YES, I am still here!!!.

After receiving several private messages from people, I just want to say that I have been reading everyones daily posts and replies.

I am having to deal with some personal issues right now that are really just draining all of my energy.

Many of the AB forum members know this, but for thoses who don't, I am currently undergoing some very heavy antibiotic treatment for chronic Lymes Disease.

I've never had a lot of problems from it over the years, but in the last 6-mos, it has really been kicking my butt.

Fortunately, my smaller joints (wrists, ankles, and elbows) have not been affected yet by the severe arthritis, but my knees, hips and shoulders have.

I am still extremely active every day, but the medication is really draining every ounce of my energy.

I am NOT avoiding anyone or anything, but I have to do everything possible to deal with this situation right now.

I very much enjoyed listening to all the submissions in the "July piano bar", you all sounded fantastic.

Funburger, I just read your very inspirational story, (I still want to bottle up and sell your enthusiasm!).

I am still very much enjoying all the daily posts and replies from everyone in this forum, I just need a little break from everything for a while until my energy level gets back to normal again.

There is no known cure for Lymes disease and most chronic patients become dibilitated and disabled from it. THIS IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN TO ME!!

I don't give a crap how tired I get, or how sore my joints are, this P.O.S disease will NOT get me down!! period!!

I am very much looking forward to the next upcomming recital (Aug 15th), and will be submitting my song in the next week or so.

I just felt that I had to explain my sudden disapearance to some as it is not intentional and I did not give up piano!!.

This is NOT a downer sympathy thread either so please don't respond to this thread with any such negative talk. (or I may smack you with my trusty rusty pipe!!).

We all have situations to deal with from time to time, and right now, I just need a little time off to show these little spirocheet bastards (the bacteria) who's in charge and calling the shots!, thats all.

Hopefully, in the near future, I will be more active and participate much more. For now, I will continue to read all the posts and replies from everyone and look forward to all the new and upcomming events.

You can't get rid of me this easily!!

Mrsuperhunky, glad to see you are still around. you have been missed around these parts. i understand that you are tired, and glad you havent quit piano---that would be a shame for that b to goto waste, i would have to come up just to put it to use. hey if you bounced back from that motorcycle accident you can bounce back from anything!!!! glad to see you fighting it!!! thanks for keeping us updated!!!! we love you man :3hearts:

I hope you feel better.

I'm glad to hear you won't let the disease get the best of you.

Hey S-H, glad to hear from you. We all miss you here. Hope you have a speedy recovery!!

Whats up man! I was so glad to see a post by you. I do not know you all that well but I have grown to enjoy your insights and conversation starters.

Thanks for letting us know what is going on.

So good to hear from ya mr super_hunky!! I didn't send you a private message, but that doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about you!

I do believe in the power of positive thinking and you seem to have that going for you too!

You are an inspiration to many of us adult beginners....course ya knew that already!!

Don't hit me with that pipe, I bruise easily!

If there's one thing I learned from years of reading the health psychology literature, it's that attitude is everything. The human mind has powers more mysterious than we can understand, and it is capable of healing even the worst diseases. Optimism in particular has enormous power, as does laughing and a sense of humor. You have all those things in spades, mr_super-hunky, so I'm not worried about you. I know you're going to lick this thing.

SUPERHUNKY:[/b] I haven't been here very long, but what little I know of you, I always thought you were one cool guy.
Sorry to hear about your illness, some good basic yoga (not the standing on the head stuff) might help stretch out some of those aching joints. Try a basic yoga tape or your local YMCA.Swimming is good for those aching joints too if you can handle it. What is ideal though is doing yoga to some relaxing music like what PW has on the piano bar. Or just listen to music, music is the best form of therapy there is, I have actually seen it heal people.I also recommend a good massage thereapist to help releive you of some of your joint soreness.
Hang in there, stay close to the ones who care about you the most.
Remember we will always be here to give you the best form of music thereapy around.

There is no question about that.

Now, if there was just some way to get S-H a sense of humor.

The best always Super-Hunky, I know you'll kick this thing in the butt.

We are all rooting for you - check-in every once in a while and play a tune on the ole 88.

You have a marvelous attitude, and will beat this thing. I have a dear friend who has severe Multiple sclerosis, but that does not keep her from her piano. She recently held a private recital for her friends, and played all of Brahms Hungarian dances. She had to be helped to the piano as she uses a walker, but once seated at the keyboard, she was in complete control, and played magnificently.

I think you have that same inner strength,and will not let this nasty disease control your life. Best wishes. Gaby Tu

Thanks for the update! Will be looking forward to your recital offering!

Mr S-H,

I'm sorry to hear of your ill health, but (whilst I haven't known you very long at all) as many have said so far, I to am certain that if this is something that one can recover from, you surely will.

BTW thanks for updating us of your situation, I (and I'm sure many others) had definetely missed your thoughtful and humerous comments.

All the best

Hi S-H,

As other have said, you really do have a great positive attitude. Keep it up!

And I'm also looking forward to your Recital piece - any clues as to what you have selected?

Euan.

p.s. '"You picked the wrong guy", I told it. "When you looked around for a body to try and live in, you made a big mistake when you chose mine"' (Lance Armstrong)

I have missed seeing posts from you lately. I'm glad you are still here and kicking!

Glad to see you back! And here I figured you were on vacation.....If positive attitude works then you'll "kick butt"...

MrS-H - being sick sucks. My advice is do not ever get sick. There, thats over.....

When I had my heart attack, people treated me with kid gloves, was nice to me, brought me things, talked real soft and gentle, looked at me with doogie sympathy eyes, cooed "Awww" when I tried to talk with a weak and shaky voice, would pat or rub me gently while visiting, would hold my arm when shuffling around the room, offered me stuff and then offered to go get it, and would not let me do anything.

I healed in time, but I still have not told anyone.

Hi Hunkster

You make sure you keep kicking the butt of that disease...one day I am sure someone'll figure it out.

Thinking about you over here in the UK.


regards


Lee

Glad to hear from ya...God Speed to you and yours.

Monster

That's a hoot!

originally posted by mr_super-hunky:
I second that!

Thanks for sharing with us SH, you have been missed here.

i'm very sorry to hear that, and wish you the best.

i've dealt with disability myself, and it is no fun. you definitely have the right attitude, which is key -- i find it more important to focus on what you CAN do than what you CAN'T do.

Good to hear from you!! And, as others have said, attitude counts for so much when dealing with crap like this. I know- I've battled CFIDS for years, but I refuse to give in to it. Keep fighting- you're way bigger than those little bacteria buggers- you can take 'em!!!

Mr. S-H

Good to hear your spirits are high. Keeping as active as possible is the best way to fight the physical and psychological battle of a chronic illness.

Wishing you a speedy and sustained recovery

Dorrie

I survived a pretty major case of staph infection almost two years ago now. I was so weak I could barely move without feeling completely drained. It is amazing how lifes challenges can give you perspective on what is really important. Positive thoughts definitely improved my recuperation time. Keep on fighting.

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it." --Helen Keller

Hey S-H,

Thanks for the update. Get better, piano teacher. (Since you are our teacher, I should let you know that we all await Book III of the Super Hunky Piano Method Series).

We're all pulling for ya!

I'll send up some prayers, too.

- angelojf-

Hey You.

Sorry I've been a stranger. Hope the stuff is working. You better get better - you're hosting a friggin piano party, you know.... oh yes you are.... Mr. Super-Hunky!

Get yourself better...Bernie.

RIGHT ON, MAN!! Hang in there, my brother. I've been wondering where you were. Keep on fighting the good fight!

You've got the right attitude. Ever seen a terrier go after a rat? Good picture to keep in mind with the spirochetes. Give 'em hell.