SPASTIC

2010-11-05T20:00:00.001-07:00

Hi guys, I am t9-t11 and ready to attend a conference in Frankfurt Germany. The travel will be via emirates via Manila with a stopover at dubai and then frankfurt. The trip of 9 hours is quite long.

Could I get suggestions how to minimize the attack of spasticity of my legs? 9 hours can be quite long, for the travelers here in the forum, what exercises do you do to keep the legs relaxed. I think it will be impossible to straighten them unless I get a good seat for it to be stretched.

When we arrive in dubai, there will be a 6 hour stopover, until we fly to germany for another 6 hours. How grueling can this be. YOur suggestions will be a big help.

One more thing. I am a paraplegic and an ostomate. that means I have to go to the toilet. Any experience if this is possible for sci patients to go to the cr to change bags and to catetherize.

All suggestions will be a big help.

2010-04-07T21:33:00.000-07:00

Some patients who suffer due to SCI or spinal cord injuries can get the best from Viagra with proper preparation and right intentions. Hope the write up below becomes a helpful source for the use of the blue pill

Viagra is a safe and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. It helps to restore your natural response to sexual excitement, enabling you to get a firm and reliable erection again. Here is some simple advice to help you to get the best results from it.

Good sex takes two!

Although Viagra can help you regain a normal, firm erection, it is important to remember that good sex involves much more than this. You need to feel sexually excited for it to work well, so ensure that both you and your partner are in the right mood for sex. Time, privacy, comfort and a loving relationship are essential. Being tired, anxious or in a hurry will tend to make it less effective or even stop it from working at all.

Good sex usually involves two people. So do remember your partner’s emotional needs, as well as their sexual needs. They may be worried about you or your treatment, or they may not be as interested in sex as you thought, particularly if you have been unable to make love together for some time. It is important to talk to your partner about your sexual relationship, rather than just taking Viagra and hoping for the best. If they aren’t enjoying it, the chances are you won’t, either.

How does Viagra work?

Viagra works within the tissues of the penis, enabling blood vessels to dilate more effectively in response to sexual excitement. Viagra is not an aphrodisiac and will not improve sexual endurance or performance. It is not a treatment for premature ejaculation. There is no evidence that it has any beneficial effects on men who do not have erection problems.

Like most drugs, Viagra does not work immediately and, for best results, it is important to allow adequate time for it to work properly. As a guide, you should take Viagra about one hour before you are likely to make love. If you have had food and drink at around the same time, it might take longer before it starts to work.

How long does it work for?

Usually, Viagra will start to work about one hour after you have taken it and its effects will then last for about four hours. If you are in a sexually exciting situation during that time, you should be able to get an erection. If you are not sexually excited, it will probably have no effect. You should take Viagra no more than once per day, adjusting the time at which you take tablet to suit your preferred time for lovemaking. As a guide, though, if you take a tablet at 8.00pm, it will start working around 9.00pm and remain effective until around 1.00am.

What will the erection be like?

Your erection should be similar to those you experienced before you developed impotence. It will not be harder or last longer, but can be just as good as it used to be. The erection should be reliable and not fade during lovemaking, before you have and orgasm and ejaculate. The erection should go down after orgasm. If you still feel sexually excited during the four-hour window, you may get another erection.

Does Viagra have side effects?

Viagra is well tolerated by most men. Some men may experience mild dyspepsia (indigestion), facial flushing and headache. Less frequently, some will experience nasal congestion or changes in colour vision (this may be important to men working with colour coded materials, such as electronics engineers). If you do experience any side effects, they should pass off within a few hours, as the drug is eliminated from your system. If Viagra makes you feel unwell, you should stop taking it and discuss this with your doctor.

There have been some very rare reports of men developing prolonged, painful erections, requiring medical attention, after using Viagra. If your erection fails to subside after four hours, you should seek urgent medical advice. This condition is known as priaprism, needs hospital treatment and you should go to the nearest major hospital accident and emergency department for advice. Delay in seeking such advice may result in permanent damage to the penis.

What does should I take?

The doctor who has prescribed Viagra for you should advise you about the correct dose. Viagra is available as 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets. Most men will start on 50 mg, although elderly men or those who might be especially sensitive to its effect (such as those with spinal injuries or multiple sclerosis) may start with 25mg. The dose can be increased if Viagra is not effective at the starting dose.

There is a lot of psychological pressure on both you and the Viagra tablet to work first time. Don’t be too disappointed if the results with your first tablet are less than you’d hoped for. It is worth persevering at each dose and trying at least four times, on separate days, before changing to the next dose. There is no point in increasing the dose above 100mg and doing so may provoke more side effects.

Who shouldn’t take Viagra?

There are some men who should not take Viagra or, at least, should only take it on specialist advice. These include:

• Men who are unfit for sexual activity, as the exertion might be potentially dangerous to them. This would include men with severe heart or respiratory disease, who experience chest, breathlessness or exhaustion during sex.
• Men who are taking drugs known to interact with Viagra. These include nitrates, nicorandil and nebivolol, usually used in the management of angina and some other heart and circulatory conditions. You should NEVER take Viagra with these drugs. It is safe to take normal doses of aspirin, paracetamol, and sensible quantities of alcohol, with Viagra. If you are prescribed any new drug, you must tell the doctor who prescribes the Viagra for you.
• Men with conditions that might predispose them to have prolonged erection. These include leukaemia, multiple myeloma and sickle cell disease.
• Men with Peyronies disease should only use Viagra on specialist advice. In this condition, you may have noticed a painful lump in the penis, or found that the erect penis appears bent.
• Viagra is only suitable for men. There is currently no research evidence on the use or safety of Viagra when taken by women. For the present at least, women should not take Viagra

Will I always need to take Viagra?

Some men find that they are able to get normal erections again, without treatment, having used treatment for impotence in the past. It is impossible to predict who will recover in this way and there is no good research evidence as to what proportion of men will do so. Men with predominantly psychological causes for impotence are probably more likely to recover normal erections.

Experience shows that some previously impotent men, finding themselves in a sexually exciting situation and not having taken Viagra, do sometimes get erections and can sometimes make love successfully without treatment, either some of or all of the time.

What should I do if I develop a new medical problem?

It is vitally important that you tell any doctor, or paramedical personnel, that might attend you that you are taking Viagra.

If you develop any significant new medical problem or are prescribed any new drug, you must tell the doctor who has prescribed Viagra for you as soon as possible.

DO NOT TAKE ANY VIAGRA TABLETS UNTIL YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST HAS CONFIRMED THAT IT IS SAFE TO TAKE YOUR NEW MEDICINE WITH VIAGRA.

If it isn’t, there are alternatives to Viagra that may be suitable for you. You should discuss this with your doctor.

Reproduced with kind permission of Dr John Dean

2010-03-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

Lioresal (Baclofen)

I am an SCI patient and am being withdrawn already from the use of Lioresal manufactured by Novartis. I use to take 80 mg a day and have worked out in months to bring it down to 40 until I am now switching to clonazepam. I have about 6 boxes which i will not be able to use. I bought it from Mercury drug store and expiration is 2013. Please help me in case you are interested to get it in a much lower price so that i can use the money to buy other medicines. My injury is T9 - T11. Maraming salamat po.

2010-02-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

Do you experience heavy legs when you wake up in the morning?
That which you cannot do and lift?

My friend more exercise?

When your legs are heavy, it's because the muscles are weak and having a hard time moving them around. When you recover from the flare, your legs should go back to normal.

From my own personal experience, mobility comes from nerve control of the muscles of your legs. When your leg fails to respond to a signal, or gets the signal crossed, and the symptoms don't resolve a year after the flare, then it's residual damage and will affect your mobility.

I have muscles in my right leg that are atrophying because they no longer receive signals from the brain. I can still walk, fortunately. Every once in a while my right knee folds, but I can catch it in time. But on days when I'm fatigued, or flaring, then my right leg feels like it's not really there - kinda weak and floppy, and feels like it's asleep. (not asleep as in when your circulation is cut off, but more like the sensations you get in your limbs when you just wake up. Hard to describe!)

Hope this helps! Get to feeling better.

http://www.msworld.org/forum/showthread.php?t=77609
__________________

2009-07-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

HYPER EXTENDED KNEE

Is this caused by spasticity?

I am suffering from a hyperextended knee. The left leg is so tight and spastic that the hyperextension is so prominent. It has been like this for several years.

Will there be a way to correct it? My left knee is already aching. I use to ambultate with forearm cruthces but have to go back to the walker just to avoid any risk.

(T9 - T11)

1. You might want to look in to getting a knee brace which would inhibit the knee from hyperextension.

This may be even more important since you are a walking para.

Hopefully more people will chime in with other thoughts and ideas.

Mike

2. SCI-Nurse
08-09-2007, 04:19 AM
Unfortunately this is a common problem if you learned to walk by locking your knees passively and were not properly braced. It can cause damage to the knee joint over time, and can be quite painful if you have sensation.

Bracing and PT to learn a safer gait technique can be used to manage this somewhat. NSAIDs are the most common medication used for this type of pain, although TENS can sometimes be helpful as well.

3. skippy13
05-13-2008, 07:37 PM
Hyperextension can cause meniscus damage. Meniscus damage is very painful. It can cause locking of the knee. A lot of damage can be done to the joint if you have blunted sensation. You should try to have it evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon before doing too much with it. Bracing or wrapping with elastic bandage is a good idea until you can get the all clear from a doctor. Im not sure if botox would work on such large muscles. It would take an awful lot of shots.

I sometimes have the same problem with my left knee since that leg is slightly longer than the right. I agree it is very painful. You have to be very careful. I recently hurt my right knee and am now aggravating the left knee by trying to rely on it more. Back to the walker for me.
daveh0

4. daveh0
Can't emphasize enough what everyone has already stated about protecting that joint. The longer you continue to put weight through it while it's hyperextended, the more damage you'll do (possibly severely interfering with your walking progress) and the more pain you'll have to endure.

If not for the spasticity in that leg, are your quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves strong enough to support your weight without locking your knee? If not, a rigid AFO that puts you into dorsi-flexision might be what you need. It will make it impossible for the knee to hyperextend and give that leg the support and stability you need to walk.

If the hyperextension is being caused just by the spasticity and not as a way to compensate for weaker muscles surrounding the joint, a knee brace or wrap may be more appropriate.

Bottom line - work with a good PT and ortho to make sure that knee is getting the support it needs to prevent any further damage and allow you to get back on the crutches.

2009-06-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

The PWD is also entitled to at least twenty percent discount
on admission fees charged by theaters, cinema houses, concert halls,
circuses, carnivals and other similar places of culture,
leisure and amusement for the exclusive use of enjoyment of persons with disability.

At least twenty percent discount is given to the PWDs for the purchase
of medicines in all drugstores for the exclusive use of the person with disability.

The law also mandates the provision of express lanes for persons with disability
in all commercial and government establishments; in the absence thereof,
priority shall be given to them.

The abovementioned privileges are available only to persons with disability
who are Filipino citizens upon submission of any of the following as proof
of his/her entitlement thereto,
an identification card issued by the city
or municipal mayor
or the barangay captain of the place where the persons with disability
resides;
the passport of the persons with disability concerned;
or transportation discount fare Identification Card (ID) issued by the
National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP).

The PWDs may get registration forms available at the Department of Social Welfare
and Development Offices, the Department of Health Online Registrations or
at the office of the mayor or the barangay captain in their respective areas.

The discount granted may then be claimed by the pertinent establishment
as an allowable deduction from its gross income for income tax purposes
in the same taxable year that such discount is granted. The tax deduction shall
be based on the net cost of the goods sold or services rendered.

Grants of privileges and incentives are inherently a good thing.
They are made even better when taken in conjunction with efforts to integrate
the differently-able brethren into mainstream society by helping them to be self-reliant,
to the extent possible.
Who can argue with the old proverb that wisely asserts "Give a man a fish
and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime." (PIA 8) [top]

- - -

List of cities and provinces issuing IDs for persons with disabilities

February 13, 2009 in Anything Filipino, Deaf Experiences, Discrimination Issues, Laws on Disability
Tags: Luz Cabauatan, Magna Carta for the Disabled Persons, Makati City, Manila, National Capital Region, National Council on Disability Affairs, persons with disabilities, Quezon City, RA 9442

Republic Act 9442
Republic Act 9442 or the amendment of Magna Carta for the Disabled Persons and for Other Purposes (RA 7277) states that a Person with Disability shall be entitled to the following:

* Twenty percent (20%) discount from all establishments like hotels, restaurants, etc.;
* 20% discount on admission fees charged by theaters, concert halls, amusements, etc.;
* 20% discount for purchase of medicines in all drugstores;
* 20% discount on medical and dental services;
* 20% discount on fare for domestic air and sea travel;
* 20% discount in public railways, bus, etc.;
* educational assistance through scholarships, books, etc.;
* discounts in special purchases;
* provision of express lanes in all commercial and govt. establishments; and
* additional tax incentives.

However, persons with disabilities cannot avail of these privileges if they don’t present their
special identification cards. According to the law and the Implementing Rules and Regulations,
only the municipal, city and provincial government units are allowed to issue these IDs.

In my pre-employment preparation subject, I assist my deaf students in getting vital documents that they
would be needed before they apply for jobs. Since most of them live in the National Capital Region,
we were also able to visit some government offices of the surrounding cities. To my surprise, out of the seventeen
highly urbanized cities, only six of them issue these IDs!

Special “thank you” goes to Quezon City government most especially to one of their well-loved officials,
Ma’am Luz Cabauatan for assisting us. She said that our students simply show our school’s ID.
That’s already a proof that they are a PWD. No need to submit any other requirements.
Congratulations too to the mayors of cities of Manila, Malabon and Makati.
Their processing procedure is very efficient and fast. Aside from that, Makati City also provides
free all-day entrance to any movie theaters for their PWD constituents.

I received a copy of the list from National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) office.
To my PWD brothers and sisters, here is a list that will guide you in getting your IDs.
Some LGUs require you to present your Barangay Certificate,
ID photos and medical certificate indicating your disability.
They will then give you a form which you can fill up and submit together with the other requirements
I mentioned. As of October 2008, here are the cities and provinces that has issued special IDs:

1. National Capital Region - Manila, Muntinlupa City, Malabon City, Makati City, Pasay City, Quezon City, Valenzuela City
2. Region I - Dagupan City, Candon, Agoo, Aringan, Aringay, San Fernando City
3. Region II - Enrile, Santiago, Kasibu
4. Region III - Gerona, Olongapo City, Bulacan, Tarlac, San Fernando, Palayan City
5. Region IV - Binan, Dasmarinas, Sta. Rosa, Tagaytay City, Cavite, Cuenca, Calapan
6. Region V - None
7. Region VI - Iloilo
8. Region VII - Cebu, Garcia, Talisay City
9. Region VIII - None
10. Region IX - None
11. Region IX - Malaybalay, Gingoog
12. Cordillera Autonomous Region - Baguio City, Ilogan, Atok
13. CARAGA - Bislig, Surigao, Butuan, Tandag City
14. Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao - None

Ito lamang po ang listahan ng mga mabubuting bayan at lungsod na nangangalaga sa kanilang mga nasasakupan
na may kapansanan. Maraming salamat po sa inyong pagmamahal sa mga may kapansanan.
(Here is the list of good cities and municipalities that care for their constituents who are disabled.)
If your local government has begun issuing IDs and are not included in the list,
kindly post a comment here so I can add it.

Dun naman po sa mga mayor ng lungsod na wala pa dito sa listahan, mahiya naman kayo!
(For those mayors of cities and municipalities that are not on the list, shame on you!)
This law has already been passed by the Philippine government since April 2007.
Pebrero 2009 na po! Kailan pa kayo susunod sa batas at mangangalaga sa mga taong higit na nangangailangan?
(It’s already February 2009. When will you follow the law and take care of people who need it the most?)

2009-05-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

Identification of a Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain Associated with
Nosocomial Urinary Tract Infection

To differentiate between relapse of infection and reinfection of the urinary tract due to Klebsiella pneumoniae, 33 K. pneumoniae isolates collected from 20 patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) over 2 years were typed by genomic fingerprinting by repetitive-element PCR. Clinical isolates obtained from the same patients with
recurrent episodes of urinary tract infection (UTI) revealed identical genomic fingerprints indicating relapse of UTI due to K. pneumoniae, despite appropriate antibiotic therapy. Seventeen isolates obtained from 8 of the 20 SCI patients shared a common genotype, termed RD6. Among non-SCI patients residing in other nursing
units, the RD6 genotype was found in 5 of 10 patients with K. pneumoniae UTI but in only 1 of 20 patients with K. pneumoniae infection that did not involve the urinary tract, suggesting a strong association of this genotype with UTI. All RD6 isolates exhibited strong adherence (>50 adherent bacteria per cell) to HEp-2 cells, whereas
other K. pneumoniae isolates generally did not adhere to or adhered very weakly to HEp-2 cells (<5 adherent bacteria per cell). Adherence was inhibited either by 4% D-mannose or by anti-type 1 fimbrial rabbit serum. These results suggest that the capacity of K. pneumoniae RD6 isolates to cause UTI may be mediated by its
striking adherence to mammalian cells

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enterobacteriaceae, has become one of the most common causes of urinary tract infection (UTI) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI)(2, 5, 13). Although the incidence of UTI has been reduced by the use of intermittent bladder catheterization, recurrence of UTI continues to be a troublesome problem in many patients.

Recurrence of bacteriuria may indicate either relapse of infection caused by the same bacterial strain which can persist at sites adjacent to the bladder, despite seemingly appropriate antibiotic therapy for UTI, or reinfection with a different bacterial strain (18). The differentiation between relapse of infection and reinfection has significant management implications. Patients with a documented relapse of UTI may need to be investigated for anatomic abnormalities such as renal stone, urethral stricture, and abscess or functional alterations such as
vesicoureteral reflux that may potentially impede complete eradication of the bacteria.

Adherence of K. pneumoniae to mammalian epithelial cells, regarded as a prerequisite for colonization or infection of mammalian tissues (12), is mediated by the adhesins FimH and MrkD that are associated with type 1 and type 3 fimbriae, respectively (4, 8, 16), and by other R-plasmid-encoded adhesins (3). The genes for type 1 fimbriae are conserved among most species of the family Enterobacteriaceae (1), while the
genes for type 3 fimbriae are not (14). Type 1 fimbriae facilitate mannose-sensitive adherence of K. pneumoniae to rat bladder cells (7) and ciliated hamster tracheal cells (6), whereas type 3 fimbriae facilitate adherence to trypsinized human buccal and tracheal cells in a mannose-resistant manner (9). Host receptors for the FimH adhesin of type 1 fimbriae and for the MrkD adhesin of type 3 fimbriae are believed to involve a D-mannosecontaining glycoprotein (10) on epithelial surfaces and type V
collagen of basal membrane (17), respectively. The objectives of this study were to (i) differentiate between a relapse of K. pneumoniae UTI caused by the same bacterial
strain and reinfection with a different bacterial strain by PCRbased DNA fingerprinting of clinical isolates and (ii) study the relationship between the development of UTI and the in vitro adherence of K. pneumoniae to human HEp-2 cells derived from a human laryngeal carcinoma.

2009-04-26T05:42:00.000-07:00

My URL already has a picture of me customized.

People with disabilities are given opportune moments to discover talents in the computer. The chance to learn some new tricks will be useful for work or for just personal growth.

Learn tricks in the net given the time you can spare.

2009-04-24T01:39:00.001-07:00

Here is the Public And Private List Of Hospitals In Quezon City

AFP Medical Center
V. Luna Rd., Quezon City 1100
Col. Paterno L. Palangda, Commanding Officer
Col. Eliseo A. Arreola, MAC (GSC), Administrator
Tel: 921-1753/426-2701/Fax: 921-1741

Ann-Francis Maternity Hospital
606 Quirino Highway, Novaliches, Quezon City
Dr. Rommel Felix, Medical Director
Dr. Victorio C. Felix, Administrator
Tel: 938-9424/936-3256

Bernardino General Hospital Corporation I
680 Quirino Highway, San Bartolome,
Novaliches, Quezon City
Dr. Emmanuel dela Cruz, Medical Director
Dr. Yolanda Bernardino-Lim, Administrator
Tel: 418-6711/418-6684/Fax: 939-8050

Bonifacio Medical, Dental, & Optical Clinic
225 Roosevelt Ave., Quezon City
Dr. Consorcia C. Bonifacio, Medical Director

Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo Station Hospital
Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City
Col. Renato P. Ty, Commanding Officer

Capitol Medical Center
Sct. Magbanua cor. Panay Ave., Quezon City
Dr. Thelma N. Clemente, President
Dr. Edgardo N. Clemente, Medical Director
Tel: 938-7789/938-8882/Fax: 939-7229

Casaul General Hospital, Inc.
L5 Blk.11, Sacred Heart Vill., Lagro, Quezon City
Dr. Romeo B. Casaul, Medical Director
Dr. Ruby L. Casaul, Administrator
Tel: 930-1190

Cruz-Dalida Maternity Hospital
1025 F. Salvador, Jordan Plain, Novaliches,Quezon City
Dr. Rosario Cruz-Dalida, Medical Director /Administrator
Tel: 417-4080/Fax: 936-6135

Delos Santos Medical Center
201 E. Rodriguez Blvd., Quezon City
Dr. Efren V. delos Santos, Medical Director
Mr. Jose R. delos Santos, Administrator
Tel:722-0773/724-4540/Fax: 722-0773
Email: joesan@info.com.ph

Dr. Fe Del Mundo Center Foundations Phils., Inc.
11 Banawe St., Quezon City
Dr. Alendry P. Caviles, Jr., Medical Director
Mr. Edgardo M. Cailo, Administrator
Tel: 712-0845 to 49/Fax: 712-5796
Email: mmedcon2003@yahoo.com

Dr. Jesus C. Delgado Memorial Hospital
7 Kamuning Rd., Quezon City
Ms. Ma. Violeta D. Cojuangco, President/ Administrator
Dr. Rainerio S. Abad, Medical Director
Tel: 924-4051 to 61/Fax: 928-5945
Email: jdmh@skyinet.net

Dr. Montano Ramos Hospital
46 Bukidnon St., Bago Bantay, Quezon City
Dr. Montano G. Ramos, Medical Director
Dr. Caridad R. Ramos, Administrator
Tel: 927-6628/453-1377/Fax: 453-2453
Mobile: (0919) 288-7389

East Avenue Medical Center
East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Dr. Gilberto del Castillo, Chief of Hospital
Tel: 927-9900/928-0611

Fairview General Hospital
Lot 20 Fairview Ave., cor. Mercury St.,
Brgy. Fairview, Capitol District,Quezon City
Dr. Hermogenes D. Jarin, Medical Director
Tel: 939-9689/Fax: 938-4796

Fairview Polymedic Hospital
1041 Quirino Highway, Sta. Monica,
Novaliches, Quezon City
Dr. Hermogenes D. Jarin, Medical Director
Tel: 939-8764

FEU-Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation
Regalado Ave., West Fairview, Quezon City 1108
Dr. Reynaldo B. De Vega, Administrator
Tel: 427-0213/938-4881/Fax: 938-4881

Gen. Miguel M. Malvar Medical Foundation
531 Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City
Dr. Potenciano R. Malvar, Medical Director
Tel: 932-7267/932-8867/932-8517

J.P. Sioson General Hospital and Colleges, Inc.
75 Bukidnon St., Bago Bantay, Quezon City
Dr. Juanito P. Sioson, Medical Director
Dr. Joseph Z. Sioson, Administrator
Tel: 927-1339/927-5643/Fax: 455-4281

Lung Center of the Philippines
Quezon Ave. Ext., Quezon City
Dr. Juanito A. Rubio, Officer-in-Charge
Tel: 927-5643/927-1339/Fax: 455-4281

Mt. Banawe General Hospital
264 E. Rodriguez Blvd., Quezon City
Dr. Marieta R. Siongco, Chief of Hospital
Mr. Reynaldo C. Salazar, Administrator
Tel: 724-0656 to 59/Fax: 721-9139
Email: nch264@yahoo.com

National Kidney & Transplant Institute
East Avenue, Quezon City
Dr. Enrique T. Ona, Chief of Hospital
Ms. Blesilda A. Gutierrez
Tel: 924-0701/Fax: 922-5608/Mobile: (0918) 909-2405
Email:ikeona39@yahoo.com

Neopolitan General Hospital
Lagro, Novaliches, Quezon City
Dr. Orlando Cabahug, Medical Director
Dr. Mariano T. delos Santos, Administrator
Tel: 936-4575 to 76

New Era General Hospital
Don Mariano Marcos, New Era, Quezon City
Dr. Jesse C. Baylon, Medical Director
Tel: 924-4311 to 27/932-7387/ Fax: 981-1187

Novaliches District Hospital
Quirino Highway, San Bartolome,
Novaliches, Quezon City
Dr. Eduardo F. Aldana, Chief of Hospital
Dr. Luzviminda S. Kwong, Acting Asst. Director
Tel: 418-5987/418-5970

Novaliches General Hospital
793 Quirino Highway, Gulod, Novaliches, Quezon City
Dr. Francisco Tan, Jr., Medical Director
Dr. Francisco Y. Tan, Sr., Administrator
Tel: 936-1817/938-7840/Fax:418-5074
Email: novagenhosp@tri_isys.com

OCW General Hospital
39 Tandang Sora Ave., Brgy. Culiat, Quezon City
Dr. Roger A. Ramones, Medical Director
Tel: 931-3529/Fax: 931-3060

Pascual General Hospital
130 Baesa, Novaliches, Quezon City
Dr. Concordia M. Pascual, Medical Director
Dr. Ma. Lilybeth P. Naguit, Administrator
Telefax: 362-5862

Philippine Children’s Medical Center
Quezon Ave., Quezon City
Dr. Lilian V. Lee, Chief of Hospital
Tel: 924-6601 to 25/Fax: 924-0840
Email: drlee@hiss.pcmc.org.ph

Philippine Heart Center
East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 1110
Dr. Ludgerio D. Torres, Chief of Hospital
Mrs. Zhyma Sanchez, Administrator
Tel: 925-2401 to 50/922-0551/Telefax: 922-0551
Email: director@phc.gov.ph

Philippine Orthopedic Center
M. Clara St. cor. Banawe St., Quezon City
Dr. Jesus D. Duenas, Chief of Hospital
Tel: 712-4602/711-4276 to 80/Fax: 712-4601

PNP General Hospital
EDSA, Camp Crame, Quezon City
Col. Adolfo S. Avenido, Commanding Officer
Tel: 722-6850/ 722-0670

PNP General Hospital Annex
Camp Panopio, P. Tuazon, Quezon City
Supt. Renato J. dela Cruz, Deputy & Executive Officer
Tel: 723-6730

Q.C. St. Agnes General Hospital
241 Roosevelt Avenue, Quezon City
Dr. Marianito Abagon, Medical Director
Tel: 374-2769/374-2772 to 73

Quezon City General Hospital
Seminary Rd., Quezon City
Dr. Edgardo V. Salud, Chief of Hospital
Tel: 455-4801/Fax: 453-0928

Quezon Institute
E. Rodriguez Sr. Blvd., Quezon City 1102
Dr. Felix R. Barrera, Jr., Chief of Hospital
Dr. Carmencita N. Reodica, Administrator
Tel: 781-3761 to 65/781-3755/Fax: 781-3755
Email: ptsi@vasia.com

Quirino Memorial Medical Center
Project 4, Katipunan, Quezon City
Dr. Rosalinda F. Arandia, Chief of Hospital
Ms. Beulilah C. Octavio, Administrator
Tel: 913-4758/437-3660/Fax: 913-4558

San Lorenzo General Hospital
Quirino Highway, Pasong Putik,
Novaliches, Quezon City
Dr. Eduardo S. Noveloso, Medical Director
Ms. Marcia T. Noveloso, Administrator
Tel: 939-7054/930-2195/Fax: 930-2195
Mobile: (0917) 794-0096

St. Louis Medical Clinic & Hospital
Marianito St., San Bartolome,
Novaliches, Quezon City
Dr. Matilde Legaspi, Administrator
Tel: 936-1243/936-0302

St. Luke’s Medical Center
279 E. Rodriguez Sr., Blvd., Quezon City
Mr. Jose Ledesma, President & CEO
Dr. Arsenio C. Cantos, Medical Director
Tel: 723-0101/Fax; 724-4227
Email: info@stluke.com.ph

Sta. Lucia General Hospital Corporation
797 Quirino Highway, Sta. Monica,
Novaliches, Quezon City
Dr. Feliciano P. Legaspi, Medical Director
Dr. Matilde A. Legaspi, Administrator
Tel: 418-5593/418-6733/Fax: 938-4587

Sta. Teresita General Hospital
100 D. Tuazon St., Quezon City
Dr. Raymond Ramirez, Medical Director
Mr. Robert Ramirez, Administrator
Tel: 731-9803/731-7511/743-8770

The University Health Service
J.P.Laurel Ave. cor. Apacible &
Agoncillo St., U.P. Campus, Diliman, Quezon City
Dr. Macria E. Macalinao, Chief of Hospital
Ms. Zenaida DC. Anzures, Administrator
Telefax: 928-3608

U.E.R.M Memorial Medical Center
Aurora Blvd., Sta. Mesa, Quezon City
Dr. Edgrado Corres, Medical Director
Dr. Vicente V. Tanseco, Jr., Administrator
Telefax: 716-1853

United Doctors Medical Center
290 Espana cor. 6th N. Ramirez St., Quezon City
Dr. Delfin Tan, Medical Director
Tel: 712-3640 to 49

Valdez-Padron Hospital
12 Marianito St., Gulod, Novaliches, Quezon City
Dr. Cherry V. Padron, Medical Director
Dr. Pedro R. Padron, Administrator
Tel: 419-9339

Veterans Memorial Medical Center
North Ave., Diliman, Quezon City
Dr. Antonio B. Sison, Chief of Hospital
Ms. Dolores M. Geronimo, Administrator
Tel: 927-6426 to 39/Fax: 926-2437
Website: www.vmmc.gov.ph

Villarosa Hospital
11 Salalilla, Project 4, Quezon City 1109
Dr. Romualdo R. Villarosa, Medical Director
Ms. Josephine V. Caluag, Administrator
Tel: 913-9705/421-1281/Fax: 913-9712

World Citi Medical Center
960 Aurora Blvd., Quezon City
Dr. Reynaldo L. Nambayan, Medical Director
Ms. Arlyn Grace V. Guico, Administrator
Tel: 913-8380/Fax: 913-8383

2009-04-12T05:42:00.000-07:00

Creating an Ulcerative Colitis Diet Plan

If you have ulcerative colitis, you probably know which foods trigger your symptoms. The good news is there are ways of eating with ulcerative colitis that allow you to avoid the foods that aggravate your bowel condition. In addition, some new research indicates that specific nutrients in some foods may help decrease GI inflammation. That can make it easier to self-manage your illness.
What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a disease that affects the large intestine (the colon) and the rectum. This disease causes inflammation of the colon's inner lining and the rectal wall, which becomes red, swollen, and ulcerated.

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include cramping, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Some people with ulcerative colitis suffer with poor appetite, fatigue, and anemia. Other people also have joint pain, redness, swelling, and liver problems.

Research suggests that ulcerative colitis may be an autoimmune disease. That means the body may be attacking its own healthy organs and tissues. Contrary to popular belief, neither stress nor specific foods actually cause ulcerative colitis. Yet, as you may have already found out, both stress and certain foods can aggravate GI symptoms.
How can an ulcerative colitis diet plan help?

It's important to self- manage ulcerative colitis with healthy lifestyle habits and a nutrient-rich diet. Paying attention to your nutrition is especially important with GI diseases because the symptoms of diarrhea and bleeding can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and loss of essential nutrients. That can lead to a host of problems such as fatigue, weakness, and anemia.
What foods are included in an ulcerative colitis diet plan?

Eating with ulcerative colitis should be based on a well-balanced diet that's high in protein, complex carbohydrates, whole grains, and good fats. Such a diet will provide you with energy and keep you well. Your diet may include meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products (if you don't have lactose intolerance); breads and cereals; fruits and vegetables; and margarine and oils.

If you are a vegetarian with ulcerative colitis, dairy products and plant proteins -- such as soy products -- can provide the nutritional elements found in meat, fish, and poultry.
What foods should I avoid in an ulcerative colitis diet plan?

According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of American, diet is not a major factor in the inflammatory process. Some specific foods, however, may affect symptoms of ulcerative colitis and play some role in inflammation.

If you find that certain foods trigger your bowel symptoms, then you may want to avoid these foods to reduce your symptoms and self-manage your illness. For example, some people with ulcerative colitis find that coffee or caffeine exacerbates diarrhea and cramping. Other people complain that raw vegetables or high-fiber foods cause their GI symptoms.

Some people periodically follow a low-residue diet or low-fiber diet, getting about 10-15 grams of fiber a day. That helps reduce the frequency of bowel movements and prolongs intestinal transit time.

Learning to avoid food triggers may give you better control of your disease and allow you greater freedom to enjoy an active life. Despite the fact there is no scientific proof, many people with ulcerative colitis have found that one or more of the following foods can trigger their GI symptoms:

* alcohol
* caffeine
* carbonated beverages
* dairy products, if lactose intolerant
* dried beans, peas, and legumes
* dried fruits, berries, fruits with pulp or seeds
* foods containing sulfur or sulfate
* foods high in fiber, including whole-grain products
* hot sauce, pepper
* meats
* nuts, crunchy nut butters
* popcorn
* products containing sorbitol (sugar-free gum and candies)
* raw vegetables
* refined sugar
* seeds
* spicy foods, sauces

How can I remember the foods that trigger my ulcerative colitis symptoms?

Consider using a food diary that you keep every day. Use a small spiral notebook, and write down all "suspect" foods and beverages that seem to aggravate your ulcerative colitis symptoms. For instance, if you eat a spicy meal and have symptoms afterward, write down "spicy foods" in your food diary, or write down the specific foods that you ate such as "black beans" or "corn" or "spicy salsa." If morning coffee causes abdominal cramping and diarrhea, then list "coffee" in your diary. If alcohol bothers your GI tract, write down "alcoholic beverages."

Being aware of these offending foods and beverages and eliminating them from your diet may help to reduce your GI symptoms. With more control over ulcerative colitis symptoms, you may have more energy. You may also feel more like socializing with friends, exercising, and living a more active life once the fear of cramping or sudden diarrhea is gone.
What else is important with an ulcerative colitis diet?

It's common to lose weight with ulcerative colitis. Many people with ulcerative colitis have nutrient deficiencies when they're first diagnosed. Others develop signs of malnutrition, particularly when they've had severe bouts of diarrhea for weeks to months and lose essential nutrients. In addition, with inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis, your GI tract cannot always absorb the nutrients from the foods you eat. That leaves you anemic and feeling weak.

People with ulcerative colitis may also have low levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid. This can lead to other health problems. That's why it's important to watch your overall health and see your GI doctor frequently to make sure you stay well. Your doctor will assess your overall health and GI symptoms. Sometimes your doctor may run some lab tests and make diet and lifestyle recommendations, if necessary, as well as check your medications.

Along with eating the right foods for ulcerative colitis, be sure to include adequate nutritional supplements if you're unable to eat a balanced diet. For example, if you must avoid dairy products because of lactose intolerance, then talk to your doctor about getting adequate calcium through other foods such as vegetables, sardines with bones, or soy foods. Or get your calcium through supplementation with over-the-counter calcium tablets. In addition, ask your doctor to recommend a daily multivitamin and folic acid supplement.
What does the latest research show about the link between nutrients and inflammation?

In some trials, researchers studied the benefit of restricting linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid found in foods such as safflower oil, walnuts, olive oil, egg yolks, wheat germ oil, lard, coconut oil, and sesame seed oil. Although everyone needs linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fat, there is some evidence it may play a role in inflammation if too much is ingested.

Other trials have found supplementation with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) helpful to inhibit leukotriene activity. Leukotrienes are chemicals that contribute to inflammation. EPA is an omega-3 fatty acid that's found especially in fish oil. In clinical trials, patients benefited from very high doses of fish oil supplements by taking fish oil capsules. Many, however, found the fish taste offensive.

Some scientific trials reported anti-inflammatory benefits when patients with ulcerative colitis ate probiotic yogurts. Probiotic yogurts are available in most supermarket dairy sections.

2009-02-20T20:04:00.001-08:00

Beware: Drugs Can Cause Erections to Drop
by Unknown

Reprinted from Vol. XVII, No. 9 ©1999 DKT International, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. All Rights Reserved. February, 1999

Americans think nothing of going to the drugstore to buy an over-the-counter medication for ailments ranging from colds to back pain. For more serious conditions, their doctors will write a prescription for a pill to ease their symptoms. Since all of these medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the patient feels secure that the medication not only will be effective but also will not cause harm. Most of the time, that's true.

But some drugs have negative side effects - and as many as 400 are known to cause at least occasional problems with sexual desire and function. With approximately 1.5 billion prescriptions written in the United States each year, many millions could find themselves getting better while their sexual fun takes an unwanted holiday. Forewarned is forearmed, so here's some information that may help. First, let's consider Shelton, a 55-year-old man who received a prescription for Tenormin to lower his blood pressure.

"I was on the drug about two weeks when I started having trouble getting an erection," Shelton said. "I didn't know if it was because of my heart condition or what, so I mentioned it to my doctor."

Shelton's doctor explained that Tenormin is a member of a class of drugs known as beta-blockers. These drugs alter the flow of blood through arteries. While this is desirable for someone with a cardiac condition, the drug also inhibits the flow of blood to the penis, thus making it more difficult to gain an erection. Shelton's doctor switched the medication to Capoten, an ACE inhibitor.

While this helped with his erections, it wasn't as successful in lowering his blood pressure. So his cardiologist then prescribed Cardizem, a calcium channel-blocker. That successfully lowered Shelton's blood pressure while not impeding his sexual function.

"I'm glad I mentioned it to my doctor," Shelton said of his problems getting erections. "I was afraid this was something I was just going to have to live with."

Talk To Your Doctor

Physicians and sex therapists agree that communication between patient and doctor is critical because each person reacts differently to a medication. In some cases, the sexual side effects of a drug are discovered during clinical trials and are included on the package insert. With some newer drugs, though, sexual side effects may not reveal themselves until after the drug has been on the market a while. In these cases, it may take some time before this information makes it onto the printed warnings.

Sometimes, the problem isn't with a single medication but rather may be a reaction to two or more medications taken in combination. Here, again, communications with the doctor becomes vital. When it comes to the sexual side effects of medication, "some detective work is needed to determine what is going on," said Bernie Zilbergeld, PhD, author of The New Male Sexuality. "Such work should always be done in conjunction with a physician." Sometimes, evidence may point to a drug side effect when that's not necessarily the case. Zilbergeld writes, "Even if you have an erection problem and are taking a medication known to produce this result in some people, this does not (always) mean the drug is the cause of your erection problem." For example, a man may be anxious about having sex because of the effect he fears such activity might have on an already-troubled heart. In these cases, sex therapy with a qualified professional may be needed to overcome the anxieties. In many cases, though, relief can be achieved by adjusting doses and/or changing medications. Zilbergeld warns: "Under no circumstances should you fiddle with dosages or stop taking them without the consultation of a physician who is knowledgeable about drugs and your medical and sexual situation."

Drugs That Cause Problems

* Blood pressure medications - along with their pharmacological cousins diuretics, such as Hygroton, which are prescribed to increase urine flow - are the most common class of drugs to have negative sexual side effects. Other prescription medications known to inhibit sexual function include:

* Antidepressants, especially those known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including such brand names as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil. These work by enhancing the action of seratonin, a brain chemical responsible for regulating mood. While helpful in reducing negative feelings, they also can limit the brain's ability to register pleasure. (Because of these side effects, these drugs are sometimes prescribed to help men prone to premature ejaculation. If used for a long period, however, they can also cause impotence in these men.) Alternative antidepressants that are less likely to impede sexual function include Wellbutrin, Serzone and Remeron.

* Anti-ulcer drugs, such as Tagamet, interfere with testosterone and cause libido and erection difficulties for approximately 2 percent of all men taking the drug. Pepcid and Zantac have similar anti-ulcer and heartburn benefits without the sexual side effects of Tagamet.

* Prostate shrinkers, such as Proscar, not only relax prostate tissue but actually shrink an enlarged gland. But the drugs also lower the level of testosterone, causing erection difficulties in a reported 4 percent of men taking them. Alternative medications include Hytrin, Cardura, and Flomax.

* Much has been written lately about the benefits of Viagra for erectile dysfunction. While it may be useful in treating some cases of drug-induced impotence, it should never be used in conjunction with nitrates. The FDA has received dozens of reports of men who have gotten seriously ill and even died after using Viagra while already taking nitrates. The combination of the two can lower blood pressure to a lethal level. If changes in prescription medications and/or doses don't help, other agents sometimes can offset the negative effect of a needed drug. Supplements of the hormone testosterone can enhance libido as can the natural erection aid yohimbine.

Non-Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs are not the only culprits when it comes to negative sexual side effects. Al, for example, started taking Drixoril, a common over-the-counter antihistamine, for sinus congestion. "I assumed anything I could buy over the counter was safe," Al said. But after a few days on the medication, "I tried and tried and tried and I still couldn't get an erection." That's because antihistamines can constrict arteries and block the flow to erections. Once Al stopped taking the medication, sexual function was quickly regained. Sleeping pills can interfere with deep sleep in which sexually rejuvenating nocturnal erections occur. Sometimes it might help to take a "drug holiday" for a day or two in anticipation of a big date or a romantic weekend getaway. But, again a warning: Do so only after receiving approval from your doctor. When it comes to drugs, it's best to learn all you can about the medication you're taking and to share any difficulties you might be having with your doctor.

http://www.apparelyzed.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2506

2009-02-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

Viagra: Does it Work with Spinal Cord Injury
February 1999

Title - Viagra: Does it Work with Spinal Cord Injury?

Most people wait till they're dead before they donate their body to science. Not me. I've been a guinea pig all my gimp life. That's 34 years of experimentation. I'm the only survivor I know of the great 28-year Dantrium study, for instance, and then there was my long search for chemical enlightenment during the '60s and '70s. This year, duty called again.

I got a call from Fred, my friend and family doctor. Fred said he had come into some Viagra, the erection medication. He was curious to know if it worked on gimps and wondered if I'd test it for him. How could I turn him down? This is the man who saw me through two near-death experiences. I told him I was up to the challenge.

Viagra--the generic name is sildenafil citrate--works like this: An erection occurs when nitric oxide is released into the smooth muscles of the penis, flooding it with blood. But mother nature saw fit to install a control system. An enzyme inundates the penis after ejaculation, constricting blood vessels and allowing it to become flaccid. The enzyme remains and slows the flow of nitric oxide into the penis until the man is intensely aroused. But age or disability can prevent nitric acid from getting past the enzyme gatekeeper, and that's where Viagra comes in. It gives the nitric oxide an upper hand over the enzyme, and the rest is whoopee.

In studies released by Pfizer Pharmaceutical, the maker of Viagra, 70 percent of nondisabled men achieved viable erections with the drug. For men with spinal cord injury, however, that figure was only 60 percent. Then there are those 50-plus men who have expired--happily but prematurely--from overexertion while using Viagra. These poor souls failed to heed medical advice to go forth and have sex but not get excited.

Pfizer has claimed that side-effects from Viagra are relatively rare, affecting about 9 percent of all users studied. They include nausea, flushing, nasal congestion, headaches and visual disturbances. However, a later Pfizer study published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that 30 percent of users experienced headaches, 27 percent had facial flushing and up to 17 percent had visual changes. This still doesn't scare away the many users who feel that if it's a decision between no sex and a headache, then bring on the headache. That's why they sell aspirin.

But beware of taking Viagra with nitroglycerin or similar drugs. The combination can drop blood pressure to dangerous levels. "If a cardiac patient takes Viagra along with nitrates," reports Your Health magazine, "it could be the last time he'll have sex."

So, into the lab. After assessing the Pfizer product literature, my wife Jo and I giggled as we anticipated our first evening together with Viagra. I popped the pill. By the time Jo got in bed, what to my wondering eyes did appear but a genuine unassisted throbber. It was the first in years that hadn't been punctured into existence. Pfizer had just become my friend.

I was inspired to continue my research during the months that followed. Like many researchers before me, I've had successes and failures. The pill doesn't always provide me with the kind of results I got the first time, and using it too frequently seems to diminish its effects. It's the same if I drink too much liquid or eat a large meal before taking the pill. Twice my erection failed to remain at attention, and required a jump start from an injection of Caverject. On the other hand, Viagra is great for surprises. Pop a pill, take a nap, and then call your partner into the bedroom on some ruse. Whip back the covers and amaze her--either with your prodigious display or your oafish behavior.

Spontaneity is a key issue for those who have chosen Viagra. Danny Walden, a C5-6 quad, has been married to Beth for 14 years. He had been using papavarine injections, but has recently had good results with Viagra. According to Beth, Viagra has improved their sex life. "It's easier for Danny to initiate," she says. "It's more spontaneous than the other way."

"It's improved our relationship and I believe it will improve it more," Danny adds. "To me, being close sexually makes it easier to be close emotionally. And sex is supposed to be fun. It's hard to be fun when you have to drag out the needle. Viagra makes it a helluva lot more fun."

Dale Santella, a C6 quad from Bradenton, Fla., would love to abandon the needle. He had used an injected combination of papavarine and rigotine for seven years with good results before he tried Viagra. "The first time I tried it, I did 50 mg and it did nothing," he reports. "My doctor said to take 100 mg. I did and I had better results. But not like an injection."

As a single male, Dale is still motivated to find an alternative to a needle. "When you're out and things are going well," he says, "it's kind of hard to say, 'Here, you want to jab these works in me?'"

While spontaneity is nice, the newfound ability of many disabled men to initiate sex without help can have dire effects. Quadriplegics freed from injections are no longer dependent on their spouses for erections. Married men in celibate relationships may suddenly develop a unilateral desire to have sex on a regular basis. A woman who for years has been perfectly happy in a marriage without sex can find living with a newly active libido challenging. Myron Murdoch, national director of the Impotence Institute of America, says that one woman he interviewed was so threatened by Viagra she demanded personal custody of her husband's pills.

Viagra doesn't work as well for everyone as it does for me, and it may work better for quads than for paras. Of five paraplegics I interviewed, not one was completely satisfied with the drug. Systems analyst Doug Maurer, a T4-5 para, says he took Viagra on his doctor's recommendation because it's less invasive than injections. "Unfortunately," he says, "it didn't do much for me. Then he had me try a higher dose, but it didn't do much either."

Jason, an L4-5 para who wishes to remain anonymous, was also disappointed. "For about 15 minutes it acts like it's going to work, and that's it," he says.

And Viagra doesn't appeal to all people. Dan Cassady, a C7 quad from Tampa, Fla., still prefers his injectable erection drugs. "I've had fairly good success," he says, "and once you get over your squeamishness with the needle, you go with what's working. I don't see the need for taking the pill over taking the shot."

But for those it helps, Viagra makes a big difference. "I think sexuality is part of who you are," says Walden. "It improves my self-esteem to know that part of me is there. We always had a sex life, but I couldn't have sex like I used to. Now I can."

And if Viagra doesn't work for you, don't despair. It's only the beginning of a promising new line of drugs. Vasmax, an oral medication to be introduced this spring, mimics the injectable Caverject by dilating penile blood vessels. Other drugs are being researched, and because erectile dysfunction is caused by a variety of disorders, Dr. Harin Padena -Nathan of the Male Clinic in Santa Rosa, Calif., maintains, "We could combine them in a cocktail. Some to work in the brain and some to work locally for the best effect."

Doug Maurer is receiving just such a tri-mix today, blended as an injectable. Does it work? Well, he has had to go to the hospital twice for priapism. Life is full of little ironies. The only thing interfering with Doug's sex life right now is that every time he loads up he gets stuck with a gun that won't go back in its holster. His doctor is titrating the meds and Doug is confident that soon he will have an injectable that knows when to quit.

As for me and M'lady, we are believers. Viagra is good stuff. It works for us most of the time and we always have Caverject for back-up. It's never given me any side-effects, and it's brought me back to a proud career in research. My only complaint: Where was this damn stuff 20 years ago?

Viagra Redux: But What About Us Girls?

Viagra was developed as a treatment for impotence in men. Then the popular press began picking up stories of women who experienced increased arousal with the drug. So will it do the same for women with spinal cord injuries?

Dr. Marca Sipski, researcher at Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education Corporation and Associate Professor of PM&R at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, has an ongoing research project that may answer that question. At press time, seven women with spinal cord injuries had participated in a two-day double-blind study session. Neither the participants nor the researchers knew which day the drug was administered.

Sipski cautions that any results from the study are preliminary and subject to later analysis. "But from my original subjects," she says, "I can tell you that two subjects had very positive responses to the drug. They were certain of the day they'd had the drug and were much more highly aroused. One woman had three orgasms in 78 minutes. For others, the results were less dramatic."

Jessica Shone, 25, a T9-11 para from Wantage, N.J., was one of the study participants. "It definitely increased my skin sensation and feeling," she says. "And on the drive home, I had a really bad headache [a well known side-effect of Viagra]. The second day, when they gave me the fake drug, I knew right away because there wasn't as much sensation."

Shone says the protocol called for viewing erotic movies and performing external stimulation on a fixed schedule. And orgasm, she says, was part of the picture. Viagra, for her, increased arousal.

Kathy Moore, 42, an incomplete C5 quadriplegic from Teaneck, N.J., had a similar experience. The first thing she noticed is that it changed her mood and increased sensation. "It's a laughing, joyful type of high and a stimulant at the same time," she says. "It makes you more excitable, and it works with the stimulation to cause orgasm. In the near future," she adds, "I think they should start giving it to spinal cord patients, especially with injuries as high as mine. I think it would stimulate them to have more sensation and help them with their social lives."

Will Viagra help other women with spinal cord injuries? Dr. Sipski hopes to have some definitive answers by April.

2009-02-13T20:17:00.000-08:00

Recommendations for Viagra use by individuals with SCI

# Before using Viagra for Erectil Dysfunction, individuals with SCI should See their physician or urologist for a physical examination.
# Discuss other treatment options. One may find that the results from Viagra are not as good as other treatments such as injection therapy or penile vibratory stimulation.
# Know the possible side effects when using the drug and when it is necessary to call your doctor.
# Ask about of any possible reactions that may occur by interactions with other medications you are currently taking. Remember that Viagra should not be taken with other medical treatment for ED such as injection or MUSE (Medicated Urethral System for Erection).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In 1998 the drug, Viagra® (sildenafil), was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in males. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the consistent inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity.(1) Viagra quickly drew the interest of males with spinal cord injury (SCI) as many experience difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection due to the effects of their injury.

In clinical studies the drug manufacturer, Pfizer, evaluated the effects of Viagra on over 3000 patients aged 19 to 87 with ED of various etiologies (organic, psychogenic, mixed) with an average duration of 5 years. They also conducted a randomized study of patients with erectile dysfunction resulting from SCI (n=178). Of those individuals with SCI responding to the global improvement question, 83% reported improved erections while taking Viagra versus 12% on the placebo. The diary data kept by individuals with SCI indicated that for those on Viagra, 59% of attempts at sexual intercourse were successful as compared to 13% on the placebo.(1)

Dr. Francois Giulano from Paris reported on this study at the 8th World Meeting on Impotence Research in August, 1998. Dr. Giulano concluded that Viagra is well tolerated and highly effective for men with erection problems caused by SCI.(2) Dr. Claes Hultling from Sweden presented his results that evaluated quality of life issues on participants from this same study. He found that treatment with sildenafil resulted in statistically significant improvements in key quality of life parameters in individuals with SCI who experience ED.(3)

As for adverse reactions to the drug, Pfizer reported in their studies that 16% experienced headache, 10% flushing and 7% dyspepsia (digestive problems).1 A report in the New England Journal of Medicine tells of 3 different studies on various dosages and their adverse effects. Depending on the dosage, the adverse effects ranged from 14%-30% for headache, 13%-27% for flushing; and 1%-16% for dispepsia.(4)

The information presented in these reports does not indicate the level of injury of the participants in the study. The Product Monograph produced by Pfizer indicates that the majority of patients had severe lesions, classified as A (Complete) or B (Incomplete: sensory but not motor function is preserved below the neurological level and includes the sacral segments S4-S5) on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale.

A different study on Viagra , A two-part pilot study of sildenafil (Viagra) in men with erectile dysfunction caused by spinal cord injury, reports that "Sildenafil is an effective, well-tolerated oral treatment for ED in SCI subjects".(5) Another article, Efficacy and safety of oral sildenafil (Viagra) in men with erectile dysfunction caused by spinal cord injury, reports on the same study. It concluded, "Oral sildenafil, taken as required (not more than once daily), significantly improves the quality of erections and satisfaction with sex life in men with erectile dysfunction caused by a spinal cord injury between T6 and L5."(6) In reviewing the results of this study one must keep in mind that the sample size was small (27 patients), it was funded by Pfizer Inc, the company manufacturing the drug, and it was conducted in England. This study used only individuals with a level of injury at or below T7 who had incomplete lesions.

Clinical Applications

Jane Brown, MA, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist at the UAB Sexual Health Clinic, works with Keith Lloyd, MD, Urologist for the Neurogenic Bladder Clinic, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UAB. They report that "Viagra is being prescribed for males with SCI who are experiencing impotency, but in doing so we address several issues. What is their level of injury? While we are prescribing its use for all levels of injury, we do not use it with anyone who experiences severe signs of dysreflexia. We also note what are other medical complications the individual has such as low or high blood pressure or vascular disease? These conditions disqualify an individual for use of Viagra."

"All patients seen at our Clinic are told to monitor any side effects that they may experience, such as flushing in the face, headaches, nasal congestion, or vision changes. These may be signs of autonomic dysreflexia that can be a life-threatening event. It is also important for us to know who is not getting a good response from the drug."

"Other advice that we give our patients is that Pfizer warns not to use Viagra with any other medical treatment for ED, such as injection therapy. If an individual has been using injection therapy, such as papaverine or triple mix, they must stop using it when taking Viagra."

"The patients whom we have seen at the general Urology Clinic, who do not have spinal cord injury, report that Viagra works best when taken on an empty stomach. We also remind individuals that alcohol and drug use can keep one from having a good response from Viagra. Avoid using drugs or alcohol use if one plans to use Viagra."

Another concern of individuals with SCI relates to age. Can older men with SCI use Viagra? "At this time there are no studies on this specific population with Viagra. At our clinic we see similar results with the use of Viagra in older men with SCI as in the general population. This mainly is that it can take longer for the Viagra to have an effect. Again the doctor needs to be aware of any prior health problems such as hypertension or vascular disease."

It is understandable that males with SCI are calling their physicians and urologists to get prescriptions for Viagra. There are articles in many popular publications, including magazines for individuals with SCI, on the success of this drug. Pfizer includes a man using a wheelchair in one of their television commercials advertising Viagra for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

"Our main concern is that individuals with SCI receive the proper information for their situation. Some of what is presented to the public is mis-information in that it is not complete. Often the report does not include complete facts and conditions of the study or contain adequate warning signs. One such article, in a magazine for individuals with SCI, reported successful use of Viagra by some individuals with tetraplegia (level of injury at C5 and C 6). However, it did not explain that this was not the group used in clinical trials nor that individuals with tetraplegia need to be aware of certain side effects that could be signs of dysreflexia.

Other New Medications for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

There are several other drugs for treating ED that are still under clinical trials.(7) Uprima (apomorphine) is in clinical trials by the manufacturer, TAP Pharmaceuticals, Inc (Abbott Laboratories and Takeda Chemical Industries). Uprima is in pill form that is dissolved under the tongue. It is different from Viagra in that it acts through the central nervous system for sexual response. Results of the phase III studies were recently reported at the American Urological Association meeting in May, 1999. (8,9, 10) None of the reports indicated the involvement of individuals with spinal cord injuries in their studies at this time.

Vasomax (phentolamine) has been in clinical testing by drugmaker Zonagen, Inc. Vasomax was originally used for treatment of impotence by injection and has been reformulated as an oral medication. Their partner, Schering-Plough Corp., is conducting additional studies before submitting their clinical test data to the FDA for approval. It is expected that it will be mid-2000 before final approval is received from FDA. (11,12)

http://www.spinalcord.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=21614

2009-02-13T07:25:00.000-08:00

Important Viagra Precautions To Keep In Mind

Viagra is a drug that is used to treat erectile dysfunction. Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis, and with sexual stimulation this causes an erection. Viagra is available in doses of 50 to 100 mg and for the best results you should take about an hour before engaging in any sexual activity.

There are many things to know about Viagra, in particular the Viagra precautions . It is necessary to be aware of the Viagra precautions , particularly if you are considering starting on the drug yourself, so that you are informed and ready in case you do experience any side effects or other adverse effects.

Viagra Precautions

Inform your doctor if you have had any previous health conditions, namely those relating to the heart.As with any type of prescription drug there are certain precautions that are associated with Viagra. First of all, before you even begin taking the drug you need to make sure that you inform your doctor if you have had any previous health conditions, namely those relating to the heart.

You also need to tell them if you have had a heart attack, stroke, or life threatening irregular heartbeats within the past six months. This is important because there are certain people who are not considered as being eligible candidates for the drug, as it can be harmful and even potentially deadly.

There are certain Viagra precautions or side effects that are also possible as a result of taking the drug, and this includes headaches, facial flushing and upset stomach. There are many other Viagra precautions that you will want to watch out for as well, including temporary bluish vision and blurred vision.

Viagra is an incredibly effective drug.There are very few patients who have stopped taking Viagra as a result of side effects, as the odds of experiencing them are very rare. Just make sure that you have discussed all of these with your doctor beforehand and that you are comfortable with moving forward and starting on the drug. Even though the side effects are rare they are still possible and so you need to be prepared for whatever may come.

Viagra is an incredibly effective and successful drug, one that can help men with one of the most difficult conditions they will ever have to deal with. Erectile dysfunction is a very sensitive issue with most men and some men are even too embarrassed or ashamed to admit that they have a problem. Many men fear that there is no way they can deal with their problem, but this is absolutely not true, and with a drug like Viagra they can get back to their regular sexual activity in no time.

2009-01-19T22:15:00.000-08:00

Spasticity vs. Spasms

Simplisticly, spasticity is hypertonicity or tightness of the muscles involved that make them difficult to move or position passively or actively.

Spasms are involuntary muscle movements.

How to decrease Spasticity?
Daily ROM
Standing up daily
Laying prone (lay on your stomach) part of each day

2009-01-06T02:14:00.000-08:00

Male Masturbation and It's Impact on Fertility and Sperm Count

Masturbation is stimulation of the genitals for the purpose of advancing sexual arousal. Most people masturbate until they have an orgasm and when men masturbate and have an orgasm they ejaculate. Masturbation is a part of normal human sexuality. When a couple is trying to get pregnant, the male who masturbates, however, may need to limit his masturbation and conserve the sperm stores for the fertilization of the egg.

What Happens During Masturbation?

Every time a man masturbates to completion, he has an orgasm an ejaculates. The ejaculation of semen lowers the sperm count available to fertilize the egg. The male body needs to produce more sperm in order to refill the fertilization tank, so to speak and that takes time. For the man who masturbates more than once a day, the stores will consistently be lower than the man who does not masturbate.

In order to keep sperm counts higher, men need to conserve the ejaculations for intercourse. When the man allows the sperm to build up in the semen rather than constantly depleting those stores, increased fertility can result.

Female masturbation may also play a role in infertility. When the female orgasm takes place, the cervix dips down to touch the end of the vagina. This dip is the bodies way of naturally increasing fertility. When the female masturbates during intercourse, if she achieves orgasm before the male, the acids of the vagina may enter the cervix and decrease the amount of sperm remaining viable for fertilization of the egg.

Maintaining a Higher Sperm Count

There are other ways for men to keep sperm counts high. These include wearing loose fitting under garments, refraining from over indulging in alcohol and quitting smoking. The higher the sperm count in the body, the higher the chances that one of the sperm will make it to the egg to fertilize it before it absorbs into the lining of the uterus.

Tests for Sperm Count Levels

If the male feels they may have a lower than normal sperm count and this low sperm count is causing the infertility, a sperm count test can be done to find out if there are any problems in the male reproductive system. The sperm count test requires a sample of the semen given at a clinic with the results being given, usually by mail, at a later date.

Alternative Methods to Increasing Sperm Count

When it comes to increasing the amount of sperm and the mobility of the sperm, there are natural methods that can greatly affect sperm quality and quantity. The first line of defense is the diet. Maintaining a healthy diet and taking a daily vitamin and mineral supplement can help increase the overall health of the body and thus the sperm.

In recent studies, zinc supplementation when paired with folic acid can increase the quality of sperm produced. Doctors have long known the positive effects of folic acid on the fetus, but until lately have not known of a direct link between folic acid and sperm production.

Maintaining healthy sperm and a high sperm count can mean the difference in fertility. With the cost of fertility treatments reaching the thousands of dollars, it is sometimes best to examine the natural ways to increase sperm quality and quantity. Masturbating less often and eating a healthy diet rich in zinc and folic acid are great steps toward achieving parenthood without any outside intervention.

2008-12-27T01:17:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and prosperous new year!

2008-12-11T17:01:00.000-08:00

Spinal Cord Injury in the Philippines

I would like to extend to you my sincerest Christmas Wishes that the Baby Jesus
who was born may always reign in our hearts in spite of all the trials and troubles
we go through as SCI people. It takes a great deal of effort, trust and friendship to
live through our lives but nothing is impossible with the help of our God.

Happy and Fruitful New Year and on top of my wish list is to be able to start a support group
for SCI here in the Philippines. I believe there are other people who are interested and
may want to share some time to get together even at least once a month in a desired
venue. Maybe we can give it a try so we can share experiences and exchange stories. We
can even do it in malls over a cup of donuts and coffee. (Let see if we can organize a EB here in Makati or in Quezon City.)

A Blessed Merry Christmas and a Safe and Prosperous New Year to All.

ronald
T9-T11

2008-12-10T16:57:00.000-08:00

Fast Food Delivery
Fast Food Hotline telephone numbers

You are what you eat - Fuerbach

In case you need immediate help to satisfy your hunger, dial the fast food delivery contact #.

Jollibee - 8-7000
Mc Donald's - 8-MCDO
Wendy's - 533-3333
Kenny Rogers - 533-8888
Chowking - 702-8888
KFC - 887-8888
Greenwich - 5-55-55
Pizza Hut - 911-1111
Shakey's - 533-8000
Yellow Cab - 636-1111, 499-9667 (ortigas)
Super Bowl - 737-8888
Kitaro - 911-1115
Max's - 7-9000
Goldilocks - 888-1-999
Red Ribbon - 747-7777
Don Henrico's - 371-7171, 372-7272, 372-3777 (west ave)
Tapa King - 531-TAPA

2008-11-28T18:33:00.000-08:00

Valium to treat Spasticity

Taking the low dose of valium may help and as long as you are taking it occasionally, my actually at least make you relax, thus being able to deal with the spasms a little better.
In the old days (I'm not telling you how old I am), valium was one of the drugs that we used to treat spasticity. The negatives were that it is addicting when used consistently and it didn't work as well as some of the newer medications.
My advice is that trying it won't hurt and may just give you the relief that you need. CKF

Valium can worsen depression, and causes physical dependence. Withdrawal from Valium can be life threatening. Some studies have shown that Valium can interfere with the emotional work of dealing with a SCI, which is a reason we avoid it in new injuries. Combining Valium with alcohol is even more dangerous than combining alcohol and baclofen. Valium should really be a last resort oral medication for spasticity management.

2008-11-10T06:12:00.000-08:00

Cleaning Catheters for Re-use

The Following Recommendations:

Soft, non-latex catheter (Rochester Personal Cath) for those with good hand function, size #14 fr. For those with limited hand function, we allow the stiffer plastic catheters by Conveen or Mentor, still #14 fr.

Men should lubricate the first 6-8 inches of the catheter with water-soluble lubricant (be sure to use a separate tube from the one you use for bowel care!!!). Lubricant is optional for females.

For cleaning:
1. Wash with plain soap and water when washing hands after cath (avoid scented, deoderant or antiseptic soap).

2. Shake dry and lay on clean dry towel, fan folding over each catheter after cleaning through the day.

3. Do not use any chemicals to clean catheters. Never store wet catheters in an air-tight container.

4. Put this "set" of catheters aside for a full 24-48 hour of air drying.

5. Once fully dry, the catheters can be put in a paper (not plastic) new lunch bag for carrying in the community in your wheelchair backpack. Stick in some lubricant and handi-wipes and you are set to go (carry a leg bag or urinal for draining when you cannot get to a toilet or sink).

6. Replace catheters when stiff or cloudy.

- - - - - -

We recommend not using any chemicals. Even if you rinse, a residue is left behind, and can cause urethritis (inflammation and infection of the urethra).

The full 24-48 hours of drying has been found to be critical in this process. After washing, set the catheter aside to dry for at least this long. I recommend having 2-3 "sets" of catheters, each made up of the same number of catheters as number of caths you do daily. For most people this means a total of 18-24 catheters.

Clean each catheter after use, then wrap in a dry towel (I teach fan-folding a clean bath towel for an entire day's set). Once the set is complete, set this set aside and allow to dry at least another 24 hours.

Get out the set you cleaned yesterday (or the day before if you are using 3 sets) and put these into a brown paper lunch bag until you need to use them. You can take this bag with you when you leave home as needed. While away from home, put used catheters into a zip-lock baggie until you get home and can wash and dry them as above.

Catheters should be replaced when they get stiff (silacon or latex) or cloudy (plastic). Many people use one catheter for a number for weeks this way with no problem.

2008-10-30T00:12:00.000-07:00

20 Steps to Fat Loss

1. Avoid drinking your calories, aside from post workout shakes.

Drinks such as soda and cappuccino are a useless when it comes to proper nutrition. A 20 oz. Coke contains 270 calories. A 4 oz. Chicken breast, a serving of brown rice and broccoli are roughly the same amount. Which do you think is the better choice?

The same amount of Coke also contains 67.5g of sugar. This is more than enough for an entire day!

I strongly believe that the consumption of liquid calories are one of the leading factors in the astonishing rate of obesity in America, especially among children.

2. Keep track of EVERYTHING that you eat, no matter how small.

Keeping a record of every meal you eat is essential. It will help you determine if you are eating too much or too little. This can be done using www.fitday.com, Diet Power, or Microsoft Excel, to name a few.

You will also want to invest in a scale for this. I recommend a digital one, which can be purchased for as little as $25. You would be surprised at the difference between guestimating 2 tbsp of natural peanut butter and actually weighing it. Little things like this can cause fat loss to slow down to a crawl.

3. Eat 6-7 times per day, with 2-3 hours between meals.

I’ll admit, this is not the easiest thing to get used to, but I believe it is necessary for maximum fat loss. It requires a good amount of calories just to digest food. If you are eating every 2-3 hours, you are burning calories throughout the entire day, even when you are sitting at your desk. After doing this for awhile, your body will actually begin to feel starved if you go more than 3 hours between meals.

4. Make your first meal your biggest and your last meal the smallest.

You are generally less active in the evenings, so you require less calories than you do early in the day. I like to make my first meal the biggest, meals 2-5 the same and meal 6 the smallest.

5. Include a fibrous vegetable with at least 4 of your meals.

Aside from the plethora of vitamins and minerals that fibrous veggies contain, there are several reasons why you need them if fat loss is your goal. In order to lose fat, you must consume less calories than your body requires. This can often lead to feelings of hunger, especially in the beginning. The beauty of fibrous vegetables, is that you can eat a ton of them and barely break 100 calories. This will help keep you feeling full. Fibrous vegetables also keep things “regular”, for lack of a better term. This will be useful as your protein intake increases.

6. Limit shakes.

Whey protein is a supplement, no more no less. You don’t want to substitute it for a “real” meal if at all possible. Whey is digested very quickly. This is great when you want protein immediately after a workout, but is bad for your late afternoon meal. When you eat “real” food, your body burns calories during the digestion process. This is not the case when drinking a shake. If you still insist on having whey, at least have it with other forms of solid food to make it a meal.

7. Water. It does the body good.

Drinking water is essential for a number of reasons. One of the biggest is that it helps release waste products from your body, via the kidneys. If you aren't drinking enough water, your liver will jump in to help out with the detoxifying process. If your liver is busy doing this, it’s going to take attention away from other functions, such as burning fat. It’s a common misconception that if you drink a lot of water, you will retain it. In actuality, if you don’t drink enough water, your body gets dehydrated and will hang on to it instead of flushing it out. I suggest a minimum of 64fl.oz per day.

8. Avoid fried foods.

This one is pretty much a no brainer. A 4oz boneless chicken breast has 183 calories and 4g of fat. A fried 4oz boneless chicken breast has 294 calories and 15g of fat! There are plenty of ways to make pseudo fried foods that are healthy. Instead of buying french fries from McDonalds, slice up a potato and bake it in the oven. It may not be as convenient as going through the drive thru, but I never said this would be easy.

9. Limit enriched/processed foods.

One thing I like to do is eat foods that are close to what nature intended. Chicken, banana’s, natural peanut butter are all examples of what I mean. I also recommend limiting processed/enriched foods such as white bread, white rice and crackers. During the enrichment process, various vitamins and minerals are stripped from the food. This can lead to a complex carbohydrate being less complex and more simple, causing a spike in insulin and blood sugar.

10. Sometimes less is more.

Overtraining is another common mistake I see time and time again. For example, it is not necessary to do barbell curls 7 days a week if you want bigger arms. Muscles grow at rest and not in the gym. Try going 3-4 days between working out the same body part and you will be amazed at the results.

11. ZZZZZZZZZZZZ

As I mentioned in step 10, muscles grow at rest. This brings me to the topic of sleep. I feel that the quality of sleep is more important than the length. I usually feel better in the morning if I sleep 5-6 undisturbed hours versus 8-10 disturbed hours. If you wake up still feeling tired, this will have a direct affect on the quality of the days workout, which can result in less fat loss. Here are some tips to help get good quality sleep. Cut out caffeine and nicotine(you shouldn’t be doing this anyway!) intake at least 5 hours before you go to bed, for obvious reasons. You may also want to do the same for drinking water. Nothing worse than disrupting good sleep by having to go to the bathroom at 3 a.m. Reserve the bedroom for sleep and not watching TV. or reading the paper. Clear up any pending issues for the following day before you go to sleep, whether this be writing them down or just going through a mental checklist in your head.

12. You can do ab work until you puke, but you will not get a six pack until your bodyfat is low enough.

Quite often, I hear of people doing hundreds of sit ups throughout the week only to find out that there stomach looks more like an ironing board than a washboard. Visible abs are so revered in part because they are hard to achieve. They will not be visible until your bodyfat is low enough. This usually occurs at below 10% for men and below 15% for women. If your diet is in check and you have a proper resistance training program, working abs once or twice a week is plenty.

13. Eat whatever you want for 1 meal per week. 1 meal, not 1 day.

There are several benefits to this. When eating for at loss, you are taking in less calories than your body requires. After doing this for a while, your metabolism can decrease, causing a stall or plateau. A surefire way to boost your metabolism back up is to have a cheat meal. The other benefit of a cheat meal relates to your mental aspect. I find it easier to stick to a diet plan if I incorporate cheat meals once a week. If you totally cut cheats out, you tend to crave them MORE. Lastly, there are times when you just can’t or don’t want to eat clean, such as a wedding or birthday. We are only human after all. If you have 42 meals in a 7 day period and cheat once, you are still eating clean 97% of the time. That’s good enough in my book.

14. Prepare the days meals ahead of time.

Be prepared doesn’t only apply to Boy Scouts. One of the most common reasons why people cheat or miss meals is because they did not prepare. Set some time aside and prepare your meals ahead of time. I prepare mine the night before, but I know many people who prepare a weeks worth of meals in advance. Gladware is your friend!

15. Get creative. There are a million ways to cook a chicken breast.

Quite often, I see people trying to lose fat by eating the same exact meals everyday. More often than not, they slack on their diet or quit completely. This is usually because they are bored with their meals. Let’s face it, for the most part, junk food tastes good, that’s why they eat it. Over the years, I have discovered that with a little creativity and trial and error, you can make healthy foods taste great! For example, eating a chicken breast spiced with salt and pepper every day gets old fast. To fix this problem, use your imagination. Try new spices, try adding it to brown rice, throw in some soy sauce and veggies and you’ve got Chinese stir fry. Throw some ice and fresh fruit into your protein shake and you’ve got a smoothie. The possibilities are endless.

16. Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum.

Resisting alcohol can be tough, especially for the younger crowd. Does this mean you should totally stop drinking all together? Not necessarily. It’s all about moderation. As important as good health is, you also have to live your life. If your life included going down to the local bar once a week to socialize with friends or having wine on holidays, then go for it. Again, the key is moderation. Don’t drink to get wasted. This all being said, here is why you should watch your alcohol intake. Drinking often leads to unplanned cheats. I know this firsthand. After you’ve drank, you sometimes think, hell, I’ve already cheated by drinking, why not go grab a few cheeseburgers while I’m at it? Drinking can also cause you to miss a workout. If you are hungover in bed the next day, lifting weights will be the last thing on your mind. Frequent alcohol consumption can also stall fat loss. Let’s face it, alcohol is basically a poison and your body will do everything it can to get it out of your system. While it’s busy doing this, burning fat will be the least of your bodies worries. If you are going to drink, try having a glass of water in between drinks as this will keep you hydrated. The more hydrated you are, the more efficiently you will burn fat.

17. Take measurements every few weeks and adjust calorie intake accordingly.

Taking measurements every few weeks will help in gauging your progress. Measurements don’t lie, while scales are often unreliable. You can purchase a Myotape or similar body measuring tape for less than $10. I like to take measurements at the following points:calves,thighs,hips,belly button,chest,neck,upper arms, forearms and wrists. You want to measure at the widest point of each respective part. I also like to take my measurements unflexed, first thing in the morning as I find it more accurate. I’ve measured by biceps cold/flexed and then later warm/flexed and there was a difference in nearly 1.5 inches. Log your measurements in a spreadsheet or even a notebook.

18. Limit refined carbohydrates.

While foods labeled as “fat-free” or “low fat” are in fact, fat free and low fat, they usually have a ton of refined sugars. This can include various types of ice cream, salad dressing, marinades, protein bars, etc. If one of the first few ingredients is sugar, high fructose corn syrup, etc, then stay away from it. High amounts of these can raise your blood sugar and insulin levels and cause your body to hang on to fat instead of burning it.

19. Just do it !

Don’t get caught up in if you should do cardio in the morning or at night or if you should lift heavy or light, just do it! When it comes to working out, it is my opinion that consistency is more important than anything. For example, will you burn less fat by doing cardio after dinner vs. unfasted in the morning? More than likely. But I guarantee you will burn even less if you don’t do it at all.

20. The most important step of all.

Just because something works for one person, does not mean it will work for everybody. Every body is different, so experiment and see what works best for YOU! For example, some people have good results by limiting carbs to around workout time, while others can lose fat by eating them around the clock. For some people, cardio is essential to fat loss, for others as long as they lift weights on a consistent basis, that is all they need. If you are experiencing a stall in your fat loss, look at your diet and exercise logs (you are keeping these right?) and try changing things up for a few weeks. After that time, check measurements and tweak as necessary. Did I mention that just because something works for one person, does not mean it will work for everybody?

Good Luck!

2008-10-19T01:05:00.000-07:00

Spasticity & Muscle Spasms

Following a spinal cord injury, the nerve cells below the level of injury become disconnected from the brain at the level of injury. This is due to scar tissue which forms in the structure of the damaged area of the spinal cord, blocking messages from below the level of injury reaching the brain. Spasticity does not occur immediately following a spinal cord injury. When an injury occurs to the spinal cord, the body goes into spinal shock, and this may last several weeks. During this time changes take place to the nerve cells which control muscle activity.

Once spinal shock wears off, the natural reflex which is present in everyone reappears. Spasticity is an exaggeration of the normal reflexes that occur when the body is stimulated in certain ways. In an abled bodied person, a stimulus to the skin is sensed, and a sensory signal is sent to the reflex arch where it travels to the brain via the spinal cord, the brain then assesses the stimulant, and if the stimulant is thought not to be dangerous, an inhibitory signal is set down the spinal cord, and cancels the reflex from moving the muscle.

In a person with a spinal cord injury this inhibitory signal is blocked by the structural damage in the cord, and the natural reflex is allowed to continue resulting in a contraction of the muscle.

Muscle spasms can occur in a person with a spinal cord injury any time the body is stimulated below the level of injury. This is usually noticeable when a muscle is stretched, or there is a painful stimulant below the level of injury. Because of the injury to the spinal cord, these sensations can trigger the reflex resulting in the muscle to contract or spasm.

Almost anything can trigger spasticity. Some things, however, can make spasticity more of a problem. A bladder infection or kidney infection will often cause spasticity to increase a great deal. A skin breakdown will also increase spasms. In a person who does not perform regular range of motion exercises, muscles and joints become less flexible and almost any minor stimulation can cause severe spasticity.

Some spasticity may always be present. The best way to manage or reduce excessive spasms is to perform a daily range of motion exercise program. Avoiding situations such as bladder infections, skin breakdowns, or injuries to the feet and legs will also reduce spasticity. There are three primary medications used to treat spasticity, baclofen, Valium, and Dantrium. All have some side effects and do not completely eliminate spasticity.

There are some benefits to spasticity. It can serve as a warning mechanism to identify pain or problems in areas where there is no sensation. Many people know when a urinary tract infection is coming on by the increase in muscle spasms. Spasticity also helps to maintain muscle size and bone strength. It does not replace walking, but it does help to some degree in preventing osteoporosis. Spasticity helps maintain circulation in the legs and can be used to improve certain functional activities such as performing transfers or walking with braces. For these reasons, treatment is usually started only when spasticity interferes with sleep or limits an individual's functional capacity.

A surgical procedure called a radiofrequency rhizotomy is sometimes indicated in the treatment of severe spasticity. Another treatment of severe Spasticity is the implantation of a Baclofen Pump. The pump delivers a programmable amount of baclofen directly to the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. The drug then inhibits the reflex signal in the reflex arch of the cord stopping stimulation of the muscle to spasm. Because the drug is delivered directly to the spinal cord, a very small amount can be used in comparison to a large amount which may have to be taken orally. Once a baclofen pump is implanted, oral anti spasmodic drugs are usually stopped.

Question
I have a great poblem due to strong spasms in my legs. Even after expanding my legs before active workout, my spasm is quite strong . I`ve been taking some medicine for reducing it, but it`s still strong . I know that weather changes , present mood and some other stuff respond on spasm , but is there ANYTHING i can do, or if you have any sugestion and knowlage , how can it be decreased ?

Answer:
Massage is one of those things that can help in the long-term. Initially, you will get more cramped up which will be bothersome. But, when the fascia gets stretched out sufficiently over time (and is maintained that way through massage on a regular basis), it allows the muscles more room to lengthen and relax.

What happens over time from cramped or shortened muscles is that the fascia sheath around them shrinks, and then even when the muscle wants to relax it has no room. If you can get a lot of massage initially (like 3x a week for a month), then you should be able to maintain things with daily (or twice daily) stretching and a good deep massage once a week.

As for magnesium-rich foods, try the leafy greens, coconut juice (not coconut milk), sweet potatoes, artichokes (fresh ones -- just snip off the thorns, simmer for a long time in water with garlic, olive oil, and parsley -- magnifico!)

[An aside on leafy greens... be aware that raw spinach actually takes iron from your bones in order to get metabolized; spinach only becomes iron-rich when cooked. It's a little-known factoid. But, given the bone density reduction in paralyzed limbs, I wanted to not have that go unmentioned.]

thanks to apparelyze

2008-10-14T22:05:00.000-07:00

Joey Velasco Paintings
2009 Calendars

Features:
Paper Type: Glossy
Calendar Type: wall and desktop Calendar
Calendar Content:
Saint Feast Day
Daily Scripture Reading Guide
Lunar Date
Joey Velasco- paintings with descriptions

2008-10-10T05:34:00.000-07:00

Religious Calendars for Sale

I would like to offer you Religious Images as Calendars - (Wall calendar size).
As the caption goes "better than Christmas cards" especially for giveaways.

Avoid the Christmas rush, bili na!!!

2008-10-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

Ten things never to say to a disabled person

1. "It's OK, I know how to deal with you, I've worked with the disabled."

2. "Is your partner disabled too?"

3. "So, what's up with you?"

4. "If I became disabled I think I'd kill myself."

5. "I saw this great thing on Tomorrow's World that could help you ..."

6. "There's a disabled woman lives down my street. I see her going past sometimes."

7. "Wait there ..."

8. "It must be nice to get out and about."

9. "I think you're really brave."

10. "I really admire you."

thanks to apparelyze.com

2008-10-05T06:45:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the Exhibit with the Heartist Painter

At the entrance of Glorietta 3 lobby where the paintings are displayed. People come and go to view the paintings, some say a short prayer, others for curiosity, and also for photoshoots.

A candid shot with Mr. Joey Velasco. He belongs to batch 83 - DBJ. I belong to batch 90 - DBJ. I know the heartist painter as very down to earth and at the same time I enjoy reading reflections that goes along with all his masterpieces.

2008-09-30T03:00:00.000-07:00

Joey Velasco 2009 Calendars

Joey Velasco is a social-realist artist. He possesses a profound sensitivity to the human drama. He touches the mystery of God in what is otherwise ugly and mundane.

His paintings are a momentary peek into eternity, a passing moment that captures the meaning of ordinary life in all its grandeur. The human soul finds genuine rest in the love of the Almighty. Hope beats with courage again. I call it inspiration; and we all need it.

Joey acknowledges that his profoundest gain from the Salesians is acquiring a heart for the poor. Having given some of his best years to the apostolate in the Don Bosco Youth Centers, he has never forgotten the faces of poverty and uncertainty that stared back at him. His paintings in oil convey messages of life-giving especially to the unfortunate.

I purposely placed the sample pictures of the paintings of Joey Velasco in my blog in order to sell it online especially among the people in the provinces or outside the country who are interested with the 2009 set.

The 2009 Religious Calendars are for sale for 95.00, table calendar is 75.00. Email me for your orders. They are beautiful gifts come christmas time.

Joey Velasco

2008-09-10T06:03:00.000-07:00

do you autoclave?

I am using nelaton F16 straight catheter.

I use it once and then rinse it and after having it dried wrap it in a brown paper to have it autoclaved.

are there consequences with this set up?
are nelaton catheters meant to be used only once and are disposable?
thanks in advance

Answer:
There is no need to autoclave or otherwise attempt to sterilize straight catheters for intermittent cath. Clean technique is advised for home use, and does not require sterile catheters.

Wash, rinse, allow to air dry for 24 hours, then reuse. Replace as necessary (you should be able to get at least 3 months use from a single catheter).

2008-09-05T23:18:00.000-07:00

osteoporosis of the knees

I think I am caught between doing two things which is good and at the same time can be bad.

For several years now, I have been watching closely my kidney stone on the left side. It is about one inch big and i have been careful with the food I take. The stone is of calcium oxalate in content. Recently, I have been diagnosed too with osteoporosis in both knees. I am a colostomate too.

Now I have to take drugs to counter the continued deterioration of the bones. I have to take food rich in calcium. But in doing so, I will provoke the continued formation of stones, added to that if I take milk for stonger bones, my stoma becomes active and the stool is liquid.

You may have other examples too. I just cannot find the middle ground to treat everything well. My immediate concern is the diagnosed osteoporosis of both knees. It seems to be serious because the crepitations can be so loud when I bend and flexed my knees.

Any suggestions?

Answer:
If you have a kidney stone, it should come out. If it is left in place, it will get bigger, and over time will lead to repeated UTIs. If it gets big enough it can destroy the kidney (partially or totally).

A low calcium diet is generally worthless in prevention of stones. We have not recommended this since the early 1980s.

Are you sure you have osteoporosis or perhaps it is degenerative arthritis or even a Charcot joint? Two different problems. Osteoporosis does not cause crepitus or pain unless you have an osteoporosis related fracture. Do you walk?

Calcium intake does not help with arthritis or Charcot joint disease, and it is questionable if it helps with osteoporosis in people with SCI unless you are also supplementing vitamin D AND actively walking or using FES (active leg muscle contraction is required).

Q2
How big is "big" when we refer to the removal of the kidney stone. I have been taking Acalka (potassium citrate) and the urologist would say that "if it does not pose any problem, just to leave it there." Is there sense in what he is saying. I have felt some radiation of pain from the lower left lumbar area where the kidney stone is radiated and it is bearable that is why it does not bother me. But the pain is just there.

I think you got it right when you said it must be degenerative arthritis. I do walk using the walker with afo. But the legs are hyperextended.

I will take note of Vitamin D.

A2
We never leave stones in place in a person with SCI. They rarely dissolve, even with medications. Are you a candidate for either ESWL or for percutaneous irrigations to dissolve the stone (nephrostomy tube)??

Hyper-extension of your knees is a major risk factor for the development of degenerative arthritis, esp. if your sensation there is not good. Use of braces that protect your knees and prevent this may help to prevent it from getting worse.

2008-09-05T06:04:00.000-07:00

Taking Easy with Baclofen

Question:
I have a terribly spastic left leg. It straightens up involuntarily while in sleep and even when I am on the wheelchair. I hyperextend when ambulating in the parallel bars. I do regular stretching exercises.

While my left leg is such a problem, my right leg is the opposite. It buckles every now and then. Yet, I consider it my strong leg inasmuch as I can control it. It is not that spastic unlike the left leg.

I would like to ask what can be the effect of the 80 mg baclofen, 6 mg ternelax and 2 mg rivotril I take in order to pacify my left leg.
While my right leg really poses no problem, can the medicines I take make it "weaker" in a sense?

Answer:

Anti-spasticity medications can decrease the strength in all muscles, not just the spastic ones. So yes, it could effect your right leg. You need to try to work with your doctor and therapist(s) to figure out the amount of medication that it takes to make your left leg more manageable with as little impact on the right as possible.

Sometimes, you need to weigh the good and the bad and decide what is the better way for you to go.

2008-06-20T01:05:00.000-07:00

Ankle Dorsiflexion

The images below explain what is the movement of dorsiflexion of the foot.

Lifting the foot up so that it points to the shin.

Plantar (of the foot)

Pointing the foot down.

Tibialis anterior labeled at top center, and extensor muscles labeled at right.

The range of motion for dorsiflexion is indicated in the literature as 20° to 30°.

Muscles involved

Anterior compartment of leg
tibialis anterior
extensor hallucis longus
extensor digitorum longus

Just as a clarification. Foot drop technically is the inability to dorsiflex the foot (bring the foot up toward the shin). With walking, this can cause the toe to drag, catching and throwing off balance. It also can cause you to have to hike your hip to avoid this catching, which can result in hip and low back pain.
Treatment for this includes the use of AFOs or other ankle supports and, if possible, muscle strengthening and FES for a few. Stretching does not help treat or prevent drop foot, but can help to prevent the development of a contracture due to this condition.

A plantarflexion contracture (where the foot is pointed downward) is the more correct term for a contracture caused by foot drop where you cannot get the ankle to neutral or beyond (it should go to at least 20-30 degrees of dorsiflexion).
AFOs provide the most support and help to protect the ankle and make walking more efficient. There are alternatives for some such as straping systems such as Dr. Young posted above, or commercially available ones like these:

2008-06-06T01:11:00.000-07:00

Urinary Tract Infections

Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) cause 90% of the urinary tract infections (UTI) in anatomically-normal, unobstructed urinary tracts. The bacteria colonize from the feces or

perineal region and ascend the urinary tract to the bladder. Bladder infections are 14-times more common in females than males by virtue of the shortened urethra. The typical patient with uncomplicated cystitis is a sexually-active female who was first colonized in the intestine with a uropathogenic E. coli strain. The organisms are propelled into the bladder from the periurethral region during sexual intercourse. With the aid of specific adhesins they are able to colonize the bladder.

The adhesin that has been most closely associated with uropathogenic E. coli is the P fimbria (or pyelonephritis-associated pili [PAP]). The letter designation is derived from the ability of P fimbriae to bind specifically to the P blood group antigen which contains a D-galactose-D-galactose residue. The fimbriae bind not only to red cells but to a specific galactose dissaccharide that is found on the surfaces uroepithelial cells in approximately 99% of the population.

The frequency of the distribution of this host cell receptor plays a role in susceptibility and explains why certain individuals have repeated UTI caused by E. coli. Uncomplicated E. coli UTI virtually never occurs in individuals lacking the receptors.

Uropathogenic strains of E. coli possess other determinants of virulence in addition to P fimbriae. E. coli with P fimbriae also possess the gene for Type 1 fimbriae, and there is evidence that P fimbriae are derived from Type 1 fimbriae by insertion of a new fimbrial tip protein to replace the mannose-binding domain of Type 1 fimbriae. In any case, Type 1 fimbriae could provide a supplementary mechanism of adherence or play a role in aggregating the bacteria to a specific manosyl-glycoprotein that occurs in urine.

Uropathogenic strains of E. coli usually produce siderophores that probably play an essential role in iron acquisition for the bacteria during or after colonization. They also produce hemolysins which are cytotoxic due to formation of transmembranous pores in host cell membranes. One strategy for obtaining iron and other nutrients for bacterial growth may involve the lysis of host cells to release these substances. The activity of hemolysins is not limited to red cells since the alpha-hemolysins of E. coli also lyse lymphocytes, and the beta-hemolysins inhibit phagocytosis and chemotaxis of neutrophils.

Another factor thought to be involved in the pathogenicity of the uropathogenic strains of E. coli is their resistance to the complement-dependent bactericidal effect of serum. The presence of K antigens is associated with upper urinary tract infections, and antibody to the K antigen has been shown to afford some degree of protection in experimental infections. The K antigens of E. coli are "capsular" antigens that may be composed of proteinaceous organelles associated with colonization (e.g., CFA antigens), or made of polysaccharides. Regardless of their chemistry, these capsules may be able to promote bacterial virulence by decreasing the ability of antibodies and/or complement to bind to the bacterial surface, and the ability of phagocytes to recognize and engulf the bacterial cells. The best studied K antigen, K-1, is composed of a polymer of N-acetyl neuraminic acid (sialic acid), which besides being antiphagocytic, has the additional property of being an antigenic disguise.

2008-05-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

Ternelax
(Tizanidine)

I am posting about ternalax on account of the side effects that I get from it. It is not that the medicine is not right for me since I have been taking this already but when I am not aware of double dosing. Recently, I have felt chest pains in the left portion in the area of the heart. It made me drink a lot of water just to ease the pain.

Here are the notes about ternelax.

Proper Use of This Medicine

When you take the different dosage forms (tablets, capsules, capsule contents sprinkled over applesauce) of tizanidine with food, it effects the amount of the medicine absorbed into your blood differently. Follow your doctor's instructions for when to take this medicine and whether or not you should take it with food.

Take this medicine only as directed. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than recommended on the label, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Dosing—The dose of tizanidine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of tizanidine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

For oral dosage form (capsules and tablets):
- For muscle relaxation:
  - Adults—The dose is 8 milligrams (mg) every six to eight hours as needed. No more than 36 mg should be taken within a twenty-four-hour period.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, and you remember within an hour or so of the missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits, especially during the first few weeks of treatment with this medicine. During this time the amount of medicine you are taking may have to be changed often to meet your individual needs.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine . Unwanted effects may occur if the medicine is stopped suddenly. Check with your doctor for the best way to reduce gradually the amount you are taking before stopping completely.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; other muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using tizanidine .

This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, clumsiness or unsteadiness, or vision problems in some people. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert, well-coordinated, and able to see well .

Tizanidine may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if dry mouth continues for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help lessen this problem.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Chest pain or discomfort; fever; loss of appetite; lower back or side pain; nausea and/or vomiting; nervousness; pain or burning while urinating; painful or difficult urination; sores on the skin; tingling, burning, or prickling sensations; unusual tiredness; yellow eyes or skin

Less common

Black, tarry stools; bloody vomit; blurred vision; chills or sore throat; coldness; convulsions (seizures); cough or hoarseness; dark urine; dry, puffy skin; eye pain; fainting; influenza (flu)-like symptoms; irregular heartbeat; kidney stones; persistent anorexia; pruritus; right upper quadrant tenderness; seeing things that are not there; shortness of breath; slow or irregular heartbeat; unusual tiredness or weakness; weight gain

Incidence not known

Continuing vomiting; general feeling of tiredness or weakness; headache; light-colored stools

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur

Symptoms of overdose

Blurred vision; change in consciousness; chest pain or discomfort; confusion; decreased awareness or responsiveness; difficult or troubled breathing; dizziness, faintness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying position; irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing; lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting; loss of consciousness; pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin; severe sleepiness; shortness of breath; sleepiness or unusual drowsiness; slow or irregular heartbeat; sweating; unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Anxiety; back pain; constipation; depression; diarrhea; difficulty in speaking; dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position; drowsiness; dry mouth; heartburn; increased sweating; increased muscle spasms or tone; muscle weakness; pain or burning in throat; runny nose; skin rash; sleepiness; stomach pain; uncontrolled movements of the body

Less common

Difficulty swallowing; dry skin; general feeling of discomfort or illness; increased need to urinate; joint or muscle pain or stiffness; loss of hair; migraine headache; mood changes; neck pain; passing urine more often; shivering; swelling of feet or lower legs; swollen area that feels warm and tender; trembling or shaking; trouble sleeping; unusual feeling of well-being; unusual tiredness or weakness; weight loss

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

2008-04-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

Spinal injury regeneration hope

Scientists believe they are close to a significant breakthrough in the treatment of spinal injuries.

The University of Cambridge team is developing a treatment which could potentially allow damaged nerve fibres to regenerate within the spinal cord.

It may also encourage the remaining undamaged nerve fibres to work more effectively.

Spinal injuries are difficult to treat because the body cannot repair damage to the brain or spinal cord.

Although it is possible for nerves to regenerate, they are blocked by the scar tissue that forms at the site of the spinal injury.

The Cambridge team has identified a bacteria enzyme called chondroitinase which is capable of digesting molecules within scar tissue to allow some nerve fibres to regrow.

The enzyme also promotes nerve plasticity, which potentially means that remaining undamaged nerve fibres have an increased likelihood of making new connections that could bypass the area of damage.

Boosts rehabilitation

In preliminary tests, the researchers have shown that combining chondroitinase with rehabilitation produces better results than using either technique alone.

However, trials have yet to begin in patients.

Lead researcher Professor James Fawcett said: "It is rare to find that a spinal cord is completely severed, generally there are still some nerve fibres that are undamaged.

"Chondroitinase offers us hope in two ways; firstly it allows some nerve fibres to regenerate and secondly it enables other nerves to take on the role of those fibres that cannot be repaired.

"Along with rehabilitation we are very hopeful that at last we may be able to offer paralysed patients a treatment to improve their condition."

'Ground-breaking'

Dr Yolande Harley, of the charity Action Medical Research which funded the work, said: "This is incredibly exciting, ground-breaking work, which will give new hope to people with recent spinal injuries."

Paul Smith, of the Spinal Injuries Association, said medical advances meant that spinal injuries had ceased to be the terminal conditions that they often once were, but they still had a huge impact on quality of life.

However, he warned against raising expectation before the treatment was fully tested on patients.

He said: "What often happens in a clinical setting is that you don't get to see the results you would have liked."

In the UK there are more than 40,000 people suffering from injuries to their spine, which can take the form of anything from loss of sensation to full paralysis.

The average age at the time of injury is just 19.

Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/health/7240898.stm

THANKS to simon of apparelyzed.com

2008-04-09T04:29:00.000-07:00

Don Bosco Juniorate

The picture below shows classmates and friends during the alumni homecoming held in Don Bosco Makati. The affair began with a mass and the get together that followed. Only three of us from batch 90 stayed winston dela cruz, vic del rosario and myself. Richie Keyser passed by but did not stay for long. Looking forward to more homecomings to come.

2008-04-03T17:44:00.000-07:00

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Protect the Spinal Cord, Heart, Brain and Eyes

DENVER, March 28, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Long-chain (seafood) omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) continue to prove their value in heart, brain and eye health, according to recent research summarized in the March 2008 Fats of Life and PUFA Newsletter electronic publications.

Groundbreaking studies also show that omega-3s may improve recovery from spinal cord injury and dry eye syndrome.

The effect of fish oil consumption on arterial elasticity, which allows for more rapid blood flow, was examined in China in overweight patients with high blood pressure. Participants who took 900 mg of seafood omega-3s daily for eight weeks had a 21% increase in arterial elasticity.

"While blood pressure did not change in these participants, their arterial elasticity significantly improved," said Editor Joyce Nettleton, D.Sc. "This observation suggests another way in which these omega-3s protect heart health."

A US study reported that marine omega-3s prevented atrial fibrillation- uncontrolled rapid trembling -- from developing in animals with fast heartbeats. By increasing the heart's recovery time, the omega-3s prevented abnormal rhythms from becoming established.

Investigators in the Netherlands recently examined the relationship between children's omega-3 status at birth, which depends on the mother's omega-3 intake during pregnancy, and their motor development at age seven. Those with the highest levels of the omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) at birth had significantly higher total motor scores than children born with less DHA.

"This means that a mother's consumption of seafood omega-3s during pregnancy is important for her child's later motor development," Nettleton said.

Two other studies covered by the e-newsletters report improvement in mental disorders with dietary seafood omega-3s. Treating substance abuse patients with these omega-3s, mainly EPA (eicosapen-taenoic acid), for example, resulted in significantly lower scores for anxiety and anger. In adults diagnosed with neuroticism, researchers found the condition was related to low blood levels of EPA.

Groundbreaking animal research suggests that human treatment with DHA within the first hour after a spinal cord injury could be effective in limiting the extent and spread of damage. Also included in the e-newsletters is a report of significantly reduced inflammation and corneal damage in dry eye syndrome with eye drops containing the plant omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid.

The quarterly Fats of Life and PUFA Newsletter, sponsored by DSM Nutritional Products, are at http://www.fatsoflife.com and by complimentary subscription.

Source: http://www.fatsoflife.com

Omega 3 fatty acids are nutrients that the human body can’t create on it’s own. This nutrient is beneficial to the body when it comes to one’s heart and joints. Countless studies have been done with Omega 3 on many people who suffered from heart related illnesses over the past few decades. Only now people are realizing the true health power of omega 3 and it’s components. Many scientists believe the reason for many of the long living people in the Mediterranean is because of the abundance of fish and their oils.

Nutritionists have studies the effects of omega 3 on the heart and they have found that it helps decrease the levels of bad cholesterol and also helps increase the level of good cholesterol. Omega 3 has the power to help lower the blood pressure of patience experiencing an unhealthy level. Blood sugar was also lowered in some studies of people with high sugar levels.

In addition to the benefits omega 3 has for the heart, studies have also shown omega 3’s ability to assist people with mental problems. Some experts believe that a lack of omega 3 in the diet has lead many people to mental disorders. Some say the reasoning behind this is the fact that omega 3 is vital to the body, but must be obtained outside. In some cases omega 3 has lessened the severeness of some patience mental disorders as well as increased mood of depressed patience, and improved the sharpness of some patience minds.

For all the arthritis sufferers in the world, some say that omega 3 can help improve the pain felt because studies have been done to prove that omega 3 helps in cell growth which can help with the degeneration of cartilage. Over a life time, omega 3 can help prevent painful degenerative diseases as well.

I recommend you get a bottle of omega 3 suppliments today. Many doctors agree that the best way to include omega 3 in your diet is to ingest a prescribed dose of this wonderful dietary supplement. You can also include omega 3 fatty acids in your diet by eating foods rich in these fats such as; whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil, and garlic.

2008-03-22T20:39:00.000-07:00

Tizanidine

(brandnames Zanaflex, Sirdalud, Ternelax) is a drug which is used as a muscle relaxant. It is used to treat the spasms, cramping, and tightness of muscles caused by medical problems such as multiple sclerosis, spastic diplegia, back pain, or certain other injuries to the spine or central nervous system. It is also prescribed off-label as a sleep aid, seizure inhibitor, and even for fibromyalgia. Tizanidine may cause hypotension.

Tizanidine can come in a white pill with the markings cor 138 and 2 scores on the back that create an X or R179 and a single score through the middle of the back. It is supplied as 2 and 4 mg tablets for oral administration.

Use caution with this drug as it can be very strong even at the 2mg dose. Also use caution when switching from gel cap to tablet form and vice versa.

Tizanidine use occasionally causes drug induced liver injury.

If therapy needs to be discontinued, especially in patients who have been receiving high doses for long periods, the dose should be decreased slowly to minimize the risk of withdrawal and rebound hypertension, tachycardia, and hypertonia.

Baclofen

Baclofen is a GABAß antagonist and is licenced as a "muscle relaxant/anti spasmodic medication' in the USA, Canada, Uk etc.. Much in the same way as drugs which are Primarily licenced as anti convulsant meds ( ie Neurontin®, Lyrica®, Gabapentin® etc) are utilized for their secondary use. Often by accident drugs licenced for one condition have been found to have a side effect which is positively affecting another.

Other groups which can be used to assist in the treatment of Neurological and bone pains are antidepressants. Some scientists and Pain drs also have seen some positive feedback of alpha-2-adrenergic agonists. These include tizanidine (Zanaflex®) and clonidine (Catapres®). Dextromethorphan, which is basically a cough suppressant when used- under a drs advice, in much higher quantities is also useful for some types of Neuro pain.

2008-03-20T00:43:00.000-07:00

Wishing each and everyone, especially persons with disability, the promise of hope and victory won for us by Christ. Happy and Holy Easter Season to All.
-ronaldo s. lora

2008-02-17T05:10:00.000-08:00

SPINAL INJURY REGENERATION

2008-02-01T17:08:00.001-08:00

X-men vs the Simpsons

Living as an SCI is like living a mutants life. It is not that we mutate per se but we are able to adapt to a new life changing - life style. The ability to adapt and adjust and live faithfully in fulfilling the ordinary is what makes us better and stronger physically and most of all both mentally and emotionally.

2008-01-30T16:03:00.001-08:00

Exercises in Relieving Back Pain

These two exercises should be done after consultation with your physical therapists in order not to create strains with your particular injury.

Exercise A is lying sideways holding the right leg with the right hand for several seconds (preferably 7 to 10 seconds) and then releasing it.
Since SCI patients have difficulty in balancing and taking control of motor functions, these can be done with the help of a partner to assist in the stretching exercises. Utmost care must be taken when some pain does not permit the exercise to be done.

Exercise B is a modified lunging type of exercise. One takes on the position of a sprinting like posture. This can be done in a mattress on the floor for safety. Both legs are inter-changed after a 7 to 10 hold count. It is advised that another person straps a safety belt on the waist of the patient to help in balance and prevent from falling down. Again, these exercises must be done only after consultation with the Physical therapists.

2008-01-29T07:14:00.000-08:00

WheelChair Friendly Comfort Rooms

The CR is very vital for each one's personal necessities.It is most important for wheelchair users who need it for privacy. However, there are instances that the doors does not swing in the right direction. The correct way is for the door to swing outside to allow the wheelchair to be able to enter the comfort room. It is a pity that some CR are built without considering this requirements.

Below is an example of a dysfunctional and unfriendly wheelchair CR found in the third floor of the National Kidney Institute and Transplant Institute. It is primarily intended for us wheelchair users but only employees are able to make use of it even though the adjoining room is for their supposed use.

He he he, hindi naisasarado!
You have to do your basic necessities with everyone peeking at you! That is why nobody in wheelchair use this CR but only the employees of the hospital No offense intended.

2008-01-14T19:46:00.000-08:00

Wheelchair Jokes

Three men heard rumors of a mountaintop where God came down to solve people's problems. So they all went to the mountain.

The first man was deaf and God asked him, ''Can I help you, son?''

The man started signing in sign language that he would be so happy if only he could hear. So God touched the man and suddenly he could hear.

God then asked the second man, who was blind, ''What can I do for you, my son?'' The second man said, ''Oh God, if I could only see I would be so happy.'' So God touched him and the man was able to see.

Meanwhile, the third man was sitting in his wheelchair with his mouth wide open in amazement. God looked at the man and asked him what he wanted.

The man pushed his chair back and yelled, ''Don't lay one finger on me, God, I am on total disability!''
Yo Ho Ho!
UK - Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 14:28:15 (BST)

2008-01-10T05:06:00.000-08:00

Intensive Training Post-spinal Cord Injury
Can Stimulate Repair In Brain And Spinal Cord

ScienceDaily (Dec. 19, 2007) — Intensive rehabilitation training for patients with spinal cord injuries can stimulate new branches growing from severed nerve fibers, alongside compensatory changes in the brain, say Canadian researchers. Most importantly, it could lead to restoring hand function and the ability to walk.

A study recently published in the journal Brain highlights the remarkable benefits of rehabilitation training after a cervical spinal cord injury--something that has been overshadowed in recent years by the promise of cutting-edge stem cell research.

"It may be that it is neglected because it seems so simple," says the study's senior author Karim Fouad of the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

"Some people take very desperate steps when they are paraplegic. They go to other countries to receive treatments like stem cell transplantations, and most of these approaches are not really controlled trials. They undergo a lot of risk and spend a lot of money, when in fact they could see more benefits with fewer risks from sustained, intensive rehab training."

The study led by Fouad shows that when animal models with incomplete spinal cord injuries received intensive training over many weeks on a reaching task which they were able to do before their injuries, they performed significantly better than their untrained counterparts. In fact, the animals trained post-injury nearly doubled the success rate achieved by the untrained animals.

"Research has found that after incomplete spinal cord injury, there is a moderate amount of recovery based on a rewiring process, a response of the nervous system to the injury," says Fouad. "This is a naturally occurring process. What we found is that intensive rehabilitation training actually promotes this naturally occurring process. It actually enables changes in the brain and spinal cord similar to a repair process."

"The way the animals succeeded in the grasping task post-injury was not the way they did it before. They compensated. They adapted. They developed a new way to do it. What people with these injuries can take from this is that you don't have to do things the way you used to do them before-- what matters is that you attempt, practice hard and find your own adaptive strategy."

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/...71218151732.htm

thanks to apparelyzed.com

2008-01-10T04:58:00.000-08:00

XenoPort Announces Initiation of Clinical Trials

About XenoPort

XenoPort, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a portfolio of internally discovered product candidates that utilize the body's natural nutrient transport mechanisms to improve the therapeutic benefits of existing drugs. XenoPort's most advanced product candidate, XP13512, has successfully completed a pivotal trial in its Phase 3 clinical program for the treatment of RLS and has successfully completed a Phase 2a clinical trial for the management of PHN. XenoPort has also reported positive results from a Phase 2a clinical trial of its second product candidate, XP19986, in patients with GERD.

To learn more about XenoPort, please visit the web site at www.XenoPort.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking" statements, including, without limitation, all statements related to our and our partner's future clinical development of XP13512 and the timing thereof; our future clinical development programs for XP19986 and XP21279 and the timing thereof; the release of additional clinical trial data and the timing thereof; the therapeutic and commercial potential of XP13512, XP19986 and XP21279; the suitability of XP19986 as a treatment for GERD and spasticity; the suitability of XP21279 as a treatment for Parkinson's disease; the timing of future regulatory submissions, including the filing of a new drug application for XP13512 for RLS with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; and our and our partner's future clinical trials. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as "believes," "plans," "expects," "will," "intends," "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks related to the uncertain results of clinical trials; our ability to successfully conduct the clinical trials for XP13512, XP19986 and XP21279 on the anticipated timeframes, or at all; our dependence on our current and additional collaborative partners; the uncertainty of the FDA approval process and other regulatory requirements and the uncertain therapeutic and commercial value of our compounds. These and other risk factors are discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 9, 2007. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

XenoPort and Transported Prodrug are U.S. trademarks of XenoPort, Inc.

Source code: XNPT2C

SOURCE: XenoPort, Inc.

Source: http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/industr..._422475_10.html

XP19986 Phase 2 Clinical Trial in Spinal Cord Injury Patients with Spasticity

XenoPort's multiple-dose, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover Phase 2 clinical trial of XP19986 is designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a sustained-release formulation (designated as SR1) of XP19986 in patients with spasticity due to spinal cord injury. XenoPort believes that the SR1 formulation of XP19986, which provides sustained drug exposure over 12 hours, could provide improved therapy when dosed twice a day in spasticity patients who are underserved by current therapies that require dosing three or four times per day.

The Phase 2 clinical trial is being conducted at multiple study centers in the United States. Three doses of XP19986 are being assessed in a randomized crossover comparison versus placebo. Twelve subjects will be enrolled in each dose level. Eligible subjects undergo a washout and baseline period, followed by XP19986 (10 mg, 20 mg or 30 mg) or placebo, administered twice a day in the first treatment segment. After a washout period, each subject receives the other treatment in the second treatment segment. The primary outcome measure in this study is the Ashworth Scale assessment of muscle tone.

About XP19986

XP19986 is designed to overcome certain deficiencies of baclofen, a currently marketed generic drug approved for the treatment of spasticity. Baclofen is a racemic drug (a 50:50 mixture of R- and S-isomers). Studies have shown that the beneficial therapeutic properties of baclofen are attributable to the R-isomer of baclofen only. R-baclofen is a selective agonist of GABA-B receptors. Baclofen has a short half-life in blood after oral dosing, which necessitates frequent daily dosing and is associated with unwanted side effects. Absorption of baclofen in the colon is limited, which has prevented the development of a sustained-release formulation that could address these deficiencies.

XP19986 is a new chemical entity that is a Transported Prodrug of R-baclofen. XP19986 is designed to engage natural nutrient transport mechanisms found on intestinal cell membranes, thereby gaining efficient entrance into the bloodstream. XP19986 is then rapidly converted to R-baclofen by high-capacity enzymes. In addition to R-baclofen, the metabolic breakdown products of XP19986 are natural substances with favorable safety characteristics.

thanks to apparelyzed.com

2008-01-10T04:56:00.000-08:00

Scientists Restore Walking In Mice After Spinal Cord Injury

For the first time, a UCLA study shows that the central nervous system can reorganize itself and follow new pathways to restore the cellular communication required for movement after spinal cord injury.

ScienceDaily (Jan. 7, 2008) — Spinal cord damage blocks the routes that the brain uses to send messages to the nerve cells that control walking. Until now, doctors believed that the only way for injured patients to walk again was to re-grow the long nerve highways that link the brain and base of the spinal cord. For the first time, a UCLA study shows that the central nervous system can reorganize itself and follow new pathways to restore the cellular communication required for movement.

The discovery could lead to new therapies for the estimated 250,000 Americans who suffer from traumatic spinal cord injuries. An additional 10,000 cases occur each year, according to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, which helped fund the UCLA study.

"Imagine the long nerve fibers that run between the cells in the brain and lower spinal cord as major freeways," explained Dr. Michael Sofroniew, lead author and professor of neurobiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. "When there's a traffic accident on the freeway, what do drivers do? They take shorter surface streets. These detours aren't as fast or direct, but still allow drivers to reach their destination.

"We saw something similar in our research," he added. "When spinal cord damage blocked direct signals from the brain, under certain conditions the messages were able to make detours around the injury. The message would follow a series of shorter connections to deliver the brain's command to move the legs."

Using a mouse model, Sofroniew and his colleagues blocked half of the long nerve fibers in different places and at different times on each side of the spinal cord. They left untouched the spinal cord's center, which contains a connected series of shorter nerve pathways. The latter convey information over short distances up and down the spinal cord.

What they discovered surprised them.

"We were excited to see that most of the mice regained the ability to control their legs within eight weeks," said Sofroniew. "They walked more slowly and less confidently than before their injury, but still recovered mobility."

When the researchers blocked the short nerve pathways in the center of the spinal cord, the regained function disappeared, returning the animals' paralysis. This step confirmed that the nervous system had rerouted messages from the brain to the spinal cord via the shorter pathways, and that these nerve cells were critical to the animal's recovery.

"When I was a medical student, my professors taught that the brain and spinal cord were hard-wired at birth and could not adapt to damage. Severe injury to the spinal cord meant permanent paralysis," said Sofroniew.

"This pessimistic view has changed over my lifetime, and our findings add to a growing body of research showing that the nervous system can reorganize after injury," he added. "What we demonstrate here is that the body can use alternate nerve pathways to deliver instructions that control walking."

The UCLA team's next step will be to learn how to entice nerve cells in the spinal cord to grow and form new pathways that connect across or around the injury site, enabling the brain to direct these cells. If the researchers succeed, the findings could lead to the development of new strategies for restoring mobility following spinal cord injury.

"Our study has identified cells that we can target to try to restore communication between the brain and spinal cord," explained Sofroniew. "If we can use existing nerve connections instead of attempting to rebuild the nervous system the way it existed before injury, our job of repairing spinal cord damage will become much easier."

Spinal cord injury involves damage to the nerves enclosed within the spinal canal; most injuries result from trauma to the vertebral column. This affects the brain's ability to send and receive messages below the injury site to the systems that control breathing, movement and digestion. Patients generally experience greater paralysis when injury strikes higher in the spinal column.

The full research is published in the January edition of Nature Medicine. Sofroniew's coauthors included Gregoire Courtine, Dr. Bingbing Song, Roland Roy, Hui Zhong, Julia Herrmann, Dr. Yan Ao, Jingwei Qi and Reggie Edgerton, all of UCLA

The UCLA study was supported by grants from the National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke, the Adelson Medical Foundation, the Roman Reed Spinal Cord Injury Research Fund of California and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/...80106193147.htm

thanks to apparelyzed.com

2008-01-05T23:21:00.000-08:00

Crossing Islands with the Wheelchair

Needs a certain practice especially the island will measure to a foot and if no one is there to assist.

2008-01-05T23:18:00.000-08:00

Recovering from a Wheelchair Fall

You've got to learn this all you physical therapist and interns. Paraplegics who accidentally tip themselves of will have to pick themselves up through this process. Goodluck.

Wear a helmet during practice!

2008-01-05T23:17:00.001-08:00

Wheelchair Basketball Collection

2008-01-03T17:38:00.000-08:00

Bishop Francesco Panfilo, SDB
Bishop of Alotau-Sideia

Took a snap shot with my former provincial, rector, friend in the person of Bishop Panfilo who is now serving the people of Alotau in Papua New Guinea. My deepest respect and admiration. He passed by the Salesiana office where I took the souvenir photo. Mabuhay ka bishop!

2007-12-21T19:34:00.000-08:00

The Quadruped and Kneeling Position

The quadruped position allows stability, balance and strengthening of the core muscles. I extend my arms in a reaching out position done ten times for both arms. Afterwards, the legs are stretched with assistance from the PT intern.

The kneeling position began with a time of 1o minutes that has already been raised up to 18 minutes. It is for balance. I am tilted in a position with a semblance of chest out stomach in so that the muscles while kneeling continue to contract.

The PT - interns from Batch 2007-2008 of both DLSU-Dasmarinas and MMSU Ilocos Norte.

2007-12-14T23:16:00.000-08:00

THE BEST OF INDAY JOKES
only in the philippines

Inday (the helper, nanny, maid, et cetera) has become very popular through numerous text messages. She apparently speaks English very well (roll my eyes). I’ve collated some of the messages so you could enjoy them as much as I did.

“Listening to the nonsense talk about someone’s life is a pathetic way of entertainment. It doesn’t contribute to the good of society. I hate character assassinators!”
–reklamo ni Inday nang natsismis siya ng kapitbahay

Amo: Inday, anung baon ko?

Inday: Sir, you will have drunken shrimp and blue lobster meat with caviar served with milagrosa rice and apricot sauce for your main course; vegetables in balsamic vinegar splashed with extra virgin olive oil for your appetizer; and for your dessert I made lychee and peach salad with sour cream and cream cheese topped with lemon zests.

(Amo, nosebleed)

Amo: Inday! Bakit mo binenta yung sira na silya?

Inday: I have computed the chair’s fair value less cost to sell, and the value in use using projections for 5 years and a pretax discount rate. Accordingly, the value in use is lower, so I decided to sell the chair. This is in accordance with PAS18 on Revenue, PAS16 on PPE, and PAS36 on Impairment of Assets.

(Amo, hinimatay) Si Inday talaga, accountant din pala. Updated pa!

“I’m not extremely goodlooking but I have a sense of humor. I’m not breathtakingly intelligent but I’m relatively witty. I’m not insanely rich but I’m fairly kind. I’m just a simple guy with a crazy ambition of meeting your acquaintance. So, hi.
–Dodong, hardinero na dumidiskarte sa text kay Inday

“Don’t limit my capacity in the four corners of this luxurious abode. Expose me to the real challenges of the outside world. I want to grow as an individual with dynamic experiences.”
–Inday, nagrereklamo kase ayaw siya isama sa Enchanted Kingdom

AMO: Inday! Bakit di ka nagluto ng french fries?! Kanina pa kita inutusan ah!

INDAY: Potatoes, when consumed in their raw state, are rapidly converted to glucose that raises insulin levels because of its simple sugar. When cooked in high temperatures like french fries, they produce a large amount of free radicals in the body causing aging, clotting, inflammation, cancer, and weight gain. One french fry is worse than one cigarette. So do you still want me to cook the fries?

AMO: (nosebleed)

Jeepney Driver: Hoy! Nganung 6 ra imong gibayad ha?! Tag 7 ang plete oi! kulang imong bayad!

INDAY: I am currently enrolled in a 2-year vocational course in an academic institution. Therefore, I am a student and, by this fact, I am entitled to have the inalienable right to take advantage of a certain discount on my jeepney fare. This is why I provided a payment less than what you expected because that is according to the law, as stated in the fare matrix.

Jeepney Driver: (nosebleed)

P500 = globe plan subscription

P1800 = glutathione tablets

P600 = Olay total effects

P200 = mama

- binabudget ni Inday ang kanyang sweldo

“It’s absurd! It was never a fact that he will cause a fight. I can only imagine how you handle schizophrenic kids in this educational institution. Revise your policies because they suck.”–Inday kasama si Junior sa principal’s office (lufet talaga ni Inday!)

AMO: Inday, anong gamit mo sa katawan? Ang kinis mo kasi eh. Siguro gumagamit ka ng papaya……..o baka naman kalamansi?

INDAY: No! Only BELO touches my skin, who touches yours?

AMO: Inday, bumili ka nga ng mga isda. Oo nga pala, inglesera ka na ngayon. Would you please purchase many fishes for our week’s meal?

INDAY: Judging from your statement, I believe you meant a variety of fish. The term “fishes”, although rarely and even erroneously used, connotes a plethora or an array of different kinds of the aforementioned gilled creatures. But the more pressing questions before I traverse the road to the wet market would be: What certain type of fish? Fillet or not? Frozen or just right smack the day’s catch? (pause) Aaaaahh, by manner of careful extrapolation, given the meager budget and this household’s quasi-peasant middle class taste, I assume then I will source the staple “ga-lewng-gowng”. Am I correct?

AMO: Leche!

INDAY: You meant the freshwater milkfish? Then “ba-ngooz’ it is.

(nag internal hemorrhage ang AMO ni INDAY)

Amo: Hoy Inday! Bakit sunog ang sinaing? Inday: Heavy fire that’s exerted by the stimulus affect the best conductor of heat which is steel, causing the “oriza sativa” which is the scientific name of rice to change its state of color, smell, as well as the taste.Amo: In other words, you didn’t apply your knowledge about heat conductors and left the rice to burn! Bah! Kala mo nosebleed na naman ako noh? Nagstudy na ako.

Much as I want to indulge in the proliferation of such indecent and malicious information, I want to lift the stigma and alleviate society’s perception of our profession.

–Inday, tumangging makipagtsismisan sa katulong ng kapitbahay

Ma’am/Sir, I hereby render my irrevocable resignation as your employee, effective today. It has been a pleasant stay in your company, but owing to personal reasons I am compelled to move on. I would like to thank you and your good management for the wonderful experience accorded to me during my stay in your company. Your katulong,Inday There are tulips in the street, there are tulips in the park, but nothing compares to our two lips in the dark.–Pamatay lines ni Dodong kay Inday Off you go! Under no circumstance this house would relent to such unabashed display of vagrant destitution!–Inday, pinapaalis ang makulit na pulubi sa gate

I wish forgetting my feelings for someone was as easy as digging a hole in the backyard, burying it there, and leaving a cross over it to remind me of how beautifulit once was. But it could never be like that. The truth is, forgetting these feelings is much like digging my very own grave and burying myself alive. –Sabi ni Inday kay Badong na hardinero ng magbreak sila (Sir Tony thought it was written by Simone de Beauvoir to Jean-Paul Sartre! Hahahaha… I almost died laughing!)

I was shot by a 9mm bullet at the head damaging my entire stupid brain and my fucking skull so that I will die and stop speaking English preventing people from nosebleeding!–In loving memory of Inday (Ayan, patay na siya! Sa wakas tapos na ang mga kahibangan)

FLASH REPORT:
Inday is alive; she’s not yet dead. SOCO found out that the impostora of Inday was killed. Ederlyn (Inday’s kapitbahay) was the master mind.

SOCO: Bakit mo pinapatay si Inday?

Ederlyn: Kasi inagaw niya sa akin si Dodong!

Inday: Mythomaniac! He was never yours!

Ederlyn: Dong, hindi naman mahirap para ako ang piliin mo di ba?

Dodong: I… never… said… that I love you!

But wait, there’s more!

Here’s the epilogue:

Si Inday, Si Dodong, At Ang Basurero

Dahil sa tindi ng kahirapan sa
probinsya,namasukan si Inday bilang
katulong sa Maynila.Habang ini
interview ng amo…

Amo: Klangan namin ng katulong para
mgayos ng bahay,mgluto,mglaba,
mgplantsa,mmalengke,at mgbantay ng mga
bata.Kya mo ba ang lhat ng ito?

Inday: I believe that my trained skills
and expertise in management with the
use of standard tools, and my
discipline and experience will
contribute significantly to the value
of the work that you want,my
creativity, productivity & work-
efficiency and the high quality of
outcomes I can offer will boost the work
progress.

Amo:[nosebleed]

Nkaraan ang dalawang araw,umuwi ang
amo,nkitang me bukol si junior.

Amo:Bakit me bukol si junior?

Inday:Compromising safety w/ useless
aesthetics,the not-so-well engineered
architectural design of our kitchen
lavatory affected the boy’s cranium
with a slight boil at the left temple
near the auditory organ.

Amo:[nosebleed ulit]

Kinagabihan,habang naghahapunan.

Amo:Bakit maalat ang ulam?

Inday: The consistency was fine. But you
see, it seems that the increased amount
of sodium chloride (NaCl) affected the
taste drastically and those actions are
irreversible. I do apologize.

Amo: [nosebleed na naman]

Donya: Bkit tuwing paguwi ko, ndadatnan
kitang nanunuod ng tv?!

Inday: Because I don’t want you to see
me doing absolutely nothing.

Donya: [hinimatay]

Knabukasan, snamahan ni Inday si junior
sa principal’s office dahil di mkapunta
ang amo at donya.

Principal: Snuntok ni junior ang knyang
kaklase.

Inday: It’s absurd! It was never a fact
that he will inflict a fight. I can only
imagine how you handle schizophrenic
kids on this educational
institution.Revise ur policies because
they suck!

Principal: [nag resign]

Pgdating sa bahay,nandun na ang amo,
galit na galit.

Amo: Inday,bakit ngkalat ang basura sa
likod ng bahay?!

Inday: A change in the weather patterns
might have occurred wrecking havoc to
the surroundings.The way the debris are
scattered indicates that the gust of
wind was going northeast causing damage
to the path it was heading for.

Amo: [nosebleed ulit]

Habang ngluluto si Inday ng hapunan,
mlikot si junior.

Inday: Stop your raucous behavior.It is
bound to result in property damages &
if that happens there will be
corresponding punishment to be inflicted
upon you!

Junior: [takbo sa CR, punasan ang
nagdudugong ilong]

Pgkatapos mgluto,nanood na ng TV si
Inday.Nbalitaan nya umalis si Angel
Locsin sa GMA 7.

Junior: Bkit kya sya umalis?

Inday: Sometimes, people choose to leave
not because of selfish reasons but
because they just know that things will
get worse if they’ll stay.Leaving can
be a tough act,& it’s harder when
people can’t understand you for doing
so.

Junior: [tuloy ang pagdugo ng ilong]

Nung gabing yon,me ngtext ke Inday. Si
Dodong,ang driver ng kapitbahay, gusto
mkpg text-mate.

Inday: To forestall further hopes of
acquaintance,my unfathomable statement
to the denial of your request- Petition
denied.

Di nagla-on,dahil sa tyaga ni Dodong,
nagging syota nya rin si Inday. Pero di
tumagal ang kanilang relasyon, at
nakipag-break si Inday ke Dodong.

Inday: The statute restricts me to love
you but you have the provocations.The
way you smile is the proximate cause why
I love you. We have some rules to think
of. We have no vested rights to love
each other because the upper household
dismissed my petition!

Dodong: Perhaps you are mistaken, what
you seem to contrive as any affections
for you are somewhat half-hearted. I
was merely attempting to expand my
network of interests by involving you
in my daily recreation. Heretofor, you
can expect an end to any verbal
articulation from myself.

Me dumaan na mamang basurero,at narinig
ang usapan ni Inday at Dodong.

Basurero: Be careful in letting go of
the things you thought are just nothing
because maybe someday you’ll realize
that the one you gave away is the very
thing u want to stay.

How do I stop falling for someone? How do I defy the pull of gravity? Can I just fly? Fly before I hit the ground and suffer the pain? And tell myself: Why do I choose to fall in the first place when i know from the start that someone’s never gonna be there to catch me anyway?

–Question ni Inday sa self when she found out na nainlove pala siya sa amo niya

Amo: Mula ngayn, wlang mgssalita ng ingles. Ang sinumang magpadugo ng ilong ko at sa mga anak ko,palalayasn sa pmmahay na 2! Klaro b?

Inday: Ang mga nmutawi sa inyong mga labi ay mtaman ko pong iiimbak sa sulok ng akng balintataw,sa kaibuturan ng akng puso,gugunamgunamin, aariing salik ng aba at payak kong kabatiran. Tatalikdan ang matayog at palalong bnyagang wka, mnapay kkalingain,bibgkasn at sakdal timyas na sasambitin ng aking sangkalooban.

Amo: Leche!

-HEAVEN-
San Pedro: Inday, ba’t ka namatay?

Inday: Damn that envious boss of mine. If it weren’t for her, that bullet wouldn’t have damaged the blood vessels in my brain which caused severe hemorrhage and brought me to a state of hypovolemic shock. Unfortunately, those incompetent doctors and nurses weren’t able to help me so I had to face the wrath of death. So my body went through algor, livor, and rigor mortis.

San Pedro: (nosebleed)
Inday was sent back to earth.

The consistency was fine. But you see, it seems that the increased amount of sodium chloride affected the taste drastically and those actions are irreversible. I do apologize.

-nag-eexplain si inday kung bakit maalat ang ulam.

"Nurture others with positive truthful words, not words that hurt. It doesn't cost anything to do so. But mean what you say, and say what you mean. Do it everyday. This is one of the most obvious qualities of the most beloved people. If you cannot be generous financially, at least be generous with your words."

-sagot ni inday sa amo nya na di xa pinautang at minura-mura pa!

"Ipomea aquatica has become the constant ingredient to this Filipino delicacy which is very helpful in the digestion during the peristaltic process of the food we intake. Due to the continuous rain and floods, the harvest of the said vegetable has lessen the production in the market"

- sagot ni inday samin kung bakit walang KangKong sa nilutong sinigang

I am solitary. I find it hard to succumb into slumber. Though the downpour of rain should've made it easy. This exuberent emotional glue i have for you,cannot be
simply washed away. The multiplicity of what i feel for you is inevitable. This isn't platonic. It's real, true romance

- INDAY, nag eemote sa may bintana, habang iniisip si dodong,ang bf nia..

"potatoes, wen consumed n der raw state, r rapidly converted 2 glucose dat raises insulin leve;s bcoz of its simple sugar...wen cooked in high temperature lyk french fries, dey produce large amoun of free radicals n d body causing aging, clotting, inflammation, cancer, w8 gai... 1 french fry is worse dan 1 cigarette

- inday (sagot nya sa amo nung tanungin xa kung bakit di sya nagluto ng french fries)nuritionist din pala si inday

" I stay awake in the coldness of the darkened sky contemplating why, for some reasons, has my emptinessmade itself manifests, extending to that niche where i wasgiven life and growth, that because of austerity i was made seperated from...."

-INDAY habang ndi makatulog dahil na-ho-homesick . d=D

Heavy fire exerted by the stimulus affected the best conductor of heat which is the steel,causing the Oriza Sativa to change it's state of color,smell as well as the taste."

-sagot ni inday ng tanungin siya ng amo kung bakit nasunog ang sinaing.

Listening to the nonsense talk about someone's life is a pathetic way of entertainment..it doesn't contribute to the good of society..i hate character assassinators!..

- reklamo ni inday nang natsismis siya ng kapitbahay. You'll never know wat u have til it's gone... And once u loose it, u can never get it back....

-si Inday na isnatchan sa quiapo!!!

Dear Mom,

Had i not been able to smell the salt, i must have collapsed moments ago. Junior has become a little monster to me. Remember the head accident he had? As if it wasn't enough, he was summoned by the principal of hil shabilly runned academe. Oh, such an erudite bunch of baboons! I never though being a governess can be such strenuous employ!

Your daughter,Inday

Dear Inday,

Walanghiya ka! Magpadala ka ng pera! Nasa ospital ang nanay mo, dumugo ang ilong pagkabasa ng pesteng sulat mo!

--TATAY Drunken shrimp and blue lobster meat with caviar served with milagrosa rice (red variety) and apricot sauce..

Vegetables in balsamic vinegar splashed with extra virgin olive oil ..

Lychee and peach salad with sour cream and cream cheese topped with lemon zests..

---mga baon ni junjun sa daycare na inihanda ni Inday. SOSYAL!!!

Ich bin jetzt berühmt geworden dürch diesen Pexer.Mach weiter so,das gefällt mir!!!

(naging sikat ako ngayon gawa ng pexer,pagpatuloy ninyo gusto ko yan)

Si Inday marunong din pala maggerman!!

I believe that my trained skills and expertise in management with the use of standard tools, and my discipline and experience will contribute significantly to the value of the work that you want, my creativity, productivity and work-efficiency and the high quality of outcomes I can offer will boost the work progress.

- sagot ni Inday sa interview ng bago niyang amo!

Compromising safety with useless aesthetics, the not-so-well engineered architectural design of our kitchen lavatory affected the boy's cranium with a slight boil at the left temple near the auditory organ.

- sagot ni Inday nang tanungin ng amo kung bakit may bukol si Junior.

The consistency was fine. But you see, it seems that the increased amount of sodium chloride (NaCl) affected the taste drastically and those actions are irreversible. I do apologize.

- nag-explain si Inday kung bakit maalat ang ulam.

Donya: Bakit tuwing paguwi ko, nadadatnan kitang nanunuod ng tv?!

Inday: Because I don't want you to see me doing absolutely nothing.

"It's absurd! It was never a fact that he will inflict a fight. I can only imagine how you handle schizophrenic kids on this educational institution. Revise your policies because they suck!"

- Inday, kasama si Junior sa principal's office.

Amo: Inday, bakit nagkalat ang basura sa likod ng bahay?!

Inday: A change in the weather patterns might have occurred wrecking havoc to the surroundings. The way the debris are scattered indicates that the gust of wind was going northeast causing damage to the path it was heading for.

Amo: (nosebleed)

Stop your raucous behavior. It is bound to result in property damages and if that happens there will be corresponding punishment to be inflicted upon you!

- si Inday, pinagbabawalan ang mga bata na maglikot.

Sometimes, people choose to leave not because of selfish reasons but because they just know that things will get worse if they'll stay. Leaving can be a tough act, and it's harder when people can't understand you for doing so.

- sagot ni Inday kung bakit umalis si Angel Locsin sa GMA 7.

"To forrestall further hopes of acquaintance, my unfathomable statement to the denial of your request. Petition denied."

- reply ni Inday nang i-text ni dodong kung pwede sya maging txtmate.

Amo: Inday bumili ka nga ng mga isda, ay oo nga pala, inglesera ka na ngayon, would you please buy many fishes for this week's meals?

Inday: Judging by your statement, I believe you meant a variety of fish. The term fishes though rarely used, connotes a plethora of different kinds of the said gilled aquatic creatures. But the most pressing question before I go to the wet market would be: what type of fish? Fillet or not? Frozen or fresh? (pauses) Ahh…given the meager budget afforded by this household's quasi-peasant class taste, I assume I shall source the staple "galewng-gong". Yes?

Amo: Eh kung mag-empake ka na kaya?!

"Ederlyn: Ikaw ba ang INday na sinasabi nila? At sino ka para itulad sa akin ang iyong kasikatan ngayong ako'y nananahimik na? Wala kang karapatan para pantayan ako! Hayop ka!

Inday: My apologies, but the fact is, your glory days are over my friend. I find it somewhat ridiculous, your persistence on persuading people to come to your party that never existed is beginning to get into my nerves! Damn you Ederlyn! Damn you! No one undermines Inday's intellect... Bitch!"

Inday: The status restricts me to love you but you have the provocations. The way you smile is the proximate cause why i love you. We have some reasons to think of. We have no vested rights to love each other because the upper household dismissed my petition...

Dodong: Perhaps you are mistaken, what you seem contrive as any affections for you are somewhat half-hearted. Iwas merely attempting to expand my network of interest by involving you in my daily recreation. Heretofor, you can expect an end to any verbal articulation from me...

- naging paguusap ni inday at dodong ng magbreak sila...

"Be careful in letting go of the things you thought are just nothing because maybe someday you'll realize that the one you gave away is the very thing you've been wishing for to stay"...

- payo kay inday ng napadaang basurero na nakikinig sa usapan nla ni dodong...

2007-11-12T17:07:00.000-08:00

SALESIANA PRESS

Enjoying time with the people at the TECHNICAL Department

Ate beth, julie, sally, jasmine, ronald

ate beth, ronald

As the books are being rushed for the coming 2008 school year, we enjoyed some snapshots at the technical department. They are rushing the books for science elementary which I happen to work on in a farm out basis.

2007-10-26T01:46:00.000-07:00

A PERSONAL ASSESSMENT oN the Incidence of Ulcerative Colitis in the Philippines

Ronaldo S. Lora

Abstract:

The incidence of ulcerative colitis in the Philippines is worth a second look. Although it is more prevalent in the west, there had been a noted steady rise in Asia especially among Filipinos. It must be understood that any form of awareness in order to make known of this particular disease will be helpful and viable in any case, since we tend to dismiss any stomach ailment as something minimal and passing. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Like Crohn's disease, another common IBD, ulcerative colitis can be painful and debilitating and sometimes can lead to life-threatening complications. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are similar – they are so similar that can be mistaken for one another. Both inflame the lining of the digestive tract, and both can cause severe bouts of watery or bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. But ulcerative colitis usually affects only the innermost lining of your large intestine (colon) and the rectum. Crohn's disease, on the other hand, can occur anywhere in your digestive tract, often spreading deep into the layers of affected tissues. There are no known medical cure for ulcerative colitis, but therapies are available that may dramatically reduce the signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis and may even bring about a long-term remission.

A PERSONAL ASSESSMENT oN the Incidence of Ulcerative Colitis in the Philippines

My bouts with ulcerative colitis began when I was 28 years old. The disease was still vague and I really had no idea what I was going through during that time. The symptoms were varied: watery and bloody diarrhea, high grade fever and constant abdominal pain. The diarrhea was so severe that I had to visit the bathroom at least six times a day or at the worst, even more. The changes that happened were so drastic that I gradually lost 25 kilos from my normal weight of 80. The blood I passed was bright red and so fresh that it took me aback for little did I know that I already had inflammatory bowel problems. This kind of situation brought me to frequent hospitalizations for intravenous hydration and blood transfusions.

I. Personal and Psychological Impact:

The doctors I first consulted were probably medically aware but not thoroughly competent and capable to treat the inflammation and severe bleeding of the digestive tract. It was unfortunate then that the easiest recourse for a stop-gap measure was the use of anti-motility tablets and nothing else. It was further aggravated when I had to take countless antibiotics that all the more complicated the situation. There were no warnings regarding what food to eat and what to avoid. I felt weaker after every hospitalization without concrete answers to my condition. After several trial and error, I met my present gastroenterologist at PGH (Philippine General Hospital) from whom I got to understand my sickness and hear ulcerative colitis for the first time. I was able to recuperate but exacerbations were very prominent.

I believe that in the Philippines, cases pertaining to inflammatory bowel disease have not yet received its proper forum and share of information although medical cases have been significant in cities particularly Manila, Davao and Batangas. Maybe, it is not that much discussed as compared to other sicknesses mainly because it has a lower incidence compared to western countries. I was so engrossed with what I was going through that I had to do research and unburden my fears.

II. Nature of the Disease:

The term ulcerative colitis refers to the condition of an inflamed colon. It can be further complicated by perforations in the linings of the intestines. Ulcerative colitis most often begins to cause symptoms between the ages of 15 and 40. The presence of fever and bloody diarrhea as I mentioned indicates colonic tissue damage. The ulcerations on the surface of the intestines can be compared when we scar and wound our outer skin and it starts to form scabs but does not completely heal because it constantly peels off due to continuous rubbing against other surfaces. Once food is taken in and peristalsis begins, the intestine becomes irritated as the food passes in a fast forward motion causing poor absorption. Also, this triggers gas, bloating and both a bloody and watery diarrhea. Sometimes, ulcerative colitis can be so detrimental that patients may develop inflammation in unrelated areas like the eyes, joints and the skin. Taking low fiber and low fat diet will lessen scratching of the colon..

Other possible causes of ulcerative colitis can be attributed to an immune system dysfunction, uncooked foods that trigger bacterial infection and the pressure of stress.

III. Medical Diagnosis and Treatment:

The typical findings to identify ulcerative colitis is both through colonoscopy with biopsy. The doctor makes sure that the intestines are clear thorough laxative preparations and enema cleansing. With the aid of a monitor, a flexible fiber optic tube is inserted through the rectum to view the abnormalities inside the colon. If the pain can be tolerated, patients can watch the procedure from the screen unless otherwise they choose to be asleep.

As of the moment, oral medication called the “5-ASA” generic drugs helps in controlling down the inflammation of the intestines. The familiar brands in the Philippines are only Salofalk and Pentasa which are expensive given the fact that about 6 tablets of a 1 gram measurement is needed for daily maintenance. Along with these ASA drugs, is also the need to take steroids in small amounts. These combinations are done to counteract constant bleeding and pain.

In spite of the advance and current treatments administered, the need for surgery cannot be disregarded as a last resort for combating ulcerative colitis. As it may seem a bleak recourse, the reality of maximizing periods of remission and bringing back quality of life is going under the knife.

IV. Conclusion:

Certain diseases concerning intestinal problems should no longer be overlooked nowadays. Precaution is a must especially in the food we take because there is no substitute for a pink of health. As the famous tag line of the philosopher Fuerbach would say “you are what you eat” ought to keep us aware that we are mainly responsible for living a productive healthy life. There is an array of symptoms involving intestinal problems that should not be overlooked and disregarded. People in the country afflicted with ulcerative colitis or any IBD problems should be able to work with other support groups so that awareness of this disease or any sickness for that matter can be given the proper attention and advocacy.

References

Liquete, Micheal, M.D. (Colorectal Surgeqon, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Quezon City, Philippines.). Personal Interview. 8 February 2005.

Zano, Felix, M.D. (Head of Gastroenterology, Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines). Personal Interview. 31 January 2002..

2007-09-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

The Parallel Bar Exercises

"Konting Tiis". Ito lagi ang paalala sa akin nang mga kaibigan at mga duktor na tumutulong sa ang physical therapy. Hanggat sa abot na makakaya ay pinipilit kong mag attend nang therapy para tuloy tuloy na makalakad.

I was diagnosed with SCI injury which rendered me disabled. My doctors do have high hopes for me to walk. Hindi pa naman ako bumibitiw kahit nakakapagod.

After walking around the hospial nang mga 30 minutes, the next stop is the parallel bars where I am asked to do exercises and stretching. Eto na po pictures

Parallel Bar Exercises
disability

2007-05-31T09:15:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Pugad Boys

Picture taking muna habang break time together with two pugad boys at Don Bosco Makati
John Claude, Daniel, ako, PJ

2007-05-12T21:37:00.000-07:00

Smart Soulfood

P R O M O T I O N S

Satisfy your craving for
soul stirring and
heart warming Bible verses,
insights and reflections for
everyday.

TEXT SF to 286

Subscribe to soulfood via smart and talk and text users. Each subscription amounts to P2.5o.
disability

I invite Smart subscribers to download soul food that can serve too as their daily reflections for everyday. I am grateful to Kenneth Palacios, who is a classmate of mine in high school who pushed for this opportunity for me to gain extra income for my rehabilitation and physical therapy.

2007-05-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

CYSTOLITHIASIS

National Kidney and Transplant Institute

Ever since I was rendered disabled about five years ago, I became a candidate as a stone former. I usually developed bladder stones about the size of the sands of the beach. It was most unlikely that I will develop stones as big as quail eggs but I did. The doctors point to stasis and urine retention. I can void as much as 90cc to 120cc with a retention of the same amount which I collect when I perform ICT which I do about twice or at the most thrice a day.

It was last May 9, 2007 that marked another lease of life for me since I underwent a two hour surgery when I was subjected to cystolithotomy. I was handled by Dr. Jesus Benjamin "JB" Mendoza - urologist. He is the dad of Marlo, who is my friend in attending physical rehabilitation in the same hospital (National Kidney and Transplant Institute). I thought the procedure would be a walk in the park considering that I had already 3 major operations since we have decided to undergo intracorporeal lithotripsy. Since the bladder stones were big, it was a judgement call for them to go in so that they can recover the stones.

I was given general anesthesia and instantly I was asleep. I stayed in the recovery room when the anesthesia wore off. I had the shock when I saw the stones which I did not expect that to be in size. My doctor assured me that the blood which is being collected and passes through the urine FC down to the urine bag is normal. It will soon clear up. I started to drink as much water as I can especially I have a foley cath attached with me right now. It will prevent the bladder to be distended and open up the stitches. The urine appears very clear and without smell.

Presently, the best advise is cut down on salt and drink lots of water. Likewise, although there has been recent developments in the treatment of stone (diseases), surgery is a safe and time effective method to retrieve such big stones.

Bladder Stones
(acknowledgments indicated in the links)

Stone disease of the urinary tract is a common problem. Stone anywhere in the urinary tract (with the exception of the ureter and urethra) could be primary or secondary depending on the absence or presence of infection respectively. The risk factors for stone formation includes:

hypercalciuria
hypocitraturia
high phosphate excretion
high urine PH
Low urine volume
hyperoxaluria
hypomagnesuria

Factors

Dietary factors associated with hypercalciuria include excessive animal protein, refined carbohydrate and sodium.

The presentation of these patients usually in form of pain which is the leading symptom in 75% of people with urinary stone, frequency, haematuria, or could be a silent stone.

The majority of the patients do not need any diagnostic workup or specialist treatment, as most stone patients do not have complicated disease and after the first stone episode, only 25% recur within 10 years.

disability

link

3 stones extracted from urinary bladder through suprapubic incision

link 2

2007-05-06T02:31:00.000-07:00

The Great MRT Ride

disability
Riding the MetroStar has been not that simple especially when you are in a wheelchair. However, it was not impossible after all. I have taken the MRT about three times already and will continue to do so unless it is not rush hour.

My first stop was in the Ayala station. When you cross SM Makati coming from glorietta, there is an island which has quite a high clearance. Nevertheless, if you have to wheel further from the road, there is a cemented clearance on the right side which the wheelchair can easily maneuver. You just have to watch out for people who loves to look at you with their eyes in amazement.

Continue wheeling until you reach the elevator. This will be quite easy because not many people use the elevator since the installation of the escalator. Once you reach the MRT station you can skip the line where people queue for their tickets and proceed immediately to the railing where hopefully a security guard can assist in buying the card for the north station.

Once this has been resolved, the elevator is found in the left side. You have to ride it twice until you reach the basement area. Maneuver in the front area where the reserved space is given for disabled persons. The only last thing to clear is an open space from the pavement to the train. Be able to let the wheelchair jump to clear the space.

Upon reaching the north station, a probable problem arises. Once you alight from the elevator where the new mall right now "TRINOMA" is buing built, there is a limited space to get a taxicab. This time help from passengers will be of use to bring the wheel chair down from the high clearance where you can flag a taxi from the queue of peole waiting.

HOme sweet home. Just remember not to do this in rush hour.

DISABLED

2007-05-06T02:21:00.000-07:00

My Classmates and their families
disability

thanks to enteng for the pics and jun_o for the links.

2007-05-06T01:21:00.000-07:00

Don Bosco Juniorate Batch 1990

Last May 1, while people celebrated the occasion of Labor Day, my classmates from high school gathered together in my behalf for a fundraising event.

The occasion was the premiere night of Spiderman 3 held at Shangrila Plaza in Shaw Boulevard Mandaluyong City. There were 88 seats given out and in a matter of two days, friends and fellow alumni from Don Bosco Juniorate bought tickets and trooped to the movie house. We were glad to see each other once again for quite a while. Some of my classmates already left during the film show but we had a good number who stayed on for the photo op.

I am very grateful to my classmates and friends who have been in all out support. You have been very good to me. I wish you the best in all your endeavors.

DISABLED

2006-03-14T01:03:00.000-08:00

Salesiana Publishers Inc
Makati City, Philippines

The beginning of the year 2006 was really a big surprise for me. I did'nt know that God would be showering his blessings full blast. I was able to wrap up my first book for elementary kids. This was through the kindness of friends I last saw about five years ago since my surgery and operation. Hopefully, the book begins to run this year 2007 and begin printing at the middle of the year. As if everything has not been finished yet, Salesiana Publishers had tasked me to team with some teachers to come up with our own English books. The set up is that the authors are in-housed. This means more work to at least assure me that I can pay for my rehab expenses including medicines. I am completing right now my revision of the third year High School Text book entitled soar high. I am grateful to Fr. Mario Baclig for giving me this opportunity. I dont consider myself an author yet but the Lord has been very kind and loving. I pray for healing and strength. The dream to walk has never evaded me, I guess in due time, I will. Thanks too to benok who is very special to me.

Ronaldo S. Lora
disability
Salesiana Publishers Makati March 14, 2006

2006-01-30T19:43:00.000-08:00

PAGMUMUNI-MUNI

It has been awhile that I last posted.

And whilst the wait, there have been so many blessings pouring especially from people who I dont know but are willing to share. Hindi madamot ang mga tao as one friend would quipped, it spurs me to do the same inspite of being differently abled now.

2005-11-11T22:22:00.000-08:00

Benok

After all the trials and challenges we have been through especially my health concerns, I pray and thank God for giving me a person who has become my soulmate and closest friend. Benok is my girl friend. I would just like to say that I love you very much. Tsup!

2005-11-04T20:40:00.000-08:00

One of my best buddies! He is already 7 years old but we have remained good friends. Although I am his uncle, he has been more of a playmate as this boy considers me. He would tell me stories in schools, his escapades, and the silly stuffs that he do.

We play the computer and horse around and even go to the malls watching movies. We love to eat a lot and also considers chocolate and ice cream as our favorites.

I wish this guy to grow a good person and also to be God fearing. His name is Byron

2005-11-01T19:25:00.000-08:00

Dr. Micheal Liquete
Colorectal Surgeon

My doctor holds out my large colon. I am a colostomate now.

My doctor has been kind and very friendly. We meet in the hospital and he is very cordial in sharing stories regarding my health. Eversince I underwent proctocolectomy, I had no problems regarding my stoma.

2005-11-01T19:22:00.000-08:00

2005-11-01T19:18:00.000-08:00

Ulcerative Colitis in the Philippines

My bouts with ulcerative colitis began when I was 28 years old. The disease was still vague and I really had no idea what I was going through during that time. The symptoms were varied for a first timer like me: watery and bloody diarrhea, high grade fever and constant abdominal pain. The diarrhea was so severe that I had to visit the bathroom at least six times a day or at the worst, even more. The changes that happened were so drastic that I gradually lost 25 kilos from my normal body weight of 80. The blood I passed was bright red and so fresh that it took me aback for little did I know that I already had inflammatory bowel problems. This kind of situation brought me to frequent hospitalizations for intravenous hydration and blood transfusions.

Personal and Psychological Impact:

The doctors I first consulted were probably medically aware but not thoroughly competent and capable to treat the inflammation and severe bleeding. It was unfortunate then that the easiest recourse for stop-gap measure was the use of anti-motility tablets and nothing else. It was further aggravated when I had to take countless antibiotics that all the more complicated the situation. There were no warnings regarding what food to eat and what to avoid. I felt weaker as the days passed and after every hospitalization without answers to my condition made me hopeless. After several trial and error, I met my present gastroenterologist at PGH (Philippine General Hospital) from whom I got to understand my sickness and hear ulcerative colitis for the first time. I was able to recuperate but exacerbations were still prominent.

Inflammatory bowel disease encompasses two distinct inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract namely ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It is a complex disorder that was said to be recognized as early as the 1940’s during the middle of the Second World War. On account of the series of circumstances: the scarcity of food, poor hygiene, the distressful situation for survival and the grim environment of warfare, it could have led to its recognition and discovery although a lot can still be said on its causes.

I believe that in the Philippines, cases pertaining to inflammatory bowel disease have not yet received its proper forum and share of information although cases regarding IBD have been cited in cities particularly Manila, Davao and Batangas. Maybe, it is not that much discussed as compared to other sicknesses mainly because it has a lower incidence compared to western countries. I was so engrossed with what I was going through that I had to do research and take notes just to ease myself of worries and at the same time unburden my fears.

Nature of the Disease:

As the term ulcerative colitis connotes, it mainly refers to the condition of an inflamed colon of the large intestine. The term colitis signifies inflammation complicated by ulcerations. The affected area will involve the rectum extending proximally to a certain degree and if it extends up to the small intestines, it would now refer to Crohn's disease.

Contributing Factors:

It has been said that a specific area of an immune system dysfunction triggers the inflammation of the colon. When one is labeled autoimmune, one is more susceptible to this disease. It simply says that a person has weak defenses due to a genetic make-up that goes hay wire during the conception stage.

Likewise, it can also be attributed to food that may cause bacterial infection in the intestines. I had a liking for eating fresh vegetable salad, Japanese food and hamburgers but it was pointed out that if not properly prepared or cooked, it may be a cause of intestinal problems.

Thirdly, the most regarded reason but not totally as the probable cause is stress. IBS can be triggered by external events that bring stress due to mental and physical work that can be a cause of burn outs. If you think that rest and relaxation have already escaped you for quite awhile, you can be a good candidate to develop the disease as the study would say. Others contest this view but in the light of good bodily health, it will always be safe to loosen up since the repercussions can be so harmful. As the saying goes, a healthy mind comes along with a healthy body.

Medical Diagnosis:

Examination may be helpful in detecting inflammatory bowel disease. The typical findings seen on sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy with biopsy provide the advantage of inspecting the entire colon and terminal ileum (up to the small intestine), and thus allow detection of Crohn's disease that may be missed by sigmoidoscopy alone. The doctor makes sure that the intestines are clear thorough laxative preparations and enema cleansing. With the aid of a monitor, a flexible fiber optic tube is inserted through the rectum to view the abnormalities inside the colon. If the pain can be tolerated, patients can watch the procedure from the screen unless otherwise they choose to be sedated and be spared of watching a live video feed.

The presence of fever and bloody diarrhea as I mentioned indicates colonic tissue damage. The ulcerations on the surface of the intestines can be compared when we scar and wound our outer skin and it starts to form scabs but does not completely heal because it constantly peels off due to continuous rubbing against other surfaces. Once food is taken in and peristalsis begins, the intestine becomes irritated as the food passes in a fast forward motion causing poor absorption of the food taken. Also, this triggers gas, bloating and both a bloody and watery diarrhea. My doctors would often remind me of small but frequent feeding. At least, if this is so, it can retain nutrients at least in a repeated basis. Sometimes, ulcerative colitis can be so detrimental that patients could also develop inflammation in unrelated sites like the eyes, joints and the skin. I advise patients to avoid fibrous foods and go on a low fat diet to further lessen scratching of the colon that can all the more damage the cell linings. There came a time that I bled so profusely that my hemoglobin count dropped to an all time low of 5.7.

My Medical and Surgical Management:

In the Philippines, Salofalk has been the most sought after drug mainly because of its availability in the local market. Other products are imported outside the country like Pentasa. I was able to use Pentasa in a 4 gram daily basis after purchasing them in their regional office in Hong Kong which is delivered in a door to door basis. Both medicines are generically called as the 5-ASA drug that eases the inflammation of the intestine. The latter, however, comes in a slow release formulation that further enhances its potency as it passes to the gastrointestinal tract. They come either in tablets, suppositories or in enema form. However, its most common side effect is paradoxically, diarrhea. I use to take the oral tablets divided in different parts of the day taken 30 minutes before eating. Be that as it may, the Philippines is limited to choice prescription and availability of other potent drugs of the same equivalent manufactured in Western and European countries; and more so, on technical and medical information.

Together with these preparations is prednisone (steroids) as the core drug to ease the inflammation. There are drugs too labeled as immuno-suppressants that complement the treatment for IBS, among them are azathioprine and cyclosporine. I also went to the extent of getting infused with remicade to ease my profuse bleeding which unfortunately did not work for me. All the medications are expensive for the price of good health but if you are not economically stable it can all the more add further stress to the already stressed intestines. Current treatments have not disregarded the need for surgery as the last resort in combating ulcerative colitis and crohns disease. Truly, though in a bleak note, maximizing periods of remission and delaying the need for surgery are considered as a realistic treatment and objective for people with the disease. I finally underwent total proctocolectomy to heal my toxic megacolon early this year.

My Request:

Certain diseases concerning intestinal problems should no longer be overlooked nowadays. In the advent of modern technology, advanced medicine and the exerted effort for optimum health, people if they are not careful, may fall prey to bacteria or even with unknown causes that can attack the salient parts of the intestines, which in turn can make us really sick. Precaution is a must especially in the food we take because there is no substitute for a pink of health. As the famous tag line of the philosopher Fuerbach would say “you are what you eat” ought to keep us aware that we are mainly responsible for living a productive healthy life. Hopefully, it will not come as a surprise that when we get sick, we are also in the best position to understand how to manage and still continue living.

There is an array of symptoms involving intestinal problems that should not be overlooked and disregarded. Let us seek professional help the soonest possible time to avoid complications. Likewise, there are good opportunities for interaction in forums found in the net. People who also go through the same motions will be a lot of help in maximizing a continued healthy life. People with ulcerative colitis or any sickness for that matter have to face life with all the patience and hope they can muster. In the face of pain which any illness brings, be it simple or life threatening, it becomes a necessity to readily accept and surrender these hardships as we seek help from the Divine healer.

Let me end by an admonition that ultimately, as a friend would say, it is good to hear second opinions but it is for us to decide what is always best for our bodies and good health. Happy continued remission.

disability

Ronald Lora
ronaldlora@excite.com
ronaldlora2003@yahoo.com

#23 Road 7, Bagong Pag-asa 1105 Quezon City
(Diagnosed Ulcerative colitis, underwent proctocolectomy- February 2005)
0916 6667586
Manila, Philippines 2005
Dr. Felix Zaño – gastroenterologist – PGH
National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippines