new member intro

[Guest guest]

Hi Ivy, Welcome to the group, sorry for your diagnose, but glad your

here, Tawny

> Hi Everyone-

>

> I just joined your group. My name is Ivy, I'm a 43 year old married

female in

> Arizona.

> I've been recently diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica and

started cortisone

> therapy about 2 weeks ago. I suffer from severe leg and foot cramps

24/7 and

> it's excruciating. The cortisone doesn't seem to be helping much

except for

> making me want to eat everything in site. I get tired very very

easily and

> it's all so frustrating.

> I'm not 100% sure they have the diagnosis right and have an appt at

the end of

> August to consult with a second rheumatologist.

> Is there anyone else out there with this? I'd love to chat and get

some more

> info and make some new friends here.

>

> Also, I'm most likely going to be moving to the Dallas, Texas area

in the fall

> and if anyone has a recommendation on some good doctors there

(general

> practitioner as well as rheumatologist) I'd love to know.

>

> Oh...one last thing...I read that a wheat gluten allergy can cause

alot of the

> autoimmune diseases particularly those related to the rheumatoid

family. I've

> recently attempted to start a gluten free diet (it's really hard!)

so if

> anyone has any info on that I'd be interested or I can send anyone

the links I

> have.

>

> Thanks for having me in your group...

> Stay well and pain free all!

> Hugs-

> Ivy

>

>

>

> ----------------------------------------------

> This mail sent through http://www.ukonline.net

[Guest guest]

Hi Ivy and welcome to the group,

I'm pretty new, too. I'm 49, married with 2 kids, diagnosed with RA

this year. I live in Fort Worth. I think I have a great

rheumatologist, but he's in southwest Fort Worth which is a bit of a

drive from Dallas. I do have a friend, though, who's had RA for

twenty-something years and goes to a rheumy in Dallas that she just

loves. She originally recommended this doctor to me, but I had

already found my doctor in FW. I can't remember the name offhand,

but I can find out and send it to you if you like.

> Hi Everyone-

>

> I just joined your group. My name is Ivy, I'm a 43 year old married

female in

> Arizona.

> I've been recently diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica and

started cortisone

> therapy about 2 weeks ago. I suffer from severe leg and foot cramps

24/7 and

> it's excruciating. The cortisone doesn't seem to be helping much

except for

> making me want to eat everything in site. I get tired very very

easily and

> it's all so frustrating.

> I'm not 100% sure they have the diagnosis right and have an appt at

the end of

> August to consult with a second rheumatologist.

> Is there anyone else out there with this? I'd love to chat and get

some more

> info and make some new friends here.

>

> Also, I'm most likely going to be moving to the Dallas, Texas area

in the fall

> and if anyone has a recommendation on some good doctors there

(general

> practitioner as well as rheumatologist) I'd love to know.

>

> Oh...one last thing...I read that a wheat gluten allergy can cause

alot of the

> autoimmune diseases particularly those related to the rheumatoid

family. I've

> recently attempted to start a gluten free diet (it's really hard!)

so if

> anyone has any info on that I'd be interested or I can send anyone

the links I

> have.

>

> Thanks for having me in your group...

> Stay well and pain free all!

> Hugs-

> Ivy

>

>

>

> ----------------------------------------------

> This mail sent through http://www.ukonline.net

[Guest guest]

Hi Dix, it's so nice to meet you.

Thanks for the info...I'm on calcium but my doc doesn't think I need fosamax

yet, although I don't know why.

She also says I'm not ready for PT yet...says I need to rest and recoup awhile

first. Apparently I've had this awhile before being diagnosed.

I'd be interested in talking to your sister and comparing notes. Does she get

the leg/foot cramps? They're 24/7 and excruciating. There's no let up from

them. I try stretching and lite walking on the treadmill but nothing helps it.

I'm also taking potassium and magnesium as well but nothing seems to make a

difference.

I was also diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease (thyroid auto immune disease as

well) but they're not doing anything about that yet either. I have a follow up

with my doc next week so I'm going to ask for a referral to an endocrinologist

to see if I can get that going. I know thyroid problems can cause muscle

cramps too so I'm thinking maybe that's it.

As for the gluten free diet, there are several on the net,just punch in gluten

free diet in google and stuff will come up. A little later I'll send some

links through the group on them as well. It's hard to follow because so many

things have gluten in it that you don't realize. All last week I tried to

follow it to the letter and found out that I had been eating things with

gluten in them all along so I'm back to the drawing board. Also, there's a

product in the health food store called Colostrum ( you can check that on the

net as well) that will help with it too...it's a very interesting product.

