Re: Al - Wildcats and Enbrel

[Guest guest]

Hi Al,

I hold a deep affection for the Wildcats as I attended Northwestern for

nursing school, although due to family problems, I was never able to get my

degree.

I am the original Bears fan in Dolphin country. We have been here in South

Florida for 24 years, and every football season, out comes my " fan gear " . My

family knows to leave me alone on the rare days that I can actually get a

Bears game here in New York territory. I am originally from Lyons and my

husband is from Brookfield (both suburbs out by Brookfield Zoo) and have been

in south Florida ever since we got married in 1978 (we left the day after the

ceremony). Have 3 daughters who are " true " Florida babies and try to get to

Chicago to visit my sister when able to. Love ATA (you're on vacation now!)

My sister lives in LaGrange Highlands.

Welcome and nice to have a little testosterone on this board finally!

Gentle, tender, Chicago angel hugs,

Debs in FL

[Guest guest]

Hi Deb,

Another thing we have in common, sort of! My family is from the Chicago

area. I was born in Highland Park, but we moved to Plantation when I was 5.

That's why I say sort of.

Anyway, I hope you're reasonably comfortable today.

All my love,

Carol

Re: [ ] Al - Wildcats and Enbrel

Hi Al,

I hold a deep affection for the Wildcats as I attended Northwestern for

nursing school, although due to family problems, I was never able to get my

degree.

I am the original Bears fan in Dolphin country. We have been here in South

Florida for 24 years, and every football season, out comes my " fan gear " .

My

family knows to leave me alone on the rare days that I can actually get a

Bears game here in New York territory. I am originally from Lyons and my

husband is from Brookfield (both suburbs out by Brookfield Zoo) and have

been

in south Florida ever since we got married in 1978 (we left the day after

the

ceremony). Have 3 daughters who are " true " Florida babies and try to get to

Chicago to visit my sister when able to. Love ATA (you're on vacation now!)

My sister lives in LaGrange Highlands.

Welcome and nice to have a little testosterone on this board finally!

Gentle, tender, Chicago angel hugs,

Debs in FL

[Guest guest]

Hi Gail,

Now you're making me travel down memory lane. I was a " huge " fan of

the cubs many years ago and fondly remember taking the L to

and watching Banks, , Santo, Kessinger, and the boys. Who

would think that the bleachers were the cheapie $1 seats and only

the " bums " sat there?

I have never been given a TB test but have had numerous x-rays taken

of my chest during the past few years because I almost died of double

pnuemonia a few years back which I think was actually the " catalyst "

to my current health woes.

I should have my results tomorrow and will definitely schedule an

appointmant with my rheumy asap.

Hope you are feeling good.

Take care,

Al

> Yes, Al, who would think! Elaine in Alabama used to be our neighbor,

> too. She was only about 10 minutes away from me. She hasn't been

posting

> lately, but I bet she's busy with her grandchildren.

>

> The Wildcats. The Cubs. I grew up with two big losing teams as part

of

> my history. Even though my ex-husband and various members of my

family

> hold Northwestern degrees of various types, I never had a particular

> affection for the Wilcats. I went to many games, but maybe it's just

> football I don't like. It's just so brutal. I doesn't even seem

> particularly athletic. Now I think I like it even less when I think

of

> all of the joints that get ruined in the game! I loved the Cubs

though.

> I used to go see them play - only an L ride away. Ron Santo, Ernie

> Banks, . Lately, even though I played competitive

sports

> myself for many years, it's hard to be a fan of any organized sport

with

> all the bad behavior and greed that is now part of the game. Don't

get

> me started!

>

> Were you ever given a TB test before you started Enbrel

(etanercept)?

> Although TB infection or reactivation is a rare occurrence in those

> being treated with Enbrel and Remicade (infliximab), it has

happened.

> I'm glad they did a chest x-ray. When will you know the results? I

think

> you should see your rheumatologist ASAP so that she can look into

this.

>

> Hope you can feel better soon,

>

>

>

>

>

> [ ] Re: Al - Blue Periods

>

>

> > Hi ,

> >

> > Thanks for your kind words. Naperville isn't as close as Gurnee

but

> > who would think that 3 of us would be this close? So, is it safe

to

> > assume you're a big Wildcat's fan?

> >

> > I am fortunate that there are many people I can talk to and am

very

> > happy to have joined this group of wonderful folks, like yourself.

