help please!

August 31, 2005

Hi . Sed rate measures inflammation, and it is very common that

it is elevated in RA. Liver enzymes often become elevated by the meds

we take. Do you know how high your liver enzymes are? What meds are

you taking?

a

On Aug 31, 2005, at 1:55 PM, Climer wrote:

> Hi all. I went in Monday to have my blood work done to determine if

> I had RA

> or not, and they called me with the results today, and the

>

> nurse told me the doctor was very concerned about some of the

> results. The

> test they do to check for RA was actually normal, but she

>

> said they did a sed rate and it was high as well as my liver

> enzymes were

> high. Are results like these common with RA? I am sooo

>

> scared I don't know what to do. Can someone please have some

> answers for me.

> I go into see the doctor friday morning. They wanted to

>

> see me ASAP.

>

> Thanks in advance

>

August 31, 2005

Hi . Sed rate measures inflammation, and it is very common that

it is elevated in RA. Liver enzymes often become elevated by the meds

we take. Do you know how high your liver enzymes are? What meds are

you taking?

a

On Aug 31, 2005, at 1:55 PM, Climer wrote:

> Hi all. I went in Monday to have my blood work done to determine if

> I had RA

> or not, and they called me with the results today, and the

>

> nurse told me the doctor was very concerned about some of the

> results. The

> test they do to check for RA was actually normal, but she

>

> said they did a sed rate and it was high as well as my liver

> enzymes were

> high. Are results like these common with RA? I am sooo

>

> scared I don't know what to do. Can someone please have some

> answers for me.

> I go into see the doctor friday morning. They wanted to

>

> see me ASAP.

>

> Thanks in advance

>

September 1, 2005

I know sed rate means there is an infection, but I have taken no different

meds since the last liver profile I had done, and they were ok.

Also, the test that checks for RA was normal. Can this test be normal, and

still have RA.

And as of yesterday afternoon, I have started to loose my voice. I have not

been feeling like I have been getting a cold or anything, but by this

morning, I sound like Minnie Mouse. Do any of these symptoms make any since

to anyone?:? I am totally baffled. And now my husband is worried sick. (You

would think he would be happy I lost my voice LOL)

-- Re: [ ] Help please!

Hi . Sed rate measures inflammation, and it is very common that

it is elevated in RA. Liver enzymes often become elevated by the meds

we take. Do you know how high your liver enzymes are? What meds are

you taking?

a

On Aug 31, 2005, at 1:55 PM, Climer wrote:

> Hi all. I went in Monday to have my blood work done to determine if

> I had RA

> or not, and they called me with the results today, and the

>

> nurse told me the doctor was very concerned about some of the

> results. The

> test they do to check for RA was actually normal, but she

>

> said they did a sed rate and it was high as well as my liver

> enzymes were

> high. Are results like these common with RA? I am sooo

>

> scared I don't know what to do. Can someone please have some

> answers for me.

> I go into see the doctor friday morning. They wanted to

>

> see me ASAP.

>

> Thanks in advance

>

September 1, 2005

I know sed rate means there is an infection, but I have taken no different

meds since the last liver profile I had done, and they were ok.

Also, the test that checks for RA was normal. Can this test be normal, and

still have RA.

And as of yesterday afternoon, I have started to loose my voice. I have not

been feeling like I have been getting a cold or anything, but by this

morning, I sound like Minnie Mouse. Do any of these symptoms make any since

to anyone?:? I am totally baffled. And now my husband is worried sick. (You

would think he would be happy I lost my voice LOL)

-- Re: [ ] Help please!

Hi . Sed rate measures inflammation, and it is very common that

it is elevated in RA. Liver enzymes often become elevated by the meds

we take. Do you know how high your liver enzymes are? What meds are

you taking?

a

On Aug 31, 2005, at 1:55 PM, Climer wrote:

> Hi all. I went in Monday to have my blood work done to determine if

> I had RA

> or not, and they called me with the results today, and the

>

> nurse told me the doctor was very concerned about some of the

> results. The

> test they do to check for RA was actually normal, but she

>

> said they did a sed rate and it was high as well as my liver

> enzymes were

> high. Are results like these common with RA? I am sooo

>

> scared I don't know what to do. Can someone please have some

> answers for me.

> I go into see the doctor friday morning. They wanted to

>

> see me ASAP.

>

> Thanks in advance

>

September 1, 2005

,

Many here test negative for RA, me included. I have a website with

links to many articles that may help you understand.

http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/Lab%20Tests.html

Unfortunately lab tests are only a part of the diagnosis of RA. Lab

tests can't confirm RA. I hope this website helps.

