Stephen:

You're lucky your condition was diagnosed early and properly.  You're
also lucky that the exercises help.  Sometimes discs repair, exercise
restores elasticity, and strong muscles stabilize the area.

I also went through exercise programs.  They didn't work.  I also went
through seven years of worsening chronic pain and cervical
deterioration.  You may be at the early stages of a worsening situation.
For your sake, I hope not.

My friend is responsible for his own life and decisions.  I wish him
well.  I'm not him or his doctors.  From what I know about him, I
don't think an exercise program will help.  I'm also not qualified to
diagnose or advise him what to do.

For me the damage to my arms, legs, and spinal cord has already been
done.  I'm trying to recover something of what I lost physically.  I am
seeing several doctors.  I also face life threatening neurosurgery to
remove, replace, and fuse anterior cervical bone pressing nearly onto my
spinal cord.  The docs aren't very optimistic about the results.

Thanks for your suggestions.  Perhaps with you and Chester inspiring me,
I'll learn to think more positively.

Steve M.


-----Original Message-----
From: Cerebral Palsy List On Behalf Of Stephen Allman
Sent: Tuesday, November 07, 2000 4:49 PM
Subject: Re: A Pain in the Neck

Steve:

Last year I had major problems walking and picking small things up like
a tea
kettle. I thought I hurt my back so I went to my Dr. and he sent me for
an
MRI. The MRI showed I have deteriorating discs in my neck. I was sent
for
physical therapy for six weeks which they have me an exercise program
and
they showed me some bad habits I was doing. I am still doing the
exercise
program and it has helped me a great deal.

I also went to a neurologist and he was too quick to prescribe
medication.
When I went into his office I began telling him what was wrong with me
and he
quickly interrupted me to tell me about the prescription. I asked him
what
was it for and he told me it was for my spacisity and then I asked him
what
alternatives do I have? The neurologists did not know me or have my
records.
I continued to tell him what was wrong with me and my medical history.
The
neurologist was upset with me because he wanted to prescribe something
but he
did not know anything about me. I decided not to go back to him because
he
thought he could just prescribe something and I would take it and he
also
overcharged me.

I cannot undo the damage CP and aging has done to my body but by being
active
physically and mentally will help. May I suggest if you or your friend
is
having physical problems please see your DR and see what you both can do
to
improve. Doctors do not know everything and you have to work together to
help
you feel better

Stephen Allman