Sexual Orientation

[Nrthwnd]

^ Great sunset shot there, Bert! The kids' flat ride looks perfect, too.

 

Happy (and much needed) FREEDOM For All!

[bert425]

^ Great sunset shot there, Bert! The kids' flat ride looks perfect, too.

 

Happy (and much needed) FREEDOM For All!

 

John's husband, Rod, gets credit for that particular picture. . . he framed it really well, didn't he?

 

(there were prolly over 10K people in the park too, but you'd never know from the picture! Luckily we live close to the park, so they came to the house and we walked over to the park).

[Philrad71]

Been a while since I've seen any action in this thread, so thought I would bump it...although not in the way that I would like.

 

Last week, Michael was sent to the ER because of sudden weight loss, internal itching and somewhat of a jaundiced look. Now I am sure that you are probably thinking like we were...welp, must be because you guys like to party so much!

 

Not so...it turns out that Michael had a rare reaction to a statin that his doctor had put him on only weeks earlier. This was a new doctor that he had never seen before and I thought it a bit strange that she put him on a cholesterol med when his cholesterol was only 207 (slightly elevated).

 

When I looked at his past charts, I see that his cholesterol had actually been coming down on it's own for years...must be that decent food that I cook for him & walking all over theme parks every summer!

 

But now, the poor guy has dropped over 12 pounds since he started taking it (he has since obviously stopped) and the doctor told him that it could take up to six months for his liver to heal from this f%#king medicine that they put him on! Six freaking months!!!!

 

Granted, we used to joke about all of the drug commercials shown at night with their 100+ side effects that you could possibly have. Michael had five of those symptoms and I fear that if we wouldn't have gotten him to the ER in time, it could have ended much, much worse. Granted, he is still not out of the woods yet, but at least he is home resting - albeit with the horrible internal itching that comes with his bilirubin count being all out of whack.

 

So I guess the moral of the story is....be very careful when a doctor wants to throw you on a medication for slightly elevated readings. While the majority of people may never develop or have this type of reaction, there is always that chance. Basically, I am growing more and more of a distrust for big pharma the more I that I have been reading up on them. It's pretty scary actually....just look at the recent Mylan/Epipen craziness!

 

It's quite obvious that they are only interested in making as much money as possible - it's not about the people and saving lives at all. It's get as many people to take your medicine as you possibly can. And I can't help to think that the doctors are getting kickbacks to get people on these meds...especially the elderly.

[Nrthwnd]

^ How terrible! I hope Michael's feeling better today.

And did you (or will you) put in an inquiry as to why

the cholesterol medicine was actually prescribed?

 

In any case, hope he's feeling better today.

[Philrad71]

^ Thanks Bill...I certainly appreciate the well-wishes.

 

Unfortunately, I think that it's going to be a long road to recovery for Michael. It has already been a couple of weeks since he really started showing signs that his bilirubin level was off kilter and it has shown no signs of dropping. His count should be around one or less and as of last Friday, his level was at 22, which explains the jaundice and itching. If the bilirubin (or bile) has no where to go, it ends up in the bloodstream, in his urine (dark color) and under his skin.

 

So basically, he said that it feels like fleas or mosquitoes all over his skin constantly biting him. Could you imagine going through upwards of six months of that every day? I feel so helpless and the stuff that they have given him that is supposed to help the itch, doesn't.

 

I have no idea why they put him on that medication...no idea at all. And all of this for a slightly elevated cholesterol level. It's almost like these doctors play Russian Roulette with their patients with prescribing these meds and Michael just happened to be the unlikely 1% chance that ended up with the bullet.

[Nrthwnd]

....So basically, he said that it feels like fleas or mosquitoes all over his skin constantly biting him. Could you imagine going through upwards of six months of that every day? I feel so helpless and the stuff that they have given him that is supposed to help the itch, doesn't.

 

Wow - omg - I have gone through that several times, actually. I swear to the Gawds that in times of some medical problems,

I had the same itching effect. Shorter periods of time, but still drove me absolutely nuts! And I have a cream for my arms

as they seem to go the same way as my body did, like his. I end up over-scratching my arms and causing possible damage

to the skin itself. I have learned to control it since it first happened, and pour on the cream when it happens.

[DoinItForTheFame]

Last week, Michael was sent to the ER. . .

 

Ohhh, no. I'm terribly sorry to hear about what you two are going through. I hope Michael get's better soon.

[Philrad71]

^ & ^^ Thanks guys...I really appreciate the thoughts and concerns.

 

Michael had more blood drawn yesterday, but the results have not been posted on his portal yet. He did send his doctors a note asking if there was something else that he could try for the itching, so we're hoping for something.

 

In reality, the bilirubin is what needs to come down. If being off the medications for a few weeks is not causing it to come down, this may be more serious than we thought. If this week's level shows that it's going up, I would anticipate another stay in the hospital with more testing.

 

And to make matters worse, we were scheduled to fly to Portland, OR for a friends wedding celebration this Friday and had to cancel. Certainly understandable given the situation, but it just amazes me the greed displayed by airlines and some of the hotels.

 

We managed to get a $200 voucher on $902 plane tickets, so we lost almost $700 there - but with airlines, that wasn't all that surprising. What surprised me is that the Crown Plaza where we were staying in Portland is giving me problems with issuing a credit for the $800 charge that they billed my credit card for staying there for five nights. I have a message into their accounting team, but so far, no one is returning my calls.

 

Whatever happened to the days where you could cancel this type of stuff and get a full refund if you or a family member had a medical emergency? Especially if it was a week in advance and you could even provide proof if needed!?!

 

It's almost like they think, "Someone sick in your family or did someone die? Well, too bad...you lose your money in addition to all of the stress and grief that you are experiencing. Oh, and we're also going to just sell your room and seats on our website or another travel website and pocket all of that money too."

 

I fucking hate what corporate America has become.

[DoinItForTheFame]

^ When it rains, it pours. I'm sorry about you two having to cancel your trip, and that neither the airlines, nor the hotel are being to helpful.

 

Hopefully the test results come back showing that this week's level is going down!! I'm hoping for a speedy recovery, and hopefully no more hospital stays. You two are in our thoughts.

[Philrad71]

^Thank you for caring...I will certainly keep everyone posted in the coming days/weeks.

 

So far, they have not posted the results of Monday's blood test yet, but if if isn't posted by tomorrow morning, I will be making a phone call to the doctor's office. My guess is that his count is still high based on his symptoms not changing at all.

[jynx242]

^ Oh dear - I haven't been on this thread in a few and all of this is happening to you!! I'm sending warm fuzzies and good mojo to both you and Michael. I know it SUCKS. Although I'm super far away, if there's anything I can do, please don't hesitate to ask!

[Philrad71]

^Thank you so much, David...that really means a lot!

 

The bad news is that as of yesterday, Michael's bilirubin count is through the roof and his itching and the jaundice is worth than ever. The good news is that an MRI taken yesterday shows that one of his bile ducts is either obstructed with a stone or has narrowed to the point where it is almost shut. So we FINALLY have a reason as to what is causing all of this!

 

He is going to have what they call an ERCP (an Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) tomorrow morning at Buffalo General Hospital where they will put a scope down his throat and install a stent where the blockage is. We are hoping that this will take care of it once and for all!

 

Although I still want to bad-mouth Big Pharma despite this likely not being the cause of all of his problems as I still think that they pawn these meds out on people like handing out Halloween candy. I am hoping that we may be able to get him off some of the stuff that he was on before when things go back to normal. I am most curious to know if these meds or what could have led to this narrowing or blockage? Something to ask the doctor tomorrow morning.

 

Thanks again for all of the well-wishes everyone! I will certainly provide an update tomorrow to let everyone know how the procedure goes!

[Nrthwnd]

Good healing feelings and thoughts I'm sending over to Michael and you, Phil.

 

Big BEARHUGS, too. One can never get too many hugs.

[Philrad71]

Good healing feelings and thoughts I'm sending over to Michael and you, Phil.

 

Big BEARHUGS, too. One can never get too many hugs.

 

Thanks, Bill...you are right in that no one can ever get too many hugs!

 

Michael is resting in his chair now - it's good to see him sleep so he doesn't have to deal with that God-awful body itching! I have the alarm set for 4 AM tomorrow so that we will have plenty of time to drive to Buffalo for his 7 AM procedure.

 

Fingers are double-crossed that there are no issues or complications and at this time tomorrow, I hope we'll be back home saying, "WTF just happened?"!

[hesukaheadRBLX]

That sucks... Anyway, as sad as this is, could we please steer back on topic?

 

I need to find out, but for now I like owls.

[Philrad71]

^ Thanks for your heartfelt sympathy...I hope that you eventually find that right owl that makes your life complete.

 

In other news, Michael's procedure went well yesterday. While not out of the woods yet, he is looking like he's coming around and the doc said that his bilirubin count should be back to normal within the next couple of days.

 

Whatever caused the bile duct to narrow was "brushed" out and will be analyzed next Tuesday in the lab. There is still wonder as to whether the medication he could have been taking could have left these "deposits", although I am sure that they will be looking for cancer as well. We should find that out late next week, but at least by then Michael's jaundice should be all but gone!

[bert425]

Good healing feelings and thoughts I'm sending over to Michael and you, Phil.

 

Big BEARHUGS, too. One can never get too many hugs.

 

Thanks, Bill...you are right in that no one can ever get too many hugs!

 

Michael is resting in his chair now - it's good to see him sleep so he doesn't have to deal with that God-awful body itching! I have the alarm set for 4 AM tomorrow so that we will have plenty of time to drive to Buffalo for his 7 AM procedure.

 

Fingers are double-crossed that there are no issues or complications and at this time tomorrow, I hope we'll be back home saying, "WTF just happened?"!

 

I've been out of town and so sorry to hear you and Micheal are going thru this!

 

joining Bill in sending hugs, and lots of good thoughts and vibes y'all's way.

 

Hope things are continuing to improve!

 

 

(I had a physical on 8/29 before leaving town, and a huge fight with my PCP who was upset my cardiologist took me off Lipitor. He wanted me back on it, and I refused. He kept saying, I don't understand why he would take you off it??

 

and the answer is because I WANTED to be off the statin. . . I dropped 70lbs, my cholesterol count is in the normal range now, and even with minor buildup around my heart (2 instead of 1, but not in dangerous 4 zone), I simply did NOT want to be on a statin anymore. and the Cardiologist agreed and took me off it after we did follow up blood work.

 

I was thinking I might have to get a new PCP, but he agreed to let me try to maintain cholesterol levels holistically -- lots of dark chocolate and red yeast rice .. . THAT I can do )

[Philrad71]

^ Thanks for the well wishes, Bert!

 

Isn't it amazing how bent out of shape PA's, PCP's and some doctors seem to get when you tell them that you want to stop taking medication? I am surprised that they would tell you this considering what a great job you did on shedding the weight and lowering your cholesterol! It's almost like they're thinking "How dare you actually try to lose weight and be healthy again on your own!"

 

I am going to talk with my doctor about getting off my BP med (the only med I take) next month when I go for my annual exam. I have dropped five pounds since January due to walking more and eating healthier foods. My BP has been the lowest that it has been in years.

 

As far as Michael, his bilirubin count dropped five digits the other day, which is what we were hoping for. The jaundice is still there and the itching is maddening for him, but as long as the numbers continue to drop, that should start to subside. We also found an anti-itch Psoriasis medication at the drug store that has been the best that we have found so far. It still doesn't last very long, but he said it is the best one we have tried to date.

 

Hopefully this is finally a trend in the right direction for him, although it's likely going to seem like an eternity before Monday when we hear how his bilirubin is after today's blood test.

 

Fingers are crossed!

[Nrthwnd]

And now, directly from the "Is This Too Gay?" Dept.... (I just found this photo)

 

Photo of me at our radio show booth at the information Gayfest, back in....1983!

"She wears short shorts".

[bert425]

^ that is AWESOME!

[Diamondbacker27]

I haven't posted on this site in a long time. But, I thought I'd share how far I've came. In 7th grade, I came out to one of my friends. In 8th, most of my friends knew. This past year I have came out to my entire family, and they have all met my boyfriend of 9 months. In just one year, I've came such a long way. I never imagined that I would be at this point, at least this early.

[yay101]

^Congratulations! You're farther than me actually and I'm going to be twenty in less than two weeks! My parents know and my sister found out I was gay without my consent, and I'm not telling my relatives because they are extremely homophobic. I'm also very closeted at college because one thing I found with, at least where I live, it seems people say they aren't homophobic, but they don't want to be around LGBTQ+ people. I came out at my high school senior year and lots of people said "Oh we accept you" and blahblahblah but then most people gradually stopped talking to me. I really only talk to a few people now and I'm fortunate they're okay with me being gay, but I've always been quality over quantity in terms friends. It's a weird world in which we live. I am very happy of your success though! My advice is that when you and your bf are in public, don't be afraid to be yourselves no matter how many stares you get. I just wish more of this world would educate themselves.

 

And now, directly from the "Is This Too Gay?" Dept.

 

I must say that is one of the best pictures I have seen on this website by the way!!!

[Diamondbacker27]

^Congratulations! You're farther than me actually and I'm going to be twenty in less than two weeks! My parents know and my sister found out I was gay without my consent, and I'm not telling my relatives because they are extremely homophobic. I'm also very closeted at college because one thing I found with, at least where I live, it seems people say they aren't homophobic, but they don't want to be around LGBTQ+ people. I came out at my high school senior year and lots of people said "Oh we accept you" and blahblahblah but then most people gradually stopped talking to me. I really only talk to a few people now and I'm fortunate they're okay with me being gay, but I've always been quality over quantity in terms friends. It's a weird world in which we live. I am very happy of your success though! My advice is that when you and your bf are in public, don't be afraid to be yourselves no matter how many stares you get. I just wish more of this world would educate themselves.

 

And now, directly from the "Is This Too Gay?" Dept.

 

I must say that is one of the best pictures I have seen on this website by the way!!!

I hate to hear that! But thank you! We do hold hands in public, and at times it can be awkward because of all the stares, but I work through it.

[Nrthwnd]

^ Just to add support to your continuing to do this...

 

I just came back from a trip to the West Coast Bash, and the Disney Resort.

 

And after my last visit 20 years ago, the number of very open gay couples in the Disney parks was astounding, heart warming, and just plain giddy to me! Holding hands there in 1996 might have happened, but me and David didn't even try to. Fast forward to now, and I even saw couples in the same

outfits! Like some couples do for... square dancing??? It was amazing, and fun scary at the same time LOLOL! I really felt so relaxed there of myself, it was so refreshing to be a part of it all, this new generation of park goers, even if only for a few days' visit.

 

So keep holding hands! Show the one you love, you love them. It's a simple gesture now thankfully, in Disneyland and DCA!

[bert425]

While I can't out "Flashback Is-this-too-gay" Bill, he's inspired me to share.

 

I've always loved this pic:

 

My friend, artist, Larry Dixon and I wearing hats that his wife (Mercedes Lackey) made for us:

The Pirate and the Princess (2004?)