I'm back!

[Guest guest]

Tammy, wonderful news! good to hear from you. You are feeling better? Whoo hoo. Don’t play games with your mind, and say maybe it’s the pain meds-perhaps your body is letting out a sigh of relief and you are feeling it already! Praise God! I am so happy you had a good experience and am rooting for your recovery, then on to the good things, like getting better! Just wait! You have been through so much, if I could send you all my hugs, I would! God Bless you, and I am feeling much better too. Right now, my focus is on our explantee getting well. Love you, --- Original Message -----

From: imrafaela

Sent: Saturday, December 18, 2004 1:13 PM

Subject: I'm Back!

Hello Girlies,I'm back home! I managed to finally break out of the hospital late yesterday. My best friends were plotting to smuggle me out if they said, "one more night"! Wow, do I feel great! I mean, barring the slight pain I start to feel on my butt and on each side of my chest every 4 hours as the Oxy-Codine starts to wear off, everything is starting to feel like it did prior to the RA symptoms, brain fog, swelling eyes, etc. I even remembered a couple of phone numbers while I was in the hospital following my surgery that I had never been able to commit to memory!The surgery began on Monday (13th) at 7:30 a.m. and I didn't get to the recovery room until 6:30 p.m. The 8 or 9 hours of surgery actually ended up being 11 hours. I had my normal plastic surgeon and another micro surgeon working on me. Once they did the explant (implants were taken out completely inflated and intact. Then the capsulectomy which they said they were able to completely remove all of it. Then they cut out a football shaped section of my butt fat that had an artery and 2 veins attached to it. They painstakingly reattached those to a blood supply on my right breast site where I had had a mastectomy. They tucked all that fat into the incision where they had removed the implant from, and sewed it shut. I woke up with a dopier wire coming out of my breast that they would plug in 3 times a day for the next few days, to hear whether or not there was blood cursing through the new breast (what a lovely sound!).My other breast looks incredibly flat compared to this new one, but I think that when I'm ready, I'll go in and have a mastoplasty (sp?) procedure to match it up to this new site.I sent my implants and capsules off to Dr. Blais in Canada. I had the pleasure of speaking with him the morning prior to my surgery and he said he has received like 10 thousand of these implants from women all over the world. He is only one of a few people who are doing the analysis on this problem, and I don't think the industry can continue to ignore this problem for too much longer given the numbers who are getting them removed.I was also encouraged that by the time I checked out of the hospital, my surgeons, and even my Rheumatologist who had come to check in on me were treating me with much more respect and showing genuine care and concern. They all asked me to make sure to track the lessening of my symptoms and share that with them so they could document what happens. I'm not sure if they are hoping that I don't get better or if they genuinely want me to get better, but they seemed very interested.Already I DO FEEL BETTER! It's hard to explain, it could be linked to all the pain medications that I'm on, and will be on for a few more weeks, but I think that even when I wake up in the early morning, (before I take the prednisone, proxicam and oxy-codine), that my joints are not screaming at me any more. I have 3 drains coming out of my body (from the breasts and the butt area) that are putting out about 30 cc per day, so I feel like the toxins are literally draining out of my body, and I think that is helping me to feel better.Sorry for such a long note, but I'm really excited! Thanks Rogena, , Diane, Pam, and the rest of you who sent positive prayers my way! I believe that they have all reached the mercy seat of God and that He has honored your faithfulness and caused me to come through this victoriously. What a wonderful God we serve! , hope your bronchitis is subsiding. Please keep us informed on how you are feeling.Lots of hugs,Tammy (a)

[Guest guest]

Tammy

I am so glad to hear that your surgery went so well! I hope your

post op goes equally welll! It is great that you are already to see

some improvements and that your docs are genuinely interested in how

you are doing. I am so happy for you that they are out and you can

concentrate wholeheartedly in getting better.

Love,kathy

--- In , " imrafaela " <tamm001@c...>

wrote:

>

> Hello Girlies,

>

> I'm back home! I managed to finally break out of the hospital

late

> yesterday. My best friends were plotting to smuggle me out if

they

> said, " one more night " ! Wow, do I feel great! I mean, barring

the

> slight pain I start to feel on my butt and on each side of my

chest

> every 4 hours as the Oxy-Codine starts to wear off, everything is

> starting to feel like it did prior to the RA symptoms, brain fog,

> swelling eyes, etc. I even remembered a couple of phone numbers

> while I was in the hospital following my surgery that I had never

> been able to commit to memory!

>

> The surgery began on Monday (13th) at 7:30 a.m. and I didn't get

to

> the recovery room until 6:30 p.m. The 8 or 9 hours of surgery

> actually ended up being 11 hours. I had my normal plastic surgeon

> and another micro surgeon working on me. Once they did the

explant

> (implants were taken out completely inflated and intact. Then the

> capsulectomy which they said they were able to completely remove

all

> of it. Then they cut out a football shaped section of my butt fat

> that had an artery and 2 veins attached to it. They painstakingly

> reattached those to a blood supply on my right breast site where I

> had had a mastectomy. They tucked all that fat into the incision

> where they had removed the implant from, and sewed it shut. I

woke

> up with a dopier wire coming out of my breast that they would plug

in

> 3 times a day for the next few days, to hear whether or not there

was

> blood cursing through the new breast (what a lovely sound!).

>

> My other breast looks incredibly flat compared to this new one,

but I

> think that when I'm ready, I'll go in and have a mastoplasty (sp?)

> procedure to match it up to this new site.

>

> I sent my implants and capsules off to Dr. Blais in Canada. I had

> the pleasure of speaking with him the morning prior to my surgery

and

> he said he has received like 10 thousand of these implants from

women

> all over the world. He is only one of a few people who are doing

the

> analysis on this problem, and I don't think the industry can

continue

> to ignore this problem for too much longer given the numbers who

are

> getting them removed.

>

> I was also encouraged that by the time I checked out of the

hospital,

> my surgeons, and even my Rheumatologist who had come to check in

on

> me were treating me with much more respect and showing genuine

care

> and concern. They all asked me to make sure to track the

lessening

> of my symptoms and share that with them so they could document

what

> happens. I'm not sure if they are hoping that I don't get better

or

> if they genuinely want me to get better, but they seemed very

> interested.

>

> Already I DO FEEL BETTER! It's hard to explain, it could be

linked

> to all the pain medications that I'm on, and will be on for a few

> more weeks, but I think that even when I wake up in the early

> morning, (before I take the prednisone, proxicam and oxy-codine),

> that my joints are not screaming at me any more. I have 3 drains

> coming out of my body (from the breasts and the butt area) that

are

> putting out about 30 cc per day, so I feel like the toxins are

> literally draining out of my body, and I think that is helping me

to

> feel better.

>

> Sorry for such a long note, but I'm really excited! Thanks

Rogena,

> , Diane, Pam, and the rest of you who sent positive prayers

my

> way! I believe that they have all reached the mercy seat of God

and

> that He has honored your faithfulness and caused me to come

through

> this victoriously. What a wonderful God we serve! , hope

your

> bronchitis is subsiding. Please keep us informed on how you are

> feeling.

>

> Lots of hugs,

> Tammy (a)

[Guest guest]

Dear a,

My name is Jeanne Allegra. I read your note with interest since I am alwso qa breast cancer survivor. I will have my explantation on Jan 19. Almost 10 years ago now, I had a bi-lateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using salines. What follows is a saga. I'd really like to chat with you when you feel up to it. I can be reached at gmmjfa@.... It sounds like you are feeling better already! I am happy for you. Since most of the women on this site have received their implants to enhance their breasts, I am particularly interested in speaking with a breast cancer survivor!

Jeanne

[Guest guest]

Welcome back !

--- In Plagiocephaly , " monicash " <monicash@y...>

wrote:

> Hi Everyone,

> Welcome to all the new members and congratulations to all the

> graduates.

