Tom, you said a mouthful with that last paragraph. I'm so proud of this community. Hopefully this isn't really about me but rather about our shared humanity. Even the folks that are simply readers of this thread are special.
Sorry to all for not giving you updates for awhile. I sometimes wonder how much information you all want or need. I did have my drain tube removed also. Now that I don't have any mechanical devices protruding from me I feel more normal in spite of what I have now termed my "Frankenstomach". This extensive modification should be reserved for hotrods or older tube gear, not to the human body.
My insurance company has denied coverage for the pills since they consider their use to be in the investigational phase. It's being appealed by my doctor, bless his heart. But, I do know this, no matter the outcome he will still want to "fix" the unfixable and I constantly struggle with how to handle him. He's a caring and kind soul and that is what I want on my side through this. But, what I consider to be unnecessary, heroric measures that would most likely be to my detriment, he considers standard protocol. He's indicated in my diagnosis that I'm depressed and I'm pretty sure he'd like to give me meds for that too. Give me a break. Of course, I'm unhappy and maybe I am depressed for being in the box I find myself in but this is normal. I'd be depressed if my cat was suffering. My job is to deal with this because failing to do so would bring more anguish than I can imagine a human enduring. Besides, and I think this group would agree with me, I think I'm doing a pretty good job of getting a handle on it. You guys, as well as my traditional friends and family, have validated my existence for the last 54 years and I thank you.
As many of you may have noticed I'm back to posting in my traditional fashion. My "wordly" emotions are coming through loud and clear which is an indication that I'm feeling much better. Hey, it's not like I'm normal as I define it but I did go out and play pool again last night, kicked ass, eyeballed the tight jeans and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I slept better last night than I have in several weeks. We have a big day planned for this Sunday with a few of my friends from our audio group. Listening to a SOTA viny rig at one house, moving onto audition new MBL speakers at another and finally dinner at a third members home. This is living large guys.
And, next week is the Miami gig. If I can improve on how I now feel this will be more fun than being a blind folded judge at a titty contest.
Sorry to all for not giving you updates for awhile. I sometimes wonder how much information you all want or need. I did have my drain tube removed also. Now that I don't have any mechanical devices protruding from me I feel more normal in spite of what I have now termed my "Frankenstomach". This extensive modification should be reserved for hotrods or older tube gear, not to the human body.
My insurance company has denied coverage for the pills since they consider their use to be in the investigational phase. It's being appealed by my doctor, bless his heart. But, I do know this, no matter the outcome he will still want to "fix" the unfixable and I constantly struggle with how to handle him. He's a caring and kind soul and that is what I want on my side through this. But, what I consider to be unnecessary, heroric measures that would most likely be to my detriment, he considers standard protocol. He's indicated in my diagnosis that I'm depressed and I'm pretty sure he'd like to give me meds for that too. Give me a break. Of course, I'm unhappy and maybe I am depressed for being in the box I find myself in but this is normal. I'd be depressed if my cat was suffering. My job is to deal with this because failing to do so would bring more anguish than I can imagine a human enduring. Besides, and I think this group would agree with me, I think I'm doing a pretty good job of getting a handle on it. You guys, as well as my traditional friends and family, have validated my existence for the last 54 years and I thank you.
As many of you may have noticed I'm back to posting in my traditional fashion. My "wordly" emotions are coming through loud and clear which is an indication that I'm feeling much better. Hey, it's not like I'm normal as I define it but I did go out and play pool again last night, kicked ass, eyeballed the tight jeans and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I slept better last night than I have in several weeks. We have a big day planned for this Sunday with a few of my friends from our audio group. Listening to a SOTA viny rig at one house, moving onto audition new MBL speakers at another and finally dinner at a third members home. This is living large guys.
And, next week is the Miami gig. If I can improve on how I now feel this will be more fun than being a blind folded judge at a titty contest.