THANK YOU VETERANS

PERSONAL

May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be ever at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face And the rain fall softly on your fields And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

I awoke this morning at 6:45am, to a 3- after 8hrs of sleep. It is a wet cool morning. I took my am pills along with that new M.S. Pill that I will report on in my LDN section. I put out my flag, not just because it is Veterans Day as you know; and I am sorry I've missed a couple of postings but I have been very busy the last few days. I will again repeat one of my Dads favorite poems, brother Mike was kind enough to send me and also the fishermens poem from Zowies funeral:

Around The Corner
Charles Hanson Towne (1877-1949)
Around the corner I have a friend, In this great city that has no end; Yet days go by, and weeks rush on, And before I know it, a year is gone, and I never see my old friend’s face,
For life is a swift and terrible race. He knows I like him just as well, As in the days when I rang his bell And he rang mine. We were younger then, And now we are busy, tired men; Tired with trying to make a name Tired with playing a foolish game; ‘Tomorrow,’ I say, ‘I will call on Jim, Just to show that I’m thinking of him.’ But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes, And the distance between us grows and grows. Around the corner!— yet miles away ...‘Here’s a telegram, sir. Jim died today.’
And that’s what we get and deserve in the end; Around the corner, a vanished friend.

FROM ZOWIES FUNERAL:

God grant that I may live to fish until my dying day, And when it comes to my last cast
I then must humbly pray. When in the Lord's safe landing net I'm peacefully asleep.
That in His mercy, I be judged............Good enough to keep.

I am going to try to get over to A.I.O.M. today and hopefully they can get to my handicap shower asap. I did get to the CPBT meeting yesterday and did get out to lunch with brother Mike Monday and I went to the credit union to get started on a loan to get my handicap shower installed. There is also a luncheon next Friday sponsored by O.H.S.U., regarding M.S. and diet that I will attempt to attend. I still don't know why these new medications are not covered by Kaiser? I am also going to check with the national M.S. Society and ask them if it is usual to diagnose Primary Progressive as Relapsing Remitting on a first diagnosis.

Don't forget, if you have a favorite message from a ”section” you are going to have to research my blog.

Also, don't forget, we need to fix that hole in OUR health care coverage, and I hope if you are a 290 member, you will help. The hole is, I was told I am not eligible for Medicare until 2 years after the beginning of my S.S. Disability payments start, which was April 2008, and my eligibility for disability was determined to be November of 2007. With Medicare I believe I would be eligible for a handicap accessible bath, my Kaiser coverage has provided me a contraption to help put my socks on and a handicap, bath-shower chair, similar to a plastic patio chair. When I explained this to my business manager he advised me to write an appeal letter to the trust and they would review my situation and maybe they could help through the self funded plan. I wrote the letter and my request was turned down by the “committee”, as they were advised not to set a precedent. (FYVM)

Here is my new point: I was diagnosed with M.S. in the fall of 2005 and I was prescribed weekly “Interferon” shots as a treatment for over a year and a half. These shots, I was told cost almost $1,400 each, my co-pay was, I think about $20.00. That means someone (The Trust) paid the difference for about 78 weeks. 78 x $1,380 = $107,640.

I'm thinking there was not enough of a concern by the “committee” to not only save, the trust, or whomever that $100,000+ from the treatment prescribed; but making sure a precedent wasn't set by allowing me to get a $10/15,000 walk-in bath seems pretty trivial to me. I did get to AIOM to pick up my scooter and showed Judi the new shower I have ordered, I put $1,000 down to get them to order it and I will be taking a loan out to pay for it in full, and the cost will be about half of what Ihad anticipated.

My second question is, after I got an private attorney to get Social Security Disability, and with his help, it took about 8 weeks, to get my SSD determination and they went back to the time I was “re-diagnosed” with 'Primary Progressive M.S.' instead of “Relapsing Remitting” and S.S. went back to that date, for my back payments. When I received my Social Security Disability, I was informed that I would be Medicare eligible in two years. I assumed that that 2 years would be over in November, as S.S. determined I was S.S.D. Eligible for payment upon my diagnosis change, November 2007. That 2 years since the change to Primary Progressive would be in November of 2009. The following paragraph tells you the response I received from Medicare.
If I were a Trustee, or advisor to this Trust; would it be my fiduciary responsibility to go after that trust savings for the plan?

ATPA has been our trust administrator for 3-4+ decades, and I have always thought they were top of the line, but now I'm thinking, they think it is their trust.

I did get the letter from the trust. They suggested I go back to request help from Kaiser, my provider; or contact the M.S. Society, they may have a program to help with a bathroom remodel.

I thought the 2 years on S.S. Disability, requirement to be eligible for Medicare would be in November, when I spoke with a person at Medicare to find out what I should do, if anything, the woman I spoke with said that the clock didn't start ticking for the 2 years until I received my first S.S.D. Payment, not when I was determined eligible, that means I am not Medicare eligible until March or April next year as far as they are concerned. Do you suppose that's why they always stall? I do think that is B.S., but I guess it will take another lawyer to get that done also.

I would still ask everyone to continue the prayers that can. As I said in my original email, I AM living proof of good results. And as I am back to driving, and not just golf balls; all those OTHER drivers and Judi could use those prayers. My nephew Ryan did stop by and it was good seeing him and his brother. He is in the Marine Corps and heading for Afghanistan when his leave is over and I will be putting up another yellow ribbon for him to untie when he returns.

The way things are going, I'm wondering if I have enough ribbon?

My daily prayer, is to Mary Mother of God…..”O Most Blessed Mother, heart of love, heart of mercy, ever listening, caring, consoling, hear OUR prayer. As your children we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today, especially for my Brother and Sister in Law Peg and Eric, as Eric's family is dealing with cancer issues with his father; the Kantack family, and all in need. We are comforted in knowing your heart is ever open to those who ask for your prayer. We trust to your care and intercession, those whom we love and who are sick or lonely or hurting. Help ALL of us, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever, Amen.”
Thank You, Mother Mary, for your help and assistance.

I know I have been repeating things, maybe too much, on my blog; but some of this stuff I need to be reminded of and some of this stuff others need to be reminded of, and some things are just cathartic for me, but after a year maybe I should clear things off and start over, I've tried to clear a lot so far.

LDN REPORT

This is my attempt to keep track of my experiences with my LDN treatment for my Neurologist and his RN. So far with the 4.5mg I think I'm noticeably better. I am experiencing better days, even since I started the new 3mg pill and now that I'm doing the new dosage I am seeing a marked change, even my NCA noticed Monday. I did start that brand new FDA approved pill, Aminopyridine, supposed to be good for “gait” issues, even those with primary progressive, that should be a help for me getting into my shower. It is apparently another pill that Kaiser Pharmacy does not “compound”.

POLITICAL

After many hours of debate the House of Representatives passed their version of Health care. I watched one Sunday talking heads show and they seemed to think the Senate will be a problem. Senator Graham said that because of the likes of Senator Lieberman and others it is DOA in the Senate. I still find it hard to believe that Lieberman was once a Democratic candidate for Vice President. I personally don't think he ever had a Democratic bone in his body.

I did get a request from the Obama people to call congressman Blumenhauer's office in D.C. to say thanks for his support on the health care bill and I did that. There are a number of “Thank You” rallies tomorrow for all the Oregon Congressional delegation, except Greg Walden of course, as apparently people in eastern Oregon don't need any health care assistance.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Rep. Peter DeFazio, Rep. David Wu and Rep. Kurt Schrader are true healthcare heroes! Because of their leadership and critical YES votes for reform, we're the closest we've come to finally achieving healthcare legislation that holds insurance companies accountable and offers choice and competition through a public option. They deserve our most sincere thanks.Oregon's healthcare heroes need to hear from Oregonians. These Congressmen helped pass the most comprehensive healthcare reform bill in the history of these United States. They deserve our thanks.

Here is my thank you from the Obama campaign: (Organizing for America)

William "Wally";
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your recent contribution to help O.F.A. fight back against the growing attacks from the insurance industry.It means a lot to know you're standing with us.
Best,
Mitch Stewart; Director, Organizing for America
Thank you Mitch...........now, GET 'ER DONE !

I think; with over 60% of the American public supporting health care reform, including a public option, that ALL this health care “controversy” that is being generated is to take the publics mind off of the Employee Free Choice Act, American Rights at Work, “card check” legislation. Hmmmmmn

I have had many good discussions with one of my local “Small Business” owners at Gloriaz www.gloriazpubgrill.com there on Sunnyside, a great place to stop for anyone. I did listen in to most of Senator Merkley's Health Care “Town Hall” conference call. Based on what I heard, I really think, as a small business owner without health care now, he would have been quite pleased. I also got a look at a great letter from a fan of Senator Merkley that made many good points; it was from, Herman M. Frankel, M.D., I also heard from one customer, she calls herself a Republocrat?

Thank you, Senator Wyden; for your actions in committee on health care. Now the ball is in yours and Jeff's court! You both have looked and sounded very good on the Big Ed Schultz Show.

Thank you too, Earl for the service member first time home buyer tax credit fix. HR 3590 and responding to my health care questions.

I still don't know yet, if the “soft landing” bill is done but that is one issue I will keep harping on until I am sure, I didn't call the Senators local office yet and try to reach Barbara to find out where it is. As near as I can figure, all that needs to be done for the soft landing at the State Level (Legislature) is complete; thank you Rick and Brent; and everyone.

OK, what did YOU do for the National Guard today. Daniel's wife Trina is helping, with a houseful of kids and a 3? year old recovering from 3rd degree burns, and with Daniel in the Middle East. How about getting all our service people their overdue raise.

Still sooooo many cages to rattle and wheel squeaking, remaining, and me with only a three wheel scooter! And all those deserving cages I missed in Bend, darn.

By the way; You don't have to be a ”wheel” to get heard, just squeak for a while.

Bring our people home! ( THIS IS AN OFFICIAL SQUEAK ! ) Help me save my yellow ribbons.

YELLOW RIBBON SECTION
I HOPE FOR A SAFE AND BLESSED VETERANS DAY FOR ALL OUR VETERANS!

When I relate to anyone the story of our Guard members being charged for internet access; EVERYONE I speak to is as disgusted as I, I wonder how much of the proposed raise in the D.O.D. Appropriations will need to be used to pay those exorbitant costs. I still don't know what the people in Washington D.C. are getting charged for their internet access?

At the 11th Hour, on the 11th Day, of the 11th Month a cease fire was signed to end the war to end all wars in 1918. How's that worked out so far?

SPORTS

Felix Hernandez is my Cy Young leader in the American league; Carlos Zambrano is my Cy Young pick in the National league, but of course I don't have a vote.

And yes; I still think the Ducks are for real! However, Stanford sure kicked their butt Saturday.

The Blazers appear to be coming around, it was a good win last night.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS & CHARITIES

The Cancer Center at Providence Hospital, as I believe they were definitely a comfort to Dianna, her family and friends those last days.The

American Rights at Work still needs help. But lets not take our eye off the MAIN issue. E.F.C.A.

The U.A. Local 290 “Don Salee” Member assistance program.

The National Guard, the USO;

L. C. S. A. - Labors Community Service Agency, the OSBT (Oregon State Building Trades) and the NWOLC (Northwest Oregon Labor Council).

OTHER STUFF AND COMMUNICATIONS
“GET 'ER DONE” - SOFT LANDING ! And give them back their money, and their overdue raise!

Whether you attend a church service, a Mosque, GLBT gathering, or Synagogue service, please say a prayer that God; yours, mine or ours; keeps our service men and women in the Palm of their hand. That One Gib sent me would work very well.
Mike; My “short” blog is down to over 5 pages again today.

Now don't forget to say your prayers and I'll see you next time on my blog.