> >

> > I am only on Enbrel, but believe this will probably change soon in

> > light of recent developments. I am using an Albuterol inhaler

right

> > now to help my breathing but this is only supposed to provide

short-

> > term relief until I talk to my Rheumy. The " problem " with me is

that

> > my liver is extremely sensitive to drugs with a high toxicity. I

have

> > been on Methotrexate, Arava, Celebrex, Vioxx, Prednisone, and

> > Naproxyn. Either they bring me no relief or send my liver enzymes

> > skyrocketing. I still take a dosepack of Predinsone when I have a

> > flare.

> >

> > Again, thank you for writing back. I appreciate it.

> >

> > All my best,

> >

> > Al in IL

[Guest guest]

Hi Debs,

Thanks for the welcome. My wife and a large part of her family is

from South Florida. We lived in Kendall for about a year (right

before Hurricane ) and moved back to the Chicagoland area. I

was born and raised in Chicago.

You just keep wearing your Bear's gear. We are keeping our fingers

crossed this year. Last year was such a pleasant surprise. They play

the Dolphins in December so it should be interesting. My nephews go

to the University of Miami, so we are big Hurricane fans.

You should definitely try and make it back. Especially in the fall.

It's my favorite time of year.

Have a great Sunday and I hope you are doing well.

Al

> Hi Al,

>

> I hold a deep affection for the Wildcats as I attended Northwestern

for

> nursing school, although due to family problems, I was never able

to get my

> degree.

>

> I am the original Bears fan in Dolphin country. We have been here

in South

> Florida for 24 years, and every football season, out comes my " fan

gear " . My

> family knows to leave me alone on the rare days that I can actually

get a

> Bears game here in New York territory. I am originally from Lyons

and my

> husband is from Brookfield (both suburbs out by Brookfield Zoo) and

have been

> in south Florida ever since we got married in 1978 (we left the day

after the

> ceremony). Have 3 daughters who are " true " Florida babies and try

to get to

> Chicago to visit my sister when able to. Love ATA (you're on

vacation now!)

> My sister lives in LaGrange Highlands.

>

> Welcome and nice to have a little testosterone on this board

finally!

>

> Gentle, tender, Chicago angel hugs,

>

> Debs in FL

[Guest guest]

Carol,

I think once we feel a bit better, I am going to fly from Ft Lauderdale to

Orlando and then continue on to Chicago and have a hot time in the old city.

Just the two of us and see what kind of trouble we can get into. Shouldn't

be too hard. I think that could probably meet us there as she is just

west of the city in Naperville! The Windy City will never be the same

again!!!!!!

My Samsonite is down and dusted off already!

Aisle or window seat??????????????

Deb

[Guest guest]

Cool,

Yep, I think Kathi and Al aren't that far from downtown Chicago and could use

a little change of scenery! Actually, I think it is what the doctor has

prescribed for all of us!!!When I was in nursing school, I used to live 2

blocks from the Hancock Center and still love to shop down the Miracle

Mile and Water Tower Place. Florida is nice, but doesn't hold a candle to

the shops, restaurants and culture held by Windy City.

OK, now I have my Samsonite down and my travel size shampoo's ready also.

Now, just to find a steamer trunk for my medications! LOL.

Well, we have liquid sunshine this AM, so I think I will try to get a little

rest before I go see the dd (d**n doctor). Ah yes, it is going to be one of

those weeks!!!!!!

Gentle, tender, frequent flier mile angel hugs,

Deb

[Guest guest]

that would be fun!!! i could use to get into some good ol trouble myself!!!

it has been far too long!!! kathy in il

[Guest guest]

Oh Deb, I'd love it! We'll have a great time. I think we also have Kathy

and Al to visit with, don't we?

I'm ALWAYS ready for a vacation. ;-)

Love and hugs,

Carol

Re: [ ] Al - Wildcats and Enbrel

Carol,

I think once we feel a bit better, I am going to fly from Ft Lauderdale to

Orlando and then continue on to Chicago and have a hot time in the old city.

Just the two of us and see what kind of trouble we can get into. Shouldn't

be too hard. I think that could probably meet us there as she is just

west of the city in Naperville! The Windy City will never be the same

again!!!!!!

My Samsonite is down and dusted off already!

Aisle or window seat??????????????

Deb

[Guest guest]

<< Now, just to find a steamer trunk for my medications! LOL. >>

LOL LOL - You and I both! The last couple of trips I made I kept a few days

worth of meds in my suitcase (checked in) in case my carry on bag was

stolen. That way at least I would have meds in one place or the other.

Unbelievable.

Deb, have you gotten any sleep? Please try to rest before your appt. I

worry so much about you, my friend. I hope the DD gives you some better

pain relief today.

You need to rest up for our trip, too! I have a mental picture of us

wheelchair racing in the airport in Chicago, being pushed by airline

porters. Faster, faster! :-)

Love and hugs,

Carol

Re: [ ] Al - Wildcats and Enbrel

Cool,

Yep, I think Kathi and Al aren't that far from downtown Chicago and could

use

a little change of scenery! Actually, I think it is what the doctor has

prescribed for all of us!!!When I was in nursing school, I used to live 2

blocks from the Hancock Center and still love to shop down the Miracle

Mile and Water Tower Place. Florida is nice, but doesn't hold a candle to

the shops, restaurants and culture held by Windy City.

OK, now I have my Samsonite down and my travel size shampoo's ready also.

Now, just to find a steamer trunk for my medications! LOL.

Well, we have liquid sunshine this AM, so I think I will try to get a little

rest before I go see the dd (d**n doctor). Ah yes, it is going to be one of

those weeks!!!!!!

Gentle, tender, frequent flier mile angel hugs,

Deb

[Guest guest]

Deb and Carol,

As wild as the two of you sound, I'll have to show up just to have

bail money handy. LOL!

Al

> Oh Deb, I'd love it! We'll have a great time. I think we also

have Kathy

> and Al to visit with, don't we?

>

> I'm ALWAYS ready for a vacation. ;-)

>

> Love and hugs,

> Carol

>

> Re: [ ] Al - Wildcats and Enbrel

>

> Carol,

>

> I think once we feel a bit better, I am going to fly from Ft

Lauderdale to

> Orlando and then continue on to Chicago and have a hot time in the

old city.

> Just the two of us and see what kind of trouble we can get into.

Shouldn't

> be too hard. I think that could probably meet us there as she

is just

> west of the city in Naperville! The Windy City will never be the

same

> again!!!!!!

>

> My Samsonite is down and dusted off already!

>

> Aisle or window seat??????????????

>

> Deb

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

LOL LOL Thanks for the smile, Al.

Hope you're having a good day.

Hugs,

Carol

Re: [ ] Al - Wildcats and Enbrel

>

> Carol,

>

> I think once we feel a bit better, I am going to fly from Ft

Lauderdale to

> Orlando and then continue on to Chicago and have a hot time in the

old city.

> Just the two of us and see what kind of trouble we can get into.

Shouldn't

> be too hard. I think that could probably meet us there as she

is just

> west of the city in Naperville! The Windy City will never be the

same

> again!!!!!!

>

> My Samsonite is down and dusted off already!

>

> Aisle or window seat??????????????

>

> Deb

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

You're very welcome Carol.

Hope you're having a great day.

Al

> > Oh Deb, I'd love it! We'll have a great time. I think we also

> have Kathy

> > and Al to visit with, don't we?

> >

> > I'm ALWAYS ready for a vacation. ;-)

> >

> > Love and hugs,

> > Carol

> >

> > Re: [ ] Al - Wildcats and Enbrel

> >

> > Carol,

> >

> > I think once we feel a bit better, I am going to fly from Ft

> Lauderdale to

> > Orlando and then continue on to Chicago and have a hot time in the

> old city.

> > Just the two of us and see what kind of trouble we can get into.

> Shouldn't

> > be too hard. I think that could probably meet us there as

she

> is just

> > west of the city in Naperville! The Windy City will never be the

> same

> > again!!!!!!

> >

> > My Samsonite is down and dusted off already!

> >

> > Aisle or window seat??????????????

> >

> > Deb

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

It would be fun! We really need to stop talking and start making

reservations. ;-) In the fall, when Deb is past the knee surgery and her

adhesions are repaired, we need to consider giving ourselves an early Xmas

present.

Love and hugs,

Carol

Re: [ ] Re: Al - Wildcats and Enbrel

that would be fun!!! i could use to get into some good ol trouble myself!!!

it has been far too long!!! kathy in il

[Guest guest]

I agree. The fall would be nice. Just let me know when. An early

holiday is always a good thing.

Al

> It would be fun! We really need to stop talking and start making

> reservations. ;-) In the fall, when Deb is past the knee surgery

and her

> adhesions are repaired, we need to consider giving ourselves an

early Xmas

> present.

>

> Love and hugs,

> Carol

>

> Re: [ ] Re: Al - Wildcats and Enbrel

>

> that would be fun!!! i could use to get into some good ol trouble

myself!!!

> it has been far too long!!! kathy in il

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

So Al,

You guys left before the BBBBIIIIGGGGGGG wind? You are no fun at all.

Kendall got the worst of it. Was your old house affected? That was the

scariest night of my life. The walls of my house actually shook. We just

had some landscape damage and never lost our power. What an experience. Oh,

the price we pay for living in paradise! LOL!

Are the Bears still planning on playing this season down in Urbana? I tried

to get tiks to the Dolphins-Bears game (Monday Night Football)SOLD OUT!!!!

Well, at least I can get the game on TV and I won't have that parking or

bathroom problem! LOL. My neighbor went to U of M and is a pretty big

'Canes fan, but that is about it. The new stadium for the Florida Panthers

is about 2 miles from our home, so south Florida is finally getting a spot on

the map for something good for a change and then of course we have our

Marlins. We are slowly coming out of the Swampland days! Ya know, you can

take the girl out of Chicago, but you can't take the Chicago out of the girl.

I would move back in a heartbeat, but my husband loves it here and now so do

the kids. We have a pool/spa in the backyard and the girls would freeze

their butts off if we went back to the cold country!

Glad to have you aboard! You can keep these wild ladies in line! As you can

see, they are a rowdy bunch. Please watch out for those 2 quiet ones, our

moderators, and a! Ya know what they say about the " silent

types " ...LOL.

Good luck with your doc appt on Wednesday.

Gentle, tender, Chicago angel hugs,

Debs in FL

[Guest guest]

Al,

I can see that you remember me from my previous Chicago days!!!!!!!LOL

Debs

[Guest guest]

Hi Debs,

Oh yeah, we bailed. It was still pretty nerve racking because we had

friends and family there. The place we lived in got trashed a bit. My

sister-in-law was living in an townhouse that was leveled. Luckily,

she was at someone elses place up north when it hit.

So, you would come back in a heartbeat huh? That's what a lot of my

friends who have relocated say. Personally, I think it's the hotdogs

and pizza. Once you've had those in Chicago, there's no turning back.

Yes, the Bears are in Champaign this season, and maybe next if the

Soldier Field renovation isn't compete. Our fear in Chicago is that

some home games may be blacked out. The stadium in Champaign holds

many more folks than Soldier Field does so it could be hard to sell

out some games.

Thanks for your advice about the ladies in this group. I'll

definitely try and keep the rowdy ones in line, but fear it's a

hopeless cause. And I definitely know about those silent types. LOL!

Take care dear and have a great Tuesday.

Al

> So Al,

>

> You guys left before the BBBBIIIIGGGGGGG wind? You are no fun at

all.

> Kendall got the worst of it. Was your old house affected? That

was the

> scariest night of my life. The walls of my house actually shook.

We just

> had some landscape damage and never lost our power. What an

experience. Oh,

> the price we pay for living in paradise! LOL!

>

> Are the Bears still planning on playing this season down in

Urbana? I tried

> to get tiks to the Dolphins-Bears game (Monday Night Football)SOLD

OUT!!!!

> Well, at least I can get the game on TV and I won't have that

parking or

> bathroom problem! LOL. My neighbor went to U of M and is a pretty

big

> 'Canes fan, but that is about it. The new stadium for the Florida

Panthers

> is about 2 miles from our home, so south Florida is finally getting

a spot on

> the map for something good for a change and then of course we have

our

> Marlins. We are slowly coming out of the Swampland days! Ya know,

you can

> take the girl out of Chicago, but you can't take the Chicago out of

the girl.

> I would move back in a heartbeat, but my husband loves it here and

now so do

> the kids. We have a pool/spa in the backyard and the girls would

freeze

> their butts off if we went back to the cold country!

>

> Glad to have you aboard! You can keep these wild ladies in line!

As you can

> see, they are a rowdy bunch. Please watch out for those 2 quiet

ones, our

> moderators, and a! Ya know what they say about

the " silent

> types " ...LOL.

>

> Good luck with your doc appt on Wednesday.

>

> Gentle, tender, Chicago angel hugs,

>

> Debs in FL

[Guest guest]

Quiet???? ME?????? HAHAHAHA!!!! One thing I¹ve never been called is

quiet.

>

>

> Glad to have you aboard! You can keep these wild ladies in line! As you can

> see, they are a rowdy bunch. Please watch out for those 2 quiet ones, our

> moderators, and a! Ya know what they say about the " silent

> types " ...LOL.

>

> Good luck with your doc appt on Wednesday.

>

> Gentle, tender, Chicago angel hugs,

>

> Debs in FL

>