MS, me and India

radio interview

2010-07-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hi folks!
Another weekly update.
Here is a link to a radio interview I did with Lisa Robinson from CBC yesterday morning.
http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/edmontonam_20100714_35368.mp3
One of the 'smart' people(Neurologist/MS specialist) says on the program that what I am experiencing is possibly just 'placebo effect'. I am not an idiot!
I know my body and what my body is doing. THIS IS NOT PLACEBO!!!!!
When will they get their heads out of the sand(or wherever their heads are stuck)?
Hope the link works!
Thanks Lisa!

More media

2010-07-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

I did an interview with CBC radio yesterday on my India experience. They saw my interview with the Advocate and were interested in my experience with the 'Liberation Treatment' as well.
Hopefully this will snowball to the national level. Got a call from some folks in New York who were intersested too. They saw Paula's video of my interview on 'Facebook' somewhere.
Word's gettin' around so don't loose heart people with MS and keep making noise!
As for my health, still no headaches, feet still normal, more energy, some tingling in my hands.
It's all good!!

link

2010-07-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

Here is the e-mail I received from Paula witht he link to the story she did. Just copy and paste it in your browser.

Hi Tom,
I hope things are still going well for you.
The story/video about your journey ran in today's paper.
Here is the link to both:

http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/news/Hoping_for_liberation_98106304.html
Thanks so much again for being so welling and open to share your
story. I hope it helps raise some awareness.

Paula Trotter
ptrotter@reddeeradvocate.com

In the news!!

2010-07-09T14:37:00.000-07:00

Well, step 2.
Get the media involved.
My story appeared in the Red Deer Advocate today. I trust that it might get the right person's attention.
check out, albertalocalnews.com/reddeer advocate/news/Hoping for liberation 98106304html
I sent the link to Lorna at Listen Up TV in hopes that she may be able to help bring more awareness to this treatment.
Keep on keepin' on!!

Check it out

2010-07-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

It's July 8th. Got up this morn at 6:30 to go swimming. Flat tire on my wheelchair. <}:~(
Guess I wasn't supposed to go to the pool today.
I've got some sensation in my hands again today and it's the 4th day in a row where my feet haven't swelled at all. They look normal.
If you're interested in seeing my 2 surgeons(Dr. Sayeed & Gopi) at work doing the same proceedure they did with me. Check out you tube and punch in regans72 and click on Valerie Lilly venoplasty. There you will see the artists at work for yourself.
Deb is feeling so much better now and is back to eating wheat with no adverse effects.
We feel very blessed by all of this and are looking forward to more good stuff to come Lord willing.

July 4

2010-07-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day to all Americans today!

Thought I ought to do an update for those interested. I saw my GP Fri. He found it interesting that my headaches were no longer an issue. He sent out a requisition for the 3 &6 month follow up ultrasounds + 1 for a stress test for the ol' ticker.

My feet actually fit into my Justins yesterday as I suited up to officiate at a wedding. That was cool!

Over the last 5 days I have experienced a tingling in my hands for varying lengths of time.

Each day has been different but being able to feel anything after 30 years is kinda cool!

Today the feeling is less but still there. The pictures are of the 'Windsor Hotel' *****

Beautiful!!!!

June 29th

2010-06-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

Have had just about 2 hrs of sensation in my hands as of now.Purdy cool to think that I could regain feeling in different parts of my body!
Did an interview with the 'RD Advocate' this morning. Word id getting out there.
Got a call from a feller I talked to last week about going for surgery for his wife. They're leaving for Bangalore on the 5th of July. All the best folks!
I have been inundated with calls from well wishers, info seekers and just plain interested parties.
I am disgusted to some extent at the security bill for the G8/G20 summits and the lack of funds available to the MS sufferers of this country hoping for a better quality of life.
I am one of the fortunate ones who had the friends with the resources to enable me to get the 'Liberation Treatment' done.
How about those who don't have such? It ain't fair! We should at least be given the opportunity to have it done in Canada if we wish. This decision should not be left to those who don't know what it's like, but to those of us who do.
This is OUR life and OUR body so do we not have the right to make a decision regarding possible improvement for both?
Have a sponduvious day! Phone yer MP. I did! <}:~) (My MLA too)

June 28th

2010-06-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

Bin a while since I updated.
Many have pointed that little detail out! Thanks! And thanks fer caring enough t' notice!
It's bin busy. TOO BUSY!! I'm supposed to be takin' it easy. Okee Dokee!
Gonna give it a try this week..............honest!
No major New developements to share. Still NO HEADACHES! Occasionally, I have a different sensation in my hands that lasts differently each time. That's kinda cool!
My head is still just as thick but at the same time, a whole lot clearer. Not so quick to want to nod off for no reason! <}:~) Many are inquiring as to my recommendation for this experience and procedure. Do I go to Vanc for the scans?.........NNNNOOOO!!!! Don't waste your money Do I 'git'er done"? ............ Absolutely!!! Where do I go?.................Bangalore India How?..........Call Yasmeen @ Surgical Tourism Canada....778 863 4315 What else can I do? ...................make some noise! call your MLA! call your MP! Call the PM's office!(sorry Steve)drive your neurologist nuts with phone calls! lobby the MS society! "START SPREADIN' THE NEWS!!" Any more questions? e-mail me @ dktk@xplornet.com

My 'Boys'

2010-06-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

Western Star in India

2010-06-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

This one's for you Danny! These ladies wanted to keep this paper bad! And so they did! Who's the little bald fat man?

Not just another Monday

2010-06-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

Back to the pool today. Felt good to be back in the water.
Seemed like I could kick more and the spasms didn't interfere so much. I'll try again Wed. and see if it's the same.
Subtle little signs of improvement. I'll give it time just to be sure.
Still no headaches.
Keepin on keepin on!
Tom

Half way!

2010-06-10T06:08:00.000-07:00

We are in Frankfurt. No sleep last night on the plane.
Had a great meal and a wee nap. Can't believe I'm not tuckered.
We overnight here and then head for home in the morning getting in to Calgary at 11:15(Tim & Joy) Can't wait! If I knew I could get up again, I'd be kissin' the ground! We have no idea how good we have it in Canada. I have a new appreciation for it now.
After being in a city of 14,000,000(14 million) Sundre's gonna look purdy good!
Have a great service tonight and remember to stop and pray for Vern(and Reuben)
Avetizein!(I tried!)
Tom

Tie a yellow ribbon....

2010-06-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

"I'm coming home I've done my time....and I've got to know what is and isn't
mine...." remember that tune, it has been in my head all day long!
Well thats how we are feeling today, totally
excited to be boarding the big bird for home.
Praying for an upgrade to business to get Tom's feet up for the 10 hour flight
to Germany and then another 9 hours on Friday to our home and native land.
Now we know how Dorothy felt...."Toto, there is no place like home"
Relax for the weekend and then back to normal.
Take care, be blessed and we'll see you all shortly....Deb

details details details

2010-06-09T00:46:00.000-07:00

First; Janie, i find it hard to believe you're out of things to say<}:~)
Alva; I can still move my little toe, my legs don't work very much but it did take 30 yrs to get to where I am so it may take a day or 2 for any great progress. I have not had a headache since the procedure. That is HUGE.
I feel great today after an amazing leg and foot massage. Wish I could get this quality at home.
We are extremely pleased with what we have had one here, both Deb and I. Deb is doing a day at the spa right now.
We leave at 02:15 for Frankfurt and ,Tim & Joy, we land at 11:15 Fri morn. in Calgary so see you then.
Let's all pray for Vern Fulton as he has surgery Thurs to remove a tumor from his brain and let's all give thanks to God for HIS faithfulness and attention to even the smallest details!
Be Blessed and we'll see you soon!
Tom & Deb

Paradise

2010-06-08T05:59:00.000-07:00

Well, this is a part of India I thought we would never see, palm trees, pool and lounge chairs.
This is a perfect end to an otherwise crazy stay, our flight out is tomorrow night late (2:15 am
Thursday morning) so we will get 1 more full day here. I'm trying to convince Tom to have an
Indian Head massage and foot massage, I think it would do him good. We are praying and believing on an upgrade at the airport, that would be perfect. We are anxious to come home
but I have to say we will miss the people here. Germany has the food but India has the people.
See you soon, love and prayers Deb/Tom

Close call

2010-06-07T06:39:00.000-07:00

We almost descended into the abyss of India's motel hell!
Got to the hotel............not what we were counting on. Supposed to be the 3 star le Meridian, we landed at the 2 star Emlion. I couldn't even get in the powder room!
After all we've been through, I decided to be assertive. I phoned Yasmeen and relayed my discontent as calmly as a pastor should and after a few hrs we landed at the 5 star Windsor.
Now, this is what I call the royal treatment. After a delicious meal of 'real' food, I am going to retire in our suite.............
Talk to you tomorrow.
God Is GOOD!
Tom & Deb. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Bright eyed and bushy tailed

2010-06-06T18:23:00.000-07:00

Well "this is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it...."
My "tummy" is a little sore still and I'm not able to lift or push anything (so much
for being an "attendant") but I am ready to go, we are just waiting for the Dr.'s OK
and we are out-of-here. We are both looking forward to seeing something other then
these 4 walls, and separate beds just isn't working....Tom is feeling stronger and we
are believing that this is just the beginning of the "Rest of the Story". The people here
on a whole are probably amongst the most gracious and their greatest commodity would
have to be the women, they are absolutely beautiful. Well Tom gets to bring something
home from India (his stent) and I leave something behind (my gallbladder)....oh well we
all leave our mark somehow. Take care and God Bless we'll see you real soon...Deb

Acts 4:32

2010-06-05T21:32:00.000-07:00

Deb and I were just doing our devotional and this scripture came up to remind us of who made this trip possible.
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." Acts 4: 32
Herchel B Dean writes of this vs; "Genuine Christianity always makes it's appearance in the form of great love and compassion for others. "The greatest of these is love."
God has used so many of you to bring this truth to life in our lives.
We will not ever be able to express our gratitude and love for the body of Christ at CCC and beyond. Thank you for sharing everything you have with us!
Your prayers and time and financial support exemplify the "love" that Christ speaks of.
We are forever in your debt!
Love Tom & Deb
PS - i can't access my e-mail so if you're thinkin I ignored you, I haven't
If you want to send a personal note please send it to debraryanking@yahoo.ca
Then we can respond to you all

1 more day

2010-06-05T02:23:00.000-07:00

Deb will be discharged Monday am as she is feeling considerably better.
We will go to the hotel for a couple of days and fly out on the morning of the 10th at 2:55 to Frankfurt then on to home the next day so should be home Fri. morn, I hope.
Can't wait!
See you soon!
Love Tom & Deb

Shoulda, coulda, woulda

2010-06-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

we shoulda been landing in frankfurt right now on our way home.

we now depart on the 10th and if we can upgrade to businees, we wcan come straight through without overnighting in frankfurt. we'd be home the same day as we're 12 1/2 hrs ahead here.

here's hoping!

deb is doing well. still sore but eating more.

I am doing well, still no headaches. just wanna get outta here and get back home.

we've been in hospital now for a full 2 wks and are getting cabin fever. i tried to go outside yesterday but was apprehended in the parking lot and escorted back to the room. not allowed!

Harbind is doing well after his surgery

thanks fer praying!!

tom & Deb

About my progress

2010-06-03T22:00:00.000-07:00

Progress is slow for me as there has bin a weeeeee bit of stress going on(Deb sick, mild heart issue, Deb sick again, Deb's surgery, Ins Co go around, 2 weeks in confinement) just a wee bit
Although, I still have no headaches, see my real feet occasionally, have some sensation in my hands once in a while and fatigue is not the issue it once was so there are some good things happening in spite of all the 'stuff' we're shovelling through. Praise God!
glad to hear church went well tonight.
Be Blessed,
Tom & Deb

Harbind

2010-06-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

There is a 7 yr old boy in the next room who has 4 arms and 4 legs.
Harbind is here to have 2 of each removed.
That happens today and we told the Drs we would be praying.
We ask that you pray for him as well.
Deb is very sore today and the surgeon just explained why. Today is a new day and we look forward to how God will reveal Himself in it and for further healing.
I had a great sleep and too, am looking forward to a better day!
Have a good eve where you are.
And yes, Alva, I am still in the same room as Deb. Getting a bit of cabin fever.
Love,
Tom & Deb

Change of heart

2010-06-03T07:09:00.000-07:00

Got a call from RBC at 7:30 this eve. Wanted to know how Deb was doing and was there anything they could do for us.??????????
Waiting to hear from Deb's doc to make sure there was no pre-existing gall bladder issues and....voila! They'll pay the claim. Totally differ't story from yesterday. Must be all the praying that's going on.
Thank you!
Tom
Deb is still feeling a bit tough but that's to be expected. Tomorrow's a new day!

Done

2010-06-02T22:14:00.000-07:00

The 2 surgeons just came in and told me all went well and Deb will be back to the room in an hr or 2. (Just an example of how they go the extra mile here)
Thank you all for your prayers!(once again)
Keep you posted
Tom

Confirmed

2010-06-01T23:08:00.000-07:00

Deb will have surgery tomorrow am(thurs here Wed Pm there)
They will remove her gallbladder.
Soooo, we won't leave here now till the 8th at the earliest.
Guess the heart thingy was for good reason. God seems to know what He's doing!!
let you know more as we do.
thanks again for praying!!
Tom

Finally, a light

2010-06-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

Deb had an ultrasound this morn that revealed gallstones. Lot's of gallstones!
That would explain the acute pain she experienced yesteday.
Haven't seen the dr yet but we will push to have it removed thereby likely extending our stay.
More to come after we see dr.
Tom

1 step forward 2 back

2010-06-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

For anyone just wakin' up, go back 2 posts and you'll get the latest.
We never got out of the hospital
Deb had a cat scan done this afternoon. We need an answer.
Check out previous post for the latest, and not the greatest, news.
Tom <}:{(

Some of the good stuff

2010-06-01T05:40:00.000-07:00

What have I learned through all of this that might be helpful to others in the same predicament?
1: never drink the water in India
2: Never fly 'economy' when your trip is longer than 2 hrs
3: People will surprise you with their generosity and love if you let them
4: Don't wait for some 'smart' person(neurologist) to give you the go ahead.
5:Just do it!
6: Don't waste your money on scans(MRV, Doppler) in Canada. Wait till you get where you're going to have them done
7: make sure you have medical ins.!!!!!!!!!
8: If you go to India, got to Bangalore. Dr's Sayeed and Gopi are an awesome team!
9: I made the right decision to have this done.
10: My wife is an awesome person!(not that I didn't know it already)
11: Take it slow!!!!!!!!! It took 30yrs for me to get where I am. It may take a while to get it back.
12: I feel better today than I have in some time(even after the heart scare thingy)
13: GOD IS GOOD!!!!!(all the time)
14: If you can afford to wait 5 yrs for the 'system' in Canada to figure it out, than do so. If not, get a hold of Yasmeen Sayeed at Medical Tourism Canada and 'git 'er done!!!'
15: if a friend suggests you shouldn't take the chance, they're probably not your friend
16: Believe!!!!!!

Reride

2010-06-01T00:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess we gotta get back in the chutes and take a shot at a reride.
We were about to leave(within an hr) when Deb was leveled with major abdominal pain.
Kinda gettin' old!(I mean the pain not Deb)
Waiting for the gastro guy(again)
They gave her an antispasmotic injection in the rump and it seems to have settled it for the moment. Deb has been re-admitted.
I told her we're even now so it's time to call a truce and get the sam-hang outta here!
I'll keep you posted!<:{)
Please keep praying
Tom

outta chute #2 on a dirty old bull named Crumpets!

2010-05-31T20:19:00.000-07:00

"Here we go boys! Open the gate and let 'im out now........"
That's it! Color me gone! We're outta here!
We've been given the go ahead and given the gate!(at the same time)
The Dr. is discharging us today and we will spend the next couple o' days at the La Meridian Hotel, do a little lookin' around and find some rocks for Justine.(thought we'd ferget didn't you?)
Thank you to all who have been so faithful in prayer for us and to those who have been constantly in touch and encouraging. You know who you are! You HAVE been the difference!
Next post from La Meridian.
Love
Tom & Deb

Well,well, well

2010-05-31T07:27:00.000-07:00

Kinda playing 'revolving patients' here in India.
Once again, I'm it! Deb thinks I just like the attention.
After yesterday afternoon, if that's the way I have to get my turn, I think I'd rather not play anymore!
Dr. Gopi was just in and they don't seem to think there is any concern of any damage of the lasting variety. Coulda bin the big one but thanks to the fact that you 'saints' were all praying, there were literally 'peals of thunder ' and 'flashes of lightening' 'hurled down from heaven' on my behalf and the good Lord chose to baffle the 'smart people' once again.
Priase The Lord!
I'm feeling purdy good now and I'm hoping that we'll get outta here tomorrow.
They were going to do a rather invasive procedure to rule out any chance of permanent damage but Dr Gopi and Dr Sayeed feel I've gone through enough and we should just 'get outta Dodge!'
So, depending on how the night goes, we'll hopefully be off to the hotel tomorrow and the heading home late Fri.
THANK YOU for praying for me!
In His Grip,
Tom

People come and people go

2010-05-31T03:20:00.000-07:00

Well, we have met some nice folks from Canada while we have been here, they come, have the procedure (Liberation Treatment) done, are thrilled with the results and off they go to the spa or hotel (their choice).
And we wait, wait to get well....Tom is having a huge backslide in his health....he is experiencing pain in his back, neck and head. The worst headache he has ever had he says....I believe it is
partly due to his lack of sleep last night...how ever he seems to have a case of the "loose motions"
again....thats Indian for "the trot's". We are waiting for his Dr. to come, he is in surgery right now but will stop in when he is through. This man does 7 - 8 surgery's a day and works 6 days
a week, it seems he never gets tired. There must be a reason we are still here. We are getting to know the nurses, we could use some of them back home...quite a few Christians girls, they identify themselves to us and we feel like family and so we should, we are.

feeling ready to fly

2010-05-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

Good Morning, and yes it is a good morning, I had my first cup of coffee this morning since I have been ill and ate an entire omelet. Tom will be proud of me, I have had word this morning that he has had no more pain and they will be bringing him back to the room after the Dr.'s rounds. Now its up to the Dr.'s about Tom's heart when we will be discharged. I do believe that there is a purpose for all this, it just hasn't been revealed yet. Tom had just read yesterday to me out of the book "The Great House of God" by (you guessed it) Max Lucado about when the saints pray God sends down thunder and lightning. I was reading Rev. this morning and came across the scripture Max was referring to Rev. 8:4,5 last night I could hear this loud noise in the covered courtyard outside our window, the heavens opened up and "there came peals of thunder, rumblings and flashes of lightning". Thank you for all your prayers, "the prayers of the Saints went up before God from the angel's hand", they were heard. We will be home soon.
I must be feeling better, you can't shut me up, well must run and "get cute" before my man comes back. :) Be Blessed Deb

No more pain

2010-05-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

I just was to see Tom in ICU, had to wait for an aid to take me, they do not like us wondering around to much. He has had no more pain and the cardiologist did an ultrasound and couldn't
find anything. He cannot however explain what happened ( GOD happened) they will keep him overnight, they have re-admitted him, now they have us both again. I had my 5th IV installed today, my veins keep blocking them, ouch...looks like we may be here until we fly out Friday.
I can't seem to eat, can't have gluten or dairy, doesn't leave alot, they don't serve beef, just chicken. But they do have french fries :)

Phil 4:6-7

2010-05-30T05:45:00.000-07:00

Thank you Donna Mason for the gift of the scripture bracelet, its keeping me going...

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

I feel an unexplainable peace right now, I know God is here with us and there is good that
will come with all this.

Tom's needing urgent prayer

2010-05-30T05:36:00.000-07:00

Tom has just been rushed to ICU, he was having a great day, feeling especially
well, even able to move his little toe. We had just laid down to rest because a
young worker here was going to take him on a trip outside at 6:30 when he
had a aweful pain in his chest, they are looking into it to see if it was a heart
attack. I will keep you up on what is happening. Deb

Happy Sunday

2010-05-30T01:50:00.000-07:00

Spent the morn with other Canucks with good results. Very encouraging!
No negative comments as yet.
Had a funky good feeling in my hands for a bit. Can't explain it other than it felt good!
Still no headaches!
Deb's still not up to par. Not eating much for fear of bloating. Waiting for results from the biopsies they took yesterday. We covet your prayers in this respect and for strength enough to travel home come Fri.
Kinda feel guilty for feeling so good while she suffers just because she came along.
Have a great Sunday in the Lord!
Love,
Tom & Deb

Sunday

2010-05-30T01:33:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah,

I forgot to tell you that I sat here wiggling my little toe consciously.

May not be that big a deal to some but she's a biggy when I haven't done it in years that I can remember.

Now if only the other 9 would cooperate!!

Cool huh?

Tom

Git your clothes on

2010-05-28T22:38:00.000-07:00

woke up this morn and decided to get showered and dressed for the day(both of us) First day out of pjs in a week for me.
almost feel human. smell better too!!
I managed on my own quite nicely. Things are looking up!
Deb just got back from her endoscopy so hopefully we'll hear soon.
we're both feeling better today and can't thank God enough or you folks fer praying<}:~)
Love you all!
Tom & Deb

no place like home

2010-05-27T19:14:00.000-07:00

Deb woke up feeling purdy good this morn. Didn't last long as she is back in bed feeling weak and nauseous. Please pray for patience and above all, healing. I think she just wants to come home.
Can't say we've had a great time here. Got lots of exercise going back and forth to the throne though! But we know 'that in all things God works for the good of those that love him' and we know that HE has it all under control. We are encouraged by the fact that so many family and friends are holding us up in prayer.
We missed you all tonight at CCC. We're praying through the time of the service.
On a more positive note,
I had the first full nights sleep since arriving on this continent.
Woke up and unconsciously uncrossed my legs. Haven't been able to do that for 4 years.
Swung my legs off the bed by myself. Haven't done that in a while either!
i don't feel fatigue as readily as before. NO HEADACHES SINCE THE SURGERY!!! Praise God!!

Miss you all!
Love, Tom & Deb

discharged

2010-05-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I'm good to go.
saw the doc this aft and he said there was nothing to worry about and I was free to go. He has done for me what we came to have done and it was all a success. They even found some things that didn't show up in the scans from Vanc. Very thorough. I'm very happy with the results. Just gonna have a sore neck for a few weeks.
Problem is, Deb isn't ready to go. Still not well. Her white blood count is down a touch and her temp is down to 102. Still a ways away from being in any shape to travel. We will see the lady from Vanc tomorrow and hopefully be able to change our return to a sooner date depending on how Deb is doing.
Deb had an ultrasound today to try and figure what's going on. Several other tests as well. Still no results as of yet.
Will keep you all posted.
love,
Tom and Deb

New day New pile

2010-05-26T23:47:00.000-07:00

Seems that it was too good to be true.
Deb suffered another setback. Still got the trots. Only worse. Hasn't eaten in 2 days so don't know what's left to trot about.
Saw a gastrologist who's planning some further tests to try and figure it out.
She's on heavy antibiotics. Can't keep anything in her belly so just doesn't eat. Not a great first experience in India.
Needs your prayers please.
I have improved with the rest. Stronger. No headaches!!! Praise God!!!
Still have to see the surgeon to figure out if a vein graft is in my future for the right jugular. Quite an indepth surgery but we're here so why not right.
the left jugular is fine with the stent they put in. Dr. Reyhan figures it was the cause of my severe headaches. I don't miss them!!!
I have a hoard of young fellows tripping over themselves to help me at every turn with every thing so you don't have to worry 'bout me Billy.
This hospital is fantastic compared to the other. the staff is exceptional and ever so caring.
We do miss 'Our Home and Native land' however and all you folks.
Thanks for caring and thanks for praying.
Maybe someone could read this Thurs night for those who are wondering and concerned at CCC.
God Bless you all!!
with our love,
Tom & Deb

encouragement

2010-05-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for your encouraging comments and thanks Heather for Bill's message.
Tell him it's worth your life driving around here! These people are nuts!!
Thanks Alva and Janie for the scriptural encouragement and anybody else I may have missed.
Tom

2010-05-25T18:28:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Today's another day in paradise.

Still scared to eat lest we be trotting. Praying that today will be a better day.

Deb feels a bit better. Ate an apple and some of the goodies Mom prepared for us.

I'm feeling a bit stronger today. Must have been the stress of that horrible 7 hrs in ICU.

It's over, thankfully, and we're looking ahead to better days.

We miss you all and give thanks daily for our family and friends!!

Be Blessed Today!

Tom & Deb

ஓட மி ஐடியா ஒப் எ குட் டைம்

2010-05-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure who made more trips to the lieu today. I think Deb's ahead by a few and folks here probably wonder why we canucks are such a finicky bunch. I personally think it's a nasty case of food poisoning. NASTY!!!
Deb's resting now after a hard hard day. I'm guarding the throne. I feel pretty helpless when I can't even get out of bed to lend a hand or hold the bucket.
Hopefully, we're at a turning point.
If I don't get a few poems outta this trip, somethin's wrong!
Talk to you tomorrow!!
Love ya' all!!
Tom & Deb(Mom)

Ain't it grand

2010-05-25T02:34:00.000-07:00

We need y'all to pray please.
Deb is quite ill with some sort of infection in her blood.
She has now become a patient and is getting waaaaaaay more attention than I am <}:(
We both are having a problem retaining grub of any sort(don't wanna cough too hard)
It's not funny Janie!!!!
Please pray for Deb!!!!!!!

Success in Bangalore

2010-05-24T21:26:00.000-07:00

Well we got it done.
3 hrs in surgery yielded 3 blockages. 2 were ballooned successfully and the 3rd, a 6 cm restriction had to be stented. If we went the surgical route we would have had to stay another 2 weeks and I ain't sure that would have been good.
Spent 7 hrs in the most miserable ICU on the planet but was moved to an entirely different hospital. the 'Taj mahal' compared to the 1st one.
Problam now is, Deb is very sick with the runs and nausea. I woke up with the trots myself this morning. We won't be going to the Spa that was planned as we heard that 3 others got food poisoning there. Not sure what or where we'll end up. Maybe home. I know that would be Deb's choice right about now.
Doc says I will have some discomfort from the stent for a few weeks but should be good after that.
My feet look like feet again and Deb noticed that shortly after the surgery.
We are happy with the outcome and look forward to more improvement soon.
Thanks for all your prayers!!
Tom And Deb

2010-05-22T22:53:00.000-07:00

One thing we forgot yesterday was how amazing it was to travel above the ash cloud at 35,000 feet and look down at what could well be what amageddon will look like. The cloud spread from west of Greenland to the British Isles. What appeared as cities of fire on the surface of the cloud was not only eerie but awe inspiring. The horizon was the color of fire all the way. We serve a great God!

It is now 24 hrs till my surgery so we covet your prayers at this time and thank all who are!

I know Deb is nervous but I am confident that God knows what's best.

I kinda think with the groceries we've had so far that This may also be HIS diet plan for this little bald headed fat man<}:~)

Talk to you tomorrow!

Finally

2010-05-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

Well, we're here and, we shoulda brought a laptop! Not as much access as home.
Trip from Calgary to Frankfurt was smooth and uneventful....saw the sunset
and sunrise all at the same time, it never got dark. The first landing was quite
smooth, the second not so much...it would be me falling out of a single bed and
hitting the floor, guess I'm used to a king size. A quick call and we had 3 strong
fellows including the guy from the "Green Mile"...had an awesome meal (room service
no less) before going to bed. Weather was not great so spent the day sleeping and
watching movies (sorry Sarah). Next morning we left for India on a 747. Deb being
the persistent, caring and loving wife she is secured us a seat in "business class" for
this leg of the journey. What a difference, we had seats that converted into beds...
I watched Avatar (sorry again Sarah...you were right it is good)
Upon arrival in India we were meet with a pleasant surprise, the airport was great,
the people were better and the hotel Le Meridian was the greatest surprise yet, it
was exquisite. Not at all what you would expect to find in this part of the world.
Now the trip from the airport to the hotel was another story, you have never
experienced traffic until you've driven in India, no tail lights, no attention to stop
lights, no attention to lanes, honk your horn, flash your lights and give'r! I'm sure
I saw my life pass before my eyes at least 7 times. I think the reason he (Raju) put me
in the front seat was so I could be the first on the scene of the accident. Thank GOD
for his hand on us for that situation. Deb started tipping but the help was coming in
droves, not for the tips but just because they are such helpful people. We've been
treated royally. After a short fast sleep (6 hours) we were picked up and WISKED
back into daytime traffic by Raju to the hospital. Not the way the pictures showed it,
it is the exact opposite of the hotel....the people make up for it, very attentive, they
travel in bunches, there were 6 guys at the car to help us. We met the doctor that will
be doing the surgery on Monday he is the "Dougie Houser" of medicine here, he's young
and is very confident in this procedure.
We will keep you posted! (hopefully more regular)

outta here

2010-05-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

Well, the countdown is on.
This time tomorrow we'll be dropping in to Frankfurt.
Everything has come together in such a way that to think for a minute that God is not in this would be lunacy. Or just plain silly!
We are believing in His infinite wisdom and guidance for the next 20 days or so.(and beyond of course)
Thank you everyone who has made the dream become reality. <}:~)
God bless you all and pray that the volcano keeps it's cool till we get there!
Love to all!
Tom & Deb

Danny Gibson in action

2010-05-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

Here's the 'Western Star' covering the 'West Country' like a blanket!

As usual, Danny has it covered.

Thanks Danny!

Here's a selection of talent you'll go a long ways to top(minus the bald guy in the chair)!!!

Ooooh what a night!!!

2010-05-12T07:04:00.000-07:00

Had an amazing benefit concert Friday night. (little slow with the updates, sorry)
Terpsmas and Korvers and my family pulled together a whole wack of folks to put on an incredible night of first class entertainment along with a silent and live auction that raised a whole pile of cash for our little jaunt to India.(over 20 grand)
A whale of a THANK YOU to all who were involved and all who so generously opened your hearts and wallets to help us see this little sojourn become a reality!
Thanks to you, we leave on Wed morning(19th)
If you weren't there, you missed an awesome display of Christian love in action. God is good!!(all the time!) That's for you Grant
We feel like we have been blessed beyond our wildest imagination!!
Thank you all!
I'll try to keep you up to date a bit better. Here's to a long walk in the park! <}:)

Sorry Jasmeen

2010-04-22T16:03:00.000-07:00

I neglected to point out that my trip would not be possible had I not spoken to a nice lady in Lacombe who put me in touch with Yasmeen from Surgical Tourism Canada, a forward thinking organization who does nice things for folks like me who have given up on sense and sensibility existing in this country I like to call Canadon't.
Thanks Noreen and Yasmeen

So, whadda ya wanna do now?

2010-04-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been frustrated to the point where you'd like to scream? Or maybe string up a neurologist? Bad Preacher!!

The 'health care' system in Canada needs to wake up! People with MS have as much right to have blocked veins cleared by angioplasty as folks with heart disease, and to have it funded by government health care.

But noooo! I am setting out to spend $25,000 for a trip half way around the globe to have the 'Liberation Treatment' done in India.

A simple procedure that could, and should, be done right here in 'My Home and Native Land'

WHO HAS THAT KIND OF MONEY? Not me.

Thankfully, I have friends and family who believe I deserve a chance at a better life.

For 30 yrs now I have lived with MS. Headaches, Insomnia, spasticity, vision impairment, lack of bladder control, sometimes the ol' bowel don't wanna be left out either, legs don't work, hands work when they want to and..............

I'm going for it!!

Too bad the powers that be in this country are too annal to see a good thing even though it's right there in front of their noses.

They must be visually impaired too!

This is the start of my journey to a new life!
Join me won't you? I'd love to go for a walk with my wife.