Happiest NEW YEAR ever!!!!

[Leslie & Nick]

That's great news, and I know that it's a huge weight off your shoulders Sounds like you're bouncing back with gusto - good for you!!!

Nick

Happy Days Wayne, Glad to hear how you educated your doctor; I hope others follow. I tried to educate mine on my familys history with regards to Celiac Disease. He would not do even a simple blood test, even after showing him information on how 30 percent of people who have the disease don't have symptoms. Went to another doctor and he asked if he could have a copy of the paperwork. I got a blood test and biopsy which showed I did have Celiac Disease. It could have killed me. You have to be your own doctor. Good Luck and stay informed. Robert

If it were not for the web, this type of information would be almost impossible to find.

I wonder how many lives have been saved or improved because the web has made such a huge change in access to information.

Just don't trust everything you read. Look for multiple sources.

[Wavery]

That's exactly right. You have to take control of your own health care. Don't depend on Dr's to know as much about your body as you do. Dr's can only go by statistics and averages. Don't allow yourself to become either.

My Dr was very concerned about my weight loss before surgery. I told him that I made some extreme changes to my diet and started an extreme work out program. I mostly cut out caffeine and all sugar, including my daily glass of wine. All of that stuff is dehydrating and dehydration and sugar can increase pain level and reduce the bodies ability to heal quickly (normally). He told me that it was not necessary to do that. I think he thought I was a fanatic.

When I got out of bed and started walking the day after surgery the Dr was astounded. When I had a bowel movement that evening, he couldn't believe it. He said that I was the 1st patient that he ever let go home the 2nd day after that surgery. I never took a single dose of pain medication because I didn't need it. I had pain when I got up and tried to walk but it wasn't hard to work through.

I am now doing a mile a day on the treadmill. I'm completely pain free. When I talked to the Dr on the phone yesterday, he couldn't believe it.

They only know what they've been taught and the sum of their own experiences. I will tell you that every nurse in the hospital told me that I should take the morphine and that it would help the "Healing process". I'm sure that's what they were taught and I'm sure that most people take advantage of the morphine pump that they are supplied. I think that they use it more out of the fear of pain than the pain itself. I certainly was not comfortable but I was never in any great pain.

You lost weight, exercised, and changed to a healthier diet. Your doctor said that wasn't necessary, with a doctor like that you definetly do have to be your own doctor.

There's the old joke, what do you call a med student who gets 70% on the final exam and what do you call the med student who gets a 100% on the final exam? Answer: Doctor

Just like any other occupation there are good and bad. If a mechanis screws up on your car you just take it to another. It's not always the same situation with your body. Stay healthy Wayne Robert

By the way I have a great doctor now, he really listens and cares. It's the same one who diagnosed my brother with Celiac Disease.

[4Kids2Dogs]

So glad to hear of your recovery! Not only do you give such great advice about TM, but now such invaluable advice about being proactive about your health. Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year!

Wayne, I am so glad to hear that you are healthy! My husband's family has prostate cancer running in it as well. He has already been in for baseline tests. I am glad they caught it early for you and all is well. God has greatly blessed you!

Wayne, I'm so happy you caught your cancer early. I'm also lucky as I would be in my dirt bed by now myself if I hadn't went to the Dr. 2 years ago this month. I had what I thought was a sore throat and turned out to be stage 4 cancer of my tonsils and soft palate area. I had surgery in Jan 08 to remove the cancer and have spent the last 2 years in recovery mainly due to the effects of the radiation treatments. Anyway I still am unable to swallow anything except liquids and very soft foods. It's great to hear stories like your's to make others more aware. God bless you and your's.