NEW MEMBER

[Guest guest]

Lynn,

Did she really say, "Ripped out"? That is an awful thing to say. was completely put under and it went very smoothly. It is a smooth cut. Healed very nicely. I know you will do just fine. I am sorry your co-worker was trying to scare you.

Hugs,

Cari

RE: New Member

It certainly does help, Annette! Thank you! Aco-worker told me her husband had a muscle biopsy,said they can't use anasthetics cause it doessomething to the muscle and so they ripped out part ofhis thigh muscle! The word "rip" didn't exactly makeme feel kindly disposed toward it! LOL! But if ithelps the diagnosis, I'll give them a piece. Like yousaid, I just want to start moving forward!Next goofy question...I've read that the prednisonecan make you act psychotic?? Do you all agree withthat? I sure don't need help somedays!Thanks for sharing..it sure does help!Lynn--- Annette Flamand wrote:> Lynn,> I had biopsies of my thigh and shoulder. I was an> outpatient, and it> really wasn't such a bad experience at all. The> shoulder healed quickly,> the thigh took longer, and I still have scar tissue> there that hurts now and> then. I am glad I had those biopsies because that's> how they finally> determined what I had. Once you're diagnosed, the> relief alone helps a great> deal, and then of course the meds start helping.> That was 8 years ago and> I'm still on prednisone, but a very low dose--5mg a> day, sometimes 10,> depending on flares. I was taking methotrexate but> went off that a long> time ago (can't remember why I went off it, though).> I'm on a bone density> med because pred. causes bone thinning, and I'm on> Prozac, have been since I> got sick, and it seems to help me manage my pain and> weakness...not that it> takes the pain and weakness away, but I believe it> helps me to live my day> with more ease.> Hope this helps, Annette> =====*~*~*~*You can drown in your stream of consciousness. Make sure the drain runs freely.~*~*~*~__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Teddi!!

Thanks for the welcome!

Sometimes I can be the biggest baby! LOL! Well, skin

biopsy first, then maybe an EMG, then maybe a muscle

biopsy.

What kinds of medicine are the DM'ers of the group on?

I've heard a quinine for malaria (for the rash) and a

med used to prevent organ rejection that's also given

for rheumatoid arthritis, and lots of other

interesting stuff. Wow, this is going to be some

trip!! The beginning sure hasn't been fun!!

Lynn

--- TeddiFromOK@... wrote:

> Hi Lynn

> Welcome to the group....you came to the right

> place......lots of information, compassion and

> freedom to gripe,whine or moan as needed.

> I have DM and the muscle biopsy isn't that

> bad ...of course everyone is different (our

> stock refrain) I had mine done as an outpatient

> and had very little discomfort......Hope you

> get your answers soon.

>

>

> Teddi

> mailto:teddifromok@...

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Lynn

I don't think your being a baby about these things... it's just the idea

of not knowing what to expect. We've all been through it and it's

natural to worry about something you have never had before.

Vicki

[Guest guest]

Hi Lynn

I haven't had the problems with rash that many

have.....mainly in the cheeks.....I was dx in

1996 but am sure it was coming on for years.

Right now I am taking10mg prednsone....can't

seem to get below that......also Vioxx, Celexia,

Zantac, Synthyroid, Actenel,Trazadone and

fursomide and K-Dur for fluid retention. That

is one thing I have a lot of problems with. Was

taking Lipitor but am off for 6 mo to see if the

cholestoral stays down.

Teddi

mailto:teddifromok@...

