Did I really take another day off? No, but me and my friend drove the country back roads, the loooonnnnggg way to my destination, and I got some great shots in. Fantastic Elk pics and more.

Other notes:

Please see the Book Review on this main page (it’s in the right hand column on my screen–who knows where the hell it is on yours?).  I can’t recommend it enough.  You can buy it at Amazon.

I’ve dedicated my new photo site to my sister who died in 2012. I’ve added a page for my mother’s garden photos. She’s very good and grows an awesome garden every year in Eagle River, Alaska. Go on over and meet my mom, Rae Hall; you’ll like her! Phall Photo site here.

My son is sore but okay. Thanks for all of your well wishes to him.

Here is the 4th installment of the serialized version of a section of the memoir, Souvenirs from My heart; The Patient Patient Advocate.

cont. medical history document…

March 2006 Paul had a routine colonoscopy. The doctor that performed it said that Paul had 1 benign polyp that was removed, and suggested a follow up in 5 years. Paul’s PCP (his doctor) sent a letter saying that the “tubular adenoma” polyp was “pre-cancerous” and he wanted him re-checked in 18 months. Paul recovered quickly from the procedure, but was psychologically bruised :>) by the preparation for the procedure the night before. Being a former Marine, he had a few choice words to growl during that memorable evening. I still got him to laugh with my gross jokes about his “situation.” We were frustrated to get 2 different results and recommendations; one was a relief, while the other made us concerned.

Meanwhile, Paul was having issues with extremely sore hands and cramping–especially at night–in his upper arms. He never had aches and pains before, and we wondered if somehow the surgeries had something to do with it. Paul saw his PCP, who sent him to the surgeon that repaired his rotator cuffs …the surgeon had never heard of these kinds of side effects, and sent Paul for an arthritis test.

June 2006 Three months later, a diagnosis; arthritis in both hands, severe in thumb, but why the sudden onset? And this diagnosis still doesn’t address the soreness in his upper arms. Paul has always been very active and healthy, yet since around the time of his shoulder surgeries, he had been plagued with cramping arms, aching hands, night fevers & chills, fatigue, dental issues, and heartburn…he ate a lot of Tums.  Paul saw his PCP regularly (the months of 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12 in 2006), but no diagnosis was made. His shoulders gave him no problems at all.

For the next 8 months, Paul had the same issues, but the crystal form of  MSM that I filled capsules with seemed to help the aches and pains.

Postcard 5:

Paul and I both had gut feelings about all these strange medical happenings. Follow your gut feelings. We did do the normal things that you do with medical concerns, but we didn’t go any further. Push harder; get a second opinion if you don’t get satisfactory answers. It is your health and life on the line, so don’t worry about hurting your doctor’s feelings.

Postcard 1 here.

Postcard 2 here.

Postcards 3 & 4 here.

Thanks you wonderful people!

Patti