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        Daily Chat >> General Posts >> Has Tony helped you?
        
(Message started by: just-squiggles on Jan 9th, 2008, 5:51am)
Title: Has Tony helped you?
Post by just-squiggles on Jan 9th, 2008, 5:51am
To anyone who Tony/Artonio has helped.

Tony is having some problems and it would mean a lot to
show him just how valuble he is.I think he would be
supprised to know just how much and to how many.

    PLEASE post here if he has helped you.No need to
post how he has helped you,if you would like to tell him
that,please do it in PM.
     Thank you.

     You sure have helped me Tony.


 I am sure that there are many of us that won't speak
out when thay are troubled.I urge you all to tell them
either by PM or post,what thay have done for you and
how much you value them.It is easy to not realise what
we may mean to others.We all need to be reminded
now and then that even the things we do,that we may
see as nothing may mean the world to someone.
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Dape on Jan 9th, 2008, 6:09am
Hi Tony,

I may not have received help from you but i still count you as a valued friend/brother who i sure would like to meet 1day.

I have only spoken to you once but have spent some time in chat with you and can always rely on you to lift my spirits if i am feeling low.

I may not post as much as some do but i always read the boards on a daily basis and i hope your problems are soon gone and you will always have a friend in me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB2gPZRsz0Q  ;;D
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by brewcrew on Jan 9th, 2008, 8:02am
Tony - First off, I can't think of how many people your video might have helped. The bravery and fortitude it took for you to put your image on the web while in such a vulnerable state is mind blowing.

Secondly, I am sipping my morning brew from a mug with your design adorning the side. It says "Cluster Headaches Are Not For The Weak." They aren't, and neither are you. Every single time I have another sip I think of you. If it weren't for this "character revealer" we call CH, I never would have met you, but now I consider you to be my friend.

I can't pretend to know what you are going through right now, but I can tell you that your presence here has changed my life for the better. Hang tough, my friend. You ARE loved.

Bill
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by DennisM1045 on Jan 9th, 2008, 8:16am
I have a lot to thank you for Tony.  Your creative work for OUCH, sharing your painful video, the chat sessions we've shared, the work you did in getting Chuck to Norway overcoming your own demons in the process and then having the guts to write about them.  You are an amazing and valuable member of this family.  Don't you ever doubt it for a minute.

-Dennis-
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Jan 9th, 2008, 8:26am
Thank you Tony
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Maffumatt on Jan 9th, 2008, 8:27am
There isn't a person on this board Tony hasn't helped directly or indirectly.
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Ghost on Jan 9th, 2008, 8:34am
I couldnt say that any better, Tony like most here are imperitive(sp) to all of our sanity. Besides he was able to put up with Chuck for that whole trip! [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif]

Prayers and Vibes always for ya Brother Tony.

Mike
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by phil_h on Jan 9th, 2008, 8:39am
Tony , I think of you each day when I fill in my pain chart that I got from you . Your movie was the first real look I got at what I was experiencing . You are a ground breaker in supporting other CH's . Your encouragement and advise has meant the world to lots of us . You continue to inspire and lead us out of the darkness ......... Gratefully yours ,  phil h    ;)
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Ray on Jan 9th, 2008, 8:55am
Tony:

You are a good friend, the only one on this board that I've met face-to-face.  I've felt your love and support and I offer the same in return.  You are needed and loved!

Ray
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by alchemy on Jan 9th, 2008, 9:47am
Thankyou Tony
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by PollyPocket on Jan 9th, 2008, 9:51am
[smiley=hug.gif]

I don't need to tell ya here, Tony. You hear it from me nearly daily.

Love you my friend.
:-*
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Guiseppi on Jan 9th, 2008, 10:20am
From your perpetually upbeat posts, the encouragement you offer everyone to your home made pastries with my morning coffee at Richmond.......truly a man I call my friend. Luv ya paisano. [smiley=hug.gif]

Guiseppi
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by JDH on Jan 9th, 2008, 10:23am
All I know is ch.com became a better place on 11/18/06  ;)



Jim
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by nani on Jan 9th, 2008, 10:23am
Tony, you are a bright spot here. Your warmth and sense of humor helps someone every single day.
I've enjoyed our chats and calls tremendously, and hope we'll continue those for years.

Look how far you've come already! Richmond, then Norway. NORWAY!!!
Who'd've thunk it.  ;)

Hang in there, brother... we've got the rope, and there's a big knot on your end.

