March 5th
final POST!!
I am back home now in Ipswich MA
near BOSTON
far from Athens
it does seem like a distant dream already
I am not sure what that means but I do know
life is short and if you don't jump sometimes
you just plain miss out
I guess I can actually say
I didn't miss out!
I sure am glad I went
and I know Sheila isn't ....
my treatments from Dr Kountouris seems to be
having some increasing effect
and perhaps once I totally recover from this fever and flu
I will experience the full benefit of Dr Kountouris's
Magnetic therapy treatments
but one thing I know now
which I didn't realize before
I put a terrible strain on my marriage
and Sheila, I guess, had to be nuts to come along with me
on the ride but I am glad she did but I wish it would have been easier on her
but it is over now and I 'tasted the waters' of ATHENS and Dr Kountouris's
incredible care and generosity
I think the high point was that saturday gig feb 19th
and at one moment I was flying around the room
and NOT even using my cane
and dancing!
I suppose I can do that here in the states
and I dont need to go to Athens to get that feeling
I can do it anywhere anytime
the treatment I got from Dr K was indeed free
and the apartment was my only expense
plus food and that is incredible and i feel very lucky
it seems the best reults were gotten by those who actually
spent 18 months to three years under dr K's exclusive care
I am not sure if I could ever do that
or whether I couid ever be that convinced of his treatment
unless I saw some drastic improvement in the short time I was there
I didn't ....
but I DID FEEL A BIT BETTER
but not enough to create an opinion right now
that isn't a bit skeptical
because it was 'rock therapy' that seemed to make the best effect
and it is my music that brings me the most joy....
and self healing powers
I still believe one has to be their own doctor
and heal oneself
my journey to Athens will always bring me to a higher level
but I guess I dont even know why
but maybe my friends do
so perhaps it is for my friends that I go to Athens
and take Dr K's mysterious unknown treatment
because I trust him
and I respect a man that works day in and day out
on people with the previously classified 'incurable' disease
called MS
I might call this the Athens mystery
because it is definatly that
a wonderfull mystery
--something is happenin!!
I begin to get over the flu
and I am WALKiNG AROUND THE HOUSE
without my CANE !!!
THIS IS GOOD!!
very good ...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
March 1st departure
we finally got on the Appolon ferry that left Aegina at exactly 4Pm last sunday
both Sheila and I had the FLU
and that was really bad
I didn't actually know how bad
until AFTER I climbed the 100 or more stairs to the second level
and we sat in the sitting room where
unfortunately was also the SMOKIN room
EVRYONE smokes in GREECE
and I couild see Sheil going down quick
as she sat and puled her turtle neck sweeter up over
her mouth
as if that wouild filter the smoke
but EVERRYONE was smokin!!
when we got to port it was aroud 5Pm
aned I called Costas the cab driver friend who was waiting outisde
then I realized I COULD NOT STAND or WALK
the smoke and our fever had gotten to me
and made my MS kick in royally
people all began to depart
and we sat until some kind people offered to help
I took advantage and tried to let them
it weas definately NOT a handicap accessable cruise ship
finally one couple the man said I am a doctor
just take your time
so I did
but it didnt seem to help
I couil not stand nor walk nor do any thing
but Sheila now knew Costas was outside
so she went and got him and four people
caried me out down the 100 steps
including Costas
the dr was a neurologist
and asked me if I heard of BETA SERON
I said yes
but was leery of the side effects
SUICIDE
was the one that made me avoid it
anyway
Costas brought us back to our apartment
and Sheila went inside
and I sat and Costas said he had to get back to work
it was around 7 by then and I sat til 8
and finally stopped some people passing by
and asked them to help somehow
carry me upstasirs
to the second floor apartment
finally a pretty young woman named Virginia
and a nice young man named Theodore
and the local shop keeper named Dimitri
came
and the three with Sheila
managed to CARRY ME up to the elevator
and we got home
and sweated the night with cough and fever and FLU
the ROYAL TASMANIA GREEK FLU!!
wicked pissa!!
next day
JOhn from upstairs came down
my cell phone had DIED
and I had no way to communicate
John offer any help he could and he called the drs office
whoi turns out is GONE for this week!???!
and they sent Effie over with IV anti biotics and flu medicine
and NOW I AM WALKIN AGAIN!!
its a long road BACK home
by this time tomorrow
we will be back!!
with our puppy FLASH
Sheila didnt have any meds
but she cooked a veggie soup which has lasted us two days
and it tastes better and better ...
maybe the antibiotics IV
AND the veggie soup brought me back some strength
it is defiantly a deja vu
1995
the same exact thing happened to me right before I left Athens
no one could see any signs of improvement when I got home
even though I swear I WAS WALKING without my cane
and everyone thought I was crazy to go then
and now I am afraid one might think the same
but now I can WALK!
thanks god!
I am feeling better though
we are finally going home
oh one more thing
Dr K told me last week
he will be CLOSING his clinic in 6-12 months!!
I wonder what will happen to the 5000 patients??
he told me the same thing back in 1999
and he is still here ....
oh that dr K
the MIGHTY DR KOUNTOURIS
I heard on the news this morning someone died from the new MS drug that just came out
WOW what a day in Athens!
it is raining I am leaving Johns office on the 4th floor
now
he needs his puter
DEJA VU
BOSTON TO ATHENS AND BACK
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 26th
now this has been a scary but then NOT so scary test to our faith
seems no one can leave the ISLAND
THE WINDS HOWLED ALL NIGHT
and the seas raged
we thought certainly as we layed awake FIGHTING some kind of FLU
that we would NEVER get back to the mainland in time for our flight
on wednesday 6AM and it is only sunday
the greeks say "you never know when there is a north wind NO BOATS ferry
to Pireaus" and all night there was a northwind that raged and broke
waves over the sea wall across from our little hotel PLAZA
as Sheila and I both struggled to sleep fighting some kind of sore throat and cough
I tried to remain calm ....
this morning came Sooooooo slow as the sun finally rose around 7AM
now it seems we got a ferry ticket for 4PM
and I guess we WILL leave this little Aegina island
after all our fears
but it is only 1PM now and all the shops are closed
because it is sunday....
we will wait for the BIG ferry to take us back to Athens
assuming nothing else happens??
tonight I guess we will be back at out little apartment
hopefully ALL our stuff is still in the room
untouched by OUR FEARS of this BIG BAD WORLD
we will miss the "OSCARS" tonight with GRAHAM where we were
scheduled to be the 'featured act' with Phillip who is supposed to come back
we will NOT be here for the fun that is supposed to go from
1 AM UNTIL 5 am ...
IT WAS A FUN THOUGHT
but assuming we REALLY DO LEAVE AT 4
we are destined to disappoint our 'fans'
hopefully Philllip will show and NOT dissapoint
these island greeks are starving for entertainment
and they swore AT LEAST 10 - 15 people would show
for ther MOCK "OSCARS' tonight ...
hopefully
Sheila and I will be sleeping back in Athens!!
I didnt know
but aEGINA is VERY famous for it PISTACHIO nuts
and I have already finished more tha a pound myself
the seas are still raging but it looks like the BOATS
are still going!!
I have so much to be thanksfull for
and on the two hour ferry ride
I should have time to think
about this crazy trip
....
we got some aspirin this morning
PHILLIP JUST CALLED ON THE MOBILE
he is on the ferry on his way over here!!
due to arrive at 2 PM !!!
shit I didnt have the heart to tell him we are leaving!!
oh well!! he needs to be here
we found that his reputation preceded him
and he is quite well known here
from the sound of it
he worried a few with his irradic behavior
in the past !!
PEOPLE ARE VERY HAPPY TO KNOW he is ALIVE and well now
and that he is interested in the ANIMAL hospital
and investing in it!
WOW! he will be a hit at the OSCARS tonight!
we wll be gone!!
sorry Phillip and Graham
GREAT PEOPLE we will never forget you all!!
assuming we do actually LEAVE!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 25th
the wonderfull mysterious islands of Aegina (pronouced egg-ina)
is now my new MOST favorite place in the world!
I cannot beleive all the wonder and marvel I have experienced in the only two
days we have been here
the people are so cool and the town is so simple and sweet!
it didnt take us long to adopt the 'greek way'
which basically means
'ANYTHING that gets un done can get done then undone again!"
it basically scared us to death when Shiela suddenly had realized
all our money and her passport were left behind in Phillips Jeep
back in Piireus ... where Phillip apartment overlooks the harbor
where Bill GAtes keeps his yacht
but wouldnt you know it
Phillip was inspired to jump on the 5:30 flying dolphin and come and bring her purse
right over to us!
just in time to start howling and partying eating and drinking and making merry
with the locals who laughed at us for even worrying a bit!!
ABOUT ANYTHING!!
what a a country!
what an island!!
I didnt relaize that Phillip had spent time here for many years as a young man (after Boston and Gloucester and various other places until greece)
once his mother married a greek fishermen from Aegina (later divorced him of course)
only to return FOR THEFIRST TIME when he brought Sheiila's purse
and he THANKED us for giving him a CHANCE TO BE A HERO!
which he definately was to us!!
then we met Graham and english bartender dude who loved
when Phillip and I pulled out our
guitars and sang songs in his little pub til 2 am
and NOBODY else showed up...
Phillip knew songs like 'Watchng the detectives'
ROLLING STONES and that David Grey tune which I love
GRAHAM WAS ECSTATIC AND CALLED ALL HIS FRIENDS
an held up his cell phone so they could listen!!
it was too funny and the drinks were floating like water
and Graham the bartender was drinking right along with us like a good englishman
should ...EVEN SHEILA sang her song about being a bartender in Ipswich at 'Bannons"
Graham the barkeep was a pal
he then got up today and took us to the wildlife refuge
because Sheila had told the story how she rescued a Raccoon who had been SHOT!
the stories were flying!!
PHILLIP HAD FIVE fathers!!
one in boston one in greece one in Califorinia and two more
somehwere!!
turns out Phillip is ome kind of web site master of sorts
and has been making money writing programs!!
one is called chordman.com and the other is called .....shhhhh!
not supposed to tell yet (solobuild.com)
a web site where anyone can build their own web site !!
turns out Phillip is some kind of genius
I think !!
it was defianly fun to spend time with him
and allow him to be our hero!
NOW Phillip wants to donate 10 percent of his profits from hjis new web site adventure to the ANIMAL RESCUE
shelter where we went today! ( called the HELENIC WILDLIFE HOSPITAL email
wildanimalgreece@hotmail.com )
AND he is so happy to have come back to visit Aegina island he kept thanking us!!
AND GRAHAM is so happy that Phillip has taken such an interest in the amilmal rescue
people because they are very dear to his heart!
wow it was a nice day today!
tomorrow we get up and take a cab ride to the
temple of Athina and Iosnicktaios where the view and the history shall be profound!
and maybe do some shopping in town!
then take a ferry BACK to Athens!
to begin the final part of our journye BACK HOME!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 25th
well
I think this is too much to clearly explain
but now THANKFULLY
Sheila and I are on Aegena island
singiing songs and laughing anf howling
the releif from getting here on the flying dolphin
after Sheila LOST her wallet and PASSPORT and ALL our money
until Phillip Lavere Rescued us
and brought her purse to the island
so we could eat and check into the tiny
PLAZA HOTEL
all is well
on Aegeana island
and we relax for two or three days
then return to Athens
for the final visit with Dr K
and say good by to all
on this coming week
WOW!
the days sliipped by\ wenesday thursday and now friday
and we had too much happen
but now it is time to enjoy
the island
and think....
our trip is nealy OVER
I must excercise everyday
when I come home
and TRY to walk without my cane ....
Feb 24th
NOW IT IS THURSDAY feb 24th
1PM
I started again at 5 AM
I listened and wrote some music while Sheila slept
then I woke her at 8 and cooked a BIG breakfast AMERICAN style\
last night I felt strong enough
to TRY to walk to the metro
and go to the PLAKA to HAVE FUN!!
and show Sheila good food and take pictures
BUT I failed to make the WALK
and I leaned HEAVY on Sheila til she almost fell
I was disheartened
and disappointed with dr K
cause he has said I SHOULD BE WALKING AND RUNNING!
by now ...
I am on my way back to the drs office now to talk to him
about WHAT THE F*** is going on
maybe
something really good will happen today anyway
JOHN the man from PEABODY MA
has let me use his puter to type this NOTE
more later
maybe AEgina tomorrow
maybe not
maybe Glifada?
maybe sleep
maybe not
maybe I'll just go home!!
"YANKY GO HOME" says Dr Kountouris
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 23rd (second post)
okay okay
I am getting alittle weary now
I guess it is about time
I think I will take the metro to the PLAKA
and eat food and have some fun!!
I had my second treatment
and I feel a bit frustrated
cause I am NOT walking without my cane
and I am NOT running
but I do feel stronger
but will it last??
and how much better will it get??
I hope Sheila will hang in there
we met this guy who works right upstairs from us (Sheila was so psyched to meet him)
and he is from Peabody MA!!!
his name is John Sevastakis PEABODY INVESTMENT GROUP!! can you beleive it!!
he has an investment co
and has seen Dr Kountoris for more than five years
treating 1000's of patients
and some have gone from wheel chair to walking normally
right before his eyes!
some it took as long as three years
some two
some only one!
me I guess its going to have to be
one month!!
and that is coming up VERY SOON!!!
common Dr K
make it happen for me
only a few days left!!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 23rd
it is now Feb 23rd
only 6 days left? or 7??
time is flying by for me (and going too SLOW for Sheila)
I was up at 4Am
and started cooking popovers in our little oven
I mixed in apples and cheese
and then went back to bed til they were finished a 6 AM
seems I am mega pumped! on OVERDRIVE!
Dr K told me to get ready fro a BIG day today
double doses!
my friend Dimitris Leon
wants us to come visit him at his flat (and I want to go see George Zikos from ZERO ZERO)
which means we should take the METRO
which promises to be quite an experience!
I got a map this mornin from the Ilisia hotel
and I am pretty sure I know where he is
BUT not sure if Sheila is up to ANYTHING
like that
she was still in bad at 7 with a stomach ache
and fear of the metro
????
but she wants to see the Acropolis
and the Plaka and take a picture of Fred Siwaks painting!
and she will have fun
because the sun just came out!
I found that is it only 75 cents to travel the metro
and only 5 euros to take the boat to Aegina island
and only 25 euros to stay at a hotel
on the island!!
now that sounds like fun!!
maybe I can talk my friend Nikos and Maria into coming with us???
something entirely different?
we shall see!
Christos from the Silvertone Prophecy band has promised to visit to pick up his copy
of "Boston to Athens and Back" which he has never even heard since 1995!
another BIG day for me in Athens!!
more later ...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 22nd
it is now around 2:30 Pm Athens time
I went to the drs office and he sent me to walk around the block
and he was PUMPED
because I walked so well!!
I was too but
it is raining now and I will return after I email this post
last night after my first walk I felt VERY weak and barly made it past Ilisia hotel
and had to sit many times and rest
I have been using the walky talky to communicqate with Sheila
but I found my batterries had gone dead
and when I treid to call her to come help me walk
there was no connection
so I sat and a woman helped me get to the bus stop bench
and I couldnt find the strength to get into the market to buy batteries
the women went back into her car which was parked next to the market and watched me
she made hand singnals which showed me she wanted to help me
she knew I was having trouble
so while I sat she went into the market and bought new batteries
they all know me and rememeber me from 1995 in the market
it is so nice on the streets here
and everyone will say BRAVO when I walk by! if I am walking...
when they see me struggling to stand often people on the street will offer to help!
it is such a nice feeling to be ths "awkward crazy american" people seem to take a liking to me
and I always regret when I have to lean so heavy on Sheila when I am walking around the corner
the dr told me to walk around the block AGAIN after he gave me another IV!! (and DVD)
then said "go home NO MORE American stoday!"
I am trying to walk on my own
but it is not easy for me
I need to lean on every lamppost and anything
I can to get by
DR Kountouris saw me today and was quite upbeat and jovial
I am going back soon for an IV and to show him the DVD I have that Ron Esch
made for me which shows Theo giving me LASER treatment from last nov. 6th
and then the good Dr K saying "NO Charge for the treament" and then telling me
there is EPILEPTIC activity in my brain waves last nov.8th
(thank god Shiela gave me that tiny video camera I couild film and record the drs conversation
I hop to make a featur length documentary.....some day!)
I still am a bit baffelled about this and plan to ask him again to explain
what this means...EPILEPSY???
but I doubt he will be able to explain
because he is just that way...
but somehow I trust him!!
when you see the amount of patients EVERYDAY in and out of his doors
you get filled with optimism!!
it is so strange
I plan on asking him if he has anything to say about ALS
Sheila and I got introduced to Fred Siwak in Ipswich
whom has ALS and that is a FATAL disorder! (LOU GEHRIGS disease)
I wonder what dr K will say about that ....
Fred is and artist who wants us to take a picture of his paintings
hanging around the world ....
we plan to go to the PLAKA and the Acropolis
and take a photo of HIS painting
(which he emailed us)
and show him once we return!
he has been t the PLAKA in Athens in 1979
so I guess this is a way he can feel he is back here again!
©2005 Fred Siwak
yesterday there was apatient named David from New Delhi India
who didnt speak greek but only a little english
so I coiuld talk to him
he was aided by his sweet wife and small child
he was there to see Dr K
and had been seeing him for over 1 year now
he seemed to have some EXTREME form of the disease and was practically
totally disabled
his spirit was good but his speech was quite slurred
his wife had to help him hobble into the drs office..
I wondered WHY they didnt bring him a wheel chair
til he got down the hall
it was strange but AMAZING
I think he was extremely bad off
and I hope the dr is successful
in helping him
apparently he had a BAD reaction to the meds around 8 months ago
which sent him into some kind of disorder which made his stomach revolt
and they had to CHANGE his meds
he cold still smile at me and tell me he was FINE!!
I doubted it but was amazed at his courage and that of his darling wife
who spoke NO english nor greek!
I hope I see him again
more later
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 21st
it is now around 12:30 Athens time
we were VERY slow to rise this morning
Sheila is fighting the flu or something
and trying NOT to get sick
I am a little groggy myself
we both took EXCEDRIN PM
and slept HARD and LONG
maybe 12 or 13 hours
we totally missed sunday
slept ALL day!! (Sheila cooked a roast!! very good!)
we did watch a few DVDs
RED Planet
I definately feel like we are on MARS
or something
we are growing weary of Athens and the city life
BUT, I had a BALL last saturday...
I watched CLyde bowl strike after strike
and Sheila did her best to keep up
she was surprised that it WASN'T candle pin
it was the BIG balls!
Quite a sophisticated bowling arena in a section of ruins of Athens
that was partially rebuilt with a bowling arena and shopping
and movie complex
and soccer fields (they call it FOOT ball)
Eirini Bettys daughter and her boyfriend Dimitris
joined us and then they turn the BLACK light on and it was quite differrent
Betty and I sat and talked about MS
and how lucky we both are to have such a good life!
we both get to see so many different patients at Dr Ks office with so many
varying degrees of affliction
we seems to bring each other hope and positive spirit!
Dimitri, Eirini boyfriend was a BLAST
he is only 18 but full of fire
he says he WAS a plummer by trade
and I asked him to come into our apartment and explain the PLUMBING
it is so strange how the water flushes and the tub drains into
this hole in the floor???
VERY WEIRD!
it seems no one knows what is going on with the sewage systems!
we could be walking on .....
??????
I dont wanna say!
ANYWAY, I suppose the gig went well on feb 19th at the ART ZONE club
Stavros was VERY happy with the turnout!
My friend Nikos and my friend Phillip and his little puppy 'Katie" showed up
my friend Lena and her friend Erini and Lena new boyfriend
PLUS Betty and CLyde and Eirini and Dimitri her boyfriend were there!
the band ZERO ZERO were awesome! playing Hendrix and Santana and some old standards!
and they invited me to come up several times!
and we 'hacked' our way thru several of my songs
and it was fun for me!!
of course, I RECORDED THE WHOLE NIGHT!
which might be the highlight of my journey
definatly ROCK THERAPY!
I suppose I should go upstarirs to the drs office now
and see if he is back from LONDON or Cyprus or where ever he went
I hope something good happens today!
I am sure it will!
it is ATHENS after all!
I stayed up til 4 AM
and felt good!
until the next day ....
now I am dragging
dr is gonna be pissed!
I'll bet ...
I feel he should explain
but I dont even know if I will ask him
"WHATZZUP? with dat?"
I am weak! from ROCK THERAPY?
Phillips little puppy spent the night
upstairs with Sheila in our apartment
she didnt realize he would be going so CRAZY
yipping and and running around like a TASMANIAN devil
he was sooooo cute though
she kept trying to walky talky us to come get him
but I didnt hear her til around 2:30
when we got upstairs
Phillip brought him down to the club
where he SLEPT like a calm little puppy!
very funny!
nice companion for Phillip!
our cell phone stopped working
so my breif experience with the cell phone seems to have come to a quick end
seems I need a 'card' to continue??
now the only way I can call is go to those phone booths
Clyde was so nice to bring it for me!
we will see now....
Marina Angeli made a nice suggestion
to go to a retreat in Delphi where we could do yoga and breathing excercises
and relax by a fire place??
sounds NICE
BUT it is a 4 hour bus ride??
Sheila would love to leave and go there
maybe it is possible ....
we shall see
--
I forgot to say
that Dimitris Leon and his grilfriend Stephani
showed up at the Artzone club
he said it was a miracle that I had called
because he had thought about me so much, and he had SO MUCH to talk about!
I hadn't seen him since 1995
he came in a wheel chair and seemed quite bad off!
it was sad for me! to see him struggle so
he barely made it into the club
but he did!
his MS has progressed into his cogniiitive
and his speech was stifiled!
and slurred and he struggled to explain himself
he was a dear friend from the beginning for me
I was glad that we all got to talk
Berry got a chance to talk with him also
ALSO
George Georgiou (origninal owner of Othellos)
Stavros's father had a heart attack saturday nite
which kinda put a damper on Stavros mood
and the tone of the evening was a bit somber
FAni his mother wasnt there to cook and there was no food!
which was a bummer for everyone!
but we still played good!!
real good!
Stavros said "great night Gary"
at the end...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 19th
less than 10 days left
we will be back home to our puppy Flash!
I dreamed I saw Jesus in a white robe last night in front of a great crowd of people
dressed in red!
