All Boards >> The Living Room

Posts     Flat       Threaded

Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | (show all)
I feel OK!!!!!
      #278908 - 08/18/06 08:51 AM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

I hate to say it out loud but today I feel relatively good!!!!!! Will left to go visit family yesterday so I went to bed early and the boys woke me up early so I did my hair cute, put on make-up and found some old pants in my closet that used to be way too small that make my butt look good!

I don't know if it was the double dose of humira on Wednesday or what but I only have minimal swelling in my fingers and only mild joint pain. I haven't poo'd at all today-compared to about a zillion times yesterday! I don't have a headache-I still get dizzy if I bend over too fast but otherwise, I feel ok!!!!!!! I have some energy and some color to my face.

Will won't be home until Sunday. We have a busy day in the office today but I rented a couple of movies to watch tonight and I'm hoping to wash curtains and clean my house tomorrow! I also have lost so much weight that I need to go through my closet and pull on my smaller sizes, one good side effect of being sick! Not exactly fun stuff but its long over due and I always feel better when my house is clean!

I figured since I've been gripping about how crappy I've felt lately, I'd share that I'm having a good day and hopefully a good, productive weekend!

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: I feel OK!!!!! new
      #278909 - 08/18/06 08:58 AM
MCV

Reged: 01/04/05
Posts: 740
Loc: Manchester, NH

This is wonderful news - I'm glad you're feeling better today. Here's hoping for many more days like today!

--------------------
>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<
Michelle
IBS-A, pain predominant

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: I feel OK!!!!! new
      #278910 - 08/18/06 09:04 AM
JennyS

Reged: 05/26/06
Posts: 15


I don't really know you, but I'm really glad you are
feeling Okay today! Always a good thing for a Friday.

Have a great day!
Jenny


Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: I feel OK!!!!! new
      #278913 - 08/18/06 09:13 AM
Angela E.

Reged: 10/14/04
Posts: 2518
Loc: Michigan

I am so glad to hear that you are feeling well today!! I hope that this medicine is going to help and that you get your D under control. How great to be pulling out clothes that are smaller to wear. That must have felt great!!! Your happiness just came through in this post and I am SOOO happy you feel so good. Love ya!!!

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: I feel OK!!!!! new
      #278917 - 08/18/06 09:33 AM
Kree

Reged: 10/08/03
Posts: 3748
Loc: Northern NY

Yay Michele! I hope you continue feeling good and have a fantastic weekend!

--------------------
"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: I feel OK!!!!! new
      #278918 - 08/18/06 09:37 AM
Stephie

Reged: 03/10/04
Posts: 2696
Loc: Vancouver, Canada

Hi Michele!

I just wanted to say, I was soooo glad to see the subject of your post! I haven't been able to post much lately with the move and everything, but I have been reading up and sometimes I cannot *believe* how much stuff you have to go through with all the different doctors and everything.
I am so glad to hear that today you are feeling better - for whatever reason!
And woo hoo on the skinny pants - I know it's not great to lost weight because you are sick, but fitting into your old skinny pants is such a great feeling!
Be careful not to try and take too much on today 'cause you are feeling better and overdo it so you don't feel so good tomorrow - hopefully this feeling better will last a while!

Keep us updated, have a great weekend!
Steph

--------------------
~~I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell-I know right now you can't tell~~Matchbox 20
IBS-D,pain.

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Thanks girls! new
      #278920 - 08/18/06 09:44 AM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

Yes, skinny pants always make a girl feel better! Vanity, what an awful thing! I needed to lose the weight and still need to lose more but I was in size 20 after I lost the twins and I have on a size 12 from the limited today!!! Not exactly skinny but after a 20, it sure feels good! I'd love to get down to an 8!

Like Steph said, I need to remember I'm not superwoman and over do it but I just can't believe the difference in how I feel. I actually WANTED to get out of bed this morning and can't wait to clean my house tomorrow. Ok, the excited about cleaning house thing is a bit odd but whatever!!

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

AHA .... new
      #278922 - 08/18/06 09:47 AM
Portageegal

Reged: 06/28/05
Posts: 940
Loc: Massachusetts

I got it ... you're allergic to Will.
Just kidding. Glad to hear you feel more human today. I hope it keeps up.
Size 20 ? I wish I could fit in a 20 again.

--------------------
Carol

nós somos o que nós somos e o descanso é merda

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: LOL new
      #278926 - 08/18/06 09:52 AM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

Allergic to Will, thats funny! He did call me this am and I told him I was feeling pretty good and he said "that figures!"

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

That's fantastic! *nt new
      #278934 - 08/18/06 10:22 AM
hohoyumyum

Reged: 05/28/03
Posts: 2263
Loc: SacTown, CA



--------------------
***********************
If you're not dead, you've still got time.



Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

TGIF new
      #278936 - 08/18/06 10:26 AM
Snowy

Reged: 03/23/05
Posts: 406


You deserve a good day and when better than a Friday? Too bad Will isn't home to share in it!

Have a great weekend!

--------------------
***********************
IBS-A, with bloating and gas as my predominant symptoms

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

WOOHOO great news girly!! -nt- new
      #278956 - 08/18/06 01:03 PM
Dr. Spice Yamin

Reged: 04/15/04
Posts: 3286
Loc: Maryland



--------------------


Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Glad to hear you're having a good day! Enjoy your weekend-n/t new
      #278967 - 08/18/06 02:53 PM
JLL24

Reged: 09/23/04
Posts: 312




Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Yay, double yay and TRIPLE YAY!! new
      #278972 - 08/18/06 03:30 PM
Blondie13

Reged: 02/28/06
Posts: 641
Loc: Sheffield, England

Fantastic stuff!!! I'm really really chuffed for you, bout time you got a good day. And great seeing a bonus in it in the losing weight thing, as horrible as it's been to get there.

I'm DESPERATE to lose at least a stone, but there's no way in hell I'd choose to go through even a tenth of what you have to get there. You're amazing girl, keep it up!

--------------------
http://ibsblondie13.blogspot.com/

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: I feel OK!!!!! new
      #279199 - 08/20/06 05:00 PM
Toady

Reged: 04/06/06
Posts: 1299
Loc: A small city, Northwestern Ontario, Canada

Michelle, I'm so happy you had a good day Friday. I didn't get a chance to reply then, so I'm sending along wishes that your weekend was fabulous, and that Monday is as good as Friday was!

Cassandra

--------------------
Cassandra

Live like there's no tomorrow. Love like you've never loved before.

IBS A 20+ years, Chronic Migraines, Chiari Malformation (decompressed June 22, 2010), Brachial Neuritis, and ??? the list just keeps growing, but I'm still shiny side up!

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Mondays update-upper gi new
      #279286 - 08/21/06 10:10 AM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

Well, Saturday was pretty good! Will was away and I went on a cleaning frenzy! My house is CLEAN!!! YAY!! I definitely over did it as Sunday I could barely move, just laid around most of the day and watched tv.

I was at the hospital early this morning for the lovely upper gi-you know the one where you down the shot of super fizzy stuff, tell you not to burp and slam this huge cup of 10pound chalky stuff! Than they take x-rays and hand you another glass of oh so yummy chalk to hurry up and drink than sit around for an hour or two and watch it travel through your intestines. Big fun!

Of course they don't give you even a hint if they found anything wrong or not so I have to wait until Thursday when I see the crohns guy again.

I feel pretty barfy but who wouldn't after an upper gi. Trying to make it through most of the work day.

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Mondays update-upper gi new
      #279302 - 08/21/06 10:50 AM
Mary_V

Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 544
Loc: Grandville, MI

I hate that they don't give you results right away. I know a radiologist has to look at the xrays, but after going through that torture you at least want some kind of indication about what they saw. Been there. At least it's only a few days.

--------------------
~Mary
Had surgery for rectal prolapse in Sept. '06 and feeling good now! Loving life with our IVF miracle #1.



Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Mondays update-upper gi new
      #279306 - 08/21/06 10:54 AM
Snowy

Reged: 03/23/05
Posts: 406


Good luck Michelle! I hope you find the answers that you are looking for and that you can make it through the day. I'm feeling kind of crappy (pun intended ) today too, but I didn't have to do an upper gi. So, I'll think of you when I start to get down about my tummy!

--------------------
***********************
IBS-A, with bloating and gas as my predominant symptoms

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Mondays update-upper gi new
      #279307 - 08/21/06 10:54 AM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

Thanks Mary, I hate waiting. I'm worried that if i don't have ra and I don't have crohns, what DO i have???

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Mondays update-upper gi new
      #279342 - 08/21/06 03:09 PM
Mary_V

Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 544
Loc: Grandville, MI

I totally understand. I hate going through test after test and still not knowing what's going on. I'm so thankful I finally found out I have rectal prolapse. My surgery is scheduled for Sept. 22. I'm hoping it makes a big difference! I hope this Dr. can give you the correct diagnosis and treatment. Hang in there.

--------------------
~Mary
Had surgery for rectal prolapse in Sept. '06 and feeling good now! Loving life with our IVF miracle #1.



Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Blech. Hate that test! new
      #279343 - 08/21/06 03:16 PM
Nelly

Reged: 08/06/04
Posts: 4381
Loc: Within stray mortar fire of DC

Blech, I remember this test. I've done it several times, but it takes about 1/2 an hour to start shooting outta me.

I hope you're recovering nicely from the test. What flavor did you get? I've had mint, cherry and (the worst) coconut. *shudder*

~nelly~

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Blech. Hate that test! new
      #279430 - 08/22/06 07:42 AM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

Flavors??? Lucky you, nope, mine were just plain CHALK!! Nothing had moved out by last night and I could feel it sitting in there like a rock so I took some stool softeners last night and a little miralax this morning and the evacuation as begun! Just glad to have it out!!

I really wish I could take a month or so off work and get all this health crap figured out. My boss talked to the crohns specialist this weekend at some social gathering as they are friends and he told my boss he doesn't really think I have crohns. I'll see the crohns guy Thursday to get the test results from the upper gi but not sure if the blood work will be in yet. If I don't have crohns and I don't have ra, what the hell do I have??? I had a dream last night, the steroids give you very vivid dreams-I was talking to the docs and they all said they had no idea whats wrong with me and I asked them who I should see and they said a shrink!!!! I'm starting to wonder myself. I know I'm depressed still over the loss of my babies and feeling like crap for so long but you can't make your joints swell up or your eyes to be so inflamed you have chronic uvietis for 11 months, can you?? If there is nothing wrong with me, why do my babies keep dying? Why do I feel so sick all the time. Why do I have such terrible D and throw up blood? Someone, PLEASE tell me its not all in my head. I'm afraid I'm starting to lose my grip.

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Blech. Hate that test! new
      #279438 - 08/22/06 08:04 AM
Mary_V

Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 544
Loc: Grandville, MI

I'm sure it's not all in your head. Keep looking for an answer. But I would highly recommend seeing someone as well. I started seeing a psychologist in May. It has made a HUGE difference for me. I thought my anxiety/depression was caused by my IBS...I was wrong...my IBS was caused by an increase in my anxiety/depression (started when I started college). And then as the IBS got worse, so did the anxiety...you get the picture. It just keeps getting worse and worse...one feeds off the other. It took me a while to realize and accept that my anxiety has manifested itself physically in me...IBS. So by learning to control my anxiety, my IBS is decreasing. I'm not saying it will cure everything, but I would definitely give it a shot. It can't hurt, right? And we all need help dealing with this daily battle. It's not easy. But with all the things I've tried I think that was my biggest step towards starting to feel better. And it's nice to be able to talk to someone...just let it all out. I strongly encourage it!

--------------------
~Mary
Had surgery for rectal prolapse in Sept. '06 and feeling good now! Loving life with our IVF miracle #1.



Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: shrinks new
      #279446 - 08/22/06 08:35 AM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

Yes, I have been seeing a shrink now for over 2 years. She is wonderful and has helped me deal with old demons from the past. She has taught me some coping skills and is very reassuring.

What I've been finding lately though is that I'm very UP and very DOWN. It always seems to work out that when I see her, I'm UP and just can't convey how DOWN I get. The shrink can't tell me whats wrong with me medically and has never implied that all my "sickness" is "mental" or anything but I'm just so tired of being bounced from one doctor to another and no one can tell me whats wrong. But they still want me to take all these really nasty, toxic drugs-I just don't get it.

I threatened to stop ALL my medications a couple of weeks ago to see how bad things got, then maybe they could figure it out but I had three doctors, the rheumy, the crohn's specialist and my internist, all tell me that was a very bad idea.

My marriage is suffering, my friends don't get it and I feel like my life revolves around doctors who can't even tell me whats wrong. Its all I can do to make it to work everyday and now my boss is talking about combining our office with another office which is very busy and I have no idea how I would be able to handle that kind of work load.

I don't know if I feel so bad today because I actually had two days that I felt ok, felt what it was like to be more or less normal, or just what.

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: shrinks new
      #279450 - 08/22/06 09:20 AM
Mary_V

Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 544
Loc: Grandville, MI

Isn't it amazing how quickly you can "forget" how bad things can be when you're feeling ok? It's almost a tease that makes the bad days seem worse then.

I completely sympathize with you about others not understanding and not being able to find a Dr. that can help. I don't have much advice for you, though. Just know you're not alone. And keep looking. You'll find the right Dr. that can help. And just take it one day at a time. I'll be praying for you.

--------------------
~Mary
Had surgery for rectal prolapse in Sept. '06 and feeling good now! Loving life with our IVF miracle #1.



Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: shrinks new
      #279457 - 08/22/06 10:03 AM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

Thanks Mary. I just hate feeling so unstable!

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: I feel OK!!!!! That's Fabulous! new
      #279460 - 08/22/06 10:10 AM
Brendarific

Reged: 03/14/04
Posts: 163
Loc: The Northwest 'Burbs Of Chicago, IL

One thing about IBS is that when you are feeling good, you really appreciate it more because we spend so much time feeling bad!

Congrats on the skinny pants, too. I recently lost a bunch of weight too and isn't that the best feeling ever to get into pants that you thought you'd never fit in again! YAY!!

Keep feeling good. Don't overdo yourself with cleaning and stuff. I always seem to do too much when I'm having a good day and knock myself right back into a bad day again!

Horrah!

--------------------
It's never too late to be what you might have been.

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Blech. Hate that test! new
      #279476 - 08/22/06 10:50 AM
Janey

Reged: 10/25/03
Posts: 1716
Loc: Maryland

Oh Michele,

I hate having an upper GI. I couldn't even drink all the stuff they wanted me to. Just couldn't get it down so the test took forever because they had to wait for the one glass of chalk to go through me.

Don't give up. There is a doc out there that will find out what is wrong with you. I don't think it is all in your head. Just keep pushing and don't let them blow you off. You know no one cares about your health as much as you do.

I don't think the Chrons Specialist should have been talking about your case with your boss at a social gathering. I think it would be better if he expressed his opinions to you rather than you hearing it from your boss. Just hang in there until Thursday when he has the results of your tests back and see what he has to say. Try to deal with things one day at a time. If you look to the future it will overwhelm you.

Lots of hugs,

--------------------
Janey

Edited by Janey (08/22/06 10:51 AM)

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Blech. Hate that test! new
      #279487 - 08/22/06 11:17 AM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

Thanks Janey. I agree, the crohns guy shouldn't have told my boss that-Its not that I care so much that he was dicussing me but the fact that he said he doesn't think he will be able to help me. I guess I'll see what he has to say Thursday.

Yes, I am getting over whelmed at the moment. I just want to feel good again. Thanks for the hugs!

Hey, when do you start your new job??

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Michele new
      #279496 - 08/22/06 12:06 PM
Janey

Reged: 10/25/03
Posts: 1716
Loc: Maryland

There has to be a doctor out there who can figure out what is wrong with you. If he says no to Chrons I would go back to the Rheumy and ask her why she thought it was chrons and not RA. Don't let them push you around.

I start my job on Monday. I am really excited. I went to the office today to meet everyone and get a tour. I have such a good feeling and think it is going to be a great place to work. everyone seems very nice and I was happy to see they dress casual so I don't have to go out shopping to buy a bunch of fancy clothes.

I'll be thinking about you and sending good thoughts your way.

--------------------
Janey

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Michele new
      #279508 - 08/22/06 12:27 PM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

I do have an appt scheduled with the rheumy next week so if the crohn's guy says no crohns, I'll see what she suggest.

Thats great that they dress casual at your new office! But I'm sure you'll still want to go out and buy a few new things once you get that first paycheck!

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Blech. Hate that test! - Hey Michele! new
      #279529 - 08/22/06 02:19 PM
Ulrika

Reged: 08/20/06
Posts: 581
Loc: Uppsala, Sweden

Michele! I can't believe your doctor talked to your boss about your health situation? Hasn't he heard of confidentiality?!!!

I really hope they figure out what's going on with you. With all the problems you are describing it sounds to me like it might be an autoimmune thing... I really wish I could tell you what it is... I'll try to do some research as I am involved in a support group for an autoimmune paralysis disease. Could be that someone has heard of something.

Hang in there!!!


Hugs,

Ulrika

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Michele new
      #279591 - 08/23/06 05:48 AM
Janey

Reged: 10/25/03
Posts: 1716
Loc: Maryland

I haven't waited for my first paycheck! I have already gone out a bought a few things. One reason is that I can't fit into a lot of the clothes I used to wear. I can Only wear things I bought right at the end when I had already gained weight. It sure is fun knowing I am going to have my own money again.

--------------------
Janey

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Michele new
      #279609 - 08/23/06 08:18 AM
ChristineM

Reged: 05/31/04
Posts: 1662
Loc: soCal

Hey, Michele!

Gosh, I cannot even imagine how frustrating it is not to have a definitive answer. That is so unfair! It seems like every time we *think* we know what you have, something changes everything.

All it takes is for a doc to look at you to see that there is something physically wrong with you. Doctors like to fix people, so it's probably just as frustrating for them not to be able to tell you what's causing your problems.

Just take it a day at a time, and know that things will get better again!

{{{{{Hugs}}}}}

--------------------
Christine

Those who can do; those who want it done better teach.

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Blech. Hate that test! - Hey Michele! new
      #279614 - 08/23/06 09:33 AM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

Thanks. I agree, I'm pretty sure its something autoimmune as well. I'm hoping between the rheumy and the crohns guy that if they can't tell me whats wrong, maybe they can at least point me to someone who can!

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Michele new
      #279615 - 08/23/06 09:43 AM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

Thanks Christine, it is very frustrating. I'm trying to stay positive-I am feeling a little better physically today. I have started to taper down my steroid dose and my eyes have been much better since I started the humira. Still struggling with the mental aspects though.

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Michele new
      #279616 - 08/23/06 09:46 AM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

Good! Glad to hear you are treating yourself to some new things!

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Michele: Probably a really stupid question, but... new
      #279620 - 08/23/06 09:56 AM
Ulrika

Reged: 08/20/06
Posts: 581
Loc: Uppsala, Sweden

They have tested you for celiaki right? You've had so many tests and so much going on so I guess they must have ruled that out too. Just happened to find a text today saying that women with celiaki who aren't following a gluten (that's the Swedish word, can't find the English word right now, but it's the wheat protein ) free diet have a 9 times higher risk for miscarriage than other women.

It's probably something else you have, otherwise I'm sure they would have figured it out by now.

/Ulrika, IBS-D

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Michele: Probably a really stupid question, but... new
      #279622 - 08/23/06 09:59 AM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

Thanks for the suggestion but yes, they have done several blood tests and did a biopsy about three years ago. I remember reading last year about the celiac thing and miscarriages and was very surprised by that. I actually posted a question about it here a long time ago and no one else had heard of the connection.

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Michele: Probably a really stupid question, but... new
      #279625 - 08/23/06 10:17 AM
Ulrika

Reged: 08/20/06
Posts: 581
Loc: Uppsala, Sweden

I figured they'd ruled that out. I'll keep looking though. I can't say that I think I'll find the answer when your doctors haven't thus far, but there's no harm in trying, right?

If you could list the diagnoses they've ruled out that might help.

What is it about the RA and Crohn's diagnoses that make your doctors think that's not what you have?


/Ulrika, IBS-D

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Michele: Probably a really stupid question, but... new
      #279632 - 08/23/06 10:56 AM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

Well, my ra antibody blood work is negative. It is possible to have what they call serum negative ra but those people will usually have a slightly positive ana and my ana is also negative.

I don't have any skin lesions or mouth sores which are both common in crohn's. They haven't truly ruled out crohn's yet, its just the crohn's doctors guess at this point. We will know more when my prometheus blood work comes back and I'll get the results of the upper gi tomorrow.

I just saw an infectious disease guy back in Feb-march and he ran a boat load of tests for various bugs and parasites. No Lyme's or h. pylori-they did find a past exposure to claymidyia pneumonia (different from the std! ) and I did do a month of antibiotics just to make sure that it wasn't causing any problems.

For the fertility stuff, they have done all the clotting things, the antithrombin, the genetic work-ups on Will and I, all the hormone levels, luteal phase defective, endo biopsy's, the list goes on-they found absolutely nothing other than maybe some low progesterone which I was supplementing at the time.

I've had my thyroid checked and my sugar levels. My parathyroid level is slightly elevated at 77 but they say not to worry about that right now-I'm going to ask the rheumy about it again though next week.

My stool sample did show an over growth of yeast so I'm doing a yeast cleanse right now and taking pro biotics.

My cbc is ok, my red blood cell count is a little low, so I am mildly anemic at the moment. My liver enzymes are only very slightly elevated from the medications I'm taking.

Around 6 years ago, I was found to have hepatitis C. They did a viral load, which was relatively low and genotyped it as genotype 1, the hardest one to get rid of. The liver doctor told me if I didn't treat it with interferon and ribavirin that I wold get liver cancer and die! The drugs are nasty and make you very ill and then they said only 30-40% chance of it working anyways so I did nothing. Three blood tests over the last year have all come back as negative for hep c, so my body fought and killed it, which is fairly rare-less than 10% of people with hep c will have a spontaneous remission. I think that my body revved up my immune system so much to kill the hep c, that its all gone haywire now!

I have had my gallbladder removed because it was full of stones.

My symptoms are, in no particular order
-5 unexplained miscarriages
-Joint swelling-mostly hands and feet with stiffness and pain in hips, knees and wrists. The swelling is mostly controlled now with steroids, placquenil and humira.
-Headaches, which I never used to get
-Gone from constipation to diarrhea-continue to have the usual bloating and gas!
-Tired and weak all the time, no energy t all but have insomnia!
-just a general unwell feeling, stiff and achy all over
-my depression and anxiety have gotten worse but I'm sure that's from all the medical stuff!
-lack of concentration-brain fog
-nausea and occasional vomiting
-Uvietis on and off since last September

I've been diagnosed with bursitis in my hips, costochondritis in my chest, gastritis for which I do take Aciphex.

Two years ago, I severely sprained my ankle and it turned into RSD, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, which is another odd thing-ending up having 8 spinal treatments for that!

My last set of x-rays do show bone erosion's in my fingers, toes and knees. They ran blood levels to check for my vitamin levels and they are fine. My sed rate is still elevated despite the drugs but my c-protein level is good which is supposed to be a more sensitive test to measure inflammation but I've also been on steroids for months so who knows if the level is actually ok or if its just ok because of the drugs!

They have ruled out lupus because of the negative ana and no skin rashes.

Thats what I can remember at the moment!! I'm open to any anys you might have!



--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Michele: This might be interesting for you new
      #279646 - 08/23/06 12:13 PM
Ulrika

Reged: 08/20/06
Posts: 581
Loc: Uppsala, Sweden

I found this text on spontaneous recovery from Hepatitis C on

http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/node/3698


About your idea that you thought your body's fighting the Hepatitis C had caused the immune system to go haywire maybe there could be something to that. Here is a couple of quotes of the most interesting parts of the content:

"''SELF-RECOVERY'' FROM HEPATITIS C INFECTION LINKED TO GENES THAT SUPPRESS ACTION OF KILLER IMMUNE CELLS"

and

"Our results were surprising in that self-recovery is not so much a functionof speeding up the body's immune system to attack the hepatitis C virus as it is about taking the foot off the brakes so the body's killer immune cells can take off."


/Ulrika, IBS-D

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Michele: This might be interesting for you new
      #279652 - 08/23/06 12:57 PM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

That is very interesting. I had heard of the natural killer cells when reding up on miscarriages but didn't know they could be involovedin killing hep c.

I did have some of these cells checked this spring but I,m not sure exactly what they measure for.

From the infectious disease guy, I had all the chlamydia tests run,there are like 9 strains, a billirubin test, mycoplasma, the whole cbc thing, hemoglobin, hematrocit, mcv, mch, mchc, rdw, platelet count, mpv, absolute neutropjilis, absolute lymphocytes, absolute monocythes, ansolute eosinophils, ansolute basophils, neutroies, absolute basophils, neutrphils, lymphocytes, monocytes, bosinophils, basophils, cardiolipin gg ar, crdiolifen thm ab, igm, igg and iga.

I have no clue what a lot of those tests are but they were all ok as was my hep c-no virus detected!

I'm negative for Sjogrens antibodies as well.

The rheumy just re tested a bunch of the above listed stuff as well as potssium, carbon dixide, protein levels, albumin, globulin, ast, alt, anca titers.

The last bunch of blood showed my red blood cell count to be 3.96, should be 4.20-5.10. My hemoglobin was 11, should be 13-15 nd my hematocrit ws 37, should be 38-45.

My cholesterol is high, total 234 but they are just sort of ignoring tht right now until they figure out whats wrong!

Thanks for the info!

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Michele: This might be interesting for you new
      #279655 - 08/23/06 01:12 PM
Ulrika

Reged: 08/20/06
Posts: 581
Loc: Uppsala, Sweden

Wow! That is a lot of tests! I have no clue what most of them are either.

Seems they have checked for pretty much every diagnosis I have come across googling. I understand that's really frustrating for you. Before I got my IBS diagnosis confirmed the psychologist I saw then said that you can't really learn to deal with things until you know what it is your dealing with. I think that is very true. I really hope they'll have some answers for you soon. In the mean time I'll keep my eyes open.


/Ulrika, IBS-D

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Thanks!! new
      #279657 - 08/23/06 01:17 PM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

I appriciate it!

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Michele new
      #279755 - 08/24/06 07:38 AM
Janey

Reged: 10/25/03
Posts: 1716
Loc: Maryland

Out of necessity since I have gained enough weight that I can't wear a lot of my work clothes.

Any ole excuse!!!!!

--------------------
Janey

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: New fashions new
      #279789 - 08/24/06 09:24 AM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

I hear ya! Luckily, my weight is on the way down but I'm in between sizes and don't want to spend a lot of money until I get to a more permanent weight/size. Luckily, I saved some cloths from when I was slimmer so have a few things. I'm hoping once I get off the steroids, the weight will come back off!

I can not believe some of the new fashions!! Since its possible our office may be moving in with another office and it will be high end boutique, I'll have to look the part. I bought three fashion magazines yesterday and everyone had these skinny pencil jeans and leggings!!! I did that in the 80's and so don't want to go there again!!!!

Whats a girl with a little (ok a lot!) of junk in her trunk supposed to do?? These new fashion styles are going to make us fuller girls looked like hippos!!!

I was so upset yesterday. This new doctor that my boss may be opening a new office with stopped in yesterday. I had taken time in the morning to curl my hair, I had a cute little cream lace headband on and my make-up looked nice, lipstick and everything. I had on some olive colored Capri's-they were a little baggy but not awful, with a tan, lace Cami and a little crochet short sleeve sweater over it. I thought i looked pretty good. I even had two patients comment on how pretty I was. Well, this doctor was talking to my boss and I was walking around putting some things away. He pointedly looked my up and down (not in a sexual way at all but obvious he was looking at my style) and said to my boss "Well, the girls are going to have to look high end and cute" it was obvious he didn't care for the way I looked.

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: New fashions new
      #279793 - 08/24/06 09:33 AM
Angela E.

Reged: 10/14/04
Posts: 2518
Loc: Michigan

OMG I have seen the leggings again! I can't believe they are back. NO thank you!! As for that doctor what a a$$!!! You shouls have said "Well I'll just fit right in won't I? Since I am looking damn cute today!" Ugh sometimes men just don't get how one little comment about our appearance can really hurt! You are a beatiful person Michele both inside and out! Don't let that doctor spoil your good feelings! He doesn't know all that you have been through. Not that it would excuse his behavior anyways!! Love Ya!

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: New fashions - forget those leggings! new
      #279799 - 08/24/06 09:45 AM
K2

Reged: 01/29/06
Posts: 1191
Loc: Canada

I also cannot bring myself to go back to that 80's style. Even though I'm skinny, I'm short and my butt is bigger than the rest of my and I look ridiculous in them. I think these are made for the younger teens & tweens (who weren't around the first time to enjoy them).

As for new fashions for the upcoming year that will look great on anybody, there are plenty to choose from. Wide boyish trousers, fuller skirts, fuller sleeved shirts, layered tops, and cable knit sweaters. It's almost as if there's two trends going on right now, skinny and volume, that contrast each other.

One thing not in style this year: doctors with bad attitudes!

I know you aren't looking to buy a lot of clothes but if you do end up getting a few pieces, there's lots of cute choices for you. Have fun!


--------------------
Kat

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: New fashions new
      #279802 - 08/24/06 09:56 AM
Ulrika

Reged: 08/20/06
Posts: 581
Loc: Uppsala, Sweden

What an idiot!!! Maybe he should worry a bit more about his own attitude than making mean comments about other people.

But hey, maybe he's just compensating for his own SHORTcomings by trying to act as if he is above everybody else.


/Ulrika, IBS-D

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

What nerve new
      #279818 - 08/24/06 11:28 AM
Janey

Reged: 10/25/03
Posts: 1716
Loc: Maryland

I cannot believe some people. Does he dress as fashionable as he expects his employees to dress? I'm sure not. It sounds like you looked really cute to me.

I wouldn't go with the staight legs and leggings. My 17yo looks really cute in them and I would leave it at that, teens.

I think these days you can wear just about anything and get away with it. I would stick with straight leg pants that are the same width all the way down. I have also noticed that the tops are getting longer. YEAH!

I think you can look very stylish and professional without going trendy. I have no junk in the trunk but sure do in the belly, HA HA! Wish I could send it around back to help out a bit there.

--------------------
Janey

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Thanks Girls and update from crohns doc new
      #279822 - 08/24/06 12:03 PM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

Yeah, I thought the new doctor I'm going to be working for was sort of an arse!! Right now, the location he works at is owned by a big corporation and that corporation is moving and he wants to keep the office and have my doctor be partners with him.

I was driving by there today, so stopped in just to check the place out. I wasn't impressed!!! One girl was in a corporate issued polyester jacket with matching crappy uniform pants. The other girl I saw was the tall, blonde bombshell type (no offensive to those of you out there!) and she was wearing black tights, black skirt and a black turtleneck and its 80 degrees here!

I will not be doing the pencil pants or leggings either! Most of my sweaters are too big so I'll buy a few cuter cable knits and I already have a ton of cute lace cami's and I'll get one or two good jackets and a couple of blouses and call it cute!

The two girls seemed nice enough but the selection of frames wasn't very good and definitely wasn't ALL THAT!! I'm really hoping something happens and this deal falls through. Either way, I'm going to talk to my boss tomorrow about my concerns and see what he says. I don't have a lot of choice though as I can't afford not to work and the economy is so crappy right now.

Ok, so the crohn's guy said my upper gi was normal. He just hooked up working with this big hospital here and they are having some disputes over the Prometheus blood testing. It can't be done at this hospital, the only lab that can do it is in CA so the hospital doesn't want him ordering the test-its a money thing, very corporate.

Anyways, he said it wouldn't change my treatment at all. He does believe that I PROBABLY do have crohn's. He didn't mention a colonoscopy and I didn't bring it up. As much as I want answers, not ready to actually ASK for it!

He said that since I responded so well to the first humira injection, he thinks that with each subsequent injection, I'll continue to feel better and better for longer periods of time. I've backed down to 5 mg a day of steroids and he said to wait until after my next injection next Wednesday before trying to taper down anymore on the steroids. The steroids are causing my blood pressure to go up and my face is starting to get that moon face look to it but its a slow process to wean off them.

I'll see the rheumy next Tuesday so we will see if she has any further comments or suggestions. But, for now, I guess they are calling it crohn's.

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Thanks Girls and update from crohns doc new
      #279824 - 08/24/06 12:20 PM
Ulrika

Reged: 08/20/06
Posts: 581
Loc: Uppsala, Sweden

That sounds good. I mean, then you sort of have a diagnosis, and as long as the treatment is working then that's the most important thing right? And it seems your doctor sounded hopeful that you'd get better and better with the new medication. That is wonderful.


/Ulrika, IBS-D

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Any lawyers out there? I don't think looking "high end and cute" is a BFOQ new
      #279832 - 08/24/06 12:57 PM
Sand

Reged: 12/13/04
Posts: 4490
Loc: West Orange, NJ (IBS-D)

(Bona Fide Occupational Qualification) for someone who works in a doctor's office. Being neatly dressed in appropriately formal (or informal) clothes is. I'd say this falls somewhere between sexual harassment and sexual discrimination (and squarely in idiocy, of course). And his reference to "girls" would probably be enough to convict him by itself. Furthermore, if your boss wants to specify what clothes you wear, he may find himself having to pay for them. For Heaven's sake, Michele, I'm so sorry. As if everything else isn't enough.

--------------------
[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Any lawyers out there? I don't think looking "high end and cute" is a BFOQ new
      #279835 - 08/24/06 01:05 PM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

Yeah, I thought "high end and cute" was better suited to describe a call girl, not an optician! Like I mentioned, I checked the place out today and it certainly isn't what I'd consider high end! They carry many of the same brands of frames I carry now, just with a much higher price tag! I am SO hoping that this deal falls through!!!! I may pick up a paper this weekend, just to see whats out there as options but I'm already at the high end of the pay scale for my job. If I was healthier(and younger! ), I'd certainly consider a career change.

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

ROFL. Good one, Michele. I hope it all works out - or, rather, doesn't, I suppose. -nt- new
      #279837 - 08/24/06 01:24 PM
Sand

Reged: 12/13/04
Posts: 4490
Loc: West Orange, NJ (IBS-D)



--------------------
[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Thanks Girls and update from crohns doc new
      #279893 - 08/25/06 05:44 AM
Mary_V

Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 544
Loc: Grandville, MI

Glad to hear that you have some kind of answers. I would push for the necessary testing to make sure Chrons is what you have. Then you can be confident in the path you're taking. Hopefully the new meds will continue to make you feel better!! Keep us updated.

--------------------
~Mary
Had surgery for rectal prolapse in Sept. '06 and feeling good now! Loving life with our IVF miracle #1.



Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: New fashions new
      #279957 - 08/25/06 03:29 PM
ArmyWife87

Reged: 06/05/06
Posts: 99
Loc: Canada - East Coast

Hey Michelle,

With all the changes happening with your company you could always ask the new guy to include a new "clothing allowance" with your contract

He sounds like a bugger!!!!!

--------------------
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Thanks Girls and update from crohns doc new
      #280008 - 08/26/06 11:09 AM
JLL24

Reged: 09/23/04
Posts: 312


Hi Michele,

I'm sorry that the doctor didn't have more concrete results for you.

Hopefully the humira helps you.

Have a good weekend.
Jenn

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

for michele new
      #280106 - 08/27/06 05:48 PM
Miso

Reged: 04/20/06
Posts: 559
Loc: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

have they told you at some point that you have fibro or chronic fatique syndrome, thats what all this sounds like to me, since fibro and cfs patients also are very prone to having ibs and depression issues as well, there are lots of fibro and cfs websites to check for nutrition supplements to take like magnesium and malic acid and coenzyme q-10 etc, maybe you already investigated this all already, but figurd it was worth a shot

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: Thanks miso new
      #280149 - 08/28/06 08:16 AM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

Yes, they have said that I have fibro. I do take a malic/magnesium supplement as well as a hand full of other vitamins a day. They believe the fibro is secondary to the RA or Crohns and when we get the main problem under control that the fibro will improve.

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Re: New fashions new
      #280150 - 08/28/06 08:18 AM
michele

Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan

Yes, if this deal goes through, I will definitely be looking for a clothing bonus!!! I just keep hoping that something goes wrong and the deal falls through. They are still working out some details of the lease.

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print     Remind Me     Notify Moderator    

Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | (show all)

Extra information
0 registered and 171 anonymous users are browsing this forum.

Moderator:  Heather 

Print Thread

Permissions
      You cannot post until you login
      You cannot reply until you login
      HTML is enabled
      UBBCode is enabled

Thread views: 22067

Jump to

| Privacy statement Help for IBS Home

*
UBB.threads™ 6.2


HelpForIBS.com BBB Business Review