BrainTalk Communities http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/ Online patient support groups for healthcare and neurology. en Fri, 18 May 2012 00:56:46 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/images/misc/rss.png BrainTalk Communities http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/ I made me laugh http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1991-I-made-me-laugh?goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 23:34:49 GMT You know I taught myself printing, now I'm trying cursive. Today I was just thinking up words & writing. At one point I fell asleep. When I woke up I looked at the last word I had written --*********. LOL. When I talk to John on the phone tonight I gott'a tell him that. I don't think I have ever used that word. ]]> Chit-Chat lor http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1991-I-made-me-laugh Sharing the Care - the latest on my Mum http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1990-Sharing-the-Care-the-latest-on-my-Mum?goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 15:21:36 GMT http://donnathomson.blogspot.ca/2012/05/sharing-care.htmlLooking after a child with severe disabilities, then having another baby, then helping to... http://donnathomson.blogspot.ca/2012...re.htmlLooking after a child with severe disabilities, then having another baby, then helping to look after an ageing Mum have all taught me some life lessons about surviving the caregiving experience.

Here are a few essential truths I have learned from experience:

- No one can give good care by themselves. A team is necessary.
- It's easier for everyone if there is some income available in order to do a combination of publicly and privately funded help. An absence of disposable income for private service providers of all sorts will simply mean more work for the carers (not impossible of course, but more tiring and the risk of early burn-out is greater).
- Household chores need to be considered in the big picture as well as professional must-do daily lists. Care for a loved one cannot be viewed in isolation and apart from other life responsibilities.
- Friends, family and professionals (ie the team) need to be coordinated and a system for efficient information sharing must be in place.
- One friendly person (I call this person 'the champion') in each agency involved in care must be identified.

These are some lessons learned that have bubbled to the top of my thoughts today after spending the last couple of days with my 90 year old Mum in a Montreal hospital where she is isolated due to the super-bug C-Difficil. She's a tough cookie and she'll recover, but good wishes and prayers (if readers are so inclined) will always be appreciated.
Mum.jpgMum.jpg
That's Mum having a laugh, as per usual.
Attached Images
]]> Child Neurology Donna Thomson http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1990-Sharing-the-Care-the-latest-on-my-Mum TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY SURVIVAL GUIDE tbi survival book http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1989-TRAUMATIC-BRAIN-INJURY-SURVIVAL-GUIDE-tbi-survival-book?goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 10:34:29 GMT If I could post this book everywhere I would. For people suffering with Traumatic Brain Injury or many brain disorders just* scroll down* to the LIST... If I could post this book everywhere I would. For people suffering with Traumatic Brain Injury or many brain disorders just scroll down to the LIST of CONTENTS, Then click on a subject to read clear writing.

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY SURVIVAL GUIDE
by
Dr. Glen Johnson
Traverse City, MI 49684
http://www.tbiguide.com/


Linnie
-from the epilepsy forum ]]> Traumatic Brain Injury linniec http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1989-TRAUMATIC-BRAIN-INJURY-SURVIVAL-GUIDE-tbi-survival-book Antipsychotic medication relieves chemo-related nausea http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1988-Antipsychotic-medication-relieves-chemo-related-nausea?goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 02:06:27 GMT New research presented Wednesday highlights drugs to make cancer therapy easier but also underscores the difficulties that patients may encounter... New research presented Wednesday highlights drugs to make cancer therapy easier but also underscores the difficulties that patients may encounter after treatment.

A commonly used schizophrenia drug, Zyprexa, reduced the number of patients suffering from chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting by more than half, according to a study of 80 patients presented in advance of the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

The study focused on patients getting a heavy, triple-drug chemo combination, during which vomiting and nausea are very common, even among patients getting the best possible anti-nausea medications.

In the new study, led by Rudolph Navari of the Indiana University School of Medicine-South Bend, 68% of patients randomly assigned to be treated with a standard drug called Reglan, or metoclopramide, ended up vomiting, compared with 29% of those assigned to take Zyprexa, sold generically as olanzapine.

About 76% of those taking Reglan still became nauseated, compared with 33% of those taking Zyprexa, the study says. Patients took the drugs orally for three days, Navari says. While taking Zyprexa long-term can cause side effects, such as weight gain, doctors didn't note any major problems in patients taking this short dose, he says.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/...apy/55026956/1 ]]> Brain Cancer Prot http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1988-Antipsychotic-medication-relieves-chemo-related-nausea Hello, nice to meet you http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1987-Hello-nice-to-meet-you?goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 01:27:48 GMT Hi, I'm lor. I have been coming to BT for years. In chit chat & in the epilepsy room (I,v had epilepsy for years) I may be coming here too. Today I went to the Dr. & was told I have spinal stenosis. ]]> Spinal Disorders lor http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1987-Hello-nice-to-meet-you iFuse experiences? http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1986-iFuse-experiences?goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 01:12:26 GMT I'm having it down on my right SI joint on June 5th. I've been fused from L3 to L5 so the SI pain isn't a surprise. Has anyone had any iFuse experience? ]]> Spinal Disorders ryanbytes http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1986-iFuse-experiences <![CDATA[It's been a while. Things suck. But I bring a gift.]]> http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1985-It-s-been-a-while-Things-suck-But-I-bring-a-gift?goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 01:05:51 GMT It's probably been a year or so since I've been here. I've been fused from L3-L5 and am getting an SI fusion on June 5th. Life kinda sucks right now and I'm going to miss another summer recovering. The fusions didn't reduce the pain I was having but they did stop it from increasing so I reluctantly call them successes. I'm hoping for more for the SI fusion since, to me at least, it's a more simple thing. I look at it like screwing two pieces of wood together. Simple! While the lumbar fusions were like screwing wood together while dealing with wires everywhere. Not simple!

Anyway about the gift. If you like the outdoors I discovered something that might help. It's called the Access Pass and it's good for 50% off of pretty much everything offered by the U.S. Park service, Fish and Wildlife, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation along with the Army Corps. of Engineers. So basicallt camping is 50% off, park entry is free, some permits have discounts, stuff like that. Since I live in Chicago I love any chance I can get to get out of the city and into the quiet. My fiancee and I wanted to go camping this year but once we added things up things would be too much. Especially if we wanted a cabin with bunks. Now maybe we have a shot when I'm all healed! It's also a lifetime pass so who said being gimpy didn't have benefits? :P

Sorry for blabbing, I'm just really happy. This made my day after a massive headache and screwing my back up scooping poops from litter.

Access Pass ]]> Spinal Disorders ryanbytes http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1985-It-s-been-a-while-Things-suck-But-I-bring-a-gift Autism, Prions, and Meat http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1984-Autism-Prions-and-Meat?goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 19:22:56 GMT Wednesday, May 16, 2012 A common X-linked inborn error of carnitine biosynthesis may be a risk factor for nondysmorphic autism SNIP... ... Wednesday, May 16, 2012

A common X-linked inborn error of carnitine biosynthesis may be a risk factor for nondysmorphic autism

SNIP...

"We believe that … the increased risk of autism is modified by dietary intake of carnitine from birth through the first few years of life," Beaudet explained.

http://betaamyloidcjd.blogspot.com/2...-error-of.html ]]> Creutzfeldt Jakobs Disease (CJD) flatfish http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1984-Autism-Prions-and-Meat craniofacial surgery after brain surgeries http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1983-craniofacial-surgery-after-brain-surgeries?goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 17:25:50 GMT Hello Everyone! Did anyone go through reconstructive surgery after brain surgery? I have 2 big dents on my both left and right temporal areas and... Hello Everyone!

Did anyone go through reconstructive surgery after brain surgery?
I have 2 big dents on my both left and right temporal areas and 2 under my hair higher on my head. I had stroke and clipping brain aneurysm on left side in 2007 and clipping 2 aneurysms on right side 7 months ago. Left side looks so-so, but right temple area has a deep dent the size of a cherry and the whole temple sunk, looks dark like a have a bruise; especially when I feel tired and drained of energy. Surviving those two huge challenges in my life I never thought that would ever consider plastic (reconstructive surgery)... My NS referred me to a Plastic Reconstructive Surgeon. The Doctor suggests putting medpore implants, said I'd be discharged from hospital at the day of surgery. The procedure is covered and I will not pay for that, so this does not make my decision easy... If it was not covered I would not simply do it as I not able to afford it.
I did some research about the material - looks like reliable and bio compatible with human body, the material is also used for kids reconstructive surgery. The incisions left after clipping on both sides of my head will be partially opened again to access the areas of reconstruction, then closed with staples for 10 days. So looks like big surgery.
This is the second week I keep thinking and jumping to totally opposite decisions - to do or not to do... I understand all the pros and cons. My question is: is there is any one who went through this kind of surgery and what's the result?
Thank you all!
Warmly,
Cup of Hope. ]]> Aneurysm CupofHope http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1983-craniofacial-surgery-after-brain-surgeries <![CDATA[NMO/Devic's]]> http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1982-NMO-Devic-s?goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 06:32:26 GMT Hi all, So what came of my MRI and Neuro appt? MRI of Brain and neck showed the lesion in my neck from my first attack and the brain looked normal,... Hi all,
So what came of my MRI and Neuro appt?
MRI of Brain and neck showed the lesion in my neck from my first attack and the brain looked normal, again.
The attack that is happening now is likely in the thoratic spine and that was not ordered in the mri back in Aug.
Neuro said that he hesitates to say MS because of the normal brain mri, he is thinking more towards NMO as it affects the spine and Optics only(I've never had optic neuritis) or Recurring Transverse Mylietis, but that is vary rare.

I had a blood test to test for NMO antibodies, which should take a couple of weeks. He recommended starting treatment for NMO with Imuran as the attacks can be much worse with NMO and he would rather treat for prevention of these attacks and for what has been presented. I know it could still be MS but his focus is more certain on NMO.

I have place the prescription for filling and my head is just swirling around what this is all about and what's to come. I'm ok starting treatment for this as something needs to be tried for preventation of future attacks.

The search tool here isn't working very well. Does anyone know why my searches come up as nothing found?

anyone here with NMO? what is your experience?

Thanks

Ann-Marie ]]> Multiple Sclerosis mum2kat+3 http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1982-NMO-Devic-s Prayers for my mom http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1981-Prayers-for-my-mom?goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 00:02:32 GMT Please pray for my mom tonight she had 3MRIs and a MRA this morning and tonight she is doing a sleep study.To see if they can find out what is... Please pray for my mom tonight she had 3MRIs and a MRA this morning and tonight she is doing a sleep study.To see if they can find out what is causing her attacks.PLEASE send all your prayers and thoughts her way tonight.She is scared that she might have an attack but in a way she wants to so they can tell what is going on.I will update you all tommorrow. ]]> Epilepsy Imabigpain http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1981-Prayers-for-my-mom Schizophrenia With Panic Disorder May Be a Distinct Subtype http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1980-Schizophrenia-With-Panic-Disorder-May-Be-a-Distinct-Subtype?goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 21:08:56 GMT http://www.clinicalpsychiatrynews.com/news/more-top-news/single-view/schizophrenia-with-panic-disorder-may-be-a-distinct-subtype/43394f214b3b2a1209c92... http://www.clinicalpsychiatrynews.co...4e15f4c75.html ]]> Schizophrenia Prot http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1980-Schizophrenia-With-Panic-Disorder-May-Be-a-Distinct-Subtype Anyone experience extreme cold when overtired? http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1979-Anyone-experience-extreme-cold-when-overtired?goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 19:24:05 GMT When overtired I frequently am freezing. It is a cold that goes to my core. I just realized that this must be MS related. It usually accompanies... When overtired I frequently am freezing. It is a cold that goes to my core. I just realized that this must be MS related. It usually accompanies dizziness if not vertigo.

This has happened on a number of occasions. Most recently after working a long and wonderful farmers' market, I came home, took a shower and my husband and I went to a housewarming party. It started out as an afternoon backyard party but turned into a basement jam with the many musicians there.

I got freezing cold although it wasn't cold. We were inside at that point.
Fortunately the dizziness didn't hit until we arrived at home.

I hadn't attributed the ice in my bones feeling to MS but realized later it mus be.

Does anyone else experience this?
~Susan ]]> Multiple Sclerosis ssusan http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1979-Anyone-experience-extreme-cold-when-overtired <![CDATA[Steve - tell me if I'm really taking too much Norco]]> http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1977-Steve-tell-me-if-I-m-really-taking-too-much-Norco?goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 02:06:30 GMT Hello Steve. I don't know you, but it's been over a year since I've been here. I have a question for you regarding medications. I've been surfing here since 1999 when I had brain surgery for an AVM. I have been an epileptic since. BUT....in 2005 I started having back surgery after back surgery. My lower lumbar down to my S1 (took 2 surgeries, 2005 and 2008) and also my cervical (also took 2 surgeries, 2007 and 2011). And let's not even include my carpal tunnel surgery in 2010 and the frozen shoulder I've been dealing with since August of 2011. Ok, my doctor slowly increased my Norco up to 360 per mo. - at 4 pills 3 times a day. I've been at this dosage for quite a few years, maybe since 2007. He added oxy after my last cervical surgery in 2011 and I recently told him to just cut those out. Now, my doctor is gone for the next 4 months and the doctor I saw freaked out and cut me back to 270, and the plan is to cut, cut and cut. I'm desperately trying to take 9 per day, hoping my body can handle it, but I still find myself hurting, but I'm trying. It's only been 2 weeks, but he told me I was a drug addict and killing myself. I have another appt. one month after my last one with him and I'm worried he's going to try to cut me back more and more until I'm only taking 30 per month. Even with the 12 per day, I can't stand straight, need to hold onto something and (I don't drink so THANK GOODNESS I don't have to worry about taking a dui test! - lol) I can only walk with a cane and I lean forward and to the right, 5 minutes max and very slow. I've had 4 laminectomies with fusion. I even told my surgeon to just slice my back from my head to my butt and put a zipper in.


Now, at 57, I've got the arthritis coming in pretty bad, too. I am in so much pain and the 12 per day was cutting the pain good enough, even to my 5 minutes walking with the cane and not being able to stand still existed, I could deal. These 9 per day are making it a lot more difficult. So, did he have the right to actually call me a drug addict? Am I an addict or just in need of the medication? I don't get high from them, my body is too ammuned for that anymore. It's been years since that's ever happened. I feel so ashamed and left crying not because of him cutting me back, but for him telling me I was addicted to Norco. I don't feel withdrawals, just pain. And it's getting pretty bad. I just realized I am staying in bed much more and not going anywhere and the house isn't getting cleaned as much. Please give my your opinion, thank you, Karri ]]> Chronic Pain karri http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1977-Steve-tell-me-if-I-m-really-taking-too-much-Norco <![CDATA[For Liniec & about Levetiacetam XR]]> http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1975-For-Liniec-amp-about-Levetiacetam-XR?goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 23:32:37 GMT Earlier I went to that site about different meds that you recently put on BT. Thankyou. I just started a new med so read about it. Levetiacetam XR.... Earlier I went to that site about different meds that you recently put on BT. Thankyou. I just started a new med so read about it. Levetiacetam XR. For awhile (shortly after starting the med), my musscles started hurting like crazy. I can't sleep on my right side because of the pain & my calfs wake me up in the middle of the night. I emediatly(sp) without thinking, pull my legs up & rub them (like someone here said earlier, I wonder if it's bad blood flow). That site said one of the side effects is sore musscles. I'm going to call my Dr. ]]> Epilepsy lor http://www.braintalkcommunities.org/showthread.php/1975-For-Liniec-amp-about-Levetiacetam-XR