Friends of Ace

Vonni · Veteran Member

I PASSED !!!! But WOW...

akyoda32 · Senior Member

congrats!!!

sounds like you had a completely different test than me...I had more calculations

Scott60 · Senior Member

Hi Vonnie,

Congratulations!

I had to actually cancel my test because yesterday morning I was tentatively planned for cervical spine surgery after my MRI came back. Then my wife and I decided I need to get a second opinion (which I am trying to set up) so Tracy at ACE made it so I can still test on my date August 14th.

Hopefully I will be able to resolve this thing with my neck w/o surgery or if I have to have it maybe I can wait until after the test at this point. I'm going to see if there's other medical options less drastic first.

Of course if things worsen really badly I'll have no choice but either way Tracy said to just call her if I need to cancel it again.

Anyway enough of all that...

I'm so thrilled for you and hope whenever I get to take it I'll pass also!

Take care,

Scott

Scott60 · Senior Member

Oh, I meant to ask...

Did you hit Submit or would that have ended the test for you?

Take care,

Scott

Susan1 · Veteran Member

Congrats Vonni!!!!!! It sounds like you did have a hard test, and the lack of knowledge from the proctors is definitely concerning! (Coming from someone who has run a school testing program for over 1000 kids - you have to train the proctors for heaven's sake!!!) What was the final answer on submitting (or not) the first part of that test before going on? Things like that worry me as much as anything else!

Conrats again Vonni!!!

Looking forward to hearing more about the test!

Susan

Vonni · Veteran Member

Ooops, I forgot the tell ya the end, sorry! OK, so finally after the proctor said "I dummo"- I kinda sternly said to her (read yelled)- can't you call someone (like the person who gave her my ID number) ?? OK, so she calls and she put me on the phone with this other woman- I tell her my concern about submitting, and she reassures me that if I submit now, the simulation will come up afterward. SHE WAS RIGHT. So it was OK.... but sheese they could give a little message at the end of the multiple choice like "more to come"- is that so hard???

Oh and I just remembered this- I tried to show her my CPR card before and after the test. I kept saying don't you need to see this?- "NO".

Scott, So sorry to hear about the ongoing problems with your neck- Keep believing in the healing capacity of the body and feel better soon.

-- Edited by Vonni at 15:12, 2008-07-17

-- Edited by Vonni at 16:52, 2008-07-17

-- Edited by Vonni at 16:54, 2008-07-17

Jan · Veteran Member

Way to go!!!! Congratulations!!!

I've been praying for you and was anxious to hear! I'm so happy for you! So what is next? Do you plan on working on your own or do you want to go to gym?

You've got me really nervous now about the test! I was starting to feel confident b/c I've been doing better on the exerc. etc. questions and the ACE practice test.. (don't let Shawn see that...I'm sure he thinks I've a LONG way to go ...lol)

Looking forward to hearing more about it!

Scott60 · Senior Member

Hi Vonnie,

Thanks for the good wishes. I spoke w/ a doctor in my family and read him the verbal breakdown of the MRI report and he said it sounds like most of my problem is with inflammation and that I should try to deal w/ that and not to jump into surgery!

The pain is really significant when it hits me, but it's not constant so I'm hopeful. I have to be really careful what I do, ironically, I can't do much exercise, some but no weight bearing stuff w/ my arms, not even a downward dog pose. I can still do lunges, and body weight squatting movements and some gentle upper body stuff to keep things moving.

Thanks for clarifying that about the exam also, it sounds like you had a proctor who really shouldn't have been actually proctoring! :)

Again, I'm so happy for you!!!!! :)

Best,

Scott

Vonni · Veteran Member

I don't mean to make you all nervous...remember there are several tests and I think if you know the material you can properly analyze the questions also. Also, I'd recommend bringing 2 skinny, non-permanent black magic markers!!! They supply the tissues to erase the board (how big of them)!

Scott, once your doctor thinks it's OK, don't count out other healing modalities. Only a few years ago I fell down stairs and had very bad back spasms and scar tissue. I went for deep tissue massage 2x/ wk for a month, and it worked to break up the scar tissue and facilitate healing. Just my experience- wouldn't want to overstep my scope!

Scott60 · Senior Member

Hi Vonnie,

I'm going to try not to worry as much as I was about the exam (especially after this whole scary thing w/ my neck which has put stuff into perspective).

Of course, the week before I wouldn't be surprised if I have some "concerns" about the exam, but I'm going to try to keep my head on straight. Most important is I do need to heal this thing.

I appreciate your suggestion and in fact have the number of a massage therapist who works at my chiropractor's office (she also works at her home). I'll probably be calling her once I feel I'm a bit more stable w/ this thing.

Thanks again for your concern, this has been a humbling physical set back but I'm determined to get myself better. I've just got to be patient w/ myself and with how limited my exercise options are also (which is a drag because exercise is a major stress reliever for me, I guess I'll need to meditate more and exercise less until I'm healed!).

Take care,

Scott

-- Edited by Scott60 at 20:46, 2008-07-17

Tekva · Senior Member

YOWZA!!! I was thinking about you all day!!!!!! SO SO HAPPY FOR YOU! The test IS challenging, but the very fact that you aced it (cough) with all of the distractions means you are made of the right stuff for the career! So happy, Vonni!

Tekva · Senior Member

SCOTT!!!!!!!!!! By all means, get a second opinion! Heavy duty prayer going up for you on this end, my friend!!! Keep us posted, please?!

Tekva · Senior Member

Scott60 wrote:

Hi Vonnie,

I'm going to try not to worry as much as I was about the exam (especially after this whole scary thing w/ my neck which has put stuff into perspective).

Of course, the week before I wouldn't be surprised if I have some "concerns" about the exam, but I'm going to try to keep my head on straight. Most important is I do need to heal this thing.

I appreciate your suggestion and in fact have the number of a massage therapist who works at my chiropractor's office (she also works at her home). I'll probably be calling her once I feel I'm a bit more stable w/ this thing.

Thanks again for your concern, this has been a humbling physical set back but I'm determined to get myself better. I've just got to be patient w/ myself and with how limited my exercise options are also (which is a drag because exercise is a major stress reliever for me, I guess I'll need to meditate more and exercise less until I'm healed!).

Take care,

Scott

-- Edited by Scott60 at 20:46, 2008-07-17

Scott, your determination to move forward (and you will) and do well (you will) is going to be the BEST inspiration to your clients.

Tekva · Senior Member

Jan, get those exercise, etc. questions down and you'll be 3/4 of the way there.

Jan · Veteran Member

Thanks, Tekva for the encouragement! I am doing pretty good with the exerc etc disk on the 4 sections. So I gotta ask...what do you recommend for the other 1/4? :)

Tekva · Senior Member

For the other 1/4, read a lot and stick around here and ask questions! Scott and Akyoda can answer ANYTHING! biggrin

-- Edited by Tekva at 18:51, 2008-07-18

Scott60 · Senior Member

Hi Nora,

I just wanted to thank you for your support. This thing w/ my neck is definitely a concern but I'm hoping it'll resolve over time w/o surgery.

The pain is very variable, sometimes it's really intense and sometimes not bad but it's unpredictable so I'm being really careful.

Right now I'm also trying to stay focused on the test. Though I feel I have a good grasp of everything I'm still nervous about the test because it's still an unknown entity for me.

I just hope I'll make good choices on test day :)

Take care and again thanks for everything!!!!

Best,

Scott

Vonni · Veteran Member

Tomorrow I'm leaving for the annual fam vacation for a week.
Scott- Hang in there and don't worry about not working out, maybe find another hobby that is relaxing, the more you rest it and ice it (guessing that's what they want you to do), the sooner it will heal. If they allow you to- we all know the benefits of just plain walking. I spent about 8 months doing Leslie Sanson'e Walking routines (not very challenging) because I had a flared up old hamstring injury. It was all I could do...but it was fine for maintenance. That injury got better too.

A big thanks again to Nora for setting-up this awesome site! wink

Everyone has shown kindness and support and I don't know where I'd be without it! Back in a week. Von.

Tekva · Senior Member

Scott, if anyone deserves to pass this test with flying colors, you do. I'm not kidding, I think you could teach at ACE.

BarryB · Veteran Member

Way to go Vonni! Sounds like you took a bullet for the rest of us. Hopefully, realizing your new career goals will be easier than the test.

Barry

BarryB · Veteran Member

Attn: Scott

Scott60 · Senior Member

RE: I PASSED !!!! But WOW...

BarryB · Veteran Member

Good luck! Sounds like you've got a handle on it. Just a thought: you might want to discuss with your doctor any possible problems with pain meds while sitting the Aug 14 test. You may want to reschedule the exam if any meds you're taking might diminish your alertness, etc., or meds or not, if sitting for so long during the test could pose a problem.

