Posts: 31,105
5/19/13 4:38 P

I'm thinking my local hospital is doing OK since they just finished some major renovations.

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5/19/13 9:29 A

Quick update on life over here. Major layoffs beginning at my hospital system over the next few weeks. Everyone is on pins and needles. All but one hospital are losing money, big uptick in "no pay" admissions. Sigh.

Weight I gained from the med switch is coming off now. Still working around both hernias and the RA flare that won't quit. Getting some house cleaning out done w/ hubby. Moving to more veggies and fruits. That's going very well.

Everything is green and beautiful outside, but all the pain in the butt stuff is coming up too. Poison ivy, honeysuckle - things like that. Which means today is run the shredder and cut down all this nastiness. Hubby will have to weed eat the poison ivy since I break out looking at it.

Posts: 567
4/24/13 3:54 P

I agree on that. I sure hope nobody's hospitals get closed. I got a call from mom yesterday. She went back to the nursing home. She has a nerve pinched in her back and pain meds not working. I hope she doesn't need her back fused together again. That is always possible when her osteoporsis is that bad. I am glad she went back due to the fact she can't take care of herself. I live 600 miles away. She shouldn't stay at home alone when she is unable to wipe her butt when she does to the bathroom. She can't wash herself. I get weary from her wanting me to come down and help or being told how good her friends are when most of them can't stand her. They are just using her for her money. She is getting greedier than she has ever been. I try to focus on positive and not so much negative.
Ma thinks of what danger lie ahead. I think of living life and enjoy and not think of all the bad things in life.

Edited by: LORNE67 at: 4/24/2013 (15:57)

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4/23/13 11:28 P

We are getting 3 days this week of warmer weather. The first 2 are almost gone and I managed to get some lawn mowing done. Tomorrow is the last one predicted, so hopefully I can get some more done.

Today I got spooked a little. My chore worker had left, and my daughter had called to say she would be home late. All of a sudden I heard the water turn on hard. It sounded at first like it was upstairs, and I hadn't heard any steps going up the stairs, so I went up and checked. Nothing was turned on there, but I still heard the water sound. So I went outside and around the back of the house and sure enough a hose had burst, since someone had not turned off the hose at the spigot, but had just turned off the water at the nozzle. Not that I blame them, since the spigot is under a deck and one has to bend way down to get to it. I walked all bent over and managed to get it turned off.

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4/23/13 12:01 P

I am looking forward to warmer weather also. April can give us a mix bag of weather but this year is really been something. Our dairy cows even have spring fever, they run and jump and play when supposed to out eating.

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4/19/13 5:04 P

Lorne - It's good you are getting mileage out of the Humira. I hated the sting when I injected it. Ouch. No matter what I tried, it still hurt like crazy.

Just got word our hospital system is downsizing (laying off) shortly due to Obamacare and low census's across the board. Looks pretty bad. I hope it's not closing down any hospitals (mine especially), but you never know. The people who know are already spooked.

Going to have an enjoyable weekend, as much as I can. Despite shorts/t-shirt and 80+ on Wed. and snow this morning after 4-5" of rain yesterday. Looking forward to settled warm weather.

Posts: 31,105
4/18/13 6:26 P

More energy sounds great!

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4/18/13 1:37 P

Thanks for the website info Sagelady. I will have to check it out. I have noticed the longer I am on Humira,I am getting more energy. I don't feel wiped out all the time. Remicade was still working for me but would always wear off week or so before next treatment. Now with medicine schedule. I don't feel wiped out at the time I get my next treatment.

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4/16/13 5:13 P

Did you ever see this website? Amazing information on food.
nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-an
d-vegetable-products/2631/2
I can't do a screen shot, but this has a TON of into on every food. Like glycemic load, inflammation factor, all the minerals..easy to read and pretty cool. I picked spinach for an example. Take a look.

Posts: 389
4/15/13 11:13 P

Thanks for the info. I wound up going back to my old meds. I began a flare last week that's still going strong. Hard to walk, stairs are impossible, jaw is locking up. I called my doc and begged him to change it back and we'd figure it out later.

So....I've been blending my veggies as well (thinking alike here???) I didn't get the bullet, just my very old Oster that is a workhorse. Pushing more and more veggies and just a bit of meat. I gained almost 10 pounds from the med switch and flare (all water). My body was screaming for veggies and fruit so I've been blending up a ton of stuff. Protein shakes w/ spinach and black cherries, tonight made a fake cherry ice - well blended frozen cherries w/ almond milk and some frz. blueberries for a treat.

Cabbage, spinach, tomatoes and carrots for lunches. Peppers tonight with cauliflower, carrots and onions. Yummy.

Just motoring on...not much energy or spunk till the flare leaves and I am NOT taking extra prednisone although it surely is tempting. Hate the stuff and even though I have to take it daily, when I bump it up for a flare I tend to eat the house and neighborhood. Hoping it clears soon as the days are getting warmer. I miss my walks.

Oh, I do track my food and potassium. I almost never get up to 3000. I try... will keep working on it.

Posts: 2,003
4/15/13 9:20 P

Sage lady, do you track your food and specifically sodium and potassium on the nutrition tracker here? I am ALWAYS above potassium requirements at the end of the day with all the fruit and veggies, and if I happen to add in a little meat, watch out!!

Potassium, K: 2,500 - 3,500 3,156 1,498 3,358 4,130 4,176 3,853 3,602
Sodium, Na: 500 - 1,900 794 1,735 1,301 1,157 641 801 709

You are welcome to look at my food log, but it doesn't show all the little nutrients that I track, so I copied this weeks potassium and Sodium from the chart and pasted it above. So you can see if that would help you.

Edited by: BRAVELUTE at: 4/15/2013 (21:29)

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4/15/13 9:17 P

You might have noticed on the friend feed that I bought a NutriBullet and have used it for 2 days. It seems to be my answer to my difficulties eating raw fruit and veggies. And I love what I'm drinking and eating. I bet the nutrients that are finding their way out to all my cells are going to bring wonderful things to my health that I never thought would be possible!! We'll see.

But I know this, right now. I haven't felt this good in YEARS!!!

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3/31/13 4:29 P

It probably depends on how much salt is naturally in the foods you eat. I know ham is very salty! The only thing I add salt to is my breakfast eggs and then I use Lite Salt which I have used for over 40 years now since it has a balance of sodium salt and potassium salt.

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3/31/13 8:07 A

It's been a crazy few weeks. Still not given the official "go" at my work. It turns out that their is a person who has to say we're ready before we start, even though we've passed the certifications, training and such. We're sitting on our hands so to speak while we wait.

Just busy doing as much as I can so I'm not hopelessly behind. Getting the yard in order, helping hubby scour the job market (that's UGLY) and taking my outdoor life back.

My doc changed my bp meds and took out the diuretic since I was low in potassium. Now, I'm fighting swelling and the side effects of the new meds. Spent a week with a constant migraine. It's generic cozaar, same class, different med. He added potassium to it. It was pretty nice to have energy and muscle stamina again. Downside, the headache and insomnia. I had a 60 hour workweek and no sleep - not good.

I woke up this morning after getting into the Easter ham yesterday for breakfast and lunch with a nasty case of face puffies. I HAD been supplementing my diet with salt (adding to foods) before to help regulate things but I can see that won't work now. :-(

Spending a lot of time getting the diet back in order as well. Got tons of fresh veggies yesterday at the store. Except for the ham and a pound of hamburger, it was all fruits and veggies. Oh, I did get some turkey bacon to try that is low sodium.

Tomorrow is rain and snow then back up to warmth. We had over a foot of snow last Sunday. It's almost all gone now. Today is more outside work. Sunny and nice.

Posts: 567
3/11/13 12:31 P

Remicade doesn't work for everyone! They never gave me a port.

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3/9/13 9:04 P

What a relief that your skin ulcer is gone! And getting 3 days wear is really nice!

When I had Remicade treatments, I had a port. But they didn't do a thing for me. (I wonder if my doubt had anything to do with that. I just had a feeling they didn't really address the problem.)

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3/9/13 12:53 P

I am glad I am able to use the TNF blockers. I got over 9 years out of Remicade before it was starting to wear out. I am still feeling better with the Humira so far. My body was getting worn out with all those ivs and I was too. It would have been different if my veins were easy to find but not such thing exists for me. I am third generation of women with bad veins. I am glad for shots for a change. Good news I haven't had any leaks since Wednesday. I am glad I seldom get them anymore but it is still agrivating.

Congratulations SageLady2 on getting degree!! Glad to hear your skin ulcer is gone. I know and understand the not eating right. I was doing good yesterday until hubby wanted cinnamon rolls for morning. I made and ate four. I was so craving sweets.

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3/9/13 8:32 A

Good news on the Humira. I took it for a while too. My body was too smart for all the biologics, after a month or two they stopped working. But, I'm an odd ball. :-)

I'm FINISHED!!!!! Well, one more session that got cancelled because Boston was shut down. But the tests and classes are finished. I passed with flying colors.

Now, to get back to eating right. I need a hair on fire icon. Let's just say I've eaten anything that wasn't glued down. Until last night, it was just after dinner. Yesterday, I started out at Burger King for breakfast and wound up cozying up with candy bars and chips late last night. I figured it was a combo of relief and hormones (although I surely don't have that many left).

Skin ulcer is now gone! I also got 3 days wear this week. Putting the house and myself back together this weekend.

Posts: 567
3/8/13 11:49 A

Thank you Bravelute.

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3/7/13 6:24 P

That's great that you found relief, and that insurance is taking care of it!!

I know just being without pain enables you to do so many things you couldn't before.

I'm very happy for you!!

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3/7/13 6:03 P

It is wonderful to have pain relief!

Hate leaks, but I am glad the rest of your day was better!

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3/7/13 3:53 P

Things got off to a really bad start for me getting on Humira but that matter got fixed. My doctor's office provided free samples for my starter dose. I didn't have to charge over $4300 to my credit card. I still have to pay up front for the maintenance dose but will get discounts. I am in the part of the year where my insurance company will reimburse me 100%. The pay out of pocket first would have been really tough. I had the Humira yesterday for the first time. My doctor determined I could skip the 4 dose starter and use the 2nd week 2 dose for a starter then 1 dose every other week. So far, no reactions. It feels great to have the pain relief in my joints. Yesterday started off with a leak but my day got better!!

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3/2/13 6:05 P

Sounds like things are looking up. For the both of you. I hope the job is something your husband will be happy doing. Not sure I'd like 2nd shift, if I'm understanding that right, but right now, any shift is better than none.

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3/2/13 5:48 P

Wow, it is wonderful that your pain is gone!

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3/2/13 10:17 A

Hi everyone. I almost completed my CPT coding class. I have 2 more chapters to take and test - then I'm done. That said, I begin my "official" training on Monday. Twice a day on the internet and phone. That lasts for two weeks all week, then a day or two a week for the next 4 weeks. I'm so worn out from studying and all.

Hubby has an interview (phone) with a new company this morning. I had no idea they'd call on a Saturday, but he sent an email saying he would. Oh, he just called.

I bought a new pedometer at Walgreens yesterday since I couldn't get the back off of my old one (weird tiny screws). I am getting used to it. I'm also getting back to the walking routine. Feeling very good, just tired from trying to cram in 20 hour days into 12 hours.

I visited my stoma nurse this week to deal with my wear time and breakdown issues. She put on a smaller baseplate and used the skin tac (glue type stuff) on my skin and re-did how I was using my Eakin. The one thing I noticed right off the bat, was that the pain from the skin breakdown and around the stoma is GONE!!! Now I'm seeing how long it lasts, my usual has been 2 days and a leak beginning on day one. I have high hopes this is working well.

He's still talking to the recruiter - apparently he's asking about the job layoffs in the past. Now he's asking about what his long term goals are. Weird (he's almost 60). Talking about times for the interview now. 8pm, (it's for their second shift). Anyway...at least he's made it past the initial phone interview.

Lots to do today, recycling, dog toenails clipped, shopping, walking, laundry, cleaning. Everyone have a wonderful weekend!!! I'll be out of my hunker down mode in 2 more weeks.

Posts: 567
2/26/13 2:24 P

Thank you. I will ask my doctor about it. I will subscribe to spark coach after my free one week trial.

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2/26/13 8:23 A

Lorne Can you afford Spark Coach. The part of the program I'm in has all kinds of activities for motivation.

For me, my best motivation is tracking the goals I set for myself, checking them off in the Other Goals tracker. It makes me see that even when the scale is static, that I'd still doing all the things which matter.

Now don't get me wrong, I like to see the scale go down, too, but I still have those stretches when nothing seems to happen.

And we have the added benefit of a medical system that can't seem to fix our temperamental bowels. Drink fluids no matter what!!

I've talked about this, but I don't know if I actually got up and got a packet of the stuff:
"Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension"

It says to mix with water, beverages, or highly fuid foods. May be mixed 3 days in advanced, as long as you re stir. May be mixed in blender or by spoon (but I find lots is left in blender)

It is a lot like drinking a fiber medication.

When I googled it, it said something about being used a while back after gall bladder surgery. Do your own research, and ask your doctor.

It comes in packets of powder which you mix

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2/25/13 7:33 P

When I get blood test results, there is always a note at the side which gives the normal range, so I know if the results are good, low or high. Plus my doctor's office always sends me a boring letter saying that I am stable.

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2/25/13 2:10 P

I know I haven't been on here for awhile. I finally got over a 3 month off and on diarrhea spell. I think it was stress related. I was feeling good about weight loss but it was caused by the diarrhea. Last week I had gained back 8 lbs. That is sort of depressing. I don't have normal amounts of energy lately. I got my thyroid test results back. I asked a friend to explain them and said it meant I was in the good range. I haven't heard about my B12 test results yet to know if I am low. I am feeling the need for some extra motivation. I have lots of trouble staying motivated.

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2/17/13 6:20 P

Evidently Betty is back in the hospital. They did some kind of test and found that there is a semi-blockage which is only about 1/2 inch or less across. The doctors are seriously talking surgery again probably giving her another ostomy.

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2/16/13 3:05 P

I've heard that adhesions cause most of the blockages rather than a bolus of food (although I did have that one happen to me). Maybe some gentle stretching - like yoga type moves or Pilates would help to break them up. As long as she's out a ways from the surgery, she should be ok.

I think the baby doc who examined me before my doc came in was funny. When I said I'd prefer to wait, possibly until Dec. to do the takedown he said every one of his patients are chomping at the bit to get it reversed. I told him actually, other than the expense of the equipment - this is so much better than the nightmare I was having with my colon before the surgery, I couldn't care less about reversing it.

I'm moved in and will have all my "kitchen stuff" set up at my office this week. Hubby is going to move the apt. sized fridge in that I bought to keep my Humira and Enbrel at the right temps. Since I've gotten off the biologics, it's just sitting there. I packed my bag with cream of rice, crystal lights, tea mixes, pre-portioned cereal, paper plates/bowls and silverware. I will set up some oatmeal in a bit in baggies too. Add lots of cinammon and some splenda. I cleaned out a basket I had to use for a trash can (pretty). Excited to make it my own spot.

Hubby was up this morning and we did a bunch of stuff till he just crashed and burned about an hour ago. I made him a huge omlette and soon I'm going to fix my lunch salad. I ate like nobodies business the last few days so back on the routine now. Slowly adding back in the right carbs again. Well, dryer just went off....gotta go fold and switch loads. Love weekends, I work harder than I do at work.

Posts: 31,105
2/12/13 8:01 P

I just called Betty and she just got home from the hospital. They felt that she had an infected spot though she said they didn't give her an antibiotic. She got something that got her "flowing" and is now home with a low fiber diet. I'm not sure that she won't be going back again, since I don't trust low fiber diets.

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2/12/13 6:09 P

Will pray for Betty. That's too scary. Hopefully it's low enough in the colon that the stricture can be manually widened. Otherwise... yiccchhh. That's one of my biggest fears with a takedown, well right behind a leak.

I saw my doc today and he had his baby doc with him...very nice baby doc (and cute to boot). He even asked about my finger from last year that got operated on. I was impressed. So, I weighed 236. Can't complain since I resisted the birthday suit option. Doc was happy and said he'd be glad to do it at 10 more pounds off. I said I'd like to try for this December, so I straddle two reporting years. I think if I work hard and keep ahead with my abstracting, I can do it. It might require some weekends but it'll be worth it.

Told him about my new job and what I'm doing. He said when does it start and I said, next week when I get there. Good day all in all. Pooped, got up at 4am so I'd finish my 'business' and have time for a shower. The baby doc asked me the flange was freshly changed, and I said yes, kinda like wearing clean underwear. I'd prefer not to have output in the way when he has to look at it, if I can. I mentioned my superman underwear for the hernia and they thought it was a good idea.

Let us know how your friend Betty is doing.

Posts: 31,105
2/10/13 9:03 P

Today when I went to church, I saw a guy whose wife has had an ostomy but had a take-down operation. I was looking around for her but didn't see her. At the end of the service he came over to me and said she wants me to pray for her since she is in horrible pain and can't have a bowel movement. He said as soon as he got home, he would be taking her to the ER. Wow, I am hoping she doesn't have a blockage, but it sounds possible. If any of y'all are praying people, please pray for Betty!

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2/9/13 9:43 P

Besides the clothes, you've had breakfast and at least 2 glasses of water, to say nothing of the coffee, tea, and lunch. All of that adds up.

Plus, every doctor adds 5 pounds to the scale just to make sure we get the point that we need to lose weight.

As if we didn't already know.

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2/9/13 9:07 P

I have mentally accepted the fact that the doctor's scale is going to say more than my scale at home. There I am fully clothed, while at home it is close to the birthday suit.

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2/9/13 5:39 P

I vote for birthday suit, at least for the scale part. ; )

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2/9/13 10:01 A

I've got a bit of time before I hit the housework. We're going to try and get in all the stuff before the thunderstorms hit tonight and tomorrow. Got the blockage to go, which was a welcome relief. I was "doing" carrots for 3 days after. :-)

Work was helping the two new hires who will be working at other hospitals get settled and explain some of the job. Then, yesterday I met with a SCR (surgical clinical reviewer -what I am) whose training all of us before the REAL training begins in earnest the beginning of March. We hashed over a case for an hour digging out stuff, agreed then disagreed with diagnoses and how the coder coded the case. It was actually fun.

Still sitting on 235, so I guess the offical weigh in at the surgeon willl be somewhere around there. Not the 220's like I wanted. Oh well. Can I wear guaze and light sandals for the doc visit? Think he'd figure out I'm trying to weigh as little as possible? Could winter clothes possibly weigh 6 pounds? Could my tennis shoes weigh 5 pounds?

I'm digging through my closet this weekend and deciding what I want to wear. Should be interesting. To say the least.

Hubby is sleeping now, so I'm trying to keep quiet and keep the housework sounds as quiet as possible. I've got a ton of laundry to do and shopping although I did hit the grocery yesterday on my way home and got a few staples (found the spinach!!!). Just a few odds and ends to get now. It's freezing in here, but I'll wait to build a fire and I don't want to turn on the heat.

Everyone have a great weekend!

Posts: 31,105
2/4/13 7:30 P

OUCH, ouch, and again ouch!

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2/4/13 6:36 P

Well, my stupid hernia is being a pain again. It's kinked and stuff isn't coming though easily. I spent the day cramping and sharp pains and trying not to grimace too much. I'm taking a pain pill in a few minutes and am going to lay down in bed and let it fall back down. And, it's mid 50's outside (after a suprise snowfall Sat. night of 4").

I'm back to low residue for a while till it calms down again. I had a ton of carrot strips over the weekend and lettuce (no spinach in the stores for some reason) for two meals in a row, last night and at lunch today. Lettuce doesn't digest at all for me. Tomorrow my new boss is having all of the new hires (3 of us) out to lunch. I'm praying it's not salad.

Just tired and sore. I wanted to walk so much today and tonight. No physical stuff either for a few days. I did try a new "do up" on my excoriated skin where the stoma is attached to my stomach. I put on milk of magnesia, then stoma powder, then dried it with a hair dryer. Repeated it until I had a good crust. Then put the zinc oxide cream over the whole exposed area. Hoping to get it to finally go away. It's getting better and I got 3 days wear time on the base plate the last change.

Posts: 2,003
2/4/13 1:22 P

Re coconut oil and splenda, Yes I do. I think coconut oil is very healthy even if it isn't on the AA list or Dr. Fuhrman's. And splenda is my one vice. I'd like to replace it with stevia leaves next summer. I have seeds for the plant.

And I think chilli fits the requirement for the challenge. Don't you put tomatoes in it??

It's fine to think of things which aren't sweet, but it's not a requirement for the challenge. After all, dates, maple syrup, and honey are on the list. I just don't wind up using them often because of calories.

Re your new job and reversal:

By the time you get past 2 years, you will be ready to just say, forget it.

I'm glad the weight is coming off again. WooHoo!!

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1/30/13 9:47 P

Sorry, yes, I got the job I interviewed for the end of last year. I get to work at the same hospital, but now I work for the hospital system and am "sent" to the old hospital (there are a lot of hospitals in the system). Right now, I'm downtown training and working until my new office is set up/furnished. It's a lot closer to me than the hospital, so I'm getting spoiled with the shorter commute.

The weight is coming back off again. I'm at 237.0 this morning. Back at my lowest. I"m hoping to see the 220's in time for the surgeon in 2 weeks. I know it's a lot in 2 weeks, but I think I can do it just so I can feel better about things.

Because...I have to tell lhim I need to postpone the reversal for at least a year, possibly 2 since starting this new job. The "ramp up" period is about 3 months where I build up to my steady number of cases per cycle (8 days) and then you have to be able to consistently keep it up for the rest of the time. I think you can only miss something like 48 consecutive days per year and not screw it all up. I'm not sure how long the recovery and surgery time will be for me (what my doc thinks anyway). Plus, I need to be in top shape and I'm far from that now.

Not much else going on. Went to court tonight, 'only' $227. The judge was impressed with my driving record. Uhmmm, this is the first anything I've had in over 30 years. It's cold, very windy and snowing. Yesterday...it was thunderstorms and I was walking at lunch in my shirtsleeves (70 degrees). Tomorrow will be in the teens. Yikes. Got the furnace blasting away now, trying to heat the house up. We forgot to turn it back up after the warm spell and when I got in tonight it was freezing in here.

BraveLute, I have no idea what to put cocoa powder in that isn't sweet - I use it in chili all the time though. Beyond that, zip. Well, then if you count the ungodly creations I make for low carbing with splenda and coconut oil.... there's a lot, but I know you don't go down that road. I am holding steady with low carbs and just chicken and salads and veggies. Got to buy some fruit. I've eaten all my apples. I've been drinking muscle milk for breakfast - quick and easy. Tomorrow I may cook something - oatmeal...yummmmm hey, try cocoa in the oatmeal with cinammon.

Posts: 2,003
1/28/13 9:29 P

SageLady2

Did I miss something? You got a Job? That's great!! I'm like that with no sleep leading up the any first looming on the horizon. Sometimes it's excitement, sometimes worry.

It's gotten less intense the older I get, but the first day of school was ALWAYS a no sleep event. Might as well have not even tried to go to sleep.

Sue

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1/28/13 9:12 P

I'm glad you had a good day and glad some of the pressure is off since you will be getting extended training.

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1/28/13 8:53 P

First day of work, lots of people to meet face to face I'd only met in emails. Some were not at ALL like I pictured in my mind.

Anyway, it was good, I had a good day. My training has been pushed back a month so I'll be shadowing other abstractors for a while which is even better. I get to benefit from extended training before I'm on my own.

Pretty pooped tonight. I'm taking some benadryl and trying to get some sleep. I haven't slept since Fri. night. Got insomnia - probably from fretting about my first day.

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1/26/13 11:02 A

The nearest University is 50 miles. But because of that the school system purchased access to professional journal so we could take college classes that were offered at my school. I think I am still allowed to use that since I'm retired. I'll have to check.
Otherwise, I'll check with my CWON. She is currently teaching ostomy classes to nurses.
Thanks for the links. That will be enough to give me a start.

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1/26/13 10:40 A

OK, science based:
Immunology www.nature.com/mi/journal/v2/n3/full/mi200
98a.html
be sure to click on to appropriate citations below the article for more studies.

Gut flora review www.dms.ufsc.br/mip7013/arquivos/2550_Gut%
20flora%20in%20health%20and%20disease.
pdf

Pro and Prebiotics ajcn.nutrition.org/content/73/2/451s.short


Diet journals.lww.com/jcge/Abstract/2005/02000/
Diet,_Anaerobic_Bacterial_Metabolism,_
and_Colon.3.aspx

What I would recommend is to visit the local university library (medical school would be best) and they should have the online access to these journals so you can read the full articles. Make a list of the journals you're likely to find the info in, and take it with you. There are a few that come to mind, but do searches on google scholar (you'll have to use the drop down menu on other places to see it).

I have access to the journals from my job, but not at home. The abstracts can lead you in the right direction though. Just pick out the relevant phrases and then do another google search (regular, not scholar - those lead to almost always pay to see journalsl) and dig away. A lot of times Mercola has some very good articles as well that are backed up by scientific studies. Beware of his tendency to sell crap to you.

You can get the needed microbial "things" from your diet, from getting a little dirt under your nails and not using hand sanitizer like crazy (current flu season excepted). Limit antbiotics and if you do use them, realize it will take 6 months to a year to repopulate the good bacteria. Yogurt will have added cultures, but tests have shown that precious few remain after pasteurization which is required for all dairy products sold in the US.

I personally won't touch kimchee and especially home made stuff. Too much risk of Sam and Ella visiting. After having endured that last year from tainted spinach (Ecoli actually), I am leery of a lot of things. I did take lots of pro and pre biotics and kept them refrigerated until they were used up after surgery and during the 3 months I was so sick before since I was on mega doses of abx. There are lists of the predominant bacteria you need to look for in supplelments. I'll dig around for mine and post it.

This is a very good pdf on pro/prebiotics. www.worldgastroenterology.org/assets/expor
t/userfiles/Probiotics_FINAL_20110116.
pdf

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1/26/13 9:32 A

I guess it would matter how the yogurt was made. I've been using Chobani Greek no fat because their label lists 5 added cultures. No other label does that.

I shouldn't do it, but I assume that means they are live.

What I don't understand is how they survive past the stomach. I guess this will be my next research area.

SageLady, can you steer me toward a resource you trust--not just someone putting a new spin on the latest hype?

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1/26/13 6:49 A

For yogurt to count, it has to be home made and not pasteurized. I've read lots of medical journals with research on gut flora and there is something there. What you've got to remember, is that if it's from a can or jar, it's not got the microbes. Think of kimchee for other veggies than kraut/cabbage.

I believe that different types of fiber help to nourish the different types of bacteria. I'm for anything to keep my intestines flowing smoothly. That's one thing this colostomy has done. I rarely get stomach cramps and all that bloating any more. I'm also much more in tune with my eliminatory system than i've thought possible.

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1/25/13 11:45 P

It didn't come up, but I believe it is considered to be fermented, but it's not plant food.

I'll have to look into it. I believe we are replacing the bacteria we need to have in our intestines. They made a point on the Oz show to say our intestines need the bacteria AND the enzymes and they work together. I wish I could watch that spot again. I'm already forgetting things they thought were important.

I wonder if sourdough bread would give us the enzymes even after baking?
Do you all remember "Herman" bread that you kept a starter, fed, and let ferment again for the week to do it all over again. It was responsible for at least 20 pound weight gain over a year's time before I decided I'd better stop. Couldn't find enough friends to give a batch of starter to, so I'd just bake it all, and then eat it all.

No will power!!

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1/25/13 11:38 P

I'm wondering if yogurt would be included in that. I know nowadays even doctors are beginning to advise yogurt to help with the loose stools that come with using some antibiotics.

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1/25/13 11:28 P

I haven't gotten a sample, but all my mail is in Florida. Anyway I can't help with that. I don't seem to need any tape.

I DID see an interesting spot on Doctor Oz today. Well, the whole show was interesting, but the last segment was what I wish I could have called all of you to tell you to watch. That part is not showing on his website. It was about all the problems we can have with our bowels if the enzymes are out of whack, what can make them be out of whack. And the woman he had teaching about it didn't tell us to run down to the health food store and buy supplements. She said to eat fermented foods like sauerkraut and fermented carrots (?), raw fruits and vegetables, and papaya and pineapple. She said that raw fruits and veggies bring their own enzymes with them. But that is destroyed when we cook them.

I found it interesting that the very thing I needed to help all my problems was the very thing that caused problems. (raw food)

Not a problem anymore, but I'm going to start looking into fermented food. I only eat sauerkraut with pork roast and dumplings, or kielbasi, and I haven't had either in a LONG time. But I DO use miso and soy sauce (fermented soy).

There will be another spot on Monday that we ostomates might be interested in.

Have a great weekend, everybody!!
Sue

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1/25/13 1:30 A

You are alone SageLady at a stoma not cooperating. Mine likes to protrud and prolapse and change shapes. I never have a dull time with it. It lets me know right away if it changed and I have the eakin seal too far away or too close. It yelled at me tonight and had to change the equipment. I am feeling better since the change but worn out. It has been a long day.

Edited by: LORNE67 at: 1/25/2013 (01:32)

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1/23/13 10:58 P

I put mine overlapping the tape on the flange. I had been using duct tape to get decent wear time, and these are a godsend!

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1/23/13 8:08 P

It came today. There are two thingy's - semi-circles or eyebrow shaped I guess. So these go on outside the wafer and beyond the tape that's there already?

Mine is a plastic flange with about a half inch or so of tape around it. I'm trying to figure out how to place it (them). What did you do? Put it around/overlapping the tape on the flange? I'm changing gear later tonight and would like to try them. Also doing an experiment with the eakin seals and butting them right up to the stoma line that's getting nuked by the output. I noticed last night the little guy was sunk in about a half an inch - he was sore and not happy. Usually, when he's working, he's pushing out (mine is flush normally).

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1/23/13 5:02 P

I didn't get that sample. We warmeed up enough to get snow finally.

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1/22/13 7:51 P

I'm suspecting your Brava sample is what I got recently that goes on the outside of the barrier to hold the edges down. I really like them.

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1/22/13 6:07 P

I'm supposed to get a sample of the Brava something or other from Coloplast, but it hasn't come in yet. It's supposed to increase my wear time.

We had an unexpected snow today...big, heavy flakes coming down. I was in a meeting at the hospital and looked out the window and almost fainted. We've had 20's for highs and bitter winds the past few days. Saturday I was outside in sunshine, 70 degrees. St. Louis is good like that.

I emptied my desk today, completely. Boxed up files and some things and moved them into a closet. My new office is next door to my old one. I'm sharing w/ a girl from the lab. We get to pick out office furniture Friday. I brought home "personal" stuff to hang on to until I'm moved in proper.

Walking the dog is a nightmare in these temps. She loves it all. Snow, rain, sleet, hail. Funny girl. Got dinner heating in the microwave. Think it's soup now.

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1/22/13 2:47 P

In the cold weather we have been experiencing lately, I am not upset about having an ostomy since it helps keep me warm. This time of year the pouch is helpful for that. I will be glad when it does warm up.

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1/12/13 8:34 P

I recently received some samples of something called Brava Elastic Barrier Strips from Coloplast. I was sort of dubious when I got them, but discovered they go on the outside of the barrier, anchoring it better to your skin. They are sort of horse shoe shaped, and to completely surround the barrier, one would need 2 of them. However my problems with the barrier staying on are all on one side toward a large scar. I decided that this does work even better than the duct tape I have been using, so now I am hoping my doctor gets the approval to my supplies company!

Our weather has been sort of weird. We had snow for Christmas, but then there were a bunch of somewhat warmer days. Now the night time temps are in the 20s again and there is a raw wind in the day. My little doggies aren't too crazy about going out, and when I take out the somewhat bigger doggie he tends to dawdle sniffing this and that, so I have decided I am going to put on my coat every time I take out doggies (several times per day).

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1/12/13 3:14 A

It was nearly in the 40's here in Wisconsin today. Tomorrow high of 38 in morning and get cooler the rest of the day. Gonna try to get a walk in if not too windy. I moved my office upstairs over 2 years ago. It gives me more exercise when I forget to take something to the barn. I am forcing myself to do the stairs more. I have been able to go up and stairs without getting out of breath after the first two months. It is incredible to be able to be more active and not be so stiff.

