My friend "A" has Cerebral Palsy.  He is experiencing cervical and
spinal problems, as I have.

In the Philly area I know many people with CP.  Several are experiencing
comparable problems.  So far I am the only one of us to have incurred
severe paralysis of the arms and legs because my doctors and I failed to
understand that my spinal cord was being injured.

Wonder if our CP aggravates spinal cord injury?   Seems like an outbreak
here.

My friendly alert.  Be aware!

ISM
'Stranger in a Strange Body"

----- Original Message -----(Much edited by ISM)

Sent: Saturday, October 28, 2000 9:39 PM

Subject: Medical Update

> Hi:
>
>I  am on a new medication to control some of the disconfort and
tingling and pain I've been experiencing in my shoulders and arms.   The
medication (Ultram 50mg) does make me very tired (I am taking it only
once a day insread of up to three times as needed).   I'm thinking about
going to the phramacy to have the pills cut in half and take it twice a
day so i won't feel so tired.   IT does control the pain and tingling.
>
> It looks like I will have the cervical spine surgery ...I really have
no choice in the matter/    My doctor, and three other doctors too,
have said that if I don't get the surgery I will continue to weaken and
have falls more often.    And the more I have these initimate affairs
with the sifdrealks and in my apartment  I am putting myself at risk for
greater injury.  THe spine surgeon and the rehab doctor have both told
me independently that I could have a bad fall and risk becoming a
quadreplegic.   Soo... looks llike I'm in for  an "overhaul" of sorts,
Meanwhile. I'm still using a bone stimulator to heal my foot and the hip
surgery (remember that?)  has been put on the back burner while they
deal with my cervical spine.    I am scheduled to have a stress test the
day after the elections.   So...  I'll be at the polls!!!

> Thanks,  again for listening.
>
>                                             A.