Re: Good news/Bad news

[Guest guest]

Sylvia,

Believe me, I know that it's hard to come away from the doctor and not know

what to think about the appointment. Sorry it's so difficult to know how to

deal with all of the uncertainties in your situation.

How did this doc explain your arthritis in your hands at the age of 21 and

discount the previous RA diagnosis?

Here is a very cool spine site. It might have some info that will help you:

http://www.spineuniversity.com/index.html

Here is an excellent x-ray which shows what the facet joints in the spine

are (take a little nap while it's loading!):

http://www.scar.rad.washington.edu/RadAnat/LSpineLatLabelled.html

Hypertophy of the facet joints means that the facet joints are enlarged.

In the meanwhile, let your husband try to make it better.

I care, too.

----- Original Message -----

From: <booper51@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2000 2:39 PM

Subject: [ ] Good news/Bad news

> Hi everyone,

>

> It's taking me 2 days to get my thoughts ( & emotions) together enough

> to write about my Dr's follow-up and results. Maybe because I was

> distracted by everyone else's posts and my intention to answer as

> many as possible. Probably not to have to think or write about it.

>

> Good news is that my Dr doesn't think that it's RA although the blood

> results are not in yet and is still reserving final diagnosis.

>

> Anyway, the x-ray results were in:

> Cervical (neck) = degenerative changes, spurring, narrowing and

> straightening.

> Thoracic (middle spine) = degenarative changes mid to lower spine.

> Lumbosacral (lower spine) = disc space narrowing in 3 verts. spurring

> in another 2 verts, hypertrophic facet changes (have no idea what

> this is, so any help would be appreciated) and degenerative changes.

> Left hand & wrist = unremarkable and no gross bone destruction.

> Right hand = possible cyst center large knuckle.

> Right wrist = unremarkable and no gross bone destruction.

>

> With unremarkable impressions, why do my hands still hurt so much?

> He informed me that there is no cure for OA and I should learn to

> accept and live with it but he will do everything to help me have a

> better quality of life. He also believes that Fibro is a

> contributing factor. He is also sending me for 6 weeks of physical

> therapy for spine & shoulders.

>

> The Dr. also noted very early start of osteoporosis. He put me on

> Miacalcin nasal spray. I will ask him next time, how is it possible

> to have the start of osteoporosis when I am still menstruating and at

> age 49 right in the middle of menopause. He also increased the vioxx

> to 50mg.

>

> I was happy to (almost) hear that it might not be RA. At the same

> time, it depressed me thinking about the way my entire spine will

> eventually end up. My husband called me later that day and I could

> barely get the words out because my throat just closed up. He

> comforted me and said he would make it all better. Sounded good

> anyway.

>

> Thanks for caring and listening.

> Regards,

> Sylvia

>

>

[Guest guest]

, I know you care. Thanks sooooo much.

Actually I was never tested for RA at 21 and my previous so-called RA

diagnosis was neither here nor there. My RF always comes back OK.

Still waiting for the last blood results anyway.

I knew I could count on you for explanations of medical/anatomical

definitions. The Dr told me that part of my spine is growing thicker

and causing the opening to get smaller whereas pinching the nerve

coming out of that opening. What's going to happen when they all do

that? What will happen to me? What can I do about it? Sorry, I'm

going on and on. I guess the brain rambles on too.

Thanks again, you've been a tremendous help.

I hope you are feeling somewhat better today.

Regards,

Sylvia

--- In egroups, " Matsumura " <Matsumura_Clan@m...>

wrote:

> Sylvia,

>

How did this doc explain your arthritis in your hands at the age of

21 and

discount the previous RA diagnosis?

[Guest guest]

, Hi again. I knew I had more writing to do.

You say that clinical exam, history, x-rays and blood could tell if

it is RA. Do x-rays show anything different from OA and RA? I wish

I could see a comparison x-ray of OA vs. RA of hands/fingers. I've

seen them separately but never side by side. Is there such a site?

I would be very interested in comparing the two.

I realize surgery is an option. I'm don't think I'm quite there

yet. The vioxx seems to be working much better the last few days

since we increased the dose.

I went to the PT Dr. today and he made me lay face down while he

lifted my right leg and let me tell you girl, I saw stars!!! The

pain shot right up my spine and the pinched nerves sent me reeling.

I went home, took a Tylenol-3 and laid down a couple of hours.

Actually, I don't live in the AC area, I am almost 2 hrs away. I

live in Staten Island, NY. What New Yorkers call the forgotten boro.

Thanks for reminding me that it's not hopeless. I do know and

understand this intellectually, it's the emotional part that needs to

catch up. I guess I was feeling a little sorry for myself. I'm

better now. Thanks, as usual.

Regards,

Sylvia

--- In egroups, " Matsumura " <Matsumura_Clan@m...>

wrote:

> Sylvia,

>

> #1: The RF doesn't really matter that much. It is not specific to

rheumatoid

> arthritis. So, if it is positive, it could be so for many reasons.

Up to 30%

> of RA patients never test positive for RF. So, if it is negative,

it does

> not rule out RA. The sed rate is nearly as useless. It can't rule

RA in or

> out. There is no one blood test or group of tests that can yield a

> definitive diagnosis of RA.

>

> The clinical examination and your history combined with the blood

tests and

> x-rays assists the doctor in making a diagnosis. Unfortunately, the

process

> of making a diagnosis of RA and many other rheumatic diseases is

more of an

> art than a science, and there aren't very many artists out there!

>

> #2: Surgery is definitely an option for you. Check out that spine

site I

> sent you. Of course, I'm not suggesting that you rush right into

surgery,

> but, if I understand what you have conveyed about your status

correctly,

> your situation is not hopeless.

>

> If you are in the AC area, maybe someone in our group could

recommend

> someone very, very good for you. Esther and Carol? a? ?

>

> Sweet dreams,

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sylvia...........you need a hug ((((((((((( Sylvia )))))))))))))

~Esther & Carol~

''To get out of a difficulty, one

usually must go through it.''

" Never look down on anybody

unless you are helping them up. "

----- Original Message -----

From: <booper51@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2000 3:39 PM

Subject: [ ] Good news/Bad news

> Hi everyone,

>

> It's taking me 2 days to get my thoughts ( & emotions) together enough

> to write about my Dr's follow-up and results. Maybe because I was

> distracted by everyone else's posts and my intention to answer as

> many as possible. Probably not to have to think or write about it.

>

> Good news is that my Dr doesn't think that it's RA although the blood

> results are not in yet and is still reserving final diagnosis.

>

> Anyway, the x-ray results were in:

> Cervical (neck) = degenerative changes, spurring, narrowing and

> straightening.

> Thoracic (middle spine) = degenarative changes mid to lower spine.

> Lumbosacral (lower spine) = disc space narrowing in 3 verts. spurring

> in another 2 verts, hypertrophic facet changes (have no idea what

> this is, so any help would be appreciated) and degenerative changes.

> Left hand & wrist = unremarkable and no gross bone destruction.

> Right hand = possible cyst center large knuckle.

> Right wrist = unremarkable and no gross bone destruction.

>

> With unremarkable impressions, why do my hands still hurt so much?

> He informed me that there is no cure for OA and I should learn to

> accept and live with it but he will do everything to help me have a

> better quality of life. He also believes that Fibro is a

> contributing factor. He is also sending me for 6 weeks of physical

> therapy for spine & shoulders.

>

> The Dr. also noted very early start of osteoporosis. He put me on

> Miacalcin nasal spray. I will ask him next time, how is it possible

> to have the start of osteoporosis when I am still menstruating and at

> age 49 right in the middle of menopause. He also increased the vioxx

> to 50mg.

>

> I was happy to (almost) hear that it might not be RA. At the same

> time, it depressed me thinking about the way my entire spine will

> eventually end up. My husband called me later that day and I could

> barely get the words out because my throat just closed up. He

> comforted me and said he would make it all better. Sounded good

> anyway.

>

> Thanks for caring and listening.

> Regards,

> Sylvia

>

>

>

>

> Our websites: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> Change subscription options:

[Guest guest]

Thank you ladies, It felt like a good one.

Sylvia

> Sylvia...........you need a hug ((((((((((( Sylvia )))))))))))))

>

> ~Esther & Carol~

>

> ''To get out of a difficulty, one

> usually must go through it.''

>

> " Never look down on anybody

> unless you are helping them up. "

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: <booper51@a...>

> < egroups>

> Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2000 3:39 PM

> Subject: [ ] Good news/Bad news

>

>

> > Hi everyone,

> >

> > It's taking me 2 days to get my thoughts ( & emotions) together

enough

> > to write about my Dr's follow-up and results. Maybe because I

was

> > distracted by everyone else's posts and my intention to answer as

> > many as possible. Probably not to have to think or write about

it.

> >

> > Good news is that my Dr doesn't think that it's RA although the

blood

> > results are not in yet and is still reserving final diagnosis.

> >

> > Anyway, the x-ray results were in:

> > Cervical (neck) = degenerative changes, spurring, narrowing and

> > straightening.

> > Thoracic (middle spine) = degenarative changes mid to lower

spine.

> > Lumbosacral (lower spine) = disc space narrowing in 3 verts.

spurring

> > in another 2 verts, hypertrophic facet changes (have no idea what

> > this is, so any help would be appreciated) and degenerative

changes.

> > Left hand & wrist = unremarkable and no gross bone destruction.

> > Right hand = possible cyst center large knuckle.

> > Right wrist = unremarkable and no gross bone destruction.

> >

> > With unremarkable impressions, why do my hands still hurt so

much?

> > He informed me that there is no cure for OA and I should learn to

> > accept and live with it but he will do everything to help me have

a

> > better quality of life. He also believes that Fibro is a

> > contributing factor. He is also sending me for 6 weeks of

physical

> > therapy for spine & shoulders.

> >

> > The Dr. also noted very early start of osteoporosis. He put me

on

> > Miacalcin nasal spray. I will ask him next time, how is it

possible

> > to have the start of osteoporosis when I am still menstruating

and at

> > age 49 right in the middle of menopause. He also increased the

vioxx

> > to 50mg.

> >

> > I was happy to (almost) hear that it might not be RA. At the

same

> > time, it depressed me thinking about the way my entire spine will

> > eventually end up. My husband called me later that day and I

could

> > barely get the words out because my throat just closed up. He

> > comforted me and said he would make it all better. Sounded good

> > anyway.

> >

> > Thanks for caring and listening.

> > Regards,

> > Sylvia

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Our websites: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> > Change subscription options: RA-

SUPPORT

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Funny you should ask. I've not been dealing well these last few

days. I've had to stop the vioxx because of pain in stomach and much

diarrhea. I have recently been diagnosed with: reflux, esophagitis,

hiatal hernia, gastritis, and duodenitis for the upper and

diverticulitis in the lower GI. My Dr said that I have OA according

to the x-rays and Fibro. I am only taking the prevacid for my

stomach and tylenol-3 for the pain. I am also going for PT 2 times a

week to somewhat help with the pain. If that doesn't work he might

send me for acupuncture. Never done that before.

Sorry I can't be of more help right now.

Regards,

Sylvia

> Dear Sylvia:

> Hi, my name is . I have spinal stenosis too plus other

things. How do

> you deal with the spinal stenosis? I am in a lot of pain, plus

have RA, OA,

> Fibro, Osteoporosis, Asthma, and a kidney transplant. Hope to hear

from you,

> and anyone else who can and would like to share about how they are

dealing

> with the pain. Thanks. Sincerely,

> Anjillah@A...

[Guest guest]

,

I like the idea of the old epsom salt baths, but I cannot sit in a

tub. Sitting on hard surfaces hurt my bones. The bones at the

bottom of my buttocks hurt like the dickens the next day as though

they were bruised. I used to love taking hot baths but not anymore.

It is too painful. I have enough pain on its own without doing

something that causes more.

Hope you are feeling better today.

Regards,

Sylvia

> Hi Sylvia:

> This is again. Sorry to hear that you are having so many GI

problems.

> I know a lot of the medicines can do that. I can't take the

Arthritis

> medicines because of my kidney transplant. So I am on pain

medicine. I am

> also on prednisone 5 mg., which I can't get off of. Been on it for

many

> years. It helps the Asthma too. However, it has a lot of side

effects,

> which I am sure you have heard. The medicine I take for the kidney

> transplant is supposed to help with the RA too. That is called

prograf.

> However, I still have a lot of pain. I use some homeopathy and

herbal

> medicines too. Everything helps a little. I use good old epsom

salt in the

> bath, which probably gives me the most relief of all the things I

mentioned.

> I hope you are feeling better soon. Hope to hear from you again.

> Sincerely,

> Anjillah@A...

[Guest guest]

Hi Ron,

I am sorry to hear that u had another " visit " . Sucks. At least you are out for

Easter. I am in the same boat as you. I regularly do things that I shouldn't out

of the desire to be a normal helpful person (took mom's cat to the vet) and then

paid the price (3 days in hosp). Some days I am cool with the restrictions and

other days it makes me want to scream! My GP thinks I should move to Arizona

and be a hermit too!!

Hugs,

9mg of evil candy and counting....

[Guest guest]

hi ron,

sorry to hear you were in the hospital again. YUCK!!! at least you're out --

imagine how you would have been WITHOUT xolair?!?! <shudders at the thought>

continue whining - we're here for ya!!! feel better!!

heather

(who is currently sticking her head in the sand like an ostrich!)

ronaldcrpntr <cowtrail@...> wrote:

I just returned from another stay at the hospital, 5 days. This time I think

it was just Asthma,

not pneumonia and influenza. I work in old mold ridden buildings, lots of kids

and staff, and

the Dr. reminded me this is the worst time of the year for me, plus fires all

over Oklahoma.

Got my Xolair into me so hope that helps.

The good news is I think I finally quit kicking, screaming, sniveling,

whining,(or not) and

have come to some realizations that no matter how badly I want it, I can't make

my asthma

go away, I can just deal with it. I have a good Dr so he's helping. By the way

the buildings

where I work got re-roofed, including mine, someone said that set them off.

Maybe I'll go to the desert and be a hermit.

Things will be better and the first thing I did when I got home was get on this

site and read

all the " good stuff " , you guys are great!

Ron

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Would you like some crackers and Cheese with that whine? I to bounce off of

walls when I am on predisone. I am off for now but Easter is just around the

corner and the lilies and other flowers come into the house. I love them out

side. I may be back on predisone but cross my fingers that I stay away from

them as much as I can. Unless the sisters put them somewhere that I can not ask

them to move them. No incense this year... Hayyyy.

As Always, Sr. Volz

heather <heaven1975@...> wrote:

hi ron,

sorry to hear you were in the hospital again. YUCK!!! at least you're out --

imagine how you would have been WITHOUT xolair?!?! <shudders at the thought>

continue whining - we're here for ya!!! feel better!!

heather

(who is currently sticking her head in the sand like an ostrich!)

ronaldcrpntr <cowtrail@...> wrote:

I just returned from another stay at the hospital, 5 days. This time I think

it was just Asthma,

not pneumonia and influenza. I work in old mold ridden buildings, lots of kids

and staff, and

the Dr. reminded me this is the worst time of the year for me, plus fires all

over Oklahoma.

Got my Xolair into me so hope that helps.

The good news is I think I finally quit kicking, screaming, sniveling,

whining,(or not) and

have come to some realizations that no matter how badly I want it, I can't make

my asthma

go away, I can just deal with it. I have a good Dr so he's helping. By the way

the buildings

where I work got re-roofed, including mine, someone said that set them off.

Maybe I'll go to the desert and be a hermit.

Things will be better and the first thing I did when I got home was get on this

site and read

all the " good stuff " , you guys are great!

Ron

[Guest guest]

They put me back on 40 mg of Predisone, was down to 5. Everything

will be OK, Dr says I just have to Veg for 3 weeks, I do that real

well!!! Hope your weekend is wonderful.

Ron

On Apr 14, 2006, at 8:56 PM, Sr. Volz wrote:

> Hi,

> Would you like some crackers and Cheese with that whine? I to

> bounce off of walls when I am on predisone. I am off for now but

> Easter is just around the corner and the lilies and other flowers

> come into the house. I love them out side. I may be back on

> predisone but cross my fingers that I stay away from them as much

> as I can. Unless the sisters put them somewhere that I can not ask

> them to move them. No incense this year... Hayyyy.

> As Always, Sr. Volz

>

> heather <heaven1975@...> wrote:

> hi ron,

>

> sorry to hear you were in the hospital again. YUCK!!! at least

> you're out -- imagine how you would have been WITHOUT xolair?!?!

> <shudders at the thought>

>

> continue whining - we're here for ya!!! feel better!!

>

> heather

> (who is currently sticking her head in the sand like an ostrich!)

>

> ronaldcrpntr <cowtrail@...> wrote:

> I just returned from another stay at the hospital, 5 days. This

> time I think it was just Asthma,

> not pneumonia and influenza. I work in old mold ridden buildings,

> lots of kids and staff, and

> the Dr. reminded me this is the worst time of the year for me, plus

> fires all over Oklahoma.

> Got my Xolair into me so hope that helps.

> The good news is I think I finally quit kicking, screaming,

> sniveling, whining,(or not) and

> have come to some realizations that no matter how badly I want it,

> I can't make my asthma

> go away, I can just deal with it. I have a good Dr so he's helping.

> By the way the buildings

> where I work got re-roofed, including mine, someone said that set

> them off.

> Maybe I'll go to the desert and be a hermit.

> Things will be better and the first thing I did when I got home was

> get on this site and read

> all the " good stuff " , you guys are great!

> Ron

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>