October 6, 2009 - 4:03am
down in the dumps
one week ago i got out of surgery and was doing pretty well. yesterday when i heard a friend was banned i went into a funk. i woke up in the middle of the night and couldnt sleep. this is the third buddy i've lost by them being dismissed. i need support. any suggestions?
_____________
Banned from Spine-Health
sorry didn't know you had surgery last week, what did you have done ? im here if you want to chat x
spondylolisthesis L5 S1
ddd L4/L5
osteoarthritis L4/5 L5 S1
scheuermanns type changes at thoraco-lumbar junction
i had laminotomy plus scs insert done a week ago yesterday. here is link to scs story....thanks
http://www.spine-health.com/forum/pain-management/scs-implant-monday-sep...
Banned from Spine-Health
Hello pete - how have you been? Not great from the history, but I trust your healing. Since I am seeing you here more?
I don't know -the fall for me is kind of one of those seasons that is about change, dramatic change and so I guess it gets reflected in our personality.
David
I am here - do I really need to explain this more!? LOL
Dumps are a really smelly place to be -- the odor alone should bring you around -- lots of old pizza, hamburger and chinese food leftovers, baking in the sun, ewwwwww! Only thing attracted to a dump is flies, buzzards and raccoons.
You know Pete sometimes I correlate our lives to throwing out a game of pick up sticks -- everything's sort of okay until the wrong stick is pulled out from underneath us. You are too beloved by people on this site to let you wallow in the dumps for too long. You will always meet new buddies because of who you are -- I know I can't relate to you man to man but the girls will be here to bolster you until another buddy comes along.
Just a few days until you meet with the SCS rep - right? How's the stimulator working for you now? How's the back pain from the laminectomy?
You'll be back to getting your beauty sleep in no time -- daytime naps can be pretty great too!
Thinking of you and sending you a
.
Judy
2010 Update: Sciatica resolved itself but still dealing with fibromyalgia symptoms that come and go. Walking 3 miles a day, fibro permitting.
2011 Update: Back to work since June.
Herniated disk (L5) no surgeries to date, super nasty nerve pain, left leg. 3 epidurals (Jan, Feb 09) (Short term relief) June 09, Second opinion from Ortho doc with new MRI -- not a surgery candidate -- referred to pain management doctor.
So sorry you have lost buddies on the site. We do get attached to people here.
I hope you feel better soon. I enjoy reading your posts.
Best wishes to you,
Marianne
Please click on my picture for medical/surgical history
That is a low place to be. I hope the SH can lift you up as you support so many people on this site- Sorry you lost a (another) spiney friend on here. Is there anyway of getting in touch with them otherwise? I know that we can't give post our personal email address but did those dismissed give you a contact through a PM?
Smile Pete- smile at all the great things you do and all that you mean to SO many of us here at this site!
Have a better day!!
Shannon ~
Hang in there buddy, I know you'll pull out of it! Just wait until that SCS is all dialed in, from what I've read you'll be loving it!
It is tough when you get on to find a friend has been banned, I hope you're able to connect with them in another manner! It's probably even worse when you've not been on in a little while due to surgery. I hope we can continue to fill the void some and I hope you will be able to hook up with them again.
Jay
For help in posting pictures on Spine-Health, see the following posts on using Photobucket and Flickr:
http://www.spine-health.com/forum/water-cooler/photo-installment-1
http://www.spine-health.com/forum/water-cooler/photo-installment-2
Sorry, had to take the email off my signature because of the spam (bob@mypharmajobs.com this means you and I hope every spider and bot causes you to get spammed until your email is smoking!), so if you need additional help with photos I will not hesitate to provide it though via PM.
Also, please do not ask for assistance reading your MRI report, I am NOT a doctor!
===
C3-C4-C5-C6 bulging with stenosis, L5-S1 annular tear and bulge, L3-L4-L5-S1 facet joint syndrome, OA: nothing severe enough to cause problems. Multiple MRIs, EMG & NCS tests, lumbar ESI's, facet injections, medial branch block injections, RF rhizotomy L3-L4-L5, discogram. Scheduled for LP mid October.
Now be a good boy and swallow all these pretty pills..... Ibuprofen, Valium, Baclofen, Avinza. Vicodin & Tramadol for BT pain.
We still love you!... Hang in there, this close to surgery it is easy to keep getting in the depressed rut, over darn near anything.
Not that you don't have a reason to be bummed about the buddies getting banned.
It's not like we can control the actions of others. Simply the way things go sometimes.
"I have been told my statement or statements are not logical. Would Mr. Spock ride a bicycle down a wooded mountainside when there was a perfectly good stationary bike at home?" NOTICE: Please consult a real DOCTOR before doing anything that may hurt yourself or others! Please be careful!Medtronic SCS Placed May 4, 2009. Cervical, for chronic right shoulder, upper arm pain.
thanks for being there for me. boy i'm going to need something to even out my moods. i hope its just the reaction from the surgery. one minute i'm high and then i'm low. thats not usually the case with me. but you know you get pretty close to people on this site and when all of a sudden they are gone you really get upset. i have talked to plenty of people today who cant understand lately why some folks get banned. i hope everyone here is being treated equally....hang in there wrambler and have a decent day....pete
Banned from Spine-Health
You should not measure yourself by those you feel you have lost. True friends would not be so foolish as to do things that would get themselves banned. True friends would heed the warnings given and abide by the standards, if not for themselves, but for the continued support of their friends.
Just my opinion anyway.
"C"
“If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.”
Marcus Aurelius
Hangin there Pete, you'll find your way out of this funk. Hope the SCS is working!!!
Kelly
I am a PROUD CANADIAN veteran But NOT a doctor, my thoughts are my own
Pete
You are My Friend and I think Alot of You.!
If you only knew how many people you have helped.
You are always their when I need a encouraging word.(even when your are in pain that does not stop you from being their for me) and I have seen so many times your good words that you give to others.
You are a Special Person Pete.
You have helped me with many issues not only spine problems..(you mean alot to me)
It is not fair when we lose a friend on here and specially when we don't know why?
I know how it feels to lose a friend on S.H.
I can say I have lost a few.One was banned, and after I found out why..It was still hard but I understood.
The worse ever was when my S.H. Friend Ben(Agriman)
had passed away.I felt as if he was my next door neighbor.We talked every morning while having morning coffee.
So many times my family has told me to be careful and don't get to close to your s.h. people.
I still find myself getting close to people. because that's just me. You already know that of me Pete.
I'm sorry you are in a sad way..
Marigold still hanging in there, gonna take walk around house and get another to put in the green and white vase.
I will be sending you a P.M. Maybe I will call it a P.L.(letter)HaHa
I want to tell you I do appreciate all you do for me and for what you give to others.
Not many other Petes out their like You.
sending you a smile to help the pain
sending a hug to help the funky feeling
Patsy
I've known a few people who have left on their own accord and I miss them but some have returned again. Sure they should take time away if they need the space but it's tough when someone leaves of their own not getting the support they need or despite many warnings do not understand why they're being banned. With thousands of members here there's always going to be misunderstandings. It's sad when someone doesn't heed to what's asked of them as it seems like they were here for support just like ourselves. Hopefully someone will be in touch with these former members and let you know how they're doing. I hope you're able to get some sleep soon. Take care. Charry
Any answers I have is not medical advice only a Doctor can help you with that. Just sharing my personal experience as a fellow Spine Health member only. Mild DDD of complete lumbar area with recent healing of L5-S1 HD and annular tear.Leg &foot weakness nerve compression L4-L5.Mod. disc changes C5-C7 nerve impingement sore elbow and numb hand. Sept. 2011 MRI L4-L5 disc bulge and L5 facet joint and narrowing. Meds-Oxycontin 80mg,Cymbalta,Lyrica, Flexeril,Naproxen,Serax. Platinum Infrared heating pad. ER and Oncology trained and Cardiology RN on Disability. Keep the faith.
I'm sorry you're feeling down and that you are missing your buddy. It's a tough time when you are also recovering from surgery and things can feel out of whack for a while. We here for you and we'll do our best to cheer you up. You are so kind and generous..no wonder why you're so popular
Well, I hope the SCS brings you relief so that you can get back to doing the things you love. Hang in there buddy, take care 
PLS,nerve damage,facet arthropathy,severe DDD,DJD,scar tissue; Fibro
Back Surgeries: Microdiscectomy/ laminectomy,2 level TLIF/Laminectomy w/ hardware, Synchromed infusion pump
Meds: Dilaudid,Oxycodone,Lyrica,Robaxin,Cymbalta,Elavil,Plaquenil
Spineys Rule!
i'm in that hyper mode right now trying to understand why people who seem to me to be good spineys get banned. i have talked with management and have been told theres a lot that goes on behind the scenes that doesnt show up on the posts. a person may seem fine on a post but in communication with the managers there are major problems, even abuse by members. i will probably recover from all this unhappiness and thanks everyone for all the understanding. i just hope people are treated equally here. sh should continue to be a safe haven for those who need help and support. i think that anyone who has input on this should contact the mods. and that the mods in turn should treat people equally and without favoritism.
Banned from Spine-Health
As part of the team working with the mods, I would just like to address this concern.
You can't even begin to imagine the amount of thought that goes behind the discipline actions taken with different members. Typically there is much discussion, and no one takes this job lightly. We are well aware that everyone on this site is in pain, (as we are), and that pain can influence the actions of the members. So we tend to be more lenient than a lot of other on-line forums. Perhaps that is why members feel they can get away with inappropriate behavior, sort of the I got away with x, I'll try to get away with y and z and see just how far I can push. As a rule 99 percent of the membership here has a respect for rules, uses proper forum etiquette, and is considerate of the other members. For those who don't follow the rules, the mods have to take action. This IS NOT EASY!
What is stressed time and again though is: Does the behavior of member x harm the integrity of spine-health? Is the behavior misleading to the general membership? Is there a continued violation of forum rules after a warning has been issued?
I understand that you are sad to lose friends from the SH site. We are sad that people use behavior that forces the mods to take action.
Please be assured that the administrator, the mods, and the authority members all work together to keep things fair here. Typically if there is a violation, a PM to that member explaining the problem is sent, well received, and the behavior never happens again. That is the kind of behind the scenes stuff that the general membership here does not see, and it is time consuming and mentally exhausting at times. When the violation continues to the point that a member has been banned, it was not a sudden decision, and every effort to maintain "fairness" has been made. We are not perfect, but we are all here doing the best job we can, donating our own time and at the same time dealing with our own medical issues.
I hope this helps you to see that we do our best to be fair with all members.
Cindy
Protect your neck--you've only got one!
Click this link to read my story. http://www.spine-health.com/forum/new-member-introductions/cindys-6-year...
I would think he was looking for support (he was sad)
Dear Pete,
Some food for thought?
I believe that true friends will share the good things and the bad things with us, in an attempt to reach out to us for support and in some situations... guideance.
Given the information provided from two members of Authority on this thread, I believe any true "friend" would have confided in you... regarding the warning messages they received. If the friend did not share with you the warning messages they were receiving... being banned from Spine-Health would definitely come as a shock.
In my mind, I would be questioning why the "friend" didn't feel comfortable confiding in me... so I could help them understand why they received warning messages. Maybe they felt embarassed or ashamed to tell you... or perhaps they didn't take the warnings to heart and just pushed them aside. I do believe you are a person who wouldn't judge a friend who came to you over something of this nature, as you would carefully listen to them and offer up advice.
Maybe this is why you are stymied right now, Pete.
Had you known ahead of time about these warnings... being banned would not have been such a surprise to you. And you know what? Being the person you are...chances are you could have talked to the person and guided them in the right manner, to where they would still be a Spine-Health member.
Just some thoughts...
I do hope you are able to keep in contact with friends who are no longer a part of Spine-Health.
Take good care, Pete.
Tammy
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference". Reinhold Niebuhr
sometimes these things happen and its hard when you have known them for a while. You still have me. I hope your stimulator gets the proper adjustment so it starts working for you and you feel better. We all think so much of you here your so encouraging to everyone please feel better soon.
Severe Osteoporosis t-3 score 2009
Doctor says: no standing, or sitting for long periods. No lifting, bending, climbing, crouching, kneeling, crawling, or etc. The list goes on and on.
Swelling from knees to feet source unknown at this time.
Severe Cervical pain, burning, tingling, and numbness to the point that i cannot move sometimes. Muscle spasms, Migraines, and Radiculopathy. Also limited ROM cervical spine.
ACDF c 5-6 2007
Disk dehydration seen down to the C6-7 level. Susceptibility artifact seen along the areas of metal hardware. C3-4 and C4-5 there is at least mild narrowing of the nerve root foramina. C5-6 minor narrowing of the right foramen.
1. Anterior cervical fusion with metal hardware at C5-6 which is well maintained. There is mild narrowing of the nerve root foramina bilaterally.
2.Broad bulging disc C6-7 with borderline mild developing central stenosis and AP canal space diameter of 11-12 mm. also mild stenosis nerve root foramina.
I am not a medical professional my opinion is just that and should not be considered as medical advice!!!
this post was inappropriate. my emotions carried me away. i became too upset. time to calm down. i will seek another forum...
Banned from Spine-Health
Pete, I hope this doesn't mean you're going to leave s-h? I hope not! You are so well-respected here, and you posts are thoughtful and informative. I hope you're feeling better today.
Kelly
I am a PROUD CANADIAN veteran But NOT a doctor, my thoughts are my own
Hiya BIG BIG HUGZ
, How are you feeling today? 
You know i am always here for you buddy 
You are in my thoughts 
Angie xx
!!!!!CLICK ON MY USERNAME TO RETRIEVE MY MEDICAL HISTORY!!!!!
ANY ADVICE GIVEN IS BASED ON MY OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE'S
Hi Pete
Sorry you are going through a bad time at the moment, but why feel you need to find another forum?
All sites work in the same way, those who break rules get banned, this is a good site with fair admin, moderators and lots of members support.
I hope you stay part of this wonderful Spine-health site.
Take care
Liz
Born with Familial epiphyseal dysplasia
Polio at 4yrs. Osteoarthritis from age 30
Lumber and cervical stenosis from 1995, surgery of decompression lumber L3/L4/5 S1 1996
chronic pain since 6 years of age
Please don't leave SH because you've lost friends who've been banned. You're a valuable member here who has added so much friendly support to people in the weeks you've been here.
Don't forget what I said after your surgery--the anesthetics they use and the steroids you are given (if still taking them) can have a profound effect on your moods for a couple of weeks. But that is temporary and you'll feel your normal self again, just give yourself a little more time.
BTW, I don't know why you think this topic was inappropriate for you to post. Maybe you were told this was not appropriate by a mod? Whatever made you think that way, please don't let it bother you enough to leave. I don't think anybody would blame you for sharing your feelings respectfully, as you did. Hang in there, friend!
--------------------
EDIT Just to avoid any chance of misunderstanding--my comments should in no way imply anything negative about the administration of this board. I want to go on record as being in full and unquestioning support of the admin/mods/authorities who have the stressful task of maintaining order in this forum. You do a great job and are very much appreciated.
I'm just appealing to Pete to not let disappointment or frustration make you leave this forum. We need you and your upbeat and friendly support!
Linda
4/2009 Cervical posterior foraminotomy for herniation C6/7
4/2010 Total knee replacement
9/29/10 PLIF with laminectomies L4-S1 to correct lumbar curve and L5 nerve root impingement.
I want you to take the time to consider everything that has been said and done, then make your decision. Based on the help and the respect you have here on thi forum I am sure you will again make the right decision. We all have bad days but we must not act in haste. You have been wonderful to me and I have been honored to have been a part of spine health. I would hate to think that you would choose to loose all of us because one of us has been banned. There are so many more people out there like me that do need your kind words and you encouragement,and if you leave now, well I think you know what I mean. As a favor to those of us that do need you, please reconsider. Thank you either way I will always be grateful to you. From your spiney friend Linda
Tweety
2 Lamis, 2 decompressions, Fusions of C3/C4, L4/L5, L5/S1
Post therpatic Nueraligia, Systemic Lupus, DDD, Stenosis L3/L4, L5Discectomy, 4 Epidural Blocks, Permanent Nerve Damage
Pete - whatever your decision - you are respected!
David
I am here - do I really need to explain this more!? LOL
Hope you stick around. Please don't think your post was inappropriate! Sometimes we just have to let it out. Nothing wrong with doing that here, not as far as I am concerned anyway!
As far as being down in the dumps goes, don't feel lonely, look around, there's lots of us here!
"I have been told my statement or statements are not logical. Would Mr. Spock ride a bicycle down a wooded mountainside when there was a perfectly good stationary bike at home?" NOTICE: Please consult a real DOCTOR before doing anything that may hurt yourself or others! Please be careful!Medtronic SCS Placed May 4, 2009. Cervical, for chronic right shoulder, upper arm pain.
well one day away from site and im back
thanks linda, wrambler, david, angie, kelly ,ref, liz and inchworm for wanting me back. just think i'll hang around and try to improve this site. oh by the way banned member hollie just went in for gall bladder surgery. i will keep you posted on her progress.
i may start printing up some ONE FREE OF PAIN DAY cards for everyone . much like those get out of jail free days in the monopoly. when i have cards they will be free for all members...lol
guess my steroids are swinging me the other way today because my mood is better...take care...pete
Banned from Spine-Health
You gave Me a Big Smile... and that is just what I needed.
Thanks Pete..
So glad to see you!
Linda
4/2009 Cervical posterior foraminotomy for herniation C6/7
4/2010 Total knee replacement
9/29/10 PLIF with laminectomies L4-S1 to correct lumbar curve and L5 nerve root impingement.
So glad to see you haven't left us and are feeling better. Thats good to hear. Lisa
can do a number on your mood. I always give out warnings to family and friends if I have to be on them.
I'm very glad to see you have decided to stay. I always enjoy reading your encouraging and supportive posts.
Best to you,
Marianne
Please click on my picture for medical/surgical history
your my buddy Pete. Your so encouraging and knowledgable and always willing to help us out. after sugery things get weird with all the meds and cause depression etc. and with yours just over and not working correctly at this time your bound to be upset just please keep in mind all the friends you still have here before going to another forum.
Severe Osteoporosis t-3 score 2009
Doctor says: no standing, or sitting for long periods. No lifting, bending, climbing, crouching, kneeling, crawling, or etc. The list goes on and on.
Swelling from knees to feet source unknown at this time.
Severe Cervical pain, burning, tingling, and numbness to the point that i cannot move sometimes. Muscle spasms, Migraines, and Radiculopathy. Also limited ROM cervical spine.
ACDF c 5-6 2007
Disk dehydration seen down to the C6-7 level. Susceptibility artifact seen along the areas of metal hardware. C3-4 and C4-5 there is at least mild narrowing of the nerve root foramina. C5-6 minor narrowing of the right foramen.
1. Anterior cervical fusion with metal hardware at C5-6 which is well maintained. There is mild narrowing of the nerve root foramina bilaterally.
2.Broad bulging disc C6-7 with borderline mild developing central stenosis and AP canal space diameter of 11-12 mm. also mild stenosis nerve root foramina.
I am not a medical professional my opinion is just that and should not be considered as medical advice!!!
hey pete
i'm not sure if you're still reading posts or what's happened, but if you do read this thread, i just want to let you know how much i appreciate your input on these forums. i'm very new still here, & i find your posts very straightforward, no-nonsense, & helpful. i hope you're finding some of the same support in return.
i hope you're finding some relief from your pain today, i hope you're able to see the beauty in the world around you for a moment. & i hope you know there are people on here who connect with you & appreciate you & care about you.
I didnt know all this was happening as I havnt been around alot lately. But I am so glad you are staying.....You have been such a wonderful friend to me alot of times, when I needed a friend. You have helped me in ways you will never know, and if I lost my Pete I dont know what I'd do! You are so special and thoughtful. I do hope that your stim is helping and it will be a good thing for ya.. I am facing another surgery, and can't do it without my friends here...Love, Robin
2 level PLIF Dec 2008
Hardware Removed Sept 2009
Bone tumor in Eye Socket removed 10-26-09, They confirmed I do have a brain LOL
Fentanyl Patch 100 Mico, Oxycodone 30 MG every 4 hours breakthrough
Surgery Dec 13, 2 level fusion L2-3, L-3-4, ALIF min invasive. Nuvasive procedure..quite the deal!