I love you, nani   :-*   [smiley=hug.gif]
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by George_J on Jan 9th, 2008, 10:38am

on 01/09/08 at 10:23:12, JDH wrote:
All I know is ch.com became a better place on 11/18/06  ;)



Jim


Couldn't say it better.  Although we've never met, I've enjoyed our conversations in chat, and I look forward to meeting you one day.

Your kindness and perception has not gone unnoticed and unappreciated.

All the best,

George
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by kimh on Jan 9th, 2008, 10:49am
well wishes for pfdn's and briter days ahead :)

i saw the video some time ago.  through those videos, you have helped people you know and don't know at this forum, as well as countless others who have not found a home here  :) those images validate all of us who live with cluster headaches***

much appreciation,
kim
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by alienspacebabe on Jan 9th, 2008, 11:08am
As I told you last night, I love you Tony!  

You are a very important part of my life - I thank you for being my friend, even through my really tough times, hell especially through my tough times.
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by sandie99 on Jan 9th, 2008, 11:12am
Thank you Tony, for being who you are. You bring a lot to this family. And I admire your courage - you showed your pain to the whole world via that video.

Pain fades, depression fades - I know that for a fact. And I know how hard it is to believe when it's there... But it will get better.

Lots of hugs & vibes,
Sanna
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by cash5542 on Jan 9th, 2008, 11:15am
With warm regards, that's how Tony signs his posts and it also defines who he is. Someone who is compasionate and warm towards everyone, never having an unkind word for anyone. Your movie taught me just what a cluster headache was. I have loved watching you over come your fears. You even went parasailing!!! Hang in there!  We are all here for you, as youhave been for us!!

Charlotte
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by aprilbee on Jan 9th, 2008, 11:38am
Tony doesn't have to help anyone directly, every day I come on this board, at least one of his posts makes me smile, can't put a price on that...

sending you big ass vibes brother
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by tessistired on Jan 9th, 2008, 11:39am
Tony,

I pray for you everyday along with the rest of our clusterhead family.  You are a very important part of my life and I look so forward to talking to you in chat everyday!  Even tho we havent known each other that long because I havent been here but a few months...it feels like years and I know we will continue to be there for eachother for years to come.  So please dont ever doubt that you have people here for you!

Love you Tony!!

Many Blessings to you!!

Tess
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by barry_sword on Jan 9th, 2008, 12:00pm
Tony, you have helped me in more ways than you will ever know. I always look forward to your posts and replies.

You are one of the most gentle and compassionate persons I have ever know. You are an asset to CH.com. :)
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Jimi on Jan 9th, 2008, 12:12pm

Quote:
You are one of the most gentle and compassionate persons I have ever know. You are an asset to CH.com.  


I think Barry expressed my sentiments exactly. [smiley=hug.gif]
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by midwestbeth on Jan 9th, 2008, 1:04pm

on 01/09/08 at 11:38:49, aprilbee wrote:
Tony doesn't have to help anyone directly, every day I come on this board, at least one of his posts makes me smile, can't put a price on that...

sending you big ass vibes brother


Couldn't agree more  ;)

Beth
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by The  mad viking on Jan 9th, 2008, 1:37pm

on 01/09/08 at 08:27:03, Maffumatt wrote:
There isn't a person on this board Tony hasn't helped directly or indirectly.




Careful with what you  are saying now   [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif]


Thank you Tony

Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Rosybabe on Jan 9th, 2008, 1:59pm
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ejaybird/19ff1fe0.gif

                    :-* Rosy
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Jackie on Jan 9th, 2008, 4:33pm

I can't think of anyone Tony hasn't helped.....either directly or indirectly.

Tony, Darlin',.....I'm gonna keep trying.... :-*

Much Love
Jackie
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Annette on Jan 9th, 2008, 5:43pm

Tony, you have helped me and Daniel countless times. I love you bro. HUGS
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Groov on Jan 9th, 2008, 6:04pm
If ya need something Tony, all you gotta do is e-me

Dave
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Sean_C on Jan 9th, 2008, 6:44pm
He's one of this boards greatest supporters.

Hang tough Tony, behind every shit storm, comes the warmth of the sunshine.  ;)

Sean..................................
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Mosaicwench on Jan 9th, 2008, 8:38pm
Tony has offered honest and friendly criticism of my work and I will be forever grateful.

Hang in there bud - we're beside you all the way.

http://smily.hit.bg/comfort.gif
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Jonny on Jan 9th, 2008, 8:53pm
Tony?

Lets just say he has helped me out by never hitting on me....LOL ;;D

Serious.....Tony, if you ever need an ear to bend PM me....I have millions of free minutes on my cell. Keep in mind that im in bed by 10.  ;)

Never give up and never give in my brother!

Edit to add:

on 01/09/08 at 20:38:09, Mosaicwench wrote:
we're beside you all the way.

I WALK BESIDE YOU!__CLICK (http://youtube.com/watch?v=sthn8wSKrJM)
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by E-Double on Jan 9th, 2008, 9:39pm
stay strong bro
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Grandma_Sweet_Boy on Jan 9th, 2008, 9:51pm
Tony - it is very apparent that you are loved here by many.

Hang in there.  It has to get better. Grandma said so!!!

Hugs
Carol
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by thebbz on Jan 9th, 2008, 10:34pm
You ain't never helped me ...now get off your can and kick some demon a$$$ [smiley=laugh.gif]
KIDDING..
Here is some good juju..use it sparingly ,as it is hard to come by. Get better man.
all the best
thebb
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Charlie on Jan 9th, 2008, 11:23pm

Quote:
Tony doesn't have to help anyone directly, every day I come on this board, at least one of his posts makes me smile, can't put a price on that...

sending you big ass vibes brother


Perfect. Tony lives on a different plane than I.

Charlie
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by zwibbs/Scott on Jan 10th, 2008, 6:39am
Better  days are ahead for you Tony. Stay Strong.
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by artonio7 on Jan 10th, 2008, 8:14am
http://artonio7.com/flowers.jpg

I'm mortified! I'm embarrassed! I'm humbled! I'm overwhelmed! I'm shocked. I'm grateful!  I love you all.

All of you inspire the best in a person and deserve every good effort that a soul can manage. I am awed by your humanity, inspired by your courage, strengthened by your support, humbled by your presence and honored to know you. Being part of this family can only be compared to being loved. You are my friends, my family, my comrades, my allies, my confidants, my coaches, my teachers and my lifeline. Thank you... all of you.... for who you are, what you do and how you manage to bring hope, light and humanity in your unique ways.

What follows is an attempt to explain how I feel and what I'm going through, hopefully it will open a constructive dialogue for those who are or who have gone through something similar and as always it is written with a spirit of helpfulness.

This is not easy. With my current state of mind (depressed) it's hard to imagine that I have any value at all. It's difficult to bring myself to any concept of self worth. I feel like a waste of meat and a burden on society; useless and disposable.

There seems to be many here in our family who have suffered from or are suffering from depression and it's not always easy to talk about. When I'm depressed I feel as though gravity is multiplied. I actually feel heavier, My body hurts. It's difficult to muster any motivation to move. Happy thoughts are not an option. The feelings of remorse, guilt, dread, despair, sadness, helplessness and hopelessness are intrusive overwhelming  and all encompassing states of thinking that occupy much of my energy and can not be easily shaken. I write this not to seek pity or sympathy but understanding for those of us who deal with depression.

As clusterheads we know how frustrating it is that our condition is not understood. When our kip 10's are dismissed as a little headache or met with comments like "I had a headache like that a couple times." we have a tendency to become enraged.
When approached by a stranger during a KIP 9 it is not possible to regain our composure, smile politely and explain in a pleasant manner what we are experiencing. Depression is similar....

Some depressions are caused by things that happen in life, the loss of a loved one, illness, etc.. Nearly everyone has experienced this and knows what that feels like. We all to some extent know what it's like to have an occasional case of the blues. While I am not diminishing the severity of these types of pain and depressions, I would like to clarify that I am talking about the type of depression caused by chemical imbalance, either clinical or chronic.

I like to compare a deep depression to a KIP 10, unless you have experienced one it is difficult to know what it feels like and difficult to explain how it feels. Imagine some good intentioned soul telling you to snap out of a KIP 10 and then becoming enraged that their efforts yielded no results.

Many of us with CH know how it feels to be accused of drug seeking when going to an emergency room with a CH. A person in a deep depression is not seeking pity or sympathy, accusing them of that is similar to accusing a clusterhead of drug seeking. Telling a person who is depressed to snap out of it is like giving someone having a KIP 10 a baby aspirin and expecting the headache to go away.

Like cluster headaches... some medications work and some don't for depression. What may work this time suddenly becomes ineffective with the next bout. Some of you have expressed your experiences on Topamax in the treatment of CH and how it has left you in a less than desirable state. Many of the medications I've tried for depression have proven to be either useless or as a walking zombie, unable to feel anything resembling human.

For those of you who are suffering from depression or who have... please feel free to jump in here and share your experiences if you'd like. I understand that many are hesitant because it is a very personal thing or they fear the social stigma of mental illness.... but Like ch or any illness it is always better in the long run to discuss it and share what we know. Expressing your experience may help someone.

Thank you all again.

with warm regards,
Tony
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by E-Double on Jan 10th, 2008, 8:19am
Thank you Tony.
Understand more than many know
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Mosaicwench on Jan 10th, 2008, 9:24am
Even in depression you are as eloquent as always.  
YOU are the inspiration, bud.


Some days I can't string two words together that make sense . . . .

We're beside you as long as you need us to be.

http://home.no.net/birgif/glis/signs-yourock2.gif
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by nani on Jan 10th, 2008, 10:53am

on 01/10/08 at 08:14:13, artonio7 wrote:
please feel free to jump in here and share your experiences if you'd like. I understand that many are hesitant because it is a very personal thing or they fear the social stigma of mental illness.... but Like ch or any illness it is always better in the long run to discuss it and share what we know. Expressing your experience may help someone.


I know of what you speak, Tony. As you know, I'm struggling right now as well.
It can take all flippin' day to do one thing. I end up feeling like a lazy, useless, blob of flesh.

I get angry. I "do" angry more than sad, because if I let myself feel as sad as I know I am, or let myself be vulnerable...I'll die.

I feel like I'm an alien, dropped into my life with no connection to anyone around me. (funny, though... I don't feel like I'm an alien here, on this board. It's like the only place I "fit" )

I have little patience, no focus, and feel like crap physically. I ache, on the inside and outside.

One thing that I know has saved both you and I are our wicked senses of humor. Thank God for that.

Tony, you can help me with one more thing... who is just-squiggles?  :)

I love you, sweetie. Keep breathing, keep laughing, and keep making us laugh.  :-*

hugs, nani


/punctuation
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Broken on Jan 10th, 2008, 3:39pm
For Tony. Because he asked me to always keep writing and I think he needs it right now. Peace to you my friend.

The dark skies dampen the spirt.
Snow falls and looks like ashes.
Walking this path,you think your alone.
The world is grey, there's no use.

Then from the woods,one appears.
Another follows not far behind.
They pick you up and lead you home.
Where the grey can not find you.

Through the clouds,the sun peaks out.
Wondering if its time to play.
Seeing your smile and those around you,
it shines its brightest upon your shoulders.

These people around you,
they've come to take you back where you belong.
In the sun shine,with them by your side.
Always having been there for when you need them most.

The grey fades away bit by bit.
The snow melts piece by piece.
Dark skies are filled with your light.
Your path no longer seems so alone.

Best wishes Tony. Hope you like it. [smiley=hug.gif]

Broken
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Jimi on Jan 10th, 2008, 4:45pm
Well I can't speak for Tony. But I know that I liked it a lot and I imagine that Tony did too. That was some good stuff and I think you nailed this board with that one.
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by artonio7 on Jan 10th, 2008, 4:53pm

on 01/10/08 at 16:45:39, Jimi wrote:
Well I can't speak for Tony. But I know that I liked it a lot and I imagine that Tony did too. That was some good stuff and I think you nailed this board with that one.


Jeez Jimi.... I wasn't done crying yet.  [smiley=huh.gif]

Felicia you have such a strong clear voice and a beautiful talent that I am always touched by.....

Thank you Felicia.

with warm regards,
Tony
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by nani on Jan 10th, 2008, 5:18pm
:)   :'(

Felicia, that was absolutely beautiful and inspiring.
Thank you.   :-*

hugs, nani
Title: Re: Has Tony helped you?
Post by Sandy_C on Jan 10th, 2008, 5:25pm
Has Tony helped me?

Yes.

By being one of the voices on these boards that provide concrete, truthful information.  

By being one of the voices on these boards that offers advice, prayers, and a shoulder whenever we need one.

By bringing each of us back down to reality with his humor, his insight, and his life experiences.

By being a friend to each and every one of us.

And, most especially to me, by being one of the few to videotape themselves during a hit, and posting it on the web for the whole world to see them at their absolute worst.  This spreads the information about CH to the world, and helps to further research in to the causes and possible cures to CH.

Thank you Tony.

Sandy

 


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