Hi New To Group

[Guest guest]

hi judy, i'm kathy. i've had problems since 1996. have tried many drugs.

matter of fact when arthritis today came out with their drug guide, i was

amazed at how many i did try!!! a year ago i tried enbrel, felt great but

couldn't handle the uri's. then last year i tried remicade. again i felt

great. but the infections. now i am just on a low dose prednisone, and drugs

for my other ailments. she offered me a new daily injection, but again side

effects are infections. i just don't think i can do that to my body again!!!

i have not had hair loss, but it has definatly changed. i'm 42 and have an 18

yr old son. who complains of pain alot. my rheumi wouldn't see him until he

was 18 and now he doesn't want to go. he has a fear of dr's. he says. kathy

in il

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy lad to have you here . I have RA also but have only been diagnosed for

about 8 months. I am on remicade. What about you? I live in Fla. where are you

from? hope to hear from you soon .

Kathy in Fla.

ladydback <brillav@...> wrote: HI, myname is Judy and I have had RA

for 5 years

Hope to chat with some of you soon

[Guest guest]

Welcome Judy,

I haven't been part of this group very long either but

you will not locate a better caring group of people

with real love in their hearts to help or just listen.

I mean that!!

Prayers always, Sheri

--- ladydback <brillav@...> wrote:

> HI, myname is Judy and I have had RA for 5 years

>

> Hope to chat with some of you soon

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone. Okay for a little background info..

I have had RA for 5 years. I have been on plaquinil for about 5

years and have also been on methotrexate, Aurafin (golf) and some

other one that I think is an antibiotic. (it has been too long for

me to rememer). The Gold gave me huge, painful mouth sores. I am

now on Arava and Plaquinil.

When I first started having symptons it was like I had a new pain

everyday. First in my knees. Ic ould not get in or out of the tub

without help. then in my feet...felt like I had knives in my feet!

Then my neck..and on and on..I thought it was just postpartum stuff

since my baby was only a month old. I felt like I had rigormortis!

I was SOOOO stiff. I soon figured out this must not be postpartum.

So I went to a internist and I was diagnosed with RA in Nov 1996.

Since then it has mainly settled in my right hand (I have a HUGE

index finger knuckle) and now my left hand is feeling crappy!

My feet and ankles get stiff in the morning and I have had the

occassional ganglian cyst thing. My tendons are affected in my

ankles. So I am 38 and sometimes feel like I am 80! I am sure you

all understand this.

I have really tried NOT to let this stupid disease get me down. I

take taekwondo and lift weights. I had terrible shoulder pain in my

right shoulder for two years and my Doc said maybe Fibromyailga

(spelling???) but since lifting weights for 6 months the pain is

gone. I know the key factors to overcoming RA is exercise and

rest. The eating right part is hard for me. I love sugar and

sweets and I definitely feel better whn I am not eating sugar!

Sorry for rambling. I have three kids, 13,9, and 5.

Judy

> Hi Judy,nice to meet you. Jump in and ask questions and tell us

all about yourself. Look forward to getting to know you.

>

> Hugs

> June

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy, Hi Sherri:

Welcome to the RA Support group. Yes, this is a group of wonderful people.

I have been in the group for a while but I don't post too much. I have to

start posting more. I have RA about 6 or 7 years now. I also have fibro,

osteo, osteoporosis, gout, sciatica, and spinal stenosis, and before I forget

Asthma and a Kidney transplant for about 16 years. The list seems to get

longer every year. I have to laugh, or I can cry. I rather laugh. Somehow

I am dealing with it all. I have my days when I think it all too much and

think maybe God has been a little unfair here. However, I do try to deal

with each day as best as possible. I know I have been lucky to have a Kidney

transplant, and one that has lasted so long. I am really grateful to be

alive.

If there is anything I can help you or anyone with please feel free to

contact me.

Sincerely, Colletti

Also my email is Anjillah@...

Better day to you all.

[Guest guest]

hi judy, i'm kathy from il 42 with an 18 yr old son. i'm a widow. 9 yrs

yestersay. you story sounded familiar, not that i am as active as you!!! but

how every day the pain is somewhere else and how fast it hits. mine started

with my wrists and bilateral carpal tunnel, after many drugs, therapy and

shots. i finally had my surgeries. to have it go to my neck and back. again

therapy, shots and now i just try to stay inline with a chiropractor. (which

reminds me...i have benefits again since the new year!!) then it started in

my ankles. my feet would hurt so bad!! again therapy, shots and i just

completed surgery in october. i am still doing therapy, recovering from my

surgery and now it has started in my left elbow. my left side seems to be the

worst on everything. but geez....can't i get thru one thing first??? i have

started the sit and be it exercise program. it is on public television. i

taped it and do it when i want. when i get tired of that routine, i'll tape

another. i also started replacing lunch with a slim fast. i still eat

breakfast and dinner because i take so many medications but had added many

fruits and veggies. but i have to try. all this sitting around watching

movies and prednisone has put on another 20 lbs, and i wasn't slim to begin

with!!!!but i am working out, back to walking the dog 2x's a day (ohh boy 3

days in a row!!! but i've gotta pat myself on the back, right?!?!?)and i

don't care if i never have to use my new snowblower, ever!!! it can just sit

in the shed for the next 50 years!!! kathy in il

[Guest guest]

I admire your attitude, . You have more than your fair share of

things going on -- but you seem to have developed a good attitude for

dealing with it. Very admirable -- I know it couldn't have been easy.

I'm glad your kidney transplant has worked so well!

-- Re: [ ] hi new to group

Hi Judy, Hi Sherri:

Welcome to the RA Support group. Yes, this is a group of wonderful people.

I have been in the group for a while but I don't post too much. I have to

start posting more. I have RA about 6 or 7 years now. I also have fibro,

osteo, osteoporosis, gout, sciatica, and spinal stenosis, and before I

forget

Asthma and a Kidney transplant for about 16 years. The list seems to get

longer every year. I have to laugh, or I can cry. I rather laugh. Somehow

I am dealing with it all. I have my days when I think it all too much and

think maybe God has been a little unfair here. However, I do try to deal

with each day as best as possible. I know I have been lucky to have a

Kidney

transplant, and one that has lasted so long. I am really grateful to be

alive.

If there is anything I can help you or anyone with please feel free to

contact me.

Sincerely, Colletti

Also my email is Anjillah@...

Better day to you all.

[Guest guest]

Hi there Judy, welcome to the group. A quick intro, I am 26 years old,

married, no kids yet (my baby mission is my big priority right now! LOL!).

I'm originally from South African and now live in Mauritius - which is an

island in the Indian Ocean - with my husband and 18 dogs. I was diagnosed

with RA early last year and found this group soon afterwards, the people

here are wonderful, you will find a lot of support and excellent

information. Looking forward to getting to know you.

Heidi

_________________________________________________________________

Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com

[Guest guest]

Hi kathy. I'm really trying to take off some of these pounds too.

Over the years, after kids, I put on about 15 lbs. Then I probably put on

another 15 from quitting smoking. Then another 15 or so from the prednisone

(at least I'm going to blame it on that!) and other meds. That leaves me at

least 45 lbs over what I'd like to be.

So I'm going to waterfit clases at least 4 times a week.

And a woman there was talking about wanting to lose weight. So I asked her

if she'd like to weigh in with me each Wednesday. There is a scale in the

gym. So we'll do that. I'm hoping it will help me be more accountable and

motivate me to stick with it. I'm trying to eat well, cutting out as much

sugar and white flour as possible.

Good luck to you with it -- the dog walking sounds great!

-- Re: [ ] Re: hi new to group

hi judy, i'm kathy from il 42 with an 18 yr old son. i'm a widow. 9 yrs

yestersay. you story sounded familiar, not that i am as active as you!!! but

how every day the pain is somewhere else and how fast it hits. mine started

with my wrists and bilateral carpal tunnel, after many drugs, therapy and

shots. i finally had my surgeries. to have it go to my neck and back. again

therapy, shots and now i just try to stay inline with a chiropractor. (which

reminds me...i have benefits again since the new year!!) then it started in

my ankles. my feet would hurt so bad!! again therapy, shots and i just

completed surgery in october. i am still doing therapy, recovering from my

surgery and now it has started in my left elbow. my left side seems to be

the

worst on everything. but geez....can't i get thru one thing first??? i have

started the sit and be it exercise program. it is on public television. i

taped it and do it when i want. when i get tired of that routine, i'll tape

another. i also started replacing lunch with a slim fast. i still eat

breakfast and dinner because i take so many medications but had added many

fruits and veggies. but i have to try. all this sitting around watching

movies and prednisone has put on another 20 lbs, and i wasn't slim to begin

with!!!!but i am working out, back to walking the dog 2x's a day (ohh boy 3

days in a row!!! but i've gotta pat myself on the back, right?!?!?)and i

don't care if i never have to use my new snowblower, ever!!! it can just sit

in the shed for the next 50 years!!! kathy in il

[Guest guest]

thanks leslie, it was one of the things i loved to do!! that's how i meet

people. but my friend that i used to walk with got a new dog (the other one

passed) and she just does not like us. she bit me. waited several months, let

her graduate obedience school and she almost got me again. so we can not be

together. (which in a way is a good thing. she strolled) i have noticed the

past 2 days i brought my cane, but didn't use it. i try going a little

farther each walk. these 55 degree january days are marvelous!!!! kathy in il

[Guest guest]

Good luck ! You have some good motivation and support to help you.

I'm also on a mission to shed the pounds. I wish we could send a few to Lynn,

who can hardly eat anything because of complicated surgery on her stomach.

a

Re: [ ] Re: hi new to group

Hi kathy. I'm really trying to take off some of these pounds too.

Over the years, after kids, I put on about 15 lbs. Then I probably put on

another 15 from quitting smoking. Then another 15 or so from the prednisone

(at least I'm going to blame it on that!) and other meds. That leaves me at

least 45 lbs over what I'd like to be.

So I'm going to waterfit clases at least 4 times a week.

And a woman there was talking about wanting to lose weight. So I asked her

if she'd like to weigh in with me each Wednesday. There is a scale in the

gym. So we'll do that. I'm hoping it will help me be more accountable and

motivate me to stick with it. I'm trying to eat well, cutting out as much

sugar and white flour as possible.

Good luck to you with it -- the dog walking sounds great!

[Guest guest]

POUNDS???SHED????? Have you discovered a secret? I, also, would love to drop

this 30 pounds I've added the last three years. What are ya'll doing to lose

excess weight?

Be blessed

Becky

[Guest guest]

Welcome Judy and Sheri... My name is Becky and I've been with the group for

about 18 mos. now, have learn alot and found that I still can count my

Blessings as I correspond with this group. They are a blessing just sharing

their experiences; this enhances our HOPE for Life....

I know it is terribly hard on you younger people with jobs, children, and

maybe husbands to see too. I was 54 when I first had any symptons of RA, so

even there I was fortunate. Again Welcome.....

Be Blessed,

Becky

[Guest guest]

hello becky,

I've lost 17 lbs and would really like to drop another 10 but I know the last

few are really hard to get rid of. I am just having special k or a nutragrain

bar for brkfst a slimfast bar for lunch (don't care for the shakes) and

anything within reason for dinner. Don't eat between meals and nothing after

dinner except sugar free jello or a piece of fruit.

Good luck.

Judy indy

p.s. What is sit and be fit? sounds interesting.

[Guest guest]

Becky,

I've cut almost all refined sugar, meat, dairy and processed foods and chemicals

out of my diet.

I also stopped ALL supplements and am getting nutrition from food instead of

from a pill. I used to take up to 20 supplements a day. Hopefully my health

as well as

loosing weight will be my reward. I'm not on prednisone, so hopefully I'll be

able to loose.

How about you?

a

Re: [ ] Re: hi new to group

POUNDS???SHED????? Have you discovered a secret? I, also, would love to drop

this 30 pounds I've added the last three years. What are ya'll doing to lose

excess weight?

Be blessed

Becky

[Guest guest]

How about me....Well I feel like I just keep putting on weight, I know I

don't get enough exercise, and I eat too much at meal time. I know that it

sure is hard to change old habits. Hopefully I will come into a real surge of

" self control and discipline. I'm not a snack eater but I do like meal time

food and in the south we're known for our heavey food. I do try to keep down

the fat due to my husbands high chlolestral (sp?) .

I only take 2mg prednisone daily now and hopefully will be able to come off

of it in about a month. this is along with 7.5mg methotrexate weekly, 1

blood pressure pill daily, 2 citricals daily, 1 tamoxifen (cancer preventive)

daily, 1 anti acid, multipurpse vitamin, 12 MSM's daily, 1 vitamin E, and

then every 8 weeks I get Remicade drip.

So over-all I'm doing well.

Be Blessed

Becky

[Guest guest]

That is GREAT Judy, for your weight loss. A real acheivement. Way to go.

Be Blessed,

Becky

[Guest guest]

I had in my implants out in November and also haven't recovered yet,

and also have an appointment with Dr. Leu. Where did you hear about

Dr. Vasey, I mentioned in my last e-mail that I'd never heard of him.

Sis

> >

> > hi- i am new to the group, i appreciate all that i have been

able

> to

> > read. 8 months after getting my implants i started experiencing

> sleep

> > disturbances, and pain in my knees, over time the pain went to

> just

> > about every joint and muscle i had. this pain was

debilitating.

> many

> > other strange symptoms came about, but pain and fatique were my

> number

> > one complaint. after a long journey of soul searching and

> research i

> > decided to have the implants removed. i sent them to Dr. Blais

in

> > Canada for testing. he found a defective valve, significant

> saline

> > contamination which was feeding a large hematoma due to poor

> surgery.

> > i am now 5 months post surgery and am still not seeing any

change

> in

> > pain level. in fact it has gotten worse around month 5. I am

on

> > Plaquenil which has been sooooo helpful up to this point. Dr.

> > Shanklin has said that sometimes you will have an immune flair

up

> once

> > you go in and stir things up, up to 6 months down the road. i

> > understand Dr. Vasey is the best Dr. to see to try and regain

your

> > health. he is booked 6 months out? any recommendations?

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Drs. Shanklin and Vasey were some of the first doctors

to take note of the problems associated with breast

implants . . . Dr. Shanklin is in Memphis, Vasey, I

think, is in Florida.

I believe Shari has been to Dr. Vasey . . . Neither

is a naturopath.

Rogene

--- auntsisnj <auntsisnj@...> wrote:

> I had in my implants out in November and also

> haven't recovered yet,

> and also have an appointment with Dr. Leu. Where

> did you hear about

> Dr. Vasey, I mentioned in my last e-mail that I'd

> never heard of him.

>

> Sis

>

>

>

> > >

> > > hi- i am new to the group, i appreciate all

> that i have been

> able

> > to

> > > read. 8 months after getting my implants i

> started experiencing

> > sleep

> > > disturbances, and pain in my knees, over time

> the pain went to

> > just

> > > about every joint and muscle i had. this pain

> was

> debilitating.

> > many

> > > other strange symptoms came about, but pain and

> fatique were my

> > number

> > > one complaint. after a long journey of soul

> searching and

> > research i

> > > decided to have the implants removed. i sent

> them to Dr. Blais

> in

> > > Canada for testing. he found a defective valve,

> significant

> > saline

> > > contamination which was feeding a large hematoma

> due to poor

> > surgery.

> > > i am now 5 months post surgery and am still not

> seeing any

> change

> > in

> > > pain level. in fact it has gotten worse around

> month 5. I am

> on

> > > Plaquenil which has been sooooo helpful up to

> this point. Dr.

> > > Shanklin has said that sometimes you will have

> an immune flair

> up

> > once

> > > you go in and stir things up, up to 6 months

> down the road. i

> > > understand Dr. Vasey is the best Dr. to see to

> try and regain

> your

> > > health. he is booked 6 months out? any

> recommendations?

> > >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello to everyone! I'm Liz and was diagnosed about 10 years ago with

RA. I'm 38, married almost 15 years, 3 kids, and 1 grandchild

The latest regime my doc has me on is Humira every two weeks, Trexall,

and MS Contin for pain. My flare-ups haven't been as many or as

severe since I started the current regime. Most people don't

understand RA and what goes along with it so it will be nice to have

others to talk to about treatment, pain control, alternative

therapies, etc. I look forward to reading and responding to posts.

Liz

[Guest guest]

Hi & Sue!

Welcome to our group! First of all - I just have to say - you are a wonderful

man to take such good care of Sue!  I AM sorry that you guys are having so many

issues coming at you at once. I probably have the least knowledge in all the

things you two are going thru - I just wanted to offer my support, any knowledge

I CAN pass along & prayers thru this difficult time. You have stumbled upon one

of the most caring AND knowledgable groups that I have ever come across. I am

sure you will get many responses from our vast group.

 

i do want to say though, do not get discouraged and don't give up. I am so sorry

that you have been through so many docs so far. Let me ask you this, what TYPE

of specialists have you been to so see so far? What part of the country do you

live? I have had to navigate thru many docs for several years and sometimes,

unfortunately, you have to go thru several to find the right one. Have you been

to a University type clinic in your state to see anyone?  At least for the

moment (just went thru a big battery of tests with my new doc last week) I know

I have RA & Fibro...I will lend any advice from my end that I can gladly - I am

very sure you will hear a lot from others in our group that have a variety of

disorders, maybe similar to your wife's. Keep the chins up in your household -

you've come across people that can give you wonderful advice, etc.

 

Again, God bless you for being such a caring husband - my thoughts & prayers are

with you both as you continue the journey thru this maze!  We'll help you! Glad

to have you aboard!

 

in SC

From: norm195405 <norm195405@...>

Subject: [ ] Hi New to group

Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2009, 6:15 PM

 

MY wife has sle, and Fm , and osteoarthritus , hypetension, diabetic, COPD, and

Show-gruns disorder ( dry muccus membranes,eyes, mouth , vaginal etc.) and

diverticoulitus, And she was diagnosed about 12 years ago ,and we have run the

gambit with doctors, specialist, and drug therapy, nothing seems to stop the

flares, antidepressants make her more depressed, what helps with the depression

and insomnia besides lyrica, it worked for a short while but it only made her

sleep 18-20 hrs a day after maxing the dosage and didnt help with the flares or

depression, does valium help some she has considerable pain but large doses of

oxycodone just make her itch and only make the pain tolerable ?? We have been to

over 15 specialist , but they all sound about the same , they offer to try and

make her comfortable as possible but we are no where near comfortable , I had to

quit my job to take over all aspects of house work and her care and its

difficult at best in these

hard times so if anyone has any ideas or suggestions we would love to hear them

.. The doctors have said that her case is overwhelming and then its on to try and

find a new specialist .

Thanks , Chis and Sue