Just Wondering

20 Adar Bet 5768


When I'm not racing to appointments regarding my arm and its unusual path of recovery from trauma after trauma, I wonder about that Meningioma history I have and share with so many people.

I hope you'll forgive my use of a dated piece of imagery, but I've mentally put myself into a sort of WAYBACK Machine like the one used by Sherman and Mr. Potter of Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon fame. The Wayback Machine let the intelligent kid and his uber-smart dog travel back in time to find answers for perplexing questions.





What prompted my trip down history's corridor? This interesting revelation:


According to yesterday's post at Healthsass migraines are problems of Dueling Danger Alert/Happiness hormones!

Don't understand? No prob. I can explain: An Irrestible Force (Adrenaline) meets an Immovable Object (Serotonin). Just imagine gladiators duking it out in your head. That's pretty much the sensation of a migraine.

Suddenly I recalled that many migraine sufferers (I used to be one, and connected with other migraine sufferers to seek advice for relief) eventually experience brain or other tumors. Hmmm...

Thyroids, uteruses, testicles and breasts are hormone-specific structures. And WOW do they account for many cancer cases! A significant number of such cancer patients report histories of Migraines and/or Meningiomas. To be sure, I'm relying on memory, a strictly anecdotal piece of evidence. But my medically-related memories are based on my experience in the Medical Records industry, not only on personal experience...

I'm starting to wonder if the human body suffers a Meningioma or Migraine Syndrome, a specific type of downward cascade or domino effect that may or may not be a gender determinant situation (men get meningiomas and migraines, too). That is, if the human body holds the gene(s) for one hormonally-related problem, are other specific hormonal problems more likely to occur, too? Will they occur only if certain factors come into play, or not?

The truth can be learned with hard facts: Statistics. Anecdotal evidence is only a modest beginning. So consider this: You know what doctors and researchers call LOTS of anecdotes? STATISTICS.




Anybody interested in researching the reality? On October 17 2001 JAMA published a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) study about women with meningiomas having higher incidences of LAM - lymphangioleiomyomatosis. That's only one example of correlating the sort of evidence I'm addressing to prognoses for the future. There are other studies happening as you read my thoughts.

I have many hunches based on personal and professional experience about what's going on. And I want to be part of the prevention and cure eventuality for it all.

If you're already researching the issues or want to, I have questions for you. Need assistance in studying medical records of migraine and tumor patients? Want hands-on help for collating the numbers with relevant demographic information as is done with formal tumor registries? Um, you can hire me to work on the project with you. I'm VERY motivated to find the answer for preventing and curing the medical curiosity. And I know how to interview people. I'm familiar with maintaining Tumor Registries, researching medical records AND comprehending medicalese.

Well, whether or not I become part of some well-considered research effort for personalized medicine, some doctor or team of doctors will likely win prizes (and save lives) when they master the answer. sigh...

Perhaps my sole contribution to the achievement (maybe) will be naming the problem. So doctors, researchers and scientists, remember that you heard it here first. Just let me know the prize I earn for coining the phrase

1. MENINGIOMA CASCADE SYNDROME

or

2. MIGRAINE CASCADE SYNDROME.

or

3. MALPLASM SYNDROME. Abnormal growth(s) - leading to or following other physical manifestations - that can be staged pretty much as are malignant (cancerous) growths. sigh. I've developed an entire paper on this topic, and I've been working on it since last year. It's simply not ready for professional inspection yet.

Why am I so concerned about all this? Keep in mind, these Migraine and non-cancerous Meningioma illnesses are simply NOT benign. Consider the life-altering effects that Meningiomas, Meningioma surgeries, and Migraines, have on people. And other associated, dire problems may be part of the picture.

I'll hang on to my sense of humor as I try to contribute to the world in my own way. Meanwhile, I'll try to come up with catchier names for the 3 potential diagnoses I referenced above.

~*~*~*~

Want to learn some can-do healing/coping strategies for your illness or someone else's medical challenge? Then read, benefit from, and tell others about It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To.

Buy someone a copy of It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To

Order it in book stores anywhere if it’s not on the shelves. It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To can be shipped worldwide. Specialty editions are available for large organizations.

Booksellers save on large orders of It's MY Crisis! at
https://secure.booklocker.com/booklocker/wholesale/order.php

To your good health,

Yojeved Golani
Coping with a Medical Crisis?
Make the Changes You Need in Your Life.

Go Blue! Or, How to Live Longer, Healthier Lives with Power 9.

19 Adar Bet 5768

Hmmm, I wrote a book describing how I survived the emotional and physical shock of a BENIGN brain tumor that had been killing me (let alone the after-effects of the dangerous surgery). Then I began speaking to interested groups and individuals about how I did it. But the least convinced listeners to my tale of victory are some of the very people who saved my life: Doctors!

I've long wondered how to augment my assertiveness in describing my life-preserving techniques to medical skeptics. Now I've found one potential resource for success: bluezones.com. This doctor-created site describes well-researched geographical areas of longevity around the globe and how the long-lived people there earned

BIG

Birthdays.

Every bit of advice - succinctly explained in 9 Powerful Longevity Boosters - at bluezones.com is in It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To.

Better yet, It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To holds even MORE life-sustaining information than you'll find at Blue Zones. It's MY Crisis! also holds how-to information, humorous takes on the difficulties of life PLUS a global "Resource" section for locating the things you need to cope with medical crises.

To name just a few of those necessary items in my book's Resource section:

• Dietary Suggestions proven to Help and/or to HEAL



• Low-cost or free medication,


• Contact information for leading health-care practitioners and medical practices, and mental health professionals (including SUCCESSFUL complimentary medicine professionals)


• How to get in on clinical trials and free medical care,


• Low-cost or free medical appliances (e.g. hearing aids, canes, crutches, walkers, medical machines, Seeing Eye Dogs),



• Help with Problematic Pregnancies (and with fertility issues)


• Suggested Reading and Listening Materials
  
• And so much more.

And consider this: Unlike websites that market more than you bargained for, my book does not hold advertisements! You get unbiased information that I collected from reliable resources worldwide. No annoying pop-up ads, no irritating jingles in your ears. Just pleasant reading endorsed by medical and mental health professionals, clergy of different faiths and even an NIH researcher. All this in one convenient package: an affordable workbook to be shared with friends, family and caregivers if you wish.

When you want even more cheerful support, you can contact me for Self-Help Coaching services at giveretgolani@gmail.com.

OK, back to the skeptics to whom I'm offering an educational dialogue: I look forward to fielding questions from medical professionals around the world. The healing arts are not based simply upon science. The human heart, mind and soul are an intricate part of the medical mix. And uh, not everything can be explained to us mortals solely by statistics, experimentation and empirical knowledge, can it, doctors?

Find out something you never knew about "unusual" cases of spontaneous and other inexplicable recoveries and the people who've experienced them. I have loads of other information to share with you in addition to the Blue Zone site. I'm one click away at giveretgolani@gmail.com.

Still need convincing, Doctor? Okay. Ask me how it could be that a board-certified Orthopedist declared IN PRINT on OFFICIAL MEDICAL RECORDS - only today - that I HAVE OFFICIALLY AND UNQUESTIONABLY RECOVERED FROM DEVASTATING RSD/CRPS in less than three months! Not everyone recovers from that diagnosis. And if they do recover, it's just not in such a short amount of time.

You're a medical professional. You want to improve the Quality of Life for your RSD/CRPS or other patients. Ask yourself "How is this possible that Miss Golani recovered so quickly?" If you need the answer, you know what to do ;^ )

~*~*~*~

Want to learn many more can-do healing/coping strategies? Then read, benefit from, and tell others about It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To.

Buy someone a copy of It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To

Order it in book stores anywhere if it’s not on the shelves. It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To can be shipped worldwide. Specialty editions are available for large organizations.

