Folk, we did have classes. This was in Durham and we had a choice between Lamaze and hypnosis. I chose hypnosis which was, to a certain extent, simply self-relaxation. There were several group classes with one of the obs and then everyone would have one or two private sessions close to delivery time with the mid-wife. Our first session ended up with the mid-wife saying I was fine, but DH was a mess (now ex-DH) and she spent the rest of the session teaching him how to help himself rather than showing him how to help me when the time came. Hmmpphh. We had another session scheduled, but DS was born a week early. My mid-wife said she did it for herself at the dentist and could have a root canal without pain killer! She also said she would ask the dentist to give her five minutes and when she raised her finger that would mean she was ready. Now, I don't think I could ever do that, but during labor with the mid-wife there to "talk me down" I had no problems. It was quick and easy (total of five hours from the time I realized I was in labor). The mid-wife pretty much oversaw the labor and the ob checked in frequently and then delivered. It wasn't like anything that would wear off. I was totally aware of what was going on, no drugs either. When a contraction would start, the mid-wife would be right there if I needed help with the relaxation techniques. It was way cool, I must say. The technique involved taking yourself down in an elevator (that was how the doctor started the group session) and relaxing more and more with each successive floor down. We sat in chairs with eyes closed. At one point, I felt a little dizzy (always had low blood pressure and used to faint as a child and teen), and put my head down below my knees. Kept my eyes closed and the doctor never changed his tone (calm and soothing) as he said "...If you are touched on your shoulder, you will feel fine again." He touched my shoulder and wham! No more dizziness. I was so surprised. Anyway, I still use the technique when I am stressed or can't sleep. Works like a charm. I don't know why more places don't use it. It really was amazing. This was at the Durham Women's Clinic in the late 1970s. Way ahead of their time, I think.

Hi knb, I lost my Dad on Oct. 20/09. He had a stroke. He lasted a week before he actually passed away. My Mom passed away when I was 28. If I learned anything from that, I am 47 now, is that it takes time. Grief hurts. There are no ways to avoid it. Try and accept the feelings you are having and don't fight them. There is absolutely no right or wrong way to go through this. As far as how long, everyone is different. If you can see one bright spot in everyday, even just a minute, you'll been on the right path. One minute leads to two, then an hour, then a day, then a weekend and so on. Before you know it, your grief won't be the all consuming power in your life like it is now. Just allow yourself to grieve, but most importantly focus on the bright spots. They are the light at the end of your tunnel so to speak. I am as well struggling with the loss of my Dad. But I know from experience what to expect, and what is normal for me. I have two girls 12 and 10, so I know that having kids can make it harder to cope. All I can say is ask for help if you can, from friends or family and hang in there. Trust me, it will get easier. Grieving is a process. You can't skip ahead without going through what your mind and body need to feel better. I'm at a point in my grief, where I need to focus on my bright spots. If I don't, it will pull me down too much. I'm actually looking forward to refocussing. Will I be grief free quickly? No, but I'll start to feel better. Little by little. And in time I know I will be back to normal. That's going to feel a whole lot better than where I've been. I hope this helped you, and all the best Lizzy

Had a laminectomy 2 years ago to relieve the pressure on my sciatic nerve. Had never experienced pan like that before. Holy cow! Suffice to say that there was great relief after the surgery but, like they say, once something is broken, it's never like new again. The excrutiating, disabilitating pain was gone but to this day my left leg is still numb from my buttock fold to my foot! I can walk without a limp now and am grateful for that. I have terrible days and my nights are the worse but for the most part I do ok. Aleve and Motrin are helpful. I also walk as much as possible (which kills me but I do it anyway) and I make sure I stretch my hamstrings and calf muscles. I was a Physical Therapist Asst. for many yrs. and know that the one best thing you can do to keep your back healthy is to have a strong core. Find a way to work on those abdominal muscles. They support your back. I also know (from experience) that to some of us, abdominal exercises aren't easy to do when your back is killing you! Good luck to you all with your back discomfort!

Oakley, sorry you're going thru this. As bad as it is, it could have been a lot worse :( Yes, I've been given the wrong medication but even worse, the wrong medication was given to my daughter when she was just a child. But, being the proactive type, I always check meds before taking them. Before the Internet and Google, I used a PDR to reference drugs. It was the same pharmacist both times. I tore into him when he gave my daughter the wrong medication and complained to the store management. This guy seemed to be on too many drugs himself! Found out later there were many complaints against him and soon after he was fired. Being in the hospital is so darn dangerous anymore (well has been for many many years). Superbugs, overworked staff, staff on drugs, under educated staff...you can't leave a loved one in the hospital by themselves. Someone needs to be their advocate. DH has been in the hospital exactly 2x. The first was for a crushed heel. The care (or lack of) and staff was so atrocious I spent most of my time in the administrator's office :o I later filed a complaint with the state board of health and after reviewing my complaints and finding them valid, they zeroed out his bill. The 2nd time was for a double bypass. EXCELLENT care this time around in a much better hospital (Louis and Peaches Heart Hospital in Tyler, TX). Everyone from the janitorial crew to the surgeon and his cutting edge bypass procedure and the sharp as a tack nurturing and caring nurses. You would have thought he was their only patient. I've been taking pro-biotics daily for a few years. There is no doubt in my mind they prevent all kinds of illnesses. A happy gut full of good bacteria is a good thing :) I have a friend that got C-diff in the hospital. Hers became so bad she needed the bowel transplant. My mother also contracted it in the hospital, I think during an oblation for A-fib. She didn't have the bowel transplant but it took her months to get over it.