HoffDNA

My first hematologist appointment is still 3 weeks away and I'm nervous. I've had a low wbc count since June. It started at 3.8 (reference range is 4.0 to 10.0), has been as low as 3.3. I was using Arava (leflunomide), an anti-rheumatic, but stopped about two months ago. My number went down instead of up after I stopped.

I have major fatigue, I wake up tired in the morning and it only gets worse. My hair is falling out, I think I've lost about half of it since June.

I'm really worried.

When I wake up, I really want to have my coffee, and I know the thyroid hormone works best on an empty stomach. My doctor told me it is okay to take the pills before bed at night, as long as I didn't eat within two hours before. Is any particular reason why I should be taking it in the morning instead? Is two hours of no food enough? Does tea count as food? Anyone with any experience in this, please let me know your opinion. I've only just started taking the pills, so I've got time to get it right. (I have early Hashimoto's.)

Hi, I'm trying to remember the title and author of a book I read years ago. It was probably Catherine Coulter, or someone like her. I don't like the bodice-rippers, but rather the comedies. This one took place somewhere in Great Britain, 200 years ago or so, and one of the minor characters was constantly reciting limericks. Thanks for your help!

I'm looking for a durable sled for my kids. Not inflatable, and not crazy expensive. I've heard that the foam-core sleds fall apart easily. Reading reviews for the LLBean polar flyer it seems that the 2008 version was loved by all, the 2009 version was falling apart on everyone. The cheap plastic sleds are too cheap if they don't hold it together. I can't afford the wooden toboggans. Anyone have a great experience with a kind I can find at a local store? Thanks!

They're falling apart, so no reason to freecycle them, but I've heard some companies reuse the soles in some way. I'm not really willing to ship them, so it would have to be somewhere nearby. I live in Connecticut. Thanks!

I watch my cousin's baby, and I'm curious. My kids never sucked their thumbs and didn't use a pacifier after four months. My cousin's baby is about fourteen months now, and if she has access to her blankie, she just sits or stands there sucking her thumb. It's gotten so that I try to only give her the blankie when it's nap time, because she'll literally just sit there doing nothing if she has it during play time. Sometimes she is inconsolable, and as a last resort I will give her the blankie. She stops crying and just sits there again. I hate to even give it to her! Is this normal? I've never seen a child her age sit still, nevermind sitting there for so long with a sort of blank stare.

I don't drink too much very often, but when I have more than a few, I always want a cigarette. Why? I had a few here and there, but it's been years since I had even one, why do I crave one now? Biological theories, anyone?

It's been almost four weeks since my surgery, and I HAVE my ovaries. When will they start to work properly again?

:)

While I'm on the topic, what's your favorite Scotch?

I know he can't use Abreva since he's under 12. It's too late to call his doctor today, but is there anything OTC I can put on it to help it go away faster? Also, does anyone know if it was contagious before it appeared? He has a little sister, and they share cups and face-cloths sometimes...eek!

My husband and I do not want any more children. I will certainly talk to the doctor about it, but I wonder if anyone can tell me the failure rate? In other words, can we really rely on this method for birth control? I don't want to go back to the days of condoms and I cannot use contraceptive pills anymore.