Intro

[Guest guest]

Hello All,

Thanks for letting me join this group.

My name is Dottie, I am 62. I was diagnosed with SLE, and OA in June do 2005

The SLE diagnosis came after about 10 years of other MD's telling me it was

all in my head. ( Along with these, I have GERD, IBS, hypothyroid,

bilateral hip bursitis and RA.

I have been on a self imposed diet January of this year. My rheumatologist

agreed with me that my 169 pounds (I am 5 ft 2 inches) was not helping

anything. I am now, 131 pounds (this morning). Exercise, diet, and

persistence have been my tools. )

I am on these meds:

Plaquenil 200 mg one tablet twice a day (lupus)

Voltaren 75 mg one tablet twice a day (OA, RA)

Methotrexate 2.5 mg three tablets once a week (RA)

Levothyroxine 25 mcg one tablet once a day

The methotrexate dose is a first run to see how I do. He may up it.

My RA only appeared middle of this year, but it seems to be progressing fast

I am loosing ability to open bottles (for example) and other things. I do

try to remain active in hand use by knitting and / or crochet. I am

operating this as a " if you don't use it you loose it " theory.

Hoping to get to know you all better. )

Dottie

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy,

Welcome to the group. Where in South Jersey are you, I'm right outside Philly,

north burbs but Cape May is my favorite place on earth.

in PA

[ ] intro

Hi Everyone,

I joined a few days ago and am happy to be here. My name is Kathy, I live in

South Jersey, about 30 mins from Philly. I'm 55 and have had fibro for over 30

yrs now, and RA almost as long.

My main reason for joining is to maybe get insight into how those of you who

work do it. I very much want to start a home-based business, have been wanting

this for a number of years. However with the fibro, this seems impossible. Years

ago I had a home-based business, but gave it up as it became too much being ill,

doing the work, raising our daughter and home responsibilities. I am pretty much

in the same situation now, but my health is very much worse. When I was

diagnosed, Dr told me it would progressively get worse. Now I realize how

correct she was.

Also, after all these years, I still hate being ill, and each day is more a

battle to function than anything else. I feel acceptance is my problem and am

working it--for years now. Each time I think I've made headway, I realize how

strong my non-acceptance is. I go to my Higher Power and always get the same

message, accept it and take it easier. I am assuredly caught in a circle with

this.

I have tried many treatments over the years. Honestly, nothing really gave me

much relief. There were a few things which worked for short periods and then I

evened out, and then progressively went back to where I was. I don't take meds

for the fibro or ra as nothing has helped with the pain. I don't want to take

anything I can become addicted to or have to steadily increase dosage. I've

heard and read many stories of people who wind up doing that. Also, I already am

on meds as I have other conditions for which I must take medications.

I don't get much in the way of support from my family and don't see that

changing. I also joined a fibro support group so this will be a cross post. My

apologies if any of you are on that group also.

Please know if I don't post, it's because I can't, not that I am ignoring the

group.

Thank you for having me, and thanks for reading.

all my best, Kathy R