The low down
I’ve been thinking about writing this post for a while. I want you to know that this is not a gambit to secure some sympathy or to beg for prayers or anything of that sort. It’s just that I have about 7,000 friends who visit this blog everyday and this is the best way to tell you all. You may remember that I spent a week with the wonderful doctors at Walter Reed last summer to figure out why my feet quit paying attention to me. It’s been going on for about three years now. They ran every test on every malady they could think of and they arrived at the same conclusion I’d guessed.
I have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. It is a neurodegenerative disease of unknown cause that breaks down tissues in the nervous system and affects the nerves responsible for movement. Well, I say I “have” the disease, but there’s no real test to prove that’s what it is – the doctors have to eliminate everything else in order to arrive at that diagnosis.
The good news is that I’m still around – many people die from it in less than two years after the symptoms start appearing. So far, it’s only affected my feet and lower legs. Today, the doctors at the West Virginia ALS clinic tested my ability to breath (how most people die when the respiratory system doesn’t talk to the brain) is higher than they expected. The doctor said she’s going to put the test results on her fridge.
Luckily, my real job doesn’t require more than sitting at a computer, like this one, so as long as my hands work, I’m good. My hands show no signs of not working. I do have a problem doing math in my head and my vocabulary is slowly contracting, but there are computers for that I hear.
A few years back, the VA determined that ALS occurs in an abnormally high number of Gulf War veterans, but they don’t know why. I’m still in touch with many of my troops and they don’t show symptoms and I have no family history of the disease. Regardless, I’ve applied to the VA for disability through the Paralyzed Veterans of America and they seem to think that it’s an automatic 100% disability rating. So I guess I’m going to become an expert on the claims-filing process at the VA.
Like I said, I didn’t write this for any special treatment or to beg you for your prayers. I wrote it just because I think of you dickweeds as my friends (all of you lurkers I don’t know, too) and this blog is one of the few successful things I ever done. So, thank you for sticking by me with all of my trips to the doctors and for the shortfalls in the blogging in recent months.
By the way, mentally, I’m fine with this. There’s no one to blame, not even myself or the Army or Saddam Hussein or anyone else. It’s just stuff that happens.
I have a great family that sticks by me, great doctors who do everything they can, and you, my great friends. To borrow from Lou Gehrig in his good bye to the Yankees fans “I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth”, and I’m not going anywhere until God decides otherwise.
ADDED: By the way, my doctor has a patient who she’s been treating for 15 years. He takes his wheelchair out to his tractor, farms all day and then wheels himself back to the house. So you phony soldiers aren’t going to be getting rid of me anytime soon.
February 28th, 2013 at 7:28 pm
damn. fight well brother.
February 28th, 2013 at 7:28 pm
I know you didn’t ask but you certainly have my prayers Jonn….This blog is the one I’ve stuck with the longest because I feel like so many here are my frieds.
February 28th, 2013 at 7:29 pm
…friends….
February 28th, 2013 at 7:30 pm
Damn, I figured you’d lead when we next danced. Can’t feel my feet either, BTW.
What a couple we will make!
February 28th, 2013 at 7:32 pm
Definitely thoughts and prayers.
I’m a C5-C6 quadriplegic and I’ll tell you from my standpoint … fight it EVERY day. Do not let it wear you down, and do not give up. Once you give up it’s all over with. I’ve literally seen people with less affected paralysis than me give up and die within weeks. I’ve been going strong for years, and intend to see my grandchildren (which I don’t have yet) make me a great grandfather.
It’s literally all in the attitude/mindset.
Best wishes,
Gravel
February 28th, 2013 at 7:33 pm
Jonn, you have my prayers, not only for your fight with ALS, but also your fight with the VA. It’s going to be a long one.
February 28th, 2013 at 7:33 pm
I feel my feet, they just don’t communicate with my brain.
February 28th, 2013 at 7:38 pm
You are and always be a sexy beast. PERIOD.
Love you to the moon and back.
February 28th, 2013 at 7:42 pm
I hadda give up tap dancing.
Also a warning of no small note: When all appears bleak I will be there.
Oh yeah… yer still cute!
February 28th, 2013 at 7:43 pm
Sorry to have read this post, but I do wish you well Jonn.
February 28th, 2013 at 7:51 pm
Shit diagnosis Brother, and you have my thoughts and prayers the doctors are wrong…and if not that, you are able to keep on with the good fight for years to come. I have been following your words of wisdom and good deeds since P.NET… plan on following you for a good bit longer.
Don’t worry. no sympathy as we all know where to find that in the dictionary.
AATW!
February 28th, 2013 at 7:57 pm
Jonn
It is an honor and a privilege to read and be a part of your creation here at TAH.
Luck in Battle
February 28th, 2013 at 7:58 pm
Right up there with Stephen Hawking, you are, Jonn.
February 28th, 2013 at 8:02 pm
Jonn,
All the best to you and your’s Jonn. Let us know if there’s anything you need done, even if the diagnosis is non-ALS. God Bless.
February 28th, 2013 at 8:05 pm
I don’t know you personally, but I’ve admired your attitude and writing for a couple of years now, as I’ve followed your blog (mostly in lurk mode).
Best of luck in your battle. I think you’ve got a great mental attitude and if anyone can kick this thing’s ass, you can. I’ll be thinking of you and sending you my best wishes.
“How far?” “All the way, Sergeant!”
February 28th, 2013 at 8:09 pm
Not the best news Jonn, but all the best to you. I have been following your writing for a long time and really appreciate what you have to say. I see you did not ask but you will have my prayers.
February 28th, 2013 at 8:16 pm
God bless you Jonn.
February 28th, 2013 at 8:19 pm
I’m a relative newcomer to this blog, but I still follow it closely, and wholeheartedly agree with most of what you have to say. Best of luck, and if there is anything at all we can do for you, do not hesitate to ask. Stay strong, and drive on.
February 28th, 2013 at 8:27 pm
I know you’ll keep up the fight Jonn. “Quit” is in the vocabularly but not in the character.
And keep up the good work.
February 28th, 2013 at 8:28 pm
Damn. Why is it that the good people get stuff like this?
#5 Gravel: I salute you. Hope that I could be so focused if stuff hit me.
I gotta have a Scotch on this development. Good people get hammered. Assholes live on and on with no care.
February 28th, 2013 at 8:31 pm
I am one of those usually lurk, but so enjoy your posts. God give you and your family strength. I look forward to “lurking” for a long time to come!
February 28th, 2013 at 8:36 pm
Here’s to hoping your the 20+year patient,there is still alot of work yet to be done.
Never give up.
February 28th, 2013 at 8:38 pm
Me and Jonn just might jump out of a perfectly good aircraft this summer. IF he is willing?
Tandem jumps involved mind you.
February 28th, 2013 at 8:42 pm
Bless you Jonn, I feel that I know you well even though we have never met. Watching you straighten out the MSM and reading your posts. I helped my sister in law’s uncle who was a Vietnam vet get VA comp for ALS. He is drawing 100% plus the VA bought him a power chair and a van! Hang in there, he was diagnosed over 3 years ago and is still fighting the fight. He says the medical MJ helps, but that is an individual call. We are praying for you man!
February 28th, 2013 at 8:42 pm
Yeah, fuck a bunch of ALS. You live as long as you are able to do what you want to do. If that means taking a Rascal Scooter to the park and chasing the grandkids, so be it. Live large, brother.
February 28th, 2013 at 8:44 pm
Nec Aspera Terrent
February 28th, 2013 at 8:45 pm
I’ve heard the same thing about the link between ALS and Gulf War Syndrome. WTF.
That said.. it sounds like you’re in a good place with a doctor who is all over this shit.
February 28th, 2013 at 8:55 pm
God Bless. You’re a damn good man Mr. Lilyea.
February 28th, 2013 at 8:57 pm
I love this blog. Prayers out.
February 28th, 2013 at 9:03 pm
I’m so sorry to hear that Jonn. I read everything you post every day and am eternally grateful for your help with our own personal Stolen Valor situation.
All my best and here’s hoping that the most you have to deal with are feet that don’t talk to your brain. May you be with us for another 50 years.
February 28th, 2013 at 9:16 pm
GOD Bless. I’m still a “Newbie” here, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of this site since I found it, I hope this site and you will be around for MANY years to come, and I hope the Docs are wrong about it being ALS!
February 28th, 2013 at 9:31 pm
Drive on Brother. All the way and then some.
February 28th, 2013 at 9:37 pm
I know I just jump in every once in a while but I wish you well and hope that the good fight goes on for many more years.
George
CTIC(SG) (Ret)
February 28th, 2013 at 9:54 pm
Hold on past the point of reason and then hold on some more. Show it what you’re made of.
February 28th, 2013 at 10:06 pm
Good attitude, friend. We’ve got your back, so to speak.
February 28th, 2013 at 10:07 pm
Nec Aspera Terrent
Another Wolfhound in the house, huh?
Jonn, you’ll get prayers, like it or not. And if there’s anything more I can do, just let me know.
February 28th, 2013 at 10:19 pm
This dickweed is still going to say a prayer for you tonight, my friend.
February 28th, 2013 at 10:35 pm
Fight well brother. If you need anything in DC at all… reach out. My prayers are with you.
February 28th, 2013 at 10:38 pm
Lurking dickweed here. Treat ‘em rough brother.
February 28th, 2013 at 10:40 pm
You and this place helped this civilian learn and grow in understanding and respect of our military, Jonn. You helped me to become a good supporter and a better person. I thank you for that. Many positive and healing thoughts headed your way (and lots of prayers, too.)
February 28th, 2013 at 10:43 pm
I happen to know Someone who performs miracles. I’ll be mentioning you to Him …
So, here’s to decades of raising Cain and busting posers!
AATW!
February 28th, 2013 at 10:49 pm
Fine, next time I’m driving through Flintstone I’ll stop through for that cup of coffee. You didn’t have to take it this far to get people to stop in my friend.
February 28th, 2013 at 10:50 pm
I wish you well. You are in my prayers.
Kindest Regards
HMA
February 28th, 2013 at 10:52 pm
Best wishes with this, and hope they’re wrong….and if not then that you set the longest doctor treatment record. And more best wishes on a speedy and successful VA claim process.
February 28th, 2013 at 11:09 pm
Goddamn it.
Shoot me an email with your address and what brand you drink, Jonn, and I’ll have it shipped. After all, we gotta get that booze in you before they put some bullshit liver-killing meds in your system.
February 28th, 2013 at 11:13 pm
Very proud to be called a dickweed from you; I’ll follow you to the gates of hell with a gas can in each hand.
Take care, Brother!
February 28th, 2013 at 11:16 pm
Jonn, this is the only blog I check even once a day, and I probably check it an average of 3 or 4 times. You and the other writers on this site are the first, best source of opinions I like to hear from about the news that interests me.
I respect and thank you for your military career and what you have decided to do since. You are honest and straightforward everytime and I couldn’t ask for more from the people that bring me news.
Good luck and enjoy as many cigars and as much range time as your heart desires.
February 28th, 2013 at 11:22 pm
This mostly lurking member of your 7000 dickweed band is certainly sending positive thoughts and prayers tonight and throughout your fight. Thanks for all you do and will continue to do.
February 28th, 2013 at 11:40 pm
According to the Agent Orange Review (Vol 26, No1, Winter 2012, page 4) ALS diagnosed in a Veteran from any era is presumed related to military service as long as they served on active duty for at least 90 continuous days. No mention of the disability rating.
Good luck dealing with the VA.
February 28th, 2013 at 11:43 pm
My thoughts and prayers, Jonn.
I can only hope that in the same situation I would react with such dignity and poise.
March 1st, 2013 at 12:34 am
Jonn,
Via email send me an address where I can send the cigars. Seriously.
You got people sending the drinks. What good is a drink without a cigar?
Do you like mild, medium or strong? Fat and short, or long and thin?
They won’t be Cubans, but decent none-the-less.
March 1st, 2013 at 1:31 am
Here’s to another two score and ALS be damned. You are in my prayers John.
@25 and 36: 3rd Wolfhounds here 1988-1992
March 1st, 2013 at 1:51 am
That’s Jonn (damn autocorrect)
March 1st, 2013 at 2:13 am
This is the only website, much less blog, that I check daily. Jonn, you and your fellow writers keep us abreast of topics that are of import to many vets (and conservatives for that matter–isn’t the latter usually a prereq for the former?), and give me a place to vent and to occasionally make a drunkenly incoherent point. Best of luck and hang in there! I look forward to reading your posts in the years to come.
March 1st, 2013 at 2:29 am
Hang in there John.
March 1st, 2013 at 2:57 am
“…There’s no one to blame, not even myself or the Army or Saddam Hussein or anyone else. It’s just stuff that happens…”
Whether physical or mental, there are just some things that we will take to the grave.
Make it a good one.
March 1st, 2013 at 6:32 am
Held off on replying overnight to lets this sink in. It still hasn’t fully registered. I’ll say more in a private note when it has.
Whether you want it or not, I too will ask CINC-All to assist.
More to follow later, privately.
March 1st, 2013 at 7:07 am
Stay well Jonn.
March 1st, 2013 at 7:40 am
Have I told you that I love it when you call us dickweeds?
So, you need to do this: Display your intestinal fortitude which is required to fight the ALS objective and complete the mission…though it may knock you down- we’ll be here to put you back. Promise.
March 1st, 2013 at 7:42 am
ABN-CIB…Jonn,
Sorry to hear this young bro. I have no doubt you’ll be around a long long time to give the right people a huge pain in the ass. I’m not even concerned. Your fighting spirit will get you through this. AIRBORNE!
March 1st, 2013 at 7:44 am
John,
I have been lurking here for years, I value your opinion, insight,and strength of character. Your site is a place to refresh the mind and soul and cut through the bullshit, Thank you.
Prayers go up for you and your family!
March 1st, 2013 at 7:50 am
I’ve not been lurking for years, more like a year or so, and I thank you for this blog, sir. I’m sorry to have read this, you’re getting prayers, whether you want them or not.
March 1st, 2013 at 8:00 am
A tough cup to drink from, good luck.
March 1st, 2013 at 8:39 am
Sorry to hear this, Jonn.
March 1st, 2013 at 8:46 am
I see you at least once or twice a week and you know how much I love to follow orders! So, TUFF, you are in our prayers and thoughts!
You absolutely know that I am here to help!
Quick question though, does it affect the connection between brain and mouth? That might explain most of my outburst over the crap on the news!
Nec Aspera Terrent Brother
March 1st, 2013 at 8:50 am
Helluva first read today. My thoughts n prayers are with you Jonn. As others have said above; this is the Mil-Blog that I read daily, and multiple times each day.
In conversation several years ago; Alan Osmond, (The Osmond Family), told me: “I have MS but MS does not have me!” Best thing I have heard about anyone with any disease. It may “get you” one day, but I doubt that it will ever “beat you”. Drive on to the objective, Soldier.
March 1st, 2013 at 8:59 am
There are a number of folks who have read this post and are unable to comment. I know. I was one of them. I will assume the role of their spokesman until they are able to say what they want.
First off, Jonn, we wish you well and know that if any affliction can be beat or any obstacle over come by spit and vinegar, what’s ailing you has no chance. Second, there is something special about TAH that allows us to feel that its pappy is someone we know, respect, and admire even if most of us haven’t met you face to face. If ever you need proof positive of that, just ask for some help on something. The line will be long with those of us who will respond saying, “I know NOT to volunteer for anything, but this is the exception.” Lastly, we look forward to many more years of your posts. We of this world don’t get to call certain shots, that’s for sure. But the Good Lord knows what we need and, I earnestly believe, no matter what YOU may want, he’ll take care of us who need you here. Oh. One more last thing: Could you please consider selling TAH Dickweed medals and certificates? (Are you listening Frank?)
March 1st, 2013 at 9:35 am
Jonn,
We all of us owe you in one way or another for TAH. It is, I’m certain as much a catharsis as a labor of love. It’s also nice to be able to sit on your virtual front porch and chew that on the subjects you (and others here) toss out.
Although not having ALS, I understand the mobility issues. I’m dealing with a spinal tumor that forces me to use a cane right now and will likely result with me in a wheelchair. I don’t say that for sympathy, or that it comes even close to what you’re dealing with. I say it to let you know that there’s a lot of us who understand, if only partially, and are willing to support you in any way you might need.
Hell, Jonn, even if it’s to help keep you in rum and cigars.
God Bless ya, shipmate. We’re all family here. Just holler if/when you need anything.
March 1st, 2013 at 9:55 am
Thank you for all the sacrifices that you have made to combat evil and for the example that you have set for future generations to follow. Thank you for writing TAH.
I will add my prayers to all the others. The Lord is going to be utterly sick of hearing about you at this rate. :p
Remember that God helps thems what help themselves, so keep fighting both for yourself and for your family.
March 1st, 2013 at 9:55 am
I’ve been banging away at my keyboard to this blog for about 7 months now, and keep coming back because like-minded folks are here. The discussions are sensible and the humor can’t be beat, which is why I keep coming back.
You are a friend, Jonn. In spite of the fact we’ve never met, camaraderie exists amongst us all, and we owe that to you. With that said, if you need ANYTHING, let us know. I’m in northern Virginia and presumably not too far from you. My e-mail is embedded somewhere, so if you need something – let me (us?) know.
March 1st, 2013 at 9:58 am
OK … one dickweed to another. Thanks for telling us. You give many of us like minded patriots a place to hang out, blow off steam, bloviate, and otherwise comment on what is important and what is not.
So … Jonn, this dickweed wishes you all the best as you figure this out … keep us posted!
March 1st, 2013 at 10:05 am
Jonn you are in my thoughts and prayers. The VA process is slow and ponderous, it took about nine months for the VA to return my rating. I was expecting maybe 20%, I am rated more than a little above that now. I am 28, still a drilling reservist, and I can still PT, shoot, move, and communicate better than the 18 year old PT studs. Point is, Jonn, keep on rocking in the free world, I remember that video interview you posted a few months back, and you are still mobile, still young at heart and you still have that fire when it comes to stolen valor. Keep up the fire!!!
March 1st, 2013 at 10:06 am
USMCE8′s statement goes for me too, I’m in NOVA and I can be in WVA in an hour or less should you need assistance.
March 1st, 2013 at 10:50 am
Jonn, our thoughts are with you. Hang in there.
March 1st, 2013 at 11:06 am
F$ck man, I just found this place a few months ago….you better tough this out! I love reading the words here, it’s as though I found a place where my thoughts aren’t so singular anymore…where I am expected to defend my thoughts or get drilled for being a numbnuts….
Well, even if you didn’t write it for thoughts and prayers, you are sure as h3ll going to get them Jonn Lilyea…I know a lot of folks who like to add good men and women into their daily prayers and you are going to be one of the names we add in from this day forward. I’m on your side dude!
March 1st, 2013 at 11:32 am
You’re a special man, Jonn. Prayers out to you and yours.
March 1st, 2013 at 11:33 am
hang in there John.
March 1st, 2013 at 11:55 am
Jonn,
The story still has chapters yet to be written and I expect that you to continue to write those chapters.
Keep driving on to the objective!
I wish you & yours well.
May God bless you.
RLTW
March 1st, 2013 at 12:18 pm
Thoughts and prayers out, Jonn.
March 1st, 2013 at 12:23 pm
Prayers for healing and health. The angels are afraid of infantrymen, so you’ve got lots of time. True story.
March 1st, 2013 at 12:29 pm
Dear John, for what it is worth, I and my family will pray for you. God speed young man!
March 1st, 2013 at 12:44 pm
Jonn, Hang in there, prayers are with you and your family.
BTW: that is Sgt Dickweed to you!!
March 1st, 2013 at 1:06 pm
Jonn- research keeps improving things; a friend who flew in Nam had ALS and they gave him 2-5 – he made 13 more. Don’t believe the mortality BS and hang in there.
March 1st, 2013 at 1:09 pm
New to this site but appreciate all you do. Hang in there brother. Semper Fidelis.
March 1st, 2013 at 1:54 pm
Keep on keepin’ on.
March 1st, 2013 at 2:01 pm
Jonn,
I as a guy who has been coming here (and lurking) nearly daily for almost 5 years, thanks for all you do. Keep up the fight.
March 1st, 2013 at 3:32 pm
Never waste a day. There’s so much to learn!
My very best to you.
March 1st, 2013 at 4:09 pm
Nobody is even the least bit knowledgeable about what causes ALS. I am very familiar as I took care of a great man that eventually died from the disease. He was a great man and the bravery he showed every day touched me like nothing ever has.
You are very Brave my friend to accept it for just what it is. Nobody can tell you what will happen in what timeframe or anything about when and where it will strike next.
Professor Steven Hawking has ALS and is the longest known survivor of the disease and he certainly has had a very full life. He has had it for over 50 years and hasn’t quit living yet. I admire both of you.
Thanks for all that you have done. I go to TAH every single day for the truth about many things, I find your attitude and insight to be spot on at all times.
Thanks
Thunder
March 1st, 2013 at 4:13 pm
Damn.
I have watched this in action. My mother and her sister died of this. They didn’t tell me about my aunt for years for fear that I’d freak over the 5% chance of a genetic connection.
May God grant you strength.
March 1st, 2013 at 4:14 pm
Jonn,
We have known each other longer than any other dickweeds here and I know that when a hard fight is needed there isn’t a better fighter I have ever known.
Beat this! That’s a fucking order!
and you have never failed me.
March 1st, 2013 at 5:11 pm
John I chc your blog every day.So that I can think about 2nd plt B1/75.Keep up the fight.RLTW RGR MAC
March 1st, 2013 at 5:46 pm
Hey, Dickweed Mc Lurker here- John, I hope to be reading your posts years from now, or even better, shake your hand. Hang in there, and please keep us posted!
March 1st, 2013 at 6:30 pm
It’s not about how you’re knocked down.
It’s about how you get up.
I said you were right up there with Hawking, and I meant it. Fight the good fight forever.
March 1st, 2013 at 9:19 pm
Each life is a story, we never get to write the beginning and damned near never get to choose how it ends, the parts in between are what matters. I know from reading your words that your are one of the few men of honor and integrity left in this world. I have no doubt that you will face this for what it is and not let yourself become a victim.
You said that this blog was one of the only successful things you had done, I highly doubt that, In my life I have found that more often than not its the things we consider trivial that really matter to those around us. I have no doubt that in your life you have inspired more people than you realize.
I am not man with religion but i will keep you in my thoughts.
Peace
March 1st, 2013 at 9:45 pm
Jonn: Prayers, thoughts, best wishes and support with you always. You ever need anything, e-mail or shoot me an FB message.
March 2nd, 2013 at 1:39 pm
Best wishes and hang in there, you can’t go anywhere, this blog is way to interesting for us regular folks.
March 3rd, 2013 at 1:26 pm
prayers to you brother, you WILL beat it!!!!!!!!!!
March 3rd, 2013 at 1:36 pm
Fight on, Jonn. best wishes and stay strong!
March 3rd, 2013 at 1:38 pm
Sending a good thought your way Bro…..hang tough.
March 3rd, 2013 at 1:48 pm
John, you rock. Good thoughts and prayers for the man who didn’t ask for them. Keep putting shit on your doc’s fridge!
March 3rd, 2013 at 1:49 pm
I have been an eager reader of this blog since I first discovered it several years ago. I am a great admirer of your insights both military and political, and send you all of my best wishes.
March 3rd, 2013 at 1:56 pm
The PVA is one of the strongest representatives you can get. They know their shit. There is a 7 year presumptive period after you are discharged. ALS and MS fall into that category. If symptoms occur during that time you are considered Service Connected. If you don’t fit into that category, by virtue of having served during war time there are Non-Service connected benefits available that don’t suck.
March 3rd, 2013 at 1:58 pm
Same/same as with AO Vets.. When the Docs ran out of what to call the “I don’t know WTF this is” they resorted to Lou Gehrig and Peripheral Neuropathy. Often autoimmune diseases are caused by chemical exposure.. and latency should be taken into account when applying for VA bennies. The part they will want you to prove is that it was in fact caused by something that occurred during your time in… and letter5s from Doc’s outside the VA will be quite helpful if they can state – at least as likely as not – caused by …
Don’t give up hope.. definitely in prayers
March 3rd, 2013 at 2:18 pm
A better man than me said it best…”Retreat, Hell!” NEVER GIVE UP, get as much exercise as you can, eat well and keep the faith. Semper Fi
March 3rd, 2013 at 2:39 pm
with an attitude to life like your, you have lived a full and rich one. i think that might qualify you as an honourary ‘hoser’ eh!
March 3rd, 2013 at 2:54 pm
I read this blog not because I served, but because my family has & I desire a deeper connection and understanding of military life. Many prayers sent to you sir & your family. Fight on & know you have strangers like me out in this world rooting for you!
March 3rd, 2013 at 3:10 pm
Fight on comrade.
March 3rd, 2013 at 4:00 pm
Are you registered with the Gulf War Register? I have read a lot about this and it showing up in our Gulf Vets. I will keep you in my prayers. Anything is possible as long as you believe. Taking some time off and enjoy life. God Bless you and your family. Sherri
Occurrence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis among Gulf War veterans
http://www.neurology.org/content/61/6/742.short
March 3rd, 2013 at 4:13 pm
I love where you say “By the way, mentally, I’m fine with this. There’s no one to blame, not even myself or the Army or Saddam Hussein or anyone else. It’s just stuff that happens.”
Great attitude!!! After 4 combat deployments and 15+ years of service, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease (thyroid) – no cure. I struggle with this daily but I appreciate your outlook. It really is the best way to look at it. Hang in there and take care.
-Another brother (from another mother) in arms.
March 3rd, 2013 at 6:27 pm
Bro there I was there in D/S & D/S with you. Retired a little over a year later. Your outlook on live and the values you express here tell me all I need to know about you. My prayers are with you and know that I’ll do what I can to help. I haven’t shown any signs of ALS but the ticker stopped on me once and I now have 3 stents, high blood pressure etc. but it hasn’t slowed me down much. It’s the nerve damage in my lower back and legs that has me stove up. Anyway onward and upward. Semper Fi
George
MSgt USMC Retired
March 4th, 2013 at 10:15 am
John,
I have been a fan of your writings as well as your desire to right the wrong….or bring light to the roaches and watch them scatter. Often times we will receive words from Doctors and think well they went to school for this so they must know what they are talking about. Remember always my friend that they only PRACTICE medicine and 90% of the time they are only guessing. Praying for you and the fight I know you will give…….
March 5th, 2013 at 4:03 pm
John,
I pretty much know exactly how you feel and you’d likely rather be dead if it weren’t for family and friends to keep you motivated and happy in life.. Fraud Hunting occupies your time as well and makes you feel likeyou are actually contributing to something of importance for awhile. Keep up the great job! If you ever want to join forces on a case I work with the POW Naetwork an reside in N. Carolina.
Thank you and stake care,
Mr. Jaimie A. Brehler
March 6th, 2013 at 3:05 pm
You might want to check out Dr. Robert Young (pH Miracle: http://www.phmiracleliving.com/)from the Lajolla, CA area. I met him in 1998 and discovered that degenerative diseases can be reversed through a nutrition program. Results can be clearly observed through the microscopic observation of the blood. I will tell you it works (don’t let the commercial appearance of his website detract from the message about alkalinity).
BTW I enjoy your site and am a VN vet (1969-1970.
March 6th, 2013 at 5:03 pm
No mercy.
I’m going to continue to f*ck with you and will pee on your grave.
After drinking a bottle of tequila.
So you won’t mind.
Just like today I called Lex a sorry bastard for running off on us.
March 7th, 2013 at 7:36 am
We’re fighting it, too. My wife has ALS. I’m working with some NEALS doctors on a fundraising project for a treatment currently being developed. I’m glad you have a slower form. Treatments are coming.
You’ve got lots of warriors out there fighting along with you. Family and friends make all the difference.
Peace,
Steve Kolb