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Date:         Sat, 10 Oct 1992 02:00:08 EDT
Reply-To:     "(Bill McGarry)" <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
From:         "(Bill McGarry)" <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
Subject:      Handicap Digest # 2964

                             THE HANDICAP DIGEST

                                 Issue # 2964

                         Saturday, October 10, 1992

Today's Topics:


                                ******


                                Miami Project
                                MIAMI PROJECT
                                    Meds
                      New Nerve Regeneration Operation
                                   Re: Van
                         Re: Minivan Wheelchair Lift
                      Re: Airline Wheelchair Practices
                      New Nerve Regeneration Operation
                                Re: Back Pain
                                New Mobility


                                ******


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Subject: Miami Project
From: Joe.Chamberlain@p1.f175.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:150/175.1 - Busted Flush BBS, New Castle DE


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

In a message to Derek Juntunen <12 Sep 92 18:53> Keith Jones wrote:

 KJ> Don't expect a cure.
 KJ> If it happens, great. If not, you won't be let down.

The L.A. TIMES reported yesterday a major advance in healing
damaged spinal cords was announced by two independent research
groups.

One group used fetal cell transplants to restore near normal
function in the rear legs of cats that had suffered paralyzing
spinal damage.  Apparently this is the first report of such success
for any mammal.

In a less successful experiment, the second group used a new
surgical technique, along with growth-promoting chemicals, to
restore partial function in two such rats.

The fetal cell results come at a particulary compelling time in
Washington, because Congress is again trying to overturn or modify
the Bush administration's ban on the use of human fetal cells in
government funded research.

Although the new techniques and growth-promoting chemicals used by
the researchers did not work in all the animals treated, one of the
groups, at Boston University School of Medicine, has already
attempted a simplified form of surgical  procedure in six human
patients.  The researchers said that it was too early to report the
human results.

While the studies need to be repeated and confirmed, "Both studies
are very promising," said Dr. Michael Walker, a neuroscientist at
the Mational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Dr. Wise Young, a neuroscientist at the New York University Medical
Center said, "I think the major message from these studies is that
regeneration of the spinal cord is possible."

--
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Internet: Joe.Chamberlain@p1.f175.n150.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: MIAMI PROJECT
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 Keith Jones to Derek Juntunen was released into the
bitstream 12 Sep 92  18:53.

 KJ> I'll bet they already have a cure and they will never let it out because
 KJ> there are too many damn people making money on us (medical supply
 KJ> stores, doctors, drug companies to name a few). Sad, outrageous but
 KJ> probably true.

Git real, Floyd. It's sick to even joke about that conspiracy crap
-- and it does a disservice to biomedical scientists everywhere. It
happens to be a damn difficult problem. A half century ago, this
wasn't appreciated, and it was thought that if spinal cord tissue
was put together precisely enough, the nerve connections would be
re-established.

Well, by about thirty years ago, we'd established that it wasn't
that simple. Instead of just repairing the tissue, millions of
individual _cells_ would have to be repaired -- and that was
considered impossible. More recently, we've discovered a lot about
the way individual cells... and the idea of repairing them doesn't
seem so impossible. But it's still a huge task and we don't have
any practical idea how to do it. Dick Bunge's work has enormous
importance in demonstrating the possibility of repairing neural
structures on the cellular level. But, no -- it's doesn't represent
a cure for human paralysis. Even if he's wildly successful in
repairing DRG axons, it will only demonstrate that an SCI cure is
_possible_.

Then it'll still take maybe 50 years to figure out _how_ to do it.

In other words, it _ain't_ easy. I personally think -- as do many
investigators who've devoted their professional lives to this
question -- that eventually a cure for human paralysis _will_ be
found. It won't be in time to affect any paraplegics living today,
but we who've gone through this and know what a bitch it is, owe it
to generations yet unborn to support this research that will
prevent them from suffering as we have.

     Cheers,
        Rich

 KJ> I can surely understand your hope and optimism as I felt the same way
 KJ> during my first few years after my injury. They were supposedly on the
 KJ> brink of some breakthrough then. I guess the best suggestion I can
 KJ> give you is to go on with your life as best you can. Don't expect a cure.
 KJ> If it happens, great. If not, you won't be let down.

 KJ>                       -Keith-

 KJ> --- EZPoint V2.1
 KJ> * Origin: Keith's EZPoint.......Reality is this moment....... (1:114/15.13)

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




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Subject: Meds
From: Linda.Cummings@f34.n375.z1.fidonet.org (Linda Cummings)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:375/34


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

Well, the Vicodin started to seem less effective, so when I called
my doctor's office to ask if he could phone me in a prescription, I
asked if he would change over to Tylenol #4 this time, and he did.
It seems to be much more effective for helping the chronic pain.
Seems like if I start tolerating a particular drug, if I can change
over to a different brand, it helps.  I know I'll start getting
used to the Tylenol #4 in a few months, and then, hopefully, we'll
switch back over to Vicodin for awhile.  As long as I can do this,
I can at least get some pain relief from these prescriptions.

Anyone else been able to do this?

Linda

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




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Subject: New Nerve Regeneration Operation
From: John.Lynch@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org (John Lynch)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:261/1000 - Nerve Center, Pikesville MD


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

Ok, just heard this yesterday, some doctor on the east coast is
going to operate on 6 ( I think) paraplegics and use a technique
that has show some nerve regeneration on cats.  Is there hope yet?
Meow, Meow.

Regards, John

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




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Subject: Re: Van
From: Keith.Jones@p13.f15.n114.z1.fidonet.org (Keith Jones)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:114/15.13 - St Joes Hospital, Phoenix AZ


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

 AH>> P.S.  The state won't pay to adapt my van for driving,
 AH>> since I'm unemployed.  They have the money, and they would
 AH>> have paid to put in a lift, tiedowns, and lower the floor
 AH>> regardless of job status, but since I already have that,
 AH>> I'm SOL.  So stupid.  I guess independence isn't important.
 AH>> *adh*

 KJ>  Alan, what exactly do you need if you have all that stuff?

 AH> The equipment I'd use to drive.

 You mean hand controls? A power seat? What? It is really a shame if you
 have a lift, tiedowns and a drop floor that you cannot get the small
 amount of money (at least in comparison to that stuff) needed to put in
 hand controls and a power seat.

-Keith-

--
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: Minivan Wheelchair Lift
From: Keith.Jones@p13.f15.n114.z1.fidonet.org (Keith Jones)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:114/15.13 - St Joes Hospital, Phoenix AZ


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

 RT> I am going to be in New York in about three weeks and I
 RT> wanted very much to
 RT> have some leads to follow by then.  Thanks very much for your time.

 RT> My question is:

 RT> My mother is confined to a wheelchair and my father is not able to get
 RT> her into the car.  I suggested that they get a mini-van with a
 RT> wheelchair lift.  Could anyone help me with the following questions?

 RT> 1) What is the best combination of lift and mini-van?
 RT>    I would like that the mini-van be equipped with both ABS and an
 RT>    airbag?  What models are the best suited for such lifts?  What if
 RT>    any are the restrictions on van size and lift capacity?
 RT> 2) Does the insurance pay for this or is it tax deductible?
 RT> 3) Can anyone recommend a dealer in the North Eastern USA (New York)?

I have a good friend in Cleveland who I was seriously considering
going into business with in the van-wheelchair adaption business. I
will tell you what he told me. As far as putting a lift into a
mini-van, you would be better off getting a full size Ford van.
Cost and labor is more expensive than it would be to put a lift in
a full size van. Ford vans are by far the easiest to work on and if
the floor is going to be dropped, they are the only ones that don't
require cutting into the van's frame. There are many, many other
reasons my friend told me for going with Fords though I can't
recall all of them. I do know that he said working on anything
besides a Ford can be a real pain  and end up being very
expensive.

However, I have been in a friend's mini-van that has a hydraulic
fold out ramp. I also rented a mini-van with a similiar setup. Your
father would have to be able to push your mother's wheelchair up a
slight incline to get her into the van. Once in, she would either
have to ride in her chair which would require him to make sure she
is properly tied down. This can be a real task since there is not
alot of room in a mini-van. Or she would have to be able to move
from her wheelchair to the passenger's seat which it doesn't sound
like she can do.

As far as insurance, it depends on what kind of insurance. I have
Ohio Worker's Compensation and my equipment is completely paid for.
Most people are not as fortunate.

