Vibes needed, please...for Thomcat

[JenaLaw]

Hi all,

I usually do not post for vibes, but Thomcat could really use them today.

It is a really bad day for him. We just got back from the trek into NYC to visit one of his doctors, and he is lying down for a bit.

Pain is getting horrifically bad for him. The migraines are almost nonstop. He is now seeing pulsing 'strobe like' lights whenever he closes his eyes. As for the rest of the pain, well...the meds are just not touching it. He hurts from his feet straight up. And all at the same time.

Yet, usually...he manages to keep a smile and good cheer, even at the worst. Today is the first time I have seen it really start to bring down his spirit, and I want to cry from it. It is so unlike him to get depressed.

send him some hugs...for when he wakes up. Today, more than usual, he really needs it.

Thanks,

Jenna

[Shell Beau]

1. Wow! Sounds so hard. He is too sweet to suffer so.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

52. Thank you very much.

:hug:

Everything has been building up this whole past week. Hopefully the pain will recede back to normal levels soon.

For now, I just need to do my best to hold on until it passes. Jenna is awesome. I couldn't deal with all of this without help, and she's is a wonderfully, amazingly helpful friend.

:loveya:

You, and so many other people here at DU, are helping too. :hug:

[grace0418]

119. I'm so sorry Thomcat. I wish I could take some of your pain away.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

124. I Grace0418!

Thank you. :hug:

I appreciate that. Though, if it meant that you got stuck it, I know that I'd never let you take any of it. I wouldn't willingly give this to to anyone.

[grace0418]

133. I know you mean that, because that's the kind of person you are. Still, I wish

I could magically erase the pain. Or make George Bush feel it instead. Yes, I am vindictive.

[lizziegrace]

2. Oh God...

I'm so sorry. Can the doctors help him? A morphine pump? Anything?

:(

[ThomCat]

53. My pain meds were just upgraded last month.

I'm now on Fentanyl patches plus morphine pills. The patches provide constant painkiller. The pills are for spikes in pain.

Unfortunately, I'm getting a lot of very heavy spikes in pain for some reason. :(

I'm probably going to need a larger dose patch. I'm trying to minimize the use of morphine because I'm allergic to it. Even with the prescription antihistamine, the morphine makes me itch until I'm raw and can't sleep. x(

We'll work out the right mix. But it's like shooting a moving target, so there's no telling how long that mix will remain right.

[yellowdogintexas]

70. wish I could bring you this Tortilla Soup I am making tonight.

it probably wouldn't help with the pain, but it is tasty.

of course you could try gin and raisins:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=8518680&mesg_id=8518680


:toast: :hi: :loveya:

[ThomCat]

74. I've never heard of Gin and Raisins for joint pain.

I can't have alcohol anyway, but I wonder if it really works. :shrug:

Thank you very much for thinking of me. Tortilla soup sounds delicious. :9

I'm losing weight because the worse my pain gets the less of an appetite I have. I can still afford to lose a bit more weight, but this is not a healthy way to lose it. So eating something hearty and filling would be good for me.

[yellowdogintexas]

111. I figured as much. However my minor pain is responding to it and I am taking

less Ibuprofen. That whole threat is hilarious by the way.

Came from People's Pharmacy.

My soup isn't as hearty as a restaurant's but it is spicy and healthy. Again I wish I could bring you some. I love to take food to my friends.

Texas is just too far away from NYC. :cry:

[emilyg]

134. Lots of hugs and

I'll keep you in my prayers.

[ThomCat]

136. Thank you, EmilyG.

:hug:

[TZ]

3. of course I will send Thom some hugs

:hug: :hug: :hug:
poor guy, he doesn't deserve to go through this...:(

[ThomCat]

58. Thank you!

:hug:

If these levels of pains and side effects were inflicted only to people who deserved it, I wonder what kind of monster I would have to be to deserve all of this. Who got out of hell free because I took his or her place?

That's the kind of stuff I ponder when this gets really bad. :P

I hope you are doing well? How are you doing against your fatigue? :hug:

[TZ]

61. Not in the same boat as you...

But I got some not so good news on Friday..Platelets up AGAIN. Which probably means back on the chemo for awhile. Sigh.

[ThomCat]

63. I'm sorry about that.

I hope the chemo helps, and I hope it's the last time it's needed. :hug:

I'll be thinking about you.

[Cassandra]

116. I think it was Cheney that got out of Hell free.

We'll try to stuff him back in for you. How about a prisoner exchange?
Feel better, Sweetie!

[ThomCat]

123. Hi Cassandra!

:hug:

A prisoner exchange is an Awesome idea! Do you think they'll take him back? :rofl:

[Book Lover]

4. Bless you Thomcat

:hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

59. Thank you, Book Lover.

:hug:

One of the side effects I'm dealing with is that, because of the constant pain around my eyes, I can't focus my eyes for long enough periods of time to read books anymore. I used to read 1-2 books per week, and several political magazines, but now I can't read more than 1 book every few months. :(

I've been talking to people about checking out audiobooks. It's the only way I'm going to be able to maintain my love of books.

I really, really miss reading. I love your name. I hope you never, ever have to lose your love of books. :hug:

[Book Lover]

113. Audiobooks are a great world to themselves

I highly recommend them. Libraries are a great resource of course, and though I don't do this myeslf, I am sure you could buy and download them from bn.com, etc. It's not reading, no, but it is still storytelling. Hearing a story, especially read by the author, is a great experience to itself.

