The One Million Friend Challenge
Current mood: inspired
Category: Friends

1:45 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Our Fathers Remembered
Category: Life

In a perfect world, a pefect family........ and a not so perfect world and family these things hold true, or at least we try to see them this way.  I would like to take this time to wish all the Father's and Dad's a great day and weekend. may you all get a day of enjoyment and rest, you probably deserve it.

To all those that have lost this very important person in thier lives, my family and friends and those that I do not know personally, I hope you can look back over the good times that you had with your Dad's and find some peace knowing that they are in a better place. I know that any Dad would want you to be happy and not dwell on the loss and pain.

In Memory of My Father Carroll Lee Austin

Today, I sit in my bed at 4 in the morning and reflect on my father, the man that helped create me. I can not say that I know him, yet I love him and miss him since he passed away. To say he was my Dad, would be stretching it a bit, but he was my Father. He was not there for very much of mine and my brothers lives, yet when you become an adult and are more mature and can rationalize things better, you learn to accept and forgive the things that you felt you were not afforded because of what was lacking. I did that with my Dad and when he passed away the way that he did, I could move beyond that.  He was not an easy man to get along with, as anyone that knew him could attest. But through the faults and conflicts, he was a product of his upbringing that could not move passed it. I tried not to judge the choices and the decisions that he made, although they effected me at the time. He was who he was, as he was raised to be, as I am. I was raised by a strong and independant woman, if he had been anything else or anyother way, I may not be who I am today. How can I find fault in the overall outcome. I still think about him almost daily, no longer about the why's and what-if's...... but about the fact that if not for him I would not be. You have to take the time to appreciate them, not focus on the people that they are, as everyone has made mistakes. They are half of the reason you are here after all.

In Honor of My Dad, Burnam Wynn, Jr

I would like to take this time to remeber and honor that man that had not a thing to do with me being here, yet is my Dad by choice. I will start by admitting that I did not want him to be with my mother, as he was a different person at the time. I was blinded to the faults and over looked the person. I have since learned not to do that. He is one of the best when it comes to being a husband to my mother and a father to her children. He has been there when we needed him, and only when asked. He isn't much on gatherings, but he is coming around to that some now.... it only took 15 years. He is a hard worker and a good provider. He is a generally good person. I have known him longer as a person than as a Dad, but I am thankful that I know him as a Dad than any other way.

So although he may never read this, I want him to know that I appreciate him daily for the role he has volunteered for, when most do not do that. I thank him for the way he is with my mother and my brothers. We may have been grown when he entered the role he now plays, but you are never to old to need a Dad.

1:45 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

What are the Dem’s gonna do now????
Current mood: inquisitive
Category: News and Politics

My friends,

 

I am by no means a political analyst nor do I claim to be. I am however a deeply worried citizen. I have watched this race from the get go, and although I do not tell people who I voted for in any race,  will this time I will, I did vote for Hilary, Not because she is a woman, and not because Obama is a black man. I did it because I thought she would be the best candidate for President, and the best person to run agiants McCain come November.(since Edwards was out of it by the time I voted)

      I have said for the longest time that this needs to end and the issues take front seat. I did not want it to end the way it has, but it has, so now what?

What is going to happen to the democrats now? Will the other Hilary supporters cut off their noses to spite their faces or will they look at the big picture and vote Democrat for President. I know that many have said that they would do just that.

Obama has a hard road ahead of him. These past months will seem like a picnic compared to what is to come, I wonder how he will win over the middle class workers and the women that were for Hilary? Can he do it and come out the victor in Nov?

And as much as I hate to say this, is he capable to run Our Country? Is he able to dig us out of the hole that we have gotten ourselves into? I am not psychic, just an ordinary woman in her 30's trying to survive, but I just do not think so. For no specific reason, it is strictly a gut feeling. I do not think that the people of the USA have really thought about it. Do not get me wrong, I am going to vote the for the guy……. I just have low expectations from him. Between him and the other guy, I am going for the best of the worst.

