Kraig.Cummings@f34.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Kraig Cummings) (07/19/90)
Index Number: 9311
Hi there, my name is Kraig Cummings and I was severely disabled
during the Vietnam War. As a disabled vet (VA rates me as 100%
permanently and totally disabled) I want to let everyone know that
one's disability/ability is very much a state of mind. I was once
almost given up for dead, was told I would never walk afain nor
ever be able to lead a productive, fulfilling life by physicians.
So much for their judgement!
Not only have I coped very successfully with my "disabilities", I
have managed to get into the mainstream of life and earn enough
money to retire VERY comfortably at the tender age of 47.
I do not say this to brag but rather to inform others that
regardless of your physical status YOU can still determine the
course of your life. None of us do this alone. We have
help/support mechanisms and coping techniques.
I am willing to share with anyone on this echo my experiences and
listen/respond to problems, concerns, questions. My experiences
may or may not be of value to you but I'm a very invebtive guy
whjen it comes to solving problems dealing with one's inability to
do things the way most people do (coping in a non-disabled world).
Obviously I'm no typist!
If there is a concern that I might help you with (e.g., dealing
with the VA; getting back into a social life; improving/regaining
your self esteem) drop me a note and , together we will see what we
can work out.
I am NOT the answer to anyone's prayers but I have walked in a few
peoples shoes and may be of help.
Darop me a line, what do you have top lose? Like I said I'm not a
typist!
Kee[p up the fight,
Kraig
# Origin: Atlanta Medical Forum -- (404) 351-9757 (8:7301/204)
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!34!Kraig.Cummings
Internet: Kraig.Cummings@f34.n129.z1.fidonet.orgAnne.Willis@f34.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Anne Willis) (07/25/90)
Index Number: 9516
I wanted to introduce myself to everyone. I know that I have left
and received messages from some of you, but Betty suggested I I
give everyone an introduction. First though, I want to apoligize
for the way I leave messages. I notice that alot of people use
quotes when replying. I don't have the faintest idea of how to do
that or I would. O.K. on with the story. I am 27 years old. I
have had Crohn's Disease for 9 years. It is an auto-immune disease
that affects your digestive tract. It is not known what causes it
and there is no known cure. The treatment consists of medicine or
surgery. I have had 11 abdominal operations. Through the course
of these operations I lost all of my large intestine, part of my
bladder, uterus,ovaries, and all but 9 feet of my small intestine.
I have an ileostomy. I have what is called Short-Bowel-Syndrome.
(no kidding!). Because I have such a fast digestive tract, I am
unable to absorb any vitamins or nutrients from the food I eat. I
have been in remission only once and that was for 4 months. I have
been on a medical leave from work since Jan 1989. I am presently
undergoing hyper-alimentation and chemotherapy. I have a catheter
in the left side of my chest with 3 IV lines. The hyper-al
contains all vitamins,trace minerals and other assorted things. I
run this fluid 12 hours a day. I also take IV
solu-medrol(steriods) for the inflamation. I take the
chemotheraphy drug 6MP every day. I have been on that for 3
weeks. I have a nurse that comes 3x a week to change dressings and
draw blood. They are getting me set up with a pump that will give
pain medicine. I don't know how it works but I'll find out. They
cannot operate because the disease has spread all through the rest
of my bowel. I was told that if they have to operate I can ill
aford to lose any more and I cannot live without it. So right now
it is a wait and see. Hopefully by doing all this with the medicine
and IV's I can build my strengh up some and give my insides a rest.
Some of th things I like to do when I am able is scuba dive. I am a
certified Advanced Open Water Diver. I also rappell and go caving
in TAG. (Tennessee,Alabama,Geo rgia). I do volunteer work for the
Dolphin Project and have had the chance to swim with the dolphins
in Key West last fall. I'm sure there's more to tell, but this is
already too long. I'll just say I'm glad to be here, and
appreciate being able to talk to so many friendly people.
Anne
# Origin: Atlanta Medical Forum -- (404) 351-9757 (8:7301/204)
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!34!Anne.Willis
Internet: Anne.Willis@f34.n129.z1.fidonet.org