Anyway, I'll type more later...just having lunch and then off to get my hair

done.

Thanks for the warm welcome. It seems like a great group!

Hugs-

Ivy

Quoting Dixie <dix7chix@...>:

>

>

>

>

>     Hi Ivy and welcome to the group.  It's a wonderful group of friendly,

> caring people who also have a good sense of humor.

>

>     I'm Dix, married for 34 years to Dan with 7 grown children adn 3

> grandchildren.  We live in Illinois about 30 miles south of Chicago.

>

>     My sister has poly rheum.  What helped her the most was going to physical

> therapy.  She went for several months, and when they decided it was time to

> stop, she was almost in remission, and does her exercises daily, and is

> feeling good.

>

>     Sometimes it takes cortisone a while to work.  You also need to be on an

> appropriate dose.  If you take cortisone, you should also take Vitamin D,

> calcium, and get an Rx for Fosamax - it helps prevents bones loss from the

> cortisone.

>

>     I've been looking for a gluten-free diet also.  If I don't find one soon,

> I'll write my mom, who's a retired hospital dietician/nutritionist.  She's

> 85, but her mind is sharp as a tack, especially about food!

>

>     I think getting a 2nd opinion is a great idea.  Some of the auto-immune

> diseases are difficult to pinpoint when they begin.

>

>     I hope you find what you're looking for here.  From what I've seen so

> far, you will.

>

> Dix

>

>   [ ] New Member Intro

>

>

>

>

>

>   Hi Everyone-

>

>

>

>   I just joined your group. My name is Ivy, I'm a 43 year old married female

> in

>

>   Arizona.

>

>   I've been recently diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica and started

> cortisone

>

>   therapy about 2 weeks ago. I suffer from severe leg and foot cramps 24/7

> and

>

>   it's excruciating. The cortisone doesn't seem to be helping much except for

>

>

>   making me want to eat everything in site. I get tired very very easily and

>

>   it's all so frustrating.

>

>   I'm not 100% sure they have the diagnosis right and have an appt at the end

> of

>

>   August to consult with a second rheumatologist.

>

>   Is there anyone else out there with this? I'd love to chat and get some

> more

>

>   info and make some new friends here.

>

>

>

>   Also, I'm most likely going to be moving to the Dallas, Texas area in the

> fall

>

>   and if anyone has a recommendation on some good doctors there (general

>

>   practitioner as well as rheumatologist) I'd love to know.

>

>

>

>   Oh...one last thing...I read that a wheat gluten allergy can cause alot of

> the

>

>   autoimmune diseases particularly those related to the rheumatoid family.

> I've

>

>   recently attempted to start a gluten free diet (it's really hard!) so if

>

>   anyone has any info on that I'd be interested or I can send anyone the

> links I

>

>   have.

>

>

>

>   Thanks for having me in your group...

>

>   Stay well and pain free all!

>

>   Hugs-

>

>   Ivy

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>   ----------------------------------------------

>

>   This mail sent through http://www.ukonline.net

>

>

>

>

>

>  

[Guest guest]

Hi Tawny--

Thanks for the warm welcome. I wish none of us are here but I'm glad a place

like this exists!!

Hugs-

Ivy

Quoting Tawny <tawnyokc@...>:

>

>

>

>

> Hi Ivy, Welcome to the group, sorry for your diagnose, but glad your

>

> here, Tawny

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> > Hi Everyone-

>

> >

>

> > I just joined your group. My name is Ivy, I'm a 43 year old married

>

> female in

>

> > Arizona.

>

> > I've been recently diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica and

>

> started cortisone

>

> > therapy about 2 weeks ago. I suffer from severe leg and foot cramps

>

> 24/7 and

>

> > it's excruciating. The cortisone doesn't seem to be helping much

>

> except for

>

> > making me want to eat everything in site. I get tired very very

>

> easily and

>

> > it's all so frustrating.

>

> > I'm not 100% sure they have the diagnosis right and have an appt at

>

> the end of

>

> > August to consult with a second rheumatologist.

>

> > Is there anyone else out there with this? I'd love to chat and get

>

> some more

>

> > info and make some new friends here.

>

> >

>

> > Also, I'm most likely going to be moving to the Dallas, Texas area

>

> in the fall

>

> > and if anyone has a recommendation on some good doctors there

>

> (general

>

> > practitioner as well as rheumatologist) I'd love to know.

