New member

Posted April 6, 2007 · April 6, 2007

Hi Pat,

Welcome to the group. I know how it feels going down hill so quick and I know

how hard it must be for my husband.

I know this illness puts everything in its place that is for sure. Worries I

had before just do not seem to be worries anymore.

We are here if you just need to vent which is hard for most of us to do in the

real world.

Marsha

[ ] New Member

My husband has chronic Gouty Tophaceous Arthritis. He was first

diagnosed in 1991 but had suffered from gout since he was in his

early 20s.

He has undergone several operations during the past two years - the

last was late 2006 on his foot. It has not healed and he has spent

most of the last 5 months in bed. His pain is severe and pain

management is very difficult for him.

It is very difficult to see the brighter side of life these days for

us. His prognosis is that he will probably never be able to walk

again unassisted. With open wounds on both feet now, he is unable

to wear shoes. When he goes to his appts it takes 2 people to help

him get there and back.

For a man who once was very athletic, to now have faded to this

state, is very difficult to watch. I find myself crying on the way

to work because sometimes just thinking about what my day includes

is getting to be too much for me, physically and emotionally. I

resent my fellow co-workers when I hear them chat about their

big " crisis " and say to myself that they would never make it a week

in my world.

Thank you for listening

Pat

Posted April 6, 2007 · April 6, 2007

Welcome Sue! Sorry to hear you have to use such powerful pain med but hope it

helps. The weather has turned cold again here suddenly and it really messes

with

my joints.

Joy

Sue <sujon@...> wrote:

Hi All,

My name is Sue, I'm new to this group.

I was diagnosed with 'inflammatory arthritis' after a month's stay in

hospital, in 1990. I was negative on the rhematoid test but my

arthritis seems to mimic rheumatoid in other ways.

I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1995. I have other things

wrong as well.

Lately I have been in so much pain. I am due to see the consultant

again later this month, but I hope he doesn't insist on anti

inflammatories as I have suffered quite alot of stomach discomfort over

the years. At present I am on MST (slow release morphine & gabapentin)

Just hoping he will give me some injections to help.

Nice to find a group.

Sue

Posted April 6, 2007 · April 6, 2007

Hi Sue,

Welcome to the group! You will love the people here. I am sorry you are in

such pain. I had a surgery too, found afterwards when I still didn't feel like

myself I had Hashimoto's disease now I have RA.

Marsha

[ ] New member

Hi All,

My name is Sue, I'm new to this group.

I was diagnosed with 'inflammatory arthritis' after a month's stay in

hospital, in 1990. I was negative on the rhematoid test but my

arthritis seems to mimic rheumatoid in other ways.

I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1995. I have other things

wrong as well.

Lately I have been in so much pain. I am due to see the consultant

again later this month, but I hope he doesn't insist on anti

inflammatories as I have suffered quite alot of stomach discomfort over

the years. At present I am on MST (slow release morphine & gabapentin)

Just hoping he will give me some injections to help.

Nice to find a group.

Sue

Posted April 6, 2007 · April 6, 2007

Hello, Pat, from another Pat. I think sometimes we forget what a big

adjustment it is for our families, too. I know it has been very hard on my

hubby, bless his heart for all he does for me. I spend what little energy I

have on day to day living, don't often have enough to worry about what was

or might have been. I've accepted what is. But for him, he's still healthy

and has had to give up things he still can do. He sees me in pain, and

can't really give me any relief. He just has to watch, feeling helpless.

And, he's had to take on the burden of all the daily stuff I can no longer

do. Our partnership is definitely not equal anymore. If he complains, I

never hear it. I just hope he has an outlet to vent somewhere.

Please come here and talk whenever you need to. God bless you, and give you

the strength you need to carry on. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers,

that's one thing I do a lot.

On 4/5/07, caleytheo2000 <patricia.calver-wojcik@...> wrote:

>

> My husband has chronic Gouty Tophaceous Arthritis. He was first

> diagnosed in 1991 but had suffered from gout since he was in his

> early 20s.

> <snip>

> For a man who once was very athletic, to now have faded to this

> state, is very difficult to watch. I find myself crying on the way

> to work because sometimes just thinking about what my day includes

> is getting to be too much for me, physically and emotionally. I

> resent my fellow co-workers when I hear them chat about their

> big " crisis " and say to myself that they would never make it a week

> in my world.

> Thank you for listening

> Pat

>

> _,_._,___

>

--

Shoreview, MN, until April! brrrr!

South Pasadena, CA

You can see my galleries at http://www.pbase.com/arenared986

Posted April 7, 2007 · April 7, 2007

Hi Sue,

This is Steph in VA. I woke up to 2 inches of snow on the ground today!!

What is going on????? I was originally diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis

also, then Reactive arthritis and finally Juvenile RA with adult persistence. I

take Ibuprofen, methotrexate, prednisone, Remicade, Folic Acid and Flexerill.

Welcome to the group. Happy Easter/Passover to all!

Steph in VA

My name is Sue, I'm new to this group.

I was diagnosed with 'inflammatory arthritis' after a month's stay in hospital,

in 1990. I was negative on the rhematoid test but my arthritis seems to mimic

rheumatoid in other ways. I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1995. I have

other things wrong as well. Lately I have been in so much pain. I am due to see

the consultant again later this month, but I hope he doesn't insist on anti

inflammatories as I have suffered quite alot of stomach discomfort over the

years. At present I am on MST (slow release morphine & gabapentin) Just hoping

he will give me some injections to help. Nice to find a group.

Sue

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Join us Saturday May 5th at UVA's Stadium for the Charlottesville

Arthritis Walk!

Visit www.arthritiswalkcharlottesville.kintera.org to join a team or start a

new one. Proceeds from the Walk go to research and programs for people living

with arthritis through the Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org). .

" Never underestimate the power of a small, dedicated group of people to change

the world -- indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. " (Margaret Mead)

---------------------------------

Don't get soaked. Take a quick peek at the forecast

with the Search weather shortcut.

Posted April 8, 2007 · April 8, 2007

--- In , " mimicindy27 " <mimicindy27@...>

wrote:

>

> I have fibromyalgia and OA. I work full time in Public Health as

an

> RN. I love my job and my family but I hurt all the time. I am new

here

> and just trying to find out what other ppl are doing and trying

and

> what's working. I have tried alot of things. LOTS.... I am

considering

> pain management Drs.. what yall think?

> Oh yeah, I'm from South GA...

>

Hi ,

I have FMS, OA, and Gout. I have already had one TKR and will

probably have the other this year. I have gone to one pain

specialist already this year and am going to be trying a second this

next week. It is important to feel comfortable with the specialist.

The first one I went to did not address my FMS at all. He was more

interested in trying new therapies for my knee that hasn't been

replaced yet than anything else. Bottom line is, go with you gut

instinct. You have one up on me (us), you are in the medical field

and know what these meds can do to your body. Some that were tried

on me, made me way worse or gave me bad side effects. Another one

made me worse only because the doctor didn't explain the dosage

correctly and because he has an accent and I asked him to write it

down (and he didn't), it causing other problems that I didn't have

before.

Posted April 8, 2007 · April 8, 2007

Hi and welcome aboard. I too am a new member with fibro, oa and ddd. I

finally had to quit work in Dec. 05. Have been going to PM since 04 when

spinal fusion did not help. They say all you can do for the chronic pain are

take meds and get plenty of rest. Well I get plenty of rest, in bed a lot

because not able to get up, but still no relief. Your body will let you know

how much more you can do. This is one of my can't sleep nights so lucky I

don't have to worry about work the next day. Hope you have a Wonderful

Easter and hang in there. I wish I could say it will get better. I hope it

does for you.

Fayray

_________________________________________________________________

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Posted April 9, 2007 · April 9, 2007

Sue I have run the gamut on pain meds. They put me on methadone and I

found so much more relief as far as the RA and OA. The spine is another

problem but the difference with the methadone was vastly improved and

may be something you could talk to your Dr about. The downside which

was really up for me was that I lost 30 + pounds in 10 weeks as eating

while on methadone has been difficult. Methadone collects in your body

tissue so relief is more constant. For me I just wanted to sleep for

more than an hour or 2 at night and now I get a good 6 hours.

I was terrified when I went on methadone, it is scary but when pain is

constant and severe it has a way of overtaking you and I am glad I

listened as it gave me quality time! See what your doctor thinks!

Ellen

>

> Hi All,

> My name is Sue, I'm new to this group.

> I was diagnosed with 'inflammatory arthritis' after a month's stay in

> hospital, in 1990. I was negative on the rhematoid test but my

> arthritis seems to mimic rheumatoid in other ways.

> I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1995. I have other things

> wrong as well.

> Lately I have been in so much pain. I am due to see the consultant

> again later this month, but I hope he doesn't insist on anti

> inflammatories as I have suffered quite alot of stomach discomfort

over

> the years. At present I am on MST (slow release morphine & gabapentin)

> Just hoping he will give me some injections to help.

> Nice to find a group.

> Sue

>

Posted April 14, 2007 · April 14, 2007

Hi Tressa,

I am sorry you haven't found something to work for you for the pain. You will

get alot of support from this group for sure and we are always here.

Marsha

[ ] New Member

Hi, my name is Tressa, I am from Oskaloosa, KS. I was diagnosed in

November with fibromyalgia. I have had chronic pain for the last 8

yrs. It started with the birth of my youngest child. I have been poked

and prodded and they still arent sure what else is wrong with me. The

think I probably have RA or some type of ms. I have also been

diagnosed with Asthma and Atopic dermatitis. Thats just for starters.

My RA doctor is refering me to KU med because he doesnt know what to

do for me since I was hospitalized from a reaction to the medicine he

prescribed.

Right now I am not on anything for the pain, I feel like I am in limbo.

I thought for my own mental health I would try a support group. I

look forward to hearing from you all. None of my family or friends are

familuar with this, so Im pretty much on my own.

Talk soon,

oskaloosahall

Posted May 17, 2007 · May 17, 2007

Hi Pattikp3,

Welcome.

I have three other friends that have fibro (one has both fibro and RA), and

they have all used diet successfully to keep their pain either away or

manageable. At least one of them stays away from any type of grain because she

has a lot of pain when she doesn't. Thank goodness I can tolerate most grains

(except white flour, of course).

pattikp3 <pattikp3@...> wrote: Hello I am

a new member, I was diagnosed with fibro three years ago and

just learned I also have RA. I have been reading the messages posted

and it has been comforting to hear other people with the same concerns

and problems.

Shape in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel

today!http://us.rd./evt=48517/*http://surveylink./gmrs/_p\

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Posted May 17, 2007 · May 17, 2007

Welcome and I know what you mean to tell someone how you feel and then

understand! Priceless!!

Marsha

[ ] new member

Hello I am a new member, I was diagnosed with fibro three years ago and

just learned I also have RA. I have been reading the messages posted

and it has been comforting to hear other people with the same concerns

and problems.

Posted May 18, 2007 · May 18, 2007

Welcome Patti,.....Were all in the same boat here. We all just get by

the best we can. It helps to have some friends that understand. Glad

your here, and looking forward to getting to know you, Tawny

>

> Hello I am a new member, I was diagnosed with fibro three years ago

and

> just learned I also have RA. I have been reading the messages posted

> and it has been comforting to hear other people with the same

concerns

> and problems.

>

Posted May 18, 2007 · May 18, 2007

Welcome Beverly,.....glad your here, you will find a lot of info here,

Tawny

>

> Hi, I am Beverly and I have just joined your group. I have

> fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. I am hoping that you

guys

> can give me some advice on therapies, coping, etc.

>

Posted May 18, 2007 · May 18, 2007

Welcome Beverly! My name is Marsha I have RA and Hashimoto's Disease (which is

also an autoimmune disease) I am sorry I have no advice on therapies. But I am

sure there are others that can help, just wanted to say Hi.

Marsha

[ ] New member

Hi, I am Beverly and I have just joined your group. I have

fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. I am hoping that you guys

can give me some advice on therapies, coping, etc.

Posted May 19, 2007 · May 19, 2007

Hi Beverly, I have the same. It's NOOOOOOOOOOOO fun but hang in there. When

you need to vent, bring it on. We have good ears and (eyes for reading). If

u have any questions or any suggestions let us know. Soft hugs and

prayers!!!!

Fayray

>From: " tdianaok " <tdianaok@...>

>Reply-

>

>Subject: [ ] Re: New member

>Date: Fri, 18 May 2007 22:30:46 -0000

>

>Welcome Beverly,.....glad your here, you will find a lot of info here,

>Tawny

>

> >

> > Hi, I am Beverly and I have just joined your group. I have

> > fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. I am hoping that you

>guys

> > can give me some advice on therapies, coping, etc.

> >

>

_________________________________________________________________

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Posted May 19, 2007 · May 19, 2007

Fayray, It is so good to hear from someone who is going through the same as

I am. You're right it is nooooooooo fun. I have been put through every

test imaginable in the last year and a half. My rheumatologist told me I

was healthy...except for fibro, CFS, a seizure disorder, migraines, and

mitral valve prolapse. I have never been so upset to be told that I am

healthy!!!! Actually, from what I have read, all of the others can be

caused by fibro. So how are you coping? What kind of regime are you on?

One thing that I find hard is that you can't look at us and tell anything is

wrong. It has only been a few years since fibro and CFS were considered

psychosomatic. I went in for ANOTHER test 2 weeks ago and I made the

statement in front of my MIH that they wouldn't find anything. She said

" Maybe this time they will. " as in fibro and CFS are not diagnosis. Little

things hurt sometimes. What about you? Do you find it to be your

experience or do you find people understanding? My husband tries to be and

most of the time is really good. As a matter of fact, when I get really

bad, I get depressed, and start feeling sorry for him!!!!! Let me hear from

you. Bev

Kerry, I am sooo sorry you are going through such a bad time. My heart

aches for you. Do you mind if I pray for you? Bev

[ ] Re: New member

>>Date: Fri, 18 May 2007 22:30:46 -0000

>>

>>Welcome Beverly,.....glad your here, you will find a lot of info here,

>>Tawny

>>

>> >

>> > Hi, I am Beverly and I have just joined your group. I have

>> > fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. I am hoping that you

>>guys

>> > can give me some advice on therapies, coping, etc.

>> >

>>

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> PC Magazine's 2007 editors' choice for best Web mail-award-winning Windows

> Live Hotmail.

>

http://imagine-windowslive.com/hotmail/?locale=en-us & ocid=TXT_TAGHM_migration_HM\

_mini_pcmag_0507

>

Posted September 9, 2007 · September 9, 2007

Welcome to the group.

I am on sulfasalazene for 2 plus years. I had skin problems on 3 pills a day

and was reduced to 2.

My side effects are minimal. I do best taking with meals. I could not

tolerate plaquenal at all. Good luck.

Miriam <megamina80@...> wrote:

Hello everybody

My name is Miriam and I was just diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis

last week. I also have lupus, fibro and raynaud's. I feel frustated

at the whole situation but I'm trying to stay a happy camper. I was

wondering if any of you have taken sulfasalazine, which is the generic

version of azulfidine. I have been on methotrexate and plaquenil

since I was diagnosed with lupus. Im kind of nervous about taking

this medication and I was wondering if any of you have taking it and

your experience with this med. I would really appreciate any

information that will be given. Thanks for your time.

Miriam

Raniolo

Posted September 9, 2007 · September 9, 2007

i was on it for 2 months i got severe headaches,and was throwing up all the time

dr. decreased my meds,still was getting sick.so i stopped. on embrel,predesone

and

pain meds. i have ra for 23 years.welcome to the group

ann nj