artist

Since last August, I have interacted three times with the NAMI Poetry Club.  As a result,  I have a tape copy of the Cable Show some of us recorded for Channel 57.  I read my poem, “Especially For Israeli Soldiers”, on the show, Mental Health Update.  My poem was well-received by everyone involved — Angel called it brilliant — but the Network censored my segment of the show when it was actually aired.  Apparently, it is too controversial to state that no one has ever really won a war.  At least the tape exists in its original form.  Dora and I watched the show last night.  She enjoyed it.  She said I was the best, and that I chose a strong poem to read.  This afternoon,  my Mom and I will watch the show in its original form at her apartment.  Last Tuesday night,  I read my poem, “Patriotic Duty”, for the Poetry Club.  It, too, was well-received.

Last Monday night, I visited my cousin, Rina, and her husband, Ron, at my Mom’s apartment.  It did me good to spend time with Rina, Ron, and my Mom.  Rina and Ron are already back in Israel, where they live.  I have exchanged e-mail with Rina already.  She visited this blog, and made a comment.  I am very fortunate to have the support of Rina and Ron, and my other Israeli relatives.  I hope to keep communicating with Rina, and my other Israeli relatives.

Since last Tuesday night, Oleg, Dora’s brother, and his son, Gregory, have been staying with me and Dora in my apartment.  There has been no nasty incident.  Oleg and Gregory normally live in Denver, and they are scheduled to return there today.  Dora and I continue to get along well.

I am taking Lisinopril, Uroxatral, Proscar, Haldol, and Lexapro.  Dr. Dybner, my new Urologist, after prescribing Proscar for me, said that I did not have to see him for another year.  His examination of me revealed normal urine, and a slightly enlarged Prostate.  I see my Internist, Dr. Frank, again on 10/26/06.  There is no new blood work involved for this appointment.  I see my psychiatrist, Dr. Rudy, again on 10/27/06.  He recently advised me not to try to make sense of my past, and to stop evaluating myself so much. 

I am feeling pretty good at this time, although I would like to smoke a Marlboro now; but cannot because Dora is home.  I only smoke at home when Dora is at work, and I make sure to spray the apartment thoroughly with deodorant afterwards.  My continuing friendship with Dora is one of my major accomplishments, so I don’t mind the discomfort that comes with not being able to smoke freely. 

It has been a long, hard climb to recovery from my liftetime of Mental Illness.  It is fourteen and a half months since my 3 years of Probation for contempt of court ended.  A new Status Quo has emerged.  I am staying out of trouble.  I don’t smoke Marijuana or drink alcohol or gamble.  My lifestyle is conservative.  I continue to get along well with Dora, My Mom, and my sister.  My sister and I exhanged e-mail today.

This Thusday, I see my new Urologist, Dr. Dybner, for the first time.  I would like to stop urinating frquently; especially at night.  Recently, Dr. Frank, my Internist, switched me from Cardura to Uroxatral because Cardura was having an impact on my blood pressure.  I would like Dr. Dybner to prescribe Proscar in addition to Uroxatral for me.  Dr. Rudy, my Psychiatrist, recently informed me that the new consensus among Urologists and Internists is that taking Proscar in addition to a medicine like Uroxatral is the best way to avoid surgery for an enlarged Prostate.  At any rate, I will let Dr. Dybner examine me, and I will listen to him carefully.

This Friday, I see Dr. Rudy again.  He is a positive force in my life.  He is still prescribing Lexapro and Haldol for me.  My treatment with him sees me letting go of ambition.  After all I’ve been through, there’s not much I can do; except take it easy, and try to stay relatively healthy.

I see Dr. Frank again on 10/26/06.  He is still prescribing Lisinopril for me for my High Blood Pressure.  I seem to be under control.  Only my frquent urination at night is bothersome.  My blood pressure was 110/80 the last time I saw Dr. Frank.

As I head for 61 years of age, I realize there’s not much I can do about anything; except to practice self-control.  I am not making matters worse for anybody.  I am glad that, “Ms. Hooker Is Running Free”, is widely available on the Internet.  Please visit http://www.cdbaby.com/nickchina