Seeking Other Moms/resources Dealing with Chronic Health Issues

Updated on May 28, 2009
S.S. asks from Chicago, IL
22 answers

Hi - looking to connect with other moms who are battling chronic health issues along with being a mom. I'm a mom of two in my 30s who has chronic eczema, with fatigue and dizziness issues lately. I don't know anyone in my life with the same issues - so it is hard to talk about my struggles with others. I'm using alternative medicine to deal with these issues - so it would also be great to share information with another mom who is pursuing that path as well. Thanks in advance ...

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So What Happened?

Just want to thank everyone for their responses - particularly from those who are working with challenging chronic issues as well. Some of your stories really inspire me. Clearly there is a support need for moms like us. I do know about chronicbabe.com and plan on asking her if she is aware of any resources for us. If I find out about a support group for chronic moms - I'll message those of you who mentioned you were interested in one. Maybe I'll even start one myself! Thanks for making me feel like I'm not alone.

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R.A.

answers from Peoria on

I have RSD and have had it since I was 15. It's constant pain and since Rx pain meds are not a choice with a toddler and another on the way I also use alternative medicine to deal with the pain. Feel free to contact me to talk.

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D.W.

answers from Chicago on

You stated that you are using alternative medicine I'm assuming that you mean natural herbs. Herbs are not medicine but it is natural food for the body to heal itself.
Omega 3 and Thai-go drink is go for the heart and also honey and cinnamon. For eczema Silver Shield. More info on honey and cinnamon:
Cinnamon and Honey
~ Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting
around
Facts on Honey and Cinnamon: It is found that a mixture of honey and
Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries
Of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban'
(very effective) medicine or all kinds of diseases.

Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.

Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients. Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada, in its issue dated 17 January,1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES:
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

ARTHRITIS:
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning, and night, one cup of hot water With two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If Taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research Conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors Treated their patients with a mixture of on e tablespoon Honey and half Teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, Out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally Relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not Walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS:
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a Glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL:
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce The level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As Mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic Cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon Lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This Process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH:
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears Stomach ulcers from the root.

GAS:
According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that if Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and Protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks.. Scientists have found That honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of
Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral Diseases.

INDIGESTION:
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food Relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA:
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ' Ingredient' Which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY:
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the Ravages of old age Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder And three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to Four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increases and even a 100 year old, starts performing the Chores of a 20-year-old.

PIMPLES:
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with Warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts Cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:
Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach And at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one Cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER:
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three time s a day.

FATIGUE:
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half Tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. When the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

BAD BREATH:
People of South America, first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS:
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restore hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!

You might want to share this information with a friend, kinfolks and love ones
~ everyone needs healthy help information
~ what they do with it is up to them
~ share with your email buddies!!!!!

2 moms found this helpful
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P.W.

answers from Rockford on

Well, at this point I am a grandma, but yes I had chronic health issues while raising my children, as a single parent. I have an autoimmune disorder. Doctors don't tell you that you will have every single symptom of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome when you have an autoimmune disorder. Since my youth, I have not been pain free, or "perky". I have about 3 hours a day pain free, and yes it was a *&(^&* to raise kids that way. The kids felt it too-I didn't want to go to the mall, I didn't want to do kid things with them, play on the floor, run, throw balls. On my days off I was too tired to do anything.
Meleleuca products do help with eczema though, see if you can find a consultant, if not I can find one and put you in touch with one. Nothing much really helps with my disorder--I just suck it up and move on.

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G.H.

answers from Chicago on

Eczema is most likely not related but more of a seasonal thing. My skin was itchy and scaley all winter. Much more than just dry skin. The other issues should be talked ove with your dr. Although dizziness could be vertigo related (easily treatable), it could be something worse. Dieting can cause low protein in the blood and cause fatigue and dizzyness and blurry eyesight..even worse symptoms. Two children can be to much for you to handle like with many other moms these days. Your dr. will know you better to assess your problem. Don't sleep with the kids. You need peaceful sleep and nourishment in the mean time.

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N.W.

answers from Chicago on

Good for you for going the alternative medicine route! You will be more healthy in the long run!

Message me and I'll tell you some more about what you can do.

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T.L.

answers from Chicago on

It sounds to me that some of your issues are food related. You may have sensitivities that you arent aware of. I know a lot of people that had the same problems and were sensitive to gluten (in wheat, oats, barley, rye etc.) and casein (dairy products). You can also have more thatn that but those two are the most problematic.... I just woke up and have processed your post (I am a tad bit sleep deprived!) I am into alternative medicine as well. It is hard to find people that understand that path and I know most people think I have lost my mind when I go the natural route instead of getting a pill to do it for me.Illinois is not very alternative medicine friendly! You can email me privately if you need someone to talk to ! I can also send you some info on some alternative health ____@____.com

K.M.

answers from Chicago on

Stephanie:
Good for you to seek alternative ways to help yourself. As Toni said, you are NOT alone with this. You have a full plate and need to start changing some things in your routine, your diet, your exercise and sleep patterns. Truly there is so much out there. I know of many women your age who have the same issues and after getting on some really good vitamins and probiotics, watching what they eat, plus changing their personal skin care products, a whole new person emerges! It truly does make a difference with what we put in AND on our bodies.

Don't fret, there are ways to combat all of this! If you would like more information, you can contact me for products that are 100% certified organic that will help immensely. Toni is right, you need to change a few things and learn and understand how what you are doing today is affecting you and how changing these things will set you FREE! Looking forward to hearing from you. Make it a great day!

K.
Wellness Consultant

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J.S.

answers from Chicago on

Stephanie,

First let me say I feel your pain, and I'm sorry you have to go through life with health issues. I too have been sick the entire lives of my children...much different from yours, but serious to the point of regular hospitalizations, multiple surgeries and inability to maintain physical activity very long. It was a struggle yes, but now as my children are older, they have developed an amazing understanding of strength and coping and facing obstacles head on. If you'd like to talk more, just email me at ____@____.com

Good luck,

J.

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L.B.

answers from Chicago on

I have found the book YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE by Louise Hay to be invaluable in helping to understand & use the mind/body connection to resolve chronic sinus infections. Your body is communicating through your symptoms. Also check out mind/body healing books by Dr Sarno to learn about how your health is affected by your emotions.
I also highly recommend a FREE workshop on April 26th 2pm at the Garrett Wellness Center 3020 N Kimball in Chicago on how to use Emotional Freedom Techniques. It will be led by the Advanced EFT practitioner, Tom Masbaum. I have had personal success in releasing chronic pain with his help.

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A.W.

answers from Chicago on

Hi Stephanie!

I've got fibromyalgia, and I totally relate to the fatigue and dizziness! The other posts have been great about alternative treatments, as I've been thinking of going that route as well. Another resource that I found helpful is www.chronicbabe.com. They've got some great articles about chronic illness and other resources. I agree with Julie about starting a group for us moms who deal with chronic health issues! In the meantime, feel free to e-mail me if you need to vent!

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J.W.

answers from Chicago on

Hi Stephanie,

Eczema is typically a secondary allergy to dairy, gluten, and/or peanuts sometimes perfumes, dyes, etc. Whenever certain health issues arise in our bodies, our bodies begin talking to us in other ways, eczema, dizziness, etc. It also sounds like you are battling adrenal fatigue as well as yeast overgrowth, which is quite common to accumulate yeast during pregnancy and symptoms tend to really come out after pregnancy. You should be adding some EFA's including flaxseed oil, coconut oil and EVOO, and taking probiotics.

A couple of book recommendations:
Is This Your Child and Our Toxic World-A Wake Up Call both by Dr. Dorris Rapp, www.drrapp.com the first one has really great info on allergies, eczema, colic and all can be applied to adults.

Some website recommendations:
www.bodyecology.com
www.mercola.com

Words to google:
Adrenal Fatigue, Candidia/yeast overgrowth, Leaky Gut Syndrome

I hope this helps.

J. W. MPH
Maternal and Child Wellness Educator
Family Health Expert Chicago Examiner
http://www.examiner.com/x-7158-Chicago-Family-Health-Exam...

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E.K.

answers from Peoria on

Hi Stephanie,
I too am suffering from a chronic health condition. I am glad to know that I am not the only one seeking alternative help. I am slowly but surely improving,but still have my moments of pain. What routes are you doing to help with your issues? I have two children one with special needs,it is hard at times but I am determined not to let it get the best of me!
E.

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T.V.

answers from Chicago on

Stephanie-You are not alone-I know many mothers with health ailments and I am so excited that you are looking into alternative care. A few things-all of your symptoms are classic candida. It causes all of your symptoms and if you have ever taken antibiotics, eat conventional food your body is full of bad yeast and bacteria which allows the growth of nasty parasites which makes your body acidic. Do you know what we are eating and drinking and taking is the root of 99% of health ailments?

You need to eliminate ALL processed foods and sugars out of your eating regimen and eat "clean".

There are a few great books out there to help

You are what you what by Dr. Gillian McKeith
The pH miracle by Drs. Young

You also need to take EFA's which are your omegas, a whole food supplement --no vitamins-they do not work and are synthetic and a good probiotic.

You can email me for more into at. I have a lot of really great articles to send you
____@____.com

You also need to own and be an advocate for your health. Read and learn about your symptoms and condition because no drug will help it will only mask the symptom and not treat the real problem.

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D.W.

answers from Chicago on

I am 45 years old and have rheumatoid arthritis as well as myasthenia gravis. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid at 35 after my first was born. I am under control right now, but have had 4 surgeries to my right hand in the last year because of tendon damage and joint damage due to the arthritis. I currently have to inject myself with two drugs (not really my choice, but nothing was working). I now run upwards of 12 miles, exercise everyday 1 hour a day with no pain and handle a 15 year old and a 6 year old. I homeschool both. The myasthenia gravis was diagnnosed before we had our second. They told me i wouldn't be strong enough to have her and i proved them wrong. I had, before she was born, open-heart type surgery to remove my thymus gland and in 2003 had a healthy, blessing of a girl, all natural delivery. She is fine and no signs of the disease. I am in remission for that with occasional symptoms if i get too tired. It is an autoimmune muscle disease, whereas the arthritis covers the joints. Exercise has been a big help - started with just short walks, stretching, things like that. You can do this - i, unfortunately, have not found any alternative medicine that keeps it under control enough for the disease not to progress and destroy my joints so i had to go the other way. Believe me, I am not one for drugs in my system. I wouldn't even take tylenol for a headache. Would love to share more with you. I will pray, hope that doesn't scare you off. I have suffered with eczema too, mostly as a child, but i get it bad over the hands in the winter. Let me know how I can suppport you.

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J.D.

answers from Chicago on

Hi Stephanie -

I was just going to post the same thing! I'm 39 and dealing with health issues too (fibromyalgia etc) and have a 4 year old. I just had 2 surgeries (prophylactic double mastectomy and oophorectomy (ovaries out) b/c I'm BRCA 2 positive (the "breast cancer gene) which makes me WAY more likely to get cancer. I fought back first. However, right now I'm worse than ever w/ the fibro, dizziness etc.

Anyway maybe those of us w/ health issues and little kids should start a mom's group or something!

Let me know if you're interested (or any other mom's out here)

:)
J.

PS - My dd has true food allergies. I do know eczema occurs in a lot of the cases. I also do alternative and main stream medicine.

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C.B.

answers from Rockford on

I know where you’re coming from. My son had severe eczema @ 4 mo, an anaphylactic reaction to barley @ 9 mo which lead to the discovery of possible allergies to dairy, wheat, eggs, beef, pork, fish, dust, mold, cats & a later diagnosis of asthma.
Here are some things we’ve done that have helped:
Mattress & pillow dust mite protectors
All natural pillows & bedding (beware of the chemicals in the fire retardants used in mattresses)
Air purifiers & vacuums with hepa filters,
Vinegar to clean
All natural lotions, shampoos, soaps-laundry & dish (no sls, parabens, phylates, phosphates, petroleum or it’s byproducts, etc)
Cook with virgin olive, coconut & macadamia oil, no junk food, refined foods or food additives for our son (I’m still working on me!) All of these things I believe have helped somewhat & I can give you product names & websites. There are 3 things tho that really made a noticeable difference. He no longer has eczema outbreaks & is not on any asthma maintainance medication.
1) Find a good chiropractor who is knowledgeable in the use of Standard Process whole food supplements. Many people with eczema/food allergies/asthma suffer from impaired digestion. Supplementing with probiotics, digestive enzymes & omega 3’s should be something you discuss with him or her. Standard Process has several fantastic products with no synthetic ingredients.
2) Water & Celtic Sea Salt. Check out the books written by Dr.F.Batmanghelidj on this & do some reading on sea salt-very interesting, it’s all we use now. He believes most chronic conditions are caused by dehydration. The basic premise is that you need to drink ½ your body weight in water everyday (50lbs=25oz) and take ¼ tsp of celtic sea salt for every qt of water you drink.
3) AND MOST IMPORTANT IS E.F.T. It’s basically acupuncture without the needles. You tap on energy meridians. I wish I had taken this seriously when I first ran across it on www.mercola.com (which is a great website by the way) but I thot it sounded crazy, way too simple. IT WORKS! If you don’t do anything else go to www.emofree.com. You can download a free instruction manual & read stories of its uses & successes. After discovering it did indeed work I bought several of the dvds which I am allowed to copy & give away. I can’t tell you how much this has changed our lives-my 6 yr old taps on himself now because he says it always makes him feel better. I thank God everyday for this amazingly simple technique. I use it on everything & wish I had taken it seriously sooner. I would be more than happy to share thots, info, dvds, etc!
God Bless-C. B

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L.S.

answers from Chicago on

Hi
sorry to hear about the health issues as far as the dizziness and fatigue ,but with the eczema I have a 8yr old that has eczema and he use Dove soap to bath with because it don't have ant perfumes in it and I've been using that since he was 2mos old along with eucerine lotion(Walmart Or Walgreens ) inexpensive I hear alot of people say they don't allow their child to bath every day because of this skin issue but my son has bathe every day since he's been in this world even after he was diagnos at childrens with eczema and that was there remedy for us he don't itch afterwards because the lotion mosturize his skin when ever he takes a bath and hes not in contact with any types of fragrances also be careful what you wash tour clothing in because certain detergents make me itch

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S.J.

answers from Chicago on

Hi Stephanie,
I share your interest in seeking alternative methods of wellness. I have come across some great nutritional supplements, check them out at www.asantae.com/spatreats2u There are some great videos on the website as well. Feel free to send me a message or call me if you have any questions, or would like to learn more about my experiences with these products.

S.
www.asantae.com/spatreats2u

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W.C.

answers from Chicago on

Hi Stephanie!

I too suffer from a lot of different autoimmune health issues and everyday is a different hurdle I have to over come. I have found some support on the internet at www.youdontlooksick.com and The Invisible Disabilities Advocate. I also, have a couple alternative doctors I have tried out for my CFIDS and Fibro. I did do a lot of google searches before finding them. I have also tried NAET - which you can look up and that deals with the clearing of allergies (and that has helped me a lot). From the other posts I have read it does sound like you may have some type of allgery that is causing the eczema. (But, I am not a doctor so, I can only give you what I have gone through).

And it is very hard to raise my 18 month old daughter my husband works about 60 to 70 hours a week so I am really left on my own. But, my husband has been my biggest support and help (next to being able to get a sitter for five hours once a week to allow me see my doctors). And I have found a certain amount of isolation from friends and my even my family because I give 110 percent of myself to my daughter and two dogs everyday and by the end of the day I am ready to fall apart into a million pieces. And most people just don't understand.

It would be nice if moms could form a support group that deals with chronic illnesses Maybe there is one out there and I just haven't found it.

Good luck!

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S.H.

answers from Chicago on

Stephanie:

I can definitely help you with the Chronic Eczema, it is a product called Renew. I have some small tubes to try if you would like. I am not sure where you are out of, however if you are interested in trying it let me know.

It is a product that I get from Melaleuca that has proven to help with skin conditions, which I have in the past had a lot of problems with. I can also find the product info on it for you.

Let me know. Promise me if you try it that you will confirm how well it works!

S. H

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D.R.

answers from Chicago on

I am a 36 y/o mother of a beautiful almost 4 y/o daughter and baby #2 is due in September. I have Relapse-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis and will be 10 years of my DX in October. It is definitely hard to manage, but my DH has been my rock and my daughter has been a great support and inspiration to me. She is kind and understanding - I have never hidden my disease from her - even when she was too young to really know what was going on. The older she gets, the more we explain to her. She knows M. is sick and sometimes can't do things other people do. Before I was pregnant, I would do daily injections of medication and she would "help" me - she would hold the cotton ball for me and count to ten.

I use traditional medicine and natural medicine and the combo works for me. I used to work at a very famous natural health doctor and he helped change my life - and progression of my disease. I take many different supplements (which my daughter helps me prepare weekly by counting them out and putting them in their daily containers). I also try to exercise as much as I can and do yoga.

I would love to talk to you and learn what you are doing as well. It is difficult for me as well since most of the MS patients I have met have grown children already. Other people don't understand how I can go to the gym one day and jog 2 miles on the treadmill and the next week I am using a walker or cane - most think I am faking to get attention...I WISH! Now, this does not mean that ALL healthy people feel this way. I have dear friends who I have known forever and new friends who I recently met and they are SUPER supportive. Many people understand when I explain how the disease works.

Sorry for the long response - I guess I got overzealous at responding to someone who is going through similar feelings as me! Please respond to my post if you are interested in chatting - I would love to know more about how you feel and how you cope.

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R.K.

answers from Chicago on

I'm really sorry to hear that you are struggling with your health. I haven't had health issues myself, but several of my close friends have.
I have seen many people have success through alternative medicine. I'm a huge believer in the fact that proper nutrition can make a huge difference. The right skin care products are also important. My best friend has eczema and the shea butter lotion from Shaklee is the only one that she's found helps her.
Shaklee also had great quality multi-vitamins, probiotics, and Omega 3's. As a matter of fact, they have them all in a convenient daily strip called vitalizer. This also had sustained release Vitamin B and Vitamin C. The B is especially important. B vitamins are essential for energy levels, but it's important to make sure you have all the B vitamins in the right proportions, not just individual B's. The fact that ours is a sustained release is really neat because you don't have to keep taking them throughout the day to keep up your energy. (many Shaklee people used to do this before they came out with the sustained release). They are clinically proven to increase the B vitamin levels in the bloodstream for 12 hours.

www.shaklee.net/rkklemm

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