Coincidence that moon keeps one face to Earth? » Ask a Scientist | Earth & Sky
God does not play dice with the Universe....
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
launching browser - Developer Discussion Boards
launching browser - Developer Discussion Boards: "public class Launcher extends MIDlet {
Alert alert;
public void startApp() {
boolean b;
try {
b=platformRequest('http://www.mytoday.com/');
destroyApp(true);
notifyDestroyed();
}
catch (ConnectionNotFoundException ex)
{
ex.printStackTrace();
}
destroyApp(true);
notifyDestroyed();
}
public void pauseApp() {
}
public void destroyApp(boolean unconditional) {
}
}"
Alert alert;
public void startApp() {
boolean b;
try {
b=platformRequest('http://www.mytoday.com/');
destroyApp(true);
notifyDestroyed();
}
catch (ConnectionNotFoundException ex)
{
ex.printStackTrace();
}
destroyApp(true);
notifyDestroyed();
}
public void pauseApp() {
}
public void destroyApp(boolean unconditional) {
}
}"
launching browser - Developer Discussion Boards
launching browser - Developer Discussion Boards: "public class Launcher extends MIDlet {
Alert alert;
public void startApp() {
boolean b;
try {
b=platformRequest('http://www.mytoday.com/');
destroyApp(true);
notifyDestroyed();
}
catch (ConnectionNotFoundException ex)
{
ex.printStackTrace();
}
destroyApp(true);
notifyDestroyed();
}
public void pauseApp() {
}
public void destroyApp(boolean unconditional) {
}
}"
Alert alert;
public void startApp() {
boolean b;
try {
b=platformRequest('http://www.mytoday.com/');
destroyApp(true);
notifyDestroyed();
}
catch (ConnectionNotFoundException ex)
{
ex.printStackTrace();
}
destroyApp(true);
notifyDestroyed();
}
public void pauseApp() {
}
public void destroyApp(boolean unconditional) {
}
}"
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
What was Vernon doing at Vodaworld? Answer..Breaking the Internet!
Vodacom has broken the Internet, some they they did it using a proxy, I have another theory:
p.s. Lookout for Vernon Koekemoer in the background, only Vernon can break the Internet (and Chuck, coz he knows Vernon).
p.s. Lookout for Vernon Koekemoer in the background, only Vernon can break the Internet (and Chuck, coz he knows Vernon).
What was Vernon doing at Vodaworld? Answer..Breaking the Internet!
Vodacom has broken the Internet, some they they did it using a proxy, I have another theory:
p.s. Lookout for Vernon Koekemoer in the background, only Vernon can break the Internet (and Chuck, coz he knows Vernon).
p.s. Lookout for Vernon Koekemoer in the background, only Vernon can break the Internet (and Chuck, coz he knows Vernon).
Monday, June 30, 2008
noknok PC Client
The noknok service, still in it's infancy is by no means the best out there, especially in South Africa. However, the PC client is one of the best pc based messengers I've used, if you get it to install that is ;)
Tip: Do not use the link provided by the install application if you don't have .Net framework installed. The link provides you .Net version 1.1 while the application requires version 2.0, daft oversight. Use this link instead or install version 3.
The reason I think it's cool is that it allows you to send SMS and MMS messages straight from your desktop.
The SMS's are free, but MMS's are charged.
Best feature though in my opinion, is the fart nudge, which I never get tired off, much to the dismay of many of my ref-faced colleagues.
Tip: Do not use the link provided by the install application if you don't have .Net framework installed. The link provides you .Net version 1.1 while the application requires version 2.0, daft oversight. Use this link instead or install version 3.
The reason I think it's cool is that it allows you to send SMS and MMS messages straight from your desktop.
The SMS's are free, but MMS's are charged.
Best feature though in my opinion, is the fart nudge, which I never get tired off, much to the dismay of many of my ref-faced colleagues.
noknok PC Client
The noknok service, still in it's infancy is by no means the best out there, especially in South Africa. However, the PC client is one of the best pc based messengers I've used, if you get it to install that is ;)
Tip: Do not use the link provided by the install application if you don't have .Net framework installed. The link provides you .Net version 1.1 while the application requires version 2.0, daft oversight. Use this link instead or install version 3.
The reason I think it's cool is that it allows you to send SMS and MMS messages straight from your desktop.
The SMS's are free, but MMS's are charged.
Best feature though in my opinion, is the fart nudge, which I never get tired off, much to the dismay of many of my ref-faced colleagues.
Tip: Do not use the link provided by the install application if you don't have .Net framework installed. The link provides you .Net version 1.1 while the application requires version 2.0, daft oversight. Use this link instead or install version 3.
The reason I think it's cool is that it allows you to send SMS and MMS messages straight from your desktop.
The SMS's are free, but MMS's are charged.
Best feature though in my opinion, is the fart nudge, which I never get tired off, much to the dismay of many of my ref-faced colleagues.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
FW: SIGNS..................
|
FW: SIGNS..................
|
Friday, June 13, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
CNET's Quick guide: Cell phone radiation levels
Check it out at http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6602_7-5020355-1.html
What it all means
According to the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA), specific absorption rate, or SAR, is "a way of measuring the quantity of radiofrequency (RF) energy that is absorbed by the body." For a phone to pass FCC certification, that phone's maximum SAR level must be less than 1.6W/kg (watts per kilogram). In Europe, the level is capped at 2W/kg while Canada allows a maximum of 1.6W/kg. The SAR level listed in our charts represents the highest SAR level with the phone next to the ear as tested by the FCC. Keep in mind that it is possible for the SAR level to vary between different transmission bands and that different testing bodies can obtain different results. Also, it's possible for results to vary between different editions of the same phone (such as a handset that's offered by multiple carriers).
It's important to note that in publishing this list are we in no way implying that cell phone use is or isn't harmful to your health. While research abounds and some tests have shown that cell phone radiofrequency (RF) could accelerate cancer in laboratory animals, the studies have not been replicated. Cell phones can affect internal pacemakers, but there is not conclusive or demonstrated evidence that they cause adverse health affects in humans. Conversely, there is not conclusive or demonstrated evidence that they don't cause adverse health affects in humans. So, in short, the jury is still out, research is ongoing, and we will continue to monitor its results.
If your phone isn't listed here (U.S. customers) and you've purchased it within the last few years (the FCC Web site currently does not provide information on models certified before 1998), you can request the SAR information from the manufacturer or your carrier. You'll need the model number and FCC ID number, which is usually but not always listed in your owner's manual or under your phone's battery (you must pop the battery out). For links to the FCC's Web site, please see the More Resources section below. We'll continue to update the list as new phones are announced.
CNET's Quick guide: Cell phone radiation levels
Check it out at http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6602_7-5020355-1.html
What it all means
According to the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA), specific absorption rate, or SAR, is "a way of measuring the quantity of radiofrequency (RF) energy that is absorbed by the body." For a phone to pass FCC certification, that phone's maximum SAR level must be less than 1.6W/kg (watts per kilogram). In Europe, the level is capped at 2W/kg while Canada allows a maximum of 1.6W/kg. The SAR level listed in our charts represents the highest SAR level with the phone next to the ear as tested by the FCC. Keep in mind that it is possible for the SAR level to vary between different transmission bands and that different testing bodies can obtain different results. Also, it's possible for results to vary between different editions of the same phone (such as a handset that's offered by multiple carriers).
It's important to note that in publishing this list are we in no way implying that cell phone use is or isn't harmful to your health. While research abounds and some tests have shown that cell phone radiofrequency (RF) could accelerate cancer in laboratory animals, the studies have not been replicated. Cell phones can affect internal pacemakers, but there is not conclusive or demonstrated evidence that they cause adverse health affects in humans. Conversely, there is not conclusive or demonstrated evidence that they don't cause adverse health affects in humans. So, in short, the jury is still out, research is ongoing, and we will continue to monitor its results.
If your phone isn't listed here (U.S. customers) and you've purchased it within the last few years (the FCC Web site currently does not provide information on models certified before 1998), you can request the SAR information from the manufacturer or your carrier. You'll need the model number and FCC ID number, which is usually but not always listed in your owner's manual or under your phone's battery (you must pop the battery out). For links to the FCC's Web site, please see the More Resources section below. We'll continue to update the list as new phones are announced.
Marc Lottering - "Why coloureds can't be terrorists"
Why Brain-Ows can't be terrorists
- Ons is altyd laat. We would have missed all 4 flights.
- We talk loud and would bring attention to ourselves.
- Met free kos en cooldrink oppie plane, we'll sommer forget why we're there.
- We praat with our hands, so we'll continually be putting the weapons down.
- We would ALL want to fly the freaking plane, ending in a mo**se
fight with each other.
- We'll sommer argue and start a fight in the terminal before we even
get on the plane & one of us is bound to say out loud: "Gaan k*k man!
Dan hijack jy die f**kken plane alleen!!"
- Ons kannie 'n secret hou nie. We would have told everyone a week
before doing it, telling them: "Moet vir niemand sè nie, ho!"
- We would have insisted that the plane fly past Strandfontein Pavillion.
- We would have all lined up to get our photograph taken by one of the hostages.
- When we enter the cockpit, we would have used the intercom system
for a karaoke session, with one d**s trying to sing 'I did it my way'.
- We would first rob everyone of their Ray-Bans, cellphones and gold
teeth, just before we crash the plane.
- Our whole freaking family plus neighbors would have been at the
airport to see us off, crying their bleddie eyes out, and your mother
saying to the white ou next to her: "I'm so proud of him. It's the
first time he's hijacking a plane!"
- We would have dressed like terrorists for our airport go-way
clothes: balaclavas, jumpsuits, karate skoentjies, dark glasses, en 'n
mo*rse attitude.
- Two of us would have forgotten our passports at home.
- Three of us would have overweight luggage.
- All of us would have luggage.
- We would have all wanted to watch the in-flight movie first.
