Phil -- I take it you are not having that pain in your neck any longer? Is that right? My pain was on the right side and it came back again for a while a couple weeks ago -- probably lasted a week. It is very distintive type of thing, not like a sore throat you get with a cold. It did not feel like what I would expect if acid was eating away at my throat -- it felt more like it was in my neck muscle. But the ear-nose doc I went to was convinced it was acid reflux. If you beat it once without any meds, then I would just drink plenty of water and perhaps don't over-eat any acidy foods. In other words, try to beat it without meds if you can. I do not like the side effects and the long term effects of Nexium or its generics. They apparently kill acid that you really need for digestion, and you can also get hooked on them. So, if it is gone away just thank the good Lord that he has made you that way and rejoice.

Also, if there is a chance that you will not need a transplant, I would give it serious consideration. I am sure not going to try to talk you out of it, but it did work for me, and supposedly I was an MDS case, which is supposed to be one of the worst. I still have MDS according to my onc (she reminded me last visit ... for what reason I do not know ... perhaps preparing me not to be so cocky, which is something I can always use, so no problem). There are a few other non-transplant survivors on the various threads here, so you might want to talk to them as well. I think most of the survivors have had some type of transplant. One reason my onc at the time did not think a transplant would be beneficial for me was my age, which I do not think would apply to you. Anyway, I do not want to confuse you further, but since you mentioned it I though I would throw in my two cents as far as that is concerned. I sure would never try to talk anyone out of what their med team recommends -- they know you best, and perhaps as important ... what they recommend is what they do best. We are all different, and so are they.

Take care -- dave

Yep dave.. thats exactly how i felt/feel. It was almost like having a pulled muscle in the back if my neck on the same side my throat hurt. My throat isnt hurting, but, my neck is still a lil soar but nothing like before. I actually thought id pulled a muscle but like you i think its related to something else.

Im gonna do some serious digging and find out about me needing a transplant or not, my date is coming up so i gotta get on the ball. Im a lil upset with the answers ive been given and dont understand why but ill find out... Phil

Suzanne,

Funny that you should mention the recipe that you are getting for your bottom. I prescribe compounded materials made of NTG, an emollient base and xylocaine. You are right...the key to treating fissues is to relax the sphincter muscle. In fact, on some occasion, the sphincter is even cut a bit to weaken the force of its contractions, but there are incontinence issues that could occur. Your concoction should do the trick.

Cliff

Phil -- I am following things on the "second opinion or not" thread. I feel like this pain in your neck is just an irrelevant distraction at this point, especially if it is not giving you major problems. I have noticed a similar "stiff neck" at times accompanying the other thing. I think these things are normal from not being able to lay on your side or the way you might normally do on account of the IV. Once you get your primary issues under control these things should take care of themselves. Good luck on it today. Please don't be afraid to get another opinion -- if your team is a bit iffy they should welcome bringing someone else aboard to help. Thanks -- dave