http://www.journalfen.net/users/anglinsbees/ A Veritable Hive - JournalFen selkielass@yahoo.com Fri, 03 Sep 2004 09:36:45 GMT LiveJournal / JournalFen anglinsbees personal http://www.journalfen.net/userpic/13488/2610 http://www.journalfen.net/users/anglinsbees/ 100 87 http://www.journalfen.net/users/anglinsbees/985.html Fri, 03 Sep 2004 09:36:45 GMT selkielass@yahoo.com http://www.journalfen.net/users/anglinsbees/985.html Well, I saw the rheumatologist for the second time yesterday. Blood results in, rheumatoid factors up slightly, nothing else out of line. <br />Drat.<br /><br />Was a bit puffier than last time even though I 'd been stung recently. After comparing notes on how the steroids worked for me, and checking over my joints and range of motion, the doctor is pretty sure it *is* Rheumatoid arthritis, but a fairly mild case.<br /><br />Now we just need to control the inflammation to minimize and/or eliminate joint damage. I'm going to have to be extra vigilant about taking my supplements, and now I'm going to be taking Plaquinil (Hydroxychloroquine sulfate) a anti- malarial medication that has anti-inflammatory properties twice a day. <br /><br />It works slowly, but it has a lot fewer side effects than just about any other treatment. With luck, I should know in a few weeks if it is working for me- if I'm not so lucky, it may not really work for a few months. I have Relafen for pain, if I need it, but I really hate moving in a drug colored haze. No- it's not *that* strong, but medications color your perceptions, even when they aren't supposed to be mind altering, and I don't really like being dependant on them.<br /><br />The doctor would like me to keep a symptom journal, but I am reluctant to focus on my aches and pains. Silly, I know; ignoring them won't make them go away, but I've been trying hard not to allow myself to get sucked into a 'patient mentality' regarding this illness; I don't want 'having arthritis' to become one of the focuses of my life.<br /><br />Well, I guess I'll just have to find some sort of working compromise. Any suggestions? http://www.journalfen.net/users/anglinsbees/985.html public http://www.journalfen.net/users/anglinsbees/632.html Tue, 01 Jun 2004 08:47:14 GMT selkielass@yahoo.com http://www.journalfen.net/users/anglinsbees/632.html It is official.<br />I have no life beyond work, house repairs and the internet. (And damn little of that.)<br /><br />Feckin pitiful.<br /><br />Must strip hall wallpaper today- I wonder how much plaster will come down with said wallpaper? http://www.journalfen.net/users/anglinsbees/632.html public http://www.journalfen.net/users/anglinsbees/333.html Thu, 16 Oct 2003 08:27:41 GMT selkielass@yahoo.com http://www.journalfen.net/users/anglinsbees/333.html Mostly here for the <strike>wank</strike> gossip.<br />I <i>worship</i> this page; <a href="http://www.clockwork-harlequin.net/harry_potter/smut.html">http://www.clockwork-harlequin.net/harry_potter/smut.html</a><br /><br />(Work safe) http://www.journalfen.net/users/anglinsbees/333.html public