Hey everybody, this is my first post here, but I used to post on the brainsite once in a while before it crashed and burned. I recognize a lot of people from there.

So what have I been up to? Well things are going pretty well for me. I just got married on the third.(3rd time) We've been together for almost two years now and so far my TOS hasn't been a problem for her. She has lupus herself, so she understands really well how is to not feel good. So there are people out there who will put up with us TOSers but they're not easy to find. I finally got lucky.

I was just thinking, my TOS started when I was 18, and I'll be 45 this year. Sometimes I don't know how I've made it this long without putting a bullet through my head, but time goes by and you just do the best you can. I hope everyone is doing well and taking care of themselves. Coop

Hi Coop!
It's nice to see you posting here, although I'm sorry for the reason you have to be here. Congratulations on your marriage! I know how you feel- my TOS/neck pain/back pain,etc. started when I was about 20 and I'm 49 now. Not fun at all, but what can you do- especially if surgery isn't an option for you.....

Hi Coop, glad you found us here! Congrats on the nuptuals and new life!! You give me hope... maybe there is someone out there for me, too. I'm so happy for you!

Anne

Congrat's Coop, blessings to both of you. I am so happy that you found each other. Great to see you on the forum, welcome back!
Di

Welcome Back and Congradulations on your marriage..
Dawn

hey !! It's good to see another "old" name LOL

congratulations too

I'm kind of irritated with myself because I gained 24 pounds. I guess that's what they mean by "fat and happy." I'm the one who does the cooking so I guess I have to blame myself. It's a lot more fun when you have someone to cook for. I noticed Rachael Ray has put on some weight since she got married. Coop

Hey Coop, rachael also caught her hubby with a friend in a triste....

The weight you may want to suf the net and start a thread for us with ehalthy receipes you find. I started using healthy choice types butter alternatives, bake not fry, lots of salads, healthy dressing, I love Balsomic vinager, YUM. I roast the chicken and make a sald with balsamic vinegar dressing on it.

Lots of rice, no goodies, I buy the health bars for days I work,
I also have a tredmill and recumbdant bike...if I get around to using them.
Don't fret spring is soon here and you will be fit and trim chasing after that new bride.
Di

Coop,
Sorry you've been dealing with it for so long but glad to know there are other longtimers out there like me: symptomatic @ 24yo, will be 39 this summer.

I found the love of my life 5 years ago and we've been married 3 years now...I put on 30lbs right away, dropped 20 of it last year, and now the Lyrica's helping jack it up again...

Cheers!

Here's hoping for a flare-free day/week!

-marabunta

Hey Coop,

Good to hear from you! Sounds like marriage is agreeing with you, it's good you found someone to share your life with that sees beyond the TOS and likes what she sees. I can see many upsides to having a partner who also knows what it is to have good and bad days, but I can see challenges as well.
What happens if your bad days fall on the same day several days in a row? Do you two have any support nearby, people who can help with food, cleaning, driving, etc, when neither of you feel up to it?

My husband has a bone spur on his rotator cuff that was really bothering, it looked like he was going to HAVE to have surgery, but a couple of steroid shots and resting it as much as possible have helped a lot, so for now he's avoided that. We were both really worried since the recovery and rehab can be long, and he's self-employed. He sells and services sewing machines, and a large part of his business is repairs, which he couldn't do without full use of his right arm.

Any signs of spring your way? We were hit with an ice storm Sat night - enough with winter already!!

beth