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edie 
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Joined: Aug/28/2009
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 258
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 Topic: Can't breathe!
Posted: Jul/29/2010 at 12:28pm |
Hi everybody,
I guess I have some kind of good news.
I wanted to tell you that I am feeling better with the antidepressant and the anxiety medication my psychiatrist gave me. They are helping with the hyperventilation and with my appetite. I don’t know which is doing what, apparently they work together. I’m still not sleeping well, but at least I don’t spend the night hyperventilating as I did before. When I first started taking these meds, I was sleeping pretty OK, but that only lasted a couple of nights, and then I went back to not sleeping again. My psychiatrist told me to double the dose of the antidepressant Remeron from 15mg to 30 mg at bedtime. I did that and got to sleep some last night, but I still had to wait till about 2 in the morning before I went to sleep.
I am still sleepy during the day, but now I’m able to sit down, or lie down and rest, or nap without being bothered by the hyperventilation. I am also able to read, or watch a show without feeling nervous and agitated. This is something I couldn’t do before. Because I am able to relax, now I don’t feel so tired.
I’ve had a lot of problems with side effects from antidepressants before, primarily painful irritation in my bladder and migraine headaches. These symptoms usually don’t appear until the second or third week of initiating the medication. I only have been taking this one for one week. Now I am just waiting and hoping I won’t have any problems with this one, because it seems that it is really helping with my anxiety related problems, especially the hyperventilation.
Best wishes to all!
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Multilevel degenerative disc disease
C3-4, broad based disc bulge with small bone spurs
C4-5, dehydration of the disc with broad based disc bulge
C5-6 narrowing and dehydration of the disc, with small osteophytes. Mild effacement of the ventral subarachnoid space. Moderately severe bilateral foraminal narrowing due to disc and spur. Probable C6 nerve root impingement bilaterally.
C6-7 narrowing and dehydration of the disc with broad based disc bulge and postereolateral marginal spurs
C7-T1 narrowing and dehydration of the disc. Small posterolateral marginal spurs with fairly severe narrowing of both neural foramina. Probable bilateral C8 nerve root impingement.
Moderate to advanced DDD with moderate to severe disc space narrowing from T4 to T10
All non operable
Suffer from chronic insomnia, also anxiety manifested in constant hyperventilation (the constant need to take a deep breath )especially when I try to rest.
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Stevie
Admins
Joined: Jun/20/2008
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 7749
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Posted: Jul/29/2010 at 1:19pm |
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Edie,
That is wonderful news, and I will be pulling for you that you won't have any nasty side effects from the medications that aren't transitory.
I can't imagine the relief that you're feeling now after months of hyperventilating.
I am really happy for you and for putting all of this out there for others who may find themselves in a similar situation. You have helped untold numbers of people. Thanks Edie, Stevie
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Spinal Fusions L5-S1 and L4-L5. Cervical DDD, stenosis, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis and facet arthropathy throughout cervical spine from C3-C7. Tiny cervical syrinx. Thoracic Spine: dextroconvex curvature of the thoracic spine, centered at approximately T8.(Scoliosis with 20 degree curve). At T7-8, a disc bulge. Hemangiomatas from T7-T10. Degenerative disc disease T7-T9. Disc dessication from T3-T11.
NATIONAL SUICIDE HELPLINE 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
http://www.crisisclinic.org/
IN THE UK 0845790 90 90
http://www.samaritans.org/
For help for many things...
Canada: http://www.211Canada.ca/
U.S.: http://www.211.org/
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Lissa
Mod
Chat Leader
Joined: Mar/29/2010
Posts: 637
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Posted: Jul/29/2010 at 1:43pm |
Edie,
That's is great news! I am so glad for you! It sounds like you're finally getting the help you needed. l I hope the sleep improves, and that you don't suffer from any lasting side effects. Be sure to give them time to dissipate before you quit them!
Congratulations, and thanks for sharing. Try coming to chat tonight!
Hugs, Lissa
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Pseudotumor cerebri and chronic daily migraines, causing moderate to severe pain constantly for more than 9 years now. OCD, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, PTSD, and panic attacks which started in adolescence (except the PTSD) and are generally controlled by medication, but when under stress show up and cause more severe pain.
I pray for complete healing for each of you!