>

> >

>

> > Oh...one last thing...I read that a wheat gluten allergy can cause

>

> alot of the

>

> > autoimmune diseases particularly those related to the rheumatoid

>

> family. I've

>

> > recently attempted to start a gluten free diet (it's really hard!)

>

> so if

>

> > anyone has any info on that I'd be interested or I can send anyone

>

> the links I

>

> > have.

>

> >

>

> > Thanks for having me in your group...

>

> > Stay well and pain free all!

>

> > Hugs-

>

> > Ivy

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> > ----------------------------------------------

>

> > This mail sent through http://www.ukonline.net

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Ivy,....Yes, it is so great to find a group, where there are great

people aboard. I am 41 years old, and I live in Oklahoma.

We have quite a few here from Texas, so I'm sure you will get some

helpful information. big hugs, Tawny

> >

> > > Hi Everyone-

> >

> > >

> >

> > > I just joined your group. My name is Ivy, I'm a 43 year old

married

> >

> > female in

> >

> > > Arizona.

> >

> > > I've been recently diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica and

> >

> > started cortisone

> >

> > > therapy about 2 weeks ago. I suffer from severe leg and foot

cramps

> >

> > 24/7 and

> >

> > > it's excruciating. The cortisone doesn't seem to be helping

much

> >

> > except for

> >

> > > making me want to eat everything in site. I get tired very very

> >

> > easily and

> >

> > > it's all so frustrating.

> >

> > > I'm not 100% sure they have the diagnosis right and have an

appt at

> >

> > the end of

> >

> > > August to consult with a second rheumatologist.

> >

> > > Is there anyone else out there with this? I'd love to chat and

get

> >

> > some more

> >

> > > info and make some new friends here.

> >

> > >

> >

> > > Also, I'm most likely going to be moving to the Dallas, Texas

area

> >

> > in the fall

> >

> > > and if anyone has a recommendation on some good doctors there

> >

> > (general

> >

> > > practitioner as well as rheumatologist) I'd love to know.

> >

> > >

> >

> > > Oh...one last thing...I read that a wheat gluten allergy can

cause

> >

> > alot of the

> >

> > > autoimmune diseases particularly those related to the

rheumatoid

> >

> > family. I've

> >

> > > recently attempted to start a gluten free diet (it's really

hard!)

> >

> > so if

> >

> > > anyone has any info on that I'd be interested or I can send

anyone

> >

> > the links I

> >

> > > have.

> >

> > >

> >

> > > Thanks for having me in your group...

> >

> > > Stay well and pain free all!

> >

> > > Hugs-

> >

> > > Ivy

> >

> > >

> >

> > >

> >

> > >

> >

> > > ----------------------------------------------

> >

> > > This mail sent through http://www.ukonline.net

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group, Ivy! Sorry that you've not been feeling well.

Getting a second opinion is a very good idea since polymyalgia

rheumatica is uncommon in people under 50 years of age. Too,

corticosteroids usually bring prompt relief of symptoms.

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] New Member Intro

> Hi Everyone-

>

> I just joined your group. My name is Ivy, I'm a 43 year old married

female in

> Arizona.

> I've been recently diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica and started

cortisone

> therapy about 2 weeks ago. I suffer from severe leg and foot cramps

24/7 and

> it's excruciating. The cortisone doesn't seem to be helping much

except for

> making me want to eat everything in site. I get tired very very easily

and

> it's all so frustrating.

> I'm not 100% sure they have the diagnosis right and have an appt at

the end of

> August to consult with a second rheumatologist.

> Is there anyone else out there with this? I'd love to chat and get

some more

> info and make some new friends here.

>

> Also, I'm most likely going to be moving to the Dallas, Texas area in

the fall

> and if anyone has a recommendation on some good doctors there (general

> practitioner as well as rheumatologist) I'd love to know.

>

> Oh...one last thing...I read that a wheat gluten allergy can cause

alot of the

> autoimmune diseases particularly those related to the rheumatoid

family. I've

> recently attempted to start a gluten free diet (it's really hard!) so

if

> anyone has any info on that I'd be interested or I can send anyone the

links I

> have.

>

> Thanks for having me in your group...

> Stay well and pain free all!

> Hugs-

> Ivy

[Guest guest]

Hi -

Thanks for the warm welcome hun. I'm feeling ok today so I'm a happy camper.

Hope you are too!

Hugs-

Ivy

Quoting <Matsumura_Clan@...>:

>

>

>

>

> Welcome to the group, Ivy! Sorry that you've not been feeling well.

>

>

>

> Getting a second opinion is a very good idea since polymyalgia

>

> rheumatica is uncommon in people under 50 years of age. Too,

>

> corticosteroids usually bring prompt relief of symptoms.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> I'll tell you where to go!

>

>

>

> Mayo Clinic in Rochester

>

> http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

>

>

>

> s Hopkins Medicine

>

> http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

>

>

>

>

>

> [ ] New Member Intro

>

>

>

>

>

> > Hi Everyone-

>

> >

>

> > I just joined your group. My name is Ivy, I'm a 43 year old married

>

> female in

>

> > Arizona.

>

> > I've been recently diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica and started

>

> cortisone

>

> > therapy about 2 weeks ago. I suffer from severe leg and foot cramps

>

> 24/7 and

>

> > it's excruciating. The cortisone doesn't seem to be helping much

>

> except for

>

> > making me want to eat everything in site. I get tired very very easily

>

> and

>

> > it's all so frustrating.

>

> > I'm not 100% sure they have the diagnosis right and have an appt at

>

> the end of

>

> > August to consult with a second rheumatologist.

>

> > Is there anyone else out there with this? I'd love to chat and get

>

> some more

>

> > info and make some new friends here.

>

> >

>

> > Also, I'm most likely going to be moving to the Dallas, Texas area in

>

> the fall

>

> > and if anyone has a recommendation on some good doctors there (general

>

> > practitioner as well as rheumatologist) I'd love to know.

>

> >

>

> > Oh...one last thing...I read that a wheat gluten allergy can cause

>

> alot of the

>

> > autoimmune diseases particularly those related to the rheumatoid

>

> family. I've

>

> > recently attempted to start a gluten free diet (it's really hard!) so

>

> if

>

> > anyone has any info on that I'd be interested or I can send anyone the

>

> links I

>

> > have.

>

> >

>

> > Thanks for having me in your group...

>

> > Stay well and pain free all!

>

> > Hugs-

>

> > Ivy

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi brian, im debbie ..Im sure there are lots on this site to help you out... i

just got on this site within the last 2 weeks and ya learn alot here.. They are

all wonderful people...I have been going thru different diagnosis for many yrs

now , and have just found out im mctd... alil of all.. and it is hard to come up

with everything , but you can come up with a lot from the people who go thru it

all... Take care .. will talk soon... debbie

---------------------------------

Find Great Deals on Holiday Gifts at

[Guest guest]

I am a 45 year old CMLer with almost 3 years under my belt. I have three

kids and while it is hard (hard for healthy people with kids) once you adjust

to your life, you will find that you will " hit your stride " and things will be

great for you. Tell your family not to worry and get educated at sites like

this one. Get a good oncologist that you can trust and you feel comfortable

and ask questions until you get the answers you need.

You will find people coming out of the wood work that want to help and often

they do not know what to do. Accept all the help you need and even some you

don't need, because sometimes it is more for them than you.

Once you adjust, you will see the world in a whole new light.

Matt

Florida

Father of 3

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

[Guest guest]

Hi Joy,

Welcome to the group! I'm a 36 year old wife and mother of two girls

and I was diagnosed with CML in January of 2002.

The vast majority of people who are diagnosed with CML do very well

on Gleevec and for the few who don't, there are several other drug

options available. CML is no longer the death sentence it once was.

Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have. I'm sure someone

in the group will be able to help you.

Take care,

Tracey

-- In , " russelfan2006 " <russelfan2006@...> wrote:

>

> Hi.I'm Joy.I'm a 40 year old wife and mother.I was just diagnosed

with

> CML last week.I am still coming to terms with the news but I've

made up

> my mind to fight this with all I have in me.i would like to hear

about

> other people with the same illness and how they deal with it and

about

> other people's experiences with it.I look forward to meeting other

> group members very soon.Thank you for having me as part of the

group.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Joy ,

You find the right group to have all the information you need .

The are no stupid question .

Don't worry to ask anything you want .

Welcome in the group .

Emile

dx dec 2002

# 527 Zavie's Club

[ ] New Member Intro

Hi.I'm Joy.I'm a 40 year old wife and mother.I was just diagnosed with

CML last week.I am still coming to terms with the news but I've made up

my mind to fight this with all I have in me.i would like to hear about

other people with the same illness and how they deal with it and about

other people's experiences with it.I look forward to meeting other

group members very soon.Thank you for having me as part of the group.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.6.2/782 - Release Date: 2007-05-01

02:10

[Guest guest]

Hi Joy,

I second Tracey. I am also 40, dx 2 years ago, and I am living a perfectly

normal life. It took some time to learn about cml, and with knowledge the

situation started looking a lot better. Keep high spirits, and as the others

said, asking questions and getting answers helps getting over the bad news.

