Should I be concerned?

[Guest guest]

Hi Betsy,

I think you might be letting yourself get a little too worked up. Your

rheumy has pointed out all you need to consider. Don't let some of our fears

exacerbate yours. This could be the miracle you are looking for. I took

Enbrel

for only 2 months back when I had insurance that paid for most of it and I

didn't have that great a response so I quit it. I was also worried about self

injecting, and that is something your not afraid of. I don't think you will

have any problems. I would let your friend be there with you the first

time, just in case you are nervous. Her experience with it can only help you.

God bless and stop worrying so much.

Janet in Ca

[Guest guest]

Yeek!!! Betz, take it easy with the self doubt. You already made the big

decision, you're going on a powerful med that could in all probably be your

" fix'er up'er. "

Relax. Perhaps you should go to the doc's office the first time. It will

relieve the anxiety you're experiencing. If anything should go wrong the pro's

are there.

Don't make matters worse by being such a worry wart.

Tell you what, Let us take on your worry and you just relex and get the

shot. I think I can safely say we're rooting for you and we care.

(((Betz)))

Sandy swOhio

[Guest guest]

Hi Betsy,

Thought I'd write and share my experience with you. I am new to

taking Enbrel and had no experience of self injecting. I believe we

all react slightly differently to our disease and to the meds that

we are prescribed to treat it. I take mine in the morning when my

wife is at home, and to get it over and done with, then allow myself

a chocolate bar for being a good little boy. I feel a little hyper

for about two hours after the shot then feel OK. I don't know if

that is down to the Enbrel of the fact that I am still a little

anxious about the shot, or the chocolate even.

I went to the Rhuemy for my first shot and wanted my wife to be with

me because of the unknown. But I drove home afterwards and if she

had felt I had been unfit to drive she would surely have told me.

Maybe it is a case of doing what you feel comfortable with.

Keep the light shining,

Ian.

>

> I am waiting for approval from my HMO for the Enbrel. I'm primed

and

> ready to go. I have watched the DVD, I have my sharps container,

the

> pharmacy has the script...I'm ready. At least I thought I was

until

> I read some things on here this week that made me wonder if I

should

> be more concerned. I do not take my disease lightly, but I do seem

a

> little more gung ho than some of you. I am just tired of walking

> this way and am thankful that there are things out there that

might

> give me some relief from this gait and the pain and fagique.

Because

> I gave myself allergy shots every day for 2 years in my early

20's,

> in the leg right where I'll be doing the Enbrel injections, my

> Rheumy (a wonderful woman) gave me the option of coming into the

> office with my meds for the first injection and letting a nurse

help

> me, or just doing it myself if I was comfortable. I said I'd be

> happy to do it myself and was not worried about it. I also went

> through 8 months of giving a pint of blood a day in 1998 due to a

> blood disorder so needles don't alarm me too much any more. But

now

> I'm wondering....is there a possiblity I will feel ill after this?

> Should I schedule it on a day when my daughter is with her father?

> Is there a possibility that I won't be able to care for her that

> day? Or will I be able to give myself the injection and go on with

> my day? I met a woman in town this week who takes it and she said

> she'd be with me for my first one if I wanted her to. She said she

> felt better in two hours and was afraid to believe it but it's a

> miracle for her. I read on here this week that some get better

over

> time. I'm prepared for that. But maybe I should drop the Helen

Reddy

> routine and let this woman come over for tea that morning and help

> me out. Or should I do it in the evening? If I wait until my

> daughter is with her Dad, then I'll be alone. Should I be alone

when

> I do this? I have neighbors I could call if something should go

> wrong. Should I do it before I go to sleep or in the morning?

Help

> a rookie out....please. I think I have last minute jitters but

still

> smiling through all the questions....

> -Betz

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Betz,

I've been taking Enbrel since mid-2005. Overall, I don't notice any

major issues following injection. I used to feel a bit flushed

immediately afterward for a brief period, but I guess maybe that was

just me...probably my nerves...I've had long-standing war with needles

of all sorts (oddly a bit of it remains after over 10 years of monthly

bloodworks *smile*)...when I was a kid they had to hold me down to give

me shots and now I'm giving them to myself.

A couple of tips though. Ice the spot where you plan to inject for 10

minutes or so ahead of time and ice it after injecting. This tends to

help avoid the most common issue - injection site reaction. In fact, as

I type this I'm sitting here with my leg iced.

Be sure to let the medicine warm up before injecting. Also, it's best

switch up where you inject from one time to the next. For example, I

may inject in the left leg one week, right the next, and then switch to

opposite sides of my stomach for the following two. I tend to have less

reaction on the stomach. The reason for rotating sites is to prevent

the build-up of scar tissue, which was something my pharmacy nurse

suggested I do.

However, with all this said. It might be good to take your first shot

with the lady you mentioned present or while your daughter is being

attended to by her dad - so you have one less thing on your mind and

are not alone if you should happen to be in the MINORITY that does have

an issue. As for most of us, I think we have been able to take it

without any problems.

I started the Enbrel (which I take with MTX pills) following a flare

that lasted over seven months. During that time, I could not make a

fist with either hand and could barely walk due to the swelling of my

toes, feet and knees. The fatigue caused me to crash as soon as I

managed to get home from work nightly. I'm going to be 33 in September

and I've had this since I was 20 (although they originally thought it

to be RA). In fact, I'll have my " anniversary " with good old " Arthur "

in June.

Enbrel has been a Godsend for me. A true miracle and I am thankful for

it every day. My fatigue and condition improved rapidly after starting

it and I hope you will experience the same outcome.

Peace,

Jenn in Arkansas

>

> I am waiting for approval from my HMO for the Enbrel. I'm primed and

> ready to go. I have watched the DVD, I have my sharps container, the

> pharmacy has the script...I'm ready. At least I thought I was until

> I read some things on here this week that made me wonder if I should

> be more concerned. I do not take my disease lightly, but I do seem a

> little more gung ho than some of you. I am just tired of walking

> this way and am thankful that there are things out there that might

> give me some relief from this gait and the pain and fagique.

[Guest guest]

Jenn....thank you for the advise. I took notes. lol. Are you a Mom? How has this

effected your life from age 20-33? I'm happy for you that you found something to

give you a better quality of life. I know the feeling of not being able to make

a fist. Thankfuly for me, that was short lived. But I have not strength in my

hands. If I wanted to smack someone, I'd have to ask them to smash their cheek

into my hand. I drop things constantly. I'm guessing I'm not the only one on

here who has the dropsies. I just try to be extra careful and I know when to say

no to carrying things like trays of food. If you are a Mom, Happy Mother's day

and if you aren't, hug a Mom today.

Thanks again

-Betz

sgrace_otsr <sg_otsr@...> wrote:

Hi Betz,

I've been taking Enbrel since mid-2005. Overall, I don't notice any

major issues following injection. I used to feel a bit flushed

immediately afterward for a brief period, but I guess maybe that was

just me...probably my nerves...I've had long-standing war with needles

of all sorts (oddly a bit of it remains after over 10 years of monthly

bloodworks *smile*)...when I was a kid they had to hold me down to give

me shots and now I'm giving them to myself.

A couple of tips though. Ice the spot where you plan to inject for 10

minutes or so ahead of time and ice it after injecting. This tends to

help avoid the most common issue - injection site reaction. In fact, as

I type this I'm sitting here with my leg iced.

Be sure to let the medicine warm up before injecting. Also, it's best

switch up where you inject from one time to the next. For example, I

may inject in the left leg one week, right the next, and then switch to

opposite sides of my stomach for the following two. I tend to have less

reaction on the stomach. The reason for rotating sites is to prevent

the build-up of scar tissue, which was something my pharmacy nurse

suggested I do.

However, with all this said. It might be good to take your first shot

with the lady you mentioned present or while your daughter is being

attended to by her dad - so you have one less thing on your mind and

are not alone if you should happen to be in the MINORITY that does have

an issue. As for most of us, I think we have been able to take it

without any problems.

I started the Enbrel (which I take with MTX pills) following a flare

that lasted over seven months. During that time, I could not make a

fist with either hand and could barely walk due to the swelling of my

toes, feet and knees. The fatigue caused me to crash as soon as I

managed to get home from work nightly. I'm going to be 33 in September

and I've had this since I was 20 (although they originally thought it

to be RA). In fact, I'll have my " anniversary " with good old " Arthur "

in June.

Enbrel has been a Godsend for me. A true miracle and I am thankful for

it every day. My fatigue and condition improved rapidly after starting

it and I hope you will experience the same outcome.

Peace,

Jenn in Arkansas

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the hug and the encouragement Sandy. I'm really relaxed about the

whole thing but asking if I should be concerned. I am criticized sometimes for

taking things too lightly. I feel that I am informed and have taken the proper

steps and I don't really want to be bothered with being in the doctors office to

take it. I'd prefer for it to be " no big deal " as that's my style. But I also

want to be sensible and safe. I have to be able to take care of my daughter so

I've had to alter my ways a bit and not be so haphazzard. But hey....I'll take

the hug! Some of us will do anything to get a hug, right? lol. I also know that

tensing up will make it harder to go in. Done that before. I'll be fine. Thanks

again. -Betz

muddymeadows@... wrote: Yeek!!! Betz, take it easy with the self doubt.

You already made the big

decision, you're going on a powerful med that could in all probably be your

" fix'er up'er. "

Relax. Perhaps you should go to the doc's office the first time. It will

relieve the anxiety you're experiencing. If anything should go wrong the pro's

are there.

Don't make matters worse by being such a worry wart.

Tell you what, Let us take on your worry and you just relex and get the

shot. I think I can safely say we're rooting for you and we care.

(((Betz)))

Sandy swOhio

[

[Guest guest]

Yeah...I'm ok now. I'm the type who expresses what I'm feeling very matter of

fact like and then I make a decision and move on with it. But I needed to be

sure that I was not missing anything and that I was not being too lack with it.

I tend to take things with a grain of salt and I realized that this is really

serious. I did not take months to decide whether or not to do this. I did not

even take minutes. My doctor said she thought it would help and I said " give me

the needle " . lol. I assumed I'd give myself the shot and go on with my day but

then I read some posts on here and thought that maybe I was being unrealistic. I

think I'll be fine. I've always been very independent....too much so at times. I

am learning the value of asking for help but it has not been easy for me. Silly,

huh? I'm not very good at it but I am confident that given more experience in

it, I'll get better in time. Thank you for responding and for the helpful

advise. I'm taking all of this in. I let

myself become very isolated with my daughters condition and I am vowing not to

do this with the arthritis. I am reaching out to parents of autistic kids now

and not just staying home where it's safe. I LOVE being around people. This is

real growth period for me and I'm embracing it. Most people would think I was

nuts to say that but I think some people on here know what I mean. So when

and I go out, I limp and she talks 90 to nothing. We do not go

un-noticed, that's for sure. I have always chosen to be facinated rather than

frustrated with her differences. Can't really do that with arthritis but I'm not

going to let it be bigger than my spirit is. I have control over that much at

least. I'm going to be ok with the Enbrel. And if it does not work for me then

I'll try something else until I find something that does. I'm so grateful this

site is here so I can get information when I need it and encouragement too.

Thank you Janet. No worries.

-Betz

cameronparkmom@... wrote:

Hi Betsy,

I think you might be letting yourself get a little too worked up. Your

rheumy has pointed out all you need to consider. Don't let some of our fears

exacerbate yours. This could be the miracle you are looking for. I took

Enbrel

for only 2 months back when I had insurance that paid for most of it and I

didn't have that great a response so I quit it. I was also worried about self

injecting, and that is something your not afraid of. I don't think you will

have any problems. I would let your friend be there with you the first

time, just in case you are nervous. Her experience with it can only help you.

God bless and stop worrying so much.

Janet in Ca

[Guest guest]

Thanks Ian. And I'm keeping the light on most definitly. I thought it would be

no big deal and I'd just inject and run out the door. I also thought it would be

a good idea to check it out with some of you. I'm one of those who thinks I'm

going to paint an entire house in a few hours. I'm trying to be more realistic

now days and asking if I should be concerned seem like a logical thing to do.

I'm glad I did. I feel better for doing it. I'm excited about the prospect of

the Enbrel working but I'm also prepared to try something else if it does not.

Thanks for sharing. Chocolate sounds like a good chaser. Wonder if medicaid will

cover that? -Betz

viking_warlock <viking_warlock@...> wrote: Hi Betsy,

Thought I'd write and share my experience with you. I am new to

taking Enbrel and had no experience of self injecting. I believe we

all react slightly differently to our disease and to the meds that

we are prescribed to treat it. I take mine in the morning when my

wife is at home, and to get it over and done with, then allow myself

a chocolate bar for being a good little boy. I feel a little hyper

for about two hours after the shot then feel OK. I don't know if

that is down to the Enbrel of the fact that I am still a little

anxious about the shot, or the chocolate even.

I went to the Rhuemy for my first shot and wanted my wife to be with

me because of the unknown. But I drove home afterwards and if she

had felt I had been unfit to drive she would surely have told me.

Maybe it is a case of doing what you feel comfortable with.

Keep the light shining,

Ian.

[Guest guest]

Thank you Betz,

I love your spirit. I tend to be very independent also, on the outside; on

the inside I am usually a bit nervous and insecure. It wasn't until the

stress of having to sell my house and not being able to live on my own on

disability that I showed the outside world how unsafe I felt. Our strength

comes

when we need it, just like the Footprints poem, when we keep our faith in God

and remember to ask him for help. God bless you and .

Janet in Ca

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the note. It helps knowing that one is not alone in their pain.

You know misery loves company. I have tried all kinds of tricks to feel better.

Some work for a while. It affects my back and hands more than any place else. It

is bad enough to keep me home yesterday and today. Roy

cameronparkmom@... wrote: Thank you Betz,

I love your spirit. I tend to be very independent also, on the outside; on

the inside I am usually a bit nervous and insecure. It wasn't until the

stress of having to sell my house and not being able to live on my own on

disability that I showed the outside world how unsafe I felt. Our strength

comes

when we need it, just like the Footprints poem, when we keep our faith in God

and remember to ask him for help. God bless you and .

Janet in Ca

[

[Guest guest]

Betsy,

I'm not laughing at you I'm laughing with you. I loved where you said you go

out on your merry way with your daughter and your limp. TOO FUNNY! Next time you

are limping around keep in mind that I am right there with you always out

limping around making no exuses for myself and not slowing down somehow with

three little blonde headed girls trailing behind me either talking or fighting

like crazy. I'll think of you tomorrow when I'm volunteering in the second grade

class (limping, of course).

LOL,

Betsy Jack <itsbetsy@...> wrote:

Yeah...I'm ok now. I'm the type who expresses what I'm feeling very matter of

fact like and then I make a decision and move on with it. But I needed to be

sure that I was not missing anything and that I was not being too lack with it.

I tend to take things with a grain of salt and I realized that this is really

serious. I did not take months to decide whether or not to do this. I did not

even take minutes. My doctor said she thought it would help and I said " give me

the needle " . lol. I assumed I'd give myself the shot and go on with my day but

then I read some posts on here and thought that maybe I was being unrealistic. I

think I'll be fine. I've always been very independent....too much so at times. I

am learning the value of asking for help but it has not been easy for me. Silly,

huh? I'm not very good at it but I am confident that given more experience in

it, I'll get better in time. Thank you for responding and for the helpful

advise. I'm taking all of this in. I let

myself become very isolated with my daughters condition and I am vowing not to

do this with the arthritis. I am reaching out to parents of autistic kids now

and not just staying home where it's safe. I LOVE being around people. This is

real growth period for me and I'm embracing it. Most people would think I was

nuts to say that but I think some people on here know what I mean. So when

and I go out, I limp and she talks 90 to nothing. We do not go

un-noticed, that's for sure. I have always chosen to be facinated rather than

frustrated with her differences. Can't really do that with arthritis but I'm not

going to let it be bigger than my spirit is. I have control over that much at

least. I'm going to be ok with the Enbrel. And if it does not work for me then

I'll try something else until I find something that does. I'm so grateful this

site is here so I can get information when I need it and encouragement too.

Thank you Janet. No worries.

-Betz

[Guest guest]

Hi Betz,

Thanx for the reply. Realistic, logical, hmm, I think I gave them

up for Lent the year after I was born. Shame we don't get chocolate

on the NHS, mind you at one time it would have cost them as much to

keep me in chocolate as to prescribe Enbrel. And I never put a

pound in weight on, oh dash, how active I used to be.

Heep the ilght shining,

Ian.

>

> Thanks Ian. And I'm keeping the light on most definitly. I thought

it would be no big deal and I'd just inject and run out the door. I

also thought it would be a good idea to check it out with some of

you. I'm one of those who thinks I'm going to paint an entire house

in a few hours. I'm trying to be more realistic now days and asking

if I should be concerned seem like a logical thing to do. I'm glad I

did. I feel better for doing it. I'm excited about the prospect of

the Enbrel working but I'm also prepared to try something else if it

does not. Thanks for sharing. Chocolate sounds like a good chaser.

Wonder if medicaid will cover that? -Betz

[Guest guest]

Hi Betz!

Anytime, my pleasure.

No, I'm not a mom. Haven't found Mr. Right yet and I'm a wee bit old-

fashioned.

As for hugging a mom, that was easily done since I boomeranged home

after four years of living on my own while teaching high school

I now work as a photographer/reporter/news director - which is partly

to blame for my delayed reply - it's been madness here between

graduation, end of the school year events, the Relay for Life (which

I serve as publicity chair on the steering committee as well as a

team captain) and the Rod Run/SuperCruise this weekend...not to

mention the ten gazillion political profiles I got to write up this

week for next week's election and the 22 page paper I laid out

yesterday...*lol*.

As for the effects from 20-33...the biggest ones have been the

fatigue and the detrimental effects of stress...those things along

with the fact that I would like to have someone to grow old with, but

I know he will have to be a very special person and someone who can

understand that the side effects of some of the meds I'm currenty on

(or have been on in the past) could affect any plans to have

biological kids.

Stress is a big part of why I'm not teaching anymore - I'm certified

to teach four subjects and always ended up teaching core curricula

(primarily English with a nice side of print or broadcast journalism -

which ironically I had ZERO experience in prior to before I went

into teaching - was named yearbook advisor and newspaper advisor at

my first job and had to learn on the fly.) instead of what I got my

degree in and would like to do for a living if I had my way

(Speech/Theatre Arts).

If there's one thing this disease has taught me it is to always

listen closely to my body. I know if I allow myself to get totally

worn out that I get sick and if I get sick I can't take the Enbrel

and Methotrexate. Exhaustion coupled with the fact that I live across

from the local factories and in farming country make me have to keep

an eye on my allergies and sinus troubles - if I miss those meds for

a few days I become very susceptible to getting an infection.

Allowing myself to get ran down also makes me more susceptible to a

flare...and after the one I had before Enbrel I hope I don't see

another one anytime soon. Couldn't hold my brush to brush my hair,

cried at the drop of a hat, had to walk with a cane and consistently

was on the mood swing rollercoaster either crying one minute and

biting someone's head off the next. I've been on the mood coaster

again a bit this week to be honest - too much stress.

Like Crissy & - along with some of the rest of you - I feel

it's hard when your friends/significant other/family don't understand

the illness and why you are so tired all the time. Some of my friends

just can't understand when I promise to come down and then back out

for one PA related reason or another. I haven't seen any of my

friends face to face in a while - working all the time now and living

in a different town from most of them. And as some of you have

mentioned recently - keeping up with friends who are 100% healthy can

be a bit of a challenge.

Lastly, since I suffer from a bit of control freak nature when it

comes to my work (which is hilariously ironic since I'm just about

the most UNORGANIZED person you'd ever meet - 'twas always a comment

on my evals when I was teaching) and have the delusion that

I'm " Princess of the Amazons " (a.k.a. Wonder Woman) - the

hardest lesson for me to learn was to make time for me.

One night, I was chatting with a friend who I hadn't seen face to

face in two years (he also is in the news biz and he works nights

while I usually am working days) and was grousing about how I hadn't

worked on a play I've been writing for a number of years, or picked

up my paintbrushes, woodburning pen, etc. in a very long time. He

just asked me point blank " Why not? " ...

I couldn't really come up with a good reason...I bought some new

paints soon afterward...haven't started my project yet - trying to

finish a cross-stitch in time to put it in the Relay auction on June

3 - don't know if I'll get it done by then or not, but I'm going to

try.

I also started going out to our park to walk around the lake. Haven't

been in a while...but it did wonders for my state of mind.

I haven't had a weekend off in over a month - but this weekend I'm

claiming as MINE. I will ask my co-worker to work the SuperCruise and

50's dance Saturday night so I can get all decked out in my poodle

skirt, polka dot top and saddle oxfords to enjoy the party. Plus I

love old cars - 200 or more will be here as of Friday in our little

town of about 4,000 people. Last year there were around 300 rodders

here.

I didn't mean for this to be so long!

Take care and feel free to email me anytime,

Jenn in Arkansas

>

> Jenn....thank you for the advise. I took notes. lol. Are you a Mom?

How has this effected your life from age 20-33? I'm happy for you

that you found something to give you a better quality of life. I know

the feeling of not being able to make a fist. Thankfuly for me, that

was short lived. But I have not strength in my hands. If I wanted to

smack someone, I'd have to ask them to smash their cheek into my

hand. I drop things constantly. I'm guessing I'm not the only one on

here who has the dropsies. I just try to be extra careful and I know

when to say no to carrying things like trays of food. If you are a

Mom, Happy Mother's day and if you aren't, hug a Mom today.

>

Thanks again

>

-Betz

[Guest guest]

Wow Jenn.....it looks like the Enbrel DID work for you! It made me happy to read

about your accomplishments. You might want to read it yourself....take a step

back and really LOOK at it. It reads pretty well Honey. Seems to me that you are

a little more than old fashioned....you are uncommon, worthy, and valuable. I

don't date much and am hounded for it. Even my daughter wants me to date and

" find someone " . But I understand what you are saying there...it would take a

very special person to deal with what we have on our plate. And then I have this

special child....someone would have to fall in love with her and feel as if he

were meant to help her and be a part of her life rather than just tolerate her.

And then there's the " old fashioned " thing. I'm like you there. But remember, we

are not common and we desire something that is not common. Anyone can find sex.

Wanting more than that and knowing that you are worthy of such a thing is

beautiful. So lets hold on to our values

and ideas. And I'm glad that you are doing so much with your life. When you are

tired....fall asleep being thankful for all that made you tired.

sgrace_otsr <sg_otsr@...> wrote: Hi Betz!

Anytime, my pleasure.

No, I'm not a mom. Haven't found Mr. Right yet and I'm a wee bit old-

fashioned.

As for hugging a mom, that was easily done since I boomeranged home

after four years of living on my own while teaching high school

I now work as a photographer/reporter/news director - which is partly

to blame for my delayed reply - it's been madness here between

graduation, end of the school year events, the Relay for Life (which

I serve as publicity chair on the steering committee as well as a

team captain) and the Rod Run/SuperCruise this weekend...not to

mention the ten gazillion political profiles I got to write up this

week for next week's election and the 22 page paper I laid out

yesterday...*lol*.

As for the effects from 20-33...the biggest ones have been the

fatigue and the detrimental effects of stress...those things along

with the fact that I would like to have someone to grow old with, but

I know he will have to be a very special person and someone who can

understand that the side effects of some of the meds I'm currenty on

(or have been on in the past) could affect any plans to have

biological kids.

Stress is a big part of why I'm not teaching anymore - I'm certified

to teach four subjects and always ended up teaching core curricula

(primarily English with a nice side of print or broadcast journalism -

which ironically I had ZERO experience in prior to before I went

into teaching - was named yearbook advisor and newspaper advisor at

my first job and had to learn on the fly.) instead of what I got my

degree in and would like to do for a living if I had my way

(Speech/Theatre Arts).

If there's one thing this disease has taught me it is to always

listen closely to my body. I know if I allow myself to get totally

worn out that I get sick and if I get sick I can't take the Enbrel

and Methotrexate. Exhaustion coupled with the fact that I live across

from the local factories and in farming country make me have to keep

an eye on my allergies and sinus troubles - if I miss those meds for

a few days I become very susceptible to getting an infection.

Allowing myself to get ran down also makes me more susceptible to a

flare...and after the one I had before Enbrel I hope I don't see

another one anytime soon. Couldn't hold my brush to brush my hair,

cried at the drop of a hat, had to walk with a cane and consistently

was on the mood swing rollercoaster either crying one minute and

biting someone's head off the next. I've been on the mood coaster

again a bit this week to be honest - too much stress.

Like Crissy & - along with some of the rest of you - I feel

it's hard when your friends/significant other/family don't understand

the illness and why you are so tired all the time. Some of my friends

just can't understand when I promise to come down and then back out

for one PA related reason or another. I haven't seen any of my

friends face to face in a while - working all the time now and living

in a different town from most of them. And as some of you have

mentioned recently - keeping up with friends who are 100% healthy can

be a bit of a challenge.

Lastly, since I suffer from a bit of control freak nature when it

comes to my work (which is hilariously ironic since I'm just about

the most UNORGANIZED person you'd ever meet - 'twas always a comment

on my evals when I was teaching) and have the delusion that

I'm " Princess of the Amazons " (a.k.a. Wonder Woman) - the

hardest lesson for me to learn was to make time for me.

One night, I was chatting with a friend who I hadn't seen face to

face in two years (he also is in the news biz and he works nights

while I usually am working days) and was grousing about how I hadn't

worked on a play I've been writing for a number of years, or picked

up my paintbrushes, woodburning pen, etc. in a very long time. He

just asked me point blank " Why not? " ...

I couldn't really come up with a good reason...I bought some new

paints soon afterward...haven't started my project yet - trying to

finish a cross-stitch in time to put it in the Relay auction on June

3 - don't know if I'll get it done by then or not, but I'm going to

try.

I also started going out to our park to walk around the lake. Haven't

been in a while...but it did wonders for my state of mind.

I haven't had a weekend off in over a month - but this weekend I'm

claiming as MINE. I will ask my co-worker to work the SuperCruise and

50's dance Saturday night so I can get all decked out in my poodle

skirt, polka dot top and saddle oxfords to enjoy the party. Plus I

love old cars - 200 or more will be here as of Friday in our little

town of about 4,000 people. Last year there were around 300 rodders

here.

I didn't mean for this to be so long!

Take care and feel free to email me anytime,

Jenn in Arkansas

---

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the compliments, Betz. *blushes*

I've never been a clubber, barfly, etc. I do enjoy concerts,

festivals and live performances of shows...pretty much my entire

circle of friends (male and female) has revolved around 20 years of

theatre work on and off...so *how to say*...I'm not much of a social

butterfly, more of a bookworm/wallflower/daydreamer in some respects

and an old soul/hippie who expresses her ideas/beliefs/opinions far

too loudly from time to time to please those around her.

One of my friends was always trying to fix me up with her old

boyfriends and I always wanted to ask her why it didn't work out for

her and " x " guy. She tried to be a liasion between me and a guy I

used to chat online with in college and that was a disaster. So,

I'm taking another little nugget of her wisdom - stop looking and

they'll show up when you least expect it.

I know what you mean about " the one " would have to love your girl. My

parents split up when I was 10 and my mom always cited that as part

of the reason she didn't date - because she didn't want to end up

with someone who wouldn't treat me right.

It's so true what you said about values. The aforementioned

friend...well, let's just say she had been around the block several

times so-to-speak...when I confided my old-fashioned ideals she

inquired about wanting to be sure that I was compatible with my

potential mate in EVERY way. I told her that I don't want to be

comparing him to a cavalcade of others. Love is more important than

that...

