Hello Everyone--I cannot thank all of you enough for encouraging me (esp-Lene-Lisa-John-Beverly--and anyone else i might have forgotten their names)  Long story short-You were all correct--Fear the disease NOT the medication. Now that i am on a 7.5 mg of Metho +Plaquinol+5mh of Pred--I am finally--(almost) pain free. I cannot believe how stubborn I was and walked around for 4 months in excruciating pain and had resigned myself at age 52 -this would be my life. Knowing it could change down the road--I must accept-but I pray everynight that it wont. So I am here to tell all of you that I made a list to REMIND myself all of the things I could not do.. ie---opening a car door and dreading the pain I would feel when I try to get out of the car---trying NOT to get up to use the bathroom (until absolutly necess)for the pain to get there was so horrible---to praying the cat wouldnt cry to ask me to open yet another can of cat food!! An -oh yes--parking close to a store so my limping would not be so obvious....I could go on and on-but I choose not to bore all of you....my point is this....If I could give back some of the hope you have all given me--to ANYONE out there who feels they must endure a life of discomfort--let me let you know--there ARE answers--and you wonderful people have all made me feel I am not alone in this. That feeling--of "aloneness" has to be one of the scariest I have ever experienced (and Ive had some scary moments) God Bless each and everyone of you this holiday season --and again I would love to continue to help and encourage those of you who need it. Sincerely ANNJ