Cheers and best wishes,

Marcos.

On 5/1/07, russelfan2006 <russelfan2006@...> wrote:

>

> Hi.I'm Joy.I'm a 40 year old wife and mother.I was just diagnosed with

> CML last week.I am still coming to terms with the news but I've made up

> my mind to fight this with all I have in me.i would like to hear about

> other people with the same illness and how they deal with it and about

> other people's experiences with it.I look forward to meeting other

> group members very soon.Thank you for having me as part of the group.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Joy,

Welcome to the club that nobody really wants to be a member of.

Once you get over the initial shock, you will find out that for most

patients it is a simple as taking one pill a day.

Tell us about yourself and details of your diagnosis. Ask any question

and you will get a prompt answer.

If you are computer literate, join us on our weekly chats. There is

one this evening at 9:00 PM.

Zavie

After a short while you will get to understand this stuff.

Zavie (age 68)

67 Shoreham Avenue

Ottawa, Canada, dxd AUG/99

INF OCT/99 to FEB/00, CHF

No meds FEB/00 to JAN/01

Gleevec since MAR/27/01 (400 mg)

CCR SEP/01. #102 in Zero Club

2.8 log reduction Sep/05

3.0 log reduction Jan/06

2.9 log reduction Feb/07

e-mail: zmiller@...

Tel: 613-726-1117

Fax: 309-296-0807

Cell: 613-202-0204

ID: zaviem

>

> Hi.I'm Joy.I'm a 40 year old wife and mother.I was just diagnosed

with

> CML last week.I am still coming to terms with the news but I've made

up

> my mind to fight this with all I have in me.i would like to hear

about

> other people with the same illness and how they deal with it and

about

> other people's experiences with it.I look forward to meeting other

> group members very soon.Thank you for having me as part of the group.

>

[Guest guest]

Joy,

Sorry to welcome you to the group. We are better off

by knowing you - but we wish to have met you through

othert circumstances.

I was diagnosed on 7/14/03. I was 44 years old. I

have two young children and I was scared. The first

6 weeks were uncertain - but from then on I saw good

results and steady progress in the fight! I have

been in great shape and have had very little side

effects.

I have confidence in my team of Drs and in the

medicines (so far only Gleevec) that I will use to

live a 99% normal and long life! I hope you have

even better results!

Chris

--- russelfan2006 <russelfan2006@...> wrote:

> Hi.I'm Joy.I'm a 40 year old wife and mother.I was

> just diagnosed with

> CML last week.I am still coming to terms with the

> news but I've made up

> my mind to fight this with all I have in me.i would

> like to hear about

> other people with the same illness and how they deal

> with it and about

> other people's experiences with it.I look forward to

> meeting other

> group members very soon.Thank you for having me as

> part of the group.

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hello Joy,

name here is Skip Duffie. I think I may be the oldest

living person with CML, 29 years, there were no meds

back then, now there is all kinds, if gleevec does not

work there are many others, like me I am on Nilotinib

(AMN107), I feel fine, so welcome to the group even

though I do not wish CML on anyone these people are a

caring and helpful lot.

SkipD

dx'ed 1978

see my diary http://easyskip.tripod.com

--- russelfan2006 <russelfan2006@...> wrote:

> Hi.I'm Joy.I'm a 40 year old wife and mother.I was

> just diagnosed with

> CML last week.I am still coming to terms with the

> news but I've made up

> my mind to fight this with all I have in me.i would

> like to hear about

> other people with the same illness and how they deal

> with it and about

> other people's experiences with it.I look forward to

> meeting other

> group members very soon.Thank you for having me as

> part of the group.

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Joy,

My name is Lynn. I'm a 44 year old wife and mother of two young

daughters, age 7 and 10. I've had CML for 3 1/2 years now.

A big hug and warm welcome to our CML group. You will find a wealth

of knowledge and friendship here. You came to the right place.

Feel free to ask any question or concern. We have all been in that

same place that you are in now, and at the moment, it can feel quite

overwhelming. But, as time goes on, you learn to adjust to everything

that comes your way.

The one thing I can suggest right now, is to keep copies of all of

your tests, and labs. Don't be shy about it.. Just ask your dr's

office. It really comes in handy to read about things as you learn

more about blood, specialized tests, etc.. It also helps you track

your own progress.

We all support each other through the ups and downs, highs and lows.

It is quite a journey, but you can do it!

Sincerely,

Lynn

Dx'd 12/03

400 mg gleevec

>

> Hi.I'm Joy.I'm a 40 year old wife and mother.I was just diagnosed

with

> CML last week.I am still coming to terms with the news but I've made

up

> my mind to fight this with all I have in me.i would like to hear

about

> other people with the same illness and how they deal with it and

about

> other people's experiences with it.I look forward to meeting other

> group members very soon.Thank you for having me as part of the group.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, my name is Peg. I'm a grandma. Had a gall bladder attack about 2

weeks ago. Dr gave me antibiotics after a sonagram. He wanted to send

me to a surgon. I said no. He said a no fat diet. Got a low fat diet

from the hospital, but still not sure what I can safely eat. I have

lots of stones. I'm sure there has to be some way to get rid of them

without surgery. This is why I joined this group. Just trying to figure

out what to do next.

[Guest guest]

Hi, Peg.

Here's a website that got me started:

http://curezone.com/gallstones/digest1.asp

I did more some digging and found a consensus recipe of 1/2 cup of

olive oil mixed with 1/2 cup of fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice.

(Sounds gross, I know.) Mix it up half an hour before going to bed,

then lie on your right side and try real hard not to think about it.

The next morning, you'll probably feel a lot better and start passing

stones. You may need to repeat this procedure a couple of times.

I've done it myself, and it made me feel great. For a while, I'd been

in a lot of pain, and was getting classic symptoms of jaundice from a

blocked bile duct. After one night--voila, I was better. Like magic.

I'm no doctor, so I don't know if this would work for you, but for me,

I figured it was worth a try, and I'm glad I did it.

Good luck!

>

> Hi, my name is Peg. I'm a grandma. Had a gall bladder attack about 2

> weeks ago. Dr gave me antibiotics after a sonagram. He wanted to send

> me to a surgon. I said no. He said a no fat diet. Got a low fat diet

> from the hospital, but still not sure what I can safely eat. I have

> lots of stones. I'm sure there has to be some way to get rid of them

> without surgery. This is why I joined this group. Just trying to

figure

> out what to do next.

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Sue I appreciate your support. I'll keep you posted.

On Wed, Apr 23, 2008 at 7:50 PM, Sue <marysue@...> wrote:

> Deb,

>

> It is most important to have an excellent rheumatologist, one who will

> treat the RA very aggressively from the beginning (if it turns out that

> it is RA). He no doubt will have lots of blood work done, and certainly

> should examine your joints. You'll no doubt have to wait for those

> results to come back before he knows much of anything.

>

> But anyone with RA needs to be on a DMARD. Methotrexate is one of the

> first that many rheumatologists will start with. But know that the

> medications they have today are much improved from what they used to

> have. I am on one of the biologics, Enbrel, and it works so well that

> you can't tell I even have RA. I know that I am one of the lucky ones

> in this respect. It usually takes a while and maybe some trial and

> error to find the right combination of meds that will help, because

> we're all different in the way that we react to them.

>

> Good luck, and let us know how your appointment goes.

>

> Sue

>

> On Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at 09:41 AM, Deb N wrote:

> >

> > I hope to find support and if I do indeed have RA I want to learn and

> > find the best treatment so I can live a long active life. I need to

> > keep up with my girls!

> >

> > Any advice for me before I see my DR on Monday would be appreciated.

> > We only have one rheumatologist in town and I do not know how good he

> > is. Thanks for the info.

>

>

>

--

Deb N

" If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing

was started with a dream and a mouse "

[Guest guest]

Hi, Deb. I'm in Ohio, too, not too far from Columbus. There are no

rheumatolagist in small towns I live close to, so I see a really good

rheumatolagist at Cols. Arthritis. I know that " 87 yr old " feeling.

By evening my feet, ankles and wrists are swelled and hurt like the

dickens! I hope you get good news and some answers from your Dr.

Kathy

>

> I have been lurking for about a week now and I thought I might jump

> in. My name is Deb I love in Ohio and I have been a RN for almost 26

> years now. I have been married for 14 years and have to young

> daughters 11 and 8. No one in my family has RA. I quit smoking 15

> years ago. I went to my DR for a physical and finally shared some

> things that had been bothering me. I kept blaming these symptons on

> PMS and pre menopausal symptoms. I am 47 years old.

>

> My #1 complaint is fatigue. I seem to be very tired all the time.

> Over the past year my hands don't seem to work like they used to. I

> have pins and needles feeling in them. But my joints in my hands

> wrists and elbows just ache on a good day and throb on a bad day.

