Laura, I'm glad you brought this thread back to life, because I have never found it. Al, as always, is very informative and reasonable. I agree whole heartedly with how he approaches gardening. I too prefer to use compost, and avoid chemicals, but am not against using chemicals either. For example, I refuse to sit back and watch my garden be destroyed by insects because I don't want to use chemicals. Usually I don't need to, but if things get rough, I have to bust out the big guns. Anyways, Laura, you talked about the runoff problems in your area; these issues come up all over, including here in WI. The biggest misconception people have is that the people using the "nasty" chemical fertilizers are causing the runoff, when in fact runoff problems can be caused by organic fertilizers as well. The biggest issue is not the stuff causing the problems, but the people who are. Proper use of inorganic AND organic fertilizers is key. You can buy all sorts off different products, both organic and inorganic, and each has instructions as to the proper application. If you don't follow these instructions, well, that is where the problem lies. So, with that said, you seem like a very reasonable and responsible person, so whether you apply organic fertilizer or synthetic fertilizer, and can assure you that if you follow the directions, you personally are NOT contributing to the runoff problems. Again, thanks to Al for his infinate wisdom, and to Laura for bringing this one back to life. Joe

I've been using Petco's Joint Support III for the last year and it has worked great. It not only has the glucosamine chondroitin but also msm and Hyaluronic Acid. No tummy upset seen with this one. Also another note, fish oil is a great supp to add with arthritis. My ridgeback used to have quite a bit of trouble before I started this combination and now she shows no signs of arthritic problems.

Hi Carol, Actually, I had discussed it a few years back but decided against it when she told me some women have issues of "rubbing or irritation" plus I would have to return every so often to have it checked. I am in doctors offices constantly with our son and I just wasn't eager to add more to the list. I guess I'm hoping that if I can find a way to excercise and lose weight then I can put off the surgery a bit longer until he's older. He just turned 12 this week.

Always best to get the doctor to check it out. I had my gallbladder out many years ago because I had huge stones and had tried passing a couple. Horrible pain. After removal I immediately began having terrible pain, cramps and diarrhea. I unfortunately had Bile Dumping syndrome. I don't wish it on my worst enemy. Truly dreadful condition. I could not eat with out being very near a bathroom because it would hit so hard and fast that I might not make it there. This for quite some time caused me to be home bound. I learned where every bathroom was in every store, restaurant, believe me. I learned to always have a bag packed with me just in case. I was put on Questran powder which helped a little. In my case it didn't matter at all what I ate, everything caused it. I still have bouts of it today, it's never ending. I still always make sure I don't eat with out having facilities near by. My husband knows if I say find a bathroom now it means right this second not a few miles down the road. I have medicine that helps control the horrible spasms and rolling cramps. Occasionally it triggers vomiting too. Oh joy! I try to warn friends and family that are about to under go gallbladder surgery to be aware of this possibility so they aren't blindsided by it like I was. I thought I was dying the first time it hit me. And in several cases they have also developed Bile dumping syndrome. They were all thankful that I had warned them because they too thought they were dying. They were able to get the proper care because they were familiar with my situation. My nephew was one of them and unfortunately he has it about as bad as I do. I don't know if mine will ever completely go away, I doubt it will. I am not sure I would have had the surgery at the time if I knew I would have this condition from it. I think I would have waited until it was absolutely essential. By the way the dumping refers to the sudden dumping of Bile into the system , not the other kind of dumping lol.