X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.3 PL11]
Approved-By:  Bill McGarry <wtm@SHELDEV.SHEL.ISC-BR.COM>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.l-hcap
Date:         Mon, 11 Jan 1993 02:00:51 EST
Reply-To:     Bill McGarry <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
From:         Bill McGarry <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
Subject:      Handicap Digest # 3086

                             THE HANDICAP DIGEST

                                 Issue # 3086

                          Sunday, January 10, 1993

Today's Topics:


                                ******


                     Re: Classes involving the disabled
                             Shingles/Adhesions
                                  Adhesions
                               Thermophore ;-)
                         Stopping RSD by amputation
                                    Pain
                       Re: Stopping RSD by amputation


                                ******


To subscribe to the Handicap Digest mailing list or have your
thoughts in the next issue, please send electronic mail to
Bill McGarry at any of the following addresses:


UUCP:       uunet!bunker!wtm
INTERNET:   wtm@bunker.shel.isc-br.com
BITNET:     l-hcap@ndsuvm1.bitnet
Fidonet:    The Handicap News BBS (141/420)   1-203-337-1607
            (300/1200/2400 baud, 24 hours)
Compuserve: 73170,1064

                              Bill McGarry (Moderator)
                              (203) 337-1518



------



Subject: Re: Classes involving the disabled
From: lburns@CLOVIS.FELTON.CA.US (Len Burns)

[From the BLINDNWS mailing list]

        Patt Bromberger <patt@squid.tram.com> writes:

> It's late, and I can't tell from the very very long list of mail headers
> if the response to Shub was yours.  If not, I apologize.
>
> I think Shub raises an important issue that is often overlooked because
> we are all being too "kind" and sensitive and "liberal" about handicaps.
> We sometimes may overcompensate in trying to be "fair" and as a result
> become "unfair" (to all).

I strongly agree.  As a student and subsequently an instructor at
the community college level I have seen numerous instances of
faculty over indulging students with disabilities suposedly to give
them an equal opportunity.  In reality what it did give them was a
distorted view of themselves.  They often came to believe that they
had abilities that they lacked and failed to improve upon areas
such as writing or mathematics because they believed based upon
grading that they were skilled in these areas.  These
"accommodations" are the reason I spent the first three years of my
college education learning to write.  I was stubborn and
fortunate--I stuck it out and became a competent writer.  I have
seen many others that having never learned to meet the expectations
of

Fairness is must be a given, but so must be honesty.  Students with
disabilities have the right to accurate feedback about themselves.
That is basic respect.



=========================================================
lburns@clovis.felton.ca.us (len burns)
uunet!scruz.ucsc.edu!clovis.felton.ca.us!lburns
Clovis in Felton, CA
=========================================================




------



Subject: Shingles/Adhesions
From: Steve.Ambrosini@f666.n142.z1.fidonet.org (Steve Ambrosini)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:142/666 - The Emerogronican I, Wethersfield CT


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

My father recently has been diagnosed with Shingles. He is about 70
years in age and otherwize is in good health.  I had been diagnosed
about 2 years ago.  I apparantly caught mine early enough (in a
preliminary rash stage) and medication minimized my pains and now
have no signs of it. His was a full blown rash with erupting
blisters either naturally or by his itching, before he sought
medical attention.

After two weeks on the medication (zovirax 800mg), he still has
blisters (that seem to be easing) and intense pain sessions.  He
finds that a cold pack seems to prevent the pain if he can apply it
soon enough.

How long does it take to recover from Shingles?
Might this be a premanent condition?
Is there any other medication that might help?
Any other suggestions?

SA

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!142!666!Steve.Ambrosini
Internet: Steve.Ambrosini@f666.n142.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: Adhesions
From: Steve.Ambrosini@f666.n142.z1.fidonet.org (Steve Ambrosini)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:142/666 - The Emerogronican I, Wethersfield CT


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

About a year ago my mother went in for a renal artery bypass.  They
took an artery from the spleen and directed it to the kidney.
apparantly that was a success and the original condition (high
blood pressure) is now under control.

Shortly after surgery, she had intense pain that was described as a
nerve which had been damaged and was told that it would slowly
regenerate itself.  Pain described as similar to shingles but since
no rash, shingles was ruled out.

The severe pain subsided, after a couple of months, and an
underlying pain was felt. She describes this secondary pain as "a
tourniquet" around her middle and also seems to be present on the
left side of her back (not spinal).  The pain seems to be less in
the morning and increases as the day wears on.

One pain clinic described it as "nerve caught up in scar tissue".
No one had a solution.  A second pain clinic suggested it was
adhesions. Still no solitions.

Personal physician does not want to discuss it, doctors at the
hospital white-wash it, and mother is totally confused as to where
to go from here.  She is not a "whiner" and this pain interferes
with her skiing, gardening, vacationing, and house work.

If this proves to be adhesions, is there an operation to correct this?
Will it go away, or is this permanent?

Thoughts appreciated.
Steve

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!142!666!Steve.Ambrosini
Internet: Steve.Ambrosini@f666.n142.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: Thermophore ;-)
From: Shoshona.Bieman@f102.n103.z1.fidonet.org (Shoshona Bieman)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:103/102 - The Master's BBS, Garden Grove CA


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

The prices for Thermophores varies: the really large one (14"x27") is
 around $70. The middle size (can't recall the dimensions) is around
 $50. The neck model is around $40. I am not certain what the price is
 for a muff. Sure, they are expensive... but I have insisted that they
 are worth their weight in gold. The first time I used one soothed my
 pain so much, I actually cried for joy - it was the first pain relief
 I experienced without having to take any meds. Of course, you can't
 stay hooked up to a heating pad all the time - but it is such a
 wonderful thing to look forward to. Invest in one - you won't regret
 spending the money...

     Shoshona ;-)

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!103!102!Shoshona.Bieman
Internet: Shoshona.Bieman@f102.n103.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: Stopping RSD by amputation
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]

I don't have a good feel for this, so I thought I'd ask here.

I wonder if it is possible to stop the SPREAD of RSD by amputating
the affected limb?

While, as some of you know, I have considered amputation of my right
leg below the knee to try to rid myself of the excruciating pain that
I suffer, my biggest concern right now is making sure, if at all possible
that the RSD does not get as far as my knee.

Its presently about 6 inches below knee, in terms of pain and tissue
variations, but has been and continues to slowly "creep" upward.

I am aware of several cases where it begins in the foot, and ends
up spreading to the entire body.  This is not acceptable!

Simply put...

Do I have a good chance of getting rid of the RSD if I have my leg
amputated ABOVE the area of pain and tissue damage?

Thanks for any info...

Jim Graham

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




------



Subject: Pain
From: Joe.Rhinehart@f320.n226.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Rhinehart)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:226/320 - Black Bag II BBS, Columbus OH


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

LC> > I wish when doctors took there training they could be put on a
LC> > machine of some kind that would immitate our pain so that they
LC> > would know how we feel.  Maybe then most doctors would understand us.

Do I ever hear that! I've often wished for a machine that would connect my
sensory nerves to theirs. Have them sit down & be comfy, connect us up, then
I'd walk down a loooong hall, and make one trip up & down three flights of
stairs. By the time I got back to the raving maniac in the chair, he'd
doubt me no more....

LC>I had someone once ask me what the pain felt like.  I told them, to get some
LC>spring-type clothespins.  Then, put them on the underneath of their arm (wher
LC>the tender part is).  Walk around, go about their business, etc.  When they
LC>couldn't stand the pain anymore, and *had* to take off the clothespins...to
LC>just remember, we can't take off any clothespins.

I tell them to have someone take a hammer & give them one shot on every
major joint. Then don't take any pain meds for at least 4 hours. Then they
will understand what Arthur can be like. No takers so far....  ;-)

LC>In my case, I have chronic pain (excrutiating) starting in my lower back and
LC>tailbone.  It extends down the sciatic nerves in both legs, all the way down
LC>into my feet.  This is constant.  It never goes away.

That's one major disadvantage we have. Even if someone DID take me up on my
rather drastic example, at least they would eventually recover. We can't -
at least not 100%, and in some cases much less.

Joe

 * OLX 2.2 * 'Tis an ill wind that blows no minds...

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!226!320!Joe.Rhinehart
Internet: Joe.Rhinehart@f320.n226.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: Re: Stopping RSD by amputation
From: Wayne.Briggs@p0.f5109.n124.z1.fidonet.org (Wayne Briggs)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:124/5109.0 - National Amputee Co, Dallas TX


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

Hi Jim: You know part of my story. I'm NOT SURE in my own mind if the
pain I've been having was primarily RSD OR if it was ACUTE PAIN caused
by my arm being swollen from poor circulation, OR the weight of my arm
that had part of the humerus missing, pulling on nerves & tissue.
After my arm was amputated, I felt good for three days and then started
having pain problems including stump swelling, phantom pain that seemed
to be both NOZW kind of pain; but also seemed to be memories & sensation
of past pain, such as when my arm was in different uncomfortable braces
& splints. The pain was bad enouigh that for about 6 weeks, I found the
hard way that I had to lie down about 1 PM & spend most of the afternoon
& eveing laying dowm. Being up past 20 minnutes resulted in signioficant
increased pain.AFTER about 3 weeks of almost europhia, my depresion &
PTSD returned with a vengence.Even though I thought I was a well
prepared as possible for the  amputation, three weeks afterwards I got
where looking at my own stump increased depreession & anger. A related
factor was financial &  being aware that I wouldn't be able to start
working as fast as I had thought. Amputation was 10-20-92. Depression
ugbW;{{aftyer this, I read that initial adjustment often tzakes 6-8
weeks. Also, anti-depressant was changed to Zoloft & Buspar
anti-anxiety medication increased by doctor.I've taken rx pain
medications for a total of about 6 doses since 12-4-92. Pain is better
since before amputation, but pain mayt have been caused by acute
problems OTHER THAN RSD. If that is true, the BIG PERMANENT
NON-REVERSABLE SYMPATHECTOMY (amputation) you are considering might not
releave your RSD ; but your pain level might increase as nerves don't
like be cut or injured.
Good luck, with whatever you decide. I take  it that thingsa are not
going very well pain wise. This weekend, I will be staying at the
Hoiliday Inn in either Matteson or Harvey, Il in S. Chicago suburbs. By
thge way, cold results in an increase in stump[ pain & a return in
phantrom pain.

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




------






                                ******

                  End of Issue # 3086 of the Handicap Digest

                                ******
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU