More whining - trying to keep myself sane

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Benjamin M. Magno - 22 Dec 2004 02:00 GMT

My right elbow, wrist, thumb and middle finger are stiff, painful and
unusable. My left pinky is swollen and difficult to move. My left foot
is so swollen I permanently stretched out my size 13W shoes. I'm in a
LOT of pain. I've seen the RD once, and he has me on indomethacin,
which, after 2 weeks hasn't helped a great deal. They seem reluctant to
treat the symptoms without an official diagnosis. I've been written up
at work because I can't seem to focus well (again PAIN). The RD so far
says the best guess is lyme disease, but I can't find out the results
of the test until Jan 5th. That would be nice, as it would also explain
the fatigue and dizziness I've seen my doctor about several times. All
I seem to get is antidepressants, which have always made me even more
tired.

Not only am I not getting adequate pain control, but my job is now in
jeopardy. Any good sites so I can find out my rights in the workplace
with an undiagnosed condition? Also, If anyone can give me some general
advice on staying sane in the meantime? I just bought a house with my
new girlfriend, and I get to look forward to the first xmas with her
family the weekend. Fortunately, I'm a lovable guy, and they already
like me, but wow. Wow,wowee, wow! This is awful.

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Janet R - 22 Dec 2004 03:18 GMT

Hey Benjamin....

Do you have any vacation time? Now might be a good time to take it to
rest up and save your job till you see your doc on the 5th? Just an
idea.

If I were you I would go to work and come home and do nothing once
you clock out. I am sure your girlfriend will understand...you need
to rest. It's not forever and things do get better, but right now you
need to be nice to yourself.

I had to be honest with my boss and ask about what I may be able to do
from home. He gave me unpaid time off and paid my ins premiums while
I was off. Unless you think your boss will be a butt...maybe you need
to talk to them openly. Sorry I cannot help you with the rights
issue....but if the boss is unaware of your health, I'm pretty sure
you cannot bring it up later if you are penalized at work.

I will keep you in my thoughts and let us know how it goes.

Janet R

| My right elbow, wrist, thumb and middle finger are stiff, painful and
| unusable. My left pinky is swollen and difficult to move. My left foot
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
| family the weekend. Fortunately, I'm a lovable guy, and they already
| like me, but wow. Wow,wowee, wow! This is awful.

Reply to this Message

Benjamin M. Magno - 22 Dec 2004 19:26 GMT

> Hey Benjamin....
>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> I had to be honest with my boss and ask about what I may be able to do
> from home. He gave me unpaid time off and paid my ins premiums while

> I was off. Unless you think your boss will be a butt...maybe you need
> to talk to them openly. Sorry I cannot help you with the rights
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Janet R

The thing is, my boss DOES know. I've had to use all my vacation time
last month when I couldn't walk - usually clears up in a week, not this
time. The RD has faxed in a statement giving my symptoms, but stating I
was still in diagnostic phase. When I was in the boss' office getting
chewed out for my recent lack of focus, she actually brought up my
condition, and stated she's been more than patient with me and that I
wasn't doing enough to make things "right".

Reply to this Message

Janet R - 22 Dec 2004 23:42 GMT

I'm so sorry to hear about your work situation. Maybe if things look
bad at work...maybe you should ask your boss what she would do if she
was in your situation? If the job looks iffy, what do you have to
lose? Sometimes you have to put folks in your shoes.

If I think of anything else that might help, I will let you know.

Janet R

"Benjamin M. Magno" <benofbens@yahoo.com> wrote in message

| The thing is, my boss DOES know. I've had to use all my vacation time
| last month when I couldn't walk - usually clears up in a week, not this
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
| condition, and stated she's been more than patient with me and that I
| wasn't doing enough to make things "right".

Reply to this Message

firechief - 22 Dec 2004 06:58 GMT

> Not only am I not getting adequate pain control, but my job is
> now in jeopardy. Any good sites so I can find out my rights in
> the workplace with an undiagnosed condition?

You can check the US Department of Justice site for ADA.

And some states have their own "ADA" laws which give
even more rights, so check your state's site.

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debbie m. - 22 Dec 2004 12:52 GMT

(((((((((((((Ben ))))))))))))))

I'm so sorry your going through this pain now. I've been there done that as
we all have. I don't have any advice on the job, but I hope you get some
answers soon.

debbie m.
http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/angels1/

> My right elbow, wrist, thumb and middle finger are stiff, painful and
> unusable. My left pinky is swollen and difficult to move. My left foot
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> family the weekend. Fortunately, I'm a lovable guy, and they already
> like me, but wow. Wow,wowee, wow! This is awful.

Reply to this Message

Kara - 22 Dec 2004 18:50 GMT

Even if your Lyme test comes up negative do not rule the disease out
just yet.

Update yourself on Lyme disease and these so called tests. Most Dr.'s
run a Lyme titer that was never meant to rule Lyme disease out. The
tests were developed for statistical use only.

go to http://www.lymenet.org It is a good resource.
Kara Tyson
Lyme Disease Support Group of AL

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JXStern - 23 Dec 2004 03:40 GMT

>My right elbow, wrist, thumb and middle finger are stiff, painful and
>unusable. My left pinky is swollen and difficult to move. My left foot
>is so swollen I permanently stretched out my size 13W shoes. I'm in a
>LOT of pain.

Has gout been considered?

Preference for thumbs and big toes, lots of swelling, heated skin, and
serious pain are symptoms. There are medications, or you can address
it with diet, google or ask for more. I've gotten it in the
feet/toes, too, can't get feet in shoes, can barely walk. Luckily, it
does clear pretty easily in most cases.

J.

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Benjamin M. Magno - 03 Jan 2005 20:38 GMT

> >My right elbow, wrist, thumb and middle finger are stiff, painful and
> >unusable. My left pinky is swollen and difficult to move. My left foot
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>
> J.

So far, Gout and RA have been tested for - only the inital blood test
for RA. Both negative. I was tested nearly a month ago for Lyme
disease, and will find out on Wed. how that went. Most likely, I'll get
"Nope. Ain't that. We'll test for one more thing and make you wait a
month."

Sorry - It's hard to talk about doctor visits without getting a little
cynical.

Anyone want to place bets on what I actually have?

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