Re: checking in

[Guest guest]

,

If I can keep my sore throat at bay and not catch a cold over the

weekend, come noonish on Monday I will be on my way to the other side!

Are you a Rabkin patient? If so, I'll try to visit you when I can get

up and around. from Sacramento is going right before me at

7:30. Let's party!!!!!

Mama B

sarafina wrote:

>

> well, if all goes as planned on tuesday at 7:30 am I will be on my way

> to the other side. Life has consumed me and I have hardly had a chance

> to breath lately, but I wanted to touch base before I go. I am as

> ready as I will ever be and will be relived to have at least *this*

> part done with. 2 years pre op is enough for anyone! Thanks to all

> here for support and help, and wish me luck

>

> love,

[Guest guest]

Whoooo Hoooooo!

I'll bring the daquiries!!!!!

(virgin o'course

> >

> > well, if all goes as planned on tuesday at 7:30 am I will be on my

way

> > to the other side. Life has consumed me and I have hardly had a

chance

> > to breath lately, but I wanted to touch base before I go. I am as

> > ready as I will ever be and will be relived to have at least

*this*

> > part done with. 2 years pre op is enough for anyone! Thanks to all

> > here for support and help, and wish me luck

> >

> > love,

[Guest guest]

Dear Ford: Thanks so much for your input! We need to hear wonderful success stories like yours. It makes me so happy to hear how much better you are. Keep us posted. Love, Darlene

[Guest guest]

ford:

I have been following you for so long! i am so impressed with your progress. You have given me hope for my dec. 6 switch!

Kathy P.

Checking in

Hi, gang.

I still watch this list now and again, and just like to check in occasionally. To remind you (and let those who don't recognise me) know, I started at 6-3, 460 pounds, and had the operation on July 5, 2000. I will be 5 months postoperative on the 5th of December, and, as of this morning, I have lost 118 pounds...I weigh 342. This works, guys.

I have a lot of gas, am a lot more sensitive to spicy foods than I used to be, and understand I will be until my stomach acid-production thingie realizes my stomach is a lot smaller now (that will take about a year post operative, they tell me). I get full way easy in the mornings, have 4-5 bowel movements a day, and they all smell bad, and I am VERY happy I did it.

I suffer from Congestive Heart Failure, a leaking heart valve, diabetes, severe arthritis, and a few other minor things. Since the operation, I can BREATHE again, no gasping, no panting, sleeping without waking in panic, and no snoring. I walk better, even with the bad knee, stand easier, and just generally get around more gracefully and with less effort. I still have some neuropathy that we are trying to figure out the reason for, but I feel downright healthy nowadays. Another 40 pounds or so and I can get the knee replacement and heart valve surgery they wouldn't do while I was so heavy, after which I will feel even more healthy. I'm getting married in three weeks, and life is looking great.

I expect my weight to stabilize somewhere in the 250 - 270 pound range, which is fine. I will then get a tummy tuck, which will lose some more weight, and make me look gorgeous (:-))....who knows, I might even wear a swim suit again some day.

If anyone has any questions or would just like some reassurance that this works and things will be ok, write me, and I'd be happy to answer.

Ford Ivey

Surgeon: Dr. Elariny, Arlington, VA

[Guest guest]

I still watch this list now and again, and just like to check in occasionally. To remind you (and let those who don't recognise me) know, I started at 6-3, 460 pounds, and had the operation on July 5, 2000. I will be 5 months postoperative on the 5th of December, and, as of this morning, I have lost 118 pounds...I weigh 342. This works, guys.

Hi Ford,

I got switched by Dr. Elariny on October l7th and am doing great myself. I was happy to hear your update and great news of the state of your health. Also, congratulations of the superb weight loss and upcoming marriage! Do you go the support group meetings at Fairfax? Will you be there on December 5th? I hope to meet you there.

Best wishes,

Liz

[Guest guest]

Such positive experiences are always welcome with me. Congratulations

on your success! And thanks for sharing that.

Robin F

[Guest guest]

> My question is, how many of you have used massage therapy to treat your

fibro? And how big a difference has it made?

>

I haven't had enough massage therapy to know if it helps or not, but it

certainly makes sense!

I have found some short-term relief from foot reflexology, too.

I had a few good nights' sleep after enjoying a Jacuzzi at a friend's house

in San Diego. Enough to make me think about getting a unit for my basement.

Regards,

ee

[Guest guest]

> My question is, how many of you have used massage therapy to treat your

fibro? And how big a difference has it made?

>

I haven't had enough massage therapy to know if it helps or not, but it

certainly makes sense!

I have found some short-term relief from foot reflexology, too.

I had a few good nights' sleep after enjoying a Jacuzzi at a friend's house

in San Diego. Enough to make me think about getting a unit for my basement.

Regards,

ee

[Guest guest]

Hi all

I've just come out of a terrible November. I was doing well but on a lot of

meds, and trying to see if I could cut back or get just one going or

something. My problem is that I've always had very bad reactions to

antidepressants, and that is the first line of defense for most with FM.

Finally they got me on MS Contin, I had already been taking Ultram, and they

added Clonopin for sleep disorder. I was doing well. I heard several people

talk about Wellbutrin and thought, that is one I haven't tried. Went to the

doc, and she gave me some samples. Within 2 days I was having the worst

flareup in months... as if every cell screaming in pain. Had to go to the

hospital for IV morphine to get it under control. A week later I still

didn't feel well at all, decided, how could just 2 pills cause such havoc?

So I tried the Wellbutrin again. The same thing happened! Only this time the

pain, nausea, vomiting, extreme anxiety, headaches, went on and on and on.

Again to the hospital for 2 days of IV morphine and phenergan. I was a

wreck. Finally, a few days ago the stuff seems to have cleared my system,

I'm back on my MS Contin/Ultram/Clonopin routine, and feeling SO much better

it is unbelievable. If I ever had any doubt about antidepressants being NOT

FOR ME, there is no doubt now! And I know it wasn't drug withdrawal, because

of the time involved and other things, and the doctor's confirmation. Whew!

It is so scary to be in that much pain. It is the kind of pain that I think,

how can anybody be in this much pain and still be ALIVE?

So I am finally back at work, able to work on my new book, and my part-part

time job, and fighting with social security because they seem to want to

penalize me for the WAY I receive my income -- I get royalties as an author

twice a year, and they just don't know what to do with that, so they keep

sending me letters that make no sense at all, saying I owe them thousands of

dollars, but then they keep depositing partial checks every month.... it's

driving me crazy, so I've gotten somebody from the Center for Persons with

Disabilities to advocate for me, we'll see what happens. I need that SSI

money, and I'm only getting about half of it now, for no good reason.

My good news is I just found out I'm to be a grandma in the summer for the

first time, just after my 50th b-day. I can't believe it! I can't believe

I'm that old! I went out and got a sassy cute haircut immediately!

