So, in the aftermath of a long, ugly day, we think we've figured out what happened today.
Yesterday, I was taking the uber-toxic medicine, and surprisingly feeling no effects - I've been told that just about everyone feels the accompanying nausea and discomfort. I just felt i was lucky.
HA! I should know better by now. ;-)
Turns out a SECOND medicine I was temporarily on causes severe constipation. A LARGE percentage of the toxic pill had apparently NOT hit my system before this morning - when the second pill's effects wore off. Once everything was back to normal, I crashed pretty quickly.
Came close to suffering some catastrophic toxic shock, but I have some *pretty great friends* that took care of me and nursed me back from that ugly mess earlier today - instead I just felt like I'd swallowed just enough rat poison to NOT kill me, just make me wish i was dead. I'm now packed chock-full-o' antihystamines, and thinking of calling it a night...see if tomorrow is better. Well, it pretty much HAS to be, doesn't it? :)
Night...
--
The Old Fool
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” -George Orwell.
-
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Briefly up....
So, I'm up for a little bit. Figured I'd share the amusing warning label on the current solution:
"Note, the compound is highly toxic. Take one dose every two hours until acute attack subsides or vomiting occurs, whichever comes first."
At least they are nice enough to remind me that if my body finally has enough of the toxic substance it has to resort to violent expulsion, that it's probably the "stopping point".
What is even sadder...I am glad to be taking it. In 6 years, it is the only thing that has been able to work one one of these acute episodes. The edema is about 50% lower after 4 doses, though the pain has not subsided in the least. But there are medicines one can take for the pain. So, as long as I don't really need my liver later, I can actually navigate these couple of days with much more control than ever before. :-)
Got to find the upside, after all. :)
--
The Old Fool
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” -George Orwell.
-
"Note, the compound is highly toxic. Take one dose every two hours until acute attack subsides or vomiting occurs, whichever comes first."
At least they are nice enough to remind me that if my body finally has enough of the toxic substance it has to resort to violent expulsion, that it's probably the "stopping point".
What is even sadder...I am glad to be taking it. In 6 years, it is the only thing that has been able to work one one of these acute episodes. The edema is about 50% lower after 4 doses, though the pain has not subsided in the least. But there are medicines one can take for the pain. So, as long as I don't really need my liver later, I can actually navigate these couple of days with much more control than ever before. :-)
Got to find the upside, after all. :)
--
The Old Fool
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” -George Orwell.
-
I need to update my vocabulary...
...because there are no polite or genteel words to describe my stupid right foot at the moment, and I'm certain that must simply be a limitation of my vocabulary, and not just a maddening, frustrating, distracting throbbing appendage preventing me from thinking straight today.
--
The Old Fool
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” -George Orwell.
-
--
The Old Fool
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” -George Orwell.
-
Sunday, June 21, 2009
25 days update
Well, the great news is that my brother is feeling extremely good in this treatment. He claims to feel 18 again, and chock full o' energy. He's hitting the gym every night after work, and not feeling drained or tired because of it.
I got my vitamin D results back, and as expected I came out astoundingly low. In fact, I was about 20% LOWER than my brother, and his doctor was astonished by his results. The recommendation was to supplement with at least 25-30x the recommended daily value every third day, and 4x the recommended daily value as a daily booster.
While at the 1 month mark, my brother is feeling amazing and is even visibly changing physically, I have no such news to report. About the only verified positive is that my blood pressure, which was not bad to begin with, is now "excellent". The second positive, unverified until the chance for new blood work, is that I believe the insulin response must be improving in my body, because I am no longer as tied to a fixed eating schedule before becoming hypoglycemic. We knew I was in much worse shape than my brother, and have no idea how much it is going to take for me to be able to improve at the same rate he might, but we're not going to push it.
I can feel the stuff working, but that hasn't necessarily been pleasant. Most of my muscles feel as if I had just finished an arduous workout, and my bones feel as if I was going through growing pains again. I have had a few painful episodes with my feet, but not to levels that I have faced before. I can feel the acceleration of my system. I am a little warmer, and can get overheated quickly. I suffer in the outdoors temperature a lot more. My heart rate can climb quickly if I am out and about doing anything that requires effort.
I went to a science museum some days ago, and interestingly enough, the side of my body I had applied the medication to that day was noticeably warmer on the FLIR...maybe by about 1/2 degree F.
I can feel the stress on my heart, but at least we're keeping the edema down for the time being, so I think that as long as I manage my exertions it is at least a calculated risk rather than an unacceptable one.
Thanks to all of you that have been keeping up. If there are any interesting/significant changes, I'll post. Otherwise, it will be boring "more of the same" posts. :) the only reason for this one was the change to full-dose (double my brother's) of the principal medicine, and the supercharged vitamin D.
--
The Old Fool
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” -George Orwell.
-
I got my vitamin D results back, and as expected I came out astoundingly low. In fact, I was about 20% LOWER than my brother, and his doctor was astonished by his results. The recommendation was to supplement with at least 25-30x the recommended daily value every third day, and 4x the recommended daily value as a daily booster.
While at the 1 month mark, my brother is feeling amazing and is even visibly changing physically, I have no such news to report. About the only verified positive is that my blood pressure, which was not bad to begin with, is now "excellent". The second positive, unverified until the chance for new blood work, is that I believe the insulin response must be improving in my body, because I am no longer as tied to a fixed eating schedule before becoming hypoglycemic. We knew I was in much worse shape than my brother, and have no idea how much it is going to take for me to be able to improve at the same rate he might, but we're not going to push it.
I can feel the stuff working, but that hasn't necessarily been pleasant. Most of my muscles feel as if I had just finished an arduous workout, and my bones feel as if I was going through growing pains again. I have had a few painful episodes with my feet, but not to levels that I have faced before. I can feel the acceleration of my system. I am a little warmer, and can get overheated quickly. I suffer in the outdoors temperature a lot more. My heart rate can climb quickly if I am out and about doing anything that requires effort.
I went to a science museum some days ago, and interestingly enough, the side of my body I had applied the medication to that day was noticeably warmer on the FLIR...maybe by about 1/2 degree F.
I can feel the stress on my heart, but at least we're keeping the edema down for the time being, so I think that as long as I manage my exertions it is at least a calculated risk rather than an unacceptable one.
Thanks to all of you that have been keeping up. If there are any interesting/significant changes, I'll post. Otherwise, it will be boring "more of the same" posts. :) the only reason for this one was the change to full-dose (double my brother's) of the principal medicine, and the supercharged vitamin D.
--
The Old Fool
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” -George Orwell.
-
Sunday, June 7, 2009
First Week
So, the first week was rather unsurprising on the new treatment. I knew that I was starting out at a very safe, low dose, especially when considering it's the same low dose they gave my 100-lb lighter brother.
There have been no major side-effects as of yet, again, unsurprising with the low introductory dose. The only thing that has changed is that my body-wide neuropathy is back in full swing like it hasn't been in almost a year. I'm doing my best to stay off the painkillers, but some days I'm less successful than others.
I will continue on this low introductory dose for another week, and then probably step up the pace to a more full-fledged dose, where I would expect to see more of the typical side effects.
Thanks for those that have been keeping track and praying. :)
Update on my uncle - he has come out well from the surgeries, and have gotten a partial settlement from the responsible driver for the hospital bills, but are still in the legal process of getting the rest.
--
The Old Fool
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” -George Orwell.
-
There have been no major side-effects as of yet, again, unsurprising with the low introductory dose. The only thing that has changed is that my body-wide neuropathy is back in full swing like it hasn't been in almost a year. I'm doing my best to stay off the painkillers, but some days I'm less successful than others.
I will continue on this low introductory dose for another week, and then probably step up the pace to a more full-fledged dose, where I would expect to see more of the typical side effects.
Thanks for those that have been keeping track and praying. :)
Update on my uncle - he has come out well from the surgeries, and have gotten a partial settlement from the responsible driver for the hospital bills, but are still in the legal process of getting the rest.
--
The Old Fool
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” -George Orwell.
-
Monday, June 1, 2009
What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger
Monday morning will mark the beginning of the truest sense of the phrase in the title, at least insofar as my own life has been concerned for a while.
I will begin my treatment. It has equal chances of a great and positive outcome as it does of generating a more permanent final solution, so to speak. However, the negative outcome is more and more guaranteed each day that passes without my treating, so I am actually looking forward to making a positive decision with regards to my health. Even if the solution were to not spiral out of control, if it does not work it will certainly place me in a more precarious situation than I am currently, possibly accelerating the degeneration by a few months to years.
The negative will happen eventually if I don't slow this degeneration down, but there is a 50% chance that the positive will happen, and this will be a major step towards health...and at the moment I really like those odds - given that doing nothing is 100% guaranteed to end badly if given enough time.
On the bright side, my brother is responding VERY well to this treatment - so we know it is of benefit to him, though to what extent we won't know in time to predict my own. He did report the negative side effects that concern me, but his health has much more "wiggle room" around things like heart congestion and the like. However, I trust that we will be able to manage with the appropriate countermeasures, as long as we know what to expect.
I appreciate all your prayers thus far, and will keep everyone updated over the next few weeks. From what I can tell, the first month will be the most critical. If things are not looking dangerous after that time, I think I will be confident that we have passed the most dangerous phase.
Thanks to all who follow/care/pray. God bless you all, and I'll post updates as I have them. Granted, in light of my uncle (previous post) and what his whole family will have to go through, I am thankful at the small scale of my own problems - and that any radical changes in my life will not imperil the well-being of an entire family as his did. Please keep HIM in your prayers more than me...and especially his family,
--
The Old Fool
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” -George Orwell.
-
I will begin my treatment. It has equal chances of a great and positive outcome as it does of generating a more permanent final solution, so to speak. However, the negative outcome is more and more guaranteed each day that passes without my treating, so I am actually looking forward to making a positive decision with regards to my health. Even if the solution were to not spiral out of control, if it does not work it will certainly place me in a more precarious situation than I am currently, possibly accelerating the degeneration by a few months to years.
The negative will happen eventually if I don't slow this degeneration down, but there is a 50% chance that the positive will happen, and this will be a major step towards health...and at the moment I really like those odds - given that doing nothing is 100% guaranteed to end badly if given enough time.
On the bright side, my brother is responding VERY well to this treatment - so we know it is of benefit to him, though to what extent we won't know in time to predict my own. He did report the negative side effects that concern me, but his health has much more "wiggle room" around things like heart congestion and the like. However, I trust that we will be able to manage with the appropriate countermeasures, as long as we know what to expect.
I appreciate all your prayers thus far, and will keep everyone updated over the next few weeks. From what I can tell, the first month will be the most critical. If things are not looking dangerous after that time, I think I will be confident that we have passed the most dangerous phase.
Thanks to all who follow/care/pray. God bless you all, and I'll post updates as I have them. Granted, in light of my uncle (previous post) and what his whole family will have to go through, I am thankful at the small scale of my own problems - and that any radical changes in my life will not imperil the well-being of an entire family as his did. Please keep HIM in your prayers more than me...and especially his family,
--
The Old Fool
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” -George Orwell.
-
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Uncle's Car Wreck
Sad story.
One of my cousins was valedictorian at her graduation yesterday (Friday). Many from the family were there to watch her give a speech, but her dad was extremely late. Not that this was out of character for him, as he's often "bum-like", but this seemed to be a bit of a low point.
His son kept stepping out to see if he could catch a glimpse of his dad arriving - maybe help him find a parking space to get him inside as quickly as possible. One of those times, he noticed a huge commotion a block over from the school. Then the ambulances. Then the gathering crowds of people.
With a sinking sensation in his gut, he ran over there, to find the scene partially pictured below. My uncle, his father, was the DRIVER of the taxi pictured here. One of 7 cars involved in a wreck when an unlicensed ambulance decided to run a red light at high speed...just because he felt that he could.
My cousin called my dad and uncle at the graduation and they rushed over just as the paramedics had rescued my uncle from the passenger side of the car. No small task either, because my uncle looks quite a bit like me - in the portly department. In fact, looking at these pictures, I'm quite surprised at his survival - though highly thankful.
My uncle was in surgery much of yesterday fixing a broken wrist, arm, knee, and collarbone.
Your prayers will all be greatly appreciated for his family. He is the breadwinner, and it looks like he will be out of commission for a while. He had insurance, but not enough to cover replacing his own car, just for his passengers and for liability. The ambulance driver has been listed as the guilty party and is under arrest after spending a night at the hospital - but with the money-greased legal system there is no guarantee he will be held responsible for any of it. It is now time to see if the newly minted lawyers among my cousins will be an asset for the family.
The other brothers and sisters paid June's rent for them, and gave notice. The family will move into my grandfather's home. After my grandfather passed away he left it to his youngest/unmarried son, and there is enough room there for them.
Overall, we're extremely thankful that my uncle suffered no greater injuries than he did, and after all, a vehicle can be replaced whereas he could not.
Thanks for your prayers...
From General
--
The Old Fool
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” -George Orwell.
-
One of my cousins was valedictorian at her graduation yesterday (Friday). Many from the family were there to watch her give a speech, but her dad was extremely late. Not that this was out of character for him, as he's often "bum-like", but this seemed to be a bit of a low point.
His son kept stepping out to see if he could catch a glimpse of his dad arriving - maybe help him find a parking space to get him inside as quickly as possible. One of those times, he noticed a huge commotion a block over from the school. Then the ambulances. Then the gathering crowds of people.
With a sinking sensation in his gut, he ran over there, to find the scene partially pictured below. My uncle, his father, was the DRIVER of the taxi pictured here. One of 7 cars involved in a wreck when an unlicensed ambulance decided to run a red light at high speed...just because he felt that he could.
My cousin called my dad and uncle at the graduation and they rushed over just as the paramedics had rescued my uncle from the passenger side of the car. No small task either, because my uncle looks quite a bit like me - in the portly department. In fact, looking at these pictures, I'm quite surprised at his survival - though highly thankful.
My uncle was in surgery much of yesterday fixing a broken wrist, arm, knee, and collarbone.
Your prayers will all be greatly appreciated for his family. He is the breadwinner, and it looks like he will be out of commission for a while. He had insurance, but not enough to cover replacing his own car, just for his passengers and for liability. The ambulance driver has been listed as the guilty party and is under arrest after spending a night at the hospital - but with the money-greased legal system there is no guarantee he will be held responsible for any of it. It is now time to see if the newly minted lawyers among my cousins will be an asset for the family.
The other brothers and sisters paid June's rent for them, and gave notice. The family will move into my grandfather's home. After my grandfather passed away he left it to his youngest/unmarried son, and there is enough room there for them.
Overall, we're extremely thankful that my uncle suffered no greater injuries than he did, and after all, a vehicle can be replaced whereas he could not.
Thanks for your prayers...
From General
--
The Old Fool
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” -George Orwell.
-
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Memorial Day
This is a Canadian comic that is normally dedicated to technology jokes, but they did an awesome veteran's day run.
God bless all of you vets out there.
Best to view them in order:
http://www.userfriendly.org/cartoons/archives/08nov/uf012110.gif
http://www.userfriendly.org/cartoons/archives/08nov/uf012111.gif
http://www.userfriendly.org/cartoons/archives/08nov/uf012113.gif
http://www.userfriendly.org/cartoons/archives/08nov/uf012114.gif
http://www.userfriendly.org/cartoons/archives/08nov/uf012115.gif
--
The Old Fool
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” -George Orwell.
-
Monday, May 18, 2009
I love music
Music is emotion for me. Music can be what I rarely let myself be, or cannot be. If it wasn't for that outlet, and the creativity of research and writing, I would be a silly, sad old man with no good release valve. Thank God for music. :-)
Tool
Tool
Seether
Nine Inch Nails
Slipknot
Slipknot
'Tallica
--
The Old Fool
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” -George Orwell.
-
Tool
Tool
Seether
Nine Inch Nails
Slipknot
Slipknot
'Tallica
--
The Old Fool
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” -George Orwell.
-
My friends...
This was not a very easy weekend to cope with. If I did not have the love and support of my closest friends over the past months and years, it would have been an impossible weekend.
The self-imposed hell of writing this week's final chapter in an all-too-short story, that - while mostly beautiful and wonderful - needed that final thrust, would have been absolutely insurmountable. To know that I have them to turn to (or even hide from, knowing they will be waiting for my return when I can face people again) is a blessing that's impossible to describe adequately with words...so I won't try, other than to say thanks.
--
The Old Fool
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” -George Orwell.
The self-imposed hell of writing this week's final chapter in an all-too-short story, that - while mostly beautiful and wonderful - needed that final thrust, would have been absolutely insurmountable. To know that I have them to turn to (or even hide from, knowing they will be waiting for my return when I can face people again) is a blessing that's impossible to describe adequately with words...so I won't try, other than to say thanks.
--
The Old Fool
“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” -George Orwell.
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