A

[Guest guest]

Carol,

My therapist believes that the fibro is contributing. I don¹t have RA neck

involvement although I¹ve had problems with my neck in the past. In fact

this same therapist treated me about 10 years ago. I used to get bad muscle

spasms in my neck, but the hot tub and a few other things like dumping my

heavy shoulder bag, have taken care of that problem. I haven¹t had neck

problems in many years. I had it x-rayed back then and it showed mild

arthritis. My x-rays today say the same thing, mild arthritic changes.

This feels muscular. It¹s really upsetting that it¹s taking so long to

resolve. I keep trying to be optimistic.

I¹m sorry you¹re flaring. Your trip sounded great. I wish you had gotten

to go skiing but maybe it¹s a good thing you didn¹t. Some things happen

for a good reason.

Happy New Year to you and your family,

a

> ((((((((((((((((((((((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]

Hi a,

I wish things were better for you. I know from experience that whiplash can

last a long time and it is painful.

I'm okay just the same problems. The medicine the doctor wanted me to take

for

the nausea cost $1100.00 for sixty pills. My insurance won't pay for it so it

is

out of my budget. So I just deal with it all. I think the latest surgery was

successful. In the sense that I am not in pain and I don't have the bile

taste.

This is a lot to be thankful for.

The eating problems I knew would not get any better so I just deal with it.

Wish I had more energy but I think that will return. Better, I start school

January

21, I am looking forward to going back. I am hoping to take a couple of day

trip

the college offers. One is to Mount Vernon, I have been wanting to go there.

Anyway I am fine just wish you were feeling better. If there is anything I can

do

just let me know.

Happy New Year,

Lynn (MeMom)

a wrote:

> 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]

Hi Tena,

Thank you for trying to help. The drug they want me to take is new. It is

Zofran, at this time there is no generic for it. I take companzine now and

reglan but these two drugs make me feel a little funny. So I try to go without

either of them. I have had problems with reglan before.

Thank You again for your help,

Lynn (MeMom)

Mazurak/Wood wrote:

> Hi Lynn,

> I am new to the board, but I saw where your meds are WAY too expensive.

If you don't mind my asking, what is the anti-nausea med. they ordered? I have

13 years experience in pharmacy, and I can't imagine what could cost that much.

If I can be of help by suggesting an alternative or generic, I'd be glad to do

that. I hope your health improves.

> Tena

>

> Re: [ ] a

>

> Hi a,

> I wish things were better for you. I know from experience that whiplash

can

> last a long time and it is painful.

> I'm okay just the same problems. The medicine the doctor wanted me to

take for

> the nausea cost $1100.00 for sixty pills. My insurance won't pay for it so it

is

> out of my budget. So I just deal with it all. I think the latest surgery was

> successful. In the sense that I am not in pain and I don't have the bile

taste.

> This is a lot to be thankful for.

> The eating problems I knew would not get any better so I just deal with

it.

> Wish I had more energy but I think that will return. Better, I start school

January

> 21, I am looking forward to going back. I am hoping to take a couple of day

trip

> the college offers. One is to Mount Vernon, I have been wanting to go there.

> Anyway I am fine just wish you were feeling better. If there is anything I

can do

> just let me know.

> Happy New Year,

> Lynn (MeMom)

>

> a wrote:

>

> > 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]

I sent it to you privately Judi.

a

> Can you please tell me Deb's last name so I can send her a card at

> the hospital? That is, if I can get Ron to go to the store and buy

> me a few cards!

>

> Thanks!

> Judi

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

--Sorry a...I didnt think it would be a problem as it has been

posted many times and is is the archives from her first hospital

stay.....Kathi

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

> I sent it to you privately Judi.

>

> a

>

>

> > Can you please tell me Deb's last name so I can send her a card at

> > the hospital? That is, if I can get Ron to go to the store and

buy

> > me a few cards!

> >

> > Thanks!

> > Judi

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Don¹t worry about it Kathi. You¹re right it¹s been posted many times

before.

a

> --Sorry a...I didnt think it would be a problem as it has been

> posted many times and is is the archives from her first hospital

> stay.....Kathi

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Lynn,

I am new to the board, but I saw where your meds are WAY too expensive. If

you don't mind my asking, what is the anti-nausea med. they ordered? I have 13

years experience in pharmacy, and I can't imagine what could cost that much. If

I can be of help by suggesting an alternative or generic, I'd be glad to do

that. I hope your health improves.

Tena

Re: [ ] a

Hi a,

I wish things were better for you. I know from experience that whiplash can

last a long time and it is painful.

I'm okay just the same problems. The medicine the doctor wanted me to take

for

the nausea cost $1100.00 for sixty pills. My insurance won't pay for it so it

is

out of my budget. So I just deal with it all. I think the latest surgery was

successful. In the sense that I am not in pain and I don't have the bile

taste.

This is a lot to be thankful for.

The eating problems I knew would not get any better so I just deal with it.

Wish I had more energy but I think that will return. Better, I start school

January

21, I am looking forward to going back. I am hoping to take a couple of day

trip

the college offers. One is to Mount Vernon, I have been wanting to go there.

Anyway I am fine just wish you were feeling better. If there is anything I can

do

just let me know.

Happy New Year,

Lynn (MeMom)

a wrote:

> 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]

Judi, I feel the same way about this cold weather. I¹ve had enough. That

ice storm you¹re getting is coming this way and is supposed to dump 6-8 more

inches on top of the 6 inches we still have. Then on Sunday another

snowstorm is going to top that! I should have stayed in Florida. It was

75-80 every day. I was in shorts every day!!!! 2 more weeks and it will be

March. The winter is on the way out. It¹s going out with a blast! I keep

trying to convince myself that spring is around the corner. Then I turn on

the news and hear the weather and it seems like we¹re living in Siberia!

Good for TJ. It will be such a help to get one out of diapers before 3 more

diapered bottoms arrive. It¹s so exciting the closer it gets!

a

> Welcome back to the world of shivering. Would you like to visit south

> central Indiana tomorrow? We're expecting an ice storm. I've about had it

> up to here (no, a little higher!) with snow!

>

> We've missed you, and glad you had a good time in Florida. I've forgotten

> what green looks like and warm feels like. I've got so many clothes on if I

> fell down I couldn't get up again!

>

> We're in the midst of potty training TJ, and he is doing quite well.

> Yesterday I finally got him into his snow pants, boots, coat, hat, mittens,

> and scarf, and he had to go potty.

>

> Judi

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks a. I called my rheumy’s office about it today, and they said the

same thing; that the stress was almost certainly the culprit. The started

me on a prednisone taper (again) and said to call if I don’t feel better by

Monday. It’s been a couple of hours and I already feel a little bit more

human. I am going to baby myself today, and I’m also going to avoid any

arguments. It’s just not worth it.

Happy Valentine’s Day, my friend!

Love,

Carol

> Re: [ ] OT - Dear Abby humor

>

> LOL! Good one . The scary part of this is that Clueless will run for

> President one day and probably win. How she ever got elected to the

Senate

> is beyond me. a

[Guest guest]

Lynn, Did you get hit hard? I hope you were able to get your door opened!

I don¹t know what I would have done if I were alone. I¹d have to wait for

it to thaw. My sil & dil came over last night and dug us out. did a

little digging but it bothered his back and he didn¹t get anything but the

back steps done. His version of digging us out is to get our 4 wheel drive

truck and smash it all down. Whatever works! It¹s fun and easy on the

back. We¹re not affected by the high tides. I¹m 12 miles from the ocean and

in a rural area so the tides won¹t be a problem. Atlantic City was closed

yesterday during high tide. No one could get in or out. I can¹t imagine

what will happen when the 2+ inches of rain falls on top of this plus the

high tides. Glad I don¹t live closer to the ocean!

a

> a, I am so sorry to read that you are not feeling so well. Wish I could

> help you out. Jersey did get hit pretty bad with the storm. I see where

> you had high tides to content with also. I will be glad to see spring. Hope

> you are soon feeling better and able to go back on your enbrel.

>

> Lynn (MeMom)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Tess- My Uggs are rarely off my feet. It¹s the slipper for inside and the

boots for outside. I¹m experimenting with my slippers by putting a magnetic

sole inside. I haven¹t seen any difference, but I had to try. I¹ve read so

much about magnet therapy but until these soles, I¹ve never tried them.

I¹m sorry you¹re feeling so bad. I hope you don¹t have to go to the

hospital. If you have to take the prednisone, just know that it is only

temporary until you get over the pneumonia, so any puffing will go away as

soon as you stop taking it. I know how hard you¹ve worked. Congratulations

on loosing all those inches! It¹s so nice when you can see the results of

your hard work. You will be better soon and will be going back to Curves.

I pray it is very soon. Take care of yourself my friend. You are such a

sweetie and so supportive of everyone, in spite of how awful you feel. Love

you too tess!

a

> Dearest a...with prayers that you'll soon be feeling much better. Please

> take good care of you! Are you wearing your ugh's? : )

>

> Love You, Kiddo...

>

> Tess

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi a,

We got hit hard. I couldn't even open my doors. Still can't open the back

door on down stairs door. The snow is halfway up these doors. My sons came on

Monday and plowed us out. Tony has a plow. So we are okay. But with the

melting

I have two windows leaking because the rain spout is frozen. Just have to deal

with it. Glad you are not near the high tides. I am not looking forward to

Friday and all the rain.

Sure hope you are feeling better. Seems like a lot of people are ill.

Take care,

Lynn

a wrote:

> Lynn, Did you get hit hard? I hope you were able to get your door opened!

> I don¹t know what I would have done if I were alone. I¹d have to wait for

> it to thaw. My sil & dil came over last night and dug us out. did a

> little digging but it bothered his back and he didn¹t get anything but the

> back steps done. His version of digging us out is to get our 4 wheel drive

> truck and smash it all down. Whatever works! It¹s fun and easy on the

> back. We¹re not affected by the high tides. I¹m 12 miles from the ocean and

> in a rural area so the tides won¹t be a problem. Atlantic City was closed

> yesterday during high tide. No one could get in or out. I can¹t imagine

> what will happen when the 2+ inches of rain falls on top of this plus the

> high tides. Glad I don¹t live closer to the ocean!

> a

>

> > a, I am so sorry to read that you are not feeling so well. Wish I could

> > help you out. Jersey did get hit pretty bad with the storm. I see where

> > you had high tides to content with also. I will be glad to see spring. Hope

> > you are soon feeling better and able to go back on your enbrel.

> >

> > Lynn (MeMom)

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks, a. That’s what I’m thinking, that I need to catch up after

the stress and travel (and sleeping on an air mattress on the floor for

two and a half weeks!).

How are you doing? Are you still having headaches, or is that finally

getting better?

Lots of love,

Carol

Re: [ ] Kathi // Update on Mom

Great news about your mom Carol! Now if only you felt better.

I¹m sure the traveling made you extra tired so hopefully you¹ll feel

better

soon.

a

> Hi Kathi,

>

> I'm just catching up on old email, and read this. I, too, can't wait

to get

> in trouble with Lucy and with you and Big Al. I've really missed it,

and I

> need could really use the humor since I'm feeling terrible. ;-( I've

had a

> really rough day again.

>

> On the other hand, it is great to be back home. And I just got the

best

> news from my mother. She got the results back from the stress test,

and

> there are no blockages! I'm just thrilled! That means the only thing

she

> has to contend with is the hypertension and the emphysema, which the

> pulmonologist said is mild. God is good.

>

> Just like you, I remember hearing that it's good to travel but even

better

> to get back home. I never understood that when I was younger, but now

I

> most certainly do. Home Sweet Home!

>

> Love to you, my Okie friend.

> Carol

[Guest guest]

Still got the headaches Carol. You¹d think by now that I¹d be used to them

but it isn¹t something I can get used to.

Most of my neck pain has subsided with the exception of one area. Hopefully

it too will pass.

But I¹m thinking my headaches are coming from jaw pain. It¹s very

frustrating!

Although I had a very comfortable bed while visiting my parents in Florida,

there is no place like our own bed.

Air mattresses don¹t sound to compatible with arthritis! You should make

today a pamper day. You deserve it.

a

> Thanks, a. That’s what I’m thinking, that I need to catch up after

> the stress and travel (and sleeping on an air mattress on the floor for

> two and a half weeks!).

>

> How are you doing? Are you still having headaches, or is that finally

> getting better?

>

> Lots of love,

> Carol

>

[Guest guest]

Hiedi,

It's the most snow I've seen in a very long time. If I never seen another

snowflake I'll be happy. I envy you living in a tropical climate. One day

I will be in one. Arthur is not behaving very well with Enbrel. Tonight

I'm taking an injection though since my chest is feeling better and I have

no signs of fever or infection.

No I am sure your tadpole won't be very short. I hope he/she is kind to

your ribs and the rest of you too!

a

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

> I’m so sorry that you aren’t feeling well. Everyone’s been commenting on

> the amazing levels of snow in the US, we’ve seen it on our news channels

> here – brrrr I can’t imagine being in that much cold for so long. Keep warm

> and look after yourself, we’ll try not to get into too much trouble while

> you’re gone ;-) I hope Arthur behaves himself without the Enbrel and that

> you can go back to it soon.

>

> Oh well I think I better get ready for that rib cage kicking lol! Jules and

> I are both pretty tall (He’s about 6ft and I’m 5ft8) and there are some real

> giant’s in our families on both sides so I don’t think this is going to be a

> very short tadpole!

>

> Keep warm and get better!

> Hugs,

> Heidi

>

>

>

>

>

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Tired of spam? Get advanced junk mail protection with MSN 8.

> http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Oh a, I’m so sorry to hear you’re still plagued with the headaches.

I don’t think you can ever really get used to any type of pain.

Especially headaches. Do you think the jaw pain is from the RA, or the

accident? I get pain in my jaw from the RA sometimes. Matter of fact,

I have it today. Have you thought about a splint to use while you

sleep? I don’t know how much it will help if it’s inflammatory, but it

might be worth a try. I think my chiropractor sells some that are

filled with water and don’t have to be custom fitted (and I imagine are

much cheaper). It might be an option to look into.

I think I am going to take your advice and make today a pamper day. I

could use it. Yesterday I hurt so much I was in tears. Today my jaw is

a little sore, but apart from that I feel pretty good. That is cause

for celebration!

Lots of love,

Carol

Re: [ ] a

Still got the headaches Carol. You¹d think by now that I¹d be used to

them

but it isn¹t something I can get used to.

Most of my neck pain has subsided with the exception of one area.

Hopefully

it too will pass.

But I¹m thinking my headaches are coming from jaw pain. It¹s very

frustrating!

Although I had a very comfortable bed while visiting my parents in

Florida,

there is no place like our own bed.

Air mattresses don¹t sound to compatible with arthritis! You should

make

today a pamper day. You deserve it.

a

> Thanks, a. That’s what I’m thinking, that I need to catch up

after

> the stress and travel (and sleeping on an air mattress on the floor

for

> two and a half weeks!).

>

> How are you doing? Are you still having headaches, or is that finally

> getting better?

>

> Lots of love,

> Carol

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much a. Hearing from the experienced eases the puzzlement.

Happy day,

Suzanne

[Guest guest]

To tell you the truth Tess, I'm not sure. I am following the advise of the

owner of my local health food store. I've read a lot about diet and

arthritis, but most elimination diets that I've read about are nothing like

what I am doing. She told me to eat nothing white meaning brown rice

instead of white, sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes etc. I'm to cut

out all meat, dairy, sugar, and gluten containing foods such as wheat, rye,

oats etc. She told me just to do this for 20 days and see if I feel better.

I figured, hey it's only 20 days. So basically it's vegetables for

breakfast. Ug! One concoction I made was tolerable. I bake up a bunch of

sweet potatoes and keep them in the fridge so I can just grab one. I mixed

a sweet potato and a banana and made like a hot breakfast cereal out of it.

Another morning I just made patties out of the sweet potatoes and fried them

in a little olive oil.

I can have as much brown rice, buckwheat, sweet potatoes and vegetables that

I want so I don't go hungry, but it's not to gourmet when I'm a bread and

grains lover. For lunch I have vegetable soup. I just throw all kinds of

veggies in a pot of water such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collards,

onions, sweet potatoes, celery, carrots and whatever else I have. After

it's cooked until soft I puree it in a blender then cook it some more with

some small pieces of broccoli and cauliflower in it. It is a thick soup and

very satisfying. Before I puree it, I take out some of the broth so that I

can save it to cook rice in. That way the rice is cooked in nutritious

water.

I can also control the thickness of the soup. I make a big pot so I don't

have to make it often and freeze some for bad days. I also juice raw

vegetables.

I've tried eliminating things before, but never seriously or so committed.

I am modeling my diet around that of a baby just starting solids. All kinds

of research is done on baby's diet and the food choices are all low allergy

risk. They start them on rice and a fruit like pears and add things from

there. My grandson at 8 months is eating rice, green beans, sweet potatoes,

peas, spinach, carrots, bananas, pears, apples, etc. My diet is very

similar to his.

Tess I am very worried about you and don't think now is the time to do

anything radical with your diet. You've been so sick and plus that you are

diabetic. Such a change could make you feel worse. If you really want to

try it, please talk to your doctor. I talked to mine before starting this.

True elimination diets usually begin with a fast of several days. I don't

like the idea of fasting although many studies show that fasting eliminates

many symptoms of RA. They really don't know why. One theory is that

fasting shuts down the immune system.

There are just to many people that have linked food to symptoms to dismiss

food triggers. I was feeling really good after being on this diet for

almost 2 weeks and then I had a weak moment after my daughter and I went to

the movies. I ate pizza. That very night I didn't feel good anymore. I

had a lot of inflammation. But the problem with inflammatory conditions is

that it comes and goes. Was it just a coincidence? I have no idea. But I

was stupid. I added wheat and dairy at the same time. I'm actually excited

that maybe one of them is a trigger, but I have to wait another week to add

one of them again.

Another thing that happened is I developed cold like symptoms, which I was

told to expect. My diet used to be high in carbs and now I don't eat very

many so my system is revolting. It lasted a few days and was mild.

Some people that can't be committed to such a diet will eliminate one thing

for a few weeks and see if it makes a difference. This takes a lot longer,

but isn't as hard to adhere to.

Here are a few articles that I've read:

http://www.providence.org/medford/health_information/arthritis.htm

http://www.vegsource.com/klaper/nutrition.htm

http://www.globalideasbank.org/BOV/BV-223.HTML

http://www.arthritis.org/resources/arthritistoday/1999_archives/1999_09_10el

imination_diets.asp

I'll try to find some better ones. I've read them but didn't bookmark them.

a

> Hi a...how can I learn about the " elimination diet " ?

>

> Much Love...

>

> Tess

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hope it helps Stacey. My daughter's name is too. She found it by

accident and swears by it. I should get the bottle and see what the

ingredients are.

So many here are sun sensitive from meds. It's to bad since the sun is the

best thing for the psoriasis. I remember well what happened to me when I

went in the sun when on sun sensitive meds. It was not nice. I broke out

in tiny blisters everywhere the sun touched my skin.

Sorry your life is such a soap opera. Stress is my number one flare and

things like that would send me for a loop.

Glad you rekindled a long time friendship. I hope you and Wyatt have lots

of fun with her. Give Wyatt a big congratulations hug from me.

a

> Hi a,

> Thanks for the info. I'm going to try to find that cream that your daughter

> uses. It sounds very beachy. But I have been warned to stay away from the

> tanning beds and sunlight with all the meds. Like I have said before,

> sometimes you just have to make the best of a bad situation. Take what life

> deals you and deal with it the best you can and move on. We have a lot of

> soap opera things going on around here. Mostly with my ex's family. Wyatt's

> uncle Chuck is expecting a baby next month. But not with his wife. No need

> to say more. My ex has been staying at his mother's house for the past few

> days. This is a prob for me because one of my closest friends lives next

> door. And my sister lives next door to her. But uncle Wayne told me that he

> went back home to his girlfriend so I guess we're safe again. He was only 3

> miles away and never contacted Wyatt once. I didn't even tell Wyatt that his

> dad was there so he doesn't even know about it.

> Wyatt got his report card last week and did wonderfully. All A's and one B.

> My friend Sonda took us out to dinner tonight to celebrate. I ran into her

> about 2 months ago after not seeing her in about 10 years and we are just as

> close as ever. I feel much better being in touch with her again. She is a

> soulmate.

> Enough blabbing.

> Love and Hugs

> Stacey

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I will definitely keep you updated Tess. You just concentrate on getting

better right now and try to give yourself good food to work with so you will

get your strength back. With your multiple medical problems, I really think

you need to be medically supervised before doing anything as radical as I

am. Your best bet may to just eliminate one group of food at a time for 3

weeks and then add it back. It's much more time consuming, but safer.

a

> Hi a...thank you for sharing about an elimination diet. I won't try

> anything right now as I am still Ms. Puny and I know I'm not in a good

> position to do anything very radical. Perhaps when I'm stronger I can

> consider this or something similar. The idea makes a lot of sense. I'm

> so glad you're finding some success with this. Keep us updated on your

> progress, ok?

>

> Much Love...

>

> Tess

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi a,

I'll be sure to give Iris a hug from you. Hopefully I'll be able to fix

her cable modem while I'm there, although there are no guarantees. I'm

not all that familiar with it, but I'll give it a try.

I would LOVE to have the dark circles disappear from under my eyes. I

use all kinds of anti aging potions to offset the effects of the RA, but

nothing has helped the dark circles. I'm really hoping that we make

some progress this week, and I'm really grateful to Stan for giving me

the opportunity to try. I also need to lose weight. The month that I

took prednisone on a pulse schedule, I gained 8 lbs! I tried on some

pants today and was very frustrated. Losing weight would certainly be a

plus.

Have a great weekend!

Love,

Carol

Re: [ ] JMT

Carol,

Enjoy your visit with Iris. Give her a big hug for me and tell her she

is

missed. I hope she get her cable modem straightened out soon.

Good luck with your appointment. I can't wait to hear all the details.

I just read an article last week that explained why some people can eat

cheese and not drink milk. It has something to do with the processing.

I

think the cheese contains enzymes. I'll have to see if I can find it

again

so I can explain it right.

I really enjoy the almond milk. I'm going to try making rice milk this

weekend. I THOUGHT I gave up all glutens, but in talking to the woman

that

owns the health food store, I found I was still eating glutens. There

are

so many hidden sources especially in our vitamins. This time I'm sure

I'm

not getting any glutens.

I know what you mean about feeling like you have nothing to loose.

Enbrel

helps me but it hasn't stopped the disease like I had hoped. Nutrition

is

one route I've never seriously tried until the last year. I've

gradually

changed things one at a time. One thing I've improved that I'm really

excited about is the dark circles under my eyes. They made me look

older

and tired.

No, I guess I never thought about the social benefits of the list when I

started it. I was more interested in people being able to talk freely

about

all form of treatment without being told they are idiots. I had left a

list

where the owner berated members openly if they disagreed with her, so 3

of

us got together and started this list. I'm very happy that many of us

have

made lifetime friends. We deserve something nice from this wretched

disease.

Have a safe trip.

a

> Hi a,

>

> I really appreciate all your information. You didn't get carried away

> at all! Your old rheumy sounds very greedy with the Remicade

situation.

> That makes me mad. Needless to say there are at least as many

> unscrupulous people in the alternative realm. You make a good point

> about today's studies being biased by the drug companies. I'm going

> to print some of your micronutrient deficiency info and bring it to

> Amarillo to discuss it with this Dr.

>

> I'm pretty much like you: skeptical of alternative and traditional

> medicine. When I was diagnosed with RA I had such high hopes of a

> better quality of life, and it has only gotten worse. I guess that's

> why I figure I have nothing to lose. I've tried elimination diets

> before, but just individual food classifications: wheat and dairy. I

> avoid citrus altogether for the same reason. It will cause

inflammation

> 100% of the time for me. If I eat too much garlic I'll start to hurt.

> And I can do some cheese, but I don't touch milk. I don't know what

the

> difference is, but I can't tolerate milk at all. I drink rice milk,

but

> I think I'll give almond milk a try.

>

> I spoke to the Dr. out in Amarillo and I'm heading out west this

Friday

> afternoon. No time like the present! He had me fax out my blood work

> as well as a synopsis of what I'm doing and what I've tried so far. I

> also faxed the amino acid, food allergy, and candida workups I had

done

> 2 years ago from Great Smokey Labs. He said that RA is a serious

> disease and he can by no means cure it, but we can try to get me

> functioning the best possible with dietary changes, a few supplements

> maybe, and the acupuncture. Of course, it's just a start and the

> legwork is up to me with the diet. The acupuncture I'll follow up

with

> here at home. I'm excited about the whole thing. I'm sure I'll lose

> weight, and I know that food changes have a positive effect on me.

I'll

> keep you informed.

>

> I leave here Friday, and I'm spending the weekend in Dallas. I'm

going

> to see Iris! I'll let you know how it goes. I'm really looking

forward

> to it. It's amazing the great friends I've made in this group. Did

you

> realize how much this group would touch people's lives when you

started

> it? Monday morning I head to Amarillo, and I'll be there for the

week.

> I'm incorporating work into all this - dropping material by to

potential

> clients. At least I can deduct all except the dr bills as a business

> expense.

>

> I guess that's another way the internet has changed the face of modern

> medicine. People like us sharing information and offering each other

> support. Thanks again, a. And thanks , too.

>

> Love,

> Carol

[Guest guest]

Her cable company should be able to help her. Hopefully with all your heads

together, you'll figure it out.

I've used all kinds of things to get rid of the dark circles, with no luck.

I thought they were inherited since my mom also has them. I read it was an

iron and vitamin deficiency and I am anemic as most people with RA are. I

am not taking iron supplements and can't tell you what made them disappear.

I gained a lot of weight from eating so much pasta after my jaw became a

problem. I gained all that I had lost and even more. I'm back down 12

pounds, and know all about the frustration of not fitting in your clothing.

I hope you get some answers this weekend.

a

> Hi a,

>

> I'll be sure to give Iris a hug from you. Hopefully I'll be able to fix

> her cable modem while I'm there, although there are no guarantees. I'm

> not all that familiar with it, but I'll give it a try.

>

> I would LOVE to have the dark circles disappear from under my eyes. I

> use all kinds of anti aging potions to offset the effects of the RA, but

> nothing has helped the dark circles. I'm really hoping that we make

> some progress this week, and I'm really grateful to Stan for giving me

> the opportunity to try. I also need to lose weight. The month that I

> took prednisone on a pulse schedule, I gained 8 lbs! I tried on some

> pants today and was very frustrated. Losing weight would certainly be a

> plus.

>

> Have a great weekend!

>

> Love,

> Carol

>

> Re: [ ] JMT

>

>

> Carol,

> Enjoy your visit with Iris. Give her a big hug for me and tell her she

> is

> missed. I hope she get her cable modem straightened out soon.

> Good luck with your appointment. I can't wait to hear all the details.

>

> I just read an article last week that explained why some people can eat

> cheese and not drink milk. It has something to do with the processing.

> I

> think the cheese contains enzymes. I'll have to see if I can find it

> again

> so I can explain it right.

> I really enjoy the almond milk. I'm going to try making rice milk this

> weekend. I THOUGHT I gave up all glutens, but in talking to the woman

> that

> owns the health food store, I found I was still eating glutens. There

> are

> so many hidden sources especially in our vitamins. This time I'm sure

> I'm

> not getting any glutens.

>

> I know what you mean about feeling like you have nothing to loose.

> Enbrel

> helps me but it hasn't stopped the disease like I had hoped. Nutrition

> is

> one route I've never seriously tried until the last year. I've

> gradually

> changed things one at a time. One thing I've improved that I'm really

> excited about is the dark circles under my eyes. They made me look

> older

> and tired.

>

> No, I guess I never thought about the social benefits of the list when I

> started it. I was more interested in people being able to talk freely

> about

> all form of treatment without being told they are idiots. I had left a

> list

> where the owner berated members openly if they disagreed with her, so 3

> of

> us got together and started this list. I'm very happy that many of us

> have

> made lifetime friends. We deserve something nice from this wretched

> disease.

>

> Have a safe trip.

> a

>

>

>> Hi a,

>>

>> I really appreciate all your information. You didn't get carried away

>> at all! Your old rheumy sounds very greedy with the Remicade

> situation.

>> That makes me mad. Needless to say there are at least as many

>> unscrupulous people in the alternative realm. You make a good point

>> about today's studies being biased by the drug companies. I'm going

>> to print some of your micronutrient deficiency info and bring it to

>> Amarillo to discuss it with this Dr.

>>

>> I'm pretty much like you: skeptical of alternative and traditional

>> medicine. When I was diagnosed with RA I had such high hopes of a

>> better quality of life, and it has only gotten worse. I guess that's

>> why I figure I have nothing to lose. I've tried elimination diets

>> before, but just individual food classifications: wheat and dairy. I

>> avoid citrus altogether for the same reason. It will cause

> inflammation

>> 100% of the time for me. If I eat too much garlic I'll start to hurt.

>> And I can do some cheese, but I don't touch milk. I don't know what

> the

>> difference is, but I can't tolerate milk at all. I drink rice milk,

> but

>> I think I'll give almond milk a try.

>>

>> I spoke to the Dr. out in Amarillo and I'm heading out west this

> Friday

>> afternoon. No time like the present! He had me fax out my blood work

>> as well as a synopsis of what I'm doing and what I've tried so far. I

>> also faxed the amino acid, food allergy, and candida workups I had

> done

>> 2 years ago from Great Smokey Labs. He said that RA is a serious

>> disease and he can by no means cure it, but we can try to get me

>> functioning the best possible with dietary changes, a few supplements

>> maybe, and the acupuncture. Of course, it's just a start and the

>> legwork is up to me with the diet. The acupuncture I'll follow up

> with

>> here at home. I'm excited about the whole thing. I'm sure I'll lose

>> weight, and I know that food changes have a positive effect on me.

> I'll

>> keep you informed.

>>

>> I leave here Friday, and I'm spending the weekend in Dallas. I'm

> going

>> to see Iris! I'll let you know how it goes. I'm really looking

> forward

>> to it. It's amazing the great friends I've made in this group. Did

> you

>> realize how much this group would touch people's lives when you

> started

>> it? Monday morning I head to Amarillo, and I'll be there for the

> week.

>> I'm incorporating work into all this - dropping material by to

> potential

>> clients. At least I can deduct all except the dr bills as a business

>> expense.

>>

>> I guess that's another way the internet has changed the face of modern

>> medicine. People like us sharing information and offering each other

>> support. Thanks again, a. And thanks , too.

>>

>> Love,

>> Carol

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear a,

Your reply to Charlie was like a message from the Holy Spirit to me.

Just last night a fellow choir member was warning me about the negatives of

methotrexate. I got a little worried but thought about how I trust my rheumy

who seems so knowledgable.

I was just diagnosed with RA in Jan. and Sjogrens last week.

Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

Gratefully,

Suzanne

[Guest guest]

Hi Sweetie,

I hope you and yours also had a blessed holiday. You know, I missed the last

couple of holidays so this one was extra special for me and felt wonderful.

I am paying the price physically, but I hope by tomorrow, things will be back

to some kind of normalcy. The house is decorated and I am going to leave

some of the stuff up for a while just because it makes me happy.

Tomorrow, I see the rheumy and there is no way in Hell that I am taking

anything new for my RA. 3 bouts of sepsis is 3 too many and I will just have

to suffer and hope that he gives me pain pills and perhaps MTX, celebrex and

prednisone for the RA and I will have to make do with that. It will be OK if

it stops these sepsis bouts.

As it turned out the sepsis was not even caused by the same organism as the

sepsis from the knee so therefore, I don't see the need for such radical

surgery and neither does my ortho. I would like to postpone the fusion as

long as possible, but my COBRA runs out the end of June so I kinda have a

clock ticking, but I am hoping that I can afford a private policy either thru

United Healthcare or perhaps BC/BS. Ron's insurance covers me but my ortho

is not on there and they have just canceled most of their contracts with all

the local hospitals. I am feeling weaker instead of stronger these past few

days so I want to put this surgery off as long as possible, I was really

hoping that they could put the prosthesis back in my knee, but he said that

would be a very long surgery and doesn't know how well I would tolerate it

with all of my other health problems. Having my knee fused, will still

require a lot of adaptations in my van and walking, plus which I still have

the dropped foot. It has gotten slightly better, but still not quite there

yet.

Again, thank you for your dear concern about the medication and I will let

everyone know tomorrow what the rheumy has to say about my new RA treatment.

Gentle, tender, angel hugs, my friend,

Debs

[Guest guest]

Thanks Debs. I had a very nice holiday. It's so nice that you were able to

enjoy Easter so much. I hope you never have to miss another holiday.

I'm sure your rhuemy will agree that protecting you from further bouts of

sepsis is crucial to your health.

I'm sorry you are faced with such difficult decisions. Feeling so bad

doesn't make me feel very warm and fuzzy about having anything done until

you are stronger. I hope you are not pushed into a corner because of Cobra.

The fact that your other knee is in such pain makes me a little edgy. I

don't know if that joint replacement was ever checked for infection.

You may not want to complain to Ron, but I hope you don't keep anything from

your doctors. They need to know what is going on. Please let us know what

happens with the rheumy.

a

> Hi Sweetie,

>

> I hope you and yours also had a blessed holiday. You know, I missed the last

> couple of holidays so this one was extra special for me and felt wonderful.

> I am paying the price physically, but I hope by tomorrow, things will be back

> to some kind of normalcy. The house is decorated and I am going to leave

> some of the stuff up for a while just because it makes me happy.

>

> Tomorrow, I see the rheumy and there is no way in Hell that I am taking

> anything new for my RA. 3 bouts of sepsis is 3 too many and I will just have

> to suffer and hope that he gives me pain pills and perhaps MTX, celebrex and

> prednisone for the RA and I will have to make do with that. It will be OK if

> it stops these sepsis bouts.

> As it turned out the sepsis was not even caused by the same organism as the

> sepsis from the knee so therefore, I don't see the need for such radical

> surgery and neither does my ortho. I would like to postpone the fusion as

> long as possible, but my COBRA runs out the end of June so I kinda have a

> clock ticking, but I am hoping that I can afford a private policy either thru

> United Healthcare or perhaps BC/BS. Ron's insurance covers me but my ortho

> is not on there and they have just canceled most of their contracts with all

> the local hospitals. I am feeling weaker instead of stronger these past few

> days so I want to put this surgery off as long as possible, I was really

> hoping that they could put the prosthesis back in my knee, but he said that

> would be a very long surgery and doesn't know how well I would tolerate it

> with all of my other health problems. Having my knee fused, will still

> require a lot of adaptations in my van and walking, plus which I still have

> the dropped foot. It has gotten slightly better, but still not quite there

> yet.

>

> Again, thank you for your dear concern about the medication and I will let

> everyone know tomorrow what the rheumy has to say about my new RA treatment.

>

> Gentle, tender, angel hugs, my friend,

>

>

> Debs

>

>

>