I Had all of the Symptoms Except One

And, then it was confirmed I had that one as well. Gastroparesis, or partial paralysis of the stomach and intestinal muscles. Food or beverages fill me quickly and just sit in my stomach. At some point I suppose gravity and acid assist in getting them through my intestines, or I eventually get nauseous and vomit, but the "sloshing" I hear in my stomach as I walk confirms that it is a slow process. This is a great way to lose weight as I have been instructed to eat many small meals per day instead of the traditional three (large) ones. However, it is also a great way to stay dehydrated. You see, I am supposed to be drinking 80 to 100 ounces of fluids per day due to the dysautonomia. I am down to 32 ounces and am needing infusions more than ever. I take so much medicine that the water alone for a dose of medicine fills me. I have to make a decision- do I want something to eat or something to drink? I cannot have both. Then, I think of people who have it worse than I, and give thanks to God for this. I know it can be worse. I also know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Squeezed a Camping Trip in This Weekend

My wife and I took a quick camping trip this weekend. I am not sure it is fair to call it camping when you have your laptop on the picnic table and use your cellphone as a hotspot so you can blog. The number of mosquito bites and the brief thunderstorm are clear reminders that this was indeed a camping trip. Anyway, here is a view of the lake from Lakepoint State Park Campground:

And a relaxing conclusion as any camping trip should be - around a campfire.

Can't believe it is football season....

Also can't believe Bama has scored two TDs on special teams. O-line needs some work and really the offense just doesn't look prepared. I guess this is what you expect in a first game. Penalties have been fewer than expected for the first game.

6 Weeks and Counting

It is hard to believe it is almost time for another football season. Seems like it was just last night that Alabama was beating the hell out of Notre Dame. I am a traditionalist, love defense, and games between classic schools. I was looking forward to this game and felt privileged to see the two historical programs face off. I was a kid the last time they played. I am glad my Bama team won, but would have been proud had they have lost in a close, defensive game - one of those history making games. Being a traditionalist and a fan of defensive football, I would have taken the loss in a close game between these two schools over a blowout as we witnessed. Really. However, I will gladly accept another National Championship as well! So, here's to another opening weekend that will be here soon. I am placing an order soon for some fresh homebrew, will be stocking up on firewood for the smoker, and then just counting the days. Until then, I will enjoy a few ESPN Classics.

Dysautonomia

Ever heard of it? I had not until October 2011. I have kept quiet about it as I have tried to educate myself regarding the diagnosis while further testing has and is being conducted.

It seems as though now I have a tag along problem....seizures. I'm not sure if one created the other, they are a package deal, or maybe all of this is a misdiagnosis. I hope so, but I also know that my life is now very different since October 2011.

However, a couple of very good, open-minded and willing to listen doctors have provided me with different medications that seem to be helping with the POTS/OI sub-categories in which I was diagnosed. Then, the seizures began occurring.

I spent the first year or so learning to cope. I have spent the remainder of my time living life to the fullest. No, I haven't gone skydiving, as Tim McGraw sings in his tribute to his dad, but I just completed a full season of deer hunting - something I missed last year. Turkey season is coming soon.

You need to understand, however, that it is not about killing a trophy. The trophy is in my heart, as it is much stronger than my body, and I get to carry it as long as I have the faith and strength to live my life victoriously over this or any other challenge. And then there are the seizures.

But before that, there was Philippians 4:13, which has resided in my heart most of my life.

TigerDirect and Biostar Motherboard Experience

I spent about $200 at TigerDirect in May for a PC case, Biostar motherboard, Corsair memory, hard drive and a few other things. The memory had a $20 rebate, which I never received, although I returned all of the documentation that was requested.

The second part of this nightmare began less than 90 days after the purchase when the Biostar motherboard failed. I called TigerDirect to report the problem and they said that I needed to call Biostar since the 30 day return period had passed. I should have known then that I was screwed. Regardless of who manufactured it, if you sell it, you should stand behind it for a respectable period of time. Thirty days is legitimate for an exchange or refund due to buyer's decision, but is very insufficient when pertaining to the life of a product. Furthermore, TigerDirect made it clear that I was their customer as long as I was spending money with them, but they had no use for me when I reported a problem. They are only interested in the sell and not the repeat sells that follow good service.

So I called Biostar and was issued an RMA. I returned the faulty motherboard, which was purchased new for just under $50. Almost one month later, I received what I thought was a new replacement motherboard. However, no letter, note, nor any other type of communication was included in the box or in email explaining to me what action had been done to resolve the damaged board. After closely reviewing the board, I realized Biostar had replaced my new motherboard with a USED one. How did I know? Thermal paste was all over the edges of the socket.

In an email to Biostar, I explained that it appeared a used board was sent to me, but there was no information in the box to explain. I received a simple one line email from Biostar's "customer service" that read, "It is used but it works."

I called Biostar to make sure we understood each other and they confirmed that their policy, regardless of how new a product is, is to replace with whatever they have lying around.

I called Tiger Direct to let them know how their vendors were treating their new customer, and they said that this was a situation between me and Biostar.

Both of these companies have screwed me as a new customer. Service after the sell is not practiced at Tiger Direct. Biostar sells cheap, defected components as new ones, and then replaces them with used ones when they fail.

Please do not make the same mistakes that I did. I will never purchase another Biostar product. Furthermore, I will never purchase from TigerDirect due to their unethical practices. All they want is to be paid and do not take care of their customers afterwards.

Big GameToday

Bama has a big game today against Arkansas. Good luck Tide! Congratulations to my hometown high school team in their big Homecoming win last night.