Just to let you know...

[AutumnLeaves]

Those who had expressed concern over my health complaints on TLHC, I have a diagnosis from the rheumie. He says it is Fibromyalgia. He has put me on Flexeril and wants me to stay on the Paxil.

Just thought I would let you know as I know some of you were worried about me a bit.:depressed:

[frannyg]

Yes, Sherry dear, some of us have been very worried. Thank you so very much for letting us know. Well, I guess we'll all be busy looking up some helpful hints for you to manage that FM. Healing thoughts and prayers sent your way, as always, Sherry darling. :flower:

[Chrissy]

I've heard good things about a drug called Lyrica for FM. Just thought I'd mention it.

[justgreen]

Right at the moment, Lyrica has side effects I won't go into here. But as a note, let me just add that when Neurontin's patent ran out, guess what the drug makers did? Yep, they tweaked it a bit and re-named it Lyrica.

The side effects for Neurontin are much less than Lyrica and I can honestly attest to it's helpfulness in aiding with my Fibro. I no longer have that horrible fatigue all the time. What it actually does? It tells my brain to tell those pesky nerve endings to SHUT THE F*&K UP. It also allows me to get my daily chores done, and you know me, that is alot!

I take Flexeril at bedtime , 20mgs. This helps me get relaxed and allows me to get some deep stage 4 sleep , which we all need to get our bodies to kick start in the morning. Fibro folks are definitely lacking in stage four. I was so sleep deprived by the time I found a good doctor, it was pathetic.

I could go into more, but I think Sherry will have enough questions to keep us busy answering.

I'm so sorry you've been dealt this hand, but it's better knowing something is wrong, right? And yes, it could be worse. We'll help you in your journey!

Sherry , I'm sure that when the docs get all the testing back, they'll start you on a good medicine just for you. But be informed by the time that happens and don't be afraid to tell them no, I don't want that drug, I'd prefer trying this one first. My doc has always listened to me.

[DavidN]

Hi Sherry, thank you for letting us know, and you already know that some of us have been very worried. My healing thoughts, hugs, and prayers go out to you today and everyday.:flower:

[Shermie Girl]

{{{Autumnal One}}} I am glad that you got a diagnosis. Now you can attack it and take steps to feel better. I hope that you feel much better, soon. :flower:

[TammySue]

Hi Sherry! Hope you feel better and that the medicine helps.
Take care! :flower:

[Delila]

Just an FYI, my dad takes Neurontin, but Lyrica didn't work for him at all. He's got nerve issues, not fibromyalgia, though.

Glad you got a diagnosis and some treatments. Whew.

[tomm]

{{{Sherry}}} I hope that the treatments help and that you can quickly find a regimen that brings you some relief. Some suggestions from my DW (who has been fighting this for 20+ years):

Nutritionally, she has found that taking Co-enzyme Q10 helps as well as making sure she gets enough magnesium and flavonoids.

She also takes a daily prophylactic dose of an NSAID.

The strategy (such as it is) is to prevent the immune system from reacting to systemic inflammation in the first place than it is to control the reaction once it has started.

Finally, the National Fibromyalgia website has a lot of good information - www.fmaware.org

I hope this helps. We are holding you in our thoughts and prayers.

If you have any specific questions, or just need to talk to a fellow sufferer, please don't hesitate to send me e-mail or a PM, and I'll pass it on to my wife.

[justgreen]

I agree on the magnesium. Fibro sufferers tend to be lacking in magnesium. One quick way to absorb more, is to soak at least your feet, if not your whole body in the bath, in an epsom salt soak. Wow, I feel really energized after i do this and you can absorb more this way than you can by mouth.

Just remember, every one is different and what works for one might not work for another.

A good rule for sleep, is try and get into a routine.:sleep: I have a good one and I'm always in bed by 10:30. I watch tv for a bit, to give my Flexeril time to relax me,:depressed: then I turn the tv off and settle down. I also get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom,but once you start getting some good stage 4 deep sleep, you'll find you can go back to bed and drop off to sleep again.:calm:

I just wanted to note here, last July when I weaned myself off Neurontin, it was so that I could get a firm diagnosis from a rheumy for Fibro and I needed to be able to HURT when he examined me. I also noticed that the fatigue came back during this time. Since starting back up with the Neurontin, no more heavy feeling and I'm getting energy back. Also, your Paxil can make you lethargic and slug-like.

Like George says, I know all about the drug stuff. I did alot of research early on, and I still look at different things.

Isn't it nice to know you aren't crazy and that you have a physical reason for feeling the way you do? I was so glad to be diagnosed, it really gave me back a zest for living. If you want, pm me and we can exchange phone numbers. You can call me anytime, you know.:lafhard:

[Islandgrrl]

Sherry, thanks for the update. Sending good thoughts your way!

[bella77]

Hugs to you dear mommy, feel well and I am relieved that we now have a name tothe problem and face it head on. Take your meds, do research and eat cake with me!!!!

[AutumnLeaves]

Thank you all for your concern and your insights. It means a lot to me, truly. I guess at least people who have this or love someone who has this knows I am not nuts, right? LOL I guess I do feel better for knowing what I am up against.

I agree that for me the fatigue is the worst part of all of this. It doesn't matter how well I sleep, how long I sleep, how little I sleep; I'm always up early and I can always nap off and on through the day. I rarely last past 9 p.m., no matter how hard I try to do just that. On a good day, I sleep until 7. Normally I wake up anywhere between 3:30 and 5 on my own (no clock). I also have the oddest dreams ever when I sleep and I still get up a couple of times to pee (sorry).

As I come across new things or things affect me a certain way under the doc's care, I will let you know. I will say that as of one dose, 10 mg of Flexeril has done nothing. I also only take 10 mg of Paxil which takes the edges off my incessant worrying. I do not deal with depression much but boy! I am a worrier!!!

Anyway, thanks again to all of you!

[Carolyn]

I'm so glad you found out what's going on with you. Knowing is so much better than not knowing. I hope you can learn to manage it. Gosh I'd never heard of it until other LHC'ers talked about it.

[Koala Kim]

(((Sherry)))
At least now you have an idea of what the Dr is looking for.
Hope your dosage is figured out soon, and you soon feel better. :flower:

[Velvettt]

I'm so glad you finally have a reason for the way you've been feeling! It would have been better if you could have fixed it, but at least you know you're not crazy. Those of us with autoimmune diseases know too well how hard it can be to convince other people that we're really not lazy, we really are that tired!

You've gotten great advice from everyone. Let me add one thing. Your life will never be the same. Accept that. There will be things you cannot do. There will be times when you wonder if the drugs are really doing anything. There will be times when you get so frustrated trying to educate the people in your life, that you just want to howl.

You're not alone and it's okay to howl. Give yourself permission to do so. And anyone in your life who can't accept that you have a disease that needs to be watched? Cut them right out. There's always going to be someone who says you're not really sick, blah blah blah. You don't need that kind of toxic atmosphere. Walk away.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Hugs!

[Amoretti]

Dear friend, I'm so sorry about the diagnosis. I imagine it must be very hard but at the same time a relief to know there's a real reason for feeling so very tired. I hope the doctor can help you find the right dose of meds so that you fel better asap.

I don't know much about the disease but a student of mine has it and told me a bit about it. In fact, I often wondered if that might be your case but never wanted to suggest it just in case I was wrong. I see now that all the symptoms were the same as that student of mine.

I'm hoping this will somehow help you to feel better about yourself and not come down on yourself so harshly. I think you've been beating yourself up about the so-called "laziness" for far too long, my friend. There is a real reason for your tiredness now. Well, there always was but you didn't know it. I just hope you can take things easy without the guilt now. (((hugs))))) And sorry I haven't been keeping up to date with you lately what with the new job and stressful schedule.

[AutumnLeaves]

Thank you so much, Carolyn, KK, Velvett and Amoretti. There is some stigma attached with this diagnosis it seems. At least the docs are recognizing it as a real issue though. Velvett your words are profound and I hope that it doesn't come to something like that. I am glad to know that I haven't just turned into a lazy person. I really have been thinking of myself this way. What happened to the person who could work two jobs, take care of her kids, and still go out and have fun on occasion? No more. Thankfully, my girls are out on their own but my house is not cleaned my way any longer.

Amoretti, please do not fret my friend. I know you have been very, very busy, both with DS and with work and now you have even more on your plate. I know we do not talk as we used to but I stay on top of things just by reading your posts and journal entries here. I know you've had a tough anniversary recently and as always, my heart breaks for that whole situation. But you've also had so many blessings and joys too. That, my friend, makes me exceedingly happy and I know all is well...tough at times...but well!

[Amoretti]

Thanks, Sherry. I suppose I sometimes feel quite overwhelmed with everything. It never seems to stop. Thanks for understanding the situation though; that helps. And you're right, I have so many joys and blessings in my life too that they make everything worthwhile. :grinhappy:

About the stigma attached to FM, I remember my ex-student who had it and how she had to go through years of being fobbed off by doctors and told she was nuts. Poor lady! Anyway, she was looking into alternative medicine just before I lost touch and mentioned Saint John's Wort and also Urotherapy.

Please let go of the guilt you've been accumulating thinking it was laziness.

And as for the house not being cleaned the way it should be; mine isn't either. Sometimes you have to do whatever is necessary just to survive and now it's time to take care of YOU and let others also take care of you and be informed about this illness so that they can help you.

[Wind Dragon]

Hugs, dear AutumnLeaves. I'm afraid I hadn't been keeping up with things, wasn't aware of all that you've been going through. I've only known one person close up and personal who dealt with this, and I'm afraid I lost track of her some years ago. But I remember well her frustration at dealing with the changes her body had gone through (she was particularly affected in her upper body, and frequently had to ask people to open doors for her.) I remember her finding water therapy a wondrous thing, when she was able to take advantage of it.

Looking at the fibromyalgia site, it looks like knowledge and management of the condition may have come a loooong way since then (a dozen years or so.) Do arm yourself with as much information as you can, and don't just leave yourself at the mercy of the doctors -- they're still learning about this too!

:flower: :flower: :flower:

[justgreen]

Yes Fibro has come a long way, just in the last couple of years, in fact. If your doctor isn't able to treat your pain, find another one who is. Some doctors don't even want to learn how to take care of someone with Fibro. My doctor was willing to learn with me.

On that forum I gave you the addy for, they talk about having so many spoons a day to use. On a good day, you don't use any spoons at all, but on a bad day, you can use all your spoons up and then not have enough. This is a analogy, spoons being your ability to do your daily routine stuff. Sometimes I don't know how my day will go until I've been up for an hour or two. It makes it difficult to follow a routine.

Isn't it nice to know your pains and lethargy are not all in your mind?

[happyquilter]

Hi Sherry -

I'd been wondering what you'd found out from the rheumie and am glad you have a name for how you've been feeling, tho am sorry it's not something you can take a one time CURE-ALL pill for. So says me with lupus and mild fibro and who is still looking for that pill!

I imagine that M is glad to know there's a reason you've been feeling so bad and have been so tired. R told me it was a relief to know it wasn't something worse that accounted for how I felt and my deep fatigue.

As has been said, the fatigue and unwelcome limitations you didn't choose or get to vote on are just the way it is. You'll learn how to pace yourself and to forgive yourself for what you cannot do today. Perhaps you can do it tomorrow. I like the spoon analogy as that is a good way to picture the fluctuations in energy and abilities. Some days you can, some days you can't, and most days you can do some but not all. That's okay. Really.

Naps and crock pots are your new best friends. :D

Now, NO guilt! I've said it before and will say it again. Guilt is a choice and is no fun at all. Don't choose it, honey!

Hugs! Barbara :flower:

[Madam Librarian]

Velvett is right about how life changes. She said it well. One of my biggest personal challenges is to admit that to myself. Some days you are very rudely reminded of that change, and you do want to scream and cry and crawl in a hole and never come out again.

Justgreen has offered some great drug advice. Do your best to be just like her and read up on medicines, alternative remedies, anything you are interested in trying out. I had to approach my doctor about Lyrica after the news broke that it was FDA-approved for treating Fibro. I know how it is a tweaked version of Neurontin cooked up once the patent for Neurontin expired, but in my case, the fact that Lyrica was FDA-approved was a point that I could argue and win with my doctor. Believe me, I'd like the option of a generic drug! Until I asked to try the Lyrica, the only medicine I was taking was 5-10mg of Flexeril before bed, and I even had to argue for that. Just be flexible and keep up on the research. Just what you want to hear when you are tired as hell and hurting, huh? :lafhard:

I've seen a mix of traditional doctors and alternative doctors and tried to glean the best from both. I can confirm what Justgreen said about magnesium. A naturopath instructed me to take magnesium maleate for burning muscle pains. It takes a day or so to kick in (taken orally), but it works. The epsom salt baths work too.

Massage therapy is wonderful if you can get it. Be sure to find someone who knows what fibromyalgia is, and that you have it.

Water exercise is great too. Swimming, water aerboics, or even just walking in the water takes so much pressure off your already sore muscles and joints. I have had many daydreams about how awesome it would be if I could just conduct my life from inside a swimming pool. :grinhappy: Great stuff if you can find access to a pool.

Something that I came across on my own is ginseng. I am taking a ginseng supplement on a cycle (take as directed for a period of time, then give the body a break from it) and have found it really helpful for the fatigue. I'm not wired up and ready to run marathons or stay up all night and take apart all the electronics in my house, but I don't have that horrible mid-afternoon crash that I used to. I can work a full day and come home and manage to get a load of dishes in the dishwasher and cook dinner. Before, it was all I could do to get me, the husband and the two dogs fed before collapsing on the couch for the rest of the evening.

The thing that helped me more than anything was having someone else with fibro to talk to. Sometimes, no matter how much someone loves you and tries to help you, they just can't understand what you're going through. It's those times that I contact my buddy. He does the same with me.

One of the things that sucks about fibromyalgia is that I can tell you all these wonderful things that worked for me, and they may or may not help you at all! It's very much trial and error, but from what I've seen on the thread, you have plenty of places to start.

I'm glad you now have something to focus your energies on, but not happy that you have to contend with this. Looks like you've got plenty of people rooting for you though! :whoohoo:

[AutumnLeaves]

Honestly, I thank you all for your caring. It is amazing the outpouring of support that you have given me. Here is where I am at with this:

I am having a hard time accepting this diagnosis, largely because it seems so nebulous. There is that stigma of being "nuts" or being a hypochondriac and maybe I've fallen a bit for that nonsense myself. As some of you have mentioned, there isn't a whole lot of info known about this disease, largely because of non-definitive, non-specific testing methods. And yet while I am feeling this way about myself, I totally believe and agree and know this is a valid condition. It just seems like it is valid for others and not me.

I feel like I really must be lazy, a malingerer or complainer or whiner. My truly biggest complaint is that I feel endlessly tired. Yes, I have sore bones and not always just in joint areas. Sometimes various muscles hurt and often some areas more than others. My feet bottoms are a big sore spot for me, as are my hands, the bottom halves of my arms, my thighs to knees area, and my neck and back. I do get a lot of headaches and have a history of migraines. I've also had grand mal seizures (back in 1996; none since and off meds since 1997). My stomach is one area that has bothered me since I was a tiny little girl.

I guess I half expected a diagnosis of IBS...but apparently that is hand in hand with this disease as well.

As to meds, I guess I don't really know what to expect or how best to handle. I'm used to living with the aches and pains and have chalked them off to aging and lack of exercise (because of the tiredness).

The lupus test did come back negative though. So now it will just be as you all have told me. Figuring out what works best to get my sleeping right. It seems that I get enough sleep, but if so, I should not be so exhausted all the time. I don't know anything anymore.

I'm going to check out that site, Justy. Barb, it is nice to see you here. Thanks for your constant uplifting too.

[Delila]

I had a thought today about a former coworker. She was a whiny, lazy, help-rejecting complainer. She also had fibromyalgia. Her attitude toward life and her physical health are two totally different things, which IMO, weren't necessarily related.

I think her biggest problem is that she was kind of neurotic, and truly needed therapy, but thought that treatment of that sort was only for crazy people, not for normal people like her. Sigh. Self awareness would have done her a world of good, and freed up a lot more energy she could devote to coping with her fibro.

One's outlook on life counts for a LOT, so stay hopeful and optimistic and self aware.

As for those doctors, just remember, back when my dad was a med student, the PDR was a thin little book. Over the course of his career it got bigger, and bigger, and bigger. Now it's so huge they've got it online and on disk. Times change, and so do treatments and attitudes, it just takes some doctors longer to get on board than others.

[lioness siog]

My mom was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia a while ago. Before they knew what was causing her all the pain, she was going in to the doctor for cortisone shots every week. She did try Lyrica, and it did absolutely nothing for her. My dad's a doctor, and they've tried a lot of different medicines. I know she's on something to control the pain, and whatever it is, it seems to be working.
Though some people are a little distrustful of alternative medical practices, my mom has found that acupuncture is really helpful. I've seen a dramatic change from how she used to be. When I was a kid, there would be weeks that she wouldn't be able to get out of bed, and now she's up and out 95% of the time.
Hope you feel better soon!

[AutumnLeaves]

Just from all the posts here, I can see that this IS a very real health issue and I am not alone in all of this. Thank you all for opening my eyes and helping me to come to terms with this. I'd love to try acupuncture but I figure that will be a bit on the expensive side. I am up for trying the epsom salts and the ginseng too.

I do get up out of bed but I do not do it willingly. I get up to come sit in front of the computer and to go to work. Otherwise? I am always in that bed. I think for me the biggest problem is the tiredness/lack of energy. But at least I now know what is up with me and know that I am not crazy.

Thanks to all of you for your help and support and for making me feel ok with this.

[Madam Librarian]

I feel like I really must be lazy, a malingerer or complainer or whiner.



I have issues with this too, and probably will continue to struggle with it for some time. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk about it.

For me, it started 10 years ago when I was in basic training for the Army. Somewhere around week 5, I suffered a stress fracture in my foot. I complained about the pain and was told, "It's just the boots, everyone's feet hurt." I knew something was wrong just from the amount of pain I was in. I guess in that environment, there are always some who look for any way out they can find, and those in charge have probably seen it all. I continued on for the remaining 3 weeks, running around on a broken foot. Finally, once I arrived to the band where I would be doing on-job training, they sent me to the hospital immediately. I eventually healed, but I still suffer from nerve damage and forefoot instability from a neuroma and the 2 surgeries it took to relieve the nerve pain. I still could kick myself for not fighting until someone listened.

Like I said, these are my own issues. Why do I feel like a crybaby for complaining about pain when I have this disease that makes my body hurt? Why do I believe it when anyone else tells me their body hurts, but I feel like no one believes me when I say that I hurt? I guess it's like anything else where we hold ourselves up to standards that we would never impose on our best friends. Why do I do this to myself? Well, that is the question of the hour, and I haven't found that answer yet.

[eucalyptus]

Hey, I just wanted to let you know, I'll be praying for you. I'm glad you got a diagnosis, and I really hope you feel better soon.

[happyquilter]

Hi Sherry -

Keep on telling yourself there is a medical reason for the fatigue. I remember explaining to someone that my fatigue astonished me because how could a full night of sleep not be enough so I felt rested??? Yet, that's exactly the way it was and sometimes still is. Odd as it is, you'll know the days when you still need a nap. You'll do yourself and M a favor if you just nap on those days. You'll be far more patient later in the day! Believe me, I know and have heard from my family when I tried to skip the nap. They tell me I'm not my usual angelic self when tired. Imagine that!! :purplex:

Where are you working? Are you still subbing? Somehow I thought you stopped doing that.

Thanks for the welcome.

Hugs - Barbara :flower:

[Caldonia Sun]

Sherry,

Sorry to hear about you having fibro, but glad that you have a diagnosis. I hope you quickly find the best method of dealing with it so you feel better soon.

[AutumnLeaves]

Thank you Eucalyptus, Madam Librarian, and Barb.

That question of the day is a good one, I admit. I am and always have been hard on myself. I probably will never change...

Barb, I was subbing until I was offered a job last week. I worked 3 days and after discussing it yesterday, M and I decided that I'd be better off if I quit. The pay was so low it was not cost effective to do the commute. So I am officially unemployed. I sent off two resumes yesterday for two local positions and will just keep searching until something comes through. At this point, I don't care if we lose the house and the car. What will be will be. Not much I can do. I need to make a lot more money than $8.00 to make a 100 mile a day commute worth it.

Thank you too, Caldonia Sun, for caring!

[frannyg]

Sherry, my love, I so hear you about the stigma of a chronic health condition that many people do not truly understand.

As you know I am a Chronic Daily Migraine sufferer. Some days are better than others, but I never know from day to day. I also have chronic fatigue and IBS.

I had migraines rarely starting around the age of 19, monthly by 30, about half the time until the age of 39, and for the last 8 years, daily.

I had to stop making plans with friends and family because all too often I would have to cancel at the last minute. It was getting embarrassing. However my lack of committal is understandably frustrating to family and friends as well.

Even close family members have vocalized accusations of hypochondria, malingering, laziness, and selfishness. Additionally, no matter how I try to explain exactly how migraines affect virtually all aspects of the body, even with providing clinical information, they still think migraines are "just headaches".

I can't tell you what that did to my self-esteem. I took these accusations to heart, and I felt low, and worthless.

It's only been recently that I realize that the people who really care for me understand, and that those who don't understand, well, I cannot let them define how I feel about myself.

I refuse now to let other peoples' opinions or words have power over me.

I suggest that you look at that yourself. If you buy into what you believe other people think, that will be disastrous.

Fibromyalgia is very real. The pain is real. The fatigue is real. There could be a cure right around the corner, but for now, just do what you can to ease your symptoms, and please start taking stock of your positive attributes, gifts and abilities. You are a remarkable person, Sherry and I look forward to the day that you truly see it.

As for the job, well a 100 mile commute is outrageous. You will find the right work at the right time. I have no doubt of that.

Much love and healing to you, Sherry darling. :flower::flower::flower:

[snowbird]

Sherry! I can't offer any advice or words of wisdom other than prayers and support!! <3

[justgreen]

Sherry you know how I feel. Hugs my friend, from one who truly understands how you feel. Know that you can lean on me whenever you need and I'll always understand without judging.

[tomm]

Fibromyalgia is very real. The pain is real. The fatigue is real. ... please start taking stock of your positive attributes, gifts and abilities. You are a remarkable person, Sherry and I look forward to the day that you truly see it.
Well said, Franny. I cannot add anything to this except to say AMEN!!

Sherry (and Franny, and Justy,a nd ML), I will be holding you all in my my thoughts and prayers - praying that your pain might be eased, and giving thanks for the gift of knowing you and for all those whose lives you bless.

[AutumnLeaves]

Thanks so much Franny, Justy, and Tomm. I'm thankful for the support and yes, Justy, I do know that I can lean on you when feeling low. Thanks so much for all of you being such wonderful and special friends. I truly do not know what I'd do without all of you.

So today? Just mostly super, super tired. Almost feels like I have no blood running through my veins! Oddly enough, I tend to have super low blood pressure so that could also contribute to that feeling. Better low than high though!

Franny, I started getting migraines when I was about 10 years old. They got increasingly worse for me until about 31 or 32. They dropped off markedly then until I get maybe one or two a year. Of course, I am so afraid of the migraine pain that as soon as I feel a headache coming on, I take 4 to 5 aspirin. If it hasn't helped in an hour, I will take another 3 to 4 aspirin. While aspirin is not good for my ulcers, it does help with the headaches (for me).

You know what is really odd? My oldest daughter began getting migraines at approximately two years of age. She could only tell me that her head hurt but I knew it was migraine caliber when she began vomiting. She is now 24 and still gets migraines, probably at least once a week. I hope they do not escalate into the daily migraines. I am surprised you can function with them. When they slam me, I am down for the count, throwing up, crying and hurting and occasionally even heading into the ER. Miserable things, migraines. My heart goes out to you for suffering with them all the time. I wish I had some answers or treatment advice but alas, I do not.

Justy, I hope today finds you flare free!

Tomm, how is your wife doing?

[tomm]

Thank you for asking, Sherry. Like you, this has been a very tired day for her. We having been having cold (just above freezing), damp weather lately - the kind of temperature that goes right to the bones. On top of that we both are trying to recover from so sort of sinus crud that we've had for the past two weeks. Not much fun to wade through, but we laugh when we can.

[darian moone]

Hi Sherry. I'm very late in discovering this thread, but I'm glad you reported in on your diagnosis. I had been wondering how you were doing.

I hope and pray you feel better soon and find something that helps you. Chronic health problems are no picnic. I used to get very debilitating panic attacks for about a decade. It wrecked havoc in both my professional and personal life. Hopefully once spring and summer hits the warmer weather will help you feel better with this bitter wet cold gone.

You're in my prayers. :flower: :flower: :flower:

[AutumnLeaves]

Thank you, Darian Moone. It sounds as though the anxiety attacks happen no more? That is wonderful news!! I've had one or two those back when I was in school. Not at all fun!

Tomm, sorry to hear you and your wife are dealing with the creepy cruds. I agree; this has been a particularly cold and snowy winter! Spring is around the corner though. I look forward to sitting on the enclosed front porch with a cup of coffee and a book or just knitting or cross-stitching. For now? I'll manage indoors, I suppose!

[frannyg]

Oh Sherry darling, I really didn't intend for my last post to be "all about me". I was just trying to illustrate to you that I really, really understand about the stigma attached to "syndromes" or "chronic conditions. I just wanted you to know how easy I found it to buy in to other people opinions and how it led to self-defeating self-talk. I really wasn't looking for answers or advice, sweetie.

That's just you all over Sherry; you want to help everyone, even when they're trying to help you. You really are so kind.

The bottom line was that I was trying to remind you that you are not a malingerer, not lazy, and it's not all in your head. Please don't allow yourself to talk that way.

I hope you have a good day, my dear.

[AutumnLeaves]

Oh Franny! I never thought your post was all about you! And even if it was I wouldn't mind. I hate talking about me all the time. This is getting old, really! And I also know that you've been through the wringer with the migraines and possible treatments. I truly have no advice to give because I know how miserable they are and how much they hurt. I'm amazed at your ability to do anything when a migraine strikes. You are so kind and so sweet.

I knew exactly what you meant. I just wanted you to know that I also understand how horrendous those chronic migraines are. There is nothing worse! I don't know how many times I wanted to bore a hole in my head to just relieve the pain/pressure!!!

Frannybobkins, I love you!!! You are just too sweet. I have a feeling that if we met, we'd be doing the "After you", no, "after you!" over and over! LOL Please no worries my friend. I understood! Sending you hugs!

[justgreen]

No, if we all got together, we'd be going "i hurt here', "well I HURT here worse!", NOOOOO I hurt the worst, can't you see the look of pain on my face????:gurn:

It would be nice for us to be together, knowing that the others appreciate your pain. :lafhard:

[morningstar]

I just want to say Sherry I hope you get some relief from this soon with the proper medication. Yes I agree to arm your self with as much info as you can.

[frannyg]

No, if we all got together, we'd be going "i hurt here', "well I HURT here worse!", NOOOOO I hurt the worst, can't you see the look of pain on my face????:gurn:

It would be nice for us to be together, knowing that the others appreciate your pain. :lafhard:

No Justy, I think if we all got together we would likely be going, "Oh, honey you hurt there worse", "no, darling I can see your pain;YOU hurt worse.", "No, No, sweetie, I can tell, YOU hurt worse." :purplex:

We could take the act on the road, "The Compassionate, Sypathetic Sisters".:boggle:

Yes, sometimes Sherry, we are like that cartoon with the little chipmunks. Do you remember them? :)

[justgreen]

Ok, who gets to be Alvin????

[frannyg]

Well, if you're talking about The Chipmunks, (I meant these two very polite chipmunks in the Warner Brothers cartoons), you, of course get to be Alvin, Justy! I know you just want a hula hoop!

[tomm]

Yes, sometimes Sherry, we are like that cartoon with the little chipmunks. Do you remember them? :)
Are you referring to the extraorginarily polite and deferential Mac and Tosh (http://www.answers.com/topic/goofy-gophers?cat=entertainment)?

"You first, my dear,"
"But, no, no, no. It must be you who goes first!"
...

:)

[frannyg]

Why, thank you very much, Tomm. Indubitably, sir. :) I was indeed referring to Mac and Tosh, The Goofy Gophers. In my memory, they were chipmunks. I beg your pardon, sir.

[AutumnLeaves]

Hmmph. I missed out on Mac and Tosh...or just don't remember their names. I kind of do remember that "you go first," and "no, I insist" schtick! LOL

I think I'd like to be Theodore. I don't know why.

[frannyg]

Well, that's good, because I wanted to be Simon. I don't know why, either.

[happyquilter]

And I was thinking about Chip and Dale ... :notsure:

Hugs - Barbara :happy:

[justgreen]

Oh my, a hula hoop? I never could get the hang of those. *sigh*

[Velvettt]

If Mac and Tosh were gophers, what the heck were they doing in a tree? I loved those little suckers! They beat Chip and Dale, hands down.

Of course, Chippendales are a whole other story...

[AutumnLeaves]

badumbump! Nice one, Velvett!!! LMAO

Barb, I was thinking of Chip and Dale myself but did not remember them being too overly polite! Or were they??? Oy!

So Justy is Alvin, I am Theodore, and Franny is Simon! Weeeeeeeeeeeee...more Chipmunks!!!

[frannyg]

Hi Sherry! Chip and Dale were Disney characters, and no, they were not overly polite. You probably do remember Mac and Tosh, but remember them as chipmunks like I did. Velvettt is right--they hung out in trees in a very non-gopherlike manner. I don't know what that's all about. :purplex:

[AutumnLeaves]

Expanding their boundaries?

[frannyg]

Why yes, Sherry, indubitably. I like the way you think, my dear! :)

[justgreen]

Up in a tree? That way they could see more nutz. Seymour Nuts? Achhhhhh I need a life!

[AutumnLeaves]

I should stay away from here...I'm going to choke to death on nuts. (Oh my! That didn't sound nice but I really was relating back to Justy's comment...and all of you nuts here! LOL)