I knew I had to get up early and go to the intenet cafe and write
but now that I am here
I dont know what to say!
today I go to the drs office at 12 noon
then meet Marina Angeli ...hopefully get flower therapy
and then we go bowling after a rest
the the art zone cafe for music
with Zero Zero awesome rock band and also RumRaisins
the acousitic unplugged band
both have promised to back me up
I hope I can stay awake
hey Scherman can you pick us up at trhe airport at 1PM
march 2nd ? before I forget to ask ??
I hope you are reading this post!!
I must go get eggs and return to the apartment
to cook breakfast for Sheila
she is excited to go bowling and woop butt
with Clyde and his daughter Erini
Betty and I will sit and talk
last night when I took my second walk for excercise
at 8Pm
I went with power!!
and made phone calls from the holiday inn
about four blocks away
when I got a walky talky call from Sheila
Clyde and Erini were at out apartment and had brought a cell phone
so now anyone can call us
011 301 694 888 9502 !!!
when I tried to walk back home
I found I had LOST ALL POWER!
and I fell AGAIN in the streets of Athens!!
shit!
a very nice fellow picked me up
ands helped me across that deadly traffic!
excercise??
Peter I AM pushing myself!
please beleive me!
I am jealous and proud that you swam for tsunami releif?
4miles??
WOW You are my BIG little brother!
I am so proud of you!!
has everyone heard about baby 81??
I will sing a song to night
about Abu lash
baby 81 in Sri Lanka !
tonight will be fun!!
g
MAGNETIC STIMULATION (Magstim)
from JimEngle (jengel@Optra.com)
Concerning the theraputic use of magnetism & www.magstim.com --
A number of years ago we did some work here at OPTRA in this area. We
had some technology that allowed us to build some very sensitive
magnetic field sensors at substantially lower cost than competing
technologies. And we evaluated the use of this technology to sense
magnetic fields produced by activity in the brain. One application of
this technology was to locate the areas within the brain that were
associated with epileptic seizures. If one knows this location
accurately, invasive surgical techniques can 'repair' the malfunctioning
part of the brain and restore some normalcy to he patient. Our device
didn't work well enough. We didn't make a lot of money. I'm still
working.
The brain and nervous system is a complicated electrical system that
operates by passing electric charge among the various elements. When
this electrical charge moves, it becomes an electrical current.
Electrical currents produce magnetic fields. OPTRA was trying to detect
neurological activity by sensing these magnetic fields. EEGs
(electroencephalograms)do the same thing. (But maybe you know all of
this already so that I'm boring you.)
Just as electrical currents can produce magnetic fields, changing
magnetic fields can produce electrical currents - it's just simply the
reverse of the process. My notion on Magstim is just that - by applying
pulsed magnetic fields to nerve tissue one can induce electrical
currents and sort of re-establish the electrical pathways that might
have been lost due to disease or trauma. In a way it seems similar to
what a physical therapist does when he/she moves the limbs of a patient
who, through injury or stroke etc., has lost the ability to use those
particular muscles. You sort of retrain the system.
Now why this by itself would work with MS confuses me a little bit since
my understanding is that MS has to do with the loss of myelin, the
insulating material, around the nerves in the central nervous system.
But maybe it's the use of Magstim in combination with the medicines that
works best. The medicines restore (or prevent further deterioration) of
the nerves and the magnetic stimulation (Magstim) retrains the restored
nerves or stimulates alternative, as-yet unaffected, nerve pathways into
action.
I've really gone way beyond what I know with this response. I could be
way off on some of the technical points. Whether Magstim works or not,
whether it will have any long-lasting effects or not, I can't say. But
having looked it all over I'm a little less skeptical about it. It
seems to have some basis to work.
When I was on the website I looked at the regulatory comments and found
that Magstim is available in the US but has not been approved for use on
the cortex. I'm not sure what that means. But at least for some things
it is being used stateside. But if it's the combination of Magstim and
medicine that works best, and the medicine is not available stateside
then you're still kind of stuck with the travel issue.
Jim
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 18, 2005
today was much better
thankfully
Sheila and I started early
went for a long walk
around a park
and thru an open air market
COULDNT find new cheap glasses
so I am still trying to wear these broken specks
I am a little frustrated
that I am NOT a whole lot better
but I am better!
a little!
not running
not walking without my cane
except around the apartment
Dr K not returning til monday??
didnt make it to the embassy yesterday
but did call them
and talked to the consulate
they explained Theo MUST show income
and he must show that he will return to greece
he can apply on line
usembassey.gr <SP?>
it should be easy
unless there is something he hasnt told us
they will give him a visa
but he will have to come to Athens
and talk in private
to them
they seemed nice to me
tomorrow we go bowling!
with Clyde and Betty and their daughter
but I hav apt with the drs office at 12 noon
and then meeting Marina Angeli at 1
for a talk
I am really looking forward tomore of her flower therapy!!
today was a good day
I leaned heavy on Shiela and I think I am killing her arm
but she has been so helpful!
while waiting for her
on the side walk
I got approached AGAIN by a begging non engliosh speakin
Albanian ? Greek Gypsy with a small baby
begging for money
we couldnt really understand each other
she had GOLD capped teeth and a VERY cute little baby
she didnt seem to understand NO
but I smiled and waited for her to give up
and her baby smiled back at me
last week we got approached by a heroin addict
I said NO to him too
he said he "father, son of a bitch" was heroin addict too!!
I felt I should have sent him to the church right up the street!
but I think he already knew that was there
there are poor begging souls every where
another woman in the intenet cafe
told us that POPE John Paul has MS too!!
I NEVER HEARD that>>> before
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 17, 2005 "WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES"
 Johnny V mailed me POSTERs for the saturday gig at the Art zone!!!
it is so GREAT to see them posted on the walls and so many people are seeing them
this is so cool! for me THANK YOU JV!! thankyou!!
the drs office was kind enough to print them for me!
