A

[Guest guest]

-a: Thank you...thank you ...thank you...this is exactly what I

was looking for.....now I just wish I could find someone that had

actually tried this.......in the link you sent it showed it worked

in the lupus-scleroderma crossover patient......THANK YOU.....big

okie hugs,,,Kathi in OK

-- In @y..., a <paula54@c...> wrote:

> Here¹s another one:

>

> Rheumatoid Arthritis and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

> http://www.hbot4u.com/lupuslisting.html

>

>

>

> > or a: Do either of you know of or have you seen any

research

> > on hyperbaric therapy in connection with autoimmune disease?

> > I have looked but dont see alot and knowing you are the masters of

> > search I thought maybe you might have seen something?

(((hugs)))Kathi

> > in OK

> >

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Tess,

All is well and Mom, Dad and Baby come home today. Dad hasn¹t left mom¹s

side for the last

3 days, so I¹m sure they will all be happy to get home.

The had to use patosin since labor was induced due to the preeclampsia, but

baby ¹s blood sugar was normal and mom¹s returned to normal also.

How nice it was for you to have experienced this. It is a very humbling

experience to witness the miracle of birth, and you will always treasure

that moment. I will never forget hearing that first cry.

Wish I had more time to chat, but I¹m on my way to see my little grandson.

Hopefully I¹ll be able to catch up on email soon!

Hugs,

a

> Thanks, a...I came up with the same thing, re: mtx.

>

> How is that baby & momma doing? How about Grandma??? My children are

> all adopted, so when my eldest daughter had her babies I was able to be

> there and experience their births. What a gift she gave me! When my

> grandson was born...he is the younger of the two...he had a little

> trouble breathing when he first was delivered. We were in a birthing

> room, and the charge nurse said, " Come on, Grandma, time to go to work! "

> She had me hold oxygen to his little nose, and rub his back and talk to

> him. Then he had to go to the nursery for further exams...I went with

> them and helped the nurse " finger feed " him. My poor daughter had to

> wait til his blood glucose was up to have him in the room (because they

> used pattosin (sp?).

>

> Now, he is a happy, healthy, active, silly 2 1/2 year old ALL BOY!!! My

> granddaughter is now 7, totally beautiful...so sweet. OK, I'm being

> like those Grandmas that take out their home movies to show everyone

> over & over! It really is a joy, a, and I'm SO happy for you.

>

> Much Love...

>

> Tess

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

You¹re welcome . As said, he may keep things the way they are.

I wish

all these docs would put their heads together and follow the same protocol!

Hope your toe feels better.

a

> Thanks for the information about folic acid, I am going to ask my

> rheumy if I should skip it on the day I have my injection of mxt. I

> know what you mean about the pain and the brain thing. I stubbed my

> toe sitting down at the computer and it takes so long to quit hurting

> after I do that. I am really tired today and don't know what to

> blame it on allergies, diabetes or RA. Think I will take a nap and

> maybe it will help all three. Thanks again, hope you get to feeling

> better. in WA

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> You¹re welcome . As said, he may keep things the way

they are.

> I wish

> all these docs would put their heads together and follow the same

protocol!

> Hope your toe feels better.

> a

>

>

>a, my toe is fine. I hate that it doesn't take much of a bump

on or near a joint to make me want to cry. Thanks, in WA

[Guest guest]

Barb,

We have no intention of changing anything. I feel the same way you do and

so do most other members. I may remind subscribers from time to time that

the digest and webmail are available, but in no way does that mean we have

to change anything we do. I think we¹ve all forgotten to reply to a post.

Remember, we¹re a group of medicated people in a lot of pain. We¹re

expected to forget

You can only do the best you can.

Hugs,

a

> a,

> I've been reading about all of the off topic things on this list. I

> actually love to hear about everyone and what's going on in their lives

> besides the health issues that we have to deal with. It is so nice to get a

> feel of everyones different personalities. Even though we are all different

> we do share a common bond that brings us all together. I love hearing about

> Debs and the cabana boys and all of Tess's moments of fame with the Beatles

> and everyone that she has met. I know that I have sent in posts about the

> cleaning site called flylady, talked about my BWD ( big white dog), Greek

> food and other topics and I never felt that this was something I could not

> post. I do get this in digest form which makes it alot easier for me to read,

> although I know that I have sometimes forgotten to post a reply to something

> that was written to me.(Sorry to anyone that I've missed in the past.)

> Anyway, I would hate to see this forum changed in any way. This is JMHO but I

> do think that most of us feel this way. Barb

>

>

[Guest guest]

a, You bet..you will always be welcome wherever I am and that includes

Florida. I expect to reach my son's in Tampa by mid or last Sept. I was going

to wait until my house sold in AZ because my ex of 10 yrs is right down the

street and we are in a very small town UGH..For the life of me I must get

away from him and whatever he is doing and with who..It causes me pain every

single day so now it is time to go..like now..

I will call or write as soon as I arrive. Unfortunately I must drive across

the country alone with my dog. I have done it before but I was healthy and

able and now I am a little worried about doing it. You don't know of anyone

who wants to drive with me from AZ to FL in about 7 or 8 days do you? I sure

could use some company for me and the basset hound.

Love Joanne

[Guest guest]

Joanne,

That sounds like a hard trip. If I knew someone to keep you company, I¹d

definitely send them.

I¹m glad you have a dog to keep you company even though he may not talk

back.

Is renting your house an option? If you had a property manager, they take

care of everything and send you a check. Whatever happens, I wish you the

best of luck and hope you future is full of happiness.

Hugs,

a

> a, You bet..you will always be welcome wherever I am and that includes

> Florida. I expect to reach my son's in Tampa by mid or last Sept. I was going

> to wait until my house sold in AZ because my ex of 10 yrs is right down the

> street and we are in a very small town UGH..For the life of me I must get

> away from him and whatever he is doing and with who..It causes me pain every

> single day so now it is time to go..like now..

>

> I will call or write as soon as I arrive. Unfortunately I must drive across

> the country alone with my dog. I have done it before but I was healthy and

> able and now I am a little worried about doing it. You don't know of anyone

> who wants to drive with me from AZ to FL in about 7 or 8 days do you? I sure

> could use some company for me and the basset hound.

> Love Joanne

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Heidi. I¹m very worried about Debs too. I had company most of the day

and didn¹t get to call her, but I¹ll be calling tomorrow. I was hoping

someone had spoken to her today and had an update with better news.

I¹ve had a pretty good summer, thanks for asking. Now that swimming season

is almost over, I¹m a little worried that not swimming every day will cause

me problems, but I¹m trying to find alternatives. I dread the thought of

winter coming.

a

> a,

> Oh nooo. Thank's for letting us know how Debs is doing, I wish it was

> better news. I'm so worried about her and miss her posts. I'm praying for

> her all the time, just hope all our prayers together make a BIG message to

> show how much she is loved and needed.

> Thanks again.

> How are you doing?

> Hugs,

> Heidi

>

>

>

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

on 9/8/02 3:30 PM, Tess_St_Pierre@... at Tess_St_Pierre@...

wrote:

> a, I always feel better when I eat better. An when I'm careful with

> simple carbs I don't need as much insulin. I know I use food as a 'drug'

> when my emotions are not doing so well.

> At least I'm aware of that now.

Tess, I didn't know you had diabetes, too. Depression often accompanies

diabetes, for some unknown reason. I hope you're feeling better now.

Do you limit carbs? For me, that's the best thing for controlling my

diabetes and weight. It's not easy, I know. But besides sweets, I cut out

bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, and just about anything white. I do treat

myself occasionally, though, so I won't feel deprived. There's a new

artificial sweetener that is much better than the older ones. Its sucrolose,

and is sold under the name of Splenda. It's made from sugar, so it tastes

like sugar.

Good luck to you as you struggle with all of your problems.

Sue in NC

[Guest guest]

Tess,

It wouldn¹t hurt to get a second opinion. The first doctor went to

did nothing except prescribe drug that didn¹t work ­ anti inflammatories &

neurontin. Surgery was mentioned, but the doctor said the outcome could be

no improvement or make it worse. We stuck with this doctor for a year, and

then sought another opinion. This new doctor immediately did the injection,

which was like a miracle. I¹m not sure if your weight is an issue as far

as the injections. I¹ll see if I can find anything written about it

tomorrow. I¹ve been babysitting my baby grandson and it¹s much more

difficult than I ever imagined. He¹s a breast fed baby and is very high

maintenance. It¹s exhausting, but also wonderful.

I would definitely work on the weight issue. Loosing weight will help all

of your joints. Just the 20lbs that I lost is helping my ankles. I think

many of us use food as a drug. I know I did. I believe depression had a

lot to do with my poor eating habits. I¹d get down in the dumps and eat an

entire bag of doritos or cheetos. The BIG bag. EVERY day. I did that for

quite a few years. I put on 60 pounds, a lot for my small frame. I can¹t

believe I did that to myself. Now the smell or thought of either of them

makes me want to puke. Now I crave good things. I drink my fresh squeezed

carrot/celery juice and imaging the damage it is repairing.

I too hope you find the joy of cooking again. There¹s nothing better than

home made soup with a salad and fresh bread. I¹ll ³cheat² when I go to

parties or there is a special occasion, but I honestly have lost my taste

for most junk. Now I¹ll still enjoy a klondike bar on the weekends on

occasion, but we have to treat ourselves or we¹ll be miserable. I hope you

have a good weekend.

Hugs,

a

> Hi a...my diagnosis is herniations at L4, L5 with foot drop. My

> right leg gives out on me sometimes...today as I was getting up from the

> couch it did. I made some homemade wheat berry rolls...had to do it

> sitting, but that's ok.

>

> My neurosurgeon hasn't mentioned any injections. Could it be because

> they wouldn't be able to do them at my weight? I'm really confused

> about how to proceed here....I did all the PT which helped my overall

> strength but didn't touch the back pain-leg weakness...at first the

> neurosurgeon said if it didn't spontaneously improve after 6 months we'd

> do something. Now it appears he doesn't think there's anything to do.

> I know you all can't give medical advice, but if you were in my shoes do

> you think you'd find another dr. for a second opinion, or just keep

> working on the weight/health issues?

>

> a, I always feel better when I eat better. An when I'm careful with

> simple carbs I don't need as much insulin. I know I use food as a 'drug'

> when my emotions are not doing so well.

> At least I'm aware of that now.

>

> I appreciate all your encouragement. When my kids were little I Ioved

> to cook....baked bread, canned, froze veggies & berries, made homemade

> yogurt - was very good at making 'something' from not much. I'm hoping

> to find that joy again.

>

> Love & Hugs....

>

> Tess

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you dear a. You encourage me a GREAT deal.

Much Love....

Tess

[Guest guest]

Sorry to butt in here Stacey, but in the Chicago area, this time of year is

" houby " time or mushroom time. They have dances, a parade, a queen and a

recipe contest. I myself never went out houby hunting but my Dad's

customer's would bring him some of the fruits of their labors. Very

interesting dishes. In South Florida, all they celebrate is Cinco de Mayo

and Three Kings Day.

Well, just goes to show that you can take the girl out of Chicago, but you

can't take the Chicago out of the girl!

Hope you have a pain free weekend having fun with Wyatt!

Gentle, tender, fall is around the corner angel hugs,

Debs in FL

[Guest guest]

Stacey,

I¹ve heard of it, but never been there. I looked on the map and it¹s about

75 miles from me.

Sorry you miss Thanksgiving with your family, but I can¹t blame you for

wanting to avoid conflicts. It¹s to bad they can¹t put conflicts aside for

the holidays, or better yet, permanently. Life is to short and most

conflicts are over the little stuff. Funny how we don¹t realize that until

something big happens and after that, you find out what really matters.

Celery sticks are great. I love them dipped in peanut butter.

a

> I knew one of you were close to Atlantic City. So here's the question: Have

> you heard of Kennett Square, PA? Apparently, it is the mushroom capital of

> the world or something like that. My cousin lives there and says that it is

> about an hour away from Atlantic City. My family gathers there for

> Thanksgiving. I haven't gone with them for the past few years though. There

> just always seems to be some sort of conflict that I would rather not be

> involved in. If you know what I mean. My sister and her husband were there

> about 3 weeks ago. It takes about 5-6 hours from here. The ride is not too

> bad. Lots of beautiful scenery. Oh well, time for another celery stick.

> Love and Hugs

> Stacey in PA

>

>

[Guest guest]

Tess,

You are doing it the healthy way. I¹m really proud of you. Whatever you¹re

doing, it¹s working so keep it up!

Hugs,

a

> Hi a, I believe it's three " times " in a row as I don't weigh every

> week...more like every 10 - 14 days. I am very happy and pray it

> continues. All I'm doing is writing down what I eat, try not to eat

> after 8pm, make better choices and walk as I can. I can already walk a

> little further with out my back going into spasms. Thank you for you

> love & support, dear a.

>

> Much Love....

>

> Tess

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Heck No Janet. But I split the last one with my daughter yesterday and I am

NOT buying anymore. I¹m enjoying my weight loss and don¹t want to gain it

back. It was nice while it lasted....sigh...

a

> So - did you make it through the week without a Klondike?

>

> " what would you do - oo - oo (pause for effect) for a klondike bar?! "

>

> 0: ) I like the angel one! She's cute (it's a girl cause I'ma girl!)

>

> Janet

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

You are so kind Heidi. Thanks.

a

> ((((((((((((((((a))))))))))))))))))))

> I just wanted to give you a big hug. I’m so sorry you are sad now about

> your late husbands death. My mom died almost 10 years ago and I’ll still

> find myself getting depressed and irritable around her birthday and the

> anniversary of her death, I won’t realize why until Jules usually points it

> out to me – he normally makes the connection. Losing someone you love is

> very hard and the pain never goes away completely we just learn to live

> through it. Losing a spouse must be very hard as you are almost one

> person, it must be like losing half of yourself. You are in my thoughts and

> prayers through this time, I’m so happy you have found happiness again with

> .

> (((((((((((((((((Big Hugs)))))))))))))))))))) and lots of love

> Heidi

>

>

>

>

>

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Surf the Web without missing calls! Get MSN Broadband.

> http://resourcecenter.msn.com/access/plans/freeactivation.asp

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kathe,

Thanks Kathe. It's true that sprains are worse to heal from than breaks.

Once a fracture is set, the pain is usually gone, but not so with a sprain.

My hot tub and heating pad are my best friends at the moment

a

> a:

>

> Sorry to hear that you are in still so much pain since

> the accident - it takes longer for you to feel relief

> from soft tissue injuries than even for fractures, or

> so I have heard from patients when I worked in an

> ortho's office. There's not much you can do but try

> to relax - does using a heating pad help - those moist

> heat pads which form to you neck might be beneficial

> too. Hope you feel better soon.

>

> Kathe in CA

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much Louise. I love my RA family and am happy to be able to help

in any way that I can. If I weren¹t doing this, I be stuck in front of the

TV all the time. My computer is set up very conveniently next to me on my

couch so it¹s very comfortable to sit here and read.

The headaches really have to go though because it interferes with my

reading. The last 2 days have been better, so hopefully this is passing.

a

> Dear a; I sent you a post but I think the last part did not go through. I

> wanted to say " THANK YOU " for the time care and support that you give all of

> is in this " family " . I know it is not easy for you and time consuming also. I

> was sad to hear about your car accident and the subsequent headaches.I have

> had one VERY severe headache in my 51 years and believe me it was one too

> many! Prayers for you are going heavenward and thank you again my friend!

> Love Louise in Alabama

>

>

>

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

> --

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Glad you¹re feeling well Alan. It¹s about time you got a break. I¹m on a

personal pity party thanks for asking. Now I¹ve got a cold on top of

everything else that feels like crap.

Add a head cold and sore throat to constant headaches and jaw aches and you

got a lunatic.

Oh well, I can¹t complain. I¹m in better shape than many others.

Hope you continue on your well streak.

Hugs,

a

> Hi a,

>

> Thanks. I am extremely happy as well. How have you been doing?

>

> Much love,

>

> Alan (Al)

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Iris,

That is a very generous offer, thank you. I¹ll mention it to my dentist.

I haven¹t heard of such a thing and it strikes my funny bone thinking about

jacking open my mouth LOL! All my life I¹ve been told to zip it and now I¹m

trying to jack it open.

The movies sounds good, thanks for the suggestion.

a

> Hi a,

>

> I'm glad to hear that the PT suggested a splint and

> exercises. My oral surgeon had a device called a jaw

> jack that you would squeeze and it would open your

> mouth the to the measurement that you would set. It

> kept your jaw from sliding sideways. I would not mind

> sending it for you to use for a while, so let me know.

> Or check with your dr to see if he knows about it.

> Don't do too many stretches at a time...build it up

> slowly or you will have pain.

>

> Yes, rent Bi-centennial Man. I cry everytime I see it.

> It is about the future and a life entity that was

> considered a robot but he wanted to be declared a

> human because he was a vital part of the human race. I

> don't want to give away the ending. I don't know

> anyone that has seen it but I am a big sci-fi fan and

> definitely a Robin fan.

>

> The swelling is down so maybe it was a result of too

> much time in the car.

>

> Take Care, a. Iris

[Guest guest]

Lynn,

I¹m still getting the headaches, but not as severe or as often so I¹m hoping

this is healing. I¹m still going to therapy 3 times a week which is

exhausting. I guess it shows by my minimal participation on the list.

Although I¹m getting some of the range of motion back in my neck, it¹s a

slow and painful process. My jaw isn¹t much better and I¹m very aggravated

at what it¹s done to my diet. I miss my nuts and raw veggies. But all in

all I think it¹s getting better so I¹m trying to be optimistic. Thanks for

asking. Enough about my woes, how are you feeling?

a

> Hi a,

> I was just wondering how you are feeling? Are the headaches any

> better? I had whiplash and it is very painful and can last a long

> time. Sure hope you are better.

> Lynn (MeMom)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

a, I'm sorry that you aren't 100% yet. I wish I could wave a magic

wand over you and make it all go away. This has been going on for such a

long time. What do you do at the therapy sessions?

Nosy me,

Re: [ ] a

Lynn,

I¹m still getting the headaches, but not as severe or as often so I¹m

hoping

this is healing. I¹m still going to therapy 3 times a week which is

exhausting. I guess it shows by my minimal participation on the list.

Although I¹m getting some of the range of motion back in my neck, it¹s a

slow and painful process. My jaw isn¹t much better and I¹m very

aggravated

at what it¹s done to my diet. I miss my nuts and raw veggies. But

all in

all I think it¹s getting better so I¹m trying to be optimistic. Thanks

for

asking. Enough about my woes, how are you feeling?

a

[Guest guest]

,

I start with marvelous hot packs from my lower back all the way up to my

jaw. At the same time I¹m getting stim on my neck and my jaw. The jaw stim

is tricky to find the right setting that doesn¹t make my eye twitch or my

nose twitch. It¹s a very low setting, but it is still weird. After this I

get ultrasound and then a wonderful massage. Next is some exercises and

then comes the not to fun part of the therapist stretching my neck. He is

gentle, but it is still not fun. I¹m sore the next day but I feel like it

is loosening things up. I just wish it wasn¹t so slow. I wish we had magic

wands to pass over our whole group so we all felt better.

a

> a, I'm sorry that you aren't 100% yet. I wish I could wave a magic

> wand over you and make it all go away. This has been going on for such a

> long time. What do you do at the therapy sessions?

>

> Nosy me,

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

((((((((((((((((((((((VERY Gentle hug))))))))))))))))))))))

I’m sorry you’re still having problems. Do you think the RA is making your

recovery that much more difficult? Do you have involvement in your neck? I

don’t, but I’ve read that some people do. I hope you improve soon.

Sending love your way,

Carol

Re: [ ] a

Lynn,

I¹m still getting the headaches, but not as severe or as often so I¹m hoping

this is healing. I¹m still going to therapy 3 times a week which is

exhausting. I guess it shows by my minimal participation on the list.

Although I¹m getting some of the range of motion back in my neck, it¹s a

slow and painful process. My jaw isn¹t much better and I¹m very aggravated

at what it¹s done to my diet. I miss my nuts and raw veggies. But all in

all I think it¹s getting better so I¹m trying to be optimistic. Thanks for

asking. Enough about my woes, how are you feeling?

a

> Hi a,

> I was just wondering how you are feeling? Are the headaches any

> better? I had whiplash and it is very painful and can last a long

> time. Sure hope you are better.

> Lynn (MeMom)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sounds like I would enjoy that a lot, too, a, even though I'm not

really in need! Well, maybe not the stretching part. That reminds me of

those stories of medieval torture - the rack!

I wonder where we can get those wands. Maybe from the Clonaid group.

Re: [ ] a

,

I start with marvelous hot packs from my lower back all the way up to my

jaw. At the same time I¹m getting stim on my neck and my jaw. The jaw

stim

is tricky to find the right setting that doesn¹t make my eye twitch or

my

nose twitch. It¹s a very low setting, but it is still weird. After

this I

get ultrasound and then a wonderful massage. Next is some exercises and

then comes the not to fun part of the therapist stretching my neck. He

is

gentle, but it is still not fun. I¹m sore the next day but I feel like

it

is loosening things up. I just wish it wasn¹t so slow. I wish we had

magic

wands to pass over our whole group so we all felt better.

a