Hello to you all

angel1
angel1 Bots Posts: 1,464
edited 8. May 2009, 06:42 in Living with Arthritis archive
I`ve been getting to know you all for several months now, without finding the courage to actually post. The whole internet thing - and the jargon - is quite new to me, so please be patient. I`m a widow in my sixties, with OA. Two years ago I had a TKR, which was an amazing success. Still have it in shoulder, ankle, and - I think - lower back. I have two wonderful sons, but they live long distances from me. I finally decided to come on here to meet new people when, just recently, I had to have my beautiful little 12 year old Yorkie put to sleep. I miss her unbelievably. I hope I may be allowed to join you all.

Comments

  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Angel,
    Nice to meet you! I'm really glad you'v decided to come on line, but please don't worry about the jargon (or spelling, if you look at mine :roll: its AWFUL) We tend to make it up as we go, or copy others! The most important thing is to communicate with others and realise that you are not alone. I Know it has helped me a lot. I was 54 on Sunday, so I'm no Spring Chicken.

    I have OA in my hips, spine, neck, and other places, I also have carpel tunnel syndrome, which I have to go to plastic surgery about, that seemed strange but my GP said here pastics do hand surgery because its delicate. Maybe they will throw in a face lift and tummy tuck for nothing :D . Its amazing the information you can get on here and someone knows the answers to most questions.

    I am so very sorry to hear you've lost your dog, they are an important part of the family and you must miss him terribelly, they can break your heart, but give you lovely memories. I have 5 cats, all but 1 related to each other and the oldest 13 the younger 2 12. Then a black long-haired cat who's only 7.

    I was a Care Assistant for 8 years, but just been retired for ill health. Sorry, I've gone on a bit.
    Love Sue
  • angel1
    angel1 Bots Posts: 1,464
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    You haven`t gone on at all - and even if you had - its just what I need. I`ve never had cats, although they always seem very relaxing to any owners that I`ve known. I thought about another dog, but I don`t feel able to give it what it deserves. Had Amber from eight weeks, and she didn`t realise she was a dog, thought she was a baby! Hope to talk to you often. Much love. Angel
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi and welcome,

    Hey you could give a home to an older rescue dog. they don't need so much exercise depending on breed and that.

    This is my first venture into any kind of forum and Internet thing but they are a nice lot and very patient.

    Its a good site and I hope you enjoy your self as well as find it useful. Take care, Cris
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,105
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Angel
    You are very very welcome here!!!
    This sounds like just the place for you.
    So sorry to hear about your Yorkie - I used to have one and he died when he was 16 :( Stayed with some friends last night who still have one. She is about 9 , but had a bck op about 2 years ago and is still a bit disabled (a bit incontinent too), so we can all relate.
    I look forward to hearing more from you
    take care
    Toni x
  • ninakang
    ninakang Member Posts: 1,367
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Angel1

    It's nice to "meet" you and I'm glad you've joined in with us :-)

    I'm 32 and only recently diagnosed with RA and have just started taking MTX but you've probably noticed I still have lots of things to say and an opinion on almost everything ;-)

    Nx
  • lindah
    lindah Member Posts: 445
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello
    It won't be long till you have your feet under the table - so to speak.
    A great bunch on here ready with their wit,wisdom,advice or sympathy.
    Linda H 8)
  • colinone
    colinone Member Posts: 1,039
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Angel
    Welcome to the site, dont worry about the jargon just use your own words. When i first came onto the website i asked people what things meant but you soon get use to it. Same for spelling all those medical words that you never could spell, and the names of medication wow its a mine field. Well Angel you found the right place for meeting people and what a nice gang they are. My dog Sally is 18 years old and fitter than me always wanting to play, she has had 2 strokes and the vet suspects she has the big C but she's in no pain and just seems to go on. Glad your TKR worked well for you. Well take care and no doubt ill catch you round the site.
    Colin
  • angel1
    angel1 Bots Posts: 1,464
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you all for your kind words......Colin, I was just reading where people live, and find that I am just a few miles away from you. Make my day, and tell me you`re a Red! Angel.
  • twinney
    twinney Member Posts: 80
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Angel,
    I only joined this site a week or so ago and have experienced the kindness and good advice from everyone here.
    So welcome to you!
    Take care
    Best Wishes
    Lyn.
  • denpen
    denpen Member Posts: 389
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Angel
    Welcome to the forum it like a huge family that are supporting each other through the good times and the bad times.
    I am sorry to hear about your yorkie I had my dog for 16 years beore she died it was very very traumatic, so much so that I have never had another dog, I couldnt have even tried to replace her.
    Take care
    Denise
  • mickey2009
    mickey2009 Member Posts: 15
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Angel

    Welcome to the forum, I was diagnosed with RA two months ago but have only been using this site for a week. Everyone is so friendly and it is good to talk to people that actually understand :D
  • mistywillow
    mistywillow Member Posts: 711
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    mickey2009 wrote:
    Hi Angel

    Welcome to the forum, I was diagnosed with RA two months ago but have only been using this site for a week. Everyone is so friendly and it is good to talk to people that actually understand :D


    Hi Angel
    Pleased you decided to jump in an join us all. I joined in March and it has really been enjoyable getting to know everyone on here. They are all amazingly supportive and kind and full of all sorts of useful information not just about arthritis. You need to look in at the other forums too. I am 54 and have RA and and spinal problems and used to be a physio.
    I also have always had animals throughout my life so I can really empathise with how you feel about losing your little yorkie. (My mum has 2 of them both very old now)
    Current check list of beasties living with me are 7 cats, 1 dog, 4 shetland ponies, 2 horses, 2 chickens and 2 cows!
    No doubts we will chat again soon
    Gillx o055.gif
  • breane
    breane Member Posts: 392
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Angel,A big welcome to the forum. :lol: I am sure you will get a lot of support and help from all of us.Even if you just need a good moan we are the ones who will listen.I am sorry you have lost your little dog.I had Yorkies for over 30 years(Tara,Mitzi,Fliss and Lucy) and when my last one died of old age it was devastating.I don't have a dog at the moment but havn't ruled out getting another one.They become so much part of the family don't they? Look forward to hearing from you again online. Breane. :P
  • nearlybionic
    nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Angel
    I am pleased you have found the courage to post!! :D You will be a regular in no time!! I am 40 with OA, hip dysplasia, and had a THR recently.(but you probably know all about us if you`ve been reading! :oops: )
    I have found the site/forum a great source of information and support, and hope you do too.
    I was sorry to hear about your dog. My mum has always had dogs, but couldn`t bring herself to getting another after her last one passed. It really was like part of the family. She loves my cats though and is thinking of getting herself one for company, and they are more independent.
    Look forward to seeing you around.
    NB
  • caravancollie
    caravancollie Member Posts: 66
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Angel,
    Welcome to the site. I am relatively new and like you watched for a while before joining in. However I've had nothing but good advice and support.
    I'm 56 and currently off work recovering from THR 2 weeks ago. I live in the North west with my husband. Our 2 grown up daughters live close by with their husbands and children.

    I'm sorry for the loss of your Yorkie, you must feel a big hole in your life right now. We have an 11 year old border collie and one of our greatest challenges will be living our lives without him. He is going a bit grey and is not as agile as he once was but no one seems to have told him he's getting old. In fact he is enjoying my sick leave, keeps bringing me toys and balls and wanting to get on the sette with me.

    Hope every day gets a little easier and you make lots of new friends,
    Love Elaine
  • angel1
    angel1 Bots Posts: 1,464
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Wow, this is great. Thank you all for your words of welcome. Its good to know that so many of you are fairly new to the forum too. Elaine, your dog sounds a treasure. I too live in the North West. Misty Willow, how you must love animals. Denise, you understand exactly how I`m feeling. I too, feel unable to replace Amber. She was beautiful, but she was also a helluva character, a right little toughie. My boys wanted to get me another one right away, but when they came home, and "felt " her absence, they understood. Much love to you all. Angel.
  • colinone
    colinone Member Posts: 1,039
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    sorry angel
    Do i have some bad news for you, I'm one of those who sit on the fence but enjoy the game. Where abouts are you I'm not to far from the towny.
    Colin
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,398
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Angel,

    Just wanted to say hello and welcome you to posting - you'll get like the rest of us on here and need your daily fix of talking to us all. Some days I'm on and off the site all day and I'm at the point where I think shall I do the ironing, clean the bathroom etc. nah...I just have a little peep to see what everyone talking about ........ and there goes another three hours :shock: :lol:

    Sorry to hear about Amber, a little dog who's left a massive gap in your life :(

    Take care.

    Luv Legs :D
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Angel

    Welcome to the site. Snap! I too have had a TKR, in January 2008, which in the end was brilliant. No regrets at all. Just need to have the other one done sometime!

    I am sorry to hear about your pet. I am sure you must miss her tremenduously.

    Pleased that you finally had the courage to post. Look forward to seeing you around the forum.

    Take care,
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • greyheron
    greyheron Member Posts: 167
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Angel

    A big welcome from me too.

    I had a TKR 6 months ago which has gone well. I've had such great support from people on this forum, and it's somewhere where we can all drop the 'brave face' we often put on for the rest of the world - as well as sharing our good times too.

    And I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. I'm mainly a cat person myself but a very good friend with whom I part-owned a narrow boat had 3 border collies who I got to know very well and they helped me understand what wonderful companions dogs are.

    I'm sure you're right not to rush into getting another dog - never say 'never', if the right time comes you will know - of course a new dog will never be a replacement for the one you have lost, but a new friendship of its own.

    Take care and keep posting!
    Wendy
  • angel1
    angel1 Bots Posts: 1,464
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Once again, many thanks to all of you for a terrific welcome. I wish I`d plucked up the courage months ago......Colin, I`m in St Helens, but I went to school in West Derby, and worked,- and played!! - in Liverpool, prior to my marriage in the early sixties. Did you go to the Loc and the Grafton. Happy days. I`m actually only a "Red" because my" boys" - in their forties now - are complete lunatics about Liverpool. I know Kirkby very well. My late husbands sister lived there before she too died, not far from the townie,. Oh, by the way, can someone explain what the "reply with a quote" bit is for. I think I`ve mastered everything else. Much love. Angel.
  • jackie1955
    jackie1955 Member Posts: 632
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Angel,
    Glad you have decided to join in with us.! Its funny how a lot of folk will read the postings and are very hesitant to come on themselves? And at first you feel like your 'intruding' into a club I think, where everyone knows everyone else! However, you soon get the hang of it - and like a lot of us you'll be coming on every day! I do :)

    Also don't miss out on the Chit Chat Foum, that is a social site, and you can 'chat' about anything :) I find it really enjoyable!

    Finally, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your little yorkie. Please, do seriously consider giving a loving home to another little dog - not as a replacement but as a new companion for you.

    Look forward to reading more postings from you :)

    Jackie x
  • jackie1955
    jackie1955 Member Posts: 632
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    angel1 wrote:
    Oh, by the way, can someone explain what the "reply with a quote" bit is for.

    Click on Reply With Quote when you want a specific posting to appear in your reply. It isn't necessary to use this all the time, but is useful when a post has received lots of replies and the subject matter has got 'lost' or 'side tracked'.

    On this reply to your query, I have clicked on the Reply With Quote, then deleted all your message leaving only the bit I wanted to reply to - thats a useful way of not having lots of repeats on the thread :)

    Likewise, click on the Edit or Delete if thats what you want to do with your message. Hope this explains it for you. Jackie x