Welcome, Em!

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group, Em!

I'm very sorry to hear about your many problems.

When did you see your rheumatologist last? What sort of kidney problems

do you have? What was the theory about why your lung collapsed? What

medications have you been on, if any? Don't feel compelled to answer any

of these questions if you don't wish to, I'm just curious.

Please do have a frank talk with your rheumatologist about your pain and

fatigue. I hope she or he will offer to help.

As far as your job goes, you are wise to plan ahead and learn about how

to protect yourself. We have several people here who can share their

stories and strategies with you. a gave you some excellent links to

start with.

We'll try to help you any way that we can.

[ ] New member

> Howdy --

>

> I'm Em, hoping to find some information and learn here. I'm 38 years

> old. I was dxed with fibromyalgia a year ago, but have subsequently

begun

> to develop new symptoms. I am returning to my rheumatologist next

week to

> hopefully find out what is going on. These symptoms include bilateral

> joint pain and swelling (fingers, elbows, hips and knees) and ongoing

> " fevers of unknown etiology. " I had a spontaneous pelvic fracture two

> years ago, and subsequently found I have osteopenia in both hips, but

this

> has not been treated by a physician and I have never had other osteo

> problems. In addition I have had kidney problems and a recent

collapsed

> lung, so I honestly don't know what all that adds up to. I can

> hypothesize, but until I've seen the doctor I feel it may be best to

deal

> with the situation as it comes.

>

> My interests are not only in finding out more about dealing with such

> problems, but also looking out for myself in terms of advocacy,

> particularly in the workplace. My employer (large hospital

corporation)

> has a very strict absentee policy, and I'm searching for ways to

protect my

> own interests. I'm currently pretty unhappy, mostly due to pain and

this

> creeping exhaustion that make just typing this letter difficult, and

> sometimes I struggle with feeling too much self-pity, or anger, or

fear. I

> WANT to be positive. But it's difficult.

>

> In any case, I hope to contribute whatever I can to this list, and to

learn

> about how others cope with their diseases and life situations. I

really

> want to connect with people. Glad to be here!

>

> Best,

> Em