> Then when I started thinking about it. I have the same feeling in my

> feet. When I wear good supportive shoes with special insoles my feet

> feel better. I don't know how to make my hands feel better. It has

> become increasingly difficult to do my job. I work in an ICU in a

> community hospital.

>

> I have had back pain for many years, work related no doubt and I

> don't think it is related to my hand and feet pain. I had a bunch of

> labs and xrays of my back done about a month ago. I go to my DR

> Monday for a follow up. I had an EMG 2 weeks ago and the Neurologist

> who did it told me the EMG was OK no pinched nerves but he said you

> may have RA! I was floored. I didn't really evn know what RA was.

> Never really dealt with it much in my practice as a nurse.

>

> So of course the nurse in me starts reearching this and I seem to

> have many symtoms of RA. It also brought me to this group.

> I have just started sharing my halth concerns with a few a work and

> with my husband. I feel like a wimp. I have always been a work horse

> and now I poop out so quick.It is hard for me to say I can't do

> something. I am 47 and feel like I am 87 some days.

> I hope to find support and if I do indeed have RA I want to learn and

> find the best treatment so I can live a long active life. I need to

> keep up with my girls!

>

> Any advice for me before I see my DR on Monday would be appreciated.

> We only have one rheumatologist in town and I do not know how good he

> is. Thanks for the info.

>

[Guest guest]

Hello to both of you Buckeyes! I grew up in Zanesville, but now split

my time between Los Angeles and St. . My sister is still in

Akron, so I am back to visit two or three times a year. How do you

ever stand the winters? At least in St. , it may be cold but it

very dry. That damp cold is the worst possible for me.

On Thu, Apr 24, 2008 at 10:15 AM, tomkatsdox <tomkatdox@...> wrote:

>

> Hi, Deb. I'm in Ohio, too, not too far from Columbus.

--

South Pasadena, CA / Lilydale, MN

You can see my galleries at http://www.pbase.com/arenared986

M. Schulz - " All you need is love. But a little chocolate now

and then doesn't hurt. "

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy I live near Youngstown. We have 2 rheumatologists in town.

Unfortunatlymy health insurance will only cover me if I go to a MD at and

facilitly owned by my employer. I an't opt to change my coverage until

November. My husband may get a new job soon with benefits which will

definitly help.

On Wed, Apr 23, 2008 at 10:15 PM, tomkatsdox <tomkatdox@...>

wrote:

> Hi, Deb. I'm in Ohio, too, not too far from Columbus. There are no

> rheumatolagist in small towns I live close to, so I see a really good

> rheumatolagist at Cols. Arthritis. I know that " 87 yr old " feeling.

> By evening my feet, ankles and wrists are swelled and hurt like the

> dickens! I hope you get good news and some answers from your Dr.

> Kathy

>

>

>

> >

> > I have been lurking for about a week now and I thought I might jump

> > in. My name is Deb I love in Ohio and I have been a RN for almost 26

> > years now. I have been married for 14 years and have to young

> > daughters 11 and 8. No one in my family has RA. I quit smoking 15

> > years ago. I went to my DR for a physical and finally shared some

> > things that had been bothering me. I kept blaming these symptons on

> > PMS and pre menopausal symptoms. I am 47 years old.

> >

> > My #1 complaint is fatigue. I seem to be very tired all the time.

> > Over the past year my hands don't seem to work like they used to. I

> > have pins and needles feeling in them. But my joints in my hands

> > wrists and elbows just ache on a good day and throb on a bad day.

> > Then when I started thinking about it. I have the same feeling in my

> > feet. When I wear good supportive shoes with special insoles my feet

> > feel better. I don't know how to make my hands feel better. It has

> > become increasingly difficult to do my job. I work in an ICU in a

> > community hospital.

> >

> > I have had back pain for many years, work related no doubt and I

> > don't think it is related to my hand and feet pain. I had a bunch of

> > labs and xrays of my back done about a month ago. I go to my DR

> > Monday for a follow up. I had an EMG 2 weeks ago and the Neurologist

> > who did it told me the EMG was OK no pinched nerves but he said you

> > may have RA! I was floored. I didn't really evn know what RA was.

> > Never really dealt with it much in my practice as a nurse.

> >

> > So of course the nurse in me starts reearching this and I seem to

> > have many symtoms of RA. It also brought me to this group.

> > I have just started sharing my halth concerns with a few a work and

> > with my husband. I feel like a wimp. I have always been a work horse

> > and now I poop out so quick.It is hard for me to say I can't do

> > something. I am 47 and feel like I am 87 some days.

> > I hope to find support and if I do indeed have RA I want to learn and

> > find the best treatment so I can live a long active life. I need to

> > keep up with my girls!

> >

> > Any advice for me before I see my DR on Monday would be appreciated.

> > We only have one rheumatologist in town and I do not know how good he

> > is. Thanks for the info.

> >

>

>

>

--

Deb N

" If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing

was started with a dream and a mouse "

[Guest guest]

You know what is funny ,once a buckeye always a buckeye! Also having lived

here all my life I did notice that I found the cold this winter very

intolerable more than I remember. My husband may get a job in Florida so we

have a potential move to warmer weather!

On Thu, Apr 24, 2008 at 1:00 AM, Overell <

patricia.overell@...> wrote:

> Hello to both of you Buckeyes! I grew up in Zanesville, but now split

> my time between Los Angeles and St. . My sister is still in

> Akron, so I am back to visit two or three times a year. How do you

> ever stand the winters? At least in St. , it may be cold but it

> very dry. That damp cold is the worst possible for me.

>

> On Thu, Apr 24, 2008 at 10:15 AM, tomkatsdox

<tomkatdox@...<tomkatdox%40jencospeed.net>>

> wrote:

>

> >

> > Hi, Deb. I'm in Ohio, too, not too far from Columbus.

>

> --

>

> South Pasadena, CA / Lilydale, MN

> You can see my galleries at http://www.pbase.com/arenared986

>

> M. Schulz - " All you need is love. But a little chocolate now

> and then doesn't hurt. "

>

>

>

--

Deb N

" If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing

was started with a dream and a mouse "

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Welcome.

Tiredness has been one of my number one complaints over the years I've had RA.

But I also have the foot & hand symptoms. I have had some problems with side

effects so my med regimen hasn't been worked out but I can say that the meds

have really relieved my symptoms. I know what you mean about feeling like a

wimp. I used to be very strong, super active, now I'm much slowed down. But new

meds keep coming out all the time and there are lots of meds to try. I hope you

find the right one soon. I'm grateful that I'm not completely debilitated as I

probably would have been in the past.

Be good to yourself.

ez

---------------------------------

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

I understand your feeling " old. " I was working retail when I was

diagnosed with RA. I tried to continue to work (at a service deli),

but after an 8 hour day, I walked like a 90 yr old woman (as my co-

workers pointed out). Then, I couldn't move for two days after, I

had to quit because I could not function anymore. I needed my

husbands help to get dressed. Now I take Enbrel, Methotrexate,

Plaquenil & prednisone. I can function very well now, want to go

back to work, but can't get a part time job around my functioning

hours.

>

> I have been lurking for about a week now and I thought I might jump

> in. My name is Deb I love in Ohio and I have been a RN for almost

26

> years now. I have been married for 14 years and have to young

> daughters 11 and 8. No one in my family has RA. I quit smoking 15

> years ago. I went to my DR for a physical and finally shared some

> things that had been bothering me. I kept blaming these symptons on

> PMS and pre menopausal symptoms. I am 47 years old.

>

> My #1 complaint is fatigue. I seem to be very tired all the time.

> Over the past year my hands don't seem to work like they used to. I

> have pins and needles feeling in them. But my joints in my hands

> wrists and elbows just ache on a good day and throb on a bad day.

> Then when I started thinking about it. I have the same feeling in

my

> feet. When I wear good supportive shoes with special insoles my

feet

> feel better. I don't know how to make my hands feel better. It has

> become increasingly difficult to do my job. I work in an ICU in a

> community hospital.

>

> I have had back pain for many years, work related no doubt and I

> don't think it is related to my hand and feet pain. I had a bunch

of

> labs and xrays of my back done about a month ago. I go to my DR

> Monday for a follow up. I had an EMG 2 weeks ago and the

Neurologist

> who did it told me the EMG was OK no pinched nerves but he said you

> may have RA! I was floored. I didn't really evn know what RA was.

> Never really dealt with it much in my practice as a nurse.

>

> So of course the nurse in me starts reearching this and I seem to

> have many symtoms of RA. It also brought me to this group.

> I have just started sharing my halth concerns with a few a work and

> with my husband. I feel like a wimp. I have always been a work

horse

> and now I poop out so quick.It is hard for me to say I can't do

> something. I am 47 and feel like I am 87 some days.

> I hope to find support and if I do indeed have RA I want to learn

and

> find the best treatment so I can live a long active life. I need to

> keep up with my girls!

>

> Any advice for me before I see my DR on Monday would be

appreciated.

> We only have one rheumatologist in town and I do not know how good

he

> is. Thanks for the info.

>