I feel your frustration, my wife works as a full time teacher, makes good money, but spends It very good as well. We are allways struggling to pay bills especialy our $2,000.00 Mortgage. The relationship of high stress and anxioty, due to traumatic life changing events, have everything to do with causing as well as worsening this Dragon FM as well as many other syndromes. Does your roomate have moral reasons for not wanting to strip again? If so you should not push it, If not you could challenge him. If you talk about maybe you might do it, (not that you would or have to, just a challenge) He might feel like doing it because of the challenge. If you would like to talk more about this or any other issues you would like to have help with, I would be glad to exchange e-mail with you, please feel free any time. I am so glad for you that you look into this possible cause for your IBS symtoms, but also your not beeing able to eat this sounds serious.
virginia
goodafternoon to all, I have been felling better the last couple day's but have just been layin around also lol, I have to try really hard to have good day's for my son who is 8. He has started basketball!!!!!!!!! so will be busy with that. the weather here is cold so my leg's and all hurt very bad in the evening.Not so much in the afternoon but morning and evening. I go to the Dr. on Monday for a cist on my hand I have to have surgery on it.HAve a great weekend Virginia
Lorraine CA
Lorraine CA Hi All = To Starr in WV and Richard. re: Hyaluronic Acid. This occurs naturally in our bodies and lubricates our joints and tissues. As we grow older we begin losing some of this protection. So this supplement adds to the supply. It is not inexpensive. One bottle lasting a little more than thirty days costs over $50 the first month. After that they send y ou a coupon for 15 percent off. To me it is worth every penny. If you want to find out more about it go to WWW.hyalogic.com. More than lubricating your joints it also softens your skin like you wouldn't believe. You will notice this after only a few days. Sounds like I work for them doesn't it? I don't. It is a helpful aid to arthritis and many other diseases. Please check them out and good luck to you. I also got some stretching tapes from Oxycising. I am up to the 4th tape now. Haven't lost much weight (don't have much to lose} but it is very energizing and once y ou conquer the breathing technique it helps with lung power also.
JUANITA NOV.5
JUANITA/TX hello everyone, it's sunday and nobody seems to be online but me. haha. my husband is at the races in fort worth and i really thought i would get to sleep in this morning, but noooo. i work up at 12:30 a,3:00 am and 6:00 am so i finally said to heck with it and got up. i went and did my grocery shopping around 8 am this morning before walmart gets so crowded. i have been not doing much around here but cleaning and laundry. at my own pace since i am home alone. i watched a program on tv called SUPER OBESE and it realy scared me because i weigh over 200 lbs. and the thought of getting bigger and bigger is a possiblity. i had my stomach stabled years ago but i guess it does't work for everybody. i really want to exercise more but don't have the strength. but i feel as long as i can keep moving every day and not let this put me to bed i will be able to fight it more. just doing my regular chores and keeping kids all day really zapps my energy. so where am i going to get the energy to exercise? after working all week all i want to do is lay down and sleep but sleep does't come easy for me. i never sleep in the daytime. i think i am alittle depressed right now. i have thought about going to get a bottle of wine and just sitting in the tub and drink the whole thing.but i am too lazy to go and get it. go figure. couldn't be an alcholic if i wanted to be. haha food has always been my poision of choice. it is so nice to just sit here and talk to people who are going thru the same thing as i am, and not worry about being judged.just knowing you are there is such a comfort. i am talking about everybody on this website. there was a segment on the news the other morning about CFS but they didn't mention FIBRO. they are so close to each other that i think sometimes it's hard to tell the difference. well, i know some of you guys are getting tired of listening to me rant and rave so i'll go for now and go watch tv for awhile. not going to get the wine. i'll just have a diet pepsi instead. later,THANKS for listening. JUANITA
Alexandra / OH November 5, 2006
Alexandra - Ohio - Fibro, CFS, and Depression for 7 years.
KAREN - You wrote: "under FMLA I am not guaranteed my exact job but if I go on leave they have to offer me an equivalent job on my return if mine is no longer available." I believe each large company defines it a little differently but, I agree. I have been on FMLA since June28. It has been a long road with doctor's, tests, clinics, and different medicatons. I ran out of short term LOA and now am fighting MetLife for longterm disability payment now. I purchased coverage from my company in the event I may not be able to work some day. Under the terms, I still need to qualify for disablility under the company guides however, whenever (ifever) I am able to go back--- it is my companies decision whether the business need has changed and I am no longer needed or if another position is available. You are at their mercy. I worked for this company for sixteen years and in a management capacity. It seems like it doesn't matter who you are, what job you held, or how dedicated you were while at 100% good health---they consider you a 'throw away' once you can no longer 'disguise' the ailments any longer. Its a shame when you realize you have been working to make other companies alot of money and when you need some understanding or consideration, you are told---talk to your HR Counselor. Sad state of Company politics. Its about time large companies were evaluated on THEIR professional integrity.
Hoping everyone is well. Take care.
Sometimes you make the right decision, sometimes YOU make the decision right.
If you want more, you have to require more from yourself.
Cari K. 11-5-06
Cari K. 11-5-06 hello all.To Juanita,I am glad you opted for the diet pepsi and not the wine. that surely would have just added to your problems.Also,I recieved a notice from the CO-Cure,Org. that they were going to be doing that piece on chronic fatique on NBC Friday.They are trying to get public awareness up and to also let it be known that CFS is a real disorder. Like MS. This is the kind of publicity we need for fibromyalgia.I,myself, have both.But I feel for you having to watch kids all day. There's no way I could do it. I still work in a plastic factory,but they know of my disorders and don't push too hard.Mostly,I am standing in one place and working with my hands.Sometimes,I have to do some work that really pushes my limits but I figure that it's better to do that ,so I can stay active and mobile.Like you,I would much rather lay on the couch and wait for a cure but you and I both know that that is not the answer,whether or not we gain weight.I wish you all the best and send you warm,soft,hugs,Cari
Dorothy
11/5/06 I have been suffering with fibromyalgia for years now but its just gotten worse in the last year.
It's a hard disease to live with and work around.
Many days it's a struggle to get up and go to work but I have to work to help supplement my husband's income.
Medications help some but there's days when it doesn't matter what medication you take it's painful and tiring and depressing anyway.
I'm trying to cope with my illness and get my husband to understand just what I deal with each day.
It's nice to know there's others out there who know what I go through each day.
Just knowing someone else cares means a lot to people like us. fayeinpa
Yolanda Mia 11-6-06
Hello All! We must have all had a busy weekend cause hardly anyone posted. I know mine was insane. I had a promotion Friday night at a bar. We had to wear a mini skirt in 20-degree weather late at night. And, the wind was awful, so it was even colder than that. But, once inside I was ok. I had a blast working the event even though it was so packed it was hard to move or breath. Thank goodness I was too busy to focus on how cramped it was, b/c I am majorly claustrophobic, and could have had a panic attack. I was in charge of holding all the merchandise we were giving out, and the other girl working with me carried the tray of shots. With tips and the pay, after all is said and done, I made $66 in 2 hours. It was so much fun and I can't wait to do another of these promotions. I got hit on and got to flirt with cute guys that were in town for the big Notre Dame game. Huge boost for my self esteem since I've been very down lately. I was afraid the other girl would divert attention from me cause she was a tall, skinny, pretty blond. But, I had several guys that were interested in me, so I didn't feel so frumpy like I thought I would. I wish I could do more jobs like this cause I can make a good deal of money and I love doing the job, though I am paying for it. My biceps ache b/c of carrying everything. At one point I was carrying so much I couldn't hardly see in front of me and I looked like a pack mule....LOL. A few people felt sorry for me and got some shirts just to help lighten my load. Whatever works, right?
Then on Saturday I went shopping with my mom and had a Temptations Party to do. So, I had to clean my house too. I threw the party at my house cause I'm trying to generate more parties to help make more money. My business hasn't been doing well. Then I had to work another promotion yesterday and was so busy I had no time to do anything. All I did was constantly replace the products, cause they were going like crazy. We were promoting the new Lay's chips and Propel water. Food gets people everytime...lol. But, it was good, I even had some left over to take home. That helps cause we hardly have any food. Still waiting on my roommate to pay his half of the rent. I'm really getting frustrated! I can't cover it at all! I'm so broke that I was glad I got tips just so I can pay for gas this week.
Richard, I want to thank you for your words! I'm trying to keep my wits about me in all this, but it's hard with him not putting any effort into getting the money, and all I do is put forth effort that I don't have the energy for.
Doris, we'll be thinking of you and hope for a speedy recovery of your wrist.
Juanita, we are all here for you! I wish there was more I could do cause I sense that you are in a deep depression right now. I'll be thinking of you, and am here if you need someone to talk to.
I had a quick question. Where is it that I can go to get help from the drug companies on my meds? I forgot and can't seem to find it in all the posts, and I was getting a headache searching. Thanks for all of you being such a great bunch of friends. Love ya all! Yoyo
Bernadette Nov 6
CARI K-thanks for the info about the show Friday night on NBC. Do you know what program it is so that I can watch it? I think fibro and CFS are related and similar to MS and I am so glad that CFS is getting so much publicity these days(Oprah magazine and advertisements). I just wish that they would include or refer to fibro too. I am pretty sure I have both as well, or that they are the same thing.
Me, I'm just trying to fight the blues and keep my head up. The temps are around 1 degree up to 20 degrees here, but I am still walking my dog every day and that is really good for me. I substitute teach my 7 year old son's class the next three days and that should be fun, if exhausting. I am glad for the work because asking my husband for money for everything is really a drag!I was raised to be financially independent and not being so is probably the hardest part of this illness. That and not being able to "go for it" in outdoor sports. Well, I've got to go wake up my son and take him to school and walk the dog. Peace, out my friends.
Richard in Tucson November 06
Hi friends: I really appreciate you all being here. I missed you very much over the week-end.
Our Daughter's "Birthday party" was a success on Sat. We must have had about 30 of Nicole's friends here. In addition to the children we had @ least 30 adults too. We had a Disney princess jumping castle (the theme was Snow white.) I am trying to recover I spent alot of time in bed yesterday. I have this cold with sorethroat, raspy voice, It make me struggle to talk. I am also getting less sleep because of these symptoms.
ALICE IN TEXAS: I am feeling for you I know what it is like to have pain in my heels. I had Plantar fasiaitis a few years back, I had many treatments including the coprtizone injections, but no surgery. I got them from wearing work boots & walking on Cement in my workplace as an airplane mechanic. Since I am not in that occupation anymore The heal problems have gone away. I recomend you start taking a product from Shaklee Vitamins, called Joint Health complex, it has Glucosamine hydrochloride, Mangenese & several other enhancong ingredients that help rebuild Cartilage, I have seen proof that it works because my wife took it to pospne her hip surgery for like almost three years. We saw the difference on her x-rays. She did have the hip replaced later but she still takes this formula three capsuls a day, because she believes it will keep her other hip joint and all her joints supple and healthy. I hope everything goes well on your husband's biopsy and that his tumor goes away.
Karen: Thank you for explaining the Samhain (Sow-an) It is interesting to learn about these other cultures and events. I am glad for you that your boyfriend is able to help with the massage. your welcome for any information I can help with.
Virginia: I am back, (sort of) alittle out of it lol. Feel free to e-mail me again.
Lorraine CA: Thank You for the information on the Hyaluronic Acid, I remembered who told me about this, it was Anne Hillebrand she post once an a while here at the wall. She has a webb. site with alot of useful information about this subject. You can find it at www.FibroFix.com Anne and her Husband operate this webb. site and it is very good.
Starr in WV: You might want to check this webb. site out as well, I think you asked Lorraine about this.
Juanita/ TX: I know how you feel, I am feeling sorry I could not be there for you yesterday. Even if we are not posting, you are not alone. We are here to confort eachother. I would say that you are not near super Obese, just as I am not there yet either. We do have to be concered, about gaining more wt. It is hard on our bodies hearts & minds to be getting more obese. That is why as difficult as it is,I am going to the gym once per week, and will go twice per week soon, I am also cutting down on my sweets as much as possible. I never will get tired of your rant and rave. I care about you.
Dorothy: Welcome to the wall, someone else does care. keep coming back.
Yoyo: I am so glad your self esteem got a boost, (if I only could have been there flirting with you also, that would have helped my self esteem too. You are very pretty from what I have seen. I am also so glad that you could make that kind of money. I am sure it will help your situation some. I wish I could offer you more than words, you are so special and deserving of alot more.Sadly I must stop at this point, it is almost ten'o'clock & I have not accomplished anything of what I set out to do. Take care & Gentle Hugs to all here.
from Richard in Tucson...
Debbie November 6, 2006
Hello everyone, I haven't posted in a while, I have been getting over my most recent diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis on top of FM and my long time MS. I am going to stop going to doctors because I end up with a new dx everytime.
After reading up on the AS I realize that my Mom was surely afflicted with it and my youngest brother was dx several years ago as well. God help my two daughters, 29 and 22, my prayer is that they will not have to suffer the same fate.
Just wondering if anyone else on this board has been dx with AS and how are you dealing with it? Take care everyone and know that you are in my prayers for healing.
Karen 11/06
Hello all! I hope everyone is doing well. Well, my request to work from home was refused and on the same day I got a verbal warning for something REALLY stupid. And I'm not being sensitive here, it was a huge stretch but they get away with it. Personally I feel it was so political I might as well have been in a meeting with Bush and Cheney. >< It was hard for them to find a reason to "discipline" me and it would be easy to show that now that our reviews are on-line. Anyway, it was just a way to set the groundwork for them to fire me in my opinion. I'm now working through the FMLA (since it protects me) and have a doctor's appointment on Friday to discuss having my work days shortened for awhile while I work on the aquatherapy. I explained to them that I have to do this every day but that sometimes is lands me in bed for a day or more. I think with a shorter day or shorter work week I can get used to things and hopefully therapy will help more than it hurts. Right now it hurts at least as much as it helps, if not more. Lorraine thanks for the info on the Hyaluronic Acid. I'm going to look into this. I always prefer something holistic instead of prescription med if I can help it. The only thing about meds that is better, at times, it works out cheaper.
Starr in WV 11/6/06
The history behind our holidays and customers is quite interesting. I have researched a lot because of teaching Cub Scouts and Sunday School over the years. Christianity "borrowed" a lot from the other religions in order to encourage people to convert. Children used to go "souling" instead of trick or treating and were given raisin cookies. Pretzels were originally Easter food.
I had a miserable day at work last Friday. It's bad enough to have the fibro; it's bad enough to have that and need to work full time but then to have a crazy boss on top of it all!! Seriously, she does have some mental problems. She has some attention deficit, some control issues, some oppositional defiance. The last time we had a confrontation, I found a book the new day called Living with a Screwed Up Person (SUP). It was an excellent book and I wish I had had it several years ago. It has been very helpful in helping me understand both her and how I need to handle things because I cannot change her. She frequenly reminds me of my father, who definitely was an SUP.
Anyway, Friday she went into one of her "spells" but my co-worker and I have decided we aren't going to worry about things anymore. If she gets mad enough to fire us, we will just draw our unemployment. However, I don't think I could handle all this if it weren't for faith in God.
On a lighter note, I have had a gnat problem lately. I don't like to spray a lot so I bought some of those adhesive tapes that are really cheap. I found out if I cut the tape a couple of inches above the cardboard tubing it somes in, I can hold the cardboard part in my long pick up tongs and then reach the sticky part up to the ceiling and the cabinets and catch them. My husband and son have had a great time laughing at me but my grandsons thought it was fun helping me spot them LOL
I spent Sunday taking care of my 9-year old and 6 year old grandsons and their 2-year old sister. This weekend I will have them all day Friday, SAturday and Sunday. It's tiring but not as bad as work and I'm just thankful I am able to do it.
We are having some decent weather here, not too hot or cold. Everybody stay well.
Starr in WV 11/6/06
As I am sure all you smart people figured out - it was supposed to be "customs" not "customers" LOL
Yolanda Mia 11-7-06
Hello All! Well, finished one of my classes last night and think I got an A. Now, I just have 5 more weeks and 2 classes and I will have my Associates....YIPEE! I'm so looking forward to it. I will soon be looking for another job that actually will pay me my worth. Yesterday they had me making political phone calls which is totally not under my job description. And, I was in the middle of several things that needed to get out yesterday. They had another secretary take over for me while I made all these calls. Why couldn't she make the calls!!! All she did was sit and play solitaire. Why pull me away from my work for this? For one, I hate getting invloved in politics, and another, I hate telemarketing! So, ya, I was not happy about all that BS yesterday. Someone else could have done it and I could have gotten my work done.
Karen, sounds to me like they will find any excuse to fire you. I'm so sorry to hear that, it's so unfair. And, unfortunately, the FMLA doesn't completely protect you from getting the boot. If they want you out bad enough, they will find the loopholes. I'd contact your local EEOC. Maybe they can give you some advice. Also, I don't know if the ADA will help either, since FM isn't completely recognized as a disability yet. I'd also find out if your state is like where I live, in Indiana they can fire you for any reason and not even have to tell you why. If that's the case, then you are pretty much screwed. I hope it all works out for you though! Just fight for it.
Debbie, I've never heard of Ankylosing Spondylitis, but after looking it up I'm curious to see what the docs would say to me. I always have problems in those areas and it gets very stiff all the time. Also, wondering if maybe all of us that have the nerve in one side of our posterior bugging us might be somehow related to this. Heck, with FM there are many other things we all tend to have pile up on us from this. Who's to say this isn't another one. So many of our conditions seem to go hand in hand with one another. Why not have another one added.....ugh.
Well, love ya all! Better get back to work...lol. Yoyo
JUANITA NOV.7
JUANITA/TX hello everyone. just wanted to say hi and to THANK everyone for their support. especally CARI.RICHARD AND YOYO. it really helps when you let me know you understand. yes, the diet pepsi was better than the wine. i don't drink often but i do like a glass of wine every now and then. maybe if i drank more i wouldn't eat as much. lol lol. just kidding. my husband drinks enough for both of us. i am trying to type this while holding a 11 week old baby in one hand so forgive amy mistakes. weight has become a big issue for me, even tho i have fought it for years. tired of fighting it. want to except it, but if i do, i am afair it might get out of control worse than it is. it's hard enough dealing with fibro without all the extra weight.someone mentioned a program coming on friday about fibro. any more info about it? well i have to go, one of the babies woke uo. gentle huggs everyone.JUANITA
Richard in Tucson November 07
Good Tuesday afternoon to all. I really hope everyone is feeling better than I am. I have gotten this cold, with the sore throat horrible raspy voice. Stuffy head type that does not quit. I have been sleeping off & on all morning. I have so much to do, but no energy at all to do them.
I just had to wake up, because Nicole is home early from school, as she is every Tuesday. I have to get over this, because this week I have to cut out the stucco from around our bedroom window to make the opening for our new slidding glass door to the deck, that should be delivered any day now.
Bernadette: I read your post after I posted yesterday. I did not have time or energy to post again until now. I don't know how you are able to bare this fibro in those temps. I would be frozen. just going outside, but you can walk the dog as well. I am sure you will do great Substituting your Son's class.
I hope all goes better for you all soon, please know that you are all important to me, I wish you the very best.
Gentle Hugs from Richard in Tucson...
Barb(Pa) 11/9/06
Good Morning FM'ily, I made it back home for a few days and have been working soooooooooo hard I am now in TERRIBLE pain.Thank goodness we are leaving tonight for Dallas,I can rest up again.I am excited that I finally have the new dining room finished except for painting and my son says he will come back after Thanksgiving and get that done before Christmas.
Richard I know what you mean about the cold hanging on. I caught one right before I left home last time and I sat in beautiful,sunny Florida sick. I lost my voice for 3 days and ran a temp so I pretty much stayed in bed. Its no wonder we catch colds traveling from the 40's to the 60's then 90's then back home to the 20's.
Welcome newbies.
I have to run for now,Dave had to take the truck to the garage and he just called to come pick him up,the truck needs some time comsuming work,that spells "big bucks".
Gentle hugs to everyone.
Richard in Tucson November 09
Good Thursday morning. I just wanted to make a quick post to let everyone know that I will miss you all for the next four days. Due to Veterans Day my family is home all day tomorrow. I never seem to be able to post when they are home.
Barb(Pa): I am sorry to read you are in such terrible pain. I am so glad you are excited about your new dining room near completion. Some times I doubt I will ever get my Deck done The sliding glass door is supposed to be delivered today to Home Depot. I have to go check it out, and schedule it's installation. I hope to start Cutting out the window & Stucco Tommorrow and call for a framing inspection Monday. So Tuesday They can install the Door. I am finnally getting rid of this Cold I have had for a week now. I was hoping to get something from the Doctor Today but they called this morning to reschedule my appointment.
Gentle Hugs to all have a safe and painfree week-end, from Richard in Tucson...
Vicky
Just stumbled here to the wall - love the site, and my thanks to the wallmasters. Newly diagnosed with Fibro after a 2 year search to discover the truth. Don't want to be here, don't need another chronic problem, so I am currently banging my head on the stones here. Will need some support and some help navigating the path ....having problems at work, etc.....all I really wanted was a magic pill....the pain I can cope with, but the mental fog and memory problems are driving me INSANE.... just call me TZL
Marianne 11/11/06
Marianne, Phoenix, AZ 9/11/06
Hey Everyone, I am a newbie to the wall. It is wonderful.
THis week has been one of the worst weeks of my life in term of the pain I am in and the lack of understanding from my family, friends and co-workers. My boss actually offered my part time to try to handle what I am going through, but I don't know if my family can afford to loose that money. I know everyone says to go for it, but that will hurt us on many levels.. especially with the holiday's coming up.
Please tell me - how do you cope on "bad days"?? I am taking Ambien CR for sleep I love it, but during the day I am hurting so so bad and can't take the vidodin or percocet the doctor gave me it knocks me out and makes me loopy. THe muscle relaxers don't even dull the pain.... Should I look into other therapy like accupunture? I can't do massage I can't bear anyone touching me.. it's painful
My prayers go out to all of you, much love Marianne
Lee Ann/MI 11/11/06
Hi everyone! Its been a while since I posted. I have been reading everyone's postings though. I have not been feeling very good and it was just too much effort to post. Sorry, but know that I am keeping you all in my heart and prayers. Vicki and Marianne, Welcome. You have found a group of people that really understand and are concerned in your well being. This is not the easiest thing to live with and every bit of encouragement helps. Please be sure to come back often and if you are not responded to right away it may just because we are all busy but care. Richard, it is good to see that you are posting again. Barb/PA, I hope your are doing well. Doris, how is the hand coming along? What's one more thing, huh? Yo-Yo, you sure are a busy little beaver right now. I hope things straighten out with your roommate. You don't need that stress. I have been there and it is not a good thing because it causes all sorts of tension and resentment.; Bernadette, I miss your humor, but then again maybe you are having a painful time of it right now. You don't know how much you have touched others by posting the things you do. Well, I am not going to go on much more. I am in pain and exhausted. I went grocery shopping and it seemed to take everything out of me today. Best wishes and less painful days.
Bernadette Nove 13
LEE ANN You are so sweet! Your kind words mean a lot to me and I am so glad to see you here again on the Wall. RICHARD bless your heart for basically keeping things going around here and always making sure to respond to people. DORIS so glad to hear from you. Get well soon so that we can read more of your kind postings. I wish that I had time to respond to everyone. Maybe if I get more regular around here, I will. Goodness, ALICE what a lot of stress to be under! But look at the bright side, maybe that knee surgery will really help a lot. I hope so. VIRGINIA I can relate to running around because I have a son who is 8 next month. He doesn't want to do basketball and the pool where we usually go for lessons is closed for remodeling so I have two blessed months until indoor soccer starts when I can just relax in the evenings! MARIANNE I strongly suggest you look into taking tramadol, also known as ultram. It is a non narcotic prescription pain reliever that helps many of us. It changed my life and makes me able to function without messing with my mind at all. The only difference I feel is less pain. There are those of us whose pain has excalated to the point where we need to take narcotics, but if tramadol will do it instead, I say try that first.
As for me, I am doing OK. The temps will get "up" to 10 degrees today, but I will still walk my dog. The Alaska darkness is starting to descend on us. The sun comes up about 9:30 and goes down about 4 right now, and we are losing 5 minutes a day. I am making sure to wait until it is at its peak before I go out. Getting that aerobic exercise and fresh air is really making a difference. My friend gave me a treadmill and I thought I would train my pup to walk on it, like the Dog Whisperer does. Instead, he panicked and fled, but not before peeing all over it in fright! I might try acclimating him to it later, but for right now, outside is good. I am still doing my yoga which also helps tremendously, and taking more magnesium. Isn't it weird when you are not doing anything out of the ordinary and you start to feel some muscle or other just starting spasming out the blue? I am trying to get through this winter by nurturing living things. I have some indoor plants including an amaryllis bulb. Oh my gosh, you guys have got to try it! You can get them at Wal Mart for like 5 bucks and they grow quickly and explode with color within a couple of months! Anyway, I am doing that and also my husband put a bird feeder by my window so I can watch the birdies dance about. Those and lots of candles are getting me through. Anyway, this has been long enough and it is time to go to school. Take care everyone.
Barb(Pa) 11/13/06
Happy Monday FM'ily, Have arrived in Dallas and delivered this morning,but missed the load going to Phoenix because it took so long to unload we didn't have enough time to get to where we had to pick it up,so now we sit and wait.
Hope everyone had a great weekend and are feeling well and pain"free" as possible.I have been sleeping a little better since I purchased a foam mattress topper for my truck bed.Its just enough to help the pressure point pain in my joints and back allowing me to finally get comforable.
Does anyone have an update on Bonnie? Its been so long with out news,I am concerned about her.
Marianne,I will probably be coming your way tomorrow or Wednesday,maybe one day we can meet since I get that way often.
Gotta go for now,gentle hugs and sunny skies and painfree days.
Richard in Tucson November 13
Good Monday Morning to all. I hope everyone has been having some relief from the pain and all the other symptoms this Fibro brings. I myself have had my share. I am finnaly getting over my cold which I have had for over a week.
Welcome to the Newbies, please keep coming back, you will find this a very helpful caring group.
Vicky (TZL): Please feel free to vent, keep coming back you will discover most of the people here have experienced many of the same issues. Take care of your self don't bang your head to hard. We need you, you are a very special person, everyone here has something to share, that will help someone else. Magic pills would be wonderful, don't give up.
Marianne Phoenix: Family, friends and co-workers will have a real hard time trying to understand this. That is why I keep coming back here, our Fibro-family does understand. I am glad to meet you, I live in Tucson, Az. I have been coming to this wall for a long time. It has helped me cope with all the changes this fibro causes in our lives. You will find the answers you seek here, keep coming back. For me the fatigue and overall tiredness is the thing I have a hard time with. I have found that attending an excercise regimine, with gentle streching and movments have helped me a lot. I also take Lyrica 100mg capsuls 3 times per day. Look into any therapy that you think won't hurt. Accupuncture is a great place to start.
Lee Ann/MI: I am also glad to see your posts. I do believe it has been quite a while. I have missed you. I have read back to your last post which I think was on 10/05/06, I could be wrong about this, forgive me if so. You were trying to make a desision about Retirement from your former employer. I regret not being able to help you with this decision, @ that time, I probably had a full plate myself at the time. Have you been able to make that decision? I am sure you will make or have made the right one for you. I cashed out my small IRA to help survive, for a while. That was all I had after my short term disability ran out. My Co. had nothing more to offer me. It is possible if you are considered disabled, you could take the early retirement without penalty, If you state you are in a major hardship, do to your Illness.
Barb (Pa): I am glad to read you are sleeping better. Is the mattress topper memory foam? That is what we have on our king size bed, it has helped alot with my sleep. I wish you and Dave and I could get together for coffee some time. I have not given up, we will do it in the near future. When you have the time, and my deck is done, I will have more time and energy. For now we will just have to make it a virtual coffee stop.
Well I have to get going, I have too much to do today.
Gentle Hugs from Richard in Tucson...
Mazie 11/13/2006
11/13/2006 Hi, I'm F, 31 & was diagnosed with Fibro today. My mom has it, so this was no huge surprise, but she's all the way across the country, and I could use some support; nor has she ever had symptoms as severe as mine. I haven't been able to brush my hair, hold a cup, put on my socks, walk my dog, sleep comfortably just about hardly anything at all for just about two weeks now. All my joints - ruminating up my arms and legs, all over my body are killing me. I'm hoping "Ultram" (Tramadol) 50mgs. will help. Is anyone familiar with this drug? Side effects? I'm in Grad school with 2 part time jobs and a house to manage... drowsiness just isn't an option... of course, neither is this misery. And that's all the typing my back and arms can handle for now. Looking forward to meeting you...
JUANITA 11-14
JUANITA/TX goodmorning everyone, how was everyone's weekend? i hope painfree. i spent monday with my husband having a scope ran down his throat for the second time in 4 months. he didn't wake up as quick as he did last time , but they did 24 biopsies on his stomach yesterday. not sure why . the nurse who brought him back said it looks good, the the dr. came in and said he was obtomistic? what does that mean? anyway after that we went to MY appointment with my rumotogolist. he said i had gained 20 lbs in the last 6 months and he has ordered me to take a sleep study asap. he siad with my weight gain and sleeplessness that i was headed for cronic heart failure? i think that was what he said. the 20 lbs and heart failure was all my husband heard. scared him to death. i bought me a glider to use this weekend at a garage sale so i plan on getting on it as soon as i can and try to get some strength. . he also gave me LEXAPRO. any one know about it? was only taking trammadol and lycria. he asked me what other dr.s i was seeing and was surpriced when i told him i was only seeing HIM. what other drs. do i need i wonder. we got us a new puppy yesterday. (BOSTON TERRIER) we have been looking for 3 years for one, ever since our female was stolen. well i need to go and make lunch. just had a quick few minutes to talk. hope to hear from anyone needing a shoulder. WE all need a shoulder every now and then. gentle huggs from JUANITA/ TX
Rena 11/14/06
Rena FL 11/14 I have not been on the Wall lately but I read all the postings each day. My heart goes out to the newbies who have to not only deal with the pain, fog, etc. but also with doctors, family and friends who do not either understand or choose not to accept Fibro as a real diagnosis. I was first diagnosed over 30 years ago and back then most doctors had not even heard of it. I remember the relief though when I finally had a diagnosis and a name for what was happening to me. That lasted several days and then I wanted to be fixed. Is that the way you newbies feel also? At least now there are doctors who treat Fibro and meds that will help. Search and you will find them, I promise.
About the Ultram, I was on that back in the 80's and it worked well with little or no side effects. I used it for several years to help with the pain. I recommend it BUT when you are getting off it to move on to another med, gradually decrease the dosage. They will tell you it is non-addictive BUT you do have to withdraw from it when you have been on it for a long time. It took me 4 days to withdraw and it was not pretty!
My pain has been getting worse lately and I guess that is why I am writing today. I am angry about it. I am already on Morphine, muscle relaxants, nerve pills and sleep meds...what more is there? I sometimes have to go to bed to wait for my next dose because the pain has broken through. After 30 years I should be used to this...NOT. Well, this is long enough.
Cari K. 11-15-06
Cari K. 11-15-06 Good day all,I was hoping to give some feedback to Juanita.When your doctor said he was optimistic,that meant he was getting a good outlook on your husbands condition.Also,the lexapro is a anti depressant.I was on it for awhile.But when I took Cymbalta,(another anti depressant) I lost 20lbs. in 6 mos.So maybe your doctor is hoping this will help with the weight gain.Also,have you been really down lately? this will help with that too.I wish you luck.Recently, my doctor put me back on Paxil(which I asked for)and I have gained weight too.But,I feel better.Mentally.I can work on losing the weight.Also.to Rena,I know what you mean about being on all sorts of drugs and STILL in pain.I have the morphine patch,Norco(for breakthrough pain),Lyrica,and one for anxiety.When , oh when ,will they actually find something to help?I have the RLS so bad that it is hard to sleep. I jump and jerk all the time when I am relaxed.Does anyone else have this trouble?Well,enough from me. Gentle,warm hugs,Cari K.
Dancer Elyse 11/15/06
Hello Everyone, I am 19 years old and was diagnosed almost a year ago with Fibromyalgia. I have not been able to find a doctor willing to work with me and so for the past year I've been floundering. As a dancer I am constantly exercising and active, so that hasn't been a problem for me, but I haven't noticed that it helps with my condition. Along with the fibromyalgia I have been getting bursitis, tendonitis and chrondomalacia, all severely impairing my ability to dance. Between my psychiatric history and fibromyalgia, I find that I have to withhold information whenever I see a doctor in order to get adequate treatment. And in the meanwhile, I just see this disease taking more and more of my life away from me and I have no idea of how to change that. Thanks for having this wall.
Yolanda Mia 11-15-06
Hello All! I haven't posted in awhile b/c things have been insane, and I didn't know how to respond to those that did post. But, I did want to welcome all the newbies that have joined us recently. Thank you for joining our family, just sorry it is under these conditions.
I did want to address Dancer. I totally understand what you are going through. I started exhibiting major signs of FM when I was your age (though I had it much longer), but it took seven years to finally get a diagnosis. Since then, I recently developed CFS which has hurt my career goals of being a singer. I get so exhausted that I can't talk, let alone sing. It's frustrating being so young and feeling that you are cut down in your prime. If ever you need anyone, you can always e-mail me to talk. I'm still struggling to have some kind of life despite this condition. Life has barely started and I feel at times that it's over. But, I am rerouting some of my goals in life to accomadate the FM. It takes time to get to that point, and I am not even quite there yet. I'm trying to finish school plus keep up on all my jobs that I have taken on lately to pay the bills I can't afford. It's quite frustrating, but you have to keep fighting, don't give up. Just need to change your plan of action.
Well, I've been in a major flare lately to the point that every movement I make hurts so badly. I haven't been able to sleep cause it just hurts so bad. Unfortunately, I am one that can't take any meds to rid myself of the pain. I just have to grin and bear it, which sucks! It has made it nearly impossible to function, and this couldn't come at a worse time cause I am now in two classes a week so I can have my degree at the end of the year. These are my last two classes and then I will have my Associates in Business Management. I'm excited, but wish that these classes were already over cause I'm just so tired.
On the brighter side, my roommate finally paid his part of the rent, so one less thing to stress over. But, more bills I wasn't expecting just came in, so there goes all that. It's just been very tough lately.
Next month I go in for surgey to get my endo checked and finally diagnosed, and while they are at it, they are performing a tubal ligation. So, here soon I will not be able to have children, which I am relieved cause I know I could never handle them. My nephews are all I need. Love ya all! Yoyo
Barb(Pa) 11/15/06
Hello FM'ily, WELCOME newbies !!!
Richard,to bad you are so busy,spent lastnight at the Triple T and had breakfast there before delivering just west of town. I had most of the day to waste for a change,you could have met Dave and I.We made it from Houston to the Triplr T in 23 hours,we are beat. Now its off to L.A.
Yoyo,hope all works out for you.
Got to get some rest,will check back later. Gentle hugs,
Julie November 15 2006
Hi my name is Julie and I have had Fibromyalgia since I was young I am new to this board and just wanted to say Hello! I am having a hard time getting a Dr. who will treat (Or believe in) my illness. I have just moved to a new area in Florida and so I am very frustrated........ I thought if I could join a group of people who understand it might help.......
vicky redden 11/15/06
Thank you for your warm welcome!!! Diagnosed with Fibro over a week ago - have been looking for what is wrong with me for over 1 1/2 years. I live in a small town and had to go more than 50 miles to see a rheumatologist - only to find out that she only diagnoses, and leaves it up to my medical doctor to treat. UGHHHH! Currently have a doctor that I despise due to my husband being active duty national guard - I am going to see the doc tomorrow, have developed my own potential treatment plan as she will not know what to do - plan to ask for a sleep study, a prescription for Flexeril and for a low-dose TCA to help me sleep and boost my serotonin levels - have also started journaling to track my progress (or lack thereof), and have begun a very, very mild exercise program (can we say 90 seconds on a stationary bike) LOLOLOL - Had my first fall yesterday - lots of balance problems - couldn't even fall in the grass, had to fall across a brick ledge.....
nevan
Hi guy's Have been unable to get here for a week. Wife was surfing and we got a virse. Had to wibe out everthing on the computer. Will not be without protection again. lol Lost our favorites so had to ask for a link to get back here. It is raining here for over a week. That is Oregon for you. It made our back steeps slipery. So I had a nice little fall. One leg in the house and the other off the steps. Much pain, legs are killing me. Brused my foot pretty good as well. I am ok but must do somthing about those back steps. You would think by the time you hit 49 you would know these things. lol Well the kid is yelling again. will try to read all the latest post latter. Nevan
Julie 161106
Hi Vicki! I can completely understand your exasperation with trying to educate a Dr. on how to treat Fibro.........!!!!!! I have recently moved due to the military also and am having to find a new Doc..........aarrrrhhhhgggg! I have had fibro for years, but it worsened tremedously after two bouts with cancer. So I my as well be starting all over again!!!!! Hope your Doc appt goes well and the Doc is receptive to you plan Julie
Lynn In Columbia MO 11/16/06
First time here...Hi! Just been diagnosed with Fibro but realized have had most of my life....super RLS as a kid, altho no one knew what it was back then....am 60. I didn't grad college because I forgot that I had enrolled in a couple of classes and just stopped going....including art with all the materials bought and all! Joined the airlines and flew for 25 years....thought all of these symptoms were jet lag...ha ha!!? I lived on a beach and bought all sort of beach equipment and rented a locker...then went on a flight and never went back to use it......remembered 2 years later. Still thought it was jet lag...flew international you see. Managed to always find my way around but had short term memory probs. We were told that since we were 'pioneers' in jet international travel that all sort of strange things could happen....so no fibro diagnosis. Finally am working for Insurance Company and hurting so bad that I found a group of Physicians that recognized what was going on. Sleep test showed 987 moves during supposed sleep....to my question of 'why then am I not skinny since I am running marathons at night?" The doctor replied "just think how fat you would be if you didn't!!" Ha ha ha! After finding myself answering my TV remote when the phone rings and also pointing the same at my daughter when she was upset at me and clicking to change channels....I learned about the mind fog. man am I foggy. They laugh with me on my tryinng to communicate with half words and 'you know the thangy with the purple whatever that goes ........etc. So good to find this spot....hope all are having a good day...... Was once asked on a flight by a group of Psychologists that were going to a conference in Geneve, what sense I could survive with if I lost all the rest? My answer was an immediate...."Humor, if I lose that I am dead!" So here's to laughing at and with ourselves...it helps!
Richard in Tucson November 16
"Happy Bithday Dan MI:" I must make this short, because I am in the middle of cleaning up from cutting out the Door hole to my new Deck, tomorrow they come to install the slider.
Barb (Pa): I am so sorry I missed you yesterday. I am so wrapped up in my project I can't seem to focus on anything else. Did you try to call me? We will get together soon for that coffee or something.
Warm welcome to all the newbies. Keep coming back. Gentle hugs take care everyone.
From Richard in Tucson...
DaRhonda November 16, 2006
I am a newbie. Will be 43 in a few weeks, and was diagnosed last week. I think I'm still in shock. Fibromyalgia...I wasn't prepared to hear that...and I really didn't even know what it waws. So I've been doing research, and I think it's an accurate diagnosis. I'm home from work today because I feel so horrible. Haven't told my boss about the diagnosis, but I think I'm going to tomorrow. Been missing too much work. Took this new job as manager of a very busy medical office but it's so stressful. The medical community is understanding, but I've always been an overachiever (to a fault) and so accepting help or saying no is so difficult. This has all put me in such a tailspin because of the lifestyle changes I have to make. The pain, the depression, migraines, exhaustion...it's awful right now. I have sleep apnea and sleep with the cpap every night...but now...whether or not I sleep much is a crap shoot. I used to go like the white tornado...now I can barely move at a snail's pace. It's devastating. Hubby is great, he tries...but he doesn't get it. Just wondering if any of you went through this devastation and wanted to just go to bed and never get up.
Starr in WV 11/16/06
A very warm welcome to all the newbies at the wall. While I was glad you found this place, I was very sad to see how many new people there were. I was thinking - do you think one of these days all of us could hobble/crawl our way to DC or someplace and have a fibro march - like the million moms march a few years ago? Of course, with us it would be more like a stumble/hobble/crawl but it would be interesting! LOL Seriously, I am a bit concerned that it seems like FmS is reaching epidemic proportions. Why do you think that is? Chemicals - stress - pollution? It's a little scary.
I have discovered one thing - between my fibro and the diabetes, I cannot eat chinese food or brazier food any more. Had some chinese last night, got very ill, major flare!!
For a change I'm having fun this weekend. Going to the wedding of a son of a very dear friend and staying all night at the motel so we can visit. It will be a Scottish wedding and the groom and groomsmen are wearing dress kilts. I am so looking forward to this.
It's damp and rainy here in West Virginia and my arthritis in my hands is acting up so I will go. Take care everyone. And to the new people - all I can say is, hang in there and come back to the wall whenever things get too much. Even if you don't feel like posting, it helps just to read the care and support from all the others.
Dancer Elyse 11/17/06
Thank you everyone for the warm welcome. I was hoping that I could get some advice as far as dealing with the medical professionals. This past spring, I was prescribed Tramadol for a completely unrelated problem, however was delighted to find that it worked wonderfully when I have a bad flare up of FM. Unfortunately, I was with a different doctor and now my current doctor refuses to even discuss my condition with me, much less listen to me when I tell him what works. I've stretched that prescription to its limits, but unfortunately I needed that last remaining dose today. I know that I need to find a new doctor, but what is the best way to find out if they have experience treating fibromyalgia, or if they even believe it is a legitimate problem? It ceases to amaze me the stigma surrounding FM and coupled with my colorful psychiatric history I find that lying to the doctors is the only way I'm taken seriously. I have been trying to deal with this for a year and I have found nothing that I can solidly say makes a difference- whether medication, sleep schedule, diet, exercise regiment, stress management. I'm just so lost. And now that I see concurrent problems, especially orthopedic related, cropping up more and more, I'm terrified. I can't just push my condition to the side and pretend I can get through it on my own anymore. I just don't know how or where to start. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Richard in Tucson November 17
Good Friday Morning to all of us here. I don't have time to post right now, because I have way to much on my plate today. Please know that those here right now seeking advice, please be patient. You will find what you seek, keep coming back and don't give up on the wall.
Dancer Elyse: I understand your being terrified, we are here for eachother, no-one here has to go through this on their own. I will try to get with you next week on the wall, or if you want to e-mail with me, I would be glad to, today and this weekend are nuts for me, perhaps sometime Monday I could give it a try. In the mean time keep coming back here to the wall and relax as much as you can I will be praying for you.
To everyone else here, please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Have a wonderful week-end. Gentle hugs from Richard in Tucson..
Vicky TZL 11.17.06
Went to the doc loaded with research and my own treatment plan - got the referral for a sleep study, and scrips for Flexaril and Ultram to start with. I am having a family conference tomorrow to let my family know what my plan is, and what I need from them. Would like to try to "simulate" fibromyalgia for them to experience - (role play) - anyone got any ideas? Other than hitting them over the head with a hammer, along with some joint whacks? Vicky
JUANITA 11-17
JUANITA/TX hello everyone, welcome newbies. TGIF everyone. it's 5:00 pm and my week is done. had a pretty easy day but still have to deal with the pain that we ALL have. sometimes i think that my pain is just something that i have gotten used to and maybe it's not as bad as i think and that other people have much worse pain than i do and i shouldn't complain. then when my day is done and i can barely get into the tub to soak the pain away i realize that i am not imagining what i feel. the back ache, the hip and wrist and elbo and headach and i could go on and on but you know what i am talking about so i won't. i am having a sleep study done on dec.2 so maybe we can find some answers there. someone asked how we tell our family and friends, well they should already know something is wrong or you have been able to fake not being in pain. i have been in so much pain for the last two years that my family already knew but didn't know what it was. i wouldn't let people hugg me anymore for the pain. i am going to ask a question tho. i am not trying to be naughty just want some feedback. does anyone have trouble being with their partner? i can't tolorate the phyical pain of sex. sex isn't suppose to be painful. if i have offeded anyone i am sorry. just want to know that i am not alone. with that question i will go for now. gentle huggs everyone.JUANITA
Lynn In Columbia MO 11/16/06
Vicki....about your role play.....rub someone all over with Ben Gay and then ask them where they put your sweater that you loaned them. That should get the message across.
Bernadette Nov 18
STARR Chinese food has a lot of MSG in it. YOu might be having a reaction to that-I do. Also check food labels. More things have MSG than you would imagine. LYNN loved your sense of humor comment. It is truly a blessing to possess. DARHONDA I'll be interested if "the medical community is so understanding" when they realize your diagnosis is fibromyalgia. I was working for a doctor's office too when I was diagnosed and I heard straight from the doctor's mouth that people were diagnosed with fibromyalgia if they were just whining hypochondriacs or drug seekers. Needless to say, I quit working there. Passed by there a while and go and noticed he was no longer in that office. I asked what happened and-you are not going to believe this-it turns out his wife got fibromyalgia and so they moved down South for the warmth! VICKY not sure how to simulate fibromyalgia, but I have found people kind of "get it" when I describe how you feel all over body aches like with the flu or that your muscles feel like the day after intense sports-but it feels like that all the time. JUANITA sex itself doesn't hurt any more than anything else does, but often I am too tired or sore to want to do anything. I have talked before on this site about how I only have enough "energy marbles" in my bag every day, and I have to choose wisely how to spend it. If I am going to have energy for my husband, then the house goes dirty for example. There is a condition called vulvodynia that I have heard is sometimes coexistent with fibromyalgia and you might want to look up more about it.
Well, the temps here have been below ten for over two weeks. Thank goodness for antidepressants or I admit I might be in a bit of a slump right now! Take care friends!
Bernadette Nov 18
I liked Lynn's response to Vicky's question of how to simulate fibro. You could also tie heavy sandbags all over them and see how they feel after a couple of days.
Cari K.11-18-06
Cari K. 11-18-06 And then Vicky,you could spin them around a few timms and then ask them to fix you dinner,clean the house,ect!!!!!
lynn In Columbia MO 11/18/06
Here's Lynn saying good morning to all......beautiful morning here in Missouri. Am having a foggy day myself but that is not unusual!! About those fog days.....
Star: About your million person walk on Washington....good idea except....and speaking for myself only...the possibility of a fog setting in and me showing up in Philadelphia on the wrong day is high. I imagine half of us showing up in DC on the right day but either early or late....the rest of us clogging cities up and down the East coast wondering where the group are! Fibro Fog Rules!! We would be locked out of hotel rooms.....losing purses....having concierges running around searching for.....etc. Wow what a thought!!
About 'the fog'....you know that old saying of check to see if your cup is half full or half empty? Well....my feeling is.....Wow, you found my cup! Kool! I been lookin for that!!!
Hope all have a great and clear day w/o pain!
Barb(Pa) 11/19/06
Happy Sunday FM'ily, Richard,passed by you again Saturday night around 9,traffic was as always TERRIBLE there.Ya know if your wife is a teacher,she might be interested in meetig us and getting her class involved in the "Trucker Buddy" program we are in...it's a pen-pal program between truckers and school classes.We have been involved for 10 years.
We lucked out and got a load going east so we will make it to my son's house for Thanksgiving. I am catching another cold,but we run through such changing temps....30's to high 80's and back to the 30's in two days. Yesterday we had the ac on until I crossed into NM then I had to turn on the heat.Welcome newbies,you have found a wonderful group of caring people here. Gotta run for now,take care of you and warm gentle hugs.
Anne at FibroFix 11-19-06
About MSG. MSG is Glutamic ACID, isn't it? If you are an Overly Acidic Fibro (those who have GERD are OC's.) then the last thing you need is additional acid. And if you had a soft drink or lemonade, anything acidic, you just go off the charts. Best thing you can do for yourself is monitor your Saliva pH.
JUANITA 11-20
JUANITA/TX good monday to everyone. i hope everyone had a great, painfree weekend. we got a new puppy last monday and found out sunday she has parvo. we are heartbroken. she is still alive but don't know what will happen from minute to minute. BERNADETTE, thanks for the info but it not there that i have pain. my back, hips and legs. its the mobility that i have problems with. well i need to go, one of the kids woke up and i don't want him to wake the other 2 . later JUANITA
RENA 11/20/06
RENA, FL There is a website that was started here in Orlando, Florida and I thought that I would just put it out there for all of you. I have only looked at it a little bit but it could hold different information for different people, especially the newbies. The website is www.fibrofix.com
JUANITA: My sympathy for the sickness of your new puppy. I know that it is heartbreaking news.
Richard in Tucson November 20
Hi everyone: I wish I had more time, I will probably not be able to post until after Thanks Giving. This week is a real busy one for me. I wish you all a painfree enjoyable Thanks Giving. Well I have to go Gentle Hugs from Richard in Tucson...
Starr in WV 11/20/06
LYNN-I still think the "march" would be a good idea. It might look like that scene from Night of the Living Dead. Just think of the attention we would get!!
As far as sex goes, my husband and I had to go to separate bedrooms about 3 years ago because of our health problems He gets cold very easy and I can't sleep if the bedroom is too hot. I of course am up and down all night and I didn't want to worry about disturbing him because he has to get up early. I have a whole night life he doesn't know anything about (I'm sure that is true with most of us). His health problems and the meds he takes have caused him to have problems and his eye doctor does not recommend that he try Viagra or any of those drugs. However, we are understanding of each other problems and are just grateful that we have each other.
I usually tell problem that having fibromyalgia is like waking up every morning after the worst night's sleep you ever had with a severe case of the flu and either having arthritis (if they are older) or having sprained every muscle in your body. I liked some of the other suggestions. I am not a mean person but sometimes I would like to wish this on my boss for a couple of days because she is one of those people who doesn't have much empathy.
I had a fun weekend because I went to the wedding of one of my best friend's sons and got to hang out with some other close friends. One of my other's friends sons was there, he is 15, and I was shocked to see him. He was so pale and lost so much weight. He had mono and now they think he might have chronic fatigue syndrome. He is having such a hard time and I feel so bad for him. Plus, his mother has a rare liver disease she is being treat for. I know that any child being sick is awful but when you are a young man and you have this type of "invisible illness" that isn't even fully accepted yet - I just can't imagine.
Hope everyone has a good night.
JUANITA NOV21
JUANITA/TX good morning everyone. thanksgiving is just around the bend. don't eat too much. haha my puppy is still alive and holding her own. i have been up for 2 days taking care of her. i am so tired. yesterday was rough on me taking care of the puppy and 4 kids and trying to make deviled eggs and sweet potaoes and corn for my husband thanksgiving meal at work today. and had to wash all the bedclothes and towel that i am using to get the puppy clean and dry and warm. no more than a hour of sleep at a time for 2 days sure makes you tired.one thing is that i am so busy i don't have time to over eat. haha.well i better go. 2 babies alseep and 2 more on the way. have a good and painfree day. oh by the way, my husbands tests came back good. THANK YOU all for your support.JUANITA
Virginia
Good day to all My son played his first game on Saturday and his team WON it was really cute watching them 3rd and 4th grader's My son was so happy!!!I am busy with a bedroom trying to get a full size bed in there for my brother and his wife they r gonna stay with us the weekend for thanksgiving so i have a busy day i just hope i get it done! I will probally regret not waiting for help to move the small bed out but it has to get done/ I wanna wish everone a great Thanksgiving we have alot to be thankfull for. Talk later virginia
Bernadette Nov 21
DANCER there is a web site that lists doctors in each state that treat fibromyalgia. It is www.med-help.net/Fibromyalgia-Doctors.html. Hope this helps.
Was feeling sorry for myself today. Mostly because I am not able to contribute much to the household income, my house is rarely fully clean, and it seems like I can never do all the things I would like to in a day. Then I remembered that if I say to myself, "Even though I suffer from fibromyalgia, I was still able to....(and then list what I had done that day)" That way, my cup is half full.
Cari K. 11-22-06
Cari K. 11-22-06 To Juanita, for your puppy with parvo, the best thing you can do,short of taking him to a vet ,is to keep him hydrated and give him pepto to hold down the water.We had one puppy with it and i took it to the vet. it was either give him the pepto and pedialyte with a dropper every few hours and sit up with him all night,or put him in so the vet could do it.lord knows,i couldn't afford that.The pedialyte works wonders.ust thought I'd give you the info.I know you have your hands full with the kids.Good luck,Cari K.
juanita nov.22
juanita/tx GOOD WEDS. MORNING EVERYONE. well its 6 am and i am thankful that my puppy is still with us. i took her to the vet on sat. and he said she had a sore throat. then took her to a different vet on sunday who said it was parvo. they said it would take about 1500.oo for them to treat her at the hospital and she might not make it or they could sell me a kit for 100.00 and i could do it myself. so i bought the kit and have been working around the clock.i think she is getting better. THANKS CARI for the info. that is exactaly what we are doing.so far this puppy has cost us 800.00 dollars. she willbe worth it. i don't have to cook THANKSGIVING dinner just a couple of pies and my husband is getting off early today to help with the puppy and the kids. i am taking a 4 day weekend so hopefully i can get some much needed rest. i won't post for a few day and hope to hear from EVERYONE on their THANKSGIVING with family. HAPPY THANKSGIVING FIBRO FAMILY. JUANITA
Melody November 22,2006
Hello everyone, My name is Melody and I've been suffering with fibromyalgia for 3 yrs. now. I just wanted to say Hi and that I'll post more soon. I'm just checking out the site and will have more to say soon. Bye for now.
Lynn In Columbia MO Thanksgiving
lynn from columbia here...Thanksgiving evening.....all were here...all now gone and am alone again. My first Thanksgiving with Fibro. I can say it now....I was so worried. Woke up in the pain....and fog....felt defeated before I started. Then my 2 daughters showed up and their boyfriends and more young people that I love being around.....sit they said. Never having cooked turkey or much more than spagetti..they took over! I sat and answered questions about where giblets come from and why they are in the neck? and many more of the same sort. Sooo much laughter! The only casualty was the yam cassarole with marshmellows on top.....just a little bit of campfire black to that one but was tasty! Thru the evening more and more people came in....young and old. So much, Lord! So much to be thankful for. I had wine and champagne...knowing that I will hurt more for it but.....it was worth it. Tomorrow I will worry about that. I hope that all of you had a wonderful and laughter filled Thanksgiving.
rachel 11-25-06
rachel 11-25-06
hi everyone. i am new at this, my name is rachel and i was diagnosed about 6 months ago. i aslo have other medical problems and now i have to learn to ddeal with fibromyalgia and it just seeems a little overwheming. my doctor is in the phase of trying different medications on me to see what will work. i feel really out of place and scared. i feel lost and don't know what to do. thanks for letting me share with you.
Mary
Hi all. I'm Mary and I live in the UK. I was diagnosed with Fibro this summer. At first I was so relieved to have a good consultant who knew what was wrong with me and has been very supportive. That hasn't lasted though and I am now finding it hard to come to terms with the thought of this being my life from now til the end. I think at lot of the neativity has come from this latest flare which has been a very bad one and has caused me to have to actually stop doing things that, although I have struggled in the past, have eventually managed to complete. It's hard on my DH as well and on my kids.
. I don't want this introduction to turn into a huge moan as I am very aware of how much of my time I seem to spend moaning right now. I have been reading the great posts here for awhile but it has taken me all this time to post. What finally swayed me was reading that Karen knew what Samhain was LOL, and the way you guys are always so nice to newbies.
. Well time to go take meds and think about getting washed and dressed. (note: I only said think about LOL).
Looking forward to getting to know you all better
:) Mary
Doris 11/25/06
Hello friends, I have made me a MySpace acct.....I would like you all to visit and check it out......www.Myspace.com/countryangel61. Tell me what you think.
rachel 11-25-06
hi its rachel again. i am running a day ahead of myself. my first post was for the 24th. i'll tell ya'll a little about myself, i just turned 33 on nov. 16 and i have 1 child a daughter named ariann she'll be 11 on jan 2 of the new year.i've been married for 12 years and a nursing assisant for 8 years. i live in ohio but i am really from kentucky. when my doctor first told me what was wrong i felt as though i was given a death sentence. i have so much trouble moving that i just crul up and sit wherever i am at. and i have noticed that with kids they really don't understand what is going on. so anyone with some good advice would help. thanks.
Bernadette Nov 25
LYNN loved your contribution. What a wonderful Thanksgiving for you! I decided that mine was going to be low key. It is just my husband, son and I up here so I just baked a pie in the morning, then put a turkey in and mashed potatoes and broccoli. In previous years I have overdone it and it just wasn't worth it. We are going to keep it simple for Christmas this year too. I urge everyone to try this. Find out the most favorite traditions and decorations about this holiday from your loved ones. For my son, it is making a gingerbread house,the advent calender, putting stockings up and "toys"! For me, it is baking sugar cookies and my Christmas village. My husband likes the lights most (which he puts up thank goodness!!). Focus on these favorites and let the rest go! Christmas is not about stress and exhaustion and beating ourselves up because we are not like we used to be. With fibro, we learn to choose our priorities wisely.
A special welcome to Melody, Rachel and Mary. My personal experience with fibro is that I have had it four years and was diagnosed about three years ago. It is not as bad now as it was in the beginning. I think this is because I have learned how to live with my illness. There is a lot of emotional work that comes with accepting our diagnosis. I had a lot of anger over not being able to do what I wanted or used to be able to do. Dealing with chronic pain stinks sometimes! I'm grateful now though because through trial and error I have found a good doctor and the right combination of meds for me. I have found a great massage therapist. I have found part time work which I can perform and is fulfilling. I have learned that staying still hurts as much as overdoing it and how to strive for a day of gentle consistent movement and rest. I have adopted a routine of walking and yoga which help. I have found friends who understand my illness. All this has taken years! I still have pain, I still have flares and I still over or under do things. I still sometimes struggle with marital or financial issues brought on by fibromyalgia. I still wish I could do it all sometimes. But it is so much better than it was!!!
I still have some things I could do to make my fibro better if I could show the discipline. I am an ex smoker and my husband still smokes, so I chew nicotine gum to help me not fall off the wagon. I've chewed this gum for years and I know that it can't be helping, but I just don't seem to be able to quit without relapsing to cigarettes. I also indulge in morning coffee and too many desserts! But overall, I feel very blessed for such a supportive family and such a good life. Don't despair, guys. There are a lot of things we can focus on to make our pain more manageable. Rather than feel a victim of it, I have found that it is better to focus on the "serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to accept the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference". Lots of research and publicity are going on right now about fibro and CFS. Ten years ago if you had our symptoms, you were either not diagnosed correctly or had to struggle with the stigma of having an illness most people thought was just in our heads. Now, fibro is gaining much more legitimacy in medical circles. Research is showing that it is not an immunilogical illness but that something is wrong with our central nervous system and the way our bodies sense and process pain. I am optimistic about research in the future.
Dan from Michigan 11-25-06
Hello all. I am new, so here is a little about myself. I am 26 years old, single (unless you count my cat), was diagnosed 5 years ago and living with FMS for what seems most of my life. Through all the specialists, medications and countless trips to the pharmacy, it seems I am finally at an even keel.
The only problem is that I am finding myself more and more depressed as the months go by. I am seeing a therapist about this, but I am baffled about being depressed. I feel less pain than even last year, work full time, have my own home, have a strong relationship with my family, but I am depressed. I am finding that antidepressants aren't working. I've been dealing with this for a year now. It seemed that as my pain decreased to a tolerable level and I became active once again (not as active as I used to be, but still an improvement). My therapist and psychiatrist cannot seem to pinpoint any psychological agent causing this.
Does/has anyone else had this similar problem?
Thanks for your time,
Dan.
Mary
Doris, I went and looked at your myspace, and I love it!
The background is so pretty, and the other graphics are great.
I love Lee Ann Womacks 'I hope you can dance' too, it's always been one of my favourites.
I have promised myself I would go read oyur blog after breakfast too :)
Do any others have similar or web pages of their own I can look at? It's nice to have something to look at when I find I have to sit down yet again lol.
lynn In Columbia MO 11/26/06
lynn in columbia 11/26/06.....I think....Sunday anyway. this isn't always easy in the fog....is it. Today is really full of pain and fog....would stay in bed if it didn't hurt so much. Kneww it would get me because of such a good last couple of days so it is ok.......just ....hurts. Doris, I love your myspace.....I asked to be one of your friends....i also have a myspace....don't judge me by it...it was designed by my youngest and there was a lot of giggling involved. They all call me The Meem....don't know why but that is the name. I don't do cool stuff but...i Meem takes over ! I hope that if I am to be hurting today that I am taking some of the pain that any one of you might be feeling and that all of you will be pain free. Wouldn't that be great to be able to do? Happy Sunday all! oh my space is lynmcki.
rachel 11-26-06
its rachel again. bernadette- thanks for the helpful insight. its good to know i am not alone. and to dan- i also suffer from depression and it has gotten worse with the fibro- my phsyc and my doctor are still working on it also so don't give up- they did come up with one med that seems to ease the bad days-cymbalta, its a newer drug. i hope that info helps. had a really bad day today and it doesn't seem to be getting any better, so i am going to rest. thanks for the warm welcome.
Starr in WV 11/26/06
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was very busy.
I have been fighting with muscle spasms in my shoulders which are very painful.
DAN, you have my sympathy for having to deal with this at such a young age. I know what you mean about the depression. I have a very full life and many more positives in my life than negatives, in spite of the fibro. But I still fight depression. I have fought it big time this weekend - I think this episode has something to do with the holidays. I don't do well on antidepressants so I usually end up gritting my teeth and fighting through on my own. Sometimes I think it is just another pain you have to deal with when you have fibro, only it's mental pain instead of physical. I wish I had some good advice for you. If I didn't have my faith and good supportive friends and family, I don't know what I would do.
Yolanda Mia 11/26/06
Hello All! I haven't posted in awhile, been at a loss for words. Also, this past week I've been very sick. All of my lymph nodes have swollen and I have been losing my voice, getting it back, losing it again, it's been frustrating. I've had to work some liquor promotions w/o much of a voice and that was difficult. I had Thanksgiving at my place this year. First time I've ever had to do a big meal. It was exhausting! I worked a liquor promo the night before and then had to get up at 6 am to start the turkey. It was gross!! My roommate and I both were not totally sure what to do. Thank goodness my mom told me how to do it, but it was still hard. Things went well though. We had a nice quick meal. There were some issues in getting my oldest nephew for the day, and I didn't get to see him. My sis only got him for two hours that day, which cut into our Thanksgiving. So, basically they came to eat and then had to leave. It was only my sis and her husband and the baby and my mom, but it still sucked that it was so quick. Thanksgiving is a hard day for me b/c we always had it at my grandma's before she died and she died 2 days before Thanksgiving 9 years ago. It's still hard on me.
I'm still trying to get my voice back totally. I felt better Friday, but had to work a liquor promo and with all the smoke I got sick again. Still debating on whether I should go to the doctor. I can't really afford it, but it's been a roller coaster on whether I'm better or not.
Welcome to all the newbies!! Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!
Dan, where in Michigan are you from? I live in Northern IN, not far from the border. I'm also 26. I also have the problems of getting depressed and not knowing why. I chalk it up to the fibro and stress. Also, if there is any trama in your past, it can come through at the strangest times. My therapist thinks that may be my problem, I just don't seem to recognize it cause it comes out of nowhere, or so it seems. There are things in our life that are considered triggers, and maybe there is a trigger in your life that you haven't recognized.
Mary, I also have a MySpace page. In fact, I have 4. One is my personal and two are business oriented and the last one is my music page. One of my business pages is linked with my music cause I'm trying to start my own enteratinment company. I figure no one else is going to make me a star but myself. Check me out at www.MySpace.com/yolanda_mia and www.MySpace.com/yolandamia. One is my personal, and the other is my music page. There are also some other wallabies that are friends of mine on there. Most haven't posted here in quite some time.
Well, been a long weekend and going to be a long week. Talk to you all later. I may not post as often cause I've been so busy working so many jobs and with taking 2 classes to finish my degree by the end of the year. Love ya all! Yoyo
Cari K. 11-27-06
Cari K. 11-27-06 To Dan,Hi there,just wanted to let you know that I too have a good bout of depression,but that I DO take antidepressants.How many differant ones have you tried? I know there are a bazillion kinds out there and I don't want you to give up on them completely.I have taken probably ten differant kinds until I found the one that works for me.I know too that they are expensive.(Just to try them)Maybe your doctor can hook you up with some samples to try out.Believe me,it's worth a try.The differance can be lifesaving.As it was in my case.Good luck to you and please let me know how everything works out for you.All of us here at the wall care.Please keep coming back.
Beth in Ohio 11/27/06
Hi, all. Haven't posted in a very long time. November 17th about 12:00a,m, I collapsed in my bedrooom. My husband heard me and called 911. When they got me to the hospital my B/P was 40/17. They got it stabillized, but it plummeted again. Finally everything looked OK, so they sent my husband home. It takes forever to transfer someone from the ER to a room in the Special Care Unit. I will type more later. My hands are shaking so bad, this is taking me forever.
Yolanda Mia 11-27-06
Beth, I hope everything will be ok! I'm worried about you!! Keep us posted on how you are doing.
Speaking on how people are doing, has anyone gotten a status on Dee and Bonnie? They haven't posted in a very long time and I'm quite worried about the both of them. Love ya all! Yoyo
Richard in Tucson November 27
Good Monday Morning everyone. I hope your Thanksgiving went well. Boy did I overeat lol. I have to go to the Gym today just to hopefully see my shoes again.
I need to make this short because I have an exercise class to go to this morning.
Warm welcome to all the Newbies, and welcome back to the Wallabies we have not had the pleasure of posting for some time with. I hope to be able to come back more frequently here to the wall, it is just that for me the Hollidays seem to use so much of my energy & time.
Barb(Pa): I have meaning to respond to what you said on 11/19/06. I wish we could somehow find the time to get together when you come thru Tucson, the last couple of weeks have been nuts for me. I am so thankful for your sugestion about the "Trucker Buddy" program. Unfortunatly my wife does not understand to this day why I need to come to the wall, so she is not aware that I still come here, she would not understand it and would probably cause alot more stress in my life if she finds out. thank you so much for the offer though. I hope your Thanksgiving was a good one, I also hope you get over your cold soon.
I must get going I have alot to do today. Starting with my class at the Gym. I will be back Wednesday.
Gentle Hugs until then. From Richard in Tucson..
Bernadette Nov 27
Beth I do remember you from here and am sorry to hear about your health. Have they figured out what is going on?
Dan, my first impulse after reading your post was-well he just needs a girlfriend! Easier said than done, I know. I'm also cynical enough about romance to think( yeah, like that's going to fix anything!). But, you didn't mention dating and I wonder if that would help. A young single guy needs love in my opinion. But this could just be a reflection of my codependent self!! Anyway, as others have said here, it seems that most of us struggle with depression too. I've had good luck with antidepressants too, but still fight the blues. I have found that the more I can get "out of" myself, the better I feel, and usually doing nice things for others helps a lot. But there are also sometimes when I will just sit and be sad. If I don't take a look at it, the sadness just dogs me through my days.Let it out-acknowledge it and let it come over me instead of fight it. Then I release it, make a gratitude list and resolve to move on. Hope this helps. Keep coming around.
Della-Central CA-11-27-06
Della-Central CA-11-27-06
Hello I was looking at this sight and wanted to send this brief note to say hello and share some info about myself. Iam 50 years old and was diagnoised with fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue in 2001. I was employed as a nurse manager for a narcotic treatment center for 5 years and suddenly lost my energy and could not regain it. I was considered one of the best. I felt so defeated and couldn't understand what happened. I know that everyone felt as though I was just pretending and embellishing my symptoms. I was so tired and unfocused and appeared that way. There were even suggestions as to my using drugs. I looked as if I was using something but wasn't. Working for a narcotic treatment center I felt as if I was being watched and then I was advised not to dose due to some of the narcotics that I was placed on by my primary physican. Imagine the stigma I delt with. To make a long story short I eventually ended up total diabled and am currently on social security. Iam on many medications and have no relief. Most of the meds work short term and then fail. I feel trapped and have cabin fever, not having the energy to follow through with most of my projects and opening the mail is an event. My credit also has suffered. My mother thinks I'm a nut and treats me as such. I need suggestions of what has worked for others. I've noticed that there are supplements being offered, but which one to choose???? I
JUANITA 11-28
JUANITA/TX good morning everyone, welcome newbies. well i had a pretty good thanksgiving. my puppy ate her first bite of food friday after a week of nothing and today she is 99% better. i did alot of praying. sunday my husband and i decorated the house outside and by night fall my body was screaming in pain.i didn't do much to help him but just the walking back and forth for hours was enough. my feet were turning purple and my ankles felt like they would break. seems like i can't do anything without suffering the pain afterwards. going for my sleep study sat. night and then i guess i will find out if i need a mask to sleep with. any input on those things will be greatly apprecated. well i have to get my day started so i will go for now, take care everyone. JUANITA
Alene November 28, 2006
Hey guys, I haven't posted in ages, but I have tried something that seems to help with my energy and wanted to tell everyone about it. It is called Corvalen M. The main ingredient is Ribose with Malic Acid. You can purchase it at the Corvalen M website. I was amazed that it helped my energy level and think it probably helped with the pain also. FYI, the Ribose is also supposed to really help folks with Congestive Heart Failure too. You all may already know about this, but if you don't and haven't tried it, it is definitely worth a try. I have nothing to do with this company that sells it - I'm just a convert to its benefits. It cost about $60.00 and I know that is expensive, but I found that I can take only one dose in the a.m. and still get an extra boost of energy. I began taking it twice a day, but have cut back to one dose a day. It comes in powdered form and you mix a scoop with water, juice, etc. It doesn't taste bad and the only side effect I've noticed is that it causes my sugar to drop if I don't eat protein in the morniing. I have also bought just plain Ribose for my husband to try as he has Diastolic Heart Failure, but he hasn't taken it long enough to know if it will help him. To get more info on it, google Ribose. I'd be interested in knowing if anyone tries the Corvalen M (which is specifically for folks with Fibro) and what their experience is. Good luck to all.
Mazie Nov. 28, 2006
Wow, this place has been hoppin’ since I last visited. Thanks for all the welcomes! It’s been a rough couple of weeks. The pain just won’t let up. I’m so tired all the time too, b/c I can’t roll over in bed – it’s too painful! The Ultram just barely touches it. Lately, my skin hurts too… my sleeves are just awful touching my skin. And another thing… Does anyone else get SWELLING around their joints? … do they got hot? …perhaps I’m retaining water? What about HOT FLASHES? Pre-menopause at 31? Side effect? I see a Rheumatologist Dec. 12th for some more answers… we’ll see. Could it be that this isn’t Fibro after all?
Bernadette Nov 28
Mazie I am glad you are going to a rheumatologist. Hot swelling joints sounds like rheumatoid arthritis and the quicker that gets diagnosed the better. You might have fibromyalgia as well, I have read that they often occur with each other. Let us know what the doctor says.
Richard in Tucson November 29
Good Wed. Morning to everyone. I was wishing I could have a good post for you, but my life is hectic right now. It is raining here in Tucson, I had to spend a few hours working on covering up my temporary sliding glass door in my bedroom to the out side with plastic. I hope every one is doing well.
I will try to get back here tomorrow to post something useful. I am thinking of u all. Welcome to the Newbies too. I have got to go Gentle Hugs from Richard in Tucson....
lynn 11/29/2006
Lynn in Columbia 11-29-06 Well, I have some interesting news. I was told today that I have just a little time left on my short term disability at work and they plan to put me on the long term plan. Not a good thing as it will only let me bring home about 430.00 a month! Whee! I, of course, cannot work part time anywhere to supplement or I lose my job and the stipend. SSDI doesn't kick in till 1 year off work, right? So.............. I have decided that this is all a dream and that I am not ill at all. That is what most think so, it must be true. Mind over matter and all that stuff. I managed to birth 2 daughters so how hard can this be? ha ha! Sarcasm there! I am told that I have to go 6 months without any absences due to Fibro....not even any company time doctor apts.....that is a little hard on a 9 to 5'er. I can be ill from other things...flu, broken leg or arm....etc. Just not Fibro. Anybody got any ideas on this? Anyone know of Tiny the bonecrusher that might break my arm for me? A leg? Hows about a finger...that would do. At any rate...I do believe that I have to manage this or I will be homeless so we will see just how tough an old bird from Missouri can be! Yay, always loved a challenge. Can use any tips that other working folks do to keep going! Bye for now and I have my chin up.....all of them!! :o)
Starr in WV 11/29/06
BETH - I am so sorry to hear of your illness. My sister, who does not has fibro, ended up in the ER several times because her blood pressure would drop and they could not figure out why. She has Type II diabetes but was staying on her diet and taking her meds.,etc. She is in her 60's. Finally, they found out she had panic/anxiety disorder and those attacks were causing her pressure to plummet. She is on med. for that now and is doing much better. Keep in touch.
I have been struggling with depression also. A few weeks ago I got mad and quit taking all my meds except my pain med and thyroid. I also have been ignoring my diet. This is not good for a Type II diabetic but I ran out of meds. and got so angry about having to spend so much for them. Several years ago my mother's doctor said that depression is anger turned inward.
Richard in Tucson November 30
Good Wed. Morning to all here. I don't know where the time goes, I had all these plans to make an important well thought out and helpful and meaningful post, but I have a ton of work to do & it's already after 10:00am.
Here goes. "Welcome to all the newbies" Glad you have found the comfort in the Wall, please keep coming back.
Dan from Michigan: Welcome to the Wall You are not alone with Depression. I get so Depressed sometimes, I feel like giving up. I feel it is because we men have this belief that we have to be able to do it all, with strenght and perserverence. When you have Fibro. Chronic Fatigue or other related disorders. Your reality has to shift, we don't tollerate this change well so we feel depressed because of the loss of what we think we should be. It takes some time to discover that the new you, is a better person perhaps & that we need to let go of some of those old habits and accept ourselves for who we are now, and grow in this lifestyle, please don't think this is easy for me either. You will make it, keep coming back here.
Doris: I too checked out your Myspace, from what I can see, it is very nice and well done. I don't have a MySpace Acct. so my viewing experience was limited. How have you been Doing? How is your wrist doing? I had not read a post from you in a long time, Ive missed you.
I will have to end my post as much as I would love to stay all day. I have a list of things to do a mile long lol. Take care God Bless each of you. I wish you the best week-end possible, until next week.
Gentle Hugs from Richard in Tucson...
Yolanda Mia 11-30-06
Hello All! Things have been crazy busy for me, as usual. Today is going to be a long day cause I have class tonight once I leave work and then I have to go home and prepare to go to another job. Working the promotions has kept me very busy. I am doing this one b/c no one else could and the company asked for me, so I told them I would. That means I get home very late and get barely any sleep tonight, but it's ok tomorrow is Friday. Except I have to work during the day and have another promo tomorrow night......sheesh.....lol. I love doing the liquor promotions and they make good money. I'm trying to get over being sick though, so it's gonna be tough. I've had a cold or something for over a week now. One day I'll feel as though I'm getting better and then the next day it'll regress. One of the problems is that I'm having problems with my wisdom teeth and I know that's making my sinuses worse. I had to turn down a promo for Saturday just now though. I feel bad b/c I want to do it, but I never take any time off for me anymore and I already have another promo for Saturday night. Plus, two of my friends I haven't seen in ages are coming in from out of town to visit and that's important. I don't really take time for myself anymore and can't remember the last time I went out that didn't involve working. So, even though I feel guilty for turning down the job (that dern type A personality trait) I know it's best that I did, for me.
Welcome to all the newbies!! Hope everyone is doing great today!
Juanita, I'm happy to hear the puppy is doing better.
Mazie, I'm sorry to hear what you are going through, hoping that it passes soon.
Lynn, my thoughts are with you in this difficult time. We are here for you! Hope that things are resolved for the best!
Starr, thanks for sharing the story cause my grandfather has been having problems with his blood pressure going all over the place and they can't seem to figure it out. Maybe they just haven't been lookin gin the right spot. I'll have to mention it to my grandmother, so maybe they can look into that. Even if that's not the case, at least it can be ruled out.
Richard, glad that you are finding time to at least pop in. Good to hear from you even if you can't address everyone. We are like two peas in a pod....so much to do and we should stop or slow down, but do we.....No. We are fighting this aren't we....lol. And, I agree with you in what you said to Dan, I feel the same way at times. I get so frustrated when I can't do it all. I have a little bit of the male mentality when it comes to working hard and doing it all.
Love ya all! Yoyo
Cari K. 11-30-06
Cari K. 11-30-06 Hello all,just thought I would pop in to see if any of you have had the same problem I've been having.Last week,I ran out of the Lyrica I'm on and knew I couldn't get a prescription I had, filled until today or tomorrow. I didn't think it would be that big a deal until I woke up this morning and my feet and legs were swollen to twice thier normal size.I don't have to tell you how scared I was! It was mostly my feet.The main thing is that I'm on my feet all day at work.I took the pain pills I have and they also have me on the Fentanyl patch.Would you believe that even with all that pain medication,my feet still hurt like the devil all day at work.Well,I borrowed the money to get my prescription filled cause I was afraid that even if I only waited one more day,I wouldn't know what I'd wake up to in the morning.But to get to the point,have any of you ever stopped taking the Lyrica,and had some swelling of your feet or hands? Is this so-called normal? The swelling has gone down to almost normal now.But I've only taken one dose.I'm supposed to take 150mg. twice a day. I did take pictures of my feet to show the doctor at the pain management center. I figured I could at least show them what I've been going through.Pretty smart,huh? From now on,that's what I'm going to do.Well,time to go do some laundry,thanks for any help.Cari K.
Doris 12/01/06
Hello to all......... Geez,I haven't been here in sooooooooo long. I have been kinda busy, plus been sick some, plus been making MySpace webpage (with the wonderful help of my daughter). I am still having alot of problems with my right hand which is recuperating from carpal tunnel surgery. It's been a little over a month and the outside looks pretty good but the inside is still healing and feels so tight and sore. Dr. told me that this hand was worse than the other one was in 2003. Just what I wanted to hear cause this is my right hand and I AM right handed! Just great,huh! CARI, about the swollen feet and legs I am having the same problem but funny thing is ,my rheumatologist suggests I try to STOP the Lyrica and also my Zelnorm. He says alot of meds can possibly be causing this problem. He says Cymbalta could maybe cause it and also Topomax but I have to have those 2 meds and I told him that flat out! Cymbalta has been a miracle for my fibro and my depression.......keeps them both way down. I will have a few flareups but it has been a major wonder drug! It is great for fibro!!! I had alot of blood tests done yesterday and they are checking some other things also such as my liver, kidney functions, seeing if my synthroid pill is at the right dosage for me, and the such. I am on alot of pills and would be delighted to be able to drop some of them with no side effects! I doubt that is possible! Got to see another Dr. on Monday. Wish me luck. Take care all for now......Try to be back to post soon. Hello to all the oldies and to the newbies!!!!! God bless and lots of hugs to you all.
Lynn In Columbia MO 12/1/2006
Hi everyone!! I am SNOWED today.....we got 15 inches last night and I am snowed in!! It is absolutely beautiful and I have a fireplace and a great puppy and plenty of wood to burn!! It is Friday and work was cancelled so I have the whole weekend and am so happy. Of course, I have to go look at the driveway here in a minute....yup, it is an uphill one. Will get to the bottom and have to shovel uphill....that is actually easier than downhill. Have to do just a little at a time so...who knows may get it cleared by the time it melts! ha haha!! I always get a little kid feeling when I get snowed in.....sort of excited and happy. I am sure that is part of my craziness!! One problem is that I am really foggy today but it has kept me laughing and busy as I am following myself all around trying to remember what I am doing. I hope everyone is feeling healthy today and has some laughter happening...if not make it happen. And....for those of you in Tuscon and other warm places....
ha ha.....go out and take a shovel and pretend you are shovelin and you can have fun with me!! Bye now!
Lee Ann/MI 12/01/06
Hi, everyone! Well, I have news....I am finally getting some progress on my filing for Social Security. I have to go to two exams on Wednesday of next week. I am hoping that they will prove what I am claiming. If not, I will be in for a fight. I am going to be able to take early retirement from my former employer so I will have a little money coming in while I fight for disability. I got turned down from state aid because I had a 401k. Doesn't that just stink? I am still getting food stamps which helps a lot. Hey, I am snowed in today also. We haven't gotten the large amounts of snow, although it is still snowing, but we have gotten the freezing rain and icy roads. Schools were cancelled to the delight of the kids and they are warning not to go out unless you absolutely have to. Thankfully, I got my errands done yesterday so I can just settle in with my book. Hope everyone is keeping safe and warm today. Of course, you all in the south and west don't know what you are missing.
RENA 12/1/06
RENA, FL: LYNN in MO: I just loved your description of the snow day you were having. I live here in FL now but am from upstate NY where we also got lots of snow...you brought back some happy memories for me, Thanks.
Vicky TZL
Hi again, from a newbie - just caught up on the posts - you guys must have known each other forever - how do you keep up with so much? Do you guys have a chat room that you use? Still struggling here...have weird pain, front of neck, small swollen area.....doesn't feel like Fibro..is there any good way to tell when something else is wrong besides Fibro??? Anyway went to doctor .....AAAAGGGHHH they hate me there....don't have many options here (small town and insurance plan). Nurse practioner says it may be this or it may be that...threw some antibiotics at me......
Bonnie (IA)- December 2, 2006
Surprise, Surprise, I am still among the living! It feels so good to be back reading the Wall again. So many new faces to meet as well as you oldies....YoYo, Richard, Barb, Doris, and Bernadette, just to name a few. Barb, thank you for thinking and asking about me. I have to tell you that I think of you everytime we watch the TV show, "Trick My Truck". Then I think, "wouldn't Barb look cool going down the road in that rig!! "
I'm sorry that I have let everyone down this past 8 or 9 months. Ever since my heart surgery I have been moving down hill instead of up and sometimes wish I had never consented to having it done. With all my other problems the doctors keep telling me it will be a year or more before I feel one hundred percent better. Have been terribly depressed and now with the cold weather my rheumatoid disease is very painful....it's hard to tell what is FM and what is Arthritis. I take so many pills that they are starting to make me want to throw up just thinking a about swallowing them. LOL
Anyway my dear friends, I hope to do better on taking care of the Wall
and trimming it more often. I think the entire BLTeam has been
ailing and unable to do much. Hopefully that will change for the
better soon. They probably all think I ran away too.
Love and soft hugs to all. Bonnie
P.S. I have a different email address that I am using until I can sort thru all the mail at my regular one. If you wish to write please use the new one for now.
LYnn In Columbia MO 12/2/2006
Hi everyone...first of all....OUWWEEEE OUCHOUCH OW OW OW OW.......now that I have that over....I gotta go back out and shovel somemore!! Oh everything hurt getting up and this time it wasn't entirely Fibro! A 'womanly' 60 year old is not built for this.....supposed to be letting babies bounce on the ample lap! But....I am woman hear me roar...rrrrooooaaaaa......breathe breath.....aaaarrrrrr!!! I tried making a snowman ball and rolling it down the driveway......ha ha ha.....worked a little....have a good snowman now. Am gonna look like THE HULK when I get done. The sun is shining and the sky is soooo blue. The air is so exhilarating.....I stand still in it and pretend I am skiiing again. Of course, that makes me throw my self down and slide a bit because that is how I stop!!
Rena....glad to make you remember good things...and such good times!
Bonnie...good to have you back.
Vicky....I am in a job that requires great memory skills.....I also am going downhill.....what I have been doing that seems to lift the fog a bit is: I have a little handheld solitaire game (electronic). I keep it with me all the time. When I go to the bathroom I play a game...on break, at lunch....anytime I can. I concentrate on not missing a move and trying to beat my score each time. I try not to stop until I have won a game w/o making any mistakes at all. I find that when I get back to work the fog lifts for awhile. The concentration is back. If you don't win just play until you don't miss a card play. It really helps me ...I sure hope it helps you!
Okay.....going back out to put the 'shame' on the neighbors who have flat driveways and haven't done anything yet.....HA HA HA HA HA! (evil laugh) WONDER WANNABE GMA WINS!! BUAHA HA HA HA!!
Doris 12/02/06
Welcome back Bonnie!!!!!! Hang in there girl cause slowly but surely you will be back to your old self soon! It was so great to see you in here! Awesome girl! You have been missed so much! Take it easy though and take things slow. I have kept you on my mind and in my prayers alot.
Lynn, glad to hear that you are having a ball with all that snow! I got such a kick out of reading your post. Here in se NC, we seldom get snow and then only a few inches. I go crazy over that! Our winters are mild compared to most places. But I love to see snow falling......its so awesome! I pray every year for a white Christmas......lol.
I am tired so am ge