Daily Blog

You could have sciatica. I have had this and it caused quite a bit of pain
(not related to PA).
Regards,
BeingIrish

I have gained 20 lbs so guess I need 4 kicks. Glad you are back on track.

Wanda

Shooting pains sounds like some type of nerve issue (perhaps pinched
nerve?).
You should get it checked out by your doctor.
Patty

I need a get me back on track kick in the butt, I have gained almost 5 lbs, and I am done eating for today and tomorrow I am BACK on track!!!!!!!!!!!

BB

Which procedure did you have, lapband or Gastric bypass?

Could be something that's just happening because you're moving more??? But I
would call your doctor because the biologics can - in very rare cases - cause MS
type symptoms and you will want to make sure that's not what's happening. You
could probably give it a little time, but if it continues, don't wait for weeks
or months until your next check-up.
Joanna Hoelscher

Doris: your absolutely right about podiatrists. However, it can sometimes be
hard to find a really good one. Anyone who wants to go this route should get
recommendations from a primary care physician or friends who have really good
experiences with one. There are a lot out there who are just not that good and
orthotics are expensive and not always covered by insurance, so you don't want
to waste your money on something that doesn't work. We've had a lot of
experience with podiatrists in our family because nearly everyone has badly
fallen arches which can cause a whole host of problems - not just for your feet
but for your ankles, knees, hips and back.
Joanna Hoelscher

Hello to All,
My surgery was 12/14/05 and as of this morning I have lost 96#. While I
am not complaining exactly I thought by now something would begin to
taste good to me again....... that hasnt happened. I follow the diet,
take my supplements as I should, exercise faithfully, can eat almost
anything and everything in small amounts ....... NOTHING and I mean
NOTHING taste good. Eating is a chore since it is yucky, no matter what
or who is making it.
I have lost almost no hair: alittle drier than usual but nothing that a
good conditioner doesnt cure, I even had it dyed and permed without
problems 2 months out. I have had very little dumping,learning very
fast that it was my own fault!
I started this life adventure wearing 26W (tight) and have just
recently purchased 3 new bathing suits @ size 16 working my way into
14's,I take NO more meds for anything.
I am grateful for all my good fortune and my complaint sounds tright
(sp?)but am I ever going to enjoy the taste of the food I am eating
again and has anyone else had this complaint? I would like to enjoy the
food that I am eating.
Thank you for listening.
Snow

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I'm really glad that you were able to work things out. There are far too many
people out there who really are addicted to pain killers (look at the statistics
- prescription meds are becoming a bigger national problem than street drugs,
especially for younger people) and they doctor shop. I think your doctor is
actually just trying to protect her patients. There are people who have
addictive personalities that can become "hooked" much more easily than others.
Because of some problems with a family member who is OK now, I've had to learn
much about the subject!!!
Joanna Hoelscher

Hello everyone;
I have been taking Remicade for about 2 months now along with very low
dose MTX injections (5 mg/week). This combo is FINALLY giving me some
function back after failing MTX alone, leflunamide, enbrel and humira.
Just in the last 5 days or so, I have been getting strange shooting
pains in my thigh. The pain is quite sharp but only lasts for a second
or two, maybe happening 10-12 times per day.
Any thoughts on what on earth this could be?
Thanks!!
Jill

Saturday May 19th at 9:00 am at Hendersonville Hospital first door on your right as soon as you enter the front doors.

sorry I didn't remind you sooner but it's been a hectic week.

Keep smiling

~CJ~

I used to have both heels to hurt and hurt bad. My foot Doctor made cast for my
feet. He made me Orthodics. I wore them for several months and my heel pain left
me. I hope you will go to a foot Doctor. I have a great doctor. This doctor has
to trim my bad toe nails also. He is the only doctor I have found that he really
has helped my feet all way around. Let me know if, you get my E-mail Doris

I have begun to lose some hair just on top again and I almost 4 years out. No changes in diet or the way I take my suppliments and vitamins. Any answers or help for this. I never had a lot of hair to start with. Thanks. doris

I don't know how long ago your surgeries were but the American Orthopaedic
Association recommends that you take antibiotics before dental work for only two
years after any joint replacement surgery. It's my understanding that you need
not take them any longer than that, no matter what your dentist says.
Joanna Hoelscher

46 pounds is nothing to sneeze at. I have lost 86 in 7 months. Be patient. It will come off. Remember muscle weighs more than fat and if you are exercising, you are probably building muscle. There are many ways to get protein besides meat. Explore your options. You will lose, hang in there. Julie
elly298 <elly298@...

This is my first time to post a message. I had my surgery on March 8th.
I have lost 46 1/2 pounds, but I am getting discouraged. The last
ten pounds have been slow in coming off, sometimes including a
small gain. (I am beyond the water-retention days.) I don't eat
anything but the 3-4 ounces of protein at meals, nothing in between,
and drink the required amount of water. I exercise at least four
times a week (1 hour on treadmill) and am trying to increase this.
Am I just being impatient or is something else out of balance. I
have a hard time eating meat, though I still try. It doesn't
always want to stay down.
I would love some advice.
Thanks,
Elly

This is my first time to post a message. I had my surgery on March 8th.
I have lost 46 1/2 pounds, but I am getting discouraged. The last
ten pounds have been slow in coming off, sometimes including a
small gain. (I am beyond the water-retention days.) I don't eat
anything but the 3-4 ounces of protein at meals, nothing in between,
and drink the required amount of water. I exercise at least four
times a week (1 hour on treadmill) and am trying to increase this.
Am I just being impatient or is something else out of balance. I
have a hard time eating meat, though I still try. It doesn't
always want to stay down.
I would love some advice.
Thanks,
Elly

OK I actually talked to the Doc and she is adding an addendum that
says I CAN get emergency pain meds if needed and she also said that
she is the only one who would ever order a drug test and she has only
done one in the last year. And she would only do one if I was getting
refills early all the time. So I feel much better about signing it.
My concern was that if I got in a car accident or had some need for an
emergency pain script I wouldn't be able to get one and that some
arbitrary person on a power trip would be subjecting me to drug tests
like a junkie. But it looks like those wont be an issue.
Thanks to everyone for your advice!!!
"tweetygodess" <tweetygodess@...

It took me a long time to get to my "cocktails" that really work. When I woke up
w/o any meds whatsoever for several days, all I had left was mind over matter,
meditation, etc. I was in excruciating pain and could barely move at the time.
Little bit different situation than yours. You have time to prep b4 surgery for
what shape you'll be in when you wake up. Instead of expecting to come out with
great, wonderful feelings of brand new, no pain, he's letting you know up front
not to expect that. If you turn it around, it's kind of "nice" prep -- your
expectations of "pain free" will be so incredibly low that everything "good" you
feel when you wake up is going to be really great and therefor really help you.
Whereas, if you're expecting to wake up pain free, miracle cure, and instead
wake up with pain, the pain will actually feel 10x worse. Does this make any
sense??
I also wanted to mention that some of the comments to try fentanyl (generic) or
duragesic patches, etc. If they do not do their job, do not be afraid to talk to
you doctor about it. We discovered that I tend to metabolize the med faster than
most, so Day 1 would be the beginning of relief and a dawning of hope, but no
"complete" manageable pain relief until day2. Then, day3 was a downhill slide
that just got steeper and steeper on a runaway patch!! I was simply metabolizing
them too fast. My optimum is 2 days!. It stops the roller coaster and levels me
out quite nicely. Now I also use lidocaine patches on some of the trigger
spots. It really addresses the right spots that way. I still use tramadol/Ultram
for breakthrough pain, but with the lidocain patches, I use it only for more
generalized breakthrough pain.
C Moralez <cmoralez_ak@...

Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for the response. I was happy to read your email. I will be
having surgery 6/6 with Dr. Houston.
Did you have someone stay with you the entire time you were in the
hopsital? I live in IL but I'll be staying with friends in Nashville
until I return a week later to see Dr. Houston to get the okay to
return home. I am a little nervous about being so far from the
doctor to recuperate but I know I am in good hands throughout this
process.
I was impressed to hear about your weightloss. That is fabulous.
Do you have a certain protein drink that you like and recommend?
Again, thanks for the email and encouraging words. I'll look forward
to another. Jill

Absolutely!! They started doing MRIs of the various joints I complained about
(after identifying).
I've also now been diagnosed as having PA and then FM on top of it. In addition,
each MRI also seems to come up with its own web of physical damage.
C Moralez <cmoralez_ak@...

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of CMC-WLS
Nashville WLS Group meeting
Tuesday May 9, 2006
6:00 pm - 6:00 pm
This event repeats on the second Tuesday of every month.
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CJ,
Thanks for the explanation as to the delay on my first email.
wondered what happened but now I understand. I glad it's going thru now
and I appreciate the responses. I am anxious for my 6/6/06 surgery
date. Have a great day! Jyll

Hi, I have been about 95% pain free since I had my
joints replaced in Sept of 2005. I had 3 joints in my
left hand replaced. Once I had that surgery after all
the rehab I was definitely what I would call pain
free. My immune system took a break from attacking me
except for one joint which was no problem compared to
the pain I experienced in prior years.
Anyhow recently I had my teeth cleaned and I had some
cavities filled and some old filling replaced. Well
of course before this I had to take antibiotics as I
have artificial joints.
After a few weeks after my dental procedures I have
become to feel the arthritis to kick in again. I have
shoulder pain, knee pain, elbow pain, ankle pain, and
toe pain. I was unable to push my son on the swing
yesterday as my shoulder pain was to bad. I am
having difficulty just doing my daily tasks as a full
time mother. The PA used to affect only my left side
of my body and now I'm feeling in the right.
Just curious if this has happened to anyone.
I have felt really good for so long so I am feeling a
little overwhelmed as I have two vibrant and active
boy's ( ages 3 and 7). Anyhow I needed to vent and
kind of write to people who know how I am feeling.
Thanks and any comments are much appreciated.
Rita age:34
Colorado

Hi Jyll!!

Congratulations on your Decision!! I am 9 months out from surgery with Dr. Dyer, and my total weight loss is 130 lbs. My wife had the surgery 6 weeks ago and has lost 35 lbs so far. All of the staff at the center are wonderful and are knowledgeable in all aspects of weight loss. As long as you follow their advice, everything should go smoothly. The first few weeks will be pretty rough, and you will go through a wide variety of emotions. After that, it is pretty easy to use the tool you have been given for WLS. Believe me; I think it is well worth it!!! I will definitely keep you in my prayers, and I know you are in wonderful hands!!!

God Bless!!

Gregory Hay (349, 220)

I am one of those lucky (ha!) 2% of the Caucasian population that do not
react or have very little reaction to opioid medications. In other words
morphine and codeine and their derivatives simply do not do much if anything
for me or to me. I have had several major operations: herniated disk and
5(?) level lumbar laminectomy in 2001; both knees totally replaced in 2005;
gall bladder in 1995. I have had several root canals and a lot of bridge
work done on my teeth without anesthesia or Novocain, lidocaine, etc., i.e.,
cold turkey. None of the local anesthetics work very well either. I do
fine under a general anesthesia and wake up quickly and without any
grogginess.
Have a serious talk with your anesthesiologist (medical doctor who
specializes in anesthesia) or nurse anesthetist (RN with special training)
before surgery. I am sorry that your doctor seems to be trying to scare you
to death.
After my various surgeries, I did my rehab with no problems but it is hard
work. I was a star patient. I had fewer problems than the most of the
other patients. I don't know if it was because I was more determined or had
to prove that an older fat lady could do it or what. After my back surgery
I was up and almost running about 45 minutes after surgery - I really had to
use the restroom. After my knee surgery I was walking (certainly not
quickly) determinedly while some of the others were still moaning and
groaning (I don't think those 2 did well overall - not enough guts). I
took plenty of anti-inflammatories instead of pain meds and that generally
works for me. Do as much other exercise as possible before surgery to keep
all your muscles and tendons in shape to keep you in good condition.
Since you are taking and are tolerant of narcotics, try adding the
anti-inflammatories. Try adding fentanyl - a very powerful opioid. Much
more powerful than morphine. But don't stay on it, harder to kick than
morphine.
Drifty Diane
In toasty North Texas
_____

Hi guys,
I'm getting ready to have an SI joint fusion on Friday at 0950. I am scared
to death. I am only the 2nd one they've done with this technique but they
use the same technique everywhere else in the spine (lumbar, cervical, etc)
but there are very few people with sacroilitis bad enough to warrant the
surgery and I am one. So I'll be their guinea pig. The reason I need
support: the neurosurgeon is very against the use of narcotics to treat
back and joint pain. He doesn't care that I tried EVERYTHING first that was
more conservative with no relief-ablations, injections, PT, etc. It was the
only way I could keep going. Anyway, he gave me this big speech on how
horrible I was going to do post-op due to the pain since I am tolerant to
the narcotics. Now he has me scared to death. Have any of you had surgery
(any surgery) while tolerant to narcotics? How was the pain?
Rae

Cathy, thank you sooooo much for replying to my email. I sent two as
I didn't hear anything from the first one. The pics of you and Mike
were very inspirational. I was totally amazed and I am looking
forward to being able to have my very own pics showing my progress.
As I said, I was very impressed with Dr. Houston.
I will be emailing you at your other address and I appreciate any
helpful hints you or anyone else would like to share with me.
Thanks again.....I'm looking forward to talking to you. Jill

Hey Jill! My husband Mike and I are absolutely THRILLED for you! We so look forward to welcoming you to the LOSING side!!!!

I would be very happy and honored to "be there" for you... if you want to ask guestions, just talk, whatever, please feel free to e-mail me at cathyjds@... or at cathy.spencer@... Dr. Houston was our surgeon, and we ADORE him! You are indeed in good hands.

This is an exciting and scary time in your life. I'll be happy to answer any questions. If you like, you can see pics of us at www.picturetrail.com/cathyspencer and at www.picturetrail.com/michaelspencer There are pics of Mike on my site, but more of him on his own site. He's lost 183 lbs since 12/06/04 (He's 17 months out) and I've lsot 208 since 12/20/04 (I'm about 16 1/2 months out). We also have profiles on www.cmcwls.com and www.obesityhelp.com

Keep us posted, and BLESSINGS on you!!!!
jyllyann1 <jyllyann@...

I just wanted to take a minute to say hello and wish all of you a
great day/week.
I saw Dr. Houston for the very first time on Friday. It was great
to meet sweet Holly (finally) and then I was inspired when I met
Mindy. She shared her weightloss story and pic with me. She is a
little
doll!!!
I flew to Nashville from my home in Illinois on Thurs. I'll be
having my surgery (lap rny) on June 6....needless to say I am very
excited/anxious but a tad bit nervous too. I know he is a great
surgeon and after meeting him, I was convinced I'll be in good
hands.
I am looking forward to reading more about the group and getting as
much information as possible to have a smooth surgery and recovery
time. Any information anyone would like to share with me would be
very much appreciated!!! Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Jill

Cathy Spencer (12/20/04)
http://www.PictureTrail.com/cathyspencer

Hi Cheryl,
I once tried naproxen myself and it caused similar problems for me. I seem to
tolerate ibuprofen well, and perhaps you will. So I've stuck with ibuprofen for
a long while, to take "the edge off" on days when the stinging is just a bit
too much. But I also use it sparingly, since any of these meds can do a job on
your stomach, and kidneys.
Don
Boston

I just wanted to take a minute to say hello and wish all of you a
great day/week.
I saw Dr. Houston for the very first time on Friday. It was great
to meet sweet Holly (finally) and then I was inspired when I met
Mindy. She shared her weightloss story and pic with me. She is a
little
doll!!!
I flew to Nashville from my home in Illinois on Thurs. I'll be
having my surgery (lap rny) on June 6....needless to say I am very
excited/anxious but a tad bit nervous too. I know he is a great
surgeon and after meeting him, I was convinced I'll be in good
hands.
I am looking forward to reading more about the group and getting as
much information as possible to have a smooth surgery and recovery
time. Any information anyone would like to share with me would be
very much appreciated!!! Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Jill

Sounds like he's just covering his butt so he has some proof he's described the
side effects and that some pain meds are addicting.
Celeste

Hello Everyone,
I saw Dr. Houston for the first time on Fri. 4/28. Since I am going to
have surgery in Nashville on 6/6, I thought I would email this group to
introduce myself. After my initial visit, I sent an email to CMC-WLS
and I was hoping for some responses as I am anxious to talk to people
who are just starting out, recently had rny surgery or are veterans.
To date, I have not seen my original email or received any responses.
If there is something else I need to do, please let me know. Until
then, I am looking forward to hearing from other people who've had this
surgery. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanking you in advance.
Jyll

Tweety - look at http://www.oregon.gov/OSBN/pdfs/pain.pdf
It looks like Oregon considers a pain contract to be a type of
informed consent. It appears such contracts have been developed to
comply with Oregon law. (see http://www.painsociety.com/?p=21)
It looks like this is becoming an issue in more and more states. The
biggest objection patients have to the contracts seems to be the
stipulation that they can be required to submit to random drug
tests. A few people have succeeded in signing an edited contract
that omits this particular requirement. Quite a lot of people
discussing this online are also using medical marijuana either for
pain management or to treat other conditions. Under such a contract,
this illegal drug use, if discovered, could cause them to lose their
ability to obtain the prescription drugs.
With so much abuse of prescription drugs sometimes resulting in
deaths, you can understand why doctors are trying to protect
themselves legally with such contracts. But it does cause very
troubling problems for honest patients - not the least of which is
the privacy issue.
good luck with this,
sherry z

Has anyone else had to sign a "Pain Contract" with their doctor for pain
management?? My doctor won't give me refills until I have an appointment and
sign one. The nurse said there is an Oregon law that requires me to sign one.
But I did some research and found that while Oregon law stipulates that I need
to sign an informed consent it does not require me to sign a medication
contract.
"tweetygodess" <tweetygodess@...

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Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of CMC-WLS
Rutherford County Support Group Meeting
Saturday April 22, 2006
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
This event repeats on the fourth Saturday of every month.
The next reminder for this event will be sent in 2 days, 1 minute.
Notes:
Support Group meeting is at Stonecrest. email Diane Woodard if you need further directions or information, @ diane.richard@... or mike and cathy spencer cathyjds@...
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Hi Vickey,
I'm a lurker too, but I thought I'd chime in on this
one. I've been on methotrexate, and then methotrexate and Enbrel
(which is where I still am). I think methotrexate is great stuff -
alone it wasn't quite doing the trick for me, but in combination with
the Enbrel I do pretty well. I never had any problems at all with
the methotrexate (I give myself one shot a week). I'd say go for it,
it can do great things!
Michele
At 09:38 AM 5/26/2008, you wrote:
<< I have been having severe elbow pain for 6
months or longer. To make a long story short. I have had insurance
problems with getting the Enbrel approved. <snip

Megan try shea butter in it's pure form. It is the only thing I can think of
that would be effective and not burn your eyes as well. I would use it at night
just before bed. Good luck
Cindy Penkoff <girlfriendgeneration@...

Hi, I am wondering about a couple of things concerning the sugery. I
want to know what is the general stay for the sugery, and I read where
new patients must attend a meeting first and I am not sure where that
will take place. If anyone could help me I would be greatfull. Also I
am wondering if there are anyone online who might be from the
Kingsport area so I could contact with more questions.
Thank you
Tina

HI Tina, You do have to attened a siminar before having surgery. My surgery was done on Monday and I came home on Thursday.

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of CMC-WLS
Nashville WLS Group meeting
Tuesday April 11, 2006
6:00 pm - 6:00 pm
This event repeats on the second Tuesday of every month.
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I'd be interested in follow-up from you on how well the epidurals work. I've
heard they do for some but for many they don't; and I don't know why that is.
It's amazing how doctors sometimes have to see things in black and white on an
x-ray or a lab report to believe us about what's going on in OUR bodies.
Good luck with your continuing efforts to become more pain free. You deserve it
- and you especially deserve to be listened to!!!!! (I think cysts almost
anywhere are not much of a problem unless they're actually large enough to be
causing pain.)
Joanna Hoelscher

Hi,
I am a lurker for the most part but mostly because I haven't had a lot
of time or energy lately. I have been having severe elbow pain for 6
months or longer. To make a long story short. I have had insurance
problems with getting the Enbrel approved. I have been on it for about
4 years now but my husband changed jobs. even though we took into
consideration my health we thought since the new company he works for
has the exact same insurance company. his ID number is even the
same that we would not have these problems. Now we are finally
awaiting to see if they will approve it.
When I went in to see my rheumy my elbow was very swollen and hot to
touch. I have hardly been able to to use it. He put a steroid shot in
it. Because this elbow has gotten so bad so quick he wants to add
methotrexsate as well as restart the Enbrel. I am needing any advise
you can give me on this regimen..I have never tried methotrexate
before and have heard so many bad things about it. I am wondering if
it will be worth it..Any suggestions an this med will be greatly
appreciated..
Also I need help with hair thinning and psoriasis on the scalp..Once
the hair thins out to almost bald can you get the hair thickened back
up if you get the ps under control? My daughter is 15 and has this
problem. I am taking her to the derm. but waiting for the appointment.
Please help me with these two issues..I am very tired and stressed
about this issue especially about my daughter.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Vickey

Hey everyone! I was just wondering if anyone else has psoriasis on
their eyelids and if so, how do you treat it? My eyelids look
horrible, it is very embarrassing. They have been like this for over a
year. My PCP prescribed me some eye drops to put on them but they
didn't work. My rheumy said since I'm on MTX that should also help. I
can't seem to clear them up. Any suggestions you have would be greatly
appreciated! Thanks
Megan

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of CMC-WLS
Rutherford County Support Group Meeting
Saturday March 25, 2006
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
This event repeats on the last Saturday of every month.
The next reminder for this event will be sent in 1 day, 23 hours, 59 minutes.
Notes:
Support Group meeting is at Stonecrest. email Diane Woodard if you need further directions or information, @ diane.richard@... or mike and cathy spencer cathyjds@...
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Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of CMC-WLS
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Tuesday March 14, 2006
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Just wanted to say Thank You and it is REALLY NICE to be aboe to get feedback from others that are in the same situation that I have put myself in.

I bet I have a million questions going thru my mind at all different times.

Thanks Vickey *-*

I have had procedures, but no complete pain relief as you describe! WOW!! As the
other person who posted just said -- ENJOY!!! For all of us!!! I can't imagine
being completely pain free even for just a day! It's been sooooo long. In 2004
the PT said our goal was to maintain me at a 4-6 out of 10 for pain. A 4-6
maintenance would be considered "success".
I recently requested a neurostim placement, but got told that there were other
things to try first -- they were just waiting for me to "psychologically" be
"ready" to do something more or different from what I am on now!!! I was boiling
inside. I thought I was pretty aggressive in trying to get, to a point where I
could function -- wow -- even maybe function w/o so much pain!! How in the world
they could think they needed to wait until I was psychologically ready to do
something or take the next step -- just can't believe it. I've told them soooo
many times how frustrating and depressing it is not to be able to do the very
things I trained for and believed were my spiritual calling in life.
Anyway, now they have gone forward with new MRIs of my cervical and now for the
first time, my thoracic spine. The damage is progressing in my cervical as might
be expected. The surprise was discovering that my pain from my neck to my bra
line was/is not just "referred pain" or coming from my shoulder and neck issues,
it actually has plenty of its own degeneration and arthritis going on. First
Monday of June they will try epidurals in both cervical and thoracic spine up at
the hospital as an outpatient. It is supposed to give relief for at least weeks,
so we'll see. No doubt I'll be back to wanting to eat everything in sight though
with the steroid portion of the epidural!! Oh, to be pain free!!!!
They found an extra item in the thoracic MRI. The first line says that there is
a "cyst in the left kidney inferior pole." I think I wrote that correctly! When
I try to research the web, all I find is one remote cyst is apparently nothing
to worry about, but if you are having pain in the area, puffy eyes, high blood
pressure, and a few other symptoms, it could be a cyst that I should be
addressing. Do you think I can get a doctor to respond??!! Still waiting for a
return call from either doc ordering MRIs, or my PPC, but nothing since I
discovered after doctor appt on May 13th. Still waiting.
Thank goodness for the online groups and support!!
Cheryl M.

Tammie,
Congratulations on making the brave decision to have surgery. The
weight loss will definitely help with the arthritic pain in your
weight bearing joints. I would imagine that you are not feeling the
arthritis pain because you are not pushing yourself physically as
much post op, your focus is on surgery recovery, and you probably
have "residual" pain relief from surgery meds. I have had two major
surgeries in the last five months and have had similar experiences.
If you are like me it will not sneak up on you. My husband had
gastric bypass surgery three years ago and it was a great experience
for him, one he does not regret. Remember to take it easy and to
continue to take care of yourself.
Good Luck,
Eileen G.

I was a regular runner. You can still exercise but must change your
habits. Now I use a stationary bike or swim. Plus stretching
exercises. Excellent choices but not what I prefer - however, we must
protect our feet.
The tendinitis has definitely improved, along with the joint pain, with
taking Humira. Still, I have to protect my feet by not walking much
more than 15-30 minutes at a time, never jogging or running, not
standing more than about 15 minutes at a time, etc. I don't like it,
but it's a fact of my new life with PA.
best regards,
sherry z

Hi Megan
I am 36 and have a pretty similar history to you. The real pain didn't start
for me till later though. I am also very leery of methotrexate. My first Dr put
me on prednisone, then said she was going to move to methotrexate. I ended up
moving and my new doc doesn't like metho. He put me on sulfazine and I am
weening off prednisone. It took 6 weeks for the sulfazine to start working, but
it is ok now. I miss running and stuff, but still walk as much as I can, but
it's not enough.
cheers
T

I was just diagnosed a few weeks ago with PA. I am 24 next month.
About a year ago my feet started hurting, I walked for a living so
everyone chalked it up to that. I have spent the past year unable to
do my job, going from doctor to doctor trying to figure out what the
heck was wrong with my feet. I knew it was achilles tendinitis but no
one could tell me why nothing I was doing to treat it was making
things any better. In fact they just got worse and worse where now I
am at the point of not being able to stand for more than 5-10 minutes
at a time. I have arthritic changes in my lower back, my ankles, my
knees, and my hands, I have had pain in these areas since I was an
early teen but always thought it was from being so active. I have
noticed all the aches and pains everywhere else have gotten worse over
the past year but I chalked that up to not being able to be active
with my feet being so bad. I finally got into see a internal med
specialist who said it was some sort of autoimmune disease but wasn't
sure which one exactly as so many cause enthesitis. I had had mild to
moderate psoriasis off and on until I was 16 but never thought to
mention...why would I right? My feet hurt why would a skin problem 10
years ago have anything to do with that? HAHA Anyway I started looking
around at autoimmune stuff and saw the link to psoriasis and my doctor
just about fell off his chair with excitement that "he" had figured it
out. I was lucky enough to get in to see a rheumy shortly after, he
has prescribed NSAIDS and methotrexate which I was really overwhelmed
about so he has given me a few weeks on just the NSAIDS, (which havent
done much for me in the past) before they start me on the metho for
me to adjust. Sadly I was kinda relieved to get diagnosed and actually
know what is going on and have a plan, however I am quite unnerved
with with the plan of heavy narcotics. I am desperate to get my feet
to settle down, I have done every conservative treatment out there and
I know that activity is very important in staying mobile with the
arthritis everywhere else. Anyone out there with sever tendinitis from
the PA? I am not really keen on the methotrexate idea still, my doctor
says it is important to be aggressive as early as possible to limit
the damage. I get that but would love to try some more conservative
therapies before starting on drugs who have warnings that start off
with blood cancer and liver failure...what happened to plain old
nausea and fatigue? Oh right those are on there too. (I deal through
sarcasm) Anyone have any luck with any natural treatments?
Thanks for any insight anyone could give me... hope all are well.

Congrats on your surgery! I had the exact same problem after my bypass
- the nurses told me it was the gas that they used to inflate the
abdominal area for laproscopic surgeries. They said it could get lodged
like that - the only way to get rid of it is walking around as much as
you can. If you didn't have lap surgery, I'm not sure what it could be.
Hope this helps,
Rachael B.
Lap RNY 6/25/03
Dr. Olsen
280/155
Date: Mon, 06 Mar 2006 08:36:07 -0000
From: "nana12xs53" <nana12xs53@...
Subject: New to this, and am having sleepless nites Why?
I just had my bypass on Tues. Have been home since Fri. March 03,06,
And am in sooooo much pain, just in one spot (which is all in my left
back shoulder blade) I have tried Hot water, Heat rubbed into it , And
lots of movement and deep breathing. How much longer can this last??
Please Please let me hear from some of yall, that have had these same
kind of nites. I feel like such a big baby, But it is just driving me
crazy. And I guess I need to talk to some one.
Thanks nana12xs53

Hi...may name is Sheilah, I had my surgery on Jan.16 this year...so its all new to me too!

My guess would be that ur using different musles to get yourself up and down,,,I was sooooo sore too, thought I would die,,,but trust me it get better each day...and I slept in the recliner for 2 weeks,,,so just be patient,,you will be fine....

I just had my bypass on Tues. Have been home since Fri. March 03,06,
And am in sooooo much pain, just in one spot (which is all in my left
back shoulder blade) I have tried Hot water, Heat rubbed into it , And
lots of movement and deep breathing. How much longer can this last??
Please Please let me hear from some of yall, that have had these same
kind of nites. I feel like such a big baby, But it is just driving me
crazy. And I guess I need to talk to some one.
Thanks nana12xs53

hope you will do all the things you have not been able to do and enjoy them just
now when you are pain free.
I wish you well.
Eva

Howdy,
I have severe PA. I depend on my Remicade and mxt to function. I had
weight loss surgery 9 days ago and they took me off my voltaren a week
before surgery and I felt it! I can't go back on that one, either. I
assumed this surgery would really cause the grandaddy flare of flares,
I was actually scared of the impending pain. I put off the surgery
because I was afraid of the arthritis-haha. Anyway, I am 9 days out and
off of all pain meds for 3 days. My arthritis is hiding. I am not
swelled, my fingers and toes are normal. My hips and feet do not hurt.
It is great, but I am so used to the pain I feel like I am looking for
it, maybe it's going to be there when I wake up. Is it hiding behind
the corner? I don't think it is gone, but this is a very nice side
effect to surgery, however long it lasts. Has this happened to anyone?
Thanks, Tammie
"tamilulu2" <tamilulu@...

Will this work for you??

Support Group meeting is at Stonecrest. email Diane Woodard if you need further directions or information, @ diane.richard@... or mike and cathy spencer @cathyjds@...

In a message dated 02/23/2006 2:55:00 P.M. Central Standard Time, diane.richard@... writes:

cj,

the moderators need to be changed on this. could you please make them

diane woodard diane.richard@...

and

mike and cathy spencer cathyjds@...

thanks,

diane

OK golden,
Breath...... Yes the fatigue is part of it. I am tired all the time. I went
from needing about 4 hours sleep a night, for most of my life to needing at
least 9 plus and at least one nap per day. Because PA is auto-immune your body
is working hard all the time even if you aren't. It feels like it's fighting
something all the time and it is. Itself mostly. Depression meds will also
increase your tiredness.
The aches and pains suck, today for me it's my back. It makes cleaning my house
tough, but, I'm gonna do it anyway. Did you ask your rheumy about x-rays?
There is not always any easy way to tell how the joints are doing so bending
etc, it often the way to go. I am currently only taking advil but have an appt.
with my rheumy as I feel it may be time for me to up the defense mode.
Find something everyday to make you smile and hold onto it until the next thing
makes you smile. Also, look into accupuncture for the depression. Wish you
well.
Cindy Penkoff <girlfriendgeneration@...

cj,

the moderators need to be changed on this. could you please make them

diane woodard diane.richard@...

and

mike and cathy spencer cathyjds@...

thanks,

diane

Fatigue is VERY common to people with PA. I used to do very well on
5 hours sleep per day - since I developed PA I require 9-10 hours.
If I get less than that, I am not only very fatigued but it also
seems to invite a flare. During flares, I'm even more fatigued and
just plain sleepy.
How long have you been on the Enbrel? Is it helping? Once you find
a med that really helps, it tends to help with the fatigue as well.
Your rheumy may not know exactly what is happening with your joints
without xrays, but she does know what WILL likely happen to them
unless you treat the PA agressively - you will experience further
degeneration of your joints. My rheumy does not bother to take xrays
except for my very first visit. You new rheumy will probably get
your baseline xrays from your old rheumy.
Depresseion is also common to people with PA. Don't feel bad about
that, either.
Is there a reason you are taking the Tylenol rather than some other
NSAID? Most rheumys don't recommend Tylenol.
welcome,
sherry z

The Rutherford County Support Group meets the fourth Saturday of each month at StoneCrest Medical Center. That means this Saturday at 10am!!!

This Saturday we will be meeting in the Physician's Building on the backside of the hospital. Enter the Physician's building and turn right walking past the outpatient department. Turn right again and you will find the meeting room on your left.

I won't be there this Saturday but Mike and Cathy will be there.

diane

Dear Friends,

Please count me in on the "Online Sessions" if anyone finds them. I still am unable to attend them also, and would dearly wish to have access to any one of them. Please write me if anyone finds any and keep me in mind if you would? Thanks so much!! God Bless!

Luv, kath

Does anyone know of any group meetings here in Lavergne.
Vicky

http://vicky.jerkydirect.com For the best Jerkey arond! Email me for specials!
Lap RNY 12/12/03 Dr. G. Scalia St. Charles General New Orleans LA
Hernia Repair/TT 10/6/04 Dr. L. Martin St. Charles General, New Orleans LA
Breast Reduction Dr. E. Chiu 6/30/05 Baptist Memorial Hospital
Hurricane Katrina Survivor/Evacuee to LaVergne TN

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Hi! This is my first post to the group; please excuse me if it's
long. I am not new at either psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. I
experienced minor psoriasis about 7 years ago, and developed
psoriatic arthritis about 5 years ago. I was put on sulfasalizine
(spelling?) for a short time, stopped that, and then was tried on
methotrexate for a time and stopped that as well. Must have felt
sick, I guess. Oh, I forgot to mention that I am also a Type I
Diabetic since age 14. So I've dealt with health issues for a long
time and have always had a fear of health problems/complications. To
make a long story short, and to get to my questions, my rheumy.
scared the crap out of me at first by saying that I would
always "feel sick, like you have the flu". Great! I got the
impression that the arthritis disease process itself caused
the "sick" feelings. Then he said he didn't say that. I did break
both of my wrists, so have degeneration/deformities now in both of
them, and they hurt like crazy. My right thumb is also deformed. My
shoulders both hurt, as do both knees. My knees hurt so badly it's
hard to stand up from a chair. I have moved from Michigan to North
Carolina, and now have a new rheumy. What I do not understand at all
is how she can tell how any of my joints are doing without taking x-
rays??????? Also, the fatigue factor is making me so very depressed
and that there's no hope to ever feel "normal". DOES PSORIATIC
ARTHRITIS CONTRIBUTE TO FEELINGS OF FATIGUE OR NOT??????? If I just
knew it was normal to have the disease and feel tired a lot I would
not feel like such a freak. The thing is, when my blood sugars are
either high or low, that causes fatigue. When my blood sugars are
normal and I still feel fatigue I really get very frightened and
depressed. By the way, I am taking Cymbalta for depression, and
Enbrel and Tylenol for the arthritis. Right now I am trying to get
help to pay for the Enbrel through a fund for people on Medicare. I
am 59, but am on disability due to brittle diabetes and psoriatic
arthritis. Wow, I just read this, and it's not too sensible.
Sorry. Thanks in advance for anyone who responds.
"goldensrluv" <goldensrluv@...

I love obesityhelp.com
The people there have been so helpful in answering questions. I've
read a gazillion profiles. Many are very inspirational. There are
forums for various topics in regards to WLS. Everything from
insurance help to recipes. There is also a forum for people from
Tennessee. The site is really awesome.
April

Have you been to www.obesityhelp.com ?

It is a wonderful site to read, study, go thruough entire personal journals with people. Just surf around on that one, you may find what you are looking for.

--
Rachel Lewter

RNY/12-02-03

Lost 175 pounds & 118 inches

Gained a whole new life!!!
Make every day your best day!!

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of CMC-WLS
Rutherford County Support Group Meeting
Saturday February 25, 2006
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
This event repeats on the last Saturday of every month.
The next reminder for this event will be sent in 2 days.
Notes:
Support Group meeting is at Stonecrest. email Diane Woodard if you need further directions or information, @ diane.richard@...
Pat Talley
and Veronica Scheuers are Co Moderators
ADVERTISEMENT
click here

Hello everyone! I am currently in the six month weight loss program
in order to get insurance approval. One of the requirements is to
attend the monthly coaching for victory sessions. If I am unable to
attend them, I am supposed to watch them online and write a paper on
them, but I can't find them online anywhere. Does anyone know how to
access prior sessions? The only ones I can locate are the short
sample ones. Thanks!

What is the address for this meeting?

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of CMC-WLS
Nashville WLS Group meeting
Tuesday February 14, 2006
6:00 pm - 6:00 pm
This event repeats on the second Tuesday of every month.
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Sometimes I get fevers that last about a half day, particularly when my
joints ache. Sort of like the fevers that I would get prior to a sinus
infection (such as heated lymph nodes and sinus congestion), but I've
found that with a day's rest, the fever subsides and the sinus
infection is avoided. Have been on Enbrel for more than one year now
and have not had any serious infections. In fact, I used to get
serious sinus infections several times each year prior to getting on
Enbrel, but have not had a bad one since starting. I attribute this to
doing a saline sinus rinse every few days.
"vdevera" <vdevera@...

Randi and Irish
I TOTALLY get how pets can reduce our stress levels and add to our well being -
especially when you live alone (as in no human to share your home). I have a
young yorkie and an aging poodle. They make it worthwhile to come home every
day. You both have my total sympathy in loosing your furry life-companions.
And yes, stress can contribute to or cause a flare. My PA onset came in 2005
when my only child was deployed to Iraq, and I had to help him deal with a <bad
words deleted
doing ok - till now. My mother is dying two states away and my stress level is
through the roof. I started an atomic flare, but had the good sense to call the
rheumy IMMEDIATELY - he tweaked my meds (steroid dose pack, and stronger pain
meds - which also help to get rest) Calling and asking was the wisest thing I
could possibly have done.....
CMPete
Quilts With Poodle
'.....now times are rough and I've got too much STUFF!!'
J.D. Buffett

Does anyone find that PA causes them to easily burst blood veins in the
fingers? I've noticed that I can handle something wrong (tonight it was just
trying to open a jar) and I had a sharp pain tear through one of my fingers.
Once again, I've popped a blood vein under the skin. This seems to happen to
me every month at least once with the small veins on the underside of my
fingers. Tonight it occurred to me that perhaps this is something else
related to PA, due to the inflammation of the connective tissue, and I was
curious to see if anyone else experienced anything like this.
Jennifer in NC

Good Afternoon,
Anybody have any information on a support group in Marshall County,
Tn? I found one is Pulaski and one in Fayetteville; e-mailed contacts
for information on their groups but never heard back from either.I dont
seem to find a group in my area listed. I have heard there is one is
Chapel Hill, Tn. but have no concrete information.
My surgery was 12/14 I am interested in being part of a group. I live
in Cornersville, Tn. My friends call me Snow.
Thank you,
Snow
Shadowridgecar@...

Barb or anyone on the list,
Did you get a fever of any kind while you had the arthritic pain and
not infection before you went on Enbrel?
Mary

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of CMC-WLS
Rutherford County Support Group Meeting
Saturday January 28, 2006
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
This event repeats on the last Saturday of every month.
The next reminder for this event will be sent in 2 days, 1 minute.
Notes:
Support Group meeting is at Stonecrest. email Diane Woodard if you need further directions or information, @ diane.richard@...
Pat Talley
and Veronica Scheuers are Co Moderators
ADVERTISEMENT
click here

In a message dated 5/19/08 2:29:50 PM, randi68az@... writes:
<<Last week was really bad because I had to take my cat to be put down. I had
her for 13 years and we were buddies. She used to talk to me every morning
while I was getting ready to go to work.
Hi Randi,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved cat. On March 6, my
wonderful Tibetan Terrier went to the rainbow bridge after spending 15 years
with
me.
I agree that stress (physical and mental) can exasperate psoriasis and
psoriatic arthritis. On the other hand, I believe that our animal companions
can
reduce that stress simply by being there for us in good times and bad,
providing unconditional love, and giving us something else to think about over
and
above our pain. In fact, my dogs are the best pain medication of all.
Even though I have three other big dogs, I missed having a lap dog after my
Tidbit died. I decided to check out my local animal shelter (i.e., The Pound)
and there I found a five-month-old, seven pound Yorkie/Poodle mix. The joy
he brings me surmounts my pain every day, as I laugh at and cheer on his
antics. In fact, sometimes I laugh so hard it hurts :) but it's a good kind of
hurt.
I hope that you, too, will consider adding another four-legged-creature to
your home and life.
Regards,
BeingIrish

I will call them Monday morning. To find out.
Vicky

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My understanding is that if you are ordering from an on line service,
or from a Pharmacy willing to mail to you, into the US , that they can
mail to you with a US prescription.
However, from everything I have read, if you want to get the drugs in
person, then the script must be from a Canadian doctor, licensed by the
Canadian Medical Association.
See -- http://www.suddenlysenior.com/canadiandrugstores.html
which has a pretty straightforward article on it.
It used to be we got bus tours from the US for Niagara Falls, and
touristy stuff; now there are organized outings to buy drugs--
seriously -- and they always have a doctor lined up at their
destination to help with the new prescriptions. They do not just
automatically write for what is wanted. They do do a medical history,
symptoms etc. to be sure of what they are doing, before they the
script. They have to, or they could easily be struck off, or be sued
if something went wrong.
May be wrong, but this is how it is supposed to work, I think.
Ellen

I am hanging in there.. It seems that the further I get from my Dad's death the more I miss him. I have been snacking and eating like I am not suppose to.. partially for this reason. I am in the process of getting it back under control right now. I was out of work for awhile and got real far behind on my bills so I was really stress eating earlier. I am still not caught up on all my bills but I am mostly there. I have done pretty good the last few days of eating better. So I am hoping I am over the hump.
Still need prayers though
Thanks for asking.
~CJ~

In a message dated 01/21/2006 2:28:18 P.M. Central Standard Time, lodom@... writes:

BTW how are you doing lately

Hi Joanna,
Yes I have gone back on Enbrel after several intervals of being off it. I
stopped taking it due to surgeries and then when I went back on I got his
with an incisional infect in my groin that went from a pimple size infection
to the size (no exaggeration) of a basketball in about two hours. After
that healed and I waited six months I went back on Enbrel and got another
infection this time cellulites in my foot and ankle, again I went off Enbrel
and waited for the infection to subside (two months) then went back on
Enbrel and had oral surgery and went off Enbrel only to have another
infection this time in my jaw. Finally, after this subsided and my body
calmed down I went back on Enbrel about a year ago and have been fine.
I do notice that each time I have stopped Enbrel and then went back on it is
less effective. The first time I went on Enbrel it was the first time in
15years I did not feel any arthritic pain at all. Now the Enbrel keeps the
psoriasis in check and the pain is back but not as bad as it was without any
medication.
Barb

Vicki I think you can go to the monthly support meetings (2nd Tuesday). I think its

the life coaching meetings that are for patients only. You should call the office and

check with them also. Seems like I heard someone say something about them

seeing you and putting you under their care. I am sure that is not free but your medicare might cover the cost.

Just a thought

Wanda

CJ I thought they were but I GUESS it is just the after care program that is for Centennial patients is this correct ?
Linda
BTW how are you doing lately

The support group meetings at Centennial are open to EVERYONE.. from any hospital, DR. or type of surgery. We have people that attend that has had surgeries at other hospitals.

Just FYI.

~CJ~

Hi Monica,
You might try calling one of the Canadian pharmacies and then asking what
the process is that you would need to follow. Knowing how severe and life
threatening the side effects of Enbrel all (I have had three life
threatening infections in a span of four years) I would not suggest
recommend or encourage anyone to take this medication without being under
strict doctors care. Via email is not enough.
I am sorry to burst your bubble but when I have had these infections that
biggest was that they would turn to encephalitis (Encephalitis is an
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acute_%28medical%29
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inflammation
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virus
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infection
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacteria
bacterial <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meningitis
complication of other infectious diseases like
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabies
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syphilis
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasitic
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protozoa
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxoplasmosis
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaria
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primary_amoebic_meningoencephalitis
amoebic meningoencephalitis, can also cause encephalitis in people with
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immune_deficiency
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immune_system
occurs as the inflamed brain pushes against the skull, and can lead to
death.). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encephalitis
It is not something you want to risk. So I would suggest trying to find a
way with a doctor following you. When the infections hit, you don't have
time to do anything but go to the emergency room and pray a lot.
Barb

We have started something new.

Every day a new low-calorie recipe

on our website.

On our site you can calculate the

calories of the meals and watch

personal graphics of your calorie

use.

http://calorieplay.4ever.cc/

I don't know a lot about Canadian pharmacies but I do know that several of my
friends and I have ordered rx's thru them with only a prescription from our U.S.
doctor and it's my understanding that they somehow work with Canadian doctors to
get a local approval. However they manage it, I never had to do anything but
submit my prescription and doctor's name/phone/etc. Since Medicare rx, I
haven't done it but the pharmacy I used keeps calling me (recorded calls) to let
me know they're still available. (I have never ordered Enbrel and I do know
there are some restrictions: for instance, I couldn't order Ambien from across
the border.)
Joanna Hoelscher

Jenny, I frequently have shoulder pain, but not so bad as it used to
be. At one time, it was so bad that I could not take off a t-shirt
without help. Just couldn't move my arms and shoulder enough.
Humira has greatly helped all of my PA including the shoulder pain,
but it still interrupts my sleep many nights. After an hour or two
of lying on one side, the pain in that shoulder wakes me and I have
to turn to the other side, only to have that shoulder and hip waken
me an hour or two later, etc.
How long have you been on the sulfasalazine? If it has been at least
a couple of months, I would call my rheumy and report that I still
don't have anywhere near an acceptable level of relief and ask for a
change of meds. Don't wait until your next appointment!
best regards,
sherry z

Monica, I'm not sure what it would cost, but you cannot walk into a
Canadian Pharmacy with a prescription from a US doctor and have it
filled. They can't do that. You would need to find a Canadian doctor
to re-write it for you. I think most are willing to do that with
mainstream drugs. But Enbrel lists so many side effects, and needs
monitoring,
If you plan to come over the border to buy some, I would certainly try
to find a doctor in the town you plan to visit well before you cross
over and see if they will do the new script for you. But no doctor
will write a prescription without seeing you. And there would then be
the cost of a Doctor's visit involved since the Provincial health plans
only cover residents.
Don't mean to be a downer, and once you have the prescription you
would be home free; you just need to plan some and make sure you can
find a Doctor wiling to do this-- they would normally at least want
you to bring some information from your own doctor.
Ellen

Jenny,
Have you asked for pain relievers for the pain? The best thing I did was to go
on Ultram. It doesn't take the pain away but it takes the edge off enough for
me to function pretty well. I still have some pretty rough days but they are as
often as before.
Celeste

Bridie - I can understand your desire to use OTC treatments, but you
mention that your husband has "deformed toes". The only thing that
can stop or slow down this irreversible damage is disease-modifying
anti-rheumatic drugs. The same thing that happened to his toes can
happen to his knees, hips, even his spine, if left improperly
treated. Once the damage is done, it cannot be fixed. Is your
husband under the care of a rheumatologist? If he is already
suffering joint damage, he really should be considering taking some
meds that can truly slow or stop such damage. Anti-inflammatory
medications and over-the-counter meds can help with pain and other
symptoms but cannot stop this kind of joint destruction.
best regards,
sherry z

Deanna, Hi. I'm a nurse and have had psoriasis all my life but my PA started
after working in hospital and after being exposed to mrsa. I also have lupus and
am disabled. marylou

Hi all, I am really struggling at the moment with severe shoulder and
arm pain. Does everyone with PA have the same problem. When my doc was
trying to diagnose me he asked me which was the worst my feet my hands
my knees or my arms or my neck. At the time I said my feet and went
away thinking I should have said arms and shoulders.
Since the PA has ravaged my body I have not been free of that
overwhelming pain and lack of movement and strength in my shoulders
and arms.
I was given some physio exercises and just couldn't do most of them
but tried and in too much pain afterwards to continue with the
exercises.
I have tried aromatherapy as best as I can reach and hot wheat bags.
Soaking in the bath is almost impossible as I cannot get out of the
bath, so I use a shower attachment and play it on my shoulders. As
soon as I stop the pain is back. I have tried stretching too, its all
so temporary and very painful. I feel like laying down but it just
makes it worse.
Getting dressed is hell, I am sorry just venting my frustrations.
Any suggestions of how I can get some relief I am really worried that
the lack of movement will result in no movement. I am on sulfalazine
and as yet have had no change in my pain levels.
"Jenny" <jetzsun@...

Follow your rheumy's advice. It is very likely that he or she will put you on
something besides NSAIDs because they only help with the pain and do nothing to
prevent the damage PA can cause.
Joanna Hoelscher

Hi,
I just joined because my husband has PA, not dreadful but stubby,
deformed toes and nails, sausage fingers, psoriasis that has a couple
of permanent spots and other breakout sites, and joint pain that moves
around. Some websites recommended trying oregano oil and Tom has been
taking this for about a year now and it has made a huge difference to
the swelling and pain, especially in his hands. He was starting to
have problems using his thumbs, that problem has gone, but if he
forgets the oil a couple of days it comes back. So I thought I would
share that. You need to pay a lot of attention to the label and make
sure you are getting the pure oil, at least 600 mg a day. It's
expensive (about $25 - $30 for a month's supply). But definitely
helping.
Recently we've been trying different medicated shampoos for the scalp
and found Neutrogena's 4% coal tar shampoo to be the best so far.
Do any listmembers have any other OTC and alternative approaches that
they have found helpful, either with meds or without?
Many thanks, finding reading your posts so helpful!
Bridie

Most doctors start with NSAIDS only, probably because insurance
companies require that before approving DMARDS. The problem is that
NSAIDS only treat the symptoms and cannot stop the progression of PA.
Only DMARDS can slow or stop the progression of PA and prevent
irreversible joint damage. Not everyone, however, will experience this
kind of damage quickly. So it is usually safe to treat with NSAIDS
alone for some time, usually at least several months. If the PA
becomes more aggressive, or if the quality of life is not acceptable on
just NSAIDS they will usually switch you to some DMARD. They usually
start with methotrexate because it is relatively inexpensive and safe
and has been studied for a long time. It works well for many people,
often for years.
regards,
sherry z

Hi!
Also along the lines of triggers for PA, have any of you worked in hospitals and
had it start then? Only a month or two after I started working at the hospital
(clerical, not patient care) I started getting P on my elbows and arms. I have
never had anything like it in my life. It seemed to be showing up where my skin
touched the desks which I assume were washed with anti-bacterial solution of
some kind. I also started to get it on my ears where the phone touched me.
Soon I had it really bad on my hands and that is where the worst joint damage
seems to be also. I worked there for ten years and for about the last five the
joint aches and stiffness started. I am now on disability because of the PA and
Osteo as well. I haven't worked for almost a year. It's not going away but it
seems like I had heard that there was a theory about P ad exposure to a lot of
anti-bacterial solutions.
Deanna

Joanna, thanks so much for this info. I'm not on Medicare yet, but I
can see that when I do go on it I will need to save up at least
$5,000 in advance each year to help with the beginning-of-year
copays. Now to figure out how I'm going to be able to save that
much, since our family income is reduced by 40% due to my disability
caused by PA...
the frustration never ends,
sherry z

hi, I have been thinking along these lines for some time and I am
convinced that any trauma in the body can exacerbate or bring on
Psoratic arthritis in that area.
I have broken four toes throughout the last few years and these were
where the initial pain began, along with a slipped disc after a fall
on the base of my spine. then many other injuries from a bad fall I
had and having been abused physically as a child and as a wife. Its as
if everywhere I have been hurt is affected by the PsA.
I noticed that as far as my skin psoriasis goes the same thing
applies. Wherever I have sustained a cut or injury to the skin is
where the psoriasis appears.
Although it is a possibility its does coincide with injury it is not
good to dwell on too much as one could really get upset about the past.
As with most injuries arthritis develops if one is prone to Psoriasis
then it will apply that PsA will develop on the injured site, I
suppose.
I do feel that mine was exacerbated by a lot of emotional trauma and
stress last year which with overworking brought on a really severe
attack at all my weak points. It is said that stress depletes the
immune system.
"Jenny" <jetzsun@...

Thanks so much Gina!

Does anyone have any luck with just using NSAIDS to treat your PA? I
am newly diagnosed and want to know all I can. Should I try this step
first before moving on to DMARDs? Thanks for your input.
"klcxman" <klchristman2002@...

( Hi, I just took this anonymous survey on Chronic Pain that is for the
dissertation of a student at Columbia University.)

Hello. My name is Jill Rodgers and i am 1 year and 2 months post op
and I have had to move from the place I had my surgery and i have no
support here and I am looking for a support group close.( Greenbrier
TN ) I am so afraid i am going to gain weight and I still want to
lose, I am below my goal weight by 15 pounds but would like to be
below it by 30 so i have some room to play. Does anyone else still
fill FAT after being post op one year? How much should I be eating.
see!! I need some help.
THANKS
JILL

Jill - Welcome to Tennessesse! I don't know where Greenbrier is, but it would benefit you greatly to go to the Centennial Medical Center of Nashville, TN's website and make an appointment with one of the Bariatric physicians there. For a fee you can be seen and have a wonderful opportunity of physical, nutritional and emotional support. Physical healing is only one aspect of your surgery - it is well worth the money and effort to seek out this award-winning group and become a part of it!

Our support group in Spring Hill, TN, will be meeting again on Wednesday, February 8th from 10:30am to 12 Noon at the UAW Hall (behind Food Lion which is on Rt 31) . We are having Dr Jill Baker, a psychologist, who specializes in eating disorders and body-image issues. Please come if you can.

Blessings, Paula Wood

Hi, we are Charlotte and Marian and we are

glad to lett you know thar our Weight Losing

Club is ready.

Let's support each other, let's share our success

and frustrations.

Marian's husband and a friend of his have been busy programming great features.

You can keep your own food diary, calculate

your calories and watch them in graphics.

http://calorieplay.com

A study at the University of Manchester looked into triggers for PA.
"Exposures before the onset of arthritis that positively correlated
with the condition included rubella vaccination (4.6 percent for
psoriatic arthritis patients vs 0.7 percent for controls); trauma
requiring medical care (14.9 percent vs 7.9 percent); and recurrent
oral ulcers (25.3 percent vs 8.9 percent).
Psoriatic arthritis patients were more likely to have moved than were
controls (30.3 percent vs. 18.2 percent, respectively). Psoriatic
arthritis patients were also more likely than controls to have had a
bone fracture that required hospital admission (50 percent versus 9
percent)."
I was particularly interested to note the correlation to accidents
and broken bones. Several of our members have theorized that such
events triggered their own PA. Research now confirms this link.
You can read the full Reuters article at
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSCOL46810220080514
just FYI,
sherry z

Sharon, I find acupuncture to be very helpful with the pain as well as the
breakouts. Reiki may also be worth looking into. All of these can be assisted
with learning and practicing meditation. Since much of what we suffer with is
made worse by stress, lowering the stress levels can be extremely beneficial,
and since you can meditate at any time and any place as many times as you need,
it is a handy therapy to embrace.
Good luck.
Cindy Penkoff <girlfriendgeneration@...