Newbie

[Guest guest]

MH,

There are no tests to definitely prove that your implants are causing your problems . .. You've had enough tests to prove there isn't another cause. A high ANA is part of the implant experience.

But, based on all the women we see come here, chances are virtually 100% they are.

In almost every case where a woman doesn't get better after explant, it's found the surgeon didn't remove the implants properly, or there was an extracapsular rupture. One reason to search for a surgeon very carefully.

Most women are happy with their outcome after explant . . . when they use a good surgeon. You will "fluff" in the months following explant. In a few occasions, a woman ends up being as large as she was with implants.

You doctor will be able to tell you if you would benefit from a mastopexy (lift) . . . Speaking for myself, I looked better after explant than either before, or with implants.

Hugs,

Rogene

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I've seen alot of different timeframes for women to experience

symptoms - some people like myself get sick right after getting

implants, but there are others who don't start getting sick until

many years later - either because their implants start breaking down

or because there's a leak and toxins are escaping the implants and

entering your body. You'd be surprised at all of the bacteria, mold

and fungus that the saline implants can contain once they're in your

body. There have been so many of us with the same or similar

symptoms, and the FDA has virtually ignored us.

Sis

--- In , " gmhaines " <gmhaines@...>

wrote:

>

> hi all-

> i am new here, and an not sure where to start. i have had saline

> implants for 10 years now. 7 mos ago i got really sick and haven't

felt

> well since. i have had multitude of tests from numerous doctors

> confirming nothing (positive ana)really other than a possible

> autoimmune process beginning. i was diagnosed with POTS by a

> neurologist (postural orthostatic tachycardia) but still feel like

a

> piece of the puzzle is missing. My symtpoms include

> a lot of what are listed on this site (dizzines, heart racing and

> palpitations, chest tightning, night sweats/chills, light-headed,

> numbness/tingling in hands and feet, muscle weakness, headaches to

name

> the big ones). most of which seem worse when i'm on my period -

not

> sure why. i asked my rheumatologist about my implants causing any

of

> these, and he said there was no way to know for sure that it is a

huge

> debate. i stumbled across this issue only a few weeks ago, but now

i

> can't get it out of my mind as to whether this would cause my

symtpoms

> so much later or if it just happened and is a weird coincidence.

any

> advise or info would be appreciated on where to go from here!

> -mh

>

[Guest guest]

Dear mh,

Welcome to the group. I found this group Jan. 2008 and these wonderful women helped save my life. I had saline implants beginning Dec. 1997. They became extremely rippled and by year 7 I couple not stand how unattractive these rippled implants looked. I was not having health problems...............yet! Dec. 2004 I had the saline implants removed and had the new cohesive silicone implants placed as my doctor said they were safe and he would put them in his wife. I was a trial patient for these new implants as the FDA had not yet approved them. The doctors like to push these silicone implants because they are more expensive and so, of course, the PS make more money.

Last summer (2007) my world turned upside down! It all started with the same symptoms you are having. I also was having problems with horrible swelling in my legs and feet and was extremely fatigued. Last summer I also had unexplained weight gain of 15 pounds. I just thought I was out of shape and so I started going to the gym and tried to work out but this only made me feel worse! By Sept. 2007 I felt poisoned! I was terrified! This was all new to me as I had always been so healthy. My blood tests showed positive ANA and I had Mononucleosis and Epstein Barr Virus. My liver functions were all elevated. My CK (muscle enzymes) were 1168 (normal range is 0-165). By December I was even worse. I was sent to

an Infectious Disease doctor and he diagnosed me with Chronic Fatigue and he also said I had something else very chronic going on but we may never find out what it was. I had a consistent chronic cough by this time. This cough sounded just like my dads cough did when he had lung cancer that claimed his life almost 11 years ago. I sobbed and sobbed! I needed help and I was getting worse and nobody could help me. I asked every doctor I went to if it could be my breast implants that were making me ill and none of them felt it was related. By Jan. 2008 I was having numbness in my right hand and right arm and began using my left hand to do things. I began getting confused and was having horrifying brain malfunction. I had many episodes where I could not remember phone numbers, passwords,

names, how to turn on the computer or how to start my car etc. Once I figured out how to start my car I didn't remember how to put the car in gear. I was having symptoms of MS and Lupus. I went to the doctor and she said I needed to have a MRI of my brain. Her notes stated that I may need Neurology or Psych consult. That is when I decided I needed to get proactive and help myself. I got online (thank God for the internet) and began researching implants and my symptoms. I was led to this wonderful group and they helped me so much.

I can relate to how you are feeling because I liked my implants and was scared that I may not get better if I had them removed. I prayed very hard and I came to the conclusion that even if they weren't related.........the best thing I could do for my health was to have them removed so my body did not have to be fighting an implant in the battle to regain my health. My gut instincts told me all along it WAS my implants. That is why I kept asking every doctor if they felt my implants could be making me ill.

I had explant Feb. 26, 2006 with Dr. Huang in Denver, Colorado. I was terrified that I may look deformed but my health was priority! I was so ill at the time of explant that I was scared to have the surgery because I was not sure I would survive the surgery. Everything went smoothly and Dr. Huang said my blood pressure dropped into a more normal range when she removed the implants. I am no longer on blood pressure medication. The numbness was gone in the recovery room. She said I had capsular contracture of my right breast. I could breathe better and felt a freedom I will never forget.

It has only been 4 1/2 months since my explant. Healing has been slow and has required a great amount of patience. I have had good days and I have had very bad days. I have been eating healthy foods and have found that getting plenty of sleep is crucial in regaining my health. I have lost the 15 pounds I had gained. Proper explant has been the best thing I ever did for my health. I learned from this group that I needed to have enbloc removal (where the implant and the scar capsule are lifted out of the body in one piece). I thought all PS removed the implant the same way. Looking back now, it is a blessing that my implanting PS told me my illness was not related and that he did not need to see me. If I would have had explant by

him, I don't know if he would have done it properly.

I am happy and I am healing. The chronic cough and the other symptoms I had are gone. My liver functions are all in normal range. My main problem now is fatigue but I realize my body has been through a war fighting implants, toxins and illness. No wonder my body is tired!!! Summer 2008 is so much better for me than summer 2007 was. Thank God for this group and their counsel. These women are angels of God.

Good Luck!

Hugs~

a

P.S. My breasts look great! They did not look good immediately post surgery but have fluffed and look great. My husband told me the other day how attractive they look and that he likes them so much better than implants. He said I look more proportionate and petite without them.

newbie

hi all-i am new here, and an not sure where to start. i have had saline implants for 10 years now. 7 mos ago i got really sick and haven't felt well since. i have had multitude of tests from numerous doctors confirming nothing (positive ana)really other than a possible autoimmune process beginning. i was diagnosed with POTS by a neurologist (postural orthostatic tachycardia) but still feel like a piece of the puzzle is missing. My symtpoms include a lot of what are listed on this site (dizzines, heart racing and palpitations, chest tightning, night sweats/chills, light-headed, numbness/tingling in hands and feet, muscle weakness, headaches to name the big ones). most of which seem worse when i'm on my period - not sure why. i asked my rheumatologist about my implants causing any of these, and he said there was no way to know for sure that it is a huge debate. i stumbled across this issue only a

few weeks ago, but now i can't get it out of my mind as to whether this would cause my symtpoms so much later or if it just happened and is a weird coincidence. any advise or info would be appreciated on where to go from here!-mh

[Guest guest]

Just to clarify.....I had explant Feb. 26, 2008. I typed it wrong in the message below.

Hugs,

a

newbie

hi all-i am new here, and an not sure where to start. i have had saline implants for 10 years now. 7 mos ago i got really sick and haven't felt well since. i have had multitude of tests from numerous doctors confirming nothing (positive ana)really other than a possible autoimmune process beginning. i was diagnosed with POTS by a neurologist (postural orthostatic tachycardia) but still feel like a piece of the puzzle is missing. My symtpoms include a lot of what are listed on this site (dizzines, heart racing and palpitations, chest tightning, night sweats/chills, light-headed, numbness/tingling in hands and feet, muscle weakness, headaches to name the big ones). most of which seem worse when i'm on my period - not sure why. i asked my rheumatologist about my implants causing any of these, and he said there was no way to know for sure that it is a huge debate. i stumbled across this issue only a

few weeks ago, but now i can't get it out of my mind as to whether this would cause my symtpoms so much later or if it just happened and is a weird coincidence. any advise or info would be appreciated on where to go from here!-mh

[Guest guest]

Hi! I'm doing the protocol and the SCD. My son also had

constipation so I've kept him on SCD. He is 3 1/2 so he can't

swallow the medications so I have illegal SCD compounded liquid

solutions. I was worried to have the illegal meds but it's been OK.

Since your son is 10 it probably won't be a problem for him to

swallow the pills but if it is I do use " Kirkmans fruit free maximum

spectrum enzym-complete DPP-IV isogest formula " enzymes because it

has enzymes for dissacharides so it does help with his infractions.

I give him half a capsule at night so it's not even much but I can

see a difference. If you have infractions it's something to try.

Dr. G was really supportive of my continuing SCD since it's working

for my son and and SCD have been working really well for him.

Hope this helps!

Cheryl

>

> Hi All,

>

> I'm new to this list. I'm on the SCD list and several parents

> mentioned and so began a new research path... We've been doing

> SCD for 7 months, GF/CF for 1 year prior to that. A lot of what I've

> read sounds like my son (currently 10 yr. old, PDD, Asperger's,

ADD).

> Seldom gets sick, except for a bout with croup when he was 2

> (hospitalized for 2 days, lots of antibiotics) and pneumonia when he

> was 4 (hospitalized for 5 days, lots and lots of antibiotics.) Only

> in the past year and half, he's complained often of sore throats.

> He's had strep twice in the past year. But generally, he's been

very

> healthy. Always had issues with constipation. But his ped never

> thought that was an issue. Now he has regular BMs since we've been

on

> SCD.

>

> I have many q's about still, but one of the biggest is the

diet.

> It's just so different than what we've been used to for him. And I

> also noticed that there are some SCDer's here that are sticking to

SCD

> while pursuing . Any insight on what you've seen with the

dietary

> changes would help. I'm so scared to add any grains, esp. gluten

back

> in. And soy...

>

> Anyway, I'd appreciate your comments and experiences with NIDs and

the

> diet.

> Thanks so much!!

> L. Nazarani

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Cheryl,

I'm not sure we're going to stay with SCD. We've been following the

diet diligently for 8 months, but with no major successes. Actually,

not any improvements at all. I'm confused and not sure what to do.

But the idea of changing his diet is also a bit scary... We're

currently using the DPP IV from Kirkman's but I'm not sure if it's the

exact same thing you've written about below - I'll need to check...

thanks again for sharing.

Lubna

> >

> > Hi All,

> >

> > I'm new to this list. I'm on the SCD list and several parents

> > mentioned and so began a new research path... We've been doing

> > SCD for 7 months, GF/CF for 1 year prior to that. A lot of what I've

> > read sounds like my son (currently 10 yr. old, PDD, Asperger's,

> ADD).

> > Seldom gets sick, except for a bout with croup when he was 2

> > (hospitalized for 2 days, lots of antibiotics) and pneumonia when he

> > was 4 (hospitalized for 5 days, lots and lots of antibiotics.) Only

> > in the past year and half, he's complained often of sore throats.

> > He's had strep twice in the past year. But generally, he's been

> very

> > healthy. Always had issues with constipation. But his ped never

> > thought that was an issue. Now he has regular BMs since we've been

> on

> > SCD.

> >

> > I have many q's about still, but one of the biggest is the

> diet.

> > It's just so different than what we've been used to for him. And I

> > also noticed that there are some SCDer's here that are sticking to

> SCD

> > while pursuing . Any insight on what you've seen with the

> dietary

> > changes would help. I'm so scared to add any grains, esp. gluten

> back

> > in. And soy...

> >

> > Anyway, I'd appreciate your comments and experiences with NIDs and

> the

> > diet.

> > Thanks so much!!

> > L. Nazarani

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I think there is alot of controversy relating to soy and was told not to use it

with my asd child.

From: lfanaz <lnazarani@...>

Subject: Newbie

Date: Thursday, July 17, 2008, 9:26 PM

Hi All,

I'm new to this list. I'm on the SCD list and several parents

mentioned and so began a new research path... We've been doing

SCD for 7 months, GF/CF for 1 year prior to that. A lot of what I've

read sounds like my son (currently 10 yr. old, PDD, Asperger's, ADD).

Seldom gets sick, except for a bout with croup when he was 2

(hospitalized for 2 days, lots of antibiotics) and pneumonia when he

was 4 (hospitalized for 5 days, lots and lots of antibiotics. ) Only

in the past year and half, he's complained often of sore throats.

He's had strep twice in the past year. But generally, he's been very

healthy. Always had issues with constipation. But his ped never

thought that was an issue. Now he has regular BMs since we've been on

SCD.

I have many q's about still, but one of the biggest is the diet.

It's just so different than what we've been used to for him. And I

also noticed that there are some SCDer's here that are sticking to SCD

while pursuing . Any insight on what you've seen with the dietary

changes would help. I'm so scared to add any grains, esp. gluten back

in. And soy...

Anyway, I'd appreciate your comments and experiences with NIDs and the

diet.

Thanks so much!!

L. Nazarani

[Guest guest]

Hi Rhonda

Ask away Thats what we are here for This website and the caring KC

have saved my life.

Janet

**************

Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and

favorite sites in one place. Try it now. (http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp & amp;

icid=aolcom40vanity & amp;ncid=emlcntaolcom00000010)

[Guest guest]

Go to our Home Page and click on Files. You're sure to find some

interesting info.

Are your parents getting their home remediated or tested for mold?

Just curious. It's very kind of you to take them out of that

environment which could be fatal for them.

I had my home remediated and was able to get our Homeowner's Insurance

to cover it. Not always easy to do. However, instead of waiting for

a week or two to move back in, we moved right back in and the exposure

to the chemicals used (covered the rug) caused me to become highly

intolerant to lots of chemicals thereafter. I kept my windows (all)

open for almost a year. llaci

[Guest guest]

Thank you for your reply.

This is very new to us, it only happened this weekend so we aren't sure what

will be done yet.

My parents live in VA and we are in TX. They have been staying with us since

early august because my grandmother passed away. My dad is retired so they

decided to stay here instead of traveling back and forth until the estate was

settled as dad was co-executor.

They had planned to go home over the weekend, so my brother went over there to

get the heat turned on and found the mold. he said it was so bad he could smell

it before he even opened the front door.

So, we are still in the research to see what can be done stage.

My mom is diabetic and also on dialysis so we knew she couldn't go back.

Ronda

[] Re: Newbie

Go to our Home Page and click on Files. You're sure to find some

interesting info.

Are your parents getting their home remediated or tested for mold?

Just curious. It's very kind of you to take them out of that

environment which could be fatal for them.

I had my home remediated and was able to get our Homeowner's Insurance

to cover it. Not always easy to do. However, instead of waiting for

a week or two to move back in, we moved right back in and the exposure

to the chemicals used (covered the rug) caused me to become highly

intolerant to lots of chemicals thereafter. I kept my windows (all)

open for almost a year. llaci

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

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com

Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.18/1851 - Release Date: 12/16/2008

8:53 AM

[Guest guest]

Welcome Rhonda,

Please do not hesitate to ask any questions at this time. We have

discussed many things multiple times because each situations is

different and science is always changing. What are the most

important questions that you need answers/opinions to? So we can

help get you started in the right direction.

KC

>

> Hi Everyone!

> I Just joined. My elderly parents are now living with me because

of

> mold in their home and a friend pointed me here.

> My plan was to lurk for a while and read to gather some questions,

but

> there is so much!

> Can you all point me to some old threads to read up on to get me

> started? I hate to jump in here and ask questions that have

already

> been covered, beat to death and asked over and over. LOL

>

> Thanks in advance!

>

> Ronda - TX

>

[Guest guest]

I thought you were suppose to help me Ronda:)

 

Ok bad joke. Welcome to the board.  Are your parents ok? I know some people are

worse then others. If they need treatment i would suggest to look up anti fungal

treatments or cholestyramine treatments. Also if they have brought

anything(furniture etc) in from the old home it can cause them to become just as

sick as when they were in the old home from cross contamination of the mold

spores. And i want to say thanks for letting them come into your home, if i

didnt have family to help me i would be on the streets. God Bless and Merry

Christmas!

 

Elias

From: Ronda <the4trents@...>

Subject: [] Newbie

Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 6:25 AM

Hi Everyone!

I Just joined. My elderly parents are now living with me because of

mold in their home and a friend pointed me here.

My

[Guest guest]

Thank you for your kind replies!

They didn't bring much with them except clothes and a laptop when they left

thier house. At the time, they we'ren't aware of the mold. They left thier

house in August because my grandmother had passed away and didn't plan to stay

long term. My brother discovered the mold when he went to check on the house.

I'll be lurking nad reading in the files for a while... and to make our

situation more complex, we are in the middle of moving so I may not be posting

much. We pack the truck on Monday and we will be taking my parents with us.

You do what you gotta do and I won't let my parents go back to that or live on

the street!

Anyway, the questions that have come to mind are things like...

How do I find a company to do testing in the house and how much should we expect

to pay?

What sort of things can be salvaged/restored?

Where do I find info on how to clean items removed from the home?

If I wash clothes that were removed from teh home in my home washer, is there a

danger of other items washed in the washer getting contaminated?

That last question sounds silly now that I've typed it, but I know I need that

one answered for my own peace of mind.

Thank you all for sharing your wealth of information!

Ronda - Packing like a mad woman.

[Guest guest]

Rhonda, Please read the posts recently on " are my belongings ok " all of your

questions should be answered in these posts. I hope you read them, LIKE NOW... I

wish you the best and get as much info before you shut down.

 

Chris...

Thank you for your kind replies!

They didn't bring much with them except clothes and a laptop when they left

thier house. At the time, they we'ren't aware of the mold. They left thier house

in August because my grandmother had passed

[Guest guest]

Debbie, I live in MD and know of 2 people that have been to Hopkins and told

that mold can't cause the symptoms they have. They have since been to

another Dr. and told that in fact they have been exposed to Mold! If you live

in

land then I would try to make a appt. with Dr. Shoemaker in Pocomoke. His

websie is _www.biotoxin.info_ (http://www.biotoxin.info) you can take the

VCS test . It is 98% accurate, doesn't cost much, and you will get your results

right after you take it. I think it's about $15. Your health is the most

important thing so try it what do you have to lose?!

Sue

Thru testing to my apartment I found numerous mold spores and the level was

high. Then I developed severe dizziness and migraines that I hadn't

experience since my teens. Went to s Hopkins in Baltimore and spoke to the

head of

Immunology there and they don't believe that mold will cause anything.

Because I was unable to get a doctor to put it in writing I wasn't able to find

an

attorney to represent me. I have been on disability now since 2005, had to

declare bankruptcy and am now living on Section 8. I am still very ill. I have

many other problems with my immune system now.

Thank you.

Debbie

**************Worried about job security? Check out the 5 safest jobs in a

recession.

(http://jobs.aol.com/gallery/growing-job-industries?ncid=emlcntuscare00000003)

[Guest guest]

Hi Brad,

Welcome to the group, where you will find support and info.

It's all trial and error, what works for 1 might not for another. It can be a

roller coaster ride finding out, but get on the internet and ask questions here,

then you are in a better position to make informed choices.

 

Have you been diagnosed with RA, how does it affect you in your day to day life?

Do you have morning stiffness or like me have it all the time.

 

Best wishes

x

From: biggestdog_98 <biggestdog_98@...>

Subject: [ ] Newbie

Date: Sunday, 5 April, 2009, 5:00 AM

Hi,

I am recently diagnosed, just looking for some support and answers on anything I

can do to help relieve the stiffness and pain beyond what the meds do.. So far I

have been through 3 sets of meds and nothing has really worked. We are going to

discuss biologics on my next visit to the Rheumo Dr.

Any good ideas out there?

Brad

[Guest guest]

Hi Brad

It usually takes some time for you to come across the right medication

combination for you. I took Enbrel for awhile than changed to Humera. I

think the Humera really helps my knees. SO far I have found nothing to

really help my hands but I am still looking. Thats what makes this group so

wonderful, besides the support there is a lot of information related to what

works for who. Hang in and let us know what you find out at your Dr. Again

Welcome to the group

Heidibug

On Sun, Apr 5, 2009 at 12:00 AM, biggestdog_98 <biggestdog_98@...>wrote:

> Hi,

> I am recently diagnosed, just looking for some support and answers on

> anything I can do to help relieve the stiffness and pain beyond what the

> meds do. So far I have been through 3 sets of meds and nothing has really

> worked. We are going to discuss biologics on my next visit to the Rheumo Dr.

>

>

> Any good ideas out there?

>

> Brad

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Brad:

I just wanted to welcome you to our wonderful group of caring, great

people. You will be very glad you found us.

I don't know what disease you were diagnosed with, but I have RA for 6

years now. I am doing very well pain wise. It has not always been

this way. I have a terrific Rheumy who has gotten me into great control

with my RA. You will find everyone here finds the right " cocktail " that

works for them. I inject with MTX 1x a week, I also take daily,

Sulfasalazine, Placquenil, and Pred. My flares are farther apart, and

don't last long in duration. In the beginning, I was so bad and in so

much pain, I thought I would lose my mind.

I hope you like your Rheumy as this is so important. Mine is a real

treasure, and has been wonderful for me.

It takes time to get these diseases under control, so don't get

discouraged. You have come to the right place for information and

support. They are the best here.

Wishing you pain free days ahead.

Hugs,

Barbara

--- In , " biggestdog_98 " <biggestdog_98@...>

wrote:

>

> Hi,

> I am recently diagnosed, just looking for some support and answers on

anything I can do to help relieve the stiffness and pain beyond what the

meds do. So far I have been through 3 sets of meds and nothing has

really worked. We are going to discuss biologics on my next visit to the

Rheumo Dr.

>

> Any good ideas out there?

>

> Brad

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Brad - My name is - I'm very active & have been fighting ra since

age 2.  I've been on & off prednisone, methotrexate, sulfasalazine & now Enbrel

- just be careful in your decision making because they all have risks/benefits. 

The prednisone helped me the most & I wanted the short term gain of feeling

better, but it had a lot of costs - I've had one joint replaced & now am looking

at 2 more at 40y.o.  I do believe in alternative health - look at natural health

magazine.  They reccommend SAM-e, fish oil,asu (avocado/soybean

unsaponifiables), glucosamine & chondroitin, tumeric (the spice), ginger, & /or

capsaicin cream. There are also several companies & people out there who swear

by different juicing techniques that include testimonials of people swearing

they're cured - Some companies I've heard of include; Reliv, zija at

 www.drinklifein.com, and Supergreens.  I think most important, stay as active

as you can & keep your spirits up.

Best wishes & blessings -

________________________________

From: biggestdog_98 <biggestdog_98@...>

Sent: Saturday, April 4, 2009 10:00:40 PM

Subject: [ ] Newbie

Hi,

I am recently diagnosed, just looking for some support and answers on anything I

can do to help relieve the stiffness and pain beyond what the meds do. So far I

have been through 3 sets of meds and nothing has really worked. We are going to

discuss biologics on my next visit to the Rheumo Dr.

Any good ideas out there?

Brad

[Guest guest]

Thanks Barbara,

I was recently diagnosed with RA. I have been through 3 NSAIDs so far with no

luck, and Pred which doesn't seem to touch me at all. Had steroid shots in my

hands which did help some. I have my second visit in 2 weeks and hope to get on

something that will help. The pain and stiffness is driving me crazy. Anyone

using Voltaren gel on their hands? I am and don't see any effect from it.

 

Brad

From: Barbara <bcreedon@...>

Subject: [ ] Re: Newbie

Date: Sunday, April 5, 2009, 10:18 AM

Hi Brad:

I just wanted to welcome you to our wonderful group of caring, great

people. You will be very glad you found us.

I don't know what disease you were diagnosed with, but I have RA for 6

years now. I am doing very well pain wise. It has not always been

this way. I have a terrific Rheumy who has gotten me into great control

with my RA. You will find everyone here finds the right " cocktail " that

works for them. I inject with MTX 1x a week, I also take daily,

Sulfasalazine, Placquenil, and Pred. My flares are farther apart, and

don't last long in duration. In the beginning, I was so bad and in so

much pain, I thought I would lose my mind.

I hope you like your Rheumy as this is so important. Mine is a real

treasure, and has been wonderful for me.

It takes time to get these diseases under control, so don't get

discouraged. You have come to the right place for information and

support. They are the best here.

Wishing you pain free days ahead.

Hugs,

Barbara

--- In @gro ups.com, " biggestdog_ 98 " <biggestdog_ 98@...>

wrote:

>

> Hi,

> I am recently diagnosed, just looking for some support and answers on

anything I can do to help relieve the stiffness and pain beyond what the

meds do. So far I have been through 3 sets of meds and nothing has

really worked. We are going to discuss biologics on my next visit to the

Rheumo Dr.

>

> Any good ideas out there?

>

> Brad

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you Heidi,

I will let you know what happens. Is it normal to go through so many med

changes? Nothing seems to help.

 

Brad

From: Heidi Mendelsohn <hmendelsohn@...>

Subject: Re: [ ] Newbie

Date: Sunday, April 5, 2009, 9:34 AM

Hi Brad

It usually takes some time for you to come across the right medication

combination for you. I took Enbrel for awhile than changed to Humera. I

think the Humera really helps my knees. SO far I have found nothing to

really help my hands but I am still looking. Thats what makes this group so

wonderful, besides the support there is a lot of information related to what

works for who. Hang in and let us know what you find out at your Dr. Again

Welcome to the group

Heidibug

On Sun, Apr 5, 2009 at 12:00 AM, biggestdog_98 <biggestdog_98>wrote:

> Hi,

> I am recently diagnosed, just looking for some support and answers on

> anything I can do to help relieve the stiffness and pain beyond what the

> meds do. So far I have been through 3 sets of meds and nothing has really

> worked. We are going to discuss biologics on my next visit to the Rheumo Dr.

>

>

> Any good ideas out there?

>

> Brad

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I was recently diagnosed with RA. I am a retail store manager by trade, the pain

in my feet is killing me trying to work, the dr just took me out for 2 weeks to

see how I would fair away from the long hours. I am VERY stiff in the morning,

feet all the way to my knees, and my hands all the up nearly to my shoulders.

Once I get moving it will release somewhat, but if I stop for 15-20 minutes the

stiffness returns. Hoping to find a RX that works......

 

Thanks for the welcome, seems the only people that understand this is people

with it.

 

Brad

From: biggestdog_98 <biggestdog_98>

Subject: [ ] Newbie

@gro ups.com

Date: Sunday, 5 April, 2009, 5:00 AM

Hi,

I am recently diagnosed, just looking for some support and answers on anything I

can do to help relieve the stiffness and pain beyond what the meds do.. So far I

have been through 3 sets of meds and nothing has really worked. We are going to

discuss biologics on my next visit to the Rheumo Dr.

Any good ideas out there?

Brad

[Guest guest]

Thank you ! I do take fish oil, I will look into the other stuff as

well. I am up for anything that will help at this point. Any drugs I should

really stay away from? I have been on Pred, both oral and injection for a few

months.....can't say it does much of anything for me.

 

Brad

From: <activegirl1968@...>

Subject: Re: [ ] Newbie

Date: Sunday, April 5, 2009, 9:55 PM

Hi Brad - My name is - I'm very active & have been fighting ra since

age 2.  I've been on & off prednisone, methotrexate, sulfasalazine & now Enbrel

- just be careful in your decision making because they all have risks/benefits. 

The prednisone helped me the most & I wanted the short term gain of feeling

better, but it had a lot of costs - I've had one joint replaced & now am looking

at 2 more at 40y.o.  I do believe in alternative health - look at natural health

magazine.  They reccommend SAM-e, fish oil,asu (avocado/soybean unsaponifiables)

, glucosamine & chondroitin, tumeric (the spice), ginger, & /or capsaicin cream.

There are also several companies & people out there who swear by different

juicing techniques that include testimonials of people swearing they're cured -

Some companies I've heard of include; Reliv, zija at  www.drinklifein. com, and

Supergreens.  I think most important, stay as active as you can & keep your

spirits up.

Best wishes & blessings -

____________ _________ _________ __

From: biggestdog_98 <biggestdog_98>

@gro ups.com

Sent: Saturday, April 4, 2009 10:00:40 PM

Subject: [ ] Newbie

Hi,

I am recently diagnosed, just looking for some support and answers on anything I

can do to help relieve the stiffness and pain beyond what the meds do. So far I

have been through 3 sets of meds and nothing has really worked. We are going to

discuss biologics on my next visit to the Rheumo Dr.

Any good ideas out there?

Brad

[Guest guest]

Brad,

You need to be on something besides NSAID's, because they will do

nothing to stop the progression of the disease. You need a DMARD

(disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug), something like methotrexate

or plaqenil. Are you going to a rheumatologist? If not, you should

find one. They are better equipped to deal with RA than general

doctors. The thinking now is that it should be attacked aggressively

from the beginning to prevent joint damage. There may be a window of

opportunity during which the disease may be controlled.

Have you had blood work done? Did you get a copy of the results? If

not, you should. In the meantime, do some research on the disease and

also DMARD's used to treat it.

Sue

On Apr 5, 2009, at 11:01 PM, Brad wrote:

> Thanks Barbara,

> I was recently diagnosed with RA. I have been through 3 NSAIDs so

> far with no luck, and Pred which doesn't seem to touch me at all.

> Had steroid shots in my hands which did help some. I have my second

> visit in 2 weeks and hope to get on something that will help. The

> pain and stiffness is driving me crazy. Anyone using Voltaren gel on

> their hands? I am and don't see any effect from it.

>

> Brad

[Guest guest]

Know the feeling well......

I tell everyone I am the Tin Man and misplaced my oil can.

 

You will find meds that will assist you.....

Raniolo

From: biggestdog_98 <biggestdog_ 98>

Subject: [ ] Newbie

@gro ups.com

Date: Sunday, 5 April, 2009, 5:00 AM

Hi,

I am recently diagnosed, just looking for some support and answers on anything I

can do to help relieve the stiffness and pain beyond what the meds do.. So far I

have been through 3 sets of meds and nothing has really worked. We are going to

discuss biologics on my next visit to the Rheumo Dr.

Any good ideas out there?

Brad