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Posted 9/9/2008 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
hi everybody...my last and final shot today. walked 1/4 mile on Sunday and 1/2 mile yesterday. Hope to walk in the mall today.

so long gang...miss yally and erin!
Posted 9/9/2008 3:07 PM (GMT 0)

Yeah, I usually get yeast too (and I did this time), but apparently this drug is giving me headaches (unless they are caused by my sudden high blood pressure).

I'm seeing the doctor today for the Bp issue. We'll see what he says. I'm not well...something is a-brewing.....hopefully nothing serious (like liver, diabetes, etc. that could be causing the bp issue)......but I'm definitely dealing with something. shakehead ***

Posted 9/9/2008 5:29 PM (GMT 0)

Camama...I hope it is nothing serious! My husband has had HBP issues in the past..He told me this the other day, that every time he would go to the doctor it would be high???? shocked He managed to hide this little tidbit of info from me for quite sometime.  Finally decided to start working out and lose some weight, and then told me.  Have you had the glucose test done? the three hour? Or at least the 12 hour fasting? Sounds like the doc needs to run some tests? Keep us posted, and let us know when you find something out.

Hoping all is well with Yally, Jody and Erin..

Posted 9/9/2008 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
CaMama - what time is your appt? Please let us know what the doc says!
Posted 9/9/2008 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
Ducky..I'm sorry the rheumy couldn't squeeze you in..not at all this week? That is usually what happens when I call, the nurse talks with the doc and gets back to me.  Like Camama, let us know when you find anything out...I'm really curious as to what is causing your swelling? especially if it is linked to the MTX or Enbrel?
Posted 9/9/2008 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
They didn't say if they couldn't get me in this week, just not today.. but I know my rheumy works out of different offices in the area.. I am hoping they call soon with either an appt or the Dr. himself.. I'll let you know what I find out.. :)
Posted 9/9/2008 9:11 PM (GMT 0)

Well, I went in....PCP's don't do anythign but just "talk" to you now....<sigh> I thought he'd listen to my chest at least, but all he did was take my BP, which of course was high. 

Anyway, he is sending in a referral to a cardiologist, I should be able to call tomorrow to make an appointment. He gave me an Rx for some water pills meant for BP patients and said to find someone w/a cuff monitor  and borrow it for 3-4 weeks to monitor my BP. In the meantime, try to focus on loosing weight and lowering the BP before I get in to any workout program since something is going on and everything is making my heart go pitter-patter. 

Bascially, and this is nothing new to me, I need to go on a very strict diet...April's labs are indicating potential cholestrol and sugar problems, topped with the arthritis, GERD, and allergy no-no's.....that really limits my menu. But, if I cut the calories big time, try to make as many 'healthy' options but small portions (he suggests 800 calories a day w/no exercise)....I may be able to loose weight by diet alone until I can exercise.

I've gotten almost no work done today and I need to go get that Rx, get my labs done for next week's rhuemy appt, especially since I never did them for my last appt....another    1-1/2 hrs of my time....(and here I am chatting with you all instead! nono ) Let's hope my updated labs and the cardiologist appt doesn't show anything worse that may be permanent.

***

Posted 9/10/2008 1:17 PM (GMT 0)
Camama...They do just sit and listen don't they? and you only have so many minutes to fit it all in when you finally get in there! Is this is your regular doc?? But you know that is what they would always tell my husband and he wasn't even that overweight..But he too had the high cholesterol going on as well.  Is there anyway you could visit a nutritionist and talk over your health issues and come up with some kind of plan on what you can eat? This sounds miserable sad I know when I was growing up, my mom gained a lot of weight after my dad died and ended up border line diabetic/HBP and she ended up eating nothing but boiled chicken breast and plain veggies, and had to take medication to lower her blood sugar.  Granted she lost 70lbs, but what a diet shakehead My father in law is on some kind of diet where it all comes prepackaged for him? I can't think of the name off hand, but he can eat it with his low sugar needs and he takes medication for high blood pressure, so I'm pretty certain it is low in salt/sodium.  Hang in there, we are here for you!!
Posted 9/10/2008 4:06 PM (GMT 0)

Here you go mom..

momto3 said...
Happy Hump Day Everybody,

Ducky..How are you feeling this morning?? Do you still have the swelling?

Jody? Worried about you, and I hope you are doing okay?

For those of you who have taken Plaquenil, do you remember it giving you those really gross break outs of acne?? Well, now that I'm off of it, it seems to be returning shocked   I have never really had acne before, but around the time I started out on it, I had rashes on my back, and acne but more like sores of some kind and now they are returning to my utter dismay.  My son is looking at me up close and says to me that he thinks I'm breaking out or "somethin" Really? shakehead At this point I also have some kind of white spots on my arms and hands caused by which med or the RA or whatever autoimmune issue, who knows anymore confused I'm finally relieved to wear long sleeves because they are hideous! Now, I'm starting to break out, and I woke up with a sore throat, so no Enbrel either.  I feel like Alexander and The Horrible No Good Very Bad Day...with all of my whining!!!  My husband was complaining that I didn't get the right cold medicine because the correct one is sold behind the counter at the pharmacy? Fine...I told him to get his own cold medicine! Who knew they made more than one kind of NyQuil? rolleyes At the very least, he can take the darn stuff and will feel better, not the case for me.  Sorry for the rant! Sometimes family members are just clueless as to why we feel so crummy.

Time to get started on a paper and stop feeling sorry for myself :-)

Posted 9/10/2008 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
"PCPs dont do anything but talk..." I agree-it annoys me since mine only wants to talk and refer me to other people.
My Rhuemy has still not figured this out and is always annoyed that I haven't had blood work or other tests when I come in to see her. (Of cource with her ordering blood tests every six weeks what else could my PCP possibly order)
Posted 9/11/2008 1:47 AM (GMT 0)

Hi guys,

I'm still here mom, and doing ok...just the craziness of the homefront.  Looks like another storm will miss us, but gosh, those poor folks in Texas!  Boo will probably feel some of the effects of this one.  We are getting a little wind and rain that the news says is from Ike, and tonight I sure feel it in my hands and feet...ouch....nothing terrible, just kind of achy.

Sorry you're feeling so crummy mom. Plaquenil never gave me any skin issues that I know of..hate to say it again, but my brother with lupus has some bad skin breakouts..but, if could be so many different things.  Your body has been through so much!!  When do you see the rheumy again? If it's not soon..maybe you should give them a call? Between the rashes and the fever, think they might want to know.Please don't apologize for ranting here, my dear...here is exactly where you should feel like you can!  You know we're all here for you., just wish we could something to help....

CaMama...gosh..sorry for all you've got going on too!  Are you feeling any better, did you get into the cardiologist?  That has to be my BIGGEST medical complaint.  I just hate it that we have to see a different doctor for every body part..if they aren't in communication with each other, who knows what gets lost in the process. Not to mention the time and expense we have running around to all those different docs...drives me nuts!!! You know 800 calories a day sounds WAY too low to me....that's not much at all..doesn't even sound healthy.  Everything I've ever read says not to go below 1200-1500 calories a day, depending on your size and how much weight you need to lose, but maybe things have changed... Mom's idea about a nutritionist or dietician sounds like a good one.  Most insurances will pay for them and even Weight Watchers if you get a doc to document the need for it. Please keep us posted , worried about you, too, dear!

Still really hot here..wish we could wear those long sleeves! Doesn't usually start cooling off until October...I'm hoping EARLY October this year, not the end of the month.  But, am so thankful that those storms have missed us. Have been able to get the kids outside for a bit each morning before it gets too hot.  They love it out there, and they can run off some energy ( but not enough LOL).

Time to turn in folks...my day starts really early!

Hugs to all,

Jody

Posted 9/11/2008 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone.


Jody, I hope you continue to be "storm-free" tongue

Well, I had a bad reaction to the BP meds he gave me and ended up in ER last night (my bp went even higher - 163/99!). They gave me a different kind of BP med and ran some tests. I do feel a bit better today, but I still have to go to work...I feel like I could use a day or two off to lie around while the kids are at school. But, deadlines call.

Anyway, they gave me a list of do's and dont's for hypertension and a bunch of things my PCP suggested on Tuesday were on the "don't" list for keeping the sodium down and such. I think he's not the best of doctors.....this is only the 2nd time I've met him since my PCP sold her practice. Now I have to go through the "do" list and cross off anything that is bad for the glucose levels....

Anyway, I found out last night (this is regarding another thread) that blurred vision is a side effect of hypertension - and that could explain the haze I kept seeing at night (my "dust cloud" LOL) over the summer. Oy! rolleyes   It's probable that my BP was higher than I thought earlier on.

Take care***

Posted 9/11/2008 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
Wow CaMama...how scary!!  How are you doing now? Sure do hope you get a chance to rest.  Know that we're sending prayers and hugs your way..Take care of yourself, dear.

Love,

Jody

PS...Ducky, have you heard anything from anyone yet?  How are you feeling??

Posted 9/11/2008 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
Nope.. nothing yet.. :( sounds like we are all having a rough go right now.. hugs all around!
Posted 9/15/2008 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
had a flare up of the knee problem but now it calmed down. all these diseases just like to play around with me! i also hate doctors, specialists and the whole mess. i have hbp since i was 55. they just gave me a pill to take and it calmed down. runs in the family....so long gang.

where is yally and erin?
Posted 9/15/2008 3:06 AM (GMT 0)

I'm not well and I'm scared to death. shakehead

I don't know what to do...I have high glucose (106 and ER doc said that was not a worry, but I am starting to think w/someone as short as me....it IS a big deal)..high cholestrol, and the high BP. Plus, I have these awful pains in my stomach and liver area. The 3 combined, I know, are a death warrant.

I'm trying to eat low sodium for the BP and no carbs/sugar for the glucose...I feel hopeless when these 'attacks' hit. I bought a used BP monitor and I can only get it to work once out of every 10 attmepts...it's my short arm, not the machine I think b/c I can get it working on my hubby no problem. I thought monitoring my BP would help and being able to see what it is when I get these "attacks" would help, but I can't get the dang thing to work and it ticks me off even more.

Yesterday I felt really good and had a pretty decent day...today started off okay but by 4 the manic/panicky/anxious feelings started and they have not completely subsided...I thought, "maybe low blood sugar" but, being afraid to eat much I finally had a small clemantine organe....about 30 minutes later I felt a tad better, but I'm still going through waves....I'm way past dinner time and am afraid to eat anything...I had a Glucerna bar for lunch and am leaning to having one again for dinner.

I'm sorry to vent....I just need to get this all out....I feel so lost and just need some reassurance I'm not totally screwed and CAN get better. I see cardiologist Tuesday, but I have my doubts I'll get much out of the appointment...I hope I'm wrong.... cry

Posted 9/15/2008 3:27 AM (GMT 0)

Moanin everyone,

It's been a long time..................I've had computer issues for most of the summer.  My apologies for not keeping in touch.  I hope everyone had a good summer.

I've had some improvement with the help of prednisone.  Inflammation was much better this last few months.  Other than that, pretty much everything is the same.  My application for disability benefits was approved but I still haven't seen any money yet.

I need to try and read some of the posts and see whats new.  I'll be back!

Raven

Posted 9/15/2008 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
Camama..That is scary!! How are you doing this morning? We are also lost our pcp and have floated around from one doctor to another not really finding a replacement, so I know what you mean about finding a good doctor..they are hard to come by aren't they? Now that we have switched insurance plans, we have been forced to go to an entirely different set of offices, so I'm hopeful we will now find a good doctor.  Have you considered getting a tester for your sugar? When my mom went in for her testing, years ago and was high, she ended up on the Metformin, and now tests her sugar daily.  Just a thought?  I'm sorry you are going throught all of this sad Big hugs!!

Ducky..did you your pain and swelling ever subside? Are you still hurting?

Jody...How is the weather where you are? How you are doing in general?

I'm hanging in there, Friday evening went to Urgent Care for a UTI, but the antibiotic they gave me isn't working as well as it should be (bactrim) and today I still have a temp, and some kind upper addominal stomach pain, maybe the pills don't agree with me.  So I guess I will revisit the Urgent Care..I'm down two RA meds, no Enbrel and no Plaq, so now just the MTX and it just isn't enough, so having a tremendous amount of pain and stiffness in my hips right now.  Other than that it's a new day turn

I hope everyone else is doing well.

Posted 9/15/2008 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
CaMama - how are you today? Please let us know how you are doing, I am worried about you..

Momto3 - Yuck, a UTI.. those are never fun.. have they given you Macrobid yet? It works wonders for me..

I'm doing ok, back is a bit better, as long as I don't sneeze/cough.. sad thing is, my allergies are acting up, so that's all I do.. :( I just can't win!

I'm at work, so have to cut this short, I hope everyone is ok.. I'll check back in later!

Love yas!
Posted 9/16/2008 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Ducky,

I meant Macrobid, but I was given the generic form of it and it doesn't seem to be working as well as I had hoped.  Gave me a horrendous headache!  Glad to hear your back is feeling better.  I thought about going back to the urgent care but I'm wondering if I just didn't drink enough water, or possibly have some type of stomach bug since the minute I drink water, my stomach starts to hurt.  It's going to be a long week!! rolleyes

Posted 9/16/2008 1:53 AM (GMT 0)

Hi guys,

Raven..so good to read your post!!!  Have missed you..How are the kids?  Glad to see that your disability was approved, hopefully you'll be seeing the money soon , too.  Please keep in touch and fill us in on what you've been up to, ok?

Mom, are you feeling any better, yet?  Feel so bad for all you guys going through so much yuck...like I've said a zillion times before....I so wish we all lived closer so we could take care of each other in times like these!  Cassseroles, cookies, and hugs all around...lol..but wouldn't that be great?

CaMama..how are you today? When do you see the dr tomorrow?  Please let us know how it goes, you know we're all worried about you. Don't know how you're working with all of this going on..take care of yourself, dear.

Duck..just can't believe you haven't heard from that dr yet...but glad at least you are feeling a little better..allergies are really, really bad this year it seems..don't know what it is. Didn't ask you before, but how is the new job going?

Yally, oh Yally, wherever did you go?? heehee..we need you dear, oh how we need you!! Just teasing, know you've been one busy lady with your girls and your houseguest...oy to have such a problem lol.  He is so blessed to have you and your family.

Doing ok here..today was a REALLY quiet day for a Monday.  Only had two little ones here, and they took nice long naps.  Felt like a mini-vacation.  But tonight is a full moon, so when they all come tomorrow, they will more than make up for today! Actually one of the moms I work for lost her job a few weeks ago, so one of my kids went to part-time, until she can find work. Don't know how long I can afford to lose the extra pay..but I've had this little girl so long, I hate to lose her. Plus I want to help her parents out, too, they are such good people, just a couple of really hard-working young kids trying to get on their feet. Tough times for alot of people....( yes, Yally, I know...I know)

Time to get headed to bed..so hugs to all of you...have a good night,

Jody


Post Edited (babyplace) : 9/15/2008 7:56:13 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/16/2008 4:16 PM (GMT 0)

I see the rhuemy at 10:30 today and I hope my blood tests from Friday are in (showing glucose, liver, etc). I see cardiologist today at 2:15. I'm up and down....I think there may be multiple things going on or I'm just extremely sensitive to everything...some of the chest pain may be reflux (Nexium not working?), maybe the clogging of the ears, sinus, throat are allergies? Or they are a reaction to something - because my heart starts to race when it happens. When I feel okay, I'm good...when I start having what I'm now calling 'episodes' it's like a manic panic attack, I feel awful,  and I feel like I'm going to explode. I don't like it...who would? Yes, my work is suffering -and the fact we have this HUGE deadline looming doesn't help the stress. I love my job and the money is essential, but the whole reason I went contract was to not have to work full-time long-term for health reasons...after 11 months, here I'm unwell again.....Once this dealine is over, I'm going to ask my boss if I can work 30 hours a week instead. I'm sure she'll laugh in my face, but I need to try. Thanks for all your support everyone, I feel so lost most of the time still....

Mom, I had a UTI a few weeks ago - they gave me MicroFuron - it's just for UTI's..weird. I didn't feel as rotten as I did on some of those other antibiotics. You might want to ask? Do you have the flu as well or did you figure out if it's the meds?

Ducky, sorry to hear you're still not well. Jody, hope the full moon doesn't make the kids too crazy!**

Posted 9/16/2008 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
Camama...Gosh between the two of us!!!! Let us know if you find anything out..It is so frustrating to take these tests, be in pain, only to find or be told nothing is wrong!

  I decided to stop by the urgent care after all, and they informed me they couldn't treat me and sent scooting to the E.R.  What a morning! I was there from 10am, until sometime after 1pm..missed my rheumy appoinment, and after lab work, and a CT Scan, nothing showed..Last night, I decided to get up to use the rest room, and I couldn't get back to bed for several minutes, the pain was that intense under my rib cage area.  It felt like I was being stabbed by a knife.  All day yesterday I fought nausea but after that, I decided to go in and get checked and nothing? I must be losing it.  Anyway, I still hurt in the kidney area and lower right abdominal area, and nada eyes So, I understand what Camama is going through!! Maybe inflammation just makes our bodies crazy? But on the way home, I did have my beautiful and not so glamorous red cheeks turn Too bad I couldn't have shared it with the rheumy! However, I'm pretty sure it is the MTX..the plaq just did a nice job of hiding it.

Jody...cookies sound really good right about now..yummy!!  Times are difficult for everyone, it is nice to hear you can help out the family :-)

Posted 9/16/2008 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hey all.. just a quick post.. I got a call from the rheumy today.. apparently I have an appt on Thursday at 845.. huh.. who knew? So we'll see what he says.. I'll keep you guys posted..

It's about that time as well.. look for V65
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