2008-A New Year and Beginning

Thanks for the reply Mear!

You are right, there are some very good doctors and hospitals in this area. That is actually one of the reasons my husband and I moved to NH. We were in Florida for 21 years. The medical care there as far as I am concerned is a joke! It really is bad.

It really is good to find a place where there are others that do understand. I am also enjoying the advice and reading about others experiences.

The people here are very real and warm..

I look forward to seeing you around!

Mary

Hi Betty Boop Too!

I am so glad to hear someone talk about their treatment plan is actually working. I really hope to get to that point!

Part of my problem has been to trust the doctors to take care of me. Prior to 2006, the doctor gave me a pill and I took it without question. I really didn't research or even read the drug precautions. I would have been so naive.

My blocked arteries were due to being on hormone replacement therapy. I took Activella for almost 5 years. I found out after surgery for a 99% blocked artery that no one should be on that medicine for more than a year.

I now am a participent in my health care. I read precautions and I contact my doctor when medicines are not right for me.

Thank you for the warm welcome! I do look forward to hearing from you again!

Blessings

Mary

I've found the internet very helpful in really looking into each medication I'm on, the side effects, what exactly it does and so forth.  I've also really tried to ask the pharmacist for his/her guidence as well, they normally are better prepared to give you the run down on your meds and I've found them willing to go through everythingwith me and help me in checking supplements & how they interact with the meds I'm already taking.

I'm happy to hear that your learning alot here at the cpConnection and I hope you feel free to continue with correspondence & questions.

Take Care

Gentle hugs

Betty

Thanks for the welcome Chuck! I am so glad to find this forum.

I am really glad to hear you are happy with your health care. People that have not endured CP just don't understand how much that means!

I will be around here for awhile. Right now I can't get enough of reading about the different therapies,etc.

This really is a great support site, but it also is a place for learning! I've learned a lot already about different therapies.

See you around!

Blessings

Hi Frank,

Wow, fractured knee..that sounds very painful. I understand your concern with the Piroxicam and the prostrate. You would want to be very careful with your med's.

First of all, I'm not a doctor, I can only give you my opinion, but I would also say...talk to your ortho. You can call his office and tell the nurse your problem with your pain, I'm sure they will help you. Especially with a fractured knee!

My info on Piroxicam does not mention interactions with an enlarged prostrate. Mainly the precautions are kidney and liver damage.

Here is the info from WebMD:

Piroxicam Oral Precautions

Before taking piroxicam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe kidney disease, aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), recent heart bypass surgery (CABG).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, poorly controlled diabetes, stomach/intestine/esophagus problems (e.g., bleeding, ulcers, recurring heartburn), heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, history of heart attack), high blood pressure, stroke, swelling (edema, fluid retention), dehydration, blood disorders (e.g., anemia), bleeding or clotting problems, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially stomach bleeding and kidney effects.

I have not experienced any of the side effects. It was the only medication that helped with pain for me, I have Rheumatiod Arthritis. I also have problems with my carotid artery, so I can't take the NSAIDS.

Right now though, I am going through a remission and the Piroxicam does not help, both knees are swelled.

I really hope you get through this episode OK, it sounds like you are on your way with the Ortho. Good Luck! Let me know how it turns out for you!

Blessings,

Mary

Libby,

I've been there, I understand your frustration. It seems the more you try to tell the Dr's about your pain, the more they are convinced you are just looking for pain medication. Well, I've been there with the pain medication and granted it eases the pain but the side effects can sometimes be worse...

I have problems sleeping when I am in pain. I finally told my doctor how frustrated I was that I go to bed every night with pain. I started staying up later and later until I was exhausted. She prescribed Cymbalta which is for depression but also helps pain. It has made it easier for me with the frustration of pain.

I know for myself, I was afraid to tell the doctor how frustrated I was in fear they would think the pain was in my head. If you have a primary that you feel comfortable with, try sharing your frustration with them. They may be able to help you cope with the pain.

I certainly feel the frustration in your post. I've also been where you are as a single parent and wondering how to make ends meet. That in itself can be enough without the medical issues.

Remember how much those children need you, at their ages they need you even more. It's worth a try if it can help you deal with the frustration of pain.

Let me know how you do, I'll be thinking about you!

Blessings,

Mary