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#129206 09/17/11 12:25 PM
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Been sick for about 2 weeks... running fever at night, feeling like garbage, went to family doc twice and saw his Nurse Practitioner... took the medicine and still no better.

Took off to see my Pulmonologist yesterday and he loaded me up with CIPRO (antibiotic), TUSSENEX cough syrup for cough suppression and it contains a loopy narcotic, Prednisone (steroid) for the inflammation of the lungs, and Prilosec for my acid reflux that I've had for years. He doubled the dose from what I was taking.

Ordered me to go to hospital for a chest x-ray. And when I'm well he says he wants to see a CT SCAN of my lungs and sinuses (that last one stumped me). Plus he gave me a shot of steroids right in his office. I left the pharmacy with $150 in co-pays for my medication and then drove straight to the poor house. LOL

I had no fever last night; I have felt pretty good today for the first time in 2 weeks. But I'm now on oxygen 24/7. Two years ago when I was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension, plus had a stent put in my heart, my lung capacity was at 68% ---- yesterday after the lung test, my lung capacity is now at 42% (which is why i need oxygen 24/7). So, with those current results which the doctor doesn't think will change after this treatment, I probably won't be doing any more vocal recording, but I think I can play piano without getting to short of breath.

So, I'm in pretty good shape for the shape I'm in. I appreciate RHARV for asking about me in a separate thread. He, along with many others on here, have been such good friends and buddies to me. RHARV taught me a lot about PowerTracks and really answered about 76,592 questions I had when I first started here. Plus he played a GOOD BASS on the song I recorded "AMAZING GRACE" --- several other guys on here helped with that production... rockstar_not, OCC, Gary Curran, and I bet I forgot someone equally as important.

That's what's going on with me --- I hope and pray your world is much brighter. Seize every day as a gift from the Creator, enjoy it with vim, vigor and vitality; be thankful for the good days, and smile at the bad ones --- they do pass. I should have known after smoking for 46 years that one day they would TAKE MY BREATH AWAY...

Remember this: Life is not about the moments we breathe, but the moments that take our breath away.

To those of you who pray, I welcome your prayers! If you don't pray, try it anyways. You never know what God might do if someone just prays. God hears EVERY PRAYER ANYONE EVER PRAYS. And that is a FACT!

Love you all!

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Prayers for you here Ray.

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Same here Ray. We miss your presence here. Hang in there.

Terry


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Your "Yankee Lead Guitarist " has you in his prayers also good buddy!


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

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I'll put you on my list too, Ray.

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Hoping for many more years Ray, praying for more than that.


I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Hi Ray,
Glad you're still around, bud. I'm sure you will be for a while more yet. I'll keep you in my list, as well.

Gary


I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
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Ditto to all the thoughts above, prayers from my home to yours Ray.

Later,

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+1 prayers & good wishes

ray your post reminded me of this song

Tim McGraw - Live Like You Were Dying


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Agape, brother Ray.


--Mac

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I'm praying for you too Ray. God bless you.

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I am glad to hear you are feeling better. I will keep you in my prayers Ray. I know what it is like to have lung problems. I had surgery some years back and my right lung did not recover fully. I have to do breathing exercises every few days to keep it working right. I thank God everyday though because I know it could always be worse. It probably will be one day. I just thank Him and enjoy the days while I can. I know one day this ole life is going to end and then i will be in perfect health with Him, praise the Lord!


My Tunes

Psalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
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Hey Ray,
You have helped & encouraged me greatly over the years, and I'm sad that your health is not so good. I appreciate all that you've done for me, and for others on this forum - particularly your wonderful Powertracks/Realband tutorials.

My thoughts are with you buddy.


Cheers,
Keith
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Hope to see you back on top form soon Ray

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Quote:

Hey Ray,
You have helped & encouraged me greatly over the years, and I'm sad that your health is not so good. I appreciate all that you've done for me, and for others on this forum - particularly your wonderful Powertracks/Realband tutorials.

My thoughts are with you buddy.




ray, keith pretty well covered it but, i hope you are on the mend and heading toward a complete recovery. you are well-loved 'round this neck of the woods, amico.

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What everybody else says -- Big Damn Manly Hugs and rockin' songs and the best wishes for you to get better and get back here where you belong.


Best,
Tom Smith
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