Happy- I think it is the fats that are the problem..I have done well for the past 3 days and I might have a loss this week.I am still counting points. You know the Dr. has been giving me cortizone injections for years for the osteo inflamation. I too have a supply of little bumps on my face. I say a write up that said corn starch would help them. I haven't tried it yet. I thought it might have been caused from makeup. I use very little now that I don't work anymore. And not often in the summer. It's too hot..
Candice- I have had no problems in the bowel department..I am eating a lot of veggies. I will add the fruits in 2 weeks. Slowly the other foods later..
Ally- Hope you feel better soon.
Meme-Don't get stressed. You will do fine . I hope your vacation is the best.. I like to try and go places where there is no TV or phones.. That is the best...
Mima- Cute dog- Looks like you have some nice hardwood floors.
Hello Everybody...Joanne

I havent lost 5 bs in one week since I did the cabbage soup diet when I turned 40. That was a few years before Fibro. I was STARVED. I remember that it almost became anorexic. I started to enjoy the deprivation and was obsessed. Wish I could become just a wee bit obsessed now. Wth this fibro flare up, I don't have the energy to be good. I ate cookies last nite. It is like you feel as though you deserve it and then when you wake up aching the next day you want to kick yourself.
Have had a migraine every afternoon but yesterday when I was off work. Hmmmmm, wonder where my stress comes from? I have been blaming my aunt, but it really comes from work.

I'm trying to get our checking accounts staightend out, we just realized the bank has been charing us for a business account when both our accounts are personnel!!!!!!!!!!! They owe us money but not sure how that works. I get my hair trimmed today, doesn't really need it but when it stars shedding I go get it trimmed

The dog id doing well but peed her bed twice this week and fell in her poop once..so she has had a few baths! OH she threw up too, so that is not a good sign.........but she is full of life again. so many ups and downs with her.

Yes ally what we eat comes back to haunt us

Joanne, glad you are able to tolorate the diet well!

Mima..Cassidy looks like a baby wolf!!!!!!!!!! Is she gray or tan? Can't really tell form the pic.

ME...GET STRESSED???

I'm just not into the 'roughing it' type of vacations. We've done those before but I didn't enjoy them like the condos at the beach. I like a TV and VCR with lots of movies and a phone line with internet access (not interested in calling anyone, though). I want all the comforts of home PLUS the ocean and a pool with maid service etc etc etc! And even a few nights of eating out.

Me neither Meme-I like the 5 star hotels-I had to train Brad who didn't care. We are going to the hospital for 7 so Brad can have a heart test. I brought the books with me to do while I am waiting. At least I got to eat breakfast-Brad can only have juice and dry toast. He is concerned because sometimes the treadmill leads to a surprise diagnosis. I'm glad I don't have to do it. The floor is pine boards and hopefully when we are gone we are going to have it polyed. Gotta go get ready to leave in a half hour. Mima

Well, I'm sitting here with all the hatches battened down and waiting for Hurricane Isabel. Fortunately they're now saying the path will take the worst of it a tad further west and so we won't be getting quite as much as previously expected if the new forecast holds true. Still enough to do a lot of damage and cause lots of flooding but I'm going to look for the best and try to enjoy it all. Sort of a Hurricane Party!

Had a great diet day yesterday and blew it at breakfast this morning. Have spent the rest of the day trying to atone for that slip. Just might be able to make it all even out a bit.

Been pretty weepy today and think that's all for the good. Hoping it will all help to make me feel a bit more energetic and get things back together soon.

Definitely not a ROUGHING IT person. Don't know if I ever was but I hate to leave the comfort of my home and spend money to stay in a place that's not as nice. If I'm going to pay, I want it to be a big improvement. Eating out was probably my hobby until I figured I'd best try to do something about health/weight.

Hope Brad's tests turned out well. DH saw orthopedist Monday because of some foot/leg problems. Referred to PT and must have a brace made for foot (drop foot or foot drop). So next day we went out and set up appts. Today he went for PT evaluation and was relieved to learn he'll probably only have to go twice more. Scheduled for brace fitting tomorrow if Isabel isn't too bad by the time he's to go.

Ally, there's no doubt the caretaking job is gruelling enough for someone healthy. But all that stress certainly isn't good for someone with a health problem that's so easily exacerbated by stress (takes one to know one). Hope you can get it back in hand soon. Always find that a big factor - that people who need you and your help can't see sometimes that you can't always give them all they need. I don't mean they're EVIL or anything. I just think I must never look as bad as I feel sometimes - or people just see me through rose colored glasses.

Happy, hope that yeast problem is shortlived!

That's the problem with fibro and arthritis... you can be in excruciating pain but look like there isn't a thing in the world wrong with you. There is an older man at our church (retired minister) who is (was) a quadriplegic. He fell several years ago and lost all control of his body from the neck down. He was told he would never walk again. He is still in a wheel chair most of the time but he can use both hands some and is walking slowly with the help of a walker ... and can even WALK UP STAIRS NOW!!! He has worked so hard to do this!!! He has really been an inspiration to me. He knows my problems ... I walked into church last night and a lady I don't know asked me how I was. Well... we don't tell our problems to strangers, do we? So I said, "I'm fine, how are you." So, after she walked away, he looked up at me from his wheel chair, smiled, and whispered, "liar". I got a kick out of that! And at the same time I couldn't help but think how right he was. Here I was lying in church! I think putting up that front is just part of who we are. Maybe we think it will make us stronger or something if we don't give in to it. I know one woman who I used to be really good friends with who has it who has just given up and gone to bed. She calls me now and then and asked me how I go on with it. I told her giving up isn't an option with me. I have a life and I'm going to live it. If it means taking pain pills and going on in pain sometimes then that's just what I have to do. She doesn't do anything any more. She's just decided to stay home and stop living. I told her I know it hurts. I have 2 kinds of arthritis and the fibro plus I'm always tired from the anemia but I'm still alive, I have a family and a house to run plus a piano practice that I'm not willing to give up yet. I have a life and I'm too young to just stop living it because it hurts to move. As long as there is Aleve and Darvocet for the really bad times I'm in business! (And as long as I can keep my sense of humor)!!!

Iam beginning to wonder if that old saying "only the good die young" is about people with fibro. Most of the people I know with this .....thing.... are very kind hearted and giving. I can't tell my aunt that at the age of 47 I am too tired to help her. But when I got in touch with my cousin today (her daughter) to make sure she got her flight out of S. Carolina I almost cried when I heard her voice. THis gives me a break for a week or two. I want to help her, I want to be there for her. But I know that I have stepped outside that boundary I set for myself. It took about a month of driving back and forth and giving up a day or two of my free time a week. As soon as I put pressure on myself to clean, shop, cook etc I started to feel the heat. It starts for me with migraines. Then aches, then CONSTIPATION (the worst) then carb cravings, then that darned fog where I forget things. That is where I am now. The END stage. It can only get better from here cause this is the worst it can get. I have to handle some people's money at work, people who for various reasons can't handle their own. I forgot and paid a bunch of bills and then realized I left this poor woman with no spending money. Tomorrow I am giving her money out of my own pocket . (Dont' tell anyone). Arghghghghghg.
Waiting for the hurricane. I think it is coming our way Anagram.

Bless you heart, Allie... go to bed! You need a rest!

I sure hope that Isabelle doesn't strike hard. She has already left a disaster where she has been.

Ally - for heaven sakes, TELL your cousin that you are unable to continue. Illness of any kind gets worse with stress. If you push too hard, you are going to end up in BIG trouble. I know you love your aunt but you will be of no use to her or your boys if you get really sick yourself.

I used to give money to people who would come to Legal Aid. They had NO money and many hadn't had a meal for awhile. I would give them money and send them to the cafeteria for a decent dinner. Many would just cry. Everybody needs someone to care - even criminals!!!!

Meme - you are right. We have a life to live and live it I will. Pain comes along for the ride, I guess. However, I am blessed in my life - I have two wonderful kids and sweet little grand daughter and one terrific husband, plus life long friends. I have also met wonderful people here and at another site I visit. Mostly, life is good. Some days are not so good, but that is the way it is for everybody.

Anagram - feeling weepy might just be what you need. Have a good cry and them remember the fun and the good times you had. Don't let it lead to depression. That's why you have us, to come to when you feel down. You are doing good with your diet during all these stressful times.

Joanne - Hi. Hope you are still able to walk daily. I also hope that the storm missed you.

Mima - I am NOT a camper. I like the luxury of sleeping in a bed, going out for meals. I love to have a picnic lunch along the way, because I love the outdoors, but my days of sleeping in tents and trailers are long gone.

Candice - Hope you haven't had to spend all day cleaning up after your poor dog.

Well, everyone, have a great day.

The dog has been full of life and very energetic for an old dog but she is still peeing in her bed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Had my hair cut today and we were talking and she went way too short but it will grow I know. DH hates it and keeps telling me so!!!! Seems her DH was diagnosed with Fibro and was in a car accident a few years back and has back surgery and is still in terrible pain and driving her nuts!

I would hate to live with a man with Fibro

Anne-don't think for one minute I am going to be roughing it-our camper has a queen size bed and a beautiful kitchen, full bath, slide out living room , microwave , tv, 29 feet long-air conditrioning-I would never camp again in a tent. Too oold. Brad's tests went well and he didn't get any chest pain after 10 minutes on the treadmill. Nice thing was that we met this woman there and we talked all the time we were waiting and we were there for 6 hours. The report should be good but if it isn't , there is so much they can do today, right Anne. I slept 9 and a half hours last night-what a blessing.I was in a lot of pain yesterday-tried to cut down on my prednisone but took a whole pill today-whatever it takes although prednisone is not one I would take more of. Hope you don't get too much of the hurricane, Anagram. We are only getting some rain. People don't see our pain is right. But we have to see it. Ally-be good to yourself-what you are going through with your aunt is very hard on your body-I did a lot of caretaking when I was younger and when I look back, I know I did too much. My mother was sick for 25 years-gave into the rheumotoid and didn't get off the couch. I was working full time with a baby and an alcoholic husband and I would go over there and clean up after MY BROTHER!!!who was old enough to do it himself. Don't ask me how I did it but I ended up in a severe depression til I took charge of my life. So keep your boundaries Ally. HI everyone -gotta weigh in this morning. Mima

Did pretty well, it seems, through Izzie. Haven't been out yet to check roof, siding but we still have power and no flooded basement. Many trees down in area, roads closed, power out. Have many large branches down in yard but no trees. Both kids in harder hit areas so anxious to get their reports.

Yes, Anne, I do think I needed the weepy time. I've been waiting for it and I did sleep better last night (during storm to boot) than I have for quite a while.

I too did a LOT of caregiving in my younger years. Hmmm? And only was involved less in Mom's because of DHs. While he's been a big help when I'm down ((and my kids), I can't really say the same of most of my extended family.

I'm reminded of something arthritic Mom would sometimes say when I'd ask if she was up to going somewhere "Hurt here or hurt there - what's the difference?" And off she'd go. Of course, that was when she was younger - age did slow her a bit but she was always up for going out to lunch if it didn't involve to long a car ride.

Hmmm - sounds like we just lost our cable - nope, now it's back, may have just been one channel (I'm two rooms away so just listening as dh clicks around).

Anyway, batten down Allie and others still in path. I did take an extra pill last night which probablyalso helped. Stormy days - well, you know.

It seems that Fl. lucked out so far this year as far as storms go. But the season is not over till November. I hope there is not too much damage elsewhere.
Happy- I walk about 4-5 days a week. If my knees hurt too bad I just skip a day. I need those walks and hope to do them as long as possible
Ally - It looks like we all have had our days of caregiving. Your aunt is really the responsibility of her children. Hopefully they won't put it on your shoulders because it is the easy thing to do. The issue should not be because you live closer.. I had that happen to me when my MIL was unable to take care of herself. Now my SIL had cancer and that was a good excuse but at the time my BIL was healthy. They said I was the logical one. Well it ended up I was caring for all of them,he got cancer too.The thing is take care of number one,You.My sister and I also had the care of our mother. She also was a big help with my MIL when my SIL passed and when my MIL passed,and our mother passed. The other siblings showed for the funerals. Of course the first thing that was asked was about the will.It has been almost ten years and still one sister never fails to say everytime she see me that nothing was left to her...That does not make for good relations.
Anagram- these days will pass .It just takes time..Take care of yourself and try to enjoy every day..
Mima- I am not a camper either. Never have been and will always want a bed and roof over my head.. Sounds like your camper is much like my daughters. She really loves her times away from home in it. It has everything she needs in it. She always has her cell but sometimes can't get a out on it..where they go. usually to a beach.
Meme- I'm a lot like you- I usually will just keep my aches and pains to myself..I think most people have their own and might just want to hear something to take their minds off of themselves.
Candice- I lost 31/4 lbs this week. Let's hope I can keep it up. I didn't eat half the points that I could have and still did ok. I am going to try to get to my goal with out too much strain. 3pm is usually my bad time...I will have to work in a snack.
OK you all sorry about being long winded....Joanne

Glad you all made it through Izzie ok. Those things are scary. We have tornados here.

I've been lucky so far with the care giving thing. My mom was healthy up until her first stroke last year She was only paralyzed from her stroke for one summer so I really haven't had it too bad. My FIL has been sick for a long time but just this summer my MIL got sick and we have had to take care of them some but still nothing to complain about. My mom lived next door to me for 15 years after my dad died and caused me more mental stress than any thing. She constanly drove us all, including the dr., nuts insisting she was sick and demanding tests and Xrays. She didn't want me to go any where. Every time I even talked about going on vacation she would get sick and have to go to the hospital...false alarm... they never found anything wrong with her. She would tell people lies about me. Tell them I hadn't been to see her in months or hadn't called to see about her in weeks. AND SHE LIVED JUST 50 FEET FROM MY HOUSE!!! I called her every day plus I took her to church every Sunday and to the Dr. etc. Life certainly wasn't easy with her.

I've done really good with the 'apple' diet this week. Lost 3 1/2 pounds in 4 days. But... trouble is coming to Meme's house this weekend in the form of 2 little trouble eaters ... ummm ... I mean makers! I have Garrett and Kaylyn from 5 tonight until Sunday afternoon and they eat A LOT of junk. We'll see how good my power of resistance is.