:hug:

[redwitch]

5. That's too much, poor fellow!

He is so nice to everyone and he suffers so. A gentle hug for Thomcat from me and healing vibes for some painfree days.
:hug:

[ThomCat]

60. Thank you!

:hug:

Gentle Hugs are wonderful medicine. :)

Doctors love to push anti-depressants, but regular hugs work just as well and they're safer.

[redqueen]

6. Aw... thanks for being there for him Jenna.

:pals:

Tell him we're thinking of him please? :loveya:

[JenaLaw]

29. he will read this when he wakes up...

after he finishes spoiling my pups rotten. (they hate to leave him

Thom is an amazing friend...one of my best..and I would not be anywhere else ;-)

[redqueen]

41. Aw, you're lucky to have each other close by...

*sigh*

Thom I hope your doctors figure something out to help you soon. Take care, guy. :hug:

[ThomCat]

62. I'm very incredibly lucky.

A lot of people quietly disappear and fade back into the woodwork when you become and inconvenient friend, and unfortunately someone with chronic pain and a serous disability is going to be an inconvenient friend.

Only really truly good people, like Jenna, stick around despite that inconvenience and give whatever it takes to be a good friend.

:loveya:

The doctors are running all the tests they can run, but if they don't find answers they don't deal well with medical mysteries. In the real world there is no House, MD. If they don't have an answer then they make your condition low priority, because obviously if it was something important it would show up on their tests. So no matter how bad it is, if they don't have an answer it can just linger forever...
x(

[redqueen]

138. Even if they can't figure it out...

they could do a better job helping to manage the pain... you shouldn't have to keep going through this.

We should all be so lucky as to have friendships like yours... I sure count my lucky stars that I found my best friend.

[JenaLaw]

131. true...

bur I am the lucky one, for having him close to me!

[Ava]

7. lots of prayers and good vibes coming his way

:( :hug:

[ThomCat]

64. Thank you, Ava!

:hug:

[DarkTirade]

8. I always have vibes for Thomcat.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

65. And I love you for that.

:loveya:

:hug:

[DarkTirade]

104. Wait, I thought you loved me for my bod... err... I mean, for my mind.

:P

[flvegan]

9. Hugs, hugs and more hugs for Thom.

[ThomCat]

66. Hi Flvegan!

Thank you. :loveya:

:hug:

I really appreciate that. Dr. Jenna has increased my prescribed dose of virtual Hugs. :P

[flvegan]

103. I only give out prescription hugs, too.

Hope you're feeling better.

[Debi]

10. I'm so sorry for Thom..

:cry:

Good thoughts going his way!!!

[ThomCat]

67. Hi Debi!

:hug:

Thank you.

[SacredCow]

11. Hugs and Vibes for ThomCat....

I wish I could do more...

:hug:

[ThomCat]

72. Thank you, SacredCow!

The wonderful thing about my friends (in RL and on the internet) is that if there was anything more that could be done you line up to do it. :hug:

Unfortunately, one of the worst things about severe chronic pain is that there is absolutely nothing anyone can do. I feel bad because I know it's frustrating. So many people would love to be able to do something, anything, to help. And I definitely would love to get any additional help. :(

[CreekDog]

12. How awful. Thom I hope you can get some relief.

you normally don't have it easy, i hate to imagine when it's even worse. :hug:

[ThomCat]

75. Thank you very much. I hope so too.

:hug:

When I stopped working and started staying home every day I thought my pain was going to be under control. The less I leave the house the less I do that aggravates the pain. But that hasn't worked out so well. The pain has been increasing anyway. :(

Someday I'm going to get a good break. :)

[VenusRising]

13. All my best to ThomCat!

He really deserves a rest. I can't imagine how exhausting his pain must be. Yet he somehow manages to keep going with a smile.

Love to you, Thom. :hug::loveya:

[ThomCat]

77. I love you too!

:loveya:

It is very incredibly exhausting. Unfortunately, I'm becoming the king of unproductive naps. :(

[leftyclimber]

114. Naps are thoroughly productive if they help you feel a little better, Thom.

Take as many as you need. :hug:

[ThomCat]

126. That is a big IF, however.

I'm still trying to figure out how to get that restful nap, to make everything go away for just an hour.

Practice makes perfect though, so I'll figure it one eventually. :P

[LoveMyCali]

14. vibes, hugs, prayers and well wishes

all being sent for Thomcat. He is such a nice man, he deserves only the best.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

79. Thank you very much!

:hug:

:loveya:

[Dangerously Amused]

15. All my love to you, Thomcat.

:loveya:

[ThomCat]

80. And all my love right back to you too, Dangerously Amused.

:loveya:

:hug:

[Redstone]

16. Oh, fuck, that poor guy has it even worse than I do with pain...send him my regards.

Redstone

[ThomCat]

81. Thank you, Redstone.

Hopefully there will come a day when Doctors can free us both of our pain. :)

[Deja Q]

17. Please send him my prayers too.

[ThomCat]

83. Thank you, DQ.

:)

[malta blue]

18. Oh no - that is so horrible

:cry::cry:

Please tell Thom I send my love and hope he is finding some comfort soon.

:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

[ThomCat]

84. Hi Malta Blue!

:loveya:

No comfort today, at least not yet. But tomorrow is another day and another chance. :)

Thank you. :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

19. Biggo vibes for our dear ThomCat!

I am so very sorry to hear this, but I'm grateful that you're keeping us updated...

Please give him my love when he wakes up!

And thank you for this update...

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[JenaLaw]

30. he checks into DU as soon as he gets up...

so he will read this asap!

all the hugs will cheer him ;-)

[ThomCat]

86. Love you, California Peggy

:loveya:

Thank you. :hug:

Jenna is wonderful. I'm frequently grateful for her help and friendship. I'm very glad she has become a DUer so now other people can get to know her too. :)

[JenaLaw]

252. only 'frequently grateful'????

the rest of the time you want to shut me up for nagging you to eat proper meals, not just bowls of cereal...right?

[graywarrior]

20. Of course

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
:loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya:

I hate thinking he is hurting.

[ThomCat]

87. You are awesome, Graywarrior.

:loveya:

Thank you. :hug:

[graywarrior]

98. I'm awesome because I have you as a friend.

[Lavender Brown]

21. Major vibes for ThomCat.

:hug: :grouphug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

88. Thank you, Lavender Brown.

:hug:

I'm collecting a whole lot of good vibes here tonight, and already smiling again.

I hate being this medicated to control the pain, and I hate the side effects, but if I can smile with friends then I guess it's all more or less okay. :)

[hedgehog]

22. Good thoughts going your way.

[ThomCat]

89. Thank you very much, Hedgehog.

:hug:

[bluesbassman]

23. Oh absolutely!

Vibes of healing and comfort for you Thomcat. I pray this passes soon, and that you feel better even now. :hug:

[ThomCat]

90. Thank you very much!

:hug:

I really hope this passes too, and never gets this bad ever again.

[Pushed To The Left]

24. Vibes and hugs are on the way

:hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

91. Thank you very much.

:hug:

[no name no slogan]

25. Take care ThomCat

hope things get better for you real soon :pals:

[ThomCat]

93. Thank you.

:hug:

I am doing everything I can to try to take care of this situation, but unfortunately pain and disability are both incredibly stubborn. x(

[auntAgonist]

26. big gentle hugs for ThomCat

I wish there was a way that I could take away his pain.

:hug:

feel better Thom.

aA
kesha

[ThomCat]

94. Thank you very much, auntAgonist.

:loveya:

[RFKHumphreyObama]

27. My thoughts, prayers, best wishes and positive vibes to ThomCat

:hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

95. Thank you very much.

You've definitely got the bases covered there. Whatever good energy arrives here, I'll definitely catch it and put it to whatever good use I can. :hug:

[JohnnyLib2]

28. Hate to hear it. Here's hoping for some relief and better spirits.

:pals: :grouphug:

[ThomCat]

97. I'm definitely in better spirits.

Hopefully the relief will come very soon. I can't take much more painkiller without checking into a hospital. :(

:hug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

31. Hugs for Thomcat...

Here's hoping you feel better soon! :hug::loveya::hug::loveya::hug::loveya:

[ThomCat]

99. You are definitely my kind of Goddess!

Kitty Hugs! :loveya:

Thank you. This entire week has been horrible, and I am really looking forward to the first morning that breaks the cycle and gives me a rest from the buildup of pain. :(

[GoddessOfGuinness]

162. I hope that morning comes soon!

:hug::hug::hug:

[av8rdave]

32. Best vibes sent for Thomcat!

I hate to even think of him in so much pain and discomfort. Here's hoping things improve and soon!

[Dystopian]

33. Jenna...

You're a beautiful soul...thank you for caring for Thom :hug:

Thom, it pains me to know your pain... :hug: Please feel better soon...
Sending love and hope ...hope for better days....positive and healing vibes..:hug:
peace~

[ThomCat]

128. She is, but she doesn't seem to think so.

x(

Thank you very much. :hug:

[JenaLaw]

253. thanks not needed...

Thom takes care of me as much - if not nore - than I take care of him!

I am going through a nightmare lately...and I do not know how I would be able to cope without his support.

[Jamastiene]

34. I hope ThomCat starts feeling better really soon.

((((( Best.Vibes.Possible )))))

:hug:

[ThomCat]

129. Thank you, Jamastiene!

:loveya:

:hug:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

35. Of course.

:hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

132. Hiya SA!

Thank you. :loveya:

I hope you are doing really well and somehow getting above this horrible NYC economy. :hug:

[JenaLaw]

255. Hey Starbucks!

How have you been? Come over for some baked goods sometime soon?

[Wapsie B]

36. Good vibes Thomcat.

[ThomCat]

137. Thank you, Wapsie B.

:hi:

:hug:

[azmouse]

37. He's in my prayers.

[ThomCat]

139. Thank you, azmouse.

:hug:

I appreciate that.

[Lil Missy]

38. Oh no! I loves me some Thomcat. Vibes on the way.

[ThomCat]

140. And I loves me Lil Missy Too!

:loveya:

Thank you! :hug:

[Flaxbee]

39. Absolutely. I am so sorry to hear he's feeling so much pain

Gentle :hug: to Thomcat, and to you, too, JenaLaw, for being there for him.

[ThomCat]

141. Thank you very much!

I really appreciate hugs, and Jenna really deserves hugs for all she does. :hug:

[JenaLaw]

256. I do not deserve hugs...

for helping out a friend!

but I will take them anyway...can never have too many hugs..

[Tikki]

40. ThomCat seems like such a nice person...

I hope for pain free days for him now and ahead.

And thank you to his amazing friends there by his side.

Tikki

[ThomCat]

142. Thank you, Tikki.

:hug:

[applegrove]

42. Vibes to Tomcat.

[ThomCat]

143. Hi Applegrove!

:hi:

Thank you very much. :hug:

[Cabcere]

43. I can always spare some good vibes for ThomCat.

:hug: Hope things get better very soon! :loveya:

[ThomCat]

144. You are wonderful, Cabcere.

:loveya:

Thank you very much. :hug:

[lukasahero]

44. Always thinking of Thom

and sending him the best vibes. I've missed him and hope ever so that he finds comfort soon.

[ThomCat]

145. Thank you very much, Lukasahero.

:loveya:

I really miss who I used to be too. :(

I hope somehow I can get some of me back again. I'm working on getting into occupational rehab shortly, which might help me regain some of what I've lost. :)

[supernova]

45. Please feel better ThomCat

:hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

146. Thank you, Supernova. I will definitely try.

:hug:

[Midlodemocrat]

46. Majorly good vibes and prayers to a wonderful DUer.

[ThomCat]

148. Thank you very much, Midlo.

:loveya:

:hug:

[Rising Phoenix]

47. Thom.....anything you need, want.....I give you

all my love, amy :hug: :loveya:

[ThomCat]

149. You are very, very sweet.

Thank you! :hug:

:loveya:

[Taverner]

48. Don't take this the wrong way - but has he tried Medical Marijuana?

I've known a few folks who have Migranes and Clusters that can get temporary relief from Med Marijuana.

[ThomCat]

150. Unfortunately,

because of chronic respiratory problems I would only be able to ingest it, not inhale it. I've tried marijuana brownies, and they do very little for me.

Perhaps if I could smoke it I would get the benefits other people talk about, but I haven't seen or felt any benefit.

[skygazer]

49. Everything I've got coming your way, Thom

Pain sucks and it does get you down. I wish I could take some of it on for you, even if only temporarily. :hug:

Strength to you. :pals:

[ThomCat]

152. Skygazer, that you would be willing is awesome, but

anyone who would ever willingly give you this level of pain for even a few minutes would have to be a truly evil bastard.

I've increased up to this level of pain over the last 16 years. Mostly over the past 2 years, but still, I've had years to sort of get used to being in constant pain. And I'm acclimated to heavy meds to help deal with this pain.

Getting this pain suddenly would be SO much worse for anyone who isn't used to the pain and isn't acclimated to the meds. I'd feel like I'm one of Rumsfeld's torturers. :(

Yes, I'm WAY over-thinking this. I'm dopey on pain and meds so thoughts like this take hold of my imagination. :P

:hug:

[BlueIris]

50. I love me some ThomCat, so extra special super pain-killing vibes for him.

:grouphug:

[ThomCat]

153. You are wonderful, BlueIris!

:hug:

Every day I hope for relief from the headaches and confusion so I can think and read and write again. I miss being able to read and really think about what I'm reading. :(

If extra special super pain-killing vibes can help, please let them help with this. :hug:

[BlueIris]

246. I'm on it with the vibes, Chief. ;-)

And I really do hope you feel better soon.

[Arugula Latte]

51. I hope he gets relief from the pain soon.

My best to you, ThomCat.

[ThomCat]

154. Thank you very much, Arugula Latte.

:loveya:

I have a question for you though. Why would you put arugula in your latte? I love both, but I never imagined them together. :P

:hug:

[Arugula Latte]

234. Ya gotta keep up with the trends! Haven't you had a Starbucks Aruguchino?

:P

:hug:

[foxfeet]

54. Good vibes en route! Feel better soon, Thomcat!

I really need a woo-woo emoticon.

[ThomCat]

155. Thank you, foxfeet.

:hug:

I'm not sure what a woo-woo emoticon would be doing, exactly, so I can't picture that. But I've been very impressed with the emoticons some DUers have been able to make and distribute. :)

[Callalily]

55. My heart is aching for Thomcat.

I pray he gets relief and soon.

Wish there was more I could do, but can only offer him positive thoughts and prays.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

156. Hi Callalily!

:loveya:

That has to be enough because that's all anyone can do. And I appreciate it. :hug:

[InternalDialogue]

56. Wish it weren't like this, Thomcat.

Our bodies do horrible things to us. Good vibes and peace.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

158. Yes, they certainly do.

:(

Thank you very much. :hug:

I hope we all find peace with ourselves. That would be a wonderful blessing. :)

[SalmonChantedEvening]

57. Thom my dear fellow

Loving, restful vibes in abundance.

:hug: :loveya: :hug:

Hug him for me please Jena. Thom, hug her back for me too.

