mylittleblackdress’s Posts
Topic: RE: Heal my Heel Spur My dog is barking constantly.
I've had this problem for years. Ultimately I had to see a podiatrist who put me in custom orthotics. The spurs are caused by tension on the support structure in the foot. The arch loses its support, pulls on the bone and results in painful heel spurs and plantar fascitis. The resulting foot pain is awful and, as you know, very difficult to deal with.
For some it takes time to become accustomed to the orthotics, but once you do life is good. Ibuprofen helps relieve some of the inflammation and pain from the plantar fascitis. I've found over-the-counter orthotics make little if any difference and are a waste of $$. An alternative source for custom orthotics is a licensed pedorthist (not a misspelling). They use medical-grade cork which is very long-lasting and is softer and more flexible. I know, I just had some made a few months ago and they are very comfortable. American Podiatrists use a hard plastic base covered with a thin layer of leather. They last a long time but can be hard to get used to and may need to be modified a few times until they fit just right. I've adjusted to mine but they did nothing for the slight difference in the length of my legs which was causing hip and knee pain, too. The cork ones compensated for that since the pedorthist observed my gait and asked lots of questions then molded it accordingly. Both types are made from a mold of your foot. Either way, the cost is about $300-$350. Not cheap but well worth it in the end.
I hope this helps. Good luck and I hope you feel better.
Lisa
For some it takes time to become accustomed to the orthotics, but once you do life is good. Ibuprofen helps relieve some of the inflammation and pain from the plantar fascitis. I've found over-the-counter orthotics make little if any difference and are a waste of $$. An alternative source for custom orthotics is a licensed pedorthist (not a misspelling). They use medical-grade cork which is very long-lasting and is softer and more flexible. I know, I just had some made a few months ago and they are very comfortable. American Podiatrists use a hard plastic base covered with a thin layer of leather. They last a long time but can be hard to get used to and may need to be modified a few times until they fit just right. I've adjusted to mine but they did nothing for the slight difference in the length of my legs which was causing hip and knee pain, too. The cork ones compensated for that since the pedorthist observed my gait and asked lots of questions then molded it accordingly. Both types are made from a mold of your foot. Either way, the cost is about $300-$350. Not cheap but well worth it in the end.
I hope this helps. Good luck and I hope you feel better.
Lisa
Topic: RE: Looking for a Doctor for DS
Yes, you have. In fact, I was doing some research on him today. He's one of the docs I'm considering. Thanks again! Lisa
Topic: RE: Looking for a Doctor for DS
Thanks, Red--I'm planning on coming if I don't have to work. Will probably bring my hubby if that's ok so he can pick your brains, too. I need for him to be comfortable with this decision, too. Lisa
Topic: RE: Looking for a Doctor for DS
I'm searching for a doc to do DS. I'm self-pay. I live in Florida. Experience (skill) and demeanor are important. Any recommendations on doctors, either for or against, and why, are appreciated.
(I expect I will have to travel out-of-state.)
Lisa
(I expect I will have to travel out-of-state.)
Lisa
Topic: RE: What to do with 2 diff surgery dates RNY or DS?
My insurance will cover the RNY but I will have to pay for the DS. I will also have to travel a considerable distance to have the DS, as opposed to staying home for the RNY. If I can find a top-notch surgeon for the DS that is the way I think I'm going. I like the long-term quality-of-life.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
Lisa
Topic: RE: 6 months, onederland, 110 lbs down, swine flu. OH MY!
Laura--
A word of warning...keep a close eye on your kids for secondary infections that crop up about a week after apparent swine flu recovery. There have been lots of cases of pneumonia showing up a few days out!
Congratulations on your success!
Lisa
A word of warning...keep a close eye on your kids for secondary infections that crop up about a week after apparent swine flu recovery. There have been lots of cases of pneumonia showing up a few days out!
Congratulations on your success!
Lisa
Topic: RE: How long were you out?
How long were you out of work following DS surgery? Was your surgery open or lap?
Trying to plan for the future.
Thanks, Lisa
Trying to plan for the future.
Thanks, Lisa
Topic: RE: When will the hair loss stop and start growing again
While you are waiting for your hair to re-grow there is a terrific product by Joan Rivers which is sold on QVC for people with thinning hair. It helps conceal the appearance of the scalp by temporarily darkening it to match your hair color (it comes in different shades). It's a powder you apply with a makeup-type brush to the scalp. It washes out with shampoo. The stuff really works! I bought it for my daughter who has a problem with thinning hair and when she uses it you cannot tell.
Topic: RE: Telling Coworkers About Surgery
When I finally do go for surgery I absolutely will not be telling my staff or peers at work. It is none of their business and I do not want any nay-sayers raining on my parade. If I change my mind later I can do so.
Topic: RE: Need your guidance!
Thanks for the information. Sounds like it was a wonderful experience. Lisa
Topic: RE: Traveling and dealing with grief as a newly post-op.
Jenna Lynn--
I am so sorry for your loss! Take care of yourself first or you will not be able to care for anyone else! Lisa
I am so sorry for your loss! Take care of yourself first or you will not be able to care for anyone else! Lisa
Topic: RE: Need your guidance!
Inge--What mede you decide to go to Brazil? Did you have any experience with Brazilian doctors or hospitals prior to your surgery? Did you experience any problems there? Thanks, Lisa
Topic: RE: Need your guidance!
Red--Yes, I'd be very interested in attending one of the meetings. Where is the meeting, what time and how long do they usually last? Lisa 
Topic: RE: Need your guidance!
Lisey--
Thanks! Great to know you had such a positive experience. The cost you quoted is about $10,000 less than I've been told for in the U.S.! How did you do with the language difference (if there was one--I shouldn't assume, should I)? How did you access the surgeon initially? Why did you choose open vs. laproscopic? Thanks again! Lisa
Thanks! Great to know you had such a positive experience. The cost you quoted is about $10,000 less than I've been told for in the U.S.! How did you do with the language difference (if there was one--I shouldn't assume, should I)? How did you access the surgeon initially? Why did you choose open vs. laproscopic? Thanks again! Lisa
Topic: RE: Need your guidance!
Thanks, Renee! I really appreciate your input! Did you have any problems with your surgery? Lisa
Topic: RE: Need your guidance!
Anna--Thanks! Your input really helps! Good luck with your surgery! Lisa
Anna--Thanks! Your input really helps! Good luck with your surgery! Lisa Topic: RE: Need your guidance!
Ok, so you guys (and the data I've read) have just about convinced me to have the DS rather than RNY! If you've read any of my other posts you will recall that I will be self-pay as my local HMO will only cover RNY. I live in central Florida and am obsessing about finding a doc. I have read remarks that "there are no real DS docs in FL" even though the bariatric surgeons site listed in OH indicates there are those in Florida who do DS. So please explain who is right?
Secondly, if you will please indulge my OCD tendency here, explain to me how I go about gaining access to a doc in another state? (Every dollar counts since it will all be coming out of my pocket so my inclination is to avoid the high-cost areas of the country. I will have to pay hospital, surgeon, anesthesiologist and husband's hotel costs.) Skill and experience count most but the $$ do, too.
Third, how do you do pre and post ops, follow-ups etc. with an out-of-state doctor? Do you have to run back and forth multiple times? What happens for any problems that arise?
Fourth, does anyone have self-pay experience and know how much their total cost for docs, hospital, etc. were?
Fifth, I'm currently in a medically supervised weightloss program in preparation for future surgery. Will the time I've spent already count?
I have an appointment with a surgeon on Friday to discuss RNY. Do I keep or cancel that appointment? (Probably a dumb question, huh?)
Thanks for indulging me. I really, really, really appreciate any and all assistance!
Lisa
Secondly, if you will please indulge my OCD tendency here, explain to me how I go about gaining access to a doc in another state? (Every dollar counts since it will all be coming out of my pocket so my inclination is to avoid the high-cost areas of the country. I will have to pay hospital, surgeon, anesthesiologist and husband's hotel costs.) Skill and experience count most but the $$ do, too.
Third, how do you do pre and post ops, follow-ups etc. with an out-of-state doctor? Do you have to run back and forth multiple times? What happens for any problems that arise?
Fourth, does anyone have self-pay experience and know how much their total cost for docs, hospital, etc. were?
Fifth, I'm currently in a medically supervised weightloss program in preparation for future surgery. Will the time I've spent already count?
I have an appointment with a surgeon on Friday to discuss RNY. Do I keep or cancel that appointment? (Probably a dumb question, huh?)
Thanks for indulging me. I really, really, really appreciate any and all assistance!
Lisa
Topic: RE: Anyone use Dr. Robert Marema for DS in St Augustine?
Hi, Maria,
I was considering contacting his office, too as I live less than an hour from there but the information given here by the others concerns me. I will have to self-pay as my insurance only covers RNY so if I go with the DS cost is important to me as is skill and experience.
I was considering contacting his office, too as I live less than an hour from there but the information given here by the others concerns me. I will have to self-pay as my insurance only covers RNY so if I go with the DS cost is important to me as is skill and experience.
Most Active
Recent Topics
