Life is tough and no one understands

[bmcreppel]

I know a lot of people are sick of hearing about Katrina, but I have to say that since that damn hurricane, life really has been tough. Things just haven't quieted down for me personally. We have been back in our house, but my Mom died two months after the hurricane and I lost my job, my health insurance, my godmother (cousin), my best friend just died, my sister and nephew are in jail and dealing with all of the extra expenses and trying to get things back to normal since the storm have just SUCKED!!!! Then, being sick through all of this.........

Friends think by calling you and making you listen to their problems helps, but believe me it does not,, but I've found out that if I don't talk to them, then the phone rings for days and they threaten to come over then and beat on the door to wake me up. I keep telling them that I am on some heavy duty drugs and I need my rest, but if they call I must answer or be annoyed even more. Thank God it's the holidays and they will be preoccupied. I really need a helping hand not a freakin' phone call.

I know I'm being a nut case....and yes I feel like one right now and personally feel too bad to drive myself to the doctor these days.

Please pray for me....

[Green Butterfly]

I know how you feel and I will be praying for you.......

[Ihurt]

That storm was the storm of the century..it killed, maimed and uprooted countless lives. Anyone who can't wrap their minds around the devastation that Katrina caused is a moron.

I have in laws in LA-Alexandria and Opalusas. In the following weeks after the storm, my children, freinds and I went up and down our major road getting "material" donations from stores and shop keepers. A local quilt maker who has severe Lupus donated two of her hand made quilts. Poor thing, her hands are mangled from the arthitis. We talked to our local fire department and they agreed to rent us the hall (free-their donation because it's usually a 75.00 fee), and we had a Katrina Benefit. We raised over 3700.00 in a chinese auction, & Bake sale. The kids worked and worked...we organized them, they helped out immensely. If you want to see all the pics, just PM me and your email and I will send them.

The money was sent to a church in Alexandria where they were sheltering 340 people in bungalows that the church usually used for summer bible camp. It allowed them to buy sides of beef, chicken and other foods they were cooking to feed the refugees. We also collected boxes and boxes of clothing. My husband's company paid the postage for these to be sent down. We sent about 20 boxes of clothing and shoes.

THIS WAS ALL DONE under the name of "Pocono Mountains Care". The Auction was October 1, 2005. (Pictures attached)

What people don't realize is that like an earthquake....Katrina caused aftershocks for many people.

It's the aftershocks that you are going through, and I am so sorry you are. Im sorry that you have all this on your plate and then this illness. Im sure you are flaring.

You mention pain meds or heavy duty meds. Are you currently being treated for depression too? If not, this is very important. I find that taking pain meds without having an antidepressant will only serve to make me depressed, and right now you need all the resources you can muster. Do you have P Pa or both? Do you treat with a Rheumy or Derm?

Keep coming here to these boards. We all deal with the depression caused by this illness, and then the added everyday life. Sounds like you have more than three doses of that.

Im sorry all this has and is continuing to happen in your life. Know that someone here cares. I will send up prayers and good thoughts that you will start to feel better really soon, and that the freinds will come to their senses!

Hugs
Elaine

[RichJ]

hi bmcreppel,
you are in my prayers i wish you the best

try and have a good day

richard

[bmcreppel]

Hi,

God bless you guys who helped through all of this. It was all greatly appreciated.

The heavy duty drugs I am on is the MTX for the last few months and steroids before that. Believe me, the dr. will not give you any pain meds other than the steroid injections. I am seeing only a dermatologist and family doctor at this time. I have talked to my family doctor about the depression and am trying to deal with it without antidepressants because I have never had a good outcome with them.

Thanks for listening and the prayers.

[Ihurt]

But we didn't do anything our southern neighbors would'nt have done or did do throughout 9/11. I was a volunteer on the waterfront from 9/13-9/26-both sides, NJ and NY. I couldn't count the fireman and police officers and officials who were here wearing all different jackets from cities iin Louisiana. Yankees have long memories lol. We do not forget.

I can't help but think that now is the time to see a Rheumatologist????

I have been a nurse alot of years and worked for many physicians. There is truly a difference!

PCP's try really hard, but they deal with a myriad of things and can't really specialize in this area. Derm's treat the skin. Rheumy's will treat your joints and THE PAIN.

Trying to fight the illness without the use of pain meds is like trying to fight a war with no soldiers!
Please try to see a Rheumy. If you have less pain, you will have less depression and then can deal with all that you have to. Wish I was there to help because I know intimately what overwhelm is like.

Again, I strongly urge you to see a Rheumy. Good luck and God bless you!

Elaine

[ouchyk]

oh B,

I so agree with Elaine, you need to see a rheumatologist.

Just saw a tv program with the aftermath of Katriana like a few months ago, good lord I'd be in the flare of a lifetime too...such devestation STILL.

I was going to say shame on someone but I don't want to start a political war so..

Hang in there and know that others understand.

Karen

[Malibu 2]

I know a lot of people are sick of hearing about Katrina, but I have to say that since that damn hurricane, life really has been tough. Things just haven't quieted down for me personally. We have been back in our house, but my Mom died two months after the hurricane and I lost my job, my health insurance, my godmother (cousin), my best friend just died, my sister and nephew are in jail and dealing with all of the extra expenses and trying to get things back to normal since the storm have just SUCKED!!!! Then, being sick through all of this.........

Friends think by calling you and making you listen to their problems helps, but believe me it does not,, but I've found out that if I don't talk to them, then the phone rings for days and they threaten to come over then and beat on the door to wake me up. I keep telling them that I am on some heavy duty drugs and I need my rest, but if they call I must answer or be annoyed even more. Thank God it's the holidays and they will be preoccupied. I really need a helping hand not a freakin' phone call.

I know I'm being a nut case....and yes I feel like one right now and personally feel too bad to drive myself to the doctor these days.

Please pray for me....

We are ALL here for you and you will definetly be in our prayers. Don't forget sweetie, we are ALL going through this together. If your friends don't understand,,,,,,,,please know that we do.

Very important to make sure you are seeing the correct doctor though. If you do have psoriatic arthritis then you should really see a Rheumatologist. They can help with the pain and monitor your progress as well as help with the psoriasis.

PA & P can for sure cause depression and can really cause one to "shut out life". I would FIRST try to get the pain in control by getting on the right drugs and then if you are still feeling depressed then seek medical help with anti-depressants. Either way you need see your dr or a new one.

Hang in there,,,,,,,,,,God is watching,,,,,,,he really is

[bmcreppel]

Well, you all made me cry. It's so nice to know that someone understands and cares!!!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Barb

[Ihurt]

I know my cry was when I first realized there were others out here like me :)

Happy Thanksgiving my dear.....try to create one with all new memories. Love the ones closest to you, but love yourself first. Meanwhile, we want a full report as to how your day went lol

Hugs
Elaine