Dew,
I can't believe this is happening all over again. It's totally inexcusable. I know how our pain gets with increased stress. This is so totally avoidable, if people just do their jobs. I think of you dailey, and know how difficult this must be. Being home in itself will give you some calm and peace. I'm so sorry about Ron's ankle. Hope it's not broken, even a sprain can be a slow healer.
I'm glad we never made it getting together, as this house is a house of germs. I can bearly talk. Darold got it first, then Laura, then me. Our throats feel like their are razor blades in them. Darold and Laura went to Dr. and had culture-no strep no antibiotics. So I didn't go. I had 102 fevor for a couple days. Miserable. I'm in a flare and back up to full dose on all my meds. But I'm sleeping.
Dew, I'm so concerned about you. Are you into anti--oxidants foods, and supplements? I am and trying to build myself up. My tests came back with low immune system. I watch the show The Doctors and Oprah. Dr. Oz. lists the foods that are high in anti-oxidants to build ourselves up.So I do everything I can naturally to help. I'll make a list, if you would like to see it.
That receptionist doesn't sound like she is willing to take responsibility for getting your meds right. That must be so frustrating. I'm so very sorry.
Boy, you have had to wait for soooooo long on the lab results. That has added to your anxiety i'm sure. I hope and pray they are good. Please know I'm thinking of you all!
Soft hugs, loretta

This news has to have a positive effect on your flare! I just know it!! I am so happy for you!!

Much love, Sandy

Dew and Wanda,
What wonderful news.! I'm just thrilled with the good lab report! What a gift to both your families. Now you both can really begin to heal. We are all just so happy for you. Dew, I'm fading fast here. Darold took off at 3 a.m. this morning. It's such a long drive. But he prefers it over flying. Please take care of yourself and each other. Know I'm thinking of you all. with love, loretta soft hugs

Hi Dew !!
What an emotional roller coaster it has been for you and your family!!
The good news is a chance for all to begin healing once again!!!!!

Dew, I am so sorry for your terrible time with the meds...there has to be some kind of solution to prevent this mishap again!

I know that some patients have to sign a medication contract!!! Maybe if doctors had to sign a contract to insure their patients are supplied when necessary with meds, they would be more conscientious, responsible and punctual in making the meds available!!!!!!!

sending you strength for you to begin healing again from your flare!!
So happy for Wanda!!

Hope4thebest xox

Good News, my meds and dl arrived today by overnight mail from my hubby! I am so happy and relieved to be able to get back on my reg. med schedule.

I know some of the prev. med is still in my system;however, I am aware of how my body is becoming awake. It is scarey and at the same time, I like the idea of not having a med that is mandatory for me to feel low pain and somewhat normal. I am reminded that I am not able to be med free...makes me sad.

Dew

Dew,

I am so glad to hear your sis will be all right! Yay!!! That is awewome news!

And your meds arrived! Thank God they did.

My neighbor ( a nurse practictioner) provided me with an article about ketamine and its effect on our body's drug tolerance - it actually reverses the way we have come to need more and more of a substance to remain painfree. The article was titled "Recent Advances in Pharmacotherapy for Cancer Pain Management," and was in Cancer Practice magazine. My neighbor used to work for an oncologist before going back to graduate school for her masters.

When I read the article I was amazed at the availability of ketamine for cancer patients, even on the homecare level. It appears that they can get it anywhere, anytime. The article discusses that is a powerful pain reducer for them, and it greatly reduces their need for opiods and morpine. Compare that to how RSD patients can only get ketamine in just 20 or so locations in the US. Most of us now have such high needs for meds (such as yours - level II narcotics, and myself - I've advanced to a 50 mcg patch of Fentanyl along with at LEAST 4 percs a day) just to stay comfortable, and we are so young, and continue to develop tolerance to them. At the rate I am going, in a year I figure I'll probably have about 4 or 5 50 mcg Fentanyl patches stuck all over my stomach and back to get the same pain relief. And like you, I've had to go a weekend, when I was in really terrible pain, without adequate meds because of an admin asst.'s asinine attitude and incompetance at my doctor's office.

I'm would never say that cancer and RSD are comparable - ever. But why is there such a huge difference in the availability of the ketamine for the two parties? How strange. And what a difference it appears it would make in our need for the stronger meds.

I say that because you and I got sick at about the same time, so we are early in the RSD disease process. From what I understand, those of us that haven't been sick for too long have the best shot of getting pain relief from ketamine.

I too am so sad that I am able to med free. But I am also ANGRY that I have tried very hard to get access to ketamine, and haven't yet been able to get it, because of a variety of factors. We should all be able to try those things that may help us to become more independant and live better lives.

Take care, Sandy

I have mentioned the ketamine treatment to my hubby, and the research of the treatment scared him. I, like the group, want my life back as it was, active and pain-free.

I hope you have a low pain day,sweety. I understand the anger,too.


Dew

UPDATE: Wanda heading to Emergency Room escorted by Bill and Jeffrey,
at 11:15 PM; 07/29/09


Today, Wanda was so excited that she had not taken any pain medication in over 24 hrs., and she wanted to go to breakfast at IHOP, and shop at Fryes Grocery Store. Wanda has not driven her car in over 2 weeks, and she wanted to pickup a few things at her favorite store, where everyone knows her name, Fryes.

Only one day after Wanda was given a clear bill of health, with orders to rest and heal, she has experienced muscle spasms in her stomach and lower abdomen areas. It started at 11:00 AM,today, as she reached over her head to put something away. The stomach spasm started immediately, and it brought Wanda to her knees. We decided that she should get off her feet, as Wanda required pain medication. My sister slept off and on through out the day, but was awoken in sharp, stabbing pain in the abdomen. We attempted using a heating pad, and it did bring some relief..but, short lived.

Bill and I attempted to get her to the hospital earlier this afternoon and evening;however, Wanda was not having any of that chatter. Tonight, Wanda became very agitated, and in tears, as the pain would not leave her alone.

Finally, after considerable debate with Wanda to go to the emergency room, it was decided that Wanda, Bill and Jeffrey go to Banner Hospital in Mesa,AZ. Wanda had received the surgery to her pancreas,spleen, and left adrenal gland, on 07/13/09.

Reva and I are at home, waiting near the phone for news. I will blog as soon as I have information concerning Wanda.

Hi Dew,

I haven't been on the forum much over the last few days as I have been dealing with a pretty bad pain flare but just saw the update about your sister.

I'm sorry to hear that she is having such painful spasms! I really hope that she gets on OK in the ER and that they get to the bottom of her problems and that it is nothing to worry about and can be easily fixed.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers and please keep us posted when you can!