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Here's a little bit about myself. As you know, my name is James Goodin. I was born in Colusa, California November 11, 1951. No one suspected just two years later I would be facing one of the biggest battles of my life. In 1953, at the age of two, I contracted polio. I spent nearly a year at Shriners Children's Hospital in San Francisco. About six months of that time was spent in an iron lung.
By the age of ten, the curvature of my spine was so severe it was restricting my breathing and causing stress on other internal organs. Doctors, in hopes of straightening my spine enough to relieve the stress on internal organs, opted to perform a spinal fusion. That meant another extended stay in the Hospital.
About 4 years later I endured my last surgery that helped to correct a problem with my left foot. After that, my life consisted of the normal ups and downs. I was very active; always on the go. There didn't seem to be a whole lot I couldn't do, once I set my mind to doing it. Because of this, I had my share of youthful adventures, both good and bad.
I attended Colusa High School. During my Junior year, I was given the opportunity to work at the Colusa County Library. Over the next 4 years, it proved to be a valuable source of experience for me. I graduated with the Class of '71'. Two years later, I was a graduate of Yuba College, Class of '74'.
In the second week of February, 1976, I made the best and greatest decision of my life...........I received Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior!!! For those who have never made this decision, it may sound strange; but for countless others who have, it is wonderfully understood. It is because of this decision that I am able to endure my most recent challenge in life........ post polio syndrome. I began noticing its effects about 4 years ago.
Today, my life has slowed to a crawl. I was very active in our Church........holding positions of Deacon, Treasurer, and Youth Teacher.........it has been richly rewarding. Late last year, I resigned as Treasurer and have had to allow others to temporarily take my place working with the Youth. These have been some difficult days; but it is so great to be able to see God at work, especially in the midst of life's "unfairness".
Yes, I still see God at work......He is always at work. He HAS ALWAYS BEEN with me and, because of Christ, He WILL ALWAYS BE with me. He has blessed me with a wonderful family: two older brothers, one younger brother and a younger sister. My Dad passed away in 1968, I still miss Him a lot. My Mother remarried sometime later..........He was a very good Step-Father. My Mother and I are still very close.......She has been such a great help and always supportive. At a time when I should be doing things for her, She is still helping me.......Thanks, Mom!!
Even though I've had to slow down a bit, I still enjoy life. Attending my Home Church is very important. I also love studying the Bible and learning how to share God's love with others. Family is another important part of my life. I enjoy spending time with my cousins and love watching my nieces and nephews grow. Life can be good even when things don't go the way you would want, or would even expect...........God makes life worth while.
| MY JOURNEY UPDATE AS OF MAY 4, 1997 |
About two months ago, Doctors at Woodland Healthcare replaced my C-PAP with a V-PAP machine. Its concept is Virtually identical with the C-PAP except the pressure is not constant. The V-PAP pressure varies up and down (almost unnoticeably) with the patient's need making it more tolerable. It aides my sleep at night by helping to insure I maintain a good oxygen level. It did seem to help. But I have only regained about 25% of my normal activity.
| MY JOURNEY UPDATE AS OF MAY 13, 1997 |
Our Youth group has been growing. It was necessary to split them up into three groups. With the oldest group, we were able to start a College/Career class. Though I've only gained about 25% of my activity level, I felt it was enough to volunteer to teach it. Last Sunday, May 11, was my second Sunday with this class.........it is GREAT to be back!
In the mean time, Doctors are attempting to help me regain even more of an active life style by putting me on a BI-PAP machine during the day. It will help me to breath more adequately and give my diaphragm and other muscles a needed rest. I am looking forward to some good results.
| MY JOURNEY UPDATE AS OF MAY 29, 1997 |
Today,
Apria Healthcare services' provider delivered an
IPPB (Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing) machine. Apparently,
some tests I took a few weeks earlier revealed an elevated
level of carbon dioxide in my blood along with evidence that
some of the little 'air sacks' in my lungs are collapsing. My
diaphragm (the basic muscle I have left for breathing) just isn't
able to expand my lungs enough to keep the sacs inflated.
And without enough air in the lungs during exhalation there just
isn't enough to 'exhaust' an adequate amount of carbon dioxide
that the lungs collect.
So, twice a day, I use this IPPB machine. As I inhale through a
mouthpiece, it forces a measured amount of air mixed with a
sterile salt solution into my lungs. I can literally feel my
lungs expand beyond what I am normally capable of inflating them
using my 'natural lung mechanics'. The salt solution is to help
keep my lungs moist as the air is forced in and then exhaled.
It is hoped that the IPPB machine will re-inflate the collapsed
'sacs'. I am hoping for the best!
| MY JOURNEY UPDATE AS OF JUNE 13, 1997 |
Four days ago, they replaced my V-PAP machine with a non-invasive ventilator. I am to use the Quantum TM PSV (Pressure Support Ventilator) during the night and when ever I take a nap. I've used it three days now. Just as with the other machines, it is taking a while to adjust to. But, of all the previous machines, this one does feel as though it offers the greatest hope. Time will tell!!
| MY JOURNEY UPDATE AS OF SEPTEMBER 12, 1997 |
Due to my increasing scoliosis and its effects on my left lung
and heart, It has been determined that I would benefit from a back
brace. To help prepare me for the bracing, I was scheduled for
some physical therapy beginning in July. The therapy sessions
involved stretching exercises. The exercises were designed to
loosen the muscles on my left side and lower back regions. The
purpose is two-fold......
First, to help prepare me for the back brace. Secondly, to help
relieve some of my back pain. The stretching process has made
the last two months or so very uncomfortable.
This past Wednesday, September 10, I had my first appointment
with the Orthotist at
Advanced Bio-Mechanics located in
Yuba City, CA.
They are the ones who will actually design the custom back brace.
This visit was a preliminary one.
| MY JOURNEY UPDATE AS OF OCTOBER 10, 1997 |
Two weeks ago I returned to Advanced Bio-Mechanics in Yuba City to have a plaster cast made of my abdomen. The brace would be custom made from this mold.
Yesterday, (10/9/97) I received my back brace. After a few adjustments I was wearing it home. The benefits were noticeable immediately! I stood straighter, my walking ease was greatly increased and my breathing was much less restrained. It is noon now and I have been wearing it since this morning. I know this is only the second day and there still may need to be some adjustments; but I am so pleased with the current results, any minor adjustments or discomforts will be well worth it......I am very encouraged!
| MY JOURNEY UPDATE AS OF JANUARY 5, 1998 |
1997 has come and gone......what a year it was. If someone would have told me ahead of time all that I was to experience that year and the previous four, I would have thought it too much for me. But, here I am, still traveling along life's road with all of its pot holes, unexpected twists and turns with hope in my heart. Truly, "...we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." -- Romans 8:37 --
| MY JOURNEY UPDATE AS OF JANUARY 22, 1998 |
In December, some tests were taken which confirmed that the IPPB and the Quantum TM PSV, along with the Invacare TM Oxygen Concentrator, were working well together. My oxygen levels remain good, both, during the day and night. Even so, I was still having a difficult time sleeping through the night and would arise in the mornings feeling very tired. I knew I had been diagnosed with PLMD (Periodic Limb Movement Disorder) back in 1993 and was first made aware of RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome) in 1996; but was under the impression both would be taken care of once my sleep problem and oxygen levels were corrected........I was wrong. Yesterday, my neurologist prescribed Sinemet to help with the RLS. Normally, it is used to treat Parkinson's disease; but has been found to be of help to PLMD/RLS patients. I will return with the results next month.
| MY JOURNEY UPDATE AS OF FEBRUARY 27, 1998 |
Last month my neurologist prescribed Sinemet to treat my RLS/PLMD problem. I was happy to report I did notice a difference at night. I was able to sleep more soundly and wake up more rested. My Doctor, also, seemed pleased with the positive results; but was concerned with two problems associated with Sinemet know as "rebound" and "augmentation". Rebound occurs as the drug's action is wearing off with the symptoms coming back even worse than they were before treatment. Augmentation is an increase in RLS problems in general, not just as the drug's effects are wearing off. With augmentation, the intensity of the RLS symptoms can increase. Raising the dose of Sinemet may temporarily help the augmentation symptoms, but in a short while the increased dose just leads to further augmentation. With those concerns in mind, my neurologist decided to replace Sinemet with Permax which does not produce those concerns. Once again, I will report back next month.
| MY JOURNEY UPDATE AS OF MARCH 27, 1998 |
Other than some nausea, the Permax appears to be working well. It has even lessened the RLS symptoms I was experiencing during the day. I am sleeping through the night much better and seem to get much more needed rest during that time.........I am pleased.
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