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Approved-By:  Bill McGarry <wtm@SHELDEV.SHEL.ISC-BR.COM>
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Date:         Mon, 11 Jan 1993 16:50:53 EST
Reply-To:     Bill McGarry <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
From:         Bill McGarry <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
Subject:      Handicap Digest # 3091

                             THE HANDICAP DIGEST

                                 Issue # 3091

                          Sunday, January 10, 1993

Today's Topics:


                                ******


                            Treatment Questions?
                                Getting SSDI
                             Re: Thermophore ;-)
                               Pain & weather
                                Re: headache
                                Getting SSDI
                                    Tens
                              Anti-depressants
                          A Late Christmas Present
                                Chiropractors


                                ******


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Subject: Treatment Questions?
From: Bill.Jackson@f9.n280.z1.fidonet.org (Bill Jackson)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:280/9 - South Of The River , Overland Park KS


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

In their efforts to deal with chronic or permanent illnesses/injuries,
patients at times will try almost any kind of treatment, often relying
on "hearsay" advice from those outside the established medical field.
At other times, one may simply have questions about a condition or
treatment.

Because of this, the National Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Assn. (NCFSA)
of Kansas City, Mo., advises that the following help is available for
questions about alternative, "bizarre," or questionable treatments.

The Consumer Health Information Research Institute (CHIRI), a 501(3)(c)
not-for-profit corp., is dedicated to patient and consumer health educa-
tion.  CHIRI is committed to strengthening the medical delivery system
in the U.S. by finding innovative ways to deliver health education, and
researching "quackery" and "health fraud."

Dr. John H. Renner, M.D., is president and director of CHIRI, and is a
nationally-known authority on health care fraud and quackery.  Dr. Renner
was chairman of the Dept. of Family Practice at the University of Wisconsin
and Director of the Family Practice Residency at St. Mary's Hospital in
Kansas City, Mo.  He has been published extensively in the field of
patient education and established the American Academy of Family Physicians'
series of annual Patient Education Conferences.  He is also a member of
both the American Assn. for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Inc. (AACFS)
(formerly known as the National CFS Association Advisory Council), and the
Board of Directors of the National Council Against Health Fraud.  In
addition, he is also a member of NCFSA Medical Advisory Board.

CHIRI's goals are:
        (1)  To enhance the physician/patient relationship by providing
        appropriate health information to patients.
        (2)  To reduce health care costs spent on fraudulent or inappropriate
        activities by providing to the medical, insurance, and law enforce-
        ment communities accurate and appropriate information.
        (3)  To identify and implement innovative, cost effective ways to
        deliver health information and to develop research initiatives
        which contribute to the body of health education knowledge.
        (4)  To employ the values of respect and scientific and professional
        integrity in serving all our constituencies.

To aid in carring out these goals, CHIRI has three unique libraries with
support information and referral services:

* PATIENT EDUCATION LIBRARY
One of the most extensive collections of patient education material in the
United States, containing files on 700 health topics.

* MEDICAL REPRINT LIBRARY
This collection, overseen by George X. Trimble, M.D., is registered with
the Library of Congress, and contains 2.5 million medical articles.

* HEALTH FRAUD/QUACKERY LIBRARY
This is a unique and extensive collection of books and devices used in
quackery and extensive information about types of quackery and its practi-
tioners that is national in scope.

Also available is the CHIRI HEALTH BOOKSTORE.  A wide selection of books
and health information material sold at retail locally and by mail order
nationally.  The bookstore is unique in that materials are graded according
to medical reliability and accuracy.

CONTACTS:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Questions for Dr. Renner can be relayed through Bill Jackson, Public
Relations Director of the NCFSA, via Fidonet (1:280/9), or by contacting
CHIRI directly at:

        Dr. John H. Renner, M.D.
        CHIRI
        3521 Broadway, Suite 300
        Kansas City, MO  64111
        USA
        (816) 753-8850

--
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Internet: Bill.Jackson@f9.n280.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Getting SSDI
From: Michael.Rooney@f737.n106.z1.fidonet.org (Michael Rooney)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:106/737 - AirBoat OnLine, Houston TX


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

LC> > This was just this past spring. It is in the SS regs. As I read them
LC> > someone with the same condition and in the same condition as I am and was
LC> > would have been turned down on the merits alone if they were one year
LC> > younger. The cutoff age for me was 50.