- Before we went into action, we would have all queued up at the
toilet to first gel our hair.
- We would have taken the plane for a joyride first, played the music
at full blast and try to park the plane somewhere where the chicks
could see us.
Marc Lottering - "Why coloureds can't be terrorists"
Why Brain-Ows can't be terrorists
- Ons is altyd laat. We would have missed all 4 flights.
- We talk loud and would bring attention to ourselves.
- Met free kos en cooldrink oppie plane, we'll sommer forget why we're there.
- We praat with our hands, so we'll continually be putting the weapons down.
- We would ALL want to fly the freaking plane, ending in a mo**se
fight with each other.
- We'll sommer argue and start a fight in the terminal before we even
get on the plane & one of us is bound to say out loud: "Gaan k*k man!
Dan hijack jy die f**kken plane alleen!!"
- Ons kannie 'n secret hou nie. We would have told everyone a week
before doing it, telling them: "Moet vir niemand sè nie, ho!"
- We would have insisted that the plane fly past Strandfontein Pavillion.
- We would have all lined up to get our photograph taken by one of the hostages.
- When we enter the cockpit, we would have used the intercom system
for a karaoke session, with one d**s trying to sing 'I did it my way'.
- We would first rob everyone of their Ray-Bans, cellphones and gold
teeth, just before we crash the plane.
- Our whole freaking family plus neighbors would have been at the
airport to see us off, crying their bleddie eyes out, and your mother
saying to the white ou next to her: "I'm so proud of him. It's the
first time he's hijacking a plane!"
- We would have dressed like terrorists for our airport go-way
clothes: balaclavas, jumpsuits, karate skoentjies, dark glasses, en 'n
mo*rse attitude.
- Two of us would have forgotten our passports at home.
- Three of us would have overweight luggage.
- All of us would have luggage.
- We would have all wanted to watch the in-flight movie first.
- Before we went into action, we would have all queued up at the
toilet to first gel our hair.
- We would have taken the plane for a joyride first, played the music
at full blast and try to park the plane somewhere where the chicks
could see us.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Fwd: VK
Vernon Koekemoer makes onions cry
Vernon Koekemoer can delete the Recycle Bin.
Ghosts are actually caused by Vernon Koekemoer killing people faster
than Death can process them.
Vernon Koekemoer can build a snowman..... out of rain.
Vernon Koekemoer can strangle you with a cordless phone.
Vernon Koekemoer can drown a fish.
When Vernon Koekemoer enters a room, he doesn't turn the lights on, he
turns the dark off.
When Vernon Koekemoer looks in a mirror the mirror shatters, because
not even glass is stupid enough to get in between Vernon Koekemoer and
Vernon Koekemoer
Brett Favre can throw a football over 50 yards, Vernon Koekemoer can
throw Brett Favre even further.
The last digit of p is Vernon Koekemoer. He is the end of all things.
Vernon Koekemoer does not know where you live, but he knows where you will die.
Bullets dodge Vernon Koekemoer
A Handicap parking sign does not signify that this spot is for
handicapped people. It is actually in fact a warning, that the spot
belongs to Vernon Koekemoer and that you will be handicapped if you
park there.
The Vernon Koekemoer calendar goes straight from March 31st to April
2nd, no one fools Vernon Koekemoer.
If you spell Vernon Koekemoer wrong on Google it doesn't say, "Did you
mean Vernon Koekemoer?" It simply replies, "Run while you still have
the chance."
Vernon Koekemoer can do a wheelie on a unicycle.
Once a cobra bit Vernon Koekemoer' leg. After five days of
excruciating pain, the cobra died.
When Vernon Koekemoer gives you the finger, he's telling you how many
seconds you have left to live.
Vernon Koekemoer can kill two stones with one bird.
Vernon Koekemoer was once on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and was the
first to spin. The next 29 minutes of the show consisted of everyone
standing around awkwardly, waiting for the wheel to stop.
Leading hand sanitisers claim they can kill 99.9 percent of germs.
Vernon Koekemoer kills 100 percent of whatever he wants.
There is no such thing as global warming. Vernon Koekemoer was cold,
so he turned the sun up.
Vernon Koekemoer can set ants on fire with a magnifying glass. At night.
Vernon Koekemoer has a deep and abiding respect for human life unless
it gets in his way.
It takes Vernon Koekemoer 10 minutes to watch 60 Minutes.
Vernon Koekemoer once shot down a German fighter plane with his
finger, by yelling, "Bang!"
In an average living room there are 1,242 objects Vernon Koekemoer
could use to kill you, including the room itself.
Behind every successful man, there is a woman. Behind every dead man,
there is Vernon Koekemoer.
Vernon Koekemoer destroyed the periodic table, because Vernon
Koekemoer only recognises the element of surprise.
Vernon Koekemoer got his drivers licence at the age of 16 Seconds.
With the rising cost of gasoline, Vernon Koekemoer is beginning to
worry about his drinking habit.
The square root of Vernon Koekemoer is pain. Do not try to square
Vernon Koekemoer, the result is death.
When you say "no one's perfect", Vernon Koekemoer takes this as a
personal insult.
Fwd: VK
Vernon Koekemoer makes onions cry
Vernon Koekemoer can delete the Recycle Bin.
Ghosts are actually caused by Vernon Koekemoer killing people faster
than Death can process them.
Vernon Koekemoer can build a snowman..... out of rain.
Vernon Koekemoer can strangle you with a cordless phone.
Vernon Koekemoer can drown a fish.
When Vernon Koekemoer enters a room, he doesn't turn the lights on, he
turns the dark off.
When Vernon Koekemoer looks in a mirror the mirror shatters, because
not even glass is stupid enough to get in between Vernon Koekemoer and
Vernon Koekemoer
Brett Favre can throw a football over 50 yards, Vernon Koekemoer can
throw Brett Favre even further.
The last digit of p is Vernon Koekemoer. He is the end of all things.
Vernon Koekemoer does not know where you live, but he knows where you will die.
Bullets dodge Vernon Koekemoer
A Handicap parking sign does not signify that this spot is for
handicapped people. It is actually in fact a warning, that the spot
belongs to Vernon Koekemoer and that you will be handicapped if you
park there.
The Vernon Koekemoer calendar goes straight from March 31st to April
2nd, no one fools Vernon Koekemoer.
If you spell Vernon Koekemoer wrong on Google it doesn't say, "Did you
mean Vernon Koekemoer?" It simply replies, "Run while you still have
the chance."
Vernon Koekemoer can do a wheelie on a unicycle.
Once a cobra bit Vernon Koekemoer' leg. After five days of
excruciating pain, the cobra died.
When Vernon Koekemoer gives you the finger, he's telling you how many
seconds you have left to live.
Vernon Koekemoer can kill two stones with one bird.
Vernon Koekemoer was once on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and was the
first to spin. The next 29 minutes of the show consisted of everyone
standing around awkwardly, waiting for the wheel to stop.
Leading hand sanitisers claim they can kill 99.9 percent of germs.
Vernon Koekemoer kills 100 percent of whatever he wants.
There is no such thing as global warming. Vernon Koekemoer was cold,
so he turned the sun up.
Vernon Koekemoer can set ants on fire with a magnifying glass. At night.
Vernon Koekemoer has a deep and abiding respect for human life unless
it gets in his way.
It takes Vernon Koekemoer 10 minutes to watch 60 Minutes.
Vernon Koekemoer once shot down a German fighter plane with his
finger, by yelling, "Bang!"
In an average living room there are 1,242 objects Vernon Koekemoer
could use to kill you, including the room itself.
Behind every successful man, there is a woman. Behind every dead man,
there is Vernon Koekemoer.
Vernon Koekemoer destroyed the periodic table, because Vernon
Koekemoer only recognises the element of surprise.
Vernon Koekemoer got his drivers licence at the age of 16 Seconds.
With the rising cost of gasoline, Vernon Koekemoer is beginning to
worry about his drinking habit.
The square root of Vernon Koekemoer is pain. Do not try to square
Vernon Koekemoer, the result is death.
When you say "no one's perfect", Vernon Koekemoer takes this as a
personal insult.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Saturday, June 07, 2008
16 Things it took over 50 years to learn:
1.Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
2.If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."
3.There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
4.People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
5.You should not confuse your career with your life.
6.Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
(This one is very important)
7.Never lick a steak knife.
8. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
9.You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
10.You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
11.There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age 11.
12.The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
13. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to a waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It NEVER fails.)
14.Your friends love you anyway.
15.Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.
16.Thought for the day: Men are like fine wine. They start out as grapes; and it's up to the women to stomp the crap out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.
2.If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."
3.There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
4.People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
5.You should not confuse your career with your life.
6.Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
(This one is very important)
7.Never lick a steak knife.
8. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
9.You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
10.You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
11.There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age 11.
12.The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
13. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to a waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It NEVER fails.)
14.Your friends love you anyway.
15.Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.
16.Thought for the day: Men are like fine wine. They start out as grapes; and it's up to the women to stomp the crap out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.
Friday, June 06, 2008
16 Things it took over 50 years to learn:
1.Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
2.If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."
3.There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
4.People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
5.You should not confuse your career with your life.
6.Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
(This one is very important)
7.Never lick a steak knife.
8. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
9.You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
10.You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
11.There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age 11.
12.The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
13. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to a waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It NEVER fails.)
14.Your friends love you anyway.
15.Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.
16.Thought for the day: Men are like fine wine. They start out as grapes; and it's up to the women to stomp the crap out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.
2.If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."
3.There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
4.People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
5.You should not confuse your career with your life.
6.Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
(This one is very important)
7.Never lick a steak knife.
8. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
9.You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
10.You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
11.There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age 11.
12.The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
13. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to a waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It NEVER fails.)
14.Your friends love you anyway.
15.Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.
