I turn 75 years old today. No celebration is planned other than one recognizing I’m still above ground! It didn’t look like that was possible back in 2003, the year I came down with WG/PGA. I survived that, thanks to my pulmonologist, my rheumatologist, and a host of others. You don’t ever get over it, just get it into control and try to keep it there. In my case, I have a blood sample taken once bi-monthly to measure something called c-ANCA.
Its presence is indicative of a flare and the need to evaluate the need to kick WG/PGA butt in hospital or with less aggressive means, pills known to handle the trick.
For the fun of it, I’m going to educate you this special (personal) day by leaving a link to information on this disease. Don’t feel sorry for me. I came down with it at a time medical treatment for the disease was becoming possible. Not that long ago, people just died from it because there was no known way to treat it. I’m able to live a reasonably normal life and reach birthdays like Nr. 75!
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis – Vasculitis Foundation
Andy plans to take a nap on my special day. Sounds like a winner!
Happy belated birthday. Hope your day was extra special 😸
Thanks! I was a great day.
Sorry I missed your birthday. Hope you and Andy enjoyed it. Medical science is definitely impressive.
It was a pleasant day! Thanks!
hello,
Happy 75th birthday! It’s wonderful to hear that you have survived and overcome health challenges like WG/PGA with the help of your healthcare team. Your resilience and determination are truly inspiring. Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and cherished memories. Cheers to many more years of happiness and good health!
Much appreciated! Thank you for your thoughtful greetings!
😊
Happy Birthday Doug!
Thanks, Correne! Exactly!
Happy Birthday! At least you got to spend it with your Best Friend!
Happy Birthday!!! I hope Andy gave you some love after his nap. 🙂
He eventually does since I am the one who opens the kitty food cans. LOL!
Bon anniversaire from all of us at Le Château!
Thanks! I thoroughly enjoy your blog for Louis Catorze and your documentation of life in one of my favorite countries!
Still many happy returns of the day!
Thank you! I loved my time in your country, and find your blog all the more interesting for being in German, a language I read better than I speak, but read at a level that is, well, poorly! Thankfully, I can hit a few keys and get a translation. I enjoy your blog both ways, and regard you as being one of my blog friends! Thanks for your greetings!
Happy Birthday, Doug, and many more to come! Enjoy that lavish meal at the local restaurant!
I hope to! Thanks, Lavinia!
WP Reader is not allowing me to like comments or posts right now. I can still comment, for now.
Reader can be very messy to deal with, eh?! A mystery how it works….
I think I know what it is now. I ran afoul of the WP “Like” policing software trying to catch up with John the other day..
https://wordpress.com/forums/topic/wordpress-reader-update-problem/#post-3936377
Uh oh! I was unaware of that function. I’ve run into it on Facebook, but not here.
Got your reply.
Good!
Good grief!
Firstly, happy birthday, Doug! I feel as though we have met personally having been following you for so many years! God bless you and your family. ☺️❤️ I read the info in the link, I have never heard of this disease and am so glad that there is a treatment for it today. Have a wonderful day, Doug. ❤️
Tanks, John! I appreciate you long time following my kitty blog and think some of your legendary chili would be just the way to celebrate today!
Haha thanks, Doug! 👍🏻
Happy Birthday, Doug! Have a fun and wonderful day!
Thanks, Leah! I’m treating myself to an extravagant meal at a local restaurant as my reward for survivinng this long!
Happy birthday and may you stay healthy!
Thanks, Kate! One thing about dialysis three times a week, when I have a medical issue come up, I’m where I need to be – the local hospital. Being a guy, I would just ignore all symptoms till an ambulance had to be called otherwise, so this has proven to be a hidden benefit of this issue!
Silver linings!
Happy birthday!
Thanks! It’s a surreal age to be since I don’t think of myself as old.
I think once we get in our 30s our brains don’t feel like we age anymore. But our bodies are au contraire!
I think that’s exactly how it goes! Even with the vicissitudes of age, I don’t feel like 75!
All the very best today and everyday, Doug!! It wouldn’t be wordpress without you!!
Same for you, GP! I especially enjoy your blog for the history that rarely is personalized. If the big names start the war, it’s the sons and fathers and who fight the war. Now, women are a bigger part of the warrior component, if more the home front warriors back in Smitty’s time. The story of the guys storming those beaches and manning those machines of war in the 1940s are the ones that need to be told. That’s where you come in and I hope anyone reading this clicks on you link and sees what I mean!
How absolutely wonderful for you to say, Doug. Thank you very much!
Happy Birthday! 🎈🎁 🇺🇸
happy happy birthday to you… have a wonderful day with the fluffy BFF :O)
Danke schoen! I intend to do just that!
Wishing you all the best, my dear Doug! Happy Birthday, my friend! I raise my cup of coffee to you and many happy returns.
Thank you, Herman! Just knowing Spring is here officially makes a good celebration possible!
Happy Birthday, Doug! I hope you and Andy find a way to celebrate besides napping. I had the milestone birthday of 70 last August.
Thanks, Anne! I think I’ll treat myself to a meal at one of the restaurants in town. There are several possibilities as to which one and I’m reasonably sure I will change my mind several times before I settle on which one.
Happy Birthday, and enjoy the day……and every one after that!
Thanks! I’m blessed with attitude and excellent medical care specific to my needs. That makes a lot of possibilities possible!
Congratulations, Doug
Thanks, Derrick! I marvel every day that I am blessed to get to any age, given 2003’s vicissitudes!
Congrats Doug…..hope you have a good day and enjoy your time. chuq
Thanks, chug! I’m having a pleasant day, miserable weather outside or not.
Happy birthday Doug & congratulations on making it this far against the uncertain times from two decades ago. You’re just a year older than my dad. Meanwhile, let’s celebrate at least 15 years of cats adventures, right! Take care ❤️.
Thanks, Fanch! Cats and (former) New Caledonians are part of my means to that end!
Happy Birthday, Doug! Many, many happy returns of the day!
I’m not Anonymous, I’m Hangaku!
Thanks, Hangaku! You certainly aren’t anonymous – weird that it posted that way – and I am glad you got it straightened out since I especially enjoy your online friendship and blog posts!