New to the Group

[Guest guest]

ever get nails done at a salon thats how i think i got mine the lady i

went o even told me she didnt have good staralizing techniques till they

told her she had to

>From: TINA TOBIAS <tinatobias1019@...>

>Reply-

>

>Subject: Re: [ ] New to the group

>Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2006 12:37:20 -0700 (PDT)

>

>just to let you know, this virus can lay dornmant in your body for over 20

>years. i know. twenty five years ago i was an iv drug user. i never

>shared needles because i'm diabetic. but still, i put down the drugs when

>a friend od. i've never touched the crap again. but 6 months ago i gave

>blood and found out the news. i had given blood before and it never showed

>it's ugly head until now. the doctor told me that all the stressed i have

>been going throught this last year has brought it to the surface. i don't

>know what's in store for me either. i made a mistake years ago when i was

>young, stupid and foolish and will now pay the price. i also have manic

>depression bipolar disorder and have been told that the medications will

>not be good for me. i had to stop taking the depression medication because

>that was affecting my liver. what to do i have no idea. god bless you and

>good luck. so far i have had none.

>

> tina nelson

> san diego california

>

>sulrich20_2004 <sulrich20@...> wrote:

> Hello everyone,

>

>I am new here to your group and hope to find some answers. I have

>just found out 4 days ago that I tested positive for the HEP C anti-

>body. Have to go to a specialist on the 9th for further blood work. I

>have been married to the same man for 20 years - never strayed outside

>the marriage. My husband got his test back and it is negitive. How

>can this be? How could I have picked up the virus. I have read alot

>of information on the web and all the ways they say you pick up the

>virus DO NOT apply to me. I have never shared needles, never had blood

>transfusions, never been a health care worker. NOTHING. I am very

>scared right now as I have no idea what lays ahead for me.

>

>Could someone please help to understand how this happened and what I

>can expect from here.

>

>Thank you

>Sherry

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> " PEACE OUT "

>

>---------------------------------

> Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+

>countries) for 2¢/min or less.

><< Picture306.jpg >>

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi, I'm Shirley. A professional school counselor forced into early

> retirement (37 at the time) last year due to my back problems. I

> have had many of the procedures I see listed on this board. I have

> struggled with severe lower back pain, to the point that I am now

on

> disability. I have arthritis, joint problems in the sacreilic

> joints (sp?), and my lowest two discs are bulging. I am not a

> surgical candidate, and I have had more than one opinion on this.

I

> have also had restless leg syndrome, though an IDET procedure seems

> to have taken care of that for the time being.

>

> The pain that I am in doesn't subside, no matter what I do. I

can't

> imagine what life would be like if I wasn't taking the medication

> that I have. I walk with a cane, but I can't do much for any

length

> of time.

>

> This is all a drastic change for me and for my family. I used to

be

> a very outgoing person and a leader in our school community. Now I

> have become very isolated here at home. I get lonely, but I don't

> go out of my way to get out of the house, either. My family is

very

> supportive. We have taken a huge hit financially, and they are

> taking it as well as I could ever expect.

>

> I just hope for some understanding and support, and I hope to

> someday be able to give some in return.

>

> Shirley J. sen

>

Hi Shirley, I totally understand as most of us do here, what it's

like having your life taken away from you. I use to be very active

too. I have horses & use to ride alot, now all I can do is watch them

in the field. It's relaxing to just watch them, but how I yearn to

ride. I still work, but I'm sure not for long. I suffer from alot of

skeletal & muscular problems, I had about 1 surgery per year the last

7 yrs, plus a few when I was younger. I'm trying very hard not to be

in a wheelchair yet! You just have to try and keep smiling and taking

it as it comes, don't let yourself get depressed. I know it's hard,

but try. I'm happy to hear that your family is supportive. We all

need that in our time of need.

Suzie:)

[Guest guest]

Shirley,

I can definately understand the frustration you feel about not having the same

life as you once did. I too am in that same situation. I am 41 and I have DDD,

spondylitiaias and arthritis in my back. I am still working since I have a sit

down desk job, but its hard since I have a lot of leg pain and weakness.

My doctor is pushing for disability for me, but as long as I can work fairly

pain free I'm fighting not to go on disability. 41 just seems to dang young to

go on SSI.

I have had two back surgeries, a triple lamenectomy in 1998 and a fusion

w/fixation rods and cages in 1999. It helped a little, but I have pain still in

my back and legs. I'm now going through PT and it seems to help somewhat. I am

glad that you have a supportive family, since most don't understand the pain one

feels with back pain. It's very hard to describe what it feels like.

Just know that we all know what you are feeling and are here to help you in any

way we can:-)

Tonja

[Guest guest]

Hi Shirley,

Welcome to the group and I hope you feel the support you need here.

I am sorry to hear of what you are going through.

I can relate to much of what you are saying. My spine problems had

problably begun a long time ago through years of exercise. That is

my belief. I had been into execising since the late '70's and made

sure pretty much every day, I did something, ususally more than one

thing. I was into walking, biking, weights, treadmill, spinning,

step, machines...

My life has changed much also. I have been able to walk more but am

far from what I was. It happened over a year ago and I haven't been

the same, but since May I have gotten some relief from a

chiropractor. He was the only one out of many doctors who looked at

my mri and could see why I'd be in pain. I have multi-level bulging

disks and some arthritis. It is frustrating to not be able to do

what you used to, I totally understand. I'm going to try an

epidural. I hope you find more relief from your pain and are able to

get out of the house a bit. I have been living in my house only a

short time and I know the lonliness too. But I have a great husband

who has stood by me and I'm grateful for each day that I can enjoy.

I wish you the best.

God bless.

~Barbara~

>

> Hi, I'm Shirley. A professional school counselor forced into

early

> retirement (37 at the time) last year due to my back problems. I

> have had many of the procedures I see listed on this board. I

have

> struggled with severe lower back pain, to the point that I am now

on

> disability. I have arthritis, joint problems in the sacreilic

> joints (sp?), and my lowest two discs are bulging. I am not a

> surgical candidate, and I have had more than one opinion on this.

I

> have also had restless leg syndrome, though an IDET procedure

seems

> to have taken care of that for the time being.

>

> The pain that I am in doesn't subside, no matter what I do. I

can't

> imagine what life would be like if I wasn't taking the medication

> that I have. I walk with a cane, but I can't do much for any

length

> of time.

>

> This is all a drastic change for me and for my family. I used to

be

> a very outgoing person and a leader in our school community. Now

I

> have become very isolated here at home. I get lonely, but I don't

> go out of my way to get out of the house, either. My family is

very

> supportive. We have taken a huge hit financially, and they are

> taking it as well as I could ever expect.

>

> I just hope for some understanding and support, and I hope to

> someday be able to give some in return.

>

> Shirley J. sen

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Shirley,

I'm so sorry to hear of your troubles. I hope there is something you

can find that will help you. We never know, the help could be just

around the corner.

My husband was wanting me to postpone my fusion surgery hoping that

there might be a new artificial disc right around the corner, but I

have too much weakness to wait.

Keep your spirits up and think positive thoughts. I've had pain so

debilitating that I thought I couldn't get through the day, but I made it.

God bless,

Dana

[Guest guest]

Suzie,

Although we live in town, I used to ride horses and show them when I

was young. I know what you mean about missing that. There is just

nothing like riding a horse - nothing can replace that feeling.

Thanks for the warm welcome! It's so great to have a friendly

community where there are people who know what kind of experiences I

am having.

Shirley

[Guest guest]

> Just know that we all know what you are feeling and are here to

help you in any way we can:-)

>

> Tonja

>

Tonja,

Thank you for such a friendly welcome!

I had some success with PT, too. If nothing else, I was able to

have some activity. However, the dr. would only agree to 3 weeks of

therapy. I was very disappointed, because some of the therapies

could only be done at the clinic, and they were very helpful.

I had two knee surgeries last year, and during PT for those, we had

to be very careful. It seemed that whatever we did to help rehab my

knees were the exact things that irritated my back condition(s).

It's good to know there are such caring people here - I'm new to the

whole " groups " thing, so have patience Thanks so much for

understanding.

Sincerely,

Shirley sen

[Guest guest]

Dana,

Thank you - I do know the pain that doesn't subside. My hubby is

praying for a multiple disc replacement somewhere in the future. It

isn't done now. Single disc wouldn't help me much. He is very

understanding and wants only the best for me. I'm so blessed to have

such an understanding hubby Thanks for your response. I look

forward to getting to know you and the other folks here on this board.

Sincerely,

Shirley sen

[Guest guest]

You are so very welcome:-)

---- Shirley <beecreekstore@...> wrote:

> > Just know that we all know what you are feeling and are here to

> help you in any way we can:-)

> >

> > Tonja

> >

>

> Tonja,

> Thank you for such a friendly welcome!

>

> I had some success with PT, too. If nothing else, I was able to

> have some activity. However, the dr. would only agree to 3 weeks of

> therapy. I was very disappointed, because some of the therapies

> could only be done at the clinic, and they were very helpful.

>

> I had two knee surgeries last year, and during PT for those, we had

> to be very careful. It seemed that whatever we did to help rehab my

> knees were the exact things that irritated my back condition(s).

>

> It's good to know there are such caring people here - I'm new to the

> whole " groups " thing, so have patience Thanks so much for

> understanding.

>

> Sincerely,

> Shirley sen

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Barbara,

It sounds like we have some things in common! Supportive hubbies are

#1!! Thanks for your warm welcome, Barbara. I can't wait to be an

active member of this great group. You have all convinced me that I

am not alone, and all is not lost!! I am soooo thankful for my little

computer right now!

Sincerely,

Shirley sen

[Guest guest]

You are so welcomed, now I have to go back and see what I said. I have an idea,

lol.

The computer sure does come in handy, doesn't it?

Be well.

Barbara

Shirley <beecreekstore@...> wrote:

Barbara,

It sounds like we have some things in common! Supportive hubbies are

#1!! Thanks for your warm welcome, Barbara. I can't wait to be an

active member of this great group. You have all convinced me that I

am not alone, and all is not lost!! I am soooo thankful for my little

computer right now!

Sincerely,

Shirley sen

[Guest guest]

Hey there,

I can try to tell you what I do, maybe it will work

for you. My son is 22 months and has eaten a lower

carb diet since he started eating solids.

He eats only meat and veggies, and as little juice as

I can give him, plus yogurt. So his diet is not super

strict, but he does not eat grains of any kind, nor

sugar.

He sees what I eat and that helps. I have found that

really mixing the veggies and meat together (he loves

beef) helps me get the veggies down him. So every

meal I feed him is usually a meat/veggie combo.

I also add sea salt and coconut oil to his food which

I feel gives it more nutrition and flavor. He loves

steak and so I make that a lot for him.

But toddlers don't need to eat as much as we think

they do, so if he is refusing food then I just let him

refuse, but I only offer him meat and veggies and

yogurt once or twice a day.. that's it.

He doesn't know what those other foods taste like so

he doesn't know what he is missing. I'm so glad I

started him young.. this really is the best age to get

them eating right.

So if she is refusing veggies, keep offering different

ones, cook them differently (sea salt and coconut oil

or butter make them really tasty and healthy) but

don't offer her the junk she doesn't need.

Just my opinion.

Luv,

Debby

San , CA

--- mwokoek <michelewokoek@...> wrote:

> I understand giving up all bad starches and sugars,

> but how do I

> tell that to an 18 mo. old. We cut out white sugar

> and all refined

> and processed products a couple of years ago, so I

> know we are on

> the right path. So how do I feed a little one who

> is going through

> refusing vegetables stage?

Website for my son Hunter Hudson, born 10/11/04:

http://debbypadilla.0catch.com/hunter/

Today is the most important day.

[Guest guest]

Michele wrote:

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> I am new to this group...but not new to candida.

==>Hi Michele. Welcome to our group.

> I went through a kinesiologist for my 6 year old daughter. In

three months she was cured of her yeast overgrowth (but we followed a

very strict diet while seeing him).

>

> My youngest daughter, now a 1 1/2year old, has had diarreah for

> about 1 month now. She has a red bottom and now developed cold

sores on her mouth as well as red bumps all over. She had tests for

> bacteria and parasites that came up negative.

>

> I understand giving up all bad starches and sugars, but how do I

> tell that to an 18 mo. old. We cut out white sugar and all refined

> and processed products a couple of years ago, so I know we are on

> the right path. So how do I feed a little one who is going through

> refusing vegetables stage?

==>Debby has given you some great advice for sure. She is a seasoned

member of our group and could almost take my place. LOL! Michele,

the first step for you and your family is the read my article that

was sent to you when you joined. Nothing can replace knowledge and

education. There is so much to learn about foods, candida, and the

diet I recommend (which is very different than any others), that we

couldn't possibly write to you in messages. Then read the

one " Candida, How to Get Started " and it will help you plan what

steps to take. Get back to us with any questions after that. We are

here to help you, but please do learn and read first.

Bee

[Guest guest]

>

> Suzie,

> Although we live in town, I used to ride horses and show them when I

> was young. I know what you mean about missing that. There is just

> nothing like riding a horse - nothing can replace that feeling.

>

> Thanks for the warm welcome! It's so great to have a friendly

> community where there are people who know what kind of experiences I

> am having.

>

> Shirley

>

Hi Shirley, yes I miss riding! I try to ride the old mare, but I, lol,

have to use my 4ft ladder to get on! I just found out I can have

surgery for my problem. I just posted about all that a second ago.

Hopefully I can ride next year.

Suzie

[Guest guest]

> Beth....so sorry to read about how bad things have gotten for you and

happy to see that you seem to be in good hands with your hands. I take

Enbrel myself with great success but know nothing of 2 shots a week...

This is an intelligent, caring group and if someone knows, they will

fill you in. Great place for education and encouragement. Glad you

found us. -Betz

>

[Guest guest]

Is there anyone out there with PA

> with psoriasis that takes 2 Enbrel shots per week? If so, has it

> been helpful?

>

> Thanks in advance.

>

> Beth

>

Dear Beth,

I have psoriasis on my hands and feet and PA primarily in my

spine. I started Enbrel injections (50mg 2x wk) about a month ago.

So far I haven't seen much difference in my body. My dr says to wait

a few more weeks to see if it kicks in. If not....we'll look into

remicade.

It is my understanding that it is standard to start psoriasis

patients at 2 shots per week for the first 3 months. Those with PA

or AS are started with 1 shot a week. (Since I have all 3 conditions

I was started on the 2 shots a week schedule.)

Sandi

[Guest guest]

Enbrel took about 6 weeks for me and then Holy Cow did it do the

job. Hang in there a bit and best wishes with it or with the next

med you try...don't give up the fight. -Betz

>

> Is there anyone out there with PA

> > with psoriasis that takes 2 Enbrel shots per week? If so, has

it

> > been helpful?

> >

> > Thanks in advance.

> >

> > Beth

> >

> Dear Beth,

>

> I have psoriasis on my hands and feet and PA primarily in my

> spine. I started Enbrel injections (50mg 2x wk) about a month

ago.

> So far I haven't seen much difference in my body. My dr says to

wait

> a few more weeks to see if it kicks in. If not....we'll look into

> remicade.

>

> It is my understanding that it is standard to start

psoriasis

> patients at 2 shots per week for the first 3 months. Those with

PA

> or AS are started with 1 shot a week. (Since I have all 3

conditions

> I was started on the 2 shots a week schedule.)

>

> Sandi

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Is there anyone out there with PA

> > with psoriasis that takes 2 Enbrel shots per week? If so, has it

> > been helpful?

I took 2 shots of Enbrel for months and it did not do a thing. My

rheumy said I might as well have been taking water. I am going for my

second Remicade infusion on Wednesday and I hope it will start to make

a difference.

Janet

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group Beth...

Love and Peace Always

Shaun and Barb

[Guest guest]

Jill, I'm so sorry you have to join us - but welcome. You'll find a

lot of knowledgeable and caring people here. People who REALLY

understand your fears,frustrations, and pain.

Have you seen a rheumatologist yet? What medications are you taking?

regards,

sherry z

>

> Hi, everyone!

>

> My name is Jill, and I live in Florida. I just turned 29 years

old. I was diagnosed with PA

> one week ago by a GP.

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi, everyone!

>

> My name is Jill, and I live in Florida. I just turned 29 years

old. I was diagnosed with PA

> one week ago by a GP.

Hi Jill,

It is VERY common for women to have symptoms of autoimmune diseases

that come and go, and then after having a baby having a massive flare

up that results in a diagnosis. I had massive flares after having

each of my two boys... at that point, only a lot of meds helped put

me back under control.

PLEASE go see a rheumatologist! I delayed taking a lot of drugs

after my first son was born because I was breastfeeding him for 2

yrs, and 5 yrs later, I ended up needing joint fusion surgery on two

of my fingers from the damage from that time in my life.

I know the feelings about not being able to enjoy your son as you

would like too.... that was the hardest part for me... all the other

mom's were hopping around town to this & that, and I was at home

suffering.

(((hugs)))!!!

-Marietta

[Guest guest]

Hi Jill,

On behalf of the many other members, welcome to the group. You

sound remarkably up-beat. Being upbeat is a personal strength that

I wish upon you if you don't already believe yourself as being. In

terms of wanting and having more energy, I think nearly all people

here can really relate. To get more energy, you may need to try a

number of things, but the most important thing is get yourself

referred to a good rheumatologist. There are a number of

medications that are available that can help with the discomfort,

pain, and lack of energy that you experience. Also, there are some

lifestyle changes that may be beneficial. Going to sites like the

following (which you may have already done) can help you acquaint

yourself with some symptoms, medications and lifestyle changes that

have been beneficicial to others. Just follow the appropriate tabs

and links at the sites.

http://www.psoriasis.org/treatment/psa/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/psoriatic-arthritis/DS00476

http://www.arthritis.ca/custom%20home/default.asp?s=1

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00476.html

You seem to be comfortable with using the computer as you have found

this site rather quickly, so you do the right thing when you cut and

paste or just key words into your browser to find more information.

A word of caution about the quackery and " snake-oil " salesmen: if

something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If something

really worked miracles for all people, we would be talking about it

here and demanding that it be made available for all people with

psoriatic arthritis (PA). If you have questions about anything you

read or experience, don't be afraid to ask them here. Reading

through older postings here will also help you get to know this

disease.

In terms of finding more energy, I have found it most useful to not

fight this disease. Be as flexible as you can with yourself and

your schedules. When you are tired, don't push if you can at all

avoid it. Pushing generally leads to robbing yourself of even

further energy in the future.

Here is my list of good rules to follow in general regarding PA:

Be careful about consuming alcohol;

swimming and low impact exercise and stretching is good;

don't overeat and avoid foods that seem to make you feel worse;

nap when fatigued if you can (like when your baby does);

don't think you need to have a spotless home with everything done

all the time;

simplify your life (so it means less to have to organize);

accept that you probably need to change the way you do some/many

things;

biologics can work wonders for some;

prioritize your life;

love yourself;

ask for help when you need it - feel no guilt or shame for asking;

keep yourself up-to-date regarding treatments as new discoveries are

being made all the time;

recognise that sadness/depression is common with chronic

illness/fatigue, so if you feel that way, it is normal and there are

ways to improve your emotional state;

confusion is also normal symptom for people who have chronic pain,

and there are ways to get through this also;

meditation is good to practise (praying seems to help for those who

are religious).

count your blessings.

I hope this is useful for you and, again, welcome. ...Brent

[Guest guest]

Hi Jill Welcome!

Your story sounds a lot like mine- Only my problems

started around 31. It was in a 2 day period I found

out my 36 year old brother had 3 days to live and

while I flew all night to TN to sit at his bedside I

found out my father in law was in a nearly fatal plane

crash. The combo of that stress set in to motion

something Ill live with forever.

I have 2 boys 4 and 2. NO ENERGY~

BUT- I have been told by several people on here

Provigil is a miracle for the 'no energy'. I asked my

Rheum doc and he basically scoffed me like a druggy

and said that was my GP's problem- go see him.

I hear it is great! One thing you need is a good -

understanding Doc- without that you will unadoubtably

have a very hard time.

You have found a mecca of information in this group-

and a lot of nice people.

Have you started any treatments?

God Bless, Tricia

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

WOW, you guys are great! I feel so incredibly lucky to have found this group

If I sound upbeat, I guess it's because I keep thinking that any day now I'm

going to feel

better...that life will become enjoyable again.

I know that I need to go and see a rheumatologist. Believe me, that's all that

I can think

about. I don't have insurance, though. I should be getting it soon through my

husband's

job, but I don't know what happens now that I've been diagnosed. I just

couldn't wait any

longer to find out what was wrong with me. Is it a " pre-existing condition "

that will make

it impossible to get covered? I don't know how any of this works. If I have to

find one on

my own (and pay for it myself), how would I go about finding a good one?

I'm sure that I have more questions...but I'm too drained to think of anything

else right

now.

Thank you for all of your thoughtful responses!

Jill

>

> Hi Jill,

> On behalf of the many other members, welcome to the group. You

> sound remarkably up-beat. Being upbeat is a personal strength that

> I wish upon you if you don't already believe yourself as being. In

> terms of wanting and having more energy, I think nearly all people

> here can really relate. To get more energy, you may need to try a

> number of things, but the most important thing is get yourself

> referred to a good rheumatologist. There are a number of

> medications that are available that can help with the discomfort,

> pain, and lack of energy that you experience. Also, there are some

> lifestyle changes that may be beneficial. Going to sites like the

> following (which you may have already done) can help you acquaint

> yourself with some symptoms, medications and lifestyle changes that

> have been beneficicial to others. Just follow the appropriate tabs

> and links at the sites.

>

> http://www.psoriasis.org/treatment/psa/

>

> http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/psoriatic-arthritis/DS00476

>

> http://www.arthritis.ca/custom%20home/default.asp?s=1

>

> http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00476.html

>

> You seem to be comfortable with using the computer as you have found

> this site rather quickly, so you do the right thing when you cut and

> paste or just key words into your browser to find more information.

> A word of caution about the quackery and " snake-oil " salesmen: if

> something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If something

> really worked miracles for all people, we would be talking about it

> here and demanding that it be made available for all people with

> psoriatic arthritis (PA). If you have questions about anything you

> read or experience, don't be afraid to ask them here. Reading

> through older postings here will also help you get to know this

> disease.

>

> In terms of finding more energy, I have found it most useful to not

> fight this disease. Be as flexible as you can with yourself and

> your schedules. When you are tired, don't push if you can at all

> avoid it. Pushing generally leads to robbing yourself of even

> further energy in the future.

>

> Here is my list of good rules to follow in general regarding PA:

>

> Be careful about consuming alcohol;

> swimming and low impact exercise and stretching is good;

> don't overeat and avoid foods that seem to make you feel worse;

> nap when fatigued if you can (like when your baby does);

> don't think you need to have a spotless home with everything done

> all the time;

> simplify your life (so it means less to have to organize);

> accept that you probably need to change the way you do some/many

> things;

> biologics can work wonders for some;

> prioritize your life;

> love yourself;

> ask for help when you need it - feel no guilt or shame for asking;

> keep yourself up-to-date regarding treatments as new discoveries are

> being made all the time;

> recognise that sadness/depression is common with chronic

> illness/fatigue, so if you feel that way, it is normal and there are

> ways to improve your emotional state;

> confusion is also normal symptom for people who have chronic pain,

> and there are ways to get through this also;

> meditation is good to practise (praying seems to help for those who

> are religious).

> count your blessings.

>

> I hope this is useful for you and, again, welcome. ...Brent

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna,

Engaged to a triathelete? I think you are the second person at this

site this week who has said that her spouse (or-soon-to-be) is such.

If you can have a home-based business that will not nag at you when

you need rest, then I think it can be a very wise thing for a person

with this disease: a home-based business can save you lots of driving

and having to live by others' schedules. Anyhow, welcome to the

group. I am glad you have been reading the posts. I, therefore won't

post all of the stuff I just sent Jill. Have you seen a

rheumatologist?