A New Chapter In My Life Revisted

Approximately 1 year ago, I wrote on this very blog that I was entering a new chapter in my life. Specifically, I was dealing with the treatment of my psoriatic arthritis. Well one year has passed and what has happened?

In all honesty, the disease has progressed to the point where I was seriously considering purchasing a cane to assist my walking. I was dealing with pain on a daily basis which literally felt as though I were 80 years old. Every time I stood up, I required the assistance of a table or a desk or a wall. Every time I lifted my left arm above shoulder level, I required assistance from my right arm.

Every day, I took 4 Alleve pills. This helped me cope, but I was unable to act like an ordinary 30-year old.

That is, until last Wednesday. Last Wednesday, I began a prescription of Humira. This is in addition to my Alleve, Folic Acid and Methotrexate (none of which were very effective in helping me cope with my pain). Within 3 hours, I was noticing a significant difference. On the first night, I chalked it up to painkillers and coffee. The next morning, however, I noticed less pain in my shoulder and my feet when I stepped out of bed. On Friday, I felt nearly no pain standing up.

It is safe to say that I feel better now than I have felt in months. This could certainly be a placebo effect (the medicine appears likely to require 3 months to be effective). It could be that I am eating nearly a dozen dried dates each day and am back on my water regiment. It could be any number of things, but one thing is for certain. I feel as though I am in my 30's and I thank God for that.

"A CBS Reality Show Draws a Claim of Possible Child Abuse"

Edward Wyatt of the New York Times published a piece titled as above describing the fact that a parent has complained to CBS that their child may have been neglected and abused. My question is by whom? Is it CBS' fault that a parent let their child participate in a society of children or is it the parent's? I wonder if this could result in a lawsuit where the parent is sued for stupidity.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/arts/television/18kid.html?ei=5090&en=081d627066c74b98&ex=1345089600&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=print

Pictures to be Forgotten

I know that when he is older, Parker will be distraught that these photos actually made their way onto the Internet, but what the hell...I am his father. This is Parker every night once he finishes his bath.

Parker in the Summer of 2007

Since we have returned from Coeur d' Alene, Parker hasn't really learned anything new, he just keeps getting cuter. I have attached some recent phots showing some of his activity. He is now nearly running through the house. I am sure that will be upgraded very soon. However, if he is going too fast, he usually bites the dust.

Also, I keep noticing how much of a little boy he is. I know that sounds funny, but he loves crashing into his pillows and picking up rocks and sticks and pulling Bella's tail or feet. He is my little "Master of Disaster."