RE: Carol

[Guest guest]

Stacey, don't feel guilty talking about your Remicade success. I'm having

some great success with the Remicade too. If it weren't for this pleurisy /

bronchitis problem, I'd be totally positive about it. I'm still positive

about it, and I'm looking forward to my next infusion on Monday. I'm able

to do so much more than I was able to a month ago. I'm glad you're doing so

well with it, too.

Much love,

Carol

[ ] Carol

Hi Carol,

My goodness you are having a hard time of it lately. I hope your infection

clears up soon. It has been hounding you for quite some time now. I don't

think that your husband would mind hearing about it though. It sounds like

he loves you alot and wants you to get better. I almost feel guilty telling

you that my Remicade infusion went well and that it is working wonders. I

wish you were having the same results. Hopefully this round of antibiotics

will help. Keep us informed.

Love and Hugs

Stacey in PA

[Guest guest]

Hi Louise,

Thanks for the prayers. You just concentrate on passing on good news about

you and about your husband. Let us know the minute you hear something, OK?

Much love,

Carol

[ ] Carol

Dear Carol; You are in my prayers also. I hope this episode will pass and

never return to bother you again. (As if RA wasn't enough to bother with?)=)

Love and prayers are heading your way now! Louise in Alabama

[Guest guest]

Carol...I feel as though the frog story is a good

parable to remember. Of course, if it had been our

group hollering down the hole, it really would have

been words of encouragement.

I tell myself that whenever anything traumatic happens

in your life that there is a reason that you haven't

yet discovered why. I hope after all of these

emotions I am trying to come to terms with, I will end

up with an even better job. They moved my entire

department to Atlanta. Even though we knew for around

3 months, it still didn't help when the time came.

__________________________________________________

- We Remember

9-11: A tribute to the more than 3,000 lives lost

http://dir.remember./tribute

[Guest guest]

Dear Heidi,

I hope your Smoking Mission continues to go well. I'm so proud of you and

Stacey both! I've failed miserably at dieting this weekend, but I knew that

would happen while out of town. Stan and I had a really nice time. The

first afternoon we went out on the beach to check out the wind from the

tropical storm, and it was pretty intense. There were sustained winds

around 45 mph. We walked about 20 feet from where the surf was coming in,

and one rogue wave came crashing in on us while we were fully dressed. We

were soaked, and our room wasn't quite ready yet. We laughed so hard, and

it turned out to be rather romantic.

The wedding (vow renewal) was very beautiful, and we met some lovely people.

The second afternoon we ventured down the coast, in the general direction of

home. We had a great lunch beachside (Maine lobster stuffed with crabmeat)

and it was well worth the calories. Then we went shopping at some really

nice shops. I love shopping (don't we all!) and I really love shopping with

Stan because he has a great eye for what colors and styles suit me best.

He's the only man I've ever met who likes to shop. Our hobby is finding

really nice things, on sale. I love a good bargain!

Unfortunately we didn't end up going dancing, but I'm going to try to drag

him dancing one weekend at someplace near home. There is a nice supper club

not too far from our house, and I think dinner and dancing there would be

fun. I want to have slow, romantic music. My birthday is next month, 10/6,

so I'll have him take me there this year. Thirty seven, yikes!

Tonight I'm in Gainesville because I just had my infusion. My chest is

pretty sore again, but I'm just taking it easy and hopefully it will clear

up in the next day or two. The nurse practitioner who administers the

remicade said she wants me to keep a diary about each incidence where I get

this, and to note what I'm doing and even what I eat around that time. She

too thinks it's from the RA, just like my rheumy said on Friday. I'm not

going to worry about it, and hopefully if I try to ignore it, it will

subside. (Wishful thinking, probably!)

Heidi, I wouldn't worry as much about the Weight Loss Mission right now.

The Smoking Mission is first priority. I'm so glad your husband is

accompanying you in your efforts!

I was reading my email last night in the hotel, and I mentioned to Stan how

you said " holding thumbs " . He told me to ask what that means. I LOVE all

your sayings, and I might just incorporate a few into my personal lingo.

Anyway, I told him I thought it meant the same as " crossing my fingers " -

like good luck. Am I right?

How are things going with work? It sounds like you were swamped last week,

but as time goes on you'll get into a more predictable routine with your new

responsibilities and it will become easier. Any word on an assistant yet?

Have you stopped the hormone replacement yet? Aren't you supposed to start

the next phase of your Baby Mission yet? Let me know when you do so I can

double my prayer efforts.

I hope you have a great week, Heidi. Your emails are like sunshine in my

inbox!

Much love and prayers for a smoke free week,

Carol

[ ] Carol

Carol,

((((((Hugs)))))) I loved the card, thanks so much and thanks for the

encouragement, It's helping!!

