New Castle First Church of the Nazarene
Friday, December 10, 2004
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2, also called adult onset diabetes, occurs when the body still produces insulin, but either produces insufficient amounts or the insulin that is produced does not function properly. Type 2 is by far the most common form of the condition, affecting 90% of those with the disease.
The adult onset variant of the disease usually does not require injections, as control is usually possible through careful diet and exercise, in some cases, supported with medications.
Obesity drugs are acknowledged parts of diabetes prevention in Canada, Australia, and Europe, but recognition is slower coming in the U.S. A recent four-year study, sponsored by Roche, found that the fat-blocking anti-obesity drug, Xenical, had a significant impact on the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Type 2, also called adult onset diabetes, occurs when the body still produces insulin, but either produces insufficient amounts or the insulin that is produced does not function properly. Type 2 is by far the most common form of the condition, affecting 90% of those with the disease.
The adult onset variant of the disease usually does not require injections, as control is usually possible through careful diet and exercise, in some cases, supported with medications.
Obesity drugs are acknowledged parts of diabetes prevention in Canada, Australia, and Europe, but recognition is slower coming in the U.S. A recent four-year study, sponsored by Roche, found that the fat-blocking anti-obesity drug, Xenical, had a significant impact on the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
The discovery of insulin in 1921 was the most notable event in diabetes research. Prior to the discovery of insulin, an individual diagnosed with type 1 diabetes had a life expectancy of less than a year. The availability of insulin, although not a cure for diabetes, has allowed millions of people affected by diabetes to live a long and productive life.
More recent research achievements have identified type 1 diabetes as an autoimmune disease. This finding may allow suppression of the immune system and prevention of the destruction of beta cells.
In 1993, a 10-year study named the Diabetes Control and Complication Trial (DCCT) proved what researchers believed all along - that intensified care and tight glucose control can go a long way in reducing the long-term complications of diabetes.
Newer, more effective systems for delivering insulin are constantly being studied. One day, continuous and noninvasive glucose monitoring devices could eliminate the need for finger sticks to check glucose levels.
At the American Diabetes Association's 62nd annual meeting, there were reports of new technologies for insulin delivery. There has been successful research for a pill, a transdermal skin patch, a mouth spray and several versions of pulmonary inhaled insulin. That could make life easier for the 3.7 million patients in America who, on average, must take one to five insulin shots daily to control their disease.
Research shows that a drug (an antibody) (in a single 2-week treatment) may stop type 1 diabetes in people newly diagnosed with the disease, decreasing their need for insulin shots. The most important finding of this study is that there can be effective intervention even after onset of the disease. The drug targets specific immune cells and so protects beta cells and pre-insulin production.
The first successful pancreas transplant was performed in 1966, but survival rates for this procedure were until improved anti-rejection drugs became available. By the end of 1997, nearly 10,000 pancreatic transplants were recorded in the International Pancreas Transplant Registry. Most pancreatic transplantations in patients with diabetes are offered to people with end-stage renal disease and are performed at the same time as or after kidney transplantation. The success rates for pancreas transplants alone are not as good as when both kidney and pancreas are transplanted together. Pancreas transplant is, therefore, usually only offered to a patient who has end-stage renal failure and requires a kidney transplant.
Some of the most promising diabetes research appears to be in the area of islet cell transplants. In this procedure, instead of transplanting most of or the entire pancreas, only the islet cells (those cells responsible for insulin production) are transplanted. This procedure does not involve the surgical risks associated with organ transplantations. Many researchers believe that the cure for diabetes will evolve when improved methods are perfected for preventing rejection of the transplanted islet cells.
The ability to use engineered islet cells, using recombinant DNA to create new islet cells, is another area of diabetes research that could some day lead to a cure for diabetes.
The future for those affected by diabetes looks hopeful. Research efforts during the past 80 years have led to improved management and treatment of diabetes today. Although a lot of work remains in diabetes research, the road to the cure for diabetes is getting shorter.
How common is Type 1 Diabetes?
Of the 16 million people with diabetes in the United States, about 5 percent to 10 percent have type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes usually begins in childhood or adolescence but may begin at any age. It is a lifelong disease because there is no cure for type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body stages a war against itself by attacking its own cells. Researchers do not know exactly what causes the immune system to attack and destroy the beta cells within the pancreas, but the end result is the inability of the pancreas to produce the hormone insulin.
