I AM STILL HERE

Greetings from Kokomo, Indiana this first day of April 2007.  I have much to tell you but first let me thank all of you who sent me Birthday Greetings last Thursday.  I turned 64 but feel like I turned 94.

 

 

My health has gone down hill so much this past few months.  First it was stomach problems and then all the back problems.  Now I seem to be getting nerve damage in my hands.  I have very little use out of my left hand.  My fingers keep jerking and the pain is getting worse.  This is why I have not been on the board much the past few weeks.  It is very difficult for me to type.  I have no feeling in my little finger and the next one to it.  So I do not know what key I am on.  I started this post yesterday. So I want to fini**** today.

 

 

Believe me I have not abandoned my friends that I treasure on this board.  Things are just a little tough right now.   I really appreciate Daniel stepping in and doing the daily humor. What a great job he has been doing.   I try to check out the board when I can. 

 

 

You know things are not looking good when during my birthday celebration with family the discussion came down to making funeral arrangements in case my time is getting short.  Of course that is all in God’s hands.

 

 

I did have a great moment yesterday when I was able to get out and take my grand kids to Bill and Gloria Gaither’s place in Alexandria, Indiana for an Easter Egg hunt and I was able to pick up some new CD’s and DVD’s.  As many of you know that I love Southern Gospel Music.  My prayer is that I am able to get back to my studies for ordination and full time ministry.  The board met a couple weeks ago and recommended my continuation.  So if I can get off all this medication that puts me in la la land, I will get back to my readings.

 

I am looking forward to getting the stimulator transplanted this month.  Have not heard back from Insurance Co yet.   So I take it day by day.  Thank God for a wonderful wife and caretaker. 

 

 

I am still loosening weight.  I have now lost 210 lbs. since Nov 05. 

 

 

Things will be better so I can get back to normal and post more here.  You all are my extended family.

 

 

I better run this thru the spell checker and get it posted.  My right hand is getting tired.  Going from having a typing speed of over 100 WPM to using the hunt and peck method is a big change.

 

 

I ask for your prayers that I get better and the Docs can find out what is going on with my nervous system.  It may just be depression.  My PCP ordered an MRI of my neck and I see him tomorrow.  He thinks there may be some disc problems also in my neck that would cause the hand problem. 

 

 

In the meantime my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

 

 

Dan

 

Good to hear from you Dan Thanks for posting through the pain.  We have all been worried about you and your status. I a regrettful that you have had this setback but kept feeling while I was reading you post that this is the darkness before the dawn and brighter days are coming.  I'm no doctor so I gotta give credit for the feeling to the Holy Ghost and hope it is the correct assumption on my part. I'll keep you im my pryers and have much hope that simulator implant thing is going to be a big deal on getting you back among the functioning.  Good luck with the pinched nerve in your neck situation being a fixable solution for your hand numbness.  I am glad you had a good birthday with your family and continue to wish you nothing but the best.  You've been missed out here fella. 

Hey Dan,  Well, its good to know you're feeling well enough to put up with the hunt and peck method. Sorry to hear about the medical problems. I knew about the back problems, just didn't know the extent. I used to know a guy with the stimulator, those things really work. I'm sure you will have success with it as well. The nerves are very funny. No not laugh funny, just odd, unpredictible, and painful. Give it all you've got, then get back to what makes Dan happy. We are praying for you.  Ronnie

Hi Dan, Nice to hear from you, but sad to hear you are suffering more. Not to sound alarmist, but have you been tested for MS? I wish you the best for the transplant and really hope it solves your pain problems. I can't imagine what being in constant pain like that must do to your psyche. I'd probably be the grumpiest person on earth if it were me, so I guess you have some merit. Good luck in your ordination studies, and may He guide you through this ordeal.

Dan, It is good to see you posting again.  We were all very worried about you. I'm sorry to hear about your recent set back.  I will keep you in my prayers and hope the Lord will heal and comfort you.

Hello Dan, It's good to see you back on the board. Even though I'm a relative newcomer here, your humor posts were one of things that got me hooked in the Men's Forum initially. Then, your sharing of your struggles and the strong spirit that came through impressed me and encouraged me. I am sorry for your present trials and will be thinking of you praying for you. Over the years, I have saved quotations from a variety of philosophical and spiritual traditions that I  find meaningful in my own hardtimes. Here is one from the Hasidic  wisdom tradition that I read daily when I was going through an especially difficult period. In a small way, it helped me. I pass it on with with my thanks for your contributions to the Locker Room and fervent hopes that things look up for you soon. A man who was afflicted with a terrible disease complained to Rabbi Israel that his suffering interfered with his learning and praying. The Rabbi put his hand on his shoulder and said: "How do you know, friend, which is more pleasing to God, your studying or your suffering?"        Rabbi Israel of Rizhyn 

Keeping you in my prayers Dan! Hope you get some good news from your next visit. If the conversation ever comes back around to ‘funeral arrangements,’ This is what I told my people during my long ICU stay- "I want it to be like a Party! A Surprise Party!" Hang in there and keep your humor. Best Wishes- Dx

God bless you, Dan! We are all praying for you. Bob

Great to hear from you , Dan. The locker room just isn't the same without you.  My left pinky has been numb for about a year now. The nervous system is a tough nut to crack for the Docs. You learn to adapt. The depression is temporary. Don't quit living while you're still breathing. Everyday is a gift. Share it with everyone you can.  Hurry back Kokomo kid. We're counting on you. I'll be praying for a full recovery.  DD

Glad to see you back on the board. I check your humor at  least twice a week. I have never replied or written anything I am a looker .Have been reading this column since before my surgery on May 10,05. I am down 176 lbs.and am doing real well. Just hang in there and keep us all grinning.A north Georgia redneck is praying for you. Take Care.