alan

[Guest guest]

Hey Stacey,

I've been good, thanks. Just dealing with life the past few months.

Time just seems to fly by these days. The family is doing good.

Patiently waiting for Spring, although our Winter seems almost mild

compared to yours...LOL!

I have been reading some of the past posts and am glad to hear you

and Wyatt are well. Sorry about your fingers. The pinky on my right

hand is the only one that is bowed out a bit, for now anyway. Looks

almost lonely by itself...

Take care and my best to you and Wyatt.

Love and hugs,

Al

> Hey Al,

> It is so good to see you posting. Where have you been? How's the

family. I

> have missed you.

> Love and Hugs

> Stacey

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much, Alan, for the thoughts and prayers. It means the world

to me.

Lots of love,

Carol

[ ] Carol

Hi Carol,

In regard to my cabana girls, you have done just fine. Deb's magic

touch would help though.

I am sorry to hear you are going through so much. When you're in pain

it's hard to be there for others. Know that I am here for you and

praying you'll be okay.

Love and Hugs,

Alan

[Guest guest]

Hi Tess,

Thank you very much. You are way too sweet. I hope you are doing

well. I have read a few of your posts and have been concerned. Know

that you are loved and in my thoughts and prayers.

Love and hugs,

Al

> Hi Al...you're as nice looking on the outside as you are nice

inside!

> Thanks for sharing the photo! Much love to you, Nanci & kids.

>

> Hugs...

>

> Tess

[Guest guest]

Hi Alan,

I know what you mean about the prednisone being a blessing and a curse.

I don't plan to stay on it very long, and hopefully by the every other

day dosing my adrenal gland will keep working.

As for the pain med, I'm sure if the dosage turns out to be inadequate,

my doctor will consider increasing it. I really want to keep it low if

at all possible, though. I'm just grateful for some relief. Next is

Humira, if I get approved. Then I can get rid of the prednisone, and

maybe the pain med too.

I hope you're have a good evening, and thanks for being such an all

around great guy.

Lots of love,

Carol

[ ] Re: Dr. Visit

Hi Carol,

I am so sorry but am glad you have something for the pain. I pray

that a low dosage helps. Glad to hear you will not be on too much

predinsone either. That stuff is a blessing and a curse.

Take care Carol and please let me know how you're doing.

Love you,

Alan

> Hi Friends. I spoke with my Dr. this afternoon about the continuing

> pain, and he prescribed MS-Contin 15 mg. twice a day. It's a low

> dosage, and I'm glad. He said I can use the Percocet or Lortabs for

> breakthrough pain (and said I can expect to still have some

breakthrough

> pain on this dosage). I'm also dropping out of the Remicade study,

and

> I'm going to take 5 mg prednisone every other day for a trial

period of

> time. Lots of changes, but hopefully I'll have my RA under better

> control now. It's time to live life! Oh , I'm also keeping a

pain

> diary for the next month for him. Thanks for the great link.

>

> Thanks to everyone for your support and friendship.

>

> Love,

>

> Carol

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi June,

Thank you so much for your concern. I am doing a bit better today.

Slept 17 hours on and off yesterday with the help of Elavil. I was

able to make it into the office but am still very sluggish. Still

waiting to hear from my rheumy.

I'll post what she says when I hear back.

Love and hugs,

Alan

> Hi Alan,sorry you are having such a rough time. You really need to

see your rheumy before you go into a gigantic flare. What you are

experiencing could be the weaning of the prednisone but you should

find out for sure. Please let me know,I am concerned.

>

> Hugs

> June

>

>

> ---

> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.

> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

> Version: 6.0.455 / Virus Database: 255 - Release Date: 2/13/03

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Judi,

You are so very welcome. It's such great news. No, no comments.

Another Alan, , or Allan is great to me. As long as the little

ones are healthy and happy is all that counts.

That's really a shame about 's mother-in-law. Hey, you should be

a proud Grandma. When my time comes, and I hope it isn't too soon, I

will be a proud Grandpa as well.

Congratulations again!!!

Love and hugs,

Alan

> Thanks, kind sir! No comments about how we didn't spell Allan's

name

> correctly? 's mother in law is not happy about the name, and

> doesn't even care to try to spell it. She and her daughter

> practically grilled me at the hospital as to where the kids came up

> with the names they gave the babies--wanted to make sure they

weren't

> naming them after MY family and not THEIRS. Allan is Rev. Beck's

> middle name, and wanted to honor him for all his support.

Baby

> Allan's middle name is , same as his daddy's middle name.

> Baby Randy is Randall, just a name the kids like, and his middle

> name, , is Ron's middle name, Ron's dad's name, and my

dad's

> name. Actually, it is Duane's biological father's name, but he and

> Duane's mother never married. Rebekah is a name the kids liked

(to

> be called Becky) and her middle name, Marie, is after Duane's aunt

> Monda, whose middle name was Marie, and a family friend of 's.

>

> Too much information? Hey, I'm a pround Grandma. You'll be a

> grandpa some day and you'll babble just like me. Gonna save that

car

> for your grandchildren?

>

> Hugs,

> Judi

[Guest guest]

Hi Alan,

I was just wondering how you're feeling? Is your flare any better?

Sending love and prayers your way,

Carol

[ ] Re: Alan

Hi Judi,

You are so very welcome. It's such great news. No, no comments.

Another Alan, , or Allan is great to me. As long as the little

ones are healthy and happy is all that counts.

That's really a shame about 's mother-in-law. Hey, you should be

a proud Grandma. When my time comes, and I hope it isn't too soon, I

will be a proud Grandpa as well.

Congratulations again!!!

Love and hugs,

Alan

> Thanks, kind sir! No comments about how we didn't spell Allan's

name

> correctly? 's mother in law is not happy about the name, and

> doesn't even care to try to spell it. She and her daughter

> practically grilled me at the hospital as to where the kids came up

> with the names they gave the babies--wanted to make sure they

weren't

> naming them after MY family and not THEIRS. Allan is Rev. Beck's

> middle name, and wanted to honor him for all his support.

Baby

> Allan's middle name is , same as his daddy's middle name.

> Baby Randy is Randall, just a name the kids like, and his middle

> name, , is Ron's middle name, Ron's dad's name, and my

dad's

> name. Actually, it is Duane's biological father's name, but he and

> Duane's mother never married. Rebekah is a name the kids liked

(to

> be called Becky) and her middle name, Marie, is after Duane's aunt

> Monda, whose middle name was Marie, and a family friend of 's.

>

> Too much information? Hey, I'm a pround Grandma. You'll be a

> grandpa some day and you'll babble just like me. Gonna save that

car

> for your grandchildren?

>

> Hugs,

> Judi

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol,

Yes, my flare has subsided and I am finally weaned off prednisone.

Thanks for asking. I take my Humira tonight. It's my 6th week and I

hope it starts kicking in. I feel pretty good overall and have even

taken up jogging again. I am doing it very moderately though.

I am sorry that you and your family are going through so much. Know

that my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

Love,

Alan

> > Thanks, kind sir! No comments about how we didn't spell Allan's

> name

> > correctly? 's mother in law is not happy about the name,

and

> > doesn't even care to try to spell it. She and her daughter

> > practically grilled me at the hospital as to where the kids came

up

> > with the names they gave the babies--wanted to make sure they

> weren't

> > naming them after MY family and not THEIRS. Allan is Rev. Beck's

> > middle name, and wanted to honor him for all his support.

> Baby

> > Allan's middle name is , same as his daddy's middle name.

> > Baby Randy is Randall, just a name the kids like, and his middle

> > name, , is Ron's middle name, Ron's dad's name, and my

> dad's

> > name. Actually, it is Duane's biological father's name, but he

and

> > Duane's mother never married. Rebekah is a name the kids liked

> (to

> > be called Becky) and her middle name, Marie, is after Duane's

aunt

> > Monda, whose middle name was Marie, and a family friend of

's.

> >

> > Too much information? Hey, I'm a pround Grandma. You'll be a

> > grandpa some day and you'll babble just like me. Gonna save that

> car

> > for your grandchildren?

> >

> > Hugs,

> > Judi

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathe,

I am only on Humira now that I have been weaned off Prednisone. I

have my dose packs handy in case I have a flare, but that's it.

Losing 5% density in my bones in 5 months was enough for my rheumy.

I have thought about Remicade by my rheumy is concerned that I could

end up with similar side-effects to Enbrel due to both of them having

similar compositions. It could be bad if I started experiencing side-

effects right after an infusion. If I run out of options though I may

reconsider. In fact, I have been thinking about trying Enbrel again

too, but don't know if I want to risk it.

That's wonderful news about your friend's mother.

I'll more than likely put in a call this afternoon. The irony is that

I saw her last week and felt I was doing good. I may have spoke too

soon. It could have been the lasting effects of the Prednisone that

was making me feel good.

Thanks again Kathe and I hope and pray things are going good for you.

Love and hugs,

Alan

[Guest guest]

Oh no. You answered my question about how you're doing. I'm sorry the

Humira isn't working for you. It's a tough decision to give up on a

med, but if it isn't doing any good then I would say it's time to

discuss it with your rheumy. There are so many possible side effects -

why risk it for nothing?

Sending a (((((((((((((((((((((((hug)))))))))))))))))))))))),

Carol

[ ] Humira

Hi everyone,

I have been on it now for 7 weeks and, unfortunately, it's not

providing the miracle relief Enbrel did. I am experiencing fatigue,

pain in my joints and my hands are cold and clammy. My index fingers

are also starting to slowly bow towards my little finger. Luckily I

have x-rays and gallium scans from year's ago to serve as a baseline.

It's not dramatic to say the least but noticable.

I have read that the affects of Humira can be realized as quickly as

a week after the first injection. I don't know if I should remain

patient or ask my rheumy to move on. I really cannot take Prednisone

again and probably shouldn't risk Enbrel. I LOVE THIS DISEASE!!!

Sorry, just felt the need to vent... It's a very frustrating

experience.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Hugs,

Alan

[Guest guest]

sorry you are not feeling well alan, hope jennifer can help you through this.

kathy in il

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathi,

Thank you very much.

I hope you are doing well with your health and your job.

Love and hugs,

Alan

> sorry you are not feeling well alan, hope jennifer can help you

through this.

> kathy in il

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Alan,

Thanks for writing. When I saw your post about venting I was relieved. My

search for someone who really knew what I was whining about led me through my

daughter to the RA support. Am I ever grateful!

I am on 15 mg of pred at the moment, and will hopefully be on 5mg by May.

Seems like a long time to stretch this out but I do have faith in my doc.

If the mtx will help the fatigue, I will be a happy camper. At this point

the aches are something I can deal with.

I appreciate your encouragement and send to you hopes for many pain-free,

happy days ahead.

Thanks again,

Suzanne

[Guest guest]

Hi Suzanne,

I am so glad you are here with us. Yes, we all go through many of the

same emotions and thoughts and it's great to be able to vent and

discuss with others who, unfortunately, know exactly where we are

coming from.

I am hoping that you will be able to eventually lower your dose of

Prednisone and that the mtx brings you relief. I agree completely

that the fatigue can be the worst aspect of RA. I can also deal with

the pain pretty well, just dull acheness and stiffness all over.

Best of luck and again, welcome!

Hugs,

Alan

> Alan,

> Thanks for writing. When I saw your post about venting I was

relieved. My

> search for someone who really knew what I was whining about led me

through my

> daughter to the RA support. Am I ever grateful!

> I am on 15 mg of pred at the moment, and will hopefully be on 5mg

by May.

> Seems like a long time to stretch this out but I do have faith in

my doc.

> If the mtx will help the fatigue, I will be a happy camper. At

this point

> the aches are something I can deal with.

> I appreciate your encouragement and send to you hopes for many pain-

free,

> happy days ahead.

>

> Thanks again,

> Suzanne

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kringlemom:

Sorry, I spelled your name wrong.

Sincerely, Colletti (Anjillah)

[Guest guest]

Oh Alan, I'm so sorry you're feeling so crummy again. I wish I had some

insight or advice, but all I have to offer is my thoughts and prayers.

Hopefully the Humira will kick in at the 11th hour. Fatigue is such a

hard thing to overcome. Pain only makes things so much worse. Be good

to yourself and rest when you can.

Love you,

Carol

[ ] Fatigue

Hi everyone,

Unfortunately, the Prednisone " pick me up " only lasted as long as my

dosepak. I took the final 4mgs this morning but started noticing a

couple of days ago that my fatigue and pain were coming back.

Today, I feel like a truck hit me and have general achiness all over.

Plus, feeling exhausted right after you wake up makes for

an " interesting " day at work to say the least. I think it's time to

put in another call to my Rhuemy for advice. I feel I am running out

of options at this point. I still hope that the Humira will work its

magic but am starting to get a bit more skeptical.

Any thoughts? I would be more than happy to hear any suggestions at

this point.

I hope everyone is having as painfree a day as possible.

Love and hugs to all,

Alan

[Guest guest]

Hi Alan,

How are you doing? Last time I heard, you were in a flare. I hope

you're doing better. It seems like so many of our friends here are

having a hard time. As for me, I just can't shake this. It started out

like the flu, but the Dr. said it must have migrated from my sinuses to

my middle ears. The cipro drops and the Biaxin should take care of it

soon. The ears are still sore, but the dizziness is the most

bothersome. Compared with what some are enduring, my troubles are

nothing.

I called the hospital to see if Deb was moved from the ICU to a regular

floor, but not yet. I sure miss her friendship and her great sense of

humor, and can't stand the thought of what she's been through and

continues to go through. We can only wait and pray.

Love you,

Carol

[ ] Re: All in the Family

Hi Carol,

I am very sorry to hear about your mom. I am glad to hear her sed

rate is low and that it is mild. Hopefully, it will always be that

way. I am also sorry to hear that you are still going through so

much. Hopefully you will be on the mend very soon.

Thank you for keeping us informed about Debs. It seems like so many

of us are having a difficult time right now.

Sending much love, thoughts and prayers your way.

Alan

> Hi Friends,

>

> My mom went to the ortho today, to find out the results of her

tests and

> the date her surgery is scheduled for. It will be on May 13. I'm

glad,

> because that gives me more time to get things in order here at

home. As

> for the tests, they shows a positive Rheumatoid Factor, so I guess I

> have another family member with RA. Poor Mom. Her sed rate was

really

> low, though, so they're not going to worry about a referral until

after

> her surgery. She has no swelling in her hands and most of her pain

is

> unilateral, so she must have it pretty mild. I hope it stays that

way.

>

> As for me, I'm still getting over this flu deal. I've been sick

for two

> weeks now. My ears were killing me, and I went back to the Dr. He

said

> the eardrums are really red and swollen, and he thinks I have a bad

> middle ear infection in both ears. Geez! I'm on the Biaxin, and he

> gave me Floxin Otic and some anesthetizing ear drops to use.

Hopefully

> it will clear up soon. I'm glad my mom's surgery isn't for another

> month, because I might need that long to get better!

>

> Well, that's all on my end. I called the hospital to see if Deb was

> moved out of the ICU, but she's still in there. I'll call

> tomorrow to check on how she's doing. To all who are helping with

> flowers: Jan is going to take care of things, but we are in

a " holding

> pattern " until Deb is in a regular room. No flowers in the ICU.

I'll

> keep you informed.

>

> Love to all,

> Carol

>

> Carol

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol,

Actually, I am doing very well, (Big Knock on Wood!). I had to take

two Prednisone dosepacks back-to-back but it seems like the Humira is

finally starting to work for me. The fatigue has subsided and I am

not experiencing that much pain.

I am sorry that you are under the weather. I remember when I was

having dizzy spells because of the Enbrel. It's definitely not a good

time. Hopefully every second will bring you that much closer to

better health.

Yes, I miss Debs something awful. She has been through so very much

and I pray that better days for her are right around the corner. Take

care of yourself Carol, and thanks so much for your love and

friendship.

Love you!

Alan

> > Hi Friends,

> >

> > My mom went to the ortho today, to find out the results of her

> tests and

> > the date her surgery is scheduled for. It will be on May 13.

I'm

> glad,

> > because that gives me more time to get things in order here at

> home. As

> > for the tests, they shows a positive Rheumatoid Factor, so I

guess I

> > have another family member with RA. Poor Mom. Her sed rate was

> really

> > low, though, so they're not going to worry about a referral until

> after

> > her surgery. She has no swelling in her hands and most of her

pain

> is

> > unilateral, so she must have it pretty mild. I hope it stays

that

> way.

> >

> > As for me, I'm still getting over this flu deal. I've been sick

> for two

> > weeks now. My ears were killing me, and I went back to the Dr.

He

> said

> > the eardrums are really red and swollen, and he thinks I have a

bad

> > middle ear infection in both ears. Geez! I'm on the Biaxin, and

he

> > gave me Floxin Otic and some anesthetizing ear drops to use.

> Hopefully

> > it will clear up soon. I'm glad my mom's surgery isn't for

another

> > month, because I might need that long to get better!

> >

> > Well, that's all on my end. I called the hospital to see if Deb

was

> > moved out of the ICU, but she's still in there. I'll call

> > tomorrow to check on how she's doing. To all who are helping with

> > flowers: Jan is going to take care of things, but we are in

> a " holding

> > pattern " until Deb is in a regular room. No flowers in the ICU.

> I'll

> > keep you informed.

> >

> > Love to all,

> > Carol

> >

> > Carol

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Stacey!

I hear you. Humor is always better than crying. I am so sorry that

you are going through so much but am glad you are still laughing. I

have had many difficulties with various meds too. The Humira is just

starting to work for me after 8-9 weeks of misery. I had to

continually take steroids to make it through.

I would definitely take pain medication as needed and follow your

doctor's orders about the diet. And yes, you are still winning. Don't

forget that! You should be proud. I certainly am of you! And hey, you

need to have some Easter candy. I love raiding my kids stuff!

Sorry to hear about your car. Maybe it's time for a lighter and a gas

can!...LOL!

I am doing well. and Tony are getting geared up for Summer. Both

of them will be in camp which will give some long needed

sanity... I am still patiently waiting for Spring. Almost 70 today

so I am keeping my finger's crossed.

Take care Stacey and know I am thinking of you.

Much love always,

Alan

> Hi Alan,

> I have found that if I start crying at times like this, it just

makes it

> worse, so I try to inject some humor. Besides, if you lived in my

world, you

> would have a wild sense of humor also!!!!!

> I get so frustrated with this RA and the pain. I would just love

to know why

> none of these meds work for me. Right now, all of my lower joints

are aching

> really bad. Time for pain med.

> I'm off the diet for now. Dr's orders. With all the probs with

the meds, he

> said that it's too much stress on the body for now. I started

having weak

> spells where I would feel weak and lightheaded. I'm still 30 lbs

less than I

> was 2 months ago. So I am still winning. Besides, Wyatt was

selling

> chocolate for Easter and its sooooo good.

> I went to the grocery store this a.m. and when I came out, I saw

something

> dripping from my car behind the driver's door. It was gas. So now

I have to

> get that checked out. Can't wait.

> How are you and the family doing?

> Love and Hugs

> Stacey

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Judi,

You're very welcome. I am glad you got to go out with a friend and

vent a little. Sometimes that's the best thing for a person.

I hope feels better. That's pretty scary. I agree that you need

to state the facts to Duane. That's completely and utterly

unreasonable.

Take care of yourself.

Hugs,

Alan

> Thanks for the virtual hug, Alan. A friend just took me to lunch

so

> I vented a bit. called after she left the doctor, and she

had

> salmonella from eating at a Long Silver's in town. She also

> told me Duane is mad at ME for not coming out to take care of the

> babies instead of coming to work. I swear, I can't do ANYTHING

right

> in that man's eyes! I'm gonna have to tell him the facts of life I

> guess. He's another of those people that think that because I

don't

> LOOK sick, I'm not.

>

> On another matter, sorry the Humira didn't work out for you, but

you

> have to follow a course that is going to give you the greatest

> relief. May this be the one for you,

>

> Hugs back,

> Judi

[Guest guest]

Hey Alan:

This post hit me a good one - Ibuprofen is Motrin,

right? I take Motrin and also Mtx. I have never

heard even once that this is a bad combination - lots

of people with RA have taken this combo I am sure.

Who told you of the possibility that it could be

fatal? That's kind of scary to me.

Also, in addition ot the Folic Acid, consider getting

Milk Thistle which also aids in protecting your liver

from the effects of toxins. I take both and so far,

so good on all my blood liver workups.

Hope you are feeling better today -

Kathe in CA

--- Alan <kb9vrq@...> wrote:

> Hi Iris,

>

> Yes, this group is awesome. Everyone is so caring.

> Yes, I get tired

> and a bit lightheaded. I also did a very stupid

> thing and took a huge

> dose of Ibruprofen yesterday. I had no idea that the

> interaction with

> MTX could be fatal.

>

> I wasn't put on folic acid but it may be something

> to consider. My

> Rheumy said she will increase the dose to 20mgs

> eventually.

>

> I am definitely working on getting better. I hope

> you are doing well.

>

> Hugs,

>

> Alan

>

>

> > > > i got sick from the injections. first really

> bad, but it has

> really

> > > subsided.

> > > > i might get a little icky saturday after my

> friday injection.

> by

> > > sunday i am

> > > > back to normal. still worth it to me. kathy in

> il

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

question for you alan

how do you suppose you got so many stones that you needed to do so many cleanses

i have done almost as many as you and still not done yet

just wondering why or if we are anomalies

i suspect for me it is a mercury problem. i dont know which came first the

mercury or the stones

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathe,

Yes, Motrin is Ibuprofen. I read about the potential fatal effects in

a book I have on RA, WebMD and a printout from the pharmacy after the

fact. If you are combining without your Rheumy's knowledge I would

drop him or her a line and ask about it.

Thanks for telling me about the Milk Thistle. I am doing a bit better

which kinda figures, since I am getting injected again Wednesday

morning.

I hope you are doing okay.

Thanks again Kathe!

Love and hugs,

Alan

> > > > > i got sick from the injections. first really

> > bad, but it has

> > really

> > > > subsided.

> > > > > i might get a little icky saturday after my

> > friday injection.

> > by

> > > > sunday i am

> > > > > back to normal. still worth it to me. kathy in

> > il

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

i wish i knew what caused it. i doubt that parasites are the cause, but we

disagree on that issue. i would think it would be the opposite that

parasites would eat up the stones and other waste material

having your amalgams out doesnt mean that you have removed mercury from your

body. there are also other sources like vaccines(thimerosal) and

environmental factors. i had my amalgams out in 97 and im still loaded with

mercury.

seems like some people clean out their livers and that's it, they dont ever

have stones. i wont know for sure if that will be the case with me. i do

have the sense that i am not forming them now aside from ones that are being

formed just by virtue of being trapped behind other stones. but this is just

a sense. i feel this because i eat a fiar amount of raw foods so i dont see

stones being formed in the presence of enzymes.

i know that i have a bad mercury problem so it has to be related in some way

to my own case.

i also suspect that i was born with stones.

i dont think it is the norm to have to do so many cleanses, so i'm curious

as to how it happened.

i was also curious about what happens when you are done. do you feel the

bile flowing freely? does it just stop the day that you have flushed your

last one out and then you start feeling better?

[Guest guest]

Dearest Tess,

Thank you for the sound advice. As you know, I always hold what you

say in high esteem and regard. It means a lot to me to get your

opinion. Especially when I think of all the things you are going

through right now.

Yes, I know the adage well...

Do take care and know I am thinking of you.

Love,

Alan

>

> Dearest Alan...I'm sorry you're faced with difficult and stressful

> decisions right now. Just wanted to add my 2 cents worth.

>

> I believe " giving in " to your disease would be to allow " it " to

push you

> into denial about your situation, to allow your disease to make you

feel

> shame, to do what you know depletes the very essence of

you. " Giving

> in " to your disease looks like a tiny little mouse trying to stand

up to

> an elephant. But, if you " manage " your disease, YOU call more of

the

> shots...if receving disability and having more time to gain

strength is

> in your best interest, your disease is now playing second fiddle to

YOU.

> You are making the decisions. You know the old adage that big ol'

> elephants are scared of little mice.

>

> Whatever you decide, I think you are a brave and dear person. We

are

> with you 100%.

>

> All my love...

>

> Tess