16.Thought for the day: Men are like fine wine. They start out as grapes; and it's up to the women to stomp the crap out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Xenophobia Spreading
JOHANNESBURG, 23 May 2008 - Community leaders have announced that Durbanites will not be forcefully expatriated from Gauteng soil, as is the case with the recent violent attacks on foreign nationals. The announcement follows days of negotiations between the Lenz Observer Group (LOG) and the Chatsworth-based Check My New Car Foundation.
Tensions between Gauteng locals and Durbanites unexpectedly rose last week in the wake of the province's violent Xenophobic attacks. Independent analyst Sarah Friedman says while the root causes were similar, there are some fundamental differences. Friedman says it's unlikely that locals are distressed about their women being drawn
to the Durbanites, as is the case with the national Xenophobic tension. She refused to elaborate further.
Check My New Car Foundation's Kevin Naidoo insists it's a matter of professional envy. " Hey, check here… they jus jealous because why ? because we more sharp upstairs.. just look at who got all the top jobs " said Naidoo. Naidoo stopped short of dismissing claims
that Durbanites have an inability to subtly show-off.
Spokesperson for the Lenz Observer Group Yugan Veeran told a press briefing on Thursday that reports suggesting that locals were hacking into computers to confirm the birth place of Durbanites were "ludicrous". Veeran said such espionage activities were hardly necessary. He listed easier forms of establishing identity, which include, a dramatic change in accent upon arrival in Gauteng; conspicuous overdressing in back-firing attempts to seek attention; and an overly emphasised nightlife to demonstrate social progress.
Both sides however maintain that they have reached common ground following the weekend negotiations.
By JUSTIN TIME
Xenophobia Spreading
JOHANNESBURG, 23 May 2008 - Community leaders have announced that Durbanites will not be forcefully expatriated from Gauteng soil, as is the case with the recent violent attacks on foreign nationals. The announcement follows days of negotiations between the Lenz Observer Group (LOG) and the Chatsworth-based Check My New Car Foundation.
Tensions between Gauteng locals and Durbanites unexpectedly rose last week in the wake of the province's violent Xenophobic attacks. Independent analyst Sarah Friedman says while the root causes were similar, there are some fundamental differences. Friedman says it's unlikely that locals are distressed about their women being drawn
to the Durbanites, as is the case with the national Xenophobic tension. She refused to elaborate further.
Check My New Car Foundation's Kevin Naidoo insists it's a matter of professional envy. " Hey, check here… they jus jealous because why ? because we more sharp upstairs.. just look at who got all the top jobs " said Naidoo. Naidoo stopped short of dismissing claims
that Durbanites have an inability to subtly show-off.
Spokesperson for the Lenz Observer Group Yugan Veeran told a press briefing on Thursday that reports suggesting that locals were hacking into computers to confirm the birth place of Durbanites were "ludicrous". Veeran said such espionage activities were hardly necessary. He listed easier forms of establishing identity, which include, a dramatic change in accent upon arrival in Gauteng; conspicuous overdressing in back-firing attempts to seek attention; and an overly emphasised nightlife to demonstrate social progress.
Both sides however maintain that they have reached common ground following the weekend negotiations.
By JUSTIN TIME
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
When it's okay to say $%#@!
When it's okay to say $%#@!
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Sony Ericsson's new Project Capuchin bridges Java ME and Flash Lite
Sony Ericsson's new Project Capuchin bridges Java ME and Flash Lite
This has lots of potential, watch this space!
As well as the Flite project integrating Flash Lite and Python on S60.
This has lots of potential, watch this space!
As well as the Flite project integrating Flash Lite and Python on S60.
Sony Ericsson's new Project Capuchin bridges Java ME and Flash Lite
Sony Ericsson's new Project Capuchin bridges Java ME and Flash Lite
This has lots of potential, watch this space!
As well as the Flite project integrating Flash Lite and Python on S60.
This has lots of potential, watch this space!
As well as the Flite project integrating Flash Lite and Python on S60.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Test (My encounter with Miller Fisher Syndrome- Guillain Barre Syndrome)
Prelude
I always feel a connection with Allah while listening to the weekly Friday lectures before prayers. Many times it is as if Allah has inspired the speaker to add in a little message for me or sometimes the topic is exactly related to whats happened to me in the week. During one of these lectures at the Bosmont Masjid in December, the last Friday before my long awaited week off work, the words that caught my attention were about the various ways that Allah tests people. The speaker pointed out that Allah tests people in order to bring them closer to him. These tests present themselves in many ways including financial difficulties, health problems or the death of loved ones. A person is scored according to his/her reaction to the situation. The ideal reaction being Sabr (Patience), asking Allah for help and Tawaqul-illAllah (Trust and Faith in Allah).
At that moment I thought to myself, "My life has been going great for a long while, I wonder when and what my next test will be? Hopefully it won't happen in the next week or two, because I really need the upcoming holiday!". I "spoke" to Allah and asked that if there are any tests planned, that they be held off until after my holiday and that He does not burden me with a test that I cannot manage, after hearing the speaker say, "Allah will not burden a person with a test greater than he can bear". I felt guilty about trying to tell Allah when it will be suitable to be tested and retracted the request and asked instead that the test manageable and that I pass the test.
The Journey
I took my 1st day off from work for the year the following Thursday for Eid ul Adha. The day started fine, but I found myself in bed by the afternoon with a bad flu. I decided to take the Friday off from work so that I'd recover sufficiently to make the planned journey to Wilderness for my week long holiday with my family. I had a terrible headache by Friday evening and had to take a Voltaren injection in order to allow me to pack my bags and the car. As usual I refused to take any antibiotics because "I know that they don't have any effect on Viral infections and we spoil our immune systems.....doctors don't know anything....I know everything....".
We set off for Wilderness early Saturday morning and together with my box of tissues, I felt confident I'd be ok. The 12 hour journey was taxing, I refused to turn on the Air-conditioner despite the 30 degree heat because it was making my throat sore. Besides the routine stops every two hours, I ended up stopping another 3 or 4 times because my 3 year old had diarrhea and timed the bouts between scheduled stops and where it would be most dangerous to stop. I still feel bad about the way I treated him out of anger, knowing that it was not in his control. All in all a stressful day.
Once in Wilderness all was great, except for my flu which hadn't gone away yet. I finally gave in to the pressure and started a course of Betamox(Amoxilin) antibiotics on Monday. I felt a little better by Tuesday, except that I think one of the prawns I ate for lunch left me with a slight stomach ache.
On Wednesday morning I woke up and felt a strange sensation in my eyes. I told my wife that "it feels like one eye is lower than the other". I suspected that it was sinus related and took a Sinumax. I spent that afternoon on the beach with my son. It was a really great afternoon, theres nothing like watching a 3 year old being introduced to the beach and sea. While sitting on the beach I watched as people walked by. At one point two Muslim looking boys walked by with fishing rods and I considered greeting them. After figuring that it didn't take much effort, I greeted them with Salaams. A minute later another Muslim man walked by with his son and also greeted him with a smile. I didn't realize the value of the gesture. With the sun almost set, I had to drag my son off the beach, promising to return the next day.
I didn't feel any better that evening and asked my wife for something strong and she suggested that I take an Allergex. After taking the Allergex we went our for supper to a nearby mall. Once I reached there, I felt like I was drugged. My legs and body suddenly felt weak and I asked my wife to drive us back to the hotel.
I woke up on Thursday morning not able to see things further than an arms length away. Everything further had blurred edges or were double depending on how far away it was. I also felt very weak and was walking with some difficulty. After a weird breakfast, where I couldn't see anything beyond my table, I asked my wife to drive me to a clinic because I suspected that I was allergic to either the Sinumax or Allergex or both.
George Medi-Clinic
At George Medi-Clinic, I told the Doctor about my suspicion and because of a previous personal experience that she had with Allergex, the Doctor said that it was probably as a result of low blood pressure and she gave me an injection and some blood pressure medication saying that I would be ok in a few hours. I thanked her and was on the beach with the kids in 30 minutes. However, my sight did not improve, in fact it seemed to deteriorate in the hour or two that we spent on the beach. I struggled climbing up the stairway that led back to the hotel and decided to return to the clinic.
By the time I returned to the clinic I was very weak and could barely walk. One of my biggest worries at the time was that I would probably be admitted. Since this was supposed to be our last night in Wilderness, I stressed about how my wife and kids would manage to get back to the hotel if I was admitted and what would happen if I had to stay on for more than a day. In the midst of my stressing, I was greeted by someone, who I could not recognize at 1st. He introduced himself and said that he remembered greeting me on the beach the other day and asked what was going on. Ebrahim Sibdah was to me a gift from Allah for the small deed I did two days on the beach, I greeted my fellow Muslim. After explaining why I was there and listening to the reason why he was there (his nephew had accidentally fallen into a pool), he comforted me and assured me that all would be ok and that he and his family would be around to help my wife and I should we require any. We both knew that our meeting was no coincidence and at that point I remembered Allah and realized that my test had begun.
I was examined by a doctor, who immediately admitted me and sent me for blood tests and a CT scan. The blood tests did not reveal anything and the CT scan showed severe sinus pressure, but nothing else Shukr Alhumdulillah. The doctor said that they would assume that the problem was sinus related until they carry out further tests, but that they would put me onto a broad spectrum antibiotic in case of Meningitis or Encephalitis. With a heavy heart I sent my family back to the hotel and prayed that Allah assist my wife on the 20 minute journey, late at night with the 2 babies. Allah alone knows how she managed with all the stress and the crying kids. I called my parents and let them know about the situation.
The next day, as I was being taken by wheelchair for an MRI scan, my parents arrived. They were visibly shocked by my state. The MRI was much more uncomfortable than the CT scan I discovered. I wasn't told how long I'd be in the narrow tube and after what seemed like 15 minutes, I began experiencing some claustrophobia. This got worse until I discovered a solution...Salaah (Prayer)! There was nothing more calming than performing my Zuhr Salaah, in my mind, slowly and carefully. I hadn't finished my Salaah, when the radiographer pulled me out of the tube and told me that there didn't seem to be any good reason to perform the contrast MRI. I was more than happy to agree with her decision.
