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Txnana, I'll be praying for you tomorrow (and tonight as well) that the eye will recover. What a fright you must have had!
JustK, That's good news for your hubby. I've seen that happen before with my brother-in-law, but his was a partial detachment and he couldn't use his arm for quite some time. He didn't have the surgery; instead the doctor decided that he should wait for the tendon to heal. Which it did, but he was wishing that it could have been surgically repaired.
My SIL is still holding her own. Other family members took over for me today, and my husband took me to lunch and the flea market and then to see all the tourists in town for the Rolex 24 race. I'm sure there is something interesting to see at the Speedway, but for the life of me I can't understand driving a car round and round a track for 24 hours!  Maybe it's a guy thing...
In remission since April 2011. Hoping it will last!
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Hello everyone
It's been a while since I checked in and for that I am sorry. Not very much has changed with me. Still work the same hours still have the same wife still have two kids that drive me crazy. Thought I would drop in and say hello and check on how you all have been doing before I head off to work. Hope everone has a wonderful night!!!!
Roger RA since Oct. 06 meds Humira, Plaqunil, Sulfasalazine. 3rd Generation waiting for the Cubs to win it all
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Group: Forum Members
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Hello RA Family/Friends 
Thank you so much for your concern and well wishes! Welcome back Roger!
How am I feeling? Eye Diagnosis: Posterial Vitreous Detachment causing hemorraghing (sp?) at the back of my left eye. I'm having to remain in a upright position to sit & sleep, no bending or lifting; restricted activities for 2 weeks  Followup Feb. 13.
Sooooooooo, I'm unable to read very much due to very blurry vision. How I miss my Kindle  Going to rheumy Thursday for Orencia and BP evaluation.
What am I doing? Hanging out at home in an upright position!!!  Friends and family bringing yummy food to us 
How are you feeling? What are you doing?
Take care.
Blessings.
Txnana
My Boss is a Jewish Carpenter.
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Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! I hope that everyone here feels valued and welcome in some way, even if you are spending the day alone.
Life stays incredibly busy for me, caring for my 3 grands and hauling the 15 yr. old daughter to all her activities each night. It's still tough lifting the littlest one into her car seat every day, although my wrists have regained some lost strength over the last few months. But the last two weeks have found me so, so exhausted. On the weekends, when I don't have to be the babysitter and put the kids to bed at night, I have been crashing at 8:00, one hour after I get off work. But the MTX last weekend really wiped me out and made me sick for a full day longer than usual. Yuk! My good news is that I've lost 8 lbs. and am aiming for about 10 more, but it's sloooooow going, despite strictly following the 950 to 1050 calorie diet.
We celebrated the third birthday of our little granddaughter Sunday night. I had a meeting last night, and tonight I'll try to help the kids make Valentine magnets with their pictures for their mom. I had bought a gingerbread house kit at the after Christmas clearance sale, with plans to do it for Valentine's Day, but we still have birthday cake left, so I'll wait till Thursday night when our 15 yr. old can join in the fun.
We've had quite a bit of cold, rainy weather here the last few weeks (great for the drought!) but today is a sunny high of the '70's. I couldn't resist buying some cute lady bug and butterfly fabric and a pattern to make a short set and dress for the little grand! ....In my spare time...some time...
Take care, everyone!
While growing old is inevitable, growing up is not.
With childlike faith and joy in the Great Ageless One
I may be compressed, but not depressed. I'm keeping the twinkle in my wrinkle!
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| My son was able to sell the old car that my husband left to him and that he has worked on here at my house for two years. I was not prepared for how it would make me feel but was able to hold myself together until they all left. I'll get over it, but it was like another ending in my life. But the sun is shining today and I am going to get out to church and see people instead of staying in here by myself. It's a good thing to have friends that I can see and worship with them.
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Group: Forum Members
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Hi friends, Just wanted to let everyone know hat my dear sister in law is now at peace. She passed away on Friday night after her duaghter arrived to kiss her goodbye. She had been in a deepening coma, but when her daughter spoke her name she roused slightly. Then slipped away. It was so gentle and peaceful.
Meanwhile I've been laid up with my walker and wheelchair and haven't been much help.
But life goes on, and we have work to do here on earth.
I'll post again soon. Thank you for all the kind words.
In remission since April 2011. Hoping it will last!
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Group: Forum Members
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Gramma Ellie, I am so sorry for the loss of your special sister in law! I am late reading this, but my prayers are with you and your family. And you are laid up with a walker and wheelchair? Again, I am not updated yet, but is this from foot surgery? Praying for a quick recovery for you! I truly understand the restrictions from surgery!!
Txnana, I am praying for your eye, also! I am so out of the loop here as to what is going on! How hard it must be to be so restricted! Hugs to you!!
I am now 4 weeks post op from the hip surgery. The 2nd hip was to be done this week. However, the Dr didn't feel my left hip was strong enough to go ahead with the surgery on the right hip. So, I have been in some intense PT to try to build some strength back up. I see her again on March 6th and she is hoping to schedule the surgery the following week. That would be 7 weeks between surgeries. All the info I read on this intramedullary nailing (what I had done) talks of a quick recovery and full weight bearing quickly after surgery. I am not full weight bearing yet. And still have pain and am still using a walker. It's getting better but S L O W L Y!! Meanwhile, I still cannot work. The dr told me she sees me off until the end of May at least. I'm am concerned about that because it will put me into applying for long term disability from work and it will cut my insurance. As my hubby says, we will cross that bridge when we get there.
This has been a trying and long 6 months for us. With my hubby's cancer diagnosis, my hip fractures, and losing my mother in law, I'm ready for life to get back to some normalcy....whatever that is!! 
I am reading and catching up with everyone here. I see that Roger has checked in. Good to hear from you!
Hugs to all
Awma
Graves Disease diagnosed 2003. RA Diagnosed 2009. Currently taking Remicade infusions 400 mg every 6 wks; Methotrexate 20 mgs; Folic Acid; Pepcid; Prednisone 5 mg; Synthroid 150mcgs; Diclofenac
Daughter of the King; Wife to Rick 14 yrs; Mom to 2 sons and 2 daughters. Awma (Grandma) to Makalya 11; Quinten 9; Zac 8; Emilly 6
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Group: Forum Members
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| Neck, Hands, Back, Hips, Feet. Knees are pretty good. thanks
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I yall! I thought that I would pop in and yell I'M TIRED!.
Yesterday, I decided that it was too beautiful of a day not to get involved with the yard. So I helped with the edge trimmer and just a little bit with the mower. Then one of my neighbors saw me working and saved me by striking up a conversation!
This morning, I'M SORE! But it's a good sore. I didn't do much, just enough to make me feel good about myself. I did have a bit of an issue trying to catch my breath from time to time. But it was manageable. It feels so strange just to enjoy the little things that I took for granted once again.
God Bless,
captex
Albuterol, Symbicort, also taking Aspirin, Benedryl, Calcium, Fish Oil, Flomax, Glipizide, Glucophage, Insulin, Imitrex, Hydrocodone, Losartan, Magnesium, Vit D, Xanax, Zantac trying to lose 40lbs gained recently from Prednisone. Dx RA 1982, Dx ILD 2008, Dx HBP 1982 Dx Diabetes 2005, Dx Diverticulosis 2003, Dx Osteopenia 2010, DX Sleep Apnea 10/12. Pain pills when necessary.
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Group: Forum Members
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Good news: It's raining in TX!!! Much needed after drought.
Not so good news: RA and Sjogrens not liking rainy weather!!! Ouch
Good news: Eye has finally stopped hemorraghing!!!
Not so good news: Have to see neuro opthamologist. Probably have myasthenia gravis, another autoimmune disorder. My vision is severely impaired.
Good news: My Kindle has text to speak and reads to me!!!
Not so good news: I miss actually reading
RA Connect is the BEST support group ever!!!!
How are you feeling? What are you doing?
Blessings.
Take care.
Txnana.
My Boss is a Jewish Carpenter.
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Monday, April 23, 2012
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Hi Friends!
The sun is shining here in Florida, and the motorcyclists have started to return to their homes up north. Pretty soon the snowbirds will start their exodus, too, and it will be the quiet season here.
I still miss my SIL, but I know that she is at peace, and happy to see her husband again. Perhaps they are skiing down the clouds in Heaven. We planted two Southern Red Maples in her memory at her residence, and my DH and I delivered a luncheon for the staff on Friday.
Soon my foot will be healed enough to start a walking program and I can't wait!! I've been able to wear my orthopedic sandals these days, and it feels so good to put shoes on again. Our community center sponsors a pole walking group and they are always looking for new members, so I'm ready to join as soon as the doctor okays it.
In June, I'll see my rheumy again, and I hope he'll say I'm still in remission. I've had some pain in my wrists, no swelling, but it may be from cleaning out our office/den this weekend. After having to dispose of SIL's collection of papers, books, files and other accumulations, I was determined not to leave such a mess for my children to clean up. So I filled up 3 recycle containers with old magazines, catalogs, useless papers, etc. And I have another pile of books to take to the library now. The file cabinets will be next.
Txnana, I hope you are getting better, and still enjoying your Kindle.
Awma, when will they do your other hip? I hope it will heal well for you.
Hugs,
Ellie
In remission since April 2011. Hoping it will last!
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Well, I discovered today that I surely can't do nearly what I did ten years ago. I thought that, since my son is so very busy this weekend (see the prayer request section), I'd just do some sorting and cleaning in that garage myself. I feel good that I did get some done, but I had to quit. My back and legs just won't let me do more today. My nose and throat feel full of dust, too. The garage does look better and cleaner and I'm glad. I even cleaned my dull, dull, dull hubcaps. I have a pretty blue sweatshirt that has "Over the Hill? What hill, Where, When? I don't remember any hill." Well I've found it lately and I think I'm over the top had have started a slow descent. Guess I'll rest a while now. It's good to have a feeling of at least a little accomplishment.
We had rain here for the last two days and the grass has turned green overnight and the tulips and lillies seem to have grown at least 3 inches. They tell us that we will have frost in a couple of nights, but those plants are hardy. I have jonquls blooming in the back yard and I hope they will be hardy enough, too.
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Good morning everyone!
I'm recovering from my 2nd hip surgery. It was done last Wed March 14th. This one had been harder at home because the left side is still weak. I have managed to pinch a nerve in my neck by putting so much of my weight on the walker. So getting around has been difficult and painful. My orthopedic Dr has talked to me about applying for disability. So I believe I am going to get that process started.
Txnana you sure are in my prayers! I think of you so often! I just got a new kindle. Hubby surprised me with a kindle fire! I love it!
Great Granny you also are in my thoughts and prayers. With the loss of my mother in law at Christmas time there's been so much to do. And its so hard to go in her house and shes not there anymore.
The weather has been gorgeous! Everything is growing and blooming! Way early for this fickle Ohio weather. But I sure will take it.
Hugs to all
Awma
Graves Disease diagnosed 2003. RA Diagnosed 2009. Currently taking Remicade infusions 400 mg every 6 wks; Methotrexate 20 mgs; Folic Acid; Pepcid; Prednisone 5 mg; Synthroid 150mcgs; Diclofenac
Daughter of the King; Wife to Rick 14 yrs; Mom to 2 sons and 2 daughters. Awma (Grandma) to Makalya 11; Quinten 9; Zac 8; Emilly 6
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Group: Forum Members
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Hello RA Family Just returned from having CT scan on chest to check thymus gland.....part of diagnosing Myasthenia Gravis. Next I will see a neurologist, then back to neuro ophthalmologist.
MG is an auto-immune disease.....on top of RA and Sjogrens Syndrome.
As far as RA goes, Orencia infusions every 4 weeks are helping.....plus other meds. I have decided to postpone foot surgery
Hubby and I just returned from a glorious week in Southern California (with dr. permission). We went with our son and his family. Even went to Disneyland It's do-able with an electric motorized vehicle. So much fun in the sun "It's a small world afterall..."
is still singing in my head!!!
Still enjoying my text-to-read Kindle books. I can also read with magnifying glass, but my eyes tire very quickly.
Please post and let us know how you are feeling! And What you are doing!
Blessings.
Take care.
Txnana
My Boss is a Jewish Carpenter.
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I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and a little anxious about what the future holds for me. I have to sit down to have a talk with my son and daughter in law about what is possible for me to do about selling this home and getting into some kind of condo living. I'd like to move to a retirement village near my church, but don't know if I can manage that. We will sit down soon and go over all the angles and try to figure it all out.
My son is still on the Cimzia but feels so very tired when he gets home that he just eats and flops. He said that he's usually sacked out by 9:30. I hope he can make the next four years. He loves fishing, but hasn't been able to do it much in the last couple of years.
March was like May here and now April is having much more seasonable temperatures, but very windy. I visited the rheumatologist today and she gave me some Voltarin samples to use on my thumb and ankle to see if it will help. One of my thumbs just stabs me by evening and the ankle on that same side hurts and swells and I haven't even been outside much at all because of allergies and not being able to walk in the yard much at all. I love the outdoors and miss being able to do things out there.
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Gramma Ellie--I hope you are feeling better these days and able to get outside and enjoy yourself.
Awma--You are certainly a strong person with your two hip surgeries. You are in my prayers for a complete recovery and healing.
Txnana--It's so good to see you posting. You have been in my thoughts and prayers a lot the last few weeks. I'm glad you were able to get away and have fun like a kid.
Genny--What a good example you are to us. We will all be at that crossroad one day. Your faith and concern for others while caring for yourself show what a special person you are.
It's been a while since I've posted here. We enjoyed spring break doing a few special things with the grandkids (who live with us.) Our 15 yr. old daughter has had 2 major dance events which were a lot of fun. My health has fluctuated with major flares and pain each week or so, also extreme fatigue and strange muscle weakness in my legs. I caught a nasty virus and had high fever for several days last month.
For my garden and yard this year, I've tried to find plants/shrubs that require little water. While we are officially out of the most severe drought category in our part of Texas, the temps are higher than normal and no one can predict the rainfall for the rest of the year. I decided to plant only onions and herbs this year instead of the tomatoes, squash, and cantaloupe that I had to water every single day for 6 months last year! That was just too much work and not at all cost-effective, not to mention wasting precious water. I also planted a few flowers such as cannas and lantana that can take the extreme sun.
My family continues to have major issues that keep me overwhelmed at times. I'm especially worried about my 21 yr. old daughter who is experiencing dyslexia after taking Cymbalta for her chronic back pain. If things don't improve within one more week after having tapered and stopping it, she will have to see a neuro. I'm also worried about my 9 yr. old grandson. He is having migraines, disturbing behavior problems, and progressive loss of muscle tone which could point to a neurological problem. He is also having joint pain and rashes on his trunk and palms of his hands, which could be a rheumatic problem. His first appt. with the pedi neuro is not until the end of July! We haven't gotten a referral yet for a pedi rheumy. Another grandchild is having leg-length discrepancy after a break two years ago. Okay, enough. This is just the tip of the ice-berg of what we are dealing with here. Let me just say that I like to stay really busy to get my mind off everything.
I hope everyone had a good Easter weekend and a great start to this week. Happy Spring!
While growing old is inevitable, growing up is not.
With childlike faith and joy in the Great Ageless One
I may be compressed, but not depressed. I'm keeping the twinkle in my wrinkle!
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Group: Forum Members
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OMG! I've missed you guys! I woke up hurting in several joints and found myself thinking: Who can I call and whine to? That's when I thought of all of you! I have been away for so long many of you won't even remember me! I just read through three pages of Captex's Roll Call and was so happy to see so many of the regulars! Since I was last here (and I don't even remember when that was!) I've been struggling along with my RA. I'm on Enbrel, Plaquenil and Medrol. My rheumy who has been with me from the start is retiring in June so I have started with a new one. He thought I should be off Medrol (me too!) and had me taper down. When he saw what happened when I got down to 2 mg, he said just stay on 4 mg. Today is my Enbrel day and I'm hoping that is why everything is hurting so much.
I'm still working but only part time now - about 1/2 day, sometimes less. I have an office in my home so no more jumping in and out of the car. Still have to make home visits to do evaluations for folks who need a guardian but that's not every day. I really like the slower pace! Gives me time to read, do things with neighbors and quilt some. As the weather is getting better I'm anxious to get back in the yard - with the help of my garden kneeler I am able to do some work outside. Up here in the Pacific Northwest we have had four days in a row with some sunshine and that makes us all jump for joy! My spring flowers look beautiful, the magnolia tree is about to be in full bloom and the azaleas are starting to bloom.
All my kids are doing great and the 7 grands are fine. My oldest son was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease - another autoimmune - and his wife was diagnosed with insulin resistant syndrome - also in the autoimmune family. Her sister has lupus and RA. The grandkids in that family will be lucky if they can avoid any autoimmune disease. The oldest grand will graduate from high school this year. He's developmentally disabled so will continue in some kind of educational program until he is 21. Haven't heard what program my son and DIL have decided on for him. All the rest of the grand kids are doing fine and growing by leaps and bounds.
I had a nice vacation in Chandler, AZ, in February. I have friends there and went down for almost two weeks. One of the highlights was a visit to the Greek Orthodox monastery just south of there - amazingly beautiful oasis in the dessert. If you get a chance to see it you will be amazed. Also got to see my 9 year old granddaughter from Seattle perform in a gymnastics competition in Mesa while I was there. Carol and I also drove down to Green Valley to visit overnight with our other friend form here - the one I visited last year during Arizona's deep freeze!
I'll really make an effort to check in now and then. When I was a regular I got so much support from everyone here! Nice to "see" you all again!
Mary H
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MaryFran, your post touched a cord in me as I have two GRANDS with some sort of developmental handicap. I am helping my son to help the oldest to get a job right now before the college students all get out for the Summer. She has applied in several places and has gone for one group interview. She would dearly like to work in a pet shop as she really loves animals. I am praying and hoping that she can get that kind of job as I believe it will really help her self esteem, too. She cannot drive, so he has been dropping her off and I pick her up when she calls me. The other one is still in high school but did the work program through high school last Summer. That's a wonderful thing and gives them a good experience and they bus them to work so that the parents don't have to supply the transportation. Wonderful.
By the way, I have a brother in law who lives in Mesa.
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Wow, it's been forever since I posted on this thread. It was one of the things that I enjoyed the most about the Forum. Yes, we all posted about how we we're feeling, but the big thing to me was about what we were doing.
I'm not doing much! I came here to get some inspiration. I hope that we can all do something that helps us to deal with the demands that are being made on our bodies. But more than that, I pray that we can find something to help us deal with the needs of our souls as well. Feeling good about ourselves is an important aspect about just feeling well.
Looking to get inspired........
God Bless,
captex
Albuterol, Symbicort, also taking Aspirin, Benedryl, Calcium, Fish Oil, Flomax, Glipizide, Glucophage, Insulin, Imitrex, Hydrocodone, Losartan, Magnesium, Vit D, Xanax, Zantac trying to lose 40lbs gained recently from Prednisone. Dx RA 1982, Dx ILD 2008, Dx HBP 1982 Dx Diabetes 2005, Dx Diverticulosis 2003, Dx Osteopenia 2010, DX Sleep Apnea 10/12. Pain pills when necessary.
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Group: Forum Members
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| I hope you are all feeling better. I know that if it wasn't for the Vicodin once everyday my quality of life would be considerably less. Keep your heads up!
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