Checking in

[Guest guest]

,

Have you tried the Embrel? I am so sorry to hear you aren't doing so well. Do

you find that stress makes the flare worse? It sounds like you have al ot going

on in your life. Do you have an inside pool you have access to? Mandy swims on a

team 3 days a week. The doctor said that it is really good therapy. Even if you

just carefully swim a few laps a day to build up your strength.. Take care,

Janet Moyer

[Guest guest]

,

Did you know that when you get stressed your back get subluxated. We go to a

chiropractor every week and my daughter gets treated there too. At the

beginning the Rheumy said that could not continue with her as it would

be far too dangerous with JRA to consider it. I wasn't happy with that and

ask around. My doctor said he couldn't see why not and then I spoke to

Lovell who headed the Enbrel trials out of Cincinnati. He said his

only doubt would be if there was serious osteoporosis going on. The

chiropractor reckons that even that doesn't matter as he can adjust people

differently to accommodate that. he says he has clients in their 80s! Anyway

when we restarted, was very sick and her atlas (the bone at the top of

the spinal column) was really out of whack. Not only was it out of whack but

it was difficult to get back into place and he had to make several gentle

attempts with time in between. He commented on Wednesday morning that her

spine was great and that the adjustments were easier to perform. He said in

effect I think she's doing great. Well, we went to the Rheumy that

afternoon. Although appears to have no joint problems at the moment and

no fever the Rheumy was doubtful as to what her blood work might come back

as. So the pick line was left in while we awaited the results at the

hospital. Well, they came back normal!! Even he was amazed. But the morel of

this is that the Chiropractor had said only that morning that based on her

spine he could tell she seemed great. I really attribute a lot of her

current good health to the chiropractic visits we are making. My 2 1/4 year

old has never had an ear infection and she's been going since she was 2 weeks

old! The idea for chiropractic is optimal health. Have you ever looked into

it? It may be that especially during times of stress if you were adjusted it

would help your immune system function correctly and you might not flare as

badly. There was another woman some time ago on this page who also swore by

the chiropractic care her daughter got. I think she was even able to come of

meds because of it. Georgina I'm sure will remember it. Mind you sometimes I

wonder why got JRA in the first place if we are going to the

chiropractor! Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

[Guest guest]

Hello

Enbrel will be next if this one don't work. My rd has had more people do better

on this one then enbrel and plus it's a lot more money a month. As the stress

part yeah, stress is a large part of the arthritis. I try to keep it down but

sometimes no matter what you do you can't help it. As for swimming it use to

help me now you really can't tell much.

My webpages:

http://fadedjeans.com/jraworld

http://www.bmi.net/acnelson

Reach me by ICQ. ICQ# 34033888

Re: [ ] Checking In

,

Have you tried the Embrel? I am so sorry to hear you aren't doing so well. Do

you find that stress makes the flare worse? It sounds like you have al ot going

on in your life. Do you have an inside pool you have access to? Mandy swims on a

team 3 days a week. The doctor said that it is really good therapy. Even if you

just carefully swim a few laps a day to build up your strength.. Take care,

Janet Moyer

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit my homepage for a list of sites with info on childhood arthritis:

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/8414/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Click Here

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

[This message contained attachments]

[Guest guest]

Hi Aimee,

Thanks for sending in the recent update. Sorry to hear that Karl had to

go back up on the prednisone. It's such a balancing act, trying to find

the lowest dosage while still being able to control the symptoms. We've

been through that so many times, too. Maybe the next time you should try

a slower and more gradual taper, especially when you get within 2 and

half mgs of the amount he was on when the fever, rash and joint pain

started up this past time. It's easy to get impatient and want to hurry

things along, especially when the children seem stable and aren't having

any major complaints, but if it's done too quickly it starts to become

like a yoyo .... up and down, over and over. I hope it works out better

this time. And I hope Karl has an exciting new year at school. My

daughter really loves her new teacher. It's the first time she's had a

male teacher. She's also very excited to be in a completely different

part of the campus, where the big kids are

Take care,

Georgina

Aimee Moles wrote:

>

> Enjoyed Ashli's home page. She is adorable. AAron's page is great

> too. , so glad to hear that things are a little better.

>

> My Son's doc was pleased that we brought in a diary last week when we

> had our monthly visit. Still don't know why he always flares on

> weekends and mondays though. I have learned so much from this page

> and I worry a lot less than I would have without it because there are

> fewer surprises. We are back up on the prednisone with Karl as he

> had a reaccurance of rash, fever joint pain etc. but he is feeling

> pretty good. We are getting ready to return to school and hoping for

> the best. I have a copy of that pamphlet for teachers. It really is

> helpful.

>

> Thinking of all of you.

>

> Aimee and Karl Moles and family

[Guest guest]

Hi All Sherry here is VA.

I am just checking in to let you know I have been working on my ludicrous medical situation. Last report my ALT 119 and AST 91 my Lupus panel was the highest it could be and still be normal. Cholestrol was 338. Lots of right sided & joint, bone, muscle pain , exhaustion, rashy...You will remember... Newbie doc and asshole boss doc said they couldn't find any of my medical records so they didn't want to treat me yet. I promptly rolled on the floor turned green and foamed purple at the mouth... lol!... so she gave me a Depomedrol shot and pain meds after a bit of a fight.

As the saga continues: I followed you guys advice. I now have in my hot little hand ALL of my medical records I could scrounge up. I am not going to hand them over, they can under my hawk like vision, copy them. They are plenty references to abdominal swelling, weight loss, migraine, rash, vomiting, pain on the right side, the word hepitis is used frequently in those records.

I go back Monday. Depomedrol is run out. I am so exhausted and back to the vomiting etc... I did get an appointment with the rhuemy. My nurse advocate will ride herd and crack the whip if they get out of line! Let you all know what happens on Monday.

Thanks!

Sherry Dogwood, cardinals, sucky medical help.

Be Dead to your past, be Alive in the present and be Excited about your future! ~Sherry

Tired of spam? Get advanced junk mail protection with MSN 8.

[Guest guest]

Sherry, good to see no one can take away your sense of humor!

Patty

-----Original Message-----From: Sherry O'Shea [mailto:sirkotbe@...] Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2003 9:57 PM Subject: Re: [ ] Re: Checking in

Hi All Sherry here is VA.

I am just checking in to let you know I have been working on my ludicrous medical situation. Last report my ALT 119 and AST 91 my Lupus panel was the highest it could be and still be normal. Cholestrol was 338. Lots of right sided & joint, bone, muscle pain , exhaustion, rashy...You will remember... Newbie doc and asshole boss doc said they couldn't find any of my medical records so they didn't want to treat me yet. I promptly rolled on the floor turned green and foamed purple at the mouth... lol!... so she gave me a Depomedrol shot and pain meds after a bit of a fight.

As the saga continues: I followed you guys advice. I now have in my hot little hand ALL of my medical records I could scrounge up. I am not going to hand them over, they can under my hawk like vision, copy them. They are plenty references to abdominal swelling, weight loss, migraine, rash, vomiting, pain on the right side, the word hepitis is used frequently in those records.

I go back Monday. Depomedrol is run out. I am so exhausted and back to the vomiting etc... I did get an appointment with the rhuemy. My nurse advocate will ride herd and crack the whip if they get out of line! Let you all know what happens on Monday.

Thanks!

Sherry Dogwood, cardinals, sucky medical help.

Be Dead to your past, be Alive in the present and be Excited about your future! ~Sherry

Tired of spam? Get advanced junk mail protection with MSN 8.

[Guest guest]

LOL! You go girl! You put them in their place! I love your sense of humor....but I thought only sucky medical help was in my town! LOL

Debby

Re: [ ] Re: Checking in

Hi All Sherry here is VA.

I am just checking in to let you know I have been working on my ludicrous medical situation. Last report my ALT 119 and AST 91 my Lupus panel was the highest it could be and still be normal. Cholestrol was 338. Lots of right sided & joint, bone, muscle pain , exhaustion, rashy...You will remember... Newbie doc and asshole boss doc said they couldn't find any of my medical records so they didn't want to treat me yet. I promptly rolled on the floor turned green and foamed purple at the mouth... lol!... so she gave me a Depomedrol shot and pain meds after a bit of a fight.

As the saga continues: I followed you guys advice. I now have in my hot little hand ALL of my medical records I could scrounge up. I am not going to hand them over, they can under my hawk like vision, copy them. They are plenty references to abdominal swelling, weight loss, migraine, rash, vomiting, pain on the right side, the word hepitis is used frequently in those records.

I go back Monday. Depomedrol is run out. I am so exhausted and back to the vomiting etc... I did get an appointment with the rhuemy. My nurse advocate will ride herd and crack the whip if they get out of line! Let you all know what happens on Monday.

Thanks!

Sherry Dogwood, cardinals, sucky medical help.

Be Dead to your past, be Alive in the present and be Excited about your future! ~Sherry

Tired of spam? Get advanced junk mail protection with MSN 8.

[Guest guest]

Sherry,

Glad to hear things are getting some better for you. At least you have the nurse advocate on your side. I'm sorry you are having so much trouble with your medical care. I do hope you think about seeing the Hepatologist I mentioned at UVA. I get excellent medical care there and am very pleased. I know it is a long drive for you but it is for me too. I feel it is worth it. I have an appointment next Wednesday and will mention your woes.

Not all of us here in VA get poor medical care. I feel I get top notch care and am very pleased. I have advanced cirrhosis and a lot of other medical problems as a result of the AIH and my local GI and PCP as well as my Hepatologist have done a great job keeping me working and active. Hang in there. You will find good medical care.

[Guest guest]

Good to hear you are OK, and your condo is also OK. To go no mail, go

to the website, and click on the side bar to " Edit my Membership " .

Click on No Email. Pretty easy, if I can do, any one can!

Marilyn

scottyzpt@... wrote:

>y: are you out there? You sort of took a direct hit from Ivan,

>are you OK? Did you evacuate?

>____

>The direct hit was in Pensacola, where i work. We got 130 mph winds and little

tornados all over the place, but i was at a friend's house, and we had at least

a phone the whole time, and electricity by Fri night.

>

>My condo, of course, being on a barrier island, was under water up to part of

the first floor, which may or may not have wiped out the electrical system.

That's important, as when they unbury it from the couple of feet of sand, if the

system is intact, we may be back there is a week or so. if damaged, could be

months before a contractor to fix it may be found, and we're not allowed to live

in it unless we have water and electricity.

>

>The good part is that I walked up the 6 double flights of stairs with my new

knee, and found my unit in good shape, as the hurricane shutters held just fine.

>

>So, I'm only reading part of my email,as I'm on a friend's computer. Would

probably go no mail if I could figure out how to do that.

>y

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Deb, I'm so glad to hear that you were approved for additional PT and that your ROM is doing better. What kind of work do you do? Hopefully everything will work out ok. While I haven't had a replacement I remember wondering when I had the broken ankle if I would ever walk normal again. Took awhile and after I was released from PT I was doing the exercises at home twice a day and it took about 3 hours total to do them. Good to see you posting again. Sharonreynawhitehawk <ReynaWhitehawk@...> wrote: Hi Everyone,It's been a couple of weeks since I posted, just wanted to let you know I'm still alive. I'm getting ready to go back to work on July 5th, pretty nervous about that as I don't think I'm really ready for it yet. My OS said I could go back 4 hours a day...but my boss said if I couldn't come back 8 jours, then I couldn't come back at all! You remember how wonderful he was, right? So I'm gonna give it my best shotand see how I do. My OS says to take it easy, and if I can't handle it, then he'll pull me back out and put me back on disability. I'm pretty nervous about going back, I mean this will be a whole newway of life for me with my knee. And I'm afraid people will run into me or something or I'll fall.Meanwhile, I've been doing lots of PT at home since

mine ran out from my insurance. As you may remember, this was a big concern of mine since I know how un-motivated I am!! A couple of days ago I received a notice in the mail I could have 7 more PT visits, so I went back yesterday. I'd actually gained ROM in some areas so I was very pleased. But boy did it also hurt like hell in others!!Congrats to those who've had their TKR surgeries, I've read your posts. And I also wanted to apologize for my last post. I wasn't in a very good frame of mind. This surgery can really get you depressed sometimes. Especially when you think you're not doing so great. I'm over 12 weeks post op now and my ROM and I've had lots of setbacks so I get a little bit discouraged!! Still, I think it will will feel good I think to get back in the"real" world and get on with life....wish me luck!!Deb

How low will we go? Check out Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates.

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon,

I work for a company called Western Costume Company. We are the

world's largest costumer...moveies, TV, theatre,etc. Most of the

clothes you see in the movies comes from us, especiallly the period

(meaning the 1800's thru the 1970's) and military stuff. Before I

went on disabilty I was assistant to the president, then he desided

to permanently hire the temp who was filling in for me. He actually

fired he last week. Now I hear I'll be doing some accounting, which

is actually what I do (have been doing that for 30 years now) as well

as working the desk where the costumers and actors come in to get

fittings and the costumes/clothes for the shows. It'll be hard for

me there cause I'll have to do some standing.

At my other positin I sat more, here I'll have an office too...but

I'll have to dodge rack of clothes being pushed around. It's an even

more face paced position than I had before. Still I won't have to

put up with my old boss anymore and fetching his coffee and gym bag

from his car....LOL.