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1/11/13 5:16 P

Good the bp thing is straightened out. I've got to see mine in the next two weeks to take off the diuretic - with the Mirilax I take it's too much and I know my potassium levels are messed up.

Great news on the weight loss. I'm working my way back down as well. At 240 now, hoping to see the 230's again next week. Last night I had mini pizza's on corn tortilla's. They were so good, but sooooo salty. I didn't go down today because of it. I'm cooking a chicken breast tonight with all kinds of not high calorie stuff and putting them in the tortilla shells for tacos.

I gave my "official" notice today. 2 more weeks. Wow. It's here. Dropped off copies to the HR person, the president and the chief nurse exec. They were all supportive of it. Since I'm based at the same place....just paid from the system now instead of this hospital.

So....beautiful day today..60's and I walked all over the place. Going to try and get another long one in tonight. Fixing dinner first and catching my breath.

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1/11/13 3:58 P

Glad to hear you got the job. I pray you hubby gets good news also. I got good news at the doctor's office yesterday. Due to the economy the clinic got rid of my doctor 4 or 5 months ago, my new doctor finally realizes I am having unstable blood pressure issues that I wasn't taking my 2nd bp pill a day. The doctor changed it to one extended release pill per day instead of 2 when I only need 50mg a day not 100mg. In dealing with the side effects of the antibotic since Sunday, I have eaten more and lost 2.5 lbs.

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1/9/13 5:18 P

It is great when you get good news! Here's hoping for your hubby also!

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1/9/13 2:29 P

Lorne, I'm glad you got relief from the pain.

Great news for me!!! I got the NSQIP position. Yeay!!!!!!! They called to confirm I still wanted it and will call me back with the official offer later today.

Still waiting to hear on hubby's interview. He found out that almost half the people on his shift applied at the same place. THAT, was funny. Speaks well of management doesn't it? hehehe

Better get back to work. I was updating my food and had to share the good news.

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1/7/13 12:00 P

I was in ER last night since the pain was steadily getting worse as the day and evening went on. I was much happier after the pain medicine. That really helps. Paul took me and took a nap while waiting.

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1/7/13 11:54 A

Thanks Lorne. My night was good. Woke up early with pain, but did the warm water again with honey this time, and It went away and I was able to eat breakfast. Just checking out the plan for lunch. Just might change over to low residue for a couple of days.

Glad you figured it out!!

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1/7/13 11:30 A

Good news is it wasn't a blockage for me. It was a bladder infection. Still painful but doesn't warrant a overnight hospital stay. I got something for the pain and antibotics. Feels like the antibotics already started kicking in since I didn't have much to eat yesterday. I sure hope you get to feelig better soon Sue.

Edited by: LORNE67 at: 1/7/2013 (11:31)

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1/6/13 10:41 P

See, there's the problem. I thought the water was for when you took metamucil or fiber one capsules. I didn't associate that with the need for water when eating the fiber in whole foods. I will be more vigilant in the future. I usually drink LOTS of water. Might need to keep a tally pad by the sink. I know I'm getting more forgetful. I go to great lengths to remember to take my supplements.

Sue

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1/6/13 9:04 P

I'm glad you feel better. Fiber is good, but you definitely need enough water to keep it moving!

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1/6/13 8:49 P

I drank extra warm water and it helped the cramping and finally stopped around 4 in the morning. It twinges during the day and I drink more warm water and everything seems to be going along fine now. But I don't know if it was a blockage or not. I hadn't kept track of water that day. And ate flax seed with my cherries and banana in the morning. Then lots of fiber in a fresh salad for lunch. Cramping started around 2 in the afternoon.
So I blamed it on lots of fiber and not enough water.

Worth a try. The warm water was definitely comforting. I probably should have gotten out the heating pad, but that worried me, since I was up here alone, and didn't know what it was. Oh, the other thing I did was put on calming music, because i was close to panicking. And that just made it all worse.

Anyway, I finally fell asleep sometime after 2 a.m. and woke up surprised and thankful that i had slept and the pains were gone. There is a hospital 6 miles away, but I'm thinking they don't have much experience with colostomies here in the mountains. I'd probably have to get to an Atlanta hospital 150 miles away.

Well, I must have needed to talk about this. Didn't want to worry mom. I think I'm all better now.

So, good luck Lorne.

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1/6/13 8:08 P

Thank-you for the ideas. I have been using nystatin powder. It goes away and comes back five days later. I will give your suggestions a try because the nystatin powder, just isn't working like it should anymore. I will keep you posted. I am feeling a little ill. I might have to go to ER. Feels like it might be a blockage. If I do and it is a blockage, I will get a rest from hubby. I try other solutions before I give in like the warm water and rubbing my stoma. Guess my issues could be messing up things worse than I thought they could.

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1/6/13 6:24 P

I'm certainly glad I only have to buy fruits and vegetables for only me!! I'd need another refrigerator and freezer if two of us were eating this program!! Or I'd have to plan for a midweek trip to the grocery store.

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1/6/13 6:09 P

I do have to say that I am glad that I don't have to cook for anyone else! I can use those Lean Cuisine and Healthy Choice meals all I want!

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1/6/13 3:03 P

How would he feel about going to the store to buy you some jock itch spray and mercuroclear while you fix supper?

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1/6/13 3:02 P

Lorne, just have to put my penny in. I think (in big bold letters) that he needs some time with you away. To appreciate you, not expect you. And you need time away. period.
He probably needs that time away. Maybe you can give each other a vacation for a day??

Did you notice how I switched from ranting to looking for possible solutions? None of is probably doable. How do you handle when either of you are ill?

The other thing I'd do is prepare extra food when you DO cook, package it up, and teach him to warm things up. For himself.

And finally, I'm concerned about you not eating for so long. Not good for your system, small colon, weight loss, keeping emotions on an even keel, leads to fatigue. Your body starts using your muscles when you don't eat periodically.

OOOOOH. Sounds like a cannibal.

Well, take it for what it's worth–not much except as ideas.

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1/6/13 1:29 P

I'd second the athlete's foot spray. I use powder (gold bond medicated) for areas that tend to harbor moisture and luckily haven't had issues under/around the pouch. I'm just real careful to keep it all dry.

Sorry to hear your farm issues. My hubby is the same - why go out or buy pre-made when you have a woman to cook and food in the pantry. He doesn't get I'm so tired I could puke.

Dairying is a hard life. No real vacations, pretty tied to the cows unless you've got "cows used to" help to cover. As far as the banks are concerned - blood suckers and that's all I'll say on that one. They loaned and re-fi'd to beat the band and then when you are in need, they turn a cold shoulder.

You reach a point caring for the herd that "getting bigger" won't pay and as you get older, it's too hard to keep up. Terrible point to be, as it requires some finessing to monetarily back out and down to a manageable level. You might want to investigate smaller markets for higher returns (ethnic groups and goats/kids comes to mind) where they are willing to pay a premium for the product.

I wish you the best in working your way through. Realize you have only so many nerves and hours in the day to deal with it all. It's too tempting to try it all on your own. Cry uncle and see if you can't finangle some help from family/friends to at least give you down time to think. My bet is your hubby is like mine though, if he's got two legs and two arms left, he'll manage w/o help, thankyouverymuch. The only time we paid for help was when he had a catheter up his YKW and low bp. He came out to supervise every couple of hours or so. Other than that, I ran it all. Cost us a fortune, but the work got done, hubby got healed and life kinda went on.

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1/6/13 1:14 P

fungus, perhaps. Have you tried a fungicide powder (like jock itch?)

I'd be trying mercuroclear first. Then if no results, I'd ask my WocN. She did tell us at an ostomy meeting, with the fungicide spray can out on the table, that it worked great for that itch that won't stop that we seem to be prone to in Florida. I would think warm winter clothes could create the same humidity around your plastic pouch??

Check with your WOCN or ET nurse

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1/6/13 1:04 P

For the last few months, I have been having a skin issue at the top of my pouch but not anywhere else. It looks like an allergic reaction to me but I don't know understand why it isn't affecting the skin on my entire area under my pouch. Does anyone have any ideas? I can't think of anything I am doing different there except for maybe sweat running on it there.

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1/6/13 12:59 P

I haven't been on here much lately due to some issues I am been having. Sorry to hear about you having so many troubles Nellie. I have an ilieostomy for over 16 years. In first part of Dec. I flew from Wisconsin down to Ohio for five days with my mom. I took her to look at the nursing home where she was planning on going and alot of little things to help her. My hubby Paul and I have a dairy farm. We want to cut back so it is easier for us to handle. The banks don't want to cooperate. The worst one is the Farm Service Agency. Paul and I keep falling down due to being worn out. My nerves are totally shot. Things weren't bad until about two years ago. Our children are all back in Ohio. I forget to cook and when stressed out am not hungry for hours on end. I am talking like 14 to 16 hours at a time. Paul is definetely amish in some of his ways like no man should have to get their own food out at meal time if they have a wife. It is all the stuff he expects out of me that really overwhelms me. I ain't SUPER WOMAN! Boy how I do wish some days.

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1/5/13 11:03 P

It helps motivate me to get up and exercise!

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1/5/13 10:26 P

Nellie, I don't see how you manage to do it all. I'd be a mess. You're adoptadog will be a happy camper with you. Have fun!!!

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1/5/13 10:03 P

Nellie, You are a loving Mom to your kids and the pets in your life!!

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1/5/13 9:54 P

What is new in my life is that I am now caring for my oldest son's dog, Caspian, a mid-sized mixed breed dog. My youngest son was caring for him for a while, but now that he got a condo at the behest of his wife and left the dog at her parent's house, since he is not allowed to have a dog, it is better that I care for him -- especially since now his wife has left him because of her bipolar and the fact that she doesn't want treatment.

Caspian is a very nice dog, and my oldest son comes once a week to take him on a long walk. That way they can have their bonding time and exercise!

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1/5/13 3:09 P

When I was in NC in the fall, I read Martha Beck's book: Finding Your Way in a Wild New World. It really is a "how-to" book for self improvement and understanding. Very new ideas to me. There is enough of a story line that I seemed to focus on the story, and didn't digest the how-to part.

I plan to read it again while I'm up here now, perhaps taking notes, or stopping and trying more of the "mind exercises."

Book has just come out in paperback.

I'm also rereading Hans Brinker of the Silver Skates, downloaded free from Gutenberg.

I wonder if you are all aware of smashwords.com? It's a place where writers can go to publish e-books. They put many of their books up and available for free, to get a start. Some are available for free or a nominal fee for a short while, while they work out bugs in their formatting for e-books. Anyway, if you buy the book, it entitles you to go back and download any format you need, like the .pdf, or for kindle or nook, and others which I don't remember.


Sue

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