I have all the respect in the world for the man, He is an intelligent person that has done great. But I see beyond the pretty speeches, I have watched most every one of his interviews…."Umm, Look" He is a great speaker, he is a good man, but that is not what Americans need. They need a person of action, a person that can get shit done that needs to have been done a long time ago. Like Yesterday!

I just wonder if he is the person to do it. I wondered the same thing of Hilary. I guess for me that this race is all about taking chances. I just think that now is not the right time. We need stability, we need someone that can get the USA back on its feet in the world today,

I wonder a lot of things I suppose. Maybe you all can help me get the answers. We are the general public, so what do you have to say about the way that this is all going? I doubt there are any of you any different than I am. We all have concerns and we all want to understand. This is not just about us….. they say (some political analyst) that what happens with this race, that it could have an effect on my 4 yr old granddaughters children. I don't think that we should gamble with their lives any more than I want to gamble with mine,

Let me know what you think…….. I am worried for all of us.

 

Your Friend, Angie

7:04 PM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Eternal Ink
Current mood: Reflective
Category: Reflective Religion and Philosophy

written by Pastor Craig F. Pitts of Chatham, Ontario, Canada

5:40 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

My Letter To The Normals
Category: Life

This is an open letter format from Robert Waller: who suffers from FM: Fibromyalgia, For those that do not know what that is, you can read my other blog and learn some about it, but this letter tells you what it is like to live with this as well as my other disease Crohn's.  Both are awful to have and awful for loved ones of mine to deal with; or don't deal with as with some of them.  It is not that I blame them for not understanding or supporting me, some of them just don't know how, or a few just think that I am not able to be there for them so they believe I don't care (which is not the case) or just can't for one reason or another. I can understand to a point, not that it don't hurt.  But would you take a few more minutes of you time to read on to the actual letter. I would appreciate it and maybe you can understand just a little bit about what is going on here in my world. Which is by the way about 3500 square feet......which is my house and yard's size.

Thanks in advance, Angie

Hello Family, Friends, and Anyone Wishing to Know Me,

Allow me to begin by thanking you for taking the time out of your day to spend some time with me and get to know me better. A person's time is their most valuable asset and yours is appreciated.

I want to talk to you about Fibromyalgia (FM) or Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) and Crohn's Disease. Many have never heard of these conditions and for those who have, many are misinformed. And because of this judgments are made that may not be correct… So I ask you to keep an open mind as I try to explain who I am and how FM/MPS and Crohn's has assaulted not only my life and body but those whom I love as well.

You see, I suffer from two diseases that you cannot see; two diseases that there is no cures for and that keeps the medical community baffled at how to treat and battle these demons, who's attacks are relentless. My pain works silently, stealing my joy and replacing it with tears. On the outside we look alike you and I; some of my scars you can see, some you won't be able to; You wont see my pain in the way you would a person undergoing chemo for cancer; however, my pain is just as real and just as debilitating. And in many ways my pain may be more destructive because people can't see it and do not understand....

Please don't get angry at my seemingly lack of interest in doing things; I punish myself enough I assure you. My tears are shed many times when no one is around. My embarrassment is covered by a joke or laughter, but inside I want to die....

Most of my "friends" are gone; even members of my own family have abandoned me. I have been accused of "playing games" for another's sympathy. During my first surgery, the Dr. came out of the surgery room to tell my family that was waiting that it was taking longer than she had first thought because the Crohn's was worse than she thought it was and that it would be awhile before they could come see me.  One of my family members actually said...."Well, I guess she wasn't faking it after all", ........to this day I don't know who said it because my husband won't tell me.  But that is okay, I don't think I want to know anyway.  I have been called unreliable because I am forced to cancel plans I made at the last minute because the burning and pain in my legs or arms is so intense I cannot put my clothes on or I have to stay close to the bathroom because of a flare up and I am left in my tears as I miss out on yet another family activity or an event that I used to love and once participated in with enthusiasm.

I feel like a child at times... I forget things that I once remembered, Names, numbers, birthdays etc. When I talk to people, many times I lose my train of thought in mid sentence or forget the simplest word needed to explain or describe something. Please try to understand how it feels to have another go behind me in my home to make sure the stove is off after I cook an occasional meal. Please try to understand how it feels to "lose" the laundry, only to find it in the stove instead of the dryer. As I try to maintain my dignity the Demons assaults me at every turn. Please try to understand….

Sleep, when I do get some, is restless and I wake often because of the pain the sheets have on my legs or because I twitch uncontrollably. I walk through many of my days in a daze with the Fibro-fog laughing at me as I stumble and grasp for clarity. I may suddenly change the subject while we are talking on the phone and you will think I am dismissing you and what you were saying, but that is not it.....I have simply lost my train of thought and moved on.  It's just as frustrating for me too.

And just because I can do a thing one day, that doesn't mean I will be able to do the same thing the next day or next week. I may be able to take that walk after dinner on a warm July evening; the next day or even the in the next hour I may not be able to walk to the fridge to get a cold drink because my muscles have begun to cramp and lock up or spasm uncontrollably. And there are those who say "but you did that yesterday!" "What is your problem today?" The hurt I experience at those words scars me so deeply that I have let my family down again; and still they don't understand…. Sometimes I spend 18 hours of the day just in the restroom, and the other hours in bed suffering with pain.  It's not something I can control.  Trust me, If I could change all this, I would.  I don't ask you for your pity, just a little understanding.  I degrade myself enough, I don't need others to add to it.  I know that you don't mean to be that way, that is why I forgive you and laugh it off with a joke.

I have a sense of humor. If you take the time to spend with me you will see that. I love to tell that joke to make another's face light up and smile at my wit. I love my kids and all the rest of my family. I am fun to be with if you will spend the time with me on my own playing field; is this too much to ask? I love you and want nothing more than to be a part of your life. And I have found that I can be a strong friend in many ways.  I am your friend, your supporter and many times I will be the one to do the research for your latest project; many times I will be your biggest fan and the world will know how proud I am at your accomplishments and how honored I am to have you in my life.  I know I haven't been the most consistent person in your life, the kind that you needed on several occasions, but it's not that I didn't want to be there.  It's really not.  I wish I could put all these feelings down, and make you understand. But I'm just not able to. Depression is also a big factor, when you get to where you don't even want to get out of bed, eat, shower or see even you own kids....... it a problem, alright. For eveyone.  I don't want to be this way. If there was a magic pill, I'd track it down and take it no matter what the cost.

So you see, you and I are not that much different. I too have hopes, dreams, goals… and these demons….  . I will give all I can as I can, I promise you that. But I have to do this thing my way. Please understand that I am in a dificult situation I know that I have little hope of a cure or effective treatments, at least right now. Please understand there is no diet that helps, there is no magic pills to take to make it go away.  I tried that.  I took any pill they said would help, taking at one point a total of 52 pills a day.  3 of those were oxicotins, 4 were lortabs and 4 were darvocets.  And yet, nothing helped.  I don't want to be in a "Pill" Haze, yet I don't want to lay in pain everyday.  So what is a person to do?  I have yet to find the answer to that.  I am not taking as many pills now and they have changed the anti depressants, and I am better where the depression is concerned, but I am not well, just being sick like I am is depressing but I am dealing with it better.  I still search on the internet for new treatments and medical trials..... but guess what, I don't qualify because I have already tried them all.  But there is always hope to fall back on.

I guess I have wrote enough for now, I just wanted you to know how I feel and what it's like for me to have what I have.  I believe I have this for a reason, i don't know what it is, but that is what I think.  I want to thank you for spending your time with reading my revised letter. I hope you can kind of understand a little of what I go through on a daily basis. Please understand that I am just like you, I have feelings just as you do and I don't like this any better than you do.…

Please understand….

Revised Letter for FM & Crohn's Disease by Angela Anderson Monday

Open Letter First Written by Ronald J. Waller

2:40 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Fibromyalgia Info
Category: Life

.. 

Definition

Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by long-term, body-wide pain and tender points in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Fibromyalgia has also been linked to fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety.

