Good Moanin' HealingWell V67

Lots of places are cancelling trips in May that are going to Mexico. San Diego, California (where I live) had an article that the flu may help our economy b/c all the ships going to Mexico will be stopping here instead. My company has put a lot of travel/business restrictions on employees and our customers who are allowed to come in to the building or go on business trips.

Have they confirmed tamiflu is effective? While I agree that some of the fears are seem a little overdone, there are a lot of people who don't use common sense and a little precaution when they feel sick - putting the rest of us at risk. Unforutnately, since (what I've read) humans don't have an immunity to this virus, so if you're in contact with it, you're going to be infected. We've heard numerous times that the medical industry has run out of flu shots, etc. in the past - so, to keep the supplies up for people who need it, people need to use their common sense and do what they can to lower their risks of picking it up. Just my thoughts.

Yally, I agree, I don't know how you do it! I'd have fallen flat on my face by now!

Mom - a lot of the other districts around here deal with what your school district deals with. I'm in a relatively good neighborhood and so far, the elementary school shuns the bullying and has a good all-around attitude. I do  not know about the junior and high schools just yet. It's the competitiveness and homework which is the worst of it...but I haven't seen or heard any gang, racial, or other issues - thank God.

Yeah, that's one of the areas I worry I'm doing my kids an injustice by not pushing them to do more extra-cirricular activities.....if and when they want to join something, they won't be able to join their friend's teams - if any team at all! It's all about athletics and academics here...and it's extremely competitive (in a falling-through-the cracks if you don't meet one of those criteria problems), the parents are a big part of the problem. It's crazy and hopefully won't be as bad as I fear as they get older. My son, actually, has been asking to learn fencing (of all things) for the last 2 years....that is a sport that is difficult to find and seems to have an age limit of 9...so, whew! If he ends up doing that, he hopefully won't be behind! LOL! But, there are worse things to complain about that could be a problem with the schools...so, I can really appreciate the fact that so far, I don't have to worry about the 'other' scary stuff and pray we won't have to.

<shutter> TWO students not washing their hands...that's awful! Now, I don't know what the criteria is to be calling this flu and epidemic....but that type of stupid behavior is exactly why they are making such a fuss about all this! AND that's why I end up washing my hands, using the hand towel to open the door, and then putting anti-bacterial gel on my hands whenI get back to my desk! I've been in ER for illnesses waaay too much, at this point, I can never be too careful! It's ridiculous.

Well, hello everyone..

I am trying hard to resurface here a bit....you all must please forgive me for being away so long...don't even remember when I posted last.  Have peeked in from time to time but my life has sort of spun outof control lately,and am working hard to reel things back in.

Lots of family issues, too many to go into, would take WAY too long...but please know that I have been thinking of you and have missed our "chats'!!  Don't have alot of computer time these days, seems I run from morning til night...and the little ones I watch are taking shorter and shorter naps each days, somedays doesn't feel as though I have a minute to myself! Have lost touch with a lot of people, and am trying to catch up. Haven't read the posts so forgive me for not knowing how everyone is...but Ihope and pray that you and your families are all well??

Me?  Well, still hitting the gym and kickboxing...loving it!!  And best parts, have gone down 2 sizes and my husband is scared of me LOL. Pretty much go to the classes 6 days a week, three are kickboxing, three are resistance bands....and trying to follow an eating plan they use.Have some pretty sore days, but I am stubborn and don't want to give in. Just coming off a really bad flare, laid me low for a few days, and kind of put me in the dumps, but I guess it was just a reminder that I still haven't beaten this RA thing afterall.  Maybe that's why I am so crazy about the exercise and all, sort of a form of denial...if I can do this maybe I'm not so sick afterall????  But..reality kicked me in the behind..wasn't much fun.  Still using Enbrel twice a week, and plaquenil, doc added a new antiinflammatory, Relafen, a couple of months ago, seems to help alot.

Our boys are all doing well, everyone still has their jobs for now, and for that we are very thankful. My husbands department with the county is undergoing masssive budget cuts, and we should know by the first of June what will be happening with his postion.  Very scary, praying that he has enough seniority to keep him employed. Our son on the other coast has his own lawn business and that has slowed some, and the teacher is waiting now to see if his contract is renewed for next year.  Our schools are being hit hard as well, enrollment is falling, as more people are moving out of Florida than are moving in.  No shortage of diapers to be changed as of yet, so my job is secure so far.  Although two of the kids are going on to pre-school in August.

Hubby and I are planning a quick trip to Wisconsin next week to visit his father.  There have been some serious health issues and looks like we really need to make this trip, plus his father is turning 90....so have to go while we still can, right?  Just hope it warms up a little before we arrive...and that this pesky flu stuff isn't too much of a threat...makes me a bit nervous.

Looks like naptime is over.....plus have made this a really, really long post!!  Promise to do better here...but as always..as sending hugs to you all!

Love,

Jody

Jody! I'm so happy to hear from you! I'm sorry to hear you are having difficulties within your family, that is never pleasant and always stressful, trust me, I know from experience with my oldest son who moved to his dads, but has decided to come for a visit for the month of July and now both siblings are on edge, I could write pages on that. Whatever is going on, try to stay positive..and you are doing great with the kick boxing, that is fantastic! I'm really proud of you for staying with it  working out can help save your sanity. I will keep your hubby and your sons in my prayers, there is nothing more stressful than waiting to see if the ax is going to fall My husbands company has been bought and sold three times now and each time it was wait and see what happens.  If you ever feel the need to chat, let me know and we can exhange emails.

Boo...I love that about you, and had to laugh about the change! She had no right to be so rude, what an awful cashier It was obvious you were struggling with your change...sheesh.  I know the rain is so hard on the joints, but do wish it would rain a bit more here in Colorado, it is always so dry here.  It sounds like you are busy as always and like the rest of us, not getting enough rest, but who has the time really?

Not much going on around here, just counting down the day until summer vacation, not really sure why because that means entertaining the kiddos, and my daughter likes to "plan" activities.  To the point she will carry around a clipboard and pen...not kidding. and my 15 year old doesn't like to plan anything, so it should be interesting! Anyway, two more days left in my semester and I have two classes left until graduation, and I'm very thankful for that

Happy Hump Day!

Good to hear from everyone! How come this thread hasn't been locked down yet? LOL. Not that I'm complaining, mind you.

Kickboxing, I used to love taking that! I started a yoga class, but they only offer it once a week.

I had an ultrasound on my knee today - the doc said the lump that has been there from my fall in March 08 is apparently the result of my not having kept it wrapped up long enough during the healing process (it seems like I had it wrapped for 2 months, though!) I felt so stupid, fat, and clumsy about that fall -  I never went in for a follow up and I kept forgetting to ask my rhuemy to look at it until my last appointment. Now I'm disfigured for life. The doc today said I probably broke something in my knee and it has filled up with blood and hardened. Cortisone shot MAY help a some, but only if it hurts (indicating inflammation)...however, the bulge itself is probably here to stay unless it's causing me massive issues and they could cut it out surgically...which, sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. Needless to say, I have brusitis in my knee (I kinda figured with the way it pops at times)...the new knee pain is also the result of brusitis on the side of my knee.....I've had it for about 4 weeks. He said to wrap it tight and give it time before we try cortisone on that...it may clear up on it's own...I hope so! This new pain is pretty disabling. Luckily, it seems to only hit me once or twice a week...hopefully it'll just stop!

Boo, I love the change story! I have felt like doing that myself at times!

***

Hi guys,

How was Mother's Day for everyone? Really nice here, spent Saturday at lunch with one of my sons, then he came to church and breakfast with me on Sunday..for dinner we had the whole family here..hubby grilled chicken and porkchops for about 25 I think....busy, but nice day.

Mom, sure do know about the "coming and going"  syndrome...went through that with one of ours...it was so hard on us all..Has he been happier since he moved in with his dad? How long has it been now since he moved?  I remember how tough that was on you...Only two more classes?  Horray for you! Listen, I would LOVE to exchange e-mails anytime..my address is listed in my profile any time you want to write..please do.

CaMama....I second Boo's "ouch"!!  Would the cortisone injection help to dissove some of that lump?  Gosh I sure hope there is something they can do to help you outside of surgery...although maybe it would be worth it if it restores the knee? How are your kiddos doing?   Yes, I sure do LOVE the kickboxing...hope I can do it for a long time to come...it is so great for stress...I feel terrific after class, and I have never, ever, done anything that makes me sweat so much!   Saturday when I was at lunch with my son he was noticing my arms, and he made such a big deal about them...he was so impressed he had me flex my arm, then he took a picture and sent it to one of his brothers saying "watch out, mom can kick your *#@ now!".  It was pretty funny.

Boo, we need to make you a posterchild for RA!!!  Our own personal RA Maxine..lol.  We probably could come up with some pretty good t-shirt sayings or something. I would think that by now your whole town should be looking out for your 2x4...how can there possibly be someone who would give you a hard time???? Gosh I just love your attitude and spunk!  Please, please send us some of your rain....we are so dry here.  In the 90's already and water restrictions everywhere....can't even wash our cars in the driveway for risk of a fine.

Congrats on the dr appt  SJ....a dr ordered massage?? That is sweet!

Guess I spoke too soon about be thankful our kids all still had their jobs,,,next day after I wrote that our youngest lost his.Didn't really expect that one..he'd been at Sam's for a little over 4 years now. He's going to try and see if with unemployment he can afford to go to a tech school and get training for a new field.  Hopefully it will all work out. Tomorrow the teaching son has his evaluation...keeping that one in my prayers.

We leave Thursday for Wisconsin...going a little crazy with things to do before we leave....but anxious to go and see family again. My sister-inlaw said today was ony 59 degrees and lows in the 40"s...that will be a HUGE change for us!  Looks like jeans and sweaters for me..

Need to say goodnight to you all....morning will be here way too soon, and have five little ones tomorrow..yikes!

Hugs to you all....Jody

I hope all of the mom's had a wonderful day!

 Jody...You do have such nice sons, and I'm sorry to hear about one losing his job..I know he will find something and hopefully he will be able to return to school.  My husband is a part-time chemistry instructor and he has many students who have returned to school who have lost jobs, and are in the process of changing careers. I'm praying your teaching son will have his contract renewed for another year. 

As far as friends and girls go, my son has a had a great time, but when you factor in grades and his dad, it has been a complete disaster.  When my son moved there, his dad had three t.v's and a computer, but now only a small black and white is left, the others have all been broken in anger, and the computer is ruined as well, my ex has an anger problem.  My son will also need to take summer school before he comes home for a visit  It was chaotic there, so we are not really sure what to expect when he gets here. He is used to running around and staying up all night and we don't do that here,so we will see how it goes.  Our house is pretty quiet, so quiet that my daughter has a friend that has several siblings and she likes to come to our house because it's calm and quiet. 

Camama...that sounds miserable..if you have the surgery will you see an improvement in your symptoms/pain? It may be worth a try? If you can actually see the lump now, it is only going to get bigger? Sounds terribly painful I'm sorry you are in this pain, but I think maybe your hubby is right.. I hope your son is feeling better as well.

I hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Camama..It has been raining here as well and for Colorado it is really unusual.  My husband talked me into signing up for a session at the gym and it was fun but I really over did it, and woke up this morning to cold weather and RAIN...I can hardly move and even the ankles hurt, so that is something new. We really need the rain here because it is normally so dry, but when it does I can hardly get around!  I hope you are not having the same reaction to your rainy weather.

Hi Camama, is your neck ok? Sometimes that can cause headaches. Have you tried a cold facecloth or ice on the back of your neck? If your shoulders are tense it can cause your neck muscles to compress too. Sorry to hear about the headaches, very draining.

Oh you poor thing, my kids have all got virus' too and my bursitis is so bad I've left a message for my rheumy to see if she can inject me with cortisone again!!! I'm just starting hydrotherapy for it actually because my limping is flaring my knees and lower back!!! I can't believe I've developed bursitis I'm told its not common with RA but here you are with it too??? The physio is shocked at my loss of movement, makes me think I should have done something about it sooner. I'm a true ostrich, I get so sick of all these new symptoms I just keep hoping they'll go away. I hope your kids and you are feeling better really soon. Lots of lemon and honey drinks at your house then, best wishes, golitho.

Camama...headaches are the worst! I find them to be really miserable.  I had a migraine last week and it took most of the night for it to go away   Did your kiddos have strep? I've heard that headaches tend to be a symptoms of strep.  I'm sorry you have been dealing with headaches, no matter what the cause.

It seems there have been so many different viruses going around, one after another.  My son came down with something in his chest along with a cough several weeks ago, and we took him in to the doctor, however he still has the cough, I'm ready to take him back to the doctor but my husband says it just has to run its course.

I know what you mean by the aches and pains, for some reason I have been having ankle pain and I have never had ankle pain before..strange pains, in strange places.  But like you and Golitho I get tired of all these pains and just keep hoping they will go away!

Did you do the first test at the office? Normally they do a culture right then and there, and also send it out.  I would stay on top of it, strep throat is utterly miserable The last time my daughter had it she said she had a scratchy throat, her words! and finally by the third day she was really going down hill with a fever and we took her into the urgent care and her scratchy throat was strep. Her throat was covered with white spots, I would have been whining with pain but to her it was just scratchy.  She has a very high tolerance for pain and discomfort! My daughter seems to get a lot of viruses etc, that and her kidney stones every few months.

I know all we can do is wait out his cough since he finished his round of antibiotics, I just hate hearing him cough and there isn't anything we can really do except give him the cough medicine but then most of the time he says he doesn't need it.  It is difficult to get a 15 year old to take medicine  I ask him if he would rather just cough and he will tell me he is "fine".

I hope all three of you don't have strep and get on the mend very soon!!!

 Hello Friends.  I've been a very bad girl.  Been home, bored out of my mind, read three books, hemmed three dresses, made two blouses and have a dress cut out to sew.  And haven't sat down at my computer much.

I really have tried to keep moving.  Been off meds until this past Monday because of the surgery I had.  Such a relief, let me tell ya.  You don't know how well it works until you can't take it.

Jody, I really envy you kickboxing.  I don't know...I might be too dangerous if I do that.  I'm a loaded cannon as it is. 

Have to go back to the shop next week and finish cleaning out the building.  Thinking about getting every thing in my house I haven't used for two weeks, taking as much junk down there as I can and calling an auction company to finish the job for me.  Need to get it over and done with and find the hubby a job.  Ugh.

Have a great weekend, you guys.  Love ya, Boo