[Guest guest]

Lynn,

I had biopsies of my thigh and shoulder. I was an outpatient, and it

really wasn't such a bad experience at all. The shoulder healed quickly,

the thigh took longer, and I still have scar tissue there that hurts now and

then. I am glad I had those biopsies because that's how they finally

determined what I had. Once you're diagnosed, the relief alone helps a great

deal, and then of course the meds start helping. That was 8 years ago and

I'm still on prednisone, but a very low dose--5mg a day, sometimes 10,

depending on flares. I was taking methotrexate but went off that a long

time ago (can't remember why I went off it, though). I'm on a bone density

med because pred. causes bone thinning, and I'm on Prozac, have been since I

got sick, and it seems to help me manage my pain and weakness...not that it

takes the pain and weakness away, but I believe it helps me to live my day

with more ease.

Hope this helps, Annette

Re: New Member

Hi Teddi!!

Thanks for the welcome!

Sometimes I can be the biggest baby! LOL! Well, skin

biopsy first, then maybe an EMG, then maybe a muscle

biopsy.

What kinds of medicine are the DM'ers of the group on?

I've heard a quinine for malaria (for the rash) and a

med used to prevent organ rejection that's also given

for rheumatoid arthritis, and lots of other

interesting stuff. Wow, this is going to be some

trip!! The beginning sure hasn't been fun!!

Lynn

--- TeddiFromOK@... wrote:

> Hi Lynn

> Welcome to the group....you came to the right

> place......lots of information, compassion and

> freedom to gripe,whine or moan as needed.

> I have DM and the muscle biopsy isn't that

> bad ...of course everyone is different (our

> stock refrain) I had mine done as an outpatient

> and had very little discomfort......Hope you

> get your answers soon.

>

>

> Teddi

> mailto:teddifromok@...

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

It certainly does help, Annette! Thank you! A

co-worker told me her husband had a muscle biopsy,

said they can't use anasthetics cause it does

something to the muscle and so they ripped out part of

his thigh muscle! The word " rip " didn't exactly make

me feel kindly disposed toward it! LOL! But if it

helps the diagnosis, I'll give them a piece. Like you

said, I just want to start moving forward!

Next goofy question...I've read that the prednisone

can make you act psychotic?? Do you all agree with

that? I sure don't need help somedays!

Thanks for sharing..it sure does help!

Lynn

--- Annette Flamand wrote:

> Lynn,

> I had biopsies of my thigh and shoulder. I was an

> outpatient, and it

> really wasn't such a bad experience at all. The

> shoulder healed quickly,

> the thigh took longer, and I still have scar tissue

> there that hurts now and

> then. I am glad I had those biopsies because that's

> how they finally

> determined what I had. Once you're diagnosed, the

> relief alone helps a great

> deal, and then of course the meds start helping.

> That was 8 years ago and

> I'm still on prednisone, but a very low dose--5mg a

> day, sometimes 10,

> depending on flares. I was taking methotrexate but

> went off that a long

> time ago (can't remember why I went off it, though).

> I'm on a bone density

> med because pred. causes bone thinning, and I'm on

> Prozac, have been since I

> got sick, and it seems to help me manage my pain and

> weakness...not that it

> takes the pain and weakness away, but I believe it

> helps me to live my day

> with more ease.

> Hope this helps, Annette

>

=====

*~*~*~*You can drown in your stream of consciousness. Make sure

the drain runs freely.~*~*~*~

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Lynn

" Ripping " is not a word to inspire confidence.

In my case I was given anesthetic by shot

and brought out as soon as it was over with

no sideeffects or grogginess

Teddi

mailto:teddifromok@...

[Guest guest]

PS......Memory sure goes.....couldn't even

remember your other question......Yes, on

the higher doses your personality does

change.....mood swings, etc...but it's just

the pred and does go away

Teddi

mailto:teddifromok@...

[Guest guest]

Lynn, no wonder you're upset about a muscle biopsy... They don't do

that!!!!!

I've never heard of anyone getting a muscle biopsy that didn't have

anesthetic

given. Your arm or leg is numbed first then the biopsy is taken. You

might ask your doctor about using an MRI to first locate the best area

to take the biopsy from since not all your muscle is inflamed.

