Hi
JUst need your thoughts. I am heavier than I should be, and have big thighs. However, I notice now that I have an egg size lump on the inner side of one thigh - it's not in the groin, and is visible when looked at from the back, not from the front. I'm prepared for it to be due to my being overweight, but wonder if this would normally affect both thighs rather than one.
Any thoughts?
Kathyx
Hi Kathy,
I'm not sure about your question...but I would definitely throw the question (gently of course) at your doc.
Does the bump hurt? Is it hard or soft? These would all be questions the doc may want to know as well as to see it.
And about the "overweight" thing....I know what you mean. I understand that if I lost weight some things would be better and my joints may not hurt so much....BUT some doctors blame weight for everything which is so wrong. I suffered terribly with IBS for years because the goofy GI I had said I was having constant diarrhea and pain due to being overweight! How ignorant and uncaring can a doctor be? Needless to say....I have a new GI doctor!
I'm stumped on this one and think you should have it looked at when you go to the doc.
It could be from inflammation of some node or gland or it could be one of those benign things or it could be a serious not-benign thing.
Probably all the above will have to be medically addressed...sigh...I know, another "ologist" visit....another thing to deal with.
Janna XXX big smooches to you XXX
Hi Lynnmarie and Janna
Thank you for your messages. I am seeing a physiotherapist on Thursday, so I will get her to have a look at it. I think it's probably just fat. I actually use oestrogen gel on both thighs, so wonder if that is contributing, but wonder why just one thigh ???
Kathyx
Yeah, that's the thing. Why just the one thigh?
I love you dearly and am hoping this is nothing, honey.
Is it moveable? Solid? I had a huge lipoma removed from my shoulder a few years ago and now have one developing on my outer thigh.
A lipoma is a collection of fat cells, they group together to form a benign tumor (lipoma).
Yeah, I would show the doc just to make you feel better if no other reason.
Gr8Nammy
Hi
It's not really solid. I had a friend look at it today and she thought it looked like oedema. Hopefully the physio will have some idea on Thursday. Must admit, don't think I would like two - would make me feel like I was turning into a man ;)
Kathyx
Babydoll,
You have the strength and guts of 10 men....I agree you do not need the other parts!
KATHY,
I'm thinking of you today and hoping the physio-person will have an idea what your bump is.
Janna
Hi Janna
Thank you for your kind thoughts. The physio had a look and thinks it is just a fatty lump - need to start those exercises and diet soon :(
Anyway, more news about today, I saw the physio to have the biofeedback for the bowel. I had a probe inserted in the back passage. The probe was attached to wires on a computer, which recorded the different pressures when I did various pushing an squeezing exercises. (Ithink it was an EMG). After a thorough examination and a 15 minute session trying to squeeze the probe out, I have been told my pelvic floor muscles are very good! My problem is that I have nerve damage, so when I'm pushing, the messages are not getting to the bowel, and the pressure has caused the rectocele and the rectal mucosal prolapse.
The physio thinks this is related to the Sjogren's. She recommends that I have the rectocele and prolapse repaired, and then use an irrigation system to control my bowel movements in the future. This is a kit that you hook up to your bathroom tap and has some simple tubes that wash out the bowel while you are sat on the toilet. It takes about 10 minutes, and can be used every day, if need be.
To be honest, I'm a bit shell shocked - and very, very sore, as all the pushing to get the probe out, has bruised the whole of my 'undercarriage'. I've taken painkillers, had a salt bath and I'm sat here on an ice pack - guess I'm the Ice Princess tonight.
Anyway, I see the surgeon on 6th May, and I'm hoping to get the surgery sorted for as soon as possible after that. In the meantime, she has recommended I add Movicol to the Senna and Dulcolax suppositories, which I need to talk to the GP about when I get back from Rome the week after next.
So, that's my news.
Kathyx
You poor sweetiepie, aka Ice Princess! No wonder you're feeling sore this evening. I hope that you're feeling better in the morning. A salt bath and an ice pack sound really soothing: have you tried arnica cream on the bruised bits?
On one hand it's good news that your pelvic floor muscles are in good shape; on the other it's worrying news that you've got nerve damage. You were lucky to find a physio who seems to be knowledgeable about SjS because these are quite specialised issues.
Thinking of you - Chickpea
ooh Kathy you are very brave - well done and hope your poor 'undercarriage' is feeling much better soon! Sometimes the only way to face all the indignities life throws at us is with a sense of humour - something you have shown over and over again on here. Just don't let anyone tell you to turn the other cheek! Thinking of you xx Ailsa
My first thought is, "Thank goodness there is nothing life threatening, or life shortening." My second thought is, "Katy's so young and busy, I wish this could have waited about 20 years."
We all know Sjogren's Syndrome can be a first class PAIN IN THE BUTT....you seem to be getting the literal definition of that remark!
I pray (after all the surgery and repair are done) your adjustment to a new 'elimination system' will go smoothly and without negative impact to your daily schedule.
I'm so sorry for this, Katy. I sure wish I lived nearby. I'd take you to your barstool for a 'nip' and a chat about how this is not going to be a big deal and you are going to come out the other end okay.
Loving support to you,
Janna
Janna, Ailsa and Chickpea
Thank you for your kind words. Today has been a bit better. I have taken extra painkillers and been wearing a heat pad on my back and things are settling down. Strangely, I have two large bruises on my back. I have absolutely no idea where they came from.
Tomorrow I am seeing my gorgeous grandbabies, and then early Sunday morning I set off for Rome with mum on a pilgrimage. I'm really looking forward to the trip. Thankfully we are travelling from a local airport, and the flight is only about 2 1/2 hours. I just love the feel of community on this kind of trip, and absolutely love all the singing and listening to the choirs.
I will be thinking of all my lovely friends, and remembering you in my prayers.
God bless.
Janna, loved being called 'young'
Kathyx
Quote from: Katybarstool on April 16, 2009, 12:38:47 PM
Hi Janna
Thank you for your kind thoughts. The physio had a look and thinks it is just a fatty lump - need to start those exercises and diet soon :(
Anyway, more news about today, I saw the physio to have the biofeedback for the bowel. I had a probe inserted in the back passage. The probe was attached to wires on a computer, which recorded the different pressures when I did various pushing an squeezing exercises. (Ithink it was an EMG). After a thorough examination and a 15 minute session trying to squeeze the probe out, I have been told my pelvic floor muscles are very good! My problem is that I have nerve damage, so when I'm pushing, the messages are not getting to the bowel, and the pressure has caused the rectocele and the rectal mucosal prolapse.
The physio thinks this is related to the Sjogren's. She recommends that I have the rectocele and prolapse repaired, and then use an irrigation system to control my bowel movements in the future. This is a kit that you hook up to your bathroom tap and has some simple tubes that wash out the bowel while you are sat on the toilet. It takes about 10 minutes, and can be used every day, if need be.
To be honest, I'm a bit shell shocked - and very, very sore, as all the pushing to get the probe out, has bruised the whole of my 'undercarriage'. I've taken painkillers, had a salt bath and I'm sat here on an ice pack - guess I'm the Ice Princess tonight.
Anyway, I see the surgeon on 6th May, and I'm hoping to get the surgery sorted for as soon as possible after that. In the meantime, she has recommended I add Movicol to the Senna and Dulcolax suppositories, which I need to talk to the GP about when I get back from Rome the week after next.
So, that's my news.
Kathyx
I have the exact same thing on the inside of my right thigh. My doctor said it was fat cells. Funny thing though, I am skinny.
Hope you have a wonderful time in Rome and that some of the healing and power comes your way. Thinking of you and looking forward to hearing all your news when you're back xx Ailsa
Hi AIlsa
Just back from Rome tonight - absolutely shattered, but we had a wonderful time. We had an 'audience with the Pope' (all 30,000 of us) on Wednesday. That was a wonderful experience, knowing that all the people, from all different parts of the ,were there because they believed in the same thing.
While we were there I said a prayer and lit a candle for all my lovely Sjoggie friends.
We saw some beautiful churches - the Vatican church is unbelievable. There were at least a dozen masses all going on at the same time in different chapels, in different languages - amazing. There were three small boys - brothers aged, 7, 8 and 11 with us, all with health problems. They are alter servers at home, and served at our daily masses at the chapel in the hotel. On Thursday we had mass at one of the chapels in the Vatican, and the two older boys served. It was an amazing experience for them - how many other alter servers can say they have served at the Vatican. Their mum was so proud of them, and so were we all.
My mum is 75, and I worried about keeping up with her. She's not the easiest person to be with, but this week she was an absolute angel, even when I had to go to bed each afternoon, she just sat in the room and read her book. I think she was shocked at how tired I get, and how much trouble I have in the bowel department. Anyway, it was a chance for us to have some time one to one, and that's pretty special.
We managed a trip to the Trevi Fountain and the Colloseum. I feel so lucky to have been given that chance. Tis weekend I need to rest, as work beckons on Monday.
Hope you are well and happy.
Kathy - how good to hear about your trip to Rome. I know you were very excited about it, and about the prospect of one-to-one time with your mum.
Thank you so much for thinking of us all while you were there. It means a lot.
Thinking of you and hoping you have a restful weekend - Chickpea
Dear Kathy,
I know exactly what you are talking about when you say how amazing it was!
I had the honor of singing for Pope John Paul II during World Youth Day (Denver, Colorado, US) more than 10 years ago. It was a life altering experience to meet him and be near him. I shall remember it for the rest of my life.
I am delighted you got to make this special trip.
Love to you, dearest.
Janna
That must have been awesome. DId you sing as part of a choir, or solo?
Kathyx
I did both.
I sang twice in a huge choir for opening ceremonies and a gigantic outdoor mass. Something like 15,000 people at each.
I sang in a very small group of 5 vocalists (Soprano, Alto, 2nd Alto, Tenor and Bass) for private mass with the Pope officiating.
And I sang alone for him in an after dinner performance.
Coolest thing I ever did.
In fact, at a bridal shower recently we played a game that said to write an unbelievable truth about yourself and a lie. Then everyone had to guess which was the truth.
Since I recently moved here and can no longer sing (stupid dry throat!)
I said, "I sang for the Pope." and "I was a virgin when I got married." They all guessed the virgin thing was the truth!
Janna
We are online together!
You must be a very gifted singer to be part of such a group. I can imagine that must have been one of the best performances of your life.
I absolutely love to her beautiful voices singing. My voice is very deep, and not very musical, but I still go upstairs and sing my heart out to Songs of Praise on Sunday evenings. The family wear ear plugs ;D
What are you planning to do today? My middle son is 28 today, so he is going out with a few friends ad his younger brother for a meal. I'm going to look after the little ones. I haven't seen them for a week, so I'm dying for a cuddle.
Kathyx
Happy Birthday to your son! Can you believe so many years have past since he was tiny!? I cannot wait for my boys to have some babies for me to cuddle!
Thanks for the "gifted singer" comment. I love to sing but cannot do it any more. I only do home bathtub concerts now days!
My son (who is graduating from college in a couple weeks) came home to surprise me for the weekend.
We went to see friends last night and had a wee nip of spirits! He's still asleep this morning.
We have another party tonight! I'm such a cheap date! 2 glasses of wine and I'm all done in.
Janna
My husband is an airline pilot and has a route to London these days. Do you live near the city?
Hi Janna
No, I don't, but if you could come to London, I would try to get time off work and get the train to meet you.
Yes, it seems only a short time since Philip was a baby. His birthday is a mixed blessing in some days, as he was born exactly one year to the day after my hussbies father died as a result of an accident at work. Philip has his grandad's middle name, Leon.
You know, I'm so proud of him. He's our middle son and was aa very ill child, with severe epilepsy. He didn't get good grades at school and left at 16. He's now 28, taught himself computer programming, trained as in micro-electronics, and last year finished a 3 year nightschool course to become an electrician. He flies off to Brussels on Monday for four days to repair some weighing equipment on huge wagons, that no-one else has been able to fix. You can bet your bottom dollar, he will. He's such a gifted young man, and I thank God that, after a poor start to his life, he has become such a clever young man.
Now all we need is a partner for him ...
I hope you son doesn't have a hangover today.
Kathyx
katybarstool, So glad that you had such a great trip. Hope the weather was good. Italy looks to be such a great historical place. Probably good that your Mom got see you operate on a daily basis as she will probably be more understanding now.
Janna, How great that you got to sing for the Pope--what an awesome experience.
As far as the shower and those 2 remarks go. You sang for the Pope, like yea right!!!! I can just hear that gals disbelief.
Take care gals. Irish ;D
Kate,
Philip Leon has been on my mind since last night. His story is quite remarkable.
I'm bustin' with pride over his life and accomplishments!
Janna
Thanks Janna and Irish.
Kathyx
Lovely to hear everybody's news sharing. We're all so proud of you heading to Rome, Kathy! Plus a birthday for your precious son ... so many of us here have 'big' children it's good to be able to share our joy in them. When my children were little there seemed to be more opportunities to meet with other parents, but once they're adults it's not so easy. Yet another joy to be found in SjS World, I suppose! Another blessing where we didn't expect to find one.
Janna - do you think you could make it over to London with your husband some time? We've been talking in the chatroom on Wednesday night (when most UKers can make chat time) about the possibility of meeting up some time. Having you visit London might be just the catalyst we need. I live in Brighton - just an hour from London by train - and if you flew to Gatwick rather than Heathrow I'd be even nearer! Worth a thought?
Love to all - Chickpea
I would love to meet up!
I'll look into it and get back to you!
Janna
PS This may sound silly and it's a LONG way to go, but I would do almost anything to get a REAL hug from a Sjogren's World member. You are the folks who know me so well. You know.... CryBaby Janna, RageFull Janna, Terribly Clever Janna (thank you for pretending on that one), Lonely Janna....the list just goes on and on...
Lovely Janna, kind Janna, clever Janna, thoughtful Janna, funny Janna ... hugs are waiting for you!
Chickpea xxx
Hi Kathy :)
I understand you feeling shell shocked. Sounds like you're in for an uncomfortable time but its something that needs fixed for sure. I can't 'go' without laxatives now and sometimes not even with them.
You'll have to get yourself a rubber ring to sit on! Are having a full anaesthetic or do they use an epidural? Make sure they're wekll aware of the dry mouth while waiting on the day of the op. I thought I'd made them aware but had to beg to be allowed to get some water to swill and then spit out because I felt so dry as they'd kept me hanging around.
Your Mum sounds amazing. Really resilient. Keep us posted.
Take care - Scottie :)
Hi Kathy!
Wow...I'm just catching up on this post...you have been through a lot in a short amount of time. Good luck to you when you go in for your surgery....will send lots of positive thoughts your way for a full and speedy recovery!
I also want to mention that your trip to Rome sounded fantastic....how very cool to see and do everything that you mentioned with your mom!
And Jenna...what a wonderful life experience you had singing for the Pope! We have so many talented people in our sjogrens family! I'm surely impressed!!
Hi Kathy
No wonder you're shellshocked! At least you know what you've got to face, you've got a date for the op and a timetable for recovery. It's going to be tough but you're strong, you have a deep faith, and a world of friends here. We'll be thinking of you lying there in the May sun with your bottom to the air!
Good to hear that your Mum is improving. How are things with your sister? Has she understood that your op will put you out of action for a while, and what the implications are? Maybe now she'll understand how much you've been coping with for so long?
Thinking of you - Chickpea
Thanks for your comments, everyone.
Chickpea, now that is not a sight to behold Katybarstool with a sunburned bottom :)
How are you doing with your treatment? Has it helped, or is it early days just yet?
My sister was a bit shocked when I emailed her with the information about the surgery. She is in charge of mum's rota, and realizes now that I can't be doing much, other than sorting my own home and family out. She knows I haven't been at work this week , due to the badder problem, so I think she is beginning to understand.
Anyway, it's a lovely sunny day here today, and I can hear the birds tweeting, and see the lovely spring flowers. After a few tears this morning, I'm picking myself up again. What a difference a bit of sun makes.
Kathyx
Dear Kathy,
I just wanted you to know I am praying for you every day and wishing for you to be keeping up with everything you have to do (mum, work, etc) and not feeling too poorly. You have a lot on your plate these days, not to mention surgery looming in the near future.
You are very special, I think of you so often.
Janna
Janna
That is very sweet of you. Thank you so much.
BTW You can't possibly be old enough to have such a grown up son. What a handsome fellah!
Kathyx
Thank you, my dear friend! I just read your response to my husband and he told me to tell you our son gets his looks from his father!!
My husband has never suffered from a lack of self esteem!
This is my son, Britt who is my baby. He's 22 years old.
Love to you Katygirl!
Morning Janna
How you doing? Are the fluff bunnies going or staying? Sending you positive vibes and a big hug for the coming weekend.
Kathyx
Well, I worked till I was about to drop but am feeling pretty good today. All the floors are clean and all the beds got made...and my husband did most of the shopping, which saved me!
My mom and I have been making cutout cookies all day. They are in the shape of airplanes and we will ice them with names of the new Lieutenants.
Hopefully I will continue to feel good for the next several days!
How are you feeling, Kathy? How's your little mama?
Janna
Janna
I'm impressed with the cleaning and the baking. Well done to you and your Mom. My mum is walking better, now that she has a shoe over the plaster. She has been with my sister to choose some plants at the garden centre, and sounded chirpy when I spoke to her.
I've been resting since dinner. Its almost bedtime now, and it's been a tough week at work. I just have to finish off some projects and hand over some work to a colleague tomorrow, and that's me, ready for the surgery on Monday.
The weekend is going to be a busy one. I'm going to have my hair cut short, and do as many jobs as I can.Then I will just have to hope that the dust bunnies don't multiply in the next two or three weeks.
Have a wonderful weekend - we expect pictures afterwrds!
Hugs
Kathyx
Kathy = just want to say a huge GOOD LUCK for your op on 17th. I will be thinking of you and hoping it is all as easy and carefree as possible, and absolutely successful too. Rest up lots and look forward to feeling lots better. XX Ailsa
Thanks Ailsa
I had my blonde head on when I posted the date - it's actually the 18. I had a really hectic day at work today, and I've been lying down for a while, as I felt rough. I'm feeling ok now.
My biggest fear is of incontinence afterwards - probably daft, but you know how it is. I've decided to not think about it now til everyone has gone to work on Monday. I don't have to be in 'til lunchtime, so I will get my brain orgnised by then.
McT, please will you come and hold my hand?
Kathyx
Hi Kathy
You've been in my thoughts today and then I thought how silly that was if I didn't let you know! I hope you're having a peaceful day, gathering your strength for tomorrow. Have you been able to have some time in Church for quiet prayer? Hope the family are rallying round and taking the best care of you today.
Let us know if there's anything we can do over the next few weeks as you convalesce. Hope sleeping on your tummy isn't too odd!
Love and prayers - Chickpea
Chickpea
Thank you. I feel blessed to have you thinking about me. I've been to mass with my mum this morning, and then doing some essential cleaning and bed changing. I'm now having a bit of a rest before the two little granchildren come.
To be honest, I'm a bit worried about the surgery. I know it's not major, but I have had a very strange dream about dying, and I'm trying not to let it get to me. Of couse, I daren't tell my famly, as I don't want to worry them.
Anyway, I'm sure I'll be back to normal soon. BTW, I always sleep on my tummy, so I'm not too worried about that :).
Kathyx
Dearest Kathy
You're bound to be feeling vulnerable and fearful, and those worries come out in all sorts of ways. Maybe it was good that you could address some of those emotions in a dream?
From what you've said I think it is pretty major surgery so don't minimise what you've got to deal with. You'll need to 'dig deep' and dredge up all that strength, faith and optimism that enables you to keep going day by day. And trust too. When I went into the operating theatre after my accident a few months ago I just concentrated on trusting the people round me, and giving thanks for their expertise. For hours all those highly trained people will be thinking about you, doing everything they can to heal you and make you well.
Glad to hear about the tummy sleeping!
Love to you, dear friend - Chickpea
Chickpea
Thank you for our wise words. They are very welcome! Yes, I hadn't thought about the dream being a positive.
My grandchildren have just gne home to bed, and my youngest has arranged to drop me at the hospital tomorrow. David is working, but will be in to see me in the evening. I don't know about you, but I don't really want anyone fussing over me tomorrow. I cope by just 'being' if you know what I mean.
You are a lovely person, and I'm proud to call you a friend.
God bless.
Kathyx
Kathy - you'll be in my thoughts tomorrow. When you get time to yourself, just think of us all, all over the world, queuing up to squeeze round at visiting time. I'm sure we would have a good old chinwag! Wishing you all the very best for a swift and full recovery. MNuch love xx Ailsa
Ailsa, what a wonderful vision. Thank you.
Kathyx