Wonderful update! I'm glad it is all working out so well. Enjoy!!

Peppa Pig is British so I am very interested in what you say it means. I *think* I know but could be way off.

I'm so glad you asked this! I have been wondering myself. I always make homemade but sometimes misjudge how much we are going to eat and I hate having to throw it out if we can't finish it before it goes bad.

My skin has gotten more sensitive as I have gotten older. I only use Mad Hippie products now. Love them! They are vegan and cruelty free. They are a great company that I am happy to support. Their products can be bought online, at Whole Foods, and at Wegmans. Possibly other places, but those I know for sure. Link to their website: https://madhippie.com/

Yes, I can take Tylenol but had no idea they had an arthritis version. My understanding was that all the arthritis versions of meds contained an NSAID. I will definitely look into it. Being able to take something orally would be nice on days that the pain is bad. Swelling is better some days and worse other days. So far it is officially just the one joint but there is no cartilage at all in the joint and since that visit there are times my entire hand just aches and hurts so I am wondering if my hand is also affected. I also have tendonitis in this hand, though that is not an issue right now (my hand surgeon treated it a few months ago with cortisone shots and the second one took care of it). Thank you so much for the info on the various topical meds. It sounds like they will all be fine odor-wise and now I have 3 good options. I am sorry you are dealing with both types of arthritis and in multiple joints. That is not fun at all. I really appreciate your help.

I have just been diagnosed with arthritis in one of my wrists. I can't take NSAIDs so I am left to rely on topical. I didn't realize they actually worked pretty well so hadn't tried any of them. Does this have a strong odor? Strong odors give me a headache. How long does it typically relieve your pain? My hand surgeon gave me a cortisone shot that has kept the pain tolerable and should hopefully keep working another month or so. But I would love to have a med to use once the cortisone isn't working well anymore.

I really hope that you are getting better but it is just slower going than you wish. Are they now treating the sarcoidosis? Did they determine if it was in your heart? I am continuing to think/pray for you.

Thank you for the heads up and the article. Ugh. Just one more thing to worry about. What in the world happens when people can't get insurance? I mean the mortgage co requires it if you carry a mortgage. And whether you have a mortgage or not, if something happens and you have no insurance and don't have the means to rebuild out of pocket (many of us, including me, couldn't afford it), then what? Just lose everything and walk away from your destroyed home?

This is wonderful! Made me tear up reading it. Finally progress in the right direction! I pray it keeps up and each day you are healthier and stronger. Many gentle hugs.

I have done the same thing.

I have read this book and it is wonderful!

These 2 statements jumped out at me because I feel the very same way. I have thought so very much about these things and my conclusions about them weight heavily on my heart. You are not alone, please know that.

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Lots of gentle hugs. I am so sorry.

You are such a great mom and your children are incredibly fortunate to have you for their mom. No matter how you ultimately handle this I am positive you will do a fantastic job and your daughter will know and feel your constant love and support. Hopefully your brother and SIL will, at some point, ask for your input because truly you are an invaluable resource and such a strong advocate for those in need. (side note: I really wish I had had a mom like you)

Melissa this is just a big scary awful thing and it seems you can't catch a break. Our shoulders are collectively here for you to cry on at any time. It does seem that your medical team is thorough and on top of it all. Praying they figure it out and treatment is successful. My deep hope is that with proper treatment your heart will heal and regain proper function as well as healing everything else.

Congratulations! This is such a great picture, he is very handsome.

So thankful you finally have answers and a solid diagnosis. Praying treatment starts soon and is very successful.

Me too. Many hugs to you. I hope tonight is a better night with good sleep for both of you.

Nope Nope Nope! Good Lord I hope you never see another one! Could the exterminator come spray again? Use something even stronger?

What a relief that they got good samples and that this part is behind you. Hoping answers come quickly and treatment is started very very soon.

Oh he is absolutely adorable!!!

Melissa I am continuing to pray for you and for answers and successful treatment. You have handled this with such grace and it is truly admirable.

I'm so sorry you are continuing to worsen. Praying for you and that this finally brings answers and much needed treatment for the diagnosis.

Thank you both! I investigated and it is definitely a corn. This is good info, thank you for sharing it.

Thank you! I have no idea how I got this one. In researching the causes, nothing fits. Were you able to get a pumice stone in the tiny area behind the toe? Tomorrow I am buying corn pads and a pumice stone.