Living Contraindicated Rheumatoid Arthritis

About Me

January 18th, 2009

Hello and Welcome,

Who am I… and why am I here?

My name is Teresa Thomas Bohannon.

I am one of the many people who was merrily going along their way in life only to one day find out that I had been stricken with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  It has been eight years now, and for the most part I have been one of the lucky ones…if there is such a thing when it comes to a disease that can and often does destroy organs and eventually lives.  I’m still here, and to the eyes of most people I look amazingly hale, hearty and healthy.  My family knows different, of course, as do a few close friends and more observant associates and co-workers.  I make no secret of it, but I don’t talk about it much either, but if you watch closely you will see the painful movements anytime I sit, or work, or type, or rest, or keyboard, or walk too long.

It all started a few years back when my joints started swelling and aching and I found that I had so little grip in my right hand that I could barely stand to turn a doorknob, and actually did not have the strength to do so in most cases.  My doctor and I thought it was merely early onset arthritis and so I began taking a miracle prescription that eased the pain and all was well for about a year.  Then the news came out that the miracle prescription created all sorts of nasty little problems like heart and liver failure and so I stopped taking it, and just started getting by on over the counter aspirin and Tylenol.

At that time, there had been, for several years, on the back of my right hand, what the old-timey people used to call a Bible Cyst.  It basically is a fluid filled lump that grows and recedes depending on how much you use the muscle involved.  In my case since I was already working heavily on the web and computers in general–as an adult student, author, web-designer and dedicated gamer–my cyst almost always stayed engorged to a greater or lesser degree depending on how many deadlines I had going at any given time. Of course, the greater it grows, the more stress is created on the the skin and the underlying nerves and muscles and the greater the degree of associated pain.

The reason these cysts are referred to as Bible Cysts is because traditionally the quickest way to deal with them has been to catch the suffer unawares and whack it with the biggest book in the house…which in the case of many homes is the Family Bible.  I say unawares, because usually this remedy is only employed when the cyst is already so engorged that it is about as painful as a person can bear.  As you might imagine whacking it with a huge book is not particularly pleasant either.  It fact the reaction is almost Tom and Jerry cartoonish since it usually elicits and loud “Yikes!” or “Yowlllll!” or other choices words as the newly healed dances around the trying to take their mind off of the sudden transition from dull, throbbing continuous pain to a sharp, knife stabbing style attack on the senses.

At any rate, my Bible Cyst lead to the discovery that I was in fact suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis.  About ten years ago my Bible Cyst took a growth spell and acquired a size that was really quite gross and disgusting in appearance  and quite magnificent in size.  It was not a particularly pretty site.  I am not a particularly vain person, and even less so about my hands, but I can pretty much guarantee you that very few women would like to walk around with a humongous, fluid filled cyst sitting on top of their hand, and neither did I.  This time was different however, before I could always back off on my keyboarding and using the mouse and gently massage the lump away–this time it was not going anywhere and in fact seemed to be growing more aggressively.

My lightning fast son the martial arts teacher decided to relieve me of my painful burden one day and asked me to lay my hand down flat on the table so he could see how big it actually was.  Foolish creature that I was, it never occurred to me that he would coldly, callously and cruely take matters into his own hands for my own good–but he did.  Before I had time to even think or withdraw, he did a powerful palm strike on the back of my hand and flattened the cyst…thereby, of course, leading me to do the aformentioned combination War Cry and Bursted Bible Cyst dance.

The odd thing is, he really did me a favor.  My Bible Cyst came back just as bad if not worse because just as it had the last time it did not recede on it’s own no matter how much I gently tried to break it up by massaging it, or no matter how much I babied my hand…but this time instead of going the home remedy route I went to see the Doctor.  He then referred me to a surgeon, who made an appointment to remove it.  The surgery was performed under General Anesthesia and so I still recall to this day the moment after the Surgeon sliced it open and said, “This is no cyst.  It’s Rheumatoid Arthritis. Take a biopsy and have it confirmed and then refer her to a Rhuematologist.”

And so eight years later here I am, mostly hale and hearty and healthy on the surface–one of the lucky ones because there is some factor in my blood that makes me one of the people who are less likely to be horribly crippled by the disease–but still having to deal with a life filled with medicines that create nausea and threaten my eyesight…and a daily dose of pain and fatigue that has seemed to intensify over the past two years.  I read once that within twelve years of initial diagnosis the disease will progress to the point that it takes over your life…I now believe that.

Thus, this blog.  I set up RSS feeds to keep track of breaking news and other items of interest to RH sufferers; because that is the best part of the web and it’s original intention, sharing education and information. If you are one that suffers from RH or just know or love someone who does…Welcome.  I hope that you will find something of use here.

Smiles…and Good Health,

Teresa Thomas Bohannon

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis News and Information From Around The World


Rheumatoid Arthritis Being Redefined by US and European Doctors

New criteria for rheumatoid arthritis will help prevent the disease from crippling patients, U.S. and European doctors say. The doctors, members of the American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism, describe rheumatoid arthritis as a progressive autoimmune inflammatory disease -- primarily of the joints -- which left untreated can lead to bone and cartilage damage ...

Self Care's Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Campaign Wins Top Award

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia's Self Care Program has won Australia's leading health promotion award for its rheumatoid arthritis campaign. The Australian Journal of Pharmacy Award for the Best Health Promotion of the Year was last night presented to the Self Care campaign. Self Care's Health campaigns are designed to educate and raise pharmacy staff and public awareness of particular ...

Rheumatologist speaks about arthritis symptoms

Rheumatologist Lue Cummins spoke with about 50 people about rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and how to deal with them at the Lonoke Community Center on Aug. 17. The Lonoke Lions Club hosted the event.

Just like mom?

You would be happy to inherit her wit, but you might be worried about acquiring your mom's health problems.

A center to study a baffling disease

The National Institutes of Health came out with some bad news last spring with a review of all the

News by location

Get local and national news updates via E-mail. You would be happy to inherit her wit, but you might be worried about acquiring your mom's health problems. Learn which genetic risks you face and how to protect your health for the long haul.

Delano area calendar

Delano Farmers Market NOW TO OCT. - The Delano Farmers Market, located on the corner of Highway 12 and County Line Road in the Flippin' Bills' parking lot, is open from 2 to 6 p.m., Wednesdays from May through October. The Farmers' Market is local farmers selling fresh, locally grown produce and other products, including breads, fruits, jams, honey, maple syrup, eggs, beef products, Kettle Korn ...

Senior fair at mall offers low-cost health screenings

The Reno Town Mall at South Virginia Street and Peckham Lane will host a senior fair on Tuesday where area seniors can get a variety of health screenings and information on local services available to them.

Challenge of role attracts Turner

In her famously deep voice, Kathleen Turner gives you salty language and keen observations. That little snort in her laugh suggests you can take her exactly as she is. Playwright Matthew Lombardo did. He wrote "High" with her in mind.

Health insurance options for those with preexisting condition

It may take searching, and premiums may be higher, but for some patients, choices are available. Amy Reiley had resigned herself to joining the ranks of the uninsured. The part-time L.A. resident and owner of a boutique cookbook publishing company had a group insurance plan that for three years covered her and another full-time employee.

The effects of rheumatoid arthritis on other members of the family - Helium


The effects of rheumatoid arthritis on other members of the family
Helium
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that is potentially debilitating. The pain involved during a "flare" is often such that the ...
Living with rheumatoid arthritisHelium

all 2 news articles »

Rodent of the Week: Can having rheumatoid arthritis protect against ... - Los Angeles Times


Los Angeles Times

Rodent of the Week: Can having rheumatoid arthritis protect against ...
Los Angeles Times
A protein released when rheumatoid arthritis is present in the body may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The surprise finding in a mouse study may ...
Protein Produced in Rheumatoid Arthritis May Protect Against Alzheimer's DiseaseAbout.com: Health
Arthritis: The Secret to Treating Alzheimer's?Ivanhoe
Dementia charity urges caution on study findingsBarchester Healthcare
Craegmoor News
all 24 news articles »

Beware that swelling and pain, it could be arthritis - East African


Beware that swelling and pain, it could be arthritis
East African
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when one's own immune system begins to attack the body's tissues and it occurs more in women than in men. This type of arthritis ...

and more »

Chelsea Gains As FDA Approves Start To Arthritis Drug Trial - Wall Street Journal


Chelsea Gains As FDA Approves Start To Arthritis Drug Trial
Wall Street Journal
Chelsea Therapeutics International Ltd. (CHTP) received US Food and Drug Administration approval to start Phase II trial for its rheumatoid arthritis ...
Chelsea Therapeutics' experimental rheumatoid arthritis drug trial gets FDA nodSmall Cap Network
Chelsea Therapeutics Announces FDA Approval of CH-4051 Phase II ProtocolMarketWatch (press release)
Chelsea Therapeutics (CHTP) Receives US FDA Approval for Phase II Protocol of ...StreetInsider.com (subscription)

all 20 news articles »

Just like mom? - Fort Wayne Journal Gazette


Just like mom?
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
Arthritis: Both rheumatoid arthritis an autoimmune disease, and osteo-arthritis, inflammatory disease related to wear and tear of the joints, ...

Arthritis 'cuts Alzheimer's risk' - BBC News


NICE Recommends 6 Treatments For Rheumatoid Arthritis - Wall Street Journal


Telegraph.co.uk

NICE Recommends 6 Treatments For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Wall Street Journal
LONDON (Dow Jones)--The UK's healthcare cost agency NICE Wednesday recommended six anti-inflammatory treatments for use in rheumatoid arthritis. ...
Whole range of drugs for arthritis approved by NiceTelegraph.co.uk
NHS regulator approves six rheumatoid arthritis treatmentsWebMD.Boots.com
Positive NICE guidance opens the door for thousands of rheumatoid arthritis ...PharmiWeb.com (press release)
Healthcare Republic
all 10 news articles »

Low IgG Poses Infection Risk With Rituximab - MedPage Today


Low IgG Poses Infection Risk With Rituximab
MedPage Today
Explain to interested patients that a registry study of rheumatoid arthritis patients on rituximab found about ...

Avesthagen gets 'process' patent for arthritis drug - Economic Times


Avesthagen gets 'process' patent for arthritis drug
Economic Times
The country has more than seven million people with rheumatoid arthritis. It will then target the BRIC countries and subsequently the developed markets, ...

and more »

Phil Mickelson shares his diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis: Video attached - Examiner.com


ABC News

Phil Mickelson shares his diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis: Video attached
Examiner.com
Phil Mickelson was recently diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis. Psoriatic Arthritis like Rheumatoid Arthritis is caused when the immune system begins ...
Phil Mickelson Goes VegetarianCare2.com
Phil Mickelson Adopts Vegetarian Diet Due to ArthritiseMaxHealth

all 97 news articles »

Olazabal set for France comeback

Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal is to return from injury to play in his first tournament of the year at the French Open.

Statin side-effect risk uncovered

GPs should be careful about prescribing cholesterol-busting drugs say researchers who found "unintended" side effects.

Vitiligo 'cancer protection hope'

People with the skin condition vitiligo may have natural protection against skin cancer, a study suggests.

Chemists' opt-out over beliefs: Your comments

New pharmacy code will continue to allow pharmacists to opt out of dispensing items because of their beliefs.

Cancer firm opens Scottish base

An American company involved in developing new cancer treatments chooses Scotland as its first base outside the US.

'Immune jab' blocks chronic pain

A treatment already used for immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis appears to also work for chronic pain, scientists discover.

'Costly' arthritis drug approved

A powerful arthritis drug, judged too expensive for patients in England and Wales, is approved for use in Scotland.

Cold weather misery for arthritis patients

Snow may be making it feel festive, but cold weather can be a real problem for people with arthritis.

Addict robbed wheelchair victim

A 17-year-old heroin addict committed a "despicable" crime by robbing a disabled woman in order to feed her habit, a court hears.

Arthritis kit given US approval

A testing kit created by a Scottish firm to give early indications of rheumatoid arthritis is approved for sale in the US.


Supportive Gifts and Tools For People With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Bc Arthritis Stre Powder Fast Pain Relief Aspirin-50 Ea

US $5.74
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 6:02:38 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $5.74
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Bc Arthritis Strength Fast Pain Relief Powder - 6 E A

US $1.90
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 6:02:44 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $1.90
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Bc Arthritis Strength Fast Pain Reliever -24 Pks / Box

US $3.70
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 6:02:50 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $3.70
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2-knee Braces Support Arthritis Sports Joint Pain Brace

US $0.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 6:05:42 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $2.00
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Serrapeptase Arthritis Inflammatoin Scar Tissue Clots

US $14.95 (1 Bid)
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 6:38:17 PDT
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Tap Turners Extra Grip Bath Kitchen Mobility Arthritis

US $7.55
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 6:46:11 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $7.55
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Overcoming The Pain Of Inflammatory Arthritis By Phy...

US $0.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 6:51:22 PDT
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Preventing And Reversing Arthritis Naturally: The Unto

US $9.61
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 6:54:51 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $9.61
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The Arthritis Cure By Barry Fox, Brenda Adderly, Jas...

US $1.00
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 7:00:56 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $1.00
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The Arthritis Helpbook Book Coping With Arthritis Book

US $1.99
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 7:06:33 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $1.99
Buy it now | Add to watch list



Current Swine Flu and Contraindication News and Information

See The Official Center For Disease Control Influenza Vaccine Contraindications Guide

Visit The Official Center For Disease Control Swine Flu Information Site

Swine flu tolls rises in New Zealand

Swine flu in NZ has now claimed 17 lives, but the number of people being infected appears to be falling.

Swine flu toll rises

Swine flu has claimed its 17th life this winter, but the number of people being infected appears to be falling, the Ministry of Health says.

Swine flu covered by regular flu shot; CDC recommends those 6 months and older get the vaccine

Last year, the swine flu sparked the first global flu pandemic in more than 40 years, prompting cattle-call style vaccinations in Washtenaw County. Protection from that particular flu strain shouldn’t warrant the same kind of mass organization during the 2010-2011......

NZ swine flu toll rises to 17

Swine flu has killed 17 so far in NZ, but the number of people being infected appears to be falling.

Swine flu not over yet - virus expert

A leading virus expert urged people to stay vigilant even though the recent swine flu pandemic was less deadly than expected.

Swine flu claims one more life in Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal, Sep 5 (PTI) A 22-year-old woman succumbed to H1N1 influenza in Madhya Pradesh, taking the death toll due to swine flu in the state to 33 since August, health department officials said today.

Flu shot season starts early this year

Last year's swine flu frenzy is long over, but a massive government and commercial push to vaccinate continues.

Swine flu death toll rises to 16

Swine flu has claimed 16 lives this winter, and a further 14 people are fighting it in intensive care units.

Swine flu claims 16 lives this winter

Swine flu has claimed 16 lives this winter, and a further 14 people are fighting it in intensive care units. read more

WHO wants faster, more flu vaccine production

The vaccine used to contain the recent swine flu pandemic was effective, but health authorities will need to ramp up the speed and volume of production during the next global outbreak, a World Health Organization official said Monday.

WHO wants faster, more flu vaccine production - The Associated Press


Kansas City Star

WHO wants faster, more flu vaccine production
The Associated Press
HONG KONG — The vaccine used to contain the recent swine flu pandemic was effective, but health authorities will need to ramp up the speed and volume of ...
Just 19% take up swine flu jabSydney Morning Herald
Swine flu covered by regular flu shot; CDC recommends those 6 months and older ...AnnArbor.com
Officials urge getting flu shot earlyTampabay.com
The Bridgeton News - NJ.com -El Paso Times -Mid-Day
all 471 news articles »

Health officials push for public to get flu shots - The Aurora Sentinel


Los Angeles Times

Health officials push for public to get flu shots
The Aurora Sentinel
But this year's suggestion is appropriate, especially considering how many cases of H1N1, or swine flu, proliferated last year, said Richard Vogt, ...
Reformulated flu vaccine announcedInland Empire News
County flu shot campaign launches earlyRockford Register Star
India sees alarming increase in swine flu casesHealthy Living
Times of India -WIVB -Sify
all 798 news articles »

Swine flu claims two more lives - Times of India


TopNews United Kingdom (blog)

Swine flu claims two more lives
Times of India
NEW DELHI: Two persons suffering from swine flu succumbed to the disease on Saturday. According to Debashish Bhattacharya, the nodal officer for swine flu, ...
Sickle Cell Kids at Greater Risk of 'Swine Flu' ComplicationsBusinessWeek
Ticks, Bears And Swine Flu In The RockiesNPR (blog)
Swine Flu Death Toll in Delhi goes up to 33BreakingNewsOnline.
Daily News & Analysis -New Zealand Herald -Otago Daily Times
all 46 news articles »

Madhya Pradesh the hub of swine flu in 2010 - TheMedGuru


TheMedGuru

Madhya Pradesh the hub of swine flu in 2010
TheMedGuru
by Neharika Sabharwal - September 6, 2010 Madhya Pradesh is fast emerging as the hub of swine flu this season with the city claiming seven lives in a single ...
One more succumbs to swine flu in Madhya PradeshHindustan Times
Swine Flu Death Toll in Madhya Pradesh rises to 30BreakingNewsOnline.

all 13 news articles »

Swine flu cases likely to rise - Times of India


Los Angeles Times

Swine flu cases likely to rise
Times of India
Health experts say that there will be spurt in swine flu cases. Hence, the masses need to be vigilant if they are suffering from common cold like symptoms. ...
This Flu Season's Goal Is More Shots, SoonerWall Street Journal
CDC Revises Death Estimates From FluBusinessWeek
Narcolepsy fears may halt swine flu vaccine: FinlandAFP
Bloomberg -U.S. News & World Report -NPR (blog)
all 383 news articles »

Swine flu toll reaches 17 - Radio New Zealand


Swine flu toll reaches 17
Radio New Zealand
The Ministry of Health says there has been another death linked to swine flu, bringing to 17 the number of people who have died from swine flu this year. ...

Bird and swine flu 'super-lab' at St Pancras site - This is London


This is London

Bird and swine flu 'super-lab' at St Pancras site
This is London
A maximum security laboratory next to St Pancras station will be at the front line of Britain's fight against the next flu pandemic. The £600 million “super ...

Hong Kong Finds Sixth Tamiflu-Resistant Swine Flu Strain - BusinessWeek


Hong Kong Finds Sixth Tamiflu-Resistant Swine Flu Strain
BusinessWeek
3 (Bloomberg) -- A strain of human swine flu found in Hong Kong was detected to be resistant to Tamiflu, the sixth such case in the city, the Department of ...
Tamiflu-resistant swine flu virus detectedNews.gov.hk

all 2 news articles »

Pregnant woman from Halol dies of H1N1 - Times of India


Pregnant woman from Halol dies of H1N1
Times of India
VADODARA: Swine flu claimed the 10th life in the city on Sunday since it resurfaced after the onset of monsoon. A 25-year-old seven-month pregnant woman, ...

and more »

Tissues - United Kingdom - Market Report - New Market Report Published - OfficialWire (press release)


Tissues - United Kingdom - Market Report - New Market Report Published
OfficialWire (press release)
by Press Office Swine flu was a major health concern in the UK in 2009. Following the first case of the H1N1 virus breaking out in Mexico at the start of ...

and more »

Mexico timeline

A chronology of key events

Q&A: Advice about swine flu

Information about swine flu and the potential threat it poses.

Israeli pig-farming kibbutz draws religious ire

The BBC's Heather Sharp visits a kibbutz in southern Israel, where pigs are raised for medical research and excess animals sold for meat, a controversial practice in the world's only predominantly Jewish state.

Timeline: Egypt

A chronology of key events

Child flu jab trial results out

A trial of swine flu vaccines given to more than 900 children showed the jabs provided good protection against the virus.

'Reassuring' chief medic stands down

Sir Liam Donaldson, England's chief medical officer looks back on his 12-year tenure.

Public health worries over cuts

Leading environmental health experts warn council cuts to their services could pose a risk to public health.

Costa Rica timeline

A chronology of key events

Travel insurance

Choosing cover after the volcanic ash disruption

Did the authrotities overreact to swine flu?

BBC Scotland's health correspondent Eleanor Bradford looks back at the swine flu outbreak and asks if the authorities overreacted.



See The Center For Disease Control's Official Influenza Vaccine Contraindications Guide
 
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