hang tough lady carol
with your beauty, poise and grace
each life is long enough
each part surely knows its' place

each incident shows its' purpose
though we may fail to see
each moment plays it's own song
this is all that's meant to be

just as today is tomorrows yesterday
and the earth goes round the sun
many moons will pass to light our way
till we end up just where we begun

and in the morning
when the sunrise shines again
look for the good in life
and this way you will always win

hang tough lady carol
lest you falter and loose your way
just find some way to share mother's love
with someone each and every day

----- Original Message -----

From: Carol Meenen

To: plwp2@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 7:31 AM

Subject: Re: [PLWP2] Lively up yourself

 

HEY STEVE:

That was wonderful!!!  Very descriptive--I try to stay lively but these  days it seems a bit difficult to do.  LOL  My Mother passed away November 7th and I miss her terribly.

Carol M.

On Nov 19, 2009, at 2:19 AM, stevendale wrote:

we all get tales to tell
as we careen through this life so gracious and old
some light and easy-breezy
some magical, big, and bright, and bold.

Long gone and oft forgotten
are these memories of the past,
yet here, at least, we plot our way
that some of the tomes may last.

So let winter winds bluster on
down the well trod lanes of Time
as we seek to take our comfort here
speaking now in verse and in rhyme

for we all know well that Time is in charge
and will surely exact it's due
as in the slipstream we ride, once again,
well seasoned, the old, and the new.

we all get tales to tell
as we careen through this life so gracious and old
some light and easy-breezy
some magical, big, and bright, and bold.

Long gone and oft forgotten
are these memories of the past,
yet here, at least, we plot our way
that some of the tomes may last.

So let winter winds bluster on
down the well trod lanes of Time
as we seek to take our comfort here
speaking now in verse and in rhyme

for we all know well that Time is in charge
and will surely exact it's due
as in the slipstream we ride, once again,
well seasoned, the old, and the new.

How do you respond to the very old medicine, caffeine?

Caffeine is marketed around the world and sold in the United States as a FDA
approved alertness aid (examples:  Tirend, NoDoz, Stay Awake, Awake - often at a
standard dosage of 100 mg - caffeine)?

Many persons can tell a large difference between caffeine and Provigil.

In some cases, persons prefer the old medicine, caffeine, since for them,
caffeine works better than Provigil.

As everyone knows, caffeine comes in a variety of forms from coffee (difficult
to standardize the caffeine in a cup of coffee) to soft drinks to alertness aids
(FDA approved caffeine tablets) and so on.

---

--- In plwp2@yahoogroups.com, "winterscroll" <infinitwisdom@...> wrote:
>
> I was wondering if anyone in our group has ever had any experience with
provigil? Although I don't drink or take addictive meds I think I might be
having some issue with this particular medication.
>
> I was getting very sleepy in the daytime and it was difficult to drive or to
function when I experienced either sleepiness or fatigue. The doctor also
thought that it might be of benefit for depression, it has in fact helped with
all of those things. Sometimes I forget to take my medications daily which
results in me feeling bad, however I have found myself at times eating the
provigil like they were candy. It does not change my mood or give me any sort of
high but has been good to fight off the fatigue. I do remember on once occasion
that I felt nervous.
>
> I suppose the reason that I am bringing this up is to ask if anyone else has
experienced taking a medication that somehow gets out of hand, I don't mean to
imply that I take them by the handfuls but have gone over the recommended dosage
a number of times. Since it is of benefit to me it might be difficult to simply
give them up. The doctor said it was not an addictive medication and that is
what the material says, however I also realize that taking anything in excess is
not wise.
>
> I don't want to get in a routine where I feel that it is ok to take more than
I should and the truth is I just recently started becoming more aware of my
behavior with provigil. Now that I see clearly what I have been doing I have cut
the dosage back to the therapeutic dose. There is something about us hillbillies
from Southeastern Oklahoma that feel if 2 tablets help then surely 4 would be
better.
>
> It could be that the excessive dosage has caused me to be more irritable which
is diametrically opposed to my normal behavior.
>
> So, I wanted to just lay that out in front of the group and ask if anyone else
has had any experience with this medication as it is often given to PD patients
and if so what was your experience? Any insight regarding this or any other
medication that you might have had some difficulty would be greatly appreciated.
Bobby
>

--- In plwp2@yahoogroups.com, Becky Bigger <dekerah@...> wrote:
>
> I received this today.  I don't know about it's accuracy, but thought some of
you might find it interesting.  Becky
>

The tiniest amount of checking would have provided the following link. I don't
have a lot of respect for a lot of congress people but some are honest and
hardworking. And, they pay into social security.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/socialsecurity/pensions.asp

Blair

I would love to tell my story LIVE at an event.

Radio
How to Positively Handle a Life Changing Condition:
http://learnsuccesstoday.com/inspiring-esquire.asp

A day like any other day, a routine visit to the doctor, wondering why throws
across the diamond lost some zip, walk out in a daze, there must be some
mistake, I know Michael J. Fox got it early in life but isn't that unusual, I
just turned 40, no way I have Parkinsons Disease:

HOW TO POSITIVELY DEAL WITH A LIFE-CHANGING MEDICAL CONDITION


"An engaging and thought provoking presentation. John's willingness to share his
experiences combined with his humor and storytelling made for an interesting and
extremely informative session. I walked away armed with skills I can use every
day."

"John Baumann delighted his audience ...his blend of scholarship and personal
experience, of humor and seriousness, of compassion and zeal was a wonder to
behold. John's storytelling and charisma combined to get his point across in a
memorable way. His many observations resulted in each of us increasing our level
of awareness."


Thanks,
John

Founder, ProactivePreventionCulture.com
Adjunct Professor, University of Louisville
(502) 262-3300
Workplace Proactive Prevention (harassment, safety & employee relations)
programs and
management skills (leadership, success, negotiation & positively handling
adversity)
interactive workshops promoting appreciation and respect. LearnSuccessToday.com

I don't think I have ever experienced being so uplighted and inspired in my life
as I have reading the responses. I am not sure why but I did not expect anything
really, I only read the responses a few moments ago and I can't tell you how
touched I am. All of what I read comes from this great source called love and
compassion. It could be that is the greatest medication of all, I don't remember
a drug ever causing me to feel as I do now. I wish all of you God's Peace. Love
Bobby

--- In plwp2@yahoogroups.com, Paula Nixon <paule14@...> wrote:
>
> Bobby that was such a sweet, introspective letter.  You found yourself at the
bottom, and now the only way is up, or so they say.  You can and have helped
others already.  Just showing you have not given up is impressive.  You live
with what is left of what God gave you. 
>
> Two of the people I admire the most are very handicapped.  One from MS.  That
lady goes to all the night meetings at church, sings in the choir, drives
herself to the store, (She has a car that is adapted to her, but I never could
figure out how she did that) where she has already notified them she is coming
and will have a boy in the parking lot to unload her wheelchair.  She does her
shopping, they load her up and she is off to go home where she switches to her
home electric wheelchair.  She can't stand on her own, but manages to work her
way from one location to another, always with a happy smile and good word for
everyone.
>
> The other was in a bad auto accident when she was the mother of a small
child.  She lost her hand and half her arm.  A year or so later and she was in
another bad accident.  Now she is a quadriplegic.  She is always smiling, comes
to most happenings at church, sings in the choir, is homeschooling a rather
headstrong 10 year old daughter, and is so cheerful and happy to see her friends
at church.  She wants to learn to paint.  These women should make a healthy
person feel ashamed when we complain about our problems.  Now it is the turn of
people with PD to show that life is still worth living. It is much more
enjoyable when you feel that way.  Nothing is more depressing for the patient
and those around him if he has a poor pitiful me attitude.    Sometimes you can
catch yourself in it, but if you can pull out you will be happier.
>
> Both my friends  are strong Christians and know that life on this earth is
temporary, and soon they will have permanent healing.  It is much easier if you
have that belief.
>
> Paula
>

I was wondering if anyone in our group has ever had any experience with
provigil? Although I don't drink or take addictive meds I think I might be
having some issue with this particular medication.

I was getting very sleepy in the daytime and it was difficult to drive or to
function when I experienced either sleepiness or fatigue. The doctor also
thought that it might be of benefit for depression, it has in fact helped with
all of those things. Sometimes I forget to take my medications daily which
results in me feeling bad, however I have found myself at times eating the
provigil like they were candy. It does not change my mood or give me any sort of
high but has been good to fight off the fatigue. I do remember on once occasion
that I felt nervous.

I suppose the reason that I am bringing this up is to ask if anyone else has
experienced taking a medication that somehow gets out of hand, I don't mean to
imply that I take them by the handfuls but have gone over the recommended dosage
a number of times. Since it is of benefit to me it might be difficult to simply
give them up. The doctor said it was not an addictive medication and that is
what the material says, however I also realize that taking anything in excess is
not wise.

I don't want to get in a routine where I feel that it is ok to take more than I
should and the truth is I just recently started becoming more aware of my
behavior with provigil. Now that I see clearly what I have been doing I have cut
the dosage back to the therapeutic dose. There is something about us hillbillies
from Southeastern Oklahoma that feel if 2 tablets help then surely 4 would be
better.

It could be that the excessive dosage has caused me to be more irritable which
is diametrically opposed to my normal behavior.

So, I wanted to just lay that out in front of the group and ask if anyone else
has had any experience with this medication as it is often given to PD patients
and if so what was your experience? Any insight regarding this or any other
medication that you might have had some difficulty would be greatly appreciated.
Bobby

--- In plwp2@yahoogroups.com, "winterscroll" <infinitwisdom@...> wrote:
>
> I always thought denial was a river in Eygpt until recently, as much as I want
to deny that I have a disease and eating a few roots and berries have cured me
the more there is an awareness that denial really is just a form of insanity.
Associated with this form of insanity is this ego that manifest in this
pretentious manner with the superior intellect and all knowing regarding all
issues. Nothing can save an individual this far out short of a divine
intervention, spiritual experience or a total psyche change, and none of these
are likely. No, denial of the obvious is not much different then clucking like a
chicken or wearing a loin cloth while howling at the moon. The only way to bring
this individual down is with a tranqulizer gun and a butterfly net, an that is
only temporary.
>
> I approach most things with humor in order to avoid looking vulnerable or in
emotional pain. There is nothing more embarrassing then acting the fool in front
of those I respect the most. However that is what I have done in my ramblings
about issues that i have little or no knowledge. So  I am deeply apologetic for
my behavior and attitude regarding some sensitive issues. If there is recovery
for PD I haven't found it, it is not that I haven't looked and believed. In
addition there is much more to PD than the tangible aspects, it is the less
tangible associated with Parkinson's that is so difficult for some of us
including depression, apathy and irritability. It is a no wonder there is a high
divorce rate with this insedious disease, it changed the very fabric of my
existence. I am not the same person as I once was as evidenced by the number of
people I have alienated.
>
> How is it that I regained my sanity? It was not one of the three I previously
mentioned but can be described in one word, love. Those that have genuinely
cared about my welfare and consistently patient are those with great compassion
and loving kindness. I never knew they existed, and i never knew the power of
the mystical state of being. Sometimes I wonder why peace has once again eluded
me, why I can not accomplish a single task, can't find the courthouse when
representing a client, can't remember my clients name when in front of the court
and fall down the steps splitting my pants open. These events can be
demoralizing, pushing the self esteem further and further down and sometimes
experiencing a total lack of hope.
>
> I have learned one thing for certain through all of this, that I don't know
anything about anything. Also it hurts to feel alone, that I stay up all through
the night and sleep all day. Sometimes I am asked if I had a good day or staying
busy, you would think the fact that it looked like I combed my hair with an
eggbeater would be self evident that I have not accomplished anything and not
likely too.
>
> My new life as a slug is not what I had envisioned for myself, and a shaking
slug at that, also an irritable slug. Sometimes I wonder if we loose all hope
before we had PD or is it something that occurs within the disease. Whatever the
case it took a dark night of the soul to realize that I lacked the virtue of
humility, life has a way of making sure we acquire it.
>
> The heart of the matter is I am not sure anymore about things that I have
pontificated on, if there is I don't do any of the things I advocate, I have run
out of airspeed, altitude and ideas. So I am truly sorry about raving on about
issues of traditional medicine, neurologist and so forth. If I can simply help
anyone through some difficult times I think I could count my life as being a
success. What more is there?
>
> Bobby
>
hi bobby,

apologize for what.. wanting to find something that works, hoping it will. i
know i wish there was a miracle out there.  but don't lose hope... there is
always hope!!!  i  hardly think you are considered a slug in any way shape or
form.  you ae a very intelligent, caring man and your desire to be helpful is
commendable.

your friend,

sherry

I am fighting the same feelings you so succinctly describe. We all go through
the "advise trip" and don't practice what we preach. I don't know the answer to
our depression problem and try everyday to circumvent the reality. I sure as
hell don't want to join it. I have found myself drowning my sorrows in beer. Now
I have created another problem.

I just hope and pray that something magic well come along to help us. I hope you
find some peace in today.

Most sincerely,
Shawnee

----- Original Message -----

From: winterscroll

To: plwp2@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, November 14, 2009 2:52 AM

Subject: [PLWP2] Apology

 

I always thought denial was a river in Eygpt until recently, as much as I want to deny that I have a disease and eating a few roots and berries have cured me the more there is an awareness that denial really is just a form of insanity. Associated with this form of insanity is this ego that manifest in this pretentious manner with the superior intellect and all knowing regarding all issues. Nothing can save an individual this far out short of a divine intervention, spiritual experience or a total psyche change, and none of these are likely. No, denial of the obvious is not much different then clucking like a chicken or wearing a loin cloth while howling at the moon. The only way to bring this individual down is with a tranqulizer gun and a butterfly net, an that is only temporary.

I approach most things with humor in order to avoid looking vulnerable or in emotional pain. There is nothing more embarrassing then acting the fool in front of those I respect the most. However that is what I have done in my ramblings about issues that i have little or no knowledge. So I am deeply apologetic for my behavior and attitude regarding some sensitive issues. If there is recovery for PD I haven't found it, it is not that I haven't looked and believed. In addition there is much more to PD than the tangible aspects, it is the less tangible associated with Parkinson's that is so difficult for some of us including depression, apathy and irritability. It is a no wonder there is a high divorce rate with this insedious disease, it changed the very fabric of my existence. I am not the same person as I once was as evidenced by the number of people I have alienated.

How is it that I regained my sanity? It was not one of the three I previously mentioned but can be described in one word, love. Those that have genuinely cared about my welfare and consistently patient are those with great compassion and loving kindness. I never knew they existed, and i never knew the power of the mystical state of being. Sometimes I wonder why peace has once again eluded me, why I can not accomplish a single task, can't find the courthouse when representing a client, can't remember my clients name when in front of the court and fall down the steps splitting my pants open. These events can be demoralizing, pushing the self esteem further and further down and sometimes experiencing a total lack of hope.

I have learned one thing for certain through all of this, that I don't know anything about anything. Also it hurts to feel alone, that I stay up all through the night and sleep all day. Sometimes I am asked if I had a good day or staying busy, you would think the fact that it looked like I combed my hair with an eggbeater would be self evident that I have not accomplished anything and not likely too.

My new life as a slug is not what I had envisioned for myself, and a shaking slug at that, also an irritable slug. Sometimes I wonder if we loose all hope before we had PD or is it something that occurs within the disease. Whatever the case it took a dark night of the soul to realize that I lacked the virtue of humility, life has a way of making sure we acquire it.

The heart of the matter is I am not sure anymore about things that I have pontificated on, if there is I don't do any of the things I advocate, I have run out of airspeed, altitude and ideas. So I am truly sorry about raving on about issues of traditional medicine, neurologist and so forth. If I can simply help anyone through some difficult times I think I could count my life as being a success. What more is there?

Bobby

Bobby,
You are a very special person.  Off and on we go down that road called
depression, angry with oneself, because we want to fix it- but we can't. This is
especially true with people who are always efficient and normally they like to
be in control of the situation and especially of themselves. Call it self- pity,
every now and then we all seem to feel this. But Bobbie, we also have to truly
ask ourselves, do I want to sit back and let PD control me, or I try to manage
it and look at the good things in life.
I am in a wheel chair part of the time, because of severe osteoporosis and
because of my falling with PD. The doctors are afraid that if I fall and hit my
neck, I could be a paraplegic. Depressing right,  at times I get down, but I
have always felt negative brings more negative energy , where positive brings
positive energy and I need all of the positive energy. For example:by smiling at
a stranger - they in turn smile back- this  make them feel good and at the same
time you feel good, even if it is for only a moment.
PLWP has helped me, when I have been down . You have many people who truly care
about you. Please let us help you when you are down like this. You already made
the first step by truly opening up to us.
We care.
Margie

Bobby,

No apology is necessary.  Your life is a huge success !!!!

Hugs,   Karen




--- In plwp2@yahoogroups.com, "winterscroll" <infinitwisdom@...> wrote:
>
> I always thought denial was a river in Eygpt until recently, as much as I want
to deny that I have a disease and eating a few roots and berries have cured me
the more there is an awareness that denial really is just a form of insanity.
Associated with this form of insanity is this ego that manifest in this
pretentious manner with the superior intellect and all knowing regarding all
issues. Nothing can save an individual this far out short of a divine
intervention, spiritual experience or a total psyche change, and none of these
are likely. No, denial of the obvious is not much different then clucking like a
chicken or wearing a loin cloth while howling at the moon. The only way to bring
this individual down is with a tranqulizer gun and a butterfly net, an that is
only temporary.
>
> I approach most things with humor in order to avoid looking vulnerable or in
emotional pain. There is nothing more embarrassing then acting the fool in front
of those I respect the most. However that is what I have done in my ramblings
about issues that i have little or no knowledge. So  I am deeply apologetic for
my behavior and attitude regarding some sensitive issues. If there is recovery
for PD I haven't found it, it is not that I haven't looked and believed. In
addition there is much more to PD than the tangible aspects, it is the less
tangible associated with Parkinson's that is so difficult for some of us
including depression, apathy and irritability. It is a no wonder there is a high
divorce rate with this insedious disease, it changed the very fabric of my
existence. I am not the same person as I once was as evidenced by the number of
people I have alienated.
>
> How is it that I regained my sanity? It was not one of the three I previously
mentioned but can be described in one word, love. Those that have genuinely
cared about my welfare and consistently patient are those with great compassion
and loving kindness. I never knew they existed, and i never knew the power of
the mystical state of being. Sometimes I wonder why peace has once again eluded
me, why I can not accomplish a single task, can't find the courthouse when
representing a client, can't remember my clients name when in front of the court
and fall down the steps splitting my pants open. These events can be
demoralizing, pushing the self esteem further and further down and sometimes
experiencing a total lack of hope.
>
> I have learned one thing for certain through all of this, that I don't know
anything about anything. Also it hurts to feel alone, that I stay up all through
the night and sleep all day. Sometimes I am asked if I had a good day or staying
busy, you would think the fact that it looked like I combed my hair with an
eggbeater would be self evident that I have not accomplished anything and not
likely too.
>
> My new life as a slug is not what I had envisioned for myself, and a shaking
slug at that, also an irritable slug. Sometimes I wonder if we loose all hope
before we had PD or is it something that occurs within the disease. Whatever the
case it took a dark night of the soul to realize that I lacked the virtue of
humility, life has a way of making sure we acquire it.
>
> The heart of the matter is I am not sure anymore about things that I have
pontificated on, if there is I don't do any of the things I advocate, I have run
out of airspeed, altitude and ideas. So I am truly sorry about raving on about
issues of traditional medicine, neurologist and so forth. If I can simply help
anyone through some difficult times I think I could count my life as being a
success. What more is there?
>
> Bobby
>

I always thought denial was a river in Eygpt until recently, as much as I want
to deny that I have a disease and eating a few roots and berries have cured me
the more there is an awareness that denial really is just a form of insanity.
Associated with this form of insanity is this ego that manifest in this
pretentious manner with the superior intellect and all knowing regarding all
issues. Nothing can save an individual this far out short of a divine
intervention, spiritual experience or a total psyche change, and none of these
are likely. No, denial of the obvious is not much different then clucking like a
chicken or wearing a loin cloth while howling at the moon. The only way to bring
this individual down is with a tranqulizer gun and a butterfly net, an that is
only temporary.

I approach most things with humor in order to avoid looking vulnerable or in
emotional pain. There is nothing more embarrassing then acting the fool in front
of those I respect the most. However that is what I have done in my ramblings
about issues that i have little or no knowledge. So  I am deeply apologetic for
my behavior and attitude regarding some sensitive issues. If there is recovery
for PD I haven't found it, it is not that I haven't looked and believed. In
addition there is much more to PD than the tangible aspects, it is the less
tangible associated with Parkinson's that is so difficult for some of us
including depression, apathy and irritability. It is a no wonder there is a high
divorce rate with this insedious disease, it changed the very fabric of my
existence. I am not the same person as I once was as evidenced by the number of
people I have alienated.

How is it that I regained my sanity? It was not one of the three I previously
mentioned but can be described in one word, love. Those that have genuinely
cared about my welfare and consistently patient are those with great compassion
and loving kindness. I never knew they existed, and i never knew the power of
the mystical state of being. Sometimes I wonder why peace has once again eluded
me, why I can not accomplish a single task, can't find the courthouse when
representing a client, can't remember my clients name when in front of the court
and fall down the steps splitting my pants open. These events can be
demoralizing, pushing the self esteem further and further down and sometimes
experiencing a total lack of hope.

I have learned one thing for certain through all of this, that I don't know
anything about anything. Also it hurts to feel alone, that I stay up all through
the night and sleep all day. Sometimes I am asked if I had a good day or staying
busy, you would think the fact that it looked like I combed my hair with an
eggbeater would be self evident that I have not accomplished anything and not
likely too.

My new life as a slug is not what I had envisioned for myself, and a shaking
slug at that, also an irritable slug. Sometimes I wonder if we loose all hope
before we had PD or is it something that occurs within the disease. Whatever the
case it took a dark night of the soul to realize that I lacked the virtue of
humility, life has a way of making sure we acquire it.

The heart of the matter is I am not sure anymore about things that I have
pontificated on, if there is I don't do any of the things I advocate, I have run
out of airspeed, altitude and ideas. So I am truly sorry about raving on about
issues of traditional medicine, neurologist and so forth. If I can simply help
anyone through some difficult times I think I could count my life as being a
success. What more is there?

Bobby

What did you think about the movie Awakenings?

...Awakenings (ideas in the movie) and Parkinson's...

How did you feel about it?

Did the movie match your experiences or not?

Do you know of any cases where people responded so dramatically to a medicine
(L-Dopa)?

How common or uncommon is the type of dramatic response displayed in the movie?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awakenings

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/encephalitis_lethargica/encephalitis_lethargi\
\
ca.htm