Lippy's Spine Line

Medication recall, morphine sulfate

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:00:39 GMT

Just passing on a voluntary recall for a single medication that is made by the Ethex Corporation. The medication is morphine sulfate. Details below, also see the FDA link.

http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/ethex06_08.html

Ethex Corporation notified healthcare professionals of a voluntary recall of a single lot of morphine sulfate 60 mg extended release tablets (Lot No. 91762) due to a report of a tablet with twice the appropriate thickness. Oversized tablets may contain as much as two times the labeled level of active morphine sulfate. The lot was distributed by Ethex Corporation under an 'Ethex" label between April 16th and April 27th of 2008.

Tags: medication, morphine sulfate, recall, FDA, ethex, chronic pain

Back Pain Support Groups

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:41:38 GMT

Hi Friends....:)

Hope this week is going well for you, and that the spring flowers are looking good where you are. My tulips are up, and I must say they look lovely.

I thought it was a good time with summer coming to remind everyone that support for chronic pain, and back problems is always available 24/7 at the AOL Back Pain boards.

Looking for more support? I wanted to pass along this listing, which is recently updated. Back Pain Support Message Boards

Meet new people, friends and get support from others who know what your going through. You are never alone.

Have a good week, and I hope to meet you soon...:)

Tags: support, back pain, chronic pain, AOL back pain boards

Back Pain Support Groups

Fri, 27 Jan 2006 08:22:10 GMT

Hi Friends...:)

For anyone who has had the pleasure of being a part of a support group or message board. You know there is nothing more necessary, or more treasured for those of us struggling with chronic pain.

Recently, our boards here on AOL have been changed and for many people using them has become very difficult. Rather then leave anyone out in the cold without a place to go, I thought I put together a main listing of Back Pain Support Groups throughout the Internet for people to go to.

I've visit some of these myself and post on them, so feel free to say hello if you see me. I'm still here on AOL to, as always. This will become a permanent listing here in the blog, in the favorites listing, on the top right hand side. If you have boards that you want to add, about Back Pain or Chronic pain, please feel free to let me know. You can send me either an email or IM with the link. As long as they are free, I'll include them...:)

These days, the boards I recommend most often are the ones at Spine-health, listed 2nd below. I post there myself on occasion, but Spine Health offers good support from a wide range of posters. There are also many members there who have Spinal Cord Simulators, and Pain Pumps.

AOL Message Boards -- Back Pain

Spine-health message boards

WebMD - Back Pain: Support Group

Health Boards- Back Problems

Back Pain Support Group

spinedisorderssupportgroup : Messages : 1-8044 of 9042

Spondylolisthesissupport : Asupport group designed to benefit people who suffer from Spondylolisthesis

justafewloosescrews : lumbar spinal fusion patients

Pain Issues Support

Spine and Beyond

http://tarlovcspine.conforums.com/index.cgi

http://groups.msn.com/Spinaldegenerativebonediseasepainsugery

Take care my friends, and I hope your weekend is painfree...:)

Tags: back pain support message boards, chronic pain, spine-health, webmd, aol back pain boards

Lippy's Bio Update

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 08:09:33 GMT

Hi Friends~

Just taking a moment here to update my bio, for anyone who may be new. For those of you who may not know about this blog, or me, this should help. Originally, it was a private blog, by invitation only and for members of the AOL Back Pain boards. As time evolved, a second blog developed, open to everyone. At first it was The Spine Line Too, the name was changed recently, and the 2 blog's where put together. Here we talk about all things spinal and back related. Chronic pain problems like arthritis, and fibromyalgia too. Depression is well covered too as it tends to effects many of us with chronic pain issues.

Who am I? I'm Lippy, a former AOL Health Community Leader, and host of the Back Pain boards. While the CL program is no longer active. Like many former hosts, I continue to work in my community to help keep it strong and vibrant. While I first signed on to AOL in 1988, I've been active in the Health Community for over a decade. I'm a licensed clinical psychologist as well, though no longer in a day to day practice.

I've been disabled since 1987, when I had several brain hemorrhages, which resulted in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, seizures, memory and cognitive defects, and a long list of other problems. I've somehow managed to hang around years longer then what my doctors thought was my "expiration date". Then in June of 2000 I had a successful 4 level spinal fusion, though I still have DDD, spinal arthritis, and arthritis in many other joints. But with surgery behind me, I now spend my time helping others. My goal has always been to find ways to survive and thrive with my disabilities, rather then be a victim of them. Not always easy, to say the least. I made a choice years ago however, that I could either waste my time making a list of all my health problems, or spend my time finding ways to work around those problems. I've been working ways around my health problems ever since. Yes, I live with pain, forget how to spell, even my own phone number on many days. But I never suffer. Suffering gets me nowhere, and I'm not one to dwell on things I can't change. You guessed it, I'm a survivor..!!!!