Besides, who wants to wake up and go " Dang...I should've

stayed with guy number 10... " or get married too soon with the

old " if it doesn't work we can get a divorce " attitude? Several of my

friends have rushed into things and are on their second or third

marriage.

I want someone who is going to be in it for the long haul. I know it

may not work out that way, but I still believe in " til death do us

part " .

Peace,

Jenn in Arkansas

>

> Wow Jenn.....it looks like the Enbrel DID work for you! It made me

happy to read about your accomplishments. You might want to read it

yourself....take a step back and really LOOK at it. It reads pretty

well Honey. Seems to me that you are a little more than old

fashioned....you are uncommon, worthy, and valuable. I don't date

much and am hounded for it. Even my daughter wants me to date

and " find someone " . But I understand what you are saying there...it

would take a very special person to deal with what we have on our

plate. And then I have this special child....someone would have to

fall in love with her and feel as if he were meant to help her and be

a part of her life rather than just tolerate her. And then there's

the " old fashioned " thing. I'm like you there. But remember, we are

not common and we desire something that is not common. Anyone can

find sex. Wanting more than that and knowing that you are worthy of

such a thing is beautiful. So lets hold on to our values

> and ideas. And I'm glad that you are doing so much with your life.

When you are tired....fall asleep being thankful for all that made

you tired.

>

>

[Guest guest]

My 6 yr old son has been on Risperdal since before Christmas. Since starting on it he has started having almost daily daytime accidents sometimes 3 or 4 times, none at night. His dr doesn't seem concerned. My son told me yesterday he wishes that wouldn't happen. He has also started going to bed early. He puts himself to bed between 8 and 8:30 a lot of the time. His bedtime is 9:00. That doesn't bother his dr either. He gets really thirsty though not every day and all kids do at times. Diabetes does not run in my family but we know nothing about the paternal side. Does this sound like a combination of his medicine and being a 6 yr old or is this something that should be checked?

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

Hi , Could that be a side effect? I would definatly tell his Dr. Take care, Betty <lisa_leonard@...> wrote: My 6 yr old son has been

on Risperdal since before Christmas. Since starting on it he has started having almost daily daytime accidents sometimes 3 or 4 times, none at night. His dr doesn't seem concerned. My son told me yesterday he wishes that wouldn't happen. He has also started going to bed early. He puts himself to bed between 8 and 8:30 a lot of the time. His bedtime is 9:00. That doesn't bother his dr either. He gets really thirsty though not every day and all kids do at times. Diabetes does not run in my family but we know nothing about the paternal side. Does this sound like a combination of his medicine and being a 6 yr old or is this something that should be checked? Thanks! Take care, Betty __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

, I would pursue it with the Dr. It shouldn't happen all that time. Take care,Betty <lisa_leonard@...> wrote: Thanks for responding. I mentioned his going to bed early to his dr along with the accidents. She didn't say one way or the other if it was the medicine but she didn't seem concerned. I guess I will have to ask her if it is instead of just mentioning that these things are

happening. I assumed the side effects would have gone away by now but I don't know. Re: ( ) Should I be concerned? Hi , Could that be a side effect? I would definatly tell his Dr. Take care, Betty

<lisa_leonard@ sbcglobal. net> wrote: My 6 yr old son has been on Risperdal since before Christmas. Since starting on it he has started having almost daily daytime accidents sometimes 3 or 4 times, none at night. His dr doesn't seem concerned. My son told me yesterday he wishes that wouldn't happen. He has also started going to bed early. He puts himself to bed between 8 and 8:30 a lot of the time. His bedtime is 9:00. That doesn't bother his dr either. He gets really thirsty though not every day and all kids do at times. Diabetes does not run in my family but we know nothing about the paternal side. Does this sound like a combination of his medicine and being a 6 yr old or is this something that should be checked? Thanks! Take care, Betty ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __

[Guest guest]

Thanks. I will. It's nice getting another opinion. I tend to worry too much when it comes to my son.

Re: ( ) Should I be concerned?

Hi ,

Could that be a side effect? I would definatly tell his Dr.

Take care,

Betty

<lisa_leonard@ sbcglobal. net> wrote:

My 6 yr old son has been on Risperdal since before Christmas. Since starting on it he has started having almost daily daytime accidents sometimes 3 or 4 times, none at night. His dr doesn't seem concerned. My son told me yesterday he wishes that wouldn't happen. He has also started going to bed early. He puts himself to bed between 8 and 8:30 a lot of the time. His bedtime is 9:00. That doesn't bother his dr either. He gets really thirsty though not every day and all kids do at times. Diabetes does not run in my family but we know nothing about the paternal side. Does this sound like a combination of his medicine and being a 6 yr old or is this something that should be checked?

Thanks!

Take care,

Betty

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __

[Guest guest]

>

> I've been on the diet for two days now. And a familiar and scary symptom has

come back. Its the reason I went off the diet last time. About 2-5 days into the

diet I have this weird symptom of not being able to sleep.

>

> It feels like when I'm trying to transition from being awake to fully asleep

my breathing/heart slow and I then startle awake. It isn't just the feeling of

insomnia. It's the feeling of my body being in distress.

>

> And last night my hands and feet became numb and I had to shake that off. I'm

also light headed when I stand up from a laying down position.

>

> Does any of this sound like die off to be expected, or does it sound like

something serious is going on that I should look into?

>

> These symptoms ONLY happen when I'm newly on the diet, not when I'm not on the

diet. I just don't know if I happen to have something else going on in my body

in addition to Candida and when on the diet, for some reason, it triggers it.

Like low blood sugar or a thyroid or even sepsis.

>

> Thoughts?

>

> Thank you!

> Janelle

>

Hi Janelle,

I've had the same thing happen to me for years. I know there were times that

it occured during the diet, but I also had it here and there before starting the

diet. However, I have been trying different diets for a longer time.

Anyways, I've had things happen like when I'm just about to fall asleep I get

a vibrating electric type feeling in my head or body and/or paralysis and I have

to force my body to snap out of it. I've tried to just let it take it's course

for a few seconds, but the feeling quickly grows stronger until I feel that if I

don't snap myself out of it, death or something else bad would happen.

I've been on the diet somewhere near a year and I can't remember the last

time it happened. Now that I think about it, it seemed that when I did things

like eating too much coconut oil or increasing garlic really fast it would bring

on these symptoms and other sleep disturbances I've had (Night Terrors,

Paralysis, Terrible Nightmares which I still get when getting strong healing

reactions). So I do think it is caused by toxins being mobilized and/or healing

reactions.

Hope that helps. It's good to know of someone else who has these wierd

problems. Alot of people don't believe me and it's hard to explain...

-

[Guest guest]

Janelle wrote:

Does any of this sound like die off to be expected, or does it sound like

something serious is going on that I should look into?

>

> These symptoms ONLY happen when I'm newly on the diet, not when I'm not on the

diet. I just don't know if I happen to have something else going on in my body

in addition to Candida and when on the diet, for some reason, it triggers it.

Like low blood sugar or a thyroid or even sepsis.

>

> Thoughts?

>

> Thank you!

> Janelle

 

 

+++++  I have had all of those symptoms too, infact I am currently experiencing

the symptoms that you are talking about and too.  I was on the diet and

'fell off the wagon' so to speak.  I am now back on it for 3 days.

I hope that it helps that I have experienced the symptoms that you are talking

about too.

Missy

 

[Guest guest]

>

> I've been on the diet for two days now. And a familiar and scary symptom has

come back. Its the reason I went off the diet last time. About 2-5 days into the

diet I have this weird symptom of not being able to sleep.

>

> It feels like when I'm trying to transition from being awake to fully asleep

my breathing/heart slow and I then startle awake. It isn't just the feeling of

insomnia. It's the feeling of my body being in distress. And last night my hands

and feet became numb and I had to shake that off. I'm also light headed when I

stand up from a laying down position.

>

> Does any of this sound like die off to be expected, or does it sound like

something serious is going on that I should look into?

>

> These symptoms ONLY happen when I'm newly on the diet, not when I'm not on the

diet. I just don't know if I happen to have something else going on in my body

in addition to Candida and when on the diet, for some reason, it triggers it.

Like low blood sugar or a thyroid or even sepsis.

+++Hi Janelle. Of course your body is going to be in distress, and you are

going to experience many symptoms as you cure your candida, which is part of the

healing processes, which are called die-off, detoxifying, healing symptoms or

reactions which fall under the heading of " Herxheimer Reactions " - see this to

understand it better: http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/heal2.php

So yes, they are normal, and you cannot avoid such symptoms in order to get

healthy.

Most people who have candida, and also people who are unhealthy who don't have

candida, can have low blood sugar, thyroid and sepsis - sepsis is caused by

poisons/toxins.

There are Four Reasons Health Fails, whether you have candida or not:

1. Lack of proper nutrition and oxygen.

2. Accumulation of toxins, poisons, and waste.

3. Lowered vitality due to stress, shock, injury, emotional upsets, relationship

or financial worries and concerns, etc.

4. Nutritional status inherited from your parents upon conception.

Therefore the only way to get healthy is to build up the immune system, which is

done by:

1) Consuming " proper nutrients " (my diet plus supplements),

2) Eliminating toxins and foods that feed candida (they also feed bacteria and

cancer),

3) Eliminating damaging foods, and

4) Eliminating toxins in general.

However, if you are concerned see your doctor.

All the best, Bee