>

> Sorry I have been MIA. I think most folks know why Kiersten

> arrived 2 1/2 weeks early on May 31! She is doing wonderfully.

> na is doing as well as a 2 year old big sis can - LOL

Sometimes

> she is adorable and sometimes I fear for Kiersten's limbs. Those

of

> you with 2 - 2 years apart feel free to email me off line with

advice

>

> For anyone wondering - yes I am obsessing about Kiersten's head.

You

> become very critical. We were worried about her coronal sutures

> shortly after birth. Her forehead looked pushed in - well it was

from

> the vaginal birthing process, but it has corrected at 3 weeks. I

asked

> her dr at 8 days. He said all was fine and that I probably knew

more

> about sutures than he did. She has a hint of na's headshape

(she

> was inuterine contraint), but so minor compared to na. Most

> likely because Kiersten dropped the day before she was born instead

of

> 4+ weeks before. So there is hope. We are doing preventative

repo.

> We alternate her position all the time. I'm trying to limit swing

and

> bouncy seat but oh it's so difficult with 2. I have even more

respect

> for all the repo parents!

>

> Our family website has new pics of both girls I look forward to

> getting back in the loop. However, if you would like a quick

response

> it would be best to email me at monicash (no spaces)

>

>

> mom to na

> DOC Grad

> www.thefilyaws.com

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome back and congrats!! I am due in 2 months, so I will be

facing the same dilema with 2, 2 years apart very, very soon.

Probably sooner than expected, already have premature labor. Blah.

I know I'll be worried about the new babies head shape as well --

in fact, I've already begun worrying! I guess that's part of the

process.

Kiersten is adorable!!! So is na I wish I was having a

girl ... hehe. This time it is a c-section for me - my doc doesn't

want anything like what happened to Jaxson to happen to the new one,

especially since they figure he'll be bigger than Jax was (he was

9#15oz) They figure this one is already almost 5lbs and my due date

is Aug 31. UGH.

Congrats again and welcome back

Kim

mom to Jaxson -- 23 months

Craniocap grad 04/04

Craniotomy w/reconstruction of skull 01/10/05

--- In Plagiocephaly , " monicash " <monicash@y...>

wrote:

> Hi Everyone,

> Welcome to all the new members and congratulations to all the

> graduates.

>

> Sorry I have been MIA. I think most folks know why Kiersten

> arrived 2 1/2 weeks early on May 31! She is doing wonderfully.

> na is doing as well as a 2 year old big sis can - LOL

Sometimes

> she is adorable and sometimes I fear for Kiersten's limbs. Those

of

> you with 2 - 2 years apart feel free to email me off line with

advice

>

> For anyone wondering - yes I am obsessing about Kiersten's head.

You

> become very critical. We were worried about her coronal sutures

> shortly after birth. Her forehead looked pushed in - well it was

from

> the vaginal birthing process, but it has corrected at 3 weeks. I

asked

> her dr at 8 days. He said all was fine and that I probably knew

more

> about sutures than he did. She has a hint of na's headshape

(she

> was inuterine contraint), but so minor compared to na. Most

> likely because Kiersten dropped the day before she was born

instead of

> 4+ weeks before. So there is hope. We are doing preventative

repo.

> We alternate her position all the time. I'm trying to limit swing

and

> bouncy seat but oh it's so difficult with 2. I have even more

respect

> for all the repo parents!

>

> Our family website has new pics of both girls I look forward

to

> getting back in the loop. However, if you would like a quick

response

> it would be best to email me at monicash (no spaces)

>

>

> mom to na

> DOC Grad

> www.thefilyaws.com

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome back and congrats!! I am due in 2 months, so I will be

facing the same dilema with 2, 2 years apart very, very soon.

Probably sooner than expected, already have premature labor. Blah.

I know I'll be worried about the new babies head shape as well --

in fact, I've already begun worrying! I guess that's part of the

process.

Kiersten is adorable!!! So is na I wish I was having a

girl ... hehe. This time it is a c-section for me - my doc doesn't

want anything like what happened to Jaxson to happen to the new one,

especially since they figure he'll be bigger than Jax was (he was

9#15oz) They figure this one is already almost 5lbs and my due date

is Aug 31. UGH.

Congrats again and welcome back

Kim

mom to Jaxson -- 23 months

Craniocap grad 04/04

Craniotomy w/reconstruction of skull 01/10/05

--- In Plagiocephaly , " monicash " <monicash@y...>

wrote:

> Hi Everyone,

> Welcome to all the new members and congratulations to all the

> graduates.

>

> Sorry I have been MIA. I think most folks know why Kiersten

> arrived 2 1/2 weeks early on May 31! She is doing wonderfully.

> na is doing as well as a 2 year old big sis can - LOL

Sometimes

> she is adorable and sometimes I fear for Kiersten's limbs. Those

of

> you with 2 - 2 years apart feel free to email me off line with

advice

>

> For anyone wondering - yes I am obsessing about Kiersten's head.

You

> become very critical. We were worried about her coronal sutures

> shortly after birth. Her forehead looked pushed in - well it was

from

> the vaginal birthing process, but it has corrected at 3 weeks. I

asked

> her dr at 8 days. He said all was fine and that I probably knew

more

> about sutures than he did. She has a hint of na's headshape

(she

> was inuterine contraint), but so minor compared to na. Most

> likely because Kiersten dropped the day before she was born

instead of

> 4+ weeks before. So there is hope. We are doing preventative

repo.

> We alternate her position all the time. I'm trying to limit swing

and

> bouncy seat but oh it's so difficult with 2. I have even more

respect

> for all the repo parents!

>

> Our family website has new pics of both girls I look forward

to

> getting back in the loop. However, if you would like a quick

response

> it would be best to email me at monicash (no spaces)

>

>

> mom to na

> DOC Grad

> www.thefilyaws.com

[Guest guest]

Hello and welcome back. Congrats on your sweet new little girl...

she is adorable!

My oldest Daughter, , was 2.5 when was born. Fortunately,

EMily was usually pretty gentle and didn't really get jealous much at

all. One thing though that helped a lot (for AND me) was to

try to let help as much as possible. I would let her get a

diaper for me, let her " hold " the bottle to help feed , have her

hold toys for , etc. It really helped to make her feel

involved.

Good luck with everything and I'm sure that Kiersten's head will be

just beautiful!

Jen

(10.5 mo), tort resolved, Hanger Band Grad

(3 years)

--- In Plagiocephaly , " monicash " <monicash@y...>

wrote:

> Hi Everyone,

> Welcome to all the new members and congratulations to all the

> graduates.

>

> Sorry I have been MIA. I think most folks know why Kiersten

> arrived 2 1/2 weeks early on May 31! She is doing wonderfully.

> na is doing as well as a 2 year old big sis can - LOL

Sometimes

> she is adorable and sometimes I fear for Kiersten's limbs. Those

of

> you with 2 - 2 years apart feel free to email me off line with

advice

>

> For anyone wondering - yes I am obsessing about Kiersten's head.

You

> become very critical. We were worried about her coronal sutures

> shortly after birth. Her forehead looked pushed in - well it was

from

> the vaginal birthing process, but it has corrected at 3 weeks. I

asked

> her dr at 8 days. He said all was fine and that I probably knew

more

> about sutures than he did. She has a hint of na's headshape

(she

> was inuterine contraint), but so minor compared to na. Most

> likely because Kiersten dropped the day before she was born instead

of

> 4+ weeks before. So there is hope. We are doing preventative

repo.

> We alternate her position all the time. I'm trying to limit swing

and

> bouncy seat but oh it's so difficult with 2. I have even more

respect

> for all the repo parents!

>

> Our family website has new pics of both girls I look forward to

> getting back in the loop. However, if you would like a quick

response

> it would be best to email me at monicash (no spaces)

>

>

> mom to na

> DOC Grad

> www.thefilyaws.com

[Guest guest]

Hello and welcome back. Congrats on your sweet new little girl...

she is adorable!

My oldest Daughter, , was 2.5 when was born. Fortunately,

EMily was usually pretty gentle and didn't really get jealous much at

all. One thing though that helped a lot (for AND me) was to

try to let help as much as possible. I would let her get a

diaper for me, let her " hold " the bottle to help feed , have her

hold toys for , etc. It really helped to make her feel

involved.

Good luck with everything and I'm sure that Kiersten's head will be

just beautiful!

Jen

(10.5 mo), tort resolved, Hanger Band Grad

(3 years)

--- In Plagiocephaly , " monicash " <monicash@y...>

wrote:

> Hi Everyone,

> Welcome to all the new members and congratulations to all the

> graduates.

>

> Sorry I have been MIA. I think most folks know why Kiersten

> arrived 2 1/2 weeks early on May 31! She is doing wonderfully.

> na is doing as well as a 2 year old big sis can - LOL

Sometimes

> she is adorable and sometimes I fear for Kiersten's limbs. Those

of

> you with 2 - 2 years apart feel free to email me off line with

advice

>

> For anyone wondering - yes I am obsessing about Kiersten's head.

You

> become very critical. We were worried about her coronal sutures

> shortly after birth. Her forehead looked pushed in - well it was

from

> the vaginal birthing process, but it has corrected at 3 weeks. I

asked

> her dr at 8 days. He said all was fine and that I probably knew

more

> about sutures than he did. She has a hint of na's headshape

(she

> was inuterine contraint), but so minor compared to na. Most

> likely because Kiersten dropped the day before she was born instead

of

> 4+ weeks before. So there is hope. We are doing preventative

repo.

> We alternate her position all the time. I'm trying to limit swing

and

> bouncy seat but oh it's so difficult with 2. I have even more

respect

> for all the repo parents!

>

> Our family website has new pics of both girls I look forward to

> getting back in the loop. However, if you would like a quick

response

> it would be best to email me at monicash (no spaces)

>

>

> mom to na

> DOC Grad

> www.thefilyaws.com

[Guest guest]

Kim,

Good to hear from you. I'm so glad the dr is not taking any chances. Are you feeling good? How is Jax? Kiersten came 2 1/2 weeks early so only 6 lbs 11 oz - easy delivery. Well na was only 7 lbs 10 oz. Get all the rest you can now. Hopefully you will have some help the first few weeks. I'm feeling great but I didn't have a c-section. I also had my mom here for 2 weeks and my MIL is available at the drop of a hat. She;s over aobut every other day asking to do laundry, run errands, etc. How can I say no?

mom to na, DOC Grad & Kiersten, preventative repo

www.thefilyaws.com

PS I know lots of Aug bdays! Good month.

Kim <kasaint_2@...> wrote:

, Welcome back and congrats!! I am due in 2 months, so I will be facing the same dilema with 2, 2 years apart very, very soon. Probably sooner than expected, already have premature labor. Blah. I know I'll be worried about the new babies head shape as well -- in fact, I've already begun worrying! I guess that's part of the process. Kiersten is adorable!!! So is na I wish I was having a girl ... hehe. This time it is a c-section for me - my doc doesn't want anything like what happened to Jaxson to happen to the new one, especially since they figure he'll be bigger than Jax was (he was 9#15oz) They figure this one is already almost 5lbs and my due date is Aug 31. UGH. Congrats again and welcome back Kim mom to Jaxson -- 23 monthsCraniocap grad 04/04Craniotomy w/reconstruction of skull

