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Posted 5/1/2008 11:42 AM (GMT 0)

Good Moanin' Everybody!  I just returned from the cleaners (yes, it's still dark outside).  It seems the employees left the boiler room door open to the outside and the business owner next door noticed and called us.  Police met me there.  Not going in there by myself with a door left unlocked.  Everything ok.

So good to hear from you, Erin Girl!   Hot gallbladder, huh.  That's one of the things they've been checking Tommy for, along with a million other things.  Hang in there.  At least that one is fixable.

Let's see...can't remember what I just read.....Raven, the hubby had a perforated bowel.  Nasty, awful, terrible thing to happen to anyone.  He has a colonostomy now.  May be reversed at a later date.  Probably about the time we become comfortable with it and know to properly use it without contaminating the whole world. 

Who is having spinal injections?  Mom to 3?  I took those for nearly two years.  Helped me tremendously.  Seems to have toughened up the spine, at least for me.  You go, Girl!

Ok, gotta get a little nap in here.  We have a doc's appointment this afternoon to take out the staples.  This is going to wear me out but good.  Later, Boo

 

Posted 5/1/2008 12:05 PM (GMT 0)
boo- great reading posts from you again. keeping you and tommy in my prayers. i so wish i were there to help. but i am but a tired phone call away if you need to vent!

sj glad the meds might be kicking in.... my definetly are and i am doing better. fingers and arms shoulder much improvement, neck still a pistol but i am use to that. noticed after a 2 hour drive my hips didnt hurt yesterday so that is new too! but i dont want to jinx myself so i will stop! lol

m23 it is hubbys car lol so no not fixed yet..... i did call for him and we have the apt tomorrow. he looked and said he saw a frayed belt so hopeully it is not going to cost a mint. not taking it to the dealer as we have this issue with dealer honesty in these parts.

cold again here but should warm up soon. getting use to an enitre family again as i gained 2 kids when my daughter came home cuz i gained a son with her boyfriend. she is a great kid though so no complaints on this end......yet! lol

erin greta reading the post..... hummmmm gallbladder..... is that contagious? lol all i can say is laproscopic is a piece of cake?! so they tell me? no it wasnt that bad. where do they go?? i think they sell them back to our families in the deli at the hospital???? lol ok that was gross but funny? sweet revenge if we wanted to get our families? lol maybe lobby gumball machines? lol ok well good luck with the ultra sound and get them out if they are there you dont want those buggers gettin loose!

bear you out there? working hard???

duck what is going on with the work situation??? any further news ... dates..... can we have a party if it is a must to retire???? ya know i love a good party! we could make a huge pot of frog more stew! and beer margaritas!

joan you still tenzing and feelin better

well gotta go to work hugs to all yally
Posted 5/1/2008 3:00 PM (GMT 0)
Boo...Your poor husband..I don't know anything about those but hopefully it wasn't anything too painful and it sounds like things are at least on the mend? Please try to take care of YOU! The last thing you need is a flare. Both of you are in my thoughts.

Yally...Well hopefully the car will be repaired before summer but if your husband is anything like mine he can drive with the windows down in 100 degree heat and not care..and would before he would take his car to a dealership for fixing! Speaking of weather it is cold and crummy here again, with snow on the way at least for a day or two, and I have realized that the arthritis doesn't do well with the  constant changes of 70 one day 35 the next. Makes for painful hips and knees!

Erin, I agree with Yally, I hope the gallbladder is nothing, those episodes are really painful!

Jody..I hope you post soon and you are not in so much pain, when you don't post, we get concerned!

Posted 5/1/2008 6:16 PM (GMT 0)

Good afternnon,

Guess I need to go away more often...so many come back!!  Gosh it is SO good to see the posts from all of you...been worried, missing you, praying for you, all at once!  Still feeling kind of crummy, but a little better, thanks for all your sweet thoughts and concern.  The 101 joys of RA, I guess.  Tomorrow is time for another shot of enbrel, I hope it works much better than last week. Monday I have to go for more bloodwork, something is amiss in my liver enzymes, hopefully just a temporary fluke.  Then, joy of all joys, an appt for pre-op for a colonoscopy on the 27th....NOT looking forward to that at all!!  Nothing wrong there that I know of, just the normal screening since I hit the wonderful 5-0 mark.

Sure do wish there was a way I could come and help you, dear Boo...hate to think of you going through all this.Trying to figure out a way to get you dinner lol!!.Erin is so right...time for all those who love to to come to the rescue...you've been so strong for them in the past...PLEASE don't try and do this alone...you know my heart is with you...same with you Erin...How is did the ultrasound go?  Had to have that nasty thing out a few years back...like Yally, had the laproscopic kind, no biggie.  My hubby called it "drive-through" surgery...in at 7am, home by noon.  Seriously, that was all there was to it.  Hey Joan, how's the knee?  Hope you're doing ok...Raven.missed you too!!  I sure hope it is easier to get the disability in Canada than it is here..some people have to fight so hard for so long to get it (ask our own dear Erin!).  I'm so glad that the injections have helped you some..  Sj, sounds like you're having some of my kind of luck with the a/c heater stuff lol.  Pretty funny, but don't you know that's the way it always goes?  Mom, have you done the two injections yet?  Pleaswe let me know if that helps, ok?  I sure hope it works for you!  If I get to stay on the enbrel, I'll have to talk to my doc about it if it works for you. Snow??? Really???  That is just plain crazy!  We are enjoying a bit of a break from the heat, too, but nothing too cold. We will take it as long as possible though, because the blast furnace will start soon enough..then it lasts until October.  Imarzz...you ok?  How's the remicade working for you?  Kids doing ok?

Kids are a 'calllin once again...so hugs to all I missed...Yally...got an e-mail heading your way...bet your kids are enjoying you as much as you are them!!  Ducky...love ya , girl....we're all here for you!  Don't any of you want to take a trip to Disney World...or the Florida beaches?????  

Jody

Posted 5/2/2008 3:50 AM (GMT 0)

Moanin everyone,

Jody, the pension plan in Canada is not much easier but if you fight long enough, most usually win.  I am currently on long term disability through my employer and it is my abilities case manager who is making me apply.  Of course they get some of their money back if I'm accepted with CPP (Canada Pension).  My PCP has dealt with them for a while and he doesn't seem to think I will have a problem but who knows.  Sometime, I think the best thing for me would be to return to work, but the logistics of it is if I do, and my condition worsens and I need to go off again, I'm afraid of the fight I may have to get the same benefits.

Boo, so sorry to hear about your husband.  Perforated bowel is definitely a scary situation.  Do they know what caused it?  I've heard of it happening during Colonoscopy testing.  I hope everything is ok.  Have they checked for the big "C" word.  Hate to put it out there but its better to get it checked out.  How is the Colostomy working out.  Working in the Homehealth Care field for so many years i know the problems you can have with those darn things.  The pouches don't always fit properly and it can take a while to get things sorted out.  I worked closely with our companys' enterostomal therapist so if I can help with questions, feel free to ask.  It's me getting the spinal injections and so far so good.  Did you find you had more energy after as well?  I seem to and not sure why.  I'm also a basket case these days, very weepy and not too sure why either.  I've also gained weight since on it, not sure if its meds or I'm eating too much!!!!

Erin, so good to know you're ok..........I had a hot gallbladder too, so hot they removed it  now the only place I feel hot is my joints  ha ha!!!

Yally, the weather here is cold too, we had snow yesterday, think i already mentioned that...........

SJ, glad the MTX is working, that is still up in the air for me.

Joan  how are you doing????

Mom, the pain meds you're taking, is it a narcotic and how well does it work.  My MD is looking into breakthrough meds for me but we are having problems finding something that will work.  I need that level where I can take the edge off the pain and still function. 

Bear, where are you???   i miss you and our chats.  Sent some pics a while back.  Did you get them.

Imarzz, how are you.  I've read a lot of your posts on the CP forum.  Hope all is well.

Take care

Raven cool

Posted 5/2/2008 8:45 AM (GMT 0)
moanin' all @ 4:30am.  had to make an ER trip tonite...so i've a touch of insomnia now.  which is OK because i have t be back @ the hospital in 3 hours.

