Hi, I'm still alive, just preoccupied

[joechianti]

I know I’ve been a stranger here lately, but it’s been for a good cause. I think I need to thank a lot of you guys here for convincing me to go see a doctor awhile back. I knew that would open up a big can of worms, and it surely did. I’m cooperating with the doctors real good now, and I think it’s paying off. I did test positive for celiac, which has put a screeching halt to my beer brewing and drinking. I’ll have a lot of happy friends and relatives when I start giving away most of what I brew. Also learned that I’m producing tons of uric acid which is causing miserable gout attacks and kidney stones and my blood pressure is super high and it caused an aneurism in my abdominal aorta. Also got back on Thyroid pills and got a machine for sleep apnea. Man, I had let myself go! Believe me, I’m not complaining, I’m just taking my health seriously for the first time in decades. The changes I’m making in diet and exercise alone are helping tremendously, and so are all the medicines the doctors are giving me. I’ve got a new lease on life. It’s consuming all my time and energy right now, but I’m sure once I get it all under control it will become easier. I mostly want to thank you guys for putting my head right about dealing with this stuff. Between y’all and my wife, I consider myself very blessed.

[RickBeer]

What, no shrink?

Joe, good to hear from you and happy that things are working out. Health, and family, are the only two priorities in life. Stay well.

[philm00x]

It's great to hear that you're getting yourself better, Joe. Keep on this track, and we'll keep backing you up!

[LouieMacGoo]

Joe, good to hear from you and happy that things are working out. Health, and family, are the only two priorities in life. Stay well.

Couldn't have said it better myself! I hope you have a healthy and happy 2014 my friend!

[gwcr]

Glad to hear things are turning around. Keep up the good work and don't be a stranger!!

[Beer-lord]

I thought about you the other day and was going to post asking about you but thought I'd better mind my business.
I'm glad you popped in and things are looking up. Hope you have a great 2014!

[Inkleg]

We love you Joe, glad to see things have turned the corner. Family and friends help with ones inner strength. You know we are here for you.

[myhorselikesbeer]

Hope all is well soon Joe. My prayers are with you. Miss your posts.

[BlackDuck]

Glad to see you are doing better....keep up the hard work and listen to those doctors.

[Yankeedag]

One step at a time on this journey Joe, one step at a time.

[John Sand]

Glad to hear from you, happy that you're doing well.

[Chuck N]

Joe, you ain't got nothin' to worry about. Because, as they say, "only the good die young." And you ain't old yet. But take care of yourself just in case your "gooder" than I think you are. We want you here for a long, long time to come.

[Rebel_B]

Good on you! Keep taking care of yourself.

[rickbray66]

It is good to hear from you Joe, and really good to hear that things are looking up and progressing nicely. Keep up the good work.


Rick

[Brewbirds]

Joe you know ,I hope, that the Brewbirds have been following you as close as possible. We have been through major medical issues a lot so we are your get well cheerleaders on the Borg.

I'm glad to see you are posting on the Borg because you recognize that we feel you are a patriarch of the family and want to be supportive of you as you keep us in touch of your health.

The Brewbirds are cheering, praying and rallying for our buddy and an awesome SWMBO that comes with him.

WE LOVE YOU MAN