Re: Couple questions

[Guest guest]

>

> I'm back after a few month away but a few doc appointments coming up;

I am the odd one

> with the low/normal T and gyne -- but with borderline low E2 and

osteoporosis -- at age 50.

> Don't know of anyone in the literature, as they say, with that

combination. Anyway, question

> 1) anyone on here have the reduction surgery at age 50 or older? 2)

Anyone new info out

> there on low E2 and gyne. So ,far docs say the gyne is ideopathic and

the osteo is idieopathic.

> I find that coincidence hard to believe.

>

I am KS so language is a problem for me. Can you put all that in

simple terms?

Thanks

[Guest guest]

Have you had a bone density test? Are you being treated for the

osteo? Is this a symtom of the low T in your case or a separate

medical issue?

My doc. had me take a bone density test to confirm low T, as

osteoperosis or osteopenoia is a side effect of low T. Osteopenia

was confirmed and she has me on Vitamin D (high dose), multi and

Calcium+D, in addition to trying to solve low T issues, which will

improve the osteo. issues and reverse within a year.

Blessings,

Bill

> >

> > I'm back after a few month away but a few doc appointments

coming up;

> I am the odd one

> > with the low/normal T and gyne -- but with borderline low E2 and

> osteoporosis -- at age 50.

> > Don't know of anyone in the literature, as they say, with that

> combination. Anyway, question

> > 1) anyone on here have the reduction surgery at age 50 or older?

2)

> Anyone new info out

> > there on low E2 and gyne. So ,far docs say the gyne is

ideopathic and

> the osteo is idieopathic.

> > I find that coincidence hard to believe.

> >

>

> I am KS so language is a problem for me. Can you put all that in

> simple terms?

>

> Thanks

>

[Guest guest]

Bill, I had the bone density test at age 50 almost as a lark, when I noticed I

had shrunk an

inch-half inch during a routine physical. Doc was surprised, as was I, at the

results. I have

osteoporosis in one hip and penia in back and other hip. On D and Calcium and

Boniva,

which I am not crazy about. So far it's ideopathic -- no known cause and

considered

separate from the gynecomastia I have, which they also call ideopathic! I'm just

finding it

hard to believe that I have two unrelated -- and ideopathic -- symptoms of

hypogonadism

(and a few others) but the docs say my lab tests (all the various hormones) are

ok. In fact,

my estradiol is almost low --13. (T is 505). It could be, of course. But I am

suspicious. I

have an apptointment with a nationally known endocrinologist/reseacher in

September.

MM

(Message to all: Osteo is a drag and often unor late diagnosed in men. Get it

checked.)

..

> > >

> > > I'm back after a few month away but a few doc appointments

> coming up;

> > I am the odd one

> > > with the low/normal T and gyne -- but with borderline low E2 and

> > osteoporosis -- at age 50.

> > > Don't know of anyone in the literature, as they say, with that

> > combination. Anyway, question

> > > 1) anyone on here have the reduction surgery at age 50 or older?

> 2)

> > Anyone new info out

> > > there on low E2 and gyne. So ,far docs say the gyne is

> ideopathic and

> > the osteo is idieopathic.

> > > I find that coincidence hard to believe.

> > >

> >

> > I am KS so language is a problem for me. Can you put all that in

> > simple terms?

> >

> > Thanks

> >

>

[Guest guest]

On Wed, 05 Jul 2006 06:51:01 -0000, you wrote:

>Bill, I had the bone density test at age 50 almost as a lark, when I noticed I

had shrunk an

>inch-half inch during a routine physical. Doc was surprised, as was I, at the

results. I have

>osteoporosis in one hip and penia in back and other hip. On D and Calcium and

Boniva,

>which I am not crazy about. So far it's ideopathic -- no known cause and

considered

>separate from the gynecomastia I have, which they also call ideopathic! I'm

just finding it

>hard to believe that I have two unrelated -- and ideopathic -- symptoms of

hypogonadism

>(and a few others) but the docs say my lab tests (all the various hormones) are

ok. In fact,

>my estradiol is almost low --13. (T is 505). It could be, of course. But I am

suspicious. I

>have an apptointment with a nationally known endocrinologist/reseacher in

September.

>MM

I've come to suspect that low E2 may be the cause of

osteopenia/porosis in men. Very low T results in low E2 in many

because there is no T to convert to E2.

T supplementation solves the problem I suspect because it results in

higher e2 as well.

________________

I am human; nothing in humanity is alien to me.

Terence

[Guest guest]

---Hi Tara,

Nice to hear from a fellow canadian:)

I just had to respond to the signing issue.

First of all, relatives are well meaning yes, but they don't know

what's best for your son.

We had to start signing with our son because he only said his first

word at 4.5 years old and the frustration level was way too high.

What we did was sign and say a word. What he was able to do was

attempt a word verbally while signing properly. Apparently this is

not confusing for them and our many slps said that it actually

helps,not hinders speaking. So, Please keep signing with your son

while modeling the words. is 7 now and I still sign

while talking to him!

As to the fish oils. I give Nordic natural 3-6-9 plus efa as

well as natural vitamin e.

Start your son with 1 capsule each and see how he responds. If you

notice a difference start bringing up the dosage. There should be

messages in the archive about this subject. I just poke a hole in

the capsule with a push pin(safer for me!)and squeeze it on a spoon.

takes it really well but some people mix it with food or drink.

I hope this helps. Just let your son take the lead in what works

best for him. You don't have to sign every word. When working on a

new word show him both the sign for it and the proper verbal model.

Sandy

fellow canuck eh!

[Guest guest]

Nordic Naturals has a junior version with chewable capsules (two

juniors = one adult), but you might want to give the adult ones a shot

first. My third child, not apraxic, was able to chew and/or swallow

the adult capsules when he was around 18 months (he's only 25 months

now!) He actually tries to swipe fish oil from his siblings because he

loves it. My oldest claims to hate the taste, but she just likes to

complain.

Alternately, they sell it in liquid form. Some people mix it with

liquids or soft foods (applesauce, pudding, etc.) I prefer to give it

straight so that I know the full dose is consumed. (I make an

exception for babies. For them, I mix it in the baby cereal.)

Dosing depends more on results than on weight or age. If you have

success with it, you might infer that the child needs at least that

amount. Some people increase it until they stop seeing improvements,

up to a point. The highest dose I've heard here, from and

those following her lead, is 2 EFAs and 1 EPA, three times per day

(total = 9 capsules). We aren't up that high -- yet. Some children

become hyper for a few days upon introduction, so my advice would be to

introduce one capsule, then a second one a few days later. Observe

results, and increase as you feel comfortable.

FYI -- my two year old weighs around 30+lbs. and he has at least two

every day. Some days he has more, with no ill effects.

in NJ

>

> 2.) How do you get kids to take the Fish Oils, are they not in

> capsules? And wahat is an appropriate starting dose for a 27lb 2

> year old?

>

[Guest guest]

I've had ongoing sleep problems and yes it can be normal to not sleep at night

and then be exhausted all day! But mine had nothing to do with PA. More age

and hormones, I think. I did find, though, that in the month or two before I was

diagnosed, I was so sleepy I could hardly stay awake - day or night. I got some

of the best nights sleep then I've had in years - sometimes as much as 12 hours.

Yet, I'd still sit down in the middle of the afternoon and fall asleep. I was

afraid to drive a car and actually had a minor little fender bender with a

concrete divider wall on the expressway that I think might have been caused by

the sleepiness. I had made a 2 hour trip to take my Mom home and both going and

coming I could hardly keep my eyes open. It was pretty much over by the time I

first saw the rheumatologist but she gave me meds to help me sleep (though this

particular one doesn't work well for me); and since rest is essential, that's

something you

should talk to him/her about.

Anyway, I'm new to PA too and was very lucky to have been diagnosed within 4-5

months after my symptoms first emerged so I actually didn't start getting the

kind of pain you're talking about in my fingers, wrists, (never in my elbows)

until after I was diagnosed. Then my fingers and occasionally my wrists started

to stiffen up. However, prior to diagnosis I ached all over almost like I did

have a terrible case of the flu. In fact, I kept taking my temp. (It was often

low grade.) It was hard to even describe the pain - but my legs hurt so much

that there were nights when I literally had to crawl up the stairs because I

couldn't walk up them. And getting up and out of a chair was pure torture.

Hang in there - the meds do help. It took me a while (and reassurances by my

ortho, my internist and the rheumatologist) that Enbrel was the best option for

me but it has worked. My legs and feet were swollen beyond belief before I

took my first shot from all the inflammation; but within 24 hours, the swelling

had gone down by half. I couldn't believe it!!! Took longer to get pain

relief but it came - just slowly and not overnight, like the reduction in

swelling. After 5-6 weeks on the drug, my sed rate dropped by half.

Joanna Hoelscher

630-833-7361

[Guest guest]

it's nice to know there is someplace you can go and actually talk

with someone who knows what you are going thru. I wish my husband

would go to the appt with me so he could understand exactly what I am

going thru and that it is not just old age, I mean I'm 41 that's not

old age. anyways I'm getting ready to leave for my appt know, I will

let you all know what I find out, thanks for the words of

encouragement.

[Guest guest]

Unreal what you say about the sleep apnea because this morning when I

woke up that is what my husband said to me. He said that I toss and

turn all night long and that while I am sleeping I do some weird

breathing noise and then I will pause almost like I am not breathing

and then start back with the noise again. So I am going to talk with

someone about it. Just got back from the docs. They are starting me

on an anti inflammatory med that I will take once a day. I haven't

picked it up yet cause it wasn't ready. And in two weeks I am going

back for an injection in my knee cause the cartilage is worn, and at

that time they are going to start me on something called

Methotrexate, not sure what that is so any of you out there that have

any info about it I would be glad to hear. I'm gonna start another

post asking for info about it. thanks to all of you for your support

[Guest guest]

yes. it is normal. it sounds like the disease is active in hands. a brace helps

and stretching of fingers. you have to keep using your hands. I know it hurts

but being mobile is the key. after going to rheumy and adjusting my meds, im

almost pain free. expect the swelling to continue, but you will eventually have

more and more good days. but you will need the meds he prescribes for you. in

the mornings I would use ice and hot packs. when I was short of time I would put

my hands in the freezer then I would hold a hot cup of coffee. whatever works

right? good luck.....casey

tblb1995 <tblb1995@...> wrote: So I am really new to all of this

and have some questions for you all.

I am not currently on any meds, I meet with Rhuemy Doc next week to go

over my treatment plan. What I want to know is if it is normal for me

to be unable to sleep at night yet be totally and completely exhausted

all day long. Another new thing to me is my elbows,writs & hand have

hurt sooo bad lately, they seem to start throbbing in the middle of the

night. Is all this normal for PA. Seems also like I have the flu but I

don't have the flu....am I making any sense??

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

sleep what sleep? im trying my 3 rx for getting a good nights sleep. I get

plenty of excersise and eat well and I can even fall asleep. but stay asleep?

this new med is working. I hope I can stay on it. it calms the brain and stops

the " talking " and " thinking " . if I wake up during the night I can take another

with no side effects. it could be the PA but I think it is age and hormones

also......casey

[Guest guest]

Hey, Casey: I have your sleep problem. What's the new drug you're taking?

Joanna Hoelscher

630-833-7361

Re: [ ] Re: Couple questions

sleep what sleep? im trying my 3 rx for getting a good nights sleep. I get

plenty of excersise and eat well and I can even fall asleep. but stay asleep?

this new med is working. I hope I can stay on it. it calms the brain and stops

the " talking " and " thinking " . if I wake up during the night I can take another

with no side effects. it could be the PA but I think it is age and hormones

also......casey

[Guest guest]

Don't know if anyone's mentioned this yet for stiffness, pain in the hands but

my physical therapist suggested hot wax treatment and someone I was just talking

to the other day (a male) said it works wonders. I haven't bought one yet but

they are likely available at drugstores or beauty supply stores. (They also

leave your hands feeling silky smooth!!!! I had one once at a spa.) Takes

about 10 to 15 minutes and a lot more pleasant that sticking your hands in a

freezer!!!!

Joanna Hoelscher

630-833-7361

[Guest guest]

its called Lorazepam .5 mg. if I wake, usually in about 4 hours, its ok to take

another. the doctor wants me on ambien, but it didn't work for longer then 4

hours and you cant take another. I'm very comfortable with this one. and I don't

wake up feeling drowsey......casey

Joanna Hoelscher <joannahoelscher@...> wrote:

<<Hey, Casey: I have your sleep problem. What's the new drug you're taking?>>

[Guest guest]

oohhh, I'll have to try that. You're right, the freezer isn't pleasant.....casey

Joanna Hoelscher <joannahoelscher@...> wrote:

Don't know if anyone's mentioned this yet for stiffness, pain in the hands but

my physical therapist suggested hot wax treatment . . . Takes about 10 to 15

minutes and a lot more pleasant that sticking your hands in a freezer!!!!

[Guest guest]

--- In , casey <denise05775@...>

<< the doctor wants me on ambien, but it didn't work for longer then 4

hours and you cant take another. I'm very comfortable with this one.

and I don't wake up feeling drowsey......casey>>

I had really bad experiences with ambien. I have no proof of this,

BUT, my theory is that although you sleep, you don't get the type of

sleep that helps your muscles recover and heal.

When I was on ambien, even though I slept like a baby, the arthritic

joint/muscle pain in my spine and hip greatly increased, until I was

a basket case of constant pain. Of course, it could just be a

coincidence. Except when I finally weaned off the ambien, the pain

went away in a matter of only three days.

It was a b*tch to wean off of it, too. I will never take it again.

jen

[Guest guest]

Thanks. It's in a class of drugs generally called " benzo's " and I have taken a

couple of them but not this one. Xanax for while would help me stay asleep

after I got so used to ambien that it didn't help as it used to. It would put

me to sleep; xanax would help me stay asleep. My rheumy - who went over all the

drugs I was taking the first time I went to her - suggested chlorazepam and told

me it would work better than ambien and I could take one or two each night.

They don't really me help much at all, though. I will check out your

suggestion and see what she says. Be cautious, though: they are all

potentially addictive. And even if you don't get addicted, your body just gets

used to them after a while and they don't work as well. Did you try the Ambien

CR, which is supposed to be a new formulation which not only helps you fall

asleep but keeps you asleep? Didn't work for me but just a thought. Sleep

problems are awful - especially when

you have a disease that requires sleep/rest.

Joanna Hoelscher

630-833-7361