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Approved-By:  Bill McGarry <wtm@SHELDEV.SHEL.ISC-BR.COM>
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Date:         Tue, 12 Jan 1993 15:11:33 EST
Reply-To:     Bill McGarry <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
From:         Bill McGarry <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
Subject:      Handicap Digest # 3100

                             THE HANDICAP DIGEST

                                 Issue # 3100

                          Tuesday, January 12, 1993

Today's Topics:


                                ******


                                Chair repair!
                                   enzymes
                               Howdy Ms. Cozzi
                             Medical Marijuana?
                             Do you need 'help'?
                                  Question.
                                  Language
                           Sabolich 1-800-522-4428
                         Re: Sabolich 1-800-522-4428
                                   Lament


                                ******


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Subject: Chair repair!
From: John.Rougeau@p4.f184.n132.z1.fidonet.org (John Rougeau)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:132/184.4 - The Bulldog BBS !, Hudson NH


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

In a message of <Dec 23 14:21>, Greg Wick (1:343/45) writes vaguely:

 >Well, I'm getting really ticked off at these wheelChair repair places! I'm
 >having a little trubble with the power on my chair. It seems to have a
 >week spot. When turning to the left it has lots of power, but when turning
 >to the right it has no real power. It can't turn the front wheels. Once
 >they are tund right, the chair runs fine...

 >Anyway, they tell me it's got to be the hand control. I tell them "I don't
 >think so, it clicks and engadges, just not enough power" "No it's the hand
 >controls" they say. I have the big 21st century moters, so they have no
 >spare.

I have two 21st Century Chairs.... (Wanna buy one, Please?)  :-)
One uses a standard E&J control (a converted E&J 4W).... The other
a "21st Century".  Seems they use other WC companies parts...(ie:
E&J frames, Rolls wheels, etc.) it's a long story behind that....

I was charged over $200.00 for a "special" on/off switch (plus
installation).  The second time it broke I picked one up at the
auto parts store for a couple bucks!

I had the left front castor snap right off the frame after 2 years
of running the "Bounder" model.  I had the Dealer weld it Charging
me $120.00 and it broke again within a week. I got it welded free
the second time (and a refund on the first job....my Brother-in-Law
is a welder)!  The WC company didn't stand behind their chairs very
well. I went back to E&J!

-John

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Internet: John.Rougeau@p4.f184.n132.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: enzymes
From: Alan.Hess@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org (Alan Hess)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:261/1000 - Nerve Center, Pikesville MD


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

A few years back, I remember there was ressearch being done into
using enzymes to dissolve scar tissue at the site of spinal cord
injuries.  Whatever happened with that?  It was never supposed to
be a cure, but was supposed to make future regeneration easier by
removing the barrier of the scar tissue.  *adh*

--
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Internet: Alan.Hess@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Howdy Ms. Cozzi
From: Rich.Veraa@f907.n135.z1.fidonet.org (Rich Veraa)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:135/907 - <Birdsoft Online, N Miami FL


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

A message from Greg Tomerlin to Allison Cozzi was released into the bitstream 26
 Dec 92  11:08.

 GT>     There must be something wierd about that time of year... My best
 GT>     friend almost killed himself in a car wreck on August 11, 1989,
 GT>     at the very same time of night that I had my accident in '87.

I broke my neck on Aug. 13, 1965...

     Cheers,
        Rich

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Internet: Rich.Veraa@f907.n135.z1.fidonet.org




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


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

Sunday Montgomery Advertiser
December 27, 1993

MOBILE MAN'S MEDICAL DEFENSE IN DRUG POSSESSION CASE FAILS

MOBILE - A Mobile man who claimed he used marijuana to relieve the
pain of paralysis failed to convince an Alabama appeals court that
it was a medical necessity.

The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals ruled that a Mobile judge
correctly excluded Scott Ralph Kauffman's defense of medical
necessity in a marijuana possession case.

Kauffman, now imprisoned in Louisiana and confined to a wheelchair,
was convicted of marijuana possession and sentenced to 10 years in
prison.

Kauffman said he used marijuana daily to control spasms and pain
from a 1980 automobile accident that left him a paraplegic.

In its ruling, the appeals court said when the Alabama Legislature
passed the Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act in 1979,
it authorized "certain specially certified physicians to dispense
cannabis under certain circumstances to cancer patients receiving
chemotherapy treatments and to glaucoma patients and to those
patients only."

Domingo Soto, Kauffman's attorney, has asked for a rehearing before
the Alabama appeals court.

========

My personal note:  He was arrested only after an article appeared in the paper
 about him using marajuana for medicinal purposes.

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!375!34!Linda.Cummings
Internet: Linda.Cummings@f34.n375.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Do you need 'help'?
From: Cal.Howarth@f14.n279.z1.fidonet.org (Cal Howarth)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:279/14 - Project Enable, Dunbar WV


[This is from the AbleNews Conference]

                    Do You Have an Advocacy Problem?

Please take a few moments to complete the following quiz to determine
whether you may indeed have an Advocacy Problem.  Remember, the first
step to recovery is acceptance of the idea that you may have an Advocacy
Problem.  Treatment programs are available if you find you need help and
are ready to ask for it.

 1.  Do you ever do advocacy before noon?

 2.  Can you stop your advocacy without a struggle after one or two
     contacts?

 3.  Have you noticed an increased tolerance to advocacy?

 4.  Has anyone ever told you that you have mouth trouble?

 5.  Have you found yourself doing advocacy in unplanned ways?

 6.  Have you ever done advocacy at a social event and felt
     embarrassment over your behavior afterwards?

 7.  Do you work at protecting your supply of information and resources?

 8.  Do you sometimes do advocacy alone?

 9.  Do you usually do advocacy to get high?

10.  Have you ever lost friends because of your advocacy?

11.  Have you ever done advocacy first thing in the morning to steady
     your nerves, clear your head or relieve your worries?

12.  Have you ever had severe shaking, heard voices, or seen things that
     weren't really there after doing heavy advocacy?

If you answered "yes" to fewer than three of these questions, there is
no doubt you have a serious Advocacy Problem -- NOT ENOUGH!!

              Adapted from the Rhode Island Developmental
                    Disabilities Council newsletter.

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!279!14!Cal.Howarth
Internet: Cal.Howarth@f14.n279.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Question.
From: Linda.Iverson@p3802.f7014.n124.z1.fidonet.org (Linda Iverson)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:124/7014.3802 - The Soft-Ware Haven, Rowlett TX


[This is from the AbleNews Conference]

I would like first to say how much I enjoy this echo and how
informative I have found it to be.  I hope all of you had a special
Christmas and may 1993 bring only the best to each of you.

I am totally blind and access my computer with a speech synthesizer.
 Four years ago, my husband ended our marriage because he'd become
involved with someone else.  I have a 12-year-old son and myself to
support.  Our only source of income is child support and SSDI, and
that isn't enough.  Due to the cost involved in working away from
home and child care, etc., I am very interested in home
employment--something in the field of telecomputing,
word-processing.  I have a braille embosser, so I can provide
a braille transcription service.  My typing skills are good.  I've
been typing since the age of 8 and my speed is about 90wpm.  I have
done legal and medical transcription as well as general dictaphone
transcription.  I have had experience in editing and rewriting
manuals and documents both for the government and private sector.

Please feel free to share this message with those who might have a
job lead.  I am currently taking the course from the National
Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped to become
certified as a braille proofreader and transcriber, but need to
purchase some study books.  Does anyone know of any source of grant
money?

Again, thanks to each of you who read this.  Contact me here or in
net mail.

Linda Iverson

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!124!7014.3802!Linda.Iverson
Internet: Linda.Iverson@p3802.f7014.n124.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Language
From: Earl.Appleby@f4.n262.z1.fidonet.org (Earl Appleby)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:262/4 - <CURE Mail Node, Berkeley Springs WV


[This is from the AbleNews Conference]

Mike,

I've found the general discussion on language informative. While I'm
hardly one to be on the fence on most any matter, I've found that all
the contributors, particularly, Tim Maxwell and you have raised points
worth pondering.

> But there's an essential mistake being made here in my opinion.
> What has the disability got to do with the occupation in the first place?
> Why couple the two together?

Unless it bears some particular relevance to the matter at hand, I think
you are quite right. Where it does not, "a disabled physician" is, at
best, a akin to "a lady lawyer," at worst, to "an Irish drunk."

Since the American Medical News article was discussing disability
issues, the fact that Dr. Madorsky is a physician who has disabilities
is not entirely irrelevant.  Since it is germane, however, would it not
be more informative to give us some idea of the nature of her
disability?  If I were reading someone's observations on the Maastricht
treaty, for example, I would find the fact he was European pertinent but
to tell me he is French or German would be more helpful yet.

EA> ...a bigot remains a bigot whatever he calls us...

> True.  Bigots generally are like leopards.  They don't tend to
> change their spots, and they need to be left in the jungle as far
> from civilization as possible.

