Yep,

That's right I got the blues because I don't get to go to the really big show in Charlotte. I had Airline and Hotel reservations which all had to be cancelled when I was diagnosed with COPD, which results in me having to be on oxygen about 22 hours a day. Flying is just about out of the question because the oxygen and it is just too far to drive. Nuff about my problems. Every body take copious numbers of photos and beam them over to me along with names.

There is one good thing about not going. Look at all of the money that I'm going to save on buying stuff that I really didn't need.

Later,
Gerald Mc

I know how you feel good friend. My vacation was cancelled due to a hospital inspection. I did manage to get some fly rod blanks from Andy and I bought a new fly tying vice so all is not lost. I am going to spend my vacation next month tying flies and fly rods.
Cheers, Ellis

Yep, when you own your own company you have to make hay when the sun shines.

But, I will be there next year! I don't care if it hair-lips every cow in Texas!

Regards......Doug@
TCRds

Have you ever considered taking the train......I have a friend on continuous oxygen, and a morphine fanny pack with his health situation.....He can't drive, his wife hates to drive and they BOTH refuse to fly after 911 so they travel everywhere by rail.....comfortable.....good food.... your own room....and someone else is at the wheel.

Just a thought.

Hang in there.

Derek

Hi Gerald sorry to hear about your condition. I can kinda relate how you feel I have servier complication from diabetes. Do you live on the West Coast ? In April April There is a rod building seminar in Woodland WA
Good Wraps Bob

Add me to the list Gerald. My back has been pretty bad lately which spoiled my plans for the show as well. Top that off with finding out that my Father is in the hospital with chest pains, so I won't be heading South regardless of the fine offer for travel and stay that I had. As Ken Preston said to me the other day, there will be other days and other shows that we will attend. Keep your sprits up!!
Ray

Gerald,

One word of caution. One of the standard treatments for breathing difficulties due to asthma and COPD is the use of the drug Predinisone. This is a potent steriod, which has a lot of bad side effects, which the Doctors quite often forget to tell you about. It will make you gain weight like a blimp (this is what happened to Jerry Lewis the comedian) but worse of all is that it causes Glacoma, which can result in blindness. I've been there and I lost 80% of the sight in my right eye due to Predinisone.

Also keep in mind that breathing oxygen is also habit forming, so try to stay off of it as much as you can. Exercise will gradually build up your breathing without oxygen. Been there too.

John