OH Magazine Issue 3 2007 is on its way to your mailboxes! The latest issue of OH Magazine features OH spokesperson Jackie Guerra, who updates our readers on her story since we last heard from her in Issue 2 2006. Her husband, Bill Torres, also is featured in an article titled Together where he talks about his relationship with Jackie. Readers will also be treated to the story of OH member Ramon Lopez, who was recently seen on the hit tv show Big Medicine. Other articles include Heart Health by cardiologist Shalizeh Shokooh; Completing Your Journey by Dr. Edward Domanskis; and Safe Exercise for Arthritic Joints by Mark Allen, MPT. We also provide delicious recipes; fitness q&a; and support group news. If you are already a subscriber, your issue is on its way. If you want to subscribe to this bi-monthly publication for the low cost of $25 for six issues, click on the purple word "magazine" on the top of the screen and follow the directions to subscribe.

Hi Jenn, Although I haven't had my RNY yet....I do have RA.  And I had a horrible time with my weight when they initially diagnosed me and put me on steroids.  I have been on methotrexate for a couple of years now with no side effects.  But I hear a lot of people can't tolerate it.  Anyway, I absolutly refuse to ever take steroids again, it made me gain weight & made my face more round....yes, they make you feel great....but I just don't think it's worth it....I'd rather deal with the pain. Heather

I was diagnosed with FMS in 1993.  I've been on literally every medication mentioned above.  The combination that worked best for me was Neurontin (which will help you get some wonderful sleep) and Duragesic Patches.  Since 2001 I've been out of work on dissability.  My R N Y was a year ago last October.  I've lost 100 pounds and for the first time, my FMS is in remission.  I feel wonderful and have started back to work.  I've been trying to determine if it was the surgery that made me better or the ani-viral drugs that my doctor started me on the month after my surgery.  Whatever it was, I'm thrilled!  If someone had told me two years ago that I'd ever work again, I'd have called them nuts!  Right now the only meds I'm on are the vitamins I take (including a B12 shot every 3 weeks), HBP pills (unfortunately the weight loss didn't do a thing for my HBP) and the anti viral drug Acyclovir.  A couple of years ago the lab of a Dr. Garry at Tulane University in New Orleans did some extensive research on Fibromyalgia and it's my understanding that they determined it is most likely viral in nature.  At least in my case, I believe they were right!

Dear Lynn,  Thank you for your kind and informative reply.  I am taking Neurontin, but I am not familiar with Norco or Soma.  I take Tramadol and flexeril. The WLS did not help my FM, because I wasn't even diagnosed withit until afterwards.  I knew I was extremely tired all of the time, but didn't know why.  I think you will enjoy this site.  Obesityhelp.com is so informative and is a source of great support no matter where you are in your journey. I usually visit the Christianity board, April 2006 board, addictions board and occassionally others. I hope you will get your surgery soon.  It has been such a refreshing change in my life.  Sincerely, Kim M.

I guess I mispoke in my 1st post.  I didn't mean my arthritis caused my sciatic pain. My sciatic pain comes from the herniated disk in my spine pressing on my nerve.  The disk is herniated because of my osteoarthritis.  My bones are crumbling/degenerating.  I have bone spurs and loose bits of bone also pressing the nerve. I have a referral to go see a neurosurgeon because the pain doc says I have 2 options...pain pills or surgery.  Surgery can fix the disk but not the OA. Best of luck with yours!