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From: Douglas.Zachary@p0.f10.n137.z1.fidonet.org (Douglas Zachary)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: CERVICAL DISCOGENIC DISEASE
Message-ID: <18757@bunker.isc-br.com>
Date: 15 Apr 91 15:38:08 GMT
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[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

LP>   Oh, I have basically a general good attitude about it all, but
LP> I could be talking to my doctor about surgery, also.  I guess
LP> maybe I am lucky.  Yet, according to him, this will be permanent...

   What is it that your Doc said will be permanent? The pain? If this
is from last December it doesn't sound like a very responsible thing
for him to say.

LP>  I did hear recently that people who have had surgery (back) have
LP> also ended up in a wheelchair....Is this true?  I hope that others
LP> aren't trying to scare me to death...(no pun intended).

   Sure it has happened and Doctors now give you worst case scenarios.
People are just relaying their own fear.  This new drug that they give
SCI victims to reduce their chances of permanent paralisis works in
surgery as well. In cases where the spine is not severed it is
generally swelling that puts pressure on the spinal cord that causes
the problem.

LP> Why are Morphene Blocks so risky?  Is there some infromation I can
LP> get concerning this topic?  Have you had experience with them?  I
LP> know you suggested for me to not consider them...I just want to
LP> know why.

   I didn't say that they were risky but the dosage always has to be
increased to make up for your tolorance that builds to the drug and
even tho you get no high from it you still become addicted. My thought
is, why live with multiple problems if you can have one fixed? I called
NARIC to get info on the morophine block after I read your reply and I
will forward that info when it gets here. They said that you could get
better info on this if you know someone that has access to Med Line.

LP>  I guess I am tired of being in pain constantly.  My "normal"
LP> household chores bother me sometimes...but I somehow have to
LP> push myself to get things done.  I have heard that having morphene
LP> blocks almost make one feel "pain free".

   I am lucky in that I adjust well to pain over time it goes to the
back of my mind and only resurfaces when a new pain comes up.  With
the morophine symptoms will be masked and you may not know that you
need to get something else checked. The key word above is sometimes
you are in too much pain, check into pain management also.

LP>  I sincerely appreciate you writing to me...I have thought about
LP> you often...Let's not be strangers!  (smile!)

   You are most welcome... What ever would make you think of me often?

                                  Zack

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