I have pretty severe osteo-arthritis in my knees ,spine, feet, hands. I was told that my knees need replacing so now my GP is trying to find someone who will do it before I am 60 yrs old. I am doing a Master's degree in counselling psychology. I just finished my undergrad in Child and youth care (a counselling degree) and I have one year left to finish the whole thing. Then I just have to decide what I want to do when I grow up.

I just came back from getting acupuncture at one of the local schools. I have had it many times in the past and it works really well for my knees and pain but it is usually about $50 per visit and up. So my poor student budget doesn't allow for as much as I need. I found an ad on Craigslist for a student who is almost done her program, and looking for people to practice on, so I thought 'what the hell'. I have been a bit nervous about using students but my knees are sooo bad right now I just decided that it would be worth the try. I just got back and it was lovely. She was awesome and my knees feel better already. And the best thing is that I can get as many appt's as I would like for free for the month of November (it is usually $20). So I signed up for two times next week. I think that the medical system should pay for acupuncture. It is the only thing that has ever given me any relief from my poor aching knees. Holly

(((((((((((((Carla)))))))))))) we have all come a long way together haven't we. I guess our needs change the further out we get and the different places in our journey we are. But I always have a need for friends. I know what you mean about talking to yourself - mindyou, I say at least you get the answers you like that way Maybe we all need to make a pact to ALL make the effort to generate posts and 'talk' more. As a commercial for a telephone company says over here... 'It's good to talk'

I'm still here and lurk everyday. I use to post all the time but got tired of talking to myself. They were getting ready to take me away I think. I miss all of you too and would post more but everyone seems to be gone anymore. That said.. I hope you all are doing good, continuing your journeys and having a great life. It's nice to see how we're all doing and to see everyone come out of hiding once in a while. Carla

I wonder about the dumping thing too. Like, not only why do some dump and others don't, but why am I ok with something one day and the next I dump on it? There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason. Does anyone have more info on dumping? Does it depend on the size of pouch or what?