Re: The Rebel

[Guest guest]

Dear Rebel Rita, :-)

You're right -- we're not doctors, but a support/assistance group. I, for one, have learned more on this site of 260 members than I have from most doctors. I believe even you, too, try and educate your doctor by passing along information, although you may not look at it that way. I do and I've been told how much they appreciate all the work we do for PLS Research. That comment came from the UCSF ALS RESEARCH CENTER and I felt very proud that the information that PLS Friends has put together was useful to them. I'm sure as a means of a support group that they can refer new patients to.

One of the best things I learned was from you. That was about Ditropan XL. It turned out to be a simple solution to a very frustrating/scary situation that I had no control over. I appreciate all the meaningful postings over the last few days.

I want to share what little I know, just like you and others have shared with me.

AND........you're no rebel.

[Guest guest]

Dear Rebel Rita, :-)

You're right -- we're not doctors, but a support/assistance group. I, for one, have learned more on this site of 260 members than I have from most doctors. I believe even you, too, try and educate your doctor by passing along information, although you may not look at it that way. I do and I've been told how much they appreciate all the work we do for PLS Research. That comment came from the UCSF ALS RESEARCH CENTER and I felt very proud that the information that PLS Friends has put together was useful to them. I'm sure as a means of a support group that they can refer new patients to.

One of the best things I learned was from you. That was about Ditropan XL. It turned out to be a simple solution to a very frustrating/scary situation that I had no control over. I appreciate all the meaningful postings over the last few days.

I want to share what little I know, just like you and others have shared with me.

AND........you're no rebel.

[Guest guest]

Dear Rebel Rita, :-)

You're right -- we're not doctors, but a support/assistance group. I, for one, have learned more on this site of 260 members than I have from most doctors. I believe even you, too, try and educate your doctor by passing along information, although you may not look at it that way. I do and I've been told how much they appreciate all the work we do for PLS Research. That comment came from the UCSF ALS RESEARCH CENTER and I felt very proud that the information that PLS Friends has put together was useful to them. I'm sure as a means of a support group that they can refer new patients to.

One of the best things I learned was from you. That was about Ditropan XL. It turned out to be a simple solution to a very frustrating/scary situation that I had no control over. I appreciate all the meaningful postings over the last few days.

I want to share what little I know, just like you and others have shared with me.

AND........you're no rebel.

[Guest guest]

:

No I haven't tried to educate my neurologist, regarding facts that I

have picked up on this line. I send him things that I don't understand,

and his only comment is " this doesn't apply to you " . But he is

interested in what I send, and he is very well aware of whats going on

in his field.

You have learned a lot, from all of these postings, even sometimes I

find it all very confusing, as to who does what, or who is taking what,

and thats why I always send him various postings.

I am glad you learned about Ditropan from me, but when I went to my

neurologist, he immediately sent me to a urologist, and thats my point.

When there is a problem like urges and frequency, you go that type of a

specialist. I wouldn't';t consider going to a lay person. Yes, it

interesting to learn about others and how they cope with PLS, but I have

so much faith in my doctor, and he has been up front and honest (I feel)

about very little treatment for PLS.

Sometimes I have a difficult time putting my thoughts into words, and I

hope nobody gets offended by my opinion.

Rita

Luv & Hugs!

*************************************

Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because

of them.

[Guest guest]

No offense taken.

[Guest guest]

Rita,

Opinions are like noses, everyone has one. I'm 67 (last week) and the older

I get the less I care about what others think of my opinion. My philosophy

is: Don't ask the question if you don't want to hear my answer. Just hang

in there like a rusty fish hook.

Vaughn

[Guest guest]

Rita,

Opinions are like noses, everyone has one. I'm 67 (last week) and the older

I get the less I care about what others think of my opinion. My philosophy

is: Don't ask the question if you don't want to hear my answer. Just hang

in there like a rusty fish hook.

Vaughn

[Guest guest]

Rita,

Opinions are like noses, everyone has one. I'm 67 (last week) and the older

I get the less I care about what others think of my opinion. My philosophy

is: Don't ask the question if you don't want to hear my answer. Just hang

in there like a rusty fish hook.

Vaughn

[Guest guest]

Rita,

I wasn't offended by your post on how you have learned to live with

PLS.........BUT, I was a bit saddened by what seemed to " ME " to be a

lack of sensitivity for others here.

I am pleased, happy, and grateful that you live such a good life,

free of pain, apparently quite mobile, financially able to do things

that are good for you, and that you have a spouse, kids, and friends

who are there to support you.

I see these things as a blessing rather than something that you,

alone, have created and attained because of your attitude and

complete trust in your doctor.

Many here live in intense pain 24/7 which causes many other

problems.....it causes depression and a lack of will and ability to

get out and do the things we would like.......even the most simple

things like going out into the sun, driving to the store, watching

and enjoying our children.....pain, constant, intense pain can and

is one of the most crippling of problems.

Some here are NOT independantly mobile any longer. some need

assistance for much of the even ordinary chores of daily

life.......and many here don't have that support or help. Some have

lost their spouses or partners because they have walked out on them

because the spouse/partner couldn't deal with OUR PLS.......Some

simply don't have a spouse or partner and are alone to deal with the

everyday difficulties we encounter.

Many are not in a position financially to just pick up and move to a

handicapp accessable home when we feel it's time. Many of us simply

can't afford to do the thinbgs that could benefit us

greatly......many of us cannot recieve disability benefits or

medicare, or retirement.

I know many physically NEED to quit their jobs, but can't afford to

because there is no other way for them to SURVIVE let alone buy new

homes or equiptment they need.

Some of us here have to depend on the genrosity of others for help

both in time and money and all too often that generosity becomes

unavailable when " WE " become too burdensome.

Some of us are battleing other health problems, financial, and

personal problems and all the while living and dealing with PLS.

Also, I dont believe anyone here is giving " MEDICAL " advice to

anyone. We offer our experiences with meds, therapy, etc. From

there we gather information that we then take to our doctor's to

discuss. To my knowledge none of our meds are available over-the-

counter.....so, therefore, no one can just decided what they want to

take and go to the drugstore and buy it. Ditropan is a good

example....we can't just go buy it. We are armed with info....go to

the doctor and he/she decides if it's good for us, right for us and

if we need to see a specialist. I, for one, am eternally grateful

to all those here that offer up their experiences with different

drugs. I need and want to be informed and the true " professionals "

here are those of us who have tried these things and been pleased or

unhappy with the results. From there, we glean what we can use.

So, this is a very long way of saying.......you didn't offend " ME " ,

but I think we should all try to remember that not everyone here has

life so good inspite of having PLS.

maggie

[Guest guest]

Rita,

I wasn't offended by your post on how you have learned to live with

PLS.........BUT, I was a bit saddened by what seemed to " ME " to be a

lack of sensitivity for others here.

I am pleased, happy, and grateful that you live such a good life,

free of pain, apparently quite mobile, financially able to do things

that are good for you, and that you have a spouse, kids, and friends

who are there to support you.

I see these things as a blessing rather than something that you,

alone, have created and attained because of your attitude and

complete trust in your doctor.

Many here live in intense pain 24/7 which causes many other

problems.....it causes depression and a lack of will and ability to

get out and do the things we would like.......even the most simple

things like going out into the sun, driving to the store, watching

and enjoying our children.....pain, constant, intense pain can and

is one of the most crippling of problems.

Some here are NOT independantly mobile any longer. some need

assistance for much of the even ordinary chores of daily

life.......and many here don't have that support or help. Some have

lost their spouses or partners because they have walked out on them

because the spouse/partner couldn't deal with OUR PLS.......Some

simply don't have a spouse or partner and are alone to deal with the

everyday difficulties we encounter.

Many are not in a position financially to just pick up and move to a

handicapp accessable home when we feel it's time. Many of us simply

can't afford to do the thinbgs that could benefit us

greatly......many of us cannot recieve disability benefits or

medicare, or retirement.

I know many physically NEED to quit their jobs, but can't afford to

because there is no other way for them to SURVIVE let alone buy new

homes or equiptment they need.

Some of us here have to depend on the genrosity of others for help

both in time and money and all too often that generosity becomes

unavailable when " WE " become too burdensome.

Some of us are battleing other health problems, financial, and

personal problems and all the while living and dealing with PLS.

Also, I dont believe anyone here is giving " MEDICAL " advice to

anyone. We offer our experiences with meds, therapy, etc. From

there we gather information that we then take to our doctor's to

discuss. To my knowledge none of our meds are available over-the-

counter.....so, therefore, no one can just decided what they want to

take and go to the drugstore and buy it. Ditropan is a good

example....we can't just go buy it. We are armed with info....go to

the doctor and he/she decides if it's good for us, right for us and

if we need to see a specialist. I, for one, am eternally grateful

to all those here that offer up their experiences with different

drugs. I need and want to be informed and the true " professionals "

here are those of us who have tried these things and been pleased or

unhappy with the results. From there, we glean what we can use.

So, this is a very long way of saying.......you didn't offend " ME " ,

but I think we should all try to remember that not everyone here has

life so good inspite of having PLS.

maggie

[Guest guest]

Rita,

I wasn't offended by your post on how you have learned to live with

PLS.........BUT, I was a bit saddened by what seemed to " ME " to be a

lack of sensitivity for others here.

I am pleased, happy, and grateful that you live such a good life,

free of pain, apparently quite mobile, financially able to do things

that are good for you, and that you have a spouse, kids, and friends

who are there to support you.

I see these things as a blessing rather than something that you,

alone, have created and attained because of your attitude and

complete trust in your doctor.

Many here live in intense pain 24/7 which causes many other

problems.....it causes depression and a lack of will and ability to

get out and do the things we would like.......even the most simple

things like going out into the sun, driving to the store, watching

and enjoying our children.....pain, constant, intense pain can and

is one of the most crippling of problems.

Some here are NOT independantly mobile any longer. some need

assistance for much of the even ordinary chores of daily

life.......and many here don't have that support or help. Some have

lost their spouses or partners because they have walked out on them

because the spouse/partner couldn't deal with OUR PLS.......Some

simply don't have a spouse or partner and are alone to deal with the

everyday difficulties we encounter.

Many are not in a position financially to just pick up and move to a

handicapp accessable home when we feel it's time. Many of us simply

can't afford to do the thinbgs that could benefit us

greatly......many of us cannot recieve disability benefits or

medicare, or retirement.

I know many physically NEED to quit their jobs, but can't afford to

because there is no other way for them to SURVIVE let alone buy new

homes or equiptment they need.

Some of us here have to depend on the genrosity of others for help

both in time and money and all too often that generosity becomes

unavailable when " WE " become too burdensome.

Some of us are battleing other health problems, financial, and

personal problems and all the while living and dealing with PLS.

Also, I dont believe anyone here is giving " MEDICAL " advice to

anyone. We offer our experiences with meds, therapy, etc. From

there we gather information that we then take to our doctor's to

discuss. To my knowledge none of our meds are available over-the-

counter.....so, therefore, no one can just decided what they want to

take and go to the drugstore and buy it. Ditropan is a good

example....we can't just go buy it. We are armed with info....go to

the doctor and he/she decides if it's good for us, right for us and

if we need to see a specialist. I, for one, am eternally grateful

to all those here that offer up their experiences with different

drugs. I need and want to be informed and the true " professionals "

here are those of us who have tried these things and been pleased or

unhappy with the results. From there, we glean what we can use.

So, this is a very long way of saying.......you didn't offend " ME " ,

but I think we should all try to remember that not everyone here has

life so good inspite of having PLS.

maggie

[Guest guest]

Maggie:

I just have to respond, to your letter. First of all you don't know me,

if you did, you would know that I am sensitive to the rest of the people

on this PLS Line. I have been fortunate enough to meet at least 22

other PLSer's on this line, and if you had been to the CT Connection, an

when I spoke to the group at our luncheon, you would have seen first

hand how sensitive I am to other people. It's just that my approach to

PLS is different, and I try to convey my feeling to others just like the

rest of the group. Sometime I don't do a very good job at picking my

words, and there is always something I say that always comes out wrong,

unintentionally!

When I said I lived in a " handicapped apartment " , I omitted to tell you

it is " low income senior housing " . So if you see me living in a

luxuries apartment " not so " . I also am very lucky to have my husband

who pamper's and spoils me, but he has had 2 heart attacks, and is 78

years old, so who know how long I will have him.

There is mental pain we go thru, which in some cases can be worse then

physical pain (in my case). I have a beautiful 16 year old

granddaughter who all of a sudden has decided to " distributed drugs in

high school just to be popular " . Her sister 1 year younger, has been

arrested for breaking into a house, to get money to buy a cell phone

(just because she wanted too). I could go on and on, but why bother, I

think I got my point across, that there are all kinds of pain the effect

us both mentally and physically. I also have two grandsons who are

honor students, one wants to be a pilot, the other a writer, they keep

me going during the tough times. I choose to live my life in a positive

way, and not dwell on the negative. I am not saying others are not able

to do that,I am not that stupid.

I have many disabled friends who have a very full life regardless of the

physical problems. My next door neighbor has been in a wheelchair since

14, has a rare liver disorder, came from an abusive marriage, live here,

goes to work everyday . She is a foster grandmother. She lives on

$500.00 a month, and she gets more because she is low income and on

Medicaid. She gets everything free, her meds, they pay her rent and she

just recently got a free brand new electric wheelchair. They also

provide free transportation back and forth to work. I know for a fact

there are organizations out there to help people, no matter what there

physical limitations are, you just have to search them out.

I have a high school friend who is a " quadriplegic " married a gal with

polio, and this couple is incredible. They do everything without the

help and aid of others, I wished they would write a book. He has de

avery good living mouth painting.

So the bottom line for me, is live life to the fullest, regardless of

your circumstances. I know this doesn't always work for others, but I

know there are others who live there life like I do, and yes they live

with the pain.

I am so sorry to go on and on, but I don't want to give you people the

image that my life is a Shangrala, not so, my life is what I make it.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Rita

Luv & Hugs!

*************************************

Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because

of them.

[Guest guest]

Maggie:

I just have to respond, to your letter. First of all you don't know me,

if you did, you would know that I am sensitive to the rest of the people

on this PLS Line. I have been fortunate enough to meet at least 22

other PLSer's on this line, and if you had been to the CT Connection, an

when I spoke to the group at our luncheon, you would have seen first

hand how sensitive I am to other people. It's just that my approach to

PLS is different, and I try to convey my feeling to others just like the

rest of the group. Sometime I don't do a very good job at picking my

words, and there is always something I say that always comes out wrong,

unintentionally!

When I said I lived in a " handicapped apartment " , I omitted to tell you

it is " low income senior housing " . So if you see me living in a

luxuries apartment " not so " . I also am very lucky to have my husband

who pamper's and spoils me, but he has had 2 heart attacks, and is 78

years old, so who know how long I will have him.

There is mental pain we go thru, which in some cases can be worse then

physical pain (in my case). I have a beautiful 16 year old

granddaughter who all of a sudden has decided to " distributed drugs in

high school just to be popular " . Her sister 1 year younger, has been

arrested for breaking into a house, to get money to buy a cell phone

(just because she wanted too). I could go on and on, but why bother, I

think I got my point across, that there are all kinds of pain the effect

us both mentally and physically. I also have two grandsons who are

honor students, one wants to be a pilot, the other a writer, they keep

me going during the tough times. I choose to live my life in a positive

way, and not dwell on the negative. I am not saying others are not able

to do that,I am not that stupid.

I have many disabled friends who have a very full life regardless of the

physical problems. My next door neighbor has been in a wheelchair since

14, has a rare liver disorder, came from an abusive marriage, live here,

goes to work everyday . She is a foster grandmother. She lives on

$500.00 a month, and she gets more because she is low income and on

Medicaid. She gets everything free, her meds, they pay her rent and she

just recently got a free brand new electric wheelchair. They also

provide free transportation back and forth to work. I know for a fact

there are organizations out there to help people, no matter what there

physical limitations are, you just have to search them out.

I have a high school friend who is a " quadriplegic " married a gal with

polio, and this couple is incredible. They do everything without the

help and aid of others, I wished they would write a book. He has de

avery good living mouth painting.

So the bottom line for me, is live life to the fullest, regardless of

your circumstances. I know this doesn't always work for others, but I

know there are others who live there life like I do, and yes they live

with the pain.

I am so sorry to go on and on, but I don't want to give you people the

image that my life is a Shangrala, not so, my life is what I make it.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Rita

Luv & Hugs!

*************************************

Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because

of them.

[Guest guest]

Maggie:

I just have to respond, to your letter. First of all you don't know me,

if you did, you would know that I am sensitive to the rest of the people

on this PLS Line. I have been fortunate enough to meet at least 22

other PLSer's on this line, and if you had been to the CT Connection, an

when I spoke to the group at our luncheon, you would have seen first

hand how sensitive I am to other people. It's just that my approach to

PLS is different, and I try to convey my feeling to others just like the

rest of the group. Sometime I don't do a very good job at picking my

words, and there is always something I say that always comes out wrong,

unintentionally!

When I said I lived in a " handicapped apartment " , I omitted to tell you

it is " low income senior housing " . So if you see me living in a

luxuries apartment " not so " . I also am very lucky to have my husband

who pamper's and spoils me, but he has had 2 heart attacks, and is 78

years old, so who know how long I will have him.

There is mental pain we go thru, which in some cases can be worse then

physical pain (in my case). I have a beautiful 16 year old

granddaughter who all of a sudden has decided to " distributed drugs in

high school just to be popular " . Her sister 1 year younger, has been

arrested for breaking into a house, to get money to buy a cell phone

(just because she wanted too). I could go on and on, but why bother, I

think I got my point across, that there are all kinds of pain the effect

us both mentally and physically. I also have two grandsons who are

honor students, one wants to be a pilot, the other a writer, they keep

me going during the tough times. I choose to live my life in a positive

way, and not dwell on the negative. I am not saying others are not able

to do that,I am not that stupid.

I have many disabled friends who have a very full life regardless of the

physical problems. My next door neighbor has been in a wheelchair since

14, has a rare liver disorder, came from an abusive marriage, live here,

goes to work everyday . She is a foster grandmother. She lives on

$500.00 a month, and she gets more because she is low income and on

Medicaid. She gets everything free, her meds, they pay her rent and she

just recently got a free brand new electric wheelchair. They also

provide free transportation back and forth to work. I know for a fact

there are organizations out there to help people, no matter what there

physical limitations are, you just have to search them out.

I have a high school friend who is a " quadriplegic " married a gal with

polio, and this couple is incredible. They do everything without the

help and aid of others, I wished they would write a book. He has de

avery good living mouth painting.

So the bottom line for me, is live life to the fullest, regardless of

your circumstances. I know this doesn't always work for others, but I

know there are others who live there life like I do, and yes they live

with the pain.

I am so sorry to go on and on, but I don't want to give you people the

image that my life is a Shangrala, not so, my life is what I make it.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Rita

Luv & Hugs!

*************************************

Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because

of them.

[Guest guest]

HI Maggie,

I really love your replys! You have a great way with words! Beth

[Guest guest]

Maggie..........Your comments really say it like it is.....and I commend you for your gutsy reply. I'm sure we can all relate and take heart.

Hang in there!!! Bette

>From: "maggie_s_2002"

>Reply-To: PLS-FRIENDS >To: PLS-FRIENDS >Subject: Re: The Rebel >Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 11:44:16 -0000 > >Rita, >I wasn't offended by your post on how you have learned to live with >PLS.........BUT, I was a bit saddened by what seemed to "ME" to be a >lack of sensitivity for others here. >I am pleased, happy, and grateful that you live such a good life, >free of pain, apparently quite mobile, financially able to do things >that are good for you, and that you have a spouse, kids, and friends >who are there to support you. >I see these things as a blessing rather than something that you, >alone, have created and attained because of your attitude and >complete trust in your doctor. >Many here live in intense pain 24/7 which causes many other >problems.....it causes depression and a lack of will and ability to >get out and do the things we would like.......even the most simple >things like going out into the sun, driving to the store, watching >and enjoying our children.....pain, constant, intense pain can and >is one of the most crippling of problems. >Some here are NOT independantly mobile any longer. some need >assistance for much of the even ordinary chores of daily >life.......and many here don't have that support or help. Some have >lost their spouses or partners because they have walked out on them >because the spouse/partner couldn't deal with OUR PLS.......Some >simply don't have a spouse or partner and are alone to deal with the >everyday difficulties we encounter. >Many are not in a position financially to just pick up and move to a >handicapp accessable home when we feel it's time. Many of us simply >can't afford to do the thinbgs that could benefit us >greatly......many of us cannot recieve disability benefits or >medicare, or retirement. >I know many physically NEED to quit their jobs, but can't afford to >because there is no other way for them to SURVIVE let alone buy new >homes or equiptment they need. >Some of us here have to depend on the genrosity of others for help >both in time and money and all too often that generosity becomes >unavailable when "WE" become too burdensome. >Some of us are battleing other health problems, financial, and >personal problems and all the while living and dealing with PLS. > >Also, I dont believe anyone here is giving "MEDICAL" advice to >anyone. We offer our experiences with meds, therapy, etc. From >there we gather information that we then take to our doctor's to >discuss. To my knowledge none of our meds are available over-the- >counter.....so, therefore, no one can just decided what they want to >take and go to the drugstore and buy it. Ditropan is a good >example....we can't just go buy it. We are armed with info....go to >the doctor and he/she decides if it's good for us, right for us and >if we need to see a specialist. I, for one, am eternally grateful >to all those here that offer up their experiences with different >drugs. I need and want to be informed and the true "professionals" >here are those of us who have tried these things and been pleased or >unhappy with the results. From there, we glean what we can use. > >So, this is a very long way of saying.......you didn't offend "ME", >but I think we should all try to remember that not everyone here has >life so good inspite of having PLS. >maggie > Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: Click Here

[Guest guest]

Double ditto, Mark.

[Guest guest]

I think that there are 3 reasons that Rita seems to take her PLS in

stride--compared to other PLSers.

First, she has had PLS for over 20 years. I'm sure that when the

symptoms first started, she went through the stages of grief just like

everyone else here. (denial, anger, bargaining for a way out, and

ultimately acceptance) (I probably missed one)

But after 20 years, I suspect that the anger and denial are ancient

history (no offense Rita) and acceptance is all that remains. (Unless

it's a bad day.) For many newer PLSers here at PLS-Friends,

acceptance is still years away.

Second, Rita has a relatively mild case of PLS. (Although it still

sucks.) Her speech has not been significantly affected.

Lastly, Rita has a positive outlook on life, and a supportive

environment around her.

I know that Rita has had some truly awful days. But she chooses to

focus on the positive.

I think that depression is one of our biggest enemies. This disease

packs enough of a punch that we are reminded almost constantly of its

presence. Yet we must live with it.

That Rita can do so with generally positive spirits is a good thing.

I applaud her. We need positive people around us to help us banish

the demons from our thoughts--if only temporarily.

Mark Weber

[Guest guest]

Thanks Mark, you made me cry (happy tears). Your so right about me in

the beginning. If it wasn't for our friend Joe Alberstadt, Lord knows

what would have happened. I have not ever been very good at putting my

thoughts into words, I guess I will have to keep them to myself, as I

always seem to upset people, when I am only trying to help. The only

thing that keeps me going is trying to help people just learn to live

with this disease, no matter at what stage we are in. There can be a

quality life with any disease, it all depends on the person, not the

people around you. If your spirits are high, the people around you will

rally,nd just the opposite happens with a depressed person after

awhile.

I wasn't upset by Maggie, I am beyond that! She is just as entitled to

speak her feelings as I am (as long as we don't put on the gloves! LOL!

(just kidding). We all have our ups and downs, and I choose to have more

ups.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Rita

Luv & Hugs!

*************************************

Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because

of them.

[Guest guest]

I have kept quiet for a long time but I got to speak out for Rita she maybe

the Rebel but I for one have had more ups then downs from her writings. So

keep them coming.

Re: Re: The Rebel

> Thanks Mark, you made me cry (happy tears). Your so right about me in

> the beginning. If it wasn't for our friend Joe Alberstadt, Lord knows

> what would have happened. I have not ever been very good at putting my

> thoughts into words, I guess I will have to keep them to myself, as I

> always seem to upset people, when I am only trying to help. The only

> thing that keeps me going is trying to help people just learn to live

> with this disease, no matter at what stage we are in. There can be a

> quality life with any disease, it all depends on the person, not the

> people around you. If your spirits are high, the people around you will

> rally,nd just the opposite happens with a depressed person after

> awhile.

>

> I wasn't upset by Maggie, I am beyond that! She is just as entitled to

> speak her feelings as I am (as long as we don't put on the gloves! LOL!

> (just kidding). We all have our ups and downs, and I choose to have more

> ups.

>

> Have a wonderful weekend!

>

> Rita

>

> Luv & Hugs!

>

>

>

>

> *************************************

> Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because

> of them.

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Rita,

It seems about time I wrote you. Like Mark said, you have been there a

long time and part of it is " ancient history. " But each time we

have a set-back, we seem to go through the stages again, even with a

positive attitude. I have just progressed to the point I needed an

increase in medication, baclofen this time. I denied it for a little

while, but the stiffness and falling couldn't be ignored. Surprisingly,

when I got the prescription, I felt better before increasing it. I had

just started using a wheeled walker and it helped with the neck and

shoulder pain and the stiffness. I wasn't going to increase the baclofen

until I got really stiff the night of the prescription change. I

decided to stop living on De Nile and move back to Real Ity. I increased

the dosage and felt better within 24 hours. Now I feel like my new

" old " self again. I know the " old " old self won't

return physically and probably not mentally, either, but life continues

and I choose to look at the positives instead of the negatives.

Interestingly, I was at a workshop recently where the presenter stated

that research (which he did not cite) states that 80% of the comments

made daily by people are critical in some nature. I guess many of us

PLSers and HSPers fall into the 20% category. You, and many others in our

group, know that I, too, am very much in favor of keeping a positive

attitude and avoiding stress as much as possible. So, don't get stressed.

If you do, cook some garlic loaded Italian food and send it my way, since

I can't be there for the Italian Pasta gathering.

My son in Hudson/Nashua is getting married on June 22 here in IN in

Kokomo. We are wrapped up in that and my niece's reception this coming

month, along with baseball and a soccer clinic. My niece chose the easy

way out and is going to Vegas for the marriage, then the reception here

in Galveston IN. That is between Logansport and Kokomo, for those who

keep track of that sort of thing.

Keep going, Rita, and stay in touch. The couch is not needed.

Mike

At 02:35 PM 5/24/02 -0400, you wrote:

Thanks for your support ,

it sure means a lot to me.

Rita

Luv & Hugs!

*************************************

Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed

because

of them.

[Guest guest]

Mike,

The last 2 messages that you sent to PLS-Friends each contained 2

attachments. There was no mention of any attachments in the body of

your messages.

Did you purposely send the attachments? (If not, you probably have a

virus.)

Mark

> >Thanks for your support , it sure means a lot to me.

> >

> >Rita

> >

> >Luv & Hugs!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >*************************************

> >Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because

> >of them.

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

No, only one contained an attachment. I have had this problem off and on

and Norton and Zone Alarm have not found it or stopped it. I wonder what is

going on? It must be a virus of some type. Any ideas?

Mike

At 07:46 PM 5/27/02 +0000, you wrote:

>Mike,

>

>The last 2 messages that you sent to PLS-Friends each contained 2

>attachments. There was no mention of any attachments in the body of

>your messages.

>

>Did you purposely send the attachments? (If not, you probably have a

>virus.)

>

>Mark

>

>

>

> > >Thanks for your support , it sure means a lot to me.

> > >

> > >Rita

> > >

> > >Luv & Hugs!

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >*************************************

> > >Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because

> > >of them.

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Mike,

The Klez virus is known to infect any copy of Norton Anti-virus that

resides in a computer that Klez has infected. Running the infected

Anti-virus program therefore may not find Klez. (Sneaky little

sucker, isn't it?)

One way to deal with this is to scan your computer from Norton's

(OK--Symantec's) web site.

Go to

http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/virusremoval/virusremoval_info_tutorial.html

(You may have to paste the above web site address into your browser if

it doesn't work when you click it.)

Then click on the link for the Klez virus removal tool. The tool will

scan your computer for Klez, and--if it finds it--try to destroy it.

Good luck.

Mark

> > > >Thanks for your support , it sure means a lot to me.

> > > >

> > > >Rita

> > > >

> > > >Luv & Hugs!

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >*************************************

> > > >Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed

because

> > > >of them.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

Mark,

It must be a really sneaky sucker. I can't download the Norton plugin

(shockwave, which I already have an earlier copy of) to allow me to clear

it. I do have McAfee's instructions that I got from work. I'll try that and

see what happens.

Thanks,

Mike

At 09:49 PM 5/27/02 +0000, you wrote:

>Mike,

>

>The Klez virus is known to infect any copy of Norton Anti-virus that

>resides in a computer that Klez has infected. Running the infected

>Anti-virus program therefore may not find Klez. (Sneaky little

>sucker, isn't it?)

>

> One way to deal with this is to scan your computer from Norton's

>(OK--Symantec's) web site.

>

>Go to

><http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/virusremoval/virusremoval_info_tutorial.html>\

http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/virusremoval/virusremoval_info_tutorial.html

>

>(You may have to paste the above web site address into your browser if

>it doesn't work when you click it.)

>

>Then click on the link for the Klez virus removal tool. The tool will

>scan your computer for Klez, and--if it finds it--try to destroy it.

>Good luck.

>

>Mark

>

>

> > > > >Thanks for your support , it sure means a lot to me.

> > > > >

> > > > >Rita

> > > > >

> > > > >Luv & Hugs!

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >*************************************

> > > > >Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed

>because

> > > > >of them.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >