ESH

[KimH]

I wondered if we could try that again? Will anyone share the positives of being sober compare to the hell of being addicted? I wan't to thank you Methman for sharing your hope. I didn't mention, I am an X herion addict and have been to a methadone clinic for a few years as well. I havent touched it in 4 years but I take ultram by the fistful. Not right now, I have been following the doctor's ween. I just think positive sharing of being sober really helps you get through the hard part of recovery. When you don't see any positive, seeing someone else's does.

[Kurt Cobain]

I couldn't agree more, Meth.  I have a lot of patience, but these people going back and forth at each other is the most juvenile kind of pissing contest, and one which no one will win.  You're right -- it's the people that *really* need help who come here that will suffer -- not like I *don't* need help, but I'm at least past the acute withdrawal phase that so many seem to come here in.

Fellas, let me add my voice, for what it's worth, to the others who have spoken and feel the same way (and for the others who may feel that way too but are too disgusted to comment): please just DROP this whole thing.  If you don't like each other then just STOP BAITING each other and taking childish passive-aggressive shots.  It's not only counter-productive, it's just embarassing.

PEACE.

Kurt

[MethMan]

I wonder how much of this we will have to endure. 90% of the threads are now taken up, people are not getting any answers (Not that I could answer them, but SOMEONE here could) and our fellow addicts are being turned off from their own people at an increasing and alarming rate.
It is a sad state of affairs, this thing.  And coming from someone as full of it as I am, something HAS to be wrong.
I regret taking up another thread with this post but felt compelled to do so as I've grown somnolent of the constant barage of ill-mannered, redundant prose which burdens no one but our brothers in struggle.  Even I know the meaning of "Uncle".
Please stop.  You're beginning to hurt people.

PEACE,
Methman

[Expillman]

How many times are you going to enter a F-I-N-A-L message with YET ANOTHER PERSONAL ATTACK and then state that you are "through" with me?

Is your attention span just that short?

Your insult is THIS, for those who don't know.  A Kenite, according to the christian mythology is the result of the sexual union between Eve and the so called serpent who was supposed to be/represent Satan in the garden.

You have the nerve to characterize me as an "*******" or sick, or whatever.  

One more shitty message at me and the gloves are coming off again.  This is a promise.

Expillman

[MethMan]

Evening, Hippy dude!
Sorry I'm responding THIS far down in the threads, but hey... and open spot is an open spot!
I wanted to add something to the conversation regarding your "alternatives" to opiate use for your shoulder.
I'm obviously no doctor, but it appears to me that since your shoulder hurts most when you wake up, perhaps a circulation issue may be exasurbating the problem.
Suzie B touched on the "Sports Med" issue.  Have you tried whirlpool therapy for your shoulder in conjunction with steriod use?  I know it sounds like pushing a mountain with a shovel, but if your shoulder circulation were increased, you MAY find some benefit from it.
I know when I was playing football, after a monster linebacker pounded me, I couldn't WAIT to get to the whirlpool!  Plus, whirlpools have an added benefit!  Chicks, Hippy.  HIPPY CHICKS!
Think of the pain THOSE can remove!
Peace,
Methman

[NEW ORLEANS LADY]

You are one of my many inspiriations--I was in the medical profession many moons ago.  I worked for an orthopedic surgeon and cortisone shots were standard treatment for tennis elbow--It's is just like rodewk said if they "hit the spot" it's like a miracle--Immediately after the injection you should ice it down.  Sorry rode no offense to your brother but cortisone is not a drug of last resort--at least not to the orthopedists--We injected shoulders, knees, heels, elbows, ects.  It is a wonderful treatment for arthritis--High doses of oral steroids can be dangerous such as the kind they prescribe for chronic asthma, especially if they are used for an extended period of time--They can cause avascular necrosis
(lack of blood supply) especially in the hip joints--but the orthopods used such a small amount it was never a cause for concern--We would also mix the cortisone with marcaine which is a deadening medicine so the injection wouldn't hurt going in.  They also make "tennis elbow straps" which seems to take the pressure off of the tendon--I don't remember ever "casting" anyone for tennis elbow.  Anyway I hope this helps--I sorry you're having a rough time with this--I know tennis elbow can be very painful and to have a bad shoulder to boot--my prayers are with you hippi---Good Luck--Peace prayers N.O. Lady/Mystere

Anne

[rodewc]

Thx for the many encouraging words and positive mental images many have shared with me and others.

I am not as far along in recovery as you, hippee, but I have had some experiences w/ cortisone shots (sp). My dad would have one when he could no longer stand the Bursitis (sp) in his shoulder. Dad was not a complainer and after one of these shots, he seemed like a new man. The same happened w/ my youngest brother and his elbow. Then, when it was suggested that a corisone shot on my heel migh alleviate this heel pain, I discovered 2 things:
1. If the shot was "dead on," the pain did disappear. I was a new woman.
2. If the "needle" missed, the cortisone shot may as well have been a placebo.
(I have tried cortisone shots 3-4 times in 3 years)

Not knowing beans about cortisone though, I was bragging about how such a shot removed pain when the 'hit the spot.' My older brother, a neonatologist, remarked that those shots turn "bones to mush" and "they should only be an option in dire straits."

I respect my brother's opinion, though he has always leaned to the conservative side of things: politics, medicine, religion.

Another friend (not a medical person) told me that bone spurs move about and eventually dissolve.

Thanks to those of you who recommended to me earlier.. what to do about these DEEEEP knee aches, especially noticeable at night. I am taking many deep soaks and also long walks and runs on the beach. I also swim a.m., so the aches are not for lacka exercise.

The heating pad works well at night when I dont want to waken the family running hot baths. Also dousing myself in the bedside baby powder helps stave off the heebie jeebies too.

Good books when not sleeping are excellent distractors. I have garnered invaluable info here, and am eternally grateful, but after months of this, shouldn't there be a symtom free night? (for a good sleep)

It is a minor complaint, making me feel petty for mentioning it.

`rw`c`