new member

[Guest guest]

Hi Em, and welcome to the group! You'll find lots of warmth and caring in

addition to great information on RA.

The bilateral joint swelling and ongoing fevers certainly sound like RA

symptoms to me. Hopefully your next visit to your rheumy will shed some new

light on the situation.

Hugs,

Carol (in FL)

[ ] New member

Howdy --

I'm Em, hoping to find some information and learn here. I'm 38 years

old. I was dxed with fibromyalgia a year ago, but have subsequently begun

to develop new symptoms. I am returning to my rheumatologist next week to

hopefully find out what is going on. These symptoms include bilateral

joint pain and swelling (fingers, elbows, hips and knees) and ongoing

" fevers of unknown etiology. " I had a spontaneous pelvic fracture two

years ago, and subsequently found I have osteopenia in both hips, but this

has not been treated by a physician and I have never had other osteo

problems. In addition I have had kidney problems and a recent collapsed

lung, so I honestly don't know what all that adds up to. I can

hypothesize, but until I've seen the doctor I feel it may be best to deal

with the situation as it comes.

My interests are not only in finding out more about dealing with such

problems, but also looking out for myself in terms of advocacy,

particularly in the workplace. My employer (large hospital corporation)

has a very strict absentee policy, and I'm searching for ways to protect my

own interests. I'm currently pretty unhappy, mostly due to pain and this

creeping exhaustion that make just typing this letter difficult, and

sometimes I struggle with feeling too much self-pity, or anger, or fear. I

WANT to be positive. But it's difficult.

In any case, I hope to contribute whatever I can to this list, and to learn

about how others cope with their diseases and life situations. I really

want to connect with people. Glad to be here!

Best,

Em

[Guest guest]

Sorry you had to find use for this support group but you will be glad you

did. There is a lot of information to behad on here!

I wish I had the success you did. Seven years have past for me and I am

still looking forward to feeling GREAT one day. I do feel better though so I

am very grateful for that.

Shandi

In a message dated 7/14/2002 9:09:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

hale956@... writes:

> In june I was told I have Rheumatoid arthritis. That was after six

> months of lots of pain, lots of tests and hardly any sleep. They put

> me on methotrexate and voltare. Since then I have been feeling great.

> Not even a flare up. I started searching the web and found you guys.

> Have been reading your postings and it's nice to know I'm not alone.

> My husband is wonderful, but he cannot relate to what I'm going

> through.

[Guest guest]

Hi Debby, I'm glad you found this group. My name is also Debbie. I was

diagnosed last month too and started Metho 2 weeks ago. I have been feeling

progressively better, but still have mild flares. I felt better with the

2nd dose of Metho, no nasty unpleasant side effects at all! Yah!!!

Glad your feeling better, and it is nice to meet you!

Debbie Mc

-- [ ] new member

In june I was told I have Rheumatoid arthritis. That was after six

months of lots of pain, lots of tests and hardly any sleep. They put

me on methotrexate and voltare. Since then I have been feeling great.

Not even a flare up. I started searching the web and found you guys.

Have been reading your postings and it's nice to know I'm not alone.

My husband is wonderful, but he cannot relate to what I'm going

through.

Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself and say hi.

Debby

[Guest guest]

hey debby, i'm kathy 42 widow with almost a 19 yr okd son. have been having

problems since 1997. still no solid diagnosis yet but she is leaning towards

reactive arthritis and fibro. i've been on social security disability since

oct 91 and trying to fight for my disability pymts from my former company. my

podiatrist put in his records that i could return to full time duty and my

rheumatologist had me off indefinatly. so they are saying i am not disabled

and by the way your job was eliminated back in feb. since then i have had

them follow me and videotape me. i put an appeal in by myself and they have

held it over for another 45 days. (better than a no) i have obtained help

from legal aid. we are preparing for them to say no. they are going to send

me out for a functional capacity test. i sat here this morning and made 20

copies and had to go and take some codene and heat packs. i could hardly

move. now that it's afternoon i am ready to run my daily fever. so much for

my childless weekend. he wet with the rest of my family camping. kathy in il

[Guest guest]

Welcome Debby! I understand what you are talking

about when you say your husband can't relate. Even

though my husband sees me in obvious pain and wants to

help, he still feels helpless. I have read him

research and tried to help him know what FM is and he

is willing to do anything he can to help me. I just

think that there is a limit to understanding unless

you live with it. Sometime I have to remind myself to

make clear what kind of help I need instead of just

thinking he will know. Have a great day. Iris

--- busia956 <hale956@...> wrote:

> In june I was told I have Rheumatoid arthritis.

> That was after six

> months of lots of pain, lots of tests and hardly any

> sleep. They put

> me on methotrexate and voltare. Since then I have

> been feeling great.

> Not even a flare up. I started searching the web

> and found you guys.

> Have been reading your postings and it's nice to

> know I'm not alone.

> My husband is wonderful, but he cannot relate to

> what I'm going

> through.

> Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself and say

> hi.

>

> Debby

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Debby...I'm sorry you have RA, but I'm glad you're feeling better and

that you've found our little corner of the world! So many great, caring

people here, and a wealth of information.

With Hope...

Tess

[Guest guest]

Hi Debby,

Welcome to the group. Glad you found us. I'm happy to hear that the meds

are helping you.

Love and Hugs

Stacey in PA

[Guest guest]

Hi Sue.

I'm so sorry you've had such a bad year with so many different ailments. I

think you'll find the group very warm and most of all helpful.

I've had RA for 12 + years now ( I'm 54 now ) and I take Methatrexate and

plaquinil. I'm not familiar with Arava...But I know the list moderators can give

you some links and the information you need.

I only have one large nodule on my left elbow....Have had my right foot

re-constructed due to the RA... ( in 1998 )My biggest problem now is my

knees....But the knee injections have helped a great deal.

My Mom had the shingles about 2 years ago and She said they were horrible....Sue

you've really been through a lot sounds like and You're right calling this a

terrible disease...But hopefully your DR will soon find what works for you

best....You have really found a loving and compassionate group...I haven't been

here long myself...But Everyone's so sweet and helpful...We ALL know each others

pain because we all live and deal with it everyday.

Glad you found us

Gail ( in Al )

[ ] New member

Hi,

I've just joined this group today and am looking forward to hearing other

members' experiences with rheumatoid arthritis. I'll be 63 next month, and

live in piedmont North Carolina.

Within a year I was diagnosed with shingles, rheumatoid arthritis, bleeding

ulcer and anemia from Aleve, and breast cancer. It was really a rough year

for me. The worst was the RA, worse even than the breast cancer, because it

was caught early by my annual mammogram. It was Stage 0 ductal carcinoma in

situ. I had a lumpectomy in March 2002, followed by 35 radiation treatments.

Now I'm just hoping it doesn't come back.

I have Type 2 diabetes, so the rheumatologist at first diagnosed me with two

frozen shoulders, which is common in diabetics; and diabetic limited joint

mobility syndrome, which affects mostly the hands and is usually painless.

He sent me to physical therapy, which did no good and was just torture to

have my arms moved into positions they didn't want to go into. I kept having

unbearable pain, so I called the rheumatologist and he called in a

prescription for Vioxx. That didn't help any more than Celebrex, which I'd

already tried. I called him again about the pain, and this time he really

got it. He got me in to see him in two days. Bloodwork showed lots of

inflammation and a positive rheumatoid factor, so he diagnosed me with

rheumatoid arthritis. X-rays of my hands showed no damage.

All of this time I was taking a double dose of Aleve.

I was put on 7.5 mg of methotrexate a week, along with prednisone to help

with the pain until the MTX had time to work. After three months, the dosage

was increased, and has been increased periodically until now I'm at 15 mg.

My last CBC showed that my white blood cell count was low. I have been off

the prednisone for about a month and a half. I'm still having lots of pain,

especially in my knees.

I have also developed rheumatoid nodules on both elbows. I also have what I

think is a nodule on one foot, but the rheumy said he didn't know what it

was. Now I think I'm getting them on the tops of both hands and on one index

finger.

Now I'm supposed to decide if I want to take Arava. I would like to know

about others' experiences with this medication. What I've read so far is

very scary.

I would also like to know if any of you have rheumatoid nodules. Can they be

caused by methotrexate? Do they ever just go away? My aunt, the only other

person in my family with RA, had huge nodules on her elbows.

I'm so glad to have found a support group for this terrible disease.

Sue

[Guest guest]

Dear Sue...welcome to our great group. I am so sorry you have gone

through/are going through so much.

I've been on most all the RA meds...Arava didn't help me at all, but in

the 6 months I was on it I lost some weight without really trying. Now,

you need to understand I am VERY heavy, so for me, I thought that was

reason enouh to stay on it. But my Rheummy was worried, and not seeing

results, & I did get anemic...so on we went to the next med.

I've had one nodule on my right elbow that did go away after I started

Remicade.

Please feel free to share whatever you need to here...this is a

compassionate group of " veterans " of RA and similar illnesses. There

is much information, and much caring here.

With Hope...

Tess NW Oregon

[Guest guest]

Welcome Sue, I am 51 until Monday anyway and have had RA for 15

years, I have tried all the treatments for RA and the only thing that

has worked is Methotrexate, I am on 27mg a week injectable. Even the

methotrexate is not working real well but that is all that is left

right now. I have no nodules and very little damage. I tried Arava

and it seemed to help some on my hands but nowhere else.

I also have Type II diabetes and control it by diet and exercise.

(anyway no meds)

It sounds like you got hit all at once, doesn't seem fair does it?

There is a lot of good information here besides people that can

understand the pain of RA they are all great.

Hope you enjoy the group. in WA

[Guest guest]

Hi Sue, and welcome to the group. My name is Carol, I'm 36, and I live in

Orlando. I was diagnosed with RA in Feb. of this year, and we're still

working to get my RA under control.

It sounds like you had a very tough year! I'm so sorry to hear you had to

go through so many health-related struggles in such a short period of time,

although what a blessing that you caught your breast cancer in an early

stage.

Like you, I'm taking Methotrexate, and like you I was just told my WBC is

low. I'm on 10 mg, and we were just going to increase to 12.5. He wants to

keep increasing up to 20 mg or until I get better results, but now that's on

hold until my blood count is higher.

I don't know much about Arava, but I'm sure or a (our moderators)

will be able to tell you more. They can also tell you more about rheumatoid

nodules. I think they are part of the RA, not a side effect of the MTX.

You'll find a lot of warm and caring friends in this group, as well as great

RA info.

Hugs,

Carol

[ ] New member

Hi,

I've just joined this group today and am looking forward to hearing other

members' experiences with rheumatoid arthritis. I'll be 63 next month, and

live in piedmont North Carolina.

Within a year I was diagnosed with shingles, rheumatoid arthritis, bleeding

ulcer and anemia from Aleve, and breast cancer. It was really a rough year

for me. The worst was the RA, worse even than the breast cancer, because it

was caught early by my annual mammogram. It was Stage 0 ductal carcinoma in

situ. I had a lumpectomy in March 2002, followed by 35 radiation treatments.

Now I'm just hoping it doesn't come back.

I have Type 2 diabetes, so the rheumatologist at first diagnosed me with two

frozen shoulders, which is common in diabetics; and diabetic limited joint

mobility syndrome, which affects mostly the hands and is usually painless.

He sent me to physical therapy, which did no good and was just torture to

have my arms moved into positions they didn't want to go into. I kept having

unbearable pain, so I called the rheumatologist and he called in a

prescription for Vioxx. That didn't help any more than Celebrex, which I'd

already tried. I called him again about the pain, and this time he really

got it. He got me in to see him in two days. Bloodwork showed lots of

inflammation and a positive rheumatoid factor, so he diagnosed me with

rheumatoid arthritis. X-rays of my hands showed no damage.

All of this time I was taking a double dose of Aleve.

I was put on 7.5 mg of methotrexate a week, along with prednisone to help

with the pain until the MTX had time to work. After three months, the dosage

was increased, and has been increased periodically until now I'm at 15 mg.

My last CBC showed that my white blood cell count was low. I have been off

the prednisone for about a month and a half. I'm still having lots of pain,

especially in my knees.

I have also developed rheumatoid nodules on both elbows. I also have what I

think is a nodule on one foot, but the rheumy said he didn't know what it

was. Now I think I'm getting them on the tops of both hands and on one index

finger.

Now I'm supposed to decide if I want to take Arava. I would like to know

about others' experiences with this medication. What I've read so far is

very scary.

I would also like to know if any of you have rheumatoid nodules. Can they be

caused by methotrexate? Do they ever just go away? My aunt, the only other

person in my family with RA, had huge nodules on her elbows.

I'm so glad to have found a support group for this terrible disease.

Sue

[Guest guest]

Hi Sue:

Welcome to the group - this is a great place to meet

and share with people who have been in the same place

you are - great information from the moderators too.

I am 48 years old and was diagnosed with RA three

years ago. I began treating with Plaquenil and

Motrin, then was switched to Plaquenil and

Methotrexate and Motrin, and now I am on Methotrexate,

Bextra, and Arava. The Metho and the Plaquenil were

just not holding the symptoms from progressing and so

far it looks like the Arava and Metho are doing the

trick - I still have flares, still have stiffness and

pain in my hands, wrists, and elbows most of the time,

and still have the danged fatigue, but it is better

than it was. I too was afraid to begin taking the

Arava - had read about the liver side effects and all

and since I was already taking Metho I figured that it

would be a double whammy on my liver - but I get

regular blood work and am doing fine. My doctor put

me on this until we are able to get Embrel - hopefully

sometime by the end of the year but who knows?

Sounds like you have had a he** of a year! Hope that

things begin improving for you - you can't be too

scared of the medications we need to take, be cautious

but everything has side effects and it seems like most

of them involve the liver because that is what filters

out the toxins - metho and arava are toxic. But if it

makes you feel better and you are able to cope again

in your life, it is worth it I think. I am sure that

the moderators can pull up some sites for you to check

on the Arava and other meds.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

Kathe in CA

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Sue,

Welcome to our group. Actually we're more like a family. Sorry that you had

to find us under bad circumstances, but there are a lot of caring people

here.

Love and Hugs

Stacey in PA

[Guest guest]

Hi and Welcome Sue,

We are glad to have you here. While the disease that brought you here is

quite unfair, we are a warm and caring bunch with the best moderators

anywhere on the web. and a are very hard working, knowledgeable

ladies who are also REALLY great people. I hope that you feel at home here

and enjoy getting to know us as we get to know you also.

You sure are a strong lady with all those health problems. Pick any one of

those problems that you listed and that would be a plateful, but all of them

seems as though you have been given more than your share. Please know that

you will never feel alone again as far as the rheumatoid arthritis is

concerned and if we can lend an ear to your other problems, we are always

here. Just remember that all of us are only an e-mail away.

Again, welcome Sue and feel free to ask questions and learn from this list.

a has just started working on a new Support Site that is full of

interesting articles and they are all just a click away. We will be talking

with you soon!

Gentle, tender, angel hugs,

Debs in FL

[Guest guest]

Welcome Sue. What a terrible year you¹ve had. I don¹t blame you for being

nervous about taking arava. I was supposed to take it, but decided against

it and took methotrexate instead. The arava has been getting a lot of bad

press lately and there are consumer groups that are trying to get it banned.

The FDA has 6 times more reports of liver damage among Arava users than

methotrexate users even though thousands more people use methotrexate.

Citing similar reactions abroad, the European Union last year warned

patients and doctors about Arava's toxicity. MTX is also hard on the liver,

but taking folic acid helps reduce the toxicity. MTX has been used for a

very long time for RA and the side effects are well know. Careful

monitoring will normally catch any problems early and are reversed when

stopping the med. In rare cases liver and lung complications are possible.

Here¹s a good site about arava:

http://www.aventispharma-us.com/PIs/arava_TXT.html

Rheumatoid nodules are caused by the disease, not methotrexate. I¹ve had

many and continue to develop them. I have a new one brewing in the arch of

my foot. As if walking isn¹t painful enough, I have to get one there!!!!!

I had many removed from my ankles, but most of the time they don¹t have to

be removed. Mine made walking to painful to tolerate since they were close

to the Achilles tendon.

You can find more info about nodules on our RA webpage:

http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/Rheumatoid Arthritis.html

Feel free to ask any questions.

a

> Hi,

>

> I've just joined this group today and am looking forward to hearing other

> members' experiences with rheumatoid arthritis. I'll be 63 next month, and

> live in piedmont North Carolina.

>

> Within a year I was diagnosed with shingles, rheumatoid arthritis, bleeding

> ulcer and anemia from Aleve, and breast cancer. It was really a rough year

> for me. The worst was the RA, worse even than the breast cancer, because it

> was caught early by my annual mammogram. It was Stage 0 ductal carcinoma in

> situ. I had a lumpectomy in March 2002, followed by 35 radiation treatments.

> Now I'm just hoping it doesn't come back.

>

> I have Type 2 diabetes, so the rheumatologist at first diagnosed me with two

> frozen shoulders, which is common in diabetics; and diabetic limited joint

> mobility syndrome, which affects mostly the hands and is usually painless.

> He sent me to physical therapy, which did no good and was just torture to

> have my arms moved into positions they didn't want to go into. I kept having

> unbearable pain, so I called the rheumatologist and he called in a

> prescription for Vioxx. That didn't help any more than Celebrex, which I'd

> already tried. I called him again about the pain, and this time he really

> got it. He got me in to see him in two days. Bloodwork showed lots of

> inflammation and a positive rheumatoid factor, so he diagnosed me with

> rheumatoid arthritis. X-rays of my hands showed no damage.

>

> All of this time I was taking a double dose of Aleve.

>

> I was put on 7.5 mg of methotrexate a week, along with prednisone to help

> with the pain until the MTX had time to work. After three months, the dosage

> was increased, and has been increased periodically until now I'm at 15 mg.

> My last CBC showed that my white blood cell count was low. I have been off

> the prednisone for about a month and a half. I'm still having lots of pain,

> especially in my knees.

>

> I have also developed rheumatoid nodules on both elbows. I also have what I

> think is a nodule on one foot, but the rheumy said he didn't know what it

> was. Now I think I'm getting them on the tops of both hands and on one index

> finger.

>

> Now I'm supposed to decide if I want to take Arava. I would like to know

> about others' experiences with this medication. What I've read so far is

> very scary.

>

> I would also like to know if any of you have rheumatoid nodules. Can they be

> caused by methotrexate? Do they ever just go away? My aunt, the only other

> person in my family with RA, had huge nodules on her elbows.

>

> I'm so glad to have found a support group for this terrible disease.

>

> Sue

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

a, I am currently taking methotrexate. I've been taking it for about 11

months now, with the dosage being increased gradually until it's up to 15

mg. The last labwork showed that my WBC is low, so I guess it's not wise to

increase it again.

I am so much better than I was a year ago before I started taking the MTX.

I'm not having nearly as much pain, but I am still having pain and

stiffness, especially in my knees. And it's pretty much constant.

I'd probably be fine if I still took a low dosage of prednisone. But I

already have cataracts and also Fuchs' corneal dystrophy, and I don't want

to jeopardize my eyesight further. I was also worried about thinning bones.

This is a big decision. I have read about the side effects of Arava. But the

side effects of MTX are bad, too. When I read the brochure on that, my

thought was that if it didn't kill me, it might help me.

Has anyone on the list taken Arava and lived to tell about it? I'd like to

hear from you.

Sue

on 7/21/02 10:31 PM, a at paula54@... wrote:

> Welcome Sue. What a terrible year you¹ve had. I don¹t blame you for being

> nervous about taking arava. I was supposed to take it, but decided against

> it and took methotrexate instead. The arava has been getting a lot of bad

> press lately and there are consumer groups that are trying to get it banned.

> The FDA has 6 times more reports of liver damage among Arava users than

> methotrexate users even though thousands more people use methotrexate.

> Citing similar reactions abroad, the European Union last year warned

> patients and doctors about Arava's toxicity. MTX is also hard on the liver,

> but taking folic acid helps reduce the toxicity. MTX has been used for a

> very long time for RA and the side effects are well know. Careful

> monitoring will normally catch any problems early and are reversed when

> stopping the med. In rare cases liver and lung complications are possible.

> Here¹s a good site about arava:

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy,

Welcome to our little RA family. We are glad you are here, but sorry that

you had to find us. We have very knowledgeable and compassionate moderators

who are really great people. a, one our moderators has just put together

a new Support Site. Check it out. There is a lot of information to be

obtained from this group. All you have to do is ask.

We serve Whine and Cheese here everyday, with no limit on the Whine!

Remember, that you will never be alone again with this disease. This is a

safe place to come with your questions, comments, jokes, recipes and just to

vent. We are all just an e-mail away.

Hope you enjoy us as much as we will enjoy getting to know you.

Gentle, tender, angel hugs,

Debs in FL

[Guest guest]

Hello Judy and welcome to the group. You will find some realy nice

people in this group, they have been through a lot when it comes to

this disease. I have learned more since I found this group than I

did in the whole 15 years with RA. If you have a question there is

some one here to answer it or a or can find a link for you,

they have found some really good articles.

I have a son 30 and a daughter 29 each with three children, which is

what I live for. My daughter has been with me when I have had a

really bad flare, helped me out of bed, dried me off after a shower.

Her biggest worry is that I over due and have another. My son is

another matter, he hasn't seen any of that and I am not sure he would

handle it very well. All n'all I am proud to be there mom (of course

they think it is all for the grandkids).

Hope you can get a diagnoses soon and get the help you need.

in WA

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks for the " welcome. " I've seen messages on this list that lets me

know people are here for each other. This morning isn't too good. It

would be easier to say where I don't hurt. We've been having a lot of

rain and super high humidity this past week and I think it's causing me

more pain. I'll sure to be glad to see it go.

Judy - in FL

> Hello Judy and welcome to the group. You will find some really nice

> people in this group, they have been through a lot when it comes to

>

> this disease. I have learned more since I found this group than I

> did in the whole 15 years with RA. If you have a question there is

>

> some one here to answer it or a or can find a link for you,

>

> they have found some really good articles.

>

> I have a son 30 and a daughter 29 each with three children, which is

>

> what I live for. My daughter has been with me when I have had a

> really bad flare, helped me out of bed, dried me off after a shower.

>

> Her biggest worry is that I over due and have another. My son is

> another matter, he hasn't seen any of that and I am not sure he

> would

> handle it very well. All n'all I am proud to be there mom (of

> course

> they think it is all for the grandkids).

>

> Hope you can get a diagnoses soon and get the help you need.

>

> in WA

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Debs. This groups sure knows how to make someone feel welcomed.

Judy - in FL

> Hi Judy,

>

> Welcome to our little RA family. We are glad you are here, but

> sorry that

> you had to find us. We have very knowledgeable and compassionate

> moderators

> who are really great people. a, one our moderators has just put

> together

> a new Support Site. Check it out. There is a lot of information to

> be

> obtained from this group. All you have to do is ask.

>

> We serve Whine and Cheese here everyday, with no limit on the

> Whine!

>

> Remember, that you will never be alone again with this disease.

> This is a

> safe place to come with your questions, comments, jokes, recipes and

> just to

> vent. We are all just an e-mail away.

>

> Hope you enjoy us as much as we will enjoy getting to know you.

>

> Gentle, tender, angel hugs,

>

> Debs in FL

>

>

[Guest guest]

<<. This morning isn't too good. It

would be easier to say where I don't hurt. We've been having a lot of

rain and super high humidity this past week and I think it's causing me

more pain. >>

Hi Judy, and welcome!!! I'm sorry to hear you're having a bad morning. I

live in Orlando, and the humidity we've had the past 6 weeks had kept me in

an almost continuous flare. My Dr. and I were talking about whether I

should move to a drier climate. He said if it would give me relief, it

would be worth considering. We have our own business, though, and moving

just isn't that easy.

I hope you feel better soon.

Hugs,

Carol

[ ] Re: New member

Hi ,

Thanks for the " welcome. " I've seen messages on this list that lets me

know people are here for each other. This morning isn't too good. It

would be easier to say where I don't hurt. We've been having a lot of

rain and super high humidity this past week and I think it's causing me

more pain. I'll sure to be glad to see it go.

Judy - in FL

> Hello Judy and welcome to the group. You will find some really nice

> people in this group, they have been through a lot when it comes to

>

> this disease. I have learned more since I found this group than I

> did in the whole 15 years with RA. If you have a question there is

>

> some one here to answer it or a or can find a link for you,

>

> they have found some really good articles.

>

> I have a son 30 and a daughter 29 each with three children, which is

>

> what I live for. My daughter has been with me when I have had a

> really bad flare, helped me out of bed, dried me off after a shower.

>

> Her biggest worry is that I over due and have another. My son is

> another matter, he hasn't seen any of that and I am not sure he

> would

> handle it very well. All n'all I am proud to be there mom (of

> course

> they think it is all for the grandkids).

>

> Hope you can get a diagnoses soon and get the help you need.

>

> in WA

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol,

I live near Tallahassee and the thunder is rumbling right now, so more

rain and higher humidity. Moving is not an option for us. Jim is well

planted in his job and the kids and grandkids are here. I'll just have

to try to do the best I can where I am. I know my new found friends on

RA-Support will be a big help to me.

Judy - in FL

> Hi Judy, and welcome!!! I'm sorry to hear you're having a bad

> morning. I

> live in Orlando, and the humidity we've had the past 6 weeks had

> kept me in

> an almost continuous flare. My Dr. and I were talking about whether

> I

> should move to a drier climate. He said if it would give me relief,

> it

> would be worth considering. We have our own business, though, and

> moving

> just isn't that easy.

>

> I hope you feel better soon.

>

> Hugs,

> Carol

> [ ] Re: New member

>

> Hi ,

>

> Thanks for the " welcome. " I've seen messages on this list that lets

> me

> know people are here for each other. This morning isn't too good.

> It

> would be easier to say where I don't hurt. We've been having a lot

> of

> rain and super high humidity this past week and I think it's causing

> me

> more pain. I'll sure to be glad to see it go.

>

> Judy - in FL

>

> > Hello Judy and welcome to the group. You will find some really

> nice

> > people in this group, they have been through a lot when it comes

> to

> >

> > this disease. I have learned more since I found this group than

> I

> > did in the whole 15 years with RA. If you have a question there

> is

> >

> > some one here to answer it or a or can find a link for

> you,

> >

> > they have found some really good articles.

> >

> > I have a son 30 and a daughter 29 each with three children, which

> is

> >

> > what I live for. My daughter has been with me when I have had a

> > really bad flare, helped me out of bed, dried me off after a

> shower.

> >

> > Her biggest worry is that I over due and have another. My son is

> > another matter, he hasn't seen any of that and I am not sure he

> > would

> > handle it very well. All n'all I am proud to be there mom (of

> > course

> > they think it is all for the grandkids).

> >

> > Hope you can get a diagnoses soon and get the help you need.

> >

> > in WA

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy:

Welcome to our group - the people here are very kind

and understanding, truly know where you are coming

from with your pain, and can be a great source of

strength and knowledge for you.

Kathe in CA

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy,

Welcome to the group. I am looking forward to the pleasure of getting to

know you better. I am 35, have RA (diagnosed 2 and a half years ago), I am a

single mom of a 6-year old son. I found great comfort here with this group

of fine, caring, compassionate people and hope you find the same.

Love and Hugs

Stacey in PA

[Guest guest]

Welcome Lena!

I'm fairly new here too. The people here are great and you'll find

that they are very knowledgable and experience. I myself, was

diagnoised with RA last March. I've got the pain and stiffness under

control now and feel fine. I don't know how long it will last, but

I'm enjoying it while I can.

Susie in MN

> Hi Everyone,

> I just joined the group. I was diagnosed with SLE when I was 21.

In

> its early years it shut my kidneys down twice caused problems with

my

> lungs once. After several years it quietly went into remission,

Where

> it has remained ever sense. I'm now 48 and take no meds for it. I

was

> diagnosed with Raynoids last fall. The worst thing I have is the

> continual fatigue.

> Lena