I'm sorry I've been ignoring all of you for a few days.

[ThomCat]

The past two weeks have been painful and exhausting, and it has just worn me down. The past couple of days I've hibernated and rested and ignored the world. I haven't been deliberately ignoring all of you.

In a nutshell, I've lost more use of my hands. It's now getting painful even to type, and sometimes it's painful even to touch things with my fingertips. I'm on the verge of being forced to go on disability because if I can't use a computer then I can't do my job. The new med hasn't started helping yet. I'm hoping it will soon. If not, in 4 weeks I have to try something more powerful.

I see a lot of posts I wish I had seen and responded too. I'm sorry I wasn't here to talk with a bunch of you. :(

It might be another few days before I'm really back. Pain or no pain, I promise that I'll be back by Friday, because I want to celebrate my 40th birthday with all of you here in the lounge.
:grouphug:

I'll catch up with what's going on. I promise. :)

[lizziegrace]

1. oh Thom... :-(

Do you still have some help this week?

:hug:

Call when you feel up to it.

love you, sweetie...

[ThomCat]

12. No help this week.

But I'm managing. :)

While Miriam was here we did some bulk shopping. I have plenty to eat.

I have a lot of paper plates and plastic forks and spoons now too. I hate producing so much garbage, but if I can't do dishes I really don't have any choice.

My nephew says he's finally moving in this weekend, and he mailed some boxes of stuff here, so once he's moved in it will be better.

[TZ]

2. Awww..so sorry to hear that ThomCat

I hope your meds start working soon....:hug: :hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

13. Oh, I hope so too.

I'm really counting on this one kicking in, and the side effects going away as I acclimate. I could really use some progress. :)

How are you doing? :hug:

[TZ]

30. Waiting not so patiently to get my new meds...

Lots of red tape*sigh*

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. My dear ThomCat!

Oh, sweetie...

We know you'd never ignore us deliberately...

I am really sorry that you're having such a bad time of it...

We will always be here for you...

:hug:

:loveya:

[ThomCat]

15. Thank you, Peggy.

:hug:
I really appreciate that.

I remember posting something about a year ago warning that I might be posting less often because of hand problems. Then I was happy that it wasn't affecting my typing so I could still spend a lot of time online. I was really hoping that it wouldn't start moving where it's now going. :(

But regardless, I'll be here as much as I can manage, even if I have to start hunting and pecking with whichever finger hurts the least. :P

[KitchenWitch]

4. Hey, you gotta do what is least painful.

:hug:

I will be happy to celebrate with you!

:hug:

[ThomCat]

16. Yay! You get to bring the party hats!

:P

:hug:

[lost-in-nj]

5. hey train mate

:hug:


please

let me know if there is anything I can do

If not I will hold your cats hostage!!!!



they LOVE me

I petted them
and they are beautiful!!!!!!



really
you have my number



:hug:



lost

love you sweety

[ThomCat]

18. My cats do love you.

:)

And they're very good judges of character. :hug:

Right now, all I need is something that will work on this pain in my hands and feet. You're wonderful, but I don't think you have a magic wand that would work on this.
:P

:hug:

[Mrs.Matcom]

6. ThomCat...

:hug: :* to you to make you feel better soon!! And the big 40!!! :woohoo: Happy Birthday!!!

[ThomCat]

19. Thank you!

:hug:

I'm actually looking forward to turning 40. Despite everything, I'm happy about it. Go figure. :P

[hippywife]

7. Wishing you

a peaceful night with little pain and lots of good sleep. :hug:

[ThomCat]

20. That is an awesome wish.

I would love to have a long, peaceful night. Preferably one that isn't followed by still being exhausted the next day. :)

:hug:
That would be a wonderful birthday gift.

[hippywife]

73. I so wish

I, or someone else, could make it happen for you. I hope your new meds kick in soon and really help.

I did asked a co-worker who has RA about that meds you were asking about the other day. She said she takes hers weekly and she picks Friday night because it makes her very tired. That gives her the weekend to loll about if she wishes (or do things, too) and then she doesn't come into work until noon on Monday. (Funny thing with her is, she's a very large woman (tall and all over large) and wears these very high heels. I can't help but think trying to walk around on those can only exacerbate her RA pain. :shrug: )

:hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug:

[SeattleGirl]

8. Oh Thom.....

I'd never think you were ignoring us, and I'm really sorry you're going through such a bad time.

I hope the meds start working very soon.

And BTW, you might want to give some thought to voice-activated software, such as DragonSpeak. It's gotten a lot better than when it first came out years ago.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

I thought my boss was going to install it on my computer at work

but he hasn't, and he insists it's not worth it for someone who works on spreadsheets as much as I do. :shrug:

I may have to buy it myself to try at home.

:hug:

[SeattleGirl]

23. Hmmmm, that could be a problem.

I'm not sure what the numeric capabilities of voice activated software are; probably not very good.

If you install it on your computer at home, though, it will still help cut down on how much you are using your hands on the keyboard.

[Lavender Brown]

9. I am so sorry ThomCat

to hear you've been in that much pain. :( I hope the medication starts working soon and you can really enjoy your birthday. :hug:

[ThomCat]

24. My birthday is a bit low key this year.

I'm enjoying turning 40, but I'm not really doing anything big to celebrate it. Instead I'm doing a couple of small things.

I went out for a nice dinner last week with my ex girlfiend and a local DUer who is a close friend. We spend almost 200 dollars for three people at a vegan restaurant, and we all agreed that it was absolutely worth every penny of it. :9

I'm going to a Meetup tomorrow where I know they'll have a cake.

And I'll be here celebrating with you. :)

:hug:

[KamaAina]

10. Weren't you planning to move across town?

As in, to another borough?

When/if you do this, you will be in the service area of a different Center for Independent Living, which you will probably find more to your liking than the one where you are now. Here's the list:

http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/newYork.html

[ThomCat]

25. Thank you!

I am going to have to check out the office in Manhattan. I'm sure it will probably have better people than the outer boroughs. :)

I am still planning to move to Queens later this year if I'm able. I'm hoping that goes through. I'm looking forward to moving.

[huskerlaw]

11. I've missed you!!

I'm so sorry that you're having so much pain and I wish there was something I could do to help you through it.

I do offer this very gentle :hug: ...and know that I think of you often!

[ThomCat]

26. Thank you. :)

:hug:

Virtual hugs are all I get these days, so I'm getting good at visualizing them. :)

I'm typing slowly, but I'm still typing, so it's all good so far. Hopefully it will stay good. I can handle being slow.

[huskerlaw]

36. If I'm ever in NYC...

(or Albany...or wherever you end up)...you're getting a real hug from me. And that's a promise.

:hug:

[Gormy Cuss]

14. Ignore away.

Save your energy for the birthday celebration.


I hope the new meds start to help soon, :hug:

[ThomCat]

27. Hi Gormy Cuss!

:loveya:

I hope they start too. The side effects started quickly. You would think the primary effect would be just as quick. :)

:hug:

[av8rdave]

17. You were missed!

Hope the meds do the trick and you're back in fighting form soon!

[ThomCat]

28. One thing I have discovered

is that I seem to adapt very well each time I have a step down. I adjust to whatever my new limits are and keep going.

It would be wonderful if I don't have to do that anymore. I'd love to see some improvement for a change. But either way, I'll adapt. I'm too stuborn to stop. :)

[av8rdave]

33. That's a great attitude, but I"m with you - better to see things improve

[Ava]

21. i'm sorry.. mom and i will keep you in our thoughts and prayers

:hug: you're too good of a person to have to go through pain :pals:

[ThomCat]

29. Please say Hi to your mom for me.

Hugs for both of you. :hug: :hug:

[Ava]

32. will do.. she's been busy with work(trial term) and hasn't been on DU much lately

hugs back :hug:

[femmocrat]

22. No need to apologize, ThomCat!

Do what you can, when you can, and take good care of yourself.

I hope the meds kick in soon and you will find relief from the pain.

Please don't reply. I know you are with us in spirit.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

31. Guys are famous for being online one-handed.

:P
It's a good thing too, because only my right hand is really working well right now.

But I'm doing better than I've been doing all week, so I'm definitely taking advantage of that. Tomorrow it's supposed to rain so I probably won't be online. But Friday is supposed to be nice again.

:hug:

[femmocrat]

35. LOL

:evilgrin:

Better conserve some of that *energy* for Friday! Don't want to miss the party, do ya? :silly:

:grouphug:

[Bullwinkle925]

34. Crappity crap crap crap . . .

I DO NOT like hearing this - as you DO NOT like reporting it , I'm sure.

I am definitely keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

ThomCat, you're the best.

Hang in there dude.

Hugs big time . . .

[ThomCat]

37. Thank you very, very much!

:hug:

I would love to have good news to share. If this med works soon, or the next one, I'll definitely have a happier thread. :)

[Bullwinkle925]

42. I certainly hope so!!

You deserve a break!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AlCzervik]

38. Thomcat

i am so sorry to hear this and i was so hoping your new medication would help and i hold out hope it will, maybe it will kick in the next few days. You're in my thoughts.:loveya: :hug:

[ThomCat]

40. There is time. I have to give it 5 weeks.

It sucks that I'm going backwards instead of forward, but I am hoping it'll turn around. :)

If this turns around I'll definitely be here yelling and cheering about it!
:hug:

[Lil Missy]

39. Just do what you have to do to take care of yourself.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

41. I promise that I will do my best.

:)

:hug:

[WilliamPitt]

43. Damn

I'm sorry, brother. Got you in my thoughts.

[ThomCat]

48. Thank you. I think I really need good thoughts right now.

The weather forcecast is now saying rain for 4 more days! :(

That'll be 8 days in a row. By the end of next week I'm not going to be in pretty shape.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

44. I'm sorry you are going through all this Thomcat

But am glad to see you posting again. Take care and all the best:hug:

[ThomCat]

49. Thank you! I will definitely try.

But the weather isn't cooperating. :(

I would really, really like it if the rain would go someplace else.

[Connonym]

45. Don't worry about us, take care of yourself

Hope that you feel much, much better by your birthday 'cause we're all going to be lined up to give you birthday kisses.

[ThomCat]

50. Yay!

:hug:

I just hope I can be here, now that I know it's expected to keep raining straight through until next week.

[shaniqua6392]

46. I am so sorry to hear that ThomCat!

I will be praying for you. I wish I could do more. :hug:

[ThomCat]

52. If prayers could change the weather...

:)

:hug:
But the weather does what the weather will do, so NYC is going to get 4 More days of rain.

[shaniqua6392]

57. It is the same here in Michigan.

I call it sinus headache/arthritis weather. Damn barometric pressure. I just want to crawl in the bath tub and never come out. May I assume that you have a form of rheumatoid arthritis? I don't want to be nosy....I am sorry if it seems so. I have a few doctors and nurses in the family. Maybe they would have some suggestions, although I am sure you have been through the ringer with doctors and medications. I will offer my prayers and support though. Your kitties are still on my prayer list and I hope they are doing better. I think I may have to use a roll of toilet paper to write down my ever growing prayer list!! I picture God saying: Oh no! Not you again!! Oh well. Try to have a good day ThomCat! :-)

[ThomCat]

58. Psoriatic Arthritis

Reumatoid Arthritis's sibling. :P

I'm debating whether or not to call in sick today. I feel the pain building already. :(

I'm procrastinating, and that's a sign that I'll end up calling in to work. I should just stop debating and do it. The bathtub is calling me.

[shaniqua6392]

63. It sounds like you need to stay home today.

Take one of those hot baths that leaves your skin red like I do!! Then I just sit there moving my heating pad from one spot to another. LOL! I have been researching the use of Aloe Vera combined with glucosamine and MSM for my osteoarthritis. People say it works wonders. I guess they have forms of it that you drink and it lubricates joints and helps with pain. I can't imagine drinking aloe vera, but sometimes I think I would drink liquid dog pooh just to make the pain go away! I just read an article on this method working well for psoriatic arthritis too. Some also combine it with Omega 3 fatty oil capsules and selenium. Here is a link to the brand that they say works best and has a good combination with 85% pure aloe vera. http://www.actionspro.com/shop/product.php?productid=14
I am debating on ordering some. I will let you know how it goes. In the meantime, go take a hot bath and try to feel better. :hug:

[lizerdbits]

47. I will be sure to check in Friday for the party

I hope your new meds start helping or you get something that does. :hug:

[ThomCat]

53. Yay!

Now I just need to figure out which rain diety I need to appease. :P

:hug:

[miss_american_pie]

51. Oh, Thom.

You have my love and all my positive thoughts. :hug:

[ThomCat]

54. You have mine too.

I've been thinking about you recently. I hope you are doing well. :hug:

Or, at the very least, I hope you have good things on the horizon approaching quickly. :)

[BeachBaby]

55. Hey, neighbor.

I'm so sorry you're going through this, Thom. I hope that with a little more time, the pain will subside to a more bearable and sustainable range.

Thinking about you. Keep your kitties close. :hug:

[ThomCat]

56. I will definitely follow your advice.

I'm keeping the kitties very close! One of them insists on living in my lap most of the time. :P

:hug:

[Haole Girl]

59. Hi Thom

Sending hugs your way. I'm also going to send vibes, prayers, and good wishes that the new medicine will work soon!

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

64. Thank you, KC2!

:hug:

I'm home today because it's not working yet, except for the side effect of daily migraines. x(

But hopefully the migraines will stop and the pain relief will start.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

60. I hope you feel better soon.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

65. Thank you, SA!

:hug:

How are you doing?

[LynzM]

61. Aw Thom...

:hug:

That sucks, I'm sorry you're hurting so much... :( I really hope the new med starts helping soon. How've the side effects been, any improvement?

Will you get voice recognition software to help you be able to keep in touch with people? I realize that probably can't save your job, though :(

hang in there, dude, and please let me (us) know if there's anything I can do, ok? :loveya: :hug:

[ThomCat]

66. The biggest side effect so far

daily headaches. The first day, even my migraine med didn't help. But it has helped every day since then.

At some point I'm going to have to spend the money to buy the speach recongnition software. At the very least it will help with typing. :)

Though I don't know how well it will do with smileys. :P

I hope you and your whole family are doing wel. :loveya:

[crim son]

62. Thom, we miss you.

Don't give up on the meds. :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

67. I won't. I have at least one more stronger med to try

if this one doesn't work. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

68. Thinking of you

:hug:

[ThomCat]

74. I'm doing pretty well.

And I'm sure the good thoughts help. They're keeping me optimistic. :hug:

I think I am being taken out to see the Iron Man movie tomorrow evening after work. If the crowds aren't too horrible (at the opening at a Manhattan theater) :popcorn: then it should be a really good evening.

Despite the problem with my hands, despite the rain, despite everything I'm going to enjoy this weekend. :P

[lightningandsnow]

69. Aww, Thomcat...

Well, it's good to see you. And I'm sorry about all the shit that's going down.

If you end up not being able to type, have you ever thought of getting a voice-to-text synthesizer? It's where you speak into a microphone and it essentially types for you. Here's an interesting looking one - http://www.digitalriver.com/v2.0-img/operations/scansoft/site/367062/367062_dns-talk.html

Anyways... :hug:

[ThomCat]

75. I haven't investigated them very much yet

but I know I have some homework to do. At some point soon I'll need one unless the meds turn this around.

Every new change is scary at first, but I'm adjusting quickly, so regardless of how well the meds do or don't work I think I'm going to find a way to stay working for a while. I absolutely want to keep working for a long, long time.

We'll see how far sheer stubornness can take me. :P

:hug:

[Cabcere]

70. I wish you all the best, Thom.

:hug: I haven't been posting here as much lately either, but for different reasons. In case I'm not around here when you are on Friday, I'd like to wish you a VERY happy 40th birthday right now, and I hope the medication starts working for you really soon! :pals: Sending hugs and good vibes your way, friend. :yourock:

[ThomCat]

76. Thank you very much!

:hug:

Whatever you are doing that is keeping you offline, I hope it goes well, and I hope you are doing well. :loveya:

[VenusRising]

71. You do what you have to do to take care of yourself.

I do hope that you are feeling better soon. All my best vibes coming to you, sweetie.

:hug::loveya:

[ThomCat]

77. I will. I promise.

:)

:hug:

I hope you are doing well. And Gray is in my lap sending you purrs. :loveya:

[VenusRising]

79. Awww.

Loves me some kitty purrs. Lots of rubbins for Gray. :)

:hug:

[graywarrior]

72. Check your MySpace, ThomCat

:loveya:

[ThomCat]

78. I have.

And I have to say, at the risk of ruining your tough reputation, that you are a wonderful person! :loveya:

:hug:

I love seeing the pictures you use, and the contrast between you with short hair then and you with long hair now. I wish I was going gray as beautifully as you.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

80. Thanks for letting us know how you're doing...

Don't worry about posting...You're here in our hearts. :hug::hug::hug:

[ThomCat]

81. This just means

That I'll have to post is bursts. When my hands are doing reasonably well, like right now, I make it a priority to use them. :)

And at other times when they're not doing as well, like earlier today, I'm glad you understand. :hug:

[Ellen Forradalom]

82. FUCK PAIN

PAIN SUCKS.

:hug:

[raccoon]

83. Hope the new meds help.

And don't post if it hurts you. I've had repetitive strain injury, I understand about it being painful to type.

:hug: