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        New Message Board Archives >> Jan-Mar 2003 >> Up-date on Jill
        
(Message started by: marty on Jan 13^th, 2003, 11:20am)

Title: Up-date on Jill
Post by marty on Jan 13^th, 2003, 11:20am

As many of you know, Jill has been staying with me for a while now, with her parents blessings. During this time, we have seen number of Doctors and, I am sorry to say, spent a lot of time at the ER.

Jill's official diagnosis is clusters and migraines without an auora. In the last couple of weeks these two SOB's seem to trigger each other leaving Jill in pretty much constant pain. Yesterday she had 2 hours without pain. If someone were to tell me that this was possible, I might doubt that person - but I see, I live it and I am amazed as to how strong she is.

We have now had two days with out an ER visit - before that we had three ER visits in 2 days + an admission to the Neuro Dept at Balboa Naval Medical Center in San Diego.

On Thursday, Jill has an appointment with a Neurologist here in San Diego that suffers from Clusters - he has been involved in her ER visits and we have high hopes for this visit. Pain Clinics and other programs are being scheduled.

Current medication is Maxalt, Imitrex, Depokote and Darvocet.

So, Jill is hurting pretty much constantly but is in good spirits and still strong - she has seen some stars in the distance and also been to the ocean. I do my best to take care of her the best way I know how and she will be okay.

I am also in constant contact with her parents and sending them as much info as I can to make them "super supporters". Jill will go back home on the 23rd of January.

Thanks to all of you that have sent presents to her and supported her while she is down here - it meant a lot to her. She will post herself but she is not thinking straight because of all the meds and the constant "hits". She is going through a very hard time and the few hours that she is left alone without pain, is pretty much time to gather some more strength for the next round.

Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart

Marty

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by SommelierCH on Jan 13^th, 2003, 11:48am

Excellent job Marty, thanks for the update.

Wandering around the dark wilderness of the Medical Community while in constant pain, makes it impossible to find a solution by yourself.

Peace,
David J.

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Svenn on Jan 13^th, 2003, 11:51am

Excellent job Marty, thanks for the update.

Svenn

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by brain_cramps on Jan 13^th, 2003, 11:59am

Thanks for the update AND all of the help you have been giving her. I'm sure a lot of people here appreciate your efforts.

Hoping and praying for you Jill,
Grant

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Mastifflvr28 on Jan 13^th, 2003, 12:40pm

Marty,
YOU are a wonderful gift to Jill!!
I'm so glad she's finally getting some good help!

BOTH of you keep strong, this cannot be easy on you either Marty!
Thanks so much,
Mast

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Peppermint on Jan 13^th, 2003, 1:55pm

Marty.
You are an amazingly generous and supportive person. It seems the road is now open for Jill to get to the relief zone because of you.
Continue to hang tough - prayers for you both to get to a solution for pain free days and nights.

Hope to hear more good news real soon.
Pep

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by cootie on Jan 13^th, 2003, 2:30pm

Good luck to Jill and you Marty.....sounds like she's in good hands..a lucky girl !!! Pam :)

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by 9erfan on Jan 13^th, 2003, 3:06pm

Thanks for the update Marty. I didn't realize that Jill was staying with you but I'm so glad that she has some "in-person" support! She needs it! You're a great guy to do this for her, she's lucky to have you as a friend.
Still praying for her!

Virginia

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Opus on Jan 13^th, 2003, 3:42pm

Marty, Thanks for being there for all of us. Please remind Jill that all the peaple on the prayer card and a lot more are lifting up her name in prayer.
Opus :P

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by domm on Jan 13^th, 2003, 4:43pm

Thanks Marty - tell Jill I was asking for her.
domm

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Brassbear on Jan 13^th, 2003, 5:00pm

Marty,

Thanky you so much for standing by Jill. I too suffer from both migraines and the beast. Fortunately, I've not had to deal with both at the same time.

