Another update

[Guest guest]

Great news Carol!! I'm glad he is feeling so much better. Have fun

entertaining him for the next few weeks Maybe he'll join you in some

games? I hope Esther comes home soon, and maybe they can entertain each

other. We all understand why you have to delete. Don't feel bad, just

take care of your family. Please give Esther a hug for me.

a

----- Original Message -----

From: Esther & Carol <cheerios@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Monday, June 05, 2000 9:51 PM

Subject: [ ] another update

> Just wanted to let you all know that Ron came home today from hospital.

> He looks and feels great! He isn't allowed to return to work for a few

> weeks

> and is very bored already LOL

>

> The doctor said that he would keep Esther in for a couple of days after

Ron

> was discharged so she should be back home Thursday or Friday.

>

> Sorry I haven't kept up with the list......actually had to delete some

> ( which

> I really do not like to do.

>

> Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement!

> ~ Carol ~

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Remember Father's Day Is June 18th

> Click Here For Great Gifts!

> 1/5037/6/_/478567/_/960256273/

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> URL to change your membership options:

/group/

> RA-support website: http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> Our chat room: www.delphi.com/RheumatoidArth1/start

>

[Guest guest]

Good news, Carol! So happy to hear that Ron is back home and bored. Better

than being in the hospital and bored. Tell him to come here and we will

amuse him.

Hope Esther can come back before the weekend.

Thinking of you all,

----- Original Message -----

From: " Esther & Carol " <cheerios@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Monday, June 05, 2000 8:51 PM

Subject: [ ] another update

> Just wanted to let you all know that Ron came home today from hospital.

> He looks and feels great! He isn't allowed to return to work for a few

> weeks

> and is very bored already LOL

>

> The doctor said that he would keep Esther in for a couple of days after

Ron

> was discharged so she should be back home Thursday or Friday.

>

> Sorry I haven't kept up with the list......actually had to delete some

> ( which

> I really do not like to do.

>

> Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement!

> ~ Carol ~

[Guest guest]

Esther,

I'm glad you found such a nice dentist. Hopefully her expertise will help

avoid any jaw problems. Your doctor sounds very knowledgeable and

thorough. I'm happy to hear your joint fluids look so good. I hope the

injections helps the pain. Please let us know how the acupuncture goes.

I'm curious to see if it helps your fibro. My meds don't seem to be

helping FM very much lately, so I'd like to find another alternative.

I'll be praying that your shoulder pain isn't another replacement coming

loose. You've had quite enough surgeries my friend.

a

----- Original Message -----

From: Carol & Esther <cheeriostoo@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Saturday, January 20, 2001 8:36 PM

Subject: [ ] Another Update

> Hi all.......thought it time to report in again.

>

> Went to the surgeon again yesterday for my second aspiration of artificial

knee. Mom asked

> the doctor why it had to be repeated,when the first one came back

negative. He said that according to the journals it should really be

aspirated three times but he felt two times was sufficient. He said

> that the fluids looked good. He also gave me a shot of half lanacane and

cortizone injection in the knee because of the pain I have in it. I go back

to him in three weeks.

>

> Went to the other orthopedic (they all specialize in one part of the body

but they are all partners) because am having pain and tightness in my right

shoulder........have a replacement there too. He ordered x-rays to rule out

loosening of that replacement. Go back to him next Wed.

>

> Went back to Rheummy last week and he had checked my painful shoulder and

said that I needed to see ortho because it wasn't arthritis.

> He gave me two injections of cortizone and lanacane in my neck and

shoulder blades. My Fibro is very active and they increased my Zoloft from

100mg a day to 150mg. He wants me to go

> to an acupunturist (spglg ?). I use to go see a doctor who injected dry

needles to break up the knots in the muscles that I seem to have but my

> HMO would not pay for him anymore so the Rheummy gave me the name of an

accupuntarist

> who will accept it.

>

> I am still working just one day a week and that seems to be fine for me

right now.

>

> Also, my social worker was trying to get a dentist to give me braces for

my teeth paid for by Medicaid but because I am an adult they will not pay

for it. Over the years and 53 surgeries my teeth were less priority. By

the way, I have only had about two cavities and had wisdom teeth removed

surgically. My bite is off somewhat and the Rheummy is concerned that will

affect my jaw.

> Anyways............she found a dentist who will be giving me my braces

FREE of Charge. Mom and I went to see her two weeks ago and she is a really

really sweet person. She was so happy to finally meet us and made us feel

so special.

> I get the spacers Feb. 12 and the braces on Feb. 15th.

>

> Have a nice weekend all.........love ya!

>

> ~ Esther & Carol ~

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Esther and Carol,

I am really behind with my e-mails. I wanted to write to you the other

day, but I haven't been on much lately, just not feeling well enough.

I was so happy to read you are going to get your braces. What a nice

dentist, should be like her. I feel bad when I read all that you are going

through. I hope you soon find less pain.

Me Mom

----------

> From: Carol & Esther <cheeriostoo@...>

> egroups

> Subject: [ ] Another Update

> Date: Saturday, January 20, 2001 11:36 PM

>

> Hi all.......thought it time to report in again.

>

> Went to the surgeon again yesterday for my second aspiration of

artificial knee. Mom asked

> the doctor why it had to be repeated,when the first one came back

negative. He said that according to the journals it should really be

aspirated three times but he felt two times was sufficient. He said

> that the fluids looked good. He also gave me a shot of half lanacane and

cortizone injection in the knee because of the pain I have in it. I go

back to him in three weeks.

>

> Went to the other orthopedic (they all specialize in one part of the body

but they are all partners) because am having pain and tightness in my right

shoulder........have a replacement there too. He ordered x-rays to rule

out loosening of that replacement. Go back to him next Wed.

>

> Went back to Rheummy last week and he had checked my painful shoulder and

said that I needed to see ortho because it wasn't arthritis.

> He gave me two injections of cortizone and lanacane in my neck and

shoulder blades. My Fibro is very active and they increased my Zoloft from

100mg a day to 150mg. He wants me to go

> to an acupunturist (spglg ?). I use to go see a doctor who injected dry

needles to break up the knots in the muscles that I seem to have but my

> HMO would not pay for him anymore so the Rheummy gave me the name of an

accupuntarist

> who will accept it.

>

> I am still working just one day a week and that seems to be fine for me

right now.

>

> Also, my social worker was trying to get a dentist to give me braces for

my teeth paid for by Medicaid but because I am an adult they will not pay

for it. Over the years and 53 surgeries my teeth were less priority. By

the way, I have only had about two cavities and had wisdom teeth removed

surgically. My bite is off somewhat and the Rheummy is concerned that will

affect my jaw.

> Anyways............she found a dentist who will be giving me my braces

FREE of Charge. Mom and I went to see her two weeks ago and she is a

really really sweet person. She was so happy to finally meet us and made

us feel so special.

> I get the spacers Feb. 12 and the braces on Feb. 15th.

>

> Have a nice weekend all.........love ya!

>

> ~ Esther & Carol ~

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Just thought I'd update everyone again on the latest happenings in my life. This wk was my first full wk at work in 8 wks. It has been very difficult. My neck is soooo sore, and by the end of the day, I can barely hold my head up (because my muscles literally can barely tolerate to hold up my head). I am waking up most mornings about 530am and leaving by 645am either to get to work early or for PT. If I have PT in the AM, then I go straight from PT to work, and work until 5pm. I don't get home until 530 or later. And this wk I have been slammed with sooo much info, that I'm in overwhelm mode now. I have a lot of responsibilities in this job, and the staff at home infusion have a lot of expectations of me. But at least I will be getting a paycheck again..... I also was spending some time with the RN Liaisons at the hospital and we were rounding on pts, when this nurse turns around, and low and behold, it was a nurse I met back in 1995 in Denver. We became good friends, had our cervical fusions done at the same time in 2000, and then lost touch. She's now in Tucson as a travel nurse until May 11. I couldn't believe it!! I haven't talked to her since Sept 2000, and now we run into one another. And she is living close to where my parents are. So, we are making plans to go out this wknd and go to Mexico at some point (the border is only 65 miles from Tucson). I also got back into touch with a travel nurse from Tucson that I met in Denver. She was a traveler in the recovery room in Denver, and now she's back in Tucson. Small world..... I also got an apt!! The one I applied for approved me. Well actually, my application was denied but my parents was approved. However, they only denied my application because I haven't worked at this job for 6 months or more. They said my credit wasn't a problem at all. So that's good to know. They told me that I can have the lease in my own name if I put down 1 months rent, or keep my parents on the lease for 6 months, then apply again if I'm still at the same job. But I will be moving into my apt on May 11 and I can't wait!!! It's a gorgeous complex/apt in the Catalina Mtn foothills. Unfortunately, it is on the expensive side for Tucson, but still way less expensive than Denver. Also, I was talking to a physician friend of mine about my insurance problems, and he advised me to seek legal counsel. He frequently appears in court as an expert witness and does other legal things involving medicine and insurance. He told me that if insurance is denying both claims and are still reviewing it, then chances are that they will not pay for it. So, I've begun the process of looking for a lawyer. This friend recommended a good one in Denver, so I will check into it. I am also in the process of reporting them to the Insurance Commission. I've had it. There is absolutely no reason for these s to deny these claims, and yet they are. So, as far as I'm concerned, their ass is grass. They have picked the wrong person to fight with. So, I will keep you all updated on this. And if I learn any interesting tidbits about insurance "do's and don'ts" I will certainly pass them on. Hope everyone is doing well. --did you ever hear back from Huang's office? Take care, e

[Guest guest]

e . . .

It's wonderful watching you find your strength!

You've come a long way lady!

Rogene

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hey girl I am glad to hear from you. While it sounds like you are still having some problems, particularly with your insurance, it also sounds like things are looking up for you. I am glad that you got your own place, that is great news honey! Esp. knowing that you have your own space and will not have to live with your parents anymore I am sure is a huge huge relief for you! Plus having a job that sounds busy and interesting I am sure will help you feel better about things, as for your neck, girl make sure you rest as much as you can when you are not working ok? It seems really really soon to be going back to work full time after all you went through, but I am not saying you shouldn't at all, just make sure you get enough rest when you are at home. e I am so happy that you ran into an old friend, that must be great for you, being here in Idaho where I have no friends except some that I am making now, after living in my home town my whole life, it is hard sometimes to be in a new place where you don't know anyone from the past, but it sounds like you already are ahead of me in that one, good for you, that is awesome.

Well girl all I can say about the insurance is there has got to be some thing you can do to beat the creeps that are doing this to you! I swear when it comes to insurance nothing at all surprises me, they are nasty and make me sick!

Please girl do keep us all informed as to what is going on with you, as you must know by now, we all care for you and are happy that you are dealing with things so well, you have come along way girl, good for you!

Love

----- Original Message -----

From: e Rene

; SalineInfo

Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2002 10:56 PM

Subject: Another update

Just thought I'd update everyone again on the latest happenings in my life.

This wk was my first full wk at work in 8 wks. It has been very difficult. My neck is soooo sore, and by the end of the day, I can barely hold my head up (because my muscles literally can barely tolerate to hold up my head). I am waking up most mornings about 530am and leaving by 645am either to get to work early or for PT. If I have PT in the AM, then I go straight from PT to work, and work until 5pm. I don't get home until 530 or later. And this wk I have been slammed with sooo much info, that I'm in overwhelm mode now. I have a lot of responsibilities in this job, and the staff at home infusion have a lot of expectations of me. But at least I will be getting a paycheck again.....

I also was spending some time with the RN Liaisons at the hospital and we were rounding on pts, when this nurse turns around, and low and behold, it was a nurse I met back in 1995 in Denver. We became good friends, had our cervical fusions done at the same time in 2000, and then lost touch. She's now in Tucson as a travel nurse until May 11. I couldn't believe it!! I haven't talked to her since Sept 2000, and now we run into one another. And she is living close to where my parents are. So, we are making plans to go out this wknd and go to Mexico at some point (the border is only 65 miles from Tucson). I also got back into touch with a travel nurse from Tucson that I met in Denver. She was a traveler in the recovery room in Denver, and now she's back in Tucson. Small world.....

I also got an apt!! The one I applied for approved me. Well actually, my application was denied but my parents was approved. However, they only denied my application because I haven't worked at this job for 6 months or more. They said my credit wasn't a problem at all. So that's good to know. They told me that I can have the lease in my own name if I put down 1 months rent, or keep my parents on the lease for 6 months, then apply again if I'm still at the same job. But I will be moving into my apt on May 11 and I can't wait!!! It's a gorgeous complex/apt in the Catalina Mtn foothills. Unfortunately, it is on the expensive side for Tucson, but still way less expensive than Denver.

Also, I was talking to a physician friend of mine about my insurance problems, and he advised me to seek legal counsel. He frequently appears in court as an expert witness and does other legal things involving medicine and insurance. He told me that if insurance is denying both claims and are still reviewing it, then chances are that they will not pay for it. So, I've begun the process of looking for a lawyer. This friend recommended a good one in Denver, so I will check into it. I am also in the process of reporting them to the Insurance Commission. I've had it. There is absolutely no reason for these s to deny these claims, and yet they are. So, as far as I'm concerned, their ass is grass. They have picked the wrong person to fight with. So, I will keep you all updated on this. And if I learn any interesting tidbits about insurance "do's and don'ts" I will certainly pass them on.

Hope everyone is doing well. --did you ever hear back from Huang's office?

Take care,

e

[Guest guest]

Wow, you are really going through the ringer. At least your allergies

are under control even tho your other asthma stuff is such a mess. I

am glad they are giving a you a thorough work up and I hope that you

will let us know what you and your doctors learn, so that maybe

someone else from the group with really stubborn asthma can benefit

from your trials.

You are a great supporter of everyone in the group and I am glad that

you feel that support returned to you. Keep hanging in there,

Addy

Group co-owner

>

> Hello everyone

>

> Just wanted to give the latest update.

>

> I've seen both my primary care doctor and neurologist since my last

message.

> Right now, they're both going over my complete medical record.

They had me

> sign releases for my other doctors, right down to my ob-gyn. They don't

> want to leave a single stone unturned. In the meantime, I have an

> appointment to see the Boston Dr. to gain his input, and the PC Doc and

> Neuro will be faxing any findings to him. Also, I have a ton of

tests and

> bloodwork lined up.

>

> Don't know exactly what they are looking for, or what they have in

mind, but

> it sounds like they both agree that they don't think my respiratory

arrest

> episodes are strictly asthma related. They are also both in

agreement that

> my asthma is no longer completely under " good " control even with the

Xolair.

> They think something else is amiss.

>

> That is NOT to say that the Xolair hasn't done wonders. It

absolutely has

> brought me great success. It just seems that I have some triggers or

> symptoms that aren't being controlled by the Xolair (ie: non

allergic) that

> are severe enough to need attention.

>

> As of right now, I'm feeling great (even with the tremendous pollen

outbreak

> in the northeast) with the added help of Benadryl and a little extra

Advair

> per my doctor's advice.

>

> I can't remember all the tests that I am getting. I know them all

> individually, I just can't recall the whole list at the moment. I

promise

> to keep everyone updated, because as always, knowledge is power and

> something I stumble across may help someone else down the line.

>

> Thanks to everyone for the support you've lent, it's been really

great. I

> ve received a lot of private e-mails and they're truly appreciated.

All of

> your suggestions, tips, curiosities, and plain old, " I hope you find the

> answers " has really been welcome through this.

>

> Seems like just when I think I knew all there was to know about

asthma, it

> goes and gets that much more complicated!

>

> Again, I promise to keep everyone informed as I find things out.

>

> I also lost another couple of pounds... and I've been reading the

posts. So

> to those that seem to think that weight gain is a " side effect " of

Xolair...

> I guess I'll just say what I've always said about all aspects of this

> medication. It really does seem to work differently for absolutely

everyone

> I weighed over 300lbs when I began taking it. My " guess " is that I

> weighed about 330. I now weigh about 170 lbs. So it IS possible to not

> only have no weight gain, but significant weight loss on the

medication. I

> m not saying it's not possible for you, but it doesn't seem to be at

all a

> blanket side effect. Perhaps down the line the group can have a

poll about

> that particular effect.

>

> Best of luck, and easy breathing everyone!

>

>

>

>