[Gentle Lamb]

Hi I am Gentle Lamb,

I am living with rheumatoid Arthritis, fibromyalgia and I just received the disturbing news that the discs in Thorasic Spine are ALL nearly gone! This is deeply disturbing news, esp. sense I have just weathered the most severe back injury of my life! Need I am feeling overwhelmed by the reality that there will be more intense suffering in my future. It is just too much for me to process. Also, the xrays found a mass in the center of my left lung, brother! And that my bones are thinning! Talk about a bad report!!!

:eek

[CANDC]

Hi Gentle Lamb. That is very difficult news to digest. You have many physical traumas, but remember we are here at Psych Central to listen and to give you encouragement. That has to be brightest light I can shine on your day.

[peaches100]

Hi Gentle Lamb,

I'm so sorry you're having to deal with multiple medical issues! I can sure understand that it's hard to bear sometimes. Like you, my husband has multiple medical issues that include severe arthritis, degenerating discs, and an autoimmune disorder that causes spinal deformity (among other medical issues). He deals with chronic pain daily as well. So I can empathize with your situation.

What has helped my husband a great deal is the following:

1. Recognize and accept your limitations. Take good care of yourself re: diet and sleep. Do not feel guilty that you can't do the things you used to do.

2. Take one day at a time. Do not let yourself dwell on how much pain you might have later, or how much you might suffer in the future. Nobody knows what might happen between now and then. Researchers are constantly working to discover better medications and methods to reduce pain. It's possible by the time your pain worsens, you will have an effective way to manage it. Don't torture yourself with fears about the future because by doing that, you are missing life in the present.

3. Think about what you still "have" to be happy about, rather than what you don't have or can't do because of your medical condition.

Also, I have a great Bible-based publication that discusses why God allows suffering now, and what hope the Bible holds out for the future. In a nutshell, it tell how under God's Kingdom, all human ailments will be healed, along with the physical pain and emotional suffering that accompany it. If you want it, you can PM me and I can mail it out to you or provide you with an electronic link to it. If you're not interested, that's fine too.

Stay strong, you can do it! And a little bit of ice cream or chocolate never hurts either. . .

[Gentle Lamb]

I went to my Dr Appt yesterday for another infusion, while I was there I gave my Dr. copies of all of my most recent X-Rays, he set me up an appt. for next Thursday, to disguss his plans or next steps with me.

Also, my blood work is coming back to me that I have an infection of some sort and that I am anemic. More issues that are causing me a lot of stress, my anxiety is and has been very high, and I am falling apart over every little thing. Chronic pain, fatigue, poor sleep, family troubles are ALL wearing me down heavily. I need relief!

[pegasus]

I hope you have good pain relief Gentle Lamb.

[Gentle Lamb]

Here is an update on my situation and progress.

I have been on Remicade and Methotrexate Injections for many months now, and I have been given some relief from the suffering that Rheumatoid Arthritis has been causing me. As for my spine, well it is calm at this present time. NO MORE frightening attacks of pain, praise God for that blessing! But, I have to be ever mindful as to how I move, bend, twist, positions that I sit in and sleep in (a mentally taxing effort)! But I am managing well so far, but I am forever apprehensive because it will take nothing to cause a bad flair up!

My rheumatologist has ordered a MRI that is to be done at Standford University Medical Center, they are suppose to have the most advanced Machine in the states. But, once again I am concerned about the cost. MY hubby is retired and our money ain't all that great. Scary thought that is.