Welcome, I'm sure this board will help a great deal as you learn about the many symptoms that can change from day to day.

My pain level is usually a steady 4 or 5 but can peak to 7 or 8. I've had flair ups off the chart, once full body.

Mine started after attempting to donate blood in September of 06. Since then, it's been many doctors, many therapy sessions and now 1200mg a day.

It started in my left elbow joint, swelling up and down my arm, bicep was on fire etc. Shoulder and neck soon became effected. In recent months it has been in my lips and strong tingly feeling in my teeth. During a full body flair up it even effected my eyes and scalp. (Luckily that lasted only 4 long days)Now it is in evident on both my hands. Typing, grasping anything causes my fingers to fill with blood and swell. Painful to flex etc. Burning when cold (constant). My knee also...my lower legs swell and are discolored and shiny with very little hair growth. This certainly has spread for me!!!!!!


I, like you, am somewhat nervous about getting my first SGB done. however I know it's something that could potentially help and I'd try anything at this point.

It has been a long road for me already and I hope yours goes much smoother than mine has!!!!!

I am still able to work 12 hour days. Luckily, both my jobs are desk jobs which are mild paced and I have VERY supportive employers. But I can see on my worst days how it would be prudent to stay home!!! Then again...when I'm idle, I seem to notice the pain more. Like in the evening, I'm sure everyone here notices it more at bedtime! (Right?)

Also like you I am currently taking ADD medications to help with my lack of concentration. They do help for me! Concerta 25mg twice a day. I've done some research to see if it has contributed anything to my disease...so far I have found no other cases. It does help with the lack of concentration which I noticed more last winter when my symptoms started to appear.

Also, the Concerta has helped to keep my brain active during the day inspite of many insomniatic nights!!!!!!!! I have to force myself to eat as well...which is always nice, as I've always been a slave to food! When I do eat, I make my food count more...more greens and fresh fruits. I've recently been a fan of vegetable and fruit smoothies. (100% organic) to intake more antioxidants.

I went to the Bodies Exhibit this weekend which had live human specimens. Now, going through all this I'm curious about the body and functions! That has pretty much put me off any kind of meat...so I think I'm a vegetarian again. LOL

I've learned so much joining this forum, everyone here has been so helpful and it's such a comfort to be able to communicate with other people who are experiencing the same things!

Welcome, sorry you have to be here...but you have found the right place at least! Anything I can do...please let me know.