Where To, Bud?

Hello Again, Darryl! Lunch With My Very First Friend From 44 Years Ago

2012-02-06T18:29:00.003-05:00

It was awesome seeing you again today after how many years - 44????

Darryl was the first kid ever to befriend me following my family's emigration to Georgia in 1960. Specifically a small town named Villa Rica - not really the friendliest place for a kid of 11, who barely spoke any English.
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So there we sat today at noon: two old guys with similar afflictions (he with Parkinson's added in), throwing memories at each other, correcting them and, at times, guffawing so loud it caused the Longhorn's clientele to turn and smile as they caught little wisps of our conversation.

We couldn't have looked more different had we been born on separate planets. Me with my brown hair shaggy with bangs in my eyes, Beatles' style, and he with his snow-white hair and flowing beard, making him look like a pirate (his favorite historical character), his once flame-red locks now having given way to the "salt" of the ages.

"I still remember your phone number", I said, and repeated it to him.

"And I remember yours", and, with a wink told me exactly what it was.

"As kids, were we magicians with refrigerator or washing machine boxes, or what?", I asked, and then recounted that said boxes served as spaceships, castles, bunkers and tanks. For what seemed like days (our days - as long or as short as we wanted), we role-played our way through the space age, medieval times and chivalry and World War II. I was kinda glad we were on the same side (The Allies) during that last time period, because I was having enough trouble in real time being a "soldier in the German Army".

Intrepid hunters we were! Yes, indeed!

Many a night would find us camped out in my back yard using the two shelter halves (somewhat larger than a pup tent when buttoned together) our Dads had kept from their days in the service.

We played Army until dusk and built ourselves a small fire to cook our K-Rations on. Dessert were PB&J's from a CARE package sent from way back in the "States" by our Moms.

Yes? You have a question?

'Why was there an extension cord snaking out the back of our tent?'

Well see, we were ordered by our commanding officer(s), "General Mom" to always have a source of light in case we needed to escape in a hurry from the squirrels....errrr, enemy. We couldn't very well try to grab our weapons and other gear in the dark, could we?

We also needed the lamp in order to read the comics (Batman, Superman and Sgt. Rock) we needed in order to enjoy some mini R&R.

Yes. There were 6 cords hooked together.
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There is much more "history" to be written from both our memories, but today was a very good start.

Thanks, Darryl, for what I know is only number one of our historical series
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Afterword

Sitting across from my friend and listening to his words, I was glad I'd brought a pen and notebook, because the memories flew across the table faster than the speed of light.
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Please remember to click and feed our four-footed ones!

Thanks,

Bill

A Little More Pot Pourri For Ya?

2012-01-31T01:14:00.001-05:00

As many of you know, I'm very active in animal welfare. Not as much as I'd like to be, but I keep myself informed and contribute what I can where I can, and in keeping with that, I've found a way to help contribute funds which only requires a little time: filling out surveys.

Now, one has to be careful with this, because some of those sites are nothing but scammers and spammers, but I've found a trustworthy one and I'll tell you about it, if you'll send me an e-mail. I can't mention it in the blog because that would be advertising, and the blog isn't set up that way, sorry.

It isn't only surveys (those are the "money-makers"), it's also "paid e-mails" (which only pay 2 cents per mail), but it all adds up, and when you get to a certain amount, you ask to be sent a check, and mine goes to the Paulding County Humane Society, alternated with the Carroll County Humane Society.

So if you want to know more, send me a private message and I'll tell you about it.

As I stated above, I do stay abreast of what goes on in the animal welfare world, and as I surfed the web this afternoon, I found this picture:

I have seen some pitiable photographs of animals, but not one which hit me as hard as this one does. It relates to a petition Californians are asked to sign to be sent to their Governor Jerry Brown regarding the length of time an animal is kept before it is killed. The link is here if you're interested.

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The sleeplessness continues, as does the periodic incontinence and, for the first time, some very dark thoughts about myself. Not only thought, but voiced and that's a totally new and scary thing for me to be experiencing. I'll have to explore those in a little more detail with my shrink and/or counsellor at our next meeting.

Does that surprise you? If so, why? Remember, I've said from the very beginning of writing this blog, I will share with you everything that is going on with me no punches pulled, so this is what I'm sharing with you now.

I hope no one thought that just because I try to keep things light-hearted here, that I don't have bad days. I do. Dark times, pretty mama. Dark times indeed.

But! I have my "Saving Graces"! Dondra, Julian, Jason, Susan (my son and daughter in law) and, last but not least, The Bertster (My Maine Coon kitty, brought to my apartment and left with me ostensibly for just a short time, but it turned out to be "forwever more", because we kinda just fell in love with each other).

Heeeeeere's Bertie!

So I have to try to hold on to these little graces of mine and try to remember it isn't about me, no matter how bad the days may get, and I may need y'all to remind me from time to time if I get too down in the mouth! Could ya do that for me?

One thing that helps is to always have something going - one project or another - even something so simple as writing a song or a poem. Gotta stay busy and try to remember not to wet my britches! LOL!!!!

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That little guy up there? Please don't let him and his brothers and sisters go hungry, okay? Please click the icon below to feed them. It won't cost you anything and you can do it every day. I do appreciate y'all coming here and reading my drivel, but I appreciate even more your love for the four-footed ones. Always.

Thanks!

Bill

12:51: Just Some Pot Pourri, Revised, With An Apology

2012-01-20T12:52:00.001-05:00

PLEASE READ FIRST, THANKS!
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Dear Friends,

What follows is a revised and heavily edited version of yesterday's post, and I apologize it was necessary to rewrite so much of it.

I have always prided myself that I learned to speak American English out of a dictionary; majored in English in college; and was a fairly good broadcast journalist in my day. However, what I subjected you to yesterday would have deserved an F minus!

My favorite college professor, Gerry Garmon, PhD, would have gone apoplectic had he read the previous version! So please excuse me, and I will also try my best to do better next time!

BC

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My sleeping patterns are way off the scale, now.

I am sleeping more and more often in little bitty time periods; maybe 20 minutes, then awake again, get up, mess around with my bass guitar, read a little, get sleepy again, and back to bed I go.

And that's the way it's been for about three weeks around the clock.

I do have sleep apnea, some nights worse than others, but I'm also prone to panic attacks and that mask really scares me when I wake up in the middle of the night and it's pushing air down my gullet!

It is so scary to me, I feel as if I am smothering!

Sometimes I can handle it, sometimes not, so I guess you could call me non-compliant with the CPAP.

I really don't want to take a sleep med, so I am hoping that those little sleep intervals do me some good anyway.

I have tried telling myself, "Hey, you don't get to sleep, you're not gonna be worth a flip at work in the mornin', dude!"

But of course then I remember I can no longer work and/or take care of my patients and then I "hear" the words to that pretty song: "That was yesterday, and yesterday's gone".

I really, really miss my patients, and I hope they are doing well!

So, it's up and down, up and down and try to be quiet so I don't disturb Dondra.

Speaking of the bass..... my memory used to be good enough that I woudn't even need to look at the music. I'd just practice the part over and over till I could play along with the song and no problem.

But now, I have to have the tablature on my music stand all the time so I play the correct notes. I can't trust my memory to get it right twice in a row.

It's different with my drums though. You start playin' live or put on a cd, and I'll find that groove and we're good to go all the way to the end.

I think that had to do with the fact I played drums mostly by ear (and man, them drumsticks hurt up in there!), and you know us Germans have a natural sense of rhythm. HA! (That was satire, my absolutely favorite literary genre!)
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It occurs to me that next year is my 45th high school class reunion, so I've been in touch with a few of my classmates whom I remember from then and asked them what they remember about me, and a few of them have written back.

I told y'all I wanted the good and the bad, but you won't tell me anything bad I did, dammit!

So I will tell you something bad I did. I may even tell you two somethings bad I did, if I remember what it was when I get down to that paragraph.... HAHA!.......
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Okay, one Sunday afternoon my (then) steady girlfriend and I took a ride in the country (Folks used to actually do that, did you know it???), and as it sometimes happens, a small animal darted out in front of our car and I couldn't avoid hitting it. It was, for sure, I thought, dead.

She knew my love for animals and she could not believe I didn't stop, get out and see about that little squirrel I had just murdered with my car!

She then moved over to her side of the front seat (yup, we sat really close side by side, because my little Chevy had bench seats) hugged the door, crossed her arms and sulled up on me.

No matter what I said or tried to reason it out with her, nothing worked. I knew I had screwed up royally, and I think I wound up taking her home right after that. At her request.
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Looking through the ol "retrospectroscope", I realize she was right (realized it too after I got home) and I've never regretted anything more. Hell, I've since been known to pull over and help little turtles cross the highway!

But as the sayin goes. "too little, too late".

I think about that day and my stupidity and I do apologize to both of you.

Did we stay together long after that?

Damifino. I have that damn CRS, don'tcha know. ;) (Y'all do know what "CRS" stands for, right? "Can't remember shit". There. I said it!
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Here's "Bad Thing #2":

While in high school, I played in the marching band, played drums in our rock band "The Lighthouse Tavern", as well as one other band when the Tavern didn't have a gig: "The Watchmen".

Also, every day after school and band practice, I had a job at one of the yarn mills in Fullerville, (a little suburb of Villa Rica) until 11 pm, after which I did my homework, cleaned a little house, read my Dad's Playboys... etc.

All this paid for my gas, my fun with my dates, and my Dad back for buying me my first drum kit.

But it soon got to the point where I couldn't handle the pressure of having to be so many places and under such pressure, that I began taking "No-Doz" to stay awake. One night, I had taken too many and they had to cart me off the football field and take me to the ER, where my favorite doc, Larry Boss, took care of me and gave me a "good talkin' to".

Well see? I already had the longest hair in school (They called me "Beatle Bill" - which I hate to this day), so everyone put 2 and 2 together and decided I was a druggie. On No-Doz??? Come on, gimme a break, okay????;)
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But I've changed my ways: Instead of No-Doz, I now just drink Red Bull and I've become a true-blue animal welfare advocate!

I'm sure there's more. I'll check with my brother and let you know.

Speaking of my bro, one other bad thing he says I did was, while my mom and dad were at work in the evenings, I used to make him go to bed at 4 in the afternoon.

I didn't want him to hear my talking to my girlfriend, you see.

Not that we said anything too risque', you know.

Now, he was well-rested! :)
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In spite of what you read above, I DO love the animals and I want you to as well. So please click the link below to feed them free and do it every day. Please and thanks!

Thanks,

Bill

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Carolyn Walker Parrish: A "Go To"-"Can Do" Lady

2012-01-16T22:01:00.002-05:00

I don't usually do tributes on this blog, but I just cannot pass this one up!

A couple of years ago, I did a bicycle ride called "C2CR2C" ("The Carrollton To Carrollton Ride To Care"), for unwanted animals in shelters, "No-Kill", and the "Spay, Neuter and Adopt", program of the Humane Society. Take a look at my website from that time and get to know Carolyn better, because she is one lady who is definitely worth knowing.

Let me tell you what she did for us: As time got closer and closer to begin the ride from Carrollton, TX back here to Carrollton, GA, my team and I were getting increasingly worried that we wouldn't have a place to spend the night at every stop unless we spent the night in our support van.

Well, up to the plate steps Carolyn, and proceeds to knock 9 home runs out of the "ballpark", by finding us hotels who were willing to support us in return for mentions and signs on the side of the van. Because Google has a policy of no ads within my blog, I can't say any more than that, except that she ROCKS.

She and her husband Mike (a fellow veteran) are retiring and preparing to travel, so I wanted to get this in before they hit the highway (so to speak).

So thank you a million times, Carolyn and Mike and may God bless you and keep you in all your travels wherever they may lead.

As Carolyn and Mike do, please don't forget the animals and click to feed!

Thanks very much!

Bill

Be My/Our Hero

2012-01-11T20:08:00.002-05:00

There's going to come a time when you'll see less and less of me here on the blog. I'm tryin', but some days it seems like it's getting harder to pull things together, thought-wise. So while it's on my mind, I want you to do something for me: Get involved with Alzheimer's and find out what you can do to help, or what to do if you need help, for yourself or someone you care about.

Do this for them, first of all; for us, secondly, and then for yourselves. If for some reason I've meant anything to you in the past, then do it for that reason.

Don't think you know someone with Alzheimer's Disease? Bet you're wrong - or soon will be. Alzheimer's related dementia is diagnosed every 58 seconds. In early 2010 it was 70 seconds.

We all have our heroes. With me it's the fictional Batman, The Three Musketeers and King Arthur.
Now I'd like to add one more set of real-life heroes: you guys.

You start by contacting the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org and educating yourself and then contact your local chapter. The one I work out of is in Atlanta.

I'm doing my best to make a difference, but pretty soon (I think), I'll have to pass the ball on to you.

Hope you'll be there to catch it.
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From the poetry corner of J. Andrew Haknort (1907-1975)

Tiger

I was eaten by a tiger
In his stomach I was cooped
I got out only yesterday
And I was really pooped

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Be their hero too, okay? Just click to feed!

Thanks

Bill

My Memoirs: A Work In Progress

2012-01-10T13:43:00.000-05:00

As I wrote before, I m writing my memoirs backward, although when they're finally done, they'll read forward as they should.

At the present time (and without giving away too much yet), I am asking some classmates from my American hometown what they remember about me. I hope they will write back, since I really need to know what they thought about an 11 year-old just arrived from Germany who didn't speak English worth a damn. So far, I've had one person to reply, and she has had some very interesting things to say about me.

All the classmates who respond either positively or negatively, have my guarantee of anonymity, but all of it will be written down and published in some kind of way. Probably as cheaply as possible and just for the family and/or whoever else expresses an interest.

I wish Robert A. Heinlein hadn't already used "A Stranger In A Strange Land", because that would have made an excellent title. So back to the drawing board for that part of it.

I have already decided to use my journalism background and not let animosity slip through, because although those things did happen, and not all of them were good things, I don't mean to embarrass anyone, especially because they may have grown up differently from the way I remember them. Besides, what good will that do anyone. I will try to keep everything I write in 3rd person as far as they are concerned, and no "fake names" will be used.

So if you happen to be a classmate of mine whom I have not yet contacted, please write me and tell me some stuff.

That's it on a rainy day in Georgia! See you soon with another blog entry!

In closing, I tried to find an appropriate tune for this entry, and this is the one I came up with, and I am hoping it's meaningful to at least some of you.

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Please don't forget to click and feed a homeless, hungry and cold animal. It doesn't cost a thing to click to feed, and thanks!

Bill

What Should I Wish For You This Season?

2011-12-23T05:26:00.001-05:00

One sees so many argumentative discussions regarding all the traditional greetings this time of year, doesn't one? So I gave it some....errr.... thought and decided I would just wish all of you, no matter who or where you are: Peace....

And to go with my wish, I'll share with you a few selections of music which I find most restful. They're not necessarily considered "Christmas" music, but I hope you enjoy listening and get some comfort from them:

And last but not least, my personal favorite composer: The Maestro!!!

Thanks for remembering the animals, unwanted and hungry, with numbered days, and if you can, why not "opt to adopt" a companion from your shelter? I promise you'll get more love, devotion and fun than from any XBox, box of candy, or diamond, no matter how large.

So at 5:23 am, from Carrollton, Georgia on the day before Christmas Eve, we wish for you a restful and peaceful weekend!

Bill and Dondra

Me And "Top Cat" ( My Grandson, Julian)

2011-12-19T21:11:00.001-05:00

I call him that, because as some of you may remember, Top Cat (the cartoon) was really cool, which made him the leader of his gang of alley cats.

Well, Julian isn't only cool, he's very intelligent (hooked up our new wii) and a very polite young man for his age (11). I believe he gets this by going to church every Sunday and participating in all the youth activities there, and that's just fine with his ol "Opa" (me).

We did have one serious discussion, a couple of days ago (he's here with us spending a portion of his holiday break): "How's the bullying in your school, kiddo?, I asked him.

"What bullying?", he replied, and that made me happy because it leaves him free to study (he makes A's and B's only) plus participate in his soccer (he's got one trophy under his belt already!) without any outside interference.

He's also very diligently studying the drum lessons I gave him to learn, and he's in there right now pounding on his Opa's drum kit. Nothing spectacular yet, (paradiddles only), but if he puts his mind to drumming as he does everything else, he'll have it down in no time.

In many ways, he's my saving grace, because when he's here with me, I seem to brighten up, get away from this thing, and spend time with him outside and watch him skateboard.

He is also my "ersatz" German Christmas this year. As I wrote before, one of my favorite things to do at Christmas is to go home to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, my hometown, and spend the holidays there. Unfortunately, we can't do that this year, due to economics, but if I can hold out, I would dearly love to take him with me and let him see where I grew up and meet his cousins and my friends.

Maybe next year.

So... whatcha got planned for New Year's Eve? I imagine Dondra and I will be staying home and sharing a bit o' the Nog and Rum together, and see the New Year in with a hug and kiss. That's also my birthday, so we'll have dual reasons to celebrate.

Hang in there if this isn't your favorite time of year, and if you need to, send me a note and let's hook up and talk our way through it, okay?
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Here's a household tip for ya': "When using a plunger on a clogged toilet, remember to keep your mouth shut." Andrew Haknort, 1907-1975
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Here's one of my favorite classical trumpet works, "Hora Staccato" by Grigorus Dinico, here performed by a young Chekoslovakian musician. This is a very difficult piece of music, not only for the performer, but also the accompanying musicians.

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Don't forget to click to feed, please.

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Thanks and Merry Christmas,

Bill

Incontinent? Moi?????

2011-12-14T17:36:00.001-05:00

Yup, me. As much as it pains me to say it to you here, after about a month of barely making it to the bathroom, I have now begun to dribble (No, not as in basketball, smarties!).

Is my brain "getting the message" too late? This may be the case, according to my research. It could also be due to my neck/cervical problem which has now developed a numb spot in the back of my head. This, as my doctor told me, is one of the attendant effects of the arhtritic problem which they've wanted to fix for a couple of months now, but which I have had to delay, due to Dondra's health and her inablity to have the same surgery because of her pulmonary hypertension and arrythmias.

I wonder if they make Speedo Depends?

Gotta run for now.

Thanks for remembering the animals!

Thanks

Bill

Our Friend Marty......

2011-12-09T18:20:00.013-05:00

....... isn't doing too well these days . As a matter of fact, he's in very poor health indeed, involving his heart and lungs, and he sure could use your thoughts and prayers.

If you followed my last bicycle ride for animal welfare, you may remember Marty Neese being a member of my crew, keeping my bike mechanically sound, navigating the way for me, and keeping me focused. He truly is a special person and deserving of all the good vibes he can get. Unfortunately he's not on the net (can't afford the monthly charge), so if you have a message for him, send it here in the comments and I'll print it out and take it to him.

About Marty: He is mine and Dondra's "Second Son" and our son Jason's "Brother".

Jason is with him as I write this, and today Marty had a cardiac catheterization, and what they found is very bad news.

He has a 10% ejection fraction, which means his ventricles are only functioning at 10% of their capacity. Very bad news for the lungs (he smokes 3 packs a day) and, of course, the heart. Dondra tells me 60% is normal and 25% is life-threatening.

He'll be sent home with a "Life Vest", a contraption which will shock his heart out of ventricular fibrillation (what happens just before full arrest), and some drugs which will hopefully bring his heart strength back into functioning as normally as possible.

To read more about Marty and the tragedies he's already faced in his young life, go to http://www.c2cr2c.com/ . Please pray for him, send him "good vibes and thoughts", meditate or whatever else you may do. to give him strength.

Thanks from all of us, Bill, Dondra, Jason. C2CR2C Team Members and dear friends, Becky and BillDL, and of course, our Marty.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T14:55:00.001-05:00

We have Julian (my grandson, 11) and his Dad (Jason, 40) coming to eat tomorrow. We don't get to see enough of either one, so we're looking forward to it.

I'm also hoping that Julian is coming along with his drum lessons, and so I guess I'll see tonight. My brother is actually the better drummer, so Skip's coming over to work with Julian a little.

Dondra is bitchin' in the kitchen (J/K) and has asked me to bone the turkey, so I'll make this one short and sweet.

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Thanks for clicking to feed!

Bill

Directions! More And More Directions....

2011-11-17T18:01:00.006-05:00

....... that Dondra is writing for me on how to do stuff.

First it was the TV and what input the DVD player is on, and how to run the theater system. Then came the oven and I had to learn a whole new thing to do with it: don't use "cook timer", because apparently it has an alarm that you have to pay attention to or the oven keeps baking stuff, which I found out a couple of months back fixing myself some hamburgers.

Now it's the thermostat. Apparently, you can't just turn that thing from "cool" to "heat", you also have to switch the setting to "auto", plus there's a couple of other buttons there one has to fool with to keep the fan from running non-stop!

And she's also writing my recipes in case she's not home, at the hairdresser's or something.

While she was still working part-time at the hospital, she wasn't too worried about my burning down the house, but now I kinda think she is!

It ain't easy bein' me these days, folks! HAHA!
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November is National Alzheimer's Month and we're paying tribute to our caregivers, and so this is a good time to thank the love of my life, Dondra, for taking such good care of yours truly! Thanks, Sweetheart.

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So we keep on keepin' on, all of us and as always, I appreciate your reading my little journal here!
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Y'all might wanna crank this one up! And NO DANCING allowed! HAHA!

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And while we're on the subject, check this little guy out. (You'll have to wait a little for him to start):

Please don't forget the animals, okay? Gettin' cold out there!

Thanks!

Bill

Whenever I Need To Have My German Butt Kicked.....

2011-11-12T19:29:00.000-05:00

....... this is the song and the man I listen to:

That's it for now, since I have not heard back from last week's meeting, but I wish y'all a nice and safe weekend, and please hug a vet, okay? It isn't just one day they gave us. It was their whole life!

And don't forget our unwanted pets who have no idea why they're unwanted or what they have done to suddenly be so miserable and longing for a human touch and a kind word or two.

Click here to give them half a bowl of food, please? It's free and I appreciate it very much!

Bill

For "Sam" And All My Brothers Yet Unfound

2011-11-11T15:43:00.002-05:00

Alzheimer's Ripoffs: BE CAREFUL How And Where You Spend Your Money!

2011-11-09T17:31:00.000-05:00

First off, the disclaimer: I'm not recommending that you ignore a product which claims to be beneficial in helping with short-term memory loss. I just want to make sure you do your research thoroughly before you order some "snake-oil" cure that will cost you major bucks, okay?

You may find this information interesting:

http://thealzheimersdoc.com/?p=757

Okay. Time to come clean..... without mentioning the name of the company, I have ordered vitamins, mineral supplements to help my memory loss and when I figured it all out at the end of the year, it amounted to over $800.00!

If you're ever unsure, your first stop should always be the Alzheimers website. It's their job to keep up with the latest research and to advise you appropriately.

That's it for today, Boys and Girls, just asking you to be careful where you spend your money!

Another place to correctly spend your money is at your local humane society, or if you can't do that, then click here:

. It's free and you'll be feeding over half a bowl to some unwanted cats and dogs. Please do it right now, and ask your friends to do the same.

Thanks as always!

Bill

Show And Tell

2011-11-08T22:49:00.001-05:00

Not much to talk about, but this time I wanted to show you wherefrom (that is a new word I just made up! I could have used "from which", but I like "wherefrom". Tough if you don't like it, Mr. William Strunk and your Elements of Style or the Harbrace Handbook (written by Messrs. Harcourt and Brace), but sometimes the rules just don't fit!

Dondra and I were invited to a meeting to discuss how to best shape the services our Alzheimer's Assocation offers those families who have a need and how to reach out to them.

Because of Dondra's health and my inability to drive, we won't be able to make that meeting, but luckily, our Family Services Manager, Danelle Hubbard, has given us the opportunity to send a statement to be read aloud by our Suzette Binford, the Director of Family Support Services, and here (in part) is that statment:

"When I read Danelle's e-mail about the subject matter, I was pleased to note that in some

respects we have already begun: recently Dondra and I were very fortunate to be recipients

of in-home visits targeted specifically to both caregiver and patient, allowing for 2

(3 if you count my vacuuming and dusting like a demon just before Suzette's
arrival)

simultaneous benefits: the saving of travel costs and providing "one on one" time

in the patient's and/or caregiver's environment.
There are other aspects to our fact-finding mission which I am sure our fellow advocates will address, but here are 2 of my

suggestions: Reaching out to the public via an intensive media campaign such as talk shows featuring the

question "Hey! The're starting to turn loose of some of this money. How do y'all think it should be used?"

The other suggestion is to target the young: The high school students - those studying anatomy and/or physiology - and ask them : Does anyone have a family member with Alzheimer's? Are you assisting in caring for them, even
indirectly, such as taking care of a younger brother and/or sister? If so, how can we help you?

Because dementias are currently not on many Georgia curriculi, it would be up to us to provide the teaching, and I, being a patient, would like to volunteer for this."

So that's the "Tell" part of this blog entry.

Here is the "Show":

The first part of the room is where I play my guitar (or try to), and if you'll look behind, you'll see Dondra's art supplies and one or two of her works.

Yes, dammit! That's a sock on my music stand. Probably thrown there in frustration at my not being able to hit the B7 chord!

This other shot shows where I compose these blog entries.

Don't forget the unwanted pets, please! Just click to feed, it's free and only takes a second!

Thanks!

Bill

Dondra: A Little Set-Back And A Major Disappointment

2011-11-05T17:12:00.001-04:00

We'd been noticing it for a couple of days before, but yesterday was the appointment with her pulmonologist, and she wanted to have it checked out at that time. It's a good thing, because this time the swelling in her legs "joined the game" because of her gouty arthritis. So her doc wrote her a scrip for Allopurinol, a drug which, in conjunction with her diuretics, helps reduce her swelling and uric acid levels .

The disappointment is because tonight (Saturday night) is her 45th year class reunion and there's no way she can make it, even with her rolling walker or cane. Yes, she is proud as hell, but this time I feel I have some authority in agreeing with her.

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PLAN B

1. Take the new meds over the weekend.

2. Bill gets to be the Maitre D, chef, server and 60's DJ for her very own private 45th reunion!
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For my wife, the Teeny Bopper!

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Thanks, Bill

Happy Halloween To All My Werewolf Buds!

2011-10-31T21:23:00.001-04:00

And I guess we'd better do something 'bout "BILLY", right?

And you didn't think I'd forget this one, didja? This movie plays on my birthday every year! No not on Halloween! On December 31st!

Have a "Ghoul Night" y'all!

Bill

PS: And don't forget the 4-legged ones who aren't werewolves! Thanks!

Dementia In The Classroom, Part III

2011-10-29T12:52:00.002-04:00

I had to think about that title for a bit, but what the heck, it fits, right?

Well, I got a really quick reply from Georgia Department of Education's Pam Smith, and a really nice follow-up from Therese McGuire:

Good afternoon Mr. Craig,

Pamela Smith forwarded your email to me. I am the health education program specialist at the Ga Department of Education.

The Georgia Department of Education sets health education performance standards provide an outline for curriculum development. Those provide concepts in health curricula, which is to provide a framework from which curricula (which is often topic specific) can be developed aligned to local needs.
Local school systems develop and design their own curriculum, instruction and assessment. Here is a link to those standards:

https://www.georgiastandards.org/Standards/Pages/BrowseStandards/HealthEd.aspx

There are several ways to work with local systems and help provide curricula and/or information concerning Alzheimer's and other dementia.
One you mentioned are one time school presentations. In addition existing educational materials that may be available can be shared with schools and local school systems.

There are eight national health standards.... materials aligned to those standards and aligned to grade levels help schools to better use the materials.

If these exist for schools, I would be able to share those with contacts statewide. (I am not able to share or forward for profit information or anything that might be inappropriate for children)

If such educational materials do exist for children in grades K-12, it is often good to send them out to schools in conjunction with awareness months or campaigns but they can be shared at any time.

I hope this provides some insights and direction.

Therese McGuire, Ed.S.
Program Specialist
Health and Physical Education
Georgia Department of Education

Well, it does provide direction for me. Insight as well, and I thank Ms McGuire for her quick and detailed answer!

My next step is to schedule an appointment with Cindy Saxon who heads up the grades 9-12 curriculum for our schools here in Carroll County, and see what can be done to include teaching about Alzheimer's and related dementias in our schools.

Failing that, I'll just go and teach it myself by invitation(and give a pop quiz afterward, if they'll let me!).

I'll keep y'all posted, but you know I have to stick my nose in just about everything to have something to do, right?

On another topic, Dondra wanted me to say thanks to everyone for their thoughts, well-wishes and prayers! She continues to recover, but still isn't able to walk for very long at a time. Don't worry, y'all! I'm taking very good care of her!

It's the weekend, so here's one my band and I ("BC And The Cavemen") used to play, and you're not allowed to dance to it! (J/K :))

In an upcoming blog entry, I hope to introduce you to Mr. Rick Phelps, another proactive Alzheimer's patient with a huge amount of talent. Just a really special and likeable guy.

I hope everyone has a great weekend, (stay warm, fellow Georgians!) and don't forget the 4-legged ones, who are lonely, cold and hungry. Just click the link below to feed!

Thanks!

Bill

My E-Mail To The Office Of Curriculum Of The Georgia Department OF Education

2011-10-27T16:22:00.007-04:00

I was surprised recently to learn that Alzheimer's and other dementias aren't taught in our Georgia school system unless we, the advocates teach it by being invited into the school.

I have long thought that this is inadequate, being that a diagnosis is made every minute, and that our kids know this disease exists and kills, but may not know why.

For this reason, I have asked Pam Smith (director of curriculum) of the Georgia Department of Education to help me sort this out and hopefully work this into our Biology and/or Human Anatomy programs.

Here is that e-mail:

Dear Ms Smith,

My name is Bill Craig. I am a 61 year old Young Onset Alzheimer's patient and an advocate working out of our Atlanta chapter.

As an advocate, it is my job to oversee any legislation which affects the patients and caregivers who have to deal with the 6th-largest killing disease in our country.

We make ourselves available to anyone who needs assistance, as well as speaking to communities and contacting our state legislators to ensure their support.

Being that my "specialty" is non-compensated caregivers and community education, I recently discovered that Alzheimer's and other incurable dementias are not taught in our school systems unless we Advocates are invited in to speak to the students.

While we are happy to do so, we believe it should be made part of the curriculum taught to all our high school students. Alzheimer's is diagnosed every 69 seconds and chances are good those students already know of a patient with the disease or soon will.

So I am hoping you can advise me on where to begin with my task, who to contact and what

we can do to bring our effort to fruition.

Thanking you in advance for your assistance, I am

Sincerely yours,

Bill Craig
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Alzheimer's joke:
My grandmother had Alzheimer's and Bulimia. She'd binge-eat and then forget to vomit. That's why she was so huge, I reckon.
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In other news, the aarp wants you to send 'em $5.00, so they can tell that 12 person super committee not to cut our Social Security benefits.

Something tells me they already know our feelings on that matter, so I'll just hang on to my five bucks, thanks!
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Thinking of driving drunk? Don't do it!

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And don't forget the animals and click to feed.

Thanks,
Bill

" A New Study Shows....."

2011-10-23T19:25:00.001-04:00

If you've followed this blog for a while, then you know how much this crap frustrates me. More often that not, the "meat" of the story is followed by, "although more study is needed......" blah, blah, rackenfracken BLAH!Here's an example:

Okay, maybe this is the one, but I've been eating B12, fish oil, coconut oil, E, everything but suck some normal person's blood out of his neck for the three years that I've had this stuff. I've even been asked if I've been "washed in the blood of the lamb?". I'll try anything once.

I really don't mean to be so cynical, guys, but dammit, some of our time's running out, and it seems to me that for whatever reason, we're still pussyfooting around this disease with really nothing to show for it.

Over on the Straight Dope Message Board, we have some of the most interesting and knowledgeable people discuss some very interesting stuff, and here's a subject I participated in: a thread called "Will There Be A Cure For Alzheimer's Disease In My Lifetime?"

. Please pay special attention to Lane's
post, because it seems that he or she has really done some homework and I'm wondering where they were when I needed help with my term-papers.
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In other news, the lady-wife (Dondra) is feeling much better, and sent me to Dairy Queen a little while ago for some chicken fingers. The jury's still out on whether or not she'll return to part-time work at her hospital, especially since she still has her cervical fusion yet to be done.

While we're talking about it, here's something I didn't know about Pulmonary Hypertension: It could have been caused by a diet drug called FenFen (off the market now). I signed us up for a PAH (pulmonary arterial hypertension) website last week, and they've been all kinds of great help with med recommendations and checking to see if there may be a class-action suit she can enter into.
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Had me an Alzheimer's Nightmare last night.

I got lost walking around Carrollton (where we live), got disoriented and got really scared because I had no idea where I was. People I stopped kept running away when I tried to show them my bracelet with all the info on it, and when I tried to call D on my cell phone the whole thing just blew apart.
Finally a police officer stopped and said he'd call someone to help me and get me home.
Next thing I know, some paddy wagon type thing drove up, two guys jumped out, put me in a strait jacket and took me to this place where they started shooting me up with all kinds of experimental drugs. It was a really detailed dream (mine all are) and I felt all the effects of the drugs, saw my bed I was tied into, the pain of the catheter (told you it was detailed) and everything associated with my dilemma.

I figure I dreamed all that because of all my bitchin' about there not yet being a cure! LOL!
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Thanks for clicking to feed!

Bill

Good News About The Medicare Part D!

2011-10-19T20:15:00.003-04:00

The insurance company has agreed to begin it November 1st,which is only 13(!) days away.

Meanwhile, I have checked into "Georgia Cares" (neither of us can qualify for "Extra Care', which they feature on the site, because we make too much.) One has to make under 22, 300K for 2 persons in a household, so why not give this a try if you live here in Jawja. Maybe you'll make the cut.

The Sun Assocation is much more liberal. Here are their conditions and secondly, D and I want to apply for this, because for a $25.00 application fee and $100.00 a month for all of the costs they can reduce, we can save a lot of money, because our med costs are killing us.

They do all the paperwork, although one (or two of us because Dondra will be involved), but we have to do some as well: List all prescriptions and dosages, the prescriber, his or her address and phone number. We don't mind paying the fees, if it's legit.

Check into it, at least. It's nationwide!

I'll leave you with an Alzheimer's joke and ask you to please remember that I laugh at this stupid piece of shit disease and how it affects all of us!
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Do you want to join the Alzheimer's protest march? If so, learn the chant...

"What do we want?"

"I don't know!"

"When do we want it?"

"Want what?"
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We're bad and we're "Nationwide"! Contact your local Alzheimer's Association if you need help, or leave me a note here! I am an advocate for you and I don't care where you live!

Thanks for remembering the animals, but no sympathy for the a-holes who try to keep predators on their so-called "preserve"!

I appreciate it!

Bill

Problems With Medicare Part D And A Few Words About Dondra

2011-10-18T22:01:00.003-04:00

And because she's the most important, she gets the number 1 slot.

She continues to recover from her surgery, but still has a lot of pain. Today, though, she was upset because, except for me helping to exercise and take her showers, she can't do anything yet but lie in bed.

But today the dam burst and she began to cry, telling me she was so tired of being in bed, but because of the pain, she really can't do anything she usually does, such as housework and cooking, which she loves to do.

I gave her a hug and reminded her of how big the gallbladder was, and that removing one of that size would cause some serious post-operative pain and that everything is okay. I'm taking care of her and everything which needs doing, and all she has to do is her breathing exercise, and continue to ambulate. (and give ne a little "sugar" every once in a while, LOL)

She gets very short of breath because of the pulmonary hypertension, but she has an oxygen concentrator and some portable O2 tanks if she needs them.

I know it must be tough on her, being such a normally active person, but I'm thinking positive and remind her that now she no longer needs to use her cane or her walker. I think both of those things are part of what's making her feel so bad, so we'll continue as we are, and I'll continue to take care of her.
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My Medicare Part D (the drug coverage part) is driving me up the wall, dammit.

I went online today to enroll and when I got to the very last page, I was informed that it won't be effective until 1.1.2012, and that is unacceptable because I need all my meds to be filled at reasonable Medicare prices, and I don't need to run out of any of them.

On the entry page I was told if one is new to Medicare (as I am. It went into effect on 9.1) one could still get coverage for 2011, but when I called and talked to service rep at United Healthcare, I was informed after 10 minutes that unless I had something wrong with my retina or had recently moved, I had to wait until January 1st.

In all, I had to talk to 4 different people, in addition to an online chat with customer service ( one of those guys was very hard to understand due to being English speaking challenged)., and when the phone lost it's charge, and I got a monster of a headache, that was it for tonight. Northing is simple anymore, is it? I'll try again in the morning, I reckon, but I have drugs for 2 weeks, so I'm hoping one of my docs might have some samples to get me through if nothing can be done.
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Thanks for clicking to feed and for letting me vent a little.

B~

A Long-Time Friend And Fellow Animal Lover

2011-10-17T13:54:00.007-04:00

Sharon Amaya, MD was my consulting physician on the first Texas to Georgia bicycle ride I ever did (www.d2d4wetnoses.com). She and I worked together in the ER, and she was also the friend I confided in when I noticed something going wrong in my brain.

I haven't seen her in 3 years, but we keep in touch via facebook, and I'd like to share with you some pictures of her and some of her other friends from a recent vacation:

Sharon and Greg Amaya and friend. Both Sharon and Greg are ER docs and world travellers. Pearl Jam is probably the one band they'd drop anything (hopefully not a patient! lol) for!

Oh, yeahhhh! Can't forget this one: It's the dolphin's "Oh, shit! Not again!" picture of Sharon and Greg kissing over their friend's head. Look closely at their friend's face!.....

A little something appropriate to your last vacation, Sharon. Listen to it when you need to relax and remember.

And thanks for everything!

Please remember to click and feed. If you'd like to be sent a daily reminder, go to the "register" tab and fill it out.

Hope you enjoyed this little "different" blog entry, and Sharon, I remember our work together with much fondness.

Thanks

Bill

"Bob" At Our Recent Oktoberfest Party, And A Dondra Update

2011-10-16T18:06:00.001-04:00

This is my buddy, "Bob" who helps protect the house, having a bit of Oktoberfest "cheer". I'll post some other pics later.

Dondra continues to recuperate, although she doesn't have much of an appetite at present. It's good that when I fix her something, I'm usually a little hungry too, so I eat what she doesn't want.

As I write, we're enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon, just lying around and watching movies, with Bert squooshed in between us.

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Thanks,

Bill

WE'RE HOME!!!!

2011-10-15T14:13:00.001-04:00

We're home! Walked in the door last night at about 9:30 and shortly thereafter our home oxygen guy came to set Dondra up with her tanks and concentrator. I hate that my otherwise so active wife has been brought down by these stupid happenings, but I'm making it my project to get her back on her feet and, as soon as she's able, taking her with me to the track so she can walk and build her strength again.

Funny story: Before we left, as D was getting dressed, and I had already taken some stuff down to the car, I came upon her nurse giving report to another nurse outside her door.

"She's doing so much better", she told her, "and will be going home within the hour and thank God she's taking that asshole husband of hers with her!"

I walked smiling past them into D's room, and I know she knew I'd heard her.
But I don't mind being thought an asshole as long as I know I did the best I could to watch over my wife. They'll meet many more assholes worse than me, I think!

I got her up for a little while earlier today, but she gave out on me about 10 minutes later, so I'm letting her rest and will try again later today to walk her around a little.

Because she is still in a lot of pain from the surgery, we're asking our friends to give us the weekend to let her rest and get re-acclimated to being home. We appreciate all the calls, visits and well-wishes, but lets let her relax a couple of days.
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Thanks,

Bill and Dondra

D Update #14: We're Home!!!

2011-10-15T00:58:00.001-04:00

We're home! Walked in the door about 3 hours ago. I hate that my otherwise so active and beautiful wife has been brought down by these stupid happenings, but I'm making it my project to get her back on her feet and, as soon as she's able, taking her with me to the track so she can walk and build her strength again.We were discharged this afternoon, but didn't leave the hospital until 8 PM Friday night.

Dondra is far from well, and will need home oxygen, physical therapy, many follow-up doctor's visits and much TLC (that's my department! LOL!).

Funny story: As D was getting dressed, and I had already taken some stuff down to the car, I came upon her nurse giving report to another nurse outside her door.

"She's doing so much better", she told her, "and will be going home within the hour and thank God she's taking that asshole husband of hers with her!"

I walked smiling past them into D's room, and I know she knew I'd heard her.

But I don't mind being thought an asshole as long as I know I did the best I could to watch over my wife. They'll meet many more assholes worse than me, I think

Just to recap for y'all:

1. She had a severely inflamed and infected gallbladder which HAD to be removed. Our surgeon told us it was the largest one he'd ever seen, and it almost didn't pass through the bag used for laparoscopic surgery.

To put the size into perspective for you: Look at a bottle of Snapple tea, and then any plastic bottle containing 2 ounces of any liquid.

The 2 oz. bottle is a normal gallbladder and the Snapple bottle is what they pulled out of Dondra.

2. We found out she has pulmonary hypertension, a disease of the heart which is incurable, and can only be helped with home oxygen, medications or, in extreme cases, a lung transplant.

3. Because of the PH, we now have to watch out for any heart arrythmias, because the heart will have to pump much harder to get oxygen to the lungs.

There is no cure.

We have home oxygen for her, and we have the meds which will hopefully make a difference. The last resort is a lung transplant, because the pulmonary hypertension can destroy everything the lungs can do.

It hurts to see such a beautiful woman be weakened by this disease which can't be fixed, but I'm making it my quest to see that she'll keep active within her means, take her with me to the track to walk (when she can) and build her endurance, and to always know that I love her.

She's been with me pretty much all our married lives (both marriages! lol!) and shared my love for the animals. She's been with me through both rides: D2D4Wetnoses (www.d2d4wetnoses.com) and the Carrollton to Carrollton Ride To Care (www.c2cr2c.com), and I could not have asked for a more wonderful or loving companion both times. If I succeeded at all, it was her who put me there.

In short, I hope to one day be worthy of her love.

Please click to feed our little four-footed friends!

Thanks,

Bill

D Update #13: Still Here, Part Deux

2011-10-14T13:00:00.002-04:00

We are still here in the hospital. Her cardiologist stopped by earlier and told her that her increased pulmonary pressure is due to a leaking heart valve. That's all he said, except "it is what it is", which, to me, is a phrase which cancels itself out and isn't really saying anything at all.

D's room air oxygen saturation is 88% without 2 liters of O2. Her normal room air sat is 99 to 100%, so this is of some concern to me. When I was an RT, we'd send people home on oxygen with a room air sat of only 88, and she has never smoked or inhaled dangerous fumes in her life. Oxygen Saturation is the amount of oxygen carried by the red blood cells. O2 saturation is usually measured over the fingernail, although it can be measured with an arterial blood sample, which is very painful.

As I write, we just found out that the nurses will be taking her on a 6 minute walk without oxygen to see how far her sat will drop.

For that reason, I'm not letting Georgia Lung sign off on her yet. Something still needs fixing that isn't being fixed yet.

The good news is that her temps have settled down. Her latest was 99.2.

Her surgeon came by the morning and told us the site was fine, and that she'd have pain for at least two more weeks.

That's all we know for now.

Don't forget to click and feed the animals. It's free.

Thanks,

Bill

D Update #12: Temperature 102

2011-10-13T01:25:00.001-04:00

Dondra's started running a temp tonight (102). Blood cultures have been drawn, as well as a urine specimen taken to lab. We're thinking atelectasis, but no chest x ray has been ordered as of yet.

Atelectasis sets in when a post-operatve patient doesn't cough or deep breathe with the aid of incentive spirometry. It sometimes happens when the patient is under general anesthesia and is being breathed through an endotracheal tube by the anesthesiologist. The patient avoids deep breathing afterward because of the pain at the operative aite. Pneumonia can be the result of atelectasis, sometimes referred to as "whiteout".
The blood cultures have to incubate, but the urine specimen might reveal a kidney infection. D's is very concentrated, even though she's been drinking clear liquids.

I sometimes wish I didn't remember so much about my days as an RT.

Thanks

Bill

D Update 11: Still Here

2011-10-12T22:47:00.001-04:00

The wifi here is horrendous, so I haven't been able to write until just now.

D is getting up to go the bathroom, although she's still in a lot of pain. She's doing her incentive sprirometry exercises, but still gets short of breath so she's on O2. I'm keeping her spirits up by being her very own 60's dj from songs stored on this laptop. One she likes is at the bottom of this entry.

We don't know yet when we'll get to go home. We had hoped it would be tomorrow, Thursday, but they're not talking like it.

The gallbladder from hell was so large they had to keep drawing bile out of it, to make it small enough to fit into the bag. They gave us a view of it, which I told her I would frame once we got home. Here's what she said: "Not!" lol

Maybe since she's up and around, albeit slowly, it might not take the entire 14 days to recuperate. We hope so, but I'm not letting her get up until she's pain free

Since I don't drive anymore, a couple of our friends will come and the husband will drive us as his wife follows, thereafter I'll be taken to the grocery and drug store to pick up enough drugs and foodstuffs to get us through a week at least, so we don't have to inconvenience anyone else. I already do most of the house cleaning, so except for doctoring Dondra (she's going to fix her own daily meds from the bed), it won't be anything tough I'll be doing once we get home.
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Thanks for clicking to feed the animals!

Thanks,

Bill

D Update 10: The Rest Of It

2011-10-11T22:46:00.001-04:00

One week today.

The lung guys (Georgia Lung) still are not satisfied with what they're seeing, and, as I mentioned before, they're seeing the symptoms but not the cause.

What's left is the echocardiogram, and "working in" a therapeutic dosage of Coumadin (a blood thinner) before we're discharged - but I don't see that happening until Thursday.

Meanwhile, she's in a lot of pain from the surgery and it looks like we're in for a long recuperation (14 days at least) time at home.

Dondra was originally scheduled for a neck fusion, but it has been postponed indefinitely.

A word about the nursing care: great! About the only complaint we have is that they can't remember to close the door all the way! LOL!

We'll both be glad to get back home and into our own bed!

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If I have to look like somebody, I prefer to look like this guy.
I don't like hearing I look like Jerry Springer! :)

Please click to feed the animals.

Thanks and Good Night!

Bill

D Update #9 --- Out Of Surgery And In Recovery

2011-10-11T16:07:00.000-04:00

I spoke with her surgeon shortly afterward and he showed me a picture of the gall bladder before removal and said it had swollen to 5 times its normal size.

She'll be in recovery at home for about two weeks.

The next echocardiogram is still pending, but the surgeon has released her from his service.

We don't know yet when she will be discharged.

Thanks

Bill

D Update #8 The Right-Side Cardiac Cath

2011-10-10T15:59:00.001-04:00

After several false starts, a cancellation and a re-order, Dondra's cath was finally done this morning at 11. Dr. Miller told us that becaus the results are inconclusive, he wants to repeat an echocardiogram when she's in "normal sinus rhythm" (otherwise known as a normal heart beat, not blowing one's nose to a rhumba!) so he can take some measurements and put her on the correct meds.

One thing he did notice is that her heart has a "stiff" left ventricle, which interferes with the regular pumping of the heart. For this reason, he says, her case is still a mystery, so he'll continue the IV's and cardiac blood tests.

Also nothing conclusive about the pulmonary hypertension. But, taking all the symptoms together: the swelling of the extremities, the atrial fib and the chest tightness, it's been determined that all are contributary.

On a related matter, her Nephrologist came in this morning, told us the scan of the gallbladder was normal and the removal of it is therefore and "elective" procedure, meaning he wasn't planning on having it removed during this admission, and would send her home with gallstones and pain.

I do not agree with this and have said as much. She's here, she's been here almost a week, and there's no reason why a cholecystectomy can't be done now rather than have her go home and come back in pain. It's not only silly, it's stupid. I'll see an ombudsman (person) to get this done if I have to.

Thanks,

Bill

D Update 7

2011-10-09T16:11:00.001-04:00

Dondra is in good spirits today, although she's still getting IV Heparin and all the drugs for her heart, and of course, the pain.

One thing we haven't discussed are the results of the complete pulmonary function test. Although she's never smoked or inhaled anything damaging to her lungs, she has reduced values in her FeV1 and Total Lung Capacity. (FeV1 is the amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled in one second, and total lung capacity is the amount of volume retained after a maximal inhalation). We don't know for sure yet if this is what's causing her pulmonary hypertension, so tomorrow's cath will hopefully shed some light on that mystery.

D says to thank our friend ninetywt for the phone call a couple of nights ago. That is something I forgot, so I apologize. Thanks also to our friends Becky from California, and BillDL from Scotland for the phone call.

We had family to come and visit last night, and the night before my bro' came to get me so I could go home, feed and water Bert and pick up some more things for the both of us.

All vitals are looking good today, and she's not as SOB (short of breath - the other SOB is me!) as she has been, so all in all, a very pleasant Sunday.

Please remember to click to feed.....

and thanks to all of you for your concern, thoughts and prayers.

Bill and Dondra

D Update #6

2011-10-08T20:17:00.000-04:00

Hidascan (of her gallbladder) done today in nuclear medicine. That took about three hours due to the contrast not visualizing the organ, so they gave her 2mg of morphine and that relaxed the valve which goes into the gallbladder, so they could see inside.

If I had 2 mg morphine, I'd show you all kinds of valves!

Other things we know is that D is anemic, so the doctor is going to put her on an iron drip beginning tomorrow.

Meanwhile, she's laughing and kidding with family who are here as I write, so I know she's feeling much better and the atrial fib is leaving her alone.

So after a busy afternoon, we're going to settle down and watch some movies on my mini DVD player and go to bed early for a change.

Thanks!

Bill

D Update #5

2011-10-08T11:14:00.000-04:00

D is feeling better today, although one of her meds is making her perspire profusely, so bad her sheets are wet, but we'll trade all of her pain for a little sweat any day!

Her atrial fib is gone for the time being (due to the Heparin kicking in, I reckon), and she had a pain-free night for a change.

The cardiac cath is now definitely scheduled for Monday, and the gallbladder surgery will for sure be done after that laparoscopically.

She'll be going home with a rolling walker, which, to me, will take a lot of getting used to, because she's always been so strong, but I can put up with it since it's temporary. We don't know yet when we'll be discharged, just sometime next week.

The not so good news is that she's throwing some PVC's (pre-mature ventricular contractions), and that is some concern, because if they keep up, she'll be moved to ICU.

Other than that, we're good, and still optimistic, because, after all, they did find all that stuff IN the hospital instead of having to come to the ER multiple times.

Please remember to click the icon below to feed the animals, and by the way, if you're one of my international followers, please try to click and let's see if it works. If so, please join the rest of us and do it every day.

Thanks,

Bill

Update #4 On D

2011-10-07T16:22:00.001-04:00

We're still here, although we had a bit of a scare last night.

D started to feel bloated, which is one of the symptoms she experienced last year when her anestemosis incision burst and rleased "free air" into her abdomen. Quick surgery was what saved her life then and we thought it was happening again last night, so we had the nurse call the doctor who ordered a stat xray to check for free air, but she had none, so we dodged that bullet.

So, we're still dealing with the atrial fib and she has a Heparin drip to help with that, but so far nothing, and D says it's a very UNPLEASANT feeling which keeps her awake all night.

Hematologist was in llast night and told us that ALL her blood values were low, so the neck fusion surgery is off indefinitely.

Lung doctor just left and told us pretty much the same thing: the high PAP is a symptom of something, but they don't know what just yet, so they're going to find out what it isn't and go from there.

Again, I think we're looking at the right sided heart cath as soon as she stabilizes a bit, but for the interim, we're still here at least for the weekend.

Just now, we found out she also has gallstones and fatty deposits on her liver. So, some kind of surgery will be done sometime soon.

Thanks

Bill

Update On D #3

2011-10-06T20:10:00.002-04:00

Not good. We learned this evening that her pulmonary hypertension is worse than we thought: a pulmonary artery pressure of 70 - dangerously high, and high enough for a blood clot in the lungs.

What this means is, she's a poor risk for her neck surgery for the arthritis in her neck. What happens now is we treat the pulmonary hypertension with drugs and (we're about 80% sure) a right-sided cardiac cath.

Both of us are optimistic, but with both of us being respiratory therapists, we know the score and we know she's in trouble unless we do something quick.

I'm sure you know that a blood clot ("embolism" - in this case a pulmonary embolism) is like a dormant bomb: No one knows when it might blow.

Meanwhile, the blood thinners, anti-arrythmia drugs, blood tests, etc. continue. Tomorrow, she'll be seen by a doctor in one of the finest pulmonary groups in the nation: Dr. Chad Miller of Georgia Lung. Dr. Miller actually specializes in pulmonary hypertension and comes highly recommended.

2 of our friends from The Straight Dope sent her a teddy bear and a musical flower, and as I write, I see her lying in the hospital bed with the teddy bear in the crook of her arm.

She looks like a little girl.

Thanks, everyone for the well-wishes. We appreciate it!

Bill and Dondra

It's A Big Deal (Pulmonary Hypertension)

2011-10-06T12:49:00.000-04:00

"Pulmonary Hypertension"

The quick definition: High blood pressure in the pulmonary artery, veins, or cappilaries, making the heart have to work harder to pump oxygenated blood through it. Because the heart tries to fix that, it enlarges itself and that threatens the heart and lungs and can cause a blood clot in the lungs and or heart failure.

This what we're dealing with right now. More tests to see how severe it is will be done.

She could need a right sided cardiac cath.

That's all we know so far, but we know it's much more serious than we thought at first.

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Thanks, Bill

Cardiac Issues Discovered In D

2011-10-05T20:14:00.000-04:00

Looks like we have some other stuff we have to correct: D's been having chest pain all day, and she's going on heart meds and oxygen to try to correct this. She's very weak in addition to all her other problems.

More later.

Bill

At Cobb Hospital With D

2011-10-05T14:02:00.002-04:00

My pretty but stubborn wife got herself admitted here yesterday, because a few of her meds had stopped working for her and she got really sick, and finally broke down and listened to me and e went to her doc who immediately admitted her here and now she's having all kinds of tests (again), this time for Osteoporosis, since she had a stress fracture of her foot, we think due to the brittle bones that disease causes.

We had hoped she might have had her cervical fusion done while we're here, but no, that is scheduled for October 31st, which means mine will be done sometime in late November, yay! :(

She is feeling better as the new meds are kicking in, and we hope maybe to go home by Friday. Meanwhile, I'm being her caregiver, and I am very happy that I still can be.
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In other news, you may have seen me mention my hopes that the teaching of the various types of dementias and their causes is being included in the curriculum of our high school students here in Georgia, but sadly it isn't.

You know who does teach it? According to my counsellor Kathy Simpson of the Atlanta chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, we do. We go into the schools when we're invited and speak to the students about Alzheimer's and other related dementias.

That's actually a bittersweet kinda thing: at least we're being allowed in the schools to teach and speak, but being that those students will have (or already do have) a loved one with the disease, it really needs to be a part of the curriculum and that's another thing I plan to make a project.
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Speaking of, uh, speaking, I've been invited to speak to the Carroll County Alzheimer's group on their Resource Day, October 24th. I'll be addressing pending Alzheimer's legislation, as well as recruiting some Alzheimer's Advocates. If you're following me from Carroll or surrounding counties, maybe you can make it. Contact Leesa Copeland at 770-537-4482 for more info.
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That's it from "on location" at Cobb Hospital. Please remember the animals who need you to click on the below icon for food. It's free and just takes a couple of seconds.

Thanks,

Bill

Altruistic? Moi??? Just Some Musings.

2011-10-01T14:09:00.003-04:00

Oh, I don't know. Maybe. I certainly want to be and did start out that way early in life. At age 17, I asked my then-girlfriend, Lynn, if she'd like to spend a couple of years in the Peace Corps with me after we graduated, and got laughed at for my trouble. So no Peace Corps, 'cause I sure didn't want to go by myself - not that I might not have met someone there and developed a relationship.

So up we broke and went our separate ways: college.

In my broadcasting days, I hosted numerous telethons (seemed like I was on for some cause every weekend) to the point where people would tell me, "Bill we just love you to death, but you're on the air all the time, asking for money!!!!" Oh well.

At West Georgia College (now University), my Philosophy Prof once asked us: "How do you justify your existence?", and that's been on my mind ever since. Why am I here and what am I here to do?
For that, I go to the Hippocratic Oath: "First, do no harm". But I have harmed. With words and deeds.
Always with regrets, yes, but that didn't stop me. Maybe you have hurt someone too and were sorry afterwards?

Whatever happened to live and learn and how do you justify your existence?

I haven't talked about it very much but during my divorced days, I considered entering a monastery. But no, I am not that disciplined and, though having grown up in the Catholic Church, don't know for sure if there's a God. I have many questions for the Big Guy, if he's there: such as why so many wars in His name and why so many churches/religions. Apparently people can't make up their minds and neither can I. Will Dec. 21 2012 make a believer out of me? Maybe in the Aztecs.

So I try my best to make life better for the animals. Both unwanted and mistreated, and that's how I justify my existence, and that, I feel, is how Saint Francis justified his. So when it's my time, I hope someone will say about me: "He sure did love the animals, didn't he?" Leaving something behind, as it were.

My Alzheimer's Advocacy? Well yes, that too, but there's a bit of selfishness there, I think. After all, I am helping myself as I try to help others. Still, I will do what I can and all I can for as long as I can.

Thanks for allowing me to vent a little, although "venting" assumes anger, doesn't it? If I'm angry at all, it's because I have this stupid disease and one day, if there's no cure, will be of no use to anyone including the four footed ones.

Have a great weekend. It's cooling off a little here in Georgia and I'm looking forward to our little "Oktoberfest/Birthday Party" (for my brother) tomorrow. Some pickin' grinnin' and drummin' with some good company.

May I share a bit of music for the season with you? Here's the song of the Oktoberfest from my homeland: "In München Steht Ein Hofbräu Haus":

As always, please don't forget to click and feed!

Danke Schön (Thanks) und SERVUS!

Bill

Couple Of Things

2011-09-30T21:44:00.005-04:00

Thing 1

Is anyone having trouble posting comments on my blog? If you are, then I may have fixed it, I don't know, we'll just have to try and see, okay? If you're filtering out 3rd party cookies, this may be why you can't post a comment, but if you use "anonymous" as your comment, it will let you post, but unless you give me some indication as to who you are, (username, whatever). I won't know.

So I apologize if you haven't been able to comment, but let's see if it's been fixed and try it out, please? Thanks!
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Thing 2

A couple of days ago, Dondra and I were talking about something innocuous, when she suddenly stopped and said, "We forgot our re-marriage anniversary, Bill!"

Well, I didn't know whether to laugh or put on a sad face until she began laughing, and it reminded me of what I told her on one of our previously-married anniversaries....

I love you so much, I will never pull away from your cold feet!'

When I told her that, there was a cute little song by Michael Franks called "Popsicle Toes", and it became Bill and Dondra's unofficial song:

Okay, the other part of that promise will take some 'splainin'.

I have never minded eating the ass-end of a loaf of bread, because that is where the "filet" of the bread is as far as I'm concerned. But since my Dad brought us to the USA and I got to know peanut butter, I have developed my very own PB recipe. Here's what you do:

Make sure you get the ass end of one end of the bread an stick it and the next piece in the toaster.

Now if you wanna be a pig, you can reach down the sack and get the second
ass end, but I don't recommend it, because that hand will render that whole loaf useless, coming out. Trust me, I know this for a fact, okay?

Oh! Forgot something. That ass-end is usually smaller so you'll have to turn it just right, so that when it pops out of the toaster, you can grab it. DO NOT go after it with a knife or a fork, or you and I will be taking harp lessons. If you can't grab it, unplug the toaster and THEN get it, but just know you've effed up the best PB sammich ever, because that piece of bread will be too cold to do what?

MELT THE PEANUT BUTTER on the bread!!!!

No kidding, y'all. A warm peanut butter on toast sammich, a cup of hot chocolate and Captain Kangaroo on the tv? It doesn't get any better than that in the cooling Autumn and Winter-Time.

Hope y'all have a great Autumn weekend.

D and I are hosting a small "Oktober Fest" party on Sunday, and we'll be sure to post pictures.

Did somebody say, "Peanut Butter????

Please don't forget the little ones who depend so much on us and our kindness.....

Okay?

Thanks!

Bill

Contacting Georgia Broadcast Media And Double Surgeries

2011-09-27T16:40:00.005-04:00

Because our Alzheimer's Advocates are so very important to our efforts, we're planning a media "Blitz", and I'll be contacting radio stations everywhere here in Georgia and get them set up for Advocate recruitment. We'll be targeting all stations, both on the AM and FM bands, so if you live in Georgia and want to help by submitting a station near you, feel free to send me a note. If you don't know an address, don't worry about it, I'll do a search and get that for us.

Meanwhile, if you're considering Alzheimer's Advocacy, contact Kathy Simpson at the Atlanta chapter to get you started. Her e-mail is kathy.simpson@alz.org and her phone number is: (404) 728-1181.

We can use your help as well as any ideas, and the more advocates, the stronger we'll be in getting legislation passed that we so desperately need to help not only us patients, but our caregivers as well.

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Now the not-so-good news: Dondra and I both have degenerative disc disease in our necks, (don't ask me how that happened!) and we'll both require surgery, so I may be out of touch for a while, although D (who's hurting the worst) will go first, probably as early as next week. It's a procedure which involves an entrance into the neck for repair, so even after the surgery we'll be "laid up" for a few days. We've both been dealing with neck pain for about a year now, and it's just gotten too bad to work "through" it.

Because of this, I won't be able to do the Atlanta Marathon this year. I kept thinking "Well, they give you 6 hours to finish, Billy-Bob, and if you can't do it in 6 hours, you oughta just not run at all anymore." So next year, creek willin'.

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That's it: short and sweet. Don't forget the animals, please. Click the icon to feed 'em!

Thanks and see ya's next time!

Bill

Thanks, Colin Worthington And Newstalk 1330 WLBB!!!!

2011-09-22T09:55:00.000-04:00

World Alzheimer's Day 2011

Wednesday Sept. 21st (yesterday) 2011 was World Alzheimer's Day and, Colin had me on his Community Voice radio program for a 30 minute interview regarding dementia and its attendant subject matter, such as symptoms, care giving, legislation and how I, personally, am dealing with having "Young Onset".

Thank you, Colin, for putting me at ease and making the whole 30 minutes flow so smoothly. I found I need not have been apprehensive about being on the other side of the microphone since I did your job back in the 20th century! It was especially appropriate being with you yesterday since the entire month of September is Alzheimer's Awareness Month.

On behalf of the Atlanta, Georgia Chapter of the Association, thanks for helping us spread the word!

PS: My wife thanks you for the compliment as she pulled into the station's parking lot: "I see your LOVELY wife is here to pick you up, Bill......."

I get into the car and she goes, "How come you can't say that stuff, honey???"

So yeah, thanks a lot, Dude!!!! HAHAHA!
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Couple Of Updates

A couple of entries back I wrote that I'm chasing down some facts, figures and demographics on a couple of dementia subjects I've been curious about: Alzheimer's In The Workplace and Veterans With Alzheimer's.

Well, here are the updates on both: There aren't any!

See, those numbers are hard to track with any degree of accuracy because of the diagnosis factor. Someone may be at work with the disease, but hasn't been officially diagnosed because they're still undergoing testing and/or like me, be in denial.

In the case of our vets, well what were you thinking, Bill???? They're all over the place, man! They may be on the streets, homeless; they may be carrying that "monkey" around self-treating, or last but not least, they're caught in "the system", waiting, waiting and waiting to be seen, and just finally throw up their hands ans say "screw this" and leave.

Well you know what happens then, right? They get worse and worse, their marriage may break up and they may be misdiagnosed as having PTSS (Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome).

So how is a guy supposed to get any definitive numbers from all of those variables?

If I ever do come up with some accurate facts and figures, I'll let ya know.

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Speaking Of Veterans.......

A few weeks ago I posted that a new Veteran's Hospital Satellite Center is being built here in Carrollton. I think that's going to be just great, and if everything's still mostly "affirmative" with me at that time, I plan to volunteer my services there to help my brothers find their way around or help them get where they're going. This would be a different kind of "volunteer" than the one I did in the 70's!! HA!

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Speaking Of Veterans, Pt II.....

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Please Click Below To Feed Unwanted Pets

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Thanks!

Bill

Let's Have Us A Snort Of Insulin, Y'on't To?

2011-09-20T16:45:00.000-04:00

Potpourri Day

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Got hold of a news item a couple of days ago and I'll share it with you here. Apparently a new study shows that inhaled insulin can slow some of the effects of dementia, but there's a problem: nasally inhaled insulin was discontinued a few years ago, and of course, more study is needed. Here is the USA Today article.

As you might surmise, if you snort that stuff up your schnozz it gets to the brain quicker, therefore helping a patient faster. But again, "more studies are needed". I'd be the first in line for a trial, but as we all know anything new which might help us takes forever to hit the market. Meanwhile, our symptoms get worse. Don'tcha just love it?

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World Dementia Awareness Day Sept. 21st

Just a reminder: Please wear purple tomorrow to show your support for Research, Care and Legislation. Also don't forget the Alzheimer's Walks in your state and communities. Just go to www.alz.org to find a walk near you. We currently have 31 thousand teams in the US and 17 of those are in Georgia. Also "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" is playing for the Alzheimer's Association this week, the 19th-23rd.

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Alzheimer's Advocacy: We Need YOU!

Join us as an Alzheimer Advocate--as we speak with ONE VOICE--to educate elected officials, raise awareness, educate and support families, and raise funds for research. Please contact our local Association at 404-728-1181 to let them know you're ready to go to work. I have worked as an Advocate for 2 years and have learned so much and met some great people. We get together once a month (usually on the 3rd Wednesday) to have lunch, and you are invited. Our group is called "Forget Me Nots", and not only do we enjoy the fellowship, but we discuss legislation, upcoming events and latest research.

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Sandwiched Care

Y'all have read about this here before. It means the child of an Alzheimer's patient is not only taking care of that elderly parent, but also trying to take care of a family including the children.

Here's something I haven't mentioned: In many cases of Sandwiched Care who do you think sometimes has to take up the slack? Right. The caregiver's children, and that's just wrong. I don't mean it's wrong for them to do chores that help their Moms and Dads, it's wrong that they have to take over running the household while their parents try to work and take care of their demented parent (s).

Kids are for playing and having fun and advancing in school, not to be substitute parents. It's not the parents' fault. Actually, it's no one's fault that the children have to grow up so fast and do adult stuff, but when you look at the big picture here's what you see: 15 million caregivers providing 17 billion hours of unpaid care costing 202 billion dollars. That's quite a drain on the family budget for sure.

In 2008 a survey revealed that children of caregivers help with the care of the Alzheimer's patient. This is commendable, of course it is, because when they're adults they'll see a lot of dementia, and as I wrote before, I hope that the various types of dementias are taught in school as part of the Human Biology classes

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Willy The Whale

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That's it for this blog entry. Enjoy the rest of the week and don't forget to click to feed, thanks!

Bill

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"I Can! I Will!"

2011-09-12T06:04:00.004-04:00

I want to start the week off by reminding you that September is World Dementia Awareness Month, and link you to an excellent new website developed by Richard Taylor, PhD, who himself is a dementia patient: There are a lot of segments for you to read and become involved - just pick one (or more)!

This month is a time when we can all shine, especially caregivers and those who help us by championing the cause of research and legislation: Our Champions, as they are called. But it isn't just a special month out of the year that's important. This month should serve as a reminder that we need to be proactive year-round, because Alzheimer's/Dementia research is at a very low rung on the funding/research "ladder", and for a disease which is the 6th leading cause of death and the 10th in our nation which cannot be prevented or cured, this is unacceptable.

I've written before that the chances of you knowing someone with dementia are very high and they'll be higher very quickly, so this is another reason for all of us to act now and keep it up. Remember , the feds are looking to cut costs everywhere and they don't need to cut our costs.
So, please take a look at Richard's site and see where you fit in. I guarantee you will find one and you and your ideas will be welcome!
I wish you a pleasant week coming up, and please spare a couple of seconds to click on my link to feed unwanted pets below.

Next Blog Entry: An update on Alzheimer's In The Workplace, and Veterans With Alzheimer's.
Thanks
Bill
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For our Champions

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Friendship and 9/11/2001

2011-09-07T14:09:00.002-04:00

I want to to tell y'all a story.

Everyone knows what happened on September 11, 2001 and everyone can tell you where they were and that they were doing on that day.

This isn't about that. This is about friends, but 9/11 plays a part, so I hope you'll read this and get something from it. I certainly did.

On that day, I was in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, my hometown. I was staying with one of my best friends Peter and his family, but had gone shopping and so was unaware of what had happened until Harry, Peter's father in law, told me they'd been watching CNN about an airplane in the US hitting a building.

"So what?", I thought to myself. And then I sat down, and disbelief mixed with tears as I saw what had happened. My "Nephews" Hannes and Jonas came to my side and stayed with me until I had myself under control again.

Well, of course all planes home were grounded out of Frankfurt, but Peter and Petra (his wife) would not let me leave their home and sleep on the floor at Frankfurt airport. They insisted I remain with them, and that is what I did.

Mine and Peter's (and many others') favorite "Kneipe" (Pub) is Klaus' as he is out very favorite bartender, and all of the one and a half weeks I was there beyond my going home time, Klaus and my German "Stamm Tisch" friends took care of me in the evenings. On my last night these wonderful guys all stood up, crossed their hearts and sang the American National Anthem to me.

I don't have a picture of them doing that, but here is one of all of us together:

I guess you might be asking yourselves, "Well, what did you do the whole time you couldn't come home???"

Visited relatives (by train), went sightseeing and everywhere I went, especially Nürnberg, I saw shrines to all the souls who lost their lives on that dreadful day.
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These are my 2 best friends: Peter (beard) and Stefan. Both are musician/singers and have their own groups. Peter's is called "Time Out" and Stefan's is "Disharmonie".

What's going on in the pictures is my friend Tony had brought 4 bottles of Dos Equis beer (his favorite) thinking they would like it as well. In photo 2 you can see our reaction to the taste

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Here are my 2 friends with their respective groups. As you can tell, Stefan's is totally a capella and they are much in demand in Bavaria.

Time Out:

Disharmonie:

That's it. Till next time, stay safe and please don't forget to click below and feed the animals.

Thanks

Bill

GO ALAN! You DA MAN!!!

2011-09-02T20:02:00.004-04:00

Every once in a while you run across someone doing something that just inspires you, gives you initiative and makes you root for him and yourself.
This is the story of Alan Moore, a Viet Nam vet who went back to college and..... well I won't spoil it for you.....

It's Labor Day weekend and we have a couple of dangerous storms (one a hurricane) heading our way down here near the Gulf Coast. We never travel on holidays (unless it's to Germany) , so we're having guests over on Saturday for a holiday meal and some pickin' and grinnin'. It's been a long time since I've had someone to play guitar with and I'm looking forward to Bill and Suzette's visit very much.
After Irene and the fact that Lee is headed toward Louisiana makes me worry for those folks. They still haven't completely rebuilt from Katrina yet.
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An Alzheimer's joke:

A doctor got a call from a elderly blonde woman, who screamed “Doc, get over here, I’m in a lot of pain!”

The doctor raced to the woman’s house and saw that her ears were both badly burned. The doctor treated the burns, then asked her how it had happened.

The woman said sheepishly, ”Well, I was ironing the clothes, when a friend of mine called me up. I was so dumb! Instead of reaching for the phone, I held the hot iron up to my left ear and burned it.”

“Oh,” said the doctor. “Then, how did you burn the RIGHT ear?’

“Well,” the woman replied, “I had to call YOU, didn’t I?”
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Please remember that this month is Alzheimer's Month and be a hero for us. If you have a facebook page, please change your image to tell people you support Alzheimer's Research go here to see how you can help.
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Clumsy me. Bumping into doors, sides of tables... you name it and I've hit it, either with my foot or my side. It's not glasses - they're current. I think it's spatial disorientation. Sometimes I do it just walking from one place to another. I think that somehow my brain doesn't get the message to my right or left leg and I start to weave and sometimes almost fall.

People who see this think I'm drunk. Whatever. Why should I stop and explain? I do that enough, and I hate when that comes out of my mouth! It make me think I'm trying to get people to feel sorry for me, so many times I just say nothing at all.
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Enjoy your holiday weekend, and those of you checking in internationally, enjoy your weekend as well. Please don't forget the animals and click on the icon below to feed them.
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Today is a beautiful day! Because YOU are a part of it - so sing along even even if you don't know German! Thanks mkl12 from the Straight Dope!

And here's another for your Oktoberfest from PSXer from Da DOPE!!!

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Thanks,

Bill

Something To Do For The Entire Month Of September!

2011-08-31T19:20:00.000-04:00

The entire month is Alzheimer's month, so here's a site which will let you help us to get the word out. Just click here to get started.

Click here for an easy and free way to help care for those in need at The Animal Rescue Site!

Thanks

Bill

Doin' The Horizontal Boogie (RLS- Restless Leg Syndrome)

2011-08-29T00:11:00.004-04:00

This is 2 weeks running I haven't been able to sleep because my brain's telling my legs to do a 50-mile triathlon while flat on my back.

Yep, as if I needed one more symptom to add to my list of afflictions, I can now add restless leg syndrome. If you have it too, you'll know what I'm talking about: it's a neurological condition with no known definitive etiology (med-speak for "cause"), but in my case I'm wondering if the fact I'm on three kinds of anti-depressants is causing this.

It's right now 6:10 am and I've slept maybe 30 minutes tonight. For the week, maybe 3 hours, and I'm irritable as hell.

This is nocturnal, so I figure my autonomic nervous system needs a fine-tune with some chemical assistance. (I take so much medicine and supplements now, it's like eating a small meal!).

FAST FORWARD.....

The doctor told me Thursday I'm taking too many anti-depressants, so we cut back the Welbutrin to 150 mg just once a day. Indeed, taking too many anti-depressants can cause RLS, so for the next week, I'm cutting down and see if that stops it. I just hope it doesn't stop me from being a "Happy Boy", because the chemicals sure have helped with the mood swings.

The magic is keeping me occupied, and I am learning some effects I hope to present at our Christmas Alzheimer's banquet. The magicians at genii have been a huge help to me, sending me books and tricks to do, and I'm very grateful.

You know, I'm actually very fortunate to have all my activities at my disposal and it just pisses me off royally that I am so apathetic toward doing them sometimes. I feel like I really need the Namenda, but Thursday's visit did absolutely nothing in that regard, nor in any other. That's all I want to say at this point: it was an absolute waste of time. More on that later.
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I have said from the very outset, that I am going to write about my life as much as I am comfortable with. This would be, after all, my reason for writing it . The symptoms, the results of trying different meds, how I am feeling on any particular day; it is all a part of getting better and being pro active and not reactive. Opening a door into my life, so to speak.

I realize, however, that we are all different, with different degrees of how much they are they are willing to share, but for those who don't feel comfortable who don't want to publicly share it, would you be willing to talk about it anonymously or instruct the person who has your medical power of attorney to do so on your behalf?

Here's why I put this whole thing into italics: In one of the more recent entries I wrote of the NAPA (National Alzheimer's Project Act) bill just signed into law: "Sometimes when you want something and don't get it, it's because you didn't ask for it." I now want to add a word to that sentence. I want to add, "correctly" to the end of it.

A couple of weeks ago, we Alzheimer's Advocates held a meeting to discuss ways to use this law to our advantage. My suggestion was to use some of it to help our caregivers. Give them some time off or give them a little money in order to compensate them for expenses on our behalf.

How else can these funds be used? What? Huh? Sorry, I didn't get that, can you repeat that please?

See what I mean? You can't do anything because you didn't hear me ask.

So we need your voice to help make decisions, and if you get a questionnaire about this subject, please help our Board of Directors by filling it out and let them know what you want!
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For my Magician-Bros'.....

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I wish all of you a great work week coming up, and please help however you can, the victims of Hurricane Irene and please don't forget to click to feed and maybe set yourself a reminder in your calendar to do it every day, thanks.

Thanks

Billdo

It Takes ALL OF US!!!!

2011-08-20T18:00:00.008-04:00

T.S. Elliot wrote: "Footfalls echo in the memory
Down the passage we did not take"

What does that mean to you, my friend?

To me it speaks of regret. Regret for things we did not do, but wanted to. and perhaps not leaving something of yourself behind when it's "your time"?

We all need our "Bucket List". I have mine and have been fortunate enough to have been able to do almost all the things on it. I have no regrets now and will have none when I lose what's left of my mind or go where the dolphins went in the book "A Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy" by Douglas Adams - whichever comes first. Although I do hope Mr. Reaper takes me before Dr. Alzheimer does, as I do not wish to be a burden to anyone, especially my sweet wife.

Okay, enough of that. Are you having a good weekend so far? I am. I hear Dondra puttering around in the kitchen, and it is a sound I crave to hear, because when she's at work and I am here alone, it doesn't just get lonely, it gets confused and frustrated. I don't know what to do with myself. I go into the music room, pick up the guitar or sit behind my drums and then - nothing. The desire to play has left me within about a minute. No desire to read, watch tv, ride my bicycle, jog, you name it and I ain't doin' it.

And that's a sign of Stage 4.

I am, however, as I wrote in my last entry, getting back into doing some simple magic. I just need to shop for some props and then use D as my audience. (Tonight she'll see me levitate (a la David Blaine), so she can critique me. Ha-Ha!
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GOOD NEWS FOR VETERANS IN MY AREA!!!

Carroll County's new satellite Veterans' Clinic is under construction and will serve all surrounding counties! The story is here:

I included this because I think our veterans aren't getting what they were promised and I am wondering how many of us are suffering from Alzheimer's dementia. This is something I plan to research and will let you know as soon as I can.

Think about this though: How many of them are walking the streets homeless right now. In fact, how many homeless are walking the streets with dementia right now?

That is exactly why funding for a cure must not be cut by our government, and we need you to contact your local lawmakers and let them know this!

You know, sometimes you don't get what you want because you didn't ask for it, and that's what we need to do: en masse. Many of them will be running for re-election so pin them down and then hold them accountable by watching their votes. Here is how to track them: http://www.govtrack.us/ and here is how to contact your congressperson: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

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A Joke

Originally posted by Marvite from the Alzheimer's Association Message Board:

It was entertainment day at the Senior Center and the amazing Claude, the famed hypnotist was topping the bill. People came from miles around to see the famed hypnotist do his stuff.

As Claude went to the front of the meeting room, he announced, "Unlike most hypnotists who invite two or three people up here to be put into a trance, I intend to hypnotize each and every member of the audience."

The excitement was almost electric as Claude withdrew a beautiful antique pocket watch from his coat pocket. "I want you each to keep your eye on this antique watch. It's a very special watch. It's been in my family for six generations."

He began to swing the watch gently back and forth while quietly chanting.

"Watch the watch, watch the watch, watch the watch."

The crowd became mesmerized as the watch swayed back and forth, light gleaming off its polished surface.
Hundreds of pairs of eyes followed the swaying watch, until, suddenly, it slipped from the hypnotist's fingers and fell to the floor, breaking into a hundred pieces.

"SHIT", said the hypnotist.

It took three days to clean up the Senior Center.

The Message Board, in addition to being a wonderful support group, is a great place for resources, advice and comfort. I encourage anyone with Young Onset Dementia or a caregiver, to take advantage of it and sign up at www.alz.org
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Thanks for reading, as always. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and remember to support our Alzheimer's Association. You'd be surprised at how much they are able to do for us. We don't want to let them down.
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It's time to bring these valiant heroes home, y'all.
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I'd also like for you to remember the many, many people who care for our unwanted pets - both animal control persons and volunteer organizations. They have all had a rough summer and their work is far from over.

Help them out and click this link to help feed a shelter pet, thanks.

Bis dann, (till next time)

Bill

Magic, Cycling and Politics: Another Potpourri Day

2011-08-19T12:10:00.001-04:00

As a respiratory therapist in the ER, I used to do a little magic for my pediatric patients to help pass the time and allay their fears. I also did a little puppetry with my buddy "Dr. Bob".

Recently, I decided, as a memory booster to get back into it if I could and decided to see if there's a website for magicians. Luckily, I found one on the first try at genii. (Just click on the link above to take you there). I introduced myself, told them a little about me, and the next thing I know I'm being taken under their wing, with suggestions for books free books (thank you JordanB) and tricks I can learn easily. Richard Kaufman, who has written the book Magic Tricks and who runs the site, suggested the use of note cards as a help to me. So I'm going to try to put together a short show maybe for Christmas.

Here's One I showed Suzette when she came for her weekly visit this past Tuesday: The Magic Coloring Book which is one I did for the kids.

.

I'm trying my best to keep busy with different things to help my memory, but it's getting really easy to lose focus.

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Seems like the weather is cooling off a little and time to get the bike ready and do a little cycling on The Silver Comet Trail. I like to ride on the Trail because it keeps me out of traffic and since I had that three-car accident back in April, I'd rather ride where I won't encounter any cars. Another reason is that I was almost killed when I rode the bike from Carrollton, TX to Carrollton, GA last year.

Carrollton and Carroll County really do not have anything to keep a cyclist out of traffic, so I don't mind the trip to Paulding County.

I ride alone because it appears that no one can ride as slowly as me (top speed on flats 16 mph) and so that I can appreciate the trees on either side of it. If you didn't click on the link, the trail is abandoned railroad track which runs from just outside Atlanta into Alabama.

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Now for the politics: We advocates of the Alzheimer's Association are concerned about the national debt and how it may affect the amount of funds allotted for research. We dodged a bullet recently when Congress and the President finally reached an agreement that would leave Social Security and Medicare alone, but we're possibly facing another battle, because Pres. Obama has now appointed twelve members of Congress and tasked them to cut 1.5 trillion dollars off the national debt. Here's the news from my advocate page on the Alzheimer's Association website.

I know I have readers all over the US, so I'd appreciate it if you'd take a few minutes of your time and contact your local lawmakers and tell them not to mess with our funds, thanks.

That's it for this time. I appreciate y'all reading and please remember the animals and click to feed by clicking the button below. Here's an appropriate tune for this entry:

Thanks,

Bill

Improv Theater For Young Onset Patients!

2011-08-16T09:28:00.002-04:00

The poet William Stafford (1914-1993) wrote: "Let the bucket of memory down into the well, bring it up. Cool, cool minutes. No one stirring, no plans. Just being there."

To me, that means "take the pressure off yourself, relax and let those old memories come if they want to." I reminisce a lot these days, and often I have found that the old memories trigger the most recent ones. It doesn't happen a lot, but it does happen. Kinda like trying to think of that actor or actress you like so much, and that name being "just out of reach", and suddenly, when you're not even trying to think of that name, there it is.

We have Young Onset Alzheimer's, NOT death, and these are the days for working our brains and sharpening our cognitive memories. There are all kinds of "brain games" online and advice at your local Alzheimer's chapter to help you get started. If you happen to have a Kindle, there's a game called "Every Word" which I play, where you try to make as many words out of a bunch of letters as you can for a high score. It's free to download, and Dondra and I play against each other all the time now.

In the last installment I mentioned that one of the items of discussion was a support group for those of us with Young Onset Dementia and that this will be on the agenda of those responsible for making that happen.

However, I was pleasantly surprised Monday morning to hear a "Your Health" report on NPR about just that. Please click on the link, and while you're there, please also take a listen to the tape of one of those "Improv" sessions.

It's good to know that the private sector (in this case a theater group) is getting involved in making life a little better for those of us with Young Onset. If you're reading this as a member of a local chapter, why not contact Looking Glass Theater and find out the particulars on how to do this in your community?

More and more of us are being diagnosed with Young Onset, and while some may still be able to work, many cannot and maybe you know of someone who can't and has tried several times to be approved for SSDI (Social Security Disability Income or "disability"). If so, you may not know about the Compassionate Allowance Initiative recently initiated by The Social Security Administration, which will expedite your claim under certain conditions. Click the link to see the list.

If you've already applied and are "in the system" and waiting, waiting, waiting, please don't give up!!!! It took me almost 3 years to get approved (lean years indeed), but it finally happened for me. The link you just visited contains a menu which will lead you to an Alzheimer's bulletin board and I encourage you to check it out, become a member, ask questions and most importantly, keep your morale up and keep you thinking positively.

The unwanted homeless pet overpopulation continues nationwide. If you can, please visit your local shelter and adopt a new friend. If you can't, then please go here

and click to feed. There are many pet food companies who contribute food for both dogs and cats and it costs nothing to click the button to help provide for them. Do it! It will make you feel good!

Thanks

Bill

NAPA Town Hall Meeting 8.13.2011

2011-08-13T17:03:00.004-04:00

Just got in the door from this meeting and wanted to tell you about it before it all fades away. First, I'll tell you what we discussed and then I'm going to throw out some "Did You Know's".

Represented at today's meeting were the chapters in Atlanta, and via Skype, those in Columbus, Macon, Augusta, Dalton, Savannah and Tifton. Before things got underway, Kris Bakowski (previous blog interview here) talked to us. Kris is a member of the Atlanta Regional Board, and is on the steering committee of the Northeast GA walk in Athens. There was also a short address via tape by President Obama, during which he spoke of his signing of the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) this past January and also pledged his continued support in finding a cure. In short, the President acknowledged that NAPA is a good start, but there is much work yet to be done.

Today's session was moderated by Cory Thompson, Secretary of the Georgia Chapter and our format was that each one of us who wanted to address the gathering had 2 minutes to speak.

I know when I mention the major topics discussed by everyone who spoke, I'll be "preaching to the choir" with some of you, but for the rest, my hopes are once you see these subjects, that you not only use them as information, but also to become involved in your local chapter if you aren't already. This is an exciting time for all of us, and since we now have NAPA up and running, we need to discuss how to use it to our advantage. In other words, the foot's in the door, but we need to open that door further in order to follow through if we are to improve health outcomes and lower costs for all impacted by Alzheimer's Disease.

Here are the major topics discussed at today's meeting.

1. Caregivers: in 2010, there were half a million cargegivers nationwide, and you can bet that number has increased in 2011. That half million provided 5.5 million hours of care at an economic valued cost of 6.5 billion dollars - unpaid. Meaning they bore all the expense taking care of their loved one. One of the goals of NAPA is to provide funds to recompense/assist those cargegivers and take some of the financial burden off them. It bears mentioning that many of these folks are unemployed which creates even more of a hardship.

Under the heading of Caregivers, respite was discussed. Many caregivers don't get a break and are not only exhausted and depressed, but in poor health themselves - either already or as a result of being "spread too thin', especially if they happen to have a family which depends on them as well.

2. Education of the public and, most importantly, physicians. Much of the public still does not understand that Alzheimer's Disease is only one form of dementia and tend to group them all together and call it Alzheimer's. The truth is that each form of dementia is treated differently with different methods and medications.

In the case of physicians, many of them misdiagnose or fail to diagnose Alzheimer's at all. Those who do tend to send the patient home and tell them to come back in a year. Although this is slowly improving and AD is correctly diagnosed more than 90% of the time, as many as half of the 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer's have never received a formal diagnosis.

3. Support Groups for those of us with Early Onset Alzheimer's: There currently is no organized support group, but this will be one of the priorities of our Atlanta chapter. There currently is an in-home counselling program which has been funded by a grant to our chapter. These are the visits you've read about here with my counsellor Suzette. And that's me with Suzette below.

4. Revamping of the Medicare system which currently requires a 2 year wait for anyone with a first-time diagnosis of dementia. This leaves those of us with Early Onset "out in the cold" if we happen not to be able to work.

There were more concerns discussed, but these were the ones which I considered major.

So you see we all have our work cut out for us, but there is light over the horizon if we all continue our efforts as advocates, caregivers and patients. With NAPA being signed we now have a voice, but it needs to be used. We could use you on the team. All you need to do is contact your local chapter and tel them you want to help. Even if you aren't impacted by dementia now, chances are you will be in the future.

Did You Know?
1. Up to now, we've been telling you Alzheimer's is diagnosed every 71 seconds. That just changed. It is now every 69 seconds. That may not be such a big change, but in 2050, it jumps to every 33 seconds.

2. It isn't always the younger family member taking care of the older one. Sometimes it's the other way around. In our group today, we met an 81 year old gentleman who takes care of his 56 year old daughter who was diagnosed when she was 52!!! Do you think he could use a little help, a little respite?

3. Between the years 2000 and 2008, the number of Americans who died from Alzheimer's increased 66%! This makes it the 6th leading cause of death, yet it receives the least amount of funding for research.

You've read about my lovely wife Dondra, but some of you have never "met" her, so here's she is with Suzette and me at today's meeting:

I'd like to end today's blog with a quote by Jim Williams, one of our senior advocates:

"Alzheimer's is the only disease which causes the death of your loved one twice. Once while they're still alive."

Please don't forget the homeless and unwanted animals and click to feed below the video:

Thanks,

Bill

Not A Real Good Week Last Week

2011-08-08T20:38:00.002-04:00

The forgetting words is getting worse. It used to happen just very sporadically, but now about 80% when I speak and about 30% of the time when I write. "What do you call this thing?", Dondra answers that "it's the thermostat, Bill". Stuff like that.

It's very unsettling and frustrating, especially when I forget the names of my grandchildren. In that instance, I compensate and call Julian, "the little one", and Amber "the 19 year old".

Dreaming of not knowing where I am, and asking myself if this is a signal that things are about to get much worse?

Not being motivated enough to play my musical instruments, play Warcraft or read.

Not sleeping well.

Today, Dondra used some new terminology with me: "I wish you'd let go of that!", meaning I saw some stuff in the freezer in bowls, and asked her if this was some food for her widowed brother that he could heat up?

Apparently, I had asked that same question numerous times this past weekend.

Last Saturday night we went to a birthday party, and as sometimes happens now, I was talking to someone and lost my train of thought and stopped. Dondra had to "cue" me what to say. Sometimes when that happens, folks will think I'm finished and walk away. Guess they weren't listening in the first place.

Going home from that same party, I wanted to use the car charger on my wireless, but couldn't fit the plug into its slot. Dondra hadn't yet learned where the interior lights were on her new car, so she took the cord from me with one hand while driving with the other.

I thought she was going to try to do it herself so I flipped out and yelled at her to "Drive dammit! Don't mess with this! I'll wait till I get home!"
She yelled back at me that she had no intentions of doing that, and so for one of the very few times we ever do this, we had "words".

Suzette came by the house today for our weekly counselling session, and I told her about it, and she says I'm still having some PTSD ("post-traumatic stress disorder") from the three car wreck I caused 3 months ago.

Yea, I suppose that's true, but I have to fight not to be a front seat driver and sometimes Dondra scares me so bad driving my sphincter locks up and my colon pops right out of my ass. So we'll be working on that.

I have also gotten myself a monthly planner calendar in which I will write at least one planned activity daily, such as "guitar for 15 minutes, drums for 15 minutes", etc. The goal being to work up the motivation by using baby steps.

So all in all, not a good week for me and I'm looking forward to a better one this week.

Today, another one of my counsellors, Kathy, who also serves as Advocacy Manager sent me a reminder about Saturday's Alzheimer's town hall meeting. It isn't too late to register, and I hope to see you there.

This is Bobby Long, whom D saw recently on television. I like his music a lot and he is being hailed as the "new" Bob Dylan. See what you think. He definitely has that "folksy" sound, IMO.

Please don't forget the animals and to click to feed them:

Thanks,

Bill

35 Days Till Medicare, Dammit!

2011-08-04T23:35:00.000-04:00

That's right, I'm not particularly pleased about that, just as I wasn't pleased when I got that first letter from AARP.

I. AM. NOT. OLD!!!!!!

I know what you must be thinking to yourselves, "You oughta be glad you're getting it, Bill! It'll make things much easier for you, medically."

Yeah, okay. It will make things much easier for me, but I wish with all my heart that I didn't have to be on it, and I wish with all my heart that I didn't have to use it. But I do. I know there are folks less fortunate than me that need it and must be fighting to get it and here I sit, trapped inside this body with a batshit mind which isn't of any use to anyone, especially my patients whom I miss so much!

Lately, I've been getting tons of mail from the Medicare folks advising me on what plan(s) to choose, what it will pay and what it won't.

I've just told Dondra to take a look and choose the best plan for me. Your input is appreciated as always, of course!

I want to remind those of you who are advocates and caregivers of an Alzheimer's Town Hall Meeting which is coming up soon in your area.
Ours will be held on August 13th and here's the scoop on this one:

So please attend if you can. We need to give some input to Congress on what we want, because if we don't they're likely to forget about us, like they forgot about all those FAA folks and left on vacation!

Kathy Simpson, one of my counsellors has asked if I'd speak to any news media present that day, but I think I'll leave that to Kris Bakowski, who has more experience with that than I do.

Another tune from my favorite new goup, 3 Bottles Of Wine:

This is a cute song that features some "back and forth" between Marco and Julia. It's called "Barenaked". I am still hoping to bring them to Atlanta to play. Y'all know I have to have a project going, or I'll spontaneously combust! HAHA!

Remember to click to feed our four-footed homeless:

Thanks

Bill

A Fellow Young Onset Alzheimer's Patient Speaks

2011-08-03T01:05:00.003-04:00

As I did way back yonder, from time to time, I like to feature a guest and this time it's someone who was diagnosed in her 40's. Her name is Kris Bakowski, and if you're a patient or caregiver, I invite you to read her blog as well as this one.

Additionally, if you as a patient or caregiver, want to take a shot at these questions, please feel free. It's all information and that's what this blog's about.

There was one other person I wanted to feature, but after I left a message, I haven't heard back, so if you're out there, please get in touch, thanks.

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Since being diagnosed, what has been the most difficult of your symptoms to deal with and have you begun experiencing different/additional ones since then?

Answer: I have several symptoms that bother me a great deal. The most obvious one to me is the problem with noise. I have a very hard time concentrating in a noisy environment. Restaurants, airports and places like Wal-Mart have way too much stimulus for me. I wear earplugs pretty regularly. My husband is retired and he likes to have the tv set or radio on all the time. He resorts to wearing headphones much of the time because he knows how the noise bothers me. Another problem I have is making change in a store. I get so frustrated. I usually just hand them my credit card rather than dealing with the humiliation it brings me to not be able to make simple change. Symptoms come up all the time, but you have to deal with them the best you can.

Have you noticed a change in your gait, for instance?

Answer: I have issues with balance. Being a rather athletic person this has bothered me since I have a problem playing tennis which I used to love to do. My depth perception has also been affected and makes it difficult for me to drive at night and sometimes stairs can be an issue for me.

Are you still active as a journalist, as a consultant, maybe?

I try to stay active writing buy many times it is difficult for me to write what I’m thinking. I know exactly what I want to say, I just can’t get the words from my brain to the paper. It’s very frustrating. I also have found that words that sound the same but are spelled differently give me a problem (i.e. meat and meet). I know that sometimes I write them, and I know I’m not using the correct word, but I can’t figure out the correct word. I know I have left my husband notes asking him to take the “meet” out of the freezer for dinner. I knew it was wrong but couldn’t find the correct word. Some days when I write on my blog, I have to ask someone to proof read it before publishing it.

Have you taken part in any drug trials?

No drug trials. I tried a couple of times, but was turned down because of my age. I am told that there are not enough younger on-set people to put in trials to make them work I am hoping that with more and more people getting diagnosed earlier this will change.

Out of all the experimental drug studies being done, which one(s) do you consider the most promising?

There are so many things out there being worked on I would be hard pressed to come up with any one. Obviously, I am looking for ones that actually treat the disease to slow it or stop it, than ones that treat the symptoms. But, anything is better than nothing. It seems like there is much more being done in Europe as the approval process is faster there, but I think I may just hear more about what is being done overseas than here.

Describe a day in your life.

My day has to be pretty structured. I try starting out each day by going to the gym or getting some type of physical activity. I play golf once a week although my low concentration levels hurt my game – but it is exercise. Early in the morning is the time for me to run errands if need be since morning is my best time of the day. It is because I am rested at that point. If I go to late in the day to run errands or do things outside of the house, it is difficult because of the increased number of people in the stores and on the roads which plays into my noise problem (as well as concentration). Late morning and afternoon I try to do things around the house and then I rest. I try to nap most days or at least have a quiet time. My friends say this give me an opportunity to “create mornings” since once I’m rested I do better. I usually prepare dinner but if I haven’t rested it is much more difficult for me to do. Evenings are extremely quiet in our house. I very seldom watch television as it is difficult to follow the plot. I try reading simple things such as magazines and try to work some simple puzzles.

I read in your blog that you’re a very athletic person. Has that changed through the years.

Yes, this certainly has changed in what I do. I still try to work out or walk every day – they say what is good for your heart is good for your brain. And, I must say that when I exercise that I do feel better “mind wise” if that makes sense. I recently had my knee replaced and was not doing the types of exercises I was used to and I really noticed a difference in my mental health. I can’t play tennis as I mentioned before. I love to ice skate and even though we live in the south I do get to skate occasionally. So, I try to stay active. I enjoy watching sports as well and will try to go to as many events as I feel comfortable doing.

What’s on your bucket list?

I have lots of things on my “bucket list” but most of them deal with experiences with my friends and family. Hopefully, they will be able to remember these experiences long after I will. One of my dreams all my life has been to go to Australia and it looks as if I will be doing that this fall.

From reading your blog, it sounds like you have a lot of energy. For me, it’s a case of “I don’t know how much “good” time I have left, so I’d better get busy!” How about you?

I probably feel the same way about this. However, I have always been a very busy person and if you ask my friends and family if I am as active as I used to be the answer is definitely no. I like to stay busy but I get so tired (more mentally tired than physically) that it just gets to be too hard. I really have to pace myself. If I have a busy day one day, I know that the next day I need to relax a little. Relaxing was never a word in my vocabulary before so it is something I am having to get used to. Knowing your limits is a good thing.

Do you play any brain games? Which ones?

I’ve recently started doing logic puzzles. I never used to be able to do them but wanted to give my brain a challenge. I still have a hard time doing them, but I try. I do other puzzles and play games online. However, I could never play the types of games that you play on line because they are much too complicated for my brain to wrap around! After I was first diagnosed I got a gameboy and will still play games on that occasionally for something different. But I just can’t play those other complicated on-line games.

Do you “compensate”?

I compensate for my Alzheimer’s every day. I didn’t realize how much I did it until a friend of mine started asking me some questions regarding my every day life. I realize that a lot of my “changes” have taken place gradually and they are now “normal” to me so they don’t seem like I’m compensating any longer. When I find I can’t do something I’ve come to accept it or come up with another way. For example, I can’t go to the grocery store after about 10:00 a.m. because of the noise. So, I either go early, ask my husband to go or ask him to come with me. I adjust all day long. I realize that I have a problem crossing the street by myself. When you think about it, nowadays, you really don’t cross the street that much unless you live in a big city. You usually drive to the grocery store’s parking lot, or pull right in front of a store. But, when I do have the occasion to cross the street, I try to have someone with me. I don’t necessarily trust those walking along side me (if I don’t know them) because they may walk at the wrong time and I wouldn’t have enough time to get across My problem crossing the street comes from too many visual signs at the same time. I see the crosswalk sign and the street light at the same time. When one is green I get confused as to whether that is for me or the cars. It all becomes very confusing. Simple things can become the hardest things to do sometimes. Some days I’m just not having a “good day” so I may have to cancel plans with friends or just take a rest and do something tomorrow instead of today. “ Normal ” has a new meaning every day.
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Thanks, Kris, for that very candid interview, I'd also like to add that Kris is one of our very outspoken advocates and was with us at the Advocates Forum in Washington DC. She never misses an opportunity to speak on behalf of all of us and is always the first in line to help. Dondra and I are proud to know and work with her.

Some Days It's Tough To Get A Grip or "The Order of Things"

2011-07-26T18:50:00.000-04:00

....... such as washing clothes.

1. Water
2. Bleach/Detergent
3. Let mix
4. Clothes

NOT Clothes, bleach and water.

I know this!

After being divorced for over 20 years and having to wash my own things I had done it correctly numerous times. But last Friday I didn't and ruined a pair of Dondra's favorite capri jeans and top.

She was good about it, but I was devastated, so I did an online search on those jeans and that size and we found them at Kohl's. That made me feel much better, but it's still another something I'm doing wrong and it's going on the list.

It's why I also have a list in my bathroom which has the correct order of daily cleaning my nasty body.

It's why D has a list for me on how to use the (gas) stove/oven while she's at work and I want to warm up some food. I also have trouble with the microwave (again a "which order is it in" thing), and I love when I have to eat burned popcorn because I forget it's in there!

Lord, I'm a mess! :-)

In her excellent book Living Your Best with early-stage Alzheimer's, Lisa Snyder, MSW, LCSW quotes patient Lou Howe as saying, "I know I would be better off by just letting other people do the things that I don't do well any more, but something in me says, 'Hang in there and keep on working with what I have left'", and I've decided this is very good advice.

I highly recommend her book if you're a caregiver or a patient. It is full of very good advice and tools for day to day living with EOAD.

Just as a quick update, Today Has Been A "Benchmark" Day For Me. Here is how it's going so far:

1. Fumbling for words (D has learned to recognize when I make a circular motion with my right hand, I'm asking for help, so she does) more often that usual.

2. Forgetting my phone number. I tried to report an apparent drunk driver today and couldn't think of the correct phone exchange. Dondra helped again. This time rolling her eyes at me. I notice this, but try not to say anything.

3. Misjudging distance. I'm used to a small ramp in moving the grocery cart toward the car. This time I stepped off a raised "sidewalk" and nearly twisted my ankle.

4. Forgetting the groceries in the car. 15 minutes after we went in the house, D, wanting to put them away asked where they were.

5. Left the outside door open. In this heat.

Okay enough whining. I'm dealin' with it, even though this is the worst day for this crap I have had in recent memory.

Sometimes I like to share with y'all some music, which, although it may or may not be appropriate to the title of the blog, it is unique in its musicianship, so here's a couple. The first is the late Roy Buchanan, one of my favorite quitarists with an old Tyrone Davis tune. Sorry there's no video of him playing it, but I hope you enjoy it just the same:

Before I saw her on tv a few nights ago, I had never heard of Adele and this song (not her first hit) just floored me. What a voice and what lyrics!

And I'm also enclosing a song by my new favorite German group "Three Bottles of Wine". This isn't a video, but a beautiful tune just the same. They are my new project (I have to have something to do all the time, or I'll go even further batshit than I already am!) and I am hoping to bring them to Atlanta in the near future. Your comments are appreciated.

As always, please remember the furbabies and click to feed and care for them and remember to do it daily. here's the link:

Thanks, y'all

Bill

Dreams Of My Youth

2011-07-24T15:11:00.006-04:00

IMPORTANT NOTE: In the last entry, I was unable to link you to Lisa's great article on Alzheimer's Caregivers. It is here.

================================================================
ALSO: The link to Three Bottles of Wine's web page now works as well. Please give them a listen and comment down below, thanks!

==============================================================

This whole past week has been a strange one as far as my dreaming is concerned. I have dreamt every night of my younger days - sometimes the dreams were a continuation, like a daytime tv serial (though not as torrid!). Sometimes I'd wake up, and then couldn't wait to get back to sleep so I could "see" what was next.

I have written about my dreams before, but I'm curious as to why now I'm dreaming of my teens, my first girlfriend in high school, the bands I played in, all the shenanigans and trouble I got myself into, such as being grounded from using the car and taking the riding lawnmower instead to see my girfriend who lived about 14 miles away. I made it a mile and a half before I got "pulled over" by the cops who laughed themselves silly......

A google search reveals surprisingly little about the "elderly" and dreams about their younger days, (Am I "elderly" now? I'm only 61, dammit, but in order to do that search I had to put that word in!), but I did find at least one interview which you may also find interesting. (Hey! I remembered how to do a hyperlink! How great is that?)

The first portion of that interview is the most interesting to me. Paraphrasing Dr. L R Müller, MD here: "......the elderly dream mostly about their youth and their young adulthood. Meaning that when you are old yourself and cannot do as you want to. So in your dreams, the youth revives. However, this was not confirmed in our dream study of older people, in fact it shows that most people dream about themselves as they are in the awake state......"

Well, okay. I get it. I must be some kind of exception to the rule, eh?

However, my dreams also concern themselves with repressed memories, such as the time when we left my native Germany to emigrate to the US. That was a very traumatic time for me, and I did not want to go. I caused my poor parents so much heartache with my running away and crying, that I was finally forced onto the bus that carried us to the airport. So hell, I don't particluarly want to dream about that, do I?

I don't want to. I have to. I have to because so much of my adult life is predicated on that one incident of not wanting to leave my home country. I was bitter and resentful to my parents for many years. I kept up pen-pal relationships with my German friends and school-mates telling them how unhappy I was. I was ostracized by the American kids. I became, at 11, a virtual recluse. Finally I gave up, acquired the southern American "y'all" drawl, got into some rock groups and finally got "assimilated".

Assimilated yes, but that bitterness never went completely away, and that doesn't "sit well" with my "America, love it or leave it" acquaintances. Nothing I can do about that. They'll just have to deal with it the way I have.

So, I'm sorry there's so little research done on the dreams of the "elderly", and perhaps (if it isn't already) that should be included as a specific question when a history is taken.

It is important to note that I wrote "the elderly" and not "the elderly with dementia". I mean, how is one going to correctly evaluate the results when there are so many dementias and degrees of severity?

So let's reword my suggestion to asking the question of those of us with Early Onset Alzheimer's Dementia and see where that takes us.

This is one of my favorite songs of all time.....

And this one is a little "out there" as far as the video, but still appeals to me. See what you think.

It's hot here and there's hardly any mention of rain, so give a thought to our four-legged friends and click below to feed them. Also, if you have room in your home and heart, go to your local shelter and adopt a pet, keeping in mind that even the "elderly" can make loving companions.

Thanks!

Bill

What About The Caregivers?

2011-07-21T16:11:00.005-04:00

Dear Followers,

First, thanks for all the comments, both about the blog and the article in WoW Insider. Blogger (my blog server) isn't letting me answer you in the comments section and I've sent them an e-mail asking them to fix that, so sorry for the problem.

Unless you've been to Mars, you know about the scaremongering that Obama is doing by saying things like "I can't guarantee Social Security Checks or Military Retirement Pay unless we come to some kind of agreement on the budget."

Hogwash. First of all, he shouldn't have said it, and secondly, there's plenty of waste programs which can be eliminated to cover those of us who depend on that monthly check. I don't think he really wants 55 million of us pissed off enough to march on his House, do you? And that's what it would come to if he pulls those checks! Gray Power to the people!

Okay, to the subject of the caregivers.

I want to link you to a very well-written article by Lisa Poisso regarding that very subject. http://www.northtexaschild.com/showarticle.asp?artid=552 Sorry, but you'll have to cut and paste, blogger also won't let me do a link.

Lisa uses a term called "sandwich caregiver". That doesn't mean serving sandwiches to those of us with a dementia, but someone who is a caregiver and caught between 2 generations. Perhaps there are children in the house with the dementia patient. That is "sandwich caregiving" and it stresses.

My wife is an SC. She takes care of me, a "Baby Boomer" and also her elderly 75 year old brother and 80 year old sister (in their homes). There's also the fact due to her medical training as an RN and respiratory therapist, the entire family calls her for medical advice!

And that is exactly why I try my damndest to be as little trouble to her as I can be. Hell, I don't even want her to cook for me! Before we re-married I was content with microwave meals. And so, I try to take as much of the burden of running our house as I can.

On August 13th, Dondra and I will be at a NAPA (National Alzheimer's Project Act) town hall meeting in Dunwoody Georgia. "The 2010 National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) is a major legislative victory for Alzheimer's. Because of NAPA, the federal government is now undertaking a historic effort to create a comprehensive plan to overcome the Alzheimer's disease crisis.". This will be an opportunity for advocates like myself to make suggestions and give input as to how we can go from "Act to Action". We need a plan, now that the bill has been signed and that's the reason for this meeting.

Also, in your community (or nearby) the Alzheimer's Walk will be happening soon. So contact your local chapter and form a team or walk yourself in support of your loved one with the disease:

A couple of weeks ago I was watching German television streaming on my computer and I saw a program which featured a musical group of young people who call themselves "Three Bottles of Wine". The blending of their voices and the instrumentation (guitar and keyboard) really caught my attention and I asked Florian, Julia and Marco if I could feature the song "Never Forget" on the blog and they agreed:

Their homepage is at http://www.3bottlesofwine.de/. Again, please copy and paste while I try to get blogger off their butts to fix this. The site is in German, but google does a translation of sorts, and there are some other tunes on the site under "Musik" that you can click on to hear. I hope to be able to get them a gig in Atlanta, maybe at Eddie's Attic.

That's it for this time, but I have a special message for "popor on eu. lightbringer": I have your suggestion and will carry it out as soon as I can, and thanks very much for taking the trouble to write it all out.

Please remember to click to feed the animals and do it every day.

Thanks

Bill

My Weekly Counselling Sessions With Suzette

2011-07-16T00:13:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned in a previous entry, my counsellor Suzette now comes to visit us on a weekly basis, which I think is totally wonderful!

She explained that our chapter of the Alzheimer's Association was recently given a grant (A grant! We were given MONEY! Now give us some MORE, please! Just call me "Oliver".) to visit each of her patients in their homes.

This began 3 weeks ago and Dondra and I look forward to each visit, as we share with her any new symptoms, or worsening of the present ones I am having.

I have had counselling before, but it was for depression and possible borderline (which has since been ruled out), and those sessions really weren't all that productive.

Now that dementia has been added to the "mix", I can at least work on what's left of my cognitive processes as well as the depression accompanying this disease.

Without boring you too much, during her hour with us, Suzette spends time listening and providing tools we can both use to deal with what's going on with me.

As to the format, I suggested she speak to us separately so that neither I nor Dondra might be reluctant to mention something for fear of hurting the other's feelings, and that's what we 're doing. I have no idea what's being told Suzette and neither does Dondra. (Is that sentence understandable?)

No idea how long we'll be able to do the weekly sessions, but I can already tell they're helping and I feel like some doors are being opened that heretofore have been closed.

One of the things we'll be working on is my worsening ability to "follow through" with plans and/or ideas.

For instance, I may have the idea of playing my guitar for a little while, so I stand up and head to the music room, but on the way there I will have already changed my mind. And that isn't just with the guitar, it's with most everything in my daily life!

Maybe I'll decide to go and give my wife a hug and tell her I love her, but the very next moment, I will already have decided to wait.

This, coupled with my memory loss is extremely frustrating to me, so it will be one of the things we'll prioritize.

I want to also reiterate that I will still be seeing my neuro-psychiatrist every month, so that both he and Suzette can be in the loop regarding my care.

Up to now, we've been worrying about medicine cost and the cost of doctor visits, but Medicare begins for me in September, so unless President Obama mucks it up, as he's trying to do with Social Security, my care should be a lot less expensive.

Due to the interview I just did with WoW Insider, we have two more followers of the blog. One of them called it a "rollercoaster", and I have no cause to argue. My life really has been that way. The interview has also gained me some World of Warcraft in-game friends, so it will be much more fun to play. The game is and has been great therapy for me in that it helps with my cognitive skills, and I appreciate Blizzard's (the company which runs WoW)interest in me.

So that's it for this time. Thanks as always for reading and please remember the animals. Support your local shelter, adopt if you can and spay/neuter if you haven't already. Also, don't forget to click the button below to feed a dog or cat, thanks!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY "TWO-TIMING" WIFE!!!!!

2011-07-09T22:31:00.001-04:00

Heh! Shock y'all just a tad, there?

I just meant that she married me twice, not that she's, you know...;-). I am very, very lucky and that old saying is 100% correct: It is sweeter the second time around. (See? I can do "romantic" when I have to! :-))

Dondra is a special lady and everyone who meets her for the first time is charmed by her easy manner and personality. That she's very beautiful is icing on the cake!

Her birthday is Monday and if y'all have time, I know she'd appreciate having a card or a short e-mail from you, and thanks!

In other "me" news: I am about to be featured in a magazine called WoW Insider. "WoW" stands for World of Warcraft and is an online game (mmorpg) that I play and which I use to keep my short-term memory intact as much as possible. I play a character called "Wolkenlaufre" ("Cloudwalker") who is a level 85 warrior and who does various quests for gold and reputation. Here he is in his latest armor:

The blue writing indicates my name and the name of my guild: "Knights Who Say Ja". (sharp readers may notice the reference to a famous Monty Python flick).

This interview was suggested by my very good friend Megan from the Straight Dope where I post on a regular basis. She and many others in the "WoW Thread" have been very helpful to me with the game and I give them all the credit for getting me to level 85! Thanks, y'all and thanks, Megan!

Many of you know of my love for the composer Ludwig van Beethoven, and since I mentioned him in a previous entry, I want to now tell you that I have read pretty much all I could find biographical about him and would like to write a speculative article exploring the fact he might have had Alzheimer's.

It has been tough going for me, because much of what was written was sensational and mostly untrue, including the book written by Anton Schindler who was Beethoven's companion and secretary during his latter days. I have had to sift through the material itself as well as do searches on the internet to discover what little I could, but from reading his letters, I notice that he was most lucid even at the end, with the written word, and he wrote a lot of letters! When one realizes that because of his deafness he kept himself very much in seclusion, it is easy to see why he wrote and sketched (his symphonies) so much. His deafness was his bane. After all what a terrible thing for a gifted composer to lose his hearing, right?

That's all I want to say at the moment other than to tell you I am keeping busy with my own music, writing and my "daily chores" here at home. There is now also a "Handicapped" tag on Dondra's new HHR, and that is something both of us find a little tough getting used to.

Thanks and happy birthday to my sweetie!

Bill

I tried to learn this for you, honey, but it occurred to me too late. So sorry, Mac will have to fill in for me.

Please remember to click to feed the 4-footers!

We're Back!

2011-06-28T14:48:00.009-04:00

After all the moving to our new place, waiting for carpenters, plumbers, electricians and painters to do their thing, we're finally at a point where I can sit down and peacefully write a few lines and report on the recent Alzheimer's Advocacy Forum Dondra and I attended along with hundreds of other folks representing every state in this great country of ours.

Beep! Beep! Beep! RUN-ON SENTENCE ALARM!!!

(Boy, I can sure tell it's been a while when I set off one of those ROSA alarms! :=))

It was an eye-opening three days, and, after listening to people such as our own Kris Bakowski from Athens, I came home from Washington DC with a whole new appreciation for the battles we have won and those we have yet to face.

I am currently at work finishing an article for the Georgia Advocacy newsletter, so what you're about to read will be an overview with the most salient points (and there were many of those) as I remember them and from my notes..

As a "Rookie" I was very fortunate (we were fortunate - I wasn't the only "newbie on the bus") to have our "coach" Kathy Simpson who helped all of the Atlanta area advocates with structure, facts and figures and the mission as a whole.

After being overwhelmed by the size of the hotel (The Omni Shoreham) and wondering why all those folks in black and white were so friendly (hope I tipped enough!), D and I settled down and got ready for the weekend, and it was fun as well as educational.

One of our main goals was to visit with our congresspeople and let them know we needed their support for: The Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act, The HOPE for Alzheimer's Act and the National Alzheimer's Project Act. That was quite a lot on our plate and we were ready to "get 'er done", but in the House, where my group was supposed to visit, all the Representatives were on break and we had to speak to staffers, who assured us, however, that our visit would not be ignored and a couple even told us that their boss knew about our requests and was already "on board". So this was good news.

Dondra, I'm afraid, was one of our "walking wounded", as she had much fluid on her ankles which had to do with her recent surgery, when her life was in danger. When we finally got home, we admitted her to the hospital where they drew off 16 pounds of fluid. She is much better now, and no longer needs the cane we got for her.

There is a lot more that I want to tell you, but for now, let me leave you with the latest facts and figures: 5.4 million of us have Alzheimer's which costs 183 billion anually. It's the 6th leading cause of death and there are 14.9 million caregivers who are unpaid.

If you're a caregiver or even if you just care, why not join us and become an advocate? Find out how at www.alz.org. Just click on the title line of today's blog to go there.

As for me, I'm very excited because our new place allows me to have my own music room, where I have my drums, guitars, basses and keyboard all set up, and I plan to spend a minimum of 1 hour a day practicing them.

I am also very excited that due to a grant, my dementia counsellor Suzette will be coming to our house weekly to visit with us and help me deal with some things which are bothering me, such as my deteriorating memory. Dondra is making notes and I read one of them (surreptitiously) in which she noted I was having trouble with my eating utensils.

Here's a little something to cool you off on these hot days, and hopefully make you smile!

For those of you following me from Paulding County and have pets you need spayed, there will be a "Spay Day" on July 27th. Scheduling is conducted using voicemail. Please call #404-974-2885 for further info!

And don't forget to click to feed!

Thanks

Bill

Goodbye, Norine (norinew)

2011-06-08T01:59:00.002-04:00

It is with a great deal of sadness I must say goodbye to a friend and faithful follower of this blog. Norine New passed away recently after an extended illness I did not know she had.

Norine was one of the many "Doper" friends from my online community, "The Straight Dope", who helped Dondra and I so much during what we have come to know as "The Troubles" in both our lives after I lost my job, filed bankruptcy and endured the long haul of obtaining my disability. Had it not been for her e-mails and posts of encouragement on the Dope, the way would have been much harder for us, and we are both very grateful to have been a part of her life, brief though it was.

We didn't know each other face to face, no, but from what I do know, she is a follower of the Bahai'i faith (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1'%C3%AD_Faith), a gentle people who came together for Norine's "Celebration of Life" this week.

You may visit her tribute page online by clicking on the title of the entry and if you care to contribute, a list of her charities appears below her announcement.

Goodbye, Norine, I will miss your kind and loving heart and we will never forget you.

Bill and Dondra Craig

Back From The Hospital.....

2011-06-04T16:39:00.002-04:00

....... and she's as good as new! HA-HA! Now all I gotta do is keep her off the salt. (DOUBLE-HA!) See, when she had her abdominal surgery last year (when she almost died, remember?) she started retaining fluid and the diuretics alone just weren't getting rid of the swelling.

She finally got to the point where it was affecting her breathing and her doctor decided (finally) to get aggressive and admit her and draw the fluid off with IV therapy and leg wraps. So now those fine looking gams are back and they drew off like 10 pounds of fluid (YIKES!).

Home therapy to be performed by yours truly: putting her compression hose on both legs which is very painful indeed (they are pressurized down to 40 mm of mercury which means they are VERY TIGHT!), to the point where she cries out and has tears.

This morning we did a trial run and instead of slipping the stockings onto bare skin we used powder which wasn't AS painful, so I had the bright idea of picking up some WD-40 on the way home to make it even easier. (Just kidding!)

So we're home after 4 nightds and still got the move ahead of us. Since we're both "walking wounded" (both of us with the arthritis) we're paying to have someone move us, but we're packing ourselves. Also, I'm not letting anyone touch my drums, guitars and keyboard but me, so I will have that little bit of lifting to do - which I won't mind a bit.

Still got lots to tell y'all about the Alzheimer's Advocacy Forum D and I attended in Washington DC, so stay tuned and let me get settled (should be next week, now).

It's in the mid 90's down here in Georgia already, with not much humidity today, so it's kinda like an ocean breeze when the wind blows.

Thanks to Ann and Becks for the well-wishes and I'll be back soon. Remember to click to feed and here's one we'll dedicate to ME!

Thanks!

Bill

Another Quick Note

2011-05-31T12:08:00.000-04:00

Dondra is in the hospital. We hope nothing serious. Get back as soon as I can.

B~

Just A Quick Note

2011-05-29T03:07:00.002-04:00

We're really pushed for time packing for our move next week, so I haven't had a lot of time to sit and write a new installment for the blog nor get the article for the Georgia AD newsletter written, but will have a report ready by June 3rd.

We're all excited about having more living space and I'll once again be only a few steps from the Silver Comet Trail!!!!!

Thanks

Bill

Please click click the button below to feed.

I Wrecked The #!*^%'n Car!

2011-05-11T19:48:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was taking our trash to a place called a "convenience center" where people here in Carroll County can take their garbage and dump it into one of those big green dumpsters? About a mile and a half away from home and in the past, I had made that trip many times.

I stopped at an intersection and was preparing to pull into a major highway when I saw a car heading my way.

I still don't know exactly what happened to me, but I pulled out into the path of that car and caused a 3 car accident in which Dondra's car and the oncoming driver's were totalled. Luckily no one was hurt and I was charged with failure to yield. A van travelling in the other direction was clipped on the rear end by the car I had hit, so in essence I was the cause of that 3 car accident. Dondra was at her hairdresser's at the time and luckily the deployment of the airbags saved me from a head injury. All I needed, right?

So we decided then and there that no matter what, my driving days are over, as are my scooter-riding days.

We are in a rental while we wait for the insurance check and D can get buy herself another vehicle, and I'm causing her a lot of grief and a case of " you're getting on my last nerve, Bill!!!", by chattering away in the passenger seat and criticizing her driving ad nauseam.

Everyone's trying to make me feel better by saying stuff like "a car is easy to replace, but you aren't, Bill," but I have nightmares about the accident and wake up shaking like a leaf and I hope this will go away soon. When I think that I could have killed someone, it strengthens my resolve to never get behind a wheel again.

I have been known to become disoriented, and more than one friend has told me I was "geographically challenged", and I shouldn't worry about it ha-ha. Little did I know back then I was already displaying symptoms of dementia.

Suzette, my counsellor, thinks it is a wise decision to stop driving even though my license is still active. I'm just going to let it lapse.

The Alzheimer's Forum is coming up this weekend and D and I will be in Washington D.C., where my old college professor Newt Gingrich, (who just announced he's running for president) will be the guest speaker.

I will write up my impressions of it here when I return.

Thanks

Bill

Click here for an easy and free way to help care for those in need at The Animal Rescue Site!

"The Notebook"

2011-04-23T20:59:00.004-04:00

I have begun carrying a black 7x5 inch notebook with me wherever I go, and it isn't far from me when I'm home either.

I have noticed when I'm in a conversation with someone, I don't always remember what my reply is supposed to be as I am listening to the other person speak, so the conversation has a "gap" in it while my speaking partner waits for me to comment. This is very awkward for both of us, hence the notebook.

Admittedly, it looks a little strange, me furiously scribbling, taking notes as it were, but it's better than saying, "Excuse me, _______, I don't mean to interrupt you, but just in case you're about to say _________________, this is how I am going to reply."

One of my musical heroes, Ludwig van Beethoven carried a notebook everywhere he went, and in it he wrote not only his musings, but his music along with reminders regarding correspondence to be answered and finances.

While I'm no musical genius, I identify with the Maestro, because I think that in his later years he too carried the burden of dementia and must have suffered greatly not only due to it and the ridicule endured, but his deafness and other physical ailments as well. For him to continue to compose under these circumstances is awe-inspiring and gives me hope and strength.

Historically, think of how many people were subjected to the hideous tortures of insane asylums, such as ice baths, restraining chairs, induced epilepsy and worst of all, the frontal lobotomy - a simple but horrifying surgical procedure, and only because dementia was mistaken for insanity.

My point is, I wonder how close Beethoven came to being sent to an asylum if it hadn't been for his talent?

These were my thoughts today as I did my run on the UWGA track. I think the exercise has been good for my dementia because somehow the endorphins released are also "opening up" those grey cells a little and keeping me more focused and less depressed.

I wish you and yours a Happy Easter!

Click to feed the animals, please!

Thanks!

Bill

Time Out

2011-04-04T16:14:00.006-04:00

I'm going to see if I "still have it" as a journalist, and spend the next month and a half compiling some information and doing some interviews with others like me who have "Younger Onset Alzheimer's Dementia".

I hope that when it is all done, I'll have something more than the usual facts and figures and the requests for funding from the congress-people we will be seeing in May. See, I don't want to just lobby them. I want to bring this whole thing "home" on a personal basis. Hence the reason for the interviews, which, if I cannot do them live, can be done over the phone or in e-mail.

So this blog has a message and a favor:

1. Message: I won't be updating the blog unless something earth-shattering happens, so I'm taking some "time out" until after the Forum.

2. Favor: If you have someone in your family with Younger Onset, who would be willing to communicate with me, leave me a note in comments and I'll be back in touch.

The Alzheimer's Assocation has a very good definition of what "Younger Onset" is and who it affects, and the link to it is embedded in the title of this blog entry.

So, while I'm on a "working hiatus", please don't forget to click to feed the animals:

And here's something from our past which may bring a smile and explains how our congress works:

Thanks and see ya!

Bill

Mr. Craig Goes To Washington

2011-03-29T01:38:00.007-04:00

A couple of entries ago, I wrote I was being considered by the Georgia Alzheimer's Association for a scholarship to the Alzheimer's Advocacy Forum to be held in Washington, D.C. May 15th-17th: "The National Public Policy Office in Washington, D.C., has awarded you an $800.00 Scholarship and Complimentary Registration valued at $175.00, for the Advocacy Forum May 15-17, in Washington, DC. The Chapter also commits to provide an additional scholarship to bring your scholarship total up to a maximum of $1100."

I spoke on the phone with my counsellors Kathy and Suzette who gave me the good news Monday morning, and I wasn't able to wipe the smile off my face all day! To learn more about the forum and what will be discussed, just click on the title above and the link will take you to the forum web site.

The major purpose of the forum will be to educate 15 new congresspersons regarding Alzheimer's Related Dementia and the continued need of their support.

In addition to speaking with them, I will write an article for inclusion in the Georgia Alzheimer's Newsletter.

This is a great honor and opportunity for me to once again become involved in a cause I care about passionately.

Since my bike ride for the animals last year, I have missed community service very much, and to once again be able to use my journalistic abilities is very exciting indeed. Dondra will be accompanying me and is looking forward to the trip, meeting some new folks and just taking it easy, even if only for a few days. She has been working so hard at her part-time respiratory therapist job, and I know she's tired, but never complains. This shames me very much, seeing her working so hard while I cannot and I try to do as much as I can here at home.

Preparing for the forum and attending it will also go a long way to reassure her about my demeanor, which, as you all know is chemically controlled but doesn't do much against worry. For the past two years, we have had to bolster each other's hopes for a favorable outcome regarding my SSDI claim, which was handed down February 14th.

So it will be great to once again put on my "reporter's hat" and chronicle the forum for Alzheimer's Advocates as well as patients and their caregivers.

Once the article is written, I will provide an online link here and if any of you have any questions and/or issues you'd like me to bring up during the session, write me a note and I'll try to pass it along or ask it for you. I can't make any promises, however, since this will be my first time attending and I don't yet know how the meetings will be formatted.

D just reminded me of the fortune cookie I broke open last week: pulled out the little paper upon which was written, "Next week you will get a nice surprise."

That's it for now. Please remember the animals and click to feed!

Apropos of nothing, really. Just a very pretty and thought-provoking tune by an extremely talented guy:

Thanks

Bill

Great News!!!!

2011-02-22T19:46:00.005-05:00

Today, I received a letter from SSDI telling me that a favorable decision was returned from the administrative law judge who heard my appeal on February 2nd.

After almost 3 years of living from paycheck to paycheck, my wife working because I could not and living like nomads, this whole nightmare is finally over.

Well, almost. I have to fill out some paperwork at Social Security which will determine how much I'll get a month and how much is owed me retroactively, but the worst is behind us.

My thanks to Becky and Bill, Lisa, Margaret and everyone who visits the blog (well, all except one and he knows who I'm talking about) as well as all my Doper friends for hanging with me throughout this whole thing. It has just about worn me out, going to Doctors' appointments, being tested and being worried about D's health as she worked and I'm glad that I am finally getting the money I've paid in all my working life.

Thanks

Bill

(My) Life Expectancy As It Relates To Dementia

2011-02-16T23:02:00.003-05:00

This is a subject which has occupied my life of late: ever since I found out I have Alzheimer's related dementia.

As you can see from the link (just click on the title line above to read), no one really knows for sure, do they.

Some stats say 4.1 for males and 4.5 for females, depending on life style and prior history of head injuries.

In my case, I have no idea what my life expectancy may be, but you may rest assured I am keeping a close eye on my symptoms and maintaining as active a lifestyle as I can.

If it can be considered "a good thing", barring an accident or a cancer, I have at least some idea of when I may die, so this gives me more than an average ability to be proactive and hope for a cure.

As I mentioned, I do have a fear of dying, but before I began my skydiving, I also had a fear of heights (I once jokingly said that I can't even stand to be this tall), so I am hoping that as time goes by, I will become more accepting and life my life as if I were to die tomorrow (to loosely quote a country song).

Reading, the enclosed article, you will note that folks like us are uninsurable, and since I am no longer working, what I will leave behind is enough to cover my cremation. D and I have been discussing this and various alternatives, so she won't be left penniless when I "had out". One of these alternatives is winning the lottery.

The article is also a good "refresher" on the types of dementia.

That's it for now. Don't forget to click and feed the critters.

Thanks

Bill

Alzheimer's Advocacy Forum 2011

2011-02-10T16:43:00.003-05:00

I have been given a great opportunity and honor from my local Alzheimer's Association and my counsellors Suzette and Kathy, and I wanted to tell y'all about it.

It is a chance to be granted a scholarship to attend the Public Policy Forum/Advocacy Action Summit which will be May 15-17 2011 in Washington, DC.

It will be a time to become educated about the issues, learn new skills, network with fellow advocates and take our message directly to members of Congress to fight for our legislative agenda and I am honored to have been chosen to have my name submitted for this event.

If I am chosen to receive the scholarship, I plan not only to participate in all of the above events, but to serve as a "reporter" and write about what I see and experience there. This will also allow me to put to use my journalistic skills which have been "moth-balled" of late.

Quoting from Karen Kauffman's* article, 2010 was a year of optimism for those of us in Alzheimer's Advocacy:

- The historic passage and signing of the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA).

- The inclusion of younger-onset Alzheimer's disease in the Social Security Administration's compassionate allowance program.

- The first-ever inclusion of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in the government's Healthy People 2020 report.

- Detection of cognitive impairment included as a mandatory part of the new Medicare annual wellness visits.

- More than 112,000 petition signatures collected through the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride urging Congress to make Alzheimer's disease a national priority.

But as Karen says, ".....we still have much work ahead to ensure we build on this momentum to lead our country toward overcoming the Alzheimer crisis."

*Karen is the chairperson of the Alzheimer's Advocacy Forum

So, I am honored to be so well thought of and I am looking forward to being given the chance to make a difference. Guess good things still do happen now and then.

Thanks

Bill

Just Music Today

2011-02-03T19:34:00.002-05:00

Nothing to talk about, so I thought I would share with you one of my favorite groups of all time: Goose Creek Symphony. Hope you enjoy the music.......

No charge for the music, but won't you please click to feed the 4-footers?

Thanks!

My SSDI Hearing Was Today: A Synopsis

2011-02-02T20:27:00.003-05:00

I had been dreading today ever since I found out last November that my case would be heard before an administrative law judge and that he would make a decision on my disability based on my answers to his questions and my medical records.

Just as a reminder, next month, March the 13th it will have been 2 years since I applied. Time really flies (except when you're waiting to be approved for disability, that is) doesn't it?

So how'd it go?

Very well, I thought. The judge was very professional and courteous. He didn't try to trip me up nor ask me anything other than what was pertinent to my case.

One surprise I didn't expect: Before we went into the courtroom, my lawyer Todd asked me how much pain my degenerative disc disease was causing me.

"Huh?", I said.

"Yeah, Bill. It says right here on your medical record that you have it in C6 and C7. So how much does it hurt - it's kinda important."

Well. I remembered my doctor ordering an MRI about 2 1/2 years ago and when he gave me the results, I thought he told me I had arthritis in my neck. He did not use the term "degenerative disc disease".

So hell, I thought it was going to be chronic and I'd better live with it, take Aleve and whatever else which would make it hurt less. It hurts all the time (it's like a toothache in my neck - worse when it's raining and cold, like right now), but I sure didn't know it had a name other than arthritis.

So anyway, Todd brought it up before the judge and I answered just what I wrote in the above paragraph.

All in all, I came away from there feeling really optimistic and I should know something within 30-60 days. I won't know if any retroactive pay will be given me, but even then, I don't think they'll give me more than one year's worth, though I feel that what all was taken away from me in March of 2009 is worth much more than that. Ce'st La Vie - Ce'st la Guerre, I reckon.

And that's how it went.

Oh! I wanted to add that it seemed important to the judge that I had served honorably in the military and there was one other person there: a gentleman who represents the Social Security Administration's vocational rehab service. His job was to determine if I am competent to do some other kind of work. I think the general consensus was that if I couldn't do the work I was trained for, I wouldn't be able to function in another job.

Thanks for hanging in there with me, y'all!

Don't forget the critters!

Thanks

Bill

Making This Blog Private

2011-01-31T01:50:00.002-05:00

Unfortunately it has come to pass that this blog has picked up an idiot who has decided he needs to harrass me.

It is for this reason I am considering making the blog private.

So if you sign onto WTB? and see a prompt for your e-mail address, that's why.

No other reason, and I'll ask my co-administrator BillDL to give me his input regarding this decision.

Till then we'll leave things as they are.

Thanks

Bill

"Are You Gay?"

2011-01-22T18:57:00.007-05:00

I was asked this over my voice mail a few days ago and had been meaning to write about it, so here it is and here's my answer: "No, I'm not." (as you well know) But neither am I a homophobe and I have worked with and do have friends who are, so I guess that makes me gay by association in your eyes?

This is one example of a small, narrow and shallow mind and I found it so hilarious that I kept it on my computer as an mp3 file.

Perhaps (!)a good retort might be, "Are you a redneck?", and maybe the answer to that one might be, "Hell yeah, and I'm proud to be one!"

Well, so is that person who is gay and so am I - to be his or her friend.

Enough said about that. I only mentioned it here because I found it so humorous.

===============================================================================

In other late news, we have a new member of the family. His name is Nikolas (because he joined us around Christmas time) and we call him Nikki for short.

What's so special about this kitty is that when we found him in the back yard, he had a very large open would on the right side of his face.

There's no way we were going to leave him that way, so our family decided to get him taken care of.

That in itself is not significant. What is significant is that it was a joint family effort.

First my niece Deidre took care of the financial aspect of his veterinary care, then Dondra and I made sure he got his daily antibiotics, food, water, and TLC. My sister in law Ramona provided shelter and more TLC, and now he's fully recovered and makes his home here. Since he's an "outside" cat we leave the side door to the garage open so he can come inside the garage to keep warm. And yes, he's got his own pet bed and Ramona even hooked up a little heater for him. Can you say "spoiled"?

I suppose one could say he's a Christmas present we gave ourselves. Here he is with the wound (you can't see all of it) still open:

That's it for now. We're expecting more snow next week, but hopefully not as much as we got a week and a half ago. Stay warm (or cool - those of you in the southern hemisphere) and don't forget to feed to click. Just click on the button below the songs.

Thanks

Bill

WE Domesticated THEM.......

2011-01-04T19:52:00.012-05:00

...... which makes us responsible"

Y'all know that's my quote, right?

"WE domesticated THEM, which makes US responsible".

Well, I got curious about when we first began domesticating our animal friends, and what a surprise I got when I googled the question.

Here's the link to the site:

http://archaeology.about.com/od/dterms/a/domestication.htm

Or you can click on the subject line above to read........

Holy cow! (so to speak) We domesticated the dog THAT early?????

And what, we've been abusing them that long????

I don't know how much earthly time is left to me, but if I were to die in the next few minutes and were, in the last few moments granted a final wish, it would be this: "Take care of them and treasure them always, for they have helped you feed your families and give you happiness as pets, and how many of us two-leggers can give that on a constant basis?"
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Day of my hearing's getting closer and it can't come too soon for me, lemme tell ya. For the past two years,in addition to all the symptoms, it's been living from paycheck to paycheck and barely making it. No job, a bankruptcy and living in a postage-stamp size place. Buying my clothes at a consignment shop and eating as cheaply as possible. There were times when I considered myself the proverbial "dead man walking". Hadn't been for my friends on The Straight Dope, I'd have been the "dead man pushin' up daisies" a long time ago.

Here's a song someone made up and put to some animation. Enjoy and don't forget to click to feed the animals. If you're new to the blog, all you have to do is click on the button below and it will take you to the animal rescue site which when you click there will provide 1/2 a bowl of food to an animal. Please do it every day, thanks

Thanks

Bill

Thailand, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia?

2011-01-04T00:07:00.004-05:00

Unbelievable how many people from foreign lands are visiting the blog!

Very heartwarming as well, as I think many of them are my friends from The Straight Dope - a website/internet "bulletin board" I highly recommend for scintillating (is that correct or should it be "titillating"?) conversation and answers to any questions you may have about anything at all.

Even the Dept of Veterans Affairs is checking in!
So. We're in the new year, the holidays are (thankfully) behind us and now I'm in what I like to call "the doldrums". I didn't know that was a nautical/geographical term: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doldrums. I do know about "the horse latitudes", however. (Only after hearing Jim Morrison of The Doors sing about them: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_latitudes). Apparently the name comes from an old seaman term "beating one's head against a dead horse" (or something like that).

So, I am very happy to have my Lamiktal and Welbutrin to help keep Bill a "happy boy"! Just gotta REMEMBER to take them!!!!!

New symptoms: Can't make change for a dollar worth a shit anymore. Giving cashiers too much money for a purchased item and I'm catching myself not counting change whenever I pay for something.

Splitting headaches. (I used to never get a headache, now it seems like 2-3 times a week).

So enough about me! How are y'all doing?

I know some of you got blizzarded pretty hard recently, right?

We had snow for Christmas this year for the first time since the 1800's, I think.

D and I took our friend (and C2C R2C teammate), Marty out to eat for Christmas and presented him with a plaque in appreciation of his very valuable contribution to our bicycle ride for the animals. He was tickled to get it. He also helped me celebrate my New Year's Eve birthday at Texas Roadhouse. Fun times.

And even though they said "No! Spend that money on the animals, Bill", BillDL and Becks were each sent one as well. I don't listen so well sometimes, apparently! :)

Got a couple of doctor's visits coming up and then my SSDI hearing on 2.2.11.

That's it for now. Stay warm, check in here every now and then and don't forget to click and feed the 4-footers!

And here's a little something to maybe help your "doldrums"!

Thanks!

Bill

Some "End Of The Year" Thoughts

2010-12-14T17:36:00.005-05:00

Whew! Another year almost "in the can", and in 17 days I'll be another year older ("and deeper in debt" for sure!), and that's scary as hell to me.

See, I have a fear of death that is almost pathological in nature.

Physical health for a 60 year old guy: Not bad, I reckon. Still walking and so far no symptoms of anything serious.

Mental health: Well, that's a whole 'nother story, innit?

Been doing my best to keep perspective on that, though at times I've caught myself doing and saying goofy shit, hallucinated at least once and lord at the times I've forgotten stuff which was said to me just minutes ago!

My "saving grace" this year has been the ride for the animals (gave me something to do) and my continued friendship with BillDL and Becks. I tell you, there were times this past year when I could have gone completely batshit had it not been for those two.

Speaking of the animals and their welfare: The "war" between the authorities and animal welfare advocates/activists continues and instead of getting better, it's getting worse. Accusations are flying right and left on both sides, and I have to say it is very disheartening to realize that my 800 miles on the bike were for naught.

I had hoped to further the cause of "No Kill America", bring together the two factions and let them sit down and air their differences and come to some kind of "cease fire", but alas, it was not to be. Local internet "bulletin" boards and newspapers are full of vitriol and only the animals are suffering because of it.

For the sake of my sanity, I have decided no longer to ally myself with any organization, but will take my concern and love for the unwanted animals to the written word until such time as I see the two (maybe 3 - the No Kill folks seem to be going after the Humane Societies as well as the animal control authorities now!) sides lay down their "weapons" and find some common ground. The differences need to be aired in public meetings and not in the local media or internet. I have long advocated "town hall meetings", but they have been few and far between.

As I stated elsewhere, I believe at this time it is best that animal welfare and care be a personal goal by those of us who love them. One does not need to "belong" to a certain organization to promote this! Set your own examples, by adopting and then spaying/neutering your new friend.

Long story short: I am no longer willing to "take sides".

So what else?

As already mentioned, I plan to get at least one more marathon under my belt, so the training continues for next November when I'll be dedicating every mile to Alzheimer's research.

The disability hearing is coming up in February, and the "legal eagles" (I hope) are getting their "ducks in a row". I myself have been filling out paperwork, asking for medical records (this is stuff I think they should be doing, btw) and just generally "prepping" myself by writing down everything that's going on with me as it relates to my dementia.

No resolutions. I'm all "resolved out".

My friendship with my 2 "geographically challenged" friends will continue, of course, as will jotting down bits and pieces of my life which I jokingly refer to as my "memoirs".

At one time I flirted with flying lessons and I wish I could get back to skydiving, but who wants to fly with a pilot who may forget what this or that gauge is for, and D doesn't think I'll remember to pull the cord once I jump out of that "perfectly good airplane"!

That's all I can think of to write except to thank you for taking the time to read my drivel from time to time, for clicking on the "click to feed" buttons and for suffering through the music I include from time to time!

Happy holidays to you and your loved ones und einen guten Rutsch ins neues Jahr!

Thanks

Bill

The Marathon: Running For Alzheimer's Awareness

2010-11-16T22:56:00.003-05:00

Yes, I know it's not an original idea, but it is a personal one, so this week I made it official: Every step of the Atlanta marathon next year will be dedicated to Alzheimer's victims and their loved ones everywhere.

As I mentioned in a previous entry, the last one I ran I finished just 12 minutes before it ended at 4 hours and 48 minutes. Even though I'm 11 years older, my goal this time will be to finish at 4 hours and 30 minutes or under.

I can do this and I will do this because I think it is important to show we still are your friends, your family and your neighbors and we don't need you to feel sorry for us or "write us off". We want you to stand by us and help us obtain the funding needed to research and cure this terrible disease.

My counsellor Suzette has been notified of my decision, and in the coming months you will see information on planning and how you may participate if you wish.

My mind is weak (ening), but my legs are strong. Please give me your moral support, okay?

Thanks and please don't forget our 4 footed friends. We're heading into the cold months, and although their fur will protect them, we need to help them with hunger and companionship, so please click to feed and rescue when you can!

Bill

This Just In.....

2010-11-13T20:37:00.003-05:00

.......my SSDI hearing is scheduled for February, 2011. About time, right?

So I guess between now and then, we'll be getting all my documentation together (Dr's records, etc) and generally just preparing (which for me, means reading everything I can get my hands on, on how such a thing is conducted.

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If you've been following the blog, you may have heard me mention the bicycle ride we completed in September, called C2CR2C and you may have followed us as we prepared and rode the highways from Texas to Georgia.

If you did, then you may have gotten to know "Team C2CR2C", consisting of myself, my wife Dondra, BillDL of Scotland, his friend Becky of California, and our friend Marty Neese, who was the co-manager of the ride and whose duties included, driving the support van, navigating, repairing the bike and giving me the moral support I needed.

In the last post, I wrote that Marty lost his 28 year old daughter Brandie to cancer on Nov 7th. Since that last post, BillDL has written a very moving tribute to Marty and Brandy. Since I felt that post/mention was kinda short and the website added as an edit, I am repeating it now for you to take a look and keep our friend Marty in your thoughts as this is the second tragedy he has had to endure, having lost his 10 year old son Josh to muscular dystrophy several years ago.

Please take a look and if you like, sign the guest book using the link BillDL has provided.

We love you, Marty and thank you for your dedication not only to our ride, but to your children as well.

Thanks

Bill, Dondra, BillDL and Becky

Some Sad News This Week

2010-11-13T00:48:00.003-05:00

Hey Y'all

Dondra and I were saddened when one of my counsellors, Danelle, informed us of the passing of Mr. Jim Patterson, an Alzheimer's victim and very good friend to all who knew him. Jim and I belong to a support group called "Forget Me Not" and every month on a Wednesday we all meet at various restaurants in the metro Atlanta area for lunch that Suzette, Danelle and Kathy arange for us. Jim and his kind, friendly manner will be missed by all of us, and Dondra and I add our condolences to his family and friends.

Also this week one of the C2CR2C ("Carrollton to Carrollton Ride to Care") teammates, Marty Neese, lost his 28 year old daughter Brandie to cancer. This is the second child he has lost. His 10 year old son Joshua died of muscular dystrophy several years ago.

No child should precede his or her parent in death.

Marty was an essential part of the team and we could not have succeeded without him. Although she was very ill, she insisted that her dad go on the ride for her. She leaves behind her son Jacob and husband Brandon.

Please keep both our friends in your thoughts.

Thanks

Bill

EDITED TO ADD: A moving tribute by BillDL to our friend Marty's daughter may be seen at www.c2cr2c.com. Thanks, B~

Running The Atlanta Marathon In 2011

2010-11-03T16:32:00.004-04:00

I last ran a marathon in 1990 and finished in 4 hours and 48 minutes. (That's 12 minutes before they start taking up the cones, by the way! :-) )

Since the ride is done, and since I don't have plans to do another, I need something to keep me busy and in "planning" mode, so I've started training in addition to cycling (working all sets of leg muscles).

As you might guess, I'll be starting off with "baby steps", i.e. walking and working my way up to running 5 and 10k's and adding mileage from there.

If you're into walking and want to join me virtually, I recommend the cd's "60's walking (or 70's, 8's, 90's etc.) by a company called Workout Music (not affiliated).

The pace begins at 3.0 mph and the music is geared to BPM (beats per minute) so that every time your foot hits the ground, you're walking in time to the music. The next level is 3.2, which you should do when you feel comfortable at 3.0 and can carry on a conversation without gasping for breath. Personally, I find I train better with music than without, and I'm currently at 4.1. The next one is called "Classical Symphoney Power Walking" and goes to 4.6 in 2 levels. All workouts are 30 minutes and feature 2 different speeds. My goal is the Marine Corps Cadence runs, which are a good race pace.

A link to the workout music is in the title line of this post and you can hear a 2 minute sample here: http://www.workoutmusicvideo.com/walkr6w.html

In other news, I'm still active in animal welfare advocacy and am currently working on getting the Paulding County Humane Society re-motivated, since they've been basically kicked out of volunteering at the local animal "shelter", and have all laid down and are licking their wounds (so to speak).

They need to re-organize and form committees to discuss building their own free-standing facility, but I think they feel more comfortable writing about how "helpless" they all feel and how they're "in tears" because so many animals are being killed. (Not "euthanized" - killed.) I want to either, 1. shame them or 2. anger them (even if it's at me). I am giving them all sorts of ideas, but so far - nothing. If you care to read about what's going on, here's a link to their forum: http://paulding.com/forum/index.php?/forum/99-four-legged-friendzy/ . My nickname there is Christopher Robin.

Yesterday, (Tuesday) D and I worked at the local precinct for voting, which also happens to be where we go to church (well, where D goes to church, I only go when she bitches at me for NOT going). Counting getting up at 4:30 am and working in total to 8:30 pm (polls close at 7, but it takes another hour and a half to take everything down), I wasn't good for much when we got home and went straight to bed.

Okay, that gets y'all up to date on the "German Boy". Write me something sometime, please. Don't make me feel like I'm talking to myself. I'd kinda like this to be my "diary" of sorts.

A little "joggin' music":

Don't forget to click to feed!

Thanks!

Bill

One Month Later.....

2010-10-25T19:23:00.002-04:00

Wow! Has it been a month already?

I haven't written anything because basically, I had nothing to say, plus I didn't feel like it.

I have to admit to a certain amout of "post-ride depression" now that my bicycle ride for the animals is finished and there's nothing to plan, nothing to train for and I haven't been on the bike since I got back from Texas.

In the last entry I told you about my new doctor who doubled up on my Welbutrin and recommended we try ECT if that didn't work.

Well, Becks suggested I read up on the electro-convulsive therapy and its benefits and risks, so I went to the college library and there, sitting in the "New Arrivals" rack was the book, "Doctors of Deception: What They Don't Want You to Know About Shock Treatment" by Linda Andre (herself a former ECT patient).

To put it bluntly, what I read scared the hell out of me and it's a good thing the double dose of Welbutrin is working, because no way am I going to let anyone anesthetize me and shock my brain to get rid of my depression.

You know what the most important two things I got from reading her book?

1. No one knows why it works - it just does. There's no medical documentation at all why it's "effective" - just that it is.

2. It erases memories. Oh. My. God. I live my life on my memories and I have some very good ones - especially at this time of year (heading into the holidays). Why would I want a chunk (no matter how large) of what I remember taken away from me?

Okay, now what?

Well, I ain't doin' the ECT is one thing. But the other thing is that I have always been as fair a person as I can be, so I'm going to read the "other side's" version of ECT and why it's beneficial, and I'll let y'all know what I found out.

But how'm I doing?

Oh, okay I guess. D has noticed some improvement in my demeanor, i.e., I don't let little things (like dropping the razor, bumping into things and other general clumsiness) upset me anymore. I'm more focused and pay attention to things like our finances, washing the clothes and other general household stuff. I have my own checking account (my small pension goes into it) and I watch it like a hawk, so that's a good thing, but......

.......we've both noticed this: I will have an idea that I want to do something such as check e-mail on the computer and by the time I get to it, I don't want to do it anymore. Playing my guitars - same thing. I'll get one out of its case and then put it right back. Don't know exactly how this has happened, but it has.

Almost forgot: Sunday (yesterday) I went to an organ recital at UWG (University of West Georgia, my alma mater) and thoroughly enjoyed myself. There are a few more free concerts coming up the next few days and I'd like to go to those as well. (D doesn't like that kinda stuff, so I go alone).

Today, I started walk-jogging, and I plan to alternate this with cycling, so I'll get out in the fresh air more - something I have not been doing much of since the end of the ride.

Okay. I guess that gets us up to date. Thanks for reading and please remember to click the icon below to feed the animals and ask your friends to do the same.

Thank you

Bill

New Doc

2010-09-25T11:55:00.005-04:00

As I wrote in my last entry, we finished the ride and I have written a synopsis which has been edited and formatted by my friend BillDL of Scotland and is visible now. Just click on the title line above to take you there. Maybe you'll find it interesting, and once again, sincere thanks to Bill and Becks for all you did for us!

But that's not what this blog is about: I have a new doctor. He is a geriatric psychiatrist and my first appointment was on the 20th of this month. The and I have a great rapport - much better than the last one and he made some changes in my psychotropic meds. I am very grateful to my friend and counsellor Suzette for setting this up for me.

So what did he do and say?

Well first he asked about my symptoms, and they're still short-term memory loss related to my depression, so he increased my Welbutrin from 150 to 300 mg a day. I am also still on the Lamiktal - 150 mg one per day.

One thing D reminded me of is about a month ago I had a very weird (I suppose you'd call it hallucinatory) episode: I was approaching D's desk where she was sitting at her computer, looked up and saw what I thought was a cat sitting over her on a shelf, and said "I hope this cat is just here temporarily" (we already have one cat - Bert).

She said, "Huh?", and when I looked again - closer - I saw it was a picture of a cat on a calendar. Very embarrassing and I told my new doc about it. He had no comment, but asked me if I was after getting SSDI for my illness and I answered "yes".

Then he said something I had never heard from another doc. He said: "Well, we have to show them (SSDI) that we're trying and have tried everything to get you better or at least slow down or arrest your disease, so I'm going to up your meds and there's something else I want you to consider: ECT (electro-shock therapy). it doesn't have the stigma it once did, and is done with you under general anesthesia - in the beginning three times a week."

There followed a Q&A about the procedure and we decided I would try the upped dose of Welbutrin for three weeks and call him and tell him if I were better, so that's what we will do.

I contacted my lawyers and informed them of the new doc and they took the information and will get in touch with him.

So that's it for this entry. I know that ECT is a very controversial procedure and the doc told me they did 20 just that morning. I have mixed emotions and will faithfully follow the Welbutrin regimen for now.

Thanks,

Bill

Please click to feed the animals - thanks.

C2C R2C Are Home!

2010-09-19T20:28:00.001-04:00

Pictures and narrative are coming soon!

Thanks

Bill

Two Weeks From Today.....

2010-08-26T00:28:00.003-04:00

.... I'll set out on the road from Texas back here to Georgia for "The Carrollton to Carrollton Ride to Care", which, as y'all know is a ride to benefit animal rights and welfare.

A click on the title line will take you to the website crafted with loving care by my friends BillDL of Scotland and Becks from California.

Someone once said that one of the most precious gifts one person can give another is time, and the time my 2 friends have devoted to my ride has been precious indeed. Tanks you two,once again.

Whenever I tell someone the distance I will cover each day, their eyes get big, but when you think about it, that 75 miles will go quickly enough, because when I'm on my bicycle, I'm in a whole different world with no intrusions on my thoughts (unless one considers the cars and 18 wheelers which come blowing by me!).

Yes, of course those hills are sometimes tough to conquer, but there's always the downhill part, which I look forward to the most.

Not a lot to say in this entry, so I'll share a couple of nice songs with you. One you'll probably never have heard of and the other one - well - depends on how old you are!

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I subscribe to Mr. Ferguson's music. He goes by "The bard of Cornwall", This is one of my favorite and most thought-provoking Beatles' tunes.....

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Another Mom and Dad song - in the middle of it they did the Rumba. The old man sure could dance:

Before I close, allow me to remind you of the multi-media page of the C2C site. This is where you can go, click and hear my voice describing ride as it is happening, though not in "real-time". You may want to try it out with the samples provided, just so you'll know which platform to use.

Thanks

Bill

Stage Fright, ME?????

2010-08-22T04:48:00.002-04:00

Yes, me.

Me who used to be in radio, played in a hundred rock groups, acted onstage and was Mr. Cool and "Swayve" with his patients....... has stage fright.

As preparations slowly wind down and the days of my ride begin to loom closer, the publicity for C2C R2C is beginning to intensify and in a little better than 8 hours I'll be interviewed about why I'm going to ride my bicycle 800 miles in the blazing hot sun.

The program is called "Animal Wise Radio" (http://www.animalwiseradio.com/) and concerns itself with animal welfare and "No Kill Nation" as well as spay, neuter and adopt.

It's on from 2:15pm till 2:30 pm EDT at the above link if you'd like to listen in at the above link. It's also going to be archived and the website is very easily navigated, so finding the "archive" button won't be very hard at all, as it is right on the front page.

I'd also appreciate your visiting the C2C R2C website at http://www.c2cr2c.com/ . Take a look at BillDL's web-wizardry (he's constantly working and improving!) and please sign my guestbook if you have time.

Thanks!

Bill

"Don't You Remember?"

2010-08-10T21:15:00.005-04:00

I hear that on the average of 10 times a week these days, and it's not her fault, it's just a natural thing, and I do forget a lot of things - sometimes only 3 minutes after I am told them.

I do it so much that I have begun compensating for this as well.

For instance, one might hear me ask, "When, who, what, where....... did you say (example) is, was, etc."

Well, she may have said it, or I may have imagined it, but either way, it avoids the "don't you remember" phrase.

In other news:

Here we are less than a month until the Ride To Care (www.c2cr2c.com) and we are in last minute aggravation stage, meaning that one of two of our sponsors may not come through for us.

This means, of course, a lot of time spend on the phone or online by yours truly, many sleepless nights and hardly any time to train decently, but we'll make it. I have two very good friends who are there for me come rain or shine: BillDL and Becks and they won't let me get "down in the dumps".

So, back to remembering. Do you have trouble remembering stuff? do you have trouble remembering stuff 5-6 times a day, and do you sometimes not want to talk to anyone at all for fear of being looked at like you're from Mars because you should already know what you're asking about?

Strangely enough, (or not strangely at all) I* don't have any trouble remembering anniversaries.

Today would have been my Mom's 82nd birthday, for example and I have another important anniversary coming up the 18th of this month.

Funny how the brain works, isn't it?

In keeping with the "remembrance" theme.......

And just so you don't forget me and the Ride to Care......

That's just BillDL having a little fun with the pics shot earlier this month! To see the originals, go to the website (www.c2cr2c.com) and please don't forget to sign the guestbook! It would mean a lot to me!

Also remember to click to feed......

Thanks!

Bill

Haven't Forgotten Y'all!

2010-08-07T19:54:00.003-04:00

Hey

Just checkin' in to let you know all is well - now.

Dondra had a very close call with death a couple of weeks ago when one of her intestines perforated and fluid leaked into her abdomen.

I took her to ER and they quickly shipped her to Altanta Medical Center where 5 years ago she'd had a gastric bypass.

What happened was she developed gout and her primary care physician put her on an inflammatory medication - a huge no-no for anyone who's had that kind of surgery.

Luckily the surgeon who did the bypass was on that day and, after making 5 laprascopic incisions, managed to get the intestine repaired.

Wednesday I took her back to her doc and he removed the drain and she continues to recuperate and promises to be ready to navigate the C2C ride next month. Meantime, guess who's "Mr. Mom"?

Yup, the time is getting closer and if you haven't already, please go to the website (http://www.c2cr2c.com/) and write something in the guestbook to cheer me on - I'd appreciate it. You can also keep up with me on the ride itself by choosing the multi-media page and clicking on the second icon and then clicking on whatever you use to hear stuff on your computer. You will hear me talking to you and reporting how the ride is going/went on anty particular day - maybe even from atop the bicycle!

Here's one of the rides "signature tunes". It's the theme from the tv show "King of The Hill". Enjoy and remember to clock to feed the critters!

Thanks

Bill

GREAT NEWS! My SSDI Hearing Has Been Scheduled......

2010-07-09T14:51:00.003-04:00

...... in about 475 days.

No that isn't a typo up there.

I got a letter from my lawyers (Binder&Binder) this week and that's what it said.

I googled it, and it appears there's such a backlog, that's the average time to get to anyone's case from the time it's requested.

He (Charles Binder or one of his lackeys) did say that there's the remote possibility of a video hearing with a judge who may not be busy doing something else, but for me not to count on it.

Oh well, at least now I don't have to worry that they'll schedule the hearing to interfere with the ride.

No, you're right: It IS totally unrelated to the subject!

Don't forget to feed the critters!

Thanks

Bill

Gonna Be "Out of Pocket" For A While......

2010-06-14T00:07:00.009-04:00

...... but NOT gone completely, okay?

I got a "pep talk" from "Coach Becks" a few days ago ....

.... and she told me that if I'm going to cross that finish line I had better get crackin'!

I agree. I've been spending way too much time on organization, sponsorship and just plain WORRY, that it's affecting my training, and we can't have that happen.

So what I'm going to need to do is cut out all extraneous things in my life and concentrate SOLELY on the ride. It's GOT to be that way, or else it's going to fail and as the saying goes, "Failure is NOT an option!"

There's another saying/motto which goes like this:

"We will do what we say we will do

We won't commit to something we cannot do

Once we commit to it we WILL do it"

My friend BillDL is not only the co-administrator of this blog, he's been working daily on the c2cr2c website which you can visit (please do by clicking the blue subject line above or the link to the left), but he's been very active as the ride's publicist; what you read on the c2c website is what he has crafted from what he knows about me. He is the most articulate man I've never met. He also works a full-time job. I don't work a full-time job. I don't work at all.

I wrote the above to say that if this guy can spend so much time for someone who he's never met except on the web, who am I to give any less than my best for the animals whose lives we want to save?

So we're going to leave this blog site "open", not "suspended" as I stupidly did before. You can follow me and my ride on http://www.c2cr2c.com/, and I'll be back here when I can.

Thanks, love you guys!

Bill

Saw My New Doc Today!

2010-06-09T21:39:00.004-04:00

And if it hadn't been for my sweet friend Becks, that would have never happened.

See, it was Becky who, a few months back found me this clinic which treats patients who have no insurance and charges them a sliding scale fee (click on the subject line to take you to their site).

My new doc (a very nice "Doogie Howser" type who D says "looks like he belongs on a skateboard") did a very thorough examination with lots of blood work drawn, wrote scrips for all my meds (including the depression ones), and I was only charged 25% of what the whole thing would have cost me had I not been on a sliding scale!

He even did a prostate exam (with blood - not with the finger up the "poop-chute"!) and checked my vitamin D level (for the bones and arthritis).

All in all, a very thorough exam, a very nice doc and a sweet friend who found him for me.

Oh yeah, speaking of the "poop chute":

I mean, that is what he's singing, right - "Don't take it up the poop chute?" *wink*

A sweet friend whom I have never met, and who is VERY special to me - someone who would think so much of someone they've never laid eyes on, made sure I got some great medical care!

Thank you, Becky for being such an angel! I LOVE YA'!

Thanks,

Bill

"I Went Sky Divin'....."

2010-06-07T21:15:00.011-04:00

.....but I can't anymore, 'cause D won't let me. (She thinks that because of my short-term memory loss, I might forget to pull and go splat all over the DZ!)

But I still wear my t-shirt which reads "Jumps from perfectly good airplanes" and recently I got something in the mail from Kevin Burkart who's going to do 200 perfect jumps (click on the title to check out his site) in one day to benefit and call attention to Parkinson's (which his dad has, and which I also am getting).

www.perfectjumps.com

SOMEBODY'S gonna be busy packing 'chutes!

Here's my newest rock group which I love (thanks, Johnny L.A., for the vid) AFTER Here Come The Mummies.

Please don't forget the fur-babies?

Thanks!

Bill

Pot Pourri Day!

2010-06-02T19:44:00.005-04:00

As y'all know, this type of entry is just "anything about anything", so here goes:

Anyone remember Rich Hall and his "sniglets" (words which should be in the dictionary, but aren't)?

Here's my all-time favorite:

Expresshole-n. A person who goes through the grocery store's 12-item express lane with 22 items.

Do you have a favorite? Let the rest of us know (hint: do a google search on "sniglets")!

My best friend I ain't never met, Johnny L.A. from The Straight Dope will every now and then send me a YouTube or other clip he thinks is appropriate for "The German Boy", and here's one more: (Y'all have read my references to me being a "happy boy" if so and so were to occur? Well, John found a song with just that title!)

Click on the title of this entry and please give it a few moments to start once you click on the arrow....

Good things still happening for C2CR2C! My Scots friend Bill is still at the helm of the website (take a look at www.c2cr2c.com) and we're having all kinds of wonderful friends and sponsors joining the ride! I'm not much on religion, but man! I swear someone's looking out for us and the four-footed ones!

Speaking of which (y'all know the drill, right?)

Thanks

Bill

Memorial Day 2010

2010-05-27T19:45:00.006-04:00

A couple of days early, I know, but I wanted to go ahead and post this entry lest I forget.

You know, in the 17 years I worked at my hospital, not one Veteran's Holiday did my previous employer even acknowledge there were any veterans employed there. To my knowledge they still do not.

This needs to stop. We're in the process of fighting a war in two countries. Over 1,000 of our young have been killed so far, our veteran's benefit program is a shambles, hospitals badly need modernizing and renovating and there's no end in sight.

As you travel this Memorial Day weekend, and you see the flags out on the streets, highways and medians or as you display your own flags, please remember not only YOUR loved ones but those who may be standing on the side of the road or sitting on street corners holding up "Homeless, Need Work" signs.

When they gave of themselves, they didn't ask "What's in it for me?", they just did it, gave their all, and as the song goes, "Some GAVE All".

I think this is what may have driven them:

And not only humans can be veterans. We have military dogs serving in Iraq as we speak and one, Fluffy, was retired in 2003 with his handler under very special circumstances, and I urge you to read his story by clicking the title link above. It WILL move you, so be forewarned!

Fluffy, if he could, would remind you to feed his brother and sister 4-footers by clicking here

, and he wishes you and yours a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend.

Thanks

Bill

I Ain't Sayin' Shit One Way Or The Other, But.....

2010-05-25T19:49:00.003-04:00

...... every now and then I wake up and feel a little gray matter has trickled out onto my pillow and I know my friend Johnny L.A. from the Straight Dope has been in there, trepanning again.

Lord knows what he expects to find in that poor slab of organ I call a brain, but here's what he said he found this time:

That first part kinda sounds like Jaimie Brockett singing about the USS Titanic, only a lot funnier, but the last part, I swear he made up. Or it came from a Python picture.

Sure didn't come from MY brain.

It's still on tunnels and donuts!

John?

Thanks for the laughs when I need 'em the most.

Bill

CLICKEN SIE UND FEEDEN SIE! Danke!