Hi
Sorry playing catch up as I have been having a rather long winded flare and cannot use the computor for long periods. I have treated myself to an electric overblanket that I can leave on low all night - cosy but fed up with so many cushions/pillows under painful joints - you have to laugh.

I had to see the rheumy nurse yesterday at K.Lynn hospital she was very supportive as I was a bit teary. Starting hydro whatsit Monday..... but I had to use a walking stick for the first time!!! My knee seemed to be tearing apart and I was scared I would fall over. OT waiting list is 5 months.

I went to the wonderful Christmas Show at Thursford and suddenly my arm started - it is so embarassing when you are wriggling around trying to get a very painful joint comfortable when the tendon refuses to co-operate. Jaw one day,shoulders and ribs most evenings etc etc. I havent even written a Christmas Card as both thumb joints are far too painful.

I did reach goal weight at Weight Watchers and am now 2 lb under goal - it is lovely getting into skirts Per Una 12s when I used to buy size 16.

Tomorrow I have been invited by the local Lions Club to have a Christmas Dinner for the oldies and I shall enjoy not having any preparation or wshing up.

Love to you all
Sue

Well done on such a great achievement at weight watchers! I hope that the flare goes quickly. It makes you feel very emotional when things are bad. it only takes a kind word and the tears flow! Sometimes it does you good just to let them fall!

You could have a look for a snazzy walking stick: it must have made you feel very sad and upset at the impact of this dashed condition and the sheer injustice of being the one to have it. I feel like that sometime but reality dawns: it could be one heck of a lot worse.

The hydro should help you. I had a go at that but it did me no good. It was probably because it was too soon after diagnosis and I was still in a dreadful state.

This christmas card writing is a real pain in the hands. I have now finished mine but it took a week. You want to write a few words in them and to have your writing legible as well.

The blanket sounds great. Just what sore joints need. trouble is when the night sweats hit: i'd be scared that it would blow up.

Enjoy your meal. What a nice treat for you.

Hope that you feel a heck of a lot better soon Sue and that you manage to get along better with the support of your stick. Keep in touch.

Eleanor x

Well done with loosing the weight Sue, hope you get some relief soon

Sophie x

\This is the second try as the first disappeared.

Thank you for your kind words they are very much appreciated. The knee is fine today so no stick needed but I will get advice on the correct type and hand fitting when I do get to see an OT as the Boots one was definitely only for a short journey and hurt my hand and wrist.

The OAP (I was a youngster) lunch was good and the entertainment too a mini bus ran me and my neighbour back to the door which was a great blessing.

I must write one Christmas Card tonight and thats it for today. I need to investigate a larger mouse for the laptop as using a smaller one doesnt help with the sore thumb joints. I visited a local computor shop but all the mice were pre packed in plastic cases so I couldnt try them - any comments/advice would be appreciated. Chrissy has a roller ball one but I dont think thats the right thing for me...... I may be wrong.

So far I dont like the new forum design but I guess I will get used to it.

Hugs to you all
Sue