New to Group

[Guest guest]

How did it get out of your body and on the bedsheet?

Leo

-------------------

>

> Hi everyone,

>

>

>

> I am brand new to the group, although not new to Dr. 's

protocols. I have the most amazing story to tell about her zapper.

I've been suffering with Leaky Gut Syndrome, candidiasis and more

symptoms than I can count for going on 12 years (although with the

help of Dr. 's book, The Cure for All Diseases and several other

steps I've taken, I've dramatically improved over the last year to the

point where I have some days now that are almost completely

symptom-free.

>

>

>

> Anyway, back to the zapper...I was in a particularly desperate

period and, while I'd heard of the zapper, I hadn't yet read anything

in-depth about it. ly, it sounded too bizarre and I didn't think

it could possibly be a real, effective tool. Nonetheless, being

desperate and having just read Dr. 's very persuasive explanation

of how the zapper works, I went to Radio Shack, bought the parts and

decided to give it a try. The first few days, not much happened and,

to tell the truth I was starting to feel a little foolish. The third

morning after I'd begun, I woke up and upon getting out of bed, I saw

something moving on my sheets. I leaned over and looked closely and

the hair on the back of my neck stood up!!! There on my sheet was a

quarter-inch long Sheep's Liver Fluke. It was still alive and it's

eyeless head was extending out from the shell-like body and it's mouth

was open and the neck was moving like it was looking for something to

attach itself to. The reason I know it

> was a Sheep's Liver Fluke is that I scooped it up with a piece of

paper and held it next to the picture in the book.

>

>

>

> Now, according to my doctor at the time (I've since given him the

boot as he obviously doesn't know what he's talking about), it is

impossible for someone such as me who has never been outside the

United States to be infected with Sheep's Liver Flukes. I feel very

fortunate to have actually seen one of these disgusting creatures

because ever since then I am a whole-hearted believer in what Dr.

teaches. I just thought I'd share this with the group.

>

>

>

> In closing, I have one question. I have been losing a significant

amount of hair over the last few years. My doctors have unanimously

agreed that it's just male pattern baldness developing. However, as

I've repeatedly told them, it falls out, then grows back, then falls

out again. I've recently started taking zinc supplements along with a

hair, skin and nails supplement and I've seen a fairly significant

amount of regrowth but it seems to get to a certain point and then

stops. I also had lost virtually all of the hair on my forearms and

some patches on my legs along with thinning of my eyebrows and almost

complete loss of my eyelashes (Oh yeah, that sounds like male pattern

baldness to me. What do ya think? I've also been taking Armour

Thyroid for about a year although the hair loss has come and gone for

several years. Any suggestions?

>

>

>

> Thanks. And I look forward to participating in the group. By the

way, I found the group through a link from a very nasty, mean-spirited

anti-Dr. website. I wonder who's paying their bills? Maybe the

AMA and the pharmaceutical industry?

>

>

>

> Talk to you soon.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

As disgusting as it sounds, I guess it just crawled out. That's the only thing I

can think of. I guess the environment inside was just too uncomfortable.

regehr2001 <leoelfie@...> wrote:How did it get out of your body and

on the bedsheet?

Leo

-------------------

>

> Hi everyone,

>

>

>

> I am brand new to the group, although not new to Dr. 's

protocols. I have the most amazing story to tell about her zapper.

I've been suffering with Leaky Gut Syndrome, candidiasis and more

symptoms than I can count for going on 12 years (although with the

help of Dr. 's book, The Cure for All Diseases and several other

steps I've taken, I've dramatically improved over the last year to the

point where I have some days now that are almost completely

symptom-free.

>

>

>

> Anyway, back to the zapper...I was in a particularly desperate

period and, while I'd heard of the zapper, I hadn't yet read anything

in-depth about it. ly, it sounded too bizarre and I didn't think

it could possibly be a real, effective tool. Nonetheless, being

desperate and having just read Dr. 's very persuasive explanation

of how the zapper works, I went to Radio Shack, bought the parts and

decided to give it a try. The first few days, not much happened and,

to tell the truth I was starting to feel a little foolish. The third

morning after I'd begun, I woke up and upon getting out of bed, I saw

something moving on my sheets. I leaned over and looked closely and

the hair on the back of my neck stood up!!! There on my sheet was a

quarter-inch long Sheep's Liver Fluke. It was still alive and it's

eyeless head was extending out from the shell-like body and it's mouth

was open and the neck was moving like it was looking for something to

attach itself to. The reason I know it

> was a Sheep's Liver Fluke is that I scooped it up with a piece of

paper and held it next to the picture in the book.

>

>

>

> Now, according to my doctor at the time (I've since given him the

boot as he obviously doesn't know what he's talking about), it is

impossible for someone such as me who has never been outside the

United States to be infected with Sheep's Liver Flukes. I feel very

fortunate to have actually seen one of these disgusting creatures

because ever since then I am a whole-hearted believer in what Dr.

teaches. I just thought I'd share this with the group.

>

>

>

> In closing, I have one question. I have been losing a significant

amount of hair over the last few years. My doctors have unanimously

agreed that it's just male pattern baldness developing. However, as

I've repeatedly told them, it falls out, then grows back, then falls

out again. I've recently started taking zinc supplements along with a

hair, skin and nails supplement and I've seen a fairly significant

amount of regrowth but it seems to get to a certain point and then

stops. I also had lost virtually all of the hair on my forearms and

some patches on my legs along with thinning of my eyebrows and almost

complete loss of my eyelashes (Oh yeah, that sounds like male pattern

baldness to me. What do ya think? I've also been taking Armour

Thyroid for about a year although the hair loss has come and gone for

several years. Any suggestions?

>

>

>

> Thanks. And I look forward to participating in the group. By the

way, I found the group through a link from a very nasty, mean-spirited

anti-Dr. website. I wonder who's paying their bills? Maybe the

AMA and the pharmaceutical industry?

>

>

>

> Talk to you soon.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

The book I have called Minerals kill or cure has a tale of how a scientist

decided to try taking zinc himself and his bushy eyebrows thinned and looked

young again

Are you eating according to your blood type as that helps improve nutrition? The

local health shop does a test for blood type for £5 As animal make lots more

vit C than us I suspect we should be eating lots more fruit than we do.

Liz

[Guest guest]

Dear Nani,

First of all, welcome to this board. I think you, like the rest of

us, will come to find it to be very very helpful - for me it is like

a lifeline (I joined about a month ago and have had this almost 2

years and my symptoms seem very similar to yours). People who are

not dealing with this have no yardstick to use to understand what it

is to have this yucky disease. That is why this support system is so

helpful - everyone here knows first hand.

Be angry - we've all been there and at times still are. Don't let

the horror stories scare you - some of us have it more severely than

others. I too have been so disgusted with my body giving out on me -

life's not fair some times but then none of us were ever given

lifetime guarantees either. I truly believe we are never dealt with

more than we can bear (though at times it makes one wonder.... just a

bit of levity there...). My advice to you is first educate

yourself. Second, own the disease. If you own it you are empowered

and it will then not be able to own you. Lastly, tap into this board

and all the helpful information in the links, newsletters etc. Once

the fear of it is diminished, it is easier to deal with daily life.

About a month ago there were quite a few posts regarding dating - as

a suggestion, go back to those posts and read them. Yes, having this

disease makes dating more difficult, but it is not impossible. YOu

would want someone who would love all of you in any event - sausage

fingers and all. Just please don't give up and think your life is at

an end. We are all here for you.

Best of luck on getting back on the meds. It is almost August 1st.

Take care Nani,

[Guest guest]

> am scared that I will one day be disabled by this disease, resent the

> fact that I am just not able to participate in activities I once enjoyed!!

Hi Nani - Welcome to the group - this is a great place for venting out your

fears and frustrations and hopefully getting some useful advice. I think all of

us have probably been where you are now with the anger and uncertainty. The

best possible thing you can do right now is to take one day at a time and do

what you can manage in that day without worrying about whether you will be able

to enjoy those things in the future. Enbrel has had great results for some of

us, fair results for some, and no results for others - hope for the best and try

to see a bright side. For instance, I can't do my mile walks anymore, but I

haven't had to use my walker for over a year! Yay! I even took it out of the

car and hid it in the basement.

Enjoy each day as it comes and try to come to grips with living in the moment

rather than stressing over the future.

Glad to have you with us

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry you've had so much trouble with the insurance. I used to belong

to an HMO when I developed PA, and they gave me @#$ before finally

approving Enbrel. Then they required reauthorization like every six

months. I finally switched to a PPO ... costs more out of pocket but worth

it cos I get my meds approved much more easily.

Last night during chat we talked about the grieving process and how

important it is to acknowledge our need to grieve (even more than once if

our condition worsens) and honor the process as part of our healing. It's

ok to be angry ... just don't get bogged down in the anger. Use it to fuel

your motivation to make something of your life. My career is in shambles

and I was angry and depressed when I realized that my rising star had

crashed big time. At first I told myself that I could do consulting and

research on my own, but eventually I realized that I needed to let it all

go and if the time came when I could do it again, fine. In the meantime, I

needed to find some new motivations. All those years that I devoted to

getting three college degrees and climbing my way up the professional

ladder, I never gave myself time to develop my latent artisitic skills.

I've done that since being on disability retirement, and when I have my

good days I indulge myself in my painting and other creative endeavors.

It's been a real joy and very rewarding and very healing. I also have been

indulging in my love for reading .... there were years when I would almost

never read for pure fun, so it's been a good reward for me now.

I developed rheumatoid arthritis first when I was 14. (sorry this is not

in chronological order :-) ) It got worse over the years, and when the

day came that I could no longer water ski, which was the love of my life

and something I was very good at, I broke down. It was very difficult to

go off to college and not be able to do everything that everyone else did

physically, so I poured myself into other activities on campus. When I

went into remission in my late 20s, I got physical with a vengeance. I

took up weight lifting, rollerblading, snow skiing ... you name it! I went

through the grief cycle all over again when I developed PA five years ago.

The day I sold my blades and skis was the day that I knew I had reached a

level of acceptance. It still hurt, though.

Another topic that came up during chat was that of quality of life versus

avoiding future health problems and/or side effects. I know at times I

have to decide that if I am going to try to avoid side effects and health

risks, at what cost? What quality of life will I have in the meantime if

doing so limits my activities and enjoyment of life? It's a hard decision

and there are never easy answers. Hang in there, kiddo. We've all been

there one way or another, and I know the great people on this list will do

all they can to help and support you, as will I!

Jo

[Editor's Note: Jo: Amen. Thanks for your reflections. I recalled my own onset

of PA (diagnosed as RA; no P component, back then) at 17, just before I started

my freshman year of college on a swimming (i.e., diving) scholarship at one of

the nation's NCAA swimming powerhouses. I recalled getting out of the hospital

on crutches; I remember a week later, when I put on my (swim)suit, went to the

pool, walked out on the 3-meter Duraflex (spring)board, and did a miniscule

bounce, and grimaced at the pain; then tried a bigger bounce, and when my feet

hit the board again it felt like hot, dull knives had been pushed through my

knees and ankles. And I remember the chaotic blizzard of thoughts, as I turned

around, painfully walked back to the ladder and got down from the wrong end of

the board. You reminded me of that little life-defining moment, and how I had,

long ago, been offered that opportunity to find out, for better or for worse,

just whom I was going to be, now...

I really got something out of your post. Thanks again.

D.

On Wed, 30 Jul 2003 11:19:54 -0000, Nani <nrssrbtr@...> wrote:

+

> Hello All...

>

> First I must admit, reading some of your stories really scares the crap

> out of me. I am 27 and was diagnosed with PA almost 2 yrs ago. I tried

> Celebrex, and Azulfidine but had no results. I then went on to MTX...I

> steadily increased my MTX dose over the next year until I was under

> fairly good control at 20mg/week. My insurance approved Enbrel for me,

> and I chose to go off MTX to give the Enbrel a try. Unfortunately, my

> medical insurance changed shortly thereafter and I couldn't afford the

> Enbrel. I found a new job with better prescription coverage, and am

> almost through the longest 90 days of my life. (My PA decided to flare-up

> pretty bad during my waiting period for my benefits.) My new medical

> insurance kicks in Aug. 1 and I will be able to start back on meds!! I am

> writing this mostly because I would like to get your input as to what I

> can expect in the future, tips for dealing, and just about any advice you

> see fit! I would one day like to have children, and am trying to avoid

> the more toxic treatments like MTX, Remicade..etc. ( I am worried about

> having taken these things and the possible damage to my liver, kidneys,

> etc.) I feel very angry, and betrayed by my own body!! I had been very

> healthy my entire life...until my first real flare-up. I am scared that I

> will one day be disabled by this disease, resent the fact that I am just

> not able to participate in activities I once enjoyed!! (Dancing the night

> away with my friends at the club, hiking, etc)I am also trying to date

> and hopefully find " the one, " but am sometimes embarassed by some of my

> symptoms...deformed fingers, fat sausage toes, stiffness after sitting

> down to dinner/movie/etc. I miss the energy I used to have, and am

> sometimes depressed about this whole thing! SO...now that I have griped

> away..thanks in advance for reading and for your advice!

>

>

>

--

Using M2, Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/m2/

[Guest guest]

Nani:

I thought that my life (at least the marriage and children part) was

over when I was dx at 30 with PA. But at 32 I got married, I have since

had two terrific boys. It's hard at times because young boys need a

mother with lots of energy...or so I thought. I however have two very

active boys, but very caring " men in training " who understand that not

everyone is perfect -- inside or out. Do I wish I could change

things? YES Do I wish they had a cure for PA? YES Will I stop

living me life as fully as I possible can? NO!!!!!

You will find your niche in life, but just take each day as it comes.

Don't worry about the future.

[Editor's Note: Right on, ! More than one rheumatologist has told me that

it's the patients who stand the strongest, who refuse to be beaten, who are the

most stoic in the face of this tough malady of ours, who have the best outcomes.

D.]

--

Lee (Bull) Suttle

kleebull@...

Richmond, California

http://www.kleebull.com/

================================================================================\

=

[Guest guest]

Beautifully said, ! Your sons will also not only learn compassion for

others, but also learn some valuable coping skills for their own lives,

especially perseverence and a positive attitude. Lucky boys!

Jo

On Wed, 30 Jul 2003 15:39:22 -0700, Bull-Suttle

<kleebull@...> wrote:

> I however have two very active boys, but very caring " men in training "

> who understand that not everyone is perfect -- inside or out. Do I wish

> I could change things? YES Do I wish they had a cure for PA? YES

> Will I stop living me life as fully as I possible can? NO!!!!!

[Guest guest]

Hi Jo,

What caused this remission in your late 20's to happen, and how long did it

last? So you had PA from 14 to late 20's with no remission, and then all of the

sudden a remission? If this is so, then that at least gives me hope that one

day I MIGHT have a remission. Oh, how I would love that! Do you know what

caused the remission to end? Stress? Life Change? etc?

In a message dated 7/30/03 9:12:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

Joliedel@... writes:

<< When I

went into remission in my late 20s, I got physical with a vengeance. I

took up weight lifting, rollerblading, snow skiing ... you name it! I went

through the grief cycle all over again when I developed PA five years ago.

The day I sold my blades and skis was the day that I knew I had reached a

level of acceptance. It still hurt, though. >>

[Guest guest]

A truer statement has never been typed, IMO. They just have NO

clue. And it's the little things that frustrate me, such as when

recently a friend invited me to join her and another friend to get a

pedicure. Now as much as I would have enjoyed that little bit of

decadence, there is no way I'm allowing anybody to touch my right

foot. I wear shoes 3 sizes too big so there's no pressure on the

toes on that foot, and the thought of somebody having their hands on

my toes sends shivers down my spine. I explained this to my friend

but she just didn't get it. She kept saying It doesn't hurt! I

went so far as to take off my shoe and show her how 3 of the toes on

that foot are curled under and swollen, she still refused to believe

that I was passing on this opportunity to go out with the girls. A

few days later she tried to get my husband to talk me into it. He

explained about my toes as well but she doesn't seem to want to

accept that I'm not going.

I realize this is a minor thing, but the point I'm trying to make

is, unless you've been there, you just don't " get " this disease and

that fact sometimes makes it very difficult for us to function in

the real world. I'm very thankful for this group, I know you get it.

Penny

[Editor's Note: It may be that, for the most part, at least what they can see of

us fully clothed and otherwise compensating, we look " normal " . It may be that we

lack some gross deformity in the center of our foreheads. It may be that when

people hear " arthritis " , all they can think of granny's little aches and pains,

or of their own minor (miniscule, to us) tweaks, and twinges (you know; we've

all heard this response: " Oh yeah, I think must have arthritis too, you know; my

shoulder/knee/wrist was sooo stiff last week. " And then they see us as

complainers, shirkers, malingerers, hypochondriacs, never understanding that the

irony of it is, just how far we push ourselves to BE as near " normal " in other's

eyes as we can be.

I remember how I used to try to explain it this way: " Imagine PA is really

polio, paralysis, except our paralysis isn't nerves ( & muscles, etc.) not

working, it's excruciating pain that limits movement. It's the Tin Man, in The

Wizard of Oz, before Dorothy's Oil Can. "

I don't know if that ever got through to people. I do know they almost always

" just don't get it. " I do know we mustn't believe them. And that's where our

group comes in. Just reflect on how you felt when you first found it (There are

people like me!!! OBoy!! There are people who know, even before open my mouth to

explain!! "

D.]

People who are

> not dealing with this have no yardstick to use to understand what

it

> is to have this yucky disease. That is why this support system is

so

> helpful - everyone here knows first hand.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, that's a good analogy. I may use that as an explanation myself

someday!

Penny

> , the " Tin Man " is right on target. I've often

> had that thought as I lurch through my office and

> co-workers say " now what's wrong with you? " No, they

> don't get it. They don't understand that this is

> something that will go away if I just go to the

> chiropracter! Oh, if they could walk (hobble) in our

> shoes for one day...

[Guest guest]

--So true and Penny,

I have often wished our disease had a different name since Arthritis

sounds minor to most people. Any ideas for a more descriptive name?

Marti

[Guest guest]

[ ] Re: New to Group

> I have often wished our disease had a different

> name since Arthritis sounds minor to most people.

> Any ideas for a more descriptive name?

If I am ever asked what is wrong with me (when I'm

limping or whatever), or if it comes up with someone

I don't know, I always specify that I have

inflammatory arthritis. If you say psoriatic

arthritis, they don't know what that is, but somehow

inflammatory arthritis seems to send the message to

them that it isn't ordinary degenerative arthritis

and is something more serious. And if they know

anything about rheumatoid, they will often ask if it

is rheumatoid arthritis, to which I reply that it's

not, but is very similar.

I definitely agree, however, that people don't

really understand. Especially when you hear stats

like that 7 in 10 North Americans has or will have

arthritis at some point in their lives, and when

they hear granny complaining about her achey fingers

or whatever... they don't appreciate that it's

something very serious and painful. But for me, the

" inflammatory " designation does seem to help a

*little* bit in getting the message across.

[Guest guest]

LOL! We could make a video along the lines of 's

Thriller, all of us sort of lurching thru town.

Penny

> While reading your post a mental image sprung to mind of a dozen

or

> so 0of us " tin manning " our way down the street towards some

> unsuspecting " normal " people... and the shocked looks on their

> faces! Now wouldn't that be fun! LOL We could name it Tin Man

> Alley! (Just a wee bit of levity to get our day started!!!)

>

> K

[Guest guest]

I can think of a few but they'd probably be censored out of my

message, hehehe.

Penny

> --So true and Penny,

> I have often wished our disease had a different name since

Arthritis

> sounds minor to most people. Any ideas for a more descriptive

name?

> Marti

[Guest guest]

-- I always specify that I have

> inflammatory arthritis. If you say psoriatic

> arthritis, they don't know what that is, but somehow

> inflammatory arthritis seems to send the message to

> them that it isn't ordinary degenerative arthritis

> and is something more serious.

Thanks , I'll try that one. Noticed my new rheum put down

inflammatory polyarthritis for my diagnosis. I think this helps with

insurance claims. Marti

[Guest guest]

> I can think of a few but they'd probably be censored out of my

> message, hehehe.

>

> Penny

>

>HAHA We definitely need that cartoonist Ron mentioned-Tin Men and

Women,mountains of pillows, and that description you can't say

represented visually. LOL

Marti

[Editor's Note: Ya never know--about the censorship...maybe the moderator will

have a good sense of humor... ;-)

D.

[Guest guest]

Oh how I relate to the " rolling of the eyes " ..... My greatest

support is from my folks, yet every once in awhile my Mom will

say " it would probably be best if you don't discuss things like this

with your husband " (no kidding - most of you will know why) to which

I reply, " no, I don't talk about it to him " and my Mom will then

say " oh that's why you go on about it with us " (which makes me feel I

need to shut up about it to them too....). She has admitted to me

that she is in denial to some extent - thinks she's of the mentality

that arthritis can only hit little ol' grannies with gnarled fingers

from too much knitting.... how could it happen to someone so

young.... imagine we have all heard the " oh, but you are soooo

young to have arthritis " bs..... we have each other - we can all

rejoice in that.

Take care everyone,

> It is so good to hear others going through this too! I hear from

my

> friends, co-workers and family too at times " what's wrong now? " or

I

> see the rolling of the eyes. Funnily (not really) enough the only

> time they truly seem to get it is if they can see swelling or

> something then it's like they believe there is a problem. Anyway,

> it's good not to be alone.

>

> Thank you all!

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks ALOT! Now I've got that song running through my head.... too

too funny - can't you just see it! Thank goodness we can all still

laugh at ourselves. Sure makes things easier!

Have a great one!

> > While reading your post a mental image sprung to mind of a dozen

> or

> > so 0of us " tin manning " our way down the street towards some

> > unsuspecting " normal " people... and the shocked looks on their

> > faces! Now wouldn't that be fun! LOL We could name it Tin Man

> > Alley! (Just a wee bit of levity to get our day started!!!)

> >

> > K

[Guest guest]

LOL! Yeha, I had it going thru my head all day too. But it is a

funny mental image, isn't it!!!!!

Penny

> > LOL! We could make a video along the lines of 's

> > Thriller, all of us sort of lurching thru town.

> >

> > Penny

[Guest guest]

That's great! I hope your painlessness continues!

Penny

> I'm not lurching today, I haven't felt this good in

> ages - only minor back pain today. I had a shot in my

> spine yesterday and Enbrel in the evening (a total of

> 9 needle picks yesterday as neither the doctors

> assistant (2 tries) nor the great doctor himself (4

> tries) could get an i.v. in my " tiny " veins. I'm a

> bruised pincusion today, but atleast I'm feeling good

> for traveling and hoping for a pain-free vacation!

> Jane

[Guest guest]

Nani,

I know how you feel all to well. My best advice for you is don't let

it depress you, and try to stay as active as you can. I just turned

25. I had symptoms for years but no one knew what was wrong. Finally,

I went to the right doctor, I was dianosed with PA when I was 21. I

have been having other medical issues in conjuntion with the pa so it

has not been an easy road. I had gone off all meds except for an

NASID, but recently I had to go back on Azulfidine, we are picking it

up slowly, but it makes me not want to eat. Anyway, I just wanted to

write you because I can relate to you. (we are close in age) Where do

you live. Thankfully I live in FL. So the winters dont' kill me. LOL!

Good luck! Oh, one more thing, I have found that avoiding any

conditioners and lotions that have cetyl and stearyl alcohol helps

the skin a lot. I use Nivea body lotion, it has lanolin alcohol but

it doesn't dry out my skin. The only conditioners I have found with

out those ingredients are spray in conditioners and of course there

are a few in the health food stores. I hope something in here will

help you.

Sincerely,

Keli

> Hello All...

>

> First I must admit, reading some of your stories really scares

the

> crap out of me. I am 27 and was diagnosed with PA almost 2 yrs ago.

I

> tried Celebrex, and Azulfidine but had no results. I then went on

to

> MTX...I steadily increased my MTX dose over the next year until I

was

> under fairly good control at 20mg/week. My insurance approved

Enbrel

> for me, and I chose to go off MTX to give the Enbrel a try.

> Unfortunately, my medical insurance changed shortly thereafter and

I

> couldn't afford the Enbrel. I found a new job with better

> prescription coverage, and am almost through the longest 90 days of

> my life. (My PA decided to flare-up pretty bad during my waiting

> period for my benefits.) My new medical insurance kicks in Aug. 1

and

> I will be able to start back on meds!! I am writing this mostly

> because I would like to get your input as to what I can expect in

the

> future, tips for dealing, and just about any advice you see fit! I

> would one day like to have children, and am trying to avoid

> the more toxic treatments like MTX, Remicade..etc. ( I am worried

> about having taken these things and the possible damage to my

liver,

> kidneys, etc.) I feel very angry, and betrayed by my own body!! I

had

> been very healthy my entire life...until my first real flare-up. I

am

> scared that I will one day be disabled by this disease, resent the

> fact that I am just not able to participate in activities I once

> enjoyed!! (Dancing the night away with my friends at the club,

> hiking, etc)I am also trying to date and hopefully find " the one, "

> but am sometimes embarassed by some of my symptoms...deformed

> fingers, fat sausage toes, stiffness after sitting down to

> dinner/movie/etc. I miss the energy I used to have, and am

sometimes

> depressed about this whole thing! SO...now that I have griped

> away..thanks in advance for reading and for your advice!

[Guest guest]

I've been reading past postings and this one and ones about getting

acknowledgement for the severity of this disorder sent my fertile

mind going - we should call it TinMan Arthritis. (Okay - you know

what fertilizer is, what more can you expect?) GGGGGG

JudiRose

> > While reading your post a mental image sprung to mind of a dozen

> or

> > so 0of us " tin manning " our way down the street towards some

> > unsuspecting " normal " people... and the shocked looks on their

> > faces! Now wouldn't that be fun! LOL We could name it Tin Man

> > Alley! (Just a wee bit of levity to get our day started!!!)

> >

> > K

[Guest guest]

Reading old posts sounds like a good idea. So, I went to the group

website and found 13,704 posts - that a whole lotta posts to read

through. Also, the first 2,699 are empty and are dated before group

was formed. Still, 11,000+ posts is a little daunting reading task

for me.

[Guest guest]

> Reading old posts sounds like a good idea. So, I went to the group

> website and found 13,704 posts - that a whole lotta posts to read

> through. Also, the first 2,699 are empty and are dated before group

> was formed. Still, 11,000+ posts is a little daunting reading task

> for me.

Older posts has been purged by at various times. 11,000 posts

is alot but you won't need to read anywhere near all of them. We

recycle the same basic topics over and over again. You might also

choose to ignore threads whose subject matter is not of immediate

interest. There is a Search Archive facility on the website that can

be useful. Of course you have to know what terms are suitable to

search on.

Brad