I've seen some discussion of migraines. I get them, but very seldom. Imitrex

does the trick for me. But I am lucky in that I get a really good early

warning. My eyes start bouncing around in my head, literally they start

moving spastically around and everything gets really blurry. If I take the

Imitrex then, everything is fine within a couple of hours. But if I wait,

it's 24 hours of all the hellish symptoms. Thankfully I don't get too

nauseated, but the headache is crushing and I can't stand light or noise at

all.

It's so weird that there is nothing that is universally helpful for FM... I

find it really interesting that what causes one person to practically croak

is a panacea for someone else. The key for me has been to get an internal

medicine practice where all the doctors and assistants are well versed in FM

and not afraid to medicate for pain, and really want to help you so they

encourage alternative therapies, etc. and never make you feel like a drug

seeker or layabout.

Anyway, that's my check in. I haven't even been able to read many of the

digests, I've been so sick. I hope everyone is doing okay, and welcome to

any new people to the list. The problem with this kind of list is that when

you are in the most need of help and support, you are too sick to interact

with it.

love to all

Vimala

FM for 11 years, brought on by accident

49 yrs old

2 adult kids, both married

writer, fiber artist

married twice, lost one to infidelity (on his part) the other to FM; dumped

2 months ago after being engaged a year because my ex fiance couldn't handle

living with someone with a chronic illness. I think I'm done with all that.

[Guest guest]

Hi all

I've just come out of a terrible November. I was doing well but on a lot of

meds, and trying to see if I could cut back or get just one going or

something. My problem is that I've always had very bad reactions to

antidepressants, and that is the first line of defense for most with FM.

Finally they got me on MS Contin, I had already been taking Ultram, and they

added Clonopin for sleep disorder. I was doing well. I heard several people

talk about Wellbutrin and thought, that is one I haven't tried. Went to the

doc, and she gave me some samples. Within 2 days I was having the worst

flareup in months... as if every cell screaming in pain. Had to go to the

hospital for IV morphine to get it under control. A week later I still

didn't feel well at all, decided, how could just 2 pills cause such havoc?

So I tried the Wellbutrin again. The same thing happened! Only this time the

pain, nausea, vomiting, extreme anxiety, headaches, went on and on and on.

Again to the hospital for 2 days of IV morphine and phenergan. I was a

wreck. Finally, a few days ago the stuff seems to have cleared my system,

I'm back on my MS Contin/Ultram/Clonopin routine, and feeling SO much better

it is unbelievable. If I ever had any doubt about antidepressants being NOT

FOR ME, there is no doubt now! And I know it wasn't drug withdrawal, because

of the time involved and other things, and the doctor's confirmation. Whew!

It is so scary to be in that much pain. It is the kind of pain that I think,

how can anybody be in this much pain and still be ALIVE?

So I am finally back at work, able to work on my new book, and my part-part

time job, and fighting with social security because they seem to want to

penalize me for the WAY I receive my income -- I get royalties as an author

twice a year, and they just don't know what to do with that, so they keep

sending me letters that make no sense at all, saying I owe them thousands of

dollars, but then they keep depositing partial checks every month.... it's

driving me crazy, so I've gotten somebody from the Center for Persons with

Disabilities to advocate for me, we'll see what happens. I need that SSI

money, and I'm only getting about half of it now, for no good reason.

My good news is I just found out I'm to be a grandma in the summer for the

first time, just after my 50th b-day. I can't believe it! I can't believe

I'm that old! I went out and got a sassy cute haircut immediately!

I've seen some discussion of migraines. I get them, but very seldom. Imitrex

does the trick for me. But I am lucky in that I get a really good early

warning. My eyes start bouncing around in my head, literally they start

moving spastically around and everything gets really blurry. If I take the

Imitrex then, everything is fine within a couple of hours. But if I wait,

it's 24 hours of all the hellish symptoms. Thankfully I don't get too

nauseated, but the headache is crushing and I can't stand light or noise at

all.

It's so weird that there is nothing that is universally helpful for FM... I

find it really interesting that what causes one person to practically croak

is a panacea for someone else. The key for me has been to get an internal

medicine practice where all the doctors and assistants are well versed in FM

and not afraid to medicate for pain, and really want to help you so they

encourage alternative therapies, etc. and never make you feel like a drug

seeker or layabout.

Anyway, that's my check in. I haven't even been able to read many of the

digests, I've been so sick. I hope everyone is doing okay, and welcome to

any new people to the list. The problem with this kind of list is that when

you are in the most need of help and support, you are too sick to interact

with it.

love to all

Vimala

FM for 11 years, brought on by accident

49 yrs old

2 adult kids, both married

writer, fiber artist

married twice, lost one to infidelity (on his part) the other to FM; dumped

2 months ago after being engaged a year because my ex fiance couldn't handle

living with someone with a chronic illness. I think I'm done with all that.

[Guest guest]

Hi all

I've just come out of a terrible November. I was doing well but on a lot of

meds, and trying to see if I could cut back or get just one going or

something. My problem is that I've always had very bad reactions to

antidepressants, and that is the first line of defense for most with FM.

Finally they got me on MS Contin, I had already been taking Ultram, and they

added Clonopin for sleep disorder. I was doing well. I heard several people

talk about Wellbutrin and thought, that is one I haven't tried. Went to the

doc, and she gave me some samples. Within 2 days I was having the worst

flareup in months... as if every cell screaming in pain. Had to go to the

hospital for IV morphine to get it under control. A week later I still

didn't feel well at all, decided, how could just 2 pills cause such havoc?

So I tried the Wellbutrin again. The same thing happened! Only this time the

pain, nausea, vomiting, extreme anxiety, headaches, went on and on and on.

Again to the hospital for 2 days of IV morphine and phenergan. I was a

wreck. Finally, a few days ago the stuff seems to have cleared my system,

I'm back on my MS Contin/Ultram/Clonopin routine, and feeling SO much better

it is unbelievable. If I ever had any doubt about antidepressants being NOT

FOR ME, there is no doubt now! And I know it wasn't drug withdrawal, because

of the time involved and other things, and the doctor's confirmation. Whew!

It is so scary to be in that much pain. It is the kind of pain that I think,

how can anybody be in this much pain and still be ALIVE?

So I am finally back at work, able to work on my new book, and my part-part

time job, and fighting with social security because they seem to want to

penalize me for the WAY I receive my income -- I get royalties as an author

twice a year, and they just don't know what to do with that, so they keep

sending me letters that make no sense at all, saying I owe them thousands of

dollars, but then they keep depositing partial checks every month.... it's

driving me crazy, so I've gotten somebody from the Center for Persons with

Disabilities to advocate for me, we'll see what happens. I need that SSI

money, and I'm only getting about half of it now, for no good reason.

