Re: Just joined.....

[Guest guest]

Thanks for writing, . We live in Missouri.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I was just diagnosed this past December and previous to the

diagnosis, had only had the RP show in my left ear. Then, on

December 9th, it went into my nose, my other ear, and then within 24

hours spread throughout my body, in my ribs, joints and I felt

horrible!

I, too, took the diagnosis as a death sentence, but since then have

been seeing a wonderful doctor, Dr Buckner, who has given me a lot of

hope that this disease can be treated. The people on this site have

also given me much hope. Many have been living with this disease for

years, some have it in remission and others just deal with the flares

as they occur.

I do have to say that this past year has been really tough, but now

that we are getting closer to having my medications figured out, I'm

doing better.

I am close in age to you and your husband. I am 38 and was always

very healthy and active, until I got this. I have recently started

to exercise in a water aerobics class, and that has helped my joints

feel better, as well as helping me emotionally.

Prednisone is a wonderful and horrible drug. It really does take

care of the inflammation that is happening, but the side efffects can

be really bad. I gained 50 pounds in the year, and I have never

struggled with weight before. So, encourage your husband to

exercise, even if it is mild exercise, and to try not to give in to

the cravings for sugar.

I'm glad you found this group, it really has made this past year

possible for me to get through. I hope that you are able to have a

good doctor for treatment, that is so important, also! Where do you

live?

Take care,