Since nothing was found on the MRI, and I felt worse the next morning, I was asked to consider a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). The treatment would remain the same regardless of the outcome but at least the cause would be known. I decided that it was not worth it and decided to give it another day. The following day, with no improvement I greeted my wife and kids before they left for the airport to return home and as they left the hospital, I gave the Neurosurgeon the go ahead to perform the spinal tap.
I began praying as the surgeon prepared the area on my back and shukr Alhumdulillah, much to my surprise and relief, it was over before I knew it! I was told to lie down for at least 6 hours to prevent a head-ache and I gladly complied. Alhumdulillah, there was no headache and the results showed no sign of meningitis or encephalitis. There was an increase in some protein or lymphoid said the surgeon and he theorised that it could be as a result of a n infection in close proximity to the brain, possibly sinusitis.
I wasn't confident in what I had been told. The surgeon talked about "nearby syndrome" caused by sinusitis, the ENT didn't looked convinced that sinusitis could cause my symptoms and the surgeon was neither here nor there. I was becoming more depressed and worried and I knew that it is never a good idea to get depressed while ill because it just makes matters worse. Allah made it easy for me to see that there were people much worse of than me, because next to me was a man that was in for his 10th operation! Despite the fact that he was not allowed to eat or drink for a week and had tubes sticking out from everywhere, he remained cheerful and positive. Opposite me lay a man that came in because the chemotherapy he was on for cancer, was making him too ill to eat. I made shukr that I could still eat, drink and relieve myself.
I noticed that I had no feeling in my bowels or bladder when I needed to relieve myself. I just felt strangely uncomfortable and knew that I had to go. Also, I had to try and look at what was happening because I couldn't feel whether I was done.
After 5 days in hospital and 3 days away from my family, I decided that it was time to make my way home. My parents, who were with me all the time, every day, arranged a flight for me and I greeted my new friends at the clinic as I left the clinic in a wheelchair. I could not walk more than a few meters and could not see anything further away than my hands clearly. Travelling by car was awful, the whole world seems to shake. I was the last person to board the plane and could just feel the stares and looks of sympathy from the passengers and crew as I stumbled to my seat. It was horrible.
Back at home
After a 2 hour flight and 1 hour drive, I arrived at my in-laws house where I was greeted by my wife, kids and sister in law. She was literally dumbfounded at what I looked like and just stared in shock. I was relieved to be back home, but felt weaker then ever. My wife arranged an appointment with a local ENT, who sent me for another MRI. Once again, I passed the time reading Salaah. The MRI showed that the sinuses had cleared quite a bit and the ENT was not very keen on the "nearby syndrome"/sinusitis theory and tried in vain to refer me to a neurologist. They were all on holiday!
At this point, I began using my mobile to surf the Internet and tried to find answers for myself. A HUGE mistake. I urge anyone with GBS or MFS who is reading this, to take heed of this warning, DO NOT LOOK FOR ANSWERS ON THE INTERNET, read this and be done with the Internet! The symptoms I Googled for included "double vision, weakness, numbness" and the results more than often pointed to one scary disease, which I won't even mention for the sake of any MFS/GBS sufferer reading this. The disease in question does not share the good prognosis that MFS and GBS have and there is absolutely no reason to go through the stress and depression I went through as a result of finding this unnecessary information. I became so distressed and depressed that I spent many hours crying and making my wife cry with talk of the hereafter and death.
This was the low point at which I remembered to ask Allah for help, sincerely. I started realising what I had been doing wrong all along. I had been putting my trust in everyone except Allah. I expected doctors to know what was wrong and to cure me. It was only now that I had lost all faith in doctors that I started realising that my faith was misplaced. I started praying that Allah cures me and started praying that Allah guides me to a cure.
My prayer was answered when my wife informed me that her uncle, an ophthalmologist had offered to see me on a Saturday. He calmly went about examining my eyes, explaining every step as he went along. He pointed out to me that I was unable to move my eyes upward and that whenever I looked to the sides, the eye on the other side dropped down instead of moving across. There were more than two muscles that weren't working properly, an oblique muscle and the muscle that pulled the eyeballs upward. He correctly identified the problem as a nerve problem and immediately called a neurologist colleague of his, Prof. G. Modi to make an appointment for me. On the telephone, he mentioned the symptoms and a brief history and I heard him say "Guillain Barre or Miller Fisher".
The following Monday, 13 days after the 1st symptoms, I visited Prof. Modi at his offices, accompanied by my father-in-law who held my arm as I walked. I began by explaining to him the sequence of events and symptoms and he proceeded to examine me. I was given some shock tests in my arms and legs and he then tested my eyes and my reflexes. He pointed out that I had no deep tendon reflexes! He said that I had typical symptoms and history of Miller Fisher Syndrome. He suggested that it was going to be a long road to hopefully full recovery and suggested that I begin the journey with a treatment of either Plasmapheresis or Intravenous Immunoglobulins (IvIg). He said that he had more success with IvIg, but mentioned that I may need the other should he not see results soon after treatment. I was very relieved that someone knew what was going on, but had to be careful not to forget that Allah had led me to him and that Allah had given him the knowledge and signs to make the diagnosis. There was already an improvement in my Allah-consciousness, albeit not nearly enough!
I was admitted to hospital again, for a 5 day, 34 gram a day IvIg treatment. By day 3, my eyes began feeling strange again and the numbness in my toes had disappeared. The neuro was happy to inform me that my eyeballs were able to move upward again! There wasn't much more improvement except for the weird sensations in my arms disappearing also by the end of the treatment.
A week later I was back at home and from then began a cycle of improvement, scary and depressing down periods and more improvement that continues till today (5 months later). I noticed improvements every two weeks.
I made up my mind to correct several things in my life:
My 1st Jummuah (Friday) prayer after the treatment was difficult. I had to sit down and pray and couldn't see people next to or in front of me. The week after was spent at home because I had a bit of a dip. But every 2nd Jummah thereafter unveiled some improvements, such as being able to look to the sides, then straight ahead (but not sides again) and being able to walk and stand for longer.
8 weeks after the treatment, I could see properly again in most directions. I could not focus on objects while walking because everything seemed to bounce. This also improved within another 2 weeks.
What remains till today (5 months later), are weird sensations in my arms, legs and eyes, especially when I'm tired. These seem to come and go in cycles and are accompanied by anxiety, whether the cause or result, I'm still not sure.
All in all, it was a frightening experience. I am not invincible, I am human, Fragile! I think of death evey day and as a result, I think of life after death and as a result I remember God.
Taqwah = Piety, Piety = Awareness of Allah
My prayers have been answered, my taqwah has increased, I have cryed in prayer, I read Quraan in Arabic and English every day. Thank you Allah, you are the Greatest.
My prayer: "Oh Allah, please let all the good that I have gained out of this experience remain. Please remove all the bad that I am left with after this experience. Oh Allah, please grant me good health and strong imaan (Faith). Oh Allah, please grant me physical, mental and strength in imaan., Ameen"
More Information:
Guillain Barre Syndrome
GBS for Dr.'s
GBS for Patients
Miller Fisher Syndrome
To be continued....
I always feel a connection with Allah while listening to the weekly Friday lectures before prayers. Many times it is as if Allah has inspired the speaker to add in a little message for me or sometimes the topic is exactly related to whats happened to me in the week. During one of these lectures at the Bosmont Masjid in December, the last Friday before my long awaited week off work, the words that caught my attention were about the various ways that Allah tests people. The speaker pointed out that Allah tests people in order to bring them closer to him. These tests present themselves in many ways including financial difficulties, health problems or the death of loved ones. A person is scored according to his/her reaction to the situation. The ideal reaction being Sabr (Patience), asking Allah for help and Tawaqul-illAllah (Trust and Faith in Allah).
At that moment I thought to myself, "My life has been going great for a long while, I wonder when and what my next test will be? Hopefully it won't happen in the next week or two, because I really need the upcoming holiday!". I "spoke" to Allah and asked that if there are any tests planned, that they be held off until after my holiday and that He does not burden me with a test that I cannot manage, after hearing the speaker say, "Allah will not burden a person with a test greater than he can bear". I felt guilty about trying to tell Allah when it will be suitable to be tested and retracted the request and asked instead that the test manageable and that I pass the test.
The Journey
I took my 1st day off from work for the year the following Thursday for Eid ul Adha. The day started fine, but I found myself in bed by the afternoon with a bad flu. I decided to take the Friday off from work so that I'd recover sufficiently to make the planned journey to Wilderness for my week long holiday with my family. I had a terrible headache by Friday evening and had to take a Voltaren injection in order to allow me to pack my bags and the car. As usual I refused to take any antibiotics because "I know that they don't have any effect on Viral infections and we spoil our immune systems.....doctors don't know anything....I know everything....".
We set off for Wilderness early Saturday morning and together with my box of tissues, I felt confident I'd be ok. The 12 hour journey was taxing, I refused to turn on the Air-conditioner despite the 30 degree heat because it was making my throat sore. Besides the routine stops every two hours, I ended up stopping another 3 or 4 times because my 3 year old had diarrhea and timed the bouts between scheduled stops and where it would be most dangerous to stop. I still feel bad about the way I treated him out of anger, knowing that it was not in his control. All in all a stressful day.
Once in Wilderness all was great, except for my flu which hadn't gone away yet. I finally gave in to the pressure and started a course of Betamox(Amoxilin) antibiotics on Monday. I felt a little better by Tuesday, except that I think one of the prawns I ate for lunch left me with a slight stomach ache.
On Wednesday morning I woke up and felt a strange sensation in my eyes. I told my wife that "it feels like one eye is lower than the other". I suspected that it was sinus related and took a Sinumax. I spent that afternoon on the beach with my son. It was a really great afternoon, theres nothing like watching a 3 year old being introduced to the beach and sea. While sitting on the beach I watched as people walked by. At one point two Muslim looking boys walked by with fishing rods and I considered greeting them. After figuring that it didn't take much effort, I greeted them with Salaams. A minute later another Muslim man walked by with his son and also greeted him with a smile. I didn't realize the value of the gesture. With the sun almost set, I had to drag my son off the beach, promising to return the next day.
I didn't feel any better that evening and asked my wife for something strong and she suggested that I take an Allergex. After taking the Allergex we went our for supper to a nearby mall. Once I reached there, I felt like I was drugged. My legs and body suddenly felt weak and I asked my wife to drive us back to the hotel.
I woke up on Thursday morning not able to see things further than an arms length away. Everything further had blurred edges or were double depending on how far away it was. I also felt very weak and was walking with some difficulty. After a weird breakfast, where I couldn't see anything beyond my table, I asked my wife to drive me to a clinic because I suspected that I was allergic to either the Sinumax or Allergex or both.
George Medi-Clinic
At George Medi-Clinic, I told the Doctor about my suspicion and because of a previous personal experience that she had with Allergex, the Doctor said that it was probably as a result of low blood pressure and she gave me an injection and some blood pressure medication saying that I would be ok in a few hours. I thanked her and was on the beach with the kids in 30 minutes. However, my sight did not improve, in fact it seemed to deteriorate in the hour or two that we spent on the beach. I struggled climbing up the stairway that led back to the hotel and decided to return to the clinic.
By the time I returned to the clinic I was very weak and could barely walk. One of my biggest worries at the time was that I would probably be admitted. Since this was supposed to be our last night in Wilderness, I stressed about how my wife and kids would manage to get back to the hotel if I was admitted and what would happen if I had to stay on for more than a day. In the midst of my stressing, I was greeted by someone, who I could not recognize at 1st. He introduced himself and said that he remembered greeting me on the beach the other day and asked what was going on. Ebrahim Sibdah was to me a gift from Allah for the small deed I did two days on the beach, I greeted my fellow Muslim. After explaining why I was there and listening to the reason why he was there (his nephew had accidentally fallen into a pool), he comforted me and assured me that all would be ok and that he and his family would be around to help my wife and I should we require any. We both knew that our meeting was no coincidence and at that point I remembered Allah and realized that my test had begun.
I was examined by a doctor, who immediately admitted me and sent me for blood tests and a CT scan. The blood tests did not reveal anything and the CT scan showed severe sinus pressure, but nothing else Shukr Alhumdulillah. The doctor said that they would assume that the problem was sinus related until they carry out further tests, but that they would put me onto a broad spectrum antibiotic in case of Meningitis or Encephalitis. With a heavy heart I sent my family back to the hotel and prayed that Allah assist my wife on the 20 minute journey, late at night with the 2 babies. Allah alone knows how she managed with all the stress and the crying kids. I called my parents and let them know about the situation.
The next day, as I was being taken by wheelchair for an MRI scan, my parents arrived. They were visibly shocked by my state. The MRI was much more uncomfortable than the CT scan I discovered. I wasn't told how long I'd be in the narrow tube and after what seemed like 15 minutes, I began experiencing some claustrophobia. This got worse until I discovered a solution...Salaah (Prayer)! There was nothing more calming than performing my Zuhr Salaah, in my mind, slowly and carefully. I hadn't finished my Salaah, when the radiographer pulled me out of the tube and told me that there didn't seem to be any good reason to perform the contrast MRI. I was more than happy to agree with her decision.
Since nothing was found on the MRI, and I felt worse the next morning, I was asked to consider a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). The treatment would remain the same regardless of the outcome but at least the cause would be known. I decided that it was not worth it and decided to give it another day. The following day, with no improvement I greeted my wife and kids before they left for the airport to return home and as they left the hospital, I gave the Neurosurgeon the go ahead to perform the spinal tap.
I began praying as the surgeon prepared the area on my back and shukr Alhumdulillah, much to my surprise and relief, it was over before I knew it! I was told to lie down for at least 6 hours to prevent a head-ache and I gladly complied. Alhumdulillah, there was no headache and the results showed no sign of meningitis or encephalitis. There was an increase in some protein or lymphoid said the surgeon and he theorised that it could be as a result of a n infection in close proximity to the brain, possibly sinusitis.
I wasn't confident in what I had been told. The surgeon talked about "nearby syndrome" caused by sinusitis, the ENT didn't looked convinced that sinusitis could cause my symptoms and the surgeon was neither here nor there. I was becoming more depressed and worried and I knew that it is never a good idea to get depressed while ill because it just makes matters worse. Allah made it easy for me to see that there were people much worse of than me, because next to me was a man that was in for his 10th operation! Despite the fact that he was not allowed to eat or drink for a week and had tubes sticking out from everywhere, he remained cheerful and positive. Opposite me lay a man that came in because the chemotherapy he was on for cancer, was making him too ill to eat. I made shukr that I could still eat, drink and relieve myself.
I noticed that I had no feeling in my bowels or bladder when I needed to relieve myself. I just felt strangely uncomfortable and knew that I had to go. Also, I had to try and look at what was happening because I couldn't feel whether I was done.
After 5 days in hospital and 3 days away from my family, I decided that it was time to make my way home. My parents, who were with me all the time, every day, arranged a flight for me and I greeted my new friends at the clinic as I left the clinic in a wheelchair. I could not walk more than a few meters and could not see anything further away than my hands clearly. Travelling by car was awful, the whole world seems to shake. I was the last person to board the plane and could just feel the stares and looks of sympathy from the passengers and crew as I stumbled to my seat. It was horrible.
Back at home
After a 2 hour flight and 1 hour drive, I arrived at my in-laws house where I was greeted by my wife, kids and sister in law. She was literally dumbfounded at what I looked like and just stared in shock. I was relieved to be back home, but felt weaker then ever. My wife arranged an appointment with a local ENT, who sent me for another MRI. Once again, I passed the time reading Salaah. The MRI showed that the sinuses had cleared quite a bit and the ENT was not very keen on the "nearby syndrome"/sinusitis theory and tried in vain to refer me to a neurologist. They were all on holiday!
At this point, I began using my mobile to surf the Internet and tried to find answers for myself. A HUGE mistake. I urge anyone with GBS or MFS who is reading this, to take heed of this warning, DO NOT LOOK FOR ANSWERS ON THE INTERNET, read this and be done with the Internet! The symptoms I Googled for included "double vision, weakness, numbness" and the results more than often pointed to one scary disease, which I won't even mention for the sake of any MFS/GBS sufferer reading this. The disease in question does not share the good prognosis that MFS and GBS have and there is absolutely no reason to go through the stress and depression I went through as a result of finding this unnecessary information. I became so distressed and depressed that I spent many hours crying and making my wife cry with talk of the hereafter and death.
This was the low point at which I remembered to ask Allah for help, sincerely. I started realising what I had been doing wrong all along. I had been putting my trust in everyone except Allah. I expected doctors to know what was wrong and to cure me. It was only now that I had lost all faith in doctors that I started realising that my faith was misplaced. I started praying that Allah cures me and started praying that Allah guides me to a cure.
My prayer was answered when my wife informed me that her uncle, an ophthalmologist had offered to see me on a Saturday. He calmly went about examining my eyes, explaining every step as he went along. He pointed out to me that I was unable to move my eyes upward and that whenever I looked to the sides, the eye on the other side dropped down instead of moving across. There were more than two muscles that weren't working properly, an oblique muscle and the muscle that pulled the eyeballs upward. He correctly identified the problem as a nerve problem and immediately called a neurologist colleague of his, Prof. G. Modi to make an appointment for me. On the telephone, he mentioned the symptoms and a brief history and I heard him say "Guillain Barre or Miller Fisher".
The following Monday, 13 days after the 1st symptoms, I visited Prof. Modi at his offices, accompanied by my father-in-law who held my arm as I walked. I began by explaining to him the sequence of events and symptoms and he proceeded to examine me. I was given some shock tests in my arms and legs and he then tested my eyes and my reflexes. He pointed out that I had no deep tendon reflexes! He said that I had typical symptoms and history of Miller Fisher Syndrome. He suggested that it was going to be a long road to hopefully full recovery and suggested that I begin the journey with a treatment of either Plasmapheresis or Intravenous Immunoglobulins (IvIg). He said that he had more success with IvIg, but mentioned that I may need the other should he not see results soon after treatment. I was very relieved that someone knew what was going on, but had to be careful not to forget that Allah had led me to him and that Allah had given him the knowledge and signs to make the diagnosis. There was already an improvement in my Allah-consciousness, albeit not nearly enough!
I was admitted to hospital again, for a 5 day, 34 gram a day IvIg treatment. By day 3, my eyes began feeling strange again and the numbness in my toes had disappeared. The neuro was happy to inform me that my eyeballs were able to move upward again! There wasn't much more improvement except for the weird sensations in my arms disappearing also by the end of the treatment.
A week later I was back at home and from then began a cycle of improvement, scary and depressing down periods and more improvement that continues till today (5 months later). I noticed improvements every two weeks.
I made up my mind to correct several things in my life:
- My Salaah (prayer), which was reduced to simply doing the motions before I fell ill. I decided that I would perform my prayers, with concentration, at the appointed times, to the best of my ability, in congregation.
- Reading of the Quraan, I had been trying to get myself to read Quraan regularly, but this never happened. I began reading the Quraan daily, 1st in Arabic, then in Arabic and English. The Quraan is truly a cure and blessing for mankind!
- My relationship with my parents, I neglected my duty to my parents and decided to improve my relationship with them.
- The use of my body, I had abused my eyes, my fingers, in fact every paart of my body. I aimed to stop using them for wrong and to appreciate the use of my amenities for doing good instead.
My 1st Jummuah (Friday) prayer after the treatment was difficult. I had to sit down and pray and couldn't see people next to or in front of me. The week after was spent at home because I had a bit of a dip. But every 2nd Jummah thereafter unveiled some improvements, such as being able to look to the sides, then straight ahead (but not sides again) and being able to walk and stand for longer.
8 weeks after the treatment, I could see properly again in most directions. I could not focus on objects while walking because everything seemed to bounce. This also improved within another 2 weeks.
What remains till today (5 months later), are weird sensations in my arms, legs and eyes, especially when I'm tired. These seem to come and go in cycles and are accompanied by anxiety, whether the cause or result, I'm still not sure.
All in all, it was a frightening experience. I am not invincible, I am human, Fragile! I think of death evey day and as a result, I think of life after death and as a result I remember God.
Taqwah = Piety, Piety = Awareness of Allah
My prayers have been answered, my taqwah has increased, I have cryed in prayer, I read Quraan in Arabic and English every day. Thank you Allah, you are the Greatest.
My prayer: "Oh Allah, please let all the good that I have gained out of this experience remain. Please remove all the bad that I am left with after this experience. Oh Allah, please grant me good health and strong imaan (Faith). Oh Allah, please grant me physical, mental and strength in imaan., Ameen"
More Information:
Guillain Barre Syndrome
GBS for Dr.'s
GBS for Patients
Miller Fisher Syndrome
To be continued....
The Test (My encounter with Miller Fisher Syndrome- Guillain Barre Syndrome)
Prelude
I always feel a connection with Allah while listening to the weekly Friday lectures before prayers. Many times it is as if Allah has inspired the speaker to add in a little message for me or sometimes the topic is exactly related to whats happened to me in the week. During one of these lectures at the Bosmont Masjid in December, the last Friday before my long awaited week off work, the words that caught my attention were about the various ways that Allah tests people. The speaker pointed out that Allah tests people in order to bring them closer to him. These tests present themselves in many ways including financial difficulties, health problems or the death of loved ones. A person is scored according to his/her reaction to the situation. The ideal reaction being Sabr (Patience), asking Allah for help and Tawaqul-illAllah (Trust and Faith in Allah).
At that moment I thought to myself, "My life has been going great for a long while, I wonder when and what my next test will be? Hopefully it won't happen in the next week or two, because I really need the upcoming holiday!". I "spoke" to Allah and asked that if there are any tests planned, that they be held off until after my holiday and that He does not burden me with a test that I cannot manage, after hearing the speaker say, "Allah will not burden a person with a test greater than he can bear". I felt guilty about trying to tell Allah when it will be suitable to be tested and retracted the request and asked instead that the test manageable and that I pass the test.
The Journey
I took my 1st day off from work for the year the following Thursday for Eid ul Adha. The day started fine, but I found myself in bed by the afternoon with a bad flu. I decided to take the Friday off from work so that I'd recover sufficiently to make the planned journey to Wilderness for my week long holiday with my family. I had a terrible headache by Friday evening and had to take a Voltaren injection in order to allow me to pack my bags and the car. As usual I refused to take any antibiotics because "I know that they don't have any effect on Viral infections and we spoil our immune systems.....doctors don't know anything....I know everything....".
We set off for Wilderness early Saturday morning and together with my box of tissues, I felt confident I'd be ok. The 12 hour journey was taxing, I refused to turn on the Air-conditioner despite the 30 degree heat because it was making my throat sore. Besides the routine stops every two hours, I ended up stopping another 3 or 4 times because my 3 year old had diarrhea and timed the bouts between scheduled stops and where it would be most dangerous to stop. I still feel bad about the way I treated him out of anger, knowing that it was not in his control. All in all a stressful day.
Once in Wilderness all was great, except for my flu which hadn't gone away yet. I finally gave in to the pressure and started a course of Betamox(Amoxilin) antibiotics on Monday. I felt a little better by Tuesday, except that I think one of the prawns I ate for lunch left me with a slight stomach ache.
On Wednesday morning I woke up and felt a strange sensation in my eyes. I told my wife that "it feels like one eye is lower than the other". I suspected that it was sinus related and took a Sinumax. I spent that afternoon on the beach with my son. It was a really great afternoon, theres nothing like watching a 3 year old being introduced to the beach and sea. While sitting on the beach I watched as people walked by. At one point two Muslim looking boys walked by with fishing rods and I considered greeting them. After figuring that it didn't take much effort, I greeted them with Salaams. A minute later another Muslim man walked by with his son and also greeted him with a smile. I didn't realize the value of the gesture. With the sun almost set, I had to drag my son off the beach, promising to return the next day.
I didn't feel any better that evening and asked my wife for something strong and she suggested that I take an Allergex. After taking the Allergex we went our for supper to a nearby mall. Once I reached there, I felt like I was drugged. My legs and body suddenly felt weak and I asked my wife to drive us back to the hotel.
I woke up on Thursday morning not able to see things further than an arms length away. Everything further had blurred edges or were double depending on how far away it was. I also felt very weak and was walking with some difficulty. After a weird breakfast, where I couldn't see anything beyond my table, I asked my wife to drive me to a clinic because I suspected that I was allergic to either the Sinumax or Allergex or both.
George Medi-Clinic
At George Medi-Clinic, I told the Doctor about my suspicion and because of a previous personal experience that she had with Allergex, the Doctor said that it was probably as a result of low blood pressure and she gave me an injection and some blood pressure medication saying that I would be ok in a few hours. I thanked her and was on the beach with the kids in 30 minutes. However, my sight did not improve, in fact it seemed to deteriorate in the hour or two that we spent on the beach. I struggled climbing up the stairway that led back to the hotel and decided to return to the clinic.
By the time I returned to the clinic I was very weak and could barely walk. One of my biggest worries at the time was that I would probably be admitted. Since this was supposed to be our last night in Wilderness, I stressed about how my wife and kids would manage to get back to the hotel if I was admitted and what would happen if I had to stay on for more than a day. In the midst of my stressing, I was greeted by someone, who I could not recognize at 1st. He introduced himself and said that he remembered greeting me on the beach the other day and asked what was going on. Ebrahim Sibdah was to me a gift from Allah for the small deed I did two days on the beach, I greeted my fellow Muslim. After explaining why I was there and listening to the reason why he was there (his nephew had accidentally fallen into a pool), he comforted me and assured me that all would be ok and that he and his family would be around to help my wife and I should we require any. We both knew that our meeting was no coincidence and at that point I remembered Allah and realized that my test had begun.
I was examined by a doctor, who immediately admitted me and sent me for blood tests and a CT scan. The blood tests did not reveal anything and the CT scan showed severe sinus pressure, but nothing else Shukr Alhumdulillah. The doctor said that they would assume that the problem was sinus related until they carry out further tests, but that they would put me onto a broad spectrum antibiotic in case of Meningitis or Encephalitis. With a heavy heart I sent my family back to the hotel and prayed that Allah assist my wife on the 20 minute journey, late at night with the 2 babies. Allah alone knows how she managed with all the stress and the crying kids. I called my parents and let them know about the situation.
The next day, as I was being taken by wheelchair for an MRI scan, my parents arrived. They were visibly shocked by my state. The MRI was much more uncomfortable than the CT scan I discovered. I wasn't told how long I'd be in the narrow tube and after what seemed like 15 minutes, I began experiencing some claustrophobia. This got worse until I discovered a solution...Salaah (Prayer)! There was nothing more calming than performing my Zuhr Salaah, in my mind, slowly and carefully. I hadn't finished my Salaah, when the radiographer pulled me out of the tube and told me that there didn't seem to be any good reason to perform the contrast MRI. I was more than happy to agree with her decision.
Since nothing was found on the MRI, and I felt worse the next morning, I was asked to consider a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). The treatment would remain the same regardless of the outcome but at least the cause would be known. I decided that it was not worth it and decided to give it another day. The following day, with no improvement I greeted my wife and kids before they left for the airport to return home and as they left the hospital, I gave the Neurosurgeon the go ahead to perform the spinal tap.
I began praying as the surgeon prepared the area on my back and shukr Alhumdulillah, much to my surprise and relief, it was over before I knew it! I was told to lie down for at least 6 hours to prevent a head-ache and I gladly complied. Alhumdulillah, there was no headache and the results showed no sign of meningitis or encephalitis. There was an increase in some protein or lymphoid said the surgeon and he theorised that it could be as a result of a n infection in close proximity to the brain, possibly sinusitis.
I wasn't confident in what I had been told. The surgeon talked about "nearby syndrome" caused by sinusitis, the ENT didn't looked convinced that sinusitis could cause my symptoms and the surgeon was neither here nor there. I was becoming more depressed and worried and I knew that it is never a good idea to get depressed while ill because it just makes matters worse. Allah made it easy for me to see that there were people much worse of than me, because next to me was a man that was in for his 10th operation! Despite the fact that he was not allowed to eat or drink for a week and had tubes sticking out from everywhere, he remained cheerful and positive. Opposite me lay a man that came in because the chemotherapy he was on for cancer, was making him too ill to eat. I made shukr that I could still eat, drink and relieve myself.
I noticed that I had no feeling in my bowels or bladder when I needed to relieve myself. I just felt strangely uncomfortable and knew that I had to go. Also, I had to try and look at what was happening because I couldn't feel whether I was done.
After 5 days in hospital and 3 days away from my family, I decided that it was time to make my way home. My parents, who were with me all the time, every day, arranged a flight for me and I greeted my new friends at the clinic as I left the clinic in a wheelchair. I could not walk more than a few meters and could not see anything further away than my hands clearly. Travelling by car was awful, the whole world seems to shake. I was the last person to board the plane and could just feel the stares and looks of sympathy from the passengers and crew as I stumbled to my seat. It was horrible.
Back at home
After a 2 hour flight and 1 hour drive, I arrived at my in-laws house where I was greeted by my wife, kids and sister in law. She was literally dumbfounded at what I looked like and just stared in shock. I was relieved to be back home, but felt weaker then ever. My wife arranged an appointment with a local ENT, who sent me for another MRI. Once again, I passed the time reading Salaah. The MRI showed that the sinuses had cleared quite a bit and the ENT was not very keen on the "nearby syndrome"/sinusitis theory and tried in vain to refer me to a neurologist. They were all on holiday!
At this point, I began using my mobile to surf the Internet and tried to find answers for myself. A HUGE mistake. I urge anyone with GBS or MFS who is reading this, to take heed of this warning, DO NOT LOOK FOR ANSWERS ON THE INTERNET, read this and be done with the Internet! The symptoms I Googled for included "double vision, weakness, numbness" and the results more than often pointed to one scary disease, which I won't even mention for the sake of any MFS/GBS sufferer reading this. The disease in question does not share the good prognosis that MFS and GBS have and there is absolutely no reason to go through the stress and depression I went through as a result of finding this unnecessary information. I became so distressed and depressed that I spent many hours crying and making my wife cry with talk of the hereafter and death.
This was the low point at which I remembered to ask Allah for help, sincerely. I started realising what I had been doing wrong all along. I had been putting my trust in everyone except Allah. I expected doctors to know what was wrong and to cure me. It was only now that I had lost all faith in doctors that I started realising that my faith was misplaced. I started praying that Allah cures me and started praying that Allah guides me to a cure.
My prayer was answered when my wife informed me that her uncle, an ophthalmologist had offered to see me on a Saturday. He calmly went about examining my eyes, explaining every step as he went along. He pointed out to me that I was unable to move my eyes upward and that whenever I looked to the sides, the eye on the other side dropped down instead of moving across. There were more than two muscles that weren't working properly, an oblique muscle and the muscle that pulled the eyeballs upward. He correctly identified the problem as a nerve problem and immediately called a neurologist colleague of his, Prof. G. Modi to make an appointment for me. On the telephone, he mentioned the symptoms and a brief history and I heard him say "Guillain Barre or Miller Fisher".
The following Monday, 13 days after the 1st symptoms, I visited Prof. Modi at his offices, accompanied by my father-in-law who held my arm as I walked. I began by explaining to him the sequence of events and symptoms and he proceeded to examine me. I was given some shock tests in my arms and legs and he then tested my eyes and my reflexes. He pointed out that I had no deep tendon reflexes! He said that I had typical symptoms and history of Miller Fisher Syndrome. He suggested that it was going to be a long road to hopefully full recovery and suggested that I begin the journey with a treatment of either Plasmapheresis or Intravenous Immunoglobulins (IvIg). He said that he had more success with IvIg, but mentioned that I may need the other should he not see results soon after treatment. I was very relieved that someone knew what was going on, but had to be careful not to forget that Allah had led me to him and that Allah had given him the knowledge and signs to make the diagnosis. There was already an improvement in my Allah-consciousness, albeit not nearly enough!
I was admitted to hospital again, for a 5 day, 34 gram a day IvIg treatment. By day 3, my eyes began feeling strange again and the numbness in my toes had disappeared. The neuro was happy to inform me that my eyeballs were able to move upward again! There wasn't much more improvement except for the weird sensations in my arms disappearing also by the end of the treatment.
A week later I was back at home and from then began a cycle of improvement, scary and depressing down periods and more improvement that continues till today (5 months later). I noticed improvements every two weeks.
I made up my mind to correct several things in my life:
My 1st Jummuah (Friday) prayer after the treatment was difficult. I had to sit down and pray and couldn't see people next to or in front of me. The week after was spent at home because I had a bit of a dip. But every 2nd Jummah thereafter unveiled some improvements, such as being able to look to the sides, then straight ahead (but not sides again) and being able to walk and stand for longer.
8 weeks after the treatment, I could see properly again in most directions. I could not focus on objects while walking because everything seemed to bounce. This also improved within another 2 weeks.
What remains till today (5 months later), are weird sensations in my arms, legs and eyes, especially when I'm tired. These seem to come and go in cycles and are accompanied by anxiety, whether the cause or result, I'm still not sure.
All in all, it was a frightening experience. I am not invincible, I am human, Fragile! I think of death evey day and as a result, I think of life after death and as a result I remember God.
Taqwah = Piety, Piety = Awareness of Allah
My prayers have been answered, my taqwah has increased, I have cryed in prayer, I read Quraan in Arabic and English every day. Thank you Allah, you are the Greatest.
My prayer: "Oh Allah, please let all the good that I have gained out of this experience remain. Please remove all the bad that I am left with after this experience. Oh Allah, please grant me good health and strong imaan (Faith). Oh Allah, please grant me physical, mental and strength in imaan., Ameen"
More Information:
Guillain Barre Syndrome
GBS for Dr.'s
GBS for Patients
Miller Fisher Syndrome
To be continued....
I always feel a connection with Allah while listening to the weekly Friday lectures before prayers. Many times it is as if Allah has inspired the speaker to add in a little message for me or sometimes the topic is exactly related to whats happened to me in the week. During one of these lectures at the Bosmont Masjid in December, the last Friday before my long awaited week off work, the words that caught my attention were about the various ways that Allah tests people. The speaker pointed out that Allah tests people in order to bring them closer to him. These tests present themselves in many ways including financial difficulties, health problems or the death of loved ones. A person is scored according to his/her reaction to the situation. The ideal reaction being Sabr (Patience), asking Allah for help and Tawaqul-illAllah (Trust and Faith in Allah).
At that moment I thought to myself, "My life has been going great for a long while, I wonder when and what my next test will be? Hopefully it won't happen in the next week or two, because I really need the upcoming holiday!". I "spoke" to Allah and asked that if there are any tests planned, that they be held off until after my holiday and that He does not burden me with a test that I cannot manage, after hearing the speaker say, "Allah will not burden a person with a test greater than he can bear". I felt guilty about trying to tell Allah when it will be suitable to be tested and retracted the request and asked instead that the test manageable and that I pass the test.
The Journey
I took my 1st day off from work for the year the following Thursday for Eid ul Adha. The day started fine, but I found myself in bed by the afternoon with a bad flu. I decided to take the Friday off from work so that I'd recover sufficiently to make the planned journey to Wilderness for my week long holiday with my family. I had a terrible headache by Friday evening and had to take a Voltaren injection in order to allow me to pack my bags and the car. As usual I refused to take any antibiotics because "I know that they don't have any effect on Viral infections and we spoil our immune systems.....doctors don't know anything....I know everything....".
We set off for Wilderness early Saturday morning and together with my box of tissues, I felt confident I'd be ok. The 12 hour journey was taxing, I refused to turn on the Air-conditioner despite the 30 degree heat because it was making my throat sore. Besides the routine stops every two hours, I ended up stopping another 3 or 4 times because my 3 year old had diarrhea and timed the bouts between scheduled stops and where it would be most dangerous to stop. I still feel bad about the way I treated him out of anger, knowing that it was not in his control. All in all a stressful day.
Once in Wilderness all was great, except for my flu which hadn't gone away yet. I finally gave in to the pressure and started a course of Betamox(Amoxilin) antibiotics on Monday. I felt a little better by Tuesday, except that I think one of the prawns I ate for lunch left me with a slight stomach ache.
On Wednesday morning I woke up and felt a strange sensation in my eyes. I told my wife that "it feels like one eye is lower than the other". I suspected that it was sinus related and took a Sinumax. I spent that afternoon on the beach with my son. It was a really great afternoon, theres nothing like watching a 3 year old being introduced to the beach and sea. While sitting on the beach I watched as people walked by. At one point two Muslim looking boys walked by with fishing rods and I considered greeting them. After figuring that it didn't take much effort, I greeted them with Salaams. A minute later another Muslim man walked by with his son and also greeted him with a smile. I didn't realize the value of the gesture. With the sun almost set, I had to drag my son off the beach, promising to return the next day.
I didn't feel any better that evening and asked my wife for something strong and she suggested that I take an Allergex. After taking the Allergex we went our for supper to a nearby mall. Once I reached there, I felt like I was drugged. My legs and body suddenly felt weak and I asked my wife to drive us back to the hotel.
I woke up on Thursday morning not able to see things further than an arms length away. Everything further had blurred edges or were double depending on how far away it was. I also felt very weak and was walking with some difficulty. After a weird breakfast, where I couldn't see anything beyond my table, I asked my wife to drive me to a clinic because I suspected that I was allergic to either the Sinumax or Allergex or both.
George Medi-Clinic
At George Medi-Clinic, I told the Doctor about my suspicion and because of a previous personal experience that she had with Allergex, the Doctor said that it was probably as a result of low blood pressure and she gave me an injection and some blood pressure medication saying that I would be ok in a few hours. I thanked her and was on the beach with the kids in 30 minutes. However, my sight did not improve, in fact it seemed to deteriorate in the hour or two that we spent on the beach. I struggled climbing up the stairway that led back to the hotel and decided to return to the clinic.
By the time I returned to the clinic I was very weak and could barely walk. One of my biggest worries at the time was that I would probably be admitted. Since this was supposed to be our last night in Wilderness, I stressed about how my wife and kids would manage to get back to the hotel if I was admitted and what would happen if I had to stay on for more than a day. In the midst of my stressing, I was greeted by someone, who I could not recognize at 1st. He introduced himself and said that he remembered greeting me on the beach the other day and asked what was going on. Ebrahim Sibdah was to me a gift from Allah for the small deed I did two days on the beach, I greeted my fellow Muslim. After explaining why I was there and listening to the reason why he was there (his nephew had accidentally fallen into a pool), he comforted me and assured me that all would be ok and that he and his family would be around to help my wife and I should we require any. We both knew that our meeting was no coincidence and at that point I remembered Allah and realized that my test had begun.
I was examined by a doctor, who immediately admitted me and sent me for blood tests and a CT scan. The blood tests did not reveal anything and the CT scan showed severe sinus pressure, but nothing else Shukr Alhumdulillah. The doctor said that they would assume that the problem was sinus related until they carry out further tests, but that they would put me onto a broad spectrum antibiotic in case of Meningitis or Encephalitis. With a heavy heart I sent my family back to the hotel and prayed that Allah assist my wife on the 20 minute journey, late at night with the 2 babies. Allah alone knows how she managed with all the stress and the crying kids. I called my parents and let them know about the situation.
The next day, as I was being taken by wheelchair for an MRI scan, my parents arrived. They were visibly shocked by my state. The MRI was much more uncomfortable than the CT scan I discovered. I wasn't told how long I'd be in the narrow tube and after what seemed like 15 minutes, I began experiencing some claustrophobia. This got worse until I discovered a solution...Salaah (Prayer)! There was nothing more calming than performing my Zuhr Salaah, in my mind, slowly and carefully. I hadn't finished my Salaah, when the radiographer pulled me out of the tube and told me that there didn't seem to be any good reason to perform the contrast MRI. I was more than happy to agree with her decision.
Since nothing was found on the MRI, and I felt worse the next morning, I was asked to consider a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). The treatment would remain the same regardless of the outcome but at least the cause would be known. I decided that it was not worth it and decided to give it another day. The following day, with no improvement I greeted my wife and kids before they left for the airport to return home and as they left the hospital, I gave the Neurosurgeon the go ahead to perform the spinal tap.
I began praying as the surgeon prepared the area on my back and shukr Alhumdulillah, much to my surprise and relief, it was over before I knew it! I was told to lie down for at least 6 hours to prevent a head-ache and I gladly complied. Alhumdulillah, there was no headache and the results showed no sign of meningitis or encephalitis. There was an increase in some protein or lymphoid said the surgeon and he theorised that it could be as a result of a n infection in close proximity to the brain, possibly sinusitis.
I wasn't confident in what I had been told. The surgeon talked about "nearby syndrome" caused by sinusitis, the ENT didn't looked convinced that sinusitis could cause my symptoms and the surgeon was neither here nor there. I was becoming more depressed and worried and I knew that it is never a good idea to get depressed while ill because it just makes matters worse. Allah made it easy for me to see that there were people much worse of than me, because next to me was a man that was in for his 10th operation! Despite the fact that he was not allowed to eat or drink for a week and had tubes sticking out from everywhere, he remained cheerful and positive. Opposite me lay a man that came in because the chemotherapy he was on for cancer, was making him too ill to eat. I made shukr that I could still eat, drink and relieve myself.
I noticed that I had no feeling in my bowels or bladder when I needed to relieve myself. I just felt strangely uncomfortable and knew that I had to go. Also, I had to try and look at what was happening because I couldn't feel whether I was done.
After 5 days in hospital and 3 days away from my family, I decided that it was time to make my way home. My parents, who were with me all the time, every day, arranged a flight for me and I greeted my new friends at the clinic as I left the clinic in a wheelchair. I could not walk more than a few meters and could not see anything further away than my hands clearly. Travelling by car was awful, the whole world seems to shake. I was the last person to board the plane and could just feel the stares and looks of sympathy from the passengers and crew as I stumbled to my seat. It was horrible.
Back at home
After a 2 hour flight and 1 hour drive, I arrived at my in-laws house where I was greeted by my wife, kids and sister in law. She was literally dumbfounded at what I looked like and just stared in shock. I was relieved to be back home, but felt weaker then ever. My wife arranged an appointment with a local ENT, who sent me for another MRI. Once again, I passed the time reading Salaah. The MRI showed that the sinuses had cleared quite a bit and the ENT was not very keen on the "nearby syndrome"/sinusitis theory and tried in vain to refer me to a neurologist. They were all on holiday!
At this point, I began using my mobile to surf the Internet and tried to find answers for myself. A HUGE mistake. I urge anyone with GBS or MFS who is reading this, to take heed of this warning, DO NOT LOOK FOR ANSWERS ON THE INTERNET, read this and be done with the Internet! The symptoms I Googled for included "double vision, weakness, numbness" and the results more than often pointed to one scary disease, which I won't even mention for the sake of any MFS/GBS sufferer reading this. The disease in question does not share the good prognosis that MFS and GBS have and there is absolutely no reason to go through the stress and depression I went through as a result of finding this unnecessary information. I became so distressed and depressed that I spent many hours crying and making my wife cry with talk of the hereafter and death.
This was the low point at which I remembered to ask Allah for help, sincerely. I started realising what I had been doing wrong all along. I had been putting my trust in everyone except Allah. I expected doctors to know what was wrong and to cure me. It was only now that I had lost all faith in doctors that I started realising that my faith was misplaced. I started praying that Allah cures me and started praying that Allah guides me to a cure.
My prayer was answered when my wife informed me that her uncle, an ophthalmologist had offered to see me on a Saturday. He calmly went about examining my eyes, explaining every step as he went along. He pointed out to me that I was unable to move my eyes upward and that whenever I looked to the sides, the eye on the other side dropped down instead of moving across. There were more than two muscles that weren't working properly, an oblique muscle and the muscle that pulled the eyeballs upward. He correctly identified the problem as a nerve problem and immediately called a neurologist colleague of his, Prof. G. Modi to make an appointment for me. On the telephone, he mentioned the symptoms and a brief history and I heard him say "Guillain Barre or Miller Fisher".
The following Monday, 13 days after the 1st symptoms, I visited Prof. Modi at his offices, accompanied by my father-in-law who held my arm as I walked. I began by explaining to him the sequence of events and symptoms and he proceeded to examine me. I was given some shock tests in my arms and legs and he then tested my eyes and my reflexes. He pointed out that I had no deep tendon reflexes! He said that I had typical symptoms and history of Miller Fisher Syndrome. He suggested that it was going to be a long road to hopefully full recovery and suggested that I begin the journey with a treatment of either Plasmapheresis or Intravenous Immunoglobulins (IvIg). He said that he had more success with IvIg, but mentioned that I may need the other should he not see results soon after treatment. I was very relieved that someone knew what was going on, but had to be careful not to forget that Allah had led me to him and that Allah had given him the knowledge and signs to make the diagnosis. There was already an improvement in my Allah-consciousness, albeit not nearly enough!
I was admitted to hospital again, for a 5 day, 34 gram a day IvIg treatment. By day 3, my eyes began feeling strange again and the numbness in my toes had disappeared. The neuro was happy to inform me that my eyeballs were able to move upward again! There wasn't much more improvement except for the weird sensations in my arms disappearing also by the end of the treatment.
A week later I was back at home and from then began a cycle of improvement, scary and depressing down periods and more improvement that continues till today (5 months later). I noticed improvements every two weeks.
I made up my mind to correct several things in my life:
- My Salaah (prayer), which was reduced to simply doing the motions before I fell ill. I decided that I would perform my prayers, with concentration, at the appointed times, to the best of my ability, in congregation.
- Reading of the Quraan, I had been trying to get myself to read Quraan regularly, but this never happened. I began reading the Quraan daily, 1st in Arabic, then in Arabic and English. The Quraan is truly a cure and blessing for mankind!
- My relationship with my parents, I neglected my duty to my parents and decided to improve my relationship with them.
- The use of my body, I had abused my eyes, my fingers, in fact every paart of my body. I aimed to stop using them for wrong and to appreciate the use of my amenities for doing good instead.
My 1st Jummuah (Friday) prayer after the treatment was difficult. I had to sit down and pray and couldn't see people next to or in front of me. The week after was spent at home because I had a bit of a dip. But every 2nd Jummah thereafter unveiled some improvements, such as being able to look to the sides, then straight ahead (but not sides again) and being able to walk and stand for longer.
8 weeks after the treatment, I could see properly again in most directions. I could not focus on objects while walking because everything seemed to bounce. This also improved within another 2 weeks.
What remains till today (5 months later), are weird sensations in my arms, legs and eyes, especially when I'm tired. These seem to come and go in cycles and are accompanied by anxiety, whether the cause or result, I'm still not sure.
All in all, it was a frightening experience. I am not invincible, I am human, Fragile! I think of death evey day and as a result, I think of life after death and as a result I remember God.
Taqwah = Piety, Piety = Awareness of Allah
My prayers have been answered, my taqwah has increased, I have cryed in prayer, I read Quraan in Arabic and English every day. Thank you Allah, you are the Greatest.
My prayer: "Oh Allah, please let all the good that I have gained out of this experience remain. Please remove all the bad that I am left with after this experience. Oh Allah, please grant me good health and strong imaan (Faith). Oh Allah, please grant me physical, mental and strength in imaan., Ameen"
More Information:
Guillain Barre Syndrome
GBS for Dr.'s
GBS for Patients
Miller Fisher Syndrome
To be continued....
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
noknok
Finally, some competition to Mxit (MTN noknok), it has a long way to go to catch up, but it looks promising ;) . There was much press hype about meep from Vodacom, but there doesn't seem to be anything available?
noknok
Finally, some competition to Mxit (MTN noknok), it has a long way to go to catch up, but it looks promising ;) . There was much press hype about meep from Vodacom, but there doesn't seem to be anything available?
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
How-To Recover password under Ubuntu -- Ubuntu Geek
How-To Recover password under Ubuntu -- Ubuntu Geek: "If you forgot you password for your ubuntu system you can recover using the following steps Turn your computer on. Press ESC at the grub prompt. Press e for edit. Highlight the line that begins kernel ………, press e Go to the very end of the line, add rw init=/bin/bash press enter, then press b to boot your system. Your system will boot up to a passwordless root shell. Type in passwd username Set your password. Type in reboot"
How-To Recover password under Ubuntu -- Ubuntu Geek
How-To Recover password under Ubuntu -- Ubuntu Geek: "If you forgot you password for your ubuntu system you can recover using the following steps Turn your computer on. Press ESC at the grub prompt. Press e for edit. Highlight the line that begins kernel ………, press e Go to the very end of the line, add rw init=/bin/bash press enter, then press b to boot your system. Your system will boot up to a passwordless root shell. Type in passwd username Set your password. Type in reboot"
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
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