magtize
07-26-2003, 08:14 PM
See you are from Pittsburgh or near there. Wondering if you know of a Dr Welch from UPMC?I to have checked on Dr Jho but unfortunatly my ins won't pay. :)
Would be thankful if you had any info on Dr. Welch
Would be thankful if you had any info on Dr. Welch
Sponsor
AngelicMoon
07-26-2003, 09:27 PM
Hiya~..I'm sorry, but I don't know of him. I went to Dr. Acevedo at UPMC Shadyside(from Zorub, Acevedo, Weinberger). I thought he was the best around until I read about others here. I wish I could say that I was pleased with my surgery, but my recovery is hard(had surgery on June 30)and I guess it is too soon too tell. Dr. Acevedo was very caring with me, but he didn't tell me about all the things that happen after.
I hope I have been of some help. This board has been wonderful for me. :angel:
I hope I have been of some help. This board has been wonderful for me. :angel:
lostsoul15204
07-27-2003, 01:27 AM
Hi MAGTIZE, No I don't know of Dr Welch,I did have my surgery at UPMC Shadyside. My doc was on vacation when I had emergency surgery for infection in spine that settled in my L-3-4 disc, That was in Dec fo 02 and I still have infection today with no fusion yet. I keep telling my surgeon this,as how can I get fusion with infection eating away the bones in my spine!!!!!And all he says is that he thinks he scraped out all of infection and it's still to early to tell. Once he said to me that we don' t need positive fusion for this to work,as long as it reduces my pain and infection!!!!! I get so fustrated at times and boy can I vent!!!!! I was told by many people that UPMC Shadyside is the best place to be for these kind of surgeries. I still severe pain on top of pain meds with CMPS IN MY LEFT SHOULDER along with sciatic nerve pain in left buttock and leg, I can't work because of pain and pain meds as I am a CDL truck driver and I can't drive commercially on opiates, I am now on SSD without any health insurance ( medicare) until 6-04. try to figure that one out!!! These laws are rediculous sometimes. Sorry this is so long and I don't know the doc. I hope some one here can fill you in. I CAN'Y BE THE ONLY CP"er in Western PA. Good luck and God Bless, Rick
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Rick
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Rick
lostsoul15204
07-27-2003, 01:39 AM
P.S. I forgot to tell my docs names Dr Levy DX'ed my problems at L-4-5 and L-5- S -1 . He is with GPOA and Oakland Orthpedics. He came highly reccomended. Like I was saying, he was on vacation when this happened to me and Dr Robt. Casey did my surgery.
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Rick
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Rick
jorjie2
07-27-2003, 08:11 AM
Sorry...do not know a Dr. Welsh. I am from the Wilkes Barre- Scranton area about 5 hours away from Pittsburgh.
Memer
07-27-2003, 09:40 AM
Hi Elaine,
What a coincidence that you're posting again. I was just recently telling someone what a nice person you were and that you hadn't posted in a while. I wondered if you got better or what. Is hubby still reading with you?
What a coincidence that you're posting again. I was just recently telling someone what a nice person you were and that you hadn't posted in a while. I wondered if you got better or what. Is hubby still reading with you?
magtize
07-27-2003, 03:28 PM
Angelic
Thanks for reply. I hope that recorey goes better for you. just remember to rest and rest some more.This takes time and we sometimes are impatient.
Lost soul
Hope you are doing better today and are pain free. Meds really can mess a person up.I can understand not being able to drive but as you said rules are very stressful and that only makes pain worse.Watched Dateline the other nite about a NS Dr in Texas THAT WAS TESTED 6 TIMES FOR COCAIN AND TESTED POSITIVE but was still doing surgery. That was scary. Place I worked at if that happened you were out of work until you tested neg. for 3 timesand all we did was pick clothing to pack and ship.Messing up clothing shipment not nearly as bad as a persons back. I am so thankful that DH has good ins.Bills coming in everyday and I am shocked at the prices they charge.Hang in there things WILL WORK OUT
Memer
Hi.Have been lurking in trying to keep up with posts but having hard times for last few weeks. Don't want to be on complaining because everyone here is so up beat.Yes my hubby still reads with me at times and has even read them to me when I could not. Did you ever tell yours about reading posts?Hope you are having pain free day.
My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone on boards.
Will to try to keep posting. Think I need to teach DH that next.
Thanks for the replys. I have appointment on Aug 14th with a Dr. Welch at UPMC in Pittsburg. Some days I wish it were tomorrow and others I am worried about what he will say about surgery.I have checked internet about him and found nothing bad.
Sorry if this is long or maybe don't make sense. The drugs are messing with me.
Elaine
Thanks for reply. I hope that recorey goes better for you. just remember to rest and rest some more.This takes time and we sometimes are impatient.
Lost soul
Hope you are doing better today and are pain free. Meds really can mess a person up.I can understand not being able to drive but as you said rules are very stressful and that only makes pain worse.Watched Dateline the other nite about a NS Dr in Texas THAT WAS TESTED 6 TIMES FOR COCAIN AND TESTED POSITIVE but was still doing surgery. That was scary. Place I worked at if that happened you were out of work until you tested neg. for 3 timesand all we did was pick clothing to pack and ship.Messing up clothing shipment not nearly as bad as a persons back. I am so thankful that DH has good ins.Bills coming in everyday and I am shocked at the prices they charge.Hang in there things WILL WORK OUT
Memer
Hi.Have been lurking in trying to keep up with posts but having hard times for last few weeks. Don't want to be on complaining because everyone here is so up beat.Yes my hubby still reads with me at times and has even read them to me when I could not. Did you ever tell yours about reading posts?Hope you are having pain free day.
My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone on boards.
Will to try to keep posting. Think I need to teach DH that next.
Thanks for the replys. I have appointment on Aug 14th with a Dr. Welch at UPMC in Pittsburg. Some days I wish it were tomorrow and others I am worried about what he will say about surgery.I have checked internet about him and found nothing bad.
Sorry if this is long or maybe don't make sense. The drugs are messing with me.
Elaine
Memer
07-27-2003, 05:21 PM
Hi Elaine,
I'm really glad to hear from you. I've thought of you a lot. There are a few of us with depression because of our neck problems. You've probably read some of the posts. It gets really hard to laugh or find something positive to say. I, too, stopped posting for a while because I'm such a bummer and I felt guilty about having pain and being depressed. Just recently, a few other people admitted that they had a lot of pain and also depression, and that has made me feel not quite so alone or guilty. Whenever someone stops posting, I always wonder whether it's because they are better or because they are depressed or if there's some other reason.
Yes, I showed my husband some of the posts back when you and a few others suggested it. He's relatively healthy, though, so he's really not that interested in reading. I do occasionally tell him about some things on the board. I try not to say too much to anybody about how I'm feeling. I know this whole thing is hard for people to understand.
I'm glad you checked in, Elaine, and hope that you can post more. It sounds like you have had some really rough times lately. Your appointment sure has been a long time coming.
I'm really glad to hear from you. I've thought of you a lot. There are a few of us with depression because of our neck problems. You've probably read some of the posts. It gets really hard to laugh or find something positive to say. I, too, stopped posting for a while because I'm such a bummer and I felt guilty about having pain and being depressed. Just recently, a few other people admitted that they had a lot of pain and also depression, and that has made me feel not quite so alone or guilty. Whenever someone stops posting, I always wonder whether it's because they are better or because they are depressed or if there's some other reason.
Yes, I showed my husband some of the posts back when you and a few others suggested it. He's relatively healthy, though, so he's really not that interested in reading. I do occasionally tell him about some things on the board. I try not to say too much to anybody about how I'm feeling. I know this whole thing is hard for people to understand.
I'm glad you checked in, Elaine, and hope that you can post more. It sounds like you have had some really rough times lately. Your appointment sure has been a long time coming.
magtize
07-28-2003, 12:29 AM
Jorjie
Very sorry that I did miss answering post.
I knew you lived up there but my eyes decieved me so sorry. Rollarcoaster on here lives near that area By the way haven't seen her on for awhile.Hope things go well for you and welcome to this place
Very sorry that I did miss answering post.
I knew you lived up there but my eyes decieved me so sorry. Rollarcoaster on here lives near that area By the way haven't seen her on for awhile.Hope things go well for you and welcome to this place
magtize
07-28-2003, 12:47 AM
Memer
Thanks for the encouraging words I know that some on here are alot worse off then me but some days are unbearable. I find that I think I am weak and should be stronger.They say that God won't give you any more then you can handle but the last few weeks I have been telling Him I have had enough to please pick me up and let me see only one set of foot prints.
eurontin is the only thing that helps with nerve pain but gaining weight,dizzy(walk like a drunken sailer) and think it is also making eyes not being able to focus.I have been going though this for a few weeks and called pain dr He said this to shall pass
Grand children (2,4,5) were over to visit for a weekend last week and there wasn;t much I could do with them so discouraging. Really happy to see them and would love to do things with them like I did with older ones
So sorry to go on but this has been the first time I have been able to get on in awhile
I don't talk much to others about this either.
My hubby reads and helps out where he can but think he is in denial by the things he says
hope you have a good night and a pain free day
Thanks for the encouraging words I know that some on here are alot worse off then me but some days are unbearable. I find that I think I am weak and should be stronger.They say that God won't give you any more then you can handle but the last few weeks I have been telling Him I have had enough to please pick me up and let me see only one set of foot prints.
eurontin is the only thing that helps with nerve pain but gaining weight,dizzy(walk like a drunken sailer) and think it is also making eyes not being able to focus.I have been going though this for a few weeks and called pain dr He said this to shall pass
Grand children (2,4,5) were over to visit for a weekend last week and there wasn;t much I could do with them so discouraging. Really happy to see them and would love to do things with them like I did with older ones
So sorry to go on but this has been the first time I have been able to get on in awhile
I don't talk much to others about this either.
My hubby reads and helps out where he can but think he is in denial by the things he says
hope you have a good night and a pain free day
Memer
07-28-2003, 07:08 PM
Hi Elaine,
I'm glad that you shared what you're going through. I know what you mean about playing with the little ones. They are just so cute and you want so much to have fun with them, but the body says no. You can only do what your body will allow. It's so frustrating.
Once in a while, I do feel like there is one set of footprints, and I'm really thankful during those times. It's like He comes in and snatches me up just in time. He must still want me here for some reason, and I'm looking forward to finding out what that reason is. Do you ever feel like He picks you up?
:wave:
I'm glad that you shared what you're going through. I know what you mean about playing with the little ones. They are just so cute and you want so much to have fun with them, but the body says no. You can only do what your body will allow. It's so frustrating.
Once in a while, I do feel like there is one set of footprints, and I'm really thankful during those times. It's like He comes in and snatches me up just in time. He must still want me here for some reason, and I'm looking forward to finding out what that reason is. Do you ever feel like He picks you up?
:wave:
magtize
07-29-2003, 12:36 AM
Hi Memer
Yes He has pick me up many times but not until He is ready and I don't want to wait.Shame on me
Just recently I told my DH I can see why people commit suicide. I was in so much pain That I wanted to die, nothing was helping.Wanted to go to hosp. but H kept saying they wouldn't do any thing for me.I was up for 3 days and 2 nights walking floor and taking pain pills round the clock praying for relief.Finnaly did go to sleep or (passed out) and woke up 6 hours later.
Made up my mind that the Lord helps those that help themselves and if that happens again I will get someone to take me to hosp.
That is just one of things that I meant when I said about him not understanding or in denial
enough of complaining.I pray everyday that all the wonderful ones on here will get relief and know that we are a special group that has a purpose in life.Sometimes I get caught up in self pity.
Hope you are having a better day
Elaine
Yes He has pick me up many times but not until He is ready and I don't want to wait.Shame on me
Just recently I told my DH I can see why people commit suicide. I was in so much pain That I wanted to die, nothing was helping.Wanted to go to hosp. but H kept saying they wouldn't do any thing for me.I was up for 3 days and 2 nights walking floor and taking pain pills round the clock praying for relief.Finnaly did go to sleep or (passed out) and woke up 6 hours later.
Made up my mind that the Lord helps those that help themselves and if that happens again I will get someone to take me to hosp.
That is just one of things that I meant when I said about him not understanding or in denial
enough of complaining.I pray everyday that all the wonderful ones on here will get relief and know that we are a special group that has a purpose in life.Sometimes I get caught up in self pity.
Hope you are having a better day
Elaine
lostsoul15204
07-31-2003, 07:51 AM
Magtize, thanks for the reply, I just wanted to comment on the neurontin side effects, You hit the nail right on the head!!!! The drunken walk, I litterally bounce off the walls like a pinball machine, I have also had to buy two different strenghs of reading glasses, I walk from room to room and forget what I was doing or what I was looking for. It has also cured my constipation problem from other pain meds, But through all of these side effects I will keep on taking it because it really does help with nerve pain. PS I saw that Dateline too very scary HUH!!!! Good lock and God Bless
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Rick
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Rick
Memer
07-31-2003, 09:29 AM
Hi Elaine,
I really, really, really thought that I responded to your last post. I wonder if I did and said something that they had to take out. I can't remember. I have a big headache right now and can't even think straight.
When I re-read your post, this is what came to mind: His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Then Paul says "for when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10). I think it's only when we get weak that we finally understand what he means by that.
I don't see anything we say on this board as complaining or self-pity. I think of it as sharing our neck/arm problems and everything that comes with that. It helps me to know I'm not alone. I've found out the hard way that the neck is a big deal, and it sounds like you have, too. I think I remember you saying something about seeing an ortho in August. Are you seeing an ortho instead of a neurosurgeon?
I really, really, really thought that I responded to your last post. I wonder if I did and said something that they had to take out. I can't remember. I have a big headache right now and can't even think straight.
When I re-read your post, this is what came to mind: His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Then Paul says "for when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10). I think it's only when we get weak that we finally understand what he means by that.
I don't see anything we say on this board as complaining or self-pity. I think of it as sharing our neck/arm problems and everything that comes with that. It helps me to know I'm not alone. I've found out the hard way that the neck is a big deal, and it sounds like you have, too. I think I remember you saying something about seeing an ortho in August. Are you seeing an ortho instead of a neurosurgeon?
magtize
07-31-2003, 10:57 AM
Hi Rick
I'm with you about side effects.Did read on here about Topamax from others that had good results,ask Dr about it and he did give me script. No go, nerve pain got to be to much after 5 days so ended back on Neurontin.I am taking 300mg 4 times a day after working up to it and now it isn't nearly as bad.Still walk around trying to think what I was going for.Of course it could be age :( but will put blame on meds.If you read don't cook on meds you will see what I mean.
After reading about you and Angels difficulties in this big city I"m having 2nd thoughts :eek:
Live in small town and have never had problems like some on here.We don't have many surgens either.
Hope this finds you having a pain free day.
Are you from that area? I have son who lives in Finleyville. Know where that's at?
Memer
Will say an extra prayer for you today for that headache.
I am going to neurosurgen.Though that would be better with what all is falling apart.
Did you get to wondering if you should go to a certain Dr or if you should cancel out.If I am like this now for only visit can you imagine what I will be like for surgery.All I can say is DH is going to have his hands full.
Here's praying that the rest of day will be pain free
Hugs :angel:
Elaine
I'm with you about side effects.Did read on here about Topamax from others that had good results,ask Dr about it and he did give me script. No go, nerve pain got to be to much after 5 days so ended back on Neurontin.I am taking 300mg 4 times a day after working up to it and now it isn't nearly as bad.Still walk around trying to think what I was going for.Of course it could be age :( but will put blame on meds.If you read don't cook on meds you will see what I mean.
After reading about you and Angels difficulties in this big city I"m having 2nd thoughts :eek:
Live in small town and have never had problems like some on here.We don't have many surgens either.
Hope this finds you having a pain free day.
Are you from that area? I have son who lives in Finleyville. Know where that's at?
Memer
Will say an extra prayer for you today for that headache.
I am going to neurosurgen.Though that would be better with what all is falling apart.
Did you get to wondering if you should go to a certain Dr or if you should cancel out.If I am like this now for only visit can you imagine what I will be like for surgery.All I can say is DH is going to have his hands full.
Here's praying that the rest of day will be pain free
Hugs :angel:
Elaine
lostsoul15204
07-31-2003, 12:19 PM
Hi Elaine, Yes I know Finleyville. Its right on the Allegheny/Washington county line. I have been there for a wedding a few years ago,There is also a farm that has a lot of seasonal activities there (Traks Farm)It is a very nice part of PA and I would love to live out there. I'm stuck here in the big city until I hit the lottery or something. Hope your day is pain free or at least lessened a bit. God Bless
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Rick
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Rick
AngelicMoon
07-31-2003, 01:47 PM
Wow Rick, we must be pretty close neighbors! Do I know you? ~laughing~ We make a visit to Traks every Halloween to get our pumpkins and many other goodies. I'm about 10 minutes away from downtown Pittsburgh. And 10 minutes away from the Waterfront!..Tell me that place isn't a dream come true! I love to go there just to walk around the square.
:angel:
:angel:
lostsoul15204
07-31-2003, 09:10 PM
Hi Angelic Moon, You live on the oppisite side of the city from me. I live about 5 minutes from town near lovely McKees Rocks. I can see the fireworks from bedroom window, sure beats fighting the crowds!!!!! By any chance is your PM doc in the UPMC network? Mine is, at first he was great, but there is another doc in his practice that I had trouble with about a year ago after I went through a cronic pain program at Harmarville. He called me a drug seeker and cut me off of 75mg of methadone all at once. I was soo mad at this arrogant egomaniac. My significant other was there with me when he did it , she couldn't believe it. Anyway I saw that doc at my last visit and he pretended not to see me but I know he did, and I think he had words with my doc because he wasn't very nice or cooperative at my last visit. He cut me off of breakthru meds and my Klonipin for sleep for no apparant reason, I even pee in the cup there so they know I'm taking only their meds and nothing else!!! I was so pissed, so now I'm keeping a pain journal to show him that while he is decreasing my methadone dose monthly, that I'm gonna need something for break thru and those bad days we all have once in a while. I hope I can straighten him out that I'm truely in severe cronic pain and not a drug seeker like that Comp doc said. Thanks for rletting me vent sincerely
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Rick
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Rick
AngelicMoon
08-01-2003, 02:42 AM
Rick~
You can vent to me anytime~
Yes, my doc is in the UPMC network. He was wonderful until my surgery was finished. He has been an arrogant jerk ever since then. If he implies to me one more time that my pain isn't real, I am going to stick my foot up..oh nevermind..*LOL* He has me in tears and no human being should be treated this way. I am sorry that you are going through such a rotten experience as well. These docs should look into the root of the problem instead of just assuming that all postop patients are drug seekers. Obviously they have no experience with the pain we entail.
I am in Greenfield, sandwiched between Hazelwood and Squirrel Hill.
Keep me posted on your situation~
~hugs~
:angel:
You can vent to me anytime~
Yes, my doc is in the UPMC network. He was wonderful until my surgery was finished. He has been an arrogant jerk ever since then. If he implies to me one more time that my pain isn't real, I am going to stick my foot up..oh nevermind..*LOL* He has me in tears and no human being should be treated this way. I am sorry that you are going through such a rotten experience as well. These docs should look into the root of the problem instead of just assuming that all postop patients are drug seekers. Obviously they have no experience with the pain we entail.
I am in Greenfield, sandwiched between Hazelwood and Squirrel Hill.
Keep me posted on your situation~
~hugs~
:angel: