Does anyone care?

[xelasnave]

I have to have a grizzle..well not a grizzle because it is all just good stuff sent to build my character and I am most grateful.

But certainly I hope others may feel triggered to share their recent or past character building experiences.

OK I am sitting in emergency at Lismore Base Hospital which I regard as a second home...

But where to start..the new lump in my neck was starting to worry me because the doctor did not seem interested ...I felt she was like.."How many times do I have to save this guys life"... I can understand so often she must be getting bored..but to start... when I started setting up my new rig with the centre piece an old eight inch newtonian..this took my mind off the lump..I guess I am over sensative to lumps in my neck simply because of one negative experience....right there setting up the new rig was when the character building started...First I could not find the coma corrector!!! Now living in a van makes that rather frustrating because well it is a very small space..but I could not find it...so I ordered a new one which meant the old one would turn up..and it did on the same day the new one arrived...but I knew that would happen as I was have had that lesson many times with various things over the years.. I take the mirror out and clean it but it takes hours to get the damn thing back in tube...most frustrating ...so now I can put it all together with the new coma corrector, OAG, and new filter wheel and main and guide camera and I had to angle grind a piece to connect the camera...all good....but hold on the new guide camera does not work..I cant wait for all this replacement drama so I order another..so now neither the new guide camera works or the new zwo 2600...my character is already bullet proof so do I need this...OK do this and that over days and finally at least the 2600 worked..and so did one of the new guide cameras...I tested them on the 115 mm rig and of course when transfered it all back to the eight inch the guide camera did not work..anyways a few test shots and finally dial in PA on the new zwo harmonic drive mount..mmm the thing needs some fancy collmination but my thingy is in Sydney so lets just buy another...prices were off putting..but happily the place where I recently bought a kilo of bismuth had something for $27 so I ordered that ..maybe not enough but better than nothing and gives me time to decide if I really want to keep throwing money at this eight inch..it was after all just a placeholder for a new Askar 130...so last night I decided not to waste any more time on the eight inch and do some imaging with the RASA...the Statue of Liberty here I come...well off we go but what this!?! star trails??? Do what I may the guiding was crazy..do another PA..but guiding just would not work..the graph showed two lines red and blue heading in opposite directions off the scale...OK nothing works so lets go to bed...but the inverter switches off when I press the remote for the roof!!! It just wont respond ..OK start the genny..the one I just had repaired and serviced...mmm...wont start???!!!! OK then start the " old" one...great it is running but hang on there is no current going anywhere..no matter what I did I could not power up the motor for the roof...OK get out the block and tackle and get it closed ...what now it jammed when only half closed..mmm get up on the step ladder ( for me a life threatening move) and remove the guide as that seems to be grabbing..yes..so I get it closed...off to bed wondering why the guiding was crazy.

Wake up this morning and I could not move because of the worst pain ( and I have had all variations) ever in my lower back...bed ridden unable to move ...I managed to get up to go to the toilet an hour exercise because of the crippling pain... the pain was insane..it was so bad that when I got back to the bed I could not even move to lay down..it was over the top...so when I finally managed to lay down I lay there until 3 pm and thought I better go to hospital as this cant be normal...so my Ex drives me into Casino Hospital there some hours they then send me to Lismore Hospital and now my character is being raised to a new level as they are keeping me here all night...I have not had back problems other than that big operation years ago so I just cant imagine straining it etc...

But it has put the camera problems in perspective..they are not that bad...the guiding has me baffled...perfect one night and crazy the next..but I can see it all clearly now..all this is to get my mind off the lump in my neck...life is just so good to me...

I probably left stuff out but I think I can say that last night was somewhat disappointing.


Alex

[Saturnine]

Sorry to read about your latest character building episode(s) ,the medical ones that is. Hope that the cause of the pain disappears quickly. Perseverance, stoicism and stubbornness seem to be your main attributes Alex. As for the astro related tests of character, a lot of us have been there at varying times but you seem to suffer more of them than you deserve but battle on, the forces do align occasionally.

