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[Guest guest]

Hi all, as most of you know, I gave a presentation to about 25 copayors last

Wed. These are the movers and shakers that make decisions as to what, how and

when, patients are allowed access to the new biologics. My talk was 25 mins, and

I included pictures of before, after and during my days with RA. At the end they

were allowed 20 mins for questions and answers but somehow this went on for

about 45 mins. One copayor said " I will never look at a claim in the same way " .

Anther said, 'I don't think I will come to any more of your talks, you made me

cry and men are not supposed to cry " . I did get a standing applause, so I came

away with the feeling that my message was not in vain.

On the weekend, I and others, did a 2 day workshop teaching them how to become

more efficient advocates(we had people from all over Canada, which included

patients,GP's and rheumatologists) People think advocators are a group who jump

up and down, talking a mile a minute to get their point across.We spent a couple

of hours teaching patients how to lobby politicians and this, for some reason.

got them all excited LOL. I will be drafting up some of the items I brought to

the table, later this week. If anyone would like a copy, let me know your email

address and I will be happy to send it to you.

On the whole, I came away with a very satisfied feeling. You were all very much

in my thoughts as I told them the truth of what it is like for people who live

with chronic pain.

I am very tired at the moment and the pain seems to hover at 10. There were

times I had almost made up my mind to stop these speaking sessions but if I only

reach and educate at least one health care provider, then I have a hard time

not doing it. I feel that I am speaking for all of you.

Still waiting for an appt with a neurologist to see what options are available

to me, then I can decide which joint is causing me the most grief, my ankle or

my knee, some choice LOL

Hugs

June