3 Month Post Ballooning

2011-02-04

Well. well , well .... we are well and I have procrastinated very well about updating this journal.

Let's see .... Christmas was great, New Year's was a local fireworks extravaganza, the weather has been up and down and so have I.

I was told to expect changes during this healing process and they are happening, both pleasant and unpleasant. Mostly it's my energy level as I've had a few low days but mostly great days. I've put my trike on stands and am able to use it in stationary mode thereby exercising my legs.

All was going well until about January 21st when I started to feel really drained and was down for a week when I had an epiphany. This feels familiar. Maybe it isn't about my opened jugular. Maybe, just maybe, despite all my best efforts, perhaps I have a .... wait for it .... a blessed bladder infection!!!.

After careful deliberation I started taking my Dr. Jeff Weibe prescribed antibiotic that I brought down with us. After 12 hours into a 2 week course of Cipro I felt better already and now after 5 days I'm feeling almost back to normal. Thanks again Dr J and we will have to discuss a bladderectomy when I return in the Spring .... just kidding.

We got hit with freezing temps and sleet yesterday (Feb 3) and it's caused local chaos.
Our power's been off since 10:30 a.m. so we've crashed at cousin Doug's and are squatting here until the power's restored. Sheesh .... it's warmer in Oakbank.

Last Sunday our friend Jill visited us from her winter place in Mission Tx. She's my Liberation Treatment mentor/inspiration/MS buddy who hails from Pine Falls Mb. It was very reassuring to commiserate with her about mutual issues. She's a marble .... er .... marvel .... er .... going concern .... let's just say I admire her spirit.

I'll add some pics to this post when our power's back up and I can access them from my external hard drive.

Here's hoping our water pipes don't freeze and Doug's propane doesn't run out.

luego

el gordo

F.U.

2010-12-20

The following are entries that have been on hold for nefarious reason until after our arrival in Texas.

2010-12-06

Follow up (F. U.) visit # 1

I scheduled the first f.u. visit for Tuesday 2010-12-07 to allow us to get to Texas before Christmas. Travel insurance broker extraordinaire Barry Guttormson (http://www.execfamily.ca/) conjured up suitable / reasonable travel insurance that will kick in 2010-12-15.

Weather permitting we will arrive in Sun Valley Village Dec 18^th for mother-in-law Glenda’s birthday…. it’s a secret so “Mum’s” the word …. In fact I won’t post any of this until after we arrive in S.V.V. to try and trick them.

It’ll be a surprise if we can pull it off …. as initially it appeared that we may not get away at all this winter, or at best not until mid January or February. This is due to my recent medical treatment and travel insurance company policies. I’ve been telling the folks down south that I’m hopeful we will be there by mid –January. This is not fibbing just …. withholding.

Anyhow …. back to Monday 2010-12-06 .... I was up at 3 a.m. and we still didn’t pull out of Oaks North until 5:15 a.m.. We picked up (chauffeur) Dori at 5:30 and got to the airport by 6. Ya gotta like West Jet; they sure do a good job. With all the checking, searching, patting and groping we only had a 10 min wait before boarding. Bonus …. got bulkhead seating ….. more legroom and easier to get in / out of the seat.

Calgary was a whirlwind …. Pam told me when I went in for a potty break that we had lots of time before our flight. When I returned all of a sudden we were in “PaMic mode” to get on the plane. I ended up leaving the security line with just my boarding pass, wheeled to the gate, got carried onto the plane by several women (as I should be )…. it’s the wheelchair ….. it’s a chick magnet …. while everyone already on the plane was no doubt thinking …. “Watta a stud” …. (hey don’t scoff …. in my little world everyone knows me and likes me.)

After I was seated and squared away (bulkhead again …. yay) Pam finally showed up with a West Jet attendant helping her carry our bags, my shoes, fleece shirt, etc, that I had to leave behind when I bolted after the security pat down / fondling area.

We are over Carson City now – home of the Ponderosa, halfway to San Diego …. to be continued.

All went well on our arrival and we got to Sanoviv by 14:30 and they even held a lunch for us. The tiller on my chair was knocked off again during baggage handling and the Sanoviv McGuyver guy had to “fix” it again.

After lunch I met with one of the Sanoviv MD’s who took a medical history, then I’m off for some wrist treatments, and an I.V. Chelation treatment to assist removing accumulated deposits (metal, rotten peanut butter, s__t , etc, in my head) due to poor drainage re: my blocked jugular.

On Tuesday 2010-12-07-09:00 I met with both Dr Meza who also acted as interpreter for the Spanish only speaking Hospital Angeles Neurologist who did another case history and clinical exam. They felt all was good as far as the jugular and blood flow was concerned. They assured me that because of the healing process and the (bladder) infection I would have ups and downs in how I feel. I was advised not to be alarmed by any perceived negative changes. This was very reassuring because I had been going thru some sky is falling days when things weren’t seeming to be working as great as the day before.

We caught some rays, watched the waves and enjoyed the Sanoviv atmosphere in the afternoon. Visited with some other guests, some Usana Associates, also some Winnipegers there for their CCSVI follow up, and some of the staff.

The Doppler Ultrasound test was at 15:30 and my anxiety was unwarranted as the flow was deemed normal … so …. I’m insurable to travel and can leave for Texas Dec 15th.

I was up early Wednesday 2010-12-08 for a 5 a.m. Chelation treatment and the nurse hooked me up to the I.V. in our room. I got some more ZZZ’s in my own bed until it was finished at 7:20.

We met with Dr Meza at 08:00 to review my status and left for the border at 08:30. Apparently the border is very busy re: Xmas shoppers going into the U.S.. As a result we had a 3 hour wait to get across …. a month ago it took us 20 minutes …. go figure .... so we missed our flight and the next West Jet flight out was Friday.

It was cost less to stay 2 nights in San Diego and rebook for Friday’s flight so that’s what we did.

We had a free day on Thursday 2010-12-09, walked the bay area, saw lots of boat action, helepopters, navy vessels, the aircraft carrier Midway and lots of navy memorabilia. It was sunny and warm …. very enjoyable.

We were up early Friday 2010-12-10 to make calls back to Wpg rescheduling appointments missed on Thurs and Fri. We made it to the airport 3 hours early and met up with several folks who had come down for the liberation procedure and had been on Monday’s flights. It was like old home week comparing experiences. One couple from Calgary was not pleased with their stay at Hospital Angeles.

The flight home was uneventful ‘cept for the excellent pre-loaded vids I played on the net book …. 4 Craig Ferguson shows in a row …. I kno-o-o-w …. how gr-r-eat was that. We got to Oakeybank by midnight and to bed by 2 A.M..

2010-12-11

We had our girls and Nana over for a birthday / xmas combo dinner re: Dori and Keith's b.d.'s. Lots of food, laughs and tears as we were leaving after probably staying. What selfish parents we are to abandon them at this time of year .... we both feel a little guilty.

2010-12-13

Packing and and prepping for our trip south.

2010-12-14

I took my wheelchair in for maintenance in the morning, arranged for our autopac renewals to be forwarded, got some U.S. cash, stopped in for a visit with Dr. Wiebe re: continued bladder infection monitoring, and ran out of time to make all our stops.

I was up late unhooking / packing our electronic equipment for taking south and Pam was up til the wee hours getting ready.

2010-12-15

We had some last minute business to attend to and didn’t get away from Oakbank til 09:30 but made good time to Emerson.

We stopped at Canada customs to declare new items we were taking down and will be bringing back with us. The agent wanted to see them so all these items had to be lugged in, opened, inspected, documented, repacked, lugged out and on our way in 30 minutes to the run the U.S. border gauntlet.

No problemo. The agent noticed Cat on Pam’s lap, said he likes cats and have a nice trip …. go figure …. using Pam’s pussy for at quickie at the border!!!!???.

It snowed off and on from Fargo South to Omaha. Traffic was slow, vehicles in the ditch, accidents, poor visibility at times …. made for a 10:30 pm arrival in Omaha. This was our first real use of Garmi the GPS, and it led us directly to the La Quinta …. excellent …. thanks Andi and Keith, what a wonderful present.

2010-12-16

We didn’t get away till 11:00 but left Omaha and the snow behind. With good following wind we sailed across Nebraska, Kansas and ½ of Oklahoma to Oklahoma City …. made the La Q by 19:00.

2010-12-17

On the road by 08:00 and into Victoria Tx by 17:00. We took scenic, quaint, enjoyable, and slow Hwy 77.

2010-12-18

Away by 07:20 and really “moving” this morning as Pam drives. Our e.t.a. is 11:00 and we are giggling at our anticipated surprise. The joke will be on us if there is now reaction as in …. “Oh hi. It's about time you got here."

The La Quinta’s have been very clean, well appointed and reasonably priced …. we are staying there re: having Cat with us and la Quinta allows pets, even cats.

We arrived in Harlingen at 11:30, washed an inch of road grime off the van and trailer, and knocked on the G’s door after noon.