01/10/05> Hi Everyone,> Welcome to all the new members and congratulations to all the > graduates. > > Sorry I have been MIA. I think most folks know why Kiersten > arrived 2 1/2 weeks early on May 31! She is doing wonderfully. > na is doing as well as a 2 year old big sis can - LOL Sometimes > she is adorable and sometimes I fear for Kiersten's limbs. Those of > you with 2 - 2 years apart feel free to email me off line with advice > > For anyone wondering - yes I am obsessing about Kiersten's head. You > become very critical. We were worried about her coronal sutures > shortly after birth. Her forehead looked pushed in - well it was from > the vaginal birthing process, but it has corrected at 3

weeks. I asked > her dr at 8 days. He said all was fine and that I probably knew more > about sutures than he did. She has a hint of na's headshape (she > was inuterine contraint), but so minor compared to na. Most > likely because Kiersten dropped the day before she was born instead of > 4+ weeks before. So there is hope. We are doing preventative repo. > We alternate her position all the time. I'm trying to limit swing and > bouncy seat but oh it's so difficult with 2. I have even more respect > for all the repo parents! > > Our family website has new pics of both girls I look forward to > getting back in the loop. However, if you would like a quick response > it would be best to email me at monicash (no spaces)> > > mom to na>

DOC Grad> www.thefilyaws.comFor more plagio info

[Guest guest]

Kim,

Good to hear from you. I'm so glad the dr is not taking any chances. Are you feeling good? How is Jax? Kiersten came 2 1/2 weeks early so only 6 lbs 11 oz - easy delivery. Well na was only 7 lbs 10 oz. Get all the rest you can now. Hopefully you will have some help the first few weeks. I'm feeling great but I didn't have a c-section. I also had my mom here for 2 weeks and my MIL is available at the drop of a hat. She;s over aobut every other day asking to do laundry, run errands, etc. How can I say no?

mom to na, DOC Grad & Kiersten, preventative repo

www.thefilyaws.com

PS I know lots of Aug bdays! Good month.

Kim <kasaint_2@...> wrote:

, Welcome back and congrats!! I am due in 2 months, so I will be facing the same dilema with 2, 2 years apart very, very soon. Probably sooner than expected, already have premature labor. Blah. I know I'll be worried about the new babies head shape as well -- in fact, I've already begun worrying! I guess that's part of the process. Kiersten is adorable!!! So is na I wish I was having a girl ... hehe. This time it is a c-section for me - my doc doesn't want anything like what happened to Jaxson to happen to the new one, especially since they figure he'll be bigger than Jax was (he was 9#15oz) They figure this one is already almost 5lbs and my due date is Aug 31. UGH. Congrats again and welcome back Kim mom to Jaxson -- 23 monthsCraniocap grad 04/04Craniotomy w/reconstruction of skull

01/10/05> Hi Everyone,> Welcome to all the new members and congratulations to all the > graduates. > > Sorry I have been MIA. I think most folks know why Kiersten > arrived 2 1/2 weeks early on May 31! She is doing wonderfully. > na is doing as well as a 2 year old big sis can - LOL Sometimes > she is adorable and sometimes I fear for Kiersten's limbs. Those of > you with 2 - 2 years apart feel free to email me off line with advice > > For anyone wondering - yes I am obsessing about Kiersten's head. You > become very critical. We were worried about her coronal sutures > shortly after birth. Her forehead looked pushed in - well it was from > the vaginal birthing process, but it has corrected at 3

weeks. I asked > her dr at 8 days. He said all was fine and that I probably knew more > about sutures than he did. She has a hint of na's headshape (she > was inuterine contraint), but so minor compared to na. Most > likely because Kiersten dropped the day before she was born instead of > 4+ weeks before. So there is hope. We are doing preventative repo. > We alternate her position all the time. I'm trying to limit swing and > bouncy seat but oh it's so difficult with 2. I have even more respect > for all the repo parents! > > Our family website has new pics of both girls I look forward to > getting back in the loop. However, if you would like a quick response > it would be best to email me at monicash (no spaces)> > > mom to na>

DOC Grad> www.thefilyaws.comFor more plagio info

[Guest guest]

Rainy Sue! I have missed you dearly.

You might not want to write that long E-mail, but I want you to. I hope

you've been well.

There are a lot of young members who could benefit from hearing about your

experiences. Are you still on Remicade?

Welcome back!

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] I'm Back!

> Hello & a!

>

> It's been... years! But I haven't forgotten any of you. I am doing well,

> and will get you caught up slowly. I don't want to do any huge long email

> of what my life has been for the years I've been absent.

>

> For now, hello to those who never got to know me before I disappeared and

> hello to all my old friends!

>

> How is everyone??

>

> My best, Rainy aka Sue

[Guest guest]

Welcome back Rainy Sue!! I've thought about you often. I hope you're

still doing as well as you were.

If enough has been going on to fill a book, we'll take it chapter by

chapter. Not much new is going on with me except I finally moved to

Florida. After years of talking about it, we finally did it. We've

been here a year and absolutely love it.

I can't wait to hear about you!

a

On Jul 2, 2005, at 3:45 PM, Rainy wrote:

> Hello & a!

>

> It's been... years! But I haven't forgotten any of you. I am doing

> well, and will get you caught up slowly. I don't want to do any huge

> long email of what my life has been for the years I've been absent.

>

> For now, hello to those who never got to know me before I disappeared

> and hello to all my old friends!

>

> How is everyone??

>

> My best, Rainy aka Sue

>

>

>

> " The cat is the only animal without visible means of support who

> still manages to find a living in the city. " -- Carl Van Vechten

> RainySue19@...

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Rainy,

Just a great big welcome back, Tawny

> Hello & a!

>

> It's been... years! But I haven't forgotten any of you. I am doing

well, and will get you caught up slowly. I don't want to do any huge

long email of what my life has been for the years I've been absent.

>

> For now, hello to those who never got to know me before I

disappeared and hello to all my old friends!

>

> How is everyone??

>

> My best, Rainy aka Sue

>

>

>

> " The cat is the only animal without visible means of support who

still manages to find a living in the city. " -- Carl Van Vechten

> RainySue19@y...

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Rainy,

It has been such a long time. It is wonderful to see you back.

Lynn (MeMom)

Rainy wrote:

> Hello & a!

>

> It's been... years! But I haven't forgotten any of you. I am doing well, and

will get you caught up slowly. I don't want to do any huge long email of what my

life has been for the years I've been absent.

>

> For now, hello to those who never got to know me before I disappeared and

hello to all my old friends!

>

> How is everyone??

>

> My best, Rainy aka Sue

>

> " The cat is the only animal without visible means of support who still manages

to find a living in the city. " -- Carl Van Vechten

> RainySue19@...

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome back Rainy, so glad to have you back in the family. Hope things are

going well for you. You were missed.

Hugs

June

[ ] I'm Back!

Hello & a!

It's been... years! But I haven't forgotten any of you. I am doing well, and

will get you caught up slowly. I don't want to do any huge long email of what my

life has been for the years I've been absent.

For now, hello to those who never got to know me before I disappeared and

hello to all my old friends!

How is everyone??

My best, Rainy aka Sue

" The cat is the only animal without visible means of support who still manages

to find a living in the city. " -- Carl Van Vechten

RainySue19@...

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Wow!!Rainy Sue, it seems like a lifetime that you have been gone, but VERY

happy that you are able to post and let us hear from you.

Please know that you may have been gone from our boards, but never out of our

hearts and thoughts. Welcome Back!

Gentle, tender, angel hugs,

Debs in FL

[Guest guest]

hey you!!! glad to hear from you. i've been lurking too!

kathy in il

[Guest guest]

Wow! Hi guys! It is so good to hear from old friends! I have never forgotten any

of you! Obviously, since I am back!

I'm basically in the same shape as before. Same meds. Ask if you want list. I

have do have 23 years experience in the business! LOL. I've been on most all of

them.

I'm still writing, THAT is a given, that will never die. It's been my main

escape and ONLY constant thing in my life that has never betrayed me. Though the

meds I have been taking haven't changed, I certainly have. I have " grown up " in

many ways. One day I will explain.

I still have my kitty, Isabella. She'll be 9 this summer. I still have my LOUD

squawk box bird, Quay, and also have 3 cockatiels, and a parakeet. Quay and 2 of

the cockatiels will be 16 this summer. My parakeet is almost 9, which is unreal!

He has gone FAR past his life span. I call him my little old man. The last

cockatiel is abt 4.

Still learning Russian and doing great there. And am majorly addicted to TV

reality shows! Big Brother 6 starts tonight! That one is my all time favorite.

Anyone else?

It's great to be back and find all my friends still here! Thank you for such

warm welcomes! It gives me many smiles!

~Rainy Sue

" The cat is the only animal without visible means of support who still manages

to find a living in the city. " -- Carl Van Vechten

RainySue19@...

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Dear Rainey Sue: Welcome back.

Sincerely, Colletti

Anjillah@...

[Guest guest]

Hi Liz;

You were way too fast to give up.It took me the best part of 6 years

and several different AP approaches.Did you mean Mixed Connective Tissue

Disease? If so ,it has a lot of the same problems as Scleroderma and can

be just as dangerous.I was in big pain for the first 3 years and could

not tell if it was a herx or the disease as it was just misery.Starting

low dose is always wise.You can get tons of info at www.immed.org and

it was their approach to AP that worked for me along with some help from

www.sarcinfo.com.You have to be a detective and find what will work for

you.Persistance pays! Lynne G. /SD

rcmichels1 wrote:

> Hello. Had been on AT for 3 months but got discouraged and stopped.

> Now after several months, I decided to try it again and, hopefully,

> stick with it. Diagnosed UCTD nearly 2 years ago, but suffered much

> longer. On Plaquenil by my Rheumatologist. She does not subscribe to

> the AT theory but my family MD said he would let me 'go for it'. Bless

> his heart. Honestly! Started at too high a dose and had major herx

> reactions. Now restarting at 100mg Minocycline three times a week.

> Cutting back the Plaquenil to once a day instead of twice. I received

> some very good communication and support from this group, especially

> from an 'ESTHER'. Would appreciate that again. Thanks for listening.

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

> > Hello. Had been on AT for 3 months but got discouraged and

stopped.

> > Now after several months, I decided to try it again and,

hopefully,

> > stick with it. Diagnosed UCTD nearly 2 years ago, but suffered

much

> > longer. On Plaquenil by my Rheumatologist. She does not subscribe

to

> > the AT theory but my family MD said he would let me 'go for it'.

Bless

> > his heart. Honestly! Started at too high a dose and had major herx

> > reactions. Now restarting at 100mg Minocycline three times a week.

> > Cutting back the Plaquenil to once a day instead of twice. I

received

> > some very good communication and support from this group,

especially

> > from an 'ESTHER'. Would appreciate that again. Thanks for

listening.

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello family! I'm safely back home from camping with my hunny. Thanks for all the birthday wishes, you guys made it so special for me. A round of hugs and kisses for everybody! I've been catching up on posts. You've all been so busy on here! I'm sending prayers and healing for all prayer requests.Lot's of love to each of you!Stef

[Guest guest]

stay or go....your going to become a tree iffins you keep hanging out

in the woods...come to think of it, tis'nt a bad idea at all...I wanna

go...how come " hunny " gets to take you to the wood all the time?

wait...did that come out right? The things I could do with your energy.

Glad you had fun, we all missed you...I know I needed a fix. You could

write about the camping over at

homeineden [cheap attempt at self

promotion...lol]. And throw in some of those great pictures you take.

Do ya feel any older?

Love D~

>

> Hello family! I'm safely back home from camping with my hunny. Thanks

> for all the birthday wishes, you guys made it so special for me. [:*]

> [:*] [:*] A round of hugs and kisses for everybody! I've been catching

> up on posts. You've all been so busy on here! I'm sending prayers and

> healing for all prayer requests.

>

> Lot's of love to each of you!

> Stef

>