Saysusie....

Oluwa · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:16 pm Post subject:

Dear Saysusie..

From your Mum, to you ..to me..great outlook...

I did pull the spandex on and took a 45 minute swim...

With the T-shirt on, I think the problem was I didn't rinse it or change it for two days. Just hung to dry. Usually I change up...and also the night before it broke out I didn't shower...too pooped, so, I think that all contributed to the cause after thinking about it.

It was probably a crud that required steroid cream because the home remedies fell way short. I didn't use my other steroid cream because the box said do not apply over a large area. When I mentioned that to my doctor he laugh and said didn't I just get done taking oral steroids....well, ya.

I was thinking it would thin my skin or turn dark as to why not..not so much of just the absorption factor...next time, hopefully there won't be I will break out all creams..

The skies are moaning overhead...like an upset stomach. No rain, no lightning that I can see. We have had a heat warning though...Must be about 105 inland where I am at....

Hey, with FMS can the symptoms be accumulative like Lupus?

I hope you're still not housebound, are you?

Happy Monday....
Love,
Oluwa
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Saysusie · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:15 am Post subject:

Oluwa;

Yes, unfortunately, FM symptoms can me accumulative Mad

. I've, actually, given up on trying to discern which pain is from which illness (uggh!). Especially since my Lupus has not affected any of my internal organs....so, it is anyone's guess as to what is causing what. But, they both can be accumulative, so my phrase is usually, "whatever!"
I'm glad that you did get into the pool. I learned about not bathing after the pool the hard way too! Sometimes, getting our exercise puts us at the bottom level of energy and we just collapse afterwards. I did not get a rash, but my skin itched like crazy on every inch of my body. It was maddening as I could not (at first) understand what was going on and I was scratching so much that I drew blood on my legs. My hubby finally suggested that I take a nice cool shower to see if that helped....and it did. I rubbed down with neosporin (primarily for the open scratches all over my body) and by the next day, I was better. I, then, realized that I had to shower after my swims no matter how tired I was.
Our days here is SoCal's High Desert have remained in the three digits, in spite of cloud cover! I will be going to the pool today for a little while.
I'm glad that the steroids are still helping with your rash Very Happy

So, I will be thinking about you today when I am in the pool; hoping that you are doing the same and enjoying it!
Have a wonderful day!

Peace and Blessings
Saysusie
_________________
Look For The Good and Praise It!

Oluwa · Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:20 pm Post subject:

Hey you Dear Saysusie...

Sounds like you tore up your skin..when I get the uncontrollable itches, I clip and snip my nails to the quick...

Life this week..dull, dull.

Oh, I got a traffic violations. Failure to stop at a red light today. I made the wrong decision when I saw the light was yellow. They tailgate really bad here, so instead of stopping fearing a rear end accident, I, well, gave it gas and I heard the whirly bird...$155.00, 4 points if found guilty. And I wasn't even in a hurry either.

I just turned my head to the right, when I came back around to the front I had seen yellow and floored it...I am guilty to a certain degree... so that was my big event for the week...and yours?

Went to the GYN today. She said by the test I had with the Veterinarian, I swear she is, that my former GYN treats animals..but anyway the lab results read I am post menopausal. No babies ever of me...sigh. I always dreamed even being 47.

Instead of me trying to dose with Prometruim, believing I have amenorrhea because menses just stopped...no psycho symptoms, gone one day and never came back she should have said no more eggs in my basket.

I asked her about the D&C and she sees no reason for it, unless my lining has thickened more. I have an Ultrasound scheduled for the July 29....

Enjoy the day..tata.
Love,
Oluwa
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Saysusie · Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 11:59 am Post subject:

Sweet Oluwa;
Your traffic violation sounds exactly like mine! As I was speeding through the intersection, I saw the camera flash and knew that I was going to be in big trouble. However, I never received a ticket in the mail...so I guess I got lucky (actually, a car sped through behind me. Perhaps they received the ticket).
But, two days later, I misread divider lines in the road and thought that I was going into a left turn lane. It was not (double yellow lines on both sides should have been my clue), so I had to force my way back into the flow of traffic, causing other drivers to have to slam on their brakes to let me back in. Afterwards, I heard the "whoop whoop" behind me and saw the flashing lights on an unmarked car. I pulled over and I watched the plain-clothed officer exit his vehicle. I could see the anger all over his face. I was with my God-Daughter and I said to her that again, I was in big-time trouble.
I had the top down on my car and the officer came up to the passenger side, slammed his fists on my door, leaned in and looked at me. Now, here, I must tell you that we are patrolled by the County Sheriff's Department and my husband was the Captain up here for 24 years. So, most of the Sheriff's still know me and they all still refer to my husband as Captain.
The officer looked at me with intense anger, then his eyes widened and he stood up and said "SH@#!...Forget it Susie...go home and tell your husband I said hello!" I did admit to him that I realized that I was 100% wrong and I was very, very sorry. He just laughed and told me to drive carefully and that he hoped my husband and I were still coming to his BBQ that weekend (he turned out to be a good friend of ours)!
Sometimes it pays to have connections and to know people, although by the time that I got home, he had already called my husband and told on me Laughing

I just got that "shame on you" shake of my husband's head (lol)
Needless to say, after two close calls, I am extremely careful and very mindful of the rules of the road.
I'm sorry to hear that you are entering menopause. My sister-in-law was told the same thing and had no menstruation for 4yrs, until about 3 months ago when she started menstruating again! She is not happy about that at all on one hand, but excited that pregnancy is now a possibility on the other hand. She, too, is in her 40's and hoping for her first pregnancy. So, perhaps all is not final for either of you! Hopefully the ultrasound will not confirm bad news Crying or Very sad

Today is Saturday and I sang last night, so I am resting today. I hope that you have a wonderful day that is not too boring or tedious. Find something that makes you smile and delve into it! You deserve it!

Always
Saysusie
_________________
Look For The Good and Praise It!

Oluwa · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 11:20 am Post subject:

Hi Dear Saysusie....

I love the whoop, whoop...

It is great to have connections like that, I wish I had them. I dislike explaining myself. I was going to just pay it, but after consulting with a few native Carolinians they say I need to state my case, to have it dropped or lessened. Twelve is the top points before they suspend your license, starting at three months and up. Four, a third of the way there...egads. I don't plan on getting anymore, but the driving here is crazy....

Just today I had seen five people run a red light. I think the yellow is too short...or the red light is too long and impatience seems to set in. Me, I am a defensive driver, especially here..I feel like my eyes look like the Terminators, darting side to side. I just made a bad decision...

Since the stop is fresh in my mind..I have my eyes glued on the signal lights now.

Did the PT this morning...feeling still good. Soon zero pain, I hope...

Where did you sing at this time? Are you planning on recording another CD?

No movies this weekend...the only thing I saw was the back of my eyelids...we slept the weekend pretty much away, except for a few feedings.

A new week...nothing planned. Hot..97 this morning. Makes for a lazy day...lounging inside with the a/c roaring. Now I know why this area is slow moving, slow talking, slow stride..the heat and humidity.

One never hears of activities being promoted outside. Parks are far and few...not into fitness here and it is a rarity to see anyone jogging or biking. Funny they have a fitness center called Anytime Fitness, but it is only opened from 7 -7....

Restaurants menus are very fat and high caloric content. I have yet to find a salad without fructose salad dressing. I'd love a big salad with spinach, walnuts, pecan, berries...nope.

For bread starters, some places serve a basket of cornbread...a ball of butter, drizzled with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon. Fried here isn't a verb it is an adjective to describe most food..fried and juicy. And some of the Buttermilk fried juicy chicken is oh, so outstanding...

No thin friendly eateries around here. I told my husband I will end up with corn fed arms in a few years...

Laterz....
Hugs,
Oluwa
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Saysusie · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 3:23 pm Post subject:

Sweet Oluwa;
I am happy to hear that you slept the weekend away. That is such a luxory for us nowadays! So, when I hear that someone was able to sleep away the weekend, I yell YIPPEE!!! #Milti

Somebody is getting some good rest!!!
I am a defensive driver also, and having a sports car only makes me worse. My favorite saying, when I'm driving very aggressively, is "Hey, I'm in a sports car, I can out maneuver everyone on this road and I can go from 0-60 in 6 seconds.....so GET OUTTA MY WAY!!!" I really should be in jail for some of the stunts that I've pulled Embarassed

I sang at a jazz club, newly opened and trying to get customers. I've agreed to sing every Friday evening, in the hopes that this will bring more people in. The owner is very understanding of my limitations and has said that, on any Friday that I feel as if I just can't do it, just call him and let him know and he will remove my poster from the window.
I am in the studio now (well not like right now Rolling Eyes

) trying to finish up my jazz CD. I go in and try to lay down at least three tracks per song, in that way, the engineer can pick the best parts of each track. However, doing it this way usually means that I can only do 1-2 songs each time I go and I can only get into the studio 1-2 times per month. The CD will have between 14-16 songs, so it's going to be a time consuming project. Especially given the fact that the musicians are pretty much doing the same thing. As soon as it is finished (we are thinking by the end of this year), it will be available on-line. My manager has hired someone to do a web-site for me since so many people have been asking how they can be kept in the loop about my performances. When that is completed, all of my CD's will be available on my web site (I will have a total of 4 CD's when I finish this one!).
I am so jazzed that your PT is working...that you are looking forward to zero pain and that you are getting some recuperative rest! That truly puts a smile on my face Very Happy

I hope that your week continues to find you in good spirits and in ever improving health! You deserve to have some good days!!

Peace and Blessings
Saysusie
_________________
Look For The Good and Praise It!

Oluwa · Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 8:22 am Post subject:

Dear Saysusie..

Oh, I didn't know you have 3 CD's out...all of them still available. I have just the one I'm Alright...

Indeed, I have been having good days, but a tad bored. I pace. Either we have been having torrential rains or just too hot and humid to move out and about outside...

Yesterday I felt like I was in a plasma ball as the lightning hit the ground all around me while driving from my appointments...frightening. My excitement for the week....

Hope yours was more...
Hugs,
Oluwa
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Saysusie · Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:36 am Post subject:

Sweet Oluwa;
Well, aside from the 5.6 earthquake that we had yesterday, all is well #Scramble

Fortunately, no one was hurt and no one in my family had any property damage. Immediately afterwards, we all called each other to make sure that we were all OK. I was very worried for my Mom as she lives in an older home that has not been retrofit! She said that her house jerked and shook...nothing fell or broke (other than her calm).
We are still feeling very, very small aftershocks...but nothing to be concerned about.
I would welcome some rain at this point. We remain in the 3 digits here in the High Desert. But, I could do without the lightning Razz

Keep enjoying these good days that you are having! I can't tell you how happy I am to know that you are having so many of them!
Hope your week continues to be one that gives you less and less pain and more and more good days!

Peace and Blessings
Saysusie

oh...btw; My other CDs are not available online as they were part of a radio show that I did with a minister. There's the whole issue of rights. I can sell them personally, but I cannot promote them Crying or Very sad

_________________
Look For The Good and Praise It!

Oluwa · Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 11:08 am Post subject:

Oh, that is right they mention the earthquake, I thought of you and zip that is all she wrote...I am happy you and yours are alright. Earthquakes are frightful.

I was living in Fremont, East Bay...by San Fran when the one The Quake of '89 cracked the earth and crumbled bridges and building....

I was frightened to say the least...dishes crashed, potted plants on the floor..the windows sounded like they were going to blow. Yak, yak, yak. The dining room chandler swung, like a swing...then a calm...

The world seemed to have died the days that follow...

I was an AC at Moffet Field...our base was the only runway that didn't sustain any damages. So, we were busy with Air Force One and his entourage. Daddy Bush then and Quayle.

I was the Assistant Base Ops Officer then,..what a responsibility. I just remember being not stop. It takes quite an effort to bring the President in without appearing to be scrabbling about. I was amazed at how efficient in and out secret service is...they took over the whole place...and in a bat of an eye they were gone.

Life in SC still dull, still hot..I am drained. I've been hiding indoors, not even out to shop except for a few items from the Department Hardware stores...

Fatigue is settling in as though I had never slept for days...It seems to be calling my name towards him, but I am doing my prevention..

RheumBA appointment tomorrow...and hopefully again I get an A....

I wrote a few posts..I am petering out...

Hope you had a great weekend...and FMS hasn't tossed you about..

Time to get some Zzzzzzzzzzz's.

Tata.
Love,
Oluwa
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Saysusie · Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 9:55 pm Post subject:

Sleep well, sweet Oluwa, and make your days restful so that Mr. Fatigue does not dominate!
I'm not going to write much so that you do not feel compelled to respond Laughing

Just take care of yourself and you and I can chat when you feel better.

I do not often get to see or talk to my brother, so when I do, I always tell him that I don't have to see him or talk to him everyday to know that he loves me....the same is true for you!!!

Take Care ....Sweet Dreams...
Peace and Blessings
Saysusie
_________________
Look For The Good and Praise It!

Oluwa · Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 10:07 am Post subject:

Dear Saysusie..

And how are you, feeling good vibes or the mean vibes of IT and FMS?

I still feel the side affects of PT and swimming. Just not recovering like I use to ...wondering what I am doing different.

I did ask my RheumBA about a small dose of Prednisone. Nope. Only when I can't walk. Just not worth the risks for my symptoms. I feel like a noodle, limp, tired, weak and fatigue. My joint feel like they are being twisted out of the socket. I didn't go to PT today, I swam yesterday. When I swim, I feel alright, but when I showered and dry off...drained and my mouth is the shape of a church choir girl singing..O..but without the song, just a moan....wha' happened...humm. I feel like rust has set in..

I am quite the bore lately..no movies, no dinners..how about you. I think I will make an effort today and do a BBQ. This southern weather is not for me. I prefer the drizzle rains of the Pacific Northwest...speaking of the PNW I wonder how Browneyedgirl is doing. Hear from her since she last posted?

In such hot heat how do you stay cool..or does it drain you just to walk from the house to the car too? Tomorrow the temperature is suppose to decrease by five or so degrees. The pool is hot, 95 and to cool off a dip in a water filled bathtub is better...

We may head to UP for Halloween and fall leaves as my Nigerian Dad may not be able to come till next year. He can't get an appointment with the US Embassy until next year, but my husband is looking into it as they have a relative who works there..but if not it is carved pumpkins and bit size candy bars, and it is my sister and her twin boys birthday. All three were born on the same day.

We've invited our Mum-in-law who is now in Toronto visiting with her two grandchildren and daughter for two months to visit us for the first week in September, our treat. She sounded so bored when I spoke to her as they go to work and the girls go to the nursery...so she says she watches movies. I said we need to do something...so we are for the first week in September for a week.

I have much posts to catch up on, see all the new people...dozens. Maybe later this day, I will welcome them too...

Enjoy this day..hugs,
Love,
Oluwa
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Oluwa · Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 5:41 am Post subject:

Dear Saysusie..Helllo-o-o---oooo out there.

Wondering how you are. Wondering if you received, opened my email from last week...

Hope life, lupus, fibro hasn't been giving you a whooping....how are you?

Summer is ending, cool temps are flowing through our sheer drapes as the A/C is off and the windows are open.

Ah, such wonderful noises fill the room of nature now...the sweet smell of mowed grass and not the forced air of a cooling machine....

Though swimming is now past, fins in a box...I look forward to greasing up the chains on our bikes and inflating the tires for those evening rides ahead...

What is on your agenda for fall/winter activity...

Head hug..hope all is well, well..at least some things...are they?

Love,
Oluwa
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Saysusie · Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 10:29 am Post subject:

Oluwa, sweet angel;
We were out of town and I got your e-mail Monday. I just responded to it this morning and here you are!
Unfortunately, Life - Lupus - FM have not been particularly kind to me. But I keep plugging along.
Summer is still in full force here in the High Desert, but because of my health, I've not been in the pool for 2 weeks now Crying or Very sad

I truly miss it! I still have 2-3 weeks left of swim weather, so I am going to be diligent about making the best use of the time remaining
My husband mentioned bike riding once the weather cools down. We have a tandem and I really enjoy riding (although I make him do most of the work). Especially when we pack the bike up, drive to the beach and ride. Those are always very special days for me. Otherwise, winter means nice brisk walks in the morning or me & Gilad in my den.
We do not travel as much in the winter, so I'm looking forward to a little quiet time at home. Otherwise, no real winter plans.
How have you been feeling? How is the numbness and tingling after the injection? And, is the Protonix helping with your digestion?
Like you, I am counting down to vacation time Laughing

After being so sick during the last one, I am hoping and praying that I can enjoy this one.
Thank you for missing me, for looking for me, and for asking about me!
You are, always, my angel!

Peace and Blessings
Saysusie
_________________
Look For The Good and Praise It!

Oluwa · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 8:07 am Post subject:

Dear Saysusie...how could I not miss you.

A tandem, how fun....Lupus, Fibro how not so fun.

I am still scratching. With each itch it spreads, now it is climbing up my lower back. Seems the Plaquenil is not working for my rashes. I thought perhaps stress but the stress factor is gone...hummm.

Protonix is bringing me much relief with two pills a day. I wonder how much nutrients it stops from being absorbed....maybe an appointment with the Gastro is due...egads.

I still have numbness in my two fingers, left pinkie and ring but it has subsided in my forearm and bicep.

After the injections, it went okay for two days, then worse, then the worst. Stopped PT. As of late I've been strapping an ice bottle with an ace bandage to my upper back. Before going to sleep last night, my husband massage my whole back, I popped a Lortab and it feels sooooooooooo much better.

I think the shots did more harm than good. Initially felt like help was on the way, but it created such secondary pain. It is really hard to know what causes what when you change up more than one thing at a time.

Now my back is back to the pain it was before the five shots...erg. Weird, but it is better the way it was...is.

Yesterday, the 25th I listened to my phone messages. The neurosurgeon office recorded.... they would like to remind me of my appointment September 25, at 11:15. Huh? I missed it. I forgot..well, actually I still don't remember having made that appointment in the first place. Twilight Zone...hearing it made me feel creepy.

Some days it is so hard for me to remember. It is like my memory is impenetrable. Literally I feel like a steel wall is in place, in my head as my thoughts try to look for a crack, try to wedge through it....push it to the side, climb over it...but I can't. SLE or pain meds?

Still plugging along? Feeling better for you weekend getaway? I do, hope so...enjoy it and we'll chat up when you get back...

Squeeze..
Love,
Oluwa
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Saysusie · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 10:26 am Post subject:

Oluwa;
Oh, how the memory issues sound so familiar to me. I have to write things down on my calendar, input them into the calendar on my phone, write them down on the white board in the kitchen, and finally put stickys on my computer. Even after doing all of that, there are still many things that I forget and/or overlook Sad

I've gotten to the point where I don't want to try to remember everything, it is much to daunting a task to do so. My head feels like there are millions of bees swarming around inside of there whenever I try to recall anything. I just want to go lie down and forget everything...just turn the lights off, close the door, draw the shades and let me just lie there! I just realized that my feelings sound a lot like depression. Perhaps I am a bit depressed...it's been a difficult month!
Have you told your doctor that the injections are causing much more pain that the symptoms they were prescribed for? That doesn't make much sense to me, that they'd prescribe a regimen that aggravates the condition. I'm with you about discontinuing it. If the massages and the Lortabs work, stick with that regimen.
I've also been sleeping with ice packs. My husband bought me two packs that slip inside of a re-usable self-adhesive wrap. I can place it anywhere on my body and oh, does it feel good. Especially when inflammation is causing so much pain!
Right now, I am sooooooooo fatigued, my body feels as if (as Rob described it) I'm weighted down by a lead blanket. I can't seem to move my arms or my legs and I've been having horrible headaches every day - all day long! My bones hurt, my muscles hurt, I'm throwing up - can't figure that one out - and have lost my appetite completely! No fun.
BUT, my best friend and I did get to the pool yesterday. Did more floating than swimming (I was just too weak), but that was fine...I was in the water. We curled up under our towels and lay on the chaises talking for almost 2 hours before we headed home. I felt so much better (emotionally).
We are leaving tonight for our second try at a little vacation get-a-way. I've packed all of my medications - even my just-in-case stuff - and am anxious to go. I will be back on October 4th. Until then, I know that Rob will take care of our family and you (a moderator by proxy) will also be there for those who are in need. Just having that bit of peace of mind will help me to make it through the week will less stressors.
Take Care, sweet angel....CYA later
Always
Saysusie
_________________
Look For The Good and Praise It!