So You Can't Have Peanut Butter?

Why would anyone be told that you can't have peanut butter?  Well, if you were told that you can't  have peanuts, that does it.  Everyone knows that peanut butter is made out of peanuts.  How sad!  Peanut butter is supposed to be so good for you and besides it makes a great peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  We haven't even mentioned the Reese's peanut butter cups, peanut butter fudge, peanut butter cookies, and of course, peanut butter covered pancakes (If you haven't tried that, you're really missing out).  Sadly, it is true, some people have been told that they can't have peanut butter.
I don't know all the reasons why some people cannot have peanut butter, but I do know one reason it is bad for some folks.  If you have a bad liver, some doctors will tell you that you should not eat peanut butter.  What ever the reason may be, I have found a solution.  Hooray!  My first discovery was that other nuts that make butter is a very good substitute.  For example, Almond Butter.  I've found it at Walmart, Bi-Lo, and of course the health food store.  But, be ready to pay noticeably more.  Not as much as medicine but a lot for 'peanut butter'.
The next discovery I made was "nutella".  Have you ever heard of it?  Yes, it's on the shelf near the peanut butter also.  Nutella is a Hazelnut spread with skim milk and cocoa.  Believe me.  This is good stuff.  It too is more expensive but it may be worth it if you can't have peanut butter and wish you could.
Now, there is one more substitute that I have found to be excellent, maybe the best yet.  I just found this at Bi-Lo about a week ago.  It's called "Soy Wonder", a creamy soybutter.  Don't let the "soy" scare you.  I'm willing to try things.  Sometimes I loose and sometimes I win.  I believe I have won with this one.  I'm telling you, this is good.  Ummmm-ummmmm good.  Of course it is peanut free.
Three peanut butter substitutes.  All priced about two dollars more (depending on the size).  All good.  So, do not be distraught, you peanut-butter-loving friends.  There is more than one way to satisfy that peanut-butter-loving taste bud.  Almond butter, Nutella, and Soybutter.

I'm Not Lazy - Just Tired!

I don't know where I heard it the first time, but I've heard it many times since. Maybe, the most I've heard it is from my own lips. "I'm not lazy. I'm just tired." I used to think I was lazy because I had no reason to be tired, but still I didn't want to do anything and what I did was like pulling a locomotive along behind me. Well, at one point in my life, the doctors discovered a medical condition that attributes to extreme fatigue. That doesn't sound as bad as lazy, and besides if there is a medical condition connected to it, it seems to be more excusable.

You know, I'm not so sure that any ailment causes me to be so fatigued. Oh, I know that there are conditions that cause extreme fatigue, but I'm just not so sure that, that is the case for me. Besides, I have something else to blame my "fatigue" on now. So, if I'm pressured about my frequent sluggishness, I can choose to say that I have been diagnosed with a condition that causes me to be extremely fatigued, or I can blame it on something that may be more acceptable - I'm an old man now, at least by the standards of most young whipper-snappers.

As it is, you just never know. If I feel like doing something, I may do it and if I don't feel like it, I may not. Just don't ask me why?

My Progress Report

I told some of you that I would let you know what I found out from the Gastroenterologist concerning my liver (hep-c condition). Is it always true that the doctors do not come right out and tell you what you want to hear? I would rather hear, "It looks bad" than to hear medical jargon that really leaves me still in the dark. Really I'd rather hear, "It looks good."

So, what did the doctor say? First they took my blood, three vials, and did the lab work. My enzymes are elevated and my viral load has go back up to 5,200,000 +/-. I wrote about that already on fb. Then, I had radiology done on my liver. I thought I would hear something solid, one way or the other, but, perhaps to my medical jargon ignorence, what I heard was medical jargon that really ........ like I already said. What I was told was that I looked good, or did she say "ok", or was it "fine"? Not sure, but how can that be if my liver enzymes are elevated and the viral load is over 5 million? I was not told that I had improved or 'deproved'. What? Did I hear somebody say, "Well, why didn't you just ask?" My answer is, "I did." Maybe I just can't remember the exact words. My forgetter is working quite well!

I was told that I had gall-stones. We've known that for maybe two years (I was told that back then but, like I said, my forgetter is working real good). At least it is on the record that I have gall-stones, and I was told that if I wanted to have the surgery to remove the gall bladder, just let them know. I asked about disintegrating the stones and was informed that they didn't, wouldn't or couldn't do that. (My forgetter at work again.) Kidney stones...........yes, but gall stones..........no. After asking what the symptoms were for gall-stones and realizing that I was having none of those symptoms, I decided that I didn't want to punish myself with that operation of removing my gall bladder. Now, you understand that I wouldn't have to remove it myself. The doc would do that. :) Hey, I guess the doc says that I'm ok, but with an active hep-c condition,.........I don't know.

I thank God for every day of strength that He gives me. When I feel 'funny', my energy is totally gone, or I'm having brain fog reactions I will just take it easy and know that tomorrow is going to be better. I will keep trying to eat properly (I'm always stumbling with that), and I'll keep my eyes open for some naturel health remedies to whatever ails me. I'll continue to give my regular doctor some blood samples about every 4 mos. Maybe every 6 mos. I'll go back to the gastroenterologist after a year for another check up, maybe. Who knows? The rapture of the church may take place before that time and I hope to be gone if it happens. Otherwise, I still alive and well. Talk to you later!

I'm Back In The Saddle Again!

I was out of the saddle and down on the ground. The ropes were wrapped around me. I had lost control. I still held the ropes and pulled hard on them, but I knew that something was not happening like I thought it should. I was pulled from side to side, wondering if I’d ever be able to lift myself from the dust and stand with pride to face the crowd. Thanks to those who knew how to help me, I suddenly realized that the rustle and tumble of life was slowing, and I was coming to my senses again. Though I wanted to lie on the ground and nurse my wounds and bruises, I was driven to shake myself, rise to my feet, face the peering mob about me and lift my hands as a symbol of victory even if I felt like disaster had fallen my lot.

Now I miss the old rough ride that I had for so long, and sometimes feel that I am doing it again; but I am not in the same saddle and I can tell that my ride is not the same. Adjusting to the new style is quite a task, considering all the changes that have taken place since I last rode a normal steed, but there is hope for a safer journey, now that we have the assurance that the spurs are not under the saddle anymore. I can only drive as I have known to drive, even though my skill has improved by my last treacherous upset, so I will continue to head in the homeward direction. The sun is falling low in the East and I know that I will soon be arriving at my destination. For now, I can say that I am just happy to be Back In The Saddle Again.

Here's What I'm Doing Now

This is just an update - an overdue update. I am doing so much better these days. Just getting off the medication is an improvement. My regular doctor is keeping a watch on my liver function and my enzyme levels, and thus far all is looking good. Now that I have regained most of my strength and ability, I have accepted an invitation by the pastor of Grace Assembly to work with him at that church. It is the last church that I pastored and I count it an honor to be accepted by the present pastor and members, as an associate. I think I will be able to serve the pastor, the church and God in this capacity with a sense of accopmlishment for ministry. I do not have the desire to pastor any church these days but I do have a desire to do whatever God wants me to do. Right now, I feel like it is to serve in this position.

I am still a member of the North Cleveland Church of God and I still have an active ordained bishop certificate. I keep in touch with the NCCOG and attend some of its functions when possible and I continue to observe my financial obligations to that church. I really wish it were possible for the Church of God and the Assembly of God, and all of the pentecostal fellowships, to be united into one fellowship. That would make us, the pentecostal community, a louder voice in the world and we would be a stronger body, physically and financially, and could therefore do more for God. At least it seems that way. I believe that God is doing His work in this world and He continues to surprise me how and by whom He does it. God is an awesome God. Won't it be wonderful there?!

One of the good things that has come out of all this medical bout that I have been engaged in is a greater appreciation for the more contemporary music of this day. I really do love the music by Casting Crowns, especially the song entitled "I Will Praise You In This Storm". There are other groups that I really enjoy who would not have been accepted by my criteria at a time in my past. Really, I have been expanded, broadened, enlightened, or whatever you want to call it, by my experience. I still love the old conservative songs and good old souther gospel too. What I think I am trying to say is, "I am a better man today than I was yesterday." Let me conclude with this old number:
"We'll work 'till Jesus comes,
We'll work 'till Jesus comes,
We'll work 'till Jesus comes,
And then be gathered home."

My Last Visit To The Specialist!

Well, well, well! What will I blog about now? Since I have been taken off my medication and the therapy has stopped, I should be feeling better. I am feeling better. Ain't that something? Off the medicine and feeling better! So "my progress" is just going to be gooder-n-gooder. I guess I'll have to blog more about "church, my family, sermon thoughts, theology, other and new things". (see my blog labels)

Let me just say this concerning the doctor visits to Dr. Buchner: It was kinda sad to say good-bye to those nurses. After seeing them so many times, I begin to think of them as my friends. So, why didn't I think of the doctor as my friend? Simple! Believe it or not, I never did even meet the doctor. I wouldn't know him if I bumped into him. I think he only comes to the Cleveland office once a week. Now, he could be comming more than that, but I still never met him and I don't know him. He sure has a good staff though, and I was well pleased with the care I received from them.

On this last visit, Monday, Nov. 12th., for the first time, I didn't loose any weight. As a matter of fact I gained 2 lbs. My blood counts were almost normal. I was almost out of the anemic stage, falling short of it only by a .2 (point two) reading of one of the four or five or more readings that they do. I knew I was getting better. In summary: It was hepatitis-c, geno-type 1b, I completed 28 weeks of the 48 week therapy session, beginning viral load of 7.2 million, mid-term load of 164,000, ending load of 1.02 million, I would not clear the virus, my primary care physician would receive a report of all that was done and he can do the same lab work if he desires. That's the doctor's report but there is another report to consider (See my blog dated Thursday, Oct. 18th., entitled "Whose Report Will You Receive?")

Should there be any important developments concerning my fight with the hepatitis-c virus, I'll probably post something about it on this blogspot.

Here's something new for you to feel sorry for me about. I have to renew my driver's liscense by Nov. 20th. This is the 16th. However, I can't do it yet. I'm waiting for the office of vital statistics in Florida to send me a certified copy of my birth certificate so I can prove to the liscense bureau that I am who I said I was five years ago when they issued me a Tennessee State driver's liscense. Mercy, mercy, mercy! I have my valid Tennessee driver's liscense, with my picture on it, and all the other important info, but that want do. The requirement is that since this is my first renewal, I must have my birth certificate. I ask you now. Does that mean that they are admitting to the possibility that they may have liscensed me illigally? Sounds like it to me. Well, the best way for me to respond to all that is just like I am doing now. I've put a rush order in for my birth certificate and I'm waiting. When it comes, I'll just go down to the liscense bureau office and take my number and go through the mill for my renewal. I'll not grumble nor complain. Err...ah, is that what I am doing now? Complaining? I'll get over it.

Whose report will you receive?

I wrote this late last night (Wednesday night) but did not post it, so here it is!

I have anxiously anticipated this day when I could give you this 24 week report. Well actually, it has been more like 27 weeks. I really expected to tell you that the virus was totally cleared and I only had 20 more weeks of treatment to go. That is not the report that I have to give, however. Really, I have two reports to share with you.

The first report is what I received from the doctor’s office today (Wednesday). There is both good news and bad news here. First, the bad news. The virus has not cleared. The report says that my viral load increased from 164,000 to 1,020,000. That’s an increase of 856,000. So, the doctor feels that the treatment is not working and there is no point in continuing with it. That brings the ‘good news’, of a sort. I do not have to continue the treatments. That means when the medication works its way out of my body I should have no more side effects and get back to ‘normal’. My hair should stop falling out, I should have less dramatic emotional reactions, and hopefully, less extreme fatigue.

If that report is not good enough, then here’s the second report. Actually, I got this one earlier but I’ll call it the second one. The past week or so I have been feeling better and Sunday was a great day. Sunday night we were standing in the church singing. I can’t remember all the songs that we sung, but I definitely remember one of them. We were singing, “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus”. Do you know it? Well here it is on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe65um19-bw No, that’s not our church choir but it is the song we were singing. Anyway, I was feeling pretty good while we were singing and when we got to the verse that says, “He healed my body and He told me to run on,” I just felt so strong that it was for me. I looked over at Janis and I told her, while trying to keep from crying, “He healed my body and He told me to run on.” She agreed. I just knew that there was something going on. You know what I mean? After about another verse, I felt so impressed that I should tell my Mother what I felt, that I sat down and bent over to her and said, “I’ve gotta tell you what I feel like God has said. He healed my body and He told me to run on.” I had just as much difficulty, or more, trying to keep from crying that time as when I told Janis. Now, I believe that God was trying to minister to me. He knew what the doctors report was going to be today (Wednesday), based on the blood work taken last Thursday, but God’s report came to me on Sunday, based on faith in His Word.

I’m here to tell you that God has touched my body. I am off the medication as of today and I want you to help me to believe that I am healed. How can you help me? Don’t speak any doubt to me. Say only words of encouragement, and rejoice with me. Ironically, I can say that I may die “with” hepatitis-c but I do not believe that I will die “because” of hepatitis-c. Do you follow me? I was told when I received the doctors report that the nurse said something like what I just said, and I may have revised it a little but that’s the essence.

Whose report will you receive? Whose report will I receive? I shall receive the report of the Lord. I thank God for every ounce of health in my body and for every breath of air that I breathe. If the rapture doesn’t happen first, I plan on being around for 15 or 20 more years. To God be the Glory!

Good News! It's Good To Be Home

We have just returned from our 7 day trip to Louisiana. We had a good visit with family and friends and I did very well. I did have to leave the group once and find a place to rest for a while but overall I did great. That's just what I want them all to think and it is true - I did very good.

We stayed with my Mother-In-Law, so you know Janis was having a wonderful time. I tried to be good and do right, of course. :) Seriously, my Mother-in-law and I have a good relationship and we did have a good time, but, 'There's No Place Like Home.'

On our return trip, we stopped in Union, MS to visit with Ed and Stella Dickerson. She is Janis' cousin. Ed is the pastor of Hudson Chapel Church of God. We arrived at their house just about dinner time. She had a wonderful meal prepared and we enjoyed our visit. They are really wonderful people. I wish you could see the house that Ed built. Truly a blessing from God.

Here's some good news that I want to share with you: While in Louisiana, I called back to the doctor's office to find out the results of my last lab work and especially my viral load, or count. It needed to be 700,000 or less (a two log drop from the original 7.2 million), or else I would probably not continue the treatment. Well, the count was 194,000.....or was it 154,000? I know it's a shame that I do not remember exactly which of those numbers the nurse said, but it was under 200,000 and that is well within the acceptable range. That looks really good to me, so I will continue treatments. The dragon is about to fall by the wayside, but I will continue to strike at it with my sword (the redipen).

By the way! I told you that God was doing a healing in my body. He still is doing it. I wonder what that viral count might be right now? Possibly, so low that it would be undetectable! But for now, I believe that I am supposed to continue the treatments. Thanks for your prayers.

The Dragon!

I found this picture in CarePlace. This is a picture of the hepatitis-c virus inside the cell. Can you believe that such a squirmy little squirt could be called 'the dragon'?

A Sword To Slay The Dragon!

I didn't know until just yesterday that the hepatitis-c virus is referred to as 'the dragon' by heppers. Of course, 'heppers' are people who have the virus. If it is a dragon, then there must be a sword somewhere to slay the dragon. I have found it. This is a picture of it. I use this sword every Wednesday night after church. First I go to church and get charged up and then I come home and strike at the dragon with this sword. It is called the redipen. This is the needle that I use to give myself a shot of medication with. I also use (now use your imagination with me) four smooth stones (pills) each day to hit the giant dragon with. I believe the giant is beginning to teeter and is in for a fall.




This is a single redipen as it would be received from the druggist. The only difference between this and what I get is the quantity. I get four per week.










Here is a brief four-step plan of delivering the medication with the redipen. The solution is first mixed, then the needle is attached, the dosage is dialed and then of course, the medication is injected. Just thought this might interest somebody.

OK! Here we go.

According to the material that I received from my doctor, furnished by Schering Corporation, "Approximately 4 million Americans have chronic HCV (Hepatitis-C Virus) infection and 70% of these patients will develop chronic liver disease. HCV infection is responsible for the deaths of 8,000 to 10,000 Americans each year. Because so many people have this disease, effective treatment of chronic HCV infection is an important public health issue."

I have been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis-C, (Fibrosis-Stage 3, Stage 4 being cirrhosis) and in order to prevent cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure or even liver cancer, I have chosen to take therapy offered by the Schering Corporation. PEG-INTRON® (peginterferon alfa-2b) Powder for Injection REDIPEN® Single-dose Delivery System combined with another drug called REBETOL® (Ribavirin, USP) Capsules. I take two capsules each morning and two each evening and give myself a shot with the REDIPEN once a week for a total of 48 weeks. I have had four shots and have only 44 to go. ☺ At least, I am on my way!

The only way you may become infected when hanging around me is for you to get my blood in contact with your blood. Some may believe that you can pass the disease on by kissing, or by sharing certain personal items but that would be true only if the kissing got violent, you know. . . . . like biting, or the personal items contained any blood. You see, HCV is a blood-borne disease, meaning that it is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. We will not be kissing, sharing a razor, toothbrush or a drug needle, so please do not avoid me like the plague. There is one other way to get infected with HCV - organ transplants or blood transfusions. If you had an organ transplant or a blood transfusion before 1992, you should be tested for the virus.

Serious side effects can develop from the treatment: body organ problems, heart problems, blood problems, mental health problems and death. ☹ There may be some others but that's enough, isn't it? Some more common and less serious side effects include: flu-like symptoms (headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and fever), extreme fatigue, appetite problems, thyroid problems, blood sugar problems, skin reactions, and hair loss. Sounds scarey doesn't it? I think I am through the roughest part of therapy but this is a journey that I have never taken before so, I will just trust God and continue on this path of healing.

There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis-C and any damage that has been done to my liver thus far, cannot be repaired, by the doctors or the drugs but our goal is to treat the liver in an effort to stop the active viral count. Now, I believe that there is a God who can do what doctors and drugs cannot do. If He created my liver, He can heal it. I will do what I can and I'll let God do what He will and I'll just go on living until I die. That may be 20 more years. I will probably outlive some of you. Who knows? I have already made it to 64. How many more years must I have before I can say, "It's been a good life"?

I believe that I am doing well on therapy. I have experienced some side effects physically and mentally. I'm not too sure about the 'mental' thing. I was already wondering if I was having mental side effects from life itself. So far I still know my name, rank and serial number. ☺

Don't Be Stupid!
Ten years ago, I attempted to donate blood for a lady who was in the hospital and the blood center sent me a letter by certified mail informing me that my "test for antibody to the hepatitis C virus was initially reactive," but I thought it was nothing to really be worried about. "After all, I was just getting over a cold and they probably only found a strain of flu or something," I figured. So I did nothing. About six months ago, I was feeling really bad and went to the doctor. I found out that I was sick. I had a full scale check-up and here I am! That leaves a lot unsaid, but I'll try to find an ending place for this blogging. I do feel better. I sleep better. I am losing weight (I'm on a self-imposed diet). And after this therapy is over, I expect to be a new man. Don't be like me if you have been exposed to any ones blood. Get checked and if needed take the therapy.

Any comments may be helpful.