Will The Real TWP Please Stand Up?

[TWP]

A couple of weeks ago I posted this over at RWI and Repgeek. Hello I am TWP your local dealer, well I guess depending on your local. I live in the midwest, work as a hospital professional, am married and have two darling young boys. When I am not working 80 hours a week at my normal job, i do this hobby, and enjoy all the time i can in the great outdoors.

Dear All Forum Members, Friends, and Family:

Over the past five weeks many members and moderators have noticed that my board activity has gone down tremendously, and a few threads have been started about my lack of responding to pm's and emails. There are even a couple customers that have seemed to be forgotten. First, I would like to thank the administrators and moderators for expression their concerns. Second, I would like to thank all my loyal customers whom have quelled other members' anxiety and fears that come with purchasing a watch for the first, second, or tenth time from me.

Over the past five weeks my life has changed drastically. First, the 'knife and gun club' has been particularly active resulting in more time spent in the operating room then desired. I do not think there was a week in the past five that I did not put in over 80 hours. Second, one of my reliable maxtor hard drives, the most important, burned to the ground resulting in the lose of all many pictures, documents, and my ever large collection, 80+ gb, of porn. Third, i have been dabbling a little in modding watches for pleasure and well to take my mind off what has been truely the most life changing event thus far.

Five weeks ago my eldest son was diagnosed with Autism. He is just over two, has a very limited vocabulary of less than 20 words, displays very aggresive behavior towards his younger brother, and frankly his disorder has thrown me into alternating states of denial, depression, and excessive alcohol abuse. In the upcoming months we will travel to three different states and five different hospitals in search of the best possible treatment options for my son.

While many may not think that this is a big deal let me shed a little light. Treatment and therapy after insurance can run upwards of 25,000 USD per year depending on the severity of his disorder. My wife and I have always intend for our sons to go to parochial schools and have started to pay tuition in advance. Well guess what? No [censored] programs for children with special needs. The complete mood breaker, deposit for tuition is non refundable. Okay, not a problem we can send him to public schools starting with preschool. Nope, not an option, within the metropolitan area there are only three designed for autistic children so we now have to put our house on the market and live closer to one of these schools. Everybody loves to move right? Okay really this is not a big deal, because what really bothers me the most is the thought of my son being picked on, harassed, and humilated everyday by other children (EVIL LITTLE [censored]).

So what really is the point of this post? I am not seeking pity or sympathy. I am telling everybody that after the shell shock of this diagnosis I can HEAR again. My wife and I have started counseling and have searched out support groups. My mind is clearing now that most the alcohol and drugs have worn off, and I am getting back into the swing of things again. I am steadily responding to pm's and emails. I believe everyone that has ordered from me has received their watch, raffle winners etc, but I have forgotten a few of you and I am sorry. Mistakes have been made but will be rectified. Also, I have recruited a U.S. partner and I can assure you that this person is very knowledgable and will service all my clients as I do.

What I am asking for is just a little understanding and cooperation. Many loyalist will tell you that my communiacation and service are superb. I ask that everyone keep this in mind, while I may not respond to your email/pms as quickly as in the past I will respond. While you may not get your watch in a record time, 2-3 days, you willl get your watch. If I list a watch as being in the U.S. please realize that, indeed, it is in the U.S. but due to circumstances it may take longer to receive. Currently I am in the process of sending a portion of my stocks to my partner to expediate future shipping concerns.

Thank you for your time, patience, and understanding

Well today has been a great day. Our son went to see a child psychologist and she believe that our son suffers from Impulsive Control Disorder just like daddy. AHHH, a sigh of relief. While the next few years may be tough or son should be back to normal by grade school. You cannot imagine how relieved we were to find out that he was misdiagnosed with Autism. While we are not out of the shed yet, i mean his condition can led to worse impulses such as killing little game animals, burning houses down, or self mutilation. But these cases are few and far between. I am happy that i can start concentration back on watches again.

Edited September 11, 2007 by TWP

[Victoria]

What I am asking for is just a little understanding and cooperation. Many loyalist will tell you that my communiacation and service are superb. I ask that everyone keep this in mind, while I may not respond to your email/pms as quickly as in the past I will respond.

I can only speak for my own experiences with TWP, but they have been amongst the most rewarding rep watch collecting transactions. Quick PMs/emails is not the half of it -- cordial, friendly, knowledgeable, and above all, honest.

If he doesn't have something, he tells you straight off.

If something goes wrong, he fixes it.

If there is a delay, he apprises you of any problems, which given his enormously busy profession, is a minor miracle in my eyes.

I spread my rep watch collecting love all around, but I will tell you that TWP is more than just a collector amongst us: he's a true gentleman.

Well today has been a great day. Our son went to see a child psychologist and she believe that our son suffers from Impulsive Control Disorder just like daddy. AHHH, a sigh of relief. While the next few years may be tough or son should be back to normal by grade school. You cannot imagine how relieved we were to find out that he was misdiagnosed with Autism. While we are not out of the shed yet, i mean his condition can led to worse impulses such as killing little game animals, burning houses down, or self mutilation. But these cases are few and far between. I am happy that i can start concentration back on watches again.

A blessed day...I'm so relieved for you and your wife, and sons, that I can't ever express the happy surprise I felt as I read this.

Good luck, TWP.

[TWP]

V

My wife and I were nervous wrecks this whole weekend. We still have to take him to a couple other doctors in different states, but we just cried our hearts out on the way home. A day in Grant's life according to the psychologist, "From the very moment that Grant wakes up he is in a state of constent turmoil. Frustrated because he wants to learn new things, frustrated that he cannot communiacate with his parents when he knows that he has the ability. Grants primary concerns are making through the day without embarrasment, feelings of self doubt, and spending hours alone. I cry when i think about all the things that must be going through my boys mind

thank you v for you kind remarks, once again straight from the heart.

Edited September 11, 2007 by TWP

[Desuetude]

Well today has been a great day. Our son went to see a child psychologist and she believe that our son suffers from Impulsive Control Disorder just like daddy. AHHH, a sigh of relief. While the next few years may be tough or son should be back to normal by grade school. You cannot imagine how relieved we were to find out that he was misdiagnosed with Autism. While we are not out of the shed yet, i mean his condition can led to worse impulses such as killing little game animals, burning houses down, or self mutilation. But these cases are few and far between. I am happy that i can start concentration back on watches again.

In a world where we are bombarded with tales of a grim future, this story is a morsel of sweet optimism and positivity. Couldn't be happier to hear this, my friend!

[dangerman]

Fantastic news TWP!

My heart sunk when I first read about the initial diagnosis. I guess having my own three month old and a two year old boys, l feel a gut level empathy. To be honest I tried not to think about it too much. Knowing always that it could just as easily be happening to my family, or others I know. You must have been going through hell.

So happy to read that things seem to be looking up. Best wishes for continuing good news for you and your family.

[chubbchubb]

I totally understand your situation. Nothing in life is more important than family & health. All else can be bought, build and borrowed.

[Sylar]

Very happy that you receivd some good news today my friend. From here on the road is clearer in the future of your son and of your family.

My sister is still going through the initial stages at UCLA with her son and I hope the results are the same for her.

Talk to you soon,

[Pugwash]

You cannot imagine how relieved we were to find out that he was misdiagnosed with Autism.

I didn't want to say anything while you were going through it, but now I can. Both Autism and Dyslexia are being over-diagnosed by lazy child doctors.

What's worse, a lot of people are hiding behind ADD and Dyslexia (and to some degree Autism/Aspergers) as a way of having an excuse instead of dealing with the problem, like "I can't spell cos I am dyslexic" - no, you can't spell because you're lazy. Here's a test: can you text someone on a mobile? Then you're not dyslexic.

I have a friend whose son has just been potentially diagnosed as being Autistic and I'm just waiting for the doctors to say that they got it wrong, as has happened in every case I know personally. Autism is like Schizophrenia in that respect. It's a catch-al they lump you in with until they work out you've just got a zinc deficiency or something.

I'm angry at your doctors.

Rant off.

TWP, I'm really pleased your son will be able to live as normal a life as his dad.

[rckh]

Dear TWP:

I sorry to hear that. I have a little cousin who suffering from Autism. We felt so helpless & depress after we knew; but after 2 years he improve & get much better now. It's painful for such a little child going to suffer from this illness. So all our family love him very much; patience, belief, love are the most important support for him.

Don't worry ; things will getting better & better. I haven't deal with u before; but I knew u're a good dealer & gentleman.

Me & all members here to share & support u!!

Best Regards,

Raymond

[cornerstone]

Best wishes to your family - it's always great to hear some positive news.

I agree with Pug that some of the tests are arbitrary (dyslexia for example) - in the sense that they have cut-off points for pigeonholing them. There are many shades of autism too for example. It sometimes appears more about categorizing than actually treating. Whether or not there exists a 'neat category' for it, there's still a kid wanting some help, if you know what I mean.

[BobM]

Sir: I - and, it is obvious - this community wishes you and your family well.

[docblackrock]

Glad to hear this is looking postive for you TWP.

Important to keep in mind that the autistic spectrum, like lots of disorders, both paediatric and adult, are syndromes - essentially a collection of symptoms, often characteristic but almost always never completely definitive. There is simply no pathology on which to conduct reliable diagnostic tests, which leaves just opinions, and like a*s*holes, every paed and developmental psychologist has one. Even where there is pathology present, it can't often be qualified, which is why Parkinson's is always diagnosed too late and even then misdiagnosis is rife. But to say it's down to "lazy doctors" as Pugs suggested is unfair and simplistic, as is the suggestion of clinicians being preoccupied with pigeon-holing

Medical training in general relies upon the tenet of accurate diagnosis first and foremost. Bugger up the diagnosis, and the treatment will be at best ineffective, at worst, adversely affect manifest symptoms, which can further hamper diagnosis. It's hardwired, and more often than not for a very good reason. I'm not closing ranks here, indeed there are a lot of incompetent quacks out there, but don't tar everybody with the same brush when you have no understanding of the challenges clinicians face not just in terms of assessing symptoms, but in the inherent pressure from parents/patients demanding "answers".

Moral? If there's no definitive test, then never accept one doctor's opinion. If number 2 doesn't agree with number 1, then go see a number 3 and 4 at least.

[TWP]

@Pugwash

You are completely right when you suggest that doctors are lazy and most well are incompetant. I see this every day in surgery. Doctors performing surgery on healty patients whom they have conveinced are sick only for the money. Er doctors making the wrong diagnosis. With all the diagnostic tools at our disposal you would think that these mistakes would not happen. Oh, the most important thing she told us yesterday that our son could have a mineral or vitamin defeciency. Yeah, the possibility of correcting his disorder by diet only is a great prognosis.

I am taking him today to see a nutritionist.

I would like to thank everyone esle that has commented on this thread. God Bless you all.

Edited September 11, 2007 by TWP

[Pugwash]

But to say it's down to "lazy doctors" as Pugs suggested is unfair and simplistic, as is the suggestion of clinicians being preoccupied with pigeon-holing

I am not, unlike yourself and TWP, involved in the medical profession, so I can say that. It's maybe unfair and simplistic, but it happens. If you've seen the stress this put TWP through, you'd possibly be as annoyed.

Anyway, I've said my piece and I'll drop it as this is supposed to be a celebration for TWP.

[TWP]

I am not, unlike yourself and TWP, involved in the medical profession, so I can say that. It's maybe unfair and simplistic, but it happens. If you've seen the stress this put TWP through, you'd possibly be as annoyed.

Anyway, I've said my piece and I'll drop it as this is supposed to be a celebration for TWP.

Yeah, on average a fifth of bourbon every night, bleeding ulcers, cramps, aches and pains. Stress is a [censored]. I am glad that we sought out some of the most respected clinicians here in the states. Heaven only knows what would have happened if we would have seen an average hometown doctor

Oh about medical mistakes. How the [censored] does someone cut off the wrong leg? Happens all the time over here. Okay if ya dont know the differences between right and left, perhaps flipping burgers is a more suitable profession

One last note and I have bore witness to the training of hundreds of medical students. Medicine nowadays is not what everyone cracks it up to be. The average medical student is a complete smuck. Completely lazy, arrogant (well that is a given due our geographic location), and does the least amount of work to pass. Not like it use to be that is for sure

Edited September 11, 2007 by TWP

[docblackrock]

Yeah, on average a fifth of bourbon every night, bleeding ulcers, cramps, aches and pains. Stress is a [censored]. I am glad that we sought out some of the most respected clinicians here in the states. Heaven only knows what would have happened if we would have seen an average hometown doctor

Oh about medical mistakes. How the [censored] does someone cut off the wrong leg? Happens all the time over here. Okay if ya dont know the differences between right and left, perhaps flipping burgers is a more suitable profession

One last note and I have bore witness to the training of hundreds of medical students. Medicine nowadays is not what everyone cracks it up to be. The average medical student is a complete smuck. Completely lazy, arrogant (well that is a given due our geographic location), and does the least amount of work to pass. Not like it use to be that is for sure

You did absolutely the right thing by seeking expert advice.

I'm not denying shi t happens, indeed I've see a lot of it, both professionally and personally. I've even given evidence condemning an incompetent senior colleague who botched a routine procedure (with fatal consequences), not something I'd wish to relive.

I hear about these "wrong leg" stories but I just can't accept they are in any way commonplace. First thing the lead orthopaedic/trauma/vascular surgeon does in pre-op is mark the affected limb. If there's visibily no sign of any difference, then the notes are checked and confirmed by more than one person. So to imagine, wrong legs being hacked off all over the place is hard to believe.

Pugs - you can't say that, because you're basing your assumption on isolated, unrelated and statistically insignificant cases involving friends and colleagues, and possibly reading the Guardian/Daily Mail too much Not statistically insignificant to the people affected of course, but equally you can't blow it up and say "they're all a bunch of quacks". Negligence by NHS staff is on the rise I agree, but there are other bureaucratic and political factors that are responsible for that (and I'm not talking about "the system" per se). I won't elaborate further apart from to say it's one of the reasons I got out as did many of my talented peers. And that exodus itself made things ten time worse.

[TWP]

hear about these "wrong leg" stories but I just can't accept they are in any way commonplace. First thing the lead orthopaedic/trauma/vascular surgeon does in pre-op is mark the affected limb. If there's visibily no sign of any difference, then the notes are checked and confirmed by more than one person.

I know the ever popular "Time out Time In Rule" Medical mistakes are estimated to kill 100,000 Americans every year. That is commonplace to me my friend. We still have the best damn health care in the world IMO, but at an expense.

[dluddy]

Good news T - I'm sure you and your wife are relieved and I'm happy for you. A bright spot on 9/11

[TWP]

Good news T - I'm sure you and your wife are relieved and I'm happy for you. A bright spot on 9/11

Thanks my friend. He is still going to need much speech and occupational therapy but should be ready to function completely by age 5.

[Stephane]

It's a very good september 11th post indeed.

Having a 9 year's old son with some Dysxxx problems (Dyslexia, DysCalculation, DysPraxie sorry only know in french), I can say it's a big concern for parents.

Now, having said that, I have been told that minor problems like these shows a very intelligent human at the end too...

And, from what I live, I can say it's true.

Let's all enjoy good news and cherrish our kids ! It's the best day to do it.

Cheers

Stephane

[docblackrock]

I know the ever popular "Time out Time In Rule" Medical mistakes are estimated to kill 100,000 Americans every year. That is commonplace to me my friend.

I'm not in the US, so I can only speak from a European perspective. But I don't doubt mistakes happen a lot, just not tabloid-friendly legs being hacked off all the time

We still have the best damn health care in the world IMO

Not according to the WHO

Happy to debate another time when you're feeling less raw, just glad you and your family have some good news.

[cornerstone]

as is the suggestion of clinicians being preoccupied with pigeon-holing

That comment was directed more at Pug's comment about dyslexia and ADD; wasn't saying that anyone was preoccupied by it, just that for something that doesn't come with pigeonhole answers, people do often receive them.

[docblackrock]

That comment was directed more at Pug's comment about dyslexia and ADD; wasn't saying that anyone was preoccupied by it, just that for something that doesn't come with pigeonhole answers, people do often receive them.

Gotcha but that again speaks to my comment about the pressure from patients expecting answers. Unfortunately the general type of clinicians facing this scenario are not those best equipped either intellectually or socially to handle it appropriately

[TWP]

Gotcha but that again speaks to my comment about the pressure from patients expecting answers. Unfortunately the general type of clinicians facing this scenario are not those best equipped either intellectually or socially to handle it appropriately

Well stated my friend and thank you for wishing the best for my family

[coolfire]

Best wishes to your son, wife and you, dude...