New Here and a little about me

[Guest guest]

I am 47 years old and from Iowa. I was diagnosed with RA and fibromalgia by my

family doctor approximately two years ago. I have since also been seen by a

Rheumatologist from Sioux Falls South Dakota who confirmed the diagnosis but

also added severe osteoporosis commencing from a complete hysterectomy at age

29. Which meant the 20 mg daily of prednisone had to be excluded from my

treatment plan as this also weakens bones. At this time I am on MTX, Humira

twice monthly and oxycontin, Lyrica, and Vicodin all twice daily for the pain,

and ambien for sleep as the pain sometimes either wakes me up or keeps me awake.

As you can imagine there are days when I can hardly function from all of the

meds but you would also know the pain the comes from not taking them.

I am a restaurant Manager for Burger King in Storm Lake Iowa, struggling to keep

my job, and not have to go on disability as it would not cover me current bills.

I have two surviving daughters, Heidi and . Heidi and Her husband ,

live close to me. Heidi is a stay at home mother, while her husband is an Iowa

State Trooper. They have twin boys, Carson and who are 6. and her

husband live in North Dakota where she runs her own day care center and

is Manager for TG Fridays. They have three children, Breanna 8, Devon 5

and Logan 3. My son , was Bi Polar and took his own life in November of

2000 at the age of 17.

My husband Tim works in Spencer Iowa where he is an Auto Body Tech for

Chevrolet.

I guess what I am looking for here is friendship from those who understand the

pain and difficulties endured by RA patients and fibromalgia. Learning new ways

to cope and what has worked for others that may work for me. My computer time is

somewhat limited but I can and will be on as much as possible, hopefully sharing

my own experiences and maybe helping others along the way.

In Friendship

Vicki Heckroth

, Iowa