Hi Everyone......

[Guest guest]

[This message contained attachments]

[Guest guest]

Yes, these kids are very brave and strong. I believe this entire

disease has a silver lining.... it is very character building. When

my son first got sick, he could barely walk, but he would not

quit his soccer team. He went to every practice and every

game (many times I would sit in the car and cry where he

couldn't see me) . All in all, he played 1/4 of one game the

entire season. Then basketball came.... he played very

poorly. Then baseball, he kept getting kicked out of the

game for throwing the batt. The truth was if he hit the ball,

it would rip the batt out of his hands. He still today has

very little grip or finger strength. He did not tell anyone

he had JRA, he didn't want anyone feeling sorry for him.

I tried to get him interested in other things, I wanted him

healthy and didn't care if he played sports. He told me

sports are his life. That he will play sports and some day

grow up and be a coach. Today he plays almost all sports and

plays them well. He makes up for his physical short

comings by playing smart, and practicing for hours and

hours a day. I have learned that it his life and his disease.

He needs to do whats important to him in his way. And I have

to ask his permission to tell anyone about the JRA. He started

AAU baseketball yesterday. This is his 2nd year with the same

coach, he was the top scorer on his team last year. His coach

does not know about the JRA.... he must wonder why Robbie

has good days and bad days... but if you think about it, I

think all 12 year olds do! Jana

[Guest guest]

Sounds like Robbie has a great attitude.

Although not directly related to what you wrote, Elliot (who is 5) doesn't

even know he has JRA. I wonder if he even perceives that he is different.

When he asks why he needs shots we say to get strong.

What's also interesting is that our older son who is almost 8 doesn't know

or ask why Elliot is getting medicine and he isn't.

When they grow up with something, they just assume it.

Are we wrong for not telling them?

What do you tell a kid and when?

>From: JanaB41@...

>Reply- onelist

> onelist

>Subject: Re: [ ] Hi everyone......

>Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 13:14:41 EDT

>

>From: JanaB41@...

>

>Yes, these kids are very brave and strong. I believe this entire

>disease has a silver lining.... it is very character building. When

>my son first got sick, he could barely walk, but he would not

>quit his soccer team. He went to every practice and every

>game (many times I would sit in the car and cry where he

>couldn't see me) . All in all, he played 1/4 of one game the

>entire season. Then basketball came.... he played very

>poorly. Then baseball, he kept getting kicked out of the

>game for throwing the batt. The truth was if he hit the ball,

>it would rip the batt out of his hands. He still today has

>very little grip or finger strength. He did not tell anyone

>he had JRA, he didn't want anyone feeling sorry for him.

>I tried to get him interested in other things, I wanted him

>healthy and didn't care if he played sports. He told me

>sports are his life. That he will play sports and some day

>grow up and be a coach. Today he plays almost all sports and

>plays them well. He makes up for his physical short

>comings by playing smart, and practicing for hours and

>hours a day. I have learned that it his life and his disease.

>He needs to do whats important to him in his way. And I have

>to ask his permission to tell anyone about the JRA. He started

>AAU baseketball yesterday. This is his 2nd year with the same

>coach, he was the top scorer on his team last year. His coach

>does not know about the JRA.... he must wonder why Robbie

>has good days and bad days... but if you think about it, I

>think all 12 year olds do! Jana

[Guest guest]

Jana,

You are right about 12 year olds, and good/bad days! So much is going on in

their bodies, peer pressure, etc. make everyday a challenge. Thanks for

sharing..... Janet

[Guest guest]

Good question! I didn't really have to deal with that part. Robbie was 7

when

he got sick, 8 when he was diagnosed. He and his sister knew everything we

knew,

as we knew it. I guess I have always told my kids the truth about things,

but I have limited the amount of detail if I think the full truth is beyond

their understanding or not age appropriate. Maybe others out there have

better insight? You may find out that they know more then you think. (I

sometimes forget the kids can hear when my husband and I talk.... )

[Guest guest]

Janet says:

<< And I have to ask his permission to tell anyone about the JRA >>

I wish you were MY mom ... mine has a tendency to pick up the phone book and

start making calls to update the entire family\friends\neighbors network as

to my daily progress. I know it's only because she loves me, but man.

<scowls> Sometimes I think her sisters know more about me than I do.

