new knowledge

2007-03-31 20:05:19

I really don't know who to thank, but I do appreciate the links that
I have found here. Clicking on the link to Johns Hopkins gave me a
great deal of new information about my disease. I've only be in this
group for a couple of days and already I have found support and real
information that I feel can help me talk intelligently about my
disease without allowing him to just try to placate me. So I just
want to say "Thanks" to y'all. Best Regards, Linda from Atlanta

new to group PS

2007-03-31 17:11:57

I wonder. Last week I went to the doctor and he said
well, that's classic symtpoms of pancreatitis. Let's
make sure you don't have any masses or calcifications.
I've been telling the doc for three months, I have
pain in my stomach and back, since I was diagnosed
with the enzyme deficiency. And now all of a sudden he
seems concerned. Tammy

Re: Low Amalase

2007-03-31 11:39:51

Lisa...high triglycerides can make teh enzymes APPEAR normal as they
mask the true values of hte amylase and lipase...I would suggest
trying to find a pediatric gastroenterologist...not a cardiologist...
getting the chol/trigs under control will keep both conditions from
becoming an issue....
How high are his TGs? Usually it's over 1000 that causes this
problem but since kids are different maybe a lower value can trigger
the panc issues? I pray he doesn't have panc issues at this tender
age !
Love and hugs, Jeannine
I'm not a doctor, yada, yada, yada....

Bruce

2007-03-31 08:33:17

Thank you everyone for caring about Bruce and your recent posts
regarding him. The med that the pain clinic gave him was called
Avinza. It is a 24 hour, time-release, morphine pill. His GI doc
told him yesterday that will cause bad spasms and he probably should
not have been given that rx. He also told us that several of the
other meds that Bruce takes can also cause problems. He is scheduled
for a CAT tomorrow. He had an MRI 3 weeks ago (outpatient) and was
told that showed up fine. Now the bloodwork done in the hospital
today shows inflammation. I do not actually understand what that
means, but they say the CAT will show the inside of the pancreas.
Unfortunately, the GI Bruce has been seeing the past several years,
has left here to teach and practice at Duke. His GI now is going to
call to Duke tomorrow and discuss this with him. I will try to keep
you all posted best I can. Thank you again for all your concern.
Carol

Re: new to group PS

2007-03-31 04:26:07

If you've got belly pain referred to your back AND steatorrhea
you've got pancreatitis ! When will these doctors learn !? <sigh
Jeannine

Re: new to group

2007-03-30 16:11:54

Welcome to the TPP family Tammy ! We're so happy to have you though
as always sorry you need us ! We truly are like a family...caring
about each other, worrying when we don't hear from someone, praying
when their helth is bad and sending tons of prayers when they are in
the hospital and of course we can't leave out the squabbles that
siblings are famous for and the pure torment one does for another as
only sibs know how to do ! Don't let Pat fool you into thinking
he's an angel...he's got a devilish side that won't quit !
Hop on in and join the conversation anywhere you want to. At the

Super Bowl Sunday... yippee

2007-03-30 09:46:48

Hello Everyone,
I hope that the quietness of the board signifies that many are busy with
Super Bowl guests and get togethers and not sick and stuck in bed or worse. My
youngest son and I are staying in tonight and watching the game. So far its
pretty uneventful. The pregame show was pretty good though.... got to see my
Toby, Good Lord that man is Gorgeous and what a voice!
Today has been a so so day for pain... as long as I am sitting I do ok. As
soon as I stand up though, well, that is a different story. The nausea isn't
too bad either, at least right this minute. This morning it was pretty bad
though.
Ok... I let this letter sit long enough and now the game is into the second
quarter and actually becoming quite a good defensive game!! Score is SC 10 and
NE 14. I am in chat with Ree and Kimber so I will close this post, and get
back to the game and chat!
{{{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}}
GO PATS!!!!
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

Another Attack

2007-03-30 08:04:16

Hello {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Everyone}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Sorry I have not been around much lately. I had an attack about 2 weeks ago and
came down with a cold at the same time. Have gotten over the first attack and
now started another one today. In pretty bad shape today. Will be back in the
swing of things soon I hope....
What little time I have been on the computer I have been working on
incorporation stuff. It is unreal the documentation you have to come up with
for that. Will fill everyone in on my progress once i am feeling a bit better.
Hope everyone is doing well and stayin as pain free as possible!! Will be in
touch soon...............
ReeAnn M. Betts-Morris - VA
CoOwner, ThePancreatitisPlace
434-409-7162

[ThePancreatitisPlace] To Jan

2007-03-30 02:05:01

Jan,
I know. That's one of the down sides of the glucosamine. I have not
found 1 brand that makes them in a smaller tablet form. At least
breaking them in half helps and I sure hope they help with your
arthritis. Also, with the wig, the hair you have coming back is
protected from the elements, so it should be really healthy when it
comes in. I'm just so glad that your mom was nice enough to get you
that wig. It's important to have a good self-image and I'm sure the wig
helps with that.
That's so good of you to offer those wigs to anyone else who might need
them.
Kimber
--
Kimber Allen
Vallejo, CA
hominid2@...
Note: All advice given is personal opinion, not equal to that of a licensed
physician or health care professional.

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace] Bruce in hospital

2007-03-29 14:56:30

Carol,
I am sorry to hear that Bruce is in the hospital, but I hope that he is
getting the rest and care that he needs. I remember talking to him about the
morphine pill, I think he said it was Avinza or something like that. I used to
take something similar called Kadian, and I warned him about the side effects a
few weeks ago. Did he tell you about that?
It's so hard for us to know what meds we can and can't take, because so many
of them can cause us more problems than they are worth. There is a list of
meds in the posts that can cause pancreatitis (flares too) it might not be such
a bad idea to print a copy to have available, and ADD to as you find things
that cause Bruce to have more pain. I list any med that gives me a problem (no
matter what the problem is) as an allergy/sensitivity.
Please give Bruce my best, and tell him I'm praying for him. Take care of
yourself Carol and remember we are here for you too!
{{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

ROBERT, back to Pat and the others...

2007-03-29 10:33:39

Jeannine,
I LOVE the fact that you have info for us of a medical nature!! I wish we
had a few more that could pass it on for us! Maybe a doc or two too... someday
we'll have that! (Its one of my biggest goals!!) In fact, if anyone has a
doctor or nurse that they would like to invite to TPP please feel free to give
them the groups information, and invite them in!! They might learn something
from us!
{{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

no name

2007-03-29 05:19:34

Sorry Patrick. Forgot to add my name. Brunerlh is actually Linda.
Thanks for the kind words. I have always known that God is with me
in the night when things get too bad. Now it's good to know that
y'all are with me, too.

[ThePancreatitisPlace] Bruce in hospital

2007-03-29 01:14:48

Hi Carol....... i was on that 8 hour morphine suflate 60 for a few months.
We really don't think that it helped much or if it was even digested.????/
Those slow release don't work with me....... a time ha told. I need the
IRmorphine sulfate 30 and i take 6 a day, now. It's much better and alot
less expensive! IR ( Immediate release). I have benn through the gammet of
pain med's and i've found that the morphine ha the least side effects for
me. Some people can't take morphine but use demoral. There are side
effects with most med's, but that's really good you saw those bad effects
and did something about it. That's what myTOm does for me, too. He has seen
me many times just go into outer space with some drugs. Sometimes reglan
does that to me.... so i only take it when absolutely necessary. I hope
you're husband gets good care and the answers to get him well. I'm thanking
you for being so obsurvant with him. It really helps me when Tom notices
different changes and he see things i don't realize. Is there anything i can
help you with? please write me........He's going the cast of candles lit
here with prayers for peace and better health......... andof course you.....
for being his caregiver...! love, jan xox

Re: Bruce in hospital// from PAT

2007-03-28 17:55:07

Hello Carol,
How very kind of you to take the time to keep us briefed on poor
Bruce's condition, we knew he was unwell from ReeAnn some weeks ago.
Hope his health improves real soon.
Carol, please promise me you will make sure you too get some extra
rest if you can, but having to keep home and visit the Hosapital
makes this very difficult indeed. However, you must try, even an
hours nap during the day, perhaps when the little ons nap is occuring!
Please give Bruce my best wishes and tell him it was most likely
overexcitement about the new plane that did it, he'll understand me!!!
The pain meds, could they have been ;
"MST CONTIN" or perhaps "AST CONTIN"?
I ask because I was given both of those some years back, in the mid
90's, and they did some strange things to me too, including a
dramatic elevation in my blood pressure, something i had never
experienced before taking them. It eventually resolved a few weeks
after stopping those dreadful meds but my BP began to elevate very
soon again and I have to take medications to reduce it ever since.
Kindest regards,
Pat

URGENT// QUESTION FOR JEANNINE/ABOUT DENNISE

2007-03-28 13:33:51

Hello Jeannine,
Hope your well and in good form, especially for answering some
important questions for me, So;
From a medical perspective, what's the significance of the empty
paint tin they gave Denise at the hospital for use in her fecal
output test? How many gallons of paint is seen as the norm, and is
there a corresponding colour chart? Will she fail if her output is of
a different colour to the original in the can?
Should her output exceed the capacity of the paint tin supplied to
her,is it essential she use additional empty cans from exactly the
same brand and colour of paint?
Please help, these issues have weighed heavily on my mind for several
days now, thank you in anticipation of your answers.
Pat.
;Ž)
One more thing please; Does the dissapearance of my youngest sons
zits and acne indicate an increase in his sexual activities?
I ask because coinciding with their dissapearance, our cat has begun
walking funny and this worries me too.
Should I take anti anxiety pills or simply castrate my son?

Bruce in hospital

2007-03-28 02:17:40

Hello everyone.........I am Carol, Bruces wife. I thought I would
just put in a post for those who know him, and let you know that he
was admitted today through the ER. He has been sick now with this
bout of pain, nausea, vomiting, etc. for a couple of weeks now. He
was put on a different pain med from his Pain Clinic and I saw some
results that I did not like, and told him so. He went back to the
clinic doctor and told him so he is back on his duragesic patch.
When I locate that exact pain med the clinic gave him, I will post
the name of it. It is a morphine 24 hour slow-release 1 a day pill.
The doc today told us it causes bad spasms. His admitting
temperature was 95, but it has risen to 99 as of 11:00 PM this
evening. I will post again soon and keep you all updated. Carol

[ThePancreatitisPlace] Swelling Question?????????

2007-03-28 02:12:57

Hi sweetie!!!! do you retain water in the past besides that one incident
after the coma? A few months back......... for no reason i can
recall......... my feet and calves swelled like balloons and they had red
spots like broken blood vessels on my feet and ankles. this was strange for
me as i don't retain water and never have. Tom got to thinking about what i
had been eating and drinking.......... and discovered that carbonated drinks
were consumed like crazy when i realized that diet red code moountain dew
had lots of caffine in it and it would hlep me stay awake. So i was
guzzzeling it day and night. So i stopped drinking carbonated drinks and
the swelling went down in one day back to normal........ ankels again! I
still had some red spots, though. Also............ this happened once
before that...... and got really realy painfulo to walk. This was before
they found out I had this blood infection caused by the infe cted port in
my shoulder. They say now that the infection i had in my blood was
happening 3-4 weeks before they reallized it! I had 3 units of blood
transfused and when that was complete......... the feet and ankles were back
to normal. Then i went on 6 antiobiotics ( all very strong) for 3 months
by way of a 3 lumen which was horrible! That's when i lost my eye, my
hearing, and my hair started falling out. I would lay off the carbonated
drinks. I was told a while aback that the carbonation is really bad and
aggrevates the pancreas.... Carrot juice was recommended. It is a great
healer....... like it has tons of anti oxiden ts in it and will clean out
your system of all the toxins. Ii was also told to drink this carrot juice
after my surgery as the carotene in it heals the body remarkably fast.///
and is great for the skin. It rejuvinates all the organs ....... like
cleaning house..... it cleans out all the bad things in your system allowing
it to function at a high rate.... meaning the organs are functioning as
they should be. So.......... i would lay off the
carbonation................ and drink the carrot juice! It's natural and
doesn't have much sugar in it. Also........... watch for MSG.... the
preservative........ it's in lots of food and drink and will cause the body
to retain fluids ........ like alll fluids. Eleevaating my legs didn't help
at all....... staying off them didn't help either.....! I had Fred
Flinestone feet there for a while............. ick! and painful........!
Try this....... i think it will help. i'm still praying for you, Robert
and have your candles still going........... Like I said before.......... i
will continue this until i feel you are out of the woods. love, jan xox
cards still coming...............!

Jeanine, not an answer, another post!

2007-03-27 15:33:36

Jeannine,
There is good reason for me to now believe that some of my attempts
at humour have perhaps upset you or made you a little uncomfortable.
Here and now, I apologise if any remark or word or attempt at joking
has caused you even an instant of discomfort or distress.
I would rather cut out my tongue or chop off my fingers than do that
to you Jeannine, or to any other member of this Family.
Your replies, along with your contributions are important, to me
certainly, BECAUSE of your background. How often has there been a
post from someone that was unfortunate enough NOT to have met someone
like you while in hospital, they would probably have come home far
more enlightened and much less confused than they ultimately did.
Please, continue to bring your experiences from BOTH sides of the
coin to all of us, and you have my gratitude and support for whatever
way you go about it.
So, again my apologies, I obviously hit a small nerve somewhere, we
all have them after all, friends again? 8'Ž{
But if you think I'm gonna leave you alone now, forget it woman, your
the centre circle on my laser sights!!!!!! Not the day, nor the hour,
will you know when I will strike with a venemous dart! LoL LoL ;Ž}}
Pat.

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace] Locks of Love

2007-03-27 11:32:20

Thanks for the link! I will try to remember to watch it on Monday, too.
Lisa
Simi Valley, CA

Re: ROBERT, back to Pat and the others...

2007-03-27 09:52:25

Do you guys like when I give you the medica reasons for what is
happening when I know the answers? Or am I sounding like a know-it-
all (Pat's not allowed to answer this !!!) :):) I don't want to
sound like I have all the answers cuz I certainly don't but I do
know a good bit having been in all aspects of the medical field for
30 years now....
The reason the swelling goes down at night is because while lying
down your kidneys can function so much better. Think about our
anatomy and when we are standing or sitting the gravity pulls at the
kidneys kind of crunching them together on top of themsleves...but
when we lie down there is more room in the abdomen for all of our
organs to "take a deep breath" and relax and stretch out...
HTH, Jeannine (hope this helps)

Locks of Love

2007-03-26 23:47:52

You guys aren't going to believe this...we've been talking
intermittently about the wigs made from real hair and here's a story
in tonight's CBSNews.com telling us about a story they are going to
do on Monday ! So if you're home, tune in.
Be sure to put both pieces of the URL together in your address bar
or it won't work.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/01/30/earlyshow/living/beauty/mai
n597011.shtml
Hugs, Jeannine

Hi!

2007-03-26 20:55:04

Thanks again for the welcome, Denise and Pat. I'm sitting here
tonite trying to get comfortable enough to go to bed. I've been
reading some of the past posts and I have to admit that I feel
somewhat ignorant about this disease.I did not know that it was
hereditary or that it could be caused by ERCPs. Several years after
I had My gallbladder removed, my bile duct closed up and I got very
sick. The doctors fixed that problem and I was okay until three
years ago. My bile duct closed up again. The doctors put a series of
stents in the duct, but they kept coming out. The doc never found
where they got to.I just kept getting sicker and thinner. Finally
right before my birthday, I had a laporoscopy. Lesions and scar
tissue and chronic pancreatitis were found. I ended up having to go
the USCMC in Charleston, S.C. The doctors did an endoscopic
ultrasound which provedwithout a doubt that I have this disease. I
don't know whether it was the biliary disease, the lost stents, or
the multiple ERCPs that caused it. I just try to live each day with
a glad heart pray for strength to handle what may still come. In the
middle of the night when you're in pain and can't sleep, I'll let
the tears fall.

Re: Lisa// FOR JEANNINE

2007-03-26 14:30:44

Hi Jeannine,
Gee, it's good to hear you again i had almost forgotten why it is
I HATE YOU!!!!
This is why, stop boasting ang showing off and ask silly questions
and make stupid,as in DUH! mistakes too, just like the rest of us
humans.
It must be working with all them doctor types every day that does it
to you. It's sad really, you used to be almost a human too, pity now
though. ;Ž)!
Get Lost,
Pat
;Ž))
BTW, any joy on finding my doctors name there? You know my reasons
for not just mentioning his name first, would you mind if I pm'ed you
with his name? I'm sure he is fondly remembered by some there, he is
definitly one of those "Unforgettable's" in ones life.
How are you keeping? We seldom hear that you are having a really bad
time, at least not recently, thank God! Now that I have said this to
you, watch out!
Pat

[ThePancreatitisPlace] Catching up, Giggling at Pat... rambling and a question

2007-03-26 06:35:11

Ohhhhh that happens to me. I don't go for 4-5 days then i get nauseated (
it's from being constipated) and then i explode in the commode!
Lordy......... it stops up the commode big time..... and i can't heolp it.
I take 5 ducolox a day plus 2 stool softners a day plus a glass of prune
juice........... and i get results every 4-5 days?????? Can you imagine
what shape i'd be in if i didn't take all that stuff? Then it takes Tom
about an hour to unplug the commode. He says he's thankful he only has to
do this once a week and not everyday!!! he!he! geeeeesseeeeeeeeeee
thanks......... I hope you're feeling better, Lady........ i worry so
aaaaaaaaaaaaabout you. Have you checked your snail mail lately??? I 've had
a candle and a prayer going for you, too all this time. and i will continue
to until i feel you are back to the ol Denise again!!!! I"m very gla d
you're home......... very happy. Please take it easy........? love, jan
xox

Hosted Chat - ReeAnn, 2/1/2004, 8:00 pm

2007-03-26 01:12:26

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of ThePancreatitisPlace
Hosted Chat - ReeAnn
Sunday February 1, 2004
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
The next reminder for this event will be sent in 23 hours, 4 minutes.
Event Location: AOL's TPP Chat room
Notes:
ReeAnn ~ CoOwner will host a chat in AOLs TPP Chat room. You will need AOL or free AIM (www.aim.com) to access this Chat room. Please email us for the link.
DeniseHallock@...
MsReeAnnBetts@...

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace] Swelling Question?????????

2007-03-25 23:18:49

Robert,
I hope by now that you are feeling better, and have this problem under
control. I worry about you guy. Since we have both been on the yuck wagon
lately,
its understandable that you aren't posting much, but it would be nice to know
that you are doing better.
I don't usually have much trouble with swelling, but back in Oct and Nov.
when I was having all of the dehydration problems I did. Especially in my legs
and feet. The doc told me its more common to have it there when you are
dehydrated. He also told me that we stand a higher chance of getting pneumonia
and
lung infections than most people too. I'm not sure why, but I'm sure it must
have to do with the functionability of our lungs when we are in pain. How we
limit ourselves or something.
Anyway... I hope you are feeling better.
{{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

[ThePancreatitisPlace] For LISA

2007-03-25 06:08:26

Jan,
Yes I take Remeron and Xanax twice a day. Yes it does help. If I don't take
the Xanax I start to get panic attacks. Of course this just started after the
pancreatitis. I never had panic attacks before!
Lisa
Simi Valley, CA

[ThePancreatitisPlace] For LISA

2007-03-25 01:06:52

Jan,
Thank you. I knew if anyone would understand it would be you. I love the apple
candle, I can smell it all the way over here. Today has started off pretty
crummy! I was awakened at 7 am this morning by my neighbor. He was walking to
his van and noticed that someone had broken out the windows on my husbands car
and stolen his CD player. Oh joy! Just what we need right now. The car is his
baby and we don't glass breakage coverage on it so it is going to come out of
our pockets. Oh yeah, and it is going to actually to rain in Southern
California tonight. So guess what we have to fix all the glass today! Luckily
I was in the glass business for many years and can do the replacements myself
but the cost of the glass won't be cheap. I am waiting for some junkyards to
call me back with prices and I will go from there. I also called a very good
friend to see if he would install the glass for me because with my pain I just
don't know if I can handle it. As for my husband, well he is not mechanically
inclined, he doesn't a crew from a nail! So time for me today is out of the
question but something work on for tonight.
Lisa
Simi Valley, CA

[ThePancreatitisPlace] For LISA

2007-03-24 19:19:44

So you by chance take any antidepressants? I do ...... i take xanax 3 times
a day and it makes a world of diference. Ask your doctor for something.
this isn't strong but it sureeee makes a difference in me. I don't
snap......... but let things slide......... and when i get to what i need
to me doing.... ok.... if i don't........... it's ok, too. Just try
it.......... it hasn't any side effects at all....... it just makes me feel
like the ol me........ and i like the ol me!!!! You will , too! Go see a
funny movie and laugh your self right out of control!!! IT's great!!! I
highly recommend Benny Hill or Robin Williams........ they do it for
me........... they have me in stitches........... ohhhhhhhhhhhh and it's
great to laugh............. just great!!!! love you sweetie......... hang
in....... hold tight to faith....... i'm in there with you....... anytime
you want to talk....... just holler!
JJJJJJJJJJaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!! and i'lll hear you.
((big hugsssssss) love, ja xox

[ThePancreatitisPlace] For LISA

2007-03-24 18:47:23

Yes,,,,,, without saying so........ i have lit aa candle and a prayer for
you everyday. It's just my way of trying to help as i know God hears my
prayers when the light flickers...... all is heard. I raised my sons by
myself since i left their dad(abusive) when they were 3 and 5 yrs
old........ about your son's ages. It was a hard road on my own with 2
little raskles.......... I don't know what i would ever do if I hadn't had
them. Certainly ......... i wouldn't be here or alive. It's them i fight
for, tom of course, and now............. a little grandson .... who is
allready on stomaaaaaaaaaaaach med's because of intestinal problems......
he's only 8 months old.... At birth the doc's found he had acid reflux
disease....... an the poor thing has along road ahead........ but he has
huge support! When you feel like you're irritable......... leave the room
and ask your husband to take over for a while. He's there Dad and should be
there when times aren't as good as we'd like them to be. Go lay down and
rest........ it's ok... You have little ones that are ver demanding
24/7~~~~~ i haven't forgotten! Maybe you could arrange say 2 or 3 days
when your hudsbnad can watch the booys for 3-4 hours and let you go do what
makes you smile.... shopping for a little something new for you.......... go
to a movie.......... Lock yourself in the bathroom and papmer yourself with
a bubblebath, some great smelling candles....... your favorite music
playing....... and just enjoy........YOU! Every mother deserves time to
herself........ that's what makes her a good mom......... taking time. When
you feel good about yourself......... you feel good about others, too! It's
a big difference ! Don't make things rough on you........... take one thing
at a time. One day at a time, honey. Your husband willl notice a big
difference inyou, too!! It's not easy being a parent and the kids,
well............ they don't come with directions. That would help alot. I
have a scent of "apple crisp" candle going for you now............. and it
smelllsssssssssssss just yummmy. I love the "Yankee" candles and the
Hallmark manager knows me well......... as the candle lady.. What are your
favorite smells of candles???? So, try and do something for yourself
today..........please........ even if it's just sitting in thr park and
watching all the other people ........wondering what their lives are like?
There are people who have it alot worse than we do. Can you even imagine
not having hyour husband and raising your boys by yourself???? ohhhhhhhh
that would be the real challenge. Take time for you...... You deserve it,
Lisa. i was looking at your pictures and you're a very pretty young
lady......... and lots to give and enjoy. Your boys are
darling............... just darling....... and must be a handful??????
It's ok........ let the house go for a day....... it'sll still be there
tomorrow. Today is for you........ please? love, jan xox

Rambling again.... another late night... long

2007-03-24 11:47:12

Hello again Everyone...
Here I am again... almost 2 am, nausea full tilt and can't sleep for diddle.
Pain isn't too bad right this minute, but we all know how quick that can
change.
I finally went out today. Took a trip to WalMart and picked up a few little
diddy things for my daughters Birthday tomorrow (today now I guess, lol).
She's 13 going on 30. I guess 14 today is a lot different than when I was 14,
because the kids today get away with a heck of a lot more than I ever did. She
lives with my stepmom because we are both redheads, and both very, very
opinionated. (that and she was more my stepmoms child than mine, I think I was
just
the carrier!) Anyway... when I read about Lisa's Devan, I thought of my
Katie.
My two youngest boys have already started showing signs of the beginnings of
CP. But the pediatrician we have isn't interested in hearing what I have to
say because I have no proof that my pancreatitis is hereditary... I think I
have to beg to differ with him though.
I have a first cousin, that upon autopsy they discovered she had the same
birth defect as I do, and so does her daughter. (Whom I believe is a member of
the TPP Family, though not active.) We have had several cousins and relatives
from what I have gathered that have had digestive problems that may or may not
have had to do with the pancreas too... and I have that as a double whammy
because I have a great Uncle on my mothers side that died of an abdominal cancer
of unknown origin. (this was back in the mid to late 50's)
It's so hard to listen to the doctors tell me that this isn't something that
is familial when I can see that it is... but how... How? Do we get them to
look and say, "Hmmmm... maybe it is as they say." Sometimes I feel like I am
beating my head against a brick wall when I am trying to get simple answers.
This trip in December to Cinci... I felt like it was a moot point. All the
doctor told me was my stomcah doesn't empty right. I felt like saying... "OK
Einstein, I'm glad you have that one figured out. I knew that a long time
ago." Bang, Bang, Bang.... Then I asked him why I have the same pain, in the
same place, all the time, if its just that my stomach doesn't empty right? He
couldn't give me an answer. Just more tests. I'm so tired of tests... and
needles, and hospitals... and Nurses and Docs that are still wet behind the
ears... Meds that make you stupid, meds that do nothing at all, docs that look
at
you like you are a nut and tell you, "You need more emotional support" WELL
DUH!!!!!! Where exactly am I supposed to find that when I am sick all the time?
I don't know too many shrinks that are willing to hug and let you cry on
their shoulders, do you? Besides, that would just be scary.
This disease just sucks the life out of us doesn't it?
I am determined that I am not going to let it beat me... not yet anyway, I'm
not finished with what I was put here for I don't think. I guess that
decision really isn't mine, but I think I'll know when that time comes... they
say we
all do really. I believe that we are all here for a reason... in this
family, with this disease. I'm not sure what our "Crowning Glory" will be...
but I
do know this, TPP is my family. My home away from home. Its the one place I
can come to when I feel like crap and want to talk, and not one person is
going to look down their nose at me and say that I am faking this disease, or
that
I just get sick for the attention... If that was all it was, I know I would
have stopped it a long time ago, because I have never been one to lack
attention in a group. I know my parents love me, so do my kids... I don't need
to
play sick to get them to be more attentive.
I am guessing by now you have all guessed someone said something off color to
me today, and that its bothering me a lot. Most of the time I don't pay any
attention to my ex because he is just a BIG Jerk... ask Ree she's met him.
Today he just really put on the hog for showing his ass. Have you ever gone out
with someone then later wondered "What was I thinking, OMG?" That is how I
feel about him. He is a callous and very uncaring person. Thinking of anyone
but himself would be a crime, and he can't commit that kind of indecency. I
pray to God that his son doesn't turn out anything like him. (He won't if I can
help it.)
I've been trying to get him to do more things that our son is interested in,
like sports... No way. He isn't into that at all and doesn't care if he ever
goes to see him do any of that stuff... (and he wonders why the boy never
wants to do anythign with him... Gee I wonder? Couch potato). All three of my
boys are involved in sports, football, wrestling and whatever else they think
they might like to try. I encourage them because it can help keep them healthy
and keeps them out of trouble. Lord knows they get into enough of that all by
themselves.
I've also been trying to get things squared away legally in case something
should happen to where I can't take care of the boys... (heaven forbid, but its
better to be safe than sorry.) He seems to think just because he is Ty's dad,
he has all the rights in the world... but he's wrong. (Do you think I can
get that through his thick head though?) His name is not on Ty's birth
certificate and there has never been an establishment of custody, (as far as dad
is
concerned) I was appointed Sole guardian for all of my children in a hearin
back in 1994 and that overrides anything anyone else has unless there is a legal
documentation of it. These things have to go through the courts and they have
to be investigated and he just doesn't see it that way. He says "Well, he's
my boy and I'll take him when ever I want, let em try to stop me."
Tonight he asked me why I needed to get all this in order. "Its not like you
are REALLY SICK OR ANYTHING." (hmmm.... I think I was just in the hospital
for what? 8 days... for nothing?) So I tried for the gajillionth time to
explain to him what is wrong with me... and he STILL doesn't get it!!!!! Can
someone please lend me a jackhammer to pound this into his narrow little
mind????
GRRRRRR!!!! If he wasn't so darn big and I didn't feel so darn crummy, I'd
love to kick him someplace to make it hurt for a day or three... then run like
hell.
Ok... that out, I feel better... didn't mean to bore everyone... its just
been one of those days. I did have a few nice things come out of this day
though. I got some one on one time with my baby boy (we have needed that for
awhile
now) and I picked up some little diddy odds and ends clearance goodies at
WalMart for me, (I found a necklace with a dragon pendant for $2 and some nice
earrings for a buck too.) I bought myself a winter hat since I now have
excessively short hair (Pat can I borrow Harry?). Also dropped off some gloves
and
lovely scented soap to my daughter Jess... I thought it would be a nice pick me
up for her... she's been working a lot and the pregnancy thing is harder than
she thought too.
Her boyfriends dad and I have been friends for awhile but I haven't seen him
in.... oh.. a year or so (long story... not today) the last time I saw him he
told me he thought I was beautiful just the way I was... hehehe... Should
have seen his face today when I walked in 100# lighter. I'm glad I'm not made
of
cake. Enough said. He's a nice guy, just not my type... (really long
story... DEFINATELY not today!!!)
Ok, the nausea has started to subside some, and I have written a book here.
So I shall bid you all a fond farewell for tonight... Sleep well and be as
Pain Free as possible.
{{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace] new member {{Linda}}

2007-03-24 03:27:34

Linda,
I would like to say Welcome to The Pancreatitis Place.. Granted I wish it
were under much better circumstances. Because when we welcome new family
members
to the group it just means we know that one more person (family really) is
suffering with this disease.
I think its wonderful that you have a wonderful hubby to help you through
this, caretakers need this support group just as much as we do I think. Please
tell him, as well as the rest of your family and health care team they are
welcome here.
You will find a good deal of information in the links section, and photos of
some of the members on the photos section, I hope you will start a folder and
add your own.
We are a pretty close knit group and that makes it so much more than just a
support "group" it makes it more like a support "Family"!
Thank you for joining us, I hope that you will find all the info that you
need and even more support from our Family members.
Welcome again!!
{{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace] CAN YOU PROMT MY MEMORY PLEASE?

2007-03-24 00:54:33

Pat,
We have Patty in Austrailia... I haven't seen her online much of late
however. Hope all is well with her... Her AOL Messenger name is Wallumbilla
Girl.
{{{HUGZ}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

Re: For LISA

2007-03-23 20:43:36

Hello again Lisa,
This is really great news, I'm so relieved he is acting quickly for
him.
I did not want to worry you unduly but your original post sent
shivers down my spine when I read it. I don't know for sure if your
experience with the doctor that wanted to leave it for now is typical
of doctor/patient visits in your Country, but from my exposure on
this site and reading some posts elswhere too, it seems to be at
least pretty regular behaviour if not the norm.
You know I'm critical of our medical system when it's needed but it
is important to be as even handed as possible in these matters so for
the record, I cannot imagine that occuring here with a child as a
patient. Children's illness ALWAYS gets a priority lable and there
are no circumstances where a child would be left for 6 months without
a check on such a potentially serious condition. Even more so where
the danger or a high likelyhood of diabetes. there is simply no
chances taken, Evan would have been in hospital within hours of those
blood work-ups coming back. Kiddies get priority, no exceptions.
We all know that ER staff are under constant pressure and they don't
like it when people come in with minor problems that should be dealt
with by a PCP, but here, the ER staff would give you a telling off if
you did that and you would be left to sit to hammer home the message
to you as well!!
But they would NEVER say a word to any worried parent that arrives
with a child that they believe is ill or is not improving on, say, an
antibiotic or something. They treat kiddies as Royalty here and
that's exactly how it should be too.
Lovely Lisa, there is absolutely no reason for you too feel guilty
about your sons potential illness, not a reason in the world, please,
please belive this and put it right out of your mind.
Let me put it this way, you are not responsible or at fault somehow
if Devan did develop say Pancreatitis, of whatever type.
However, if you do not take control of your own emotions and
behaviour now, and you become depressed and withdrawn from your
family, then there is a very strong case to be made against you for
not taking proper care of yourself and your surrounding problems and
as a result, becoming depressed and of little use to your family
generally, and to Devan in particular.
I'm not being deliberately cruel, you know I'm incapable of that, but
I am being brutally honest with you. You are blessed with a very
supportive husband, forget about his attitudes in the past, he is
there for you and with you every inch of the way now. You have loving
and supportive parents and that's a great bonus, and they are near
you too, unlike so many others.
In your own words, you are blessed to have the internist you have, he
attends Devans birthdays for goodness sake, can you imagine what he
would do should there be any emergency, you are indeed truly blessed
over and ocer with him. Then you say you are blessed with having Dr
Lo, and indeed you are, think back to last weekend and the state Chey
was in with doctors, or go back a little further to when Shawna was
in trouble with doctors and hospitals.
Compared to so many others, even among the TPP Family, you are
Blessed beyond all the treasures in the world. You have to focus on
these blessings, focus on these great strengths you have behind and
beside you. There is no place or space in your soul or your heart for
negativity anymore, your situation has been ratcheted up quite a few
notches all at once, your on a level of responsibility so high you
cannnot afford to fall of so to speak. And the beauty of this is that
you have already proven that you can deal with a child that is very
ill, you have risen to the challenge when your beautiful little
neighbour became so seriouisly ill. Don't let yourself forget about
that,
You were pretty unwell yourself at that time and no one, absolutely
no one, would have critised you had you turned your back on her or
went into a deep depression rather than deal with the situation of
her ilness. At a time when so many members, including you I recall
were speaking of great hair loss, you went against the odds and began
to grow yours as a gift for your little neighbour, (Kerry?)
You have to have a tleas the same level of strenght for Bevan, even
greater because he is, after all, your baby!!
I will not go on about this with you, especially now Lisa, but I have
every confidence in you, but that's no use to Bevan, what Bevan needs
from you right now, and maybe even more in the future, is that YOU
HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF!
Depression is not an inevetability, you do have a choice, but you
have to make that choice, you have to tell yourself that you can deal
with whatever has to be dealt with for yourself, and for Bevan if he
becomes ill from his present conditions. It now looks lke a
monumental task, not just yourself, but now there will be someone
else to take care of as well. Stop and think, your already dealing
with your own health issues, and better than you think too, so all
you have to find is the extra bit of effort and energy needed to help
Evan and to be there for him if he needs you, which, of course, he
will do, that's what Moms are for .
Bye again
Pat

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace] For LISA

2007-03-23 07:06:15

Pat,
Thank you so much. Since my last post I have been to the doctor. I got my pain
meds renewed and he is starting my on a new medication which is basically
prescription strength Metamucil. I showed him Devan lab results and he
immediately wrote a script for the same medication for him. He said there is no
way we should wait 6 months for his diet to get the triglicerides down. He
wants them down and down now! This medication is very safe so I feel okay with
giving it to him. My doctor is also VERY concerned that Devan will end up with
pancreatitis. He has all of the predisposition's for it. He is overweight, has
high triglicerides, and is borderline diabetic. My poor baby he is only 6 years
old! Pat you are right, I need to take of me also but now I am VERY depressed!
I told my doctor this and he said he understands. He said he feels like his
heart is breaking too, he loves my little Devan so much. He has Devan since he
was a infant. I actually get in trouble when I go to the doctor and I don't
bring him with me. Even as busy as he is, he makes time for Devan, always! He
even makes time for his birthday parties. My family thinks I am nuts for
inviting my doctor but they realize how much he loves Devan so they think it is
cool too! I am glad we are going to do something now about his high
triglicerides and not wait until later. But like I said I am depressed. I feel
like it is my fault. I know Jan can understand how I feel. She feels this way
too with her sons. Okay, I need to go it is time to make dinner for the family.
Lisa
Simi Valley, CA

For LISA

2007-03-23 06:43:38

Hi Lisa,

[ThePancreatitisPlace] To Denise

2007-03-23 05:08:30

Hi Deb....... this is jan and i haaave HP now in full force for 9 yrs. I t
was passed from my father to me.. and now I have passed it to both my
sons who are showing signs of it......... espoecially the 22yrs old.
Hereditary pancreatitis is passed from male to female..... female to
male........ male to female.. Anotherwards If i had girls..... chances are
slim they would get pancreatitis.... from me. Sso... if it's you that has
HP then it will be passed to the male's (little boy) and if when he grows
up and has children and has girls........... they will get HP but not the
boys. Keep carbonated drinks away from your little boy...... they aggrevate
the pan......... so do fried foods. Watch for medicines......... as lots
of cold remedies have alcohol in them..... No alcohol at all. It must be
just awful seeing your loved little boy having to deal with this horrible
disease. I see the look on mmy Jason's face ( 22yrs) when he eats something
wrong ( high fat usually) and he gets grey and buckles over saying that's
it's just gas. He refuses to deal with the idea that i passed this disease
on to him.Now aaaadded to this are migraine headaches he is getting........
stress!!!! and lots of people with CP or HP have migraines with it!
GGeeeese! I used to have them but they went away when i reached my
30's//////////// i'm fast approaching 50, now. Does he take any script
antiacids like nexium or prevecit? Those help keep the acids down. You need
to get an internist for pediaatrics as soon as you can........ so they can
be aware of his condition and recommend some med's that might help. There
are others here with Hereditary Panc........... but most here are
idiopathic...........(unknown) and have other problems to go along with
CP. Please feel free to askany questions here and we will try to help. We
also have times when we can't deal with our disease or our caregivers
either. It's a life changing disease to deal with.......... very difficult
because there are no warning signs before an episode occurs. Write us back
and we talk aabut all kinds of things here.......... aand lots of days of
crying, too. It's ok. I'll be praying for all of you and hope you get some
good answers and information and most important...... a very well versed
pediatrician internal. love, jan xox

Re: new member..FOR LINDA BRUNER

2007-03-22 16:28:46

Hello Linda,
Great to see you "diving" right in and coming up trumps!
I think you were one of several new members I sent a brief note of
welcome to today and you did just as I asked, thank you.
You are totally right about having "fellow travellers" to talk with,
the sense of relief when you ask something that's been bothering you
and you get the experience of someone with the exact same problem is
something you simply cannot buy, PERIOD! It blows all the medics and
their opinions out of the water.
You have joined at a time when a lot of our very active members have
been ill too and not around as often as usual but the other members
just pitch right in as we really are just a big Family.
Settle in and join in on any of the topics, you are sure to have
something you bring to us, and don't forget to visit the parts of the
site such as the Photo sections, maybe even post a pic of you and
your family!
Nice to have you along with us.
God bless.
Pat
International Moderator

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace] FOR JERRY//

2007-03-22 10:02:56

Haruummph, Sir! I bite my thumb at you, Sir!
Jerry/NC

Welcome to TPP Linda

2007-03-22 08:45:40

Hi Linda
Welcome to The Pancreatitis Place better known as TPP Here you
will fine lots of information on Chronic Pancreatitis and the most
wonderful group of people to talk too. So if you like to talk well
you have come to the right place. We have over 250 members now and
we are all here for the same reason to help each other deal with this
illness. So just ask your question and sit back and wait for the
responds to your post or better yet join us in one of our 2 chats we
have each week. One every Wednesday night starting at 7:00 p.m. east
standard time and the second on Sunday night at 8:00 p.m. also
Eastern standard time We are glad you have join our family and best
wishes to you form all of us Hope to hear from you soon.
Gary Morris ~ Virginia
Caregivers Moderator
Customer Service Rep.
Phone 434-490-7191
gary@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace] Catching up, Giggling at Pat... rambling and a question

2007-03-21 21:29:29

Denise,
Is this for a fecal fat test? I had to do the same thing but only I had to
collect everything for 7 days! I had to keep the can outside in a foam cooler!
It was pretty gross! You might want to make you are not constipated when you
start the "collecting" part of this test. You really want an honest result so
what you really want in the "can" is what you would normally leave in the
toilet! By the time you are done you (ok, I know this gross) will actually see
oil sitting in the can. This is the non-absorbered fats in your stools. Also,
did the Doctor tell you to eat a normal diet? Your not supposed to go fat free
when doing this test either. It is supposed to represent how a normal diet gets
absorbed in your body. Well Okay, good luck and get a clothes pin for your
nose!
Lisa
Simi Valley, CA

Low Amalase

2007-03-21 21:27:59

Okay, I have question for everyone, hopefully someone can tell me
what it means because my sons pediatrician just shrugged when I asked
him. My son just turned 6 yr old in January. He is overweight but
otherwise is healthy kid with the exception of his asthma. Because
of his wieght the pediatrician did blood work on him a few months
ago. He has high cholesterol and high triglicerides. This concerned
me because even though I have Pancreas divisum, I also have slightly
high cholesterol and high triglicerides. The doctor is saying to
just to get it down with diet. I have explained to him until I am
blue in the face that we have a very low fat diet because of me. He
just says to keep trying with diet or he would send my son to a
pediatric Cardioligist. Well that is one thing I am not too happy
about, the pther thing is I asked him to check my sons lipase and
amalase since I have CP with pancreas divisum. He did. He told on
the phone when I checked up on the blood work that everything was
fine. Well, when I went in yesterday with him for his check up and
got the speil on his diet, I asked for a copy of the blood work since
he wants us to go see a pediatric dietician also. I was shocked when
I saw that my sons Amalase was only 15 when the lowest number on the
normal range from this lab is 21. What does this mean? Could this
mean he is not making enough enzymes himself? Mine has stopped going
up a long time ago so now I am worried. I am taking this paperwork
with me to my dr's today and I intend to ask him about it, but I was
wondering if anyone else had any good input on this.
Thanks,
Lisa
Simi Valley, CA
PS If you want to how chubby my son actually is there is pic in the
photos archives.

CAN YOU PROMT MY MEMORY PLEASE?

2007-03-21 18:03:43

Hi All,
Can any one remember the name of any member in Australia for me?
I have wracked what little memory I have left and i just cannot
remember. If any of them read this, I apologise, it because I have
not seen many posts from there recently, back at Christmas was the
last I can remember.
If you any one can please let me know.
Regards
Pat

Re: {{{{{{{{hello everyone}}}}}}}}

2007-03-21 03:32:24

Hello Shelly,
Delighted to hear some good news for once! you seem pretty pleased
with the new doctor, that's worth it's weight in gold, feeling you
can "live" with your doc, so many of them are so negative they make
your eyes water, it seems they either train them to be rude or don't
train them to be pleasant, take your pick.
There must be somewhere else in the UK besides the hospital in
Liverpool doing research into HP, I remember Fliss speaking about
seeing her specialist at the hospital in Liverpool and telling us
that it was the reasearch centre for either the UK or Europe, not
sure which.
Maybe you remember posting with her, i seem to remember you and her
speaking about HP long before Christmas i think.
Anyway, welcome back, anytime you want to dive in and give some info
it is great, we need all the European input we can get!!
Regards,
Pat
International Moderator

{{{{{{{{hello everyone}}}}}}}}

2007-03-21 00:02:03

First I would like to apologise for not posting for about a million
years and hope you are all OK.
I have been feeling pooh and sitting at the computer is a no go area.
But there maybe some light at the end of the tunnel. I went to the
Middlesex yesterday (hurrah) and the Dr was really lovely.
He is arranging another MRCP as my normal hospital was meant to do
one but just did a normal MRI instead and haven't sent down the
results yet. Then they will probably do an ERCP with manometry (they
are one of the only hospitals in the UK that have the equipment to
test the pressures, so I chose the right one!) They are also going
to test for hereditry panc. So fingers crossed they make me better!
Thank you all for listening to me again, and I hope I'll be able to
post more regularly soon.
Lots of Big gentle Hugs,
Shelley

ROBERT, YOUR A REAL SWELL GUY!

2007-03-20 18:16:54

Sorry if your offended robert, just trying to cheer myself up a
little as well as give you feedback.
Since about late October I have had massive swelling in my legs and
feet, especially my left one. It has goten worse and now I describe
it to the doctors as like I'm wearing "PADDED WADERS" or some type of
down filled ski pants except these feel real heavy.
Can you press your finger into the flesh on your legs and see if
there is an "INDENT" when you take your finger away, it's a bit like
pressing your finger into window putty, however, pressing it does not
hurt but walkimg does, it's like having something tight around your
legs and feet. my knees are also swollen too and for about 2 weeks
they are very tender to touch.
My PCP's and the hospital team have investigated this but can find no
clear cause so far. they have checked my kidney function and for
albumen and other signs of protein in my urine but nothing so far.
theyn have CT scanned and done an angiogram of the arteries and veins
in my abdomen for blockages and found none.
they have checked out my heart for increased heart failure but
nothing to worry about there.
Only yesterday they decided to Xray my knees, legs and feet but again
a blank.
Now they have started me on a diuretic to flush as much out as
possible and check if or when the fluid builds up again, meanwhile
I'm like "piddlin pete, the piddliest dog in town".
They were concerned it was associated with my diabetes but they went
off that idea somehow.
Oh yeah, it seems to just reduce by about half to three quarters when
I lie in bed at night, that happened all along, it's got nothing to
do with the diuretics.
Hope it makes some sense to you Bob, you don't need this right after
the hospital and all.
Pat

FOR JAN!!// THAT GATOR IS DEAD AND ON THE PLATE!!

2007-03-20 08:20:34

Sweetie Pie,
Yo Jan, I can't believe they fooled you about that 'Gator friend of
yours.
We watch Discovery Channel a lot here, my grandson, Bradley, like me
to watch veterenarians (SP?) programs and shows like Animal Rescue, I
like to watch them too. Not too long ago we watched a show about two
British animal doctors visiting wildlife areas around the world, they
showed an episode where they visited the Everglades, it seems like a
terriffic place to visit. during the show, they went out with some
wildlife officers and also with some private contractors that the
State of Florida use to collect wild animals that get into residents
properties. they showed a guy taking a racoon out of a press in a
ladies garage and then they showed him going to a home where an
alligator was seen.
He had the two Brits hweklp him to find the animal and then he showed
them howw he caught them and sat on their back and tied up the
alligators mouth with ducktape.
But here's the bad part, he explained that any 'gators over 2 feet
long that get to a residential are are taken away and killed!!!
Honestly, they are seen as a danger to begin with and once they get
to a residential area they realise there is an abundance of food to
be had for nothing and no effort needed, in other words,
'Gataor Hog Heaven!!! I'm not making this up Jan, they have to
destroy them, if the one in your yard came on a child the kid would
never have a chance. It makes sense when you think about it really.
And he told them that he has so much 'gator meat he sick of it and he
sells it to restaurants and the like or gives the meat to friends too.
I have no problem with that, it keeps folk safe and at least
the 'gator is not a complete waste. he is forbidden to sell the skin
for somw reason.
By for now
Hairy Harry

[ThePancreatitisPlace] TO Jan

2007-03-20 05:29:33

Yes....... thank heavens......... it's gone! Like isaid i love animals but
ican do without the alligator...... i don't even want to know where he
went..... but i'm glad they didn't kill him....... just found him a more
suitable home than ours! I hope you're doing better each day. Some days
are very long and slow and it seems like they'll never end..........
especially when you're in such pain. Oh..... i live in Pt.
charlotte on the west coast about half way down the state. We live about 2
miles from the nice, warm beach............ ohhhhhh if it'd only warm up a
little more. 70 is still too cold for me..... and it aggrevates my
arthritis. Take good care of yourself. I've missed you...... for so
long............ but i'm glad you're back lady! love, jan xox

FOR JERRY//

2007-03-20 01:26:40

Hello Jerry,
Clearly, you are all "PSYCHED UP" waiting for someone you offended to
reply to your post.
Now, Jerry, you don't really think that anyone is going to tell you
they were offended do you?
All the members here are all very well mannered and they would NEVER
do that to a fellow member, it's unthinkable, really, it is Jerry.
But fair play to you for asking, your generosity knows no limits!8Ž}
See Yah, wouldn't wanna be yah!
Pat

Pat, Pat, Pat.... Want my whip and chair Lily?

2007-03-19 16:09:09

Pat,
Sweet, funny man... I am so glad that the knock on the noggin' wasn't any
worse than it was. I agree with all of the other family members that have been
scolding you about telling your family, Especially Lily and Gareth. You have to
keep them informed so that they don't have to be shocked again.
I can't tell you how many giggles I got reading your posts between Ratso and
everything else, even when you are feeling your worst you post your best. I
just love it. An your son, he sounds to be an awful lot like you... I don't
think You mentioned he was single though... maybe you did and I missed it...
single and looking, definately you didn't mention!!! (I know because I watch for
those three words!!!) He'll make some lucky gal a great catch!!
I've been meaning to tell you my childrens names, I can't repost my pics
right now as my main (the tower) is a little harder for me to access right now,
but as soon as I am feeling a little better, I'll get them back up and maybe by
then I'll have a few of my new grand daughter too. I have Jessica, Ryan,
Katelyn, Tyler and Brady my son Ryan has two children, Gage and Morgan. So I
have
tried to stay somewhat close to the Irish/English lineage in naming my
children. (It did rub off on my son, I have no idea what my daughter is
thinking
of, she wants to name her baby some strange names... who knows what these kids
are thinking about these days??)
Well, its after 3 am and I had better get to bed. I have to get the boys
ready for school in the morning... urgh...
Goodnight my Friend {{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

Catching up, Giggling at Pat... rambling and a question

2007-03-19 09:02:24

Hey Guys and Dolls!
I have been going through my over 500 emails... goodness you all have been
busy bees!!!! I couldn't help but Laugh at some of Pat and Lisa's hijinx... You
two are so funny. Ratso. Furface would love to come to Ireland Pat... then
you could have a matching set!! One big and one small! (Furface is my son,
Brady's Hampster, BTW).
When I was in the hospital the doctor wanted me to give them a "Sample" BM.
That was after 4 days of stupid juice and my intestines had harded to
concrete. So.... they send me home with, now I'm really not kidding here, an
empty
paint can!! No Joke! My parents came to the hospital to pick me up, since my
mom had my car. My stepdad, being his normal self, asked if I was going to
paint something???? I said no... and kind of laughed because we were walking
through the lobby of the Out patient surgery center. He says, "So, whats it
for??" I just looked at him and said, "Its a POOP CAN". You should have seen
the
looks I got!!!! The look on his face was priceless. He says, "Oh geez, THAT
was more than I needed to know!" and about 1/2 of the people in the lobby
started laughing. Hehehe... Yes I am a RED HEAD!!! (And a favored child can
you
tell??)
Anyway, about this can and the test that it entails... I'm really not too
sure what it is, but I've had to be off of my enzymes since I was in the
hospital
to do this test. That by itself has made things really challenging. (We all
know the way that effects the system.) So here I am... waiting for nature to
take its course.... wondering how on Earth I am going to do this without
vomitting all over the place too. lol.
I really didn't think about it much... until yesterday. Oh boy. Now what?
I just know I'm going to puke my guts up, just thinking about it.... AND I
have to do this all day! 24 hours. OMG. I know I am NEVER going to make it.
I
got through the first few times ok... but good grief as the day has worn on
and the 24 hours have draggggggggged and dragged, it has gotten harder and
harder to even want to go into the bathroom let alone open that blasted can!!!
The stench could peel the enamel off a persons teeth, and curl your nose into a
permanent snarl!! Whew!!! OMG!!!
I cannot even begin to imagine what the person that has to open that can is
going to think... or do... It would be quite funny to be in that room, wearing
a gas mask of course, lol. I don't envy them their job thats for sure! YUCK
- YUCKY - YUCK!! As Pat would say.
Isn't it amazing that we can come online to our group and talk about what
else but Poop??
Now... I do have a question too... I have noticed this time and actually this
last few times that I have had flares, that after the most severe part of the
flare passes, I end up constipated from the higher doses of pain meds, then
once the constipation ends, I am right back in the trenches with the never
ending diahrea.... (I've had that cycle for quite some time, I just wondered if
anyone else had the same kind of cyclic type of thing going on?)
The bad thing about this is, that the nausea hits at about the same time as
the pain, which hits just about the same time the constipation breaks up and
you start feeling like you might be able to have a half way normal day.
I know that this past few weeks have been a challenge for quite a few of us,
I hope that with the new month starting next week, it will be a start to a
period of feeling better. We all could use the break in the misery I think.
Thank you to Everyone for the kind thoughts and words sent my way... I needed
them and appreciated them more than words can say!!!
Many, Many {{{{{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace] I fell bad to ask

2007-03-19 07:13:15

Ale,
There is no real "cure" for chronic pancreatitis, but if you take care of
yourself and listen to your body and the signals that it gives you, it can be
much easier to live with.
I am very glad that you are feeling better, the enzymes do seem to make a
difference for me too, and this whole week without them has been a difficult
one.
Muchos Besos Ale!
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

Re: [ThePancreatitis Place) To Pat.

2007-03-19 03:40:19

Dear Pat,
Glad to see you back on line. I glad to see that your Head Injury has not
done any permanent damage to you. I see your still your same old self, that
is trying to keep us all in line over here, across the pond. And you
remember what is going on with everyone life. I must congratulate you on
keeping up with what is going on with everyone. Oh, to be young again.
that must be what is doing it to you. Not an old Lady, like me. I hope you
tummy settles down soon and the pain eases up. As for all your other
problems. I hope the settle down too. I hope everything goes well, for you
at the new docs next week.
Lisa, is certainly right by sending RATSO, the guard guanine pig over to
take care of you. Tell Lily if Ratso needs help keeping you in bed, I'll
send over Issac, my Big 80 pound dog, who love to lay on the bed by you and
keep you warm. And when you go to get out of bed , he's train to BIT you on
the BUTT, so you'll stay in bed.
I'll keep you in my prayers and I'll even say an extra one for you tonight,
that things start to improve your VERY SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TAKE IT EASY, MY
FRIEND!!!!!
Take Care,
Louie in WV

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace] for Pat and everyone {{Patricia}}

2007-03-18 18:14:50

Patricia,
I'm sorry to be late with my welcome... but ... WELCOME!! I wish we could
meet under better circumstances, but I am so glad that you are here looking for
support and education. The best way to take care of ourselves is to be
practive in our own health care. We have to make a stand for the care that we
deserve.
Sometimes however, it does take more time (sometimes it feels like forever)
to get a good diagnoses, maybe longer to get good doctors. Just don't give up
hope... they are out there, you just have to keep looking. We can help there.
And as far as looking for Friends to lean on, you have em here!! Lots of
em!
I hope that you will find a comfortable niche and make yourself comfy...
Welcome aboard!
{{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace] Does anyone know how Denise is doing?

2007-03-18 16:03:50

Louie,
Thank You for worrying about me so much.... its so wonderful to know that we
have all of our wonderful family here to care about us, even when we are deep
in the recessess of the pain of the disease.
Much Love to You Louie!
{{{HUGZ}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

Swelling Question?????????

2007-03-18 03:15:05

I have a question on swelling. Has anyone swollen up from the the
waist down near double in size within 3-4 hours before? I faced this
the night home from the hospital.The EMS came out that night for me
but they seemed to be more of an auto mechanic than a body mechanic.
I took a water pill and it decreased the next morning near 50%. Then
went on a short walk the next day, within hours after that I swelled
back up. I rested all day today but am having major problems walking
with my legs still swelling. The pill has done no good since. The
doctors detected major neuropathy problems with my leg reflexes on
Tuesday. I faced this problem before after my coma and it never got
figured out, it just got better on its own. It never caused me
problems where it slowed my walking down like this with pain. My
appointment is for late next week, but I would like some hope for
this long before that. Anyone relate?
Thanks,
Robert
A Founding Member

[ThePancreatitisPlace] To Garth-- Patīs present trouble

2007-03-17 22:37:14

You are doing a super job filling us in on your dad's condition. I am so
pleasd he is home. About our conversation the other day........ all is
covered and will remain that way. If you have a little time...... would ou
write me at my private address janwestlake@...? This will be for
YOU ONLY. I'm very thankful that some answers will be given and i pray they
will be managable.. How's Maura doing these days? Is the radiotheraphy
working? PPPlease tell her she is the brightest candle in the house ~~~
everyday........ and she will be at the wedding.. Now......... we have to
work on ol dad................. God help us all. llove, jan xox

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace TO Donna G

2007-03-17 16:32:19

Hi Donna,
I problaby a little late in answering your e-mail, as I'm a little behind
and trying to get caught up tonight. I had a Whipple in October of 94. Was
off work for 3 months, but I did return too soo. In April of 95 I had an
attack and ended up in the hospital. Then it settled down until the fall of
96 and the pain and suffering came back with a vengence. Well they did test
and found out I had a Gastric Outlet Obstruction from where they had put be
back together from the Whipple. So they said the obstruction was causing
the pain and I needed Surgery to correct, which I had in Dec.of 96. WELL,
the pain DID NOT clear up after the surgery for the Obstruction, so finally
they decided that my pancreatitis had gone Chronic and my surgeon , said
that's there was nothing else he could do for me. To learn to live with the
pain and if I ever need Surgery again, he would be happy to do it for me.
Well, I got really bad in November of 97 and he (my surgeon) sent me to a
pain clinic where they tried 2 nerve blocks that didn't work, so then they
tried a temporary Pain Pump, to see if it would help. Well, it did, so they
then decided to put in my implanted pain pump, which does help get me
through the daily pain, but I still have to take pain maintenance pills
daily with it and I also have a
fast acting pain pill for Break through pain. So from my experience, I
still have Chronic Pancreatitis and Chronic Pain, even after my Whipple. If
you want to print this and show it to your doctor, so they can see it does
happen to other people, please feel free to do so. I hope this helps your
cause. I do hope you get some pain medicine that will help you and they do
more testing to find out what's going on with you. Keep us posted on how
your doing.
Take Care,
Louie in WV

[ThePancreatitisPlace] FOR JIM ESPECIALLY, AND FOR KIMBER TOO

2007-03-17 12:00:50

I pray for a peaceful nights rest...... that you may dreeeam the
finest of dreams.. and that in the morning , when you awake....... you'll
see the sunshine and the gggood day ahead and forget the pain that
lingers. I pray you take the time to do something for yourselves that is
good for you and haven't seen in a long time. I pray you awake with a smile
in your heart and o n your face and share that love with someone who needs a
smile today. GIve everyone a hug this morning and wish them a joyful
day........ without pain. Forget the pain and look to the skies for the
peace that is needed in our hearts and in our families hearts. And if by
chance.......... a tear might fall.......... wipe it away with love. Make
this a day for others who have so generously given their time and their
lives to helping you. Forget your troubles, leave them behind~~~ and share
your day with that someone special who needs a friend to lean on. Listen to
them and their worries....... and understand that no one has "no problems"
we all do........... sick or well. We are all the same. Give of yourself
in all you do an say. And aat the end of your day.......... you'll have
made a difference in just one persons life.! Then tomorrow................
do it again. You make a difference to all you meet........... and they
shall never be the same.............. because you took the time to care.
And that feels great! Go ahead........... try it.......... you'll find a
special joy that just grew in your own heart. Go on............... be
yourself.... be a friend to you and to all you meet today. Life is
good.......... if you chose it to be so. Good Night.................love,
jan xox

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace] I'm sad... {{{Ale}}}

2007-03-17 00:40:43

Ale,
There is hope darling girl! I am a mommy...5 times over! 3 times after I
became sick even. I worked for several years while I was sick too, granted, I
had to go at a slower pace and I did have to limit the types of foods I was
eating, how long I was in one position, for obvious reasons. But for many years
I was able to live a fairly normal life, AND I have 5 wonderful kids!
Please don't feel to sad, you have a lot to offer to some lucky man and the
children that are in your future!!
Much Love and Many {{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace] To Garth-- Patīs present trouble

2007-03-17 00:19:47

Hi Garth,
Tell you Dad to take it easy and behave himself for once.
Really, he does need to take it easy so nothing else goes wrong with him.
Tell him we are thinking of him and I miss him. Thank you for keeping us
posted on his current condition. You tell him that I said that your doing a
good job of keeping us post on how his is doing, so he can stay off the
computer and get better. Tell him I'm sending my Get Well wishes his way.
Tell you Mum, that she is doing a super job of taking care of him and
putting up with all he does.
Take Care,
Louie in WV
Take Care

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace] To Lisa.!!

2007-03-16 17:19:46

Hi Lisa,
I sorry to hear that your not doing very good right now. I did read that
you have lost 10 pounds in the last week. You did say you needed to loose
weight, but my dear, this is the hard way to do it. You must not be eating
at all. I certainly hope you feel better very soon and will continue to
loss weight, but do it by eating right and not by not be able to stand food.
Last spring, I lost over 20 pounds, which I needed to loss, but I did it the
hard way too, by not being able to eat anything. I still need to loose more
weight, but I can't seem to be able to do it. My husband can't under stand
why I don't loose more weight than I do, because even when I feeling OK, I
still don't have any appetite. I guess my weight must be mostly from all
the fluids that I drink. Take it easy, I'm sure that must be very hard for
you to do with little ones around, but do try. I behind and trying to get
caught up on all my e-mails, so I hope by the time you get this that your
already feeling better.
Take Care,
Louie in WV

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace] Karen

2007-03-16 10:34:44

Hi Karen,
Thanks and here's hoping your having a good day.
Louie

[ThePancreatitisPlace] FOR JIM ESPECIALLY, AND FOR KIMBER TOO

2007-03-16 09:41:34

yes, finally i can rest knowing that large lizard like monster is out of
our pool. Thre were 4 men that came. We had to keep Lady in the bedroom
cause she doesn't like strangers in our house. i was standing on the bed
watching them from the bedroonm window ready to attach myself to the
ceiling.! One of the men coaxed the alligaator with a large dead chicken
while the other 2 were on his sides with the large poles that hae lasso's
to throw around their neck. The gator jumped for the chicken and then one
man llassooed his neck and he immediaaately went into a death roll. That's
when the roll around ciircling in the water with their entire bodies so to
pull you in and eat you. Then. the other man with the other lasso got him
from the other side to stop the death roll and together the two of them
pulled him out by his head. Tom was watching at the sliding glass doors to
the pool! He was 4 feet....... a baby........ probbly someone's pet who
escaped....... ( happens all the time) but a real ffighter. It took the two
men with the lasso's to pul him up into the truck whileee the other two
pushed his rear end up. They got on top of him ........ ssat at his neck and
taped his jaws shut.......... very qquuuuuickly. They were all safe , then.
We went outside to see him in the truck all tied to the side rails by his
limbs. They will take him to another arrea....... not kill him as he is not
too big. One block behind us is a Kwaintis Park that has lots of wild life
living there. Amongst the alligaators are goppher turtles........... which
are endangered. They nest there and are really friendly and cute! We left
the fince gate open one day and the next thing we new thre was a gopher
turtle walking around the perimeters of the fene trying to get to his
nest,,,,,,,,,,,,, which was in the undeveloped land next door. I gave him
some lettuce to munch on and he let me take his picture as he was walking
acrooss our driveway on his way backto the nest. He would come visit off
and on at the other side of the fense because i would feed him lettuce and
other veggies we had growing in the yard. 1!!
so............ we can now have a peaceful nights sleep knowing our
unwelcome friend is out of the pool and on his way to a new home............
far far away. It wasn't but a couple of month s ago we had a huge rat snake
in our pool. He managed himself out and on his way without too much
hysteria.! so ends the tails of our day...........! I can't wait til
the weather gets warmer and the babies come to visit.......... that's when
working in the gardens is a real reward! Good night and pleasant
dreams............. alligator free that is. love, jan
xox

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace] Child with Hereditary Pancreatitis

2007-03-15 21:31:54

Hello and Welcome to The Pancreatitis Place.
I am so sorry that you have had to deal with this terrible disease, even more
sorry that you have to tell us that you have a child with it. I can't even
pretend to understand the heartbreak you must be enduring through this.
We do have a few parents here, it just may take a bit for you to get any
replies as I think right now, the two that are more active in the group have
their
hands full with hospitalizations and illnessess right now. Please be patient
and feel free to ask questions, we have quite a few here that have hereditary
Chronic Pancreatitis and can give you support and information that can be
helpful to you.
Please also feel free to check out our Links section for information. We
have a great deal there that may be helpful to you also. If you have any
problems, please post and someone will be glad to help... or send a private
email to
myself or ReeAnn or one of the moderators (Robert, Loretta, Shannon, Pat or
Bruce I think thats all of them... sorry if I missed any.) and one of us will do
our best to help you out in your searching for answers.
I have 5 children and am a single mom... I was diagnosed in August 2001 but
have been having problems since the early 90's. I still have 3 kids under 16
and am most of the time a wreck about the "What ifs"... both of my younger boys
have displayed symptoms of early chronic pancreatitis, but since I have been
so sick our diets have changed and they don't seem to get so yucky so often.
If you don't mind my asking where are you from and what are your names? It
just makes things a little more personable for the family members!
Sending Many {{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace] Donna-- Angel Flights?

2007-03-15 19:22:05

Donna,
Have you ever heard of Angel Flights? They help with transportation for
patients that are having to drive for more than 3 hours to get to an
appointment.
They take me to Cinti when I go.
I have the web info somplace if you want it.
{{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

[ThePancreatitisPlace] FOR JIM ESPECIALLY, AND FOR KIMBER TOO

2007-03-15 06:58:16

Jan,
Can you get a picture of the alligator to post? My kids would be thrilled to
see it! I don't think they realize how much wildlife there is so close to homes
in this country! Stay far away from it though! Hey, I know maybe we can send
it to Pat, he can start his own zoo! hehehehehehe!
Lisa
Simi Valley, CA

Re: [ThePancreatitisPlace] HOWDEDOODY LISA//

2007-03-15 06:54:29

Pat,
The box that is coming has a gift for you in it. Maybe keep in next to Elton
Buddha. I loved the pics! Thank you so much for taking the time (since you are
allowed so little of it ) to post them for us. My boys loved them too! They
think it is so cool that mommy can chat with someone so far away!
You need to stay well for that wedding! Maura will be expecting a dance! How
about one round around the dance floor with that lovely wife of yours and a
special thank you to her for taking such good care of you!
I hope they do not keep you in the hospital away from the wedding but my dear if
it must be done than so be it. You are the #1 priority! I am sorry Lilly will
not correspond by e-mail, I will have to send her a little note (with no
surprises) and give her praise for being the wonderful woman she is. Lord knows
she must be an angel to put up with her.
Pat, the purpose of my last e-mail was not be mean. Please don't think that.
It is just that I find myself keeping things from my family so I do not worry
them and it always makes things worse. Dr. Lo got on my case at my last visit
about this. He said that Eric is my husband and partner, in sickness and
health. Eric has the right to know when something is not right. The same goes
for Lily. What if God forbid something worse had happened to you and Lily found
out you had kept it from her and she lived with the guilt of not knowing. She
will feel responsible. She will feel like if she knew she may have been able to
prevent things. Please do not keep things from her. She is your partner in
crime so to speak! Do not prevent her from taking every moment at the fullest
with you. Be a good boy and remember Santa is ALWAYS watching! You want to
stay on the good list! By the way your son Gareth is a real gem! He will have
no trouble finding a good woman to mend his broken heart! Take care my friend
and watch the post for your present! My older son Devan helped me pick him out
for you, and my younger son carried it all the way to the post office for me.
There is allot of love in that box and some California sunshine too! But
PLEASE, PLEASE do not let Lilly open the box!
Lisa
Simi Valley, CA

Jim and Chey

2007-03-15 02:09:35

Jim,
First of all... {{{HUGZ}}} for both of you and Chey's son. I did not know
that she was ill again as I haven't gotten through the over 400 posts that I
missed while I was in the hospital. Please send her my Love and tell her I am
keeping you all in my prayers.
Now.... This is for you Jim. This is coming from the heart of a single mom
that has been right where Chey is right now. This disease RAVAGES our sense of
self esteem. When I am at my worst I don't feel like I even deserve to live
let alone live and be happy. I have had several relationships that have been
wrecked by this monster, one before I even knew what it was. Mostly because
the disease is so scary and it is a life sentence.
I'm not saying you should stay or go, that is up to you... but if you really
Love her, STAY... Show her that you want to be there with her to support her
through this. She is only pushing because she is afraid.
Afraid of what? You ask.... think about it. She has a minor child that is
watching her waste away to nothing (My kids tell me all the time I look good,
but I can see it in their eyes that they are just saying it to make me feel
better.) and there is nothing she can do to control it. NOTHING. There is no
cure, and the diagnoses is hard to come by. Doctors and nurses have looked down
their noses at her for a long time. Treated her like a drug seeker (which, is
really true BTW, because of our Pain we do seek drugs... drugs to make life
more bearable.) and generally made her second guess her own emotions and pain.
Unless you have ever been through this kind of thing, there is not way you
would ever be able to fully grasp the concept of what we go through, and how our
minds work to try to keep ourselves "safe".
That is after all what she is looking for... Saftey... a protector... a good
STRONG man to take care of her and to make sure her family will be provided
for. How do I know?? I have been looking for the same thing for quite a few
years. If I find that Man I'll let ya know. But the chances are good that I
have already pushed him away... I do the same thing. Chey isn't the only woman
in the world that has this pushing disorder... lol... it seems to go along
with the whole chronically ill, yet independant, strong willed woman, thing.
You sound like a great guy, and I hope whatever happens that you and Chey
will be ok. Just remember, she needs someone STRONG right now. I hope you can
be that for her.
An FYI... the hospital is NOT the place to break up with someone. I had that
happen to me last year just after New Years... I was very resentful and very
spiteful to him (Not that he didn't deserve every bit of it mind you...) and
now we don't even speak. We were engaged and everything. Please don't do that
to Chey. Be a MAN if you do decide to break things off and WAIT til she is
out of the hospital at least.
Sending Lots of {{{HUGZ and prayers}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

[ThePancreatitisPlace] HOWDEDOODY LISA//

2007-03-14 17:51:39

Yes, darling........... are they related to you???? There are some
similiarities here. BUt my new hair looks better than yours., hairey.!!!!!
You definitely need some curls around your head. I happen to have 5 wigs
of different sorts if you'd like one for the wedding?????? You had better
rest up like your wife says............. Youdon't want to miss the wedding.
i pray it's not something to serious, Pat. I have those jerks and
twetches......... mostly jerks..... and i am sore afterwards from the
violent movement. Take good care of yourself.... give Lily a break and
Gareth , too. He's a doll............... and so much like you! Ask him to
give me a post at home, will you??? Ddoes Maura have everything in order for
her big day? I'm so excited for all of you. Please take pictures for us
and post them........ Weddings are such a wonderful time in our
lives.............. so unforgetable. I believe this one will be right up
there with Princess Diana's wedding............. and it will be Princess
Maura who will steal the show! So polish off your head....... make it
good and shiney for the flash........... and live it up! I'll be with you
in my thoughts and prayers........... everything goes perfectly! gotta
go............... sianra Benny Hill of Ireland....... a i recall he liked
chasing those bunny tails alot! Hummmmmmmmmmm! love, jan xox

I fell bad to ask

2007-03-14 09:32:38

Hola familia.
I'm having a better week, pain and nauseous are better I don't know
is because I start to take Creon 20.
I have a question to make, I fell bad to ask this but I try to look
on internet and the answer was not clear, I was talking with a
friend yesterday and she ask me if what I have is death frighten. I
didn't know what to say.... yes??/ no??? ...I know it make us really
sick.
Muchos Besos and prayers to each of you.
Pat un besooote
Denise I'm glad you are home, lots of hugs
Jim. Love is bigger than problems

HOWDEDOODY LISA//

2007-03-14 08:04:16

HOWDY DOODY LISA!
Don't let Lily open the Box?
You forget, even you told me that she's in charge and I'm to do as
she says, and that's NUTTIN'!
SO THERE IS NO WAY I'M OPENING ANY BOX WITH A HAIRY RAT IN IT, YOU
THINK I'M A FOOL GIRL, As Mr T would say!!
There better not be, that's for sure.
Seriously, I'm fine, and the reason I did not tell anyone was I knew
they would make another fuss, they have lives of their own to get on
with, they don't need to be worrying and fussing about over me just
because they live in the same building.
If they lived in another town or even another country, they would not
be able to do anything except to offer me their support, which is
more than I have any right to.
At the time, it seemed like the right thing to do. They had the
Christmas to enjoy without having to concern themselves, and they
did, and furthemore, if I had not fallen asleep at just that exact
instant, they would still not be aware of it and would not have to
concern themselves.
I never mind being in hospital, it doesn't bother me, actually, I am
always happy to be in hospital, I only go there because I know I need
the help that only they can give me. But I did not need an ambulance,
if the same cut was on my arm or leg no one would have said call an
ambulance, if I had needed one I would have called one before Lily
came home, honestly, it's a nasty cut, but that's it, it a cut and
now it's stiched and it will be 85% invisible when the dust settles.
On top of all this, I have to see the specialist next week in Dublin
and it is very likely that he will admit me. My PCP is phoning him at
the time of my visit to ask him to do exactly that, and there is the
problem of my not living adjacent to the hospital he is based in.
As I would be over 50 miles away from home in the hospital, it would
not only be impractical for my family to visit with me regularly, it
would be a terrible burden to put on them to expect them to regularly
visit me, so I am anxious to be at home as much as possible, PLUS
PLUS, my niece has her wedding next week, that's Mauras daughter and
there is no way, short of an emergency I'm missing that. Maybe it
won't make any difference though, I see the Specialist on Friday and
the wedding is the NEXT DAY!! Darn it, Darn it!
Anyway, I live less than 3 MINUTES from the hospital and it's not
like the bigger impersonal hospitals, everyone knows each other, I
think I know every staff member by name, and they know me! The damn
place is almost an extension of our home we spend so much time there.
Anyway, I didn't stay in and the world didn't fall of it's axis so
it's ok, hell, even the rat's ok!
This jerking and twitching thing is a real nuisance. It's a
neurological problem and usually it's either nothing at all or it's a
BIG THING! Everyone at the hospital thought it was the pain meds,
just like Denise explained but it's not for me, it's definitly
something else. i looked at some sites to check it out and it's not
nice reading to be honest, I wish it was something other than the
possible ones listed.
What is happening to me is that certain nerves are firing wildly all
over the place. One doctor explained it as being like having electric
shocks to just one or maybe two muscles at a time, not unlike
epilepsy, but that's happening in the brain I believe whereas this
thing is in the peripheral nerves mostly or from the spine out.
Theres 2 links below if anyone wants to know more
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/myoclonu_doc.htm
http://www.wemove