I would highly recommend the shop where I had two vans converted in
Cleveland. They do alot of out of state work. They have an
excellent reputation and I'll vouch for them. I now live in Phoenix
where I have not been able to locate anybody who has a decent
knowledge on what is needed to convert a van for a wheelchair user.
The name of the place is D&S Custom Vans and M. C. Mobility. They
do van customizations and also wheelchair van modifications. Their
phone number is 216-946-2178 or 216-951-4335. Ask for Mark DiRosa.
He in charge of the work on the vans for wheelchair users. Let me
know if I can be of anymore assistance.

-Keith-

--
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: Airline Wheelchair Practices
From: John.Lynch@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org (John Lynch)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:261/1000 - Nerve Center, Pikesville MD


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

 KJ>  You are the second person I have heard about that lost a wheelchair
 KJ>  during a flight to Hawaii. I will remember this if
 KJ> I ever go to Hawaii.

I have been luck with my wheelchair when I fly, but I usually let
them know I want it in the hole and if I transfer, for use during
hte transfer.  Can't get lost that way.

My one wheelchair problem while flying came when I was the pilot.
I was getting checked out on a new set of handcontrols at BWI
airport, Baltimore's commercial airport.  We left the chair by the
plane tie down inside 4 steal post around a fire hydrant.  When we
landed, the chair was gone.  Well the instructor pilot started
looking, and finally contacted the Md. Stae police, who ar the
police agency at the airport.  They found my chair hidden inside a
container used to load freight inside freighters.  Guess some one
needed it for their ailing mother and thought it had been declaired
excess  :-)  !

Well all things end well, I got checked out and after 1 hour wait,
my wheelchair.  Do you know how hot a Piper Cheerkee gets in the
sun in one hour, even with the door open?

Regards, John

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




------



Subject: New Nerve Regeneration Operation
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]

In a missive of <Sep 18 14:39> John Lynch (1:261/1000)
writes to All:

 JL> Ok, just heard this yesterday, some doctor on the east coast is
 JL> going to operate on 6 ( I think) paraplegics and use a technique
 JL> that has show some nerve regeneration on cats.  Is there hope
 JL> yet?  Meow, Meow. Regards, John

How about just operating to make quads into paras?  I could use the
freedom.  *adh*

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




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Subject: Re: Back Pain
From: Bill.Goldsby@p0.f63.n161.z1.fidonet.org (Bill Goldsby)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:161/63.0 - The Greatful Med, Concord CA


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

 > Right now, my back is killing me. It has not hurt this bad since
 > last winter. I did nothing out of the ordinary. I worked out every
 > other day and swam every day. The pain was so bad this past week,
 > I spent Wednesday and Saturday home in bed (or as inactive as I
 > can be which is not very) and depressed. I have not worked out for
 > five days now and continue to swim and to hurt. I will workout
 > tomorrow and we'll see what happens. Signed baffled with too much
 > energy.

 Keith, I know exactly how you feel, I suffered and injury two years ago this
 November that left me with four herniated lumbar/sacral disc along with
 permanent sciatic nerve damage to both legs. As you can imagine I suffer a
 lot of back pain especially during the winter months<Thank God I live in
 California<G>>, the thing that works for me most during that time besides
 taking some strong narcotic to relieve the pain is using a TENS device. It
 is a recommendation from someone that finds comfort in the use that says
 check it out, it just might work for you. It will aleast keep you so you
 can work off some of that energy....<G>...

... Tagline fever is the primary symptom of the Blue Wave epidemic!!

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!161!63.0!Bill.Goldsby
Internet: Bill.Goldsby@p0.f63.n161.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: New Mobility
From: Joe.Chamberlain@p1.f175.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:150/175.1 - Busted Flush BBS, New Castle DE


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

In a message to Joe Chamberlain <15 Sep 92 09:44> The Ranger wrote:

 TR>        Very true, the alternative is the pit's.  Just hit me as
 TR> rather deppresing to be 30 and asked about SCI ageing.  And

     PARAPLEGIA NEWS had a great article on positive
thinking.  Just keep looking ahead and making it through a
few days at a time.

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!150!175.1!Joe.Chamberlain
Internet: Joe.Chamberlain@p1.f175.n150.z1.fidonet.org




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                                ******

                  End of Issue # 2964 of the Handicap Digest

                                ******
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