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Posted 9/2/2009 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
My soon to be 14 year old son is just so tired hes impossible to wake up, must be about to grow I guess. Just been told my surgery for my endometriosis has been moved to Sept 21st, so less than 3 weeks... I'm feeling a bit nervy, hate surgery at the best of times, they're going to take out my left ovary cos its got stuck to whatever underneath and he will get rid of the cysts on my right ovary and rebuild it. Plus remove another cyst I have floating around in that fabulous abdominal cavity of mine. Bit worried about coming off all the arthritis drugs, hoping my body holds itself together for me.
Wishing everyone a pain free day, golitho
Posted 9/2/2009 9:40 AM (GMT 0)
Good Day to All,
I have to admit I feel a little out of place on this particular thread as I have no children, just the furry 4 footed variety (kitties), but something earlier in this thread makes me speak up. Shingles. One of my girlfriends, who is 50, caught it, and I spoke with her on the phone every day since I couldn't go anywhere near her for a while. I have RA and asked my rheumy if I should get the shingles vaccine, and his reply was an adamant "No Way!!!". Shingles vaccine is a live vaccine, and with my practically non-existent immune system, if I got the vaccine I would come down with a horrible case of it. I just wanted to let you all know that.

Reading about the joys of sending kids back to school makes me feel a little better about my decision not to have kids HaHa : ) Seriously, I'm a little jealous, but having kids of my own was just not in the cards for me. And I figure I'll probably (eventually) meet a nice man who has kids, so someday, someone will call me Grandma. I hope you are all well and happy, ladywriter.
Posted 9/2/2009 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
Golitho...I had a similar surgery as well.  After my cystectomy I developed a horrid case of adhesions and my left ovary had adhered to my pelvic wall, it was awful and painful.  That was in 2005, now I have developed more scar tissue where the incision healed, so I can only imagine how much is in there! I need to have the right one removed because I'm constantly getting cysts, but like you I worry about going off of the meds as well.  I have heard that when ladies have their endo removed they feel so much better! I hope this will be the case for you as well.  Keep us posted on how you are doing okay?

Lady...Are you starting to feel better? The thread here isn't just for those who have children, it can be about anything. Sometimes those of us with children, particularly myself need to vent about my children as the teen years can be a bit...challenging tongue Sometimes I wonder if that is why I already have gray hairs that I color..who knows! But no, this is wide open to everyone even those with fur babies :-)

I want to wish everyone a Happy Hump Day!

Jody if you are around, hope to hear from you soon.

Posted 9/4/2009 4:29 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Mom, thats what I remember of previous surgery the dreaded scar tissue!!! We can't win . Hey lady writer you're welcome to discuss anything here, its an off topic line and everyone is welcome. My cat is called Oscar he looks beautiful but unfortunately only occassionally suffers me to stroke him! Doesn't like to be touched, must be part feral, useless at scaring off the pidgeons in the back yard. He is the most unfriendly cat I've ever owned. Just likes to be fed and to sleep, best wishes, golitho
Posted 9/4/2009 1:30 PM (GMT 0)
Golitho...one more thing about your surgery.  When I had my ovary put back into place so to speak, my RE put something around the ovary to protect it from scar tissue forming.  I can't remember what it was called but eventually after the healing process, I think it was supposed to dissolve on its own. 
Posted 9/12/2009 11:21 PM (GMT 0)

hi everyone!!

Yes. I am still alive and breathin', well, I think so anyway.  How are you all doing?  haven't read through all the old posts, I do confess, I hope to find the time to do that.  Ok here, a rainy dready day in Florida. so I'm spending some time on the computer, trying to catch up on e-mails, et.  Have'nt really been ignoring any of you... just been the usual insanity at our house. 

Just got back from a quick trip to visit family in Wisconsin..., really hated to leave! The weather and the people were fantastic, so good to go back there. My father-in-law continus to fade, and we must face the fact that we prabably saw him for the last time on this earh, and that has been very, very hard.  It  has been a tough time emotionally for both my hubby and myself, my in-laws are just the best people you could ask for. 

Think I told you that our youngest started x-ray tech school?  He is into his 3rd week, I think?  Loving every minute so far.  I know it's early...it's about 6 months left to go, but he is so excited, I think he has FINALLY found something he wants to do.   OUr son, the teacher started his 3rd year as band director of the middle-school he has been at with over 230 students!  Yikes!~  I can't even imagine spending the day with that many middle-schoolers, makes me shudder!  But he seems to enjoy it..started with 75 students, now this...

two of my little girls left to go to preschool and that has been tough, too. I miss them!  The house is much quieter, however I do have one little boy back three days a week, who took the summer off.  He does his best to fill in the gap!  about 20 months-old and we have nick-named him "dump" cuz that's all he does,,dumps EVERYTHING out and plays with none of it..haha.. Also have a new almost-3year-old who is here just 2 days a week for the rest of this month and part of October.  So...I now have a house of 4 boys and 1 girl somedays...I do wonder how I keep it together at times.  There are those who proably say I lost it long ago!

Fighting something with my eyes right now, went to the doc on Friday to see if it was pink-eye, and he said no , it was allergies...boy,  I hope he was right..but this stinks!  Have some over-the-counter- eyedrops he reccomended but can't say they are helping too much.   RAwise, seem to be doing fairly well.

Did everybody get your flu shot?  Got mine the onther day...waiting to se if the other one gets approved.  Kind of nervous to take it, but afraid not to.

Well guess, I'd better close..This eye is watering too bad to stay on ...Hugs to you all..hope everyone is well!

Jody

Posted 9/12/2009 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jody...Wow! you sound busier than us, and your kids are grown tongue I'm glad you had the chance to visit your family, and I know what you mean about loving your in laws.  I just adore my mother in law, she is such a wonderful lady and I just love spending time with her, I can't even think about her not being around.

I admire your son and teaching, I don't think middle school is so bad, it's the teenagers you have to watch out for turn  Honestly with my son, his friends and their antics,  I always tell my sons teachers how much I appreciate them....and God bless them for teaching.

Time to start dinner, you would think I'm starving my 12 year old, the way she is carrying on rolleyes

Have a great weekend!

Posted 9/18/2009 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
It feels like forever since I posted! Well, part of the reason is I got a new computer and I'm finally up and running and pulled old emails over so I could see what threads I missed! The kids and I have already missed school and work for a round of the flu.  Son and I are still congested and constantly clearing our throats.

Do some of you get the flu shot regularly? I finally got one a few years ago to 'see' if it would make my winter go by better and by the end of the week I was in ER with a massive dual ear infection and high fever. Lost almost all my hearing for about 6 weeks. Never again. shakehead   However, I've been sick a LOT this year in general - is it the same with any of you? Thankfully, nothing major that needed antibiotics....but all more in the flu categegory than cold. In fact, in the last 7 months, I've been sick at least 6 times.  BTW, thanks Ladywriter on the tip about the shingles vaccine...I've wondered about that myself!

Golitho - good luck with your surgery on the 21st.

Joan, good luck with yours, let us know how you do. I heard recovery process can be painful, but having the pain gone and being able to walk in the end makes it worth it.

Jody, wow, 4 boys! Yikes! I am on Facebook, I'll have to search for you and 'friend' you! With the new computer stuff I've been dealing with, I haven't time for anything but basics.

****

Posted 9/20/2009 4:58 AM (GMT 0)
Camama..My children have been sick and missed school already as well and it is only September, not even Fall yet!  I can't even imagine what it is going to be like this  Winter trying to keep everyone healthy.  Sorry to hear you are still under the weather sad   I didn't catch anyone's bugs, but for the last few weeks, I have been running a low grade fever, and no matter how much sleep I get at night, I still can't stay awake during the day.  I normally take something for sleep at bedtime, and I haven't been taking it.  I feel fluish, but without the sneezing, cough, sore throat.  I wish I would just get sick and get it over with, it's getting ridiculous! I hope your son feels better soon!

Oh and I had the flu shot last year, and nothing happened, but since I'm not feeling well, I think I'm going to opt out this time around.  Are you getting the shingles vaccine?  My mother in law is finally going to get one, they told her she had to be 60 to recieve one? Does anyone know if this is actually true???

Posted 9/20/2009 9:21 PM (GMT 0)

Hello everyone!

 Got online trying to find a chat room for people like me and there isn't hardly anything!! I would like to introduce myself. My name Is Sheila and from Ohio. Came down with RA when I was 19. First signs were stiff/swollen hands. They treated me for Corple(sp) and it just progressed. Doc gave me muscle relaxers to help treat it which didn't help. It  got to a point I was taking 16 800 mg Motrin to work (now I have serious stomach issues, who'd figure!) a day! It travelled to my knees then my feet over the 2 years. One weekend after working so hard through that week, I locked myself in my room and couldn't move I hurt so bad. My family then took me to the Hospital, there I was diagnosed and treated for arthritis. A BIG shot of steroid and Toradol. I went out dancing that night....

That is when I had to start seeing a Rheumatologist. My RA count was 1220(ish), very severe. He put me on steroids and I felt so much better but weight gain came with it, etc.

about 12 years ago, I was in a wheelchair and it took me 6 years to get my Social Security. My age hurt my case.

 I am right now on Retuxan treatments and seeking a secondary. Been on Enbrel, Orincia, Methotrexate, Remicade, etc. I have had surgery done on both feet and have bad joint damage. Right elbow is gone, left kneee has nerve damage and hands are horrible. I have it all over but yah know, ppl tell me I should get use to the in between treatment pain and of course, these ppl don't have a clue what Pain really is. That is where I am as we speak. Been so depressed the last week, its unreal. I have my GOD but having communication with others with the same disease would rock.

There is just so much that comes along with it and you never get used to anything. It is so hard sometimes......

Sheila from Ohio

Posted 9/20/2009 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sheila and welcome! So many of us have felt alone and like there was just no one out there, Healing Well has saved the sanity of many of us.  They've tried a chat here for this forum a few times, but I think it really been hard for everyone to have a time that is agreeable to everyone.

Retuxan is one of the new drugs, right?

Posted 9/28/2009 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
WOW - where has everyone been?
Posted 9/29/2009 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hi All, (especially Jody who I think of so often),

iMarzz here. Haven't been here for quite some time. Still working full time as an RN. Co-workers very supportive. Charge (desk) nurse almost every day, which helps a lot. Don't think I could do it if I worked the floor everyday. Also occassionally fill-in for the infusion nurse at my Rheumy's office. Allows me to see and hear how others are doing.

Have two daughters away at college, one at Montclair State in NJ and the other at York College of PA, both are doing well. Son Daniel, 10, in 5th grade happy and active, still followed by his cardiologist every 6 months. No further surgeries yet - dreading the day. Husband not very supportive. Says RA is a made-up disease, Docs are all quacks paid to push medications and that I'm crazy. "No one needs pain medication, at any time, for any reason". Try to ignore him and keep it to myself. I guess that's why I'm back here to vent.

RA very painful. Can't walk very far or very fast - cane at times. Try to keep up with housework. Knees shot. Elbows not great, wrist/hand and ankle/feet pain. On Remicade, MTX and prednisone. Ultram for pain. Various other meds for side effects, etc.

Hope you are all well. Will be in touch.

Jody - Glad to hear you are fairly well considering, that you still have your business and that your children are doing fine. Sorry to hear about your Father-in-law. Will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Look forward to hearing from old friends and meeting the new people here.

Have a nice day!
Mary
Posted 9/29/2009 2:20 AM (GMT 0)

Hi all, I've sort of given up on this board as there is such a lack of people using it, seems a few more have popped their heads in lately. I've moved over to CP, I feel a bit of an intruder there, as they are really suffering while I'm in good day/bad day scenario. But I keep an eye on this page too.

Hey Mom, my arthritis miraculously didn't flare off the humira. They had to take both my ovaries as they Looked nasty. Whatever that means but RA wise I've been a little sore but no major flare. I started back on mobic the day after surgery and started my humira today. Now I'm on a fast menopause learning curve. I'm not allowed HRT yet if ever so I'm trying to find alternatives. Had a few hot flashes but not too bad.

Kids were good, not clingy and they are helping around the house. Just really tired. Good to see some old names back again. golitho

Posted 9/29/2009 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
Mary..I'm so sorry you are having pain and your husband has the frame of mind that he does mad Yes, RA is very painful, are your meds working like they should? Glad to see you back!

Golitho..My friend had her ovaries removed but kept her uterus, and she wears patches of some kind that keep her hot flashes at bay since she wasn't ready for menopause just yet.  However, she did say that after her surgery she felt so much better since she doesn't have the painful cysts/adhesions any longer.  I hope this will be the case for you as well. I'm happy to hear your kids are helping you with house chores, since this gives you time to rest and recover.

Posted 9/29/2009 9:51 PM (GMT 0)
Golitho - nice to meet you.

mom - hello again. Meds are working ok but nothings perfect. Good days and bad. Bad days have been really bad lately, but I know I overdo it and pay for it later.

be well
Mary
Posted 9/29/2009 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mary, I can relate to that. Before the surgery if I had a hard day or two at work it would take days to recover especially the joints I was most using. I have to really pace myself decide if its worth the cost. I hate it at times, always been a go getter sort of person hard to hold back and let others do things for me.
Mom, I'm visiting my PCP today as a follow up to the surgery so I will quizz her on what she thinks I should do. If I ca manage without HRT I'd prefer too, I hate taking all these meds! It seems it increases your risk of stroke and breast cancer, when I already have the increased risks from humira and mtx of MS, lymphoma and liver damage!
Meeting the kitchen guys today, that will be exciting, new kitchen! I've never had one before.
best wishes to you all, golitho
Posted 10/4/2009 2:58 AM (GMT 0)
Golitho...How did your appointment go? I do understand not wanting to go the HRT route if you can avoit it at all cost! I hope your healing process continues to go well.  Good luck with your new kitchen, that sounds exciting!

Jody and Camama...I hope both of you are doing well.

 

Posted 10/6/2009 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
My doc said to hold off the HRT to see if I actually need it. Some women have a mild menopause but shes sending me for a bone density scan and for blood tests for vit D levels. Having afew hot flashes but nothing too strong so far. Doing fairly well, thanks for asking, golitho
Posted 10/8/2009 12:13 PM (GMT 0)
Just to let you all know I'm off for a week to the country, my daughter is playing in a soccer tournament and our accomodation is basic . No internet so no postings. Woe is me. I'm still very tired post surgery but managed to work yesterday. Find it hard to sit for any length of time, I keep getting cramps. My hips decided to flare just when I thought I'd got through the lack of meds ok. Typical! Back to waking up if I roll on my side. What joy!
Seems very quiet around here again, sending you all pain free days ahead and I'll post again when I get back. Golitho
Posted 10/8/2009 1:41 PM (GMT 0)
Golitho...Enjoy your trip and I hope your daughter does well in her soccer tournament.  Sorry to hear you are having hip pain, that can be the worst! Are you back on your meds now? I hope you start feeling well soon, and with the shift in hormones it may take some time. Try to take it easy!

 

Posted 10/11/2009 4:52 AM (GMT 0)
yeah, it's been very quiet. Enjoy your trip. Feel better.
Posted 10/12/2009 3:12 PM (GMT 0)

Hi guys!!!

I'm Baaaccck...again!  Sorry I keep dissappearing so often...don't mean to...but my life is just kind of even more insane than usual.  I haven't forgotten you here, think of you all so often!!!! But have been fighting some kind of sickness on and off for the past couple of weeks, lots of down time....been trying to lay low, but it's hard...then last week one of my daycare kids mom's came down with sine flu...yikes!!   Doctor put me on a round of tamilfu just to be safe...and that means no ebrel while I'm taking that....I hate to give that up!

Golitho.. I know that you are already gone on your trip, but I hope your pain is better.  without my meds, I'm really nervous about that too.. my hips have started to ache already, I have no idea what they will feel like in another week..  Hope all goes well for you daughter...soccer...how fun!  I'm so sorry it's been so quiet here.. I wish everyone would come back...I miss them all!  But, I promise to try and do better about keeping up the posts,  I know how much it helped me to have all the support here.  I miss my 'cyber-family"!  Been trying to reach Boo and Erin, no luck as of yet.. will let you know if I get an answer.

Mary!!!  I was so, so glad to see your post!!  I have  thought about you so much, and have tried to reach you too, with no luck... How on earth are you?  I have a new e-mail address, and have updated it in my profile...contact me anytime, ok??

Mom, how are the kids doing?  and your sons?  I couldn't believe  you guys were getting snow this weekend in your area???  Isn't that way too early??  seems inpossible that you guys are having snow, and we are having record heat....90's all week, and MAYBE a cool down to 80  over the weekend.... very very strange...

A little concerned about my mom..would appreciate any prayers I can get for her, please.. She has been through so much, and now she has to have a PET scan tomorrow.   They found something suspicious in her right lung on an x-ray and cat scan...so this is what is next.  Dr thinks it's scar tissue, but she has had a hoarse voice, and naggy cough for a bit now.  Never smoked, but lived around cigarette smoke most of her life...    This has been going on for a bit...another thing on my plate..

well, little ones are getting extremely restles, they've been playing so nicely while I've been typing, but better go...promise not to be gone so long... Hugs to you all!!!

Jody

Posted 10/14/2009 1:47 PM (GMT 0)
Jody! It's great to hear from you! I'm so sorry to hear you are worrying about your mom, and now a PET scan, but it could just be scar tissue as the doctor suggested.  Please let us know when you hear something, and I'm thinking positive thoughts for your mom, bless her heart that is so stressful (for both of you!).

Yes, we have been having winter weather here and last Friday night went out to dinner and the weather was clear and cold and came out to a near blizzard afterwards! It seems we passed fall and went straight to winter...*shiver*!!

Life has just been crazy here as well.  I graduate in December with my degree, so I'm trying to wrap that up, plus the kids keep getting sick and even my husband who never gets sick, took his turn with a nasty cold. Surprisingly, I'm the only one so far (knock on wood) that has not ended up with whatever seems to be going around. Which is shocking! But then I've been drinking Emergenc-C by the glassful, so maybe that is warding everything off, who knows! 

 The last time I went to the rheumy, I told him I was so tired it was almost mind numbing and he was truly puzzled and ran the usual lab work..well I started cutting out my meds just to see...and I went almost 4 weeks without the MTX, which is my only RA med and low and behold! My fatigue/sleepiness went away, so now I finally have my answer.  I'm back on the MTX, took it this past Saturday and wham! Can hardly stay awake during the day, no matter how much I sleep.  The joints were starting to stiffen up without it, and when the cold weather set in, I couldn't get in and out of my car without difficulty and my daughter asked if I was taking my MTX, so at that point I knew I had to get back on it.

Are you back on your Enbrel now? When we stop these medications, the joint pain starts to creep back in and then before you know it, there it is!! and it can be difficult to get back in control.  But for you the flu would have been so much worse!!

The kids are doing well, my middle son has just started learning to drive. Everytime he hears the car keys he comes running to see if he can drive tongue My oldest son called home last night and said he would like to move back home, so I will keep you posted on that news.

Camama..I hope everything is well your way.

Posted 10/14/2009 3:33 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Mom,

Graduating in December??  That is WONDERFUL!  I bet you are counting the days!   I know it probably soesn't seem like it to you..but that went fast!  I remember when we were all here talking about your first day...and now you're almost done....so very happy for you, you should be proud of yourself.  Oh gosh I remember those driving days...YIKES!  I was always a nervous wreck aobut the boys taking the car...sitting in the passenger seat with one eye closed, praying every second..haha....Now the other one wants to come back?  Knew eventually he would..he had to miss the security of your family....what a long hard road you've all had. How's your daughter and the kidney issues?

Mom had her test yesterday afternoon...thank you so much for your prayers!  I don't know how long it takes ot get the results of these things...but however long it is it's too long already!   No, not on enbrel yet...have to wait until Monday ...my feet are really letting me know that they miss their shot!! Last one was a week ago today, but I'm still on tamiflu unitl Sunday, so can't take the two together.  You're right of course, the flu would be MUCH worse.  I know that, but my feet don't seem to listen.. smilewinkgrin    none of the other kids seems to have caught it yet...but we are sharing a sneezy, eye-watery thing, and I have a bit of a scratchy throat, but I can deal with this.  I expected the son of the sick mom to come back today, but haven't heard from them, so I don't know if he got sick too, or what...hopefully she will return my call soon.

We are STILL sweltering here, unbelievable heat .   The  forecast is for a "cool' front that will bring us all the way down to 80 degrees by Friday night or Saturday....gosh I hope they are right!!

well, almost liunchtime here....better go.

have a wonderful day...hugs to all!!

Jody

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