with the other stuff. I am wide awake. My heart doc tried giving me 3 doses last August while I layed there crying because it hurt so bad. I think it really frustrated him that it didn't help at all. He even had the nurses numb me 3 times and that did nothing. My dentist always just gives me more automatically because he knows he'll have to give me more if he doesn't do it right away. I've always been like that and my sisters are the same way. the versad doesn't even relax me at all. My stomach doc had gotten to the point where he had to give me 7x the normal amount and when that didn't work any more he said he would have to start doing a general on me. He told me when you are on pain meds for period of time like I was it changes your body chemistry forever that's why he said if he had known about that he never would have done my stomach scope last summer with out giving me a general. Yeah I'm a pain in the butt to deal with. When my doctors say that's unusual to me about some reaction to meds or something else I tell them that's me. tongue Well hopefully my hubby will be ready soon to go for a walk with the pups. I want to get that in before i go to work tonight. Yuck I hate the thought of it(((((((WORK)))))))). Only 8 more hours of it and then I won't have to go back for 2 weeks. Yee ha!

I know what you mean about a surgery that goes well giving you the courage to go for another needed surgery. Mine went so well this spring and I'm so much better for it that I decided it would be best not to put off the hand surgery now that I have a diagnosis and a doctor that feels he can correct it. My doctors little talk helped encourage me to go forward with it too. Barb

Posted 7/12/2009 4:09 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for all your support and ideas.

Denise - the prilosec (OTC or generic) wasn't working for me, even when I was taking 80 mg of it. So that's when we moved to the nexium since I have dysplasia. My cousin is a pharmacist and helps me a lot with this, and sometimes even that molecule can make a difference. What does carafate help with? Is it usually added with the ppi's? I know nothing about this area!! Wish I didn't have to learn, but such is life. I suppose if I can't find a way to pay for the nexium I will have to try the other, but I'm going to try all the prescription assistance programs first. I already have the discount card from Astro Zeneca, but that only gives $50 off. I'm sure the nexium is super expensive. That on top of all my pain meds. One day at a time...

Barb - Talk with the anesthesiologist when you go in for the surgery and tell him/her what doesn't work for you and about your possible tolerance to pain meds. Seriously, you don't need a general. That's way more risky for you. It sounds like maybe you just need a little help managing your anxiety. They will probably tent the arm on the side they're working on so you can't see, and you won't feel anything. They possibly may even let you take in an ipod or something. You could call and ask.

To Kitt, Bill and everyone else - thank you so much for all your support!!

PaLady
Posted 7/12/2009 5:45 AM (GMT 0)
Denise -
Yep I did have trouble with this rib before the redo. I was bugging me pretty bad the morning of surgery. Ii hadn't really bothered me at all until I lifted those dang slicer parts. Maybe all the pain meds I was taking at the hospital kept it from hurting. I had to call in the last 2 days last week because the meds I take for it make me really tired for a few days. Once I get used to them it isn't so bad.
Barb - I have built up a pretty good tolerance to Versed also. They gave it to me about 15 minutes before I went into surgery this time and it wasn't having the effect they wanted. I asked what she was putting in the IV and when she told me I mentioned it didn't effect me much. She didn't believe me at first, but after talking to me for about 5 or 6 minutes she gave me another dose and that finally made tired. At least I shouldn't have to worry about any of that until November or December when I have an EGD to check how the Barretts is doing.

It was a weird day not being with the team. They lost the first 2 games 7-6 and 4-3, but one the 3rd 5-0. Not bad for being a 13 year old team playing 14 year old teams.
I did manage to get the grass mowed today. Picked a mess of raspberries and gave a lot of blood to the skeeters. I had to take the blood letting because I was stuck in the thick briars picking berries and didn't want to end up tangled in them just to swat the skeeters.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 7/12/2009 12:55 PM (GMT 0)
Bill,
Do you think your first nissen caused the problem with the rib? As I said, my rib area was horrible after surgery, (coughing didn't help) and I was told that it got a lot of action during surgery. I sure hope you find a resolution to that problem. I know how painful it is. Do your doctors have any ideas for long term improvement? Did they use that area as a port for this surgery?
I feel for you, Bill--especially with your job. Your work is definitely going to irritate it and keep it going.
Hope you find relief soon!