LC>That's strange.  Humm..maybe they've changed the rules in the last 4 years.
LC>was about 40 when I got my SS Disability (not SSI).

This was not for all conditions but was a consideration for AS. Strange I
agree, but someone like myself who had all the pain and restrictions of
movement, and fusing of the spine would very much have age as a
consideration.

LC> > I have to get the regs out (I am
LC> > pretty sure I still have a copy buried here somewhere) and read
LC> > everyone some of what it says.

LC>That would be nice of you, Michael.  Thanks.

LC>Happy Holidays!
LC>Linda

As soon as we get past this weekend I will dig them out and quote a few
of the more memorable sections. (I am sitting here and having second
thoughts aout whether I threw them out during the "Great Cleaning" when
I had my wife and son rearrange my office.) Anyhoo, I will let you know
one way or the other. I can tell you tho' that there was a chart with
the age timelines down the side and across the top the various degrees
of the disease. Age 50 was where the approvals started. All the rest
were denials if I remember correctly. One strange thing was the ability
to work requirement. It did not matter if there were no jobs for someone
in my condition at a particular age in this area. What mattered was that
there were jobs you could do in the U.S., and even if no one would hire
you, if the jobs were available according to their rules you were turned
down. During the two years before I applied I looked for work and was more
than qualified for most of the positions but never got past a first
interview since my problems were rather obvious. One employer did let
the interview process get all the way to the owners of the company and
they told me flat out they wanted to hire me (good job too) but they
were afraid of problems with the back occurring on the job and the
possible liability they might incur. They probably didn't realize they
were opening themselves to a discrimination lawsuit but I thanked them
for being the only honest employer I had talked to in two years. At least
I walked out knowing for sure why I didn't get the job. The point I am
so verbosely trying to make is that even though I was not employable
the fact that I fit the profile for certain jobs was enough to disqualify
me at age 49 but not at age 50.

Take care and have a great Christmas and New Year. Mike...
 ~ SLMR 2.1a ~ Jury -- 12 people who decide who has the best lawyer.

--
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Internet: Michael.Rooney@f737.n106.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: Thermophore ;-)
From: Stefan.Welch@p0.f33.n125.z1.fidonet.org (Stefan Welch)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:125/33.0 - BODY DHARMA ONLINE, Oakland CA


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

 -=> Quoting Linda Cummings to Shoshona Bieman <=-

 LC> Why can't you come up with a portable rechargeable battery pack and
 LC> keep your Thermophore plugged in wherever you go?  [giggle]

 Well ... I found a cordless heating pad device: It's like a hot
 water bottle--sort of--without the spout. It's filled with a
 solution that liquifies when heated in a pot of water. Then you
 can take it out and cool to room temp. and take it with you.
 When you need some heat, snap a little "cricket" device in one
 corner and the solution starts to crystalize (getting stiff, but
 not inflexible) and giving off heat. Nice for traveling or an
 emergency heat rescue. I have two small ones, but they come in
 various sizes. If anyone is interested, I'll see if I can hunt
 up the source or a phone number. Anyone?

 Happiness is low pain or at least the peace of mind to manage
 it.   :)

 Stefan

... Catch the Blue Wave!

--
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Internet: Stefan.Welch@p0.f33.n125.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Pain & weather
From: Stefan.Welch@p0.f33.n125.z1.fidonet.org (Stefan Welch)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:125/33.0 - BODY DHARMA ONLINE, Oakland CA


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

 -=> Quoting Keith Jones to Jim Graham <=-

 JG> In you message to Patti Bader, you spoke about weather and
 JG> its effects on pain.
 <snip>
 KJ> I have long wondered why this has not been adaquately addressed by
 KJ> the medical establishment. Pain is good business and if it were as
 <snip>
 KJ> cause and followed this unsuccessfully without any pattern. Yes,
 KJ> there's definitely some correlation between pain and weather but what
 KJ> it is, I have no idea. Anyone else?

 I've only heard that barometric pressure affects the dissolved
 gasses in the blood (and other body fluids: bursae?) that can
 come out as the pressure drops. This effect has been insinuated
 in arthritic correlation with pains because of the gasses'
 pressure in joint tissue. For me, cold weather and I don't get
 along. Put a real crimp in my olympic skiing carrer--I was
 giving Jean-Claude Killy a run for his money back then.  <grin>
 he, he!    :^)

 Bye now,

 Stefan

... Back up my hard disk? I can't find the reverse switch!

--
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Internet: Stefan.Welch@p0.f33.n125.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: headache
From: Stefan.Welch@p0.f33.n125.z1.fidonet.org (Stefan Welch)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:125/33.0 - BODY DHARMA ONLINE, Oakland CA


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

 -=> Quoting Linda Cummings to Bob Paddock <=-

 Hi Karen,

 LC> Well, most people don't really have good results with a chiropractor,
 LC> but there's always that tiny percent that do.  Good luck, and here's
 LC> hoping that you're one of them.  Myself, it didn't do any good and I

 I'm hesitant to bring this up because I don't want to introduce
 further complications, while at the same time it seems pertinent
 as a reference: A woman here was seeing a chiropractor for minor
 neck strain. The chiropractor was evidently a bit too rough and
 damaged 1 or 2 disks in her neck giving her severe ongoing pain.
 I don't want to offer a scare here, just a check-out item in the
 rapport with your chiropractor.

 Wishing you the best,

 Wee fish ewe a mare egrets moose and a hippo gnu year,  (Bointon)

 Stefan

... RAM DISK is NOT an installation procedure!

--
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Internet: Stefan.Welch@p0.f33.n125.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: Getting SSDI
From: Linda.Cummings@f34.n375.z1.fidonet.org (Linda Cummings)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:375/34 - Batteries Included, Montgomery AL


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

 > they told me flat out they wanted to hire me (good job too) but they
 > were afraid of problems with the back occurring on the job and the
 > possible liability they might incur. They probably didn't realize
 > they were opening themselves to a discrimination lawsuit but I thanked
 > them for being the only honest employer I had talked to in two years.

And, that's exactly what I would have done, too.  There are too
many prospective employers who will not tell you that they won't
hire you for that reason because of possible lawsuits.  It's a
shame, too.

Before I filed for SSDisability, I went on an interview.  It was at
Holiday Inn.  Office work.  He told me what the job entailed, and I
said, "Now before you go on, let me tell you that my doctor has
requested me to tell a prospective employer that I cannot sit for
more than about 15-20 minutes at a time, or stand for more than
about 15-20 minutes at a time."  He looked at me, and said, "Then
why are you here?"

I told this to the judge when I appeared in front of him, and he
noted the place I interviewed, although I could not remember the
guys name.  I bet he called him, though.  I should have written
that in those forms I had to fill out when I applied for
disability.

Linda

--
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Internet: Linda.Cummings@f34.n375.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: Tens
From: Ruthie.Hoffman@f660.n260.z1.fidonet.org (Ruthie Hoffman)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:260/660 - Interstellar System, Vine Valley NY


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

 > I liked it for the time that I wore it. Now I don't use it
 > anymore. Did you have professional assistance when you first
 > started with it? I did not. I used my son's and often had muscle
 > spasms. Then I talked with my physical therapist and he said
 > that I had it turned too high.

If you put the electrode(s) in the wrong place you can cause muscle
spasms.  Having someone trained in the use of a TENS unit, and
aware of your particular pain and the possible reaons for it, is
important when you start using one.  I slipped last year, when I
first started using my TENS unit, and pulled my groin muscle.  I
had some horrible pain from it and tried the TENS unit on my
thigh.....in the wrong place!!  I had muscle spasms so bad I
watched the muscles jump around in my thigh!!!  I asked the PT
about it and she explained to me, and showed me in a diagram, why
and where I had put the electrode to cause the spasms.

CUL, Ruthie

--
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Subject: Anti-depressants
From: Ruthie.Hoffman@f660.n260.z1.fidonet.org (Ruthie Hoffman)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:260/660 - Interstellar System, Vine Valley NY


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

 >  Linda, I hadn't heard of not taking anti-depresants at bedtime.
 >  That is the time of day recommended by the doc I'm working
 > with,
 >  so I'm curious to know more. Hmmm. Whose experience or
 >  tests indicate not taking them at bedtime?  :)

When I first started with the anti-depressant (imiprimine) at the
beginning of October, we had to have me take them (25mg to
start..increased to 50mg/day) in the morning because they kept me
awake...like I'd had a ton of caffine!!!  I slowly switched to
taking it (50mg) in the evening.  I usually take it around 8-9pm.
We had to very slowly change it cuz of the jitteriness.  Wierd, but
true!

Also wierd....I tried Flexeril last July.  Couldn't take it.  Made
me crazy with jitteriness...like more than a ton of caffine!!!  We
tried a few different times of day to take it and various
dosages...but my heart would pound and all that.  We stick with
long..the doc didn't like what it was doing to me.
Unfortunate...cuz Flexeril work sooo well for many people.  I also
can't take any of the NSAIDs.  Have had some incredible side
effects from them.....everything from blurred vision to difficulty
in breathing.  We finally gave up on those almost 2 yrs ago.

CUL, Ruthie

--
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Internet: Ruthie.Hoffman@f660.n260.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: A Late Christmas Present
From: Michael.Rooney@f737.n106.z1.fidonet.org (Michael Rooney)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:106/737 - AirBoat OnLine, Houston TX


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

Several weeks back I was listening to a late night local radio talk
show on a Sunday night. A gentleman named Peter McWilliams was being
interviewed and although I was busy I caught bits and pieces of the
interview. As I remeber it the basic theme was how the mind has such
a powerful influence over the body, how our emotions control us. An
offer was made for a FREE book and since the price was right<G> and
the subject always interests me I ordered the book the following
Monday. I got it in the mail Saturday (12/26) and started to read it
last night as I was working/playing with the computer. For anybody
who is a member of this conference, active or lurker this is a
very good book to have as a reference on how we and our thoughts can
sometimes be our own worst enemy. The book is not preachy. It is
funny, uplifting, insightful and a joy to read. Interested? Well
the name of the book is "You Can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative
Thought" written by John-Roger and Peter McWilliams. I can't find
the original number I called to order it but the number in the book
for information is 1-800-LIFE-101. The cost for this book, one of a
series, is $14.95 in paperback and it is about 600 pages. Obviously
the free offer was for those who listened to the show or who heard
about it from others at that time. I wish I had posted this then but
not having seen the book it was kind of hard to recommend. For anybody
here or anybody you know who struggles with the negativism caused by
pain and disability I believe this is a wonderful collections of
thoughts well worth the price. I even recieved an audio tape of an
Oprah Winfrey show he did (Roger McWilliams) a few weeks ago. When
it showed up in the mail I didn't know what it was and all it had
was a little card wishing me a Merry Christmas. I finally listened
to it last week and it is powerful. If you are interested, when you
call ask if the free offer for this book is still available, but even
if it is not, if you can, order it. It's money well spent.
Take care, Mike...
 ~ SLMR 2.1a ~ If I can survive death, I can probably survive anything.

--
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Internet: Michael.Rooney@f737.n106.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Chiropractors
From: John.Polhemus@p909.f70.n109.z1.fidonet.org (John Polhemus)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:109/70.909 - No Montgomery Co Na, Rockville MD


[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference]

My question is should I or shouldn't I?

I'm 36 now, as a teenager working on a farm, I was thrown from a
moving farm truck. I was on top of a load of hay (we had to hold
power lines up with sticks to get under them). As a result I
suffered three compession fractures, T-10, 11 & 12.

Being a teenager, I refused to go to a doctor, just stayed in bed
reading sci-fi books all summer. Now I'm paying for it, I can't
stand for long or walk very far brfore I MUST sit down awhile.
Sleep is harder to get all the time. X-Rays and a  bone scan showed
the damage, and good old arthritis.

Is the risk great in using a Chiropractor for something like this?
Can they do more harm than good? I guess I'm looking for opinions,
experiences to see if I should try one.

Thanks for any help.

Later, JP

--
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                                ******

                  End of Issue # 3091 of the Handicap Digest

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