One more tale of appreciation.....

[Alfryd]

I don't want to add to all the thank you's and Christmas greetings - afraid people will tire of that. But I do want to tell you how much this forum means to me. Yes, I have a loving husband and family but NO ONE understands what I go thru like the polymalingerers. No one knows how to comfort and educate like the Aunties. No one makes me laugh like MB - so clever and "with it" - is he. I cannot believe that a support forum would mean so much to me. I am forever quoting things I read on here. I absolutely do not want anyone to suffer - but you cannot imagine (oh I think you can) what comfort I feel knowing that I am not imagining or blowing up symptoms - when I read someone so exactly in sync with me. You have been the difference between suffering alone and having a group of empathetic friends who I feel are pulling for me. Thank you all. Thank you for the time you take to answer, as I read all replies, that you for your research as it points me immediately to a credible source without spending all day on Google. And thank you for your kindness, good will and friendship. It helps so much.

I am one year in this mess come Jan 3rd. After relapsing on 7 mg of Pred and going back up to 20. I am now on Actemra fusion once a month and about to go down on preds to 9mgs from 10 mgs. Other than feeling about 95 and gaining 45 pounds having a very stiff back - that miraculously goes away and comes back again, aside from the depression, the itchy spots etc. I am not feeling physically bad. Good news is that the 4 BP pills I take a day seem to finally be working and I have lost 10 lbs of water.

[markbenjamin57]

Greetings Alfryd

Thanks for your very kind Christmas message to all of Us Lot here!

I agree: this forum is a fantastic source of support, reliable information and, sometimes, much-needed Fun for all of us on the PMR GCA Journey.

As for my 'job' here? As a fellow Polymalingerer, it's nice to try to bring a few giggles along the way - and a great privilege to do so.

Best wishes for a hopefully peaceful Christmas - and a more positive and healthy 2018.

Yo ho ho!

MB

[SheffieldJane]

What a lovely post, season’s greetings to you too. Perhaps next year ( let’s hope it’s a good one) you could tell us how you are getting on with Actemra infusions. I am really curious about it. That was an amazing fluid loss. It sounds like a quite well managed “ mess”. Take care. Nice photo. Depression really sucks - in a bit of a brown study myself at the moment with all my grandchildren on the other side of the world. 🙁

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thought you were going to see them over holidays or have I confused you with someone else? Easy done!

Have a lovely Christmas - thank goodness for Skype!

[SheffieldJane]

Yes I am flying out on the 28th so my gloom is completely irrational.

I am a bit camera shy about Skype, stupid I know.

I guess you are still in NZ, I’d love to go.

Happy Christmas. Let’s hope 2018 is healthy and happy for us. I must go to sleep. I guess it’s your morning. X

[Sandradsn]

Merry Christmas Alfryd!yes this is a great group,so much help and understanding xx

[Sandy1947]

My sentiments exactly! This illness is best talked about with fellow sufferers. Enjoy the holidays!

[Jackoh]

Lovely post! So agree. Here's hoping and praying that 2018 brings a move forward in this condition for you and many others. I presume you are in US as you're on actemera or are you just one of the very few that have been given it here in U.K.?

[Rugger]

"And so say all of us......." Wonderful sentiments, Alfryd.

Season's Greetings.

[skibarski2]

What a lovely post, it said it all really, this is without a doubt the best place to find Support, plus friendship. I read it everyday. Don’t post much, but could not be without it.. Have a VERY Merry Christmas..

[Insight329]

Well said, Alfryd! I think you eloquently expressed how so very many of us feel about this forum, the Aunties, and members. Merry Christmas to all!

[yogabonnie]

Thank you! So true. What a forum. !! Just what the doctor NEVER orders!!! But don't we know that companionship and friendship and support and laughter is the greatest healer!