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Rocken Roni
Charter Mod
Joined: Jul/09/2008
Location: Alberta Canada
Posts: 1488
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Posted: Jul/30/2010 at 4:02pm |
Hi Edie,
Sounds like your doing alot better. That hyperventilating sounded terrible
I have had that w the heart palpitations so I sure know you must feel
a world of difference. I hope your sleep keps getting better and better.
Talk to you soon.
.
Roni 
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 1st injured Feb, 1997. Was told it was "Soft Tissue" and sent back to work - no X-rays
Late 1997 attended 1st “Rehab Program” to strengthen back. Mid ‘98 PCP took me off work. Tried going back to work over the next couple years, mostly off work due to pain.
June 2000, met with OS for first time. Did MRI , damage was L5-S1 totally blown out. Surgery done Jan, 2001.
Another Rehab program late 2001, attempted to go back to work early 2002. Slipped on water, fell flat on back – screw fusion broke.
Went to 3rd Rehab program summer 2002.
Oct 2003 – 2nd Surgery, due to broken screw, had to operate from the front.
No improvement. Attended 4th Rehab program in 2004, at time it was decided NO work.
March 2006, had 3rd Surgery, this time fusion and instrumentation from Si to L3.
June 2008 Surgeon finally admitted I had Failed Back Surgery.
August 2009 WCB Finally put me on Long Term Disability
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edie
Charter - Member
Joined: Aug/28/2009
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 258
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Posted: Jul/30/2010 at 7:55pm |
Thanks , Stevie, Lissa, and Roni
Yes, I can't tell you what I relief it is to be able to relax without feeling like I'm suffocating. I am very thankful to all of you who supported me during my oreal with this problem. Now I just hope these drugs keep working, and that I don't get any adverse reaction to them so I can keep on taking them as long as I need them. I also hope that, eventually, I will get better, and that the problem with breathing will go away completley so I don't have to take these meds forever.
Thank you all!
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Multilevel degenerative disc disease
C3-4, broad based disc bulge with small bone spurs
C4-5, dehydration of the disc with broad based disc bulge
C5-6 narrowing and dehydration of the disc, with small osteophytes. Mild effacement of the ventral subarachnoid space. Moderately severe bilateral foraminal narrowing due to disc and spur. Probable C6 nerve root impingement bilaterally.
C6-7 narrowing and dehydration of the disc with broad based disc bulge and postereolateral marginal spurs
C7-T1 narrowing and dehydration of the disc. Small posterolateral marginal spurs with fairly severe narrowing of both neural foramina. Probable bilateral C8 nerve root impingement.
Moderate to advanced DDD with moderate to severe disc space narrowing from T4 to T10
All non operable
Suffer from chronic insomnia, also anxiety manifested in constant hyperventilation (the constant need to take a deep breath )especially when I try to rest.
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Spicey
Charter Mod
Joined: Jun/30/2008
Location: NW England, UK
Posts: 3832
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Posted: Aug/01/2010 at 10:04am |
 Such great news Edie  Hopefully now that the anxiety has begun to settle down, the sleeping will follow next. It's going to take your body some time to adjust after being so anxious for so long. Perhaps now you are feeling more relaxed you can try some more relaxation techniques to help you to drop off to sleep. I hope things continue to improve for you sweetie! Spicey
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37 yrs old, chronic pain since 1993
Decompression/stabilisation with Dynesys Apr'04, revision with PLIF Oct'08, several ESI's.
Still suffering with bilateral nerve pains in legs, plus in neck, arms & hands since Jul'09. SCS installed Apr'10. No significant improvement yet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Forever is just one long trail of nows. All you can do is try and live one now at a time without getting too worked up about the last now or the next now"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIONAL SUICIDE HELPLINES:
UK: 08457 909090 or http://www.samaritans.org
US: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or http://www.crisisclinic.org
Canada: http://www.211canada.ca/what.php
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edie
Charter - Member
Joined: Aug/28/2009
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 258
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Posted: Aug/25/2010 at 9:56pm |
Hi everybody,
The Remeron (an antidepressant good for insomnia) and Klonopin (for anxiety) are still helping with my breathing problem.
It took awhile, but now these meds are also helping some with my insomnia. I've been getting around 4 to 5 hours at night. I wake up several times, but I'm able to go back to sleep with little trouble.The problem is that they leave me very sleepy during the day, and I don't want to get out of bed in the morning. I try to push myself to get up at a descent hour, even if I feel sleepy.
The antidepressant has helped also with my loss of appetite, but omg, it is making me ever so hungry. Last week I ate a whole loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter in just one week. Two days ago, I picked the last of my rhubarb and made some rhubarb bread, and so far I have eaten one whole loaf all bymyself. I don't seem to be able to stop munching. I know this is no good, but for me it's better than when I couldn't eat anything. But, I plan to start controlling myself somehow.
The good thing is that it seems that I finally found an antidepressant that doen't cause me to have problems with my bladder or with migraine headaches. It's been 5 weeks since I started it and I haven't seen any sign of those problems yet.
As much as I hate taking medications, I am so glad I finally found something that helps with my hyperventilation. For awhile there, I thought that this affliction was going to be the end of me.
One more thing I find about this antidepressant is that is helping with the dryness in my mouth. I had always had problems with dry mouth from the other meds I take. Now since I started this medication, that's all gone. I think it's the antidepressant because, hypersalivation was a problem I used to have before whenever I started an antidepressant. I think the hypersalivation on a super dry mouth, makes the moisture in the mouth even. Maybe this is too much info, but, hey, it may help someone out there.
Hoping you all have a good night.
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|
Multilevel degenerative disc disease
C3-4, broad based disc bulge with small bone spurs
C4-5, dehydration of the disc with broad based disc bulge
C5-6 narrowing and dehydration of the disc, with small osteophytes. Mild effacement of the ventral subarachnoid space. Moderately severe bilateral foraminal narrowing due to disc and spur. Probable C6 nerve root impingement bilaterally.
C6-7 narrowing and dehydration of the disc with broad based disc bulge and postereolateral marginal spurs
C7-T1 narrowing and dehydration of the disc. Small posterolateral marginal spurs with fairly severe narrowing of both neural foramina. Probable bilateral C8 nerve root impingement.
Moderate to advanced DDD with moderate to severe disc space narrowing from T4 to T10
All non operable
Suffer from chronic insomnia, also anxiety manifested in constant hyperventilation (the constant need to take a deep breath )especially when I try to rest.
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Lissa
Mod
Chat Leader
Joined: Mar/29/2010
Posts: 637
|
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Quote Reply
Posted: Aug/25/2010 at 10:43pm |
Edie,
I am so glad that you are finally getting some relief! I have been praying for you, and am so glad to hear how well you are doing. I know you're still getting used to the new meds and side effects, like daytime sleepiness, but I think that is better than not being able to breathe or sleep! Congratulations on your success!
Hugs, Lissa
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Pseudotumor cerebri and chronic daily migraines, causing moderate to severe pain constantly for more than 9 years now. OCD, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, PTSD, and panic attacks which started in adolescence (except the PTSD) and are generally controlled by medication, but when under stress show up and cause more severe pain.
I pray for complete healing for each of you!
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Gideon
Member
Joined: Aug/09/2010
Location: Des Moines
Posts: 166
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Posted: Aug/26/2010 at 8:11am |
Hello Edie ....I am new to the forums , but i am glad to hear your doing better . If there is anything I can do for you please let me know 
Blessings
Donnie
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2 Corinthians 12:9 - And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
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Stevie
Admins
Joined: Jun/20/2008
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 7749
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Posted: Aug/26/2010 at 8:51am |
Edie, This has been such a long, arduous road for you. Thinking back, you had to go through so many things to get to this point. We were concerned about physical issues and/or medications causing your HV. You have been so opened and up front about everything and anything that could be causing it, and I have to agree that I was at a loss as to how to help you. I was honestly frightened for you. For anyone reading this, here is the perfect example of how we never give up---ever. Edie, I am so happy that you are doing better, and that you have told your story. You never know just how many people you have helped by doing this. Hey---don't worry about the "munchies" right now. I would imagine that as your body adjusts to the meds this will subside. Anyone who has been through the nightmare you have, can get that under control in due time. As far as the morning grogginess, also be kind to yourself and adjust your schedule accordingly. Please keep us posted on how you are doing, Edie. I was so, so happy to wake up this morning and see this. You have made my day Stevie
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Spinal Fusions L5-S1 and L4-L5. Cervical DDD, stenosis, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis and facet arthropathy throughout cervical spine from C3-C7. Tiny cervical syrinx. Thoracic Spine: dextroconvex curvature of the thoracic spine, centered at approximately T8.(Scoliosis with 20 degree curve). At T7-8, a disc bulge. Hemangiomatas from T7-T10. Degenerative disc disease T7-T9. Disc dessication from T3-T11.
NATIONAL SUICIDE HELPLINE 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
http://www.crisisclinic.org/
IN THE UK 0845790 90 90
http://www.samaritans.org/
For help for many things...
Canada: http://www.211Canada.ca/
U.S.: http://www.211.org/
|
|
Sparkysmoonlady
Charter - Member
Joined: May/14/2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 2012
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Posted: Aug/26/2010 at 10:08am |
Hi Edie
It really is so good that things are going so much better for you - I am so glad you are feeling better
If I have a bad night I seem to eat a lot - I think this is because we burn a lot of calories sleeping - we burn a lot more when we have insomnia
And I agree with Stevie about the muchies - you have some catching up to do - mine sneaky top up my sugar level to feel better is to pour condensed milk onto my low fat low sugar icecream
But a couple of days back there was someone on Doctor Phil who ate a cake of soap a week - and had to eat ice after
urk 
But about drinking alcohol - I only drink fortified wines and I never think of it when I am blue - I tend to have a half a shot glass on a cold afternoon - or during the evening at the weekend - and there have been times when I have found a shot glass with some Port still in it
 that's fun - I think I will do that again
Back to your little binge - why not - it's when things like swimming in Port get to be a habit then we need to worry
I am so glad this terrible time in your life seems to be passing
Lin
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Severe inoperable lumbar spine pain from severe L4/L5 disc impingment with lesser impingment at L3/L4 and L5/S1. Increasing spinal cord canal stenosis, restricted lumbar lordosis,facet joint damage and osteo-arthritis. Probable cause - delayed sporting injuries. Migraine. Severe left rotator cuff damage after MVA - two surgeries - 1986, 1994 - second procedure successful but I still have a tricky shoulder with the loss of the acromium process - intra-articular steroid injections usually work well if done properly
Why is that sceptics work so hard to disprove someone else's reality?
SUICIDE HELPLINE - AUSTRALIA - 1300 651 251
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edie
Charter - Member
Joined: Aug/28/2009
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 258
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Quote Reply
Posted: Aug/26/2010 at 8:30pm |
Hi everybody.
Thanks Lissa, and sorry to hear your are feeling so bad latley. Hope your headache lets up, and allow you to get some sleep.
Thanks Gideon, hope you are feeling better too.
A bar of soap! now that is some craving, Lin. I'm, just after the carbos almost nonstop.
And Stevie, it was a pretty long battle with this thing. When I think about it, I can't believe that I am actually sitting here, relaxed, and not hyperventilating.
Thank you all!
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|
Multilevel degenerative disc disease
C3-4, broad based disc bulge with small bone spurs
C4-5, dehydration of the disc with broad based disc bulge
C5-6 narrowing and dehydration of the disc, with small osteophytes. Mild effacement of the ventral subarachnoid space. Moderately severe bilateral foraminal narrowing due to disc and spur. Probable C6 nerve root impingement bilaterally.
C6-7 narrowing and dehydration of the disc with broad based disc bulge and postereolateral marginal spurs
C7-T1 narrowing and dehydration of the disc. Small posterolateral marginal spurs with fairly severe narrowing of both neural foramina. Probable bilateral C8 nerve root impingement.
Moderate to advanced DDD with moderate to severe disc space narrowing from T4 to T10
All non operable
Suffer from chronic insomnia, also anxiety manifested in constant hyperventilation (the constant need to take a deep breath )especially when I try to rest.
|
|
Spicey
Charter Mod
Joined: Jun/30/2008
Location: NW England, UK
Posts: 3832
|
Post Options
Quote Reply
Posted: Aug/27/2010 at 6:25am |
Hi Edie, I am so pleased that things are starting to come together for you. As Stevie said, you have been through so much to get to this point and it's so good to hear you sounding better I agree, don't worry about munchies at the moment - hey, hearing about rhubarb bread is giving me the munchies too! I love bread of any kind, but I don't buy it very often these days so if I'm craving it it's not there and I have to chose something else instead. Carrot sticks are no substitute for a nice piece of bread though, lol! I hope you have a good weekend Edie and that you continue to get more sleep Big hugs, Spicey
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37 yrs old, chronic pain since 1993
Decompression/stabilisation with Dynesys Apr'04, revision with PLIF Oct'08, several ESI's.
Still suffering with bilateral nerve pains in legs, plus in neck, arms & hands since Jul'09. SCS installed Apr'10. No significant improvement yet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Forever is just one long trail of nows. All you can do is try and live one now at a time without getting too worked up about the last now or the next now"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIONAL SUICIDE HELPLINES:
UK: 08457 909090 or http://www.samaritans.org
US: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or http://www.crisisclinic.org
Canada: http://www.211canada.ca/what.php
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Rocken Roni
Charter Mod
Joined: Jul/09/2008
Location: Alberta Canada
Posts: 1488
|
Post Options
Quote Reply
Posted: Aug/27/2010 at 7:19am |
Hi Edie,
I am so happy to hear you are feeling better!
I really hope this keeps up. You have been
through so much. Hugs to you Edie.
Roni 
|
1st injured Feb, 1997. Was told it was "Soft Tissue" and sent back to work - no X-rays
Late 1997 attended 1st “Rehab Program” to strengthen back. Mid ‘98 PCP took me off work. Tried going back to work over the next couple years, mostly off work due to pain.
June 2000, met with OS for first time. Did MRI , damage was L5-S1 totally blown out. Surgery done Jan, 2001.
Another Rehab program late 2001, attempted to go back to work early 2002. Slipped on water, fell flat on back – screw fusion broke.
Went to 3rd Rehab program summer 2002.
Oct 2003 – 2nd Surgery, due to broken screw, had to operate from the front.
No improvement. Attended 4th Rehab program in 2004, at time it was decided NO work.
March 2006, had 3rd Surgery, this time fusion and instrumentation from Si to L3.
June 2008 Surgeon finally admitted I had Failed Back Surgery.
August 2009 WCB Finally put me on Long Term Disability
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edie
Charter - Member
Joined: Aug/28/2009
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 258
|
Post Options
Quote Reply
Posted: Aug/27/2010 at 3:11pm |
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Multilevel degenerative disc disease
C3-4, broad based disc bulge with small bone spurs
C4-5, dehydration of the disc with broad based disc bulge
C5-6 narrowing and dehydration of the disc, with small osteophytes. Mild effacement of the ventral subarachnoid space. Moderately severe bilateral foraminal narrowing due to disc and spur. Probable C6 nerve root impingement bilaterally.
C6-7 narrowing and dehydration of the disc with broad based disc bulge and postereolateral marginal spurs
C7-T1 narrowing and dehydration of the disc. Small posterolateral marginal spurs with fairly severe narrowing of both neural foramina. Probable bilateral C8 nerve root impingement.
Moderate to advanced DDD with moderate to severe disc space narrowing from T4 to T10
All non operable
Suffer from chronic insomnia, also anxiety manifested in constant hyperventilation (the constant need to take a deep breath )especially when I try to rest.
|
|
Sparkysmoonlady
Charter - Member
Joined: May/14/2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 2012
|
Post Options
Quote Reply
Posted: Aug/27/2010 at 3:41pm |
Edie - I am praying this improvment is going to last
We need carbs when we need a boost in fuel - and carbs gets it into the blood stream quickly
It seems a lot of people in my family get low blood sugar - and that can put a dampening on a lot of our activities
Lin
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|
Severe inoperable lumbar spine pain from severe L4/L5 disc impingment with lesser impingment at L3/L4 and L5/S1. Increasing spinal cord canal stenosis, restricted lumbar lordosis,facet joint damage and osteo-arthritis. Probable cause - delayed sporting injuries. Migraine. Severe left rotator cuff damage after MVA - two surgeries - 1986, 1994 - second procedure successful but I still have a tricky shoulder with the loss of the acromium process - intra-articular steroid injections usually work well if done properly
Why is that sceptics work so hard to disprove someone else's reality?
SUICIDE HELPLINE - AUSTRALIA - 1300 651 251
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|
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