Just Looking Back............... to the day I met a..................

[jinasc]

PMRpro, a handshake 🤝 a smile 😊 at the Centre of Life. Who knew..................

12th anniversary....................

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Was quite a fun day wasn't it?

And I do remember a few lightbulb moments on the part of Big Cheeses in the PMRGCA medical field!

Glad you chose a black pearl and not a black sheep

[jinasc in reply to PMRpro]

Like when I stopped the meeting (medics in full flow) and advised all medics that when they were talking, as I was the lowest common denominator, if I did not understand what they were saying etc. After that ' no jargon'. I still get reminders when I slip into using jargon.

PS: I love black sheep and always shout out as I pass a field. Mint sauce, mint sauce 😈

[cycli in reply to jinasc]

Tups maybe Jinsac, but we breed some black Teeswater and and the yews are kept for breeding and if good confirmation the tups we sell as the wool has great value to weavers like my wife. Compared to Swaledale which has little intrinsic value at less than the cost of shearing (which has to be done) we can get up to £40 for a good fleece. We breed Whitefaced woodlands, Natural sports which the other blacks are can go to market for you to eat though. This is a lovely thread and it's heart warming to know you are all still such stalwarts to the forum and good friends.

[Constance13]

Congrats to both of you. Bet you didn’t know what you were starting and how it would be “world wide” like it is.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Constance13]

I might have turned and run!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

Never..you know you like a challenge. 😂😅

[Constance13 in reply to PMRpro]

If you had there would have been hundreds of us who weren’t treated as well with PMR/GCA. Your knowledge and devotion to the forums are unbelievable.

[jinasc in reply to PMRpro]

I would have dragged you back kicking 👣 and screaming 😱

[Telian in reply to PMRpro]

Don’t think so!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Congratulations definitely in order - and cheers - whatever, whenever your tipple...🍾🍵

[123-go]

We have so much to be grateful for: experience, knowledge, friendship.......Thank you!

[LemonZest11]

I'm not sure what this is about, but congratulations and gratitude. 🥰💪

[Constance13 in reply to LemonZest11]

Perhaps Pro and Jinasc will give a little info about how all this HU ‘really’ started.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to LemonZest11]

jinasc , and others started a group in the north east of England to support and encourage research into PMR and GCA. Over the years it snowballed into the charity we have now -and this forum -(although there were other forums along the way).

As they say -from little acorns, mighty oaks grow!

Sure one of the founder members will give more info

Correction - PMRpro was not part of original NE group (my misunderstanding) but has been deeply involved since those early days….

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

I wasn't a founder member - all down to jinasc, one of the five ladies who met on Patient.com as the only forum in those days, and I think she has talked about it before. The mills of god and all that led to jinasc getting the NE charity set up (based in Gateshead and Middlesborough) and a year or few later Kate Gilbert was part of the national version being set up, based in London.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

Ok…but you obviously had a lot to do with it early days… 😊

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

jinasc and I "shouted" at each other a lot about eejits ... I was already in Italy by then so not around physically.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

Nothing much changes then …😳

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

Not really

[PastelsinArt in reply to DorsetLady]

So, so grateful for all the support, expertise and knowledge on this forum. It's life changing.Also very interesting to learn a little bit about its origins. Thank you 👏👏

[jinasc in reply to LemonZest11]

I apologise for not thinking about people who have joined in the last two years. These links might help. .

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk....

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk....

[Frewen1 in reply to jinasc]

Thanks, shall read, still a newcomer here at 21 months

[Nextoneplease]

Congratulations to all involved - and heartfelt thanks 🙏 xx

[fmkkm]

Thanks for posting!Pure gratitude here to all !!

[suzy1959]

👏👏👏👏

[Kendrew]

There are no words that could possibly come close to adequately expressing the gratitude, relief and strength I feel every time I ask for help here and you ladies 'deliver'! The reason I am in a much better place now than 3yrs ago is down to you ladies (and you know who you are) You've enabled me to manage my condition with a much greater degree of success and I no longer feel like I'm floundering along.

Congratulations to you jinasc and Pro and a truly heartfelt THANKYOU.

❤ ♥ ❤ ♥

Charlie Mackesy

[bussell]

We owe you so much. Heartfelt gratitude! My diagnosis in Jan 2021 was by telephone, and all management of PMR since then also by phone. Never saw my GP at all, let alone a consultant. Without this forum and all your wise advice I don't know how I would have kept my sanity - or my sense of humour. Can never thank you enough. xx

[nuigini]

Congratulations to both of you. 🥂🌺 I don't know where I, and many others would be without your pioneering spirits and dogged determination. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 💜

[SheffieldJane]

Respect and heartfelt thanks! 🌺

[LemonZest11]

Now I know a bit more and realise that the forum was built by women who had a drive to share experiences and learn from each other, I am even more grateful. In 3+ years I have learnt all I know from here ... from total ignorance to a better understanding. I am always listened to and guided, which has given me more confidence and comfort than any Rheumatologist has ever offered. I am deeply grateful to you all. ❤

[jinasc in reply to LemonZest11]

Sometimes it helps to clarify the who, why where and what. Take care.

[HeronNS]

I second everything said here. ❤️🤗

[Bcol]

Everything I could say has been said so I will just add a very big thank you. ❤️🙂🙂

[Bridge31]

Lemon Zest has just said it all for me. Thank you so much. 🤗🤗🤗

[Comben]

Lemon Zest said it for me too . I've not had much info or contact from GP s and this forum and you guys have helped so much . Much love and good health to you all.💚💚

[Tinasleepyhead]

What an amazing story I had no idea of how it all started. These strong kind amazing ladies, giving their time and knowledge so freely. I will be eternally grateful for all the support I have received and thank you from the bottom of my heart ♥️

[Jackoh]

So pleased it “ all came together” with a lot of work and determination from those involved. So many have been grateful and have benefited since. 💐

[Buttonshutton]

Can’t add to what’s been said already but agree with all. I knew nothing. Was frightened and now have the strength to fight my corner as I’ve been taught so much. Thank you

[Vaggers]

Thankyou from me too. Dont know what i would have done without you.

[Telian]

Congratulations to you both. 💐

[Janet57]

Thank you 😊

[orangemax]

Congratulations to some special ladies. Thank you for all you do!!🌷🌸🌺

[Tarym]

Many thanks from me, couldn’t have managed without this brilliant forum.

[Oboes22]

What a beautiful photo of black pearls and what beautiful people you all are. I’m so amazed by all your dedication, care, concern and advice to everyone and I’m so grateful as I would have been struggling over tapering. I’m just over two years and am having it easy compared to some people but this forum has been invaluable to me. Huge thanks to all.

[Poshdog]

Love you BOTH loads. You have been there through many traumas in my life and not just PMR. Steady advice and encouragement and not just a little banter! Perfect! Long may it continue xx

[York54]

Heartfelt thanks from me too . 6 years ago this journey began for me, I had never heard of PMR. This forum has been a godsend 👍👍👍

[Stellamavis]

Thank you all so very very much..❤

[jinasc in reply to Stellamavis]

'mavis' snap.

[Louisa1840]

A Big Thank you from me too! I cannot imaigne how I would have got through PMR without this forum, Both Jinasc and PMRPro give invaluable advice (plus all you wonderful others who are so experienced and generous with your time and expertise) I'm enjoying a glass of spritzer as I write so "CHEERS"!!!!🥂

[Pixix]

Thanks…& congrats! S x

[Herman99]

I concur with all words spoken wrapped in a huge thank you hug...x🤗

[Macas]

A big thank you from me. Would have been lost without this forum. Mx

[Spittal9]

Congratulations and very well done! Thanks to everyone for all the advice I’ve received since my diagnosis and discovering this great group. This is always my first port of call for anything PMR related.

[Croft9232]

I too would like to add my thanks xThe forum is my first call on the net every morning.

Margaret.

[Suet3942]

Thank you so much. This forum is life changing and comforting 🌹

[Hidden]

RESPECT!

[daisylazy]

So many of us have benefitted from this wonderful forum. Thanks to one and all..

[ubaoz]

This would have to be the very best forum around by a long chalk!! Thank you so much for all your very extensive knowledge, time, generosity, care and dedication. And no doubt a considerable dose of blood, sweat and tears along the way too.… You're all worth your weight in choccie bikkies for sure! 😂

Thank you so much and all the best for a rosier future for everyone as a result of the knowledge, support and camaraderie on this site.

[DogAgilityObsessed]

I can only add my thanks to everyone else’s. If it wasn’t for all of you and the charity I don’t know how I could have got through the last two years (less one month). Please don’t desert us as I know I will continue needing your advice and support.

[FRnina]

Your initiatives have been life saving and life changing. Thanks eternal for the sheer dedication of the founders, ambassadors and contributors. What a privilege to know you all!

[agingfeminist]

I wouldn't have made it without you. 2 and a half years on and smiling! THANK YOU!

[KerryIreland]

Congratulations! I can only add my thanks and admiration. You’re making a difference to so many lives.

[Estellemac]

The work you both do is appreciated by so many. You are the wind beneath PMRGCA patients wings. Letting people know they are not alone out there lifts the weight of PMRGCA from sore shoulders even though the PMR puts it back there next day. Parker and I are grateful for the support of the forum with all the administrators, moderators and members who offered guidance and signposting when I needed it most. I have learned a lot on how to manage over the years and even though AI and still on 3mg the PMR has gone back to where it came from. At least for now. I have another condition that comes with age and I am finding it hard to get Parker back in to slave mode. I must get out his training manual and start again. Frustrating but life is isn't it?

[jinasc in reply to Estellemac]

Happy to see you are trying to get Parker back into slave mode.

' Frustrating but life is isn't it? ' Yes but it would be boring if their were no ups and downs and people are so interesting. Whoever said "old age brings many unwanted friends, the trick is to make friends with them" was so spot on.

Hopefully PMR will stay quiet.

PS Have you tried Flexiseq for the OA?

[Hunter134]

Congratulations on the hard work to get us all where we are today.Thank you so much for being there for us all.

[Skier321]

To jinasc and PMRpro thank you for all you have done I have had pmr for a year and this site has helped me so much. ❤️🌹🌹🌹

[cycli]

says it all really. Jinasc and PMRpro and Dorset lady, Mrs Nails other volunteers, staff, govenors........what you started and maintain is of the highest level and invaluable. The tone and approach on this forum is better managed and the advice is perfectly tailored to reassure and inform. Thousands of sufferers and countless others and professionals internationally have benefited and continue to do so. Congratulations doesn't quite express the depth of gratitude experienced by us all, but it has to do as I can't think of anything better.

[Greenthought]

Last to the party, but add my voice to the deeply grateful chorus! I still don't have an official diagnosis of PMR, but every day I learn a little more from this forum and grow aware of the wonderful depth of knowledge and breadth of support it offers. Thank you SO much for getting it going and for doing all the ongoing hard work of maintaining it. Celebrations!

[AshPen9]

Thanks so much for your support, knowledge-sharing, advice, time, understanding, and patience (when having to repeat advice lots of times). It's very much appreciated. Even though I found out I don't actually have PMR, I do have Spondyloarthropathy, so lots of the issues discussed are still very relevant to me and although I have had a look in at other forums, this one is the most useful, and the most friendly, by far. 👍

[Hiibilly]

Just thank you ❤

[pegpowell]

I too must thank you all for the knowledge given wisely and free.

[pomeranion]

God Bless You All. From the bottom of my heart.

[prunus]

Congratulations to all you wonderful people who have helped the rest of us with your knowledge. I remember being told nine years ago I had been diagnosed with Giant Cell Arteritis and having no idea what that was. At the hairdressers this week I was having to enlighten them on the matter.

[Higill]

Since the start of my pmr journey 2007 I have followed all the wise voices of the various patient forums. I have been under various contact names and have been reassured and informed by Eileen/ PMRpro and so many wonderful people. I just want to say a big thank you. Your support has been invaluable during those long painful days /nights. I am hopefully nearly off steroids- 1/2 mg but still on methotrexate -one day who knows! But Thank you all.

[67Blue]

Thank you so much for the dedication from you and the others on the site and for the support I have had, I would certainly be so much more ignorant of this disease without the site. Grateful thanks.

[Iloveholidays]

I echo what everyone has said, you have helped me so much, you always respond so quickly. You give so much of you time to us that is very much appreciated. Thank you 🌸🌼

[redruth123]

Like others have said, I'd be utterly lost without this forum and in a dark place. Eternal gratitude. 🙌 You are all amazing.

[Tiggy70]

I’ve just read all the responses. They sum up how we all feel about this forum and all the wonderful help and advice you give us. Thank you so much for being their for us all ❤️

[Ullswater]

Thank you

[Jumpe]

thanks for all you've done and continue doing. Just joined/donated per your link in reply to LemonZest.Wishing you all, all the best!

[jinasc in reply to Jumpe]

Thank you so much - every halfpenny counts...............👍

[Gcastudent]

Thank you all so much for all your advice, research and reassurance in connection with GCA. Thanks for the link for membership and donation. Done.

[jinasc in reply to Gcastudent]

Thank you , I never thought when I put the old links up people would join and help.

[Gcastudent]

I'm so glad you did. Thanks. 😊