As many of you know, I tend to be an information collector. Web sites, of all sorts fill my computers, as well as several CD's. Thru my own experience with back pain, fusion surgery and other health problems, I've learned that the more you know, the better you do in the long run. Being your own advocate is always your safest and best option. But you must know what your problems are, and how to best help yourself. As patients, we can learn a lot from each other. The sharing of information and support is very important.

Please feel free to share your story, or ask questions as well. If you need to vent...or just scream. You can do all that here...:)

This is your space, so please don't be shy about sharing links and information either. You can always reach me by email or IM. The address is HerLippy1@aol.com. Please feel free to drop me a line anytime. I visit the AOL Back Pain boards daily, so be sure to stop by and say hello. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask. If your looking for information, don't be shy..:)

Feel free to subscribe to us, in your favorite feed reader, or use the alert button on the top right of this journal. If there is something you'd like me to write about, just drop me an email..:)

Let me invite you to my newest journal Chronic Tonic..a walk on the wild side. Share a few laughs with me there..get your mind off the pain...:)

Tags: SAH, NPH, DDD, spinal fusion, aol back pain boards, chronic tonic, back pain, chronic pain,

Duragesic Patch Recall 2/12/08

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 04:34:04 GMT

Hello Friends,

Hope everyone is having a good weekend..:) In my mailbox the other day I received this notice of a voluntary recall on Duragesic Pain Patches.

More info at this site, and with your pharmacist as well.

Have a good evening...!!

Tags: Duragesic, recall, chronic pain, pain medication, fentanyl

Medication Alert: Antiepileptic Drugs and Suicidal Thoughts

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:54:49 GMT

For any of you who may be taking Antiepileptic,or know people who are taking it. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued new information, for you to take note of. I can't stress this enough for anyone who may have teen or children who may require these medications. This warning is something your doctor should mention to you, but if you ask them about it.

The FDA has put an alert out on certain Antiepileptic's, but it may well hold true for any drug in that class according to this report.

FDA Alerts Health Care Providers to Risk of Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior with Antiepileptic Medications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued new information to health care professionals to alert them about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (suicidality) in patients who take drugs called antiepileptics to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder, migraine headaches, and other conditions.

The medications are these, and others that may be in the same class.

Antiepileptic drugs in the analyses included the following:

Carbamazepine (marketed as Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR)
Felbamate (marketed as Felbatol)
Gabapentin (marketed as Neurontin)
Lamotrigine (marketed as Lamictal)
Levetiracetam (marketed as Keppra)
Oxcarbazepine (marketed as Trileptal)
Pregabalin (marketed as Lyrica)
Tiagabine (marketed as Gabitril)
Topiramate (marketed as Topamax)
Valproate (marketed as Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon)
Zonisamide (marketed as Zonegran)

Some of these drugs are also available in generic form.

Although only the drugs listed above were part of the analysis, the FDA expects that all medications in the antiepileptic class share the increased risk of suicidality.

Remember friends, the FDA is not telling you to stop these medications. They are letting you know about the study, and referring you to your own doctor. Between you and your doctor, a decision can be made. Whatever you do, don't stop the medication abruptly. Refer any questions, to you doctor please..

Thanks Michelle for passing this news along...:) If anyone else has news they feel is important, feel free to email me with it. herlippy1@aol.com

Tags: antiepileptic medications, seizures, depression, FDA, suicidal thoughts

Back from a lengthy leave.....hope your ready...!!

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:26:56 GMT

Hi Friends..:)

It's me, and I'm returning from a rather lengthy time away. Away from blogging that is. As most of you know, I've still been around, but have been a bit busy. What have I been doing, well a couple things. First off I had to replace my computer system...and because of some other issues, getting it, and things move to it, and back to blogging has taken me much longer then I expected.

Just after I got the new PC we found out that our precious family dog had a bone tumor in his nasal cavity. So for the last couple months, we have been running back and for getting him radiation treatments, and trying to get him back to health. He is slowly getting there, but still having side effects from the radiation, but I'm working on getting this wonderful new computer of mine set up to blog again.

Not sure why, but things always seem to happen at once don't they...?

So bare with me my friends, while we get back to our mission of providing information for those with spinal problems...:)

As Always,

Lippy......:)

Tags: dog, spinal problems, nasal bone tumor, radiation treatments

Spinal fusion---Is it right for you? Updated..!!

Mon, 05 Dec 2005 20:51:17 GMT

While spinal fusion does work for some people, no one should pretend it's a good option for everyone. Surgeon's themselves have very mixed views on when and fusion should be done, on which patients and which conditions. You might be surprised that it often has very little to do with the back pain your feeling. As this article on Lumbar Fusion for Degenerative Disc Disease explains, surgeons views on this do vary a great deal.

Lumbar spine fusion surgery for degenerative disc disease

Multilevel spinal fusion for lumbar degenerative disc disease NEW...!!!

Deciding on surgery for degenerative disc disease

Potential risks of surgery for a degenerated disc

Spinal fusion is done for many different spinal problems. My 4 level spinal fusion was for DDD, spinal stenosis, degenerative scoliosis and bone spurs. I qualified for surgery very quickly, because I had a severe loss of mobility, with pain, numbness and weakness early on, effecting both legs. It was rapidly progressing. Had I not had surgery, I would not be walking today..but I am walking normally. In my case things worked out very well, but only after a very long recovery. Each case and every patient is different. There are many success stories out there, mine is here. My spinal fusion story..

That recovery is something, we all have to consider and hopefully the sites I'm sending along below will help promote some discussion with your surgeons. Thankfully recovery after spinal fusion surgery is much shorter today then it was when I had my surgery. Outcomes vary a lot depending on the problems you had prior to surgery, and the lifestyle your trying to lead after recovery. Realistic expectations are important as well. If you were a weight-lifter or jockey a change of job is something you need to consider. This is what I mean about realistic expectations. We are blessed with one spine only my friends, that's something we must always remember.

Learning as much as you can about the surgery your considering, is the best way to help prepare yourself. While that may be scary as well.......if you don't know what to expect you most likely will be disappointed. Spinal fusion is not a cure all my friends. Getting back to the live you used to live is just not possible in some cases. Some people can, but you should not pretend to think that if you have problems in all areas of you spine, spinal fusion will suddenly return you to normal. It's just not possible.

Talking with your surgeon is your best hope, if he is unwilling to take the time, find a new one please. A surgeons job goes far beyond just the operating room. He is suppose to be honest and up front with you before the operation. Not all surgeon are. Remember this, when something seems to good to be true, it probably is. Be it s TV commercial or a surgeon offering you a miracle. Get a second opinion and ask lots of questions.

Surgery: Should I or Shouldn't I?

How to select a spine surgeon

Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon? Does it Matter?

Spine Surgery: Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Understanding Lumbar Fusion Surgery

What Should I Know About Lumbar Spinal Fusion?

Spine fusion risks and complications NEW..!!

Bone graft site pain and morbidity after spinal fusion NEW..!!!

Cigarette Smoking and its Impact on Spinal Fusions

What is Spinal Instrumentation and Spinal Fusion?

Before Your Surgery

Preparing For Lumbar Fusion Surgery

Postoperative care for spinal fusion surgery

The importance of psychological preparation for back surgery NEW..!!!

How to prepare psychologically for back surgery NEW..!!!

Spinal Fusion Back Surgery Health Hub NEW..!!!

Degenerative Disc Disease Health Hub NEW..!!

Surgery Often Won't Cure Back Pain this is a 3 page article, please read all 3 pages.

Rehabilitation following spine fusion

My Spinal Fusion Success Story...!!

Thanks to both Spine Universe, Spine-Health and WebMD for these sites and the x-rays shot above.

Keep in mind that these sites only scratch the surface of what is available online. Need more, just holler or leave a comment. I check and update these frequently, so make sure you keep checking back. It's best to subscribe to the blog, using and alert or your favorite feed. For more information see the top right corner of the site. If you need help, just email me HerLippy1@aol.com

My only goal, is to make sure that we as patients have the information that's available in order to make a wise decision. Decisions take time, and spine surgery is something you never want to rush into, no matter how much pain you may be in. Surgery is a personal decsion as well, one that only the patient can truly make after researching information and talking to others.

Happy reading..:)

Tags: back pain, chronic pain, spinal fusion, spine universe, spine health, web md, DDD, multilevel spinal fusion

Back Pain: Battling pain with acupuncture

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 20:14:49 GMT

Hi Friends....:)

As I've often mentioned here, for many folks Acupuncture offers great relief for back pain and in some cases even helps them avoid surgery.

In this video you can watch and listen to spinal surgeon Dr. Roger Hartl offering you the same information as he discusses a recent study. He appeared recently on the CBS Morning Show.

Once you watch that video, if you wish you can see more detailed information in the video below. This appeared a day earlier on ABC News.

Please feel free to share your questions and comments below...

Until next time have a great weekend...!!!

Tags: back pain, acupuncture, abc news, cbs news

Depression & Chronic Pain: Info on both

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 23:52:01 GMT

Hi Friends~

For many of us, chronic pain has meant a battle not only with the pain, but also with the depression that goes with it. Oh, you thought you were all alone out there?? Most certainly not my friends, some studies show that as many as 50% of patients suffering with chronic pain, also suffer with depression. So none of us are alone.

For those of you who didn't know it, Spine-health has opened another new health hub. This one devoted to Depression. Lots of great information available as these sites as well.

Depression Health Hub

Depression Blog Posts

Depression & Coping Discussion Forums

Questions or comments, please feel free to let me know. Feel free to share your experiences below in the comment section, or do so by email if you wish. The email address is HerLippy1@aol.com

Have a great week everyone...!!!

Tags: back pain, chronic pain, depression, spine-health