Well done for your public speaking, that's so cool. Your trip sounds great,

hope the storm doesn't hit, it would be a bit of a bummer if it washed out

your dancing plans - go girl! Shake dat boday! LOL! I'm so glad you are

feeling a bit better

We also get hurricanes (we used to call them cyclones, actually just changed

the word to tropical storms too) I must say that our houses and stuff are

built for them though. I'm always amazed how at all those fallen down homes

in Florida when there's a bad storm, I would make sure my house was solid

cement (like it is here), never did quiet understand that. To have your

house plans approved here it needs to be able to withstand winds of about

300 km per hour.

I'm also dreading the weight weigh on Tuesday, I'm trying not to pick too

much with this cutting smoking thing but … easier said than done - time to

buy some carrot sticks! I'm finding a new addiction to peanut butter (was

eating it with a spoon yesterday out the jar! How embarrassing, I've got to

get a grip LOL!

I even baked some low fat banana bread, it wasn't too bad all things

considered (Cooking is NOT one of my talents!)

I'll be holding thumbs that your infusion goes well tomorrow

Sending love and hugs,

Heidi

_________________________________________________________________

MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos:

http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx

[Guest guest]

Hi Sweetie,

Glad to see you are feeling a bit better, I was starting to get worried about

you. Your end of the board was VERY quiet.

But I guess with packing the car and your suitcase, you had very little time

for anything else. Once is all packed, PLEASE take some rest time, 7 hour

drive is a loooooong way to go by yourself. So the baby watch has started!

Now you live for the phone to ring! Ethel I will put my money on you that

you will get it all done on time and do a great job doing it! Your brother

and his family are VERY lucky to have you. What is Fred going to do while

you are gone? Hopefully, stay out of trouble!

Well, keep us posted Aunt Carol and hopefully the Prednisone will keep you

somewhat comfortable. I guess you will really need that extra bit of energy

from the Remicade!

Love and Happy Trails,

Debs

[Guest guest]

Hi Heidi,

I'm so glad you're doing so well with your Smoking Mission! Is n

hanging in there too? I think once you're through the first week, it's all

downhill from there. I remember after the first month, it was like my

cravings just disappeared. I never even thought about a cigarette from that

point, and if this holds true you only have 3 weeks to go!

I love your lingo updates! I smile every time I read new lingo In your

emails. I think my favorite is when you say " Blerck! " or something like

that. I actually heard someone use that one in a movie the other day.

" Tad " is one we use here, and but " Big Jack " is new to me.

Your ostrich approach to the baby mission might be the smartest thing for

the moment. So many times you hear someone say that they got pregnant when

they stopped trying. I don't blame you for being impatient about the hot

flushes, though. Hopefully they will ease up soon. I think it's awesome

that you have access to such a distinguished fertility specialist on

Mauritius, and hopefully he will know just what to do when you go in

November. Let us know what happens with your gynae on Monday!

This morning my chest is feeling much better, and I'm so happy I could do a

dance! I guess the prednisone is kicking in. Hopefully the pain won't come

back this time. At least I know what to do if it happens again, and I'll

just take a couple of days worth of prednisone. I'm not supposed to take

the prednisone while I'm in the Remicade study, but my rheumy told me just

take a couple of days' worth, and don't mention it to them. I don't like

lying, but I can't go on with this chest pain. Oh well.

I need to get better because I'm on call to go up to Atlanta for baby

's birth from this point forward. I spoke with my brother Jeff last

night and he said that Suzi is 1 cm dilated and the plug has thinned 50%, so

it could be any time now. Since I'm cooking meals for them, my vehicle is

packed with my crock pot, roasting pan, lasagna pan and spices I need. They

don't cook, so they don't have most of the things I need in order to make

meals. I also have my suitcase about 50% packed, so I just have to finish

packing and throw my bags in the car and go. My date for the baby pool is

today, the 19th, but I'm hoping it will be a little later. I am excited,

though. I just hope my body cooperates.

I realize how fortunate I am to have a husband who loves shopping. It is

unusual, isn't it! He loves to go shopping for clothes for me, and picks

out beautiful things. We like most of the same designers and styles, and

it's funny to see Stan discussing the various cuts and fabrics because

otherwise he's very much a Manly Man. He loves photography and did some

beautiful amateur stuff when he worked in Saudi Arabia, and he says that

doing photography trained his eye and gave him a better sense of color. The

other men I've dated in the past were uniformly disinterested in shopping,

so I realize what an anomaly Stan is.

Well, my email is becoming a novella too! I hope Arthur continues to stay

away, but do be careful about overdoing it. It sounds like you have a

really fun week planned, though.

I love your cheerful emails so much, and you're such a great friend.

Sending much love and a gazillion

((((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))),

Carol

[ ] Carol

Hey Carol!

Gosh I didn't realise that " holding thumbs " was not universal lingo LOL!

Yes, it's the same as crossing your fingers :-) It's so funny I'm probably

pretty up to date on American sayings what with all the American movies and

TV shows we get but the reverse is obviously not true and so I don't even

realise that some things are lingo. Pretty groovy!

Thanks for the encouragement on our smoke buster mission, it means so much

and has really worked! I'm so glad - it's day 7 now and it's getting better

and better! :-))))))

Work is really hectic but very interesting and the day's are just flying by.

I finished at 7pm Monday and Tuesday nights so am a bit tired, won't be

able to keep this going very much longer. It might be a bit cheeky to start

asking for an assistant 2 weeks after the promotion, I'm going to give it a

month or two and see if I get into that routine you mentioned. A lot of

what I'm doing now is new and it always takes longer doing things the first

time when you're still learning, the anti money laundering laws and banking

guidelines have been my bedtime reading this week, " faaaaaaascinating

reading doll! not! " Marge should try it, I'm sure it's better than edavil

& milk!

Arthur is behaving amazingly well this week but I'm a bit worried I'm

overdoing it a bit - besides work I'm going out every night from Wednesday

to Saturday to dinners, birthdays and farewell party's, all the kind of

things you can't really say no. Agggg well another way of looking at it is

to enjoy it while it lasts! Watch this space next week LOL!

My baby mission is stressing me out a bit so I've been trying the ostrich

approach (just sticking my head in the sand). My gynae told me I should get

my period within 4 to 6 weeks after the last injection and to go and see him

the same day. The hot flushes etc were supposed to stop around the same

time. So of course I'd timed it to the day and was expecting everything to

fall into place 4 weeks on the dot! Well it was 6 weeks yesterday and still

flushing away. I'm just a tad impatient (possible lingo? a tad = a bit :-)

but is kind of a sarcastic BIT! LOL!) Either way I have an appt with him

on Monday so will know what's next then, I'll let you know.

He's booking an appt for us in November with this Big Jack fertility

specialist from the UK who's just opened an infertility clinic here, so that

should be.... interesting. (lingo?: Big Jack = Big Cheese? Hope that's

not

lingo too LOL!) There are actually two of them, one was the assistant of

Dr Steptoe for years (Dr Steptoe was the first scientist to accomplish a

successful IVF) and the other was the first to freeze a human embryo. It's

quiet amazing for us to be able to have access to such specialist care here

in Mauritius - they've just set up this clinic and the goal is to make is a

reference for the Indian Ocean region - probably let couples come here,

relax on the beach and do the treatment at the same time or something??

Before we would have had to travel to South Africa for treatment which would

have been a huge stress and expense.

I'm so sorry you are still having pain in your chest, are they sure they

have this under control? I will pray (and hold thumbs! LOL!) it gets better

soon so that you can start enjoying all the benefits of the Remicade and

start partying it up with Stan on the dance floor.

Your trip sounds like such fun! I'm so glad you were feeling well enough to

enjoy it. Yum Yum!! The lobster sounds divine - another one of my

addictions (besides my current peanut butter one) is seafood, just love it!

I hope you realise how lucky you are to have a husband who actually enjoys

shopping! Oh what bliss! I just adore shopping - I call it my Retail

Therapy! and bargain hunting gives me a real kick! n, my husband is

the biggest pain, he HATES shopping, my marriage would never last if I

forced him to go shopping more than once a year. LOL! I could be trying

on a plastic bag and he would just say " its great, just buy it and lets go " ,

this is repeated a zillion times in response to the usual questions like

" does it make my bum look big? "

Now you just need to buy Stan some dancing shoes and then you've got it

made! 37 is not old you silly girl! You're a spring chicken! :-) (this

might make me an egg??)

Oooy vey this has become a novella! I'd better stop now!

Please let us know how the Remicade is kicking in!

Sending you lots of love and big big ((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))

Heidi

_________________________________________________________________

Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol

I wonder why this is? Today is the coldest we have had yet, about 64F and I

have been able to clean the carpets and the cooker. Mind you, I am trying to

stop smoking so being able to keep busy it a help!

Hugs

Sue

[Guest guest]

Hi Sue,

I don't know, but I think it's at least partially because of the lower

humidity. I traveled to Denver last May, and I couldn't believe how good I

felt with the low humidity. Ditto for my trip to Salt Lake City in June.

When I noticed this pattern, I did some research and found some articles

stating a correlation between lower humidity and lower pain ratings from

people with arthritis.

Enjoy the feeling good, and I'll say lots of prayers that you're successful

in quitting smoking.

Much love,

Carol

Re: [ ] Carol

Hi Carol

I wonder why this is? Today is the coldest we have had yet, about 64F and

I

have been able to clean the carpets and the cooker. Mind you, I am trying

to

stop smoking so being able to keep busy it a help!

Hugs

Sue

[Guest guest]

<PRE>cool tess, you are rockin!!!!! i went back up those 2 lbs. oh well, kathy

in

il

[Guest guest]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Simply Awesome Job, Tess!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now go and rest. When I get my infusion I'm always drained, too.

I'm even this week, and I need everyone else's weights when you have a

chance. I'll let you know the stats later in the week.

Love and hugs,

Carol

[ ] Carol

Hi...my weight is down 4 more pounds. I'm sorry...am I supposed to send

this to your personal addy? Just got done with Remicade and really need

to lie down. I am happy about the weight loss...just really exhausted.

Thanks for all your help, dear Carol.

Much Love....

Tess

[Guest guest]

<< I'm even this week, and I need everyone else's weights when you have a

chance. I'll let you know the stats later in the week.>>>

Oops, what a confusing message! The top part was meant for Tess, but the

part quoted above was meant for all the weight loss/gain people.

Love,

Carol

[ ] Carol

Hi...my weight is down 4 more pounds. I'm sorry...am I supposed to send

this to your personal addy? Just got done with Remicade and really need

to lie down. I am happy about the weight loss...just really exhausted.

Thanks for all your help, dear Carol.

Much Love....

Tess

[Guest guest]

Sorry I'm late in reporting. My scales had been going crazy with a different

weight every time they were stepped on and with high...high....weights. I

bought a new scale on the weekend so am just getting used to it now. I am very

low on it but don't know exactly how much I've lost so lets just say I turtled

this week. I'll have a more accurate report next week.

I have been kinda under the weather for several days with a nagging cough(seemed

more like a tickle that wouldn't quit) and headaches and aches. Yesterday was

the worst day. I left work a half hour early and went the urgent care my

hospital group had near my house. I was light headed and my left shoulder felt

like someone had kicked it repeatedly. Just down my from my neck about even

with my shoulders was extremly sore and would " catch " when I would turn my head

the wrong way. In addition, my wrists, ankles, knees, and the top of my feet

were aching. I was there from 5:30pm until midnight. The doctor, I thought,

was going to another one of those it's all in your head doctors when he said to

me after hearing my complaints - " What's really going on here? " My reply was

" What do you mean? " He said, " What are you keeping from me? There's something

your'e not telling me! " (I was having chest pain also and that it would be as

in the past - Muskle-skeletal (sp)) I had the impression he was either telling

me that I was making all this up or that I had that disease where the person

makes up all kind of symtoms in order to get attention.( - a, I'm sure

you will be able to come up with the name) He ordered an EKG which of course

turned out fine and took a specimen. Then he came back and gave me an exam. He

pushed on my breast bone and my shoulders and I of course reacted because it was

so painful. He then examed my chest, nose and ears. By the time he was

through, he told me that I had an upper respiratory infection and was treating

me a little nicer. He took me off the extra-strength Tylenol and put me on 600

mg of Motrin every 8 hours. Because of my concerns dating back many years to

when I took it once or twice and it burned my stomach(during the couple of years

I had an ulcer), he advised me to eat more than just a piece of bread when I

take it. He also gave me Guaifenex PSE. I took them both when I went to bed at

12:30am and I had the first 6 hours continuous sleep in a long time. I woke up

vitually pain free(as opposed to what it was before I went to bed. I think I'm

gonna like this Motrin. He, also, wrote a slip to take 2 days off from work. I

am taking today off but will go in tomorrow. My belief is that all the points

that hurt all the time just flared because of the infection. This morning, you

can tell where the infection is. I now have a gravel Gertie voice and my ears

are plugged and Nasal Dr....doesn't seem so bad. My throat isn't sore.

Hope you are doing well and that this finds you with a better day today. Love

and Prayers, Jan in CA +/:=)

Carol <carol@...> wrote:~~~~~~~~~~~~~Simply Awesome Job,

Tess!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now go and rest. When I get my infusion I'm always drained, too.

I'm even this week, and I need everyone else's weights when you have a

chance. I'll let you know the stats later in the week.

Love and hugs,

Carol

[ ] Carol

Hi...my weight is down 4 more pounds. I'm sorry...am I supposed to send

this to your personal addy? Just got done with Remicade and really need

to lie down. I am happy about the weight loss...just really exhausted.

Thanks for all your help, dear Carol.

Much Love....

Tess

[Guest guest]

Tess,

You are doing great! Isn¹t this 3 weeks in a row that you¹ve had weight

loss?

Go girl!

a

> Hi...my weight is down 4 more pounds. I'm sorry...am I supposed to send

> this to your personal addy? Just got done with Remicade and really need

> to lie down. I am happy about the weight loss...just really exhausted.

> Thanks for all your help, dear Carol.

>

> Much Love....

>

> Tess

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jan: Sorry you are feeling so bad...but glad you are

finally getting some sleep.....if the doc gave you two

days..why not take them and get some rest? Hoping you

are feeling better soon....Kathi in OK

--- Jan Tully <camommacat2@...> wrote:

>

> Sorry I'm late in reporting. My scales had been

> going crazy with a different weight every time they

> were stepped on and with high...high....weights. I

> bought a new scale on the weekend so am just getting

> used to it now. I am very low on it but don't know

> exactly how much I've lost so lets just say I

> turtled this week. I'll have a more accurate report

> next week.

> I have been kinda under the weather for several days

> with a nagging cough(seemed more like a tickle that

> wouldn't quit) and headaches and aches. Yesterday

> was the worst day. I left work a half hour early

> and went the urgent care my hospital group had near

> my house. I was light headed and my left shoulder

> felt like someone had kicked it repeatedly. Just

> down my from my neck about even with my shoulders

> was extremly sore and would " catch " when I would

> turn my head the wrong way. In addition, my wrists,

> ankles, knees, and the top of my feet were aching.

> I was there from 5:30pm until midnight. The doctor,

> I thought, was going to another one of those it's

> all in your head doctors when he said to me after

> hearing my complaints - " What's really going on

> here? " My reply was " What do you mean? " He said,

> " What are you keeping from me? There's something

> your'e not telling me! " (I was having chest pain

> also and that it would be as in the past -

> Muskle-skeletal (sp)) I had the impression he was

> either telling me that I was making all this up or

> that I had that disease where the person makes up

> all kind of symtoms in order to get attention.(

> - a, I'm sure you will be able to come up with

> the name) He ordered an EKG which of course turned

> out fine and took a specimen. Then he came back and

> gave me an exam. He pushed on my breast bone and my

> shoulders and I of course reacted because it was so

> painful. He then examed my chest, nose and ears.

> By the time he was through, he told me that I had an

> upper respiratory infection and was treating me a

> little nicer. He took me off the extra-strength

> Tylenol and put me on 600 mg of Motrin every 8

> hours. Because of my concerns dating back many

> years to when I took it once or twice and it burned

> my stomach(during the couple of years I had an

> ulcer), he advised me to eat more than just a piece

> of bread when I take it. He also gave me Guaifenex

> PSE. I took them both when I went to bed at 12:30am

> and I had the first 6 hours continuous sleep in a

> long time. I woke up vitually pain free(as opposed

> to what it was before I went to bed. I think I'm

> gonna like this Motrin. He, also, wrote a slip to

> take 2 days off from work. I am taking today off

> but will go in tomorrow. My belief is that all the

> points that hurt all the time just flared because of

> the infection. This morning, you can tell where the

> infection is. I now have a gravel Gertie voice and

> my ears are plugged and Nasal Dr....doesn't seem so

> bad. My throat isn't sore.

> Hope you are doing well and that this finds you with

> a better day today. Love and Prayers, Jan

> in CA +/:=)

> Carol <carol@...>

> wrote:~~~~~~~~~~~~~Simply Awesome Job,

> Tess!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>

> Now go and rest. When I get my infusion I'm always

> drained, too.

>

> I'm even this week, and I need everyone else's

> weights when you have a

> chance. I'll let you know the stats later in the

> week.

>

> Love and hugs,

>

> Carol

>

>

> [ ] Carol

>

> Hi...my weight is down 4 more pounds. I'm

> sorry...am I supposed to send

> this to your personal addy? Just got done with

> Remicade and really need

> to lie down. I am happy about the weight

> loss...just really exhausted.

> Thanks for all your help, dear Carol.

>

> Much Love....

>

> Tess

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jeanine,

Thanks so much for the info. I got a call from her on Monday night, but I

was in class so it went to my voicemail.

Deb's told me wonderful things about you. I'm glad you're a part of the

group!

Love and hugs,

Carol

[ ] Carol

I spoke with her on Tuesday morning. She was really down. Her room number

is still the same though. She was looking at more surgery on THur or Fri

and praying that this really would be the end for a while. They even told

her that if all was ok, she could go home in a few days. She was on a lot of

pain meds, and still in a lot of pain. I meant to call her today, but never

got a chance. If I hear anything tomorrow, I will email all of you.

Jeanine in FL

[Guest guest]

Dear Carol...I'm sorry that you are still feeling so

bad, I hope relief will come soon. It is so hard not

to feel depressed when feeling so ill. You have

certainly had more than your share lately. Be kind to

yourself and hopefully tommorrow will bring a better

day. Hugs to you. Iris

--- Carol <carol@...> wrote:

> Hi All,

>

> I spoke with my MD this afternoon because I'm still

> having the abdominal

> pain. He said although it could be from the

> enlarged spleen, he's concerned

> that it might be my pancreas. Whatever I have, it's

> certainly painful.

> If I'm not better by Friday he wants to do some

> blood work and possibly an

> ultrasound. He told me to eat a big dinner tonight,

> because he wants to

> know if eating food makes it worse. Well, it does.

> It took about thirty

> minutes and it got a lot worse. Has anyone had

> pancreatitis? How long can

> I expect to be sick, if that's what it turns out to

> be? Is any of this

> connected with the RA?

>

> I'm so depressed tonight. First, I'm sure I'm

> depressed from the

> medications. I'm taking the anticholergenic for

> possible bowel spasms,

> Phenergen, and Percocet. I'm also depressed because

> this is the third

> illness (other than RA) I've had this year. I had

> the kidney problems in

> March, I had the pleurisy 6 weeks ago, and now this.

> It's bad enough trying

> to have a life with the RA, but these other problems

> are more than I can

> bear. On top of that, Stan just left for Utah until

> Monday night and I'm

> all alone. In one sense, it's not a bad thing,

> because I don't have to feel

> guilty for staying in bed. But if I get too bad I

> have nobody to help me.

> No, I take that back, I have friends and people from

> church. It's not the

> same though. It's great to have all of you to lend

> an ear. (oh no, make

> that an eye!)

>

> Thanks everyone for letting me vent. I'm sorry to

> be such a downer tonight.

>

> Sending love and hugs to all,

>

> Carol

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Carol:

I think a has a good idea - maybe you should be

the one to make the reservations at a special place

for your anniversary and then have him take you there.

The anniversary date is for you and him both -

someone has to make the first move. It might not seem

as romantic as him making all the plans, but if you

know that he won't do it on his own, why not do it

yourself? He might even appreciate your taking the

time to do it, and get more with the program. Once

you get there, I am sure that the evening would be

very nice with you two spending some quiet time

together over a nice meal. Who knows, romance might

even follow .......

Kathe in CA

--- a <paula54@...> wrote:

> Have a safe trip my friend. I wish your vacation

> didn¹t start off on a sour

> note. Some men just don¹t get it. I like Dianne¹s

> suggestion about adding

> it to his calendar. It sounds like you two have a

> good relationship and

> you¹ve stuck with him this long, you may as well

> keep him around longer and

> just retrain him You could get a whole lot

> worse. I believe being good

> friends is one of the most important aspect of a

> relationship. Maybe you

> could make reservations at your favorite restaurant

> for your anniversary and

> make it an annual tradition to have a romantic

> dinner somewhere special.

> I hope you have a wonderful holiday. Don¹t over do

> it. Sometimes simple is

> the best.

> a

>

>

> > Hi Friends,

> >

> > I’m going on digest version today, because I’m

> heading to Atlanta to start

> > my Christmas vacation. I’m not starting it out on

> a very joyous note,

> > though. Today is my wedding anniversary and my

> husband left town last night

> > to see a client. He didn’t even get me a card.

> He said he didn’t have time

> > to get a gift or card, but my heck he certainly

> could have planned in

> > advance. It’s not like our anniversary

> mysteriously pops up on a day out of

> > the blue, it’s the same day every year. Needless

> to say I’m really hurt.

> > In my eyes, it just goes to show how little he

> values our marriage.

> >

> > Then, he gives me a hundred dollar bill. Duh!

> That really makes it better.

> > Give me a little cash. It certainly shows a lot

> of love and thought. What

> > a cad!

> >

> > He called this morning and didn’t even think to

> tell me “happy anniversary”.

> > Doesn’t he have time for that, either?

> >

> > Otherwise, our marriage isn’t bad. I mean,

> sometimes I think it’s like we

> > share a home but that’s about it. We live very

> separate lives lately. But

> > when we’re together we have a nice time, and we’re

> best friends. (Although

> > he’s not feeling like a best friend right now).

> Last night I was thinking

> > if this is what I really want out of a marriage,

> but with the RA it isn’t

> > worth going out on my own and struggling. If it

> were bad I would, but not

> > for so-so. Thank you, RA, for entering into

> every aspect of my life.

> >

> > Oh well. There’s nowhere for the week to go but

> up from here. Thanks for

> > letting me vent.

> >

> > I love you guys, and appreciate your friendship.

> I hope each of you has a

> > Happy Holiday season.

> >

> > Tons of love,

> > Carol

> >

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Dearest Carol...I hope you're enjoying your family in Atlanta! Having

breakfast with your mom...I am still blessed to have my mom, who will be

81 in January, and we go out to lunch about once a month. As the years

have gone by I find myself saying, " Thank You, Lord " that I still have

my parents when some of my friends don't. I love them more every year.

I know sometimes very special, precious occasions will ZOOM! - fly right

over a man's head and they hardly notice it. And it surely does hurt.

((((((((((((I'm sorry Carol)))))))) People here have given you lots of

ideas & advice. I hope you find what works for you & Stan. I believe

you will. God bless you & Stan, and your marriage.

Sending all my love to you in Atlanta.

Always,

Tess

[Guest guest]

Dear Carol...Thanks a million! It will definitely not

be a morose Christmas around here. How was the skiing

or should I say the snow? I hope you are having a good

time and all of those nasty little diseases decided to

take a vacation too. Love Right Back To You, Iris

--- Carol <carol@...> wrote:

> Congratulations on the new job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I

> am SO, SO happy for you.

> And the fact that it is the one you wanted makes it

> even better. That’s a

> great start toward a very merry Christmas.

>

> Sending lots of love,

> Carol

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Iris,

We haven’t gone skiing yet, but hopefully tomorrow. There’s so much to do

when we’re here, because of all of Stan’s relatives. We’ve mainly been

shopping (which of course we could do just as easily in Orlando…) I also

went to Temple Square (where the Mormon temple is downtown) and I toured the

new conference center. It’s a 21,000 plus seat auditorium, and the

interesting thing is there are no pillars obstructing the view inside.

Also, the roof is “green”. It’s done in sections to represent the Mormon

pioneer’s journey to the valley. The first section has pine trees (really!)

to represent back east. Next there is a meadow with wildflowers (not this

time of year, though) to represent the plains they crossed. Then there are

skylights that are about 6 feet tall in a pyramid shape to represent the

mountains. There are long fountains to represent rivers. It’s neat to

stand on the roof, and you’re right downtown but it feels like you’re out in

a field or something. Oh, tonight we’re going to a bell ringing performance

at the Methodist church with Stan’s mom and his kids.

We haven’t gotten the amount of snow I was hoping for. It snowed for about

15 minutes on Friday night, and that’s it so far. I know most everyone here

is hoping for snow just like I am, because they want a white Christmas. We

drove past a car wash last night that had a sign “Wash your car. Then you

can be sure we’ll get snow!” LOL There’s supposed to be snow this morning,

but if we don’t get it today, that’s it until after the holidays. Well, I

leave Tuesday morning anyway. All you really have to do is look up at the

towering mountains to see snow. They’ve got plenty. The slopes have about

a 45 inch base already.

I was reading with interest about the replies to Tena (welcome, Tena!) I

know I wouldn’t be able to do even half of what I’ve been doing if it weren’

t for effective pain management (which sometimes includes narcotics). I

went through a long period of feeling “guilty” if I needed to take a

narcotic (and still do at times) but to be able to enjoy the holidays

without being cross because of terrible pain is a blessing beyond words.

Last Christmas was awful because I was in so much pain. Tena, please do

look for another doctor. Pain doesn’t build character (it just hurts!),

and you shouldn’t have to endure it without relief.

Iris, I’m so grateful for your friendship and I hope you have a joyous,

painfree Christmas.

Lots of love and ((((((((((((((((((Christmas hugs))))))))))))))))),

Carol

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol,

I hope that you are recovering well from your trip.

Temple Square sounds awesome. I have never been in

that part of the country. Did you miss all of the

snowstorms?

We had a great Christmas. I spread my cooking out for

several days and everything but the turkey and the ham

was cooked before Christmas day. There were no

disagreements and everyone enjoyed being together. My

son was recovered from the flu and I was feeling

better after going to the dr. My granddaughter was a

little cranky because she had been running a fever for

several days. She was so excited when she saw her

Santa gifts. All in all, we had one of our most

relaxing and joyous Christmases ever.

Tommorrow I go into work for several hours and then my

offical first day is the 3rd. I am looking forward to

it but I still feel a little stressed about it. I am a

little rusty with being off for six months but I

suspect that it will be like riding a bike...the

actual getting going is not as hard as you think it

will be.

I am having some muscle pain and my hands are aching

but like you, I see no reason to be in pain and I have

meds for that. It makes all the difference in the

world.

Well, my friend, I hope that you have a restful

weekend and a happy New Year. Hugs to you, Iris.

--- Carol <carol@...> wrote:

> Hi Iris,

>

> We haven’t gone skiing yet, but hopefully tomorrow.

> There’s so much to do

> when we’re here, because of all of Stan’s relatives.

> We’ve mainly been

> shopping (which of course we could do just as easily

> in Orlando…) I also

> went to Temple Square (where the Mormon temple is

> downtown) and I toured the

> new conference center. It’s a 21,000 plus seat

> auditorium, and the

> interesting thing is there are no pillars

> obstructing the view inside.

> Also, the roof is “green”. It’s done in sections to

> represent the Mormon

> pioneer’s journey to the valley. The first section

> has pine trees (really!)

> to represent back east. Next there is a meadow with

> wildflowers (not this

> time of year, though) to represent the plains they

> crossed. Then there are

> skylights that are about 6 feet tall in a pyramid

> shape to represent the

> mountains. There are long fountains to represent

> rivers. It’s neat to

> stand on the roof, and you’re right downtown but it

> feels like you’re out in

> a field or something. Oh, tonight we’re going to a

> bell ringing performance

> at the Methodist church with Stan’s mom and his

> kids.

>

> We haven’t gotten the amount of snow I was hoping

> for. It snowed for about

> 15 minutes on Friday night, and that’s it so far. I

> know most everyone here

> is hoping for snow just like I am, because they want

> a white Christmas. We

> drove past a car wash last night that had a sign

> “Wash your car. Then you

> can be sure we’ll get snow!” LOL There’s supposed

> to be snow this morning,

> but if we don’t get it today, that’s it until after

> the holidays. Well, I

> leave Tuesday morning anyway. All you really have

> to do is look up at the

> towering mountains to see snow. They’ve got plenty.

> The slopes have about

> a 45 inch base already.

>

> I was reading with interest about the replies to

> Tena (welcome, Tena!) I

> know I wouldn’t be able to do even half of what I’ve

> been doing if it weren’

> t for effective pain management (which sometimes

> includes narcotics). I

> went through a long period of feeling “guilty” if I

> needed to take a

> narcotic (and still do at times) but to be able to

> enjoy the holidays

> without being cross because of terrible pain is a

> blessing beyond words.

> Last Christmas was awful because I was in so much

> pain. Tena, please do

> look for another doctor. Pain doesn’t build

> character (it just hurts!),

> and you shouldn’t have to endure it without relief.

>

> Iris, I’m so grateful for your friendship and I hope

> you have a joyous,

> painfree Christmas.

>

> Lots of love and ((((((((((((((((((Christmas

> hugs))))))))))))))))),

> Carol

>

>

>

>

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

<PRE>carol, i just got a message through classmates. i am not a paying member.

i

almost deleted it.the subject said a message from mark. i usually don't open

things from people i don't know, but i did. it was an old neighbor from 5th

grade. give it more time. maybe he doesn't have a computer and access came

from a library and he hasn't made it back yet. i really doubt he is online as

much as we are!!! i hope you get a response from him soon as we all know the

waiting is the hardest part. kathy in il

[Guest guest]

Dear Carol,

Just can't catch a break lately! I have had them hurt worse immediately after an

injection but

then feel better several days later. I am writing you a prescription for a

candlelit bubble bath

to last at least 1/2 hr. and I am sentencing you to the couch with a good book

for the rest of the

evening. I hope tommorrow is a better day! Hugs to you. Iris

--- Carol <carol@...> wrote:

> Quick question. Has anyone had a flare after receiving an injection

> like Kenalog in one of their joints? I can barely move. I read it

> takes a couple of days to take hold, but it's the rest of my joints that

> are really bothering me. I just can't believe this. I'm really

> depressed by this tonight. It seems like one thing after another.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Carol

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Iris,

I think I'll wait until morning for the bubble bath (although they're

one of my favorite things!), but I will lie down and try to focus on a

good book. I'll be under the quilt from Tess, and I'll have your

thoughts to warm my heart.

Boy, you guys sure know how to cheer a girl up!

Love you lots!!!

Carol

Re: [ ] Carol

Dear Carol,

Just can't catch a break lately! I have had them hurt worse immediately

after an injection but

then feel better several days later. I am writing you a prescription for

a candlelit bubble bath

to last at least 1/2 hr. and I am sentencing you to the couch with a

good book for the rest of the

evening. I hope tommorrow is a better day! Hugs to you. Iris

--- Carol <carol@...> wrote:

> Quick question. Has anyone had a flare after receiving an injection

> like Kenalog in one of their joints? I can barely move. I read it

> takes a couple of days to take hold, but it's the rest of my joints

that

> are really bothering me. I just can't believe this. I'm really

> depressed by this tonight. It seems like one thing after another.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Carol

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Carol,

Just can't catch a break lately! I have had them hurt worse immediately after an

injection but

then feel better several days later. I am writing you a prescription for a

candlelit bubble bath

to last at least 1/2 hr. and I am sentencing you to the couch with a good book

for the rest of the

evening. I hope tommorrow is a better day! Hugs to you. Iris

--- Carol <carol@...> wrote:

> Quick question. Has anyone had a flare after receiving an injection

> like Kenalog in one of their joints? I can barely move. I read it

> takes a couple of days to take hold, but it's the rest of my joints that

> are really bothering me. I just can't believe this. I'm really

> depressed by this tonight. It seems like one thing after another.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Carol

>

>

>

>