Before the discovery of insulin in the 1920s, people with type 1 diabetes usually died within a year of diagnosis. All of that has changed. Although people with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections multiple times each day to balance their blood glucose levels, they can expect to live a long life despite the disease.
The discovery of insulin in 1921 was the most notable event in diabetes research. Prior to the discovery of insulin, an individual diagnosed with type 1 diabetes had a life expectancy of less than a year. The availability of insulin, although not a cure for diabetes, has allowed millions of people affected by diabetes to live a long and productive life.
More recent research achievements have identified type 1 diabetes as an autoimmune disease. This finding may allow suppression of the immune system and prevention of the destruction of beta cells.
In 1993, a 10-year study named the Diabetes Control and Complication Trial (DCCT) proved what researchers believed all along - that intensified care and tight glucose control can go a long way in reducing the long-term complications of diabetes.
Newer, more effective systems for delivering insulin are constantly being studied. One day, continuous and noninvasive glucose monitoring devices could eliminate the need for finger sticks to check glucose levels.
At the American Diabetes Association's 62nd annual meeting, there were reports of new technologies for insulin delivery. There has been successful research for a pill, a transdermal skin patch, a mouth spray and several versions of pulmonary inhaled insulin. That could make life easier for the 3.7 million patients in America who, on average, must take one to five insulin shots daily to control their disease.
Research shows that a drug (an antibody) (in a single 2-week treatment) may stop type 1 diabetes in people newly diagnosed with the disease, decreasing their need for insulin shots. The most important finding of this study is that there can be effective intervention even after onset of the disease. The drug targets specific immune cells and so protects beta cells and pre-insulin production.
The first successful pancreas transplant was performed in 1966, but survival rates for this procedure were until improved anti-rejection drugs became available. By the end of 1997, nearly 10,000 pancreatic transplants were recorded in the International Pancreas Transplant Registry. Most pancreatic transplantations in patients with diabetes are offered to people with end-stage renal disease and are performed at the same time as or after kidney transplantation. The success rates for pancreas transplants alone are not as good as when both kidney and pancreas are transplanted together. Pancreas transplant is, therefore, usually only offered to a patient who has end-stage renal failure and requires a kidney transplant.
Some of the most promising diabetes research appears to be in the area of islet cell transplants. In this procedure, instead of transplanting most of or the entire pancreas, only the islet cells (those cells responsible for insulin production) are transplanted. This procedure does not involve the surgical risks associated with organ transplantations. Many researchers believe that the cure for diabetes will evolve when improved methods are perfected for preventing rejection of the transplanted islet cells.
The ability to use engineered islet cells, using recombinant DNA to create new islet cells, is another area of diabetes research that could some day lead to a cure for diabetes.
The future for those affected by diabetes looks hopeful. Research efforts during the past 80 years have led to improved management and treatment of diabetes today. Although a lot of work remains in diabetes research, the road to the cure for diabetes is getting shorter.
How common is Type 1 Diabetes?
Of the 16 million people with diabetes in the United States, about 5 percent to 10 percent have type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes usually begins in childhood or adolescence but may begin at any age. It is a lifelong disease because there is no cure for type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body stages a war against itself by attacking its own cells. Researchers do not know exactly what causes the immune system to attack and destroy the beta cells within the pancreas, but the end result is the inability of the pancreas to produce the hormone insulin.
Before the discovery of insulin in the 1920s, people with type 1 diabetes usually died within a year of diagnosis. All of that has changed. Although people with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections multiple times each day to balance their blood glucose levels, they can expect to live a long life despite the disease.
My Diabetic Life
My diabetes has became a way of life, I have type 1 diabetes since 1993. I found out I had diabetes when I went for a job drug screening. My drug test showed I had sugar in my drug test and told I should be checked for possibly having diabetes. I had a hard time believing I had diabetes so when told about it chose to ignore it.
I later found that wasn't a smart thing to do. A few month's after being told I should check for diabetes I started having a bad stomach ache one evening. As the evening went on it kept getting worse. I finally went to the local hospital to visit the emergency room to see what was happening. I never did tell them I might be diabetic. They gave me some medicine to help me feel better and I was sent home and told to visit my doctor the following day.
The following day I went to my doctor and by surprise I was told my blood sugar level was very high. It was so bad I was told don't go home just check your self into the hospital. I wasn't to sure what was going on. I called my wife to let her know I was needing to stay in the hospital.
