scared

[Guest guest]

Well, still no diagnosis yet, but symptoms are persistent. It has

lasted 3 weeks now. The pain in my hands, feet, ankles, and wrists is

beginning to keep me from sleeping now. Which is difficult, since I

work 12 hr shifts...So tired, with no sleep. Someone at work gave me an

idea, that I could buy a device that helps to get lids off containers.

I bought a 'bag lady' cart, to get things back and forth from the

store. Thanks be that I can fairly well tolerate walking, so I can get

around to do those things. Unless someone comes up with something

better for treatment, I just will not be working very much longer, just

can't use my hands well enough, and being a nurse that is VERY

important. You all talk about so many things, and I am wondering, with

a better income, and no insurance, how I am going to be able to afford

all the doctor visits, lab tests, etc, since I don't qualify for any

assistance. Does anyone have any ideas, anything I can do to help

defray costs, since I think I am headed for a very costly thing. The ES

Tylenol helps some, allows a couple hours sleep at a time, so better

than nothing. Feeling very scared about all this. The worst part is the

pain and severe swelling in my hands. They are becoming weak enough I

have trouble holding onto things at all. Went to put a shower curtain

down by the cashier at Walmart the other day, and it came out of my

grip aand ended up almost thrown at her by mistake. So embarrassing.

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Pam