Both of these conditions take a "super-person" to fill the position of supporter, and finding someone willing to stand by and give of themselves is truly a blessing to those of us in pain.

Just remember, we don't want you to "fix" it. We need you to know what we are going through and to be willing to stand besides us. Offer us comfort when you can, and stand aside when necessary.

Without Mary here to support me I would hate to think what added misery might have assaulted me.

To all of you supporters; the Creator put you with us for a reason. Don't give up. Hang tough and continue to fight the good fight. And yeah, we know how tough it is to be with us at times. We only hope you can understand the depths of our appreciation.

Thanks Marty.

Michael

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by marty on Jan 13^th, 2003, 6:38pm

All you guys and gals.. you are the basis for the support that I can give - I have learned it all from you.

DJ, who started this thing, by bringing us together have made it possible for us to bring the support function one step further by allowing us a place where we can scream, yell and shout and be understood. People from all over the world speak the same language and no matter if you are pink, green or purple in your pigmentation, no matter in who or what you believe in, no matter who your ancestors were.. here you count for what you say and how you act.

My point in all of this is that I believe that since I am an episodic CH sufferer, my job is not over just because I am not in cycle.. when I cycle out, I automatically become a supporter.. in my mind, an episodic is a suffering supporter that must step into the role of a supporter when he/she cycles out. We can not just accept help and support when we are in cycle - we must also pay our dues when we cycle out.. as supporters.

Marty

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by 2late on Jan 13^th, 2003, 6:41pm

thanx marty .........2late

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Charlie on Jan 13^th, 2003, 11:05pm

That was great Marty.

Very glad you are there for her and thanks for the update. Say hi for us

Charlie

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Edna on Jan 14^th, 2003, 8:55am

Marty, stretch REALLY REALLY hard with your arm.......and give yourself one HUGE pat on the back for all you're doing!!

I must say that all of us here are extrememly pleased to have received your update on Jill. Let her know we are thinking of her and praying for her and you both.

In your persistance to educate her parents and rear up some support there, I'm hoping that since you're in touch with them that you are perhaps also encouraging them to visit here with us. That would be such an extreme asset to both Jill and them for in the future.

Keep up the good work soldier,
well wishes for you both,
EDNA

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by RetUSN on Jan 14^th, 2003, 9:42am

Hi,
I'm Jill's dad. We were hesitant in giving Jill our support
to go to San Diego and stay with a stranger, until we
talked to Marty on the phone. :) We are very glad that
she is there and getting his help. He is an amazing person. I have to admit that I was pretty ignorant of Jill's pain and what she was going through. I never
imagined that it was that painful. Jill is a wonderful person and a wonderful daughter. I am proud of her and always have been. She is strong, dedicated and real stubborn. :) Since she has been with Marty and getting the support she needs my wife and I have been in contact with her and even though she is 3000 miles away I feel closer to her. I guess I what I'm trying to say is that we are ready and want to give her all the support she needs. We have always been supportive of her in all she does and I thought in all she needs. I thank Marty so much for enlighting us about cluster headaches and giving us guidance on helping Jill. We are grateful for all he is doing and what he has done and I am especially grateful for all you that has helped Jill in her time of need and have been true friends to her. Marty, I'm not much on words and words alone cannot tell you how I feel right now, but thanks for being there for Jill and especially for me and Barbara. This website and message board is a great way of getting info out to all of us who do not know what you
are going through.

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by cootie on Jan 14^th, 2003, 10:09am

Hi Jills dad........you sound like a PROUD supporter.....and I am the same at my end of the world also. I didn't understand the pain myself many many years ago exactly...no one knew anything about them to help us or me to understand better what was goin on and how severe the pain is. This site has helped me more ways then one in what lill time I been on here.....wish I'd of known about it sooner. There's sum honestly dedicated people on here.....a real one on one expirience. Pam

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by brain_cramps on Jan 14^th, 2003, 10:45am

Hi Jill's dad,

No matter how tough it is for a sufferer to explain the pain, it has to be at least that hard for a non-sufferer to imagine it. (if that made sense?)

