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ladyk
Started by Lois |
Posted: December 6, 2009 at 05:31 | |
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You sound like a physician or nurse. Whatever your background is, I appreciate how knowledgeable you are. I am trying hard to improve my immune system with the many recommendations on this site. I realize it takes time. I'm impatient. I get frustrated with my recovery. It's my one year anniversary time. Last year I was hospitalized from November through March. I try not to focus on it, but one has to process what has happened to them. I sleep 11-12 hours a night. That doesn't leave much time during the day to do much. 12 weeks of vancomycin and later in August treatment for a vaginal strep/e coli infection, (I asked my GYN to retest for it, but she didn't. I worry that it's not gone.), probably took it's toll on my body. Like others on this site, I wonder about the after effects of MRSA. I hate that I got it. Anemia is a problem for me. It got down to a 7 last year. Had 4 units of blood. Got up to 11 last May & fell to a 9 which it is around now. I take 325 mg iron daily along with Vitamin C 1000 mg. The bone marrow biopsy results indicated nothing wrong, but no iron in the marrow. The theory is I am minutely bleeding intestinally. Colonoscopy was normal. I think their theory is wrong. I have been on the low range of normal for years and maybe 10 to 12 years ago it dropped to below normal. It has been getting worse in the past few years, but my physicians would never pursue why. Wait and see look. I'm trying to eat more iron foods. I'm not a big meat eater. The nerves between the L3 & L4 discs are not healed yet. I still have some pain from them. I tried to go off the baclofen, 10 mg, but had to go back on due to increased pain. The fact that I can't walk like I used to is very painful emotionally.....I use a cane. My leg muscles used to be so.....strong....now my right leg is very weak. Left leg is more near normal. It affects the way I walk up and down steps, getting up from a seated position and sitting, I walk with a limp because of weakness and there is pain in my back muscles. I need more PT. I had 5 months of Outpatient PT. 6 weeks of inhome PT and a few weeks PT in the hospital. I'm going back in January for more PT. The copayments add up. I try to do exercises at home. I feel like I'm being punished & I did nothing wrong. Financially we are in a hard place. We will make it, but our lifestyle certainly changed. The stress it has brought is horrible. Money isn't everything they say, but it sure helps when you have so many medical expenses. I am confused as to why I can't walk well. It certainly can't be because I was in the hospital so long. It would have resolved itself by now. It has to be due to the irritated nerves. It takes 12 to 18 months for nerves to heal. Does that mean I'll get normal movement back at that time? Are the exercises to keep the muscles going until then? Or do the exercises create new pathways? Or both? So many questions....few answers. (Cont) 15707
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Re: ladyk
Reply #1 by ladyk |
Posted: December 6, 2009 at 19:06 | |
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Lois – Thank you. Sorry to see you’re feeling a bit gloomy. It doesn’t matter what my background is as I will be the first one to say to everyone - research EVERYTHING yourselves, and do not take one individual’s advice regardless what hat they wear. The best way to protect yourself is to gather as much information as possible, listen to physicians who are at top of their profession – (older physicians hold experience – younger physicians are privy to new methods of care) best to retain one who does not disregard the seriousness of your affliction, take bits of advice you might be provided, research as much data on subject as one can find… then form your opinion as it fits you particularly. If it doesn’t feel right, chances are your gut instinct is correct. This is always best practice in protecting yourself. I’m a firm believer in second opinions, or as many as it takes until you are satisfied. We’re all impatient when it comes to wishing we felt better… it should also be expected to have a few slips back once we do start feeling better, since most of us have become complacent from time to time thinking we do not need to stick so strictly to our maintenance regimens. There are/were many posts on forum reflecting this, and so we just start again~ Let me ask you a question… have you had intestinal issues with loose stools when you are not on potentially constipating iron? C-diff is can be quite elusive, and if one is able to hold down level of over population to an undetectable degree it is possible to go for ‘many’ months undiagnosed. Colonoscopy can only go so far up. Endoscopy can only go so far down, leaving lengths between unobserved. As well diagnostics can miss detection due to low levels etc. C-diff can have ravenous effect on intestine wall creating the possibility of blood lose which could account for anemia. I am privy to a case where a woman friend of mine experienced this very scenario. Treated with Flagyl (antibiotic) and probiotics she is on her way to feeling better with reverse in anemia after receiving many units of blood which she has been able to maintain. You may find this link of interest… Iron rich foods http://www.fatfreekitchen.com/nutrition/iron.html Baclofen (please read carefully) http://www.drugs.com/baclofen.html con't 15716
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Re: ladyk
Reply #2 by ladyk |
Posted: December 6, 2009 at 19:09 | |
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PT is so important and difficult when we are experiencing pain. Start slow and force yourself every day. Having had a knee replacement I get where you’re coming from, and as favorable results can be slow and painful, we often times become wary with slow results. Have you considered electrical stimulation? Scientific research has shown that electricity can reduce both acute and chronic pain. One type of electrical stimulation available delivers the electricity directly to the deeper tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons) near the spine through several needle electrodes. The placement of the needle electrodes is designed to reach the specific nerve pathways that may be impacting the pain. The theory is that this type of electrical stimulation helps curtail the central nervous system hypersensitivity that leads to chronic pain. Heat & cold pack therapy is also beneficial in alleviating chronic pain. Ice or cold packs help reduce inflammation and numb sore tissues, acting as an anesthetic for the painful area. Application of heat enlarges the blood vessels, which increases the flow of oxygen and healing nutrients to the injured area. Importantly, ice and heat can really help you deal with the discomfort and pain of physical therapy and exercise, helping improve your chances of continuing this essential aspect of your recovery. Usually, a hot pack is used to warm up the muscles and soft tissues before starting exercise and stretching, and soothing ice packs or cold packs are used to help the muscles and soft tissues calm down after exercise. Hang in there Lois. Hope this helps you. ladyk 15717
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Re: ladyk
Reply #3 by Nancy R |
Posted: December 6, 2009 at 20:24 | |
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I totally agree with the heat and cold therapy. There were many, many nights that I'd cry myself to sleep. I actually fashioned a heating pad cover to wrap around my knee. It soothed it enough to relax the muscles and allow me to get some uninterrupted sleep. I have had to deal with awakening every 2 hours for about 3 years now. It's so hard to function, but if I don't get out of bed and walk, I just can't get back to sleep. My pain was twofold: both from the knee replacement and even worse, the muscle constriction in my calf.It was horrible. Once I was able to really start walking again, it greatly eased off. I still have occasional problems (we just had snow and that was a bitch) but for the most part, its ok. hugs, Nancy 15720
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Re: ladyk
Reply #4 by ladyk |
Posted: December 6, 2009 at 23:02 | |
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Nancy R - Heat also helps minimize symptoms of RLS too. As experiment, I am trying out an infrared / percussion deep tissue massage tool. Works well on releasing tense/contracted calf muscle on implant side, and helps relieve deep muscular aches and pains. Especially when you are to the point of frozen with cold! The hottest baths one could take use to be my indulgence~ until MRSA got me to stand. Sunshine and Far Infrared Since ancient times, people have believed that exposure to sunshine can maintain and even enhance health. Sun therapy is a form of natural Far Infrared Heat thermal therapy. Also many of us have an understanding about the sun’s ability to promote amplification of absorption concerning many supplements we introduce into our systems. These are the invisible rays of natural sunlight that have the longest wavelength and is the reason you feel "warmed" by the sun on a sunny day and instantly cooler when a cloud blocks the sun (blocks the infrared rays from warming your body even though the surround temperature doesn't change). However, since we know sunlight contains ultra-violet ray which have been proven to be damaging, exposure to the sun to enjoy the benefits of Far Infrared Heat should only be enjoyed in moderation. We also know we must put on protective sun screen which also blocks sun benefits. So far it’s a good substitute for lack of sunny outside days of thermal warmth we love and miss when summer is over… my thought is far infrared seems a safe way to relieve pain, increase circulation, warm me to my bones, and helps me sleep. Makes a good x-mas gift. Keep warm~ I know... not as cold as where you are, but it's getting cold here too! - Lois - Do you use lumbar back support when exercising/walking? I think it would help if you use it during activity if you have it from surgery as it may improve alignment and gate when walking. Do you take fish oil? I'll get back to you about meds, but I have a quick question... have you put together a list of everything you take and dosages for your physician to take a look at? *It's really important to investigate your meds and supplements to be sure there are no contraindications between them. Please be sure to do this for your safety. ladyk 15721
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Re: ladyk
Reply #5 by Nancy R. |
Posted: December 7, 2009 at 02:21 | |
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LadyK: Interesting about the infrared. I'll have to check it out. What I do use is a foot massager that I got years ago at Brookstone. It has Shiatsu, too. It will vibrate my feet for up to 30 minutes on different settings. That always helps with "Charlie Horse" cramps. Since I can no longer safely get in and out of the bath tub, I can't enjoy those long, hot soaking baths. That is why I made the special heating pad wrap. I also have a circular one for my shoulders (I also have two torn rotator cuffs that need surgical repair from the overuse of crutches). Heat is the only thing that even remotely helps them. 15722
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Re: ladyk
Reply #6 by Lois |
Posted: December 7, 2009 at 04:52 | |
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Thank you for your replies, all of you. Remember...I didn't have back surgery, but I do have a lumbar support from when I first got MRSA in my spine. I had an oophorectmy. The MRSA from that got in my blood stream and settled in my spine. I no longer use it, but I can get it out and wear it. They say there is a MRSA abcess on my spine but the MRSA is gone. The abcess is suppose to be absorbed by the body. I do take fish oil. 2 capsules in the AM and PM. I do have a comprehensive list of my meds and medical history. I give it to every doctor I see. My internist isn't interested in the Vitamins and other supplements I take. He should be. I can run the list by my pharmacist. 15724
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