A Respected Member Could Use Some Help

[Arlo Kalon 2.0]

I feel an update is in order since Fred is making this very generous effort on my behalf. I went to Dallas yesterday to see a fistula specialist surgeon. He didn't give me good news. He said he wants to wait at least a year before attempting a 17th surgery so close to numbers 15 & 16 which were two days apart. I had the 16th one because a nick in my bowel was draining contents into my abdomen which could have led to sepsis and death within hours. He said doing a surgery now could produce a worse outcome with even more fistulas forming which could require me to live on IV nutrition the rest of my life. So I am stuck with wearing the drainage collection bag on my belly indefinitely unless the drainage slows to a trickle which would mean I could get by with just a taped on gauze bandage. That has been the case for a few days now. He relented and gave me permission to eat whatever I want from here out. Last night was my first meal in over 7 months... that situation alone nearly drove me insane - especially every time a Red Lobster commercial came on tv. He said that after I am eating, if the drainage increases I have to stop and rely on only the IV nutrition, which he won't give permission to discontinue. So I have to keep this IV rig installed on my upper arm indefinitely as well. The drainage bage have a way of developing leaks that has sent me home from work numerous times to change it. I've gone through 5 in a day before at a cost of $13 apiece. I have yet to develop the stamina to put in a full day at work - usually leaving early afternoon and head home to a 3 hour nap. I've got to get over this since we are falling behind on so many expenses, but hard as I try, I just have nothing left past a certain point. I deeply deeply appreciate this fund raising effort more than I or my family can say. I am going to have to put my truck up for sale and buy a cash clunker to get to work so we can eliminate one payment. Y'all are the finest, most considerate group of people on the internet... best friends I have yet to meet F2F. I know how hard it is to part with any amount of money in this economic times and I dearly love each and every one of you who are contributing. Have a great day.

 

[signmeup]

I sent you money and I'm not even sure I like ya.

Get well soon!

 

[Marlene]

so sorry to hear all that you have been going thru. I've been thru some bad times in my life. I lost my house and lost a car when things just got to the point where there was nothing I could do. I was lucky to have my health during those times and couldn't imagine having to deal with that too. the only encouragment I can offer is to keep moving forward and at some point the worst will be in the past. I know it's pretty lame, but just keep moving and solve what you can and let go of what you can't. you have good friends here who care so any time you need to vent about your day or just need a good cyber hug, we are there for you.

 

[Arlo Kalon 2.0]

so sorry to hear all that you have been going thru. I've been thru some bad times in my life. I lost my house and lost a car when things just got to the point where there was nothing I could do.

I hear ya Marlene. When I came down with massive internal bleeding from a ruptured birth defect in my small intestine years ago that was my first surgery. I nearly died from the blood loss. At that time, we had been in our new house lesss than a year. I had a hand in designing it. I even erected a custom shop building on the land for my sign shop and had a large concrete patio poured. For six months afterwards I was in bed most of the time unable to lift a gallon of milk. The mortgage company knew of the improvements I had made to the property and were unwilling to work with me by letting me pay the loan intereswt until I was healthy enough to work again. They auctioned my house off on the courthouse steps while I was still in bed. Heartless bastards. I know how it feels to lose your home.

 

[Colin]

They auctioned my house off on the courthouse steps while I was still in bed. Heartless bastards.

Indeed.

 

[SlightlyChilled]

I hope my beans can help a bit. Take it one day at a time my man.

 

[randya]

I feel an update is in order since Fred is making this very generous effort on my behalf.

Actually Arlo, I understand that this whole initiative was put forward by our resident atheist, Colin.

Good luck and best wishes.

 

[907customs]

Arlo, thank you for all of your posts over the years, they are always friendly and informative. Stay strong, and keep your head up...the rest will work itself out! Here's $50 and a bump...

 

[SignosaurusRex]

bump

 

[Mason]

Bump

 

[SignosaurusRex]

bump

 

[CheapVehicleWrap]

Done. BEST!

 

[nowitzness41]

A thanks to all who've helped

First off I want to say that I am not a sign painter but being the child of one I grew up around it. I have always been in awe of the kind of talent and originality and imagination in some people that shows through their work. My whole life I have seen my dad own countless sign shops and even work for a couple throughout the years. Most of them he has had to abandon for whatever reason but even though he did, he never abandoned the skill. He calls himself "oldschool" for reasons I can tell. I knew he posted on this site frequently but I never knew of the following he had. He told me today to come to this site and look at a thread made for HIM by the other members of this site. He goes by Arlo Kalon. I know him as dad.

I joined this forum for one sole purpose. That was to thank all of you personally for all the well wishes and the monetary donations some of you have made. It really means a lot to our family and my dad and probably even more to my mom who has dealt with a lot these past seven months. Its nice to see that no matter where you are or who you are you can always find a friend or helping hand through whatever means possible. So again, Thank you so much for your generosity and selflessness. I only wish one day we could return the favor. From behalf of my family, myself, and Arlo, Thank You.

 

[Dave Drane]

Arlo. get well!

 

[mrfern]

Get well Arlo. Bumping it up.

Total:
$25.00 USD
Purpose:
Arlo Kalon Assistance Fund
Reference:
AKAF-Signs101
Contributor:
Fernando Barcelo

mrfern

 

[Arlo Kalon 2.0]

First off I want to say that I am not a sign painter but being the child of one I grew up around it. I have always been in awe of the kind of talent and originality and imagination in some people that shows through their work. My whole life I have seen my dad own countless sign shops and even work for a couple throughout the years. Most of them he has had to abandon for whatever reason but even though he did, he never abandoned the skill. He calls himself "oldschool" for reasons I can tell. I knew he posted on this site frequently but I never knew of the following he had. He told me today to come to this site and look at a thread made for HIM by the other members of this site. He goes by Arlo Kalon. I know him as dad.

I joined this forum for one sole purpose. That was to thank all of you personally for all the well wishes and the monetary donations some of you have made. It really means a lot to our family and my dad and probably even more to my mom who has dealt with a lot these past seven months. Its nice to see that no matter where you are or who you are you can always find a friend or helping hand through whatever means possible. So again, Thank you so much for your generosity and selflessness. I only wish one day we could return the favor. From behalf of my family, myself, and Arlo, Thank You.

Look son, I'm sure you had to tell a few fibs to get registered here. You were raised better than that! But you being who you are, I'm not surprised you did this. You have a big heart to match your physical size. Your mom cried when I showed her your post. I appreciate your gratitude on my behalf and look forward to spending time with you next month when you come to stay with me while your mom takes a well deserved spring break trip. Love you - Dad

 

[royster13]

Arlo, I cried too.....

 

[Arlo Kalon 2.0]

Actually Arlo, I understand that this whole initiative was put forward by our resident atheist, Colin.

Good luck and best wishes.

I don't think so. It was Fred who made the offer via PM.

 

[Colin]

Here's what I sent to Fred last Friday via PM:



Hi Fred,

I was wondering today if there's a way in which the Signs 101 community can somehow be notified en masse with a request for donations for Arlon. This would of course need to be done properly, securely, (maybe through a bank?) and without Arlon knowing.

Any ideas?


Colin

 

[GypsyGraphics]

I only wish one day we could return the favor. From behalf of my family, myself, and Arlo, Thank You.

it's not a favor... it's friendship... and it's already been returned!

your post was touching nowitzness