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Report post · November 24, 2004

" Why the toxic bags are still on the market simply cannot be explained, except

for greed. "

I call them " death devices "

M

Report post · November 24, 2004

Lynn

Welcome to this site. I know that you will find lots of support

here. I am so sorry to hear about all that you have been through

and about your son. I can't imagine how hard that must be for you

to feel the way you do and then have to cope with your son's special

needs also. Hopefully your explant will send you back on the road

to wellness. Do you have your explant scheduled yet? Is your

surgeon going to remove the implants including the entire capsule

too? That is very important. I know someone more knowledgeable

tham me will answer your question about contaminated implants, but I

would think at the very least that would be objective proof of the

implants making you sick and would make it easier for you to get the

surgery paid for by someone other than you...such as insurance, or

the implant manufacturer.

Hugs,kathy

>

> Hi there --I am new to the group, have saline implants in. I was

dx

> with MS 6 months after they were put in, after avery acute attack

> ofmy neuro-system. I was a fashion designer in New York (im live

in

> so. cal) on a business trip, and went from negotiating a deal with

> Bloomingdales, to speaking so slurred I had to bring my husband to

> interpret to the doctor for me, and I could not hold a glass of

> water for lack of stregth in my hand. I would walk right into

> walls, and was bedridden immediately. My career was over right

then

> and there. It has been 6.5 years and I am now 35 years old and

> cannot work, for I have to nap everyday from the severe fatigue

and

> eye crossing, I am dependent on ant-depressants, I get very

> irritable, angry and depressed without it! My whole life before I

> was NEVER sick NEVER depressed, only energetic, excited about my

> career and looking forward to getting married in the spring. He

> still married me, but it has been very hard dealing with my

disease.

> 2 years later my son was born autistic. Another unknown immune-

> system disorder. My neurologist is one of the very best nad he

now

> says that my MRI's do not folow Multiple Sclerosis, and he doesnt

> know why I have these MS-like symptoms.

> I saw a show about black implants being removed and found she had

> similar symptoms and was also mis-dx as having MS.

> I am having them removed and having the surgery filmd in case they

> do have dis-coloration I can use it in court. I ant to send them

> straight to pathology when they are removed and hire an attorney

> right away if there are any suspicious results. By the way, I

> somehow avoided signing an " arbitration agreement " with my

> implanting plastic surgeon, I just never signed it and they forgot

> to insist! If there is bacteria can the surgeon be at fault or

not

> using a closed system or any other reason? Lynn Milucky

Report post · December 13, 2004

Hi Deb, welcome to the group! I use to take Prednisone, but that is

one med that I wouldn't won't to stay on for long. I do the tapers

when needed, but that med makes me have terrible side effects.

It does work well with some, and that is what keeps them going. So,

meds work well for some, and not for others. I just feel whatever

helps, if it keeps you mobile.

I'm glad you got your disability, you can go to a good doctor, and

maybe he can try you on some newer meds, there is more options now.

I'm glad that you have Abbey, pets are remarkable. They are so

loving, and it seems like when your at the lowest they know, and can

make you feel better.

I had a black lab, that I recently had to give up. I couldn't take

care of him anymore, he was just too much for me. He weighed quite a

bit, and just couldn't handle him. I did give him to a very good

couple, who lives a few blocks away. I can visit him anytime, but

it's hard on both of us right now.

Were all here in need of support and good friends. Please feel free

to email me anytime, I'm always here if someone needs me. Tawny

--- In , " downtoearthdeb " <utahyooper@y...>

wrote:

>

> Hello everyone, I am new to this site, my name is Deb and I am 51

> years old. I was wondering if anyone out there has been on long

term

> Prednisone use for their RA. I was diagnosed 3 years ago, and have

> been taking it ever since. I was on 40 mg. a day for a long time,

> and have managed to get it down to 20-25 mg. a day depending on the

> pain. The side effects are sooooo much fun. NOT! I also take

> Methotrexate and Celebrex. It has taken me all this time to

finally

> get my SSI Disability, and Medicaid, so I am now scheduled to see a

> Rheumatologist in February, up until now I have only been seen in a

> Hospital Clinic. I also have Hypo-thyroidism, and the prednisone

> has caused Diabetes. Anyway, I was wodering if anyone knows of any

> specific drug that works as well as " the Magic Pill " Prednisone,

> without all these side effects, it sure would be a blessing to find

> one. I also would like to say that it sounds like most of you have

> a significant other or family members that help and support you

> all. I lost everything when I became sick, my sig. other left me,

> and I have no living family.But I do have my Dog, Abbey, she is a

> God send and good companion. She is deaf, but we have

> learned " Doggy Sign language " together, it keeps us busy. So, I

> mostly just stay in the house, afraid of getting sick from others,

> and it can be lonely. If it wasnt for the Computer and Abbey I

> would go crazy. I have good days and bad ones where I cant even

get

> out of bed, but I look at the alternative and am thankful for what

I

> do have. Any info any of you might have would be greatly

> appreciated.

Report post · December 13, 2004

Hello Deb,

Welcome to the group! I an 58, and while I don't have RA, I do have

Dercum's Disease, which is sort of like fibromyalgia plus hundreds of

painful fatty tumors throughout the body. I have been on a few short

courses of prednisone, both for the pain (until they found out what

was wrong with me) and for asthma. I can't take pred. now because it

aggravates the tumor growth. I take only diclofenac, Ultram, and

Remeron. That combination keeps me functioning without being a

zombie, and I am learning to live with the pain, though I'd just as

soon not have it! My husband is 67 and has Parkinson's, so we help

each other through our individual down days. sorry to hear your sig.

other couldn't hack the challenge, I don't know what I'd do without

Ron.

Keep the faith,

Judi in Indiana (by way of Illinois & California)

Report post · December 13, 2004

Hi Deb. My name is Marina. I was diagnosed a little over 2 years

ago at the age of 32 and have spent most of that time on

Prednisone. I started out with the lower doses, but, it would

eventually stop working and my dose would be bumped up. At one

point I was taking nearly 100mg a day. With Remicade, I was able to

taper down. At one point I was actually off of them. Then we tried

Enbrel. Still taking that and not the steroids, except when

needed. I have been tapering off of them again over the last few

weeks. The Enbrel was effective and it worked within the first 2

weeks. Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes and what fixes that

are out there have there consiquences. But, not to the extent of

long term steroid use. My rheumatologist told me he would rather me

take narcotics through out the day everyday than to take steroids.

This disease is hard on families as well. Especially when they

don't understand. It's difficult for anyone to " get it " when they

don't go through it. I am having that issue with my sister,

brother, and father. They try, and I appreciate their efforts, but

they don't get it. I'm afraid to get into any " real " relationship

because I don't want to wish this onto anyone else. My 2 cats have

been my saving grace, well, them and this group. We are all like

brothers and sisters in here, understanding what the other goes

through. For the first time since my diagnosis, I felt as though I

was liberated from it because I could talk about it freely and

others would listen and understand. That makes such a difference.

I hope you get hooked up with a good rheumatologist. That is of

utmost importance. Perhaps, once you get off the steroids, the

diabetes will reverse itself. I have been fortunate to not have had

the blood sugar issue. That sounds like a challenge, having a deaf

dog. Must make things interesting!! My 2 cats sure act deaf at

times!! But, a dog comes when called and a cat takes a message and

gets back with you later!! Welcome to the group. Feel free to ask

questions and even to just write to vent!! It helps!! Take

care.....Blessed Be........Marina in Ohio

>

> Hello everyone, I am new to this site, my name is Deb and I am 51

> years old. I was wondering if anyone out there has been on long

term

> Prednisone use for their RA. I was diagnosed 3 years ago, and

have

> been taking it ever since. I was on 40 mg. a day for a long time,

> and have managed to get it down to 20-25 mg. a day depending on

the

> pain. The side effects are sooooo much fun. NOT! I also take

> Methotrexate and Celebrex. It has taken me all this time to

finally

> get my SSI Disability, and Medicaid, so I am now scheduled to see

a

> Rheumatologist in February, up until now I have only been seen in

a

> Hospital Clinic. I also have Hypo-thyroidism, and the prednisone

> has caused Diabetes. Anyway, I was wodering if anyone knows of

any

> specific drug that works as well as " the Magic Pill " Prednisone,

> without all these side effects, it sure would be a blessing to

find

> one. I also would like to say that it sounds like most of you

have

> a significant other or family members that help and support you

> all. I lost everything when I became sick, my sig. other left me,

> and I have no living family.But I do have my Dog, Abbey, she is a

> God send and good companion. She is deaf, but we have

> learned " Doggy Sign language " together, it keeps us busy. So, I

> mostly just stay in the house, afraid of getting sick from others,

> and it can be lonely. If it wasnt for the Computer and Abbey I

> would go crazy. I have good days and bad ones where I cant even

get

> out of bed, but I look at the alternative and am thankful for what

I

> do have. Any info any of you might have would be greatly

> appreciated.

Report post · December 22, 2004

Hi Sherri, welcome to the group! It's a great place to be, lots of

information, and wonderful people, Tawny

>

> Hi All! My name is Sherri and I live in Rochester,. Pa. Was

diagnosed at the

> age of 34-while recovering from a total knee replacement-with RA.

It runs in

> the family, but thus far, I am the only one to get it fromthis

generation of

> kids!!!!! Lucky me! I am married and live with DH and 2 cats and 1

spoiled

> Yorkie., Work as a Registered Nurse in the OB/Gyne dept of a local

hospital.

> Currently taking Embril and pred.-plus Darvocet for the pain. Love

to chat

> and email!!!! sherri

>

> Stay strong and healthy

Report post · December 30, 2004

Hi and Welcome!

I'm a 40 year old mom of an 18 year old boy. I have RA also, and work full

time-I'm a registered nurse. I take Plaquenil, also Remicade, Bextra and right

now, Prednisone due to a long unrelenting flare for about the last 6 months.

This list is full of wonderful support and info, and as I neglected to tell the

fellow I replied to a moment ago, there are even a few men on the list! Take

care, rest and Happy New Year. Cary

Report post · December 30, 2004

Welcome to the group. Sorry that you have RA at such a young age.

Luckily, I didn't get it until I was 60. I'm glad that the plaquenil is

working well for you. Hopefully it will continue to do so, but if not,

there are plenty of other drugs to try.

You will find that this is a wonderful group to belong to. We usually

do know what to say, because we know how you feel. a and , our

moderators, post lots of articles to keep us informed about autoimmune

diseases. I think you'll like it here.

Sue

On Thursday, December 30, 2004, at 10:57 PM, millerfamily44 wrote:

>

> Hi, I am a new member looking for support.....and to learn something

> about RA and how to deal........

Report post · December 30, 2004

Welcome to the group! I'm glad you found us, but sorry for your dx.

There are many RA patients that don't have a RF. I'm glad your doc

has put you on Plaquenil, is it working for you?

You will find support, and people that understand what your going

through, so count on us if you need us. God Bless, Tawny

>

> Hi, I am a new member looking for support.....and to learn

something

> about RA and how to deal........I am 36, mother of a 2 year old son

> and a 1 year old daughter. I do not have the RF factor, but my

> rheumatologist believes that it is RA. She has ruled out Lupus, and

> has done a million other tests. I have been on plaquenil for 4

months

> now and it has finally kicked in, and I have been able to get off

of

> prednisone completely. Anyone have luck with plaquenil? I don't

know

> anyone with RA, and I am not sure what lies ahead.......I think

that

> is the scariest part for me. My husband doesn't know what to say,

> and neither do my parents or friends. I am a guidance counselor,

and

> my boss and colleagues are wonderful, and have been very

accomodating

> when I have dr visits. I could not ask for more flexible working

> conditions. Well, hopefully I will get the hang of this online

group

> (never did this before) and will be able to find the support I am

> looking for!

Report post · January 17, 2005

Welcome Cheryl,

You found your way to Saline Support! It's a good

place to be if you need help after getting breast

implants.

Hugs,

Rogene

Report post · February 7, 2005

You may have seronegative RA. It is just a serious at seropositive

RA, but your labs do not reveal the typical RA markers.

The treatment is the same for both types of RA. Recent research shows

that about 35% of RA is seronegative. Talk with your Rheumy, and if

you don't like what your hear, go to another Rheumy until you get the

best care possible.

--- In , " Debbie " <dthomasathome@c...>

wrote:

>

> Hi all. I am new to this group after doing some online research

> into probable/possible causes for why I have been feeling so

> crummy. Forgive me if this seems lengthy...but I have joint

> pain/stiffness/slight swelling in feet and hands every morning (no

> deformity or redness)for about 30-45 mins after rising...lots of

> other joint aches/pains off and on throughout the day most days.

> Feel tired and achy all the time...sometimes think I must be

getting

> the flu the way everything hurts...but never do. ANA titer is

> positive at 1:320 but not enough that it caused great concern with

> first rheumatologist I saw. C-Reactive Protein is elevated quite

> high...something like 8 times what it should be normally. Other

> blood screening panels for RA and lupus were unremarkable...so I

> have no clear diagnosis. Seeing another rheumatologist next month

> (took 12 weeks for appt)for second opinion on advice of my GP. My

> question...did any of you have trouble getting a diagnosis of your

> RA, Lupus or Fibromyalgia? I know I have OA...had knee surgery last

> year to repair torn meniscus and clean out all the crud from the

> arthritis...other one will need to be done at some point too. It's

> just pretty frustrating to only be treating symptoms and not trying

> to get to the root of the problem.

>

> Thanks for any insight...DT

Report post · February 7, 2005

Welcome - I hate to discourage you Debbie- but it took almost 12 years before I

had a positive rheumatoid factor-and diagnosis- and there was a discussion of

rheumatoid or lupus a couple of years prior to those first visits with a

rheumatologist. Now, understand, I have been diagnosed since 1988- and tests are

far more sophisticated then they were back in the old days. I was told initially

that many of the diseases were treated the same - so a definitive diagnosis was

not paramount if they could treat anyway. I had a good working relationship with

my family doctor and the rheumatologist I went to when I was away at school- and

they also worked together. We were very careful about infections and quick

treatment of same. Drug therapies were much different then- anyone here- even

hear of butisolidin? I also took alot of coated aspirin. Fortunately for me- I

have been lucky and the disease- in terms of permanent damage has been very

slowly progressive- I am still working- as an attorney. I am currently on

prednisone, MTX,

and remicade for the RA. I take aciphex, a variety of vitamin

supplement-including folic acid- and other things to treat side effects. I am 50

now and in many ways - have grown up with my arthritis. I really don't have many

memories pre stiffness and pain. Hope they are able to diagnose quickly and

effectively for you - and treat quickly. Welcome again.

Big Hugs,

-------------- Original message ----------------------

From: " Debbie " <dthomasathome@...>