Question:

Hi Leslie C, Didn’t the radiologist give a written report along with your xray films? Maybe you can get hold of that. Would you mind reposting this, thus starting a new thread? It might get overlooked way down at the bottom like this. BJ-Sk. Canada "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

news:7d45b675.0405141130.675f0311@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all. > I havent gotten my labs back yet, going to call the Dr. after lunch to > see if they have gotten them.  I went this am to have my xray of my > sore thumb area and left hand.  I told them I wanted a copy of my film > to take with me to another dr. for a 2nd opinion, so they gave them to > me.  OK, I am so totally new to this I need an explanation: > Pain is in Left hand (the one xrayed). in the bottom thumb joint at > the base, and in the base knuckle of my index finger. Pain is in other > hand,but this one is the only one xrayd). > XXxxxray’s show in those same joints Thumb- has 2 small funny looking > floating things.  One in between the hand bone and thumb bone, but off > to the side where my hand hurts (The size of a pencil eraser & The > other is kind of squishy funky shaped like gum in between the joint) > and one inbetween the hand bone and the index finger joint area (it is > the size of a small pea). > Just the new Leslie checking in……..Hubby is the best! I patted him > on the bottom for you Duckie! > Leslie C. > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

<news:10a6shulihrk2ad@corp.supernews.com

…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi "New Leslie, I read your post last night, but then had trouble finding it again. I

often

lose things when the threads get too long. Isn’t it just so frustrating

when

you feel the doctor has not truly listened and checked things out thoroughly? That happened to me a number of times over the years. I

don’t

think an autoimmune problem can be ruled out, even if your labs do come

back

normal. I would certainly get a second opinion, even if that is the

case. I

doubt the Motrin would change the results of your blood work, but I am

not > > really sure about that. Keep in mind that you know your body better than > > anyone. Trust your instincts. Sometimes it is hard to keep that in focus > > when a doctor asks about conselling. Post your lab results, if you wish. > > Somebody here can likely help you interpret them. Try not to get > > discouraged. A diagnosis can be a long time coming. > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

> > news:7d45b675.0405121603.3cbf9068@posting.google.com… > > > Hi to all— > > > Quick Update This is the "New Leslie" reporting in. > > > Called Dr. to get appt Monday, got appt. Tuesday. > > > Saw the doctor and you all are going to be proud yet gasp…. > > > made a list of ailments, aches, pains, crusty stuff, rash on legs when > > > in sun, heart palp.’s, tired…blah, blah blah…gave it to the rn to > > > put in chart. > > > dr came in talked to me, told her what was going on, SHE NEVER LOOKED > > > AT MY FLIPPIN’ HANDS.  Asked me if I had ever been to a counselor and > > > told me that maybe I have not dealt nwith something from my past and > > > it is manifesting in pain in my hands………uh yeah. and monkeys > > > fly.  I asked her about the pain in my left thumb joint and my pain in > > > my elbow (the right one) and this is where her observations would have > > > been necessary- and she said they are connected by ligaments.  I had > > > to explain to her that they are on opposite sides of my body-"hello > > > right and left". > > > I came  home and my "grumbling husband" bless his heart, told me to go > > > and get a 2nd opinion and he changed (Bless him again) called this > > > morining, his work to upgrade our insuraance for me – with out me even > > > knowing.  I called to do the same thing and they told me he had > > > already called.  I take back the things I have mumbled under my breath > > > about men. (no offense) > > > She did order an xray of my thumb, and lab work…CBC, Rheumatoid > > > factor, ANA & ESR.  So we will see.  What happens if nothing comes > > > back in the tests?  Does taking a boat load of Motrin make a > > > difference on the inflamation test? > > > I am going for another opinion if it kills me.  I will wait for lab > > > results and xray to lug along for the ride. > > > I will check in later, thanks for all your input and concern. > > > Leslie C.  The new Leslie. > > > I dont recall who awsked about the depression, but I think I am PMS > > > and nervous, so alittle more wstressed out more than usual.  Life is > > > wonderful in my little house….always a circus.  3 kids (2 teenagers) > > >  ;)  , hubby, dog cat…who’s life isn’t…..but t hanks for the > > > concern….I will vent trust me if I need to….

Response:

Hi all. I havent gotten my labs back yet, going to call the Dr. after lunch to see if they have gotten them.  I went this am to have my xray of my sore thumb area and left hand.  I told them I wanted a copy of my film to take with me to another dr. for a 2nd opinion, so they gave them to me.  OK, I am so totally new to this I need an explanation: Pain is in Left hand (the one xrayed). in the bottom thumb joint at the base, and in the base knuckle of my index finger. Pain is in other hand,but this one is the only one xrayd). XXxxxray’s show in those same joints Thumb- has 2 small funny looking floating things.  One in between the hand bone and thumb bone, but off to the side where my hand hurts (The size of a pencil eraser & The other is kind of squishy funky shaped like gum in between the joint) and one inbetween the hand bone and the index finger joint area (it is the size of a small pea). Just the new Leslie checking in……..Hubby is the best! I patted him on the bottom for you Duckie! Leslie C. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message <news:10a6shulihrk2ad@corp.supernews.com… Hi "New Leslie, I read your post last night, but then had trouble finding it again. I often lose things when the threads get too long. Isn’t it just so frustrating when you feel the doctor has not truly listened and checked things out thoroughly? That happened to me a number of times over the years. I don’t think an autoimmune problem can be ruled out, even if your labs do come back normal. I would certainly get a second opinion, even if that is the case. I doubt the Motrin would change the results of your blood work, but I am not really sure about that. Keep in mind that you know your body better than anyone. Trust your instincts. Sometimes it is hard to keep that in focus when a doctor asks about conselling. Post your lab results, if you wish. Somebody here can likely help you interpret them. Try not to get discouraged. A diagnosis can be a long time coming. BJ-Sk. Canada "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net wrote in message news:7d45b675.0405121603.3cbf9068@posting.google.com… Hi to all— Quick Update This is the "New Leslie" reporting in. Called Dr. to get appt Monday, got appt. Tuesday. Saw the doctor and you all are going to be proud yet gasp…. made a list of ailments, aches, pains, crusty stuff, rash on legs when in sun, heart palp.’s, tired…blah, blah blah…gave it to the rn to put in chart. dr came in talked to me, told her what was going on, SHE NEVER LOOKED AT MY FLIPPIN’ HANDS.  Asked me if I had ever been to a counselor and told me that maybe I have not dealt nwith something from my past and it is manifesting in pain in my hands………uh yeah. and monkeys fly.  I asked her about the pain in my left thumb joint and my pain in my elbow (the right one) and this is where her observations would have been necessary- and she said they are connected by ligaments.  I had to explain to her that they are on opposite sides of my body-"hello right and left". I came  home and my "grumbling husband" bless his heart, told me to go and get a 2nd opinion and he changed (Bless him again) called this morining, his work to upgrade our insuraance for me – with out me even knowing.  I called to do the same thing and they told me he had already called.  I take back the things I have mumbled under my breath about men. (no offense) She did order an xray of my thumb, and lab work…CBC, Rheumatoid factor, ANA & ESR.  So we will see.  What happens if nothing comes back in the tests?  Does taking a boat load of Motrin make a difference on the inflamation test? I am going for another opinion if it kills me.  I will wait for lab results and xray to lug along for the ride. I will check in later, thanks for all your input and concern. Leslie C.  The new Leslie. I dont recall who awsked about the depression, but I think I am PMS and nervous, so alittle more wstressed out more than usual.  Life is wonderful in my little house….always a circus.  3 kids (2 teenagers)  ;)  , hubby, dog cat…who’s life isn’t…..but t hanks for the concern….I will vent trust me if I need to….

Response:

Good Morning Leslie, Glad you have some sun there. It is grey, showering, and the high for today is forcast at about 45F. That is a lot warmer than it was yesterday. It is far too cold for me though. You can bet I will be covering my tail feathers with snuggies. We don’t even have leaves on the trees yet. This looks like a day for loud music and cleaning. Hmmm. Perhaps polishing the stove top would be rewarding. Your little dog sounds pretty sweet. Yes, big for a Yorkie. Good company I am sure. I don’t know what I will do when my old Golden dies. I can’t imagine life without her. She thinks I am cool, even when I look like a warmed up dead thing. Too bad people don’t see me the same way. Enjoy your day. Go clean something. BJ-Sk. Canada "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:e5-dnTy8UtYpWTndRVn-tA@centurytel.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

ROTFL! Yes – I too scrub the bathroom – Did I tell you about this dog of ours? She is a ten pound Yorkie (big for

a

Yorkie, but she is excellent), however she thinks she is a golden

retriever,

her favorite thing to do is fetch a ball! But she is an old soul at heart, only a year old, but born old – you know. Being unable to throw the ball

is > a grumper for me. > Purpose – yes, oh yes! > Hope you don’t freeeze today – it is war m here, but I must hide from the > sun (sun, in WA? yes folks it really does not rain all the time) > Leslie > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> news:10a80d4prhfmc1d@corp.supernews.com… > > Hey Leslie. That is funny. Loud music boosts my spirits too. So does a > drive > > with radio blaring. Do you think that maybe we are twins? I also clean > like > > a crazy person. Nothing like a sparkling bathroom to make me feel like I > had > > some useful purpose. A walk with my dog helps too. She is old though. I > miss > > the exuberance of my younger dogs. They left me all too soon. I guess you

and I will have to talk more often. Between the two of us, we may be

able > to > > come up with more things that will give us purpose. > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > news:RIqdnSkyF-rjbT7dRVn-sw@centurytel.net… > > > oh BJ, the other things I do – talk to you, go for a drive in the > country > > > with radio blaring, or find something to clean > > > Leslie > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > news:10a7pbb3ji2treb@corp.supernews.com… > > > > Hi Leslie, > > > > Yes, I do know what you mean. Life is too hard sometimes. Folks here > > > stuggle > > > > every day with chronic illness, well meaning people, and lack of > > > > understanding. Our physical problems alone are enough to get anyone > > down. > > > We > > > > do the best we can-right? Sometimes I get an empty feeling because I > > know > > > > that I don’t pull my own weight, or because there are so many things I

had to give up. I guess those are feelings of depression too. Maybe I

don’ > t > > > > always recognize them as such. Is there anything that helps you when > you > > > are > > > > very sad? I think I could use some tips. > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > news:gPidnWVaZO8vHT7d4p2dnA@centurytel.net… > > > > > Sorry – BJ I have to laugh – you have no idea how funny it is that > > > someone > > > > > might "get to the root of my depression" – > > > > > this is how I knew my PCP (new as of last year) was going to work > for > > me > > > > as > > > > > he nailed my history on the first visit and I never said a word!!!!!

He is brusque and a bit of a smart-aleck, but he does not beat around

the

bush and he hears me. so………………….. root of depression…………  dx’d w clinical depression twelve

or

thirteen years ago…. personal history is no wonder and now I

have

read countless articles about the body remembering traumas and how head injuries cause so much problems for people….. somedays no reason and other days plenty – it depresses me that I can’t wash dishes or have to stay home or inside on sunny days, the nose and taste thing, the eyes are weird and I will pay for this time on the

pc…. > > > > > I keep busy on some days and you know as well as I do that other > days > > it > > > > is > > > > > a big effort to get out of bed… > > > > > frankly it depresses me more to see smiling people sit across from > me > > > and > > > > > nod …. when I know they have no clue – > > > > > you know -? > > > > > Leslie > > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > > news:10a5cijrml21232@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > > I am a bit weird myself. I don’t have a problem with depression > > > though. > > > > > > Well, not often I mean. I have been down a lot since the death of

my little Golden, but that is reactive and to be expected. I think a counselor or a shrink would ask the questions that might get to the root of

your

depression. They are trained to do that. It just might help. I hate to think of anyone being sad and depressed. That feeling of loneliness

and > > > > > isolation > > > > > > must drag you down even further. I wish there was something I > could > > do > > > > to > > > > > > help. Please know that there are people here who really care. > > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > > news:xPidnRZsRcenDT_dRVn-iQ@centurytel.net… > > > > > > > BJ,  I know you are not prying – yes depression is a big thing,

but of course is it from being weird or am I weird because I am depressed? How do you determine whether to see a counselor or a shrink? how do

you > > > > explain > > > > > > > what you are feeling when you really don’t even know yourself? > > > > > > > Leslie > > > > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > > > > news:10a4sund67f7ve7@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > > > > Hi Leslie, > > > > > > > > I am rather worried about you. Is depression a big factor in > how > > > you > > > > > are > > > > > > > > feeling? I don’t want to pry, but I hope you know that I would > > > > > certainly > > > > > > > > listen if you want to talk about things in more detail. > > > > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > news:JNednYgfXcyYyj_dRVn-sw@centurytel.net… > > > > > > > > > BJ – I will stop my whining about our weird weahther now… > > hot, > > > > > cold, > > > > > > > > > sunny, then rain and there you are freezing your tush off! > > > > > > > > > I am hoping this thread is made of kevlar or steel, it’s > thin > > > > these > > > > > > days > > > > > > > > > Leslie > > > > > > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > > news:10a2720dur73mdd@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > > > > > > Hi Leslie, > > > > > > > > > > I hope that thead you are hanging by is a strong one. <g

I worry about you when you stop posting. Glad you dropped in on this one. No, I can’t say we have thawed out yet. Still no leaves on the trees. We

are

expecting high winds and 6-10" on snow today. It is only around the freezing point, so this prairie chick is freezing her tail feathers off. Some

days > I > > > > just > > > > > > want > > > > > > > > out > > > > > > > > > > of here so bad. Hope my thread doesn’t snap in the cold. > > > > > > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > > > news:BIOdncQyp_iOcQLdRVn-sQ@centurytel.net… > > > > > > > > > > > Hi BJ – > > > > > > > > > > > Well I’m haning by a thread these days – the nervous > > system > > > is > > > > > > toast > > > > > > > > and > > > > > > > > > > > that is not much fun, lol – seems my ups and downs are > in > > a > > > > real > > > > > > > tizzy > > > > > > > > > > > lately. Thanks for asking. > > > > > > > > > > > How are you? Thawed out yet? > > > > > > > > > > > Leslie > > > > > > > > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > > > > news:109vlcglsfprh1b@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi Leslie here, <g> > > > > > > > > > > > > How are you doing? We haven’t seen you for a while. > > > > > > > > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > > > > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > > > > > news:QKOdnTLaEeSwCQLdRVn-ig@centurytel.net… > > > > > > > > > > > > > Well hello Leslie! – Leslie here, > > > > > > > > > > > > > this is a great newsgroup and you will find lots of > > good > > > > > > people > > > > > > > > and > > > > > > > > > > info > > > > > > > > > > > > > here – welcome!! > > > > > > > > > > > > > "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

> > news:7d45b675.0405090824.2d79b731@posting.google.com… > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi all.  New to board.  I have a few questions for

all of you with lupus and the premiere diagnosis.  A little

about

my situation. I am 35, mother of 3(4 if you include hubby). Last year I had pain in my right hand (ring & pinky) and some stiffness

in

my feet when I

… read more »

Response:

ROTFL! Yes – I too scrub the bathroom – Did I tell you about this dog of ours? She is a ten pound Yorkie (big for a Yorkie, but she is excellent), however she thinks she is a golden retriever, her favorite thing to do is fetch a ball! But she is an old soul at heart, only a year old, but born old – you know. Being unable to throw the ball is a grumper for me. Purpose – yes, oh yes! Hope you don’t freeeze today – it is war m here, but I must hide from the sun (sun, in WA? yes folks it really does not rain all the time) Leslie "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

news:10a80d4prhfmc1d@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hey Leslie. That is funny. Loud music boosts my spirits too. So does a

drive

with radio blaring. Do you think that maybe we are twins? I also clean

like

a crazy person. Nothing like a sparkling bathroom to make me feel like I

had

some useful purpose. A walk with my dog helps too. She is old though. I

miss

the exuberance of my younger dogs. They left me all too soon. I guess you and I will have to talk more often. Between the two of us, we may be able

to > come up with more things that will give us purpose. > BJ-Sk. Canada > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> news:RIqdnSkyF-rjbT7dRVn-sw@centurytel.net… > > oh BJ, the other things I do – talk to you, go for a drive in the country > > with radio blaring, or find something to clean > > Leslie > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > news:10a7pbb3ji2treb@corp.supernews.com… > > > Hi Leslie, > > > Yes, I do know what you mean. Life is too hard sometimes. Folks here > > stuggle > > > every day with chronic illness, well meaning people, and lack of > > > understanding. Our physical problems alone are enough to get anyone > down. > > We > > > do the best we can-right? Sometimes I get an empty feeling because I > know > > > that I don’t pull my own weight, or because there are so many things I > had > > > to give up. I guess those are feelings of depression too. Maybe I don’ t

always recognize them as such. Is there anything that helps you when

you > > are > > > very sad? I think I could use some tips. > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > news:gPidnWVaZO8vHT7d4p2dnA@centurytel.net… > > > > Sorry – BJ I have to laugh – you have no idea how funny it is that > > someone > > > > might "get to the root of my depression" – > > > > this is how I knew my PCP (new as of last year) was going to work for

me as he nailed my history on the first visit and I never said a word!!!!! He is brusque and a bit of a smart-aleck, but he does not beat around the bush and he hears me. so………………….. root of depression…………  dx’d w clinical depression twelve or thirteen years ago…. personal history is no wonder and now I have read countless articles about the body remembering traumas and how head injuries cause so much problems for people….. somedays no reason and other days plenty – it depresses me that I can’t wash dishes or have to stay home or inside on sunny days, the nose and taste thing, the eyes are weird and I will pay for this time on the pc…. I keep busy on some days and you know as well as I do that other

days

it is a big effort to get out of bed… frankly it depresses me more to see smiling people sit across from

me > > and > > > > nod …. when I know they have no clue – > > > > you know -? > > > > Leslie > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > news:10a5cijrml21232@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > I am a bit weird myself. I don’t have a problem with depression > > though. > > > > > Well, not often I mean. I have been down a lot since the death of my

little Golden, but that is reactive and to be expected. I think a

counselor

or a shrink would ask the questions that might get to the root of your depression. They are trained to do that. It just might help. I

hate

to think of anyone being sad and depressed. That feeling of loneliness and isolation must drag you down even further. I wish there was something I

could > do > > > to > > > > > help. Please know that there are people here who really care. > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > news:xPidnRZsRcenDT_dRVn-iQ@centurytel.net… > > > > > > BJ,  I know you are not prying – yes depression is a big thing, > but > > of > > > > > > course is it from being weird or am I weird because I am > depressed? > > > How > > > > do > > > > > > you determine whether to see a counselor or a shrink? how do you > > > explain > > > > > > what you are feeling when you really don’t even know yourself? > > > > > > Leslie > > > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > > > news:10a4sund67f7ve7@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > > > Hi Leslie, > > > > > > > I am rather worried about you. Is depression a big factor in how > > you > > > > are > > > > > > > feeling? I don’t want to pry, but I hope you know that I would > > > > certainly > > > > > > > listen if you want to talk about things in more detail. > > > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > > > news:JNednYgfXcyYyj_dRVn-sw@centurytel.net… > > > > > > > > BJ – I will stop my whining about our weird weahther now… > hot, > > > > cold, > > > > > > > > sunny, then rain and there you are freezing your tush off! > > > > > > > > I am hoping this thread is made of kevlar or steel, it’s thin > > > these > > > > > days > > > > > > > > Leslie > > > > > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > news:10a2720dur73mdd@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > > > > > Hi Leslie, > > > > > > > > > I hope that thead you are hanging by is a strong one. <g> I

worry about you when you stop posting. Glad you dropped in on this one.

No,

I can’t say we have thawed out yet. Still no leaves on the trees. We are expecting high winds and 6-10" on snow today. It is only around the freezing point, so this prairie chick is freezing her tail feathers off. Some days

I > > > just > > > > > want > > > > > > > out > > > > > > > > > of here so bad. Hope my thread doesn’t snap in the cold. > > > > > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > > news:BIOdncQyp_iOcQLdRVn-sQ@centurytel.net… > > > > > > > > > > Hi BJ – > > > > > > > > > > Well I’m haning by a thread these days – the nervous > system > > is > > > > > toast > > > > > > > and > > > > > > > > > > that is not much fun, lol – seems my ups and downs are in > a > > > real > > > > > > tizzy > > > > > > > > > > lately. Thanks for asking. > > > > > > > > > > How are you? Thawed out yet? > > > > > > > > > > Leslie > > > > > > > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > > > news:109vlcglsfprh1b@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > > > > > > > Hi Leslie here, <g> > > > > > > > > > > > How are you doing? We haven’t seen you for a while. > > > > > > > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > > > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > > > > news:QKOdnTLaEeSwCQLdRVn-ig@centurytel.net… > > > > > > > > > > > > Well hello Leslie! – Leslie here, > > > > > > > > > > > > this is a great newsgroup and you will find lots of > good > > > > > people > > > > > > > and > > > > > > > > > info > > > > > > > > > > > > here – welcome!! > > > > > > > > > > > > "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

> news:7d45b675.0405090824.2d79b731@posting.google.com… > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi all.  New to board.  I have a few questions for > all > > > of > > > > > you > > > > > > > with > > > > > > > > > > > > > lupus and the premiere diagnosis.  A little about my

situation. I am 35, mother of 3(4 if you include hubby).

Last

year I had pain in my right hand (ring & pinky) and some stiffness in my feet when I woke up. Talked to my Dr. and she basically said I was "getting older" and it "could be" arthritis.  Ok, I bought it. So….Last February, I woke up one day and had this huge blister at the

top

of my ear lobe, which turned crusty and yucky.  Called the Dr.

about

this too, no appt needed "It’s nothing". I had had crusty "stuff" at the top of my ears,many times in the past, but attributed it to Hair styling products…. Right after the blister, I developed this pain in my left thumb (feels like I pulled something in it), well

it

has never gone away and seems to be getting worse every day.  I

can

not use it with out extreme pain. I can not button, zip, open a

jar

or anything that uses direct pressure. Now

… read more »

Response:

Hey Leslie. That is funny. Loud music boosts my spirits too. So does a drive with radio blaring. Do you think that maybe we are twins? I also clean like a crazy person. Nothing like a sparkling bathroom to make me feel like I had some useful purpose. A walk with my dog helps too. She is old though. I miss the exuberance of my younger dogs. They left me all too soon. I guess you and I will have to talk more often. Between the two of us, we may be able to come up with more things that will give us purpose. BJ-Sk. Canada "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:RIqdnSkyF-rjbT7dRVn-sw@centurytel.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> oh BJ, the other things I do – talk to you, go for a drive in the country > with radio blaring, or find something to clean > Leslie > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> news:10a7pbb3ji2treb@corp.supernews.com… > > Hi Leslie, > > Yes, I do know what you mean. Life is too hard sometimes. Folks here > stuggle > > every day with chronic illness, well meaning people, and lack of > > understanding. Our physical problems alone are enough to get anyone down.

We do the best we can-right? Sometimes I get an empty feeling because I

know

that I don’t pull my own weight, or because there are so many things I

had > > to give up. I guess those are feelings of depression too. Maybe I don’t > > always recognize them as such. Is there anything that helps you when you > are > > very sad? I think I could use some tips. > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > news:gPidnWVaZO8vHT7d4p2dnA@centurytel.net… > > > Sorry – BJ I have to laugh – you have no idea how funny it is that > someone > > > might "get to the root of my depression" – > > > this is how I knew my PCP (new as of last year) was going to work for me

as he nailed my history on the first visit and I never said a word!!!!!

He

is brusque and a bit of a smart-aleck, but he does not beat around the

bush

and he hears me. so………………….. root of depression…………  dx’d w clinical depression twelve or thirteen years ago…. personal history is no wonder and now I have

read

countless articles about the body remembering traumas and how head injuries cause so much problems for people….. somedays no reason and other days plenty – it depresses me that I

can’t

wash dishes or have to stay home or inside on sunny days, the nose and

taste

thing, the eyes are weird and I will pay for this time on the pc…. I keep busy on some days and you know as well as I do that other days

it > > is > > > a big effort to get out of bed… > > > frankly it depresses me more to see smiling people sit across from me > and > > > nod …. when I know they have no clue – > > > you know -? > > > Leslie > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > news:10a5cijrml21232@corp.supernews.com… > > > > I am a bit weird myself. I don’t have a problem with depression > though. > > > > Well, not often I mean. I have been down a lot since the death of my > > > little > > > > Golden, but that is reactive and to be expected. I think a counselor > or > > a > > > > shrink would ask the questions that might get to the root of your > > > > depression. They are trained to do that. It just might help. I hate to

think of anyone being sad and depressed. That feeling of loneliness and isolation must drag you down even further. I wish there was something I could

do > > to > > > > help. Please know that there are people here who really care. > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > news:xPidnRZsRcenDT_dRVn-iQ@centurytel.net… > > > > > BJ,  I know you are not prying – yes depression is a big thing, but

of course is it from being weird or am I weird because I am

depressed? > > How > > > do > > > > > you determine whether to see a counselor or a shrink? how do you > > explain > > > > > what you are feeling when you really don’t even know yourself? > > > > > Leslie > > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > > news:10a4sund67f7ve7@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > > Hi Leslie, > > > > > > I am rather worried about you. Is depression a big factor in how > you > > > are > > > > > > feeling? I don’t want to pry, but I hope you know that I would > > > certainly > > > > > > listen if you want to talk about things in more detail. > > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > > news:JNednYgfXcyYyj_dRVn-sw@centurytel.net… > > > > > > > BJ – I will stop my whining about our weird weahther now… hot, > > > cold, > > > > > > > sunny, then rain and there you are freezing your tush off! > > > > > > > I am hoping this thread is made of kevlar or steel, it’s thin > > these > > > > days > > > > > > > Leslie > > > > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > > > > news:10a2720dur73mdd@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > > > > Hi Leslie, > > > > > > > > I hope that thead you are hanging by is a strong one. <g> I > > worry > > > > > about > > > > > > > you > > > > > > > > when you stop posting. Glad you dropped in on this one. No, I

can’t say we have thawed out yet. Still no leaves on the trees. We are expecting high winds and 6-10" on snow today. It is only around the

freezing > > > point, > > > > > so > > > > > > > this > > > > > > > > prairie chick is freezing her tail feathers off. Some days I > > just > > > > want > > > > > > out > > > > > > > > of here so bad. Hope my thread doesn’t snap in the cold. > > > > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > news:BIOdncQyp_iOcQLdRVn-sQ@centurytel.net… > > > > > > > > > Hi BJ – > > > > > > > > > Well I’m haning by a thread these days – the nervous system

is toast and that is not much fun, lol – seems my ups and downs are in

a > > real > > > > > tizzy > > > > > > > > > lately. Thanks for asking. > > > > > > > > > How are you? Thawed out yet? > > > > > > > > > Leslie > > > > > > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > > news:109vlcglsfprh1b@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > > > > > > Hi Leslie here, <g> > > > > > > > > > > How are you doing? We haven’t seen you for a while. > > > > > > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > > > news:QKOdnTLaEeSwCQLdRVn-ig@centurytel.net… > > > > > > > > > > > Well hello Leslie! – Leslie here, > > > > > > > > > > > this is a great newsgroup and you will find lots of good > > > > people > > > > > > and > > > > > > > > info > > > > > > > > > > > here – welcome!! > > > > > > > > > > > "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

news:7d45b675.0405090824.2d79b731@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi all.  New to board.  I have a few questions for

all

of you with lupus and the premiere diagnosis.  A little about my situation. I am 35, mother of 3(4 if you include hubby).  Last year I had pain in my right hand (ring & pinky) and some stiffness in

my

feet when I woke up. Talked to my Dr. and she basically said I was "getting older" and it "could be" arthritis.  Ok, I bought it.

So….Last

February, I woke up one day and had this huge blister at the top of my ear lobe, which turned crusty and yucky.  Called the Dr. about this too, no appt needed "It’s nothing". I had had crusty "stuff" at

the

top of my ears,many times in the past, but attributed it to

Hair

styling products…. Right after the blister, I developed

this

pain in my left thumb (feels like I pulled something in it), well it has never gone away and seems to be getting worse every day.  I can not use it with out extreme pain. I can not button, zip, open a jar

or

anything that uses direct pressure. Now about amonth ago, I developed a pain in my right elbow, and it seems to be radiating out and I can not straighten out my arm all the way with out pain.  The pain is continuous and hot at times like the heat of a candle is under the

joint

area, but more severe when use is necessary with hands and arm. I

am

not a medicine taker, but now I feel I find myself popping motrin

all

the time. I have had fatigue alot lately, (used to be

insomniac,

now my head hits the pillow and I am out until my alarm goes

off,

and I could use a nap in the afternoon, but kids don’t permit it. Always cold…..and now somewhat depressed. (not suicidal but just

… read more »

Response:

Leslie wrote:

This is the "new Leslie C." Hi all……….Thank you for all your concern and responses.  I am going to call my Dr tomorrow and schedule an appointment ASAP.  I have bugged them about my thyroid it is normal, but low normal if that makes any sense.

no, that doesn’t make sense (to me). I speak in terms of values (and normal ranges listed on the labwork). J

Response:

Sorry – BJ I have to laugh – you have no idea how funny it is that someone might "get to the root of my depression" – this is how I knew my PCP (new as of last year) was going to work for me as he nailed my history on the first visit and I never said a word!!!!! He is brusque and a bit of a smart-aleck, but he does not beat around the bush and he hears me. so………………….. root of depression…………  dx’d w clinical depression twelve or thirteen years ago…. personal history is no wonder and now I have read countless articles about the body remembering traumas and how head injuries cause so much problems for people….. somedays no reason and other days plenty – it depresses me that I can’t wash dishes or have to stay home or inside on sunny days, the nose and taste thing, the eyes are weird and I will pay for this time on the pc…. I keep busy on some days and you know as well as I do that other days it is a big effort to get out of bed… frankly it depresses me more to see smiling people sit across from me and nod …. when I know they have no clue – you know -? Leslie "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

news:10a5cijrml21232@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I am a bit weird myself. I don’t have a problem with depression though. Well, not often I mean. I have been down a lot since the death of my

little

Golden, but that is reactive and to be expected. I think a counselor or a shrink would ask the questions that might get to the root of your depression. They are trained to do that. It just might help. I hate to

think

of anyone being sad and depressed. That feeling of loneliness and

isolation > must drag you down even further. I wish there was something I could do to > help. Please know that there are people here who really care. > BJ-Sk. Canada > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> news:xPidnRZsRcenDT_dRVn-iQ@centurytel.net… > > BJ,  I know you are not prying – yes depression is a big thing, but of > > course is it from being weird or am I weird because I am depressed? How do > > you determine whether to see a counselor or a shrink? how do you explain > > what you are feeling when you really don’t even know yourself? > > Leslie > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > news:10a4sund67f7ve7@corp.supernews.com… > > > Hi Leslie, > > > I am rather worried about you. Is depression a big factor in how you are

feeling? I don’t want to pry, but I hope you know that I would

certainly > > > listen if you want to talk about things in more detail. > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > news:JNednYgfXcyYyj_dRVn-sw@centurytel.net… > > > > BJ – I will stop my whining about our weird weahther now… hot, cold, > > > > sunny, then rain and there you are freezing your tush off! > > > > I am hoping this thread is made of kevlar or steel, it’s thin these > days > > > > Leslie > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > news:10a2720dur73mdd@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > Hi Leslie, > > > > > I hope that thead you are hanging by is a strong one. <g> I worry > > about > > > > you > > > > > when you stop posting. Glad you dropped in on this one. No, I can’t

say we have thawed out yet. Still no leaves on the trees. We are

expecting

high winds and 6-10" on snow today. It is only around the freezing

point, > > so > > > > this > > > > > prairie chick is freezing her tail feathers off. Some days I just > want > > > out > > > > > of here so bad. Hope my thread doesn’t snap in the cold. > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > news:BIOdncQyp_iOcQLdRVn-sQ@centurytel.net… > > > > > > Hi BJ – > > > > > > Well I’m haning by a thread these days – the nervous system is > toast > > > and > > > > > > that is not much fun, lol – seems my ups and downs are in a real > > tizzy > > > > > > lately. Thanks for asking. > > > > > > How are you? Thawed out yet? > > > > > > Leslie > > > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > > > news:109vlcglsfprh1b@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > > > Hi Leslie here, <g> > > > > > > > How are you doing? We haven’t seen you for a while. > > > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > > > news:QKOdnTLaEeSwCQLdRVn-ig@centurytel.net… > > > > > > > > Well hello Leslie! – Leslie here, > > > > > > > > this is a great newsgroup and you will find lots of good > people > > > and > > > > > info > > > > > > > > here – welcome!! > > > > > > > > "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > news:7d45b675.0405090824.2d79b731@posting.google.com… > > > > > > > > > Hi all.  New to board.  I have a few questions for all of > you > > > with > > > > > > > > > lupus and the premiere diagnosis.  A little about my > > situation. > > > > > > > > > I am 35, mother of 3(4 if you include hubby).  Last year I > had > > > > pain > > > > > in > > > > > > > > > my right hand (ring & pinky) and some stiffness in my feet > > when > > > I > > > > > woke > > > > > > > > > up. Talked to my Dr. and she basically said I was "getting > > > older" > > > > > and > > > > > > > > > it "could be" arthritis.  Ok, I bought it.  So….Last > > February, > > > I > > > > > > > > > woke up one day and had this huge blister at the top of my > ear > > > > lobe, > > > > > > > > > which turned crusty and yucky.  Called the Dr. about this > too, > > > no > > > > > appt > > > > > > > > > needed "It’s nothing". I had had crusty "stuff" at the top > of > > my > > > > > > > > > ears,many times in the past, but attributed it to Hair > styling > > > > > > > > > products…. Right after the blister, I developed this pain

in my left thumb (feels like I pulled something in it), well it has never gone away and seems to be getting worse every day.  I can not

use

it with out extreme pain. I can not button, zip, open a jar or anything that uses direct pressure. Now about amonth ago, I developed a pain in my right elbow, and it seems to be radiating out and I can

not

straighten out my arm all the way with out pain.  The pain is continuous and hot at times like the heat of a candle is under the joint

area,

but more severe when use is necessary with hands and arm. I am not

a

medicine taker, but now I feel I find myself popping motrin all the time. I have had fatigue alot lately, (used to be insomniac, now my head hits the pillow and I am out until my alarm goes off, and

I

could use a nap in the afternoon, but kids don’t permit it.  Always cold…..and now somewhat depressed. (not suicidal but just kind of

blue

and could cry when the pain starts bad) I usually am a very happy person smiling all the time, but I feel like I am a little sad)???  I

feel

like I can not concentrate or finish a task. Is it ADD too? (hehehe) I have gained 10 pounds, due to fatigue and pain of

working

out. I have always been a very strong "girl" but now I feel like

a

weakling. Here is my question:  My Grandfather had RA & Grandmother had OA. My mother shows no traits of anything (73 and acts like 53).

I

don’t want to sound like a hypochondriac or self diagnosing.  I have no siblings to compare to. Hubby is realatively supportive (but unless he is in pain

he

has little sympathy-not that he is uncaring – normal man reaction)(sorry boys reading this)…… But I have been living with some pain for some time, I know I am getting older, I can handle it, but this much pain all at once is weird. Any one care to comment? Leslie

Response:

oh BJ, the other things I do – talk to you, go for a drive in the country with radio blaring, or find something to clean Leslie "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

news:10a7pbb3ji2treb@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi Leslie, Yes, I do know what you mean. Life is too hard sometimes. Folks here

stuggle

every day with chronic illness, well meaning people, and lack of understanding. Our physical problems alone are enough to get anyone down.

We

do the best we can-right? Sometimes I get an empty feeling because I know that I don’t pull my own weight, or because there are so many things I had to give up. I guess those are feelings of depression too. Maybe I don’t always recognize them as such. Is there anything that helps you when you

are > very sad? I think I could use some tips. > BJ-Sk. Canada > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> news:gPidnWVaZO8vHT7d4p2dnA@centurytel.net… > > Sorry – BJ I have to laugh – you have no idea how funny it is that someone

might "get to the root of my depression" – this is how I knew my PCP (new as of last year) was going to work for me as he nailed my history on the first visit and I never said a word!!!!! He

is

brusque and a bit of a smart-aleck, but he does not beat around the bush and he hears me. so………………….. root of depression…………  dx’d w clinical depression twelve or thirteen years ago…. personal history is no wonder and now I have read countless articles about the body remembering traumas and how head injuries cause so much problems for people….. somedays no reason and other days plenty – it depresses me that I can’t wash dishes or have to stay home or inside on sunny days, the nose and taste thing, the eyes are weird and I will pay for this time on the pc…. I keep busy on some days and you know as well as I do that other days it is a big effort to get out of bed… frankly it depresses me more to see smiling people sit across from me

and > > nod …. when I know they have no clue – > > you know -? > > Leslie > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > news:10a5cijrml21232@corp.supernews.com… > > > I am a bit weird myself. I don’t have a problem with depression though.

Well, not often I mean. I have been down a lot since the death of my little Golden, but that is reactive and to be expected. I think a counselor

or > a > > > shrink would ask the questions that might get to the root of your > > > depression. They are trained to do that. It just might help. I hate to > > think > > > of anyone being sad and depressed. That feeling of loneliness and > > isolation > > > must drag you down even further. I wish there was something I could do > to > > > help. Please know that there are people here who really care. > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > news:xPidnRZsRcenDT_dRVn-iQ@centurytel.net… > > > > BJ,  I know you are not prying – yes depression is a big thing, but of > > > > course is it from being weird or am I weird because I am depressed? > How > > do > > > > you determine whether to see a counselor or a shrink? how do you > explain > > > > what you are feeling when you really don’t even know yourself? > > > > Leslie > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > news:10a4sund67f7ve7@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > Hi Leslie, > > > > > I am rather worried about you. Is depression a big factor in how you > > are > > > > > feeling? I don’t want to pry, but I hope you know that I would > > certainly > > > > > listen if you want to talk about things in more detail. > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > news:JNednYgfXcyYyj_dRVn-sw@centurytel.net… > > > > > > BJ – I will stop my whining about our weird weahther now… hot, > > cold, > > > > > > sunny, then rain and there you are freezing your tush off! > > > > > > I am hoping this thread is made of kevlar or steel, it’s thin > these > > > days > > > > > > Leslie > > > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > > > news:10a2720dur73mdd@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > > > Hi Leslie, > > > > > > > I hope that thead you are hanging by is a strong one. <g> I > worry > > > > about > > > > > > you > > > > > > > when you stop posting. Glad you dropped in on this one. No, I > > can’t > > > > say > > > > > we > > > > > > > have thawed out yet. Still no leaves on the trees. We are > > expecting > > > > high > > > > > > > winds and 6-10" on snow today. It is only around the freezing > > point, > > > > so > > > > > > this > > > > > > > prairie chick is freezing her tail feathers off. Some days I > just > > > want > > > > > out > > > > > > > of here so bad. Hope my thread doesn’t snap in the cold. > > > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > > > news:BIOdncQyp_iOcQLdRVn-sQ@centurytel.net… > > > > > > > > Hi BJ – > > > > > > > > Well I’m haning by a thread these days – the nervous system is > > > toast > > > > > and > > > > > > > > that is not much fun, lol – seems my ups and downs are in a > real > > > > tizzy > > > > > > > > lately. Thanks for asking. > > > > > > > > How are you? Thawed out yet? > > > > > > > > Leslie > > > > > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > news:109vlcglsfprh1b@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > > > > > Hi Leslie here, <g> > > > > > > > > > How are you doing? We haven’t seen you for a while. > > > > > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > > news:QKOdnTLaEeSwCQLdRVn-ig@centurytel.net… > > > > > > > > > > Well hello Leslie! – Leslie here, > > > > > > > > > > this is a great newsgroup and you will find lots of good > > > people > > > > > and > > > > > > > info > > > > > > > > > > here – welcome!! > > > > > > > > > > "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > > > news:7d45b675.0405090824.2d79b731@posting.google.com… > > > > > > > > > > > Hi all.  New to board.  I have a few questions for all > of > > > you > > > > > with > > > > > > > > > > > lupus and the premiere diagnosis.  A little about my > > > > situation. > > > > > > > > > > > I am 35, mother of 3(4 if you include hubby).  Last year

I had pain in my right hand (ring & pinky) and some stiffness in my feet when I woke up. Talked to my Dr. and she basically said I was "getting older" and it "could be" arthritis.  Ok, I bought it.  So….Last February, I woke up one day and had this huge blister at the top

of

my ear lobe, which turned crusty and yucky.  Called the Dr. about this too, no appt needed "It’s nothing". I had had crusty "stuff" at the top of my ears,many times in the past, but attributed it to Hair styling products…. Right after the blister, I developed this pain in my left thumb (feels like I pulled something in it), well it

has

never gone away and seems to be getting worse every day.  I can

not

use it with out extreme pain. I can not button, zip, open a jar or anything that uses direct pressure. Now about amonth ago, I

developed

a pain in my right elbow, and it seems to be radiating out and I

can

not straighten out my arm all the way with out pain.  The pain is continuous and hot at times like the heat of a candle is under the joint area, but more severe when use is necessary with hands and arm. I am not a medicine taker, but now I feel I find myself popping motrin all the time. I have had fatigue alot lately, (used to be insomniac, now my head hits the pillow and I am out until my alarm goes off, and I could use a nap in the afternoon, but kids don’t permit it. Always cold…..and now somewhat depressed. (not suicidal but just kind of blue and could cry when the pain starts bad) I usually am a very

happy

person smiling all the time, but I feel like I am a little sad)???  I feel like I can not concentrate or finish a task. Is it ADD too? (hehehe) I have gained 10 pounds, due to fatigue and pain of working out. I have always been a very strong "girl" but now I feel like a weakling. Here is my question:  My Grandfather had RA & Grandmother had OA. My mother shows no traits of anything (73 and acts like 53). I don’t want to sound like a hypochondriac or self diagnosing. I have no siblings to compare to. Hubby is realatively supportive (but unless he is in pain he has little

… read more »

Response:

Music! That is my best therapy – I put on something really upbeat, then I dance around like a maniac IF I can dredge up the energy. Sometimes writing helps, but then I get so pissed about not being able to hold the pen for long at all and the monitor on the pc gives me weirdness………. I garden – or play in the dirt, when the morning sun is still low or it’s cloudy, when I can – I even paint and do other creative things – but the inability to do them when I need to is the depressing thing, and not being able to pull my own weight – after so many years of taking care of everybody it is absolutely bizarre to me that I can barely manage to care for myself somedays. yes – those feelings you described are a type of depression – it’s the uncontrollability of it that really sends me Leslie "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

news:10a7pbb3ji2treb@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi Leslie, Yes, I do know what you mean. Life is too hard sometimes. Folks here

stuggle

every day with chronic illness, well meaning people, and lack of understanding. Our physical problems alone are enough to get anyone down.

We

do the best we can-right? Sometimes I get an empty feeling because I know that I don’t pull my own weight, or because there are so many things I had to give up. I guess those are feelings of depression too. Maybe I don’t always recognize them as such. Is there anything that helps you when you

are > very sad? I think I could use some tips. > BJ-Sk. Canada > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> news:gPidnWVaZO8vHT7d4p2dnA@centurytel.net… > > Sorry – BJ I have to laugh – you have no idea how funny it is that someone

might "get to the root of my depression" – this is how I knew my PCP (new as of last year) was going to work for me as he nailed my history on the first visit and I never said a word!!!!! He

is

brusque and a bit of a smart-aleck, but he does not beat around the bush and he hears me. so………………….. root of depression…………  dx’d w clinical depression twelve or thirteen years ago…. personal history is no wonder and now I have read countless articles about the body remembering traumas and how head injuries cause so much problems for people….. somedays no reason and other days plenty – it depresses me that I can’t wash dishes or have to stay home or inside on sunny days, the nose and taste thing, the eyes are weird and I will pay for this time on the pc…. I keep busy on some days and you know as well as I do that other days it is a big effort to get out of bed… frankly it depresses me more to see smiling people sit across from me

and > > nod …. when I know they have no clue – > > you know -? > > Leslie > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > news:10a5cijrml21232@corp.supernews.com… > > > I am a bit weird myself. I don’t have a problem with depression though.

Well, not often I mean. I have been down a lot since the death of my little Golden, but that is reactive and to be expected. I think a counselor

or > a > > > shrink would ask the questions that might get to the root of your > > > depression. They are trained to do that. It just might help. I hate to > > think > > > of anyone being sad and depressed. That feeling of loneliness and > > isolation > > > must drag you down even further. I wish there was something I could do > to > > > help. Please know that there are people here who really care. > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > news:xPidnRZsRcenDT_dRVn-iQ@centurytel.net… > > > > BJ,  I know you are not prying – yes depression is a big thing, but of > > > > course is it from being weird or am I weird because I am depressed? > How > > do > > > > you determine whether to see a counselor or a shrink? how do you > explain > > > > what you are feeling when you really don’t even know yourself? > > > > Leslie > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > news:10a4sund67f7ve7@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > Hi Leslie, > > > > > I am rather worried about you. Is depression a big factor in how you > > are > > > > > feeling? I don’t want to pry, but I hope you know that I would > > certainly > > > > > listen if you want to talk about things in more detail. > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > news:JNednYgfXcyYyj_dRVn-sw@centurytel.net… > > > > > > BJ – I will stop my whining about our weird weahther now… hot, > > cold, > > > > > > sunny, then rain and there you are freezing your tush off! > > > > > > I am hoping this thread is made of kevlar or steel, it’s thin > these > > > days > > > > > > Leslie > > > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > > > news:10a2720dur73mdd@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > > > Hi Leslie, > > > > > > > I hope that thead you are hanging by is a strong one. <g> I > worry > > > > about > > > > > > you > > > > > > > when you stop posting. Glad you dropped in on this one. No, I > > can’t > > > > say > > > > > we > > > > > > > have thawed out yet. Still no leaves on the trees. We are > > expecting > > > > high > > > > > > > winds and 6-10" on snow today. It is only around the freezing > > point, > > > > so > > > > > > this > > > > > > > prairie chick is freezing her tail feathers off. Some days I > just > > > want > > > > > out > > > > > > > of here so bad. Hope my thread doesn’t snap in the cold. > > > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > > > news:BIOdncQyp_iOcQLdRVn-sQ@centurytel.net… > > > > > > > > Hi BJ – > > > > > > > > Well I’m haning by a thread these days – the nervous system is > > > toast > > > > > and > > > > > > > > that is not much fun, lol – seems my ups and downs are in a > real > > > > tizzy > > > > > > > > lately. Thanks for asking. > > > > > > > > How are you? Thawed out yet? > > > > > > > > Leslie > > > > > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > news:109vlcglsfprh1b@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > > > > > Hi Leslie here, <g> > > > > > > > > > How are you doing? We haven’t seen you for a while. > > > > > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > > news:QKOdnTLaEeSwCQLdRVn-ig@centurytel.net… > > > > > > > > > > Well hello Leslie! – Leslie here, > > > > > > > > > > this is a great newsgroup and you will find lots of good > > > people > > > > > and > > > > > > > info > > > > > > > > > > here – welcome!! > > > > > > > > > > "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > > > news:7d45b675.0405090824.2d79b731@posting.google.com… > > > > > > > > > > > Hi all.  New to board.  I have a few questions for all > of > > > you > > > > > with > > > > > > > > > > > lupus and the premiere diagnosis.  A little about my > > > > situation. > > > > > > > > > > > I am 35, mother of 3(4 if you include hubby).  Last year

I had pain in my right hand (ring & pinky) and some stiffness in my feet when I woke up. Talked to my Dr. and she basically said I was "getting older" and it "could be" arthritis.  Ok, I bought it.  So….Last February, I woke up one day and had this huge blister at the top

of

my ear lobe, which turned crusty and yucky.  Called the Dr. about this too, no appt needed "It’s nothing". I had had crusty "stuff" at the top of my ears,many times in the past, but attributed it to Hair styling products…. Right after the blister, I developed this pain in my left thumb (feels like I pulled something in it), well it

has

never gone away and seems to be getting worse every day.  I can

not

use it with out extreme pain. I can not button, zip, open a jar or anything that uses direct pressure. Now about amonth ago, I

developed

a pain in my right elbow, and it seems to be radiating out and I

can

not straighten out my arm all the way with out pain.  The pain is continuous and hot at times like the heat of a candle is under the joint area, but more severe when use is necessary with hands and arm. I am not a medicine taker, but now I feel I find myself popping motrin all the time. I have had fatigue alot lately, (used to be insomniac, now my head hits the pillow and I am out until my alarm goes off, and I could use a nap in the afternoon, but kids don’t permit it. Always cold…..and now somewhat depressed. (not suicidal but just kind of blue and could cry when the pain starts bad) I usually am a very

happy

person smiling all the time, but I feel like I am a little sad)???  I feel like I can not concentrate or finish a task. Is it ADD too? (hehehe) I have gained 10 pounds, due to fatigue and pain of working

… read more »

Response:

Hi "New Leslie, I read your post last night, but then had trouble finding it again. I often lose things when the threads get too long. Isn’t it just so frustrating when you feel the doctor has not truly listened and checked things out thoroughly? That happened to me a number of times over the years. I don’t think an autoimmune problem can be ruled out, even if your labs do come back normal. I would certainly get a second opinion, even if that is the case. I doubt the Motrin would change the results of your blood work, but I am not really sure about that. Keep in mind that you know your body better than anyone. Trust your instincts. Sometimes it is hard to keep that in focus when a doctor asks about conselling. Post your lab results, if you wish. Somebody here can likely help you interpret them. Try not to get discouraged. A diagnosis can be a long time coming. BJ-Sk. Canada "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

news:7d45b675.0405121603.3cbf9068@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi to all— Quick Update This is the "New Leslie" reporting in. Called Dr. to get appt Monday, got appt. Tuesday. Saw the doctor and you all are going to be proud yet gasp…. made a list of ailments, aches, pains, crusty stuff, rash on legs when in sun, heart palp.’s, tired…blah, blah blah…gave it to the rn to put in chart. dr came in talked to me, told her what was going on, SHE NEVER LOOKED AT MY FLIPPIN’ HANDS.  Asked me if I had ever been to a counselor and told me that maybe I have not dealt nwith something from my past and it is manifesting in pain in my hands………uh yeah. and monkeys fly.  I asked her about the pain in my left thumb joint and my pain in my elbow (the right one) and this is where her observations would have been necessary- and she said they are connected by ligaments.  I had to explain to her that they are on opposite sides of my body-"hello right and left". I came  home and my "grumbling husband" bless his heart, told me to go and get a 2nd opinion and he changed (Bless him again) called this morining, his work to upgrade our insuraance for me – with out me even knowing.  I called to do the same thing and they told me he had already called.  I take back the things I have mumbled under my breath about men. (no offense) She did order an xray of my thumb, and lab work…CBC, Rheumatoid factor, ANA & ESR.  So we will see.  What happens if nothing comes back in the tests?  Does taking a boat load of Motrin make a difference on the inflamation test? I am going for another opinion if it kills me.  I will wait for lab results and xray to lug along for the ride. I will check in later, thanks for all your input and concern. Leslie C.  The new Leslie. I dont recall who awsked about the depression, but I think I am PMS and nervous, so alittle more wstressed out more than usual.  Life is wonderful in my little house….always a circus.  3 kids (2 teenagers)  ;)  , hubby, dog cat…who’s life isn’t…..but t hanks for the concern….I will vent trust me if I need to….

Response:

Hi Leslie, Yes, I do know what you mean. Life is too hard sometimes. Folks here stuggle every day with chronic illness, well meaning people, and lack of understanding. Our physical problems alone are enough to get anyone down. We do the best we can-right? Sometimes I get an empty feeling because I know that I don’t pull my own weight, or because there are so many things I had to give up. I guess those are feelings of depression too. Maybe I don’t always recognize them as such. Is there anything that helps you when you are very sad? I think I could use some tips. BJ-Sk. Canada "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:gPidnWVaZO8vHT7d4p2dnA@centurytel.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Sorry – BJ I have to laugh – you have no idea how funny it is that someone might "get to the root of my depression" – this is how I knew my PCP (new as of last year) was going to work for me

as

he nailed my history on the first visit and I never said a word!!!!! He is brusque and a bit of a smart-aleck, but he does not beat around the bush

and

he hears me. so………………….. root of depression…………  dx’d w clinical depression twelve or thirteen years ago…. personal history is no wonder and now I have read countless articles about the body remembering traumas and how head

injuries

cause so much problems for people….. somedays no reason and other days plenty – it depresses me that I can’t

wash

dishes or have to stay home or inside on sunny days, the nose and taste thing, the eyes are weird and I will pay for this time on the pc…. I keep busy on some days and you know as well as I do that other days it

is > a big effort to get out of bed… > frankly it depresses me more to see smiling people sit across from me and > nod …. when I know they have no clue – > you know -? > Leslie > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> news:10a5cijrml21232@corp.supernews.com… > > I am a bit weird myself. I don’t have a problem with depression though. > > Well, not often I mean. I have been down a lot since the death of my > little > > Golden, but that is reactive and to be expected. I think a counselor or a

shrink would ask the questions that might get to the root of your depression. They are trained to do that. It just might help. I hate to think of anyone being sad and depressed. That feeling of loneliness and isolation must drag you down even further. I wish there was something I could do

to > > help. Please know that there are people here who really care. > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > news:xPidnRZsRcenDT_dRVn-iQ@centurytel.net… > > > BJ,  I know you are not prying – yes depression is a big thing, but of > > > course is it from being weird or am I weird because I am depressed? How

do you determine whether to see a counselor or a shrink? how do you

explain > > > what you are feeling when you really don’t even know yourself? > > > Leslie > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > news:10a4sund67f7ve7@corp.supernews.com… > > > > Hi Leslie, > > > > I am rather worried about you. Is depression a big factor in how you > are > > > > feeling? I don’t want to pry, but I hope you know that I would > certainly > > > > listen if you want to talk about things in more detail. > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > news:JNednYgfXcyYyj_dRVn-sw@centurytel.net… > > > > > BJ – I will stop my whining about our weird weahther now… hot, > cold, > > > > > sunny, then rain and there you are freezing your tush off! > > > > > I am hoping this thread is made of kevlar or steel, it’s thin these > > days > > > > > Leslie > > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > > news:10a2720dur73mdd@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > > Hi Leslie, > > > > > > I hope that thead you are hanging by is a strong one. <g> I worry

about you when you stop posting. Glad you dropped in on this one. No, I can’t say we have thawed out yet. Still no leaves on the trees. We are expecting high winds and 6-10" on snow today. It is only around the freezing point, so this prairie chick is freezing her tail feathers off. Some days I

just > > want > > > > out > > > > > > of here so bad. Hope my thread doesn’t snap in the cold. > > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > > news:BIOdncQyp_iOcQLdRVn-sQ@centurytel.net… > > > > > > > Hi BJ – > > > > > > > Well I’m haning by a thread these days – the nervous system is > > toast > > > > and > > > > > > > that is not much fun, lol – seems my ups and downs are in a real > > > tizzy > > > > > > > lately. Thanks for asking. > > > > > > > How are you? Thawed out yet? > > > > > > > Leslie > > > > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > > > > news:109vlcglsfprh1b@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > > > > Hi Leslie here, <g> > > > > > > > > How are you doing? We haven’t seen you for a while. > > > > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > news:QKOdnTLaEeSwCQLdRVn-ig@centurytel.net… > > > > > > > > > Well hello Leslie! – Leslie here, > > > > > > > > > this is a great newsgroup and you will find lots of good > > people > > > > and > > > > > > info > > > > > > > > > here – welcome!! > > > > > > > > > "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

> > > > > > > > > news:7d45b675.0405090824.2d79b731@posting.google.com… > > > > > > > > > > Hi all.  New to board.  I have a few questions for all of

you with lupus and the premiere diagnosis.  A little about my situation. I am 35, mother of 3(4 if you include hubby).  Last year

I

had pain in my right hand (ring & pinky) and some stiffness in my

feet

when I woke up. Talked to my Dr. and she basically said I was

"getting

older" and it "could be" arthritis.  Ok, I bought it.  So….Last February, I woke up one day and had this huge blister at the top of

my

ear lobe, which turned crusty and yucky.  Called the Dr. about

this

too, no appt needed "It’s nothing". I had had crusty "stuff" at the

top

of my ears,many times in the past, but attributed it to Hair styling products…. Right after the blister, I developed this pain in my left thumb (feels like I pulled something in it), well it has never gone away and seems to be getting worse every day.  I can not use it with out extreme pain. I can not button, zip, open a jar or anything that uses direct pressure. Now about amonth ago, I developed

a

pain in my right elbow, and it seems to be radiating out and I can not straighten out my arm all the way with out pain.  The pain is continuous and hot at times like the heat of a candle is under the joint area, but more severe when use is necessary with hands and arm. I am

not

a medicine taker, but now I feel I find myself popping motrin all

the

time. I have had fatigue alot lately, (used to be insomniac,

now

my head hits the pillow and I am out until my alarm goes off,

and

I could use a nap in the afternoon, but kids don’t permit it.

Always

cold…..and now somewhat depressed. (not suicidal but just kind of blue and could cry when the pain starts bad) I usually am a very happy person smiling all the time, but I feel like I am a little sad)???  I feel like I can not concentrate or finish a task. Is it ADD too?

(hehehe)

I have gained 10 pounds, due to fatigue and pain of working out. I have always been a very strong "girl" but now I feel

like

a weakling. Here is my question:  My Grandfather had RA &

Grandmother

had OA. My mother shows no traits of anything (73 and acts like

53).

I don’t want to sound like a hypochondriac or self diagnosing.

I

have no siblings to compare to. Hubby is realatively supportive (but unless he is in

pain

he has little sympathy-not that he is uncaring – normal man reaction)(sorry boys reading this)…… But I have been living with

some

pain for some time, I know I am getting older, I can handle it,

but

this much pain all at once is weird. Any one care to comment? Leslie

Response:

Hi to all— Quick Update This is the "New Leslie" reporting in. Called Dr. to get appt Monday, got appt. Tuesday. Saw the doctor and you all are going to be proud yet gasp…. made a list of ailments, aches, pains, crusty stuff, rash on legs when in sun, heart palp.’s, tired…blah, blah blah…gave it to the rn to put in chart. dr came in talked to me, told her what was going on, SHE NEVER LOOKED AT MY FLIPPIN’ HANDS.  Asked me if I had ever been to a counselor and told me that maybe I have not dealt nwith something from my past and it is manifesting in pain in my hands………uh yeah. and monkeys fly.  I asked her about the pain in my left thumb joint and my pain in my elbow (the right one) and this is where her observations would have been necessary- and she said they are connected by ligaments.  I had to explain to her that they are on opposite sides of my body-"hello right and left". I came  home and my "grumbling husband" bless his heart, told me to go and get a 2nd opinion and he changed (Bless him again) called this morining, his work to upgrade our insuraance for me – with out me even knowing.  I called to do the same thing and they told me he had already called.  I take back the things I have mumbled under my breath about men. (no offense) She did order an xray of my thumb, and lab work…CBC, Rheumatoid factor, ANA & ESR.  So we will see.  What happens if nothing comes back in the tests?  Does taking a boat load of Motrin make a difference on the inflamation test? I am going for another opinion if it kills me.  I will wait for lab results and xray to lug along for the ride. I will check in later, thanks for all your input and concern. Leslie C.  The new Leslie. I dont recall who awsked about the depression, but I think I am PMS and nervous, so alittle more wstressed out more than usual.  Life is wonderful in my little house….always a circus.  3 kids (2 teenagers)  ;)  , hubby, dog cat…who’s life isn’t…..but t hanks for the concern….I will vent trust me if I need to….

Response:

I am a bit weird myself. I don’t have a problem with depression though. Well, not often I mean. I have been down a lot since the death of my little Golden, but that is reactive and to be expected. I think a counselor or a shrink would ask the questions that might get to the root of your depression. They are trained to do that. It just might help. I hate to think of anyone being sad and depressed. That feeling of loneliness and isolation must drag you down even further. I wish there was something I could do to help. Please know that there are people here who really care. BJ-Sk. Canada "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:xPidnRZsRcenDT_dRVn-iQ@centurytel.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> BJ,  I know you are not prying – yes depression is a big thing, but of > course is it from being weird or am I weird because I am depressed? How do > you determine whether to see a counselor or a shrink? how do you explain > what you are feeling when you really don’t even know yourself? > Leslie > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> news:10a4sund67f7ve7@corp.supernews.com… > > Hi Leslie, > > I am rather worried about you. Is depression a big factor in how you are > > feeling? I don’t want to pry, but I hope you know that I would certainly > > listen if you want to talk about things in more detail. > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > news:JNednYgfXcyYyj_dRVn-sw@centurytel.net… > > > BJ – I will stop my whining about our weird weahther now… hot, cold, > > > sunny, then rain and there you are freezing your tush off! > > > I am hoping this thread is made of kevlar or steel, it’s thin these days > > > Leslie > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > news:10a2720dur73mdd@corp.supernews.com… > > > > Hi Leslie, > > > > I hope that thead you are hanging by is a strong one. <g> I worry > about > > > you > > > > when you stop posting. Glad you dropped in on this one. No, I can’t > say > > we > > > > have thawed out yet. Still no leaves on the trees. We are expecting > high > > > > winds and 6-10" on snow today. It is only around the freezing point, > so > > > this > > > > prairie chick is freezing her tail feathers off. Some days I just want > > out > > > > of here so bad. Hope my thread doesn’t snap in the cold. > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > news:BIOdncQyp_iOcQLdRVn-sQ@centurytel.net… > > > > > Hi BJ – > > > > > Well I’m haning by a thread these days – the nervous system is toast > > and > > > > > that is not much fun, lol – seems my ups and downs are in a real > tizzy > > > > > lately. Thanks for asking. > > > > > How are you? Thawed out yet? > > > > > Leslie > > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > > news:109vlcglsfprh1b@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > > Hi Leslie here, <g> > > > > > > How are you doing? We haven’t seen you for a while. > > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > > news:QKOdnTLaEeSwCQLdRVn-ig@centurytel.net… > > > > > > > Well hello Leslie! – Leslie here, > > > > > > > this is a great newsgroup and you will find lots of good people > > and > > > > info > > > > > > > here – welcome!! > > > > > > > "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

> > > > > > > news:7d45b675.0405090824.2d79b731@posting.google.com… > > > > > > > > Hi all.  New to board.  I have a few questions for all of you

with lupus and the premiere diagnosis.  A little about my situation. I am 35, mother of 3(4 if you include hubby).  Last year I

had

pain in my right hand (ring & pinky) and some stiffness in my feet when I woke up. Talked to my Dr. and she basically said I was "getting older" and it "could be" arthritis.  Ok, I bought it.  So….Last February, I woke up one day and had this huge blister at the top of my

ear

lobe, which turned crusty and yucky.  Called the Dr. about this

too,

no appt needed "It’s nothing". I had had crusty "stuff" at the top

of

my ears,many times in the past, but attributed it to Hair

styling

products…. Right after the blister, I developed this pain

in

my left thumb (feels like I pulled something in it), well it has

never

gone away and seems to be getting worse every day.  I can not use it with out extreme pain. I can not button, zip, open a jar or anything that uses direct pressure. Now about amonth ago, I developed a

pain

in my right elbow, and it seems to be radiating out and I can not straighten out my arm all the way with out pain.  The pain is

continuous

and hot at times like the heat of a candle is under the joint area, but more severe when use is necessary with hands and arm. I am not a medicine taker, but now I feel I find myself popping motrin all the time. I have had fatigue alot lately, (used to be insomniac, now

my

head hits the pillow and I am out until my alarm goes off, and I could use a nap in the afternoon, but kids don’t permit it.  Always cold…..and now somewhat depressed. (not suicidal but just kind of blue and could cry when the pain starts bad) I usually am a very happy

person

smiling all the time, but I feel like I am a little sad)???  I feel like I can not concentrate or finish a task. Is it ADD too? (hehehe) I have gained 10 pounds, due to fatigue and pain of working out. I have always been a very strong "girl" but now I feel like a weakling. Here is my question:  My Grandfather had RA & Grandmother

had

OA. My mother shows no traits of anything (73 and acts like 53).  I don’t want to sound like a hypochondriac or self diagnosing.  I

have

no siblings to compare to. Hubby is realatively supportive (but unless he is in pain he has little sympathy-not that he is uncaring – normal man reaction)(sorry boys reading this)…… But I have been living with some

pain

for some time, I know I am getting older, I can handle it, but this much pain all at once is weird. Any one care to comment? Leslie

Response:

BJ,  I know you are not prying – yes depression is a big thing, but of course is it from being weird or am I weird because I am depressed? How do you determine whether to see a counselor or a shrink? how do you explain what you are feeling when you really don’t even know yourself? Leslie "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

news:10a4sund67f7ve7@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Leslie, > I am rather worried about you. Is depression a big factor in how you are > feeling? I don’t want to pry, but I hope you know that I would certainly > listen if you want to talk about things in more detail. > BJ-Sk. Canada > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> news:JNednYgfXcyYyj_dRVn-sw@centurytel.net… > > BJ – I will stop my whining about our weird weahther now… hot, cold, > > sunny, then rain and there you are freezing your tush off! > > I am hoping this thread is made of kevlar or steel, it’s thin these days > > Leslie > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > news:10a2720dur73mdd@corp.supernews.com… > > > Hi Leslie, > > > I hope that thead you are hanging by is a strong one. <g> I worry about

you when you stop posting. Glad you dropped in on this one. No, I can’t

say

we have thawed out yet. Still no leaves on the trees. We are expecting

high

winds and 6-10" on snow today. It is only around the freezing point,

so > > this > > > prairie chick is freezing her tail feathers off. Some days I just want > out > > > of here so bad. Hope my thread doesn’t snap in the cold. > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > news:BIOdncQyp_iOcQLdRVn-sQ@centurytel.net… > > > > Hi BJ – > > > > Well I’m haning by a thread these days – the nervous system is toast > and > > > > that is not much fun, lol – seems my ups and downs are in a real tizzy > > > > lately. Thanks for asking. > > > > How are you? Thawed out yet? > > > > Leslie > > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > > news:109vlcglsfprh1b@corp.supernews.com… > > > > > Hi Leslie here, <g> > > > > > How are you doing? We haven’t seen you for a while. > > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > > news:QKOdnTLaEeSwCQLdRVn-ig@centurytel.net… > > > > > > Well hello Leslie! – Leslie here, > > > > > > this is a great newsgroup and you will find lots of good people > and > > > info > > > > > > here – welcome!! > > > > > > "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

> > > > > > news:7d45b675.0405090824.2d79b731@posting.google.com… > > > > > > > Hi all.  New to board.  I have a few questions for all of you > with > > > > > > > lupus and the premiere diagnosis.  A little about my situation.

I am 35, mother of 3(4 if you include hubby).  Last year I had pain in my right hand (ring & pinky) and some stiffness in my feet

when

I woke up. Talked to my Dr. and she basically said I was "getting older" and it "could be" arthritis.  Ok, I bought it.  So….Last

February,

I woke up one day and had this huge blister at the top of my ear lobe, which turned crusty and yucky.  Called the Dr. about this too, no appt needed "It’s nothing". I had had crusty "stuff" at the top of

my

ears,many times in the past, but attributed it to Hair styling products…. Right after the blister, I developed this pain in my left thumb (feels like I pulled something in it), well it has never gone away and seems to be getting worse every day.  I can not use

it

with out extreme pain. I can not button, zip, open a jar or

anything

that uses direct pressure. Now about amonth ago, I developed a pain in my right elbow, and it seems to be radiating out and I can not straighten out my arm all the way with out pain.  The pain is continuous and hot at times like the heat of a candle is under the joint area,

but

more severe when use is necessary with hands and arm. I am not a medicine taker, but now I feel I find myself popping motrin all the

time.

I have had fatigue alot lately, (used to be insomniac, now my head hits the pillow and I am out until my alarm goes off, and I could use a nap in the afternoon, but kids don’t permit it.  Always cold…..and now somewhat depressed. (not suicidal but just kind of blue

and

could cry when the pain starts bad) I usually am a very happy person smiling all the time, but I feel like I am a little sad)???  I feel

like

I can not concentrate or finish a task. Is it ADD too? (hehehe) I have gained 10 pounds, due to fatigue and pain of working

out.

I have always been a very strong "girl" but now I feel like a weakling. Here is my question:  My Grandfather had RA & Grandmother had OA. My mother shows no traits of anything (73 and acts like 53).  I don’t want to sound like a hypochondriac or self diagnosing.  I have no siblings to compare to. Hubby is realatively supportive (but unless he is in pain he

has

little sympathy-not that he is uncaring – normal man reaction)(sorry boys reading this)…… But I have been living with some pain for some time, I know I am getting older, I can handle it, but

this

much pain all at once is weird. Any one care to comment? Leslie

Response:

BJ – I will stop my whining about our weird weahther now… hot, cold, sunny, then rain and there you are freezing your tush off! I am hoping this thread is made of kevlar or steel, it’s thin these days Leslie "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

news:10a2720dur73mdd@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi Leslie, I hope that thead you are hanging by is a strong one. <g I worry about

you

when you stop posting. Glad you dropped in on this one. No, I can’t say we have thawed out yet. Still no leaves on the trees. We are expecting high winds and 6-10" on snow today. It is only around the freezing point, so

this > prairie chick is freezing her tail feathers off. Some days I just want out > of here so bad. Hope my thread doesn’t snap in the cold. > BJ-Sk. Canada > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> news:BIOdncQyp_iOcQLdRVn-sQ@centurytel.net… > > Hi BJ – > > Well I’m haning by a thread these days – the nervous system is toast and > > that is not much fun, lol – seems my ups and downs are in a real tizzy > > lately. Thanks for asking. > > How are you? Thawed out yet? > > Leslie > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > news:109vlcglsfprh1b@corp.supernews.com… > > > Hi Leslie here, <g> > > > How are you doing? We haven’t seen you for a while. > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > news:QKOdnTLaEeSwCQLdRVn-ig@centurytel.net… > > > > Well hello Leslie! – Leslie here, > > > > this is a great newsgroup and you will find lots of good people and > info > > > > here – welcome!! > > > > "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

> > > > news:7d45b675.0405090824.2d79b731@posting.google.com… > > > > > Hi all.  New to board.  I have a few questions for all of you with > > > > > lupus and the premiere diagnosis.  A little about my situation. > > > > > I am 35, mother of 3(4 if you include hubby).  Last year I had pain

in my right hand (ring & pinky) and some stiffness in my feet when I woke up. Talked to my Dr. and she basically said I was "getting older" and it "could be" arthritis.  Ok, I bought it.  So….Last February, I woke up one day and had this huge blister at the top of my ear

lobe,

which turned crusty and yucky.  Called the Dr. about this too, no appt needed "It’s nothing". I had had crusty "stuff" at the top of my ears,many times in the past, but attributed it to Hair styling products…. Right after the blister, I developed this pain in my left thumb (feels like I pulled something in it), well it has never

gone

away and seems to be getting worse every day.  I can not use it

with

out extreme pain. I can not button, zip, open a jar or anything

that

uses direct pressure. Now about amonth ago, I developed a pain in

my

right elbow, and it seems to be radiating out and I can not straighten out my arm all the way with out pain.  The pain is continuous and hot at times like the heat of a candle is under the joint area, but

more

severe when use is necessary with hands and arm. I am not a

medicine

taker, but now I feel I find myself popping motrin all the time. I have had fatigue alot lately, (used to be insomniac, now my head hits the pillow and I am out until my alarm goes off, and I could use a nap in the afternoon, but kids don’t permit it.  Always cold…..and now somewhat depressed. (not suicidal but just kind of blue and could cry when the pain starts bad) I usually am a very happy person smiling all the time, but I feel like I am a little sad)???  I feel like I can not concentrate or finish a task. Is it ADD too? (hehehe) I have gained 10 pounds, due to fatigue and pain of working out.

I

have always been a very strong "girl" but now I feel like a weakling. Here is my question:  My Grandfather had RA & Grandmother had OA. My mother shows no traits of anything (73 and acts like 53).  I don’t want to sound like a hypochondriac or self diagnosing.  I have no siblings to compare to. Hubby is realatively supportive (but unless he is in pain he has little sympathy-not that he is uncaring – normal man

reaction)(sorry

boys reading this)…… But I have been living with some pain for some time, I know I am getting older, I can handle it, but this

much

pain all at once is weird. Any one care to comment? Leslie

Response:

Hi Leslie, I am rather worried about you. Is depression a big factor in how you are feeling? I don’t want to pry, but I hope you know that I would certainly listen if you want to talk about things in more detail. BJ-Sk. Canada "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:JNednYgfXcyYyj_dRVn-sw@centurytel.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> BJ – I will stop my whining about our weird weahther now… hot, cold, > sunny, then rain and there you are freezing your tush off! > I am hoping this thread is made of kevlar or steel, it’s thin these days > Leslie > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> news:10a2720dur73mdd@corp.supernews.com… > > Hi Leslie, > > I hope that thead you are hanging by is a strong one. <g> I worry about > you > > when you stop posting. Glad you dropped in on this one. No, I can’t say we

have thawed out yet. Still no leaves on the trees. We are expecting high winds and 6-10" on snow today. It is only around the freezing point, so this prairie chick is freezing her tail feathers off. Some days I just want

out > > of here so bad. Hope my thread doesn’t snap in the cold. > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > news:BIOdncQyp_iOcQLdRVn-sQ@centurytel.net… > > > Hi BJ – > > > Well I’m haning by a thread these days – the nervous system is toast and > > > that is not much fun, lol – seems my ups and downs are in a real tizzy > > > lately. Thanks for asking. > > > How are you? Thawed out yet? > > > Leslie > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> > > news:109vlcglsfprh1b@corp.supernews.com… > > > > Hi Leslie here, <g> > > > > How are you doing? We haven’t seen you for a while. > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > > > news:QKOdnTLaEeSwCQLdRVn-ig@centurytel.net… > > > > > Well hello Leslie! – Leslie here, > > > > > this is a great newsgroup and you will find lots of good people and > > info > > > > > here – welcome!! > > > > > "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

> > > > > news:7d45b675.0405090824.2d79b731@posting.google.com… > > > > > > Hi all.  New to board.  I have a few questions for all of you with

lupus and the premiere diagnosis.  A little about my situation. I am 35, mother of 3(4 if you include hubby).  Last year I had pain in my right hand (ring & pinky) and some stiffness in my feet when

I

woke up. Talked to my Dr. and she basically said I was "getting

older"

and it "could be" arthritis.  Ok, I bought it.  So….Last February,

I

woke up one day and had this huge blister at the top of my ear lobe, which turned crusty and yucky.  Called the Dr. about this too,

no

appt needed "It’s nothing". I had had crusty "stuff" at the top of my ears,many times in the past, but attributed it to Hair styling products…. Right after the blister, I developed this pain in

my

left thumb (feels like I pulled something in it), well it has never gone away and seems to be getting worse every day.  I can not use it with out extreme pain. I can not button, zip, open a jar or anything that uses direct pressure. Now about amonth ago, I developed a pain

in

my right elbow, and it seems to be radiating out and I can not straighten out my arm all the way with out pain.  The pain is continuous

and

hot at times like the heat of a candle is under the joint area, but more severe when use is necessary with hands and arm. I am not a medicine taker, but now I feel I find myself popping motrin all the time. I have had fatigue alot lately, (used to be insomniac, now my

head

hits the pillow and I am out until my alarm goes off, and I

could

use a nap in the afternoon, but kids don’t permit it.  Always cold…..and now somewhat depressed. (not suicidal but just kind of blue and could cry when the pain starts bad) I usually am a very happy person smiling all the time, but I feel like I am a little sad)???  I feel like

I

can not concentrate or finish a task. Is it ADD too? (hehehe) I have gained 10 pounds, due to fatigue and pain of working out. I have always been a very strong "girl" but now I feel like a weakling. Here is my question:  My Grandfather had RA & Grandmother had

OA.

My mother shows no traits of anything (73 and acts like 53).  I

don’t

want to sound like a hypochondriac or self diagnosing.  I have

no

siblings to compare to. Hubby is realatively supportive (but unless he is in pain he has little sympathy-not that he is uncaring – normal man reaction)(sorry boys reading this)…… But I have been living with some pain

for

some time, I know I am getting older, I can handle it, but this much pain all at once is weird. Any one care to comment? Leslie

Response:

Hi new Leslie C, Make sure they check your TSH when testing you for thyroid problems. Low normal readings on your previous tests make me wonder. Good luck tomorrow. I hope you will let us know how it goes. BJ-Sk. Canada "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

news:7d45b675.0405091933.2295650c@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

This is the "new Leslie C." Hi all……….Thank you for all your concern and responses.  I am going to call my Dr tomorrow and schedule an appointment ASAP.  I have bugged them about my thyroid it is normal, but low normal if that makes any sense.  My mom was here today and looked at my fingers and said some of them are crooked.  My Grandmother had Osteoperosis and not OA. (my bad)  But a strange thing happened today that has happened in the past, is that I was in the sun for about 30 min’s and I got a rash on my legs that was Lacey like.  Almost like the rash you get with 5th’s disease…and it itched.  Go figure.  I know you  all are not Dr’s or else you would have US all cured….hehehe, but I do apprciate your support and advice. happy mothers day, The New Leslie C.

Response:

Well hello Leslie! – Leslie here, this is a great newsgroup and you will find lots of good people and info here – welcome!! "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

news:7d45b675.0405090824.2d79b731@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi all.  New to board.  I have a few questions for all of you with lupus and the premiere diagnosis.  A little about my situation. I am 35, mother of 3(4 if you include hubby).  Last year I had pain in my right hand (ring & pinky) and some stiffness in my feet when I woke up. Talked to my Dr. and she basically said I was "getting older" and it "could be" arthritis.  Ok, I bought it.  So….Last February, I woke up one day and had this huge blister at the top of my ear lobe, which turned crusty and yucky.  Called the Dr. about this too, no appt needed "It’s nothing". I had had crusty "stuff" at the top of my ears,many times in the past, but attributed it to Hair styling products…. Right after the blister, I developed this pain in my left thumb (feels like I pulled something in it), well it has never gone away and seems to be getting worse every day.  I can not use it with out extreme pain. I can not button, zip, open a jar or anything that uses direct pressure. Now about amonth ago, I developed a pain in my right elbow, and it seems to be radiating out and I can not straighten out my arm all the way with out pain.  The pain is continuous and hot at times like the heat of a candle is under the joint area, but more severe when use is necessary with hands and arm. I am not a medicine taker, but now I feel I find myself popping motrin all the time. I have had fatigue alot lately, (used to be insomniac, now my head hits the pillow and I am out until my alarm goes off, and I could use a nap in the afternoon, but kids don’t permit it.  Always cold…..and now somewhat depressed. (not suicidal but just kind of blue and could cry when the pain starts bad) I usually am a very happy person smiling all the time, but I feel like I am a little sad)???  I feel like I can not concentrate or finish a task. Is it ADD too? (hehehe) I have gained 10 pounds, due to fatigue and pain of working out.  I have always been a very strong "girl" but now I feel like a weakling. Here is my question:  My Grandfather had RA & Grandmother had OA.  My mother shows no traits of anything (73 and acts like 53).  I don’t want to sound like a hypochondriac or self diagnosing.  I have no siblings to compare to. Hubby is realatively supportive (but unless he is in pain he has little sympathy-not that he is uncaring – normal man reaction)(sorry boys reading this)…… But I have been living with some pain for some time, I know I am getting older, I can handle it, but this much pain all at once is weird. Any one care to comment? Leslie

Response:

Hi Leslie here, <g

How are you doing? We haven’t seen you for a while. BJ-Sk. Canada "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:QKOdnTLaEeSwCQLdRVn-ig@centurytel.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Well hello Leslie! – Leslie here, > this is a great newsgroup and you will find lots of good people and info > here – welcome!! > "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

> news:7d45b675.0405090824.2d79b731@posting.google.com… > > Hi all.  New to board.  I have a few questions for all of you with > > lupus and the premiere diagnosis.  A little about my situation. > > I am 35, mother of 3(4 if you include hubby).  Last year I had pain in > > my right hand (ring & pinky) and some stiffness in my feet when I woke > > up. Talked to my Dr. and she basically said I was "getting older" and > > it "could be" arthritis.  Ok, I bought it.  So….Last February, I > > woke up one day and had this huge blister at the top of my ear lobe, > > which turned crusty and yucky.  Called the Dr. about this too, no appt > > needed "It’s nothing". I had had crusty "stuff" at the top of my > > ears,many times in the past, but attributed it to Hair styling > > products…. Right after the blister, I developed this pain in my left > > thumb (feels like I pulled something in it), well it has never gone > > away and seems to be getting worse every day.  I can not use it with > > out extreme pain. I can not button, zip, open a jar or anything that > > uses direct pressure. Now about amonth ago, I developed a pain in my > > right elbow, and it seems to be radiating out and I can not straighten > > out my arm all the way with out pain.  The pain is continuous and hot > > at times like the heat of a candle is under the joint area, but more > > severe when use is necessary with hands and arm. I am not a medicine > > taker, but now I feel I find myself popping motrin all the time. > > I have had fatigue alot lately, (used to be insomniac, now my head > > hits the pillow and I am out until my alarm goes off, and I could use > > a nap in the afternoon, but kids don’t permit it.  Always cold…..and > > now somewhat depressed. (not suicidal but just kind of blue and could > > cry when the pain starts bad) I usually am a very happy person smiling > > all the time, but I feel like I am a little sad)???  I feel like I can > > not concentrate or finish a task. Is it ADD too? (hehehe) > > I have gained 10 pounds, due to fatigue and pain of working out.  I > > have always been a very strong "girl" but now I feel like a weakling. > > Here is my question:  My Grandfather had RA & Grandmother had OA.  My > > mother shows no traits of anything (73 and acts like 53).  I don’t > > want to sound like a hypochondriac or self diagnosing.  I have no > > siblings to compare to. > > Hubby is realatively supportive (but unless he is in pain he has > > little sympathy-not that he is uncaring – normal man reaction)(sorry > > boys reading this)…… But I have been living with some pain for > > some time, I know I am getting older, I can handle it, but this much > > pain all at once is weird. > > Any one care to comment? > > Leslie

Response:

Hi BJ – Well I’m haning by a thread these days – the nervous system is toast and that is not much fun, lol – seems my ups and downs are in a real tizzy lately. Thanks for asking. How are you? Thawed out yet? Leslie "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

news:109vlcglsfprh1b@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Leslie here, <g> > How are you doing? We haven’t seen you for a while. > BJ-Sk. Canada > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> news:QKOdnTLaEeSwCQLdRVn-ig@centurytel.net… > > Well hello Leslie! – Leslie here, > > this is a great newsgroup and you will find lots of good people and info > > here – welcome!! > > "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

> > news:7d45b675.0405090824.2d79b731@posting.google.com… > > > Hi all.  New to board.  I have a few questions for all of you with > > > lupus and the premiere diagnosis.  A little about my situation. > > > I am 35, mother of 3(4 if you include hubby).  Last year I had pain in > > > my right hand (ring & pinky) and some stiffness in my feet when I woke > > > up. Talked to my Dr. and she basically said I was "getting older" and > > > it "could be" arthritis.  Ok, I bought it.  So….Last February, I > > > woke up one day and had this huge blister at the top of my ear lobe, > > > which turned crusty and yucky.  Called the Dr. about this too, no appt > > > needed "It’s nothing". I had had crusty "stuff" at the top of my > > > ears,many times in the past, but attributed it to Hair styling > > > products…. Right after the blister, I developed this pain in my left > > > thumb (feels like I pulled something in it), well it has never gone > > > away and seems to be getting worse every day.  I can not use it with > > > out extreme pain. I can not button, zip, open a jar or anything that > > > uses direct pressure. Now about amonth ago, I developed a pain in my > > > right elbow, and it seems to be radiating out and I can not straighten > > > out my arm all the way with out pain.  The pain is continuous and hot > > > at times like the heat of a candle is under the joint area, but more > > > severe when use is necessary with hands and arm. I am not a medicine > > > taker, but now I feel I find myself popping motrin all the time. > > > I have had fatigue alot lately, (used to be insomniac, now my head > > > hits the pillow and I am out until my alarm goes off, and I could use > > > a nap in the afternoon, but kids don’t permit it.  Always cold…..and > > > now somewhat depressed. (not suicidal but just kind of blue and could > > > cry when the pain starts bad) I usually am a very happy person smiling > > > all the time, but I feel like I am a little sad)???  I feel like I can > > > not concentrate or finish a task. Is it ADD too? (hehehe) > > > I have gained 10 pounds, due to fatigue and pain of working out.  I > > > have always been a very strong "girl" but now I feel like a weakling. > > > Here is my question:  My Grandfather had RA & Grandmother had OA.  My > > > mother shows no traits of anything (73 and acts like 53).  I don’t > > > want to sound like a hypochondriac or self diagnosing.  I have no > > > siblings to compare to. > > > Hubby is realatively supportive (but unless he is in pain he has > > > little sympathy-not that he is uncaring – normal man reaction)(sorry > > > boys reading this)…… But I have been living with some pain for > > > some time, I know I am getting older, I can handle it, but this much > > > pain all at once is weird. > > > Any one care to comment? > > > Leslie

Response:

Hi Leslie, I hope that thead you are hanging by is a strong one. <g

I worry about you

when you stop posting. Glad you dropped in on this one. No, I can’t say we have thawed out yet. Still no leaves on the trees. We are expecting high winds and 6-10" on snow today. It is only around the freezing point, so this prairie chick is freezing her tail feathers off. Some days I just want out of here so bad. Hope my thread doesn’t snap in the cold. BJ-Sk. Canada "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

news:BIOdncQyp_iOcQLdRVn-sQ@centurytel.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi BJ – > Well I’m haning by a thread these days – the nervous system is toast and > that is not much fun, lol – seems my ups and downs are in a real tizzy > lately. Thanks for asking. > How are you? Thawed out yet? > Leslie > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

> news:109vlcglsfprh1b@corp.supernews.com… > > Hi Leslie here, <g> > > How are you doing? We haven’t seen you for a while. > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > "Chaos Hill" <mrsmu…@hotmail.com

wrote in message

> > news:QKOdnTLaEeSwCQLdRVn-ig@centurytel.net… > > > Well hello Leslie! – Leslie here, > > > this is a great newsgroup and you will find lots of good people and info > > > here – welcome!! > > > "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

> > > news:7d45b675.0405090824.2d79b731@posting.google.com… > > > > Hi all.  New to board.  I have a few questions for all of you with > > > > lupus and the premiere diagnosis.  A little about my situation. > > > > I am 35, mother of 3(4 if you include hubby).  Last year I had pain in

my right hand (ring & pinky) and some stiffness in my feet when I

woke

up. Talked to my Dr. and she basically said I was "getting older"

and

it "could be" arthritis.  Ok, I bought it.  So….Last February, I woke up one day and had this huge blister at the top of my ear lobe, which turned crusty and yucky.  Called the Dr. about this too, no

appt

needed "It’s nothing". I had had crusty "stuff" at the top of my ears,many times in the past, but attributed it to Hair styling products…. Right after the blister, I developed this pain in my

left

thumb (feels like I pulled something in it), well it has never gone away and seems to be getting worse every day.  I can not use it with out extreme pain. I can not button, zip, open a jar or anything that uses direct pressure. Now about amonth ago, I developed a pain in my right elbow, and it seems to be radiating out and I can not

straighten

out my arm all the way with out pain.  The pain is continuous and

hot

at times like the heat of a candle is under the joint area, but more severe when use is necessary with hands and arm. I am not a medicine taker, but now I feel I find myself popping motrin all the time. I have had fatigue alot lately, (used to be insomniac, now my head hits the pillow and I am out until my alarm goes off, and I could

use

a nap in the afternoon, but kids don’t permit it.  Always

cold…..and

now somewhat depressed. (not suicidal but just kind of blue and

could

cry when the pain starts bad) I usually am a very happy person

smiling

all the time, but I feel like I am a little sad)???  I feel like I

can

not concentrate or finish a task. Is it ADD too? (hehehe) I have gained 10 pounds, due to fatigue and pain of working out.  I have always been a very strong "girl" but now I feel like a

weakling.

Here is my question:  My Grandfather had RA & Grandmother had OA.

My

mother shows no traits of anything (73 and acts like 53).  I don’t want to sound like a hypochondriac or self diagnosing.  I have no siblings to compare to. Hubby is realatively supportive (but unless he is in pain he has little sympathy-not that he is uncaring – normal man reaction)(sorry boys reading this)…… But I have been living with some pain for some time, I know I am getting older, I can handle it, but this much pain all at once is weird. Any one care to comment? Leslie

Response:

This is the "new Leslie C." Hi all……….Thank you for all your concern and responses.  I am going to call my Dr tomorrow and schedule an appointment ASAP.  I have bugged them about my thyroid it is normal, but low normal if that makes any sense.  My mom was here today and looked at my fingers and said some of them are crooked.  My Grandmother had Osteoperosis and not OA. (my bad)  But a strange thing happened today that has happened in the past, is that I was in the sun for about 30 min’s and I got a rash on my legs that was Lacey like.  Almost like the rash you get with 5th’s disease…and it itched.  Go figure.  I know you  all are not Dr’s or else you would have US all cured….hehehe, but I do apprciate your support and advice. happy mothers day, The New Leslie C.

Response:

I agree with BJ. Have them do a full arthritis panel. Thats how I was dign with RA. I have RA and Lupus. Just whatever you do do not give up until you are satisfied. "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca

wrote in message

news:109sp8ol8d19g61@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi Leslie, Welcome to the group. I hope we can be of some help to you. I would

suggest

that you see a rheumatologist. You need to have blood work done to check

for

autoimmune problems, but also for thyroid function. A thyroid problem was the first thing that popped into my head when I read your post. It can be responsible for all sorts of things. The weight gain, fatigue and the

"blue

feeling" made me think in that direction. Please keep us informed as

things > unfold. Any blood test results you have would give us more to go on. Post > them, if you would like to do so. We have another Leslie on board here. > Could you add a number or letter to you signature, so we could keep you > straight in our minds? We are easily confused around here. Well, I am > anyway. <g> > BJ-Sk. Canada > "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

> news:7d45b675.0405090824.2d79b731@posting.google.com… > > Hi all.  New to board.  I have a few questions for all of you with > > lupus and the premiere diagnosis.  A little about my situation. > > I am 35, mother of 3(4 if you include hubby).  Last year I had pain in > > my right hand (ring & pinky) and some stiffness in my feet when I woke > > up. Talked to my Dr. and she basically said I was "getting older" and > > it "could be" arthritis.  Ok, I bought it.  So….Last February, I > > woke up one day and had this huge blister at the top of my ear lobe, > > which turned crusty and yucky.  Called the Dr. about this too, no appt > > needed "It’s nothing". I had had crusty "stuff" at the top of my > > ears,many times in the past, but attributed it to Hair styling > > products…. Right after the blister, I developed this pain in my left > > thumb (feels like I pulled something in it), well it has never gone > > away and seems to be getting worse every day.  I can not use it with > > out extreme pain. I can not button, zip, open a jar or anything that > > uses direct pressure. Now about amonth ago, I developed a pain in my > > right elbow, and it seems to be radiating out and I can not straighten > > out my arm all the way with out pain.  The pain is continuous and hot > > at times like the heat of a candle is under the joint area, but more > > severe when use is necessary with hands and arm. I am not a medicine > > taker, but now I feel I find myself popping motrin all the time. > > I have had fatigue alot lately, (used to be insomniac, now my head > > hits the pillow and I am out until my alarm goes off, and I could use > > a nap in the afternoon, but kids don’t permit it.  Always cold…..and > > now somewhat depressed. (not suicidal but just kind of blue and could > > cry when the pain starts bad) I usually am a very happy person smiling > > all the time, but I feel like I am a little sad)???  I feel like I can > > not concentrate or finish a task. Is it ADD too? (hehehe) > > I have gained 10 pounds, due to fatigue and pain of working out.  I > > have always been a very strong "girl" but now I feel like a weakling. > > Here is my question:  My Grandfather had RA & Grandmother had OA.  My > > mother shows no traits of anything (73 and acts like 53).  I don’t > > want to sound like a hypochondriac or self diagnosing.  I have no > > siblings to compare to. > > Hubby is realatively supportive (but unless he is in pain he has > > little sympathy-not that he is uncaring – normal man reaction)(sorry > > boys reading this)…… But I have been living with some pain for > > some time, I know I am getting older, I can handle it, but this much > > pain all at once is weird. > > Any one care to comment? > > Leslie

Response:

Hi Leslie, Welcome to the group. I hope we can be of some help to you. I would suggest that you see a rheumatologist. You need to have blood work done to check for autoimmune problems, but also for thyroid function. A thyroid problem was the first thing that popped into my head when I read your post. It can be responsible for all sorts of things. The weight gain, fatigue and the "blue feeling" made me think in that direction. Please keep us informed as things unfold. Any blood test results you have would give us more to go on. Post them, if you would like to do so. We have another Leslie on board here. Could you add a number or letter to you signature, so we could keep you straight in our minds? We are easily confused around here. Well, I am anyway. <g

BJ-Sk. Canada "Leslie" <lgc…@verizon.net

wrote in message

news:7d45b675.0405090824.2d79b731@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi all.  New to board.  I have a few questions for all of you with lupus and the premiere diagnosis.  A little about my situation. I am 35, mother of 3(4 if you include hubby).  Last year I had pain in my right hand (ring & pinky) and some stiffness in my feet when I woke up. Talked to my Dr. and she basically said I was "getting older" and it "could be" arthritis.  Ok, I bought it.  So….Last February, I woke up one day and had this huge blister at the top of my ear lobe, which turned crusty and yucky.  Called the Dr. about this too, no appt needed "It’s nothing". I had had crusty "stuff" at the top of my ears,many times in the past, but attributed it to Hair styling products…. Right after the blister, I developed this pain in my left thumb (feels like I pulled something in it), well it has never gone away and seems to be getting worse every day.  I can not use it with out extreme pain. I can not button, zip, open a jar or anything that uses direct pressure. Now about amonth ago, I developed a pain in my right elbow, and it seems to be radiating out and I can not straighten out my arm all the way with out pain.  The pain is continuous and hot at times like the heat of a candle is under the joint area, but more severe when use is necessary with hands and arm. I am not a medicine taker, but now I feel I find myself popping motrin all the time. I have had fatigue alot lately, (used to be insomniac, now my head hits the pillow and I am out until my alarm goes off, and I could use a nap in the afternoon, but kids don’t permit it.  Always cold…..and now somewhat depressed. (not suicidal but just kind of blue and could cry when the pain starts bad) I usually am a very happy person smiling all the time, but I feel like I am a little sad)???  I feel like I can not concentrate or finish a task. Is it ADD too? (hehehe) I have gained 10 pounds, due to fatigue and pain of working out.  I have always been a very strong "girl" but now I feel like a weakling. Here is my question:  My Grandfather had RA & Grandmother had OA.  My mother shows no traits of anything (73 and acts like 53).  I don’t want to sound like a hypochondriac or self diagnosing.  I have no siblings to compare to. Hubby is realatively supportive (but unless he is in pain he has little sympathy-not that he is uncaring – normal man reaction)(sorry boys reading this)…… But I have been living with some pain for some time, I know I am getting older, I can handle it, but this much pain all at once is weird. Any one care to comment? Leslie

Response:

Hi all.  New to board.  I have a few questions for all of you with lupus and the premiere diagnosis.  A little about my situation. I am 35, mother of 3(4 if you include hubby).  Last year I had pain in my right hand (ring & pinky) and some stiffness in my feet when I woke up. Talked to my Dr. and she basically said I was "getting older" and it "could be" arthritis.  Ok, I bought it.  So….Last February, I woke up one day and had this huge blister at the top of my ear lobe, which turned crusty and yucky.  Called the Dr. about this too, no appt needed "It’s nothing". I had had crusty "stuff" at the top of my ears,many times in the past, but attributed it to Hair styling products…. Right after the blister, I developed this pain in my left thumb (feels like I pulled something in it), well it has never gone away and seems to be getting worse every day.  I can not use it with out extreme pain. I can not button, zip, open a jar or anything that uses direct pressure. Now about amonth ago, I developed a pain in my right elbow, and it seems to be radiating out and I can not straighten out my arm all the way with out pain.  The pain is continuous and hot at times like the heat of a candle is under the joint area, but more severe when use is necessary with hands and arm. I am not a medicine taker, but now I feel I find myself popping motrin all the time. I have had fatigue alot lately, (used to be insomniac, now my head hits the pillow and I am out until my alarm goes off, and I could use a nap in the afternoon, but kids don’t permit it.  Always cold…..and now somewhat depressed. (not suicidal but just kind of blue and could cry when the pain starts bad) I usually am a very happy person smiling all the time, but I feel like I am a little sad)???  I feel like I can not concentrate or finish a task. Is it ADD too? (hehehe) I have gained 10 pounds, due to fatigue and pain of working out.  I have always been a very strong "girl" but now I feel like a weakling. Here is my question:  My Grandfather had RA & Grandmother had OA.  My mother shows no traits of anything (73 and acts like 53).  I don’t want to sound like a hypochondriac or self diagnosing.  I have no siblings to compare to. Hubby is realatively supportive (but unless he is in pain he has little sympathy-not that he is uncaring – normal man reaction)(sorry boys reading this)…… But I have been living with some pain for some time, I know I am getting older, I can handle it, but this much pain all at once is weird. Any one care to comment? Leslie

Response:

Question:

Good luck on Monday, Dave. I hope you get answers. BJ-Sk. Canada "David Joberns" <david.jobe…@ntlworld.com

wrote in message

news:SVgQb.301$hF5.20@newsfep3-gui.server.ntli.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi, First may I thank everyone who responded to my initial posting about the possibility of me having drug induced Lupus. In particular from "J" and especially those posted by "J" today, which are most informative. I have an appointment with my doctor Monday afternoon (26th) and will arm myself with this information, together with a list of all the strange

things

I have experienced over the last ten years. It is beginning to look like systemic Lupus. Of course it all might be a false alarm, but the current state of my knees will take some explaining. Thanks again, and I will let you know what happens. Dave. — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.564 / Virus Database: 356 – Release Date: 19/01/04

Response:

Hi Dave! Welcome to the group.  I hope the doctor can get to the bottom of this. I read your other post  & saw that J & Shelagh were most helpful.  J is just brilliant!  She wears me out just reading it all. LOL!   Are you on several different meds for your high blood pressure?  Or just a high dose of one?  I can surely see why you can’t stop the meds & I’m sorry for that.  Everything I read seemed to say "stop the drug,"  but nothing about what to do if you couldn’t.  I guess that’s kinda obvious though.  Hopefully you won’t have serious complications & can control the symptoms with meds.   Will wait for your update & hope all your questions get answers. aHug4u, Maggie

Response:

Dave, I forgot to mention something on this post or would like to reiterate – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -J wrote:

David Joberns wrote: This is the first time I have been here, hello folks! In August last year I had, and still seem to have a Lupus flare, showing as inflammation pain in both knees but much worse in the right knee. X-rays show knees to be normal, ruling out Osteo-arthritis or Rheumatoid-arthritis, but doctor insists it is arthritis. It exactly fits Lupus which made me go thinking about other possible symptoms in the past. <snipped Any suggestions anyone? Hi Dave, if symptom relief is an issue, then we can certainly say what helps us. I don’t have inflammation showing in my shoulders but X-ray and ultrasound showed joint and liagament problems.

Mine’s osteoarthritis. (so too yours could be) then I think you mentioned kidney stones and proteins (I think the Lupus criteria said "persistent proteins" meaning over a period of time. http://www.nephrologychannel.com/proteinuria/ As kidney disease progresses, more protein enters the urine. People with nephrotic-range proteinuria typically have extensive glomeruli damage and usually develop nephrotic syndrome. Causes and Risk Factors Hypertension and diabetes are the two biggest risk factors for proteinuria. Old age and weight gain also increase the risk. The following conditions cause proteinuria: Acute glomerulonephritis Amyloidosis (protein deposits associated with chronic disease) Focal glomerulonephritis Hypertension IgA nephropathy Mesangial proliferation Minimal change disease [] There are certainly some here with kidney or glomerulonephritis problems, but looking at the above, they don’t necessarily connect directly to Lupus (ie there can be other causes). If you’ve had weight gain, you could look at your medications side effects, or get your thyroid function tested. (again, there’s some here with thyroid conditions, but it’s not in the Lupus criteria) (same for diabetes) You mentioned numbness down one leg.. certainly neuropathy can be part of Lupus. On the other hand, that type of thing can come from the lower back (see the Lumbar and Sacral sections here) http://www.eastbaychiropractic.com/which/howtheyconnect.html There are certainly people here with lower back or disc problems (but again that’s not in the criteria for Lupus). Actually my Dad’s butt bones started thinning around your same age and he did not have Lupus, so there’s quite a few things to rule out (I think before your doctor would consider sending you to a rheumatologist).  Unless he can do some basic bloodwork and see/find a very elevated ANA.  My brothers has been 1:640 or 1:1280 for many years, and he still isn’t deemed serious enough (in Canada) to be sent to a rheumatologist. So perhaps starting with a recheck of your kidney function, your thyroid, your ANA and a better type of scanning of your spine and knees? (while you wait for an appointment with a rheumatologist). Not that I’m denying that you *might* have Lupus. But there’s no point in getting there and him telling you you don’t have it or conversely, taking Lupus medications (which can have side effects) if you don’t have it and other treatments would be better for your various symptoms. Hope you understand. I don’t want you to be disappointed or viewed by doctors as a patient "looking for a diagnosis". Sometmes we lose credibility with them, if they get that impression. So I guess it starts with some basic (or rechecks) of some bloodwork. and have your lists ready for the doctor. J

Response:

In article <40104FA6.DA2FC…@execulink.com

, J

<philom…@execulink.com

wrote

[]

Andy and KC have FAQ’s as to what helps a lupie, what to avoid, tips about sun-sensitivity. etc when you get a chance to look through them.

(Actually it’s the same document) http://www.northeastlupus.org.uk/katfaq.htm — Andy [Chair, N E Lupus Group] See http://www.northeastlupus.org.uk for more!

Response:

I’ve heard of lupus being the result of using the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin. Check out http://www.bladder–infection.com/antibiotic_side_effects.html John

Response:

Hi, This is the first time I have been here, hello folks! In August last year I had, and still seem to have a Lupus flare, showing as inflammation pain in both knees but much worse in the right knee. X-rays show knees to be normal, ruling out Osteo-arthritis or Rheumatoid-arthritis, but doctor insists it is arthritis. It exactly fits Lupus which made me go thinking about other possible symptoms in the past. It seems I may have had Lupus for over ten years with various symptoms showing at different times then disappearing. None were reported to doctor as they are individually insignificant. I have severe hypertension and was under extreme stress for a long period about ten years ago. I have to have a quite heavy dose of anti hypertension drugs which apparently can cause Lupus, which apparently can cause hypertension! Hence a catch 22 situation. There is no question of coming off these drugs as without them my BP goes to 210/130, so it would be hello stroke! Any suggestions anyone? Dave. — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.564 / Virus Database: 356 – Release Date: 19/01/04

Response:

Hello to you too, Dave, and welcome. I don’t have anything to offer in the way of suggestions. I know some of the others will be of help. I just drop by to greet you. BJ-Sk. Canada "David Joberns" <david.jobe…@ntlworld.com

wrote in message

news:0ZSPb.137$9L4.573674@newsfep2-gui.server.ntli.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi, This is the first time I have been here, hello folks! In August last year

I

had, and still seem to have a Lupus flare, showing as inflammation pain in both knees but much worse in the right knee. X-rays show knees to be

normal,

ruling out Osteo-arthritis or Rheumatoid-arthritis, but doctor insists it

is

arthritis. It exactly fits Lupus which made me go thinking about other possible symptoms in the past. It seems I may have had Lupus for over ten years with various symptoms showing at different times then disappearing. None were reported to doctor as they are individually insignificant. I have severe hypertension and was under extreme stress for a long period about ten years ago. I have to have a quite heavy dose of anti hypertension drugs which apparently can cause Lupus, which apparently can cause hypertension! Hence

a

catch 22 situation. There is no question of coming off these drugs as without them my BP goes to 210/130, so it would be hello stroke! Any suggestions anyone? Dave. — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.564 / Virus Database: 356 – Release Date: 19/01/04

Response:

Drug-induced lupus erythematosus (DIL) is a syndrome, similar to systemic luspu erythematosus, caused by any of various drugs, such as hydralazine, procainamide, isoniazid, D-penicillamine, and chlorpromazine. It usually resolves following withdrawal fo the offending drug. Approximately 10% of idiopathic SLE are drug-induced. The incidence in the USA is 15,000 to 20,000 new cases annually. 75% of patients receiving procainamide therapy develop ANA within 1 year of treatment. Nearly 100% develop ANA within 2 years, most of them asymptomatic but 10-30% develop drug-induced lupus. Here is a link that will tell you more… and good luck to you!! http://tinyurl.com/2v5oq ((((Hugs)))) from Shelagh "David Joberns"  wrote in message

| Hi, | | This is the first time I have been here, hello folks! In August last year I | had, and still seem to have a Lupus flare, showing as inflammation pain in | both knees but much worse in the right knee. X-rays show knees to be normal, | ruling out Osteo-arthritis or Rheumatoid-arthritis, but doctor insists it is | arthritis. It exactly fits Lupus which made me go thinking about other | possible symptoms in the past. | | It seems I may have had Lupus for over ten years with various symptoms | showing at different times then disappearing. None were reported to doctor | as they are individually insignificant. I have severe hypertension and was | under extreme stress for a long period about ten years ago. | | I have to have a quite heavy dose of anti hypertension drugs which | apparently can cause Lupus, which apparently can cause hypertension! Hence a | catch 22 situation. There is no question of coming off these drugs as | without them my BP goes to 210/130, so it would be hello stroke! Any | suggestions anyone? | | Dave.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -David Joberns wrote:

This is the first time I have been here, hello folks! In August last year I had, and still seem to have a Lupus flare, showing as inflammation pain in both knees but much worse in the right knee. X-rays show knees to be normal, ruling out Osteo-arthritis or Rheumatoid-arthritis, but doctor insists it is arthritis. It exactly fits Lupus which made me go thinking about other possible symptoms in the past. It seems I may have had Lupus for over ten years with various symptoms showing at different times then disappearing. None were reported to doctor as they are individually insignificant. I have severe hypertension and was under extreme stress for a long period about ten years ago. I have to have a quite heavy dose of anti hypertension drugs which apparently can cause Lupus, which apparently can cause hypertension! Hence a catch 22 situation. There is no question of coming off these drugs as without them my BP goes to 210/130, so it would be hello stroke! Any suggestions anyone?

Hello Dave, I don’t have Lupus, but might fit the UCTD diagnosis. My brother might have it ..his name is Dave too but he can’t get near a rheumatologist to get the proper bloodwork done, so he’s off chasing down solutions for some of his symptoms and not having much luck unfortunately. Long story, elevated ANA for many years, not drug-induced as far as I can tell. There are some posts in this newsgroup’s archives about drug-induced Lupus (DILE) (and I think we’ve tossed some ideas around as to whether the person already had a tendency towards Lupus (or it or autoimmune runs in their family). So whether the drug makes it come to light, or it really is drug-induced. http://tinyurl.com/yqup6 Antibodies to histones (DNA packaging proteins) may be very helpful in determining whether a patient has drug induced lupus. These antibodies may be found in SLE as well. Antibodies to the Sm antigen are found almost exclusively in lupus, and when present, help to clinch the diagnosis of SLE.[] On the face of it, above, it sounds easy to rule Lupus out, but I don’t know bloodwork and that still leaves you with the symptoms and risks (that Shalagh posted .. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000446.htm There are quite a few here who are not "clinched" by bloodwork. and http://tinyurl.com/2ggg6 More men develop drug-induced lupus than women mainly because medications that produce drug-induced lupus are more frequently used in men. http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Lupus_… http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/1999/11_99/greenberg.htm So obviously, you do not want to stop your medication. And obviously you are welcome here. We "goof-post" in between serious posts, and sometimes post various informational posts, you can hop in to any thread wherever you feel like, if you care to stay here. Or if time is a problem, just pop in once in a while and let us know how you’re doing, so we’re not wondering 3-6 months later, what happened to "Dave"  etc etc. The questions would be which came first (chicken/egg) and what should be done about it. The two most frequently affected organs, aside the skin, are the brain and the kidneys. So if you did not want a formal diagnosis (by means of a rheumalogist), surely your primary care physician could monitor your kidney function? Also have to add that there are others here who have other organs attacked by their lupus or lupus-like syndrome and/or complicating factors. One reason to not get diagnosed is to first step up one’s various insurances so they can’t "pull" the "preexisting condition) and that might also include disability coverages at work.  As I understand it, it might also cover health and life insurance and when travelling also for premium costs. A reason to perhaps get diagnosed is if, at some point, the symptoms get so debillitating and one is not able to cope at work, it might help somewhat with claiming a disability pension, but then some have mild Lupus, so the defining for disability purposes, very much depends on the various symptoms and severity. of disability, as opposed to the name of the disease. I’ll post more in a bit. J

Response:

Hi, First may I thank everyone who responded to my initial posting about the possibility of me having drug induced Lupus. In particular from "J" and especially those posted by "J" today, which are most informative. I have an appointment with my doctor Monday afternoon (26th) and will arm myself with this information, together with a list of all the strange things I have experienced over the last ten years. It is beginning to look like systemic Lupus. Of course it all might be a false alarm, but the current state of my knees will take some explaining. Thanks again, and I will let you know what happens. Dave. — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.564 / Virus Database: 356 – Release Date: 19/01/04

Response:

David Joberns wrote:

This is the first time I have been here, hello folks! In August last year I had, and still seem to have a Lupus flare, showing as inflammation pain in both knees but much worse in the right knee. X-rays show knees to be normal, ruling out Osteo-arthritis or Rheumatoid-arthritis, but doctor insists it is arthritis. It exactly fits Lupus which made me go thinking about other possible symptoms in the past. <snipped Any suggestions anyone?

Hi Dave, if symptom relief is an issue, then we can certainly say what helps us. I don’t have inflammation showing in my shoulders but X-ray and ultrasound showed joint and liagament problems. sometimes it responds to heat, then cold, sometimes anti-inflammatories take the edge off, sometimes cortisone injections took the edge off, but I’ve not found the solution because anti-inflammatories can be hard on the gut, but we have to each try the least potentially damaging, yet help with the symptoms so we can sleep and be functional. "Functional" is all in the defining.  If a person works, obviously they have to sleep well and if pain keeps them awake, then that’s more of a problem, than a person who can sleep when they want and do stuff at home (or elsewhere) whenever they wish. I’ve had 3 steroid injections to same joint in both shoulders.  One helped a bit, the others effect barely lasted and there’s a limit to how many injections can be given without tearing up the soft tissue.  I’ve got a Ct-guided steroid injecton to try in a week or so. If that doesn’t work, I’m on my own. And mine is osteoarthritis with complicating factors.(or so they tell me). I hear there’s 100’s of types of arthritis. and probably as many types of meds. I also have fibromyalgia which comes with stiff joints, so various other joints creak and hurt. Some get relief from one type of Glucosamine (Sulfate or Chronditin?)..I forget which should not be taken by lupies. I think it’s expensive and OTC.  It’s something to try maybe if your doctor agrees.  Maybe someone here can remind us of which one a lupie should not take. (or try to search on the warnings on each). Do you sleep ok?  If not, I always suggest an overnight sleep study first to make sure there’s no known sleep disorders. My brother has severe sleep apnea. I have restless legs and myoclonus. he’s on Bi-Pap, I’m on a medication for mine. He’s on 2 sleep meds also for stress and to help fall asleep. he’s always slept a long time, that often seems characteristic more of lupies than fibro people. Oh and some have anemias, so your doctor would /should be checking your bloodwork on a regular basis, in case something treatable can be picked up that way. Andy and KC have FAQ’s as to what helps a lupie, what to avoid, tips about sun-sensitivity. etc when you get a chance to look through them.  If you have specific questions, post away. We’ll help as best we can. Phew ! that’s enough for now (for me). Post anytime. J

Response:

Question:

: : However I did indeed express myself badly. My question was not about : the thyroid or the malady itself (I have fairly good notions on what : it’s all about) but its *relationship to DM*. My physician hinted that : it was one of the innumerable complications of DM but I didn’t want to : waste his time with this (he is a big shot here and people are waiting : several months before getting an appointment) and he seemed to consider : it with indifference. And NO I am *not* treated for it at all, be it : with pills or shots or whatever. : : I had always been told that in the beginning stages of DM (before : treatment that is) one feels always tired because of lack os glucose in : the muscle cells. However I *am* treated — since 13 years — with : rather good success (latest HbA1c = 7.4), so it can’t be that. And all : along I have always been the "tired" sort of Guy, so I probably had it : before DM at all… : : — : To get to real sender replace nemo with me Actually in none of your posts you state what your T3/T4/TSH levels came back as, so it’s hard to tell if it’s hypothyroid or not. An A1C of 7.4 by standards around here isn’t very good, sorry to say. The ADA suggests under 7.0. I would have to say with a A1C of 7.4 you’re still running quite high after meals which is what is making you tired not the hypothyroid. If you have hypothyroid your doctor should have put you on a oral med for it and requested you come back for another blood test in 6-8weeks to check the new levels. This I know, my daughter was just dx’d with hypothyroid 5 weeks ago. RK T1 -5/00

Response:

However I did indeed express myself badly. My question was not about the thyroid or the malady itself (I have fairly good notions on what it’s all about) but its *relationship to DM*.

There may be no interesting, discernible connection, or there could be a very strong connection. Both conditions are sometimes the result of an auto-immune disorder, in which beta-cell function & thyroid function are degraded by the patient’s own immune system. If you are a type-1 or "type 1.5" (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adulthood), this would seem a very real possibility. On the other hand, if you are insulin-resistant, I think it must be less likely. Cf. my previous post in alt.support. thyroid (09/20/2002) for some interesting information on thyroid test results.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks to all those on the NG that have taken the time to respond. However I did indeed express myself badly. My question was not about the thyroid or the malady itself (I have fairly good notions on what it’s all about) but its *relationship to DM*. My physician hinted that it was one of the innumerable complications of DM but I didn’t want to waste his time with this (he is a big shot here and people are waiting several months before getting an appointment) and he seemed to consider it with indifference. And NO I am *not* treated for it at all, be it with pills or shots or whatever. I had always been told that in the beginning stages of DM (before treatment that is) one feels always tired because of lack os glucose in the muscle cells. However I *am* treated — since 13 years — with rather good success (latest HbA1c = 7.4), so it can’t be that. And all along I have always been the "tired" sort of Guy, so I probably had it before DM at all…

Both are auto-immune disorders.  So is psoriasis.  Some people think there is a connection between diabetes and psoriasis too.   I know some people who had one, two or all three of these problems.  I don’t think they are necessarily related, but I’m no Dr. or scientist. — Type 2 http://users.bestweb.net/~jbove/

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  Actually in none of your posts you state what your T3/T4/TSH levels came  back as, so it’s hard to tell if it’s hypothyroid or not. I cannot tell you what these are, I have not been told (measured?). The dx of hypothyroidism was made by the University Hospital and stated as such in those few words.  An A1C of 7.4 by standards around here isn’t very good, sorry to say. The  ADA suggests under 7.0. I would have to say with a A1C of 7.4 you’re still  running quite high after meals which is what is making you tired not the  hypothyroid. Before my bypass in November I used to be at 6.5-6.8 for years. Over here 7.4 is not considered dramatic; moreover the precise value depends on the Lab that measures it…  If you have hypothyroid your doctor should have put you on a oral med for it  and requested you come back for another blood test in 6-8weeks to check the  new levels. This I know, my daughter was just dx’d with hypothyroid 5 weeks  ago. Well, he didn’t. If that were the only thing wrong with me, he might have done it I suppose, but I have more important troubles and you cannot overload a patient with massive medication, which might moreover not be compatible with the other previous ones.

Sounds to me like you need a different Dr.  Thyroid problems MUST be treated.  There is far more to low thyroid than just feeling tired.  In fact, once you get the proper treatment for your thyroid, you’ll probably find that your BG (blood glucose/sugar) improves and you won’t have such a hard time with it.  Low thyroid is commonly treated with Synthroid.  You normally take one pill daily and it comes in a variety of strengths.  It is one of the oldest, most safe drugs you could take. — Type 2 http://users.bestweb.net/~jbove/

Response:

 Actually in none of your posts you state what your T3/T4/TSH levels came  back as, so it’s hard to tell if it’s hypothyroid or not.

I cannot tell you what these are, I have not been told (measured?). The dx of hypothyroidism was made by the University Hospital and stated as such in those few words.  An A1C of 7.4 by standards around here isn’t very good, sorry to say. The  ADA suggests under 7.0. I would have to say with a A1C of 7.4 you’re still  running quite high after meals which is what is making you tired not the  hypothyroid.

Before my bypass in November I used to be at 6.5-6.8 for years. Over here 7.4 is not considered dramatic; moreover the precise value depends on the Lab that measures it…  If you have hypothyroid your doctor should have put you on a oral med for it  and requested you come back for another blood test in 6-8weeks to check the  new levels. This I know, my daughter was just dx’d with hypothyroid 5 weeks  ago.

Well, he didn’t. If that were the only thing wrong with me, he might have done it I suppose, but I have more important troubles and you cannot overload a patient with massive medication, which might moreover not be compatible with the other previous ones. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  RK  T1 -5/00

Response:

: :  Actually in none of your posts you state what your T3/T4/TSH levels came :  back as, so it’s hard to tell if it’s hypothyroid or not. : : I cannot tell you what these are, I have not been told (measured?). The : dx of hypothyroidism was made by the University Hospital and stated as : such in those few words. : You should always ask for your lab results, many times what one doctor thinks isn’t important might be serious harm to you. :  An A1C of 7.4 by standards around here isn’t very good, sorry to say. The :  ADA suggests under 7.0. I would have to say with a A1C of 7.4 you’re still :  running quite high after meals which is what is making you tired not the :  hypothyroid. : : Before my bypass in November I used to be at 6.5-6.8 for years. Over : here 7.4 is not considered dramatic; moreover the precise value depends : on the Lab that measures it… Lab values shouldn’t be higher then 7.0 at least they aren’t in the states. You should read up on the DCCT. Very good info on keeping your bG’s within normal range the best you can. 7.0 is NOT normal range for anyone. : :  If you have hypothyroid your doctor should have put you on a oral med for it :  and requested you come back for another blood test in 6-8weeks to check the :  new levels. This I know, my daughter was just dx’d with hypothyroid 5 weeks :  ago. : : Well, he didn’t. If that were the only thing wrong with me, he might : have done it I suppose, but I have more important troubles and you : cannot overload a patient with massive medication, which might moreover : not be compatible with the other previous ones. Well.. then I’d fire that doctor. Some of your other problems MIGHT be Thyroid related. I took my daughter in because of irregular periods and consitpation. The doctor said that was normal for a teenager. She did say however, just because I’m diabetic she’d like to run a full blood panel on her just to make sure she was okay. w0w! It was her thyroid. If they said you’re hypothroid, get your lab results and question the hell out of them as to why they don’t have you on any medication and having you come back for blood tests. I also suggest you post this to alt.support.thyroid for more suggestions. Good Luck. : :  RK :  T1 -5/00

Response:

  Folks,   have recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism

[snip]  That means low thyroid. You are probably taking pills for that and will need  blood testing to assure that you are on the correct dose.

Thanks to all those on the NG that have taken the time to respond. However I did indeed express myself badly. My question was not about the thyroid or the malady itself (I have fairly good notions on what it’s all about) but its *relationship to DM*. My physician hinted that it was one of the innumerable complications of DM but I didn’t want to waste his time with this (he is a big shot here and people are waiting several months before getting an appointment) and he seemed to consider it with indifference. And NO I am *not* treated for it at all, be it with pills or shots or whatever. I had always been told that in the beginning stages of DM (before treatment that is) one feels always tired because of lack os glucose in the muscle cells. However I *am* treated — since 13 years — with rather good success (latest HbA1c = 7.4), so it can’t be that. And all along I have always been the "tired" sort of Guy, so I probably had it before DM at all… — To get to real sender replace nemo with me

Response:

Folks, have recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism (hope this is correct neither English nor American is my native language). Can someone on the NG expalin what it’s all about and/or gimme a URL? Thank you. My situation: DM 1.x (ie type II requiring insulin) since 89, Lantus 25IU, NovoRapid 4, 5, 6 IU resp before the meals (over here breakfast is a small meal, lunch and dinner are big ones).

That means low thyroid. You are probably taking pills for that and will need blood testing to assure that you are on the correct dose. — Type 2 http://users.bestweb.net/~jbove/

Response:

Folks, have recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism (hope this is correct neither English nor American is my native language). Can someone on the NG expalin what it’s all about and/or gimme a URL? Thank you. My situation: DM 1.x (ie type II requiring insulin) since 89, Lantus 25IU, NovoRapid 4, 5, 6 IU resp before the meals (over here breakfast is a small meal, lunch and dinner are big ones). — To get to real sender replace nemo with me

Response:

I did a google search, and this is the first one I came up with: http://www.endocrineweb.com/hypo1.html We have a couple of people here who have the problem. I am sure you will get some good advise soon. Your English/American is very good by the way. Good Luck, Sleepy Folks, have recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism (hope this is correct neither English nor American is my native language). Can someone on the NG expalin what it’s all about and/or gimme a URL? Thank you. My situation: DM 1.x (ie type II requiring insulin) since 89, Lantus 25IU, NovoRapid 4, 5, 6 IU resp before the meals (over here breakfast is a small meal, lunch and dinner are big ones).

I don

Question:

0.8 is an ideal level according to medical practice.  For most below .5 is too little and above 1.2-1.5 (it varies according to the source) it becomes toxic.  Dropping one cap a week will not make too much difference in your overall levels.  If you think it helps and you have no adverse results, I guess it doesn’t matter. c

Thanks Colleen, Actually, I only did the once a week thing until my gastro problem stabilized; now that it has i only do this when i feel overly laden with lithium or have diarrhea again.  I really do try to follow my dr.’s orders – it’s just that this drug fluctuates according to so many conditions — e.g. high heat, sweating, flu, dieting, dehydration — i am sure you know. Squiggles

Response:

When I was taking it my pdoc did blood tests three times per year.  That might give you a better idea of where you stand with it. c

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 0.8 is an ideal level according to medical practice.  For most below .5 is too little and above 1.2-1.5 (it varies according to the source) it becomes toxic.  Dropping one cap a week will not make too much difference in your overall levels.  If you think it helps and you have no adverse results, I guess it doesn’t matter. c Thanks Colleen, Actually, I only did the once a week thing until my gastro problem stabilized; now that it has i only do this when i feel overly laden with lithium or have diarrhea again.  I really do try to follow my dr.’s orders – it’s just that this drug fluctuates according to so many conditions — e.g. high heat, sweating, flu, dieting, dehydration — i am sure you know. Squiggles

Response:

When I was taking it my pdoc did blood tests three times per year.  That might give you a better idea of where you stand with it. c

Well it gives me an idea of where i stand with my doctor anyway Just kidding; the reasons why i only get checked once a year is probably because i have been on lithium over 20 years.  And my dr. has said that i should make an appointment whenever i feel unwell.  I hate to appear as a hypochondriac and i guess i am a control-freak, so i only go when my prescription is to be renewed – which is given for one year. Squiggles

Response:

Your doctor told you you could have it done more often.  If it has you worried, get the blood work done.  At least you know where you stand. c

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When I was taking it my pdoc did blood tests three times per year.  That might give you a better idea of where you stand with it. c Well it gives me an idea of where i stand with my doctor anyway Just kidding; the reasons why i only get checked once a year is probably because i have been on lithium over 20 years.  And my dr. has said that i should make an appointment whenever i feel unwell.  I hate to appear as a hypochondriac and i guess i am a control-freak, so i only go when my prescription is to be renewed – which is given for one year. Squiggles

Response:

Your doctor told you you could have it done more often.  If it has you worried, get the blood work done.  At least you know where you stand. c

Yes, i should cooperate more; it sounds like you are familiar with my doctor or hospital – or maybe i just forgot past posts. Squiggles

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I remember a lot of your past posts.  It seems like you go through this doubtful phase a lot.  Just thought it might be better if you had the levels checked more often to give you some peace of mind. c

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Your doctor told you you could have it done more often.  If it has you worried, get the blood work done.  At least you know where you stand. c Yes, i should cooperate more; it sounds like you are familiar with my doctor or hospital – or maybe i just forgot past posts. Squiggles

Response:

permanently into the ether: 0.8 is an ideal level according to medical practice.  For most below .5 is too little and above 1.2-1.5 (it varies according to the source) it becomes toxic.  Dropping one cap a week will not make too much difference in your overall levels.  If you think it helps and you have no adverse results, I guess it doesn’t matter.

When I get to .8 or .9, I start getting toxic symptoms and it screws with my thyroid levels.  I do best around .5 to .6.  Lithium is one medication I’m very sensitive to.  A little goes a long way with me. <g My pdoc’s policy is (once stabilized on lithium and meds) to test every 3 months if you are at .8 or above.  I test about every 6 months.  He tests every time you see him while you are adjusting to medications.   FYI, Nancy administrator/creator/moderator alt.med.fibromyalgia.recovery.info (moderated) alt.support.depression.manic.moderated to email me from news groups, just remove the Z.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – permanently into the ether: 0.8 is an ideal level according to medical practice.  For most below .5 is too little and above 1.2-1.5 (it varies according to the source) it becomes toxic.  Dropping one cap a week will not make too much difference in your overall levels.  If you think it helps and you have no adverse results, I guess it doesn’t matter. When I get to .8 or .9, I start getting toxic symptoms and it screws with my thyroid levels.  I do best around .5 to .6.  Lithium is one medication I’m very sensitive to.  A little goes a long way with me. <g My pdoc’s policy is (once stabilized on lithium and meds) to test every 3 months if you are at .8 or above.  I test about every 6 months.  He tests every time you see him while you are adjusting to medications. FYI,

Thanks Nancy, I agree that this drug has much leeway per person; I now go by body sensitivity because a measured therapeutic range is not necessarily non-toxic esp. after taking it for so many years, and under different conditions (e.g. i am presently hypothyroidic);  I could go for bloods – last time i went to emergency it was 1.2 – the technician told me to be careful (he was French so i did not understand exactly) and to listen to my body, and the ER dr. said i just had anxiety and i was in the OK therapeutic range; but i sure felt toxic at that level.  So, you see i give off hypochondriac vibes – i think it is my sex and appearance. Squiggles

Response:

I found 1.2 to be toxic for me.  You had the same level so maybe you should consider having the blood work done a little more often.  It’d be nice if they made a meter for it like they do for diabetes.  Probably not enough money in it to make it worth while. c

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – etched permanently into the ether: 0.8 is an ideal level according to medical practice.  For most below .5 is too little and above 1.2-1.5 (it varies according to the source) it becomes toxic.  Dropping one cap a week will not make too much difference in your overall levels.  If you think it helps and you have no adverse results, I guess it doesn’t matter. When I get to .8 or .9, I start getting toxic symptoms and it screws with my thyroid levels.  I do best around .5 to .6.  Lithium is one medication I’m very sensitive to.  A little goes a long way with me. <g My pdoc’s policy is (once stabilized on lithium and meds) to test every 3 months if you are at .8 or above.  I test about every 6 months.  He tests every time you see him while you are adjusting to medications. FYI, Thanks Nancy, I agree that this drug has much leeway per person; I now go by body sensitivity because a measured therapeutic range is not necessarily non-toxic esp. after taking it for so many years, and under different conditions (e.g. i am presently hypothyroidic);  I could go for bloods – last time i went to emergency it was 1.2 – the technician told me to be careful (he was French so i did not understand exactly) and to listen to my body, and the ER dr. said i just had anxiety and i was in the OK therapeutic range; but i sure felt toxic at that level.  So, you see i give off hypochondriac vibes – i think it is my sex and appearance. Squiggles

Response:

I found 1.2 to be toxic for me.  You had the same level so maybe you should consider having the blood work done a little more often.  It’d be nice if they made a meter for it like they do for diabetes.  Probably not enough money in it to make it worth while. c

I’ve been flooding all the psych sites for this for years; a li-detector – i even contacted medical instrument companies. It would be great! Unfortunately, i think not enough people are taking it to make the gadget cost effective. Any ideas? Squiggles

Response:

I think you’re right.  It isn’t like a diabetic monitor where a lot of people need it.  Lithium and BP are pretty low on the priority list.  I think someday they will have test for neurotransmitter levels.  This would definately have a much bigger market. c

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I found 1.2 to be toxic for me.  You had the same level so maybe you should consider having the blood work done a little more often.  It’d be nice if they made a meter for it like they do for diabetes.  Probably not enough money in it to make it worth while. c I’ve been flooding all the psych sites for this for years; a li-detector – i even contacted medical instrument companies. It would be great! Unfortunately, i think not enough people are taking it to make the gadget cost effective. Any ideas? Squiggles

Response:

Yeah, I think our "normals" for Li are higher here.  I do know that for me if it was more than .8 I’d feel awful and have the shakes so badly I couldn’t paint.  It does work though.  It gave me the first tast of normal in years.  At least now I have a baseline from which to work.  It seems to be a never-ending quest for the right med cocktail.  Oh well…it used to be martinis.  ;) c

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 0.8 is an ideal level according to medical practice.  For most below .5 is too little and above 1.2-1.5 (it varies according to the source) it becomes toxic.  Dropping one cap a week will not make too much difference in your overall levels.  If you think it helps and you have no adverse results, I guess it doesn’t matter. Here (Sweden) they try to keep you between 0.5 – 0.8, only when absolutely needed they raise the upper limit to 1.0-1.2. Also, concentration tests are done every 3 months, every 6 months they do other tests (think it was kidney function and thyroid) and every year they do liver bloodwork and lots more (b/c BP patients usually take other stuff too, that’s why the liver test is included). /petri

Response:

0.8 is an ideal level according to medical practice.  For most below .5 is too little and above 1.2-1.5 (it varies according to the source) it becomes toxic.  Dropping one cap a week will not make too much difference in your overall levels.  If you think it helps and you have no adverse results, I guess it doesn’t matter. c

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I skipped the 3rd lithium cap last night (routine is 900mg per day in 3 caps); sometimes the third one at night gives me neck/head tremor but it definitely knocks me out.  So, when i skip as i did last night it took 20 minutes or so to fall asleep instead of 5. I had less thirst last night urinated less this a.m. I woke feeling more refreshed and lighter on my feet with greater concentration and mobility of body. My hands were tingling during the night and i had a lot more dreams. So, i guess it did me good. I avoid doing this more often than once a week, but experience showed that doing it say every 3 days, is very hard to adjust again – i guess the blood level drops and shoots up on re-entry It is my opinion that my lithium level is too high relative to my Synthroid dose (which was reduced from 0.155 to 0.112 some years ago).  However, my dr. says that my lithium level is "in the normal range" i.e. he looked at my record and it showed 0.8 last year and the year before.  That’s a once-a year blood draw. Squiggles

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Hi, I skipped the 3rd lithium cap last night (routine is 900mg per day in 3 caps); sometimes the third one at night gives me neck/head tremor but it definitely knocks me out.  So, when i skip as i did last night it took 20 minutes or so to fall asleep instead of 5. I had less thirst last night urinated less this a.m. I woke feeling more refreshed and lighter on my feet with greater concentration and mobility of body. My hands were tingling during the night and i had a lot more dreams. So, i guess it did me good. I avoid doing this more often than once a week, but experience showed that doing it say every 3 days, is very hard to adjust again – i guess the blood level drops and shoots up on re-entry It is my opinion that my lithium level is too high relative to my Synthroid dose (which was reduced from 0.155 to 0.112 some years ago).  However, my dr. says that my lithium level is "in the normal range" i.e. he looked at my record and it showed 0.8 last year and the year before.  That’s a once-a year blood draw. Squiggles

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Question:

Visit http://www.medipetcare.com for a drug-free therapy which is highly effective in combating canine arthritis – without the need for all those harmful drugs.

Response:

<< He’s the love of my life. I’m so happy he doesn’t have cancer. I’m happy for you and Dmitri. Candace (take the litter out before replying by e-mail) See my cats: http://photos.yahoo.com/maccandace

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have WONDERFUL news! His tumor was a fatty tumor (lipoma), although they did do a needle biopsy to be sure. (Results back in a few days) But the doctor was certain it was just a fatty tumor and not cancerous. YAY! I’m SO relieved over that. His limp is arthritis in his elbow, so he’s going to take Prednisone for a few days and I’m also putting him on Glucosamine. (Anyone have any other remedies for arthritis?) His bloodwork just came back, and his renal is all just perfect. His blood sugar was a little bit high (163), but she said by the time they drew his blood, he was frightened, and that sends the blood sugar up a bit. So she wasn’t worried about that. The only thing from his blood work was his liver enzymes, which were a bit higher than the last time his blood was tested. However, she said it’s not unexpected in a geriatric cat, and that we’ll test him again in six months. She didn’t seem overly concerned about it, other than to keep an eye on it (and I asked for liver failure symptoms, and he has none of those, but I’ll be on the watch for them). My poor old man cat, but he’s so happy. He did so well for all the needles (plus had an anal gland expression, which he hates, but makes him feel better). He’s only got one canine left and now he has arthritis. He’s the love of my life. I’m so happy he doesn’t have cancer. I keep thinking I should get him a baby kitten. He loves everybody.

I’m so pleased to hear this (-: Keep up the good work. If you do decide to get him a little friend, I’d suggest an older cat rather than a kitten – they find it harder to find homes so you’d be doing the cat a good turn, and an older cat would be more mature and less overwhelming for Dmitri. Good luck Helen — * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tanya’s UK Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Centre:                             http://www.felinecrf.org

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyway, I just have to wait it out until his appointment and pray that it’s a fatty tumor or something. I’ll report back tonight when I learn something…and thank you for asking about him. I have WONDERFUL news! His tumor was a fatty tumor (lipoma), although they did do a needle biopsy to be sure. (Results back in a few days) But the doctor was certain it was just a fatty tumor and not cancerous. YAY! I’m SO relieved over that. His limp is arthritis in his elbow, so he’s going to take Prednisone for a few days and I’m also putting him on Glucosamine. (Anyone have any other remedies for arthritis?) His bloodwork just came back, and his renal is all just perfect. His blood sugar was a little bit high (163), but she said by the time they drew his blood, he was frightened, and that sends the blood sugar up a bit. So she wasn’t worried about that. The only thing from his blood work was his liver enzymes, which were a bit higher than the last time his blood was tested. However, she said it’s not unexpected in a geriatric cat, and that we’ll test him again in six months. She didn’t seem overly concerned about it, other than to keep an eye on it (and I asked for liver failure symptoms, and he has none of those, but I’ll be on the watch for them). My poor old man cat, but he’s so happy. He did so well for all the needles (plus had an anal gland expression, which he hates, but makes him feel better). He’s only got one canine left and now he has arthritis. He’s the love of my life. I’m so happy he doesn’t have cancer. I keep thinking I should get him a baby kitten. He loves everybody. Juls Dmitri and his squirrel friends: http://www.ect.org/birdcam/pix/

Excellent news!! I have been wondering too. Karen

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Anyway, I just have to wait it out until his appointment and pray that it’s a fatty tumor or something. I’ll report back tonight when I learn something…and thank you for asking about him.

I have WONDERFUL news! His tumor was a fatty tumor (lipoma), although they did do a needle biopsy to be sure. (Results back in a few days) But the doctor was certain it was just a fatty tumor and not cancerous. YAY! I’m SO relieved over that. His limp is arthritis in his elbow, so he’s going to take Prednisone for a few days and I’m also putting him on Glucosamine. (Anyone have any other remedies for arthritis?) His bloodwork just came back, and his renal is all just perfect. His blood sugar was a little bit high (163), but she said by the time they drew his blood, he was frightened, and that sends the blood sugar up a bit. So she wasn’t worried about that. The only thing from his blood work was his liver enzymes, which were a bit higher than the last time his blood was tested. However, she said it’s not unexpected in a geriatric cat, and that we’ll test him again in six months. She didn’t seem overly concerned about it, other than to keep an eye on it (and I asked for liver failure symptoms, and he has none of those, but I’ll be on the watch for them). My poor old man cat, but he’s so happy. He did so well for all the needles (plus had an anal gland expression, which he hates, but makes him feel better). He’s only got one canine left and now he has arthritis. He’s the love of my life. I’m so happy he doesn’t have cancer. I keep thinking I should get him a baby kitten. He loves everybody. Juls Dmitri and his squirrel friends: http://www.ect.org/birdcam/pix/

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Helen’s in the UK, so she’s probably asleep by now… she’ll probably answer you tomorrow.  She has a great site for CRF, doesn’t she?  I used it, a lot, for when my 15 -16 yr. old cat was in CRF.  In the meantime… It’s such a fantastic website. Even if a person has a cat with another illness, there are some very comforting words about the end of life of a beloved friend. It really touched me.

Thank you for your kind words (-: I don’t recall seeing you post about how you got on? Hope everything went well. Helen — * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tanya’s UK Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Centre:                             http://www.felinecrf.org

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Thank you for your kind words (-: I don’t recall seeing you post about how you got on? Hope everything went well.

Unbelievably, I ended up sick from a terrible flu, missed the holidays being in bed and am just taking him to see the doc this afternoon. :::sigh::: However, Dmitri was as always, a wonderful nursemaid and fawned over me. But last night, I was petting him and discovered a lump/swelling on his side, feels like it’s on his ribcage. I was up all night crying and trying to find information on the internet, and my best guess is I won’t know until his doctor actually has a look at it. (And probably a needle biopsy) I’ve lost my last two pet friends (a dog and cat) both to cancer, and am just sick with worry that he’s now got it too. I’ve been almost obsessed about stomach cancer, rushing him off to the vet every time he vomits, because my Alex died of horrible stomach cancer. His lump feels hard, about the size of a walnut, but it’s not that well defined. It’s almost as if I’m not sure there’s really a lump there, but then I press around on him again, and it’s definitely there. But he doesn’t wince at all when I push on it. Anyway, I just have to wait it out until his appointment and pray that it’s a fatty tumor or something. I’ll report back tonight when I learn something…and thank you for asking about him. Juls

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Whiskers, Thank you so much for such great info! WIth his anal gland and constipation problems, I added canned pumpkin to his canned food (Hills WD from the vet), and it helped some, but the vet said his anal glands are so bad that he really needs to come in and have them squeezed about every 6-8 weeks. I’m going to give all of these additives a try. I still haven’t gotten him to the doctor – I ended up in bed with a nasty flu myself, and I have to say he’s been a wonderful foot warmer and very doting over me. It’s sweet, although I try not to cough on him. Juls – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Juls,     Could be arthritis or just an injury from jumping. I have a chubby one too and she limps from time to time.     Best bet is Glucosamine and Vitamin C. Start with just a few grains of powdered Vit C and work up to about 500mg or more as tolerated by the bowels (too much and diahrrea is the result). If that happens back off a little for a few days and then add just a little more C once the bowel has hardened back up. Glucosamine is good at about 500mg per day. Again, start with a small amount and increase at about two week intervals. Both these can be purchased in powder form to sprinkle on the food (preferably a little canned food).     The Vitamin C also helps with the constipation as will Flax Seed Meal. This can be purchased rather inexpensively at a health food store (make sure you get the meal). Add to Dmitri’s food with the Glucosamine and Vit C. I now use about 1/8th to a 1/4 teaspoon a day for my chubby old girl Scats. She was having horrible anal gland problems and severe constipation. This has helped her tremendously. Do make sure that you have the anal glands checked about every six months, just in case, at the beginning of this treatment. You can keep Dmitri on this for the rest of his life as it will only enhance his own natural healing systems.  Excellent source for the Vit C is www.belfield.com. Dr. Belfield is a vet who produces a very good line of nutrients for animals. His Mega C Plus is really great as they get the Vit C and all the other goodies they need. My cats really like it.

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Just in case warning: do not give your cat baby aspirin unless prescribed by a vet.  A minute amount is given, every "x" days.  Aspirin is *very* toxic to cats given in the wrong dosage. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble")  Paul Simon

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll take him to the doctor tomorrow, but am wondering if anyone has had this and what it could be? Arthritis maybe? My 10 year old Boots has a limp. Doc said he pulled his leg a little bit and probably has some arthritis. Two days later he was limping worse so I took him back in to the vet. The vet said the same thing and told me to quit dragging him to the vet They gave him some anti-inflams. I’ve also heard doctors prescribe baby aspirin but I would definitely ask your vet. It could just be old age.

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Juls,     Could be arthritis or just an injury from jumping. I have a chubby one too and she limps from time to time.     Best bet is Glucosamine and Vitamin C. Start with just a few grains of powdered Vit C and work up to about 500mg or more as tolerated by the bowels (too much and diahrrea is the result). If that happens back off a little for a few days and then add just a little more C once the bowel has hardened back up. Glucosamine is good at about 500mg per day. Again, start with a small amount and increase at about two week intervals. Both these can be purchased in powder form to sprinkle on the food (preferably a little canned food).     The Vitamin C also helps with the constipation as will Flax Seed Meal. This can be purchased rather inexpensively at a health food store (make sure you get the meal). Add to Dmitri’s food with the Glucosamine and Vit C. I now use about 1/8th to a 1/4 teaspoon a day for my chubby old girl Scats. She was having horrible anal gland problems and severe constipation. This has helped her tremendously. Do make sure that you have the anal glands checked about every six months, just in case, at the beginning of this treatment. You can keep Dmitri on this for the rest of his life as it will only enhance his own natural healing systems.  Excellent source for the Vit C is www.belfield.com. Dr. Belfield is a vet who produces a very good line of nutrients for animals. His Mega C Plus is really great as they get the Vit C and all the other goodies they need. My cats really like it. Whiskers – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Organization: MindSpring Enterprises Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats.health+behav Dmitri (age 12) has been slightly limping on his front left leg. I’ve had to make him walk from room to room and can only notice it when he’s coming towards me, so it’s not a heavy limp, but it’s definitely there. I’ll take him to the doctor tomorrow, but am wondering if anyone has had this and what it could be? Arthritis maybe? He isn’t allowed outside, so couldn’t be that kind of injury, unless maybe he jumped off the couch wrong and I didn’t notice it. I’ve looked at his paw and have done a complete (hard) feel of his leg and paw, and he didn’t wince or cry. There doesn’t seem to be any pain anywhere, just this slight limp. His health problems are: bad teeth (only has one canine left and has bad tartar problems); kind of fat, though losing (LOL) – his doc put him on a special diet and he’s gone from 20 to 16 at last checkup; and he has anal gland problems, as soon as they squeeze them, they fill back up. He also has constipation sometimes and I make him eat pumpkin. His bowels are always hard, even on the pumpkin diet. Other than that, he seems to feel fine, is always happy, plays with his toy mice (although that has considerably slowed down over the years), and appetite is still too good. It’s like he has a hollow leg, and he’s never NOT hungry. The more gravy, the better. Any ideas would be appreciated. I fuss over him and worry too much. Thanks, Juls

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I’ll take him to the doctor tomorrow, but am wondering if anyone has had this and what it could be? Arthritis maybe?

My 10 year old Boots has a limp. Doc said he pulled his leg a little bit and probably has some arthritis. Two days later he was limping worse so I took him back in to the vet. The vet said the same thing and told me to quit dragging him to the vet They gave him some anti-inflams. I’ve also heard doctors prescribe baby aspirin but I would definitely ask your vet. It could just be old age.

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My cat topaz had a bit of limp in her front leg as she got older. I had it checked at the vet as well..  part of the aging process..   I agree with Mary about getting some meds from the vet. Good luck, I hope your cat will be well.. Sharon

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Helen’s in the UK, so she’s probably asleep by now… she’ll probably answer you tomorrow.  She has a great site for CRF, doesn’t she?  I used it, a lot, for when my 15 -16 yr. old cat was in CRF.  In the meantime…

It’s such a fantastic website. Even if a person has a cat with another illness, there are some very comforting words about the end of life of a beloved friend. It really touched me. Being 12, the vet will *probably* automatically screen Dmitri for kidney function (B.U.N. – blood urea nitrogen, IIRC, & creatinine), diabetes, and thyroid function (TSH – thyroid stimulating hormone, at least) – the 3 are common conditions in older cats.  If a full panel is done for bloodwork ($65 at my vets’), everything will be checked – those 3 already mentioned, plus liver values, potassium level, etc. etc.  Virtually any possible problem that would need treating would pop up; you pretty much get your money’s worth on that one!  If s/he doesn’t mention the tests for those 3 illnesses common to older cats, I’d ask to have them – or a full panel – done. Good luck in finding out what the limp is about, too.

Bless your heart for this. I’ll make my list to take in and make sure these tests are all part of the panel. I’ll let you know what I find out. Thanks, Juls

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Helen’s in the UK, so she’s probably asleep by now… she’ll probably answer you tomorrow.  She has a great site for CRF, doesn’t she?  I used it, a lot, for when my 15 -16 yr. old cat was in CRF.  In the meantime… Being 12, the vet will *probably* automatically screen Dmitri for kidney function (B.U.N. – blood urea nitrogen, IIRC, & creatinine), diabetes, and thyroid function (TSH – thyroid stimulating hormone, at least) – the 3 are common conditions in older cats.  If a full panel is done for bloodwork ($65 at my vets’), everything will be checked – those 3 already mentioned, plus liver values, potassium level, etc. etc.  Virtually any possible problem that would need treating would pop up; you pretty much get your money’s worth on that one!  If s/he doesn’t mention the tests for those 3 illnesses common to older cats, I’d ask to have them – or a full panel – done. Good luck in finding out what the limp is about, too. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble")  Paul Simon

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If the last bloodwork was a year ago then yes, I’d definitely get it run again. Things can unfortunately change quickly once cats reach the age of 12. Do I need to ask for anything special? His last bloodwork was done prior to anesthesia (for a tooth cleaning and small cyst removal). It seemed pretty extensive to me, but I don’t want them to leave anything out, so I’d rather ask and be safe. I know for sure they tested his blood sugar, because it was a tad higher than is normal for a teenager, but wasn’t considered high for a senior. That was the one I was worried about; I just can’t remember what else they checked. The vet went over point by point on the chart, just to say everything was within normal limits for his age. Should I mention that I specifically want kidney function testing done? (And what tests would these be?) I just visited your VALUABLE (THANK YOU for such a wonderful resource, and Tanya was sure a beauty) site. The tests you list…should he have all of those now, or different ones to rule out kidney failure? (And then if the news was bad, have all the tests run) What tests at a minimum should he have done tomorrow? I’d like to have a list ready and match it up to what his vet considers a blood workup, and then ask specifically for anything not covered. I do appreciate your help so much, and thank you for all the time you’ve put into your website. I’m sure it has helped so many people. What a wonderful tribute for sweet Tanya. Juls — Dmitri’s Photo Album: Featuring Dmitri the holiday cat and his squirrel friends.  http://www.ect.org/birdcam/pix/gallery.cgi?Category=100000

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If the last bloodwork was a year ago then yes, I’d definitely get it run again. Things can unfortunately change quickly once cats reach the age of 12.

Do I need to ask for anything special? His last bloodwork was done prior to anesthesia (for a tooth cleaning and small cyst removal). It seemed pretty extensive to me, but I don’t want them to leave anything out, so I’d rather ask and be safe. I know for sure they tested his blood sugar, because it was a tad higher than is normal for a teenager, but wasn’t considered high for a senior. That was the one I was worried about; I just can’t remember what else they checked. The vet went over point by point on the chart, just to say everything was within normal limits for his age. Should I mention that I specifically want kidney function testing done? (And what tests would these be?) I just visited your VALUABLE (THANK YOU for such a wonderful resource, and Tanya was sure a beauty) site. The tests you list…should he have all of those now, or different ones to rule out kidney failure? (And then if the news was bad, have all the tests run) What tests at a minimum should he have done tomorrow? I’d like to have a list ready and match it up to what his vet considers a blood workup, and then ask specifically for anything not covered. I do appreciate your help so much, and thank you for all the time you’ve put into your website. I’m sure it has helped so many people. What a wonderful tribute for sweet Tanya. Juls — Dmitri’s Photo Album: Featuring Dmitri the holiday cat and his squirrel friends.  http://www.ect.org/birdcam/pix/gallery.cgi?Category=100000

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Dmitri (age 12) has been slightly limping on his front left leg. I’ve had to make him walk from room to room and can only notice it when he’s coming towards me, so it’s not a heavy limp, but it’s definitely there. I’ll take him to the doctor tomorrow, but am wondering if anyone has had this and what it could be? Arthritis maybe? He isn’t allowed outside, so couldn’t be that kind of injury, unless maybe he jumped off the couch wrong and I didn’t notice it. I’ve looked at his paw and have done a complete (hard) feel of his leg and paw, and he didn’t wince or cry. There doesn’t seem to be any pain anywhere, just this slight limp. His health problems are: bad teeth (only has one canine left and has bad tartar problems); kind of fat, though losing (LOL) – his doc put him on a special diet and he’s gone from 20 to 16 at last checkup; and he has anal gland problems, as soon as they squeeze them, they fill back up. He also has constipation sometimes and I make him eat pumpkin. His bowels are always hard, even on the pumpkin diet. Other than that, he seems to feel fine, is always happy, plays with his toy mice (although that has considerably slowed down over the years), and appetite is still too good. It’s like he has a hollow leg, and he’s never NOT hungry. The more gravy, the better. Any ideas would be appreciated. I fuss over him and worry too much. Thanks, Juls

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Is the paw cold to the touch? If it is, it could be a blood clot, which needs a vet *now*!! In view of his other problems and at his age, I’d strongly recommend bloodwork anyway, to check for possible kidney and thyroid problems – bad teeth are sometimes associated with renal failure Good luck Helen — * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tanya’s UK Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Centre:                             http://www.felinecrf.org

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dmitri (age 12) has been slightly limping on his front left leg. I’ve had to make him walk from room to room and can only notice it when he’s coming towards me, so it’s not a heavy limp, but it’s definitely there. I’ll take him to the doctor tomorrow, but am wondering if anyone has had this and what it could be? Arthritis maybe? He isn’t allowed outside, so couldn’t be that kind of injury, unless maybe he jumped off the couch wrong and I didn’t notice it. I’ve looked at his paw and have done a complete (hard) feel of his leg and paw, and he didn’t wince or cry. There doesn’t seem to be any pain anywhere, just this slight limp. His health problems are: bad teeth (only has one canine left and has bad tartar problems); kind of fat, though losing (LOL) – his doc put him on a special diet and he’s gone from 20 to 16 at last checkup; and he has anal gland problems, as soon as they squeeze them, they fill back up. He also has constipation sometimes and I make him eat pumpkin. His bowels are always hard, even on the pumpkin diet. Other than that, he seems to feel fine, is always happy, plays with his toy mice (although that has considerably slowed down over the years), and appetite is still too good. It’s like he has a hollow leg, and he’s never NOT hungry. The more gravy, the better. Any ideas would be appreciated. I fuss over him and worry too much. Thanks, Juls

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Is the paw cold to the touch? If it is, it could be a blood clot, which needs a vet *now*!! In view of his other problems and at his age, I’d strongly recommend bloodwork anyway, to check for possible kidney and thyroid problems – bad teeth are sometimes associated with renal failure

Thank you for answering so quickly. I checked both paws, and both are warm, so I’d say hopefully not a clot. He had his blood done about a year or so ago, and it all checked out okay, but I’ll request it again when I take him in tomorrow just to be safe. Because of his weight, I worry about diabetes. He’s had bad teeth for quite some time…lost his first canine a few years ago, then about a year or two ago lost another. Then his third one just fell out last week. I had taken him in – he had a bulldog face with his tooth poking out his mouth like a bulldog, and they put him on antibiotics, then said see if it falls out on its own before extracting, because of the risk of anesthesia, and it did fall out, right next to his plate. Then the tooth fairy came and brought two new toy mice and a grass plant. Thanks again, Juls

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Thank you for answering so quickly.

you’re welcome (-; I checked both paws, and both are warm, so I’d say hopefully not a clot.

That’s a relief! He had his blood done about a year or so ago, and it all checked out okay, but I’ll request it again when I take him in tomorrow just to be safe. Because of his weight, I worry about diabetes.

If the last bloodwork was a year ago then yes, I’d definitely get it run again. Things can unfortunately change quickly once cats reach the age of 12. He’s had bad teeth for quite some time…lost his first canine a few years ago, then about a year or two ago lost another. Then his third one just fell out last week. I had taken him in – he had a bulldog face with his tooth poking out his mouth like a bulldog, and they put him on antibiotics, then said see if it falls out on its own before extracting, because of the risk of anesthesia, and it did fall out, right next to his plate. Then the tooth fairy came and brought two new toy mice and a grass plant.

You do need to keep an eye on this. My Tanya was always healthy apart from the occasional dental problem, but CRF got her, and quickly too. There appears to be a correlation in cats between dental problems and kidneys (in humans it appears to be between dental problems and the heart). Hopefully the bloodwork will be fine but best to check and get peace of mind or an early warning. Good luck! Helen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks again, Juls

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Visit http://www.medipetcare.com for a drug-free therapy which is highly effective in combating canine arthritis – without the need for all those harmful drugs.

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<< He’s the love of my life. I’m so happy he doesn’t have cancer. I’m happy for you and Dmitri. Candace (take the litter out before replying by e-mail) See my cats: http://photos.yahoo.com/maccandace

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have WONDERFUL news! His tumor was a fatty tumor (lipoma), although they did do a needle biopsy to be sure. (Results back in a few days) But the doctor was certain it was just a fatty tumor and not cancerous. YAY! I’m SO relieved over that. His limp is arthritis in his elbow, so he’s going to take Prednisone for a few days and I’m also putting him on Glucosamine. (Anyone have any other remedies for arthritis?) His bloodwork just came back, and his renal is all just perfect. His blood sugar was a little bit high (163), but she said by the time they drew his blood, he was frightened, and that sends the blood sugar up a bit. So she wasn’t worried about that. The only thing from his blood work was his liver enzymes, which were a bit higher than the last time his blood was tested. However, she said it’s not unexpected in a geriatric cat, and that we’ll test him again in six months. She didn’t seem overly concerned about it, other than to keep an eye on it (and I asked for liver failure symptoms, and he has none of those, but I’ll be on the watch for them). My poor old man cat, but he’s so happy. He did so well for all the needles (plus had an anal gland expression, which he hates, but makes him feel better). He’s only got one canine left and now he has arthritis. He’s the love of my life. I’m so happy he doesn’t have cancer. I keep thinking I should get him a baby kitten. He loves everybody.

I’m so pleased to hear this (-: Keep up the good work. If you do decide to get him a little friend, I’d suggest an older cat rather than a kitten – they find it harder to find homes so you’d be doing the cat a good turn, and an older cat would be more mature and less overwhelming for Dmitri. Good luck Helen — * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tanya’s UK Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Centre:                             http://www.felinecrf.org

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyway, I just have to wait it out until his appointment and pray that it’s a fatty tumor or something. I’ll report back tonight when I learn something…and thank you for asking about him. I have WONDERFUL news! His tumor was a fatty tumor (lipoma), although they did do a needle biopsy to be sure. (Results back in a few days) But the doctor was certain it was just a fatty tumor and not cancerous. YAY! I’m SO relieved over that. His limp is arthritis in his elbow, so he’s going to take Prednisone for a few days and I’m also putting him on Glucosamine. (Anyone have any other remedies for arthritis?) His bloodwork just came back, and his renal is all just perfect. His blood sugar was a little bit high (163), but she said by the time they drew his blood, he was frightened, and that sends the blood sugar up a bit. So she wasn’t worried about that. The only thing from his blood work was his liver enzymes, which were a bit higher than the last time his blood was tested. However, she said it’s not unexpected in a geriatric cat, and that we’ll test him again in six months. She didn’t seem overly concerned about it, other than to keep an eye on it (and I asked for liver failure symptoms, and he has none of those, but I’ll be on the watch for them). My poor old man cat, but he’s so happy. He did so well for all the needles (plus had an anal gland expression, which he hates, but makes him feel better). He’s only got one canine left and now he has arthritis. He’s the love of my life. I’m so happy he doesn’t have cancer. I keep thinking I should get him a baby kitten. He loves everybody. Juls Dmitri and his squirrel friends: http://www.ect.org/birdcam/pix/

Excellent news!! I have been wondering too. Karen

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Anyway, I just have to wait it out until his appointment and pray that it’s a fatty tumor or something. I’ll report back tonight when I learn something…and thank you for asking about him.

I have WONDERFUL news! His tumor was a fatty tumor (lipoma), although they did do a needle biopsy to be sure. (Results back in a few days) But the doctor was certain it was just a fatty tumor and not cancerous. YAY! I’m SO relieved over that. His limp is arthritis in his elbow, so he’s going to take Prednisone for a few days and I’m also putting him on Glucosamine. (Anyone have any other remedies for arthritis?) His bloodwork just came back, and his renal is all just perfect. His blood sugar was a little bit high (163), but she said by the time they drew his blood, he was frightened, and that sends the blood sugar up a bit. So she wasn’t worried about that. The only thing from his blood work was his liver enzymes, which were a bit higher than the last time his blood was tested. However, she said it’s not unexpected in a geriatric cat, and that we’ll test him again in six months. She didn’t seem overly concerned about it, other than to keep an eye on it (and I asked for liver failure symptoms, and he has none of those, but I’ll be on the watch for them). My poor old man cat, but he’s so happy. He did so well for all the needles (plus had an anal gland expression, which he hates, but makes him feel better). He’s only got one canine left and now he has arthritis. He’s the love of my life. I’m so happy he doesn’t have cancer. I keep thinking I should get him a baby kitten. He loves everybody. Juls Dmitri and his squirrel friends: http://www.ect.org/birdcam/pix/

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Helen’s in the UK, so she’s probably asleep by now… she’ll probably answer you tomorrow.  She has a great site for CRF, doesn’t she?  I used it, a lot, for when my 15 -16 yr. old cat was in CRF.  In the meantime… It’s such a fantastic website. Even if a person has a cat with another illness, there are some very comforting words about the end of life of a beloved friend. It really touched me.

Thank you for your kind words (-: I don’t recall seeing you post about how you got on? Hope everything went well. Helen — * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tanya’s UK Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Centre:                             http://www.felinecrf.org

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Thank you for your kind words (-: I don’t recall seeing you post about how you got on? Hope everything went well.

Unbelievably, I ended up sick from a terrible flu, missed the holidays being in bed and am just taking him to see the doc this afternoon. :::sigh::: However, Dmitri was as always, a wonderful nursemaid and fawned over me. But last night, I was petting him and discovered a lump/swelling on his side, feels like it’s on his ribcage. I was up all night crying and trying to find information on the internet, and my best guess is I won’t know until his doctor actually has a look at it. (And probably a needle biopsy) I’ve lost my last two pet friends (a dog and cat) both to cancer, and am just sick with worry that he’s now got it too. I’ve been almost obsessed about stomach cancer, rushing him off to the vet every time he vomits, because my Alex died of horrible stomach cancer. His lump feels hard, about the size of a walnut, but it’s not that well defined. It’s almost as if I’m not sure there’s really a lump there, but then I press around on him again, and it’s definitely there. But he doesn’t wince at all when I push on it. Anyway, I just have to wait it out until his appointment and pray that it’s a fatty tumor or something. I’ll report back tonight when I learn something…and thank you for asking about him. Juls

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Whiskers, Thank you so much for such great info! WIth his anal gland and constipation problems, I added canned pumpkin to his canned food (Hills WD from the vet), and it helped some, but the vet said his anal glands are so bad that he really needs to come in and have them squeezed about every 6-8 weeks. I’m going to give all of these additives a try. I still haven’t gotten him to the doctor – I ended up in bed with a nasty flu myself, and I have to say he’s been a wonderful foot warmer and very doting over me. It’s sweet, although I try not to cough on him. Juls – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Juls,     Could be arthritis or just an injury from jumping. I have a chubby one too and she limps from time to time.     Best bet is Glucosamine and Vitamin C. Start with just a few grains of powdered Vit C and work up to about 500mg or more as tolerated by the bowels (too much and diahrrea is the result). If that happens back off a little for a few days and then add just a little more C once the bowel has hardened back up. Glucosamine is good at about 500mg per day. Again, start with a small amount and increase at about two week intervals. Both these can be purchased in powder form to sprinkle on the food (preferably a little canned food).     The Vitamin C also helps with the constipation as will Flax Seed Meal. This can be purchased rather inexpensively at a health food store (make sure you get the meal). Add to Dmitri’s food with the Glucosamine and Vit C. I now use about 1/8th to a 1/4 teaspoon a day for my chubby old girl Scats. She was having horrible anal gland problems and severe constipation. This has helped her tremendously. Do make sure that you have the anal glands checked about every six months, just in case, at the beginning of this treatment. You can keep Dmitri on this for the rest of his life as it will only enhance his own natural healing systems.  Excellent source for the Vit C is www.belfield.com. Dr. Belfield is a vet who produces a very good line of nutrients for animals. His Mega C Plus is really great as they get the Vit C and all the other goodies they need. My cats really like it.

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Just in case warning: do not give your cat baby aspirin unless prescribed by a vet.  A minute amount is given, every "x" days.  Aspirin is *very* toxic to cats given in the wrong dosage. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble")  Paul Simon

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll take him to the doctor tomorrow, but am wondering if anyone has had this and what it could be? Arthritis maybe? My 10 year old Boots has a limp. Doc said he pulled his leg a little bit and probably has some arthritis. Two days later he was limping worse so I took him back in to the vet. The vet said the same thing and told me to quit dragging him to the vet They gave him some anti-inflams. I’ve also heard doctors prescribe baby aspirin but I would definitely ask your vet. It could just be old age.

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Juls,     Could be arthritis or just an injury from jumping. I have a chubby one too and she limps from time to time.     Best bet is Glucosamine and Vitamin C. Start with just a few grains of powdered Vit C and work up to about 500mg or more as tolerated by the bowels (too much and diahrrea is the result). If that happens back off a little for a few days and then add just a little more C once the bowel has hardened back up. Glucosamine is good at about 500mg per day. Again, start with a small amount and increase at about two week intervals. Both these can be purchased in powder form to sprinkle on the food (preferably a little canned food).     The Vitamin C also helps with the constipation as will Flax Seed Meal. This can be purchased rather inexpensively at a health food store (make sure you get the meal). Add to Dmitri’s food with the Glucosamine and Vit C. I now use about 1/8th to a 1/4 teaspoon a day for my chubby old girl Scats. She was having horrible anal gland problems and severe constipation. This has helped her tremendously. Do make sure that you have the anal glands checked about every six months, just in case, at the beginning of this treatment. You can keep Dmitri on this for the rest of his life as it will only enhance his own natural healing systems.  Excellent source for the Vit C is www.belfield.com. Dr. Belfield is a vet who produces a very good line of nutrients for animals. His Mega C Plus is really great as they get the Vit C and all the other goodies they need. My cats really like it. Whiskers – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Organization: MindSpring Enterprises Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats.health+behav Dmitri (age 12) has been slightly limping on his front left leg. I’ve had to make him walk from room to room and can only notice it when he’s coming towards me, so it’s not a heavy limp, but it’s definitely there. I’ll take him to the doctor tomorrow, but am wondering if anyone has had this and what it could be? Arthritis maybe? He isn’t allowed outside, so couldn’t be that kind of injury, unless maybe he jumped off the couch wrong and I didn’t notice it. I’ve looked at his paw and have done a complete (hard) feel of his leg and paw, and he didn’t wince or cry. There doesn’t seem to be any pain anywhere, just this slight limp. His health problems are: bad teeth (only has one canine left and has bad tartar problems); kind of fat, though losing (LOL) – his doc put him on a special diet and he’s gone from 20 to 16 at last checkup; and he has anal gland problems, as soon as they squeeze them, they fill back up. He also has constipation sometimes and I make him eat pumpkin. His bowels are always hard, even on the pumpkin diet. Other than that, he seems to feel fine, is always happy, plays with his toy mice (although that has considerably slowed down over the years), and appetite is still too good. It’s like he has a hollow leg, and he’s never NOT hungry. The more gravy, the better. Any ideas would be appreciated. I fuss over him and worry too much. Thanks, Juls

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I’ll take him to the doctor tomorrow, but am wondering if anyone has had this and what it could be? Arthritis maybe?

My 10 year old Boots has a limp. Doc said he pulled his leg a little bit and probably has some arthritis. Two days later he was limping worse so I took him back in to the vet. The vet said the same thing and told me to quit dragging him to the vet They gave him some anti-inflams. I’ve also heard doctors prescribe baby aspirin but I would definitely ask your vet. It could just be old age.

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My cat topaz had a bit of limp in her front leg as she got older. I had it checked at the vet as well..  part of the aging process..   I agree with Mary about getting some meds from the vet. Good luck, I hope your cat will be well.. Sharon

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Helen’s in the UK, so she’s probably asleep by now… she’ll probably answer you tomorrow.  She has a great site for CRF, doesn’t she?  I used it, a lot, for when my 15 -16 yr. old cat was in CRF.  In the meantime…

It’s such a fantastic website. Even if a person has a cat with another illness, there are some very comforting words about the end of life of a beloved friend. It really touched me. Being 12, the vet will *probably* automatically screen Dmitri for kidney function (B.U.N. – blood urea nitrogen, IIRC, & creatinine), diabetes, and thyroid function (TSH – thyroid stimulating hormone, at least) – the 3 are common conditions in older cats.  If a full panel is done for bloodwork ($65 at my vets’), everything will be checked – those 3 already mentioned, plus liver values, potassium level, etc. etc.  Virtually any possible problem that would need treating would pop up; you pretty much get your money’s worth on that one!  If s/he doesn’t mention the tests for those 3 illnesses common to older cats, I’d ask to have them – or a full panel – done. Good luck in finding out what the limp is about, too.

Bless your heart for this. I’ll make my list to take in and make sure these tests are all part of the panel. I’ll let you know what I find out. Thanks, Juls

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Helen’s in the UK, so she’s probably asleep by now… she’ll probably answer you tomorrow.  She has a great site for CRF, doesn’t she?  I used it, a lot, for when my 15 -16 yr. old cat was in CRF.  In the meantime… Being 12, the vet will *probably* automatically screen Dmitri for kidney function (B.U.N. – blood urea nitrogen, IIRC, & creatinine), diabetes, and thyroid function (TSH – thyroid stimulating hormone, at least) – the 3 are common conditions in older cats.  If a full panel is done for bloodwork ($65 at my vets’), everything will be checked – those 3 already mentioned, plus liver values, potassium level, etc. etc.  Virtually any possible problem that would need treating would pop up; you pretty much get your money’s worth on that one!  If s/he doesn’t mention the tests for those 3 illnesses common to older cats, I’d ask to have them – or a full panel – done. Good luck in finding out what the limp is about, too. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble")  Paul Simon

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If the last bloodwork was a year ago then yes, I’d definitely get it run again. Things can unfortunately change quickly once cats reach the age of 12. Do I need to ask for anything special? His last bloodwork was done prior to anesthesia (for a tooth cleaning and small cyst removal). It seemed pretty extensive to me, but I don’t want them to leave anything out, so I’d rather ask and be safe. I know for sure they tested his blood sugar, because it was a tad higher than is normal for a teenager, but wasn’t considered high for a senior. That was the one I was worried about; I just can’t remember what else they checked. The vet went over point by point on the chart, just to say everything was within normal limits for his age. Should I mention that I specifically want kidney function testing done? (And what tests would these be?) I just visited your VALUABLE (THANK YOU for such a wonderful resource, and Tanya was sure a beauty) site. The tests you list…should he have all of those now, or different ones to rule out kidney failure? (And then if the news was bad, have all the tests run) What tests at a minimum should he have done tomorrow? I’d like to have a list ready and match it up to what his vet considers a blood workup, and then ask specifically for anything not covered. I do appreciate your help so much, and thank you for all the time you’ve put into your website. I’m sure it has helped so many people. What a wonderful tribute for sweet Tanya. Juls — Dmitri’s Photo Album: Featuring Dmitri the holiday cat and his squirrel friends.  http://www.ect.org/birdcam/pix/gallery.cgi?Category=100000

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If the last bloodwork was a year ago then yes, I’d definitely get it run again. Things can unfortunately change quickly once cats reach the age of 12.

Do I need to ask for anything special? His last bloodwork was done prior to anesthesia (for a tooth cleaning and small cyst removal). It seemed pretty extensive to me, but I don’t want them to leave anything out, so I’d rather ask and be safe. I know for sure they tested his blood sugar, because it was a tad higher than is normal for a teenager, but wasn’t considered high for a senior. That was the one I was worried about; I just can’t remember what else they checked. The vet went over point by point on the chart, just to say everything was within normal limits for his age. Should I mention that I specifically want kidney function testing done? (And what tests would these be?) I just visited your VALUABLE (THANK YOU for such a wonderful resource, and Tanya was sure a beauty) site. The tests you list…should he have all of those now, or different ones to rule out kidney failure? (And then if the news was bad, have all the tests run) What tests at a minimum should he have done tomorrow? I’d like to have a list ready and match it up to what his vet considers a blood workup, and then ask specifically for anything not covered. I do appreciate your help so much, and thank you for all the time you’ve put into your website. I’m sure it has helped so many people. What a wonderful tribute for sweet Tanya. Juls — Dmitri’s Photo Album: Featuring Dmitri the holiday cat and his squirrel friends.  http://www.ect.org/birdcam/pix/gallery.cgi?Category=100000

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Dmitri (age 12) has been slightly limping on his front left leg. I’ve had to make him walk from room to room and can only notice it when he’s coming towards me, so it’s not a heavy limp, but it’s definitely there. I’ll take him to the doctor tomorrow, but am wondering if anyone has had this and what it could be? Arthritis maybe? He isn’t allowed outside, so couldn’t be that kind of injury, unless maybe he jumped off the couch wrong and I didn’t notice it. I’ve looked at his paw and have done a complete (hard) feel of his leg and paw, and he didn’t wince or cry. There doesn’t seem to be any pain anywhere, just this slight limp. His health problems are: bad teeth (only has one canine left and has bad tartar problems); kind of fat, though losing (LOL) – his doc put him on a special diet and he’s gone from 20 to 16 at last checkup; and he has anal gland problems, as soon as they squeeze them, they fill back up. He also has constipation sometimes and I make him eat pumpkin. His bowels are always hard, even on the pumpkin diet. Other than that, he seems to feel fine, is always happy, plays with his toy mice (although that has considerably slowed down over the years), and appetite is still too good. It’s like he has a hollow leg, and he’s never NOT hungry. The more gravy, the better. Any ideas would be appreciated. I fuss over him and worry too much. Thanks, Juls

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Is the paw cold to the touch? If it is, it could be a blood clot, which needs a vet *now*!! In view of his other problems and at his age, I’d strongly recommend bloodwork anyway, to check for possible kidney and thyroid problems – bad teeth are sometimes associated with renal failure Good luck Helen — * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tanya’s UK Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Centre:                             http://www.felinecrf.org

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dmitri (age 12) has been slightly limping on his front left leg. I’ve had to make him walk from room to room and can only notice it when he’s coming towards me, so it’s not a heavy limp, but it’s definitely there. I’ll take him to the doctor tomorrow, but am wondering if anyone has had this and what it could be? Arthritis maybe? He isn’t allowed outside, so couldn’t be that kind of injury, unless maybe he jumped off the couch wrong and I didn’t notice it. I’ve looked at his paw and have done a complete (hard) feel of his leg and paw, and he didn’t wince or cry. There doesn’t seem to be any pain anywhere, just this slight limp. His health problems are: bad teeth (only has one canine left and has bad tartar problems); kind of fat, though losing (LOL) – his doc put him on a special diet and he’s gone from 20 to 16 at last checkup; and he has anal gland problems, as soon as they squeeze them, they fill back up. He also has constipation sometimes and I make him eat pumpkin. His bowels are always hard, even on the pumpkin diet. Other than that, he seems to feel fine, is always happy, plays with his toy mice (although that has considerably slowed down over the years), and appetite is still too good. It’s like he has a hollow leg, and he’s never NOT hungry. The more gravy, the better. Any ideas would be appreciated. I fuss over him and worry too much. Thanks, Juls

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Is the paw cold to the touch? If it is, it could be a blood clot, which needs a vet *now*!! In view of his other problems and at his age, I’d strongly recommend bloodwork anyway, to check for possible kidney and thyroid problems – bad teeth are sometimes associated with renal failure

Thank you for answering so quickly. I checked both paws, and both are warm, so I’d say hopefully not a clot. He had his blood done about a year or so ago, and it all checked out okay, but I’ll request it again when I take him in tomorrow just to be safe. Because of his weight, I worry about diabetes. He’s had bad teeth for quite some time…lost his first canine a few years ago, then about a year or two ago lost another. Then his third one just fell out last week. I had taken him in – he had a bulldog face with his tooth poking out his mouth like a bulldog, and they put him on antibiotics, then said see if it falls out on its own before extracting, because of the risk of anesthesia, and it did fall out, right next to his plate. Then the tooth fairy came and brought two new toy mice and a grass plant. Thanks again, Juls

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Thank you for answering so quickly.

you’re welcome (-; I checked both paws, and both are warm, so I’d say hopefully not a clot.

That’s a relief! He had his blood done about a year or so ago, and it all checked out okay, but I’ll request it again when I take him in tomorrow just to be safe. Because of his weight, I worry about diabetes.

If the last bloodwork was a year ago then yes, I’d definitely get it run again. Things can unfortunately change quickly once cats reach the age of 12. He’s had bad teeth for quite some time…lost his first canine a few years ago, then about a year or two ago lost another. Then his third one just fell out last week. I had taken him in – he had a bulldog face with his tooth poking out his mouth like a bulldog, and they put him on antibiotics, then said see if it falls out on its own before extracting, because of the risk of anesthesia, and it did fall out, right next to his plate. Then the tooth fairy came and brought two new toy mice and a grass plant.

You do need to keep an eye on this. My Tanya was always healthy apart from the occasional dental problem, but CRF got her, and quickly too. There appears to be a correlation in cats between dental problems and kidneys (in humans it appears to be between dental problems and the heart). Hopefully the bloodwork will be fine but best to check and get peace of mind or an early warning. Good luck! Helen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks again, Juls

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Visit http://www.medipetcare.com for a drug-free therapy which is highly effective in combating canine arthritis – without the need for all those harmful drugs.

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<< He’s the love of my life. I’m so happy he doesn’t have cancer. I’m happy for you and Dmitri. Candace (take the litter out before replying by e-mail) See my cats: http://photos.yahoo.com/maccandace

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have WONDERFUL news! His tumor was a fatty tumor (lipoma), although they did do a needle biopsy to be sure. (Results back in a few days) But the doctor was certain it was just a fatty tumor and not cancerous. YAY! I’m SO relieved over that. His limp is arthritis in his elbow, so he’s going to take Prednisone for a few days and I’m also putting him on Glucosamine. (Anyone have any other remedies for arthritis?) His bloodwork just came back, and his renal is all just perfect. His blood sugar was a little bit high (163), but she said by the time they drew his blood, he was frightened, and that sends the blood sugar up a bit. So she wasn’t worried about that. The only thing from his blood work was his liver enzymes, which were a bit higher than the last time his blood was tested. However, she said it’s not unexpected in a geriatric cat, and that we’ll test him again in six months. She didn’t seem overly concerned about it, other than to keep an eye on it (and I asked for liver failure symptoms, and he has none of those, but I’ll be on the watch for them). My poor old man cat, but he’s so happy. He did so well for all the needles (plus had an anal gland expression, which he hates, but makes him feel better). He’s only got one canine left and now he has arthritis. He’s the love of my life. I’m so happy he doesn’t have cancer. I keep thinking I should get him a baby kitten. He loves everybody.

I’m so pleased to hear this (-: Keep up the good work. If you do decide to get him a little friend, I’d suggest an older cat rather than a kitten – they find it harder to find homes so you’d be doing the cat a good turn, and an older cat would be more mature and less overwhelming for Dmitri. Good luck Helen — * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tanya’s UK Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Centre:                             http://www.felinecrf.org

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyway, I just have to wait it out until his appointment and pray that it’s a fatty tumor or something. I’ll report back tonight when I learn something…and thank you for asking about him. I have WONDERFUL news! His tumor was a fatty tumor (lipoma), although they did do a needle biopsy to be sure. (Results back in a few days) But the doctor was certain it was just a fatty tumor and not cancerous. YAY! I’m SO relieved over that. His limp is arthritis in his elbow, so he’s going to take Prednisone for a few days and I’m also putting him on Glucosamine. (Anyone have any other remedies for arthritis?) His bloodwork just came back, and his renal is all just perfect. His blood sugar was a little bit high (163), but she said by the time they drew his blood, he was frightened, and that sends the blood sugar up a bit. So she wasn’t worried about that. The only thing from his blood work was his liver enzymes, which were a bit higher than the last time his blood was tested. However, she said it’s not unexpected in a geriatric cat, and that we’ll test him again in six months. She didn’t seem overly concerned about it, other than to keep an eye on it (and I asked for liver failure symptoms, and he has none of those, but I’ll be on the watch for them). My poor old man cat, but he’s so happy. He did so well for all the needles (plus had an anal gland expression, which he hates, but makes him feel better). He’s only got one canine left and now he has arthritis. He’s the love of my life. I’m so happy he doesn’t have cancer. I keep thinking I should get him a baby kitten. He loves everybody. Juls Dmitri and his squirrel friends: http://www.ect.org/birdcam/pix/

Excellent news!! I have been wondering too. Karen

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Anyway, I just have to wait it out until his appointment and pray that it’s a fatty tumor or something. I’ll report back tonight when I learn something…and thank you for asking about him.

I have WONDERFUL news! His tumor was a fatty tumor (lipoma), although they did do a needle biopsy to be sure. (Results back in a few days) But the doctor was certain it was just a fatty tumor and not cancerous. YAY! I’m SO relieved over that. His limp is arthritis in his elbow, so he’s going to take Prednisone for a few days and I’m also putting him on Glucosamine. (Anyone have any other remedies for arthritis?) His bloodwork just came back, and his renal is all just perfect. His blood sugar was a little bit high (163), but she said by the time they drew his blood, he was frightened, and that sends the blood sugar up a bit. So she wasn’t worried about that. The only thing from his blood work was his liver enzymes, which were a bit higher than the last time his blood was tested. However, she said it’s not unexpected in a geriatric cat, and that we’ll test him again in six months. She didn’t seem overly concerned about it, other than to keep an eye on it (and I asked for liver failure symptoms, and he has none of those, but I’ll be on the watch for them). My poor old man cat, but he’s so happy. He did so well for all the needles (plus had an anal gland expression, which he hates, but makes him feel better). He’s only got one canine left and now he has arthritis. He’s the love of my life. I’m so happy he doesn’t have cancer. I keep thinking I should get him a baby kitten. He loves everybody. Juls Dmitri and his squirrel friends: http://www.ect.org/birdcam/pix/

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Helen’s in the UK, so she’s probably asleep by now… she’ll probably answer you tomorrow.  She has a great site for CRF, doesn’t she?  I used it, a lot, for when my 15 -16 yr. old cat was in CRF.  In the meantime… It’s such a fantastic website. Even if a person has a cat with another illness, there are some very comforting words about the end of life of a beloved friend. It really touched me.

Thank you for your kind words (-: I don’t recall seeing you post about how you got on? Hope everything went well. Helen — * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tanya’s UK Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Centre:                             http://www.felinecrf.org

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Thank you for your kind words (-: I don’t recall seeing you post about how you got on? Hope everything went well.

Unbelievably, I ended up sick from a terrible flu, missed the holidays being in bed and am just taking him to see the doc this afternoon. :::sigh::: However, Dmitri was as always, a wonderful nursemaid and fawned over me. But last night, I was petting him and discovered a lump/swelling on his side, feels like it’s on his ribcage. I was up all night crying and trying to find information on the internet, and my best guess is I won’t know until his doctor actually has a look at it. (And probably a needle biopsy) I’ve lost my last two pet friends (a dog and cat) both to cancer, and am just sick with worry that he’s now got it too. I’ve been almost obsessed about stomach cancer, rushing him off to the vet every time he vomits, because my Alex died of horrible stomach cancer. His lump feels hard, about the size of a walnut, but it’s not that well defined. It’s almost as if I’m not sure there’s really a lump there, but then I press around on him again, and it’s definitely there. But he doesn’t wince at all when I push on it. Anyway, I just have to wait it out until his appointment and pray that it’s a fatty tumor or something. I’ll report back tonight when I learn something…and thank you for asking about him. Juls

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Whiskers, Thank you so much for such great info! WIth his anal gland and constipation problems, I added canned pumpkin to his canned food (Hills WD from the vet), and it helped some, but the vet said his anal glands are so bad that he really needs to come in and have them squeezed about every 6-8 weeks. I’m going to give all of these additives a try. I still haven’t gotten him to the doctor – I ended up in bed with a nasty flu myself, and I have to say he’s been a wonderful foot warmer and very doting over me. It’s sweet, although I try not to cough on him. Juls – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Juls,     Could be arthritis or just an injury from jumping. I have a chubby one too and she limps from time to time.     Best bet is Glucosamine and Vitamin C. Start with just a few grains of powdered Vit C and work up to about 500mg or more as tolerated by the bowels (too much and diahrrea is the result). If that happens back off a little for a few days and then add just a little more C once the bowel has hardened back up. Glucosamine is good at about 500mg per day. Again, start with a small amount and increase at about two week intervals. Both these can be purchased in powder form to sprinkle on the food (preferably a little canned food).     The Vitamin C also helps with the constipation as will Flax Seed Meal. This can be purchased rather inexpensively at a health food store (make sure you get the meal). Add to Dmitri’s food with the Glucosamine and Vit C. I now use about 1/8th to a 1/4 teaspoon a day for my chubby old girl Scats. She was having horrible anal gland problems and severe constipation. This has helped her tremendously. Do make sure that you have the anal glands checked about every six months, just in case, at the beginning of this treatment. You can keep Dmitri on this for the rest of his life as it will only enhance his own natural healing systems.  Excellent source for the Vit C is www.belfield.com. Dr. Belfield is a vet who produces a very good line of nutrients for animals. His Mega C Plus is really great as they get the Vit C and all the other goodies they need. My cats really like it.

Response:

Just in case warning: do not give your cat baby aspirin unless prescribed by a vet.  A minute amount is given, every "x" days.  Aspirin is *very* toxic to cats given in the wrong dosage. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble")  Paul Simon

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll take him to the doctor tomorrow, but am wondering if anyone has had this and what it could be? Arthritis maybe? My 10 year old Boots has a limp. Doc said he pulled his leg a little bit and probably has some arthritis. Two days later he was limping worse so I took him back in to the vet. The vet said the same thing and told me to quit dragging him to the vet They gave him some anti-inflams. I’ve also heard doctors prescribe baby aspirin but I would definitely ask your vet. It could just be old age.

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Juls,     Could be arthritis or just an injury from jumping. I have a chubby one too and she limps from time to time.     Best bet is Glucosamine and Vitamin C. Start with just a few grains of powdered Vit C and work up to about 500mg or more as tolerated by the bowels (too much and diahrrea is the result). If that happens back off a little for a few days and then add just a little more C once the bowel has hardened back up. Glucosamine is good at about 500mg per day. Again, start with a small amount and increase at about two week intervals. Both these can be purchased in powder form to sprinkle on the food (preferably a little canned food).     The Vitamin C also helps with the constipation as will Flax Seed Meal. This can be purchased rather inexpensively at a health food store (make sure you get the meal). Add to Dmitri’s food with the Glucosamine and Vit C. I now use about 1/8th to a 1/4 teaspoon a day for my chubby old girl Scats. She was having horrible anal gland problems and severe constipation. This has helped her tremendously. Do make sure that you have the anal glands checked about every six months, just in case, at the beginning of this treatment. You can keep Dmitri on this for the rest of his life as it will only enhance his own natural healing systems.  Excellent source for the Vit C is www.belfield.com. Dr. Belfield is a vet who produces a very good line of nutrients for animals. His Mega C Plus is really great as they get the Vit C and all the other goodies they need. My cats really like it. Whiskers – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Organization: MindSpring Enterprises Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats.health+behav Dmitri (age 12) has been slightly limping on his front left leg. I’ve had to make him walk from room to room and can only notice it when he’s coming towards me, so it’s not a heavy limp, but it’s definitely there. I’ll take him to the doctor tomorrow, but am wondering if anyone has had this and what it could be? Arthritis maybe? He isn’t allowed outside, so couldn’t be that kind of injury, unless maybe he jumped off the couch wrong and I didn’t notice it. I’ve looked at his paw and have done a complete (hard) feel of his leg and paw, and he didn’t wince or cry. There doesn’t seem to be any pain anywhere, just this slight limp. His health problems are: bad teeth (only has one canine left and has bad tartar problems); kind of fat, though losing (LOL) – his doc put him on a special diet and he’s gone from 20 to 16 at last checkup; and he has anal gland problems, as soon as they squeeze them, they fill back up. He also has constipation sometimes and I make him eat pumpkin. His bowels are always hard, even on the pumpkin diet. Other than that, he seems to feel fine, is always happy, plays with his toy mice (although that has considerably slowed down over the years), and appetite is still too good. It’s like he has a hollow leg, and he’s never NOT hungry. The more gravy, the better. Any ideas would be appreciated. I fuss over him and worry too much. Thanks, Juls

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I’ll take him to the doctor tomorrow, but am wondering if anyone has had this and what it could be? Arthritis maybe?

My 10 year old Boots has a limp. Doc said he pulled his leg a little bit and probably has some arthritis. Two days later he was limping worse so I took him back in to the vet. The vet said the same thing and told me to quit dragging him to the vet They gave him some anti-inflams. I’ve also heard doctors prescribe baby aspirin but I would definitely ask your vet. It could just be old age.

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My cat topaz had a bit of limp in her front leg as she got older. I had it checked at the vet as well..  part of the aging process..   I agree with Mary about getting some meds from the vet. Good luck, I hope your cat will be well.. Sharon

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Helen’s in the UK, so she’s probably asleep by now… she’ll probably answer you tomorrow.  She has a great site for CRF, doesn’t she?  I used it, a lot, for when my 15 -16 yr. old cat was in CRF.  In the meantime…

It’s such a fantastic website. Even if a person has a cat with another illness, there are some very comforting words about the end of life of a beloved friend. It really touched me. Being 12, the vet will *probably* automatically screen Dmitri for kidney function (B.U.N. – blood urea nitrogen, IIRC, & creatinine), diabetes, and thyroid function (TSH – thyroid stimulating hormone, at least) – the 3 are common conditions in older cats.  If a full panel is done for bloodwork ($65 at my vets’), everything will be checked – those 3 already mentioned, plus liver values, potassium level, etc. etc.  Virtually any possible problem that would need treating would pop up; you pretty much get your money’s worth on that one!  If s/he doesn’t mention the tests for those 3 illnesses common to older cats, I’d ask to have them – or a full panel – done. Good luck in finding out what the limp is about, too.

Bless your heart for this. I’ll make my list to take in and make sure these tests are all part of the panel. I’ll let you know what I find out. Thanks, Juls

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Helen’s in the UK, so she’s probably asleep by now… she’ll probably answer you tomorrow.  She has a great site for CRF, doesn’t she?  I used it, a lot, for when my 15 -16 yr. old cat was in CRF.  In the meantime… Being 12, the vet will *probably* automatically screen Dmitri for kidney function (B.U.N. – blood urea nitrogen, IIRC, & creatinine), diabetes, and thyroid function (TSH – thyroid stimulating hormone, at least) – the 3 are common conditions in older cats.  If a full panel is done for bloodwork ($65 at my vets’), everything will be checked – those 3 already mentioned, plus liver values, potassium level, etc. etc.  Virtually any possible problem that would need treating would pop up; you pretty much get your money’s worth on that one!  If s/he doesn’t mention the tests for those 3 illnesses common to older cats, I’d ask to have them – or a full panel – done. Good luck in finding out what the limp is about, too. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble")  Paul Simon

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If the last bloodwork was a year ago then yes, I’d definitely get it run again. Things can unfortunately change quickly once cats reach the age of 12. Do I need to ask for anything special? His last bloodwork was done prior to anesthesia (for a tooth cleaning and small cyst removal). It seemed pretty extensive to me, but I don’t want them to leave anything out, so I’d rather ask and be safe. I know for sure they tested his blood sugar, because it was a tad higher than is normal for a teenager, but wasn’t considered high for a senior. That was the one I was worried about; I just can’t remember what else they checked. The vet went over point by point on the chart, just to say everything was within normal limits for his age. Should I mention that I specifically want kidney function testing done? (And what tests would these be?) I just visited your VALUABLE (THANK YOU for such a wonderful resource, and Tanya was sure a beauty) site. The tests you list…should he have all of those now, or different ones to rule out kidney failure? (And then if the news was bad, have all the tests run) What tests at a minimum should he have done tomorrow? I’d like to have a list ready and match it up to what his vet considers a blood workup, and then ask specifically for anything not covered. I do appreciate your help so much, and thank you for all the time you’ve put into your website. I’m sure it has helped so many people. What a wonderful tribute for sweet Tanya. Juls — Dmitri’s Photo Album: Featuring Dmitri the holiday cat and his squirrel friends.  http://www.ect.org/birdcam/pix/gallery.cgi?Category=100000

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If the last bloodwork was a year ago then yes, I’d definitely get it run again. Things can unfortunately change quickly once cats reach the age of 12.

Do I need to ask for anything special? His last bloodwork was done prior to anesthesia (for a tooth cleaning and small cyst removal). It seemed pretty extensive to me, but I don’t want them to leave anything out, so I’d rather ask and be safe. I know for sure they tested his blood sugar, because it was a tad higher than is normal for a teenager, but wasn’t considered high for a senior. That was the one I was worried about; I just can’t remember what else they checked. The vet went over point by point on the chart, just to say everything was within normal limits for his age. Should I mention that I specifically want kidney function testing done? (And what tests would these be?) I just visited your VALUABLE (THANK YOU for such a wonderful resource, and Tanya was sure a beauty) site. The tests you list…should he have all of those now, or different ones to rule out kidney failure? (And then if the news was bad, have all the tests run) What tests at a minimum should he have done tomorrow? I’d like to have a list ready and match it up to what his vet considers a blood workup, and then ask specifically for anything not covered. I do appreciate your help so much, and thank you for all the time you’ve put into your website. I’m sure it has helped so many people. What a wonderful tribute for sweet Tanya. Juls — Dmitri’s Photo Album: Featuring Dmitri the holiday cat and his squirrel friends.  http://www.ect.org/birdcam/pix/gallery.cgi?Category=100000

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Dmitri (age 12) has been slightly limping on his front left leg. I’ve had to make him walk from room to room and can only notice it when he’s coming towards me, so it’s not a heavy limp, but it’s definitely there. I’ll take him to the doctor tomorrow, but am wondering if anyone has had this and what it could be? Arthritis maybe? He isn’t allowed outside, so couldn’t be that kind of injury, unless maybe he jumped off the couch wrong and I didn’t notice it. I’ve looked at his paw and have done a complete (hard) feel of his leg and paw, and he didn’t wince or cry. There doesn’t seem to be any pain anywhere, just this slight limp. His health problems are: bad teeth (only has one canine left and has bad tartar problems); kind of fat, though losing (LOL) – his doc put him on a special diet and he’s gone from 20 to 16 at last checkup; and he has anal gland problems, as soon as they squeeze them, they fill back up. He also has constipation sometimes and I make him eat pumpkin. His bowels are always hard, even on the pumpkin diet. Other than that, he seems to feel fine, is always happy, plays with his toy mice (although that has considerably slowed down over the years), and appetite is still too good. It’s like he has a hollow leg, and he’s never NOT hungry. The more gravy, the better. Any ideas would be appreciated. I fuss over him and worry too much. Thanks, Juls

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Is the paw cold to the touch? If it is, it could be a blood clot, which needs a vet *now*!! In view of his other problems and at his age, I’d strongly recommend bloodwork anyway, to check for possible kidney and thyroid problems – bad teeth are sometimes associated with renal failure Good luck Helen — * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tanya’s UK Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Centre:                             http://www.felinecrf.org

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dmitri (age 12) has been slightly limping on his front left leg. I’ve had to make him walk from room to room and can only notice it when he’s coming towards me, so it’s not a heavy limp, but it’s definitely there. I’ll take him to the doctor tomorrow, but am wondering if anyone has had this and what it could be? Arthritis maybe? He isn’t allowed outside, so couldn’t be that kind of injury, unless maybe he jumped off the couch wrong and I didn’t notice it. I’ve looked at his paw and have done a complete (hard) feel of his leg and paw, and he didn’t wince or cry. There doesn’t seem to be any pain anywhere, just this slight limp. His health problems are: bad teeth (only has one canine left and has bad tartar problems); kind of fat, though losing (LOL) – his doc put him on a special diet and he’s gone from 20 to 16 at last checkup; and he has anal gland problems, as soon as they squeeze them, they fill back up. He also has constipation sometimes and I make him eat pumpkin. His bowels are always hard, even on the pumpkin diet. Other than that, he seems to feel fine, is always happy, plays with his toy mice (although that has considerably slowed down over the years), and appetite is still too good. It’s like he has a hollow leg, and he’s never NOT hungry. The more gravy, the better. Any ideas would be appreciated. I fuss over him and worry too much. Thanks, Juls

Response:

Is the paw cold to the touch? If it is, it could be a blood clot, which needs a vet *now*!! In view of his other problems and at his age, I’d strongly recommend bloodwork anyway, to check for possible kidney and thyroid problems – bad teeth are sometimes associated with renal failure

Thank you for answering so quickly. I checked both paws, and both are warm, so I’d say hopefully not a clot. He had his blood done about a year or so ago, and it all checked out okay, but I’ll request it again when I take him in tomorrow just to be safe. Because of his weight, I worry about diabetes. He’s had bad teeth for quite some time…lost his first canine a few years ago, then about a year or two ago lost another. Then his third one just fell out last week. I had taken him in – he had a bulldog face with his tooth poking out his mouth like a bulldog, and they put him on antibiotics, then said see if it falls out on its own before extracting, because of the risk of anesthesia, and it did fall out, right next to his plate. Then the tooth fairy came and brought two new toy mice and a grass plant. Thanks again, Juls

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Thank you for answering so quickly.

you’re welcome (-; I checked both paws, and both are warm, so I’d say hopefully not a clot.

That’s a relief! He had his blood done about a year or so ago, and it all checked out okay, but I’ll request it again when I take him in tomorrow just to be safe. Because of his weight, I worry about diabetes.

If the last bloodwork was a year ago then yes, I’d definitely get it run again. Things can unfortunately change quickly once cats reach the age of 12. He’s had bad teeth for quite some time…lost his first canine a few years ago, then about a year or two ago lost another. Then his third one just fell out last week. I had taken him in – he had a bulldog face with his tooth poking out his mouth like a bulldog, and they put him on antibiotics, then said see if it falls out on its own before extracting, because of the risk of anesthesia, and it did fall out, right next to his plate. Then the tooth fairy came and brought two new toy mice and a grass plant.

You do need to keep an eye on this. My Tanya was always healthy apart from the occasional dental problem, but CRF got her, and quickly too. There appears to be a correlation in cats between dental problems and kidneys (in humans it appears to be between dental problems and the heart). Hopefully the bloodwork will be fine but best to check and get peace of mind or an early warning. Good luck! Helen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks again, Juls

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Question:

Please remember that coconut oils may well increase your cholesterol levels. Please discuss with your physician before trying increasing either coconut or palm oils. Best regards,

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Please remember that coconut oils may well increase your cholesterol levels. Please discuss with your physician before trying increasing either coconut or palm oils.

Right.  The coconut guy does not think this is necessarily bad, and neither do I, but if your level is already high — say, 240+ — you may not want to be the batman on this one. J.

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Please remember that coconut oils may well increase your cholesterol levels.

Not to mention the fried eggs and sausage!! Amy

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lease remember that coconut oils may well increase your cholesterol levels. : : Not to mention the fried eggs and sausage!! : Amy Coconut oil will increase our fried eggs and sausages????

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I remember being given cocois ointment in hospital which is a mixture of coconut oil, salicilyc acid and tar.  It was very thick and smelly and took ages to remove.  It was quite effective though.   The local chemist made it up for me but I don’t think it was a job he enjoyed.

Geez.  Mix in some primrose oil and shea butter, wrap in cheesecloth, bake in a slow oven for six hours, serves twelve. (yeah, I used to get that custom mixed stuff, was asking the pharmacist to get my tub of goo, when someone overheard and laughed at the description, I told them it was a mix of cold cream and industrial waste, which is about how I looked at it, was some base plus sal plus coal tar, none of the nice fatty acids we all are coming to love, … not as far as I know, anyway) J.

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Like someone has already mentioned how about topical? Duh, I can’t believe i didn’t think of that one myself.. seeing as how i have that smell firmly in my database from years gone by. Many nice sunny (crazy hazy lazy) days at the beach and the smell of coconut sun tan lotion.. not that it isn’t just scented now.. i don’t know..

Nah, I think it smells like that by itself, … and comes with a CD of ukelele music and a woman in a grass skirt to apply it, which can’t hurt.  Sure, just those beach memories alone, … But then again someone has put forth the shea butter oil.. another good prospect. with a site to purchase it..

I’m giving the nibbled stuff a few more days, then I’ll try one or another of these topicals, too, presuming it still seems necessary and desireable. J.

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Oh boy, I am so FULL! Just had a nice breakfast. cooked slided potatoes and fry eggs in coconut oil pan and sausage patties in seperate pan. Used coconut oil first time today.  I am surprise that the taste of the food were good.  I paid almost 5 dollars for the jar of the oil from the health store.  I was hoping to find the virgin one but they don’t have. I guess what I got will do for start. I hope the oil will help as what the studies show, not just for psorasis. I guess it will be months before I know if coconut oil makes different. Ted

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I forgot to mention it was for the scalp!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I remember being given cocois ointment in hospital which is a mixture of coconut oil, salicilyc acid and tar.  It was very thick and smelly and took ages to remove.  It was quite effective though.   The local chemist made it up for me but I don’t think it was a job he enjoyed. Wow… this stuff sounds good!  Where can I buy it? Take Care, Dave Hi Dave, I don’t know? So far i’ve bought many cans of coconut milk (at most stores) for curry. And it seems that some have more solids, presumably fats too, then others. My favorite dish is eggplant (a p no no-niteshade plant family) curry. Just saute some onions and whatever vegetables you like and add cubed eggplant (i leave the skin on) with olive oil (would like to convert to coconut oil) and cook for 25 minutes or so.. and it tastes great the next day or so.. I do think the curcumin (tumeric) has some medicinal effects as to  possible die off.. i haven’t seen any flares from it.. I have to get beyond the mounds and thai curries myself.. I did buy a rather large coconut from the store for a buck. Hence my question.. and thanks Graham.. how is your hoover index.. O i hope.. About ten years ago. When i first started fooling around with oils and fats.. I took MCT oils from www.vrp.com (guess) and purchased a few quarts each time.. and saw no difference then. and lost interrest in this line. Since then i can’t help but feel that maybe there is still another avenue to check.. Like someone has already mentioned how about topical? Duh, I can’t believe i didn’t think of that one myself.. seeing as how i have that smell firmly in my database from years gone by. Many nice sunny (crazy hazy lazy) days at the beach and the smell of coconut sun tan lotion.. not that it isn’t just scented now.. i don’t know.. But then again someone has put forth the shea butter oil.. another good prospect. with a site to purchase it.. So, should i go to www.virgincoconutoil.com and buy a gallon or two? Coconut party anyone? BYOartificial sun source.. randall… summer redux.. — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

— Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

I remember being given cocois ointment in hospital which is a mixture of coconut oil, salicilyc acid and tar.  It was very thick and smelly and took ages to remove.  It was quite effective though.   The local chemist made it up for me but I don’t think it was a job he enjoyed.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wow… this stuff sounds good!  Where can I buy it? Take Care, Dave Hi Dave, I don’t know? So far i’ve bought many cans of coconut milk (at most stores) for curry. And it seems that some have more solids, presumably fats too, then others. My favorite dish is eggplant (a p no no-niteshade plant family) curry. Just saute some onions and whatever vegetables you like and add cubed eggplant (i leave the skin on) with olive oil (would like to convert to coconut oil) and cook for 25 minutes or so.. and it tastes great the next day or so.. I do think the curcumin (tumeric) has some medicinal effects as to  possible die off.. i haven’t seen any flares from it.. I have to get beyond the mounds and thai curries myself.. I did buy a rather large coconut from the store for a buck. Hence my question.. and thanks Graham.. how is your hoover index.. O i hope.. About ten years ago. When i first started fooling around with oils and fats.. I took MCT oils from www.vrp.com (guess) and purchased a few quarts each time.. and saw no difference then. and lost interrest in this line. Since then i can’t help but feel that maybe there is still another avenue to check.. Like someone has already mentioned how about topical? Duh, I can’t believe i didn’t think of that one myself.. seeing as how i have that smell firmly in my database from years gone by. Many nice sunny (crazy hazy lazy) days at the beach and the smell of coconut sun tan lotion.. not that it isn’t just scented now.. i don’t know.. But then again someone has put forth the shea butter oil.. another good prospect. with a site to purchase it.. So, should i go to www.virgincoconutoil.com and buy a gallon or two? Coconut party anyone? BYOartificial sun source.. randall… summer redux..

— Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

Wow… this stuff sounds good!  Where can I buy it? Take Care, Dave

Hi Dave, I don’t know? So far i’ve bought many cans of coconut milk (at most stores) for curry. And it seems that some have more solids, presumably fats too, then others. My favorite dish is eggplant (a p no no-niteshade plant family) curry. Just saute some onions and whatever vegetables you like and add cubed eggplant (i leave the skin on) with olive oil (would like to convert to coconut oil) and cook for 25 minutes or so.. and it tastes great the next day or so.. I do think the curcumin (tumeric) has some medicinal effects as to  possible die off.. i haven’t seen any flares from it.. I have to get beyond the mounds and thai curries myself.. I did buy a rather large coconut from the store for a buck. Hence my question.. and thanks Graham.. how is your hoover index.. O i hope.. About ten years ago. When i first started fooling around with oils and fats.. I took MCT oils from www.vrp.com (guess) and purchased a few quarts each time.. and saw no difference then. and lost interrest in this line. Since then i can’t help but feel that maybe there is still another avenue to check.. Like someone has already mentioned how about topical? Duh, I can’t believe i didn’t think of that one myself.. seeing as how i have that smell firmly in my database from years gone by. Many nice sunny (crazy hazy lazy) days at the beach and the smell of coconut sun tan lotion.. not that it isn’t just scented now.. i don’t know.. But then again someone has put forth the shea butter oil.. another good prospect. with a site to purchase it.. So, should i go to www.virgincoconutoil.com and buy a gallon or two? Coconut party anyone? BYOartificial sun source.. randall… summer redux..

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Wow… this stuff sounds good!  Where can I buy it?

You can buy a coconut at the grocery store.  Or, if you live in the proper locale, go pick one off a tree in your back yard! <g Just went out yesterday to the local nutrition store, they have a big jar of coconut oil for topical use for $5, a smaller jar for consumption for $9 (and is there any difference???). Any market’s baking supplies will have coconut shredded and sweetened. The snack counter, over by the nuts and raisins, may have it flaked with no further additions.  Or, you can get some Mounds or Almond Joy bars, or other stuff, at the candy counter. — I’ve been nibbling shredded coconut, sweetened and unsweetened, for several days and seem to have two observations.  First, as the article suggests, eating a little coconut really seems to help signal your body that it has had enough to eat!  It seems to really cut down on the carbo-cravings.  That’s pretty interesting all on its own. Second, it does seem to have an effect on the psoriasis, reduces the inflammation, itching, and flaking by, oh, maybe 20% to 30%.  That’s not clearing, that’s just less severe symptoms where you’ve got it. That was for several days, small but what seemed a clear effect. There may be some acclimation going on after four days … at least, there does not seem to be further improvement, darn it.  But one way or the other, it seems a useful nutritional tool.  I’d be curious to hear others’ experience. J.

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Wow… this stuff sounds good!  Where can I buy it? Take Care, Dave

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Is it coconut oil or coconut milk that acts as a natural laxative?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here ya go. These folks sell variou sizes of virgin coconut oil, but not cheaply. http://www.coconut-info.com/ Hi Mike, a post from the above link.. Welcome to Coconut-info.com! "Never before in the history of man is it so important to emphasize the value of Lauric Oils. The medium-chain fats in coconut oil are similar to fats in mother’s milk and have similar nutriceutical effects." Jon J. Kabara, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Michigan State University The purpose of this site is to provide information on the health benefits of coconut products, particularly virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is known for being antiviral and antibacterial. Virgin coconut oil is also used for making natural soaps and other health products. At one time coconut oil received negative press in the US because of its high level of saturated fat. However, modern research has shown that not all saturated fats are alike and that the fatty acids in coconut oil, the medium chain tryglycerides, do not raise serum cholesterol or contribute to heart disease like the long chain tryglycerides found in seed oils. Also, most research done on coconut oil in the past was done on hydrogenated coconut oil, which has been altered from its original form. Much research on the nutritional and medicinal benefits on coconut oil has surfaced in recent years. Much of that research has been done by Dr. Mary Enig. Dr. Enig has classified coconuts as a "functional food," which provides health benefits over and beyond the basic nutrients. She has specifically identified lauric acid as a key ingredient in coconut products: "Approximately 50% of the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid, which has the additional beneficial function of being formed into monolaurin in the human or animal body. Monolaurin is the antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride used by the human or animal to destroy lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, various pathogenic bacteria including listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia. Some studies have also shown some antimicrobial effects of the free lauric acid." As a "functional food," coconut oil is now being recognized by the medical community as a powerful tool against immune diseases, like AIDS. Several studies have been done on its effectiveness, and much research is currently being done on the incredible nutritional value of pure coconut oil. Please browse the links page to read about these studies. To add pure virgin coconut oil to your diet, you can purchase it right off of this site directly from the manufacturer in the Philippines where it is made. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& I like that antiviral and antibacterial line… i hope this isn’t a curve ball. randall… maybe some more investigations first?

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Is it coconut oil or coconut milk that acts as a natural laxative?

I went over to the life extension ng and got this post.. from Tom Matthews When you see MCT think coconut oil as they often the same thing… in the aids section there is mention of bowel response.. 3) MCTs.  Does anyone have experience with medium chain triglycerides as a metabolic agent, life extension agent, etc?

Yes, I have used them. I believe they are neutral with respect to cholesterol, only being burned as fuel. Here is an abstract about their use in exercise. I don’t think they have any life extension benefit other than making it easier to reduce the volume of longer chain fats. J Sports Sci 1997 Jun;15(3):315-324 Nutritional strategies for promoting fat utilization and delaying the onset of fatigue during prolonged exercise. Lambert EV, Hawley JA, Goedecke J, Noakes TD, Dennis SC Carbohydrate ingestion before and during endurance exercise delays the onset of fatigue (reduced power output). Therefore, endurance athletes are recommended to ingest diets high in carbohydrate (70% of total energy) during competition and training. However, increasing the availability of plasma free fatty acids has been shown to slow the rate of muscle and liver glycogen depletion by promoting the utilization of fat. Ingested fat, in the form of long-chain (C16-22) triacylglycerols, is largely unavailable during acute exercise, but medium-chain (C8-10) triacylglycerols are rapidly absorbed and oxidized. We have shown that the ingestion of medium-chain triacylglycerols in combination with carbohydrate spares muscle carbohydrate stores during 2 h of submaximal (< 70% VO2 peak) cycling exercise, and improves 40 km time-trial performance. These data suggest that by combining carbohydrate and medium-chain triacylglycerols as a pre-exercise supplement and as a nutritional supplement during exercise, fat oxidation will be enhanced, and endogenous carbohydrate will be spared. And here is a study which concluded they may be useful for AIDS patients J Am Diet Assoc 1997 Jun;97(6):605-611 Decreased fat and nitrogen losses in patients with AIDS receiving medium-chain-triglyceride-enriched formula vs those receiving long-chain-triglyceride-containing formula. Craig GB, Darnell BE, Weinsier RL, Saag MS, Epps L, Mullins L, Lapidus WI, Ennis DM, Akrabawi SS, Cornwell PE, Sauberlich HE OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare two enteral formulas, differing only in fat source, for product acceptance, tolerance, and effect on fat malabsorption and nutritional status in subjects with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). DESIGN: The double-blind, randomized 15-day trial was divided into a 3-day period in which solid food was consumed followed by a 12-day experimental period in which liquid formulas were consumed. SETTING/SUBJECTS: Twenty-three men and one woman with AIDS and fat malabsorption completed the study. The study was conducted in the General Clinical Research Center, University of Alabama Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Laboratory assays were performed in the Department of Nutrition Sciences. INTERVENTIONS: After 3 days of consuming a controlled, solid food diet containing 100 g fat per day from mixed sources to document fat malabsorption, subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Each group received a liquid formula containing 35% of energy as fat for 12 days. One group received a formula containing 85% medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and the control group received a formula containing 100% long-chain triglycerides. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Determinations included stool number, consistency, weight, and fat and nitrogen content; urine nitrogen and creatinine levels; and body weight. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED: Subject demographic and other baseline characteristics were compared using two-sample t tests; stool and urine assessments were compared between groups at the initial experimental period using two-sample t tests; changes from initial to final experimental periods were assessed by means of analysis of covariance; changes in pooled intake, body weight, and the number and consistency of bowel movements were also assessed using analysis of covariance. All statistical tests were two-tailed and considered significant at P < .05. RESULTS: Within-group comparisons indicated that subjects fed the MCT formula showed significantly decreased stool fat and stool nitrogen content (P = .01 and P = .03, respectively) and increased fat absorption (P = .03), whereas those fed the control formula did not. Differences in stool fat between the groups were not statistically significant. However, the difference in fat absorption from the initial to final formula period was significant (P = .04). Subjects consuming the MCT formula also tended to have a decreased number of bowel movements and abdominal symptoms, whereas subjects fed the control formula showed no improvement. All subjects maintained their body weights. APPLICATIONS: There may be advantages to using an MCT-based formula in the treatment of AIDS-associated malabsorption. there you go.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here ya go. These folks sell variou sizes of virgin coconut oil, but not cheaply. http://www.coconut-info.com/ Hi Mike, a post from the above link.. Welcome to Coconut-info.com! "Never before in the history of man is it so important to emphasize the value of Lauric Oils. The medium-chain fats in coconut oil are similar to fats in mother’s milk and have similar nutriceutical effects." Jon J. Kabara, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Michigan State University The purpose of this site is to provide information on the health benefits of coconut products, particularly virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is known for being antiviral and antibacterial. Virgin coconut oil is also used for making natural soaps and other health products. At one time coconut oil received negative press in the US because of its high level of saturated fat. However, modern research has shown that not all saturated fats are alike and that the fatty acids in coconut oil, the medium chain tryglycerides, do not raise serum cholesterol or contribute to heart disease like the long chain tryglycerides found in seed oils. Also, most research done on coconut oil in the past was done on hydrogenated coconut oil, which has been altered from its original form. Much research on the nutritional and medicinal benefits on coconut oil has surfaced in recent years. Much of that research has been done by Dr. Mary Enig. Dr. Enig has classified coconuts as a "functional food," which provides health benefits over and beyond the basic nutrients. She has specifically identified lauric acid as a key ingredient in coconut products: "Approximately 50% of the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid, which has the additional beneficial function of being formed into monolaurin in the human or animal body. Monolaurin is the antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride used by the human or animal to destroy lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, various pathogenic bacteria including listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia. Some studies have also shown some antimicrobial effects of the free lauric acid." As a "functional food," coconut oil is now being recognized by the medical community as a powerful tool against immune diseases, like AIDS. Several studies have been done on its effectiveness, and much research is currently being done on the incredible nutritional value of pure coconut oil. Please browse the links page to read about these studies. To add pure virgin coconut oil to your diet, you can purchase it right off of this site directly from the manufacturer in the Philippines where it is made. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& I like that antiviral and antibacterial line… i hope this isn’t a curve ball. randall… maybe some more investigations first?

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Randall, I found the site to be interesting reading, and definitely enough to get my curiosity up regarding coconut oil. Like you, I would like to see more research done. I have a bit of a weight & cholesterol problem in addition to P, so a product that may be of assistance on multiple fronts would be a good thing. Of course, the Mounds therapy, which I really like the sound of, might not be the best approach from a weight point of view!! heheheh… Mike

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Here ya go. These folks sell variou sizes of virgin coconut oil, but not cheaply. http://www.coconut-info.com/

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Randall, I enjoy Thai, Sri Lankan or Indonesion curries with lots of coconut milk. My method for cracking them is to place in a large zip lock bag, wrap in a towel, rest on wall and strike with 5lb club hammer. Thus retaining milk. Works every time. Graham

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Here’s Ray Peat’s read on coconut oil.

http://www.efn.org/~raypeat/coconut.rtf (opened in Word inside browser on my machine) I’m off to buy a couple of Mounds bars, and maybe start eating more Thai food. Very, very interesting article, thanks for the pointer. J.

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Here ya go. These folks sell variou sizes of virgin coconut oil, but not cheaply. http://www.coconut-info.com/

Hi Mike, a post from the above link.. Welcome to Coconut-info.com! "Never before in the history of man is it so important to emphasize the value of Lauric Oils. The medium-chain fats in coconut oil are similar to fats in mother’s milk and have similar nutriceutical effects." Jon J. Kabara, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Michigan State University The purpose of this site is to provide information on the health benefits of coconut products, particularly virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is known for being antiviral and antibacterial. Virgin coconut oil is also used for making natural soaps and other health products. At one time coconut oil received negative press in the US because of its high level of saturated fat. However, modern research has shown that not all saturated fats are alike and that the fatty acids in coconut oil, the medium chain tryglycerides, do not raise serum cholesterol or contribute to heart disease like the long chain tryglycerides found in seed oils. Also, most research done on coconut oil in the past was done on hydrogenated coconut oil, which has been altered from its original form. Much research on the nutritional and medicinal benefits on coconut oil has surfaced in recent years. Much of that research has been done by Dr. Mary Enig. Dr. Enig has classified coconuts as a "functional food," which provides health benefits over and beyond the basic nutrients. She has specifically identified lauric acid as a key ingredient in coconut products: "Approximately 50% of the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid, which has the additional beneficial function of being formed into monolaurin in the human or animal body. Monolaurin is the antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride used by the human or animal to destroy lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, various pathogenic bacteria including listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia. Some studies have also shown some antimicrobial effects of the free lauric acid." As a "functional food," coconut oil is now being recognized by the medical community as a powerful tool against immune diseases, like AIDS. Several studies have been done on its effectiveness, and much research is currently being done on the incredible nutritional value of pure coconut oil. Please browse the links page to read about these studies. To add pure virgin coconut oil to your diet, you can purchase it right off of this site directly from the manufacturer in the Philippines where it is made. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& I like that antiviral and antibacterial line… i hope this isn’t a curve ball. randall… maybe some more investigations first?

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HI, Who wants to try eating some coconuts, to cure (help..) P?

(big giant snip here) find it.. they sell just the oil in gallon sizes etc.. forget the wesson parties…. ok.. skipper? randall… going coco nuts..

I love coconut. Best way I’ve seen to crack one open is with an ax. When I lived in the south, in Alabama, we used to buy them all the time and eat them. Now that I live up here in Yankee land, I rarely even see a coconut in the store. Of course I live in a rural area and go shopping in a very small town. Think I might visit a little larger city one of these days and stock up on some. Couldn’t hurt anyways and as Mr.Food says…."ooooooooo, it’s soooo good" —

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HI, Who wants to try eating some coconuts, to cure (help..) P? reprinted from some other ng.. there are a couple of fats known to cause increased blood fat content: coconut fats, and sorry, dairy fats.  these effects have been well

documented. Please provide citations on coconut fats. Also I’m curious who financed the studies. Could they possibly have been paid for by the seed-oil industry? I trust firms in the food and drug business about as much as I trust the cigarette firms, which just happen to be in the food and drug business!! Here’s Ray Peat’s read on coconut oil. Coconut Oil         I have already discussed the many toxic effects of the unsaturated oils, and I have frequently mentioned that coconut oil doesn’t have those toxic effects, though it does contain a small amount of the unsaturated oils.  Many people have asked me to write something on coconut oil.  I thought I might write a small book on it, but I realize that there are no suitable channels for distributing such a book–if the seed-oil industry can eliminate major corporate food products that have used coconut oil for a hundred years, they certainly have the power to prevent dealers from selling a book that would affect their market more seriously.  For the present, I will just outline some of the virtues of coconut oil.         The unsaturated oils in some cooked foods become rancid in just a few hours, even at refrigerator temperatures, and are responsible for the stale taste of left-over foods.  (Eating slightly stale food isn’t particularly harmful, since the same oils, even when eaten absolutely fresh, will oxidize at a much higher rate once they are in the body, where they are heated and thoroughly mixed with an abundance of oxygen.) Coconut oil that has been kept at room temperature for a year has been tested for rancidity, and showed no evidence of it.  Since we would expect the small percentage of unsaturated oils naturally contained in coconut oil to become rancid, it seems that the other (saturated) oils have an antioxidative effect: I suspect that the dilution keeps the unstable unsaturated fat molecules spatially separated from each other, so they can’t interact in the destructive chain reactions that occur in other oils.  To interrupt chain-reactions of oxidation is one of the functions of antioxidants, and it is possible that a sufficient quantity of coconut oil in the body has this function.  It is well established that dietary coconut oil reduces our need for vitamin E, but I think its antioxidant role is more general than that, and that it has both direct and indirect antioxidant activities.         Coconut oil is unusually rich in short and medium chain fatty acids.  Shorter chain length allows fatty acids to be metabolized without use of the carnitine transport system.  Mildronate, which I discussed in an article on adaptogens, protects cells against stress partly by opposing the action of carnitine, and comparative studies showed that added carnitine had the opposite effect, promoting the oxidation of unsaturated fats during stress, and increasing oxidative damage to cells.  I suspect that a degree of saturation of the oxidative apparatus by short-chain fatty acids has a similar effect–that is, that these very soluble and mobile short-chain saturated fats have priority for oxidation, because they don’t require carnitine transport into the mitochondrion, and that this will tend to inhibit oxidation of the unstable, peroxidizable unsaturated fatty acids.         When Albert Schweitzer operated his clinic in tropical Africa, he said it was many years before he saw any cases of cancer, and he believed that the appearance of cancer was caused by the change to the European type of diet.  In the l920s, German researchers showed that mice on a fat-free diet were practically free of cancer.  Since then, many studies have demonstrated a very close association between consumption of unsaturated oils and the incidence of cancer.         Heart damage is easily produced in animals by feeding them linoleic acid; this "essential" fatty acid turned out to be the heart toxin in rape-seed oil.  The addition of saturated fat to the experimental heart-toxic oil-rich diet protects against the damage to heart cells. Immunosuppression was observed in patients who were being "nourished" by intravenous emulsions of "essential fatty acids,"  and as a result coconut oil is used as the basis for intravenous fat feeding, except in organ-transplant patients.  For those patients, emulsions of unsaturated oils are used specifically for their immunosuppressive effects.         General aging, and especially aging of the brain, is increasingly seen as being closely associated with lipid peroxidation. Several years ago I met an old couple, who were only a few years apart in age, but the wife looked many years younger than her doddering old husband. She was from the Philippines, and she remarked that she always had to cook two meals at the same time, because her husband couldn’t adapt to her traditional food.  Three times every day, she still prepared her food in coconut oil.  Her apparent youth increased my interest in the effects of coconut oil.         In the l960s, Hartroft and Porta gave an elegant argument for decreasing the ratio of unsaturated oil to saturated oil in the diet (and thus in the tissues).  They showed that the "age pigment" is produced in proportion to the ratio of oxidants to antioxidants, multiplied by the ratio of unsaturated oils to saturated oils.  More recently, a variety of studies have demonstrated that ultraviolet light induces peroxidation in unsaturated fats, but not saturated fats, and that this occurs in the skin as well as in vitro.  Rabbit experiments, and studies of humans, showed that the amount of unsaturated oil in the diet strongly affects the rate at which aged, wrinkled skin develops.  The unsaturated fat in the skin is a major target for the aging and carcinogenic effects of ultraviolet light, though not necessarily the only one.         In the l940s, farmers attempted to use cheap coconut oil for fattening their animals, but they found that it made them lean, active and hungry.  For a few years, an antithyroid drug was found to make the livestock get fat while eating less food, but then it was found to be a strong carcinogen, and it also probably produced hypothyroidism in the people who ate the meat.  By the late l940s, it was found that the same antithyroid effect, causing animals to get fat without eating much food, could be achieved by using soy beans and corn as feed.         Later, an animal experiment fed diets that were low or high in total fat, and in different groups the fat was provided by pure coconut oil, or a pure unsaturated oil, or by various mixtures of the two oils.  At the end of their lives, the animals’ obesity increased directly in proportion to the ratio of unsaturated oil to coconut oil in their diet, and was not related to the total amount of fat they had consumed. That is, animals which ate just a little pure unsaturated oil were fat, and animals which ate a lot of coconut oil were lean.         In the l930s, animals on a diet lacking the unsaturated fatty acids were found to be "hypermetabolic."  Eating a "normal" diet, these animals were malnourished, and their skin condition was said to be caused by a "deficiency of essential fatty acids."  But other researchers who were studying vitamin B6 recognized the condition as a deficiency of that vitamin.  They were able to cause the condition by feeding a fat-free diet, and to cure the condition by feeding a single B vitamin.  The hypermetabolic animals simply needed a better diet than the "normal," fat-fed, cancer-prone animals did.         G. W. Crile and his wife found that the metabolic rate of people in Yucatan, where coconut is a staple food, averaged 25% higher than that of people in the United States.  In a hot climate, the adaptive tendency is to have a lower metabolic rate, so it is clear that some factor is more than offsetting this expected effect of high environmental temperatures. The people there are lean, and recently it has been observed that the women there have none of the symptoms we commonly associate with the menopause.         By l950, then, it was established that unsaturated fats suppress the metabolic rate, apparently creating hypothyroidism.  Over the next few decades, the exact mechanisms of that metabolic damage were studied. Unsaturated fats damage the mitochondria, partly by suppressing the repiratory enzyme, and partly by causing generalized oxidative damage.  The more unsaturated the oils are, the more specifically they suppress tissue response to thyroid hormone, and transport of the hormone on the thyroid transport protein.         Plants evolved a variety of toxins designed to protect themselves from "predators," such as grazing animals.  Seeds contain a variety of toxins, that seem to be specific for mammalian enzymes, and the seed oils themselves function to block proteolytic digestive enzymes in the stomach. The thyroid hormone is formed in the gland by the action of a proteolytic enzyme, and the unsaturated oils also inhibit that enzyme.  Similar proteolytic enzymes involved in clot removal and phagocytosis appear to be similarly inhibited by these oils.         Just as metabolism is "activated" by consumption of coconut oil, which prevents the inhibiting effect of unsaturated oils, other inhibited processes, such as clot removal and phagocytosis, will probably tend to be restored by continuing use of coconut oil.         Brain tissue is very rich in complex forms of fats.  The experiment (around 1978) in which pregnant mice were given diets containing either coconut oil or unsaturated oil showed that brain development was superior in the young mice whose mothers ate coconut oil.  Because coconut oil supports thyroid function, and thyroid … read more »

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Question:

Hi Travis, I recommend that you check out a book by Francis Mondimore. You can check it out here at Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0801861187/qid=999558025/sr=2-… 394396-2284959 It’s very up to date and will give you some insight as to what you are now going to be dealing with.  I suggest this book to anyone struggling with a new diagnosis.  It helped me, I hope it helps you too. Richard Countryman

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello everyone: I went to the doctor (general family doctor) this morning – went because I have been very depressed. I have also had periods of being overly energetic. Within the last few months, my moods have begun to shift dramatically within short periods of time. I couldn’t continue to live like this, so I finally went to the doctor. He prescribed Lithium. I have to go back next week. With all of that said, I am wondering what do I need to know before I talk to him again? What questions should I be asking? I have been searching the Internet and reading your wonderful posts for most of the day. I think I have read so much that nothing makes sense anymore. I would really appreciate any thoughts or advice that you would be willing to share. Thanks – Travis

Hi Travis, and welcome.  I’m surprised your doctor did not send you to a specialist for this problem.  Most of us see a psychopharmacologist or a psychiatrist with a MD.  But he seems to be fairly insightful with giving you lithium.  Most general docs just hand out antidepressants for anyone complaining of depression without asking about any up times, which can be bad for those who turn out to be Bipolar.  Maybe you could ask him if he wants to continue treating you for this, or if you should see a specialist.  Also there are blood tests that go along with lithium that you have to take.  They usually consist of lithium levels, and also to check your liver function and thyroid because lithium can effect these, and there might be others, I forget.  You might want to ask him about this.  That’s all I can think of now.  Let us know how you are doing. Sasha

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Hello everyone: I went to the doctor (general family doctor) this morning – went because I have been very depressed. I have also had periods of being overly energetic. Within the last few months, my moods have begun to shift dramatically within short periods of time. I couldn’t continue to live like this, so I finally went to the doctor. He prescribed Lithium. I have to go back next week. With all of that said, I am wondering what do I need to know before I talk to him again? What questions should I be asking? I have been searching the Internet and reading your wonderful posts for most of the day. I think I have read so much that nothing makes sense anymore. I would really appreciate any thoughts or advice that you would be willing to share. Thanks – Travis

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Hi Travis.     I spent the weekend alone because my wife had another breakdown and ended up in the hospital again.  She has been living with depression for years, possibly all her life.  This weekend we found out she was Bi-Polar. She has been on every drug they have come up with, as well as being in and out of counseling for the past 15 years.  Nothing has worked, she always slides back into depression/mania.  She got her first dose of Lithium this weekend, and so far it seems to be working pretty well.  She get’s out tomorrow, but I went to visit her today, and wow, what a difference.  She was smiling, laughing, and basically glowing.  I have rarley seen her like this unless she was drunk or stoned, but even then, she didn’t look this good.  This Lithium thing may do the trick.     I have read very little on the side affects, but did notice in some of my research that overdosing is very serious over time.  There are a number of symptoms, but the last one is death.  That is a little scary, but in my opinion, well worth the risk considering that your other option is living a miserable life and possibly killing yourself anyway.  Just be very careful to take the amount the doctor prescribes.  If you don’t feel like it’s enough, ask him/her for a higher dosage, don’t over medicate on your own.     My wife also did some research on ECT (ya know, the shock therapy).  ECT has taken a bad wrap, and is reserved for horror movies and bad jokes.  From what I understand,  the patient is put under, then a big shock is sent to the brain.  This kills off the busted cells that are floating around and makes ya happy again.  It’s not a one time thing though, possibly needs to be done anually, not sure.  Anyway, there are side affects to this too, one of the most popular being loss of some short term memory.  My wife has talked to a few people that had this done, and they love it.  It might be something you would want to look into if the Litium doesn’t work for you.     Hang in there man.  Things aren’t as bad as they seem.  At least you are working on it, and that is a good sign that you are going to be okay.  I hope the Lithium works out for you.     Best of luck,                     Drew

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello everyone: I went to the doctor (general family doctor) this morning – went because I have been very depressed. I have also had periods of being overly energetic. Within the last few months, my moods have begun to shift dramatically within short periods of time. I couldn’t continue to live like this, so I finally went to the doctor. He prescribed Lithium. I have to go back next week. With all of that said, I am wondering what do I need to know before I talk to him again? What questions should I be asking? I have been searching the Internet and reading your wonderful posts for most of the day. I think I have read so much that nothing makes sense anymore. I would really appreciate any thoughts or advice that you would be willing to share. Thanks – Travis

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Question:

Have you had a blood test done on this cat to rule out feline diabetes? That is what my "Buddy" has. Fred – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve heard that there is a new treatment for kidney failure on the market. It doesn’t renew the failed nephrons (kidney filtration cells) but does help prevent further damage. Of course, it depends on the quality of life that you think your cat has, or can have again. Only you and your vet can judge that. You mean Fortekor. The Great New Hope for cats with CRF in the UK – hey, that’s great, now in addition to the old cliched treatments of anabolic steroids, Vitamin B12 and prescription diet, you can give your cat a drug where trials are still ongoing, and which has only been tested on 100 CRF cats to date. But hey, it’s a pill, so it’s quick and easy to prescribe. I’m not saying Fortekor isn’t going to prove useful. I just don’t know at this stage of the trials. Novartis have given me what information they can and have promised to keep me informed about progress, but since the trials are ongoing they cannot yet provide much info. If it does prove useful, I’ll be the first to dance for joy. But if I see yet another mention of this "great new treatment" at this extremely early stage, I’m gonna scream. Personally, I would not be rushing to give it to a CRF cat at this stage of the trials, particularly since it can make creatinine rise at the beginning of treatment. Helen * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tanya’s UK Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Centre:                          http://users.ouvip.com/tanya

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does the advice for blood tests hold up if your cat is so inclined and well over 16 years old? My female is in pretty good shape except for her age  - which mostly means some discomfort from arthritis in her feet and total deafness. She’s still a very happy girl. I don’t see how knowing about advancing kidney failure (which she is most likely going to end with) is going to help her OR me. I can’t exactly prevent her from ever dying. I would think I should just let her have what she wants and make her as happy every day as possible. Am I wrong about this?

Yes, you are. Treatment of CRF is not just intended to extend life where possible (and it often is possible), it also has the very important function of making the cat more comfortable. Without treatment, CRF cats are permanently thirsty, feel like they have a hangover, can have terrible stomach acid and nausea, and often suffer from constipation and anaemia. All of these are treatable. If your aim is to make your cat as happy as possible, and that cat has CRF, treatments are essential. HTH Helen * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tanya’s UK Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Centre:                          http://users.ouvip.com/tanya

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve heard that there is a new treatment for kidney failure on the market. It doesn’t renew the failed nephrons (kidney filtration cells) but does help prevent further damage. Of course, it depends on the quality of life that you think your cat has, or can have again. Only you and your vet can judge that. You mean Fortekor. The Great New Hope for cats with CRF in the UK – hey, that’s great, now in addition to the old cliched treatments of anabolic steroids, Vitamin B12 and prescription diet, you can give your cat a drug where trials are still ongoing, and which has only been tested on 100 CRF cats to date. But hey, it’s a pill, so it’s quick and easy to prescribe. I’m not saying Fortekor isn’t going to prove useful. I just don’t know at this stage of the trials. Novartis have given me what information they can and have promised to keep me informed about progress, but since the trials are ongoing they cannot yet provide much info. If it does prove useful, I’ll be the first to dance for joy. But if I see yet another mention of this "great new treatment" at this extremely early stage, I’m gonna scream. Personally, I would not be rushing to give it to a CRF cat at this stage of the trials, particularly since it can make creatinine rise at the beginning of treatment. Helen * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tanya’s UK Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Centre:                         http://users.ouvip.com/tanya

Fair enough. I was just passing on what I spotted in one of the cat magazines last month. I think it was called something like Fortekor. The only experience I’ve had so far with kidney disease is that a young cat I knew with Persian ancestry died of PKD late last year.. Jeanette remove nospam to email

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I’ve heard that there is a new treatment for kidney failure on the market. It doesn’t renew the failed nephrons (kidney filtration cells) but does help prevent further damage. Of course, it depends on the quality of life that you think your cat has, or can have again. Only you and your vet can judge

that. You mean Fortekor. The Great New Hope for cats with CRF in the UK – hey, that’s great, now in addition to the old cliched treatments of anabolic steroids, Vitamin B12 and prescription diet, you can give your cat a drug where trials are still ongoing, and which has only been tested on 100 CRF cats to date. But hey, it’s a pill, so it’s quick and easy to prescribe. I’m not saying Fortekor isn’t going to prove useful. I just don’t know at this stage of the trials. Novartis have given me what information they can and have promised to keep me informed about progress, but since the trials are ongoing they cannot yet provide much info. If it does prove useful, I’ll be the first to dance for joy. But if I see yet another mention of this "great new treatment" at this extremely early stage, I’m gonna scream. Personally, I would not be rushing to give it to a CRF cat at this stage of the trials, particularly since it can make creatinine rise at the beginning of treatment. Helen * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tanya’s UK Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Centre:                          http://users.ouvip.com/tanya

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To follow up, the cat I originally wrote about in this thread was diagnosed with diabetes. She’s at the vet for three days getting hydrated, antibiotics for a slight urinary infection, insulin, and a new diet. We’re told she can still live a long healthy life once she’s treated and monitored. Lee

I’m glad you got her to the vet right away. Let us know how she goes on. Karen

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Everyone’s responses about full checkup/blood work are very valid.  As the owner of a beloved tortoiseshell who developed diabetes in her final year, I can tell you that there is a very quick remedy to confirm or rule out the diabetes.  Get urine test strips for glucose from your local drugstore. Hold one under your cat’s urine stream.  Check to see what the strip says compared to the rest of the jar.  If there’s no indication of high sugar, you can cross diabetes off of the list.  If there is indication of high sugar, you’ll need to go through further testing in order to decide on what course of action is best. In any case, I’m not suggesting you don’t go to the vet.  I’m simply suggesting that it might help to rule out or confirm at least one item in a long list of things your cat’s trouble may be indicative of. Best to you and your kitty, Cheryl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My cat is urinating way more than normal. She is also drinking a lot of water. Does this indicate a common problem? She has been on Science Diet "L/D" prescribed by the vet some time ago for a liver enzyme level correction. I hope the problem isn’t getting more serious.

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To follow up, the cat I originally wrote about in this thread was diagnosed with diabetes. She’s at the vet for three days getting hydrated, antibiotics for a slight urinary infection, insulin, and a new diet. We’re told she can still live a long healthy life once she’s treated and monitored. Lee – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My cat is urinating way more than normal. She is also drinking a lot of water. Does this indicate a common problem? I don’t mean to scare you or anything, but it’s sure a valid reason for a trip to the vet. My old Cherokee showed these exact symptoms when the renal failure started. Sherry My cat who was 12 at the time showed these signs when he developed feline diabetes. A change in drinking/peeing habits is definately cause for concern. — zz        |    _,,,—,,_            Home to Cleo & the spirits zzz     /,`.-’`’    -.  ;-;;,_       of many other furry friends.   ZZZ  |,4-  ) )-,_..; (  `’-’             ‘—”(_/–’  `-’_)    fL     http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/~au567

– Lee B.

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Karen, I think you are right.  It does SOUND so hopeless doesn’t it? Calling it CRD instead of CRF is a very good idea.  Maybe we should start doing that here?   Tracy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just feeding her a special formula food will make her much more comfortable and give her more years.  The rehydration is easy and inexpensive too.  If this is what it turns out to be.  You could still have many more years with her if it is chronic renal.  Simple, inexpensive test and simple, inexpensive treatment.  Your call. Tracy I think sometimes the term Chronic Renal FAILURE makes people think of immediate demise. I have seen vets referring to it lately as Chronic Renal Disease which gives one more hope that people won’t just "turn off" when they hear the term and realize that this is not always an *imminent* death sentence. Karen Does the advice for blood tests hold up if your cat is so inclined and well over 16 years old? My female is in pretty good shape except for her age  - which mostly means some discomfort from arthritis in her feet and total deafness. She’s still a very happy girl. I don’t see how knowing about advancing kidney failure (which she is most likely going to end with) is going to help her OR me. I can’t exactly prevent her from ever dying. I would think I should just let her have what she wants and make her as happy every day as possible. Am I wrong about this? If you have the blood work done, & see that the numbers are creeping up there (creatinine & BUN, esp.), you can monitor her better – both via blood work & clinically, & start treatment as soon as she crosses the line into official CRF numbers.  Sub-cutaneous fluids treatment (can do it at home, after the vet or techs show you), along w/ possible appropriate meds &/or supplements will be very likely to keep her feeling happier, for longer, than if the symptoms are ignored. If you do bloodwork as a preventative measure & her numbers are still good, even for a 16 yr. old, then at least  you’re fore-warned, re: if the symptoms of more drinking/peeing than normal, diminished appetite, dull coat, etc., appear & you can still at least get her blood tested asap, & treatment started.  CRF is, in the end, always fatal, but cats can live for many months & even years w/ appropriate treatment.  I know of one 20 yr. old cat who was diagnosed w/ CRF at 16, has been treated ever since then, has done well, & he’s still around! Cathy — "Decades gliding by like Indians, time is cheap."   Paul Simon ("Ren

Question:

Pee leeze I gotta go. Vern(teachers pet)

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All medications have side effects. Some are unpleasant and bothersome, some  may be more serious, while others can cause havoc with one’s liver, kidneys or thyroid gland as well as affect blood sugar. Since medications are often a necessary fact of life for people who have BP Disorder, it is up to us and our pdocs to determine which ones are deleterious and which can be managed so the effects are minimized. Your pharmacist is a resource with whom to consult when you are unsure about interactions with other medications, including nonprescription drugs, herbs, vitamins, mineral, and homeopathic remedies. No OTC supplements should be taken without the consent of your doctor as there can be antagonist, synergistic, and additive effects with your prescribed medications. It is also important to let your medical doctor and pdoc know all the medications you are taking…especially if you are being treated for other comorbid conditions (i.e. hypertension, diabetes). Some drugs should be taken on an empty stomach, while others may require food. Many drugs should be taken at set intervals throughout the day (for example, Neurontin every 6 hours) to insure adequate blood levels. Monitoring of drug blood levels for Lithium, Depakote and Tegretol are essential in insuring that a therapeutic level is achieved and maintained. Therapeutic levels are necessary to insure that toxic levels are not reached. Subtherapeutic levels are often not effective. Any time a dose is adjusted, a blood level should be obtained. This is often drawn in the morning before one takes the AM dose of the mood stabilizer. Baseline blood tests done before initiation of treatment should include: 1. CBC (complete blood count) 2. Thyroid tests (specifically a TSH level) as well as T3 and T4 3. Renal tests (Creatinine and BUN) 4. Hormone panel for females 5. Electrolytes, blood lipids (fasting), and glucose (fasting) tests Blood pressure, heart rate, and a baseline EKG are also necessary components of a physical exam before treatment is started. Monitoring of blood levels, renal function and thyroid should be done every 6 months while on Lithium. Depakote and Tegretol levels should be monitored every 6 months. When a dose is changed, then the level needs to be checked the first week and then in 3 months to insure that a therapeutic level is achieved. The newer medications used as Mood Stabilizers (MS) are Neurontin, Topomax, and Lamictal. At present, no therapeutic levels for BP Disorder have been established. It appears that polytherapy (combination drug therapy) is more successful in treating refractory or resistant BP illness as well as rapid cycling conditions. If one is experiencing side effects which are interfering with one’s life, then please discuss this with your doctor. There are several medication options available today for the treatment of BP Disorder. No one needs to feel "locked into" a specific drug. All responses to medications are individualized so I suggest that others’ experiences with any drug will not necesssarily reflect your own. Peace, Lynda

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Question:

I thought a high TSH was indicative of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. Can anyone confirm this?

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In article <20000406162951.15261.00000…@ng-cn1.aol.com

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jupite…@aol.com (Jupiter45) wrote:

I thought a high TSH was indicative of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. Can anyone confirm this?

Quite right. Hypo gives a high TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) reading because the pituitary is trying stimulate the thyroid into producing more thyroid hormone. Hyper is low because the the thyroid is already producing too much, and so the pituitary reduces the level of TSH it produces. If abnormality is suspected free T3 and T4 may confirm hypo or hyper. Terri * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

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I suspected I was hyperthyroid for at least 5 years prior to *finally* being diagnosed as such.  Three doctors had told me that my thyroid felt slightly enlarged upon physicals; each time I was sent for a TSH test & each time it came back within "normal" limits.  For many years I had also been told by countless nurses that my pulse was a little on the fast side, but no one ever remarked on it beyond that.  When I read up on thyroid conditions, 2 + 2 started adding up.  I have been *much* warmer than others around me for years upon years & sweat like crazy when the temp goes over 80