Introducing Myself

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome and I am so sorry for your pain and I found out I had hip problems when

they were working on my back problems with

bursitis

> Hello. I am 44 and live in New Zealand. I am blessed to have a wonderful

husband and a 16 yr old daughter - and 2 cats

>

> I have had Reactive Arthritis (an inflammatory systemic type of arthritis)

since 1993. I am permanently on drugs to suppress my immune system to reduce the

inflammation in my body. Three years ago I had a hip replacement and my foot is

next on the list for 'repairs'.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

My name is Beth, I'm 45 and I moved to Florida from Michigan 3 years ago hoping

a warmer climate would agree with me better.

I was first diagnosed with Fibro 5 years ago, after two years of pain and

debilitating fatigue. Fast forward, I now have a diagnosis of Rheumatoid

Arthritis as well and multiple level osteo arthritis and degeneration of my

spine and 9 bulging discs. I have tried so many things to cope with the pain,

including massage, exercise, acupuncture, weight loss, neurontin, lyrica,

cymbalta.

Six months ago I finally gave in and started taking narcotics, oxycodone and

oxycontin for the pain. As a result, I could no longer work (I'm a RN and can't

work on these drugs) and I'm applying for disability.

I now am suffering from major depression and generalized anxiety disorder as

well as just being diagnosed as having 2 heart valves damaged by a childhood

infection that need to be replaced next month in a major surgery.

Thank you for letting me join this group. I am hoping for some support and

information as well as maybe being of support to someone else as well.

Right now this is all majorly overwhelming and I'm in need of some coping tips.

How does someone cope when it seems everything is going downhill at once?

Thanks for listening,

Beth