Anne

[Guest guest]

Hi Anne,

You sure sound like you're having a rough time. I can totally

sympathize, as my daughter's husband is of the same mind set.

He's " too tired " to do anything when he comes home from work. And on

Saturdays, he spends the day with his friend working on cars.

is 18 weeks pregnant with triplets and not supposed to be doing

any work. She works part time (25 hours a week) at church and is

going to college, but he was raised by his mother who did everything

for him, and he doesn't think " women's work " is for him. Ron (my

husband) reminded him of the many things he has helped Duane with,

and as Duane respects Ron very much as the dad he never had, he is

beginning to help out a " little " bit around the house. We bought

them disposable cat litter boxes, as he refused to change the cat

box, and 's not allowed to, so that helped. And he is washing

his work clothes while I do the rest of their laundry.

Do you belong to a church or other group where the people could or

would help you out? Our church is very good about that, but they

have to be asked, no one volunteers. There is a sweet lady that is

cooking for twice a week, and another who has said she will

come every day and help feed & bathe the babies when they arrive.

Maybe someone like that could help you out? Also, has a 2 1/2

year old son, whose favorite word is " no. " But he loves helping, and

they got him a big blue plastic basked to put his clothes in at

night. If he picks up all his clothes and toys, he gets a Monopoly

dollar, and next time they go to Wal Mart he gets a real dollar to

spend.

I am at the same point in my diagnosis as you are. My pcp said the

same thing, that my tests are negative. I can't take Vioxx or

Celebrex due to allergic problems, so he has me only on Ibuprofen

2400 mg a day, but I am supposed to be seeing a rheumy soon.

Meanwhile, I just grind my teeth and wonder too why they say we

should have early treatment to avoid damage, then won't treat us.

Well I am windy tonight, and have been in a flare myself the past

week, though feeling better tonight. But now I think it's time to go

rest. My husband is slowly accepting that fact, that " superwoman "

has resigned, and he kind of likes it. I'll keep you in my thoughts

and prayers.

God bless,

Judi