Booksellers save on large orders of It's MY Crisis! at
https://secure.booklocker.com/booklocker/wholesale/order.php

Find out why more than 2570 votes of praise have been made for my book since December 2 2007. That's when the Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research declared It’s MY Crisis to be “Recommended Reading.”

You can vote for It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To on the Musella site daily. Just click

http://www.virtualtrials.com/books.cfm

and scroll down to the correct title.

I hope you'll choose a 9 or a 10 ;^ )

To your good health,

Yojeved Golani
Coping with a Medical Crisis?
Make the Changes You Need in Your Life.

Laughing My Way to Better Health

12 Adar Bet 5768


This morning I waltzed my way into another Occupational Therapy appointment in full Purim garb. The staff laughed at my choice of matpekhet (costume, in Hebrew) and my sense of humor for poking fun at my medical issues.

You can get a glimpse of me as Boo-Boo Barbie down below. I wore the red dress for Purim evening and the pink outfit during the day. In one photo I'm holding the arm brace I no longer need, and balancing the cane that once supported me. Don't I look glam as a blond bomshell with kewl shades and colorful bandaids, laughing off my troubles?






Then we began our work. The exercises soon stopped so the startled therapist could measure the vastly improved supination, pronation, flexion and extension (medicalese for forms of movement) of my affected arm and hand.

She about cried for joy with me as I thanked GOD Almighty for the miracle. The One Above let my team of medical experts help me to heal from a devastating injury.

The supervisor was immediately alerted to the fact that the classic signs and symptoms of RSD/CRPS are rapidly lessening and disappearing from my previously injured and almost pain-free limb. Two telltale signs are simply GONE!

What happened next?

The supervisor proudy displayed a copy of my book for coping with medical crises to her staff. She wants everyone who arrives at that office to learn my strategies for coping with medical crises. AND she hopes that therapy clients will learn how to overcome their challenges with the right attitude and behavior.

~*~*~*~

Suffering with a Medical Crisis?

Been there, done that (AGAIN), wrote a book about it, and going forward into the future.

Want to learn many more can-do healing/coping strategies?
Then read, benefit from, and tell others about
It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To.

Give someone a copy of It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To.

Order it in book stores anywhere if it’s not on the shelves.

It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To can be shipped worldwide.

Specialty editions are available for large organizations.

SAVE on large orders of It's MY Crisis! athttps://secure.booklocker.com/booklocker/wholesale/order.php

To your good health,

Yojeved Golani
Coping with a Medical Crisis?
Make the Changes You Need in Your Life.

CranioSacral Therapy is also Healing Me!

11 Adar Bet 5768

Folks, I've been weighing my words for a while, wondering how to explain to you another of the miracles in my life. I'll go for the briefest possible chronological explanation I can cobble together and hope I effectively communicate to you about the phenomenon in my life these days.

Bear in mind that the following is NOT a comprehensive account of personal events. That would take weeks to type out!


Dec. 20 2007 My elbow and wrist break in a freak accident

Dec. 20 2007 The orthopedic doctor who tends to my arm errs but I do not realize it until...

Dec. 30 2007, upon admission to the emergency room of a local hospital after I've fainted from increasing pain over the past 10 days. Turns out that the guy who set my arm increased the damage. According to the specialists who admitted me, assessed the problem and performed surgery, the errant doctor should have sent me by ambulance to this very hospital for immediate surgery instead of providing a flimsy splint and unstable cloth sling and telling me to see a doctor in three weeks! I should have been put into what is called an "Immobilizer" (constructed with specialized materials) that prevents further movement of the healing arm for the prompt, arm-saving journey.

Jan. 7 2008 surgery stabilizes my very deteriorated arm. The long wait for this operation was due to circumstances beyond my control and that of my doctors (we live in a country besieged by terrorists and filled with their victims). My arm is temporarily casted in plaster, then soon encased/immobilized in a special hinged device to promote maximum healing for several weeks.

I use my Personal Pain-O-Meter to lessen pain (see Lower Your Pain in One Step by Using a Personal Pain-O-Meter ). It works.

I munch on pain-busting foods (see Painbusters! Doctor's Orders that Work!). They improve matters.

Upon removal of that hinged device mentioned above, I begin aggressive Physical and Occupational Therapy to restore the use of my crooked arm (the stiffened elbow does not yet extend my arm) and stiff hand. Elbow fractures are among the most difficult types of bone breaks to heal, as doctors know.

Elbow fractures, my sore wrist and my bonus Comminuted Ulna Fracture (a "Complicated Fracture" to medical folks) made treatment and recovery quite delicate and painful. Doctors prescribe a common painkiller that helps me a lot. We stop using it before I become accidentally addicted. But within days, the shockingly high pain necessitates a trip to the emergency room. That doctor restores the previous medication to my life ("You don't have an addictive personality," he announces), advises less aggressive PT/OT and the situation improves. For a while.

I continue less aggressive therapy until I'm advised to use a different painkiller. And I begin using an arm-straightening brace several hours daily, as well as a device to increase the flexibility of my fingers.

But something goes seriously wrong... The new drug makes me vomit violently for several hours. My doctors end drug treatment and prescribe moist heat packs, relaxation techniques, accupuncture and nerve stimulation. They worry about how to relieve my fluctuating pain. So do I. I try EFT, massage and more.

Within days my surgeon, therapists and I realize that my pain is not lessening as much as expected. My arm and hand movements are not improving as much or as quickly as expected, either. The pain becomes so awful that I eventually fall to the floor from a seated position, fainting in front of friends at a social event.

Another emergency admission to the hospital leads to me to a very savvy doctor and a frightening Diagnosis: Reflexive Sympathetic Dystrophy also known as CRPS, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Though the medical world's jury is still out regarding the CAUSE of RSD/CRPS, I strongly suspect two culprits: 1. The substandard treatment I received on the day of my fall (it caused a bigger fracture) AND 2. The delay in my desperately needed surgery.

RSD is a degenerative condition that (according to textbooks) can be solved ONLY one of two ways: the upbeat psychological condition of the patient OR a drug cocktail that lessens pain while relaxing patient until the fracture heals and the pain resolves.

Upbeat is my nature, as the medical team kept noticing despite all that was happening with me (one kept laughing with me during some hilarious discussions). So a new doctor (a pain specialist) on my team added a particular drug cocktail to my diet while I prayed for a cure. I return home, still praying.

AND THEN the VERY UNEXPECTED HAPPENS: I suffer a horrible reaction to the drug cocktail on day two. I forget who and where I am, then fall from lack of balance during a stroll outdoors. A friend treats me with CraniosSacral Therapy. She ends the mental haze within minutes and provides pain-reduction techniques that work.

Next day, I meet with my personal physician. She believes the painkilling cocktail dose was too high for any normal person. "It could have felled an elephant!" she hollered at the prescribing doctor (no longer on my team).

It takes several days for the effects of the drug cocktail to leave my system. Ill and frightened, I realize how strong a Death Wish drug addicts have. I'd NEVER go through this experience voluntarily!

Talk about stuck! My sunny disposition is not helping my arm to heal and now drugs won't work. My worried surgeon (I adore his conscientious, caring attitude) and the growing team of medical experts on my case recommend the use of a Pain Management Clinic (it uses therapies other than drugs when necessary) and using even more gentle PT/OT methodology. WHEW!

But progress again proves to be too slow. We have a limited window of opportunity to heal the arm/hand muscles before the opportunity is lost. RED FLAGS go up with everyone on my now HUGE medical team. And (thanks to bureaucratic snafus) I'm still waiting for my first Pain Management Clinic appointment.

So how do I expedite the healing of my arm and hand while enjoying the aggression-reduced PT/OT? Read on.

I decide to laugh at my plight instead of letting it ruin my life. I prepared a hilarious costume for the forthcoming Jewish holiday of PURIM. It pokes fun at my medical dilemma so much that... More on that soon ;^ )

Thanks to the down-graded pressure in PT/OT and lots of giggles since then, I've been almost pain-free for about a week. At most I need an aspirin, NOT narcotic painkillers or sedatives. And with my clearer, more focused mind, I realize that there are MORE than two ways to conquer RSD/CRPS!

I call the woman who wrote the dedication in my book: that certified CranioSacral Therapist who helped me out of the accidental overdose. We book appointments to complement my PT/OT schedule. I also book appointments with another CST professional who can fill in when my preferred practitioner is unavailable.

Treatment One: Resolved the drug overdose problem that has clouded my mind for days, as you know.

Treatment Two: We get my arm to reach across my chest and face in a limp manner. I do NOT need to cry out in pain. My elbow loosens up so much that my crooked arm becomes almost entirely straight! NO stiffness or pain.

Treatment Three: We increase the flexibility of my wrist and fingers by several degrees. Painless!

My PT/OT team is shocked at my sudden leap forward during a subsequent appointment. The skin color on my affected arm is dramatically better, as are the flexibility and pain-free status.

Major Improvement, hmm? More movement and NO PAIN.

CranioSacral Therapy. Doing for me what Western medicine could not.

Stand by for more good news, G'D willing. And maybe a photo of me in my Purim regalia next week...

And, uh, Doctors on my "Whazzup with this Chick?" team, though you never admit it to me, I know you peek at my blog cuz I can track the visitors to my site. I also overhear your remarks when you think I'm out of earshot. I salute you. You're dedicated professionals who preserved my arm (let alone my sanity!). We're working together to fully restore it. My progress couldn't have happened without your compassionate and terrific care. Hugs, Yoji

~*~*~*~

Suffering with a Medical Crisis?

Been there, done that, wrote a book about it, and going forward into the future

Want to learn many more can-do healing/coping strategies?
Then read, benefit from, and tell others about It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To.



Give someone a copy of It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To

Order it in book stores anywhere if it’s not on the shelves.

It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To can be shipped worldwide.

Specialty editions are available for large organizations.

SAVE on large orders of It's MY Crisis! when you click https://secure.booklocker.com/booklocker/wholesale/order.php

To your good health,

Yocheved Golani
Coping with a Medical Crisis?
Make the Changes You Need in Your Life.

Beautiful Brains

9 Adar Bet 5768, March 16 2008

I'm home from the hospital, recovering from a serious diagnosis unrelated to the once-suspect metal plates and screws. They ultimately did not need to be removed.

I'll explain the latest developments in a future message.

While I'm preparing that forthcoming blog post, I'll simply share this goodie about the beauty of the human brain. View it, appreciate your unique potential in the universe, and treat other people with compassion: MINDBOGGLING.

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

~*~*~*

Want more inspiration for facing your medical crisis? Read

Suffering with a Medical Crisis?

Been there, done that, wrote a book about it, and going forward into the future.

Want to learn many more can-do healing/coping strategies? Then read, benefit from, and tell others about It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To.

Give someone a copy of It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To.

Order it in book stores anywhere if it’s not on the shelves.

It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To can be shipped worldwide.

Specialty editions are available for large organizations.

SAVE on large orders of It's MY Crisis! when you click https://secure.booklocker.com/booklocker/wholesale/order.php

To your good health,

Yojeved Golani
Coping with a Medical Crisis?
Make the Changes You Need in Your Life.

Temporary Leave of Absence

3 Adar 2 5768

Sorry to have to type this at you, but I'm about to leave for the hospital. I need further surgery on my arm, the one broken in a freak accident on Dec. 20 2007, then surgically repaired Jan. 7 2008.

I've needed this follow-up surgery for weeks. But hospital beds have been filled with other, more fragile patients and victims of terrorists. I simply could not access the surgeon I need until now.

Doctors are sort of amazed at how well I endured the agonizing wait for a bed in the orthopedic surgery unit until today. So am I.

My medical team is reading my book a bit more closely now, to better comprhend how I've endured the excruciating pain of the Grade 3 Elbow Fracture, Comminuted Ulna Fracture and broken wrist plus what we believe to be the unexpected (and VERY painful) shift of the metal plates and screws holding my arm together.

It's all in my book, dear readers. I practice what I preach regarding coping mechanisms.

Learn how to cope with your medical challenges by reading It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To.

~*~*~*~

Suffering with a Medical Crisis?

Been there, done that, wrote a book about it, and going forward into the future

Want to learn many more can-do healing/coping strategies? Then read, benefit from, and tell others about It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To.

Give someone a copy of It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To.

Order it in book stores anywhere if it’s not on the shelves. It's MY Crisis! And I’ll Cry if I Need To can be shipped worldwide.

Specialty editions are available for large organizations.

SAVE on large orders of It's MY Crisis! when you click https://secure.booklocker.com/booklocker/wholesale/order.php

To your good health,

Yojeved Golani
Coping with a Medical Crisis?
Make the Changes You Need in Your Life.

Please Help to Find a Missing American Rabbi!!!!

B'SD

UPDATE: The body of the missing man was pulled from New Jersey's Hackensack river hours after I posted this plea to find him. This is an unspeakably sad day.

###

Folks, I've been on stand-by for re-admission to the already full hospital where I received treatment for my broken elbow and wrist. My arm needs further surgery and we are waiting for a bed to become available to me. My pain is considerable and I've been unable to post at this blog for some time. I'm biting my lips to post this urgent message:

The missing man is the father of one of my colleagues. The situation is inexplicably horrifying. Rabbi Zev Segal went missing after visiting his son at a New Jersey radio studio. Please read on. I translated some relevant words. Others refer to Jewish social/community organizations within the New York-New Jersey areas:

http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/General+News/15288/UPDATED:+Misaskim+Asking+For+Assistance+In+Finding+Missing+Person.html

UPDATED: Misaskim Asking For Assistance In Finding Missing PersonMarch 5, 2008 Filed under: General News — Y.W. Editor @ 3:07 pm -->

[UPDATES BELOW ORIGIONAL STORY] 3:00PM EST: Misaskim has contacted YWN, and are asking for the public’s assistance. They are looking for a 91 year-old male, who was last seen at approximately 8:15AM this morning in the Northern NJ area. He was driving a dark-green 1999 Ford Mercury, NY plate # ALT3961. He was supposed to arrive at his destination, but has not been seen, or heard from since.

Misaskim has contacted dozens of Police Departments, Hospitals and other agencies - but no one has information.

If you see this vehicle, or have any information which can assist in locating this person, please contact New Jersey Police at 201-547-5066.

UPDATE 1:00AM EST: At this time, hundreds of Hatzolah members from Flatbush, Boro Park, Williamsburg, Queens, Monsey, Staten Island, Passaic NJ, Union City NJ, Elizabeth NJ, Kiryas Yoel and other neighborhoods have joined the massive search - being coordinated by the Misaskim, and Hatzolah Mobile Command Centers.

Additionally, there are Chaveirim members from multiple areas, as well as Shomrim units from all neighborhoods.

The command center has been set up in Jersey City, NJ - and dozens of police officers from Jersey City PD in conjunction with the NJ State Police are working aggressively in the search. K-9 units are searching the sides and exits of Route 280 - and two choppers are scheduled to join the search first thing in the morning.

Please be Mispallel (pray) for Zev ben Miriam - who is the father of Radio Personality Nachum Segal. Mr. Zev Segal was last seen at the WFMU radio studio at 8:15AM, where he was joining his son at the annual radio-station fundraiser.

Learn about the highly acclaimed book It's My Crisis! And I'll Cry if I Need To: A Life Book that Helps You to Dry Your Tears and to Cope with a Medical Challenge.


The Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research and Information calls it "Recommended Reading."

Yocheved Golani
Author, Journalist, Self-Help Coach

Giveret Golani Self-Help Coaching
Jerusalem, Israel
Coping with a Medical Crisis?
Make the Changes You Need in Your Life