Comments on: Long Hard Road Out of Hell

By: Saeed Jones

Saeed Jones — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:56:55 +0000

I’m so glad that you are okay. I will absolutely be chanting for your health and happiness.
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
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By: Amy King

Amy King — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 13:36:01 +0000

Incredible. That you made it through so much and have shared the extremes with us even before there is an end in sight for the pain is utterly amazing to me. I just went through three months of some strange “episodes” that blossomed extra-symptoms, without a diagnosis, and really began to think about what life must be like for people who are chronically ill (of course, my situation is not even remotely comparable to your own). I really don’t know how people “get on with it.” Though the symptoms were debilitating for awhile, I became quite depressed and kept telling myself that I needed to get a better attitude. After awhile, I couldn’t tell if the physical stuff was keeping me laid up or if it was my own depression at the thought of dealing with an ongoing illness. Long story short, the fact that you are able to share your experience and educate people like the soon-to-be nurse above and myself is inspiring and motivational. Thank you for your resolve and dedication to get better and be yourself despite the physical difficulties. May your recovery be fast and complete.
Amy
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By: Sandra Simonds

Sandra Simonds — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:25:18 +0000

I send good vibes your way
All Best
Sandra
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By: Ian Wilson

Ian Wilson — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:25:03 +0000

What I fear is that –as you have so ably described — I will awake in a hospital bed unable to move, in restraints, on a respirator. So I have a standing DNR order and a living will and have had long long discussions with my wife about in what circumstances she should let me go and in what circumstances she should approve treatment to try to save me.
The DNR order caused a great deal of consternation among my doctors before a recent procedure. They all felt I was too young, to strong and too full of life for such an order, but they warned me that if the procedure went bad, I would be on a respirator for some short period of time. But they all felt it would be worth it, it would be worth their efforts to save me. So this time only, after a discussion with my wife, I waived the order. The procedure went without incident.
Though I am glad you have weathered this crisis, what I wonder is, do you think it was worth it for you and for Robert? Was the intervention by the doctors not extra-ordinary but sufficiently ordinary for you to endure the pain you have already gone through and the recovery you are going through?
I ask this because I’m always trying to reframe for myself when enough is enough.
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By: Brendan Lee

Brendan Lee — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 01:14:58 +0000

Found this post through Ron Silliman’s blog and I have to say I am glad to have read it. I just started nursing school and work as a technician in a major hospital. I am in contact with many ICU patients and your descrption of the experience was truly helpful. I hope the best for your recovery.
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By: Glenn Ingersoll

Glenn Ingersoll — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 18:44:02 +0000

I understand when somebody’s reading a poem strength flows to the poet. So I’ll go get one of your books and sit down and read.
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By: Josh Corey

Josh Corey — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 18:08:27 +0000

Be well, Reginald.
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By: Cathy Wagner

Cathy Wagner — Sat, 31 May 2008 19:22:03 +0000

Reginald, you sound brave; keep taking good care of yourself, mend soon, lots of love to you!
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By: Mary Meriam

Mary Meriam — Thu, 22 May 2008 16:27:06 +0000

Dear Reginald,
I’m so glad you’re home again and on the mend.
Best wishes always,
Mary
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By: Michael Robbins

Michael Robbins — Thu, 22 May 2008 16:02:33 +0000

Reginald, This was heartbreaking to read. I know words are small comfort at times like these, but I join everyone here in wishing you all the best in your recovery. It’s time the universe took it easy on you, I think.
mr
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By: Jonathan David Jackson

Jonathan David Jackson — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:58:24 +0000

Sending you sincere, huge blessings and hope at this time, Reginald!
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By: Vicky

Vicky — Thu, 22 May 2008 11:02:36 +0000

Nice to see you back, and I wish you a continuing recovery.
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By: Nic Sebastian

Nic Sebastian — Thu, 22 May 2008 07:52:42 +0000

Thinking of you. Hang in there. Welcome back!
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By: Vivek Narayanan

Vivek Narayanan — Thu, 22 May 2008 07:09:45 +0000

Reginald,
I have learned a lot from reading this. I’m grateful to have you back here, and I’m grateful for this piece.
Vivek
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By: Robert Montoya

Robert Montoya — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:21:10 +0000

My friend, you have no idea how great it is to read one of your posts again! Welcome back. I wish you a speedy recovery.
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By: Ada Limon

Ada Limon — Thu, 22 May 2008 00:51:15 +0000

Indeed! Welcome back!
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By: Linh Dinh

Linh Dinh — Wed, 21 May 2008 23:37:38 +0000

Welcome back, Reginald! You’ve been greatly missed!
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