Newbie

[Guest guest]

Hey Spirit

I've had JRA since I was about 6, and I'm 22 now. I know what you

mean about making yourself do things; sometimes, like on vacation,

I'll just let myself be lazy, and of course the arthritis is always

worse. Enbrel was really a miracle drug for me. I was on it for 3

years, and I've been off for about half a year now and I'm still

doing fairly well. When I went on the Enbrel the JRA was pretty bad,

and it really made a huge difference in my life. I'm married and

planning on having children in the near future, God willing. There

is so much we pass on to our children, bad and good. Anxiety runs in

my family, and I've always had problems with that. My husband and I

both have problems that run in our families, just as most people

probably do. But we also have our good qualities, and those get

passed on just as much, but probably more because they are both

nature and nuture. I wouldn't worry about having children with JRA;

if they have it, you can deal with it then, but the probability is

actually not that high.

It's good to hear from another JRAer who's doing well. Good to meet

you.

Elisheva

>

>

> > Hi! I am new to the group and would just like to tell you guys a

> little

> > bit about myself. I am 23 and have been diagnosed with JRA since

I

> was

> > 16. I have recently been diagnosed with ankylosing spondolyitis.

> > (arthritis in the spine) I take Enbrel Vioxx, multi-vitamin,

folic

> acid,

> > Darvocet or Prednisone as needed and supposed to take MTX but I

have

> > issues with not being able to get in the sun(yeah I know that's

> stupid).

> > My overall body is doing fantastic on Enbrel! I'd say it is a

> miracle

> > drug for my JRA, but it barely helps my spine. My back hurts

> constantly.

> > Do any of you know or have AS?? I had a rough time when I got

> diagnosed

> > b/c of my age. I went through the whole " why me " But now I

realize

> > things could be a lot worse. I try to stay active as well as I

can.

> I

> > have a full time job at CVS and a part-time job at The Limited.

I

> still

> > hurt through out the day but if I'm at home then I just sit and

that

> > makes me hurt even worse. And even if I don't feel like doing

> anything I

> > make my self do it. I mean I'm 23; I'm not going to let these

> diseases

> > keep me from living. I see that there are a lot of parents with

kids

> in

> > this group. I can't imagine having these diseases so young. 16

is

> young

> > but I understood what was going on. I just pray that my kids do

not

> get

> > this disease!!! Dose anyone know how much of a risk it is to

pass it

> on

> > to your children? The only relative my mom can think of that had

RA

> is

> > her Grandfather. She said he was always in a wheel chair and his

> hands

> > were deformed (that has not happened to me-thank god ) But since

it

> was

> > so long ago the Dr's didn't know what it was. So she's not 100%

that

> he

> > had RA..I just hope that my body allows me to have kids. I cant

wait

> to

> > have them and I will be so devastated if I'm unable to!!! Anyway

I

> look

> > forward to talking to people who know what I've been/going

through.

> > Thanks for listening to my story!

> >

> >

> > Spirit

> > spirit@a...

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Spirit! Its Donna again. I wanted to speak to the issue of children. I

have had 2 children (now ages 13 and 9, both boys) and neither have JRA. My

youngest does have asthma. I personally believe children are worth the risks

involved and mine have proven to me over and over that I am so glad to have been

blessed by having them in my lives. Yes, even at 13 and 9 when I spend most days

refereeing or counseling my love stricken 13 yr old. There are several women I

know with JRA who have succesfully given birth and are tremendous moms and

their children are also JRA free. If you ever wish to chat just drop me a

line...Donna

[Guest guest]

Welcome Zena,

I backchanneled to you some info from our files which you can find on the

left side of the home page

candidiasis/messages/35623

Try to read from the File every day to get going. You can get this

under control again. You did it before. You CAN do it. Tell us your

progress. Sandy

" zenafurniturequeen2004 " wrote: I am new to this group but not new to

>Candida...I feel terrible and have gained some extra weight which >

>>makes me feel even more down...I am unsure where to begin and how to

get going. Can someone give me a pep talk and some starting pointers?

[Guest guest]

Welcome !

This is a great group, I for one have found a lot of wonderful people here and

have gotten some great information!

Semalee

[ ] Newbie

Hey, My name is . I was dxd with this thing they call RA. Im

not really sure what to expect I know it sure does hurt alot. Im 43

yrs old , soon to be 44, I live in North Carolina, have a son that is

almost 20yrs old, and have a significant other thats been with me for

25 yrs.I have 4 dogs and 1 cat and live in the country and love

it.Oh, one more thing I also have PD (parkinsons disease). I dont

know how I got so lucky, but I hope this group can help me out in

this trying time....boy am I trying ....lol...Thanks for listening.

[Guest guest]

Welcome ,....I'm sorry to hear your dx's, but glad you found our

awesome group. There are so many wonderful people here, and great

information. We all go through the same thing, and so we understand

what you go through, and your feelings.

I am 41 years old, live in Oklahoma. I hope to get to know you, T

> Hey, My name is . I was dxd with this thing they call RA.

Im

> not really sure what to expect I know it sure does hurt alot. Im 43

> yrs old , soon to be 44, I live in North Carolina, have a son that

is

> almost 20yrs old, and have a significant other thats been with me

for

> 25 yrs.I have 4 dogs and 1 cat and live in the country and love

> it.Oh, one more thing I also have PD (parkinsons disease). I dont

> know how I got so lucky, but I hope this group can help me out in

> this trying time....boy am I trying ....lol...Thanks for listening.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to the group. I am also in North Carolina and have had RA for

almost four years. That it certainly can hurt a lot is an

understatement, LOL. Mine is being controlled very well by Enbrel, so

that I have very little pain now, thank goodness. So there is hope for

a better day.

Do you have a rheumatologist? They are best equipped to deal with RA.

What medications are you on for it? Sometimes it takes a while for a

rheumy to find the right combination of meds that will keep the

inflammation under control.

Where are you in NC? I'm located in son County.

Sue

On Sunday, September 19, 2004, at 03:37 PM, wrote:

> Hey, My name is . I was dxd with this thing they call RA. Im

> not really sure what to expect I know it sure does hurt alot. Im 43

> yrs old , soon to be 44, I live in North Carolina, have a son that is

> almost 20yrs old, and have a significant other thats been with me for

> 25 yrs.I have 4 dogs and 1 cat and live in the country and love

> it.Oh, one more thing I also have PD (parkinsons disease). I dont

> know how I got so lucky, but I hope this group can help me out in

> this trying time....boy am I trying ....lol...Thanks for listening.

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group! I am sorry about your diagnosis, but this is a

great place to learn and receive support. Are you on medications?

There is a current theory that early, agressive treatment of RA with

DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) is the best chance at

avoiding the pain, stiffness and eventual joint erosion that can come

with RA.

I am 34 and in PA, and have had RA for over a year.

Jennie

> Hey, My name is . I was dxd with this thing they call RA.

Im

> not really sure what to expect I know it sure does hurt alot. Im 43

> yrs old , soon to be 44, I live in North Carolina, have a son that

is

> almost 20yrs old, and have a significant other thats been with me

for

> 25 yrs.I have 4 dogs and 1 cat and live in the country and love

> it.Oh, one more thing I also have PD (parkinsons disease). I dont

> know how I got so lucky, but I hope this group can help me out in

> this trying time....boy am I trying ....lol...Thanks for listening.

[Guest guest]

Kathe,

It is completely natural to hate the idea of prescription drugs. But

one thing I will tell you for certain, the RA has the ability to

damage your body much more than mtx (assuming you are like most and

do not experience any harmful side effects - those that do experience

side effects will be taken off and another drug tried). You need to

worry about more than just the joint pain you are experiencing.

Joint destruction is most likely going on if you are not being

treated with a DMARD (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug). My mom

has had RA for over 20 years and they didn't have DMARDs when she

first got RA. She has almost no joints left in her hands/feet and

severe erosion in wrists/ankles. She has severe disfigurement and

constant pain even with the latest medical treatments available to

her today. Bone on bone pain is very bad and there is no treatment

for that. RA can also cause other severe health problems if it

starts to affect other soft tissues in your body, some very serious

and life threatening ones.

Does your insurance cover the mtx, but just not other treatments? RA

is a progressive disease and it is not likely to get better on it's

own. Eating properly, accupuncture, exercise, etc. are all important

parts of succesfully treating RA, but those things alone are not

effective at stopping or slowing joint destruction. Has your

rheumatologist been taking x-rays to see if you already have joint

erosion?

I'm not trying to scare you with all this. It's important to

understand what you are risking by foregoing treatment with

medication. If you are going to make that choice, it needs to be an

informed one. You can't always tell you are having joint erosion.

For my mom, she got most of the damage in the first 5 years of having

the diease, but the severe disfigurement was only evident years

later. My rheumy promises me I will never face what she has had to

face and I'm holding him to that. My mom had no choice, I do.

I started on mtx when I was officially diagnosed the summer of 2003,

about 9 months after the first symptoms started. I was on prednisone

since before the diagnosis and I'm almost weaned off of it. This

January I added Humira because the mtx was not enough and now I'm

doing fairly well on the combination of mtx and Humira. A lot of RA

patients can take mtx and stay on just that, without needing more

advanced drugs.

Even with medication this can be a difficult disease to cope with.

It's a chronic illness and it's rare that someone goes into remission

without drugs. I don't think any of us can do all the things we

could do before RA, so learning to cope is critical. My biggest

problem is the fatigue, which is mostly exacerbated by being a mother

to a 4 year old. I had to move recently and had nobody to help me, I

thought I was literally going to die. It was in early July and I

just this weekend got my daughters room unpacked. I'm so exhausted

right now for having lifted and unpacked so many boxes.

Having others to talk to that understand what you are going through

can help you make it through this. The best thing about this group

is the incredible amount of research posted here. You can learn a

lot about RA and the current treatments. Being informed is the best

way to fight this disease. There are lots here who can answer your

questions about medical or alternative treatments. I am glad you

found us.

Welcome to the group.

Jennie

> Hello. I am new to the list. I have had RA for almost two years

now.

> My GP discovered it after a year of unexplained foot and joint

pain, by

> finding the RA factor in a blood test. My rheumatologist agrees.

I am

> experiencing pain in approximately 20 joints, hands and feet,

elbows and

> knees mostly. I am a vegetarian (have been for 20 years) and have

been

> trying to find alternative therapies for my pain. I have been

eating an

> ayurvedic diet, which has helped some. I live in a 40 year old

home

> with mold problems. I am trying to move to a home without a

basement,

> but the process is slow. And now the RA is really starting to

affect my

> quality of life with fatigue in addition to the joint pain. I

homeschool

> my two sons, ages 3 and 10, and help to support our family with dog

> grooming. I just saw a rheumatologist last week and she wants me

to

> start on Methotrexate, 6 tabs a week. She also suggests I go on the

> pill, as the methotrexate causes birth defects. I can't really

afford

> any further alternative therapies, my insurance won't cover them.

I have

> already tried chiropractic, acupressure, and panchukarma (cleansing

diet,

> massage, hot mist bath). I hate the thought of being on

prescription

> drugs for the rest of my life, I hate using the over-the-counter

pain

> relievers I'm using now, even if they aren't really helping so much

> anymore. I could use some input from like minded folks. Thanks,

Kathe

>

>

> ________________________________________________________________

> Get your name as your email address.

> Includes spam protection, 1GB storage, no ads and more

> Only $1.99/ month - visit http://www.mysite.com/name today!

[Guest guest]

Welcome Kathe, I'm so glad that you found us for support. This is a

wonderful group for great information, and finding people who

understand.

I am also homeschooling my daughter this year, she will be 10 next

month. So, it's challenging at times, but so much fun.

It sounds like your doing good with your diet, it's just very hard, I

know. We just do the best we can, and keep our faith strong.

The RA meds are very important, as you know. It helps stop the

progression of the disease, so that is necessary. There is a lot of

meds out there, you just have to keep trying until you find the best

one suited for you. You take care, Tawny

> Hello. I am new to the list. I have had RA for almost two years

now.

> My GP discovered it after a year of unexplained foot and joint

pain, by

> finding the RA factor in a blood test. My rheumatologist agrees.

I am

> experiencing pain in approximately 20 joints, hands and feet,

elbows and

> knees mostly. I am a vegetarian (have been for 20 years) and have

been

> trying to find alternative therapies for my pain. I have been

eating an

> ayurvedic diet, which has helped some. I live in a 40 year old

home

> with mold problems. I am trying to move to a home without a

basement,

> but the process is slow. And now the RA is really starting to

affect my

> quality of life with fatigue in addition to the joint pain. I

homeschool

> my two sons, ages 3 and 10, and help to support our family with dog

> grooming. I just saw a rheumatologist last week and she wants me

to

> start on Methotrexate, 6 tabs a week. She also suggests I go on the

> pill, as the methotrexate causes birth defects. I can't really

afford

> any further alternative therapies, my insurance won't cover them.

I have

> already tried chiropractic, acupressure, and panchukarma (cleansing

diet,

> massage, hot mist bath). I hate the thought of being on

prescription

> drugs for the rest of my life, I hate using the over-the-counter

pain

> relievers I'm using now, even if they aren't really helping so much

> anymore. I could use some input from like minded folks. Thanks,

Kathe

>

>

> ________________________________________________________________

> Get your name as your email address.

> Includes spam protection, 1GB storage, no ads and more

> Only $1.99/ month - visit http://www.mysite.com/name today!

[Guest guest]

Kathe,

Maybe you should try the antibiotics first before going on the hard drugs.

I am also going to try undenatured chicken collagen which has no known bad

side effects.

Good luck,

ette

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome Kathe. Sorry about your diagnosis and more sorry that you haven't

been able to control it in spite of all that you have tried. I haven't had

any luck with alternative treatments. Diet helps me somewhat, but the only

real help I've gotten in my 25 year battle with this disease is Enbrel.

I was 42 when I had both knees replaced and now I need new ankles, an elbow,

and probably a shoulder. The rate of erosion is different for everyone,

but just know that joint erosion is possible when making decisions on

treatment. To make an educated decision you need full knowledge of the

disease potential.

I put together a website with a lot of info:

http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

I'll be updating the info on alternatives. Do you know what started the

joint pain? Did you have an infection or did it just appear? Infections

have been considered possible causes of RA for years. Did your symptoms

start after moving into your home? Mold allergies can cause a host of

symptoms. I hope you're able to kill the mold or find another home.

Here is what the Arthritis Foundations says about alternatives:

http://arthritis.org/resources/arthritistoday/HT_Alternatives.asp

Another option is the antibiotic treatment:

http://roadback.org/

http://rheumatic.org/

These treatments are most effective earlier in the disease. If I didn't

have longstanding disease, antibiotic treatment would be my first choice but

that is because I believe my disease started from an infection.

I believe diet and exercise effect the disease process, so staying as active

as you can and eliminating processed foods may be helpful. I like something

Jack LaLane said at his 90th birthday party - If Man made it, DON'T EAT IT.

a

> Hello. I am new to the list. I have had RA for almost two years now.

> My GP discovered it after a year of unexplained foot and joint pain, by

> finding the RA factor in a blood test. My rheumatologist agrees. I am

> experiencing pain in approximately 20 joints, hands and feet, elbows and

> knees mostly. I am a vegetarian (have been for 20 years) and have been

> trying to find alternative therapies for my pain. I have been eating an

> ayurvedic diet, which has helped some. I live in a 40 year old home

> with mold problems. I am trying to move to a home without a basement,

> but the process is slow. And now the RA is really starting to affect my

> quality of life with fatigue in addition to the joint pain. I homeschool

> my two sons, ages 3 and 10, and help to support our family with dog

> grooming. I just saw a rheumatologist last week and she wants me to

> start on Methotrexate, 6 tabs a week. She also suggests I go on the

> pill, as the methotrexate causes birth defects. I can't really afford

> any further alternative therapies, my insurance won't cover them. I have

> already tried chiropractic, acupressure, and panchukarma (cleansing diet,

> massage, hot mist bath). I hate the thought of being on prescription

> drugs for the rest of my life, I hate using the over-the-counter pain

> relievers I'm using now, even if they aren't really helping so much

> anymore. I could use some input from like minded folks. Thanks, Kathe

>

>

> ________________________________________________________________

> Get your name as your email address.

> Includes spam protection, 1GB storage, no ads and more

> Only $1.99/ month - visit http://www.mysite.com/name today!

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

ette,

I was in the study for Colloral, which is chicken collagen. The study nurse

told me that she was impressed with the results, but unfortunately they must

not have been good enough. I was disappointed that it wasn't effective

enough to get an approval.

http://www.autoimmuneinc.com/clinic/coll.html

http://www.colloralllc.com/

a

> Kathe,

>

> Maybe you should try the antibiotics first before going on the hard drugs.

> I am also going to try undenatured chicken collagen which has no known bad

> side effects.

>

> Good luck,

> ette

>>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

a,

Did you do well with the collagen? I ordered it and will give it a try.

What time of the day did you take it? Babs said to take it in the AM even

though the instructions are for the evening. Are you still taking it?

Thanks,

ette

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome . You'll learn most everything there is to know about RA and

it's treatment. We have several very knowledgable and helpful members.

a

>

>

>

> Newbie here...just wanted to say Hi! I'm also new to RA...diagnosed

> about a year ago. Looking forward to the support and information I

> hope to gather here!

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome ,...Glad that you found the group, sorry for your dx.

There is great information here, and wonderful people. I also have

RA, and hope to know more about you, Tawny

>

>

> Newbie here...just wanted to say Hi! I'm also new to RA...diagnosed

> about a year ago. Looking forward to the support and information I

> hope to gather here!

[Guest guest]

Welcome Joyce. These rheumatic diseases can be so difficult to diagnosis

and it¹s frustrating.

Doctors have to be sleuths to put the pieces of the puzzle together and

figure out what is going on.

Do you know what your blood tests indicate? You can get copies of your

blood tests, which is a good idea to keep copies of. RA and Lupus can¹t be

diagnosed with just blood tests, but it is an important piece of the puzzle.

Here is a good site with lupus symptoms:

http://www.mtio.com/lupus/lfasymp1.htm

I¹m glad you are going back to see the rheumy. Finding out what is going on

is the only way you can start treatment.

I have some links that my help you learn about lupus and RA:

http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net

Enjoy your trip to Florida.

a

>

> Hi All,

>

> I have been reading all your posts and have been afraid

> to jump in. My doctor doesn't know if I have Lupua or RA

> and I have been avoiding reality for a couple years now.

>

> I had surgery on my right hand years ago after it was

> injured at work, for trigger fingers (2 middle ones) and

> subsequent carpal tunnel - so it has ached for years.

> A couple years ago, my left one hurt so bad I told my

> doctor. He had given me Celebrex for a shoulder injury -

> imagine my surprise when my hands didn't hurt! Nice side

> effect - but then I realized how much they had been hurting.

> He was concerned and sent me to a rheumy. I saw the nurse

> practitioner, rheumy was booked, and within a few minutes she

> was handing me pamphlets on quinine stuff, lupus and RA.

> Scared me to death. Then she examined me and my hands were cold

> from fear but she said " Reynauds. " No, my husband has that in one

> finger from an injury, my hands are cold 'cause you are scaring

> me. I left and never went back. Been on Celebrex 1x day since.

>

> This summer, went back to my doctor cause my hands hurt worse and

> I was sooo tired. He had blood work done and I'm anemic. Had

> a hyterectomy 11 years ago, so he sent me to an internist - had

> endoscopy, colonoscopy and swallowed a camera...no internal bleeding.

> Still anemic (I'm trying to keep this short :- )

>

> She (internist) said, well, I think you have RA, possibly lupus.

> I said I didn't want to hear it. I knew a lady who had lupus

> 20 years ago and she was in bad shape, and all I could think

> of was the actor Carridene (?) and his gnarled hands.

> She said it wasn't like that anymore but told me to take iron

> supplements and come talk to her in 2 months, but urged me to go back

> to the rheumy. That was last week.

>

> Yesterday I went back to my family doctor, and was told, yes,

> go to the rheumy, you need to face this. Let me tell you up front,

> my reaction to this for 2 years has surprised even me, I'm normally

> a head-on person...hmmm

>

> Well, I go Dec. 9th. Not to his nurse, but to him (Fiechtner).

> I am on 2x Celebrex now and I am tired. No rash, no swelling,

> not really sure between the 2 what I have yet...

>

> Sorry this is so long. I am leaving for Florida tomorrow, so my

> posts will be limited, but I will have my computer with me.

> Any information will be welcome, especially good news ; )

> and God bless.

>

> Joyce in MI

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group, Joyce! Glad you decided to post.

It's normal to be worried when you aren't feeling well and to have

conflicting feelings about finding out exactly what the matter is.

Going to see a rheumatologist is the best thing to do. Trying to get an

accurate diagnosis is the first step to starting the right treatment.

Proper and prompt therapy can help you avoid complications and

progression of whatever process is at work.

Please do go and let us know what your rheumatologist says.

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] newbie

>

>

> Hi All,

>

> I have been reading all your posts and have been afraid

> to jump in. My doctor doesn't know if I have Lupua or RA

> and I have been avoiding reality for a couple years now.

>

> I had surgery on my right hand years ago after it was

> injured at work, for trigger fingers (2 middle ones) and

> subsequent carpal tunnel - so it has ached for years.

> A couple years ago, my left one hurt so bad I told my

> doctor. He had given me Celebrex for a shoulder injury -

> imagine my surprise when my hands didn't hurt! Nice side

> effect - but then I realized how much they had been hurting.

> He was concerned and sent me to a rheumy. I saw the nurse

> practitioner, rheumy was booked, and within a few minutes she

> was handing me pamphlets on quinine stuff, lupus and RA.

> Scared me to death. Then she examined me and my hands were cold

> from fear but she said " Reynauds. " No, my husband has that in one

> finger from an injury, my hands are cold 'cause you are scaring

> me. I left and never went back. Been on Celebrex 1x day since.

>

> This summer, went back to my doctor cause my hands hurt worse and

> I was sooo tired. He had blood work done and I'm anemic. Had

> a hyterectomy 11 years ago, so he sent me to an internist - had

> endoscopy, colonoscopy and swallowed a camera...no internal bleeding.

> Still anemic (I'm trying to keep this short :- )

>

> She (internist) said, well, I think you have RA, possibly lupus.

> I said I didn't want to hear it. I knew a lady who had lupus

> 20 years ago and she was in bad shape, and all I could think

> of was the actor Carridene (?) and his gnarled hands.

> She said it wasn't like that anymore but told me to take iron

> supplements and come talk to her in 2 months, but urged me to go back

> to the rheumy. That was last week.

>

> Yesterday I went back to my family doctor, and was told, yes,

> go to the rheumy, you need to face this. Let me tell you up front,

> my reaction to this for 2 years has surprised even me, I'm normally

> a head-on person...hmmm

>

> Well, I go Dec. 9th. Not to his nurse, but to him (Fiechtner).

> I am on 2x Celebrex now and I am tired. No rash, no swelling,

> not really sure between the 2 what I have yet...

>

> Sorry this is so long. I am leaving for Florida tomorrow, so my

> posts will be limited, but I will have my computer with me.

> Any information will be welcome, especially good news ; )

> and God bless.

>

> Joyce in MI

[Guest guest]

Joyce,

I don't know much about Lupus. But if it's RA the best reason I can

give you to face this is that if you don't, you can easily end up

disfigured and disabled, but if you face it and get proper treatment,

there is a good chance you can get it under control and live a normal

life. Let us know what the rheumy says.

Jennie

>

> Hi All,

>

> I have been reading all your posts and have been afraid

> to jump in. My doctor doesn't know if I have Lupua or RA

> and I have been avoiding reality for a couple years now.

>

> I had surgery on my right hand years ago after it was

> injured at work, for trigger fingers (2 middle ones) and

> subsequent carpal tunnel - so it has ached for years.

> A couple years ago, my left one hurt so bad I told my

> doctor. He had given me Celebrex for a shoulder injury -

> imagine my surprise when my hands didn't hurt! Nice side

> effect - but then I realized how much they had been hurting.

> He was concerned and sent me to a rheumy. I saw the nurse

> practitioner, rheumy was booked, and within a few minutes she

> was handing me pamphlets on quinine stuff, lupus and RA.

> Scared me to death. Then she examined me and my hands were cold

> from fear but she said " Reynauds. " No, my husband has that in one

> finger from an injury, my hands are cold 'cause you are scaring

> me. I left and never went back. Been on Celebrex 1x day since.

>

> This summer, went back to my doctor cause my hands hurt worse and

> I was sooo tired. He had blood work done and I'm anemic. Had

> a hyterectomy 11 years ago, so he sent me to an internist - had

> endoscopy, colonoscopy and swallowed a camera...no internal

bleeding.

> Still anemic (I'm trying to keep this short :- )

>

> She (internist) said, well, I think you have RA, possibly lupus.

> I said I didn't want to hear it. I knew a lady who had lupus

> 20 years ago and she was in bad shape, and all I could think

> of was the actor Carridene (?) and his gnarled hands.

> She said it wasn't like that anymore but told me to take iron

> supplements and come talk to her in 2 months, but urged me to go

back

> to the rheumy. That was last week.

>

> Yesterday I went back to my family doctor, and was told, yes,

> go to the rheumy, you need to face this. Let me tell you up front,

> my reaction to this for 2 years has surprised even me, I'm normally

> a head-on person...hmmm

>

> Well, I go Dec. 9th. Not to his nurse, but to him (Fiechtner).

> I am on 2x Celebrex now and I am tired. No rash, no swelling,

> not really sure between the 2 what I have yet...

>

> Sorry this is so long. I am leaving for Florida tomorrow, so my

> posts will be limited, but I will have my computer with me.

> Any information will be welcome, especially good news ; )

> and God bless.

>

> Joyce in MI

[Guest guest]

Dahlia,

If you want the probiotic benefits of water kefir you can eat the

extra water kefir grains. Alcohol and acidity is a normal part of

water kefir. The amount of alcohol produced is in proportion

to the inherent or added sugar in the juice. I suppose if you

poured the water kefir in large shallow trays and dried it you

could get rid of the alcohol as it would evaporate off. Afterwards

you could mix the dry leavings with water and drink it. In all

seriousness, it doesn't sound as if you are doing anything wrong

the way you make your water kefir.

As for the kefirkraut being mushy, try leaving the kefirkraut or

wheykraut at room temperature for only two days and then finish

fermenting in the fridge. Kefir and fermented whey are often

said to accelerate the kraut process at room temperature which

might cause the premature mushiness though not in all cases.

Darrell

[Guest guest]

I'm just forwarding these two messages for Dahlia because they

accidentally got sent to the MN owner instead of to the list...

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: srapp785@... <srapp785@...>

Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 14:39:09 -0500

Subject: Re: newbie

nutrition-owner

Darrell wrote:

>>The amount of alcohol produced is in proportion to the inherent or

added sugar in the juice.

>>In all seriousness, it doesn't sound as if you are doing anything wrong

the way you make your water kefir.

that helps, thanks. I know I must sound crazy--I have to get more into

experiment mode, methinks!

>>try leaving the kefirkraut or wheykraut at room temperature for only

two days and then finish fermenting in the fridge. Kefir and fermented

whey are often said to accelerate the kraut process at room temperature.

another good suggestion, thank you!

Dahlia

[Guest guest]

Hi Tennylovedog,

I am also relatively newly diagnosed too, in the U.K. I have been on

Levothyroxin since December 1st 2004.

I felt great while on the lower doses, and saw and felt some great physical

and mental improvement.

Today at my highest dose of 200mgs I am feeling alot of the days like how I

was pre treatment. My Doc said at 100mgs he had hoped for more progress, and

if when he next sees me, he may consider separate T3, as I may have a

problem converting the hormone at celluar level.

I just got a letter yesterday recalling me for a further blood test, saying

I have high calcium levels in my blood. I could possibly have

hyperparathyroidism as well.

You could possibly be undermedicated, you do not say what dose you are on.

You may need a little separate T3 to make the difference. I shall certainly

talk that over with my Doc. Get educated girl, your going to need to know as

much if not more than any Endo! Just read other posts to this site, some of

the so called specialists do not treat holistically as they should and see

we hypo's as being the sum of our blood results only. Hope you feel better

soon

Val.

Newbie

>

>

>

> I'm new to this site and this is my first post. I've been diagnosed

> with hypothyroidism for 4 months now and the quality of my life

> feels like it's diminished. I used to have energy and be active in

> my community--I used to be able to work--I'm only 37! My fiance and

> I had to postpone our Nov. wedding plans b/c I was too washed out.

> I've been taking medication for 4 months and have seen no results

> and don't know if that's " normal. " That's why I'm here; to find out

> how other people cope, cuz I'm not doing so great. Some days feel a

> little bit better than others, but I feel like I'm always sick with

> something and never feel " rested. " I hope you don't think I'm

> complaining, b/c that's not my style; I'm just fillin' y'all in (I

> realize that I'm jumpin' in the middle of your conversation, and I

> apologize, but I really needed to join a support group or I was

> gonna bust soon). I'm a straight-shooter and I always have been--

> had to be due to the fact that I also have a physical disability

> (and take a lot of medication for it). I don't want to overwhelm

> y'all with my first entry, so I'll stop for now. Peace.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Val,

Thanks for your response. Yes, I do think I'm undermedicated, but

am only able to afford HMO insurance and have to get my medical care

through my primary care doctor and he's proceeding at a very slow

rate (50 mcgs for 16 weeks-nothing and then 75mcgs for 8 weeks

before I can contact an Endo). It's maddenning to be at HIS mercy!

All he's focused on is blood levels, nothing about diet, or any

other measures. I am a holistic person by nature as my Endo will

have to be; I also realize that I have a lot of researching to do

before proceeding. I am glad that you are feeling stronger and have

responded to the Levo; I do hope your doctor is able to get you back

on the dose that made ypu feel your best.

Peace.

Kim

[Guest guest]

Hi Kim,

Don't want to alarm you,but what the heck is that doc doing to you? Do you

really mean he leaves gaps between increasing your doses? Get a better doc,

thyroid medication is meant to be trirated/tiered. For example I started on

50mgs, 75mgs, 100mgs, 150mgs and finally 200mgs, (my hypo was/is quite

severe) no gaps between treatment. It was a couple of weeks on one dose,

then say a month on another and then two months etc between December and

February.

If he is doing blood tests in between doses, then the fool is probably

trying to see what your 'normal' is, this is wrong. Think about it, if a

normal healthy person had their TSH etc tested would someone say to them,

stop your body producing T3 or whatever it while we see what your levels are

like without it! Our thyroids are BROKEN they are no longer doing what

nature intended, this doc does not appear to know much about individual

biochemistry. Please, find a decent doc,and not one who you feel you are at

the mercy of.

Best Wishes,

Val

Re: Newbie

>

>

> Dear Val,

>

> Thanks for your response. Yes, I do think I'm undermedicated, but

> am only able to afford HMO insurance and have to get my medical care

> through my primary care doctor and he's proceeding at a very slow

> rate (50 mcgs for 16 weeks-nothing and then 75mcgs for 8 weeks

> before I can contact an Endo). It's maddenning to be at HIS mercy!

> All he's focused on is blood levels, nothing about diet, or any

> other measures. I am a holistic person by nature as my Endo will

> have to be; I also realize that I have a lot of researching to do

> before proceeding. I am glad that you are feeling stronger and have

> responded to the Levo; I do hope your doctor is able to get you back

> on the dose that made ypu feel your best.

>

> Peace.

> Kim

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hey everyone (again),

Gee, I'm not trying to be a pest, but wow, not one response to my

email! Would love to hear from one person that I could bounce things

off of and find some support. Being new to this isn't easy.

Thank you,

Laurie

Hi Everyone,

I am newly diagnosed (via a nutritionist/herbalist)with Candida. It

all makes sense considering my history of allergies causing sinus

infections and courses of antibiotics for 30+ years, and my long term

sweet cravings/indulging. I am now seeing food intolerances

(wheat/diary)for the first time in my life, in addition to the longer

term symptoms of feeling lethargic, muscle tightness, on & off

depression/anxiety, continued sinus and allergy problems,

bloating/gas etc.

A couple of years ago, I followed what I called my own modified

Atkins style diet. I lost weight and felt better than ever. I know

that sugar/high carbs are really bad and that the more I stay away

from it the better I feel and the less I crave it. I always went

back to it though and it's a cycle I know I need to break. I'm

Italian and grew up with Bread, pasta, pizza etc as a regular part of

my life. These foods have also become a comfort psychologically even

though I know it's a short term feel good with long term negative

effects.

To all of you dealing with Candida who were former sugar/carb

addicts, do you have any advice? I just started takiing L-Glutamine

to reduce the cravings, so I'm hoping that helps. I'm also on anti-

fungal (Phytosan), enzymes, and a multidolphilus.

I'm also in that stage of finding a diet rythmn so to speak. I

commute 2 hrs a day to work and was always used to just grabbing a

granola, protein or rice bar on the way out the door. I'm also in

the middle of a kitchen renovation which limits what I can prepare

(should be done in 2 to 3 wks). The supplement schedule is challenge

as well. I know what I need to do and I'm determined to, but it's

nice to hash things out with others and hear how they have managed

their health and diets in balance with their work, family and social

lives. My partner has been very supportive which helps. Can anyone

offer advice on just some basic meals/beverages for the first stages

of the elimination diet. For example this morning all I had was

turkey bacon. I do have a cafeteria at work with a salad bar, deli,

etc.

I am sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, things are

progressively getting worse and I know the time is now to deal with

this before it gets more problematic.

Lastly, what's up with that ThreeLac product? My better judgement

tells me diet is so important in curing/managing Candida and it's

hard to believe it's claims.

Thank you and I look forward to your thoughts.

Laurie

--- End forwarded message ---

[Guest guest]

Laurie,

Sometimes we get a bit too busy and fail to respond but please know, we care

about everybody suffering from Candida overgrowth and we're are here to help.

As far as food goes, proteins and good veggies (and water) are your friends!

(It's a bummer we can't go enjoy some bread or some chocolate!)

The goal is to starve your Candida (to weaken it) and then hit it up side

the head with probiotics (pill form, homemade kefir, homemade yogurt) and

anti-fungals (raw garlic, wormwood, grapefruit seed extract, and many more).

As far as ThreeLac, most people are not impresed. My recommendation is to

spend your money on something more useful (like kefir grain starter).

Hope this helps,

PS Check out Bee's suggestions... She's offers some of the best " been

there...done that " knowledge!