A plea for Help (if you can) Need a medical specialist.
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I really need to find a doctor in the Boulder/Denver area that understands, perhaps specializes in, the long term neurological effects of a lightning strike. Four years ago in Vedauwoo I got blown off the rap anchor (daisy chain worked)and to this day I am still suffering with episodes of what I refer to as "Electric Malaria" or "EM". These episodes are fewer and perhaps shorter than in the first few years but they are more profound in a devastating sort of way. They are a Jekyll and Hyde sort of thing. It effects everything from my mood and memory to my sleep cycles and my internal thermostat. Today, in the throes of a nasty bout, I am in my overheated house in a down coat and blanket with a hot water bottle and I am freezing. At times I am shaking nearly uncontrollably. For most of my life I have been a Winter enthusiast and today would have been a t-shirt day. During other episodes of "EM" I have been sweating on the coldest days putting off enough heat to melt sidewalks clean of snow. There is no rhyme or reason to the effects of any given bout of "EM". During some I can't sleep. During others I can't stay awake. Profound fatigue and hyperirritability as well as physical pain usually occur. In a day or two it will be like nothing happened. But during an episode it is hell! Most people think strike survivors are just plain crazy. But I assure you having done a few years of investigation that strike survivors are not crazy just scared and confused. Main stream medical parishioners have little or no experience in the complexities of massive electrical doses. Although with the current wide spread acceptance of taser use they might get on board and up to speed sooner than later. Personally I would rather be shot. They already know how to fix bullet wounds. |
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Hey, |
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Anne, Thank you for your response. I grew up in the area but moved back here in 2000. No I do not have a Neurologist in fact the only MD's I have seen since 1980 are orthopedic surgeons. Twelve knee surgeries including an artificial knee in ten years. I just don't normally get sick. But this "EM" stuff is beyond being sick in the traditional sense. I have done extensive searching through the Lightning strike and Electric shock survivors databases and have NOT found any referrals to regionally based specialists. I tried the C.U. med school neurological sciences department and was told that without a referral form a primary care MD that I would be stuck on the outside looking in. Gretchen Ehrlich's book "A Match to the heart" was a great book. It probably saved my life through a deeper understanding in the midst of despair. |
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Gotta get a referral to see a neurologist. It won't be hard with your case though. I know bunches of them here in slc but that does you no good. |
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Yes my Knee has lots of metal. the last thing I remember before going unconscious is that leg kicking like a can-can dancer. neither I nor my Ortho knows what may have been the effect of a massive electrical pulse on the interface between metal and bone. It does feel different though. I don't even know what branch of the Neuro sciences to inquire into. |
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Mike Thank You!!!!! |
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Phil, |
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Phil, I myself have been hit by lightning, twice. I'm not kidding. One of the two times was direct (once was holding an umbrella outside, and the other I was playing Nintendo games inside my parents' house). The only effects I suffered was home hearing loss that returned after a few days. I did not receive any entry/exit burns or other neurological damage. I'm sorry to hear about your condition. My mother-in-law did see a physician at Swedish Hospital, and I hear their neuro area is top-notch. |
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I want to thank everyone for their kind responses. There have been many good suggestions and leads as to who to contact. I called a Dr. Philip Yarnell on a breaking up cell phone and tried to introduce myself. The office seemed kind and understanding. I will call back and set up an appointment as soon as I can. |
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I am also a recent lightning strike survivor and am looking for a medical specialist in the Denver area for help. I would like an MD that will look at the whole picture. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you |
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I got hit indirectly and it hit my watch and went up my arm. I typed for a living and it felt like sparks and shocks coming down my arm and hand when I typed for several weeks. I remember calling a few doctors offices and no one really knew what to tell me. Luckily it resolved on its own after several uncomfortable weeks. |
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Barbara Stemple wrote:I am also a recent lightning strike survivor and am looking for a medical specialist in the Denver area for help. I would like an MD that will look at the whole picture. Any help would be appreciated. Thank youYou might try Dr Phillip Yarnell at St Anthony's. He is the Medical Advisor for the Lightning Data Center stanthonyhosp.org/SAH/About… I believe his number is 303-223-6949 |
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Thank you for the referral to St Anthony's Hospital in Denver. I.will contact them first thing Monday morning. As other victims know you can' t explain what you are experiencing. I will keep you posted as to what I find out. Thank you again, barb |
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To Phil Brosovak. I read your posts when I found this site and totally identified with everything you are experiencing or have experienced. Did you finally get some help? Even though I read your posts before, I did not comprehend them the previous time. It makes you feel so stupid. I would like to hear from you. Thank you, Barb |
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Wow, what a story. I wish you luck Phil. Here's a good example of the forum doing good things and not people bickering. |