:grouphug:

[ThomCat]

159. I definitely will.

She's been getting bad news and stress in her own life recently. To come and help me despite all of that, she definitely earns unlimited hugs from me. :hug:

But somehow she claims that coming to help me helps her relieve stress. :shrug:

[enigmatic]

68. Of course

Thom, you have all the good vibes I can possibly muster your way. Hang in there :huh:

[ThomCat]

160. Thank you very much!

:hug:

I am doing my absolute stubborn best to hang on. :)

[enigmatic]

170. Anything for you, my friend

:hug:

[yellowdogintexas]

69. Thank you for letting us know this. My biggest hugs and vibes for our ThomCat

who brightens our days so often.

:hug: :hug: :pals: :pals:

[ThomCat]

161. Thank you very much!

:hug:

I'm very glad I brighten your days. So many of you give me my reason to get out of bed in the morning. So it's mutual.

:loveya:

[mcctatas]

71. Sweet Thomcat I will keep you in my thoughts and

want you to know that we adore you and are all here for you. :hug:

[ThomCat]

165. Thank you, Mcctatas.

:hug:

I adore you too! (Yes, I know, get in line with all your other adoring admirers. :P)

It's this kind of emotional and moral support that really carries me through when things get the most difficult and dark and painful. When you know people care, and people know what's going on and are thinking about you, it all becomes easier to bear for a while.

[TK421]

73. Get better soon Thomcat!

:pals:

[ThomCat]

166. If that is one of my options.

Yes, Sir! :patriot:

I would really love to get better and see some or all of this go away. :)

[TK421]

241. I want you to be well, sir...and come up and see one of our plays!!

:D

[elshiva]

76. Please get better soon, Thomcat.

You are a wonderful person and you mean so much to everyone here. :loveya: :loveya:
Thank you, JenaLaw for being there for Thomcat and thanks for making this thread.
How is the chess coming along?
:grouphug: :grouphug:

[ThomCat]

168. Jenna went out and bought a cheap chess set

but we haven't had a chance to sit down and start the lessons yet. There have been too many other things to do first. :(

But we will get to it soon. I'm looking forward to it, and as loopy as I am and and as smart as she is, she'll be beating me pretty quickly. :)

Thank you, Elshiva. You are a wonderful person too, and you mean just as much to me. :hug:

[elshiva]

244. Aww, I love you Thomcat. You one beautiful human being.

You're not loopy, just eccentric. ;) Anyway, I wish I could be there with you and Jenna and play chess.
:hug: :hug:

[JenaLaw]

257. chess will be fun

wish you could come here and play too...as I am sure it is going to take me forever and a day to learn! Thom will need a player that can challengge him.

[AwakeAtLast]

78. On their way!

:hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

169. Thank you very much, AwakeAtLast!

:hug:

[lightningandsnow]

82. Sending him lots of vibes.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

172. Hi LightningandSnow!

Thank you very much! :hug:

I hope you are doing well. :loveya:

[cordelia]

85. Lots of comforting vibes

I cannot imagine.

[ThomCat]

173. Thank you, Cordelia.

I hope you never, ever have to find out what it's like. Please be healthy and pain-free. :hug:

[Richardo]

92. That's heartbreaking

* gentle * :hug:

[ThomCat]

174. That gentle hug is definitely welcome.

:hug:

Thank you.

[fizzgig]

96. healing vibes headed your way, thom

i wish i could do more, but you can have all the gentle hugs you need :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

and i'm so sorry to hear about your eyes, thom. i can't imagine not being able to enjoy my books. :hug:

[ThomCat]

176. Thank you very much, fizzgig.

:hug:

The loss of most use of my hands, and gradual loss of use of my eyes bother me more than the pain does, or the loss of my mobility. There are painkillers to treat the pain, and my wheelchair will get me around, but there is nothing doctors can offer me to give me back the use of my hands and eyes.

I don't mind if I never walking again. I want to be able to hold a book in my hands and read it. x(

[blueraven95]

100. Hey Thom

feel better :hug:

[ThomCat]

177. I'll certainly do my best.

:hug:

Right now I'm waiting for the pain to subside enough for me to be able to get some sleep. It will probably be morning before I get to sleep, and then I'll probably/hopefully sleep off-and-on all day tomorrow to recover from today.

Some time soon I hope I'm due for a really good day. :)

[blueraven95]

223. you'll get it

hopefully more than one :)


:hug:

[JenaLaw]

258. LIAR!!!!!! ;-)

I know that you are really staying up to keep an eye on me.

see, i have a BAD habit of sleeping through my alarm...and need to leave around 5am to be home in CT with enough time to drop off the pups and get into the office. Thom may say otherwise, but I know that he was really staying up to be sure that I did not oversleep...

or maybe just to be sure the pups and I leave, so he could finally have some peace an quiet? hmmmmm....

[GreenPartyVoter]

101. *millions of healthy vibes going out*

[ThomCat]

178. Thank you very very much, GreenPartyVoter.

:hug:

That's a whole lot of vibes! If I can catch all of those I really hope I'll have a much better day tomorrow. :)

[RetroLounge]

102. Hugs and more hugs for you Thom

:hug:

RL

[ThomCat]

179. Thank you very much, RL.

:hug:

I needed a lot of hugs today to deal with the muscle spasms and sudden aches and other fun surprises. :(

I'm Awed to come here and find them waiting for me. :loveya:

[LanternWaste]

105. Thom, you seven times a son of a gun you...

Thom, you seven times a son of a gun you! For what it's worth, my best thoughts, hopes and prayers are coming at you tonight.