My good news is I just found out I'm to be a grandma in the summer for the

first time, just after my 50th b-day. I can't believe it! I can't believe

I'm that old! I went out and got a sassy cute haircut immediately!

I've seen some discussion of migraines. I get them, but very seldom. Imitrex

does the trick for me. But I am lucky in that I get a really good early

warning. My eyes start bouncing around in my head, literally they start

moving spastically around and everything gets really blurry. If I take the

Imitrex then, everything is fine within a couple of hours. But if I wait,

it's 24 hours of all the hellish symptoms. Thankfully I don't get too

nauseated, but the headache is crushing and I can't stand light or noise at

all.

It's so weird that there is nothing that is universally helpful for FM... I

find it really interesting that what causes one person to practically croak

is a panacea for someone else. The key for me has been to get an internal

medicine practice where all the doctors and assistants are well versed in FM

and not afraid to medicate for pain, and really want to help you so they

encourage alternative therapies, etc. and never make you feel like a drug

seeker or layabout.

Anyway, that's my check in. I haven't even been able to read many of the

digests, I've been so sick. I hope everyone is doing okay, and welcome to

any new people to the list. The problem with this kind of list is that when

you are in the most need of help and support, you are too sick to interact

with it.

love to all

Vimala

FM for 11 years, brought on by accident

49 yrs old

2 adult kids, both married

writer, fiber artist

married twice, lost one to infidelity (on his part) the other to FM; dumped

2 months ago after being engaged a year because my ex fiance couldn't handle

living with someone with a chronic illness. I think I'm done with all that.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I'm a new-bee who has been lurking for awhile, but

decided to post after reading your post Vimala, for

two reasons:

1. Your reaction to the Wellbutrin. I didn't respond

as severely as you did or for as long, but, after

taking my first dose, I woke up in the middle of the

night with my bed shaking. Then I realized it was me

shaking the bed. It was pretty scary, and my doctor

confirmed it probably was some seizure activity. So

no more of that for me, although others with FM swear

by it.

2. It was a relief to hear that someone else takes MS

Contin. I had " I want to die " pain until I found a

place on the internet called ASAP which directed me to

a doctor in my area who wasn't afraid to prescribe

narcotics for people who needed them. I don't know if

ASAP still exists on the net, as this was over 2 years

ago. But the pain pills were a god-send for me.

I've been officially disabled with FM/CFS for over 10

years and get SSA and a disability pension. And I

know how crazy and dehumanizing the Social Security

System is, and it sure does whatever it can to NOT pay

out any money, it seems.

Glad to know you're back to 'normal' and doing 'well'.

Thanks for your post.

tymbom2002

--- Vimala McClure wrote:

> Hi all

>

> I've just come out of a terrible November. I was

> doing well but on a lot of

> meds, and trying to see if I could cut back or get

> just one going or

> something. My problem is that I've always had very

> bad reactions to

> antidepressants, and that is the first line of

> defense for most with FM.

> Finally they got me on MS Contin, I had already been

> taking Ultram, and they

> added Clonopin for sleep disorder. I was doing well.

> I heard several people

> talk about Wellbutrin and thought, that is one I

> haven't tried. Went to the

> doc, and she gave me some samples. Within 2 days I

> was having the worst

> flareup in months... as if every cell screaming in

> pain. Had to go to the

> hospital for IV morphine to get it under control. A

> week later I still

> didn't feel well at all, decided, how could just 2

> pills cause such havoc?

> So I tried the Wellbutrin again. The same thing

> happened! Only this time the

> pain, nausea, vomiting, extreme anxiety, headaches,

> went on and on and on.

> Again to the hospital for 2 days of IV morphine and

> phenergan. I was a

> wreck. Finally, a few days ago the stuff seems to

> have cleared my system,

> I'm back on my MS Contin/Ultram/Clonopin routine,

> and feeling SO much better

> it is unbelievable. If I ever had any doubt about

> antidepressants being NOT

> FOR ME, there is no doubt now! And I know it wasn't

> drug withdrawal, because

> of the time involved and other things, and the

> doctor's confirmation. Whew!

> It is so scary to be in that much pain. It is the

> kind of pain that I think,

> how can anybody be in this much pain and still be

> ALIVE?

>

> So I am finally back at work, able to work on my new

> book, and my part-part

> time job, and fighting with social security because

> they seem to want to

> penalize me for the WAY I receive my income -- I get

> royalties as an author

> twice a year, and they just don't know what to do

> with that, so they keep

> sending me letters that make no sense at all, saying

> I owe them thousands of

> dollars, but then they keep depositing partial

> checks every month.... it's

> driving me crazy, so I've gotten somebody from the

> Center for Persons with

> Disabilities to advocate for me, we'll see what

> happens. I need that SSI

> money, and I'm only getting about half of it now,

> for no good reason.

>

> My good news is I just found out I'm to be a grandma

> in the summer for the

> first time, just after my 50th b-day. I can't

> believe it! I can't believe

> I'm that old! I went out and got a sassy cute

> haircut immediately!

>

> I've seen some discussion of migraines. I get them,

> but very seldom. Imitrex

> does the trick for me. But I am lucky in that I get

> a really good early

> warning. My eyes start bouncing around in my head,

> literally they start

> moving spastically around and everything gets really

> blurry. If I take the

> Imitrex then, everything is fine within a couple of

> hours. But if I wait,

> it's 24 hours of all the hellish symptoms.

> Thankfully I don't get too

> nauseated, but the headache is crushing and I can't

> stand light or noise at

> all.

>

> It's so weird that there is nothing that is

> universally helpful for FM... I

> find it really interesting that what causes one

> person to practically croak

> is a panacea for someone else. The key for me has

> been to get an internal

> medicine practice where all the doctors and

> assistants are well versed in FM

> and not afraid to medicate for pain, and really want

> to help you so they

> encourage alternative therapies, etc. and never make

> you feel like a drug

> seeker or layabout.

>

> Anyway, that's my check in. I haven't even been able

> to read many of the

> digests, I've been so sick. I hope everyone is doing

> okay, and welcome to

> any new people to the list. The problem with this

> kind of list is that when

> you are in the most need of help and support, you

> are too sick to interact

> with it.

>

> love to all

> Vimala

> FM for 11 years, brought on by accident

> 49 yrs old

> 2 adult kids, both married

> writer, fiber artist

> married twice, lost one to infidelity (on his part)

> the other to FM; dumped

> 2 months ago after being engaged a year because my

> ex fiance couldn't handle

> living with someone with a chronic illness. I think

> I'm done with all that.

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I'm a new-bee who has been lurking for awhile, but

decided to post after reading your post Vimala, for

two reasons:

1. Your reaction to the Wellbutrin. I didn't respond

as severely as you did or for as long, but, after

taking my first dose, I woke up in the middle of the

night with my bed shaking. Then I realized it was me

shaking the bed. It was pretty scary, and my doctor

confirmed it probably was some seizure activity. So

no more of that for me, although others with FM swear

by it.

2. It was a relief to hear that someone else takes MS

Contin. I had " I want to die " pain until I found a

place on the internet called ASAP which directed me to

a doctor in my area who wasn't afraid to prescribe

narcotics for people who needed them. I don't know if

ASAP still exists on the net, as this was over 2 years

ago. But the pain pills were a god-send for me.

I've been officially disabled with FM/CFS for over 10

years and get SSA and a disability pension. And I

know how crazy and dehumanizing the Social Security

System is, and it sure does whatever it can to NOT pay

out any money, it seems.

Glad to know you're back to 'normal' and doing 'well'.

Thanks for your post.

tymbom2002

--- Vimala McClure wrote:

> Hi all

>

> I've just come out of a terrible November. I was

> doing well but on a lot of

> meds, and trying to see if I could cut back or get

> just one going or

> something. My problem is that I've always had very

> bad reactions to

> antidepressants, and that is the first line of

> defense for most with FM.

> Finally they got me on MS Contin, I had already been

> taking Ultram, and they

> added Clonopin for sleep disorder. I was doing well.

> I heard several people

> talk about Wellbutrin and thought, that is one I

> haven't tried. Went to the

> doc, and she gave me some samples. Within 2 days I

> was having the worst

> flareup in months... as if every cell screaming in

> pain. Had to go to the

> hospital for IV morphine to get it under control. A

> week later I still

> didn't feel well at all, decided, how could just 2

> pills cause such havoc?

> So I tried the Wellbutrin again. The same thing

> happened! Only this time the

> pain, nausea, vomiting, extreme anxiety, headaches,

> went on and on and on.

> Again to the hospital for 2 days of IV morphine and

> phenergan. I was a

> wreck. Finally, a few days ago the stuff seems to

> have cleared my system,

> I'm back on my MS Contin/Ultram/Clonopin routine,

> and feeling SO much better

> it is unbelievable. If I ever had any doubt about

> antidepressants being NOT

> FOR ME, there is no doubt now! And I know it wasn't

> drug withdrawal, because

> of the time involved and other things, and the

> doctor's confirmation. Whew!

> It is so scary to be in that much pain. It is the

> kind of pain that I think,

> how can anybody be in this much pain and still be

> ALIVE?

>

> So I am finally back at work, able to work on my new

> book, and my part-part

> time job, and fighting with social security because

> they seem to want to

> penalize me for the WAY I receive my income -- I get

> royalties as an author

> twice a year, and they just don't know what to do

> with that, so they keep

> sending me letters that make no sense at all, saying

> I owe them thousands of

> dollars, but then they keep depositing partial

> checks every month.... it's

> driving me crazy, so I've gotten somebody from the

> Center for Persons with

> Disabilities to advocate for me, we'll see what

> happens. I need that SSI

> money, and I'm only getting about half of it now,

> for no good reason.

>

> My good news is I just found out I'm to be a grandma

> in the summer for the

> first time, just after my 50th b-day. I can't

> believe it! I can't believe

> I'm that old! I went out and got a sassy cute

> haircut immediately!

>

> I've seen some discussion of migraines. I get them,

> but very seldom. Imitrex

> does the trick for me. But I am lucky in that I get

> a really good early

> warning. My eyes start bouncing around in my head,

> literally they start

> moving spastically around and everything gets really

> blurry. If I take the

> Imitrex then, everything is fine within a couple of

> hours. But if I wait,

> it's 24 hours of all the hellish symptoms.

> Thankfully I don't get too

> nauseated, but the headache is crushing and I can't

> stand light or noise at

> all.

>

> It's so weird that there is nothing that is

> universally helpful for FM... I

> find it really interesting that what causes one

> person to practically croak

> is a panacea for someone else. The key for me has

> been to get an internal

> medicine practice where all the doctors and

> assistants are well versed in FM

> and not afraid to medicate for pain, and really want

> to help you so they

> encourage alternative therapies, etc. and never make

> you feel like a drug

> seeker or layabout.

>

> Anyway, that's my check in. I haven't even been able

> to read many of the

> digests, I've been so sick. I hope everyone is doing

> okay, and welcome to

> any new people to the list. The problem with this

> kind of list is that when

> you are in the most need of help and support, you

> are too sick to interact

> with it.

>

> love to all

> Vimala

> FM for 11 years, brought on by accident

> 49 yrs old

> 2 adult kids, both married

> writer, fiber artist

> married twice, lost one to infidelity (on his part)

> the other to FM; dumped

> 2 months ago after being engaged a year because my

> ex fiance couldn't handle

> living with someone with a chronic illness. I think

> I'm done with all that.

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I'm a new-bee who has been lurking for awhile, but

decided to post after reading your post Vimala, for

two reasons:

1. Your reaction to the Wellbutrin. I didn't respond

as severely as you did or for as long, but, after

taking my first dose, I woke up in the middle of the

night with my bed shaking. Then I realized it was me

shaking the bed. It was pretty scary, and my doctor

confirmed it probably was some seizure activity. So

no more of that for me, although others with FM swear

by it.

2. It was a relief to hear that someone else takes MS

Contin. I had " I want to die " pain until I found a

place on the internet called ASAP which directed me to

a doctor in my area who wasn't afraid to prescribe

narcotics for people who needed them. I don't know if

ASAP still exists on the net, as this was over 2 years

ago. But the pain pills were a god-send for me.

I've been officially disabled with FM/CFS for over 10

years and get SSA and a disability pension. And I

know how crazy and dehumanizing the Social Security

System is, and it sure does whatever it can to NOT pay

out any money, it seems.

Glad to know you're back to 'normal' and doing 'well'.

Thanks for your post.

tymbom2002

--- Vimala McClure wrote:

> Hi all

>

> I've just come out of a terrible November. I was

> doing well but on a lot of

> meds, and trying to see if I could cut back or get

> just one going or

> something. My problem is that I've always had very

> bad reactions to

> antidepressants, and that is the first line of

> defense for most with FM.

> Finally they got me on MS Contin, I had already been

> taking Ultram, and they

> added Clonopin for sleep disorder. I was doing well.

> I heard several people

> talk about Wellbutrin and thought, that is one I

> haven't tried. Went to the

> doc, and she gave me some samples. Within 2 days I

> was having the worst

> flareup in months... as if every cell screaming in

> pain. Had to go to the

> hospital for IV morphine to get it under control. A

> week later I still

> didn't feel well at all, decided, how could just 2

> pills cause such havoc?

> So I tried the Wellbutrin again. The same thing

> happened! Only this time the

> pain, nausea, vomiting, extreme anxiety, headaches,

> went on and on and on.

> Again to the hospital for 2 days of IV morphine and

> phenergan. I was a

> wreck. Finally, a few days ago the stuff seems to

> have cleared my system,

> I'm back on my MS Contin/Ultram/Clonopin routine,

> and feeling SO much better

> it is unbelievable. If I ever had any doubt about

> antidepressants being NOT

> FOR ME, there is no doubt now! And I know it wasn't

> drug withdrawal, because

> of the time involved and other things, and the

> doctor's confirmation. Whew!

> It is so scary to be in that much pain. It is the

> kind of pain that I think,

> how can anybody be in this much pain and still be

> ALIVE?

>

> So I am finally back at work, able to work on my new

> book, and my part-part

> time job, and fighting with social security because

> they seem to want to

> penalize me for the WAY I receive my income -- I get

> royalties as an author

> twice a year, and they just don't know what to do

> with that, so they keep

> sending me letters that make no sense at all, saying

> I owe them thousands of

> dollars, but then they keep depositing partial

> checks every month.... it's

> driving me crazy, so I've gotten somebody from the

> Center for Persons with

> Disabilities to advocate for me, we'll see what

> happens. I need that SSI

> money, and I'm only getting about half of it now,

> for no good reason.

>

> My good news is I just found out I'm to be a grandma

> in the summer for the

> first time, just after my 50th b-day. I can't

> believe it! I can't believe

> I'm that old! I went out and got a sassy cute

> haircut immediately!

>

> I've seen some discussion of migraines. I get them,

> but very seldom. Imitrex

> does the trick for me. But I am lucky in that I get

> a really good early

> warning. My eyes start bouncing around in my head,

> literally they start

> moving spastically around and everything gets really

> blurry. If I take the

> Imitrex then, everything is fine within a couple of

> hours. But if I wait,

> it's 24 hours of all the hellish symptoms.

> Thankfully I don't get too

> nauseated, but the headache is crushing and I can't

> stand light or noise at

> all.

>

> It's so weird that there is nothing that is

> universally helpful for FM... I

> find it really interesting that what causes one

> person to practically croak

> is a panacea for someone else. The key for me has

> been to get an internal

> medicine practice where all the doctors and

> assistants are well versed in FM

> and not afraid to medicate for pain, and really want

> to help you so they

> encourage alternative therapies, etc. and never make

> you feel like a drug

> seeker or layabout.

>

> Anyway, that's my check in. I haven't even been able

> to read many of the

> digests, I've been so sick. I hope everyone is doing

> okay, and welcome to

> any new people to the list. The problem with this

> kind of list is that when

> you are in the most need of help and support, you

> are too sick to interact

> with it.

>

> love to all

> Vimala

> FM for 11 years, brought on by accident

> 49 yrs old

> 2 adult kids, both married

> writer, fiber artist

> married twice, lost one to infidelity (on his part)

> the other to FM; dumped

> 2 months ago after being engaged a year because my

> ex fiance couldn't handle

> living with someone with a chronic illness. I think

> I'm done with all that.

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hello, everyone...

My name is Kayla and I just discovered this group tonight...this

looks like a wonderful place! I am 35 years old and I was diagnosed

with FMS/CFS 2-3 years ago, but I think I've had fibro for years,

just like most of us who suffer with this disease.

It's ironic that the recent topic of discussion is migraines, because

I woke up last week with a roaring headache and so nauseated that I

couldn't take my meds because I kept vomiting even after small sips

of water. And my ears were ringing like crazy as well. What causes

that? I had to call in sick yet *again.* My boss must be sick of me.

Like many folks w/fibro., I tend to wake up with a headache 3-4

mornings a week, and we just learn how to deal with it...but the one

I had last week was particularly *horrid.* Because I was vomiting, I

just assumed that I was fighting the flu...after reading your posts,

I'm wondering if it was a fibro flare-up instead. Because of the

fibro and chronic fatigue, it feels like I have a low-grade flu half

the time anyway....so my question is this: how do you know if you

really have the flu, or is it a flare-up? Although my PCP is

supportive (Thank you, God!), I can't call him every other day just

because I have FMS/CFS symptoms that are flu-like. Has anyone else

had this problem?

To Vimala and Marsha: wow, it sounds like the Wellbutrin really made

you both sick! I hope that you're feeling better now. Isn't it weird

how medicine affects everyone differently? I take Wellbutrin (along

with all my other meds...just call me " a walking medicine cabinet! " ,

which seems to help increase my energy during the day, but I have to

be careful not to take the second dose too late in the afternoon

because then I can't sleep. I tried Zoloft once, but broke into this

nasty rash...ugh!!! Let's see, rounding out my drug cornucopia is

Ultram, Soma, Elavil (helps w/the sleep)and Zantac. I saw that some

folks are taking Oxycontin or MS Contin? Have you found it helpful?

Anyway, I have a million questions, but this is already turning into

a very long e-mail! Thanks for being so patient with this newbie!

I just had one other question ... although I am blessed to still be

working full time, most of the people I know who have FMS/CFS are

either only able to work part-time, or they are completely disabled

and battling with stupid Social Security...although I'm doing the

best I can, I seem to be getting more ill over the past 6-12 mos, and

I'm so afraid that I'll have to quit working...so here is my

question...how many people with our illness are actually still able

to work? I'm really worried about this...I would be grateful for any

feedback anyone has.

Sending gentle hugs and best wishes to everyone,

Kayla

> > Hi all

> >

> > I've just come out of a terrible November. I was

> > doing well but on a lot of

> > meds, and trying to see if I could cut back or get

> > just one going or

> > something. My problem is that I've always had very

> > bad reactions to

> > antidepressants, and that is the first line of

> > defense for most with FM.

> > Finally they got me on MS Contin, I had already been

> > taking Ultram, and they

> > added Clonopin for sleep disorder. I was doing well.

> > I heard several people

> > talk about Wellbutrin and thought, that is one I

> > haven't tried. Went to the

> > doc, and she gave me some samples. Within 2 days I

> > was having the worst

> > flareup in months... as if every cell screaming in

> > pain. Had to go to the

> > hospital for IV morphine to get it under control. A

> > week later I still

> > didn't feel well at all, decided, how could just 2

> > pills cause such havoc?

> > So I tried the Wellbutrin again. The same thing

> > happened! Only this time the

> > pain, nausea, vomiting, extreme anxiety, headaches,

> > went on and on and on.

> > Again to the hospital for 2 days of IV morphine and

> > phenergan. I was a

> > wreck. Finally, a few days ago the stuff seems to

> > have cleared my system,

> > I'm back on my MS Contin/Ultram/Clonopin routine,

> > and feeling SO much better

> > it is unbelievable. If I ever had any doubt about

> > antidepressants being NOT

> > FOR ME, there is no doubt now! And I know it wasn't

> > drug withdrawal, because

> > of the time involved and other things, and the

> > doctor's confirmation. Whew!

> > It is so scary to be in that much pain. It is the

> > kind of pain that I think,

> > how can anybody be in this much pain and still be

> > ALIVE?

> >

> > So I am finally back at work, able to work on my new

> > book, and my part-part

> > time job, and fighting with social security because

> > they seem to want to

> > penalize me for the WAY I receive my income -- I get

> > royalties as an author

> > twice a year, and they just don't know what to do

> > with that, so they keep

> > sending me letters that make no sense at all, saying

> > I owe them thousands of

> > dollars, but then they keep depositing partial

> > checks every month.... it's

> > driving me crazy, so I've gotten somebody from the

> > Center for Persons with

> > Disabilities to advocate for me, we'll see what

> > happens. I need that SSI

> > money, and I'm only getting about half of it now,

> > for no good reason.

> >

> > My good news is I just found out I'm to be a grandma

> > in the summer for the

> > first time, just after my 50th b-day. I can't

> > believe it! I can't believe

> > I'm that old! I went out and got a sassy cute

> > haircut immediately!

> >

> > I've seen some discussion of migraines. I get them,

> > but very seldom. Imitrex

> > does the trick for me. But I am lucky in that I get

> > a really good early

> > warning. My eyes start bouncing around in my head,

> > literally they start

> > moving spastically around and everything gets really

> > blurry. If I take the

> > Imitrex then, everything is fine within a couple of

> > hours. But if I wait,

> > it's 24 hours of all the hellish symptoms.

> > Thankfully I don't get too

> > nauseated, but the headache is crushing and I can't

> > stand light or noise at

> > all.

> >

> > It's so weird that there is nothing that is

> > universally helpful for FM... I

> > find it really interesting that what causes one

> > person to practically croak

> > is a panacea for someone else. The key for me has

> > been to get an internal

> > medicine practice where all the doctors and

> > assistants are well versed in FM

> > and not afraid to medicate for pain, and really want

> > to help you so they

> > encourage alternative therapies, etc. and never make

> > you feel like a drug

> > seeker or layabout.

> >

> > Anyway, that's my check in. I haven't even been able

> > to read many of the

> > digests, I've been so sick. I hope everyone is doing

> > okay, and welcome to

> > any new people to the list. The problem with this

> > kind of list is that when

> > you are in the most need of help and support, you

> > are too sick to interact

> > with it.

> >

> > love to all

> > Vimala

> > FM for 11 years, brought on by accident

> > 49 yrs old

> > 2 adult kids, both married

> > writer, fiber artist

> > married twice, lost one to infidelity (on his part)

> > the other to FM; dumped

> > 2 months ago after being engaged a year because my

> > ex fiance couldn't handle

> > living with someone with a chronic illness. I think

> > I'm done with all that.

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hello, everyone...

My name is Kayla and I just discovered this group tonight...this

looks like a wonderful place! I am 35 years old and I was diagnosed

with FMS/CFS 2-3 years ago, but I think I've had fibro for years,

just like most of us who suffer with this disease.

It's ironic that the recent topic of discussion is migraines, because

I woke up last week with a roaring headache and so nauseated that I

couldn't take my meds because I kept vomiting even after small sips

of water. And my ears were ringing like crazy as well. What causes

that? I had to call in sick yet *again.* My boss must be sick of me.

Like many folks w/fibro., I tend to wake up with a headache 3-4

mornings a week, and we just learn how to deal with it...but the one

I had last week was particularly *horrid.* Because I was vomiting, I

just assumed that I was fighting the flu...after reading your posts,

I'm wondering if it was a fibro flare-up instead. Because of the

fibro and chronic fatigue, it feels like I have a low-grade flu half

the time anyway....so my question is this: how do you know if you

really have the flu, or is it a flare-up? Although my PCP is

supportive (Thank you, God!), I can't call him every other day just

because I have FMS/CFS symptoms that are flu-like. Has anyone else

had this problem?

To Vimala and Marsha: wow, it sounds like the Wellbutrin really made

you both sick! I hope that you're feeling better now. Isn't it weird

how medicine affects everyone differently? I take Wellbutrin (along

with all my other meds...just call me " a walking medicine cabinet! " ,

which seems to help increase my energy during the day, but I have to

be careful not to take the second dose too late in the afternoon

because then I can't sleep. I tried Zoloft once, but broke into this

nasty rash...ugh!!! Let's see, rounding out my drug cornucopia is

Ultram, Soma, Elavil (helps w/the sleep)and Zantac. I saw that some

folks are taking Oxycontin or MS Contin? Have you found it helpful?

Anyway, I have a million questions, but this is already turning into

a very long e-mail! Thanks for being so patient with this newbie!

I just had one other question ... although I am blessed to still be

working full time, most of the people I know who have FMS/CFS are

either only able to work part-time, or they are completely disabled

and battling with stupid Social Security...although I'm doing the

best I can, I seem to be getting more ill over the past 6-12 mos, and

I'm so afraid that I'll have to quit working...so here is my

question...how many people with our illness are actually still able

to work? I'm really worried about this...I would be grateful for any

feedback anyone has.

Sending gentle hugs and best wishes to everyone,

Kayla

> > Hi all

> >

> > I've just come out of a terrible November. I was

> > doing well but on a lot of

> > meds, and trying to see if I could cut back or get

> > just one going or

> > something. My problem is that I've always had very

> > bad reactions to

> > antidepressants, and that is the first line of

> > defense for most with FM.

> > Finally they got me on MS Contin, I had already been

> > taking Ultram, and they

> > added Clonopin for sleep disorder. I was doing well.

> > I heard several people

> > talk about Wellbutrin and thought, that is one I

> > haven't tried. Went to the

> > doc, and she gave me some samples. Within 2 days I

> > was having the worst

> > flareup in months... as if every cell screaming in

> > pain. Had to go to the

> > hospital for IV morphine to get it under control. A

> > week later I still

> > didn't feel well at all, decided, how could just 2

> > pills cause such havoc?

> > So I tried the Wellbutrin again. The same thing

> > happened! Only this time the

> > pain, nausea, vomiting, extreme anxiety, headaches,

> > went on and on and on.

> > Again to the hospital for 2 days of IV morphine and

> > phenergan. I was a

> > wreck. Finally, a few days ago the stuff seems to

> > have cleared my system,

> > I'm back on my MS Contin/Ultram/Clonopin routine,

> > and feeling SO much better

> > it is unbelievable. If I ever had any doubt about

> > antidepressants being NOT

> > FOR ME, there is no doubt now! And I know it wasn't

> > drug withdrawal, because

> > of the time involved and other things, and the

> > doctor's confirmation. Whew!

> > It is so scary to be in that much pain. It is the

> > kind of pain that I think,

> > how can anybody be in this much pain and still be

> > ALIVE?

> >

> > So I am finally back at work, able to work on my new

> > book, and my part-part

> > time job, and fighting with social security because

> > they seem to want to

> > penalize me for the WAY I receive my income -- I get

> > royalties as an author

> > twice a year, and they just don't know what to do

> > with that, so they keep

> > sending me letters that make no sense at all, saying

> > I owe them thousands of

> > dollars, but then they keep depositing partial

> > checks every month.... it's

> > driving me crazy, so I've gotten somebody from the

> > Center for Persons with

> > Disabilities to advocate for me, we'll see what

> > happens. I need that SSI

> > money, and I'm only getting about half of it now,

> > for no good reason.

> >

> > My good news is I just found out I'm to be a grandma

> > in the summer for the

> > first time, just after my 50th b-day. I can't

> > believe it! I can't believe

> > I'm that old! I went out and got a sassy cute

> > haircut immediately!

> >

> > I've seen some discussion of migraines. I get them,

> > but very seldom. Imitrex

> > does the trick for me. But I am lucky in that I get

> > a really good early

> > warning. My eyes start bouncing around in my head,

> > literally they start

> > moving spastically around and everything gets really

> > blurry. If I take the

> > Imitrex then, everything is fine within a couple of

> > hours. But if I wait,

> > it's 24 hours of all the hellish symptoms.

> > Thankfully I don't get too

> > nauseated, but the headache is crushing and I can't

> > stand light or noise at

> > all.

> >

> > It's so weird that there is nothing that is

> > universally helpful for FM... I

> > find it really interesting that what causes one

> > person to practically croak

> > is a panacea for someone else. The key for me has

> > been to get an internal

> > medicine practice where all the doctors and

> > assistants are well versed in FM

> > and not afraid to medicate for pain, and really want

> > to help you so they

> > encourage alternative therapies, etc. and never make

> > you feel like a drug

> > seeker or layabout.

> >

> > Anyway, that's my check in. I haven't even been able

> > to read many of the

> > digests, I've been so sick. I hope everyone is doing

> > okay, and welcome to

> > any new people to the list. The problem with this

> > kind of list is that when

> > you are in the most need of help and support, you

> > are too sick to interact

> > with it.

> >

> > love to all

> > Vimala

> > FM for 11 years, brought on by accident

> > 49 yrs old

> > 2 adult kids, both married

> > writer, fiber artist

> > married twice, lost one to infidelity (on his part)

> > the other to FM; dumped

> > 2 months ago after being engaged a year because my

> > ex fiance couldn't handle

> > living with someone with a chronic illness. I think

> > I'm done with all that.

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hello, everyone...

My name is Kayla and I just discovered this group tonight...this

looks like a wonderful place! I am 35 years old and I was diagnosed

with FMS/CFS 2-3 years ago, but I think I've had fibro for years,

just like most of us who suffer with this disease.

It's ironic that the recent topic of discussion is migraines, because

I woke up last week with a roaring headache and so nauseated that I

couldn't take my meds because I kept vomiting even after small sips

of water. And my ears were ringing like crazy as well. What causes

that? I had to call in sick yet *again.* My boss must be sick of me.

Like many folks w/fibro., I tend to wake up with a headache 3-4

mornings a week, and we just learn how to deal with it...but the one

I had last week was particularly *horrid.* Because I was vomiting, I

just assumed that I was fighting the flu...after reading your posts,

I'm wondering if it was a fibro flare-up instead. Because of the

fibro and chronic fatigue, it feels like I have a low-grade flu half

the time anyway....so my question is this: how do you know if you

really have the flu, or is it a flare-up? Although my PCP is

supportive (Thank you, God!), I can't call him every other day just

because I have FMS/CFS symptoms that are flu-like. Has anyone else

had this problem?

To Vimala and Marsha: wow, it sounds like the Wellbutrin really made

you both sick! I hope that you're feeling better now. Isn't it weird

how medicine affects everyone differently? I take Wellbutrin (along

with all my other meds...just call me " a walking medicine cabinet! " ,

which seems to help increase my energy during the day, but I have to

be careful not to take the second dose too late in the afternoon

because then I can't sleep. I tried Zoloft once, but broke into this

nasty rash...ugh!!! Let's see, rounding out my drug cornucopia is

Ultram, Soma, Elavil (helps w/the sleep)and Zantac. I saw that some

folks are taking Oxycontin or MS Contin? Have you found it helpful?

Anyway, I have a million questions, but this is already turning into

a very long e-mail! Thanks for being so patient with this newbie!

I just had one other question ... although I am blessed to still be

working full time, most of the people I know who have FMS/CFS are

either only able to work part-time, or they are completely disabled

and battling with stupid Social Security...although I'm doing the

best I can, I seem to be getting more ill over the past 6-12 mos, and

I'm so afraid that I'll have to quit working...so here is my

question...how many people with our illness are actually still able

to work? I'm really worried about this...I would be grateful for any

feedback anyone has.

Sending gentle hugs and best wishes to everyone,

Kayla

> > Hi all

> >

> > I've just come out of a terrible November. I was

> > doing well but on a lot of

> > meds, and trying to see if I could cut back or get

> > just one going or

> > something. My problem is that I've always had very

> > bad reactions to

> > antidepressants, and that is the first line of

> > defense for most with FM.

> > Finally they got me on MS Contin, I had already been

> > taking Ultram, and they

> > added Clonopin for sleep disorder. I was doing well.

> > I heard several people

> > talk about Wellbutrin and thought, that is one I

> > haven't tried. Went to the

> > doc, and she gave me some samples. Within 2 days I

> > was having the worst

> > flareup in months... as if every cell screaming in

> > pain. Had to go to the

> > hospital for IV morphine to get it under control. A

> > week later I still

> > didn't feel well at all, decided, how could just 2

> > pills cause such havoc?

> > So I tried the Wellbutrin again. The same thing

> > happened! Only this time the

> > pain, nausea, vomiting, extreme anxiety, headaches,

> > went on and on and on.

> > Again to the hospital for 2 days of IV morphine and

> > phenergan. I was a

> > wreck. Finally, a few days ago the stuff seems to

> > have cleared my system,

> > I'm back on my MS Contin/Ultram/Clonopin routine,

> > and feeling SO much better

> > it is unbelievable. If I ever had any doubt about

> > antidepressants being NOT

> > FOR ME, there is no doubt now! And I know it wasn't

> > drug withdrawal, because

> > of the time involved and other things, and the

> > doctor's confirmation. Whew!

> > It is so scary to be in that much pain. It is the

> > kind of pain that I think,

> > how can anybody be in this much pain and still be

> > ALIVE?

> >

> > So I am finally back at work, able to work on my new

> > book, and my part-part

> > time job, and fighting with social security because

> > they seem to want to

> > penalize me for the WAY I receive my income -- I get

> > royalties as an author

> > twice a year, and they just don't know what to do

> > with that, so they keep

> > sending me letters that make no sense at all, saying

> > I owe them thousands of

> > dollars, but then they keep depositing partial

> > checks every month.... it's

> > driving me crazy, so I've gotten somebody from the

> > Center for Persons with

> > Disabilities to advocate for me, we'll see what

> > happens. I need that SSI

> > money, and I'm only getting about half of it now,

> > for no good reason.

> >

> > My good news is I just found out I'm to be a grandma

> > in the summer for the

> > first time, just after my 50th b-day. I can't

> > believe it! I can't believe

> > I'm that old! I went out and got a sassy cute

> > haircut immediately!

> >

> > I've seen some discussion of migraines. I get them,

> > but very seldom. Imitrex

> > does the trick for me. But I am lucky in that I get

> > a really good early

> > warning. My eyes start bouncing around in my head,

> > literally they start

> > moving spastically around and everything gets really

> > blurry. If I take the

> > Imitrex then, everything is fine within a couple of

> > hours. But if I wait,

> > it's 24 hours of all the hellish symptoms.

> > Thankfully I don't get too

> > nauseated, but the headache is crushing and I can't

> > stand light or noise at

> > all.

> >

> > It's so weird that there is nothing that is

> > universally helpful for FM... I

> > find it really interesting that what causes one

> > person to practically croak

> > is a panacea for someone else. The key for me has

> > been to get an internal

> > medicine practice where all the doctors and

> > assistants are well versed in FM

> > and not afraid to medicate for pain, and really want

> > to help you so they

> > encourage alternative therapies, etc. and never make

> > you feel like a drug

> > seeker or layabout.

> >

> > Anyway, that's my check in. I haven't even been able

> > to read many of the

> > digests, I've been so sick. I hope everyone is doing

> > okay, and welcome to

> > any new people to the list. The problem with this

> > kind of list is that when

> > you are in the most need of help and support, you

> > are too sick to interact

> > with it.

> >

> > love to all

> > Vimala

> > FM for 11 years, brought on by accident

> > 49 yrs old

> > 2 adult kids, both married

> > writer, fiber artist

> > married twice, lost one to infidelity (on his part)

> > the other to FM; dumped

> > 2 months ago after being engaged a year because my

> > ex fiance couldn't handle

> > living with someone with a chronic illness. I think

> > I'm done with all that.

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/4/2001 1:07:46 AM Eastern Standard Time,

teleramaia@... writes:

> how many people with our illness are actually still able

> to work? I'm really worried about this...I would be grateful for any

>

I work full-time as a library assistant, Kayla, though I've cut my total

hours slightly (from 37 1/2 hours a week to 35 hours) to accomodate the FMS.

As I've been at this job since 1988, I now receive 4 weeks paid vacation

every year, so I've been taking every Friday afternoon off for most of the

year. It has worked out well for me, though I will admit that I seldom have

the energy to do much when I get home each day. Sometimes I have to nap, and

sometimes I just plop myself down in my recliner and read or watch TV for the

rest of the evening. I try to use the weekends to get chores done, without

exhausting myself if possible. It works for me, but I think I may be

approaching the point where I may have to think further about cutting my

hours back again. I know that my doctor would authorize the change--he asks

me about it every time I see him--but I truly want to work as much as I can

for as long as I can. The money is one reason, but I think it's just as

important that I love my job and I feel like I'm contributing a valuable

service to our patrons.

Cheers,

Diane

[Guest guest]

> how many people with our illness are actually still able

> > to work? I'm really worried about this...I would be grateful for any

> >

>

I had to stop working when I was 21. For me fatigue isn't a problem but I'm

in constant pain so I am in the middle of trying to get Social Security.

[Guest guest]

teleramaia@... wrote:

Because of the

> fibro and chronic fatigue, it feels like I have a low-grade flu half

> the time anyway....so my question is this: how do you know if you

> really have the flu, or is it a flare-up?

When I usually am having a flare up, it only lasts a day, so if I start

to feel better by the following afternoon, I figure it's fibro/IBS or

possible allergies mixed in with one of them.

>although I'm doing the

> best I can, I seem to be getting more ill over the past 6-12 mos, and

> I'm so afraid that I'll have to quit working...so here is my

> question...how many people with our illness are actually still able

> to work? I'm really worried about this...I would be grateful for any

> feedback anyone has.

Unfortunately, I finally had to give up working full time this past

June. My boss even let me work half time the month before I actually

quit, but that didn't help enough for me to be able to stay. On the

other hand, a good friend of mine who has had fibro for years, is still

working 40 hours a week plus. It just depends on each person. Have you

tried cutting back on some of your other activities so you can devote

your energy to working? That's what helped me work for months.

Darcy

[Guest guest]

Velma,

What kind of books do you write? I would really like to know as I am an avid

reader and I might be interested in reading yours.

Take care,

Irene

Books may well be the only true magic

<<

So I am finally back at work, able to work on my new book, and my part-part

time job, and fighting with social security because they seem to want to

penalize me for the WAY I receive my income >>

[Guest guest]

Velma,

What kind of books do you write? I would really like to know as I am an avid

reader and I might be interested in reading yours.

Take care,

Irene

Books may well be the only true magic

<<

So I am finally back at work, able to work on my new book, and my part-part

time job, and fighting with social security because they seem to want to

penalize me for the WAY I receive my income >>

[Guest guest]

Velma,

What kind of books do you write? I would really like to know as I am an avid

reader and I might be interested in reading yours.

Take care,

Irene

Books may well be the only true magic

<<

So I am finally back at work, able to work on my new book, and my part-part

time job, and fighting with social security because they seem to want to

penalize me for the WAY I receive my income >>

[Guest guest]

<<

When I usually am having a flare up, it only lasts a day, so if I start

to feel better by the following afternoon, I figure it's fibro/IBS or

possible allergies mixed in with one of them. >>

Darcy,

When I have a flare up, it lasts for at least a week if not longer. I do

once in a while get one that only last a couple of days but those are rare.

Take care,

Irene

Books may well be the only true magic

Alice Hoffman

[Guest guest]

<<

When I usually am having a flare up, it only lasts a day, so if I start

to feel better by the following afternoon, I figure it's fibro/IBS or

possible allergies mixed in with one of them. >>

Darcy,

When I have a flare up, it lasts for at least a week if not longer. I do

once in a while get one that only last a couple of days but those are rare.

Take care,

Irene

Books may well be the only true magic

Alice Hoffman