Forum is the Hand of God

[MtPockets]

Just an update to let my friends know I am beginning to lose my voice. My arms are going fast. They are adding Oxygen to my Bi-pap now and I am scheduled to go on Hospice next week as far as I know. The body is apparently failing, but only God knows what the future holds.
I am sorry I have not been online to answer your questions or comments. I have had trouble with my computer :evil: that has lasted almost 3 weeks now. Hard drive formatted and reloaded 3 times, still not working properly. I think I have a bad hard drive.
I am trying to get a tilt table for my bed so I can still get on the Internet while in bed, with my portable computer.
It will all come together soon. Just the usual complications of life that seems so bad in this day in which we live.
God is good and that is what really matters. He will provide.
Just wanted to say I love you all and I have appreciated all the support, prayers, and good will over the years. :grin: This Forum has been my lifeline and I know it has been to so many others. Please, do not grow tired of visiting the forum and reaching out to others. You are a blessing and the hands of Jesus comforting all.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t172/ShakeyMarble/Christian/handofgod.jpg

[Al]

Thanks for the update Capt. AL. Sorry things aren't going so well for you. At least it's warm down there compared to here. One thing to be thankful for. Take care buddy. Keep in touch.

AL.

[brooksea]

Mt. Pockets!

Sorry about your voice, breathing and losing of the arms' strength!!!

I hope you are able to solve your computer problem soon, as I always look forward to hearing from you on this forum. You provide a lot of help and hope to the rest of the pALS and cALS.

Hang in there! Hope your family is doing well.

[Zaphoon]

Capt Al,

I salute you! You have truly been a "very helpful" member on this forum and your posting is missed when you are away from us.

I hope you are able to join us for some time to come.

Blessings on you!

Zaphoon

[rick/Wpg]

Hey Capt. Al
Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Have been worried since you have been off the forum for a bit. That is discouraging news!Hope the computer issue gets fixed as well!
You are a blessing to so many in so many ways!!!
Thinking of you
Rick& Joan

[joelc]

With the prices of hard drives being so cheap these days don't take a chance - get a new one - you don't need any more of this kind of frustration.

Sorry to hear your progression is declining! You have me concerned that you are not going to consider a trache and vent. Have I miss read this?

Hey Bro, God is not finished with you yet! Your presence is needed here so keep your spirits up and keep comming back!

Love Ya!
Your brother in Christ, Joel

[sukilou]

Dear Capt Al,

Even though I have not been a member of the forum for very long, I want you to know that your posts were among the first that I read. Your faith and spirit have encouraged me to reach out to God, and because of that I have found my way back to my faith. I think that God has been working through you by means of this forum, and I wish you all of His blessings and peace.

[rose]

Capt Al,

You've unfailingly been a source of inspiration for hundreds! Your kindness and sense of humor, along with your faith are always reassuring to me.

I hope you're around for a long time to come! (get that hard drive fixed!)

thanks for being there for us. :)

[lostinlouisville]

I am so sorry to hear this. I have missed you greatly. I know you are a true man of faith and that will bring you such comfort. I am praying for you and thinking of you often.
I hope you can resolve your computer issues, these thing can be such buggers, My 25 year old son is an IT guy an lives with me and I still fight the computer. Great day my brother.

Renee

[wright]

Your presence on here is one of the reasons this forum is a lifeline to so many. You are needed here, Captain Al. Take care of yourself and that computer so you can share your wisdom, your compassion and your humor. My thoughts are with you, my friend.

[brendapals]

Capt Al,
Yes, this forum needs you here! Godspeed on a new hard drive so you can still communicate with all of us on here-safely.
I'm sorry about your progression-I hope it hits a speed bump and settles down for you.
I'm still praying for a miracle for all of us,
God bless you,
-b

[ktmj]

You are an inspiring man Cap! God bless.

[lostinlouisville]

Please let me know if you need anything that has to do with a computer, like I said before I have a geek living in my basement, just like the jokes you hear about the computer genius at 25 still living in mom's basement. We can do something for you I am sure.

[swi71]

Just wanted you to know I'm praying for you. Psalm 121.
Sharon

[sharona]

Capt Al,
My prayers go out to you , You have been a great blessing to all ,Please try as hard as you can to stay on this forum. We need you.God Bless you my friend.
Sharon

[MtPockets]

Thank you all so much for your love and support. I thank God that I found this Forum when I was Dx with ALS.
I believe God has a special blessing for all on this Forum who reach out to help one another when they are facing such hard problems in their own lives.
To God be the Glory great things He has done.
Thank you again.

[hopealive]

Al,

You are a dear, dear man. Your posts always bring me comfort and peace. My mother is beginning hospice tomorrow and I pray that you both feel the comfort and peace that only God can provide. I will be praying for you, and look so forward to meeting you one day on the eternal earth.
Praise You.

Love,
Holly

[MtPockets]

Hospice has been helpful. Nice to have help getting a bath in the shower and nurse checking up on me from time to time.
Only major problems so far have been the Foley Cather clogging and having to back flush the thing. Now I have bladder infection too. Guess that is all part of the constant Cather. Has anyone experienced spasms as a result of the Cather? I have bladder spasms that are very painful.
All the workers have been very kind and supportive, but seem to lack extensive knowledge with dealing with ALS patients. I'm having to teach as I go along with this, so maybe it will help someone else later on.

[BarryG]

Al, I'm sure that you're a great teacher, keep up the fight and keep coming here, we need you!

Barry

[hopeful warrior]

Capt. Al,
Thank you for not being conformed to this world. You and your family are such an inspiration. We're keeping the faith for you.

[MtPockets]

I just spent almost a week confined to bed due to severe bladder and lung infection. I am on a permanent Cather now and continuing on Hospice. I was coughing so hard I was blacking out. They put me on oxygen and antibiotics. I still have a little lung congestion but I am doing much better. This is my first day able to get back on the forum and get caught up.
I sure missed the support from the many wonderful people on here. Thank you for your prayers.
At one point in the middle of this attack I began to vomit and had trouble clearing my throat since I cannot move my body sideways in the bed. I know a couple of times, due to fluid in the lungs, I felt I was very near to giving up and going home to be with Jesus. I was praying very seriously for relief or for God to take me home. I would have been happy either way at the time, I just wanted some relief. (Have you ever felt that way?)
I guess God is not through with me yet, for I survived to fight another day. One day at a time by FAITH. I feel like I had a glimpse of what the end will be like. It really is not something I am afraid of, but something I embrace. The final end of all suffering and pain. Peace at last. Forever.

[Al]

You just cut out the nonsense and stick around for those of us that need you.

AL.

[joelc]

I am so glad you are okay! I was quite worried about you! I am thankful you are still here and starting to do better, we are not finished with you yet - and obviously God isn't either. Welcome back!

[lostinlouisville]

I have a month or so before I get there to meet you, I know you best be sticking around. You are a very strong man and have and will continue to fight the good fight. I am so blessed to call you a friend. I am sorry it has been so hard on you. We all must press in a little harder on those prayers.

Renee

[rick/Wpg]

Hey Al...been thinking of you often since you have not been on the forum for a few days - as have many of us I am sure!
You are a brave and courageous man!
We are all on your side and pulling for you to be here for a long time yet!
You and I will never meet face to face till Eternity but you have helped me more than you will ever know and I am so grateful for your input on this forum.!
Get better, save your strength and we look forward to hearing from you soon
Blessings!
Rick

[trying to stay positive]

Oh Al! I am so glad you are OK. I am with the others.........you are so inspirational, supportive and helpful. I too, want you to stick around as long as possible. Please continue to fight and remember that you are in my prayers.

[olly]

i am so upset to read how ill you have been recently,hope you are feeling more comfortable now.
i had a catheter after my hystorectomy 10yrs ago,i ended up with a bladder/kidney infection that was more agony than the major opp.
catheters are terrible for causing infections,could you manage without it anyway?
as everyone has said we still need your wonderfull,comforting,positive outlook and advice.
having said that i know its hard to keep smiling when you are breaking up inside,it would not be normal otherwise(though you keep saying your abbynormal:lol:.)
please lean on us when you feel like this.
you are in my thoughts and prayers:-D
(((hugs)))

ps.. i called lorie a few weeks ago,tim is still the same but lorie has not been too well with her ears and sinuses.

[MtPockets]

Thanks everyone for your prayers, support, and kind words. I know each and every one of you have faced hard times and difficult decisions in the past and will again in the future.
Without hope in our Father in Heaven I do not know how we could possibly make it through what we face. I do not know nor do any of us really know how much time we have left on earth; but I know many who have sent me private messages saying they are mad at God, don't trust God, etc. I appeal to those who are in the doubting, wondering group, to please just talk to Jesus. Prayer is just telling God how we feel, honestly, openly. He does not get mad at us just like you would not get mad at your child if they honestly asked you why about something. Make it a conversation as you would with your spouse or child. God is our Father. The best most loving, kind, merciful Father that we could possibly think of at any time. Yes, He lets bad things happen to good people sometimes, but we do not see the big picture. God has a plan for all that has come into your life. You are no accident. The very hairs of your head are numbered, for some of us that may not be many. That is just one example of the love, concern, care, and watchfulness, God has for you and your family. One day in heaven we may see the whole picture and understand the whys.

The very most important thing I can do for anyone in this life is help , them somehow to trust God again, believe again, open up a conversation with God.

There have been times in my past when I screamed out to God WHY? WHY ME? WHY NOW? Yes, I have had my times of doubts and unbelief, we all have, we are human, but God does not give up on any of us at any time. We may give up on Him and turn our backs on Him, but He is there waiting for you, maybe for years, to just speak your heart to Him at any moment.
Please, there is someone reading this that knows God is tugging at you right now, to give up the anger, doubt, unbelief, and just find time to talk to the Father as if He is truly your loving, forgiving, merciful, Father. For He Is.
God Loves You.

God is faithful to meet you where ever you are and with whatever faith you have. He NEVER gives up on YOU. Neither do I. If you are interested you can read more info in my Blog or also go to my webpage at : www.myspace.com/als_bigal (http://www.myspace.com/als_bigal)

Please feel free to pm me or ask any questions. I remain your humble servant in Jesus Christ. To God be all glory, honor, and praise.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t172/ShakeyMarble/Christian/SmallJesusAngel.jpg

[hopeful warrior]

Capt. Al~ I still remember one late night, dark in many ways. I was scared sick over what was happening to my husband and in my home. The fear was absolutely crippling me. I found this website and searched for understanding. Yours was the entry I came to. You spoke of love, peace, and hope. Many, many times I've reminded myself of that when I begin to feel desparation again.

God is definately using you and I am so thankful for that. You have helped countless people forge on. God bless you and yours.

[rocmg]

Capt. Al. -- sounds like you're not needed anywhere else just yet :)
I wish you peace and contentment, thoughts and prayers.

[MtPockets]

Thanks so much for all the encouraging comments and especially your prayers. Our family has seen so many miracles where God has provided when there just seemed to be no way. Do not give up hope.
Continue to pray and God will answer.
As an example I had gotten to the point where all I could do was whisper, and now my voice is back. I am so thankful for the extra time of being able to speak.
I've learned the Doctors do not have all the answers. But, my God does.
As long as God allows me, I will continue to encourage others here on the Forum. When God calls me home, please do not be sad, but rejoice. God has prepared a place for me and you, that, where He is, we may be also. No more pain, suffering, problems, just love and peace everlasting.

Oh what a wonderful day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see. When I look upon His face, the One who saved me by His grace. And He takes me by the hand and leads me through the promised land, What a day, glorious day that will be.

[joelc]

AMEN Capt Al.

[halfin]

Capt. Al you have been a great force in this community since I joined a few months ago. I am sorry you are doing poorly lately but I admire you for handling this hardship with such grace and courage.

[abbas child]

Capt. Al,
I pray you will get help for the spasms, and wonder if diapers would be better for you? Knowing how much you have suffered (but you got your voice back!) I think your perspective is very good... but selfishly, I'm sure we all want you here. No promise not to grieve, but absolutely will rejoice for you and for all of us who long to be with the Lord, when that time comes. Until He takes you home, be blessed with peace and know how you are loved.
Ann

[Zaphoon]

Capt Al,

I'd like to echo Hal's sentiments and thank you for being an encouraging force on the forum.

I hope things ease up a bit for you!

Kim

[paleshia]

thanks capt. al......

you always remind me where hope is found

[KeeKer]

I hope that your bladder spasms have stopped. I had an infection too once and the spasms were part of that. So hopefully that is the cause and not the catheter.

[valentine]

Capt Al , I pass this on to you "For You are my hope, O Lord God: You are my trust from my youth. By You I have been upheld from birth psalm 71 v 5-8 hold on and never let go God bless

Real name Kathleen ,had to use Valentine because i use my name there most be some else with the name kathleen so the system would allow it so i made up a sign in name so Capt Al meet Kathleen from Pickering Ontario, Canada

[valentine]

Hi Joel how are , I am Kathleen fron pickering Ontario Canada dx in Nov 2008 I hope you are still online would love to talk to someone, if you are would love to hear from you

[DebbieR]

I am so glad that you got your voice back. You are an inspiration to me. Thank - you.

[mare]

Al-

May you know the comfort and joy of God's presence this Christmas and always!
Marianne

[Judith]

Thanks so much for all the encouraging comments and especially your prayers. Our family has seen so many miracles where God has provided when there just seemed to be no way. Do not give up hope.
Continue to pray and God will answer.
As an example I had gotten to the point where all I could do was whisper, and now my voice is back. I am so thankful for the extra time of being able to speak.
I've learned the Doctors do not have all the answers. But, my God does.
As long as God allows me, I will continue to encourage others here on the Forum. When God calls me home, please do not be sad, but rejoice. God has prepared a place for me and you, that, where He is, we may be also. No more pain, suffering, problems, just love and peace everlasting.

Oh what a wonderful day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see. When I look upon His face, the One who saved me by His grace. And He takes me by the hand and leads me through the promised land, What a day, glorious day that will be.

AMEN!! I am waiting for that glorious day, too.

[tdamess]

I just spent almost a week confined to bed due to severe bladder and lung infection. I am on a permanent Cather now and continuing on Hospice. I was coughing so hard I was blacking out. They put me on oxygen and antibiotics. I still have a little lung congestion but I am doing much better. This is my first day able to get back on the forum and get caught up.
I sure missed the support from the many wonderful people on here. Thank you for your prayers.
At one point in the middle of this attack I began to vomit and had trouble clearing my throat since I cannot move my body sideways in the bed. I know a couple of times, due to fluid in the lungs, I felt I was very near to giving up and going home to be with Jesus. I was praying very seriously for relief or for God to take me home. I would have been happy either way at the time, I just wanted some relief. (Have you ever felt that way?)
I guess God is not through with me yet, for I survived to fight another day. One day at a time by FAITH. I feel like I had a glimpse of what the end will be like. It really is not something I am afraid of, but something I embrace. The final end of all suffering and pain. Peace at last. Forever.

i dont ever want you to give up glad you are still with us

[indigosd]

YOU, your words and thoughts are always such a beacon of light and hope! Sending you peaceFULL moments and hugs! Kay Marie

[irismarie]

I can send nothing but more love.

[imanzcan]

Al, oh gosh....I feel so bad, because I just read your post. It breaks my heart. I am reliving what I had gone through with my son. I have so much to say. I am grasping for the right words, or trying, rather! I was absent from the forum for quite a while, because I could not log in for the longest. I have been wondering about you guys. Another thing is that my husband keeps me sooooo busy. I had to put my life "on hold" to care for him. I gave up everything, I mean everything. I will be here caring for him until whatever takes place. It is a very hard task....too, too, too hard! You and so many others on this forum have been so good to me. You guys have really shown a lot of love and support since my son departed. Such a wonderful and warm extended family, in my own words!!! I have not forgotten the image of the Stairway To Heaven that you sent me after my son left us. That will forever be on my mind!

I will be praying for you and your family. May God bless each one of you. We would very much love to continue hearing from you. You have been a great friend. Please stay in touch!

Your friend,
Irma

[Blackpool]

I will as you suggest have a talk with God to give me strength and support. May peace be with you and your family. Beverley

[MtPockets]

Wow, after those comments it is so hard to respond through the tears. But they are tears of joy. Joy at having the family of the Forum, that is there to lift you up when needed, whether thru prayer or encouragement. Thank you so much for your kind comments and for your prayers. I really believe prayer changes things. It does not always change it the way we think it should, but God knows what is best for us in the long run.
I so look forward to meeting you all when we get to heaven, not rushing it you know.
Good reports:
45 days straight with severe bladder spasms, after only 5 days of antibiotics, the spasms stopped. Praise God. You have no idea how bad those hurt. If you are a man imagine getting kicked between your legs several times a day for 45 days. OUCH, just does not covey the thought. Thank God, now we know what was causing them.
We had a wonderful Christmas and New Years was spent in bed resting. If you can call it that, with all the dogs hiding in my bedroom from the noise of the fire works outside. The biggest Bizzy, grandson's dog is scared of lightning. So she really was hiding and wanting us to make it all go away. Amazing how trusting animals are to us.
Someone dropped off some strays in my neighborhood and of course my wife started feeding them. So now we have 5 dogs and a cat. here is a pic of one of the new dogs and Bizzy. We call one of the new dogs spot because of the black circle around his eye.

I am doing much better, but just like all of you still have problem areas. Please remember me in prayer about the pressure sores on my bottom. My Roho cushion went flat again and I did not know it, so I was sitting directly on hard metal bottom of wheelchair. I got a gel cushion and tried it but it was way too hard. Sent off my Roho for repairs. I think I have figured out why my cushion keeps going flat. When I am in bed my smallest dog, Sparkie, uses my chair for a ladder to climb into bed with me. I think her claws are stabbing the cushions.

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year.
dogs :: Spot and Bizzy picture by ShakeyMarble - Photobucket

[joelc]

Thanks for the Update Al! I am glad you are doing somewhat better. Yes, there will always be something to bother us. I will keep praying! God Bless!

[thelma313]

Capt. Al you are such an awesome person. I think it so nice of you and your lovely wife to take in those strays. You are a true friend to the animals.

I am happy to hear that you are doing better and I hope your other problems get sorted out too!

You will remain in my thoughts and prayers,
Rosella xo

[imanzcan]

Thanks for the up, Capt. Al! Sorry to hear about the pain and discomfort you have been going through. You are in my prayers. A big AMEN on meetin' in Heaven once our Father calls us Home....am a firm believer! Thanks to you and your lovely wife for being so kind to our friends (dogs) I am a dog lover, and just love it when I hear of folks being kind to them. I also have a dog that is scared to death of lightning. She is a chihuahua, and her name is Zulu. I call her our Weather Dog, because she can sense when a storm is on the way. If she runs and hide under the bed, while the sun is out, sure enough later on we will have a storm. This happens a lot of times! May God bless you Capt. Al.........you are a great friend! Love the pics of your dogs!!!!

[brooksea]

Glad you are doing better Al! Hope those sores get healed up real fast! I hope this new year will provide you with greater comfort and enjoyment with your family.

[BethU]

So good to hear from you, but sorry you've had those painful episodes. I can only imagine how much it must have hurt.

Hope you find much comfort and contentment in 2010. And bless you and your wife for caring for those strays!

[sadiemae]

Al Hoping you are comfortable today. Your spot looks like my sadiemae. She is a border collie mix. Hugs Lori

[KeeKer]

Glad to hear that those bladder spasms have stopped! Doesn't that feel wonderful! Hope that you get your cushion fixed soon. So sorry to hear of your troubles. Take Care
Colleen

[Zaphoon]

Capt Al,

I'm happy to hear the antibiotics took care of those nasty muscle spasms. I hope the cushion stays up for you this time around!

Kim

[Judith]

Capt. Al,
Good to hear an update from you. Hope your Roho gets returned to you soon.

[abbas child]

Capt. Al, your words brought tears to my eyes. I'm so very glad your spasms are over... I had my own little (only 48 hr.) series not long ago.

I've read reviews that say the ROHO is very susceptible to pet damage and also cigarettes, and the average life is debatable, but not very long. Have you tried a large soft foam donut to sit on? I was getting sores on sit bones along with diaper rash, and the donut which is sort of elongated, placed long diameter sideways has helped a lot. A paste called Calmoseptine Ointment is the best thing I've found for healing.
Calmoseptine Ointment can be found at Amazon.com... which is like my personal "Walmart". The donut also came from there. (They don't pay me for my advertising, but I think they should... :)

I pray your new year will be much less difficult, Al.
Ann

[MtPockets]

The supply company was able to return my Roho cushion Yesterday and I am back to using it now. We are still checking to see if there is a better solution on the market. Some have said maybe a donut accessory cushion might help. I am ready to try anything at this point. They have referred me to a wound care Dr., a foot Dr. for the excessive swelling, (toe nails fell off from the swelling on one toe), eye Dr. for double vision in right eye, wheelchair cushion specialist, etc. Boy when the VA kicks into gear, it really makes you feel good.
I thank God for the many doors He has opened for me and my wife as we see this progression. I am always amazed how people cross my path with the answer to whatever problem or situation when needed.
The ALS Guardian Angels Foundation has stepped up a couple of times when we really needed help, we finally have a Handicapped Van that meets our needs, thanks to the VA and a good friend, etc.
The list goes on and on. I could never have met these needs without divine intervention. God is so good.
God Bless
AL Marble

[Judith]

Capt. Al,
I am so glad to hear that your needs are being met. The Lord knows when the right time is to clear the path. I will be praying that the right seat cushion is found for you, as well as relief concerning your wounds, feet and eyes.

Judy

[MtPockets]

New ROHO flat again. I must have sharp butt bones. Tried a couple of memory foam and other cushions can not take the pain from the pressure sores with these. ??/??

Maybe Home Depot can sale me a can of spray foam for my backswide.
Typo looks about right. :shock: :oops: :roll:

[tdamess]

mtpockets - google sugar and bed sores ... i was very suprised at this

[MtPockets]

Yes, someone on the forum shared that with me about 2 months ago and we tried it. It did not help, more like laying in beach sand, irritated it. Maybe I did it wrong?????

[tdamess]

oh so sorry then thier were different ways of doing it some said brown sugar and honey in it , some brown sugar and just plain sugar i just learned of it guess it was worth a try thou...hope it heals real soon for you

[irismarie]

dear friend, know yourself surrounded by so so much love from us all