Wegener's sucks... (in case someone didn't already know)

[Alysia]

Welcome to the forum, Gary. I love your writing and your fighting spirit. I am sorry for your loss.
I guess the blader issues were because of the ctx.
you chair looks cool. Please update us how are you doing.

[annekat]

Welcome, Gary! I wish our "Like" button had not disappeared. Thanks for telling your story and I'm sorry you have had a much worse time of it than some of us. My heart goes out to you on the loss of your wife, on top of all of it. I want to tell you, I have met Kirk (me2), the one who has had WG for 35 years, went into drug-free remission for 20, and then flared again, and well, he looks amazingly great and appears to get around and do things in the world just like anyone else, despite his continuing struggle against a relapse. I hope that is you someday! As for SS Disability, yes, it is convoluted and can drive you crazy, but I did it and am getting benefits, and have a lot less problems than you do. So keep at it. Do keep in mind that the older you are, the more chance of success. I was 58 when I got it and am almost 63 now. I don't expect to be reviewed, since I'm at the age where I could get SS benefits anyway. If you are a lot younger, still keep at it, and send them a picture of your wheelchair, with you in it. I don't see how they could deny you, but hire a lawyer if you have to... that seems to have a higher success rate. Most lawyers for this will only collect from you if they are successful, I've heard. I did not have to hire one.

[gilders]

Forgot to mention, your periodonists is more than impressive! Many of us on here were under the care of specialists that are more "relevant" to vasculitis such as rheumatologists and it's taken them a LONG time to figure out the correct diagnosis.
I must of been seen by over 15 drs before my nephrologist made the diagnosis.

Back in England we'd say "you owe him a pint". (A pint of beer that is)

[Birdie]

Forgot to mention, your periodonists is more than impressive! Many of us on here were under the care of specialists that are more "relevant" to vasculitis such as rheumatologists and it's taken them a LONG time to figure out the correct diagnosis.
I must of been seen by over 15 drs before my nephrologist made the diagnosis.

Back in England we'd say "you owe him a pint". (A pint of beer that is)

Uhm, yes. He is certainly more than impressive. If you're in Phoenix and need help with anything, ingrown toenail to haircut or anything in between, give him a shot at it. If not for him I would not be here. I was on the verge of total ruin when he pulled WG out of his wizzard hat. I was his last patient of the day and instead of wanting to go home, he and his assistant spent an hour and a half scratching their heads, armpits and unmentionables, until he came up with the correct answer. I assume he also knows something about periodontistry(?). ---- Dr. Pete Melles ---- my pal...

Gary
The avatar is Andy, one of three rescued cockatoos who live with me.

[Pete]

Welcome to the Forum, Gary. Wow! What a ride. Glad you're doing better. Hope the improvement continues. I think your positive attitude and strong will will do you in good stead.

[Birdie]

Welcome to the Forum, Gary. Wow! What a ride. Glad you're doing better. Hope the improvement continues. I think your positive attitude and strong will will do you in good stead.

My brand of positive attitude used to be called lots of other things Then I got sick and it became admirable instead of quirky, unusual, odd, etc. I was once introduced as "Gary, he marches to the beat of his own drummer." No, it's a tuba.

[debra]

Birdie! Please don't over due it, just cause you have a couple of good days... I see you kicking the weg dogs ass, all over Arizona, but take it slow. Then when he's not looking you can get him back, for getting you.... He's a sneaky son of a bit**,as I'm sure you know. Gary, you've been amazing and I want to thank you.... Every day I laugh because of you... So Gary, thank you, for all you do... You do a lot.... Gary, you're special to me. Very special, so please take care of you, cause I'm selfish, I need you around..... Ya, that's a good kind of selfish... Gary, I love you.... Deb. XoXoXo Xo.

[annekat]

Just wandered over to this thread the day after Christmas, starting to feel normal again but still very sleepy after umpteen hours of sleep. Yeah, Gary, you can find something to supplement your SSD. Help people fix up old computers? Or something more interesting than that in the tech world. You can do a lot sitting at your desk.... yeah, I know, you already do. Just want to see you stay afloat and comfortable, and the SSD will at least help. Yeah, I know, old post....