HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Good Moanin' HealingWell V66

Support Forums
>
Rheumatoid Arthritis
✚ New Topic locked
1 23 4
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 11/8/2008 4:08 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah, I had an endoscopy when I was 14....no issues, but no biopsy then either...it was just the way he was telling me, you know? Usually they tell you, but assure you it's rare and unlikely, though they just need to let you know there is a slight chance.  His tone made it sound unsure. I googled his name and did not find anything about him. I have an HMO and have to go through this GI group, who are supposed to be all very good. I was just hoping for a more natural approach before the invasive since I'm improving, but he used the medications as an excuse to do the procedure in the first place.

UGH, I"m such a worry wart! tongue

 

Posted 11/9/2008 1:19 AM (GMT 0)

Camama...sometimes doctors just aren't aware of the impact of their words...My son had something similar to that when he was getting diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis and the worst part I remember was that he had to drink  the awful barium drink, but they gave him the sleepy medicine and told him he could watch the screen but he was out like a light.  I think the worst would be getting the drink down.  I think some doctors just have a certain way about them..when I went to the new pcp about my bladder, he told me it could be cancer and that you never know at my age? I"m 37 not 77! Anyway, told me to get to a urologist, but didn't seem to realize that is pretty scary rolleyes I'm glad to hear you are feeling better but let us know how it all goes.

Jody...I thought the weather was getting warmer but it is getting colder! I like Winter but now with the RA have started dreading it as well.  I hope the shot went well and they are just difficult to get used to no matter how many you have.

Posted 11/9/2008 4:25 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks everyone....I'm going to call the doctor's office Monday or Tuesday and postpone the procedure until mid-December, after my daughter's birthday next month. Hopefully, they can fit me in then. I decided to go with my 'gut' (ha ha!) and listen to it this time around to postpone. I have way too much going on right now, I am improving and want to give myself a little more time on my diet (which I've been off of for  a little over a week due to not having a kitchen - doing an upgrade to it yeah ), and want to make sure my body is free and clear of the mess it's been in since early September before I subject it to anestesia, the stress of a procedure, etc. I don't feel it is a life-threatening issue anymore (knock on wood) and am noticing how I feel is often directly related to what I eat (suggesting food allergies or sensitivity with GERD?) But, if he truly thinks that there is need to check for any other issues possibly caused by immuno-suppressants and is going to check for gluten allergy, it's probably worth doing and hope that nothing goes wrong.

When I started Remicade, I was concerned that it was too soon after having the acute EBV and being hospitalized with a toxic liver and enlarged spleen. My rhuemy dismissed that idea so I started it, but yet, I went in to a relapse of it less than a month after starting it....

Posted 11/9/2008 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
Camama...sometimes it's just better to go with what your intuition is telling you..if you don't have a good feeling about it, by all means wait..December is not that far off really..Congrats on the kitchen upgrade that is always nice to get something done around the house..we are hoping to paint the house over Christmas break..Enjoy your new kitchen :-)
Posted 11/10/2008 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone, My arhtritis has been hurting alot in my spine and hips . I cant take antimflammatories since I have stomach ulcers. I take lortab. I hope everyone has a lpd.
Posted 11/11/2008 5:53 AM (GMT 0)

Moanin everyone,

I had another epidural injection in the spine last week and got some bad news as well.  The discs at L4-L5 are getting much worse due to the RA.  My spinal column is flattened there due to the inflammation.  I am having a lot of numbness in my left leg between thigh and knee.  And so it continues.....................

Just catching up on posts and will write back soon

Raven

Posted 11/12/2008 3:27 PM (GMT 0)

Just checking in..Raven I'm so sorry to hear that news sad

Kara that is great that you are able to manage your pain with Lortab.

Not much to report around here, I think the cold weather is here to stay, so that means painful joints..went to the rheumy yesterday and I came to the conclusion that for him pain free means being able to manage myself on an outing for a couple of hours, maybe three without feeling like crap (can I say that on here??) the next day..that's it. I would like to feel completely human but have realized that I will only feel half human turn To get to that point he told me would be a full remission *sigh*.  Anyway, he gave me something else for sleep that is not a benzo so all in all it was a good appointment.