Oh, and I'm glad to see your Mom is doing so well!!!

Deb

>

> Deb,

>

> I'm so glad to hear that you were approved for additional PT and

that your ROM

> is doing better.

>

> What kind of work do you do? Hopefully everything will work out

ok.

>

> While I haven't had a replacement I remember wondering when I had

the broken ankle if I would ever walk normal again. Took awhile and

after I was released from PT I was doing the exercises at home twice

a day and it took about 3 hours total to do them.

>

> Good to see you posting again.

>

> Sharon

>

[Guest guest]

Wow! That is really interesting. Just remember to do it at your own pace for awhile. Sharonreynawhitehawk <ReynaWhitehawk@...> wrote: Hi Sharon,I work for a company called Western Costume Company. We are the world's largest costumer...moveies, TV, theatre,etc. Most of the clothes you see in the movies comes from us, especiallly the period (meaning the 1800's thru the 1970's) and military stuff. Before I went on disabilty I was assistant to the president, then he desided to

permanently hire the temp who was filling in for me. He actually fired he last week. Now I hear I'll be doing some accounting, which is actually what I do (have been doing that for 30 years now) as well as working the desk where the costumers and actors come in to get fittings and the costumes/clothes for the shows. It'll be hard for me there cause I'll have to do some standing.At my other positin I sat more, here I'll have an office too...but I'll have to dodge rack of clothes being pushed around. It's an even more face paced position than I had before. Still I won't have to put up with my old boss anymore and fetching his coffee and gym bag from his car....LOL. Oh, and I'm glad to see your Mom is doing so well!!! Deb>>

Deb,> > I'm so glad to hear that you were approved for additional PT and that your ROM> is doing better. > > What kind of work do you do? Hopefully everything will work out ok.> > While I haven't had a replacement I remember wondering when I had the broken ankle if I would ever walk normal again. Took awhile and after I was released from PT I was doing the exercises at home twice a day and it took about 3 hours total to do them. > > Good to see you posting again.> > Sharon>

gets better. Check out the new email design. Plus there’s much more to come.

[Guest guest]

Hi Deb:

Glad to hear that you are doing better.

My doc recommended part time when I returned to work also - and my

company said no. I came in 30 min early and then took 2 15

minute " breaks " a day where I sat with my legs elevated. That

helped to keep the swelling down and also gave me a chance to rest a

bit.

I am sure things will work out fine. I was really tired the first

week or so when I returned to work.

Carry a cane if you are afraid of people knocking you over - you

don't have to use it for walking - just as a warning. Or you can

swing it at them if they get too close :-)

Good luck!

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> It's been a couple of weeks since I posted, just wanted to let you

know

> I'm still alive. I'm getting ready to go back to work on July

5th,

> pretty nervous about that as I don't think I'm really ready for it

> yet. My OS said I could go back 4 hours a day...but my boss said

if I

> couldn't come back 8 jours, then I couldn't come back at all! You

> remember how wonderful he was, right? So I'm gonna give it my

best shot

> and see how I do. My OS says to take it easy, and if I can't

handle

> it, then he'll pull me back out and put me back on disability.

I'm

> pretty nervous about going back, I mean this will be a whole new

> way of life for me with my knee. And I'm afraid people will run

> into me or something or I'll fall.

>

> Meanwhile, I've been doing lots of PT at home since mine ran out

from

> my insurance. As you may remember, this was a big concern of mine

> since I know how un-motivated I am!! A couple of days ago I

received a

> notice in the mail I could have 7 more PT visits, so I went back

> yesterday. I'd actually gained ROM in some areas so I was very

> pleased. But boy did it also hurt like hell in others!!

>

> Congrats to those who've had their TKR surgeries, I've read your

> posts. And I also wanted to apologize for my last post. I wasn't

in a

> very good frame of mind. This surgery can really get you

depressed

> sometimes. Especially when you think you're not doing so great.

> I'm over 12 weeks post op now and my ROM and I've had lots of set

> backs so I get a little bit discouraged!!

>

> Still, I think it will will feel good I think to get back in the

> " real " world and get on with life....wish me luck!!

>

> Deb

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Sherry, Well I just wanted to tell you I hope everything works out for you and I know what you mean about the golden years I'll be 64 in Jan. and my operations Hip and knee from six and four didn't turn out that great :-( Well you take care and have a nice day:-) Susie"S.A.M." <blueopal@...> wrote: Hi All, Well, I have been run through a series of X-rays, blood tests, and a very expensive metal reduction MRI to try in find out what is causing all this pain in my knee. I am now scheduled for an arthroscopy on the 17th and if that too shows nothing he will replace the knee. Regarding the separate, sharp cutting pain on the inside of my knee, both surgeons feel it is a nerve but again it

didn't show up in the MRI. I have made an appointment with a chiropractor for this. Why I didn't do this before I don't know because I knew chiropractors are very good at solving pinched nerve problems with TENS. So, Monday I'll go there and hopefully find some relief in that area. I am also hoping that my new surgeon will replace my knee at the same time while he is doing a scope if he sees nothing in the way of debris in

there. He does not feel the knee was installed improperly but it may be to small and a larger one be put in. I am sooo tired of limping around everywhere and hurt as much as I did prior to the first replacement. My insurance company must be having a heart attack. I want everything over by the first of the year before my 07 co-pay of $1,500 kicks in. I have had about all I can take in the testing department. I am scheduled for an endoscopy on my birthday in a couple weeks. Hopefully they won't find any cancer. I haven't been keeping up with the annual check up like I should. I had hoped to have a huge bunion on the left foot removed this year to but no chance of that now...darn. ...and these are supposed to be the GOLDEN YEARS..yeah, you bettcha they are. Take care, Sherry

[Guest guest]

Hi Susie,

Why didn't yours turn out?

Sherry blueopal@...

Re: Checking in

Hi Sherry,

Well I just wanted to tell you I hope everything works out for you and I know what you mean about the golden years I'll be 64 in Jan. and my operations Hip and knee from six and four didn't turn out that great :-( Well you take care and have a nice day:-)

Susie"S.A.M." <blueopalhutchtel (DOT) net> wrote:

Hi All,

Well, I have been run through a series of X-rays, blood tests, and a very expensive metal reduction MRI to try in find out what is causing all this pain in my knee. I am now scheduled for an arthroscopy on the 17th and if that too shows nothing he will replace the knee.

Regarding the separate, sharp cutting pain on the inside of

my knee, both surgeons feel it is a nerve but again it didn't

show up in the MRI. I have made an appointment with a

chiropractor for this. Why I didn't do this before I don't

know because I knew chiropractors are very good at solving pinched nerve problems with TENS. So, Monday

I'll go there and hopefully find some relief in that area.

I am also hoping that my new surgeon will replace my knee at the same time while he is doing a scope if he sees

nothing in the way of debris in there. He does not feel

the knee was installed improperly but it may be to small and a larger one be put in. I am sooo tired of limping around everywhere and hurt as much as I did prior to the first replacement. My insurance company must be having a heart attack. I want everything over by the first of the year before my 07 co-pay of $1,500 kicks in. I have had about all I can take in the testing department.

I am scheduled for an endoscopy on my birthday in a couple weeks. Hopefully they won't find any cancer. I

haven't been keeping up with the annual check up like I

should. I had hoped to have a huge bunion on the left

foot removed this year to but no chance of that now...darn.

....and these are supposed to be the GOLDEN YEARS..yeah, you bettcha they are.

Take care,

Sherry

[Guest guest]

Hi Sherry, I think the mistake I made in the first place was I wanted my right knee replace first and the Dr said I had to have my Hip replace first well I had my right Hip done first and I had to go to a Nursing Home where old people live I was living by myself and had no one to help me so in the Nursing home I was in the part where the older people live and I had to sit in a wheel chair for 13 days This was 6 and 4 years ago ,The only time I was out of the wheel chair is when I walked up and down the hall to learn to walk again and when I went to the bathroom other wise you had to stay in the wheel chair that was the rules their and the same happen when I had my right knee replace .The only thing that made me mad was the dr that did the two operations on me told me that my Hip bone wasn't that bad , I went to see him for three years and told him that my hip hurt and how my leg was all

he could say was I had bad scar tissues and last year I went to a second Dr and he told me he couldn't tell me what was wrong even after looking at the x-rays from the other Dr's office and new ones which to me he harely looked at them told me to go back to the Dr that did the operations he was a real jerk. He did tell me I had Burstis in my new hip . He gave me this rubber band to use and these excises to do at home . He just said I need my left knee done I should let him know when I want it replace I would never let him touch me the way he was . Well you take care and have a nice day. Susie "S.A.M."

<blueopal@...> wrote: Hi Susie, Why didn't yours turn out? Sherry blueopalhutchtel (DOT) net Re: Checking in Hi Sherry, Well I just wanted to tell you I hope everything works out for you and I know what you mean about the golden years I'll be 64 in Jan. and my operations Hip and knee from six and four didn't turn out that great :-( Well you take care and have a nice day:-) Susie"S.A.M." <blueopalhutchtel (DOT) net> wrote: Hi All, Well, I have been run through a series of X-rays, blood tests, and a very expensive metal reduction MRI to try in find out what is causing all this pain in my knee. I am now scheduled for an arthroscopy on the 17th and if that too shows nothing he will replace the knee. Regarding the separate, sharp cutting pain on the inside of my knee, both surgeons feel it is a nerve but again it didn't show up in the MRI. I have made an appointment with a chiropractor for this. Why I

didn't do this before I don't know because I knew chiropractors are very good at solving pinched nerve problems with TENS. So, Monday I'll go there and hopefully find some relief in that area. I am also hoping that my new surgeon will replace my knee at the same time while he is doing a scope if he sees nothing in the way of debris in there. He does not feel the knee was installed improperly but it may be to small and a larger one be put in. I am sooo tired of limping around

everywhere and hurt as much as I did prior to the first replacement. My insurance company must be having a heart attack. I want everything over by the first of the year before my 07 co-pay of $1,500 kicks in. I have had about all I can take in the testing department. I am scheduled for an endoscopy on my birthday in a couple weeks. Hopefully they won't find any cancer. I haven't

been keeping up with the annual check up like I should. I had hoped to have a huge bunion on the left foot removed this year to but no chance of that now...darn. ...and these are supposed to be the GOLDEN YEARS..yeah, you bettcha they are. Take care, Sherry

[Guest guest]

:

It's great to hear from you! I'm so glad Drea seems to be holding her own. Did they ever figure out why she gets swollen lymph nodes and sore throats so often? That must be really painful for her!

Tell we are really proud of him! What a great experience for him. You have every right to be a proud braggin mom. Let us know how the ped rheumy appt goes.

Sending prayers & happy thoughts,

Beth :-)

checking in

Hello everyone,Things have been quite busy for me and I haven't had much time to post but I have checked the messages to find out how everyone is getting along and to read some of the good articles posted by Georgina.Welcome Newbies. I am glad that some of the other members have take the time to introduce themselves and to answer questions. You will find this to be a very welcoming group full of tons of information and compassion.Aundrea has been doing pretty good this past month. We have eased back into full-time school. She missed last Monday due to lots of swollen lymph nodes in her neck and a sorethroat. She managed to make it through the day Tuesday and carried on pretty well the rest of the week. She seems to wear out after overdoing it and kind of crashes for a day or two but overall she has had much improvement.We have our follow-up visit with the pedi rheumy this week. It will be

interesting to see her labs although I doubt that they will reveal much insight. We never were able to get the clearance for the derm visit. I guess we will need to work on that again. Her rash hasn't been to horrible. Same red face and blisters on cheeks that she gets every spring. But it fades with time.Overall, its been pretty good. She has been off of methotrexate for 6 weeks. She has had less problems with nausea and fatigue associated with the mtx. Hopefully, she wont go downhill like she did last time after being off meds for 4 months.I will give you an update as to what the rheumy has to say. Hope your all doing great.Let me just brag on my son for a moment. He was invited to attend a camp in SanDiego for the top 150 basketball players in his age group to play against the best basketball players in the U.S. quite a prestigious invitation. He better be saying "Love Ya Mom" some day when the

camera is in his face after the game! :-) I have been his #1 rebounder since he was 2. I guess I deserve some recognition. lolYour all in my prayers,blessings,sonia (aundrea 11 systemic jra/gerd)

[Guest guest]

It sounds like you are getting along well and making good progress

but it does get frustrating, doesn't it?

You might want to check with your doctor about the peroxide.

My doctor told me about one lady who put peroxide on her incision and

that caused it to get infected. The peroxide ate away the scab

leaving the incision open. Since your surgery was over a month ago,

it probably won't have the same affect. I think she did this soon

after surgery. (Sounds like something I would do, I love using

peroxide.)

Jan

>

> Hi, just checking in from the dry and smoky Florida Panhandle.

>

> I'm now 4+ weeks after RTKR. I'm now able to totter along without

> walker or cane, but it'll be awhile before I once again feel sure-

> footed. Last week I was able to get to 105° at PT, with a lot of

> grunting and grimacing. But every morning I'm just as stiff as I

was

> weeks ago. I'm getting frustrated, even though many of you have

said

> that it's about 2 months before one begins to feel " normal " once

> again.

>

> I did have a bit of a scare yesterday. I found 2 places on my scar

> that were irritated and had some discharge. Otherwise, it seems to

be

> healing well. I gently squeezed (squoze?) the spots, washed them in

> peroxide, and put on a band-aid with a bit of bacitracin. Is it

> normal to have this happen weeks after surgery?

>

> I'm also having a terrible time sleeping through the night. I

> usually awake 3-4 times and have trouble getting back to sleep. I

> still wear the Cryo-wrap to bed and remove it the first time I

> awaken. The doc said I could take Benadryl, and also gave me some

> Vicodin, but the Vicodin only made the scar very sensitive to the

> chuck and Cryo-rwap. Any suggestions other than more meds? I

don't

> see the doc again until next week.

>

> I'm still glad I had the surgery, despite all my griping. The pre-

> surgery pain, which was quite intense, hasn't returned. Now only

to

> conquer the fear and pain I have about those flexions. I certainly

> have a hard time convincing myself to do the 3 daily sets assigned

by

> my PT. If I do one set, I feel accomplished.

>

> Regards,

>

> Robin the glum, in the dry & smoky Florida Panhandle

>

[Guest guest]

>

> I'm also having a terrible time sleeping through the night. I

> usually awake 3-4 times and have trouble getting back to sleep.

I had that same problem - tossed, turned, would wake up, etc. The good news

is that it slowly, very slowly got better for me. The old warm milk did help

a little bit. Other than med's didn't find anything that worked -from doing

breathing exercises, listening to music, doing the send the mind to a quite

place, you name it, I tried it. The sleeping pill my Dr. recommended was not

really covered under our insurance - the copay was $30 for 14 pills and

could only get those in a 28 day period. So did some research and found that

for the over 40 year old woman Magnesium mineral supplement will help all of

us sleep better. Tried that and it started helping. More research showed up

the Homapathic med called Neurexan. It does not interfer with any medicine,

my Dr's OK'd it and it really did the trick. But please ask your Dr. before

you take it.

This whole thing is a long process. Both my PT and Dr's told me to expect at

least 9 to 12 months before I'd feel " normal " again. They all stress this

means mentally, physically and even emotionallly. Guess when you think about

the rest of our lives even 12 months is a short time period. I sort of

thought it was like having a baby but in the reverse. lol

Keep doing those exercises as you were told and you will get much better,

much quicker.

Gloria

[Guest guest]

Robin,

One month post-op my incision still had some stuff in it and was infected. Don't use peroxide, that's the worst thing. Just clean with water and put Neosporin on it as that will "seal" from discharging to some degree and protect it from bacteria. Peroxide actually inhibits your skin's ability to heal.

I didn't sleep well for quite a while and usually slept on the couch because it was softer and more forgiving of the positions I needed to sleep in. I also slept with the operated leg up on a flat pillow or a pillow between my legs depending on sleeping position. Benadryl will make you sleepy with no side affects except grogginess and drying you out.

And you really will notice a difference in another month. I'm four months out now and really walking and doing lots of things easily. I still can't completely straighten my leg but it doesn't really keep me from much.

-----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of levan_53Sent: Monday, May 28, 2007 7:28 PMJoint Replacement Subject: Checking in

Hi, just checking in from the dry and smoky Florida Panhandle.I'm now 4+ weeks after RTKR. I'm now able to totter along without walker or cane, but it'll be awhile before I once again feel sure-footed. Last week I was able to get to 105° at PT, with a lot of grunting and grimacing. But every morning I'm just as stiff as I was weeks ago. I'm getting frustrated, even though many of you have said that it's about 2 months before one begins to feel "normal" once again.I did have a bit of a scare yesterday. I found 2 places on my scar that were irritated and had some discharge. Otherwise, it seems to be healing well. I gently squeezed (squoze?) the spots, washed them in peroxide, and put on a band-aid with a bit of bacitracin. Is it normal to have this happen weeks after surgery?I'm also having a terrible time sleeping through the night. I usually awake 3-4 times and have trouble getting back to sleep. I still wear the Cryo-wrap to bed and remove it the first time I awaken. The doc said I could take Benadryl, and also gave me some Vicodin, but the Vicodin only made the scar very sensitive to the chuck and Cryo-rwap. Any suggestions other than more meds? I don't see the doc again until next week.I'm still glad I had the surgery, despite all my griping. The pre-surgery pain, which was quite intense, hasn't returned. Now only to conquer the fear and pain I have about those flexions. I certainly have a hard time convincing myself to do the 3 daily sets assigned by my PT. If I do one set, I feel accomplished.Regards,Robin the glum, in the dry & smoky Florida Panhandle

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Jan!

I, too, love peroxide! I can see where using it while the wound was

still open would be considered overkill. I only used it twice and

only a teeny bit was needed. I was really startled to see the upset

spots and wanted to make sure any residual lotion, etc. was cleaned

out. Gladly, it was only a short problem. Since then, one of my

local fellow TKR's recommended the hand sanitizer as it kills 99% of

germs and is less harsh on the skin.

And, yes, frustration seems to be my middle name right now!

Regards,

Robin in NWFlorida

" Jan " <kpkwi@...> wrote:

>

> It sounds like you are getting along well and making good progress

> but it does get frustrating, doesn't it?

>

> You might want to check with your doctor about the peroxide.

> My doctor told me about one lady who put peroxide on her incision

and

> that caused it to get infected. The peroxide ate away the scab

> leaving the incision open.

<snip>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement, Gloria.

I will definitely get some Magnesium when I'm out to the PT tomorrow,

and I'll ask the doc about the Neurexan when I see him next week. I

also remember hearing about the amino acid L-Tryptophan (sp?) for

sleeplessness ages ago. Do you have any feedback on that?

The music with the waves, crickets, etc. helps me to get to sleep

initially, but as you experienced, it really didn't help past that.

Right on with the pregnancy in reverse! Maybe it'll be better when I

don't have to depend on others to get out and around to appointments.

Regards,

Robin

" Nature's Emporium Customer Service " <mthoover@...> wrote:

>

> I had that same problem - tossed, turned, would wake up, etc. The

>good news is that it slowly, very slowly got better for me. The old

>warm milk did help a little bit. Other than med's didn't find

>anything that worked -from doing breathing exercises, listening to

>music, doing the send the mind to a quite place, you name it, I

>tried it. The sleeping pill my Dr. recommended was not really

>covered under our insurance - the copay was $30 for 14 pills and

>could only get those in a 28 day period. So did some research and

>found that for the over 40 year old woman Magnesium mineral

>supplement will help all of us sleep better. Tried that and it

>started helping. More research showed up the Homapathic med called

>Neurexan. It does not interfer with any medicine, my Dr's OK'd it

>and it really did the trick. But please ask your Dr. before you take

>it.

>

> This whole thing is a long process. Both my PT and Dr's told me to

expect at least 9 to 12 months before I'd feel " normal " again. They

all stress this means mentally, physically and even emotionallly.

Guess when you think about the rest of our lives even 12 months is a

short time period. I sort of thought it was like having a baby but in

the reverse. lol

>

> Keep doing those exercises as you were told and you will get much

better, much quicker.

> Gloria

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, . You continue to be a beacon of hope for me!

It's ironic that when one most needs the sleep to heal, it is the

most elusive.

I still keep the leg elevated at night when I use the Cryo-cuff, but

after I remove it, I just HAVE to turn on my side or tummy to sleep.

I know it'll get better as days pass. It was recommended since I

first wrote that I take 2 over-the-counter Benadryl instead of 1, and

it has helped.

Regards,

Robin in NWFlorida

" DeRouen " <asd@...> wrote:

>

> One month post-op my incision still had some stuff in it and was

infected. Don't use peroxide, that's the worst thing. Just clean with

water and put Neosporin on it as that will " seal " from discharging to

some degree and protect it from bacteria. Peroxide actually inhibits

your skin's ability to heal.

>

> I didn't sleep well for quite a while and usually slept on the

couch because it was softer and more forgiving of the positions I

needed to sleep in. I also slept with the operated leg up on a flat

pillow or a pillow between my legs depending on sleeping position.

Benadryl will make you sleepy with no side affects except grogginess

and drying you out.

>

> And you really will notice a difference in another month. I'm four

months out now and really walking and doing lots of things easily. I

still can't completely straighten my leg but it doesn't really keep

me from much.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Robin

I'll check in my files for L-tryptophan and get back with you.

It was a big mile stone for me when I was told I could start driving (at 6

weeks). Felt like I was a human instead of being " sick " . But then fear set

in - with the how much will this hurt, can I do it??? So when we arrived

home, husband got in the passenger side, me driving around the block, than

the community, testing out the brake pedal and get used to the " feel " again.

Later that day we took a short drive around the country area all of about

three miles just to get used to my new freedom. Haven't looked back since

lol. My advice is to just take it slow, easy, and it will come. Wait to do

that driving road trip for a couple of months lol.

As I became more active, the sleep seems to be getting better. From my Dr's

and PT this is very normal and just part of the process for a number of us.

Best wishes

Gloria