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MedHelp Member's Question

What encourages you ?

by mrrstracy, Oct 26, 2002 12:00AM
Today while reading the posts I realized that it is so encouraging to see the vets here really reaching out and trying to help the newcomers. Some people probably get tired of hearing me say this, but here goes again. If we really want freedom, then we must get out of our comfort zone and reach out to others!

When we were little kids (maybe some of us still are. LOL) we depended on our parents to teach us, comfort us, and be there for us. This isn't much different. There are people here that share with us things that they have probably never told another person. What we do with that kind of trust is totally up to us. As for me, I will answer the call. I appreciate everyone of you here that take the time to answer. Personally I find my strength in helping others. It makes me realized that I am blessed to have what I do. For so many others that I know and work with every day. This could be all they have.  I don't mean to be so mushy or sentimental, but I wasn't always like this. I was a self centered little brat that only thought of myself. So if you think I'm too mushy, sorry, but I'm glad I can feel now.



Tracy
Member Comments (26)

by groovygirl, Oct 26, 2002 12:00AM
To: mrrstracy
I like mushy...our daughter encourages me to be better.  That little, trusting face looking up at me makes me realize how much I have to lose.  Or, I'll get an email from my husband telling me how much he loves me or how proud he is of me...family makes me work harder.  Talk about mushy...

by shubunkin, Oct 26, 2002 12:00AM
I totally agree with you. These people are wonderful! I read daily and when I do decide the time is right to quit my Xanax addiction I will seek help from the kind people here. And My doctor of course! I do know the dangers of quitting Xanax cold turkey and do not plan on doing that so any suggestions when I do get ready will greatly be appreciated! Peace, Danielle

by mrrstracy, Oct 26, 2002 12:00AM
To: Mariposa/Shubunkin
I know what you mean! It's the little things that make my heart melt. It's amazing of what a kind word or just an appreciative thought will do for you.



Shubunkin,

I'm not really sure about the xanax. I did have an ativan addiction a few years ago and it was a beast!. I shook for a year after I went off of them. I'm sure someone else here has taken them and can answer your question though. I would think it would be wise to consult a Dr. when it comes to benzo's though.



Tracy

by hippy, Oct 26, 2002 12:00AM
im an addict, and i want to stay clean, so

what encourages me . is when more addicts like myself start

getting better.

i just hate to see addicts stick to there own idea's

because our ouw idea's got us into  more of a mess then we would like to admit.we need to surrender.]

there are just a few roads for addicts to go down.



i wish you all a comfortable day,

peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by PING, Oct 26, 2002 12:00AM
To: hippee
yea hippee, my own ideal's has had me in trouble almost all of my adult life, at first it was booze, then pot, and now these pills, you know when i knew i was in trouble, a new dr gave me a scrip for 90 percocet, i went across the parking lot clapping my hands, at that time 1 would give me the high i wanted, soon i was taking 6-8 a day, because of the tynol, he swithed me to oxy, 3 a day, now i am taking only 2 a day, dosen't feel very good. hope you, and all the guys are having a decent day. peace.

                                 lee.

by PING, Oct 26, 2002 12:00AM
To: hippee
yea hippee, my own ideal's has had me in trouble almost all of my adult life, at first it was booze, then pot, and now these pills, you know when i knew i was in trouble, a new dr gave me a scrip for 90 percocet, i went across the parking lot clapping my hands, at that time 1 would give me the high i wanted, soon i was taking 6-8 a day, because of the tynol, he swithed me to oxy, 3 a day, now i am taking only 2 a day, dosen't feel very good. hope you, and all the guys are having a decent day. peace.

                                 lee.

by DIRTBAG, Oct 26, 2002 12:00AM
I am encourged (sp) but the simple fact that over this past month I has read all of your posts and found out that I am not alone in my secret life, the lies I tell for pills. the stupid operations I've had for pills, how much I love my family and hate myself for pills and that no matter what stage I'm in using or not I can come here, I hope stays true for me. My past behavior is when I join a recovery group when I fall I don't return.  I admitting that I relapse and so far I always do, my first week clean is coming though I know its coming. peagravel

by Bodymechanic, Oct 26, 2002 12:00AM
To: shubunkin
I have always thought that the risk of seizures while quitting benzos although real, is greatly over exadurated. The problem is that you never know who will have seizures and at what dose.  In any event the miracle drug clonidine will help prevent seizures.  Tegretol is another drug that will help.  Having dealt with that,  all that is left to do is a slow wean so that you will not be too miserable.



Peace

by livingdeadgirl, Oct 26, 2002 12:00AM
To: Everyone, HELP!!
OK, so I am back on Percocets 5/325instead of the tylenol3's, they just did not let me function.  Found out Wednesday that I need a second decompressive laminectomy, had one last October at the L4-5 level, and at that time the Dr. said I had another bad level, L5-S1, but he did not want to get into it at the time.  Here it is 1 year later and the MRI I had in August (10months post surgery) shows the L5-S1 almost completely closed!  So what does the DR. say? "Now I am wondering if I should have taken care of that when I was in there!"  The stenosis has progressed so rapidly it is almost unbelieveable, he just keep looking at the MRI, then at me, then at the MRI, then he says "How old are you?" 36, with the spine of a 90year old who manually plowed fields her whole life.  I am so depressed at the thought of another spinal surgery.  I asked him about the dehydrated disks that I have, 3 of them, and all he said was "We know you have a lot of problems with your spine"  I think he should be doing a fusion this time along with the laminectomy, but he doesn't seem to think I need it.  I am very concerned about spinal instability, particularly after 2 surgeries in the lumbar.  Has anyone had any experience in this?  I need for feedback.  My current Dr. is a neurosurgeon, the only one in the area.  I am going to get a second a opinion 150miles away from an orthopedic surgeon.  I am just afraid that in another year I will need a fusion and rods because "He should have done it when he was in there."  Know what I mean? I would truly appreciate any input.  Thanx everyone, and hang in there!



Maxine

by bmac, Oct 26, 2002 12:00AM
To: livingdeadgirl
I had L4/5 S1 fusion in 1992 and it did work beautifully.I went thru the same thing with having several disc repairs before this.

A second opinion is great but seeing an orthodepic surgeon you

need to be careful.A neurosurgeon is the best kind of doc to see for this condition.I know there are alot of orthapedic docs that are good at fusion but they use too much hardware.I only have bone from my hips and disc spacers made from plastic and bone from the bone bank.

I still have back pain but it's all scar tissue pain.

The S1 level is the most painful because of all the nerves going thru such a tiny area.Good luck and try to listen to what they tell you.You will learn the best way to proceed.

                                bmac

by livingdeadgirl, Oct 26, 2002 12:00AM
To: bmac, everyone
Thanx for the input.  I have heard cautions against ortho surgeons for spinal surgeries.  I am justanxious to hear his opinion.  I totally trust the operating skills of my neuro, but I just think instability with the degenerative disks and having 2 decompressive laminectomies.  The second opinion is just to see what he thinks I need to have done, not to have him do it.  Unfortunately today I received a letter from workman's comp that I need to have another independent medical evaluation, to see if their Dr. thinks I need surgery.  The funny thing is that at this point the MRI tells the whole story, not how far I can bend or how much pain I am in.  I will ask him to please just tllok at the MRI, and not put me through the motions again.  It kills me everytime.  I walk with a cane as it is and can only walk 1/8 of a mile, 2 flights of stairs, stand for about 15 minutes, and sitting I need to change positions frequently.  I was making $13.50 an hour when I was hurt, so if they think I enjoy living on the comp pay they are crazy!  Thanx again for the info and for letting me vent.  I really need to chat somewhere and this forum has been great for me!

Maxine

by DIRTBAG, Oct 26, 2002 12:00AM
I'm sorry I can't comment or lend advice to any medical problems, I'm so stupid, I'm healthy and excercise regularly and I still use anyway, I eat good, I have no physical issues until I start kicking. Anyway I'm sorry for all going through the real pain and the surgeries and trying to quit. You will be in my prayers. peagravel

by mrmichael67, Oct 27, 2002 12:00AM
I have had two spinal fusions, L4-5 and L5-S1.  What state do you live in?

by puma, Oct 27, 2002 12:00AM
To: dirtbag


Peagravel,



You do have real medical issues called addiction, and you need to eventually confront detoxing if you want to get off the stuff. That's not easy so don't feel guilty complaining about it or sharing it. You need all the support you can get, to get up the courage to try, when you are ready. Good luck,



Chatahan

by Bodymechanic, Oct 27, 2002 12:00AM
Back surguries including laminectamy, laminectamy with disectamy, laminectamy with discectamy and fusion all have one major drawback. They permanantly alter the normal biomechanics of the spine and the rest of the body. All too often within 5 years another spinal