[xelasnave]

Thank you Jeff and to know that just one person does care somehow makes it entirely bearable.

Astronomy and Astro Photography in particular has made me realise that no matter how dark things present there will be found a solution and so I realise that all my medical issues will be fixed and to worry in the least although tempting is just a waste of energy.

I must say it is so very nice sleeping in a bed that does not have other stuff stacked upon it and that you can adjust to raise your feet etc.

They gave me some top shelf pain killer and thank goodness it has worked such that I now feel embarrassed for being such a sook.

We ( I am) are so lucky to live in these most wonderful times ..can you imagine living say 500 years ago in that era when I would be long dead by now having died much younger and probably happy to do so due to a miserable depressing existence bathed in ignorance and superstition and no astro imaging gear...The experience helps me realise just what an incredibly lucky person I am and what an extraordinary wonderful life I get to enjoy...yes top shelf pain killer but has enabled me to see past the pain and to start thinking realistically.
Thanks for taking your time to offer encouragement I sincerely appreciate your kindness.
Alex

[leon]

Alex reading your story just shows how strong you really are and seem to overcome all obstacles thrown at you, most people with your health issues would have given up long ago.:)

You are an inspiration to all and when hurdles come my way i often think, and say to my self, " Well Alex can do this so can I"

Your back pain may have been the result of your ladder experience, it doesn't take much to upset that area, Ask Alice, sometimes she just makes the bed and it off for a week and can hardly walk.:sadeyes:

That is why her Son used to say, "see mum that's why I never made the bed when I was younger" :lol:

Stay well my friend,

Leon :thumbsup:

[xelasnave]

Good Morning Leon.

What a pleasure it is to read your kind words particularly to think that some way I can be of help for you.



AND thank you for telling me about Alice and how her back can cause her difficulty without all that much effort as strangely that gives me hope...I am hoping for muscular issue as opposed to kidney problems you see.

I may have caused the problem now that I think more by painting the internal walls of the observatory on Friday...I was sitting down but when you think about it you do move around a great deal.

Anyways it is nice to be here and very nice to find the drugs give decent relief.

Thanks again and please give my regards to Alice and tell her I am sorry to think she has to experience such an issue.
Alex

[Crater101]

Mate, I can only wish you all the very best for a full recovery. As someone who is recovering from their own "lump in the neck" issues (Thyroid) I can understand your concerns. Don't dismiss them, listen to your body and don't leave things too long to get some attention.


I hope that your back issue isn't anything too major, and that you'll get back to some imaging soon. Who knows? If you did leave something on for a prolonged period, you might have some serious data to process that would be the envy of major observatories!



Good luck with it all!

[Startrek]

Alex,
Like many others I always admire your courage , tenacity and positive outlook on life.
Hopefully you will be back in Tabby soon in your Obs under those dark skies
Take care

Best always
Martin

[Nikolas]

This explains why you are such a "Character" Alex, best of luck with your back.

[Swagman105]

Alex
May have some idea of what your going through. Have had back spasms in the past and the words “back spasm” doesn’t do the intense crippling pain they involve justice. Found myself crawling on all fours to the bathroom to attempt a a pee (might have to reprocess that image a little).
Have appreciated your thoughtful and helpful replies to some of my posts and wishing you a speedy recovery and back to doing what we all love.
Cheers Geoff

[xelasnave]

Unfortunately they think it is cancer in my spine but I know they are just playing a little joke to cheer me up and you can bet they will come clean and tell me it was just a strain and make me feel as if they cured me.

Whatever ...it is what it is...I certainly am not going to let it ruin my day...and so lets get it out there ..my reality needs an update thats no big deal.

The good news is the pain killers manage the pain so really there is no problem ..not that I would let that pain ruin my day either.

The man to look to for character ...Mr Steven Hawking..professor that is...now there is a real man my situation is wonderful compared to his life...

Anyways having a great day and thank for caring ..believe me it really makes all the difference...you guys make me a better person that is for sure..

You watch they will back down on the cancer call.

Alex

[AstroViking]

Alex,

I have to say that you are an incredible character - where many of us would be giving up you just keep on going.

I'm looking forward to seeing you back in your observatory and showing us the amazing images you capture.

[glend]

Alex, I seem to recall that around this time last year the medics did not give you much encouragement, yet here you are, still looking at the upside of your situation. Keep moving forward with your favorite activities, drive the little red car, buy the girls flowers, and enjoy every day. ;)

And yes, many of us care.

[raymo]

I don't know where to start Alex. You not long ago said that I inspire newbies
with my short exposure static tripod images; well you inspire everyone here
from the health and perseverance perspective. I admire people who battle
adversity. My wife has MS, Lymphoma, Cardiomyopathy, and a bugger of a thing called Cold Agglutinin, how she keeps going I don't know.
Anyway, all the best for the future.
raymo

[xelasnave]

Thanks everyone...the secret of my success is the wonderful support from the folk here and that is a fact.

You guys give me the reason to win.

Still no new news but I just got lunch in bed...so who is doing it tuff now??!


Alex

[xelasnave]

OK it seems that my earlier call was more correct than not...I have had a long chat with my Oncologists assistant who advised I have disk prolapse which explains the pain and she went thru what they may or may not do but where the cancer scare came from was there is a reason why it happened and that reason may be cancer ...why not say that and not frighten an old man terrified of pain and dieing...well I am not terrified but heck imagine how most sane people would take that original comment...a good reason to slash your wrists for goodness sake...so cancer would now seem rather remote... cancer is not off the table but given the fact that relatively recently I put in an additional two piers...some 50 plus bags of concrete and driving some forty odd star pickets into the ground I think it is not unreasonable to suspect that some where those projects have caused the disk problem...OK wishful thinking but that is my call on the matter.. also cancer should have showed some how in the blood tests ... So I think I am being rational, measured and somewhat objective...
But now they have backed off doing the MIR and want to discharge me but my lift has gone and given she did not get home until 1-30 am after hanging around yesterday and today was a big shop day with many other things on her to do list and as they said I would be getting a MIR and them saying that I would not be going home today...well...the fact that other folk have plans and things to do seems list on them...
Anyways I am staying so the sooner they fit my Reality the better for them.... now I have just got news that the assistant who was to return and tell me what is going on merely left a note on my file .. but the deal is pain killer and physio...oh they now have told me the hospital ate getting me a taxi home...so what an exciting day and a lot better outcome than I was playing in my mind.

Thanks for listening and and thanks for all the support .
Gotta go so be prepared for an edit later.

Alex

[Saturnine]

Hi Alex

To answer your original question, Does anyone care. Obviously, yes we care. The collective or IIS forum members, though mostly anonymous to each other, are still like a ( very) large family and you are the lovable eccentric uncle and wouldn't have it any other way.

[xelasnave]

Thanks Jeff.

To round off the story...the hospital did get me a taxi home and picked up the tab..$268...the matron was a very head strong lady and she would not accept that I had no way of getting home...it was a battle of wills...she's being a head strong character that must have things done her way and me a reasonable man but placed in a situation where I could not leave, happy to compromise, but I am staying...so she comes back and says with glee..the hospital is getting you a taxi so get your things together...now was my opportunity for victory over her head strong steam roller mentality..." Oh thank you so much, you could see how I really wanted to get home and you made it happen and honestly I can't tell you how happy I am and how much I appreciate you doing this for me thank you"....I don't know but I just love watching the blood drain from an opponents face when I deliver the knock out punch...that moment when they realise they have been nailed and wonder just how it happened...teach her to fool with a helpless defenseless old man.....

And the ultimate irony given I see things like a movie and that I am the hero experiencing extreme highs and low etc....well I am in the taxi and we come over the mountain and before me is the most beautiful Sun set so I thought what a day and the hero rides into the Sunset .... the more I think about it the disk problem is the more likely to be due to some of the heavy work I have been doing...they probably say cancer just because I have cancer problems....anyways got hold of my favorite girl at the doctors and she got me in to see the doctor on the same day as I see the radiologist.... and my Ex insists on driving me in saying I should not be driving given the type of pain killer...true you can notice it for sure...I will run out of what they gave me at the hospital but I squirelled away some morphine sulphate that will get me thru but I am hoping it will just go away....

So I slept very well and not suffering as I write this but I will put off chopping the wood until this afternoon ( joke alert but I suppose I could be that silly without much effort) ...

Thanks again for the support it really makes all the difference.

Alex

[croweater]

Glad things worked out for you Alex. My experience with hospital matrons is that being headstrong is a job criteria. They tend to be no nonsense and will not suffer fools and worse. They dont have the time. (Not calling you a fool Alex). I have met a few and they have all been women to be admired. Feared a little as well. They are the epitome of the saying " If you want a job done, ask a busy person.".
Hope you are getting better fast.
Cheers, Richard

[xelasnave]

Hi Richard thank for the good wishes...I was trying to be humorous because in her defence others had told me I would not be going home and she was after all fixing a mess created by others who really should have asked her first...And for the record, as I have been under her care in the past, she is indeed a woman to be admired...
Thanks again.
Alex

[BuyoTheAstroCat]

I care. Enough to read this whole post. It is a long post so that shows how much I care. If writing long post will help you take your mind off things and alleviate your problems, I will gladly read them all.

I do not know you, but I do care.
Hope you feel better soon.
And have no guiding problems.

[Swagman105]

Knowing about disc problems, Only very rarely am I glad to hear that someone suffers one. 50 bags of concrete and 40 star pickets will just about do it.
Get well Alex, no more piers for at least another week.

[xelasnave]

Thank you very much your post has uplifted me.

Yes the guiding...that is my greatest concern ...that plus the various issues with the new rig and the new problems with the roof motor.

However I know that everything will be ok and the main thing is not to worry about anything.

Thanks again.

Alex

[xelasnave]

Thank you.

Strangely I think it was the painting in the observatory that may be responsible..I did that only a day before I started to notice the first signs of pain and well after all the pier work..like 5 weeks? .one does not think too much about it but even sitting down painting the movement is prolonged and varied.

Probably at my age I may start paying for a lifetime of over doing things.... I hope not or the worst is still ahead.

Anyways I am certainly experiencing less pain now and plan not doing a single thing and just rest and hope that everything will be ok...I have run out of the pain killer they gave me to tide me over until I get more via the GP but I was on morphine a while back but stopped it and ended up with a few spare pills and I think they will get me thru...

So things are as good as I could wish for...I am just so lucky how things work out so well for me...on the positive assumption that cancer is not responsible for the disk problem.

Alex

[The_bluester]

Glad to hear things don't look quite as grim as they could have been Alex and fingers crossed for it just being an "Overdid it" response.

[EpickCrom]

Hi Alex.

Sorry to hear about your struggles and I'm happy to read that it is not as bad as first feared. Stay strong and persevering, we are all rooting for and care about you!

You are our lovable eccentric uncle after all. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Joe

[xelasnave]

Thanks Paul and thanks Joe much appreciated.

Just out of radiology now and got a scrip for more drugs so short term no back worry so all ok at least way ahead of last Sunday...the neck lump is just the same cancer they treated last August and they are confident the back is nothing to do with cancer so how good is that..booked in for two weeks again in the nice little flat near the hospital and really what more could you ask for.. The back will need physiotherapy but the fact the pain can be managed with drugs is ok....I will mainly rest and expect it will heal in no time at all.

AND I am using the opportunity to buy an inverter to see if I can sort out this gate motor given it shuts down the current inverter and I can sort it out seeing I can move a bit...actually coming back ...I just now bought it and it was on special..told you I am just so lucky ...what a great and productive day and a classic example of why there is nothing to be gained from worrying.

Thanks everyone... and even though I dont understand why anyone would consider me eccentric I will try and fit that image and do some funny things in an uncle like fashion...but it is nice to be so well thought of even though apparently different.

My best to everyone ... I like being alone but if not for this place I could not hack it really.
Alex

[DobDobDob]

Hello Alex, I have returned after 8 years of silence and am saddened to read you have not been well. I read this thread from start to finish, it took most of the morning. I used to have a different username back in the day, which can't be written or spoken out loud, so just Ron will have to do. I'm going to get a telescope seeing I'm younger now than I used to be. It will probably be a Dob ;-)

[xelasnave]

Hi Ron

It is nice to hear that you are still alive and presumably well.
I ended up buying another property up North but kept the place in Sydney which I will keep until it is rezoned for 30 storey high rise and demand a pent house as part of the purchase price as I like that street. (Attempt at humour..And strong wishing)

Look things really are not that bad for me I just tend to make things sound worse than they really are..the cancer has been taxing but its nothing really..when you finish the current book you are reading have a look at my thread in the DIY Observatories titled "New Observatory" which gives you a full account of my ups and downs...ups equals a great new observatory with four scopes and dedicated cameras etc...three narrow band units and one OSC ... All controlled from my mobil phone and a nice toy car ( mazda mx5) all purchased as a response to finding that I had thiroid cancer ( representing the downs) and finally I realised that life is finite and that I cant " take it with me"...so I decided to spend a little on some toys...

I like to think of myself as the luckiest man on the planet mainly because I really am the luckiest man on the planet.

Never put off until tomorrow something that you can do this afternoon.

Alex

[DobDobDob]

Yes mate, somehow, I'm still kicking, it really is a mystery :lol:

So really sorry to hear about the cancer, it can be beaten of course or at least delayed somewhat and you're just the bloke to do that. All your new toys sound cool. I love how you found the missing piece the day the new one turned up, they *ort (is ort a word?), anyway they ort to name a law about that and not Murphie Murphy Murph whatever.

Spelling is so hard, it's got to do with letters and words.

Anyway, you will never be forgotten for the adventure we shared back in the day. It all started with you and every great adventure needs a start. I'm organizing the purchase of a new telescope and no doubt I'll be looking to you for guidance, seeing I have forgotten absolutely everything I ever knew, except that up, was sort of that way :eyepop: the direction my eyes are pointing to.

One last observation, you sure as heck put some distance between us in posts, I remember I was neck and neck with you but now, you are freerolling to eternal IIS glory. Well done buddy ;)

Regards

* I couldn't help myself, it was bugging me, it's spelt ought - gosh dang it!!! I hope that question comes up on Eddy on Ch 9 :rofl:

[Shano592]

Quite often, I come onto IIS just to see what (mis)adventures our good young Alex has been up to.


I must say that his seeing either the humorous or the philosophical in each of his scrapes with humanity, reality or mortality, makes the reading all the more worthwhile.


Plus, I'm glad to see that he managed to one-up the Matron! I'll bet dollars to donuts that you are now on her list!

[Shano592]

That may not be advisable, given his autoguiding woes of late! :rofl:

[Peter Ward]

I read your, to be frank, verbose, trials, and did indeed have a pang due my own trials.

In my case it was a rather large metastatic tumour that required six hours of surgery,
two rounds of radiation therapy and six weeks of radio therapy, plus on going drug supression.

Ah... the joys of being exposed at altitude to solar and galactic radiation.
The view from my old office window however was sublime.

I'm now missing a few useful very bits due my surgeon's knife, but, the alternative in keeping them would have been dire.

As my mother (rest her soul) liked to say here's to being "healthy, wealthy and wise".

Without the first (health), the rest is rather moot.

[glend]

Alex is having a bad week, you may have noticed he has gone quiet. Please send him your positive energy.

[DobDobDob]

Thank you for that update, it's very kind of you :thumbs-up:

Regards

[DobDobDob]

Alex and I worked together on a project 8 years ago, he is one of the smartest blokes I have met, don't let his facade kid you, he's as sharp as a tack ;)

Thank you just the same Shane ;)

Regards

[xelasnave]

Being frank is merely offering the truth and that can only be a good thing .... you only point out the obvious so know your call does not worry me...you said what you feel..that is good.

Perhaps if you put my grizzling in the context of the thiroid cancer, which continues in my lung, and the ruptured Gaul bladder and kidney colapse you may understand that the other night I complained about was just too much even in my brief and verbose account.,...there was much more as well.

..Anyways if you have not noticed verbosity is the key stone of my writting style and happily I see it as a virtue...please dont let it worry you.

I am so sorry to hear of your suffering Peter but just remember things change and clearly you have dealt with the change with dignity and just look at your marvelous achievements so clearly you have not just given up. My opperation was longer than yours but I must say I did not notice but the two weeks after was about as bad as I have endured..not knowing that I would be able to talk more resigned to a world where I could no longer speak...that was bad enough but perpetually drowning in your own juices that just did not stop was near impossible to manage...I think back and simply can not believe what I went thru...you no doubt must have similar memories and that makes me feel very sad for you...I have taken the course of talking about it which I know has helped me as I must display an attitude that others when faced with issues can draw on how I managed to get thru..wont help everyone but if I can help one other that is great..its the way I do things... I know it irritates some folk but I also know that I can inspire others to hang on due to my example. Its just how I choose to go thru life.

My Mum who is no longer alive would always say to me health was the only important thing..I was young and unwise and would say yes but just give me money...

Cancer took her and right to the end she was the most positive person I have known in my life...an inspirational person offering simpla wisdom.

I go in for radiation treatment next week and as serious as that may be it is of little concern because this back issue has near destroyed me... I am managing the pain with drugs but for all practical purposes I am totally immobile... I can't even sit and enjoy my microscope and at the moment I fear a future that I have been living now for a week and a half...put it this way if I had a gun I think in my down moments I may have used it...I know it is just one more thing sent to build my character which is ok if it becomes something I look back on rather than defines my existence.

You be very careful and get regular check ups and never let folk like me irritate you.
Alex

[xelasnave]

I am happy I may bring you joy.

I hope you and yours are well.

Alex

[xelasnave]

I am somewhat disappointed to hear you only consider me to be "one of the smartest blokes I have ever met" but then realised you played it down so as not to embarrass me.

Thank you for you kind words Ron and good luck with your telescope purchase.

Alex

[xelasnave]

Thanks Glen...I must say if not for your frequent messages life would be a little hard to take right now...there is just you and one other who check on me and heck I appreciate you both so much.

Alex

[astroron]

Hi Alex, I'm a man of few words when it comes to typing
but reading your voluminous writing makes up for my puny
efforts.
A friend of mine passed away late last year after going through
a similar situation as you.
After so many operations and no end in sight as to them stopping
any time soon,he decided enough was enough, so went down the
"let nature take it's course" route and passed away pretty quickly
after that decision.
That you have chosen to fight on, and take us all on your
journey is admirable and thought provoking.
Thankyou.
I have not long ago turned 80 and the only real ailment
is a bad back, I consider myself fairly lucky.
My bad back fades into insignificance as to what you're
going through.
I think of you often, and come on here and catch up
with your posts.
All the best my friend, keep on keeping on.
Cheers:thumbsup:
Ron

[xelasnave]

Thanks for your kind thoughts Ron...

I was thinking only yesterday hanging on is a bit like refusing to leave the table even when full simply because there is still food left...we'll it is and I want another desert.:lol:

Just give me one night with all four scopes working, running it from the van on my flash computer, closing up when in bed...just to experience the dream now that it is basically finished...the biggest thing other folk should take from my experience is...don't put anything off...do it now.

The good thing is I still feel happy...I realise my impatience in getting the eight up and running is working against me...I just need to be grateful and patient ...I need to learn from that last night of issues..just stuff to work thru really.

I think a bad back is the worst.(and I am sorry you get it)...at least what I am getting is bad...I can manage the lumps because there is no pain but the back they do worry you but you can still do things...it is 11 on the 1 to 10 scale...fortunately today it has not been too bad and I was able to move so that really cheered me up...it's like I could handle a wheel chair full time but not this pain...I am just so lucky that the pain killers settle it down to being manageable...so that is the bright side..If not for them I doubt if I could manage...I have had pain but this is just way past what you can imagine....and life won't be the same if I can't keep putting in piers.


You take care.

Alex

[xelasnave]

Had a scan for my back today..longest ever..fortunately I woke up this morning and had no pain..I felt life was worth living again...but I have never been as low as that pain took me...still on pain killers but it seems different somehow..hopefully...so more concrete and star pickets?.?...no just joking..which is a good sign...radiation has been put back until Wedneday but the lump in my neck is now huge..but as it is not painful I am not worried...

So hopefully in three weeks things are back to normal, the new Inverter will be installed and all scopes working perfectly...

Thanks everybody

Alex

[EpickCrom]

G'Day Alex.

I'm very glad to hear that your pain has gone and that you are feeling much better!
Continue to stay strong and positive, things will improve from here.

Soon you will be back under the starry skies :) Wishing you all the best Uncle :)

Best Regards
Joe

[xelasnave]

Thanks Joe...funny I just now recalled when in moto cross they referred to me as "Good old Alex" and actually made up a T shirt with that on it and presented it..a most wonderful occassion.. I was known as a caring person..and later around the pubs in Parramatta it was " Father confessor"... because all would tell me their troubles and I would listen a d for many folk they find that a first.

..and that reminds me of a girl at Brooklyn Pub after talking flat out for 30 minutes and me only saying yes, really and then what happened... she stopped and said " You know what I really like about you Alex it's that you are such a good conversationalist"...

So maybe my verbosity here is finally getting to talk.

Alex





The hospital just left a message and moved me forward to Monday afternoon...why?
Anyways I am so happy things are moving along ...

[Startrek]

Alex,
You’ve certainly got an answer to your post , folk do care , so many lovely and sincere positive comments of support
Sounds like you are receiving excellent health care up north which is great. Good news about your back too
Your such a motivated and positive person , all
I can say is keep moving forward like you have always done and enjoy each day

Clear Skies

Best always
Martin

[TrevorW]

There are a few sayings that I try to live by to keep my sanity. Having looked after and dealt with my wife's debilitating MS for the last 17 years with no chance of her ever being the same woman I married 45 years ago



1. if it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger

2. there is always someone else that is worse off than you
3. a teaspoon of honey catches more flies
4. unless you have something good to say about someone say nothing
5. don't turn the other cheek because some people will always try and slap you down


As a child I lost my dad from cancer, and a few friends over the years through it, all I can say is keep thinking positive and live life to the fullest while you can :)


PS: The guiding issues I have one night perfect the next it could be any one of a number of things, bad seeing , bad guide star, wind (the terrestrial type), PEC issues, etc etc , all these things in some ways enhance the enjoyment of the hobby as you research and learn what may cause these little gremlins to appear. :)

[xelasnave]

Thank you gentlemen...

I realise that looking back at myself starting this thread just how crushed I was...just when I thought I could handle everything and anything all the gear fails..like all the gear, the roof motor fails and two gennys fail, then that terrible pain near broke me...well it did break me I believe.

And like so many other times having this place and the support from all the wonderful people here really made it manageable...I don't feel lonely because of this place and the wonderful people.

Still I am going to continue laying around so as to help my back so I can get the radiation out of the way...

When one starts to think about the proposition that there are others who are worse off and you are serious about that exercise you realise how lucky we are..first to live in these times, in the best country it would seem in the world...and second the sheer magnitude of human suffering even now but all thru history..like Gehngis Khan murdered some 10 %
of the then world population and the additional suffering is just unimaginable...

Then think of the deaths and suffering due to war...it is very hard to get your head around ... and so my issues are zip really...although that pain made me a little less philosophical.

There are so many things we take for granted that really make our lives so much better than others from earlier times...just our smart phones..like on the way to my scan..where is the place.. hang on I will call up the map app...check the locality to see there is parking close by...and these new cars ..just watching the screen when parking was absolute fun...and of course the scan..how wonderful...they can see everything and in very high resolution...and while waiting entertain ones self with the phone in countless way..then a message to tell a loved one what's happening and when we will be back.

Most of all I am so lucky to have an Ex who is my best friend and without her support I really could not make it...she drives me, pushes the wheel chair picks up my meds if I can't...and best of all seems to understand I am a little different and respects me nevertheless...she is perfect.

I am indeed the luckiest man on the planet.


Alex

[Shano592]

May that luck hold out for years to come!


I'm only settling into my 50's now, but have had the Italian curse since I was in my teens. My grandparents had a >100 acre vineyard in Perth's Swan Valley, and every year all the kids were pressed into action to pick the grapes. The only issue being that the vines were set for 4'10" Italians, where I'm closer to 6-foot. Bending down to cut bunches over 10-12 days, certainly takes it's toll.


The back issues haven't stopped, but I have found ways to manage things that do work really well for me. I guess I'm lucky that I have always listened to my body, and found ways to not only cope, but recover from those types of injuries.


I think that the only pain worse has been of the wisdom tooth flavour. I never thought that I would be in so much uncontrollable pain, that I would be throwing up from it.


Get better, Alex. We will be waiting on your super-stacked images in the mid-term!

[xelasnave]

Hi Shane
Happily the back has fixed itself and I have not had pain killer for days.
I started my radiation treatment yesterday so on an upswing at the moment.

I am in a nice flat near the hospital and enjoying it all..big TV with youtube with plenty of food in a real fridge...

My cheshire is at the Post Office but astronomy must wait..I just hope the radiation works



Alex

[wavelandscott]

Us too!

[xelasnave]

Thanks Scott..much appreciated...I got a call.. my machine is playing up so treatment today has been put back to 6 pm...I have a communal dinner to go to so I hope I can get both done...I was really looking forward to mixing with some real people other than just doctors and nurses...

It sure is a great life.
Alex

[Constant]

Alex, modern pain management is a Godsend. Wishing you warmth, comfort and contentment. God bless

[xelasnave]

Thank you David...well I just now recieved more good news..the back scan shows there is nothing of concern and I do not even need physiotheraphy ...but I to think they needed to worry me by saying it may be cancer in my spine I really think was irresponsible... that news really shook me.

Things are looking much better..the lump has got bigger but they have noticed and adjusting treatment...anyways I thought to stop feeling sorry for myself and get things going again so I have arranged with my wonderful assistant to install the new inverter with its own solar panel, regulator and battery to give the roof motor its own power set up ...AND to get the roof working under that new set up...that is on for Friday afternoon as I have my fifth session of radiation on Friday morning...and on the assumption I feel fit enough to drive home by myself....but you cant waste time so.... I have a plan..all going well someone has picked up my Cheshire so with the hint of a clear night I can maybe get a few things sorted.

Thanks to everyone for your kind support ..believe me this time I was really further down than ever in my life and as it has turned out really not to much to really worry about...just shows one should not worry or give in...
Alex

[Shano592]

If you're inhaling and exhaling, then life is certainly good!


Hopefully everything is coming up roses for you.

[Swarvy]

Alex, not sure if you figured out your guiding issue or not but i had a similar problem. My blue line went one way and the red line the other way out to 150+. I did several polar alignments and same thing happened every time.

Im using the asiair plus which has an option to reset the guiding calibration, which i did and then re did the guiding sequence. It was fixed. If your not using asiair plus maybe whatever software you use has a similar option.

Anyway i hope this helps as i was tearing my hair out trying to figure out what could be wrong as i had changed no settings from the night before and there had been no guiding issues.

Hope your well mate,
Adam

[xelasnave]

Thank you Adam your timing is perfect. Yes it Is Asiair plus so I think you may have saved the day...and hopefully by this time tomorrow that issue has been taken care of..

Thanks for that and your good wishes.
Alex