The pain is VERY REAL. As well as being 'strong, dedicated and stubborn', she has more than proven her 'toughness' to everyone here (as well as herself).

I know Jill must be very glad to have you 'on board'.

Hoping and praying for a break for her,
Grant

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by RetUSN on Jan 14^th, 2003, 10:54am

My name is Ralph, forgot to sign my reply. :)

Jill's dad

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by talitha on Jan 14^th, 2003, 11:10am

Marty, God bless you big time for what you are doing to support Jill...
Jill praying for a break in the pain for you...
Jill's dad, bless you for supporting Jills trip to stay with Marty.
And all the rest of you clusterheads and supporters...I'd be dead right now if I hadn't found you, no kidding and no exaggeration...when this cycle ends you can count on my support..
grace and peace and PFDAN to all
kathy

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by 9erfan on Jan 14^th, 2003, 11:24am

Hi Ralph!

So glad you've come to the board! Because of our locations most of us can only offer Jill our advice & prayers. She needs you & your wife probably more than any other time in her life. She's got a hard road in front of her but it will be 100% easier with constant supporters at home. :)
Yes, unfortunately this pain is very real. And in many cases debilitating. Many of us consider suicide (not trying to scare you). But for most of us, we couldn't get through it without our supporters. I've been going through these things for almost 18 years and if it wasn't for my Mom, I would be lost!
Ralph, you just don't know how happy you have made us by coming to this board. :D Your post brought tears to my eyes. I can tell you love Jill alot! Whenever you have questions about what Jill is going through, please come to this board.
We welcome you as a supporter!! Make yourself comfortable and read as much as you can on this website. You will find so much more info here than from any Dr's out there.
Feel free to come in & post as often as you can! Send all our love & prayers to Jill!! :) :)

Virginia

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Svenn on Jan 14^th, 2003, 11:26am

Marty, God bless you big time for what you are doing to support Jill...
Jill praying for a break in the pain for you...
Jill's dad, bless you for supporting Jills trip to stay with Marty.

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Roxy on Jan 14^th, 2003, 11:51am

Marty, You are an amazing man, actually an inspiration to us all. Thank you for the help you have given. :)

Ralph, I'm glad you now understand what a nasty thing ch's are. You sound like you're going to make wonderful supporter's for Jill. Just hang in there...it's a pretty long and painful road.

Roxy

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Slammy on Jan 14^th, 2003, 12:54pm

on 01/14/03 at 09:42:30, RetUSN wrote:

I have to admit that I was pretty ignorant of Jill's pain and what she was going through. I never
imagined that it was that painful....

I guess I what I'm trying to say is that we are ready and want to give her all the support she needs. We have always been supportive of her in all she does and I thought in all she needs. I thank Marty so much for enlighting us about cluster headaches and giving us guidance on helping Jill.....

We are grateful for all he is doing and what he has done and I am especially grateful for all you that has helped Jill in her time of need and have been true friends to her.....

This website and message board is a great way of getting info out to all of us who do not know what you
are going through.

I've read this post several times. I do not think I have read a more significant post in some time that sums up the power of this site and all of its family. Everyone should be very proud to be here, knowing how much you all have touched each other lives, especially Jill and her family. Words cannot describe the impact.

What an amazing place! :D

Slammy 8)

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by SFChris on Jan 14^th, 2003, 1:53pm

Marty/Jill/Ralph,

Well, this has got to be the very best thread that I have read on this message board in the year that I have been coming here! I am inspired and proud to be part of this this crazy, yet beautiful family. Today, as DJ is about to undergo surgery, I sit here amazed at what he accomplished with this site - the caring and selfless act of kindness and compassion that Marty has demonstrated is extraordinary.
Many of us have been very concerned about Jill - we feel protective of her...it's great to see the family support she will receive. All I can say its WOW!!!

Chris

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by CathiP on Jan 14^th, 2003, 3:51pm

Ralph & Barbara-
I think it's wonderful that you've found this forum. So many here have so much to offer, in the way of information, as well as support. Congratulations to you both for raising such a great daughter- I'm certain the apple does not fall far from the tree, in this case!
Marty- Aww, gee, ya big Viking....you're probably hating all this attention, but truth is you deserve it! I expect to see the Viking Goulash recipe in the new OUCH cookbook, too! Please take care of yourself as well, now- remember, you're supposed to be recuperating from surgery yourself!
Jill- Please just keep letting Marty do what he's been doing, keep getting stronger, Jill- and look for your stars!
Amazing, isn't it, how miracles happen?
What an amazing group of people here!!!

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Svenn on Jan 14^th, 2003, 4:10pm

CathiP

Marty is in NO WAY a Viking.
He is from Sweden and those are "second grades Norwegians" ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
So now you know

Hope you forgive me for this joke Marty ? :) :) :)
Once again.You doing a HUGE JÆVLA BRA HJELP support to Jill i think.Du SKAL BARE VITE HVOR MYE DETTE BLIR SATT PRIS PÅ HER I CLUSTERVILLE.Just tell Jill hi from the old VIKING up north ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Svenn

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by domm on Jan 14^th, 2003, 5:30pm

on 01/14/03 at 12:54:45, Slammy wrote:

I do not think I have read a more significant post in some time that sums up the power of this site and all of its family. ...... Words cannot describe the impact.

What an amazing place! :D

Slammy 8)

Slammy - I couldn't agree more.

What a thing you have created DJ. This situation left me with a large lump in my throat.

PFDANs all
domm

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by cerebus on Jan 14^th, 2003, 6:04pm

Marty/Jill/Ralph& Barbara,

Kudos to you all! I have been corresponding with Jill for some time now and was very upset that she was not getting any relief. Marty, you have managed to do what I could only have hoped to accomplish, I thank you.
Jill keep the faith! May you finally recieve the peace of mind you so desperately deserve and need, I can't say how happy I am for you. E-mail me when you get back to the east coast, I still have to mail that care package I put together fer ya.
Ralph & Barbara , Kudos to you as well, Illnesses are hard to accept, especially when it is not terminal , but, causes so much pain. The family of people I've met here on the board were a God send to me in my time of need and will un-selfishly be the same for you. CH is bad enough, but to have migraines to boot...... Words just cannot express how happy I am for Jill and how proud I am of you to play the support role. Please feel free to email any questions you may have and don't be strangers to the board, there are many minds here to offer suggestions when you seem to not know what to do next. I have gathered some Imitrex and was planning to send them to Jill. Imitrex is very expensive and I didn't want her to have none, so I gathered what I can spare and am sending it to her. If I could have sent an Oxygen bottle to her I most certainly would have.
I had also encouraged her to write, she has a certain ability to express in text what I and others could only feel and think. Don't let her stop, I sometimes think I can actually FEEL what she is saying sometimes, and it might come in handy some day, at minimum her words have helped me understand better the pain we suffer.
In closing, I, once again want to thank you for realizing how painfull this really is, Marty keep up the good work and let me know If there is anything I can help with. Thanks to all of you on the board as well for being there for Jill I really don't know what else to say, you all are the BEST.

Ramon (A.K.A.) Cerebus

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by CathiP on Jan 14^th, 2003, 6:35pm

Svenn-
My humble apologies-but it's Marty's fault!! YOU, Svenn, are the ONLY Viking...we'll just call Marty the old wrinkly cowboy from now on.....'kay?
Marty- What Svenn said....uhh, as long as it is good stuff.
This is a great thread....
Here's to JIll/Marty/Ralph/Barbara...PFDAN to all of you!

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by marty on Jan 14^th, 2003, 11:50pm

Now Svenn..

In the interest of true and accurate information relating to Sweden and its former colony (known as Norway)..

The reason that Sweden "kicked" Norway out of the union, was basically because we did not need any more wooden canoes and Norway's main industry, that of reindeer breeding, was not suitable as we entered into the Industrial era in the early 1900's.

And the story's about Norway finding oil.. well, they actually tapped into Swedish pipelines and diverted the oil to the Norwegian coast and claimed it as Norwegian.

And, most important, Vikings !! They are Swedish.

So There!

Marty

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Edna on Jan 15^th, 2003, 12:16am

WOW Ralph, Barbara........you'll NEVER know how much your support goes to helping with the pain

Jill is sooooo blessed to have you on her side......JILL see I TOLD you they'd come around and there was no need for you to go it alone!!!!!!!!!

Marty........you're a true godsend to Jill and I don't even have to ask her or speak to her to find that out.....all I can say is thank you for succeding where some of us perhaps were not as successful in helping her.

Soooo much respect for the man who made any of this possible.......DJ.....you're the man dude!!!!!!

And to ANYONE else who contributed in ANY way to all the success to this place........thank you

Just think about it.........Jill's help has stemmed from caring ppl who set up something like this..........truly amazing work friends

Now Marty, be sure to let Jill know all the positive going on here for her.......I mean REALLY her dad is even posting to us and I am so proud.

Keep us posted with the updates....we thrive on it

pf wishes to all.

EDNA (Ralph and Barbara, great job, thanks for visiting us and please don't be strangers!!)

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Not4Hire on Jan 15^th, 2003, 2:04am

First ...to Marty...thank you for what you've done. Pretty much defines what a Clusterbud IS.....can't add to what has been said--you are a special guy! (WTF is *auora*???.....never heard that one before)

Second ...to Jill: I tole ya SO! ....and I am SO glad you're getting the support you have needed, from your folks especially. Stay in touch....we think about ya all the time and hope ya find yer key to kickin' the MOFO's butt. Keep breathing DEEP and strong.........

third .....to Ralph & Barbara: I'm SO glad you've raised your consciousness about this awful thing. Your little girl is a trooper--she stuck in when we thought she was gonna give up. Our prayers worked and that's all that matters--she's still with us and we're glad.....

fourth ....to the rest of ya.......

shut the fuck up!

in the way it used ta be.......

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by SommelierCH on Jan 15^th, 2003, 11:56am

Ralph (RetUSN),

You give us all hope that we will be understood. Thanks.

Marty,

You remind me how beautiful life is. Thanks.

Jill,

We love you. Reach for those stars.

David J.

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Mark C on Jan 15^th, 2003, 12:12pm

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Hunny on Jan 15^th, 2003, 12:23pm

I am so impressed by everone who has posted here. I don't know Jill's entire story but I do know that she is lucky to have found all of you. The care, concern and love here is overwhelming.

This is the most amazing web site and I hope that all of you are aware just how very special you are.

An international group of individuals who join together for the benefit of the ones in the most need - do you think you're on to something big?

Sharon

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by woobie on Jan 15^th, 2003, 1:11pm

How in THE Hell ... did I miss this thread?? OMG! You guys are amazing!!!

MARTY.. you are a good seed! :-*

Ralph and Barbara... WELCOME!!

And ditto what everyone else said. This place is absolutely amazing! Everyone!! I can't say much more than has already been said.. but DAMN.. WOW WOW WOW!!!

Marty, please tell Jill hello for me and give her a big hug from us all!!

Tina :-*

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Edna on Jan 15^th, 2003, 1:20pm

"do you think you're on to something big? "

OOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo Yeah hunny......I think we are.........and it's something Huge with a little way to explain it.........

me thinks it's called---------------

L O V E

too bad the world can't be filled with more of it!!

warm fuzzies here,
EDNA

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by firebrix on Jan 15^th, 2003, 1:34pm

This IS a happy story!
Marty - Love you for what you are doing - helping Jill and her parents to come to terms with CH.
I wish you all the very best, and know you will be friends for ever.
Kia kaha! (Be Stong!)
Be happy
firebrix

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by CathiP on Jan 16^th, 2003, 11:56pm

Hey, Marty, Everyone's asking- how's JIll?? How's Marty?
Jill, how's San Diego? How was the Neuro visit today?
Okay, just wanted this to go to the top again, isn't everyone looking for an update??
Hope you're both doing well, please let us know when you can.
For Jill- :-* :-* HUG :-* :-*HUG :-* :-*HUG

For Marty- ;) ;D ;) ;D ;) ;D Hug
CATHI

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by marty on Jan 17^th, 2003, 1:45am

Okay CathiP

Let's start with last night.. around 22:00 hours (10:00 PM).. ER - TIME !!

After maxing out the Demerol and the Benedryl + Maxalt and O2.. we finally left at 03:00 AM. The Dr's know us by now and nurses say "Hi" as we arrive.. That's pretty bad.

As to the Neuro visit - I will have to get back to you on that one - it was good but all is not set up yet and we will see how it turns out. There are options open for Jill and one way or the other, we will "fix" this.

Marty

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by CathiP on Jan 17^th, 2003, 1:57am

Thank you, Marty- I know you must be exhausted- and, of course, Jill just continues to get bashed. It MUST get better- look at all the people who are standing by the 2 of you!
You're doing a superb job, Marty, wish I could do something to help...but I DON'T do windows, so don't even ask, okay?
I'm still thinking about the 2 of you and sending good wishes down to you both....give Jill a hug, please?
Cathi

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Charlie on Jan 17^th, 2003, 2:55am

Nice going Marty and all of you who have helped. This is why I stick around.

Very glad to meet you Ralph and although I haven't heard from this horror in many years, horror is what it is. We are all glad you have now met others. We haven't been easy to find and we can never thank DJ enough for bringing us all together. What a thing this site has become.

(By the way, Svenn...Marty and I will get you..Swedes are too stubborn to give up on you lefsa gobblers :D)

Charlie

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by RetUSN on Jan 17^th, 2003, 8:18am

We talked to Jill last night after her visit to neuro and he is writing her a referral to a pain clinic in San Diego. Barb and I have agreed to let this happen and we are in the process of getting all the transfer papers done through TriCare. (military and their paper work ???) We are also going to talk to her college and see if we can't get a semester off without her losing her scholarship. So the ball is rolling and we hope everything works out.
Jill will still be home on the 24th of Jan and she needs to pack up her dorm and I am trying to arrange a trip to San Diego with her and finally get to meet the man that has brought us closer together. :) This move seems the best for her and as much as it hurts to watch her turn into a young woman we need to let her do whats best for her. She has lots of dreams to fulfill and I hope and pray this will be the start.
Ralph

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by jonny on Jan 17^th, 2003, 8:23am

Good luck, Ralph.....Hope every thing works out for your family.

............................jonny

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by woobie on Jan 17^th, 2003, 8:34am

Hey Ralph...
VERY Cool!!

So glad things are finally coming together for you all!!

Is Jill getting any relief from the meds??? Give her a hug for us!!

I hope her school lets her take a semester off. There HAS to be some sort of leave she can take for medical reasons, you would think, anyhow. I hope it all works out!

Tina :-*

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by brain_cramps on Jan 17^th, 2003, 9:39am

Marty

You should be a saint like DJ, Margi, and even jonny! :D

Keep it up, and keep us posted,
Grant

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Svenn on Jan 17^th, 2003, 9:52am

Hey Ralph...
VERY Cool!!

So glad things are finally coming together for you all!!

Is Jill getting any relief from the meds Give her a hug from me.

Svenn

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by marty on Jan 17^th, 2003, 2:26pm

Okay y'all..

This is the plan for Jill:

The Neuro at Balboa Naval Medical Center told us that he had contacted Walter Reed and recieved all the files on Jill. He did not want to start all over again, doing the same things that have already been done when it comes to medications and the combination of them in order to try to find a combination that works. At present, Balboa has lost two Neuros and are not seeing patients or dependants of retired US Navy personnel - they will in a month or two and Jill is the first one that they want to "work" on.

Until then, he refered her to UCSD (University of California, San Diego) and their Neurological Department. This is a Research and Teaching medical facility and they work a lot with new medications and they will also include a "Pain Clinic". For those of you that do not know exactly what a pain clinic does, let me explain; a pain clinic consists of pharmacists, researchers and pain specialists and their function is not to treat a certain ailment - it is to find a mixture of drugs that will help the person to become as close to pain free as possible.

This is done in combination with attempts to find the correct, non-drug medication by the neuro in his/her regular, continued treatment of the ailment.

I have not talked to Ralph or Barbara about this yet, but Jill's education is very important and I wonder if there is a way for her to continue her education on-line - or if she can do part of her semester at a College here in San Diego.. We'll see.

As to the meds that she is taking now, she is on Maxalt and Imitrex as an emergency abortive, Depakote 500 mg twice per day as a preventative and Citalopram as a phsyce drug to help her stay level.

The "hits" that she had yesterday and today have been "easier" and I hope that the Depakote is working and making them less intense.

CathiP.. We will see you on Monday.. Chocolate Chip - no Rasins.. ;D

Marty

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by brain_cramps on Jan 17^th, 2003, 2:31pm

on 01/17/03 at 14:26:29, marty wrote:

The "hits" that she had yesterday and today have been "easier" and I hope that the Depakote is working and making them less intense.

Sounds like your making some progress. Hang in there (both of you)

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Jill on Jan 17^th, 2003, 2:32pm

I just want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers through this trying time. I have read this post many times and can not begin to say how much your words help and how much they mean to me.

Mom and dad, I love you both very much.

We are on a path that leads to the mountain top where the stars can be seen, thanks Marty for that!

Jill

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by CathiP on Jan 17^th, 2003, 4:01pm

YEAHHHH, JILL!!
Jillieberries, this is SO good! You posted!! I've missed you, and I am so happy to see you posting!!!
Yes, darlin' you really are climbing that mountain, and everyone here is behind you, pushing, pushing- you are not alone. Sun, stars, waves, they're all out there- and so are your parents- arms outstretched, ready to support you any way they can.
Marty, you have been a Godsend to Jill- I know you know that- but I have to say it anyway...you have given Jill the tools she needs, and opened doors for her I never would've imagined- you have given her strength, and you've given so much of yourself-simply for the satisfaction it gives you to give back.
Ralph & Barb- Well, you've got a wonderful daughter there, and she's getting better by the day- you should feel great pride in Jill- she is one strong, tough young lady! I wish the 3 of you so much happiness- and health!
Jill, continue to take "baby steps", continue to do what Marty says, and continue to write- everyone misses your writing!!
Take good care!!
Cathi

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Opus on Jan 17^th, 2003, 5:57pm

Jill,
Glad to hear there is a little sunshine in your life. Still praying for the storm to break and the dance to end. Don't forget to write when this is all over. I'm sure your descriptions of PFDAN will far exceed your descriptions of the dance.
Opus :P

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Night_Owl on Jan 17^th, 2003, 6:26pm

I am very glad that Jill is getting the help she needs.

Night_Owl

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by cootie on Jan 17^th, 2003, 6:58pm

Man I got goosebumps readin this.....best of luck in the world to ya Jill..I don't think I got to meet ya...but I am rootin for you big time !!!! This is so touching kinda like a story book tale.....good luck !!! Pam

Title: Re: Up-date on Jill
Post by Ted on Jan 29^th, 2003, 7:47pm

This is great to see. I'm sorry that Jill's hurting so much still but it's great to see you (Ralph) and Barbara there for her, understanding and supporting her. I know this means a lot to her and will help her greatly get through the pain. Sorry I'm late to this thread but my computer was dead when it took place and I'm just seeing it.