New here

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for the welcome. I don't know why I didn't look for a

support group sooner. I was in denial at first, actually almost didn't

start the treatment, was afraid of the side effects and a misdiagnosis, I

guess because the RF factor was negative and I couldn't figure out why

someone hadn't picked up on something so obvious sooner. Did no one listen

to me? I know Dr. Ellis did listen, but she had never seen my fingers

swollen before, primarily because when they would swell, I never called

because I figured what was the use.

Do you or anyone else have problems with working and holding down a job,

taking care of a family, and having a life in general?

na

[Guest guest]

Hi na and Laurie,

What a bad time both of you have had. I know how fraustrating it is when you

haven't a diagnosis, when you get that it does seem to help, you know there is

something really wrong, before this you feel you are goinf mad!

Families however loving really don't understand, Mum has always been there doing

most things and its hard for them to understand you just can't do the things you

did.

Sometimes it helps to find leaflets of the illnesses and ask them to read them.

We all feel extra bad some days and really need to rant to someone who

understands, so go ahead and get it off your chests.

Hope you both are not feeling too bad today.

Sue

Re: [ ] New Here

I really have empathy for you. 90% of my family reacts the way you describe

yours does to you. I got so bad that i wound up in the hospital for almost

a month. I had to have 2 chest tubes, my hands were so swollen, i couldn't

put on a bra, my wedding ring was cutting off my circulation. The RA was

finally getting back at me for all the times I just kept going on and on

PLUS my husband died unexpectedly that same year before I was hospitalized.

I was quite a " mess " . My family for the most part has no clue what RA,

Fibro, depression amoung other chronic conditions I live with. I am made to

think it is all my fault because I am overweight and don't belong to a gym.

I get soooo frustrated....I pray and journal alot and I have a dog who is my

blessing from God. I only wish people could take lessons from the

unconditional love my little female Jack gives me. I must add she

is an exceptional back warmer. Hang in there na, and if you need to

vent you can always email me directly. I am new to the group, too.

Laurie

On 4/30/07, julrossfra <schnauzercloud1@...>

wrote:

>

> Good morning everyone.

>

> I have had RA for probably 15 years but it was not diagnosed until

> August of 05. I was tired all of the time, stiff and swollen, in so

> much pain, was having problems remembering and no energy at all and

> my Dr at the time said " It is depression caused from the stress of

> work, your husband's illness, taking care of the house, etc " and he

> put me on antidepressants. Needless to say they didn't work, I was

> still in so much pain. This went on until 2003, when for some reason,

> not related to RA I had a black out at work. I went to the ER and

> they did a CT scan to check for a stroke, it came back negative and

> they ordered an MRI, the MRI showed lesions on my brain and I was

> sent to a neurologist. The neurologist did all of the standard tests

> for MS and other neurological disorders, and found that I did have

> impaired cognitive function so we did two further tests, a PET Scan

> and another lumbar puncture and found I was a carrier of the

> Alzheimer's Gene. This still didn't explain any of the other

> symptoms, but I had a Doctor that cared. He set me up with a new

> Internist, she worked with me and worked with me, ran pulmonary,

> cardiac, every test you could imagine including RA, but everything

> came back negative, then one day I called her because my fingers on

> both hands were so swollen I couldn't bend them, she tested me again

> for RA, then did x-rays, sent me to a Rheumatologist and he confirmed

> the diagnosis. I was started on MTX and Remicade. Needless to say, I

> feel almost a 100% better, but I still have bad days, still tired,

> but nothing like in the past. I wish my family understood more. They

> look at me like I am crazy when I say I am tired or I have problems

> doing some things with my hands, or moving. It really hurts.

> Sometimes I would like to just kick them (I know violence is not the

> answer). Sometimes I really hate them. I know in the past I have

> always done it all, did it for years when I didn't feel like it. Went

> nonstop 90% of the time even when I felt I couldn't go on. They still

> expect me to do it. My stepkids are the worst. Ages 33, 36, and 39,

> but if they stub their toe I am expected to ohh and aww and think it

> is the worst thing ever. I am not feeling sorry for myself, but would

> just like some consideration. Sorry to ramble on, but needed someone

> to vent to that might understand.

>

> I am also praying for a job that will allow me one day off a month so

> I can continue my remicade therapy. Finances are tight right now as

> we are paying for our health insurance which is very expensive and I

> know stress doesn't help RA.

>

> Thanks for listening.

>

> na

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Laurie

Your story struck a cord with me too. I have a dog who is my best friend and

we just

relax together and enjoy each others company. I don't have to put up an act

with her

and she makes me smile. I love my family and kids but sometimes they are not

very supportive.

With them being teens they are pretty wrapped up in themselves right now. I

can understand where

they are coming from but wish they could be a little more compassionate.

Also my Mom always makes reference to my weight. I don't need her telling me

what I already know

but I know skinny people also suffer from RA. My Aunt for one probably weighs

100 lbs and she has

it worse in her hands than I have ever seen it.

I had to get my wedding ring cut off because my fingers were so swollen. The

lady behind the counter

asked me if I was on prednisone. I was like yeah and she said, I thought maybe

you were.

It was so embarrassing.

Joy

Laurie Randall <dlriowa@...> wrote:

I really have empathy for you. 90% of my family reacts the way you

describe

yours does to you. I got so bad that i wound up in the hospital for almost

a month. I had to have 2 chest tubes, my hands were so swollen, i couldn't

put on a bra, my wedding ring was cutting off my circulation. The RA was

finally getting back at me for all the times I just kept going on and on

PLUS my husband died unexpectedly that same year before I was hospitalized.

I was quite a " mess " . My family for the most part has no clue what RA,

Fibro, depression amoung other chronic conditions I live with. I am made to

think it is all my fault because I am overweight and don't belong to a gym.

I get soooo frustrated....I pray and journal alot and I have a dog who is my

blessing from God. I only wish people could take lessons from the

unconditional love my little female Jack gives me. I must add she

is an exceptional back warmer. Hang in there na, and if you need to

vent you can always email me directly. I am new to the group, too.

Laurie

On 4/30/07, julrossfra <schnauzercloud1@...>

wrote:

>

> Good morning everyone.

>

> I have had RA for probably 15 years but it was not diagnosed until

> August of 05. I was tired all of the time, stiff and swollen, in so

> much pain, was having problems remembering and no energy at all and

> my Dr at the time said " It is depression caused from the stress of

> work, your husband's illness, taking care of the house, etc " and he

> put me on antidepressants. Needless to say they didn't work, I was

> still in so much pain. This went on until 2003, when for some reason,

> not related to RA I had a black out at work. I went to the ER and

> they did a CT scan to check for a stroke, it came back negative and

> they ordered an MRI, the MRI showed lesions on my brain and I was

> sent to a neurologist. The neurologist did all of the standard tests

> for MS and other neurological disorders, and found that I did have

> impaired cognitive function so we did two further tests, a PET Scan

> and another lumbar puncture and found I was a carrier of the

> Alzheimer's Gene. This still didn't explain any of the other

> symptoms, but I had a Doctor that cared. He set me up with a new

> Internist, she worked with me and worked with me, ran pulmonary,

> cardiac, every test you could imagine including RA, but everything

> came back negative, then one day I called her because my fingers on

> both hands were so swollen I couldn't bend them, she tested me again

> for RA, then did x-rays, sent me to a Rheumatologist and he confirmed

> the diagnosis. I was started on MTX and Remicade. Needless to say, I

> feel almost a 100% better, but I still have bad days, still tired,

> but nothing like in the past. I wish my family understood more. They

> look at me like I am crazy when I say I am tired or I have problems

> doing some things with my hands, or moving. It really hurts.

> Sometimes I would like to just kick them (I know violence is not the

> answer). Sometimes I really hate them. I know in the past I have

> always done it all, did it for years when I didn't feel like it. Went

> nonstop 90% of the time even when I felt I couldn't go on. They still

> expect me to do it. My stepkids are the worst. Ages 33, 36, and 39,

> but if they stub their toe I am expected to ohh and aww and think it

> is the worst thing ever. I am not feeling sorry for myself, but would

> just like some consideration. Sorry to ramble on, but needed someone

> to vent to that might understand.

>

> I am also praying for a job that will allow me one day off a month so

> I can continue my remicade therapy. Finances are tight right now as

> we are paying for our health insurance which is very expensive and I

> know stress doesn't help RA.

>

> Thanks for listening.

>

> na

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jullia,

Welcome to the group! I am new here as well, and everyone has been

wonderful at letting me rant and rave about my family or my doctors... Its

great, because (like you said) no one at home understands... If you are the

one that does most of the chores (or all of the chores) you are still

expected to keep it up and nothing short of your death bed is going to

change it (or at least that's how I feel). I am not diagnosed with anything

yet, but since my recent diagnosis of psoriasis they are now thinking that

it is psoriatic arthritis.... But my symptoms sound very much like yours.

You are very lucky that you found someone that wasn't going to give up on

your dx..

Welome to the group and feel free to vent..

Bonnie

>From: " julrossfra " <schnauzercloud1@...>

>Reply-

>

>Subject: [ ] New Here

>Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2007 14:57:54 -0000

>

>Good morning everyone.

>

>I have had RA for probably 15 years but it was not diagnosed until

>August of 05. I was tired all of the time, stiff and swollen, in so

>much pain, was having problems remembering and no energy at all and

>my Dr at the time said " It is depression caused from the stress of

>work, your husband's illness, taking care of the house, etc " and he

>put me on antidepressants. Needless to say they didn't work, I was

>still in so much pain. This went on until 2003, when for some reason,

>not related to RA I had a black out at work. I went to the ER and

>they did a CT scan to check for a stroke, it came back negative and

>they ordered an MRI, the MRI showed lesions on my brain and I was

>sent to a neurologist. The neurologist did all of the standard tests

>for MS and other neurological disorders, and found that I did have

>impaired cognitive function so we did two further tests, a PET Scan

>and another lumbar puncture and found I was a carrier of the

>Alzheimer's Gene. This still didn't explain any of the other

>symptoms, but I had a Doctor that cared. He set me up with a new

>Internist, she worked with me and worked with me, ran pulmonary,

>cardiac, every test you could imagine including RA, but everything

>came back negative, then one day I called her because my fingers on

>both hands were so swollen I couldn't bend them, she tested me again

>for RA, then did x-rays, sent me to a Rheumatologist and he confirmed

>the diagnosis. I was started on MTX and Remicade. Needless to say, I

>feel almost a 100% better, but I still have bad days, still tired,

>but nothing like in the past. I wish my family understood more. They

>look at me like I am crazy when I say I am tired or I have problems

>doing some things with my hands, or moving. It really hurts.

>Sometimes I would like to just kick them (I know violence is not the

>answer). Sometimes I really hate them. I know in the past I have

>always done it all, did it for years when I didn't feel like it. Went

>nonstop 90% of the time even when I felt I couldn't go on. They still

>expect me to do it. My stepkids are the worst. Ages 33, 36, and 39,

>but if they stub their toe I am expected to ohh and aww and think it

>is the worst thing ever. I am not feeling sorry for myself, but would

>just like some consideration. Sorry to ramble on, but needed someone

>to vent to that might understand.

>

>I am also praying for a job that will allow me one day off a month so

>I can continue my remicade therapy. Finances are tight right now as

>we are paying for our health insurance which is very expensive and I

>know stress doesn't help RA.

>

>

>

>Thanks for listening.

>

>na

>

>

_________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Hi Juilana, your bio sounds like all of us at one time or another. I PUSHED

myself everyday for 5 years until my body just couldn't go anymore. I

worked only part time in 05' then quit completly Dec.05. I now feel better

because my body is resting now. I KNOW about the finances. For the first

time in my life I am totally dependant on my husband!!!! It's not a good

feeling. MAKE time for yourself. If you don't, no one else will. I found out

the hard way too. Hugs and Prayers.

Deta

>From: " Schnauzer Cloud " <schnauzercloud1@...>

>Reply-

>< >

>Subject: RE: [ ] New Here

>Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2007 12:22:11 -0400

>

>Thank you so much for the welcome. I don't know why I didn't look for a

>support group sooner. I was in denial at first, actually almost didn't

>start the treatment, was afraid of the side effects and a misdiagnosis, I

>guess because the RF factor was negative and I couldn't figure out why

>someone hadn't picked up on something so obvious sooner. Did no one listen

>to me? I know Dr. Ellis did listen, but she had never seen my fingers

>swollen before, primarily because when they would swell, I never called

>because I figured what was the use.

>

>

>

>Do you or anyone else have problems with working and holding down a job,

>taking care of a family, and having a life in general?

>

>

>

>na

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I too have my dogs and when I don't feel good they are right by my side. I

do Schnauzer Rescue and even our fosters pick up on how I feel. I don't

know what I would do without them. People tell me to give up rescue and

cease doing some things, but it is rescue work and other hobbies that keep

me going. The kids, I feel it is just plain selfishness on their part, not

any real concern for me. You can see my puppies at

http://www.louisvilleschnauzerrescue.com

<http://www.louisvilleschnauzerrescue.com/> . Yes rescue is hard work, but

in my mind and heart, it is so worth it.

