New member

[Guest guest]

Hi Norma, How in the orld did you get your insurance to approve such a

surgery? So sorry to hear about your nex Diagnosis...Shay

Join my new Diabetic Recipes group @

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Recipes4Diabetes

God Bless You All, Shay/Shalynn and the rescue gang;

Max, Samson I, Samson II, Walter, Bogie, Jake, Ralph, Curly (Tazz),

Sebastian, Tina Marie, Bear & Zeuss

[Guest guest]

You asked how I got the insurance to OK my surgery. You have to have some

health problems like, high blood pressure, fibro, CFS, Sleep Apnea, 100

pounds over weight etc. etc. the one thing that I like about the Bariatric

Treatment Center is they do the fighting (for lack of a better word) for you

with the insurance company. Mine was OK'd right away, now I am just waiting

for scheduling to call me to set up my pre-op tests and schedule my surgery.

My heart doctor already gave his go ahead.

thanks for asking,

Norma

[Guest guest]

I would like to welcome all of the new members on this list. I just got back

from holiday and had a time getting back to my groups on Yahoo. It took most

of the morning to get that worked out.

This is a very supportive and caring list. We give support to all of the

members and we will answer any questions that you have if we can. So all of

you tell us about yourselves. We want to get to know Y'all and have you get

to know us.

Take care,

Irene

co-moderator

> We have a new member on the list.

>

> Please give them a warm welcome.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome to our list. We are a very supportive and caring list of people. We

will answer any questions and do our best to be helpful. I think that all of

us were overwhelmed by the fact of having fibro. I am glad that you found

our list so just jump right in with anything you want to know and we will do

our best to be helpful. You will learn a lot from the folks on this list.

They have all been through many things in their search for something that

will help.

Take care,

Irene

co-moderator

[Guest guest]

Welcome to our list. We are a very supportive and caring list of people. We

will answer any questions and do our best to be helpful. I think that all of

us were overwhelmed by the fact of having fibro. I am glad that you found

our list so just jump right in with anything you want to know and we will do

our best to be helpful. You will learn a lot from the folks on this list.

They have all been through many things in their search for something that

will help.

Take care,

Irene

co-moderator

[Guest guest]

To all of the new members that are joining our list, welcome. We are a

caring and supportive group. We care for each other and try to help each

other. If you need information, ask the list and you will more than likely

get the information that you need. There is a broad range of people on our

list with a lot of very useful information.

Take care,

Irene

co-moderator

[Guest guest]

To all of the new members that are joining our list, welcome. We are a

caring and supportive group. We care for each other and try to help each

other. If you need information, ask the list and you will more than likely

get the information that you need. There is a broad range of people on our

list with a lot of very useful information.

Take care,

Irene

co-moderator

[Guest guest]

To all of the new members that are joining our list, welcome. We are a

caring and supportive group. We care for each other and try to help each

other. If you need information, ask the list and you will more than likely

get the information that you need. There is a broad range of people on our

list with a lot of very useful information.

Take care,

Irene

co-moderator

[Guest guest]

Hello everybody. I am new to this Fibromyalgia. I was

diagnosed with it yesterday. I have not felt good in a long time. I am

looking forward in getting to know everyone. Any information that you are

able to share will be welcomed. I am 38 years old. I live in New Jersey.

I also struggle with Social Anxiety Disorder. My first name is Loraine, but

everyone calls me Lorie, or LorieLoraine. Thanks for the welcome.

LorieLoraine

-- New Member

We have a new member on our list.

Will you please give them a warm welcome.

lorieloraine@... will you please introduce yourself.

Bierman

[Guest guest]

Hello everybody. I am new to this Fibromyalgia. I was

diagnosed with it yesterday. I have not felt good in a long time. I am

looking forward in getting to know everyone. Any information that you are

able to share will be welcomed. I am 38 years old. I live in New Jersey.

I also struggle with Social Anxiety Disorder. My first name is Loraine, but

everyone calls me Lorie, or LorieLoraine. Thanks for the welcome.

LorieLoraine

-- New Member

We have a new member on our list.

Will you please give them a warm welcome.

lorieloraine@... will you please introduce yourself.

Bierman

[Guest guest]

Hello everybody. I am new to this Fibromyalgia. I was

diagnosed with it yesterday. I have not felt good in a long time. I am

looking forward in getting to know everyone. Any information that you are

able to share will be welcomed. I am 38 years old. I live in New Jersey.

I also struggle with Social Anxiety Disorder. My first name is Loraine, but

everyone calls me Lorie, or LorieLoraine. Thanks for the welcome.

LorieLoraine

-- New Member

We have a new member on our list.

Will you please give them a warm welcome.

lorieloraine@... will you please introduce yourself.

Bierman

[Guest guest]

Welcome, LL! I've only been here a week or so, but I've already gained so

much. You will find this is one place you can talk about all those unique

FM problems, and people actually understand! It's fantastic.

Jeane aka Scorpi aka roseStorm

>Hello everybody. I am new to this Fibromyalgia. I was

>diagnosed with it yesterday. I have not felt good in a long time. I am

>looking forward in getting to know everyone. Any information that you are

>able to share will be welcomed. I am 38 years old. I live in New Jersey.

>I also struggle with Social Anxiety Disorder. My first name is Loraine, but

>everyone calls me Lorie, or LorieLoraine. Thanks for the welcome.

[Guest guest]

Hi Vicki, and a welcoming *hug* to the list.

I hear something -- read between the lines -- that is similar to what I

have experienced from time to time during my life. You suddenly recognize

the *enormity* of the problem -- or the dauntingly high number of problems

-- and it becomes utterly overwhelming. It is difficult not to despair

when you look at it that way.

My suggestion to you is something I have to do ALL the

time. Hypothetically -- if you were faced with a house that hadn't been

cleaned in ten years, would you consider it as a whole if you were to begin

cleaning? Nah, you'd very like say, Okay, today I'll work on the kitchen

and bath, and tomorrow if I have the energy I'll do the master bedroom, and

so on. In other words, you would break it down into manageable

chunks. You'd never expect to clean it ALL in one day, right? It's just

beyond our capability to do something lik ethat.

It's the same when we have multiple medical problems. We have no choice

but to prioritize. It sounds to me as if the ongoing headache and the

fertility questions are your two main areas of concern, although you have

PLENTY of others. I'm not saying ignore those others. But break it down

into areas of work. What is the thing that is most important to you at

this stage of your life? Being pain-free? Conceiving a child? Then

pursue that one thing, and let the others rest for the

moment. (Unfortunately they aren't going anywhere; they'll be there when

you focus on them the next time.)

For example. Let's say that your first priority (hypothetically) is

conceiving a child. Polycystic ovarian syndrome does not mean you cannot

conceive a child. It simply means that you are less fertile than many

other women, and may have to take steps above and beyond the old-fashioned

way. I am currently grappling with the same question; I have PCO, and I am

38 and I want desperately to have a child. I'm single, which is a blow

against me in terms of time, and I have FM and Sjogren's, which are even

bigger hurdles to face. So for me, I'm breaking this issue down into

segments. First, can I conceive at all without high medical expenses? I

have insurance but am not sure how much infertility treatments are

covered. Second, if I can conceive, how can I structure my life during

those nine-ish months so that my child will come into my world prepared and

cared-for? What do I have to do the accomplish the goal AND cope with the

outcome? What is my support system like? Do I have day-care

options? Will I continue to work? In other words, am I going to be ABLE

to be a responsible parent? The issues I face are different from yours,

but the idea is the same -- sit down, think about it, let the other stuff

lie, and handle this one issue by itself. Make lists if it will help;

calculate expenses; consider your fertility options; think both long-term

and short-term.

Or vis-a-vis the headaches. If that is your primary concern right now,

pursue it wholeheartedly. This doesn't mean ignore everything else! But

it means that the part of the house you CAN cope with, to use that

metaphor, is the kitchen, NOT the kitchen, bathroom, four bedrooms, living

room, basement and front and back yards. Headaches do not happen for no

reason. They also are a VERY tough thing to combat because there are so

very many potential causes of headaches. If you have not found relief yet,

that does not necessarily mean you will NEVER find relief. Only that you

haven't, so far. And remember, that's a much more positive way to view it.

I don't mean to sound lecturely or anything, and believe me, I have trouble

practicing what I preach. But this is the only way I know of to cope with

life when it is as filled with troubles and pain and fear as ours

are. Without antidepressants, my problems are overwhelming; I have

struggled against suicide a great number of times in my life. But with the

proper medications, and having put myself physically in a better, stronger

place than before (moved home to Texas from New Jersey, where I had no

family or support system), I'm able to grapple with things at least a bit

better than before.

I wish you the very best of luck, Vicki, and don't give up hope.

*more hugs*

Em

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

It is the tale, not he who tells it.

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

[Guest guest]

Hi Vicki, and a welcoming *hug* to the list.

I hear something -- read between the lines -- that is similar to what I

have experienced from time to time during my life. You suddenly recognize

the *enormity* of the problem -- or the dauntingly high number of problems

-- and it becomes utterly overwhelming. It is difficult not to despair

when you look at it that way.

My suggestion to you is something I have to do ALL the

time. Hypothetically -- if you were faced with a house that hadn't been

cleaned in ten years, would you consider it as a whole if you were to begin

cleaning? Nah, you'd very like say, Okay, today I'll work on the kitchen

and bath, and tomorrow if I have the energy I'll do the master bedroom, and

so on. In other words, you would break it down into manageable

chunks. You'd never expect to clean it ALL in one day, right? It's just

beyond our capability to do something lik ethat.

It's the same when we have multiple medical problems. We have no choice

but to prioritize. It sounds to me as if the ongoing headache and the

fertility questions are your two main areas of concern, although you have

PLENTY of others. I'm not saying ignore those others. But break it down

into areas of work. What is the thing that is most important to you at

this stage of your life? Being pain-free? Conceiving a child? Then

pursue that one thing, and let the others rest for the

moment. (Unfortunately they aren't going anywhere; they'll be there when

you focus on them the next time.)

For example. Let's say that your first priority (hypothetically) is

conceiving a child. Polycystic ovarian syndrome does not mean you cannot

conceive a child. It simply means that you are less fertile than many

other women, and may have to take steps above and beyond the old-fashioned

way. I am currently grappling with the same question; I have PCO, and I am

38 and I want desperately to have a child. I'm single, which is a blow

against me in terms of time, and I have FM and Sjogren's, which are even

bigger hurdles to face. So for me, I'm breaking this issue down into

segments. First, can I conceive at all without high medical expenses? I

have insurance but am not sure how much infertility treatments are

covered. Second, if I can conceive, how can I structure my life during

those nine-ish months so that my child will come into my world prepared and

cared-for? What do I have to do the accomplish the goal AND cope with the

outcome? What is my support system like? Do I have day-care

options? Will I continue to work? In other words, am I going to be ABLE

to be a responsible parent? The issues I face are different from yours,

but the idea is the same -- sit down, think about it, let the other stuff

lie, and handle this one issue by itself. Make lists if it will help;

calculate expenses; consider your fertility options; think both long-term

and short-term.

Or vis-a-vis the headaches. If that is your primary concern right now,

pursue it wholeheartedly. This doesn't mean ignore everything else! But

it means that the part of the house you CAN cope with, to use that

metaphor, is the kitchen, NOT the kitchen, bathroom, four bedrooms, living

room, basement and front and back yards. Headaches do not happen for no

reason. They also are a VERY tough thing to combat because there are so

very many potential causes of headaches. If you have not found relief yet,

that does not necessarily mean you will NEVER find relief. Only that you

haven't, so far. And remember, that's a much more positive way to view it.

I don't mean to sound lecturely or anything, and believe me, I have trouble

practicing what I preach. But this is the only way I know of to cope with

life when it is as filled with troubles and pain and fear as ours

are. Without antidepressants, my problems are overwhelming; I have

struggled against suicide a great number of times in my life. But with the

proper medications, and having put myself physically in a better, stronger

place than before (moved home to Texas from New Jersey, where I had no

family or support system), I'm able to grapple with things at least a bit

better than before.

I wish you the very best of luck, Vicki, and don't give up hope.

*more hugs*

Em

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

It is the tale, not he who tells it.

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

[Guest guest]

Hi Vicki, and a welcoming *hug* to the list.

I hear something -- read between the lines -- that is similar to what I

have experienced from time to time during my life. You suddenly recognize

the *enormity* of the problem -- or the dauntingly high number of problems

-- and it becomes utterly overwhelming. It is difficult not to despair

when you look at it that way.

My suggestion to you is something I have to do ALL the

time. Hypothetically -- if you were faced with a house that hadn't been

cleaned in ten years, would you consider it as a whole if you were to begin

cleaning? Nah, you'd very like say, Okay, today I'll work on the kitchen

and bath, and tomorrow if I have the energy I'll do the master bedroom, and

so on. In other words, you would break it down into manageable

chunks. You'd never expect to clean it ALL in one day, right? It's just

beyond our capability to do something lik ethat.

It's the same when we have multiple medical problems. We have no choice

but to prioritize. It sounds to me as if the ongoing headache and the

fertility questions are your two main areas of concern, although you have

PLENTY of others. I'm not saying ignore those others. But break it down

into areas of work. What is the thing that is most important to you at

this stage of your life? Being pain-free? Conceiving a child? Then

pursue that one thing, and let the others rest for the

moment. (Unfortunately they aren't going anywhere; they'll be there when

you focus on them the next time.)

For example. Let's say that your first priority (hypothetically) is

conceiving a child. Polycystic ovarian syndrome does not mean you cannot

conceive a child. It simply means that you are less fertile than many

other women, and may have to take steps above and beyond the old-fashioned

way. I am currently grappling with the same question; I have PCO, and I am

38 and I want desperately to have a child. I'm single, which is a blow

against me in terms of time, and I have FM and Sjogren's, which are even

bigger hurdles to face. So for me, I'm breaking this issue down into

segments. First, can I conceive at all without high medical expenses? I

have insurance but am not sure how much infertility treatments are

covered. Second, if I can conceive, how can I structure my life during

those nine-ish months so that my child will come into my world prepared and

cared-for? What do I have to do the accomplish the goal AND cope with the

outcome? What is my support system like? Do I have day-care

options? Will I continue to work? In other words, am I going to be ABLE

to be a responsible parent? The issues I face are different from yours,

but the idea is the same -- sit down, think about it, let the other stuff

lie, and handle this one issue by itself. Make lists if it will help;

calculate expenses; consider your fertility options; think both long-term

and short-term.

Or vis-a-vis the headaches. If that is your primary concern right now,

pursue it wholeheartedly. This doesn't mean ignore everything else! But

it means that the part of the house you CAN cope with, to use that

metaphor, is the kitchen, NOT the kitchen, bathroom, four bedrooms, living

room, basement and front and back yards. Headaches do not happen for no

reason. They also are a VERY tough thing to combat because there are so

very many potential causes of headaches. If you have not found relief yet,

that does not necessarily mean you will NEVER find relief. Only that you

haven't, so far. And remember, that's a much more positive way to view it.

I don't mean to sound lecturely or anything, and believe me, I have trouble

practicing what I preach. But this is the only way I know of to cope with

life when it is as filled with troubles and pain and fear as ours

are. Without antidepressants, my problems are overwhelming; I have

struggled against suicide a great number of times in my life. But with the

proper medications, and having put myself physically in a better, stronger

place than before (moved home to Texas from New Jersey, where I had no

family or support system), I'm able to grapple with things at least a bit

better than before.

I wish you the very best of luck, Vicki, and don't give up hope.

*more hugs*

Em

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

It is the tale, not he who tells it.

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

[Guest guest]

Hi Vicki -

God Bless you sweetheart. You could not get any better advice that what Em

supplied. You will probably get more specific answers about you specific

concerns, though.

I will keep you in my prayers - you & your husband. Stay with this group - you

will get plenty of support and love along with the input.

Hugs, Jo

[Guest guest]

Hi Vicki -

God Bless you sweetheart. You could not get any better advice that what Em

supplied. You will probably get more specific answers about you specific

concerns, though.

I will keep you in my prayers - you & your husband. Stay with this group - you

will get plenty of support and love along with the input.

Hugs, Jo

[Guest guest]

Hi Vicki -

God Bless you sweetheart. You could not get any better advice that what Em

supplied. You will probably get more specific answers about you specific

concerns, though.

I will keep you in my prayers - you & your husband. Stay with this group - you

will get plenty of support and love along with the input.

Hugs, Jo

[Guest guest]

Vicki,

First of all, please don't feel like you are

complaining or your post was too long. We all need

each other cause we have all been through the ringer

enough with the medical system, sometimes family

members as well. Why won't the docters give you

anything stronger for pain? Is it because you are

trying to have a baby? Internal cystitus is a symptom

of FMS I am sure you know that. I don't have it, I

just have bladder spasms (HA HA just have bladder

spasms hardy har har)

I feel for you, actually it helps me to have someone

to share troubles with. I am so sorry you got laid-

off.

I am about to lose my job with the Post Office and

that is very scary. I havn't been able to work since

January the 1st. I have been with them 15 years it was

very physically demanding labor (regardless to what

one of my holier than though specialist said when he

saw my functional requirements. He said " you don't

really do this do you? " I was flabbergasted and with

the fibro fog I had no chance to give him a good

reply)

Now it's back to physical therapy after a c-spine

fusion. I really don't have the energy to go, and I

can't drive due to epilepsy.

I know there is a connection, between all of us, I

didn't know before I found out about the FM. Now I

know there is a connection. If the docters can find

the connection I know they could find a cure. I know

this is harsh, but if men had PMS, and more guys had

FMS then I think it would be cured and if not at least

on the cover of USA Today in color with a graph.

TEE HEE But it is not so we must muddle through! It

took me forever to type this, I have carpel tunnel

also (lucky me) LOL I am sure if I ever got a new

employer that he would not mind all the typo's and it

taking me all day for one letter. He would mind me

laying down on the job or napping. I couldn't do

assembly work cause I drop crap all the time. He would

mind me having to come in on the Handirides bus

schedule instead of his. I have so many job

opportunities open to me. LOLOL I gotta laugh

through this all, I have to KNOW that I am not crazy

nor a hypochondriac. I have to be emotional strong

through the pain and fatigue cause I have a battle up

ahead. See, now I am rambling on I think it is the

" FOG " when I have a moment of lucidity I make the most

of it.

I love you all!!!

My heart goes out to the men who suffer from this

horrible ailment, they must think they are supposed to

tough it out, be tough guys. And alot are suffering in

silence. Maybe that is why more women are known to

have it on paper,more guys just might but won't go to

the docter. I know my hubby won;t go to the doc unless

he is on death's door. My dad went to the docter one

time in all the time I had him, and was diagnosed with

terminal cancer...no hope they said.

My mom I am sure has this but got it before it was

well known...and got caught up in the phychiatric

cycle----although I have no doubt she is bi-polar)

This is getting way too long....and i am way exhausted

now. I need a lap top so I can use it in bed on really

bad days.

Vickie find a docter who will give you something for

the pain. I mean that is just totally cruel to leave

someone suffering like they have left you.

I have daily debilitating headaches as well,

ESPECIALLY nasty around that time of the month!!!! The

medicine just dulls it, but I don't scream and cry

from the pain like I used to before the pain meds. If

necessary get your husband to go to the docter with

you. For some unknown reason they listen to men than

women. TAKE him back with you. I don't know if you

have tried this. If you have fibro fog it is

especially helpful. I go back alone and babble like an

idiot.

Best of luck!!!!!! do a search on chronic pain,find a

rheumatologist. I don't know what all you have tried.

I had to do everything cause I was dying from the

pain. I think they took me seriously cause of the

degenerative disk disease, and the diagnosis from the

Rhuemy. Weight shouldn't be an issue! and if it is use

it to your advantage. Like, I can't very well move

around to burn calories in this kind of pain. DO

something about the chronic debilitating pain and

maybe I can do something about the weight. Then live

up to your end of the bargain a little at a time.

I hate to hear about someone in pain. Been there still

there, don't that still doing that, but I can tolerate

it a little more now with meds.

Love to All,

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Vicki,

First of all, please don't feel like you are

complaining or your post was too long. We all need

each other cause we have all been through the ringer

enough with the medical system, sometimes family

members as well. Why won't the docters give you

anything stronger for pain? Is it because you are

trying to have a baby? Internal cystitus is a symptom

of FMS I am sure you know that. I don't have it, I

just have bladder spasms (HA HA just have bladder

spasms hardy har har)

I feel for you, actually it helps me to have someone

to share troubles with. I am so sorry you got laid-

off.

I am about to lose my job with the Post Office and

that is very scary. I havn't been able to work since

January the 1st. I have been with them 15 years it was

very physically demanding labor (regardless to what

one of my holier than though specialist said when he

saw my functional requirements. He said " you don't

really do this do you? " I was flabbergasted and with

the fibro fog I had no chance to give him a good

reply)

Now it's back to physical therapy after a c-spine

fusion. I really don't have the energy to go, and I

can't drive due to epilepsy.

I know there is a connection, between all of us, I

didn't know before I found out about the FM. Now I

know there is a connection. If the docters can find

the connection I know they could find a cure. I know

this is harsh, but if men had PMS, and more guys had

FMS then I think it would be cured and if not at least

on the cover of USA Today in color with a graph.

TEE HEE But it is not so we must muddle through! It

took me forever to type this, I have carpel tunnel

also (lucky me) LOL I am sure if I ever got a new

employer that he would not mind all the typo's and it

taking me all day for one letter. He would mind me

laying down on the job or napping. I couldn't do

assembly work cause I drop crap all the time. He would

mind me having to come in on the Handirides bus

schedule instead of his. I have so many job

opportunities open to me. LOLOL I gotta laugh

through this all, I have to KNOW that I am not crazy

nor a hypochondriac. I have to be emotional strong

through the pain and fatigue cause I have a battle up

ahead. See, now I am rambling on I think it is the

" FOG " when I have a moment of lucidity I make the most

of it.

I love you all!!!

My heart goes out to the men who suffer from this

horrible ailment, they must think they are supposed to

tough it out, be tough guys. And alot are suffering in

silence. Maybe that is why more women are known to

have it on paper,more guys just might but won't go to

the docter. I know my hubby won;t go to the doc unless

he is on death's door. My dad went to the docter one

time in all the time I had him, and was diagnosed with

terminal cancer...no hope they said.

My mom I am sure has this but got it before it was

well known...and got caught up in the phychiatric

cycle----although I have no doubt she is bi-polar)

This is getting way too long....and i am way exhausted

now. I need a lap top so I can use it in bed on really

bad days.

Vickie find a docter who will give you something for

the pain. I mean that is just totally cruel to leave

someone suffering like they have left you.

I have daily debilitating headaches as well,

ESPECIALLY nasty around that time of the month!!!! The

medicine just dulls it, but I don't scream and cry

from the pain like I used to before the pain meds. If

necessary get your husband to go to the docter with

you. For some unknown reason they listen to men than

women. TAKE him back with you. I don't know if you

have tried this. If you have fibro fog it is

especially helpful. I go back alone and babble like an

idiot.

Best of luck!!!!!! do a search on chronic pain,find a

rheumatologist. I don't know what all you have tried.

I had to do everything cause I was dying from the

pain. I think they took me seriously cause of the

degenerative disk disease, and the diagnosis from the

Rhuemy. Weight shouldn't be an issue! and if it is use

it to your advantage. Like, I can't very well move

around to burn calories in this kind of pain. DO

something about the chronic debilitating pain and

maybe I can do something about the weight. Then live

up to your end of the bargain a little at a time.

I hate to hear about someone in pain. Been there still

there, don't that still doing that, but I can tolerate

it a little more now with meds.

Love to All,

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Vicki,

First of all, please don't feel like you are

complaining or your post was too long. We all need

each other cause we have all been through the ringer

enough with the medical system, sometimes family

members as well. Why won't the docters give you

anything stronger for pain? Is it because you are

trying to have a baby? Internal cystitus is a symptom

of FMS I am sure you know that. I don't have it, I

just have bladder spasms (HA HA just have bladder

spasms hardy har har)

I feel for you, actually it helps me to have someone

to share troubles with. I am so sorry you got laid-

off.

I am about to lose my job with the Post Office and

that is very scary. I havn't been able to work since

January the 1st. I have been with them 15 years it was

very physically demanding labor (regardless to what

one of my holier than though specialist said when he

saw my functional requirements. He said " you don't

really do this do you? " I was flabbergasted and with

the fibro fog I had no chance to give him a good

reply)

Now it's back to physical therapy after a c-spine

fusion. I really don't have the energy to go, and I

can't drive due to epilepsy.

I know there is a connection, between all of us, I

didn't know before I found out about the FM. Now I

know there is a connection. If the docters can find

the connection I know they could find a cure. I know

this is harsh, but if men had PMS, and more guys had

FMS then I think it would be cured and if not at least

on the cover of USA Today in color with a graph.

TEE HEE But it is not so we must muddle through! It

took me forever to type this, I have carpel tunnel

also (lucky me) LOL I am sure if I ever got a new

employer that he would not mind all the typo's and it

taking me all day for one letter. He would mind me

laying down on the job or napping. I couldn't do

assembly work cause I drop crap all the time. He would

mind me having to come in on the Handirides bus

schedule instead of his. I have so many job

opportunities open to me. LOLOL I gotta laugh

through this all, I have to KNOW that I am not crazy

nor a hypochondriac. I have to be emotional strong

through the pain and fatigue cause I have a battle up

ahead. See, now I am rambling on I think it is the

" FOG " when I have a moment of lucidity I make the most

of it.

I love you all!!!

My heart goes out to the men who suffer from this

horrible ailment, they must think they are supposed to

tough it out, be tough guys. And alot are suffering in

silence. Maybe that is why more women are known to

have it on paper,more guys just might but won't go to

the docter. I know my hubby won;t go to the doc unless

he is on death's door. My dad went to the docter one

time in all the time I had him, and was diagnosed with

terminal cancer...no hope they said.

My mom I am sure has this but got it before it was

well known...and got caught up in the phychiatric

cycle----although I have no doubt she is bi-polar)

This is getting way too long....and i am way exhausted

now. I need a lap top so I can use it in bed on really

bad days.

Vickie find a docter who will give you something for

the pain. I mean that is just totally cruel to leave

someone suffering like they have left you.

I have daily debilitating headaches as well,

ESPECIALLY nasty around that time of the month!!!! The

medicine just dulls it, but I don't scream and cry

from the pain like I used to before the pain meds. If

necessary get your husband to go to the docter with

you. For some unknown reason they listen to men than

women. TAKE him back with you. I don't know if you

have tried this. If you have fibro fog it is

especially helpful. I go back alone and babble like an

idiot.

Best of luck!!!!!! do a search on chronic pain,find a

rheumatologist. I don't know what all you have tried.

I had to do everything cause I was dying from the

pain. I think they took me seriously cause of the

degenerative disk disease, and the diagnosis from the

Rhuemy. Weight shouldn't be an issue! and if it is use

it to your advantage. Like, I can't very well move

around to burn calories in this kind of pain. DO

something about the chronic debilitating pain and

maybe I can do something about the weight. Then live

up to your end of the bargain a little at a time.

I hate to hear about someone in pain. Been there still

there, don't that still doing that, but I can tolerate

it a little more now with meds.

Love to All,

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Amy,

It's true that ATDs are taken until spontaneous remission is achieved. If

your levels of thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) are measured then

remission can be accurately predicted. Otherwise, it's a guess because the

drugs lower your thyroid hormone levels. In studies of people who still had

these antibodies when they were taken off the drug, relapse was likely since

the antibodies cause the symptoms.

In people whose antibody levels were negative, relapse was unlikely. In

Europe and Japan, ATDs are widely used, and in some countries radioiodine is

never used in women younger than 40. In the United States, many doctors

aren't familiar with the proper use of these drugs. Patients may become

hypothyroid because of improper monitoring and patients may be weaned from

the drugs before they're really in remission.

In some patients, remission is achieved within a few weeks while for most

people it takes 6 months to a year, and for some people it takes many years.

Some doctors take an arbitrary time frame, like a year, and take people off

the drugs. This improper monitoring is the reason you'll find reports of high

relapse rates or recurrences of the disorder. If you decide to use ATDs, it's

important to find a doctor who is well acquainted with their use or is

willing to work with you on this. Many patients I know have educated their

doctors by showing them articles on the importance of antibody testing and by

insisting that they have all of the proper thyroid function tests done.

Otherwise, it can be no more than a guessing game. good luck, elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi Amy,

It's true that ATDs are taken until spontaneous remission is achieved. If

your levels of thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) are measured then

remission can be accurately predicted. Otherwise, it's a guess because the

drugs lower your thyroid hormone levels. In studies of people who still had

these antibodies when they were taken off the drug, relapse was likely since

the antibodies cause the symptoms.

In people whose antibody levels were negative, relapse was unlikely. In

Europe and Japan, ATDs are widely used, and in some countries radioiodine is

never used in women younger than 40. In the United States, many doctors

aren't familiar with the proper use of these drugs. Patients may become

hypothyroid because of improper monitoring and patients may be weaned from

the drugs before they're really in remission.

In some patients, remission is achieved within a few weeks while for most

people it takes 6 months to a year, and for some people it takes many years.

Some doctors take an arbitrary time frame, like a year, and take people off

the drugs. This improper monitoring is the reason you'll find reports of high

relapse rates or recurrences of the disorder. If you decide to use ATDs, it's

important to find a doctor who is well acquainted with their use or is

willing to work with you on this. Many patients I know have educated their

doctors by showing them articles on the importance of antibody testing and by

insisting that they have all of the proper thyroid function tests done.

Otherwise, it can be no more than a guessing game. good luck, elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi Amy,

It's true that ATDs are taken until spontaneous remission is achieved. If

your levels of thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) are measured then

remission can be accurately predicted. Otherwise, it's a guess because the

drugs lower your thyroid hormone levels. In studies of people who still had

these antibodies when they were taken off the drug, relapse was likely since

the antibodies cause the symptoms.

In people whose antibody levels were negative, relapse was unlikely. In

Europe and Japan, ATDs are widely used, and in some countries radioiodine is

never used in women younger than 40. In the United States, many doctors

aren't familiar with the proper use of these drugs. Patients may become

hypothyroid because of improper monitoring and patients may be weaned from

the drugs before they're really in remission.

In some patients, remission is achieved within a few weeks while for most

people it takes 6 months to a year, and for some people it takes many years.

Some doctors take an arbitrary time frame, like a year, and take people off

the drugs. This improper monitoring is the reason you'll find reports of high

relapse rates or recurrences of the disorder. If you decide to use ATDs, it's

important to find a doctor who is well acquainted with their use or is

willing to work with you on this. Many patients I know have educated their

doctors by showing them articles on the importance of antibody testing and by

insisting that they have all of the proper thyroid function tests done.

Otherwise, it can be no more than a guessing game. good luck, elaine

[Guest guest]

>If you elect to use anti-thyroid drugs, you're much less likely to

>become hypothyroid.

Hi Elaine,

Thanks for the info. From what I have been reading it sounds like future

occurences of GD is likely/possible with the anti-thyroid drugs as well as

reducing the possibility of becoming hypo.

I am so greatful that my doctor has been a long time friend of our family. I

will definitely look at all of the treatment options and choose the one that is

best for me overall. I appreciate your input.

BTW, such an intersting thing about the hands and looking younger. Like I said,

I am 28, but people often think my 19 year old sister is older than I am. I have

always been annoyed with looking so young - maybe I will appreciate it some day.

Amy

Re: New Member

Hi Amy,

Welcome to the group. The symptoms of looking younger and clammy hands are

well-documented symptoms. I think it has to do with our skin staying moist

when we're hyper. Hypothyroidism is a different story entirely.

They is a slightly less fertility rate in hyperthyroidism but fertility

problems are more pronounced in hypothyroidism. Study your treatment options

carefully. If you elect to use anti-thyroid drugs, you're much less likely to

become hypothyroid. Even if you become hypothyroid after ATDs, it's generally

much later in life.

I rushed into treatment and had my thyroid gland destroyed. This I bitterly

regret since for me hypothyroidism has been far worse than hyperthyrodism.

Take your time and learn all that you can. Best to you, Elaine

See my web site, http://daisyelaine_co.tripod.com/gravesdisease/