Rena says:

<< She was the one who advised me not to tell people. She said many are

ignorant and even with explanations kept their child away from her daughter(

did they

think it was contagious?) >>

I've run into that sort of thing too. And it's worse with the kids in

school. Even ones who didn't treat me like a leper tended to respond with

" You have arthritis? Cool, my grandma does too. " Yeah, that makes a kid

with JRA feel really wonderful about herself. <g>

cheers

Jenni

[Guest guest]

We have been very open about 's JRA with her. We have a book all about

a child with arthritis that we read. When she had a pick line in and other

kids would ask what was wrong with her arm we would tell them that that was

where she got her medicine. Even unwrap it and show kids sometimes. It

stopped them wondering and looking once they had looked. became

familiar with the routine and would proudly tell people her self. We want

her to be confident about her illness and treatments and not feel as though

she needs to hide it. Confidence will see her through a lot through out her

life and it starts young. They are never to young to find out about their

JRA. Don't wait to tell it's like not telling someone they are adopted. One

day they will find out and wonder why they were never told and feel ashamed

in someway.

[Guest guest]

My son has always known Mandy has arthritis. I think it is important that

siblings know something is really wrong. Otherwise, if the child with JRA

can't go to school or is just having a lot of pain, the other children in

the family will understand why he/she needs a little extra attention at

times. Sometimes, I let Josh take off school to go to the hospital with us,

to give a little extra support, when Mandy needs a painful procedure done. I

think it teaches Josh, our son to be a little more compassionate towards

Mandy. He realizes she isn't just " making up " an illness to get attention.

He also sticks up for her in school if anyone is picking on her. Janet

> From: " Charlie S " <charles_c_s@...>

>

> Sounds like Robbie has a great attitude.

> Although not directly related to what you wrote, Elliot (who is 5)

doesn't

> even know he has JRA. I wonder if he even perceives that he is different.

> When he asks why he needs shots we say to get strong.

> What's also interesting is that our older son who is almost 8 doesn't know

> or ask why Elliot is getting medicine and he isn't.

> When they grow up with something, they just assume it.

> Are we wrong for not telling them?

> What do you tell a kid and when?

>

>

>

> >From: JanaB41@...

> >Reply- onelist

> > onelist

> >Subject: Re: [ ] Hi everyone......

> >Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 13:14:41 EDT

> >

> >From: JanaB41@...

> >

> >Yes, these kids are very brave and strong. I believe this entire

> >disease has a silver lining.... it is very character building. When

> >my son first got sick, he could barely walk, but he would not

> >quit his soccer team. He went to every practice and every

> >game (many times I would sit in the car and cry where he

> >couldn't see me) . All in all, he played 1/4 of one game the

> >entire season. Then basketball came.... he played very

> >poorly. Then baseball, he kept getting kicked out of the

> >game for throwing the batt. The truth was if he hit the ball,

> >it would rip the batt out of his hands. He still today has

> >very little grip or finger strength. He did not tell anyone

> >he had JRA, he didn't want anyone feeling sorry for him.

> >I tried to get him interested in other things, I wanted him

> >healthy and didn't care if he played sports. He told me

> >sports are his life. That he will play sports and some day

> >grow up and be a coach. Today he plays almost all sports and

> >plays them well. He makes up for his physical short

> >comings by playing smart, and practicing for hours and

> >hours a day. I have learned that it his life and his disease.

> >He needs to do whats important to him in his way. And I have

> >to ask his permission to tell anyone about the JRA. He started

> >AAU baseketball yesterday. This is his 2nd year with the same

> >coach, he was the top scorer on his team last year. His coach

> >does not know about the JRA.... he must wonder why Robbie

> >has good days and bad days... but if you think about it, I

> >think all 12 year olds do! Jana

>

> > Visit my homepage for a list of sites with info on childhood arthritis:

> http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/8414/

[Guest guest]

I do not think you are wrong I think you as a parent can only do what you

think workes best for you and your children . My oldest son knows about his

sister and we explain it all to him he is very loving to her and he shields

her the best way an 11 year old can:-) is only three so I do not know

if she knows that she is different and I do not know how I will explain it

to her when she gets older I guess we can only take it one day at a time

good luck !!!

>From: " Charlie S " <charles_c_s@...>

>Reply- onelist

> onelist

>Subject: Re: [ ] Hi everyone......

>Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 15:34:08 EDT

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>From: " Charlie S " <charles_c_s@...>

>

>Sounds like Robbie has a great attitude.

>Although not directly related to what you wrote, Elliot (who is 5) doesn't

>even know he has JRA. I wonder if he even perceives that he is different.

>When he asks why he needs shots we say to get strong.

>What's also interesting is that our older son who is almost 8 doesn't know

>or ask why Elliot is getting medicine and he isn't.

>When they grow up with something, they just assume it.

>Are we wrong for not telling them?

>What do you tell a kid and when?

>

>

>

>>From: JanaB41@...

>>Reply- onelist

>> onelist

>>Subject: Re: [ ] Hi everyone......

>>Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 13:14:41 EDT

>>

>>From: JanaB41@...

>>

>>Yes, these kids are very brave and strong. I believe this entire

>>disease has a silver lining.... it is very character building. When

>>my son first got sick, he could barely walk, but he would not

>>quit his soccer team. He went to every practice and every

>>game (many times I would sit in the car and cry where he

>>couldn't see me) . All in all, he played 1/4 of one game the

>>entire season. Then basketball came.... he played very

>>poorly. Then baseball, he kept getting kicked out of the

>>game for throwing the batt. The truth was if he hit the ball,

>>it would rip the batt out of his hands. He still today has

>>very little grip or finger strength. He did not tell anyone

>>he had JRA, he didn't want anyone feeling sorry for him.

>>I tried to get him interested in other things, I wanted him

>>healthy and didn't care if he played sports. He told me

>>sports are his life. That he will play sports and some day

>>grow up and be a coach. Today he plays almost all sports and

>>plays them well. He makes up for his physical short

>>comings by playing smart, and practicing for hours and

>>hours a day. I have learned that it his life and his disease.

>>He needs to do whats important to him in his way. And I have

>>to ask his permission to tell anyone about the JRA. He started

>>AAU baseketball yesterday. This is his 2nd year with the same

>>coach, he was the top scorer on his team last year. His coach

>>does not know about the JRA.... he must wonder why Robbie

>>has good days and bad days... but if you think about it, I

>>think all 12 year olds do! Jana

>

>>Visit my homepage for a list of sites with info on childhood arthritis:

>http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/8414/

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone,

We have always been up front with about his JRA.

His Pediatric Rheumatologist speaks to very openly and everything said

to us is also said in front of . When we asks questions he is always sure

to explain everything very openly andf honestly to him. The good and the bad.

I really think that is why has such a deep respect for him. Sometimes I

have wanted to stay out of the room but he always recommended be

included.Even though my son is only 8 he is wise beyond his years and I

think he needs the truth. Obviousley we always stress the positive with him..

We are private people and i didn't want to tell teachers etc, but I knew they

had to know how suddenly he can become sick with a fever, why he can't do the

mile run, why his handwritng is messy at times, why he sometimes has crying

jags(from prednisone) etc, there were too many things that we could not hide.

If I didn't have to mention it I wouldn't have,sometimes I think teachers see

things that aren't there with a child with JRA because they have a label and

they start looking at the child under a magnifying glass. I found a way to

curb this I help out in the classroom once a week and keep close tabs of

everything going on with my son,.. .nurse, physical therapist, phys ed

teacher, regular teacher,pplayground aides, etc...I make sure I stress

everything he " can " do if i feel they are focusing too much on what he can't

do...And believe me they know I am on top of things and I find this helps!

Does anyone else notice any panicky feelings with their children on the long

term prednisone or crying jags??? I read a book on prednisone written by a

women who was on high dose for years and it was interesting to read from an

adults point of view of how they felt on steroids, it gave me insight into

what a child might go through and not be able to verbalize. I will get the

name of the book incase you want to read it. It was not written in a negative

tone, she acknowledges that the prednisone basically saved her life, and that

it is a miracle drug with side effects,that sometimes we have to take ...well

all for now take care, Jane

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/28/99 6:27:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Jitz45@...

writes:

<< Does anyone else notice any panicky feelings with their children on the

long

term prednisone or crying jags??? >>

I do ... I always kind of chalked it up to moodiness, PMS, or being female in

general. Sometimes it's hard to remember that not ONLY am I an unstable

emotional moody wench, I'm also taking medication that makes it worse. <g>

, you'd better be paying attention ... see, I don't do these things

purely to irritate you. That's only a fun side effect.

cheers

Jenni

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Josh, like your daughter, had a very severe beginning of JRA. There was

no way for us to keep it a secret. He almost died and everyone wanted to

know why. People wanted to know why he was wearing his wrist splints,

and he told them. When he couldn't walk well, he explained that it was

due to his arthritis. And when his weight went up and he got very chubby

all of a sudden (due to prednisone) he told people why. Some things we

don't have an answer for but when a child knows about the illness and

can give a reasonable explanation for the things that people commonly

ask about, I too think that it can boost their level of confidence and

makes them feel better about themselves. Josh knows A LOT about

arthritis and when people ask him about it, he teaches them a lot, too.

A lot of people still think it's just something that elderly people get.

He's helping to educate people and dispel some of the myths. He's not at

all ashamed of the arthritis because he knows he didn't do anyhting to

cause it and he's doing all that he can do to work with and overcome it.

Take care,

Georgina

Skis@... wrote:

> We have been very open about 's JRA with her. We have a book all about

> a child with arthritis that we read. When she had a pick line in and other

> kids would ask what was wrong with her arm we would tell them that that was

> where she got her medicine. Even unwrap it and show kids sometimes. It

> stopped them wondering and looking once they had looked. became

> familiar with the routine and would proudly tell people her self. We want

> her to be confident about her illness and treatments and not feel as though

> she needs to hide it. Confidence will see her through a lot through out her

> life and it starts young. They are never to young to find out about their

> JRA. Don't wait to tell it's like not telling someone they are adopted. One

> day they will find out and wonder why they were never told and feel ashamed

> in someway.

[Guest guest]

Hi Janet,

Yeah, your situation sounds sort of like ours. My daughter Kayla likes

to be involved in Josh's care, too. She loves going to his appts with

us, whenever she can. She's not as quiet as Josh, and not at all shy, so

she justs starts telling them exactly where he's been hurting and when.

Reminds him to mention anything he might forget about. And she gives

them the scoop on if they've been playing nicely together or if Josh's

arthritis has made him grumpy and irritable. She gets along very well

with children and loves to help mom's 'babysit' their younger kids. They

often mention how great she is with them and she says she's learned how

to care for others because sometimes she has to help care for her

brother, if he's not feeling well. She'll bring up his medicine and

juice in the morning, if he can't get down the stairs or out of bed

well. If Josh is out of school, she often goes to get his assignments

and give his teachers an update. She's become very compassionate.

Take care,

Georgina

Janet & Gilbert Moyer wrote:

>

> From: " Janet & Gilbert Moyer " <gjam@...>

>

> My son has always known Mandy has arthritis. I think it is important that

> siblings know something is really wrong. Otherwise, if the child with JRA

> can't go to school or is just having a lot of pain, the other children in

> the family will understand why he/she needs a little extra attention at

> times. Sometimes, I let Josh take off school to go to the hospital with us,

> to give a little extra support, when Mandy needs a painful procedure done. I

> think it teaches Josh, our son to be a little more compassionate towards

> Mandy. He realizes she isn't just " making up " an illness to get attention.

> He also sticks up for her in school if anyone is picking on her. Janet

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Janet,

That was a very inspiring message you wrote. Mandy is doing her best,

despite the obstacles she faces, and I'm sure she feels a great sense of

pride and accomplishment. She sounds very determined to succeed ... and

she will. While Josh hasn't particpated in any organized sports teams,

he takes so much pride in performing well academically. He always tries

his best and is rewarded for his efforts, by us, his teachers and just

by the feeling of achievement he experiences. He has a lot of respect

from his peers. Same for his playing ukulele music. When he learns new

chords and practices, and then finally plays a new song well, he is so

happy at being able to do it. The music itself is a reward. And very

relaxing and comfortimg to him. Even if his fingers do get a bit more

sore, after using them for a long time.

Tell Mandy we're all proud of her, too. And thanks for sharing that

story!

Aloha,

Georgina

> Janet & Gilbert Moyer wrote:

>

> Mandy always seems to be having a little to a lot of swelling, but she

> seems to be handling it well. I guess, the fact the she is now 12, and

> has had it since she was a baby, has a lot to do with how she

> tolerates pain. She goes to school everyday, and really does not

> complain too much. Last year when she was really having a bad flare,

> she at times, could not get out of bed. We have always tried to have

> her tough it out, as best as she could, as we did not want her to use

> her arthritis, as a way of getting out of doing things. If we let her,

> then in a way we are letting the disease win. We would usually ask her

> on a scale of 1 to 10, how much pain. I think that is why she is such

> a strong person today. I can remember last year, we were at a

> synchronized swim competition, and she had the team routine to swim

> yet. I knew she was in a lot of pain, yet she swam the entire routine

> with a fake smile on her face. The team took first place. She crawled

> out of the pool. I felt terrible, yet I told her she did not have to

> swim, and the team would understand. When they were getting their

> medals, you could see in her eyes, the pain, and the glory, as

> everyone cheered! Everyone was proud of her, and best of all, she was

> proud of herself. What I am trying to say is, we always have tried to

> make her a strong person, as when she gets older she is gong to have a

> lot of obstacles in life, but she knows she can conquer them all if

> she wants to. I am not saying that she is always brave, as she used to

> say she hated herself, but that was and is the pain speaking, but she

> just doesn't give up. So instead of saying you poor thing, we tell her

> how proud we are of her, and she should be proud of herself. When she

> is in pain, so am I, but I try very hard not to cry in front of her,

> because I don't want her to think I have given up. Take care, Janet

[Guest guest]

Hi Charlie,

Wow! I can't believe you never explained it to the kids. I never even

considered not telling Josh or his sister about the JRA. Maybe because

the onset was different in your case? Josh wasn't well for about two

weeks before he finally got put in the hospital for two weeks. We ALL

wanted to know what was wrong, including Josh. He was just in

kindergarden at the time, had just turned 6. And very curious. Our

doctors usually always spoke to us with Josh nearby, listening very

carefully. They gave us 2 books specifically for young children who have

arthritis that he could color in, showing about what joints are and how

they function, and what happens when a child has arthritis. And the

sorts of exercise for joints that may help with morning stiffness and

such. And showing braces for hands and legs and wheelchairs and stuff.

Only one sentence of text per page, as they were geared for very young

children. Since Josh missed the last part of the school year, we had

visits and phone calls from teachers at the hospital too, everyone

wanting to know what the tests showed and what the diagnosis was. I

don't think there would have been any way for us to hide it or not tell

him what it was that made him sick. Right from the start, he was told

what each medicine was called and the supposed reasons for his taking

it. He knows some cut down on inflammation, some help stop the arthritis

from messing up his joints, some help him absorb calcium, some help to

protect his stomache, etc.

I think kids do perceive that they are different from others, if they

need to see doctors more frequently or take medicines on a regular

basis. Or if their physical appearance is changed. Or if they have

trouble with certain movements that other kids don't. Being different

isn't a bad thing but I always felt like it was good that Josh knew and

understood the reasons for things and was then able to explain it to

others in his own way. Then again, there's not much of anything that me

and the children don't discuss. We're very open because I didn't have

such good communication with my own parents and wanted to improve on

that. So maybe it's just a different parenting style. I don't think it's

a bad thing, you're not having told the children right out about the

JRA. I have a feeling that they both probably already know :-) I'd just

be a bit concerned that maybe there's some things that they're thinking

that aren't so, or maybe they're worrying about some things but thinking

you'd not want them to mention to you. I bet your older son might have

some questions about why Elliot gets certain treatments that he doesn't

remember getting. My daughter, at least, occassionally perceives things

like extra doctor visits to be special attention for her brother. But

maybe that's because she's the younger of the two?

I think that's a good question for the doctor, about what to tell them

and when. I'd be very interested in finding out the response, too.

Take care,

Georgina

Charlie S wrote:

>

> From: " Charlie S " <charles_c_s@...>

>

> Sounds like Robbie has a great attitude.

> Although not directly related to what you wrote, Elliot (who is 5) doesn't

> even know he has JRA. I wonder if he even perceives that he is different.

> When he asks why he needs shots we say to get strong.

> What's also interesting is that our older son who is almost 8 doesn't know

> or ask why Elliot is getting medicine and he isn't.

> When they grow up with something, they just assume it.

> Are we wrong for not telling them?

> What do you tell a kid and when?

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jane,

Yes, it sounds like we've basically done the same thing, letting the

child stay in the room to hear all the news the rheumatologists wanted

to share and also informing the school. I'm a class Mom, too. No better

way to keep up with what's going on in the classrooms. And they can

always use more help.

That book you mentioned, about the woman's experiences using prednisone

long-term in her treatment sounds like it might be very interesting to

read. Were you able to remember the name of it? Did she have arthritis

or some other illness? I'll try to find it if you can provide the title.

Take care,

Georgina

Jitz45@... wrote:

> Hello everyone,

> We have always been up front with about his JRA.

> His Pediatric Rheumatologist speaks to very openly and everything said

> to us is also said in front of . When we asks questions he is always sure

> to explain everything very openly andf honestly to him. The good and the bad.

> I really think that is why has such a deep respect for him. Sometimes I

> have wanted to stay out of the room but he always recommended be

> included.Even though my son is only 8 he is wise beyond his years and I

> think he needs the truth. Obviousley we always stress the positive with him..

> We are private people and i didn't want to tell teachers etc, but I knew they

> had to know how suddenly he can become sick with a fever, why he can't do the

> mile run, why his handwritng is messy at times, why he sometimes has crying

> jags(from prednisone) etc, there were too many things that we could not hide.

> If I didn't have to mention it I wouldn't have,sometimes I think teachers see

> things that aren't there with a child with JRA because they have a label and

> they start looking at the child under a magnifying glass. I found a way to

> curb this I help out in the classroom once a week and keep close tabs of

> everything going on with my son,.. .nurse, physical therapist, phys ed

> teacher, regular teacher,pplayground aides, etc...I make sure I stress

> everything he " can " do if i feel they are focusing too much on what he can't

> do...And believe me they know I am on top of things and I find this helps!

> Does anyone else notice any panicky feelings with their children on the long

> term prednisone or crying jags??? I read a book on prednisone written by a

> women who was on high dose for years and it was interesting to read from an

> adults point of view of how they felt on steroids, it gave me insight into

> what a child might go through and not be able to verbalize. I will get the

> name of the book incase you want to read it. It was not written in a negative

> tone, she acknowledges that the prednisone basically saved her life, and that

> it is a miracle drug with side effects,that sometimes we have to take ...well

> all for now take care, Jane

[Guest guest]

I just had my checkup with my Rheumy last week. She checked my incision, and

said it was all healed. Then I told her about the terrible pain I am having in

the bottom of both feet. I knew it was not a RA flare doing this. The told me

I had nerve damage, Neuopathy, and it had advanced causing all my pain. She

gave me a RX for Gabapentin to take once a day to start. Well last night was

the fourth night I have taken, and I can tell you my feet are both so much

better. All that wretched pain is gone, and now my feet have slight tingling.

I am so amazed and happy what this med. has done for me. Now I know why my foot

surgery was so painful for so long. The Neuopathy aggrivated my incision. I am

now getting more stable on my feet. The pain had been so bad I had trouble

standing, walking, etc. I am so encouraged by this wonderful med. I do hate

taking yet another pill, but it is so worthwhile to get rid of that pain.

In my personal life, things with my divorce are still so stressful. My husband

has failed to give me the money the court ordered to have in my hand on

12/31/09. He has crippled me financially. Had another court date 2 weeks ago

and the Judge ordered him to give me the money before 8/20/10, preferably

several days before. He also was ordered to pay my attyn. $1800.00 in fees he

has caused me to acrew. He told me the other day I will not get my money nor

would he pay my attny. I am back to square one and broke. We are supposed to

go to court this Friday, I told my attny. about what my husband said, and I told

her I will not sign the divorce papers or the deed to our home over to him

without the money I am due. It is a most stressful time for me. It will be 2

years on Sept. 3, the day before our anniversary, that he told me we should not

have married or be married anymore. After 30 years???? I am dealing with my

broken heart and the loss of my

marriage. I could not stop crying, so I am seeing a wonderful therapist who is

helping me deal with all this stress and strife. He said on my first visit, " I

don't know how you handled all this for so long by yourself. " Me either.

I am starting my new life over at 70. Yikes, how did I get to be 70 so fast???

I am volunteering at the animal shelter and loving it. It was something I have

wanted to do for awhile. I am back doing my folk art painting, and needlepoint.

I have plenty to keep me busy. I connected with a good friend of mine I have

know since age 18, and we worked in Boston at a ins. company together for 5

years, plus we commuted in her car all that time. She sure re-entered my life

when I so needed a good friend. Plus, the same thing happened to her when she

found her husband cheating on her. She sure knows the pain and suffering I am

going through. We are having fun together each week.

I think of everyone here, and just love you all. You are all so important to

me. My lucky day was finding this great group. I wish you all may pain free

days ahead.

Also, OKD, I know you are going through hell right now, and I so hope your

Rheumy can find some better drugs for you to get out of all your pain and daily

suffering. I told you RA is an ugly beast of a disease. It never lets up on

our systems. Remember, there is always hope for everyone here to find their

" cocktail " of meds. so you can all have a better quality of life, and to be pain

free.

Hugs,

Barbara