Re: Almost diagnosed

[Guest guest]

Hi Penny,

Nodules and cysts can cause hyperthyroidism because the tissue cells nodules are made of trap excess iodine and produce excess thyroid hormone.

If your thyroid is also enlarged or inflamed it can swell and sort of get in the way of other structures like your larynx and trachea. It could be that your thyroid tissue is positioned so closely over your vocal chords that it's hard to tell where this other nodule is. Your doctor will likely do some imaging test to tell where the nodules are and what size they are.

Depending on their size, your doctor may want to biopsy them to see what type of cells the nodules are made up of. Usually, a fine needle aspiration procedure is done.

Cigarette smoke does cause changes in thyroid tissue because the chemicals in smoke act as an irritant. Consequently, smokers are more likely to have thyroid disorders. Take care, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi - I'm new to the group also. I have had a hoarseness in my voice ever since I had the other symptoms. It is related to the throid. The smoking may have made yours worse. I have Graves Disease. I've just begun treatment and I haven't even been to see the Endocrinologist - next week.

Does anyone else have knee aches?

Vivian

[Guest guest]

Penny

Eat two bananas a day cramps will go away and if anybody is having migrains calcium will stop that too.

I have had enough of this feeling bad too get ready for surgery soon in a couple weeks. The Australian government warns about RAI so it's still not a option told of very bad side effects.

Moving to Australia end of November so it has to be taken care of before I go. I am going to duke hospital so I should be ok. I let everybody know how it goes.

seeyas

Raven

Re: Almost Diagnosed

Hi - I'm new to the group also. I have had a hoarseness in my voice ever since I had the other symptoms. It is related to the throid. The smoking may have made yours worse. I have Graves Disease. I've just begun treatment and I haven't even been to see the Endocrinologist - next week.Does anyone else have knee aches? Vivian

[Guest guest]

Hi Vivian, I am still going tru all the tests myself, I havn't been to the Endocrinologist, and I still have to go to a nose, throat and ear Dr. Ihave a feeling it is going to get alot worse..I don't have knee pains, but the muscles in my legs get really cramped at times, I'm just tired of feeling the way I do. I'm tired of being tired....Penny

Re: Almost Diagnosed

Hi - I'm new to the group also. I have had a hoarseness in my voice ever since I had the other symptoms. It is related to the throid. The smoking may have made yours worse. I have Graves Disease. I've just begun treatment and I haven't even been to see the Endocrinologist - next week.Does anyone else have knee aches? Vivian

[Guest guest]

My Dr. told me that is why I am so tired, and can't gain any weight. My thyroid is enlarged, so maybe thats why my voice is so hoarse. She still wants me to go to a ear, nose and throat specialist. It's just a wait and see situation. TY. Elaine

Re: Almost Diagnosed

Hi Penny, Nodules and cysts can cause hyperthyroidism because the tissue cells nodules are made of trap excess iodine and produce excess thyroid hormone. If your thyroid is also enlarged or inflamed it can swell and sort of get in the way of other structures like your larynx and trachea. It could be that your thyroid tissue is positioned so closely over your vocal chords that it's hard to tell where this other nodule is. Your doctor will likely do some imaging test to tell where the nodules are and what size they are. Depending on their size, your doctor may want to biopsy them to see what type of cells the nodules are made up of. Usually, a fine needle aspiration procedure is done. Cigarette smoke does cause changes in thyroid tissue because the chemicals in smoke act as an irritant. Consequently, smokers are more likely to have thyroid disorders. Take care, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi group,

I was wondering if any of you guys here have the same experience as I do. I was referred to an endocinologist by my primary care physician because I was showing all the signs of hyperthyroidism. I went to my endocrinologist a few days ago and I had a couple of blood tests. Yesterday my doctor called me to inform me of the results and he said that my thyroid hormone levels are perfectly normal. He is not as convinced now that I have hyperthyroidism but nevertheless I will be going through some more tests including an iodine scan and ultrasound next week. Has anybody here been diagnosed of hyperthyroidism even with perfectly normal thyroid hormone levels? Also my blood tests show very high levels of calcium so I was wondering if anybody here experienced the same thing.

This egroup is really great and everybody is so helpful. Thanks guys.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

High serum calcium levels are usually caused by hyperparathyroid disorders. Maybe in the translation, someone thought hyperthyroid was mentioned.

The other possibility for the test results is that they initially ran a TSH test and this was abnormal. this is the first test used to screen for hyperthyroidism. In hyperT, it's low.

Then your doctor could have run a T4 or FT4 and a T3 or FT3. These are thyroid hormone levels, whereas TSH is a pituitary hormone that regulates thyroid hormone levels. Your thyroid hormone levels could have been normal. When this happens (low TSH and normal thyroid hormone levels), you have what's called subclinical hyperthyroidism and this isn't usually treated.

I would guess that the original tests suggests a parathyroid disorder and you now need tests for ionized calcium, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) and probably some imaging tests. Let us know how things turn out. Take care, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi Ellen ... it is a scary time, I know. I think we have all been there and

it can be overwhelming. Just know that sometimes you just have to take

things one moment at a time. It sounds like you take reasonably good care of

yourself so that is good -- just do what you can when you can and be kind to

yourself when you can't. We're praying for you -- please keep us posted.

Remember you are not alone in this!

Love and Prayers,

Beth

[Guest guest]

Hi Ellen ... it is a scary time, I know. I think we have all been there and

it can be overwhelming. Just know that sometimes you just have to take

things one moment at a time. It sounds like you take reasonably good care of

yourself so that is good -- just do what you can when you can and be kind to

yourself when you can't. We're praying for you -- please keep us posted.

Remember you are not alone in this!

Love and Prayers,

Beth

[Guest guest]

DEAR ELLEN,

I HAVE RA AND HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH IT FOR 6 YRS NOW. HOWEVER, I HAD IT

PRIOR TO MY DIAGNOSIS ONLY MY OLD DOCTOR DID NOT FIND IT. I AS WELL WAS

TERRIFIED BECAUSE I HAD AN AUNT THAT DIED FROM RA (SHE DID NOT TAKE CARE OF

HERSELF AND IT WAS MANY YEARS AGO). I TOO LOVED TO DANCE AND WAS VERY ACTIVE

BUT AS TIME WENT ON I SLOWED DOWN AND WAS UNABLE TO DANCE MORE THAN ONE SONG.

:-( I STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU FIND A GOOD DOCTOR AND DO A LOT OF RESEARCH!!!!!!!

IF YOU ARE NOT ON TOP OF WHAT IS GOING ON WITH YOU SOMETIMES, YOUR DOCTOR MAY

FORGET TO TELL YOU A FEW IMPORTANT THINGS.

STARTING OUT WITH MEDS CAN BE A VERY DEPRESSING TIME AT LEAST IT WAS FOR ME. IT

SEEMED AS IF I WAS TAKING A DIFFERENT MED EVERY OTHER MONTH. BUT YOU HAVE TO

HANG IN THERE. IT DOES TAKE TIME TO FIND THE RIGHT MIXTURE AND I AM SURE IF YOU

HAVE A GOOD DOC HE WILL BE VERY CAREFUL OF WHAT HE IS GIVING YOU. AS FOR ME, I

WAS NOT ABLE TO TAKE PAIN PILLS SO ALL I HAD WAS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND MUSCLE

RELAXERS, OH YA AND TYLENOL. TO THIS DAY I HAVE NOT BEEN ON ANY PAIN PILLS SO I

HAD TO LEARN HOW TO MANAGE MY PAIN. I WORK 40HRS PLUS AND TAKE CARE OF MY

HOUSEHOLD. THERE ARE MANY DAYS I CAN HARDLY GET OUT OF BED BUT I KNOW IF I DO

NOT FORCE MYSELF TO GET UP I WILL NEVER GET UP. I KEEP MOVING EVEN IF THERE IS

PAIN AND A LOT OF FATIGUE. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT KEEPS ME GOING BUT I AM SURE IT

IS PRAYER AND THE WILL TO SURVIVE.

YOU WILL BE IN FOR A LONG AND BUMPY ROAD SO DO NOT GIVE UP. JUST REMEMBER

EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT AND EVERYONE REACTS DIFFERENTLY TO THE MEDS. I WISH I

COULD GIVE YOU BETTER NEWS HOWEVER, I WILL NOT LIE TO YOU OR SUGAR COAT IT.

EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE AWARE OF WHAT IS TO COME AND MAYBE YOU WILL BE ONE OF THE

LUCKY ONES AND NOT HAVE AS MUCH DIFFICULTIES AS OTHERS. KEEP THE FAITH AND

PRAYERS FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS.

HANG IN THERE AND IF YOU EVER NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO YOU FOUND THE RIGHT

SUPPORT GROUP AND YOU CAN ALWAYS E-MAIL ME. JUST REMEMBER LIFE GOES ON AND

SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO TAKE A DIFFERENT PATH BUT THAT IS OK BECAUSE GOD WOULD NOT

GIVE US ANYTHING WE CANNOT HANDLE.

BYE FOR NOW

TY

lagatitagringa <lagatitagringa@...> wrote:

Hi,

I'm Ellen. I have had poly arthritis for over 4 weeks and I just got

off the phone with my doctor who agreed that its most likely that I

have RA. I've been reading about RA for several days now - I'm not

working much - and I fit the profile perfectly.

I'm 35 and usually very active - salsa dancing 3 times a week, lifting

weights, working with children all day (i'm a speech pathologist)and

cooking all the time. I'm also self-employed and terrified about what

this means for my future. I have an appointment on Tues with a

Rheumatologist for the first time. I'm tired all the time and

sometimes don't want to go to work at all. I know its important to

keep at least a little busy (not to mention better on my finances) but

I'm mostly wanting to hide at home. Any advice or ideas on what to

expect the next few weeks? I'm told it could be a while until any new

meds start working and I'm facing more of this weird twilight zone -

working with only one or two clients a day (1/3 of my caseload) and

sitting around scared and bored.

Thanks for listening.

E

[Guest guest]

DEAR ELLEN,

I HAVE RA AND HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH IT FOR 6 YRS NOW. HOWEVER, I HAD IT

PRIOR TO MY DIAGNOSIS ONLY MY OLD DOCTOR DID NOT FIND IT. I AS WELL WAS

TERRIFIED BECAUSE I HAD AN AUNT THAT DIED FROM RA (SHE DID NOT TAKE CARE OF

HERSELF AND IT WAS MANY YEARS AGO). I TOO LOVED TO DANCE AND WAS VERY ACTIVE

BUT AS TIME WENT ON I SLOWED DOWN AND WAS UNABLE TO DANCE MORE THAN ONE SONG.

:-( I STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU FIND A GOOD DOCTOR AND DO A LOT OF RESEARCH!!!!!!!

IF YOU ARE NOT ON TOP OF WHAT IS GOING ON WITH YOU SOMETIMES, YOUR DOCTOR MAY

FORGET TO TELL YOU A FEW IMPORTANT THINGS.

STARTING OUT WITH MEDS CAN BE A VERY DEPRESSING TIME AT LEAST IT WAS FOR ME. IT

SEEMED AS IF I WAS TAKING A DIFFERENT MED EVERY OTHER MONTH. BUT YOU HAVE TO

HANG IN THERE. IT DOES TAKE TIME TO FIND THE RIGHT MIXTURE AND I AM SURE IF YOU

HAVE A GOOD DOC HE WILL BE VERY CAREFUL OF WHAT HE IS GIVING YOU. AS FOR ME, I

WAS NOT ABLE TO TAKE PAIN PILLS SO ALL I HAD WAS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND MUSCLE

RELAXERS, OH YA AND TYLENOL. TO THIS DAY I HAVE NOT BEEN ON ANY PAIN PILLS SO I

HAD TO LEARN HOW TO MANAGE MY PAIN. I WORK 40HRS PLUS AND TAKE CARE OF MY

HOUSEHOLD. THERE ARE MANY DAYS I CAN HARDLY GET OUT OF BED BUT I KNOW IF I DO

NOT FORCE MYSELF TO GET UP I WILL NEVER GET UP. I KEEP MOVING EVEN IF THERE IS

PAIN AND A LOT OF FATIGUE. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT KEEPS ME GOING BUT I AM SURE IT

IS PRAYER AND THE WILL TO SURVIVE.

YOU WILL BE IN FOR A LONG AND BUMPY ROAD SO DO NOT GIVE UP. JUST REMEMBER

EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT AND EVERYONE REACTS DIFFERENTLY TO THE MEDS. I WISH I

COULD GIVE YOU BETTER NEWS HOWEVER, I WILL NOT LIE TO YOU OR SUGAR COAT IT.

EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE AWARE OF WHAT IS TO COME AND MAYBE YOU WILL BE ONE OF THE

LUCKY ONES AND NOT HAVE AS MUCH DIFFICULTIES AS OTHERS. KEEP THE FAITH AND

PRAYERS FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS.

HANG IN THERE AND IF YOU EVER NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO YOU FOUND THE RIGHT

SUPPORT GROUP AND YOU CAN ALWAYS E-MAIL ME. JUST REMEMBER LIFE GOES ON AND

SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO TAKE A DIFFERENT PATH BUT THAT IS OK BECAUSE GOD WOULD NOT

GIVE US ANYTHING WE CANNOT HANDLE.

BYE FOR NOW

TY

lagatitagringa <lagatitagringa@...> wrote:

Hi,

I'm Ellen. I have had poly arthritis for over 4 weeks and I just got

off the phone with my doctor who agreed that its most likely that I

have RA. I've been reading about RA for several days now - I'm not

working much - and I fit the profile perfectly.

I'm 35 and usually very active - salsa dancing 3 times a week, lifting

weights, working with children all day (i'm a speech pathologist)and

cooking all the time. I'm also self-employed and terrified about what

this means for my future. I have an appointment on Tues with a

Rheumatologist for the first time. I'm tired all the time and

sometimes don't want to go to work at all. I know its important to

keep at least a little busy (not to mention better on my finances) but

I'm mostly wanting to hide at home. Any advice or ideas on what to

expect the next few weeks? I'm told it could be a while until any new

meds start working and I'm facing more of this weird twilight zone -

working with only one or two clients a day (1/3 of my caseload) and

sitting around scared and bored.

Thanks for listening.

E

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Ty,

I AM scared but I feel better already knowing that there are people

who know what this is like and are willing to talk to me about it. I

didn't go to work yesterday because I felt depressed and was afraid my

clients would ask me sensitive questions and I might get upset in

front of them. My boyfriend and I decided that maybe I need some time

to handle this news in private - away from my clients and only with

friends and family. My parents are visiting us this weekend and I

think the support will be helpful.

There will be a time to " muscle through " but I think this is the time

to take care of myself for a few days. I'm going to cancel

appointments for today and put them on hold until tomorrow to see how

I feel.

Thanks for reaching out - it really does help.

Ellen

>

>

> Hi,

> I'm Ellen. I have had poly arthritis for over 4 weeks and I just got

> off the phone with my doctor who agreed that its most likely that I

> have RA. I've been reading about RA for several days now - I'm not

> working much - and I fit the profile perfectly.

> I'm 35 and usually very active - salsa dancing 3 times a week, lifting

> weights, working with children all day (i'm a speech pathologist)and

> cooking all the time. I'm also self-employed and terrified about what

> this means for my future. I have an appointment on Tues with a

> Rheumatologist for the first time. I'm tired all the time and

> sometimes don't want to go to work at all. I know its important to

> keep at least a little busy (not to mention better on my finances) but

> I'm mostly wanting to hide at home. Any advice or ideas on what to

> expect the next few weeks? I'm told it could be a while until any new

> meds start working and I'm facing more of this weird twilight zone -

> working with only one or two clients a day (1/3 of my caseload) and

> sitting around scared and bored.

> Thanks for listening.

> E

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Ty,

I AM scared but I feel better already knowing that there are people

who know what this is like and are willing to talk to me about it. I

didn't go to work yesterday because I felt depressed and was afraid my

clients would ask me sensitive questions and I might get upset in

front of them. My boyfriend and I decided that maybe I need some time

to handle this news in private - away from my clients and only with

friends and family. My parents are visiting us this weekend and I

think the support will be helpful.

There will be a time to " muscle through " but I think this is the time

to take care of myself for a few days. I'm going to cancel

appointments for today and put them on hold until tomorrow to see how

I feel.

Thanks for reaching out - it really does help.

Ellen

>

>

> Hi,

> I'm Ellen. I have had poly arthritis for over 4 weeks and I just got

> off the phone with my doctor who agreed that its most likely that I

> have RA. I've been reading about RA for several days now - I'm not

> working much - and I fit the profile perfectly.

> I'm 35 and usually very active - salsa dancing 3 times a week, lifting

> weights, working with children all day (i'm a speech pathologist)and

> cooking all the time. I'm also self-employed and terrified about what

> this means for my future. I have an appointment on Tues with a

> Rheumatologist for the first time. I'm tired all the time and

> sometimes don't want to go to work at all. I know its important to

> keep at least a little busy (not to mention better on my finances) but

> I'm mostly wanting to hide at home. Any advice or ideas on what to

> expect the next few weeks? I'm told it could be a while until any new

> meds start working and I'm facing more of this weird twilight zone -

> working with only one or two clients a day (1/3 of my caseload) and

> sitting around scared and bored.

> Thanks for listening.

> E

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Beth,

Thanks for your reply. I'm encouraged to know that there are people

willing to talk to me who really understand. My boyfriend keeps

telling me that we are going to fight this and that there is no way

I'll be disabled. I know that I want to fight but right now I just

want to lick my wounds. He's supportive but I find myself having to

tell him how I need support instead of him knowing what to say. It's

a little frustrating. He had been telling me not to worry because I

don't have a real diagnosis yet but I finally had to tell him that I

just really needed someone to listen to me about my fears. Now that

my doctor has agreed that she has no other hypothesis in mind, (we are

just waiting for the rheumatologist to make a dx) he is starting to

understand. It's hard to see his fear and grief along with my own.

Thanks again for listening. I really appreciate it.

Ellen

>

> Hi Ellen ... it is a scary time, I know. I think we have all been

there and

> it can be overwhelming. Just know that sometimes you just have to

take

> things one moment at a time. It sounds like you take reasonably

good care of

> yourself so that is good -- just do what you can when you can and

be kind to

> yourself when you can't. We're praying for you -- please keep us

posted.

> Remember you are not alone in this!

>

> Love and Prayers,

> Beth

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Beth,

Thanks for your reply. I'm encouraged to know that there are people

willing to talk to me who really understand. My boyfriend keeps

telling me that we are going to fight this and that there is no way

I'll be disabled. I know that I want to fight but right now I just

want to lick my wounds. He's supportive but I find myself having to

tell him how I need support instead of him knowing what to say. It's

a little frustrating. He had been telling me not to worry because I

don't have a real diagnosis yet but I finally had to tell him that I

just really needed someone to listen to me about my fears. Now that

my doctor has agreed that she has no other hypothesis in mind, (we are

just waiting for the rheumatologist to make a dx) he is starting to

understand. It's hard to see his fear and grief along with my own.

Thanks again for listening. I really appreciate it.

Ellen

>

> Hi Ellen ... it is a scary time, I know. I think we have all been

there and

> it can be overwhelming. Just know that sometimes you just have to

take

> things one moment at a time. It sounds like you take reasonably

good care of

> yourself so that is good -- just do what you can when you can and

be kind to

> yourself when you can't. We're praying for you -- please keep us

posted.

> Remember you are not alone in this!

>

> Love and Prayers,

> Beth

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ellen:

Hang in there........we have all had to deal with this

in our own way..........you will get thru

it.........take a day at a time.......and try not to

let it overwhelm you..........this is a place to come

for whatever support you need..........the people here

are awesome..........

Hugs

Pat in so. Ore

--- lagatitagringa <lagatitagringa@...> wrote:

>

>

> Thanks, Ty,

> I AM scared but I feel better already knowing that

> there are people

> who know what this is like and are willing to talk

> to me about it. I

> didn't go to work yesterday because I felt depressed

> and was afraid my

> clients would ask me sensitive questions and I might

> get upset in

> front of them. My boyfriend and I decided that

> maybe I need some time

> to handle this news in private - away from my

> clients and only with

> friends and family. My parents are visiting us this

> weekend and I

> think the support will be helpful.

> There will be a time to " muscle through " but I think

> this is the time

> to take care of myself for a few days. I'm going to

> cancel

> appointments for today and put them on hold until

> tomorrow to see how

> I feel.

> Thanks for reaching out - it really does help.

> Ellen

>

>

>

> >

> >

> > Hi,

> > I'm Ellen. I have had poly arthritis for over 4

> weeks and I just got

> > off the phone with my doctor who agreed that its

> most likely that I

> > have RA. I've been reading about RA for several

> days now - I'm not

> > working much - and I fit the profile perfectly.

> > I'm 35 and usually very active - salsa dancing 3

> times a week, lifting

> > weights, working with children all day (i'm a

> speech pathologist)and

> > cooking all the time. I'm also self-employed and

> terrified about what

> > this means for my future. I have an appointment on

> Tues with a

> > Rheumatologist for the first time. I'm tired all

> the time and

> > sometimes don't want to go to work at all. I know

> its important to

> > keep at least a little busy (not to mention better

> on my finances) but

> > I'm mostly wanting to hide at home. Any advice or

> ideas on what to

> > expect the next few weeks? I'm told it could be a

> while until any new

> > meds start working and I'm facing more of this

> weird twilight zone -

> > working with only one or two clients a day (1/3 of

> my caseload) and

> > sitting around scared and bored.

> > Thanks for listening.

> > E

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Ellen:

Hang in there........we have all had to deal with this

in our own way..........you will get thru

it.........take a day at a time.......and try not to

let it overwhelm you..........this is a place to come

for whatever support you need..........the people here

are awesome..........

Hugs

Pat in so. Ore

--- lagatitagringa <lagatitagringa@...> wrote:

>

>

> Thanks, Ty,

> I AM scared but I feel better already knowing that

> there are people

> who know what this is like and are willing to talk

> to me about it. I

> didn't go to work yesterday because I felt depressed

> and was afraid my

> clients would ask me sensitive questions and I might

> get upset in

> front of them. My boyfriend and I decided that

> maybe I need some time

> to handle this news in private - away from my

> clients and only with

> friends and family. My parents are visiting us this

> weekend and I

> think the support will be helpful.

> There will be a time to " muscle through " but I think

> this is the time

> to take care of myself for a few days. I'm going to

> cancel

> appointments for today and put them on hold until

> tomorrow to see how

> I feel.

> Thanks for reaching out - it really does help.

> Ellen

>

>

>

> >

> >

> > Hi,

> > I'm Ellen. I have had poly arthritis for over 4

> weeks and I just got

> > off the phone with my doctor who agreed that its

> most likely that I

> > have RA. I've been reading about RA for several

> days now - I'm not

> > working much - and I fit the profile perfectly.

> > I'm 35 and usually very active - salsa dancing 3

> times a week, lifting

> > weights, working with children all day (i'm a

> speech pathologist)and

> > cooking all the time. I'm also self-employed and

> terrified about what

> > this means for my future. I have an appointment on

> Tues with a

> > Rheumatologist for the first time. I'm tired all

> the time and

> > sometimes don't want to go to work at all. I know

> its important to

> > keep at least a little busy (not to mention better

> on my finances) but

> > I'm mostly wanting to hide at home. Any advice or

> ideas on what to

> > expect the next few weeks? I'm told it could be a

> while until any new

> > meds start working and I'm facing more of this

> weird twilight zone -

> > working with only one or two clients a day (1/3 of

> my caseload) and

> > sitting around scared and bored.

> > Thanks for listening.

> > E

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Pat.

I'm in Boston but I visited Seattle recently and Oregon when I was a

kid (Eugene, I think). It's lovely there. One of the things I'm

thinking about seriously is moving to a warmer climate where I

wouldn't have to shovel snow. I've been considering FL for the last

year (Miami) but now I'm not sure I want to move too far from my

friends and family. I'd hate to be utterly alone (and sick)in a new

city just to avoid the snow!

Thanks for your support.

Ellen

> > >

> > >

> > > Hi,

> > > I'm Ellen. I have had poly arthritis for over 4

> > weeks and I just got

> > > off the phone with my doctor who agreed that its

> > most likely that I

> > > have RA. I've been reading about RA for several

> > days now - I'm not

> > > working much - and I fit the profile perfectly.

> > > I'm 35 and usually very active - salsa dancing 3

> > times a week, lifting

> > > weights, working with children all day (i'm a

> > speech pathologist)and

> > > cooking all the time. I'm also self-employed and

> > terrified about what

> > > this means for my future. I have an appointment on

> > Tues with a

> > > Rheumatologist for the first time. I'm tired all

> > the time and

> > > sometimes don't want to go to work at all. I know

> > its important to

> > > keep at least a little busy (not to mention better

> > on my finances) but

> > > I'm mostly wanting to hide at home. Any advice or

> > ideas on what to

> > > expect the next few weeks? I'm told it could be a

> > while until any new

> > > meds start working and I'm facing more of this

> > weird twilight zone -

> > > working with only one or two clients a day (1/3 of

> > my caseload) and

> > > sitting around scared and bored.

> > > Thanks for listening.

> > > E

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Pat.

I'm in Boston but I visited Seattle recently and Oregon when I was a

kid (Eugene, I think). It's lovely there. One of the things I'm

thinking about seriously is moving to a warmer climate where I

wouldn't have to shovel snow. I've been considering FL for the last

year (Miami) but now I'm not sure I want to move too far from my

friends and family. I'd hate to be utterly alone (and sick)in a new

city just to avoid the snow!

Thanks for your support.

Ellen

> > >

> > >

> > > Hi,

> > > I'm Ellen. I have had poly arthritis for over 4

> > weeks and I just got

> > > off the phone with my doctor who agreed that its

> > most likely that I

> > > have RA. I've been reading about RA for several

> > days now - I'm not

> > > working much - and I fit the profile perfectly.

> > > I'm 35 and usually very active - salsa dancing 3

> > times a week, lifting

> > > weights, working with children all day (i'm a

> > speech pathologist)and

> > > cooking all the time. I'm also self-employed and

> > terrified about what

> > > this means for my future. I have an appointment on

> > Tues with a

> > > Rheumatologist for the first time. I'm tired all

> > the time and

> > > sometimes don't want to go to work at all. I know

> > its important to

> > > keep at least a little busy (not to mention better

> > on my finances) but

> > > I'm mostly wanting to hide at home. Any advice or

> > ideas on what to

> > > expect the next few weeks? I'm told it could be a

> > while until any new

> > > meds start working and I'm facing more of this

> > weird twilight zone -

> > > working with only one or two clients a day (1/3 of

> > my caseload) and

> > > sitting around scared and bored.

> > > Thanks for listening.

> > > E

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

there is a very good likelyhood that you will not be 'disabled' while

this is a PITA, if you can manage your stress, which I believe plays a

big part in the Flares, you can function fairly well.

I am still pretty active, ride my bike 3 miles here and there each

week, take care of a large family and an even larger house, travel

extensively, climb mountains, type on the computer for hours and

practice my career in photography.

some days I have sausage fingers, but the more you work, the better

they feel.

(Houston)

http://www.wretchedheathen.com

>

>

> Hi Beth,

> Thanks for your reply. I'm encouraged to know that there are people

> willing to talk to me who really understand. My boyfriend keeps

> telling me that we are going to fight this and that there is no way

> I'll be disabled. this message have been removed]

[Guest guest]

there is a very good likelyhood that you will not be 'disabled' while

this is a PITA, if you can manage your stress, which I believe plays a

big part in the Flares, you can function fairly well.

I am still pretty active, ride my bike 3 miles here and there each

week, take care of a large family and an even larger house, travel

extensively, climb mountains, type on the computer for hours and

practice my career in photography.

some days I have sausage fingers, but the more you work, the better

they feel.

(Houston)

http://www.wretchedheathen.com

>

>

> Hi Beth,

> Thanks for your reply. I'm encouraged to know that there are people

> willing to talk to me who really understand. My boyfriend keeps

> telling me that we are going to fight this and that there is no way

> I'll be disabled. this message have been removed]