Thank you for being here!

[Guest guest]

I have not posted in quite a long time since joining the group several months

ago. But......I faithfully read all the postings every day that I am at work.

I was hired on at my job on 6/3 after working here as a temp on a 1 week -

possibly 2 week temporary position last January. I love it here and find that

with all my health problems that fortunatly it is compatible with the job. I do

not tell anyone that I am in pain and I'm sure that they just think I'm slow. I

now have new insurance starting 7/1 and have an appointment with a new doctor(a

woman) on 7/26. I have gleanned quite a bit of infomation from everyone and

have a better idea of what questions to ask and what to tell the new doctor in

order to get help. One great thing about this insurance is that you do not have

to have a referal to see a specialist. I had a family emergency this past week

and had to drive 4 hours away from Wednesday until Sunday. I was in the high

desert and every day (and night) was over 100 degrees. I had one of the worst

times that I have ever had. I am always in pain but this was instensified. On

Friday and Saturday, I could barely walk. My right leg from the hip to the sole

of my foot burned and ached. All the other points that hurt (shoulders, wrists,

fingers, knees, etc) were worse than usual. It even extended to my chest wall

and ribs. At one point, I even thought I would have to go to the emergency room

at the base I where I was on Friday night. On Saturday, I did manage to go to

the PX(painfully) and then to the commisary where when I walked in, I spotted

one of those electric shopping carts. I have always been reluctant to let

anyone know I am hurting and try to cover up by acting as if I'm just slow.

When I spotted that cart, I said to myself, I don't care what anyone

says......I'm taking it! You know, it was one of the best things, I have ever

done.! I will always take a cart now if it is available. I made the trip back

home on Sunday and today I am at work. I believe some of you have said that

heat could cause a " flair " and am wondering now if emotional stress can do the

same. The family emergency is almost resolved (to the better)and I am out of

the heat and today I feel better than I have in a long, long, time. Thank you

a for being there and for the research you do in our behalf. Tess, Kathe,

, , Lynn(Memom) and all the others, I can identify with you and feel as

if I know you all. Will keep you posted on whether or not the new doctor will

tell me " it's all in my head. " Jan in CA

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