PALady,
The Carafate is used to coat your stomach. Not everyone takes it this way, but in the hospital I got the liquid version, and I liked the way it coats in that form. (The bonus is that with the wrap, I couldn't swallow that giant pill anyway.) What I do is put the pill into a small medicine cup and add a little water. A stir with a toothpick and it's ready to "throw back" (you kind of have to take it like people drink shots--that way it kind of bypasses your mouth. Otherwise you're going to have to swish and swallow). It is a very old drug with no side effects, and it just provides protection for your stomach lining from the acid that can be corrosive--especially if you have irritation already. I don't know if it's good for your problem, but it's definitely helpful for people with reactive stomach.
Can you get your doctors to give you lots of samples of Nexium? I'm sure you've tried that. Good luck in your search for answers!

Barb,
Wow! You don't even relax with Versed! Yikes. That is definitely a wrinkle--especially with procedures that don't require a general. I was fine conscious and aware of the surgery, but with no relaxation effect, it would have been a different story. I don't mind the procedures (endoscopy/colonoscopy) without much sedation, but surgery is a different story. I can see why you're going general anesthesia. You're lucky you tolerate that well. Some people have a lot of trouble with it--especially nausea.

Hi Bea,
I'm sure you're up and moving around by now...unpacking and putting things away is a big job. Good luck with it! Take your time! Are you back to work yet? I know you were returning in July sometime. Good luck with that!

Hi Janice,
Hope you're enjoying the sunshine wherever you are. We're enjoying the cooler summer weather this year, as we hoe through all the stuff we've collected in 36 years of marriage! If it was hot, hot, hot, I would not be a happy camper.

Kitt,
Hope you're in the NOW and having a wonderful day!

Take care all,
Denise
Posted 7/12/2009 1:40 PM (GMT 0)
Denise -
I had the same rib pain you had with the incision at the left rib area the first time and a touch of it this time. The rib that is bothering me so much is on my right side and is from the lung surgery I had to remove a nodule they found wile doing a ct scan to see what was wrong with my first wrap in Dec. of '07. Where the scope was between my ribs on my back has given me trouble ever since the surgery on Dec. 28th of '07. I managed to get some relief with by taking neurontin, getting nerve blocks and unfortunately taking pain meds. The surgeon who did my lung surgery also does the Nissen surgery and he thought I had a short esophagus that wasn't caught when I had the first Nissen done. He was thinking with my stomach pushing on my diaphragm it might be causing the nerve to stay irritated from the pressure. I hadn't had any issues with this until about a week before I went back to work I started getting little twinges once in a while. I thought he was right and I wasn't going to have anymore rib pain, but I think it was just all the meds covering it up until I backed off of them and put some serious stress on my ribs. It takes about a week before the Neurontin really starts to help if at all and it also makes me tired for a few days. With that making me tired and taking the 2 of the 10/650 pain meds adding to it I had to take a couple days off work until my body got used to it again. I am not falling asleep just from sitting down now, so I think I will be able to work tonight and the rest of the week.
I am getting a nerve block Friday afternoon and can't say I am looking forward to more injections, but if it eases it at least a little it is worth it. When I first had this problem I thought I was getting shocked from something I was touching. It follows my ribs from back to front and feels just like an electrical shock to go along with the constant burn and ache.
I forgot about the carafate. I used that for a while myself last year. I am glad you mentioned that for PaLady. My GI wanted the liquid, but none of the pharmacies around here carry it. All they had were the horse pills. I had to mix it the way you said also because there was noway I could get it past the wrap then.

PaLady - As you probably already have figured out, I'm not going to be ending my relatonship with the pain meds just yet. I really appreciated the information from the CP forum. I feel like such a whiner compared to other people. I know you said you had a $50 coupon or something for the Nexium. Was that from the manufacturer? I keep seeing a bunch more commercials that drug companies are supposed to be helping those who don't have insurance and such. When I was taking Nexium my insurance wouldn't pay for it and I was lucky the office had lots of samples, but they also said that they could call the grug company and usually get it at a good discount if need be. Just thought I'd mention it and maybe they possibly could help with that.

Bea - It's good to hear you survived the vacation. Sometimes I feel worse after mine. The girls keep us hoping when we go to nationals. Between the games, tournament functions, water parks, shopping sprees, and whatever else they think off I am usually wore out and need a couple days to recoup.

Janice - Hope all is well. It's great to hear you have found a doctor who will take the time to listen and explain things for you.

Kitt - I pray all is well with you also. Hoping your days are filled with happiness.