Fibromyalgia can develop on its own or along with other musculoskeletal conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

.. Fibromyalgia is a common rheumatic syndrome indicating widespread pain in fibrous tissues, muscles, tendons, and other connective tissues, resulting in painful muscles without weakness. The cause of this disorder is unknown, although it is a chronic problem that can come and go for years. The nine paired red circles are recognized as common tender points associated with fibromyalgia

Alternative Names

Fibromyositis; Fibrositis; Myofascial pain syndrome

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Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of this disorder is unknown. Physical or emotional trauma may play a role in development of the syndrome. Some evidence suggests that fibromyalgia patients have abnormal pain transmission responses.

It has been suggested that sleep disturbances, which are common in fibromyalgia patients, may actually cause the condition. Another theory suggests that the disorder may be associated with changes in skeletal muscle metabolism, possibly caused by decreased blood flow, which could cause chronic fatigue and weakness.

Others have suggested that an infectious microbe, such as a virus, triggers the illness. At this point, no such virus or microbe has been identified.

Pilot studies have shown a possible inherited tendency toward the disease, though evidence is very preliminary.

The disorder has an increased frequency among women 20 to 50 years old. The prevalence of the disease has been estimated between 0.7% and 13% for women, and between 0.2% and 3.9% for men.

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Symptoms

The overwhelming characteristic of fibromyalgia is long-standing, body-wide pain with defined tender points. Tender points are distinct from trigger points seen in other pain syndromes. Unlike tender points, trigger points can occur in isolation and represent a source of radiating pain, even in the absence of direct pressure.

Fibromyalgia pain can mimic the pain that occurs with various types of arthritis. However, the significant swelling, destruction, and deformity of joints seen in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis does not occur with fibromyalgia syndrome alone.

The soft-tissue pain of fibromyalgia is described as deep-aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting or burning, and ranges from mild to severe. Fibromyalgia sufferers tend to wake up with body aches and stiffness.

For some patients, pain improves during the day and increases again during the evening, though many patients with fibromyalgia have day-long, unrelenting pain. Pain can increase with activity, cold or damp weather, anxiety, and stress.

Specific symptoms:

• Multiple tender areas (muscle and joint pain) on the back of the neck, shoulders, sternum, lower back, hips, shins, elbows, knees.
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Body aches
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Chronic facial muscle pain or aching

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Signs and tests

Diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires a history of a least three months of widespread pain, and pain and tenderness in at least 11 of 18 tender-point sites. These tender-point sites include fibrous tissue or muscles of the:

• Neck
• Shoulders
• Chest
• Rib cage
• Lower back
• Thighs
• Knees
• Arms (elbows)
• Buttocks

Sometimes, laboratory and x-ray tests are done to help confirm the diagnosis. The tests will also rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. The following conditions have been associated with fibromyalgia or mimic its symptoms:

• Cancer
• Cervical and low-back degenerative disease
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Depression
• HIV infection
• Hypothyroidism
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Lyme disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Sleep disorders

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Treatment

In mild cases, symptoms may go away when stress is decreased or lifestyle changes are implemented. A combination of treatments including medications, patient education, physical therapy, and counseling are usually recommended. Many fibromyalgia sufferers have found support groups helpful.

In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration approved Pregabalin (Lyrica) as the first drug for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Certain classes of antidepressant medications are sometimes prescribed for the disorder. Studies show that antidepressants in low doses can decrease depression, relax craniofacial and skeletal muscles, improve sleep quality, and release pain-killing endorphins. Other medications that are used include anti-inflammatory pain medications and medications that work on pain transmission pathways, such as Gabapentin.

Eating a well-balanced diet, and avoiding caffeine may help with problems sleeping, and may help reduce the severity of the symptoms. Lifestyle measures to improve the quality of sleep can be effective for fibromyalgia.

Some reports indicate that fish oil, magnesium/malic acid combinations, or vitamins may be effective. Reducing stress and improving coping skills may also help reduce painful symptoms.

Improved fitness through exercise is recommended. Studies have shown that fibromyalgia symptoms can be relieved by aerobic exercise. The best way to begin a fitness program is to start with low impact exercises, like walking and swimming.

Starting slowly helps stretch and mobilize tight, sore muscles. High-impact aerobics and weight lifting could cause increased discomfort. Symptoms may be relieved by gentle stretching and light massage, as well as acupressure, acupuncture, and relaxation techniques.

Severe cases of fibromyalgia may require a referral to a pain clinic

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Expectations (prognosis)

Fibromyalgia is a common and chronic problem. The symptoms sometimes improve. At other times, the symptoms may worsen and continue for months or years. The key is seeking professional help which includes a multi-faceted approach to the management and treatment of the disease. There is no proof that fibromyalgia syndrome results in an increased death rate.

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Calling your health care provider

Call your health-care provider if symptoms of fibromyalgia develop.

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Prevention

There is no proven prevention for this disorder. However, over the years, the treatment and management of the disease has improved.

11:11 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Crohn’s Disease Info
Category: Life

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease causes inflammation in the small intestine. Crohn's disease usually occurs in the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum, but it can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. The inflammation extends deep into the lining of the affected organ. The inflammation can cause pain and can make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the general name for diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines. Crohn's disease can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and to another type of IBD called ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the liningof the large intestine.

Crohn's disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families. About 20 percent of people with Crohn's disease have a blood relative with some form of IBD, most often a brother or sister and sometimes a parent or child.

Crohn's disease may also be called ileitis or enteritis.

What causes Crohn's disease?

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Theories about what causes Crohn's diseaseabound, but none has been proven. The most popular theory is that the body's immune system reacts to a virus or a bacterium by causing ongoing inflammation in the intestine.

People with Crohn's disease tend to have abnormalities of the immune system, but doctors do not know whether these abnormalities are a cause or result of the disease. Crohn's disease is not caused by emotional distress.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of Crohn's disease are abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhea. Rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fever may also occur. Bleeding may be serious and persistent, leading to anemia. Children with Crohn's disease may suffer delayed development and stunted growth.How is Crohn's disease diagnosed?

A thorough physical exam and a series of tests may be required to diagnose Crohn's disease.

Blood tests may be done to check for anemia, which could indicate bleeding in the intestines. Blood tests may also uncover a high white blood cell count, which is a sign of inflammation somewhere in the body. By testing a stool sample, the doctor can tell if there is bleeding or infection in the intestines.

The doctor may do an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series to look at the small intestine. For this test, the patient drinks barium, a chalky solution that coats the lining of the small intestine, before x rays are taken. The barium shows up white on x-ray film, revealing inflammation or other abnormalities in the intestine.The doctor may also do a colonoscopy. For this test, the doctor inserts an endoscope--a long, flexible, lighted tube linked to a computer and TV monitor--into the anus to see the inside of the large intestine. The doctor will be able to see any inflammation or bleeding. During the exam, the doctor may do a biopsy, which involves taking a sample of tissue from the lining of the intestine to view with a microscope.

If these tests show Crohn's disease, more x rays of both the upper and lower digestive tract may be necessary to see how much is affected by the disease.

What are the complications of Crohn's disease?

The most common complication is blockage of the intestine. Blockage occurs because the disease tends to thicken the intestinal wall with swelling and scar tissue, narrowing the passage. Crohn'sdisease may also cause sores, or ulcers, that tunnel through the affected area into surrounding tissues such as the bladder, vagina, or skin. The areas around the anus and rectum are often involved. The tunnels, called fistulas, are a common complication and often become infected. Sometimes fistulas can be treated with medicine, but in some cases they may require surgery.

Nutritional complications are common in Crohn's disease. Deficiencies of proteins, calories, and vitamins are well documented in Crohn's disease. These deficiencies may be caused by inadequate dietary intake, intestinal loss of protein, or poor absorption (malabsorption).

Other complications associated with Crohn's disease include arthritis, skin problems, inflammation in the eyes or mouth, kidney stones, gallstones, or other diseases of the liver and biliary system. Some of these problems resolve during treatment for disease in the digestive system, but some must betreated separately.

What is the treatment for Crohn's disease?

Treatment for Crohn's disease depends on the location and severity of disease, complications, and response to previous treatment. The goals of treatment are to control inflammation, correct nutritional deficiencies, and relieve symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Treatment may include drugs, nutrition supplements, surgery, or a combination of these options. At this time, treatment can help control the disease, but there is no cure.

Some people have long periods of remission, sometimes years, when they are free of symptoms. However, the disease usually recurs at various times over a person's lifetime. This changing pattern of the disease means one cannot always tell when a treatment has helped. Predicting when aremission may occur or when symptoms will return is not possible.

Someone with Crohn's disease may need medical care for a long time, with regular doctor visits to monitor the condition.

Nutrition Supplementation

The doctor may recommend nutritional supplements, especially for children whose growth has been slowed. Special high-calorie liquid formulas are sometimes used for this purpose. A small number of patients may need periods of feeding by vein. This can help patients who need extra nutrition temporarily, those whose intestines need to rest, or those whose intestines cannot absorb enough nutrition from food.

SurgerySurgery to remove part of the intestine can help Crohn's disease but cannot cure it. The inflammation tends to return next to the area of intestine that has been removed. Many Crohn's disease patients require surgery, either to relieve symptoms that do not respond to medical therapy or to correct complications such as blockage, perforation, abscess, or bleeding in the intestine.

Some people who have Crohn's disease in the large intestine need to have their entire colon removed in an operation called colectomy. A small opening is made in the front of the abdominal wall, and the tip of the ileum is brought to the skin's surface. This opening, called a stoma, is where waste exits the body. The stoma is about the size of a quarter and is usually located in the right lower part of the abdomen near the beltline. A pouch is worn over the opening to collect waste, and the patient empties the pouch as needed. The majority of colectomy patients go on to live normal, active lives.Sometimes only the diseased section of intestine is removed and no stoma is needed. In this operation, the intestine is cut above and below the diseased area and reconnected.

Because Crohn's disease often recurs after surgery, people considering it should carefully weigh its benefits and risks compared with other treatments. Surgery may not be appropriate for everyone. People faced with this decision should get as much information as possible from doctors, nurses who work with colon surgery patients (enterostomal therapists), and other patients. Patient advocacy organizations can suggest support groups and other information resources.

People with Crohn's disease may feel well and be free of symptoms for substantial spans of time when their disease is not active. Despite the need to take medication for long periods of time and occasional hospitalizations, most people with Crohn's disease are able to hold jobs, raise families,and function successfully at home and in society.

Can diet control Crohn's disease?

No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating this disease. Some people find their symptoms are made worse by milk, alcohol, hot spices, or fiber. People are encouraged to follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms. But there are no consistent rules.

People should take vitamin supplements only on their doctor's advice.

Is pregnancy safe for women with Crohn's disease?

Research has shown that the course of pregnancy and delivery is usually not impaired in women with Crohn's disease. Even so, women with Crohn's disease should discuss the matter with their doctorsbefore pregnancy. Most children born to women with Crohn's disease are unaffected. Children who do get the disease are sometimes more severely affected than adults, with slowed growth and delayed sexual development in some cases.

To Learn More About This Disease Go To:

CCFA.org  Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America

There Are Also Some Great Support Groups For Suffers & Family, I happen to prefer HealingWell.com So Here A Link To That One:

HealingWell Support Group: HealingWell.com

10:01 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Honor Our Veterans !
Current mood: Thinking
Category: Thinking Life

Date: Feb 23, 2008 10:53 PM

RE: SOON TO BE GONE - PLEASE READ AND REPSOT!SUPPORTING OUR HEROESTHANK YOU VETERANS                                                    

Thanks:

READ CAREFULLY!


SOON TO BE  GONE
By A  MILITARY DOCTOR



This  should be required reading in every school and college in our country.  This Captain, an Army doctor, deserves a medal himself for putting this  together. If you choose not to pass it on, fine, but I think you will want  to, after you read it.






I  am a doctor specializing in the Emergency Departments of the only two  military Level One-Trauma Centers, both in San Antonio, TX and they care  for civilian Emergencies as well as military personnel. San Antonio has  the largest military retiree population in the world living here. As a  military doctor, I work long hours and the pay is less than glamorous. One  tends to become jaded by the long hours, lack of sleep, food, family  contact and the endless parade of human suffering passing before you. The  arrival of another ambulance does not mean more pay, only more  work.


