Daily Chat!!! :)

[Young Grasshopper]

Hi Ladies!

Just thought I'd start a new thread because the other got to be too long! Hope everyone is having a great day (rained here) and looking forward to a great week.

Sounds as though a few of us are making committments to try again. At least I am....not sure if I can give up the meat like Viking Mom though. Have visions of myself waking up in the middle of the night, having an 80's flashback, and crying, "Where's the BEEF?!" :lol:

Good luck with your plans VM. You might try the Lowcarbfriends.com website for soy recipes. Personally, I don't really know what I'd do with that. I only tried it once....had a low carb recipe for chocolate mousse. Have to say, it wasn't bad.

VM, not sure when I'll be able to get online and chat. My schedule will be up in the air once my brother gets home. When I come online I'll open up chat and sit there. I'll just open up another window and look at stuff. If you come in or are there that's great if not we can talk via the boards.

Silk: Is that your first cortisone shot? My first epidural was like a miracle but the ones afterward didn't do much for me. Plus, I really began to worry about the long term affects on my bones. The last doc I went to talked about severing a nerve (it would grow back) so the pain would be limited and then I could rebuild muscle. I'm going to make an effort to start some sort of exercise this week...everyday. I have difficultly walking but I'm going to take a shot....drag a family member with me to the high school track or something. Do you find that your moods are altered after teh shots? I did. Hope that it "takes" for you and that you get some much needed relaxation from the pain.

Angel: Where are you? Been wondering how the RM went this time round. Hope you're feeling good and you had a great weekend!

Joanne and Canuck...how are you guys? Hope you're doing well!

Deb :)

[silk lumina]

Hi Grasshopper, yes this is my first corizone shot. I had an epidural when they removed my kidney stone and it wasn't too bad. I guess the cortizone shot is similar, I will let you know after I have it.

I am going to try to do some walking this week as well, although I won't be able to go too far, a little is better then nothing.

Angel, I hope things are going better for you as I have not heard from you for a while.

Keep well
Silk

[Happy Canuk]

Well our chat thread appears to be growing. That is great. The more the merrier they say. I hope all of you are feeling somewhat better. Nice to hear from you Silk - hope the cortisone shots do you some good. I have had numerous Facet Joint Injections in my lower back and epidurals; and Angel, I hope the shot helps and you will be up and running soon.

Viking Mom, of course you are welcome here. Glad you joined us. Did I read that you were from Norway? Where in Norway, do you come from? I love your country.

Hi Joanne and Candice.

I have just come back from a weeks holiday. Went to the west coast, through the fire zones. How sad to see all the beautiful mountain forests burned, along with towns. People have lost everything, but got away with their lives. The westcoast of British Columbia, Canada is beautiful. It is a lot like Norway, actually.

I am still recovering from the trip, as it is a really long drive. I shall be much better tomorrow, after another good nights sleep.

Hope everyone had a gread labor day.

[Joanne D]

Hello Young Grasshopper. Silk ,Viking Mom, Happy.
I have had many cortizone injections over the years. After a few days the pain decreased. I have to say that I hate them. They make me sick and a rise in B/P every time. They do destroy tissue over time. But what you going to do. It reduces inflamation.
I went on the chat line a couple times today ,but, no one there. I am usually in bed at 9-9.30 (our time) with a book.
Everyone is welcome . It is great to have different information . We all have something to add.
I should try the meatless diet. I am such a creature of habit ,I wonder how long I would hold out before I needed a cheese fix.
It has been a quiet Labor day here. I hope a safe one around the country.
I know Happy, It must have been sad seeing all the burned trees.We missed you though.
YG - Forget yesterday. Start tomorrow. or today. That is what I have been telling myself all weekend.
VM Do you know what a marvel it is for a southern country G/Mother to be comunicating with another mom in Norway.
Silk- Don't be afraid of the injections. They only hurt for a second or if you have a Dr. like mine not at all. He freezes the area of injection first.He said it was brutal to hurt a patient..
I walked yesterday..Not today..We had rain and I was afraid to get out on the roads with so much traffic and the chance that some of them would be drinking.
Bye for now.....Joanne

[Angel-lover]

Hi everyone....I like the way the site is growing!http://www.gifanimations.com/Image/Animations/Messages/Welcome/welcome_014.gif Viking Mom!! Remember me? I answered your post on the other forum. Hope you're doing well. Sorry I've been gone so long. I had a pretty rough time for awhile..getting better, now. Glad treatments are set at 6 wks, now.

Happy Canuk...thanks for the well-wishes. It's not a shot, though...it's intraveneous, 2-2 1/2 hr treatments (Remicade).
They help quite a bit...just hope this one doesn't wear off before 6 weeks! I'm afraid medicare might start kicking up about it. They cost between $2,000 & $3,000 for each treatment! I couldn't afford it, myself. My disability pays for it.

Hi Silk...hope the cortisone works. I've had them before in my lower back. Did help for awhile. Seems like everything is for awhile, though...right?!

Grasshopper....hope you're feeling better than the last time I posted to you...you were in my thoughts, as well as all the others.

Joanne...hope you're ok
Anyone I missed, I'm sorry....very tired tonight. Had kids & grands this weekend. Got a lot done on the house!

My daughter got an email from her husband in Irag. His truck got blown up Saturday. He & buddy were thrown several feet. Mostly scratched up & bruised, but very close call! Two of his buddies were killed last week. He's very down. Please, all, pray for him & other soldiers!

I'll check in later.....http://home.att.net/~scorh/IHugs.gif

[Young Grasshopper]

Hi All,

So sorry to hear the news from Iraq, Angel. Thank God he's doing okay though...got to be rough. Now I'm just hoping those guys will be home from Christmas.


Silk, I hope I didn't give you a bad impression of those shots. The first one, as I said, was awesome. Wish I'd been smart and followed it up with physical therepy and built my muscles up. Think that's the best thing for bad lower backs....increased stomach muscle. That, and lossing weight...but we all know that.

Hope everyone is doing better!

Deb

[Joanne D]

Hello Everybody- My G/son was over in the Med during the bombing of Irag. He is on the Harry S. Truman...Now we hear his cousin will go to Bagdad in a few weeks maybe sooner. He is in the MP Air Force.... All of our boys need our prayers .It seems more are being killed every day...
Angel-Lover. I hope they will dind a better solution to your Arthritis... I V's that only last a few weeks is a rough road to take..
I was told that walking was the best way to make the back stronger.. Stomach muscles too. That is one of the reasons I do it...
Bye all Joanne

[silk lumina]

Hi everyone, it seems that all of us have similar problems with our back etc.

I certainly will pray for all of the people guarding this great country of ours.

We will be moving the end of October so the next couple of months will be very busy but it will be good to get out of this apartment as it is very small.

Its hard to believe that the kids are back in school and the advertisements for christmas have started.

It was two months yesterday that my brother passed away, how time flies. I keep expecting him to call or come over and then reality sets in and I realize that is never going to happen.

Take care
Silk

[Joanne D]

Silk- Sorry to hear about your bother... In a five year period my hubby lost his mother,sister, brother,(his sister and brother died a month apart).My G/mother and mother also. My Mother-in-law and mother died a month apart. Now and then my sil visites me and my daughter in our dreams. She was much loved in this family...It takes time but each day will get better. You will remember the good times.
Think happy thoughts and stay well...Joanne

[Angel-lover]

Hi everybody...hope all are well, today.

Silk...time does go by fast....but your love & thoughts of your brother will linger...that's what's important. I do hope you're getter better, with the time. You know, that's what he would want. Take care of yourself.

Joanne...I will also be praying for your g/son & his cousin. No place is safe there. It is really scarey. Chris has told Gina things in letters that are really rough.

Grasshopper...hope you're feeling well.

VikingMom, Candice, Happy Canuk....take care. http://home.att.net/~scorh4/Bath1.gif

[Young Grasshopper]

Hi All!

Got an interview tomorrow....kind of nervous. It's a part time job so we'll see. Back is bugging me and I'm worried about the heels I have to wear. Wish I could get away with sneakers but business attire is required. Guess I'll have to play it by ear. Hope all are well!

Deb

[Happy Canuk]

Hi Deb. Hope your interview goes well and that you get the job. I tried a part-time job this past spring, but my back wouldn't let me handle it. I thought I could. I wish better for you.

Silk - How did the cortisone shot go?

Angel - Hope you are feeling better.

Hi Joanne. Hope you are doing ok.

Fall is in the air. It was a beautiful day here today - up in the late 80's, but the air has changed. I just don't look that forward to the season that follows.

[Joanne D]

Deb- Hope you do well with your interview...
Happy- All is well here.. Raining all day today I guess. We have a little storm out in the Gulf. I will just find a nice corner and read or do handwork. I started a quilt. It will take some time to get the squares together.
Angel-Lover.. Those boys over there need all the prayers that can go their way. I say in the paper where at least 10 a day is killed/shot. I thought that was a lot.
Hello Silk...How is your day going?
Bye.........Joanne

[Young Grasshopper]

Hi All!

Got the job :)! I can't believe how nervous I was and how easy the interview was. I thought it was part time but sounds like they could use me full time. It's a short term assignment but at least it will get me out of my rut. I know what you mean about your back bugging you too much to work Canuck. Had that problem with my last job....maxed out my sick leave. All I can say, is thank God it had a union.

I've been noticing pain in my hips and knees at night while I try to sleep. Worried that it could be something new...thinking of taking an over the counter arthritis medicine. Anyone have suggestions? Seemed like no matter which way I turned I ached...this is not a good sign.

Looks like fall is on it's way. Just wish it would get a little cooler than I'd be happy. Think I'd be happy if it was fall all year long....oh but in my perfect world the leaves would never fall! Hate raking! :lol: Just love the turn of seasons for fall and spring.

Hope everyone is doing and feeling well :)

Deb

[Joanne D]

Debbie- Glad you got the job.. It might be just what you need..I have osteoarthritis in both knees,one relacement. I take Glucosamine Chondroitin. You can get it at Wall-mart but it is cheaper at Sams. It will take about 3 + weeks to start showing results. I also take Advil and when that doesn't help Darvocet N 100. Last year I thought I was going to need a left knee replacement. Doctor does not believe in them. So I wore a knee brace for several months. The Doctor injected the knee and that helps. That can be done every 3-4 months. I try not to get them as they make me sick for several days. I found a brace with metal in the sides. I no longer wear the brace and haven't had a injection in a long time.I use a heating pad where it hurts. Some people use ice. It always makes me hurt more..
Good luck with your new job.....Joanne

[Young Grasshopper]

Thanks for the advice Joanne. I'm hoping that I don't get much worse. Hoping physical therepy and exercise might help....I have bad circulation in my legs. Need to work on that.

Think I have some of that joint supplement somewhere...will start taking it tonight. Thanks! :)

Deb

[Angel-lover]

Grasshopper! Glad you got the job! I don't have advice on over the counter meds. I've been on prs. drugs for so long now, sorry. Hope you do find something.

Hello Joanne....Hope you're doing better.

Silk...let us know how you're doing.

Happy Canuk....I'm a little better, thanks
:)

[Happy Canuk]

Hi Deb, glad you got the job. See, all that worrying over nothing:lol:

Joanne, good advise as usual. Glad you knee is better than it was.

Glad you are doing better Angel.

Here is a little song for you all to go listen to. I love this one by Dollie Parton.

http://www.jbreck.com/HelloGod.html

[Joanne D]

Young-Grasshopper...I hope the PT helps you. I told my Dr. the last time that he suggested it that I thought it was a waste of money.. He agreed with me!!I have had this Dx. so long I have found out all the methods don't work for every body. They sent me for water therepy one time. The best thing about that was I went to a warm pool three times a week and the insurance paid.
Angel-Lover- I am doing fine. I guess we all have our good and bad days. Hope you are doing better as well.
Happy- I love Dolly Parton- Infact I am a country music lover. I don't like the hard rock music and never have. When my children were growing up I used to insist they listen to a lot of different types. They, ofcourse went through the years of teenagers. Now They listen to most of the artists but they don't like the hard rock.
Our little storm did not drop as much rain so far as they predicted. At least not in my area. TV says south of us got more.
We should not have a water shortage like we did in the past...
Everybody stay well Joanne

[silk lumina]

Congratulations Grasshopper! I take two Aleve every morning for the pain in my back and knees and it seems to help. I have not had my cortisone shot yet, I have it on the 10th.

Joanne, I was glad to hear you say that your sil visits you in your dreams. I have had two dreams in which my brother has talked to me. The first one was when I had the kidney stone and I was afraid it was cancer. He told me it was not and to quit worrying. The second one was when he told me he was alright and to get on with my life. He also said he is with our mom who died the year before he did. Do you really believe that they talked to us? I want to believe this so bad but sometimes I think it is just my longing to talk to them.

Angel, I hope you are feeling better, I have not talked to you much lately, I hope your OK.

Canuck, take care of yourself.

Have a good weekend!!!!
Silk

[Angel-lover]

Hello...

Silk...I didn't mean to slight you...I've been working on my website. Not the homepage here. I've had a large christian website for almost two yrs now. Anyway, I decided to put bkground color in & had used up my disk space...it's in a mess! So...trying to fix it. There's a way around, just takes time. I've really enjoyed it, & have well over 100 signatures in the guestbook from all over the world. Sometimes, I get started, though, & can't seem to find a stopping place!

Yes, I believe our loved ones can visit us. Don't know if it's bible. Just know things have happened. One instance, is when my husband's aunt was dying, we were taking care of her little girl..8 or 9 yrs old. (very close to her mom...divorce situation) After the little girl was in bed asleep..we received a call at 11:30 pm that his aunt had passed away. The next morning when she awoke....the little girl came in the kitchen & hugged me. She said that her mommy went to heaven the night before. I told her, Yes...she had. I ask her how she knew. She said her mommy came & sat on her bed & woke her up to say good-bye. They talked for awhile & her mommy kissed her on the cheek & "faded" away. She said she looked at the clock by the bed & it was 11:30pm! The door was closed...down the hall from us....no way she had heard our conversation the night before. She was never upset....has never really seemed sad about it, since. That must have been some talk!
I also, have some very nice visits with my dad, when I'm asleep. The next day always seems so much more peaceful.

Grasshopper...hope you're doing better. Hoping the job goes well for you.

Joanne...glad you're doing as well as you can.

Happy Canuk...I love Dolly...got a peek at her over a fence once. We were at Dollywood, behind some the buildings, & peeked over the fence just in time to see her go inside! She is beautiful! She saw us & stopped to wave. So sweet.

Hope all have a great weekend. http://home.att.net/~scorh3/AHug1a.jpg

[Young Grasshopper]

Hi All,

On a real carb binge! Help me!! LOL...don't you hate when that happens? Think I've turned into a hoover. Hope I wake up in a better state of mind.

Thanks for all your congrads. Looking forward to work....looking forward to some $ and just getting out of the house.

Silk, I think that those that have passed do come to "visit" you....especially when you're in need. Once, while driving cross state I had the feeling that an old friend that'd passed a year prior was there. Felt weird, but I was sure that it was her. Remember talking to her in the car and saying, "Patty, I don't know why you're here but...."...and within minutes a car came speeding up behind me and tailed me for miles. Was really scarey and a couple of times I feared I was going to have an accident or something. He followed me for two counties....later found out, after he's finally blew past me and was caught by 12 police cars, that it was an escaped convict. I believe she came to me to wake me up...to make me pay attention to the road. I remember consciously thinking something is wrong and I need to be careful. So yes, I think they come visit you...I think your brother came to you in your dreams to give you comfort and assurance. Take comfort in it and know that he's in a better place.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Deb :)

[Joanne D]

Hello Everybody- Seems that we all are alike when it comes to certain things.. I really do believe that people in our lives visit us when they are gone.Some that were close and also some that were not. My sil was very close to my children as she never had any of her own. My son and daughter have told me often that she came to them in their dreams. My nightmares are the ones who never really meant good for me when they were alive and still don't now they are gone.That happens too. But our passed love ones can be a comfort as well as lead us out of danger.
Well the little storm passed and we got almost 2 inches of rain. South of us got more. We have a lot of flooded areas north of us so I hope they are OK.
Have a good weekend..........Joanne

[silk lumina]

Deb, congratulations on your new job. Joanne do you really believe that they talk to us in our dreams? I have had two dreams in which my brother has talked to me. The first one was when I had the kidney stone and thought it was cancer, he assured me it was not and the second one he told me he was OK and was with our mom who passed away the year before he did.

I am not sure if the dream was just in my mind or if he really talked to me. I want to believe that he talked to me and that he will again.

Angel, I hope your feeling better.

Happy Canuck - I don't have my cortisone shot until this Wednesday, thanks for asking. I am really nervous about it but if it helps I can I can endure the pain.

Take care everyone.

Silk

[Young Grasshopper]

Hi All!

Found a dress for my brother's wedding....what a relief! Was worried that I would never find one. Had a great day....weather was so nice!

Silk, I think they do come and talk to you. Course, I would be freaked out in your case Joanne...the bad ones coming to you. You'd think the ones would an axe to grind would give it up! Maybe it's true...no true rest for the wicked. I think the ones you love do come to you in times of need. I believe they will be waiting there when it's your time to go....I've heard nurses say that people that are close to dying start seeing relatives that have passed...welcoming them.

I'll keep my fingers crossed about the shot Silk. I was terrified of getting my first epidural (there was a woman getting one when I went in for trigger points and she kicked up such a fuss it scared me) but I have to say what a blessing it was. Don't know about you, but by the time it got to getting a shot I didn't care about the pain anymore....was in constant pain at the time. It seditive relaxed me and it wasn't that bad....think the worst part was having my behind in the air :lol:

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Deb

[Angel-lover]

Hi everybody...getting late, so can't stay long.

Well, the Remicade nurse called me...my white blood cell count is very low. Wants me to come to dr tomorrow. She had me to miss two doses of Methotrexate (low-dose chemo). That's probably what' s doing it. My main fear.... a little over a yr ago, my white blood cell count was low, & I had to have a bone marrow expiration.....painful! Don't want to go through that again.

Silk...it's ok....you've been through the worse of the cortisone shot..the dreading it. Really....it's not that bad. Yes, your brother has been talking to you. Take it for what it's meant to be....a comfort.

Grasshopper....Hope enjoy your fist week of work. Or, do you even start this week? I can't remember anything anymore...too lazy to go back & read.:lol:

Happy Canuk....Where you at?

Joanne...Take care of yourself... Hope all have a great Monday!http://home.att.net/~scorh3/Cutie01e.gif

[Young Grasshopper]

Hi All!

No, haven't started work yet...had to go in for a health screening today...hope they don't make me get vaccinated again :( That wouldn' t be fun...on the other hand, wouldn't want to catch anything either.

Having pain in my joints at night...making sleep difficult. Think I'm going to hold off seeing the doc until I see what type of benefits I get at the job. Hate having to change docs mid treatment because they don't use the same health insurance. Really worried that I might have to get more shots. Worry about the long term effects of those.

Hope everyone is doing well! Good to see you Angel :)

Deb

[Joanne D]

Angel- I am doing fine-- I have been trying to help my hubby bundle and get some trees my son cut down so the trash man will take them off. They won't take them unless they are in 4 ft long bundles. They can't be too heavy to lift . It is back breaking work. My hubby won't admit it is too mush for us so I guess I will call it my exercise. We cut down 3 trees. One dead and the others a pain in the neck.. They will spread all over the place . My hubby thinks if a tree comes up -let it grow. Well they just about have taken over...I have to scream and put my foot down..I also ask God to let the birds do their business elseware,so they don't plant anymore seeds.
Grass Hopper. Don't you have to wait 3 months for insurance to be effective?Take the Glocosamine for your joints. I take Tylenol PM and a Darvocet if I need it at night...Helps..
Bye ...........Joanne

[Young Grasshopper]

Thanks for the advice Joanne. I'm trying Sam-E...bought it a while ago and it seems to relax me. Just have to time it for when I go to bed...threw out the package insert so not too sure about it's dosage. Don't want to make a mistake.

Went in for health physical for work today. Ends up that they offered me full time hours but are willing to take me at part time. Can't help thinking that I should opt for the full time...could use the money not to mention the health insurance if they offer it. Just not sure....figured if I worked part time that I could have a day of rest when I need it. Last job I called out a lot because my back hurt. Just not sure...would like to land a more perm. position. Well, I guess I'll have to play it by ear. Don't want to promise full time and call out a lot...think that would look worse.

Hope everyone is doing well. Be careful with those trees Joanne...don't know about you but I tend to push myself when I have a "good day" and end up paying for it.

So, how is everyone doing on their diets? I'm looking forward to Dr Phil's big promo this week. Curious to see it. Think I'm going to my first TOPS meeting tomorrow.

Have a great day!

Deb :)

[Happy Canuk]

Hi All

Well, I think summer is finished. It was almost 90 here yesterday and today it was in the low 60's and tomorrow down into the 50's. Nice fall days. We need rain so desparatley here - haven't had much. I don't know if any of you have heard about the wildfires burning in Western Canada, but so many people have lost homes and they are still burning. They haven't had rain since May and June, and the forests are tinder. Very sad to see all the beautiful forests burning up like that.

I have been feeling not so well the past couple of days myself. Pain and more pain and fatigue - it was hot yesterday, and I was huddled under a quilt. Just couldn't seem to get warm. Every muscle in my poor old bod hurt. Today it is not so bad and hopefully tomorrow will be better. I sure wish I could figure out this FM thing.

Silk - I believe that those that have passed can make a connection with us, to let us know they are ok and that your life must go on. Life is for the living and we shouldn't waste it. We can always find even the smallest thing to be thankful for. A pretty flower, a beautiful lake, a wonderful family - it costs nothing to be happy and we are the only ones that came make us happy. Don't worry about the injections. They freeze the area first. Anticipation is ALWAYS the worst.

Angel - I hope you feel better as the days go by. You are a busy person, so I hope you give yourself time to relax. The body needs that to heal.

Grasshopper - Don't jump in full-time. I found even part-time too hard to handle for my back. Just couldn't do it. Be kind to yourself.

Joanne - I always like your advice and I guess you will always be a nurse, nurturing and caring.

Take care ladies. Sorry about the novel.

[Angel-lover]

I everybody.....Finally got a minute....but that's all. Got someone at station on vacation again this week...gotta help.
If I didn't love it so much, I'd probably quit. It takes a lot of my time....& a LOT of my energy. I probably would just lay around & get worse, if I didn't have a reason to get dressed & out of here, though.
The blood test showed the count was still real low....wants me to miss 2 more doses & go back the 22nd. Oh well, that's life!

Happy Canuk....sorry you're not feeling well. Does the change in weather effect you? I know the winters are harder with my Osterarthritis in my back. I don't think either matters with the Rheumatoid.

Grasshopper...I know those work decisions are hard to make, sometimes. I think you probably made the right choice, though, if your back bothers you that much.

Joanne...glad you're doing well....but don't over do.

Silk....hope your doing alright....I'm thinking about you.

Everybody.....hang in there! http://home.att.net/~scorh2/RulesAir1d.gif

[Young Grasshopper]

DON'T POST HERE! STARTING A NEW THREAD!

DEB