 

having a HipaScan this morning?  think it's a CT of the bile ducts w/ nuclear medicine. (the ultrasound he scheduled for wednesday)

 

mmm yeah me had to go on and get some IV pain meds. i was miserable.

better now.

 

after the scan today i've got my appt with my pain management doc...busy busy bee i am today.

 

tah hah...ewwwwwwww, gallbladder stew!!!!!!!!!!  i agree the lap surgery is a walk in the park. in 2000 i had an emergency abdominal surgery & they performed it via laparascope.  i can only make out one little scar from it. (i had the appendix out, piece of bowel & a chunk of ovary removed along with a belly full of blood...it was pretty awful).

 

my cat Pea has been by my side all week, she's a good girl.

 

Derby weekend tomorrow!!!!!!!

alright...feeling like i'm gonna toss.

ciao

Posted 5/2/2008 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

Just a quick note..

Raven..I have Darvocets at home and they are whoppers but I wouldn't take them and drive so I have to say no they are not what you would consider able to take and function? The only one I have ever heard of mentioned is the Tramadol but never had it myself..my husband told me there is one out or they are working on it (will ask him again for you) and it is supposed to work like a narcotic but be non-addictive, I wish I could remember the name...I thought that would be great for us RA's wouldn't it? The trouble with the  pain pills they only work so long and then you have to keep taking them and I have found they really don't work for the RA pain.  Does your oxycontin work for you? thats pretty strong stuff, I can see why you would want to find something different, when I took the pain pill, I put an entire bag of sugar into a pitcher of drink mix, it was kind of nutty so I totally understand wanting to find something you can function on! I was only prescribed it one time, and doubt I will get it again, since doctors get so funky about giving out pain meds,  and I doubt mine would work for you if you are taking that high of a dose and its not working for you, mine are pretty puney in comparison. I will ask my husband the name of the other med though..I'm so sorry you are in so much pain sad

Erin you are in my thoughts and prayers too..

Jody? how are you feeling,did you take your Enbrel yet?

Will check in later..

Posted 5/2/2008 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
Back again...

I'm out of Plaquenil and I thought it would be fine not to refill it (it's been 3 to 4 days) since my rheumy had originally wanted me to discontinue it after starting the Enbrel..now after about day 4 (gosh my memory is poor sad ) I am really getting stiff, and the joints are starting to get very painful..it doesn't look like I can get along without it, even with the Enbrel and MTX.

Enbrel users??? are you also on plaquenil? and if you were and gave it up, how did you do it? I'm going to have to get my last refill tomorrow, otherwise I won't be able to move.

I feel really frustrated sad and trapped by plaquenil and all of these meds!!! I was so hoping to get away from at least one..but no. I will have to tell the rheumy that I need the plaquenil...and that I'm puney and tired without it.  I really HATE RA!!!! 

My husband has laryingitis and bless his heart is having quite a time with his voice and a sore throat and he is really getting upset with it because it has lasted so long, he hasn't coped well with it at all..what would he do if he were me? or one of us with chronic RA pain? I tell him I understand his frustration, because I know what its like to have something that you just can't get away from.. maybe he can understand mine a bit better now..at least his will go away.

Thank  you for letting me vent..

I hope everyone has a nice weekend! Thinking of all of you..

Posted 5/2/2008 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, Raven. Everything you described is from the injections, steroids make me a little jittery (maybe the energy you're speaking of), the crying and I eat everything that doesn't run away from me. It only affected me for a few days after and it was a small price to pay for the relief I got. Hang in there. And thanks for the offer on advice on this colostomy stuff. I believe the perforation was caused from the colonoscopy. But what are ya gonna do? He has a history of polyps and has to have these done every few years. We need to look for a digestive specialist before having the general surgeon do the reversal.
Got my doggies picked up today. My daughter took them to be boarded right after the first emergency surgery. They've been gone two weeks. Everybody's home now so we have some normalcy.
I'll be back here tomorrow AM with my coffee! Boo
Posted 5/3/2008 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
Boo, I am glad you got your doggies back. I know I miss mine when I have to drop him off at the kennel.
Momto3-I love my plaq too, I find that it is the best way to combat the daytime fatique and general malaise. Although apparentely it is not enough by itself to do away with the inflamation. I know how you feel about being trapped by the meds though I remember a time when I did not swallow 3 pills a year and now I have to take 11 a day plus the mtx on fridays-its obnoxious.
Erin, I hope you feel better soon.
The other day when all of my family from out of state (mom, both sisters, niece, nephews) were here I decided to show off a recently aquired skill so,
"Come see what I can do." I called until they were all gathered at the bottom of the stairs then I proceded to show them that I can now walk down the steps like a grown up. (for seven years my knees have been too swollen most of the time to do the alternating steps thing so it was toddler style for me most of the time). Isn't it amazing what we can concider an accomplishment.
Sj
Posted 5/3/2008 5:06 AM (GMT 0)
thank you thank you thank you [that's enough ed.] nice to know I have been missed and yes I have been working hard running around the country - this week it's been Manchester - grotty little place that it is. Boo without looking too far ahead it looks like hubs is going to be okay and I'm thankful for that - I hope he makes friends with his stomer bag [colostomy] as that is the most important thing he can do at this stage. My father in law never came to terms with his and he never appeared a happy man except when holding the bear cub when he really was a cub. I wish him well.

Erin, good to hear from you - are going through the medical text books with your complaints? I can just imagine you wakng up and sort of thinking "what haven't I had this week? Yup gallstones! Guinness book of Records here I come ready or not." No I know is not funny but a little bit of levity goes well with the saltines. How's the neuro? 

Raven you rock chick - yes I did get the photos - you certainly get a lot of snow - how many different words for the stuff have the Innuit got for it? - 29? Has it all gone yet? 

 

Yally how's things in upstate downtown across the street Buffalo? And how is your daughts getttting on at college? She dropped out yet ior is that a thing from the past?

And everybody else especially the ducks - my warmest thoughts go out to you all. Ducky, as I found out when I was made redundant in 2000 - oone door closed and another one opened and it will for you if you let it. I know your situation is different but I have to say that if this country is anything to go by the military the world over is the same - when it comes to the crunch you are only useful to them yesterday. There is outrage that criminals get more compensat ion for injuries sustained whilst in custody than soldiers do on active service and afterwards they are left to fend for themselves. I apologise if I appear too cynical as it has been your whhole life but when push comes to shove it is things like this that really opens ones eyes. It's like the old recruiting adverts you used to see in this country for the army - all sunshine computers and skis and the next thing you know the skinny post adolescent teenager is walking down the Falls Road Belfast with a SLR rifle in his hand - the best laxative known to man!

Oh sergeant is this the adventure you meant, when I put my name doon on the line?

All this talk of computers and sunshhine and skis, well I'm asking you sergeant, where's mine?

Billy Connolly

Life goes on here in sleppy downtown Apsley where the Bear and his family are heading for financial ruin unless we can sell the other house by the end of August when my giant bridging loan comes out of its discount period. Your financial crisis has really put the crape up the banks in this country and they have gone from from giving money away to homebuyers - the gauge of a successful economy - to saying "it's my money and you can't have any! So there!"

It is a quietly worrying time for the bear's family but it's only money as they say.

I went to see the occupational health people/doctor last Friday about my fitness/suitability for retirement at Christmas and she has already sent the report to my employer saying I am 'fit' for retirement on ill heath grounds any time from now and it is up to me when I call time. It all depends on the house situation - if we sell the house sooner rather than later I will go at christmas and the pension rules say that I am allowed to work part time and still receive my pension so Asda [walmart] will have the highly qualified bear stacking shelves - no responsibility do a shift go home and make some wine. I will help them fill their 'disabled quota' that by law says firms over a certain size must have 3% of the workforce from the ranks of the disabled which I shall be classed as once I retire. I've always wanted a label - looks like I'm finally gonna get me some! crape I aven't half rambled on - my apoloies for boring the arse off you but if I can't sleep I thought I may as well send some of you off!

camama, momto, babyplace, raven, yally, ducky, erin [still listening to all those radio stations] el camino [where are you?] and of course the esteemed yalinda [yally when you get know her bbetter but we won't go into that here] absinthe makes the heart grow farter or something like that. Love you all until the next time - next week it's York, then Bournemouth, Liverpool etc etc

the big bad bear

Posted 5/3/2008 5:17 AM (GMT 0)
moanin everyone- gotta backtrack and really read posts just took a quick glance....... seems i am not here as much and i dont know wh? or where else i am ? lol seems like time is getting away from me.
i havent even cooked dinner in 2 days? no one around to eat it!

i really dont know where time is going?

boo you hanging in there ....keep thinking about you and tommy- and for some reason very often when i do my laundry which is pretty much a load a day. funny how i thnk of you then????? i was thinking the other day if maybe someone broke in when it was open to pick up some clothes ........ funny how i thought about that for a while..... crazy yallys head.....

raven- boo mentioned steriod munchies...... been there done that!
funny everyone thinks i have lost weight as of recent but all i did was loose my fat steriod face and now i just have my normal fat face! lol actually my appitite is way down havent eaten in two days anything real?

ok gummy worms dont count and dont ask...... i like them.... embarresed to admit but i do like my gummies. i dont eat gummy bears in honor of our members......

speaking of which not only is bear missing but has teddybearwiser been around??????hmmmmmm

duck how are you doing with life issues these days? i tell you we need a reason for a party and you are it! everyone to ducks place! PARTY!

sj how are you doing? maybe i need that plaquenil if it is for fatigue????? been awful tired these days.......

jody how is the room color peanut butter doing????? do you still like it????? i cant wait to see it when i come to florida ........ in like what maybe 10 years! lol

m23 how are you doing?????? i am certai keeping busy.......i never took plaquinil ..... so you are stopping it? i know jody takes it.... and many others frankly i dont like meds but i think i need a boost of energy something.

camama how you doing? kidos and work going ok? i think i read a bit back that your contract was still on? not like my brain is on right now but me thinks you are??? lol

erin !!!!!! your out there agian....... hey chickie! i had that nueclear test of the bile a ways back and i had to bring a mc donalds egg mc muffin with me for the test. they injected me with neuclear garbage then scanned me then had me eat a egg mc muffin cause it is so high in fat! honestly did you eat anything????? just wondering?

joan a shout out your way too......passed right through your town lst week and didnt even stop to say hello! we should plan a meet next time i drive through albany area...... i have relatives in stone ridge south of albany- you know the area? do yu have any cats?????? i picture you with like 10 cats.... dont ask why i just do??????? you have a cats sence of humor i guess.

i like erin love cats and as soon as hubby croaks i am getin a cat! hahahaha not a man but a cat! he is allergic so i no longer can have my feline friends so i think i picture myself to look and act like Maxine and have 10 cats! not that i think you look and act like maxine..... but i kinda like that association so i am going for it!!!!! joan is now max!

well the drugs have obviously taken over my thoughts and abilities to think with reason ....... not that i ever try to do that any way. just my normal useless rambling.... sj says it so much nicer...... but you know me i love to talk your ears off .... or eyes lol well take care my dear friends if i missed one of y9u know i still send a hug.....

hugs yally
Posted 5/3/2008 12:25 PM (GMT 0)

OK, just as I promised....here with my coff of cuppie.  I mean cup of coffee.  Saturday morning and a half way normal one at that.  Slept a little last night (hubby has to have one hand on me at all times as to prove he's alive or something).  Had to call the Home Health office last night as his temp was 100.  Scared me to death!  Incision site still draining and dressings are changed twice a day.  They had him on 2 IV antibiotics in the hospital for a week and a half.  Temp is below normal this morning.  I suppose I'll have to monitor the fluctuations.  He's ok and even had coffee waiting for me when I woke. 

He's calling.  Later.........Boo

Posted 5/5/2008 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi folks. Didn't get the email from HW on the trhead again...so, forgive me for not beign too up-to-date.


Boo, hang in there, glad hubby is home, but stick to your guns about needing rest. I know when I was brushed with loosing my life a few years ago, I was afraid to sleep for months while I was still sick. I t was awful.

Erin, good to see you again. Take care of yourself.

Yalinda, yes, my contract was extended. Looks like I"ll be working for most, if not the rest, of the year. <sigh> A blessing, I'm sure, but I'm not ready to work continuously full-time - I've had some really sketchy moments with my health and bloodwork is starting to reflect that. But job is good, hubby insistant, and if it's "you gotta work" then I'd rather be at this opportunity than another.  My brain has been really doing screwy, messed up things for me lately, I think my elevated liver enzymes are starting to take over.....not good.

Hello to everyone I haven't mentioned, sorry for not writing all your names, I do have to go round the kids up for bedtime here....

***

Posted 5/5/2008 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
Bear...it is so good to see a post from you...I hope you sell your house very soon, that can be really stressful,trying to make payments on two!!

Camama...are you going to continue the meds that are elevating your liver enzymes? what is your doctor going to do about that? that doesn't sound good? It was nice to see you post.

Yally...I'm still taking the plaquenil and this is my last presription for it and then after that I don't know since my doctor wanted me to try the Enbrel and MTX combo and try to do it without the Plaq :(  I'm really dependent on it..I don't like the meds either but seem to be caught on this never ending roller coaster of them..its crazy.

Jody, are you feeling any better?

So my husband is wanting to sign us up for a weight training class at the local community college and I hope my joints will cooperate the three times a week (at 6am) to do the work outs. Does anyone else go to the gym? work out?  anything??? My arms will be okay, it is my hips and knees that I am really worried about, especially if I have to stop the plaquenill, I worry that I will be hobbling to the gym..If you have went to the gym, and your joints hurt afterwards did it get better or did it get to the point you couldn't move? I know that when you first start working out you have sorenes.  I wonder if it will be worse because of the RA..does anyone know?

 

Posted 5/5/2008 7:17 PM (GMT 0)

I used to go to the gym and i'm planning on starting to work out as soon as I can (and I mean it this time!) make sure you stretch good before and after and drink lots of water, both will help.

As for the elevated enzymes....I'm cutting back on the Arava for various reason, that may be the culprit to some extent as I just upped the amt in feb and the enzymes have elevated since then, I doubt it is the Plaquenil as I haven't had problems with that when I was on it solo for 2 years. Other factors that are probably contributing is the weight I've put on since starting to work (and more since the fall) - I'm literally twice the size I should be sad  - sadly, that is not an exaggeration.  So i'm hoping diet and exercise will help that as well - I just have to DO it. Also, since I fell and sprained my ankle and my hurt my knee (the ankle is almost all better, but the knee is causing grief still) I've been shoveling in large doses of Motrin since the day after Easter. i've cut back on that as well in the last 2 weeks.

stay well everyone.***

Posted 5/5/2008 8:23 PM (GMT 0)

Camama...It sounds like it is going to take your knee awhile to heal, did you go for physical therapy afterwards? I know when I tore the ligaments in my foot is was a good year before I could move it without pain.

Isn't the Arava like MTX? I know the MTX can cause the liver to do strange things sometimes but so far my liver seems to be okay..I didn't know the plaq bothers the liver, and I hope it never does..I really like the plaq!!!

I'm sorry to hear that about the weight..usually these meds make you lose weight,especially the plaquenil, or the combo of them all..its hard to lose weight! My husband has struggled some with his going up and down. I would love to go to the gym but I'm fearful of ending up stiff and in pain afterwards like I did when trying to use the treadmill, but I'm willing to give it a try. I'm not overweight, but I have some arm flab that my 14 year old son so graciously pointed out to me eyes you know the wave wiggle sad I thought it wasn't too noticeable but I guess it is! If you start excercising let me know, maybe we can keep each other motivated!It's hard when you have to work, shuffle kids and keep house..

Posted 5/5/2008 9:54 PM (GMT 0)

Hi guys,

Boy, I don't know what is up with me and the weekends lately...another wicked one here.  Guess whatever bug my kiddos were sharing finally moved form my feet to my stomach.  I know it had to have started in my feet 'cuz I swear my toes showed up the commode while I was losing in Saturday am....yuck...haven't been sick like that it years!! Pretty much lived on rice and warm coke for the weekend..yummy.  But, at least it's over now.  I USED to really look froward to the weekends lol! Not anymore.. So Yally, no peanut butter family room yet. Maybe this Saturday????  Fingers-crossed.

SO good to read everyone's posts...hugs to you all!!!! Bear....Boo..have missed you both! Erin...how did the tests go?  Maybe I was having sympathy barfing for you??

CaMama..how long have your liver enzymes been up? After my last appt they called and said my were "mildly elevated"..and I had to go today and get the test redone.  I asked for copies of my last tests, and the numbers were pretty scary to me.  Before I started the enbrel, my levels had always been fine, even on the mtx....this has me a bit concerned.

Hey mom, trying to do the gym thing myself..I started back a few weeks ago, so far just two mornings a week...but I do the 6am shift, too.  I HATE getting up, but if I don't go then, I'll never get it in.  For now, I walk about 45min with a friend 3 days a week, and go to the gym and work out with a friend 2 mornings.  Hoping to go up to 3 shortly.  I can't say it's hurt my joints any, but my firend is a trainer, and he's real careful to make sure I go easy, and we stay away from any areas that are inflamed and giving me trouble.For example, since my feet have been so bad, we've stayed away from any lunges, or calf raises, stuff like that.   CaMama is so right..warming up and stretching first is really important... and Ducky has said before that working out helps strenghten the muscles around the joints so that in the long run it helps. My muscles may get sore, but it's different from the joint pain.

So, went to the gastro guy today to schedule a colonoscopy, but I confess, after reading what Boo and Raven had to say...not sure I want to go through with this afterall...yikes!! This is scary ...  Not that it would take much to get me to cancel this...lol! Lots of things I would much rather do with my time.

Well gotta run to the store for hubby, so goodnight all for now....hope you are all well,  hugs to you all....

Jody

Posted 5/6/2008 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
Jody,

It is good to hear from you and it sounds like you had an awful bug! about 3 years ago, I decided to go back to teaching (preschool) and ended up with a horrid stomach bug/virus and after that joint pain that never went away,sometimes we can get really nasty bugs. I hope you start feeling better but on the immune suppressant drugs sometimes it takes us longer to get back on our feet. That does sound scary about the colonoscopy!! It is supposed to be routine right? After it has been explained here it doesn't seem like it!! When do you go? I will be thinking about you *hugs*!

I'm going to start the gym and I think it will help improve my mood, it seems that this whole RA, can be really depressing and can sometimes make me feel really limited on what I can and can't do, so hopefully it will work out and I'm sure the trainer will be more than understanding on my limitations. Getting up will be the difficult part, that and staying up and going all day, it seems I'm always tired, but they say going to the gym gives you more energy...I'm hoping!!
Posted 5/6/2008 6:00 AM (GMT 0)

Mom, A good trainer SHOULD be able to help you work out with your limitations. So, here's hoping you get an AWESOME one!

I think once you get moving and started, you'll have a positive domino effect and that will help keep you motivated. Something I need - lots of motivation to stay focused while I can't exercise and getting me to MAKE time to exercise when I'm able.

Jody- 'sympathy barfing' tongue loved it! I hope you feel better soon. We're starting to fight something here and I'm not happy about it! Supposed to have a houseful of people next weekend, quite a few out of towners as well. NO SICKIES ALLOWED HERE PLEASE!

Enzymes have been slowly creeping up on me - I can feel the problem before the bloodwork shows one. However, I took the test 2 weeks in a row - the first showed both tests/enzymes with elevation, the 2nd test showed only one. Slightly elevated makes me a basket case....it does not take much unfortunately. sad

Posted 5/6/2008 2:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everybody,

My first post went poof and I was asking Camama about her enzymes...

So anyway..Camama...can you cut your dose of Arava in half? I'm not sure if it is the same as Enbrel where you can use it in half doses of 25mg/50mg..do you use pills or shots? Keep us posted..liver enzymes sound scary! So far my tests have always come back fine and its surprising with all these crazy meds, MTX, Enbrel and Plaquenil..its amazing the liver can handle so much really.  I hope you are feeling better by the time your company arrives,  you made me smile with the no sickies allowed!

Boo, how is your hubby? how are you? I know you are super busy, but wanted to see how you are doing? Do have any help?

Erin? Did you find out about your gallbladder? Since we haven't heard anything, I'm wondering if you are okay?

It is finally Enbrel day...Thank Goodness!! It really does work, and by the time the day of injection rolls around, I hurt all over. I'm supposed to take it tonight at bedtiem but I'm taking it this morning.

Yally, Bear, Sj, and everyone else, I hope your week is going well :)

 

Posted 5/6/2008 5:59 PM (GMT 0)

Hi again,

Yeah!! Just got a call from the doc's office..the liver tests came back normal this time...at least they found SOMETHING about me that is normal lol!  Actually, I am breathing a big sigh of relief...this had me pretty nervous...she said that they will just keep a close eye on things, and at least I get to keep the enbrel for the time being..cuz like you ,Mom, I do think it is helping.  Still no cartwheels...but better. CaMama, I'm curious..you said that you can feel when your levels are up...how?  What are the things you watch for? Yes, Mom, the colonoscopy is supposed to be just a routine screening...the doc said the risks are less than 1%...but still...don't want to be that 1%. Easy for him to say..right?  Actually, I probably would cancel, except have had 3 friends in the past two years have colon cancer..plus Boo's son-in-law....that scares me more.  Will be praying the sick bugs stay away from your house CaMama...gosh this is late for the flu, isn't it???  But it seems to be everywhere?  Two of my friends are teachers, and they both said that the kids are dropping like flies.

Sj...how are you?  Is the mtx still working...were you able to tolerate the increase dose?  I just read back on posts I hadn't seen, and saw about your stairs episode...congrats!!!  Seriously...it must feel good to finally see some progress after all you've been through.  Joan...you still out there?  Haven't seen you here in a bit..we miss you!!

Well, looks like my time is up for now...two babies are letting me they want my attention....hugs to you all.....

Posted 5/6/2008 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
Jody, I am glad your enzymes are normal and you get to keep your meds.
Momto3 will you be asking your rhuemy for more plaq-I know I would hate to lose mine.
I am sorry to hear about all of the messed up liver enzymes and I hope it all resolves.
I tolerated the increase back to 4 pills of methotrexate. I had to teach saturday so after taking the pills friday night I went to work saturday and was fine until I closed the door on my last student (as he was leaving) and turned around to go start cleaning up I all of a sudden wanted to collapse on the floor and sleep for several hours. I had blood drawn again today (every two weeks) to monitor the anemia-hopefully it will show some improvement.
In one of my posts I was whining about seeing my rhuemy every 8 weeks. I think this is my punishment for whining. Now I see her every four weeks with labcorb in between. Oh well at least I can walk down stairs now.
Hope everyone has a wonderfull week.
Sj
Posted 5/7/2008 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sj...

Glad to hear from you :-) I know what you mean about needing the Plaq, and yes I'm just going to confess to my rheumy that I have been using it all along and that I really need it even with the MTX and Enbrel..I think I will probably run out before I see him since I don't go back until June, but I need to call this week and ask for a new prescription of my Enbrel since I will be going to the twice a week plan, and I will just tell the nurse I need a refill of it...I'm kind of passive aggressive I guess eyes but when I go in I will tell him :-)

Sorry to hear you are so puney still, are you taking the leucovorin? you may need to along with your folic acid..I had to for awhile because after the MTX I couldn't get out of bed, it was terrible until I adjusted to it.

My rice is cooking away to nothing..will check back later!

 

Posted 5/7/2008 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
Momto3-I only take the folic acid 1mg -I think I will start taking some more. I actually am improving each week but it seems so slow. I am thinking about telling my rhuemy that I am hitting the pause button. I have had at least 1 and sometimes 2 changes of medication (either a dose increase or an added drug) per week for eight weeks. ENOUGH is enough.
On the other hand when I read some of the other posts I feel like I am whining about nothing. My arthritis is under pretty good control as long as my doc lets me keep taking the pred. I am always afraid that that is the next medchange though-she hasn't said so but her next goal pretty much has to be getting me off that.
Oops this turned into a rambling rant-sorry. I hope everyone has a wonderful evening.
Sj
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