GlennM's Journal, 25 July 2008

OH YES come to John Wayne country!!! If low humidity helps, this is the place for you!! There's only a couple of months a year that are not "dry heat" -- I guarantee you won't miss winter in Massachusetts!! There is a big VA hospital in Phoenix, too. You are dynamite to keep dieting even though you are battling constant pain!  

Thanks gramnbear. I met many celebrities when I lived in Los Angeles for seven years. While doing home care just before taking my LVN (LPN) test I met a woman who was divorced from John Wayne's best friend. This was around 1989. She was best friends with a major female TV star of the 60s and 80s, knew that woman's ex-husband (now deceased) and his famous movie star wife. And her brother dated many semi-famous women. Her brother's best friend's Dad was one of Hollywood's biggest stars ever, and the brother knew him through the son well. Anyway, I met soap stars, and a few others, saw two rock stars - one standing next to me outside of a book store and he noticed I recognized him and acted like he didn't want to be bothered. After the initial surprise of moving to LA in 1988 seeing celebrities just became fun and if I saw one in the gym or store or a bar I left them alone. Had to bring that up when you mentioned John Wayne. Anyway, my dieting has helped immensely as I know the lower weight has eased a lot of stress off of my body. I have to file for a pension perhaps, and it may take years to get it and then a move to Arizona will occur. Also, an MRI in the next month or so should tell more about what my prognosis truly is and if surgery is an option. I'm not financially secure right now enough to move away, but will as soon as I can even though my family is here. I will have surgery if I can if it will truly help. If it's not an option, I will use the VA system, there's one in my small town, and they transfer by van daily to a bigger place in Connecticut for bigger problems, but thanks for the information about the Phoenix Veteran's Administration Hospital, I'm glad there's one out there - I used the one in the West Los Angeles section of LA when I was out there. Thanks everyone for being here, you're all an inspiration and I know because of this site it's why I lost that final 25 plus pounds and I know you'll all kick me into buying a new scale ASAP! Glenn :) 

Sorry to hear about the arthritis, sounds alot like mine: started in my twenties, progressively getting worse, now in my back with extreme pain. I have had success this year with exercising in the city's indoor pool and, of all things, going to the chiropractor! After the initial program of weekly visits for 6 weeks, I am going to the chiropractor once a month---I can now actually walk without lower back pain for the first time in over 5 years! I know the VA hospital in Dallas has chiropractors on staff including the Dr I see. Don't know if its an option for you but I am glad my Dad talked me into it. Keep on writing, I waiting to read your book! :) 

I wish there was a cure for arthritis! You say it started just before your 20s? How did it start out? I have cramping in my hands more than I care to admit and Im 30. Did your parents have major arthritis? Take care Glenn! 

The arthritis started out with a complex set of symptoms while I was 19 years old and stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. Arthritis is arthritis. The type they said I might've had doesn't show up in my genes though, but sometimes it doesn't, and the rheumatologist now says mine is osteoarthritis. It's still the same thing as they said I had that when I was 19 and I now have it in my neck too. I work some at one hard labor job a few hours a week, which I may have to give up even though I really like it - it all depends on the prognosis. I basically am having the same horrific symptoms from 25 plus years ago and they lasted pretty much until I got to a warmer climate back in the '80s. Cramping in the hands might be carpal tunnel, but I'm no doctor! I will go to any alternative care I can, like acupuncture, massage, chiropractor, etc. as soon as I'm able to afford it. It looks like I'll join the local Y in September to November to swim once I feel better. Thanks everyone for your advice... Glenn :) 

For those of you who may be confused about the arthritis I was diagnosed with, the symptoms went away after a few months, then colder weather later had an affect long after I left the Philippines and it flared up again for extended periods of time... happy dieting everyone, you're all helping with your advice, and keeping me on track with the dieting! Glenn :)  

Hi Glenn, Sorry tohear that you have been under the weather. You know people were always right when they said they could tell the weather by their aches and pains. I never really believed it til I got arthritis. Know what? They were right. You can tell the weather and it is usually a storm or cold weather coming! The pain management may help out a lot. We have a pain management doctor here at my hospital and he does wonders for patients. Just watch the diet and hang in there. Hope you will soon be feeling better. Tps2005 

Thanks everyone, I'm feeling better. I still need an MRI in the next month. I'll buy a new weight scale probably by the weekend too since the one I have has a different weight every time I get on it! :)