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Approved-By:  Bill McGarry <wtm@SHELDEV.SHEL.ISC-BR.COM>
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Date:         Thu, 19 Nov 1992 02:00:31 EST
Reply-To:     Bill McGarry <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
From:         Bill McGarry <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
Subject:      Handicap Digest # 3022

                             THE HANDICAP DIGEST

                                 Issue # 3022

                         Thursday, November 19, 1992

Today's Topics:


                                ******


                               re: Lousey Care
                               re: lousey care
                                  10-29-92
                            Looking for Canadians
                             Information Please?
                             Re: 390 miles R.T.
                                Russian Stim?
                                Russian Stim?
                              Phantom Limb Pain
                                 Re: ACTORS


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Subject: re: Lousey Care
From: Jim.Graham@p0.f5109.n124.z1.fidonet.org (Jim Graham)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:124/5109.0 - National Amputee Co, Dallas TX


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

Hello Wayne.  In a previous message you blurbbed:

>YOU REALLY HAD A LOUSEY EXPERIENCE AT THE MAYO CLINIKC!
>Was this at their pain clinic?

No.  I was admitted to St. Mary's, and "doctored" by a team from Mayo.

In fact, the doctor-team insisted that I should talk to their pain
clinic people.

They sent over a doctor from the clinic, and she told me that I was
NOT a candidate for pain management, contrary to the teams' opinions!

>In case you had the bad luck of drawing an angry doctor, why not

>try one more time someplace else?

The doctor leading the team wasn't "angry".  He was clearly a young
hot-shot that didn't listen to me.  At one point, he told me that
he was having a dentist come in to fix some dental problems and I
said: "Hang on, I'm here for my foot, not my teeth".  "Don't do anything
that will jeopardize my Workmen's comp. benefits.

His reply was "Screw what the insurance companies think.  We have
our own way of doing things here."

I kid you not!

>Where do you live now?

I live in Bloomington, Indiana (you know, Bobby Knight country?),
home of Indiana University.

>You may have mentioned this, but I have a lousey memory, how did

>your leg get messed up and when did this happen?

Believe it or not, this all began as a simple type-2 ankle sprain.

While descending a flight of stairs at work, I stumbled, inverted
my right ankle, and put full body-weight + momentum on the foot.

I haven't walked since.

>Good Luck November 3rd!

Thank you.  It's over, and I'm still waiting on the sympathectomy
to give me relief.  At this point, I have serious doubts.

>near upper spinal cord, brain & heart that we elected not to try

>an implant or dorsal stimulator.

Excuse my ignorance, but what does a dorsal stimulator do?

>Hope you don't have to try amputation.

In spite of the current situation, I still hope a miracle occurs.
 I'm a realist though, and I believe I'm pretty well prepaird for

the amputation.

continued next message...

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!124!5109.0!Jim.Graham
Internet: Jim.Graham@p0.f5109.n124.z1.fidonet.org



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Subject: re: lousey care
From: Jim.Graham@p0.f5109.n124.z1.fidonet.org (Jim Graham)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:124/5109.0 - National Amputee Co, Dallas TX


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

continued from last message...

I'm not uninformed about below-knee amputations.  My son's cub-scout
leader is a below-knee amputee and I've talked to him quite a bit.

I also have a cousin who is now a nurse.  She had her leg amputated
below the knee due to a lawnmower accident.

>Would you please let me know how you are doing?

Sure.  I've posted a message describing the outcome so far of my recent
surgery.

>How long will you be in the hospital?

I was in the hospital from Tuesday November 3 to Friday November 6.

I'm presently at home, recuperating from the surgery.  I had no idea
that it would be as painful as it was.

It's still excruciatingly painful to laugh :-).

What's especially annoying is not being able to get up once I lie
down :-).

Regards,
Jim Graham

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!124!5109.0!Jim.Graham
Internet: Jim.Graham@p0.f5109.n124.z1.fidonet.org



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Subject: 10-29-92
From: Arthur.Saus@p160.f72.n376.z1.fidonet.org (Arthur Saus)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:376/72.160 - Windows of the Worl, Columbia SC


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

Hello Wayne!

04 Nov 92, Wayne Briggs writes to Arthur Saus:

WB> Any long term data on p. pain with arm amputations ?

I don't have any hard, scientific data available other than to say
clinical impression is that it seem to be very variable, and
depends on your individual response.

Arthur

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!376!72.160!Arthur.Saus
Internet: Arthur.Saus@p160.f72.n376.z1.fidonet.org



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Subject: Looking for Canadians
From: Jocelyne.Dever@f406.n163.z1.fidonet.org (Jocelyne Dever)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:163/406 - The Procrastinator', Kanata ON


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

Hi All,

Are there any Canadians in this echo, or lurking about?
Specifically Canadians who have been up against the Canada Pension
Plan Disability judges? I would welcome opinions and advice from
any one else who has experienced bureaucracy and government
regulations at their worst.  I have just had my application
rejected and am planning on appealing their ruling but I need help
in understanding the procedure.  According to the legislation, "a
person must have a disability which is both severe and prolonged."
Severe, means that the person is incapable regularly or pursuing
any substantially gainful occupation. Prolonged, means that such
severe disability is likely to be long continued and of indefinite
duration.

According to my neurologist in a report he submitted to my lawyer,
the factors (disc disease, spinal stenosis, mechanical low back
pain-arthritis of the spine, L5 root defect, and arachnoiditis
causing neural defect in left leg) are not conducive to gainful
occupation either in a standing or seated posture. He concluded
that I am probably not suitable for any type of occupation.

As for my prognosis, he is suggesting that only time, weight loss,
a "proper conservative program for low back symptoms" and surgery
if the foregoing fail to be effective, will make it possible for me
to be employable. With the amount of weight I have to lose, and the
difficulty I am experiencing in trying to lose it when I am unable
to pursue any kind of physical activity, the course of treatment
will certainly be "long continued and of indefinite duration."  But
do you think that that will be considered?

I don't know how to attack the problem of disputing the
government's decision.  Does anyone have any suggestions or
comments?

Thanks

Jocelyne

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!163!406!Jocelyne.Dever
Internet: Jocelyne.Dever@f406.n163.z1.fidonet.org



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Subject: Information Please?
From: Jocelyne.Dever@f406.n163.z1.fidonet.org (Jocelyne Dever)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:163/406 - The Procrastinator', Kanata ON


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

Hi Arthur:

I was hoping that you could give me two bits of information:

First, I have my neurologist's report in front of me, and I am
having some difficulty in understanding a couple of the terms.
What is a left L5 radiculopathy, or a left lumbar plexopathy?  Also
what is an "adequately treated disc disease"?  Finally, what is an
acute-chronic denervation in the left extensor digitorum brevis?

Now for some advice/information.  I have been scheduled for a
epidural steroid injection and I would like your opinion on its
safety and benignness (sp?).  I have experience such an
extraordinary increase in leg pain since my myelogram, that I am a
little hesitant about allowing any other substance to injected into
my back.... I am not even too sure where it is going.

Thanks

Jocelyne

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!163!406!Jocelyne.Dever
Internet: Jocelyne.Dever@f406.n163.z1.fidonet.org



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Subject: Re: 390 miles R.T.
From: Mary.Frost@p0.f41.n147.z1.fidonet.org (Mary Frost)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:147/41.0 - American SITE ADANe, Norman OK


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

 -=> Quoting Wayne Briggs to Mary Frost <=-

 WB> After our car was hit & totalled 6-90 & the dog attacked me 8-90, my
 WB> health insurance coverage ended at the enf of 1990. We cashed in my
 WB> retirement plan & borrowed money for 5 sugeries in 91 & other medical
 WB> care.

 I have no idea why so much pain, heartache, grief hits a person or family.
 I read the book "When Bad Things Happen To Good People" several years ago.
 It is by Harold S. Kushner.  He was a young Rabbi whose young son had a
 terrible disease that would rapidly age him and he would die very young.
 In the Bible it says that it rains on the just and the unjust.  I take
 that to mean that the rain falls on all, not discriminately only on "good"
 people.

 WB> Texas Tech. Medical School in Lubbock refused to treat me, because I
 WB> was out of county.

 I do not understand the cost of medical help.  Right now here in Oklahoma
 there is a young woman that needs a bone marrow transplant.  She has no
 insurance and the surgery is "$200,000.00"!!!   Isn't that obscene?
 Friends had a walk-a-thon and raised about $40,000.  The girl could possibly
 die before $200,000 could be raised.

 I have insurance that pays fair, but we always owe several hundred dollars
 after surgery.  It is so frustrating to have so much income go to doctors,
 hospitals, etc.  But, I am so very thankful to have insurance and not have
 the terrible time you and many others have getting medical treatment.

 WB>  However, the hospital wanted $27,000 in advance.

 There are only a few people in this world that could afford to pay $27,000
 in advance to a doctor or hospital.  Especially a person who cannot work
 or has insurance.

 WB> years. However, the amunt & frequency have dimished to two trips a
 WB> week in Abilene area, and once a week to Dallas. Outpatient Pain
 WB> Clinic is at Parkland in Dallas, other medical care involving tests or

 Wayne, do you enjoy music?  When I feel very bad, I enjoy listening to
 classical music.  It can be very soothing, in fact, it has been proven
 that babies sleep much better that listen to classical music.  I wish
 that I had known that when my children were babies.  I started violin
 lessons when I was 40 (three years ago) and played until Jan of this year
 when I started having so much pain in my wrist.  I hope to be able to play
 again after the surgery on my thumb.  It is supposed to be the hardest
 instrument to learn - and I believe it!  I took piano lessons as a child
 but only once in a while and not consistently, and even played in church,
 but it had been a long time ago.  I had always
 loved classical music, but was a little embarrassed about it because
 no one that I knew did.  I believe if I had had the opportunity as a kid
 to learn the violin, I would have done well.

 WB> If I have another MSRA infection, my only hope for treatment

 Wayne, what is MSRA infection.  I take it to be an infection is a wound,
 am I right?

 WB> red to grey-green 2 AM Monday to bursting open Monday PM after the
 WB> office nurse kept me waiting 7 hours, while routine outpatients were
 WB> being seen.

 My sister is unable to work and has two young children and she is treated
 so callous when she goes for medical treatment because she is on medicare.
 She is a diabetic and has had back surgery, needs more, and had a stroke
 about a year ago.  She has a very hard time getting a doctor to treat her.
 I've seen how she has been treated like a second class citizen by both
 doctors and medical help.  It is a humiliating experience.

 Did you talk to the doctor about waiting 7 seven to see him?  Often times
 the doctor is unaware how the patients are treated by his help if no one
 speaks up.  You deserve the best care no matter the circumstances.  I hope
 that Bill Clinton can help the medical system.

 WB> Mary, thanks for your support. Charlotte had a mamagram yesterday  -
 WB> she has had pain & other changes for 4-6 weeks & only recently would

 I hope the best for Charlotte.  I too have cystic breast disease and have
 had three biopsies.  There are many medical treatment now for breast
 cancer.  I know that doesn't make it easier to think about.  It is a
 terrible fear of mine.  She must get medical treatment and advice if she
 is having lump and nipple changes.  Don't let her put off treatment at all.
 Stress does take a toil on a person - especially in the weakest part of
 their body.

 WB> My stump is
 WB> healing so well that flesh as compleatly covered up stainless steel
 WB> clamps & sutures plus most of the nylon sutures. This resulted in
 WB> increase discomfort since Thursday. Friday night I went back to
 WB> sleeping pill & finally 15 mg. Loratab & was unable to sleep at all. I
 WB> called the Parkland E.R. RN & told her I was 11 days since surgery &
 WB> had full external closure 6 days ago. She said she thought perhaps the
 WB> sutures needed to come out & I should  drive the 195 miles & come in.
 WB> I  stopped twice for coffee & for a rest from vibration. By the time I
 WB> got there, the day shift came on. The ER Director declined to contact
 WB> my doctor or others on the same surgical team. He said with a shoulder
 WB> disarticulation, he would rather leave them in a week or two extra
 WB> than run the risk of removing them now.

Wayne, is the ER Director a nurse or a physician?  Possibly you could have
called the doctor's office and had him paged to call you before you made
the trip or after you talked to the ER Director.  I don't think most doctors
would want someone making such an important decision in the treatment of the
major surgery that you just had.

 WB> typed "Thanks for your support", I became aware that I wanted some &
 WB> why. Thank you.

 I am so glad that you wrote to me.  I haven't got on the conference for
 a while.  My son turned 21 and my husband and I had our 25th anniversary
 last week.  Also, my daughter moved back home, she has had quite a reverse
 in her nursing.  It is very stressful and I have been very depressed.  I
 also have severe migraines that had been fairly controlled the past 18
 months with Calan.  It doesn't seem to be helping as much now as it did.
 I've also hurt so much in my hip, knee, and ankle.  Well, I just needed
 to whine for a minute I guess.  At least I know that you don't mind
 listening.

 I hope to always be able to give support.  I like to think I am a very good
 listener and don't mind giving my opinion - if asked!

 Have you thought about keeping a journal?  I do at times.  I may write in
 it a lot and then not for months.  I wish I was more consistent.  You never
 know, you may have a book waiting to be written!  I need to stop this
 message before it becomes a book.... talk to you later,  Mary

 WB> 2-1-93 Medicare is to be effective. It would be nice to be back to
 WB> work then.

 WB> -!- MacWoof Eval:08Oct92
 WB>  ! Origin: 5126 Meadow Dr,Abilene, TX 79606 915/691-0722
 WB> (1:392/26.3@fidonet)

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!147!41.0!Mary.Frost
Internet: Mary.Frost@p0.f41.n147.z1.fidonet.org



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Subject: Russian Stim?
From: Bob.Paddock@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org (Bob Paddock)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:261/1000 - Nerve Center, Pikesville MD


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

        My girl friends Chiropractor recommended that we find a
chiropractor that has a:

        "Interferential Russian Stimulator"

and apply it to the C6/C7 area of the neck, where she has chronic pain.

        Can any one tell me what a "Interferential Russian Stimulator"
is, what it does, why it does it, and any suggestions one finding one
in my area (North West Pennsylvania near the Ohio boarder)?

        She has a chronic pain in her C6/C7  area of the neck; if she
lies down the pain goes completely away, but standing hurts, and sitting
hurts so bad that she never sets down.  Ever try living in our society
with out ever setting down?  So far none of the 'conventional'
treatments, ie. drugs, MD's, DO's ect.., have relived her pain does any
one have any ideas?

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!261!1000!Bob.Paddock
Internet: Bob.Paddock@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org



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Subject: Russian Stim?
From: Arthur.Saus@p160.f72.n376.z1.fidonet.org (Arthur Saus)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:376/72.160 - Windows of the Worl, Columbia SC


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

Hello Bob!

11 Nov 92, Bob Paddock writes to All:

 BP>         My girl friends Chiropractor recommended that we find a
 BP> chiropractor that has a:

 BP>         "Interferential Russian Stimulator"

 BP> So far none of the 'conventional'
 BP> treatments, ie. drugs, MD's, DO's ect.., have relived her pain does any
 BP> one have any ideas?

I have never heard of the device you mentioned, so I would be
highly suspicious of any real effectiveness of this device, or of
practitioners who would use this to treat pain problems.  Since
"conventional" treatments have not given the results she is
seeking, I would recommend something that is a little
unconventional, but would have the best chance of helping with her
problem.  My recomendation would be for her to be evaluated at a
pain clinic, not just by the MD's and DO's she may have usually
been seeing.

Arthur

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Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!376!72.160!Arthur.Saus
Internet: Arthur.Saus@p160.f72.n376.z1.fidonet.org



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Subject: Phantom Limb Pain
From: Keith.Jones@p13.f15.n114.z1.fidonet.org (Keith Jones)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:114/15.13 - <Stat Gateway Servi, Phoenix AZ


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

Hi Wayne, I periodically read and post here. I saw this message on
phantom limb pain and as a spinal cord injured quadriplegic who has
a very similar kind of pain, I thought I might give you some
suggestions that I have found that help me.

I have what feels like a nail going through the ball of my foot
among other pains. I have found that rubbing the area, as somebody
else mentioned, to help. However the best relief I have found comes
from using a TENS unit. It took me a year and a half to find out it
works. I had heard about them but never thought it would help.

I have also found that physical activity or exercise helps
considerably not only while it is being done but for the rest of
the day. This may be due to the brains release of endorphins, which
are the body's natural painkillers (considered to be stronger than
morphine), during exercise.

Finally, self-hypnosis can be effectively used also to block out
pain.  This is really nothing more than daydreaming or structured
daydreaming if you wiil.

One other thing I have found is that cold weather will affect these
kinds of pain. The warmer temperatures following this winter will
be a welcome relief. Good luck.

-Keith-

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Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!114!15.13!Keith.Jones
Internet: Keith.Jones@p13.f15.n114.z1.fidonet.org



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Subject: Re: ACTORS
From: Leti.Labell@f421.n109.z1.fidonet.org (Leti Labell)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:109/421 - Twilight Clone Mac, Rockville MD


[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]

I think that the BEST actor for a role should be chosen.  I DON'T
think that a deaf actor should be chosen just BECAUSE she/he is
deaf but rather because he/she beat out the competition in the
auditions.

Recently I read that Grant Shaud (sp?), the actor who plays Miles
Silverberg on the Murphy Brown show is Presbyterian or Episcopalian
or some other Protestant religion.  When they were auditioning for
the show, they wanted someone who was Jewish, because Miles is a
Jewish character.  However, in the auditions Shaud excelled over
the other actors, so the casting agents chose him for the part.
That's how the system SHOULD work.

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!109!421!Leti.Labell
Internet: Leti.Labell@f421.n109.z1.fidonet.org



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                  End of Issue # 3022 of the Handicap Digest

                                ******
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