Both Glen and Glenda were flabbergasted, glad to see us, and chastised us for tricking them. It was a real good gotcha.

When we pulled up to Buhr Park Place, cousin Lynda was just walking her dog Polar nearby.

When I rolled down the window and called to her she too was totally shocked to see us. It was way worth the trip to surprise them. Lyn thankfully had the presence of mine to drop her goodie bag of Polar poo before we hugged.

Next up was Lorenzo and family who came out to greet us. Though I had alerted Lorenzo that we would be arriving in mid-December (so he would have the work done we had contracted with him to complete over the summer) he had kept it secret from everyone else including his wife and kids. His wife Fabbi was happy to tears and the kids were jumping …. but all the work isn’t finished. The tile and laminate flooring is down but there is lots of finishing to do plus other jobs on the “to do” list we left in April. It appears to have become a “manana” list …. oh well it will be a today to do list now that the Pamatollah is on the scene.

I went and visited neighbours while Pam went for provisions. All in all jt was a successful trip and trick.

Until the next installment …. take care.

luego

el gordo

4 weeks post liberation

4 weeks ago today i had a a balloon inflated in my left jugular that reportedly restored to normal a 90% blocked blood flow. the events since then have been mostly all good.

the first 3 weeks were filled with daily improvements in my abilities. i was able to stretch further, do more exercises due to increased energy, be more tolerant and (i know this hardly seems possible) i've been nicer to my wife (at least in my little mind).

i had a few seconds of global t v infamy from a couple of on camera interviews. it seems i'm their m.s. person de jour. the latest local who has dared to go afar to be liberated. at least my mom was glad to see me with a 'shave and a haircut'.

at the 3 week mark i started to feel a little bit off my new game. this increased over the weekend as did my anxiety about what was happening. was this the stretched vein closing up? was i only going to get 3 weeks of improvements? was i going to get worse than before? the dreaded black cloud that is m.s. was hovering.

i persevered with our exercise regime but found it more of a struggle daily and started having naps again due to fatigue. i was getting worried and i finally told pam what was happening.

on tuesday evening i had a revelation .... pam probably smacked me upside my head for not telling her sooner .... maybe this isn't a vein thing .... maybe it's more of a vain thing.

i was so focused on my vein issue i had overlooked the familiar symptoms that my vanity is often reluctant to acknowledge. perhaps my old bladder bug nemesis had revisited and .... well .... buggered things up.

on wednesday at 8:30 a.m. pam took my pee sample to our medical center. i had already called ahead and activated their gps (gord's pee scare) response team. at about 3:00 p.m., after my volunteer gig in the personal care wing, i wheeled over to the medical care unit to check on any urinalysis results.

dr j. (jeff wiebe) just happened to be in the reception area as i rolled up. he beckoned me into his office and said those words i have heard so often over the last few years .... it appears you have a bladder infection.

methinks .... rats ....then i say to myself .... hold on there gordo .... this is "good" bad news.

by 4:30 p.m. wednesay i'd started a 10 day course of antibiotics and was already feeling a lot better by thursday evening. i had more energy and was (hard to believe i know) nicer to be near.

we are so blessed with such wonderful medical support in our community .... and (as cactus jack wells used to say) it turned out nice again.

so today i'm 75% back at it after averting one of those rocks in life's roadway.

the quest for getting to texas a.s.a.p. is back on.

hopefully my next post will be 100% positive.

so much for my pee pee crisis.

til then

luego

el gordo

Gord's after CCSVI interview on Global TV

Gord just returned from his CCSVI treatment in Mexico and was interviewed by Global TV's Lindsay Warner. Click the following link to watch it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vCBkCtV8zM

Global News: Thursday, November 11, 2010

A Manitoba man who suffers from multiple sclerosis says his life has changed dramatically.

He’s just returned from Mexico, where he underwent the controversial Liberation treatment, a procedure not available in Canada.

With a picturesque Mexican beach behind him, Gord Park celebrated 60 years with new hope.

“My future was really uncertain, ever since I was 23 years old,” says Park.

Once a member of the Winnipeg Police Service, Park says his life forever changed when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 37 years ago.

The deterioration was slow, but for the past six years he's been in a wheelchair. He’s tried everything from hyper baric chambers to chemotherapy to find relief, but nothing has worked.

But a year and a half ago he found new hope. A potentially ground-breaking MS treatment pioneered by an Italian doctor attempting to cure his wife from the disease.

The controversial procedure called CCSVI was said to offer relief by clearing blocked veins, only it was wasn't offered in Canada.

“I can't afford to go, but I can't afford not to go,” said Park during a CCSVI Rally at the Manitoba Legislature in September.

Officials in Manitoba still don't know when the procedure may be offered here so Gord, found the money and strength to travel to Mexico where it was.

“It was out of my hands, I just let go and let god and let god take care of what was going to happen,” says Park.

Gord admits his hopes were high to walk. That didn't happen.

But for the first time in years, he can feel his legs and has the energy to move behind a walker..

“That’s a huge improvement, in my situation, that's just enormous,” says Park.

“It’s just thrilling that in a year that something can change so drastically in your life. it was worth every penny,” explains Pam Buhr, Gord’s wife.

Rather than waking up wondering what's not working with his body, Gord Park says it's now liberating to wake up to what is.

What's UP? Recent happenings...

We have missed several postings as we have been busy with life back in our real world.
Hopefully Pam will clean up my entry before its posted:
11-03 - Day 5 Post Liberation Treatment
04:00 – checked into the special care unit to get my intravenous chelation started early. They weren’t ready for me so after ablutions I returned at 05:00 for the 2 hour process (of which I slept 1.5 hours) then back to the room to prepare for our 08:00 departure.
08:00 – we bade Sanoviv and staff farewell as suprimo driver, Pedro ,chauffeured us to San Diego airport. I hummed Herb Alpert’s – Tijuana Taxi while Pedro took us on a downtown Tijuana tour.

08:45 to 09:15 arrived at, and bonus - cleared the busiest border crossing in the U.S. in 30 minutes (ya think its cuz I shaved off my cheezy goatee – if I had a haircut we might have been waved through).
10:00 the refreshing Westjet staff processed us for the security gauntlet. (I’ve been patted down more times on this trip than a street drug dealer – ya think it’s my appearance? – I’m getting a haircut!) First to be boarded and we’re up and away to Calgary with the way cool Westjet folks. I have more feeling and movement in my legs, feet, and toes, so enroute I could relieve the cramped seating situation by wriggling my toes just like an abled person. After a successful plane change we are Winnipeg bound on schedule.
21:40 last to deplane, a Westjet staffer wheels me to the baggage area to get my modified motorized super ‘chairiot’. When the elevator opens on the main floor we are greeted by a global TV videographer sent to document our arrival …. Ho-hum …. I hate it when the paparazzi does this. He’s videoing my every move (and I haven’t brushed my hair !!! …. my mother will be mortified if anyone sees this footage!). I ham it up and walk a bit while pushing our luggage cart. Daughter, Dorian, meets us in our van, and despite the long day I feel energy enough to climb into the driver’s seat (the paparazzi camera catching it all!); and drive home to Oakeybank via Transylconia to pick-up the blessed cat.
11-04 00:45 we are unloaded and abed safe and sound. Mission accomplished.

11-04 – Day 6 Post Liberation Treatment
06:45 what a glorious 180 degree directional change this is. Instead of dreading what part of me is not going to function as well today , I’m anticipating what improvements I’m going to experience - quite the change from living over 36 years under the cloud of my blessed MS diagnosis. I’m up and about attending to a full day’s activities including - exercising, a heartwarming visit with my inspirational 92 year old mother in the afternoon, attending church choir practice (I think my ‘ear’ is off more than usual) till a 22:00 return home …. all with no nap(s). Even the 2 your time difference ‘jet lag’ hasn’t beaten me down. We are elated with my much improved energy level.

2010-11-05 Day 7 Post Liberation Treatment
08:00 get ready for the ‘after video’ at kin-place with Pam and my bestest buddy Gary Tucker. We try to reenact the ‘before video’ with little success as I get frustrated with my inability to walk with much, if any, improvement. This session is followed by a visit with my general practitioner, (g.p.’s g.p.), oakbank renown Dr. Jeff Wiebe, who has been so supportive. We are blessed with the treatment and guidance he has provided me over the years since I ‘hand picked’ him to be my m.d. (just another tale from the naked city for another time).
10:30 I reported on my treatment response to Dr. J (I call him this re: another of my heroes – former NBA superstar Julius Erving) and he assured us that my legs will require lots of rehab after years of using a wheelchair. Surprise, surprise, ‘the pamatolla’ – has a scheduled exercise/diet regime at the ready.
23:55 abed after being out and about town most of the day, visiting with friends and family (daughter Joey from Brandon, daughter Andrea and Keith from Winnipeg). We had to pass on kin-place supper and I blew-off the televised bomber game (apologies to cook Vivian and Una -my b.b.f.f. (bestest bomber fan friend). Another long active day with no nap(s) due to my much improved energy level! Hallalu! Praise be!

Summary of Improvements to Date after Procedure

· Decreased numbness in 3 fingers of right hand
· Able to raise toes up higher, and raise right leg up a little
· Legs feel ‘different’, more feeling
o Could feel massage on lower legs and feet, more so than before treatment
o Could feel the wind on feet
o Can feel infected toe throbbing
· Increased circulation
o Raised veins on legs visible now
o Socks don’t leave ‘dents’ in legs
o Legs and feet are less purple and just a little mottled
o Legs and feet warmer
· Less fatigue, lots of energy
· Possibly hearing less sensitive
· Eyes less sensitive to light
· More clear headed
· Able to sleep in different positions instead of only on back


FYI – we plan bi-weekly or monthly postings on the improvements. Mother may reclaim me as one her own, since Numero Uno hair care professional, daughter, Andrea, cut my hair last evening. Coincidently a global TV reporter has threatened to do a story on our journey. We’ll see if it goes anywhere. Quite likely it will get bumped by a late breaking headline like ‘man bites dog’!

Luego,
el Gordo y Pamelita

Day 8 Last Day - TMI!

Gord lifting a glass of green juice with some big wigs from USANA Head Office!

Before I talk about today, I'd like to show you a sample schedule for a typical day at Sanoviv.

6:30 am Vital Signs
6:40 am Lemon Water

6:55 am Wheat Grass

7:10 am Medic Consult

7:30 am Meditation

7:55 am Golden Milk

8:00 am IV

8:30 am Breakfast

9:55 am Green Juice
11:00 am Psycholdogy Consult

12:00 pm Yoga Class

1:00 pm Lunch

2:00 pm Food Prep Class

2:30 pm Payment Policy & Insurance Information

2:55 pm Green Juice

3:00 pm Chiropractic

4:00 pm Acuscope/myopulse

5:00 pm Dance Class

6:00 pm Dinner

7:00 pm Breath and Relaxation

8:05 pm Coconut Water

8:15 pm IV

That sort of shows how busy one can be here!

Today we met with the doctor, nutritionist, pharmacist, dentist, and fitness coordinator to give us final information for the home program and answer any questions. My head is swimming with all the information we have taken in today, summarizing, clarifying, learning many new things. Luckily we can be in touch here by phone or email for followup questions.

One thing we learned from our doctor is that he went to Italy to study with Dr. Zamboni himself, the doctor who discovered the vein blockage connection in MS patients, and who began by helping his wife with MS through the venous angioplasty.

Gord worked hard today and is in bed as he has a 5 am IV before we leave here tomorrow. He is in very good spirits and ready to work hard at home as well. His mental clarity and focus are much improved.

Just before we went in for supper we were spending a few minutes in the sun and a school of dolphins went by! What a way to end the day! Our weather has been sunny every day but half of one day. We have been so fortunate!

Thanks so much for all the well wishes and support. We are overwhelmed and truly grateful to have so many wonderful friends and family members.

We will keep on posting periodically regarding further progress we notice happening, if you want to check in once in awhile.

It will be hard to leave here and try to recreate the healthy atmosphere at home, but we are looking forward to getting back to the 'real' world and to seeing all of you again.

Buenos Noches

Day 7 November 1 More Benefits - Baby Steps

Today we were back on schedule - busy day!

We met with the Doctor first thing in the morning. Gord's blockage in the left jugular was 90%! We saw the pictures of the veins and we get to keep them. Also we have a DVD of the procedure we get to have. We meet tomorrow for the home program they will send with us.

This is the most amazing chiropractor. He has helped Gord so much with his wrist issues. He is so knowledgeable and knew exactly what would help Gord. This is Gord's second session with him. Getting up off the table was so much easier for him - definitely a change.

Gord had an IV chelation treatment - an extra, but that was what seemed to make a big difference in his health last time we were here 4 years ago. He's all bundled up enjoying a book on tape! Chelation helps to eliminate toxins, especially heavy metals, in an expedited manner. It can't be done too frequently because of the strain on kidneys and liver disseminating all these poisons. Since so many heavy metals have accumulated in Gord's brain because of the blockage, now many are now heading out ready to leave his system. Gord wanted the chelation to speed up the process. He will have another one tomorrow on our last full day here. After the chelation he walked behind his wheelchair to the bathroom down the hall. He was able to lift his legs quite a bit more. He was ecstatic. He is a little stiff now though. He has to do this a little at a time - baby steps.

Talk to you tomorrow!