I ended up having to be in the hospital for four day's. I was told I had diabetes and they tried me on both just pills and then insulin. In 1993 I was 31 years old and it was a surprised to the doctor at my age that I needed to take insulin in stead of the pills. Taking insulin meant I was a type 1 diabetic. Type 1 diabetes usually happens in a person younger than I was.
While I was in the hospital I chose to take the free diabetic classes the hospital offered. My wife attended the diabetic classes with me. We both learned more about diabetes and what I would need to do to take care of my self.
When you find out you are diabetic the first time you visit the pharmacy to get all the supplies needed it is a very over whelming thing. You go from being empty handed going to the store to having a whole bag of items to take home with you. Items such as, Test meter, mine was a One Touch Meter made by Lifescan. You also have to get the test strips to go with the meter. I had my insulin to get. I had two kinds to get NPH and Humalog. You also have to get insulin needles which come in a box. You also need a storage device to hold everything.
I later found that wasn't a smart thing to do. A few month's after being told I should check for diabetes I started having a bad stomach ache one evening. As the evening went on it kept getting worse. I finally went to the local hospital to visit the emergency room to see what was happening. I never did tell them I might be diabetic. They gave me some medicine to help me feel better and I was sent home and told to visit my doctor the following day.
The following day I went to my doctor and by surprise I was told my blood sugar level was very high. It was so bad I was told don't go home just check your self into the hospital. I wasn't to sure what was going on. I called my wife to let her know I was needing to stay in the hospital.
I ended up having to be in the hospital for four day's. I was told I had diabetes and they tried me on both just pills and then insulin. In 1993 I was 31 years old and it was a surprised to the doctor at my age that I needed to take insulin in stead of the pills. Taking insulin meant I was a type 1 diabetic. Type 1 diabetes usually happens in a person younger than I was.
While I was in the hospital I chose to take the free diabetic classes the hospital offered. My wife attended the diabetic classes with me. We both learned more about diabetes and what I would need to do to take care of my self.
When you find out you are diabetic the first time you visit the pharmacy to get all the supplies needed it is a very over whelming thing. You go from being empty handed going to the store to having a whole bag of items to take home with you. Items such as, Test meter, mine was a One Touch Meter made by Lifescan. You also have to get the test strips to go with the meter. I had my insulin to get. I had two kinds to get NPH and Humalog. You also have to get insulin needles which come in a box. You also need a storage device to hold everything.
Friday, September 03, 2004
FREEDOM’S COST
When engines roared and hatred flew
and innocence was lost
In twisted steel and broken lives --
there lay Freedom’s cost
When heroes crawled amongst the ruins
in desperate search of life
Their burning eyes bore witness to
Freedom’s awful price
When travelers stood to wrest the course
of hatred from its goal
They knew full well they gave their lives
in paying Freedom’s toll
When soldiers proud donned uniforms
for battles all too near
They knew they would not all return
for Freedom’s dues are dear
When from the sorrow a nation rose
in determined unity
With heads held high, prepared to fight
for Freedom is not free
Deborah Whipp, September 20, 2001
and innocence was lost
In twisted steel and broken lives --
there lay Freedom’s cost
When heroes crawled amongst the ruins
in desperate search of life
Their burning eyes bore witness to
Freedom’s awful price
When travelers stood to wrest the course
of hatred from its goal
They knew full well they gave their lives
in paying Freedom’s toll
When soldiers proud donned uniforms
for battles all too near
They knew they would not all return
for Freedom’s dues are dear
When from the sorrow a nation rose
in determined unity
With heads held high, prepared to fight
for Freedom is not free
Deborah Whipp, September 20, 2001
SPIRIT OF A NATION
SPIRIT OF A NATION
I proudly wave across the land,
a stately emblem in the breeze
A patriotic declaration
of a nation’s liberty
White purity and innocence
Red hardiness and valor
Blue vigilance and justice
are preserved within my colors
Over hallowed halls of knowledge,
of government, of law
I stand watch over principles
to earn my nation’s awe
And like the stars so proudly worn
upon my breast of blue
I transcend the bonds of earth
to stand majestic on the moon
Dauntless onto battlefields
I lead my country’s brave
And with solemn dignity
escort the fallen to their graves
I serve as dressing for the wounds
of injured men and towers
Bestowing hope and solace
in my nation’s darkest hours
When my loyal, revered servants’
last heartbeats come to pass
I join my mourning nation,
flying somberly half mast
Flames of hatred and dissension
may reduce my cloth to ash
Yet with the smoke my liberty
still rises unabashed
My strength lies not in stars or stripes,
in fabric nor in thread
But in the hearts of citizens
who hold my values sacred
For those who would destroy
America’s noble decoration
Will come to find they shan’t destroy
the spirit of a nation
Deborah Whipp, October 25, 2001
I proudly wave across the land,
a stately emblem in the breeze
A patriotic declaration
of a nation’s liberty
White purity and innocence
Red hardiness and valor
Blue vigilance and justice
are preserved within my colors
Over hallowed halls of knowledge,
of government, of law
I stand watch over principles
to earn my nation’s awe
And like the stars so proudly worn
upon my breast of blue
I transcend the bonds of earth
to stand majestic on the moon
Dauntless onto battlefields
I lead my country’s brave
And with solemn dignity
escort the fallen to their graves
I serve as dressing for the wounds
of injured men and towers
Bestowing hope and solace
in my nation’s darkest hours
When my loyal, revered servants’
last heartbeats come to pass
I join my mourning nation,
flying somberly half mast
Flames of hatred and dissension
may reduce my cloth to ash
Yet with the smoke my liberty
still rises unabashed
My strength lies not in stars or stripes,
in fabric nor in thread
But in the hearts of citizens
who hold my values sacred
For those who would destroy
America’s noble decoration
Will come to find they shan’t destroy
the spirit of a nation
Deborah Whipp, October 25, 2001
You're a Grand Old Flag
You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of
The land I love.
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true
'neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.
You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of
The land I love.
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true
'neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of
The land I love.
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true
'neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.
You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of
The land I love.
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true
'neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.
Pledge of Allegiance, performed by Red Skelton
I Me; an individual; a committee of one.
Pledge Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.
Allegiance My love and my devotion.
To the Flag Our standard; Old Glory ; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody's job.
United That means that we have all come together.
States Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country.
And to the Republic Republic--a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
For which it stands
One Nation One Nation--meaning, so blessed by God.
Indivisible Incapable of being divided.
With Liberty Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one's own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.
And Justice The principle, or qualities, of dealing fairly with others.
For All For All--which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.
And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance:
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: "Under God."; Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer, and that would be eliminated from schools, too?
Red Skelton
Pledge Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.
Allegiance My love and my devotion.
To the Flag Our standard; Old Glory ; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody's job.
United That means that we have all come together.
States Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country.
And to the Republic Republic--a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
For which it stands
One Nation One Nation--meaning, so blessed by God.
Indivisible Incapable of being divided.
With Liberty Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one's own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.
And Justice The principle, or qualities, of dealing fairly with others.
For All For All--which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.
And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance:
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: "Under God."; Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer, and that would be eliminated from schools, too?
Red Skelton
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Footprints
FOOTPRINTS...A New Version
Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together.
For much of the way, the Lord's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace.
But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns.
For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord's, soon paralleling His consistently.
You and Jesus are walking as true friends!
This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: Your footprints that once etched the sand next to Jesus' are now walking precisely in His steps.
Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones,
you and Jesus are becoming one.
This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change.
The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger.
Eventually they disappear altogether.
There is only one set of footprints they have become one.
This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back.
This time it seems even worse!
Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts.
Gashes in the sand. A variable mess of prints.
You are amazed and shocked.
Your dream ends. Now you pray:
"Lord, I understand the first scene, with zigzags and fits. I was a new Christian; I was just learning. But You walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with You."
"That is correct."
"And when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps, following You very closely."
"Very good.. You have understood everything so far."
When the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I suppose that I was becoming like You in every way."
"Precisely."
"So, Lord, was there a regression or something? The footprints separated, and this time it was worse than at first."
There is a pause as the Lord answers, with a smile in His voice.
"You didn't know? It was then that we danced!"
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to weep, a time to laugh, A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
Ecclesiastes 3:1,4.
Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together.
For much of the way, the Lord's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace.
But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns.
For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord's, soon paralleling His consistently.
You and Jesus are walking as true friends!
This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: Your footprints that once etched the sand next to Jesus' are now walking precisely in His steps.
Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones,
you and Jesus are becoming one.
This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change.
The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger.
Eventually they disappear altogether.
There is only one set of footprints they have become one.
This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back.
This time it seems even worse!
Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts.
Gashes in the sand. A variable mess of prints.
You are amazed and shocked.
Your dream ends. Now you pray:
"Lord, I understand the first scene, with zigzags and fits. I was a new Christian; I was just learning. But You walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with You."
"That is correct."
"And when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps, following You very closely."
"Very good.. You have understood everything so far."
When the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I suppose that I was becoming like You in every way."
"Precisely."
"So, Lord, was there a regression or something? The footprints separated, and this time it was worse than at first."
There is a pause as the Lord answers, with a smile in His voice.
"You didn't know? It was then that we danced!"
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to weep, a time to laugh, A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
Ecclesiastes 3:1,4.
Car Hand Controls
Hand Controls
What to do when driving becomes a problem
For those who become disabled to the point where you need help in driving a vehicle. The worse thing when I was hit with my MS is that I really enjoy driving. I had for several years spent my work day driving at least 55 miles just to get to work. I did all that driving because I really enjoy what I was doing. I have always figured that I would rather drive a long distance to do work that I enjoy doing than to walk across the street and work at a job I hate doing. I also went to school to become an electronic tech and sometimes need to travel where the work is. When I was hit with my MS my legs had become so weak that it was difficult to even get into a vehicle to drive. My legs were too weak to go from gas to brake peddle. I did some research to find out how I could keep driving even being disabled. I found the info I needed over the net.. Auto's can me modified to drive with the hands. I had hand controls put on my truck. I found out that Ford has a mobility program that if you purchase a new vehicle you can have up to $1000 modifications done on the vehicle for disability items. I had purchased a new Ford Ranger with extended cab in the spring of 1999. At that time I was very healthy and new nothing of what was going to hit me in July which was my MS. I was able to get hand controls put on my truck for free. I also had a few other items added as well. I figured side rails would help me get into the truck. I was hoping to get back to work shortly after my MS hit and thought as cold as our winter gets here in Indiana it would be nice to have a remote starter put on as well. The remote starter is really nice I can start my vehicle from inside my home and have it heated up by the time I get going. I did find out that the hand control Ford does with out any questions. When items are added that are not considered to be disability items I had to have a prescription from the doctor explaining the purpose for the extra items. Ford came through great my truck was still consider a brand new truck and I had all the mods I wanted done on it for free. The new Ranger's with the extended cab are really handy because it has doors getting into the extra cab and that has allowed me to store my wheelchair back there when I need it to enter stores and other places. I use my walker mostly to get around. I was surprised at what all you can get modified on a vehicle. If you are a person completely confined to a wheelchair you can purchase a van that has a ramp that drops down to allow you to wheel into the vehicle.
With this article I am including the Ford web site and also the Ford dealer I had my vehicle modified at. There are many mobility companies listed in the yellow pages.
What to do when driving becomes a problem
For those who become disabled to the point where you need help in driving a vehicle. The worse thing when I was hit with my MS is that I really enjoy driving. I had for several years spent my work day driving at least 55 miles just to get to work. I did all that driving because I really enjoy what I was doing. I have always figured that I would rather drive a long distance to do work that I enjoy doing than to walk across the street and work at a job I hate doing. I also went to school to become an electronic tech and sometimes need to travel where the work is. When I was hit with my MS my legs had become so weak that it was difficult to even get into a vehicle to drive. My legs were too weak to go from gas to brake peddle. I did some research to find out how I could keep driving even being disabled. I found the info I needed over the net.. Auto's can me modified to drive with the hands. I had hand controls put on my truck. I found out that Ford has a mobility program that if you purchase a new vehicle you can have up to $1000 modifications done on the vehicle for disability items. I had purchased a new Ford Ranger with extended cab in the spring of 1999. At that time I was very healthy and new nothing of what was going to hit me in July which was my MS. I was able to get hand controls put on my truck for free. I also had a few other items added as well. I figured side rails would help me get into the truck. I was hoping to get back to work shortly after my MS hit and thought as cold as our winter gets here in Indiana it would be nice to have a remote starter put on as well. The remote starter is really nice I can start my vehicle from inside my home and have it heated up by the time I get going. I did find out that the hand control Ford does with out any questions. When items are added that are not considered to be disability items I had to have a prescription from the doctor explaining the purpose for the extra items. Ford came through great my truck was still consider a brand new truck and I had all the mods I wanted done on it for free. The new Ranger's with the extended cab are really handy because it has doors getting into the extra cab and that has allowed me to store my wheelchair back there when I need it to enter stores and other places. I use my walker mostly to get around. I was surprised at what all you can get modified on a vehicle. If you are a person completely confined to a wheelchair you can purchase a van that has a ramp that drops down to allow you to wheel into the vehicle.
With this article I am including the Ford web site and also the Ford dealer I had my vehicle modified at. There are many mobility companies listed in the yellow pages.
Sunday, August 29, 2004
Challenged
Some say I am disabled,
But you know that isn't true.
I simply have a challenge
A little different from you.
My slight inconvenience, has taught me
Things they could not know.
Each obstacle is a victory
Enabling me to grow.
I'm not really any different,
I cry, I laugh, I snore.
I don't want to be treated
As if I'm not a person anymore.
Out of good intentions,
People are afraid to let me try.
But sometimes I have to fall,
And sometimes I need to cry.
God gives me the strength and dignity,
and the courage to be all I can be.
For He doesn't see me as disabled,
He sees me as me.
Author: Leslie W. Ortega
Leslie had sent me some information about her
troubles with Steroids when the doctors were
trying to help her out. My doctor did not ever
suggest I go on any type of Steroids for my MS
I have used both Avonex and now Copaxone.
My doctor did tell me the long term effects made
steroids a bad treatment of MS and is just a
temporary solution.
About MS
Multiple Sclerosis Facts There are approximately 2.5 million people worldwide with multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis commonly starts between the ages of 20 and 40 but can occur later.
Multiple sclerosis affects women more often than men, by a ratio of nearly two to one.
What is Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). MS is an inflammatory demyelinating condition. Myelin is a fatty material that insulates nerves, acting much like the covering of an electric wire and allowing the nerve to transmit its impulses rapidly. It is the speed and efficiency with which these impulses are conducted that permits smooth, rapid and co-ordinated movements to be performed with little conscious effort. In Multiple Sclerosis, the loss of myelin (demyelination) is accompanied by a disruption in the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain and this produces the various symptoms of MS. The sites where myelin is lost (plaques or lesions) appear as hardened (scar) areas: in Multiple Sclerosis these scars appear at different times and in different areas of the brain and spinal cord - the term Multiple Sclerosis meaning, literally, many scars. What causes MS? The cause of Multiple Sclerosis is not yet known, but thousands of researchers all over the world are meticulously putting the pieces of this complicated puzzle together. The damage to myelin in MS may be due to an abnormal response of the body's immune system, which normally defends the body against invading organisms (bacteria and viruses). Many of the characteristics of MS suggest an 'auto-immune' disease whereby the body attacks its own cells and tissues, which in the case of MS is myelin. Researchers do not know what triggers the immune system to attack myelin, but it is thought to be a combination of several factors. One theory is that a virus, possibly lying dormant in the body, may play a major role in the development of the disease and may disturb the immune system or indirectly instigate the auto-immune process. A great deal of research has taken place in trying to identify an MS virus. It is probable that there is no one MS virus, but that a common virus, such as measles or herpes, may act as a trigger for MS. This trigger activates white blood cells (lymphocytes) in the blood stream, which enter the brain by making vulnerable the brain's defence mechanisms ( i.e. the blood/brain barrier). Once inside the brain these cells activate other elements of the immune system in such a way that they attack and destroy myelin. What are the Symptoms of MS? Symptoms of MS vary greatly. They may include tingling sensations, numbness, slurred speech, dizziness, blurred or double vision, muscle weakness, poor coordination, tremor, unusual fatigue, muscle tightness or spasticity, problems with bladder, bowel or sexual function, and paralysis. Occasionally, there may be mental changes such as forgetfulness or confusion, and, rarely, people have seizures. These symptoms may occur in any combination, may come and go, and may vary from very mild to very severe. Diagnosing MS Early MS may present itself as a history of vague symptoms which may have subsided and many of the signs could be attributed to a number of medical conditions. Therefore, a period of time may elapse and a prolonged diagnostic process may be involved before MS is suggested. On the other hand, a possible diagnosis of MS may be more clearcut with classic symptoms (e.g. optic neuritis) and a distinct chronology of attacks. The neurologist requires evidence that the types of neurological deficits indicate involvement of at least two different areas of the central nervous system with effects occurring at two separate times.
Multiple Sclerosis is essentially a clinical diagnosis and there are no tests which are specific for the condition and no single test is 100% conclusive. Therefore several tests and procedures are needed to establish a diagnosis of MS and they include the following investigations: Medical History The physician will ask for a medical history which will include your past record of signs and symptoms as well as the current status of your health. The type of symptoms, their onset and pattern may suggest MS, but a full physical examination and medical tests will be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Neurological Examination The neurologist is testing for abnormalities in nerve pathways. Some of the more common neurologic signs involve changes in eye movements, limb co-ordination, weakness, balance, sensation, speech, and reflexes. However, this examination cannot conclude what is causing the abnormality and so other possible causes of illness which produce similar symptoms to MS must be eliminated. Testing of Visual and Auditory Evoked Potentials When demyelination (scarring) occurs the conduction of messages along the nerves may be slowed. Evoked potentials measure the time taken for the brain to receive and intepret messages (nerve conduction velocity). This is done by placing small electrodes on the head which monitor brain waves in response to visual and auditory (hearing) stimuli. Normally, the brain's reaction to such stimuli is almost instantaneous, but if there is demyelination in the central nervous system a delay may occur. This test is not invasive or painful and therefore does not require a stay in hospital. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) The MRI scanner is a more recent diagnostic test and takes very detailed pictures of the brain and spinal cord, showing any existing areas of sclerosis (lesions or plaques). Whilst this is the only test in which the lesions of Multiple Sclerosis can be seen, it cannot be regarded as conclusive, particularly as not all lesions may be picked up by the scanner and because many other conditions can produce identical abnormalities. The MRI clearly shows the size, quantity and distribution of lesions, and together with supporting evidence from medical history and neurologic examination, is very significant indicator toward confirming the diagnosis of MS The MRI is also a very useful tool in clinical trials in assessing the value of new therapies by its ability to measure disease activity in the brain and spinal cord. Lumbar Puncture In this test, cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid which flows around the brain and spinal cord) is tested for the presence of antibodies. Antibodies can occur with MS but they can also occur with other neurological conditions. The fluid is taken from the spinal cord by inserting a needle into the back and withdrawing a small amount of fluid. A local anaesthetic is given to numb the skin, and therefore whilst it is uncomfortable it is not usually painful. This test does require the person to lay flat for a number of hours after the test, and may require an overnight stay in hospital. Subsequently for some, a short period of recuperation may be required. This test may indicate MS but is not in itself conclusive.
The diagnosis of MS is not always clear cut. The initial symptoms may be transitory and vague and confusing to both the person and their doctor. Invisible or subjective symptoms are often difficult to communicate to doctors and health professionals and sometimes people are at first dismissed as being neurotic or a hypochondriac.
Following an episode for which you have sought medical advice, your doctor may not have told you that MS is suspected. This delay may be very reasonable because the neurologist may wish to witness at least two distinct episodes with symptoms that are separated by at least a month and persisting for at least 24 hours.
A good relationship with your neurologist and family physician is essential. MS may have times of crisis and acute episodes which require specialist medical attention, but it is a disease that must be lived and managed every day. The time of diagnosis is stressful not only for the person with MS but for the family and carers who should also be fully informed as to the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, management considerations and lifestyle adjustments associated with MS. The family physician and the local MS Society are important ongoing resources for care and information for those affected by MS.
The diagnosis of MS is a shock and often stereotypes of wheelchairs and disability tend to dominate one's thoughts. Nevertheless, it is most important to realize that many people with MS and their carers have recognised that it is still possible to live life to the full, taking into account any limitations caused by the illness. Thus, it is often unnecessary to give up work, education and social activities. Many people with MS can lead productive, fulfilling and relatively normal lives
My Life With MS and Diabetes
It seems like it should be impossible for me to have both Diabetes and Multiple Sclerosis. Diabetes is a disease that usually runs in a family and I don't know of any one in my family that has it. My grandparents recently passed away and all three were in there 90's and were healthy most of there lives. My Grandmother Tyson died this past May 2001. MS and Diabetes are diseases that treat each person differently.
This August was in ways an anniversary for me. In August of 1999 I was diagnosed with my Multiple Sclerosis. It was a total surprise to me. I was in pretty good condition other than my type 1 diabetes since April 1993. In July of 1999 I was having some troubles with my left leg being on the weak side. I hade gone to see my Neurologist about my condition. I was told I had Neuropathy in my legs being caused by my diabetes. My regular family doctor had me go through a series of different tests because I had told her I thought maybe something other than my diabetes was happening. As I was getting worse I had another visit with my Neurologist and I told him a few troubles I was having one being that I was having trouble with my short term memory. He decided to have me do an MRI test to see what was going on. It turned out I had grey matter on my brain. I had no idea what that meant. I was told it could be a number of medical conditions. (my doctors photo) My Neurologist speculated possibly MS but said a spinal tap would be needed to be sure of what it was. I was concerned about what he would find but I was also worried about how that needle in my spine would feel. My Neurologist did a great job and caused no pain. By the time I had my spinal tap which was early August I was already using a walker or wheelchair because a lack of Balance. My Neurologist found that I had Multiple Sclerosis. I was hoping that it was a treatable disease like Limes Disease which is caused by a tick. By Mid August I had to take short term disability from my work because of having to miss so many days. It then turned into long term disability and then I am now on Social Security. All I can say is thank God for disability insurance because it has really saved my family financially.
I spent the good part of my short term disability hoping for remission which can happen and does to many with MS. Guess what after 2 years I am still waiting and hoping. I would have to say after taking my shot for my MS and two more for my Diabetes I believe I know how a porcupine must feel.
I would have to say my first year with my MS was the roughest it is so hard to change the way you are so use to doing things in life. I am 39 and am not ready for an early retirement which makes being disabled so hard. I miss being able to walk around the block or just fun doing things like fishing, hiking and yes even mowing the yard, especially outside work. I have two sons 11 and 4 and I miss being able to play ball or take them to the park to run around. I have a great wife her name is Judy and she is not only my wife but also my best friend. She has done a terrific job helping me get through this, she is even taking on new learning skills like Plumbing, Carpentry, Electrical work, Painter, but mainly there to help out with everything. She is great with the boys and does a great job with all chores all wives take care of. I know I would be at a complete lost with out her. My two sons are also very good to help out. My 11 year old has had to grow up sooner than I wanted him to he has learned to do things I did around the home. He is great at mowing, he also help with Jacob my 4 year old when he needs help and does well to give his mother a hand also.
do feel lucky that I am still able to walk using my walker or wheelchair. I was able to get hand controls put on my truck and so I am still capable of driving when needed.
I was an electronic tech for many years and since becoming disabled have turned doing my web pages as a hobby. When I made my web page I did it because I needed a better way to deal with my MS. My reason for making this web page was after meeting people at Jooly's a MS web page in the UK where people go to get information about MS but to also meet others with MS. Where you can email others with MS to see how they deal with this disease. When I sent out my first email to get on there message board I had several email me with there web pages my web page is located a Jooly's also, about there MS. I liked getting the web pages along with the contact email and decided I could easily come up with my own web page to meet others also. While I was healthy I had put together some nice equipment for my computer and now I have enjoyed making use of it to put my web page together. I have made my web page interactive so that other's with MS or Diabetes or even other disabilities can add there information to my web page for others to enjoy.
Sometimes when life is at it's worse it is nice to know someone is always there to help out.
Sometimes I have to wonder if God had worked things out for my family before all this happened to me. We had moved from our home in Indianapolis to where we live now in 93. When we chose to move we had a terrible time selling our home so we chose to rent the home in Indianapolis instead until we could find a buyer. When we rented the home out we only rented to those that showed a desire to maybe some day purchasing the home from us. We ended up renting it from 1993 to June of 1999. The worse part about having the rental was the upkeep on it because the home was 45 miles away from us. It was difficult to keep maintained the way it should have been. I do feel like God had a hand in getting rid of our home. We were on our 3rd renters and felt pretty sure they would purchase the home. It took them 6 months to get all there finances together to purchase the house. We had waited so long for the deal to get finished we felt it probably was not going to happen. The same week we were to finalized our home deal we were in hot pursuit of getting our new home refinanced to save our selves some money. We ended up selling our rental the first week in June and then the refinancing on our home went through the same week as well. It took us another week to finalized the refinancing deal. My MS hit in early July. We would have had a really tough time taking care of the rental with the troubles I went through with my MS. The combination of a profit from the home sell and refinancing gave us enough money to get through what could have been a very difficult financial time for my family. That never happened.
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