Bill is still alive and it isn't that he doesn't care, but he thinks because

I continue to do things I must feel okay and not that tired. He has heart

problems and that is not good, plus he worries a lot because the medical

bills keep coming in and I am not working. Paying for health insurance is a

killer financially. The kids think I should be working, keep saying when

are you going back to work. Luckily one lives in LA, one in TN and the

other 30 minutes away, so I don't have to deal with them that often. When

the middle girl had to have her knee operated on you would have thought it

was the end of the world. I am not saying because I have RA my life is over

with, there are things a lot worse, like my girlfriend who was just

diagnosed with Multiple Myloma. I would just like a little understanding

and for the kids to not look at me like I am faking this.

na

[Guest guest]

Welcome nna,.....Glad you finally got some help. It sounds like

you found a good doctor. I'm glad the meds are helping you. This is

a lovely group, and looking forward to getting to know you, Tawny

[Guest guest]

Joy,

Your Mom sounds like my brother. He is " like all problems, health and

otherwise would be solved if I lost 100 lbs. I can't even walk a city block

with out my hips and knees SCREAMing at me to stop. (I use to be able to do

that weight or not)I have to stop and take a breath, wait a few minutes and

try again. I felt so bad when I had to get my wedding ring cut off as I

wasn't ready to take it off yet as Dave had not been dead even 6 months

yet. I wasn't even on prednisone but have been many times since. At least

here we all understand the ups and downs of these illnesses and know we are

not alone. FAmily just hasn't proven very supportive to me, If " you "

aren't on your death bed or in a wheel chair----society, I have found want

to see you at your worse all the time to believe how sick you feel. I can't

comment on my pain as my weight just gets thrown up at me. I have learned

to keep it to myself and my social worker.

Laurie

On 4/30/07, Joy <jhoorm01@...> wrote:

>

> Laurie

> Your story struck a cord with me too. I have a dog who is my best friend

> and we just

> relax together and enjoy each others company. I don't have to put up an

> act with her

> and she makes me smile. I love my family and kids but sometimes they are

> not very supportive.

> With them being teens they are pretty wrapped up in themselves right now.

> I can understand where

> they are coming from but wish they could be a little more compassionate.

> Also my Mom always makes reference to my weight. I don't need her telling

> me what I already know

> but I know skinny people also suffer from RA. My Aunt for one probably

> weighs 100 lbs and she has

> it worse in her hands than I have ever seen it.

> I had to get my wedding ring cut off because my fingers were so swollen.

> The lady behind the counter

> asked me if I was on prednisone. I was like yeah and she said, I thought

> maybe you were.

> It was so embarrassing.

> Joy

>

> Laurie Randall <dlriowa@... <dlriowa%40gmail.com>> wrote:

> I really have empathy for you. 90% of my family reacts the way you

> describe

> yours does to you. I got so bad that i wound up in the hospital for almost

> a month. I had to have 2 chest tubes, my hands were so swollen, i couldn't

> put on a bra, my wedding ring was cutting off my circulation. The RA was

> finally getting back at me for all the times I just kept going on and on

> PLUS my husband died unexpectedly that same year before I was

> hospitalized.

> I was quite a " mess " . My family for the most part has no clue what RA,

> Fibro, depression amoung other chronic conditions I live with. I am made

> to

> think it is all my fault because I am overweight and don't belong to a

> gym.

> I get soooo frustrated....I pray and journal alot and I have a dog who is

> my

> blessing from God. I only wish people could take lessons from the

> unconditional love my little female Jack gives me. I must add she

> is an exceptional back warmer. Hang in there na, and if you need to

> vent you can always email me directly. I am new to the group, too.

> Laurie

>

> On 4/30/07, julrossfra

<schnauzercloud1@...<schnauzercloud1%40louisvilleschna\

uzerrescue.com>

> >

> wrote:

> >

> > Good morning everyone.

> >

> > I have had RA for probably 15 years but it was not diagnosed until

> > August of 05. I was tired all of the time, stiff and swollen, in so

> > much pain, was having problems remembering and no energy at all and

> > my Dr at the time said " It is depression caused from the stress of

> > work, your husband's illness, taking care of the house, etc " and he

> > put me on antidepressants. Needless to say they didn't work, I was

> > still in so much pain. This went on until 2003, when for some reason,

> > not related to RA I had a black out at work. I went to the ER and

> > they did a CT scan to check for a stroke, it came back negative and

> > they ordered an MRI, the MRI showed lesions on my brain and I was

> > sent to a neurologist. The neurologist did all of the standard tests

> > for MS and other neurological disorders, and found that I did have

> > impaired cognitive function so we did two further tests, a PET Scan

> > and another lumbar puncture and found I was a carrier of the

> > Alzheimer's Gene. This still didn't explain any of the other

> > symptoms, but I had a Doctor that cared. He set me up with a new

> > Internist, she worked with me and worked with me, ran pulmonary,

> > cardiac, every test you could imagine including RA, but everything

> > came back negative, then one day I called her because my fingers on

> > both hands were so swollen I couldn't bend them, she tested me again

> > for RA, then did x-rays, sent me to a Rheumatologist and he confirmed

> > the diagnosis. I was started on MTX and Remicade. Needless to say, I

> > feel almost a 100% better, but I still have bad days, still tired,

> > but nothing like in the past. I wish my family understood more. They

> > look at me like I am crazy when I say I am tired or I have problems

> > doing some things with my hands, or moving. It really hurts.

> > Sometimes I would like to just kick them (I know violence is not the

> > answer). Sometimes I really hate them. I know in the past I have

> > always done it all, did it for years when I didn't feel like it. Went

> > nonstop 90% of the time even when I felt I couldn't go on. They still

> > expect me to do it. My stepkids are the worst. Ages 33, 36, and 39,

> > but if they stub their toe I am expected to ohh and aww and think it

> > is the worst thing ever. I am not feeling sorry for myself, but would

> > just like some consideration. Sorry to ramble on, but needed someone

> > to vent to that might understand.

> >

> > I am also praying for a job that will allow me one day off a month so

> > I can continue my remicade therapy. Finances are tight right now as

> > we are paying for our health insurance which is very expensive and I

> > know stress doesn't help RA.

> >

> > Thanks for listening.

> >

> > na

> >

> >

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

na

The dogs are wonderful. You sound like such a GOOD Dog Mom. Don't

give up your rescue, it is your passion and you should do it for as long as

you can.

Yes, I get sick also of people thinking you can fake RA, Fibro,depression

etc. I try not to let their attitudes get to me much though they do when I

am having a really bad day with it. I don't think people in general

understand till it happens to them. I found when my husband died that those

who had lost someone that close were the most compassionate and the younger

people still had no clue how deep the pain cuts you.

I can't and don't work anymore as I would have to lie about my health. No

one wants to hire someone with as many illnesses and sickdays I have had

with my RA. I am lucky to get disabilty for now. It is quite small so I

have to watch every penny. I think I would be homeless if I didn't get it

and Medicare. Anyway that is another whole topic.

I am glad you and I found this group.

Laurie

On 4/30/07, Schnauzer Cloud <schnauzercloud1@...>

wrote:

>

> I too have my dogs and when I don't feel good they are right by my side.

> I

> do Schnauzer Rescue and even our fosters pick up on how I feel. I don't

> know what I would do without them. People tell me to give up rescue and

> cease doing some things, but it is rescue work and other hobbies that keep

> me going. The kids, I feel it is just plain selfishness on their part, not

> any real concern for me. You can see my puppies at

> http://www.louisvilleschnauzerrescue.com

> <http://www.louisvilleschnauzerrescue.com/> . Yes rescue is hard work, but

> in my mind and heart, it is so worth it.

>

> Bill is still alive and it isn't that he doesn't care, but he thinks

> because

> I continue to do things I must feel okay and not that tired. He has heart

> problems and that is not good, plus he worries a lot because the medical

> bills keep coming in and I am not working. Paying for health insurance is

> a

> killer financially. The kids think I should be working, keep saying when

> are you going back to work. Luckily one lives in LA, one in TN and the

> other 30 minutes away, so I don't have to deal with them that often. When

> the middle girl had to have her knee operated on you would have thought it

> was the end of the world. I am not saying because I have RA my life is

> over

> with, there are things a lot worse, like my girlfriend who was just

> diagnosed with Multiple Myloma. I would just like a little understanding

> and for the kids to not look at me like I am faking this.

>

> na

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I'm new here. Several months ago we started doing Nourishing

Traditions stuff and I have a kid who's waiting to be evaluated for

autism. Anyway my kid had a die-off reaction after eating some really

rare grass fed steak. I want to know more about raw meat, the enzymes

involved and its antiviral, antimicrobial factors. Let me guess,

there's not a lot of research on this? I bought the meat from a local

farmer who 100% grass feeds. I tried the same thing with some grass

fed steak from wild oats and didn't get the same reaction. The wild

oats stuff definitely tastes different but supposedly is 100% grass fed.

Rita

[Guest guest]

The most people say to me is you look tired a lot. Well duh..

but I guess life goes on.

I am just glad I can still work without to many problems yet.

Since I got a new mattress I seem to be sleeping a little better too.

But it is so tempting to just stay in bed. The worst is the early morning

and later in the evening like after supper time. That is when I get the

achiest.

Hang in there and if you ever want to email me off list feel free to.

Oh yeah and the ring that I got cut off always caused my finger to itch and

break out

which is strange since I know it was real gold and all but what I did was just

started

wearing my anniversary band (which is a larger cut diamond anyway) on my ring

finger.

Joy

Laurie Randall <dlriowa@...> wrote:

Joy,

Your Mom sounds like my brother. He is " like all problems, health and

otherwise would be solved if I lost 100 lbs. I can't even walk a city block

with out my hips and knees SCREAMing at me to stop. (I use to be able to do

that weight or not)I have to stop and take a breath, wait a few minutes and

try again. I felt so bad when I had to get my wedding ring cut off as I

wasn't ready to take it off yet as Dave had not been dead even 6 months

yet. I wasn't even on prednisone but have been many times since. At least

here we all understand the ups and downs of these illnesses and know we are

not alone. FAmily just hasn't proven very supportive to me, If " you "

aren't on your death bed or in a wheel chair----society, I have found want

to see you at your worse all the time to believe how sick you feel. I can't

comment on my pain as my weight just gets thrown up at me. I have learned

to keep it to myself and my social worker.

Laurie

On 4/30/07, Joy <jhoorm01@...> wrote:

>

> Laurie

> Your story struck a cord with me too. I have a dog who is my best friend

> and we just

> relax together and enjoy each others company. I don't have to put up an

> act with her

> and she makes me smile. I love my family and kids but sometimes they are

> not very supportive.

> With them being teens they are pretty wrapped up in themselves right now.

> I can understand where

> they are coming from but wish they could be a little more compassionate.

> Also my Mom always makes reference to my weight. I don't need her telling

> me what I already know

> but I know skinny people also suffer from RA. My Aunt for one probably

> weighs 100 lbs and she has

> it worse in her hands than I have ever seen it.

> I had to get my wedding ring cut off because my fingers were so swollen.

> The lady behind the counter

> asked me if I was on prednisone. I was like yeah and she said, I thought

> maybe you were.

> It was so embarrassing.

> Joy

>

> Laurie Randall <dlriowa@... <dlriowa%40gmail.com>> wrote:

> I really have empathy for you. 90% of my family reacts the way you

> describe

> yours does to you. I got so bad that i wound up in the hospital for almost

> a month. I had to have 2 chest tubes, my hands were so swollen, i couldn't

> put on a bra, my wedding ring was cutting off my circulation. The RA was

> finally getting back at me for all the times I just kept going on and on

> PLUS my husband died unexpectedly that same year before I was

> hospitalized.

> I was quite a " mess " . My family for the most part has no clue what RA,

> Fibro, depression amoung other chronic conditions I live with. I am made

> to

> think it is all my fault because I am overweight and don't belong to a

> gym.

> I get soooo frustrated....I pray and journal alot and I have a dog who is

> my

> blessing from God. I only wish people could take lessons from the

> unconditional love my little female Jack gives me. I must add she

> is an exceptional back warmer. Hang in there na, and if you need to

> vent you can always email me directly. I am new to the group, too.

> Laurie

>

> On 4/30/07, julrossfra

<schnauzercloud1@...<schnauzercloud1%40louisvilleschna\

uzerrescue.com>

> >

> wrote:

> >

> > Good morning everyone.

> >

> > I have had RA for probably 15 years but it was not diagnosed until

> > August of 05. I was tired all of the time, stiff and swollen, in so

> > much pain, was having problems remembering and no energy at all and

> > my Dr at the time said " It is depression caused from the stress of

> > work, your husband's illness, taking care of the house, etc " and he

> > put me on antidepressants. Needless to say they didn't work, I was

> > still in so much pain. This went on until 2003, when for some reason,

> > not related to RA I had a black out at work. I went to the ER and

> > they did a CT scan to check for a stroke, it came back negative and

> > they ordered an MRI, the MRI showed lesions on my brain and I was

> > sent to a neurologist. The neurologist did all of the standard tests

> > for MS and other neurological disorders, and found that I did have

> > impaired cognitive function so we did two further tests, a PET Scan

> > and another lumbar puncture and found I was a carrier of the

> > Alzheimer's Gene. This still didn't explain any of the other

> > symptoms, but I had a Doctor that cared. He set me up with a new

> > Internist, she worked with me and worked with me, ran pulmonary,

> > cardiac, every test you could imagine including RA, but everything

> > came back negative, then one day I called her because my fingers on

> > both hands were so swollen I couldn't bend them, she tested me again

> > for RA, then did x-rays, sent me to a Rheumatologist and he confirmed

> > the diagnosis. I was started on MTX and Remicade. Needless to say, I

> > feel almost a 100% better, but I still have bad days, still tired,

> > but nothing like in the past. I wish my family understood more. They

> > look at me like I am crazy when I say I am tired or I have problems

> > doing some things with my hands, or moving. It really hurts.

> > Sometimes I would like to just kick them (I know violence is not the

> > answer). Sometimes I really hate them. I know in the past I have

> > always done it all, did it for years when I didn't feel like it. Went

> > nonstop 90% of the time even when I felt I couldn't go on. They still

> > expect me to do it. My stepkids are the worst. Ages 33, 36, and 39,

> > but if they stub their toe I am expected to ohh and aww and think it

> > is the worst thing ever. I am not feeling sorry for myself, but would

> > just like some consideration. Sorry to ramble on, but needed someone

> > to vent to that might understand.

> >

> > I am also praying for a job that will allow me one day off a month so

> > I can continue my remicade therapy. Finances are tight right now as

> > we are paying for our health insurance which is very expensive and I

> > know stress doesn't help RA.

> >

> > Thanks for listening.

> >

> > na

> >

> >

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

Meat is going to taste different depending on the locale of the cows. Grass

is different all over the country so the meat will taste different as well.

I have ordered grass fed from all over the country and it all tastes

different.

Allyn

_____

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of queequeg555

Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007 10:09 AM

Subject: re: new here

Hi,

I'm new here. Several months ago we started doing Nourishing

Traditions stuff and I have a kid who's waiting to be evaluated for

autism. Anyway my kid had a die-off reaction after eating some really

rare grass fed steak. I want to know more about raw meat, the enzymes

involved and its antiviral, antimicrobial factors. Let me guess,

there's not a lot of research on this? I bought the meat from a local

farmer who 100% grass feeds. I tried the same thing with some grass

fed steak from wild oats and didn't get the same reaction. The wild

oats stuff definitely tastes different but supposedly is 100% grass fed.

Rita

[Guest guest]

How do you know it was die-off and not food poisoning?

As far as the research into enzymes, you can read the enzymes and

autism group and also google Dr. Houston who developed a enzyme

tablet (Several, really) for autistic kids which parents really rave

about. It's called peptizyde.

>

> Hi,

> I'm new here. Several months ago we started doing Nourishing

> Traditions stuff and I have a kid who's waiting to be evaluated for

> autism. Anyway my kid had a die-off reaction after eating some

really

> rare grass fed steak. I want to know more about raw meat, the

enzymes

> involved and its antiviral, antimicrobial factors. Let me guess,

> there's not a lot of research on this? I bought the meat from a

local

> farmer who 100% grass feeds. I tried the same thing with some

grass

> fed steak from wild oats and didn't get the same reaction. The

wild

> oats stuff definitely tastes different but supposedly is 100% grass

fed.

>

> Rita

>

[Guest guest]

What a relief to read these messages. I just told my board president that I will

be stepping

down from being a school headmaster because of RA. This is the end of a 20 year

career

of running independent schools. I am petrified. My husband is delighted. We have

only

been married for 2 years and I have always supported myself. Somewhere deep down

I

know that my health is more important than my professional pride but I am, at

times, near

panic over this. How did you overcome these feelings? I need all the advice I

can get!

Thanks!

Pat

>

> Hi Juilana, your bio sounds like all of us at one time or another. I PUSHED

> myself everyday for 5 years until my body just couldn't go anymore. I

> worked only part time in 05' then quit completly Dec.05. I now feel better

> because my body is resting now. I KNOW about the finances. For the first

> time in my life I am totally dependant on my husband!!!! It's not a good

> feeling. MAKE time for yourself. If you don't, no one else will. I found out

> the hard way too. Hugs and Prayers.

> Deta

>

>

> >From: " Schnauzer Cloud " <schnauzercloud1@...>

> >Reply-

> >< >

> >Subject: RE: [ ] New Here

> >Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2007 12:22:11 -0400

> >

> >Thank you so much for the welcome. I don't know why I didn't look for a

> >support group sooner. I was in denial at first, actually almost didn't

> >start the treatment, was afraid of the side effects and a misdiagnosis, I

> >guess because the RF factor was negative and I couldn't figure out why

> >someone hadn't picked up on something so obvious sooner. Did no one listen

> >to me? I know Dr. Ellis did listen, but she had never seen my fingers

> >swollen before, primarily because when they would swell, I never called

> >because I figured what was the use.

> >

> >

> >

> >Do you or anyone else have problems with working and holding down a job,

> >taking care of a family, and having a life in general?

> >

> >

> >

> >na

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna and welcome. Antiinflammatories didn't do much for me. AntiTNF

therapy has done wonders. Do you have a rheumatologist yet? If so, what kind

of treatment plan has he/she put together? Best wishes, Kate F

[ ] New here

I am new here been lurking for awhile now,I don't think I have posted

before if I have I'm sory my memory is not all that good,I a also have

fibro and lupus along with ra.

I was dx with ra 2 months ago after being told it was carpal tunnel,It

was a disturbing dx because now I can't have the surgery to corret it!

I now have to learn to live with the pain in my hands and now it seems

like my feet hurt alot after a day at work. I am taking an anti-

inflamatory for plus some bone and joint vitamins but I don't see much

difference in the pain level,any suggestions out there?

Thanks for listening to me whine,

Donna

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Luggage? GPS? Comic books?

Check out fitting gifts for grads at Search

http://search./search?fr=oni_on_mail & p=graduation+gifts & cs=bz

[Guest guest]

kate what is AntiTNF therapy the antinflammatories aren't working for me very

well either

Fair <kalfoley@...> wrote: Hi Donna and welcome.

Antiinflammatories didn't do much for me. AntiTNF therapy has done wonders. Do

you have a rheumatologist yet? If so, what kind of treatment plan has he/she put

together? Best wishes, Kate F

[ ] New here

I am new here been lurking for awhile now,I don't think I have posted

before if I have I'm sory my memory is not all that good,I a also have

fibro and lupus along with ra.

I was dx with ra 2 months ago after being told it was carpal tunnel,It

was a disturbing dx because now I can't have the surgery to corret it!