Most  often, it is a victim from a motor vehicle crash.



Often  it is a person of dubious character who has been shot or stabbed. With our  large military retiree population, it is often a nursing home patient.  Even with my enlisted service and minimal combat experience in Panama, I  have caught myself groaning when the ambulance brought in yet another  sick, elderly person from one of the local retirement centers that cater  to military retirees. I had not stopped to think of what citizens of this  age group represented.






I  saw 'Saving Private Ryan.' I was touched deeply. Not so much by the  carnage, but by the sacrifices of so many. I was touched most by the scene  of the elderly survivor at the graveside, asking his wife if he'd been a  good man. I realized that I had seen these same men and women coming  through my Emergency Dept. and had not realized what magnificent  sacrifices they had made. The things they did for me and everyone else  that has lived on this planet since the end of that conflict are  priceless.






Situation  permitting, I now try to ask my patients about their experiences. They  would never bring up the subject without the inquiry. I have been  privileged to an amazing array of experiences, recounted in the brief  minutes allowed in an Emergency Dept. encounter. These experiences have  revealed the incredible individuals I have had the honor of serving in a  medical capacity, many on their last admission to the  hospital.







There  was a frail, elderly woman who reassured my young enlisted medic, trying  to start an IV line in her arm. She remained calm and poised, despite her  illness and the multiple needle-sticks into her fragile veins. She was  what we call a 'hard stick.' As the medic made another attempt, I noticed  a number tattooed across her forearm. I touched it with one finger and  looked into her eyes. She simply said, 'Auschwitz.' Many of later  generations would have loudly and openly berated the young medic in his  many attempts. How different was the response from this person who'd seen  unspeakable suffering.






Also,  there was this long retired Colonel, who as a young officer had parachuted  from his burning plane over a Pacific Island held by the Japanese. Now an  octogenarian, he had a minor cut on his head from a fall at his home where  he lived alone. His CT scan and suturing had been delayed until after  midnight by the usual parade of high priority ambulance patients. Still  spry for his age, he asked to use the phone to call a taxi, to take him  home, then he realized his ambulance had brought him without his wallet.  He asked if he could use the phone to make a long distance call to his  daughter who lived 7 miles away. With great pride we told him that he  could not, as he'd done enough for his country and the least we could do  was get him a taxi home, even if we had to pay for it ourselves. My only  regret was that my shift wouldn't end for several hours, a I couldn't  drive him myself.






I  was there the night M/Sgt. Roy Benavidez came through the Emergency Dept.  for the last time. He was very sick. I was not the doctor taking care of  him, but I walked to his bedside and took his hand. I said nothing. He was  so sick, he didn't know I was there. I'd read his Congressional Medal of  Honor citation and wanted to shake his hand. He died a few days  later.

The  gentleman who served with Merrill's Marauders,

the  survivor of the Bataan Death March,

the  survivor of Omaha Beach,

the  101 year old World War I veteran.

The  former POW held in frozen North Korea,




The  former Special Forces medic - now with non-operable liver  cancer,

the  former Viet Nam Corps Commander.




I  remember these citizens.


I  may still groan when yet another ambulance comes in, but now I am much  more aware of what an honor it is to serve these particular men and  women.






I  have seen a Congress who would turn their back on these individuals who've  sacrificed so much to protect our liberty. I see later generations that  seem to be totally engrossed in abusing these same liberties, won with  such sacrifice.






It  has become my personal endeavor to make the nurses and young enlisted  medics aware of these amazing individuals when I encounter them in our  Emergency Dept. Their response to these particular citizens has made me  think that perhaps all is not lost in the next  generation.






My  experiences have solidified my belief that we are losing an incredible  generation, and this nation knows not what it is losing. Our uncaring  government and ungrateful civilian populace should all take note. We  should all remember that we must 'Earn this.'





Written  By CPT.Stephen R. Ellison, M.D. US Army



If  it weren't for the United States military,
there'd be NO United States of America

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Valentine’s Day 2008
Category: Life

I have thought to myself......... Why do we pick one day out of the whole year to tell those closest to us how much we love them?

and I answer......... yes I do that ..............

I have no idea, Angie.  I would like to think that the ppl that I do love and love me in return, know that I love them everyday.  Shouldn't we express it more clearly everyday, rather than just on Feb 14?  I am guilty of this, my family and friends are taken for granted.  I have let friends think I didn't care for them, which is far from the truth.  But when you are dealing with day to day living, an illness that you have no control over and well, just day to day crap, you let things slide.  Like visits, calls, letters.  You assume, that when you are able to see them they will be there.  I have recently learned different.  Which, I have just brushed that off as well, rather than deal with it. 

My family is something that I have always tried never to take for granted, we have lost so many in the last few years, that it is just never a good idea to do that.  I am guilty of not seeing them as often as I would like, luckily, they are more understanding than some of my so called friends.  I do talk to them often tho, so I do try to stay in touch.  And they all know that I love them very much, be they close family or distant cousins.  If I go anywhere near them when I travel, I will take the time to see them and sit and have a cup of coffee and a shakey, lol.  Not that I have always done that, but when you come to understand that some things are worth the lost hour or two, you take the time.  

I'm not trying to preach to the choir or whatever, but just wanted you to know that although I have posted and commented all of you today.  I appreciate you and love you all everyday.  Today, you just get an extra dose of me.  LMAO, as if you needed that, huh.

12:19 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Getting To Know Your MySpace Friends.....
Current mood: blessed
Category: Friends

This is really a cool way to get a little insight to your friends: Please do this!

Here is a survey to pass around to kind of get to know your other myspace
friends. It is just general knowledge questions........some personal some not.
If you are like me, you know most of your friends, some you don't but would
like to know more about them. Here is your chance to share a little bit of
knowledge of yourself.


Here are my answers to the same survey:

Click here to take this survey: Get To Know Your MySpace Friend.
General questions/knowledge about yourself

What is your first name?
Angela

What is your middle name?
Charlene

What is your nickname?
Sissy

What is your sign : gemini, capicorn etc?
Capicorn

What type of relationship are you in?
married

How many years seperate you and your partner ? +/- plus the number
he is 13 yrs older

What is your best quality?
I'm nice to most everyone

What is your best physical feature?
my lips

What is your worst quality?
i'm very out spoken

What is your worst physical feature?
my fat ass

What is your partners best quality?
he's very sweet

What is your partners best physical feature?
his eyes

What is your partners worst quality?
he's co dependant

What is your partners worst physical feature?
his chin

What is the first thing you do in the morning, other than use the bathroom?
get a cup of coffee

What is the last thing you do before bedtime?
take my medication

What is your favorite food?
my mom's oatmeal cake

What is your favorite beverage?
ice tea

What is the title of the last book that you read?
Midnight in Death

What is the name of the last movie that you watched ?
The Brave One

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Ireland

If you could meet one living person, who would you like to meet?
Bill Clinton

Do you think that you will be with your current partner in 10 years?
No

Have you ever thought of cheating on your partner?
Yes

If you could change something from you past that you knew would better your current self, but alter your current relationship, would you do it?
No

Do you have any children and if so how many?
2

Do you plan to have more children in the future?
can't

Who do you think you will vote for be the next President?
Not Sure Who, but Democrat

Do you think the goverment is to involved in the inner workings of families?
Absolutely

If you could pass one new law, what would that law be?
Legalize marijuana for illness and tax the hell out of it

Do you have any long term illness? If so, what?
Crohn's Disease, Fibromyagia

Do you believe in the Right-To-Die, for those that do have long term illness?
Yes.

If you get in Heaven, what would you like to hear God say to you upon entering?
Well, lets get you that new perfect thin body that you have been waiting on, lol

What is your favorite curse word.
Son-Of-A Bitch

What is your least favorite word?
Cunt

What profession other than your current one, would you like to do?
I'd like to be a counsler

What profession would you least like to try?
Accountant

How many of your MySpace friends do you really know, use a fraction to answer ( /how many friend you have.
45/64

Click here to take my 'Get To Know Your MySpace Friend' survey!

12:40 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment