Re: Hello, hello, hello Welcome Back Andre'!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/16/01 2:26:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time, howmtp@...

writes:

> Dear Andre',

> Welcome back stranger! We have wondered where you were, how you were,

> you had us worried. Every once in a while someone would say, " Where's

> Andre?' " Glad to see you posting again. Sorry you're not feeling well. I've

> always appreciated your advise and wisdom as you have had this awful

> pancreatitis longer than anyone else on the list - 33 years isn't it? Almost

> as long as I've been alive! So you have a lot of good, helpful information

> that can help us all especially the new folks, like our Ken, who just joined

> today or yesterday I think.

> Andre' you are an inspiration to so many, and please keep posting and

> sharing, the group isn't the same without you. You know Karyn hasn't been

> doing so well, and she is missed as well. Please keep posting! We need you

> friend! My Whipple has done me some good, I still get sick, but have been

> out of the hospital for two months! A record! I haven't had anymore panc

> stones since the Whipple which was back in Nov.! I thought a lot about you

> and the group while I was in there recovering and it really helped as did

> the cards that I received. You are the man Andre' good to have you back!

Henry,

Thanks for such a warm welcome. I missed all of you and have been worrying

about how all of you have been doing over the past several months. I too am

sorry to hear about Karyn and wish her well. She is the glue that holds this

group together.

Henry, your kind words really touched me. I have been feeling " friendless "

over the past several months and it's really nice to feel appreciated by

someone. Perhaps my many years of dealing with this illness will benefit

someone else. That is the only consolation to having this illness.

I am now officially on " long-term disability " and have been told by my doctor

that I will probably never be able to go back to work. This is tough for me

to deal with, especially when I have to watch my wife go off to work every

day while I sit at home. Social Security turned me down just recently and I

am in the process of offering my first appeal. Wish me luck, as it seems

this will be my lot in life, at least for the time being.

Thanks again for the warm welcome I will try not to disappear again :-)

Andre'

[Guest guest]

> Hi Karyn and the Group,

> Sorry I have been out of touch for so long. My life has been on a

> roller-coaster ride ever since the last time I communicated with you. I just

> wanted to let everyone know that I am still alive (if not well) and still

> kicking.

> I hope everyone is doing well today. I will be able to keep in touch again

> and hope you haven't forgotten about me.

> Andre'

_______________________________________________________________________

Dear Andre',

Welcome back stranger! We have wondered where you were, how you were,

you had us worried. Every once in a while someone would say, " Where's

Andre?' " Glad to see you posting again. Sorry you're not feeling well. I've

always appreciated your advise and wisdom as you have had this awful

pancreatitis longer than anyone else on the list - 33 years isn't it? Almost

as long as I've been alive! So you have a lot of good, helpful information

that can help us all especially the new folks, like our Ken, who just joined

today or yesterday I think.

Andre' you are an isnpiration to so many, and please keep posting and

sharing, the group isn't the same without you. you know Karyn hasn't been

doing so well, and she is missed as well. Please keep posting! We need you

friend! My Whipple has done me some good, I still get sick, but have been

out of the hospital for two months! A record! I haven't had anymore panc

stones since the Whipple which was back in Nov.! I thought a lot about you

and the group while Iwas in there recovering and it really helped as did

the cards that I recieved. You are the man Andre' good to have you back!

Your Pancreatitis Pal,

Henry

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 04/16/2001 2:08:12 PM Central Daylight Time,

acastenell@... writes:

<< I am now officially on " long-term disability " and have been told by my

doctor

that I will probably never be able to go back to work. This is tough for me

to deal with, especially when I have to watch my wife go off to work every

day while I sit at home. >>

I'm sure that is.

I don't know you Andre, as I'm new, but I'm glad to " meet " you. I hope you

get the Soc. Security issues cleared up soon. It won't help with the wanting

to go to work, but I'm sure it would help with the bills. Hang in there!

~Shanon

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/16/01 11:51:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

M0M2@... writes:

> I don't know you Andre, as I'm new, but I'm glad to " meet " you. I hope you

> get the Soc. Security issues cleared up soon. It won't help with the

> wanting

> to go to work, but I'm sure it would help with the bills. Hang in there!

,

Thanks so much for the kind words of encouragement. As for my Social

Security, I received a phone call yesterday from my company's insurance.

They recommended an attorney to help with my appeal, so perhaps this time it

will get approved. I am awaiting a phone call from the lawyer at this

moment. The firm is in Birmingham (I live outside of Atlanta) but was told

the attorneys will come to me if they need to handle anything. The 25%

withheld by Social Security or the attorney's fees will be reimbursed upon

the final disposition of the case, so I will never be in a position to have

to come up with any additional money. This is probably the best news I've

had in over 3 years! Things seem to be improving on that front.

Unfortunately, my health has only improved slightly. My doctor feels this is

attributed to my staying at home (diminished stress, ability to rest when

necessary, etc.). While I was initially skeptical of this diagnosis, I am

starting to find some credence in this pronouncement as of late. I just hope

it continues to improve and perhaps it will allow me to return to work before

my appeal is processed. At least, that is my hope :-)

, thanks again for your kind words. You don't know how much they

uplift my spirits.

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/16/01 11:51:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

M0M2@... writes:

> I don't know you Andre, as I'm new, but I'm glad to " meet " you. I hope you

> get the Soc. Security issues cleared up soon. It won't help with the

> wanting

> to go to work, but I'm sure it would help with the bills. Hang in there!

,

Thanks so much for the kind words of encouragement. As for my Social

Security, I received a phone call yesterday from my company's insurance.

They recommended an attorney to help with my appeal, so perhaps this time it

will get approved. I am awaiting a phone call from the lawyer at this

moment. The firm is in Birmingham (I live outside of Atlanta) but was told

the attorneys will come to me if they need to handle anything. The 25%

withheld by Social Security or the attorney's fees will be reimbursed upon

the final disposition of the case, so I will never be in a position to have

to come up with any additional money. This is probably the best news I've

had in over 3 years! Things seem to be improving on that front.

Unfortunately, my health has only improved slightly. My doctor feels this is

attributed to my staying at home (diminished stress, ability to rest when

necessary, etc.). While I was initially skeptical of this diagnosis, I am

starting to find some credence in this pronouncement as of late. I just hope

it continues to improve and perhaps it will allow me to return to work before

my appeal is processed. At least, that is my hope :-)

, thanks again for your kind words. You don't know how much they

uplift my spirits.

Andre'

[Guest guest]

If I may inject a word about the inability to work. I would have to say that

one of the worst aspects of this disease is the inability to work. You not

only lose your financial security but so much of our social life is hooked up

with those we work with..

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/17/01 5:12:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

PtPpurple@... writes:

> You not only lose your financial security but so much of our social life is

> hooked up

>

Echo . .Poncho

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/17/01 5:12:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

PtPpurple@... writes:

> You not only lose your financial security but so much of our social life is

> hooked up

>

Echo . .Poncho

[Guest guest]

You are absolutely right. I have almost no friends outside of work and even

they are only acquaintances. Not one has ever stopped by to see me in the

last 5 months

Later,

Ken

Re: Hello, hello, hello Welcome Back Andre'!

If I may inject a word about the inability to work. I would have to say

that

one of the worst aspects of this disease is the inability to work. You not

only lose your financial security but so much of our social life is hooked

up

with those we work with..

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[Guest guest]

Hi Andre`,

I don't know you either

Andre`,but I would like to welcome you back.I look forward in getting to know

you and some of the others.One thing for sure is to go on with the social

security and if you fel better at some time you can always try to go back to

work and they adjust your ssd as accordingly if you can.In the meantime try

to think of it as a early retirement. I will say an extra prayer for you.

Your new Friend B.

[Guest guest]

Hi Andre`,

I don't know you either

Andre`,but I would like to welcome you back.I look forward in getting to know

you and some of the others.One thing for sure is to go on with the social

security and if you fel better at some time you can always try to go back to

work and they adjust your ssd as accordingly if you can.In the meantime try

to think of it as a early retirement. I will say an extra prayer for you.

Your new Friend B.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/17/01 5:12:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

PtPpurple@... writes:

> If I may inject a word about the inability to work. I would have to say

that

>

> one of the worst aspects of this disease is the inability to work. You

not

> only lose your financial security but so much of our social life is hooked

> up

> with those we work with..

You are so right! My social life is in the toilet.

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/17/01 5:12:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

PtPpurple@... writes:

> If I may inject a word about the inability to work. I would have to say

that

>

> one of the worst aspects of this disease is the inability to work. You

not

> only lose your financial security but so much of our social life is hooked

> up

> with those we work with..

You are so right! My social life is in the toilet.

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/17/01 6:52:02 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

ken@... writes:

> You are absolutely right. I have almost no friends outside of work and even

> they are only acquaintances. Not one has ever stopped by to see me in the

> last 5 months

Ken,

I know how you feel. I have been out from work since August of 2000 and have

not received one phone call from any of my coworkers in all of this time! I

thought I had friends their, but obviously I was wrong. If ever I do get

myself back to work, my relationships will be greatly impacted by their lack

of concern for me, you can believe that! Am I bitter, yes! I can't help it.

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/18/01 1:31:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Lmaeb1@...

writes:

> I don't know you either

> Andre`,but I would like to welcome you back.I look forward in getting to

> know

> you and some of the others.One thing for sure is to go on with the social

> security and if you fel better at some time you can always try to go back

to

>

> work and they adjust your ssd as accordingly if you can.In the meantime

try

> to think of it as a early retirement. I will say an extra prayer for you.

>

> Your new Friend B.

Thanks for the advice. That is exactly what I plan on doing. My

Insurance carrier called and gave me the name of an attorney I can contact

and I plan on working though them for my appeal.

I too am looking forward to meeting and talking with the many members whop

have joined since my absence. If I can be of any help to you or anyone,

please do not hesitate to let me know. I have been suffering with this

illness for over 33 years (diagnosed in 1990) and have been through the

wringer with doctors and hospitals. Perhaps my miserable experience can be a

help to someone. At least, that is my wish.

Thanks for the kind message. You guys sure know how to make a person feel

warm and welcomed.

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/18/01 1:31:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Lmaeb1@...

writes:

> I don't know you either

> Andre`,but I would like to welcome you back.I look forward in getting to

> know

> you and some of the others.One thing for sure is to go on with the social

> security and if you fel better at some time you can always try to go back

to

>

> work and they adjust your ssd as accordingly if you can.In the meantime

try

> to think of it as a early retirement. I will say an extra prayer for you.

>

> Your new Friend B.

Thanks for the advice. That is exactly what I plan on doing. My

Insurance carrier called and gave me the name of an attorney I can contact

and I plan on working though them for my appeal.

I too am looking forward to meeting and talking with the many members whop

have joined since my absence. If I can be of any help to you or anyone,

please do not hesitate to let me know. I have been suffering with this

illness for over 33 years (diagnosed in 1990) and have been through the

wringer with doctors and hospitals. Perhaps my miserable experience can be a

help to someone. At least, that is my wish.

Thanks for the kind message. You guys sure know how to make a person feel

warm and welcomed.

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/18/01 12:38:13 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

swetet@... writes:

> I know how you guys feel, I was out of work 3 weeks

> when jackie had surgery and my work didn't send a

> thing or even call. She received calls, flowers,

> teddy bears from friends, school, my husbands work but

> not mine except for a couple of good friends no

> supervisors or management that I thought really cared

> about me. I definitely reevaluated the relationships

> there and have since moved to a different shift and

> just keep the few good friends I have there which I am

> thankful for. No longer do I trust management cuz all

> they want is for you not to miss work and try to fire

> you if you do, but act concerned to your face.

>

,

You are so right. Fortunately, you do have a few friends you can depend upon

to be there for you. I feel completely friendless. I only moved to this

city 6 years ago and thought I had developed a few friendships since my

arrival. Wrong! I have a couple of really close friends back home in New

Orleans, but I rarely get the chance to see them (we still talk by phone).

Thank goodness for that, I guess. I'm just glad I found out about the " so

called friends " here in Atlanta. I now know that I only have myself to

depend upon and never will I put myself in a position to be hurt like this

again!

Andre'

[Guest guest]

I also have a problem with perfume and allergies to additives used in foods.

Tonight I am going to a birthday party at a restaurant with 17 people . I

just know someone will wear so much perfume and I will have a severe asthma

attack tonight and the food will be laced with MSG. Tommorow I will pay the

price of going with hives but I am going because I am sick of not having a

social life anymore

[Guest guest]

I know how you guys feel, I was out of work 3 weeks

when jackie had surgery and my work didn't send a

thing or even call. She received calls, flowers,

teddy bears from friends, school, my husbands work but

not mine except for a couple of good friends no

supervisors or management that I thought really cared

about me. I definitely reevaluated the relationships

there and have since moved to a different shift and

just keep the few good friends I have there which I am

thankful for. No longer do I trust management cuz all

they want is for you not to miss work and try to fire

you if you do, but act concerned to your face.

--- acastenell@... wrote:

> In a message dated 4/17/01 6:52:02 PM Eastern

> Daylight Time,

> ken@... writes:

>

> > You are absolutely right. I have almost no

> friends outside of work and even

> > they are only acquaintances. Not one has ever

> stopped by to see me in the

> > last 5 months

>

> Ken,

>

> I know how you feel. I have been out from work

> since August of 2000 and have

> not received one phone call from any of my coworkers

> in all of this time! I

> thought I had friends their, but obviously I was

> wrong. If ever I do get

> myself back to work, my relationships will be

> greatly impacted by their lack

> of concern for me, you can believe that! Am I

> bitter, yes! I can't help it.

>

> Andre'

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hey Andre',

I do have some good friends...a few. No one

understands about this panc stuff though. That is why

you guys are such a blessing. I am getting real

depressed and having nightmares cuz we do not know why

my daughter has this and then the Auto-immune stuff

that I am not sure of yet. My husband doesn't even as

worried as I am. I am close to you near Greenville, SC

and my whole family lives in Florida and my old

friends. So I know what distance means and all you get

to do is talk to them on the phone or email. It gets

hard but remember I am here for ya if ya need to chat.

__________________________________________________