EllaBlue’s Profile

Open Vaginal Cancer

I was diagnosed with Grade1 Cancer cells (vaginal) along with HPV virus which I had NO symptoms of. Anyway, I have no cervix so I don't know what is in store for me.

Treatments

Aldara Too Soon to Tell

I have no warts, but aldara is now used for vaginal cancer cells. I warn any woman from using this internally, as my doctor did. I guess for some women it works, but IF you have the reaction that I had, you would certainly be screaming from the mountain tops, " RUN!!!!!!!!!" I hope to learn a lot by being here. Thanks in advance.. Ella

Open Lupus

Diagnosed in 1982 with SLE. I have now, many other autoimmune problems, some related to Lupus, some unrelated.

Treatments

Pain Management Clinic Working / Worked

There are many drugs that I am allergic to which limits my treatment options.

Open Breast Cancer

I have had a lump removed, and I just had a biopsy of my other breast last year. Both were okay, but I do have atypical hyperplasia and I am hoping I can join this group, and that there will be other women here, at high risk for BC. If now, maybe someone will direct me to another group.

Open Chronic Pain

I am a chronic pain patient due to my autoimmune disease, Lupus, and I also have arthritis and many other pain issues.

Treatments

Oxycodone Working / Worked

I would not be able to get out of bed without my pain meds. I had a long consult with my doctor, and he agreed that quality of life is so important. It is not good for our health if we cannot be somewhat active

Open TMJ

Both the discs in my jaw were dislocated by a dentist during a procedure. I know have to wear a mouth guard the rest of my life and I have a lot of pain and I guess it is now called TMJ as well.

Treatments

Mouthguard Working / Worked

My mouthguard works good when I can wear it. I am prone to mouth cankers with my Lupus, so I cannot wear it every night.

Open Menopause

Hyst. 15 years ago. HRT, Climara patch. I could be the menopause poster child. If there is a symptom that you can have, I have had it or have it. I hope to share my story with others.. EllaBlue

Treatments

Estrogen Patch Working / Worked

Works very well.

Open Raynaud's Disease

I have Raynauds that goes along with my Lupus. Although some people without Lupus have raynauds too I have been told. I cannot even peel cold veggies from the fridge..so I have to let my carrots warm a bit.

Open Codependency

I call myself a recovering codependent. I think we relapse too, in our codpendent ways. Melody Beattie calls it "recycling". My daughter is an addict and I don't know if I ever realized how codependent I was until this happened. I work daily on reading, and sharing with others. I have worked a 12 step program as well.

Treatments

12 Step Program Working / Worked

Very well!

Reading Working / Worked

Reading helps me a lot. Especially when I find a book that I see ME in.

Talking Working / Worked

Communication is a great tool. I beleive that what does not get talked out will get acted out anyway:)

Open Dizziness & Vertigo

I suffer from vertigo.. When it happens the room flips. What an awful feeling. I have had a lot of testing done, and my neurologist thinks it is some inner ear problem. I HATE it when it happens. It scares me.

Open Urinary Incontinence

I hope it is okay for me to join this community. I am seeking answers. I don't have incntinence, but gosh I need to be using the bathroom it seems every 10 minutes. I know I have a lot of liquid intake but I never, ever needed a bathroom on standy before.

Open Smoking Addiction & Recovery

I m a year quit right now. I feel pretty good. I do admit to not wanting to give up my Nicorette Gum though..love that stuff..eeeeeks

Treatments

Nicotine Gum Working / Worked

Love the stuff

Open Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

I have IBS. I seem to do much better now that I have changed my diet some. I think what we eat really and truly makes a huge difference.

Treatments

High Fiber Diet Working / Worked

Helps a lot

Dietary Modification Working / Worked

Open Caregivers

I was my mom's caregiver for 2 years until she died. She suffered with alzhiemer's and then lung cancer. If I can help anyone here with support, that would be great.

Open Arthritis

I have osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis and RA. Along with 2 herniated discs in my lower back.

Treatments

Swimming Working / Worked

Pool therapy did help me quite a bit for a while.

Tylenol Working / Worked

Works good when combined with my pain med.

Open Financial Challenges

I am on disability and although I think I do okay, I find with the prices of everything going up, I just have a hard time getting ahead, or even breaking even on most months. Darn it is not easy!!!

Treatments

Budgeting Working / Worked

I MUST budget. I have no choice. I pay all my bills when my disability check comes in and what I have left over is IT for the month.

Open War & Terrorism

I just want to add my support for the troop during this time of war. I keep praying for the end of this war to come. SOON...

Open GERD & Heartburn

I have heartburn and stomach ulcers. I take tagamet for relief. Prevacid caused me too many side effects.

Treatments

Avoid Certain Foods / Chemicals Working / Worked

Helps alot

Tagamet Working / Worked

Works really good

Open Dry Eyes

I have sjogrens with My Lupus and my eyes get SO dry. It seems that after I use eye drops I have to keep switching because my eyes adapt to it or something strange. I look forward to reading and learning how the rest of you deal.

Treatments

Restasis Considering

This was prescribed, but I have put off using it. I seem to do well with the Systane Drops.

Open Hives

I often get hives with my Lupus. I find that my prescription cortisone cream works wonders. I hope to read and learn more here..

Open Migraine Headaches

I take fioricet for treatment of my migraines. My dad had them all his life.

Treatments

Fioricet Working / Worked

Works good

Open Families of Prisoners

My daughter had to be in prison for 6 mths, for felonies related to her drug addiction. She is now on the run from Drug Court and will have to go back when found. I hope to share with everyone here, and learn things at the same time.

Treatments

Patience Working / Worked

Patience is hard sometimes, but it really helps.

Psychotherapy Working / Worked

I have not been going lately due to health issues, but talking things out has been a HUGE blessing for me.

Talking Working / Worked

Thank God for talking! Yes, yes, and yes...talking it over is so good.

Writing Working / Worked

I love to write. I write poetry. It really helps putting my thoughts to paper

Open Insomnia

I began with sleep problems when menopause hit. Over the past 5 years it as though I go downhill with my sleep. I get about 5-6 hours, and that is it. I have ativan for my vertigo, but that does not matter regarding my sleep. I tried ambien and I would jerk wide awake after 3 or 4 hours sleep. WIDE awake, raring to go. So, that did not work. I am sick of not sleeping. I would be thrilled to get 7 hours every night...:( EllaBlue

Open Depression

Open Grandparents Raising Children

I am not raising my grandchild, but WE (the extended family) have certainly become a Village for this child that my addicted daughter abandoned in so many ways. I would like to be a part of this community to share the hardships that we all face regardless if we have the kiddies full time, or we are forced to switch roles from JUST grandparents to more.