Hi, everybody.  Sorry I've been so scarce lately.  However, between work and the overwhelming fatigue most of us have to one degree or another, it's hard to get the energy to turn the computer on in the evenings.

Sarah, I'm sorry about your problems, and I understand your concern about the lack of insurance.  However, as Mimi explained, there are some other alternatives.  I didn't have insurance at first, and I got a "prescription" to go to the blood center to have a cbc and phlebotomy if necessary.  And it didn't cost much at all, about $30 or $35, if I recall.  Also, my doctor knew I didn't have insurance, and he always gave me a "discount"!!  I know it's hard to ask, when you're used to having good coverage, but most doctors will work with you.

Denise, I hate that you're having problems.  I wish there were something I could do to help.  Geeze, I just have to remember to buy that lottery ticket!!!!  Perhaps it's meant that you should take it easy through the holidays.  Like Dee, I sure hope you're not getting the problems she's having with all the pain.  That's not a good way to have to live.

Pauline, I hope all works out with your house sale and move.  Between your job, your "disorder," and now your impending move, you really have your hands full.

Pauli, hope you're enjoying the sunshine and warmth.  Sounds good about now.

Colleen, I'm sorry your son has the H1N1 virus.  I saw an article in the paper today that there is now a confirmed case of the "swine" flu in a cat!  Seems that two of the people in the family had the flu, and the cat apparently caught it from them.  According to the paper, it was the first case of feline swine flu.

Sally, welcome to our group.  I can really relate to the attacks of vertigo you were describing.  I had numerous vertigo attacks before I was diagnosed with pv and started the phlebotomies.  Once my hematocrit got down to a semi-reasonable number, the vertigo stopped.  I sure was glad.

Linda, I keep thinking that one of these days I will get back to Dallas to visit my friend who lives there.  When I do, I'll contact you ahead of time to see if we can get together for a cup of coffee or something.  That would be great.

OK, I know I haven't greeted everyone, but I'm falling asleep at the wheel, er, computer.  So, I'm going to shut 'er down, and go catch some zzzz's.

Night, everyone.

Pegetha

hi there sally how are you coping with the forum?  it is somwtimes hard to keep up, but you will get there in the end.  i too have everyone saved to a word document that i minimise on my tool bar and if i forget who they are i just pop it up lol...how are your sons headaches?  did they know what was causing him to have migranes so frequently?

Pauline

Thank you, Pauline, I will try that as I am totally confused as to who's who and what's what! As to your question, my son has a rare complication of migraine (only about 27 documented before him) where his vision is affected pretty seriously.  He does much better now, but the neurologists still don't have a solution or any idea what causes him to be so light-sensitive (both as trigger [flashing lights] and as consequence). He has seen constant flashing lights since the bad siege in ninth grade (I am not sure what the British equivalent is), so he has to rest his eyes when he has a lot of reading to do. MRI and MRA both clear, thankfully.  I just don't want him or his sister to show up with "bad blood"! By the way, he did a junior year term at his university's program at Oxford last year and just loved it.  He read English lit at Magdalen. We haven't gotten to Scotland yet but some day hope to as some of my ancestors were Scots. I have two friends here whose daughters went to St. Andrews, and one whose daughter did a study abroad term at Edinburgh! All of them loved Scotland.

Sally

gosh only 27 documented  before him, jeez thats rare eh...you must try and come to scotland, we could meet for coffee lol..i just live 10 miles away from st andrews. you could hunt your ancestors down..

Pauline

Sarah, I am so sorry that you have to go through that kind of stress on top of everything else!  I pray that you will be able to get things cleared up so that you don't have to worry about that too! 

Pauline, I sure hope your house deal goes through pretty soon, the level of stress that you have had to deal with is not good at all.  Hope you have a restful weekend after your night shifts and all your house stress.  Hang in there!

Hoping for a great weekend for all.  I find it difficult to keep up with all the posts and what is happening with everyone!  I certainly understand the concerns about cognitive clarity.  I have to keep going back over who is who and what your struggles all are.  It is really frustrating some times, trying to keep things straight!  you are all and encouragement to me even if I don't keep it all straight.

You are all in my prayers!   Pauli

Welcome Sally! I'm Patti from Oregon,and we're glad you found us.

IKbanks: I'm so sorry to hear of your mothers passing.Please know I'm thinking of you,and do understand,no matter our age it's still a very difficult time.

Sarah: I've been away so haven't had time to catch up on everyone yet.I know alot of things you can do to get the help you need.Please contact me,and lets see what we can do together.As you know I've been there for the last 2 1/2yrs,and as difficult as it can be,it's possible.Please let me help,as you have to take care of yourself!

To everyone else: I'm glad to be back with all of you!!!! You are all my extra strength,and I've missed you.    Patti