A Place To Say Something

[Guest shani d]

had a very fuunnn conversation wich lasted over an hour with a very good guy friend of mine who is a transitioning ftm and we have a lot in common and are very good friends

it was soo fun talking to him and he made my day

[Ravin]

Not trans related. My 10yo. was diagnosed today with fibromyalgia. I'm angry and sad and frustrated.

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

Hi Ravin,

I am also very saddened to hear your child has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

I have been aware of much of the research regarding fibromyalgia (aka FMS) since the 90's, especially then with research done by Don L. Goldenberg, M.D., of the Boston area. Since then, many more researchers have been investigating this condition. I have not kept up with the more recent research. However, I am very saddened to hear of such a young person being affected by this condition.

Please don't be offended, as I always ask people this question: Do you feel this is an accurate diagnosis? Have you had a second or a third opinion? Why do I ask this? Many times, people are misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia (which is not yet understood and, often, cannot be helped in a significant manner), when they have a condition which can be helped more than fibromyalgia can be helped.

I know of several Rheumatologists whom NEVER believe a diagnosis of "fibromyalgia" given by other physicians. They each go through very thorough, independent, work-ups, to see if the patient truly has fibromyalgia, in their own professional opinion. In other words, they make sure all other conditions are ruled-out. Please be as sure as you can be that your child is not suffering from any condition other than fibromyalgia.

I am guessing you are very diligent, as you are very bright. Please don't be offended by the questions and my urging for additional opinions, if they have not been obtained yet. I only want to help your child, if possible.

No matter the diagnosis, I am sorry your child is suffering. Fibromyalgia, and any like condition, can be incredibly painful and debilitating. It's sad and frustrating for your child and for you, as well, of course.

Many specialists in the treatment of fibromyalgia suggest a trial of a supplement called "D-Ribose" to help with (cardiac and) the skeletal muscle fatigue in FMS. D-Ribose plays a role in replenishing ATP, which enhances muscle energy production, endurance and muscle recovery. This usually comes as a powder, to be mixed into juices (preferably grape, which has a preferable pH as a viable substrate for this supplement ) or mix into water. (Has a very sweet taste.) The Jarrow brand is very 100% D-Ribose and is very reasonably priced.

I have some awareness of fibromyalgia and similar conditions. Please feel free to PM me anytime. Just please be patient with me, I will respond as soon as I can do so. (I am just getting back on the forum, while still recovering from injuries.) I am happy to help in any way I can do so.

My very best to you and to your child, Ravin.

Brad

[Guest ashleynikole]

Ravin, I feel your pain. My daughter was diagnosed with NF1 (neurofibromitosis 1) when she was 2 and shortly before turning 4, they found an optic glioma behind her right eye. Had it not been found, she would've gone blind, but the alternative was a very aggressive chemo regimen that no 4 yo should have to endure. She's 5 now and done and the tumor is practically gone and we are grateful for medical technology, but the last year has been hell on earth for that little girl. The downside is it's a genetic mutation so she will deal with tumors for the rest of her life. Having a huge terminal disease affect your child is hard beyond words.

You are in my prayers.

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

Hi Megan, I had just added a note here for you. It has vanished! Maybe it had scurried into moderation? Will see if it shows up! If not, will rewrite here.

In the meantime, want to say: I admire your resilience! I know you and your mate will enjoy the celebration with your mother-in-law and all of the guests!

With Love, Brad

Hi Ashley, Thanks for sharing about your daughter. Wow. I am sorry she has had to endure so much; yet, like you, also glad allopathic medicine has something to offer her. Please do feel free to ask for support for your daughter, yourself, your family -- in any way we can assist, without hesitation.

With Love and Concern, Brad

[Ravin]

Ravin, I feel your pain. My daughter was diagnosed with NF1 (neurofibromitosis 1) when she was 2 and shortly before turning 4, they found an optic glioma behind her right eye. Had it not been found, she would've gone blind, but the alternative was a very aggressive chemo regimen that no 4 yo should have to endure. She's 5 now and done and the tumor is practically gone and we are grateful for medical technology, but the last year has been hell on earth for that little girl. The downside is it's a genetic mutation so she will deal with tumors for the rest of her life. Having a huge terminal disease affect your child is hard beyond words.

You are in my prayers.

Thank you, Ashley. I'm so sorry you've had to go through such scary stuff with your little one. Fibromyalgia isn't terminal, fortunately, just miserable and difficult to treat. It's one of those "we don't know exactly what's wrong with you that's causing your symptoms or why, but nothing else fits so here's your label" sorry of diagnoses.

Our next step for her is occupational and physical therapy.

[Guest Zayden]

Getting rid of my old life. My ex husband's things, my female clothing and things that no longer have anything to do with who I am.

Moving in 3 weeks, too.

[Guest]

Cool! Very good for you. Run with it dude! Hug. JodyAnn

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

Hi Zayden, Congrats! Must be the timing is just right for these major changes! Keep us posted!

Hi JodyAnn, It's been a long time. Have thought of you often. Hope all is well. Great avatar picture!

Love to All,

Brad

[Guest Zayden]

Thanks to you both.

I'm also contemplating finally coming out to my family doctor... I would have a lot more support that way if it goes well. Maybe some big changes...

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

Hi Matt!

First of all, please forgive me for referring to you as "Zayden," when you sign your posts as "Matt." Sorry. I will try to keep this straight in my mind!

You have mentioned several major impending changes! Yes, lots to consider and lots to accommodate!

I am trying to catch up with your story a bit. Please allow me a little more time. Yet, the changes you mention here are very big and you can, absolutely, use all of the support you can get!

If you feel your primary care physician will be helpful/supportive, then, yes, let this physician know!

I have hesitated with my primary care. I admire his role in medicine, for sure. Outstanding! However, he has made many off-handed remarks about other doctors he feels are too feminine or too masculine, in my presence. I know his underlying bias. I am not sure why he had felt he could make these comments to me, except that he and I have worked very closely together for many, many years and he may feel there are few, if any, secrets between us. He is right, I have few secrets from him. However, I do not expect him to support me in any big way on gender issues. I do expect, minimally, he will go along with the stance of the AMA and with the recommendations of the gender experts. I don't have any higher expectations of him, though, as related to gender issues. He is an outstanding physician in other respects and I am fortunate to have him managing my overall care.

Matt, I am wondering... Since you are embarking upon some major changes and would like support, I wonder if starting your very own thread in the FTM section might prove helpful to you? You could start a thread about the changes in your life and/or ask for support. You could go back to your thread to update us. (I don't know as this section here has a regular following?) It might also help us to keep track of you and your progress, as well as your needs? Just a thought. This isn't something you must do, of course! Just hoping to help you find the max support during this time of your life, if possible. Both genders also comment in the FTM section, which I find very helpful, very balanced in approach.

Either way, I hope to keep track of you and your upcoming challenges!

Keep us posted?

Warmly,

Brad

[Guest Zayden]

Hi Matt!

First of all, please forgive me for referring to you as "Zayden," when you sign your posts as "Matt." Sorry. I will try to keep this straight in my mind!

You have mentioned several major impending changes! Yes, lots to consider and lots to accommodate!

I am trying to catch up with your story a bit. Please allow me a little more time. Yet, the changes you mention here are very big and you can, absolutely, use all of the support you can get!

If you feel your primary care physician will be helpful/supportive, then, yes, let this physician know!

I have hesitated with my primary care. I admire his role in medicine, for sure. Outstanding! However, he has made many off-handed remarks about other doctors he feels are too feminine or too masculine, in my presence. I know his underlying bias. I am not sure why he had felt he could make these comments to me, except that he and I have worked very closely together for many, many years and he may feel there are few, if any, secrets between us. He is right, I have few secrets from him. However, I do not expect him to support me in any big way on gender issues. I do expect, minimally, he will go along with the stance of the AMA and with the recommendations of the gender experts. I don't have any higher expectations of him, though, as related to gender issues. He is an outstanding physician in other respects and I am fortunate to have him managing my overall care.

Matt, I am wondering... Since you are embarking upon some major changes and would like support, I wonder if starting your very own thread in the FTM section might prove helpful to you? You could start a thread about the changes in your life and/or ask for support. You could go back to your thread to update us. (I don't know as this section here has a regular following?) It might also help us to keep track of you and your progress, as well as your needs? Just a thought. This isn't something you must do, of course! Just hoping to help you find the max support during this time of your life, if possible. Both genders also comment in the FTM section, which I find very helpful, very balanced in approach.

Either way, I hope to keep track of you and your upcoming challenges!

Keep us posted?

Warmly,

Brad

Hi Brad,

First of all, I go by either Zayden or Matt, Zayden is just a screen name I use. So no worries.

I had been updating a thread in the "Coming Out" forum somewhat but I have really put everything on hold until I move out on my own. I don't feel like coming out to the world with my current roommates is safe so I put it all on the back burner. I'm moving at the end of this month, though. There's just a lot going on.

Cheers

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

Hi Matt,

I understand!

We are here! Just let us know what you need, if you need anything, anytime!

Warmly,

Brad

[Ravin]

Someone stole my bike. I just bought it in January.

[Guest]

Those RATS!!!! Give a call if I can help in any way. Hug. Jody

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

Oh wow! If someone had stolen or damaged one of my bikes... I'd be deeply upset!

I am very attached to my bikes. (Silly as it may seem.)

I keep mine locked up "in the stable."

So many bikes get stolen in this area.

So sorry, Ravin. Maybe insurance will cover your loss?

Hope so!

[Ravin]

Nope. No insurance. It status on the garage at home, but it was locked to a rack on campus.

Back to the bus for me for a while. Sigh.

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

What a BUMMER!

I see very nice bikes cabled to racks in the closest city. I walk by and admire the bikes! I am a bit of a bike freak. Lol!

I wonder how they dare to leave their bikes there, often all day, like that! Some employers allow people to bring their bikes inside. I don't think I could leave a bike on a rack, even with a lock... some people cut the locks.

My collection has taken many years to accumulate. I have to stay away from bike shops, bike sales, etc, because I get the fever!

I am truly a bit of a bike freak.

Yet, when a bike is also your primary mode of transportation, and it is taken... darn it!

Sorry, Ravin. What a bummer.

[Guest Claire-G]

yeah Started HRT 2 april at 1025 AM.

Small step, big step happy step.

Stil on cloud nine I am

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

You post is cute, Claire-G!

Made me smile.

Congrats to Claire-G and Megan Rose!

[Guest Michelle57]

Congrats Claire-G

I hope your steps get bigger, smoother and happier !

Starting HRT is a wonderful feeling indeed.

To a better and happier futurer .

I myself have been on HRT since December of last year and I now have my hearing on April 17 for my name change and gender marker change. My attorney says all should go smooth, I can only hope.

Hugs

Michelle

[Guest]

Congratulations Claire-G on the first day, of the rest of your life!

Welcome aboard the Womanhood Express.

Huggs,

Joann

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

I am so enjoying Spring!

There's so much more wildlife around on the property this year!

Astounding! Fun!

Getting some great pictures!

I love watching wildlife, nature.

BEAUTIFUL!

[Guest Sarah1967]

I really don't have much to say Well Anyway I'm feeling better an getting over the pneumonia an have been drinking lot's of water the last few days ....

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

Hi Sarah,

So glad to know you are recovering well.

I had a bout with pneumonia, last year, immediately after having had the flu.

(This year, had the flu shot; yet, still had the flu. I was rescued by Tamiflu. Wow! Tamiflu made such a difference for me with the flu. Not sure you if you had the flu or not. Pneumonia, no matter the cause, is a major challenge.)

I hope you can get out and enjoy Spring!

Warmly,

Brad