May 2012
26 posts
12 tags
Weekly Link Roundup 05/30/2012
Could a Urine Test Predict Response to Biologic Medication? A new study suggests that urinalysis may be able to predict if Rheumatoid Arthritis patients are likely to respond to biologic medication. The study found a direct correlation between metabolites tested and Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha. RA patients who responded well to anti-TNF therapy had a distinct metabolomic profile compared...
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New Device Cuts Fibromyalgia Pain in Pilot Study →
New Device Cuts Fibromyalgia Pain in Pilot Study— May 24, 2012
A device for transcranial magnetic stimulation deep in the brain has produced some cases of sustained pain relief when tested on five Fibromyalgia patients in a new pilot study.
The device is a four coil device with the ability to target a deeper brain region called the dorsal anterior cingulate, a region of the brain linked...
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Little Things
Few things make me happier than having a somewhat productive day, pain meds working properly, sinking into a very comfortable bed at perfect temperature at 9pm, and watching interesting science/health-related documentaries. Lemon/garlic baked chicken and broccoli for dinner is also a plus.
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Chronic Illness, Autoimmunity, and Weight Gain:...
I have a confession to make.
I have gained 25lbs since December.
Much of this weight gain is a direct result of medication— I gained when I started Enbrel, I gained when I changed the dosage of my anti-depressant, etc.
I know so many of my readers can relate. Chronic illness can drastically change the appearance of the afflicted— from extreme weight gain (Prednisone/moon face,...
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“Without pain, how could we know joy?’ This is an old argument in the field...”
– John Green, The Fault in Our Stars
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Update: Chronic Curve MIA, sleep marathons, flare...
Fatigue is something I’ve struggled with since diagnosis, but also found myself struggling with a lack of sleep. While the exhaustion has always been overwhelming, my insomnia was equally so and the frustrating combination of exhastion and inability to sleep really pissed me off.
But this weird combination has completely changed in the last four weeks. Now, I’m sleeping too much. Way...
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Florida Autoimmune Meetup
Would any of you be interest in an autoimmune/chronic pain/illness FL meetup? I have spoken to so many of you all over the state and I keep getting messages asking about organizing a meetup.
What do you think? Message me if you’d be interested.
Anonymous asked: where have you been?
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Anonymous asked: Do you know anything that helps acne that you get from steroids?
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Dear United States Postal Service,
I have never been more infuriated with a postal service ever before. I have had problems with you in the past, but today was the last straw. First, you lose not one, but TWO orders of packages. So I go to resend the packages (which are now over a week LATE), and they were returned to sender because you did not add the correct postage when I went in SPECIFICALLY to have you weigh the packages...
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Update: the good and not-so-good
the good:
My lovely aunt has offered me part time work over the summer that I can do from home, meaning my anxiety over expenses will sit at a 5 rather than an 8. I am so excited about this.
I did have a prednisone reaction after receiving 60mg last week. My skin burned for a day, but no heart palpitations and it went away quickly.
My hands were a bit better the day after the infusion, but...
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World Autoimmune Arthritis Day: Groundbreaking... →
World Autoimmune Arthritis Day made the front page of Yahoo News!
On May 20th, 2012, the 1st World Autoimmune Arthritis Day (WAAD) will happen online in the form of a Virtual Convention, spotlighting awareness and educational materials for those affected by these serious and sometimes life threatening diseases.
Interact with patients, supporters, nonprofits and advocacy groups from around...
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“It starts with one physician at a time. The redefined physician is human, knows...”
– TEDxToronto, Brian Goldman
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Weekly Link Roundup 05/11/2012
Association Between Rheumatoid Arthritis & Systemic Bone Loss Highlights the Importance of Omega-3 Anti-Inflamatory Diet— Has your rheumatologist ever suggested you take fish oil? It’s widely known as an anti-inflammatory supplement, but here’s just one more reason why those of you with inflammatory autoimmune diseases should consider it: a new study published by Arthritis...
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Remicade Infusion 05/09/2012
First infusion of Remicade went smoothly :) Infusion was started about 10am this morning; didn’t leave until ~3:30 in the afternoon, so it was a long day. No reactions thus far. Had 60mg of Prednisone infused that I am not thrilled about, but no palpitations this time. I’m still hoping I can bypass a reaction from the steroids, but we’ll see what tomorrow brings. 50mg IV...
9 tags
Ugly Truth
Monday’s appointment apparently pushed my body over the edge. Today I awoke to find myself in the worst flare I have ever had.
Over the past year, I’ve gotten a lot of questions (both anon and otherwise) asking me what a flare is like. I never answered them. I found the question too difficult; words failed to explain the complexity of a flare. I responded to the questions with music....
3 tags
Personal Health Update
Saw Dr. S today.
Made it to the office knowing I was in no real position to be at the doctor’s office. Started dry heaving on the drive there, checked in, found out my doctor was 45 minutes behind schedule, sat down anticipating a long morning, and my pain started to spike. Nurse called me to check my vitals after only a moment in the waiting room and I quite obviously threw up in my mouth...
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The next time you don't want to wait an hour for...
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Autoimmune Anniversary Giveaway Winners!
by completely random selection via Excel:
Brooke L. Alexander
Stacey Howe
Please send me your shipping information and pearl color choice via email! chroniccurve@gmail.com
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Autoimmune Anniversary Giveaway: Announcing Winner...
Remember the autoimmune anniversary giveaway I mentioned a week ago?
Unfortunately I had to put it off until I was home and settled for summer, but now that I am, I will be announcing winners on Sunday, May 6th at 5pm (EDT). As always, like the Facebook page to be eligible to win.
What you can win:
A pair of The Leighton Pearl earrings: custom made, wire-wrapped Swarovski pearl earrings with...
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Just a reminder that when you order a bracelet, I...
Though I do my best to get the orders out ASAP (and usually do), there are times when flares kick my ass so hard that I’m unable to get to the post office, let alone out of bed or off of my couch, for a week or two at a time.
I’m sure those of you with similar diseases understand just how serious a flare can be, so I know that most of you understand why having a 2-4 week period for...
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Exciting News! Chronic Curve Will Be Presenting at...
I am both flattered and honoured to be a presenter at the first international World Autoimmune Arthritis Day!
As part of the event (you can register here), there will be sixteen downloadable presentations and live chat sessions hosted by patient advocates. I will be doing a presentation on self esteem and maintaining a positive, loving relationship with yourself despite...
bourin asked: Hi. I'm an artist that was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis last June. I had pain for 4 years before the diagnosis, though. It's only in my right hand, but there's no damage yet thankfully. Doesn't seem to be spreading either. I have a lot of moody days, because physical integrity is pretty much the most important thing to me. I miss pushups and dumbbell flyes and drawing...