Barb - Praying for an uneventful and painless procedure Tuesday.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 7/12/2009 6:06 PM (GMT 0)

PAlady, the doctor that ok's all the surgeries said it was fine for me to have a general and he told me himself that I should ask my doctor for one. I don't get sick or have any problems with a general. I had generals 3x this year already. 2 for tests with my stomach doc and one for surgery. I'll see what my doctors surgical nurse says on Tuesday when I see him. I'll leave it up to them after I talk to them about it. Maybe the anesthesiologist can come up with some thing that works better. I don't really have any anxiety about the surgery it self as the hospital doc explained it will be numb. I don't like the thought of the pain after that wears off though, but I've been through worse and I'll get through this too.

Denise, yes I am wide awake with versed. I've had doctors that don't believe me and they keep giving me doses and I just lay there looking at them like I told you so. I won't let them do a colonoscopy any more without a general. It is way too painful and then I have horrible anxiety weeks before the procedure even takes place.

Bill I wish a second dose would work on me but from the past I already know it doesn't. Your rib pain sounds terrible. I hope it helps with the shots. I see the surgical nurse on Tuesday after I see the other doc about the tailbone shot. I have surgery at 11am on Wednesday. Sorry your teams lost. Talk to you later. Barb

Posted 7/12/2009 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
Barb -
Wow, you are going to busy the beginning of the week. I say lets shoot for a lack of pain and such all the way round. I wish I could have had mine scheduled before Friday. I am going to be extremely busy that day packing and making sure the car is ready to go for the trip Saturday. Oh well, what can you do.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 7/12/2009 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
You all are just great!

Bill - A few thoughts. I take neurontin, and I had to start very slow (at 100mg a dose) although my doc thought I should be up to 900mg/day in a week. HA! But I think that drug can create more grogginess than the opiods and I worry about it for you with the work you do. Have you discussed lyrica? It's a newer version, and supposed to have less side effects. More expensve, though. (sort of like the difference between prilosec and nexium) It may be worth asking on that before you're too much into the neurontin. But it's only been out a couple of years and I find lots of doctors don't know how to dose it properly. The other thing - if you're not on an anti-depressant cymbalta can also help with nerve pain. And generally won't make you groggy. Several people on the CP board are on lyrica and cymbalta, but often also supplemented with opiods. I find the percocet doesn't make me groggy; it's the neurontin that gets me. So you may want to check into these meds. I may switch to lyrica myself if I can find a phamaceutical program that covers it; most of the time they cover the newer drugs more so than the older versions, so maybe I'll be in luck.

And about your injection Friday - have you ever had one? Because you're saying you're going to be very active Friday and traveling on Sat. Usually it's recommended you take it easy for a day, and the initial site may be a little sore. I often use ice. Now I have had epidurals and gone back to work the next day, but usually with my ice packs. If you have more questions pop over to the CP board and ask!

Denise - thanks for the explanation on the carafate. I will keep it in mind. I take so many meds now every time I need to add one more I want to cry. Half my countertop is filled with Rx bottles and that never used to be me. I've still not made peace with that. And now this newest wrinkle.

My GI doc's office told me that didn't have any nexium samples. So I got the discount card by calling Astro-Zenica directly. Yes, Bill, they're the ones that are giving me the $50 discount; and that's if you have no insurance. If you have insurance, they will pay up to $25, depending on your co=pay. They did give me another phone number to call, and I've got a bunch of them to check out re: other Rx's but every day things keep happening and I get easily overwhelmed with it all, as it all requires clear thinking which is the last thing I have these days! Right now I'm still doing my taxes (I filed an extension, don't worry) and I have a very small business I'll likely be closing (it's not making any money) so my taxes are more complicated. But everywhere you request a low income consideration they want you tax returns. I really feel my privacy has been totally stripped from me, but that's another story.

Barb - just remember if it's carpal tunnel surgery and it's done right you should have LESS pain after the surgery than you had before you went in - even after the anesthetic wears off. I really mean that. It's just keeping the incision dry and clean for a bit, and then it will be sensitive as it's healing and you do a few hand exercses to get the strength back. If you're having the small incision procedure, you'll probably have even less pain than I did. Thing is, you may have more discomfort from getting the meds from the general out of your system than the surgery itself. Of course, you want to make sure the anesthesiologist can cover your pain. Usually when one's in the room, and they have the IV in, if you tell them you're experiencing pain and they can't cover it with a lesser med, they can put you under quickly.

I hadn't thought about it until I read this board, but I had versed for my endo/colon "combo". And I remember counting as she put the first vile in and I got to 25 and she was looking at the doctor for the ok to start a second vile. I think about half way through that I was just groggy and watching the "tv" of my colon feeing like Katie Curic. I remember asking if I had to count anymore. LOL

Take care everyone!

PaLady
Posted 7/12/2009 11:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone; I've been trying to catch up on the posts..holy cow everyone is busy. Like a lot of you, Versed worked, didn't work, worked, didn't work; when I had the lumpectomy..it worked..go figure!

Bill and Denise, I'm having rib pain again as well, but mine is left sided; I didn't have it post Nissen, but I'm having it now...you know, I take that back, I did have it then...must be the Versed talking! The problem I'm having is a crazy fight with IBS; since last winter and getting sick it started and it's out of control. My stomach will bloat up so large that it just hurts and since the big bloat (big bloat haha!) started, so too did the rib. I'm going to see if I can get into my chiropractor tomorrow.

PA Lady, my offer is still open......!!

Barb, I'm hoping that your sorrow is easing a bit; I'm glad you're heading out to the trails. Tom and I tried a couple of times when we were up north, but the deer flies chased us each and every time...no fun!!

This past week has been spent going to the Dr.'s for me; I have an appointment with a new surgeon on Tuesday and a second one on Thursday, I'm going to pick out one and move forward.

Has anyone heard from Bea? Is she still on vacation? Kitt? How are you doing dear one???

Tomorrow, my computer is going in to the computer wizard for some much needed help; I've tried to keep it going for some time now, but boy, I can't fix it anymore...it will take 10 minutes to go through the start up before I can access anything; so I'll be offline for probably several days. I'll try to access it through work, but you know..not a cool thing to do!!! (maybe during lunch I can sneak it in!)

Hugs everyone!!
Janice
Posted 7/13/2009 1:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Janice,
I'm glad to hear you're interviewing surgeons next week. Great idea. It's so important to choose one that you feel comfortable with. It's a big step you're taking, and just like with the Nissen, you'll want someone who is eminently qualified. Best of luck with your selection! We'll all want to hear how it goes, once you're back online. Good luck with your computer!

PALady...good luck in your quest for drug help. It's so tough dealing with medical issues without insurance coverage. Prescriptions are incredibly expensive, and it's tough when you have no coverage. I hope you get a resolution to your medication issues soon!

Barb,
Good luck with your upcoming surgery. I'll be saying some prayers for an excellent outcome. It's good to et it done and behind you. I'll be thinking of you!

Bill,
I'm so sorry to hear that you're still suffering from that rib pain. I thought I remembered you talking about it in early posts, when I first joined the forum. I sure hope they figure out how to help you. That has got to be incredibly annoying. I hope the pain block works this time. Good luck!

Hi Bea and Kitt!

Back to work tomorrow, getting things cleaned out and getting the house ready to sell. We're getting it painted inside and out, and there is a lot of furniture moving involved. Wish us luck! It's amazing how much stuff you collect in 36 years of marriage!
Have a great week everyone!
Take care,
Denise
Posted 7/13/2009 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
Janice, it has let up some. I don't know how I'm going to handle it when I go to his house though. That will be really sad to not have him there. I have been trying to get Troy to come to our house for a cook out but he wants us to come there sometime soon to check out a portable ramp that him and his friend had made for Rob. He said if we like it we can have it as it is no longer of any use to him. He will donate the rest of Robs stuff to the Lions club for their loan program. My hubby has greatly benefited from their program.

PAlady, I don't seem to have any problems what so ever with the generals I've had. This would be my 6th operation with a general if they do it. I talked to my sisters boy friend who just had hand surgery and he said he has a tolerance to the versed too and he experienced pain during the operation. If I have pain during this operation I won't want to have the other hand done. I will put it off. I put off having a colonoscopy for 10 years and it took a year for the GI doc at that time to talk me into one since the last 2 I had done were very painful and I was fully awake because the doctors didn't give me enough since I had built up a tolerance at that time. I ended up having 2 polyps one of which was precancerous so it's not worth it to me to have the pain and then end up putting the next one off because of it. So in my case it may be much wiser for him to just go with a general so he doesn't have problems talking me into the second hand surgery that I need.

Yes Bill I will be very busy. In addition to work tomorrow I need to call the lawyers office to tell them about the surgery, and go for my weekly appointment at the chiropractor which I am getting really sick of and then off to my weight loss class. I may just weigh in this week as I have too much to do before I am down to one hand. shocked As usual I probably won't get it done. I plan on just enjoying my time off. I'll have 5 whole days. My hubby and me are going to the outdoor if the weather is nice Thursday. Star Trek is playing and we are big fans. Hope my hand is doing ok by then. I get to end the week with a visit to my asthma doc that I changed to please my boss. Some where in there I should take my little guy for a nail trim and pick up the pups heart worm med. The week will be over before I know it. I wish you luck with your shot Friday. Have a great time on your trip and I hope the girls win big this time.

Denise, thanks I'll let you know how it goes. Barb

Posted 7/13/2009 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
Barb, as hard as it may seem, it may actually help you in the grieving process, the healing process to go to Rob & Troy's house. Facing it is difficult, but it has helped me in the past. Troy may need you to come as well, partially for the reasons you stated, but maybe he would love to see you and have company.
Hugging you...
Janice
Posted 7/13/2009 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
Barb,
You need to do what's best for you. Sorry if I went a little too far with advice. You're right; you want to make sure you get that other hand done. I hope you get to do something relaxing for yourself later in the week; you've been through so much recently.

Janice - I think it's great you get to interview doctors! So often we over in the CP board struggle to find just one pain management doc we have little choice, and that's not how it should be. I hope you click with at least one if not both!

Denise - will you come help organize and clean up my place when you've moved???? It's amazing how much we can accumulate, isn't it? Stuff. And the sorting to me is the worst. Some days I'd just like to get a big dumpster and throw everything in!

Hugs to everyone else!

PaLady
Posted 7/13/2009 3:46 PM (GMT 0)
Barb,
Good luck in your preparation for the surgery tomorrow. I'm so glad you'll finally get some relief from your hand pain. The foot surgery has really made a difference for me. My feet have lots of problems, and they're not perfect, but much better.
I'll be thinking of you tomorrow! Hopefully you'll be able to hunt and peck with one hand and post how you're doing!

PALady,
Wow...I'm really getting rid of a lot of stuff. It's a great thing to do. Hopefully somebody else can make use of the things I'm taking to the Salvation Army/Rescue Mission. There is a lot already, and a lot more to come! We decided we didn't have the time or energy to have a garage sale. When we're ready to move, we'll have someone come in and organize a sale of the big stuff that we can't take with us, and no family members want.

Janice,
Hope you're having a great day! yeah

Bill and Bea,
Hope all is well with both of you, and you're getting that much-needed rest!

Kitt,
Are you out enjoying the sunshine? I hope so! yeah
Have a great day, All! ((((hugs))))
Denise
Posted 7/13/2009 5:00 PM (GMT 0)

Holy Moley........You are all so busy !  turn tongue turn

Here I am.............my puppy comes home today from the big dog show.  He did well...........took Best Male in his class.  I knew he would, he is so good looking.  devil   Also a young girl used him in  Junior showmanship and she took 1st place and  won the Junior Showmanship Division  I am quite proud of the little devil for strutting his stuff.

Barb,
Hey there, you are going to do smashing when you have your hand surgery.  I had Versed and Fentanyl IV and a local block when I had surgery on my foot for a bone spur.  I got off the operating table and into a wheel chair.  I was a bit high post op but that was ok with me,  I felt no pain. smilewinkgrin

I am glad to hear your having 5 days off and planning some good times.  You love movies as much as we do.  It is our one thing we do well together.  We always plan in a snack too but early enough before I go to bed so it does not set off my GERD.

I am sending prayers in memory of your friend.  Lots of hugs to you.

Denise,
I would love to help you get your house ready for the market.  I am very good at throwing out "stuff" or donating it to Epilepsy Foundation.  I love the curb side pick up service they provide.

Thank you for covering the forum and I will be taking some time off here starting on the 25th of July.  Taking a vacation with my granddaughter.  yeah

PAlady,
Good Morning to you. I have a PT appointment on Wednesday and the Workers Comp is covering the bill so I will see how the back and leg do with some PT. 

It is always good to see you here with us so keep on posting.  You have such a vibrant personality.  I often find myself smiling after reading your posts. :-)

Janice,
I am glad you are interviewing your Doctors...........that is my friend, take no prisoners.   devil   Take charge of the situation and be your own best advocate.  You have the grit to do this and do it well. 

I am sorry to hear your puter is going into the clinic for a adjustment.  Mine needs an attitude adjustment as it likes to do it's own thingy.  ARgh !

Bill

Reading through the different suggestions it looks like you have received some great advice re covering your rib pain. Cymbalta is the newest one that I know many people are having good luck with for nerve pain.  I usually took this drug at bedtime but I was using it for depression. 

The exact mechanism of action isn't fully understood, but anti-seizure medications appear to interfere with the overactive transmission of pain signals sent from damaged nerves. Neurontin is a good choice.  I look forward to hearing that the medications have kicked in.

Hello to Teala, and Annie and All....................Happy Monday to each and everyone.

Bill, you may have to go hide again as this thread is getting long and we may need a Part 3  idea

Hugs galore to all
Kitt

Post Edited (stkitt) : 7/13/2009 11:03:06 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/13/2009 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
Kitt,
If you have any PT questions, just let me know. I've been through more PT over the past 20 or 30 years I can hardly remember it all! I have an exercise plan for nearly every part of my body! Seriously, I've had some great PT's and some lousy ones. The first session is usually an evaluation and they tend to push and pull and see what hurts and what doesn't. I have learned (the hard way) to speak up if someone is moving me too fast, too hard, etc. Yes, they need to find your limits, but some forget there's a human attached to those body parts that feels things. What are you having the PT for? Also - glad I make you smile, although I often don't feel like smiling myself. Interesting.

Barb - you'll do great with that hand surgery, and you'll be back typing us an update in no time. I thought I was going to have to wait a week or at least a few days, but I was back typing e-mails the day after the surgery (although a bit slowly!). But I think I recall you're going to the movies, right? So that's much more fun!

Wow....needing a part 3! That Bill guy really does make you look all over the place for him, doesn't he? :-)

Denise - I'm waiting for you to show up at my door to purge my house!

Hugs,

PaLady
Posted 7/14/2009 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
Janice, I know you are probably right, but I just hope I don't start crying and make Troy cry. I would feel terrible. Troy is very sensitive and sweet and I would hate to be the one to make him cry. He's been our friend for 10 years now and I want to stay close to him because of that and the connection to Rob. Maybe I can get him to do something this weekend with us. A cook out at his house perhaps. Maybe we can sit out side since the 3 of us love that and Rob didn't like the outdoors. It might be easier on all of us. We'll see.

PAlady that's ok to voice your opinions and give advice. Maybe they can try something else besides the stuff they give for those tests that will work if they don't want to do a general. I'm going to voice my concerns tomorrow and it will ultimately be up to the doctor and the anesthesiologist. I'll let you know what the surgical nurse says tomorrow. Thanks for your advice and support. I know you have alot of experience and wisdom. I'll let you know how the movies are. I'll be back typing in no time even if it is with one hand.

Denise, I'll let you know how tomorrow goes. I have problems with both my feet. More so with the left since the accident. The chiropractor really helps with that though. I saw him today. My back suddendly got really bad after bending over last week at work. It was so bad today that I would have taken a pain pill if I had one with me. That reminds me I need to go put them in my purse just in case. My boss had an icy hot patch she gave me that helped for a few hours. It's very frustrating because I had it under control or so it seemed. I took at pain pill and muscle relaxer tonight as it started to hurt again. It's like you can't win you get one thing under control and then another one pops up. You know how that is with all your problems. Well it seems they are kicking in so I better hit the sheets before my head hits the keyboard. Barb 

Kitt, congrats on the dog show. I bet you missed the little guy while he was gone. We still have our little visiting dog here. We're not sure when her parents are coming to get her. She is such a sweet heart I don't mind. My hubby really miss's our rat terrier that is out at my daughters until Glory goes home. Glory is so much better behaved than our dogs that I don't mind her here. I'll have to let you know how the movies are. I highly reccomend the new ice age movie. Very funny. We have our snack at 10pm so I can go to bed by 1am. Thanks for the encouragement and prayers. I'm a bit jealous that you get to spend time with the granddaughter. I miss my little grand daughter so much.

 

Posted 7/14/2009 5:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all-
Well I am being haunted by the computer problems on here again. My posts keep vanishing again.
I had to call off again tonight, sure hope Friday gets here quickly.

PaLady, I have been getting the injections about every 2 to 3 months for the last 16 months or so. They do make me quite sore for a couple days. My doctor wanted me to try Lyrica because the neurontin wasn't working as well, but my insurance won't pay for it because I don't have diabetic neuropathy. I am going to ask about the cymbalta though, Thanks.

Barb, Good luck tomorrow. Hope the weather is good for Thursdays drive-in movie. I sure miss going to those.

Janice, It is good to see you are close to getting your new surgeon and going ahead with your plans.

Denise, I hated moving all the time wen I was in the Navy. I don't know how we gather so much stuff.

Kitt, Glad the pup did well at the show. I may be hiding pretty good come this weekend. It depends on how much hotel time we get at nationals.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 7/14/2009 6:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Bill, sorry about your pain problems. Is that what's keeping you up tonight? I should be in bed, but I tossed and turned for the last 2 hours between my back hurting and I think the looming surgery  smhair I am having a heck of a time sleeping. I hope the girls do good at finals. I'm sure going to be tired at work today and then the 45 minute drive down to the doctors and back should be a real treat too. Well I guess I should go try to go back to sleep again. I had forgotten to take my melatonin so maybe now that I took it that will help me sleep. smurf   If I don't get some sleep I'll fall asleep at the outdoor Thursday night. We used to have 2 outdoors when I was a kid in our area, but those are long gone. In 2003 this one opened up out among the corn fields in Freedom hence the name Field of Scenes. Barb
Posted 7/14/2009 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
PAlady

Here is the link to my thread in osteo that explains my pain issues and reason for PT.  I had a message yesterday to call PT and I am afraid they are going to tell me my Work Comp will not pay for PT so then I will not be going and may ask you for some tips. I am waiting for them to call me back this morning.

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=51&m=1516761

Barb,

Field of Scenes, that is great.  I hope you finally got some sleep and we will be awaiting your Doctor's report today.  I hate to think of you wide awake and in pain in the middle of the night.  ((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))

Bill,

Off to Nationals...............whoo hooooooo. Good Luck and while you in hiding I may just start Part 3 of this thread and see if you can find it.  LOL.   I hope you are able to try Cymbalta but you may run into the same issues as with Lyrica as Cymbalta was not a drug my insurance company would cover for depression as there are other choices that are less costly.

I hate when the computer eats my posts too. 

Bea

I left you a note in your thread........dang but I am so sorry you lost your job........hugs from all and you know we are all here for you sweetie. 

Denise,

No rest for you,  just keep on packing.  OK you may have 2  15 minute breaks and 300 minutes for lunch. LOL.  I am sure you are finding things as you go through closets etc that you have not seen in a long time.  I found things I could not remember ever buying or receiving.  I think someone planted them in my closets. 

Janice,

I know you are off to see the Wizard this afternoon and I am going to be right here waiting to hear how it all went.  I am glad you are moving forward and I so hope this surgeon is the one for you.

To All, Happy Tuesday.

Hugs
Kitt

 

Posted 7/14/2009 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
Barb -
I would have been up anyhow if I went to work...I still hate 3rd shift! Anyhow, sorry you couldn't sleep. I am sure tonight won't be any better. Tomorrow is surgery day, right? My days are all messed up. My Monday is Sunday and Thursday is Friday....what a goofy schedule I have. Friday can't get here soon enough.

Kitt, I am sure they won't pay for cymbalta either, but it's worth a shot. Anything to stop this dang pain. The worst part is now that my stomach isn't hurting I should be able to sleep laying down, but NOOOOOOO, that irritates mt ribs and I have to sleep sitting up in the recliner still. Oh well, what can you do. Just smile I suppose. Besides it makes people wonder what you have been up to!

We went to the zoo today. Michelle thought a stroll would make me feel better. It didn't, but I sure like messing with the goats and sheep. I was raised on a farm and really miss the animals. Our zoo got 4 new giraffes, but removed the monkey area for them. That was the highlight of the zoo, irritating the monkeys until they threw..... never mind.

take care,
Bill
Posted 7/14/2009 10:34 PM (GMT 0)

Hey Bill,

Nothing like watching a monkey with a piece of bubble gun stuck to his fingers.  cool

Why is it we all have a fascination watching the monkeys play?

Sorry your ribs gave you problem.  I hope you did not get a crook in your neck looking up at the giraffes.

I agree Cymbalta is certainly worth a try.

Hugs at you my friend,
Kitt

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