So I just found this. I knew you had some sort of illness Justin and wasn't sure what it was. Silly me. I'll be forwarding you some money soon. Won't be much but I hope it can in some way repay the kind words you're always so generous with here for others. You're a great man, I can tell.
Also shared it to my Facebook peeps.
redbubble.com/people/deeferdoodles ^^^^ Place to buy t-shirts and other stuff featuring my artwork.
Time for a big old bump to let you all know that the gofundme page no longer takes donations.
This is because we have what we need to start the treatment! Thank you wonderful HDA people! The monthly costs will be high but we will be able to manage them.
The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering. (Ben Okri)
As mentioned elsewhere, my wife has a new job 1200km south of here and we move in a week.
This means more money, much more access to nieces and nephew, aunties and uncle and the kids' grandparents (my folks) who are deaf which has meant very limited communication up here for the kids. It also means I have an appointment in Sydney to see Professor Bill Gibson, one of the world's leading specialists in Meniere's. I'll finally be getting an electroencephalograph - the definitive yet for hydrops. And s genuine expert opinion. After nearly 10 years! Yay!
Bad news is it means I need to find a new GP in my new town to get on board with the treatment. But I have several recommendations and need only of them to say yes and we're off and running.
I'm halfway through a blog post and will put it up as soon as I can.
That's all really great news. Finding a new GP shouldn't be too much trouble either, though maybe a tad bit stressful if you have anyone say no. You'll be alright Justin. Just remember you've got a lot of people on your team!
redbubble.com/people/deeferdoodles ^^^^ Place to buy t-shirts and other stuff featuring my artwork.
Time for a quick update. Not that anyone seems to be around right now!
My old GP from my home town said yes straight away so that was great. Initial blood tests indicate that I'm a good candidate and I will be seeing one of the world's pioneering ENT specialists in Sydney in early Feb for some highly specialised tests for endolymphatic hydrops (plus some ear and balance tests).
I started elements of the treatment two weeks ago but today was the big one - my first day fully on board with the treatment.
(Hooray!!)
It's a long haul - it will be six months to two years before we really get a handle on HOW effective this will be for me.
But I am hugely hopeful and as always I'm grateful for the support shown by everyone here.
I may also be starting a new full time job in the next month which is a tremendously positive yet daunting step. The first few months of this protocol can be a challenge for some so it's now up to me to fight through any challenges and get through the year.