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Friday 11 April 2014

Louise Canada Arachnoiditis

Good morning:
If you have had epidurals, spinal taps, myelograms, nerve blocks and surgery, and find yourselves suffering from neuropathic pain, you may very well have ‘arachnoiditis ‘. The symptoms are:
burning, stinging,,aching,gnawing, or with a vice-like quality that can be accompanied by intermittent sharp pains, or pains like electric shocks. Neuropathic pain is characterized by persistent pain hypersensitivity. Other sensory symptoms include tingling and numbness, loss of proprioception (loss of limb up or down) which can result in tripping or falling, water running down ones legs, or insects crawling over the skin.
Arachnoiditis most commonly arises from spinal surgery (especially multiple operations), severe trauma to the spine, myelographic agents, especially the older oil-based dyes, viral and bacterial meningitis, tuberculosis, syphilis, HIV, intrathecal hemorrhage, ischemia of the neural tissues, intraspinal injections of steroids, epidural and spinal anesthesia, multiple lumbar punctures, and blood in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)due to subarachnoid hemorrhaging, epidural blood patch or trauma. Many patients are misdiagnosed as having MS, an auto-immune disorder. Arachnoiditis and Ms share similar symptoms, the only difference is Ms is an auto-immune disorder (the body attacking itself) and arachnoiditis is nowadays triggered by trauma, invasive procedures.
If you have an MRI, review the report. Most radiologists, neuro-surgeons, neurologists will ignore the definite showing on the Mri, indicating lesions within the subarachnoid space. The most pristine area of our body yet, used as a highway dump for all kinds of toxic medications. If you need help, pls contact me, I can help reading your MRI as long as the images are clear and usually done with contrast.
Arachnoiditis is incurable. It is an inflammation of the spinal nerves. The dura , one of few membranes that protect the spinal nerves, was damaged, triggering the inflammation. Spinal nerves are meant to be floating freely within the subarachnoid space, moving with our body. Once the inflammation sets in, the spinal nerves thicken, adhere to the dura, and stick together, therefore every movement made, creates pain. The spinal nerves are attached to each other, no longer floating. Many have tethered cord. Scar tissue grows within the space, interfering with the flow of CSF. This liquid is pristine in nature. It constantly flows to the brain and back many times a day, if the individual is healthy. If the patient has arachnoiditis, the scar tissue will interrupt the normal flow, therefore other ailments are created such as degenerative disc disorder, herniated discs, bulging discs. Why? Because the scar tissue is interrupting the CSF to feed the nerves, the discs therefore creating more pathologies.
I have had this disorder for 40 years. It has been quite a roller coster ride, since I did not know why I was in so much pain. In 2004, an Mri detected the arachnoiditis. Thanks to a radiologist who was honest and capable of seeing the signs of it.
Today, I am doing well considering the magnitude of the damages in my spine. I no longer need a wheelchair, I am grateful for this. I no longer need strong opioids and pain killers. I am receiving a treatment called ‘lidocaine infusion’ (not injection). It is administered intravenously on a monthly basis. Some people receive it every 8 weeks, I need this treatment every month. I also take orally ketamine 5mg daily. These two medication are anesthetics. They are non addictive and non invasive. I am back to working part-time. I am functioning normally, doing chores, walking, bicycling, swimming etc. I need to continue to be very careful nevertheless, for most part, I do not need my cane to walk.
I am writing this to you because I want to warn you about the danger of epidurals, and I want to give you the tools to look into your own Mri, and your medical reports and see if you have arachnoiditis. BTW, the majority of doctors will not mention it, will not talk about it. The reason is simple: we are the product of invasive procedures going bad, therefore doctors will hide it until the statute of limitations have expired.
You can reach me through my personal website at:www.arachnoiditiscanada.com

FINANCIAL AND MEDICATION ASSISTANCE RESOURCES

http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/resources-tools/financial-med-assistance#free-or-reduced-cost-medical-care


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FINANCIAL AND MEDICATION ASSISTANCE RESOURCES

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MEDICATION ASSISTANCE RESOURCES

*If you can not find a patient assistance program for your medication, try contacting the manufacturer of the drug for possible program opportunities or financial assistance.
NORD’s Patient Assistance Programs help patients obtain life-saving or life-sustaining medication they could not otherwise afford.
NeedyMeds is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission of helping people who cannot afford medicine or health care costs. The information at NeedyMeds is available anonymously and free of charge.
RxAssist offers a comprehensive database of patient assistance programs, as well as practical tools, news, and articles so that health care professionals and patients can find the information they need. Patient assistance programs are run by pharmaceutical companies to provide free medications to people who cannot afford to buy their medicine.
The Abigail Alliance is committed to helping create wider access to developmental cancer drugs and other drugs for serious life-threatening illnesses. The Alliance is promoting creative ways of increasing expanded access and compassionate use programs and working to help promote creative ideas to get promising new drugs to the market sooner.
Care Connect USA has assembled a free list of family relief hotlines for financial assistance in critical categories. Some of these hotlines are government agencies, and some are privately administered. All have met there standards of practice, and are monitored for continued effectiveness.
Edmund Hayes provides a Newsletter, Blog and Web Page designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her physician. The list contains the name and telephone numbers of companies that have indigent programs in place.
Healing the Children works to heal children with burn injuries, cleft palates and other deformities whose families don't have access to or cannot afford treatment.
The HealthWell Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2003 that is committed to addressing the needs of individuals with insurance who cannot afford their copayments, coinsurance, and premiums for important medical treatments.
Hill-Burton Free and Reduced Cost Health Care provides a reasonable volume of services to persons unable to pay for hospitals, nursing homes and other health facilities, and to make their services available to all persons residing in the facility’s area.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) compiled a list of free or low-cost mental health medications provided by pharmaceutical companies.
The National Human Genome Research Institute provides some resources for finding information on financial aid for medical treatment, although it is not authorized to provide routine medical assistance or treatment funds.
The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) Co-Pay Relief Program (CPR) currently provides direct financial support to insured patients, including Medicare Part D beneficiaries, who must financially and medically qualify to access pharmaceutical co-payment assistance.
The Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation was founded in October 2004 as a solution to help the underinsured access the health care they so desperately need to continue living a relatively normal and productive lifestyle.
Patient Services, Inc. (PSI) provides peace of mind to patients living with specific chronic illnesses by: locating health insurance in all 50 states, subsidizing the cost of health insurance premiums, providing pharmacy and treatment co-payment assistance, assisting with Medicare Part D Co-insurance, and helping with advocacy for Social Security Disability.

EDUCATION RESOURCES

The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities and concerns.
Educational Equity Center at AED develops programs and materials that promote bias-free learning in school and after school. We provide professional development, consulting services, and community partnerships.
Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, plays a central and essential role in America's postsecondary education community. Our core mission is to ensure that all eligible individuals benefit from federal financial assistance—grants, loans and work-study programs—for education beyond high school.
FinAid was established in the fall of 1994 as a public service. This site has grown into the most comprehensive source of student financial aid information, advice and tools -- on or off the web.
Learning Disabilities Association of America creates opportunities for success for all individuals affected by learning disabilities and to reduce the incidence of learning disabilities in future generations.
The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) works to ensure that the nation's 15 million children, adolescents, and adults with learning disabilities have every opportunity to succeed in school, work, and life.

FREE OR REDUCED COST MEDICAL CARE

The National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the more than 1,200 free clinics and the people they serve in the United States.
Shriners Hospitals for Children® is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s mission is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. No child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay.
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is a world leader in the treatment of pediatric orthopedic conditions. We strive to improve the care of children worldwide through innovative research and teaching programs, training physicians from around the world.

CANCER FINANCIAL SUPPORT

The Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition helps cancer patients experience better health and well-being by limiting financial challenges, through: facilitating communication and collaboration among member organizations; educating patients and providers about existing resources and linking to other organizations that can disseminate information about the collective resources of the member organizations; advocating on behalf of cancer patients who continue to bear financial burdens associated with the costs of cancer treatment and care.
Cancer Care is an organization that provides professional support services to anyone affected by cancer. CancerCare programs—including counseling and support groups, education, financial assistance and practical help—are provided by professional oncology social workers and are completely free of charge.
Lance Armstrong Foundation works to identify the issues faced by cancer survivors in order to comprehensively improve quality of life for members of the global cancer community.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Co-Pay Assistance Program helps you pay your insurance premiums and meet co-pay obligations. We'll also help you find additional sources of financial help.
The National Cancer Institute is part of the National Institutes of Health, and supports and coordinates research projects conducted by universities, hospitals, research foundations, and businesses throughout this country and abroad through research grants and cooperative agreements. They also collect and disseminate information on cancer.
The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Program provides free transportation for cancer patients. Cancer patients receiving treatment at a nearby hospital or medical facility can get free transportation to and from their treatment site. The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program is a free service for cancer patients who lack transportation.
Cancer Legal Resource Center is a national, joint program of the Disability Rights Legal Center and Loyola Law School Los Angeles. The CLRC provides free information and resources on cancer-related legal issues to cancer survivors, caregivers, health care professionals, employers, and others coping with cancer.

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE AND RECREATION RESOURCES

The National Patient Travel HELPLINE provides information about all forms of charitable, long-distance medical air transportation and provides referrals to all appropriate sources of help available in the national charitable medical air transportation network.
Patient AirLift Services arranges free air transportation based on need to individuals requiring medical care and for other humanitarian purposes.
TSA Cares is a helpline to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. TSA recommends that passengers call 72 hours ahead of travel to for information about what to expect during screening.
Double "H" Hole in the Woods Ranch provides specialized programs and year-round support for children and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses.
New Directions for people with disabilities, inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing high quality local, national, and international travel vacations and holiday programs for people with mild to moderate developmental disabilities.
The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps is an international family of camps and programs that provide life-changing experiences to children with serious medical conditions, always free of charge.  Their goal is to extend these experiences to as many children as possible around the world.
Hospitality Homes provides temporary housing in volunteer host homes and other donated accommodations for families and friends of patients seeking care at Boston-area medical centers.
The National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses supports homes that help and heal to be more effective in their service to patients and families.

Friday 4 April 2014

Legalize Medical Marijuana, Doctors Say in Survey

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/822946?nlid=53363_2743&src=wnl_edit_dail&uac=179920ST

Legalize Medical Marijuana, Doctors Say in Survey

R. Scott Rappold
April 02 2014
A majority of doctors say that medical marijuana should be legalized nationally and that it can deliver real benefits to patients, a new survey by WebMD/Medscape finds.
WebMD’s web site for health professionals surveyed 1,544 doctors as more than 10 states consider bills to legalize medical marijuana. It is already legal in 21 states and Washington, DC.
The survey found solid support for those legalization efforts, with most doctors saying medical marijuana should be legal in their states. They agreed that medical marijuana should be an option for patients. The survey included doctors from more than 12 specialties and 48 states.
Marijuana's Perceived Health Benefits
Solid data on marijuana’s health benefits are lacking. Research has been limited because the federal government has designated marijuana as a “Schedule I” substance, a designation used for the most dangerous drugs having “no accepted medicinal use and a high potential for abuse.”
But as state after state legalizes marijuana, doctors have gained nearly 2 decades of anecdotal evidence about its effects. Dramatic stories about families moving to Colorado for a special strain of marijuana to treat their children’s seizure disorders have led to stronger calls for research.
The Epilepsy Foundation recently called on the Drug Enforcement Administration to relax its restrictions on marijuana so that it can be properly studied, as did two prominent epilepsy researchers in a recent New York Times op-ed.
“The medical community is clearly saying they support using marijuana as a potential treatment option for any number of medical problems. In fact, many doctors already prescribe it. But health professionals are still unclear as to what the long-term effects may be. The findings would indicate a strong desire to have the DEA ease the restrictions on research so that additional studies can be done to conclusively show where medical marijuana can help and where it might not,” says WebMD Chief Medical Editor Michael W. Smith, MD.
In addition to seizure disorders, medical marijuana is often used to treat chronic pain from injuries or medical conditions such as cancer, nausea from medication, and multiple sclerosis.
Doctors' Responses
Here’s a look at the survey numbers for doctors asked about medical marijuana:
  • 69% say it can help with certain treatments and conditions.
  • 67% say it should be a medical option for patients.
  • 56% support making it legal nationwide.
  • 50% of doctors in states where it is not legal say it should be legal in their states.
  • 52% of doctors in states considering new laws say it should be legal in their states.
The difference in support between doctors who say it should be a medical option for patients vs. those who support legalization could stem from their views toward national or local control. Also, doctors may prefer that medical marijuana use be driven by FDA guidelines.
Support for medical marijuana also varied by specialty. Oncologists and hematologists showed the highest level, with 82% saying marijuana delivers real benefits to patients. These specialties are also the most likely to say that marijuana should be a medical option for patients (82%). Medical marijuana is used to treat cancer pain, nausea related to chemotherapy, and to stimulate appetite.
Rheumatologists ranked the lowest on that question, with 54% saying it delivers benefits. Marijuana may help arthritis pain and inflammation but it is not commonly used.
Neurologists reported the highest number of patients asking if medical marijuana might help them (70%). Marijuana may help multiple sclerosis and severe seizure disorders. Oncologists and hematologists had the second highest level of patient inquiries with ophthalmologists coming in third. Medical marijuana can help relieve eye pressure with glaucoma but doesn’t work as well as other medications.
“One of the most documented uses of medical marijuana is in the treatment of pain. Medical marijuana may be a better painkiller than narcotic painkillers, like oxycodone, with less potential for addiction,” says Smith. “More research will help us better understand how best to use medical marijuana in the treatment of many conditions that cause chronic pain.”
Consumers' Responses
A survey of consumers on WebMD had similar levels of support for medical marijuana among the general public. Among 2,960 surveyed:
  • 50% support making it legal nationwide.
  • 49% of consumers in states where it is not legal say it should be legal in their states.
  • 52% say it can help with treatments and conditions.
  • 45% say the benefits outweigh the risks.
Most doctors and consumers surveyed oppose legalizing recreational marijuana nationally.
Colorado’s first stores selling marijuana for recreational use opened Jan. 1, and similar stores will open in Washington state later this year. Close to half of survey respondents say they disagree with those states’ decisions.
WebMD’s survey was completed by 2,960 random site visitors from Feb. 23 to 26, 2014. It has a margin of error of +/- 1.8%. Medscape’s survey was completed from Feb. 25 to March 3, 2014 by 1,544 doctors who are members of Medscape’s panel, representing more than 12 specialty areas. It has a margin of error of +/- 2.5%.
SOURCES:
Gallup: "For the first time, Americans favor legalizing marijuana."
WebMD: "Marijuana – recreational and medical – what the patient thinks – what the doctor says."
USA Today: "Which states have legalized medical marijuana?"
Medscape: "Colorado Family Physicians' Attitudes Toward Medical Marijuana