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Arthritis Insight Newsletter * Vol. 1 Issue 17 July 26, 2000
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--------------------------------- What a week! We've worked hard and JRA World@arthritisinsight is complete. At least we think so! Please check it out, http://jraworld.arthritisinsight.com and let us know if you find any typos or bad links. Basically it is Arthritis Insight for the teen-young adult crowd. Eventually we'll add areas for children with arthritis and their parents. As always, we're open to any suggestions! Anything you want to see on the site, let us know and we'll do our best to get it there. And, just like Arthritis Insight, JRA World will be updated frequently. Check out the updates page everyday to see what's new. JRA World will have it's own bi-weekly newsletter beginning in late August, you'll have to register as a JRA World member to receive it.
--------------------------------- Most of those of you who know me know that generally I am a pretty patient and easy going guy. Well this week, my patience has been worn thin. First we had the flap about the use of colors in the main chat room. Then on the days following that, we began to get complaints about the topics covered and the language used in the "playroom." By the time this article comes out, the playroom and all other secondary rooms will be gone. Neither KJ nor I can be around to monitor the rooms 24 hours a day. I was not there and did not hear or see what was said. I do know though that we are spending way too much time putting out fires. From now on, there will be only 2 main chat rooms, the Main AI chat room and the New JRAWorld chat room.
--------------------------------- Ten ways to Terrorize a Telemarketer?
Check out all the jokes at /fun/jokes/index.html. Send yours in today!
--------------------------------- Arthritis can affect your ability to do even the simplest of tasks. I've heard some people say, "Accept your limitations." I'm not sure accepting them is the way to go. I prefer to challenge those limitations, work around them, finding alternate ways of achieving the same goal. Every week I'll share some tips I've found to work around those annoying limitations and I hope all of you will send in your tips too. We may not be the next Martha Stewart, but sometimes the simplest things can help so much.?
Check out more tips at /living/tips.html and send in yours today to Tina@arthritisinsight.com
--------------------------------- This week's Featured Discussion is Back Problems. We've been very lucky and have the staff of Professional Back Solutions
http://www.professionalbacksolutions.com?
helping us out with some great articles on back pain. Check it out at /feature/backs?
What do you want to see on Arthritis Insight or in the Newsletter? Let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate!
--------------------------------- As it often happens with doctors, especially surgeons, Dr. Ken Merriman was unable to join us as scheduled on Monday night, we'll get that chat rescheduled soon!
--------------------------------- Hello! Hello! Flaring this week, so not doing much in the way of exotic cooking. But fortunately I have a recipe from reader to share.
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This week's News headlines: A drink a day keeps brain in tip-top shape?
For complete news see /news/news.html
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--------------------------------- IF
I KNEW ~Author Unknown
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Arthritis Insight Newsletter Copyright 2000
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Vol 1 Issue 17
The information in this newsletter should not take the place of advice and guidance from your own health-care providers. Material in this newsletter is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Be sure to check with your doctor before making any changes in your treatment plan. Information presented here is the opinion of the authors and has not necessarily been approved or endorsed by the medical advisors.
Notes From Tina
(tina@arthritisinsight.com)
Along with the good things, bad things must come I suppose. We've had a few disagreements this week with our decision to remove the playroom from the Arthritis Insight Chat Room. I'll try not to dwell on it here since Ron covers it in his column but I do want to say that I am hurt by some of the things said about me the past few days. I've been called "power-hungry" and I've read that "KJ just isn't the same person anymore, she isn't one of the guys." Well, KJ wishes she could be "one of the guys" again. But things have changed since the days of the 25 page, 100 visitors a day website of Arthritis Net. I now work at least 60 hours a week on this website, without a paycheck. I, and everyone else involved, do the best that we possibly can to make this a wonderful place for the thousands of people that visit the site everyday. I just don't have the time to be in the chatroom hanging out every night, I wish I could. To those unhappy with our decisions and my behavior, I am sorry but that's the way it is?if wanting to do what we think is best makes me "power-hungry" so be it. To the vast majority of you that have offered your support of our decision, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support and friendship mean so much to me. And to all the newbies out there, please don't let this deter you from entering the chatroom! You'll find it a great place filled with wonderful people offering support and friendship!
Enough of that from me!
Some of you have sent very positive comments about Char's Remicade Journal.
/community/stories/char1.html
. I asked Char to keep a journal when she was told she would be starting Remicade Infusions. As it turns out she is now in the midst of an insurance battle to get it approved before she can start. The journal may get very interesting! I am asking any of you that are about to start a new drug or treatment or are preparing for surgery to keep a journal to share with us. Being able to read these personal accounts may help someone else make a decision regarding their medical options. I'll be starting a journal soon, I found out last week that I will be starting the Prosorba Column treatments again in September.
A good friend of mine lost her mother recently. It seems she was taking NSAIDS and not eating properly with them. She died of stomach bleeding. To Kate, I offer my deepest sympathy. And to the rest of you, I beg you to report any abnormal GI symptoms to your doctor if you are taking NSAIDs?please!
:::::now putting my fire suit on to help save Ron from the flames:::::
Ron's Ramblin's
(ron@arthritisinsight.com)
I know that already some of you are angry with KJ and I for taking this action. However this site was developed to allow the exchange of information about arthritis related topics and for the development and enhancement of a support group. To that extent, the main AI room will satisfy everyone's needs. If anyone feels that their conversation needs to be "blue" there are plenty of sites out there willing to accommodate you. We have had complaints about the colors and about the language and topics this week, so after much debate, we believe that it is in the best interest of most of our visitors to maintain only the arthritis related rooms.
I really believe that KJ and I have been extremely liberal in our allowance of all topics in the playroom. The room for the most part has remained unmonitored. However, when new people are afraid to enter the room and more established members decide to leave because of crudeness, then it is time for us to do something. The chatroom will remain basically the same as it always has been with the exception that all conversations will be carried on in the Main AI Room.?
Neither KJ nor I want to have to enforce stringent standards for the room. But with the entry of JRAWorld into our family, there will be young adults and perhaps even children passing through. At this point, we only ask that you keep it clean. That you attempt to keep it focused toward Arthritis related or support related topics and that you make everyone feel welcome. This does not mean that friendly conversations can't go on, we both participate in some of those. It does mean however that a standard of friendliness and a lack of profanity or sexual conversation will be the norm for the room.?
I realize that some of you are going to think that this is too harsh a step for us to take. We disagree. We were left no choice.?
(((((((((Hugs to all)))))))
Your Weekly Giggle
10. When they ask "How are you today?" Tell them! "I'm so glad you asked because no one these days seems to care, and I have all these problems; my arthritis is acting up, my eyelashes are sore, my dog just died..."?
9. If they say they're John Doe from XYZ Company, ask them to spell their name. Then ask them to spell the company name. Then ask them where it is located. Continue asking them personal questions or questions about their company for as long as necessary.?
8. Cry out in surprise, "Judy! Is that you? Oh my God! Judy, how have you been?" Hopefully, this will give Judy a few brief moments of pause as she tries to figure out where she could know you from.?
7. If MCI calls trying to get you to sign up for the Family and Friends Plan, reply, in as SINISTER a voice as you can, "I don't have any friends... would you be my friend?"?
6. If they want to loan you money, tell them you just filed for bankruptcy and you could sure use some money.?
5. Tell the telemarketer you are on "home incarceration" and ask if they could bring you a case of beer and some chips.
4. After the telemarketer gives their spiel, ask him/her to marry you. When they get all flustered, tell them that you could not just give your credit card number to a complete stranger.?
3. Tell the telemarketer you are busy at the moment and ask them if they will give you their HOME phone number so you can call them back. When the telemarketer explains that they cannot give out their HOME number, you say "I guess you don't want anyone bothering you at home, right?" The telemarketer will agree and you say, "Now you know how I feel!" Say goodbye - and Hang up.?
2. Insist that the caller is really your buddy Leon, playing a joke. "Come on Leon, cut it out! Seriously, Leon, how's your mom?"?
And first and foremost:?
1. Tell them to talk VERY SLOWLY, because you want to write EVERY WORD down.?
Tina's Tips
From Iris:
You ask about "tips" for coping with aids that we must have for our arthritic conditions. It took me a long time to make friends with my cane. Not that I didn't need it, but was so very self conscious; and when someone would tell me to put that thing down and walk, would make me feel even worse. Now, at Christmas I put a small red bow on my cane and take some extra bows to church to pass out. Same for other occasions. Hope this might help someone.?
Great idea Iris! I also decorate all my arthritis looking thangs! I use cute print socks to cover splints, stickers work too. Spray paint works great on an old wood cane and the color can be changed easily for special occasions! I figure if I have ti use these things, I might as well make them as fun as I can. What about the rest of you? Do you jazz up your aids and orthopedic devices in any way?
What's New?
Advice for Better Living
I am seeing an arthritis doctor for the first time in two weeks. My family doctor thinks I have rheumatoid arthritis. I am scared! What will happen at this appointment??
OK Folks! Let's help this person out! What happened at your first rheumatologist appointment? Tell us!?
/living/advice/?
Expert Advice:
I was diagnosed with trocanteric bursitis, fibro, and osteo of my back and feet-at 44 after leaving the air force. Except for my back I had no other problem. Docs say my feet have mild osteo but they and my hip hurt a lot-the tingling aching gets almost unbearable. Am not coping well. I am sick of the valium, anti inflam, pain killers and exercise. Nothing makes much difference and the pain killers ie methadone have intolerable side effects. Are people cured of fibro? What else can I do for the bursitis? Its chronic and runs down my leg. My military experience was very traumatic and just left 6 months ago after 20 years. I feel beaten up.
See our Expert answers to this and more questions at /medical/advice/?
Club House
Is anyone looking for an exercise buddy? Join our exercise club!
/community/clubhouse/exercise.html??
Freebies
A bunch of health related freebies for you!?
/living/freebies/index.html?
Photo Album
Tina's new pond is finally finished! See the pictures.
/community/photo/?
To see all of our latest additions see: /updates.html?
Check it every morning and you won't miss a thing.
What's Coming??
Next week's Featured Discussion will be Men's Health. Guys, we need you, please take a minute to fill out our survey:
/feature/survey.html?
Girls, don't fret, your turn is coming up!
Now that JRA World is up and running we'll begin work on our shopping section. We still need product suggestions. If you found a great, easy to use product, please let us know.
Arthritis Insight Chat /community/chat/
On Monday July 31st Walt Hanks will be our guest expert at a chat for MEN only. Walt will be covering Men's Health and answering any question you may have. Girls, your turn is the next week!?
The complete chat schedule can be found at /community/chat/schedule.html?
With the addition of JRA World to Arthritis Insight, we've added two new chats. Tuesdays at 10pm Eastern JRAWHostJeff will host Young Adults with Arthritis support chat. And every Thursday at 10pm Eastern we'll have Growing Up With Arthritis, for kids, teens, and adults who are growing up or have grown up with arthritis hosted by JRAWHostAaron. Both chats will take place in the JRAWorld Chatroom
Cooking With Char!
There probably aren't a surplus of tomatoes, just yet, but when that time arrives, here is a recipe from Dale, to try something new.
Tomato Pie
1 deep dish pie crust
5-6 firm tomatoes
1/2 C finely chopped onions
3 tsp. Basil
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. Pepper
2 TBS. Flour
1/2 C mayonnaise
1 1/2 C shredded Cheddar
Bake pie crust 10 minutes at 350. Skin and slice tomatoes and put in colander to drain excess juice (about 2 hours) I sop them with paper towels.?
Mix spices together. Place a layer of tomatoes in pre-baked crust, then sprinkle with half the onion and half the spices. Sprinkle 1 TBS. flour over top. Continue with another layer of tomato, onion, spices and flour. Mix together mayo and cheese and spread evenly over top. Bake 35 minutes at 350 or until golden brown.
It sounds yummy Dale. If I ever have more tomatoes than I want to eat raw, I am going to try that.
And all you home gardeners out there, what do you do with the produce from your garden? I know there is always zucchini to be had. What do you do with it?
I have a simple recipe for zucchini bread and even a zucchini lasagna that I will share. But I want contributions from my readers. Send me all the ways to use zucchini that you have devised, and we will devote at least one column (extra long) to it. If you really come thru for me, we may share 2 columns worth.?
So send in ALL of those zucchini recipes. I am counting on you.
If you have questions, comments, suggestions, or recipes you would like to share, send them to
Char@arthritisinsight.com?
Notes and Insights:
October Happening In Ohio
When...October 12-15?
Place...Wooster, Ohio
Looks like we have quite a crowd going already! If you can make it, you won't regret the experience of meeting and making new friends with other people with arthritis.
All the information is now on a website thanks to Kimmy! http://fadedjeans.com/ohio?
It's a Baby Shower!
Many of you know that Amy, AKA Lake Goddess is very impatiently awaiting that phone call that will send her to China to pick up her new baby daughter. We're going to host a Cyber Baby Shower!?
When: Thursday July 27th at 9pm Eastern time?
Where: The Arthritis Insight Chatroom.
RSVP: Krissyjo@aol.com? or kelly@idmail.com?
New Arthritis Insight Newsletter Feature
We had a great suggestion this week and we'd like to give it a try. We'll call it "Featured Columnist". We'd like folks to submit articles to us. It can be on anything to do with life with arthritis. From serious and technical to light and funny, we want 'em. Each week we'll have a different Featured Columnist. A great way to hear some other points of view, we think it'll be interesting and fun. (we reserve the right to refuse any article that we feel does not suit our members interest) Looking forward to hearing from you!
Special Offers for Arthritis Insight Members
Whenever possible we will try get to our sponsors to agree to discounts and the like for our members. Here are our current special offers:
KAS Enterprises (http://www.kasenterprises.com/theraband.html?ai) has graciously offered to help us out in our quest for fitness. They have put together a special package of
Thera-Bands? and accessories. All for $19.99 with free shipping and a free instruction manual. If you mention Arthritis Insight you'll get double Frequent Buyer Bonus Points so you can earn free products!
Sore No More gel (http://www.sorenomore.com/) will send a free sample of the pain relieving gel to any Arthritis Insight Community Member who emails them at
dma@glogerm.com .
Therabath Paraffin Therapy Bath is offering $30 off of their regular price of the Therabath unit. Visit
http://www.wrmed.com/special_offer.htm
for more info.
News
Depressed More Likely to Be Lax About Medical Treatment?
Vitamins Reduce Risk of Heart Disease, Stroke?
No Differences In Risk Factors Or Adverse Events In Rheumatoid Arthritis And Osteoarthritis?
New theory on chronic fatigue syndrome in veterans?
Bone Mineral Density Normal In Juvenile Arthritics In Remission
The Bottom-Line Buzz on Coffee and Health?
Contribute
If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you fall
asleep, I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the
lord your soul to keep.
If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk
out the door, I would give you a hug and kiss and call
you back for one more.
If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice
lifted up in praise, I would video tape each action and
word, so I could play them back day by day.
If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra
minute or two to stop and say "I love you."
If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to
share your day, well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.
For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance to make everything right.
There will always be another day to say "I love you,"
and certainly there's another chance to say "Anything
I can do?"
But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget.
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike,
and today may be the last chance you get to hold your
loved one tight.
So, if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes, you'll surely regret the day
that you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug,
or a kiss and you were too busy to grant someone what
turned out to be their one last wish.
So, hold your loved ones close today, whisper in their ear.
Tell them how much you love them and that you'll always hold them dear.
Take time to say "I'm sorry", "please forgive me", "thank you", or "it's okay".
And if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets about today.
Page last updated on July 27, 2000
The information provided by
Arthritis Insight.com should not take the place of advice
and guidance from your own health-care providers. Material in this site is provided
for educational and informational purposes only. Be sure to check with your doctor before
making any changes in your treatment plan.
Information presented on ArthritisInsight.com is the opinion of the authors and
has not necessarily been approved or endorsed by the medical advisors. The
information contained on this web site may not be published, broadcast or
otherwise distributed without prior written authorization.