I now have to learn to live with the pain in my hands and now it seems

like my feet hurt alot after a day at work. I am taking an anti-

inflamatory for plus some bone and joint vitamins but I don't see much

difference in the pain level,any suggestions out there?

Thanks for listening to me whine,

Donna

__________________________________________________________

Luggage? GPS? Comic books?

Check out fitting gifts for grads at Search

http://search./search?fr=oni_on_mail & p=graduation+gifts & cs=bz

[Guest guest]

, if your doc thinks you're a good candidate, they can be really helpful.

I take Enbrel and it started working within the first week.

Take a look at this article and see what you think

http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/rheumatoid/tnf.html

[ ] New here

I am new here been lurking for awhile now,I don't think I have posted

before if I have I'm sory my memory is not all that good,I a also have

fibro and lupus along with ra.

I was dx with ra 2 months ago after being told it was carpal tunnel,It

was a disturbing dx because now I can't have the surgery to corret it!

I now have to learn to live with the pain in my hands and now it seems

like my feet hurt alot after a day at work. I am taking an anti-

inflamatory for plus some bone and joint vitamins but I don't see much

difference in the pain level,any suggestions out there?

Thanks for listening to me whine,

Donna

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

Luggage? GPS? Comic books?

Check out fitting gifts for grads at Search

http://search. / search?fr= oni_on_mail & p=graduation+ gifts & cs= bz

[Guest guest]

Donna,

I also learned i had RA when I had got hurt at work and they said carpel

tunnel syndrome as well. I did have surgery on my left hand to relieve the

pressure and it has worked well. I decided after it was explain that sometimes

it

just allows the RA to fill up the new space created for the nerve to leave my

right wrist alone.

With my left wrist I really had no choice. The nerve was completely

compressed when they got in there and buried in goop. My surgeon never thought I

would get any feeling back....but when the bandages came off and he went to take

the stitches out I had nearly full feeling in my hand!! WOW!!

I would really talk with your rheummy and a good hand surgeon and see where

they want to go with it.

I have been told that rubbing B6 on the wrist can help as well. Though I

have never tried it.

Most of my pain is also hands and feet. I take anti-inflammatories, pred

when needed and pain meds. Recently I have been taking pred daily as I was in a

flair.

Toni

Posted by: " donna " _donnasisk43@... _

(mailto:donnasisk43@...?Subject= Re:New%20%20here) _donnasisk43 _

(donnasisk43)

Thu Sep 20, 2007 6:41 am (PST)

I am new here been lurking for awhile now,I don't think I have posted

before if I have I'm sory my memory is not all that good,I a also have

fibro and lupus along with ra.

I was dx with ra 2 months ago after being told it was carpal tunnel,It

was a disturbing dx because now I can't have the surgery to corret it!

I now have to learn to live with the pain in my hands and now it seems

like my feet hurt a lot after a day at work. I am taking an anti-

inflamatory for plus some bone and joint vitamins but I don't see much

difference in the pain level,any suggestions out there?

Thanks for listening to me whine,

Donna

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

[Guest guest]

Rupus??!?!LOL I like that!! Welcome to the family!! I know there

are people in here who made some dietary changes. Myself, I've been

a vegetarian for about 30 years (I'm 37 now). I was diagnosed just

over 5 years ago. I did try cutting out bread and drink very little

one ercent milk. I used to drink two percent. Those small changes,

along with loss of appetite helped me to lose about 80 pounds over

about a 4 month time span. I can't say that some of my dietary

changes helped me a whole lot because I haven't been able to go back

on my meds. I only take pain meds right now. I hope you can get

some answers. It's great that you have 2 healthy kids. I pray that

they stay that way. Welcome to the family. You will find a lot of

support in here and you can make many friends. Hugs...Marina

>

> I am new to the group, but not new to RA. I was diagnosed during my

> preganancy 4 1/2 years ago. 2 years later during my 2nd pregnancy I

was

> also diagnosed with Lupus, now my DR says I have " Rupus " .

> I have been on Enbrel, Orencia and now Rituxan all the while on

> prednisone and cortisone injections and multiple other anti-

inflams;

> nothing brings relief. I have not had a pain free day in 6 years....

>

> I am 36 and worried that I am running out of perscription treatment

> options. I work full-time and have 2 healthy, active children.

>

> I was also diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma in January and have

> undergone 2 major surgeries to keep me from undergoing chemo, since

> they are not sure how badly that will affect my RA.

>

> So, enough of the history. Has anyone out there had success with a

> complete dietary change; either gluten free, vegan, whole food or

> fasting? I feel that I can read books and websites with

information,

> but I'd rather hear from other people who are like me and know

exactly

> what it is like to live with these diseases.

>

[Guest guest]

I was lucky enough to be able to stop medication in May. I was determined to

make

dietary changes and begin an exercise routine. The changes have helped though I

understand it isn't possible for everyone. I started with an

elmination-provocation diet

and left behind gluten, dairy, meat and caffiene. I added back in little things

here and

there that didn't cause any inflammatory changes in my body. Listening to my

body was

key to making those decisions. If I had any reaction, including

gastrointestinal, headache,

etc., the food was out. For me, I am convinced that caffiene plays a very

negative role in

my inflmmation which I guess isn't that surprising. I have done research on the

foods/

dietary supplements that have anti-inflammatory properties. Bromelain, found in

pineapples, was something I came upon and started to include more in my diet (I

had a

negative reaction to the supplements so I stuck with eating/drinking more

pineapple).

Also, of course, I added fish oil capsules, 3000 mg/day, which is reported to

have anti-

inflammatory properties as well as all the other good stuff it does. Exercise

was the last

piece and one of the most difficult for me. I started swimming at the YMCA a

couple days

a week and popping into the sauna afterwards too which felt so good and deep

penetrating.

Best of luck. I think for some these changes can work. It doesn't necessarily

make every

pain go away but it can seriously improve the pain, etc.

Take care,

>

> I am new to the group, but not new to RA. I was diagnosed during my

> preganancy 4 1/2 years ago. 2 years later during my 2nd pregnancy I was

> also diagnosed with Lupus, now my DR says I have " Rupus " .

> I have been on Enbrel, Orencia and now Rituxan all the while on

> prednisone and cortisone injections and multiple other anti-inflams;

> nothing brings relief. I have not had a pain free day in 6 years....

>

> I am 36 and worried that I am running out of perscription treatment

> options. I work full-time and have 2 healthy, active children.

>

> I was also diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma in January and have

> undergone 2 major surgeries to keep me from undergoing chemo, since

> they are not sure how badly that will affect my RA.

>

> So, enough of the history. Has anyone out there had success with a

> complete dietary change; either gluten free, vegan, whole food or

> fasting? I feel that I can read books and websites with information,

> but I'd rather hear from other people who are like me and know exactly

> what it is like to live with these diseases.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, it is nice to meet someone else in the same age group as me, I

was starting to wonder if I was the only one lol. I have issues with

my wrists too, but my doctor said it was carpal tunnel, but I wear

wraps around them if I know I am going to be doing something that

requires lifting. And what is really sad is my daughter has better

hand writting then me lol. I try to do what I can, I have an

interview with a lady tomorow about selling Avon, as long as I dont

make over $634 a month, it wont mess with my SSI payments. I was

fired from a nursing home last year where I was working my way to

become a CNA, that was when it finally hit that I just couldnt do the

things every one else could when it came to working. So now I am just

a stay at home mom, I get to spend alot of time with the kids and it

is nice because I can help out with school functions now too.

>

> Hi, !

>

> Reading your post makes me think of myself, actually. We have a lot

in common! I am 25 years old with RA. Have had it for 3 years now. It

does take a toll on you and make you feel bad. I was volunteering at

my son's school this morning and I had a gauge wrapped around my

wrist because of the pain I was having and I got a swarm of questions

for that!

>

> Trust me, I know EXACTLY how you feel! I have a 4 year old son who

knows when 'mommy has pain in her wrists'. It's hard because you want

to do things sometimes and you just CANT do it! It's like your brain

says 'yes, we can do this, but your body will not let you do it. I

have been so down lately because of this. I currently am unemployed

and looking for a job now (I have an interview @ 2:30 today) but it

is has really been a struggle.

>

> Feel free to write me anytime.

>

> Hope you feel better soon!

>

> ~Deneen

>

> [ ] New here

>

>

> Hi. My name is and I am 23, I was diagnosed with Juvenile

RA

> when I was 15. I went on medication for it right away, tacking

> methotrexate shots once a week and Remicade infusions once a

month. I

> had to stop at age 19 though because my dads insurance wouldnt

cover

> me anymore. I am married with 3 kids, ages 6, 5, and 10 months.

My

> husband recently got insurance at his work, but I wont be coverd

for

> 2 years, and i finally decided to ge on disability july of this

year

> after losing 2 jobs because of my hands, but my medicare wont

kick in

> for 2 years either. I feel like I have had to give everything up

I

> have ever wanted. School was hard, I dropped out my senior year

> because I couldnt keep up and was failing, so I didnt get to go

to

> college like I wanted. Now that i am on disability I make enough

to

> pay the mortgage each month but my husband is left paying

everything

> else out of his checks each week and I feel like I dont help

enough.

> He is very supportive of me and never complains but I cant help

> feeling bad because I can't bring in more. I have never met

anyone

> else as young as me with RA, even my doctor says I am the only

one he

> ever treated that young. My daughter asks me all the time if her

> fingers are going to be bent and broken like mine and I just want

to

> cry because that is the first thing people notice when they meet

me

> and then I have all the questions to answer. Sorry for getting on

> here and pretty much crying the first time I post but I just want

> other people with the same things I have to talk to.

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi !

I have a family member, an uncle who got RA really

young and had polio as well. He is now near 50 and is

my hero!

I was diagnosed with CFS at the age of 19, my second

year in college, while I was taking a full load of

credits in a shortened summer course load. I thought

at the time it was one of the most difficult times of

my life. I became very ill 2 years out of college

while working in a position I had hoped to stay in

until I retired. It was Fibromyalgia and CFS at that

point. I was 29. By age 30, I was disabled. I am

now 35. Unfortunately, I chose the career path at the

time as I thought I'd always have time to date and

marry. Now I have extremely poor health, and can

really only leave the house to see my doctors. I

don't have the ability physically or mentally to go

out and meet new people and to date.

I can understand where you are coming from about the

things you wanted to do but could not do. I may have

gone to college but now am disabled and still have the

expenses to pay for having gone. I'm working really

hard though on setting goals even if small and

achieving them. I don't have much visible damage yet,

so people always stare as if to say " whats' wrong with

her? " and I get the " you look to good to be sick "

thing which is just as frustrating. But then I think

that I still have life, and friends, and pets that I

love. I can still do some things I enjoy. I am

grateful for what I do have. I was watching Extreme

Home Makeover where they were building a house for

this little girl born with cancer. Her whole life,

she knew nothing but illness, hospitals, specialists,

radiation. She said that she wanted people to know

that being a kid with cancer, that's the only thing

they do know. I think of the people born disfigured,

and how they never had a day without being any

different. So then I look at my life, and I remind

myself that everyones body ages, beauty fades, that

everyone at some time will have some aches and pains,

and I do my best to keep moving forward. I read and

write a lot of positive inspirations as that has

helped as well. I'm here anytime you need to vent!

I've worked with a doctor that helps disabled and

those with chronic illnesses and I hope I am finally

learning something:)

--- <qt_pie_f_84@...> wrote:

> Hi. My name is and I am 23, I was diagnosed

> with Juvenile RA

> when I was 15. I went on medication for it right

> away, tacking

> methotrexate shots once a week and Remicade

> infusions once a month. I

> had to stop at age 19 though because my dads

> insurance wouldnt cover

> me anymore. I am married with 3 kids, ages 6, 5, and

> 10 months. My

> husband recently got insurance at his work, but I

> wont be coverd for

> 2 years, and i finally decided to ge on disability

> july of this year

> after losing 2 jobs because of my hands, but my

> medicare wont kick in

> for 2 years either. I feel like I have had to give

> everything up I

> have ever wanted. School was hard, I dropped out my

> senior year

> because I couldnt keep up and was failing, so I

> didnt get to go to

> college like I wanted. Now that i am on disability I

> make enough to

> pay the mortgage each month but my husband is left

> paying everything

> else out of his checks each week and I feel like I

> dont help enough.

> He is very supportive of me and never complains but

> I cant help

> feeling bad because I can't bring in more. I have

> never met anyone

> else as young as me with RA, even my doctor says I

> am the only one he

> ever treated that young. My daughter asks me all the

> time if her

> fingers are going to be bent and broken like mine

> and I just want to

> cry because that is the first thing people notice

> when they meet me

> and then I have all the questions to answer. Sorry

> for getting on

> here and pretty much crying the first time I post

> but I just want

> other people with the same things I have to talk to.

>

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Be a better pen pal.

Text or chat with friends inside . See how.

http://overview.mail./

[Guest guest]

Hi, !

Reading your post makes me think of myself, actually. We have a lot in common! I

am 25 years old with RA. Have had it for 3 years now. It does take a toll on you

and make you feel bad. I was volunteering at my son's school this morning and I

had a gauge wrapped around my wrist because of the pain I was having and I got a

swarm of questions for that!

Trust me, I know EXACTLY how you feel! I have a 4 year old son who knows when

'mommy has pain in her wrists'. It's hard because you want to do things

sometimes and you just CANT do it! It's like your brain says 'yes, we can do

this, but your body will not let you do it. I have been so down lately because

of this. I currently am unemployed and looking for a job now (I have an

interview @ 2:30 today) but it is has really been a struggle.

Feel free to write me anytime.

Hope you feel better soon!

~Deneen

[ ] New here

Hi. My name is and I am 23, I was diagnosed with Juvenile RA

when I was 15. I went on medication for it right away, tacking

methotrexate shots once a week and Remicade infusions once a month. I

had to stop at age 19 though because my dads insurance wouldnt cover

me anymore. I am married with 3 kids, ages 6, 5, and 10 months. My

husband recently got insurance at his work, but I wont be coverd for

2 years, and i finally decided to ge on disability july of this year

after losing 2 jobs because of my hands, but my medicare wont kick in

for 2 years either. I feel like I have had to give everything up I

have ever wanted. School was hard, I dropped out my senior year

because I couldnt keep up and was failing, so I didnt get to go to

college like I wanted. Now that i am on disability I make enough to

pay the mortgage each month but my husband is left paying everything

else out of his checks each week and I feel like I dont help enough.

He is very supportive of me and never complains but I cant help

feeling bad because I can't bring in more. I have never met anyone

else as young as me with RA, even my doctor says I am the only one he

ever treated that young. My daughter asks me all the time if her

fingers are going to be bent and broken like mine and I just want to

cry because that is the first thing people notice when they meet me

and then I have all the questions to answer. Sorry for getting on

here and pretty much crying the first time I post but I just want

other people with the same things I have to talk to.

[Guest guest]

It's great to see others that have had it hard be so positive about

things, I have a great life...It just gets deppressing sometimes to

think that I could have done so much more for my family had it not

happend to me. I try not to let it bother me and really I have gotten

used to it and forget about it alot of the times until I drop

something or bend my fingers or wrists the wrong way, then it all

slaps me in the face. You sound like you have had it alot worse than

me over the years and I am sorry to hear that, I am glad you have a

poitive outlook on it, I try to keep one most the time.

>

> > Hi. My name is and I am 23, I was diagnosed

> > with Juvenile RA

> > when I was 15. I went on medication for it right

> > away, tacking

> > methotrexate shots once a week and Remicade

> > infusions once a month. I

> > had to stop at age 19 though because my dads

> > insurance wouldnt cover

> > me anymore. I am married with 3 kids, ages 6, 5, and

> > 10 months. My

> > husband recently got insurance at his work, but I

> > wont be coverd for

> > 2 years, and i finally decided to ge on disability

> > july of this year

> > after losing 2 jobs because of my hands, but my

> > medicare wont kick in

> > for 2 years either. I feel like I have had to give

> > everything up I

> > have ever wanted. School was hard, I dropped out my

> > senior year

> > because I couldnt keep up and was failing, so I

> > didnt get to go to

> > college like I wanted. Now that i am on disability I

> > make enough to

> > pay the mortgage each month but my husband is left

> > paying everything

> > else out of his checks each week and I feel like I

> > dont help enough.

> > He is very supportive of me and never complains but

> > I cant help

> > feeling bad because I can't bring in more. I have

> > never met anyone

> > else as young as me with RA, even my doctor says I

> > am the only one he

> > ever treated that young. My daughter asks me all the

> > time if her

> > fingers are going to be bent and broken like mine

> > and I just want to

> > cry because that is the first thing people notice

> > when they meet me

> > and then I have all the questions to answer. Sorry

> > for getting on

> > here and pretty much crying the first time I post

> > but I just want

> > other people with the same things I have to talk to.

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

______________________________________________________________________

______________

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> Text or chat with friends inside . See how.

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>

[Guest guest]

It so nice to hear other people who are young w/ RA. When I was

first diagnosed and I was going to my remicaide infusions, I was the

youngest person there always. I know what you mean when you want to

do something but your body doesn't let you.

I am unemployed, not because I want to be. When I got really sick

last year (sepsis), it caused my RA to go into overdrive and I can'tr

work anymore w/o being in tremendous amounts of pain. I had to do

what was best for me and my family and it was applying for SSDI. I

am currently pending, hoping that I do get approved. Chatting on this

webboard helps because your talking to people who know what your

going through...I know it has helped me and informative especially

when you have questions.

>

> Hi, !

>

> Reading your post makes me think of myself, actually. We have a lot

in common! I am 25 years old with RA. Have had it for 3 years now. It

does take a toll on you and make you feel bad. I was volunteering at

my son's school this morning and I had a gauge wrapped around my

wrist because of the pain I was having and I got a swarm of questions

for that!

>

> Trust me, I know EXACTLY how you feel! I have a 4 year old son who

knows when 'mommy has pain in her wrists'. It's hard because you want

to do things sometimes and you just CANT do it! It's like your brain

says 'yes, we can do this, but your body will not let you do it. I

have been so down lately because of this. I currently am unemployed

and looking for a job now (I have an interview @ 2:30 today) but it

is has really been a struggle.

>

> Feel free to write me anytime.

>

> Hope you feel better soon!

>

> ~Deneen

>

> [ ] New here

>

>

> Hi. My name is and I am 23, I was diagnosed with Juvenile

RA

> when I was 15. I went on medication for it right away, tacking

> methotrexate shots once a week and Remicade infusions once a

month. I

> had to stop at age 19 though because my dads insurance wouldnt

cover

> me anymore. I am married with 3 kids, ages 6, 5, and 10 months.

My

> husband recently got insurance at his work, but I wont be coverd

for

> 2 years, and i finally decided to ge on disability july of this

year

> after losing 2 jobs because of my hands, but my medicare wont

kick in

> for 2 years either. I feel like I have had to give everything up

I

> have ever wanted. School was hard, I dropped out my senior year

> because I couldnt keep up and was failing, so I didnt get to go

to

> college like I wanted. Now that i am on disability I make enough

to

> pay the mortgage each month but my husband is left paying

everything

> else out of his checks each week and I feel like I dont help

enough.

> He is very supportive of me and never complains but I cant help

> feeling bad because I can't bring in more. I have never met

anyone

> else as young as me with RA, even my doctor says I am the only

one he

> ever treated that young. My daughter asks me all the time if her

> fingers are going to be bent and broken like mine and I just want

to

> cry because that is the first thing people notice when they meet

me

> and then I have all the questions to answer. Sorry for getting on

> here and pretty much crying the first time I post but I just want

> other people with the same things I have to talk to.

>

>

>

>

>

>