IT WAS A long night in Athens for me
rather than dwell on the BAD (which was REAL BAD)
I will tell about the good
I have to go to the American Embassy soon
to meet with the Ambassador (if I can find him)
and find WHY he wont give THEO a visa
hopefully this will be a good experience!
I am feeling like I should be expecting MORE results
from the good Dr Ks treatment
he should be back this saturday
and I will ask him
I felt SUCH POWER
when I walked around the block last night (Alone)
I finally made it to a phone to call Theo in Salonika
he asked me to go see the Ambassador at the American Embassy
and ask WHY?!?!
(Then when I left to come back to the apartment
I was drained and almost FELL in the streets of Athens AGAIN!!
it was scarey!
It took me almost an hour to get home I had to keep stopping to rest
and only around ten-20 minutes to get there to begin with!?!? : (
WHAT!?
SHEESH!
strange that it is so up and down!) it gives me DOUBT!
which is like a plague!
I will go again today for another IV and DVD
(I saw the greatest DVD with John Cleese about face recognition and the part of the
brain that recognizes people, there was a woman with a disease that made her face deformed
and another woman who had cosmetic surgery to alter the shape of her nose and a guy that lost the ability to recognize his own children! it was wonderfull cd Very funny)
(BACK TO theo)I hope I get some answers\
if he could come to the USA and bring his LASER
he may be able to help so many of my friends
Now we must make plans to drive to VOLOS
to see Meletitis the pastor fromn the church I met in Ipswich last summer
I will ask Costas the cab driver if he will drive us?
he apparently drives to Salonika once a week which I think is close to Volos??
we will see if this will be possible!
and affordable!?
Maybe Nikos and Maria can come too?
than on to Salonika too see Theo??
BIG DREAMS
onlly 10 days left and so much to accomplish
maybe I am getting more power than I thought?
maybe we should just go to an island and chill?
"who knows what tomorrow may bring!"
Steve Winwood Traffic...
Gary in the mystical land of Athens!!
Dr K I hope will be back in time for my show this saturday
maybe I will play him the song I wrote for him!
"Dr oh dear Dr please help me!"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 16, 2005
it is starting to get
bizarre
but I am still running on high octane
Johnny V just sent a poster to promote the show
on this saturday
HOW cool is that!!
anyway, Sheila doesnt think I am excercising enough
but thats okay
cause I know I can always improve!!
now I must double my FUN
and even if these treatments do not work (I THINK THEY ARE??? a little maybe?)
I will still have a blast
been invited to go bowling this saturday with Betty and Clyde
then to the show with her ids too!!
WOW!!
double your pleasure double your fun!
I walk today with my smaller cane?
is that improveemt!?!?
got to find new glasses
my reading glasses broke
I found I must wait unt friday
for the market to open that sells cheap reading glasses
I am sitting right now with taped glasses frames to my head
it is wednesday??
it seems my trip is more than HALF over??
is that true?
weighing wether to be disappointed in my progress or not...
but itis ONLY half way
more later
writing quicky
at 2 euros an hour
g
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 15, 2005 --zero and rum raisin at the artzone this saturday
now I have really done it
I found out Stavros is depressed about his business
and is paying th bands too much money
I met with George Zeko the fabuous guitar player
who has his own gtr repair (and Bazooki) shop
www.diatoniko.gr
and we agreed to play with the other band Rum Raisin
this saturday Feb 19th
I will be backed by both bands
WOW!
is this therapy or WHAT!
ROCK N ROLL therapy
I told him bands will play for free just to play
everyone agreed!
once there is a turn out
then pay the bands
make them BRING their crowds!!
and then pay
I will play for FOOD!
no problem
boy wait til you hear this guy play guitar!!
and wait til you hear Byron from Rum Raisin
sing!
he is amazing sweet voice!
anyway, back to the drs office for another day of magnetic treatmet
www.magstim.com
it is promising treatment
I am half way thru my trip
and seems I am NOT running yet nor walking with out my cane
but I think it will continued to improve
the issue is definately excercise
I walked a long way last night
by myself
and braved crossing the street
it is such a struggle
but I continue
if only I had found a Valentines card
for Sheila but I didnt
so I am in the dog house again
but it is getting better!
she made me a nice chicken dinner and bought a chocolate cake
wow! what a gal!
I continue to be some kind of selfish insensitive oaf
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! Feb 14, 2005
well I know
I sould be excercising
instead I am interneting
seems that makes me feel better
I am afraid today
I am on my way to the drs office to start on this monday
around 12 noon
I feel like GARY COOPER in HIGH NOON
anyway, I wrote in my journal
aboput the Athens Mystery
and Marrital vows
strange how I made the connnection
maybe because my relationshhip
is feeling the strain from this journey
I have dragged my beloved on
I decided today I would excercise later
after email and the drs office
and sleep ...
just trying to do something different
last night
I walked home in less than 10 minutes
and was strong
but before that we didnt eat and I got weak
got to be careful
Sheila went to the market today
hopefully celebrate VALENTINES day??
this is a tough day for Sheila
it is her son Shawns birthday
she missed him and worries
on his birthday he always
comes up with something !!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAWN!!
your momma loves you!
we should have a nice meal today
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sunday, Feb 13, 2005
it is a sunny warm day
finally
but it is sunday
maybe just a day to
do some site seeing?
or maybe just watch a DVD
back in our room
slow down in Athens time
no action at least for the day
maybe we will find something
maybe not
We may REST today
monday will be back to IV
SHEILA has been busting me to excercise
sheesh! I thought I was doing pretty well!
but NO REST for the weary!
had fun last night
with Bety Kaladi and Clyde
went to dinner with Nkos and MArie
then to the Art Zone and was backed by an acousitic band
which played Cat Stevenms and Bob Dylan songs and Steve Miller songs
I had forgtten from sooooo long ago
the old standards
they seems to LOVE the old folky acousitc sound
right up my alley!!
I wish I could remember the words and chord changes!!
had fun showing them my easy tunes
like Crashins out of fashion and Man on the keys
I dont worry about a thing
sing along ones
didntget home til 1AM we had to kinda sneak out! (not possible)
they were still going strong til 4 or 5 Am
I wont even try to do thatyet!
WOW!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 12, 2005
I just got finished another Magnetic treatment
while on the table they gave me another IV infusion
as usual .....they showe me a DVD today on Laurell and Hardy documnetary
WOW what a career those guys had
I didnt realize it spanned more than 30 years
Stan finally died 1965
with Jerry lewis by his side
I cried!
(AGAIN)
seems I am quite emotional
and I suspect they may be giving me steroids
which is okay by me .... especially when I get POWER
I didnt even have to lean on Sheila to get home!!
still using the cane though
but maybe next week I will get brave
and put it down
I still am fearfull of falling
so I lean on my cane
but before I leaned on my cane AND Sheila .... this is better!!
much better!
when we came back we stopped at (theartzoneclub.gr) Othellos
and they wer having a wild time with a belly dancer VERY pretty!
when I walked in she danced to me and took off my black hat and kissed my head!
leaving lipstickmarks on my forhead
WOW what a treat!
when we got home at 1 AM
Sheila said the lipstick on my forehead may have been a mistake to bring home
any other time!
Sheila was taking pictures of the whole night and Stavros was in heaven
(and his girlfriend Stavrouli! quite beautifull)
when we got to bed we could hear the party going till 5 Am this morning
they were howling!!
last night I experienced REAL POWER and when we went inside a Holiday Inn
it was quite elegant and people were so fashionable
we found a phone booth finally and called some family with a phone card
wow that felt real good!
we walked 5 blocks and found this restaurant
and they served us OCTOPUS
maybe that is the secret
I felt great and woke up at 6 AM and wrote three songs
one about James Cotton
who went on the road at 13 yrs old with Muddy Waters
and did you know Bob Dylan played harp with Sonny Boy Williamson
is that true ? you think???
hmmmm....
oh Phillip my friend is # 2 on garageband.com
his web site is lavere.com/music
did you know how that site works for gettig airplay??
he is super psyched he got voted #2 male vocalist and songwriter and bass and drums
check it out!!
OCTOPUS is good!
sweet and tender
not like chicken!
g
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 11, 2005
we had the blues last night
Sheila was convinced she was ripped off by the cleaning lady
who walked in on us unannounced and then
did our laundry and broke the machine and dried the clothes on a line
she ran all the colors together
and Sheila was sooo upset
she wanted to come home
she misses Flash our puppy and she cried about that too
we didnt eat enough yesterday
but we are HAPPY today!
up and down like the Rolling Stones!
it is quite emotional
and we have only been here a week!
three more to go!
I think things will mellow a bit, the dr has gone to London for ten days
we have lots of plans to visit people
and we just have to be carefull to make our money last
I think we will be okay
I just got an email from Billy sent to D Champagne
that tickled me to the bone
I will try to forward that for you to read
this is so much fun!
the mp3 world
from around the world!
did I send you David song cup of woe?
anyway
I got stuck AGAIN today
and another MAGNETIC therapy
it was cold this morning and the sun didnt come out til just now
I dont feel this is a vacation yet
but I LOVE ATHENS
and all the warm hearted people!
Sheila makes me excercise each day
and get angry if I dont listen
but she is next to me now int the internet cafe emailin he friends and family
she is smiling now
much better!
Stavros at the Art Zone (artzoneclub.gr)
loaned us a DVD of the Twilight Zone!!
I hadn't realize Rod Serling died at age 50
after bad heart surgery!
he was s ome kind genius!
I didn know he fought in the Phillipines WW2
and got wounded!
that explains some of his episodes about the soldiers
and the mysteries he wrote most of his shows
later
g
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 10, 2005
we heard it snowed in Boston and the patriots won!
it is now 3:30 on thursday
still cold in Athens
sun popped put for awhile this morning
Sheila and I went for a walk
I was pretty strong today!
I made it around the block fairly quickly
and to the drs office by 1PM
now I'm in the internet cafe
got great email from Rick Moisan
who connected with Billy Wells
and are talking about over dubbing keyboards
in germany and sending the files to Billy to add to the 'Long Road' trak
I am soooooo excited to get this news
Athens is still cold and the sun is trying to come out
they say it will warm in a few days
the good Dr K went to LONDON for now 10 days
the nurses will continue my treatments
I had MAGNETIC treatment again today
seems things are good
but a maid surprised us this morning
and walked into our apartment
without knocking
she has her own keys
much to our surprise
Sheila says she is missing some items
so we are a bit apprehensive now
maybe we should be more careful
but who knows
I feel good today
it is always nice to get emails
still no phone
but we always have the internet cafe
more later
GARY
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 9, 2005
I still cant get Ray out of my head
that movie was VERY moving experience for me
last night Stavros at the Art zone
loaned Sheila and I 'Kill Bill'
what a sick flick but funny and campy
STRANGE cartoon like blood bath
anywasy it is around 4:30 Athens time
and I just finished another IV and MAGNETIC treatment
Sheila and I walked around the block together
which is my dailly requirement (twice a day)
from Dr K
he didn't say a word to me about our 'money delemma'
so we will continue our daily treaments until I hear other wise
he now says he is going to LONDON for eight days (previously he said three days)
the language barrier
is always a bit of a challenge
and I guess I am never quite sure what he is saying
but he is pleasant enough to me
he gives me instructions
to walk everyday twice a day
it is painfull and I seem to wear out rather quickly
but Shiela keeps sayhing she is proud of me
I dont know why because it is hard not to feel like a failure
I dont want to return to the US
with my cane still in hand
I am scared to tell all my friends and familly that I may have failed
but it is only day 7 in actuality!
so I remain hopefull and POSITIVE no matter what I really think ...
does that make sense?
anyway every day seems to bring new wonders
and it is still freezing here
not that I dont want people thinking the weather isnt better and more comfrotable
than boston...but it ISN'T !
Sheila really misses 'Flash' our puppy but she has been emailing him
and her father is answering for her so she feels some what comforted
I have so many friends I want to thank for sending us so much love
I have so many friends that have MS that are waiting for good reports!
Johnny V, Tony F , Jim B and others ....
are all on my mind
and so are all of you!
I want to return a 'champion' as Dr K says I will!!
I am going back to the aptment for chicken soup!
more later
gary
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 8, 2005
WOW did I get a swift kick in the ass last night
Dr K informed me that he was expecting me to pay 5000 euros
for my treatment
APROX = 7000 US dollars
I told him I the video with him saying 'no charge for the treatment' last november
when I came
he said 'no problem!" but I am not sure if he dosenst feel differently about me now
but he just finished giving me another IV infusion and another magnetic treatment
I wonder if anyone has ever heard of this magnetic treatment
it seems to zap my head for five minutes
almost like a mild shock
so far I cant say I feel anything yet
I am fighting disillusionment a bit but Sheila is encouraging me to stay strong and positive
we are now quite comfortable in our apartment
and beginning to cook our meals
but boy is it fun to eat at Othellos (Artzonecafe.gr) ARTZONE
this saturday nite they invited me to jam with the 'unplugged band'
it should be fun!
it is 3PM tuesday afternoon
and I am feeling a bit lost
I was actually afraid that he was going to stop everything
but he said to come back tommorrow at 1:30
for another magnetic treatment
but he is aparently going to London for a few days
and will leave me in the care of his nurses and staff ...
each moment seems to bring more mystery and surprises
I want to be able to tell eveyrone that there are results
but so far seems very minute <sp>
seems I am seeing more small children coming to the dr too
for treatment
it is a mystery!
I have neve known MS to be a condition for under 14 yrs old
I have now seen 5 and 8 yr old kids coming in
and am not sure what this means
the dr has new web site
kountouris.com
g
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 7, 2005
hello again,
now it is monday at 2pm athens time (8 AM boston time)
I just saw dr K and he sent me home to get some sleep and come back at 6 tonight
he keeps saying I must run by a weeks time!
it is strange but exciting
yesterday I met an 8 yr old boy with MD
the Dr is caring for him too so it seems he his branching out his services to PARKINSONS
disease and now Muscular Dystrophy (MD)
I have never heard of this wide spread knowledge he seems to deal with day in and day out
he seems so tired to me
but he maintains his postive arrogant attitude
it seems people are coming from all over the world to see him
and beleive in his knowledge
of mystery mysterious diseases
I see hundreds of patients each day
some ojn walkers some on canes some with no apparent diasbility
some with very apparent disability
it is a strange world I am in
Sheila and I took a long walk around the big block
we stoppped and bought some food (sesame type roll)
and then I bought Sheila another outfit which she looks so beautifull in!
how are we gonna keep our finances from running out
we havent even made it one week yet!
it is so strange the euro 1dollar equals around only .66cents!
that sucks!
tonight I get two IV infusions
and more MAGNETIC therapy
and dr K says i must RUN by friday!
it is already day five
and although I dont feel that well
I did walk without my cane this morning
in the apartment around the living room
we shall see!
if it continues to improve....
g
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb 6, 2005
hello my friends,
Sheila and I arrive safely in Athens
after 13 hour flight
tired and found Dr K did not have the apartment ready for us he promised
so he bought us a hotel room at the Ilisia hotel
which was fine for the frirst night
but first right away he gave me an Iv infusion
and then his new MAGNETIC therapy
which I dont understand
he keeps saying "I must walk like a normal man in five days'
I hope he is right
now it is already four days and I am hopefull but I am fighting doubt
our apartment is pleasent and huge with several tvs
and a nice small kitchen
and it will be okay for a month
it is right around the corner from his office
and right next to my favorite reataurant
called ART ZONE (fromally Othellos)
now a jazz blues club
PERFECT
last night the band played lenard skynard and Stones tunes
and I sat in and they were great!!!
I feel right at home and plan to jam as much as possible
Sheila bought the DVD RAY
whichwas AWESOME and I cried buckets of tears
what a fucking story and great talent
did I ever tell you how I almost got FATHEAD newman (he played tenor with Ray)
to play in the studio
with me on Johhnny Coaltrain?
2001 he coulldn't find the gas station to meet me
exit one off rt 95 in seabrook
I know now why they may have called him Fathead?
anyway, I got Collin Tilton to play instead (Sheila introduced me to him)
he played on my 'boston to athens and back' cd
Fathead appeared in the RAY movie and was the guy that got ray into junk to start!!
YOU MUST check that flick out
I must get back to the drs office everyday for More IVs and I MUST WALK LIKE a normal man within five or 10 days??
according to the Mighty Dr D Kountouris
I am scared but excited!!
Nikos and Maria are coming to take us out again later today
tommorrow back to the drs office and more magnetic therapys and IVinfusions
my arms are already black and blue!
I feel a little better!
I love Athens and hustle and bustle
and all the greeks friends!!
it has o much promise for me
I actually got out of bed at 2:30 last night and went back down to Art ZONE to rejoin the band!
that sang those ole rock songs with greek accent!
'cant get enoooought nog your love'
"honky Tonk woman"
more later
I am in an intermet cafe now
2.50 euros an hour
my laptop internet Y card airport card did not work!
oh well
love Gary
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