What brings you here?

[blondeatlast]

I've had insuling dependent diabetes since age 7. I've managed to have only minor? secondary complications--vision loss in one eye, heart disease, very mild neuropathy. Kidneys are fine for now, but I watch everything like a hawk!

The good news is I'm still here, I'm pretty healthy, and I managed to give birth to a healthy little boy 8 years ago after once being told "forget about it, diabetics just can't have children" by an endocrinologist. Those were his exact words--I must have cried all day that day. I despised the man, now I have a great endo.

I've suffered lousy docs, well-meaning but misinfornmed acquaintances, and tremendous financial setbacks, including a bankruptcy. I think many of us, regardless of why we are here, share the same struggles and "healthy" people, regardless of how well-meaning they are, just can't "get it."

I've been on some good support boards and can tell you--it's all about the moderators. My favorite board went down the toilet when our tremendously good moderator had to give it up for lack of time. I think DU has great mods, so I'm pretty sure this will go well.

What's your story?

[sevendogs]

1. I have MS

My MS was first diagnosed at age 50. I researched a problem at age 30 and dismissed MS as not being me. I am glad that I did, because my life would have been very different at that time....I wouldn't have gone to law school as I did.

Anyway, my MS is now "probably" Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, having started as Relapsing Remitting M.S.

I am retired and I am at home with my seven dogs. I am looking forward to this part of the forum. I am on Social Security Disability Insurance and am lucky enough to have a pension as well, but some folks can't even get it when they deserve it.

Oh, and I am in New York State....at least we are Blue and have a shot at having a great governor, Eliot Spitzer.

[ProfessorGAC]

3. I Have MS As Well

I've been diagnosed (confirmed) for 10 years in April. Onset probably occurred about 8 or 9 months prior.

I reacted quickly, and got on mechanism blocking therapy very soon. Studies in England indicated that not only is it better to get on the meds ASAP, but that they were actually more efficacious the sooner after onset when began taking it.

I have the constant pain in my legs, and i'm blind in my left eye from it, but i'm not really disabled in any way. Just walk a little funny, is all.

My symptoms manifest in almost the exact same way as described by Montel Williams.
The Professor

[mr blur]

5. Since the beginning of December,

I've been going through one of my "down" periods. They usually last about 2 or 3 weeks but now I'm in the 4th month and I'm adjusting to the fact that I may not be coming out of this one - i.e. this is the new "normal". Numb legs and optic neuritis/double vision mean that I suddenly can't drive. Actually, can't really walk too well, either, but you know what that's like. Do you use a wheelchair, at all?

[ProfessorGAC]

6. No. Almost No Disability For Me

The pain is sometimes too distracting to work, but rarely. I've learned to block it out pretty well. Occasionally i use a cane, only because during really tough times, the spasming in the legs gets so bad they feel like mush. I don't have balance problems, just feel sufficiently weak to like the security of the cane.

I probably only use it 8 or 10 days a year though.

My "flare-ups" are usually characterized by intensifying of the pain, lots more spasming, and as a result of the latter, less sleep. But, so far, when the flare-up subsides, i come back to baseline.

I can drive. I travel for work. I still play golf, play in a band with my two best friends. (Well, not counting my wife.)

So, i'm ok for now. Fingers crossed. Let's stay in touch. This group was a very good idea. Kudos to whomever thought of it.
The Professor

[SiouxJ]

16. I was diagnosed 5 years ago in April

I was 35 then. I am on Avonex and it has really stabilized the disease for me. I haven't had a flare since shortly after being diagnosed and most of my symptoms don't rear their ugly head much at all. The worst of them was vertigo but that has subsided to occasional dizziness now and not the actual "spinning of the room." Everything else has gone away and I'm hoping the disease will never become more than an unfortunate annoyance. I just have to believe that will be the case. What else can you do?

I am sorta stuck in Arizona as that's where I was when I found out about the MS and if I leave the state to reside elsewhere, they will cancel my insurance and I won't be able to get it in any new state I'm sure. Not without a rider for my MS. My meds cost $900 per month (for 4 little shots) so I really don't want to have to pay that out of pocket, so I guess I'm here until I retire, or we get universal health care in this country (yeah right!).

Seven dogs! Wow! My dogs have helped me so much through all this. I can't imagine having gone through any of it without them.


Fun in the snowy part of Arizona

[ProfessorGAC]

19. Cute Doggies, Sioux

Welcome to our own personal complaining forum! Some times we just have to complain!
The Professor

[Samurai_Writer]

2. I have three chronic conditions...

Acute Chronic Adult-onset Asthma -- Since age 19. Any little cold turns into a major respiratory infection with asthma attacks round the clock. Im on inhalers to control it, also use a nebulizer when my asthma is acting up.

Degenerative Disc Disease -- in lumbars 1-5. It was exasperated by a car accident in 1990, and has steadily gotten worse. I also have a bulging L2. I take pain meds occassionally (Tramadol, 50 mg) when I know I am going to do something that might cause pain to my back (housework or hiking for example). I do physical therapy exercises at home. I'm putting off surgery as long as possible.

Meralgia Paresthetica -- This is a rare neurological condition caused by the compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (for me, it is the left leg only). This is a direct effect of the compression of my degenerating discs, as this nerve starts at L2. I cannot walk or stand for long periods, or I get a painful, burning, and numb sensation on the outer side of the thigh. There is no treatment that I know of and no cure.

So there I am, in all my sick glory. Thanks for founding this group, I am sure it will help many people deal with their chronic illnesses!

Peace,
Bella

[ebayfool]

13. Thanks for founding this group from me, too!

Asthma, Fibromyalgia & Degenerative Disc Disease - no meds, no insurance for over 10 years. Working as a housekeeper, which REALLY doesn't go over well w/these conditions! Cleaning agents are (esp aerosols) are pumping up the over the counter stuff I use for the asthma, & the manual labor is making a race of which of the other 2 will finally lay me out for good. Good idea for the forum, let me kvetch w/out making healthys feel like I'm whining. Not whining, just hurting!

[emcguffie]

55. Okay, okay, I know how bad you feel.

I'm posting this over and over and over again.

There are things you can do to rebuild your immune system. And you can get into clinical trials where you don't have to pay. Have you ever had your virus titers checked, or been checked for Mycoplasma?

If you have and know you have high titers, write to the Ampligen people. And take olive leaf, and the lemon with olive oil drink. And ImmunePro would be great, but that is not exactly cheap.

There is something called Transfer Factor that is astronomically expensive, but it has been shown to be good for natural killer cells, which are depressed in CFIDS/FM.


Is anyone here with CFIDS/FM or MS or RA familiar with what I am talking about?

Anyone?

[redirish28]

4. I am an insulin dependant Diabetic...

since I was 17 months old. I am 28, will be 29 this summer. So far, my health is fine. Kidneys, eyes, heart, everything works. I hope it stays that way, but who knows. I do know they did an operation over in England that cured a man of Diabetes. Now if word of this gets around, and Bush says that he won't let it happen, along with the FDA saying no, then I'm getting a 1st class ticket over there to cure myself. I don't care the cost, because I want this condition out of my life. Hope to hear from other Diabetics, especially insulin dependent (type 1) diabetics. I hope you get yourself better. Keep in touch and let me know how your health goes.

[SpeedwayDemocrat]

38. I hear you, RedIrish!

The fact we can't have the research we need done here in the U.S. is stupid! I worked so hard for the Kerry campaign, as he was the only candidate who backed the research that might save our lives (I'm type 1, too, on a pump.) When Kerry tossed in the towel, I locked myself in my office and cried for three hours. Not over Kerry's loss, but more over the fact that the Bushies aren't going to fund this needed research. Dropped my American Diabetes Assn. membership, as they are doing nothing to help us, and just joined the JDRF who is working towards a cure. You know, if the 18 million diabetics in this country banded together into a real voting block, we might just be able to move this research forward...
Good luck on your islet transplant. My endo tells me that I'm not a candidate and that my best hope is research for a cure. Am having a retinal exam on Friday, as they found spots of blood in my retinas last week. Needless to say, I am very scared...

[blondeatlast]

42. ADA vs. JDRF--you are SOOOOOOOOOOO right.

ADA is in the pocket of big pharma. I haven't donated to them in eons.

Insulin-Free world is another worthy one--Deb Butterfield is a big-time advocate.

http://www.insulinfree.org/

Be sure to check out the graphic, that I'd love to see in newspapers and magazines: "This disease is alive."

It makes me cry nearly everytime I see it. That's our lives in a nutshell.

[SpeedwayDemocrat]

44. Thanks for the link

That insulin-free graphic choked me up, too! Looks like they have some good info. I was diagnosed on Friday with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and am search for everything I can find on it. Again, I appreciate the link.
FIGHT ON!

[blondeatlast]

49. It's very treatable. I went through it,

but (and be very careful about this) in the course of my treatment, my retina detached, and I ended up losing sight in my left eye. Note--THIS IS NOT COMMON, but it can happen.

Get the best doctor you can find to treat it. I had an "adequate" doc at the time, and my INSURANCE company urged me to see another doc, who I have been seeing for 6 years, and he's terrific. Any problems--they whisk me into the room as fast as possible.

[Liberal Veteran]

7. HIV.

Which has kinda gone from almost always terminal to chronic in the last decade.

[flamingyouth]

8. I have fibromyalgia and Meniere's disease

I'm glad this group was set up - thank you to all of you who suggested it and worked up a mission statement. :hi:

I've asked in the Lounge if others have either condition and have usually gotten a few helpful replies, but it's great to have this group. Thanks again. :)

[Lorien]

20. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome here

plus the associated depression from time to time. DUer Graywarrior's husband really helped me with some dietary suggestions recently, so I know that DUers can come forth with some very helpful information!

:hi:

[u4ic]

35. Same here

CFS since 91, Fibro developed around 98-99 (haven't worked since then).

I've been bedridden for 4 years during that time, and while I'm starting to recover from the latest, I'm still pretty much housebound. Luckily, my province covers 7 physio treatments per year (not much, but more funding can be applied for depending on the patient) and I've been seeing an acupuncturist at the physiotherapists which has been helping the pain quite a bit, and I do have a little more strength.

A wonderful idea, thanks for setting it up.

Hello to all! :hi:

[Duppers]

67. same here too, CFIDS (or CFS) and some Fibro

Both come and go. I've been dealing with the afflictions since '87.

Wish I felt more chatty this evening, but you know how it goes.

Best wishes to all.

-d

[Lisabtrucking]

9. Deleted

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

10. Ulcerative colitis, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression

(made worse by *, no doubt!). Diagnosed with Ulcerative colitis (UC) in 1990, and GAD and depression about a year and 1/2 ago. They go hand-in-hand I guess.

[MuseRider]

11. Great group idea!

I have Rheumatoid arthritis and Narcolepsy. Narcolepsy isn't that big of a deal anymore since I started taking Ritalin 23 years ago. The arthritis is another thing altogether. So far so good, I have been very lucky. My maternal grandfather died from complications of it and also a paternal aunt. My grandfathers sister also had it. They were all in wheelchairs by the time they were my age, 51. I have coursed through all the drugs available except for the new IV drugs that cause so many other problems. I stopped my meds and seem to be in a remission and have been for almost 2 years now. It hurts now and then and I do have some joint damage but nothing like I expected by this point. So all in all I am very lucky, knock on wood. This is a great group for many reasons. Often with this disease and with many of the others shared above no one can see how you are in pain or affected by it so it is nice to have a place to share with others who understand that just because you can't see the problem it does not mean it is not there.

[REP]

12. A Partial List

Early kidney failure from primary idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis; very early diabetic nepropathy; focal scarring on both kidneys from recurrent kidney infections; diabetes (type 2, well-controlled); Crohn's disease (mild, terminal ilieum); asthma; sleep apnea; migraine (classic and optic); peripherial neuropathy (hands and feet); ulnar neuropathy; inflammatory arthritis and assorted other botherments.

I'm a good example of how excellent glucose control only reduces, not eliminates the risk of complications of diabetes. I became diabetic after a course of steroids for my asthma about five years ago, and have maintained a norml HbA1c since. Despite that, my kidneys already show damage from it on biopsy; then again, they're in bad shape from my primary disease, leaving them vulnerable.

Very few people know what FSGS is. It has nothing to do with diabetes. It most commonly strikes older hypertensive black men. Why I have it - I was in my 30s when I became nephrotic, and I've always had very low blood pressure, plus I'm a white chick - is why it's "idiopathic." It is not compatible with pregnancy, which is the only *good* thing about this goddamned disease, for which there is no effective treatment and for which the prognosis is poor.

I'm in surprisingly good shape for someone who has as many comorbid conditions as I have and despite my poor prognosis.

[Susang]

14. My laundry list of problems

I've had severe IBS since I was 10, but was managing pretty well until my late 20s. I started gaining a lot of weight (50 lbs), was sleeping constantly and was getting viruses constantly. After two doctors told me nothing was wrong, I went to my husband's doctor who did a complete thyroid panel on me. Turns out I have Hashimoto's thyroid disease, an autoimmune disorder that slowly kills your thyroid over time. Unfortunately, since I wasn't diagnosed when I first got sick and instead pushed myself to my absolute limit, I also ended up developing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with symptoms of Fibromyalgia.

I also have postherpetic neuralgia from a herpes infection in my trigeminal nerve. In the course of this whole mess, I also discovered that I have scar tissue in my left lung from having pneumonia twice when I was a child and multiple times as an adult. Since I developed environmental asthma along with the CFS, this has been a real problem for me.

I sound like a terrible mess, but actually, I'm just glad to finally know what the hell's wrong with me. Most days I'm pretty functional and I'm able to work (though not at the job I had before I got sick). If I choose to go out to a bar or club, I do so knowing that I will suffer for it the next day or two.

Unfortunately, most of my family doesn't seem to believe there's anything wrong with me and can't understand why I don't seem to get any better, but I have a feeling that's about to change, as my sister and my mother have both received abnormal thyroid tests in the past two months. That particular irony isn't lost on me. ;-)

:hi:

[emcguffie]

53. Many people with CFIDS/FM have Hashimoto's disease.

SOme suggest it is because CFIDS/FM (and Gulf War ILlness, as well) are caused by Mycoplasma, which can cause auto-immune disease.

Since I seem to have Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and HHV-6, CMV, and EB, I am now buying the infectious cause of CFIDS/FM, MS, RA, scleroderma, lupus, ALS and GWI.

It is possible that you got a Mycoplasma infection that caused your immune system to go after your thyroid. Or it could be a "stealth" virus. But the way a Mycoplasma can do that is by taking pieces of your
cells' membranes. Mycoplasma don't have cell walls, they do have membranes, but they are parasitic in some way when it comes to lipids, and they can take parts of your cells and incorporate those parts into their membranes. Then when your body makes antibodies against the Mycoplasma, those antibodies recognize parts of your body -- in your case, the thyroid whatever.

It has been suggested that what type of disease you get out of the list is determined by where the Mycoplasma settles and which cell membranes it takes, therefore causing what type of auto-immunity.

Have you been tested for Mycoplasma? Have your titers been taken for those viruses -- EB, CMV, HHV-6, parvovirus, and such? I've had this disease for years, and now I'm determined to get better. So I am taking all the advice I get, which is to take antibiotics long term for the Mycoplasma, and to try to get some anti-viral meds, because my HHV-6 titers are so high it is likely that I have an active infection, not just antibodies.

[Susang]

58. Just EB, as far as I know

And I had the standard antibody test (both positive). I take Valtrex already for herpes simplex I & II, as well as varicella zoster (shingles) so I've often wondered about HHV-6. I don't know much about CMV, but I will definitely look into it. And I honestly had no idea that humans could contract parvovirus, so I'll have to look into that as well.

Thanks for the information! :hi:

[Sugarcoated]

62. Emcguffie

Did you go to an immunologist to get diagnosed for these things, mainly HH-6 titers?

I've just had a horrible bout with herpes - one big sore coming out of my nostril and down my upper lip (about my tenth time getting it, and this was by far the worst). It attacked me real good, I was tired and achy for a couple weeks. I went to my internist, the sore was well along by then, and he pretty much offered me nothing, said he could give me something if I catch it early next time. I once had pink eye with the facial herpes (the week my sister died, huge stress) and I wonder if it's connected. Depression comes with it for me because I will avoid going anywhere, and my immune system has got to be in horrible shape. I'm so afraid of the autoimmune diseases you listed.

[Modem Butterfly]

15. Lupus

At first, an idiot GP told me I had scleroderma, which I had never heard of. She sent me home with a referral to a Rheumatologist and a couple of pamphlets: "So You've Got a Chronic Illness" and "End of Life Issues: How to Plan for Terminal Condition". It was a month before I could see the Rheumatologist, during which time I didn't eat, sleep, or breathe. I was so relieved to hear it was just lupus I damn near kissed him.

[Warpy]

17. That's better than the treatment I got

I was an "interesting" patient who went through the rounds at Mass. General Hospital being gawped at by every medical student to go through Harvard in the 70s. Finally, I flunked an ANA and Rheumatoid factor. The old fool who was riding herd on the med students and interns told me what tests I'd had come up positive and that was it, end of discussion, no referral, no real diagnosis, no nothing.

My next stop was the public library where I got completely depressed.

My defense was to go through nursing school and I survived at that career for 20 years, until short staffing, long hours, and administrative stupidity finally did my body in.

I'd been sick for 15 years before I made the rounds at MGH and had a mother who kept telling me I was just lazy. As depressing as all my reading at the library was, I wandered out and right there in a crowd on Boylston St. I had to yell "Wrong AGAIN, Ma!" I hope she heard me in Florida.

The only good news I've gotten is that these conditions can be managed, although some of the management has been almost worse than the disease.

[bobbieinok]

18. diagnosed in mid 70s with pernicious anemia and Hashimoto's Disease

(low thyroid)

then 2 years ago diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis....this is the one giving me fits......looking for a discussion group

all 3 are auto-immune diseases......dr told me there's a chance I could get more

anti-inflammatory medicine for r arthritis can have as a side effect the development of diabetes

[RedFireDiamonds]

21. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue

I've noticed some other people have it too. I'm pretty young to have been diagnosed, I'm 17 now, diagnosed at 15. It was hell for a little bit there but I'm dealing pretty well now.

[emcguffie]

22. Fibro, me too. And Mycoplasma.

Have you read anything much about these chemtrails?

I have only just started, and I feel like Alice through the Looking Glass.

And I do apparently have a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in my blood. Just started doxycycline for that, but it takes a year or two to get rid of it.

Anyone have knowledge about this chemtrail issue? Is it totally off the wall?

I have finally copme to realize that all conspiracy theories are indeed not necessarily lunacy. So how about this one? Chemtrails? Mycoplasma? Which have been suggested as a cause or all of which are considered to be autoimmune, as some think CFIDS-Fibromyalgia is.

I got Reynaud's syndrome with my fibro a couple of years ago, and Reynaud's usually goes with autoimmune diseases. Well, it all looks awfully suspicious to me, and I want someone to wake me up and tell me it's a dream. Please? I don't want to think I got this from the US Army.

[RedFireDiamonds]

23. Umm...

I've seen a bit about chem-trails but I really don't buy it. If I had to guess where the Fibro came from I'd say for some people it's definitely psychological (not that they are consciously trying to make themselves sick, but if you've ever had severe depression with the Fibro-CFIDS you know it makes it much worse) and I'd also say it's genetic. Those are complete guesses though, while I'd like to know the exact cause of the disease after the two year hell I went through after being diagnosed I'm content to just get it under control.

Speaking of which, do any of you other Fibromyalgia people feel like it's relapsing-remitting (to borrow an MS term)? I've been in 'remission' for a little bit now, the everyday pain is there but it hasn't be debilitating, and I'm kinda starting to feel the symptoms of a 'relapse' which is really angering me :(

[emcguffie]

51. viruses and CFS/FM

I think they have finally established that it isn't in the head. For some reason, the government has wanted to support, pay for research along those lines. But it isn't. It isn't. My titers to HMV-6 and CMV and EB are about 5,000 times normal. I sent that to the Exec Director at the HHV-6 Foundation, and got a very worried reply.

It turns out, finally, that the HHV-6 they couldn't find for years in CFS people has been hiding in the brain. That's why you get stupider and stupider. And slowly develop so many neurologic symptoms.

HHV-6 may be required in order for people with HIV to develop full blown AIDS. There is an HHV-6 A & B, and everyone has the B, or just about, but the A is much more damaging. It may cause MS.

I am now going to buy lots of organic lemons and olive oil, get some olive leaf extract, have ordered some ImmunePro, and will keep taking my injections. And, oh, lay off the chocolate. I'm having a terrible time, th elast few weeks, and I read this morning that there is a lot of L-lysine in chocolate, which encourages HHV-6 to replicate. So chocolate is bad, bad, bad.

And yes, it can be relapsing, because you have to get your immune system, which has been damaged, back to some semblance of normal before you can fight off the HHV-6 and the mycoplasma.

If you are going to a doctor who says it's in your head, I would highly recommend you go to someone else. ALthough stress can make it worse, it cannot cause it.

How did you beat it? Positive thinking?

[woofless]

24. I have emphysema.

I know 180 does as well. Any others here at DU? I live on SS disability. I am looking for a regimen of yoga, breath control and meditation. I am 52 yo , fat and lazy. Can anybody recommend any good sources?

Woof

[REP]

25. Please Forgive Me If This Is The Dumbest Idea You've Ever Heard...

I know very little about emphysema, aside from generalities, so if this suggestion is completely inappropriate, I apologize in advance, but for learning breath control, nothing beats singing. Most communities have choirs that are open to the public, allowing you participate at the level you feel comfortable while you still benefit from the instruction from the choirmaster.

I have some (comparitively minor) pulmonary problems, including asthma and something that's only letting me get about 75% capacity, and I can still blow 750 on my peak flow meter, and I credit it solely to the breath control I learned from singing!

[Susang]

34. Funny you should mention singing and breathing problems

I'm also a singer and because of my training, I wasn't diagnosed with the asthma I clearly was suffering from, because my doctor couldn't understand how I could blow such a high score on the meter. She said that my problem couldn't possibly be asthma if I had that much breath flow.

Of course, years later and a couple doctors down the line, I was diagnosed with environmental asthma and put on maintainence medication to prevent the coughing fits that I was experiencing. I still get pissed off thinking about that first doctor! :mad:

[bleedingheart]

26. Degenerative Disc Disease and Asthma...

[ProfessorGAC]

27. I've Got Asthma, Too!

But, i've got a non-dangerous form called bronchospasmodic asthma. It's not an inflammation that causes narrowing or shutting of the brochia, but rather inflammation that causes shallow, but uncontrollable coughing out of air after each inhale.

Singulair has helped a lot. I'm having a tough time this week, but since i went on it, i've used the inhaler about 5 times. (In 6 months!)

It's not that threatening, just inconvenient.
The Professor

[flamingyouth]

28. I'm actually going to the doctor today about my asthma

She wants me to try Singulair too, and I think I will.

I had to run across the entire Houston airport Monday night and had a horrible attack afterward. I'm still feeling the effects of it, in fact. I've been on Advair for three years now.

[ProfessorGAC]

30. Eeep!

Running through an airport is stressful enough without having to pay for it later with your asthma. That's a bummer.

Of course, i can't run through airports. The MS doesn't let me run, because of the little delay in my right leg. It doesn't move when the brain expects it too. That's not a problem for walking, but in running it results in an inconvenient thing we like to call "falling down"! So, i won't experience what you did, 'cuz i can't!

The Singulair was originally introduced as an asthma anti-inflammatory. Later on it became an allergy drug and its renewed profile got doctors got start using for asthma more often. The data indicate a very high efficacy. Works for me!
The Professor

[flamingyouth]

31. I started the Singulair last night

She said it will take up to two weeks to really start working. So now I wait... :)

[Susang]

33. I've been pretty happy with the Advair diskus

Though inhaling a powdery substance twice a day can be very disconcerting. x(

It does help my symptoms quite a bit, particularly during allergy season, as mine is caused by environmental triggers such as allergens, pollution, chemicals, and cigarette smoke.

[bleedingheart]

29. I haven't had a bad attack since taking Singulair

My asthma is aggravated by illness...a chest cold can possibly put me in the hospital.

Funny...I was asthmatic as a kid and then I didn't have problems until I hit my 30's...

[XemaSab]

60. Singulair is magical

I used to have chronic, out of control asthma. I was sick all the time, in the emergency room several times a year, needing breathing treatments every few weeks, and even during "better" periods I was still feeling crappy. I was going through an inhaler every 2 weeks, using the inhaler 12+ times a day, and just feeling generally awful. The doctors always wanted me to be on steroids, but steroids are just bad news and finally I got the guts to say to the pulmonologist "If you put me on steroids, I won't take them, so don't bother!"

Asthma totally dominated my life. I was always missing school, sometimes exercising would get me ridiculously out of breath (like walking 20 feet up a hill I would have to rest), and I was always getting colds, pneumonia, bronchitis, you name it.

I was on ventolin for years, then I became tolerant (I went to the hospital and had 6 breathing treatments in a row...I was high as a kite and I still couldn't breathe), then I switched to alupent. I have been on serevent, intal, maxair, and many, many, many more drugs. For a long time I was taking snotloads of theophylline, which is a drug you have to learn to "manage". I've done more prednisone and inhaled steroids than I care to recall.

I also learned a few years ago that I am TERRIBLY allergic to tomatoes, and as a vegetarian I ate tomatoes all the time, so I never was tomato-free enough to realize that that was a big part of the problem. Now when I eat tomatoes they make me tired, make me itch, give me a nasty stomach ache, and make me bitchy (that and all the drugs and feeling sick all the time with asthma and chronic pain and sleep issues). I can't believe I used to live like that.

Then I started singulair (which they almost didn't put me on because I had a positive anti-nuclear antibody test), and the rest is history.

I'm now working as a biologist, which involves a LOT of hiking and being outside and being subjected to TONS of airborne allergens. This is a career that I would not have been able to do before singulair. A few weeks ago I was walking up and down hills with my non-asthmatic colleagues, and I was able to keep up with them as far as being out of breath (but DAMN it's been hot out!).

I've had maybe three "episodes" in the last 5 years, none of which even required going to the doctor for, just staying home and using my inhaler. Sometimes I still go through periods when the air quality is bad when I don't feel so hot, but it's less of a full blown asthma thing than just feeling tired and a little unsaturated. Also, and I want to know if anyone else has experienced this, since I started using it I HAVEN'T BEEN SICK. Seriously. About once or twice a year I feel like I am starting to get a nasty cold, then it just doesn't turn into anything. I feel sniffly and feverish for a day, and I think "oh boy am I in for it," and then nothing happens. Everyone around me has gotten colds, the flu, everything, but I am untouchable, and I used to get EVERYTHING.

It's a miracle.

On edit: I also have chronic, undiagnosed joint and muscle pain. It was called "hyperextensibility" by one doc, and "carpal tunnel" by a few others. It fits some of the symptoms of fibro but not others. It usually doesn't hurt BAD, just sort of all the time. Upper back, lower back, arms, legs, knees, hip joints... good times.

And I'm not EXHAUSTED, just never feeling very energized. I also have very, very low blood pressure, so my limbs fall asleep all the time. I'm also unsteady on my feet. Thank god it's not debilitating like some conditions, but it's my next thing to "figure out", now that the asthma's under control.

[concord]

32. MS here

I was dx'd with R/R MS 10 yrs ago last fall. Even though I was told at the time I'd have to quit work and get help for child care, I am still working FT and my kid is doing just fine thankyouverymuch :)

I've been on Copaxone for 8 yrs now and it's doing a pretty good job of keeping me at baseline. I'm flaring now and am finishing up a fun round of high dose oral roids, but it's okay ... they work despite all the inconvenient sides.

It's a bear of a disease, but in many ways has been a gift for me. It's helped me grow up. I did the whole "support group" thing for a while, but found folks were more interested in staying stuck in their disease instead of finding ways to live with it. I've struck out on my own, applying the principle of being a part of the solution instead of the problem.

I'm glad to find this board. Health issues have more in common than not, and since DU tends toward positive change, I am interested in becoming a part of this forum.

[ProfessorGAC]

39. Welcome Concord!

There's 4 or 5 MS patients/sufferers here, now. I'm 10 years this month with the DX! So, we got hit around the same time. Small world.

Welcome, again.
The Professor

[concord]

46. Thanks!

I'm only checking back here now ... sorry for the delay. I truly appreciate the welcome :hi:

I wish I had more time to spend at DU ...

It's such a B I G P L A C E !!!

I'll be sure to visit this board more often. Thanks again :)

[emcguffie]

52. Have you checked out HHV-6A?

Just curious. I just posted higher in this thread about it. SOme people think it causes MS, and it may help cause CFS. And they think you can't develop full-blown AIDS without it. And Kaposi's sarcoma. I dno't have HIV or MS, but I do have ridiculous titers to HHV-6.

It's been really hard for anyone to find it actively living and replicating, but now someone has finally found it growing in sick peoples' brains, while testing negative in your blood.

There are things that can work against it. I am going to go that route now.

Just curious. Is your doctor treating you for HHV-6?

[emcguffie]

54. have you checked out the Mycoplasma or HHV-6 connection?

Have you kept looking into it? Now they think HHV-6 may cause MS, may cause CFIDS/FM, or it could be Mycoplasma, because there is a very good argument for each of those causing auto-immune disease. Since I have both of them, it's hard to say which it is. Maybe they both do, and that is why I am sick.

So have you checked into those germies? Mycoplasma and HHV-6 in particular?

I've posted this in several spots now in this thread.

For years doctors have argued about these viruses and the high titers people with CFIDS seem to have, and whether or not they are active infections or are just indicatinos of an old infection. But there is a new HHV-6 foundation, set up because a scientist has found that the HHV-6 hides in the brain, and those people can come up negative for HHV-6 in their blood, while they absolutely have a currently active infection. This can be in MS, or rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma or lupus, or ALS -- any or all of 'em.

So there are other things to do, and taking steroids can be the worst thing to do in the long run because they keep your immune system in check, as opposed to healing your immune system, which is what would help your body keep the viruses in check.

I am suggesting you look into it. That is all.

[mopinko]

36. wish i had a tidy subject line

"lupus or something very much like it" said his holiness, the bishop of rheumatology at the fancy schmancy research hospital. "probably a post viral syndrome, left over from west nile virus (in 2001)" said rheumy #3. or maybe chronic fatigue, or.. only 2 years, a gazillion blood test, couple of mri's, bone scans, med trials, yada yada to come to those insightful conclusions.
the last week or so, tho, i think may finally have an answer, albeit one i did not want to hear. other people here with lupus can tell you how slippery a dx can be. but i think i am seeing the beginning of the butterfly rash. just a little blotchiness right now, but lots of tingling and itching. gets worse after being out in the beginnings of sunshine here. blech.
i had been feeling better, and wanting to believe that west nile thing. now i have to get used to it all over again. trying to decide if i am really in more pain lately, or if it's just the return of that ominous edge that pain has when you don't know what is causing it.

also have a kid with chron's, and one that is bipolar. do i spend a lot of time in doctor's offices? yes i do.

[ProfessorGAC]

40. Whew, Mo!

You're wearing me out just reading your post!

Take care!
The Professor

[Gelliebeans]

37. Hello everyone!

I was searching the forums and noticed this one! Well I have had Crohn's disease for 10 years now with 2 surgeries to remove parts of my small intestine (ye fun...) I have been on Remicade for almost 3 years now as conventional therapy can't keep me from the hospital. Prednisone and Imuran have wreaked havoc with my body so I am not on those meds anymore.

I had to have a medi-port placed in my chest because my veins kept failing me and when the rhematologist suggested looking for veins in my feet, I decided to let her know to back off and refer me for a port. Right now my main problems are peripheral arthritis and anemia.

I too have had to suffer some real quack doctors including one that told me diarrhea was really overrated and that I just had a type-A personality. Needless to say I went back to him after I was correctly diagnosed and told him he was full of crap (forgive the pun) and I even told him that his hair plugs looked bad. LOL (Petty?....you bet...but I felt better :) )

I am really glad to see this forum here and I recognize many of the DUer's from the other forums. It's nice to know that we are not alone health-wise and politically too!

Peace
gelliebeans

[ebayfool]

57. Oh, Gelliebeans - you just jumped right out at me! My grandson was

born w/Hirschsprung's Disease, which is the other side of the same coin. No bowel function after his birth, he just started throwing up his stools when he was 4 days old (stupid hospital sent him home that way, even though by law he wasn't supposed to be released till he had a BM). Baby boy (now 14 & thriving!) had his first ostomy at 4 days old. Started out w/a colostomy, after an encounter w/a bout of medical incompetence he ended up w/an ileostomy (I know I'm spelling that wrong, speel chucker don't know either - LOL). He has since had a pulldown to hook him back up, so he now has the chronic diarrhea. Talk about going from one side of the equation to the other! So I fully understand the telling off the doc thing (my daughter tried to run over the guy that botched up our boy's surgery - lucky for him I grabbed the wheel!). I do know that 'bowel' disease is one of the hidden & 'not talked about' afflictions in our lives - so I'm glad to see someone here w/an acquaintance of the problems involved. You have never had your heart break till you've had to try & change an ostomy bag on a week old baby. Or had a 1 year old take his bag off & bury it because no one else wore one - my boychick was a determined little soul & he hated that bag!

Petty? .... Not a chance! :thumbsup:

[babylonsister]

41. Okay. It's late. Freidrichs Ataxia,

Very horrific disease. His nerves are affected. Our son is 33 and thinking about his death, with a wife and 2 kids. It's a lousy disease.

[Cobalt Violet]

43. Hepatitis C.

I just discovered this group tonight. I think I'm the only one on DU with Hep. C. But then again many just have never been tested.
I have no insurance. I see not doctors. I have never been treated.

I know I need to go into treatment but the problem is that the treatment has such bad side effect (Chemo therapy) and you must take them for a year. I don't know how I will support myself during that year if I can't work. Hep C. patient are not usually able to get SSI. This is a big problem for us.

[blondeatlast]

45. Part of the reason this group exists is to figure out ways to get around

our horrendously corrupt, broken system.

I know when I was younger (and thank God healthier) I was without insurance and it was hell.

Someone posted a link somewhere to a place that offered a way to get free meds and it also had links to local programs.

I'll try to find it and post it here and send you a PM as well if I find it.

Edit: Found it:

http://www.needymeds.com/

Good vibes to you.

[GirlWithoutAPlanet]

50. Cobalt Violet -

Just wanted you to know that you are not alone. I have Hep C too. And like you, I don't have a doctor, never been treated... I have Arizona's medicaid, but I haven't found out if they will help me yet. I am scared to do it I think..

I think I've had it for about 7 or 8 years now. My greatest fear is that my son and/or husband will get it from me. The thought terrifies and sickens me..

I don't come to DU as often as I did a few months back, but I will check in every so often.
Hugs to you all, and especially you Cobalt Violet, you are not the only one with Hep C. If you ever need or want anyone one to talk to (email or whatever), let me know. I've never really talked about it much with anyone, but I think about it (am haunted by it) all the time.
Take care.

[Redstone]

47. Holy Mary, Mother of God; after reading what you guys

are going through, I almost don't want to whine about my problems, which seem minor in comparison to many here.

But since you asked:

1) RSD, from having been wounded in combat in 1972. From the same era, various pains from joints injured in a helicopter accident and a stubborn refusal to let doctors cut me to repair said joints. I've let them try, with poor results. So they get to stay away from me with the scalpels. (VA bennies not applicable because I was a contract employee of a branch of the military, not an enlisted soldier, if you know what I mean and I bet you do.)

2) MS, diagnosed in 1978, and NOBODY, not even my mother, knew until I told Mrs. R a couple of weeks ago. In remission all those years except for three "attacks," the only lasting damage being a small amount of unsteadiness and (not small) intolerance to heat.

Funny thing, when I told Mrs. R the truth, I expected she'd whoop my ass for having hidden this from her for fifteen years. But all she said was "I knew it all along. You seemed to know too much about MS whenever the subject came up in conversation, and I've noticed you stumble now and again, and how careful you are to hold the handrail when you go up or down stairs." Do I have a wonderful wife, or what?

Even though I know there are many more treatments for MS than there were in 1978 (when there were essentially none), I'm not going to be telling any doctors about this, unless the remission goes away, and I have more "attacks." Damn doctors just want to find things wrong with you, and I'm doing pretty well without their help.

Though I am starting with a new Pain Management clinic in a couple of weeks for the RSD, in the hope I'll be able to be near a bridge without getting those urges...

So now you all know as well. And I feel lightened by the telling. Thanks for listening, though my troubles don't begin to approach the seriousness of many of yours.

And I hope you all can find a way to feel better.

Redstone

[blondeatlast]

48. As to your feeling like you're a "lightweight," DON'T. MS is nothing light

We can't always express our worries, fears, and just general crabbiness in most company. But we deal with it day in, day out, and never have a respite.

Here, instead of rolled eyes and sighs, you can get some much needed sympathy--and I know that it can be helpful.

I DO feel well most of the time--but it's a damn struggle that "healthy" people can't know. It's hard work to feel well and it's reassuring to know I'm not alone.

[ProfessorGAC]

56. Expressing It Very Well Blondie!

The other thing i'll mention is that my good days with MS are days healthy folks could live without. IOW, my good days are what they feel like when they feel crummy!

11 years of that, every day, when a good day is a bad one and a bad day is far worse, is fatiguing, mentally and physically. People without that frame of reference just can't completely understand.

Here, in this group, we can understand.
The Professor

[Violet_Crumble]

59. I've got trigeminal neuralgia and I feel like total shit...

Newly diagnosed this afternoon after more than a week of being bounced between doctors and dentists and getting nowhere. I should feel good that I know what it is now, but after reading what my doctor gave me and doing a bit of googling and finding support groups where the condition has devastated peoples lives, I feel really low. I just want to take some pills that make the excruciating pain go away and get back to work, but after this afternoon it doesn't seem to be happening that way.....

If anyone else has got this condition, feel free to PM me and give me any hints on how to cope with this thing and lead a life where it doesn't get in the way....

Cheers...

Violet...

[Qanisqineq]

61. PCOS

Diagnosed in January 2005 after nearly 3 years of feeling like absolute hell. Feeling much better now but sick of the 9 pills I take a day -- so far. Some of the meds will get upped a couple more times which means more pills. The main symptom I am having trouble dealing with now is the horrible panic attacks and hair loss. And I have to worry about diabetes, and being more susceptible to breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, heart attacks and strokes. Fun.

[Sugarcoated]

63. So nice to meet you all - and sorry for the length of my post.

And thank you for sharing your stories - it makes me feel less alone with my health issues. And, like someone said a few posts above, my issues seem like child's play compared to some of yours. But it still sucks. Anyhow, there's a couple that have cropped up as I've gotten older:

Herpes - started out very mild "down below", very infrequent. But lots of itching with stress, (don't know if it's related to the herpes). It was not diagnosed right away because it's actually oral, not genital, herpes. The past 7 or 8 years it's gravited to my face - specifically just inside my right nostril, and this last attack (which I'm at the tail end of now), it's a huge ugly leperish sore from my nostril opening to almost my upper lip. I've been achy and depressed for about a month.

Adult onset asthma - diagnosed about 6 yrs ago. I've always exersized, very healthy, I sing also. It's very mild compared to some, but still scary. I was using my inhaler like crazy this summer, so the dr. perscribed the Adavair disc and it's been a Godsend. The Singulair sounds way better though, no steroids. I have an appt with a lung specialist next week (first time with an actual specialist). I theorize maybe I contracted it from cleaning houses for years when I was younger.

Occular migraines - just a couple times a year, no head pain, last only an hour. I mention this as it may be a piece of the puzzle.

And, it actually all feels like a big confusing puzzle to me. After reading all of your symptoms and experiences, I have similar problems that, until now, I never considered related. For example, I've developed a terrible intolerance to heat - I HATE the summer. And my face sweats alot, but ONLY ON THE RIGHT SIDE! I just find that so odd. And I'm fighting depression - without meds. I took Lexepro for 6 months and gained twenty pounds. ONE OF THE REASONS I WAS DEPRESSED IN THE FIRST PLACE WAS THE FRIGGIN WEIGHT! Doctors/the whole system, the trade offs of conventional medicine - do they really know what they're doing??? Take all our health problems and throw in life, and the ruining of so much we hold dear by the evil fuckup frat boy, et al = low immune system.

[skygazer]

64. Where to begin?

Chronic IBS with constipation which sucks generally. It's a bummer to spend your life focused on whether or not you'll go today. Luckily, I've hit on a regimen that seems to keep it relatively in control.

Lifelong bi-polar which is also currently doing pretty well. I haven't been on any meds for over 6 years now and my highs and lows are a lot less like spikes and more like gentle waves.

Chronic migraine - they get worse when I'm under a lot of stress which the other health issues cause. I see a lot of that in these posts - people who have one health issue often seem to develop others that have a lot to do with stress. My doctor tells me to avoid stress - I always find that funny.

The latest is that I seem to be developing osteoarthritis. I have some in my lower back which causes a lot of pain sometimes and a low grade pain most of the time. I have a bit in my hands as well and now I've developed some in my left knee which has been brutally painful. It's kind of fun because I find that walking really helps the pain in my lower back, however it really aggravates the pain in my knee. I do a lot of lifting at work and am very careful to lift with my legs to ease the strain on my back, but now lifting with my legs hurts my knee. So I have this kind of awkward tecnique of lifting with one leg while the bad one is sort of splayed out to the side.

Part of the bother of chronic conditions is the sheer ludicrousness of what one has to do to deal with them.

[WestHoustonDem]

65. Mostly Crohn's with a touch of Fibromyalgia and CFS

I'm pretty much in remission with boatloads of medication, but I have my bad days and weeks. Anyone else here with Crohn's?

[Paradise]

66. serious adverse reactions to a drug, and

this is my first time at this group...

[thinkingwoman]

68. Chronic pain

I have chronic pain in my lower back and left hip from an untreated fracture 18 years ago (fell when pregnant with my first child and doctor told me "everyone has back pain when they're pregnant" :eyes:) and in both hands and forearms from "something like carpal tunnel but that's not it" (best diagnosis from top hand doctor in the state, :eyes: :eyes:).

I also have an undiagnosed depression/mild manic-depressive disorder.

I avoid doctors like the plague and shun most medication.

I'm actually a 2nd generation chronic condition person. My mother was diagnosed with lupus in the 80s after years of misdiagnosis and outright ignorance by the succession of doctors she sought help from. Watching her go through that is probably why I avoid the medical scene.

I also found that the more doctor's visits I made, the more invasive procedures and medication they ordered, and the worse I felt. I certainly support taking meds and undergoing procedures when necessary, but for my conditions everything suggested didn't help or made things worse.

I manage my pain with a high pain threshhold, meditation, and occassionally over the county ibuprofen. My biggest problem is my hands, which are deteriorating. I have more and more days where they just don't work right and it's impacting everything from house chores to driving. My family is very supportive, but I hate having to ask my kids to do the simplest things for me.


I joined this group to talk with others who deal with things on a daily basis that "normal" people just don't understand, people who get how frustrating it is to feel exhausted and in pain after doing the most routine things (like taking a shower and fixing your hair in the morning).

I certainly don't equate my troubles with those of other posters here who are battling much bigger obstacles than I am. I'm just looking for some like minds to feel at home with when I do need to vent.

[Rising Phoenix]

69. delete

[fiddlestix]

70. This is my first time in this particular forum...

My 13 year old...my baby...was diagnosed on 11/7...4 days ago...with Insulin Dependent Diabetes, Juvenile onset. I'm a nurse, but I work in an ambulatory Operating Room/Recovery Room setting, so my Diabetes knowledge is not cutting edge, so to speak. I'm more familiar with long-term Diabetics and their long-term problems with vision & circulation & chronic organ failure...and to think that my baby could one day suffer like that is more than I can take...I haven't had a dry-eyed day yet...

So, it's been a whirlwind, a bit overwhelming, from pediatrician's office to Pediatric Emergency Room, to Pediatric Ward, to home...and I'm lost, I can't lie, I'm angry & I'm scared for him & I'm weepy & emotional...and I'm not the one with the diagnosis, lol...

I've been a life-long Progressive, always for stem-cell research...but having a child with recent onset Diabetes Type I just makes it more urgent...I'm a Cspan junkie & I remember watching the House & Senate with amazement....when the House passed their stem-cell bill & the leaders of that bill met with those in agreement from the Senate & how impressed the House people were with those in the Senate that joined them, how easily they explained the problem...one of them drew a dot on a piece of paper to show how little the cells were...

I've got some reading to do...and I need to find some good Progressive forums of those fighting this good fight...at least I can say I was for all that stuff, even before my kid got the diagnosis.

I also need to find my happy place.

Sigh.

[ProfessorGAC]

71. Well, fiddlestix, You're Welcome Here!

Take care of that kinder! I had a friend in grade school who had JD, and she's still alive and kicking, and i graduated grade school more than 35 years ago!

Anytime you need to vent, this is the place to do it!
The Professor

[SpeedwayDemocrat]

73. Sorry to hear your news, Fiddlestix...

the diabetes diagnosis can be devastating. I think it's harder on the parents sometimes, as they begin blaming themselves ("must have been my bad genes", "I fed you too many donuts growing up", etc.) Not true, but my folks were beating themselves up over it anyway.
Would suggest you connect with a good endocrinoligist immediately; add them to your pediatric team and ask them to recommend specailists for feet, eyes, etc. I picked one who teaches other future endos at a Unviersity Hospital, and he knows all the latest greatest technologies. he's also very patient when I ask my endless list of questions (write everything down and take it with you to the appointment).
If your child is on an insulin pump (I am), get to know the pump's sales rep and his nursing team. I learned a lot from them. My Cozmo insulin pump with the built-in monitor is the closest thing I've found to being "normal"; I can eat what I like, as long as I take the insulin to compensate. Also, call your local ADA or JDRF chapter and get in a support group right away. Always helps to know you're not the only one with this darned disease.
At the age your child is, he/she will probably try to ignore it, just wanting to be "normal." I went through all that, and it's a lot like the stages of grief when someone dies. I have been working through the acceptance stage for some time (diagnosed 3.5 years ago) and spent much of the last two years in the anger stage; mad at God, my body, the world, etc.
As a parent, the best thing you can do is educate yourself about it like you're doing and don't be afraid to let your child voice the anger/frustration/sadness that he/she feel. Stress can really affect glucose numbers, so having a safe person to vent with really helps.
Good luck - my thoughts are with you both as you face this new challenge. And welcome to the forum!

[fiddlestix]

77. Hey, I'm just now finding my way back to this forum...

and I can't thank you enough for taking the time to post that...

It's been 3 months since, he's doing a little better, and it's funny, he went through the "ignore" thing, when he was "honeymooning"...did you go through that phase, where your pancreas starts working a little bit & your numbers improve? He didn't wanna test anymore, because with the Lantus shot at night & covering the carb intake at meals, otherwise, his sugars were normal!

Now he's kind of out of that honeymoon phase, he checks himself more, thank god...and he gets scared when his counts get low, he climbs into bed with me (I have to go to sleep rather early as my shift starts at 7AM) & he tells me that he's just drank a high sugar drink because he's at 64 & he has to wait 15 minutes to check & then another 15 minutes & he's scared & doesn't wanna be alone...

And his greek philosophy class is going to Greece for 11 days, in April & I'm going, too, because otherwise he wouldn't be allowed to go...he isn't on the insulin pump yet, but now I'm wondering if I should make them put him on it before this April trip?

What do you think?

Thanks again...

Nina

[Rainbowreflect]

72. I am here because of loved-ones, not myself.

My husband has muscular dystrophy and my brother has MS.

[purr]

74. I have chronic back pain and a recurrent case of C. difficle that I cant

get rid of for some reason.

[hyphenate]

75. Where to start?

Yikes.

I've had hypertension since I was 18, and inherited high cholesterol from my bio-mother. As a teen and young adult, I was subject to horrible headaches that were written off as "tension" headaches.

I've had (as I mentioned in another thread) fibromyalgia since 1993, two heart attacks (both in 1999), clinical depression, Type II diabetes since 1999, GERD, CFS, insomnia, carpal tunnel and other repetitive stress disorders, arthritis, and just about everything else that won't kill you, but make your life as miserable as possible.

The first time I was ever in the hospital, in fact, was 1999 when I had my first angina attack. I was 43, and people just can't understand a woman being that young and getting heart disease. But it runs in the family, and I was a victim!

Most of the time (as I'm sure it is with others of you as well), when you have a "hidden" disease, people just don't treat you with dignity if you tell them you're not 100%. It's a fight to make them see you're not just messing with them, and that you really do have a legitimate complaint.

Like I said, a lot of the time, my illnesses just wear me down and make the depression just that little bit worse, but except for the heart problems, there is nothing totally threatening in the immediate future.

The one problem I've had lately that bothers me the most is the brain stuff. I find it difficult to concentrate a lot, and I've become very scatterbrained. I asked some friends if this is a symptom of nearing menopause, but didn't get much of an answer! I sure hope it is close to that, because I want to be able to keep my mind. :)

As a diabetic, though, I haven't had any real problems that a lot of diabetics get, except for that blurred vision that you can get when your levels are too high. The best thing I do in that case is to get a pair of reading glasses and put them over my regular glasses until the glucose levels off, and the blurring goes away.

Anyhow, that's my story. :)

[Maine-ah]

76. I have been living with headaches 24/7 since

august of 2004. I don't know how I'm still alive at this point. It's litterally there ALL THE TIME. Some days are a little better than others. I go to a chiropracter, and my family doc. I can't afford an MRI which has been suggested. Pain relievers (oc) don't work anymore. I'm trying really hard not to lose my chit here. I didn't even know this group existed. I'm glad you're all here.

[alfredo]

78. Osteo Arthritis, Crohn's, migraines, PTSD, ulcer, allergies

bad attitude. Today it is Arthritis.