Barry

Scott60 · Senior Member

BarryB wrote:

Good luck! Sounds like you've got a handle on it. Just a thought: you might want to discuss with your doctor any possible problems with pain meds while sitting the Aug 14 test. You may want to reschedule the exam if any meds you're taking might diminish your alertness, etc., or meds or not, if sitting for so long during the test could pose a problem.

Barry

Hi Barry,

I've actually just been getting by w/ Aleve believe it or not.

For the periods when I have intense pain I ice my neck and arm and so far it's been providing enough relief and I use heat for other times.

I don't do well w/ meds, they tend to really effect me too intensely so I'm avoiding anything too strong. Plus, I want to know what positions I need to avoid w/ my body and don't want it to be covered over w/ pain medicine. Especially when I'm sleeping, I don't want to get into a contorted position and not realize it by being too knocked out on drugs.

While the pain does get pretty intense at tiems, I'm not in constant agony thankfully or else I'd definitely be getting the strong stuff for sure (and cancelling the test).

On the positive side, I seem to be having more good moments each day than bad so I'm hopeful that I'm moving in the right direction. The neck traction thing seems to be helping which is very reassuring.

Driving is extremely uncomfortable and the test is far enough away that I booked a hotel for the night before nearby the test center so I don't have to do much driving the day of the test (or have to get up so insanely early in order to get there). Hopefully I'll pass the first time and won't have to go thru that process again.

Either way, I won't actually be able to train folks until I resolve this because of the weakness in my left hand. I couldn't properly spot someone like this, but I still want to get the test behind me because I feel at this point I'm really ready. As long as my head is screwed on straight on test day I think I'll be okay.

I figure that if I can't actually train folks for a while I'll just use the time that I'm recovering from this thing to start on the CEC's so it'll be time well spent.

Thanks again for your concern and suggestions I really do appreciate it from you and the rest of the amazing folks here! :)

Take care,

Scott

-- Edited by Scott60 at 19:44, 2008-07-21

BarryB · Veteran Member

Like I said before, you do seem to have a handle on it. Re the exam: I've followed your posts here and on the ACE board - you're ready, and you'll pass. The down-time during recovery might be a good chance to create a website and maybe write some fill content for an eventual on-line newsletter, etc. www.homestead.com is an easy way to create your own website, and it's cheap.

Barry

Tekva · Senior Member

Barry, what caused the flutter??

Scott60 · Senior Member

BarryB wrote:

Like I said before, you do seem to have a handle on it. Re the exam: I've followed your posts here and on the ACE board - you're ready, and you'll pass. The down-time during recovery might be a good chance to create a website and maybe write some fill content for an eventual on-line newsletter, etc. www.homestead.com is an easy way to create your own website, and it's cheap.

Barry

Hi Barry,

Thanks for your positive support, I appreciate it! I've definitely prepared really thoroughly for the exam, it's just been a long time since I've had to take a test that was really meaningful so there's some fear of the unknown and self doubt there.

I've mentioned this before on the other site, but I've found this whole process has clearly exposed a lot of inner work that I need to do that transcends the actual test itself.

I'm working on it, reading some excellent books and trying to put it into practice (Dan Millman has some books that have been helping me). I'm trying to live more and more in the present moment, which I know is the key, just not always easy to do (48 years of mental knots to untie). :)

Also, thanks for that link, a website is something I'll certainly want to have especially since I'm planning on training people at their homes and won't be working from a gym (though of course I wouldn't totally rule that out, it's just not my first choice).

I'll definitely have plenty to do once I'm certified in terms of gathering things I'll need so my healing time will be time well spent for sure :)

Have a great one!

Scott

BarryB · Veteran Member

Such as in my case, the cause often isn't known. It has to do with electrical impulses to the heart. The cardiologist doesn't agree with my theory but I suspect that I'm right.

I'm the one who put the O in OCD. I do split routines, alternating upper, lower and cardio days. On the lifting days, I warm up by walking 2 miles briskly, then immediately climb the stairs two at a time to the 6th floor, where my gym is. I live in Sarasota, Florida, so it's pretty hot here during the summer, even in the early morning. This is what I had done just before the atrial flutter occured, and I'm convinced that it's too much of a coincidence for it not to be related.

Barry

Scott60 · Senior Member

BarryB wrote:

Such as in my case, the cause often isn't known. It has to do with electrical impulses to the heart. The cardiologist doesn't agree with my theory but I suspect that I'm right.

I'm the one who put the O in OCD. I do split routines, alternating upper, lower and cardio days. On the lifting days, I warm up by walking 2 miles briskly, then immediately climb the stairs two at a time to the 6th floor, where my gym is. I live in Sarasota, Florida, so it's pretty hot here during the summer, even in the early morning. This is what I had done just before the atrial flutter occured, and I'm convinced that it's too much of a coincidence for it not to be related.

Barry

Hi Barry,

I'm glad you're doing better now, that had to be incredibly scary!

How have you modified your routine to try to prevent this from happening again?

Take care,

Scott

BarryB · Veteran Member

I got out of the hospital June 30. After a week of doing nothing physical and eating food that was so bad that I concluded that it must be the hospital's way of punishing people for getting sick, I was ready to get back in action. I had had every imaginable test and analysis and the doctors concluded that my heart was in great shape - valves, arteries, etc., all good. They also knew of my exercise and related lifestyle conditioning and said that I could pick up where I left off. But common sense being what it is, I went easy the first week, both in terms of volume and intensity. I've cut the warm-up walks back to 1 mile and take the steps one at a time. I don't usually drink a lot of sports drinks, or drink them on a regular basis. But as a precaution, I've begun drinking a 20 oz Gatoraide post-workout, and on cardio days (I do HIITs, which really drains you) I also drink one pre-workout. I don't know if it's making a difference but it's good for confidence. (I'm Jewish, so maybe I just think that Gatoraide is the Christian equivalent of chicken soup.)

I'll attach one caveat to all of the above. I see the cardiologist again on 6/29. Part of the in-hospital and post-hospital recovery protocol includes several medications. I'm assuming that the doctor will take me off the meds when I see him - I'm told that's the usual course, assuming no intervening events, etc. One of the meds I've been taking is Sotalol, which controls and slows the heart rate. I've gained about 8 pounds since this all began, and I'm assuming that the Sotalol is causing a reduced VO2 max, hence a less beneficial effect on body weight relative to exercise (all the stuff we study). I usually do HIITs between 120 and 145 bpm min/max, but can barely get my HR up to 110 now.

Barry

-- Edited by BarryB at 17:10, 2008-07-24

Scott60 · Senior Member

Hi Barry,

BTW I'm from a Jewish background also though I must admit I'm not a practicing Jew. I was Bar Mitzvahed and everything back in the day though. As Lama Surya Das says "I'm Jewish on my Parent's side. :)

Getting back to your health stuff, do you think that you were dealing w/ an electrolyte imbalance (I'm only mentioning this because of the extra Gatorade your drinking)?

I hope you can get off the meds when you see the doc again.

On my health front, I'm seeing a neurosurgeon on Tuesday. Hoping at most I'll need an epidural, but know that surgery may still be looming. A different neurosurgeon didn't feel that surgery was imminent but he did want to see an MRI of my Thoracic area, the MRI didn't get low enough to get that and it could be where the bulk of my problem is (though my cervical spine isn't in the best shape either).

Either way, I just want to get this ACE exam done so it's out of the way and then if I need surgery at least the studying for this will be behind me. If an epidural is in order I'd want that as soon as possible. My mom almost needed surgery and the epidural helped her avoid the knife. I'm hoping for that myself!

Anyway, I don't think I've improved much, but haven't gotten worse thankfully.

Take care,

Scott

BarryB · Veteran Member

I'm purely secular.

I mentioned an electrolyte imbalance to the doctor as a possible consequence of the walk/heat/steps, but he dismissed the idea. But it is what occured to me, so yes, that's why I'm drinking the Gatoraide, as a hedge.

More importantly, best of luck to you - it's got to be unsettling going through what you're dealing with.

Barry

-- Edited by BarryB at 22:07, 2008-07-24

Scott60 · Senior Member

BarryB wrote:

I'm purely secular.

I mentioned an electrolyte imbalance to the doctor as a possible consequence of the walk/heat/steps, but he dismissed the idea. But it is what occured to me, so yes, that's why I'm drinking the Gatoraide, as a hedge.

More importantly, best of luck to you - it's got to be unsettling going through what you're dealing with.

Barry

-- Edited by BarryB at 22:07, 2008-07-24

Hi Barry,

My wife tends to have strange things happen w/ her heart if she gets dehydrated (also stress and exhaustion trigger it). She had a heart murmur which is sometimes more present (during her last pregnancy) and other times it's not really an issue. But she is very careful about the hydration issue.

I appreciate you're concern w/ my deal, I'm hoping for positive news on Tuesday, but I may need that other MRI before I'll know more.

Take care,

Scott

Tekva · Senior Member

You and Scott have my greatest admiration for your roll with the punches attitudes during your ordeals.