Prednisone.... well, it didn't do that on me but it does do it on some

people. It all depends on your system. When you first start taking

the drug you do feel funny and/or hyper but that will calm down after a

couple of weeks.

Vicki

[Guest guest]

Teddi... You mean they put you out altogether? I was just given a shot

in the arm to deaden that small area. Then he popped out the sample.

He really wanted to take it from my thigh. He looked at my arms and

there were thin so he thought I would be thigh thin also.... you should

have seen his face when he threw back the cover to find a large

thigh.... He said in order to take a biopsy out of my thigh I would have

to be put under and it would be in an operating room. We all had a

good laugh.

Vicki

[Guest guest]

It probably is much better to have a local then to be given any drugs.

Being as weak as I am, it might take alot out of me to deal with after

affect of sedation.

I have to be wide awake for Friday after all.

Regards,

BillG

Camarillo, CA

PM

RE: New Member

> Lynn

> " Ripping " is not a word to inspire confidence.

> In my case I was given anesthetic by shot

> and brought out as soon as it was over with

> no sideeffects or grogginess

>

>

> Teddi

> mailto:teddifromok@...

>

>

>

>

_________________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

No kidding...ya gotta be put out if you're

slightly...plump, eh? Well, I guess I know what it

will be for me, lol! I have what my mom calls

honeybear arms and thunder thighs! LOL!

Lynn

--- anzavic@... wrote:

>

>

> Teddi... You mean they put you out altogether? I

> was just given a shot

> in the arm to deaden that small area. Then he

> popped out the sample.

> He really wanted to take it from my thigh. He

> looked at my arms and

> there were thin so he thought I would be thigh thin

> also.... you should

> have seen his face when he threw back the cover to

> find a large

> thigh.... He said in order to take a biopsy out of

> my thigh I would have

> to be put under and it would be in an operating

> room. We all had a

> good laugh.

>

> Vicki

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Lynn,

Hard to tell (for me) if the pred. makes me act " psychotic " ...family and

friends tell me I'm just " naturally nuts " most of the time! :-)

Actually, I've read the same thing, but all I notice about pred. is that

on initial high dosage I slept only two hours a night and was not tired in

the least during the day. I sleep much better now at the low dose. It's the

non-stop urge to eat that really gets me down, though...that hasn't lessened

over the years. I could eat non-stop all day if I let myself give in to the

urge.

I think you should try not to pay too much attention to what you hear or

read about the meds for these diseases until you have started on them

yourself. We all react so differently to meds. I was terrified to go on

Prozac because of what I'd heard and read, but I eased into it with no

problem whatsoever, and I know it helps me deal with the pain and the

weakness.

Take each step at a time and try to look at the medications as " help " and

not as " dangers " ...

I do feel for you, though, because I remember all too well how I felt and

the fear of the unknown while I was going through all the tests and fearing

the worst.

This group will give you the support you need... They KNOW what you're

going through.

My best to you, Annette

RE: New Member

It certainly does help, Annette! Thank you! A

co-worker told me her husband had a muscle biopsy,

said they can't use anasthetics cause it does

something to the muscle and so they ripped out part of

his thigh muscle! The word " rip " didn't exactly make

me feel kindly disposed toward it! LOL! But if it

helps the diagnosis, I'll give them a piece. Like you

said, I just want to start moving forward!

Next goofy question...I've read that the prednisone

can make you act psychotic?? Do you all agree with

that? I sure don't need help somedays!

Thanks for sharing..it sure does help!

Lynn

--- Annette Flamand wrote:

> Lynn,

> I had biopsies of my thigh and shoulder. I was an

> outpatient, and it

> really wasn't such a bad experience at all. The

> shoulder healed quickly,

> the thigh took longer, and I still have scar tissue

> there that hurts now and

> then. I am glad I had those biopsies because that's

> how they finally

> determined what I had. Once you're diagnosed, the

> relief alone helps a great

> deal, and then of course the meds start helping.

> That was 8 years ago and

> I'm still on prednisone, but a very low dose--5mg a

> day, sometimes 10,

> depending on flares. I was taking methotrexate but

> went off that a long

> time ago (can't remember why I went off it, though).

> I'm on a bone density

> med because pred. causes bone thinning, and I'm on

> Prozac, have been since I

> got sick, and it seems to help me manage my pain and

> weakness...not that it

> takes the pain and weakness away, but I believe it

> helps me to live my day

> with more ease.

> Hope this helps, Annette

>

=====

*~*~*~*You can drown in your stream of consciousness. Make sure

the drain runs freely.~*~*~*~

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Lynn... Listen to Cari: she's right. I was put out during my biopsies and felt very little discomfort after. I've always just felt grateful for the biopsies because that was the definitive test for a diagnosis. It's a much smoother ride from there on. Annette

-----Original Message-----From: Cari Dorsey Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2001 6:04 PMTo: OurMyositis Subject: Re: New Member

Lynn,

Did she really say, "Ripped out"? That is an awful thing to say. was completely put under and it went very smoothly. It is a smooth cut. Healed very nicely. I know you will do just fine. I am sorry your co-worker was trying to scare you.

Hugs,

Cari

RE: New Member

It certainly does help, Annette! Thank you! Aco-worker told me her husband had a muscle biopsy,said they can't use anasthetics cause it doessomething to the muscle and so they ripped out part ofhis thigh muscle! The word "rip" didn't exactly makeme feel kindly disposed toward it! LOL! But if ithelps the diagnosis, I'll give them a piece. Like yousaid, I just want to start moving forward!Next goofy question...I've read that the prednisonecan make you act psychotic?? Do you all agree withthat? I sure don't need help somedays!Thanks for sharing..it sure does help!Lynn--- Annette Flamand wrote:> Lynn,> I had biopsies of my thigh and shoulder. I was an> outpatient, and it> really wasn't such a bad experience at all. The> shoulder healed quickly,> the thigh took longer, and I still have scar tissue> there that hurts now and> then. I am glad I had those biopsies because that's> how they finally> determined what I had. Once you're diagnosed, the> relief alone helps a great> deal, and then of course the meds start helping.> That was 8 years ago and> I'm still on prednisone, but a very low dose--5mg a> day, sometimes 10,> depending on flares. I was taking methotrexate but> went off that a long> time ago (can't remember why I went off it, though).> I'm on a bone density> med because pred. causes bone thinning, and I'm on> Prozac, have been since I> got sick, and it seems to help me manage my pain and> weakness...not that it> takes the pain and weakness away, but I believe it> helps me to live my day> with more ease.> Hope this helps, Annette> =====*~*~*~*You can drown in your stream of consciousness. Make sure the drain runs freely.~*~*~*~__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I certainly will, Annette, and thank you, Cari! This

co-worker is very blunt, has an earthy sense of humor,

so " rip " to her was pretty much to the point!

Lynn

--- Annette Flamand wrote:

> Lynn... Listen to Cari: she's right. I was put out

> during my biopsies and

> felt very little discomfort after. I've always just

> felt grateful for the

> biopsies because that was the definitive test for a

> diagnosis. It's a much

> smoother ride from there on. Annette

> Re: New Member

>

>

> Lynn,

> Did she really say, " Ripped out " ? That is an

> awful thing to say.

> was completely put under and it went very smoothly.

> It is a smooth cut.

> Healed very nicely. I know you will do just fine.

> I am sorry your

> co-worker was trying to scare you.

> Hugs,

> Cari

>

>

>

> RE: New Member

>

>

> It certainly does help, Annette! Thank you! A

> co-worker told me her husband had a muscle

> biopsy,

> said they can't use anasthetics cause it does

> something to the muscle and so they ripped out

> part of

> his thigh muscle! The word " rip " didn't exactly

> make

> me feel kindly disposed toward it! LOL! But if

> it

> helps the diagnosis, I'll give them a piece.

> Like you

> said, I just want to start moving forward!

>

> Next goofy question...I've read that the

> prednisone

> can make you act psychotic?? Do you all agree

> with

> that? I sure don't need help somedays!

>

> Thanks for sharing..it sure does help!

>

> Lynn

> --- Annette Flamand

> wrote:

> > Lynn,

> > I had biopsies of my thigh and shoulder. I

> was an

> > outpatient, and it

> > really wasn't such a bad experience at all.

> The

> > shoulder healed quickly,

> > the thigh took longer, and I still have scar

> tissue

> > there that hurts now and

> > then. I am glad I had those biopsies because

> that's

> > how they finally

> > determined what I had. Once you're diagnosed,

> the

> > relief alone helps a great

> > deal, and then of course the meds start

> helping.

> > That was 8 years ago and

> > I'm still on prednisone, but a very low

> dose--5mg a

> > day, sometimes 10,

> > depending on flares. I was taking

> methotrexate but

> > went off that a long

> > time ago (can't remember why I went off it,

> though).

> > I'm on a bone density

> > med because pred. causes bone thinning, and

> I'm on

> > Prozac, have been since I

> > got sick, and it seems to help me manage my

> pain and

> > weakness...not that it

> > takes the pain and weakness away, but I

> believe it

> > helps me to live my day

> > with more ease.

> > Hope this helps, Annette

> >

>

>

> =====

> *~*~*~*You can drown in your stream of

> consciousness. Make sure

> the drain runs freely.~*~*~*~

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you very much, Cari, for the welcome! I'll keep

in my prayers, gosh, it's so sad hearing the how

the little ones get this disease, too...but really

glad that it's under control! Give him a hug from me!

And you are right, this is a great group!

Lynn

--- Cari Dorsey wrote:

> Lynn,

> Hi and welcome. I am Cari. My son, , was

> diagnosed with Juvenile DM in Jan. of 99 at the age

> of 3. He is doing very well now and is in

> Kindergarten. He had his muscle biopsy done in his

> right thigh and tolerated it very well. We used

> Advil for discomfort but it really didn't seem to

> bother him too much.

> started out on high doses of Prednisone and

> after 28 months was completely weaned off of it as

> of this past June 1. He is still on Plaquenil which

> he takes for his rash which has been under control

> for over 2 years now.

> DM and JDM have a lot of similarities and some

> differences.

> You have certainly found the right place for answers

> and compassion. Welcome.

> Hugs,

> Cari

>

>

> --- Original Message -----

> From: Lynn

> To: OurMyositis

> Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2001 10:29 PM

> Subject: Re: New Member

>

>

> Hi Teddi!!

>

> Thanks for the welcome!

>

> Sometimes I can be the biggest baby! LOL! Well,

> skin

> biopsy first, then maybe an EMG, then maybe a

> muscle

> biopsy.

>

> What kinds of medicine are the DM'ers of the group

> on?

> I've heard a quinine for malaria (for the rash)

> and a

> med used to prevent organ rejection that's also

> given

> for rheumatoid arthritis, and lots of other

> interesting stuff. Wow, this is going to be some

> trip!! The beginning sure hasn't been fun!!

>

> Lynn

> --- TeddiFromOK@... wrote:

> > Hi Lynn

> > Welcome to the group....you came to the right

> > place......lots of information, compassion and

> > freedom to gripe,whine or moan as needed.

> > I have DM and the muscle biopsy isn't that

> > bad ...of course everyone is different (our

> > stock refrain) I had mine done as an outpatient

> > and had very little discomfort......Hope you

> > get your answers soon.

> >

> >

> > Teddi

> > mailto:teddifromok@...

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Ah me...and the weight gain, is it really as bad as

I've heard? Hey, if I'm on prednisone and work up a

head of steam, maybe I'll finally get my room

organized!! LOL! One thing I'm not is organized.

Lynn

--- anzavic@... wrote:

>

>

> Lynn, no wonder you're upset about a muscle

> biopsy... They don't do

> that!!!!!

> I've never heard of anyone getting a muscle biopsy

> that didn't have

> anesthetic

> given. Your arm or leg is numbed first then the

> biopsy is taken. You

> might ask your doctor about using an MRI to first

> locate the best area

> to take the biopsy from since not all your muscle is

> inflamed.

> Prednisone.... well, it didn't do that on me but it

> does do it on some

> people. It all depends on your system. When you

> first start taking

> the drug you do feel funny and/or hyper but that

> will calm down after a

> couple of weeks.

>

> Vicki

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Lynn,... when you first get on Prednisone you get energy. It's a great

feeling. I gained 60 some lbs in a very short time. I blame it on the

steer's I had to eat to satisfy my protein cravings. You might be

different. You'll love the moon face though... it brings out the

highlights in your face....LOL

Vicki

[Guest guest]

Hey Lynn

What's so great about being organized???

Everytime I try I just

end up with a bigger

mess....You wouldn't believe the fallout

area around the recliner....LOL

Teddi the Slob

Teddi

mailto:teddifromok@...

[Guest guest]

Teddi,

I, too, have quite a " fall-out " area around my recliner!!! Do you think

it's another symptom of our disease? :-) Annette

RE: New Member

Hey Lynn

What's so great about being organized???

Everytime I try I just

end up with a bigger

mess....You wouldn't believe the fallout

area around the recliner....LOL

Teddi the Slob

Teddi

mailto:teddifromok@...

[Guest guest]

Hi Lynn

Welcome to the group , my name is Jodie and my daughter Madeleine (almost 3 yrs old) was diagnosed with JDM about 2 months ago.

This group is great , if im feeling a bit worried about Maddie i just write it down and i always get helpful answers to my questions , there a great bunch of people here , im pretty quiet on here but i read each and every posting and look forward to reading my emails . Anyway welcome and hope to talk to you soon

from Jodie

New Member

Good Morning!I'm new to the group...my name is Lynn, I'm 52 yr. oldwoman living 23 miles south of Washington, D.C. Ihave a working diagnosis of dermatomyositis. My docsare going slowly and carefully making the diagnosisfinal. From what I've read about the meds to treatthis disease, I'm glad they are going slowly!I'm eager to learn all I can...coping with thesepainful flares...I have scads of questions...evenwithout the meds to treat DM, I'm loosing hair! But Ipromise I'll try to restrain myself!!I'm glad to be here and hope I can lend my support,too.Have a gentle, easy day!Lynn====="Although I can accept talking scarecrows, lions and great wizards of emerald cities, I find it hard to believe there is no paperwork involved when your house lands on a witch."__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Disorganization is a symptom of this disease and therefor it's ok. LOL

Works for me!!!!

Vicki

[Guest guest]

Lynn... Oh my gosh, I call myself " THUNDER THIGHS " all the time. I'm

the shape of a true pear. The pasta seems to settle in the rear!

I'm sure they won't put you out. A local might do the trick...

Vicki

[Guest guest]

Annette

re: fallout area........disease....prednisone......

whatever works....can't be us can it?..lol

Teddi

mailto:teddifromok@...

[Guest guest]

So true, Annette! You are all loving and very

supportive!

You are right about the meds. I went on Prozac years

ago and didn't have a great experience...so I went off

cold turkey, and incurred a great deal of wrath from

my doc!

My neighbor is Puerto Rican and the chief of radiology

at a military hospital. He knew about myositis.

Muscle damage. Said it has to regenerate itself and

strengthen again. He uses the old world

treatments...red vinegar (2 T), Honey (1 T) in some

warm water, gulp it down and supposedly you have one

terrific remedy for arthitis. Now I know sometimes

you have no choice, but his point is to really know

what you're putting in your body, alternatives, and

such. Sometimes you have no choice, I think PM/DM

can't go without medical intervention...but I now see

the wisdom of knowing what's going on with my

body...we have to be a team member with our docs. He

also says the best exercise is swimming...you use 80%

of your muscles. Couldn't believe the rheumy told me

to bike to strengthen my knee muscles when I have

degenerative bone disease in my knees!

This past weekend, I started taking a B complex, Vit.

E, Flaxseed Oil, Evening Primrose oil, niacin,

grapeseed extract (for my skin), glucosamine/MSM...and

trying to increase protein intake cause I realized I

was hardly getting any in lately...whether it makes a

difference, I can't say, but I don't think it will

hurt.

Lynn

--- Annette Flamand wrote:

> Lynn,

> Hard to tell (for me) if the pred. makes me act

> " psychotic " ...family and

> friends tell me I'm just " naturally nuts " most of

> the time! :-)

> Actually, I've read the same thing, but all I

> notice about pred. is that

> on initial high dosage I slept only two hours a

> night and was not tired in

> the least during the day. I sleep much better now at

> the low dose. It's the

> non-stop urge to eat that really gets me down,

> though...that hasn't lessened

> over the years. I could eat non-stop all day if I

> let myself give in to the

> urge.

> I think you should try not to pay too much

> attention to what you hear or

> read about the meds for these diseases until you

> have started on them

> yourself. We all react so differently to meds. I was

> terrified to go on

> Prozac because of what I'd heard and read, but I

> eased into it with no

> problem whatsoever, and I know it helps me deal with

> the pain and the

> weakness.

> Take each step at a time and try to look at the

> medications as " help " and

> not as " dangers " ...

> I do feel for you, though, because I remember all

> too well how I felt and

> the fear of the unknown while I was going through

> all the tests and fearing

> the worst.

> This group will give you the support you need...

> They KNOW what you're

> going through.

> My best to you, Annette

>

> RE: New Member

>

>

> It certainly does help, Annette! Thank you! A

> co-worker told me her husband had a muscle biopsy,

> said they can't use anasthetics cause it does

> something to the muscle and so they ripped out part

> of

> his thigh muscle! The word " rip " didn't exactly

> make

> me feel kindly disposed toward it! LOL! But if it

> helps the diagnosis, I'll give them a piece. Like

> you

> said, I just want to start moving forward!

>

> Next goofy question...I've read that the prednisone

> can make you act psychotic?? Do you all agree with

> that? I sure don't need help somedays!

>

> Thanks for sharing..it sure does help!

>

> Lynn

> --- Annette Flamand wrote:

> > Lynn,

> > I had biopsies of my thigh and shoulder. I was

> an

> > outpatient, and it

> > really wasn't such a bad experience at all. The

> > shoulder healed quickly,

> > the thigh took longer, and I still have scar

> tissue

> > there that hurts now and

> > then. I am glad I had those biopsies because

> that's

> > how they finally

> > determined what I had. Once you're diagnosed, the

> > relief alone helps a great

> > deal, and then of course the meds start helping.

> > That was 8 years ago and

> > I'm still on prednisone, but a very low dose--5mg

> a

> > day, sometimes 10,

> > depending on flares. I was taking methotrexate

> but

> > went off that a long

> > time ago (can't remember why I went off it,

> though).

> > I'm on a bone density

> > med because pred. causes bone thinning, and I'm on

> > Prozac, have been since I

> > got sick, and it seems to help me manage my pain

> and

> > weakness...not that it

> > takes the pain and weakness away, but I believe it

> > helps me to live my day

> > with more ease.

> > Hope this helps, Annette

> >

>

>

> =====

> *~*~*~*You can drown in your stream of

> consciousness. Make sure

> the drain runs freely.~*~*~*~

>

> __________________________________________________

>