I hope you feel better. Do you think you have a cold?

a

On Sep 1, 2005, at 9:14 AM, Climer wrote:

> I know sed rate means there is an infection, but I have taken no

> different

> meds since the last liver profile I had done, and they were ok.

>

> Also, the test that checks for RA was normal. Can this test be

> normal, and

> still have RA.

>

> And as of yesterday afternoon, I have started to loose my voice. I

> have not

> been feeling like I have been getting a cold or anything, but by this

> morning, I sound like Minnie Mouse. Do any of these symptoms make

> any since

> to anyone?:? I am totally baffled. And now my husband is worried

> sick. (You

> would think he would be happy I lost my voice LOL)

>

September 1, 2005

,

Many here test negative for RA, me included. I have a website with

links to many articles that may help you understand.

http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/Lab%20Tests.html

Unfortunately lab tests are only a part of the diagnosis of RA. Lab

tests can't confirm RA. I hope this website helps.

I hope you feel better. Do you think you have a cold?

a

On Sep 1, 2005, at 9:14 AM, Climer wrote:

> I know sed rate means there is an infection, but I have taken no

> different

> meds since the last liver profile I had done, and they were ok.

>

> Also, the test that checks for RA was normal. Can this test be

> normal, and

> still have RA.

>

> And as of yesterday afternoon, I have started to loose my voice. I

> have not

> been feeling like I have been getting a cold or anything, but by this

> morning, I sound like Minnie Mouse. Do any of these symptoms make

> any since

> to anyone?:? I am totally baffled. And now my husband is worried

> sick. (You

> would think he would be happy I lost my voice LOL)

>

September 1, 2005

No I don't have a cold. I don't feel like I usually do when I get a cold.

And my hands and feet are still extremely swollen and painful. I hope to

goodness they can diagnose me soon. Not knowing whats going on is the worse

-- Re: [ ] Help please!

,

Many here test negative for RA, me included. I have a website with

links to many articles that may help you understand.

http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/Lab%20Tests.html

Unfortunately lab tests are only a part of the diagnosis of RA. Lab

tests can't confirm RA. I hope this website helps.

I hope you feel better. Do you think you have a cold?

a

On Sep 1, 2005, at 9:14 AM, Climer wrote:

> I know sed rate means there is an infection, but I have taken no

> different

> meds since the last liver profile I had done, and they were ok.

>

> Also, the test that checks for RA was normal. Can this test be

> normal, and

> still have RA.

>

> And as of yesterday afternoon, I have started to loose my voice. I

> have not

> been feeling like I have been getting a cold or anything, but by this

> morning, I sound like Minnie Mouse. Do any of these symptoms make

> any since

> to anyone?:? I am totally baffled. And now my husband is worried

> sick. (You

> would think he would be happy I lost my voice LOL)

>

September 1, 2005

No I don't have a cold. I don't feel like I usually do when I get a cold.

And my hands and feet are still extremely swollen and painful. I hope to

goodness they can diagnose me soon. Not knowing whats going on is the worse

-- Re: [ ] Help please!

,

Many here test negative for RA, me included. I have a website with

links to many articles that may help you understand.

http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/Lab%20Tests.html

Unfortunately lab tests are only a part of the diagnosis of RA. Lab

tests can't confirm RA. I hope this website helps.

I hope you feel better. Do you think you have a cold?

a

On Sep 1, 2005, at 9:14 AM, Climer wrote:

> I know sed rate means there is an infection, but I have taken no

> different

> meds since the last liver profile I had done, and they were ok.

>

> Also, the test that checks for RA was normal. Can this test be

> normal, and

> still have RA.

>

> And as of yesterday afternoon, I have started to loose my voice. I

> have not

> been feeling like I have been getting a cold or anything, but by this

> morning, I sound like Minnie Mouse. Do any of these symptoms make

> any since

> to anyone?:? I am totally baffled. And now my husband is worried

> sick. (You

> would think he would be happy I lost my voice LOL)

>

September 1, 2005

,

I will be glad when you get to the doctor. Let us know how it goes,

I'm worried about you. My prayers are with you, Tawny

>

> > I know sed rate means there is an infection, but I have taken no

>

> > different

>

> > meds since the last liver profile I had done, and they were ok.

>

> >

>

> > Also, the test that checks for RA was normal. Can this test be

>

> > normal, and

>

> > still have RA.

>

> >

>

> > And as of yesterday afternoon, I have started to loose my voice. I

>

> > have not

>

> > been feeling like I have been getting a cold or anything, but by

this

>

> > morning, I sound like Minnie Mouse. Do any of these symptoms make

>

> > any since

>

> > to anyone?:? I am totally baffled. And now my husband is worried

>

> > sick. (You

>

> > would think he would be happy I lost my voice LOL)

>

> >

>

> >

>

September 1, 2005

,

I will be glad when you get to the doctor. Let us know how it goes,

I'm worried about you. My prayers are with you, Tawny

>

> > I know sed rate means there is an infection, but I have taken no

>

> > different

>

> > meds since the last liver profile I had done, and they were ok.

>

> >

>

> > Also, the test that checks for RA was normal. Can this test be

>

> > normal, and

>

> > still have RA.

>

> >

>

> > And as of yesterday afternoon, I have started to loose my voice. I

>

> > have not

>

> > been feeling like I have been getting a cold or anything, but by

this

>

> > morning, I sound like Minnie Mouse. Do any of these symptoms make

>

> > any since

>

> > to anyone?:? I am totally baffled. And now my husband is worried

>

> > sick. (You

>

> > would think he would be happy I lost my voice LOL)

>

> >

>

> >

>

March 22, 2007

>

> my son has diarrhea since yesterday. i think it's caused by virus since

> his preschool advised that there's been 2 kids already that was sent

> home last week due to gastro virus. i gave him kirkman's probio

> yesterday and today, since it firms up his stool most of the time that

> he's taking it. don't know if i should give him vitc though since it

> might aggravate his diarrhea. what should we do?

Give a small amount of vitamin C, no more than 500mg, see if that helps.

I use vitamin C, Virastop enzyme, and olive leaf extract to eliminate

viral illnesses for my kids.

Dana

April 21, 2007

, did you get a copy of the report and a copy of the MRI? If you

didn't, get them. If you did, do you understand what the report said?

In any case, you will want to have copies of both in case you feel the need

to get a second opinion. I don't know the extent or the degree of your spinal

arthritis, but it is a very common place for arthritis to strike. There are

lots of conservative measures you can try before you go for surgery, so don't

rush that, that SHOULD be a last resort.

There are medications like Celebrex that might be able to help, and of

course, other pain meds. You might want to try physical therapy. There are

cortisone injections, and there are epidurals. There really are a lot of things

you

can try before you think about a surgical fix. In my case, I don't have a

choice. I am now facing surgery, with no certain outcome, but I'm out of

options.

Carol

In a message dated 4/21/2007 4:43:46 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,

espivey@... writes:

Before I begin searching for another group with this specific topic,

can anyone tell me anything about degenerative disc disease and/or

anular tears? Since February my lower back has been killing me and I

finally got the ortho to do an mri and he says that is the problem.

He further said all I can do is to take pain meds or shots. I find

that hard to believe. Anyone with any experience?

Thanks!

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

April 22, 2007

,

I found out last summer I have degenerative disc disease. It is also

called Osteoarthritis. My Dr. did an MRI and on the orders for the

MRI, he has RA and Osteoarthritis as a DX. I already knew I had RA.

I just didn't know about the OA. Take my word for it, I know exactly

what you are going through. The MRI showed that I have three pinched

nerves and four bulges in my lower back. What did your MRI show?

I'll tell you the treatments that was done to me then you can decide

what you want to do for youself. I was sent to a pain clinic and the

first thing the Dr. did was give me three epidural shots which didn't

help at all. Then he decided he'd have to go into the nerves. I

had

to go to the hospital as an outpatient then he gave me six or seven

prednison shots which didn't help in the least. Two weeks later he

told me that he had to go in and do more to those nerves. I found

out that he was going to do a Rizotomy. I asked a Dr if it were him

would he let them do that treatment to him. The DO said that he

wasn't me but if it were him he would not let them do that treatment

to him. So I talked myself out of that one. I read of the side

effects that could happen with the TX. One of the side effects could

possibly be incontinence and the other may be numbness in the lower

part of your body. It's not a sure thing you'll have these side

effects but I'm not going to risk it. My Dr has me on Morphine now

which helps. Has your Ortho suggested PT or Water therapy? I went

through those therapies too. I agree with you, it feels like your

lower back is going to kill you. I too have been in excruciating

pain before starting on morphine. I'd have to hold on to the wall

to go from one room to the other.

===================================================================

>

> Before I begin searching for another group with this specific

topic,

> can anyone tell me anything about degenerative disc disease and/or

> anular tears? Since February my lower back has been killing me

and I

> finally got the ortho to do an mri and he says that is the

problem.

> He further said all I can do is to take pain meds or shots. I find

> that hard to believe. Anyone with any experience?

> Thanks!

>

April 22, 2007

I'm suffering from it, too. What I started doing was to drape myself over a

step ladder right at the hips and it stretched my back into place. I had to

do it as much as 3 times a day, every day for a week or so, and it did solve

the problem for me. Now when I feel it coming on, I drape myself over the

ladder for about 20 minutes and it goes away enough for me to keep going.

It's either that or an epidural, not much of a choice.

Dennis in Eastexas

" It's not Rocket Surgery "

[ ] Help Please!

> Before I begin searching for another group with this specific topic,

> can anyone tell me anything about degenerative disc disease and/or

> anular tears? Since February my lower back has been killing me and I

> finally got the ortho to do an mri and he says that is the problem.

> He further said all I can do is to take pain meds or shots. I find

> that hard to believe. Anyone with any experience?

> Thanks!

>

April 22, 2007

Thanks for the response. I'm so confused. I knew I had OA and RA and

DDD but didn't realize the two were the same. Different docs use

different terms. He said I had a large anular tear ( which he said is

the sac around the disk) and severe degeneration in L5. On the mri

the whole disk was black where all the others were bright white, in

varying degrees. The tear was bright white and the size of the side

of the disk. He said pain meds or shots were my only options! He did

say to walk all I could which I will but it is difficult with my right

leg being weak and half-numb!

I've seen on the net where surgery is an option for ddd and I know it

is for " ruptured " disks, if that's what I have. I wish I had asked

him to talk to me in " my " terms so I understood more. I think i'm

going to look for a second opinion. I am still working full time

because I have to but I can't like this. They've given me Darvocet,

Ultram and Lortab for pain and it doesn't faze it. I also saw on the

net that this is the greatest cause of disability in the US. That's

not encouraging! I'm only 46 and have 3 small granddaughters!

Thanks again.

> >

> > Before I begin searching for another group with this specific

> topic,

> > can anyone tell me anything about degenerative disc disease and/or

> > anular tears? Since February my lower back has been killing me

> and I

> > finally got the ortho to do an mri and he says that is the

> problem.

> > He further said all I can do is to take pain meds or shots. I find

> > that hard to believe. Anyone with any experience?

> > Thanks!

> >

>

April 22, 2007

Hi and Carol,

When first diagnosed with DDD in 2000 I did the epidurals, trigger point

injections, nerve blocks, physical therapy, even chiropractic adjsutments

with heat packs and tens massage. I took so many doses of steroids I gained

40 lbs. Nothing changed. Neuro went in and shaved off bulging parts of

herniated discs. L-4 L-5. Same day surgery, no big deal. He said I had DDD

and would most likely be back. After recovery (3-4) weeks, I had 18 months

pain free. When it came back it was with a vengance. Like before went thru

everything again. Steroids put another 40 lbs. on me. I went from 140 to 220

lb in 3 years. This time fusion was next step. L-3,L-4,L-5,S-1. Went to

different neuro, same diagnosis but was informed that meds I was taking

would cause kidney and liver failure. SOOO,I opted for fusion. After 9 hours

of surgery, 5 days in hospital, 8 weeks of recovery went back to work part

time. (Office manager) Pain still so bad sent to pain mgmt. I held on until

December 2005 and the pain won. I quit work so I could work on hopefully a

routine to where I could have a life. Some days I get out of bed and some I

don't. I don't know until I get up in the morning how my day will be. My

husband is very supportive and takes care of what I can't. I know this is

not the story you wanted to read but it is my life with DDD. Hang in there.

Hugs and Prayers, Fayray.

>From: boomer6454@...

>Reply-

>

>Subject: Re: [ ] Help Please!

>Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2007 20:04:05 EDT

>

>, did you get a copy of the report and a copy of the MRI? If you

>didn't, get them. If you did, do you understand what the report said?

>

>In any case, you will want to have copies of both in case you feel the

>need

>to get a second opinion. I don't know the extent or the degree of your

>spinal

>arthritis, but it is a very common place for arthritis to strike. There

>are

>lots of conservative measures you can try before you go for surgery, so

>don't

>rush that, that SHOULD be a last resort.

>

>There are medications like Celebrex that might be able to help, and of

>course, other pain meds. You might want to try physical therapy. There are

>cortisone injections, and there are epidurals. There really are a lot of

>things you

>can try before you think about a surgical fix. In my case, I don't have a

>choice. I am now facing surgery, with no certain outcome, but I'm out of

>options.

>

>Carol

>

>In a message dated 4/21/2007 4:43:46 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,

>espivey@... writes:

>

>Before I begin searching for another group with this specific topic,

>can anyone tell me anything about degenerative disc disease and/or

>anular tears? Since February my lower back has been killing me and I

>finally got the ortho to do an mri and he says that is the problem.

>He further said all I can do is to take pain meds or shots. I find

>that hard to believe. Anyone with any experience?

>Thanks!

>

>************************************** See what's free at

>http://www.aol.com.

>

April 22, 2007

You are correct. Degenerative Disk Disease is not the same as Osteoarthritis

of the spine, but the two things often go hand in hand. I just did a good

bit of web researching and discovered that my RD over simplified things when I

asked him about this. He told me " it's basically arthritis of the spine " . I

guess he didn't want to go into it.... Yes, I know. I need a new doctor.

Carol

In a message dated 4/22/2007 4:07:12 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,

drack2@... writes:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but OA and DDD are not the same thing!

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

April 22, 2007

For reasons unknown, DDD is attacking both cervical and lumbar regions of my

spine. We haven't looked at the thorasic, but I'm sure if we did, it would

be affected too. , you said your regular neurosurgeon wouldn't touch your

back. Did he say why? I had the same problem. My ortho wants to do surgery.

I'm going in tomorrow for a second opinion with a Doctor that specializes in

minimally invasive surgeries. I'm beginning to think I want to wait on this

back surgery until I'm sure about what can and can't be done, and what the

prognosis is. My back is a very serious MESS.

Carol

In a message dated 4/22/2007 4:10:14 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,

drack2@... writes:

,

I have degenerative disc disease as well. Mine is in my neck. The way my

surgeon explained it to me is this: as we age, our discs begin to " dry out "

slowly and flatten out. Thus, there are annular tears in the outer covering

of the disc. If these tears become too big, the inside disc material may

squish out and do all kinds of damage. With the disease, our discs age way too

early. I am 34 and have had this disease for 5 years that I know of (when I

had my first surgery). In essence, my discs are that of about a 65 year old

person.

Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done unless a disc actually

ruptures and entraps a nerve or pushes too much on the spinal cord. I've had 2

surgeries, been thru physical therapy a dozen times, pain management, you

name it. I take pain meds daily or I'd be in the ER every other day.

I am so sorry to hear about your disc disease. Pardon my language but it

sucks. I am going to a new ortho May 1st, as a regular neurosurgeon won't

touch me any longer due to my degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint

disease in my neck.

[ ] Help Please!

Before I begin searching for another group with this specific topic,

can anyone tell me anything about degenerative disc disease and/or

anular tears? Since February my lower back has been killing me and I

finally got the ortho to do an mri and he says that is the problem.

He further said all I can do is to take pain meds or shots. I find

that hard to believe. Anyone with any experience?

Thanks!

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

April 22, 2007

Dennis,

Could you tell me what you mean be a step ladder and how do you go

about stretching your back into place? Will it help pinched nerves

and bulges?

I'm sorry I sound so dumb but I've never heard of this.

Joyce from Texas

Re: [ ] Help Please!

I'm suffering from it, too. What I started doing was to drape myself over a

step ladder right at the hips and it stretched my back into place. I had to

do it as much as 3 times a day, every day for a week or so, and it did solve

the problem for me. Now when I feel it coming on, I drape myself over the

ladder for about 20 minutes and it goes away enough for me to keep going.

It's either that or an epidural, not much of a choice.

Dennis in Eastexas

" It's not Rocket Surgery "

April 23, 2007

,

I have degenerative disc disease as well. Mine is in my neck. The way my

surgeon explained it to me is this: as we age, our discs begin to " dry out "

slowly and flatten out. Thus, there are annular tears in the outer covering of

the disc. If these tears become too big, the inside disc material may squish

out and do all kinds of damage. With the disease, our discs age way too early.

I am 34 and have had this disease for 5 years that I know of (when I had my

first surgery). In essence, my discs are that of about a 65 year old person.

Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done unless a disc actually

ruptures and entraps a nerve or pushes too much on the spinal cord. I've had 2

surgeries, been thru physical therapy a dozen times, pain management, you name

it. I take pain meds daily or I'd be in the ER every other day.

I am so sorry to hear about your disc disease. Pardon my language but it sucks.

I am going to a new ortho May 1st, as a regular neurosurgeon won't touch me any

longer due to my degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease in my

neck.

[ ] Help Please!

Before I begin searching for another group with this specific topic,

can anyone tell me anything about degenerative disc disease and/or

anular tears? Since February my lower back has been killing me and I

finally got the ortho to do an mri and he says that is the problem.

He further said all I can do is to take pain meds or shots. I find

that hard to believe. Anyone with any experience?

Thanks!

April 23, 2007

Correct me if I'm wrong, but OA and DDD are not the same thing!

[ ] Re: Help Please!