Extremely high positive ANA titer

high ANA [2008-05-02]
As I was recently told I had an elevated ANA....I have done some research and an elevated ANA can occur in people that are healthy individuals, if your family has a history of autoimmune disorder, if you are female and of older age...among the different diagnoses...Scleroderma, RArthritis, Sjogrens, Hashimotos thyroiditis, hepatitis, some viral infections, type 1 diabetes, addison's disease, certain medications (Aldomet, Enbrel, Remicade), polymositis, Raynauds syndrome, vitamin b12 deficiency, idopathic thrombocytopenia, fibromyalgia, and anemia. There are so many different reasons an ANA can be elevated. Also, an ANA can be a false positive in some otherwise healthy individuals if the ANA is positive and no symptoms are evident.

High ANA [2008-04-15]
I had high ANA readings years ago, as high as it goes on the scale apparently (1:1280). Shortly after going through a bunch of tests, I was diagnosed with Hashimotospeckled pattern, whatever that means. My most recent test also said speckled pattern. I had lupus-specific tests that all came back negative!

Extremely high positive ANA titer [2008-02-25]
I would so much appreciate any feedback regarding very high positive ANA titer with neg Rh factor and few lupus symptoms; i.e, what could cause so high of an ANA titer when all other blood work is negative. Thanks everyone!

10 Norcos / night, need help! [2008-09-04]
Hi. So my problem is a bit different than most and hopefully you can help. I take about 7-9 10/325 Norco's per night, and ONLY at night, like between 6 and 9pm, I'll take about 80mg's. So...if I want to taper down to nothing, should I start taking these throughout the day, instead of all at once? I don't get high anymore, just taking the 70-80mg per night not to get sick. I'm thinking I could take say 4 tablets per day, over the whole day, therefore keeping hydro in my system, and taper from there? If someone can help with a taper schedule, based on what you now know about my intake, I would be so pleased! thanks in advance!

I almost wonder...sm [2008-08-16]
I have lupus and celiac disease and I am lactose intolerant too. Lupus causes skin problems and I thought that was the only issue, then I was diagnosed with celiac. I would bouts of itching, hives, numbness, tingling in the extremities and seemed to be allergic to the world. It turns out isn't the world, just wheat, barley, rye and anything contaminated or derived from these things. When I control carefully with diet, I don't itch, having hives, tingling arms and legs, etc. and my balance is much better too. Because so many things have cross contamination it seemed like I was allergic to everything, but thankfully not so. Have they scoped the first part of your small bowel and biopsied to be sure? You'd have to be on a high gluten diet for at least a month before they test you, I do know that. It is a shot in the dark, but you just never know. There are many symptoms that go with celiac...shortness of breath after eating wheat stuff, terrible gas, protracted diarrhea, malaise, rashes on the arms and legs, tingling and numbness in a stocking-glove distribution, bloating, allergic shiners under the eyes, pasty looking dry skin, dry mouth, fatigue...

Hi.... [2008-08-16]
Bless your heart. I want to meet others with this disease but at the same time I hate to think about another human being suffering in pain like this. I never knew people could hurt this much from a disease. The flares are like a toothache in your joints, red, hot swollen joints. I get the fevers and chills with it too. It has never been in remission. No, the Humira didn't work for me. Enbrel did but everything is short-lived with me. The MTX kept sending my liver enzymes up to high until finally they stopped trying to give it to me. I got worse on the Remicade. The Orencia worked for about 6 months, long enough for me to go back to work inhouse and now I am out on medical leave. I have been in transcription for a little more than 6 years but with this condition it is off and on work. I have been hospitalized 6 times this year. I have had fluid removed from my lungs twice, so now when I swell, they keep me and give me IV Lasix, my electrolytes are usually out of balance, so they fix that too. I go home feeling better but 3 weeks later it is the same old song and dance. I have an appt. Tuesday. They are talking about starting Rituxan but worried about my kidneys. We will see. Since the Humira worked for you, are you able to type okay? Can you do a full-time position? You can also e-mail me at the yahoo address if I am asking questions that are too personal. Nice to meet you. Take care.

Anyone know a taper schedule for Vicodin? [2008-08-10]
I know, no medical advice formally being asked, but does anyone know any taper schedule? They used to be on the internet, but now when I search, I keep getting directed to horrible sites that sell Lortab and get emails of spam now for Vicodin, etc. Been on Vicodin for 10 years, trigeminal neuralgia, chronic pain syndrome, and have been on four Vicodin ES a day the whole time. I am sick to death of going to this skanky pain clinic in our county. Scum of the earth there, people dealing in the waiting room and parking lot, and never see a doctor, just NPs who think they are doctors, and just hand out scrips. They never go over anything on ourconditions, tho they are supposed to - they just hand out scrips. They have me on so many drugs by now, which is part of the game - you have to take the crap they hand out or you get kicked out of the program. I am supposed to be on Ambien-CR, Xanax, Esgic, and the Vicodin ES. My primary said that combo would kill me, and I know it would. The insurance company even said it would kill me, so I never ever even filled the Xanax. Xanax 2 mg four times a day, by the way. Can you imagine? They told me I had to be on an antidepressant, a sleeping med and then a pain med. I told them I would no way take an antidepressant, as never was depressed. So they said I had to have anxiety then. At any rate, I had a urine test the other day for compliance, and I tested negative for Ambien and Xanax, if you can believe this. I never take Xanax, but I take Ambien-CR every single night. This ignorant NP also said I was in trouble as I tested positive for barbiturates, which I had to explain to her was the Esgic (they want me to take 4 a day, which is considered a lethal amount). I only take it prn and happened to need it the day before I got tested, and thisunqualified NPtold me I tested NEGATIVE for Vicodin, as my urine showed hydromorphone and NO hydrocodone. Well, Vicodin metabolite IS hydromorphone, and I had to try to explain that. She said I must have a huge -- stash -- of Vicodin at home, as my urine showed nothing about Vicodin. I thought I was on Candid Camera or something. I am really polite and never lost my temper, though I would have been justified. She was so frustrated with me that she told me I had to find another doctor. I then lost my temper and told her what I felt of this candy doctor, who is never around, as that is all he is, and how ignorant she is. Bottom line, I got 100 Vicodin from her when I swore Iincorrect medical testing interpretation, i.e. stupidity. I asked her for a weaning schedule, and she DIDN So, I want to get off of it, but not sure of a wean schedule. Thanks for listening. I donI think II hope someone understands, and please, please, please don I am just heartbroken over this and so scared, as I went thru severe withdrawal about 8 years ago, literally doubled over on the floor with stomach pains and vomiting. I have never been on more than 4 a day. Its so weird, but I get so sick, like watching junkies on a heroin movie. The withdrawalwas another time long ago when I got humiliated picking up a scrip from a pharmacy in my new town. They were snickering and laughing about how some moms supplemented their income by selling Vikes. I had no idea what they were talking about til later, and then I cried and cried, flushed the pills, and died for about a week. At any rate, I am so scared of being sick like that, don Thanks for any help. Thanks for listening. My DH, by the way, is beyond furious and wants me to go to a lawyer over this, the NP not knowing that hydromorphone is hydrocodone metabolized in the urine, claiming I was on barbiturates, when she was the one who prescribes Esgic and didnThis witch NP also told me she would give me a good referral at another pain clinic, not to worry, but I do NOT want to go thru this anymore. Sorry for carrying on so long.

To Donna regarding RA [2008-06-18]
I was diagnosed with RA three years ago. I completely understand about prednisone and weight gain. I was between a size 6 and 8, and after being on prednisone for a few months, I went up to a 10 and then leveled off at a 12. That isn and have really small bones. My advice there would be to do as much exercise as you can, anything to help counter the prednisone. Exercise will help with your stress level too. The prednisone was a high dose initially to help get my RA under control. Several months later, I went on methotrexate, 6 pills/weekly. Then in Sept 2007, I started on Remicade, which works along with the methotrexate. It's very expensive, but I feel better than I have in years and my inflammation is finally under good control. I also have a lot more energy, so I've gotten back to my exercise regimen and am slowly getting my weight under control.

Depo provera and fybromyalgia [2008-05-29]
I was not aware of any connection between Depo Provera and Fibromyalgia. I had Depo injections in 1987/1988. I became unwell in 1993. In 1999 I was diagnosed with CFS. I have seen 3 neurologists who all agreed the diagnosis. My partner is a Senior Biomedical Scientist here in UK and he suggested I ask for a c-reactive protein test and Rheumatoid Factor test late last year. Both had a positive reading. My GP said they were False Positives. I had to pay to see private Rheumatologist and early this year I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Further Bone scans showed I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. This results is after 14 years of no real treatment. Could this have any link to my using Depo Provera for 2 years 20 years ago? I have seen other articles from the states about a link and wanted to add my plight to the debate. I would be grateful to find out more. www.helen419@btinternet.com

Thank you. Please see message. [2008-05-19]
Thanks very much for your post and your prayers. My main intent in posting was to inform people that this disease can be diagnosed in adults, even after having a relatively healthy childhood and adulthood. In all the medical notes I've ever done, I have never seen a newly-diagnosed case of CF in an adult. My second intent, admittedly, was that I was/am very angry about the way this DNA testing was conducted, and I wanted to warn others out there that this could happen to them, as well, and if they're uninsured when the testing is done, they're not going to be able to get health insurance if the test is positive. I did contact several attorneys over this matter. They were either uninterested in my case or were already being treated by one of the physicians in this large monopoly of specialists that spans several states. I also contacted HIPAA, but they didn't feel this fell under their purview. The last thing I did was to contact the State Board of Medical Examiners (with a copy to the State Medical Society). I received a reply from them just a few days ago wherein they informed me that they had opened a file and are planning to investigate the case. About a month ago, I applied for Social Security Disability benefits (as well as SSI benefits, since my income is now so low). I hear that 75% to 80% of these cases are denied on first try, so I'm not holding my breath (no pun intended). The SSI program is a needs-based program. It's basically welfare, and I almost requested they not file that application because I felt so ashamed. I had never been on welfare in my entire life. However, I DO need the medical insurance desperately, and even if I were approved for and began receiving Social Security disability benefits TODAY, I wouldn't be eligible for Medicare for roughly 2-1/2 YEARS, whereas medical assistance is immediate with SSI. I'm still working as much as I can (which isn't much). I'm hoping my employer doesn't fire me because my job is the only source of pride I have remaining in my life these days. As far as your adult-diagnosed ADD, I'm very sorry to hear that. Are you taking medication, and if so, is it helping at all?? I hope you can get treatment and that the treatment helps. For a while, I thought I might have the same thing, but then I realized all the drugs I'm taking would be enough to cloud up the brain of a genius, so I'm pretty sure that's not what is causing my inability to concentrate, etc. In your case, it seems that youAHA moment, where you can look back at your life and realize that this is a disease you've probably had all along, but, as you said, medical technology is advancing, and we're learning new things every day. Certainly, nobody knew of or much about ADHD when you were a child. I never had an AHA! moment with this. About a dozen years ago, I had my gallbladder removed because of stones. I had a hysterectomy due to a prolapsed uterus in 2001. Inormal folks. In fact, before I became ill in 2006, it was probably close to a DECADE since I even had a normal cold! In July of 2007, I apparently had pneumonia during one of my hospitalizations, but I didnproblem or even feeling as if I had a cold. The first really bad cold I felt was during my hospitalization in August of 2007, and, ironically, that was my best oxygen hospitalization out of all of them; I needed very little, if all, oxygen during my hospital stay. The cold, however, was the worst I had had in my entire life. I even complained to the nurse about it (which I never ordinarily would have done with a normal cold). That was the same hospitalization when the DNA test was taken. I was fortunate enough to visit National Jewish Medical Center (about 80 miles from my home). My doctor is the director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program there. He said I have TWO disease-causing mutations. He told me that my pain will eventually stop once my pancreas totally destroyed and replaced with scar tissue. (I've read that people with chronic pancreas have an increased chance of developing pancreatic or other digestive cancers, and my mother died from colon cancer.) He said, instead, lung disease is probably what will kill me. X-rays showed bronchiectasis (which they said is secondary to cystic fibrosis), and my PFTs were abnormal, but my pulmonary problems aren't the main thing with me right now. In fact, although I'm noticing an increase in sputum production lately and the tendency to become short-winded more, this part of the disease seems to be something that is coming on so slowly that I barely realize it, for which I'm very thankful. I think, other than my loss of pride as a human being, the main thing that saddens me is all the children and babies that have died from this disease, and I feel very guilty if I sound like I'm complaining. I'm NOT complaining (except for the way the doctors acted), because I feel so fortunate to have been on this planet for all these years that if I die today, I will have at least had an opportunity to live my life that so many babies and children weren't fortunate enough to have. As I first wrote, though, please keep my experience in mind, in case someone you know and love suddenly develops digestive problems that canidiopathic and become chronic, and tell them to be certain to have insurance before agreeing to or requesting a DNA test. If they have cystic fibrosis, the CF Foundation offers to assist in the payment of premiums if someone caninsurance wouldn't pay. Again, thank you for your prayer, and I will send out one to the Big Guy for you, as well. I truly hope you can find a medication that will help with your ADD. (By the way, I donjust ADD; it's a disease that can really mess up your life!)

high ANA [2008-05-02]
As I was recently told I had an elevated ANA....I have done some research and an elevated ANA can occur in people that are healthy individuals, if your family has a history of autoimmune disorder, if you are female and of older age...among the different diagnoses...Scleroderma, RArthritis, Sjogrens, Hashimotos thyroiditis, hepatitis, some viral infections, type 1 diabetes, addison's disease, certain medications (Aldomet, Enbrel, Remicade), polymositis, Raynauds syndrome, vitamin b12 deficiency, idopathic thrombocytopenia, fibromyalgia, and anemia. There are so many different reasons an ANA can be elevated. Also, an ANA can be a false positive in some otherwise healthy individuals if the ANA is positive and no symptoms are evident.

High ANA [2008-04-15]
I had high ANA readings years ago, as high as it goes on the scale apparently (1:1280). Shortly after going through a bunch of tests, I was diagnosed with Hashimotospeckled pattern, whatever that means. My most recent test also said speckled pattern. I had lupus-specific tests that all came back negative!

Adult-diagnosed cystic fibrosis [2008-03-16]
Hello, everyone. I For those of you who, like me, though, DID NOT know, cystic fibrosis can be diagnosed in an adult. I just turned 55, and two years ago (02/01/2006), out of NOWHERE, in the middle of the night I became very ill. I chalked it up to a stomach bug, but I became sicker and sicker during the day. Finally, 21 hours later, when my pain was simply unbearable, I began having difficulty with my breathingand I KNEW I wasn't capable of driving myself to the ER, I finally called 911, and the ambulance came. I was immediately diagnosed with pancreatitis. The only risk factor profile I was able to fit into was that my triglycerides were elevated. I spent eight scary days in the hospital. My daughter bought a one-way ticket from Colorado to Pennsylvania where I had lived all my life, and we packed up me, the pets and everything else we could fit into the van and drove back to Colorado. I've been living with her since. Since my move out here, I've been hospitalized six more times (total of seven), again for pancreatitis. Finally, on my sixth hospitalization, the physicians seemed to finally be taking my case seriously. Maybe it had something to do with the 6.6-cm phlegmon that was found on the head of my pancreas (which represents approximately half the size of my ENTIRE pancreas), just two months after one of their associates basically regarded me as a drug seeker, told me she didn For whatever reason, they finally began to explore the real reason for what they finally conceded was my chronic pancreatitis. They finally requested the records from my initial hospitalization back in PA. They came clean and said that even though my triglycerides had been previously elevated (they were normal during this hospitalization), they would have needed to have been ten times those values in order to truly be considered a cause of pancreatitis. Without any prior opportunity to ask questions, without any informed consent and without the words cystic fibrosis ever being spoken in my presence, they decided to have diagnostic DNA testing performed on me to see if I might have cystic fibrosis. This test turned out to be positive. Out of the blue, I received these devastating results one month after the report was received by the ordering pulmonologist (who is unknown to me), by my PCP in an undated three-sentence letter. Coincidentally, according to the report, the test was ordered on September 1, the results were faxed (and mailed) to the pulmonologist on September 6, and I was discharged on September 6. I admit to being incredibly angry at the way I have been treated in this regard, considering I was uninsured at this time, having been forced to cancel my employer-provided health insurance when the premium increased to literally 50% of my gross income. Before canceling my insurance, though, I did call Blue Cross/Shield, who basically laughed at me and said I wouldndiscriminate. (Ironically, if the GI who dismissed me as a drug seeker had taken my case seriously, I might still have insurance today because, from what I have read, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation stresses the importance of continuity of insurance and will even help with the payment of the premiums, if necessary.) However, I The root cause may be cystic fibrosis. If you or anyone you know feel this could apply, please discuss it with your physician. If your physician feels CF is a possibility, BE SURE YOU HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE BEFORE THIS TESTING IS PERFORMED because once youofficially diagnosed, you can I just turned 55 four days ago, and I finally have been able to save enough money to rent a car (mine was repossessed because I could no longer afford to pay the payments due to being sick and declining income) and have made an appointment with the nearest Cystic Fibrosis Clinic in Denver (approximately 80 miles away). From everything I have read, cystic fibrosis is an always fatal disease, and my symptoms are getting worse and worse. I believe this disease is beginning to affect more GI organs because of the changes in pain and other new symptoms I have been having. I did have some pulmonary problems throughout all this and required oxygen during each of my hospitalizations, except, ironically, the one where this mystery pulmonologist ordered the secret DNA test. (One time on discharge, I was ordered to have home oxygen, which I fought because I felt fine and chalked it up to being in bed in the hospital for 11 days. I challenged the nurse to a walk down the hall to prove it to her, only to discover that my pulse ox was 67%, which quickly shut me up!) However, my primary symptoms were with my pancreas. I have come to terms with the fact that my life is probably going to end soon, and if anything, I feel guilty for complaining when I've lived to be 55 years of age and think about all the children and babies who either die of this disease before they can walk or live their lives struggling on a daily basis to fight this disease. If I had been given a choice in the matter, I would not have permitted the testing until I could possibly find a way of obtaining health insurance from SOMEONE (maybe move to a more insurance friendly state or find another means of securing insurance). However, I wasn As I said, I never heard the words cystic fibrosis uttered in my presence. (I found the testing laboratoryInformed Consent for DNA Testing form, apparently required by them. I never saw or signed this form or any other form resembling it. I required a PICC line during this particular hospitalization, and I still have the informed consent with each item checked off that I was informed about, and this paper contains my signature, consistent with my recollection of the events as they occurred.) I don't want to see any other patient whose profile fits mine go through the devastation of receiving a letter out of the blue informing them they have a fatal disease. I want patients to be able to be proactive in their care with their physicians, as I was unable to be. They KNEW I had an intense interest in participating in my own care; I requested copies of every lab test, every imaging study and every chest x-ray from my hospital bed when those results were available because I wanted to be kept fully informed of my condition. Please deposit this information into your memory bank in case it may someday apply to you or someone you love. CYSTIC FIBROSIS IS NOT JUST A DISEASE OF CHILDREN AND BABIES, AND IT ISN (In fact, the original name for cystic fibrosis was cystic fibrosis of the pancreas.)

Extremely high positive ANA titer [2008-02-25]
I would so much appreciate any feedback regarding very high positive ANA titer with neg Rh factor and few lupus symptoms; i.e, what could cause so high of an ANA titer when all other blood work is negative. Thanks everyone!

rhizotomy [2008-02-23]
They said they weren't sure if they could go that high on me i.e. C1-2 but I thought they could. Another pain clinic does. Will have to check through my neurosurgeon as I have hardware and wonder if that heat will affect it. Am wondering about a C2 facet joint injection. I have read that sometimes helps too. Gosh I am about ready to give up and very sensitive to the darn steroids. My skin starts bleeding if I get too many shots.

Listen to this one about Cipro [2008-01-07]
I took Cipro off and on many years ago due to urinary tract infections and had no problem with it. The last time, and I do mean the last time, I took it was approximately 14 years ago. I believe it was the second day of dosing that I became extremely paranoid. I went to a local grocery store to buy groceries. I felt as if everyone was staring at me and talking about me. I paid for my groceries and the cashier gave me mychange, which I did not realize (for some odd reason). Now, I am not a confrontational person at all. I began arguing with the cashier that she did not give me my change back, all the while holding the money in my hand. I caused such a scene. I knew the manager as he went to our church. He came over and asked me what was wrong. I told him the cashier had not given me my change and that she was arguing with me that she had. He reached over and took the change out of my hand and gave it to me. Needless to say, I did not go to that grocery store for a while, as I was so embarrassed. I went home and called the emergency room as I had a feeling it was the Cipro, whatelse could it have been. The nurse told me paranoia can be a side effect. It is now on my chartthat I am allergic to Cipro.It was just horrible.

Have had Lupus (SLE), Sjogren's, RA, even sarcoidosis....sm [2007-12-29]
I have seen multiple rheumatologists, and nothing seems to help. I am really looking for alternative medicine that will help the pain, swelling, inflammation, and something to boost my own immune system. I take very strong MVM supplements, ginseng, high potency fish oils with DHA, sublingual B vitamins, but it is like a losing battle. Anyone with stories, advice, or information to share??? Thanks so very much and happy holidays (the cold, bad weather, and darkness in the Northeast do not help, either, depression sets in, Lexapro has stopped working) What a mess,

I think I might have celiac disease. [2007-12-27]
I think I read that the average age for diagnosis of celiac disease is 60! There is a drug, Dapsone, that could cure the skin problems I Plus it wouldnhelp the intestinal problems. Only a gluten-free diet will help, which is extremely inconvenient. Oh, and I can So the only logical thing seems to be trying a gluten-free diet for a few months, when I Grrrr.

Good MIL postings wanted, please SM [2007-11-02]
I am so sick and tired of we mothers-in-law being negatively portrayed on TV, in the movies, in magazines and gossip columns! Does anyone here have a good MIL who has helped you in some way? I think the media is making a ton of money by portraying us all as monster-in-law, and would like to hear some true stories of how people are helped by their husband Gosh, we canhis mother, in a derogatory way. When I look back now, she was just jealous that I had a new woman in my life. I should have been more open-minded. I think it's part of the status quo to hate having another woman in your life -= eternal strife? Not always, I hope. Can you think of ONE positive thing to say. Mine would be that my MIL taught me how to drive, albeit because she wanted me to get my kiesta out to work, but at least she taught me a bit of independence.

I posted about my [2007-11-02]
autistic son on the Gab board, and a positive comment about my MIL is that she is the only person who ever gives my husband and me a much-needed break now and again by having both of our sons spend the night about once a month or so. I don't always like everything my MIL does, but that is just part of life with anyone in our lives, and I still love her for who she is, what she has brought into my life, and what she brings to my children's lives. I also respect her a great deal for raising my husband for the most part as a single mother, as his father passed away when he was a very small child.

head pain and pain clinic [2007-10-27]
Geez, the doctor gave me methadone. I am terrified of taking this. I revisited another surgeon who is going to repeat a CAT scan of my neck and a SPECT scan to see if anything lights up. He feels I could have fibro as it develops after trauma especially after some surgeries. At least he listened. He wasn't too keen on the methadone, thought I should stick with other pain meds. I am so sick of meds that don't work or make me sick. I am extremely chemically sensitive. I also have a red rash on my occiput where the pain is. I hope my brains aren't trying to push out. Geez. I have just about had it. A naturopath here wants me to try her cold laser therapy on my skull but don't know much about it and don't have the money to try it out. Anyway, I'm still at square one. I am sure this is all fibro as I have the trigger points according to the chart - have 14 out of 16. I also have very big knuckles, another sign of fibro as the calcium collects there. Well, good luck to all.

Have you tried Excedrin Migraine? sm [2007-10-11]
I have fibro with vasculitis (including aneurysms)and get migraines triggered by high heat and high humidity. I have Darvocet for that but don't like to take it all the time-makes me too sleepy to work. I tried Excedrin Migraine last month and it knocks out the pain not only in my head but also in my shoulders from typing and my ankles, too. I have a bottle at my desk and take 2 when I feel the headaches coming on. Just a thought.

Negative tests [2007-09-22]
Hi, I know what you mean. For the lupus MAKE SURE they do the anti-DS ANA, that is the only one that came back positive on me for SLE. The regular ANA was always negative. I sufferd for 22 years before I got the official diagnoses. All others were clinical diagnoses of SLE. I also have Mixed and Diffuse connective disease disorders. Dont give up. Just make sure they check that one, and DONT let the doctor tell you there is no reason to check it.

pain treatment sm [2007-09-18]
There is a spray on called Bio Freeze, got it from PT, I don ortho guy said he was a surgeon, take Tylenol and Tylenol PM, fingers are getting deformed and my back feels like someone took a baseball bat to it and it's broken in half. I find microwave heat pads which you can buy at mall or online, contains rice and sometimes scented stuff like lavendar, but brings relief when I lie flat. Understand the pain and its interference with our profession, it's horrible. I even tried a Nada chair which is on line (it is not a chair, just a belt) and pulls your spine forward, hooks over the knees, helps sometimes. Have tried it all, find no compassion from the docs, sometimes it is extremely depressing to feel this way. Take the extra D, calcium, Actonel, no help there!

Other natural pain helpers are [2007-09-09]
magnesium and calcium, and the vitamin D is extremely important. There are newer brands of creams similar to Ben-Gay that don't have the smell. You can read labels or ask the pharmacist to tell you which ones. Don't get any of that stuff in your eyes, but especially not the one that uses hot chili pepper - Capsaisin or something like that.

Some helpful ideas [2007-09-07]
Speaking from someone who has disabilities, pains and issues, it sure sounds like you might be qualified for SSDI (Soc Sec Disability Income) plus MediCare plus County or State paid-for in-home assistance. Check with county/state in-home assistance programs you might be eligible for. Another thought: Anyone in your local area who could be paid a nominal fee to do simple light housekeeping and errands/driving for you? (high school student, retired person?). Sounds like fibromyalgia/CFS? Am I close? Best wishes.

RA [2007-09-04]
I got hurt on the police dept years ago and had a disk fusion in my neck. Well that went into chronic pain and fibromyalgia. Went to the PCP one day cause I couldnhot joints which I have never had and he said if I notice any hot joints to come in ASAP and they will start treatment. Been 2 yrs and nothing. Have arthritis throughout my spine but apparently not RA. I live on as low a dose of Percocet and Valium as possible just enough to take the edge off. Good luck. May be your thyroid as well. I have thyroid probs also. I transcribed a rheumatology that said people with thyroid problems and chronic pain should try T3 replacement along with the levothyroxine sometimes it helps. I have an appt Thursday and will ask him about that. See this job is good for something!!!! Good luck RA treatments are not fun I have a friend that has it and bless her heart she is only 21. At least I am in my mid 40s can't imagine dealing with that at such a young age.

HC, this also happened to me with my pcp. You need...sm [2007-09-02]
to get a new pcp, I did. There is no excuse for behavior like that. He finally did the blood work and it came out positive. To top it all off, he was offended that I asked to be referred to a rheumatologist. I have been on Humira now for a few years and feel great. The joint damage has been arrested.