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4/25/13 8:35 P

OLDMOM thanks, sounds like you asre going to have a beautiful room.

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4/25/13 5:48 P

Sounds like everyone is doing well on their weight. Add 100 and that is me. I should weight 160...sight.

Have not gone to exercise this week. The basement renovation is in full swing. The plumbing is in, The walls are framed. They cut the hole for the egress window today and that will be completed today.

Marna, here's hoping the look for a job is short.

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4/25/13 4:01 P

HI FAITH,

Doing good looking for a job. I am staying around 123 125 ish I look thinner in the face now because I guess stuff was pushing up on my throat and mad my face rounder LOL who knew hehe. Hope your MS stays the way it is good for you.

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4/25/13 1:54 P

Hi MARNA.

Still hanging in there. Have been in the 120's and 121's range lately, for weight. My MS continues to be fairly stable.

How are things for you?

~ Faith

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4/25/13 11:48 A

Good morning everyone, I hope all is well with you all.

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3/29/13 12:48 P

Thank you lady's

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3/29/13 12:46 P

So glad you had a good time Marna.

Basement hit a speedbump, hopefully we can work around this. It will just take longer then I want.

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3/29/13 12:06 P

Welcome home. Glad you had fun. :-)

~ Faith

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3/29/13 11:59 A

Hi, I am back and I had a lovely time with my daughter and grandson.

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3/26/13 1:40 P

OldMom (Theresa) --

You've been hanging in there, a long time, with SparkPeople. Kinda like me. You are probably more regular than I was, prior to 2010. Before that, I'd come and go. I'd lose 10 or 15 pounds, then I'd plateau. And, I'd quit. Then, I'd go back on steroids and gain it back. I yo-yo-ed in the 165-185 pound range for about 5 years or more.

I don't know how to "get" the motivation to lose the weight, if it's not there. But, at least for me, motivation is absolutely key. What finally motivated me was pure vanity. I had a 30-year college reunion and my daughter's wedding both coming up in the summer of 2011, and I didn't want anyone to see me while I was obese. I set some reasonable goals, and, I knew that I'd been partially successful in the past, so, I only hoped that, if I didn't quit, I could be MORE successful this time. And, I was determined not to quit.

Also, I knew someone who I usually saw once a year, and she had lost 50 pounds since a year ago with low carbs and almost no exercise. And, I would possibly have really rebelled at the exercise idea. So, I thought, "I can do that." (I ended up changing things some and doing "good carbs"/low starch instead of low carbs; and during maintenance, I have actually added exercise, believe it or not.)

Even though my initial motivator was "vanity", I've been so pleased with the health benefits, that they have become a motivator to keep the weight off.

My advice, Theresa, is to figure out what will motivate you to lose weight. There is a difference between wanting to "lose weight" and wanting to "be thin". Losing weight implies and active participation in the process. Being thin is only the end goal. You have to find something that will motivate both. Figure out what, about the actual weight-loss process, could give you joy.

Over the years, you've probably read a lot, and thought a lot, about weight loss strategies. There is not just "one" way to lose weight. People lose weight all the time, and there are many different ways to get there. Be picky. Pick and choose what strategies you tolerate, which might even be a fun challenge, and which you detest. Throw out the ones you detest, immediately. But, then, commit yourself to a few other strategies. Maybe only one new one at a time.

You can do it. I yo-yo-ed for a long time. But, I did it. And, I've mostly maintained for over a year. (With the beginning of peri-menopause, I've added about 5 pounds. But, I'm still in my size 6's, so I've decided that I'm OK with that. This might be my attainable "norm" now.)

Start with a reasonable short term goal (scale or tape measure), and one or two measurable steps that you plan to take to get there. Then re-evaluate after some time, and keep re-evaluating. Change your strategies if they aren't a good "fit" for you. Choose strategies that don't feel like deprivation and don't feel unmanageable. Create your own program. You can do it.

~ Faith

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3/25/13 9:01 A

OLDMOM you sound like me with the leaves I was so sore LOL. What are you doing with he basement? Is it going to be a family room?

You have lost 10 pounds that is great, keep it up. The beginning is all ways the hardest. I am going to drive to Portland OR see my daughter and grandson for a few days.
I am so glad that you did not break anything when you fell, be careful. See you both in a few days.

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3/24/13 5:19 P

Marna, glad you are feeling better.

Faith - I wish my weight was doing as well as yours and Marnas.

Been tearing down our basement the past week. need to call to have the dumpster emptied. We are moving all of our stuff to my daughters to clear out the basement.

Fell and now have a bruise on my knee but did not break anything. Muscles are sore but mostly from working muscles that sitting down doesn't work. LOL. Hope every one is doing well today;.

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3/24/13 2:19 P

We're both still doing OK for our weight, MARNA. Even though I'm not exactly where I want to be. My BMI is good, and I still fit in my size 6's. And, your weight looks good too.
We should pat ourselves on the back.

~ Faith

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3/24/13 9:42 A

Good morning Lady's

I hope everyone is doing well. I am feeling better. Going to take off and go visit my daughter and grandson tomorrow can't wait. Is the first time I have felt like traveling since November was sick then surgery all after, he is 9 months old now and and has been crawling for a while.

Faith finally adjusted my weight to where I am now on my page does not look like it here but did there LOL.

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3/11/13 7:12 P

Thanks Faith we have gone over all of them. My house is to small for a roommate and with my RLS and the MS I keep very odd hours and it just would not work here with roommate. When I lose the insurance money that is paying the mortgage I will qualify for food stamps but really don't want to go that route. We are looking into all the difference agencies that we can find it is simply what I will physically be able to do and maintain.

If I could just get well now it has been such a hard time for me since December one thing after the other so will hope I can get myself healthy enough for what has to come. I pray that I will be able to do this.

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3/11/13 6:41 P

I'm sorry, MARNA, about the financial difficulties that put keeping your home in jeopardy. I hope you can earn enough to continue to make payments on your mortgage.

Are there other creative options you could explore to help with finances? Check with social service agencies about low income programs that might help with utility bills or rent, or income or something? Or, consider taking in a roommate who can pay some rent and contribute to household expenses?

Maybe you'll get a decent tax refund that you can sock away in the bank, and use for those "rainy day" months when money is most tight for you.

~ Faith

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3/11/13 1:13 P

Thank you OLDMOM. We had a talk last night my sister her husband and I and I really have no choice I will just have to hang on to my house and try and work enough to pay the mortgage. Not sure yet if I am going to be able to but right now is my only choice with the housing the way it is. I simply would not get enough to survive with.

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3/8/13 4:55 P

Marna - Keeping you in my prayers. Feel better and prayers that you keep your home.

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3/8/13 4:33 P

I guess I did miss some posts in the past few months. I do check back off and on. Hope things are getting better for you MARN

~ Faith

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3/8/13 2:09 P

Faith, I have never kept track of my weight pound per pound as you. I kept track of my exercising but never my food or weight. Now that I have been so sick I have not even been doing that. I do not weigh myself every day now once a week. my average is 123 I should also change mine. You have not been on so I don't even know if you have read my bad time I have had over the last 3 1/2 months. So there is nothing to see on mine. Sorry I am not good at keeping things written as you. I can tell by my clothes if I have gained or not. Since I can still wear a 3 jeans I know I am ok. Right now I know better than usual because I have been so sick for so long. In fact I am amazed that I have not broke the 119 battle but alas no don't think I ever will after these last few months if that didn't do it nothing will. The menopause is a killer the whole body is your enemy.

Right now I am battling a different war and that is losing my home. I have to make some very important decisions so I am focusing on that rather than anything else. I know over the last 5 years I have lost just short of 50 pounds and I am very pleased with myself, some ups and downs but slowly I have done it. I really don't care if I drop more I am very happy with myself I just want to stay in this neighborhood of weight.

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3/6/13 11:38 P

I need to change my weight ticker. I've been above 118 since about April 2012, actually. For awhile, my range was 118-120. The last 4 months or so, it has often been 120-122. Seems like this peri-menopause is just making maintenance tough, even though I added Curves, 3x a week, beginning in August.

So, MARNA, I haven't been under 120 very frequently lately either. We're in the same boat. I post monthly weights in my profile, if you want to check up on me. It helps to keep me accountable.

~ Faith

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3/6/13 6:16 P

Sorry OLDMOM we are a mess this Winter are we not. You would think I could challenge Faith and weigh 110 heck no I can't get below 120 and no I am not walking or exercising FAITH I just don't feel like it. I hope OLDMOM that you feel better soon and that with Spring coming you will feel better. Greenie

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3/6/13 5:31 P

I have been sick so much in the last 6 weeks, it is getting really old. I have not had to go on antibiotics but like you said, it is getting old really fast.

I think I am going to invest in some probiotics and get my gut working better. They say that fermented food is even better then taking probiotics but I do not care for saurkraut and pickles that much. I like them but not on daily basis.

Hearing aids are doing great. I forgot to put them on today but will put them on before I head to the Casino.

hope you get better quickly. It has been a heck of a year sickness.

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3/6/13 9:12 A

Good morning all. OLDMOM how are the hearing aids working? Can't believe that it is March all ready. I am sick again on antibodics for the third time and codeine since the first of the year. This is getting very old very fast.

When they had me on antibodics for five days and nights 24 hours a day for 5 days when I was in the hospital they killed all the bad stuff as well as the good stuff and I guess I am wide open for anything and there is a lot out there this winter.

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2/14/13 2:31 P

I posted a blog about a recent MS appointment. It went pretty well. www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_
individual.asp?blog_id=5247080
The doctor also talke about MS sometimes "burning itself out" when we get into our 50-s or 60's, and we might quit having flares. Has that happened to anyone here?

~ Faith

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2/14/13 1:22 P

Hi OLDMOM I am healing still a little sore but went off all pain meds. I have three people in my family that has the that disease can't remember how to spell it. They think that I should get tested. They also said or the DR did that if I would have been tested for it my MS may not have been. That one I need to do a little reading on. Celiac or something like that sorry.

Well that is funny about the birds LOL. I know that if the hearing aids work go for it. I am glad you could get them.

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2/14/13 12:51 P

Good morning Marna - Happy Valentines day to you also.

Yes, I am feeling much better. I stopped eating gluten again and viola, I felt at 100%, that is 100% for me, by the end of the week. I have to quit sabatoging myself. It is a great step in the right direction.

Purchased hearing aids and need to have them adjusted a bit. I kept hearing a funny noise today, like a tweet. I thought it was the hearing aid but realized it was the birds outside my front window. Wow! It will take time to get used to hearing.

How are you feeling? Hope you are healing.

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2/14/13 10:01 A

Good morning everyone. OLDMOM how are you doing? Guess Faith was around all the time. Well I hope all has a wonderful Valentines day with your loved ones.

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2/11/13 10:53 P

I posted a blog about my recent MS appointment: www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal.
asp?id=MAMABUGAZ

~ Faith

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2/3/13 7:40 P

OLDMOM enjoy the supper bowl.

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2/2/13 9:01 P

Haven't had gluten in 24 hours and I am feeling better. Just wish I would quit eating things I know do not like me.

Hope you doing well. Super bowl us tomorrow and I have things to get ready for.

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2/2/13 6:52 P

No problem OLDMOM I think maybe she is on another trip family stuff.

We are doing just fine LOL hope you are feeling ok.

Edited by: GREENIESTIME2 at: 2/2/2013 (18:52)

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2/1/13 3:42 P

The last I have seen her post on the other site that she is on, was Jan 26. Not sure what is going on.

I am terrible about posting. I will work harder.

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2/1/13 12:17 P

Hi OLDMOM, I know you are right but is hard. Have you heard from Faith? I am wondering if she is ok I have left several messages and she has not answered them. She is usually pretty good at that. She has gone so long with out a flair up.

Your mcmuffins sound really good and 400 calories is not bad at all. Aw food LOL

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2/1/13 11:55 A

Hi Marna -

Don't get too down on yourself. you have been through much. Let your body have a chance to heal from the surgery. It probably has to do with water retention, which comes with inflammation.

today is going to be busy. I need get ready for shopping tomorrow and need to register my dog for obedience class. Our new dog is a gem but he needs a firm hand, or I should say voice. He minds the others somewhat but he minds me much better.

I just figured out today that my homemade egg mcmuffin is a really good meal with under 400 calaries. So satisfying. Just need to start eating more veggies.

Hope everyone has a good day.

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1/26/13 2:36 P

OLDMOM that is good about the weighing once a week. I was very upset when I finally got on the scales gained 5 pounds and that's from not eating? I guess it is the IV's sugar water I don't know but was very disappointed. Hopefully that will come off slowly.

Faith are you around I was sure you would jump in with some answers but you didn't. Are you OK are you sick also with your MS?

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1/25/13 3:08 P

Marna - keep your spirits up. I went to the YMCA yesterday and swam slow but steady for over 30 min and now I can hardly keep my eyes open.
Trying to keep my weighing to just one day a week.

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1/25/13 1:59 P

OLDMOM no that is not much help for you is it LOL. Yes my sister is a lot of help I do love her so. I have no idea of how much weight I have lost don't feel like looking . Will be her till Sunday or Monday then to my home. I hope you are feeling better. I thought I would hear from Faith but guess not. Take care OLDMOM

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1/24/13 4:48 P

Marna - Oh my! You have been put through the ringer. I am sorry. Hope you will get to go home soon. I take naltrexone with seems to give the immune system memory. That means it works to keep the immune system from attacking the mylan or anything that it is not suppose to attack. If you are taking MS meds it does suppress the immune system. That is my understanding, but I have been known to be wrong.

I am praying that you are on the mend quickly. Is you sister a lot of help? It has to be hard to be alone when you are having medical issues.

I keep eating things that I should not. Romeo sabatages me all the time. He brought home 2 boxes of sweet rolls 2 days ago. I ate 4 and put the rest into the freezer. I will not eat them out of the freezer. Yesterday he brought me some chocolate. I have no will power.
Down 1 lb but that is better then nothiing. Trying to keep my weigh ins on Tuesdays. Now that I am on Sparks I better post my food.
Hope you day is better.

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1/24/13 11:15 A

Good morning everyone..

Well thought I would fill you in on the last 9 days and it has not been fun. I went in for the surgery on Tuesday the 16th. Was rough was one of the biggest double hernias he had ever done. He said his repair work was massive. That was a Tuesday Wednesday evening he said I could go home as long as I had some one with me I don't so went to stay with my sister. Wednesday night and Thursday and Friday lived on broth and jello.

Then Saturday morning all fell apart, I was having trouble getting the pain under control had been building for several days. You get that gas trapped in your shoulders and that is one of the worst pains that I have ever known. I woke about 3 in the morning and nothing was blocking the pain by around 10 I realized that I had a temperature and was sweating and the pain had shifted to my chest and it was hard to take a breath. I called out to my brother in law and he called the hospital who got a hold of the dr and he called me said to get to emergency and he would tell them to expect me. I was there from 10:30 to 6 that evening had exrays blood test off all liquids IV's even had a cat scan My dr came in and said he was readmitting me so Saturday evening there I was again. Here it is Thursday morning and I am still here. I really think that he did not take in to account my MS my weak immune system and I just could not fight off everything like people with strong immune systems.

I am hoping today or tomorrow at the latest to get out but I think he is taking no chances this time around.

Faith would you also agree with the temperature and not being able to fight things off? They never came right out and said an infection but I do wonder with having the temperature for for two or three days. Trouble is the longer I am in here the more they find. One low on potassium anemic so on. They have for 5 days now been poring the antibiotics down down me in IV's day and night till now I am having trouble with diarrhea but still they keeping on coming. I can now for the first time since Friday have clear liquids. I am so hoping to go home this afternoon tomorrow morning at the latest.

So here we are and here I am it has been a long haul. It is the pain in my mostly left shoulder sharp jabbing pain that is so painful that we cannot get under control for me to go home. I found out that when the blow up your stomach with H2O that it presses on your spine and under all this pressure is a nerve that shoots up over your shoulder and that is what now is giving me so much grief, I think I have finally gotten ride of all the gas pain.

OK well that is my life for the last 9 days or so, would love to hear from you all it has been a lonely road this area is just now starting to get hit with the flu and one hospital is closed and this one has to take the patients they can, so all I want is out of here. Hope everyone has been doing ok OLDMOM how have you been doing? Has anyone else checked in? Talk to you later.

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1/13/13 7:13 P

Thanks for the extra energy, Marna.

The sun shining today is helping also. I am tired today because I did not get much sleep last night. It seems that I was awake every 15 min.. I think I will have some Irish Cream tonight. LOL!

Need to get the paper work to the bank for the refinancing. Maybe I should try to get my taxes started also. Nah! It can wait until tomorrow. Sunday is the day of rest. Right?

Have a wonderful Sunday, for tomorrow is prep day for the colonoscopy That should be a riot. LOL!

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1/13/13 10:02 A

OLDMOM rest when you can I know this is hard with a growing family, I also know you know this but rest is vital and it seems you are going through a rough time right now so listen to your body and do the best you can. I am sending as much strength as I can

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1/13/13 12:11 A

Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Today I went shopping, Thought I was finally having a day of feeling great but now do not know. Went grocery shopping, Costco was a mad house today. After we got back to the car I was wiped out. I just want to sleep. I guess that is feeling better because part of the day was symptomless.

Waving maddly to Faith, Marna and anyone else who pokes in..

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1/9/13 6:49 P

I sure hope all goes well for you OLDMOM I have had to have both of those things and I didn't like that just me hehe I hopenothing comes of all the test for you though.

OLDMOM I have a Para esphageal hiatal hernia and it is huge he is not even sure he can go through the stomach while looking a screens forget what that is called. Anyway he made have go in with a knife. There is so much cutting and repair work to be done. waited to long seems there was all ways something at the time more important. I knew I had a hiatal hernia but this is both and was a surprise, has to be done is touching my throat and makes me feel like I need more room to breath and is only little from my heart, has 1/2 to 3/4 of stomach in it. Sounds awful doesn't it.

Edited by: GREENIESTIME2 at: 1/9/2013 (18:53)

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1/9/13 1:27 P

Marna - What are you having surgery for? Hope you feel better soon also.

I have had all the symptoms of the flu but not the intensity. A little cough, a little sinus mucus, a lot fatigue, a little muscle aches, a very small temp. It is just hanging on like velcro. I cannot take codeine, it makes me very paranoid. I have been treating it with home remedies. It probably took hold because I was eating too much sugar.

Have you had the flu shot? I never have them. I do go in next Tuesday for a colonoscopy. Not looking forward to that at all. They have to give you a sedative. The MS Dr also wants me to have another cervical MRI. He is checking to see if maybe my terrible ability to walk is from something other then the MS. More sedatives. I hate drugs.

Hope everyone is having a good day.

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1/9/13 9:43 A

OLDMOM I am so sorry you have been ill, I also have been also got home from trip all through Dec to see me daughters and grandchildren one lives in NC very long trip anyway got very sick chills fever cough went to the DR got meds and codeine for the cough and felt better in a week but then it hit me again and now I am down again only the meds do not seem to be working as well.

In a week I have to go into the hospital and have surgery have to be better by then. I am really dragging does any of these symptoms match yours OLDMOM. I am really worried this is going to go into something worse we can't fight things off as well as others. I hope that you are starting to fee better.

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1/8/13 10:02 P

OLDMOM --

Sorry to hear that you've been sick; it sounds like you might be on the mend?

When you're gaining instead of losing, going back to previous strategies that worked for you before (such as journalling food), can be a good idea. I' gained a little weight between April and August, and, even after beginning exercise at Curves, I wasn't able to take it off until I went back to tracking food for awhile.

I did take some of it off, but, now, after the holidays, I just might have to do that again. Weight maintenance is often just about as much work as weight-loss was.

Keep at it. You can do it.

~ Faith

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1/8/13 9:13 P

Got on the scale today and am frustrated. I need to loose but I gained about .4 of a lb.

Will try to journal my food again. I did journal today.

I did make it to exercise today, Have been sick for almost 2 weeks.

Hope everyone is doing fine.

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1/3/13 3:19 P

Good afternoon to all -

Today I was going to stay home and take care of this virus that will not go away, but....I made an appt for Gabriella to get her drivers license. Now I am trying to get her registered on line to do that. Guess what...all the information I put in for this they say is wrong. grrrr. I know it is a new system but really? I am waiting for a call from the DOL hopefully they will get itfixed.

It would be nice if I do not have to driver her around for all of her sports practices. I am hoping this happens today. Kind of exciting.

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1/3/13 9:16 A

OLDMOM I am very proud of you.

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1/2/13 10:51 P

My daughter will be 40 in a couple months. She needs to grow up. thanks for your input though.

I do not get flares like RRMS . Mine just steadily goes down hill and very seldom comes back up. If I had something that put me in the hospital, I probably would not be able to come home.

I have PPMS.

I have a feeling, reading this is kind of a downer. It is depressing me and because of this I am going to let it go and be happy. No more dwelling on what others do or say.

I am not sure if I can do that today but I will be back.. I hope I keep getting notifications. I tend to forget to post daily with out them.

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1/2/13 4:11 P

OldMom -- good to see you back.

It sounds like a good strategy to let issues with your daughter go. You are so right; stress does not help MS. For me, it often lands me in an MS flare in the hospital. I have come to believe that stress probably affects everyone more than they realize. My sister, who is a Type I diabetic (more serious than Type II/diabetic since childhood/body makes none of its own insulin) says that her health is also greatly affected by stress (ie: her blood sugars go way out of control). We all know it can trigger heart attacks and strokes too. And, I believe that it affects weight-gain.

Just take it easy. Do what you can, for your relationship, and don't worry about it. You can only do so much. Pray and give it to God. And, do what you can for your weight. Notice small achievements, and aim for progress, not perfection.

~ Faith

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1/2/13 3:06 P

Good afternoon everyone

OLDMOM this is to bad with your daughter, she should know how it effects your MS also. It is hard for them also they just want that space. You know your limits and I feel let her know she is going over the boundary when it comes to your health, just saying.

The weight is a hard thing this time of year most people do put on a few pounds, you will get back into the routine I am sure of it. However the stress will not help in anyway.

I am not good with words but I am sure you understand what I was trying to say.

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1/2/13 1:55 P

I tried to post in December but it kept deleting my post. I will try it again.

Faith, my weight has been going up this year, I am 58 and only at my thinnest have my fingers barely touched when wrapped around my wrist. The Dr says I should be 160-165 because I have muscle but that was 15 yrs ago. I think the muscle is leaving.

My Ms Doc wants me to have another MRI to see if maybe the decline in my walking is from my back and not all the MS. I have always noticed that when the chiropractor works on my lower back and hips I walk better.

Marna - tired but you got to see your girls. Fun!

My oldest is making it impossible to even want her around. Stress does not help MS. I have pretty much just let it go and if she wants to communicate I will be there but I am not risking my health for her schizo problems.

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1/1/13 3:13 P

Faith I will be 64 soon and I am 5'1 1/2 and also can overlap my wrist. I really think age and menopause has a big factor in this I started the pre menopause at 44.

I still think the menopause is a big factor especially after what you said. I don't know just guessing but it is where the old body says it wants to be so that is where it is I was 5'3 but my spine is crooked and also I have the bone disease don't know how to spell it, this has shrunk me a lot.

But I just have to work with what I have and I try to stand up straight and when I catch myself slumping straighten up. I had been doing really good with my exercising but missing all of December and with the surgery coming up really figure should wait will February to even begin again.

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1/1/13 1:28 P

Glad you got to spend Christmas with your girls, MARNA. Sorry about your infection.

My daughter was home for Christmas from Winnipeg (about 900 miles away). Her husband was unable to come, but, we have used the webcam to talk with him on Skype several times.

My weight had been fairly steady in the 115-118 pound range from February through June. But, due to beginning some peri-menopause stuff, it started creeping up in June or July (sometimes in the 120-122 lb range). In August, I joined Curves, and in September or October, I started tracking food occasionally again. I managed to get back into the 118-120 lb range for a few months, but, during the holidays, it's been up to 122 or 123 again sometimes. I've decided that, with peri-menopause, plus maybe some additional muscle weight from Curves work-outs, that 118-120 might be the most realistic place for me to set my weight goal at.

We're very similar, BUG. I'm about 5'3" (maybe shrinking a little -- might be at 5' 2.5" by now). How tall are you? And, I might be a little younger. I turned 50 this year. That does make a difference too. And, of course, we all have different body types. I have a small build (I can overlap my thumb and finger when I put them around my wrist), so I should be on the lower end of what the charts for my height and age say.

It does take a lot of work, though, to maintain my weight loss. It's been over a year since I lost my 60 pounds, but, I have to continue to work at it daily, or I'd gain it all back.

~ Faith

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1/1/13 12:14 P

HAPPY NEW YEARTO YOU ALL

Faith sounds like you are doing just great health and energy wise. I wish you the best.

I spent the month of December with my girls two weeks with my daughter and her 6 month old and then drove the 4 hours home and flew out the next morning to NC to spend two weeks with my other daughter and her 4 year old and 14 month old. I was so drained and wore out and sick by the time I got home had to go to the DR. Had a infection bronchitis and a major cough LOL. I am feeling better now.

I go in for surgery on the 16th I knew I had a Hiatal hernia but turns out I have a Para-esophageal hiatal hernia that is both all in one it is huge so much so 1/2 to 3/4 of my stomach is in it. My acid reflux is getting so much worse that I knew I was going to have to do something. It is so big that he does not know if he can do it through the stomach on monitors he may have to cut me open. I won't know till I wake up. Anyway I sure hope this helps and makes me feel better than I have for a long time.

Hope everyone has a great year feel good and MS is holding for each of you.

My weight stays at round 123 120 I just could not go any lower short of starving myself and that isn't the way to go maybe it is my age I don't know but I do feel good here and just have to be happy with that.

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1/1/13 11:49 A

Happy New Year, everyone!

I don't really believe in New Year's resolutions because so many people break them. I'd rather just set goals. Many of my volunteer activities are scheduled around the school calendar. So, fall often seems more like the beginning of a new year for me, and a good time for changes in goals.

But, with a new semester beginning, I have signed up for a 1 credit hour college class in Jazz Improvisation. Mostly, I'm just wanting to take it for self-improvement and fun. I play piano, and I like to mess around with songs and do just a little of my own arranging. I think that learning more about music theory and chords will just add to my knowledge and skills and my ability to play around and have fun.

I'm also considering taking a 6-hour local writing class this winter (will likely either be 6 one-hour evenings, or 3 two-hour Saturdays).

I've had somewhat more energy since my weight loss, but, I already added working out at Curves 3x a week to my schedule this fall, and one additional volunteer activity to my regular weekly commitments. I hope I'm not over-doing it. It always seems to be a balance to decide how much I can do and not be stuck at home, but, not taking on too much and feeling stressed about it.

How is everyone else doing this January 1st of 2012?

~ Faith

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10/30/12 2:49 P

Faith~Thanks for letting me know more about the medications you have taken and your experiences.
I have only had 1 exacerbation and that was what caused me to get diagnosed. I am glad I haven't had anymore!

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10/29/12 4:06 P

Isn't copaxone great I love it also no side effects for me I was also on the Betaseron and one other but can't find the information but the copaxone is the best for me even when I was having as you call them flair ups and they were bad it was my situation and as you said Faith the stress I was living under. I think I have been on the copaxone since it was available to the public.

I will know something later but I may have to have surgery am going on some med first but I have had ascid reflux for about 20 years and I have a scared lung from it talked to a specialist sbout surgery years ago but decided not to go that rout but my dr thinks it may be time to fix my hernia in my stomach I know Faith you know what I am trying to say a hiatal Hernia I think it is called and then my throat feels like it is closing up on my he thinks it is swelling up from the acid reflux so am going to get a altrasound on my throat and maybe he is going to do that long tub thing that goes down your throat to see the hernia and also my throat area to make sure of no canser. So I guess will have to see.

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10/28/12 11:49 P

Denise -- I have only tried two MS meds: Betaseron for 5 years; and, now, Copaxone for 4 years. For me, Copaxone is much more effective than Betaseron was. (But, we're all different. Some people respond better to one of the interferons.)

With Betaseron, I had one of two major flares per year. Even if I caught and treated them with steroids early, I generally ended up hospitalized for one to three weeks each time.

With Copaxone, I had only one serious flare (March 2010). And, I truly believe that could have been avoided. Because the flare did not progress quickly on Copaxone, as they always had with Betaseron, it dragged along for many months. My husband noticed symptoms, but I did not believe him. Eventually, it got bad, because I allowed it to go untreated for many months.

Since 2010, I have had not serious flares and no hospitalizations.

I had two very minor flares last spring and summer. But, we caught and treated them early. The symptoms were not major enough that most people with MS would even treat them. But, due to my flare of 2010 eventually getting bad because it was initially NOT treated, both my MS Specialist and I believe that any flare that I experience needs to be treated with steroids quickly and early. I suspect the trigger for those flares was busy-ness and "good" stress. I was extremely busy with planning my daughter's wedding last spring, and a 30-year reunion (1200 miles away) last summer. For me, stress is often a huge trigger (1. emotional stress 2. "good stress like vacations or important occasions, and, 3. physical stress like illnesses, pain, etc).

My MS, the last 4 years, is under better control than it had been in years. And, yes; I consider my MS to be stable now. No major flares, and, no hospitalizations, since March 2010. That is two and a half years, and I used to be hospitalized once or twice a year. I am extremely happy with Copaxone. :-)

~ Faith

Edited by: MAMABUGAZ at: 10/28/2012 (23:51)

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10/28/12 10:50 P

Faith~how are you doing with your MS? Any further progression or are the meds keeping you stable?

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10/28/12 10:03 P

Sorry to hear that you have a thyroid problem also. I never knew that.
I took a cognitive test at my drs office about 10 months ago and I did not do well at all. Maybe you have said something about your thyroid before but I don't remember. I am almost brain dead! LOL!

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10/28/12 6:51 P

Understand Faith having same problem with the thyroid getting pretty frustrated over it.

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10/28/12 1:58 P

Good morning, MARNA. Good to hear from you. Hope you get your thyroid under control.

Still plugging away here, working on weight maintenance. Have struggled, somewhat, with maintenance the past 6 months or so, even though I was able to successfully lose 60 lbs and maintain that for 6-8 months. Dealing now, though, with per-menopause issues, which put a few pounds back on. I'm still close to the 120 lb mark, so I'm not real concerned yet. I just don't want it to keep going up.

~ Faith

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10/28/12 10:01 A

Good morning everyone. I have been not feeling well so have not been on much of late. My thyroid is messing me up and trying to get it fixed, hope everyone is doing good and staying well.

Greenie

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9/11/12 9:48 A

Yes, Faith, I will let you all know what medication I decide to go with.

Marna~Ever since my neurologist moved to another state which was about 2 months ago, I have been monitored by the nurse practitioner, and you are right...I do need another doctor. I need to be set up to see a doctor, not a nurse practitioner because it just doesn't seem like she is very efficient.

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9/10/12 10:58 A

I am looking for a bunch of my paper work but I am reading and have not forgotten just need to refresh my memory. I really think you need a new dr I really do but that is speaking out so will get back on later.

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9/10/12 1:09 A

Denise --
Please keep us informed about what you decide to do about meds, and, if you change, let us know how the change works for you.

~ Faith

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9/9/12 6:06 P

With Rebif I was getting flu symptoms like every 2-3 weeks after taking rebif for about a year.

With Tsybri, I keep on Worrying about PML. I had somebody on facebook trying to tell me PML is curable. In my Tsybri book that I was given by the neurologist says PML is not curable. I never argued about it, I just know what I know and it is my decision from there.

My husband never liked Tsybri very well to begin with, so I am going to do 1 more treatment of Tsybri and then I am done. I will go to another drug from there.

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9/9/12 5:57 P

QUOTE: I was just meaning that experiences with drugs are better coming from each person, just listening to their stories.

No offense taken, Denise. Actually, that was my point, too. That we all have individual experiences about our own symptoms, and, we need to take care not to generalize and assume that everyone's experiences will be the same as ours. As you can see, for example, MARNA's experiences with Copaxone side effects and mine have been very different. And, although mine were worse than most, it is not unusual for people using Copaxone to experience difficult site reactions.

Possibly what Marna was referring to, though, when she mentioned side effects with Copaxone being few, was the absence of the flu-like symptoms which can be problematic for many who use the interferon meds (Avonex, Betaseron or Rebif). If that's what Marna meant, I agree with her. The flu-like symptoms (although I did not experience them when I was previously on Betaseron) make adjustment to interferons difficult for many.

Site reactions, however, can also be a problem with Betaseron and Rebif. I think Avonex doesn't have a problem with site reactions, maybe, because it's an IM (intra-muscular) med, and Copaxone, Betaseron and Rebif are all sub-cutaneous (under the skin).

Denise, I've had a good experience, overall, with Copaxone, once I got the problems worked out. For me, it is more effective than Betaseron was (but, we're all different). If your neuro recommends it, I'd say it might be a good switch. Tysabri, with the PML risks (even though they claim those risks are low), would scare me.

~ Faith

Edited by: MAMABUGAZ at: 9/10/2012 (01:11)

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9/9/12 5:38 P

I actually never heard from the neurologists office on friday! They are very concerned about me as you can see. (heavy sarcasm)

I was not trying to say anything bad about Faith or anything, I was just meaning that experiences with drugs are better coming from each person, just listening to their stories.

I have heard of people coming on this site and arguing and fighting and saying nasty things but that isn't right for anybody to do. Everybody has the right to their opinion.

Faith had good information too on how the drugs worked for her too. I love to hear these stories from people.

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9/9/12 2:04 P

Thank you LIVEFREE that was nice. but Faith has the book knowledge much more than I do she would be a good one if you have a really deep question. You just learn to live with what you have,you can't fight it you just need to stay on top of it. Like Faith learn as much as you can about MS and store it and hold on to it. I have forgotten so much over the years like Faith I had a good handle on it knew all the big words but over the years I have sort of slipped and can only go by as you said experiences and what knowledge I do have. Between us all you can learn so much that is why I started this group to begin with was so that if one person did not know something another would. Some times I even forget that.

It is very hard to realize that you cannot remember half your life let alone your disease. And it is hard to admit that I should just keep my mouth shut until I have the numbers in front of me and the answers instead of just going by what I thought I knew.

I hope that you are feeling better and that your DR has gotten a hold of you and you are on some sort of medicine now.

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9/9/12 12:16 P

Marna~I think we all have valuable information regarding our own symptoms. I think you also have a lot of knowledge, simply because it deals with your experiences.
You have been dealing with MS for so many years that maybe even you have a little more experience than the rest of us. I think you are the one with MS the longest on here anyways...not that that is a good thing. (you poor thing).

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9/8/12 1:23 P

This true I stand of course corrected but you I can see went the hard way with the copaxone. I have talked to a lot of people on this drug and I have not heard any of them going through what you did.

I was in a study with it years ago and knew more then than I do now, however you have done a lot more study on it than me in the last few years. So I am sure you know better than me all information.

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9/8/12 11:34 A

We're all different, Marna. My side effects for Copaxone were absolutely not "small", initially. The only med that I can think of that I've ever taken that might have had more side effects was steroids. However, I was able to make adjustments to mitigate those side effects. With only using my abdomen for injection sites, my auto-injector no longer hurts. However, manual injections do.
... In sites other than my abdomen, "red swollen spots" or, sometimes, welts, lasted for 3 days, almost always. NEVER less than 15 minutes.
I'm not knocking Copaxone. Now that I've worked out a schedule and injection site rotation that works for me, it's an effective med for me.

Your comments, Marna, are what you experienced. But, like I said, we're all different. Please be careful about using the word "everyone". We all need to just experiment and see what works for us. And, we all need to be careful, when conversing with others, that when we share our own experiences, we acknowledge that it's not always that way for everyone.

~ Faith

Edited by: MAMABUGAZ at: 9/9/2012 (17:47)

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9/8/12 11:25 A

I wandered how long it would take you to come on LOL.

I have a problem more with thrombosis which is why I have lost most of my sits. Yes the shots can hurt with that gun I quit using it and now gently put the needle in the skin and there is very little if sometimes no pain at all.

All medication there are side effects but the percentage with copaxone is small for any major side effects. Everyone has the red swollen spot but it goes away in less than 15 minutes.

My problem is as I said is the hardness under the skin (thrombosis) and that is all for me but I have been on it for so long.

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9/7/12 11:56 P

Although Copaxone doesn't have flu-like side effects, it can definitely have side effects. Although Copaxone is more effective for me than Betaseron was, I did not have flu-like side effects with Betaseron either. I have had to alter my injection schedule and my injection sites in order to accommodate my Copaxone side effects (which were much more pronounced than my Betaseron side effects).

Some copaxone side effects can include pain at injection site, welts, lipotrophy, IPIR's (immediate post-injection reaction). There may be others, but those are the ones that come to mind. (I've never had IPIR.)

~ Faith

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9/7/12 10:57 P

Very good information Marna! thank you for letting me know.
I love to hear other peoples thoughts and experiences.

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9/7/12 10:55 P

For the last 25 26 years I have been on everything but not Tsybri back then they did not have anything for certain problems like cognitive. I think I have found some of the best Neurologist over the years and they have said nothing about certain areas of MS like the cognitive problems.

The Copaxone is in general just slows down the progression of MS with no side effects I might add. Having no energy is just one of the gifts of MS you will have this no matter what you take it is a part of it, you will simply get used to running in low gear till it eventually feels normal to you.

My cognitive problems are bad but you learn to work your way around it as best as you can.

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9/7/12 10:06 P

Does Copaxone help you with feeling like you have more energy? What else does it help with?
My doctor said Tsybri was the best for cognitive issues. I know you said you have cognitive issues, did you ever try Tsybri or don't you want to? Most people are scared of it, like me.

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9/7/12 6:22 P

Well good then Copaxone is for you I just have been on it so long now that some times it get really old. Plus I do not have the average sites that most people do and then because I have been on it so long I am down to two places I can give it now the stomach and the hip just one hip so I guess my reasons and yours are so different.

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9/7/12 5:28 P

I really don't mind getting the needle every day for a medication. That just doesn't bother me.
I really don't like driving a half hour one way once a month to do this. I would rather have the medication at home, and give it to myself.

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9/7/12 5:04 P

I understand the Copaxone is just great for me and it seems for a lot of people on it there just is few if any side effects. The only problem is that darn needle every day. And it cost a small fortune but your DR should be able to help you get assistance with it, other wise itwould be like around $2,000.00 or so a month.

Did my six miles today had to stop between the 4 and 5 to rest my legs were getting pretty numb but got it done any way LOL.

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9/7/12 4:15 P

No, My neurologist isn't getting back to me. I called and told the nurse what is going on and they aren't getting back to me, and I am frustrated with them.

I think I am going to try and get on Copaxone now and get off this Tsybri. I hate going to the hospital once a month for the IV injection for it, plus I am scared of getting PML.

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9/6/12 11:04 A

Yes LIVEFREE I do understand I take 20 pills a day 3 are vitamins though plus the copaxone been on that for I bet around 8 years.

Yes it is very hard on the legs the walking and exercise but we have to do it, more than the normal person.

I hope that you are not getting a exacerbation that would be awful. Doesn't your neurologist want to see you?

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