BarryB · Veteran Member

I'm viewing this as a one-time event - an anomoly, unless I'm told otherwise. I've been known to make some people sick, but I don't usually get sick myself. Oh well.

We all need to stay hydrated. But as you age there often becomes a conflict between H20 and BPH. Oh well, again.

Is this a new concern for your wife?

Barry

BarryB · Veteran Member

Thanks, Tekva.

Scott60 · Senior Member

Tekva wrote:

You and Scott have my greatest admiration for your roll with the punches attitudes during your ordeals.

Hi Nora,

I'm more concerned (i.e. worried :)) than my posts have probably let on, but I am just continuing to study and teach and stuff to keep things as normal as possible. Having these numb fingers is freaking me out a bit, especially since I can't demonstrate to my piano students the way I normally could, there's things I just can't play right now because those fingers are pretty useless. My students have been very understanding and patient w/ me.

I do fluctuate between highs and lows, but I'm really hoping this will be solved w/o surgery. Whatever it is that I need to do I'll do but I'm hoping for the best.

The studying, even though I definitely want to be past the exam, is keeping me focused on something other than the whole health thing. I find I'm still able to focus pretty well for the practice tests and stuff, so that gives me hope that I'll be okay for the exam. The length might pose a problem, but I'm hoping if I can do it using my right hand primarily, then I should be okay if my left hand is still messed up.

Take care,

Scott

Scott60 · Senior Member

BarryB wrote:

Is this a new concern for your wife?

Barry

No, she's been dealing w/ this stuff since she was pregnant w/ our daughter who is almost 12. I don't think she had as many issues when she was pregnant w/ our son (he's almost 15).

She is just really diligent about staying hydrated and making sure she tries to get enough rest (and keep her stress level down, something not always easy to do :)).

Take care,

Scott

-- Edited by Scott60 at 18:20, 2008-07-25

BarryB · Veteran Member

Another reason why men don't have babies. We'd get thirsty and drink beer. Oh, wait; that's what we do now.

Tekva · Senior Member

Scott, I play play piano (badly), and I sympathize. I know as an instructor that has to be a great frustration for you.

Hey, I believe very much in prayer, and you and Barry are daily in mine.

Tekva · Senior Member

ROFL

Tekva · Senior Member

Let's get back to Vonni's great victory on this thread! It's such cause celebre when one passes the test! biggrin

But Barry and Scott, will you continue this conversation in Just Gab? I think we all need to keep up with it...prayer, good wishes, encouragement...

Scott60 · Senior Member

Tekva wrote:

Let's get back to Vonni's great victory on this thread! It's such cause celebre when one passes the test!

But Barry and Scott, will you continue this conversation in Just Gab? I think we all need to keep up with it...prayer, good wishes, encouragement...

Hi Nora,

I agree, we should definitely be celebrating for Vonnie!

Best,

Scott

BarryB · Veteran Member

Ditto - Barry

Vonni · Veteran Member

Hi, just back from vacation. Nice times! Speak about whatevah you want on this thread, I don't mind- but now I don't want to look like I'm milkin' the celebration!
Scott and Barry, vibes of good health coming your way... and another weird coincidence, I'm Jewish too (but not card-carrying, so to speak). Born in Jewish Memorial Hsopital, NYC, NY.
Barry, thanks for the interesting link for website creation- gotta get the word out if you're offering a service!

-- Edited by Vonni at 12:59, 2008-07-27

Scott60 · Senior Member

Vonni wrote:

Hi, just back from vacation. Nice times! Speak about whatevah you want on this thread, I don't mind- but now I don't want to look like I'm milkin' the celebration!
Scott and Barry, vibes of good health coming your way... and another weird coincidence, I'm Jewish too (but not card-carrying, so to speak). Born in Jewish Memorial Hsopital, NYC, NY.
Barry, thanks for the interesting link for website creation- gotta get the word out if you're offering a service!

-- Edited by Vonni at 12:59, 2008-07-27

Hi Vonnie,

Welcome Back!

I guess so far we're all non-card carrying Jews (I was born in Brooklyn, NY, grew up in Long Island but now live in TN Ya'll, I love it here!). :)

I tend to listen more to the Dalai Lama than the (now past) Rebbe. By the way, great book "The Jew In The Lotus" , a true story about a diverse contingent of Rabbis (plus the author, not a rabbi) who went to India (Dharamsala) to meet w/ the Dalai Lama, VERY interesting!

Well, gotta run!

Best,

Scott

-- Edited by Scott60 at 17:23, 2008-07-27

BarryB · Veteran Member

Thanks, Vonni.

Barry