Happy Hump Day Everyone

Posted 11/16/2008 11:14 AM (GMT 0)
Moanin everyone......  rolleyes

 

i know it had been a while since i posted and a lot going on in my life but regardliess thinking og all of you.

 

Jody.....  how re you sweetie?  your nephew?   dont think because i am not posting i am not praying..... been doing that a ton as of late/

 

M23  how is your family?  i didn tead the post but glacednd saw one has joint pain and inflammation?  my girls both have issues sometimes like that/

i worry as all the women in my family seem to have RA but i pray my girls will not endure my life. 

 

camama  and raven you ladies hanging in there. 

 

ducky.... we ahve to t ouch base and catch up on of these days.

 

as for me - life has not been great and two weeks ago almost now my eldest daughter was emergency flown home because her dear friend from high schol was hit by a semi-truck at geneseo college.  no 19 year should have to endure the saddness of watching a friend in the hospital on a ventilator.  Her friend did not make it and lives on in others who were in need of organs- but my daughter who is studying in college about the human brain watched her brain dead friend (since middle school) pass.  a truley sad loss in life of a great young lady.  my family waited over 3 hours in a line that was so long down a road just to attend her wake.  need i say more.

 

of course in the midst of this all while my daughter was home i had an issue with my health and found myself in the emergency room on night just to be sent home with no tests or anything worth my hving gone.  but i am alive and seeing 2 doctors on monday one being my rhuemmy and the other a new gyn = need i say more sbout the incrediable young women lost.

 

work still sucks - can i say that?  but life overall is ok.   still enjoying the dynamics of our exchange student in our home and would recommend it to anyone.   we have had a few bouts of winter here and i think forcasts for today might be lake effect snow but i am not certain?  joints hurting but i finaly got back on meds after a month off with bad respiratory cold. 

 

to some things up on friday at work i ordered chinese and my fortune cookie read.   "Much stress and work in your life but you smile greatly"  and i couldnt have said it better myself.  so no matter how life seems to break us down  my advice is to take with a smile when able and do your best to let your positive energy consume you .... i woud be so deep in do do if i didnt let that energy in my life.  for me it is faith, family, friends like all of you and my love for music that gets me through my daily life.

 

hugs to all who need them and talk to you again when i get a chance but know i think of all of you!

yally smurf

Posted 11/17/2008 4:03 AM (GMT 0)

Well, it's Sunday night all,

Hope you had a good weekend...I've missed not "chatting" with all of you, but life has been interesting here, but no where near what our dear Yally has been going through.  Yally, I put you, and your dear daughter in for prayers at church today....I sure wish Florida and New York weren't so far apart...I would be right there with you if I could, you know I would.  Please, please let me know how the doctor appt goes, ok?  I 'm worried about you!!! Bless you dear, you are such an inspiration..all of this going on...and yet you leave us with words of courage and a "smile".  you are something else.

My nephew is doing great!  Went back to school last week, and is just about finished with the wheelchair.  He goes back to the surgeon tomorrow, and if it's ok with the doc, they are taking a trip back to Maryland to visit friends for the holiday.  Still trying to help with dinners, etc., my brother really struggles with the single parent role.  It's a rough road for anyone, but I think harder for a man.

We're doing ok here..COLD tonight though!  Two days ago we had almost 90 degrees and tonight is supposed to get into the 40's.  Guess I get to wear my sweaters afterall.  So far, no real help with the two shots a week of enbrel.  Have to say I'm a little disappointed, I had high hopes. Been two weeks now, and though it's not horrible, can't say I've seen the improvement I'd hoped for.

Hope you are all ok...Ducky? Been meaning to e-mail you...how are things?  CaMama ...how are thing with you?  Did I read that you are waiting on the scopes?  I"m sorry, I didn't go back and read, I should have  before I posted. Gosh those fires in your state again are scary, are they staying out of your area?  How are you doing, Mom? Your kids?  I think it sounds like we've all had a rough patch lately, keep praying for better days for us all.  Raven....you've been missed!!  I need to e-mail you, too..a dear friend of mine was just diagnosed with breast cancer..I was hoping I could get some advise from you as to what I can do to best help her through this...have shed many tears together so far, but she has a wonderful attitude, she's an amazing lady....I think she is going to end up helping ME!!!!

Well, it's late and I need to turn in...can't believe another weekend has disappeared on us again!  Have a good Monday.

Hugs,  Jody

Posted 11/17/2008 5:23 AM (GMT 0)
Yally...I'm so so sorry to hear about your daughters friend!!!! and your trip to the ER, bless your heart!! Are you okay? I have had many visits to the gyn and several surgeries so I hope that you are going to be alright...yes sometimes life sucks but you just have to keep moving forward.  I'm thinking of you and your daughter.  Hugs to both of you!!

My daughter has been having joint pain and swelling in her knees and with her competive cheerleading for so many years we don't know if it is that or something more, so some of the experienced ladies on the board suggested a sports medicine doc and that is who we are going to make an appointment with.  I guess we will see?

Jody...I'm sorry the Enbrel isn't helping and I have to say it doesn't really take my pain away all that well, not as well as I had hoped considering I'm stabbing and jabbing myself twice a week with a very expensive medication...I thought it would be a miracle drug, but not so much.  However, my rheumy has decided to keep me where I'm at with just the MTX and Enbrel and nothing more but it is a struggle without my plaquenil.  Are you going to go back to your rheumy and try something else..maybe Humira?

I'm happy to hear your nephew is doing well, that is such good news and just in time for the holidays :-)

As for your friend with breast cancer, I'm so sorry to hear this...when my daughters coach was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, she needed much support and families made meals and had them delivered to her after her surgery since she had a mastectomy.  She always had support while getting chemo..I'm not sure how close you are to your friend but establishing a weekly get together that only the two of you do,(when she feels up to it) perhaps if she has a favorite food that you can bring that she can look forward to and do this each week to keep her spirits up? Maybe have a pasta night or something, whatever it is that she prefers. I learned that it is okay to ask what the person needs, so maybe just ask what you can do for her.  Being surrounded by a support system of family and friends is going to be invaluable.  I know where we are, breast cancer patients are provided with home help, someone to drive them to chemo if needed, as well as costmetics etc.  I wish your friend the best, and she is so lucky to you!! 

I hope everyone else had a wonderful weekend...I can't believe it is already over.  The weather has turned cold now but the holidays are right around the corner and that is always a pleasant thought.

Have a great week everybody. 

Posted 11/19/2008 5:50 AM (GMT 0)

Hey,

I had my Rheumy appointment on Thursday, did not get the greatest news.  The inflammation rate from my latest labs is higher than it has ever been.  He stopped the MTX because I still had ++ side effects for over a year.  Now trying Arava 20mg and increased the Plaq to 2x day.

From what I've been reading its kind of been hit and miss with some folks.  If anyone has any advice I'm all ears.

Jody, email or call anytime.  I'll email you my number not a good idea to post it.  Hang in there.  It's terrible for your friend to have to go thru and I've been there.

I've a feeling its going to be a long winter.

TTFN

Raven


Posted 11/19/2008 9:49 AM (GMT 0)

Oh how I've missed you all - and to hear of such sad news from some of you! I'm so sorry to hear. I'm glad there is a least a little good news in there (and G-d bless you Yally for your outlook on life even with all you are going through).

The fires are not so near my home. The winds must be in our favor as our skies haven't appeared to have darkened with them all. My cousin came close to evacuation, but he is thankfully okay.

Yes, I postponed the scope until Dec 16th. I'm slowing getting better - yeah! But, I think I better go through with the scope since the doc scared me with the "underlying conditions" comment. <sigh!>

Take care everyone, stay well, stay healthy, and stay pain free. **

Posted 11/19/2008 2:41 PM (GMT 0)

Raven..sorry to hear you had to discontinue the MTX, but hopefully the Arava will work for you and as for the Plaquenil, it worked so well for me and I can't say enough about it!! I hope it works for you as well.

Camama...Fires?? Okay so I barely have time to read a paper anymore let alone turn on the television for the news, so I haven't kept track of what is going on where..Thank goodness you are alright and that your family member is safe!  I'm glad to hear you postponed your scope for a later date...How are you otherwise?

Not much to report here, I have an appointment with the primary care doctor tomorrow because I have been having some tummy troubles, mainly after I eat, but the belly looks like I'm preggers shocked You would think with the little amount that I eat I would be thin as a rail in the tummy area but nope! the pants are getting tight there, so they squeezed me in for tomorrow.  Next monday I finally have my cystoscopy to see why I can't drink water etc like a normal human without having to look for a restroom every hour rolleyes the last one had to be rescheduled so hopefully I can finally figure out what is going on.  Other than that and joint pain, life is pretty darn good smilewinkgrin

Happy Hump Day everybody wink

Posted 11/19/2008 6:34 PM (GMT 0)

Hi guys,

Yes, it sure is Hump Day!  Only two litle girls today, but they fight like there is five of them here!  Guess is shows me who the instigators are in this bunch..lol.   Hey, I learned a very valuable lesson this week...did you know you can't wash clothes with dogfood???  Seriously!  I have had so much on my mind, so worried about everyone...I went out to the garage to throw in some laundry...guess my mind was wandering, you know how you can go sort of into "auto-pilot" mode, doing everyday things but your mind is in never-neverland?  Well, went to throw a scoop of soap into the washer, but gosh it was loud when it hit the tub!  Yep, tossed in dogfood instead of soap.  Wouldn't even be so embarrassing if the soap and the dogfood weren't on total opposite sides of the garage....yeesh. So hard to get all those little nuggets out from under the agitator, but must have done ok, only found one piece in the dryer. Oh, like they say "of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most".  My hubby got a good laugh out of that one let me tell you. I already have sort of the "airhead" reputation..my family teases me that I should have been born blonde instead of brunette. They will get LOTS of mileage out of this!

 Thank you all so much for the kind words about my friend. You guys are the best.  Great ideas, Mom.  Yes, she does live right near me, she's the friend that I walk with every morning, and over the past year we've gotten to be very close. We've done alot of fun "girl" things lately, and I have such a blast with her, the sort of things I always wished I could do with my sisters.  It's been such a blessing....Don't know what stage her cancer is, or how far it has spread as of yet.  She sees the surgeon Friday, and hopefully then she will have a better idea of what is ahead. Raven, I will get with you, too, thanks, I just knew you'd be able to help me.  Did you my message that my e-mail address has changed?  I updated it in my profile....so if anyone wants to reach me that way, it's there.  Camama, I'm so glad you're feeling better!!  But, also glad that you're going ahead with the scope, can't hurt to keep things checked out, you know?  How are the kids doing?  Can't believe it's almost time for  the holidays!!  Our kids here are out of school all next week, then they are off for two weeks at Christmas. Mom, hope your doc appt goes well too....make sure you let us know how the test goes Monday, too, ok?

What's everybody doing for Thanksgiving?   All four of our boys will be here, looks like they will all have girls with them as well.   Our son in Memphis is bringing the girl from Germany, they will be in town Wednesday night.  I hope she doen't get to over-whelmed with our big group!  There should be almost 25 here for dinner....most all of my family, and a couple of the girlfriends are bringing their parents.  But, I am a bit nervous about meeting this girl. Want to pick her up a sort of "welcome to florida" gift, but haven't figured out just what to do yet.

Better get going...trying to clear some of the clutter out of the house, since today is sort of a light work day.  But, with the stacks of junk around here, I think I need more like a week!  Hugs to you all...and hellos to all of you who have been AWOL...please know we miss you here!

Love,

Jody

Posted 11/19/2008 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
Jody...Wow you will have a housefull! But I don't think you have anything to worry about with the girls your sons bring home, they will love you I just know it.  You remind me so much of my mom in law, she is the most loving and giving person, always thinking of others :-) I will keep you updated and I think much of my issues are from discontinuing the plaquenil but there just isn't anything I can do about that..Anway, we are going to the in-laws for Thanksgiving and that is always enjoyable, so I think it will be a nice holiday.  I can't believe the holidays are upon us already either! Of course the kiddos are doing the count down to Christmas break :-)
Posted 11/21/2008 1:57 AM (GMT 0)

Momto3,

 

Are you still takinging the Arava?   Everything is going ok right now.  I started with a bad cold two days after I started it and I feel more tired than usual.  Is this common in the beginning?

 

I am having stomach issues as well.  A lot of nausea, stomach pin and constipation.  Hoping to see my internist soon.  I am sure it is med related.

 

I also see Dr. Verma my oncologist on the 26th.  He is really concerned about a lot of these meds due to the increase in Cancer risk.  Being that my risk for breast CA sits at about 80% for a recurrence, I'm not sure what he is going to say.

 

My Rheumy kind of makes me nervous.  He is sure that I have RA and Fibro but I get the impression every time i go that there is something else that he is not telling me!  I hope I'm wrong but I have my doubts!

 

Take Care

 

Raven

Posted 11/21/2008 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Raven,

Actually, I decided not to take the Arava since I'm already taking the MTX and I'm starting to have some GI issues that could possibly be related to the MTX and also the Arava stays in the body so long!! I just decided that two meds in the same group that can harm the liver etc would be too much on my body.  Some of the issues you mentioned are why I was at the doctor yesterday, and he said it could be my liver so I had a bunch of test done.  Hopefully not, I'm running out  of meds at this point rolleyes   I too feel tired on the MTX but I think that happens sometimes?

Keep us updated about your appointment with your oncologist and let us know what he has to say, I know there is some risk for us who take these meds but if you have had cancer in the past the risk in increased.  I can understand the concern.  I pray you will get some encouraging news from your doctor.

 

Posted 11/21/2008 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,I hope you have a lpd and weekend. Momto3 how is the new sleep med working for you? I hope it is working well for you.
Posted 11/21/2008 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kara,

The Trazadone actually works pretty well, maybe not as well as the Lunesta (as fast) but it is easier to sleep off!  Thank you for asking :-) How are you doing?

Well it is Friday, enough said (sigh of relief here) and the doctors office has not called and I was told that the x ray was sent to their office electronically almost immedialty yesterday, so I think everything turned out fine.  I really think it is one of those cases of stress since my blood pressure was 141/90.

I hope everybody has a great weekend and Yally, Boo, Bear, Jody, thinking of everyone.

Posted 11/21/2008 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
Momto3,glad the trazodone helps you it didnt me. Im doing better today as I got a good night sleep last night. I hope you have a lpd and weekend.
Posted 11/21/2008 7:13 PM (GMT 0)

Hi guys,

Yeah!!  It is Friday.. yeah this would be me doing a happy dance!  Been a long week, that's for sure. Mom, sure hope the x-rays are fine, and you;re right, I think with the docs, no news is usally good news.  Also glad you are able to sleep better!  That's wonderful...I can't seem to sleep any longer than 6 hours at a stretch...drives me crazy...but can't seem to help it, I just wake up, and can't get back to sleep.  But...am 51 now (yuck!), so I'm sure it's that pre-menopause fun.  Thank your for the sweet words, but I don't know if my family would agree with you..lol!  I think I drive them all crazy...

Raven, I'm so sorry things are going poorly for you, too!  Gosh aren't we all due for a break???  I know you were having stomach issues before, have they gotte worse on the new med?  I was thinking about asking my rhuemy about that one....haven't been on mtx since last December. 

Already a long day today..had to get up about 4:45am to take my brother and his kids to the airport (yawn).  Something wrong here..he gets to go away on vacation...and I'm up before dawn and working all day..not fair!!! Just kidding, I'm really glad they have the chance to get away, relax, and see some old friends.  Heavens knows he needs it...the last few years have been really, really rough ones for him.

ok, think I need to give up the laundry duty...the other day it was dog food, now I just let a whole load go through, soap and all...with no clothes in the washer..gosh...I'm really losing it.   Was waiting for the washer to fill up and the soap dissolve a bit before I added some new sweats to the water...yeah...never got around to adding the clothes. I think I need some sleep! 

Better go..have to try and keep my mind on what I'm supposed to be doing! ( as soon as i remember what that is).

everyone have a good weekend...lots of hugs all around,

Jody

Posted 11/21/2008 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
Gosh Jody, I think I will join you in the happy dance...scoot over yeah Do you think the six hours of sleep is taking its toll on you? the reason why I ask this, is my husband and I signed up for another round of that weight training class right? Well...we have been so tired, averaging probably 5-6 hours of sleep per night and we are supposed to be at the class at 6am but have missed the last 3 due to sleeping through the alarm and thats not an easy task since it is such an obnoxous beeping shocked but we have managed to do it!  My 14 year old kiddo goes with us to these classes and got up on Thursday only to realize he wasn't going yet again eyes

I do similar things to your laundry fiasco all of the time! I think we get stressed and tired and it is so easy to make those mistakes! At the very least Thanksgiving is coming up and that is a short rest period????

 

Posted 11/21/2008 8:05 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Mom,

Kids are sleeping a bit longer today..Yes!!  So, I could get back on the computer a minute before they all start howling....yes, I'm sure the sleep thing does take it's toll, but I've been doing this for so long, can't remember when it started.  By Friday, most weeks, I feel like a bit of a zombie.  I used to go to weight classes at 6am...but we changed gyms, so now I walk with my friend ( the one with breast cancer), each morning. Then, at the end of the day, I try and meet some friends at a nearby rec center gym, where we train for about an hour.  Try to do that at least three nights a week, more if I can.  Gosh, don't you HATE the alarm clocks???   My husband has one that sounds like a truck backing up...and I NEVER even hear his...but I wake up to my own right away.  Weird...his alarm used to be mine, and I always got up with it, but now that he has it, just on the other side of the bed mind you, I never even hear the thing.

That is so great that your son wants to go with you to the gym!  My son and his girlfriend wanted to go with me a while a back...I think they made it maybe...twice!  I really do enjoy it though...hasn't made a huge difference in my weight ( I think I make up for it in the chocolate I eat lol).  But, my boys love to tease me about my "guns" and they get a kick out of saying "my mom can beat up your mom", etc.

How is school going for you, by the way?  How much more do you have to go?  Thanksgiving will be a bit of a break for me, I guess, at least I won't hve to get up so early!  But it will be busy with all the boys home...but that is the BEST kind of busy! I'm taking off Wednesday, not back to work until the Monday after, the boys will be here until Sunday.  Hoping we can take in some movies and dinners together, and of course we like to do the day-after Thanksgiving sales!  It will be fun.

Well....first little one just came to find me..so gotta go...once again...Have a good weekend!

Posted 11/22/2008 4:08 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Jody,

Oh my yes, I hate those alarm clocks and I think I even say that in the mornings after the third beep? I find it amazing that my 11 year old manages to wake up on her own to her beeping alarm clock and every morning greets us with a cheerful good morning tongue My son has been going with us to the last three sessions and he is really into the whole weight lifting thing..wants to get lots of muscles..!

School is going well and I'm wrapping up another semester with finals in another couple of weeks! I'm planning on being finished by next December so not that far away!!

It sounds so nice for you to have your boys home for the holiday..wow they are all grown, and I can't even imagine my kiddos grown up but it isn't that far off in the future since my oldest two are soon to be 15 and 16 1/2.  Time just flies!  I had to laugh at your "guns" and I'm assuming you are talking about what we refer to here as the "girls"..my daughter and I just had a conversation tonight about my girls shocked That is one thing I have never lacked rolleyes But I think they are going south tongue

Have a restful weekend!

Posted 11/22/2008 8:06 AM (GMT 0)

Hey all -

Jody, I can't sleep more than 6 or 7 hours straight either - what gives??? I'm only 38, so I hope it's not pre-menopause! I'm too tired to get out of bed for another 2 hours though, yet I can't fall asleep!

Raven, try eating with the Arava. Drink lots of water and don't forget the B complex vitamin. Every time I stopped and restarted Arava, I'd have some serious gastro-intestinal issues for a week or two.

I wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving, I'll be offline for about a week. Back in time for a late T-day dinner, Black Friday shopping, then cleaning the house. Woo Hooo...fun fun fun.

Stay safe everyone.

***

✚ New Topic locked
1234