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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Posts >> No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
        
(Message started by: Dave_Emond on Sep 30^th, 2004, 1:46pm)

Title: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by Dave_Emond on Sep 30^th, 2004, 1:46pm

Dear Members (Friends) of OUCH,
I have tendered my resignation as President of OUCH to the Officers and BoD. This was a very hard decision I did not want to make, but I know it is in the best interests of my fellow Board Members and you the Membership. After many years of serving, I truly wish I had another choice. Everyone was very gracious in letting me take a “Leave of Absence” to see if things would turn around health wise and I could return, but unfortunately my health has only gotten worse.
Please be assured that this resignation is only due to health issues, the Officers and BoD in place now are a tremendous group leading OUCH into new and better directions, I do wish I could have been part of this. I will not be leaving OUCH; I hope there is some area that I can still be of some type of assistance in continuing to further the goals we have laid out for our future. I have every confidence in Mark Cox to lead OUCH as our new President and the same confidence in our remaining Officers and BoD.
We waited and hoped that things would turn around for the better as far as my health, and I also hoped I could pass on better news than I have now. My current condition will explain why I’ve had to make this choice. I had an appointment with my doctor a couple days ago and wanted to only discuss facts. For a while, there was thought that my chronic pain (other than chronic CH) was perhaps resulting from severe depression. However, after tests, it was evident this was not the case. I’ll admit to dire frustration and even anger at all that has been going on in my life both health wise and the many losses resulting from these illnesses. But, I have not given up the fight. I will have to be very careful about stress and even normal daily activities. It seems that the Prednisone treatment by my former doctor has indeed caused immune system failure and too late to stop it. My thyroid is destroyed, my adrenal glands not working properly, I have a rampant yeast infection we cannot stop, low testosterone levels that could cause prostrate and/or pituitary cancer, anxiety disorder and of course chronic CH. My doctor has been researching every possible means to control these issues, but all we can do now is try to continue to find possible solutions for some areas and try to control fatigue, weakness and pain. All sources from much testing and research are now pointing in one direction: Lou Gerhig’s disease (ALS). There is no cure for ALS, only possible attempts at pain management. Now, ALS cannot be definitely diagnosed until the final stages, where it is too late to do anything about, (Course … can’t stop it in early stages either.)
Right now I’m loaded up with all kinds of medications to try to stop maybe some of these other results of the immune system, but no luck so far. I will be going through many more tests in the future. I’ve been given Stadol Nasal Spray for the time being to try to control pain … this is one strong medication! Actually, it is a narcotic, and one can definitely tell that when using it. Forget all concentration and motor skills with this medication, it kind of numbs the whole brain and body … strange feeling! But, it has stopped my CH for 2 hours at a time when using it. This is huge for me, as nothing else has ever completely stopped both CH attacks and shadows. I had been in constant low level attacks of CH for over 3 weeks now (not shadows) with many higher level attacks hitting at random (typical September “inner-cycles” that also occur January through March.) Sleep is still a major problem, the Stadol makes me think I’ll sleep, but just doesn’t happen. Any sleep I do get is usually the result of walking (very painful) or any extra exerting myself physically, like simple house chores. So … a couple hours sleep during the day is about it and always wake to a CH attack. I was in the early stages of this during the Convention in Nashville, and tried to hide it best I could, but you can’t hide much from this group. Symptoms are getting worse day by day and can’t help but feel like I’m just wasting away. But, I will not go out like that, I will continue to fight and support OUCH and fellow Clusterheads wherever or however I can.
It has been an honor working for all of you over the years, I thank you for your confidence and support throughout. My plea is to continue supporting OUCH; things are heading in great new directions with fantastic leadership. Thank you all for allowing me the time to have served you to the best of my abilities over the years.
God Bless you all,
Dave

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by vig on Sep 30^th, 2004, 1:53pm

Thanks for all you've done for us.
We're pullin' for ya.

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by thomas on Sep 30^th, 2004, 1:56pm

Thanks Dave, you are always in my thoughts.

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by Jeepgun on Sep 30^th, 2004, 2:01pm

:'(

... Dave, thank you for the years of service and all that you've done for OUCH. I have such a need to say so many things, and can't find any words at all...

:'(

Be the best you can be, as well as you can be, my dear friend.

-Frank

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by Svenn on Sep 30^th, 2004, 2:02pm

Dave

No words in my alphabet describe what i actually feel when reading your thread about resigning

YouRe so right Dave when you say health before OUCH.

Only thing i would say is THANK YOU for what you have done for all of us.

Take care of yourself now and keep us informed Dave
going to keep on sending vibes to you

Svenn

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by Jimi on Sep 30^th, 2004, 2:03pm

Thanks Dave for all that you did for OUCH. You are one brave man. I am proud to know you. :)

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by Leesa on Sep 30^th, 2004, 2:05pm

Thank you for your time and service. Your in our thoughts and prayers always.
Leesa :(

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by BobG on Sep 30^th, 2004, 2:10pm

Dave,
Thank you for all you have done for OUCH and it's members. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Number one priority is your health. Please take the time to take care of you.

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by echo on Sep 30^th, 2004, 2:26pm

Dave,

Thank you for your dedicated service to the board and members.

Sorry to read of what you are going through. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by Tom K on Sep 30^th, 2004, 2:49pm

Can't really say anymore than that hasn't already been said. Thank you for all your service and hoping you can experience some PFDAN soon! Don't give up the fight!

T

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by Mastifflvr28 on Sep 30^th, 2004, 3:13pm

A co-workers brother was just diagnosed with ALS recently and I just donated some money to her walk a thon for ALS! Now I have 2 reasons to donate.
I'm so sorry Dave, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done for OUCH and all that you continue to do.
Take care and I hope you get some breaks soon,
Mast

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by Charlie on Sep 30^th, 2004, 3:30pm

Thank you Dave. I really enjoyed meeting you in July.
I know I didn't have much to say but I know how much you've done for OUCH and the rest of us.

Keep up the good fight though and we're all here for you.

Charlie

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by athos on Sep 30^th, 2004, 5:38pm

Take care my friend I understand... but listen damit... you stay intouch with me... Got it?!!!

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by Jackie on Sep 30^th, 2004, 7:06pm

Dave,
Your absence will leave a void in the organization. Your many years of service is greatly appreciated.

It's time for you to use all your energy on yourself. Get well and hurry back. We'll be right here waiting for you.

Love to you and Annette,
Jackie

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by BlueMeanie on Sep 30^th, 2004, 7:15pm

THANK YOU DAVE !!!!!

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by alleyoop on Sep 30^th, 2004, 7:29pm

Thank You! You're in my prayers. :'(

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by Virginia on Sep 30^th, 2004, 7:52pm

You & Annette are in my prayers.

Virginia

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by Sean_C on Sep 30^th, 2004, 9:00pm

Dave where pullin' for ya here, I hope things turn around for the better soon.

Sean...................

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by Kevin_M on Sep 30^th, 2004, 9:24pm

Dave,

It was a great pleasure and honor to meet and sit with you at the convention for a time... Thank you Dave for your work with OUCH. Keep with your continued brave efforts at hand.

Kevin M

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by Edna on Oct 1^st, 2004, 12:45am

Words fail me now Dave. Thank you isn't enough, and sounds so trivial at a time like this. Your dedication and bravery can hopefully steer us all in the right direction.

You and Annette remain in my prayers. May God give you strength, and be close to you now.

EDNA

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by Callico_Kid on Oct 1^st, 2004, 1:46am

Dave and Annette,
Dave I know you held the office, but I also know who was behind you all the way, so this is for both of you. Thank you very much for what you have done for us these last years. It is time now for you to concentrate on yourselves and to focus on getting better. Never give up hope.

We have been praying for you both and will continue. Jude 24 and 25 comes to mind, and I don't know any better hands to leave you in.

Jerry

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by Mark C on Oct 1^st, 2004, 2:15am

My friend,

I know how hard this has been for you and Annette. You both are in my prayers......thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication.....you sailed us through a few shitstorms and we are stronger because of it.

You concentrate on your health and we will strive to carry on the Team mentality you worked so hard for.

Your friend,
Mark

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by Jayne on Oct 1^st, 2004, 1:31pm

Dave,
I wish I had the right words about what you are going through right now, but the truth is I don't. I hate what you are going through. You of all people do not deserve this, I will be praying for you and your family.
Thank you for all you have done for me as a clusterhead.
Now put ouch aside and concentrate on YOU.
Love Jayne.

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by Gator on Oct 1^st, 2004, 11:06pm

Mere words cannot express how I feel right now. Please know you and Annette both have my prayers for healing and for strength to get through this time.

Mike

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by cathy on Oct 3^rd, 2004, 4:13pm

Dave you will be in my thoughts thankyou for everything you have done for Ouch ....sending you vibes from across the pond I wish I could do more :'(

Cathy

Title: Re: No other choice ... (as posted on OUCH site)
Post by Carl_D on Oct 5^th, 2004, 2:38pm

:'(
Dave, sorry about the diagnosis. Words fail, as I know how difficult this must be for you and Annette to deal with. Just hang in there and keep the faith. I am keeping you guys in my thoughts and prayers. I hope they can figure out the right regimen for your treatment very soon. Thanks also for everything you have done for OUCH and all of us CHeads.

Peace,
Carl D