Re:New Member, would like some information--RENEE

Posted May 8, 2009 · May 8, 2009

,

First, I would like to say 'Welcome'. Second, you are NOT a hypochondriac, nor

are you lazy--so pls stop beating yourself up. Stills affects us all

differently. That's one of the problems with this beast of a disease..no 2 cases

are the same. I don't know how Still's acts during pregnancy; however, I CAN

tell you what was told to me 9 yrs ago: Due to the Still's & subsequent meds for

it, my uterus calcified and I could no longer have children. I was fine with

that since I had by 2 boys in my early 20's & had no plans on having any more

kids. I was told that technically, I *could* get pregnant; however, my uterus

wouldn't be able to sustain a pregnancy due to the calcification and I'd have a

miscarriage. I wasn't really certain of that until a couple years later when I

ended up 'late'....I did a test and it was positive. Needless to say I was

shocked! However, a couple days later I cramped up something horrible & lost

it. It's painful to know you've lost a child before it had a chance, so you have

my deepest sympathies on that.

I've never heard of Ross River Fever, but will look it up to gather some

knowledge on it. I *do* know that it's possible to get Chicken Pox more than

once, but when it manifests itself again, it's usually in the form of

Shingles--which is more serious. I can't say that the Still's *caused* your Pox

and/or fevers, but it may have helped harbor the viruses responsible. Stills

twists our immune systems out of whack, so that any time we are exposed to any

kind of illness, we're more susceptible to it.

As for your family telling you to " snap out of it " , comments like that are made

b/c they simply don't know what you are dealing with. One of the members here

(Bob) has pamphlets on Still's and he can send you some to give to family

members so they can understand it better. Don't quote me, but I *think* it is

also on the website for us to print out...but I could be wrong on that (my swiss

cheese brain is in full 'sleep mode' still, lol). There is also another great

site I came across about a year ago called " But You Don't Look Sick! "

(http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/ ) which I recommend to everyone here. The

woman who made that site has some great examples of how to explain to ppl how

you feel (her Spoon Theory is the best!!) Just know that we are all here for

ya, & we all know that this isn't all in your head; nor is it a scam on your

part, etc. I also include my email at the bottom of all my messages & open my

doors (so to speak) to anyone here who wishes to contact me privately. I may

not have the answers, but I can always listen & offer any help/suggestions I

have.

Gentle Hugs to ya!

Chris

snickrdoodls@...

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