Re: New Member: Intro/Advice

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/26/04 11:45:11 AM, philiptheb@... writes:

We have an early May appointment for NW Rhematology in Oregon and

will find out a lot more then. In the mean time it is wait, worry,

wish we win the lottery, and pray.

How is she effected by her RA?

Did the doctor say why she got it so young?

I am not trying to be cruel, but you must understand that RA is a serious disease.

Having to "give up breast feeding" may be of small consequence, in the big picture.

I experience pain every minute of my day. My life will probably be shortened because of the "poison" meds I take. I have a deformed back, it effects my eyes, the way I walk and I will probably have to go to a rest home. I cannot sleep at night, I cannot stay awake during the day. The pain is almost as bad as the meds.

This is just my opinion, but perhaps getting your wife some good treatments is much more important than breast feeding. A whole generation susrvived on cows' milk before it became fashiobable again. Some of us are just trying to survive on a daily basis and I would hate to see your wife in that category.

You must look at the big picture when determining priorities. Your baby needs a mom that it active and energetic. There are subtitutes for milk, but there is no substitute for a healthy, loving mommy that can be a your child's side..

Good luck,

Pris

Pris

Are you thinking of getting rid of your pig because of behavior problems? Try Behavior Modification!

"Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training" book

www.valentinesperformingpigs.com

[Guest guest]

Philip:

Welcome to the group. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease about 4 weeks after my son was born. I had to give up breastfeeding and go on drugs. It was difficult to do, but everything turned out okay (he's 8 and enormous now). It is not uncommon for women to come down with autoimmune diseases shortly after giving birth. There is some evidence to suggest that the mother's immune system gets confused and starts attacking itself because of having had another immune system in her body. I'm not sure if that's really the correct technical explanation.

Do as much research as you can. It sounds as though you have been diagnosed fairly recently which is a good thing. Yes over the long term, RA can cause tremendous damage. But with the new drugs these days and early diagnosis, some of us can be practically pain and symptom free. Make sure your rheumatologist is very aggressive in treating her. Don't be afraid of the drugs. As someone said, it is more important for your wife to be as symtpom free and stop the disease in its tracks.

Everyone's RA affects them differently. Just because you have the disease does not mean you will end up crippled or in a wheelchair. A positive attitude is a must! Don't be frightened by what you read. Remember that while you can't always control how you feel, you can control how you deal with your day.

New babies are hard to deal with and then with a disease on top of it, things can get overwhelming. Hang in there and good luck.

gloria

[Guest guest]

<<why do you think your life will be shortened— once that was true but that had more to do with the disease affecting the large organs.  if it is controlled, it shouldn’t do that...

ditto for sleeping at night. >>

Sufferers of RA are more likely to develope infections, lymphoma cancer, heart disease, lung cancer osteoporosis and scleritis. These are "complications" that can shorten one's life. Another one of these is depression.

not to be insensitive at all to your very real pain and problems... but just bear in mind that for many of us this is a lifetime disease and we aren’t crippled etc.  I have had surgery on two hands and one foot and I have osteoporosis from years of steroids, and I no longer play the violin as I did when a child (gave it up at age 18).  BUT.  I recently drove across country with three cats.  Started a new job in television and work ten hours a day.  I bought some four-inch heels by G-series that are as comfortable as sneakers.  I’m writing my dissertation.  

Good for you. I too work in entertainment and haven't let it slow me down. The only difference is that I am in pain all the time. I wish I could see a happy ending for this, but I don't. It seems like a steady downhill climb.

I am reading that there are risk factors that make a person more likely to have RA. This is why I asked the young man why his wife seemed so affected by it so young (couldn't do housework)?

such factors include:

hay fever suffers

smokers (heavy)

short repo. life

blood transfusions

obesity

coffee (heavy drinker)

And of course, heredity.

Pris

 How is she effected by her RA?

Did the doctor say why she got it so young?

I am not trying to be cruel, but   you must understand that RA is a serious disease.

Having to "give up breast feeding" may be of small consequence, i

Are you thinking of getting rid of your pig because of behavior problems? Try Behavior Modification!

"Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training" book

www.valentinesperformingpigs.com

[Guest guest]

A little caveat here: “why did she get it so young” is not an appropriate question for this disease.

RA is not affected by age. I got this disease at age 14 (I’m 39). There is no “why” here. Children and infants get it. If this weren’t an RA group I might think you were confusing it with OA. RA is a systemic disease, an auto-immune disease, and until they learn what causes it, there are no answers to why people get it when...

why do you think your life will be shortened— once that was true but that had more to do with the disease affecting the large organs. if it is controlled, it shouldn’t do that...

ditto for sleeping at night.

not to be insensitive at all to your very real pain and problems... but just bear in mind that for many of us this is a lifetime disease and we aren’t crippled etc. I have had surgery on two hands and one foot and I have osteoporosis from years of steroids, and I no longer play the violin as I did when a child (gave it up at age 18). BUT. I recently drove across country with three cats. Started a new job in television and work ten hours a day. I bought some four-inch heels by G-series that are as comfortable as sneakers. I’m writing my dissertation. I don’t run marathons, but I can do a lot. I’ll be starting on Enbrel soon because the disease isn’t entirely controlled but my RDs will not allow me to suffer in great pain...

Good luck!

How is she effected by her RA?

Did the doctor say why she got it so young?

I am not trying to be cruel, but you must understand that RA is a serious disease.

Having to " give up breast feeding " may be of small consequence, in the big picture.

I experience pain every minute of my day. My life will probably be shortened because of the " poison " meds I take. I have a deformed back, it effects my eyes, the way I walk and I will probably have to go to a rest home. I cannot sleep at night, I cannot stay awake during the day. The pain is almost as bad as the meds.

This is just my opinion, but perhaps getting your wife some good treatments is much more important than breast feeding. A whole generation susrvived on cows' milk before it became fashiobable again. Some of us are just trying to survive on a daily basis and I would hate to see your wife in that category.

You must look at the big picture when determining priorities. Your baby needs a mom that it active and energetic. There are subtitutes for milk, but there is no substitute for a healthy, loving mommy that can be a your child's side..

Good luck,

Pris

Pris

Are you thinking of getting rid of your pig because of behavior problems? Try Behavior Modification!

" Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training " book

www.valentinesperformingpigs.com

[Guest guest]

Pris:

Just wondering what sort of medication you are on. If you are constantly in pain and feel as though the disease is continuing to progress do you think you might need to adjust your medication? see a different doctor? Maybe I missed your story in an earlier post. You are right in that there are very real consequences to the disease and also to the medication used to control it. But I think we can help ourselves by trying to look at the positives when dealing with a difficult disease rather than dwelling on the negatives.

I think the best thing anyone can do for themselves is to do a lot of research on the topic and realize that everyone is different in how the disease affects them and how they choose to deal with it over the long haul.

I am sorry that you are in constant pain and feel as though things are sliding downhill for you. That is a very scary thought. I hope you can find a solution that will help give you some relief and hope.

gloria

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/26/04 5:54:27 PM, gloriarex@... writes:

Just wondering what sort of medication you are on. If you are constantly in pain and feel as though the disease is continuing to progress do you think you might need to adjust your medication? see a different doctor? Maybe I missed your story in an earlier post. You are right in that there are very real consequences to the disease and also to the medication used to control it.

Gloria,

Thank you for your concern. I have ankylosing spondiltis, stenosis of the spine, and RA.

I had an operation on a slipped disc and stenosis that back fired.

I am on Humira, Azathioprine, and am tapering down prednisone (2 MG).

I have Vicodin for pain, but if I take it more than once a week, it no longer works very well.

The NSAIDS do nothing for me, nor over the counter drugs.

Only pred. helps, and I must taper off it.

For me, pain is a way of life. Getting through each day is a challenge... I do not know which is worse, the days or the nights!

The good news is that once a week, the Vicodin works well. I refuse to abuse it or I would not even have that painless time.

I apologize for whining. The pain has made me stronger and also has made me not fear death.

And, I can still enjoy the most important things in life to me....my pet mini-pigs and being on stage, and living in nature.

We perform all over the US with them. We will be on 3 Animal Planet shows in May.

We have been on Oprah, Letterman, and the Today Show.

Check us out at

www.valentinesperformingpigs.com

Thank goodness for pets! They have saved me....

Thanks for caring.

Hogs,

Pris

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/26/04 9:30:24 PM, babygirl4us2luv@... writes:

I am able to get down on my hands and knees and scrub the floor. Once

in a while, my joints hurt and I have to accept that the housework

has to wait for a day.

Well, what made you better?

We are all left hanging!

Please share...

Pris

Are you thinking of getting rid of your pig because of behavior problems? Try Behavior Modification!

"Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training" book

www.valentinesperformingpigs.com

[Guest guest]

> My wife is due to be diagnosed with RA.

>

> We are scared, angry, and frustrated..internaly,

> Externaly we are happy, and looking on the bright side (less

dishes,

> laundry, vacuming for her)

>

> By nature we are a happy-go-lucky couple, but this has us in a

whirl.

> The more we read about it the less we like it.

Hello Philip,

I think you and your wife will get relief from the upcoming

rheumatology appointment. A good specialist is important. Try not to

worry; this condition can be managed and a person can enjoy a good

quality of life. Some even go into remission.

Sierra

[Guest guest]

Hi Philip,

I'll add my welcome to the group, and I'm sorry you have to be

here. A diagnosis of RA can be difficult and frightening, but the

more you and your wife learn about the disease the better you'll be

able to manage it and live a fulfilling life. My son was 4 when I

was diagnosed, so I was past the breast feeding stage and didn't

have to make the decisions that you are. However, I agree with the

others - it's more important to treat the RA agressively, even if it

means giving up breastfeeding. Once joint damage happens, it can't

be reversed, and they are finding that early and agressive treatment

can postpone or stop the joint damage.

I've been a patient at NW Rheumatology for over 5 years now - you'll

be in good hands there. I've only seen Dr. Fraback, but have heard

wonderful things about the other docs as well. From my experience

they are knowledgable and compassionate, and really listen to your

situation.

Take care - of yourself and your family.

Beth

> My wife is due to be diagnosed with RA. The Doc says her blood

tested

> so high high for the rhumatiod factor that it is really unlikely a

> false positve.

>

> We are scared, angry, and frustrated..internaly,

> Externaly we are happy, and looking on the bright side (less

dishes,

> laundry, vacuming for her)

>

> By nature we are a happy-go-lucky couple, but this has us in a

whirl.

> The more we read about it the less we like it.

>

> Our biggest current let down (and I am hoping there maybe some

> miracle solution that you guys know about) is the lack of a

treatment

> compatable with breastfeeding.

>

> Her RA only appeared after our son was born (about 8 weeks after)

and

> so far nothing has happened like we had planned it.

> Not that anything with babies and birth goes " to plan " but

> breastfeeding was the ONE thing we were doing 'right'. Now she is

> being forced to decide to stop feeding (the likely choice) or

> postpone treatment.

>

> She is already using the top dose of Celebrex but that is losing

its

> effectiveness, and isn't really breastfeeding compatable anyway.

>

> We have an early May appointment for NW Rhematology in Oregon and

> will find out a lot more then. In the mean time it is wait, worry,

> wish we win the lottery, and pray.

> (not that the lottery would help but is is always a good thing to

> wish for)

>

> I am really glad just to be able to post my concerns.

> Thank you all for reading this far.

>

> Bless you all, and heal them joints!!!!

> Philip

[Guest guest]

I agree with the other posts but I would like to point out that new medicines for RA have been introduced in the last 5 years or so, and more are currently being tested. Also more is being learned about the chemical processes in RA and this is pointing toward different ways of treating the disease. We cannot judge from experience of people even 5 years ago because today prospects for near-normal living are brighter than at any time in the past, and are getting better each year. I don't mean to minimize the seriousness of RA but I do want to point out the bright side for the future. God bless.

----- Original Message -----

From: Philip Berens

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2004 4:13 PM

Subject: New Member: Intro/Advice

My wife is due to be diagnosed with RA. The Doc says her blood tested so high high for the rhumatiod factor that it is really unlikely a false positve.We are scared, angry, and frustrated..internaly, Externaly we are happy, and looking on the bright side (less dishes, laundry, vacuming for her)By nature we are a happy-go-lucky couple, but this has us in a whirl.The more we read about it the less we like it.Our biggest current let down (and I am hoping there maybe some miracle solution that you guys know about) is the lack of a treatment compatable with breastfeeding.Her RA only appeared after our son was born (about 8 weeks after) and so far nothing has happened like we had planned it. Not that anything with babies and birth goes "to plan" but breastfeeding was the ONE thing we were doing 'right'. Now she is being forced to decide to stop feeding (the likely choice) or postpone treatment.She is already using the top dose of Celebrex but that is losing its effectiveness, and isn't really breastfeeding compatable anyway.We have an early May appointment for NW Rhematology in Oregon and will find out a lot more then. In the mean time it is wait, worry, wish we win the lottery, and pray. (not that the lottery would help but is is always a good thing to wish for)I am really glad just to be able to post my concerns.Thank you all for reading this far.Bless you all, and heal them joints!!!!Philip

[Guest guest]

Philip,

Welcome to the group! My RA started to appear when my daughter was 5

months old. Bt the time she was 8 months old, I was in a lot of pain

and I had severe fatigue. I am a SAHM and by the evening my husband

had to take care of my daughter because I was so exhausted.

I had days when I wasn't able to do the housework I wanted/needed to

do. A couple of times, I justed feed and dressed the two of us for

the day and that was it. For 4-6 weeks, my husband had to get up in

the night with our daughter because I had a hard time getting out of

bed in the night due to stiffness and fatigue. Luckily, my daughter

slept through the night most of the time.

I felt so guilty not being able to be the mother I had always planned

to be. I felt so guilty that I had quit my job to stay at home, but

my dh (who was working full-time) had to totally care for our infant

evenings and nights.

The goods news is I am now able to take care of my child. It took

about 3 months after my first visit with the RA DR. I feel so much

better. I sleep well most of the time. My pain is 90% less and I

move so much better. I still have pain once in a while. I always

have less strength in my wrists than prior to RA. I do feel pain if I

don't get a good night's sleep.

I am able to get down on my hands and knees and scrub the floor. Once

in a while, my joints hurt and I have to accept that the housework

has to wait for a day.

I am able to go walking with my toddler, go swimming, go to the park,

and all the other things I need to do. The one thing I've had to

change is I can no longer tent camp. So, we just bought a tent

trailer.

I was was never able to breasfeed even before RA, and it was a big

let down for me. It was something I had always planned to do.

However, there have been a lot of advantages to bottle feeding. But,

I do understand why you and your wife are disappointed. By the way,

my daughter only held her bottle herself twice before she was 1 year

old. I think we spent more time holding her than a lot of parents who

started out breastfeeding. You can bond just as well with a bottle.

Though, I know that breast milk is suppose to be better than

formula. But, the formula today is very nutritional.

FYI, my posts are few, but always VERY long.

Jean

1 precious daughter, 14 months old

************

-- " Philip Berens " <philiptheb@y...> wrote:

We are scared, angry, and frustrated..internaly, Externaly we are

happy, and looking on the bright side (less dishes, laundry, vacuming

for her)...............Her RA only appeared after our son was born

(about 8 weeks after).............She is already using the top dose

of Celebrex but that is losing its effectiveness, and isn't really

breastfeeding compatable anyway.

************

[Guest guest]

Nellistar wrote:

Sufferers of RA are more likely to develope infections, lymphoma cancer, heart

disease, lung cancer osteoporosis and scleritis. These are " complications " that

can shorten one's life. Another one of these is depression.

Me: then you need to be really clear about this (and actually i don't think you

are correct about the cancer connection, can you cite a source for that?) you

made it sound as if RA itself is life-shortening. once that was true but it

really isn't anymore. yes your immune system is compromised but there is no

clear correlation between having RA and developing fatal illness (and saying

" depression " is life-shortening is REALLY reaching).

Also, you didn't ask-- as your quote showed!-- why she was AFFECTED so young,

you asked why she GOT it so young. Those are really different questions, but

even if you HAD asked the first... it's an irrelevant question in RA. They

don't know what causes it yet but age isn't a factor the way it is in OA.

I'm sorry about your pain, but for most, pain CAN be controlled.

Your list of factors is not scientific-- the only one really supported by

research is the connection to heredity. looking for " causes " can have a whiff of

" blame the victim, " though no doubt that isn't your intent. Loads of people

have hay fever, smoke etc that do not get RA and loads of people have RA with an

entirely healthy lifestyle.

I was 14 and slender! certainly not a smoker or coffee drinker. and what about

the babies and toddlers who get it?

Please don't use private speculation as if it's scientific theory or research.

I'm glad you're still active; your warning post strongly suggested otherwise.

Gwen

<<why do you think your life will be shortened— once that was true but that had more to do with the disease affecting the large organs.  if it is controlled, it shouldn’t do that...

ditto for sleeping at night. >>

Sufferers of RA are more likely to develope infections, lymphoma cancer, heart disease, lung cancer osteoporosis and scleritis. These are "complications" that can shorten one's life. Another one of these is depression.

not to be insensitive at all to your very real pain and problems... but just bear in mind that for many of us this is a lifetime disease and we aren’t crippled etc.  I have had surgery on two hands and one foot and I have osteoporosis from years of steroids, and I no longer play the violin as I did when a child (gave it up at age 18).  BUT.  I recently drove across country with three cats.  Started a new job in television and work ten hours a day.  I bought some four-inch heels by G-series that are as comfortable as sneakers.  I’m writing my dissertation.  

Good for you. I too work in entertainment and haven't let it slow me down. The only difference is that I am in pain all the time. I wish I could see a happy ending for this, but I don't. It seems like a steady downhill climb.

I am reading that there are risk factors that make a person more likely to have RA. This is why I asked the young man why his wife seemed so affected by it so young (couldn't do housework)?

such factors include:

hay fever suffers

smokers (heavy)

short repo. life

blood transfusions

obesity

coffee (heavy drinker)

And of course, heredity.

Pris

 How is she effected by her RA?

Did the doctor say why she got it so young?

I am not trying to be cruel, but   you must understand that RA is a serious disease.

Having to "give up breast feeding" may be of small consequence, i

Are you thinking of getting rid of your pig because of behavior problems? Try Behavior Modification!

"Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training" book

www.valentinesperformingpigs.com

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/27/04 3:38:56 PM, gwenorel@... writes:

e:  then you need to be really clear about this (and actually i don't think you are correct about the cancer connection, can you cite a source for that?)  you made it sound as if RA itself is life-shortening.  once that was true but it really isn't anymore. 

I would suggest you do more research.

From the site http://rheumatology.hss.edu/pat/specialReports/fields_tightControlRA.asp

Dr. Porter pointed out the similarities between RA and diabetes:

• both are chronic disorders;

• both can lead to serious complications that develop over the course of a lifetime;

• such complications often cause serious illness and premature death.

On almost every recent site I read, it said that complications for RA can shorten ones life.

I did not make up the possible complications that I cited.

Go to http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000431.htm

There is so much info available on the internet.

Pris

Are you thinking of getting rid of your pig because of behavior problems? Try Behavior Modification!

"Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training" book

www.valentinesperformingpigs.com

[Guest guest]

ps aren’t you also confusing RA with rheumatoid vasculitis? Rheumatoid vasculitis is not the SAME as RA and most people with RA will never get rheumatoid vasculitis. Even medline only says “mortality can increase” which is a far cry from your original post which said the RA would probably shorten your life. This is not at ALL to downplay how serious a disease it can be but this is a bit like saying most people with diabetes will “probably” lose a limb. Some do, but MOST do NOT.

You suggest I do more research— well, I suggest you learn how to interpret your research better. Thanks,

Gwen

From: NELLIESTAR@...

Reply-Rheumatoid Arthritis

Date: Wed, 28 Apr 2004 02:18:58 EDT

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Subject: Re: New Member: Intro/Advice

In a message dated 4/27/04 3:38:56 PM, gwenorel@... writes:

e:  then you need to be really clear about this (and actually i don't think you are correct about the cancer connection, can you cite a source for that?)  you made it sound as if RA itself is life-shortening.  once that was true but it really isn't anymore. 

I would suggest you do more research.

From the site http://rheumatology.hss.edu/pat/specialReports/fields_tightControlRA.asp

Dr. Porter pointed out the similarities between RA and diabetes:

€ both are chronic disorders;

€ both can lead to serious complications that develop over the course of a lifetime;

€ such complications often cause serious illness and premature death.

On almost every recent site I read, it said that complications for RA can shorten ones life.

I did not make up the possible complications that I cited.

Go to http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000431.htm

There is so much info available on the internet.

Pris

Are you thinking of getting rid of your pig because of behavior problems? Try Behavior Modification!

" Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training " book

www.valentinesperformingpigs.com

[Guest guest]

Nellie

Sorry but... the references you cite don’t really support your claims. A study shows some similarity in patients who have diabetes and RA— so what? It’s a study...and doesn’t suggest that this is the norm... while it’s true there are some potentially serious complications from RA, the vast majority of RA patients will not have inflammation of the lungs or heart these days.

Out of curiosity, how long have you had RA?

I’ve had it 25 years and am pretty well-informed... so none of your references were news to me, and I also knew how to interpret them in the light of the whole consensus of medical opinion.

I’m glad to see in your follow-up post that you are active and productive...

I’m a bit surprised that if you’re living with constant pain your RD hasn’t upped your prednisone, 2mg is very low.

Gwen

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/28/04 12:13:35 PM, hvantuyl@... writes:

You can find what you are looking for on the internet.  There is more garbage there than there are facts.  You can also find doctors that say there is little or no life shortening with RA. 

Never did a say that everyone who had RA would have their life shortened.

This is what I said exactly-

"Sufferers of RA are more likely to develope infections, lymphoma cancer, heart disease, lung cancer osteoporosis and scleritis. These are "complications" that can shorten one's life. Another one of these is depression."

Are any parts of this statement incorrect? f so, be specific and cite internet references....

Please do not "Interpret" what I said.

Any if you refer to anything I say, please include the post....

Miles of Smiles,

Pris

Are you thinking of getting rid of your pig because of behavior problems? Try Behavior Modification!

"Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training" book

www.valentinesperformingpigs.com

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/28/04 12:59:19 PM, gwenorel@... writes:

My life will probably be shortened because of the "poison"  meds I take.

I don't think I am going to be able to walk or function without going on high doses of steroids.

But I am "saving" this for when I no longer can walk.

Long time use of high doses can be very effective but as most of us know, their side effects can be horrendous. I have been on them for years, and for me they really work.

But because of the side effects I would rather suffer more now and be able to take them "later".

Pris

Are you thinking of getting rid of your pig because of behavior problems? Try Behavior Modification!

"Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training" book

www.valentinesperformingpigs.com

[Guest guest]

You can find what you are looking for on the internet. There is more garbage

there than there are facts. You can also find doctors that say there is little

or no life shortening with RA.

>

> From: NELLIESTAR@...

> Date: 2004/04/28 Wed AM 06:18:58 GMT

> Rheumatoid Arthritis

> Subject: Re: New Member: Intro/Advice

>

>

> In a message dated 4/27/04 3:38:56 PM, gwenorel@... writes:

>

>

> > e:  then you need to be really clear about this (and actually i don't think

> > you are correct about the cancer connection, can you cite a source for

> > that?)  you made it sound as if RA itself is life-shortening.  once that was

true

> > but it really isn't anymore. 

> >

>

> I would suggest you do more research.

> From the site

> http://rheumatology.hss.edu/pat/specialReports/fields_tightControlRA.asp

> Dr. Porter pointed out the similarities between RA and diabetes:

> ? both are chronic disorders;

> ? both can lead to serious complications that develop over the

> course of a lifetime;

> ? such complications often cause serious illness and premature

> death.

> On almost every recent site I read, it said that complications for RA can

> shorten ones life.

> I did not make up the possible complications that I cited.

> Go to http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000431.htm

> There is so much info available on the internet.

> Pris

>

>

>

>

> Are you thinking of getting rid of your pig because of behavior problems? Try

> Behavior Modification!

> " Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training " book

> www.valentinesperformingpigs.com

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, Nellie, you also wrote in your original post you wrote:

My life will probably be shortened because of the " poison "   meds I take.

**

can you elaborate on what you meant by that?

[Guest guest]

, vasculitis CAN be serious but that doesn't mean it MUST be. Hang in

there....

> From: shelly smiegal <shelsmieg2000@...>

> Reply-Rheumatoid Arthritis

> Date: Wed, 28 Apr 2004 15:31:08 -0700 (PDT)

> Rheumatoid Arthritis

> Subject: Re: New Member: Intro/Advice

>

> Thanks for that note, guess who's come down with

> vasculitis? ME! Come on guys, let's encourage each

> other for a while.--