The process of Injections and misc.

[Guest guest]

" snowdrift52003 <snowdrift52003@...> wrote: This may sound odd, but I

actually enjoy the ritual of sitting down,

organizing my supplies, and giving myself the weekly MTX injection.

(Maybe because I associate the injection with the relief it brings.)

I was once terrified of needles, but no more. It's a nice feeling to

overcome a big fear.

Sierra "

I don't think it sounds odd because.. in an odd way, I feel the same. I

swore I couldn't do it. Then I thought about what would happen if I didn't

get remission. Then I thought about all the injections and blood draws I'd

had to do as a vet tech. So I did it. Now I confess, the moment of

insertion I am NOT looking (I still close my eyes for a minute) and then

while I am slowwwwwwwwly injection the Enbrel I look at the ceiling -- but

it makes such a difference, both in pain cessation and in alertness, that I

actually do look forward to it. Plus I am kinda proud of myself afterwards.

Nother train of thought entirely. A lot of times I get depressed reading

this list.. my heavens a lot of you are true heros (heroes sp?) ..... I

didn't start getting symptoms till I was around 56 and was diagnosed at 59..

and here I am today.. well, hopeful. I got to retire from a job I'd had for

30 years and I have a pension and still have my medical-- what a blessing

that is! But the enormity of the cost of R.A. to all of us --- to all of

you, sometimes overwhelms me. It's like-- I've still got all my books to

write, all my " things to do " ... and I am so hoping I get remission.. at

least no progress of symptoms.... I'm also caring for my 88 year old,

fiercely independent but physically challenged and short term memory

deprived mother... and that would be challenging if I had -0- wrong with me.

Still -- how fortunate I am. A pension check, a home I own, medical

coverage -- count my blessings!!!!!

One thing I do have to do and that soon is quit smoking. I started smoking

at age 14 and with the exception of 2 months when I was 20 and one year when

I was 53, have not been nicotine free since then. I know it's really

important to stay healthy while taking the Enbrel -- and since I have weak

lungs (from long before the first cigarette) and mild asthma, I'd have to be

nuts not to quit. I hope I can get it together to take that step SOON.

Ken, I haven't corresponded with you one on one but I've read and enjoyed

your poetry. Oh I'm so sorry you have an airhead doctor to contend with on

top of everything else :-( I'll be sure to pray for you and keep a candle

lit. You're a valuable and treasured member of this list...be better

sooner!!

Well that's enough of a book... serves me right for not writing shorter and

more often, eh?

Fondly, Carla in Rhode Island

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/14/2006 1:06:19 AM Central Standard Time,

Mom2Harley@... writes:

One thing I do have to do and that soon is quit smoking. I started smoking

at age 14 and with the exception of 2 months when I was 20 and one year when

I was 53, have not been nicotine free since then. I know it's really

important to stay healthy while taking the Enbrel -- and since I have weak

lungs (from long before the first cigarette) and mild asthma, I'd have to be

nuts not to quit. I hope I can get it together to take that step SOON.

Quiting is easier said than done for most people. Altho i havent been

smoking as long as you have, its still hard to quit. I started when i was 16,

obly

taking breaks while pregnant with my son in 98 then in 03 with my daughter.

When you want to take that step i'll do it with you. HUGS

from PA

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/14/2006 7:17:00 PM Central Standard Time,

marysue@... writes:

If you two will join forces, it will be easier to quit. And we here on

the list will be your cheerleaders. I remember when we supported Heidi

in South Africa in her campaign to quit because she wanted to get

pregnant. She succeeded in both, and is now pregnant for the second

time.

Sue

Sue thank you! I'll try and quit i'm not near 3 packs a day... one pack

last me almost 3 days. Hopefully i will be smoke free by june! thanks again!

hugs

from PA

[Guest guest]

I urge both of you to quit smoking. If I can quit, surely anybody can.

I had smoked for 34 years and was up to over three packs a day. I

thought that I HAD to have those cigarettes. I had never tried to quit

before because I knew I couldn't.

Turns out I COULD; I was stronger than the nicotine. Now I'm no longer

a slave to the habit; I no longer smell like smoke; I no longer have

that hacking cough; and I'm saving quite a bit of money.

If you two will join forces, it will be easier to quit. And we here on

the list will be your cheerleaders. I remember when we supported Heidi

in South Africa in her campaign to quit because she wanted to get

pregnant. She succeeded in both, and is now pregnant for the second

time.

Sue

On Tuesday, March 14, 2006, at 09:31 AM, N2kids@... wrote:

>

> In a message dated 3/14/2006 1:06:19 AM Central Standard Time,

> Mom2Harley@... writes:

>

> One thing I do have to do and that soon is quit smoking. I started

> smoking

> at age 14 and with the exception of 2 months when I was 20 and one

> year when

> I was 53, have not been nicotine free since then. I know it's really

> important to stay healthy while taking the Enbrel -- and since I have

> weak

> lungs (from long before the first cigarette) and mild asthma, I'd

> have to be

> nuts not to quit. I hope I can get it together to take that step

> SOON.

>

>

> Quiting is easier said than done for most people. Altho i havent been

> smoking as long as you have, its still hard to quit. I started when i

> was 16, obly

> taking breaks while pregnant with my son in 98 then in 03 with my

> daughter.

> When you want to take that step i'll do it with you. HUGS

> from PA