Indeed, a civilization dominated by bigots IS a jungle, however,
sophisticated its tools. Ironically, while jungles are declining in
economically underdeveloped nations, the jungle of social Darwinism is
increasing in economically advanced (but morally underdeveloped)
nations.

> Unfortunately, we've all got a little bit of the bigot in us.

An important point, Mike. That's why an examination of conscience is
good for the soul.

I do not wish to discriminate against human beings but I do wish to
discriminate against anti-human philosophies such as ablism (and its
exterminative arm--euthanasia). I do not wish to be a bigot, but far
less do I wish to be neutral in the struggle to prevent civilization
from returning to the jungle.

As you note so wisely, Mike:

> We're only a hair's breath from total chaos in the world we live in
>  Earl. Society and civilization break down far more quickly than
> we like to acknowledge when the circumstances are just right.
> That's why it's important to keep a watchful eye on issues such as this.
> There are always going to be those who believe any human being
> who is not perfect has nothing to offer, though those same folks would
> never recognize their own imperfections.

An old labor song asks, "Which side are you on?"  If language
is perceived as a code word for values, and in such matters
perception is often reality, I can only hope my language enhances
the humanity of civiled men and women. For language is no more
neutral than ideas.

In any language, here's wishing you the best,
Earl

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Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!262!4!Earl.Appleby
Internet: Earl.Appleby@f4.n262.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Sabolich 1-800-522-4428
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 Amputee Conference]

This is theeir 800# in Oklahoma City. They offer an interesting free
video. For $9.95 they offer a book where dozens of amputees tell their
story. They do good work and my impression from price shopping is that
they are expensive. A great place to go if you have insurance! The book
is "You're Not Alone". It has an article by John Sabolich, CPO; and the
personal stories of 38 amputees.
Two other places with very good reputations are Northwestern University
Medical School in Chicago and Jan Stokosa CP, in Lansing, Michigan.A guy
from Joliett, Il who is a leg amputee wrote a book about his & his son's
experiences and how after lousy fittings, they both found help from
Stokosa.
This week, a doctor here told me about a patient of his who was having
lots of pain after several femur graphs that didn't heal over three
years. He felt as a family practioner, who knew the patient well & who
could see how this was effecting the rest of the patient's heath. He was
angry because the orthopod wouldn't consider amputation. When I asked if
the patient had good insurance coverage, the doctor said "I think that
is part of the problem."
Stump & phantom pain now are less 10 weeks after surgery. I think stump
swelling was a major cause of pain. I no longer need Loratab on a
regular basis. It has proably been 7-10 days since I've taken 1. Usying
8 hour Asprin or Advil.Started consulting about 3 hours a week at
Hendrick Medical Center, doing Comprehensive Diagnostic Consults
concerning alcohol & drug abuse patients. I've lost more function in
left arm from repetive motion stress over past 25 years, arthritus of
neck, spine, arm, and the need for a prosthesis for balance. It isn't
fun being an amputee for the rest of my life. There is intermittent
sadness-depression. I'm glad  Dr. Ezacki amputated my arm and I'm going
on with my life.
What is happening with you ?

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




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Subject: Re: Sabolich 1-800-522-4428
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 Amputee Conference]

Hi Wayne.

Thanks for the info on Sabolich.  I called them and spoke to a very
nice person named "Marge".  She told me that she'd send me the video
tape.  When I asked her about the book, she paused and then said,
"well, if you're nice to me, I do have the authority to send it to

you free...".

I laughed and then told her how thoughtful she was.  The book and
video are on their way to me :-).

As for me, well, things are getting worse.  Contrary to what some
doctors believe, my RSD is spreading.  It's now just several inches
below the knee, and I've put another physician, who seems pretty
knowledgeable, on my case.  The Worker's comp case worker is out of
the picture as far as I'm concerned, and it feels good to be calling
the shots again.

I sent this doctor a letter about 3 weeks ago, explaining the situation,
and that unless he had a fast and conservative solution to stop the
spread, I will purue BK amputation.

When I saw him this week, he told me he got the letter, but didn't
discuss amputation.  He kept saying "I'm serious, we're gonno get
you well."

That's his way of getting his patients to think positive I'm sure,
but I just found out today that he apparently doesn't think that RSD
can spread, so I'mm going to have a long talk with him during my
appointment next week.

This is a serious, serious situation, and time is becoming more and
more precious for me.  In the last couple of weeks, my leg has been
swelling once again to huge proportions, and occasionally, I get new
shooting pains in the knee.  This is not good.

If only I had the guts to use a chainsaw :-)

If you have any info about RSD spreading, PLEASE feel free to call
me collect at (812)334-7754, anytime.

Regards,
Jim

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Internet: Jim.Graham@p0.f5109.n124.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Lament
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]

 >  Hello all.  Yes, you, and you, and you.  And you there, over in
 >  the back.

Darn!  You spotted me!  ;-)

 > I think about
 > suicide more often, not seriously, but I think about it.  The
 > ultimate out.

You, and almost everybody on this echo, Stefan.  Unfortunately,
it's a fantasy misunderstood by a lot of people.  When we have bad
days (weeks, months, etc.) we tend to fantasize about suicide.
But, remember, it's only a fantasy.  It's the one thing we can
indulge in without our peers calling us crazy.  It's our way out.
It's our way of coping with what has been dealt to us.  It's the
one thing we do have control over.  It's the attitude of "okay, I
can kill myself...if I want to...and nobody can do anything about
it."  But, sooner or later, we come back down from our cloud of
fantasies, and get back into the real world again.  We think about
the things we have, the people we know and love, and what we
ourselves would miss if we did anything to ourselves.  (Of course,
there's always the realization that we could botch up the job and
be worse off than we are now and NOT be able to do anything about
it.) ;-)

 > I'm also feeling a deep and
 > abiding sense of loneliness for female companionship.  In the
 > past, I've been blessed with 6 and 8 year relationships.  I live alone
 > now (with help from friends and family) and feel a hole in my heart
 > of lacking--oh woe--company and intimacy.
<snip>
 > I'm not sure how I'd get there.  With the limits that
 > challenge me, I don't imagine how I'd manage if I did.
<snip>
 > From this vantage, I don't imagine being attractive or interesting,
 > or if someone were to get interested, I imagine she would have
 > underestimated what she was in for and then leave.  I have a
 > distorted, dire picture of what I have to offer.

As I said in my two-part messages (which, I can't remember if I put
them in here again or not), "humans are not meant to be alone,
IMHO."  I know I'm one of those people who could never live by
myself.  I need companionship too much.  I, like you, need someone
to care about me, to let me know that I'm important in this world,
and with whom I can share my happiness, my sorrow, my excitement,
and my grief.

Having these things here, with all of your friends, is letting you
be with other people who understand how you feel.  But, it does not
or should not replace a close physical relationship.  I can
understand your fears of getting close to someone and then being
rejected.  God forbid, if anything happened to Eddie, I know I
would not be happy until I found someone to share my life with
again.  Of course, I would also be very apprehensive about finding
the right person because I'm not sure there's anyone who would
really understand my chronic pain situation and my limitations.
But, you know what?  There would be.  And, there will be for you,
Stefan.  But, you'll have to make the effort to find this someone
special.

 > This is heartache though.  I just want to feel loved.  I'd even like
 > to feel loved from myself.  I don't find or recognize what myself is
 > anymore.  Chronic pain mists up the visibility.  Hmm.  Defogger?
 > windshield wipers?

Yes, a defogger or sorts, Stefan.  Because of the chronic pain, you
feel that you are not the same Stefan as you used to be.  But, you
know what? You are.  You're just a bit more mature, a bit more
stable, a bit more realistic, and a bit more understanding of
others.  Heck, you're better than you used to be!  Didn't you know
that?  Can you honestly say that you would have had as much
compassion for your fellow man before the chronic pain experience?
You are a good person, Stefan.  But, you have to allow yourself to
love yourself before anyone else can be allowed to love you.

 > Some of you
 > are partnered and may feel that you drag down the relationship.

Yes, I felt this way once.  Had the suicide note written...told
Eddie he would be much better off without me...then realized if I
killed myself, I'd miss the last episode of Dallas!  Started
laughing uncontrollably, and deleted the message.  Eddie cares a
lot about me, and I know this now.  Shoot, if he didn't, he sure
wouldn't be with me.  I'm hell to live with when I'm depressed and
when the chronic pain shoots up so high that I'd take street drugs
to put myself in a coma so I wouldn't have to feel the pain.
Actually, I've come to realize that while I'm not glad I have
chronic pain, the chronic pain and how I manage it has brought us
closer together.

 > Perhaps your thoughts and
 > experience can help me to unkink the distorsions and see myself
 > as more valuable and interesting than I do.

Please let me know if I've helped in any way, Stefan (or anyone
else out there who maybe feels the same way I do).

Linda

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!375!34!Linda.Cummings
Internet: Linda.Cummings@f34.n375.z1.fidonet.org




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                                ******

                  End of Issue # 3100 of the Handicap Digest

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