[ThomCat]

180. Thank you, LanternWaste.

I appreciate that. :hug:

[leftyclimber]

106. I would take Thomcat's pain if I could.

No one that sweet deserves to suffer the way he does.

My love to him and I hope it eases up soon.

DU is not DU without him. He is a blessing.

[ThomCat]

182. Thank you LeftyClimber.

:hug:

:loveya:

[blondeatlast]

107. Prayers and hugs to a great DUer, Thomcat, and thank you for letting us know. nt

[ThomCat]

183. Thank you, Blondeatlast.

I'm definitely not that great. Not when I'm rocking back and forth and can't even speak well enough to be understood. :(

In the good periods in between I try to be hopefully as good a person here as many, many others. :)

:hug:

[femmocrat]

108. Thanks for posting, Jenna.

Just sending you love and wishes for some relief from the pain, Thomcat. I'm so sorry you have to go through this.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

186. Thank you very much, Femmocrat.

:hug:

I would really love some relief. I'll be very happy to start with some uninterrupted sleep. :)

[ismnotwasm]

109. Vibes, hugs

energy, love-- If I can think hard enough to send it, he's got it.

[ThomCat]

187. Thank you, isnotwasm.

:hug:

:loveya:

[LynzM]

110. Oh man....

Much love to you, Thom... I wish I could get rid of the pain for you, my friend. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

188. Thank you very much, LynzM

:hug:

:loveya:

If all the aches and spasms and pains ease up a bit I'd love to get some sleep at some point this morning or later today. That's my goal for today. :)

[Left Is Write]

112. Of course! Thom can have all the hugs he wants.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

189. Thank you very much, Left is Write.

:hug:

:loveya:

[Haole Girl]

115. Sending healing vibes for Thom

:hug:

[ThomCat]

190. Thank you, Haole Girl.

:hug:

[crispini]

117. Hugs for Thomcat!

:loveya: and :hi:

[ThomCat]

191. Thank you, Crispini.

:hug:

:loveya:

[BarenakedLady]

118. Anything for Thom

I wish I could take some pain away.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

192. Hi BarenakedLady!

If wishes came true, and we could both have magic wands and the ability to use them, I'd love to have you heal me if I could bless you in return. :hug:

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could both have some really good things happen. :)

[La Lioness Priyanka]

120. ugh, sorry thom

:(

[ThomCat]

193. Hi Priyanka.

:loveya:

Hopefully this too will pass. :)

I just hope that when I have a week that is as good as this one has been bad, there are friends around to share it with.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

121. Dear Thom

:hug:

wishing there was more that I could do. :(

[ThomCat]

195. Dear Tuesday Afternoon,

hugs and good wishes are a lot. You keep me hopeful and upbeat, and you prevent me from wallowing in pain all alone. There isn't anything more I could want from my online friends.

:loveya:

It's all much easier to bear because of have friends online to talk to who care. :hug:

Thank you.

[Danger Mouse]

122. Of course. There aren't many DUer's kinder or more generous than he is...

:hug:

[ThomCat]

196. Thank you, Danger Mouse.

:hug:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

125. Get better...

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

197. I am working on it.

:)

:hug:

[PaddyBlueEyes]

127. Thom..My NY brother

Vibes....Feel better my friend :hug:

Jena, give us an update when ya can. Thanks

[ThomCat]

199. Jenna's asleep right now. She has to leave in the morning

to drop her dogs off at home and then go to work.

I'm still awake because the pain won't let me sleep.

After all she has done for me, I know she's not getting enough sleep tonight. I hope she gets through tomorrow okay. :hug:

Thank you for those vibes. I'm going to share them with Jenna so that she hopefully gets a little bit better rest. :hug:

[PaddyBlueEyes]

200. Anytime my bro

I wish I still lived in the city. I could be there for ya..

[JenaLaw]

260. thanks for sharing the vibes...

and I know you are only staying up to be sure the dogs and I leave...

A trained monkey can do my job. It is more tolerable when I am half dead from lack of sleep. 45 mins of nap time is about right to make a pleasant work day hehe

[SarahB]

130. I'm sorry, Thomcat.

Lots of vibes headed your way. :hug:

[ThomCat]

201. Thank you very much, SarahB.

:hug:

Do you mind if I still say SarahBelle in my head when I type SarahB? :P

I really hope that sometime within the next few days I am in less pain and I'm more rested. It would really be nice to be able to sleep comfortably. :)

[Pierre.Suave]

135. Thomcat gets all my good vibes

I will try to send more his way.

[ThomCat]

202. Thank you very much, Jason.

Er, I mean Pierre. :P

:hug:

[Pierre.Suave]

229. You're Welcome

Thom

:hug:

[SallyMander]

147. Oh, of course, vibes for TC

Feel better soon sweetie :( :hug: :loveya:

[ThomCat]

203. Thank you very much, SallyMander.

:loveya:

:hug:

I will do whatever I can to feel better soon. Hopefully this will turn around. :)

[Hello_Kitty]

151. Oh ThomCat!

:hug:

[ThomCat]

204. Hi Hello_Kitty!

Thank you. :hug:

[Lucian]

157. Sending vibes his way.

Get better Thom. :hug:

[Akoto]

163. Good vibes from a fellow constant pain sufferer!

Bedridden at 24, albeit from a very different area of pain, and I know how crappy it can be. I hope you find some relief in the near future. I, unfortunately, have a problem that is known but not fixable beyond pain management.

Speaking of pain management, I read above that you are on Fentanyl + Morphine and still in agony. Fentanyl is one of the most potent narcotics out there. If you are still in blinding pain, one would really hope that your pain management doctor would look at dosage titration.

Suggestions on how to get better become tiresome after a while, I know, but ... I wonder if you are a candidate for an intrathecal pain pump, or maybe a spinal cord stimulator? It sounds like you might be to that point, and I'm aware of several people who've done really well on them.

[ThomCat]

205. I hope you have your pain under control.

I hope you get relief. :hug:

The problem I have with pain management is that my level of pain varies drastically from day to day, and from situation to situation.

If I stay home then I'm fine with just the Fentenyl most of the time. I'll occasionally need 1 morphine tablet on top of it to get through the day if the weather doesn't cooperate or if I move wrong. But the moment I leave the house or do any physical activity, experience any bounces or jolts from bad sidewalks/road, feel any big changes in temperature any of these escalate my pain quickly and dramatically.

If the air pressure or humidity changes dramatically then my pain also escalates, and if the weather is severe then my pain will be severe.

So my pain management strategy has to be able to handle a wide range of medication levels. So far, the answer has been, "then try not to do the things that cause all that additional pain," which means staying home and never going out to do anything, even basic errands. Pain Management is so strongly conservative and cautious that they're prefer I be homebound than that I get any kind of real interactive pain control.

I've been allergic to morphine for two years now, and that was still the only painkiller I was using for the past two year. Tell me that makes any sense. I have to take Hydroxazine to be able to partially tolerate the morphine.

I'm sure I'll be on some kind of more mechanical means of controlling the pain at some point, but it'll take a lot of time before I get moved there.

[denbot]

164. Big Vibes going out to you Thomcat

Much love too!

denbot

A.K.A. puerco-bellies

[ThomCat]

206. Thank you very much.

:hug:

[Missy Vixen]

167. ThomCat, I'm thinking of you

I'm sending all good vibes and hugs, and I hope that somehow, your pain leaves. Now.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

207. That would be wonderful!

Even if it wasn't now. Even if it was later, as long as it happened. Or even a little bit at a time. I'm not picky. I'll be happy any way I can get it. :)

:hug:

[kentauros]

171. I can only attempt to imagine that, so he will get all the vibes I can send

This will be my meditation before I go to bed. I hope he gets past this quickly :hug: :hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

209. Thank you very much.

:hug:

It's now 5:30 am and I think I might finally be able to get some rest in less than an hour. :)

Everything works better when sleep cycles are regular.

[kentauros]

225. You are very welcome

:D

And ain't it the truth when you sleep regularly! I never can get to bed early the night before Monday. I just want the weekends to last longer :P

[JenaLaw]

261. "less than an hour"...

and I am leaving by 615???

I rest my case...you were just staying up to be sure I left on time to make it into work. (which I made with a whole 10 minutes to spare...cut it a little too close this time...)

[ThomCat]

266. Turns out I couldn't sleep until almost noon.

That kills your theory. :P

[JenaLaw]

272. no...

my theory is that you were staying up to be sure I did not oversleep (because you are a great friend)...the fact that you could not sleep after I left is just your horriffic bad luck.

(typed as we are both still awake after 2 am...again...)

[XemaSab]

175. Good vibes to one of the best of us.

:pals:

[ThomCat]

210. Awww...

:blush:

Thank you. :hug:

:loveya:

[ghostsofgiants]

181. Oh man, I hope the pain passes soon. He is by far one of the nicest dudes ever...

It sucks that he has to deal with all of that. (Can you imagine how nice he'd be if he WASN'T in pain? God damn! :P)

[ThomCat]

211. Thank you.

:hug:

Honestly, while I think I was always a mostly nice person, before the pain I think I was more self-centered and arrogant. :(

I think the pain has given me a whole lot of opportunities to learn a lot of lessons in humility, patience, and relating to other people. I've become a better person because of the pain, up to an extent.

Though in the past year or so the pain has just reached a state so over the top that it's not teaching anything worth learning anymore. It's just tearing me and my life down one piece at a time. :(

[dana_b]

184. good thoughts for fast healing, thomcat!

Incapacitating migraines can be unbearable.

[ThomCat]

212. They absolutely are. The times I've wished to die it was always

because of a severe migraine. :(

Unfortunately, every time I think I've found all my major triggers I find out I'm wrong. :(

[Gormy Cuss]

185. A giant bag of vibes for Thomcat

:hug:

[ThomCat]

213. Thank you very, very much.

:hug:

:loveya:

[MissHoneychurch]

194. ~~~Healing VIBES~~~

ThomCat, you are one of the strongest and kindest persons I ever met.

I know I can't do anything but please know that I am thinking of you

:hug: :loveya:

[ThomCat]

214. Thank you, MissHoneyChurch.

:hug:

:loveya:

I have a hard time seeing myself as very strong. I compromise and consider myself stubborn. :P

[JenaLaw]

262. well...you are very stubborn...

I will give you that.

but you are also very strong. And I love that you are willing to share that strength to Fangrrl and I when we need it.

as far as friends go, you are a keeper!

[Richard Steele]

198. Thomcat rocks. He's welcome to anything I have two of, any time.

Kidneys, lungs, arms, legs, brain lobes, personalities....

GOOD Vibes: I have WAAAAY more than two of those,
and the Good Lord knows that I love me some Thomcat!

[ThomCat]

215. LOL! Thank you!

:hug:

:loveya:

[NewJeffCT]

208. Best wishes Thom

Sorry to hear about what you're going through.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

216. Thank you, NewJeffCT.

:hug:

I always hope there will be good news instead of bad to share with people here at DU. Occasionally that has been true, but not nearly often enough, and not the right kind of good news. :(

But there's hope that this could change. Once the weather chances I'm hoping the pain will pass too. That might be the start of some good news to share. :)

[Eurobabe]

217. {{{{hugs Thomcat}}}}

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

219. Thank you very much!

:hug:

:loveya:

[FloridaJudy]

218. {{{{{{{{{Thom}}}}}}}}}

I wish there was something I could do. In the meantime, here's a tiger-sized hug.

[ThomCat]

220. Thank you, FloridaJudy!

:hug:

:loveya:

[qanda]

221. So sorry to hear of his pain

I pray that it will subside and he'll have some relief.

[ThomCat]

222. Thank you, Qanda.

:)

That would be wonderful. I would really love to have a day without pain someday.

[nuxvomica]

224. Sending vibes ThomCat's way

Hang in there, good fellow. You are too nice a person to suffer so much. :hug:

[ThomCat]

227. Thank you very much, Nuxvomica.

:hug:

I'm hanging on as well and as hard as I can. :)

[crim son]

226. Sending.

All the hugs and vibes I've got. :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

228. You are wonderful.

:hug:

:loveya:

[Chorophyll]

230. Vibes and healing energy for ThomCat...

:hug:

[ThomCat]

235. The vibes worked well enough for me to get some sleep.

:P

:hug:

It is 6pm and I'm just not getting up from being medicated into the sleep of the dead. :wow:

I feel weak as a kitten, and I have stabbing aches in over a dozen joins and almost that many muscles. I don't don't know how I slept with this much pan, even with the meds.

Now I have to figure out what to do next to deal with all of this. I think I want to go back to bed. x(

[Chorophyll]

245. Well... I can send some more vibes, anyway.

I'm sorry you have to go through all of this... :hug:

[BuelahWitch]

231. Here's hoping you feel better real soon!

:hi:

[ThomCat]

236. Thank you very much.

:hug:

:hi:

I just woke up from being drugged to sleep and I hurt horribly right now and don't feel rested. I'm about to go lay down again and hope for some real rest. :(

[motely36]

232. Morning vibes for Thomcat

Hope today gets better

:hug:

[ThomCat]

237. Today has failed.

:(

But perhaps tomorrow. :hug:

I'm always a little hopeful. :)

[motely36]

239. I am sorry to hear it.

You certainly deserve a good day :)

:hug:

[MissMillie]

233. All my love and prayers for ThomCat

I hate that he's in pain on the time.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

238. Thank you So much, MissMillie.

:loveya:

That means a lot to me. :hug:

[Rob H.]

240. Brace yourself--weapons-grade vibes coming your way, Thomcat

And a whole bunch of these: :hug:

:)

[ThomCat]

247. Thnk you very much, Rob H!

:hug:

I lost the entire day yesterday to a migraine. Thank all these lounge vibes it's gone now so I don't lose a second day! :)

[crimsonblue]

242. Have you tried smoking really potent pot?

[ThomCat]

249. No, I haven't.

I can't, because of chronic respiratory problems.

I have eaten pot brownies, and they didn't do much of anything for me. :shrug:

[KitchenWitch]

243. Best vibes for him.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

250. Thank you very much, KitchenWitch.

:hug:

:loveya:

[AirmensMom]

248. {{{{{{{{{{Thomcat}}}}}}}}}}

Vibes coming your way, Thom. :hug:

[ThomCat]

251. That is a Wonderful Hug!

:loveya:

Thank you, very much! :hug:

[huskerlaw]

254. Sending healing vibes...

I'm late to the party, but I'm sending them anyway! ;)

:hug:

[ThomCat]

267. Thank you, Huskerlaw!

:hug:

You're timing is fine. I've lost most of two days to migraines and chronic fatigue. Today I'm finally awake, so it's screaming back pain. I'll definitely take all the vibes I can get. :(

:loveya:

[texanwitch]

259. Lots of hugs for Thomcat

:hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

268. You're wonderful, Texanwitch.

:loveya:

:hug:

[lizerdbits]

263. Poor Thomcat

:hug: him for all of us.

[ThomCat]

269. She definitely has.

:)

:hi:

:hug:

[Muttocracy]

264. more hugs for a kind soul and great DUer

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

270. Thank you very much, Muttocracy.

:hug:

That's very incredibly kind to say. :)

[musette_sf]

265. sending good vibes to teh ThomCat

[ThomCat]

271. Now those are definitely good vibrations.

:7

:hug:

Thank you very much, musette_sf! :loveya: