A stranger (not really) in your midst

May 11, 2005

Good Morning, my RA family.

It has been awhile since I posted, however, I do read the mail every day so I do

my best to keep up with you all.

To bring you up to date just a little...I have rejoined the working world and

loving it. It is only a minimum of 3 hours a day...sometimes a little more but

it has made the difference for me in my every day attitude. I am an assistant

to a lady that owns one of the largest insurance agencies here in AZ

specializing in high risk insurance. Her business is run from her tri-level

home where one level is devoted entirely to her business. The dress is casual

and she does not demand that I jump immediately from task to task...she allows

me the pace I need to do my work....kinda the attitude that she knows it will be

done before I leave. I did not even tell her about the FMS and other ailments

until the 3rd week and then only the FMS. She is extremely knowledgeable about

many health matters, however, in the field of auto-immune diseases...she still

needs to learn more as her knowledge is strictly from the insurance/text book

view. I don't contradict her with her statements about

these things, but hope somewhere along the line, she might be enlightened. She

is a wonderful person to work for though. In the meantime, I find the routine

and responsibility of going to work every day has been extremely helpful in

fighting the urges to give in to this beastie. The work is much like I used to

do when I was office manager for a Blue Cross captive agent office only without

the responsibilities. Besides, this gets me out of the house everyday, meeting

and talking to people other than my 10 (soon to be 11) year old grandson and

into an adult world.

I have become involved with the world of scouting also...taking training and an

active part in 's scouts. He just crossed over from Cubs to the Boy

Scouts and is doing wonderful. I am so proud of him....in just six months since

we became involved in the Scouts...he earned the majority of his belt loops, a

considerable number of badges and patches plus his Arrow of Light. If any of

you have any knowledge of Scouts...you know that is not an easy feat. I was

involved in Girl Scouting for over 12 years and this is new to me. They are

willing to take me, FMS and all even though I can no longer go camping or on the

outdoor activities and seems to enjoy me being a part of it.

As for my wonderful Internist here with the Air Force...the military had other

plans for him and he is now transfered to San .....but because of the

interest he showed in me since last August, I now have a name for something that

has been bothering me for years and other doctors just dismissed as being a

whiny, old lady. He did not want my medical records from the other Dr's and

their findings and set out to find answers on his own....and I have had just

about every test conceivable (I know there are others) and been to many

specialists, had a sleep study (the 2nd in 5 years), extensive pulmonary testing

and a cat scan. I now have a new, working properly, C-PAP with a nose mask that

I am not allergic to and as a result of the CAT Scan, know more about myself and

being treated for a condition I never even heard of before....Bronchiotactasis

which in a nutshell is an enlargement and scarring of the bronchial tubes. They

are always swollen and filled with matter that can and

frequently causes pain in my chest. That same pain that used to take me to the

ER (until I gave up) to be told there was nothing wrong with me. A cursory

chest exam and/or ex-rays would produce nothing and I would be dismissed. At

the worst, I would end up with frequent pneumonia, bronchial asthma, and

bronchitis but no one had a clue or seemed to even care why and the label of

C.O.P.D. was given me for a catch all. The Pulmonologist I was sent to was not

happy with that dx, especially since I have never smoked a day in my life and

ran many tests including the CAT Scan. Since his dx, he has taken me off of all

the numerous inhalers I was on except for Advair and gave me a new one...Spiriva

and it has made the world of difference...I have more stamina since I am not

always fighting for breath. Hopefully, being able to walk or exercise will

follow before long. He has also ordered a vest device for me that in wearing

for a few minutes a couple times a day will relieve the

constant congestion...he says removal needs to be daily....much like a person

with CF. And as for the replacement of my Internist, so far it is a very good

woman Internist that I had seen a few times when my Dr wasn't there and she is

aware about FMS and other related things and is very nice to deal with. My only

fly in the ointment is that on October 1st, I lose my base medical privileges as

I turn 65 on the 10th and Luke AFB doesn't handle the over 65 patients...so the

hunt will be on again. Fortunately, all the specialists are off base so that is

a start in the civilian community. As for the uvietis that has been plaguing me

since Christmas, it is still ongoing and the eye specialist(on base) keeps

saying...it could be associated with RA or another auto-immune and says he will

start looking more in that direction but hasn't yet. And some Dr's especially

the military, you just can not prod to go any faster.

I want to add my concern for Tawny also, I usually hear from her on occasion but

this is the longest she has ever gone without contact...so please add me to the

list with Sue, Jane, and Tracie and the others.

Jane..put me on that list for spare husbands also..at least a nice

companion...I'm ready along with Kathy in IL.

Tess...as usual..you never cease to amaze me...you are such a role model to me.

Keep it up, the world has yet to hear the name of Tess...

....my ankles are constantly swollen now also...used to pride myself

(what's that...pride goeth before a fall?) on the fact that my wrists and ankles

were so small and could belie the rest of me (I know, I know...false security),

however now the ankles are huge and extremely painful...I am on lasix and one of

the last things my Internist did before leaving was to give me a referral back

to the cardio Dr who I will see tomorrow.

Has anyone heard anything of Carol in FL? She has not posted in the group that

I can tell since the hurricanes and any email to her comes back with the same

auto-message that because of the hurricane there was damage, etc and she would

get back to the emailer. I do worry about her and would just like some

assurance she is OK.

Ken...I love your posts and jokes...you keep me laughing and that is so

important with this beastie breathing down our backs. The SMILES are our best

defense against anything life hands us.

and a....as always...your devotion to us is not unnoticed. I

appreciate every minute you put into what you do for us and know it only shows

your compassion and love for us.

Well, I've done it again...an epistle...see why I don't post as often as the

rest of you? I get carried away. Take care all and know you are all in my

thoughts.

Love and Prayers, Always...Jan =^..^=

~ " If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you've made me smile, the

entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand. " ~

May 11, 2005

Good Morning to all:

It is wonderful to hear about your new job

Jan...........I am sure you are an asset to her

insurance business and being out in the world in a job

position that you enjoy does help us deal with it

all..........

I would like to be on the list for that husband

too.........well......not really a husband

either........I think I would prefer companion..

Jan, I love the trivia game and am addicted to

it........i can hardly wait every evening to play

before i go to bed. I have even gotten my daughter in

law's aunt playing everyday. I am CG on there.....

I hope that new C-PAP works well for you,........

Just wanted you to know that you have enlighted my

life and that someone is thinking of you

Gentle Hugs

Pat in So Ore.

--- " CATS CORNER=^..^=(Jan) " <azmomacat2@...>

wrote:

> Good Morning, my RA family.

> It has been awhile since I posted, however, I do

> read the mail every day so I do my best to keep up

> with you all.

> To bring you up to date just a little...I have

> rejoined the working world and loving it. It is

> only a minimum of 3 hours a day...sometimes a little

> more but it has made the difference for me in my

> every day attitude. I am an assistant to a lady

> that owns one of the largest insurance agencies here

> in AZ specializing in high risk insurance. Her

> business is run from her tri-level home where one

> level is devoted entirely to her business. The

> dress is casual and she does not demand that I jump

> immediately from task to task...she allows me the

> pace I need to do my work....kinda the attitude that

> she knows it will be done before I leave. I did not

> even tell her about the FMS and other ailments until

> the 3rd week and then only the FMS. She is

> extremely knowledgeable about many health matters,

> however, in the field of auto-immune diseases...she

> still needs to learn more as her knowledge is

> strictly from the insurance/text book view. I don't

> contradict her with her statements about

> these things, but hope somewhere along the line,

> she might be enlightened. She is a wonderful person

> to work for though. In the meantime, I find the

> routine and responsibility of going to work every

> day has been extremely helpful in fighting the urges

> to give in to this beastie. The work is much like I

> used to do when I was office manager for a Blue

> Cross captive agent office only without the

> responsibilities. Besides, this gets me out of the

> house everyday, meeting and talking to people other

> than my 10 (soon to be 11) year old grandson and

> into an adult world.

> I have become involved with the world of scouting

> also...taking training and an active part in

> 's scouts. He just crossed over from Cubs to

> the Boy Scouts and is doing wonderful. I am so

> proud of him....in just six months since we became

> involved in the Scouts...he earned the majority of

> his belt loops, a considerable number of badges and

> patches plus his Arrow of Light. If any of you have

> any knowledge of Scouts...you know that is not an

> easy feat. I was involved in Girl Scouting for over

> 12 years and this is new to me. They are willing to

> take me, FMS and all even though I can no longer go

> camping or on the outdoor activities and

> seems to enjoy me being a part of it.

> As for my wonderful Internist here with the Air

> Force...the military had other plans for him and he

> is now transfered to San .....but because of

> the interest he showed in me since last August, I

> now have a name for something that has been

> bothering me for years and other doctors just

> dismissed as being a whiny, old lady. He did not

> want my medical records from the other Dr's and

> their findings and set out to find answers on his

> own....and I have had just about every test

> conceivable (I know there are others) and been to

> many specialists, had a sleep study (the 2nd in 5

> years), extensive pulmonary testing and a cat scan.

> I now have a new, working properly, C-PAP with a

> nose mask that I am not allergic to and as a result

> of the CAT Scan, know more about myself and being

> treated for a condition I never even heard of

> before....Bronchiotactasis which in a nutshell is an

> enlargement and scarring of the bronchial tubes.

> They are always swollen and filled with matter that

> can and

> frequently causes pain in my chest. That same pain

> that used to take me to the ER (until I gave up) to

> be told there was nothing wrong with me. A cursory

> chest exam and/or ex-rays would produce nothing and

> I would be dismissed. At the worst, I would end up

> with frequent pneumonia, bronchial asthma, and

> bronchitis but no one had a clue or seemed to even

> care why and the label of C.O.P.D. was given me for

> a catch all. The Pulmonologist I was sent to was

> not happy with that dx, especially since I have

> never smoked a day in my life and ran many tests

> including the CAT Scan. Since his dx, he has taken

> me off of all the numerous inhalers I was on except

> for Advair and gave me a new one...Spiriva and it

> has made the world of difference...I have more

> stamina since I am not always fighting for breath.

> Hopefully, being able to walk or exercise will

> follow before long. He has also ordered a vest

> device for me that in wearing for a few minutes a

> couple times a day will relieve the

> constant congestion...he says removal needs to be

> daily....much like a person with CF. And as for

> the replacement of my Internist, so far it is a very

> good woman Internist that I had seen a few times

> when my Dr wasn't there and she is aware about FMS

> and other related things and is very nice to deal

> with. My only fly in the ointment is that on

> October 1st, I lose my base medical privileges as I

> turn 65 on the 10th and Luke AFB doesn't handle the

> over 65 patients...so the hunt will be on again.

> Fortunately, all the specialists are off base so

> that is a start in the civilian community. As for

> the uvietis that has been plaguing me since

> Christmas, it is still ongoing and the eye

> specialist(on base) keeps saying...it could be

> associated with RA or another auto-immune and says

> he will start looking more in that direction but

> hasn't yet. And some Dr's especially the military,

> you just can not prod to go any faster.

> I want to add my concern for Tawny also, I usually

> hear from her on occasion but this is the longest

> she has ever gone without contact...so please add me

> to the list with Sue, Jane, and Tracie and the

> others.

> Jane..put me on that list for spare husbands

> also..at least a nice companion...I'm ready along

> with Kathy in IL.

> Tess...as usual..you never cease to amaze me...you

> are such a role model to me. Keep it up, the world

> has yet to hear the name of Tess...

> ....my ankles are constantly swollen now

> also...used to pride myself (what's that...pride

> goeth before a fall?) on the fact that my wrists and

> ankles were so small and could belie the rest of me

> (I know, I know...false security), however now the

> ankles are huge and extremely painful...I am on

> lasix and one of the last things my Internist did

> before leaving was to give me a referral back to the

> cardio Dr who I will see tomorrow.

> Has anyone heard anything of Carol in FL? She has

> not posted in the group that I can tell since the

> hurricanes and any email to her comes back with the

> same auto-message that because of the hurricane

> there was damage, etc and she would get back to the

> emailer. I do worry about her and would just like

> some assurance she is OK.

> Ken...I love your posts and jokes...you keep me

> laughing and that is so important with this beastie

> breathing down our backs. The SMILES are our best

> defense against anything life hands us.

> and a....as always...your devotion to us is

> not unnoticed. I appreciate every minute you put

> into what you do for us and know it only shows your

> compassion and love for us.

> Well, I've done it again...an epistle...see why I

> don't post as often as the rest of you? I get

> carried away. Take care all and know you are all in

> my thoughts.

> Love and Prayers, Always...Jan =^..^=

>

> ~ " If I could reach up and hold a star for every

> time you've made me smile, the entire evening sky

> would be in the palm of my hand. " ~

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

Stay connected, organized, and protected. Take the tour:

http://tour.mail./mailtour.html

May 11, 2005

Good Morning to all:

It is wonderful to hear about your new job

Jan...........I am sure you are an asset to her

insurance business and being out in the world in a job

position that you enjoy does help us deal with it

all..........

I would like to be on the list for that husband

too.........well......not really a husband

either........I think I would prefer companion..

Jan, I love the trivia game and am addicted to

it........i can hardly wait every evening to play

before i go to bed. I have even gotten my daughter in

law's aunt playing everyday. I am CG on there.....

I hope that new C-PAP works well for you,........

Just wanted you to know that you have enlighted my

life and that someone is thinking of you

Gentle Hugs

Pat in So Ore.

--- " CATS CORNER=^..^=(Jan) " <azmomacat2@...>

wrote:

> Good Morning, my RA family.

> It has been awhile since I posted, however, I do

> read the mail every day so I do my best to keep up

> with you all.

> To bring you up to date just a little...I have

> rejoined the working world and loving it. It is

> only a minimum of 3 hours a day...sometimes a little

> more but it has made the difference for me in my

> every day attitude. I am an assistant to a lady

> that owns one of the largest insurance agencies here

> in AZ specializing in high risk insurance. Her

> business is run from her tri-level home where one

> level is devoted entirely to her business. The

> dress is casual and she does not demand that I jump

> immediately from task to task...she allows me the

> pace I need to do my work....kinda the attitude that

> she knows it will be done before I leave. I did not

> even tell her about the FMS and other ailments until

> the 3rd week and then only the FMS. She is

> extremely knowledgeable about many health matters,

> however, in the field of auto-immune diseases...she

> still needs to learn more as her knowledge is

> strictly from the insurance/text book view. I don't

> contradict her with her statements about

> these things, but hope somewhere along the line,

> she might be enlightened. She is a wonderful person

> to work for though. In the meantime, I find the

> routine and responsibility of going to work every

> day has been extremely helpful in fighting the urges

> to give in to this beastie. The work is much like I

> used to do when I was office manager for a Blue

> Cross captive agent office only without the

> responsibilities. Besides, this gets me out of the

> house everyday, meeting and talking to people other

> than my 10 (soon to be 11) year old grandson and

> into an adult world.

> I have become involved with the world of scouting

> also...taking training and an active part in

> 's scouts. He just crossed over from Cubs to

> the Boy Scouts and is doing wonderful. I am so

> proud of him....in just six months since we became

> involved in the Scouts...he earned the majority of

> his belt loops, a considerable number of badges and

> patches plus his Arrow of Light. If any of you have

> any knowledge of Scouts...you know that is not an

> easy feat. I was involved in Girl Scouting for over

> 12 years and this is new to me. They are willing to

> take me, FMS and all even though I can no longer go

> camping or on the outdoor activities and

> seems to enjoy me being a part of it.

> As for my wonderful Internist here with the Air

> Force...the military had other plans for him and he

> is now transfered to San .....but because of

> the interest he showed in me since last August, I

> now have a name for something that has been

> bothering me for years and other doctors just

> dismissed as being a whiny, old lady. He did not

> want my medical records from the other Dr's and

> their findings and set out to find answers on his

> own....and I have had just about every test

> conceivable (I know there are others) and been to

> many specialists, had a sleep study (the 2nd in 5

> years), extensive pulmonary testing and a cat scan.

> I now have a new, working properly, C-PAP with a

> nose mask that I am not allergic to and as a result

> of the CAT Scan, know more about myself and being

> treated for a condition I never even heard of

> before....Bronchiotactasis which in a nutshell is an

> enlargement and scarring of the bronchial tubes.

> They are always swollen and filled with matter that

> can and

> frequently causes pain in my chest. That same pain

> that used to take me to the ER (until I gave up) to

> be told there was nothing wrong with me. A cursory

> chest exam and/or ex-rays would produce nothing and

> I would be dismissed. At the worst, I would end up

> with frequent pneumonia, bronchial asthma, and

> bronchitis but no one had a clue or seemed to even

> care why and the label of C.O.P.D. was given me for

> a catch all. The Pulmonologist I was sent to was

> not happy with that dx, especially since I have

> never smoked a day in my life and ran many tests

> including the CAT Scan. Since his dx, he has taken

> me off of all the numerous inhalers I was on except

> for Advair and gave me a new one...Spiriva and it

> has made the world of difference...I have more

> stamina since I am not always fighting for breath.

> Hopefully, being able to walk or exercise will

> follow before long. He has also ordered a vest

> device for me that in wearing for a few minutes a

> couple times a day will relieve the

> constant congestion...he says removal needs to be

> daily....much like a person with CF. And as for

> the replacement of my Internist, so far it is a very

> good woman Internist that I had seen a few times

> when my Dr wasn't there and she is aware about FMS

> and other related things and is very nice to deal

> with. My only fly in the ointment is that on

> October 1st, I lose my base medical privileges as I

> turn 65 on the 10th and Luke AFB doesn't handle the

> over 65 patients...so the hunt will be on again.

> Fortunately, all the specialists are off base so

> that is a start in the civilian community. As for

> the uvietis that has been plaguing me since

> Christmas, it is still ongoing and the eye

> specialist(on base) keeps saying...it could be

> associated with RA or another auto-immune and says

> he will start looking more in that direction but

> hasn't yet. And some Dr's especially the military,

> you just can not prod to go any faster.

> I want to add my concern for Tawny also, I usually

> hear from her on occasion but this is the longest

> she has ever gone without contact...so please add me

> to the list with Sue, Jane, and Tracie and the

> others.

> Jane..put me on that list for spare husbands

> also..at least a nice companion...I'm ready along

> with Kathy in IL.

> Tess...as usual..you never cease to amaze me...you

> are such a role model to me. Keep it up, the world

> has yet to hear the name of Tess...

> ....my ankles are constantly swollen now

> also...used to pride myself (what's that...pride

> goeth before a fall?) on the fact that my wrists and

> ankles were so small and could belie the rest of me

> (I know, I know...false security), however now the

> ankles are huge and extremely painful...I am on

> lasix and one of the last things my Internist did

> before leaving was to give me a referral back to the

> cardio Dr who I will see tomorrow.

> Has anyone heard anything of Carol in FL? She has

> not posted in the group that I can tell since the

> hurricanes and any email to her comes back with the

> same auto-message that because of the hurricane

> there was damage, etc and she would get back to the

> emailer. I do worry about her and would just like

> some assurance she is OK.

> Ken...I love your posts and jokes...you keep me

> laughing and that is so important with this beastie

> breathing down our backs. The SMILES are our best

> defense against anything life hands us.

> and a....as always...your devotion to us is

> not unnoticed. I appreciate every minute you put

> into what you do for us and know it only shows your

> compassion and love for us.

> Well, I've done it again...an epistle...see why I

> don't post as often as the rest of you? I get

> carried away. Take care all and know you are all in

> my thoughts.

> Love and Prayers, Always...Jan =^..^=

>

> ~ " If I could reach up and hold a star for every

> time you've made me smile, the entire evening sky

> would be in the palm of my hand. " ~

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

Stay connected, organized, and protected. Take the tour:

http://tour.mail./mailtour.html

May 11, 2005

Jan,

I am so happy for you! You have so many great things going on in your

life. I'm glad your doctor found out what is going on, but sorry he

got transferred. He sounds like the perfect doctor, a sleuth looking

for answers.

Congratulations to . Scouts are a fantastic organization. I'm

married to an Eagle Scout. The scouts were his salvation while growing

up in the city. It sounds like is very dedicated and hard

working.

Your contributions to our group are very much appreciated. It's great

to hear such a nice update. I hope life continues to improve for you.

You deserve it!

a

On May 11, 2005, at 8:34 AM, CATS CORNER=^..^=(Jan) wrote:

> Good Morning, my RA family.

> It has been awhile since I posted, however, I do read the mail every

> day so I do my best to keep up with you all.

> To bring you up to date just a little...I have rejoined the working

> world and loving it. It is only a minimum of 3 hours a

> day...sometimes a little more but it has made the difference for me in

> my every day attitude. I am an assistant to a lady that owns one of

> the largest insurance agencies here in AZ specializing in high risk

> insurance. Her business is run from her tri-level home where one

> level is devoted entirely to her business. The dress is casual and

> she does not demand that I jump immediately from task to task...she

> allows me the pace I need to do my work....kinda the attitude that she

> knows it will be done before I leave. I did not even tell her about

> the FMS and other ailments until the 3rd week and then only the FMS.

> She is extremely knowledgeable about many health matters, however, in

> the field of auto-immune diseases...she still needs to learn more as

> her knowledge is strictly from the insurance/text book view. I don't

> c! ontradict her with her statements about

> these things, but hope somewhere along the line, she might be

> enlightened. She is a wonderful person to work for though. In the

> meantime, I find the routine and responsibility of going to work every

> day has been extremely helpful in fighting the urges to give in to

> this beastie. The work is much like I used to do when I was office

> manager for a Blue Cross captive agent office only without the

> responsibilities. Besides, this gets me out of the house everyday,

> meeting and talking to people other than my 10 (soon to be 11) year

> old grandson and into an adult world.

> I have become involved with the world of scouting also...taking

> training and an active part in 's scouts. He just crossed over

> from Cubs to the Boy Scouts and is doing wonderful. I am so proud of

> him....in just six months since we became involved in the Scouts...he

> earned the majority of his belt loops, a considerable number of badges

> and patches plus his Arrow of Light. If any of you have any knowledge

> of Scouts...you know that is not an easy feat. I was involved in Girl

> Scouting for over 12 years and this is new to me. They are willing to

> take me, FMS and all even though I can no longer go camping or on the

> outdoor activities and seems to enjoy me being a part of it.

> As for my wonderful Internist here with the Air Force...the military

> had other plans for him and he is now transfered to San

> .....but because of the interest he showed in me since last

> August, I now have a name for something that has been bothering me for

> years and other doctors just dismissed as being a whiny, old lady. He

> did not want my medical records from the other Dr's and their findings

> and set out to find answers on his own....and I have had just about

> every test conceivable (I know there are others) and been to many

> specialists, had a sleep study (the 2nd in 5 years), extensive

> pulmonary testing and a cat scan. I now have a new, working properly,

> C-PAP with a nose mask that I am not allergic to and as a result of

> the CAT Scan, know more about myself and being treated for a condition

> I never even heard of before....Bronchiotactasis which in a nutshell

> is an enlargement and scarring of the bronchial tubes. They are

> always swollen and filled wi! th matter that can and

> frequently causes pain in my chest. That same pain that used to take

> me to the ER (until I gave up) to be told there was nothing wrong with

> me. A cursory chest exam and/or ex-rays would produce nothing and I

> would be dismissed. At the worst, I would end up with frequent

> pneumonia, bronchial asthma, and bronchitis but no one had a clue or

> seemed to even care why and the label of C.O.P.D. was given me for a

> catch all. The

> I was sent to was not happy with that dx, especially since I have

> never smoked a day in my life and ran many tests including the CAT

> Scan. Since his dx, he has taken me off of all the numerous inhalers

> I was on except for Advair and gave me a new one...Spiriva and it has

> made the world of difference...I have more stamina since I am not

> always fighting for breath. Hopefully, being able to walk or exercise

> will follow before long. He has also ordered a vest device for me

> that in wearing for a few minutes ! a couple times a day will relieve

> the

> constant congestion...he says removal needs to be daily....much like

> a person with CF. And as for the replacement of my Internist, so far

> it is a very good woman Internist that I had seen a few times when my

> Dr wasn't there and she is aware about FMS and other related things

> and is very nice to deal with. My only fly in the ointment is that on

> October 1st, I lose my base medical privileges as I turn 65 on the

> 10th and Luke AFB doesn't handle the over 65 patients...so the hunt

> will be on again. Fortunately, all the specialists are off base so

> that is a start in the civilian community. As for the uvietis that

> has been plaguing me since Christmas, it is still ongoing and the eye

> specialist(on base) keeps saying...it could be associated with RA or

> another auto-immune and says he will start looking more in that

> direction but hasn't yet. And some Dr's especially the military, you

> just can not prod to go any faster.

> I want to add my concern for Tawny also, I usually hear from her on

> occasion but this is the longest she has ever gone without

> contact...so please add me to the list with Sue, Jane, and Tracie and

> the others.

> Jane..put me on that list for spare husbands also..at least a nice

> companion...I'm ready along with Kathy in IL.

> Tess...as usual..you never cease to amaze me...you are such a role

> model to me. Keep it up, the world has yet to hear the name of

> Tess...

> ....my ankles are constantly swollen now also...used to pride

> myself (what's that...pride goeth before a fall?) on the fact that my

> wrists and ankles were so small and could belie the rest of me (I

> know, I know...false security), however now the ankles are huge and

> extremely painful...I am on lasix and one of the last things my

> Internist did before leaving was to give me a referral back to the

> cardio Dr who I will see tomorrow.

> Has anyone heard anything of Carol in FL? She has not posted in the

> group that I can tell since the hurricanes and any email to her comes

> back with the same auto-message that because of the hurricane there

> was damage, etc and she would get back to the emailer. I do worry

> about her and would just like some assurance she is OK.

> Ken...I love your posts and jokes...you keep me laughing and that is

> so important with this beastie breathing down our backs. The SMILES

> are our best defense against anything life hands us.

> and a....as always...your devotion to us is not unnoticed.

> I appreciate every minute you put into what you do for us and know it

> only shows your compassion and love for us.

> Well, I've done it again...an epistle...see why I don't post as often

> as the rest of you? I get carried away. Take care all and know you

> are all in my thoughts.

> Love and Prayers, Always...Jan =^..^=

>

> ~ " If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you've made me

> smile, the entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand. " ~

>

May 11, 2005